Alumni Review 2008 Issue 2

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2008-Issue 2

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2008-Issue 2

Volume 84, No. 1

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PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. EDITOR / DESIGNER Hope L. Hennessey, hopeh@vmiaa.org ASSISTANT EDITOR Traci L. Mierzwa, tracim@vmiaa.org EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Brenda S. Stoner, bstoner@vmiaa.org PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

SEND CHANGES OF ADDRESS TO: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 PURPOSE OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni, the better to keep alive the memories of Institute life and—by their united efforts—to aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes.

VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: 540/464-7221 The VMI Foundation:

540/464-7287 The VMI Keydet Club: 540/464-7328 WEB SITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kathryn Wise, Vice President The VMI Alumni Association Kevin Remington, VMI Communications and Marketing VMI Sports Information Office Andre Studio

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The VMI Alumni Review has changed its name. Starting with the last issue, the Review is titled by the year (2008) and the issue (1 - 4 per year). So, this is 2008-Issue 2.

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes Class Notes covering the time period of Nov. 15 , 2007, to Feb. 15, 2008. Other than Class Notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the December ’07 through February ’08 time frame.

FEATURES

A Message from the President of the Alumni Association........................ 2 Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom: An Update................................ 4 Rose Parade a Success for VMI.................................................................... 10 Bomb Dedications........................................................................................... 14

THE ALUMNI FRONT

Alumni Front.................................................................................................. 16 Class Notes...................................................................................................... 23 Births.............................................................................................................. 130 Marriages....................................................................................................... 131 Degrees.......................................................................................................... 131 25 Most Senior Alumni................................................................................ 131 Taps................................................................................................................ 133 Directory of The VMI Alumni Association.............................................. 141 Alumni News................................................................................................ 143

DEPARTMENTS

The Institute ................................................................................................. 148 VMI Athletics ............................................................................................... 153 VMI Foundation........................................................................................... 155 VMI Keydet Club......................................................................................... 159

COVER AND CONTENTS PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY Front Cover, Inside Front Cover and Photo Above: On New Year’s Day 2008, the VMI Regimental Band marched in its highest-profile performance ever: the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. On the front cover, leading the band through the parade route, is Col. John Brodie, band director and honorary VMI alumnus. The photo on the inside front cover at the top was taken when the band marched at Disneyland.

Photos provided by VMI Communications and Marketing. See article, page 10.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Alumni and Friends, This will be my last letter to you as president of The VMI Alumni Association. Two and a half years ago, I was very privileged to assume the reins of an association dedicated to serving the finest alumni in the world. You have made the experience more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Now, summer is upon us and another wonderful year at VMI has come to a close. Relax and get some rest.

You’ve done great things in support of VMI, and I’m most thankful to all of you for that. It’s my hope that we, too, have done as much as we could to make your experience, your visits and the rekindling of your memories the best they could be.

On July 1, 2008, Richmond P. Lykins, VMI class of 1973 and the current 1st vice president of the Alumni Association, will take over as president of our association.

Spellman ’85 Rich has served on the board, on numerous committees and as a class agent for many years and is highly dedicated to our mission of service to you. I’ve been very fortunate to have him as my right hand man, and he will serve you well in the years ahead. I thank Rich for the seemingly endless energy he gives to the board and to alumni, for his advice and counsel to me, and most of all, for his friendship, and I ask that you show him the same support you have shown me. Our association is in great shape, and Rich is ready and willing to take it even further.

The staff at Moody has changed a bit, too, since I became president, and they’ll build upon the efforts and energy of those before them. They’re a great team, and I cannot suggest strongly enough that you get to know them, either by phone, e-mail or in person. You’ll see more and more from them as they strive to bring VMI to you … wherever you live or are based.

It has been a very high honor, as well, to work with Gen. Peay, our superintendent, to help get VMI’s message out to you, to show all of you what is going on at VMI and to bring back to him the very vocal support of VMI men and women around the world. I’ve seen firsthand the love he has for our school, which he conveys in his words, his deeds and through his Vision 2039.

He needs our undying support. So, please become a part of Vision 2039 if you haven’t already.

Trust me; now’s the time to be there for VMI. What’s going on here is incredible.

It’s no secret that I was not one of the more academically distinguished cadets while at VMI, and I may even still owe a course or two to the Math Department … I am not sure. Seriously, though, I doubt I’ll ever be able to fully give back to VMI all that our great school has given to me. Nothing I have accomplished in life has happened without something I learned from or enjoyed at VMI. From ambition to ingenuity, personal pride to honor, from shared

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experiences and conquered obstacles to lifetime friends I call Brother Rats – nothing has done more to show me all that I can be than our great school. I know you feel the same way.

It’s what makes us take the challenges we take and achieve the successes we achieve in our daily lives. Finally, it’s what draws us back, so that we can enjoy again those memories and proudly be a part of the current cadets’ lives as living examples of what they, too, can become. I have said it before: We are VMI’s past, and her future rests with us as well.

As president, you talk to many people; you receive many e-mails, phone calls and letters.

(Of course, they are all good … C’mon; you know that!) You give many speeches, watch many parades, attend many meetings and reunions, and shake a lot of hands. You talk to alumni of all classes and of all ages. But of all that I have been a part of as president, nothing has been more enjoyable than simply walking quietly around the tailgates before and after a game in the fall at VMI. There, you see our current cadets with the alumni; you see them laugh; you hear the stories told again and again that only get better with time; and you watch alumni fall back in love with a school they “hated every minute of.” It’s the past and present uniting, talking, sharing and bonding at a place only we can appreciate, in ways only we know. That’s VMI to me, and it’s all ours. It has been an overwhelming pleasure to serve each of you, and I thank you for that.

Finally, I want to end as I always do with just a few words to our men and women in the military. I was never fortunate enough to wear the uniform of our country, and that remains a sore spot for me to this day. My father was a WWII veteran, and through his service, I learned many things. One concept remains more strongly in me than any other and that is the idea that Americans are born with a debt to those before them for all that they will love and enjoy in their lives. You must, in some fashion, be always ready to pay something forward for all that you have … to be willing to sacrifice something for all that has been given to you. My father never told me this, but his quiet demeanor and patriotism taught it to me just the same.

To this day, in my eyes, that debt remains unpaid by me. Still, I have spent the last 21 years in law enforcement on the streets of many parts of New York. I have tried each day to give back for all that I have, and I have witnessed genuine heroism, above and beyond, by those I have worked with. Since September 11th, we alumni have witnessed a war-time VMI, and that’s something we’ve not seen for some time. We’re inspired by those who commission and go on to points of danger in service to our nation and are humbled by the service of current cadets, taken from their studies, to once again demonstrate and redefine the term “citizensoldier.” It’s what VMI stands for; it’s what we do and no one does it like we do. The pictures you send to the Alumni Review are but a snapshot of this awesome work, dedication and the love of country you live day to day. Please know you are thought of and prayed for each and every night by all of us. Speaking just for me, I’m not sure that a salute from a civilian can mean much, but each of you has mine. You are my heroes. God bless you, and may God bless America.

James F. Spellman ’85 President, The VMI Alumni Association

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Cmdr. Bill Woodward ’92, USN, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2008-Issue 1 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after March 20, 2008.

Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is re-deployed at a later date.

Not all of the alumni listed are currently serving in OEF/OIF, but they all have served at one time. The addition of the names below brings the total number of alumni on the list to 1,233.

Names and photographs are e-mailed to us almost every week.

Because we have to have a cut-off date for each issue, your name

Class of 1980

An Update

and picture may have arrived past that date and therefore are not published in this issue; they will be published in the next issue.

Please send additions, corrections and photographs to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 (e-mail: review@vmiaa.org).

To ensure that your name is included, please contact the Review staff directly in the manner explained above.

For a complete list of the names, go to vmialumni.org and follow the links.

Class of 1990 Smith, Charles S. Lt. Cmdr., USN

Avery Jr., Lawrence G. Col., USAF

Class of 1992

Class of 1983 Urquhart, Lionel B. Lt. Col., USMC

Larsen, Eric J. Maj., USA Mason, Curtis A. Maj., USMC Phelps, Christopher L. Maj., USMC

Class of 1986

Class of 1993

Bradley, Scott E., Civilian Clark, Frank S. Sgt., USMC

Class of 1988 Gardner, Robert A. Jr. Maj., 1988, USA 4

DeVarona, Jose Alejandro (Alex) Maj., USA Maddox, E. Deacon Maj. , USA

Class of 2002 Cowardin, L. James Spc., USA Â VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Photo at left: 2nd Lt. Andrew Upshaw ’06, USA, and Maj. Jose “Alex” DeVarona ’93, USA, in Iraq.

Class of 2002 (cont.)

Class of 2006

Hollar, Wyatt W. Sgt.

Everiss, Jonathan F. 2nd Lt., USA

Class of 2003

Class of 2008

Andrew, Brian K. 1st Lt. Davis, Elizabeth Lee 1st Lt., USA Hedglen, Robert J. Jr. Capt., USMC

Glass, Donald M. Spc., USA

Class of 2005 Childers, Aaron W. 1st Lt., USA Dunlap, Ian 2nd Lt., USMC Melton, G. Benjamin, USA

Photo at left: 1st Lt. Ben Melton ’05; 1st Lt. Ian Dunlap ’05; Lt. Andrew Upshaw ’06; Capt. Derek Brown ’03; and 1st Lt. David Yaman ’04.

Maj. Alex DeVarona ’93, USA, far left, in Baghdad, Iraq, with the sergeants in his unit.

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Avery ’80 Writes from Baghdad

The e-mail below from Col. Larry Avery ’80, USAF, which he sent to some of his Brother Rats and friends, was forwarded to the Review staff in early February 2008 by Avery’s BR, Class Agent John Gibney.

“Most of you know that my retirement from the USAF was rescinded, and I deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. It was voluntary (after I was asked to do it). I am here for a one-year assignment as the chief of the Air Force Security Assistance Office.

My job is to try to help rebuild the Iraqi Air Force. I feel that my 27 years of experience really prepared me well for this job, especially my last two and a half years at the Air Force Security Assistance Center.

“I can’t believe I have already been here two months. Time flies when all you do is work and sleep. We work seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. +/- an hour. We each get two half-days off. Everyone takes Friday morning (the Iraqi’s Sabbath), and I take Saturday afternoon as well.

“I am impressed with the Iraqis I meet and work with, and I have developed a great deal of respect [for them]. I have also made some good friends that I suppose will be lifelong friends.

Many of them are very brave men who overcome a lot each day and even risk their lives to come to work. They are very educated, mechanically inclined, and good pilots and technicians … It is amazing how often I hear the words ‘thank you’ from the Iraqis – they really are grateful.

“I feel pretty safe (most of the time).

We have good security at the camp we live in and at the one we work in, too.

They are a mile and a half apart. We wear about 40 pounds of body armor everywhere we go. I live in a camp called Blackhawk, nestled up against the ‘Believer’s Palace,’ [which] was Saddam’s Baath Party headquarters while he was the dictator.

“As a colonel, I get a room to myself.

I also get a real luxury – my room has its own bathroom and shower … Our rooms do not get cable TV or have Internet – others in nearby camps 6

do – but I would not trade my single room and own bathroom for all the Internet/TV I could watch ...

“The American people are incredible to all of us over here – the Christmas cards, valentines, care packages, phone cards, etc. just keep on coming. We mostly try to get the stuff that is for ‘any serviceman’ out to the field units … I was out in the field today and handed out some phone cards to the young soldiers. Our young soldiers (and that is who I mostly see, as opposed to airmen, sailors and marines) are so confident, and strong, and good at what they do, and use good judgment in how they do it. It makes you realize that we truly do live in a special country. No other country in the world could produce these young men and women. It is a shame this story is not being told on the news.

“There is much to do in rebuilding Iraq … and I’ve had a good team here [to work with].

“I’m attaching a few photos of ‘My Iraqi Adventure.’ Drop me a line when you can; I try to read e-mail two to three times a week. I hope this finds you and your families all doing well.”

Photo above: Col. Larry Avery ’80, USAF, standing next to an Iraqi Mi-17 Helicopter at Taji Air Base in Iraq. Avery explained that he and his team are working to upgrade several systems on the Mi-17.

Photo at left: After dressing in approximately 40 pounds of body armor, Avery is ready to move through the red zone back to Baghdad, where he is part of MultiNational Security Transition CommandIraq. Avery is chief of the Air Force Security Assistance Office responsible for helping rebuild the Iraqi Air Force.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Class of 2000, Jones and Craig, Together in Baghdad Photo above, right: Lt. C. Keane Jones ’00, USN, left, and his Brother Rat Capt. Tom Craig, USA, worked together in Baghdad with Special Operations Task Force-Central. According to Jones, who submitted these photos, he returned to the U.S. in February 2008, and Craig was scheduled to return in April. Photo above, left: Jones, left, with 1st Lt. Ahmed, a member of the 1st Brigade Iraqi Special Operations Force. Photo at left: Jones, back row, second from left, with several of the Iraqi Special Operations Intelligence staff who he was assigned to train while in Iraq.

According to Class Agent Hunter Trumbo ’90, his BR Chuck Smith ’90, above left, reported to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resident office in Baghdad, Iraq, just before Christmas 2007. Smith is the officer in charge of the International Zone Resident office, where he runs all Corps of Engineers reconstruction projects in west Baghdad (more than 60 projects at the time of this writing). Above, Smith is with William Deleo ’63, right, inspecting a project in Doura (south Baghdad). In the photo at left, Smith is with Scott Bradley ’86, left, preparing to go on a patrol with an Army civil affairs unit to inspect projects.

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Ivins ’06 Connects

the U.S. Army. But [recently], while home on leave, Ivins stopped at Rockfish to put face to pen.

The first thing each student wanted to know was if they with Kids Back Home could have his autograph. They then peppered him with more Editor’s Note: The following article about Curtis Ivins ’06 questions. “You feel like you’re supported a little bit more. appeared in the Jan. 23, 2008, edition of the Nelson County It gives you an appreciation for what it’s like back home (Virginia) Times. still, because you really get wrapped up in what it’s like over there,” Ivins said of the letters. The students wanted to know Letters from Home what Ivins saw in Iraq (“a lot of trash everywhere”) and how long it took him to get home (almost a week). “How heavy

by Erin McGrath is the armor you wear everywhere?” a student asked. Ivins Nelson County Times said with all the water he has to carry, his armor weighs over 100 pounds. “It’d be like carrying three “What does Iraq look like?” Haley Cline wrote of you on my back all day,” he told the class. last year in a letter to Curtis Ivins ’06. Cline is Questions about weapons were also popular. a third grader at Rockfish River Elementary [in “What kind of guns do you use? Have you ever Afton, Virginia], and Ivins is a first lieutenant in shot a bazooka? Have you ever had to use your the U.S. Army. weapon?” For eight months, Ivins told the “Not all of Iraq is a desert like most think, and class, he has gone nowhere without his M-4 the area I am in right now is fairly wet with many carbine, a rifle issued to him by the military. trees similar to palm trees, but they are date When asked what he ate over there, Ivins said trees,” Ivins wrote back to Cline. “It is, however, he ate a lot like the students did, but instead very hot. It reached 150 (degrees) one day!” of a cafeteria, he ate in a mess hall and had Ivins ’06 Cline is one of 16 students in [teacher] Teresa Gilwhatever was on the menu for the day. bert’s class that began writing to Ivins in September “This is the first set of letters I’ve had from [2007]. “They all had a lot of different questions,” a class,” Ivins said. “I really enjoyed reading Ivins said of the letters. “I was going to write one long letter. them. I shared them with all my men.” After his time at Then I remembered when I was that age, an individual letter home, Ivins will return to Iraq for the rest of his tour, which from a soldier would’ve meant a whole lot to me. So, I simply is scheduled to last another seven months. “It’s easy to forget just decided to take the time and write each one back.” exactly how things are back here,” Ivins said. “When you hear Ivins, 22, of Amherst [Virginia] is stationed south of Baghdad from school children like that and their basic questions, it in Iraq and was deployed in June 2007 after graduating from takes you back to the little things that you do differently VMI in 2006. He is on active duty with the 82nd Airborne in back here in America.”

Photo at left: Seth Enterline ’06, left, and Adam Rosenbaum ’06 in Baghdad, Iraq. Both are first lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

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Photo above left: Col. Paul Brier ’81, USMC, in 2005 when he was the commanding officer of the 6th Civil Affairs Group in al-Anbar province. Behind Brier is the Syrian-Iraqi border point of entry. Photo above right: Sgt. Frank Clark ’86, USMC, right, at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base, Kuwait, with his Brother Rat, Lt. Col. Bruce Nickle, USMC. Photo below: Lt. Col. Bob Merkel, USA, second from left, commander of the 192nd EOD Battalion, with some of his troops in Baghdad, Iraq.

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Rose

Parade a Success for VMI O

n New Year’s Day 2008, the VMI Regimental Band marched in their highest-profile performance ever: the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

Joining the band in performing before an estimated audience of 1.1 million people in Pasadena and 400 million worldwide on television was the Institute’s color guard. The appearance of the band and the color guard in the parade marked the first time VMI or any Virginia college band has participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade in the 119 years it has been held.

“We’ve never had a composite brass and bagpipe band in the parade,” remarked C.L. Keedy III, Tournament of Roses

president and chairman of the board, on a visit to VMI in early November 2007. “College bands are few and far between in the Rose Parade. There are many more high school bands than collegiate ones.”

VMI was one of only three college bands in the parade other than the two from the universities that played in the Rose Bowl football game.

At the trip’s beginning, 123 cadets and six Institute officers gathered in Pasadena, California, with most of them flying from Norfolk Naval Air Station aboard an Air Force C-17 transport aircraft piloted by VMI graduate Maj. Ken Jambor ’95.

On Dec. 28, 2007, the band marched though downtown Disneyland. While they were there, the cadets were able to explore the park as well as perform.

On Dec. 29, 2007, the band performed at Bandfest, a showcase for bands that were scheduled to appear in the parade.

When not performing, band members spent most of their time in California practicing for the Tournament of Roses Parade. However, they took a short time off to attend an event at Huntington Beach State Park, which was hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

On New Year’s Day, cadets rose at 4:30 a.m. so they could be in place when the parade kicked off at 8 a.m. The parade route in Pasadena included a tricky 110-degree wheel turn, which required practice. “Luckily,” said Col. John Brodie, Regimental Band director, “we didn’t have to be playing at that point. …

The band had modified its parade maneuvers at VMI to use wheel turns in each parade. That way, we practiced for the Rose Parade with every parade at VMI.”

Members of the 313th Combat Airlift Squadron, stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Pierce County, Washington, are shown above with the VMI Band and Pipes at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. The pilot, Maj. Ken Jambor ’95, USAF, and his crew are pictured behind the VMI banner. Jambor was a member of the Regimental Band and played trombone when he was a cadet.

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On Dec. 28, 2007, the band marched through downtown Disneyland.

The band had to play continuously the first mile of the five- the band,” said Brodie. “It was marvelous.” One notable gift mile parade route. “There [were] overhead signs saying, ‘Keep came from Bernie Bossard ’56, who was a trumpet player while playing, keep playing, keep playing,’” Brodie noted. So, the band a cadet in Band Company. It was in the amount of $33,333.33, a sum that, with a double-match from other VMI sources, brought members needed extra stamina.

During the approximately two and a half-hour march through contributions to within a penny of $100,000. the five-mile parade route, the band played several favorites, including “Shenandoah,” “VMI Spirit,” “Chester Grandioso” and “Scotland the Brave.”

“The crowd was very enthusiastic all along the route,” said Brodie. “We were cheered each time the band and pipes played ‘Shenandoah.’”

Getting the band to Pasadena required generous support from many in the VMI family, including those who once marched in Band Company ranks. As part of fund-raising to pay trip expenses, a letter went to 900 former band members, many of whom played during Brodie’s 20-year tenure as director.

“Many former band cadets The band attended an event at Huntington Beach State Park, which was hosted by from all over the world respondthe Los Angeles Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association. ed and sent in checks to support 2008-Issue 2

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Considered alone, the band might not have been selected, nor the bagpipes. But together, they were what the Rose Bowl wanted. “When I first approached the Rose Parade people to see if they would consider having us participate, they said they never considered bands under 200 members [to be] eligible,” said Capt. Burt Mitchell, director of the VMI Pipe Band. “Even though we were going with less than 140 members, I convinced them that we had the unique combination of bagpipes and brass playing together and sent them a video. They said that this is what swayed them to include us for the 2008 parade.”

Although the Rose Parade was the most-watched and auspicious performance for VMI ever, past parades have not exactly been small potatoes. Among them are: 12 Mardi Gras parades as the Queen’s Band, the featured band in the largest parade at Mardi Gras; more than 20 gubernatorial and several presidential inaugurations; and a parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris for France’s Bicentennial in 1989.

Editor’s Note: The preceding article consists of excerpts from two articles written by the VMI Communications and Marketing Department.

The photos on this page are snapshots of some who were present in California to show their support.

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On New Year’s Day, cadets rose at 4:30 a.m. so they could be in place when the parade kicked off at 8 a.m. Marching with the band was Col. John Brodie, Regimental Band director and honorary VMI alumnus, above left, in front.

Photo at left: Anson Laird Bryant, class of 2010, at Bandfest in Pasadena. Photo courtesy Cynthia Bryant. Photo below: Cadets inside the C-17 during the return flight from March Air Force Base to NAS Norfolk.

Other photos on this page and first two pages of this article were provided by VMI Communications and Marketing Department.

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B omb Dedications

L

ike many alumni and friends of VMI, I enjoy looking at past editions of the Bomb, our yearbook. Cadets published the first Bomb in 1885. Then, after a 10-year interval, cadets resumed what became an annual tradition that continues today.

For many years, I have noted with interest the individual to whom each Bomb is dedicated. These dedications indicate people who the cadets chose to thank for their influence on particular classes and on the history of the Institute.

Listed below are Bomb dedications from the years 1916-30. The first installment of dedications (1885, 1895-1915) appeared in the last issue of the Alumni Review. I have listed the person’s name in capital letters, along with the words used by cadets in each dedication, and then, in parentheses and in italics, my words that describe the individual’s role at VMI. This list of about 20-25 dedications will continue in future volumes of the Alumni Review until we reach the present.

Presented by Thomas W. Davis ’64 VMI Alumni Association Historian

1916: To COLONEL JENNINGS CROPPER WISE: Brilliant writer and inspiring teacher Enthusiastic in lofty purpose A lover of the “Old Gray Coat” Devoted to VMI and her higher achievement A faithful friend A courteous gentleman An efficient soldier. We owe thee much.

(Col. Wise, class of 1902, was VMI’s commandant from 1912-14. For a few years, he taught courses in economics, political science and law. He published many books, including The Military History of the Virginia Military Institute from 1839-65.)

1917: To CAPTAIN MONTGOMERY B. CORSE: Firm and forceful enough To make some enemies; True and loyal enough To make many friends.

Honor is due to him.

Devoted to VMI in all interests, His acts correspond to his words, Duty, fidelity, efficiency, progress.

(Capt. Corse, class of 1885, went to graduate school at the University of Virginia and later taught chemistry, physics, astronomy and tactics at VMI. He served on the VMI Board of Visitors from 1911-16 and again from 1922-31. He helped get basketball 14

Thomas W. Davis ’64 Professor of History Emeritus

started as an intercollegiate sport at VMI in 1908 and also helped to raise funds to build Alumni Memorial Field, where VMI football games have been played since 1921.)

1918: To THE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF NINETEEN-EIGHTEEN ENTERING THE SERVICE: Their patriotism needs no test, Their loyalty requires no proof.

Unsullied by hate, Clean, unafraid, relentless, Brave, yet tender, They are ready for the supreme sacrifice At their country’s call.

1919: To THOSE SONS OF VMI WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE FOR COUNTRY, HUMANITY, LIBERTY. AGAIN VIRGINIA MOURNS HER DEAD WHOSE BLOOD IN FREEDOM’S CAUSE WAS SHED. (One of the World War I soldiers from VMI listed, D.F. Dashiell ’19, was killed in France on Nov. 10, 1918, the day before the armistice was signed. The great war poet, Wilfred Owen, was killed the same day.)

1920: To COLONEL WILLIAM M. HUNLEY To one whose courteous and friendly attitude, invaluable aid and untiring efforts in

the interests of cadets have won the respect, gratitude and love of all who know him.

(He taught economics and political science at VMI from 1915-49. In an address to the Corps on Jan. 24, 1933, entitled “Characteristics of VMI Grads,” he concluded his remarks with these words: “Whatever lies ahead, we may be sure of this: VMI alumni will be found getting their fair share of opportunities and rewards, and playing the part of men with honor and distinction.”)

1921: To GENERAL EDWARD WEST NICHOLS A real Southern gentleman, a distinguished scholar and a true soldier whose aim has been the betterment and upbuilding of the Virginia Military Institute, a capable executive under whose administration the VMI has become the greater VMI, and a man who has won the respect and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact.

(A graduate from the class of 1878, Nichols earned a law degree from Washington and Lee University and taught mathematics plus civil and military engineering at VMI. He was superintendent from 1907-24, and he worked earnestly with members of Congress who supported legislation to provide funds to build Jackson Memorial Hall in 1916. In an address to the Corps, Superintendent Nichols said, “Yours is the proud heritage of an institution that dips VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

deeply into the past and looks squarely into the future. See that you add to that heritage when you leave.”)

1922: To COLONEL GEORGE A. DERBYSHIRE Whom we respect as an officer and trust as a gentleman.

(A member of the class of 1899, Derbyshire taught German and English briefly and later served as commandant from 1917-19. He was VMI’s military executive officer from 1925-46.)

1923: To COLONEL FRANCIS MALLORY Whose life for more than 30 years has been dedicated to the high task of training young men for their duties upon the busy stage of the world, whose unflagging interest in the Corps of Cadets as a body and as individuals has always commanded our affection and regard, and the example of whose character has been to us often a beacon of light through the four most important years of our lives.

(Mallory graduated as a Jackson-Hope medalist in the class of 1889 and later taught physics, math, astronomy and electrical engineering at VMI until 1943.

In the words of Colonel Couper, Mallory was “a gifted and thorough teacher who … has been known as the best disciplinarian at the Institute—choosing a course under which he is admired and respected rather than grovelling for popularity.” Mallory Hall is named in his honor.)

1924: To LT. COL. JAMES AYLOR ANDERSON Who, as a teacher, has done more than train the minds of men; who, as an officer, has ever bent his energies toward the realization of a “Greater VMI”; and who, as a man, has, by his own example, influenced the character of those men with whom he has been constantly associated.

(A class of 1913 graduate, Anderson taught civil engineering at VMI, served as department head from 1920-41 and as dean of the faculty from 1937-41.)

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1925: To MAJOR HERNANDO M. READ One whose activities in the interests of the Institute have commanded our admiration and respect, whose untiring efforts both as a track coach and in furthering all branches of athletics have placed VMI in its present enviable position, and the example of whose character and personality have created in us all a determination to better fulfill our purpose in life. (“Son” Read, class of 1916, taught English at VMI from 1916-54 and was head track coach for many years. Son Read was the father of Col. Beverly M. (Bev) Read ’41, a highly decorated Army officer who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Bev was editor of the VMI Alumni Review from 1971-86.)

1926: DEDICATED TO THE SPIRIT That intangible feeling which lives in the hearts of every cadet and alumnus of the Institute, marveled at by others, but nowhere else emulated; that feeling of brotherhood and sincerity of friendship that can never be destroyed; that everpresent stimulus in victory or defeat, which has always been ours and which, more than anything else, is responsible for our VMI of today.

1927: To MAJOR HARDING POLK Whom we admire as a soldier and respect as a man; whose efforts during the past four years have been unceasing toward the realization of the Greater VMI. (Maj. Polk graduated from VMI in 1907 and served as commandant of cadets from 1923-27.)

1928: To GENERAL WILLIAM H. COCKE Who, as superintendent for the past four years, has attained great success in his work, both within and without the school for the advancement and betterment of VMI.

(Gen. Cocke graduated from VMI in 1894 as a Jackson-Hope medalist and served on active duty in the Army during the Spanish-American War and in France during World War I. He earned his law degree from Washington University in Missouri. He was VMI’s fourth superintendent from 1924-29.)

1929: (1) IN ADMIRATION, TO CAPTAIN FRED W. ADAMS He has been our constant friend and devoted companion, always helping us in time of trial and never failing to sacrifice himself for us. We deeply appreciate this, and there is nothing we can do which will ever fully express our gratitude. All of us love him dearly, and we know him to be a true upright soldier, brave to the core, one under whom we would gladly serve to the end.

(Capt. Adams graduated from VMI in 1909 and taught military science and tactics at the Institute from 1924-29.)

(2) IN GRATITUDE, TO COLONEL WILLIAM HUNLEY for his interest in and his efforts on behalf of our class. An excellent instructor, the embodiment of his ideals, a true man, he is one of whom VMI should be proud. Her interests have been his interests; her glory, his ambition. His aid to us has been of the greatest; we shall remember him always as we have known him—a true friend, a real gentleman.

(This is the second Bomb dedicated to Col. Hunley; the first was in 1920.)

1930: COLONEL HUNTER PENDLETON A succession of five years spent in furthering our best interests, in sharing our tradition and purpose, have gone into the formation of a friendship and bond which we are unable to show more clearly than by an expression of our sincere admiration.

(Col. Pendleton taught chemistry at VMI from 1890-1935. Before coming to VMI, he earned Ph.D. degree in Germany in 1886 at the University of Göttingen.)

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ALUMNI FRONT ALUMNI FRONT

Lynchburg Chapter

Hosts Second Annual Valentine’s Day Hop The Lynchburg Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association hosted the second Annual Valentine’s Day Hop on Feb. 2, 2008, at the Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg. With big band music provided by the VMI Commanders jazz ensemble, plenty of dancing and an assortment of food, the hop provided alumni from Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Lexington a chance to socialize and kick up their heels. The inaugural Valentine’s Day Hop was held in 2007, and the chapter envisions an even larger event in the future. (Photos provided by the Lynchburg Chapter.)

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI FRONT

2008-Issue 2

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ALUMNI FRONT

Potomac River Chapter Shares Breakfast with The Citadel On Feb. 8, 2008, the Potomac River Chapter (metro Washington, DC, area) attended a breakfast which was sponsored by a Citadel alumni chapter and was held at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, Virginia. Over 100 attended the event, including a VMI contingent of 16 plus five family members and friends. Mike Judge ’01 spoke to the group about his book, Jeep. (A book announcement appeared in the Alumni News section of the last Alumni Review, 2008-Issue 1.) According to Randy Blanks ’67, second vice president of The VMI Alumni Association, both the VMI and Citadel chapters enjoyed the event and are considering holding a joint meeting in the future.

The VMI Alumni Association’s Online Community . . .

VMI Ranks

In the photo above, from left, are an unnamed alumnus, Matthew Keller ’00, Harlan Carvey ’89, Joseph Klapatch ’97, Wayne O’Hern ’63, Marco Midence ’03, Randy Blanks ’67, Joe Blanks ’94, Mike Judge ’01, Paul Munch ’70, Joe Williams ’02, Bailey Rathbone ’64, Kevin Henderson ’99, Hank Cronin ’64, Leigh Edmunds ’68 and John Cobb IV ’04. Present but not pictured: Steve Nakazawa ’03.

Photo below: Mike Judge ’01 was the guest speaker at the breakfast.

Photos courtesy Randy Blanks.

Alumni can now join the formation of Brother Rats, classmates and friends to share information or get connected.

The VMI Ranks Web site functions as the central point for information about chapter events, reunions, sporting events and opportunities to meet other alumni. Join the ranks, “fall in” and enjoy the many benefits of this Web site as a resource and tool.

VMI Ranks includes: • Free e-mail forwarding address • Online event registration • Online alumni directory • Class and chapter pages • Alumni news • The ability to manage your own profile • VMI Job Board How to Register: It’s fast and easy!

Go to http://www.vmialumni.org and click on the link “Click Here to Register or Login.”

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI FRONT Photo at right: “Hello, from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti!” wrote Lt. Col. Tom Anthony ’84, USA, far left. “[Here] is a photo of all the Keydets we could find attached to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).” From left are Anthony; Lt. Erik Vik ’02, USN; Lt. Cmdr. Ra Yoeun ’93, USN; and Capt. Jeremy Ongley ’03. Not pictured but present: Cmdr. Michael Wong ’83, USN. Photo below: Getting together for the VMI-Citadel football game in fall 2007 were, kneeling, Bob Lucas ’89, and standing Steve Tennant ’81, Sebastien Joly ’98, Andy England ’90, Jeff Vordermark ’79, John Pilloni ’87 and Dave Northcraft ’73, who provided this photo. Present but not pictured: Brad Wineman ’99.

2008-Issue 2

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ALUMNI FRONT When asked to describe the most memorable life lesson he gained while at VMI, Crumpler said he learned the importance of determination and hard work. “If you don’t put forth the effort, you won’t accomplish your dreams,” he said. “My dream was to play Division 1 college baseball, and I did, but only after a lot of hard work. My first year at VMI, I sat on the bench a lot. This was an adjustment for me, because in high school, I never sat on the bench. I’m grateful that there were some people here willing to work with me, and I just kept at it until it paid off.”

Crumpler’s determination and hard work are paying off again, as he hits the ground running in his NCR coordinator job.

His predecessor, John Wranek ’85, who had held the position of Alumni Association vice president, New Cadet Recruiting, since September 2006, trained Crumpler in February before transferring to his new position with the VMI Foundation as director of The Institute Society.

Making his own mark after Wranek, the message that Crumpler wants alumni to hear is straightforward and important: “Take an active approach in recruiting for VMI – your neighbors, your nephews and nieces … anyone who would be a good candidate,” he said. “Bring them to events; give us their contact information; expose them to alumni and VMI. Our alumni volunteers do a great job of this now, but we can always do better.”

About Crumpler, Volant said, “We’re extremely pleased to benefit from the energy and previous experience Robert has with the Admissions process. With an existing network of New Cadet Recruiting volunteers, we’re confident that he can sustain the Alumni Association’s long success with positively influencing prospective cadets.”

Crumpler ’07

Crumpler ’07 Joins Alumni Association Staff

In February 2008, J. Robert Crumpler III ’07 joined the Alumni Association staff as the New Cadet Recruiting (NCR) Coordinator.

The NCR program is a national effort that engages alumni volunteers in recruiting prospective cadets.

“In his new role, Robert is responsible for planning a national program of events to invite prospective students to receptions where alumni and VMI Admissions staff provide information,” said Alumni Association Executive Vice President Adam Volant ’88. “In recent surveys of incoming cadets, the strong perception of a network of alumni remains the leading factor in their selection of VMI.” Crumpler is also responsible for managing the association’s yearly Legacy Day event, which this year occurred in March.

Crumpler comes to the position having worked for VMI Admissions since shortly after he graduated in May 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in history from the Institute. As an admissions counselor, he attended college fairs, visited high schools, interacted with students and their parents, and shared his positive feelings about VMI. He tells the story of a young woman who was absolutely certain of her plans to go to the University of North Carolina when he met her. “I told her, you might need a back-up,” Crumpler said, smiling, and he began telling her about VMI. “Three weeks later, she came here for an open house and fell in love with the place. She applied, got accepted and is on full scholarship.”

A four-year member of the baseball team, Crumpler, who matriculated from Suffolk, Virginia, played first base for the Keydets and served as captain both his junior and senior years.

During all but his first year, the team broke school records for wins and is renowned as the most winning team in VMI’s baseball history.

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Off-site Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, September 2008 On Sept. 12-13, 2008, the Alumni Association will hold its board of directors meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia, in conjunction with the football game and events planned for that weekend in Williamsburg.

(See the inside back cover of this issue for more about the weekend events.)

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI FRONT Attention Non-Virginia Alumni: Join “Team Admissions” for the 2007-08 Academic Year

by Col. Vernon Beitzel ’72, Director of Admissions In recent years, alumni represented the VMI Admissions Office at, on average, between 115 to 130 college day/night programs all over the country and overseas. These programs are generally sponsored by a single high school or group of schools and are usually held in an area high school.

Would you like to make a significant contribution to VMI by being the official representative at one of these programs in your area?

At college day or night programs, alumni volunteers set up a table in an open forum setting with materials provided by the Admissions Office. The volunteers then speak with students and parents who stop by the table and ask questions relating to their educational interests.

Of the students applying to VMI each year, a very high percentage are contacted initially by this method of recruitment. Every locale has several college day/night programs each year, usually in the fall for high school seniors and in the spring for juniors.

If you would like to join “Team Admissions” and represent VMI at one or more recruiting programs in which we do not currently participate, we would like to hear from you. The steps to take are as follows: 1. Identify the best college day/night program in your area. This can be done by contacting a local high school guidance counselor or administrator.

2. Obtain the name of the individual coordinating the college day/ night program. Generally, this is a guidance counselor in one of the participating high schools.

3. Obtain specific information about the program (date, time, location, high schools participating, etc.)

4. Using the form below, send the program information to The VMI Alumni Association, New Cadet Recruiting Office. A representative will contact the Admissions Office and request an invitation to the program.

5. Once the invitation is received, you will be contacted to let you know that we have been confirmed to attend the program. We will also send necessary literature well in advance of the college program, so you can familiarize yourself with VMI Admissions materials.

Your responsibilities relating to the program(s) would be as follows: 1. Attend the college program during the prescribed hours. (This is usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours.)

2. Set up and man a table at the college program, using VMI recruiting materials provided by the Admissions Office.

3. Talk with prospective cadets and their parents who approach your table, answering questions to the best of your ability, capturing names and addresses of prospects, and providing publications and application material to the prospects.

4. Complete an evaluation form and return it to the VMI Admissions Office, along with the names and addresses of the students you contacted.

Although the number of contacts made at one of these programs might be very small (compared with many of the other colleges attending), if a single prospect is identified as a result of your attending the program, it is worth the effort. We hope you will offer your willingness to assist in this important New Cadet Recruiting activity. If you want to join the recruiting team, please complete the form below and return it to: Robert Crumpler ’07 The VMI Alumni Association, P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 e-mail: rcrumpler@vmiaa.org

Recruiting Program Event Form Name __________________________________________________

VMI Class ___________________

Address ________________________________________________

Zip _________________________

Phone ___________________________________

E-mail Address _______________________________

Recruiting Program Location _____________________________________________________________ Program Date ____________________________________ Program Time ________________________ Program Coordinator ____________________________________________________________________ Program Coordinator Contact Information ___________________________________________________ ________ Check here if you are willing to represent VMI at this recruiting program if VMI is invited.

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ALUMNI FRONT

Directory The VMI Alumni Association P.O. Box 932 304 Letcher Avenue Lexington, Virginia 24450

Phone: 800/444-1839 or 540/464-7221 Fax: 540/464-1011 Alumni Web site: www.vmialumni.org

Address for UPS / FedEx Shipments: The VMI Alumni Association Moody Hall/Letcher Avenue Lexington, VA 24450

Alumni Association Officers and Staff President James F. Spellman Jr. ’85 914/522-8781 (h) 212/417-5354 (b) jfspellman@vmialumni.org

First Vice President Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 901/754-7019 (h) 901/224-5450 (b) vmi73agent@aol.com

Brown, Diane – Alumni Assistant Crumpler ’07, Robert – NCR Coordinator Danas, Lisla – Executive Assistant Green, Carole – Vice President Alumni Activities Hennessey, Hope – Alumni Review Editor Mierzwa, Traci – Alumni Review Assistant Editor Palmer, Jennifer – NetCommunity Planner Schwarzmann ’90, Matthew – Information Officer Stoner, Brenda – Alumni Review Editorial Assistant Volant ’88, Adam – Executive Vice President Wise, Kathryn – Vice President and Senior Editor

Extension Ext. 204 Ext. 201 Ext. 228 Ext. 251 Ext. 216 Ext. 226 Ext. 231 Ext. 230 Ext. 203 Ext. 208 Ext. 215

Second Vice President Randolph M. Blanks ’67 703/730-3994 (h) 703/414-6155 (b) vmi67@comcast.net

E-mail dbrown@vmiaa.org rcrumpler@vmiaa.org ldanas@vmiaa.org cgreen@vmiaa.org hopeh@vmiaa.org tracim@vmiaa.org jpalmer@vmiaa.org mschwarzmann@vmiaa.org bstoner@vmiaa.org avolant@vmiaa.org kwise@vmiaa.org

Coming Soon ...

An Important Survey About the Alumni Review!

As announced in the summer/fall 2007 issue of the Alumni Review, Alumni Association Executive VP Adam Volant ’88 has formed a workgroup to develop an online survey which will be offered to alumni in the near future.

The results of this survey --- YOUR INPUT --- will steer the future direction, content and delivery of the Review.

Look for details in future issues of the Review.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

’35

Jim Sherman

December ’07 and early January ’08 are history and not my favorite chapter, as explained in my very tardy Christmas greeting. But happily, Peggy and I are back to scratch again. So, when St. John Arnold called, I knew it was time to revisit my ’35 family. Saint has avoided general health problems but has been experiencing trouble walking, courtesy of that Korean War knee damage, and has been getting cortisone shots every three months to ease the pain. Reminded that we are all in our advanced years, Saint said he didn’t want to look at it that way and that he has opted for a good many more years – I must get a bottle of that stuff! Happily, his lady friend, Juliette Goode, is just coming around from a long siege with the flu, and son Tom was just back from a Caribbean cruise. For some years, Saint has provided at graduation a saber to a selected first class private who is going on active duty, and additionally, a set of brass ornaments to all graduates who are going on active duty in the Army. These are known as the Arnold Awards.

Al Snapp has accepted reality and concludes that it doesn’t help to complain anymore, and in fact, says he’s feeling “pretty good,” although his back has been causing some discomfort, a result of unwise heavy lifting. Fortunately, his Egyptian doctor has been providing some relief by administering injections. Summarizing, Al says his appetite is good, bladder now cancer free, and he feels “just about normal.”

JoAnn O’Hara had a super Christmas, the whole clan (less one doctor who had the duty) assembling at the Jefferson Hotel for a buffet dinner on the 24th. And as anticipated, her photographic talents were employed for the in-house publications at Westminster Canterbury, what with all the Christmas functions scheduled. And to check out her former classmates, she attended the 60th Reunion of her high school class, recognizing a few thanks to name tags with pictures from the ’47 high school annual; almost 100 attended. Understand-

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ably, she still misses Robert – so many happy thoughts, particularly those associated with their get-away home on the Rappahannock, where he loved to fish, and where they entertained many BRs and friends over the years – comforting memories.

Bob Evans had recently returned from a two-week Christmas holiday in Boca Grande, FL, with his dear friend, Ruth Lord, who has a lovely home for winter visits. However, this time they encountered an unlikely cold snap for which he was unprepared as he had not packed a sweater, promoting a cold, now reduced to a cough.

At the time we talked, he was in a reflective mood, having just closed his medical practice office in New Haven, and now is the first time he has been without an office since graduating from medical school. He continues teaching at Yale Child Study Center, but now two days a week. And oh, yes, he is looking forward immensely to our 75th Reunion in 2010; so hang in there everybody!

“B” Holt says she is doing “just fine!” and as a confirmed Democrat who served in the NC Legislature 19 years, finds “McCain amusing, Obama uplifting and Hillary arrogant and prone to changing her position on issues.” She notes that Elon University and also UNC are having interesting programs on the current race and finds it hard to decide which one to watch. Her Agnes Scott College class will be having its 70th Reunion on April 18 and 19, 2008, and oddly enough, current students didn’t think there was such a thing as a 70th – we had better get back in the picture, folks! Son Jefferson is building a new home on 49 acres outside Chapel Hill, and B is rightfully proud that he is environmentally responsible.

Ed Arnold was really revved up when we talked – he had passed his exam for his auto driver’s license about 10 days previously, which is good for two years.

He had been concerned, as he has had macular degeneration for the past 30 years.

This past September, he began taking heart medication, which caused vision problems, so that was discontinued, happily. Ed had cataracts removed six years ago and now needs glasses for reading only. So, in view of the foregoing, he’s as happy as a clam!

Blanche Brown is getting on quite well

in her assisted living facility in Farmington, NM, though experiencing some of the side effects of a bug, which has been circulating, including sneezing, coughing and “feeling kind of achy at times.” Daughter Roe looks after her affairs and visits at least weekly. Blanche continues using a walker, and the facility provides transportation for shopping, medical appointments, etc. Naturally, she misses the companionship of Bill, but daughter Roe is helping to fill that vacuum.

Bob Little was upbeat, “I’m doing real well,” having recently endured a medical procedure requiring fasting, then a liquid diet for five days with the side effect of dizziness but with the reward of a clean bill of health. He enjoyed watching on TV the VMI Regimental Band perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s. When I mentioned their splendid bagpipe section, he proudly advised that he has the VMI, Marine Corps and the Little Clan tartans! Bob is now looking forward to Feb. 28 when his family will be with him for a birthday celebration.

Continuing my coverage of our western families, I found Barbara Meem in good spirits, though nursing a sore big toe, victim of a blow from a heavy can which she dropped. When I called, she was soaking it in that old faithful healer, Epsom salts. Nonetheless, she was busy trying to arrange a TV Super Bowl party with the added incentive of a $5 prize to be claimed by the member with the score closest the outcome; the group will include students at St. Johns College in Santa Fe. And Barbara’s pre-game opinion expressed to me, “Quarterbacks are amazing athletes!” was conclusively borne out in the course of that game.

Meredith Urick hasn’t lost a step. “I’m fine; no health problems!” he confirmed, though acknowledging it was a tad too cold for golf, his favorite activity. When asked about his social life, he responded, “Social life? ... Someone knocks on the door, trying to sell me something ….

That’s the extent of my social life!” Oddly enough, he thinks he’s a little too old for a new romance – don’t throw in the sponge just yet, Meredith!

Our Senator Harry Byrd continues in good health and is optimistic we shall

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CLASS NOTES gather in Lexington for our 75th Reunion in 2010 – keep that in mind, BRs. As for the current presidential campaign, at this point in time, he is not enthusiastic about the candidates in either party and was inclined to think the outcome would not be resolved in the Super Tuesday elections.

Regardless of the outcome, Harry says, “We will survive it!”

Dora Williams had a delightful Christmas with her family, less son Terell ’74, who was in Australia at the time. As has been their custom, they dined at the Commonwealth Club one day and at the country club the following. Richmond experienced a little snow, but otherwise it was sunny. Dora is very happy with her lifestyle at Cedarfield, wisely participating in exercise classes and enjoying the benefits of Bible study.

We all know the odds we face in our advancing years – Matt Gracey advised that wife Barbara fell and hurt her knee 10 days previously, was admitted to the hospital, then to rehab, became dehydrated and returned to hospital. She is improving now and will be transferring to a different rehab. Matt says he’s “pretty good” but tires easily when walking – after about 100 yards, he finds it advisable to stop and rest, but says his heart is OK, and that’s a blessing.

Reached Gerda Stewart, who shares a home with daughter-in-law Centa in Chester Springs, PA, to learn she was preparing to leave on a 12-day cruise of the Caribbean with family members, five in all. It will be her third Caribbean cruise, and she is looking forward to the lovely change of temperature and scenery. Christmas was spent with family on Fenwick Island, MD. Also, she is booked for her yearly visit back to Germany, land of her birth, where she still has friends from her childhood days – that’s keeping in touch!

Caught up with Mark Bane at the home of his daughter, Betty, still pajama clad and holding the family pet poodle on his lap.

He is sharing time with his other daughter, Helen, and enjoying life. Mark does a lot of reading these days, watches TV and was planning to watch the Super Bowl game – along with 3/4s of the country. He acknowledges that at 94, he has “gotten kind of lazy but still has a good appetite” –

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just about the last thing we lose, I expect.

When I called, George Freeman was working on his income tax and glad for the interruption – he will be much happier when he drops it in the lap of his CPA. George says his general health is very good, blood pressure at 120/55, he attends exercise classes three times weekly and walks to the club dining room four times daily (perhaps they have afternoon tea), the distance being 1680 ft. one way. (There’s an engineer for you.) Both George and Clelia use a walker full time, as their doctor does not want either to use a cane. It sounds like Clelia has had to take a rain check on the one-armed bandits at Dover Downs, DE, and that’s a shame, as this girl has a way with the slots.

Sorry, BRs, but Ickey Knight told me emphatically she was not going to watch the Super Bowl game. She has eight grandsons, 7 years old and under, and she will, in time, watch them play football.

Ikey is 91 years old and is still participating in water aerobics and attending exercise classes. For mental stimulation, she is learning to play duplicate bridge. Happily, she does not require the use of a cane or walker but acknowledges that she gets lazy on weekends – hardly a crime, Ikey – I would say you are in good company.

Sparkie Carper, “Just fine!” as always, had a super Christmas at home with all of her family assembled for five or six days.

Now, it’s back to bridge and Red Cross volunteer work, her only complaints, too many funerals to attend, and it’s income tax time (and I was trying to ignore the latter until I had finished these notes!).

Jeanette Newman was expecting son Doug to join her for a TV watch of the Super Bowl game, indicating a choice of the Patriots. Peggy and I have been pulling for the Giants since they turned their season around and were rewarded! Jeanette and Doug were planning to fly to Cincinnati to attend the wedding of a grandson, to be followed by a reception at the Hilton Hotel with a buffet style sit-down dinner for 280 people. While there, Jeanette plans to challenge the one-armed bandits on the local gambling riverboat with the expectation of covering the cost of her trip – with her history, I wouldn’t bet against her.

When I asked about the 400 acres of prime

timberland John had purchased in western Canada, Jeanette said they had sold all except a five-acre lot on which their cabin is located, which is used in good weather.

When I called Leonard Todd in Greenville, SC, I was so very sorry to learn from wife Didda that he was in hospital, recovering from a bout with pneumonia, much improved and participating in rehab to recover his strength. Didda, of course, has remained at his side. I don’t ever like to think about pneumonia – persona non grata for folks in our age bracket.

I hope you all share my pride in our Regimental Band and Bagpipes as one of only five college bands chosen to participate in the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade and the first VA college band ever invited to this prestigious event. I’ll confess, my eyes were moist as they played “Shenandoah.”

Keep well, BRs and SRs, ’til we meet again in May! Bless you all, Jim

’36

Oscar H. Adams

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’36 in this issue.

’37

S. Strother Smith Jr.

I want to thank all Brother and Sister Rats of ’37 for the contributions made to the Alumni Association, particularly those who helped the band take the trip to CA for the Super Bowl game.

Last week when I came out of the grocery store, a young man stopped me saying, “I see from your VMI license plate and your cap that you were in the class of ’37,” and that his wife’s grandfather, Reeves Worsham, was also the class of ’37. He stated his name as Bob Stall and that Reeves had several sons and grandsons who had also attended VMI. In my last report, I stated that Lawrence

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Lori Forbes had moved to MS. One of the tornadoes that went through MS in early February touched about two blocks from their home and fortunately did no damage to their home. Prior to that time, Lori had fallen and broken her hip and is recovering nicely.

Most of us have come to the conclusion that most of the injuries we have received are over the holidays, and it is time to stop traveling.

There are two exceptions to that. One is Bunny Tucker, still walking two miles a day, who has taken off for FL. Bunny says he is at Westminster Canterbury with about 20 other VMI people. The other is Hank McLeod, who is still taking care of his yard and walking three miles a day.

Frank Forsyth admits that he has slowed down but can still drive around town. He and Kitty are doing as well as could be expected.

Sox (W. Barton) Baldwin is showing his age by using a walker to move around; he admits old age is catching up with him.

Bill (Wm. S.) Church spoke to Helen and said, after taking care of Bill for years, Helen has fallen and broken her hip. He had stepped out to get the mail and now is having to care for her.

Michael Cummings, per his daughter, is doing fair.

Willie Kennon (Wm. U.) seems to be doing well. His daughter, who lives near by, keeps me posted on his ups and downs.

Merrill Pasco was asleep when I called, but Carrington (his wife) said he was fine and still tooting around Westminster in his electric chair.

Terry Taylor went to visit his family in SC and now has trouble with his legs and feet, so he has decided to stop traveling.

Marge Couper (John Lee) says she is trying to adjust to the small house behind her daughter’s house. It is several blocks from where she lived before. She traveled to Norfolk, VA, for the funeral of her late husband’s sister. The trip was delightful as she got to see the whole family. When they started home, they got caught in an ice and snow storm and had to spend the night in Charlottesville, VA, due to road conditions. So far, she had received no ill effects from the trip. She is still busy with her bridge and church. She is driving only

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around town during day hours, and she is still trying to sell the house.

Kitty Hastings lives next to her son in MS. She was very fortunate that the recent hurricane didn’t bother her.

Sally Major (Neville): I finally made contact with her. She has moved from Front Royal to Winchester. Her address is: 1881 Harvest Drive, Apt. 148, Winchester, VA, 22601. Her new telephone number is 540/545-2148. She is recovering from a broken hip and seems to be doing fairly well.

Anne Townes (W.W) spends most of her spare time playing bridge, and she hopes to be pulling her golf cart when the weather warms, and she has improved.

Frances Zimmerman (Bill) is still suffering from a fall she had over Christmas.

As for me, I have been down with a bad cold, and my knees are weak. I rely on my cane to move around. Unfortunately, I am not going to attend the Class Agents Conference in April.

Yours in the Bonds, Strother

’38

William Todd

Last year at about this time, I wrote that January and February were the ugliest months of the year. It is now 2008, and I haven’t changed my mind – they are still the ugliest months of the year. I look outside my window and see stark and leafless trees on a gray landscape that sets my mentality in a depressing mood. The TV, newspapers and magazines are all pouring out bad news and forecasts of disaster in our national economy. When I combine all of this with the depressing news of the passing of both Brother and Sister Rats, I sometimes feel that I am not a class agent but the recorder for the Grim Reaper and his associates.

I will now tell you a story of how stupid a person of my age and mentality can be – it’s about me and these class notes. I started writing them about a week ago and carefully hit the save key when I quit for the day. Knowing I had to identify them in the computer so that I could bring them

back when I restarted, I marked them as VMI-VIII, forgetting that I had used it in the last notes. Of course, the computer refused this since it was already in use and put it somewhere else in the computer, and I had no idea where. I finally had to get my son (really computer savvy) to find it for me so these notes could go forth.

As most of you realize, we are coming up on our 70th Reunion on April 21 and 22, 2008, which are a Monday and Tuesday.

This is a major switch from the past where our reunions were always on Friday and Saturday weekends. We have been notified that they are moving the older classes, because our small surviving members would really get lost in the younger classes’ festivities. This is undoubtedly true. Since I sent out the queries to all on our mailing list as to whether they plan to attend, as of Feb. 14, 2008, I only have four “yeses” including me. Bill Boyer is a “maybe!”

As I mentioned earlier about being a recorder for the Grim Reaper, 2007 was not a good year for the class of 1938. Although quite a few of us reached the ripe old age of the 90s, we also lost a bunch of our Brother Rats, to wit: Winder Lane, Carter Cole, George Doer, Royall Turpin, Al Dennis and Pete Gwaltney. Recently, we also lost two of our lovely Sister Rats – Frances Dixon and Millie Earnest. This is part and parcel of why I started out these notes with comments on mental depression in this ugly season. Believe me, this is another reason to welcome the onset of spring in about a month, since I remember how beautiful VA can be in April and May with the red-bud, laurel, dogwood and rhododendron in full bloom. Makes you want to live a few more years!!

Since these notes are due in Lexington tomorrow, I guess that I will have to wind up what little I have to say. I did have a short conversation with Bruce Cameron and Lee Fosque today, mainly to find out if they plan to be at our scheduled reunion.

Neither had anything unusual to report, other than that they were still reasonably healthy and still breathing. I have not contacted those of our Brother Rats who I know are confined to a nursing home or wheelchair, since I realize they are not capable of travel. I know there are exceptions but very, very few. Brother Rats, I am

25

CLASS NOTES Germans had thus reduced the number of guards to move more men to the front. Hank hid in the attic of a farmhouse. He had no weapons except a pair of scissors. A German officer searched the attic, and Hank killed him with the scissors and then made his way to the Russian lines. He eventually rejoined his unit, the 811th Tank Destroyer Battalion, before V-E Day. Capt. Boyle remained in the Army after World War II and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He never forgot about Hank and mentioned him on numerous occasions to his family. He passed away in 2000. I had heard about Class of 1938: Tom Williamson, Robert Dixon, Jim Foust and Robert Steidtmann this event as a youngster. Howas cadets in Barracks. ever, my dad died in 1965, so the memories were not at all distinct.

I talked to Halsey Hill; he is doing fine. He sorry that this edition of class notes is so Jim and I exchanged copies of our fathers’ brief, but I simply do not have any news to was waiting for his wife, Em, to get back POW diaries, pictures, letters, etc., and had from playing bridge with her friends. He report. It is the same old “saw” – you cana very memorable reunion. My brother, not report news if there isn’t any. Maybe it tells me his grandson just got married and John, was there as well. is living in Houston and working for the will change by summer. Regards!

Jim is currently an Army chaplain gas industry.

(Editor’s Note: About current class agent stationed at Ft. Bragg with the Special Henry J. “Hank” Cronin’s son, Henry J. Bill Todd, former Class Agent Mayo Smith Forces. The scissors story didn’t seem L. “Hank” Cronin Jr. ’64 is my Brother said, “What a tremendous job he’s done in to faze him. He is hoping for an assignRat and fellow civil engineer. He recontacting those of us who are still alive!”) ment to either Iraq or Afghanistan. We cently sent me the following information agreed to try to have a family reunion on concerning his father’s experiences at the Frank Parker III ’64 Battle of the Bulge: Dec. 22, the anniversary of our fathers’ “Last week, I [Hank Jr. ’64] met with Jim captures.”

I’m sad to report the passing of two Boyle, the son of a man who was captured Brother Rats. Phillip W. “Phil” Chase, a the same day [Dec. 22, 1944] as my dad life long resident of Baltimore, MD, died [Hank ’39] during the Battle of the Bulge.

Dec. 15, 2007, in Lutherville, MD, and Jim Boyle’s father was Capt. Thaddeus A. Robert J. “Jimmy” Tucker Jr. originally Boyle. Jim found me through the Internet.

Ira Saxe sent an e-mail to let me know from Franklin, VA, passed away on Jan. He wanted to thank our family for the that he had just celebrated his 90th birth13, 2008, in Raleigh, NC. In addition, I effort my father made to keep his father day with family and friends. His replacereceived a nice note from Elnora Johnalive during their time together as POWs. ment hip is still on the mend, and with son’s sister, Florence Ridderhof, telling Evidently, Capt. Boyle was very weak and the arrival of great golfing weather, he is could not feed himself. Hank made sure he us that Elnora had passed on Jan. 17. anxious to get back on the course. Bill had enough to eat and sufficient clothing to Elnora was the wife of the late John “J.J.” Brand and Tickie are planning a trip to Johnson. Joe Savage and his wife, Masurvive the bitter cold. Hank’s name was Hershey, PA, to see their three grandsons rie, were able to attend Elnora’s memorial mentioned several times in Capt. Boyle’s and from there to Alexandria, VA, to visit service in Fredericksburg, VA. POW diary. They both were shipped by his sister. Tickie is also planning a trip to Marcy and I are going to “practice” rail to several locations and ended up at Greece in June, something she’s always retirement this year by taking an extended Stalag IV B in East Germany. Hank was wanted to do and finally found the right trip in March to see friends and family group to go with. Bill is still supporting later shipped by train to Poland to another throughout the Gulf Coast and FL. Then, the medical industry (aren’t we all) and POW camp from which he escaped. at the end of May, we are joining a group is on his way to see his cardiologist for Hank’s escape took place in late Februof my Brother Rats and their wives to tour his spring checkup as well as having his ary or early March 1945. The Russians France with special attention to Normandy “gimpy” knee looked at by an orthopedist. were approaching from the east and the

’39

26

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES always provide an enlightening surprise. He still drives his car to see nearby friends, but his two daughters are urging him not to undertake long trips. A short stay in a hotel overlooking the beautiful harbor in Victoria, BC, was in the offing, but the trip there will be by a coastal ship – Oh, to live in the Pacific Northwest!

He would like to come east in the spring with his daughters to visit VMI, among other places.

Finally, I asked him if he still puts his socks on standing up, and he said yes but that in doing it he hops around a bit more now Class of 1939: Hank Cronin Jr., far left, with his brother, John, and Jim Boyle. The than he used to! three recently reminisced about their fathers. See notes for details.

Art Wadsworth writes that he lives alone but is well, and he visits Ruth a couple of times and other important WWII battlefields. We flown out of Kadena Air Base in Japan. a week (in her care center). He has sent Of the 11-man crew, three bailed out and all will keep you in our hearts and rememalong a fine and lengthy reminiscence of became POWs, with two returned after ber the great sacrifices and contributions BR Cheng-Cheng Sun. Subsequently, an your generation made for us and the world. the war ended. In 1993, the remains of effort is being made to find out what has four were returned from the crash site and happened to Sun, but the answer has not identified through forensics. In 2000, exRobert Smith cavations by a team led by the Joint POW/ yet been found. We once had an address in Orange, CA, and another in MD – but the MIA Accounting Command found Doug’s remains and one other crewmate in Kujang latter turned out to be someone of the same name whose granddaughter told me he is County, 65 miles from the crash site in an not our BR. It is planned that when his infantry fighting position for mostly Mahistory is found, more will be written, to rines. These remains had presumably been include highlights of Art’s reminiscence. moved from the crash site. The identificaIt is February, and so this news will be The latest information received on our tion process then went on until this 2007 what has been learned as of that date. We scholarship fund is that contributions announcement. A memorial service in CA can give thanks that since the last report total $391,712, and the market value is planned. We are grateful for the closure everyone seems to be perking along. was $533,769. Our outstanding 2007-08 this story provides about our beloved and In January, Bob Deaderick sent a copy colorful Brother Rat Hatfield and thankful recipients, about whom information has of a long feature news story about Col. previously been given in these reports, for the persistence of the forensic teams Doug “Pappy” Hatfield from The Harrisonburg, VA, Daily News Record, of Dec. who are continuing this recovery and iden- are Sara Hanson ’09, Patrick Simpson ’10, Fletcher Thompson ’10 and Stephen tification work of our MIAs, even after all 15, 2007. This told about the identificaRhodes ’11. Among the classes, our fund these years. tion of Doug’s remains, and their return Bob Barnes has been in his apartment on still ranks third in contributions and marby the North Koreans, 56 years later, ket value, thanks to the great dedication of the fifth floor of the new Horizon House from near the crash site of his B-29. His John Cowart. building, in the retirement community in son, Stephan, now a retired Air Force and Word has reached us that Maryann Tordowntown Seattle, for several months now commercial pilot, but who was 4 years old rington, wife of BR Fran, died on June 14, and is quite satisfied with his move. Some at the time of his father’s death, plans to 2007, in their long time residence town of drop his father’s ashes in the Pacific Ocean time ago, he told us about the Webcam, Cumberland, MD. She was a United States which continually looked at the constructo join his mother, Margaret’s, ashes. She Navy veteran of World War II where she tion site as the place was being built. It died four years ago. Doug was a lieutenwas fun to watch the building go up. When was a medical technician, and she was a ant colonel in U.S. Army Corp’s 20th 1943 graduate of Georgetown Visitation.

I called him, he was practicing with his Army Command in India, posthumously upgraded to colonel. His Superfortress was harmonica, because some of the other den- She and Fran are survived by five children and six grandchildren. izens of Horizon House were urging him shot down by MiG 15 fighters while reKathryn Thompson wrote a sweet note to play for them! His many hidden talents turning from a mission over North Korea,

’40

2008-Issue 2

27

CLASS NOTES about Vester, which is well worth sharing.

She said, “Vester put up a good fight. He had been ill for the last six years but never stopped. He simply slept away. Yes, VMI was his passion – the friends and Brother Rats were very special to him. A week before he died, he said we will plan a trip to VMI in the spring.” It was so thoughtful of her to write and share this recollection with us.

In January, I exchanged notes with Martha Mandt, and it was so good to have the memories of Bill refreshed. About the same time, a handwritten note by Marshall Hardy came with some kind words and good wishes for the New Year.

Mildred Pollard, Ray’s wife, wrote on a Christmas note from her home in Huntington, WV, that she is still playing golf and lots of bridge. Their son, Raymond Pollard III, United States Military Academy ’66, and his wife, Peggy, are nearby. Raymond III is district governor of Rotary of WV. Daughter Connie lives in TX, and Mildred goes there occasionally.

Early in January, Charley Beach wrote me to introduce his grandson, C. Beach IV, who was completing his fifth year in London but was spending one week of Christmas vacation in Beattyville. Charley said that since I have a grandson who has recently moved to London, he was asking his grandson to summarize his business status in London with the hope that they might get together to exchange greetings.

His grandson is into insuring horses, which sounds glamorous! He wrote: “Hi, Mr. Smith. I understand that your grandson is now in London, and I’m sure he is loving it as am I. After graduating from Hampden-Sydney College [class of ’02], I moved over to London to pursue a job in Bloodstock Insurance [thoroughbred horses]. For the past five years, I worked on the brokering side with Willis Ltd. Now, I’ve switched over to the underwriting side, which I’m really enjoying. If I could be of any assistance to your grandson, please let me know. Also, forward my details on to him should he want to grab a pint and catch up.”

So, I wrote my grandson and shortly C. Beach IV wrote, “I wanted to let you know that the grandsons connected last night over some beers and burgers and

28

had a blast!” My younger grandson, James Bailey, also wrote to say how much he enjoyed their meeting. Both James’ older brother, John, who is moving to London about as this is being written, and John’s bride to be in June, will soon be joining this new little London Clique.

All of us will be interested in the details given in the news clipping about E.I. Brown written shortly after his retirement back in 1981, which just came to hand. It is from a publication, The Transit, and it said: “The Duke University Chapter of Chi Epsilon proudly announced the elevation of Dr. Earl I. Brown II to chapter honor member. Dr. Brown has been associated with the Duke Chapter since its installation in 1964 and continues to play an active part even after his retirement from teaching in 1981. Dr. Brown received his C.E. degree at VMI in 1940. After several years of engineering work and service as an officer in the U.S. Army, he returned to school to earn his master’s in C.E. from NC State University in 1949, and his Ph.D. as a Regents Fellow at the University of Texas. He taught for several years at Georgia Tech and six years at Auburn, where he was head of the C.E. department. Dr. Brown came to Duke in 1960 where he was the C.E. department chairman until 1967. That year, he was named a J.A. Jones Professor of C.E. He is also an active member of Tau Beta Pi, NCSPE, ASEE and ASCE. In 1980, he was named civil engineer of the year by the NC section of ASCE. He is listed in Who’s Who in Engineering, American Men of Science, and Who’s Who in America. We at Duke are proud to be associated with Dr. Brown and wish him all the best in his retirement.” We, too, are proud of our Brother Rat who, as I remember it, behind his back we always referred to as a “brow.” It is great to have these details about his illustrious career.

E.I. lives at the continuing care facility, Carolina Meadows, near Durham, NC, where George Atkison also lived.

Many of you have written me with kind words about these notes, and I thank you for that. It is always a pleasure to hear from you and to be the vehicle for sharing your news. Stay in touch.

’41

Walter Richards

Greetings, 2008. Hope all are well and ready to take on this New Year. To begin with, I had several Christmas cards returned for some reason as non-deliverable.

If anyone can help with the correct address or status for: Mrs. Walter F Arnold, Mrs. Domenic A. Buonanno, Mrs. William F. Cuozzi, Mrs. Douglas B. Green II, Mrs. Seth Hobart and Mrs. William M. Jackson, it would be appreciated. I think the post office messed up on some.

I can’t get by without bad news. J. Keith Rose passed away on Nov. 2, 2007. Keith, a chemist, retired to pursue his passion for painting and had a painting in the Smithsonian.

Several of the class checked in: “Slugger” Goolrick with a note to remember George Peters, Beth Bache, Dorothy Smith, “Dutchy” Oglesby ’42, H.P. Clark, Betty Laningham (who says that she is too old) and roommate Gen. F.C. Booker. “Dinny” Traver has moved to 223 Oxbridge Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Our travelers Mila and Bob Maling (who else?) had a month cruise, Rome to Singapore. According to Bob, “The Pyramids are still there.” Pat and Nash Strudwick are not traveling now, as Nash is restricted somewhat, a stroke you know.

And of course, Jack Pitts sent some goodies. I have misplaced them, so until next time, “Good Health and Keep the SPIRIT, ’41.”

’42

Richard C. Horne III

While the activities of the 65th left me somewhat windblown and confused, my lateness in writing these won’t bother you.

You’ll never know my deficiency – this particular deficiency, I mean. It caused a few gentle remonstrances from some nice ladies. For that, I apologize, in public.

It has been a great few months, full of

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES great times and admiration for ourselves and our Brother Rats. We are smaller in number but larger in purpose – that is, to be the first class to have at least 10 centenarians. So, take it easy, breathe deeply and eat what your ladies prepare for you!

There! Two paragraphs of at least junior high school quality and tone.

I’ll be frank with this. Not a great deal has occurred to most of us since the 65th, but some are active.

First, our Chief Mentor the Honorable Jedediah Wilson, has been busy with travel and good works. He and Libby traveled to and through the Hawaiian Islands, checking potential volcanic episodes and evaluating the quality of life among the natives. As I understand it, they assured him that nothing worrisome had occurred since his last visit and that he would surely be informed of such unwanted situations.

He thanked them.

I lack detail about most of the Brothers’ thoughts and conditions but assume the spirit of ’42 keeps us all on such toes as we can stand on.

Mitzi and I visit John and Becky Wray from time to time. They are basically well and reasonably active. We enjoy every minute of a visit.

Mitzi also is close to Virginia Chewning by telephone, and we see her and Charlie every time we can. Charlie still has that big grin he produces every time someone says his name.

We are still very close to His Medical Eminence, Dr. Fred Love. He is busy with extended, very extended, quiet supervision of his offspring and progeny, who are fairly well spread over this continent. His and our good friend, Jo, speaks with us often, and we are looking forward to our next visit with them.

Buck Esser’s brother, Cary, who dyked in our room and whose face shows such distress in the opening page of ’42’s OUTRAGE, lived for some years near Mitzi and me and is moving south. We’ll sure miss him, as he is every bit as fine a man as Buck.

As I mentioned in my last letter, Jed is closely examining plans for future reunions, be they mini or maxi. He has rejected suggestions of every three months but is considering periods not too much off that frequency.

2008-Issue 2

Class of 1942: Judy and Harry Siebert celebrated their 26th anniversary during a Mediterranean cruise, Thanksgiving 2007.

Mitzi and I are also fortunate that Jed still deals with Busch Gardens and their prodigious amusement machinery. Come to think of it, they think of Jed as fairly prodigious himself. Let me expand that to your satisfaction. We are all prodigious!

I know I’m pushing the limits of my literary powers, so I’ll graciously accept your praise or poison. Leaving you with this sincere admonition: Hang in, Brother Rats, hang in!

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

It is now mid February, and I am up to my ears in preparations for our 65th Reunion. For those who attend our reunion, much of what I am writing today will be old news by the time it is published circa June 2008.

I’ve only one death of a Brother Rat to report, and that occurred some time ago.

In preparing an updated roster for the reunion, I learned that Alvin (Al) Lindall died Feb. 8, 2004, of prostate cancer. He’d retired from the Marine Corps as a major and had been living in Punta Gorda, FL, with his wife, Hazel. More on Al’s passing

follows a few paragraphs down.

Some of our Brother Rats lost their wives, and again for reasons unknown, the information was not relayed in timely fashion. I only learned from Bill Nunn a few months ago that he’d lost his dear wife in 2001. Quite recently, I learned only by chance, that Jim Anderson had lost his wife, Mary, in Thomasville, GA, on May 27, 2007, and that Bob Reveley’s wife, Millie, died in December (2007). We all join in extending our condolences to Bill, Jim and Bob. It has been a bit frustrating to pin down the exact number of class survivors. I speak of all 247 who matriculated in 1939, plus three (Chuck Beckham, Jim Matthews and Ed Young) who matriculated in 1938. As I’ve written before, two Brother Rats (Jim Dischinger and Bob Reeves) had asked the Foundation not to send them any solicitations and the like. When that happens and when one routinely asks for a class roster from the Foundation, the names of those not wishing to receive solicitations are usually deleted.

In my quest for an accurate count of class survivors, the name John Hedrick Bader (DOB Sept. 19, 1921) kept popping in and out of my radar screen. When I inquired from the Foundation about the sporadic inclusions, the somewhat incon-

29

CLASS NOTES sistent explanation was that at one time John had asked that he no longer be sent solicitations from VMI. Yet, inexplicably, his name is included in the current 1943 Alumni Office roster in contrast to those of Bob Reeves and Jim Dischinger.

John Bader’s photograph is in our class’s section in the 1940 Bomb but not in the 1941 Bomb or Bombs thereafter. He is not included in the 1984 and 1989 Register of Former Cadets. He is included in the 2005 Register and is shown as matriculating from McGaheysville, VA, and residing, as of 2005, in Staunton, VA. The VMI Foundation records show that he did indeed matriculate in 1939, and that he attended VMI for two years, six months and 14 days. That would put his date of departure from VMI about February 1942, perhaps to enlist or for academic or other reasons.

The Foundation shows his current address as 401 100th Ave, NE (Apt 213), Bellevue, WA, 28004. No telephone listed. Wife’s name: Ann. He’s not responded to several mailings, the most recent of which was one from me to the Bellevue, WA, address.

It was returned as “not deliverable as addressed,” whatever that really means. I’ve included John in the roster being prepared for the 65th Reunion, just as I’ve included Jim Dischinger and Bob Reeves. All are Brother Rats. Meanwhile, perhaps some of you could shed more light on John Bader.

The final result of all the above poking into records is that I can tell you with reasonable assurance that, as I write on Feb. 14, 2008, the class of 1943 has 61 survivors. Of these, 60 matriculated in 1939, and one (1) in 1938. (A caveat: Cadets dismissed for honor violations are dropped from the VMI rolls. At least one of our Brother Rats was so dismissed.)

Back to Al Lindall: The Alumni Office sent me a February 2006 news account in the local paper of a civil jury awarding $400,000 to Al’s widow, Hazel, for medical malpractice at the hands of Al’s urologist. Despite obvious signs of rapidly advancing prostate cancer noted in 2002, Al’s urologist refused to order a biopsy until far too late (well over a year later) or initiate effective treatment. The doctor’s only defense was that Al was over age 70, and the odds were Al would die of something else before his prostate

30

became lethal. An oncologist testified that Al would have had at least five more good years of life if he’d been promptly treated.

Mrs. Lindall’s attorney remarked that “Doctors need to know they can’t ignore 80-year-olds. I mean, 80 is the new 60.

These are people who are still having great lives.” Amen to that. Tragic.

Tempering that somber account is that overwhelming numbers of physicians are dedicated to healing. We should know, because among those superb healers are some of our Brother Rats. One especially comes to mind, Dr. Frank Bilisoly who lives at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, a retirement home, which fellow resident, Vince Thomas, describes as “living on a cruse ship.” Vince is slowly, very slowly, getting over an earlier comment made in class notes that he and Betty were living in an “Assisted Living” home. No way, says Vince. However, for those residents in need of such, there are “in house” medical care and assisted living.

Well, back to Frank Bilosoly, who, as earlier reported, was recovering from a long bout of “water on the brain” and precarious balance. Frank suffered a set-back when he fell in mid November (2007), incurring serious injuries from which he is now recovering. Balance and stability remain a major concern. Nonetheless, Vince reports that as of these notes, the Bilosolys have not ruled out the possibility of being at the 65th Reunion.

More on the gim list: Box Board continues to live in the health care center of his retirement home, while Barbara holds the fort in their apartment in the same complex. Box’s balance remains unstable since surgery on both knees months ago. He’s allowed to visit his apartment but only in a wheelchair accompanied by a hospital orderly. A bit inhibiting, to say the least.

Until he can better manage his balance and walk on his own (albeit with use of a “walker”), the doctors insist on his residing in the health center. Box is chomping at the bit to gain an unconditional release to their apartment.

Harry Jones and Jim Anderson keep the VMI flag flying in Thomasville, GA. Harry sent me an interesting, brief and very perceptive article by a local (Thomasville) newspaperman on the occasion on

Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthday last January (2008). He quoted Lee as saying that “the great object of life” is to “gain knowledge and virtue and learn your duty to God and your neighbor.” Long gone from VMI is the once obligatory salute every cadet rendered as he walked by Gen. Lee’s tomb in Washington & Lee’s Memorial Chapel.

Perhaps the custom was a victim of political correctness – or perhaps just part of the general erosion of good manners and civilities.

Harry also reported (by e-mail) that he and Jim Anderson were to have lunch on Jan. 5, 2008, with friends at the local country club. Jim has had foot problems in recent years, which now impair his driving capabilities. Fortunately, Jim has friends and acquaintances to help with motor transport.

Bill McClure’s wife, Jean, was hospitalized late last year with bronchitis but had moved to a rehabilitation facility when Bill e-mailed me Dec. 18, 2007. I’m happy to report that she is now home. Bill went on to state that “you must know how much I love the class of 1943, and it grieves me no end that I cannot be a part of things which are [to] bring us closer to the end.

I thank you for the part you are playing at this time and am sure [the reunion] will be a great one. Please let me hear how everything goes.” We surely will, Bill.(Editor’s Note: Sadly, after these notes were submitted, Bill McClure passed away on March 7, 2008. His obituary will appear in the Alumni Review 2008-Issue 3. Our condolences to the McClure family.)

Hap Vaughan writes that his two daughters are bringing him to the reunion, after which they’ll travel to Richmond to visit family there. Despite his arthritic right leg, Hap rides his bike almost every day, except when the weather is too cold. He states that he “knows how old we are,” (Don’t we all, Hap?), but hopes to “march in one last alumni parade into Barracks … The last two reunions, I’ve raced Bob Reveley up to the fourth stoop but can’t do it this time.”

Speaking of the march into Barracks, Bob Reveley (writing on Dec. 4, 2007, only days before the death of his wife, Millie) opined that, “I think this will be our last formally recognized reunion as far

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as marching into the Barracks Courtyard is concerned … [At our 60th Reunion] Gordon Smith reminded me, at the top of his lungs, that I had lost crowd control [when trying to lead an Old Yell] ... I was competing with a cadet first classman who called for an Old Yell by the Corps at the same time … [At our 65th] I will call for all quiet except for our class.”

A message for Hap Vaughan, Bob Reveley and all: Keep yourselves in shape.

The VMI Alumni Office already has our class inked in for a 70th Reunion at VMI, come April 2013! Put it on your calendars.

Settle Frank is one of our very few Brother Rats who is a regular e-mail user.

Wish that you all were! It would make life much easier for me, your humble servant and class agent. Settle’s e-mail address is a very loyal “vmi43@aol.com.” I’m counting on Settle to be among the 65th attendees.

Among those who’ve declared their intention to attend our 65th are Billy Bell and his wife, plus their son and possibly his wife. Billy writes that the only cloud on the horizon is the possibility that his

back and legs would “start acting up again.

Hope that won’t happen.” And so do we, Billy.

Sonny Litton from the great southwest of VA writes that he’s holding up very well and that he still serves on his company’s board of directors, the Kline Foundation Board and the City Planning Commission – and he stays active in his church. He and Georgia Lee don’t “exactly enjoy the frailties of [their] middle 80s – but still manage to do a lot of things.” Well done, Sonny.

Look forward to seeing you.

From sunny Woodland Hills, CA, Don Foster (presiding judge, retired) weighed in to let me know that he and his son, Donald Foster II, will attend the 65th. And there is a possibility that one or more of his daughters might as well. The more the merrier. Don has been retired for almost 16 years and enjoys life with his wife, four children, six grandchildren, two greatgrandsons and the climate. He also has the lifetime chore of overcoming the vagaries of his two computers. That last chore strikes a familiar chord.

I had Christmas (2007) greetings from

several of you for which I am most grateful. Among those were Lynchburg residents George Snead and Brian Bowen, offering their assistance in reunion arrangements because of their nearness to Lexington. Needless to say, they’ll be there. Meantime, I’m mulling their generous offers. The VMI Alumni Office staffers, particularly Carole Green, have been so helpful that I find that many chores I’d dreaded have been attended to or made much easier than anticipated.

Speaking of help for the reunion, the indomitable Keith Phillips and his gracious wife, Lucy, will once again be the hosts in our Class Hospitality Room & Headquarters in our hotel. Believe me, that is above and beyond the call of duty. What would I do without that sort of help?

Bruce and Joan Suter, our ever faithful at reunions – full-blown or mini – will, of course, be on hand. Bruce has provided and continues to provide incomparable advice to me. He, perhaps more than I, appreciates the help provided this year by the VMI Alumni Office.

Bill Johann continues to be a source

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CLASS NOTES of invaluable information. Both Jane and I look forward to his telephone calls and frequent offers of help. If only his eyesight permitted, Bill would be one of the best class agents our class could have.

The Gibsons – Baylor and Peggy – wrote from Chapel Hill that all is well and that they will be at the reunion. They are proud grandparents, as well they might be.

Among their grands’ separate credentials are a candidacy at Harvard, a published research paper, a midway point in obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, a college freshman champion in soccer and tennis, a high school tennis champion in the July 2007 U.S. Zonal Tennis Tournament and a kindergartener who is a potential athlete and ballerina.

As for the Smiths, Jeffrey G. and Jane, we and our six children and 16 grands are well. Our oldest grandchild – a U.S. Army captain – deployed to Afghanistan shortly before Christmas (2007). He’d initially thought it would be to Iraq. Our son, Brig.

Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79 (uncle of the captain), will assume command of the 5th U.S. Army Signal Command with HQS in Germany in late February 2008. The command’s tentacles spread far and wide.

I received a bittersweet note from Audrey Moyer in December (2007). She and Ches, as most know, live in Staunton, VA. Ches has suffered from serious kidney problems for several years and has been on dialysis three times per week for more than two years. Audrey uses a walker, and Ches is bound to a wheelchair, but Audrey reports they are “doing very well now, all things considered.” Ches sounded in good spirits when I spoke with him Feb. 10, 2008.

He was in the hospital this past spring (2007), then to a rehab center nearby their home for six weeks of therapy. Home all summer, back to the hospital for three days on Sept. 1, 2007 – then back to rehab with brief visits home at Thanksgiving and Christmas – and a release from rehab Jan. 9, 2008. It was heartening to hear that Ches hoped to have his granddaughter’s husband (son of Col. Keith Gibson ’77, and VMI Museum director) drive him down for our reunion parade and class photo. And it was especially heartwarming to hear of the many kind and helpful things that Col. Gibson ’77 has done to assist the Moyers.

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There were some nice notes and messages from several of our class widows.

Renee Tynan (San Antonio) and Nita Clark (Little Rock) regretted they could not be with us at the reunion. They miss us all and wish us the best. Janet Dennis called to regret, much as she’d like to be with us, a return to VMI and Lexington so soon after OD’s death would be too much emotionally. We understand completely.

A final comment on our 65th Reunion: You’ve all received several mailings on the subject. You won’t read these class notes until about two months after we gather for that occasion. You might or might not have attended the reunion. Whatever the case, I hope the reunion will be – and was – a success, and I pray that all in our class and their families are content and at peace with the world and themselves. God Bless.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

First, and before I forget, I want to tell all of you who may have made donations in memory of Bill Lawson or written condolence notes to Audre that she is just getting started on her notes of appreciation. She fell en-route to Bill’s funeral service and had injuries that included a broken shoulder. After two and a half months in the hospital, assisted living and several rehab sessions a week, she is hoping that all are forgiving of her being so late with her notes of appreciation. I have assured her that we are.

Many thanks for the many Christmas cards to Faye and me. As always, we enjoyed reading all the good wishes and your expressions of appreciation for my efforts.

We had a nice note from Judy Beam thanking Faye for the reunion pictures.

She said our reunions have always been a lot of fun and mean so much to everybody, especially to her, as she feels like an adopted member. We have a lot of adopted members, Judy, and are delighted to have each one as a member of our ’44 clan.

A note from Bruce Bowden said he was sorry to hear of Stu Ragland’s death. Stu’s sister was a good friend of his, and he and

Stu had worked their first jobs together at Thalheimer’s one summer. Bruce and Bette Lea are fine, busy attending traveling NY shows in Phoenix and thoroughly enjoying the performances.

Cynthia Cabaniss is fully enjoying being a grandmother with the present count at eight grandchildren, six boys and two girls. Whenever she writes of her expanding tribe of grandchildren, my memory brings back that mental picture of Bob and Cynthia with their first newborn, at what I believe was our 25th Reunion, and all the adoring wives in our class gathering around that baby.

In her inimitable way, Victoria Doom describes in the Doom’s Christmas letter Dick’s hospital experience after being “run over by a horse” which I reported a few months back: “I was driving up our road and saw Richard standing by the corrals. It was dark. It was snowing. He motioned to me so I parked the Jeep and walked over.

He said calmly, ‘Windy ran into me and threw me down. My right hip is broken.

You need to take me to the hospital.’

Okey-dokey, says I, and with some joint effort, manage to get him into the back seat of the Jeep. I got to the end of our road and had a decision to make. Did I turn right and drive 20 miles into Las Vegas to Alta Vista Hospital [affectionately known as ‘Hasta la Vista’], or did I turn left and drive 50 miles into Santa Fe to St. Vincent’s Hospital? Since it was dark and snowing, I decided the shorter trip was more prudent and headed for Las Vegas.

We arrived at the emergency room driveup entrance, and they managed to extricate Richard from the Jeep and get him inside.

The emergency room doctor examined him and told him that his pelvis was broken.

Richard told him no, his right hip was broken. After X-Rays were taken, the doctor told him that his right hip was broken.

Happily, the orthopedic surgeon for the hospital was at a convention in San Diego and unavailable. A few hours later, Richard was transported by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe and underwent hip replacement surgery the next day.”

Her reporting of his recovery was far more picturesque than mine to you in my August class notes. Copies are available for a fee if

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Victoria doesn’t mind my making them.

In 2007, the Dooms also added two dogs to their ever-growing pack. New ranch equipment added includes a travel trailer for Victoria and the dogs at out of town gold tournaments (when she wants to follow Dick’s golf action) and Kawasaki Mule (a go-cart with big wheels, head lights and 4-wheel drive) for Dick to use on his critter feeding rounds and to find horses or dogs at night, in the snow and off the road, which is everywhere.

From his new permanent abode in a penthouse in the Marbella at Pelican Bay in Naples, FL, Slim Galliford reports that he is probably as close to heaven as he’ll ever get. He has pretty well given up traveling, but Genevieve is still at it. She had just returned from Paris and her mother’s 103rd birthday celebration when Slim wrote. He asked how many of us are left. I’ve got 66 still on my mailing list of the original 240 that matriculated on Sept. 9, 1940.

Having retired after 21 years as a financial advisor, Doc Gillum wrote that he and Mardi are learning how to age together and serve their community and church with thanksgiving. That’s a good way to express what most of us are trying to do.

Since Jim Hammond and Pat each have a bad knee, they have moved to another house with a bedroom and bath on the main floor to ease their daily activities around the house. Other than knees, they report all is as well as one our age can expect.

The good news from Bertie Hengeveld was that her chemotherapy worked. She is back on the golf course and traveling again. We’re sure glad to hear that.

The last I heard from Tom Hupp was that he was getting ready to move to Westminster Canterbury in Richmond by midyear. I don’t expect to hear much more until after that. Faye and I well know, as do many of you, what a time consuming activity massive downsizing is. We class it as a very busy fulltime job. I’ll only offer one bit of advice. Get boxes from the ABC store. They are free, sturdy and won’t usually hold more than you can carry.

Jimmy Lamb has finished treatment for his lung problem and is now recovering from the cure. That’s more good news we’re glad to hear from someone in our dwindling class.

2008-Issue 2

Martha McIntyre is happily ensconced with her son, Tom, and three dogs in Bradenton, FL. Her other children and their families are scattered all over, and she stays busy with all kinds of social activities, church work and secular.

Our card from Bob and Jeanie Nay noted that he nervously holds each postcard I send as he reads it, worrying that his name might be in it. He added his thanks for my efforts with, “May all your storms be weathered and all that’s good get better.” I really like the meaningful good wishes he passes along from time to time.

The annual poem that Fran Meade penned for their Christmas greetings was great as always. (Fran is very talented with words.) In fact, she is very talented period.

It included a verse about the good news of Dick’s recuperation with thanks to Mayo’s experimentation. Dick had been intent on being able to be present at our 65th Reunion in April of 2009. Hope to see all of you there; it’s not really too far off!

Nancy Phillips reports that the VMI contingent at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond continues to grow and has met a couple of times lately for a “Happy Hour” in their very swanky bar.

Faye and I like the unusual adages on life we find at times on cards we receive. Bob and Hazel Smothers had a great one, an old Irish toast: “There are good ships There are wood ships There are ships that sail the sea, But the best ships, are friendships And may they always be!”

I think we all can agree with that.

All settled and enjoying her condo, Rose Tucker writes that she really enjoys the advantages of city life. She gets out a lot, and her circle of friends is expanding, as there are more affairs to attend. She still gets back to the country to see her Chase City buddies.

Joe Warren is happy that, after five weeks at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital, Mabbot is back home and functioning as of old in the kitchen. Mabbot says this is called occupational therapy.

She is delighted to be back and said home never looked so good. After learning to walk again, she is forever grateful.

Lois Whitehurst is enjoying visits from her children and their families and is feel-

ing “as fine as an old lady can;” her words!

We were expecting Jim Doss to be in our area around New Year’s, but he had to call that trip off. He broke a bridge supporting most of his chewing teeth and didn’t want to travel until that was repaired. Later in January, we joined him and Sunny Williams at her residence in Williamsburg for lunch and much conversation. Sunny and Faye are good at that. Then, Sunny gave us a guided tour of King’s Mill. Sunny and Jim came by our place the following day and enjoyed a Sunday dinner here in our retirement community dining room. Over the weekend, Sunny gave Jim a packet of all the 60-year-old letters he had written her back in the ’40s. I haven’t heard of their disposition as yet. Back in Lexington, Jim wrote to thank us for dinner and our hospitality. He added that the Widows and Widowers Supper Club in Lexington remained healthy and active.

Recently, I found Ann Hargroves cell phone number that I had misplaced and was able to contact and get an address for her and Andy. She told me that he is still living with some disabling health problems but still enjoys hearing from his VMI Brother Rats.

Patricia Wen says her life is slowly getting back to normal. She has been so overwhelmed by a flood of letters of condolence and other correspondence that she expects it may take the whole year to respond. Patricia is deeply touched by all this and gratefully thankful.

That’s all for now. Take care of yourselves wherever you are. God bless all of you, and God Bless America and VMI.

’45

John D. Williams

The best news that I can possibly convey to you is that, to my knowledge, we have lost no Brother Rats to the Grim Reaper during the last quarter. However, sickness and illness are still abundant and not real pleasant to write about. I extend my sincere thanks to the many Brothers and Sisters who sent me Christmas cards, and so many contained much needed

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CLASS NOTES news, which makes my job easier.

Jim Morrison reports that Carol is still having a difficult recovery from a fall last August wherein she broke several vertebrae in her back. After two surgical procedures, physical therapy and lots of pain killers, she still has great difficulty walking. Jim’s favorite horse, Ringo, is now 31 years old and comes out to the gate to meet Jim and escort him to the barn at meal time. Maybe Ringo thinks Jim is slipping a little. I don’t know the relation between horse years and human years, but it sounds as though Ringo is about our age at least.

Hugh Dischinger had three of his four children visit with him during the Christmas holiday. His children are scattered from Denver, CO, to Huntsville, AL, to Richmond, VA, to Winona, MN. Hugh will be busy in 2008 as he travels around the country to visit with them all.

Kay and Joe Gantt are spending their first full year in Lynchburg, VA, after giving up their usual winter in FL. Like so many of us, they are enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Joe has recently played “Amazing Grace” on his harmonica for a special service at their church and is now in demand for future performances there, as well as around town. Bea Myers is having fun while creating meaningful memories for her grandchildren. This past summer, she took two grandchildren to St. Petersburg, Russia, and then sailed the Baltic on the Sea Cloud II – what a wonderful trip and something those children will long cherish.

Beth Welles was looking forward to a Holland America cruise after the New Year.

Russ Newton continues to be quite active in Jacksonville, FL, reporting in to his office every day. He performs volunteer work for Princeton, the local school system, and the University of Florida College of Medicine. He has 11 grandchildren, and with his second wife, Joannie, 11 more, plus a first great-grandchild on the way. Russ has been traveling mainly in Europe and last summer attended a political and economic conference in Salzburg, Austria. As a bomber pilot, “he bombed the place in 1944. What goes around comes around.”

Inez and Jim Cocke report in from

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Albuquerque, NM, that they have been enjoying visits from their children and grandchildren coming from afar, such as AK and AZ. George Barnett is living in a retirement condo in Suffolk, VA, and enjoying remarkably good health, having retired from dentistry in 1988, because he thought that his time was about up. George attended the Rose Parade in CA, and in the bleachers in front of him was a man with a VMI cap who was in the class of ’44 and called George “Rat” during the entire parade. The VMI band performed flawlessly, and he met many alumni, but never got a name for the member of the class of ’44.

George has a son and granddaughter living in Richmond and has promised to contact me when he comes to visit.

Deanie Harden (Dick) has moved from her home of 36 years to a condominium in Lansdowne, VA, which is five miles east of Leesburg. She has a great view of the Potomac River and the mountains, and she is most content in her new home.

Her new address is Nadine H. Harden, 1935 Cypress Ridge Terrace, Riverview #512, Lansdowne, VA, 20176.

Ann Freidell (Hugh) writes that she has a granddaughter who graduated from the University of Colorado last June with a finance degree and lives in Denver. She is now flying back and forth into Richmond to assist with the merger of AG Edwards into Wachovia Financial. I will try to locate her.

Anne Addington (Joe) had a great holiday cruise in the southern Caribbean, Grenada, St. Thomas, San Juan and other places with her oldest son, Clarke.

Jess Reed has just recently had his license as a Coast Guard captain renewed for another year. His daughter, Beth, serves as the tournament director of the Orange Beach Billfish Classic and has been honored by the Billfish Foundation for an excellent tournament. Kitty and Doug Quarles sent photos of their extensive family, including one grandson, Will, who is majoring in engineering at VMI and also playing soccer.

Paul Louis is still recuperating at home after his long hospital stay, involving liver surgery, and attempting to rebuild his strength so that he might begin his radiation or chemo treatments. Nancy

continues to be well and is performing her legal work out of their home. Paul, we are all with you in our prayers.

Mack Pusey has completed his planned loss of 45 pounds, is feeling much better than before, is regaining his balance and is exercising daily. Betty is doing better and slowly recovering from an operation about one year ago. Mack said that he had recently talked to Doug Quarles and that Doug was still playing singles tennis.

Bob Allen remains active in Andrews, OK, going to the office on a daily basis and still pursuing petroleum geology.

Bob is planning a trip to the east coast in April, and it is supposed to include a visit with me in Richmond. He wants to go back to visit VMI and plans two nights in Lexington. His daughter, Kathy, will accompany him.

I received a letter from Dick Spencer ’47, and he advised me that Gordon Mills had suffered a stroke in late August and that Gordon and Anita had moved into an assisted living residence in December. No information is available about Gordon’s health, but his new address is 2550 Liberty Ridge Road, #214, Lexington, KY 40509. Telephone 859/299-1071.

In closing, I must say that life has been very good to me. These class notes are being composed at my rental villa in Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, where I have spent the month of February for the last 25 or more years. We have a wonderful group who gather here every year, and included among them are Alice and Wortham (Spilly) Spilman ’42 and Carole and Jim Wiley ’52. While visiting an out-island, Elbow Cay, I recently had the pleasure of meeting Chip Lazarus ’55 and his wife, Lee. I am headed back to Richmond at the end of February. On March 4, 2008, I am off on a two-week trip to Egypt conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Maybe I can get my picture atop either a camel or a pyramid, whichever is easier to mount. I figure I better do this traveling while I am still young.

Please keep me supplied with news about you and your extended families, take care of your health and let’s make every effort to have some sort of gettogether in the not too distant future.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’46

William A. Eliason

If you closely followed my last notes, then you are a year behind and totally confused. So am I. After I substituted our February 2007 notes for what should have been our November 2007 notes in the last issue of the Alumni Review, we are now caught up to date. Are you clear on that?

We must be up to date, because according to the mail, which I don’t get from my Brother Rats, nothing’s happening. Hey, so you’ve got writer’s cramp, don’t know computers and can’t lift a phone. Ask someone to lift the phone and call me, so I at least know you are alive. The worst part of this job is not hearing from most of you until I receive your obituary. We can do better than that! “Yes, we can!”

I guess what I am saying to you is, if I don’t start hearing from more of you regularly, then there just aren’t going to be any class notes – I refuse to make them up out of the fiction of thin air!

Starting off, let me bring you up to date on what’s going on with us. In the last episode, Carol was recovering from openheart surgery and a small stroke suffered while under the knife, which I understand is not uncommon. That’s still going on.

She’s been walking with a cane for about three months after tossing her walker in the trash bin. Currently, she’s in physical therapy at the local Santara Hospital three times a week. Biggest problem is building up her stamina and ability to exercise without exhaustion. But she’s coming along fine, and we both appreciate the concern that you have shown with your messages of good health and good wishes.

Two Brother Rats who are also seeing their wives through some rehabilitation problems are Judge Nottingham and Zack Dameron. As earlier reported, June Nottingham had a nasty stroke and Anne Dameron had to have some interior surgery last year. They have both recovered, but like my Carol, it’s been slow and arduous. All three of these ladies are concerned that their memories are not what they once were. As if we all didn’t have our “senior

2008-Issue 2

moments!” I’ve got news, gals; welcome aboard! With husbands like Judge, Zack and me, you’ve got nothing to worry about. We’ll take good care of you, and there’s a h#!! of a lot we hope you DON’T remember!

One of you, can’t remember who for sure, but I think it was Pat Echols who’s been through a lot of therapy himself, called me with a therapist joke to give Carol: One Rehabber to another: “What’s the difference between a therapist and a terrorist?”

Another: “I don’t know. Spelling, perhaps?”

One: “Nah. The only real difference is that sometimes you can negotiate with a terrorist!”

I know that Zan Stuart will appreciate that one, having gone through the same operation and therapy as Carol last year.

While on the phone with “Potrock,” he apprised me of a recently discovered skeleton in the Echol’s family closet.

Seems he had a cousin who was a ferry pilot to North Africa during WWII for the USAAF. Whilst in Dakar, he met up with a displaced Italian beauty and put her in a family way. War (and, incidentally, another family in the states) precluded further romance. The beauty married and the daughter of the daughter that the cousin begot has come to the states and looked up her American “family!” They are excited about meeting her. And I don’t blame them! Pat e-mailed a picture of her, and she is a knock-out! Much, much prettier than Pat. Pat says he’s in bad shape, back and eyes, but he’s far happier than the alternative.

As I write this, I am receiving a call from Stoddard Johnston (inside cover boy, summer 2006, Alumni Review) that his roomie, Bucky Block, was called to the hereafter on Feb. 25, 2008.

Bucky was with us for his first reunion, our 60th, two years ago, squiring a stunning brunette. He went out of his way afterward to tell me how excited he was to see what had happened to VMI in the 63 years since the Army called him away to war. Bucky grew up with Stoddard in Washington, DC. They went to school together but neither knew the other was going to VMI until they met at matriculation in J.M. Hall. Both left VMI for WWII

after seven months. Bucky graduated Princeton in 1949 and became an icon of the fine arts insurance business, owning his own company in DC. Stoddard served two hitches in the artillery (WWII and Korea), graduating from Yale in between them. He then went into radio and television station management in the Bay area of CA and retired owning his own stations in Monterey. Forty-six is proud to call them both our own!

Once again, I want to thank everyone who responded so magnificently to our end of the calendar year suggestion to help the Institute. You make me look like the hero I am not! For any of you who have missed the opportunity to financially express your VMI loyalty this fiscal year, you still have time before it ends on June 30, 2008. As always, we are particularly high on the list for percentage participation, so let’s keep that tradition alive. Even if you only can spare a token contribution, it would be nice to show that all of ’46 gives a Grand Coulee!

Mort and Babs Mumma have departed Williamsburg and settled into their own home in Richmond. They were in a very nice, mostly military, retirement community here but wanted to get closer to family.

Also, as Mort said Babs put it, “With all of our old friends dying off, why should we make a whole bunch of new friends here just to see them die off!” Good point, Babs!! Our condo group in FL was much the same – all old folks and all they could talk about was their surgeries, even if we’d heard it all before. If you want to stick around for a while, stick around with some people who are going to stick around longer. Mort and Babs stayed the course with their annual “shopping” trip to Europe.

Norval Marr let me know that he can be viewed in his tartan kilts at the festival in Tampa Bay to which he made a very significant financial contribution that made the trip for VMI’s drums and fifes to attend. Thanks, Norval! His picture was in class notes for another class last issue.

Another ’46er who only got through one year, yet never really left the Institute.

Had a nice letter from Jack Senter, and he mentioned something that has been bugging me ever since I learned that my Rat roomie, Jim Price, tried to

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CLASS NOTES re-enter VMI when he came back from Europe with some shrapnel in his leg and was turned down. Jack had a similar experience. Seems that “G” (for gross) Company, which was formed in 1946 to give returning vets “soft duty,” would not accept enlisted vets, only officers. I’m very interested to see if any, and how many, of our Brother Rats had the same experience. Would you guys please let me know if it happened to you? Someday, I’d like to write a brief history of our great class, and that would be an important factor in explaining why we have so few graduates.

I am currently editing our class directory and hope to have it out in a month or two, probably around April. PLEASE, drop me a note or a postcard and give me your current address, phone numbers (land and cell), e-mail address, your marital status and who you are married to or living with, even if you think I already know all of this. I don’t want to have to revise this one six times like I did the last one, and it still wasn’t right.

I leave you with something Gen. “Chucklin’ Charlie” Kilbourne, class of 1894, wrote to me in 1956. We became good friends before, and infrequent correspondents after, he retired and I graduated.

He was one fine gentleman, and this was in the last letter he wrote to me: “Eightythree is no picnic, Eliason. Don’t catch it!”

Well, next month (March), I will catch it just like a bunch of you have already. I’d like to tell my old friend that it IS a picnic, and I’m d#!! glad to be here. I hope you feel the same way.

My spellchecker just told me that these notes are written at the eighth-grade level, so you shouldn’t have any trouble understanding my first paragraph. Now, go back and read it again!

See ya’ next time.

’47

Bill Hallett

The Bugler reported for duty and sounded “Taps” for Allen Hickman Alllison who died Nov. 10, 2007. Allen matriculated from Draper, VA, and spent

36

only three months in Barracks before serving for three years as a paratrooper during WWII. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from VPI and worked as an extension agronomist at the Tidewater Research Station until retiring in 1988.

Allen was predeceased by his wife, Betty, and survived by sons Allen Jr. and James.

The Bugler finds little rest. “Taps” sounded for Cornelius William O’Leary Jr. following his death on Jan. 10, 2008.

Casey had been confined in a nursing care facility in Long Beach for nearly a year after being hit by a car. He was a member of the 1943 wrestling team, left VMI after two years for Army service and returned to Lexington to attend our 45th Reunion.

Casey is survived by his wife, Donna, their four children, four grandchildren, and a sister and brother.

We extend condolences and sympathy to Bro’ Rats Buck Cavedo and Dick White.

Martha Cavedo died Nov. 22, 2007, following several years of declining health and great memory loss. She enjoyed golf and mahjongg and had been active in many community activities. Beverly White died Oct. 5, 2007, on Marco Island after a prolonged illness. She grew up in an Army family and lived in many places around the world, including China and the Philippines. She played cello and saw to it that their six children had some musical education. When first married, Beverly taught kindergarten including teaching her class to sing “London Bridge is Falling Down” in Chinese.

Anticipating that the upper MI winter weather would limit year-end travel, “Woobucket” and Mary Anne Sizer made a Thanksgiving trip to Chattanooga for a visit with relatives there and to catch up on family doings. Mary Anne had Jim send me the Navel Academy Christmas card, which featured an excellent watercolor sketch of Holiday Chapel at USNA. Last summer, the Sizers toured Greece and sent me a picture taken of them at Santorini, an island where some say the city of Atlantis was before a local volcano blew its top sending Atlantis to the bottom of the Mediterranean, thereby creating a great port facility.

Our class was well represented at the Institute Society Dinner during Founder’s

Day weekend: Buck Cavedo, Helen Gillespie, Marty and Bill Hallett, Elizabeth and Harry Lee, Bill Phillips, Betty Lance and Gus Robbins. That fine evening was capped by a wonderful presentation

by Jim Morgan ’45, who received his diploma March 6, 1946, along with the first seven of our Bro’ Rats to be graduated.

A recent update from Linda and Dan Williamson. Dan said that, while at times his health limits his activities, he continues self-study of history and most recently research of radical Islam. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with a pulmonary disease (IDF) and is participating in related treatment programs. While Dan reads and studies, Linda sketches and paints while continuing to serve as chairman on their condo board of directors. They spent Christmas on the West Coast with family in Irvine and Seattle.

Since my Christmas greeting to John Maggard at their FL address was returned with a New York address pasted thereon, I re-mailed it; the postal system (?) is so helpful! I called John to see how he and Mary were doing. John said that all is fine in their lives now and that Christmas will be a lively time at their place with eight of their children and 13 of their grandchildren. He recently sold his paving business to one on their sons and now has more time for golf and will remain available to answer questions. We did quite a lot of VMI talking about Bro’ Rats and events of our Rat year. He asked about a couple of the sadistic misfits of the class of ’46. Neither plan to send flowers when their time comes! Company rooms were mentioned. The place will be active and festive for Norma and John Burton who are expecting all their children and grandchildren to be with them at Santa time. A grand way to celebrate Christmas.

In lieu of a Christmas card, I’m happy to say that John Ewell sent a few pictures taken at our 60th Reunion. Following that happy event, he and Jo cruised Alaskan waters and enjoyed a family reunion on Pawley’s Island. John said he and Jo are both well.

Talked with Chuck Schneller after receiving the picture of him and his dog, Molly. He was hard at work in his recliner

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES next to the exercise bike. Tough living!

Following a round of chemo, Chuck spent six weeks in FL with his son. As I’m sure most of us are, he regretted that there was such a brief glimpse of the VMI Pipes and the Regimental Band during the Rose Parade.

Sorry to report that John Steel has had some health problems and is now living in the Jewish Home & Hospital in NYC where two friends had made arrangements for him. I talked with John in December, and he said that he was feeling well. During the mid-December ice storm that swept OK, I called Alice and Ben McCarley; Ben said that, thanks to the fact that all Class of 1947: Bill Glass and Jorge Sarmiento at Dinner Roll Call (DRC/ utilities in their community were underlunch) on Dec. 7, 2007, in Lima, Peru. ground, they were well and quite “at ease.”

They were planning to fly to DC for a twoMarty in November and February. Late fall attending the 65th. Max said they were week visit with Hannah, her family and fine “but moving slowly” – a future slogan their special granddaughter, Amy, who had calls from Tom Hawkins ’49C and Bruce Taylor ’49C following the 2007 annual for our class? Fortunately they had trip asked them to be there for Christmas. Ben ’49C Reunion which was held at Antietam. insurance. Sorry to say both Carol and Jim said recent playing of the Joan and Mac Willson had health problems which caused Davis CD provided wonderful background Heinie Henzel ’49, our most knowledgeable and talented Battlefield Guide, led cancellation of their long-planned trip to for pleasant reflections of good times and and told them of the battles which took China. At year end, both had recovered great friends. place at Antietam, where, one night each and are now walking and playing golf in A gift in the form of a Christmas Eve year, volunteers light 23,000 luminartheir “middle California paradise.” Long call from Jorge Sarmiento reporting that ies, one for each soldier who died on the way from the comforts of Barracks room he and Delia were well and that recently they had had lunch with Bill Glass. Jorge bloodiest single day of the Civil War. Betty 148 in Rockbridge County. Affairs of the Lane and Gus Robbins also attended and heart for two of your Marine Bro’ Rats. enjoyed telling me of the delightful warm participated – in the ’49C Reunion, not in Tom Hawkins ’49 told me that he had weather they were enjoying in Lima. the battle. had a cardiac “valve job” and was tickRecently, he had talked with David Bird In the Tullahoma report, Max Lamont ing along fine now. He and Arlene had ’54, an E.E. who is working in Peru. With ’49 said that he and Hilma regretted missattended the ’49C Reunion. I talked with his year-end report from the Glass house, ing our 60th and had definite plans for Lolly and Al Smith at year-end. Al said he Bill sent two great pictures: one of his sons, their wives and his two lovely granddaughters and one of Bro’ Rats Glass and Sarmiento having lunch in Lima on Dec. 7, 2007. Bill had flown to Peru for a week-long cruise of the Amazon.

Bill still plays tennis and works part-time as a CPA. Tax time draws nigh!

The holiday note from Florence Katcher advised that she and Marty were getting settled in their new home. They had missed our 60th, because the move was taking place at the time. They celebrated their 56th wedding Class of 1947: These ’47s at their 60th Reunion graduated from VMI on March 6, anniversary on Nov. 11, which is 1946. Shown above are, from left, Delia and Jorge Sarmiento, Jo and John Ewell, also Armistice Day and FoundNorma and John Burton, and in red, Ding Price. er’s Day. Cataract surgery for

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37

CLASS NOTES was “still hanging in there,” and much snow in Hendersonville, Lolly said the pacemaker had NC, and Dolores was staying greatly reduced his cardiologists busy filling bird feeders on visits. Good reports! the deck at her home. She said Great photo of Anna May and the five children were widely Bruce Taylor ’49 taken at Harpscattered and, happy to say, er’s Ferry where the Shenandoah doing well in their various and Potomac Rivers converge; a endeavors. Quilting keeps her bit of R&R following the ’49C busy, and we agreed that there Reunion. Bruce said his new was not much quality among knee is working just as well current political candidates. as the other one with original As is custom, Buck Cavedo equipment. He plays tennis, and and Bill Hallett attended the Class of 1947: Jim and Anne Sizer on Santorini Island, he and Anna May continue to Generals Lee and Jackson and Greece, in summer 2007. play golf. By the time you read Commodore Maury birthday this, they will be getting ready celebration on Jan.19 (Lee’s for a spring trip to Rome to visit their two president put fourth by either party in the birthday) at the Virginia State Capitol. As grandsons (sophomores at VPI) who are 2008 election year.” the program ended, pledge of allegiance “doing” their semester abroad. Seem to The 2007 Christmas picture of Priscilla was recited to the flag of the U.S.A., remember that many ’47s had “semesters” Cabell and her six grandchildren, ages Virginia flag and the Confederate flag abroad in the ’40s and ’50s – much differ3-13, was very good (three boys and three were saluted, “Dixie” was sung and all ent subjects. girls) and looked as if she had been more adjourned to the Commonwealth Club for God grant me the senility to forget the successful in getting them in place than lunch. The Bro’ Rats purchased screwpeople I never liked anyway, the good last year when she said that task was like drivers to adjust their thermostats prior fortune to run into the ones that I do and trying to round up a bunch of squirrels. to the very tasty lunch. The guest speaker the good eyesight to tell the difference.

Priscilla looked happy, relaxed and up to was Kent Masterson Brown, an eloquent Helen Gillespie was joined by son Tom remembering all those birthdates. Great to Kentucky gentleman and ’57 graduate ’84 to celebrate the Christmas season. Tom hear from Lil Waterman after such a long of W&L law school. He spoke about his said he found shopping in Lexington was time; Lil said she was well and still in “the recent book, Retreat from Gettysburg. It is much easier than in NYC, where he works. old home and too tired to move.” Lil, in a great book, and Heinie Henzel wrote a A great Christmas call from the Roddeys. that you are not alone. Last year, Max Laglowing review of it. Betty Lane and Gus Rick and Sambo were enjoying family mont ’49 found Gerry’s saber and sent it Robbins hosted a delicious mid-January fun with daughter Emily and her husband to Lil for Gerry Jr. to retrieve when next in lunch at their Chester, VA, home for Bettie at their home where the large Roddey TX. Roger Rosenfield and Lynne spent a Jacobsen, Sarah Newsom, Buck Cavedo, clan had gathered. Sambo sounded quite few holidays in Atlanta with family. Roger Marty and Bill Hallett, and Jim Morris relaxed. All medications working! seems to be quite “at ease” – excellent! ’53. Fine food, fine folks and a fine time The “Chronicles of 2007” from Eva SimCarl Garrison had to spend one June with much spirited talking. mons show that her life continues very busy week in the hospital. Suellen says that he is Eventually you will reach a point where with church-related responsibilities (organ doing much better now that his medications you will stop lying about your age and playing, teaching, etc.) and extended family have been balanced. Not to be outdone, start bragging about it. “Are we there yet?” activities. A granddaughter with a summer in August, she had to have a torn tendon And you will know you’re getting old job at Johns Hopkins hospital and a grandson repaired. Both were much improved when when everything either dries up or leaks. with a student internship in computer promany family members arrived at Christmas Marty and I greatly appreciate the Christgramming at NASA, and many others who time. Dick Spencer sent many Christmas mas cards, letters and phone calls; they are indeed her objects of honest pride. Marge cards by way of a set of 60th Reunion brightened our days and made possible much Daher says that she is in good health and en- pictures. I’ll try to have them in an album of this edition. For those who only signed joys reading of the men of ’47 for whom Joe prior to our 65th. Dick, many thanks for their name, I’m delighted to know you are had great affection and respect. She spends capturing us. Escaping the January cold, still out there – and can still write. I eagerly Christmas with her daughter, Selma. Ding Betty Jacobsen enjoyed a week with await your next newsy mailing. Please.

Price reports that all is well in his world, that friends on Hutchinson Island, FL. Nothing Dick Davison said one of his children he is looking forward to our 65th and trusts like long walks on a warm sandy beach to had made the story of Dick’s WWII expethat the rest of us will be there. get recharged for a New Year. riences available on a Web page identified Be advised of a current national malady.

Dolores Gelly’s Christmas card featured as abandofstrangers.com. Call Dick at Electile Dysfunction: “The inability to house cat Q-Ball sitting on Santa’s lap.

979/846-5859 for help. Your scribe is of be aroused over any of the choices for When we talked in mid January, there was little help in such matters.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES My Founder’s Day letter asked you to make an Annual Giving contribution to help VMI and to assure that ’47 has the highest rate of donor participation among the 13 classes of the ’40s. Through yearend 2007, 35 of us (53% of the 66 now on our mailing list) and three Sister Rats had contributed $24,163. My thanks to all who have given! VMI and I are depending on the rest of you to also help. Please participate, and contribute to the extent of your ability.

Spring is on the way. Stay well, age gracefully, keep smiling and please keep in touch.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’48A in this issue.

’48B

Lee Slayton

It is Feb. 8, 2008, a beautiful day in Orange Beach, AL, on the beach … my condo faces south and is on the second level.

So, I have a fantastic view of the Gulf of Mexico about 250 yards away, with only that beautiful white sand between my window and the water. At this point each year, my heart strings pull me to stay and simultaneously pull me to return to VA, which we will do in the middle of March.

Our roots are VA, but we (Laura Lee and I) have grown to love this place and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the fishing village of Bon Secour, about 10 miles to the west/northwest, off the southeast side of Mobile Bay. That church started over 150 years ago with a minister occasionally coming over on a sailing vessel from Mobile, announcing its approach by the ringing of bells. Those who heard would

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pass the message on the same way through the fishing village located on both sides of the Bon Secour River. Guess it’s a good thing sound travels so well over water.

The people would gather and celebrate the Lord’s supper. It was a “big deal,” because it didn’t happen very often. It is now home to the fisherman families and a number of folks like me, who have been fortunate to find it and know it’s caring people … just like those we have all experienced in the places from which we came …

Word from one of Dr. Howard Lee Smith’s daughters-in-law, wife of Tommy ’98. They are planning a surprise 80th birthday party in Marlin (TX of course), which is Feb. 13th … guess he is one of the younger Brother Rats; huh, Doug? I remembered an “event” which took place during our first class year when we were roommates, and I sent it to her to go in the collection to be shared at the party. I remember some good times visiting Smitty in Marlin, which is when I first met my current family doctor in Houston some 20 years ago. I looked up on the wall and saw his license to practice in the state of TX. The doctor came in, a young man. I told him he couldn’t be all bad. He looked at me and said, “What makes you say that?” I told him that upon checking out his license to practice, I noticed one of the signatories was a surgeon, one Dr. Howard Owens Smith, who I had known since the 1940s, and his son, who is also a surgeon, was my roommate at VMI. So, if Dr. Smith signed his license, then he couldn’t be all bad!

We have been personal friends ever since, even though he and his beautiful wife are the age of my kids! Small world!

I went to see that doctor (and two others … isn’t that the story of our lives now?) on Feb. 10, 2008, and received Doug Hamner’s telephone message about John Gorman’s death in CA on Saturday, Feb. 9. I called it in to the Alumni Office, and then after returning to AL, I found messages from George Ramsey with details, which I relayed to the Alumni Office. The full story will be in this issue. I was sent a picture of “Dr. John” in scrubs, apparently when he was living in WY. Except for signs of maturity, he looked (and was grinning) just as I remembered him as a 16-year-old Rat! Would that we could all age as mellow as did John!

Malachi Mills called yesterday and it sure was good to hear from him. Everyone is glad he has survived his “sleepful” drives to New Orleans over the past two trips and feels better now that his kids won’t let him drive … he can only go by flying! Now we can count on him being around for a while! Chi was in good spirits. He had seen a number of folks at the reception held by the Institute in Richmond. Paul Applin had called him and happened to be in CA when he learned of John Gorman’s death. So, he was able to extend Brother Rat condolences directly.

Chi also had heard from Tommy Smith ’98, Howard Lee Smith’s youngest son, about the surprise party for Smitty.

The committee’s efforts appear to have come together nicely, thanks to the expert guidance and performance of Carole Green, VP of the Alumni Association in charge of coordination/organization (and ensuring they come off!) class reunions. If you find fault with the refreshments, call Doug Hamner … Bogus had nothing to do with these selections!

It’s difficult to find things to say about each other when you don’t tell me what is and has happened to you and yours. Let’s try something a little different … perhaps a collection of events or memories of cadet days, which “stick” in your mind. Send them to me, and I’ll get them to all of you via the class notes, and we can build a collection, which might be worth publishing some day.

For example: I remember the day we matriculated – a warm summer day in 1944.

My mother and sister drove me up to VMI, and I was dropped off in front of J.M. Hall – me and my footlocker and suitcase.

I remember card tables were set up on the bricks. We went through the matriculation line, signing this (we were all too young to sign a legal, binding document, but we didn’t know any better) … and that’s when the upper classmen took over, and that’s all I remember of that day!

I remember our Brother Rat Cliff Ellis, all 133 pounds of him, taking the football and making great plays. (He would have to be “sidelined” for several plays for him to recover, but he would get up and again charge for a gain.)

I can remember Larry Howard in the

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CLASS NOTES showers in the main sinks, surrounded by supporting Brothers holding sheets to retain the steam from the hot water, with L.B. running in place in an effort to lose weight to qualify for a lesser weight group in intramural wrestling.

I can remember doing pushups under the table in the mess hall during the meal, because some third classman didn’t think I had equitably poured the two quarts of milk into eight glasses.

I can remember the overnight field trip to White’s Farm with full pack and arms in the cold and rain, and the sore feet from the hike there and back.

I can remember times in the mess hall when an upper classman at my table was unhappy with the food, and one of us Rats would have to call “Bogus.”

I can remember Bogus as being a handsome black man always dressed in a dark suit and tie, impeccable in appearance and demeanor, responding to the “table.”

I can remember the thrill of being able to “fall out” from DRC as a Rat on Saturdays, and returning to my room and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made from purchases Rat-holed from the commissary.

I can remember the times when Harriet Ramsey, nee Tayor (then 15 years old), would appropriate the family car and drive to Lexington to see George Ramsey, Bev Lang to see Walt Vannoy, Paula Ramesy (no kin) to see Ned (Buddy) McDonald, and Lara Lee Stickley to see me. We would sign out for dinner dates, and they would always get us back to Barracks before tattoo! Thanks, Harriet!

I can remember Brother Rat Rawles Fulgham singing, “I’m looking over, a four leaf clover …” in perfect pitch.

I can remember being “sucked in” on Saturday afternoon (when I thought I was going up town to the movies) by a third classman from Florence, AL, who was serving room confinement in lieu of penalty tours (he was a football player) to go to Steve’s Diner and get whatever he wanted, then come back and either read to him or fan him while he was propped up on his hay, taking it easy!

I can remember Rat window-closing detail, and (now) being thankful I got no more of it than I did.

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I can remember my one attendance of a General Committee meeting, and again, thankful that it was only one experience!

I can remember the mess following our getting out of the Ratline, finding, identifying and retrieving our mattresses and other accoutrements from the Post Exchange “well.”

I can remember the hops in Cocke Hall, and the splendor the gym took on from the efforts of the Second Class Finance and Hop Committees.

I can remember some of our more dedicated Brothers making the first term honor roll as Rats and getting a weekend away from Barracks … leaving me behind!

I can remember the class marching to J.M. Hall to elect class officers. It all happened so fast; it was almost like a “railroad” job … the football team was a group who knew each other, and the large contingent of Holy City men. So, there were two relatively large groups who had a chance to know and to get to know each other. Our class officers came out of those groups, and I think they turned out OK! I know this country boy from Rocky Mount, VA, didn’t know any of them personally at the time of election, but all of them through their sports and other activities. I’m proud of the “Great White Father” and other officers! They served us well, and some are around and have continued to serve.

I can remember us gathering on the parapet for out Rat class picture … we filled the stairs.

I can remember 12 (count them, 12!) bricks being removed from the Sentry House in the courtyard by an enormous explosion … and the shake-ups which followed. I can remember pulling guard duty as a Rat at that post, and glad it wasn’t on that night!

I can remember, in our day in Barracks, that the classes which had the kind of seniority we have now were billeted in the Post Hospital for class reunions.

Heck, I haven’t lost all of my memory yet!

There are memories I’ll share with you in future publications, AS WELL AS THOSE YOU SEND ME! At this point, our 60th is fast upon us, and I pray that Al Stupalsky’s wife, Joe Cosby and all the rest of the Brothers who have challenges will be able to overcome them, and we will get to visit and reminisce in Lexington. I hope we ALL make it and can remember it as

you get to read this epistle. And remember, I am only as good as you make me as your class agent, so get those cards and letters rolling in.

’49A

James Harrington

Col. John Dissek Jr., USA, died Jan. 21, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. His VMI family mourns his passing. Junior was graduated with the class of ’51, and will be fondly remembered by many who passed through the limit gates during those years. Junior told me once that he earned his first command in Korea, a rifle platoon of Puerto Rican troopers, by virtue of his Spanish language classes at the Institute.

“Via con Dios, hermano.” Junior was one of my roommates, so I say, one more time, “Goodnight, Junior.”

Larry Butler called me to share memories of Junior and to say he was on “limited duty” as a consequence of having an operation on his leg and thus could not reach the computer to write an update on his adventures. Otherwise, he is still hanging around Williamsburg.

Bill May writes: “Jim, the list of BRs grows shorter and fewer. I have been keeping busy forgetting my daughter-in-law’s birthdays. So, I have been doing a lot of apologizing and making up lately. I have taken on teaching assignments at the U. of Richmond in their School of Continuing Studies. Challenging courses: ‘The Clash of Three Monotheisms,’ cultural aspects of Islamic philosophy. Exciting stuff! I enjoyed your Christmas card of the sleigh riding down mess hall hill. It brought back fond memories.”

Allen Penniman takes advantage of his efficient secretary to send a thorough and much appreciated update: “The last two months of the year were crowded with many activities, all of which were important to me and my family. This began on Nov. 1, 2007, the date of my birth 80 years ago. Joanie had decided to have a party, and so we did. It was a wonderful treat for me to have my nearest and dearest friends there and an opportunity for me to express

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES my thanks for their support and love over the years of my life. I was also reminded of the fact that many of my good friends were not there, which is a sad comment for me to make. I suggest we use each moment of each day, because our days are limited. Thanksgiving was a family reunion event, and it gave Joanie and me a moment to be thankful for all the things we have been blessed with, especially our family. We range from a 4-year-old granddaughter to me as patriarch of the family at 80, and we are 39 strong. The weather cooperated, and we had a memorable coming together of all our families. Then came Christmas, and it was a quiet one, giving us time to reflect on the things that are really important in our lives and to celebrate the blessed season. It was a perfect way for us to close 2007. After New Year’s came our trip to New Orleans to watch LSU dominate Ohio State University in the BCS game. The Tigers are the pride of LA and had a very special football season last year. Game after game was won by the smallest of margins. That kept us on the edge of our seats all year long. It is nice to have something ranked #1 for LA, because there are so many things in which we don’t rank very well at all. Obviously, we need to work on these. We did enjoy the game, and I had three grandchildren in tow, plus one son and two sons-in-law. We spent the day in New Orleans and had a great time.

The 8 year old had his face painted purple and gold and enjoyed every step of the way as we toured Bourbon Street. I call it one of the times ‘we make memories.’ My next outing with my grandchildren will be a fishing trip to AR, where I will join my teacher son from Atlanta and two of his children. I can’t wait to see them, and I look forward to a most pleasant time. As I have aged, I find that some of the best days of my life are those I spend with my grandchildren. Joanie and I are looking forward to another good year and are very, very thankful for the blessings of our life and especially our good health. What else does one need? I send everyone my very best regards.”

As with Allen, the Harringtons spend as much time as possible with our 13 grandchildren. Most of them come to see us – we don’t travel as well as we used to, and

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our place at the beach is an attraction each summer. Unlike Allen, my 80th birthday celebration was pretty simple, appropriate considering I’m much younger than Allen.

We joined some of Ann’s tennis friends for dinner at the club and later had a casual dinner with my children, some of whom traveled a long distance to view the antique. We did visit two distant FL kids over Thanksgiving, together with their parents.

The visit was wonderful – the highway travel was terrifying. In respect for the winter weather on the coast, we stayed three months at our “hideout” in Pinehurst, but by the time you read this we’ll be back home at Bald Head Island. We expect a busy summer season with our “Camp Chaos” for the kids, but there’s room in between (space available basis) for any of our few remaining BRs to visit. So, call if you get down our way.

Stan Millimet writes: “I’ve been shoveling snow and keeping warm. Temperature today is 5 degrees and a wind chill of minus 14 degrees. So much for global warming. First, I want to say that I was deeply saddened to hear of Junior’s passing. He was a great Brother Rat and a heroic soldier. It’s a tribute that he’ll rest in Arlington. And I know that he’ll be in our memories for all time. Watching politics is what we’ve been doing, which is one item on the interest scale above watching paint dry. There’s lots of snow for us to shovel this year in MI, which is also low on the interest scale – has to be done. And lastly, there’s getting all the papers ready for income tax return. I don’t have much to offer for this report. We think of our Brother Rats often. So, each of you and your loved ones stay well. Fond regards, Stan.”

Joe Fil sent a nice Christmas letter and now has updated his information. To my surprise, Joe’s update came by U.S. Mail.

He says that he has “completely screwed up” his e-mail and now must wait for one or more of the grandchildren to update his system (and himself). Maybe by the time this is published, we’ll be able to communicate. Joe is very proud of his number one son, Joe Jr., as are we all. Over Christmas, Joe and Sue welcomed Joe Jr. as he brought his 1st Cavalry Division back from Iraq. Joe Jr. has now gone to Korea as a lieutenant general to command

8th Army. Joe also sent me some pictures.

There’s a lovely photo of Joe and Sue’s lakefront view and an unlovely photo of Joe in bed with three dogs. I’m sure you would all like to see these, but the Alumni Review is a family publication, so I’ll not submit them.

I want to close these notes by thanking Mrs. Patricia Warner Bolander, (Southern Sem ’47 and ’49) who has shared with me memories of Jimmy Valentine and others of our Brother Rats. Mrs. Bolander lives across the river from me at Kure Beach, NC, and is regularly in touch with Al Stupalsky ’48B. I appreciate this indication that others read my sparse notes.

’49B

Dan Smaw

Thanks to all who sent cards and notes at Christmas – they were greatly appreciated and are the source of much that will follow.

As is becoming all too familiar, there are two Brother Rat and one Sister Rat deaths to report. Walter Whitehurst died in Orlando, FL, Dec. 20, 2007. A graveside service was held December 28 at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA. Grover and Teancy Outland attended the service. Our sympathy goes out to Walter’s two sons and their families.

On Jan. 7, 2008, Nelson Overton died of an apparent heart attack at home in Hampton, VA. Margaret Lee said it was a total surprise, because Nelson and his doctor had been closely monitoring his blood pressure etc. since his heart attack years earlier, and it was well under control.

A memorial service was held January 11 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Newport News. The church was packed, and the service was beautiful with the recessional hymn being the “VMI Spirit.”

Carel and Ikey Humme, Greg and Kitty Nelson, Grover and Teancy Outland, Bill and Nada Sweeney, Mack and Inge Van Hook, and Bob and Ann Patterson ’49C attended the service. Our condolences go out to Margaret Lee and their three children and their families.

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CLASS NOTES Jack Johnson wrote that his wife, Ann, died last summer. Jack moved to ME where his four children live, and he says they spoil him big time. Our sympathy goes out to Jack and his children on their great loss.

In November, Greg and Kitty Nelson, Beanie Branch, Benny and Page Harmon, Nux Enochs, Grover and Teancy Outland, and Mack Van Hook got together for lunch just outside Richmond. As usual, they had a great time. Greg, his younger son and Benny Harmon attended the Charleston Southern game in Lexington, in early November, and ran into George and Jane Dooley, who are regulars at VMI games.

At the Dallas Reunion, Louise and I had breakfast a couple of times with Bill and Nada Sweeney, which we enjoyed. I mentioned to Bill that it would be nice if he wrote his class agent once in awhile. He more than accepted the challenge, with a lengthy letter in November, bringing me up to date on his family and his and Nada’s activities. He still does mediation for lawyers, as well as teaches part time at Liberty University. He is also chairman of the House Ethics Committee for the Virginia General Assembly. Nada is involved with grandchildren, history and antiques. She is on the board of the Lynchburg Woman’s Club and the administrative board at their church. Their three children and grandchildren live close by, which is a blessing that I wish we shared with them. Bill and Nada hope to take a trip to Ireland in May. Pat and Betty Lu Bridges sent a fall newsletter in lieu of a Christmas one.

They go to an exercise class several times a week. Betty Lu stays busy with church work and the Virginia Beach Library, while Pat is trying to start a Rotary Club in the southern part of VA Beach. Their family grew by two great-grandchildren during the year.

Charlie Upshaw called in early December to update me on his grandson, Andrew ’06. Andrew is stationed some 60 miles north of Baghdad and is in Military Intelligence. Charlie said he will work on the ’49B medics to see that they are well represented at our 60th in April ’09.

Earthmole Lewis called in December to say he had bought a bottle of 50 year-old

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brandy to be claimed by the ’49B who is left for our final reunion – date to be determined.

I talked with Ronnie Gault in December, and he is still short of breath and fatigued a lot of the time. Incidentally, Margaret Lee Overton sent me a picture from a January Richmond paper of Ronnie’s granddaughter, who was married in September.

Hotz Lardon wrote in late December to say his health seems fine, and he is doing some consulting in Toronto, mostly by phone. Since San Diego is a walking city, and Hotz lives right in the heart of downtown, he tries to walk every day. He heard it is essential to walk rapidly, so he shifts into marching and daydreams that he is a Rat once again and is marching behind A Company and the horses. He alternates songs from “Stars and Stripes Forever” to “The Spirit” to “Colonel Bogey.” In case anyone thinks by his humming that he is just a senile old man, he does not wear a VMI hat.

Jack and Pat Evans lost a 19-year-old granddaughter in March, who died very suddenly just four months after delivering her first child. Pat is still feeling very well and is quite optimistic after her two cancer operations, which were reported earlier.

They believe their move to Sun City from East TX was good, in that they have great medical facilities nearby.

In November, Ding and Nobbie Patton took a 23-day trip to China. They flew to Beijing and went all over the country, including the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, the MagLev Train at 250 mph and several days in Shanghai, which they said was a beautiful city. They both said it was a very exhausting trip with their guide getting them up for a full days touring, which sometimes lasted until 8 p.m. They flew home from Hong Kong.

Lon and Doris Walter had a great time at the Walter’s family reunion in New Iberia, LA, during Thanksgiving week. There were 40 in attendance, and their daughter, Beverly, did a wonderful job in planning and arranging everything.

Carel and Ikey Humme said 2007 was quite a year for those living in the vicinity of Jamestown during the 400th anniversary of the founding of the country. The two weeks prior to May 13 saw ever increas-

ing security for the visit of the queen and the president. Carel is a volunteer at the Church on Jamestown Island, so he was having crowds of visitors twice the size of previous years. He and Ikey traveled quite a bit during the year and made good use of their timeshares. Their health is pretty good, but like all of us, they are a little slower each year.

John and Mary Haggerty had a delightful tour of Ireland led by their pastor in September. They flew to Dublin and made a complete circuit of the country. Their bus driver filled them in on Irish history and kept them entertained for 11 days. From Ireland, they flew to Switzerland to visit a son and his wife. Mary still plays tennis and enjoys line dancing at the senior center. John keeps busy with his tax service and volunteer activities.

Harv and Barbara Bradley gave up FL and moved back to GA full time. Last winter when the snow birds and their friends and relatives descended on The Villages, Harv could not get a desirable tee time, even though The Villages have 12, 27-hole courses and 22 par 3 courses. That did it for FL. In December, son Colby, who used to come to our reunions as a young child, received his MBA from Auburn. In May, they had a family reunion in Hendersonville, NC, with Barbara’s cousins. In September, they drove to Bar Harbor, ME, to a wedding of Barbara’s cousin’s son.

Sam and Julie Marty celebrated their 56th anniversary with family in San Diego.

Sam still sees patients part-time, and Julie stays busy with church and other volunteer work. They had a trip to Italy as well as one to New Orleans during the year. They also got in two or three Dixieland Jazz Fests.

Their first great-grandchild was born and was baptized by one of their son-in-laws.

Axel Bolvig wrote that he is still having “fever of unknown origin,” which he thinks is the first diagnosis taught in med school.

He and Lynne are planning on the 60th.

Vernon Patterson wrote that his granddaughter enjoyed seeing the VMI girl’s soccer team play Wofford in Spartanburg, SC. Leo and Evelyn Soucek had their whole family together for Christmas for the first time in a number of years. Their younger son had recently returned from Iraq. Leo was in Walter Reed for four days earlier in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the year for pneumonia, which was hard to shake. Just one of the joys of aging.

He and Evelyn are looking forward to the 60th.

Dick and Dot Rawles were looking forward to a Panama Canal cruise of 11 days in January. Following that, Dick was to have knee replacement, which he is not looking forward to. Good luck, Dick.

Mark and Helen Casey said they were sorry to miss the Dallas Reunion, but Mark had been having some problems. Now, however, he is showing improvement.

He continues therapy three times a week and is starting to walk with the help of a walker. It is sort of one day at a time with them. We wish you well, Mark, and are expecting you both at the 60th.

Grover Outland said the Christmas card reminded him of some hilarious afternoons sliding down the hill on our wonderful sleds – our room chairs. Grover says he and Teancy are doing well. Teancy says she needs to teach Grover how to use a computer. I am afraid she has a near hopeless task ahead.

Jean Thomason said they recently lost their 14-year-old little dog, and the dog’s illness was the reason they were not going to CT for Christmas. Their daughter and two granddaughters were coming to Charlotte instead. Several of us know how hard it is to lose a dog, so our sympathy is with you. Bobby still plays some golf, but it is usually every week or so – arthritis is a problem. Jean has back trouble from time to time. They plan to be at the 60th “with bells on.”

Risque and Felice Benedict celebrated their 21st anniversary in November by visiting Chincoteague and Assateague and stayed in a bed and breakfast recommended by daughter Kathy. They enjoyed the abundance of wildlife – heron, geese, ducks and wild ponies, one of which tried to get in their car.

In May and June, Bob and Barbara Jeffries took an extended trip to Asia, since their son, Andrew, had taken a job there in January. On the way, they visited son Christopher in Seattle. While in the Philippines, they visited Bagio and saw the Philippine Military Academy. Bob remembers some Philippine officers visiting VMI while we were there to get ideas for their

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academy, which was to be about the same size. He said it is similar in many ways.

They then visited Bali and noted that the people were lovely, as well as environmentally conscious. They are planning to come to the 60th with Risque and Felice Benedict.

Ed and Deegee Watling had a busy year, with Deegee doing basically what she has been doing in past years – tennis, book club, lap swimming, art and a little substitute teaching, as well as Republican Party work. Ed is active in prostate cancer support work at Walter Reed, Red Cross volunteer work and various professional societies. He tore his Achilles tendon in June and was in a boot for six weeks. At the end of October, he had a right knee replacement – left had been done. His recovery went well and faster than expected.

Ardis Morriss spent the winter in Ft. Myers, FL, and had a fun and busy time with lots of bridge, plays, movies, eating out and a little golf thrown in. In July, she and her oldest granddaughter took a tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In October, while in FL, she had her first automobile wreck (not her fault) in which her car was totaled, but she was not hurt due to seatbelt use and airbag deployment.

She and two good friends, the Gordons visited Cozumel, Mexico in the fall. While Larry was working on his Master Diver rating, she and Julia kept the economy going. Right after Christmas she was headed to FL for the winter.

Danny and Beth Myers had visits during the year from some of Beth’s Canadian family, as well as from three of his West Point classmates. On Labor Day, they held the 15th Myers Family Reunion at the Embassy Suites in Silicon Valley, CA. They now have two grandsons attending the University of Hawaii. One, Josh Rice, is first team on their very successful football team. Danny has a new book, Food Water Energy & Human Survival, which is available online. Congratulations, Danny.

Joe and Shirley Spitler had some trips visiting family and old Army friends, as well as one back to VA in September for Joe’s Luray High School reunion. After the reunion, they visited family and friends in Richmond and at Shenandoah National Park. Shirley continues with knitting, and

Joe does Habitat for Humanity and math tutoring most weeks. He is learning some astronomy and can conduct a decent tour to the telescopes at Kitt Peak Observatory.

They remain in good health.

Clint Hurt wrote that he and Rose Anne were going to visit Selden and Betty Lu Stephens for five days beginning the first of February. I did not learn the purpose until talking with Betty Lu later. It is Mobile Mardi Gras, and the Stephens and Hurts always go and celebrate in a big way. When talking with Selden, he said his grandson, Matt Talbott ’11, had called to tell him he had just broken out of the Ratline. That made Selden’s day. I reminded Selden that it was the 59th anniversary of our graduation. Betty Lu said they are doing OK with some days being better than others.

Greg Nelson invited all the Brother and Sister Rats in VA and MD to a luncheon just outside Richmond on Jan. 29, 2008, to celebrate our day of graduation. He said everyone had a wonderful time.

That was seconded by Leo Soucek in a separate e-mail. Those in attendance were: Carel and Ikey Humme, Dan and June Payne, Leo and Evelyn Soucek, Tommy and Gladys Challoner, George and Jane Dooley, Jackie Prillaman, Grover and Teancy Outland, Mack Van Hook (It was Inge’s 80th birthday, and her children took priority), Beanie Branch, Ed and Deegee Watling, Jean Pack, Tom and Virginia Cooke, Libby Smith, Margaret Lee Overton and daughter Nancy, Pat and Betty Lu Bridges, Benny and Page Harmon, Nux Enochs and his guest Beth Skufca, and Greg and Kitty Nelson. George and Jean Wolfe had to cancel because Jean was not up to it. Bill Stribling cancelled because of severe back pain that made movement uncomfortable.

Greg said they had about an hour before lunch to socialize and everyone seemed to have a great time. He was surprised and gratified that the response had been so great. His foremost reason for the gathering was for all Brother Rats to have a sort of mini reunion – his mission was accomplished. Ed Watling sent some great pictures of the group, which clearly showed they were having a fine time, thanks, Ed.

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CLASS NOTES I talked with Lon Walter on the 29th, and as usual, we covered the waterfront of topics. He and Doris are doing well and coping with the aches and pains of growing older, as we all are.

Tom Cooke sent an article about the basketball team. Since then injuries have claimed our top two players, and we aren’t doing well at the moment. I hope that changes pretty soon.

We all need to think of those BRs who have not attended reunions regularly and give them a call about our 60th, which will be in April 2009.

Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual Giving. For the others, do it now.

It is the participation that counts.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Stewart Snoddy Jr.

I regret that I have to start with a piece of sad news. Our late BR Earle Wood’s wife, Jean, suffered a massive stroke recently and succumbed shortly thereafter. Fortunately, no suffering was involved. She was to be buried on the Feb. 14, 2008, in Raleigh alongside Earle. My involvement in the situation was very limited due to the fact that I was borderline hypoglycemic when their son called with the news. I did extend the sympathies of the class to him and the family. Caroline Robertson is going to send me a copy of the obit when she receives it from a friend in Raleigh. So, if you would like details, please give me a call. This incident brings to mind another novel fact about our class. I’ll comment on it later.

As usual, there’s major good news and bad news to report this quarter. First, the major piece of pleasant reporting – the Antietam Illumination tour. The following BRs with spouses met on Nov. 30, 2007, at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV, under the superb leadership of Heinie Henzel – Jud Ellis, Haywood France, Tom Hawkins, John Holladay, Gus Robbins ’47, Bruce Taylor and yours truly. Unfortunately, Stock and Jean Fleming had to cancel out at the last minute

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because of minor health problems. That evening we took advantage of the fall menu of the Inn which specialized in wild game. Really nice selections that got us off to a running start.

The next morning we had an early buffet breakfast and were on our charter bus and rolling by 8 a.m.! Most of the morning was spent touring the countryside and the South Mountain passes. In doing this, Heinie explained that the battle of Antietam occurred because Lee had decided to attack the North by heading up the west side of South Mountain in MD. This resulted in McClellan moving his troops out from the security of DC. To cross the mountain, they concentrated on coming through Crampton’s and Turner’s gaps, and we were there! Really rugged terrain which was well fought over as both sides headed toward Sharpsburg. During this period, Lee had an extraordinary stroke of bad luck. A copy of his orders was mislaid/ lost, and McClellan became fully aware of his plans. It should be noted that in the area many of the buildings that were present during that time period are still standing which made it easy to picture the then situation.

Luncheon arrangements worked out well, and we all enjoyed our Bavarian Inn sandwiches, cookies and the cold beer in a very pleasant picnic area. The day was comparatively warm and sunny, so it gave us the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and some sparkling conversation.

Of course, Heinie gave us a detailed tour of the battlefield and brought the event to life with his spirited description of the situation.

Naturally, we saw the Burnside Bridge, the Cornfield, the Sunken Road (Bloody Lane) and the Dunker Church, and heard all the details as only Heinie can present them and make them come to life. Two interesting highlights were the locations of the buildings of Lee’s and McClellan’s headquarters.

Lee’s was in a small building just behind the actual fighting, while McClellan’s was distant and in a rather sumptuous farmhouse. If McClellan had been with it militarily when the battle began, Heinie indicated that he might have won and dramatically changed the course of the war.

After a brief return to the Inn, and a libation, we drove back to the Park since night

had descended. The drive through the battlefield with 24,000 luminaries placed to represent those killed, wounded and missing in action was awe inspiring! The display really brought home the losses suffered on both sides and the enormity of the tragedy. Those of us who were fortunate enough to make the trip are indebted to Heinie for providing us with this memorable opportunity.

Overall, Heinie did a super, super job.

Not only was his personally guided tour of the day an exemplary one, but all his arrangements at the Bavarian Inn were first rate – except for that 8 A.M. departure time!!! There are just some of us “old folks” who don’t respond well to such timing. Heinie, our many, many thanks for a wonderful trip; it is just too bad that more of our class couldn’t have joined us and filled the empty seats on the bus.

The bad news is concerned with the VMI Post Tour which has been featured in the news letters and other communications. In order to make the trip to Lexington more worthwhile, the length was extended by one day to permit us to take in the Friday Parade. Sounds simple enough, however, the best made plans oft times go astray!

I had checked with the sales manager of the Holiday Inn Express as to whether we could extend an extra day, and the answer was positive. In making dining arrangements, I came to learn that the weekend was a big one at the Horse Center. So I told the sales manager to double check so there would be no mistake. She called back with an OK. I proceeded to inform those expressing an interest in the trip to extend their reservations and sent out another schedule of events. Some were able to add a day, but others started to call in that space was not available. A trip to the Holiday Inn revealed that a W&L group had moved in and taken the rooms promised to us. The sales manager apologized for the mistake, would not cancel the W&L group (a much bigger source of revenue), but did offer us rooms in two other motels in their chain. Being located in different motels would not have made for a first-rate reunion!!! The general manager told me, through a clerk, to see the sales manager. I have been unable to get in touch with Holiday Inn corporate to

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CLASS NOTES protest. If one of you has an active address and the name of the CEO please send it to me. I doubt that HQ will be able to do any good, but we can refuse in the future to book any rooms at Holiday Inn. With the situation having bottomed out, I canceled the reservations and the plans for the tour.

I am hoping we can incorporate the tour into our 60th next year. Believe me, I was just as disappointed as all of you planning to attend. You can only plough the same ground a limited number of times!

The medical report for this quarter centers on Cappy Moncure. He returned to the neurologist the beginning of this month who assessed his situation and concluded that some extra spinal fluid should be withdrawn. The action did not produce any immediate results, but now Cappy will live with the reduced spinal fluid volume and see if it improves his mobility. He is getting around now, but he is not into foot races. Connie is holding up in her nursing role and is just as optimistic as ever. Let’s pray that further improvement in the condition now starts to make an appearance.

Returning to Earle Wood, I don’t know how many of you remember that his sister, Lolly, was the wife of BR Pete Davies.

Earle and Lolly represented one of the four brother/sister combination in which a sister married a BR. In addition to the Woods, Bob Ellett’s sister, Louise, married Jim Cobb; Haywood France’s sister, Sarah, married Dan Forsyth; and my sister, Azalea, married Jud Ellis. That’s quite a record which further reinforces the uniqueness of our class. Of course the fact that our class is the only one whose diplomas were signed, and presented, by George C. Marshall will live with ’49C forever!

Good health and happiness to all!

’50A

R.R. Mandt

Jennings and Harriett Bunch are doing well, except for Harriett’s need to recover from shoulder surgery she had on Feb. 6, 2008, which prevented her from accompanying Jennings on a trip to China from mid-October to early November. The trip

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is part of his duties with the American International Cultural Exchange Institute (AICEI).

Elliott and Nancy Hudgins are doing fairly well, except Elliott’s had a reaction to a flu shot he had recently. Elliott’s doctor was concerned about the symptoms Elliott was having. The doctor did extensive tests and was concerned that the statin drug he was taking might have damaged his heart. Elliott was having trouble using his hands for simple tasks. Fortunately, there was no heart damage, and he is feeling much better now and says he even trimmed three trees recently. Elliott’s son, Reed, just graduated from the Army’s Joint Force Staff College, which requires a very high security clearance.

Bill and Anne Moore: Bill and his son, David ’86, have been enjoying some skiing in the class agent’s home state of WV recently, for two weeks with three of David’s children. Anne had been elected to baby sit their two youngest ones, who are 2 and 4 years old. Anne’s complaint was that one of them at a time is delightful, but the two together was a totally different story, and Anne was very happy when her duty was over. Bill wanted me to pass along to our BR, Rick Martin, that he was the best and oldest skier on the slopes, since Rick used to be an avid skier.

Gene Witcher: Gene advised me that he sold his home and large acreage in Buffalo, TX, and has moved to a town called The Woodlands, TX, which is just north of Houston. Gene says he resumed driving his car three weeks ago and is looking forward to some travel. He has ordered a new BMW hardtop convertible and hopes he can drive west to Sedona, AZ, and later to the Baja Peninsula. His car is due in the end of April.

Ken and B.J. Stagg just got back from a very exciting trip to Africa, with three other couples, for a period of 11 days. They visited the provinces where most of the African animals can be seen. Their flight took them into Killimanjaro, and from there, they went to the regions where a majority of the African animals could be seen, including lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos. Ken commented on the shortage of Rhinos due to the natives’ practice of killing them for ivory and other useful products.

Bill and Carol Clark: Carol is doing fine and sounded very good on the phone.

Bill has had a new problem with his heart having been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and has been put on a blood thinning medication, which has seemed to help him.

Bill has turned his observatory business over to his son, who he says is doing very well with it. Bill and Carol are please that all of their children live within 100 miles of them. He is very proud of his grandson and granddaughter, who are in law school at the University of Mississippi.

’50B

Ralph Warren

Another year, another season, another reason to make WHOOPEE! With two minis a year, we are doing pretty well on the WHOOPEE scale. Let’s plan on making it three years in a row.

There was another FL mini in January, well attended by Dave and Joan Fleming, Braxton and Judith Green, Tom Handy, Tommy and Mary Virginia Harwood, Bob and Nancy Lynd, Alex, Nancy and Matthew Mitchell, Bee and Frankie Rhees, Ralph and Marilyn Warren and Robin and Alice White. It can be reported that great fun was had by all with dinner at the Lighthouse restaurant on Sunday, golf for some on Monday afternoon and dinner at Olde Hickory Country Club Monday evening. Our ability to play golf and have dinner at Olde Hickory was thanks to Ajax.

This good news comes from Koko Kovarik: “After the death of Georgie Day in November 2006, I moped around and visited my boys and their families. We had signed up for a winter bridge tournament, but I lacked a partner. I asked Karen Rooch if she would fill in. I had known Karen from bridge for four years. She said yes. We played together for 16 games, won half, and at the end I asked her to marry me. We were married on July 17th at Lake of the Woods Church. Karen is a soft spoken, intelligent college grad with a master’s degree who worked on Capital Hill for the Ways and Means Committee. She loves Michigan State and Bronco football and the

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CLASS NOTES Detroit Tigers Baseball. She has moved in (including her cat) and is selling her house at LOW. We went on our honeymoon to Nashville to the Community Concert Association’s previews of artists available for the following year. Karen is subscription chairman, and I now find myself on the board with her. In October, we spent a week in the Virginia Beach area and took in Jamestown, the aquarium, some old houses and Norfolk. The following weekend, I introduced Karen to VMI. Ken’s family met us at VMI, where Zack is a senior. Karen liked the band’s bagpipes. (The band appeared in the Rose Bowl Parade, and Karen told me, we must watch them on the Home and Garden Channel for the best coverage.)”

Congratulations, Koko, and welcome to ’50B, Karen. We will look forward to meeting you in the near future.

From HI, Dave Soracco wrote the following epistle: “A warm Aloha from Oahu.

Sara and I arrived from Bellevue on Nov. 1, 2007. Washington was starting to get cold and rainy, and so it was past time to head for nicer weather. This year we will spend Christmas in St. Louis. John and Peter will join us there. We will return to Oahu by Jan. 8. Of course, Sara and I will have to make a side stop for some warm clothes.

Susan, Steve, William, 11, and Sara, 9, are still in St. Louis. John is at the Navy War College in Newport, RI. He will graduate in March and then move to Washington, DC. Peter, still in Carlsbad, CA, is an avid fisherman as well as golfer.

He enjoyed a 10-day yellow fin tuna trip off Mexico during Thanksgiving week. In June, Sara and Dave visited Door County, WI, and enjoyed a reunion with some of Sara’s Depauw classmates. We then continued on to Newport to visit John, see the Tall Ships and eat some lobster.

August found us in St. Louis, starting the grandkids off to school and experiencing record high temperatures. Otherwise we have been blessed with a healthy, enjoyable and peaceful year, and hope the same is true for you.”

Margery Van Ommeren wrote: “As I write this letter, I cannot believe how quickly this year has passed by. It has been a busy but sad one for me. Will died on July 22, 2007. It was a difficult year for

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him. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago and rarely showed any signs, but in April, it started to progress. He could not swallow and walking became a problem. In May, he was admitted to the hospital where a feeding tube was inserted. After he left the hospital, he was admitted to the Skilled Nursing unit where we live. Of course, we were looking forward to July 26 – the date we chose to leave our cottage (duplex) and move to a new apartment complex. As time progressed, he regressed, and the morning of July 11, he requested I contact each member of our family. He had planned what he would say to each one. It was a surprise to them, not expecting this type of call.

Needless to say, it was a ‘red eye’ day with much crying. I did not think he would be alive the next day, but he lived for another 1-1/2 weeks after that. I wondered why he wanted to talk with everyone on Wednesday and then realized by Friday that he spoke only in a whisper – God’s timing is perfect. Oh, how I miss him, but the Lord has given me peace knowing where Will is and that he has no more pain. Will died on July 22, but since moving arrangements were already made, I still moved on July 26 and had his memorial service on July 27. My family was here to help with the service and the whole process of packing and unpacking, which was a tremendous blessing.

I am concentrating on the blessings Will and I had in our 57 years together. I have also been blessed with lots of support from my family, dear friends and my church family.”

Vaughn Tweedy wrote the following: “Last March we finally found a dog to replace the miniature dachshund we lost to the coyotes. She was 7 months old, ‘house-trained,’ registered, spayed, had all shots, was micro-chipped and came with a lot of the toys, feeding pans and even a cage for her to sleep in. What a deal! The couple had only had her for three months, as she was a Christmas present form their daughter. They said they were selling her because the dog affected the husband’s asthma. So they said. She was a very loving little dog who would curl up each morning on Bonnie’s lap while she read the paper. Some bad characteristics she

had were she would not come when called, and she would run from us when it was time to take her for a walk. She really did not like to take walks, which was one of the reasons for our getting a dog. You have to take them for walks; therefore, you also go for a walk. Another bad characteristic was that she preferred making her mess in the house instead of in our fenced-in back yard. So we put up a pair of dog gates to keep her from ‘going’ all over the house.

Last July 24th, as I was throwing my legs over one of the barriers, my loose loafer on the right foot hung up on the top bar of the barrier. I could have stayed on my feet by kicking the barrier across the room, but I elected to fall to the floor to save the gate. That was a dreadful mistake. I forgot that at the age of 80 years, you don’t just fall on the floor, but will probably break something. I broke my left arm at the shoulder and the elbow and had to go to the hospital to have the fractures fixed and also to receive two units of blood, which I had lost bleeding into the tissues of the left arm and left side all the way down the left leg. The result is, I had to spend four nights in the hospital and from July until now I have been recovering from that injury. The moral of that story is that if you live to be as old as 80 years and have a choice, elect to stay on your feet instead of taking a fall. At this point it is still a question as to whether I will be able to continue playing golf, but hopefully, I will recover most of the use of my left arm. If not, then possibly a change to the other side like a switch hitter might work.

That would require a tremendous amount of adjustment on my part. At first Bonnie had to take almost complete care of me, dressing, bathing as well as bandage changes included. The upshot of all this is that I finally realize how old I am and have begun to act accordingly. This life changing event happened shortly before I was scheduled to make a trip to VA; needless to say I didn’t make the trip. Currently my plans are to visit VA sometime next spring and hope to see some of you then.

Incidentally, last month we did give the dog to Bonnie’s niece and namesake who had taken her for about a month while I was having to be ‘cared’ for. During that time she was able to housebreak the dog.

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CLASS NOTES She loves the dog, Lexie is her name, and takes her everywhere she goes, even to church. The conclusion, we finally came to realize that puppies are not meant for old folks, but first you have to admit you’re old folks. Much earlier in the year, I had a prostate procedure for a low-grade prostate cancer. It went well, but it was something else to get through the post-op period with all the swelling (edema). Last summer, from middle June to early July, we took a Russian River Cruise that started in Moscow and ended in St. Petersburg. We also chose to take the extension that included Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland. The whole trip was wonderful, and we enjoyed the people as well as the scenery. Some of the palaces left over from the days of the Russian Czars were magnificent. We had a particularly pretty and well-spoken guide, who I guess was in her early thirties or late twenties. She told us that her main joy and hope in life was her young son. Her husband had left her to go back and live with his parents. I told her that any man who would leave her to do that had something wrong with him. An interesting comment from all of our Russian guides was that they liked the American people but did not like our government, and we said that we had the same opinion only in the reverse.”

The following tale of adventure and travail comes from Peyton Robertson: “This has been quite a challenging year with lots of joyful occasions combined with a major trauma. On New Year’s Eve, Edie threw a party to celebrate Peyton’s approaching birthday on Jan. 4, 2007 (his 80th). But just two weeks later, while Edie was at the dentist, the fire alarm went off. Peyton opened the door to see smoke pouring down the hall. (A fire had started in a studio just around the hallway corner.)

Peyton quickly exited the building, but the contents of 1207 didn’t fare as well. All our possessions were damaged by smoke and had to be replaced or restored. We were lucky to be offered a studio on the 10th floor where we camped out until May. Then we moved to Waterloo, our beach cottage, where we celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary on June 21. During our winter exile, we journeyed to Greece to do a ‘classical tour,’ Athens, Mycenae, Delphi et al, which included a short sea

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voyage to Turkey to visit Ephesus. Our sadness at saying farewell to Greece (all spruced up for the 2004 Olympics) was assuaged by a weekend in Ljubliana, Slovenia. We were treated royally by Peyton’s nephew, Tom Robertson and his wife, Antoinette. Tom was winding up a three year tour as ambassador to that beautiful country. After flying over the snow covered Alps in March, we were rewarded by another breathtaking view from the air. This time, the Grand Canyon! Our son, Brooke, celebrated his 50th birthday with friends in Las Vegas, and we joined the crew. It was indeed an exotic adventure for us old folks! We officially gained entrance to our digs in July – but we sneaked up in June with deck chairs to watch the Tall Ships parade from our 12th floor balcony. Virginia pulled out all the stops to celebrate 1607, starting in April when the queen of England arrived with her myriad of hats!

Edie, her sisters, Mary and Anne, and our daughter, Elizabeth, did Jamestown in July and paid homage to Pocahontas-a Robertson forebear. We are still refurbishing and redecorating our apartment. Our insurance company, (USAA), was most prompt and responsive to our needs! We took time off in September to attend the batmitzvar of our granddaughter, Sylvia Brooke Laytin, in Easthampton, New York. The ceremony was very moving and Sylvia beautifully composed. Then in October, there was a reunion of Robertson’s at Wintergreen (in the Blue Ridge Mountains) planned by the younger generation to pay tribute to Peyton’s 80 years. We found out we could still hike those rocky mountain trails. Later in October, Peyton flew to Ann Arbor to join Elizabeth and our grandson, Nevada, for parent’s day at the University of Michigan. Peyton had thought the spirit of VMI reigned supreme, but the students and alumnae surpassed all as Michigan whomped Minnesota on the football field.

In November, Peyton and Melissa, with their two ‘adorables,’ Ian and Emma, joined us for Thanksgiving – to make all the joyous occasions of 2007 salve the – the the – what trauma?”

I received the following information from VMI concerning our ’50B Academic Scholarship Fund: The 1950B Memorial Scholarship Fund is, and will continue to

be, a vital source of assistance for members of the Corps. In the current year, this fund is providing a total of $30,740 in support of the following cadets: Elizabeth A. Carlos ’11, a civil engineering major from Great Falls, VA; Christina R. MowattLarssen ’09, an international studies major from Herndon, VA; Patrick S. Pillow ’09, an international studies major from Lynchburg, VA; Megan E. Strand ’09, a biology major from Fredricksburg, VA; and Owen T. Trotman ’10 an economics major from Chesapeake, VA. As of June 30, 2007, the close of the fiscal year, the ’50B Scholarship Fund had a market value of $781,527.

Jim Flippen says he expects to watch a lot of basketball on the tube during the six weeks; he will not be able to put any weight on his leg following his January ankle replacement at Duke. I just got off the phone with Jim, and his ankle replacement went well, and his rehab is right on schedule. He says he has had a cadaver bone put in his back, a knee replacement and a tooth implant; so, there isn’t much of the original model left.

Yerbury Burnham says 2007 was a good year, until he found out that he had to have an eye exam to get his driver’s license. He also says he spent most of the year recovering from shingles, and his broken ankle and foot. He said that they weren’t bad breaks, but I never heard of a good one.

John Taylor writes that he and Ruth went to “Xmas in Lex” at the Meredith’s and saw the Christmas Parade on Saturday night.

“The Keydets looked good, but the VMI women put everyone to shame! Also, the redone VMI museum is really well done.”

Deedee Shepherd wants everybody to know that he very much enjoyed the “get well” card from the BRs and wives that he received during the mini. He also wants everybody to know that the abscess on his liver has been cured, and the colon cancer has been removed. He’ll have to take chemo for six months, and then it will all be history. What great news!!

Bill Kuykendall says that he is sorry that he and Bunny couldn’t make either of the minis, but maybe next year. He also sent the news that he and Bunny shared time in France last August with Herb and M.M. Harris from Paris to Nice.

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CLASS NOTES Over the holidays, I heard from Red and Ruth Bragg, Frank and Anne Cox, Tom Eva, Braxton and Judith Green, Tom and Norma Kelly, Bill and Catherine Kelly, Joe Kohen, Mitch and Edie Lawrence, Dick Leithiser, Bill Lewis, Jeanette Nardello, Jean and Ed Oast, Vince Palazzo, Joan Phillips, Jerry and Jane Smallwood, Hoge and Laura Sutherland, Dick and Julia Woodman, and Bob Young, See you next Review.

’51

John Ross

These notes cover the period of Nov. 8, 2007, to Feb. 10, 2008.

Marie and I drove down to Lexington for The Institute Society Dinner on Nov. 9, 2007. We were joined by Peg and Willard Hays, Jessie and Sam Scott, Barbara and Jack Lowden, Jeanne and Bob Nolley, and Phyllis Jraf Johnson and Jerry Eggleston.

The superintendent, Gen. Peay ’62, stopped by our table to wish Bob Nolley well in his fight with cancer, which was much appreciated.

On the following day, Marie and I attended our first Class Agent Conference.

We were surprised to learn that the largest source of funding for the Institute’s budget comes from private support (34.7%), while the state provides only 25.8%. we were also made aware of the numerous construction projects, improvements and changes at VMI. I urge everyone to visit and experience for yourself the dynamic spirit that permeates our alma mater. If this is not practical, I hope you will take the time to view the DVD “Vision 2039,” which is outstanding, and to read Gen. Peay’s ’62 letter of July 9, 2007 (Summer/ Fall 2007 Alumni Review, pages 4-10.)

Through the efforts of Johnny Gray and Pat Parker, and Peg and Willard Hays a mini reunion has been scheduled for April 14-15, 2008, in Lexington. Now how about 2009 – who will step up?

On my return from Lexington, I read Roger Little’s annual greeting to the “OLD MARINES” of ’51 on the Corps’ birthday.

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Ed May, Jack (Sookie) Hill, Johnny Gray, and Bob Nolley had lunch in Richmond in mid November.

Tom Wornham checked in and reported that he and Pinkie were having a great time touring Sicily, while the firestorm engulfed Southern CA. Tom, who lives in La Jolla, CA, is very thankful that neither he nor his children suffered significant property damage.

I congratulated Homer Ambrose on his son’s engagement announcement, which appeared in The Washington Post.

Bill Caldwell called toward the end of November to report that George Cohen’s son, Gardner, who was named after his uncle and our Brother Rat Edwards, lost his long fight to a debilitating disease. I know we all send George our prayers on his tragic loss. Bill asked me to remember him to Rave Marshall. When I called Rave to give him Bill’s message, he recounted that Sheila and he had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Jim Close called at the beginning of December and reported that he had dinner with Shirley and Frans Kasteel. Jim reports that Frans is still heavily involved with the Coast Guard.

On Dec. 4, 2007, Richard Herrmann passed away. After military service, Richard had over 30 years of service in the Richmond area. On behalf of the class, I sent a note of condolence to Mrs. Herrmann and the family, and made a contribution for the class to the VMI Foundation in Richard’s memory.

I did not have time to send birthday cards to our Brother Rats with December birthdays, so I tried to call them. I reached or left messages for Art Johns, Jigger Baxley, Sookie Hill, Bounce Carstens and Ken (Hogye) Crisp. Art reports he is on oxygen and is being treated for a bad case of emphysema. Bounce and Sally Carstens intend to make the mini reunion in April. Ken reports he lost his wife after a long illness and that he is not in the best of health.

Jim Strickland’s daughter, Charlotte Cole, sought my assistance to publish her mother’s obituary in the Alumni Review.

Velma (Vicki) Strickland, Jim’s wife, died March 5, 2007. Hope Hennessy, the editor, was very helpful. She advised that it was

policy not to publish obituaries of alumni relatives, unless they are affiliated with the Institute or its agencies. However, Hope did file the obituary submitted by Charlotte.

I had a nice note from Charlotte Marr in mid December, in which she reminisced about how much Tom loved the Institute.

We certainly will miss Tom, who was a regular at our reunions.

Marie and I received numerous coads and notes celebrating the Christmas season. Pat Parker and Johnny Gray were the first to check in. In no particular order we received cards from: Glennie Brown, Amita and Richard Chaplin, Ann Penner, Phil Barton, Joan and Henry Bryan, Gracelyn and Skip Parks, Sheila and Rave Marshall, Jessie and Sam Scott, Cindy and Jim Marshall, Rose and Fred Anson, Eleonore and John Blakemore, Nancy Bell, Mary Lee and Ed May, Mavian and Steve Meader, Sally and Carl Carstens, Pat and Duane Holloway, Jean and Paul Robinson, Carolyn McCallum, Scott Underwood, Barbara and Jack Lowden, Cathie and Gib Gay, Nancy and Jack Hill, Pete Philip, Dick Lawrence, Marie and Homer Ambrose, and John Herring.

Included in many of the cards were informative notes. Dick Lawrence (two years VMI and four years USMA) retired to Austin, TX, after 33 years in the Army as a lieutenant general.

Jim and Cindy Marshall are taking an 18-day African safari in April. Jim, ever the optimist, is looking forward to our 60th Reunion and hopes it will be on a weekend. Fred Anson reported his knees are not so hot, but he still intends to suit up for the Alumni Basketball game on Feb. 9, 2008.

That’s Spirit, Fred.

Scott Underwood, wondered if the VMI Christmas card picture was circa 1947-51.

I checked, and VMI Archives dates it 1955. In addition to a note, I had a long telephone call from Paul Robinson. He is still in snowing WI, while Jean continues to recuperate from major surgery. Paul hopes they will be able to make the April reunion.

I also had a long call with Henry Pitot, who is supposedly retired. However, Julie reports he goes into his office everyday, where I managed to contact him. He and Julie will not make the April gathering,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as they have a pregnant daughter due to deliver at that time.

I called Jim Smith on his birthday, Jan. 22. He had just completed a course of radiation for prostate cancer. I recounted to him how many of us had good results with such treatment, and wished him well.

Toward the end of January, I had a nice e-mail from Sam Bass.

I contacted Jack Davis on his birthday, and we had a good chat. He retired to Benneth, NC, and is fighting a couple of health problems, which he hopes to have corrected by surgery.

On Jan. 30, 2008, I caught up with Johnny Gray to wish him a happy birthday just before he and Pat Parker left on a 10-day trip to FL. I contacted George Cowherd in NJ to bring him up-to-date on class notes, as he is not on our e-mail net. He reports that he has the usual age problems. I urged him to get involved and suggested the April reunion.

On Feb. 4, 2008, I wished Gibson Gay a happy birthday. He reports that he is back playing tennis and golf after hip surgery.

However, Cathie is still recovering from open-heart surgery.

I hope you all note that our own Rufus Lazzell is the new czar of culture for Charlotte County, FL, where he was elected president of its Culture Center.

(See Summer/Fall 2007 Alumni Review, pg. 284.)

In late January, I received a letter from Earl E. Patton who was with us for one semester, thanking the class for the VMI Christmas Card. He enclosed a 1947 picture of Rats marching down the Mess Hall hill. Earl, Jimmy Gonzales and George Crowson, all from New Iberia, LA, where some of Slick Morton’s football recruits.

He reported that Crowson had died (10/7/99) but that he sees Gonzales regularly. He writes that he has “a lot of good memories” of VMI, and is “more proud of attending there for one semester” than the university from which he graduated. I called him, and we had a long talk.

As many of you may know, I have been following and reporting by e-mail on the health problems of some of our Brother Rats. Jerry Eggleston had major surgery in early December. His is currently recuperat-

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ing at home and as of Feb. 4 is doing very well. Bob Nolley has tolerated two chemotherapy infusions for his cancer reasonably well. I talked to him on Feb. 6, and he was in good spirits. Johnny Jordan is in the assisted living section of a VA Beach retirement community. Johnny currently is undergoing physical therapy, while the doctors are attempting to determine an appropriate medicine regimen. Jack Evans has visited him a couple of times, and Robin does so every day.

Marie and I visited by phone with Duane and Pat Holloway in which Duane reported that he had talked with Jerry Eggleston in early February.

I wished Doc Laville a happy birthday on Feb. 9. He is still working on his project to provide a marble door for his mausoleum. Doc was as enthusiastic as ever about the Institute and really appreciates Bounce Carstens, who keeps him informed of the news.

I tried to reach Taylor Hay on his birthday and left a message on his answering machine.

I hope you were able to see the VMI Regimental Band at the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day – they looked great.

Before closing, I would like to remember our Brother Rats who left us during 2007; may they rest in peace: William Floyd Harris (Jan. 16); August C. Spotts (Feb. 5); Lt. Col. E.R. Griffith (April 3); Robert A. Raeburn (April 17); Thomas L. Marr (Sept. 2) and Richard E. Herrmann (Dec. 4).

Please keep the news coming.

’52

Nutz Navas

Jim and Kathleen Martin sent Christmas greetings from Hopewell, NJ. He wanted to let us know that he is “still alive and teaching.” Jim roomed with George Black, Lou Delisio and Swede Larson. After serving two years in the army, he returned to VMI as a math instructor. Jim ultimately received his PhD in engineering mechanics at Penn State University and settled in Hopewell. His last teaching assignment

was at the Newark College of Engineering.

After living 42 years in the same house in Lynchburg, Charlie and Melva Hansrote moved to a new home, which is one floor with outside maintenance provided.

They enjoy walking and keeping in touch with Scurvy and Helene Patton in FL via snail mail and telephone. Scurvy gets around very well with a walker and wheel chair. They get together with Mary and Turk Lane for lunch or dinner on occasion at each others home or in the Pensacola area. Clarence Brauner got together with a few Brother Rats visiting and living in FL at the Suntree C.C. in Melbourne.

Bob and Mary Gerdetz set it up which included Charlie and Mary Shoaf, Hutch and Ann Hutchinson, and Fay and Jean Croswell. Howard and Bernie Williamson enjoying the AZ winter, which produced the warmest November on record. Howard gets moving early to walk his dog and join his coffee group of which there are eight members, and he is the youngest. Jean Lee now lives with her oldest son and his family in Forest, VA. She lives downstairs and has her private master bedroom suite.

She says living with her grandchildren is wonderful, and they all get along quite well. Her oldest grandson is interested in Duke, but Jean and her son, who graduated from VMI, keep telling him of the benefits of the Institute’s education and military experience. Jane Wright is moving into a retirement community later this year near Oceana and says, like many of us, that “downsizing” is a big, big job.

John Portasik tore his right rotator cuff trying to fix his lawn sprinkler. That’s his “good” arm! His family doctor first told him it was probably a muscle strain and gave him a cortisone shot. After five months of pain, he had an MRI, which showed a severe rotator cuff tear. He had surgery and is doing quite well. Yancey Clark says last year the Mid-Atlantic States suffered a terrible drought. His KY farm hay production was off by 50 percent, and a pond dried up. Many farmers in the area had to sell their livestock, because they could not afford to buy hay. Fortunately, Yancy had a large first cutting and some carry over from the previous year. The October rain brought everything back to normal on the farm. His good news is that

49

CLASS NOTES he had a successful total knee replacement in November. In October 2007, he and Carol and a couple of friends took a bus trip through New England to see the fall colors. Later they visited Branson, MO, and saw several shows, including Andy Williams at the Moon River Theater. In 2007, Gary and Sandra Pittman cruised in HI and volkswalks in Honolulu and Kona on the Big Island. Barbara and I ran into them at our hotel on Waikiki when they were also checking out. All 16 Pittmans celebrated Thanksgiving week cruising to four Caribbean islands. Sandra enjoyed seeing her UVa classmates at her 50th Reunion in Charlottesville in May. The class became part of the Thomas Jefferson Society so that was something special to them. Throughout the year, they attended the 400th Jamestown Anniversary celebration. Bridge with several groups of friends and visits to their cottage on the Outer Banks added to a busy year. Bob Lambert attended VMI vs. William and Mary basketball game just before Christmas, won by the Keydets 82 to 71. Zeke Finney was also in attendance along with Johnny Gray ’51.

Rem Simpson sent in the following regarding what one gentleman did for several service men and women: “On a much, much smaller scale, the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels, MD, of which I am a member, does something similar. Once a week during the summer, we go to Walter Reed and pick up six or eight wounded (but ambulatory) service men and women and bring them to St. Michaels for a day of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the day, they are treated to a wonderful dinner of seafood or steak at the club and then returned to Walter Reed in time for bed that night. When they come into the club for dinner, they are greeted with applause and when they leave, more applause. It is a great program and our committee does a fine job doing it. Rem.” Each month, Ash Harman sends a few of us a China update on his experiences in Wuhan, China, as he and his new wife, Lila, await her visa to travel to the U.S.A. As expected it is a tedious process. Ash sends us great detail on his life and surroundings. He has a flair for humorous, but factual, events. He went across the street

50

recently to get a much needed haircut. It was below freezing temperatures when he arrived. The barber was wearing a long, heavy coat. Ash quickly realized there was no heat. No barber or beauty shop has heat. Shops do not open until 5:00 p.m. and stay open to 11:00 p.m. He said you do not take off your coats. He kept his on.

Ash says people go to work and school in the winter and keep their coat on all day.

He says Chinese buildings of 5,000 years ago had heating, but not now!

George Robison wrote that “Big Jack” Frankeberger and Barbara visited south Tahoe for a few days in October 2007.

Robbie drove from his home in Reno for a day and drove them around the lake.

They passed through several casinos on their way to George’s car and gambled at Cal-Neva. (Barbara wanted to see the casino that Frank Sinatra owned a percentage of years ago.) They had lunch at George’s favorite restaurant in Carnelian Bay on the West California side of Lake Tahoe. Unfortunately, in this travel they all caught “a bug” that knocked them out for up to four weeks. Pat Bleecker sent in a note that she moved into an assisted living facility in Redmond, OR, on Feb. 1, 2008, to be closer to her remaining family in the area, because her cancer is not going well. Sometime after Keith died in 1996, she was diagnosed with cancer.

Pat had to have one of her legs amputated.

She is a strong and courageous woman.

We pray that her move to OR will provide her comfort and improved health. Sandy O’Connor’s son, Ted, was diagnosed with a bad form of leukemia in December 2006.

She temporarily moved from her San Antonio home and rented an apartment two blocks from Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, where Ted was an outpatient.

The good news is that he had a bone marrow transplant to combat the leukemia.

Currently, he is in complete remission.

His treatment has been transferred back to Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, and he is at home. Sandy has also returned to her home. John and Betty Taylor spent two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa last October. They travel two to three months each year and still works for Merrill Lynch as senior VP-investments on a limited basis in Dallas. Pearl Goodloe

got through her ovarian cancer treatments with flying colors and is in complete remission as well. She is enjoying being back in Nashville with her sister and family. A short note from Shirley Buchanan said she is doing well. Shirley toured the White House during Christmas season and was very impressed with the “lovely and fantastic decorations.” Charlie and Glo McRae are living the life of 40+-yearolds, babysitting three grandbabies, all under age of three, and a fourth due shortly.

He is still doing some remodeling work, mostly for his sons in Houston. Charlie said he’s glad to be out of the building business, since all his good workmen are dead and everything is now made out of plastic. He plays golf once a week and still hopes to break 100. He needs to talk to Ed Wilbarger who recently shot his age, only to tell me it was on a par 63 course. He did get a hole in one on a 165 yard hole with a seven wood. He and Lila celebrated their 30th anniversary by visiting Hearst Castle again. Their comment was some people sure know how to collect stuff. Ed has shot his age several times when he was younger and not beset with shoulder problems. He was a single digit handicap golfer for many years. Gibson Gay says he had a successful hip replacement last year, and he, too, is back on the golf course and tennis courts in Sarasota. Another BR golfer in Augusta, GA, Dick Chamberlain, writes, “Our bodies are developing the signs of aging, first one system and then another. Those great injections are not too marvelous anymore.”

Dick’s knee needs replacement, and that is an option for him this year. He gets his exercise on the golf range but less often in cold weather. He learned why seniors like warm weather and higher thermostats.

Mary Anne’s yard work is now supplemented by yardmen, but she continues with aerobics. Red Gerdetz also gets out on the links in Melbourne with Jim Marshall ’51, John Pitkethly ’59 and Shep Shepard ’59. Red says they do not do as much frivolity as in earlier days but talk about the “old times.” He and Mary keep in contact with Bob and Marilyn Nyman in nearby Stuart, FL, on occasion, but he had nothing new to report.

Russ McCarthy told me that he was invited to address a group of senior

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES citizens on the “Field of Lost Shoes” in January 2008. We put him in contact with Col. Keith Gibson ’77, curator of the VMI Museum. Keith is an expert on the Battle of New Market and stars in a DVD on the battle. He sent it to Russ, who said it was outstanding and provided him with lots of information to assist him in his address.

For Internet users, I highly recommend you log onto “Field of Lost Shoes,” where you can see several videos of the Battle. youTUBE also has a version of the battle.

Go to google.com and enjoy the multiple Web sites available.

The following article was sent by Joe McCarthy from The News & Advance newspaper on Jan. 1, 2008, in Lynchburg, VA. The Lifestyle section had a feature article and photo of Annie Massie (Bill Massie’s spouse). In the newspaper, it said, “Journey to the Far East, Local artist one of few Americans chosen to display work in international watercolor exhibition: Annie Massie works in her home studio with a gas burning fireplace. Here she paints scenes from Lynchburg and distant lands, signing her work in neat cursive letters: Anne Adams Robertson Massie. The Lynchburg native has received national acclaim for her watercolors, including a listing in Who’s Who in American Art. Now she’s getting international exposure by way of China. Massie was one of 25 American artists selected for an international watercolor exhibition, the First International Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Watermedia Masters, which will tour mainland China and Taiwan. The exhibition, based at the Jiangsu Watercolor Institute in Nanjing, features the work of 80 prominent watercolor artists from around the world.”

The article continues to explain her watercolor specialty – transparent watercolor – and her work to be displayed in China and Taiwan, “Evening on the Grand Canal,” a dreamy gondola scene inspired by a photo during a trip to Venice. While she doesn’t paint portraits, some of her scenes include people. Their daughter, Annie Harris Massie, also paints in watercolor, and they both will do an exhibit in Lynchburg in November 2008.

In conclusion, a brief update on Vision 2039 and the Walter G. Robertson Jr.

2008-Issue 2

1952 Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Board of Visitors and Superintendent have established an ambitious plan for the future for the Institute to guide us toward our 200th anniversary. The academic programs continue to prosper and grow, as evidenced by accreditations, cadets receiving national recognition and renovation of academic buildings. The Third Barracks (“new barracks” as we knew as cadets is over 55 years old) and Center for Leadership and Ethics are nearing completion and should be ready next year.

Our class memorial fund is providing almost $10,000 in support to cadets William H. Jaeger ’08, a civil engineering major from Berlin, MD, and Bradley R. Pruitt ’07, international studies major from Knoxville, TN. As of June 30, 2007, the Robertson Fund had a market value of $241, 458. The class may recall we started with less than $90,000 in 1988, and because of your generosity, the class has provided financial assistance to over 40 cadets. Well done, Brother Rats! Keep fit and trim.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Dear Brother Rats, It is sad that I have to report that we lost two of our classmates during the past quarter – Curly Moore and Frank Mikle.

Curly, 75, died in December, recently a resident of Doylestown, PA. He lived in Abingdon, here in VA, for many years, where Judy and I visited with him on several occasions when we were there for the Barter Theater and antique shows.

Frank Mikle died in December in Atlanta, GA. I reported the death of his wife of 50 years, Marjorie, in the class notes a few years ago. Dan Diamondidis called me the first of January, saying he had heard that Frank was in serious shape in the hospital in Atlanta and on a ventilator. He could not contact Frank by phone, so the Alumni Office, not having any info on Frank, was able to find the obit for me. Frank’s obit is in the Taps section of this issue of the Review, and Curly’s will be in the next issue.

An e-mail that I just received from Wyatt Shorter said that the new test results showed No cancer and that the checks on the heart, GI tract, etc. were all favorable.

The cause of the chills/fever episodes (two) were not diagnosed. He also said he hopes to see us at the 55th. A telephone call from Mickey Woodward just before Christmas advised that Herold Hofheimer had just had a stroke and heart attack, and was in ICU in a Richmond hospital.

I talked with Ellen a couple times since his hospitalization; Herold was into a lot of physical therapy the last time I talked to her. Mickey Woodward just sent an e-mail that Herold went home on the first of February. Herold will be taking PT for two to three days a week, and though his total recovery is uncertain at this point, they are very optimistic. An e-mail from Russ Horne said that he has developed a hernia “around my permanent ileal conduit urostomy,” which the doctor said he could live with until it got too uncomfortable. He has to go for his next CAT in February, and to the oncologist in March ... if the hernia worsens, it could mean a repair operation, which would preclude their attending the reunion.

I talked with Dave Kestner the first of the month, as his mail was returned.

Turned out that the mail was going to a house he owned, but he now lives at another location ... did not know why the P.O. was now returning his mail. In talking to him, he said he would not make the 55th, as he can no longer drive. I suggested that he fly and that someone would pick him up at the airport and furnish transportation here in Lexington. I think that he is considering the idea. An e-mail from Jack Trigg at the end of January said that his wife, Peachy, was in the hospital in Birmingham with severe asthmatic bronchitis.

The high doses of medication that she has been taking have given her confusion and disorientation. At the time being, Jack is not sure they will make the 55th, but he is holding on to the reservations for the time being. By the first part of February, Peachy was home from the hospital, coughing and wheezing, but extraordinarily weak.

Now, away from the sickness news – hope all the rest of you will be fit and fiddle and make it to the 55th. Of course,

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CLASS NOTES when you read these class notes, the 55th will have been completed, and I certainly hope we had a great turnout from all of you. As for the 55th, at the October committee meeting, it was decided that the “favor” thing had kind of gotten out of hand in regard to costs and selection over the past years and that we would not have one of such at the 55th. However, I offered to make what I thought would be a more appropriate and economical type favor ... the copying/transferring of our VMI Glee Club Album of 1952 to a CD to be passed out to each BR. The problem, of course, is transferring old 78-rpm recordings to a CD with good quality reproduction, as well as finding someone with the equipment to do it. Well, as of these class notes, I have had it done by a friend here in Lexington, but I do not believe the quality (scratches/noise) on the “master” is good enough to reproduce into 100 or so copies for distribution to you. So right now, I am looking for someone that might be able to “cleanup” the CD, or start over with other equipment ... so, at this writing, I do not know as to whether it will be accomplished by April.

Warren Koontz has furnished a photo of the Glee Club at that time to use as the cover for the CD. An e-mail from Mickey Woodward said that their son, William ’92, was recalled to active duty as a commander, USNR, and is now stationed in a NATO compound in Kabul, Afghanistan. His expertise is intelligence – so they really do not know what he is doing over there. Frank Spencer has made his reservations for the reunion when he was here for a basketball game last week. Says the reunion weekend will be very busy for them, as he has their Augusta Military Academy annual reunion Thursday through Sunday of the same week. An e-mail from Vivian Frank noted that she and Bob have now moved into a patio home in Roanoke – different address, same phone number. An e-mail from Pinky Moore said that Parker Cross, John Lund and Warren Koontz were in Wilson, NC, making plans for another excursion, and Pinky was invited over for dinner ... a very enjoyable time. Pinky also says, that Joe Louden told him that he was going to try to make it to the 55th – first since he graduated – will not come in a wheel chair.

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An e-mail from Fred Hauser about the passing of Curly Moore, said he talked with Curly and his two sons at the 50th.

Curly’s sons played football in high school against Fred’s alma mater, Norristown H.S. Fred also recalled a “latrine” comment from Curly back in the Institute days about being “High Pockets.” Parker Cross commented that it was good to see Curly and his sons at the 50th. Foy Braswell said he liked coming to the reunions – he gets to go through Nashville, where he lived and worked for GAF for eight years, then Kingsport, his hometown, and Lexington, and then on to Charlottesville, Trudy’s hometown. Foy also says he recalls the Institute days of having lunch upstairs at the Virginia Restaurant about every Saturday with Harry Johnston, Erine Jones and Joe Morison – “where you could take your blouse off, and VMI had the place to ourselves.” Foy said they always ordered a hamburger steak with double frenchfries – the best bargain. The Virginia Restaurant moved off Nelson Street right many years ago to the south end of town, and then finally closed a few years ago.

An e-mail from Bill Nelson said that he drove through Lexington in August, driving from Lewisburg, PA, to Kingsport, TN, with a 45-minute stop-off to see the new construction, etc. at the Institute. That was a 6,400+ mile car trip – 18 states plus Canada in 28 days. “It was good to get home, except for the backlog of e-mail,” according to Bill.

Dan Stickley is giving up his historic home at Cross Keys, near the historic battlefield, this summer, and moving to a retirement home, Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community – less maintaining than a very old house. In the process, he wants to give the class his stash of party liquor and not take it all with him, says he will not be pitching any big parties over there, nor have a place to store it ... so he has offered it for the 55th for the hospitality room. An e-mail from Lucy Moise said she really appreciated getting the class e-mails with news of our BRs, even though she does not know a lot of you.

Said she had a very nice note from Frank Mikle when Larry died. She noted that at one time when they were in Lex for a mini reunion, they were at the Natural Bridge

Hotel for dinner, enjoying themselves, when Larry just burst into song. Then out of the blue came a voice saying, “That has to be Larry Moise” – it was Frank Mikle.

Lucy said Larry recognized his roommate from his Rat year across the tables from them, even in the dim light. They wound up having a great visit. Frank was traveling from GA with his family.

An e-mail from Jerrilu Mallo said that Joan and Bill Hinman drove out to El Paso in October to check up on her, and they had a great time visiting and reminiscing. Jerrilu’s mother died in April at 101. Jerrilu said she has been volunteering at the USO at Ft. Bliss and thinks Dick would be very proud – they have welcomed home 4,000 troops over the past weeks at the airport. They had a lunch for the Wounded Transitory Unit with food, fun and entertainment for the troops. Jerrilu and the Hinmans talk every week or so by phone. I talked with Joe Morison just before completing these notes. He is planning on coming to the reunion and hopes to have his chemo completed before he attends. Says he is doing pretty well, considering. An e-mail from Bob Cheatham said that they have a conflict with the beginning of the 55th ... their annual tickets to the Family Circle Tennis tournament in Charleston, which last up through the Sunday of the 55th. In addition, they have houseguests for the tournament, so they do not yet know when they will be able to leave for Lex. Bob said they do not play golf and limited tennis ...

Bebe has not played in over a year, due to double knee replacements, and Bob plays only when Bebe plays. They are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 55th ... even if they have to get here late.

Judy and I spent Christmas in Lexington with our Lexington/Rockbridge (Judy’s) family, and then went to Tidewater to spend several days after Christmas with my oldest son and his family, my middle son, granddaughters, and a great-greatgranddaughter, then brought the New Year in at the Lexington Country Club. Before Christmas, we attended the Rockbridge County Alumni Christmas dinner/dance, where we had the VMI Commanders play ... they were great, and you get the chance to dance and listen to them at the 55th.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES guys lost in the last few seconds. But as a very good book published in 2005 on Otherwise, our time this quarter has been this is written the basketball team is on a Rockbridge County, Rockbridge, with exat VMI basketball games, as well as UT cellent photographs of Rockbridge County roll, the football team finished the season, and Lady Vols basketball games ... keeps the VMI Regimental Band made an and Lexington – it makes a great “Coffee us on the five-hour road trip on a regular impressive showing in the Rose Bowl, and Table” book for you to remember the area basis. However, most of you retirees are the stock market stinks. of your Institute days and to show family busy taking periodic long trips to exotic Unfortunately, we received word of the and friends. This is the first such book places around the world, as well as this death of three more Brother Rats recently. country, in lieu of up and down interstates. on the Rockbridge area – a photographic John P. Diuguid passed away in Decemessay. All the photos were taken by Bruce I hope that many of you did get to see ber. He was survived by his wife, Edith, and Jennifer Young, residents of the area the VMI Regimental Band and Pipe Band five children and 17 grandchildren. John that we know, and who are former White march in the Rose Bowl parade via TV. was buried with full military honors at House news photographers. We have orVMI is the first college band from VA to the Arlington National Cemetery. On dered a few pictures from the Youngs out march and only one of three selected to December 11, Dick Casey passed away of our copy – Judy’s favorite is “Virginia march. The other two college bands were in King of Prussia, PA. He is survived by Morning Her Dead” in the spring, which from the two participating teams in the Bettina, his wife of 42 years, two children we are framing ourselves for here in Lex, Rose Bowl. and three grandchildren. Bruce MitchBromo Seletz sent an e-mail that his new as well as a couple others for the Lake. ell passed away on Jan. 31, 2008. He is book will be ready to distribute at the re- [www.lexingtonartgallery.com] preceded in death by wife Lynn Marston union and have a book signing. Hope that Mitchell and daughter Merry Lynn. We exsome of you got to see it, or maybe even Bill Schubmehl press our condolences to families of John purchase a copy. A portion of the proceeds Diuguid, Dick Casey and Bruce Mitchell. will be allocated to the VMI Museum – Pat Gibson, Keith’s wife, has done the artwork On a lighter note, much lighter, Perry for the cover and back. Keith is supporting Archer informed me that he had, through the book signing for Bromo at the museum general wear and tear as well as pounding As you read these notes, it is probably during the 55th. Bromo has now sent this his fist on the table in court, worn out his “blurb” about the book: “Just in time for a warm and balmy, but last night it was cold class ring. After a great deal of research book signing during the 55th Reunion, Jules and rainy as I journeyed to see the Keydets and negotiating with Balfour, he had ‘Bromo’ Seletz has completed the seventh play the University of Richmond, and it another ring made for $700. Perry is still in the Jake Stein Sentinel Event Mystery/ was a great game … except that the good working hard in Houston, but he would be Medical Thriller Series entitled, Sentinel Event Southern Style.

The book is set for the most part in Lexington and on the VMI Post.

It’s about one-third a tribute to VMI, one-third in-depth description about pandemic prevention, a global problem and one-third the thwarting of a terrorist plot to attack the Institute during graduation ceremonies. Included are comparisons between the Blue Book Rules and Regulations of today with those we endured in 1953.

The same goes for the conduct of the cadets.”

In closing, I would like to repeat the message sent to me by Vivian and Bob Frank at the beginning of the year: “Having lost several dear friends recently, we urge you to live and enjoy every day to the Class of 1954: Front row: George Ramer, Bill Berry, John Mapp, Bruce Gottwald fullest. May you look upon each and Bob Timms ’55. Back row: Paul Lamb, Jock Wheeler and Bill Schubmehl. The day as a new adventure.” group gathered in Vero Beach, FL, on the yacht “Nifty Nance II.” Lexington Trivia: There was

’54

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES glad to pass on the information about obtaining a new class ring to any interested party.

Beck and I had dinner with Bill and Sonja Turner last week, and we really had a great time talking about VMI and all of you out there. Names like Prince Ricker, Ed Rojas, Ed Santos and Joe Carney just to name a few. We thought these were hilarious stories, but our wives had the “will this ever be over” look.

Hank Hulme and his wife, Barbara, took a trip to Jackson, MS, to do some research for a book he is writing on the life of Sue Landon Vaughn, the founder of Memorial Day. While they Class of 1954: Louis and Edith Drake, Jeff and Nancy Robertson, Frannie and Mud were in MS, they visited with Bill White, and Johnny and Betty Mapp are all in reasonably good health and are seriPaine and his wife. Bill and Hank ously enjoying life. were roommates for their first two years at VMI. My thoughts about Gen. James Morgan ’45 in the Paul and Mona Kuhne took a cruise to I didn’t press the point, but I hope they winter 2007 issue Alumni Review brought the Caribbean in March 2007.

After that, didn’t add to his “shock and awe” by back memories for Hank about being they planned to take a motor trip to AZ presenting him with the bill. busted by, then Maj. Morgan for a “minor” for an Air Force Reunion and to visit with Wendell and Anne Snapp celebrated infraction like having a gin bottle fall out their children and grandchildren in CO. their 50th wedding in 2006, and acof his locker at Sunday morning inspection.

Paul has been a strong supporter of VMI, cording to Wendell, his wife used the Not a good move, Hank! and it is always good to see them at the occasion to plan several trips. The trips Bob Modjeski and his wife, Ivy, have annual Institute Society Dinner. included a Rhine River cruise, a trip to moved to Pensacola, FL. They live close Even though we live fairly close to each San Francisco with their children and to their daughter and have become very other, I don’t see Tommy Williamson various other parties, until Wendell finally involved in the music events in the area. often, but we did talk the other day, and said enough is enough.

In ’07 Wendell, Bob has always enjoyed singing, and they he reports that all is well with him and accompanied by his daughter, traveled are members of the Pensacola Chorale his family.

Tommy and Camilla have to England to view the trooping of the Society. In addition to getting involved three children, Spencer ’85, Todd ’87 and colors for the queen’s birthday parade.

He with their new neighbors in FL, they have Pamela.

He told me an interesting story greatly enjoyed this ceremony plus all the found time to do a great deal of traveling that took place with his family two years other sites in London. The Snapps also over the last few years. They have visited ago.

It seems that in order to celebrate his had a mini mini reunion with Claiborne China and Ireland and are preparing for a 75th birthday and their 45th anniversary, and Ann Terry in Lexington for the trip to South America, where they will inCamilla surprised Tommy with a trip to Citadel football game. I see Claiborne spect the turtles on the Galapagos Islands.

Bermuda, and it was their first visit to the around Richmond occasionally, and it is The Modjeskis hear from Pat Morgan on island.

Upon arrival, they checked in the great to get updated on his travels and occasion, and so do I. Pat lives in NC, and hotel and were lounging around the pool family. Claiborne has always been a great he keeps me informed about his success in when Tommy spied children that looked supporter of VMI and of cadets attending deer hunting. surprisingly like his grandchildren. the school.

George Ford and his wife, Casey, took Upon further review, it was determined Wendell did not indicate that he had a cruise from San Diego to Jamaica via that they were his grandkids – all seven seen John Knapp on his visit to Lexthe Panama Canal, and George was very of them, plus the parents and spouses. ington, but I did hear from him, and he impressed by the canal, as were we on our Obviously a great surprise and shock to gave me some inside scoop that he is not visit to that area last year. The Fords had Tommy.

The whole family spent 10 days going to run for another term as mayor dinner with Bill and Sue Almy at Tom and in Bermuda and from all reports, had a of Lexington.

That has to be a big loss Robin Wallace’s house for their annual get wonderful time and a life time memory. for Lexington; for as you might expect, together.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES he has done an excellent job for the city.

John indicated he wanted to relax, travel and maybe look for other challenges.

Maybe mayor of Richmond! That would be a challenge for any mortal!

Received a nice note from Mud White: “Dear Schub: Thanks for what you do.

Betty and Johnny Mapp had Jeff and Nancy, visiting from Rochester, MN, and Frannie and Mud, visiting from Winchester, VA, in for a ‘Room mate Reunion’ along with celebrating their anniversary over the Christmas holiday. The four first class privates roomed together for three years. Louis and Edith Drake, Jeff and Nancy Robertson, Frannie and Mud White, and Johnny and Betty Mapp are all in reasonably good health and seriously enjoying life. Bonnie and Jock Wheeler were also there. Life has been good to all of us. Together, Louis and Johnny hit the links on a regular basis.

Mud is an occasional tag along. Jeff and Mud (Mud with Frannie) hit the slopes during the season. Frequent close and far travel is on everyone’s agenda. All of us have high priority grandchildren. No grandchild has entered the Institute. Don’t know what the future holds. Many have pre-teen provisional appointments. With Edith’s approval, Louis has extended his working career as a construction project manager when it doesn’t interfere with golf. Jeff is retired after a long and successful career with IBM followed by some consulting. Mostly he worked in Rochester, MN. Jeff is very fit: cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and what all else. Johnny has fully retired from his practice of family medicine.

However he remains the medical go to M.D. advisor for most of his VA Beach friends and many others. He plays a lot of golf at the beach and at Vero Beach, where he and Betty have a place. Mud is fully retired after 30 years of orthopaedic surgery practice in Winchester, VA. Before fully retiring, Mud joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UVa from 1996 to 2007 for part time work with the residents and med students in the Out Patient Department. Frequent travel (often with BR’s Bill Berry and Bruce Gottwald and their wives) is high on the activities for Frannie and Mud.

2008-Issue 2

Johnny and Mud had a great visit with Johnny Jordan ’51 during Christmas. J. Jordan ’51 was in a rehab facility at VA Beach recovering from a stroke. He is now in an assisted living facility at The Beach. We talked at length about our Rat year and particularly about S. Conference wrestling. Many BR’s may recall the great wrestling rivalry between J. Jordan ’51 and Howie Davis from W & L. Two mighty 121(?) pounders. Johnny won the first S.C. match in ’49. He lost the second tie match in ’50. Johnny won tie breaker at the ’51 S.C. meet held in ‘The Pit,’ on a referee’s decision. Johnny was the aggressor. The ’54s offered huge and loud support. Our class has held a soft spot in Johnny’s heart ever since. All of us are looking forward to our 55th Class Reunion. Hopefully, the roommates and their wives will get together (as we did in 2004) before the 55th Reunion at the White’s farm on the Shenandoah River.

Keep up your good work. Mud White.”

Received another note from Swan Yerger: “Bill, I enjoy reading your class notes and e-mail updates. I am now in my 12th year as a Hinds County circuit judge here in Jackson, MS. I have been the senior circuit judge since June 1, 2002.

As a circuit judge, I preside over trials involving felonies and major civil cases. I have three years remaining on my current term in office. Being a circuit judge is challenging, interesting and satisfying.

I am glad to have the opportunity to be involved in this public service position.

Gingia and I have two married daughters and six grandchildren. Virginia, her husband and twins (8th graders at The Baylor School in Chattanooga) live on Lookout Mountain. Rivers, her husband and four children live in Fairhope, AL. Gingia and I will be attending my 50th Class Reunion at the University of Virginia Law School in early May of this year.

Next year, we plan to be at my VMI 55th Reunion, and we both look forward to it.

We are amazed at the extensive developments underway at VMI. Just last night, Gingia and I viewed the impressive 2007 CD about the exciting things happening at the Institute. Best regards, Swan Yerger.”

Well, that is about it. It is time to join the snowbirds and head for FL.

’55

C. Cary Jones

Warm greetings to all you BRs, and I hope 2008 is turning out to be a creative and contemplative year. Personally, I find I am doing more of the latter and less of the former. As of this writing, the Keydet basketball team is providing us die-hard fans a lot of excitement. Last night, they were on TV soundly thrashing UNCAshville and will be on the tube again next Saturday against Radford. At one point in January, the Washington Post reported that VMI was #1 in team offense and #1 in individual scoring (Reggie Williams) among all Division I schools! That’s amazing and good to read. Sarah and I saw them a week ago as they won over Coastal Carolina in the last four minutes with our patented run and gun attack. The Big South Tournament in March will tell the tale. My point in using all this space to talk basketball is because there wasn’t any good football news, except great recruiting success for next year. Here’s hoping! Other loyal fans we have seen at the VMI home games are the Taits, Bryans, Bill Davidson, Read and Lois Hanmer, and Dusty Rhodes.

By now, you’ve received the last Alumni Review published under new title 2008-Issue 1. This should help us all keep things straight, along with a stepped-up schedule to reduce lag time.

Sadly, I have two BR deaths to report.

Jack Tonkin died in February in Alexandria. He is survived by a brother, M. Bradley Tonkin of Richmond. Jack was originally from Warwick, VA, and as a Keydet ran both track and cross country.

BR George Steacy died in November 2007 in Harker Heights, TX. George matriculated from Long Island, NY, and only stayed with us about six weeks. After leaving VMI, he enlisted in the Army where he served four combat tours, including three in Vietnam.

Ben Angle, our faithful and diligent contributor of news from far and wide, called to tell me he’s sending an article for the Fred Willard file, something he saw in the Wall Street Journal. Also, Ron Bryan

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CLASS NOTES sent me a notice about Fred’s “new” TV sitcom, titled “Back To You,” which allegedly will be shown on Fox. I haven’t been able to find it yet, probably because of the writers’ strike, but I will keep an open file.

In any case, Ben obviously has good taste in literature. And, all kidding aside, we have to be proud of Fred, very successful in his show business career (who knew?)

And one da,y he will join us at Moody Hall for a cocktail and a laugh about the age thing.

Our class of ’55 Scholarship Fund continues to grow with our money and the management of the VMI Foundation. The fund currently is valued at about $374,000 and is providing $7,500 in direct support to two cadets. As we continue to follow up on our pledges, it will grow and benefit more fine young men and women.

If you haven’t visited VMI lately, you’d be amazed at the physical changes. Most notable to the casual observer is the “Third Barracks,” rising next to what we called New Barracks on the site of the former Book Store/PX, which is temporarily down by Crozet Hall. At the same time, major renovations to Old and New Barracks are ongoing without any cessation of VMI activities. You can read about all the other projects elsewhere in the Review.

Kudos to the VMI staff for the outstanding progress, which is colossal from the construction management standpoint.

Leon Cock checked in from Denton, TX, where he migrated after living in Vegas for quite a while. Speaking of TX, Ben Angle also heard from Ned Whitlock and Reg Ridgely.

My old roomie, BR Charlie Luck, sent me a rare e-mail. Charlie regretted missing the mini reunion in November. True was beginning chemotherapy and is responding favorably. Keep her in all thoughts and prayers. On the brighter side, Charlie reports proudly that his grandson, Richard, will check in to VMI this year – making a fourth generation Keydet! Richard played football for four years at St. Christopher’s and will give us all even more reason to go to some games during the next few years.

As for Charlie, he continues to be active in the stone business with his son, visits Lexington often and is a huge supporter of the Insty.

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BR Larry Price sent me a wonderful letter back in December. He continues to be a carnivorous reader, especially of military history. And actually keeps records of how many books he has read. Unfortunately for Larry, 2007 was a nightmare of medical issues of all kinds, and we hope this year will be a calm and healing time. Larry, it was good to see you in Lexington at the mini, and best wishes to you and Boots with all your interests and activities.

Send me some news about yourselves, and stay healthy. This column is all up to you in the long run.

Sarah and I are beginning our preliminary clean up, getting ready for another beautiful spring and summer season here on the Bay. Let us know when you are coming!

’56

Richard M. Smith

To start this set of notes out, I just received a letter from Jere Real relaying his experience of the past weekend. He was at an antique show in Richmond and ran into my former wife, Barbara, who was manning one of the booths. Later on, he bumped into Jim Stephens, who also deals in antiques, but didn’t remember his name until later (senior moment). While in Lexington later in the weekend, he met Motsy Foster and her family, dining at the Lexington Café. Then he visited Julia Martin, whom you may remember worked in the VMI Public Relations department when we were there as cadets. Jere will have a photo exhibit in February in Lancaster, PA, at the Literary Guild. In chatting with Spider Allison on the phone recently, I learned the VMI boys in the Melbourn, FL, area are having lots of parties already.

He and Ann have already opened their Christmas presents. He got a pair of socks and shirt, and she got a new Cadillac, a very fair exchange I think! Bill Nelson had a very bad accident recently while helping his son-in-law build a shed. They made a ramp, and it started raining, and he slipped on the ramp and broke two bones in his leg. A VMI surgeon installed a rod down

the center of his leg, and when Bill asked what it would do to the bone marrow, was told that at his age, he didn’t have to worry about bone marrow! He is recovering with a walking cast now and hopes to join some of us at the VMI-Richmond basketball game on Dec. 30th. As of this time, we have 15 who will attend the game and cheer us to victory. I received a generous contribution from Scottie Boland to assist the VMI Band for their trip to California.

In his letter he said he had the opportunity to hear them when they performed at Mac Dill AF last spring and that they had come a long way since Boland and Bossard were members. In the Christmas news letter I received from Hoppy Holsinger, he explained why he was unable to be with us at the mini reunion. After two knee replacements, pneumonia and continuing cancer medication, he had a heart attack in November. He continues to maintain a positive attitude and plans on attending more VMI activities in 2008. The class of ’56 was well represented at the VMIRichmond basketball game on Dec. 30, 2007, in Richmond. Prior to the game, we all attended the Keydet Club party in the old gym. The BRs there were Hesleps, Manus, Dillards, Dickinsons, Belsha, Motsy Foster, Lamb, Mundys, Gottwalds and Smith. Unfortunately, VMI didn’t play up to their capability and lost by two points. The annual (late) Christmas card from Bob Brickner arrived in mid January, and I’m glad to report he’s in good spiritual and physical health.

His excuse for procrastination is that his “lady friend” kept him too busy attending numerous social events around Chicago.

He also had to brag a little about being one of the last runners in the 30th Annual Chicago Marathon to survive the heat when the police had to stop the event, due to over 320 people falling out and having to be taken to hospitals. This will be his last marathon participation. He sends his best regards to all BRs and still hopes to pay a visit to the East Coast soon. It all depends on how much money his 4-fee-based financial advisors make for him! J.P. Moore writes that he recently set up a wrestling scholarship at VMI to honor Coach Oscar Gupton and hopes others will add to it.

He had to brag a little over LSU’s win for

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the national football title. Motsy Foster had a pulmonary disorder that put her in the hospital for a week, but they feel things are under control now. Flowers were sent from the class and wishes for a speedy recovery. The following notes come from Spider: “Dave Blair writes that he had the thrill of a lifetime when he recently got to fly in a World War II, B-17 bomber. He flew in the bombardier’s station, which is in the Plexiglas nose. They were at low altitude flying up the west coast of FL, and Dave said the view was spectacular. Anne is trying but is having a hard time getting the smile off his face.

Bob Morris and Skip Montagna checked in and reported all is going well with them and their spouses. Harry and Linda Jones spent a couple of days, in January, on their way to southwest FL with Spider and Anne Allison in Class of 1956: From left are: the Hall of Valor guide, Shirley and Bruce McCreedy, Melbourne. The Jones plan to Margaret Weis, Dick Smith, John “Rocky” Stone, Fred and Mary Jo Farthing, Betty spend the remainder of the winter and Larry Miller, and Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director, VMI Museum Operaon the beach in Englewood, FL. tions.

Tony and Maureen Nicoletti hosted the Jones and Allisons for lunch at their beachside condo. Linda and enjoyed every minute of it. The only Club, where he acts as the sponsor for a Brophy is a grandmother again. Daughter downside of the trip was that Fred discovK Club at a local school. He is also the Lauren presented her with a baby girl, ered that it was time for a new knee. He commander of his American Legion Post, Mackenzie Marie Thomas, in December. had the knee replaced in January and is which has 550 members. In addition, Fred Russ and Margarete Wiltshire recently expecting to be back on the golf course by talked with Tom Undercoffer, Tony Wartraveled to Kent, England, to visit the area mid March. Fred has talked with a number ing, Ed Pendleton, Ken McDonald, Bill where his ancestors once lived. Both have of BRs and passes along the following: Higinbotham and Edna Black, who all had some medical problems. MargaBill Tolley has gone to Chapel Hill to see reported that all is normal in their houses.” rete has a rotator cuff problem in both a neurosurgeon for back and disc probI spent the night with Bill Lamb at his shoulders, and Russ had the shingles. Russ lems. Chuck and Jean Jundt are doing place in Manakin-Sabot and got caught up highly recommends all of you who haven’t fine in Williamsburg. They had a trip to on some of his activities. He is still workhad a shingles prevention shot to go get Mexico in November and make frequent ing for an auto-parts supplier in Richmond one. Walt Tatum writes that he was part trips to Raleigh to visit grandchildren. two days a week. We enjoyed dinner at owner of an airplane that crashed in St. Pe- Bruce Fowler had double knee replacean Italian restaurant near him and talked tersburg, killing all on board. Apparently ment surgery in August and had a recovery about our good times in the past. Now we the young pilot lined up for landing on the that amazed the surgeon. He was walking mostly talk about our infirmities! Irene is wrong runway. When he tried to correct, at normally without assistance within two still fixing him dinner a couple of nights very low altitude, he stalled and crashed. weeks. He and Ann passed on that their each week. He showed me an article where The 27-year-old pilot and his parents died youngest son attended his 20th Reunion a 92-year-old blind golfer in FL got a hole in the crash. Very sad.” at VMI this fall with his girlfriend and in one! I immediately sent it on to Spider The following notes come from Fred proposed to her at Natural Bridge during for encouragement in his game. Amos Farthing or more specifically his wife the reunion. Wally Timmons continues to Dickinson had a Super Bowl party at his Mary Jo: “Fred and Mary Jo Farthing stay busy with volunteer work in his complace and invited Bill Lamb and Irene, had a wonderful trip to Italy in October munity. He is a Mason and in the Kiwanis Bill Schubmehl ’54 and Ned Addison

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CLASS NOTES ’59. He talks with Charlie Lavery occasionally. I talked with Les Belsha, who is adjusting slowly to a life without Anne.

He spends a lot of time with his children and grandchildren but also finds time to help out with people in nursing homes and in his church. Bill Nelson is recovering slowly from a horrible compound bone break in his leg. He will start physical therapy next week and hopes to get back to the point soon, so that he can again help Melissa with the house chores. He also has the responsibility of seeing that the homes under a charity project are properly maintained. They recently corresponded with Ralph Gibson after his triple-bypass heart surgery. Melissa had similar surgery several years ago and gave him some encouraging remarks for his future.

I called “the Hoot” Gibson and learned that, after a year since his surgery, he is doing well but doesn’t have the energy he used to. Mary Jo is also in remission from her cancer treatment, and they are most thankful for their blessings. Their two grandsons, who are Rats at VMI, are well on the way to reaching goals set by them at the suggestion of Ralph. One is majoring in Math and Physics, and the other is planning on a military career as a Ranger. Both have ROTC scholarships, and one also has an academic State Cadetship. In talking with Ralph “Hoppy” and Sallie Holsinger, I learned that a strong constitution will pull people through difficult situations.

He has overcome by-pass heart surgery and double knee replacement, and his cancer has not grown in the past year. She is being treated for a case of the shingles.

I suggested she get the serum available now, which I recently got to prevent them from causing the pain and discomfort. Don and Jo Heslep recently returned from a great trip to Santiago, Chile, Patagonia and Buenos Aires, Argentina. They were with a group of Mary Washington supporters, whom they had traveled with before, including the president of the university.

The sights of Santiago were spectacular from the air at night, the little penguins on Patagonia and the Polo game outside Buenos Aires. They enjoyed excellent food and accommodations. Jon and Jane Roach recently became grandparents for the 10th time. Their son, Jeff ’84, and his

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wife adopted a son from an orphanage in China. They also have triplets, and Jon is hopeful of getting one or more of boys to attend VMI. He said he talked with Bob Brickner, one of his old roommates, this week, and he’s doing well, considering the weather in Chicago. John “Rocky” Stone is still holding down the fort in Bassett, VA. He is active in being Chaplin to a nursing home there and being helpful to all. He still maintains an active relationship with the Gideons and welcomes the opportunity of giving out their bibles. His daughter in Florence, SC, who is married to a Citadel graduate, is expecting another child soon. His friend, Cleo, who was with him at the last mini reunion, is still sending him Valentines, just as she did when he was at VMI. Lou and Libby Rossie are kept on the run by their two chiwawas, Angel and Lola. Lou says they are from Italian heritage, just like him. In fact, he plans to take a trip to Italy for a family gathering next summer. Lately, they have been running back and forth to KY to care for Libby’s mom, who is 93 and has moved into a care facility. They haven’t seen any VMI folks lately.

This about does it for this edition, unless some late breaking news arrives before I send this off tomorrow.

Yours in the Spirit, Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

After a gloomy and dismal month, January sloughed from the scene. It had been a surprisingly sunless month, and Dawn and I are grateful for a sun-drenched February.

Over the Christmas season, we received cards from many Brother Rats and widows. All wished us holiday cheer, and some wrote noteworthy news.

Martin Andersen has a new zip: 33596-5906.

Tom and Joan Atkeson from Monterey, VA, report that today is 60 degrees but last Wednesday they had four inches of snow.

“Strange weather patterns. Even the birds are confused.”

Sam and Betsy Barker moved from

Myrtle Beach and 13 days later arrived in Tucson, AZ, on Thanksgiving Day. They are traveling and living in a 28-foot motor home. They came to help Betsy’s folks move into an assisted living facility there. They plan to return to SC in the late summer and relocate away from the coast and tourist industry. Their youngest child finally graduated from Coastal Carolina University in May 2007.

Bill and Martha Batten, Simpsonville, SC, enjoyed The Institute Society Dinner.

We sat at the same table. Martha is trying to convince me to tutor students for the SAT exams. Both Dawn and she believe I would be a “fantastic” tutor. I remember doing that 44 years ago, with modest success.

Carolyn and Alan Baumgartner in Powder Springs, GA, attended their granddaughter’s graduation form college, spent two weeks in New Zealand and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in their old OH neighborhood. They keep busy with church, family and band obligations.

Alan continues with the tuba in his little German band.

Kathy Brown in Gainesville, VA, sent a Christmas card with snowflakes falling.

Our last visit to her home was on Dick Brown’s birthday, and while there, snow fell so rapidly, we barely made it home to Arlington, only to be buried by a blizzard for four days. We are glad Kathy keeps in touch, and we sent her a copy of the 50th Reunion booklet.

Charles and Beverly Caldwell in Gilliam, LA, sent a picture of their greatgranddaughter. Ayden Elaine Alexander at five months is as cute as a button, and Charlie and Beverly are expecting another great-grandchild in June, when another grandson becomes a father. Their family is growing by “leaps and bounds.”

Jose Chioco in Norman, OK, laments, “As I write this, we had a big ice storm last night. There are two trees in front of our house uprooted, and there may be more as the ice storm continues today and possibly tomorrow.” Jose has great news. His PET scan in December was negative, and he is cancer free! Carmen and he look forward to a great Christmas with their children and grandchildren.

Bill and Helen Colvin in Martinsville, VA, confess to not seeing a basketball

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES game as of December 1 but hope to attend several in 2008. Their health remains good, and Helen responded well to a knee replacement a year ago.

Don and Judy Coombs continue to live in Venice, FL, with their home on the market for 16 months. They hope to sell and move to TX in 2008. There they Class of 1957: Gathering on Oct. 17, 2007, in Fincastle, VA, were, from left, Jim have a lot, a builder with plans Rust, Drewry Fox, Howard Lawrence, George Sydnor, G.E. Murray, Phil Peters, Wade and a moving company ready to Douthat, Harry Warner and John Whittle. roll.

Russ Davis, our class president, sixth grade, play basketball. When their memories of people not seen over more wrote that Betsy, her sister, and their son, grandson makes all state, I trust Bob will than half a century.

Ben, visited Nat and Chris Pendleton in steer him towards VMI, as we need all the Carter and Elinor Fox shared their 50th Ft. Myers, FL. Chris directs the Edison help we can get. wedding anniversary picture with us. It and Ford Museums, and Nat works with an is a great picture, and they look much too Bill and Mickey Galvin in Buffalo, NY, engineering firm. Both are doing well. enjoyed the 50th Reunion and look foryoung to be married 50 years.

Katie and Ken Dickinson from Roscoe, ward to the 55th. They are leaving shortly Drewry and Joanne Fox had an eventSD, spent Christmas with their son in NE, for Phoenix. Bill can’t wait because, as he ful ’07. The greatest reunion ever was in left their hunting dogs with him and rewrites, they are having a blizzard with 40 April, and they enjoyed two mini reunions turned to Roscoe to pack and retreat to FL mph winds and 10 inches of snow. since: one in Philadelphia in the sumthe first week in January. The weather had Clint and Belkus Glover were sorry mer, and one at George Sydnor’s estate been extremely cold and snowy, and they they missed The Institute Society Dinner, in Fincastle, VA, in October. Their card seek FL warmth and sunshine again. but Clint had gone to Boston to be with featured a cover photo of 10 handsome We heard from Lew and Kay Diuguid grandchildren of whom six are boys. I trust his critically ill brother. He was thinking in Baltimore, who advise us to stay well, about FL as they had six inches of snow that Drew has all six enrolled at VMI with and don’t walk under coconut palms. He last night in Antioch, IL. He watched the provisional appointments. signed his card “Mini Lew,” which means Rose Bowl Parade, as he was a former Bob and Connie Fravel in Port Clinthat he is resigned to his fate of organizing Band Company member. “Great exposure ton, OH, are enjoying their “later” years, all future mini reunions for our class. especially watching their grandson, ninth for VMI.” Shortly before Christmas, UPS delivgrade, and granddaughters, eighth and Bill and Sandra Haas thought we had a ered a box that contained four pounds of great reunion. On their way from LexingVirginia peanuts ordered by Alleghany ton to Gibsonia, PA, they stopped to get Construction Company. Wade Douthat is some new clothes and then on to open up president of that company, and we thanked their cottage on Lake Erie for the summer him for his gift. The canister sits on our – a summer that went much too quickly. coffee table, and I get my fill of Virginia This fall, Sandra was in the hospital with peanuts every day. pneumonia, but she is now home and Billy and Alive Elmore celebrated their slowly getting better. As soon as she feels 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 24, much better, they are off to NYC for 2007, with their entire family at the WilChristmas shopping and Broadway shows. liamsburg Inn. “We are blessed to have our Patti Hammond says it means a great family intact after 50 years.” deal still to be a part of the great class John and Connie Emmerich in Louisof 1957. 2008 will be exciting, as she is ville, KY, said that as early as my Christselling her home and bought a cottage at mas card arrived, it was the second one Kendall in Lexington. Her place will be they received. The first was from Jimmy available in August, so she will have a Carter, but mostly what he wanted was busy summer sorting, packing and getting money. John and Connie had a grand time ready for moving day.

Class of 1957: 5-month-old at our 50th Reunion.

Ayden Elaine Alexander is the Bill and Betty Huffcut were on their way great-granddaughter of Charles Carroll and Vicky Ferrell in Portsmouth, to Branson, MO, for Christmas. In March, and Beverly Caldwell.

VA, thanked us for sending the reunion they are taking their family on a cruise to booklet. Carroll said it brought back celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

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CLASS NOTES Harry and Rita Huneycutt, Reno, Betty Mixson had a great time at the NV, both had a great time at the reunion and looks forward to 2012. reunion. I checked the map, and I beThe Newcombs indicated to her they lieve they came the greatest distance, would be interested in going. So we edging out Frank and Ann Gilmore can look forward to seeing Betty Mixin Butte, MT. son and Fred and Betty Newcomb in Nick Kallelis sent me a birthday four years and two months. card, as we both celebrate Dec. 18th, Joe and Sue Moody, in Raleigh, only I am a year older. Nick has been visited the Sunshine State in July with traveling with Carmen Branson, children and grandchildren on Anna whom he met several months ago.

Maria Island. For Thanksgiving, they They went to Lexington for a football went to Roanoke and stayed at the game, and she was so impressed with Hotel Roanoke, which was beautiful VMI, they returned for another game. with all the decorated Christmas trees They toured New Market, and Nick in the lobbies. suggests that if we have not visited Bill and Florine Moore sent a recently, we should make it a point to Christmas card with a picture of the revisit. It is improved and impressive.

Moore clan, 17 strong. Bill later sent a They also went to Luray Caverns and clipping of the VMI basketball victory Monticello. Great trip. over William and Mary in WilliamsRuth Smith claims that Ron Kaye burg. The class of 1957 was representin Escondido, CA, was evacuated for ed by Johnny St. George, Jay Musser two days when the raging wild fires and Bill, who were their usual vocal surrounded his assisted living suite. and supportive selves.

Ruth says it was a very traumatic exJohn and Diane Paganelli claim, perience, because they placed him on “All’s well here in Rochester. Off to an Army cot. He slept in the library FL in mid January – there until about Class of 1957: During the 2007 holiday season, and could use his scooter to scoot all April something.”

Elinor and Carter Fox celebrated their 50th over the place, probably reading all Randy Pendleton, in attending wedding anniversary. the books within his reach. It is hard his first reunion, admitted to a little to keep the Great White Owl on his trepidation about going to the reunion, sister in TX in February and returned in perch. Now Ron is back at Aegis, snug in but he had a great time. Betty came over for August with her two granddaughters, who his world. Ruth says he continues to look the final dinner. Randy went to the Gardnerenjoyed San Antonio and Houston. She forward to my correspondence and her Webb game, and we led it for a while, but in toured the Adriatic, her first trip abroad weekly visits. the fourth quarter, the line started to weaken without Paul, who passed away in 2006.

Frank and Ira Kline, from St. Louis, hope and the backs failed to gain, and we ended She did eastern Canada with a grandto meet us both in the near future. The 50th up losing. Maybe next year. daughter, and in 2008, she plans to visit Reunion was Ira’s first encounter with VMI, India. Marilynn remains cancer free and has P.D. and Ann Phillips form Gainesville, and she was favorably impressed.

GA, are looking forward to the 55th. regained full energy.

John and Loretta Kuchnia will have two Ed and Betty Powell sent the annual famCarl and Mary LeBourdais had a fun of their four children home for Christmas filled 2007. They enjoy life in The Villages, ily photo, and it looks like they have two and their only son, Alex ’82, remaining and the next time Col. Walter Lee Chalkley grandsons who are candidates for provisional in FL. Loretta visited their daughter and appointments. In January, he wrote that they ’72, chief of staff at VMI, comes to The family in England for two and one-half very much appreciated my kind comments in Villages for a presentation, Carl will notify weeks in September. Both John and Loretta the Alumni Review. He also thanked me for the BRs in the area. appreciated the 50th Reunion medallion we the elegant medallion, which arrived safely Ray and Martha MacKay in West End, sent him, and Loretta plans to inscribe his NC, thought 2007 was a great year with our in Burlington, NC. name on the back.

Skip Richardson in VA Beach says it’s 50th Reunion in April and their 50th wedJim and Diana Kyle in Poughkeepsie, hard keeping up with his three kids and eight ding anniversary in August. Ray believes NY, had their first big snow just in time for grandchildren and Betty’s three kids and five we need to schedule more mini gatherings. a white Christmas. They both had a great grandchildren. He doesn’t have any greatCarroll and Darrel Mason wrote from time at the 50th Reunion, and Jim was glad Santa Clarita, CA, where they were visiting. grandchildren, yet. that I encouraged him to attend.

Buddy and Peggy Rogers in Salem, VA, He also informed me that his birthday is in Marilynn Landis in Arnold, MD, keeps had a good 2007. Buddy retired from G.E. August and not September, which I have busy with travel. In 2007, she visited her nine years ago and enjoys building things, now corrected.

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CLASS NOTES working outdoors, boating and has a well as his kids, have pushed him volunteer job repairing tape players into using a computer in Henrico for the blind.

County Public Library. Duke added Buz and Nelda Snyder had a busy that his son, Dale ’92, has a sportyear with two “50 reunions” and fishing venture in the Florida Keys, a 50th wedding anniversary. Buz which is just getting started. He has chaired our 50th Reunion and Nelda an interesting Web site at www. edited the Hollins ’57 Memory Book. captaindalebishop.com. If you like They also keep busy with family fly casting, check it out! reunions and lakeside picnics.

Our long lost BR, Bert Bramble, George and Shirley Sydnor had checked in via a Christmas card, a gathering of Brother Rats when wherein he said, “Sorry about the Drewry and Joanne Fox visited long silence.” (Long silence, as in 50 on Oct. 17, 2007, at their home in years!) Sadly, as much as he would Fincastle, VA. Attending were Jim like to join his Brother Rats in the Rust, Drew Fox, Howard Lawrence, coming reunion, he stated that he George Sydnor, G.E. Murray, Phil and his wife will be back on their Peters, Wade Douthat, Harry Warsailboat this spring until fall. From ner and John Whittle. past information, I had learned that Bob and Dot Wood are trying, with his sailing had been abroad in the moderate success, to fit into their Mediterranean, etc. bertbramble@ small cottage in Orange City. Bob comcast.net. Safe sailing, BR, and plans to visit Wade Douthat and Pete following seas.

Whittle in Roanoke in the New Year.

As I compile these notes, today I As I was finishing my notes, the spoke with BR Hunter Clarke, who latest figures from Annual Giving had neck surgery on Feb. 13, 2008, arrived. From July 1 to Dec. 31 we at Norfolk General Hospital. At this have 62 donors for a 37.8%. The figwriting, he is being tube fed, which Class of 1957: Garland and Sally Sullivan on ure is $113,120. This is most respectdoesn’t sound like any fun. Howthe Mississippi Gulf Coast. able, and I look forward to writing ever, Hunter and Betty Jean look each and thanking him for his supforward to joining our BRs in April. port. Also the Summer/Fall issue of Cos Cosentino wrote that he had the Alumni Review arrived on Jan. 28, 2008. series of warm and fond memories. I hasten sold his business but will continue workto tell you that due to medical problems, In my class notes of May, I named seven ing under a contract, four days a week, my wife, Annemarie, is assembling these BRs who had attended NINE reunions but until 2010. That’s retirement? Nonetheless, notes for me as I dictate them; for without unfortunately the typist changed nine to Cos said he is looking forward to golf, her, I could not accomplish this. Regarding NONE. I would never print those who had fishing and of course, the grandchildren. the reunion, since at the time of this issue never attended. There are probably 30 BRs He has planned a trip to the Caribbean to of the Alumni Review, it had not occurred, I who have yet to attend their first reunion, get a tan in February before the reunion. can only say that it is something we are all and the 55th Reunion Committee will work Jim Cowan sent a brief note advising looking forward to and in that regard, the on them to return in April 2012. he and Margaret have a few more creaks, old adage applies: if you weren’t there, you groans and aches from various body parts, missed the time of your life. but doing OK for the shape they’re in.

Wes Roberts May I start with the essence of a Christ(How could they tell, when the temperamas poem sent by Earl and Sue Bennett, in ture is always below freezing in Hill City, which they mourn the passing of friends and SD, at this time of year!) youth and learn to treasure our companions Jim Poteet e-mailed that he is back in more each year. “Woven deep within our the FL panhandle and that he had talked deepest core, are memories of Rah, Virginia to BR Jack Boze, who advised he had his Mil! So raise a glass, dear Brother Rats of room for the reunion. Jim said that he, too, mine to fifty-eight, hear, hear!” Beautiful has his quarters reserved and is looking sentiments, Earl and Sue! Well said. forward to seeing the class in April.

From Duke Bishop, I learned that he I’m writing these class notes before our Ted and Becky Henry are cruising the has finally surrendered to the marvels of class reunion, but they will be in your Pacific in March, after flying to Tahiti and hands after our reunion has passed and is a the 21st century, in that, I, apparently, as cruising to French Polynesia. The Henrys

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2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES seem never to stay at home, as his Christmas letter said that last March they visited Sicily for 18 days. I think they could open a travel agency and give us all discounts.

This year marks the 50th wedding anniversary of Duke and Annette Johnston. (A picture they sent shows they haven’t changed a bit, in spite of Duke’s comment, “Counting the four years we dated, we have been together forever!”) They plan a honeymoon in New York City, as Class of 1958: Pictures of Duke and Annette Johnston – then and now – 50 years they did 50 years ago. together. Notice the beer then and the champagne now.

You all know that at times my ”news,” while current when it comes to my attention, is old, or the health the 50th Reunion Golf Team, they asked ing to their Christmas card, is working situation has resolved itself. Apropos of this, for a demonstration. Seven lost golf balls with Habitat for Humanity. They said that I learned in January, that BR Charlie Best later, they had had enough and sent him Janice is taking sign language classes, as had undergone scalp skin grafts, was getting back to MD, marked “ransom paid.” Ship she says she might need that knowledge if hyperbaric treatments to help with the healcalled me and said that he and BR Bill Gates’ hearing gets any worse. It sounds ing, and as Ewing said, “all things considWalker (and wives) dined together and like “selective hearing,” as Gates says, ered, we are optimistic.” The Bests plan to went over the logistics for the upcoming there’s nothing wrong with his hearing. attend the reunion, and they announced that reunion. They said that they were under Guess he hears what he wants to hear. their son is getting married in Charleston the “gross” weight by seven golf balls. You Bill and Mary Jo Thomas advised that weekend before our “Grand Gathering.” pilots will know what we mean by “seven they are spending the winter in Naples, FL, “Moon” Menefee reported in their golf balls.” Ship also received a kind and (billthomas007@comcast.net.) They noted Christmas card that he had a second hip appreciative thank you note from BR Fred that in August of 2008, they will celebrate replacement and was home in four days.

Rosenbaum’s son, Tarn, in response to a their 50th anniversary and will take a (We are becoming a “bionic” class.) donation made by Ship to the Air Safety 14-night cruise from Miami.

Our BR Dave Pai’s wife, Anna “Chip” Foundation. Tarn noted, “I had a lot of Sandy Yon advised in her Christmas Pai, a graduate of Sweet Briar class of ‘right-hand seat time’ flying with dad and letter that she would love to join us at 1957, will be delivering Sweet Briar’s 99th always observed him as a conscientious, our 50th but will be in Tahiti. Sandy lets commencement address on May 10 of this careful pilot. I am sure he would feel honno grass grow under her feet, as she is so year. Anna’s father and grandfather were ored by this donation.” active with volunteer work in a VA Beach military leaders under Chiang Kai Shek, BR Bob Smith, who lives in Hobbs, hospital, has traveled to Singapore, North until the civil war drove the nationalists to NM, commented on the “chair rides” to and South Vietnam and Burma. If that Formosa. It is noted that BR Dave’s father the mess hall and suggested that I (Wes) weren’t enough, she made a return trip to was a military leader as well, until the would only need a sun chair. He said, South Africa on a safari. Whew! All this Communists took over the country.

“Wow, it’s been some ride, hasn’t it?” travel wears me out.

BR Robby Robertson wrote that “even Surprising to me, he noted that they were Drew Troxler reports that he had a with 208 inches of snow last winter” they “snowed in” out there. I, Wes, didn’t telephonic conversation with Billy Prior still love living in CO. He noted that he realize snow was an issue in that part of (chief superior court judge in Madison and Pat are very active in their homeownthe country. We hope to see Bob at the County, GA). They had a wonderful time ers’ association, their church activities and reunion, along with all our other BRs. catching up, and Billy said he would try apparently enjoy the beauty that nature has Jack Sullivan noted briefly that he and his best to join his Brother Rats at our 50th to offer in lovely CO. Liza had just returned from a cruise to HI Reunion. Drew reminisced that the last BR Dorsey Shipley, in a continuation of (Jan. 19). They plan to go to Hyannis Port 50th Class Reunion he attended was that a story from our last class notes (Alumni in September and are looking forward to of his father, Col. Paul D. Troxler ’26. He Review Summer/Fall 2007) offered the fol- our “Big 5-0.” said that he was assigned duty as bartender lowing: Ship got back to me and said his I learned in December that BR Gates and “keeper of the ladies.” His father’s “ransom” was paid by Tiger Woods. When Sykes had undergone heart surgery (April class adopted him,. and he has great he found out that he (Ship) was needed on 2007), made a quick recovery and accordmemories of the occasion.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Tony Lash was recently in a car accident and explains his experience. “I was rear ended by a guy who fell asleep at the wheel. I was slowing for a red light, and he was doing at least 50. My car was knocked across the highway, hitting two other cars before ending up in a ditch. …

They insisted on taking me to the hospital in an ambulance strapped to a board, as they were convinced I must have had internal injuries. The medic with me was laughing at my stories of emerging unscathed from disaster after disaster, and my b!$@# about wanting to be able to play senior softball in a few months. I was out of the hospital in less than 30 minutes with a clean bill of health. My larger dog’s back was broken, and she had to be put down. Our team will bring us fame in alma mater’s name, Brother Rats. Tony Lash” Inasmuch as you will receive these class notes after our 50th Reunion was celebrated, I can say, “Didn’t we have a great time!” May our future gatherings be as well attended, with our hale and hearty BRs and their lovely ladies. God’s Blessings, Wes

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Richard Bingham

Fred Hauser ’53: “Thanks for remembering my brother, Bob, in your spring 2007 class notes. Bob was diagnosed with leukemia about three and a half years ago, underwent three chemos and lastly, had a bone marrow transplant on Nov. 1, 2006. He passed away on Dec. 23, 2006, of an infection at the university of Pennsylvania hospital in Philadelphia. We had an uncle on our father’s side who died of leukemia in 1960 and were told it was not supposed to be hereditary.”

Bill Lee: Bill’s Christmas letter from the beach in FL reflected the fabulous life of retirement, from the visit of grandchildren to world travel. Bill and Jennifer cook for the homeless every Monday at their church. He expects to be traveling in the consultant role to some new locations, sharing some of what he has learned in his career.

PEACE and LOVE, Bill & Jennifer.

2008-Issue 2

Class of 1958: Tony Lash was recently involved in a car accident. Note the undamaged, indestructible VMI license plate frame and the undamaged, indestructible VMI ’58 driver.

George O’Neall: “Billy Traylor’s 70th birthday celebration was hosted by his daughter and son-inlaw at their elegant home in Warrenton, VA. It was an occasion that brought out BRs and wives. Mort Eggleston, Kurt Gloeckner, Billy Kornegay, Jim McFalls, Mark Smith, Harley Pate and Geter Vermillion.”

Skip Wood, Larry Wood, Jim Wood and I were among a number of wrestlers attending Oscar (Gup) Gupton’s posthumous induction into the VMI Hall of Fame in November. Several of us called and wrote to VMI to strongly recommend his induction. I have to add that it was terrific

getting together with Jim for a couple of days.

(Don’t tell him I said that.) I think the only things that changed in us were hair and waist. We both continue to compete for the Smart @#$ award.

Lots of laughs.

(See more ’59 photos on the next page.)

’60

Class of 1959: From left, Robert Haines, Monique Harnett, and Jean and Mel Anderson at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, December 2007.

L. Edward Tolley

The VMI Alumni Review, Summer/Fall issue included two very informative pieces of information.

Number one was a copy of the “Letter from the Superintendent,” Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, to parents of incoming cadets, pages 4 through 10 in the Review. The second was a DVD titled “Vision 2039 – Focus on Leadership.” These two presentations will give you more accurate information about the current VMI than is available anywhere in as concise a form. I urge you to read the letter and watch the DVD. Each addresses many of the questions that I get concerning, “What’s happening at VMI?” Those of us who are traveling through Georgetown, TX, be sure to stop by for an Arby’s Roast Beef and ask for Jon Parnell. Jon has been there dishin’ out good ole

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1959: Photo above, left: From left, Bill Kornegay, Geter Vermillion, Mort Eggleston, George O’Neill, Billy Traylor, Kurt Gloeckner, Harlee Pate and Jim McFalls. Photo above, right: Mort Eggleston, Mark Smith and Bill Traylor.

Texas beef for quite a while. He dancing lessons! Of course, there asked about the Liquid Lunch gang is always a party and dancing and others. Son Lance Parnell ’92 afterwards. Ed, if you want to learn and John Williamson ’92, son of how to dance, then invite Mike Pitt our Brother Rat Bolling Williamor Jim Savage down. Those two son, were BRs. Thanks for the nice can dance. Also Ed, if you make donation, Jon. the trip to Indonesia via Singapore, Mike and Alice Shoemaker watch out for the non uniformed checked in from the ex-sanctuary police. They will fine you $200.00 city of VA Beach. Talked to Mike for chewing gum, smoking, spitting who has been very interested in and just about anything else except the mini reunions held annually in spending money. They wanted to Surrey or Suffolk and attended by jail a co-worker of mine for bringClass of 1959: From left, Larry Wood, Skip Wood and several from the area, i.e. Howard ing chewing tobacco through the Jim Wood were among many wrestlers attending Oscar Moss, Dave Bisset, Bob Clay, Bill airport!!

Gupton’s posthumous induction into the VMI Hall of Knowles, Tom Leary and until Bill and Joan King keep in touch Fame in November 2007. his untimely passing this past year, from Missouri City, TX. I guess Chuck Zimmerman. Missing I’ll skip all the news from Bill. Oh, from that group are Mike Pitt, Bill what the heck, I’ll give it all to you.

Overman, Archie Brown, Seagull “Best wishes.”

Coughlin and Jack Horgan. Hey guys, I got a beautiful card from Bettina join the gang.

Graham who was visiting daughter With the mention of Bill Overman, Claudia in Wahiawa, HI. She visited I called to ascertain the status of the the big waves on the north shore, where “sanctuary city” of VA Beach. Bill she and Len would swim in happier filled me in on the details of the illegal days. who murdered a couple of young Ashby and Katie Chamberlin and girls and the uproar from citizens that their entire platoon were in Santa Fe resulted in “de-sanctuarying” by the for the wedding of son Cliff to Audrey council. The subject will, no doubt, be Clifford. Ashby and Eva Gillispie had a a topic of debate in the upcoming elecgood visit and discussion over “Charlie tion. Lou and Bill are doing well and Wilson’s War” and agreed that the book say, “Y’all come.” was more enjoyable than the movie.

Jim and Irma Bagby sent a card If you really want to get away from it from Mt. Pleasant, SC. As most of you all, Phil and Carol Hamric recommend remember, Jim left VMI for the pasthe Owyhee High Desert in north NV toral pastures in Annapolis, where he and south ID. Yeah, there is nothing did very well; however, Jim remains a there and to get lost would be very Class of 1959: Decorated gateway at the home of very consistent and generous donor to easy. They continue to enjoy trips into Billy Traylor’s daughter, Elizabeth, where Billy’s VMI. Jim, there are several BRs in the Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

70th birthday celebration was held. area you will remember: Joe Collins/ Phil got a welcomed visit from Bill Mt. Pleasant, Roy Quinn/Charleston Edwards, a high school buddy, back in and Ed Davis/Charleston.

May last year. Many war stories and smokin’ – not that I’m getting any e-mail. And So, Joe Collins escaped the traffic snarl experiences made each feel younger. over in Charleston, Ed and Sheila Davis are around Vienna for Mt. Pleasant, SC. Now that John and Christie Fulton are digging in for busy in retirement activities, namely church and he has his computer back online, he has it yet another grandson’s extended stay, since he Boy Scouts. A big addition to Ed’s schedule is

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES will attend Oregon State U. Number one grandson attends now. Can you imagine the grocery bill and tax on the fridge and microwave they will experience?

From Huntsville, AL, Jim Schaaf reports that he is still at the grindstone, but the end of the line is in sight. His efforts contribute to development of life saving emergency combat equipment being used in Iraq. Thanks, Jim, for your continuing work on behalf of our troops.

The wheels of Carl Benner’s car have finally fallen off after travels to the four corners of the U.S.A. last year. Trips to NY, NH, CT, CA, CO, SC and finally home took the itch out of his feet, but Barbara, with her mechanical abilities will, no doubt, repair the damage and with the picture of a yet unplayed golf course, have the Tiger want-a-be back on the road. Next time you whiz down I-81, stop by and hit ’em long and straight, Carl.

Jack and Jayne Seamon are spending the winter in Ft. Myers. What a treat to get out of Fairfax traffic. Guess they voted absentee in the primary.

Out in Lafayette, CO, Buddy and Jeanne Frith came up with a unique ... “interactive educational tool appropriate for teaching a wide variety of individuals the basic concepts and purpose of Christianity.” The Bible Box was inspired by the need for parents to be able to tell the Bible stories to young and disabled children and adults in a meaningful way, and a way that improves retention and application.

Buddy has developed, and sent me, a brochure that illustrates the box and is available at www. bibleboxonline.com. Look it up. You may be able to use it in church or civic programs.

Got a neat picture of Joe and Mary Ann Morabit and that beautiful little granddaughter, Sydney, who Joe talks so much about. So far, she has made three years of total enjoyment for the Morabits.

Jerry and Mary Herrmann down in Land O’ Lakes, FL, Ed and Rose Mary Marquette in Gambrills, MD, and Jimbo and Ruth Smith in Southport, NC, send greetings and wishes for a great new year. Sam Miller in Millersville, MD, sends hello, as does Jim and Joan Gibson from Glen Allen and Steve and Carol Slattery from Sacramento.

Well, George Uhlig finally got his diesel truck that Evie drove as George participated in the 17.5 miles of the “Rails to Trails” bike ride last June. She hates it. George still teaches at the Eastern Utah Chemistry department and recently found out why the A/C and ventilation system are shut down on Friday afternoons. There are no students there! No labs, no military duty, no parades, etc. and good thing, too. George and a student were performing an experiment using hydrogen sulfide and fumigated the entire build-

2008-Issue 2

ing. Needless to say, if anyone remained in the building, they left, and there are no more mice, cockroaches or spiders to pester students.

Henry and Ginny Shirley had a half year of fun and frolicking followed by a half year of, well, not so much fun, as back surgery and some nagging eye problems brought their pace to a crawl. Surgery to correct cornea problems and rehab for the back after surgery have made them whole again, and the itinerary for ’08 is virtually complete. Hank, back in ’74, after six months of near total incapacity and pain, finally had surgery to remove most of two discs and fusion of three vertebrates. Results were 100% recovery to my old form. The Lord is good.

Jim and Reba Greathead took a trip to Italy and Switzerland, and they were impressed by the large size of “David” and small ceiling size of the Sistine Chapel. They had a ball that included creating an international incident at the border. (What is “the rest of the story,” Jim?) Back in the states, each had to nurse medical problems. Reba with blood clots in one leg, Jim with walking pneumonia. Not to worry, with proper diet and exercise, a John Elway knee brace, Miracle Ear, oxygen and luck, both are, shall we say, normal.

And Jay Jarrett had eye surgery, for the ninth time, but this time it worked, and he can “see better than ever?” (Ny question.) Also, Sandy celebrated her 39th birthday using very short candles! Then their news confuses me. They got a new bed, which meant they needed to scrape the ceilings, then re-do the walls. Of course, there had to be a new carpet. All this due to successful eye surgery, Jay? Well, by Christmas the bed was ready. Guess I need to go back to CA to get this straight.

Doc and Dorcas Mallory up in Millwood, VA, are still at furniture making. Ray and Terri Crickenberger sent a card with snowmen.

Dreaming, Ray? How about those snowmen we made in the courtyard in March 1960?

Another ’60s visit to Italy, this time by Rich and Mary Ann Murphy. Although they hit Florence, Sienna, Assisi and Rome, they were not involved in the Greathead incident. They also made their contribution to the U.S. economy by visiting Yellowstone, Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, and Salt Lake City. Dick has also had problems, macular degeneration, in both eyes, that is treated each month.

Seab and Pril Brown enjoy their continuing work, Seab with the Public Defender’s office as an interpreter and Pril with the Park Service.

They got G.G. and Frances Phillips letter alerting them of upcoming work on our 50th! Not to worry folks, you’ll get yours. And, yes Pril, it has been that long since we left the Pine Room.

Don Hammonds and I continue our jabs at each other politically, all in fun. Please every-

one, keep Chris and Joe Hammonds, Don’s boys, in your prayers. Chris is on call-up as a reservist Special Ops officer and has served three years around the world. Joe is in Afghanistan with the 1st Bn, 503rd Parachute Inf. Reg. I’m sure many BRs have sons or grandsons serving in the services. My oldest grandson is now on duty in the Navy. They all need our thanks and prayers.

Ridge and Becky Parks, in Upperco, MD, are reliving their younger years with all the 21 grandchildren! All I can say is, Ridge, it might be crazy, but don’t weaken. They’ll get ahead of you, and that is not good for you unless each is a marine.

At this time, Wayne and Judy LeBlang must be about to return from South America and Antarctica. How many rounds did y’all get in down in sunny Antarctica, Wayne?

Frank and Alice Bruce are still holed up in Annandale but do venture out when Alice puts her foot down. They went down to Gatlinburg during Christmas. I’m sure Frank tried to get in one of the talent shows as a singer. Now I’m no singer, but you should have heard him sing “Fascination!” He was bad! BRs from three or four doors would run to the sinks to escape the pain. He didn’t stop on the way, either. ’Course, he is an E.E. – not good at map reading. Alice, you are one strong woman.

Don’t hold your breath, but Ed Martin is thinking about retirement! With two young grandkids near to keep him young, plenty of Ingrid’s bratwurst and many things he hasn’t even thought about inventing, Ed has just hit his stride. How’s the perpetual machine coming, Ed? George and Ginny Ax spent three weeks in eastern Europe last year, had a great time, consumed the best beer but are going west to HI this time. I guess you travelers will be in the Pacific this year, since Europe and the Mediterranean was last year’s destination.

G.G. and Frances Phillips are at Windy Cove Farm, Millboro, VA, and getting ready to kick off activities relative to the 50th Reunion of the class of ’60! Several have already been busy with preliminary work. It will be vital that when you are contacted, you respond promptly to requests for assistance or information. We are expecting a momentous and grand event.

Jim and Joan Gibson, still holed up in Glen Allen, send best wishes, as do Steve and Carol Slattery in Sacramento.

Things are looking up for Jim and Carol Seeley with son Jim Seeley II ’86 back from deployment in Afghanistan and daughter-inlaw Pamela, wife of son Richard, showing no further cancer after treatments. Jim continues to fly a Gulfstream out of Centennial Airport in Denver and, of course, The Spirit, when homework allows.

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CLASS NOTES I suppose Peanuts Elliott has packed away his steam tables since the trees and road building give him more real enjoyment. Jan keeps out of the way, since her trips to Italy, Disney World and “gal” tours are not simply overnight jaunts.

No, she is not into snowmobiling in Yellowstone. The pontoon boat on Mullet Lake where the loons croon does fit both.

Farmer Foxwell has filled his freezer full of foul and venison from the forest and fields. The soybeans did well, and the rye is now in beautiful green. I guess Helen continues to can the excess vegetables, milk the cows and gather the eggs.

Nah, she travels to France to visit the two grands; otherwise, she just marvels at the Foxy man.

Over the rivers and through the woods to Ed and Linda Duncan’s spread, drought cut into the volume but increased the prices fetched for hay. The herd is growing, and “Ed has been very lucky with his breeding success, but it has been a tough year for him.” A trip to SD pheasant hunting eased the stress. The welcome mat is out, clean and visible. Y’all come mess it up!

Alex and Barb Dunlap in Atlanta whizzed through another year with no more than the average aches, pains etc. They had another sonin-law, number three. Traveled to Traverse City, MI, after Alex added aids to assist his hearing, i.e. “personal communication assistants.”

John and Lin Hilliard continue their support of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum at Satellite Beach, FL, as tour guides, and they run a rescue mission for wayward poodles. They have three poodles under their care.

Denny and Sandy Zay are in Wilmington, NC, where things are doing fine. Bob and Betty Gianella were found guilty of impersonating Christmas Angels! Betty was given a one day sentence but after his usual four letter words rant, Bob was given an extra year. Weird things happen in Waco.

From Bob and Jane Graves in Pensacola, “Wishing you hope that shines, joy that celebrates, peace that lasts.” Tom and Ann Kurkoski are anxiously awaiting our 50th as they follow the Big Red teams and brave the Endicott weather.

Got a very nice note from Elizabeth Zimmerman acknowledging our donation to their church.

Loads of news were received from Jeep and Linda Goodwillie. (I’m spoofing, of course.)

When he resigned from the class agent’s job, Jeep cast out his pen. Come on, BR. Alfalfa and Darla, aka Mike Pitt and Betty Hudgins, forwarded their latest picture. I always enjoy their venture into the entertainment world. This year’s look-a-likes are a great contrast to last years American Gothic. Mike, as the saying goes, you’ve got to do something with that hair!

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Bill and Jane Cressall are laid up in Mesa, AZ, having a dog-gone good time. And Bill and Sue Knowles have a reason to visit the area as their son, Pat, now lives in the quaint town of Natural Bridge Station, my old stomping grounds.

Back to the top, please read the references I made in my first paragraph. It will refresh your memory and answer many questions about the state of the Institute. Believe me, we are in good hands.

Thanks for the letters, notes, cards and calls.

You make and report the news.

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

The holidays are behind us, the VMI Regimental Band looked great in the Rose Bowl parade, and many of you have ventured to warmer climates for the next few months. The class is active, and from what you have told me, you are enjoying retirement. Me, too!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time goes by. Skip McDannald made his annual December trip from GA to purchase VA Eastern Shore seafood and stayed with us. I enjoyed going with and helping him load lots of seafood in his SUV for consumption in GA. Skip still works the tree farm and is involved in several other ventures. Robert and Pat Williamson invited us over to dine with Robert’s mom “Mimi.” For a lady approaching 90, she is as quick now as when she was 40. Jim and Frankie Ring, and Bill and Joyce Gibbings were also there. Robert Williamson stays busy caring for mom and his sailboat. Jim Ring is very involved in charity work, and Frankie is completing her master’s degree in Divinity. Bill Gibbings is building furniture and volunteering at the Mariners Museum Library. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, Sue and I were with the family in MD. We returned from Christmas in time to have lunch hosted by Joyce and Bill Gibbings. We had a wonderful time visiting with Gaylia Hudgins, Lee and Betsey Badgett, and Larry and Joanne Respess. Gaylia has been staying very busy traveling and spending time with her family. As I understand it, Lee Badgett worked hard restoring a house they own in Lexington, and it turned out so good that Betsey sold it. Son Brett is in Iraq with a Special Forces unit, and we all hope he stays safe.

Larry Respess is still working as a lawyer. As you may recall from my last notes, Larry and Joanne were ordered to leave their house during the firestorms in San Diego. Joanne said the ash from the fires penetrated the entire house.

Several homes in their community were lost.

New Year’s Eve we spent with the Gibbings and Respess at the Gibbings house. Gibbings, George Henning and I attended the eighth annual Colonial Williamsburg Woodworking Symposium. While we learned how the colonial “Masters” worked by hand, Sue, Joyce and Edna Henning worked the credit cards at the outlet stores. George Henning is still a practicing orthopedic surgeon and has also become an accomplished woodworker.

Larry and Jerri Wetsel hosted an after the holiday dinner party. Jerri is the perfect hostess, and we had a great time. The gathering included Ashby Taylor, Ken and Sue Patrick, Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe, Jim and Blair Bickford, Gaylia Hudgins, Bill Cox ’64 and friend Jeannie, Dorsey and Madonna Pender, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Irv and Sue Wells, Lou and Prisc Shuba, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Don and Ibis Kern, Willard and Pat Hoskins, George and Edna Henning, and Eugene and Gay King ’59. I hope the Wetsels make the party an annual affair.

I was very happy to learn that Mike and Suzanne Carmichael’s son, Tucker, is making a remarkable recovery from his close brush with death. Suzanne teased Mike that Tucker earned more decorations in seven months than Mike did in 22 years of active duty. Lynn and Shirley Hartford have been busy. Lynn became an elder in the Auburn Presbyterian Church, in charge of administration, and they are both on the board for the local cat shelter. New Year’s was spent at the Grand Canyon and February in Australia and New Zealand. Tom Artman has been very active building a large model railroad with other “big kids.” Ron McNemar has also expanded his model train layout, and it has become a local tourist attraction. Maybe these two BRs should join forces. Ron is also doing woodworking and custom furniture making, and his talents are in demand. Jim and Connie Oliver have been staying busy with grandchildren, cruises to the Islands, NYC, Aruba and MT. It is nice to hear that Jim is finally taking it easy.

Bill and Connie Nelms are still competitively dancing, and in November 2007, Connie won a second place trophy in Latin dances. Bill’s dancing has improved to the point where he now competes at the “silver” level.

John and Linda Moore have taken several trips this past year to include the Sonoma, CA, wine country, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Russia and the Baltic States, and VA Beach. They especially enjoyed visiting the Kremlin and Red Square. John is still on the Venice City council, and Linda says his name is in the paper to often.

Also traveling were Irv and Sue Wells. Yes, Irv is still working. They spent the holidays in Salzburg, Austria. Paul Johnston also spent

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES some time this winter in Austria, as well as Aspen, UT, and the NC mountains. Spike and Mary Callander ventured to a B&B in Natural Bridge for a mini reunion with Harold and Pamela Kurstedt and Bill and Sandy Puette.

Bill, Harold and Spike visited their first class room, and it almost looked the same. (My room is now a latrine for women.) Spike has been working two days a week for SAIC, and when his replacement was called to active duty, Spike volunteered to fill the gap for a year.

Doug and Jan Popp are doing OK. Doug, who is a NRA Certified Instructor, is teaching pre-boot camp Marines (Poolies) firearm safety and marksmanship. Dave and Edwina Thomas are still working full time. Dave’s satellite launch has been postponed, and I guess until it goes up, he will keep working. Edwina completed another round-the-world trip for SOMA. She even spent time in Mombassa, and the thought of being in that place gives me the creeps. I am sure God is watching out for her.

Joe and Nancy Preston downsized and moved to the Four Seasons 55+ community in Charlottesville. Jim and Carol Cranford purchased a winter home in Vero Beach, Fl, and invite those BR to come visit. George Van Orden is finally settled in Richmond and is really happy to be home. Dude Copenhaver has been making lots of trips to Myrtle Beach to play golf and regularly visits Dick Stone. Lots of folks seem to be getting into golf.

Tom Jones and Joe Engelhard have several things in common. They live in cold climates, ME and MI, have lots of snow and have dogs.

In addition to his two Bassett hounds, Tom inherited two more dogs. He said the house has gotten a lot smaller and can’t wait for spring and the thaw. Joe’s Norwegian elkhound is ecstatic with all the show and “tunnels” through it. The dog’s antics keep him smiling, as he also waits for spring. Bob and Suellen Reitz are very proud of their son, Rusty. Rusty made Eagle Scout, earned the Bronze Palm for extra badges and time in the troop and will be heading to Valdosta in fall 2008. Buzz Bossart visited Bob, and for a house-warming gift for the “hooch” in the woods, he provided them with a hot tub. Buzz regularly visits with John Purner.

John is still in FL and living on the beach. John took a trip to South America and had a wonderful time with the senoritas.

Ed and Phyllis Hollowell are keeping busy.

Phyllis is the secretary for the local Republican Woman’s Club and the Hollowell’s full time gardener. Ed, in addition to what I communicated to you in the last Review, became a certified Coxswain, which allows him to command a boat and crew on Safety Patrols and Search and Rescue missions. He also did 16 days active duty at the Coast Guard Academy on

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the Academy Introduction Mission Staff. Bob and Jeanie Burk have had a busy year between working and traveling. The Burk’s visited with Harvey and Jo Ann Curlee in Pompano Beach, FL, and lunched with Johnny Butler in Raleigh.

Then, they were off to Roanoke to attend Bob’s 50th, along with George and Edna Henning, Bill and Danya Redd, and Barry and Betty Orndorff. Missing from the reunion was Pete and Mary Lee Roberts. Mary Lee is having a difficult time.

Received a newsy note from Lou Kiger. Lou is still working and was named president of F.L. Showalter, Inc. He is very active in his church and went on a mission trip to Thailand, where he distributed Bibles and other literature to the mainland Chinese, who were vacationing in Pattiya City. This past summer, he took the entire family out west to ID and the National Park Visitors Center in Jackson, WY, where he had a chance to visit for a short while with Bland and Gaylia Hudgins. The entire family (11) went white-water rafting on the Yellowstone and filled up that raft. Gerry Eubank is enjoying his retirement. He had the opportunity to attend Bobby Ross’ ’59 induction into the Georgia Tech Wall of Honor. Gerry enjoys shooting pistol and all four gauges of skeet and sporting clays, when he is not playing golf. Andy Myruski is spending the winter in FL where he has enjoyed ridding with Hill Browning on Hill’s 22-ft deck boat. Back to the cold part of the country, Bill Hala retired from coaching skiing and has stayed involved in ski racing as a race support person. Bill helps set up, maintain and take down racecourses and is in charge of safety fencing.

Tim and Sandy Bryant’s oldest son, Mike, finally got married. Tim was happy to see the event, as he is recovering from a mini stroke.

Also married this past year, were Skip and Harriotte McDannald’s daughter, Mary Archer, Raine and Claire Gilbert’s daughter, Christine, as previously reported Dave and Charlotte Harbach’s daughter, Melissa, and Rhett and Jan Clarkson’s son, Edward.

I have been in contact with Tom Rutledge and Bob Winslow, who live in Charleston, with regard to the June class trip to Bermuda. By the time you read this you will know that they hosted a great a party for us. The next big party will be at the Charlotte Folk Society Old Time Music Jam, at the Phlegar Farm in New River, VA. This will be the 20th year this event has taken place, and if you like playing music or just listening and eating, this is the place to be. Sue and I have attended several times and it is worth the trip. Call Tom Phlegar at 740/535-2154, or e-mail him at btphlegar@aol.com. Tom has been very busy taking care of Barbara, who is doing OK, and with his SAR activities. Tom

is now a drummer with the Revolutionary War Fife and Drum unit, in addition to all the other activities he is involved. He reminded me, “You don’t stop playing when you get old. You get old when you stop playing.” Amen!

Sue and I have enjoyed reading all the holiday cards and letters. We especially enjoyed the family and wedding pictures, and they are all being carefully placed in a scrapbook. Thank you!

As has been my practice, I like to acknowledge all those that took the time to send me a holiday card, and they are as follows: Mitch Kot, Gerry Eubank, Bob Huddle, Mac McGinn, George Ward, Tim Bryant, Ed Hollowell, Joe Engelhard, John Moore, Dave Harbach, Rhett Clarkson, Dave Thomas, Bill Puette, Spike Callendar Jim Oliver, Raine Gilbert, Skip McDannald, Bob Burks, Irv Wells, Joe Preston, Lynn Hartford, Tom Jones, Doug Popp, Tom Phlegar, Paul Johnston, Ed Doleman, Bill Phillips, Dick Jarvis, Barry Orndorff, Dave Magee, Larry Dapra, Charlie Brown, Mike Bissell, George Henning, Larry Williams, Larry Respess, Dick Huneycutt, Don Rishell, Dave Thomas, Bill Nelms, Dick Stone, Lee Badgett, Bill Redd, Willard Hoskins, Ken Ederle, Joe Lisiecki, Don Wise, Robert Williamson, Jack Bell, Bob Reitz, Mike Carmichael, Ron McNemar, Tom Artman, Floyd Roberts, Lou Kiger, Bud Alligood, Kenner Rice, John Steadman, Harrison Fridley, Curt McDowell, Lou Shuba, Holmes Smith, Bob Coltrane, Bill Hill, Tom Whalen, Andy Myruski, Paul Goldman, Wyatt Durrette, Hill Browning, Jim Cranford, Bill Daniels, Jim Miner, Bill Maurer, Dick Weede, Jerry Coen, Bill Hala, Jim Berger, Lou Grazulis, Dave Bella, Bill Keech, Larry Wetsel, Bill Gibbings, Jim Ring, Bill Fout, Ray Hanlein, John Gangemi and Carl Hirsch. I was also very pleased that several of our class widows have stayed in touch, and they are: Mary Franklin Fulghum, Elfriede Winiker, Hannelore Garrison, Gaylia Hudgins and Kitty Ferebee.

We all know how difficult it is to cope with the loss of a Brother Rat or spouse, but it must be devastating when your child passes on.

There are no words of comfort that I can offer to Bill and Virginia Dabney on the passing of their son, Bill Jr. I ask you to pray for them.

Virginia sent a note to me and said the VMI ’61 support was overwhelming and has especially helped lift Bill’s and the family’s spirits.

Sue and I just returned from a trip to Tucson, AZ, where we visited with Bill and Sandra Fout and met with Ben and Mary Cleveland. Yes, long lost BR Cleveland. Ben invited us to dinner, and we talked for hours. A quick up-date: He

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Class of 1961 Photos 1

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Photos on this page: 1) Connie Nelms won second place for a series of three Latin dances – the bolero, cha-cha and samba – in November 2007 at the Ohio Star Ball National Competition in Columbus, OH. 2) Lou Kiger and his family of 11 went white water rafting on the Yellowstone River in Wyoming. Lou is in the front row, third from the left. 3) Getting together on Feb. 7, 2008, at the Desert Diamond Casino in Green Valley, AZ, were, from left, Ben and Mary Cleveland, Sue Vitale, and Bill and Sandra Fout. 4) Shon Maurer and golfing buddy Buster in Parks Ridge, NJ. 5) In spring 2007, Bobby Ross ’59, left, was added to the Georgia Tech Wall of Honor. Gerry Eubank, right, attended the ceremony.

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CLASS NOTES 7

Class of 1961 Photos 6

Photos on this page: 6) Dude Copenhaver, left, and Dickey Stone, right, in August 2007, Southport, SC. 7) At the Wetsel’s home in Virginia Beach on Jan. 13, 2008, were, from left, row 1: Ken and Sue Patrick, Nelle and Hugh Gouldthorpe, Blair and Jim Bickford, and Jerri Wetsel. Row 2: Gaylia Hudgins, Jeannie (friend of Bill Cox ’64), Dorsey Pender, Joyce Gibbings, Ibis Kern, Sue Vitale, Sue Wells, Gay King ’59, Edna Henning, Sylvia Woodcock, Prisc Shuba and Sal Vitale. Row 3: Ashby Taylor, Bill Cox ’64, Madonna Pender, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Don Kern, Bill Gibbings, Irv Wells, Eugene King ’59, George Henning, Stu Woodcock, Larry Wetsel and Lou Shuba. 8) At the Gibbings Virginia Beach home for a pre-New Year’s lunch were, front row, from left, Sue Vitale, Joanne Respess, Gaylia Hudgins, Betsey Badgett and Joyce Gibbings. Back row: Bill Gibbings, Larry Respess and Lee Badgett. 9) Sal Vitale, left, and Bill Fout took a 44-mile trip through the Marana, AZ, desert with their wives on Feb. 11, 2008, in Bill’s jeep. 10) At the Hidden Valley Club in Vernon, NJ, where the U.S. Sports Academy Ski Race, was held, Bill Hala installed safety fencing in areas where a fallen skier could slide off the course into trees, etc. The fence is set with poles drilled into the snow.

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CLASS NOTES graduated from U of Arizona, served nine years in the Marines as a pilot, 30 years with the FAA as a traffic controller and recently retired as a dispatcher for the Pima County court system.

He and Mary have promised to be at the 50th.

We enjoyed our time with Bill and Sandra, and as usual, they were great hosts and travel guides. The gem show was in town and lots of time was spent just trying to find the “right rock.” We especially enjoyed a visit to the last Titan Missile site in America and jeep trips in the dessert.

Today is Valentines Day, and my notes are due. So, I need to bring this to a close. Keep the e-mails and pictures coming, and let me know if you plan to join us for a trip to AK in September 2008. Stay healthy, and God Bless our country, class and VMI.

’62

Jerry Burnett

Greetings, to the Brother Rats of the great class of 1962. I have a lot to cover in limited space. The Alumni Review is changing its indexing to 2008-1, 2008-2, 2008-3, 2008-4, instead of winter, spring, summer and fall issues.

I appreciate all of you who have sent notes and pictures. Keep them coming.

I circulated an e-mail from Jane and Joan Abernathy ’67 class agent, regarding the VMI Regimental Band trip to the Rose Bowl Parade January 2008 in Pasadena, CA. Hopefully, you all received the forwarded e-mail. Thanks to all of you who have contributed, and hopefully will contribute or continue to contribute to “VMI music” in the future. I received the following note from Jim Richards shortly after the e-mail was circulated, and I quote, “Jan is exactly right? There really is no conduit between friends of the VMI music program and the program itself. I added my donation to the band trip to my Foundation gift this year.

Our band and pipe band has grown, as you saw, in numbers and quality. I give most of that credit to Col. Brodie, the music director. He’s a pretty remarkable guy, as evidenced by him leading the cheers with trumpet in hand during football games. But try finding the schedule of Glee Club performances on the VMI Web site! In fact, I couldn’t find any mention of it anywhere.”

I have included a note I received from Robert Evans in early January 2008, along with photos of Col. Dillard’s boys in the past and present.

“Jerry, I thought I would send along to you a little note about a pre-Christmas visit four of our Brother Rats made to Washington, DC, in

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December. A bit of background: During our third class year, Col. Dillard encouraged a group of English majors to travel to DC and take in some cultural activities. The group included Nelson Elliott, Geoff Mitchell, Jim Dean, Jack Carles and myself – perhaps a couple of others I have forgotten. We went to the National Gallery, the Phillips Gallery, a symphony concert at Constitution Hall and more – all wrapped around some memorable wining and dining. One particularly vivid memory is of Jack Carles leading us to his congressman’s office to inquire about the best restaurant to dine. That was considerable more chutzpah than any of the rest of us possessed, but it was vintage Carles. Most of us ended up at the Old Stein Grill near DuPont Circle for lots of beer and cheer, stumbling out onto Connecticut Avenue full of song very late at night. At any rate, at our reunion, I was talking to Bill Sydnor, and I learned that he still keeps up with Jack Carles, whom I had not seen since he left VMI after our third class year. I decided to contact Jack and see if we could recreate that trip of 47 years ago. Of course, Nelson Elliott could not be with us, but believe me, he was there in spirit. Jack was enthusiastic, as were Geoff and Jim. We also contacted John Anthony, who was to have been part of the VMI trip but ended up in the infirmary that weekend.

Schedules would not work for everyone, but on the first weekend in December, Jack, Geoff and I met and retraced some of our steps of a half-century before. We saw exhibitions of the works of J.M.W. Turner and Edward Hopper at the National; Impressionists at the Phillips; the World War II and Vietnam Memorials (where we located the name of Jim Rogan, who had been Geoff’s roommate) and lots of other sights. We left the dining arrangements to the gourmand Jack Carles and were treated to wonderful French, Italian and Spanish foods, and lots of single malt Scotch, fine bourbon and wines. We had long discussions about the courses of our lives, books we have read, and what VMI, our Brother Rats, Col. Dillard, Maj. Byers, Col. Tutwiler and others have meant to our lives. Bill Sydnor, who was such an important element in making this happen, joined us for cocktails and dinner our last night. Based on the e-mail’s I have received, all of us agree that it was one of the most wonderful times any of us have experienced in a long time. We are hoping to get together again in 2008, hopefully when Jim and John can join us. A young lady was kind enough to take a photo of Jack, Geoff and me outside the White House.

“I sent Christmas cards to all of you in December, along with the widow’s of our deceased Brother Rats. I received a nice note from Barbara Wool, wife of Brother Rat Joe

Wool. As you know, Joe died Sept. 28, 1981, of leukemia. She said that Joe loved VMI even though he graduated from William and Mary, and they had attended two VMI football games together before he passed away. In 1984, she traveled to Hungry, Austria and Germany and met some terrific folks from VMI, including Bev and Suzanne Read. Barbara and Suzanne continue to travel together. They have been on five continents and 38 countries together. She has never connected with any of the members of class of ’62, and she would like to continue receiving information on alumni trips.

I received a note from Pat Lang in December 2007 about his recently published novel The Butcher’s Cleaver. It is set in the Civil War and is about intelligence work, combat, political skull drudgery in DC and Richmond during the year of 1863. It even has a bit of romance in it.

It is available at Barnes and Nobel as well as Amazon.com. Joy and I just returned from three weeks in HI where I had a chance to read this book. It is a great read. It is the first of a trilogy he plans to publish on the same subject. Buy it, read it and enjoy it.

Speaking of books, George Collins e-mailed that he had seen Tom Henriksen on C-Span2 on Saturday or Sunday Feb. 9 and 10, 2008, presenting his new book, which was released in October 2007. The name of the book is American Power After the Berlin Wall and was published by Palgrave Macmillan. The cheapest place to buy it is Barnes and Noble. This contemporary book covers a 20-year span of U.S. foreign and military policy from 1989 to the present. Tom is a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute and the U.S. Joint Special Operations University. He is also a trustee of the George C. Marshall Foundation.

The Alumni Review will do a separate article on Tom’s contribution, as well as Pat Lang’s newly published book.

I received a note from Clyde Bryant’s son while he was receiving a heart transplant at Hershey Medical Center. I later received a note from Clyde stating that he had recovered well from his heart transplantation.

Sonny Hood wrote that he retired in July 1999, after his son died. That, and handling over $15 million of construction projects annually as project manager for a group of companies of Tidewater area, was enough to change his lifestyle. He spent the next few years representing the Hampton Roads Utility & Heavy Contractors Association on the specifications committee for the Hampton Road Regional Construction standards, as issued by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. His wife continues to work, and he lives next door to his daughter and spends most of his time playing with amateur radio, two granddaughters

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and bad weather. The good news is and two Pug dogs. He plans to be at that we were able to observe Tom the 50th Reunion. and Teak Whitford in ecstasy wolfBill Bryant, Howard Cobb, Bowles Pender, Mott Robertson ing down a bushel of Chincoteague and Lewis Graybill were at the oysters; always worth the trip! The VMI-William and Mary basketball excitement in our lives now is awaitgame Dec. 20, 2007, and enjoyed the ing the arrival of a new grandson VMI victory. He said a great time to my son Paul Curley ’94 and his was had by all. lovely and talented wife, Katherine.

Howard Cobb’s son, Kenneth ’92, Before I forget it, here’s a note married Maria Saffer Jan. 5, 2008, from Jan Gray who writes, “If not at Emanuel Episcopal Church in too late, please add that Anthony Middleburg, VA. Congratulations, to Holtry, Preston Holtry and Jan the Cobbs.

Gray spent three days in early Doug and Signe Marechal visited November touring and eating their Mike and Darlene Porter in Sarasoway across Harpers Ferry, Antietam ta, FL, recently. As you recall, Mike and Gettysburg battlefields.” (mjc: and Doug were high school buddies Jan you are always so very helpful in Roanoke and roomed together at … thanks.) Bunny Reynolds also VMI for four years. Mike is retired sent some very meaningful informaand enjoying it and plays a lot of tion and simultaneously revealed tennis. They have four daughters and key areas of personal vulnerabilities. five grandchildren.

“I’m not sure if anybody recogAll of you will be receiving a letter nized the name, but the December from me shortly regarding the Dr. Keydet Club Newsletter listed cadet Jay R. Sculley VMI Class of 1962 honorees at the Scholarship Athletes Memorial. The administration of Recognition Banquet. Among them Class of 1962: From left, Mike and Darlene Porter with VMI, led by BR Binnie Peay desires was Cadet Tyler J. Anthony ’08, Signe and Doug Marechal in Sarasota, FL. a lasting tribute to Jay. After discuswho received financial aid through sions with Peggy Lee, Jay’s brother, the Tucker Oliver ’63 Scholarship Mark ’76, and Jay’s sister, Janie Fund. According to the newsletSmith, it was decided to establish a scholarship ter, Anthony ’08 is vice president of his class Michael J. Curley bearing Jay’s name and raise money in support and has worn academic stars throughout his of the VMI soccer program that Jay loved so cadetship. He is in Marine ROTC (wants to much by raising $250,000. VMI has agreed to be a pilot) and spent last summer working in name the men’s soccer teams’ locker room in the office of U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman. He Jay’s honor. Any gift or pledge we make today sounds like a pretty solid guy – and a good We’re writing this installment of the notes to the Dr. J. R. Sculley class of ’62 Memorial investment for ’63 through the Fund. I have in the dead of winter, yet this will be probably Fund will count towards our reunion fund gift. checked the reunion notes online and typed up a be the last issue you receive, sometime next Also your gift will also credit your Keydet Club long comment, only to find that I had to sign up summer, just before our 45th Reunion. So let’s membership in the year in which your gift is with Google before I could post it. I don’t have whip up a little 45th excitement. The upcoming made. Jay was not only a beloved BR but also a the energy to re-type everything but thought get-together promises to be one of the best yet, true VMI man. He was a professor, department making Pam Traugott CO of the ladies was head, coach, mentor and faithful VMI supporter. attended by the largest number of Brother Rats great, agreed with Frank Drake with respect of the class of ’63 ever, thanks to the efforts of At the time of his death, Jay was on the VMI to preferring socializing to dancing and loud 25 or so hard working members of the Reunion Board of Visitors. music (someday, I may learn how to dance) but Committee from all over the country. We’re Walt Perrin is the new president of the VMI realize the inevitability of same, like the picnic working hard not only to inspire the stalwart Foundation Board. The board is also repreidea and … I forgot the other thing.” (mjc: members of our class to attend but also to sented by BRs Butch Armistead and Allen Memory’s the first thing to go, right Bunny?) attract a Brother Rat or two, or three, who has Bamforth. Walt had lunch with Bill Mizell in Received a number of Christmas greetings, never attended a reunion. I made a surprise visit Norfolk several weeks ago, when he was there one from Dennis and Linda Crowley who for a foundation investment committee meeting. to my old Rat roomie, Ken and Rosalie Saunmostly described the joys of retirement (a ders in Roanoke a couple months ago, had a Joy and I speak to Bill often, and we need to common theme) and travel without restriction! wonderful visit with both of them, and I’ll give continue to remember Bill in our prayers since In their voluminous letter, Bunny and Judy you a bet we’ll see them there. I hope so! Ken the lost of his wife, Sandy.

Reynolds even gave the reader an option, “If and Rosalie even have a son who’s a golf pro Finally, I look forward to seeing some of you the following is too wordy, just skip to our closin Dalat, Vietnam! Now, where’s that stealthy at the Campaign Committee meeting May 21st ing wish for the ‘Merriest Christmas’ and read Bob Heath? and 22nd at VMI for the class of 1962 Reunion the interim at your leisure in ’08.” Their news Peg and Mike Curley successfully completed Fund Campaign Committee meeting. consisted mainly of travel, sailing and flying their insane 2,310-miles-in-six-days-Thanksgiv- news, which was quite interesting, but what was Keep the letters and pictures coming. In the ing-trek once again, in spite of both bad traffic spirit, Jerry Burnett more gratifying was their apparent mitzvah of

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CLASS NOTES giving that seemed to have been a mainstay of Bunny and Judy’s parenting skills. Grandson Chase had his head shaved for a cancer-stricken friend, granddaughter Julia donated her hair to Locks of Love. Son Howard recently granted his 39th wish to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteers as a pilot for “Angel Flights” and has been the “eyes” for a blind gentleman for the past six years. Bunny and Judy also volunteer as “mystery readers” and helpers in Chase and Julia’s classroom. That’s a very nice legacy, folks! Pat and Gwen Kelly said that when Gwen retires in March, they plan to abandon Padre Island to build their new retirement home in Hamilton, TX, one they have been designing for three years now. Sojourn II, their sailboat, is now gone only to be replaced with a real party boat for the highland waters. Though retired, Pat still works part-time (mjc: Traveling two weeks a month is part-time work, Pat?) and travels all over the world. I’ll bet the trip to Ireland with Walt and Karen Kleine for nine days wasn’t work. And, once again this year, Pat and Gwen played host to another Northern Ireland child for the summer. What a rewarding experience that must be, Pat. Dave and Mary Ann Glantz always write an interesting Christmas letter, one that makes me shrink when I think of the pace at which David works, even though Mary Ann says he is “now working at a more reasonably pace.” That “more reasonable pace” now includes “unraveling the complexities of the battle of Stalingrad.” Now, because of some good fortune,

“he suddenly found himself the proud owner of thousands of pages of hitherto classified official records of most of the Soviet and many of the German forces that fought in Stalingrad.

As a result, his single volume tome quickly evolved into a multi-volume study of the battle … In the midst of this work, and urged on by his daughters, David accepted an invitation to become the Mark W. Clark Visiting Professor of History at the Military College of SC (The Citadel) in academic year 2008-2009.” (mjc: Good wishes to you, David, could you tell them to sort of take it easy on your alma mater next fall in football?)

Sally and Harry Jones wrote to say that they may actually start development soon of their new subdivision after four years of waiting and enable them to move into “her” new house.

Harry says, “I’m ’bout ready for a rest home not another big house to keep, but Sally, as usual, is rearing to go.” (mjc: So, Harry, what’s changed?) After recovering from Charlie’s major back surgery for spinal stenosis and ensuing infection, Moose and Cindy Peckham seem to have spent a great deal of their year travelling to places like Bermuda for a business conference and his 50th Reunion at St. John’s College High School in DC. Then it was off to San Diego (business), Santa Monica, Las Vegas (not business!) and Salt Lake City. We all know of your back problems, Charlie, and are glad that you not only survived the surgery and infection but also recovered sufficiently to travel. Godspeed, friend! Tom and Sharon

Rountree began their Christmas message in an upbeat straight-forward fashion, “This year was a very good year for us.” I remember very well their visit to VA to visit Bob and Bromby Earle, because Peg and I were included in their dinner plans … Great evening! I noted a sign of Tom’s aging when he mentioned “four-wheeling” to St. Augustine for Bike Week because of the wet weather. (mjc: OK, so how many of you guys went to Bike Week … anywhere?) As a former FAC (Forward Air Controller) in VN, Tom was invited to attend the “Misty” reunion in Destin, FL, in October, where he was seated with Col. Bud Day. (mjc: George Everett “Bud” Day is a former U.S. Air Force pilot who served during the Vietnam War. He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since Gen. Douglas MacArthur, having received some 70 decorations, a majority for actions in combat.

Col. Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, a former Vietnam POW and as a matter of fact, John McCain’s roommate at the Hanoi Hilton for five years. Although Tom doesn’t readily acknowledge his own accomplishments, I can tell you that he was shot down in Vietnam nearly as many times as I took off. The man performed well! Col. Day was indeed in good company.)

I very much enjoyed John and Sue Reid’s letter as they described their fifth year at Lake of the Ozarks, where they took a small ship cruise to “the inside passage of AK and visited Ketchikan, AK, (where John spent his early years, while Dad was off participating in WWII).” From there, it was off to “Moscow,

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ID, and a few extra days in Seattle, WA, where the trip ended in Juneau, AK, where it began.”

They also ventured to the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR, and “en route, we spent a day in Eureka Springs checking off another item on Sue’s list of 1,000 things to do before you die.” Their kids don’t live boring lives, either. Hilary, currently in law school, “spent her summer in Katmandu, Nepal, with a law program researching woman’s rights issues to inform the writing of the new constitution … Nick graduated from St. Louis University in May with his … M.A. in theology and accepted the call to enter seminary … Capt. Christopher upgraded to aircraft commander and has just about completed his fourth deployment to the Persian Gulf area.” (mjc: WOW!) James D. Taylor, resident ultra wide band radar consultant to ’63, stays busy consulting and taking morning horseback rides. He writes, “I took a break from the Little Bighorn Reenactment … because of bad politics.” (mjc: Too bad, I was counting on those pictures of you astride a horse … so dashing!) He closes by saying, “Bellas, my French Arabian gelding continues to train me. After a session with lots of trotting and intricate maneuvers, he looks at me over his shoulder and thinks ‘well, I finally got you trained!’” Thanks for the letter, Jim, see you and Gen. Custer later on this year! Getting a letter from Hobbs and Heidi Goodwin is somewhat strange since Hobbs and I see each other so often here in Richmond. I realize quickly, it’s not really from Hobbs; it’s really from Heidi, ‘cause there’s just no way in h#!!

Hobbs could write that well! They’ve moved to Kilmarnock, VA, … built a brand new home with plenty of boat slips. Seems building a new home really cut down on their travelling and visiting this year. They write, “Hobbs has been on some fishing trips, and Heidi had a wonderful opportunity in March to ski with friends in Austria.” Heidi continues, “Last month, I did a quick trip to Brazil for my mom’s 91st birthday.

It’s always fun to see family and friends, besides enjoying the scenic, bustling and pulsating magic of Rio de Janeiro … We believe that it will be quite exciting living at the ‘rivah’ and being able, at any moment, to go fishing or sailing. It’s hard to imagine right now that life will once again be relaxed and peaceful!”

Collette writes for Buff DeLeo that he “went back to Iraq last February after the Army Corps of Engineers asked for his help. He was home six months prior to that. He came home in July for Marissa’s wedding, which took place July 14, 2007. It was a beautiful day! Sharon and Gary (Eifried) continue in their semi-retirement mode which keeps them busy without too much stress and still gives them the chance to do some fun and rewarding things. Gary keeps

2008-Issue 2

Class of1963: Dan Ogle, center, with his granddaughter, Tylar Burgdorf, left, and daughter, Forrest Burgdorf, Christmas 2007. busy with counter-terrorism training at such renowned military bases as Schreivner AB, CO, Holloman AB NM, 29 Palms MCB, CA, and a number of equally remote locations. Trips to Taipei, Taiwan, and Pittsburgh for conferences and Naples, Italy, for training rounded out his work (?) schedule … Non-work travel included Poland (surprising beautiful), Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic in July … On the volunteer side, we do therapy dog visits with Teddy; Gary helps in the local hospital emergency department, and Sharon runs our church’s Caregivers Support Group.”

So here I sit, dark skies and cold damp earth outside, inspecting the notes, or rather pictures, from Pete and Diane Wick, and what do I learn from these pictures? They’ve been married 43 happy years (mjc: they look happy enough) … still enjoy Steamboat (mjc: who wouldn’t?), the camper travelled a lot: NC, VA, WI, OH, IA, MO, TN, AL (mjc: don’t send me your gas bill) … a flood resulted in a new studio (mjc: now that’s not good) … oh yes, The Outer Banks with Pete’s family. (mjc: sand, sun, water, dunes, shorts, tans, one seriously ugly hat on Pete … OK, that’s good) Well, I guess that’s enough but there’s this nagging thought about the Wicks that is right there in my brains database, but I can’t seem to locate it … oh, yes, I received an e-mail from them just this morning. Let’s open it. “Greetings! Currently, Peter and I are in Steamboat Springs, CO, having a fabulous time skiing down the mountain

as often as possible. [mjc: Oh, no, not again … now I’m jealous!] We will be returning home to AL on the 11th of March and then face a pretty hectic spring of traveling around in our Motor home. The daily life of retirement is oh, so fine!

We are definitely planning to make the trip to Lexington for the reunion.” (mjc: Now, that’s the Spirit!)

Kent & Celie McCraneys letter was surprisingly brief. They write, “So here we are, another great year in the wilds of KS. Significant for us in 2007 was our celebration of wedding anniversary #44 on Nov. 29. Our family has been a real joy to be with in the Kansas City area … we are still taking care of Sophia (3-year-old granddaughter) when Patrick and Sheila are working, and ferrying Jack (11-yearold grandson) back and forth to school and home … We made two trips to VA, one to plan for and the second to execute the 90th birthday party of Celie’s parents in Irvington, VA. They both turned 90 within five days of each other in September. What a great event! They also celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. It was also a real treat to have three of my VMI classmates and their wives visit us during September.” (mjc: and that would be Fred Green, Bunny and Judy Reynolds, and Pete and Diana Brunel, right?)

The last letter in the pile is from Dan and Missy Ogle (Missy is the writer) and sadly, most of the news is about Dan’s poor health.

Missy writes, “Dan has been receiving treat-

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CLASS NOTES ment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which a herculean effort to bring the database was diagnosed last January … He had up to a level of accuracy never before 12 chemotherapy treatments between attained. Included in our goal is to corFebruary and July. In October, we found rect any errors or omissions we currently out that the cancer still needed some have in addition to locating our MIA attention, so he has gone back to chemo Brother Rats and adding their informaand will begin radiation after Christmas.” tion as well. We then plan to switch over Dan and Missy are looking forward to to using the VMIAA servers to maintain Dan’s Marine Corps reunion in DC in our contact information and make it May, Missy’s family reunion in July and accessible to everyone sometime late Dan’s 45th VMI Reunion in September.” this year. You will then be able to keep (mjc: Well, Dan, we are all looking foryour own records up to date, as well as ward to the 45th, but most of all, we are look up contact information on all VMI looking forward to you regaining your attendees directly. So this is the time health. God bless you!) when we really need your cooperation in Addressing the health issue, we’re providing timely notice of any changes happy to report that Bromby and Bob to your contact information. The 45th Earle are celebrating her third month is almost upon us, and we will have an cancer free … check out her picture skiup-to-date roster of the class of 1963 ing in Aspen last week. Thank God for ready to be distributed at the reunion. miracles. Sadly, I receive reports way too Information on the reunion is posted on often of cancer striking within the class, our class Blog, www.vmi63.com. We’re but I’m not comfortable with disclosing locating lost Brother Rats right and left information without their specific permiswith mostly good reception. Yogi Doar, sion to do so. Please let me encourage hot on the trail of Les Knowles, writes, you to pray regularly and diligently for “Hey guys, I called and talked with Les. Class of 1963: Will Scott during Christmas our Brother Rats and their wives who As with you, I haven’t talked with him 2007 in Richmond, Virginia. are suffering from illness, as there are or seen him in 45 years! I reminded him many. We pray not only that their pain that he has been true to his promise that therapy, medical terms and have checked out will be eased but that they will seek comfort in he made just before we graduated – not to ever our bonds of friendship and loyalty. Speaking of doctor’s offices in every part of Richmond. A go back. He told me he is pretty much the home picture of Scotty shows that he has a big smile, health issues, Celie Bryan writes, “Things here body these days, doesn’t like going many places and his spirit is still strong. When he is able to are a little unsettled; my knee isn’t doing as because of his pet dog, who he loves dearly speak again, he will have much to tell us all! Do and won’t put in a kennel. Another problem well as I want it to do, although the orthopedist come visit ...” (mjc: Dottie, you’re doing a terin Chicago doesn’t seem too upset. But then, is Mary’s job. She’s a teacher, so getting off rific job!) Dottie asks us to visit, which I do all it’s not his knee. He says I have about six more to go to the reunion before the weekend could too infrequently; however, when Doug Sterrett months before all the strength is back. It’s be problematic. But he did seem open to the came to Richmond last week for a committee already been six months. However, the blood idea and told me that if he can work out these meeting, he stopped by to visit Will and stayed clot that was in my calf is gone. I also found a issues, he would consider going.” I’m happy for over an hour … this is just what we need to way to develop bicep tendonitis (and I didn’t to report that I caught up with John Anastas do. Doug reports that both Will and Dottie were even think my biceps could develop anything), and received a nice e-mail from him as well. grinning the whole time! so that took cortisone injections, but fortunately He responded to my e-mail saying, “Mike, still More from Dottie on Will Scott: “We did no physical therapy, at least not so far. Old age at this e-mail address. Both the Hackettstown make it up to VMI on Oct. 13, 2007, to see the ain’t for sissies, is the understatement of the and Galloway addresses are fine. Galloway is game, but mostly to celebrate with our son, Bilyear! I hate this time of year anyway, but at near Atlantic City where I spend a lot of time. I ly, and classmates as they celebrated their 10th least I got through another Christmas and New retired from aircraft sales two years ago but still Reunion. It was a great day. I had been very Year’s; I can’t believe it’s been four years since keep my hand in the flying game by doing a apprehensive about how we would move from Tom died. [mjc: We miss him, too, Celie.] The little bit of instrument instruction. My wife just place to place, given all the steep hills in Lexkids still want me to go back to Atlanta, but I recently, and successfully, completed a yearington. Donnie Ross ’74 saved the day for us still can’t quite work up the necessary energy long battle with breast cancer, which had me by picking us up at the handicap parking behind to do all that stuff on my own. Plus, the real occupied for the better part of a year. As of right Kilbourne Hall in his red, white and yellow golf now, we are planning to attend the reunion. estate market, as you well know, stinks!” (mjc: cart and delivering us to the parade ground and Celie, the fact that you’re fussing with someone Regards, John A.” (mjc: Great News … all the a tailgate. He returned us to the stadium and the tells me you’re doing OK … keep it up!) Dottie way around, John!) new handicapped seating area in time for the Scott recently wrote an e-mail reporting on The final word from Mike Smither: “Mike, game. Thanks, Donnie! Keydet Blockhead still Will’s progress … “Scotty continues to do well. here’s my contribution for the class notes. I am lives with us, but may be ready to move on to Progress is extremely slow and sometimes very much looking forward to seeing everybody somebody who really needs his support. Let us we both are very impatient. Then we look at at the reunion.” (mjc: I can always count on know. After all, how many ‘MASH’ reruns or where he was a year ago and feel grateful. Our Mike!) domino games can one blockhead sit through?” children and grandchildren help us to keep That’s all the news from The Holy City for Our rather large reunion committee is making life interesting. We have become educated in now. Thanks for writing, pray for our troops in

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES harm’s way, our departed and those on the gim.

May God bless you all! Curleyrat

’64

John R. Cavedo

It’s November 2007, and we just returned from the Ring Figure Weekend. The Citadel football game was disappointing, primarily because we all felt so bad for the Keydets who tried so hard. On a brighter note, it was a treat to watch a game in the new stadium and see both teams demonstrate old fashioned, good sportsmanship. No “in your face” antics, no fights, no hollering at the refs. Just a clean football game. I think we went a little far when our guys were so polite that they kindly stepped aside for the Citadel running backs. But you can’t have everything.

While there, Tom and Helen Davis were kind enough to invite us to dinner the night prior to the game. Also attending dinner were Cliff Crittsinger and Hank and Elizabeth Cronin.

Cliff showed us a scrapbook he has been keeping since our cadet years. It is absolutely amazing. He has an immense collection of articles, pictures, cartoons, etc., in great detail. Each of you should make an effort to visit Cliff and see the priceless collection of stuff in that book!

We four Brother Rats discussed an idea of Cliff’s, regarding whether or not and how best to more solidly bring our class together in time for the 50th Reunion. Cliff’s idea revolves around the fact that we are the New Market Centennial Class. He hopes to form a committee of Brother Rats to assist him in thinking this through and formulating a plan. If you have any interest, contact him directly.

Another reminder to all you Brother Rats: Tom Davis is in charge of planning our 45th Reunion; only slightly over a year away. He’ll need a treasurer, a social events chairman, several other guys helping him with things like the “favors” passed out to attendees and spouses, selecting the venue for the various parties, producing name tags, keeping track of hotel accomodations, etc., etc. Don’t hesitate to call him to volunteer your services.

Prior to the game, Sherrel and I met George Warren at the Rockbridge County Historical Society. George is the head man. As a retired attorney, he now works fulltime at this new endeavor.

From what we observed, he is quite a history buff and authority on the Lexington area and history.

His wife, Paula, had a serious accident this past year, but in spite of various pins and other items holding her together, is progressing well. In fact, at a dinner after the game, she looked great.

2008-Issue 2

At the game we all sat together, to include meeting Benny Peay’s ’62 son who had just returned from his third tour in Iraq. The crowd was fun. Everybody really enjoyed the stadium and especially the magnificant view of the new campus on the hill across the valley. Quite impressive.

That night, several of us met with Buzz and Jane Birzenieks at the Lexington Golf and Country Club. The Davis’ were unavailable, but attending were Hank and Elizabeth Cronin, Cliff Crittsinger, John and Ronnie Thornton, Bill and Betsy Taylor, George and Paula Warren, and Walt and Karen Sykes. It was a night of good conversation and food. Primary discussion centered about how things were progressing at the Institute. With Buzz being on the board of the Keydet Club, we got the latest information.

I received a letter from Bill Lucado. He remembered Wendy Blanton and John Cawley, both his roomates. He had not contacted either of them after VMI, but recalled both as fine people.

Bill, after leaving VMI, graduated from Lynchburg College with degrees in math and physics. He also met his future wife. For the next 38 years, he worked for the Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in VA. He has four children and, as of the letter, one grandchild. After a heart attack in 2004, he retired.

He spends his time as a parttime defense contractor and volunteers for the National Park Service in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania.

Chuck MacDonald sent a nice e-mail. In response to an earlier comment in these class notes, Chuck reminded me that any achievement we may make is due in part to lots of people helping. Which reminds me of one of my favorite lines. “Behind every successful man is a surprised wife.”

Harvey Sargent wrote that he and Dolores moved to CO in December 2007. Hank and Elizabeth Cronin flew out to help them move and drive cars from CA to CO. Hank and Harvey took it easy, while Elizabeth and Dolores went shopping and exploring the Santa Fe galleries en-route. Now that’s a friendship.

As track team teammates, they’ve stayed close ever since.

During the Normandy trip, the four of them will visit a WWII museum, where some of Hank’s dad’s gear is on display. He had been taken prisoner at Bastogne. Just another reminder of how we are connected to the “Greatest Generation.” Hank is justifiably proud of his Dad. Harvey has also told me of his Dad’s adventures in the Pacific during the war. Both Hank and Harvey are WWII history buffs.

The list is finalized for the aforementioned mini reunion to Normandy. Going in May

2007 will be Dick Atkinson, his daughter and son-in law, me, Hank Cronin, Tom Davis, Dan DeForrest, Lee Fleshood, Bill Garber, Bill McVey, Tony Munera, Frank Parker, Bill Rodier, Harvey Sargent, Walt Sykes, Bill Taylor and Roxie Webb. Even with spouses along to keep us under control, the French better be prepared for another invasion.

Andy Tucker and I have talked on the phone a couple of times. He had a slight neck problem recently, but said he was getting along well.

He told me he had just added twin grandsons to the count of Tuckers in Central FL. With five grandchildren, he is in the upper level of his Brother Rats in grandchildren counting. No Provisional Appointments – yet.

One of the things we discussed was the task of mailing out birthday cards to each Brother Rat. Andy has been doing that for over a year.

He took over for Parker Duncan, who had been doing it for many years. When Andy first took on the task, he thought it would be something to be passed from Brother Rat to Brother Rat, allowing each of us to have the fun or corresponding with the entire class on a personal basis. We think Hank Cronin will do it beginning sometime in 2008. Be prepared to be recruited for a year’s duty. It may be your turn next.

In December and January, Al and Pat Fiorini traveled to HI. Al played in the Mercedes-Benz Championship Pro-Am Golf tournament. They were invited to several of the functions with the pros.

Al is in the throws of transitioning his companies to his employees. Al had a half-knee done with a new procedure using a computer in February of 2007. For the first time in a long time, he has no pain whatsoever. He was playing golf in three weeks. He reports his handicap dropped four points since the operation.

Al and Pat now have five granddaughters. The latest was born Dec. 7, 2005. Al and Pat still live in KY. Bob Warren does a fair amount of work for the Marines in Beaufort, SC, near Parris Island.

Since that’s only a 40-minute drive from Hilton Head, he and I are going to try to get together his next trip down. Bob is a principal in an environment-based business, which recently got a very nice contract from the Marines.

King von Schilling had lunch with Bob Warren while on business in DC. At my specific request, they were supposed to take a picture or two. It didn’t work. Bob forgot his camera, and King doesn’t own one. King planned to borrow one from the office but they couldn’t find the charger or the digital card. Result? A nice lunch with no pictures. King also mentioned he doesn’t have a cell phone. They did report the lunch was nice, and they solved all the problems of the world. They ate at the Caryle Grand

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CLASS NOTES 1

2

3

4

Class of 1964 Photos Photos on this page: 1.) Ted and Sherri Gammon, Bar Harbor, ME, summer 2007. 2.) Dan DeForrest, left, and Les Smith at Les’ parish in NY, summer 2007. 3.) Bill and Millie McVey with Barb and Ken Dice in Austin, Texas, Christmas 2007.

4.) Laura and Jim Brittingham with her therapy dog, summer 2007. 5.)

Jim and Joanna Crawford on the Panama Canal, September 2007. 6.) Tom Essig is the fire marshal in Richmond, Virginia.

5

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6

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES 7

8

9

10

Class of 1964 photos on this page: 7.) Jan and Paula Rudinoff in Kauai, HI, November 2007. 8.) Tom Myers and Butch Nunnally in Oviedo, FL, November 2007. 9.)

Bill McVey’s 19-foot Flying Scot with VMI spinnaker in fall 2007. 10.) Bill McVey’s grandson, Andy, provisional class of 2024, at VMI in summer 2007.

Café on Bob’s expense account. Bob lives a stones throw from the Canadian border in NH. They had four feet of snow on the ground back in NH while they ate lunch in comfort in DC. As recently reported, King still has no plans to retire. He likes what he does and the people he works with in the National Guard advising business. He makes good money and now would like to be able to work from home several days each week. The problem is that King doesn’t have a computer. Let’s see if I get this. It’s 2008; King has no computer, no cell phone and no digital camera. He went on to say he went deer hunting in AL recently. I’m just guessing here. However, it had to be with a knife or old flintlock rifle. King said his wife, Mary, recently had surgery to remove a large tumor near her kidney. The surgery was reportedly very successful, and Mary is recovering nicely. King has been the devoted husband in nursing her back to health. King is a great correspondent. He keeps me caught up. I wish more of you would do the same.

2008-Issue 2

Tom Essig responded to my plea for photos.

He dug through his stuff and came up with one, which I hope is printed in the Review. Tom is a paid firefighter with Chesterfield Fire and EMS as an assistant fire marshal. It has been a dream and a far cry from his days as a scientist at DuPont & Reynolds Metals! He always wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. It just took him a bit longer than most.

Don Jones has written a couple of times and sent several photos of his cars. He has quite a collection of Studebakers. In a photo he sent, he grew a beard for a PBS documentary. He is playing the part of John C. Studebaker. It will air in September 2008. Unfortunately, the photo was too blurred to be printed.

Dan DeForrest wrote the following, “Sandy and I went to Father Les Smith’s parish in September and attended his Friday noon day Mass. Les recognized us from the altar before the Mass started. So, his parishioners knew who the strangers were. After the service, some of those in attendance introduced themselves and

conveyed to us their respect and admiration for Les. They were very happy to have him as their Pastor. We went to lunch, and we discussed Les’s journey to becoming a priest. After being wounded in Vietnam, Les spent time at a convalescent center in the NY City area, where he started studying the New Testament. After that, Les worked at a NY hospital and eventually decided to enter the priesthood. He is fervent and devout and projects the same humility and earnestness that he did when I knew him as a cadet. I asked Les what he wanted me to convey to the class through the Alumni Review, and he said, ‘Tell them that I am just a simple parish priest in upstate NY.’” In the spring of 2007, Dan contacted Charlie Suiter who is retired from the Army Corp of Engineers. Charlie and his wife live in Tidewater. Dan plans to visit Charlie soon on one of his trips north or south between FL and NY. Dan also reported that Ken and Barb Dice have rented a place near them in St. Petersburg, FL. They planned to have dinner with them in

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CLASS NOTES February 2008. I hope a photo will be produced.

Dan and Sandy are two of the group going to Normandy.

Jim Crawford wrote that he’s sorry he has missed out on some of the mini reunions, but the time frames have not been good. They were scheduling a spring trip for sometime in late March or early April of 2008 to go back to Aruba or St. Kitts. He sent along a photo of himself during their trip through the Panama Canal in 2007. Jim added that if it didn’t warm up soon, he was going to come to Hilton Head with his golf clubs. Jim, you’re welcome any time. Just give me a day or so notice.

Andy Colyer enjoyed seeing his photo in the Alumni Review with Ed Seager, Bill McVey with their wives when they were in Havre-deGrace last year. Jim lives in Bel Air, MD, which is about 15 miles away from Havre-de-Grace.

Ed and Jim meet there from time to time, because Ed keeps his sail boat there. Bill, who was visiting Ed, is from Havre-de-Grace.

Jim Brittingham was enjoying a great 2007 until summer when his foot developed a diabetic ulcer that would not heal. He did not walk on the foot for three months. Thanks to a dedicated wound specialist at Wright-Patterson Medical Center, the foot is now healed. All his diabetic problems remain stable. Jim has been on an insulin pump for eight years and is a great believer in the benefits of pumping. He has a leadership position in the Dayton Area Insulin Pump Support Group. Jim and his daughter, Laura, completed a difficult 10-week course to qualify Laura’s Black Lab/Great Dane mix as a pet therapy dog. They regularly take him to various places, but their favorite continues to be the same-day surgery ward at Dayton’s Children’s Hospital, where they visit patients, parents and staff to help ease their transition into the procedures or surgeries. They also go to the juvenile detention center where an instructor uses dogs to teach the young men and women responsibility and personal space. The pet therapy program has been rewarding, and they recommend it to any of you pet lovers.

Harvey Sargent responded to my query about a mini reunion to the Rhine River around Christmas 2008. Also responding positively were Tom Allen, Butch Nunnally, W.J. Kitchen, Tom Myers as well as Jenny Cummings. So, after only two days since my suggestion, we are already twelve. I hope more will sign up. Harvey then went on to say that they were in the midst of chaos there in Boulder, CO. He described the move they had made with the Cronins. Then went on to say, “I retired in late October, and Dolores is in the process of closing down her law practice in CA. Hopefully only one more trip to CA in late March, and she’ll have it done!! We bought a

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new place here that was finished in late November. We’d sold our retirement home in Danville, CA, where we’d been for 10 years in April. I had originally semi-retired in early 2001. We never thought we’d leave CA. I moved there when I got out of the Navy in ’70, met Dolores in Germany in ’72, and we’ve been together since. The left coast just got to be too much of a hassle, and we decided to move here 18 months ago. We were incredibly lucky to sell only about a week before the real estate market collapsed but had to spend almost five months in a 700 sq. ft. apartment with our two dogs. Almost everything we own was in storage in CO. It’s going to take us at least a year to get moved in. One accumulates a lot of stuff in almost 40 years. We love this area, and my son and his wife have been here almost six years. After four years of living in a pickup, traveling all over the world rock climbing and mountaineering he decided to get married, go to law school and hopefully have some kids in the not too distant future – which would please his mother to no end. I have a daughter, Shawn, son-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren from a previous marriage and stay quite close to them. They’ll be out here over Easter break from their home in Albany, GA. Then, we plan a road trip back east for a month or six weeks at summer’s end and as we’ll be going from GA north to NYC.” I have also heard from both my roommates, K.T. Brunsvold and Jeff Crump. K.T. remains in semi-retirement in the DC area, active in his local community politics. Jeff seems to be prospering, though he isn’t much on bragging about himself or his family.

Finally, several of you responded to my request for Christmas letters. I could have filled another six or seven pages, even after significant editing.

However, effective with this issue, all class agents have been told to limit their notes to five pages in the format and font prescribed. They haven’t yet established a limit on the number of photos, so I’m submitting nine this time. Mostly in response to my last minute request.

Since I can’t do justice to the details included in all their letters, I’ll merely say that every single one of them chose to write about their children and grandchildren. Nobody bragged about personal accomplishments, though I know there are many. It seems we understand that our greatest accomplishments are successful heirs and living productive lives.

Responding with Christmas letters were Bob Warren, Tony Putamanonda, Tom Davis, Butch Nunnally, Bill Grubb, Dick Atkinson, Jerry Reid, Lanny Geib and Dick Beatty.

Please, even if I didn’t use what you sent, don’t hesitate to send Christmas letters next year. I keep a file, and they are useful respond-

ing to specific requests for information about you from your Brother Rats.

In the snail mail, which arrived yesterday, was the capsulated Annual Giving Campaign information. Several of you have been more than generous. More of you are now contributing.

We had the highest percentage of donors among any class between 1960 and 1979. Unfortunately, our total giving was the lowest among the classes between 1960 to 1970. I’m still proud that we’re hanging in there. I’m more proud that so many of you are taking part in our class activities and e-mailing me with news. Keeping in touch and reforging the bonds is important.

Another reminder regarding photos. If you enjoy seeing our class notes sprinkled with color photos of your Brother Rats engaged in various activities, send some of your digital masterpieces to me. Otherwise, you’ll see much more of my wife and me than anybody can stomach.

So, your challenge is to keep my photo out of the class notes by sending me yours. Remember to set your cameras on high pixels. Otherwise, I must print glossies and snail mail then to VMI. In the Spirit, John

’65

Mickey Finn

There were no notes in the last issue, and the easy truth is that they were lost. They were done during my job transition, and with turning in one corporate computer, I deleted my personal entries on that machine and thus had no backup to a file I thought I had submitted to the editor for inclusion in the last issue. The lesson learned is that I will now only use my own machine and my private e-mail address for you to use in corresponding to me. I have thought about using the VMI provided e-mail system found on the alumni site, which is reached through the www.vmi.edu site and selecting Alumni and Friends from the left side of the home page, then select Alumni Agencies from the Alumni page and create a login name and password. Or, just go straight to the page with www.vmialumni.org. I like the ability of the site to allow the class agent to send e-mail blasts to his class, but many of the addresses are just out of date. The problem is that the site is just very slow. Therefore, until that situation is improved, please use mickeyfinn1@mac.com for my e-mail address.

Here is my updated situation. I left General Dynamics Information Technology, because I could no longer handle the commute. I intended to do some consulting from our home in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Wilmington and thereby control my time more affectively. In the process of leaving GDIT, I notified several friends by e-mail that the GDIT address would no longer be available and one of them made me an offer to work for Harris Information Technology Services, a new division of Harris Corporation (the same folks who bring you the yellow line first down marker on TV). While my new job comes with an office in Herndon, VA, I spend most of my time on the road with my customer, the U.S. Army. I plan to continue to help the Army in any way I can with the services of Harris Corporation whenever possible. Janie keeps the home fires burning with our two new girls, Yorkies Molly (4lbs) and Muffin (2lbs) at this writing. Born on Nov. 10, 2007, they are affectionately referred to as our lady Marines or BAM’s. You can see them at: http://gallery.mac.com/mickeyfinn1#gallery and look at my posted galleries of pictures.

It is a great fortune that Floyd Taylor wrote to me in long hand and snail mailed a letter back in October of 2007. I included that letter in the infamous lost notes of November 2007 but did not throw out his letter. First and foremost let me express my affection and appreciation to Floyd for sending this letter from his home in St. Simons Island, GA. Second, Floyd, I appreciate the news that your letter brings, and I will attempt to accurately relay that news to our BRs. He writes that, “Retirement continues to go well for me. I have escaped the grim hand of ill health – a robust boy some might say. I have enjoyed the company of a number of our BRs lately. Gene Marshall will be in from Savannah for a fishing trip this week, and J. Rasmussen will be in for the GA-FL game.” Floyd made “two VMI basketball games last year and really enjoyed them, which is saying something for one who does not consider himself an enthusiastic sports fan. One could actually see plays being executed (is that called ‘teamwork’), and the whole team behaved like gentlemen. I’ll be back this year.” This is a strong endorsement for the Institute and as you read further in these notes you will learn about others who travel to the I and enjoy the games and comradeship of their Brother Rats! Floyd goes on to relate visits with Billy Wilburn, who he sees on visits to Razz’s home on the Outer Banks, and from visits from Larry Egan, “A man growing into retirement gracefully … the last time I saw him was in a rocking chair on my back porch.”

Floyd, again thanks for your letter. By the way Eags, thanks for the Christmas card and keeping me on your e-mail list! I just love the stuff you send out and thanks to Floyd; I understand where the time it takes to perform that service comes from.

Now some internet traffic from: Jennifer Egan (that dear readers is the e-mail address

2008-Issue 2

used by the aforementioned and retired Larry Egan) “Guys, we have a good turnout for this coming weekend. This is the basic agenda: Friday, Feb 8, 3-4 p.m: Post Construction Update Tour, Donny White will do this if he is available. Meet in the lobby of Moody Hall at 3 pm. From 4-6 p.m., socialize in the library room at Moody Hall; it is off the lobby on the first floor. The upstairs “party” room was reserved by another group. We will have beer, chips, white wine and mixers. No red wine is permitted in this room but mixed drinks are OK. It is BYOL on the hard stuff. 6:30 p.m. Dinner at the Bistro on Main (where we ate last year … food and service was very good). We have reservations for 15 but can increase or decrease as needed. Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:00 a.m. Breakfast (BRC) at the old White’s Truck Stop on Hwy 11 north of Lexington. Do not go to the new one further up the Interstate … been there done that by mistake !!! 1:00 p.m. Game Time. Coastal Carolina. Will try to sit together if we can. I would say try to be there by 12:45 p.m. The hotel that most of us are using is the Wingate on Hwy 11 near the Interstate (one we used at the 40th Reunion). However, some may be coming only for the game and some are coming late Friday so the game may be the only time we are all together. To help me get a feel for that and to also give the Bistro a more precise headcount, could you reply to this e-mail as to what your plans are? … Some have already done so, but some I am not sure about. The weather is predicted to be 52 degrees on Friday and 45 degrees and 30 % chance of rain on Saturday.

Parade on Friday might be; otherwise it is PT on the Stoops … gym dyke!! This is who I have so far as firm: Bob Deaderick, Carr Hyatt, Joe Straub, Henry Brant, Richard Moring and Mimi, John Rasmussen Bill Wilburn, Al Orgain and Jan, Greg Robertson (Board of Visitors member – get your questions ready), Mott Robertson ’62 … Greg’s brother, Ted Goodloe (coming from Little Rock … second year in a row), Chuck Hough, John Cocke, John Hall (for BRC and game), Easley Moore, Jack Frazer, Marshall Henry, Richard Marshall and Lisa, Donny White, Larry Egan (Possible but no reply yet), Charlie Russell, Mike Friski.

If you know others who can come, get the word to them and tell them to come!!!! My cell phone is 423/292-1940 and e-mail is jegan@chartertn. net. My home phone is 423/239-7564. P.S. Don’t forget to answer this e-mail with what you plan to make on the agenda. Cadet Egan, L.P. Room 493. Sound Off, Rats !!!!!!!!!”

Then from Donnie White: “Guys, I will take care of tickets to the game. I will not be able to do the new construction tour – engaged in the coaching search – will try to update Eags with the latest info so he will be the expert and can

pass all of that on to you. May be at Berky’s Restaurant (old White’s Truck Stop) on Rt. 11 N on Saturday morning but otherwise engaged.

Go Big Red! Donny.”

(Class Agent Note: No final report yet but you get the idea. Our BRs still know how to have fun!)

Other random thoughts and rumors: Charlie Russell has moved to Fredericksburg, VA, (visual verification by TAF). Bill Ryan continues to work for L3 MPRI in support of the Army in 30-day stints in our great southwest desert and elsewhere as needed. He is currently between gigs. Granny Amos has almost single handily finished rebuilding Rita’s home just north of Fredericksburg. Fred Viele loves his job at Georgia Tech as head of housing. Conrad Hall enjoys his Norfolk harbor view from his 19th floor office in his new landmark office building.

Conrad, I look forward to another visit soon.

Dees Stallings is having great success teaching writing and other necessary skills to his everincreasing customer base. He has just finished a great beach house, the Blue Herrin, just south of VA Beach. Herb Mayton has completed renovation of his bride’s estate in Crewe, VA. Dave Thompson continues to take on home renovation projects with interesting results.

Unfortunately, I lost the exact account, but it was very funny.

Please get in touch (see the contact info at the beginning of these notes), and let me know what is going on with you and yours. Janie and I love to hear from all of you. Go Big Red! Rah Virginia Mil!, ’65!, ’65!, ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

Approaching five years as your class agent, I’ve been extremely fortunate not to have had to pass along a lot of bad news. Unfortunately, that streak has ended. I am saddened to report the death of our BR Marty Delaney. He died on Feb. 3, 2008, after a long and difficult struggle with cancer. On Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, a visitation and celebration of his life took place in Alexandria and many of his Brother Rats and family were present. Additionally, in response to my e-mails announcing this sad event, many of you have sent in messages of sympathy. The responses to my messages also brought forth the equally sad news, also from Alexandria, that Snookie Foster’s wife, Elizabeth “Bitsy” Clarke Foster, had passed away on Nov. 21, 2007. These deaths diminish our class in both numbers and spirit; yet ,we have the blessing of knowing how very fortunate we were to have these wonderful people in our lives. Our

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CLASS NOTES prayers and thoughts go out to all of the family and friends in the hopes that their grief will be washed away in loving memory. I concur with several BRs who commented that we should cherish the times we have together.

Concerning Marty’s funeral, Bill Gregory reported that roommates Bill McClure, Wayne Gray and Bob Sleeker “were superb in every respect” in their tributes. Reyn Young sent along similar thoughts at how moved he was by the statements of the roommates, adding it was “hard to explain how wonderful the roommates were during Marty’s farewell.” Wayne replied to Reyn’s message with some words I think it is good for all of us to read: “Thank you, and the other BRs who also attended. That made it even more special, and I like to think that in some way our class presence today was known to Marty.

Uniquely, he may have given us more today than we gave him. He gave us the needed reminder that time, like the endless phantom parade of cadets across the misty parade ground of years, marches on. I think he was telling us not to wait for special occasions like reunions or funerals to get together with those who are truly special in our lives – our Brother Rats. Why else did I wait until today to express to you and others my long felt belief that we should start a regular program of getting together in the northern VA area and invite all BRs who want to come to join in, or my special request to Bill and Bob that we three make the effort to get together much more often.

Marty caused both of those things to happen, and for that, I thank him.”

Tom Evans writes from apparently not-quiteso-sunny CA that “my weekend was mostly spent working shovels against a frozen mass of ice and snow ... It is getting old! I still have to finish up digging out the 1966 GTO/LeMans, which is under the blue tarp ... I did get the snow off the top, but my arms are kind of sore now, and I will let the warm sun do some of the work for me. Hope your weekend was more fun than mine was ...”

I also heard from G.P. Michael, who continues his work in Israel and thanks Jim and Sandy Hannah for keeping him in the class loop.

G.P. has also been battling through some health problems, so please keep him in your prayers as well. He adds, “I have continued to work because I still enjoy the challenge.” More power to you, Brother Rat, but also take some time to relax a bit – or, given the data I receive, pretty soon you’ll be the only one still working!

Speaking of the Hannahs, Mike Burton passed along some information: “Jessie and I went up stream to Jim and Sandy Hannah’s beautiful Log Cabin two weekends ago for dinner and fellowship. Ed Tolley ’60 and his wife, Nancy, joined us and helped cook the steaks.

After a delicious meal, Ed showed us all how to

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play Texas Hold ’Em, and we played for several hours for pennies. A lot of fun, and while the guys expected to do well, Nancy and Jessie were the big winners when the smoke cleared.

Still all had a good time, and the girls didn’t rub it in to much! We are looking forward to the April Buchanan VMI Civil War weekend and hope that the turn out will be even bigger than last year. I hope to get the town council to add another Civil War historical marker before that weekend, which will give the visitors more to look at and consider. We are also getting Greg Starbuck, from the Sandusky House in Lynchburg, to come speak about Hunter’s Raid. Hope you and yours are doing well during the cold time. I try to always have something to look forward to during the winter, and this year it is a Caribbean cruise in April. Jessie loves cruising, and I have wanted to see Saint Thomas, so we found a nice weeklong cruise from Puerto Rico, which will take us to four islands in the Eastern Caribbean. On really cold days, it helps to think that only 60 days to go!”

I couldn’t express it any better, Mike. Hope you enjoy your Civil War weekend and warm days in the Caribbean. I also hope that the rest of the class of ’66 will enjoy a better spring and will take and MAKE the opportunities we have to get together. Every chance to get together and to share the joys of life with one another has become more precious than ever. May the wind be always at your backs.

’67

Jan Abernathy

There are new writing guidelines being used for the first time in this Alumni Review. All class agents are limited to five maximum pages using font Times New Roman 12. Photos, in good digital definition, are welcome. Be certain to send a short sentence or two describing the photo subject(s) with BR name(s) and who took the shot. Rather than using two separate sections, I will incorporate Sam’s submissions.

Some of the messages in this year’s crop of Christmas cards to the Abernathy home start these notes: Connie Melton reports that Carter will be retiring from Rockingham Memorial Hospital at the end of March. They are really looking forward to the next phase of their lives.

Mary Lou and Pete Van Note both retired in 2007. They have enjoyed the slower pace and have done a lot of traveling to New Orleans, Hilton Head, Europe, China and, this coming summer, are going to AK. Hollace writes that Bruce Weiner continues to recuperate well from his hip resurfacing in September 2007 and

his back surgery in February 2007. He got his physician to approve skiing trips in January and February 2008 and is back to golfing. Hollace’s latest book, Lone Stars of David, The Jews of Texas, received a rave review from billionaire Warren Buffet and an invitation to attend his shareholders’ meeting. Bruce included a photo of his office staff … 22 women and himself.

Pete and Karen Wells’ note was that Doug and Jane Taylor are proud to announce that they have a new grandson. George Elmore has finally decided to retire. Suzanne stays busy helping their daughters with their grandchildren, since they live close by. They get to visit with John and Mary Pasco occasionally. Randy and Sue Heneberger report that Max and TerryAnn Toch and the triplets (12 years old!) stayed with them at their condo, in VA Beach, last July.

Jan and Joan Abernathy had the pleasure of being overnight houseguests at the Heneberger home just prior to Christmas 2007. J.B. and Carol Farley have a new grandchild – their first. Debbie and Gene Touchstone sent a card with a photo of them holding their grandchildren, including the two born within days of our reunion last year. The Toch card had a great photo of the family. Max recently accepted a position as the director of pipeline programs for the Pipeline Research Council, International.

Wayne and Dot Marshall sent a card extolling the joys of being the grandparents, who live “over the river and through the woods” in the wilds of NH. Ken and Monica Chun sent a page of photos from their travels, including one with Pat Conley and the VMI first captain at our reunion. Ken promises more trips and photos in 2008. Rick Brooke writes he and Starr were sorry they were not able to join us at the reunion. Don and Cheryl McMenamin’s Christmas letter focused on their sons: Bill is working on the C-5 Cargo Plane Program with Lockheed Martin, and Steve is now a B-52 instructor pilot. The Waskiewicz multiple page letter had its’ annual Polish message that could not be deciphered. The part in English (shortened to comply with the new rules) has daughter Raina getting married in March to a TX boy. There is some family confusion as to why Ski cannot wear boots and a 10-gallon hat when he gives away the bride. At least the reception will be in a winery. Phil and Lianee Gioia sent a photo of the family. And included hand drawn image of RATMAN shows he now is wearing sergeant stripes. He looked as if he had been sampling the eggnog too. Other cards came from Mort and Ginny Barnwell, Margaret and Frank Oliver, Cliff and Kathy Hagy, Marci and Mike Bagnulo, Bill Kiniry, Larry Rutherford, Bonnie and Allen deSteiguer, Pat and Marie Conley, Sandy and Howard Seal, Vance and Dawn Powell, Tom Coughenour, Dan and

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Arlene Wells, Bob and Kathy Morin, Ann and Wil Plentl, John and Sandy May, Brenda and J.I. Orrison, Jamie and Kathy Tate, Jim Baker, Joan and Kent Easty, Mike and Ann Hall, Chuck and Mia Krebs, and Doug and Carol Ann Mills. If I missed you in this list, your card went into the attic with the other Christmas stuff, as I cannot find any more while writing these notes. Thanks to all for your greetings, even if I did not acknowledge you here.

Wayne and Dot Marshall visited with the Abernathys in January on their way to an extended stay in FL. Wayne is a fishing whiz, and if you judge by the wild boar tusks on his ever present “bush” hat, he has shot boar in 13 countries. They are fishing their way up and down the eastern U.S. and spending three months in Lake Placid, FL. Their grown children are running the store back home. I received a Thanksgiving e-mail greeting from George Barletta. He works with Focus Educational Services, Inc. with offices in Chicago and Cleveland, OH. Ken Chun said he had lunch with Phil Gioia and RATMAN when the two passed through Seattle in October. Neil Schlussel sent me a nostalgia message that included a photo of a Coke machine with a crank handle.

I recall when Coke, in a six-ounce bottle, was a nickel, Neil.

From John May: “After 41 years (I left in January 1966), I made my first visit back to the Institute for the Citadel game. I took my two youngest sons (10 and 13) and my daughter. We had a great weekend, except for the football game.

I took the kids through the Barracks to show them my old rooms, only to find out they made my Rat room and the Rat PX in to a men’s room. I see they actually have doors on the stalls now. Maybe I could have written better term papers if I could have closed the door. I walked the parade grounds (tailgate city) a couple of times looking for ‘class of ’67’ signs and asked several people who looked our age if they knew anyone there from ’67, but no luck. I did catch up with Bo Traywick by phone. Spent a lot of money on VMI garb too!

I almost forgot how pretty the mountains are this time of year.

Have a great Christmas and a healthy New Year. John May, Berlin, MD” From Kermit Quick: “Recently, I was elected to be the president of The Association of Old Crows [Defense Electronic Warfare]. Started my term Nov. 1, 2007. The association staff has put together a short announcement with picture. Kermit.” (Editor’s Note: The photo of Kermit is included on this page, at right.)

2008-Issue 2

Class of 1967: Bruce Bodner was recently elected president of the Norfolk Amateur Astronomy Club.

The club, in conjunction with UVa, Norfolk State and NASA, is completing a large robotic observatory at UVa’s Fan Mountain Observatory near Charlottesville, VA. Bruce says the new dome at the facility houses a monster of a lens with quite a view!

John and Leslie Forsyth sent an e-mail Christmas letter (two and a half pages; I edited to the good parts!): “Dear friends, It’s our hope that this Christmas season finds readers once again surrounded by family and friends. John continues to spend his workweek traversing snow-packed streets and battling cross-town traffic to keep his head in the engineering game.

Leslie, as independent as ever, has become mechanically savvy around the house and quite capable of wielding the snow thrower when necessary. Leslie has painted the inside practically by herself, with one hand quite literally tied to her side! I think the cat even got a lighter shade of fur when she wasn’t looking! The

grandchildren (our cute little elves) remain our principal focus. John and Leslie Forsyth” From Tom and Shirley Mustard: “I am sending you our Christmas letter by e-mail so you can include Tom’s retirement in the class notes.

Check Tom’s church Web site, www.stjohnsbedford.org, and you can see the latest project, which was the building of a children’s sculpture garden. Shirley” Many of you will recall the e-mail exchanges on alternative energy from last fall. Here follows a coherent response from John Bennett: (Class Agent’s Note: It is heavily edited – call me if you want the entire text.) “I also have an answer (for alternative fuel with no harmful emissions.) And who better to make it work than a bunch of nuts such as those who attended the Class of 1967: As of Nov. 1, Institute in the ’64-’67 era? We 2007, Kermit Quick is the have the carbon; our planet has an new president of the Assoimmense supply of hydrogen and ciation of Old Crows (AOC).

According to an officer of the oxygen, conveniently packaged as association, it is an internawater. Come on, Brother Chemistional organization which fostry Rats, can we not figure a way ters and preserves electronic (cleanly and economically) to rewarfare and information opshuffle these atoms to produce the erations, and recognizes the various and sundry hydrocarbons advances and contributions that reside in our gas tanks? Even to those disciplines. The AOC better, find a way to do it while headquarters is located in recycling the atmospheric oxides Alexandria, Virginia. of carbon. And you wondered

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1967: The annual “1967 Physicians versus Civilians” golf outing in Pinehurst, NC, included, from left; Gary Maxwell, John Vaughan, Dave Wilkinson, Dave Neel, Jack Mundy, Kip Jones, Dave Fink, Bruce Weiner, Jim Phlegar, Ted Mervosh, George Sanborn and Bob Klink. For information on joining the group next year, contact any of these Brother Rats.

what I do when I am not fighting fires. Happy New Year” Tom Coughenour writes: “Five months after I had retired from WSRC, I went back to work for them under a subcontract, since they were unable to find a replacement. While doing that job, a coworker suggested I apply for a position that had just come open with Wackenhut Services, Inc, the security (protective force) contractor at the Savannah River Site. I did, and I’ll be darned if they didn’t hire me! A very interesting and challenging job – ‘information security officer’ – more responsibility, supervising six folks, and all for about 2/3 of what WSRC was paying me. I’m now firmly convinced that I was overpaid (and getting bored) in my prior job. I’m still getting used to people in battledress carrying big guns.

They’re real serious about not letting anyone swipe Special Nuclear Materials!!” Tom (Class Agent’s Note: Tom still “carries,” still fights fires and recently upgraded himself with an ’06 Miata with a six speed gearbox.)

Perry Ritenour has moved from Santa Barbara to Sebastopol, CA, and says he is retired. When I asked who saw the VMI music contingent at the Rose Bowl Parade, I received messages from Tom Coughenour, Tom Hancock, Ray Irvine, John Shea, Burt Burckard,

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Bob Nablo, John Hilsabeck, Mel Wright, Chuck Shorter, Dan Wells, Allen deSteiguer and Tom Gritzmacher. Vance Powell made the trip to see the events, but I have not heard from him with an eyewitness report. Jimmy Ferrell also responded. Actually, it was Brenda on Jimmy’s site. She made a comment on it being “colder than a moose” in Newport News that day. Moose swim in freezing waters in the winter, so they must get pretty cold, but how would Brenda know just how cold? And the questions about the VMI-Navy Oyster Bowl Game in the fall of 1963 brought a lot of mixed answers. As near as I can recall (I was there with the band), we lost by a slim margin and held Roger Staubach to minus passing yardage for the only time in his football career. It was a damp and cold day! I will give the final, and most succinct, answer to the 1963 football question from Joe Stafford. VMI was leading 7-3 just before the half. Unfortunately, the VMI player who made the mistake was from my high school! Navy tried a field goal, which fell short and landed in the end zone. Our guy went over and bent down and touched the ball and walked away. Since he did not also put his knee down, it was ruled a fumble. Navy pounced on it and got the touchdown.” Those were the rules of

the day. Joe and Joyce took a retirement trip to Switzerland to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Ron Niedermayer checked in during the cold days of January. “I was working in my garage and had the History channel on the TV. The program was about the German V-2 program during WWII. The program included multiple interviews with Phil Gioia regarding the program, missiles, rocketry, etc. I was very impressed with the fact that one of our BRs was on national TV and that he was relied upon for expert testimony. Retirement looks like another three years away. The only other news of any importance in my life is that my son, Brian, is graduating next week with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from MCV. I attended a mini reunion last September at George Sanborn’s home. He and Rachel were very gracious hosts, and it was a wonderful afternoon.

About 20 BRs and their wives attended. It was good to see Jimmy Ferrell, since he missed the reunion.” Allen deStiguer had the worst gas story but the best solution: “… it is $3.59 a gallon on our tiny Vashon Island, so we time our trips by car to fill up on the mainland. But I have commuted by bus for the last 20 years to the ferry, which drops me off two blocks from the office.” Jim Wilson is still making

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES infrequent trips to very sandy countries. He says it is to support his indulgencies. Ray Gosney passed through Atlanta on the way to CA. He is participating in a series of seminars involving his career work with water/energy. We were going to have a local BR dinner but could not get it scheduled this time.

Most of you know – if you are on my ’67 e-mail list – that Tex Young’s daughter, Miche’ Tentor (mother of two) is, at this time in February, going through treatment for a brain blastoma. More than 25 BRs responded with suggestions for Tex and his family when he asked me to “ask our BRs if any of them have any thoughts that will help guide us through this …” Tubby Wilkinson called from Mexico to start things. Jim Phlegar reminded me that Tubby is the chairman of the Pathology Department at MCV and also has a Ph.D. in oncology.

Ken Comfort offered his home for the Young’s while they are in Richmond. Many BRs related personal experiences or those of relatives or neighbors and included very detailed information on physicians, surgeons, treatment and research centers (MCV/Duke/Sloan-Kettering/ Scripps etc.). To say Tex was overwhelmed with the outpouring would be an understatement.

Your prayers and positive thoughts are still needed in any case. If you need Tex’s address in Roanoke call me or VMI. Bev and Dave Johnson, in their referral of a physician, added

Class of 1967: John May and sons visited VMI for the VMI-Citadel game. It was John’s first visit to VMI since January 1966.

2008-Issue 2

“there is no substitute for a loving family.” We can be that for Tex. Gary Maxwell sent an article – which I forwarded to the ’67 list – from the Charlotte paper about the VMI basketball team. There was a reference by the reporter to the academic situation of a couple of players. I heard from Gene Potter, Jim Goodgion, Bob Klink, J.B. Farley, Dan Wells and Ray Irvine asking for a clarification. Suffice it to say, the named cadets will never be mentioned again. Jim went on to say Coach Baucom is a hometown Charlotte boy. He added they will be moving to “our little place in Paint Rock, TX, later in 2008.

“Meanwhile, we are spending the first week in March at our timeshare in New Orleans to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. BR and roommate Ray Irvine will be in town for a convention. We are planning a mini reunion.” I exchanged messages with Skip Hathaway. He is the Pastor of a church in Yorktown, VA. His son, “Sonny,” is a Minister in Humble, TX. Ken Chun sent photos to prove things were covered with snow in Seattle. He and Monica are in HI this week (Feb. 17-23, 2008). Tough luck for the rest of us! They are planning a trip in April to MD and VA to include visits to Yorktown, Jamestown, Williamsburg and Fredericksburg and a trip across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

“These are places many fourth grade teachers teach but never get to see. Aloha, Ken.” (Class Agent’s Note: We have not crossed that bridge in a while, but Joan drives when we must.) Don Brown sent a photo of his reconditioned personal aircraft. I cannot recall the exact type and the picture is buried in my IN box. If you want to know more about Don’s current flight status check www.flyfalwell.com and click on “our pilots.” Judy and Fred Smith’s son, David, is in his first year at Christopher Newport University.

J.I. and Brenda Orrison’s daughter, Amanda, has been accepted at her three top college choices, and the hunt for the best scholarship has begun. Bob Hess is holding a prostate cancer awareness fundraising ride on Skyline Drive Aug. 8-11, 2008. Check www.tourdeskyline. org for information. Tom Rhodes says three of his four sons have joined him in the residential real estate business in Dallas. Tom and Suzy said it was great to visit with Sid Thomas and Bob Ayers and their wives. Chuck Krebs bought a 30-foot Catalina sailboat and invites any BR passing through his area for a ride. Don Brown made a similar offer for a plane ride! Bob Randolph spends much of his time in Egypt working with their Ministry of Investment to resolve conflicts with foreign investors. Sam called Hill Ellet’s folks on their 65th wedding anniversary, and Hill was there. He has retired from corporate flying and lives in VA Beach. Moe and Beegie Harmon recently spent a week in New Orleans

working on one of the homes being refurbished after Katrina. Paul Bouis went to see VMI in a track meet at the NYC Armory. Sam sat with John, Sandy and Barney Lee at the Citadel game. Sam also saw Jimmy Rogers and L.F. Payne’s daughter at the game.

J.I. Orrison has resumed his frequent, but irregular, baseball commentaries. If he was not such a good engineer, I think he would make a terrific sports writer. You baseball fans should contact him to get on his distribution list. Gene Touchstone has found his Bomb. Somewhere along the way since our reunion, he misplaced it. He and I asked around –lost and found repositories all over VMI, Natural Bridge Hotel and other places – to no avail. An e-mail this week confirms that he located it at home. Just where it always was! In the last place he looked for it!! His successful search is certain proof that his recovery continues to improve.

In my continuing efforts to locate “lost” BRs, I thought I had a lead on Julin Da Lu in the San Francisco area. On the other hand, LU in the Chinese community must be sort of like SMITH in U.S. culture. I can tell you that the people who answer the phones seldom speak English. I hope I have enough stamps to mail all of the “LUs” a letter, while I seek information on Julin. I know he has an import business and travels to China often.

Don’t be a stranger. If your name is not in these notes it is because you have not checked in. In my spare time, I may call you. Try to be home, please.

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

Ron Gallagher (Poquoson, VA) wrote in early December, “This has just been a challenging year. I went to the Rat Parade (at John Crim’s) and saw a bunch of BRs. Had a nice time. Ira is a second, Band Co. supply sergeant. He went to the 2008 Rose Parade. If all things go well, he will graduate in May 2009 and commission in the Army. Scary! The Institute Society Dinner was nice, and Tommy Norment (Williamsburg, VA) had a great time. Jim Burns (Dahlgren, VA) and I continue to bump into each other. Ring Figure was very interesting.

It has changed in many ways but is the same in many ways. The Ring is bigger. It is very gratifying to see the growth of the Institute.

New-New Barracks will be a great addition, as

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CLASS NOTES are all the buildings. Olivia and I went to the OBX to watch the VMI Marathon team run.

They did well – both the men and the women.

One VMI runner, Sean Peterson ’09, qualified for the Boston Marathon with three hours and seven minutes, more or less; Ira was 30 minutes behind.” In a later e-mail, Ron sent a short note, from which I excerpted an even shorter note as follows, “The Institute is truly changing in many ways. My son, Ira Gallagher ’09, keeps me up to date on all the ‘major issues,’ as any cadet would to a parent.”

Wayne Burton followed through with his East Coast relocation plans. He and Carole moved to St. Marys, GA, in December 2007.

He plans to work there for a few years then retire in GA. M.L. Buchanan (Fairfax, VA) dropped me a note at the end of November, saying he was just back from Iraq but planning to return to Al Anbar Province in January 2008 – perhaps his last trip before hanging it up.

Got a note from Creigh Kelley (Englewood, CO) who wrote, “Just had a great visit with Phil and Becky Lanier (Monroe, LA) who were visiting their daughter, Kendall, and her husband, Todd! A few mid-day Bloody Mary’s (Phil, of course had to take over the creation of the very best ones!), fun conversation and even a vain attempt to get ‘the Hub’ Steve Hubbard (Maplecrest, NY) on the phone (we think he was searching for snow at Hunter Mountain already!) kept us occupied! Also had a solid visit when I imposed on and stayed with the Van Landingham’s (Eugene, OR). John and his wife, Martha Walters, who is watching him carefully since she’s a Supreme Court Justice for OR, in October while visiting Page, now a senior at U of Oregon. They have been great to Page throughout her four years in Eugene.

Their attentiveness is a parent’s dream!” In a later e-mail, Creigh wrote, “Hub called on Monday and was the same, classic ‘Hub’! Still doing expert, high-end carpentry and skiing at Hunter Mountain. Incredibly he caught ‘huge air’ last March while skiing and broke his back upon impact. He was stunned and wondered if he could even move. One month later (again, classic ‘Hub’), he was skiing again but said he cannot run because of the break.”

In a “down Memory Lane” moment, John Crim (New Market, VA) sent an image of his parents’ reserved seat ticket for our graduation. He reminded me that the ceremony was scheduled for the Parade Ground in front of Preston Library, but we had to cram into J.M. Hall because of the threat of rain. John also sent along a note on his experiences at the 2007 VMI-Citadel football game, “Cindy and I were guests of Ray Brownfield and others in the class of Citadel ’68. Ray and his brother-in-

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law, Richard, and others attend our Rat Parade parties, and we met and had brunch at Alumni Hall. Not the best game to go to, notwithstanding sitting on their side of the field, i.e. L/A Beach. Caught up with Stewart Fleming ’75, Dave Parker ’84 and Hunter Taylor ’67 during, or rather, in spite of the event. … Did get to see BRs Bill Cloyd (Lynchburg, VA) and wife as well as Ken Augustine (Arlington, VA) and chat with Randolph Williams ’66 and Doug Richard ’66 at Alumni Hall, before the game. … This year was the third (fourth?) year of our Veterans’ Day Special. Vets and servicemen were provided a free steak dinner at our restaurant. In 2006, we had about 75 vets sign on. In 2007, we served between 110 and 120. The only requirement was that they sign our large sign with name, service and service dates.”

My standing Google search turned up a story in the Virginia Gazette that Tommy Norment was named to the Colonial Williamsburg Board of Trustees. In addition to this board, Tommy also sits on the board of the JamestownYorktown Foundation. A different search (and continuation of “all things Norment”) revealed that VA Senate Republicans decided that they needed new leadership after losing majority status, so they turned to Tommy by a unanimous vote to assume the minority leadership role.

In December, Mike Gompf (Richmond, VA) made the announcement that he is retiring from the Bank of America after 36 years.

Billy Seargeant (Fredericksburg, VA) sent along a note saying he had recently changed jobs. The note included the statement, “I have a very low tolerance for nonsense!” Amen to that brother – with less tolerance every year.

In December 2007, Mike Thacker (Roanoke, VA) sent me a “small world” story. He wrote, “Vicki and I were in Williamsburg last weekend and ran in to a ’50B matriculant from NJ by the name of Fred Kniesler. Fred still lives in NJ and related that he sports a VMI decal on his vehicle.

Recently he returned to his car at a NJ mall to find a business card on his windshield from a person who had noticed the decal and wanted to say hello. Fred said the business card was from the director of security for Macy’s but that he didn’t recall the name. I told him that had to be Bill Bragg ’68, which jogged Fred’s memory, and he confirmed that’s who it was.”

In a very short note, Guy Drewry (Virginia Beach, VA) volunteered that he, “… works the processes that will help us better whack bad people in the future.”

Bill Millan (Arlington, VA) provided an update when he wrote, “I am working on a big lobbying campaign with a goal of sharply increasing U.S. Government funding to international conservation via USAID. Our daughter, Kim, is working for a charity in NYC. Our

daughter, Ali, has finished her pictures for two juried shows and our son, Mac, has transferred to the theater department at VCU. On Dec. 30, 2007, I turn 61. I work out five days a week and am in great shape, but a sore back remains a problem (for the last 30 years). At least it helps motivate me to work out! Getting older is a b*&@#, and then you die!”

Mac Smith (Roanoke, VA) reminisced, “On another note, living in Roanoke this time of year (December) I like to think of that great Thanksgiving Day 1967; VMI 12 VT 10. Our second class year, the score was VT 70 VMI 12. It’s amazing what holding your opponent to 60 less points will do. With Victory Stadium now demolished by the geniuses who run Roanoke City the memory is more distant than ever. It’s interesting to talk to the ‘younger’ folks around here, most of whom have no idea about the great games and the tradition with both corps marching to Victory Stadium on Thanksgiving Day.” In December, Bob McDowell (Friday Harbor, WA) wrote, “I continue on the BOV and will wrap up my second term in June of 2009. I continue with Microsoft with a good deal of travel, public speaking and mentoring younger managers working their way up in the company.

As has become tradition, Pete and Patti Farmer (Seattle, WA) will join us on the island over the holidays. I have become quite involved with government and university boards in Scotland and really enjoying that work.”

Hal Hostetler’s (Portsmouth, VA) Christmas newsletter contained lots of information from which I’ve excerpted, “Our church worked with our association in participating in evangelistic outreaches in our own Jerusalem through Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. We supported the ‘Franklin Graham’ effort in Portsmouth/ Norfolk, Latin immigrant workers ministry on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Vacation Bible School in New England and crusades in Trinidad – a busy year. Brenda continues to enjoy home, yard and garden work, plus assisting me in virtually everything I do. She also performs in three music groups at Calvary Baptist Church and does some part time secretarial work. We enjoy being, working and playing together. One unique area of service that Brenda and I enjoy is our 14-member church orchestra. I prep the music and rehearse the group, then turn the orchestra over to our music director, who directs during services while I play. Brenda and I spent a happy week at Ridgecrest, NC, attending a reunion with over 1,000 emeritus (retired) missionaries. It was a great time of seeing old friends from our earliest days in Costa Rica (1979) to our last overseas tour in Barbados (2004).”

Jim Haney (Sun City Center, FL) sent along the following, “I retired from Raytheon on Dec. 31, 2007. I play golf three/four times a week,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES sometimes with Priscilla, and enjoy some of the other Sun City Center, FL, weekday activities I have been unable to participate in while working. Also, travel throughout the U.S. frequently and overseas sometimes, not least of all visiting our grandson, Preston, living in NJ.” Joe LeVine (Panama City, FL) sent in an update while he was on business travel. He wrote, “Today I’m alone in my apartment in Brugge, Belgium, and decided to take the opportunity to send you an update. I’m still working for Resinall and traveling to Europe quite a bit establishing European operations. (Last year I spent about 20 weeks in Europe.) Donna retired from her teaching position last year, so she’s able to join me on many of my business trips, which makes them much more enjoyable.

Donna didn’t accompany this week because I’ll be visiting four countries in five days, and because she needed to get ready for a two-week vacation to HI at the end of the month.”

Joe continued, “Our oldest daughter, Aimee, is married. She’s living and working in Orlando, FL. My youngest daughter, Kara, is working and living in NYC. Donna and I manage to visit each of them about 4 – 6 times a year, and each summer, we’ve been able have a family vacation together in Europe. This summer we will be visiting Ireland together. All in all, I’m enjoying the job/travel and have no plans to retire.”

Heard from Chuck Avery (Midland, TX) when he wrote, “I’m turning 62 on Jan. 22, 2008. I’m not sure if that is cause for celebration. I’ll be eligible for Social Security – I guess that doesn’t completely suck. I’m still kickin’ ... the wife (Jeannie) is sticking with me for another year (that’ll make 36 years since we said ‘I do’). I won’t make our 40th because I’ll be working. However, on May 31, 2008, I will be retiring from TSA with 18 years total government service, and hopefully my retirement ‘plan’ will actually work this time. So perhaps we’ll try to get back there for the 41st reunion, or maybe the 45th. Whatever.”

Terry Bowers (Martinez, GA) forwarded an e-mail he received from a Citadel ’66 grad, Bill Northrup. Bill wrote, “I got a quick story: I was sitting in a saloon in Charlotte with one of my Citadel classmates discussing the bad old days.

The TV had CNN on with the latest news from Iraq. They announced a new surge in some toilet of a town, and they called it ‘Operation New Market.’ We broke out howling and toasting. The other, more staid patrons were a bit shocked. One asked what that was all about. My classmate answered, ‘Some VMI guy is in command of that operation; he’s gonna kick some a$$ and take some names.’ Needless to say, the other patrons looked at us like we just got off the boat from Mars, but feeling better ourselves, we were forced to stay through Happy Hour.”

2008-Issue 2

Tayo LeDuc (Hiawassee, FL) provided the news, “My wife and I will finally make it to a reunion this year. We will be staying in Fishersville, VA, where our youngest daughter now lives. She got her Ph.D. at the University of Iowa this year and is now teaching at James Madison University. We need our grandparent ‘fix,’ and by staying with her and our grandson, we will be able to do both. Her husband is now at UVa working on his Ph.D.” Mike Philipps (Cincinnati, OH) made the news recently when he was named president and chief executive officer of the Scripts Howard Foundation. In response to a note, he said, “It is a long story, but we shut down the post on Dec. 31 after 126 years ... I had been here fully 1/4 of those years. I won’t even have to move, the headquarters of the E.W. Scripps Co. is right here in Cincinnati, so I just move my desk about six blocks. Carole and I really had planned to sail off into the sunset in our boat ... but I had one of those godfather moments ... this was an offer I couldn’t refuse. There’s probably not another job in town I would have said ‘yes’ to. Although, I’m not ‘official’ till Feb. 1, I’m already making the rounds. I was on a plane for Hampton, VA, to have a look at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism at Hampton College – what a terrific place! – when the announcement went out and spent much of the week there. I’ll be spending a lot of time in Hampton, as well as in DC. I’m joining the ranks of road warriors, I’m afraid ... Scripps has properties all over the country.”

At the end of January, Barry Archer (LaVernia, TX) provided the following news, “A quick note to let everyone know that Iris and I are looking forward to seeing all of you BRs at the reunion. I still work for the San Antonio city government but will probably retire in about two months. We are currently building a new home in the TX hill country, just west of New Braunfels, where we are acting as the general contractor. Should be finished by July, and plenty of room for visiting BRs – so come on down for some TX hospitality! Got a note from Larry Ryan who is happy that he is finally settling into his new job with the Corps of Engineers in Israel (see following info from Barry).

Iris and I had a wonderful time going out to dinner with his daughter and her husband a few weeks ago when they were in the San Antonio area. Our five children are scattered about in FL, OH, MO, LA and CA, so it is a bit difficult seeing them as much as we would like. Three are married and we’re up to three grandchildren with one more (grandson Jake) due any day now. Everyone is health and happy.”

In early February, Larry Ryan (Israel) wrote, “I’ve been in Israel about three weeks working for the Army Corps of Engineers. We actually

manage construction for the Israeli Defense Force under a foreign military sales program.

The work is interesting and fast paced. I work out of an Israeli air force base on the outskirts of the city of Beer Sheva – known as the site of Abraham’s Well (in case your biblical knowledge is a vague as mine). We’re right on the edge of the Negev Desert. The desert has its own beauty and seeing a full moon over the desert landscape is quite impressive. (Especially when it’s not the Iraqi desert!) I shipped my kayaks, as I’m not too far from both the Med and the Red Seas.”

Larry continued, “My daughter, Leigh, a captain in the Army Nurse Corps, is expecting a little paratrooper in May, and I’m certainly excited about being a grandfather. Barry and Iris Archer took Leigh and her husband, Dave, (also an Army captain) out to dinner when they were in San Antonio. Leigh, who had not seen Barry since she was very small, remarked that many of Barry’s mannerisms reminded her of me – boy that’s a surprise.”

Larry concluded with, “I’m looking forward to the reunion and hope we have a large turnout.

I’ll also be in the U.S. at the end of March for my niece’s wedding and hope to see Ned Harris (North Andover, MA) in NY.” John Lane (Wyckoff, NJ) sent along a short update when he wrote, “It’s the same old stuff – work hard, plan to retire at 80 and hope to have a week-end off once in a while. Louise and I also get to play with our grandson, Joshua John Enberg, class of 2028, regularly. I guess life isn’t really so bad.”

David Wagner (Englewood, CO), our USAFA graduate, chimed in with, “Today I am eligible for Social Security. How weird! It has been a long, strange trip. You know you are getting old when birthdays are starting to look like achievements, rather than annual events.”

Shortly after the Super Bowl, Dick Wise (Richmond, VA) provided George Walton (Richmond, VA) and others more than they wanted to know about Dick’s fervor for the NFL New York Giants in general and the sainted Sam Huff in particular. In part, Dick wrote, “Then in 1964, just before I headed off to the Institute, the most hateful and unimaginable event occurred, my Sam was traded to the Redskins! I don’t like to admit this, because, after all, I was a high school graduate, but I went into a deep depression. To all you BRs, this is why I never lived up to my regimental commander potential. It was all I could do to just function through cadre and the I! Now that I understand this, I will call Paul Maini ’66, my cadre corporal, to see if he wants another crack at me to redeem himself and set things right!”

As your class agent, I know this clears up things for me – that’s why I think it important that the

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CLASS NOTES rest of the class have this explanation for something that had mystified us for many years.

Just at the buzzer for these notes, Di Johnson came through with a great update that read, “I’m still at Continental Airlines, working the regulatory compliance issues. We are also chugging away on the certification plan for the Boeing 787 next year. Also, I am helping to set up the first U.S. fleet of airplanes to fly GPS precision instrument approaches – a pretty cool deal with leading edge technology. This will eventually replace ILS at most airports.”

Di continued, “Relentlessly, the FAA has us hopping with requiring responses to a prolific stream of notices and safety bulletins; the most recent mandate is to verify that our training and procedures to mitigate runway incursions at airports are fully adequate to meet the surveillance needs of the FAA. Routine work involves coping with a battery of 107 Safety Attribute Inspections the FAA levies on an airline over a period of a few years. Also, the Dept. of Defense comes and audits every airline every two years – a week-long deal. And the International Airline Transportation Association (IATA) requires a separate biannual operational safety audit – another week. This is some of the stuff I prepare for and respond to.”

Di added, “For fun, I recently had one of my antique boats on display in the Houston Boat show. The local antique wooden boat club gets together with the local antique outboard motor club, and we show our favorites. The Houston Chronicle was impressed enough to write a feature article on us – cool!”

Di finished with, “Kids are fine. Granddaughter Sadie is 2 now. Suzie and I just spent two weeks in Palau, Guam and HI. All on business.

Well ... except for those two days snorkeling in the Rock Islands. OK ... OK, there were those two dinners on the beach in HI.” BRs, this a wrap for the February 2008 edition of the notes. By the time these are published our 40th Reunion will have come and gone. I sure hope we had a great time!

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the “maturing” class of 1969. Winter has been a cold, wet affair this year with indoor activities leading the way. Good thing the VMI basketball team has been pretty good, as it has provided some entertainment and relief from the dark and damp outdoors.

Topping my report this quarter is a report on Charlie Bryan’s personal tour for our class of

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the “Lee-Grant” exhibit at Richmond’s Virginia Historical Society on Jan. 12, 2008. Twentyseven Brother Rats joined Charlie and Cammy for the fun and education. Jim Hitchcock and Spunky Butler introduced us to their new wives at the function and friends re-united with friends in a definitely fun environment.

As Charlie and I planned the occasion, he kept coming up with ideas to add to the excitement of the day. We enjoyed a pizza and salad lunch after the tour, Charlie showed an interesting film about research and luck in finding valuable Civil War papers and many participated in a “seek the answer in the exhibits” quiz while viewing the VHS exhibits on Living in Virginia and “Lee-Grant.” Judge Val Southall, history major and attorney, won the first prize (real prizes from VHS!) for his perfect score.

Bomber Hudson, also an attorney and Civil War buff, took the second prize. I squeaked in for third to represent the rest of the non-attorney crowd. Then Pat King, in his role as Bomb photographer years ago, showed several slides of events and people at VMI in the late ’60s.

Our tour ended with a trip to the rare books vault – small groups at a time – to see or hold books owned and sometimes signed by our nation’s famous leaders. We saw books owned

by Geo Washington, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson and noted how they are kept now in careful storage in the Richmond facility.

The class gathering on the crisp winter morning was great. Quick greetings outside the building were soon supplemented with more comprehensive catch-ups inside the warm VHS facility. The following BRs and family members attended the tour event: Bill and Betsy Blandford and Thornton Newlon of Powhatan, VA; Rudy, Judy and son Chris Segaar of Woodville, VA, plus Civil War-knowledgeable neighbors John and Judy Tole; Glenn and Elizabeth Hammond of Roanoke; Dr. Pat King with his friend Lisa from Lovingston, VA; John and Jane Ishon of Hampton, VA; Dr Tom Morris and friend Gab Paul from Williamsburg, VA; Marty and Cathy Parks from Galax, VA; Bruce Sharp from Suffolk, VA; Judge Val Southall from Amelia, VA; Dennis and Anne Witt of Orange Park, FL, plus their daughter, Tanya Hertel; Tommy and Nancy Catlett from Poquoson, VA; Peyton and Gail Brown from Lynchburg, VA; Art Wilson from Fredericksburg, VA; Spunky and Linda Butler from Nokesville, VA; Jim and Jackie Hitchcock of Potomac Falls, VA; Bob and Ruth Waldo from Chesapeake, VA; Gene and Catherine Beale from Norfolk, VA; Chuck and Beth Becker from Glenville, WV; Ron and Betsy Wall of Rolesville, NC; Don Bogard with sons Tanner and Cooper from Glen Allen, VA; the Richmond BRs: Knox and Shirley Hubard, Dick Camp, Dr. Dick Jeter,

Courtney Welton with his sister and her fiancé, and Tommy Hudson; and yours truly from Yorktown, VA. I must now follow with some lately discovered sad news. Marty Parks did great research to find out that Geddes F. MacLaren, one of our most highly decorated warrior BRs, died while on active duty Army in 1991 of hepatitis contracted years earlier in RVN. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery in Section 59, grave 2096. Geddes is in the VMI Hall of Valor and is deserving of more attention than we have given him to date. His widow still lives in ME. Geddes earned two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star and at least one Purple Heart during his tours in Vietnam. (I take this opportunity to remind you and your family members to notify VMI or me when you have significant news to pass.

It is our intention to give each and every BR parting honors when we hear of such events.

Also for the record, there is no on-line service for information about where people are buried at Arlington, but there is a phone service available for that info. I corroborated Marty’s info pretty quickly by calling and obtaining Ged’s burial site info.) Jim Hitchcock gave us a fitting send off for BR MacLaren, “Geddes was my roommate in IOBC at Ft. Benning. In June of ’69, I came back from Jump School one day and found ‘some guy’ had moved into my BOQ room. There he was – singing in the shower.

The door opens and out he comes, through a cloud of steam, with a cheerful ‘Hi, Brother Rat – I knew you wouldn’t mind if we roomed together.’ Great guy.”

Just to put football to bed for the past season, I publish Jimmy Long’s quick note after the Citadel game in Lexington. “Maybe next year.

In attendance were Tommy and Nancy Catlett, Ron and Betsy Wall, Chuck and Beth Becker, John and Sally Sebrell, Dave and Susan Prugh, Bunny and Carolyn Paulette, and Beth and me.” Thanks, BRs, for your loyalty.

From Dr. Tom Jones in GA came the quick message in mid-December: “VMI plays Mercer on Jan. 2, 2008, but Elizabeth and I will host a party on Jan. 1 at a bar and grill for the basketball team. I hope Mike Hanna will come over and others from Atlanta or AL for the game on Jan. 2. We will be going to the Institute on Jan. 17 and go to the Keydet Club meeting, game and dedication to Costen. (Ralph Costen ’70 donated a new floor for the basketball facility.)

We had a good 60-year-old-year Ironman Coeur D’Alene and a trip to Paris and Normandy and on to Provence and Nice. Saw our grandchild, TCJ III, at Thanksgiving. My son, TCJ II, is off to Afghanistan in January. Wish I could see Charlie Bryan; he is fantastic. Hope to see you for the VA Beach Marathon on St Patty’s Day.” The VMI basketball team also made possible

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES another bright spot in our dark winter months around here on Dec. 20. The Keydets ran their “steal and deal” style of play to perfection that night and beat W&M in Williamsburg.

We had a good representation of our class at the pre-game party and then at the game. As I wrote to several BRs the next day: “Just a quick word about our class attendance last night. It too was terrific. I counted a baker’s dozen of our BRs and some even brought sons and other family. Glenn White was first one there to the pre-game party but was soon joined by Ron and Betsy Wall. My daughter and I showed up and were soon joined by Deh-ruy-us and Carol Brantley, Gene Beale, Tommy Thompson, Gary Mackey, T.O. Palmer (with both of his sons), Leo Barnes, and Bob and Ruth Waldo. I saw Bruce Gregory scarfing down a hotdog in the hallway and Judge Val Southall at halftime.

Tom Catlett was there for the game along with his nephew, seen with Tom Sebrell, son of Banker John. Tom Morris’ son-in-law, David Bruce, was there with his dad, Lindsey (U. Alabama grad but ardent VMI fan) but I never saw young Tom, champion golfer.”

While I did not make it the following week to the Richmond game, I heard we did have a small group there. From BR Brantley came word that Tom and Nancy Catlett, Carol and Drew Brantley, T.O. Palmer, T.B. Thompson, Pat Branch, Howard Donald ’68 and Dick Jeter were there.

This game did not end up quite the same way as the one at W&M, but it was close.

Lloyd McGrady wrote in late November: “We (just Debbie and me now) have relocated to Waco, TX. I am a VP for operations (still with SAIC) and the operation manager of the System Engineering, Training and Security Operation. Have four happy grandchildren and four children scattered all over the country. I talk to Maguigan fairly often, and I can report that he too is a grandfather, and he and his Debbie are still in Atlanta.”

Did you see the VMI Regimental Band on TV in the Rose Bowl parade? They were picked especially for this year’s parade because of their mixing of pipes and drums with the other regular band instruments. The financing and arranging of travel to and from CA were big deals and highlighted a need for funding for kilts and the associated gear for bagpipe players. I refer you to class agent Jan Abernathy ’67 for more info.

Jan and his wife, Joan, have become eloquent spokespersons for the band and its needs at VMI. Were you aware that there is a VMI plaid registered in the world of tartans and that you can purchase the material? Talk to Jan someday about that; it is a great success story.

For a quick look at the artwork of our BR Rick Snow, go to the following site: http:// www.corralesartists.org/gallery/snow/snow.

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html#. I can speak to the quality of the work and recommend Rick’s pieces to you. No art collection is complete without one!

Bob Ladd sent an interesting message: “Hope all else is good with you ... I am trying to retire and every imaginable roadblock in the world has come up ...” All I can say is, if you love what you are doing, there is no reason to retire.

Doug Marks got ahead of the game and sent out a Thanksgiving message. “Just a note to say that I hope each of you had a wonderful and meaningful Thanksgiving! Janet and I went to VA and spent time with my family there. We had a great time and got in lots of visiting! Last week, we got to keep my granddaughter for a few days ... always a joy! I think I have already informed you all that my daughter, Joanna, and her husband, Phillip, are expecting their second ... a boy ... in March. Then, on Thanksgiving morning, my daughter, Elise, informed me that she and Todd are expecting in May!!! Three grandbabies!!! I truly do have a lot to be thankful for, and just wanted to share the news.

Janet and I are doing well ... excited about all the baby news!”

Judge Glenn Hammond is still fighting cancer but told me at the VHS event that his was in remission. He also wanted to brag a little. “My son, Barry ’06, continues to excel as an Air Force lieutenant and R&D engineer for F-16 weapons systems.” I agree with your son, Glenn, you are a “tough old bird.” Keep on fighting.

Tom Hickman is still working against the bad guys, “Working now for the State Department in Kabul as senior legal advisor to the Attorney General of Afghanistan in field of corruption.

A key interface is with the financial investigation unit at the central bank and the advisor there is Dave Gallalee ’82, a real fine man. Our military faces a daunting foe here but seem to be handling the mission well, very determined.

Hope any BRs planning to travel through lovely Kabul will give me an e-mail heads up. I live in a compound of four huge mansions formerly occupied by drug lords, and we have a decent mess hall.” mdhickman@aol.com Charlie and Cammy Bryan’s Christmas letter announced that Charlie would retire at the end of 2008, form a new consulting firm and finish a book he has been researching. They were excited to show off young Graham Gerding, 16-month-old grandson, in their family portrait.

Joe Howard is still working at Los Alamos labs and is gearing up for the 40th Reunion. He joined Tom Morris and others recently in starting his status as a Retired U.S. military officer with full privileges. Turning 60 has a least one good benefit …

Life is going to the dogs. Mike and Leigh Harper first showed us their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Karin and Denis. Then

Tommy and Becky Hudson sent a picture of their Boykin Spaniel pups, Fionn and Osian.

The Bryans mentioned their Corgi, Sherry. As Becky said, “Friends, family, grandchildren and puppies. Life is good!”

David Reid’s note ended with a terrific statement, “Jan and I have been blessed with three wonderful grandchildren, ages 11, 9, and 4.

(Our 4-year-old needs VMI NOW!)” That is some kid …

Tom and Karen Buckner’s annual letter showed a handsome family standing near a villa at Lake Como, Italy. Tom had visited Lake Garda in 1985 and wanted to show off the area to his family. So he planned the trip to the Lake District of northern Italy during the past summer. Having been to both lakes before, I heartily applaud his choice of vacation spots.

John DuBose wrote on his Christmas card, “still teaching chemistry at the College of Charleston and still in the SC State Guard.”

With our Big South league schedules carrying VMI teams to the Myrtle Beach – Charleston areas more often now, all of you should plan a visit to either or both places sometime soon.

Look up John down south or Rawls Williams up in Myrtle Beach.

Let me share a little more from Spunky Butler on his life-changing event. “Yes, after a 17-year lapse, I re-married at the end of September. Linda is literally the ‘girl next door’ I grew up with in Winchester. We’ve been intertwined friends since birth; our parents were friends, same church, school classes together all the way from kindergarten to high school. She went to Madison, with a car, and we almost ran a dating service, as she brought many a sorority sisters with her if I called for a last minute dateless BR. She married and lived in Richmond.

Two grown children and 40 years later, we reconnected at our 40th Handley High School reunion. And the rest is history ...” Many of us at the VHS tour in January got to meet Linda.

Spunky made a great move!

Speaking of good moves, Rudy Segaar passed to me the fact his wife, Judy, helped him prepare the venison from a “still-on-thehoof” state to slabs in the freezer. “It is hunting season you know. Got two bucks with the ol’ black powder rifle last week. Judy helped with the meat processing and packaging in air-lock packs – very professional. She also made some venison jerky – delicious. Life is good in the country.” Rudy and Judy also traveled to Ireland last year and sent a great report. “We went via the Alumni Campus Abroad Company (also referred to as AHI International) in response to a brochure we got from the VMI Foundation. There were only 14 people with four VMI couples, so we were the strongest contingent!

It was a 12-day vacation, and it was great.

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CLASS NOTES Everything was run to perfection. We had our own large tour bus, a singing bus driver [Ireland remember] and a very cute and competent tour guide. Meals other than lunch each day were included. All tickets to castles, abbeys, parks, etc. were paid for, so nothing extra. The food was great. We stayed in two towns, Ennis for five days, and Kilkenny for six days so there was a minimum of packing and unpacking.

Ironically, it was Powers whiskey we liked the best. So maybe some of Judy’s relatives [the original Powers] made a major contribution to Irish culture after all.”

Roy ‘Dana’ Swatts sent me a bunch of images with the following text. “These are photos our daughter, Kimberly, took of our cabin in Montana this past summer and some of the scenery in the immediate vicinity of the cabin.

The overlook is just up from the cabin. The waterfall is at Skalkohal Pass, just southeast of us, through the Sapphire Mountains. The horseback riding trip started at one of the wilderness resorts just down the mountain from us.

Part of their all-day trail ride goes through and past our property.” Contact Roy for more info rdsk9zeus@hotmail.com.

Buddy Bryan at VMI sent me notice that BR Bob Tanner was the featured speaker at a Washington (Wilkes County, GA) gathering.

“Bob Tanner will present the story of Gen. Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley to the Washington Civil War Round Table on Monday evening, January 28, at 6 p.m., at The Jockey Club Restaurant on the Square in Washington. Tanner is an attorney practicing out of Atlanta and is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute. Gen. Jackson was a professor of ‘natural philosophy’ at VMI before the war. Tanner is the author of two books about the Civil War: Stonewall in the Valley and Retreat to Victory [Atlanta campaign, etc.]. He will have some of his books available at the meeting for those who would like a personalized copy.” Glad to see Bob leaving town occasionally and getting out to the country.

Our 40th Reunion is just over a year away. In April 2009, we will meet once again in Lexington and have a blast together. David Bush is again reunion-meister. Feel free to volunteer your services to him. dbush10@embarqmail.com One last thank you goes out to all who have remembered to send gifts to Annual Giving

The Heritage Captain’s Chair and

Heritage Boston Rocker Solid hardrock maple chairs and rockers bearing the VMI seal on the crown of the chair are now available.

The seal is engraved by a laser, and your chair can be personalized under the seal with your name and class year.

These chairs must be purchased directly from the manufacturer and are not available in Lexington through the Alumni Association.

VMI Engraved Captains Chair .................. $350 PRICES VMI Engraved Boston Rocker ................... $350 Optional personalization per chair ............ $25 Shipping and handling per chair ............... $29 * * For Texas, Rocky Mountain States and West, add $10.00 per piece.

To order by American Express, MasterCard or Visa, please call the manufacturer at 978/632-1301. Call weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (eastern time). Credit card orders can also be sent by mail.

Please include full account number and expiration date.

To order by mail, write to The VMI Alumni Association, c/o Standard Chair of Gardner, 1 South Main Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Include check or money order, payable to “Standard Chair of Gardner.”

Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. For rush service (2-3 weeks delivery) add $25.

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again this year. You make my job much easier by following instructions! Keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming to me and gifts going to the VMI Alumni Association.

In the Spirit, Walt

’70

Bill O’Connor

Hello, to all from Richmond. As I write these notes in February, our democracy is in the midst of the good old fashion, knock-down drag-out primaries. I was dreading the end of football season in January and was wondering what to watch on TV until the pre-season starts in July, but hey, the primaries are tougher, dirtier and far more entertaining than any football game.

It’s too bad they only happen every four years.

Now on to the news: The good news this issue is that I have no bad news to report. Received a very nice Christmas note from Jay and Liz Tice. The Tice’s live in the Jackson, MS, where Jay is director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi. The organization is a non-profit engineering and training company affiliated with three universities organizations, seven colleges, other engineering resources and private consultants.

Jay continues to foster the VMI excellence, as his organization is ranked first in the U.S. among 59 other centers. Way to go, Jay. Wife Liz is a doctor working part-time with three different organizations. If that is not enough to keep them both busy, they are proud parents of John Joseph Tice V, who turned 2 in September.

Thanks for the update and congrats on your 10-YEAR anniversary - well done!

Brother Dave Lawrence reported in from the left coast with an update. Dave and Pam are now empty nesters with sons Brian and Greg attending college in San Diego. Dave continues to work for Lockheed Martin since his retirement from the Air Force and works on things that will keep us safe, but not our enemies.

Pam is the director of women’s ministry at their church and like all of our wives, keeps a very busy schedule. Pam did hint that Dave is starting to mention the “R” word more frequently but probably will hold off until the boys finish school. Thanks, Dave for the info - continued good luck to the Lawrence family.

Also from CA was a nice letter from Mike Shealy. Mike and Carol finally moved into their retirement home in Santa Barbara, although they will split the time between Santa Barbara and their other home in Palo Alto. Mike retired in 2002 but reported that he had to many “honey do projects” that weren’t getting done

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES so he recently accepted a position, as a partner, with a friend who runs a growth capital firm in Palo Alto . He says that this is a real job and keeps him awfully busy. Carol retired in 2001 and now keeps herself occupied with a variety of civic and community jobs, which she enjoys immensely. Mike reported that he has three grandchildren and another on the way. His grandson in the DC area was diagnosed with leukemia but thankfully, has responded to the medication and is now in remission. All the children are doing well and son Ryan ’04 is class agent for the class of 2004. Thanks, Mike, for your letter, and we wish Brooke and her son well.

Bill Scherer sent a very nice note over the holidays. He and wife Barb and daughters Lila and Emily are enjoying the CA lifestyle and are doing well. Bill wished all a happy holiday.

Al Kirk reported in from Atlanta where he has returned to Delta Airlines after retiring a year or so ago. Seems like Al had too much time on his hands and now works as an instructor on the simulator, certifying pilots on various aircraft. It sounds like he is working harder now than he did when he was flying. Al and Anne’s son, Brian, a recent graduate of Old Miss, is getting married in August and daughter Katherine continues her nursing career in Charleston.

Al and Anne continue to travel and enjoy playing golf. Anne recently had her first hole in one and also won the Ladies’ Club Championship at Ft. McPherson!!! Watch out Al, as soon as she learns the Ralph Costen golf betting system, you will be working two jobs!!!

Cliff Brooks checked in from St. Cloud, FL, where he and Amy just returned from visiting their son, Cliff IV, daughter-in-law Kris and granddaughters Elizabeth Ann (2) and Chloe Rachel (6 months). Cliff said that all was well on the home front and wished all BRs a happy holiday.

Dick Knight alerted me a couple of months ago that he saw an article where the new Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard was a Gen. Blalock and wondered if it was our BR, A.C. Blalock. I did some investigation and sure enough, it is. I sent him a note, but as of yet have not heard back from him. I believe A.C. left our third class and transferred to Auburn University. I will try to call him and get an update. As Dick mentioned, our class has produced five flag officers (Strock, Anderson, DeWolf, Kern and Blalock), and I don’t know of another class of our era that has produced more. Dick has “semi-retired” and is enjoying life in Nashville. He recently heard from Ted and Barbara Durvin, both who have also retired in NC. Thanks, Dick, for the info.

Judge Neil “put them in the slammer and never let them out.” Steverson called to let me know that he and De are now proud grand-

2008-Issue 2

parents!! Son Bryan and daughter-in-law Jen had a daughter, Chloe Joy, in December and that mom and daughter are doing fine. Neil, in typical Neil fashion, said of the event: “I never thought I would be living with a grandmother.”

Congrats, to Neil and De and Bryan and Jen. Ran into Bill and Marilyn Huffman at a wedding in December, and I think I have this right.

The Huffman’s live in Denver, Bill works in CT, and they both want to move back to Richmond!!! Given my status at the wedding, I’m not a 100% sure exactly what Bill’s time frame is, but I know that Richmond is on their minds.

In January, Ralph and Marsha Costen were honored in a ceremony at Cameron Hall prior to the UNC Ashville basketball game. Both Ralph and Marsha have been long time benefactors to VMI over the years and most recently donated and installed a new basketball floor at Cameron Hall. Ralph and Marsha along with son Tripp ’97 and wife Jill were recognized by Athletic Director Donnie White, basketball Coach Duggar Bascom and Gen. Peay ’62. Ralph gave a very inspirational speech, (which apparently fired up the UNCA team) and received a welldeserved ovation from the crowd, which was the second largest crowd to attend a game at Cameron Hall. Those that I saw from ’70 were: Steve and Sherry Craddock, Tom and Jill Cooke, Mike and Lonnie Sisler, Bob and Susan Copty, Bill Gearhart, and Chuck and Penny Wills. Thanks, Ralph and Marsha, for all you have done for VMI. This year’s annual GOMBAC trip to Myrtle Beach is now a memory. Last week’s trip involved the usual suspects, Herb Braun, Tom Cooke, Mike Snead, Jim Mawyer, Gary Weishaar, Warren Grasty, Dave Schmidt, AC Arnn, Charlie Walker, Stix Chandler, John Bailey and the 12th spot split between Dave Nuckols and me. As usual, the golf was so-so, the food good and the comradeship excellent.

It is a sign of the time when you hear snoring at 9:30 p.m. while on a golf trip. Like it or not guys, we’re all starting to show our age.

Chips Lanier, who is responsible for setting up or own Web site (www.vmi70.org) has done a wonderful job of keeping our site current. We recently added a section to the site remembering our deceased BRs. Chips had a great idea about expanding the section. Roommates or close friends of the departed might want to send in pictures or antidotes regarding the deceased.

Chips will make sure it is formatted properly, or I’m sure will post it in himself if you send him the info. As we get a little bit older, memories will start to fade. Let’s not forget our classmates who life’s journeys were cut short.

Another idea that was offered by Stix Chandler involves creating a class of ’70 scrap book.

Stix created his own scrapbook with pictures

and other memorabilia from the time he walked across the line in Jackson Arch on that eventful day in August 1966 to the day of freedom in May 1970. Going through his scrapbook is truly a walk down memory lane. He has included not only pictures from all four years of his cadetship but items like his RDC cards, special reports, cadet articles, Rat Bible, Ring Figure magazine, among others. Let’s start looking to see what we can come up with and perhaps pool and make a ’70 Scrapbook available at our next reunion.

I would like to thank all BRs for their generous contributions to the Institute for the first six months of fiscal 2008. Our class as of Dec. 31, 2007 has given a total of $155,433. This breaks down to 85 donors out of our alumni base of 264 or 32.2%. Again, thanks to all who have given and for those who have not, please consider doing so. It is not the amount, it’s the participation.

The Alumni Review office has changed the name of the Review. Instead of being the Alumni Review – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Issues – it will be named Alumni Review 2008-Issue 1 , 2, 3 and 4. Issue 1 will be the first issue of the calendar year and reflect the previous November’s notes; Issue 2 (this issue) will reflect February’s notes and so forth.

Again, please send me some news on what you and your families are up to, and don’t hesitate to send pictures. Also, if each one of us will look up or try to contact a BR who was a former roommate or friend that you have not seen or heard from in a while, please make an effort to track him down and say hello. As we start thinking about our next reunion (40th!!), let’s try to get as many BRs involved as we can.

Please take care and be safe. God bless our country and the troops that protect us. Go Big Red.

’71

James Kelly

These notes cover the period between Nov. 15, 2007, to Feb. 15, 2008.

Greetings, and a happy New Year to everyone.

I hope each of you had a great holiday season and that 2008 is treating you well.

Back in November, I mentioned that a mini reunion was shaping up for the Citadel game at VMI. About 30 Brother Rats showed up for the event. Thanks to Buddy Bryan, we had VIP parking in one of the new lots below “hospital hill” and a catered tailgate of barbeque and chicken. We had a good morning of visiting and exchanging “old corps” stories, but none of that

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CLASS NOTES changed the outcome of the game. The Citadel team really put it on us that day. There is always next year at their place! Go Big Red! Speaking of football, former head coach Jim Reid has departed to become an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins. It has just been announced that Sparky Woods has been named as the new head coach. Coach Woods has been involved in football for over 30 years and has head coaching experience at two different universities.

VMI has had great success with recruiting this year, and we can have high hopes for the future.

As of this date, we have signed 19 recruits.

Right around the time of the Citadel game, the John Heisler luncheon was held in Richmond.

Attending were D. Walton, Burt Tuxford, George Robbins, Rich Clary, Fred Banister and Sam Kirby. Aside from the usual war stories, we learned that Fred is the president of the Parent’s Council at Mary Baldwin. That is impressive enough, but on Parent’s Weekend, Fred actually took the review of the VWIL parade. I am pretty sure that none of our BRs has ever done that. Congrats.

Kathryn and I received several nice cards, photos and notes during the Christmas season.

Thank each of you for taking the time to write.

I hope that each of you received your Institute card from us.

It is not yet tournament time, but the Runnin’ Roos have had a pretty good season so far. The class of ’71 has been a significant part of the crowds at Cameron Hall this year. Lanny Gault has been faithful in reporting on the season. The “regulars” have been Bryan, Golden, Strickler, Kennedy, Coleman, Lockridge, Adams, Wall, Morefield, the Lexington crew and a few other scattered people here and there. Lanny mentioned that Dan Czupryna had come down from NY to visit a nephew that is a third at VMI. Buddy and Carol Bryan may have set a record for ’71 when their fifth granddaughter was born on Jan. 7, 2008. Proud parents are Amy and Kramer Reeves ’89. Little Mimi Marie will perhaps join the class of 2030. I hope that we are still around when, and if, that day arrives.

Mike Strickler was in a meeting not long ago at VMI when a 1968 Rat Bible showed up.

Turns out it belonged to Jim Pasco. All of his pertinent info was still recorded on the front cover. Mike has no idea how it showed up in his office after all of these years. He did send it to Jim, and Mike is sure that he feels better now that he has some nighttime reading.

Jerry (the other) Kelly sent me an article about our long lost BR Tom Fitzgerald. Tom retired from the Air Force and is now with the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. Tom is a high-ranking director and has quite a nice resume. Congrats, Tom. We hope to see you back in VA soon.

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Speed Patterson somehow came across a letter from Senator Trent Lott regarding Carl Biersack. The letter is several years old but the Senator had glowing words to say about Carl, and they are entered into the Congressional Record. Let me know if you would like a copy of the letter and/or the rather lengthy e-mail address.

I got a note and a photo from Cameron Seay ’70 some time ago. I believe he is retired and does some work as a volunteer. Anyway, he was at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, with a busload of elderly citizens, when he was spotted by our BRs Schrader, Rose, Biersack, Westbrook and Haywood. I have the picture that was hurriedly taken by Cameron and will try to remember to bring it along to our next gathering.

Kathryn and I have been in Richmond for the past couple of weekends to attend birthday parties for Ryan provisional class of 2027 and Lauren provisional class of 2026. They are growing up so fast and they are such a joy for Chuck and Veronica.

That seems to be about all for now. Don’t forget to include Annual Giving in your plans for this year. Kathryn and I wish you all the best.

Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Gentlemen – Winter has been blessedly mild thus far. By the time you read this, we will be in the throes of post-spring – back in the green.

These notes cover mid-November 2007 through mid-February 2008.

Correspondence was rich through the holidays. The Gorskis – from Elise’s delightful letter; “Paul is busy working for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority [MARTA] and going to Deacon School every other Saturday.

We are anxiously awaiting his ordination on Feb. 9, 2009, at the Cathedral in Atlanta. Joseph ’00, Jennifer and 4-year-old grandson John are doing well, as is son Thomas. Daughter Christine, a senior at Atlanta’s Blessed Trinity High School and budding Civil/Environmental Engineer, has been accepted at VMI, Purdue, Georgia Tech and awaits acceptances from Notre Dame, St. Mary’s, Villanova, and UVa. Her varsity fast pitch softball team won the AA Georgia State Championship. And finally, after the ‘baby’ leaves, it will be just the two of us, back where we started on Aug. 30, 1975 …” (That’s 32 years for us LA’s) – yikes; I remember the wedding well guys – well, most

of it – right, Moon (Mullen)?? Thank you so much, Elise.

The McCullochs – Penny’s letter and pictures were beautiful in spite of the news that Herb’s mother passed away on Dec. 12, 2007, after a prolonged illness. Our thoughts, belated though they may be, are with you BR. Daughter Krista maintains a challenging caseload as a child mental health family case manager with the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority.

Daughter Kara is a political officer on Pakistani Affairs at the state department. She’s engaged to be married to Benjamin, a grad student in Computer Forensics at GW, who proposed to her (get this) while picking apples in an orchard – a true left brain-right brain Renaissance Man! Daughter Kelly is in her third year of grad school in Speech Pathology at GWU. She’s a teaching assistant and working with a WIDE variety of clients to include one with mental retardation, one with a traumatic brain injury, and (get this, again) a transsexual on voice feminization – she’s looking forward to working with autistic children and adults with neurological disorders. Mom Penny is with Richmond Pediatric Associates and has weathered the transition to electronic medical records; she anxiously awaits her “wedding assignments” from Kara. Oh – yeah – and the Dad; when Herb’s not vice president-ing contracts for Logistics Management Resources, Inc (with Bob Stransky and Jim Chalkley ’73), he channels Bob Vila with renovations to five rooms, hallway and stairs for “adult bedrooms” – and a Red, White, Yellow garage home for their yellow VW Bug – ouch – I’m sore just writing this.

The Fosters – Betsy’s (once again, a pattern ladies and gentlemen) letter closed with the warning “more news then you ever wanted to know …” (Betsy, I say “Magis est melior” – “More is Better.”) The Fosters continue to enjoy hawk-watching, birding, flounder fishing and golf at their Cape Charles condo. Chris and Betsy attended orthopedic meetings in Bar Harbor, San Francisco and Boston. They took up biking and after some practice, joined friends in an Irish Cycling Safari to the Connemara region of Ireland with side trips to Galway, Kylemore Abbey and the Cliffs of Moher. Daughter Katie is with Capital One in Banking Compliance and was sent to India for three weeks to inspect security compliance. Daughter Anne transferred from University of Richmond Law to UVa. She’ll split her summer between two firms in Richmond and, with her fiancé, try to balance schedules for a wedding – great letter, Betsy; thank you.

The Worrells – Joy’s letter and pictures were brimming with smiles, explanation points and grandchild news. Daughter Juli and son-in-law

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in Atlanta to see our son, Robert Kyle Haire ’03 are the proud parents M. MacMeccan III receive his of baby Taylor Mark Haire – Norm Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and Kyle built a backyard dog fence from Georgia Tech. His thesis was while “Grandma” Joy and the ladies ‘Mechanistic Effects of Erythrocytes fussed over the new arrival. Norm on Platelet Deposition in Coronary (and Kurt Renz) bought a 28’ Bristol Thrombosis.’ Needless to say, we are sailboat and christened it, “As U very proud of our son.” Whew – and Were” – Kurt and son Chad visited thanks for the best wishes, BR. Chez Worrell-Chincoteague for a spot Jack Miller – Yes, Jack Graydon of “Before The Mast” – most appropriate – Joy is still recovering from a Miller, wrote from Cocoa Beach, FL broken jaw and has taken the recov– “2007 was quite a year for the Jack ery time to finish her master’s degree.

Miller family. David, Jack’s oldest She’s moving on to her doctorate in son, graduated from the University Educational Leadership while teachof South Florida, the Police academy ing at Hayfield H.S. in Alexandria. and then joined the Venice Florida By the time you read this, she may Police Department. He and his wife, be “vice principal” Worrell. Our boy Kris, added to the Miller family Norm moved from IBM to Project in 2007 with a bouncing baby girl, Performance Corporation in McLean, Lily! Jack Senior was remarried, and where he’s a PM on an Enterprise ArJack Jr. was best man for Jack and chitecture Project. Norm and Joy are Donna. Hi, to Rob and Roger! I miss shopping around for a place to retire you, BRs! We are doing Fantastic in with the perfect spot being a small FL! Jack.” I think the Sunshine State college town near the water. must breed happiness.

John Freiermuth wrote – “I’m Mike Sadler – Mike sent a very Class of 1972: At home in Cocoa Beach, FL, were the sitting here in school on a Saturday heartfelt e-mail. He said, “I was Jack Miller family, including, from left, daughter-inmorning proctoring the ACT and shocked to read in the summer/fall law Kris; son David; Jack; his new wife, Donna; Jack reading the latest version of the 2007 issue of the Alumni Review that Jr.; and new granddaughter Lily, front.

Alumni Review thinking back about Henry Bruno had died last summer.

Saturday mornings in the PX with During the second semester of our our German class and hung over Rat year, Henry was one of my best about three months ago, and Maxine was being teacher and thought I’d fill you in … I sure friends. Somehow, after I transferred followcelebrated for her artistic career in Rockbridge was saddened to hear about Henry Bruno. We ing our Rat year we had no further contact, I at watercolors. Just ask how many times she has regret to say. I had hoped to see him at the 25th are all doing well, cleaned my pool yesterday! been asked to render House Mountain; still the Kay is great thriving watching four grandkids, Reunion in ’97, but he didn’t attend. I have great gracious, charming lady, and Uncle Dean has especially the newest, Tyler Sweich, Tracey’s memories of Henry, his wit and energy. It was got the good grip and smile. He still asks the latest edition to world population growth. Now a friendship that was too short-lived, and one she has a girl and a boy while J.W. has a 3-year- sharp questions about one’s life, although he’s of those that I anticipated renewing one day ... I prone to asking a good question three times or old girl and 18-month-old boy. Kristen is three missed the reunion last fall due to travel limitamore. He writes/composes everyday.” months away from graduation as an Ultrasound tions resulting from hip replacement surgery, His literary recommendations to Bo WierzTech and seems to love it. All she talks about but plan to renew my traditional annual trip to bicki and remembrances of Buzzy Chacey’s is moving out after graduation [remember that Lexington this fall to see a football game … look parents farm are colorful and enlightening. thought]. School is great moving along at a forward to the prospect of seeing you and other Thanks, Douglas. rapid pace with 13 weeks to go.” BR “Sluck” BRs at the ’72 Reunion, if not before.” It was Zeno Henninger – (Class Agent’s Note – has found his niche. great to hear from you, Mike – keep in touch. that’s three Band Company writers.) “The Doug Davenport – Gentleman farmer Doug John Pittenger – Just after the New Year, Fox” states emphatically that he faces west and announces that he and Esther Lee have “a John wrote, “I just returned last night from two salutes upon receipt of correspondence from new address, having sold the house in NJ and weeks at our home in FL, and Linda returns the I. He writes, “After almost three decades transited to a small farm town in central TN. later in the week. The weather was great for of living in Germany [DoD Dependant School Telecommuting for a couple hours a day to most of the time, but we did have a cold spell System], I thought I would be called a Duke, Red Bank, NJ, is feasible, and then working the last few days. It’s certainly tough duty Count, or something noble. But my mail is still on the 20 acre farm-to-be is what we want to sitting at the pool in 80+ weather in December. addresses ‘Herr Henninger.’ Oh well … and do. The plan here, in Culleoka, is to use draft Unfortunately, work calls tomorrow for the the superintendent still won’t allow me to install New Year. animals [i.e. mules] to grow hay, seed corn, a Ratline in our school. Best wishes for 2008 – I make the house garden and we got eggs, honey, Once again, thanks for the cards and hope hope to make the 40th Reunion.” Old Herr, Dr. we’ll add milk, cream, probably cheese. We all is well with you and yours. P.S. Linda and Seigfried Weing would be proud, mein BR. could do mead, wine and beer would be nice.

I received a nice Christmas card from Chip Bob MacMeccan – Bob wrote, “It was great The farm work is a great vocation for a civil Spyker’s sister [Kimberly Sherman]. I believed seeing everyone at the reunion in September. engineer undergrad, and I like mules. BTW, they are in their last tour in Japan before retireLast Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, Glenda and I were I saw Dean and Maxine Foster in Lexington ment.” Thanks so much, John.

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1972: Roger Hart with one of his vision benefit recipients in Honduras. See class notes for more about this story. Photographer: Roger’s wife, Jennie.

Bob Stransky – Stran passed along the following interesting bit of news – “Gents, Happy New Year. Attached is a link to a CNN news report with Joel McGrady’s son, John ’01. John is deployed with the 82nd Airborne for his second tour in Afghanistan; he has also deployed to Iraq. Click on the CNN link below and search for ‘strength through education.’ I know Joel is proud. Please pass on to the VMI family.”

The link may be outdated by the time you read this but give it a try - http://www.cnn.com/ video/#/video/world/2007/12/03/robertson. afghan.tactics.cnn?iref=videoseach Shortly after Stransky’s e-mail, I received a wonderfully thoughtful note from Lydia passing along thanks for the class contact – my humble pleasure, Lydia.

Additional holiday greetings and tidbits came from the Pagones (son Jordan ’07 is with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq; daughter Julia is a senior at JMU); Stranskys, Fojts, Halls, Dunns, Williams (with dance reminiscences), Chaceys (still unpacking after moving in to the new SC home), the “Zirc” Baileys and Kurt Renz. …and, as God is my witness, up popped cards from Billy Youell and Wayne Pamperl.

Wayne writes from KC, “Thanks for the birthday card. H#!! I can’t remember my birthday, so I certainly wouldn’t expect anyone else to!

How are your ‘golden years’ going? I’ve seen Mike Finney recently – he looks like he’s about 40 [must be BOTOX] … as for me, I’m plugging along, just getting older and uglier.

Lord knows I wasn’t much to look at ‘back in the day’ so I guess I can’t complain. Take care,

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and Merry Christmas … Wayne”. Don’t wait so long to communicate, Wayne – you too, Bill.

Jennie Hart sent a wonderful letter thanking me for the nostalgic Christmas card and detailing the activities of her far-too-modest husband, Roger. “Since I know [Roger] would never ‘sing his own praises’ I thought I would share something that he is doing and has done for the past four years. In the photo [accompanying these notes], Roger is standing with a very happy man. This man is a Honduran man, who for 10 years has not been able to see due to the lack of eyeglasses. He works in the mountains of Honduras cutting coffee beans with a machete. Roger and I travel once a year to serve the poorest of the poor in the central mountain region of Honduras through our church [Trinity United Methodist] and the Friends of Barnabas Foundation. In years past, Roger has served as an assistant in the eye clinic, and I have served as a translator to the eye doctor. This year due to unforeseen circumstances of our eye doctor, Roger’s ‘job’ stepped up a notch, and he served as the technician of the Welch Allyn Eye Refractor. Thanks to his commitment and service, 231 people in Honduras have sight that they did not have before. The glasses were provided through the generosity of Lion’s Clubs across VA. Some can see to read their Bibles for the first time in years, some can thread a needle, some can see to hunt and defend their livestock from predators in order to feed their families. Their subsistence living was made easier as a result of Roger’s service. Our team saw 2,007 patients through the eye clinic, sick and infirmed clinics and vitamin A and

de-worming clinics. We provided each of these families with a new Bible as well. I hope that all know Roger’s commitment to his Lord, his family and his Institute. Each of these gave him the strength to serve in this way and represent all that is good and worthy.” Beautifully stated; honored to share – thank you, Jennie.

In response to my Grammy ballot distribution to the band, Tom Hathaway resoundingly said stated “I’m done with them.” After their 35th consecutive snub of “Slow(er) Rush” as New Artist of the Year – who the h#!! is this Amy Winehouse; has she ever covered “Louie, Louie”!?

Living high above beautiful downtown Bethesda, MD, affords your scribe face time (all too rare) with our locals. Over lunch in the Eastern Market, “Zirc” Bailey regaled me with tales of the northern VA theater scene and his recovery from an ankle shattering (literally) run-in with a lawnmower – on a ramp. All appears well and his 10-day weather forecast was remarkably accurate. Ralph Redmond and I met for dinner, and I went to “all receive” on the intricacies of Fairfax County and Herndon District governmental shenanigans. But the passion showed up with stock-car racing – the boy veritably breathes it.

Your humble scribe’s daughter, Allison, is in the three-year graduate Theater Management Program at Columbia University, while son Michael prepares for college in the fall. I continue to support NAVFAC’s Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Ashore Program at the Washington Navy Yard among many VMI alums (the refreshing realists among too many inside-theBeltway wizards and prognosticators).

By the time you read this, I will have been in touch with updates relative to Annual Giving, the class fund, and other news from the Foundation, courtesy of the annual Class Agents Conference in April.

BRs, keep those in harm’s way in your thoughts and prayers, particularly ’72’s sons and daughters – be strong, be safe, and be there for you, yours and each other … and never forget; “… all that you can take, is what you give away ...”

Honored to be your Class Agent – Ran Virginia Mil – Larry.

’73

Mike Kelly

One always hates to start off with bad news; however just in case you may not have heard, we lost another Brother Rat last fall. Bruce Chambers passed away on Nov. 19, 2007. Our

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Marian Gaydos Chambers, his three children, Brian, Benjamin, Katharine and the rest of his family.

He will be sorely missed. I received numerous notes and letters from BRs about their memories of “Cosmos” and what a great guy he was, and several had actually been with Bruce a couple days prior to his death at the Citadel ballgame. Life is precious, so let’s remember Bruce, and enjoy every moment we have on this wonderful earth!

Today is Valentine’s Day, and I am actually getting a head start on my class notes (which are due on the 15th). I am home at the moment waiting on the disaster crew to show up to remove fans and de-humidifiers from the house.

Pat and I went to VA last weekend to visit with my folks, and the toilet in the master bath didn’t shut off and overflowed the tank, flooding half of the main floor and our basement for nearly three days. What a mess! Fortunately, none of the furniture in the basement was damaged, but the carpet and about half of the ceiling will need to be replaced, along with some of the floors and tile. It could have been worse; at least we have an upstairs to move to rather than a hotel! And it isn’t so bad when I see the recent tornado damage to some of the southern states and read notes from folks like Milt Salter, who is just now recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Writing the February class notes is usually a breeze and a real pleasure because I hear from so many of you at Christmas with cards, letters and pictures. It is great, and I appreciate the news of what you have been doing all year.

Some of the really big news is that a number of you have joined, or are about to join, the ranks of us who are proud grandparents. Roland Tiso sent me a note saying Steve Chadwick became a grandfather on Jan. 10, 2008, and VMI notified me that Sandy McNamara had a grandson, Jackson Bruce Heartwell, born on Dec. 27, 2007. Also, R.B. and Becky Newman said in their Christmas card that they would become grandparents this year.

While it is wonderful to hear from all of you, it is especially nice to hear from some of our “lost” Brother Rats, and in some cases, spouses of those who have passed away. I mentioned in my last notes that Patricia (Mrs. Thad) Smith had called me one day when she was passing through Raleigh. She told me at Christmas that Tiann had settled in at Ft. Bliss, TX, where she is a Chaplain’s assistant, and that Tanis was here in the Raleigh area teaching school. Tanis and Tricia also had made a recent trip to Carnegie Hall for a concert, one of their favorite things to do. She included a great picture of her and her two daughters. I also had a nice note from Maureen (Mrs. Ricky) North. Maureen said the boys are now 15 and 18 years old.

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They frequently go to Lynchburg to visit Rick’s dad and plan to stop by Lexington to visit the school. She said Rick always talked about VMI and how proud he was to be a member of the class of ’73. Maureen still lives in Volant, PA, and Tricia lives in Ft. Worth, TX. I was finally successful in tracking down Fred Hall. His mail kept coming back to me, but this last time the post office provided his address, although they did not forward the mail.

So, I sent a card to the new address and got a nice note back from Fred. He is doing well and lives in Hardy, VA, where he and Donna just celebrated their 25th anniversary! Great to hear from you, Fred! I had a note as well from E.D. Woomer, who said it had been years since he wrote a class agent. He and his wife, Janet, are empty nesters now, which gives him more time to read all the stuff from VMI. He enjoys that.

He is trying to track down some of his former roommates, Tuck Bowie, Jack Beadle, D.C. Martin, Glenn Younes and Steve Smith. So guys give a shout to E.D. He was also really proud of his daughter, Christa, who stared in the Planter’s Nuts commercial during the Super Bowl this year (she was attracting guys using cashews for cologne!) Christa lives in LA, has her Screen Actors Guild card and is beginning to appear in a number of roles, including television (General Hospital) and other movie productions. Best of luck to you, Christa!

Had a surprise note from Thomas Brighton, who had roomed with Ed Hall. Tom was trying to get in touch with Ed, so I hooked them up via e-mail. Tom lives in Wallingford, PA, and is the senior regional manager for Strathmore Artist Papers. He often has to travel around the country but really enjoys his job. He has two sons, age 22 and 19. Tom left VMI after three semesters but had been roommates with Ed, Scott McCarthy and Walt Bowden. Ed got back with him and hopes that he and John DiGiovanni can get together for lunch or dinner sometime, when Tom is traveling the northern MD area. Put the word out – there are enough of you in this area now to have a mini reunion anytime!

Dave McCown sent me an e-mail to say hello and that he was doing well. Dave had not written in quite awhile, but he has been attending some of the games at VMI. He recently ran into a lot of BRs at the UNC-Asheville basketball game. His son, Allen, is a Rat this year and had written that the pushups were really being handed out as they expected the breakout to come soon.

Milt Salter said he had moved back to Mobile and had recovered fairly well from Hurricane Katrina. In his Christmas letter, he said he spent Christmas with his brother in western MD, and that he had an opportunity to visit San Diego

and enjoy the sites while there on business. Milt has also been in contact with Gary Shope and sent me an e-mail address for him. Gary left VMI following the first semester of our third class year, transferring to Juaniata College, PA, where he excelled in football. Gary now lives in Hershey and is the CEO of Hemostatic Polymer Technologies.

As I mentioned, I received a lot of cards and letters. One was from Scott McCarthy who lives in Bethesda, MD, and one from Hank and Leisa Weatherford that included a picture of their beautiful daughter, Savannah. Hank lives in the Richmond area. PX and Caroline English are still in Severna Park, MD, and are doing well. Tom and Lois Jennings sent their greetings and best wishes to all. R.B. and Becky Newman included a picture of their lovely family. David Sutherland sent his greetings from Brownsburg, IN. Hal and Karen Laughlin have moved to Myrtle Beach, where Hal is now working for the Institute for Defense Analysis; he has an office in his home and will be doing some international travel. How do you get one of those jobs? Wow! Bob and Sharon Bushnell enclosed a picture of them with their pet labs, Turk and Leo. Doug and Pat Huthwaite are still in Fayetteville, NC, and Doug is now the business developer at Ft. Bragg for his company, L-3. Doug also said that he and Pat had just spent their 10th anniversary in the Dominican Republic. Doug linked up with Randy Marshall one day before Christmas and had lunch.

Randy also does a lot of work at Ft. Bragg. Jim and Sharon Chalkley sent their best wishes and greetings to everyone and said they were doing well. Terry, Nina and Evan Howlett sent Christmas cheers and wishes for a wonderful New Year. Dick Bugbee sent a card with a picture of his sons, two great looking young men, and said they were doing well. They still live in Nazareth, PA. And Ray Burton sent me a short e-mail in January to say he was also doing well, as did Bob Poynor. Bob lives in Deatsville, AL. Ann and John Pinner continue to enjoy being back in Suffolk. John’s real estate business is moving along pretty well, in spite of the economy. He had been showing one particular house a number of times and liked it more each visit, so when the price dropped some, they just bought it!! It is on one of the lakes, and they moved Labor Day weekend. Ann said John was building a pier that would allow fishing 24/7.

Ann is still teaching at Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin. Although they work a lot of hours each week, they are trying to spend more time attending some of the games and functions at VMI, and in fact got to see a lot of BRs at the VMI-UR game last fall. John likes the lake house and said his next move would probably require a shovel.

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CLASS NOTES Mike and Mary Burke had a nice Christmas but said this year’s event paled by comparison to last year when they drove from their home in St. Louis to CA over Christmas and endured two blizzards on the way. While wading in the ocean several days later, Mary called her mom who was experiencing severe winter weather.

They had a good Christmas this year, as well.

Mike has changed jobs; he left Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is teaching at the local community college where Mary teaches.

He said that both the commute and pay are much better! Their daughter, Emilie, is going to school there, as well.

Doug Baumgardner reported that he and Margaret were doing very well. Their four children are all grown, and they now have two grandchildren. Doug continues to practice law in Rappahannock County and has served as a town attorney, a commonwealth attorney and substitute judge. His offices are in Washington, VA. Tom and Bonnie Clark continued their travels during 2007. I had mentioned their trip to the northwestern United States and to MN for a family reunion, but they also went to Escondido and San Diego, CA, during the year.

Their daughter, Colleen, and her husband, Ron, live about 40 minutes from Denver; so they see them fairly often. Ttheir youngest daughter, Becky, is engaged and plans to get married July 11, 2008. Tom and Bonnie spent Christmas in SD with Bonnie’s parents and were back home for New Year’s.

It was a big graduation year for John and Janet Benson. Their son, Jeff, graduated from the Nye County Sheriff’s Department in January, and he and wife Laura celebrated their first anniversary in Las Vegas, where they live and work. Jason and Johnny both graduated from Wyotec, and Jason was discussing a job in Las Vegas, while Johnny was headed to the BMW Step program school. John still works with the FBI at Quantico, while Janet continues to work with two orthopedic surgeons. But with the kids pretty much out on their own, they are seriously looking at retirement places, and John has his sights set on Chapala, Mexico, and thinks that is the place for them to be!

The Griblings sent a nice newsletter and pictures of their family and activities from last year. Rick has been with Alion Science and Technology for over five years, while Rebekah spends her time volunteering at the church and Rachel’s school. Rachel got her driver’s license this year and was rewarded for her outstanding school achievements with a new car! They are very proud of Rachel, who is also planning a mission trip to Europe in March.

Roland Tiso and his family spent Christmas in Rochester, NY, at Judie’s family reunion.

He said they got a little cold; guess it’s hard to

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go back after getting used to the FL weather!

The family is doing well. Roland made several trips overseas last year and still enjoys his job with U.S. Central Command. Judie continues to teach music at Cypress Creek Elementary in Ruskin, but she has been really busy overseeing some remodeling in their home. C.J. has done very well at the University of South Florida where she is a sophomore, and she plans to spend the summer in Paris participating in a special study program. Allie is a sophomore at Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa and most recently was cast as the lead in “Snow White.” Allie was scheduled to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix in January. So, we hope she did well there. Pat and I are going to be in Tampa in March. So, we are going to try to get together with them.

M.B. and Mary Adelson sent their greetings to all and wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2008. They were most proud to have become grandparents last year when Kari and Alan added Sara Lin Ferguson to the family on February 28. M.B. has enjoyed being a partner with Sachs & Sax this past year, rather than being a solo practitioner. He also completed the Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Court Mediator requirements, which should help him with his law practice. Mary stopped some of her travels as an auditor and worked with the Medical Services Unit for a while, implementing new bill dispute processes.

She now works with the Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office. But like a lot of us, they are thinking about retirement. Both of them are currently taking German language classes at FSU and plan to make German a usable second language in their household. Glad to hear things are going well in Tallahassee.

And from the other side of the country, Ralph and Becky Littreal sent a Christmas letter to say they had come home to VA for the holidays and were hoping for a white Christmas. Ralph and I were practically “neighbors” in southwest VA. While it was cold there, we didn’t get a white Christmas. Ralph still lives in San Jose, CA, but like me, loves going home to the Virginia mountains. They also spent some time in Granby, CO, and Las Vegas during the year.

Becky works with the school system there as a resource specialist, and Ralph still works with Lockheed Martin.

Well, these notes should reach you in June, so the cold weather we’re having now will be getting hot then! Let’s hope we don’t have as hot and dry a summer as we did last year.

Two things I want to leave you with: A reminder that VMI’s fiscal year end is June 30.

So, you still have time to get that last-minute contribution in to one of the many funds the Institute has. There are a number of ways you

can choose to support the Institute, and I hope you find one that is best for you. And secondly, we are only about three months out from our reunion – Sept. 19-20, 2008. Time to be making your reservations. Hope to see all of you there.

Take care, and have a great summer.

’74

Snookie Parker

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’74 in this issue.

’75

Robert Mills

Greetings, My Brothers: By now, the icy fang and churlish chiding of the winter wind has no doubt subsided, but not as I write this in the midst of February, and by now, I am sure that everyone is working on their tan. Many thanks to all of you for the holiday wishes and greetings. I am sorting through them, having just returned from a terrific week in the Netherlands, Antilles, and have yet to recover from the balmy bliss of scuba diving and windsurfing in order to fit back into my adversarial routine.

But enough prevarication; on with the news!

Charlie Freeman reported in from Memphis that his son, Chris, has returned from his Iraq deployment and is safely surfing back on the CA coast while awaiting graduate school in the fall. Charles is also a member of the grandparent ranks, as his son, Alex, has just presented him with a third grandchild, which gives him the opportunity to play with a wider range of toys. In contrast, Rick and Stella Davison sent all three of their young ones – Corey, Harper and Stuart – to attend the Worldwide Scout Jamboree in the United Kingdom while they stayed home to pay the bills. Personally, I am a big believer that all of our offspring deserve close parental supervision and particularly while engaged in international travel. Unfortunately, my daughter, Valerie, does not agree and will be visiting London, Paris and Florence during spring break, while Emily and I go to Dallas to help young Edward ’07 set up his new bachelor pad. Orders are orders, but this is a bit more mundane than I have become accustomed to during spring break season. Rick also reports that his eldest, Corey, is attending the University of Georgia and that he and Stella have recently moved to a new house just outside

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of Katy, TX, west of Houston, where they can sit on the porch and glory in the splendid sunsets. That’s great, Rick; just don’t think of riding off into one. Also hollerin’ in from the Houston area was our old buddy and lacrosse hero, Charlie Collins. Charlie was lamenting the fact that he now has two in college – his oldest daughter, Meghan, an Aggie at Texas A & M and his eldest son, Charlie, at University of Texas, Arlington, majoring in mechanical engineering. This is all compounded by the fact that Charlie’s wife, Kathy, is enrolled in a master’s program. In order to divert himself from the perils of academia, Charlie has been busy coaching lacrosse and reports that his son, Tristan, is a Division I prospect but less than enamored by the idea of playing for the Keydets. He is considering Duke, Hopkins, Virginia or Syracuse instead. (That should help the Collins’ educational budget.) Charlie’s youngest, Michaella, is also bugging Dad to start a second grade girls’ team. Charlie reports that Coach Shirk sponsors an annual VMI alumni/varsity game each fall in the second or third weekend of October. He has issued a challenge to fellow teammates Danny Penny, Tom Reeder, Dean Armstrong, Bill Puttmann, Charlie Kaune, Ben Vanderberry, Dan Dell’Osso and Felix Wolkowitz to update their old equipment and contact him at charliejcollins@sbcglobal.net to make arrangements to attend. Now THAT should be a photo opportunity. Should present some interesting orthopaedic opportunities, as well. I can already see the buzzards circling.

Greg Diamontopulos has been staying in shape by playing racquetball with his son, Peter, a senior in high school who is also considering the Institute as a higher education option.

Peter is just short of completing his Eagle Scout requirements, and Greg and Melody’s daughter, Kristina, has just presented them with their first grandchild. Melody has been busy tearing up the lanes in her bowling career and has just competed in the Amateur Nationals in Reno, NV. The two of them take to the antique auto circuit on weekends in their favorite 1941 convertible, which will only start for Melody.

Believe me, Greg, I know how it is to be the underachiever in the household. Also checking in from Yorktown, VA, were Jay and Dawn Jones. After a year off, Jay has taken a job as a military warfare liaison analyst for Gestalt.

Dawn is working for Scott & Stringfellow and progressing toward her series seven certification. Their eldest daughter, Shenan, is planning a wedding in Cozumel, Mexico, and the youngest, Caitlin, has graduated from Old Dominion University and is working in Arlington, VA. Sky Captain Dean Armstrong continues to fly mostly European routes for Northwest and was looking forward to a three-week trip to Japan

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when we last heard from Dino. Jeff and Feri Abravesh sent holiday greetings from northern VA, as did Jim and Susan Hobbs, Bo and Nancy Temple, and Tony and Teresa Farry. Tony’s son, Kyle, has just graduated from East Carolina University and is working as an account executive for an Internet bank in Alexandria, VA, and Adam is a junior at Robert Morris University and a member of the golf team.

Walt Schrepel has been promoted to section chief of the After Action Review Section for Northrop Grumman Technical Services in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. His group supports the battle command-training program and puts together the political and military planning section of various war fighting exercises. In his spare time, Walt is an associate professor of philosophy and humanities for Kansas City, Kansas, Community College, Park University and Ft. Hayes State University. He also teaches an Internet course in bio-ethics to Shenyang Normal University in China. Walt is striving to become the foremost American authority on the Battle of Algiers and is also collecting material for his book on the subject. Walt and Pat have just recently become grandparents, which is good, because it is obvious that Walt needs a little extra something to occupy his free time.

Charlie Hoon gave us a shout from CA just to taunt us with the fact that he was heading to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl weekend. Charlie says that Art Sigsbury and his 5-year-old son popped in to visit him in the office not long ago.

Art must have extremely good timing to be able to catch Charlie in the office, since it seems he spends most of his time in the field bird hunting. All of you bird hunters need to get with Charlie and put something together. We would not want to risk being overrun by those pesky avian creatures. Speaking of which, Randy and Diane Robertson have taken enough time out of their busy bird watching schedule for Randy to work as the director of Public Works for the MD town of Bel Air and for Diane to keep her local church organized. Their daughter, Lindsay, is working as an assistant branch manager for American General Financial, and son Daniel has only just married, which puts Randy and Diane next on the grandparent list.

Jerry DeWaters wrote in to crow about the amazing comeback victory of the Giants in the most exciting Super Bowl ever. According to Jerry, even the Jets fans were ecstatic, and the entire Big Apple took several days off to celebrate. Jerry was gearing up for his annual two-week golf trip to the Dominican Republic and was also looking forward to dropping in on Guy Conte in Atlanta when he returned. As usual, Jerry and Alice invite all of you folks who make it to NYC to look them up. Charlie Kaune wrote in from Heidelberg to complain

about how bored he and Lynn are with little to do but eat, drink and ski all over Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Let’s all have a little sympathy for Charlie and try to drop in on him whenever we are in Europe. Of course, any leftover sympathy should go to our Brother Rat, Glenn Garland. You all may recall that Glenn is a bachelor, practicing and teaching dentistry at UNC in Chapel Hill. Weary of dating gorgeous younger women, Glenn was able to persuade one of his friends to fix him up with someone more age appropriate. Regrettably, this assignation took a sudden turn for the worst when the lady in question caught sight of Glenn’s 91 model Honda with a mere 240,000 miles on the odometer. This singular occurrence gained some notoriety when Glenn was featured on National Public Radio’s “Car Talk” Saturday morning show. Unfortunately, I was out of the country and missed the interview but would have given anything to hear what the famous “Tappet Brothers” had to say to our hero. I guess when you have Glenn’s looks, professional standing and geographical advantages, you just have to tone it down a little on the automotive side.

Chuck Wohlrab has begun his fourth year in Afghanistan where he is mentoring the general staff for the Afghan National Army, including Lt. Gen. Karimi, the G-3. Chuck still hears from Kevin Kavanaugh although Chuck is the only remaining Keydet in Kabul.

The Wohlrab family took a summer vacation to Fiji and were planning their next vacation to Chicago, including a trip to VA to visit Chuck’s eldest son and daughter, Phillip and Kirkland.

Kirkland, you may recall, had been working at the Institute but has now moved into the retail area uptown and Phillip has started a job with Wachovia Bank awaiting the start of his National Guard OCS Program. Al and Sandy Morgan made it up to the VMI round ball game against UNC Ashville, where another ’75 mini reunion broke out spontaneously. Joining them were Tom Baur, Guy Conte, Mike Hunter, Chip Louthan, Dave Schuyler, Mike Soares, Lowrie Tucker and the Roanoke twins, Tom Mason and Mark Hall. Also on hand were two veteran class agents, Jelly Bear Taylor and Vick Arthur to complete the festivities. Everyone had a great time although the Keydets lost in overtime; a loss they would later avenge in the away game in Ashville, NC. Guy Conte and Mike Hunter both have sons at the Institute, and Guy has moved to Atlanta where he sometimes gets together with Bernie Cobb. Mike Hunter’s youngest son, John David, has returned from St. Andrews, Scotland, where he posted the lowest American score at the Scottish Boys Open and will be attending Furman on a golf scholarship in the fall.

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CLASS NOTES Finally, some of the Tidewater boys pulled an impromptu gathering at a local watering hole to hear Rob Slaughter tell tales of his deployment to the Hinterlands of Iraq. Ben Vanderberry and I were listening in rapt attention when we all heard the sonorous notes of a Harley Davidson pull up outside the bar. Of course, this was Oscar Richardson himself, having braved the wintery conditions on his “hog,” which immediately increased our standing in the eyes of all of the other bar patrons. Seriously, we all had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again soon. I hope that all of you have similar aspirations and that you will send word of their fulfillment before the next deadline. Until then, stay young, and stay in touch!

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats: I hope you enjoyed the Summer/Fall edition of the Alumni Review and watched the Vision 2039 CD. I thought both were outstanding! VMI is moving through a period of positive change and growth, so whenever you get an opportunity, visit VMI and experience it first-hand.

Received e-mails from two BRs we have not heard from in a while. Carrington McVeigh said he enjoys living east of Jacksonville, FL. He moved there in 1977 after graduate school at UVa. He is currently a CEO of a consulting engineering business with offices in Jacksonville and Atlanta. He has two boys, 4 and 6 years old, so he stays busy. This may be hasty, but I am awarding Carrington the “BR with the Youngest Family” award. His wife is a graduate of Ohio State and has brain washed the kids into wearing Ohio State tee shirts. Carrington said he needed to order more VMI shirts from the PX to offer a better alternative. D.B. Johnson and Joan are doing fine in Roseville, CA, about 25 miles east of Sacramento on the edge of the Sierra foothills. Their two girls are in the high school phase of life – a freshman and junior – and that drives a lot of their priorities. D.B. is still doing new product development at Hewlett Packard.

Charlie and Ellen Archer have three girls in college now: Shirley graduates from George Mason in May and will receive a commissioned in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps; Margaret, in her second year at Longwood studying elementary education, is excited about going to Ireland for a month this spring on a studentteaching assignment; and Virginia matriculated at Virginia Tech last year into the Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise program. Ellen

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works for Shenandoah University, managing the Leesburg campus, which caters to adult education programs. And Charlie continues to work for Oracle as a traveling consultant. He spends most of his time in New London, CT. But last summer, Ellen gave Charlie sailing lessons – he spent a weekend learning practical sailing on a 25-foot sailboat in Annapolis harbor. Now Charlie wants to own a small sailboat and move towards the water, perhaps in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.

Kurt and Cindy Luckenbill are proud grandparents and are enjoying their two new grandkids – Christopher and Paul. Their daughter, Cindy, was engaged earlier this year to Matthew Brown; both are busy planning their wedding next month. Matt graduated from Villanova and is an engineer with Boeing in Philadelphia.

Cindy is still a nurse at Lancaster General but has started interviewing for jobs in the Philadelphia area. Looks like Kurt is heading towards the water just like Charlie! He was inspired to look for a house at the beach. Instead, he ended up having a house built in Fenwick Island, DE, three miles from the ocean. It is on a wide salt water creek so they have a great view.

Gary & Joanne Knight sent me one of their first Christmas letter. Gary just completed his first anniversary with USA 3000 Airlines. He continues to fly Airbuses around Mexico and the Caribbean, and recently transferred his base of operations from Saint Louis to O’Hare Airport, Chicago. Joanne soldiers on as the senior reference librarian at the Combined Arms Research Library at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth.

Their son, Colin, left active duty as a sergeant

and is currently attending Mid-Tennessee State University, near Nashville. He will probably transfer to University of Kansas this summer. Their daughter, Amanda, was married to Bryan Boyers last September. Following the wedding, family and friends travelled to a villa in northern France to continue the celebration.

Ron Lagrone and his wife attended. Ron and Gary used the opportunity to explore all of the famous D-Day beaches and battlefields in the area. Recently, Amanda told Gary and Joanne to expect their first granddaughter in June.

Mack Curle and Jim Mallon drove to VMI for the Citadel game and sat with Grigg Mullen. They had a great time, except for the game.

Mack is approaching 32 years with Dominion and will probably keep working for the next five years until he turns 60. Mack’s son, Benjamin (’08) was hired by Norfolk Southern Railroad. He hopes to complete his ROTC Summer Camp at Ft. Lewis, WA, by the end of June and then move to his work location in Greenville, SC. Benjamin will receive a commission in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps and is already assigned to a new transportation unit, also located in SC – which fits in nicely with his job. Mack said he saw Keith Dickson. Keith and Karen are doing fine. Keith is planning another teaching/advising trip to the Republic of Georgia. Karen is working full time as a school nurse in Virginia Beach. Their daughter, Katherine, attends Martin Luther College in Minnesota and made the all-conference soccer team. Their younger daughter, Colleen, also excels in high school athletics.

Ted and Melanie Mouras celebrated there first full year of retirement in AZ. But they

Class of 1976: Ron Lagrone and Gary Knight at St. Mere-Eglise, France, in September 2007.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES both reassured me “retirement” does not mean they are sitting home and learning to knit. In fact, they are not really home much at all. Ted is a full-time volunteer. He spends most of his time as president of the Friends of the San Pedro River. It is supposed to be a non-political, non-profit group supporting the Bureau of Land Management – Ted and Melanie said “non-profit” is the only accurate part of the description. Melanie has settled into a routine of taking classes, playing the piano, eating lunch out and keeping the house running. She’s also Ted’s vacation planner. Last year, they cruised from Ushuaia, Argentina, up the Chilean Coast; took a river cruise on the Danube with stops in Durnstein, Melk and Vienna, Austria; Budapest and Esztragom, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Prague in the Czech Republic. Their note briefly mentioned something about their ship hitting a bridge in Vienna – I’ll bet that added some excitement to the cruise!

Ray and Karen Brooks are busy raising Tyler, 14, and Carson, 12. Both boys are active on basketball teams and in other sports. Ray spends time as an assistant coach for the boys’ teams. He is still in the information technology business and travels mostly in the southeast. He was able to play in a couple of golf tournaments this fall. Karen continues to work part time which gives her time to be at home with the boys, especially when Ray is traveling. She volunteers with the school and serves as chauffer for Tyler and Carson.

Mark Swank accepted a job as chief operations officer for a new spin off from a large public company in Austin, but Mark and Libby always wanted to live there anyway. They bought a home near Lake Travis. Wes ’03 and Abbey were home for the first Christmas at the new house and will be working close to home.

It looks like Wes will be taking a job as managing director of a successful hedge fund in Dallas. Abbey is about three hours away in Corpus Christi, working as a plant engineer keeping an oil refinery going.

And finally, I want to congratulate, Rory Walsh! Rory married on November 15, 2007 to the former Ms. Sona Furst in Las Vegas, NV. I remain busy at work and at home; familywise everyone is doing fine. Both of my daughters are at Virginia Tech. The oldest graduates May 12 and starts a post-graduate nursing program at VCU two weeks later. She does not know it yet, but nursing school is part of my plan to reduce my future health care costs.

David ’06 is renovating water treatment plants and pipelines, rebuilding schools, dredging canals and paving roads in Iraq – typical field artillery officer stuff. Like many of you, I joined the JGA (Junior Grandparent Association) on December 7. For David, technology was the

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next best thing to being in the delivery room – he watched the birth of his daughter from Iraq on a webcam while the GPs spoke to him via instant messaging.

Michelle and I attended the Citadel football game with J.R. Mott and Mark Sculley’s family. If you want to see the real score of the game, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/ vmi1976/2060124577/, but don’t forget to read the caption for a reality check. Rocky Glass, Bob Gleason, Jim Mallon and I drove to Roanoke on January 7 to attend Hunter Ozmer’s memorial service. Dyke Davies, Hank Dean, Chip Deyerle, Wayne Eastham, Dexter Gilliam and Andre Koneczny also attended to help support the Ozmer family. I think everyone would agree the service was a great celebration of Hunter’s life. Michelle and I, Jim Dittrich and his wife, J.R. Mott, Jim Joustra and Hunt Ozmer met at Salerno’s for lunch before the VMI-Asheville basketball game on January 19. The next time you see Jim Dittrich ask him to tell you his lost class ring story.

It’s another amazing tale – I think someone should collect stories and write a book about lost VMI rings. J.C. Coleman joined all of us at the game. Unfortunately, it had an unhappy ending. The game was won in the last seconds

by Asheville’s 7’7” center when he scored two points under the basket. I am still not sure his feet ever left the floor. It was his first and last play of the game. On February 4, I had an opportunity to have lunch with Ares Koumis out in Colorado Springs. Had a great time talking about the good old days at VMI and everything after.

Until next time: $19.76 for 1976!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super 77, Rah, Rah, Rah … Well, this set of notes should be better with the help of your Christmas cards, notes, e-mails, letters and phone calls. Moe had no idea sending out Christmas cards to his BRs would stir up so much excitement or maybe just the Christmas spirit. You all may get Christmas cards from Moe several times this year if this is what it takes to hear from some of you.

“High 5s” or “Kudos” (not to be confused with high Hitler) to these BRs who sent the following: Debbie and Kimber Latsha’s Christmas picture looked great. Their daughter, Lauren, was married in October 2007. One down and two to go before the nest is empty. (Eric is 21 and Nicole is 17.) Moe couldn’t help but notice

the lady (Debbie) sitting next to Kimber looked more like his trophy wife but this couldn’t be possible; must have been his daughter. Rosanne and Rick Jones hope to get back to VMI this year. Rick is with Raytheon by day and lays tile flooring by night (first and last job was his own kitchen floor). Their daughter, Heather, has had several surgeries and is doing better. She has returned to Mary Washington. Holly, his youngest, is in the 10th grade. John Quackenbush is in Ft. Worth, TX, serving as chief of the Central Consolidated Contracting Group for the Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Protective Service for a 15-state area. His title is longer and taller than he. He’s still a “squat.” John is enjoying his 1932 Ford Coupe Hot Rod and was to compete in the April 2008 Street Rod Nationals in Oklahoma City.

More on his race performance in our next notes, hopefully. Kim Rose flies for Alaska Airlines and promises to make our 35th Reunion. He says any American Airlines pilot he meets seems to know Chris Manno. We all knew Chris would make a name for himself! Kim’s wife is a nurse, oldest son is a second year medical student at Wake Forest, and youngest son a high school junior. Kim, keep those northwestern skies safe. Mark Bryant sent a card to tell everyone hello. Mark you need to be a part of the ’77 group to do the “Ride to the I” this fall of 2008. It’s the first home football game.

Debbie and Bob Hartzell sent a Christmas card and a note after attending the Rose Bowl Parade with their son, James ’10, where they watched the VMI Regimental Band and bagpipes march.

Thank you for the pin from the event. Bob must be doing well it was a “Hallmark” card. He also mentioned a room reunion trip to Duck, NC, was planned and that he would send pictures.

Paul Farrell, Bill Cross, Paul Seufer and Jim Anderson were his roomies. As of these notes, no news or pictures have been received. Quack probably screened these for Homeland Security and must have felt they were too lewd and crude to send over the airways. Lynn and Jim Bradshaw’s card had a nice picture from ’09 Ring Figure showing their rings. The picture was of Jim Bradshaw ’09 and some old guy wearing the ’77 ring. Thank goodness Jim ’09 got his mother’s looks and hair. Dianne and Rich Howell are in Williamsburg, VA.. Rich is with Ameresco Federal Solutions at Langley AFB (energy solutions company). Hopefully, he can come up with an energy solution for his BRs gas tanks and furnaces. His son, Brennan, was married in September of ’07, daughter Addison is a rising senior at JMU and youngest daughter Kellan worked at Busch Gardens last summer and fall while in high school. Moe also received a mystery card from a BR with the U.S. Department of State in KY. After playing

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CLASS NOTES Sherlock Holmes, Moe believes this mystery man to be John Coe. There was no return address and the signature was done by a chicken.

(At least it looked like chicken scratch.) His oldest son is teaching English in China, middle son is in Chile and youngest son is in high school at home. Let Moe know if Sherlock missed the mark. Peggy and Mike Meise’s card was brief because Mike sees Moe at most of the VMI games. They have caught the VMI fever. Yanyong Phataralaoha from Bangkok, Thailand, sent word that he was doing well.

“P” got together with Don Browder (who is living in Bangkok) for a night of jazz music and beverages. P said that Don thought he was in NYC. Was this before or after the drinks? Mike Myers said he would send more info soon but did say he had seen Mort Mumma a few times last year. Mort had told me at the 30th Reunion that Mike had been very helpful to him. Hey, Mike, great BR spirit. An e-mail from Tom Orrell said he has retired from Verizon and moved from MD to Winchester, VA. He is working for a small company there. He got together with Randy Hartley, Tim Liles and Glenn Trimmer at the Citadel game last fall. Tom, if you are in Lynchburg seeing your aunt, give me a shout.

Well one of the Stanford boy’s has reemerged.

John has returned to his family home in Luray, VA. He has three motorcycles and wanted John Moore and Tim Snyder to know he’s no longer a virgin. He gets the Geico award for, “I’ve decided to start dating again.” Sounds like another “Ride to the I” recruit for this fall. Kurt “Weed” Weidenthal e-mailed to say he would be in touch and life was good in Huntsville, AL. How good? Kurt, do tell soon! Carol and Mike Conaway have moved to Lynnhaven Colony in VA Beach. “Crank” retired from the Navy in May ’06 and is now with Tesoro Corp. (construction) as VP for business development. His oldest son, Christopher, graduated from JMU in May ’06 and is now with Naval Intelligence as an analyst. Daughter Carlin is at VA Tech in communications. Mike spends part of his free time on his boat (“At Ease”) fishing and enjoying sunsets with Carol. Rumor has it he and Carol were in a TV commercial holding hands watching the sunset while sitting in separate bathtubs.

Whatever it takes, right Crank? Another Biker BR wrote a 4-1/2-page letter to catch Moe up.

See if you can guess this one. He is living in Albany, NY, works for N.Y.S.D.O.T. as a bridge inspector, has had over 5,000 parachute jumps and has been on the National Championship team, is also an accelerated Freefall Instructor.

He served in the Marine Corps, and while a cadet, could bite a hole in the side of a beer can and spit out a small round ball of metal. If you haven’t guessed it, it was Hank Bungay. He has missed seeing his BRs, so give him a call when

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Class of 1977: Above, Bland Massie, right, and Scott Snow, left, arrived at the VMI-Robert Morris Football game on their motorcycles. Below are Massie, left, and Snow, right, out of their riding gear.

you are in Albany. It was great to hear from all of you. Who said none of you could put words together in a complete sentence. Steve Billingsley couldn’t write but did call to check in. He is doing well and promised to write later. Would somebody in Alexandria help Steve collect his thoughts and put them on paper. Some things never change! Three cards were returned undeliverable (missing and out of action). If anyone knows the whereabouts of John Butchko, John Esada, or Ken Hutton let Moe know.

“In Moe’s Humble Opinion” section (and we all know about opinions), why didn’t the ’77 Richmond gang show up for the Dec. 30, 2007, VMI vs. Richmond basketball game. Billy Hupp was at the pregame event with his guest, Diana.

His family also helped sponsor the event. Peggy, Mike Meise and family came from Roanoke and Moe represented ’77 at the pregame. Craig Forbes and Eric Hutchings were also at the

game. Moe’s opinion is that the rainy night kept the “sweet as sugar” Richmond boys at home because the rain may have melted them. You ’77 Richmond gang need to “MAN UP”!

The 19th of January was the dedication of “Costen Court” in Camren Hall. Moe saw Chris Nash, Bert Deacon, Mike Meise, Buzzy Northen, Eric Hutchings and Bob Atkinson. Bob has moved from Richmond back to Roanoke.

Karen and Dennis Kocik, Martha and Paul “Shorty” Seufer joined Moe at the Lynchburg Chapters Second Annual Valentine Hop. All three of us guys dress up well.

The VMI BOV Reception was held on Feb. 7, 2008, in Roanoke. Moe saw the Meises at the reception, and we went to dinner afterwards in Roanoke. Mike has really been active this past year; it’s good to see your entire family enjoying VMI.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES guys are saving it up for the Big Saw Charlotte and John Krovic 3-0 in a couple of months. at the Coastal Carolina game. The alumni game was held afterwards, This is the edition of the notes but Kro didn’t play because there where I present the annual holiday wasn’t any oxygen available on the card review. This year I did OK, sidelines. receiving cards from Brion Smith, Super ’77 was well represented at Steve Ketterer, Tom Sliwoski, the VMI Legislative Reception in Alec Earle, Tom Booker (Tom Richmond (cold but no rain) on the Booker! Nice to hear from you!!), February 13. Patti and Chris Perry, Tom Tanner, Paul Mitchell, Mike Hope and J.J. Marshall, Bettie Witter, Bil Greg, Jimmy Leech, and Barton Pasco, Janine and Eric Larry Fluty, Jon Manson, Robby Hutchings, Jane and Bland Massie, Burke, Ralph Williams, Bob Billy Hupp, and Diana and Bert Brown, Bill Robertson, Scott Class of 1977: The Lynchburg Chapter of The VMI Deacon were all there to encourPutney, Bobby Wright, Dave Alumni Association hosted a Valentine’s Day Hop in age our legislators to give VMI Gray, Lee Horn, Dave Ring, Lynchburg in February 2008. At the event were, from the funds needed for our continued Bob Kirby, Russ Johnson, Bob left, Alice Moore, Karen and Dennis Kocik ’77, and growth and improvements. HopeFricke, Mark Lowe, Scott LaCagEasley Moore ’65. fully we made a good impression. nin and Steve Burns.

So that’s why Maddog Bentley There was a little news in the wasn’t there. (That ought to get cards. Tom Booker filled up his Jim’s wife to help write a letter to Moe.) card with a quick recap of the past 29.75 Paul Seufer and his son were sitting in years. Here is the real quick version: Did Jerry’s special section at the VMI-Liberty 20 years in the Army as both an NCO and game in Lynchburg. They did come over to officer; went to seminary; was a pastor in a say hello to Eric and Moe at halftime. We Methodist church for five years in TN; now saw a hard fought win for VMI. Jim Bradlives near Aspen, CO, shaw was seen with his son, Jim ’09, at the with wife and five kids – three grown and High Point game in Lexington. The playoffs two adopted from China; now a part-time started at Liberty the following Tuesday. pastor for a local Methodist church and stay Going to a VMI basketball game: $8.00 at home dad. Thanks for checking in and Eating in the Keydet Club Leadership hope it’s not too long before we hear from Lounge: Free/$1000. donation you again!

Watching the new Moe dancing during the Dave Ring had an interesting episode Class of 1977: At Ring Figure, the Bradshaws – James ’09, who had just received timeouts: PRICELESS! about a year ago ... seems he was up one his ring, and his dad, Jim – displayed In the “Man among Giants” section Moe night with a serious case of indigestion. He their rings. mentions Col. John Brodie who has been happened to have a doctor’s appointment the made an honorary alumnus by the VMI next morning for something else, and while Alumni Association. Col. Brodie directs he was there, the doc tells his nurse to take ’09, James A. Hartzell ’10, Michael B. Hutchthe VMI Regimental Band and Bagpipes for Dave to the emergency room; he was having ings ’10, Hunter W. Naff ’10, Thomas H. Pace parades and other events to include the Govera heart attack. Later that afternoon, he was in ’11, David K. Perry ’11 and Moe’s nephew nors’ Inaugural Parade, Rose Bowl Parade, in ICU with two stents in his right coronary artery.

Josh L. Favaro ’10.

CA, and some overseas tours. He also heads up Dave says the good news is that he did not sufHope you had a great summer and make an the VMI Glee Club, VMI Brass Ensemble, VMI fer any damage to his heart, but the bad news is effort to see our football team play this fall Commanders and the pep band at the basketball the new diet, which includes stuff like oatmeal, under our new head coach, Sparkly Woods. and football games. At one time, he coached the apples and broccoli. Quite a story, Dave, glad to ….Rah, Rah, VMI whole _____ class.

VMI hockey team. There maybe other things hear you are OK! In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! I’m not familiar with, but the point is made.

Got a similar report from two Lynchburg Moe Thank you, Col. Brodie.

BRs, Tom Brown and Danny Thornton. The The “Poop from the Stoop” is the near Lynchburg Chapter of the Alumni Association completion of the old stables as part of the held their second annual Valentine’s Day Hop Glenn Dallinger new Kilbourne Hall. Route 11 looks like a recently and apparently it was a great success. different place coming into Lexington. Cadet Other BRs attending were Jimmy Cure, Jay enrollment for fall will be approximately 1,400 Hutt, Bert Loflin and Drew Faulconer, along with admissions up for the fourth straight year. with respective significant others. As D.T. 2008 tuition and fees for in-state $16,000 and reported, all of them first wives! After having Welcome to the mid-winter issue of the class $32,000 out-of-state. Still a lot of bang for the a ’78 photo taken, the evening was capped off notes. With respect to BRs that live up north, it buck considering the room and board, uniforms with an Old Yell. Way to go, guys! was about 80 degrees here today; so much for and quality of education cadets get.

Chip Schelhorn says hi to all from south FL. winter, but that’s the way we like it down here!

The “You Da Men” section is the list of curChip works for Wells Fargo Insurance Services, There is not a ton of news this time, I guess you rent cadets of ’77 BRs. James B. Bradshaw selling commercial property and casualty insur-

’78

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES ance. Aside from working, Chip keeps busy skiing and playing golf.

Speaking of golf, Mike Eaton checked in from Augusta, GA, and if you have to ask what that has to do with golf, you’re not paying attention! Mike has now spent 25 years with BAE Systems and is one of over 350 employees.

Mike also has the golf bug, and is planning a trip to Scotland this summer.

Mike McCarthy is finally settled into his new home in El Paso, TX, where he is getting a new battle simulation center up and running on Ft. Bliss. I believe Mike has gotten together with Jimmy Leech, and no, Mikey has not started wearing cowboy boots or hats. You will, Mike, give it time ... I see you in a nice pair of snakeskins, a big hat and a belt with a HUGE buckle ... oh, and a Lone Star beer. And, you’ll have to learn how to two-step, right Jimmy?

Tony Pileggi sends greetings from Frederick, MD. He currently flies international routes for U.S. Airways and sees the usual BRs on a regular basis: Bruce Kay, Bill McCampbell and Jim Mackin. Tony is still working on a replica of a Navy Corsair fighter, but says progress is slow. Keep at it, man; I’d love to see you buzz the Barracks in that thing!

The next issue of the notes will be considerably larger, as it will contain the recap of our 30th. Until then ...

’79

Michael Ogden

February 2008. Hope this finds everyone well.

I am still looking for thoughts about our upcoming 30th Reunion. Drop me a line should you have any suggestions. I have had several volunteers step up to help and will be calling on them following April’s Class Agents Conference.

Again, please do me a favor and provide me with updated e-mail and home addresses. I have lots of incorrect or outdated e-mail addresses, so if you are not hearing from me, then it is probably because I have a bad home and/or e-mail address. I will make sure the Alumni Association gets the corrections and your desires to be contacted just by other BRs, others at the Institute or by me.

You may note that even if I do not hear from your directly, I do hear from some of your wives! Up to you, but you might want to get your two cents in! Thanks to all of you “special ladies” for helping out.

Tom White and wife Susan are having a good year. Seems they are really big into dancing and that occupies a lot of their free time. Sons Andy and Mike are doing well in high school with

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Boy Scouts occupying much of their time. Andy is starting work on college choices, with VMI being on his list.

Frank Jester wrote that all is well and that he was going skydiving for his 50th birthday.

Frank said he always wanted to do what the motivated Army Rangers do. Not me. Flying Harriers was enough without jumping out otherwise perfectly good airplanes!

Moe Belanger, one of my Rat year roommates, dropped a line over the holidays. He and Sandy are doing well still living in Manchester, NH. Eldest, Ben, is now 30 and living in WI, married now for two-and-a- half years. Youngest, Josh, is just 12 and in the seventh grade.

Both sons are soccer brats, and dad is busy coaching!

Greg Martin writes that his daughter, Cramer (named after his good friend Bart Cramer), attended the class of 2009 Ring Figure last year.

She was the guest of cadet Michael Vaughn ’09 from Columbia, TN. She and two of her University of Tennessee sorority sisters made the trek to Lexington for the event. Greg compared our ring with Michael’s. Theirs is 50% larger than ours! I was up over the same weekend (tailgated with Asa Page and John Arthur, whose sons are in the Corps) and was likewise amazed at the size for the new rings. Amazed at the cost too! Greg’s wife, Kristi, spent most of her time looking at the VMI Web cams trying to see their daughter. Never happened. Anyway, Tom Trumps made the effort to look Cramer up after one of the parades. All she wanted to know from Tom, was Greg really the model cadet she believed him to be. Wonder where she got that idea?

Larry Adams’ son, David Adams, a Campbell High School senior swim team captain and three activity letterman, received three nominations and an appointment from the U.S. Air Force Academy before Christmas 2007 and will report this summer. Being an AFA “zoomie” has been his dream for at least eight years. Larry relates that he knew he wasn’t as focused when he was 25 years old as David has been since he was 9! Were any of us that focused that young?

As the local paper put it, David will continue his family’s “Military Dynasty” in that Larry went to VMI, Larry’s dad, grandfather and great-grandfather went to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; and his maternal grandfather went to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. That’s a bloodline, but Larry isn’t so sure about a Dynasty!

Larry’s roommate, Allen Higginbotham and wife sold their water supply business in Escondido, CA, and drove across country and back (they are not back yet as of this writing) for some relaxation after working their “tails off” for over three years. In early February, he

pulled into Atlanta where he, Mark Day and Larry had dinner and spent the evening telling old stories and catching up. Had a great time – and all vowed to try to keep in better touch with each other in the future.

Ed Johnson and wife Judy had an enjoyable winter. Ed is now a civil servant after retiring from the Navy. He is stationed up in Crystal City and working for OPNAV. I run into him from time to time. Still the same ’ol shy Ed! For those that have not heard, Bob Morris is now a professional cigar roller. How’s that for a hobby? He even has his own label (www. robertocigars.com).

Dan Kornacki is still flying with Delta, writes his wife Cathy. He also is in the Air Force Reserves flying out of Scott AFB in IL. Son Douglas (Citadel ’04) got married last October. He and new bride Laura are stationed in Ft. Rucker, AL. Daughter Leigh Ann graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in advertising and is working in Atlanta.

Dale Drury reports in from Sacramento, CA, where he has been for over 20 years. Dale owns a business development company that advises other businesses. He is married and has five kids, ages 19, 15, 14, 11 and 15 months. Also out CA way is Tom Wilson (Bay area) and Rick Hall (San Diego). Dale also frequently talks to roommates Rick Pugh (GA) and John George (NY). All are planning on attending our 30th. Rick and Dale are looking forward to teaming up with Dave Taylor again in the golf tournament to “Grip ’em and rip ’em.” Dale also wants to let Bill Drewery know he is still getting Special Reports on my door from his escapades. Dale passes along a special thanks to all or BRs still in the military. Ditto here guys!

Pete Underwood will be retiring from the Marine Corps in the next few months. He was lucky enough to get a job that takes him back to VA. Pete and Anita will be leaving Newport, RI, in May and moving to Norfolk, which is close to his home town of Suffolk. Last October, Mike and Karen Mendez were here in Newport along with Phil Southers. Everyone had a great time catching up. Brian and Laura Tollie also visited in January. They had a great time touring the Mansions and pretending everyone was rich.

It has been a fun time here on the Eastern Shore this winter. We have had lots of friends and family stopping by for overnight stays and visits. Renee was able to successfully pull off a huge family Christmas dinner, and we just got back from visiting my family in SC. James returned with the 22nd MEU at the end of January. He plans to get out of the Marines and go back to college at UNC-Wilmington. Matt plans on joining James this spring in order to continue school as well.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES travel between his office in NJ and the west coast, the Far East and Europe. When he becomes more grounded, we plan to meet for dinner.

I spoke with Tim Hodges in December on his 50th birthday. Tim is the head of VMI’s Engineering Department. Tim said that Vicki and the kids are doing well. Tim also said that he saw Michael Smith at a New Cadet Recruiting function in Richmond. Tim also reported seeing Dusty Boyd.

Army Col. Jonathan Ives is on active duty in Afghanistan. He sends monthly updates, many with photos attached. Some of the pictures have been published in the Alumni Review. In December, Jonathan sent a note with photos taken at a Founder’s Day get-together in Afghanistan.

These pictures are/were also published.

As noted above, Andy Ludlum continues to maintain our class Web site (www.vmi1980.com).

He’ll be migrating this over the next year to the VMI Web site (www.vmi.edu). Thanks, Andy.

And in December, the Christmas cards arrived. Thanks to John Alerding, Anne and Johnny for sending a card from Lexington, VA. Thanks to Matt Atkinson for sending a card from FL. Joe Burns sent a card from Toms River, NJ. Vince Copenhaver sent a card from Franklin County, VA. Chris and Jen Dombalis sent a card from NJ with a picture of their daughters, Taylor and Alexis, on the cover. Sean and Marlo Gallagher sent a card from Long Island. Chal Glenn sent a card from UBS in Sumter, SC. Thanks to Pat Griffin, Beth, Michael and John for sending a card from Boston. John and Sandrina Hall send a card from Poughkeepsie, NY, with a photo of Emma. Gary Levenson.

Karen and Tyler sent a card from their home in Richmond. Phil and Kathy Munisteri sent a

family photo card from Long Island. Rob and Traci Robinson sent a card with a photo of Maddie and Caitlin.

Jonathan Ives sent an electronic card from John Gibney Jr. Afghanistan.

And, several of our BRs sent cards with longer notes or year-end write-ups.

Andy and Sharon Brown sent a card from their home in Norfolk. The boys, Joseph, Casey and Christian, were all home for the holidays.

Joe is a Navy Ensign stationed in Norfolk, Hello, Brother Rats. These notes cover the where he is in the E-2 Hawkeye naval flight period Nov. 16, 2007, through Feb. 15, 2008. officers program. He should get his wings this Our notes are usually written chronologically. summer. Casey is a “junior” at VMI. He reAn exception arises when, in the middle of the ceived his ring in November and marched with period, one of our BRs doesn’t return a phone the band at the Rose Bowl Parade. Christian is call for three weeks. The excuse? Forgetting the in the seventh grade at St. Patrick’s Catholic cell phone in his favorite “stall” due to the fear School where he swims and plays saxophone. of the cell phone falling off his belt hook and He’s also a first class Boy Scout. Andy is a being flushed into the Potomac. Of course, havrear admiral at the Fleet Forces Command in ing had this conversation with Tuck Masker in Norfolk. Sharon manages a local tax office and December, I’d have forgotten by mid-February. the Brown family taxi service, and she took a Fortunately for readers of our notes, the e-mail trip to Germany with her girlfriends.

Tuck sent recounting the episode was filed Dan Conn and Marge sent a card from timely and properly.

Stafford, VA. Dan is retired from the USMC. The period really began with a phone call to They wrote that they attended the Citadel and a return e-mail from Steve Andrews. Steve trouncing of VMI with Rob and Ginger Gearand I were roommates for all four years of our hart. Rob is a colonel in the Marine Corps cadetship, so I called him on his 50th birthday. stationed at Quantico. They also saw Dennis Steve is a chemist with Ciba in the Westchester Hackemeyer at VMI where Dennis’ daughter County, suburbs of NYC. He and Cathy live in is a Rat. CT with their daughters, Virginia and Caroline.

Gary and Mindy Fellows sent a card from To celebrate Steve’s birthday, the girls took out Oakton, VA. During 2008, Gary will turn 50 an ad in their local paper. and retire from the Air Force. Their daughter, Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an e-mail Nicole, turned 9 in January. She enjoys playing from Peru. Walt was cooking for 450 expected piano and is active in Brownies. guests as part of their fifth Mexican taco fundV Dunn and Sarina sent a card and note from raiser. Walt also wanted to contact Mike BelBailey, CO, with a photo of Pepper, Rosalie lamy. I sent Mike an e-mail, but it was returned and Kodiak, their “sled team.” They started as undeliverable. their own company this year. V also accepted George Condyles sent an e-mail following rea contract project management ceipt of his 50th birthday card that position with Verizon. Sarina is included a request for Pat Griffin’s still at Great-West Healthcare. V contact information. Did you guys and Sarina traveled to HI for a ever connect? celebration of the 70th birthday Thanks to Russ Early and Jim of Sarina’s mom, Patty. They also O’Connor, for e-mail messages traveled to the Mayan Riviera. V with very funny attachments. I’ll and Sarina are fans of the Rockies send future messages like this to and they rooted them to the World Andy Ludlum for posting on our Series by attending playoff games class page that, in the future, will in 30-degree temperatures. Finally, be linked to the VMI Web site.

V celebrated his 50th birthday mulFrank Galgano and I spoke after tiple times, in Denver and aboard a I incorrectly sent him a message cruise ship. about turning 50. Frank has retired Matthew and Tanya Keys from the Army and is in the process provided an update with their card of relocating Villanova where he sent from their NYC apartment. is a full-time faculty member. He Matthew joined Tanya in NYC and Christina are building a house Class of 1980: Class of 1980 roommates Steve Ikenberin September where Tanya has there, and Frank is commuting ry, Walt Kreitler, Ken Baybutt and Dennis Hackemeyer worked for the last two years for between PA and West Point. celebrated Ken’s 50th birthday with Elvis!

J.P. Morgan Chase. Matthew has Chris Dombalis continues to That’s it for now, BRs. Drop me a line anytime you feel the urge. Stay well.

’80

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES taken a district manager job with Sleepy’s and has adapted to life as a New Yorker. Their son, Bryan, is a junior at Mary Washington majoring in chemistry. Andrew is living in Staunton where he attends college and works in Applebee’s.

Walt Kreitler wrote a note on their 2007 family letter saying that he attended Ken Baybutt’s 50th birthday celebration, which included Steve Ikenberry and Dennis Hackemeyer. The family letter included a note about Carrie’s new kitchen. Also, John is doing well at West Point where he has no demerits (Walt wrote what everyone thought upon reading that line, “He takes after his mom,”) and Robert is working very hard in the pool and in his high school classes where he’s on the dean’s list.

Tim Mecredy wrote a note on his card saying that he rode a bike through Lexington, VA, as part of a trip he took. Biking is a new passion for him. Tim, Becky, Michael and Emily live in Augusta, GA, where their year included adding a one-year-old Doberman Pincher.

Michael is an academic junior at Georgia Tech majoring in environmental engineering.

Emily, a sophomore in high school, has begun to explore college options while continuing to dance ballet. Tim’s medical practice is growing and expanding. Becky is working as a college counselor at Westminster Prep.

Josh Priest included a note on their family card that included a photo of Josh, Karen, Blair and Taylor. Josh celebrated his 50th at VMI in November. Photos should have appeared in a prior Alumni Review.

Mark Sobota included a comment on their family letter about our 30th Reunion. Their family vacation to England was postponed as Darleen had several large intestine surgeries.

She’s recovering nicely and they plan to travel to CO for a ski trip in February. Chad and Luke are fearless, expert skiers. Chad, a senior in high school, is planning to attend college in OH. Luke is an 11th grader who captained the J.V. soccer team and played on the varsity team. Mark is still an instructor at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Finally, Robby Wheeler sent a card from Plano, TX. He wrote that he’s again based in Dallas as a pilot for American Eagle after being based in Chicago the last three years.

The New Year began with a phone conversation with Wade Stinnette on his 50th birthday.

Wade celebrated by shooting skeet at his local hunt club. Wade and Lannie will be vacationing in Italy in the spring including a visit to Rome, where their middle daughter, Katie, is studying this semester. Their oldest daughter, Langhorne, is a teacher in Greenville. Their son, Walker, is still in high school.

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Dave Hageman called just before leaving for New Orleans for reserve duty. He contacted Elliott Wolffe in an effort to get together during his stay. Elliott relocated to New Orleans after a few years in Seattle. Dave also said that Diana, a social worker, is studying for her Ph.D. in education.

I spoke with Andy Ludlum after receiving an e-mail from Walt Wood. Walt wanted Andy’s updated e-mail address. Andy said that he and Nicki had dinner with Pat and Roni McCarthy.

I spoke with Dennis Maguire just prior to the Super Bowl on his 50th birthday. Dennis, a Patriots fan, lives in Boston. He recently had dinner with Doug Reddington. Dennis sent a congratulatory e-mail on Monday following the Super Bowl.

Bert Schneider sent an e-mail from AZ after seeing his picture in the Alumni Review.

In January, I very briefly visited Lexington for a Board of Director’s Meeting. Due to a snowstorm, I drove down on Friday and back on Saturday. I did stay with, and had dinner with, Gary Levenson. I also spoke with Tim Hodges and briefly saw Robby Jones and Dennis Hackemeyer. On the drive home, I stopped in DC and had lunch with Tuck Masker.

Ken Kovarik sent an e-mail with a new e-mail address and a brief update. His youngest son, Zac ’08, will graduate from VMI in May. His daughter, Anya ’07, is an Air Force lieutenant stationed in New Mexico. Lisa is still at Alltel, and Ken still teaches high school science.

As the period came to a close, Mike Harper and Larry Avery sent messages. Mike, who was promoted to colonel in the Air Force in 2003, retired in 2006. He and Joy bought a house in the MD suburbs of DC, where Mike works for Microsoft. Their kids, Michael Jr., Alexandra and Brendan, are all doing well.

Mike also wrote that he speaks with Jack Keane and Tom Gelles.

Larry sent an e-mail from Baghdad. He’s a USAF colonel whose retirement was rescinded. He’ll be in Iraq on a one-year assignment as the chief of the Air Force Security Assistance Office. His job is to help rebuild the Iraqi Air Force. Photos and a copy of his e-mail appears in the OEF/OIF section of this Alumni Review.

Finally, I spoke a few times with Hugh Fain.

Hugh reported having seen Jed TenHoeve in DC. Hugh and Renee are both attorneys in Richmond. Their oldest daughter, Joyce, will attend Wake Forest in the fall. Their middle daughter, Audrey, is in the ninth grade at St. Catherine’s School, where she excels in sports.

Sally, their youngest, turns 5 in April.

Thanks for your continued support. Please keep in touch! All the best in 2008.

’81

Gerald Manley

BRs, it has been an eventful few months since our last update. As I put together this write-up, I am overcome with a tremendous sense of pride for our Brother Rats and how they have rallied for others in time of need!

I have just recently returned from a road trip Hershey, PA, to see Brother Rat John Dixon. As many of you know while John and Patti were visiting family in Hershey this past February, John suffered a major heart attack that required double bypass surgery. John went through the surgery like a champ and just days after was on his way home to Gwynn’s Island (not to be confused with Cedar Island … an easy mistake for some). John and Patti received tremendous support from Bernie Banas, John Ferry, Mike Denton and so many others – true BRs, everyone! If I may, an extract from Johnny D’s e-mail of thanks reads: “After all of the visits, phone calls, prayers and support from my Brothers, I felt that it would only be appropriate that my first e-mail be addressed to each of you.

I am safely and contentedly home with Patricia on Gwynn’s Island and am so thankful for all the support, phone calls, e-mails and visits I received while in the hospital ‘on the gim.’ I can only hope to be half as generous as you have been to me in your ‘time of need.’ I cannot thank you enough for your concern and countless phone calls and e-mail notes. Patricia has been especially touched by your caring concern.

I have six to eight weeks of rehab looking at me, but I am looking forward to every painful day of it! I shall stay in touch and let you know how I am progressing through it all. May God continue to bless you and Your Families! John Dixon” We are so thankful, John, that you have recovered so well and will be with us for many years to come! My expectation is that you will become one of the healthiest of all of us in the months to come!

Support from the ’81 BRs was also extended to our very own Corky Mitchell. Corky’s brother, Gerry, was the victim of a terrible accident and was in dire need of help. Just before I submitted these notes (late February), Corky reported that Gerry was out of the nursing home and doing better. Gerry still has a difficult road to travel, but Corky reports he is fighting hard and doing the best that he can. To support, Dan Dorsey and others orchestrated a benefit concert and silent auction within no more that three weeks time! They raised about $2,000 for Gerry, money that will go a long way to

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1981: Dan Dorsey and Corky Mitchell, on Feb. 9, 2008, at the benefit concert and art show that Dan and others organized in support of Corky’s brother, Gerry.

support. Corky offered that if any of us ever need to set up a benefit, to let Dan Dorsey do it!

Per Dan’s early billing of the event, scheduled performers included Mary Gordon Hall (local singer-songwriter), Drum Call (African drumming ensemble), Gary Oxford (local singersongwriter) Loose Connections (Gary Oxford, Marcia Joseph, Dan Dorsey and his son, Garen, age 10), and more. Corky and Dan have been playing together with some other band members for over a year now – and I hear they ain’t too bad for a bunch of old guys! (For the record, I heard that from Corky!) Corky reports that he is deeply appreciative for the many kind responses and actions taken by his BRs. Of special note, is the Denton family; without getting into personal details, kudos to Mike and his brother Jerry for all they have done! (For Corky, our thoughts and prayers remain with you, BR, and with your brother Gerry! We hope and continue to pray for his continued recovery!)

Above provides a good transition to the input from Mike Denton. Mike wanted to share a few personal words of thanks for the support and love his BRs showed during his mother’s illness. Mike wrote the following: “Most sincere thanks for invaluable BR support through my mom’s illness and passing on Thanksgiving 2007. Special thanks for Capt. Jerry hosting my family [including dad] in flag quarters at The Navy Yard in DC. I’ll never forget the hospitality, cards, calls, e-mails and long distance attendees at VA Beach memorial or the Arlington National funeral. As ’81 marches together toward such inevitabilities, I hope to be of like support. Such meaningful acts of kindness forge and foster our revered Bonds of VMI.” As always, Mike, very well said! Mrs. Jane Maury Denton was an incredible woman, one who supported an incredible husband and war hero all the while raising an incredible family.

You and Katherine often set the example of BR

2008-Issue 2

Class of 1981: Dave Fiedler and his family. From left, standing, daughters Jessica, Ashley, Aimee, and son A.J. Seated: Dave’s wife, Kristi, son Daniel, daughter Nicole and Dave.

Class of 1981: Capt. Brian Quisenberry visited the ruins of Pompeii, which is a buried Roman city near Naples, Italy. support, and from all of us involved, it was a pleasure and honor to be there for you.

Now, for some of the more “traditional” updates! I would like to start by sharing that I received a great e-mail from Dave Fiedler, who is living on eight acres of land in McQueeny, TX, about 30 miles north of San Antonio. There is a wonderful picture of his family to show everyone why Dave truly has bragging rights!

Dave and his beautiful wife, Kristi, have been blessed with six children. (Seven for Kristi, if you count Dave!) Another testament to Kristi is that she has successfully home schooled them all! Kristi taught their first three from K through 12th grade. The next two girls were taught at home through middle school grades but got so involved with local soccer teams that their friends wanted them to join the high school

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CLASS NOTES team, so with Kristi and Dave’s daughter named Gia Georgia Chipley, support they opted for public high in November 2007. school. Kristi remains busy home Ed Boylan shared that he received schooling their youngest, now 9. his “20-year letter” from Uncle Sam. Dave’s daughter, Nicole, will After getting off active duty, Ed graduate from the Naval Academy remained in the Reserves and had a this year and will enter the Marine period of about six years where I was Corps, though at the time of this not able to complete the 50 points writing was unsure of the specialty needed for a “good year.” He buckled she will pursue with the Corps. (And, down in 2007 and completed the 20th not to worry, Nicole, as the “future year. Although he is now eligible to commandant of the entire “by God” retire, Ed shared that he may very Marine Corps, will either be Col. well continue to serve until he is, in Mike Shupp or Col. Paul Brier, fact, thrown out. Ed and Linda have both Brother Rats of your father, been able to spend quality time with who I am sure will be able to provide BR Tom and Sandy Savage. Tom and “career counseling”!). Dave’s next Sandy moved to the Dallas area last daughter, Ashley, is now attending year, and they have been able to get Class of 1981: Brother Rats Col. Mark “Gunny” Olson, UT Austin and will head to the UT together several times. (Great note, USMC (Ret), and Steve Tennant at Gunny’s retirement Health Science Center next fall to Ed! Wonderful to hear from you!) ceremony in January 2008. pursue her B.S. in dental hygiene.

The Honorable Chip Johnson Dave provided input on each of penned a note, as well. After not his other children, as well. His son, seeing each other for about a quarter surgeries to correct a broken arm. Actual injury Aaron, is attending Blinn College in Brenham and century, Chip Johnson and Scott Falls have was in 2005, so this has been somewhat of a plans to transfer in a couple of years to UT. Aaron renewed their friendship. As it turns out, Chip’s long haul for Charlotte. (Charlotte, you are in our is an accomplished athlete and played football daughter and Scott’s son both attend Hendrix Colthoughts and prayers, and we hope that the most with a local Christian school where he became lege, a small school near Little Rock, AR. Chip recent surgery was your last!) Glenn also shared an All District and All-State receiver, who won and Scott see each other occasionally at Hendrix that he has a brother, Mike, in Arlington that is the MVP award in the North-South TX Six Man events. Several months ago, Chip and John Cawengaged in contracting with the DoD. So, BRs in Football All Stars. Aaron was also recognized as thorne ran into each other in the Denver Airport, the DC area, keep a look out for Mike!

All-State and District for his defensive stats in and as luck would have it, they were on the same Mark “Gunny” Olson is now on the DoD basketball. Dave’s daughter, Aimee, is the captain flight to Albuquerque. There’s a lot of truth in that retired list. Mark’s retirement ceremony was on of her high school soccer team as a junior and is old saying “it’s a small world.” (I also like the sayJan. 25, 2008, at Ft. Leavenworth. BR Steve Tenpreparing herself for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ing that goes something like “VMI men are few in nant was in attendance. Coincidence is that Mark Next is daughter Jessica. Jessica also plays soccer number … but they are everywhere!”) checked in to Leavenworth the day Steve retired. as the team goalie her freshman year and wants Grover Outland has been doing will and Per the Gunny, this may very well leave Mike to go to Texas A&M, where Dave’s wife, Kristi, loving life! Both Grover and Ken Herbert Shupp and Paul Brier as the last two Marines attended. Next, is Daniel who loves sports and, reported that the class of ’81 truly carried the still on deck from our class. (I will strive to get per Dave, is a really great kid! day at the Alumni-Cadet Career Networking verification of that and of other classmates still Vince Wood wrote to share news that there was Forum that was held w/cadets at Moody Hall serving in uniform as it will be nice to give apa nice article in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 14, on Saturday, Feb. 9. 2008. Six of approximately propriate recognitions for those that continue on to 26 alumni panelists (almost 25%) at the Forum 2008, about Dennis Johnson. It was in a special higher ranks!) Mark and Myra will be in Colorado section on Corporate Governance. The article were our BRs: Eddie Brown, Kenny Herbert, Springs by the time everyone reads this column. speaks to specific engagements Dennis has had Gene Loving, Gary Morgan, Ken Pierro and Bart Price provided a quick update. Bart shared in his capacity as head of corporate governance Grover. None of the other 17 VMI classes with that his oldest, Brandon Price ’07, just graduated for Calpers, the largest U.S. public pension fund. alumni participating had that kind of presence. from Infantry OBC and will start Ranger School.

As I read it, the article is very complimentary The class of ’81 also had its progeny at the Brandon and the former Ms. Bethany Grimsley toward our BR with statements such as “Dennis is forum – yet another alumni panelist was Maury were married on Oct. 27th. Bart and Patty’s a reasonable and rational voice on corporate govDenton ’07, son of Mike and Katherine Denernance” … “He knows what it takes to work with youngest, Ethan, is now out of the Ratline and is ton. Two of the cadets Grover met during the a member of the class of 2011. (Great news, Bart, companies to make change possible” … “Despite Forum were nephews of ’81s: a cadet second and you and Patty have just reasons to be proud!) his high-pressured position, the former Army Reclassman Johnston ’09, nephew of Paul Brier, Chip Chipley shared some very positive serve officer never loses his cool” and more. With and cadet first classman Mertz ’08, nephew changes in his life. Chip very happily married the Dennis’ permission (will connect you directly, of Joe Moan. Immediately after the forum former Ms. Lisa Lightner, a Marshall University BR), I will be happy to share an electronic copy concluded, all six of the ’81s present gathered at alumnus, in September 2006. Wedding plans of the article with anyone who should request it. the podium with Adam Volant ’88 (exec VP of kept him from our 25th. Chip later retired from (Very proud of you, Dennis!) the Alumni Association) and the Foundation’s the U.S. Naval Reserve in November 2006 and Glen Zaramba writes that he is living about Pat Webb to take care of some unfinished ’81 moved from the U.S. Virgin Islands back statetwo miles northwest of Battleship Cove in MA. class business – the surprise presentation to Gary side to Venice, FL, in October 2007. And most News from the Zaramabas is that Glen’s wife, Morgan of the framed Battle of New Market print importantly, Chip and Lisa had their first child, a Charlotte, has been going through a number of “Put the Boys In … ” with a small plate engrav-

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of 70-12 in the Citadel’s favor, I’ll skip the details Afghanistan. His new e-mail address will be paul. ing that Grover, Mike and I drafted to recognize of the game and focus my report instead on the brier@afghan.swa.army.mil and phone DSN Gary’s role as class agent leading up to our very “pomp and pageantry” of fall in Lexington.

318-431-4763/4033. successful 25th Reunion. We had been plotting for Having enjoyed lodging at my Brother Rat-inWell, Brother Rats, that’s all I have for now. about a full year on how to surprise Gary with the Law’s, The Branner’s, I decided Saturday mornHope to see many of you in up-and-coming mini print in Lexington but were not able to do so until ing to navigate leisurely to the parade ground at reunions this spring in the DC/northern VA area!

February 2008.

9:00 a.m., settle in, and enjoy a demonstration of Again, I am so very proud to be in the class of ’81 Tom Albro wrote that he, Charlotte and their the Corps’ marching prowess. Little did I realize, and to see the support that is rallied and provided kids had dinner with John Ferry and wife Mauto our BRs in time of need! Please keep the inputs, however, that the traffic backed up on the hill up reen in January. Tom said they met in a real “hole Letcher Ave would only be a preamble to the full e-mails and pictures coming! in the wall restaurant” in Chestertown, MD, on parking sign on the parade ground. Suffice it to In the bonds, Jerry the Elk River up in the northeast part of the state, say, I’ve now learned that the pre-game parade but the food was great meal and an the company even better! Tom was in FL the weekend of the Charles Kause has gone “big time.”

After parking behind Smith Hall and working VMI career day and the VMI-Navy lacrosse game our way around the construction for the new in Annapolis or would have happily increased Ethics Center, we found our place just in time our numbers at the events. Tom has also shared for kick-off of Ring Figure Parade for the class some correspondence over the past year with Rich of 2009. I quickly ran into Cal and Jeanne MurNehls. Rich is down at Hurlburt Field where he ray who told me the Ring Figure Parade was in recently retired from the Air Force. Rich may be Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from good hands, because their son, second classman looking to move back up towards DC. the class of ’82 in this issue.

Murray, was marching on the battalion staff Other quick hitters: with a saber! Knowing Cal, I received this news - Jamie Byron wrote to share that he ran into with some concern, but quickly saw Cadet Mike Shupp in early February in one of the PenJim Outland Murray doing a darn good job of salvaging tagon rings and had a chance to catch up a bit.

- I see Ricky “Moose” McCue periodically on Cal’s martial legacy at VMI. This is no doubt the Navy Yard. It is our hope to schedule some a tribute the second classman’s mother – In mini lunch reunions in the DC/northern VA area fact, do any of you even remember marchvery soon! ing in a parade with BR Murray? I have also Greetings! There was a great turn-out in - John Haithcock shared that he will retire in since learned of the signing of Cal’s other son, November for another yearly installment of “The the summer of 2008, on the first of August after Cameron, to a soccer scholarship at VMI, so it Military Classic of the South.” With the final score seems the scholarship legacy set by the father almost 27 years in the Army. John is finishing up an outstanding career with his final tour will also be continued. at Ft. Sill, OK. I mingled with a variety of people - Received a great picture of Clinker after the parade and was reminded of Moss and his son, Shelton, just after the the great brotherhood we all share, VMI victory against CCU. Great picture, not just among BRs in our class, but Clinker! also among upper and underclassmen - Brian Quisenberry just returned who also attended VMI during our from annual training in Naples, Italy. cadetship. Alex Thompson ’84 (tennis He spent the first week in Kuwait supscholarship) proved this by waving me porting the Military Sealift Command over to his fully deployed, oysterOPS Center at the Port of Ash Shuaibah, shucking table, which was set up next then had time in Italy to visit the ruins of to a cooler of Eastern Shore Seaside Pompeii, and I am sure he had a few nice Oysters. BRs – it does not get any betmeals washed down with some of Italy’s ter than that, and my thanks go out to finest wines! (Navy – it’s not a job; it’s Alex and his son (Cox High School, VA an adventure!)

Beach) for their oyster-shucking prow- Gene Loving shared a quick note. ess and generous hospitality.

Gene and lovely bride, Susan, appear Another highlight of the post-parade, to have determined that their daughter pre-game festivities was visiting the Grace’s stubbornness and determination tent set up by Karen Priest and friends would be perfect for VMI. Gene offered in honor of my dyke, Josh Priest ’80, that Grace’s future may very well reveal to celebrate his 50th birthday. Turning her to be the first female regimental 1/2-a-century-old is certainly a milecommander in the class of 2024! (Grace stone, and being surrounded by family gets my vote, Gene!) and friends in your own parade-ground - Quick note from Paul Brier. He will birthday tent is a great way to combe leaving Camp Lejeune, as chief of memorate the occasion. Having Mike Class of 1981: Clinker Moss and his son, Shelton, staff, 2nd Marine Division, in March to Denton ’81 lead the singing of “Happy at the VMI-Coastal Carolina University basketball go to Afghanistan until next fall to run Birthday” definitely put the adjective game in January 2008. the MARCENT Coordinate Element“Priceless” on the moment.

’82

’83

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES Among the Priests’ visitors were Ed Brown ’81 and his son, who is also a second classman. Having not seen Eddie in a long while, I enjoyed catching up and hearing of his successful deployment and return from Iraq with the 80th Division, the same reserve unit that deployed our BR Skip Goodwillie. Ed actually departed for active duty when his son started the Ratline and returned as his son was about to begin his third class year.

Second Classman Brown showed me his new ring, and I can assure you they are as big now as they were back in the day. Funny thing is the current price of gold in the rings is also about the same as it was in 1982, which makes you wonder.

Another welcome sight was BR Franklin Hudgins, who had steeled himself away from The Tidewater’s warm embrace to see a Keydet football game. Joining “The Merchant” was his son, Christopher, who is a sophomore at Norfolk’s Maury High School and is the spittin’ (although leaner) image of his father.

Franklin surprised me by handing off his cell phone with none other than BR Bobby Edwards on the distant end who was out at work in the California Desert. Undismayed by the bad football score, Bobby reports he is looking forward to our reunion and is working overtime for Kenny McAllister.

Another memorable encounter was with VA Beach resident Snake Arnold, his wife and their numerous children. Snake was showing his old QB form in a touch football game with the kids, which included way too many “Snake-lets” for me to count. (Five?) A high point of the affair was when my 6-year-old niece, Margaret Branner, who was dressed in a VMI cheerleader outfit, told me to hold her coat while she squared off with Snake’s similarly attired daughter in an impromptu “cheer-off.”

On Sunday morning after the game, your agent joined other hardy souls for the first ever Alumni Skeet Shoot at VMI’s McKethan Park. Thanks to the extensive coordination efforts of BR Doug Wainwright, this was a terrific success. I counted about 20 participants including alumni, sons of alumni, local Ducks Unlimited members, and cadet members of the VMI deButt’s Skeet Club. Thankfully, there was no scoring in this event but the real winners were the cadets themselves and the Skeet Club, which gained over $200 in entry fees, continued exposure and a lot of donated clays and ammunition. My thanks go out to, Doug, for his continued efforts to support and promote this worthwhile endeavor at VMI. Later in December, I was able to attend the VMI-University of Richmond basketball game here in Richmond. Despite an early

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Class of 1983: Scott Horan with a rockfish he caught two miles off the coast of VA Beach in February 2008. Scott reports that the fight was monumental, but he finally “wrestled” the 30-pound fish on board at the end of the third round. lead and a tight finish, our Keydet roundballers came up on the short end of the contest, which had potential with a last minute buzzer shot (71-69). Many thanks go out to Greg Cavallaro ’84 and the VMI Keydet club for hosting a terrific pre-game get together at U of R’s Milliheser gym, which reminds me of Cocke Hall but without the overhead track. These classic buildings have been refurbished, but still hearken back to decades of previous competition. While my crew of young boys feasted on hot dogs and your writer stuffed his face with sausage and BBQ, we were able to see a number of familiar faces. Trey Adams introduced me to his son, Bunny Hewitt introduced me to his new lady friend, and Charlie Luck introduced us to his family, which included son Richard who will be a Rat on the football team next year.

During the event, I was also able to exchange greetings with the ever-busy Bob Mednikov and his son. Talk about a “full dance card,” when he is not with the State Corporation Commission, Bob manages an active after-work calendar as a music DJ for social events around the state. I’m, therefore, always appreciative when he can work in some time from scrambling on the busy schedule to join some of his VMI friends. In fact, I still recall the “Zipper” Mednikov’s ability to scramble around as a long stick midfielder for lacrosse Coach Mike Pressler, but I seem to remember it was an off-field

maneuver that eventually earned him his nickname.

Additional confirmed ’83 sightings either at the pre-game, in the ticket line or at the game itself included: Al Toler, Skip Goodwillie, Mr. and Mrs. Don Heslep ’56 (Tater’s mom and dad), and of course BR Wade Branner who called the game from his announcer’s position court-side.

I was also grateful to see VMI alumni from other ’80s classes at the game. Joey Keyes ’82 provided on-demand blackberry updates about the Redskins fabulous play-off victory over the Cowboys. Even Joey’s brother, Paul Keyes (ODU graduate and current VCU Baseball Head Coach) attended, “because you VEEMEEs sure know how to run a pregame.” Thanks to Joey’s updates, we were able to insure rabid Cowboys fan Steve Hupp ’84 and his boys had all the latest “good news.” Thankfully, Steve and a couple of his other ’84 BRs were able to show support for Keydet Basketball since their class agent (Hank Selman ’84) apparently had a better offer up at Wintergreen and therefore bailed out on a chance to spend a pleasant evening with comrades from his alma mater.

Also in attendance were Jim Cosby ’82 and his young son. Jim had the youngster suitably decked out in a “Keydet-Yellow” rain jacket, reminiscent of our old banana-colored PT gear. Like BR Trey Adams, Jim is a U of R Law School grad, which apparently explains

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES his preferred seating in the Robbins Center among the Spider faithful …

As far as other updates go, I recently heard from Phil Hubbard who concluded 23 years with the City of VA Beach on Nov. 1, 2007, and is now with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). He is working on an EPA Consent Order with the HRSD and enjoying the new opportunity. Phil and family are still living at Back Bay, and wife Beth teaches at Ocean Lakes in VA Beach. Their oldest daughter, Elizabeth, is a freshman at JMU majoring in Biology, and youngest is a sophomore at Ocean Lakes.

Phil saw Jay Williams twice during football season and reports Jay is doing very well in his role as Post Engineer. In Phil’s words, “Yes, Jay is the ‘Head Stoopy’ at VMI.” My understanding, however, is The Institute now uses a more “sensitive” moniker for Jay’s department. What we previously knew as “B&G” (Buildings and Grounds) is now referred to as “PP” (Physical Plant). I have yet to get Jay’s feedback on the new abbreviation, but definitely know from first hand experience that “PP” definitely resonates with my four-year-old.

In the health arena, recent news has been troubling for our class. As of this writing BR Jack Manley continues his struggle with pancreatic cancer, Ben Cottrell is fighting the double blow of cancer and an aortic aneurysm, and Charlie Luck is dealing with cancers within his immediate family. I ask you to remember them all in your thoughts and prayers.

I also have updates this winter to share from other VMI classes. Jodi and I recently enjoyed a lively dinner party with Debbie and Jeff Levenson ’84 and Carol and Hank Selman ’84. We enjoyed hearing both Hank and Jeff wax eloquent about Mary Baldwin Sunday parties, the benefits of modern computers and the joys of having a “man-room.” Even though these guys are not computer geniuses, we always enjoy hearing the 1984 perspective. As class agent for 1984, Selman’s class notes are also sometimes well thought-out and occasionally readable.

Continuing in the 1984 department, my sons, Matthew and Benjamin, enjoyed a memorable dove hunt and subsequent boat ride on the Eastern Shore this past winter with Frank Kollmansperger ’84 and his son, Kirby. Frank owns his own business, Entry Guard Systems, here in Richmond. (see http://www.entryguardsystems.com/) I also recently received a note from Jerome Brinkley ’84 who is currently completing his masters at The Citadel. Jerome is interested in forming and/or joining a VMI alumni chapter

2008-Issue 2

in The Citadel’s back yard. He asked me to pass along regards to his old corporal, Frank Cooper. Brinkley ’84 fondly remembers BR Cooper telling Brinkley’s Rat squad of intentions to join the USAF so he could “bomb their parents’ houses.” My records show two ’83 BRs, Todd Miles and Tom Kubiskey, as living in the Charleston area. I know Todd is down there, but my contact info for Tom may be dated, so if any of you know how to reach him please let me know.

In the class of 1985 arena, I was recently approached by a fellow here in Midlothian who asked if I had gone to VMI. It was Mark Boswell ’85 who I had not seen since 1983, but was grateful that he introduced himself.

Mark was doing PT in preparation for his USAF physical. After having served on active duty and spending a number of years as a USAF Individual Ready Reservist (IRR), Mark recently initiated the process to become reactivated and serve our country again.

Besides living here in Midlothian and working in the medical industry, Mark still has a variety of 1983 memories, and we had a great time catching up.

Speaking of catch-up, our 25th Reunion is planned for Sept. 19-21, 2008, in Lexington, and you should all be planning to attend this milestone check formation. Our goal is to have as many as possible on hand to celebrate 25 years of having graduated from VMI. In the coming months you will be receiving a variety of communications with logistics about the reunion. I will also be sending out updates on our ’83 Yahoo user group at http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/vmi83/. If you are not already receiving e-mails from me then you are not subscribed to the user group, but have no fear, because I can subscribe you.

Just send an e-mail at joutland@att.com, and I will hook you up.

Another aspect of our 25th Reunion is the establishment of the Class of 1983’s 25th Reunion Fund. This fund creates the basis of our VMI legacy and can be carried forward into subsequent years. As of this writing, approximately 40 members of the class of 1983 have joined the Reunion Fund committee, and we will soon be calling all BRs to ask for your support of this worthwhile endeavor. We have also formed a reunion executive committee to oversee direction and execution of our fund.

The executive committee is comprised of Bill Cornett, Ben Cottrell, Teddy Gottwald, Tracey Jones, Charlie Luck, Paul McCusker and me.

If you have not already done so, please watch the Vision 2039 DVD, which was included in the Summer/Fall 2007 issue of the Alumni Review. This will give you a

great view of the terrific things going on at our alma mater. While watching the DVD, you will hear words like: Integrity, Honor, Civility, Competence, Composure, Stoicism, Leadership – values that VMI seeks to impart to its graduates and values that are worthy of your support. Jim Spellman ’85 stated it best in the opening message of the Summer/Fall 2007 Alumni Review, “The measure of anyone’s support is not in how large it is, but that it came at all, and it came from the heart.”

Best wishes to you all, Jim

’84

Hank Selman

Updates from you guys over the last few months have been pretty much AWOL. Lets just chalk it up to the “dark ages,” however I expect each of you to bone yourselves accordingly.

I did receive an e-mail from Dave “Nature Boy” Collie who is living in Winchester and flying for American. He reported that his son, Jacob, is doing just fine at the I and is truly a gratifying spectacle. Son Andrew is a freshman at the College of William and Mary and is making good grades and is active in theater.

One of his other sons, Zachary, is a stand out high school junior and is playing soccer on his school’s academic team. His youngest, Mark, is already a very good wrestler on his high school team. Did you hear that Munno? We might have another legacy on the wrestling team.

Finally, wife Melody is enjoying substitute teaching grade school kids.

Bill Dyer made it down from Atlanta to Macon to watch the Keydet basketball team play Mercer. He said he had a great time, but the big news event was that he actually saw Johnny Mitchell at the game. He reported that Johnny was there with his whole family in tow, and he looked great. In fact, he reported that Johnny

Class of 1984: Dave Collie and his son, Jacob ’09, at Ring Figure.

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CLASS NOTES looked like he could suit up and play right now.

As far as updates go, that is it. The big event in our future is our upcoming class reunion. The dates are set for Sept. 4-5, 2009. The 25th is a biggie, so if any of you have ideas, please start sending them to me. Thanks.

’85

John Eckenrode

BRs: 2008 has arrived! Jake Spivey has already put his organizational skills together to get the planning started for the Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari. Please take this opportunity to etch August 8-10 into your schedules. We’d like to see a record attendance this year – It’s not too early to begin begging, dusting off old “honey do” lists, and other assorted spousal trade materials …

For those of you that haven’t been lucky enough to enjoy the shenanigans previously, please consider this an engraved invitation. The “Safari” is a great time, and I recommend it highly. For those that don’t “swing the sticks,” there’s fishing, skeet/ sporting clays, or Siesta time, as Kerry “Fester” Kirk is rather fond. Please don’t let previous Safari Photos of Owen McIntyre eating breakfast scare you … keep your fingers off his plate, and you’ll be just fine.

Jake was at the VMI-UR game with wife Suzanne and ran into Mark & Alston Williams, Dave & Sherri Barthol, and Scott Bryant. Jake indicated the group had so much fun catching up that they ALMOST didn’t mind seeing the Keydets get stung by the Spiders: UR 71 to VMI’s 69.

Paul Grgas checked in from nearby (if you live in … oh, say New Caledonia) Singapore, where he’s been traveling a great deal – Thailand, Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Australia, Korea, Japan and Cambodia. More exotic locales consisted off the East Coast of the U.S. for a college looking for colleges with his daughter. Paul also “hit the road” with wife Masako to train for, and run, in the Singapore Marathon! Great American that he is, the Navy begged Paul to stay in his current billet until 2011, and he relented. I’m afraid he’s stuck with three more years of palatial living quarters, exotic travel and Tiger Beer. No National Bohemian for Paul for the duration of this hardship tour!! If anyone is passing through Singapore, Paul extends a hearty welcome to all who wear the ring.

Rob, Mary Ann and Alek Gardner spent their last Korean Christmas this year in Seoul before heading to San Diego at about the time you read this for duty, either with the 1st Marine Division or the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. Mary Ann and Alek took the opportunity to visit Thailand for the New Year

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(the Thai New Year Tradition includes a national water pistol fight … sounds like something we’d do in Lexington) and got to ride elephants through the jungle! Thanksgiving provided an opportunity to visit China and see the Great Wall, Xian (ancient capital of China), and Beijing. Both Rob and Alek will be returning to the U.S. with black belts in Karate, and rumor on the Seoul circuit is that Rob’s Karaoke skills have greatly improved, especially when he’s lubricated by soju.

The Wraneks have moved from Lexington to Lexington, are enjoying their new home. John’s been busy traveling both with VMI recruiting and his 29th Infantry Division Command and is still representing ’85 on the hill along with Smokin’ Joe Irby.

Chris Wolf sent me a nice note from Henry County where he is an assistant commonwealth attorney. We keep threatening to get together to do some fly fishing, perhaps we’ll pull it off this year.

Before I forget, Jerome Brinkley ’84 sent me a note about the establishment of a new VMI Alumni Chapter in the South Carolina Coastal region! For any BRs that lives, or know of any other alumni who reside within 90 miles of Charleston, SC, (includes Beaufort, Georgetown, Summerville, and Walterboro) please contact: Jerome Brinkley ’84 843/475-0475 jerome_brinkley@ cable.comcast.com.

We are still soliciting help for our 25th Reunion (that will be in 2010 for those of you that weren’t Mallory Hall studs) – please consider giving us a hand to plan and prepare for this event. Estelle’s is closed, and our taste has improved (well, for some) so it’s not too early to start planning and preparing!

I wish each an every one of you the best in ’08, and please continue to keep in touch. I’m afraid this is all I have for this edition of the Alumni Review notes – now I need to beg forgiveness for missing the stick to get these notes in!

Stay Safe --- Eck

’86

Clint Hubbard

It is only mid-February as this edition of the class notes is being formulated, and I have heard the Rats are now fourth classmen; they’ve already broken out of the Ratline. Harrumph … back in the Old Corps …

Well, back in the Old Corps, few might have imagined being virile enough to sire a child after the age of 40, but two of our ’86 studmuffins have done just that this past quarter.

Frank Trice and John Stevens welcomed new daughters to their families in late 2007, just in time for the ’07 tax credit. Hopefully, the taxes

saved will generate enough income for the credit card bills and weddings down the road.

Just in time to go trick-or-treating, Holliday Lorraine “Rainey” Trice was born on Oct. 29, 2007, to Frank and Charmaine. Rainey weighed in at a little over eight pounds, which may have been happier news to Frank than it was to Charmaine. BR Trice has taken well to fatherhood; as we can all imagine, he is a natural at rocking the baby to sleep.

Judy and John Stevens welcomed baby Jenna Lynn on Dec. 28, 2007. She weighed 6lbs. 9 oz. Mom and baby came home soon thereafter and are doing fine. There is a rumor albeit unsubstantiated at this point that when Jenna Lynn is hungry, she doesn’t cry out; she lets loose with a loud and thunderous Marine Corps “Ooh-Rah!” John had the occasion to attend the ordination and installation ceremony for BR Lou Florio when Lou assumed his pastorate at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mechanicsville, VA. BR Stevens said it was “great getting reacquainted with Lou and meeting his wife, Kristine.” John also passed along that he had the opportunity to reconnect with BR Art Ryan and meet his wife. Art works in Williamsburg but is living in Richmond.

BR Florio reports that so far into his tenure, everything is going well. Since he commenced his pastorate two months ago, church attendance is up, Sunday school attendance among adults has doubled, and it looks like they will have some new members soon. Lou says that it is a busy but rewarding time. For now, he is commuting from Fredericksburg where he and his bride, Kristine, have been living. Kristine is trying to find a position to transfer into within the federal government whereupon they plan to move down to Mechanicsville. BR Florio offers that all are welcome anytime and invites any and all to check out their website at http:// www.mlcas.org. Well done, Lou. BR Trice offered updates on several of our boys. Karl Sjolund is the new headmaster of Salem Academy in Winston Salem, NC. Frank’s comment was, “Chicken has two daughters, a wife and is the head of an all-girls school … can you say kooties?!” (Class Agent’s Note: I’ll be darned if I’d send my daughter to a school run by someone with BR Sjolund’s history of interaction with women!) Smith, M.B. is living in Lewisburg, WV, working as a civil engineer.

It is BR Trice’s contention that “Botts with grey hair will be special.” Andy “Grape Ape” Mason is still in Nags Head and is in partnership with another guy running Macko Construction.

Finally, Frank noted that The Honorable J. Gordon McKinley, Esquire, of Middleburg, VA, has changed careers and is now working as an executive of a proprietary drug company

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES that is privately held. It’s good to hear that BR McKinley is on the legal side of the pharmaceutical business.

Since Glenn Newcomb threw down the gauntlet with his move to Thailand, Tom FitzPatrick said, “I’ll see your Thailand and raise you an Ethiopia.” I’m not aware that there has been an outbreak of lying, cheating and stealing in Ethiopia that Fitz is going to clean up; rather, BR FitzPatrick is moving to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the U.S. Department of State to help build the new embassy. Laura and Katie, Tommy, Brendan, Lilly and John will move in the summer. I’m sure we all wish these international BRs well, but I think I’ll stay put in the land of cold beer and the 24-hour convenience store.

You just gotta stay on your toes and behave every minute of every day; you never know when a BR might pop up unexpectedly. It happened to Greg Simpson last summer when he was on a family vacation trip through the West (Cheyenne Rodeo, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mammoth Fossil Digs, Devil’s Tower National Park, Battle of Little Big Horn, and Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks). With that itinerary, you know he worked up an appetite, and Greg said he “ran into Brent McManis over breakfast” or he “ran over Brent on the way to breakfast” one morning in Gillette, WY. The story goes that BR McManis was throwing on second chipped beef and there was a challenge about whether he threw a two or a three; obviously the number has a bearing on the outcome. There were no Honor Court or OGA members present to render a ruling and just before a full-fledged fracas broke out, BR Simpson, being the only other person in the place familiar with the nuances of ‘throwing on seconds,’ was called on to intercede. The end of the tale is that Brent and Greg both got seconds on the chipped beef and both should likewise report to their choice of Tom FitzPatrick, Steve Anderson or Chris Ashworth at the start of the 25th Reunion; they have a few burdens to unload. Something about placing “personal appetite above personal honor …”

BR McManis is still living in SC with his lovely wife, Ginny, and their family, where Brent works for Baldor (not to be confused with Stew ‘Spot’ Barnes who is ‘balder’) as a mining industry engineer. I’d be interested in knowing what the heck is being mined in SC; I thought the saying went “ain’t but two things come out of South Carolina: steers and … doggone, what’s the other one?”

Bravo Romeo Simpson is still in the Army as a crew director manning the missile defense system for the United States. Greg says they coordinate a lot of information with NORAD/

2008-Issue 2

Class of 1986: Scott Diehl reappeared after an absence of at least 10 years.

Above, he is pictured with his bride, Debbie, and their family. See class notes for more.

NORTHCOM. Greg’s crew recently fired the missile in a recent flight test and intercept. BR Simpson’s crew was on station in CO, where they fired the missile from CA (Vandenberg AFB) and intercepted the target missile fired from Kodiak Island, AK, over the Pacific Ocean. Greg said it was “a very cool, exoatmospheric explosion!” Another VMI connection was that his cousin, Chris Simpson ’01, was in Kodiak with the team that fired the target missile. Chris sends ’em up and Greg shoots ’em down. Dang, can you imagine what the Simpson family reunions must be like? I hope to heck they’re “alcohol-free” functions; if not things could get wide-open.

In response to my query about Henry Tabur … Sean Poremba offered an update on Henry.

They connected somehow through “Linked-In. com.” Sean reports that Henry is a Finance Manager with Juniper Networks in the Boston, MA, area. As BR Tabur’s travels apparently take him to San Jose, CA, periodically, BR Poremba is planning to try to hook up with Henry in March 2008. That should offer an opportunity to hoist a cold one and toast the anniversary of Breakout. Thanks for the info, Sean, and try to get a picture with Henry when y’all get together.

We can cancel the latest mortuary call and put away the shovels; Scott “B.F.” Diehl is ALIVE. Doing his best Jim Jenkins/Ronnie Mays/Jim

Dillon impersonation, B.F. relied upon his kindhearted bride Debbie to send in an update. If we strictly enforce the “your wife wrote in so you are buying the first round of drinks” rule, then the first, second, third and fourth rounds at the 25th Reunion are already taken care of by BRs Jenkins, Mays, Dillon and Diehl. I think we ought to stick it to Jenkins twice since he was a cadet captain and valedictorian.

After VMI, BR Diehl flew helicopters for the Navy for nine years. At his last station at Pt. Mugu, CA, Scott had an opportunity to take an early out from the Navy. He was rumored to have been heard yelling, “Don’t throw me in that brier patch” as he interviewed with the FBI. Special Agent Diehl has been with the Bureau for 13 years now and flies both helicopters and airplanes for the Washington Field Office.

In addition, ever the Renaissance man, Scott taught himself to play the guitar and even spent some time performing in the famous Warrenton (VA) area garage band “Monkeyfist.” Debbie says it was at least famous on their block. She added that due to some artistic differences, i.e. no one else wanted to play country music, BR Diehl has set out to pursue a solo career, which hasn’t quite taken off yet. He’s probably just ahead of his time; the audiences around Warrenton aren’t ready for him yet.

Scott and Debbie met when we were incarcerated at VMI and have now been married for

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CLASS NOTES career center with mock job almost 19 years. They have interviews. five children and live in WarOn a distressing note, Tony renton, VA. The Diehl Gang includes: Garrett – 15, Colin Brads, who is the superintendent of the Botetourt County – 13, Megan – 11, Caroline Virginia Public School sys– 7 and James Timothy – 5. tem, had a close call. A brief Debbie offers that, “All the article in the Roanoke Times kids are super athletes.” Gar& World News reported the rett played as the starting J.V. following: “Botetourt County quarterback as a freshman this School Superintendent Tony year in high school and also Brads suffered a heart attack lettered in varsity football as Saturday and underwent the starting long snapper and heart surgery Sunday. John backup quarterback. Second Busher, the county’s assistant son Colin was the quarterback superintendent for instrucfor the middle school football tion, said Monday that Brads team and was a starter for Class of 1986: A chance meeting at breakfast offered the opwas recovering from bypass their basketball team as well. portunity for Brent McManis and Greg Simpson to catch up in surgery at Lewis-Gale MediA proud mom says that, “Both Gillette, WY, summer 2007. cal Center in Salem. ‘He’s our girls are great soccer in recovery, and he’s doing players and dancers.” The well,’ said Busher, who did youngest, J.T., hasn’t started nate they are to have married up; the rest of us not know specific details about the incident. officially on any teams, but the older boys pur‘That’s all we’ve got so far.’ A school board portedly have him throwing footballs and shoot- can sure see it!

Well, gents, that’s a wrap on this edition. This work session scheduled for today at Central ing hoops like a pro – a chip off the old block. will likely appear in print around mid June, so Academy Middle School has been postponed.

Debbie says that oldest son Garrett is already let me wish all of you a Happy New Market Brads was hired as Botetourt’s school superbeing called “B.F.” by his friends.

Day. If you haven’t written in for a while, shoot intendent in April 2005. Prior to that, he held Sister Rat Diehl is a flight attendant for me an update sometime; your Brother Rats positions as the school system’s supervisor for United Airlines and has recently flown trips to are straining, and they want to hear about you. secondary education and was principal of Read Kuwait with largely military passengers. While For example, where in the wide, wide world Mountain Middle School. He also has worked Debbie is serving our country thusly, our boy of sports is John Pitcock? Now, fall out of the in schools in Roanoke and Rockbridge counties.

B.F. is using the family airline benefits to take mess hall, and take care, BRs. In Brads’ absence, Busher will be the acting the kids to CO for skiing and snowboarding. I superintendent.” Other than that, there is no am sure all of you will take the same comfort as I, that BR Diehl is still living by “The VMI Ernie Edgar official word – but Tony we hope you have a swift recovery!

Code of a Gentleman.” Debbie says that Scott On a happier note, as many of you probably recently completed an 18-month project of noticed in an earlier edition of the Alumni rebuilding a 1985 Jeep CJ-7. Scott pitched it as Review, our very own Mike Maxwell now sits a “father-son bonding experience,” but Debbie on the VMI Board of Visitors! Congratulations, characterized it as more of a father-neighbors Brother Rats: As I write this for submission to Max! bonding situation. As SR Diehl put it, work on to the Alumni Review, the Dark Ages are still Paul Munson checked in with an update on “the other woman” finished in the fall, and BR upon us, but our basketball team is competing, our class of 1987 Scholarship. Right now, we Diehl has his “new-old” Jeep back on the road. and baseball is about to start what looks to be are on track to award the first scholarship next Adjacent to the notes is photographic evianother competitive season. Last week, I had fall (the 2008-09 academic year). Ours is an dence of Scott Diehl pictured with his bride, the opportunity to participate in the Alumni unrestricted scholarship, meaning it is awarded Debbie, and their handsome family atop his Association’s Career Networking Forum during based on need. That said, our scholarship is “new-old” Jeep in what is evidently a “field of which alumni from various fields discussed structured so that children or grandchildren of rye.” Despite his lengthy absence from his BRs, with cadets the kind of work they do and how deceased class members have priority.

B.F. looks no worse for the wear, other than the cadets can enter those career fields. Col. Sam Paul Duray and James Bright,“want to say dreadful “VT” hat he’s wearing. Surely there is Ratcliffe ’74 and his career center do a great ‘howdy’ to all from the Naval War College.” “an old deserted outhouse” somewhere just out job preparing cadets for the process of securing Both are in their second semester and will of the camera shot. We love having him back post-graduation employment. If you are in a graduate June 20, 2008. Paul also proudly but cannot and will not tolerate that hat. position to hire young people, please keep our announces the birth of his and Amy’s second Thanks a million for the super update, Debcadets and the career center in mind as a rechild, James Harrison Duray, on Dec. 2, 2007. bie. Debbie Diehl now joins Sue Jenkins, Suzi source. On that note, Russ Mitchell reports that Amy and young James are “A-OK.” In true Mays and Sally Dillon as Sister Rats who have he hired a rising first class cadet, Peter Borchelt joint fashion, Paul reports, they had a Navy doc earned our unified affection – first, for their ’08, as a summer intern, which worked out provide the baby’s first checkup. sympathy marriages to the sorry slackers they well. Russ notes that hiring cadets as interns is a Bob Merkel checked in a couple of times married and then, for taking the time to inform good experience for the cadet, and “you can get from his new digs in Baghdad where his 192nd their husbands’ BRs about our co-matriculates. some small jobs done.” He also has helped the EOD Battalion assumed the counter-IED fight I’m sure those knuckleheads realize how fortu-

’87

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in mid December. Bob reports that his troops AED is responsible for the management of 16, a sophomore at Salem High School, and are busy and working hard but were all in good all construction projects in theater. Their big Andrew, 13, who’s in 7th grade. Dennis says spirits and ready to go. The winter weather projects are Afghan national police stations, he spends most of his time shuffling boys has been mild – mid 70s and sunny during the Afghan national army barracks and facilities between golf courses and basketball practices day and mid 50s at night. (Though I’m sure and of course, roads – they are managing in and games. In his free time, he does some it’s a lot hotter now as you read this!) Bob sent excess of a billion dollars worth of construcmountain and road biking with Rob Goodwin along pictures taken at one of his company’s tion.” In the next step toward heading home, and Reid Garst, who also owns a business headquarters. His companies operate all across Vernie welcomed the leader’s reconnaissance based in Salem and is now teaching at RoaBaghdad. Bob proudly notes that this company for the unit replacing us this summer. “They noke College. Dennis’ company is represented (which had been in country for six months literally got here, and we packed them up and

by John Johnson, and they get together about already) is an “excellent unit whose soldiers moved out – too bad if you have jet lag – you twice a year. have been doing some amazing work.” He sent only have five days to see everything. So, we Drew Campi, his wife, Kelly, and their three in a photo that depicts Bob and his battalion XO gave them the whirlwind tour of Afghanistan, sons moved back to NJ after two years in AL. with the leadership of one of the teams. “From and then they got stranded here at FOB OE due Drew is now a supervisor in the FBI and his the right are my XO, the company first serto weather – imagine that!” Vernie noted that in squad works counterintelligence investigations. geant, and the company commander. All great December they saw a significant change in the Drew noted that he has now been in the FBI Americans.” Bob notes that he and his troops weather: “It tends to get bad for a few days, and longer than he was in the Army (10 years in are pictured in front of the team’s vehicle. Bob then the sun comes out and melts all the snow. the Army, 10 years plus and counting for the describes it as “one of the safest vehicles in The weather significantly impacts our ability FBI). He sees Mark Corrice on occasion and which to travel over here. Eight has heard from Stu Halasz and Ken wheels and fully loaded with all the Devero, both of whom seem to be communications, tools, explosives, doing well. safety gear, etc., they need/want.

Tom Murray is a residential We went outside the wire with real estate appraiser in Richmond. them last night on a reconnaisWhen not appraising, he chases sance mission with the engineers. his two boys, Reed (14) and Completely professional, efficient Conner (12). He helps with their mission with great chatter on the Cub Scouts and coaches wrestling radios.” Bob reports that his EOD and soccer. The Hungary Creek companies support various brigade Cougars had a winning season combat teams in separate sections for the first time since the school of the city – a huge area consisting was opened four years ago and of crowded city streets, suburbs, lost the County Championship by industrial zones and farmland. He only three points. Tom sent along notes, “Baghdad has improved a picture of the team. He is now vastly from [my] last tour in 2003, volunteer coaching in post season and exponentially over the past and works with a 2007 graduate Class of 1987: Warren Michelson’s three daughters. six-eight months … As I fly over who wrestled at VMI. “When I the city and drive through it, I see told him I only wrestled two years more people walking on the streets, in high school, he said I have shopping in newly reopened markets, traffic to conduct missions because of the poor road not lost a thing. Felt good for an old man to jams, lots of lights at night, and blanketed by conditions but more importantly because the hear!” Tom has run into Ashley Abernathy Iraqi Police and Army. Both the Iraqi Army and medical helicopters cannot fly.” at a few of his son’s wrestling matches. He Police have well trained and experienced bomb And from Michael Owen ’88, I received the is also living in Richmond and doing well. disposal units, and we have a tight partnership following download on Spud Szczepanski.

When he’s not coaching, Tom tries to find with them … Also key to winning this fight is After enlisting in the Army, he had several time to work on his Harley. He and his boys local support; many times daily, local Iraqis are infantry tours including serving in Somalia with also like to contra dance, which Tom says is a pointing out where the IEDs, weapons caches, the 10th Mountain Division, “seeing the world” form of folk dance. and bad guys are located. We roll them up.” with the 82nd Airborne and also serving in Warren Michelsen sent his apologies for not Vernie Reichling also checked in from Germany. Several years ago (at the tender age making the reunion, but he and his family were Afghanistan where he commands the 70th of 36!), he graduated from the Special Forces in the midst of moving from Phoenix to AlbuEngineer Battalion. In addition to his batQ-course and has since deployed to the Repubquerque, where he is now area manager for the talion’s mission responsibilities, he and his lic of Georgia, Iraq (twice) and is now in Kabul, Albuquerque and El Paso offices of the Southofficers were able to go to Kabul to visit the Afghanistan. His current address is: Ski TF10-1 west Trane District. He and his wife, Jennifer, Afghanistan Engineer District, Army Corps of Camp Phoenix/Warehouse APO EA 09320. and their three girls – Emily (17), Julie (14) Engineers. Vernie noted that “most of today’s Back home, Dennis Butts is a vice president and Michelle (10) – have settled nicely in Albuofficers only know one thing – deploy, comeand one of three owners of QualiChem, Inc., querque. “We are enjoying the cooler weather back and deploy again. Well, I wanted to show which is a chemical manufacturing company and laid back attitude. We spent Thanksgiving them that there is another side to the engineer located in Salem, VA. He and Leigh Ann in our favorite mountain town, Red River, NM, regiment other than going out looking for celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in playing in the snow. We are looking forward to Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs]. Anyway, November 2007. They have two boys – Robert, a summer of camping and whitewater rafting.”

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES Warren sent along a picture of his three lovely girls, one of whom is interested in becoming a Sister Rat! Scott Jewell wrote with news that proves that VMI might be small, but we’re everywhere.

He worked for Carolina Biological for almost 19 years. John Long ’84 still works there. He decided to go out on his own as a convention planner but also works as a water treatment operator with the city of Burlington, NC, and hopes to become the superintendent in the near future. “So, I now am trying to build my business and build a second career with the city at the same time. I work all of the time!” But he says, “Life is good. I’m healthy. My wife has finished nursing school and is working in the operating room at Alamance Regional.” Scott hears from Mark Lund periodically. Mark is a heart surgeon in ME. He and his wife, Wendy, are doing well and staying busy. Scott has also run into our Brother Rat Mike Hinckle, who left VMI after our third class year and transferred to Radford. Mike is now a lawyer for a pharmaceutical company in Raleigh and also lives in Burlington, NC. He and his family came to Scott’s Annual Family Field Party this past summer. Scott has also kept in touch with Chris Stathis, who is in Richmond; Stu and Kathy Halasz, who live in PA where Stu works for Merck; and Lou Buonpane who works for the city of Raleigh.

Scott also ran into Kyle Goldsmith ’85 and Danks Burton ’85 at his high school reunion.

Kyle is selling real estate on Leesville Lake. He and his wife, Cheri, have three kids and are doing well. Danks and his brother, Doug ’80, have a construction company in Durham/Raleigh.

Danks lives in Cary with his wife, Joanne, and their two children.

Scott says anyone that is near is welcome to this year’s Annual Family Field Party. “Stop in, shoot a few clay targets, play a little volleyball and a have a cold one on me!” Details to follow!

Finally, by the time you read this, Tracy Porter will be retired from the Army. He will then go to work as a government contractor for the Army at Fort Monroe, VA, until the command moves to Fort Knox, KY, in 2010 as part of Base Realignment and Closure. His wife, Sandy, is a caretaker/landscaper on a local 60-acre estate. Between now and 2010, Tracy and Sandy are working to establish a certified organic farm on their 125 acres in King & Queen County, VA. Tracy called Scott Jewell to discuss what kind of bees he should use and where to get them for pollinating his crops. (Scott and his wife are beekeepers and are currently heavily involved in the beekeeping world.) Tracy Jr. is a sophomore in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech on a four-year

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Army ROTC scholarship and is majoring in geospatial design. Lauren and Tori are in 11th and 10th grade and the two youngest Porters, Annabelle and Lawrence, are in first grade and kindergarten.

As I wind this up for another edition of the Alumni Review, please keep in touch with all the details of the things you are doing and the places you are going. I look forward to passing all that on to our classmates! Ernie

’88

Hugh P. Brien

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’88 in this issue.

’89

Andrew J. Tunnard

Dear Brother Rats, I hope these notes find you and your families well. I would like to thank all of you who have provided financial gifts to VMI. Our class results have improved slightly due to your generosity. For those who are holding on to that envelope or check, I encourage you to take a moment to send in whatever you can on behalf of the class. Our objective is to increase participation … the money will follow.

The e-mails have been very sparse these last few months, so I do not have too much to share. Proud parents Kramer and Amy Reeves announced that daughter Mimi Marie was born on Jan. 7, 2008. Also, Ms. Wise of The VMI Alumni Association was kind enough to share the news of Ken Cobb’s wedding in January 2008. Here are the details: Maria Fleet Saffer and Kenneth Hightower Cobb were married on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Rev. Oran Warder, rector of St. Paul’s Church in Alexandria, VA, and the Rev. Lupton Abshire,rRector of Emmanuel, officiated. The bride is the daughter of Penelope de Bordenave Saffer of Tappahannock, VA, and Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Dew Saffer of Middleburg, VA. She is the granddaughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. E.A. de Bordenave, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Delbert Thornton Saffer. Her maternal great-grandfather, Lewis C. Williams, was the founder of the Williams Mullen law firm in Richmond.

The groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Howard Evans Cobb of Manakin-Sabot, VA. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Rob-

inson Cobb, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Baylis Hightower. The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents.

Stacey Carden Chavez and Reeves McReynolds McCune were her attendants. Mr. Cobb was his son’s best man.

The bride is a graduate of Foxcroft School, and Ohio Wesleyan University. She is director of annual giving at Collegiate School in Richmond, VA. The groom is a graduate of VMI and is an electrical engineer at Dunlap & Partners, Engineers in Richmond. On behalf of our class, I would like to extend congratulations to Ken and Maria.

Brian Duffy touched base in February. He has been in command of the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron at Andrews AFB for about 1.5 years.

In November, Brian will be attending the National War College at Ft. McNair in Washington, DC. Brian is quite honored to be selected for the War College and is looking forward to spending some better quality time with his family after three years in command.

In Brian’s e-mail, he was also describing the emotional roller coaster of the Super Bowl. For those of you who get your news through these notes, the NY Giants beat the heavily favored New England Patriots 17-14. This victory capped an unprecedented playoff run where the underdog Giants beat every opponent on the road, including the vaunted Patriots, to shock the football world.

Just thought I’d squeeze that in for any Cowboy, Packer or Patriot fans in the audience.

OK, that was a quick read, right? Yea, I know.

Please help me beef up these notes by sending

Class of 1989: Kramer and Amy Reeves announced that daughter Mimi Marie was born on Jan. 7, 2008. Mother and daughter are doing well, and sisters Lily and Ava are happy, as is grandfather Warren “Buddy” Bryan ’71.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Chuck recently ran into Scott Bradley ’86, who is a State Department employee working on economic development in the Karkh district of Baghdad. With any luck, by the time these notes are in print, Chuck will be back at home in Chesapeake eating oysters and enjoying a R. Hunter Trumbo cold one.

I recently heard from Charlie Company BR Elson Hin who has joined Neovera as a senior account manager. Elson recently switched jobs and probably cut his commute by 80%. While he’s marveling at the new time he has in his life, he said that “additional duties” have been Gentlemen: It seems like a lifetime ago since I popping up at home. (Imagine that.) Elson had submitted the last set of class notes, but I guess touched base, because he wanted to reconnect it’s just a lot of VMI events that have passed. with high school buddy and BR Dave Wright.

The weekend after sending the last set of Chris Whittaker sent an update to say that notes, I was able to relive the college road-trip his battalion change of command at Ft. Hood experience by convincing Jim Hynes to leave would be taking place in the spring, where he’ll DC around 9 p.m. on Friday night so we could be taking command of the 15th attend the VMI-Citadel football Brigade Support Battalion part of game the next morning. We ar2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st rived in Lexington at midnight, which mandated a beer at the Cav Division. The whole brigade Palms, where we ran into a bunch combat team (six battalions and the of our Rats from ’93 including brigade) will change on that day.

Pat Foley, Brandon Freel and Congrats, Chris – I know they’re in Sean Farley. They were staying good hands. in the bunk-room in Moody Hall, Angela Gottwald dropped me a reliving their VMI experience by quick note with an update about her sleeping in a six-man room, sharelusive husband, John, and included ing communal showers and taking a picture of their 18-month-old, John accountability the next morning Warriner Gottwald, who is a cute (one man unaccounted for, sir). little guy. Our BR John (also cute) The morning of the game, I ran recently moved back to Richmond into a few folks including Trey where he’s taken a position with Rhodes, his wife, Theresa, son Richmond Pharmaceutical Co., and Carson (6), and infant daughter he’s happy to be back at home in VA. Class of 1990: Above is John Gottwald’s 2-year-old Lily who were tailgating on the Todd Northrop sent an e-mail and son, John Warriner Gottwald, who is also the grandson parade ground. Trey and Theresa filled me in on what’s going on with of Douglas Gottwald ’56. were braver than I to take a baby him and his roommates. Todd has on a road trip, but Lily was an spent the past 12 years in Albany, angel, and Carson was a very GA, working with his father, Ed well behaved little guy. I had a quick chat with Citadel. Unfortunately, it was a joint VMI-CitaNorthrop ’62, and his brother, Brent, in the famFred Minnigerode on the parade ground, too, del event, so they had to endure a bit of ribbing ily Burger King business – they own six stores but we were running in opposite directions and about the game. He also saw Quill Healey at around I-75 in south GA. (Todd jokes that his couldn’t chat for long. another Atlanta Chapter event not too long ago C.E. degree is being put to good use.) Todd and At the Potomac River Chapter Founder’s where Bobby Ross ’59 was speaking. John his wife, Anne (Mary Baldwin ’90), have two Day Dinner, I ran into a couple of our Brother sounds like he could set up a mini reunion in beautiful children, son Bryce (8) and daughter Rats. I had the pleasure of dining with Kenny Atlanta without a whole lot of effort!

Ellie (2). He let me know that Pat Poon is still Robinson who recently went out on his own Chuck Smith sent in a few great pictures in the Air Force and is stationed in Guam for as a financial planner. He and I had a good chat from Iraq where he reported to the U.S. Army another six-10 months and then should be movabout how it’s always a little scary to step off Corps of Engineers’ resident office in Baghdad ing back to the Ft. Bragg area. Pat and his wife, the ledge but how it also can be very fulfilling.

Kik, have four children, two of whom are with just before Christmas. He’s the officer in It sounds like he’s doing well, as was the other them in Guam. Todd said that while he would charge of the International Zone Resident ’90 attendee, Rob Gudz, who is an engineer Office, where he runs all Corps of Engineers’ not have pictured him as a career military officer by day and a police supplies dealer during his reconstruction projects in west Baghdad (more while at VMI, Pat has done really well in the Air “free time.” than 60 projects and about $175 million in conForce, and he is very proud of him and all of our John King dropped me a note to tell me that tracts). He says he’s busy, but I think that’s an classmates who have served our country. he and his wife, Grace, had relocated the family understatement. His team is a mix of military, Todd also let me know about Monty Craft from Chicago all the way down to Alpharetta, U.S. civilians and Iraqis, and one of the civilian who lives in his home town of Uvalda, GA, GA. Their kids Katie (9), Harrison (7) and resident engineers is Dr. William DeLeo ’63. and works for the Georgia Dept. of Labor in me some material and a picture. I am sure many of us are getting together now and then. Share it with everyone by sending me a note, please.

That is all for now. Take care, gentlemen.

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Annie (4) all are adjusting well to being down south, and John has run into a lot of people since the move. He’s still doing healthcare work for McKesson and was recently promoted to the staff assistant to the COO. One of the major perks of being in GA is that he gets to see Paul Holland every day! (John put in the exclamation point.) Paul also received a promotion and is now the staff assistant to the VP of sales. Paul and John spent a few days in SD pheasant hunting, and John passed on that the VMI weapons training proved its worth, as nobody got shot (excluding the birds)!

John recently heard from Andy England, who is out in KS where his construction business is going well and his family is fine. Mr. King also had the chance to bump into Tony Zang at an Atlanta alumni meeting, where they watched Big Red football go up against the

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CLASS NOTES Statesboro, GA. Monty has helped Todd over the years with answers to questions about his business and labor issues and has generally helped keep Todd out of trouble. Monty and his wife, Sonya, have two children.

The most aloof of the roommates is Brad Lawrence who was last rumored to be working for Johnson & Johnson near Little Rock, AR. Brad and his wife, Honie, have three children.

Doug Dillon sent me an e-mail with his current status. Doug has been serving in Iraq with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, serving his third deployment since Sept.

11th. When he’s not deployed, he teaches history for Loudon County Public Schools in Leesburg, VA, and I know he misses his family when he’s gone. Doug and his wife, Paige, have been married for 18 years (they dated while he was at VMI), and they have four sons: Noah (12), Luke (10), John (6) and Jacob (4).

And last but not least, after watching an amazing VMI basketball game last weekend, I got to spend some time with Matt Schwarzmann who has hit the ground running at the Alumni Association. His family is adjusting to the slightly slower pace of life in Lexington, and Matt’s helping the association further their use of data management systems to help serve us all better.

That’s all of the updates I have for this round, folks. If you haven’t been in the notes for a while, please drop me an e-mail, or give me a call. Hope to hear from you all soon!

Hunter

’91

George Petty III

I heard from one of my dykes recently. Mike Eason ’94 has returned to active duty in the Army and is now stationed in Ft. Sill, OK. He is happy to be back in uniform. I was able to put him in contact with one BR, Jason Shinn ’94, who happened to also dyke in Room 185. Jason was commissioned in the Army after enlisting when he left VMI his first class year and went to Ft. Huachuca, AZ; Germany; Iraq; Germany; Bethesda, MD; and he’s now at Ft. Meade, MD. He has a wife, Julie, and two sons, 1 month and 4 years. I hope to see Jason some this summer as they travel to Roanoke to visit family – Waynesboro is about midway.

I also hope to see Ben Dorman and family this weekend (Feb. 16, 2008). Ben, Brenda and Samantha will be spending the weekend over in WV skiing. Waynesboro, again, is midway on their trip.

A warm welcome goes to Valerie Stone née

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Frey. She and Brian Stone were wed Nov. 3, 2007, in Jonesboro, GA. Also in 2007, Brian was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the AF in July. He is stationed in Warner Robins, GA, flying on the JSTARS aircraft.

This summer, he will become the detachment commander (professor of aerospace studies) for the AFROTC Detachment at the University of California at Berkeley.

Also promoted to lieutenant colonel in the AF is Gary Rose, who should have moved into a new house outside Las Vegas in January 2008. Gary traveled to India in December to visit several of their AF bases.

Matt Childs sent a recent picture of himself, wife Regan, and twins Nathan and Lillian posing in Moscow’s Red Square. Regan and children will be returning to the states soon, as Matt has accepted an unaccompanied tour in Kabul this summer. Matt provided info on a few BRs. Class of 1991: The Childs family – Regan, twins Tony Marro visited the Childs Lillian and Nathan, and Matt – in Moscow’s Red in FL last summer. Tony is being Square. Matt is stationed at the embassy comworked hard at CENTCOM. He pound in Moscow until summer 2008 when he also has two children now. Joe transfers to Kabul.

Rioux provided the essentials for Matt when he passed through their area recently. The Rioux family has three Navy. He spent the holidays with his wife and children. Matt stays in regular contact with Vic kids touring Scotland and a bit of Europe. If Dewyea. Vic and Kelly boast of four children. you would like to join Drew in this life of leiVic is leaving the Army and entering private sure, he provided his address for mail from the practice. Pavel Lesho recently made contact USA and a phone number. Craig Preston PSC 50 Box 56 AE, APO 09494; theprestons1995@ with Matt also. yahoo.com.

Mike Milner checked in to say he sees Heath Drew wrote, “If you or any of the BRs you Wells periodically at the Ft. Belvoir indoor hear from are headed this way or need anything, swimming pool; we both competed in a few please have them call, e-mail or whatever. They triathlons last summer. Mike also ran into are always welcome. My phone number is Dave Hart at one in Luray, VA, but he’s in an +44(0)1329667651.” elite class of competition, ahead of Mike. He’s Ever notice how some folks always seem to taking it easy during the cold months and will have a pouch of pixie dust and get incredible get back into the swimming and biking when it orders or unreal permits approved? Andy Colwarms up. lier seems to be one of those chaps. He received Shay Ferrell e-mailed to say he was bummed unexpected orders and left Germany on Jan. to have missed the 15th Reunion but plans to 31, 2008, to go to DLI in Monterey to study attend the 20th. He is in the Navy and stationed Japanese, and then off to the Japanese Naval somewhere with an AP address until 2009.

War College for a year, with follow-on orders More news from him to follow next time. in Japan. I am certain Naoko is thrilled to be Speaking of follow-up news, I apparently returning home with her husband. Andy starts made an omission with the last notes: Kai school in March. He provided his e-mail (ahcolTorkelson is now stationed in DC. lier@googlemail.com) for folks to contact him Drew Preston reports that he is stationed in in his travels.

Portsmouth, England, for the next couple of News from Brooklyn: Rob Townend would years as an exchange officer with the Royal

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1992: Woody Woodward got together with roommates and dykes before being deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. From left: Austin Clark ’95; Woody’s dad, Mickey Woodward ’53; Charlie Martin; Woody; Tom Hamner ’89; Charles Dunn; and Chuck Weatherman. Clark and Hamner were Woody’s dykes.

Joseph Gionti provided this update and very fine closure for this edition of class notes: “Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year. I am currently living in Willoughby, OH, working for PCC Airfoils in Mentor, OH. I have two boys, Nikolai (15) and Vincent (14), and a little girl Gianna (2). Both boys received their recruiting letters from VMI yesterday.

I would like to thank all of our BRs and troops who have served and are serving our country in this War on Terror. God Bless all of you and your families, and come home soon.”

those who don’t recall, Pat and Andy married like to sell you a bridge. Well, no, not really, Chris Bergen sisters. They live near each other, and their but he is now a VP for American Express in children are often at the same events. Pat and Manhattan and lives in Brooklyn. He runs AExViki (married 17 years) have three healthy and press’ Global Real Estate and Global Procurehappy young’uns ages 14, 12 and 9. He continment Controller divisions. Rob explains this ues to work for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals means he keeps the company square with the Andy Tate as an executive district sales manager. He regulations from the SEC and other regulatory has been with this company for 14 years. Pat bodies. Rob is enjoying time with his daughter, trades Xmas cards and the irregular message Lena, who was 10 weeks old when he wrote in with Dave Ahrens. Dave has his own conJanuary. struction company in Lynchburg, VA, and is Tom Clark wrote from MD. Tom left VMI Seems like every time I turn around, it’s time doing well. Pat reports that Dave has five chilafter Christmas furlough Rat year. He went to submit the class notes. This is a short update. on to complete his physics degree, even to the dren and a garage full of dirt bikes, helmets So, I hope that if you’re reading and realize you Ph.D. level. He now works for Johns Hopkins and other fun toys. Pat suggests Dave gets all haven’t dropped me a line in awhile, there’s no the fun toys since he has a bunch of boys?

University at the Applied Physics Laboratory time like the present – these things don’t write This is a re-run of my appeal from the last in MD. Tom has been married for 13 years themselves! OK, enough with the complaints – edition of the Review: I would encourage this July and has three girls: 6, 4 and 2. Way onto the updates. you all to visit the VMI Ranks online. Go to: to go, Tom! First up, Bill Woodward was deployed to www.vmialumni.org/NETCOMMUNITY to Marty Hawks has been selected for CWO Kabul, Afghanistan, where he works with ISAF. register. After waiting about 48 hours, you school in the Army. He is currently at CWO He deployed this past winter and will be servwill have full access to the site. Once logged school. Marty will continue to work in the ing there until June of this year. Woody works on, you can update your address, find another counter-intelligence field. Queue the jokes as the intel section chief for the Counter-IED BR’s contact information, make yours private now, please.

Branch with a mix of U.S. and NATO forces. and participate in the class blog by posting Gary and Kristen Barnette e-mailed to say He keeps busy seven days a week, and though comments and messages. they had spotted Col. Brodie right in front the time is going by quickly, he is of course the camera during the Band Co.’s looking forward to returning home 10 seconds of fame. For those in June. Kenner Coon is in San of you who did not hear, and I Antonio working for Johnson have no idea how that could have Controls, who bought York Internabeen possible, Band Co. was the tional (the company he was working featured band in the 2008 Rose for) as a branch manager. Kenner Bowl Parade. Gary has lived in is looking for any BRs who might Cedar Rapids, IA, for over seven be in the area. I’ve got Kenner’s years. He works as a communicacontact information if you need it. tion system engineer at Rockwell Don Noschese and his wife, Anna, Collins, an avionics company. are living in Louisville, CO. He’s Gary works in the government working as a project engineer for a systems area and is part of a team pipeline engineering company. Don that is developing the latest genlives pretty close to Jim Maiocco eration ARC-210 airborne radio (he is in the next town over in Erie, for the U.S. Navy.

CO) and gets to see him every Pat Krug also provided an once in a while, as well as Kevin Class of 1992: Lxex Robles and wife Hazel Austriainformation laden missive. The Bourke, Mike Morris and Chris Robles exchanged vows while surrounded by loved ones only alum he ever sees is his Keever. Rich and Ann Falcone on Dec. 15, 2007, in Las, Vegas, NV. brother, Andy Krug ’92. For sent in a quick update to announce

’92

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CLASS NOTES the birth of their son, Peter Sebastian, born Dec. 31, 2007 – Congratulations! Speaking of new additions, Mike Richardson and his wife, Sharon, welcomed their first child, Connor Thomas Richardson, into the world in October 2007. Connor and his mom did great, and he is growing like a weed. Mike is still in Richmond and gets to see Carl Engstrom, James Cherry, Dave Weisenberger and Mark Baush at their weekly poker game. Anhtuan Nguyen wrote in from IN where his unit, the 55th Sustainment Brigade, is currently mobilized. They will head to Iraq at the end of this March. Anhtuan is the transportation chief in the support ops section, in charge of controlling, monitoring, coordinating and planning the logistics convoys leaving or arriving into his LSA in-country. Anhtuan is looking forward to serving but at the same time, misses the family. I got a quick note from Rob Fowler who had passed the word at the reunion, but in case you missed it, he proposed to his girlfriend, Amy, at Natural Bridge the weekend of the reunion. They are planning a Sept. 13, 2008, wedding in St. Mary’s, MD. Congratulations to Rob and Amy!

’93

Paul Ackerman

Dear Brother Rats, Our reunion is scheduled for Oct. 3-4, 2008, and will be only a few months away by the time you get these notes. I also want to remind you all to register on VMI’s new online community, VMI RANKS. The database will make managing the class notes and contact information a lot easier for me as well as the class.

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the plaque for Tom Miller will be erected. We will plan to have a formal dedication for Tom and Paul Syverson during the class reunion. I would also like to have the class try to establish a memorial scholarship. I should have more information as we approach the reunion about the scholarship options.

I talked to Paul Syverson’s father over Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Syverson wanted to wish all of Paul’s BRs a happy holiday and thanked the class for all the love they have shown them.

They have marked their calendars and plan to accept our invitation to our 15th Reunion.

Tom Miller’s family has also set up a Web site in memory of Tom. The web address is http://www.lowell-millerii.last-memories.com.

Please visit the site and send a note to his family. They enjoy hearing from all of Tom’s BRs. I hope the Miller’s can attend our reunion also.

Stephen Allison has some great news to

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share: “My wife and I continue to live in Blairsville, GA, which is in the North Georgia Mountains, and I have been practicing law here for 11 years. I am a sole practitioner and take all kinds of cases, but primarily I handle real estate closings and do a good bit of corporate work. I represent one of the four banks in our town, and that keeps me busy. Our two boys, Thomas Jackson Allison, is 7, and my youngest, Nathaniel Greene Allison, is 6. They keep their mother and me on our toes and have been an incredible blessing. The major news is that I have announced my candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives for the 2008 elections. I am running as a Republican, and I have a great chance at being the first Republican elected in this area since reconstruction. It will be a tight race, but I believe it is a pursuit worth undertaking. Also, I think I could be the first VMI alumni to be elected to the Georgia House, but I am not totally positive on that fact. My Web site will be up soon and is located at www. allison08.com. Feel free to let people know, as fundraising is always prevalent in an election, and every dollar matters.”

The unsanctioned and unofficial 1993 annual tailgate grew in number this year, as several dozen BRs converged in Lexington for the Citadel game. I knew I was in trouble when I received Tom Ripley’s supply list the day before the game. The weather was forecasted to be bitterly cold but Tom, always prepared, wanted to make sure his outdoor heater would fit under my canopy. He also brought a generator to keep

the chili warm! I am not sure if I can remember everyone I saw, but I will give it a try. Those in attendance included Angela and John Reilly, Clifford Foster with lil-Cliff, Trey Petty, Tom and Alex Ripley, Rick and Bridget Barnes, Don and Stephanie Spears, Darin Ramsey, Kevin Morris, Kevin Watson, Chad and Carmen Smith, Sean Farley, Brandon Freel, Patrick Foley, Andrew Joyner, Matt Williams, the Sylvesters (Hans, Katrina and Ava), Mike Tuck, Chris Nevitt, and Jon and Leah Casarotti. It was a great time with great food.

Brandon Freel even sponsored a Bocce Ball tournament on the Parade Ground. I am not sure who won, but I am proud to report there were no major injuries during the game. The football game was another story. However, several BRs were still enthusiastic about the game due to rumors that BR Ace was to be the halftime entertainment. Ace did not show up during halftime but did make a post game appearance and provided a Jujitsu demonstration. Again, I am happy to report that no one required stitches, although someone told me that Ace did make Darin Ramsey tap out. Several BRs also asked me to document that Raleigh Trumbo and Jim Romasz were not in attendance so that records would be available when the swirly court meets in the bunker during the next tailgate event.

Lora DeVarona e-mailed me some pictures of Alex in Iraq. Alex is doing well and should be back home reading these notes and getting ready for baseball season. When Alex and Lora lived in Lexington, he was my son, Jake Acker-

Class of 1993: At Jim and Caroline Sharp’s wedding were, from left, Jim Akers, Kurt Polk ’95, John Morbitzer, Tim Miller ’95, the groom, Ed Kerns, the bride (Davidson ’97), David Fleck ’95, Matt Creech ’96 and George Shield ’86.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Class of 1993’s “Unofficial, Unsanctioned Tailgate” Event VMI-Citadel Football Game, Fall 2007 1

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1: Don Spears, Rick Barnes, Andrew Joyner, Tom Ripley and P.J. Ackerman. 2: Patrick Foley. 3: Luke Ackerman, Paul’s son, playing Bocce Ball. 4: Hans Sylvester. 5: From left, Brandon Freel, Tom Ripley, P.J. Ackerman and Patrick Foley. 6: Darin Ramsey, left, and Matt Williams, enjoying the food. man’s, baseball coach and loved teaching the game to the kids.

John Perry sent me a note to let me know that he and Adele “had a great Christmas and New Year’s. Cameron and Andrew (8 and 6) had a great time. They still believe in you-know-who.

I think some of their classmates know what’s up and have told them, and they ask us every now and then, ‘Is Santa Claus real?’ but the closer the big day gets, the more they believe. I think they’re afraid not to at this point – if they decided he wasn’t real, the presents might not show up under the tree. Kathryn is going to be 3 in February, so she has figured out Christmas is REALLY GOOD, too – by next year she’ll be really jazzed up about it.”

John and Gerri Timmons sent me an update

2008-Issue 2

that their family is doing great. They have gotten to travel a lot, and their daughters, Kendall and Alexis, are having a great time in school.

John is still working for Daramic and just returned from a trip to Thailand.

B.I. Evans ’49B sent me a great article about Phil Grant. According to Mr. Evans, Phil has been making a name for himself as a successful assistant district attorney in TX. I forwarded the article to the Alumni Review and hope they can get permission to reprint it. The article is about Phil earning his criminal-law certification. Mr. Evans also informed me that Phil is doing well and lives in Round Rock, TX, with his wife and three daughters.

Jim Sharp sent me a note that he got married on April 14, 2007, in Greensboro, NC, to the

former Caroline Bynum. Those who attended the wedding included Jim Akers, Kurt Polk ’95, John Morbitzer, Tim Miller ’95, Ed Kerns, David Fleck ’95, Matt Creech ’96 and George Shield ’86.

Michael and Susan Wallace sent me a nice card and family picture with their daughter, Katlin. The Wallaces are living in DC, and I hope to see them this fall at the reunion.

Guy Berry was selected to be a professor at the USNA. He is currently finishing his M.A. in history at Villanova and living in West Chester, PA, and hopes to come visit Lexington soon.

Raleigh Trumbo has provided a link to a VMI sports chat room. The link is http://vmisports.proboards57.com/index.cgi.

In the Spirit, Paul

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CLASS NOTES submission that I recently got married. My wife, Lizann McGowan, and I were married in Philadelphia in October 2007. We honeymooned in Italy for 12 days, and visited the Amalfi coast, Venice, Florence and Rome. It Rick Killmeyer was the greatest vacation either of us has ever had. Upon our return, we moved Lizann into my home and found a renter for hers. Thanks Greetings, Brother Rats. I am sorry to have to to all who were able to attend and for the many start off with unfortunate news. Vince Porter well wishes we received. wrote from Iraq to say that Dave Underwood Dan Williams I received a note from Larry Burris. He and was injured in Iraq, while serving with the 1st Amy have moved to sunny Ft. Hood in Killeen, Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment. ApTX. Their daughter, Ashley, turned 1 in January. parently, an IED took part of his hand or arm.

Larry is the S-3 (operations officer) for 1st BatI am trying to get more details and will report talion 66th Armor Regiment. There are seven anything else in my next edition of class notes.

VMI alumni in 1-66. They range from the class By the time you all read this note, we will Hang in there, Dave! of 1991 to 2007. The 1-66 is preparing for a be well into 2008. So, there is no reason to Eric Ensley is recovering from a case of deployment to Iraq in March. wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy malaria that he caught while in the Amazon Larry gave me the scoop on the following New Year. I do hope the year has been going Jungle. More importantly, he and his wife have people: Jason Pifer is commanding a USAF well for everyone. Dan mentioned in the last a 5-month-old baby boy named Diego Enrique rescue squadron in Okinawa, Japan. He and Ensley. Congratulations to the Ensleys! Eric his wife just had a baby girl. Brad Moses is also reported that Shenn-Rong Shyong is back the S-3 for 3rd SFG (Special Forces Group) in the U.S. with the Taiwanese Army. He is in and is currently on deployment in AfghaniDC taking some classes.

Mike Johnson deployed to Bagram Airbase stan. Kendall Clarke is also at Ft. Hood and in Afghanistan for six months. Mike will be the is serving on the 1st Brigade Staff 1st Cavalry Division. Drew Bissell and his family were 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron sent back to Ft. Carson, CO, home of the 10th commander.

SFG. Benji Bird recently returned from an John Campbell is busy running his mortIraq deployment and was subsequently sent gage company. He recently started a land to be stationed with his wife, Amy, in Korea. development company and a modular home Finally, Larry reports that Brian “Ranger” dealership with some partners. John recently Richie is stationed in Korea again. returned from an annual hunting trip in TX Class of 1995: Rich Hauben, Sean Burke has recently returned from a with Rusty Stein, Stu Copenhaver, Tim center, with his two boys, Eugene, three-month assignment in Afghanistan. We are O’Boyle and Ro Browning. left, and new baby Bruce, right, in currently playing phone tag, but I know he is Will Gorman finished his M.B.A. through February 2008. happy to be home with Erin and his two boys, Virginia Tech in February. In January, the class Sullivan and Finnegan. did a capstone trip to Shanghai There is much news to report and Ho Chi Minh City. on the baby front, most of which Tim Lyon has started a new came through fellow class agent position at Defense Threat ReducDan Williams. Rich and Joy tion Agency (DTRA). Tim has Hauben had their second son, run into Chris Russell and Jimmy Bruce, on Feb. 8, 2008. Bruce Tyrrell at DTRA. Tim’s family is (aka “mini-me”) joins his brother still in LA and is expected to join Eugene “Mean Gene” to round him in the DC area this summer. out the Hauben trio. Dan and I Sean Lanier is looking forward received word from Matt Russell to June, when he will leave Iraq that he and Jen are expecting. and head back to Columbus, GA. Apparently the Russells had He’ll be there for at least a year just returned from the 12-week and will make a decision if he ultrasound, and there is a kid will stay longer, which would with four limbs, a head and require another stint in Iraq. He heartbeat. Matt also said he’s already has two Iraq tours under taking college donations from his belt and would have to think anyone, but I don’t think there is long and hard about doing a third much sympathy from our class, in five years. Sean says Fred BarClass of 1995: At the wedding of Rick Killmeyer and Lizann as many are in the same “saving ber is in Kuwait, but he has been McGowan were, from left, Dave Fleck, Mike Eden ’82, the for college” boat these days. unable to reach him. He hopes to groom, the bride, Dan Williams, Mike Bernard and Jim Ken and Keri Jambor are also track him down when he is on his McFalls ’59. expecting their next baby (a boy) way home.

’94

Christopher L. Doyle

I trust everyone is doing OK. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Our 15th Reunion is a little over a year away.

’95

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in late February. Ryan and Melissa Feeney are also expecting twins in late February 2008. Wow! Good luck, BR, and forget sleep. Finally, I received news that Dennis and Jana Lucente recently welcomed their second child. Ashley June tipped the scales at 9 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. Dennis said, “I guess we grow ’em big!”

Dan also got word that there is a very rare and highly celebrated achievement in the E.E. (that’s “E squared” for the LA majors) department. Dan heard that the most unlikely of the 14 E.E.s in our class has become a certified professional engineer (PE). Can anyone guess?

I’ll give you three hints: NASCAR, “Why would I want to study any harder? I got a 60; so I passed!” and “Where’s the Beef?” Yep, you guessed it; Scott “Beef” Bosiger is an electrical PE. Finally, Dan heard that he tied the knot with the date he brought to our 10-year Reunion. So, double and sincere congratulations are in order for Scott!

Finally, in case you missed it in the Class VMI news, Ken Jambor flew the VMI Regimental Band down to the Rose Bowl. Many of you may not know this, but among the several and unique distinctions that our class holds, one is that Ken and Rich Hauben have flown the VMI Regimental Band on several occasions. Rich flew the band via C-130 to march in a parade in Orlando, FL, at Disney World back in 1999.

The latest iteration of this tradition occurred when Ken airlifted the band to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, in January 2008! Ken is a major in the Air Force Reserve flying C-17s at McChord AFB, WA, and flies Boeing 767s for Delta Airlines. That’s it for now. Keep the news and photos coming.

’96

Rusty McGuire

Editor’s Note: The following class notes cover the period of Aug. 16 to Nov. 15, 2007.

I hope my change of e-mail addresses has not confused you, but after almost five years working for the attorney general, I accepted the position as the chief deputy commonwealth’s attorney for Louisa County. Our family will remain in Mechanicsville, and I am getting used

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of 1996: Jim Flaherty and his wife at the Taj Mahal in India.

to the commute to Louisa. I heard from Chris Noe who says he is in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where he is attending CGSC. Melissa gave birth to their third child, William, on June 6, 2007.

He has heard from Anthony Gray (also known as Tone Loc and the smartest person in Col. Hayes’ history class Rat year) for the first time in almost 10 years. He and his wife are both veterinarians in TN and doing well. Anthony is specifically a horse vet. Chris also heard from Jim Johnson, who is living in NH with his wife, Lise, and their four children. He is an engineer at a nuclear power plant.

Curt Bourn told me that life is good down in Jax – his 16-month-old son, Cameron, keeps Laura and Curt plenty busy these days. As for work, he made the move to Delta Air Lines in July, flying the “Mad dog” (MD-88) and based in NY for now. Fortunately, next month, he will switch to Atlanta and be flying the 737, which he is already flying in the Navy Reserve. (He said flying the same thing at both jobs = less brainpower required = always a good thing.)

He wished he could have joined the festivities at the mini reunion but will try to catch us next time. Rick Mattoso told me that he was back from a year long TDY in Brazil where he worked for the MilGroup as a liaison officer and is now back flying for United Express in

Chicago. He went to Homecoming mainly to see our BR Greg Harris coach our football team. He is doing well and nicely settled in Lex but is working mad hours. Travis George got TDY’d for about four months back to the Middle East, and so did Sean McFadden for a few weeks. Rick sees Jason Botterill in Phoenix, and they get together from time to time.

Jason is doing well working his engineering job as well as real estate. Joey Dubose is still out in LA finishing his Fellowship in Pasadena,

Class of 1996: Luke Vincent Antonelli was born on Feb. 23, 2007.

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CLASS NOTES where he still has about eight months way past closing time, and the bartender to go until he finally joins the real Air at Ruth’s Chris finally had to run us Force. Jamie Yoxtheimer continues to out of there. Impressive, since it was do well in Charlotte and always has a a school night for Eli. Photographic spare room for anyone passing by. Spike evidence proves that he enjoyed the Solovey dropped me a note saying that evening.” he is down at Bragg with Sean McRick Mattoso said, “I am working Murry in 7th Special Forces Group. He inter-island out in HI now, based in recently redeployed from another OEF in Honolulu. I’m looking for people to come Afghanistan. out anytime!! Some others guys I have Jared McCormick writes, “Things run into were Joey Dubose. He is still are going well over here in Iraq. I am doing his fellowship in LA, and we spent working as part of a transition team New Year’s together in LA with the VMI currently advising the headquarters for Regimental Band at Huntington Beach. the National Police. I am working with Jamie Yoxtheimer is still in Charlotte their fuel and transportation section, and working a new job but still doing the civil it is a challenging but good job. I am engineering thing, building all sorts of Class of 1996: Wallace Inge’s daughter, Grace, currently in the Green Zone, so if you things around town. Jason Botterill and holding the newest addition to their family, know any other BRs or alumni that are I see each other from time to time out in Tommy. over here, please let me know. I am here Phoenix and are actively involved with till September and then hopefully on to the chapter out there. Cliff Weddington is Germany again. Just have to see what the future some of the other guys got a few but none for in Charleston, SC, doing well with his wonderful and the Army hold.”

Mike. I couldn’t resist calling him the day after family keeping him busy. Greg Harris is making Holly and Conor are doing well back in VA at he left when I killed a small buck on his stand. us proud as an asst. def. line coach for the I and Ft. Belvoir; so if any BRs are in the area, stop The pictures are of a 9 pt. I killed the day before assuring that we have some great players coming by and say hi. he got here. There’s always next year.” our way; hopefully, we have a head coach as well Court Bourn said, “My son, Cameron, is a ... That’s about it for now, but if anyone wants to Editor’s Note: The following class notes year and a half old now and into pretty much come out to HI, I can hook them up with passes cover the period of Nov. 16 to Feb. 15, 2007. everything. Laura and I are still living in Jax, to see all the islands.” where I’ve been flying the 737 for the Navy Antonio T. Napolitano wrote, “A quick upI hope this Review finds you all doing well.

Reserve for about two years now. When I’m date on me and my expanding family. On Jan. It was pleasure to hear from so many of you not chasing my son around the house or doing 3, 2008, my wife [Patti] gave birth to twins, this time. This is the record for submission the Navy gig, I’m up in Atlanta, where I’m cura boy [Eli] and girl [Aria]. We now have four since I took over as class agent. I first heard rently based with Delta Air Lines ... also flying children: Ian [4 yrs], Ava [2 yrs], and Eli and from Frank Dingle who said, “I wanted to anthe 737. Haven’t seen too many VMI alums Aria [1 month]. We are still living in Greensnounce the birth of our first child, Anne Baxter lately, but one Citadel guy I saw in the airport burg, PA. I will try to send a picture when I get Dingle, on Dec. 17, 2007. Anne and her mother, did give me thumbs up for the gigantic VMI a chance.”

Frances, are both doing well. We are living spider decal I’ve got on my flight kit.”

Jim Flaherty wrote, “I hope all is well with in Baltimore where I’ve worked for the same Travis Hughes said, “I am currently a project you. It has been a while since I have put in for investment firm for 11 years.” Mike Waltz was manager for SAIC in Stafford, VA, working on class notes. My wife and I are still in Richmond upset that a family member sent in the picture chemical and biological defense projects for the for the time being. My wife will be losing her of him being awarded his two Bronze Stars, and Marine Corps. My wife and I brought our secjob when Wachovia Securities moves out to St. while he is very humble, I am very proud of his ond son, Clark Robert, home from the hospital Louis, so we are keeping our options open as to service, and we should congratulate him. He on Thanksgiving Day.” Mark Simonds wrote, possibly moving after that. I guess wherever I says, “I’ve left the Pentagon and am now work“I have some news. My family and I have just can find something and not have to take the bar ing as VP Cheney’s special advisor for South returned to the East Coast from an outstandagain. I am still with the same firm, working in Asia and Counterterrorism. Right downstairs ing and fulfilling seven years in KS. I am now the litigation department. I have been in touch is John Adams who is one of the president’s the pastor of the Oakdale United Presbyterian regularly with Jeff Mozgala. He is in Hickory, counselors. It’s great to have a classmate in the Church in Oakdale Pennsylvania [in PittsNC, with his wife, Kelly, and daughter, Sophia. building. I also went hunting with John Sherburgh], where I started Oct. 29, 2007. My wife, He is enrolled in nursing school and I believe is rod in December. He scored a 10-pointer and P.J. [formerly P.J. Couey, MBC ’97] and I have going to be physician’s assistant. I am not sure is thoroughly enjoying the single man’s life in bought our first home and immediately filled of all the designations. I believe Jeb Bartosik his lake house in Ashland. I, on the other hand, it by adding our second daughter [third child], is still in LA. I have not heard from him since am still working on my fixer-upper house in Torah Grace, to our family on Dec. 14. We look the reunion. Pete Ehlers is down in Tampa on a Capitol Hill but welcome all visitors who are forward to shorter drives with a full minivan to joint assignment with SOCOM. I believe he has coming through DC.” get down to the I for a couple weekends in the some updates, but I will let him post that. On Jon Sherrod was so proud of the deer, he sent future.” a fun note, my wife and I had the opportunity in pictures and wrote, “I hope all is well. Mike Doug Bartlett wrote, “I am still in Boulto travel to India this winter. Her department is Waltz came down and hunted with me for two der and loving it. I had a business trip out to being outsourced, and she had to go train the days between Christmas and New Year’s. We Raleigh, and I hooked up with Eli Wahesh and people who will be doing her job. I was able to saw a few on the second day he was with us, and Spike Solovey for dinner. We told stories till visit her for about two weeks. It was amazing.

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CLASS NOTES We were able to see the Taj Majal, as well as a bunch of other places. It was a great trip, the food was wonderful, but it took waaaaaay too long to get there, and we both picked up bronchitis while we were there, despite a myriad of shots and pills [malaria!] we were required to have. It really made me appreciate the little things that we take for granted every day here.”

Christopher Noe wrote, “Melissa, the kids and I are still at Ft. Leavenworth going to CGSC. I graduate in June, and we still don’t know where we are going after this. I have run into a few alumni recently around the college. A couple of days ago, I ran into Chris Lowe. He just got here after returning from Iraq to attend CGSC. I also had the pleasure of running into a legendary figure from our Ratline: Rhett Cox ’93! He’s in my CGSC class, and although I thought I saw him way back in October, I was hesitant to go speak to him, partly because I wasn’t 100% sure it was him, and being honest, I was a little frightened.

I did run into him in the hall, and he’s actually a really nice guy. Who would have thought? I told him about my hesitancy to speak to him, and he said he gets that a lot. Updates on other BRs. I spoke with C.J. Mulligan. He is in FL now getting his family settled before he goes to Iraq on an Iraqi training team. He and his wife just welcomed a new baby girl to their family at the end of December. I also have e-mailed back and forth with Jared McCormick who is in Baghdad training Iraqis now.

Anthony Gray wrote, “Just wanted to write and give you an update for the class notes. My wife, Kerri, and I are living in Bristol, TN. She and I are both veterinarians. She works on small animals at an emergency/critical care clinic, and I am now a board certified equine specialist working on horses exclusively. We have lived here almost two years since leaving Blacksburg after finishing my residency. We like the area and are doing well. Have gotten a few e-mails from my old roommate, Jim Johnson. He and his wife, Lise, and their four kids are now living in NH where he is an engineer for a nuclear plant. Haven’t seen any BRs in a long time but hope to soon. Hope all is well with you.”

God Bless you all.

’97

John Duckworth

Gentlemen: I hope I find you feeling healthy.

The last six months have flown by, and it is hard to believe we are now looking forward to the beginning of spring. Thanks to all of you who came out and made the reunion a success.

It was a great pleasure to see so many of you again after so long. It was truly a perfect weekend. Now the news …

Brett Thompson has made partner at Kellam, Pickrell, Cox & Tayloe, P.C. in Norfolk, VA. When he is not playing lawyer, Brett is teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the SEAL teams stationed in VA Beach, where he lives with his wife, Tiffany, 3-year-old daughter, Briana, and 3-month-old son, Brock.

Dave Zirkle is teaching at Virginia Tech and UVa this semester. He has enjoyed being down in Blacksburg a couple of nights a week, where he gets to enjoy the local “culture.” Dave will be teaching full time for the next couple of years and maybe longer at Blythe Belenky’s recently renamed alma matter, Randolph College. Dave would like to thank everyone who participated in making our reunion a resounding hit.

Andy Ervin wrote to say that he and his girlfriend recently had a baby boy; Jacob Randol Ervin was born Jan. 4, 2008.

Blair Gregory and his family are still in Alabaster, AL, where Blair was recently promoted to senior United States probation officer. He recently finished firearms instructor training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. Blair also just made a trip with Rick Hezel and Matt Linderman to MS to be with Phil Zoffuto and his family for his father’s wake and funeral. Dr. Zoffuto was a big supporter of VMI over the years and made many trips for football games and big parade weekends.

Elizabeth and Tim Moore are adopting a baby girl, Lily Sophia Moore, born March 23, 2007,

The VMI Bookstore Looking around for just the right gift?

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Address: Manager, VMI Keydet Bookstore, 300 Crozet Hall, Lexington VA 24450 Phone: 540/463-4921 2008-Issue 2

from Haiti this year and will probably be back in the states by sometime in June. Tim is also looking to finish his Ph.D. in May 2009. He has a humanitarian project going on right now in Hinche, Haiti, which involves building a community center/orphanage/clinic for the Hinche area. It is quite an involved project and focuses on a partnership with an organization out of Boston known as Partners in Health (PIH). PIH was founded by Dr. Paul Farmer, one of the most celebrated humanitarians of our decade.

Tim’s wife, Elizabeth, is working at W&L in the University Development department and sees a lot of VMI. If anyone out there is interested in humanitarian work, or sponsoring work in Haiti, or other places, especially projects run

by VMI guys, Tim and Elizabeth are the ones to contact.

Jeremy King and his fiancée, Amy, are getting married on May 10, 2008, at Edisto Island, SC. Amy’s father and two brothers are Citadel alumni. So, it should prove to be a very spirited union. Jeremy would like anyone who will be in the Nashville, TN, area during the weekend of April 26, 2008, to join him for the bachelor party. It should be a good time.

In case you hadn’t heard, Brett and Catherine Ogletree had a baby boy (Evan) last July. Brett has taken a job in Charlottesville managing the database group for Scholar One and commutes in from Richmond.

The Rahmans recently moved to the Southern CA area and are still getting accustomed to non-Texan ways of doing things there. Shah’s son, Zubin Mojib Rahman, was born on June 29, 2007. Shah is still traveling all over the place and is now getting ready for a trip to the Middle East. He talks to Jason Stracqualursi at least once a week. Jason is a lieutenant commander working at a Navy shipyard in MA and has finished work on his master’s degree.

Bill O’Donnell is still living in Arlington, VA, and flying for Southwest out of BWI. He is surprised how many Southwest captains he’s run into who are VMI grads. Bill’s wife, Kathrine, is due to have a baby girl March 26.

Their son, Jack, also turns 2 in March. Bill spoke with Jeff Staub recently. He and his wife, Kristen, are living up in PA and just had a second child – a little boy named Tyler. Hopefully, he doesn’t look like Jeff. Bill also reports that Blake Lackey ’96 is back from Iraq. He said he’s got some time off, and then he’ll probably head back to Iraq for one more round of hunting season.

Billy Edmunds is currently in Afghanistan working with the Army (an Air Force major on the ground in Afghanistan?). He is halfway through a six-month deployment, and then it’s back to FL to enjoy the Gulf Coast beaches during the summer.

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CLASS NOTES Everything is going well in NH for Trey and Laurie Porter. They had their second child, Nevin Joseph Porter, in July, and Trey has decided to prolong his stay-at-home father gig for a bit longer. He has been at home with the kids since March of 2006 and has really enjoyed it.

(Who wouldn’t?) Laurie has her own ear, nose and throat practice in southern NH, and it has kept her very busy. They have a great Web site for the kids and family, www.babykateporter. com. Take a look.

Mark Turner wrote to check in. He got back from Beijing last September and is currently working at the State Department on a one-year assignment. This August, he will be headed overseas once again, this time to Hong Kong.

Mark sees Jim Smythers every now and again.

Jim is working on the Hill as a Senate staffer.

Scott Saunders would like everyone to know that his son, Alexander Massy Saunders, was born Aug. 29, 2007. Scott is still in Richmond, working for BB&T Capital markets in institutional equity sales. Scott says that Joel Kusterer is engaged to be married this spring.

Ed Bonham has traded a few phone calls with Matt Smith and Joe Cofer ’96. He reports that Doug Baker is back in Iraq for another tour. Ed has been working, taking classes and teaching hazardous materials classes for the commonwealth. He hopes to get some time off in the near future to continue his Weapons of Mass Destruction training through the Office of Domestic Preparedness. Ed will be getting married in May. Joe Klapatch stopped by to see me on his way east to Arlington from his old assignment on the left coast. Joe has been reassigned to the Pentagon where he will be doing liaison work for the Navy. He was also able to stop and see Donnie Hasseltine on his way through Albuquerque.

Donnie finished his second tour in Iraq with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, in August and received orders shortly after his return. He is now the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Albuquerque, with an area encompassing 226,000 square miles (of desert; sense a theme here?) over NM, west TX, and parts of OK, CO and AZ. Donnie says that it has been a busy and challenging job thus far, and he’s seen some pretty unique and amazing parts of the country in the past few months.

Mike Renn recently decided to pull up stakes and move his family to New Zealand. He, his wife, Vanessa, and their son, Thomas, are now living in his wife’s hometown outside Wellington, where Mike is working for a mechanical contractor.

Brian Keslick has recently separated from the Marine Corps and is finally settling into life as a teacher. Brian finished work on his master’s degree last fall, and he and his wife, Christy, are

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anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first baby girl this April.

On Oct. 5, 2007, Gary Compton and his wife, Melissa, welcomed the arrival of their second child, Benjamin Kenobi. Gary was also running for the school board in Powhatan last fall. He says that even though he didn’t win, it was a great experience running for office.

Shortly after graduation, Andrew Osborn worked for a while in Wilmington, NC, as a civil engineer and then decided to try his hand at being a Marine. He has since deployed twice to Iraq and is getting ready for his third deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Andrew is currently flying Super-Cobras for the Marine Corps, where he has run into some of our Brother Rats. He was recently selected for an escort mission of some Army Blackhawks and was quite surprised when James Pridgen stepped out of the cockpit. It’s amazing to think that he would see one of his fellow fifthstoopers over there. Andrew is recently engaged to Elethia Roofner of Shreveport, LA. They plan to marry after he returns from his next deployment.

Dave and Sara Short are now back stateside.

The Air Force has moved them to UT, and Dave is working there at one of three depots for the Air Force. Sara is expecting a baby girl in April.

Thanks for keeping me up to date. I hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe.

In the Bonds, John

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Brother Rats: I hope this edition of Class Notes finds you all doing well. Having just taken over for Mike, I’d like to take a moment to thank him for his devoted service as class agent. Although I have not yet had time to get in touch with all of you, I am trying to do so in the coming months. Many of you have been in touch with updates, and I promise that in my next edition, when time constraints are not so stringent, I will get back to a more traditional form of Class Notes. Without question, one of our greatest challenges is to get current contact information for all of our Brother Rats. I will be making updates to the class through Class Notes and through our new class Web site which you can access at www.vmialumni.org. I encourage each of you to go to the site, register for the VMI Ranks, update your profile/contact information and visit our class page under “My VMI Links.” That will be the primary source of contact information, reunion registration and

communication as we prepare for our 10-year Reunion in October. I have so enjoyed getting back in touch with those of you who I have had a chance to speak with already and look forward to seeing everyone at our reunion Oct. 3-5, 2008, in Lexington. A number of our Brother Rats have stepped forward to assist with the reunion planning, and as we finalize plans, you will be hearing from us. Remember to update your contact information on the Web site and if possible, join me in making a contribution to the Institute in the coming months.

We are in the process of setting up a VMI Class of 1998 Endowed Scholarship Fund that will be available to anyone who wishes to contribute to it, but donations to any particular group or fund at VMI will be counted toward our class goals and to the check we will present to the Institute during parade at our reunion in October. If any of you would like to serve on our newly founded VMI Class of 1998 Reunion Fundraising Committee, Reunion Activities Committee or Scholarship Committee, please let me know.

I have listed the members of our Executive Committee below for your reference.

Please go ahead and book your rooms now for the reunion (Oct. 3rd and 4th) at the Wingate Inn in Lexington. You may reach the Wingate at 540/464-8100. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the class of 1998 attending your 10-year Reunion at VMI, and please let me know if you have any problems.

Class of 1998 Executive Committee: Todd Boykin: Executive Committee Secretary and Scholarship Committee Chairman; Ernesto Sampson: Executive Committee Financial Advisor; Marc Schweigert: Executive Committee Technology Advisor; Mike Lorrence: Reunion Fund-Raising Committee Chairman; and Reunion Activities Committee Co-Chairmen Jeff Taylor and Gardner Mundy.

’99

Brad Wineman

So far, this year been an eventful one for our class.

The new trend of having babies continues to gain popularity with our class. Long-lost Scotty Burris resurfaced to announce that he and Kris are pregnant with their second child. Their 1-year-old son and duty with the Fairfax County police already keep him busy. Jason Wells and Blythe welcomed their first, Abagail, on Jan. 29, 2008. Jason is still working for the Secret Service with Billy Gage, Sean Ross and new trainee Ryan Debouchel. Out in PA, Russ Roselle and

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Vanessa gave birth to second daughter Isabella in late January, as well. He is still the chief financial officer for ITA Partners in Philadelphia. Just north in CT, I heard from Lee Pitts who also had a second daughter in October. He is working as a systems engineer for a defense contractor which will relocate him to work in western Asia.

In Roanoke, Jay Witt just learned he will be having a bouncing baby boy, supposedly arriving on New Market Day. Chris O’Toole and Jill are expecting their first child a few weeks prior in April.

Staying with the theme of waiting for baby number two, I got a great note from Matt Hart.

Their second bundle of joy will arrive in June.

Matt keeps in touch with Randy Brown just down the road from him in High Point, NC. He attended a surprise birthday party for Jason Smith in which Wyatt McGraw and Les Gould were in attendance. Matt talks to Jim Reger who is working in northern VA and already has four kids of his own, three girls and a boy (and apparently has no plans to stop). He also reports that Powell Harrison has left his position at the Men’s Warehouse in Richmond and is seeking missionary work in France.

However, the most noteworthy of all these births is the announcement of another Mason Ayers! Yes, on Dec. 12, 2007, the world welcomed James Mason Ayers Jr. Proud papa Mason Sr. is working hard for J.E. Liesfeld Contractor, Inc. and keeps in touch with much of the Richmond BR crowd including Charlie Bennett, Patrick Stutts, Coley Campbell, Jamie Kane, Marshall Luck, George Lawrence (just got back from Iraq in December) and Ben Rowe.

To go along with all of these new lives and families, many have taken on new occupations and lines of work. Jason Trubenbach just accepted a new civilian position with the Department of the Army G4 and will be returning to Washington, DC, from Germany this April. He promises to have a big Oktoberfest celebration at his house (once he buys one) this fall. So, stand by for invitations. Also returning to the nation’s capital for a new job is our own roving reporter, Conor Powell, who is now working for Channel 8 News, keeping up with all the action with the primaries. So, be sure to tune in. Wes Barrow began a new job in January with Ernst & Young, a public accounting firm, as a college recruiter, where he recruits from all the major colleges in VA. He also keeps busy with his computer consulting firm GIGLINE with Jon Atkins ’98. Matt Stephens is technically not starting a new line of work but is actually back in school at VCU taking some prerequisite courses to get into dental school for 2009.

The big news for 1999 in the Army is that VMI ROTC will be welcoming its newest instructor, Brother Rat Eric East, this fall. Eric hopes to enlighten cadets with his experiences and do his

2008-Issue 2

best to get through his three-year tour without getting Beefed.

John Wilcox just recently tied the knot with the former Nellie Cho in November. John is stationed at Ft. Bragg where he is enrolled at the Civil Affairs Course with Dave Kaczmarek who just had a baby girl in August. He also keeps in touch with Mike Nelson at Ft. Campbell and Aaron Bush who just returned from deployment. Court Whitman also checked in from Bragg to say he’s loving life with his new bride and two dogs in Fayetteville. Over here in KS, Barry Williams is still at Ft. Riley where he is changing out his second command and hoping to get stationed back on the East Coast. I have also gotten some great pictures from Woody Cromley from Iraq, as well as Mike McDermott (who is serving as a tactical officer at West Point) of his daughter Mia. On the Marine side, we continue to see a steady turnover of classmates heading in and out of theatre. Jason Berg is returning to Iraq for his second tour in February as a company commander ,while Chris McGuire, after a three-year hiatus in the administrative bowels of Quantico, is back with the infantry and headed to Iraq this month, as well. Meanwhile, Josh Kling is wrapping up his second go-round in the sandbox and will be home soon. Also rotating out is John Bolt, who is finishing up duty in Al Anbar as the S-2 of 3d LAR, while his new bride, Sacha, is still serving in Afghanistan with the British Royal Navy Reserve. John, unfortunately, will be leaving the Marines this summer.

I also got a note from Cliff Ford who is still stationed with the Marine Air Wing at Camp Pendleton with his wife, Beth, and baby girl Marin. Cliff will also be returning to Iraq in February for a third tour. He recently ran into Fil Heist in Yuma, AZ, where they both spent seven weeks going through the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. Heist is flying EA-6B Prowlers at Cherry Point. He also talks regularly with Charles Faulkner who is still in DC but is now a second lieutenant in the Air Force National Guard.

Charles’ wife recently gave birth to a baby girl. He also keeps up with Andy (Owen) Kidwell who is in Roanoke selling medical supplies.

Of course, we cannot forget the Navy. Dale Durlach checked in to report that he has returned stateside to be stationed at the Pentagon working on the watch floor for the Director of Naval Intelligence. I am also told that “Admiral” Troy Denison is back at sea for the Navy on another cruise. And then there is our favorite world traveler and Naval reservist, John Holmes. John has completed his central and eastern European studies at Jagiellonian University in Poland and danced around the continent in various reserve billets. He is now on his way to Iraq in March to serve as a Civil Affairs officer working as a liaison between local and military officials for

reconstruction efforts across the nation.

Bill Steinbach took time from his LSAT preparation to send me this update from the end of the fall: As you know, we got a group of guys up to the Citadel game. Jake Britt and I met up with Jochen Dunville on Friday night for pregame activities. Saturday, we linked up with Cam Tabor and Rob Hardee for tailgating and a walk down to the game. We ran into Jake Abell, Billy Gage and Ryan Bogese. There were also sightings of Jeff Holder, Ali Morales and a few others I can not recall at this time (getting old is rough).

Several weeks ago, Jake and Emily Abell threw a surprise welcome back to the commonwealth party for Robbie “Leroy” Trent. In attendance were Ryan Bogese, Matt Irving, Jake Britt, Mike Wilson, Paul Brown, Jochen Dunville and myself. Big time was had by all, and luckily the police were not involved at any time.

Finally, we have several Brother Rats who have to be congratulated for major accomplishments here recently. Some have received advanced degrees, such as Greg McDearmon who completed his M.B.A. from Auburn and Jon Rogers who now has his master’s degree in education and continues to teach in the Seattle area. Wayne Graham is now a published author, as his new book, Facebook API Developers Guide, is being released by APress this month. Others are accomplishing great feats physically, like Sager Marshall who completed a marathon in Southern CA. But the two that stand out for these class notes are, first, Randy Eads who is running for U.S. Congress from the 3rd District in Mississippi. Jason Trubenbach is helping his campaign as much as he can and encourages all of us to lend our support and encouragement to get some Keydet representation in our democratic government.

Then, we all need to applaud Andre Curtis who helped win Super Bowl XLII as the Giants Defensive Quality Control Coach (quite a feat while also taking care of the newly arrived Andre Curtis, Jr.). Congrats, Dre, from all of us on winning the big one. And the sooner we get you back on the Keydet football staff, the better.

Even though many of us just missed the contemporary craze of networking Web sites, I do have to admit that Facebook is turning out to be a wonderful asset for all of us to keep in contact.

I encourage all of you to set up a profile and sign up for our class of 1999 Facebook group. It takes just seconds to set up, requires no obligation and is a wonderful tool for tracking down friends both inside and outside the VMI community (www. facebook.com). We have about 50 members of the class as members already, and I would like to get many more. My thanks to Matt Hart for setting it up, as it has become the de facto class Web page.

If you have any questions about the site or any updates, please drop me a line!

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CLASS NOTES

’00

Christian Arllen

Kuebler is living in Centerville, and Stewart Staton is living in Ashburn, VA. Matt’s Rat, Pat Atchison ’03, recently separated from the Army and is working for Target Corporation in Suffolk, VA. He is married with two kids, Ella and Julia. Lacey ’06 (my grandrat) is a lieutenant in VANG and living in Staunton, VA, teaching English and coaching at Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, VA. Matt Keller is living in Washington, DC, and going to law school. I spent Saturday morning hanging out with a bunch of VMI and Citadel alum at the Citadel’s monthly meeting in Alexandria. Mike Judge ’01 was there to read from his book, which chronicles the Citadel-jeeptheft incident that he pulled off in the fall of 2000 (www.thejeepstory.com). Profits from the book are going toward our favorite scholarship fund, the Doltz scholarship. Joey Klapatch ’97 was there, along with Jeff Gausepohl ’65.

Shawn and Krystal Fisher had a son, Caden, a little over a year ago. He’s 14 months old and is luckily beginning to look more and more like his mother. They live in Richmond, and Shawn works for Circuit City buying “fun time” electronics.

Todd Kennedy and Brittany were married on May 19 in New Orleans; Jason Clough was the best man. They are now living in uptown New Orleans and teach at Tulane University. (She teaches Spanish, and he teaches English and film.) He reports that Abbott and Lisa Keesee are doing well, having just moved into a new house they built in Lexington, where he is

teaching at Rockbridge County High School.

Dave Epperly is starting his second semester in the MIT Department of Architecture’s master’s program. He is pretty much glued to a chair in the studio and working all the time.

Hopefully, he can make it to the third semester when they teach him how to remove glue.

Micah North is currently living in Dayton, OH, having changed jobs and working as a materials and process manager for ATK Space Systems. He and Nadia welcomed daughter Sophie Noelle North to the family on Dec. 11, 2007. They finished moving two weeks before she was born, and both are doing well. Not too long ago, he met up with Mac Semler, Pat Haddock, Nick Castleberry, Matt Vordermark in Starkville, MS, for the TennesseeMiss. State game. All of those guys are doing well. Matt Tyson and Joe Schulkens are right down the road from Micah, but they keep missing one another.

Amy Snawder wrote in for Jared who is deployed in Iraq. They are scheduled for a two-year detail as an exchange instructor at the Australian Defence Force School of Signals in Melbourne, Australia. They visited Harold Caples in VA over Christmas. Harold and his wife, Karen, welcomed a second son, Jared Robert Caples, on Dec. 31, 2007.

Justin and Jackie Wood are doing well, as is their daughter, Jordan, who recently turned 1.

Jackie was promoted to director of development for the department of medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Mac Semler has taken a break from the trading floor of the NYSE and plans to start business school in Philadelphia next year. He caught up with Micah North, Nick Castleberry, Pat Haddock and Matt Vordermark at the Mississippi State game not too long ago.

Matt Martin is on cruise in the Middle East with the USN. Matt pilots a MH-60S Knighthawk and was recently involved in the rescue of seven foreign mariners that were lost at sea. Hit him up for the pictures; they are great. He and Wendy are pregnant with their first child. (Way to go team!)

Hopefully, he will make it back in time from deployment for the delivery.

Tony and Bethany Cerella are changing station – so long South Korea; hello Ft. Riley – for MiTT training prior to another deployment to Iraq. They are also expecting their first child.

Congratulations! They are doing some traveling in India on the way back to the states. Speaking of Iraq, Jon Hartsock is still hanging out there for a little while longer before he transitions back to the civilian life. Jon ran into Ryan Mitchell not too long ago. Ryan resigned his commission and is now a warrant officer flying Blackhawks. Alec McMorris just returned home from 15 months in Iraq with the Army and is keeping watch on Jon’s house at Ft. Bragg for a while.

Matt McComas hosted the Seventh Annual Groundhog’s Day Party again with good times had by all. He was recently licensed as a land surveyor in VA to go along with his professional engineer license and still lives in Berryville, VA. Everyone gathered for a picture, but Bum Phillips ’84 didn’t make it. It seems his permit was revoked, and he had to go to bed early, missing the picture. Updates on attendees in no particular order: John Palmer is designing satellites and living in Leesburg with plans to get married in October. Rich Baltimore is still in grad school at UVa for a little longer and enjoying the married life.

Tony Esteve recently graduated with a M.B.A. from GWU. Ben Inyama is living in Alexandria. Matt Crowgey was married in September 2006 and is living in Matthews, NC. Shawn Class of 2000: At the 7th Annual Groundhog’s Day Party were, front row, from left, Segreti recently graduated with Scott Kuebler, Pat Atchison ’03, Matt McComas, Phillip Lacey ’06 and Stew Staton. a M.B.A. from GMU and lives in Back row: Jack Palmer, Rich Baltimore, Tony Esteve, Matt Keller, Ben Inyama ’02, Arlington where he and Matt WilMatthew Crowgey, Shawn Segreti and Matt Williams. liams catch up on occasion. Scott

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CLASS NOTES Scott Johnson and his wife, Windsor, are still in northern VA along with their two boys, William and Lucas. Scott is working for General Dynamics as a program manager and is looking to hire some folks. If you are interested in the experience of a lifestyle polygraph and some interesting work, drop him a line.

Matt and Alicia Parker are still in Richmond, VA, where Matt is working for Dominion Virginia Power, and they are doing well.

Don Ferguson checked in, and the Ferg family is doing well and learning how to integrate two new cats into the family.

Jimmy Banton is still flying Harriers in Yuma and will be deploying again sometime this spring/summer time frame. The Bantons are pregnant again, and this one’s predicted to be a little girl due in June. Jimmy ran into Derick Fix ’97 in Pensacola while they were both there for training John Ferguson is deployed again, flying B-1s in OIF and OEF. He finished his master’s degree just before leaving. He and Molly are expecting twins in September, and John hopes to make it home for the delivery. Molly has started a candle business. So, anyone in Alpha Company with a propensity for fire, eheh, fire should give her a call for supplies.

Tom and Amy Boyer had twin boys that just turned 1 year old. The family is in the process of moving to Seattle.

Ryan Cengeri is counting his blessings. His kids (Kayleigh is 8, Alden is 5 and Madailynn is 2) received a puppy for Christmas that hasn’t damaged or messed up anything in the house to date. They are still stationed at Ft. Benning, working with the regiment. Ryan’s brother, Steve Cengeri ’97, is in MI working as a contract engineer for the Army.

Nate and Maria Friedline are busy with their two daughters, Isabella, 3.5, and Josie ,1.5, while Nate continues his training in neurosurgery.

Bobby Kennedy continues to work in the government and was recently promoted! Alicia is working as the HR director for her company; you’ll see some job posts at the alumni site from her. Little Bobby is 4-1/2 years old and loving school, and Caylie turned 3 in January.

To top it all off, they are enjoying their first winter in their new house in McLean.

Chris Abbott and his clan are still hangin’ out in Sarasota getting ready to start enjoying that FL summer sunshine. He continues to pass his time playing entrepreneur and plans on breaking ground on his new commercial center next month. Sounds like the planned launched of his small cap publication was successful, and it is going out to 13,000+ investors. He reports that Chris Gamble is up in IN, has a great little boy named Connor, and he and his wife, Nikki, are doing very well and that Carl Hammond is

2008-Issue 2

Class of 2000: Cheering on the team at the Mississippi State game were, from left, Micah North, Nick Castleberry, Mac Semler, Pat Haddock and Matt Vordermark. working with KB in Orlando, but living on the East Coast.

Word is that Jimmy Sheldon is still at the I with the ROTC group, and he received some “tanks” from Chris to help with “training.”

Well, it is apparent that the memo went out, and the child-growing season for the class of 2000 is in full swing. Congratulations to all you new and expecting moms and dads.

All my best, Christian

’01

Jason Whitaker

Well, this is round two since I have assumed class agent duties, and I applaud all who have contacted me so far. I’ll continue to get the word out concerning the transition. My wife, Dawn, and I are enjoying life in the DC area and are planning to move out of MD and into northern VA within the next few months. I often see Justin Harber and Josh Berk, who are doing well. Justin is finishing graduate school at George Washington University, and Josh is a special agent with Diplomatic Security and recently moved to Arlington, VA. Will Alley and his wife, Jessica, have a 2-year-old daughter named Carlee Scott. Their first son, Owen, was born on Jan. 7, 2008. Will and his family are currently living in TX, where he is in his last semester at Truett Seminary at Baylor University (working toward a master’s of divinity degree). Will also works part time at First Baptist Church Belton as the minister to military families. In June, Will said he will re-

enter active duty service as an Army chaplain.

Elijah Ward reports all is well, and 2007 was a busy year for him. After returning from his second tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom in September 2006, Elijah was sent to Ft. Sill for the Career Course in January 2007. Elijah was there until June and said he realized how old we have gotten after meeting with lieutenants who were class of 2006. In August, Elijah reported back to Ft. Campbell to 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Elijah got assigned there as the fire support officer for 1-502nd Infantry Battalion and deployed for his third tour in Iraq in October 2007, where his unit has been working in northwest Baghdad. Elijah reported he saw Ethan Weber on Camp Taji in November. Elijah reports his old roommate, Joe Gunter, is in Baghdad with the Navy Reserve.

Mike Butterfield writes, “Well, it’s been some time since I’ve talked to a lot of the folks in the class. I went from being a reserve engineer and high school teacher, to now being an active duty EOD tech. For those not good with the acronyms, it is Explosive Ordnance Disposal. I guess everyone who said I was crazy was right. The wife and I started our three-year tour in Okinawa, Japan, in August. I wish all well and hope to make the next reunion.”

Dan Lee recently separated from the Army and will soon be graduating from the Fletcher School at Tufts University with a master of arts degree in international affairs on March 15, 2008.

Melissa Williams is getting ready to graduate this June from family practice residency in Saco, ME. Melissa said they get plenty of snow there, but life is good and the snowboarding is great. Melissa said being a doctor is not all she had anticipated, but she is happy. Her plans for

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CLASS NOTES we got in 2004. I hope to hear from her soon, and I am so proud of her.

This is a great honor for her and her family.”

Kevin Fromm just got back from Afghanistan after a year advising the Afghan army and Afghan police and is stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. Kevin will be taking command of a field artillery battery in between late August and early September. Kevin believes he has about 18 months before his next deployment. He reported that Matt Meyers just got over to Afghanistan as he was leaving and is advising the Afghan police.

Mike Judge has raised over $1,000 for the Ryan Doltz ’00 scholarship fund so far, following the publishing of his book, The Jeep Story. There was a report in VMI Alumni Review 2008-Issue 1 Alumni News section.

Mike provided the Web link to learn more about the book, www.thejeepstory.com. I checked out the site, and the book is more than just how we Class of 2001: Maria Vasile in front of the shuttle launch pad at the Kennedy Space stole the jeep; it captures the entire Center.

VMI experience. Thanks, Mike, for taking care of this; I’m going to order the future would be to do a one-year one. (Class Agent Note: By the way, fellowship in osteopathic manipulative I can’t say this enough, but great job medicine, then to start a practice someDS-9000. We could not have done where in family practice. Melissa said it without your planning and tactical she is keeping the Post doctor position expertise; you know who you are!) in her peripheral vision for when Dr. Erich Miller is doing well and Copeland decides to retire. Melissa reported the following: “Eric Ham also shared the following about some is working in Milwaukee as a human other classmates: “I stay in regular resources specialist, i.e., the dude contact with Kelly Sullivan who is who gets to hire and fire people. Vic living in northern VA working for Time Zottig finishes his M.S. in chemistry Warner Cable and is very active in at UVa this month and then on to VMI life. Maria Vasile is living in FL doing his dissertation and defense so and just started a new job as an industhat he can finally be ‘Doc’ Zottig. trial hygienist at the Kennedy Space Clay McVay ’00 (but graduated Center. Her love life is blooming, and with us) returned from OIF just she has a big Doberman pinscher to before Thanksgiving with the 19th keep her company named Amera. Terry Engineers to Ft. Knox. He moved Li and Kendra Russell are living in in next door to me until he PCSes Heinsberg, Germany, right now with to West Point this summer. He is their beautiful son, Aven. Terry is so doing the USMA instructor program Class of 2001: Tim Hackler and his son, Gannon. excited about all the history around starting his M.S. in civil engineering him. His e-mails are usually about the this summer. Tom Graham is living Battle of the Bulge. They seem to be has been in training since September 2004, with in MD and not too far from the DC very happy. Tennille Chisholm is happy living the retreat door being sealed since Nov. 4, 2004. area. He and Karen had their first son, Aiden, in VA with her boyfriend. She does civilian During the retreat, no phone, e-mail or Internet last March. Karen just separated from the Navy work for the Navy, and she has some rescued is allowed, and other type of communication Nurse Corps and is working at Bethesda. John greyhounds she adores. Tamina Mars got marsuch as snail mail and fax, are discouraged, as Niederhaus completed his Ph.D. at WI this fall ried this year to a nice man from Richmond. well. Therefore, Ho has not been able to comand recently moved to AZ. Sam Fishburne was Chih-Yuan Ho is finishing up a three-year, municate with much of anyone since the doors in Germany the last time I heard, which was three-month retreat – a traditional training for were sealed. She is supposed to be finishing up about a year ago. I think he was in Wiesbaden. lamas (i.e., teachers) in Tibetan Buddhism. She in March of this year, according to the e-mail The Kaserne may be incorrect, but I know it

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES was with 1st Armored Division. He is military intelligence now, with his branch detail to Armor complete.

Price Lykins is separating from the Air Force either this January or February and will return home to Memphis.”

Jay Gleason is currently in command of an engineer company at Ft. Carson, CO, in 1-67 Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and has served in this position for the last year. Jay is scheduled to deploy but does not know when. Congratulations to Jay and his wife, who are expecting a baby boy, due anytime now, and it is their first child. Jim Gleason is currently in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division and lives just outside of Ft. Bragg. Jim is due back at the end of April and is anxiously waiting to get home. John McGrady is also in Afghanistan and just picked up a second command.

Eric Gannon is doing well living with his wife in Phoenix, AZ. Jon Schott reported he owns a house and Class of 2002: From left, lower row, were Sam Stephens ’05, Peter Goldman ’68, Heidi lives in Pittsburgh. John is working Nagel, Dave Nagel ’01 and Drew Carbone ’01. Upper row: Caleb Sylvester, Matt Stephens as a medical device sales representa’99, Jennifer and Frank Deerr, Brandon Bennett and Brady Bagwan. tive for CR Bard in their Venous Access Division. After a Las Vegas and movies. Ray Girman is doing very well in edition of the Review, I am the class agent in trip last summer with Brad Muston, Pittsburgh, PA. He has gotten into restaurant charge of class notes for 2002, and I encourage John flew down to see him in Ponte Vedra franchise business, and it looks like he’s got you all to e-mail me with updates and pictures Beach for some fun in the sun. Brad owns a Jared beat with a number of Subway chains if you wish. I am more than happy to include house and works in Ponte Vedra as the director under his belt. them in upcoming notes! of operations for KB Home. Jon and Brad said, I recently joined Facebook and have been Laura and I managed to see Jim Cowardin although they’ve been unable to verify, they able to connect with many BRs, including in January while he was back stateside, briefly heard Charlie Bunting is currently in Norfolk Nick Compher. Leven Harrison is doing on leave from serving in Iraq. He told us that where he spends a great deal of time, in and back flips and other jumps off of any cliffs he has been up to his usual prank-related antics out of the office, with former TAC officer Maj. he can find. Also, Nathan Wahlgren is in his and has kept his entire company, indeed practiSharese Powers. second year of teaching high school physcally his entire regiment, on their toes. He is set Again, thanks to all for your submissions. ics at a private school in northern ME. He is God bless all our armed forces members includ- to return home for good around the end of May 2008 and has fairly solidified his future plans as still very much into bagpipes and from what I ing civilians working hard overseas to make a civilian. hear, is participating (and winning) many solo this a safer place for all of us.

Paul and Amy Stamp are the very proud bagpiping competitions. parents of two boys, Hayden (2) and Nolan (8 Cy DeKeyser wrote to me from Baghdad Salmaan Khawaja months). After leaving active duty in August International Airport. He and Tonya recently had 2006, Paul took a job as an engineer in Roatheir two-year wedding anniversary. Currently, noke, VA; the family lives there today.

Cy is in Iraq with his National Guard unit along John Fuller is wrapping up his Ph.D. disserta- with Beau Mason ’00 and Ziegenfuss ’06. They tion at UNT Health Science Center in Dallas/Ft. are expecting to be back stateside this summer.

Matthew Thompson Worth, TX. That is … if he doesn’t continue to Scarlett Bean ’05 is just down the road from Cy have technical issues with his laptop. From perin Baghdad with her unit. Cy also told me that sonal experience, it is likely that John will not Sean Hoover, Corey Stavinoha and a couple of be very interested in discussing his dissertation VMI men and women, had left the Green Zone topic with anyone for the rest of his life once he after being in Iraq about 10 months. He also told has completed it. Good luck, John! me that he heard that John Leake was with either Derrick Bodkin reports that he is interviewthose guys or down in Kuwait doing logistics for Greetings, Brother Rats! I hope that this ing with an environmental consulting firm near them. Cy mentioned that Steve Lee is with the edition of the Alumni Review finds you and Blacksburg, VA, and he remains a fan of books Air Force and is still based in TX, where he and yours well. As you saw in the Summer/Fall ’07

’02

2008-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES his wife, Jen, have two children. Matt Hylton and his wife, Kelly, are apparently doing well.

Cy says he’s excited to come home and get to VMI to catch a football game.

Rob Elder told me that he’s “still holding on for team bachelor!” He’s been hanging around Ft. Bragg since 2003 and is about to leave for AL for flight school. Heidi Mason Nagel told me that she has left her job at NGA with her husband, David, and their new daughter, Charlotte Leah Nagel, who was born in May 2007. Congrats, Heidi and David!! They recently attended Frank Deerr’s wedding. Heidi ran across Brady Bagwan, Caleb Sylvester, Brandon Bennett and others there.

Reuben Trant got in touch with me and let me know that Tim Burke and Tim Wolford are living in Arlington together and working for a Joint I.E.D. Task Force in DC. Tim Wolford will finish his master’s program at George Washington University in the spring.

He also let me know that he attended a New Year’s Eve party in Richmond, VA, at Brett Prillaman’s house, and in attendance were Keenan Entsminger, Grey Lester, Jesse Bilthuis, Derek Schwenk, Jackson Castleberry and Jon Tibbs. In addition, Reuben let me know that his twin brother, John Trant, and his wife, Lea, are looking to relocate to VA from Atlanta this summer. Reuben also let me know that he has been in touch with Mark Grigsby, Tommy Settle and James Howard and that they are doing very well.

Please be in prayer for James Howard’s recovery. He was recently in a terrible accident that has left him in critical condition.

Everyone that knows James knows that he is a fighter and will eventually overcome any odds or setbacks. To send him a message of encouragement and stay abreast of the situation, please visit: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ jameshoward.

That’s the news concerned thus far. Please e-mail me: salmaan.khawaja@gmail.com with updates for future editions of the Alumni Review!

In the spirit, Salmaan

’03

William Talley V

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’03 in this issue.

’04

Ryan Shealy

Hey Brother Rats, First off, I hope everyone’s enjoying the New Year and that it’s treating all of you well thus far! Granted, you’ll probably be reading this in the summer. Things here are going well. I started a new job as an electrical controls engineer for Carpenter Company back in November, after four terrifying months in sales. The new job has kept me insanely busy but in a good way. So, Justin Roberts has volunteered to help me out with the class agent duties, as I’m sure you noticed when you got your holiday cards this year!

Well, let’s jump right into it. I tend to rely on e-mail for a fair amount of my updates because of my hectic schedule. Plus, since my short-term memory is horrible, this gives me concrete reference to refer back to when writing the notes, so I don’t misreport anything from anyone; hah! The first update comes from Hrvoje Glasnovic, who got engaged to his now-fiancée, Nina, back in November. They’re set to be married on May 17! He finished up his master’s in conference interpreting and is now the personal interpreter for the president of the Republic of Croatia, where he serves as a second lieutenant in the Croatian army. Jim Bean wrote in to tell me how things were out at Ft. Sill. Scott Campbell is in BOLC II out there, and Rich and Devon Connaroe are expecting a little girl! Rich got picked up for law school in the fall but may have to go on a MiTT instead.

The VMI Bookstore Looking around for just the right gift?

Outgrown your old VMI sweatshirt?

Address: Manager, VMI Keydet Bookstore, 300 Crozet Hall, Lexington VA 24450 Phone: 540/463-4921 128

(Still no finality on that decision yet.) Jim’s unit received deployment orders for April, but he already has orders to go to FA CCC in March; don’t know which one will happen yet. Glen Walton finished up Basic, OCS, BOLC II and OBC in one big swoop and will be headed to HI for his first duty station. He is definitely in great shape these days; apparently, he had LeighAnne Allen (Lindenmuth) as his PT coach back in VA. Hey, Leigh-Anne, how much for a PT session? Glen is getting ready to move to HI for a bit with the Mrs. before being deployed to Afghanistan in December with the 3rd BDE of the 25th ID. Derek Raymond is doing well. He is currently at the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Ft. Knox, KY, learning how to be a captain.

He graduates Feb. 29, 2008, and will go to Ft. Benning, GA, for Airborne School. Afterward, he’ll head to Ft. Bragg, NC, to begin the Special Forces Qualification Course, or better known as The Q Course. That will take a year’s worth of training, so I’m sure there will be exciting stories. Derek’s old roommate, Ryan Walker, is in the process of building a house in Chesterfield, VA, right near me in Richmond. He passed the bar exam a couple months back and is working as a lawyer in the Richmond area. Matt Vogel just shipped out to Iraq for his second short tour with the Air Force. He navigates AC-130s. He actually left about five days ago and he’ll return in April. Anyway, he is engaged to be married on Saturday, Aug. 23 (Good choice, Matt; that’s my birthday!), at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. So, I would imagine that if some BRs haven’t gotten an invite, they should just crash it in typical VMI fashion! Ha! Class President Jason Quash is doing well living in Columbus, GA, and finishing the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course. Afterward, he will be heading to Ft. Bragg, NC, for SFAS and then hopefully to the SF Qualification Course.

But in all, he’s enjoying teaching at a local church and spending time with friends and family while home. He went to visit John Casper back in the fall. John is still working at VMI as the assistant director of Admissions and loving it! He shares that the Third Barracks is nearing completion, and Kilbourne Hall’s new addition makes the whole building look unbelievable.

He assures us that we’re brining in another strong Rat class this fall!

On a more personal note, he and his wife, Lauren, have decided to become foster parents.

There is a great need in the Rockbridge County area for temporary homes and parents for children from broken homes/abusive situations.

They are more than happy to be able to serve in this way. He and Lauren both also continue to be involved with Chaplain Park and the cadet ministry on Post. Josh Powers left a quick note

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES saying that he’s still in Iraq and is looking forward to re-deployment in May. His son, Patrick, is just starting to crawl! In another short note: George Cushman just got back stateside from a tour in Iraq, moving back here from some time in Germany and will be attending Mounted Captains Career Course in Ft. Knox, KY, for the next eight months. Chuck Karamon is teaching chemistry and physics to the inner city youth in Indianapolis.

From the other side of the world, Josh Wright is still in HI soaking up the sun with the Navy.

A chore, I’m sure. He was in DC for an interview with Naval Reactors in order to qualify as an engineer. While he was there, he ran into Ed Cooper, who is currently in WA, and he and his wife, Erin, are expecting a little Cooper! I’m sure Ed will be happy to pass on his TI-89 of Justice; haha!

Jake Reisch sent me a much-appreciated huge update. He and his wife bought a townhouse out in Chesterfield, VA, where he transferred earlier in 2007. He has applications in with the Secret Service right now and also the FBI, and he is just waiting to hear back from them to proceed. Jake has been down to school twice in the last 12 months with other alumni who work for the state police, because VMI has started an in-depth law-enforcement symposium to educate and answer questions for current cadets who are thinking about pursuing jobs in law enforcement. He spent some time with Brian Trueblood when he came through Richmond and spent the night, which led to some heavy drinking. He got back from his second and final tour in Iraq in early January, where he was attached to 2nd Recon with the USMC. Oddly enough, Dave Yaman took Trueblood’s place in Iraq this last tour. He is most likely going to be taking termination leave starting in early April and will officially be discharged in June.

He will be stationed at Camp Lejeune until that point in time. There was talk of other Marines who were contemplating getting out, including Josh Montero and Craig Hamilton. Joe Montagna recently graduated flight school and so is stuck for another eight years or something, and Johnny Pax is staying in for the time being.

Jake talks to Hamilton Bice about every two weeks or so. He is doing medical school stuff out at some hospital in Detroit right now but will start his official residency in June. He and his wife have both put in requests to do their residencies in either Newport News or Richmond area hospitals.

Jake runs into Matt Roscoe at the Chesterfield Branch of American Family Fitness off 360. He is doing great, living in the same area as Jake, and says that Mike is in northern VA. He also knows that Jesse Wullenwaber is recently married, and he seems to be loving PA, working for

2008-Issue 2

an engineering firm up there but is hoping to get back to ID at some point in the future. He also reports that Mark Hamilton is deployed to Iraq, and he seemed excited and in good spirits. He is flying helos for SOCCOM units, doing secret squirrelly stuff. Clark Laster told Jake about Dave Kendzior’s recovery after he had been shot. From what Clark said, within a six-month period, he went from getting shot, to Germany, to the U.S., recovered and then wanted to redeploy and did so. He’s crazy! Dave Bruton and his growing family were at Jake’s wedding. He has a baby girl named Sadie, and there was talk of him and his wife, Stephanie, trying for more.

As of October, he was living in his hometown of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and doing mission work around the country. Andy Hickman got married, and prior to that, he was in Turkey with his then-fiancée while she was teaching English to Turkish children. He has talked about getting back into engineering and joining up with his brother and doing some work in South America.

Noah Diehl was married to Jeanette on May 22, 2004, and moved to Luke AFB, AZ. Sept.

20, 2006, their daughter, Elizabeth, was born.

He then went to Army training at Ft. Bragg, NC, and deployed as an Air Force civil engineer to support Provincial Reconstruction Team Gardez, Afghanistan. Ben Harris completed a 12-month rotation in Fallujah, Iraq, returning in January 2007. Noah completed his four-month augment tour, the Army’s extension in theater and returned back to Luke, April 2007. Ben, in April 2007, participated in a joint national exercise in Thailand with the Marine Corp. Ben and Noah met up with Matt York, who rode his motorcycle from VA, on Hoover Dam in June 2007 for Ben’s bachelor party in Las Vegas, NV. Matt drank some bad water on his trip and was laid up in Las Vegas. Ben and Noah partied without him and debated an emergency room visit, but Matt always seemed to get a little better. Three days later, Matt was miraculously healed. Matt continued his continental motorcycle trip stopping off in Yosemite, CA, which is a valley with close to 4,000-foot walls around it that were carved out by a glacier, and then on to the wedding. The Ben Harris wedding was a week later in El Segundo, CA. Ben and his beautiful bride, Sarah, put on a great event. Slava Kirillov flew in from Russia for the occasion and then spent the following week hanging out and recovering with Noah’s family at a resort in Palm Desert, CA. Slava shared with us his ambition to pursue acting and upon returning to Russia, enrolled in acting classes. Noah’s next assignment is bringing him back to VMI. He will be employed as an AFROTC instructor starting June 2008. If you need a place to stay when you are crashing

Lexington, look him up, and he will find you a hotel. Bob Downey got engaged in July 2007.

He will be getting married Sept. 20, 2008, in Pittsburgh, PA. Bob moved to Laredo, TX, and is working as an engineer for Halliburton.

As always, the class notes rely heavily on your participation! Feel free to shoot me an email, IM, phone call, text, whatever, and let me know how you’re doing. Looking forward to hearing from y’all in the near future. And until next time, stay safe and have fun! ’04! ’04! ’04!

Ryan Shealy and Justin Roberts

’05

Jonathan A. Proctor

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’05 in this issue.

’06

Will Davis

Greetings, BRs. I hope this edition finds everyone healthy and happy. A lot has happened since our last edition, which was awhile ago because of the back up the Alumni Association had and also me not submitting notes for a quarter, and I apologize for that.

First, let’s talk about the important news.

Josh Freeman and his wife, Molly, gave birth to their first son on Jan. 19, 2008 – Jackson Joseph Freeman class of 202?, weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz and 21 inches long. I said that Josh and Molly gave birth, but something tells me Molly did all the work. Again, congratulations to them, and best of luck to the little one.

Jackson Todd e-mailed me and gave me an

Class of 2006: Jackson Joseph Freeman was born on Jan. 19, 2008, to Josh and Molly.

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CLASS NOTES update. He said that on Jan. 25, 2008, he met up with Phil Johnson, Brian McGill, Nate Moreira and the Barry McCord in Alexandria, VA. At McGill’s recommendation, they had a cake decorated with a Civil War/Breakout Hill theme and then had a “Stoop Monkey” Piñata.

Marc Antonelli graduated in May after taking a sabbatical third class year. He moved down to Raleigh to work for a mental health agency but was interviewed with Wes Barrow ’99 and Jonathan Atkins ’98 for a job with an IT business management consulting firm here in Raleigh, NC. Marc said that Jason Long has been working with the company for six weeks, and he anticipates joining him soon.

This is all from Mr. Dave Bhatta, who is at Ft. Campbell as a fire support officer for 1-33 CAV, and things are going well for him. He got married in November; go Dave! He sees Todd Baldwin and Tommy Collins quite a bit. Todd is a fire support officer in 327 Infantry, and Tommy is the MEDO in one of the field artillery battalions; his call sign is “the Balls checker.” Dave ran into Dave Woody ’03, who is living about six houses down from him and is doing well as an infantry officer. Dave was back at VMI for graduation in May to see Corry Murray, Christian Porter, Brian Kerrebrock ’07 and Tim Fairchild graduate.

Corry is working down in Roanoke for a railroad company (CSX, I think) and is lonely. Porter is in grad school at VCU involving prosthetic limbs.

While there, Dave saw Chris Smith and Mike Werner; both are working up in DC for a major engineering company. Clark Dudley and Mike Werner are burning up a bachelor pad together and will be hosting Smitty’s bachelor party here, which means that Chris Smith is getting married at the end of September and will be in VA Beach.

Dave also ran into Daniel Wilmoth, Jack Herzog, Tyler Monger and Mark Antonelli at the Palms and then went to Malone’s. They called the cops

BIRTHS

and kicked out all the cadets and everyone else.

Go figure. Jordan Pagones is up at Ft. Drum, NY, and froze all winter but is gearing up for Iraq.

Dave said that Wilson Nance, Jim Woodard and Tim Papenfuse got married but haven’t heard much else from them. Todd Wilson is doing his pro boxing thing and is 2-0 so far, working on his third fight here in a few weeks. Dave has been in contact with Mike Carney a lot. Mike is doing well working out of NY and is looking at enlisting in the Marine Corps very soon. Dave also has been keeping in touch with Mark Searles who is in 1-6 Infantry in Germany. Mark is doing well from the sound of it. John Kelton is down at Ft. Bragg and is a fire direction officer, after getting through Ranger School. He is not so happy but looking for bigger things to do. Blake Faller is in Iraq with 3rd ID, as well as Matt Jones and Kirk Steiner, along with Scott Bartholomew, Chris Chin, Will Collier, Chris Chase and Seth Enterline. Bill Keller, Heather Miras, and Derek Behney are all in flight school for Army aviation. Dave Raser is engaged to his long time girlfriend from W&L, but he is living in Germany now and runs into 1SG Goudy (HBR ’06) every once in a while. Dave has had some correspondence with Maj. Cook (HBR ’06), who is doing well, traveling back to Lexington to see his wife and children every weekend while working out of DC still, I think. Dave said that in all of Mike Pasquale’s pictures, it looks like he is getting huge, but that may just be the picture or people around him.

Marc Searles is a platoon leader in Baumholder, Germany, with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armor Division. He got to Germany in June of ’07 and is loving it.

Robyn Schaperjahn is in the Army on educational delay working to finish her law degree.

She is attending Denver University Sturm College of Law and is in her second year. While taking

classes, she is working through an internship with the Denver District Attorney’sOoffice, the Gang Unit.

But anyway, I went to Ring Figure and saw our Rats get their ring and VMI their butts handed to them at the football game vs. The Citadel – very embarrassing. L-Train is doing well … still balding, and I saw Frid-dog but was not blessed with a conversation with him. There were a lot of our classmates there. I would name all the guys I saw, but I can’t, so I won’t try. I will say, however; that ole’ Sgt. Maj. Neel confronted me, Burgess Lindsey and Ian Camper who went up to our Rat room to take a picture in front of it. He once again treated us like Rats; enough said.

Well, that is all I have on the class. As for myself, I have bought a house in Moore, OK, outside of Oklahoma City and am assigned to the 552 TRS at Tinker AFB, waiting on casual to start phase two of my AWACS training. My wife, Ashley, is in her third year of pharmacy school and doing well. E-mail me and/or call me and give me updates and pictures so I can add them to Review, or just tell me how I’m doing. I apologize for not sending out the Christmas cards this year It was hectic with SERE, buying a house and going back to VA for the holidays. So, I apologize for that.

P.S. My wife screens what I write to keep it kosher. Sorry, no more off the wall letters. (Between the editor and Ashley, they have to be pretty dry.)

Sincerely, Will Davis

FALCONE – A son, Peter Sebastian, to Ann and Richard J. Falcone Jr. ’92 on Dec. 31, 2007.

HAUBEN – A son, Bruce, to Joy and Richard T. Hauben ’95 on Feb. 8, 2008.

STEVENS – A daughter, Jenna Lynn, to Judy and John A. Stevens ’86 on Dec. 28, 2007.

RICHARDSON – A son, Connor Thomas, to Sharon and Michael B. Richardson ’92 in October 2007.

TRICE – A daughter, Holliday Lorraine (Rainey), to Charmaine and Franklin A. Trice III ’86 on Oct. 29, 2007.

MATTHEWS – A son, Jackson Fountain, to Kristen and Creg F. Matthews ’93 on July 21, 2004.

DURAY – A son, James Harrison, to Amy and Paul H. Duray Jr. ’87 on Dec. 2, 2007.

MATTHEWS – A son, Carter William, to Kristen and Creg F. Matthews ’93 on June 10, 2007.

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’07

Salome Coffman

Editor’s Note: There are no class notes from the class of ’07 in this issue

COMPTON – A son, Benjamin Kenobi, to Melissa and Gary H. Compton Jr. ’97 on Oct. 5, 2007.

OGLETREE – A son, Evan, to Catherine and Brett M. Ogletree ’97 in July 2007.

PORTER – A son, Nevin Joseph, to Laurie and Raymond H. Porter III ’97 in July 2007.

(Continued on next page.)

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

BIRTHS

MARRIAGES

PRIDGEN – A daughter, August Loftin, to Shelley and James L. Pridgen ’97, Nov. 29, ’07.

RAHMAN – A son, Zubin Mojib, to Nahar and Shahiar Rahman ’97 on June 29, 2007.

SAUNDERS – A son, Alexander Massy, to Manya and Scott M. Saunders ’97 on Aug. 29, 2007.

COPENHAVER – A daughter, Alyssa Kathryn, to Jessica and Christopher D. Copenhaver ’99 on Feb. 6, 2008.

WELLS – A daughter, Abagail, to Blythe and Jason W. Wells ’99 on Jan. 29, 2008.

COBB – Maria Fleet Saffer to Kenneth H. Cobb ’89 on Jan. 5, 2008.

ROBLES – Hazel Austria to Orlando L. Robles ’92 on Dec. 15, 2007.

SHARP – Caroline Bynum to James A. Sharp ’93 on April 14, 2007.

BRUMBACK – Donnelle Catherine Bever to Robert B. Brumback ’95 on Oct. 20, 2007.

REID – Marla Wood Edwards to Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03 on April 20, 2007.

HARRISON – Brittany Ellen Hillner to Daniel P. Harrison ’05 on Oct. 6, 2007.

DEGREES William R. Gorman II ’94 Business Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia February 2008

MBA

The VMI Bookstore Looking around for just the right gift?

Outgrown your old VMI sweatshirt?

Address: Manager, VMI Keydet Bookstore, 300 Crozet Hall, Lexington VA 24450 Phone: 540/463-4921

DIEHL – A daughter, Elizabeth, to Jeanette and Noah W. Diehl ’04 on Sept.

20, 2006.

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of The VMI Alumni Association, the men listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute.

Please contact the Alumni Review to report any errors.

William E. Cantrell ’26 Prentis P. Smith ’29 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Kenneth W. Chapman ’30 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 William B. Walshe ’32 Richard C.Wight Jr. ’30 H.H. Finlayson ’34 John A. Chambliss Jr. ’31 Richard D. Calhoun ’33 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34

2008-Issue 2

Oct. 17, 1905 May 19, 1906 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 July 27, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 30, 1909 May 26, 1910 Oct. 2, 1910 Oct. 21, 1910 Oct. 30, 1910 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910

Ross B. Nelson Jr. ’33 James Heine ’34 E. Lane Whitley ’34 Paul deWitt ’33 William R. Vivian ’32 Wayne C. Weaver ’33 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 Meredith S. Urick ’35 William H. Kulp ’34 Edwin R. Nelson ’33 John D. Todd Jr. ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34

Mar. 14, Mar. 18, April 1, June 5, Aug. 3, Dec. 6, Feb. 27, Mar. 11, May 19, May 31, June 30, Dec. 4,

1911 1911 1911 1911 1911 1911 1912 1912 1912 1912 1912 1912

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PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME Class of 2012

James Avery Jones II Terrianne Elizabeth Lowe

Class of 2013

Courtney Virginia Rafter Christopher John Roper Kristofer Jacob Roper Terrence E. Zipfel

Class of 2014

Rebecca B. Cross Stephanie Marie Mays

Class of 2015

Ashley Elizabeth Graham

Class of 2016

Shanna M. Cawthorne Michael Glen Mays

Class of 2018

Charles A. Minnigerode

Class of 2019

Meade Rose Quinton Avery

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Matthew T. Folsom ’89 Willard G. Plentl Jr. ’67

Cousin Great-uncle

Donald H. Coombs ’57 Nicholas J. Roper ’82 Nicholas J. Roper ’82 Dr. James Berny ’75

Grandfather Father Uncle Uncle

Nathaniel Cross ’89 Glen K. Mays ’83

Father Father

Walter H. Graham ’56

Grandfather

John Cawthorne ’81 Glen K. Mays ’83

Father Father

Fred Minnigerode ’90

Father

Dr. David L. Avery ’68

Father

Class of 2020

Noah Strother Gearhart McWhirter James D. Gearhart ’71 Charles Fullam ’98 Cody David Scott

Class of 2021

George P. Minnigerode

Class of 2022

Connor Wayne Ancarrow

Class of 2023

Ryan Scott Busseni John Lewis Frankel Sydney Lee Mays Hunter Michael Schinstock

Class of 2025

Charles McVey Becker II Marissa Jay Fullam Morgan Amelia Plentl

Class of 2026

Thomas Sullivan Penrod Marshall Carney Taylor III

Class of 2027

Allison Marie Cox Hunter Clayton Mays Tanner Van Plentl

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Grandfather Stepfather

Fred Minnigerode ’90

Father

Jason Ancarrow ’97

Father

Robert F. Bolling ’57 Steven Frankel ’89 Glen K. Mays ’83 Christopher W. Schinstock ’90

Grandfather Father Father Father

Steven Frankel ’89 Charles Fullam ’98 Willard G. Plentl Jr. ’67

Uncle Father Grandfather

Steven Frankel ’89 Marshall C. Taylor Jr. ’92 Marshall C. Taylor ’66 A. Brooke Taylor Jr. ’33 Ashby Brooke Taylor 1895 Bruce S. Taylor 2000

Uncle Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-great-grandfather Uncle

David Hurst ’93 Glen K. Mays ’83 Willard G. Plentl Jr. ’67

Uncle Father Grandfather

APPOINTEE’S NAME Class of 2028

Daniel Amos Bryson Joshua Thomas Cox Aaricka Jordan Fullam Cooper Gathings Plentl Hudson Brown Taylor

Austin Bryce Tunstall

Class of 2029

Luke Vincent Antonelli Benjamin Joshua Bryson Evan Koravit Fischer George William Griffin Brady Michael MacDonald Sean Patrick Matson Sam Christopher Miller Wynn Slater Plentl Clara Lundy Stewart Finn Penrod Weir Zachary Aiden Whitlock Cyrus Granville Wyatt

Class of 2030

Colleen Payton Adams William Kayden Ginder

ALUMNUS-CLASS Dale A. Bryson ’77 David Hurst ’93 Charles Fullam ’98 Willard G. Plentl Jr. ’67 Marshall C. Taylor Jr. ’92 Marshall C. Taylor ’66 A. Brooke Taylor Jr. ’33 Ashby B. Taylor 1895 Bruce S. Taylor 2000 Bruce Walls ’78

Father Uncle Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-greatgrandfather Uncle Grandfather

Chris Antonelli ’96 Dale A. Bryson ’77 Ronald E. Fischer ’64 Buzz Birzenieks ’64 Walter H. Graham ’56 Taylor A. Slate ’75 James L. Adams ’71 Colin K. Adams 2006 Willard G. Plentl Jr. ’67 Edward M. Segar ’64 Steven Frankel ’89 Jerry T. Whitlock 2002 Chris Wyatt ’91

Father Father Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Father Father

Byron D. Adams ’76 Caleb Boggess 1845

Father Great-great-greatgreat-uncle Great-great-greatgreat-grandfather Great-great-greatgrandfather Cousin Great-great-uncle Grandfather Uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather Great-grandfather Uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather Great Uncle Cousin Cousin 2nd Cousin 2nd Cousin Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-greatgrandfather Uncle

Albert Boggess 1864 Robert W. Boggess ’13

Jack Leo Francis Harris Grady Ian Leddy Carl Anderson Reiss

Lily Suzanne Rhodes Ellie Victoria Ann Ridout Audrey Claire Shambo

Bruce Selden Taylor Jr.

RELATIONSHIP

Albert Boggess ’27 Robert W. Boggess, Jr. ’40 William L. Ginder ’71 John C. Ginder 2004 Steven A.B. Harris 2001 Norman S. Stevens ’77 Anderson W. Douthat III ’57 Anderson W. Douthat II ’25 Anderson W. Douthat IV ’80 Carl E. Rhodes III ’90 Leslie P. Ridout Jr. ’68 Thomas R. Meler ’62 Thaddeus J. Meler ’48A Daniel W. Czupryna ’71 Gerard Czupryna ’76 Daniel Czuprna 2007 Christopher Czupryna 2010 Bruce S. Taylor 2000 Marshall C. Taylor ’66 A. Brooke Taylor Jr. ’33 Ashby Brooke Taylor 1895 Marshall C. Taylor Jr. ’92

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS TAPS Robert G. Witman ’30 Robert Grander Witman ’30 of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, died on Dec. 23, 2007. He was 99.

Witman matriculated from Reading, Pennsylvania, and held a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He did postgraduate studies at Dickinson Law School and the University of Pennsylvania.

He was part owner and secretary-treasurer of the former Reading Co. Steel Fabrication Specialists. He was a member of Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ in Wyomissing. He had been a 32nd degree Mason of St. John’s Lodge 435, F&AM, since 1972.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas A. Witman and his wife, Barbara Ann Witman, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and Daniel S. Witman and his wife, Carol F. Witman, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Scott Witman of Wyomissing and Shelley Dwinal of Exeter Township, Pennsylvania; a great-granddaughter, Kylee Ann Dwinal; and several nieces and nephews. His wife of 72 years, Katharine Shearer Witman, died on Oct. 22, 2007.

Harry H. Hightower ’36 Harry Homer (Rosey) Hightower ’36 of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Jan. 12, 2008. He was 94.

Hightower matriculated from Atlanta and held a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI, where he was the captain of the football team during his first class year and served as secretary of the Monogram Club.

During his second class year he was an E Company sergeant and a member of the Second Class Finance Committee.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1936-41 and on active duty from 1941-46. He served with the 3rd Army under the command of Gen. George Patton ’07 and attained the rank of captain. He served again in the Reserve from 1946-51, attaining the rank of major. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Following his graduation from VMI he went to work for Coca-Cola, which transferred him to Chicago, Illinois. He returned to Coca-Cola following the war and was transferred to Boston, Massachusetts.

He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Belmont, Massachusetts, where he lived until 1991 when he returned to Atlanta.

He is survived by a son and daughter-inlaw, David and Heather Hightower of London, England; two grandchildren, Brendan

2008-Issue 2

Hightower of Toronto, Canada, and Adriana Hightower of London; a sister, Antoinette McCullough of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews. His first wife, Isabel Fiske Hightower, to whom he was married in 1941, died in 1994. His second wife, Betty Weilert Hightower, to whom he was married in 1998, died in 2007.

His VMI relatives included his father, Thomas J. Hightower Jr., class of 1882, who died in 1935; his brother, George B. Hightower ’33, who died in 2002; and two uncles, Allen R. Hightower, class of 1882, who died in 1901, and Albert S. Hightower, class of 1885, who died in 1927.

Herbert L. Thomas Jr. ’36 Herbert LeRoy Thomas Jr. ’36 of Orlando, Florida, died on July 25, 2007. He was 92.

Thomas matriculated from Brownsville, Texas, and attended VMI for one year. He then transferred to the University of Texas, from which he graduated with a degree in business administration.

He spent most of his career with Pan American World Airways, from which he retired in 1979 as senior vice president in charge of world wide airport operations.

He is survived by four children, H. L. (Tommy) Thomas III, James M. Thomas of Winter Park, Florida, Nancy K. Thomas and Mary J. Thomas. He was married to Catherine M. Thomas for 50 years prior to her death in 1991. He subsequently married again, to his college sweetheart, Lorna Hume Terrell, whom he had not seen in 52 years. They were married for six years before her death in 1997.

Claude W. White ’37 Lt. Col. Claude Wilson White ’37, USA (Ret), of Rock Hill, South Carolina, died on Sept. 20, 2007. He was 92.

White matriculated from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. A veteran of World War II and Korea, he served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He was a chemical engineer with Holston Defense Group.

Among his survivors is his wife, Elizabeth Tipton (Tip) Wells White of Rock Hill.

Rowland D. Wolfe Jr. ’37 Lt. Col. Rowland Daniel Wolfe Jr. ’37, USAF, of San Antonio, Texas, died on Nov. 28, 2007.

He was 92.

Wolfe matriculated from West Point, New York, and attended VMI for one year. He earned a D.D.S. degree from Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry in 1943.

A veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, he served in the Army of the United States from 1943-46 and in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps from 1947-69, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. During World War II he was a member of the 42nd Rainbow Division, and as a member of the Air Force he traveled the world, including the Philippines, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Following his retirement from the Air Force he taught dental assisting at San Antonio College for several years.

He was a member of the American Dental Association, Pi Kappa Alpha and Psi Omega fraternities, Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine Masonic Bodies.

He is survived by a daughter, Suzanne Ellen Wolfe of San Antonio; a sister, Virginia Middleton of Clearwater, Florida; a sister-inlaw, Alda Bradbury of Salt Lake City, Utah; and several nieces and nephews. His wife, Edna Wolfe, died in February 1998.

Perry M. Gwaltney Jr. ’38 Perry Monroe (Pete) Gwaltney Jr. ’38 of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, died on Dec. 20, 2007. He was 89.

Gwaltney matriculated from Petersburg, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was a B Company second lieutenant.

During his first class year he was the business manager of the Cadet newspaper and was a member of the Hop Committee and the Intramural Council. As a second classman he served as a member of the Second Class Finance Committee and as production manager for the Second Class Show, and was also assistant manager of the baseball and basketball teams.

He also attended New York University and Harvard Business School.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army with the 116th Field Artillery from 1940-46. He saw duty on Okinawa and attained the rank of major.

In 1947 he joined Chubb and Son, now Chubb Inc., at its New York office. In 1955 he headed Chubb’s Pittsburgh regional office, where he remained for 16 years, and then returned to New York, where he retired

133

TAPS from his position of senior vice president and director in 1983.

He served on the board of the Edgeworth Club in Sewickley and on the board of trustees of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the president of the Sewickley Library Board for many years and was a founding member of the Edgeworth Investors Club. He was a former auditor of the Sewickley Heights Borough and a member of the Allegheny Country Club and of the Duquesne Club.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Will Gwaltney of Sewickley; two daughters, Anne Peck and her husband, Stephen Peck, of Vashon, Washington, and Mary Hines and her husband, Stephen Hines, of Nashville, Tennessee; and four grandchildren, Jessica Hirst, Peter Hirst, William Hines and Hadley Hines. His first wife, Mary Luetje Gwaltney, to whom he was married for 64 years, died on Aug. 8, 2005.

Philip W. Chase Jr. ’39 Philip Williams Chase Jr. ’39 of Lutherville, Maryland, died on Dec. 15, 2007. He was 90.

Chase matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI, where he was an A Company sergeant and a member of the fencing team. He was a member of the staff of the Cadet newspaper for two years.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941-46, attaining the rank of major. He served with the 1st Cavalry in Tokyo, Japan.

Following the war, he returned to his home town of Baltimore and sold rope and marine supplies for the old J. E. Johnson Company.

He then worked for many years in real estate in Baltimore. In 1951 he went to work for the old W. Burton Guy & Company Inc., where he became a top producer. In the mid-1950s, Baltimore realtor Peyton B. Strobel offered him a partnership in his firm, which then became Strobel and Chase.

When Strobel retired in 1959, Chase, along with Herbert A. Davis, formed the real estate firm Chase and Davis Realtors. At the time of his death, Chase he was a former partner and president of the Baltimore real estate firm Chase, Fitzgerald and Company.

From 1968-69 Chase was president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Baltimore, which named him realtor of the year in 1973.

He was president of the Maryland Association

134

of Realtors from 1974-75 and was regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors.

In 1977, when he was chairman of the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, Chase advocated for the Affirmative Marketing Agreement. The Baltimore board subsequently became the first in the nation to adopt this agreement, which expanded housing opportunities to minorities.

Chase was a founder in 1947 and president of the Chimes School, which was the first school in Maryland for children with moderate mental retardation. Since its founding the not-for-profit Chimes School has assisted thousands of people of all ages and varying levels of ability, and operates agencies in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina and Israel.

Chase’s first son, Philip W. (Toppy) Chase III, who was born with Down syndrome, is a resident of the Chimes Curtis Hall Senior Living Center in Mount Washington, Maryland.

Chase was a former president of the Baltimore Association for Retarded Citizens and was a pro bono negotiator. He was a former board member and president of the alumni association of the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, from which he graduated in 1935. He was also a former president of his Kiwanis Club.

Chase was a devotee and collector of theater organ music and a member of the American Theatre Organ Society. He was active in the preservation of the organs, which had been a mainstay of the movie palaces of the 1920s and 1930s.

He is survived by his two sons, Philip W. Chase III of Mount Washington, Maryland, and Robert Cheeseborough Chase of Denver, Colorado. His wife, Nancy Ensor Chase, to whom he had been married since 1941, died in 1998.

Hargus L. Crockett ’39 Hargus Lester Crockett ’39 of Gloucester, Virginia, died on Jan. 7, 2008. He was 92.

Crockett matriculated from North Tazewell, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

In addition to VMI, he attended Emory and Henry College and graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1939. He worked in drug stores in Richlands, Virginia, and Radford,

Virginia, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As chief pharmacist’s mate on a small destroyer escort, he crossed the North Atlantic 25 times on convoy duty, serving as the de facto ship’s doctor.

Following the war he returned to Radford, after which he moved to Wytheville, Virginia, and became co-owner of Owens and Owens Drug Store with partner Bob Lester. In 1966 he relocated to Gloucester.

He is survived by a son and daughter-inlaw, Thomas W. and Susan Craig Crockett of Gloucester; two grandchildren, Amy Crockett and Michael Crockett of Gloucester; four brothers, Warren Crockett of Bristol, Virginia, Ralph Crockett of Richmond, Virginia, and Edgar Crockett and Davy Crockett, both of Roanoke, Virginia; two sisters, Betty Gillie of Richmond and June Browne of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, Mary Jane McBath, to whom he was married for 53 years, is deceased.

Robert J. Tucker Jr. ’39 Robert James Tucker Jr. ’39 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on Jan. 13, 2008. He was 89.

Tucker matriculated from Franklin, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI, where he was a D Company corporal and wore academic stars for two years. During his second class year he served on the business staff of the Cadet newspaper and as assistant manager of the baseball team. During his first class year he was manager of the Rat baseball team and advertising manager for the Cadet.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1941-45, seeing active duty in England. He attaining the rank of captain and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

He worked in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, until 1957 when he moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he worked for General Electric. His career subsequently took him to Marblehead, Massachusetts, Raleigh, and Acton, Massachusetts, where he worked for Raytheon. He retired from Raytheon as a quality control manager and then moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, then to Sterling, Virginia, and finally back to Raleigh in the fall of 1989.

He was active in many church groups throughout his lifetime. Upon his retirement

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS to Raleigh he rejoined St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where he had been a member many years earlier. He was involved in the Laymen’s groups and Sunday School, and began a Vespers Program for retirement homes which is still going today. He spent his last years at Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh, where he helped with Vespers services and taught a morning Bible study class.

He is survived by a son, Robert J. (Bob) Tucker III; and three grandchildren, Matthew B. Tucker, Carolyn T. Tucker and Aaron C. Tucker. His wife of 60 years, Lelia Carolyn Stephenson Tucker, died on Oct. 25, 2003.

His brother, William Taylor Tucker ’46, M.D., died in July 1993.

Kent P. Graybeal ’42 Kent Payne Graybeal ’42 of Marion, Virginia, died on Jan. 27, 2008. He was 85.

Graybeal matriculated from Marion and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI, where he played basketball for two years.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942-46, attaining the rank of major. He was assigned to the 102nd Infantry Division as a second lieutenant and went on to lead Battery A’s 125 men in the division’s 381st Field Artillery Battalion in France and Germany. He was on the banks of the Elbe when Russian and American forces met there shortly before the end of the war. Graybeal was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Following the war he returned to Marion to build a career in business in Smyth County.

He was the retired owner of Graybeal Oil Company. For more than 60 years he was active in the community as president of the Selective Service Board, the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and other service organizations, and as a member of the Finance and Pastoral committees and board of stewards of the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marian Lee Graybeal of Marion, who is the sister of Graybeal’s Brother Rat and close friend, Frank Jones Lee ’42; four daughters, Carol, Lynn, Lee and Ellen; three sons-inlaw, David Smith, Reed Helman and Terry Myers; seven grandchildren, Quincy Smith, Meredith Smith, Rachel Helman, Alex Helman, Nathaniel Myers, Anna Myers and Laura Myers; and his brother-in-law, Frank Jones Lee ’42, M.D., and his wife, Mary Ann, of Wichita Falls, Texas.

2008-Issue 2

Albin L. Lindall ’43 Maj. Albin Lothar Lindall ’43, USMC (Ret), of Punta Gorda, Florida, died on Feb. 8, 2004.

He was 81.

Lindall matriculated from Ocean View, Virginia, and held a war diploma in English from VMI, where he was an F Company corporal. He was a member for four years of the Polo Club, the golf team and the Lectern Club, and a member for two years of the Hunt Club.

A veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943-66, attaining the rank of major.

Following Vietnam he was transferred to the Pentagon.

Following his retirement he worked as a broker in real estate with Mount Vernon Realty in northern Virginia.

He was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Andrews Golf Club and various Lions Clubs with 45 years of active membership.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Hazel Lindall of Punta Gorda; three daughters, Carolyn Gras of Nashville, Indiana, Rebecca Sayers of Louisville, Kentucky, and Laura Holliday of San Rafael, California; a stepson, Tom Fentress of Owensboro, Kentucky; and three grandchildren.

Stuart Ragland Jr. ’44 Stuart Ragland Jr. ’44, M.D., of Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, died on Nov. 22, 2007. He was 85.

Ragland, who matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, attended VMI for three years and was a member for three years of the Glee Club and the boxing and track teams. According to an article published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch at the time of his death, “Ragland always had designs on becoming a pilot. While attending VMI he twice sneaked away to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, only to be thwarted both times.”

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-46 as a B-17 pilot and training as a B-29 pilot.

He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1950. Four years later he entered private practice in Richmond, while teaching at MCV and serving as the director of gastrointestinal research.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch article also stated that in 1961 Ragland “was approached about getting back in the cockpit with the

chance of becoming an astronaut. The offer was too much to turn down, so he joined the Navy and became involved in Project Mercury, the first human spaceflight program.

“He earned his naval aviator wings in July 1962 and in May 1963 he served as aero-medical monitor for astronaut Gordon Cooper’s 22-orbit flight around the Earth.

During that time, Ragland was the deputy director of the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory of the Naval Air Development Center in Johnsville, Pennsylvania.

“He later was promoted to commander and served an 11-month stint as senior medical officer on the U.S.S. Forrestal. However, he wasn’t able to reach his goal of entering space because he needed glasses.”

Upon retirement he was in the private practice of medicine in New York City and later in Colebrook, Connecticut, and also served as chief of medicine at Winsted Memorial Hospital in Winsted, Connecticut.

He retired again in 1982. He moved to St. Croix in 1990.

He is survived by his wife, Edwina Ragland of Christiansted; four children, Evelyn R. Zink of Ruxton, Maryland, Anne R. Finney of Butler, Maryland, Stuart Ragland III of Columbia, Maryland, and Elizabeth Ragland Johnson of Durham, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, Anne B. Zink, Caroline F. Zink, Laura S. Zink, John M. T. Finney V, Anne S. Finney, Elizabeth J. Ragland, Ellen F. Ragland, Colton Johnson and Lindsey K. Johnson; and a sister, Elizabeth Ragland Perkins of Deltaville, Virginia.

Arthur L. Seay III ’44 Arthur Lucius (Buck) Seay III ’44 of Petersburg, Virginia, died on Nov. 1, 2007.

He was 84.

Seay matriculated from Petersburg and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. A veteran of World War II, he served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943-46.

He was a retired project manager with Walbridge Contracting.

He is survived by two sons, Hobson G. (Skip) Booth, M.D., and his wife, Paula, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Jackson Seay of Kamuela, Hawaii; six grandchildren, Hunter Booth of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Anne Cary Booth of Los Angeles, California, Ellen Parnett of New York City, New York, Ian Parnett of Albany, New York, and Jackson Seay Jr. and Candice Seay, both of

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TAPS Durango, Colorado. His former wife, Nancy Gill Booth, is deceased, as is former wife, Rose Gilmore.

Gordon R. Coleman ’46 Gordon Robertson (Buck) Coleman ’46 of Houston, Texas, died on Jan. 30, 2008.

He was 83.

Coleman matriculated from Fort Madison, Iowa, and attended VMI for seven months before enlisting in the U.S. Army. A veteran of World War II, he served as a sergeant from 1943-46, after which he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Iowa.

He worked as a chemical engineer in Houston and in Southeast Asia for most of his career before retiring to the Clear Lake, Texas, area.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan Inok Coleman of Houston; two sons, William M. Coleman and Christopher L. Coleman; three grandchildren, Dustin Coleman, Kristen Coleman and Katherine Coleman; and a greatgrandson, Christopher William Coleman.

Cornelius W. O’Leary Jr. ’47 Cornelius William O’Leary Jr. ’47 of Buena Park, California, died on Jan. 10, 2008. He was 81.

O’Leary matriculated from Pensacola, Florida, and attended VMI for two and one-half years before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. A veteran of World War II, he served from 1945-48, attaining the rank of corporal.

He was a retired language and math teacher with the Garden Grove Unified School District in California.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna O’Leary of Buena Park; two sons, Cornelius W. (Willie) O’Leary III and Andrew O’Leary; a daughter, Anne Rider, and her husband, C.C. Rider; four grandchildren; a brother, John P. O’Leary ’49B of Marina Del Rey, California; and a sister, Connie Williams.

John B. Gorman ’48B John Breckenridge Gorman ’48B, M.D., of Oxnard, California, died on Feb. 8, 2008.

He was 80.

Gorman matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in pre-medical from VMI, where he was the F Company captain. He was a member of the varsity football team and of the Varsity Club for three years and of the Glee Club for four years.

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He earned his medical degree Agency. He served as chairman of from the University of Virginia in the boards of directors of Plumb 1951 at the age of 22 and entered Supply Company of Des Moines, the Air Force as a flight surgeon Iowa, and Sherwood Templeton serving in Nagoya, Japan, during Coal Company. He was a member the Korean War. He served in of the board of directors of Merthe U.S. Air Force Medical Corps chants National Bank of Terre from 1953-55 and in the U.S. Haute and of Lynch Coal OperaAir Force Reserve Medical Corps tors Reciprocal Association. from 1953-58, attaining the rank He was president of the Indiana of captain.

Gorman ’48B Independent Insurance Agents He played football at both VMI Association and served on the and UVa and was an All Southern boards of directors of the Indiana Conference tackle.

Coal Association, the Terre Haute Chamber Gorman joined his father’s ear, nose and of Commerce, the Indiana Chamber of throat practice in Lynchburg, where they Commerce and the Vigo County Taxpayers worked together until his father’s retire- Association. ment. He established the Central Virginia He served on the board of directors and as Speech and Hearing Center and served the chairman of that board of Union Hospital, Lynchburg community for many years as an on the board of directors of the Indiana ear, nose and throat surgeon.

State University Foundation and as a trustee Gorman completed a residency in plastic of the University of Evansville. He was a and reconstructive surgery at the University member of the ISU President’s Society, the of Missouri’s Truman Medical Center in Kan- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology board sas City in 1981, and a fellowship in plastic of associates, the Indiana University Varsity surgery at Columbia University in 1982. He Club, Social Masonic Lodge #86 F&AM, the settled in Gillette, Wyoming, to continue his Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley surgical practice from 1983-97, and retired of Terre Haute, Zorah Shrine, the Columbia to Oxnard.

Club of Indianapolis, the Country Club of He is survived by his wife, Alice Gorman Terre Haute, the Pachyderm Club, BPO Elks of Oxnard; four daughters, Gaielle, Chris, Lodge #86, the Aero Club, Kappa Sigma fraGwen and Libby; two sons, John Brecken- ternity, the Well House Society and Gideon’s ridge (Breck) Gorman Jr. ’83 of Richmond, International.

Virginia, and Bill Gorman; grandchildren He was a lifelong member of Maple Avenue Mathew Tapia, Ben Walton, Brian Walton, United Methodist Church, where he served Daniel Elizondo, Isabel Elizondo, Patrick in many leadership positions.

Gorman, Jack Gorman, Luke Maguire, He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Grace Maguire, Michael Maguire, Sarah Fraiser (Ronni) Templeton of Terre Haute; Gorman and Miles Gorman; a sister, Betty four daughters, Lori Fetter and her husband, Ann Bond; and a brother, Thomas L. Gorman Dick, of Carmel, Indiana, Linda Brighton and ’52 of Richmond. Another brother, James R. her husband, Curt, of Terre Haute, Leslie Gorman Jr. ’51, died in 1999. His first wife, Rapp and her husband, John, of Indianapolis, Bettye Gorman, is deceased.

Indiana, and Sally Nichols and her husband, Jim, of Terre Haute; nine grandchildren, Christopher Fetter, Philip Fetter, Andrew John A. Templeton II ’48B John Alexander Templeton II ’48B of Terre Brighton, James Brighton, John Rapp, LauHaute, Indiana, died on Nov. 21, 2007. He ren Rapp, J. B. Rapp, Alexandra Nichols and Samantha Nichols; two great-grandchildren, was 80.

Templeton matriculated from Terre Haute Landon Brighton and Reese Brighton; two and attended VMI for one year before joining sisters, Pauline Anshutz and her husband, the U.S. Army, in which he served as a private Frank, of Terre Haute, and Phyllis Myers and from 1946-48 in Trieste, Italy. He graduated her husband, Bill, of Indianapolis; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. from Indiana University in 1950.

He was the retired chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Templeton Coal John Dissek Jr. ’49A Company.

Col. John Dissek Jr. ’49A, USA (Ret), of Templeton was formerly a principal in Belcamp, Maryland, died on Jan. 21, 2008. the Miller, Templeton & Scott Insurance He was 79.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Disserk matriculated from Gardenville, New York, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. A veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, Dissek served in the U.S. Army from 1950-78, attaining the rank of colonel.

While in Korea he was attached to the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded in North Korea by a missile but returned to duty.

Among his awards and decorations were the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with V device, the Air Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife, Mathilde Mueller Dissek of Kloster, Austria, to whom he was married in 1956; a son, Michael John Dissek of Havre de Grace, Maryland; a daughter, Greta Minahan of East Amherst, Massachusetts; and two grandsons, Timothy Minahan Jr. of East Amherst and Christopher Minahan of East Amherst.

Nelson T. Overton ’49B Class Vice President The Hon. Nelson T. Overton ’49B of Hampton, Virginia, died on Jan. 8, 2008. He was 79.

Overton matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and held a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI, where he was a cadet captain and Regimental S-3 on the Regimental Staff. He wore academic stars during his last two years at VMI and was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate. He served as historian of the class of 1949B during his third class year and as class vice president during his second and third class years. He served on the General Committee for three years and on the Honor Court for two years.

During his first class year he was an associate editor on the Bomb staff and a member of the International Relations Club. He was a member of the Lectern Club for three years and served on the Second Class Finance Committee.

At the time of his graduation from VMI he was inducted into Kappa Alpha Order, Beta Commission.

His portrait hangs in the VMI Museum in Jackson Memorial Hall, the only portrait of a cadet in full regimental dress.

He earned an LL.B. degree from the University of Virginia in 1952. While at UVa he was a member of Phi Delta Phi, the Editorial Board of the Virginia Law Review, the Raven Society and the Order of the Coif.

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Upon graduation he entered practice with the firm of Montague, Cumming, Watkins and Overton.

He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1953-55, attaining the rank of major. He was assigned to the Office of the Judge Advocate General in Washington, D.C. He continued in the Army Reserve until 1958.

While in the Army, he received the Army Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant.

In 1964, at the age of 36, he was appointed to the bench of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Virginia. He served as the judge for the Circuit Court for the City of Hampton from 1964-95, when he was appointed as a judge for the Court of Appeals of Virginia and served until 1999 when he took on Senior Status. Until his death he was a settlement mediator for the Court through its Judicial Settlement Conference Program.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Newport News. He served on every committee at the church, including the board of trustees, the Finance Committee and the Administrative Board.

He was a member of the Lay Advisory Board of Mary Immaculate Hospital, a member of the American Legion Post 31 (Hampton), and a member and former chairman of the board of directors of the Hampton Roads Unit of the Institute of Industrial and Commercial Ministries. He was a member of the Nelms Historical Society and the Hampton Yacht Club, and was a past president of both the German Club and the Hampton Roads Assembly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Lee Payne Overton of Hampton; two daughters, Nancy Smith, and her husband, Steve, of Hampton, and Peggy Vaughan of Greenville, North Carolina; a son, Waverly Overton, and his wife, Amy, of Fresno, California; five granddaughters – all of whom have provisional appointments to VMI – Jessica Vaughan, Carolina Vaughan, Abby Smith, Taylor Overton and Emily Overton; and his sister, Lucile Adams and her husband, Bob, of Mableton, Georgia. Among his other survivors is a nephew, Lawrence D. Adams ’79 of Mableton.

His brother, James H. Overton ’56, died in 1991.

Walter R. Whitehurst III ’49B Walter Raleigh Whitehurst III ’49B, M.D., of Orlando, Florida, died on Dec. 20, 2007.

He was 79.

Whitehurst matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in Pre-medical (chemistry) from VMI, where he was an A Company second lieutenant. He was a member of the Glee Club for four years and a member of the Bomb staff for two years. A member of the Cadet newspaper staff for three years, he was its alumni editor during his third class year, a feature editor during his second and first class years, and an associate editor during his first class year. He served as president of the Canterbury Club during his first class year.

He earned his M.D. degree from the University of Virginia in 1953.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps from 1955-67, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded two Air Force Commendation Medals.

After retiring from the Air Force he was a neurosurgeon in Birmingham, Alabama.

He was a commander of the Order of Saint John.

He is survived by two sons, W. Raleigh Whitehurst and Stuart P. Whitehurst; two daughters-in-law, Theresa Carducci Whitehurst and Rosemary Whitehurst; and two granddaughters, Patricia J. Whitehurst and Samantha Whitehurst. His wife, to whom he was married in 1959, was the late Patricia Evelyn Badger Whitehurst, and his uncle was Lewis H. Ellison ’09, who died in 1937.

John C. Hagan III ’50B John Campbell Hagan III ’50B of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 18, 2007. He was 80.

Hagan matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for two months. He also attended Hampden-Sydney College and graduated from the Wharton School of Finance.

He served as a seaman in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46, after which he worked on Wall Street with the former Boston-based investment bank, White, Weld& Company. He later returned to Richmond where he served as chairman and president of Mason-Hagan Inc. until he led a successful merger with the Fidelity Corporation and another Richmondbased investment firm, Craigie Inc. He was a registered representative for Scott and Stringfellow Inc. He served on the governing council of both the Securities Industry Association and the Southeastern Group of Investment Bankers Association of America. He was a lifelong member of the Commonwealth

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TAPS Club and served on the board of Richmond Catholic Charities and St. Joseph’s Villa, and as president of the Virginia Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

He is survived by six children, Eliza Hagan Ghadban of Nokesville, Virginia, Maria Hagan of Richmond, John Hagan of Naples, Florida, Mark Hagan of Richmond, Sam Hagan of San Rafael, California, and Jean Hagan of San Carlos, California; nine grandchildren; his sister, Anthony Hagan Miller of Lakeland, Florida; and his former wife, Susan Forester Hagan of Richmond.

His father, John C. Hagan Jr. ’21, who died in 1959, was the president of The VMI Alumni Association Inc. from 1934-36.

Richard E. Herrmann ’51 Richard Erwin Herrmann ’51 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 4, 2007. He was 78.

Herrmann matriculated from Richmond and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1951-54. He retired from Roach, Mercer and Faison as a senior electrical engineer with over 30 years of service.

After his retirement he was a member of the Henrico County SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Academy and was a volunteer with the Henrico County Police.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn S. Herrmann of Richmond; a daughter, Martha H. Phillips, and her husband, Jeff; a son, David Herrmann, and his wife, Kim; grandchildren, Becca Phillips, Kelsey Phillips, Daniel Herrmann, Logan Hamilton and Chase Hamilton; a brother, Thomas Herrmann, and his wife, Lou; and several nieces and nephews.

Franklin O. Mikle ’53 Col. Franklin Oren Mikle ’53, USA (Ret), of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Dec. 20, 2007.

He was 76.

Mikle matriculated from Utica, New York, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he graduated with distinction. He was a D Company sergeant and a member of the Glee Club for four years.

He held a master of science degree in public administration from Shippensburg State College (now Shippensburg University) and was also a graduate of the Army War College.

A veteran of Korea and Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953-79. attaining the

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rank of colonel. He served tours in Europe, Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam and Thailand.

Among his many assignments were company commander, 434th Engineer Battalion, Korea; chief, Management Services Division, U.S. Army Depot, Kaiserslautern, Germany; commander of an Engineer Control and Advisory Detachment team, 1st Special Forces Group, Vietnam; engineer staff officer, Army Regional Engineer Office, Bangkok, Thailand; S-3 and executive officer, 45th Engineer Group, Vietnam; battalion commander, 20th Engineer Battalion (Combat), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; chief, Military Personnel and Administrative Division, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D,C,; staff officer, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, the Pentagon; and deputy for Plans, Requirements and Technology, Defense Mapping Agency Topographical Center, Washington, D.C. His last assignment before retiring from the Army was as deputy engineer, Headquarters, FORSCOM (U.S. Army Forces Command), Fort McPherson, Georgia.

He was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, an Air Medal, three Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

He was a registered professional engineer in civil engineering and land surveying.

After retiring from the Army, he worked for the Atlanta Housing Authority for 15 years. He was the construction manager for the Authority and assisted implementing the modernization of the Authority’s public housing asset. He retired again in 1996.

He is survived by twin sons, James O. Mikle ’80 of Atlanta and Thomas F. Mikle ’80 of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and three grandchildren, Daniel Mikle, Laura Mikle and Katelyn Mikle of Lawrenceville. His wife of 50 years was the late Marjorie Ann Forbes Mikle.

John P. Diuguid ’54 Second Jackson-Hope Medal John Powell Diuguid ’54 of Olney, Maryland, died on Dec. 9, 2007. He was 75.

Diuguid matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and held a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI, where he graduated with distinction. He was a captain and cadet S-4 on the Regimental Staff, editor of the Cadet newspaper, vice president of the Honor Court and a distinguished military and academic graduate.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-57 as a jet fighter and bomber pilot and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1957-84, attaining the rank of colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit.

He earned his J.D. degree in 1960, with honors, from the George Washington School of Law, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and served on the board of editors of the Law Review.

From 1960-65 he was with the U.S. Department of Justice, first in the attorney general’s Honor Graduate Recruitment Program and later as special trial attorney and special assistant to the attorney general. He was director of the appellate defense division.

He received a sustained superior performance award from Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in 1964, and in that year reorganized a major investigative effort being made in connection with civil corruption activities.

In 1965 he entered the general practice law firm of Carr, Bonner, O’Connell, Kaplan and Scott in Washington, D.C., and in September 1967 he became a partner in that firm as well as the Maryland firm of Carr, Scott, Thompson and Diuguid. Beginning in 1974 he served with the law firm of Diuguid and Siegel, later Diuguid, Siegel and Kennelly, with offices in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.

He was general counsel for the National Association of Federal Investigators and general counsel and director of the State of West Virginia’s purchasing practices and procedures commission, as well as consultant to the Justice Department’s law enforcement assistance administration.

He was a member of the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Maryland, Court of Military Appeals, and the Supreme Court and Seventh Federal Circuit bars, and had practiced before the courts of all jurisdictions within the Washington metropolitan area, as well as various federal jurisdictions.

He was a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, the Federal Bar Association and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. He was a member of the Air Force Association, the Reserve Officers Association and the Pentagon Officers Athletic Club, as well as the American Trial Lawyers

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Association and “The Barristers.”

He is survived by his wife, Edith Sweene Diuguid of Olney; five children, John P. Diuguid Jr., Dana Alison Diuguid and her husband, James, Tracey Eleanor Diuguid, Constance Lee Calkins and her husband, Anthony, and Duncan Andrew Diuguid and his wife, Andrea; 17 grandchildren; a brother, Lewis H. Diuguid ’57 of Baltimore, Maryland; and three sisters, Susan Neff, Sarah McLin and Jean Heaney. His father was the late John Hampton Diuguid ’26.

Bruce L. Mitchell ’54 Bruce Lee Mitchell ’54 of Bergen-Hackensack, New Jersey, died on Jan. 31, 2008.

He was 78.

Mitchell matriculated from Oradell, New Jersey, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. A veteran of Korea, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1953-55.

He was employed as a civil engineer with Grow Tunneling Corporation until his retirement in 1995. He continued in public service as a bus driver for the Hillsdale Scholastic bus company.

He is survived by his children, Marcy Mitchell, Allison Julie Mitchell and George Lee Mitchell; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Corinne, Jennifer, Danielle, Kyle and Kurt; two sisters, Mildred Mitchell Raines and Jacqueline Mitchell McCarty; four nieces, Eve Lynn, Robin, Jacqueline Suzanne and Kelli Lyn; and a nephew, Craig Henderson. His wife was the late Lynn Marston Mitchell.

George H. Steacy Jr. ’55 George Holbert Steacy Jr. ’55 of Harker Heights, Texas, died on Nov. 27, 2007. He was 74.

Steacy matriculated from Mahopac, New York, and attended VMI for one and onehalf months.

His service in the U.S. Army from 1951-73 included four combat tours, one in Korea and three in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He is survived by his mother, Edith, and his sister, Gail, both of Mahopac; a brother, Kevin, of Chesapeake, Virginia; and another sister, Kim, of Cortez, Colorado.

John J. Tonkin ’55 John Joseph Tonkin ’55 of Falls Church, Virginia, died on Feb. 2, 2008. He was 74.

Tonkin matriculated from Newport News,

2008-Issue 2

Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He was a member of the outdoor track team, the indoor track team and the cross country team for four years, and of the Monogram Club for three years.

He is survived by a brother, M. Bradley Tonkin Jr. of Richmond, Virginia.

William R. Tabor ’61 William Ray Tabor ’61 of West End, North Carolina, died on Jan. 28, 2008. He was 67.

Tabor matriculated from Logan, West Virginia, and attended VMI for four and one-half months.

He was a varsity football player and member of Sigma Pi fraternity at Wake Forest University, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was the owner of R & B Distributors.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Robin Shahan Tabor of West End; four daughters, Tracy Tabor Mitchell of Austin, Texas, Kristen Tabor of Cary, North Carolina, Kellie Tabor-Hann of Middletown, Rhode Island, and Kimberly Lane Kreitlow of Apex, North Carolina; two grandsons, August Hann and William Teague Hann; and two stepgrandsons, Zachary Mitchell and Matthew Mitchell; two brothers, Robert Tabor and Larry Tabor; two sisters, Donna Kinkaid and Lynn Burgess; and four sons-in-law, Brien Mitchell, Scott Pigeon, Larry Hann and Kelly Kreitlow.

VMI, where he was a color sergeant during his first class year. As a second classman he was named a Distinguished Academic Student, and he managed the varsity football team during his third class year.

He earned his medical degree from Tulane University and served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam from 1971-73, attaining the rank of captain.

He was a child psychiatrist.

He is survived by three brothers, Morgan D. Delaney, M.D., Michael D. Delaney ’69, M.D., and his wife, Margot, of Alexandria and John P. Delaney, M.D., and his wife, Mary; four sisters, Margaret D. Baldwin and her husband, Jack, Mary Jo Warren and her husband, Jimmy, Martha D. Delaney and Patricia D. Yurgaitis; six nephews, among them Robert S. Baldsin ’85 of Columbia, Maryland; four nieces; and two step-nieces. His father, Martin D. Delaney Jr. ’28, M.D., who died in 1986, was a full-time doctor in northern Virginia who attended over 400 VMI football games as a volunteer team physician.

Charles E. Maddox Jr. ’68

Charles Elkins Maddox Jr. ’68 of Strasburg, Virginia, died on Dec. 3, 2007. He was 61.

Maddox matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia in 1970.

Maddox was named to a fouryear term as a director-at-large of The VMI Alumni Association Leonard K. Fuscaldo ’63 Inc. in 1984.

Leonard Kenneth Fuscaldo ’63 A Vietnam veteran, he served of Miami, Florida, died on Aug. in the U.S. Army’s 11th Armored 22, 2007. He was 65.

Division from 1970-72, attaining Fuscaldo matriculated from the rank of first lieutenant.

Tuckahoe, New York, and held a Maddox ’68 He was a consulting civil enbachelor of arts degree in English gineer for R.M. Bartenstein Asfrom VMI, where he was a member of the wrestling team and the baseball sociates from 1972-74, the director of the team for two years and was a D Company Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority from 1974-76, chief engineer lieutenant.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67, with G. W. Clifford Associates in Winchester, attaining the rank of captain.

Virginia, from 1976-80, principal owner of Among his survivors is his wife, Hea Cha GWC&A from 1980-2003, and held the poChung (Rimi) Fuscaldo of Miami. sition of vice president, board member and principal engineer for Patton, Harris, Rust and Associates, P.C., an engineering and land Martin D. Delaney III ’66 Martin Donohue Delaney III ’66, M.D., of development services firm in northwestern Alexandria, Virginia, died on Feb. 3, 2008. Virginia and West Virginia, until his retirement in 2006.

He was 62.

He was a consulting engineer from 2006 unDelaney matriculated from Alexandria and held a bachelor of arts degree in biology from til his death. He was a professional engineer

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TAPS in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, and a professional surveyor in West Virginia. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the U.S. Golf Association, the board of trustees for Shenandoah University, the board of directors of First Bank and First National Corporation, and a member/owner of Jackson Chase Golf Club, LLC. He was a member of the Winchester Exchange Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church, the board of directors of Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, the board of directors and chairman of the Frederick County Community Development Association, a member/owner of First Valley Investments, LLC, a member/owner of Toms Brook L & I Company, LLC, a member/owner of Crystal Investments, LLC, a member of the board of directors of Blue Ridge Hospice, Inc., a board member and president of the Shenandoah County Homebuilders Association, a member of Dillons Run Conservation Club, LLC, and supporter of Young Life, and a member of the Boy Scouts of America and Shenandoah American Legion Post No. 77 in Strasburg. He was a helicopter pilot who owned and operated his own helicopter.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley White Maddox of Strasburg; a son, Maj. Deacon Maddox ’93, and his wife, Eun-Jin, of Hambach, Germany; a daughter, Sandra Barton, and her husband, Bruce, of Ellicott City, Maryland; a brother, Steven A. Maddox of Olympia, Washington; a sister, Margaret Rec of Stephens City; and two grandchildren, Abby Barton and Hank Barton.

Michael J. Baxter ’71 Lt. Col. Michael John Baxter ’71, USA (Ret), of Fairfax Station, Virginia, died on Jan. 1, 2008. He was 58.

Baxter matriculated from Pearl City, Hawaii, and held a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from VMI, where he was a member of the Rifle and Pistol Club. He held a master of arts degree from Texas Tech.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1971-94,

attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, two Army Commendation Medals and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his retirement from the Army he spent 11 years working as a director in Sprint’s Senior Federal Program.

He mentored through the Warren County Coalition, served as a deacon and teacher at Marlow Heights Baptist Church, and tutored math at Randolph-Macon Academy.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Coley Baxter of Fairfax Station; two sons, Adam M. Baxter of Alexandria, Virginia, and Ryan M. Baxter, his wife, Ana, and their son, “Junior,” of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his parents, Norma and Art Baxter and siblings Patty Gutzeit of Hilo, Hawaii, and Cyndi Denomie and Dennis Baxter of Oahu; and several nieces and nephews.

Bruce R. Chambers ’73 Bruce Rentschlor Chambers ’73 of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, died on Nov. 19, 2007.

He was 56.

Chambers matriculated from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was a member of the football team for four years and a letterman for three years.

He earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1973-83, attaining the rank of captain.

An environmental engineer, he worked on numerous water and sewer projects. He was also the former company commander for the Brownsville Reserve Unit, a Sewage Enforcement Officer and a continuing education instructor for operator training.

A Eucharistic minister, he was a former finance council chairman at Saint Therese Church. He was a member of the Uniontown Lions Club and the Geibel Core Development Team.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mar-

ian Gaydos Chambers of Uniontown; two sons, Brian Chambers and Benjamin Chambers; a daughter, Katharine Chambers; two sisters, Sherri Bell and her husband, Jim, of New Castle, Indiana, and Barbara Olson and her husband, Bob, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Amy Gehron Chambers of Pittsburgh; a brother-in-law, Dr. Joel Gaydos, and his wife, Dr. Charlotte Gaydos, of Bel Air, Maryland; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Michael J. Budler ’79 Michael Joseph Budler ’79 of Denver, Colorado, died on Jan. 10, 2008. He was 50.

Budler matriculated from Plainfield, Illinois, and attended VMI for three years and three months. He was a D Company lieutenant and a member of the Cadet newspaper staff, the Glee Club and the Civil War Roundtable.

He earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Lewis University in 1980.

He was, at one time, a retail travel consultant with Travel by Dana in Englewood, Colorado.

His club memberships included the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and he was a sergeant with the 1st Colorado Volunteer Infantry, Company D. He was a Civil War Living Historian.

He is survived by his former wife, Jacqueline Ryan Budler; and two daughters, Jessilyn C. Budler and Johanna M. Budler.

John H. Camden III ’00 John Henry Camden III ’00 of Natural Bridge, Virginia, died on Dec. 2, 2007, in a single vehicle accident. He was 29.

Camden matriculated from Lexington, Virginia.

He is survived by his parents, Terrie Mitchell Barber of Roanoke and John Henry Camden; a sister, Lorrie Tyree, and her husband, Curtis, of Natural Bridge; his grandmother, Julie Moyer, and her husband, V. A. Moyer, of Waynesboro, Virginia; and an uncle, Dennis Mitchell, and his wife, Diane, and their son, Adam, of Salem, Virginia.

The Taps section of the VMI Alumni Review is researched and written by Kathryn A. Wise, vice president, The VMI Alumni Association. For those who wish to contact her, she may be reached via telephone at 800/444-1839 or by e-mail at kwise@vmiaa.org.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Executive Vice President

President

James F. Spellman Jr. ’85 jfspellman@vmialumni.org

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 adam@vmialumni.org

First Vice President

Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 1882 Elmhurst Dr. Germantown, TN 38138 vmi73agent@aol.com

The VMI President

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Immediate Past President

C. Douglas Marechal ’62 keydet62@ntelos.net

Region I

— Far West

Guy F. Conte ’75 guyconte@gmail.com

Region II

— Midwest

Fredrick J. Lehman ’91

Fredrick.Lehman@morganstanley.com

Region III — Northeast

John R. Gibney ’80

jgibney@actuary.nyc.gov

Region IV

— Mid Atlantic

Grover C. Outland III ’81

outland@techusa.net

— Southeast

James C.D. Bowen ’88

cbowen@campbellandbrannon.com

2008-Issue 2

James L. Adams ’71

Keydet Club, Inc.

William H. Stephens Jr. ’73

Executive Vice President Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Directors at Large Terms Expire June 30, 2008 J. Bolling Williamson ’60 Donald D. Carson ’64

Region/ Regional Director Chapter

Region V

Executive Vice President

President

Walter C. Perrin II ’62

Historian

Second Vice President Randolph M. Blanks ’67 4773 Charter Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192 vmi67@comcast.net

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Terms Expire June 30, 2009 Michael C. Zirkle ’97 Heidi F. Nagel ’02 Terms Expire June 30, 2010 Rick F. Hall ’79 Michael L. Soares ’75

Chapter President

Chapter Representative

Hawaii Los Angeles New Mexico N. California (San Francisco) Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountain, Colorado San Diego Inland Empire Alaska Arizona Las Vegas

Russell S. Takata ’74 Ralph J. Taber ’82 F. Judson Leech ’55 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Charles G. Decher ’00 Jay C. Wegrzyn ’66 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Robert D. Clingenpeel Jr. ’69 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89

Russell S. Takata ’74

Alamo (San Antonio) Centex (Austin, Texas) Chicago Kansas City, Missouri North Texas (Dallas-Ft. Worth) Rio Grande, Texas Southeast Texas (Houston) Southwest Ohio St. Louis, Missouri Detroit, Michigan Little Rock, Arkansas Bluegrass (Kentucky) Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Robert R. Costigan ’70 Jimmie V. Thurmond ’56 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Jeffrey T. Golden ’99 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 Timothy S. Feagans ’90 Alexander E. Woelper ’80 Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Joseph J. Leonard, Jr. ’83 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Mike A. Demers ’80 Mike A. Demers ’80 Harry W. Gore Jr. ’72 Robert C. Polk ’61 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory G. McDearmon ’99 Hugh R. Hill ’85 Walter J. Kleine ’63 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Greater Rhode Island New England (Massachusetts) New York City/Long Island Westfair (Connecticut)

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 Matthew L. Camfield ’94 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

Maryland Central Keystone (Pennsylvania) Delaware Valley (Pennsylvania) W. Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)

Owen J. Curley ’87 Duane E. Williams ’66 John D. Kearney ’73 Allan R. Berenbrok ’80

Lester C. Martin ’68 John D. Kearney ’73 Robert A. Lane ’75

Augusta Appalachian Atlanta, Georgia Coastal Georgia/S. Carolina Mid South (Tennessee) Nashville

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 Paul W. Holland ’90 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 Parker W. Duncan Jr. ’64

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Paul W. Holland ’90 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 Charles S. Sanger ’82

Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Raymond C. Saunders III ’66 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 James R. Greathead ’60 Nathaniel P. Ward IV ’65 Peter H. Lyons ’54 Marcus B. Paine ’81 Thomas D. Kelly ’50B John D. Christie ’59

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 John W. Wainwright ’82 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

141

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY Region/ Regional Director Chapter

Chapter President

Chapter Representative

Region VI

— Carolinas

Charles L. Toomey ’74

toomeyl@pinehurst.net

Club of the Triad John R. Fisher ’89 Cape Fear Charles L. Toomey ’74 Central North Carolina (Raleigh) Michael J. Tutor ’96 Charlotte, North Carolina James A. Sharp ’93 SE N. Carolina/NE S. Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina Donald P. DeLuca ’62

John R. Fisher ’89 Charles L. Toomey ’74 John W. Butler Jr. ’61 E. Hugh Daughtry III ’83

VII Region

— Deep South James G. Joustra Jr. ’76 Jim.Joustra@Walgreens.com

Birmingham, Alabama Central Florida (Orlando) Mobile, Alabama Northeast Florida (Jacksonville) Southern Florida (Miami) Tennessee Valley (Alabama) West Coast Florida (Tampa) Southwest Florida (Ft. Meyer)

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 James G. Joustra ’76 C.M.A. Rogers IV ’83 Michael T. Fellows ’95 John A. Weekes Jr. ’97 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Larry L. Fluty ’78 Bradford T. Herrell ’01

William H. Cather Jr. ’65

New River Valley Lynchburg Roanoke

William A. Madison ’90 John T. McCarthy ’87 W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62

William A. Madison ’90 Bland Massie Jr. ’77 W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62

Region VIII

Virginia — Southwest

Edgar James T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@perrowconsulting.com

Region IX

— Shenandoah Valley (Va.)

Thomas

E. Jenks III ’67

The4jenks@adelphia.net

Northern Shenandoah Valley Charlottesville Blue Ridge Rockbridge County Allegheny Highlands Stonewall Jackson Chapter

Region X

— Tidewater

Eastern Shore

Robert A. Heely ’69

Norfolk bob_heely@wcbay.com

Peninsula J. Sills O’Keefe ’93

Virginia Beach sokeefe@norfolkacademy.org Western Tidewater Region XI

— Metro

D.C.

L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66 L-Randolph.Williams@dhs.gov

Steve J. Nakazawa ’03 steve.nakazawa@gmail.com

George C. Marshall Potomac River

Region XII

— Virginia Central

Robert P. Louthan ’82 Richmond rlouthan@stonypointcapital.com Tri-Cities Christopher L. Ratchford ’94 Christopher.l.ratchford@wachoviasec.com

Region XIII — Rappahannock Eric F. Nost ’79 enost@cffc.com

Fredericksburg/Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg

W. Douglas Thomas ’65 James E. Duncan ’98 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 Thomas E. Jenks III ’67 T. Troy Barbour ’89 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Christopher R. Jones ’72 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Andrew M. Neff ’79 Brett R. Martin ’00

Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Mark H. Bryant ’77 R. Edward Duncan ’60 M. Edgar Hollowell Jr. ’61 Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Robert W. Leatherbury ’80 and David G. Tyler IV ’86 Douglas N. Burdett ’82 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66

Thomas F. Wilson ’80

Sean P. Boyle ’91 Joseph E. Blanks ’94

R. Rucker Slater Jr. ’88 Christopher M. Clark ’00

Ramil B. Ibanez ’90

William H. Talley IV ’77

Michael C. Denton ’81 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Richard A. Duke ’90 Peter J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV — Pacific Rim

Thailand Taiwan

Lt. Gen. Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

— Italy

Lt. Col. Steven G. Cade ’87

142

Karl L. Klinar ’54

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

R.C. Thompson III ’74 John M. Townes ’53 John J. Kokolis ’96 Lt. Gen. Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS An interview with Josiah Bunting III and has spent his nearly 30-year academic tive officer of Specialty Coatings Interna’63, former VMI superintendent and re- career at schools that focus on undergradu- tional Inc., a $700 million paper and film tired lieutenant general, Virginia Militia, ate education. manufacturing company, from 1991-93, appeared in a recent issue of the LEADERS Since the 1980s, Gupton has worked to and from 1987-91, he was senior vice magazine, a quarterly publicadevelop new synthetic meth- president and group executive of James tion. Bunting, who is president odology using vinylogous imi- River Corporation, an NYSE paper manuof Harry Frank Guggenheim nium salts in heterocycle and facturing company.

Foundation, spoke of the founnatural product synthesis. He is In addition to serving on Caraustar’s dation’s mission as “investicurrently researching conden- board, Rogers serves as lead director of gating the human propensity sation reactions of aminocar- Owens & Minor Inc., a medical products for violence, aggression and bonyl compounds with vinylo- distribution company; Wellman Inc., a domination.” gous iminium salt derivatives, polyester and PET chemical manufactur“We are interested not only in which result in the formation ing company; and New Market Corp., a diagnoses but also in prescripof highly functionalized pyr- specialty chemical manufacturing comtions – finding out how we can roles that become building pany. He is also on the board of directors Bunting ’63 ameliorate some of the things blocks for various bioactive of various private companies, including we diagnose,” Bunting said in marine natural products.

Printpack, Inc.; Mohawk Paper Mills; PPC the interview.

The ACS award honors a chemistry Industries; and Pregis Corporation.

The foundation recently held two large faculty member whose research in an Rogers is a past president of the VMI conferences in the United States. “One was undergraduate setting has achieved wide Foundation Board of Trustees and a current on conscription and the other was called recognition and contributed significantly member of the VMI Board of Visitors.

‘Imagining the Next War,’” he said. “We’ll to chemistry and to the professional He graduated from VMI with a bachhold a conference this year on the Middle development of undergraduate students. elor’s degree in physics and earned a Eastern tribal system and the role it plays Research Corporation, a private founda- master of science degree in nuclear engiin politics in the Middle East, particularly tion for the advancement of science, neering from the University of Virginia. in Iraq.” established the award in 1984.

Additionally, he is a graduate of Harvard Bunting, who graduated as the top rankGupton graduated from VMI with a Business School’s Advanced Management ing English major in his class at VMI, was bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He earned Program. an academically distinguished student for a master’s degree from Georgia Institute four years and was designated a Distin- of Technology in 1969, but his graduate J. Michael Philipps ’68, a career newsguished Military Student, as well. He was work was interrupted by his military ser- paper journalist and former editor of the first captain and regimental commander of vice in Vietnam. After serving in the U.S. Post newspapers in Cincinnati and norththe Corps of Cadets.

Air Force, he completed his doctorate at ern Kentucky, has been named president Named a Rhodes Scholar in 1962, he Georgia Tech in 1975. and chief executive officer of the Scripps studied at Christ Church, Oxford UniverHoward Foundation. sity, from 1963-66 and earned a B.A. and James E. Rogers ’67 has The Foundation, which is an M.A. with honors in modern history. been appointed to the Backthe philanthropic arm of The He served on active duty in the U.S. Office Associates, LLC, board E.W. Scripps Company, is a Army from 1966-73, attaining the rank of directors. non-profit organization that of major.

BackOffice Associates is was created by Charles E. A published author, Bunting is writing a a leader in SAP® data qualScripps in 1962 to promote exbook on Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI ity, data migration and data cellence in journalism through class of 1901, which will be out in 2008. governance solutions. SAP endowments, scholarships and is the world’s largest busigrants. The foundation also According to the Jan. 28, 2008, issue of ness software company and sponsors the annual National Rogers ’67 C&EN, Chemical and Engineering News, the third-largest independent Journalism Awards program, John T. Gupton ’67 has received the software provider in terms of one of the nation’s most presAmerican Chemistry Society Award for revenues. SAP’s products focus tigious journalistic excellence Research at an Undergraduate Institution. on Enterprise Resource Planning, which it competitions. In communities across the Gupton is the Floyd D. & Elizabeth S. helped to pioneer. country where Scripps does business, the Gottwald Professor of Chemistry at the Rogers is the president of SCI Investors foundation provides financial support for University of Richmond. (Floyd D. Got- Inc., a private equity investment firm, and the literacy and community-building voluntwald ’43 is a longtime VMI supporter, former chairman and current member of the teer programs. and Elizabeth is his late wife.) Gupton Caraustar Industries Board of Directors.

Philipps joined Scripps in 1977 as a has mentored 100 undergraduate students He served as president and chief execu- reporter for the Cincinnati Post. During

2008-Issue 2

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ALUMNI NEWS his 30 years at the newspaper, he served in roles of increasing importance, including assistant city editor, news editor, metropolitan editor and assistant managing editor. He was named editor of the Cincinnati Post and its sister newspaper, the Kentucky Post, in 2001. The Post newspapers ceased publication on Dec. 31, 2007, the date that a 30-year joint operating agreement with The Cincinnati Enquirer expired.

During his career at the Post, Philipps directed coverage of several high-profile news events, including the Home State Savings financial collapse and subsequent reforms affecting the savings and loan industry; the 1993 Lucasville prison riots; the Pete Rose gambling scandal; the Ohio River flood of 1997; and the civil unrest in Cincinnati in 2001.

In the community and particularly in northern Kentucky, Philipps has been a proponent for better public education.

He served two years as vice chairman for education initiatives as a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He continues to serve on the chamber’s board, including two terms on its executive committee.

Philipps also has served as chairman of the board of directors of the Educational Alliance of Northern Kentucky and is a member of the Northern Kentucky Regional Council of Partners in Education.

Other community leadership roles include his current service as board secretary of Northern Kentucky’s Tri-County Economic Development Foundation; his work on the United Way of Northern Kentucky’s Action Council; and his membership on the Kentucky County Public Library Foundation’s board. Philipps is secretary of the board of directors of the Kentucky Humanities Council and is a member of the executive committee of Northern Kentucky’s Regional Stewardship Council, the volunteer organization charged with implementing recommendations of the community planning initiative. At the Scripps Howard Foundation, he is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Fund Contributions Committee.

A distinguished military graduate, Philipps earned a bachelor’s degree in English from VMI and was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the mili-

144

tary intelligence branch of the U.S. Army.

After serving 18 months in Vietnam, he left the service with the rank of captain.

James L. Bersson ’72 has been promoted to the senior executive service position of regional business director, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Pacific Ocean Division (POD).

Prior to this promotion, Bersson, who is based in Hawaii, was the deputy district engineer of programs and project management for the Corps’ Honolulu district, responsible for the execution of a $1.85 billion military construction, civil works, environmental, and international and interagency services program. In this role, he provided services required to plan, design, construct and manage military, civil works and environmental projects throughout the Pacific region.

Previously, Bersson served as the chief of engineering and construction for the district. In that position, he led a workforce of 240 engineers, architects, scientists and technicians responsible for military and civil works design, construction management and administration, operations and maintenance, cost engineering, environmental and civil works technical functions, and the Department of the Army regulatory program.

He has held a variety of positions in the district and POD, including chief of construction, chief of operations, and Hawaii area engineer. Prior to coming to Hawaii, he worked in the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, DC, where he performed design and construction evaluations of Corps projects worldwide, and held various positions in the Europe and Baltimore districts.

Bersson, who is married and has two daughters, graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Virginia.

Daniel P. Thornton ’78 and W. James (Jay) Melvin III ’80 and are among a group of businessmen who are opening a bank in Lexington, Virginia. The CornerStone Bank, which is the proposed name as of this writing, will open in 2008 and will be locally owned and managed.

Melvin, who has prior bank board experience, will serve as chairman of the board, and Thornton will serve as one of 13 board members.

Thornton is also chairman of the board of Select Bank in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“Lexington and the local area is an attractive market for a truly locally-owned and managed bank with a commitment to superior financial solutions and a superior customer experience,” said Melvin. “CornerStone Bank will seek to distinguish itself through a real commitment to making a difference in the community.”

As of this writing, the capital-raising project is scheduled to begin in mid June, and a temporary branch will be open by late summer/early fall 2008. The bank’s permanent headquarters will be located on Lexington’s East Nelson Street.

As announced in Super Lawyers magazine, Joseph G. Corsaro ’79 has been named a 2008 Super Lawyer.

A distinguished VMI graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, Corsaro was a member of the football team during all four years at the Institute.

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Super Lawyers is published as a special supplement in leading newspapers and city and regional magazines across the country.

Super Lawyers magazine, featuring articles about attorneys named to the Super Lawyers list, is distributed to all attorneys in the state or region, the lead corporate counsel of Russell 3000 companies and the ABA-approved law school libraries. Polling, research and selection are performed

by Law & Politics, a publication of Key Professional Media, Inc. Law & Politics has been publishing legal magazines since 1990 and Super Lawyers since 1991.

The objective of the Super Lawyers selection process is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource to assist attorneys and consumers in the search for legal counsel.

With more than 25 years of experience as a tax and corporate law attorney, Corsaro holds the designation of certified tax at-

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS

Joseph G. Corsaro ’79, third from left, with the members of his legal firm, Corsaro and Associates.

in pulmonary medicine and thoracic oncology, including the Annie Simpson Pulmonary Medicine Prize in Pulmonary Medicine, among others.

Founded in 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America provides a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment model that fully integrates traditional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with scientifically-supported complementary and alternative therapies such as nutrition, naturopathy, psychological counseling, physical therapy and spiritual support to meet the special, whole person needs of advanced-stage cancer patients.

Warren W. Michelsen ’87 has been ways Disease Management at St. Mary’s named area manager for Trane in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Regional Medical Center in Maine.

As the Trane west territory indirect sales A member of numerous professional organizations and scientific societies, leader, Michelsen has been instrumental Lund has held leadership positions at the in developing the equipment and controls American College of Chest business stream for the organization.

Leading up to this appointment, he has Michael L. Lakos ’86 has Physicians (Interventional been promoted to the rank of Procedure and Diagnostic held numerous positions of increasing recolonel in the U.S. Air Force.

Chest Steering Committee) and sponsibility, including indirect sales manLakos serves as the Missile the American Association of ager for Arizona Trane, national operations Defense Division chief in the Bronchology. He is a member and product manager for ChillerSource, Strategy, Plans and Policy of the American and World As- and marketing engineer in Lexington, Directorate at Headquarters, sociation for Bronchology and Kentucky, and Pueblo, Colorado.

Trane Inc. is a global provider of heating, United States European Comthe International Association mand, Stuttgart, Germany. He for the Study of Lung Cancer. ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) is the executor and principal He is board certified by the systems and building management sysLakos ’86 assistant/advisor to the director American Board of Internal tems and controls. With headquarters in for the numerous missile deMedicine and by sub-specialty Piscataway, New Jersey, Trane has offices, fense issues affecting European boards in pulmonary diseases service operations, joint ventures and manufacturing facilities around the world.

Command and is the focal point for the and critical care medicine.

Michelsen graduated from VMI with a presidential-directed U.S. Missile Defense Lund, who graduated from VMI with bachelor’s degree in mechaniin Europe Capability. a bachelor’s degree in biolcal engineering. Following Lakos, who graduated With Distinction ogy, trained as a physician’s service in the U.S. Air Force, he from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in assistant at Emory University. joined Trane as a member of the mathematics, lives in Germany with his He earned his medical degree company’s graduate training wife, Lucinda, and their three children. from Jefferson Medical College program. before completing advanced He, his wife, Jennifer, and Mark E. Lund ’87, M.D., has joined fellowships in interventional three daughters are relocating Cancer Treatment Centers of America pulmonology and pulmonary to Albuquerque, New Mexico, (CTCA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and critical care medicine at the in July 2008. as director of Interventional Pulmonology, University of Pennsylvania.

ICU director and the Bronchoscopy Suite In addition to writing numerMichelsen ’87 See photo of U.S. Navy Comdirector. Lund is one of only five annually ous abstracts and editorials, manders L. Scott Hurst ’88 trained interventional pulmonologists in Lund has contributed to chapthe nation. ters and manuscripts in Chest, which is the and John J. Adametz ’89 on next page.

Prior to joining CTCA, Lund was the journal of the American College of Chest Frank W. Dingle ’96, senior vice presidirector of Interventional Pulmonology Physicians, and The Journal of Broncholat the Regional Center for Complex Air- ogy. He has received teaching awards dent at the Baltimore, Maryland, office of torney, granted by the Ohio State Supreme Court. He is one of only 18 attorneys in Ohio with this title.

Corsaro & Associates Co., LPA, is based in Westlake, Ohio.

2008-Issue 2

145

ALUMNI NEWS Perrow graduated from VMI with a degree in civil engineering. He started his own consulting business in 2001. His father is Edgar J.T. Perrow ’70.

Cmdr. L. Scott Hurst ’88, USN, left, commanding officer, U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five, relieved Cmdr. John J. Adametz ’89, USN, right, commanding officer, U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven, as the ready engineer force in the Pacific, at Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 12, 2007. Both men are with the Civil Engineer Corps. The Seabees are conducting theater security cooperation operations and humanitarian relief throughout the Pacific region in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Ferris, Baker Watts, was featured in the December 2007 issue of On Wall Street magazine, a leading industry publication with national distribution.

Dingle, who joined Ferris, Baker Watts in 1997, is recognized as one of the Top Investment Professionals under the age of 40.

As of this writing, Dingle manages over $172 million in client assets, providing investment strategies to his clients.

In compiling the Top Investment Professionals list, the magazine identified those under 40 who have the most assets under management and who offer comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services. The magazine chose registered representatives from the five national wire houses and 10 of the biggest regional firms, which included Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc. Dingle, who graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in international studies, lives in Baltimore with his wife, Frances, and their daughter, Anne.

A director on the Board of Bay Vanguard Federal Savings Bank in Baltimore, he is also a board member and serves as sec-

146

retary of The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Museum.

Founded in 1900, Ferris, Baker Watts offers personalized services to its individual, corporate and institutional clients through more than 50 offices throughout the United States. FBW has a sales force of over 300 investment executives and 1000 employees.

In February 2008, E.J. Turner Perrow III ’96 announced that he will seek the Ward IV seat on the Lynchburg (Virginia) City Council, running as an Independent.

Perrow said that, if elected, he will fight to keep real estate taxes and business taxes from increasing while promoting efficiencies in government spending, and he will promote “smart growth, fiscal responsibility, excellent schools, and a continuing commitment to public safety.”

Following Perrow’s announcement to run, Ward IV incumbent Joe Seiffert said, “Now you can see why I’m so excited. The enthusiasm he brings and the knowledge he has. He’s bright, and he’s articulate.

He’s a VMI grad. He’s top notch.”

John D. Pearce ’96 and Michael C. Zirkle ’97 have been promoted to senior associates for Booz Allen.

John Pearce has over 11 years of experience in the information technology industry, in which he has designed, secured and managed large, complex networks and systems for public and private sectors.

During his four years at Booz Allen, he has been instrumental in leading and executing technical security solutions for civil agencies and the Department of Defense, and he has been at the forefront in helping clients respond to network security engineering (NSE) challenges.

In his role as senior associate, Pearce will continue to lead the NSE and network security assessment (NSA) services capability development and marketing activities for civil agencies.

According to the Booz Allen announcement about his promotion, future roles for Pearce will include leading the integration of forensics into network security assessment and penetration testing offering, as well as developing relationships across the firm to produce increased demand for network security engineering and assessment services beyond existing clients.

Pearce earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from VMI and a graduate certificate in information security management from George Washington University.

Mike Zirkle has over 10 years of experience in the wireless and wireless security industry, in which he has designed, secured and managed large, complex networks and systems.

During his three years with Booz Allen, he has been delivering and building capabilities in the mobile and wireless security area, particularly in Blackberry, cellular, WiMax, WiFi and Bluetooth technologies. He leads a team of 18 subject matter experts who deliver high-quality security services across the Federal government, the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

Since joining the firm, he has led several technical efforts with Blackberry and

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Bluetooth security, authored an enterprise secure wireless strategy and policy and was a contributing author to NIST Special Publication 800-111 (“Guide to Storage Encryption Technologies for End User Devices”). His clients include the Army Materiel Command, National Guard Bureau, Health and Human Ser-

vices and the Army Industrial Base.

According to the Booz Allen announcement about his promotion, Zirkle is being positioned as a leader in high technology products and as a market lead in the Army Mission and Sustainment Account. He will also continue to be responsible for delivery, client management, and building

mobile and wireless capabilities.

Zirkle earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from VMI and is pursing a master’s degree at Georgetown University.

A director at large of The VMI Alumni Association, Zirkle also heads the association’s Communications Committee.

Book Announcement American Power after the Berlin Wall

by Thomas H. Henriksen ’62. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007. ISBN: 0-230-60094-8.

Available from Barnes & Noble, amazon.com and local bookstores.

American Power after the Berlin Wall is a sweeping narrative of the international events since the epochal fall of the Berlin Wall. It is a ground-breaking account of the past two decades of American history overseas. Thomas Henriksen remarkably knits together the blur of yesterday’s headlines into an understandable chronicle to broaden and deepen the reader’s knowledge of our recent past. Clearly written in fast-moving prose, the book dissects and explains the sinews of American power when applied to the world’s crises. It examines U.S. foreign policy from 1989 to the present through the prism of America’s interventions around the world. It summarizes how the Soviet Union’s disintegration transformed America’s global position, clearing the way for it to project military power and diplomatic influence in the world’s far corners to preserve stability and security. The volume narrates Washington’s incursions and conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and the Iraq War. The convulsions in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and East Timor are also addressed. It also describes the growth of terrorism before and after America responded to al-Qaeda in the Global War on Terror. When the costs of military actions looked too high, Washington fell back on diplomacy, containment and deterrence to confront nuclear-arming North Korea and Iran. The book is unique, be-

2008-Issue 2

cause no single volume chronicles and illuminates America’s worldwide role in the post-Iron Curtain period.

The book cites VMI twice in the text. One reference is to President George W. Bush’s speech delivered on the Post in April 2002 about the need for a Marshall Plan for Afghanistan. The second reference is a quotation from then-Central Command’s head, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, USA, during the investigation following the bombing of the Khobar Towers in 1996.

About the Author: Thomas Henriksen, Ph.D., is a Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the U.S. Joint Special Operations University. He is also a trustee of the George C. Marshall Foundation. Henriksen has lectured widely on international affairs, political change and “rogue states.” He has also authored or edited 12 books or monographs and numerous articles on international politics, insurgency and terrorism. In its Feb. 9 and 10, 2008, broadcasts, C-Span2 featured a book presentation by Henriksen.

Henriksen matriculated from West Palm Beach, Florida, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963-65 and earned his doctorate from Michigan State University.

147

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE

Cadet Leaders Break In New Breakout Plan

B

reakout for the class of 2011 was not only physically demanding but also rich in symbolism that goes to the core of the VMI experience.

It came down to a 12-mile march to the New Market Battlefield with each of the 415 Rats toting sand-filled rucksacks, followed by a physical training session with those 35-pound bags on arrival.

Finally, the Rats pulled three howitzers across the Field of Lost Shoes and fired them off.

After Matriculation and Cadre Week, the Ratline begins in earnest each fall at New Market, where the new 4th class cadets take the Cadet Oath and charge across the battlefield.

This year, on Jan. 26, New Market also became the culminating event in the process of their becoming a unified class of 2011.

The leaders of the 1st class devised the “ruck march” concept for Breakout and won the blessing of the administration; they hope it will become a major part in how Breakout is accomplished.

For many years, the Rat Mass struggled to reach the fourth stoop of the Barracks while upperclassmen resisted them and even greased the stairways. More recently, the Rats annually climbed a muddy hill in McKethan Park, again finding the will and a way to overcome resistance.

When cadet leaders began talking about a new Breakout, Jacob Widrick ’08, president of the Rat Disciplinary Committee, jokingly said, “They should march 80 miles to New Market,” as the Corps had to do when called to duty in the Civil War. The full distance was impractical, but soon the cadets realized they had the germ of a good idea: Combine the last leg of the march, which the Rats traditionally do just before Thanksgiving 148

furlough, with rucks and howitzers to make it more challenging.

“By re-creating the last leg of the march, we recognize the sacrifices made by the cadets who marched the 80 miles in 1864, before fighting as a unit in combat,” said Widrick. “The use of Alice Packs not only adds difficulty but represents the burden carried by the U.S. military as it conducts combat operations in distant regions of the world.”

At 8 a.m. on Jan. 26, with the temperature at 21 degrees, Rats and cadre boarded buses for Lacey Spring Elementary School

“ ... The movement of the howitzers across the battlefield was meant to provide a symbolic and culminating conclusion to Breakout and the Ratline in general,” said Widrick.

in Rockingham County, the step-off point.

In slightly over four hours, they completed the march to New Market.

Regimental executive officer Nicholas Cutting ’08, who was RDC operations officer, noted that it was a Herculean effort to scrape together 460 ruck sacks – including enough for cadre as well as

Rats – and to weigh and fill each to 35 pounds. He commended Jesse Burnette ’08, Company E executive officer, and all first sergeants and master sergeants for sacrificing “their own personal time” to bring this off. “It truly was a Corps-wide effort,” said Cutting.

After the march and physical training, “the movement of the howitzers across the battlefield was meant to provide a symbolic and culminating conclusion to Breakout and the Ratline in general,” said Widrick.

“The idea, which was created by last year’s RDC president, Jason LaCerda ’07, was for the three cannons to be pulled, side by side, across the battlefield. It stresses unity, because the Rats pull together, and as they charged the battlefield in September, they start and finish the Ratline together.”

After the return to Post, Cmdr.

Daniel Joseph ’91, a mathematics professor and adviser to the class of 2011, spoke at a steak dinner in Crozet Hall for Rats and dykes. Breakout concluded with traditional “Old Yells” in the Old Barracks courtyard.

Lt. Col. Roy “Willy” Funkhouser ’82, assistant commandant and the administration’s liaison to the RDC, commended the cadet leadership for “a well-run, well-executed, well-thoughtout plan with a lot of hard work and dedication.” He said next year’s 1st class will decide if Breakout will go forward in this innovative form.

Editor’s Note: The articles in the Institute section of the Alumni Review are provided by VMI Communications and Marketing, including the following: Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis, Sherri Tombarge, Bob Holland, Wendy Lovell and Lori Stevens. Production assistance: Burton Floyd. Photography: Kevin Remington or as noted with photo.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE

Photo above: Rats worked out before the march to New Market during Breakout on Jan. 26, 2008. Photo by Matthew Graham ’10. Photo below: Fourth class cadets, soon to set aside their Rat status, pulled a cannon across the Field of Lost Shoes at the New Market Battlefield in an activity new to Breakout this year. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

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INSTITUTE VMI Board Confirms New Contract with Superintendent G. Gilmer Minor III ’63, president of the VMI Board of Visitors, is pleased to confirm that the board has signed a new contract with VMI Superintendent J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. The agreement extends Gen. Peay’s term at VMI through June 30, 2013 … a decade of service to VMI. “Gen. Peay’s leadership over the past five years has been dynamic,” said Minor. “The Institute has had remarkable success in all areas, with Vision 2039 initiated by Gen. Peay serving as a ‘beacon’ to guide VMI toward its 200th anniversary. Vision 2039 is a blueprint for academics, the military and athletics – to include increased commissioning and emphasis on ethics, values, culture, discipline, the physical environment and, always, the academics. The known 14 ‘simplified descriptors’ of the Vision cover every aspect of VMI’s unique educational system, operated within a military framework.”

The academic program is central to the VMI experience. Through the dedicated work of the Dean’s Office and a vibrant faculty, along with the aid of the Jackson-Hope Fund, there have been dramatic enhancements in academics … all leading to the Institute receiving full reaccreditation, without conditions, from the Southern On Dec. 7, 2007, family members of the late Dr. Clark Association of Colleges and Schools in December 2007. The new King, former head of the Physical Education DepartCore Curriculum initiative propels VMI into the next decade. ment, unveiled a plaque honoring him at the dedicaGen. Peay recognized (early on) the necessity for upgrades to tion of the newly renovated annex to VMI’s primary physical education facility. Clark King Hall houses the VMI’s infrastructure and the need for capital improvements. These Institute’s swimming pool, a boxing ring and practice projects are instrumental in balancing all aspects of Vision 2039. room, locker rooms and other facilities. VMI photo by The infrastructure upgrades and capital projects, along with the Kevin Remington. beautification of the Post, are serving to enhance the Institute aesthetically, improve the image of VMI to all of its constituents, support the academic program through modern facilities and technology, enhance athletics and commissioning, mature the cultural environment, and preserve our history and tradition.

“The board is excited about the direction in which VMI is headed. It has recently reaffirmed its endorsement of Vision 2039 and is delighted that Gen. Peay has accepted the board’s offer to extend his contract,” added Minor. “We are particularly enthused by his energy and passion and the favorable response from our alumni toward the Institute’s direction … and future.”

Gen. Peay expressed his enthusiasm in accepting the extension. “Pamela and I have thoroughly enjoyed our five years in Lexington. As I said in 2003, I owe so much to VMI and giving ‘something back’ has been my great motivation. I Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, presented a certificate to look forward to working closely with the Marsha and Ralph Costen ’70, center, during the dedication of Costen Board of Visitors, the faculty and staff, Court in Cameron Hall on Jan. 19, 2008. The new hardwood floor was our coaches and the Corps as we move named in honor of Costen, whose company, Costen Floors Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, donated and installed the floor last summer. Also during the Institute to the future, producing the ceremony, Duggar Baucom, head basketball coach, far right, presented graduates as citizen-soldiers and future a commemorative game ball signed by the 2007-08 Keydet team to Jill and leaders of our nation.”

Tripp Costen ’97, far left. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Richter Named State Outstanding Faculty Member VMI philosophy professor Duncan Richter, Ph.D., has received an Outstanding Faculty Award, the Commonwealth’s highest honor for faculty who demonstrate superior accomplishments in teaching, research and public service at Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities.

He is one of 12 professors selected from 96 nominees to receive the award, administered by the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). He is the sixth member of the VMI faculty to be honored by SCHEV since it created the award program in 1986 and VMI’s fifth honoree since 2002.

Richter and his fellow award winners were honored on Feb. 20, 2008, in a ceremony at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Richter received a $5,000 stipend made possible through a gift from the Dominion Foundation, which has partnered with SCHEV to sponsor the 2008 faculty awards.

“We all remember the professor or teacher that stretched us to do our best work, the one we, as students, did not want to disappoint – Duncan is that kind of a professor,” said Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower IV, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. “Cadets are drawn to him, attracted by his brilliance, accessibility and uncanny ability to stretch them to their full potential.”

A professor of philosophy, Richter joined the VMI faculty 12 years ago and has been honored for both his teaching and his research, receiving the 1998 Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award, the 2005 Matthew Fontaine Maury Award for Faculty Research and a Distinguished Teaching Award in May 2007.

He is an internationally respected expert on ethics and the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein. His latest book, Why Be Good? A Historical Introduction to Ethics, was published last year by Oxford University Press.

“I see teaching the subject of philosophy as a matter of initiating and conducting a constructive dialogue, and I do not think of the students in my classes as empty vessels waiting to be filled with facts, nor do I 2008-Issue 2

think of teaching as being all about them and not at all about the world outside,” said Richter. “Instead it is a matter of bringing the two together.

“My goal is to produce cadets who know about the ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, our culture; who are in the habit of thinking critically about ideas and arguments that are presented to them; whose thinking (and ability to think) has been improved by being exposed to new insights and, above all, by wrestling with a variety of challenging arguments.”

Cadets say Richter is an exceptionally engaging and interesting instructor and that his courses are among the best they have taken.

“Studying philosophy has given me the gift of thoughtful questions and responses,” said one cadet of Richter. “Philosophy is the cornerstone of my education and is worth much more than the tuition I’m paying.”

Another wrote in support of his nomination: “I believe that his style of teaching is one of the best. It is the best, arguably, because it seems to me that he cares more

that the student understands the material than he does about the grade.”

In 1997, Richter initiated VMI’s popular philosophy minor, and he has been a strong contributor to VMI’s Institute Writing Program through his involvement with Writing Across the Curriculum. His dedication to his students and his profession goes far beyond the classroom, too. He founded the VMI Philosophy Club and has advised the Pre-Law Society, Officer of the Guard Association and VMI’s water polo team. This year, he serves as president of the Virginia Philosophical Association.

“I can say, without a doubt, that Duncan is the complete package – an outstanding teacher and mentor who is a great scholar, professionally active and a wonderful colleague,” said Col. James T. Gire, head of the department of psychology and philosophy.

“He is highly regarded by his students for showing enthusiasm, rigor and consideration, and he has been described by some students as the most profound and objective thinker they have ever met. In the scholarly realm, he is most admired by even the most critical of scholars and is viewed as potentially becoming the leading authority on Wittgenstein in the near future.”

A native of England, Richter holds degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Wales, and he received his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Virginia.

Philosophy professor Duncan Richter, Ph.D., above, right, received the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Award. He is pictured with one of his students. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

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INSTITUTE Deputy Secretary Outlines Treasury’s Role in National Security The United States government is employing all the cards in its deck to fight the war on terrorism, including the Department of the Treasury. Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt explained how the department has evolved in function to include national security in a speech at VMI on Jan. 29, 2008.

“When many of you think of the Treasury, I am sure you think about our most visible and well known functions: printing paper currency, minting coins, collecting taxes, issuing savings bonds, regulating national banks and managing the economy,” said Kimmitt. “Especially since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Treasury has gone well beyond these time-honored responsibilities and has begun to play an ever-greater role in protecting our national security.

“We contribute on the positive side of our agenda by strengthening financial systems and contributing to the development of economies in difficult security environments, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also have a punitive capability – using powerful new legal authorities to combat illicit financial activity perpetrated by countries such as Iran and North Korea.”

Unbeknownst to most Americans, the department has been active in the efforts to rebuild Iraq by helping steer that nation in the direction of firm economic footing.

“When Saddam Hussein was forced from power, Iraq’s currency was becoming worthless, and counterfeiting was rampant,” Kimmitt told the Corps of Cadets. “In 2004, Treasury helped the government of Iraq develop a new currency. About 2 billion banknotes have been successfully swapped, and the result has been a stable Iraqi dinar that is widely used by Iraqis.”

The secretary added that Iraqi inflation has declined from 77 percent in mid-2006 to less than 5 percent by last December.

There has been a surge in registered businesses – 500 percent post-Saddam – and with the advent of mobile technology, there are 8 million cell phone subscribers 152

and more than 260,000 Internet subscribers, up from an estimated 4,500 before the war. In addition, the United States has helped the new Iraqi government broker deals with creditors to help eliminate and reduce debt, and it has helped identify and

Many financial institutions worldwide have recognized this risk and have dramatically scaled back or cut off altogether their dealings with Iran in all currencies.”

Kimmitt predicted a world in which economic issues will play an even more prominent role in national security and encouraged VMI’s cadets to be aware of its importance as they contribute both in the military and the private sector.

A 1969 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Kimmitt holds a law

Robert M. Kimmitt, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, held an informal question and answer session with honors cadets. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

recover more than $2 billion stolen by the Hussein regime.

Kimmitt used the Treasury’s role in U.S. policy toward Iran to further outline its function in protecting national security. It has alerted other countries about the threat Iran poses to the international financial system and has implemented financial measures against Iranian banks and individuals involved in illicit acts.

“We are beginning to see the isolating effect that financial pressure can have on the Iranian regime as the international community counters Iran’s financial support for terrorism,” said Kimmitt. “We have been sharing information with government and private sector leaders about Iran’s deceptive use of the financial system to try to hide its support for these dangerous activities from the law-abiding international community.

degree from Georgetown University and has distinguished himself both militarily and in public service, as well as in the private sector. He has served as deputy secretary of the Treasury since 2005, as ambassador to Germany, under secretary of state for political affairs, general counsel to the Treasury Department and at the White House as National Security Council executive secretary and general counsel. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy.

Kimmitt’s visit to Post was sponsored by the John M. and Jane N. Roberts American Free Enterprise Program and is part of VMI’s Distinguished Speakers Series, which brings key themes and issues of the day to the Institute Corps and community.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

S

parky Woods Named New VMI Head Football Coach

Woods

2008-Issue 2

On Feb. 12, 2008, VMI Athletic Director Donny White ’65 announced that Sparky Woods is the Keydets’ new head football coach.

Woods, a veteran coach in the college ranks with over 30 years of experience, replaces Jim Reid who resigned the position in January to become outside linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins.

Woods becomes the 30th head football coach in the Institute’s 117-year history. He brings 10 years of head coaching experience at both the SEC and FCS (I-AA) level.

“I am extremely happy that Sparky Woods was interested in VMI,” said White. “His experience as a head football coach, both at Appalachian State University and the University of South Carolina, put him at the top of our list. I also like his rich background as an offensive coordinator in some outstanding programs. I am excited about the potential of VMI football, and I feel that Coach Woods will build a successful program here.”

“I am pleased that Coach Woods has accepted our offer and the challenge to lead VMI football,” said VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. “We are fortunate to have such a highly principled, seasoned coach, and we are confident in his abilities to win here and do so in the VMI way.”

Woods, 54, returns to the FCS (I-AA) ranks where he produced a successful run as head coach of Appalachian State for five seasons from 1984-88. Woods guided the Mountaineers to a 38-19-2 mark, two Southern Conference titles (1986, 1987) and two I-AA playoff appearances.

Over the two-year span in 1986-87, Appalachian State posted a perfect 13-0 conference mark.

The Southern Conference tabbed Woods as Coach of the Year for three consecutive years (1985-87), and he was also named Kodak Region II Coach of the Year in 1986.

As a head coach overall, Woods holds a 62-47-5 mark.

“We are excited about joining the Keydets,” said Woods. “I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to Gen. Peay and the

committee, and special thanks to Coach Donny White for the confidence he has shown in us. I am appreciative of Coach Jim Reid and his staff’s contributions to the program and intend to visit with each assistant coach as we go through the process of assembling a staff. I especially look forward to meeting the players as we work together to keep VMI football moving ahead in the years to come.”

Woods recently served as running backs coach at Alabama from 2003-06. While in Tuscaloosa, Woods coached Tide running back Kenneth Darby to two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and also mentored Shaud Williams, who led the SEC in rushing yardage in 2003 and was a semi-finalist for the Doak Walker award. The Tide led the SEC in rushing for three consecutive seasons (2003, 2004, 2005).

Woods also was head coach at South Carolina from 1989-93, and later served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Memphis (1995-96), Virginia (1997-98) and Mississippi State. At Virginia, Woods tutored NFL QB Aaron Brooks who finished as the school’s third all-time leading passer (5,118 yards) and second all-time leader in passing TDs (33).

While at MSU, Woods coached MSU’s alltime passing leader Wayne Madkin and helped establish record-setting offenses for the Bulldogs.

As an assistant coach, Woods participated in five bowl games: the 2006 Cotton Bowl, 2004 Music City Bowl, 2000 Independence Bowl, 1999 Peach Bowl and 1998 Peach Bowl.

In 1994, he served as an offensive assistant for the New York Jets.

Woods is a 1976 graduate of CarsonNewman and began his coaching career at Tennessee later that year. In 1977, he moved to Kansas before completing one year as defensive backs coach at North Alabama in 1978. From 1979-82, he coached at Iowa State, handling the receivers, before joining Appalachian State in 1983 as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and running backs coach under Mack Brown.

One year later, Woods was named head coach at Appalachian State.

Woods is married to the former Jean Ann Higginbotham, and the couple has two children: son Casey, 24, and daughter Emily, 20.

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ATHLETICS Alumnus and former Keydet coach Andre Curtis ’99 is the defensive quality control coach for the Giants’ coaching staff – a position he has held for two seasons.

Former Keydet coach David Merritt has coached the Giants’ secondary the past two seasons and has been on head coach Tom Coughlin’s staff for four years.

Curtis was a four-year letterman at linebacker for VMI from 1995-98. He started 31 consecutive games and finished his career with 354 tackles, which ranks 7th all-time on the school defensive tackle charts. He was named second team AllSouthern Conference team in 1998 after logging 106 tackles.

A native of Beaverdam, Virginia, Curtis graduated from the Institute with a degree in business and communications. Under VMI Coach Cal McCombs, he was a linebackers coach from 2000-02 and inside linebackers coach in 2003.

Merritt, a former NFL player with the Arizona Cardinals, coached VMI defensive ends and outside linebackers under Ted Cain in 1998, then handled the defensive line for the Keydets under Cal McCombs in 1999 and 2000. He left VMI to coach with the New York Jets for three years before joining the Giants in 2004.

Former VMI Assistant Coaches Celebrate Super Bowl Title Two former VMI football assistant coaches, including a former Keydet player, are wearing Super Bowl rings after the New York Giants’ dramatic 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, played on Feb. 3, 2008.

2008 VMI Football Schedule Sept. 6, 2008

St. Francis (PA)

1:00 p.m.

Sept. 13, 2008

at William and Mary TBA

Sept. 20, 2008 Chowan 1:00 p.m.

First Fall Reunion Weekend Keydet Club Weekend Sept. 27, 2008

at Ohio University

TBA

Oct. 4, 2008 Richmond 1:00 p.m.

Second Fall Reunion Weekend Homecoming Oct. 11, 2008 Coastal Carolina Parents Weekend

1:00 p.m.

Oct. 25, 2008

TBA

at Gardner Webb

Nov. 1, 2008 at Charleston Southern TBA Nov. 8, 2008

Liberty

1:00 p.m.

Nov. 15, 2008

at Stony Brook

TBA

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Athletics section of the Alumni Review are produced by the VMI Sports Information Office.

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Football and Soccer Win Big South Fall Sportsmanship Awards VMI was voted winner of the Big South Conference’s Sportsmanship Awards in three sports, followed by Liberty University with two selections and High Point University with one. This honor is part of the Big South’s Sportsmanship Awards program which began in 2005-06.

VMI received the award in football, men’s soccer and women’s soccer, while Liberty was honored in volleyball and men’s cross country. High Point was the recipient in women’s cross country.

The team awards are determined by tallying Big South student-athlete votes and are awarded at the end of each competitive season. Teams cannot vote for themselves. Each institution ranks and votes for its top three. Teams receive three points for a first-place ranking, two points for a second-place ranking and one point for a third-place ranking.

The Keydets, who have won 11 Team Sportsmanship Awards since the program began, received the honor in men’s soccer and football for the second consecutive year. This is VMI’s first women’s soccer sportsmanship award.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

Foundation Fund Makes Strong Progress in FY 2008 At the halfway point of Fiscal Year 2008, one of the more important annual fundraising efforts of the VMI Foundation – the Foundation Fund – was showing signs of another strong performance, receiving $1,492,876 in contributions

by Dec. 31, 2007. At the same point in Fiscal Year 2007, the fund had received $1,268,169. Therefore, contributions have increased by almost $225,000 or 18%. Pledges to the Foundation Fund also increased from $326,595 on Dec. 31, 2006, to $455,865 – an increase of almost 40%.

“The Foundation Fund enjoyed excellent support from VMI’s alumni and

friends last year, receiving a record amount of $2,560,605 from them,” said Jim Adams ’71, the Foundation’s executive vice president. “VMI needs unrestricted money to maintain and advance its academic and co-curricular programs and to develop the initiatives related to Vision 2039. The increasing generosity of our donors to the fund this year is most welcome.”

The number of alumni who have donated to the Foundation Fund increased marginally as well. By Dec, 31, 2006, 2,052 alumni had made a gift to the Foundation Fund; a year later, the number of alumni who had made a gift totaled of

John J. Wranek III ’85 Joins VMI Foundation On March 1, 2008, John J. Wranek III unrestricted money raised through it ’85 joined the staff of the VMI Foundation and passed on to VMI is critical to the as the director of The Institute Society. In operation and development of VMI’s that position, he will be responsible for academic and co-curricular programs. the cultivation and stewardship activities The Institute Society is important to the Foundation Fund because, related to those alumni and since it was established in friends who are leaders in 1973, its members annually providing unrestricted private provide the majority of the support to VMI through the donations. In Fiscal Year 2007, Foundation Fund. for example, 903 alumni and The VMI Alumni Association’s friends were members of the vice president for new cadet resociety, donating $1,659,795 cruiting since September 2006, or 64% of the record-setting Wranek is a lieutenant colonel $2,560,605 given to the Founin the Virginia National Guard. dation Fund.

Returning to VMI in 2002 for “John will be responsible for service with the Army ROTC Wranek ’85 engaging the current memdetachment, he was active in bers of The Institute Society, cadet life, serving as an advisor to the Rat Disciplinary Committee, an as- as well as to ask alumni and friends of sistant boxing coach and as an assistant VMI to join the society in its important work on behalf of VMI,” continued Adwith the VMI Research Laboratories.

Speaking on the nature of Wranek’s new ams. “With his experience in new cadet job, the VMI Foundation’s executive vice recruiting, which brought him in touch president, Jim Adams ’71, said, “Every with so many members of the VMI family, year, the VMI Foundation expends time as well as his work with cadets, John is and effort ensuring the success of the well prepared to perform this job, and all Foundation Fund. The Fund receives of us at the VMI Foundation look forward such significant attention, because the to having him on our team.”

2008-Issue 2

2,075. In Fiscal Year 2007, 3,404 alumni donated to the Foundation Fund.

“Participation of alumni in the Foundation Fund is an important element to the overall success of the VMI Foundation’s fundraising effort,” continued Adams. “I am pleased to see that we have a few more alumni making a gift to the Fund, but we must do better in this area.

“VMI’s need for unrestricted money remains critical as the costs of sustaining its singular education rise steadily. I ask those alumni who have not yet made a donation to the Foundation Fund to consider making a gift as soon as possible,” Adams concluded.

IRS $$$?

Thinking about how to use your 2008 Tax Rebate?

Consider making a gift to the VMI Foundation.

Your gift will support VMI as it prepares today’s cadets to be tomorrow’s leaders.

For more information, visit www.vmialumni.org and click on “Support VMI.” Editor’s Note: All articles in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are written by Scott Belliveau ’83, director of Foundation Relations.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

Foundation 201: The Institute Society

“There is no doubt that these men and women are leaders in support of VMI, because every year, they prove it by donating the lion’s share of the gifts received by the Foundation Fund and by making substantial gifts and commitments to other activities at VMI,” continued Adams. “In Fiscal Year 2007, for example, The Institute Society’s 903 members donated $1,659,795 to the Foundation Fund. That figure represents 64% of the record-setting $2,560,605 given to the Foundation Fund last year. Furthermore, in the same fiscal year, members of The Institute Society were responsible for more than $14.8 million in gifts and commitments to VMI. As important as the money they give, however, is the example that they set for other alumni and friends.

Through their generosity, they show that it is possible to support VMI at a leadership level without making a huge commitment – and so encourage all those who profess loyalty and devotion to VMI to match their words with action.”

Any member of the VMI family who wishes to enter the front rank of supporters of VMI should contact John J. Wranek III ’85 at the offices of the VMI Foundation. For more information on The Institute Society and the benefits of membership, interested alumni and friends should visit the Institute Society page on the VMI Alumni Agencies’ Web site (www.vmialumni.org), located under the heading “VMI Foundation.”

“There is still time for alumni and friends to become members of The Institute Society during this fiscal year and earn an invitation to the Institute Society Dinner this coming November,” concluded Adams. “We’ll be happy to make room for everyone.”

Since 1973, on or close to Founders Day, financial support at VMI. In the past, private the VMI Foundation hosts the Institute money was considered to provide ‘the marSociety Dinner, a formal event in Cocke gin of excellence;’ now, it makes up almost Hall for hundreds of alumni and friends, at a third of VMI’s annual budget.” which the attendees are addressed by the Through The Institute Society, the superintendent and often a special guest. Foundation recognizes the alumni and This event is one of the highlights of the friends who provide gifts to the Foundayear at VMI, requiring weeks of planning tion Fund of at least $1,500 a year. The as well as the help of dozens of cadets who Institute Society’s recognition levels are park cars, provide music, help serve food the General Francis Henney Smith Order and perform many other tasks necessary to ($10,000 or more), the General Scott Shipp ensure its overall success.

Order ($5,000 to $9,999), the Colonel J.T.L. Despite the extensive preparations and the Preston Order ($3,000 to $4,999) and the presence of many important people in the General Thomas Jackson Order ($1,500 to Institute family, the purpose of the dinner is $2,999). Membership in the Jackson Order quite simple: to thank the members of The also is extended to donors who contribute Institute Society for their leadership in sup- $3,000 or more to a restricted fund under port of VMI and encourage their continuing the management of the VMI Foundation. generosity.

Depending on when their classes graduated At the suggestion of the late Joseph D. from VMI, younger alumni who donate Neikirk ’32, the executive vice president $250 or $500 a year to the Foundation Fund of the VMI Foundation from 1954-78, the are eligible for membership in the Cadet society was formed in 1973 in order to John B. Strange Order. Also, rolling out in encourage alumni and friends of VMI to 2008, the General George C. Marshall Order support the Institute’s academic and co- recognizes those who have donated at least curricular programs through annual gifts $100,000 in gifts to the Foundation Fund of unrestricted money to the Annual Fund, and/or any funds managed by the Foundanow known the Foundation Fund. “Then, tion and give at least $1,500 a year to the as now, the VMI Foundation was mind- Foundation Fund. ful of the fact that unrestricted money is exceptionally useful to VMI, because it allows VMI to take advantage of opportunities to improve the extraordinary education that its cadets receive,” explained Jim Adams ’71, the current executive vice president of the VMI Foundation. “If anything, however, the unrestricted money that the Foundation Fund generates has become more important. Over the past 35 years, diminishing state The most recent Institute Society Dinner was held at VMI’s Cameron Hall on Nov. support and the increasing cost 9, 2007. Photo by Kevin Remington, VMI. of providing a VMI education have transformed the role of private

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Memorial Gifts The VMI Foundation, Inc., and the VMI Keydet Club, Inc., received the following gifts in memory of deceased alumni, parents and friends during the time frame of Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, 2008.

Mr. Benjamin R. Gardner ’64 Mr. William L. Black Jr. ’64

Mr. G.W. Guinn Jr. ’50B Mr. and Mrs. John R. Deacon

Mrs. Virginia C. Johnson Mrs. Calder L. Hope

Mr. Michael J. Baxter ’71 Mr. Fred E. Banister Jr. ’71 Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71

Mr. Francis Bell Jr. ’43 Mr. John A. Blakemore Jr. ’51

Mrs. C.C. Berkeley Jr. Mr. Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42

Larry I. Bland, PhD Mr. Thomas T. Androus ’92 Col. H.S.G.T. Carmichael III ’61, USA (Ret) Yvonne Emerson and Myrdith Sherow

Mr. William L. Bower ’58 Mr. Thomas A. Wiles IV

Mr. Robert A. Bristow ’49B Mrs. Arlene S. Feinman

Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36 Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret)

Mr. Michael C. Brooks ’59 Mr. John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 and Mrs. Rowe The Honorable Joseph M. Spivey III ’57

Mr. R.H. Casey ’54 Mr. John A. Tampanello

Mr. Edwin Cox III ’53 Mr. James M. Cox ’90 Mr. William R. Horne Jr. ’53

Mrs. Edwin Cox III Mr. James M. Cox ’90

William F. Edmonds ’45, PhD Mr. L. Douglas Pritchard ’45 and Mrs. Pritchard

SUMMER/FALL 2007

Mr. Thomas L. Marr ’51 Col. J. Robert Nolley Jr. ’51, USANG (Ret)

S. Christa McAuliffe The Honorable Steven J. McAuliffe ’70

The Honorable Nelson T. Overton ’49B Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Allen Jr. Ms. Cynthia C. Andrews Mr. and Mrs. William C. Andrews III Dr. and Mrs. William M. Bangel and Family Dr. O. Watts Booth Ms. Virginia O. Cross Mr. and Mrs. Leslie M. Edwards Jr. Mr. Russell S. Evans Jr. ’65 and Mrs. Evans Mr. Doug Favre Mrs. Arlene S. Feinman Mr. Charles M. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. George Goodson Jr. Charles Groom Jr. Mr. Charles E. Haden Col. B.F. Harmon III ’49B, USA (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. Surry P. Harrison Mr. James H. Harvell Mrs. Richard A. Hayes Ms. Frances R. Hedin Mr. Thomas P. Herbert ’79 and Mrs. Herbert Mr. and Mrs. Burton P. Hill Dr. John R. Hogg Mr. and Mrs. Thomas N. Hunnicutt III Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W. Hutton Jennifer Johnson Ms. Jonzennie M. Jones Mr. Eugene M. Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Kemper L. Kellogg Cathy Krinick Ms. Carolyn P. Lackey The Law Offices of Krinick & Segall

Mr. and Mrs. I. Earl Lawson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Loving Mr. Kenneth McDonald Jr. ’56 Mrs. Martha W. McMurran Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Meehan Mr. and Mrs. B.M. Millner Ms. Anne B. Mitchell Lt. Col. Thomas F. Morehouse III ’70, USA (Ret) Mr. S.W. Nelms ’49B Mr. Neill G. Nelson ’49B Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Newell Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Mr. James L. Patton ’49B Ms. Jean E. Pugh Mr. Robert E. Quinn Dr. Dixon M. Rollins and Mrs. Rollins Ms. Joanne K. Roos and Family Dr. Thomas W. Sale and Mrs. Sale Mayer and Dorene Sarfan Mr. and Mrs. Norman B. Saville James Segall Mr. and Mrs. L. Wallace Sink Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret) Selden H. Stephens Jr. ’49B, M.D. and Mrs. Stephens Grace and Raymond Suttle Dr. T. Eugene Temple Jr. and Mrs. Temple The Nelms Society Virginia Choral Society Inc. Virginia Pilot Association Mrs. Clara L. Warren Warwick Forest Retirement Co. Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. White III Ms. Shirley B. Wilson Col. W. George Wolfe ’49B, USA (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. M. Louis Wood Jr.

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Jr. ’68 Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret)

Mr. Robert A. Raeburn ’51 Col. J. Robert Nolley Jr. ’51, USANG (Ret)

Stuart Ragland Jr. ’44, MD Class of 1944

Mr. Zeke Scher ’47 Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Memorial Gifts (continued) Jay R. Sculley ’62, Ph.D. Thomas H. Henriksen ’62, Ph.D. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, USA (Ret)

Mr. Arthur L. Seay III ’44 Class of 1944

Honorable Augustus C. Spotts III ’51 Col. J. Robert Nolley Jr. ’51, USANG (Ret)

Mrs. Powell H. Taylor

Ms. Doris T. Gresham Cheryl and Jimmy Jordan The George E. Cohee Foundation Mrs. Kavanaugh Y. Thrift

Mr. Vester J. Thompson Jr. ’40

Maj. Gen. Charles E. Edgar III ’58, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Edgar Mrs. Dorothy S. Outlaw Thompson Holdings Foundation

W.R. Whitehurst III ’49B, M.D. Mrs. Arlene S. Feinman Selden H. Stephens Jr. ’49B, M.D. and Mrs. Stephens

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Ms. Audrey F. Stivers

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Matching Gifts The following companies or related foundations have made contributions to VMI, matching the gifts of alumni and friends listed under each.

These gifts were received during the time frame of Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, 2008.

Erie Insurance Group

Mr. Randall Leroy Snow ’71

Freddie Mac Foundation

Mr. Charles A. DePasquale ’86

LandAmerica Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Bob Blackman

Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. Alfred B. Cramer IV ’79 Mr. Charles J. Foster IV ’84

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Mr. Eric S. Plogger ’93

ChevronTexaco Corporation Mr. Robert R. Laville ’51

Ciba Foundation Inc. Stephen M. Andrews ’80, Ph.D.

Dominion Foundation Mr. Wadsworth Bugg Jr. ’43 Mr. William S. Gitchell ’78 Mr. Harrison Hubard ’38 Mr. Harold H. Humphrey Jr. ’79 Mr. Michael J. Jesensky ’82 Mr. James L. Mallon ’76 Mr. O. Preston Sloane III ’75 Lt. Col. Frank E. Spencer Jr. Mr. Raymond H. Woodall III ’72

EAI Corporation Col. Gary C. Eifried ’63, USA (Ret)

The Northrop Grumman Foundation

Mr. Steven A. Barsamian ’84 Mr. Robert B. Brumback ’94 Capt. Brian C. O’Neill ’80

Package Pavement Company Inc. Mr. William M. Fleshood ’67

Tetra Tech Inc.

Col. J. Russell Marshall ’70, USAF (Ret)

United Technologies Corporation Mr. Jeffrey N. Prausa ’02

Verizon Foundation

Mr. William D. Almy ’54 Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58 Mr. Wayne D. Chiles ’65 Mr. George C. Hutter ’52 Mr. Frederick Milton Kay ’71 Mr. David F. West ’76

Wachovia Foundation

Mr. Michael A. Bagnulo ’67 Mr. Christopher W. Grimes ’95 Mr. Paul T. Sciacchitano ’72

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB

Keydet Club

Parade Ground Parking Benefit Change At its winter board meeting on Jan. 19, 2008, the Keydet Club Board of Governors approved a change in football parking benefits to better accommodate the demand for parking in the Keydet Club area on the VMI Parade Ground.

Beginning July 1, 2008 (the start of fiscal year 2009), those who are Big Red ($1,000) and above leadership members will qualify for parking on the Parade Ground. Hail Varsity ($500) members will no longer qualify for this benefit.

Flying Squadron, Sportsman, Scholarship, In-State Full Scholarship and Outof-State Full Scholarship members will continue to qualify for parking in the paved lot behind Foster Stadium (or on the Parade Ground).

As stated in the list below, Big Red membership requires a gift of $1,000 or more to the Keydet Club within a fiscal year (or $750 for the first year – a 25% discount at this membership level). Hail Varsity members – whose minimum gift for membership is $500 – can maintain their parking benefit on the Parade Ground by submitting an additional gift of $250 before the fiscal year ends on June 30, 2008. This additional gift would move Hail Varsity members to the Big Red membership level, given the 25% first-year discount.

The change in member parking benefits has been made as a result of the growth in membership at our leadership levels, which places a heavy demand for reserved parking on football weekends.

VMI also provides satellite parking and shuttle service from the old K-Mart parking lot behind Hardee’s on Route 60.

Questions about this change should be directed to the Keydet Club by calling 1-800/444-1839 or by e-mail to kclub@vmiaa.org.

Keydet Club Membership Levels Full Scholarship – Out-of-State $36,000 Full Scholarship – In-State $18,000 Scholarship $12,000 Sportsman $ 6,000 Flying Squadron $ 2,500 Letterman $ 1,500 Big Red $ 1,000 Hail Varsity $ 500 One Big Team $ 250 Keydet $ 1

SUMMER/FALL 2007

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI Alumni and Fans Are Invited to Attend “Weekend in Williamsburg” Sept. 12-14, 2008 Presented by The VMI Alumni Association & VMI Keydet Club VMI Headquarters: Williamsburg Hospitality House Special VMI Rate: $120/night Reservations: 800/932-9192 (request VMI group) Reservation Deadline: August 11, 2008 72-hour cancellation policy

Schedule of Weekend Events Friday, Sept. 12 11:00 a.m. – Pup Cup Golf Tournament at Ford’s Colony 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: VMI Dinner and Dance Party, featuring The Rhondels!

Saturday, Sept. 13 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Alumni Association Committee and Board Meetings 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: VMI Pre-game BBQ and Pre-game Party at William & Mary Alumni House grounds 7:00 pm: Football, VMI versus W&M For more information or to register for the Pup Cup, the Friday night Dance Party and the Saturday Pre-game BBQ, please go to www.vmialumni.org or www.vmikeydetclub.com.

Football game tickets can be purchased by calling the VMI Ticket Office, 540/464-7266, including your request when ordering season tickets, or by going online to www.vmikeydets.com.

A complimentary VMI Hospitality Room will be available throughout the weekend.

Although VMI has reserved nearly the entire hotel, make your reservations right away, while rooms are still available.

If you or your company is interested in being a sponsor for any of the events, please call the Keydet Club at 800/444-1839 for more information.