Alumni Review 2009 Issue 3

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2009-Issue 3

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2009-Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes Class Notes covering the time period of Feb. 16 to May 15, 2009. Other than Class Notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the same time frame.

FEATURES 10

Class of 2009 Graduation

14

Commissioning Ceremony

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Cadets Visit Battlefields

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Gray ‘46 Receives Byrd Award

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LaGrone ‘76 Weathers Arctic

22

Kinniburgh’s ‘77 Mission

23 Adams ‘96 Serves Through Law 24 First Spring Reunion, Apr. 20-21

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The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer 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.

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

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OEF/OIF: An Update

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

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.

153 Most Senior Alumni 156 Taps 166 Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS President’s Letter

164 Association Directory 171 The Institute 176 VMI Athletics 178 The Foundation 189 The Keydet Club 2009-Issue 3

PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., Alumni Review Office VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org

NEWS AND UPDATES

152 Births, Marriages, Degrees

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PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

27 Second Spring Reunion, Apr. 24-45

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Volume 85, No. 2

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VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation:

The VMI Keydet Club:

540/464-7221 540/464-7287 540/464-7328

WEB SITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu ON OUR COVER Outside Front: Virginia Mourning Her Dead by Sir Moses Ezekiel, VMI class of 1866, with Barracks in the background.

Inside front: Alex Morrison ’39, VMI professor emeritus of economics, at his class’s 70th Reunion. Inside back: The Virginia state flag and spring blossoms. All photos by Kathryn Wise.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I am once again proud to present to you what I hope you will consider a great issue of the Alumni Review – one that continues our campaign to present the unique and engaging stories of our alumni. I believe you will enjoy the feature articles on: •

•

•

Ron LaGrone ’76, an environmental scientist who recently went on sabbatical to a reindeer farm in the Finnish Lapland.

Stu Kinniburgh ’77, who has developed a missionary program that identifies and trains military families to serve as missionaries once they are no longer employed by the military.

John Adams ’96 who, at the age of 35, has already landed several dream jobs, including a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and a stint as associate counsel to President George W. Bush.

Lykins ’73

You will also find an article on former Senator Elmon Gray ’46, who won the Harry F. Byrd award for his lifetime contribution to public service, and coverage of this year’s graduation and commissioning ceremonies – the class of 2009 has joined the ranks of the nation’s finest alumni.

Included are highlights from the Alumni Association’s Inaugural Cruise to the Caribbean – an exciting and memorable event that was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all onboard. Take note: there is another cruise planned for the future. Consider joining us on the next one.

In this issue, read about the success of the Keydet Club’s silent auction in Norfolk, Virginia. This has proven to be another successful event that will probably be repeated at other locations in the near future.

As always in the Review, you will find photos and articles on our men and women in uniform who are serving our nation in its war on terror and who have our deepest respect. We keep them in our prayers and wish them Godspeed.

In the last issue of the Review, my letter included mention of the economic downturn and its impact on VMI. I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you once again of this situation and ask again for your support.

VMI alumni need to be heard from today.

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine. I hope it tugs at your heartstrings and compels you to return to Lexington for a visit. Let us know how we can help, or come by Moody Hall and just drop in to say hello.

In the bonds,

Richmond P. Lykins ’73, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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From left, Irv Wells ’61; Col. Thomas Greenwood, USMC (Ret), W&L ’77; and Dr. Martin Hanratty, CENTCOM. (Read about Wells and his mission in Iraq on the next page.)

Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom An Update

The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2009-Issue 2 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after May 19, 2009.

Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is redeployed 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 1,352.

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

Class of 1984

Robinette, Jeffery B. Lt. Col., USA

Class of 2002

Hylton, Matthew L. Hylton Capt., USAF Scarbrough, Joseph R. Capt., USA 2009-Issue 3

Since we have to have a cut-off date for each issue, your name 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 http://www.vmiaa.org/ iraq/iniraqdb.asp.

Class of 2006

Angerman, James G. Lt. j.g., USN Child, Michael S. Jr. 1st Lt., USA Edwards, Clint T., USA Nagle, Jonathan C. 1st Lt., USA Smith, Kirby T. III 1st Lt., USA

Wilson, Thomas D. 1st Lt., USAF Zhang, Henry S. 1st Lt., USA

Class of 2007

Czupryna, Daniel J. 1st Lt., USA Fager, Michael C. 1st Lt., USA 3

Wells ’61 Helps Assess U.S. Central Command From November 2008 through February 2009, Irv Wells ’61 (see photo on previous page) was one of two U.S. Treasury Department representatives assigned to an assessment of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The assessment had been requested by Gen. David Petraeus who assumed CENTCOM command on Oct. 31, 2008.

The CENTCOM region encompasses 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Arabian Gulf region into Central Asia.

The assessment task force was composed of representatives of U.S. armed forces, coalition partners, many U.S. Government agencies, and civilian experts from academia and think tanks. Wells worked at the National Defense University at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C., while the task force was in the United States. In December, he was deployed to the Forward CENTCOM Headquarters, Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, and to Iraq. The 69-year-old Wells wrote, “After flying into Iraq in full battle rattle in a C-130 and hopping in and out of choppers in Iraq, [I must have been] the country’s oldest living warrior!” He was assigned to the Iraq Country Team and the Rule of Law Functional Team. The purpose of the assessment was to make recommendations to Gen. Petraeus on the way forward in all CENTCOM countries, with special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan.

Childs ’91 Makes VMI Connections in Afghanistan

Class of 2007 cont.

Kopczynski, Jesse L. 1st Lt., USA Mattia, Raymond D. 1st Lt., USA Milford, Andrew B. 1st Lt., USANG Nelson, Christopher S. 1st Lt., USA Williams, David M. 1st Lt., USA

Class of 2008

Karlson, Michael K. 2nd Lt., USA Taryan, Arthur T. 2nd Lt., VaANG

Lt. Col. Chris Whittaker ’90, USA, right, with his Iraqi partner, Lt. Col. Makmoud of the 12th MTR, center, and Maj. Mobley, left, in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Whittaker is the commander of the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2BCT, 1st Cavalry Division.

Photo at left: Childs with Maj. Ed Fuller ’91, USMC, right, in Kabul, Afghanistan, April/May 2009. Photo bottom, left: Cmdr.

Greg Booth, USN, left, and Matt Childs, right – both class of ’91 – at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 2009. Childs is a regional security officer at the American Embassy, and Booth is the Security Cooperation Programs chief at the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. Photo bottom, right: Childs ’91 and Jimmy Angerman ’06 in Afghanistan, April/May 2009.

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Photo at left: Class of ’99 Brother Rats Maj. John Wilcox, left, and Conor Powell, right, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Easter Sunday 2009.

Wilcox is part of the International Security Assistance Force and Powell is a freelance video journalist with Fox News.

Photo at left, center: Class of ’05 Brother Rats and U.S. Air Force officers Capt. Mark Hamilton and 1st Lt. Jason Reinitz.

Photo at left, bottom: Col. Larry Avery ’80 was awarded the Bronze Star and Freedom Medal. Officiating the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick (USMA ’76), commanding general of the Multinational Security Transition Command – Iraq.

Photo below, right: Avery in front of a VMI flag outside his room in Baghdad. Behind the flag is the heavily damaged Believers Palace.

“The damage in view [at left] is from an insurgent rocket attack,” wrote Avery.

2009-Issue 3

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New Market Day 2009

Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq

Honoring New Market Day, the above group of alumni conducted their own ceremony in Iraq. Read below for more.

Tim Haynie ’90, who submitted the photo above and on the next page (bugler) in honor of New Market Day, wrote, “For the New Market Ceremony, Maj. Gen. J.D. Johnson ’77 gave a New Market history lesson. Then, the assembled officers re-enacted the roll call, sounding off with the name of a cadet followed by “died on the field of honor, sir.” After the roll call, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Tom Roltsch ’85 offered a prayer for all cadets who have taken up arms in defense of the country and not returned. Sgt. Keith Thunstedt, a bugler from the I Corps Band (see next page), played ‘Taps.’ The ceremony concluded with the ‘VMI Doxology’ and an Old Yell for the whole damn team.”

Haynie also wrote the following brief bios regarding those pictured above, from left to right: “Maj. Tim Haynie ’90 is the Multi-National Corps – Iraq chief for Space and Technical Operations. His team of Army, Navy, Air Force and civilian technical specialists use a variety of special techniques to provide information on networks, counter IED efforts and information from space systems.

This is Haynie’s third deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“WO1 Martin J. Hawks ’91 is the Multi-National Corps

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– Iraq C2 Corps Analysis and Control Element (CACE) Night OIC for the Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Analysis and Requirements Cell (HARC). As a counterintelligence technician, he is responsible for training the HUMINT section on analysis and the quality control for the products the HARC produces for the CACE. He is a reservist from Phoenix, Arizona, and this is his fourth deployment since 2000 but his first deployment to Iraq.

“Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Tom Roltsch ’85 has been in the Army Reserve for 22 years. He spent 10 years in the Army Corps of Engineers before becoming a chaplain candidate and eventually an Army chaplain. He is attached to the MNC-I Chaplain Section and serves as OIC for Hope Chapel on Camp Victory. He is on his third mobilization, having served previously as a chaplain in Bagram, Afghanistan and Tikrit, Iraq.

“Maj. Mike Dalton ’92 is the National Ground Intelligence Center’s (NGIC) liaison officer to Multi-National Forces/ Corps – Iraq. He serves as the NGIC requirements manager (forward) to ensure timely reach-back support to Forces/ Corps – Iraq.

“Capt. Jim Bean ’04 is the Task Force 134 liaison officer to the Multi-National Force – Iraq CJ3. He is responsible for coordinating with the MNF-I staff, MNC-I, Joint Interagency

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Task Force, U.S. Department of State and various Government of Iraq agencies on matters concerning detainees in Coalition Forces custody, with a special emphasis on third country nationals. This is Bean’s second deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Lt. Col. Mark Bartholf ’87 spent 12 years on active duty as a Special Forces officer. He is currently in the Army Reserve on his first OIF tour as the MNC-I C4 LNO for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program.

“Maj. Gen. J.D. Johnson ’77 is the Multi-National Corps – Iraq deputy commanding general for Operations. He serves with I Corps, Ft. Lewis, Washington, and is on his second deployment to Iraq, having commanded 2d Brigade, 1st Armored Division in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Photo above: Sgt. Keith Thunstedt, a bugler from the I Corps Band, played “Taps” during the New Market ceremony.

“Not pictured [but in the area]: CW3 Christopher J. Clark ’88, AV, U.S. Army Maintenance Test Pilot; Maj. Chris Wills ’95, Iraqi police advisor to the Baghdad Operations Command Advisory Team (BOCAT); 1st Lt. Brian Tuohy ’05, BOCAT.”

Jones ’83 and Team Make Medical History in Balad, Iraq

by Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala A surgeon and his team made medical history at the Air Force Theater Hospital on March 30, 2009. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wilmer Jones, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group vascular surgeon, and his team performed only the ninth medically documented transposition of the internal carotid artery, the artery that provides blood to the brain.

“A 42-year-old lady was seen at the (Iraqi) Balad Hospital by Iraqi physicians,” Doctor Jones said. “She had a six-month history of headaches and a throbbing mass in her neck.

(The Iraqi doctors) did an ultra-sound at the Balad hospital and saw what looked like an aneurism of the carotid artery, which is the artery that goes to the brain and the face.

“Hers was actually the portion of the artery that went to the brain, so it was much more serious,” continued the doctor deployed here from Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio.

“If it was just the artery going to the face, you could simply tie it off, ligate it and that would take care of it. Since it was going to the brain, you can’t really do that, because if you ligate it, one-third of those people have a massive stroke.” Furthering the woman’s need for the surgery was the size of the aneurism.

“The normal artery going to the brain is about eight-tenths of a centimeter in diameter and hers was three centimeters,” Doctor Jones explained. “It was larger than a golf ball. The problem with those types of aneurisms is they have a tendency to form clots in them, and the clot goes to the brain and causes a stroke. If you 2009-Issue 3

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Wilmer “Tracy” Jones ’83, M.D., scrubbing in prior to surgery on April 13, 2009. Jones recently performed only the ninth medically documented transposition of the internal carotid artery, the artery that provides blood to the brain. He performed the operation on a 42-year-old Iraqi woman. Doctor Jones is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala)

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don’t do anything, 50 percent of those people will have a stroke.” thing we need to handle any emergency or surgery just like back Due to the seriousness of the woman’s condition, the Iraqi in the states. We’ve been very well-supported as far as vascular doctors reached out to the medical staff [at Joint Base Balad]. surgery,” concurred Jones. “The main difference here is we try not Approval was granted by higher headquarters to proceed with to put in anything that is not the person’s own tissue, because there the elective surgery, since it was not a battle-related injury. is probably a higher risk of infection here. Types of bacteria are Although Jones had previous experience performing similar different from what we see back in the states … that’s one of the surgeries, he did research, seeking other cases like hers to fur- reasons why we transposed her (the Iraqi woman’s) own vessel.” ther his knowledge on this particular kind of vascular surgery. Nearly two hours later, upon completing the surgery, the “On reviewing the literature before treating her, I found there Iraqi woman’s life was not completely out of harm’s way. are eight other documented cases of repairing a true aneurism “Within the first five minutes of her waking up, we wanted to get a of the internal carotid artery,” he said. “At home, we do a lot of very good neuro-exam on her,” said Doctor Stine. “By neuro-exam, stroke-preventive surgery called carotid endarterectomy, which I mean we want her to follow commands; we want her to move all is probably one of the most performed surgeries. Also, when four extremities. We want her to do stuff purposefully. That signianybody gets injured in Iraq fies to us that during that that involves anything in procedure she didn’t [have] their neck or in their arterial a stroke. “She woke up very artery, I treat them. So, I had well; I used an anesthetic a lot of experience working that wore off quickly,” added with the carotid artery. In Stine. “We were able to have this case, instead of being her follow commands before an injury it was a disease we even removed the breathprocess, but it’s something ing tube.” Jones shared his I was used to dealing with.” feelings on his patient’s state A carotid endarterectomy is after the surgery: “It worked a vascular-surgery procedure out very well; she went home that removes plaque from the three days later and is at lining of the carotid artery. home with her family. She Upon receiving approval from is back to normal completely. the Multi-national Force-Iraq Her brain is getting sup(MNF-I) commanding genplied. The only thing she eral, Gen. Raymond Odierno, has now is a small neck inciJones and his team of skilled sion, which is healing nicely.

Lt. Col. Wilmer “Tracy” Jones ’83, M.D., left, and Maj. Joe professionals took to the op“We will see her back in a DuBose ’96, M.D., both U.S. Air Force Medical Corps oferating room. few weeks,” Jones continued. ficers, in front of one of the “Alamo Dust Off” rotary evacuThe doctors began prepping “She was very appreciative ation platforms in Balad, Iraq. According to DuBose, Jones is the vascular surgeon and DuBose is the trauma surgeon the Iraqi woman for surgery, that she was going home for the 332nd Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad, which explaining the procedure to to her family and this probprovides surgical care for all casualties occurring during her through an interpreter. lem was taken care of. Her Operation Iraqi Freedom. (See the article about Col. Jones “With someone back home stroke risk was lowered to accompanying this photo.) you can say, ‘Hey, we are that of a normal person. I going to do this, we are gothink that within the next ing to do that,’” said Capt. (Dr.) Chad Stine, 332nd MDG couple of years, had we not done the surgery, she would have anesthesiologist. “It’s a little more difficult with someone had a massive stroke and that’s supported in the literature.” [with whom] you don’t speak the same language. Surpass- Despite the medically historic significance of the surgical proing the language barrier, they were able to walk the patient cedure, Jones and his team remain humble. through the pre-surgery process and perform the surgery.

“It’s neat to have done that particular procedure,” Stine During the surgery, Jones and his team, [including] a car- said. “At the time, when we were doing it, I didn’t think, diovascular specialist … took the artery going to her face, ‘Oh, this is a historic thing.’ It really didn’t seem like that.” which was normal, and used that to replace the aneu- “Performing the surgery was great,” Jones said. “It is the rearismal portion of the diseased artery going to her brain. son we came into the business to take care of and help people.

“We just moved (the carotid artery providing blood to her Certainly, I think we helped her a lot.” face) over and attached it to the normal portion (of the artery) going to her brain,” Jones said. “It’s similar to a by-pass; Editor’s Note: The preceding article appeared on the U.S. Air it’s called a transposition, because the artery was there; we Force Web site, Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and is reprinted here with just moved it over and sewed it over above the aneurism and permission. Lt. Col. Wilmer “Tracy” Jones ’83, M.D., is the vas(removed) the aneurism.” Despite performing the delicate cular surgeon for the 332nd Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad, surgery in Iraq, the doctors did not encounter any problems. which provides surgical care for all Operation Iraqi Freedom “In the operating room here at Balad, we have pretty much any- casualties.

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Photo at left: Drew Hardin ’04, left, and Kenny Carmichael ’01 in Iraq.

Photo at left: From left, Lt. Cmdr. M. Evans ’87, J. Priest ’80, Cmdr. T. Hooks ’89 and Cmdr. A. Cuellar ’88 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Photo at left: Col. Dwight Pearson ’80, left, and Col. Glenn Kuntz ’70, right, at the famous crossed swords structure in Baghdad, Iraq. This photo was taken to commemorate New Market Day on May 15, 2009, “while most people in the USA were still sleeping,” Pearson wrote.

2009-Issue 3

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Nation Needs Them Petraeus Tells 2009 Grads Army Gen. David H. Petraeus shook the hand of each of the 249 members of the class of 2009 after they accepted their diplomas. Many of the 128 graduates who commissioned the day before will serve in the area of operations for which he is responsible as commander of U.S. Central Command.

In his commencement address, Petraeus commended the graduates for overcoming the hardships they have faced as cadets to earn their diplomas, and he urged them to join the generations of VMI graduates who have lived their lives committed to work worth doing.

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“Now, more than ever, our nation and our world need leaders like those developed here – disciplined, intelligent, innovative and courageous leaders who are committed to service,” said Petraeus. “Whether in the deserts of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan, in the commercial sector or in the domestic political arena, there is much work worth doing.”

To the graduates who will be serving their country in the coming months – 56 percent of the class of 2009 – Petraeus paid special thanks.

“Each one of you raised your right hand and said ‘send me’ to do the hard work our country requires,” he said. “There is tremendous courage in your decision to do so, for you knew that it meant you would deploy to a combat zone to help fight our nation’s wars. As I know you recognize, there are few easy days or easy tasks, so thank you for your commitment to serve and to lead America’s sons and

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daughters as they soldier selflessly in Iraq, in Afghanistan and throughout the world.”

For a graduating class who will set out to fulfill VMI’s ideal of the citizen-soldier by pursuing careers of leadership in the military and civilian sectors, a visit from a major national leader was an inspirational way to end their cadetship. Prior to being tapped head of U.S. Central Command, Petraeus was commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq. He was commissioned in the infantry upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1974, and he has held leadership positions in airborne, mechanized and air assault infantry units in Europe and the United States. He has held a number of high-level staff assignments, as well.

Also addressing the graduates was Cadet Nicholas Campbell of Townsend, Montana, who was elected by his classmates as valedictorian (see article in this section about Campbell); Cadet Benjamin Kimsey of Harrisonburg, Virginia, class president; and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent of VMI. Special awards presented during the ceremony included the First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship and the Society of the Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellence of character to Cadet Gregory Lippiatt of York, Pennsylvania. Lippiatt, who graduated with Institute honors and is VMI’s 11th Rhodes Scholar, will be studying medieval history at Oxford University before serving in the U.S. Army. The Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second highest attainment in scholarship was presented to Cadet Lauren McKinley of Waterford, New York, who has commissioned into the U.S. Navy.

Editor’s Note: The preceding article was written by VMI Communications and Marketing and appeared in a recent issue of the Institute Report.

2009-Issue 3

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Valedictorian Credits Others for His Success When Cadet Nick Campbell gave his valedictory address to his Brother Rats on May 16, 2009, he focused on the people who had helped make his cadetship at VMI successful. After all, Campbell said, if it hadn’t been for his friends and mentors who have supported him since he matriculated in 2004, he wouldn’t have made it through the demanding and highly regimented educational program.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Campbell was drawn to VMI because of his interest in the military. A friend of his family attended the Institute but never told him about the Ratline and what it entailed.

It wasn’t until his company prepared to march through Washington Arch for the first time that he realized his 4th class experience would be much more difficult than he had imagined.

While Campbell would have done anything to get out of VMI early on, he said he’s glad he stayed.

“I wouldn’t want to do it again, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else either,” he said. “For me, the people make

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VMI what it is. From the officers to the professors to the cadets, the caliber of people that this place draws astonishes me and always will.”

Ironically, many of the people who helped Campbell make it to graduation day are the same ones who elected him class valedictorian. While many colleges and universities determine their class valedictorians based solely on grade point average (GPA), VMI follows a long-standing tradition of having the graduating class vote on its valedictorian from a pool of 25 classmates with the highest GPAs. “Being asked to give the valedictory address is a very high honor,” said Campbell. “It means more than having book smarts. It means your classmates respect you enough to give the speech. I am really honored and excited.”

With a GPA of 3.946, Campbell ended his cadetship on a high academic note.

The international studies major also was a member of the Officers of the Guard Association, helped lead Rat Challenge and participated in the mixed martial arts

club. During his 3rd class year, Campbell studied at James Cook University Cairns in Australia.

Campbell has accepted a commission with the U.S. Army and will attend Tulane University Law School before becoming a member of the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.

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2009-Issue 3

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Commissioning Cadets Are “Among the Greatest of Their Generation” Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn, U.S. Marine Corps deputy commandant for combat development and integration, called commissioning VMI cadets among the “greatest” of their generation during VMI’s commissioning ceremony on May 15, 2009, in Cameron Hall.

The principal speaker at the ceremony, Flynn noted that the cadets he addressed had chosen to serve their country during a time of war.

After his talk, Flynn administered the oath of office to the cadets commissioning into the Navy and Marine Corps. Col. Harold Worrell ’81, Army ROTC commander, administered it to those commissioning into the Army, and Col. Steve Amato ’83, VMI Air Force ROTC detachment commander, administered the oath to those commissioning into the Air Force.

Pin-on ceremonies followed in Memorial Garden for the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and on the Marshall Hall lawn for the Army.

In his talk, Flynn explained his sense of what leadership means: “It’s not about you, it’s about the men and women you’re going to lead. … Your wellbeing is second to that of everyone else you’re responsible for. If you can remember that, you’ll be a successful leader.”

Observing that moral courage is often more difficult than physical courage, Flynn nonetheless offered his own insight on the concern many newly commissioned officers feel about

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whether or not they will have the courage to lead: “Fear is an emotion,” said Flynn. “Courage is not an emotion; it’s an act that allows you to overcome fear.” Another emotion triggers the act of courage: “It is love – for your country, for the men and women on your right and left flank, and, if you’re a Marine, love for your Corps.”

Cadet Thelmar A. Rosarda, who would moments later repeat the oath to commission as an ensign in the Navy, must have known very well what Flynn was talking about.

Sitting with the other commissioning cadets, Rosarda had a broader perspective than some. He had already seen the Navy from the point of view of an enlisted sailor attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 in the South Pacific.

Cadetship at VMI offered Rosarda an opportunity to build on the experience and leadership skills he had begun to acquire during his enlistment.

“Aside from meeting great leaders, instructors and Brother Rats, serving as a cadre member for the past three years has been my greatest accomplishment,” said Rosarda, who this year was battalion commander for the Naval ROTC unit and managing editor of The Bomb, the cadet yearbook. “It was a pleasure watching the Rats I’ve trained grow to become disciplined and honorable cadets.”

He has, he said, always wanted to be an officer in the Navy.

“What little kid doesn’t play soldier?” commented soon-to-be Army 2nd Lt. Ira Gallagher as he waited to take part in the U.S.

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Army Pin-on Ceremony on the grounds near Marshall Hall.

“Being an Army officer,” he said, “is something I’ve always seen myself doing.”

Gallagher kept himself busy at VMI competing with the triathlon team and representing the United States with a 10th-place finish in the long-distance world championships in Almere, Holland, in August 2008. One stop for him before taking the Basic Officer Leadership Course II at Fort Benning, Georgia, will be the 2009 world championships this October in Perth, Australia.

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Gallagher, an English major from Poquoson, Virginia, hopes to continue competing in triathlon for the Army.

Earlier in the week, Cadet Michelle Lukenbill – now Air Force 2nd Lt. Lukenbill – noted the changes in herself during her VMI years.

“I had the opportunity to attend several other state colleges where I could have kept my long blonde hair, loud painted fingernails and my horse at a nearby stable, but … if I was going to seek a challenge, it was going to be all or nothing.”

Lukenbill’s greatest triumphs at VMI reflect that commitment at all levels. The way she tells it: “knowing that I did not intentionally miss a day of class once in four years, that on a rainy day I did not hit snooze and pull the covers back over my face, that I did not wear my sweats to class and that I went an entire four years without marching a single penalty tour!”

Lukenbill will report to the materials command research lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, to serve as a behavioral scientist.

New Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William Hyatt, who came to VMI to compete on the men’s track and field team as a javelin thrower, noted VMI’s role in preparing him to take up his duties.

“VMI has taught me to work in adverse conditions and deal with both peers and supervisors,” he said.

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At the opening of the commissioning ceremony, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, had advised the commissioning cadets to display their commissions in their offices and studies and to read them every day for the guidance they offer.

Hyatt, who served this year as regimental executive officer, seemed ready to take the advice.

“I view commissioning in the Marine Corps as a huge responsibility and [find it] an honor to be entrusted with that responsibility,” he said.

At the end of the summer 2009 term, 131 members, or 55.8 percent, of the class of 2009 had commissioned.

Editor’s Note: The preceding article was written by VMI Communications and Marketing and appeared in a recent issue of the Institute Report.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

The VMI Expeditionary Force Returns to Europe

by Professor Malcolm “Kip” Muir VMI Department of History “A life-changing experience,” said of what the WWII generation did for their the whole trip was standing in front Cadet Daniel Michnewich ’11 about town.” of Gen. Patton’s [class of 1907] grave Naturally, cadets had ample opportunity and envisioning how he led his men.” his spring furlough trip to European to hone their foreign language skills. All the cadets were struck by Verdun. battlefields.

Organized by VMI historian Malcolm Cadet Charles Crowder ’10 remarked, “In Cadet Michnewich summed up their “Kip” Muir and Gary Andrejak of Military Bastogne, I was talking to one person in feelings: “To see all the landscape still Historical Tours, the “VMI Expeditionary Spanish while another cadet was talking scarred from the heavy shelling was Force” (VMIEF) traveled to France with to someone from Morocco in Arabic.” unbelievable.”

The tour also gave many in the group 13 cadets, a cadet’s father and Maj. Gen. Several cadets could boast of a faWilliam Terpeluk ’75, USA (Ret), former their first opportunity to explore Gothic milial connection with the land on commanding general of the which they walked for the 77th Regional Readiness first time. Cadet William Command.

Loring ’12 observed, “My One objective of the trip great-grandfather fought was to introduce cadets to in the 3rd Division in the Western European culture.

Second Battle of the Marne, In their after-action reports, and I was honored to see the cadets frequently commentbattlefield.” Cadet Spilman ed on how person-to-person Pumphrey ’11 said, “My contact dissolved misconceprelative from the VMI class tions. of 1893 fought in World War As the tour bus drove north I at the Second Marne and from Charles de Gaulle airthe Meuse-Argonne.” Cadet port in Paris, France, stop Andrew Hosey ’09 added, “To The VMI Expeditionary Force at the Bulldog Fountain near Belleau Wood. From left, row 1: Sarah Halnon number one was, fittingly, walk in the same fields and ’10; Flora Nicolas (guide); and Chantal Boutet (guide). at Cantigny – America’s first forests as my grandfathers Row 2: Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk ’75, USA (Ret); Tyler battleground in Europe, was inspiring.”

Secrest ’11; Tom Muir; Tyler Pumphrey ’11; Michael where, in May 1918, the Helping to put that terCaporiccio’10; Paul Bailey ’10; Jared Varney ’11 and 1st Division and George C. rain into context were three Richard Caporiccio. Row 3: Professor Malcolm “Kip” Muir; Andrew Hosey ’09; Charles Crowder ’10; Gregory Marshall, class of 1901, saw extraordinary guides. At Fiasconaro ’10; Cody Hennelly ’11; William Loring ’12; their initial action. FollowBelleau Wood and Chateau Alexander Michnewich ’11; Bruce Jones of Military Hising a luncheon hosted by Thierry, Frenchman Gilles torical Tours; and Matthew Jones ’11. Note: Most photos the mayor of the village, the Lagin displayed his encyaccompanying this article were taken by Gary Andrejak of VMIEF admired the newclopedic knowledge of Gen. Military Historical Tours, with the exception of one, which was provided by Cadet Tyler Secrest ’11. ly dedicated statue to the Pershing’s American ExpeDoughboys and saw an array ditionary Force while taking of war relics harvested from the VMIEF through those the surrounding farms. As the group left cathedrals at Reims or Paris and to visit fields. Then, he opened the doors to his Cantigny, Cadet Matthew Jones ’11 was sites of world cultural importance, such farm with its remarkable collection of touched when the French guide boarded as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and World War I artifacts. Lagin’s expertise the bus to bid farewell and said, “God the Tour Eiffel. on the June 1918 battles is so remarkStill, the principal focus for most of able that the commandant of the Marine bless America.”

Through the next week, other cadets the week was the military past. As Cadet Corps has bestowed on him the rare experienced similar moments. Of Bas- Michael Caporiccio ’10 said, “It’s one distinction of “Honorary Marine.” togne, Belgium, Cadet Jared Varney thing to see names written on a wall or For information on the greatest Amer’11 remarked, “It was amazing to see in a newspaper, but I was a witness to the ican battle of World War I – the Meusehow much the people still remember places where many of these men fought Argonne offensive of the fall of 1918 the American Army from WWII. People and died so courageously.” Cadet Cody – the VMIEF turned to one of its own, wanted to buy us a drink, simply because Hennelly ’11 said, “My favorite part of alumnus Gen. Terpeluk, whose former 2009-Issue 3

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1st Division Doughboy at Cantigny.

command traced its lineage to the 77th Division, nicknamed the Statue of Liberty Division. (Editor’s Note: The 77th Regional Readiness Command patch depicts a gold likeness of the Statue of Liberty on a blue background. This patch, originally worn by members of the 77th Infantry Division in both world wars, was chosen to represent the 77th because its personnel came almost entirely from New York City.)

Standing next to a monument that he had helped dedicate in 2008, Terpeluk spoke to the cadets about the heroic stand of the 77th’s “Lost Battalion.”

Later, as the group toured the great sweep of the Ardennes, they were joined

by Henri Mignon, a retired Belgian ar-

tillery officer who, at the age of nine, personally witnessed some of the 1944 battle, to include the vandalism of his family’s home by the Waffen-Schutzstaffel [translation: armed protective squadron of the Nazi Party] and the tragic death of his father to a stray U.S. artillery shell.

A highlight of the Bulge exploration was the group’s visit to Gen. Terry McAuliffe’s command post at Bastogne where he famously dismissed the German surrender demand with his response, “Nuts.”

The VMIEF’s stops at the great American cemeteries made the costs of war evident.

About the Meuse-Argonne, Cadet Gregory Fiasconaro ’10 remarked, “[It is] a field of white markers, 15,000 U.S. soldiers’ graves with the perfect alignment of each headstone, as if they were in formation and ready to march off to war and save the world once again.” Other cadets were similarly moved. Cadet Sarah Halnon ’10 said, “The cemeteries show the large scale of American losses in the wars in Europe, and it is a somber experience.” Cadet Tyler Secrest ’11 added, “Seeing the thousands of white marble crosses and stars of David really helped me to visualize and appreciate the sacrifices others made for me.”

Cadet Alexander Michnewich ’11 holding a German machine gun.

In so many ways, this trip proved a resounding success, and so it is only fair to pay tribute to those who made it possible. The Olmsted Foundation advanced generous grants to those cadets intending to commission. To every cadet, VMI’s John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis made a major contribution, thanks to its founder, John A. Adams, and to George J. Collins Jr. ’62. As Cadet Paul Bailey Jr. ’10 wrote, “Your gracious donation was the key factor in helping make this trip a possibility.”

Looking ahead to 2010, another expedition to Europe is planned for spring furlough (March 12-21), and VMI welcomes the participation of alumni.

Contact Col. Muir in the History Department for more information.

VMI Expeditionary Force Snapshots photos continued on next page

Photo above: The cadets surrounding a Sherman tank at the Patton Memorial in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg.

Guide Gilles Lagin at Chateau Thierry.

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Walking the Siegfried Line in Germany.

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6 Photo 1: Tiger II tank at La Gleize.

Photo 2: Cadet Tyler Secrest ’11 at the grave of Day Turner (Medal of Honor), Luxembourg American Cemetery.

Photo 3: Having supper in Bastogne were, from left, Cadets Varney, Crowder, Hennelly, Hosey and Fiasconaro.

Photo 4: The group at the memorial to the “Lost Battalion.” Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk ’75, USA (Ret), is pictured in the red cap.

Photo 5: Richard Caporiccio with his son, Michael ’10, at the Verdun Memorial.

Photo 6: Cadets Pumphrey, Michnewich and Secrest at Chatel-Chéhéry.

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Gray ’46 Receives VMI’s Byrd Award On March 27, 2009, former state Senator Elmon T. Gray ’46 was presented with the Institute’s prestigious Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award during a

parade ceremony at VMI. Gray was recognized for a distinguished career of public service in Virginia that began in 1963 with his appointment to the Sussex County School Board.

During his 20 years of service in the state Senate, which began in 1972, Gray served on virtually every key committee. He is credited with playing a major role in building Virginia’s system of public and private colleges into one of the best systems of higher education in the nation.

Gray is a past president of The VMI Alumni Association, a past president of the VMI Board of Visitors and a member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors.

He is also the recipient of the VMI Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award,

Gray ’46 and the recipient of the Board of Visitor’s most prestigious award, the VMI New Market Medal.

The Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award was

established in 2001 and was made possible by the generosity of Byrd, a VMI alumnus and former senator who served during World War II in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander. It has been established by VMI to honor distinguished public servants whose careers best characterize the ideals of the Institute: selflessness, integrity, patriotism and courage. Previous Byrd Award recipients are former Gov. Gerald L. Baliles; former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh Jr.; Harry Lee Carrico, retired chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court; and Sandra Day O’Connor, retired associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gray leading the Old Yell atop the Barracks guard house at his class’s 60th Reunion in April 2006.

Gray with his grandchildren on the day he was awarded the VMI New Market Medal, May 15, 1980.

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On March 27, 2009, Elmon T. Gray ’46 received VMI’s Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award during the March 27, 2009, parade. In the photo above, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, looked on, as Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66, president of the VMI Board of Visitors, presented the award to Senator Gray. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Ron LaGrone ’76 Takes Arctic Sabbatical Ron LaGrone ’76 has strong connections to a place member most – being closer to friends and family and trying nearly 5,000 miles away from home. Last fall, the environto understand a little better what their lives are like.” mental scientist traveled that distance – from Alexandria, LaGrone met the Marjalas through his wife, Ulla, who went Alabama, to Kuosku, a village in the Finnish Lapland – to to school with Annikki Marjala in Helsinki. His son, Sam help an old family friend herd reindeer.

LaGrone ’03, lived with the Marjalas and studied in Finland For nearly three months, LaGrone worked seven days a following his sophomore year in high school. week in bitter cold and darkness to help Ari and Annikki “Ari is one of the most intelligent men I know,” said LaGrone.

Marjala herd their reindeer. The family is one of many in “He is also one of the least educated, having to quit school at the area who work together several times a year to gather 14 or so to support his whole extended family. He is dedicated the free range reindeer. They separate their stock from the to his practice, which takes both deep knowledge and a lot of rest of the herd, checking them for disease, vaccinating practical skill, and he is eager to show these things to those them and evaluating their health and ability to breed. he trusts.”

Some are released into the open range, while others LaGrone said he felt honored to take part in the tradition are separated and sent to slaughter for consumption or and to witness firsthand the commitment the people of because they are deemed too weak to make it through Lapland have to one another. the winter.

“You are bound to the requirements of the earth and the “The separation event itself is very social; everyone reindeer,” said LaGrone. “You have to be out there every day from the [reindeer herders] to family members, friends, regardless of holidays, weather (actually the worse the weather children and the like are in the pen,” said LaGrone. “It is gets, the more you have to be in it), illness or what have you. not a completely safe place, but it matters not to those If you break your leg, then your neighbors have to step in.” there, as this is a tradition, and women and children take While neither LaGrone nor the Marjalas broke a leg, he part eagerly. The owner must identify his reindeer and became aware of the strength of friendships in Lapland and then capture it, evaluate it and make a decision concernthe sense of community. His friendship with the Marjalas ing [its] future.” was strengthened, as well.

The Lapland Finns whose ancestors settled in the Arctic During his stay, LaGrone was joined for a week by his son, Circle 9,000 years ago have separated their stock for genSam, a reporter for the Air Force Times in Washington, D.C. erations. Their techniques have changed over time – today While Sam LaGrone didn’t assist with the reindeer separamany herders use helicopters, snowmobiles and all-terrain tion during his recent stay, he did get the opportunity to vehicles during the separation – but the tradition and the take part in it when he lived with the Marjalas in the 1990s. harsh conditions have not.

Like their association with VMI, it’s a common thread that The job of separating reindeer is not for the weak or connects Sam and his father. the faint of heart. The animals weigh as much as 500 Sam LaGrone described his father as person who likes pounds and to successfully grab them takes skill, speed new experiences and working hard. True to that description, and strength. LaGrone said those who wrestled in college LaGrone took on a new adventure when the one in Lapland or high school could identify with the exhaustion experiended in January. enced after a few minutes of total exertion.

Currently he is living in Estonia and teaching at the Baltic So, why would a 54-year-old Defence College, a multilattake a sabbatical from his job eral, co-operative military as an environmental scientist college where he served 10 with Science Applications years ago. A founding memInternational Corporation ber of the college, LaGrone (SAIC) to toil seven days is helping to develop and a week in a place where teach the Joint Command evening temperatures can and General Staff and Civil plunge to 27 degrees below Servants courses. In his new zero? For the opportunity to position, he draws on a 28get to know better the people year career in the Army from of this foreign land. which he retired in 2004, “The real adventure was having reached the rank of Atop an all-terrain vehicle, Ron LaGrone helped separate meeting the people,” said lieutenant colonel. a herd of reindeer for family friends in the Lapland region LaGrone. “That’s what I’ll reof Finland.

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Kinniburgh ’77 Directs Active Duty Missionary Program Stuart P. (Stu) Kinniburgh ’77 never imagined how much his 20 years in the U.S. Army would impact his second career, but it has proven invaluable. As operations director for a Christian ministry based in Orlando, Florida, Kinniburgh developed the Active Duty Missionary program, which identifies and trains military families to serve as missionaries once they are no longer in the service.

“There are so many challenges in the mission field, especially in cross-cultural situations and in underdeveloped areas,” said Kinniburgh. “Those already successful in the military have a unique temperament and the ability and potential to become productive missionaries, and our program helps identify them and offers the training and resources necessary for them to become effective. The name Active Duty Missionary, was chosen to identify the characteristics understood by all those in the military as critical to serving one’s country – selfless service, dedication to duty, professionalism in action and mission focus.”

Participants in Active Duty Missionary spend 11 months at The Master’s Mission campus in the mountains of North Carolina, not only learning how to establish churches in both remote and urban areas, but also about building construction on roads, dams and airstrips; bush living; mechanics; water systems; community development; family life skills; and health and first aid.

When their training is complete, they are connected with a church that will financially support them while they are engaged in ministry.

According to Kinniburgh, the greatest challenge facing missionary programs today is the way many of them are structured. While short-term missions and relief and development programs are becoming increasingly popular – they account for 73 percent of the total dollars spent on missions in the United States – they do not work in changing desperate conditions, he said. Often, missionaries return from the field early because of a lack of preparation for the harshness and difficulties of doing work overseas, and the training received by

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participants in Active Duty Missionary is designed to prevent that from happening.

“Imagine a concept that is done by many churches in the country at a cost to congregations of over $5 billion each year, involving nearly 2 million people who go on trips,” said Kinniburgh. “Information is just now surfacing that a lot of this money funds inconsequential activities and that the lives of those who go are largely unaffected. We have found that mission dollars are better spent supporting missionaries who spend greater amounts of time in service and become part of a community, not by frequently bringing in groups on a short-term basis who might overtax them in support and logistical requirements.”

To gain a better understanding of what it’s like to serve in the mission field, Kinniburgh traveled to Kenya last fall to visit with one of his colleagues who has lived and worked in Africa most of his life. During his stay, Kinniburgh met and interviewed several families who are living and working as

During his stay in Kenya, Stu Kinniburgh interviewed the mission team for his documentary. From left, explorer Robert Cornuke, missionary Jim Teasdale, Kinniburgh, missionary Tim Hines and videographer Chris Dunn.

missionaries in Kenya, and he brought their stories back to the United States by producing a documentary for those interested in becoming missionaries, too.

In addition to creating materials to promote Active Duty Missionary, Kinniburgh has worked with the U.S. Army Chaplain’s Corps and has advertised the program on military Web sites and in military publications. So far, nearly 400 military families

Stu Kinniburgh preparing to depart for Liyangalani, Kenya, to interview local missionaries for a documentary about life as a missionary.

have inquired about the program, and about 100 have expressed a sincere desire to attend training when their commitments are up. Three former military personnel have attended training at The Master’s Mission.

“This is a slow but deliberate process, with training lasting a year, outfitting for overseas service taking a year or more, and scheduling training to coincide with the dates that families are released from the military,” said Kinniburgh. “I believe that once we get rolling, we might see two to three families enrolled in each training iteration at The Master’s Mission. Those I’ve spoken with have expressed interest in returning to their deployment sites as missionaries to continue the work they have begun in creating a better place for the locals to live and work.”

Fortunately, Kinniburgh’s time as a VMI cadet and in the Army instilled in him the values of patience and perseverance. He said both experiences taught him how to prioritize, to multitask, to remain on mission and to work with people of differing backgrounds. It was perfect training for his role with Active Duty Missionary.

“As I look at my career path, I’m reminded of the illustration of the tapestry,” he said. “Looking at the backside of the cloth, one sees the knotted ends and hanging strings of various colors, tied in odd ways in strange shapes, with seemingly no rhyme or reason to the design.

Turned over to the front side, one sees the picture as it was designed by the artist – the scene in proper perspective and purpose; my life is similar.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Adams ’96 Protects and Serves Through the Law At the age of 35, John Adams ’96 has landed his dream job. He’s also enjoyed every step along the way, including four years in the U.S. Navy, a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and a stint as associate counsel to President George W. Bush.

However, when Adams entered VMI, he never dreamed he’d have the experiAdams ’96 ences he has had so far in a relatively brief career.

“I was a mediocre student at VMI until my third-class year,” said Adams. “I was greatly influenced by my Brother Rat and roommate Chris Gorman and Professor Ed Sexton, and I started to learn how to study and began reading a lot on my own.”

Adams said he was “imbued with a love of learning” and took advantage of all that VMI’s academic program had to offer.

“I got a great education at VMI, and although many of my colleagues over the years have attended impressive universities, I would put my diploma up there with any of theirs,” said Adams.

“I love the military and co-curricular aspects of the Institute, but I preach about VMI’s academic side.”

An economics and business major, Adams studied at Oxford University one summer during his cadetship and received the Distinguished Naval Graduate Award prior to graduation. He served as a naval officer, including tours in the Middle East and counter-narcotics work in the Caribbean, before attending law school at the University of Virginia (UVa). In law school, Adams was the managing editor of the Virginia Law Review and was inducted into the Raven Society, UVa’s oldest honorary organization. Joining him in the Raven Society were Brother Rats Chris Gorman and Joey DuBose, both in medical school.

Adams clerked for Judge David Sentelle of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where he worked on complicated cases and enjoyed the opportunity to become acquainted with the chambers environment. He then returned home to Richmond where he was an associate at Hunton & Williams LLP before being called to another judge’s chambers in 2006.

“The opportunity to work for Justice Thomas was amazing,” said Adams. “Working in his chambers was like being a part of a small family. You’re dealing with very important issues and have a lot of interaction with the Justice. It’s a monastic job, too, as you spend a lot of time reading and writing.”

After accepting the job with Justice Thomas, John phoned Jamal Thomas, his Brother Rat and Justice Thomas’ son. When Adams asked the young Thomas if he had any advice about clerking for his dad, Jamal replied, “Laugh at his jokes!”

After the clerkship with Justice Thomas, Adams took another job in D.C. with an office address of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“It is awe-inspiring to work in the White House, and you move at a frantic pace,” said Adams. “The work is incredibly challenging and complex, and the culture is very team-oriented. It’s a hard 2009-Issue 3

place to work, because your schedule is dictated by events out of your control.”

Shortly after Adams arrived, he was joined by his Brother Rat Mike Waltz, who worked for Vice President Dick Cheney.

While Adams’ White House experience proved to be quite different from his time at the Supreme Court, he said both jobs well prepared him for his current position as assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a job he dreamed of as a law school student.

“The job I have now is the best mix of the two,” he said. “It can be quite frenetic and dynamic, but there are also times it calls for quiet deliberation. What I like is that my cases are my responsibility, and I’m spending more time in court and learning quite a lot.”

Adams finds his job as an assistant U.S. attorney to be an exciting one, and he works with several VMI alumni, including one in his office and others with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Another benefit is that the job has brought Adams and his family back to his hometown. His wife and Ring Figure date, Lisa, also is from Richmond, and they are enjoying being close to friends and family.

Adams also likes being home most nights for dinner with Lisa and their two young sons and having the opportunity to be more involved in his community. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, and he volunteers as secretary of The VMI Alumni Association chapter in Richmond.

“I’ve stayed in touch with the Institute as much as possible, because it’s like a second home to me,” said Adams, whose brothers Trey ’83 and Brad ’88 are alumni, as well. “I grew up going to VMI football games, and while there was no family pressure to attend VMI, it was the only place I applied. People say VMI either looks like a castle or prison, and it’s always looked like a castle to me.”

John Adams ’96, his wife, Lisa, and two sons with President George Bush on Adams’ last day on the job at the White House.

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First Spring Reunion

April 20-21, 2009 Classes of 1939, 1944, 1949A, 1949B and 1954

Memorial Museum.

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Second Spring Reunion April 24-25, 2009

Classes of 1969, 1979, 1989 and the Honored Class of 1959

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS

New Directors Elected to the Alumni Association Board of Directors At the annual meeting of The VMI Alumni Association, the following alumni were elected: • Felix Wolkowitz ’75 to serve as regional director, Northeast Region • Robert Louthan ’82 to serve as regional director, Central Virginia • Asa Page ’79 to serve as regional director, Hampton Roads • Bland Massie ’77 to serve as director at large • Jamel Lynch ’94 to serve as director at large As members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, these persons will represent interests of the alumni body and guide the service and purpose of the Alumni Association. The Board is composed of 28 directors who meet three times per year to carry out the business of the association.

Rear Adm. Andy Brown ’80, USN, right, and Cmdr. Matt Ott ’92, USN, left, met in March 2009 when Brown spoke to a large contingent of Navy Supply Corps officers in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of Ott’s “Chop Talk Speaker Series.” According to Ott, Brown has been tapped as the next European Command J4.

On May 8, 2009, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and the General MacArthur Foundation presented Capt.(P) Jeffrey A. Duncan ’84 with the 2008 Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. At the award presentation, which was held in the Pentagon auditorium, were, from right, Maj. Gen. L.P. Chang, commanding general of the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) and a member of the VMI Board of Visitors; Jeff Duncan, center, and Steve Duncan ’90. In its 21st year, the award is given annually to active-duty and reserve-component company-grade officers who exhibit outstanding military performance, leadership and achievement and who also reflect the ideals for which Gen. MacArthur stood – duty, honor and country.

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On May 16, 2009, the group at left “had a great VMI get-together in the [Arkansas] country with classes from 1942-87,” wrote Jim Dittrich ’76, who submitted the photo.

Pictured are Nita Clark (wife of Billy Sunday Clark ’42), John and Sally Naill ’46, John and Kitty Eldridge ’48B, Chuck and Michele Beale ’64, Ted Goodloe ’65, Herb and Laurie Guyton ’66, Gordon and Pat Bailey ’69, Jim and Tish Dittrich, Al and Carol Robinson ’77, and not shown, Ken and Amy Walters ’87.

A Class Agents Conference was held April 17-18, 2009, at VMI. Those who attended are pictured at right on the steps of the George C. Marshall Research Library. The conference, which was hosted by the VMI Foundation’s Alumni and Reunion Giving organization, was intended to bring agents up to date on the state of the Institute, so that they may share that knowledge with their Brother Rats. Included in the agenda were presentations by the superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, USA (Ret); the Foundation; and The VMI Alumni Association, as well as tours of the Center for Leadership and Ethics and the Third Barracks.

On New Market Day, May 15, 2009, the Alumni Association’s Oklahoma Chapter met at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to watch the RedHawks play baseball. From left were Mr. and Mrs. Bill Whitsitt (who were members of the 2008 VMI Parents Council), Conor Heely ’05, Hamel Reinmiller ’98, Gary Varney ’76, Bob Allen ’45, David Yockel ’90, Taylor Farmer ’90 and J.K. Foertsch ’76.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Alumni Association Caribbean Cruise March 2009

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS The inaugural VMI Alumni Cruise set sail on March 14, 2009, with nearly 150 alumni and guests on board the Royal Clipper.

The trip began at Bridgetown, Barbados, and made stops at the Caribbean islands of Bequia, Grenada, Martinique, St. Vincent and St. Lucia.

Alumni travelers reported great satisfaction with the ship but had more to say about the opportunity to gather with others who share their connection to the Institute.

A variety of age groups and class years were represented, ranging from Dick Meade ’44 and his wife, Fran, to 2001 classmates Melissa Williams, M.D., and Kelly Sullivan – a span of seven decades. The class of 1963 had the highest participation rate due in large part to the early involvement and efforts of the ’63 class agent. In total, alumni from 31 classes were on board, and all passengers seemed to delight in the opportunity to develop new friendships while enjoying the fair winds of the Caribbean.

The Royal Clipper is the largest of three sailing vessels operated

by StarClipper, a cruise and travel company. The Clipper is the world’s largest fully-rigged sailing vessel, measuring 428 feet, with five masts and 42 sails that are used to move the ship at speeds in excess of 13 knots under sail. The ship operated with a crew of 108, providing a very attentive staff and a busy schedule for passengers who enjoy fine dining, excellent service, and the involvement of their diverse and talented international crew. Daily excursions offered chances to go on land to enjoy the beach, roam through a small town on the islands or participate in a planned adventure.

The group enjoyed the evening entertainment, including several

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programs planned by the Clipper staff. Pirate Night, Caribbean Night and a talent show were some of the highlights. Around the piano bar, Bob Heely ’69 shared his musical talents, playing several Jimmy Buffet tunes, much to the pleasure of the group who joined in to sing along.

The VMI colors were raised on board after the captain granted special permission. On the last evening of the cruise, the group held a ceremony in which they sang the doxology and lowered the colors.

George Collins ’62, who served as the skipper during the sailing journey, accepted the colors. Collins is an accomplished yachtsman who owns Chessie Racing and is entered into the Whitbread Round the World Race. During his remarks to the group, Collins talked of his appreciation for the flag and asked that it be returned to the Alumni Office to be used for future trips under sail.

“There was just something truly special about having alumni together on board this amazing boat,” said Richmond Lykins ’73, president of the Alumni Association. With such a broad cross-section of alumni from many classes and locations, there remained a common

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ingredient that really made the trip exceptional.”

Several alumni enjoyed the activities offered during the trip, including scuba diving to depths of more than 100 feet and exploring treasures from sunken vessels.

Novice divers were also encouraged to join in, and Easley Moore ’65 became certified during his sail.

“From the way the boat is equipped, to the professional staff, this is a terrific experience and something I recommend to other alumni. I have been on other cruises; nothing compares to this one,” said Hugh Hopkins ’69.

“This was a remarkable way to bring alumni together. We’ve created memories here and met people in other classes that we would not meet by attending reunions or going to regular events,” said Guy Conte ’75.

Patti Hammond, widow of Roy Hammond ’57, traveled with the group along with several other spouses and guests.

The Royal Clipper offers cruise experiences by way of two itineraries in the Caribbean and several in the Mediterranean.

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Although the ship is primarily occupied with traditional cruise passengers who purchase tickets through travel agents or other markets, the cruise line offers the charter experience for large groups who secure the entire vessel for their itinerary.

Based on overwhelming interest in traveling together again, the Alumni Association has chartered the Royal Clipper for May 21-28, 2011, with an itinerary beginning in the Port of Rome, Italy, and traveling to locations along the coastline, including Sicily, Capri, Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands. Cabins are offered in six categories allowing ample opportunity to economize or upgrade the accommodations to individual preferences. Payments for the trip will be made in increments to allow saving and planning for your travel experience.

Further details and a compilation of photos and videos are available at www.vmialumni. org. Based on preliminary interest, cabins will fill quickly, so signing up early will offer the most planning flexibility.

Join VMI alumni as they sail again! Make your reservations today.

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2009-Issue 3

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CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

’35

Jim Sherman

Well, it’s May 2009, and the atmosphere a little rarified for the nine remaining BRs of ’35 who don’t need to be reminded. Wish I could say we are all “hale and hearty,” but when we matriculated and were inoculated with the honor code, that was the end of the fibbing. So, I will just say we are a tad slower getting off the mark, and some have a fancy for hearing aids, but to a man, we remain excellent judges of beautiful women.

That said, I will condense my conversations with the BRs and SRs. Houston, TX, and neighboring Galveston some 20 miles away have had their share of storm driven flooding problems more recently. Ed Arnold lives in suburban Houston on the first floor of a condo close by Clear Lake, which empties into Galveston Bay and in turn flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The most recent storm in April brought Clear Lake 6” to 8” over the adjacent boardwalk and to 18” in the nearby street. Thankfully, there was no damage to Ed’s apartment, though the building did lose power. As for his health, Ed says cheerfully, “I have an18year-old physique, working on a 95-year-old timetable.” He still walks the mall with his 70-year-old friends, though at a somewhat reduced pace. All three of his sons are doing well, and he has eight grandchildren, two in high school, three in college and three working – well planned!

On the other hand, St. John Arnold is not enthusiastic regarding his own state of health. He remains in Harbor Way, part of Atlantic Shores, Virginia Beach, where he has limited care and gets about with a walker in his apartment and an electric scooter in the hallways. This past year, he has experienced vision problems with his left eye, but thankfully the right is normal. Saint remains quite concerned about son Tom who had prostate surgery recently and is now undergoing radiation treatment. On the plus side, Capt. Albert K. Earnest ’38, a hero of the Japanese attack on Midway Island in WW II, dropped by to see him. For a complete account of his remarkable actions in that conflict, turn to pgs. 10 &11 of the Alumni Review 2009-Issue 2.

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Our Senator Harry Byrd says he’s hanging in there, has a little more difficulty walking and does have a balance problem but fortunately has not fallen – Amen! In view of the gravity of our times, the conversation turned to the national scene. Harry has been warming up to President Obama but has become quite concerned about a budget of 3.6 trillion with a built in trillion. Admittedly, spending your way to recovery is somewhat foreign to our practice, and as the poet Robert Frost might have put it, “The Road Less Traveled.” Understandably, Harry is concerned our grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will inherit our debt. In the course of our discussion of the extensive and ongoing improvements at the Institute, Harry emphasized that of the 16 state-supported, four-year colleges in Virginia, VMI has the highest tuition. But as we are aware, state support for VMI has been reduced and is a contributing cause.

As noted previously, Bob Evans has worked in the Yale Child Study Center for much of his professional career, and so it was most rewarding that on April 9th, the college held a special ceremony to honor him for his years of service. To follow, his picture of an earlier year and now being refinished as arranged by his dear friend, Ruth Lord, will be hung in one of the Study Group’s rooms. On his first 100 days or so in office, Bob has one word for President Obama – “brilliant.”

I found Bob Little somewhat “under the weather.” He experienced a seizure last September and has never fully recovered.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t enjoy his meals as previously, has lost a little weight and become “tired and lazy.” He lives in Sun City, AZ, summer is “sneaking up,” and he plans to stay home where he has good service. In fact, he considers it a wonderful

place to live and has been there 15 years. His daughter in nearby Phoenix was within days of retirement when we talked, and he sees her frequently.

This time around, I obtained an up to the minute report on Leonard Todd from wife Didda who is his mainstay but acknowledges she appreciates the opportunity to leave him with a caregiver twice a week and do the necessary shopping. Leonard is spending most of his time in his wheelchair, can use a walker but tires easily and requires “a lot of medication.” He had by-pass surgery some years ago and has lost some weight which now ranges between 150-160 lbs. Didda takes him out at least twice a week and does need help to get him in and out of the house.

Leonard followed with the philosophic comment, “I take life the way it is and do the most I can,” to which we can only add, “Amen.”

Wife Clelia filled me in on George Freeman who remains in Seaside Hospital, a part of Atlantic Shores, as the authorities do not consider she is strong enough to care for him. He is on oxygen full time and management would like both to move to assisted living which they are now considering, but the accommodation is much smaller than their current apartment, and with nursing service, has a $7,000 / month rental fee.

George presently shares a room with another man, continues to “walk a little but is in a wheelchair otherwise.” Happily, George and Clelia have both lunch and dinner together – a blessing indeed.

Old friend Al Snapp in Florida has been in and out of hospital since early December with a stubborn bacterial infection which finally has been overcome with the assistance of an infectious disease physician and necessary antibiotics. Daughter Linda lives with him and tells me things are going

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as well as can be expected, and they are lucky to have so much help: a home health nurse comes twice a week; an occupational therapist advises on safety issues, activities of daily living, physical activities to keep his limbs mobile and stimulating activities for his mind; a nursing assistant is with him during the day on weekdays; and he loves the attention! Hopefully this will lead to a full recovery and stable health, and it is very reassuring that Linda remains with him.

Barbara Meem in Santa Fe, NM, has a friend whose initial response to a question is, “I don’t know,” followed by an appropriate answer, so now Barbara finds herself using the phrase more often than she likes and did so with me. However, it’s an easy habit to adopt, and I know I’m guilty at times.

Skipping along to more interesting subjects, she told me there is a little Catholic chapel some 15 miles from town, and at Easter, it is customary for many townspeople to walk the distance, with volunteers providing food and drink along the way. This past Easter, a niece and her husband visited Barbara at the time and they made the journey, but not afoot!

Santa Fe has a population of some 55,000 and to date has not felt the current depression as seriously as other locations. Local Indian tribes have days of celebration in Pueblo, and some come to town and sell homemade jewelry. Also, the eligible attend high school in Santa Fe. Our very, very active “B” Holt, having served 19 years in the NC House of Representatives, remains very much involved in NC politics and is a member of the Senior Lawyers Section of the Bar. This group met at Pinehurst recently and concern themselves with such matters as immigrant problems and health of the elderly. “B” is also involved in the Fairness Program for Alamance County. And as has been their custom, the entire family will gather at Wild Dunes, SC, for a reunion the last week of June. Happily, “B” says she is in excellent health.

I called JoAnn O’Hara recently and got this busy creature on the first try. She is on a blood pressure pill but remains in good shape and continues with her photography and writing for the in-house publications at Westminster Canterbury, including profiles on residents. JoAnn is active in her church, does a lot of walking and sets up parties for VMI residents whose numbers have steadily

2009-Issue 3

increased. On pg. 44 of the 2009 Issue-1 Alumni Review, you will find pictures of VMI alumni at Westminster Canterbury taken by JoAnn. As Richmond has grown so much over the years, high quality entertainment is available and is shared by Westminster Canterbury.

Dora Williams has moved to a very convenient smaller apartment at Cedarfield, Richmond. Most of her furniture and belongings are still in her former apartment, but she thinks she will remain in the new one.

Her good friend and companion, Carolyn, was expected to return from holiday the following week, and Dora could not be more pleased – she has been with Dora since Judge died. And of course, Dora is looking forward to the next family reunion at the ocean in late May or June.

Sparkie Carper is spending a lot of time at home in Roanoke. She had her son and two granddaughters with her over Easter and was expecting daughter Lynn and husband down from Boston – that family really stays in touch. However, adversity sneaks up on us now and again, our Sister Rat no exception.

Quite recently another driver ran a red light, striking Sparkie’s car on the driver’s side, causing $5,600 damage and x-rays disclosing hairline fractures in two of Sparkie’s ribs. Meanwhile, car repairs are in progress, and Sparkie continues driving a rental at the offender’s expense. And yes, volunteer work with the ARC continues, as well as bridge with the girls – bet she can still shuffle the cards!

Ikey Knight lives for her family, the numbers of which boggle my mind. When her apartment was completely refurbished recently, she should have had them install a revolving door at the entrance. I had lost track of the grandchildren but now have just been reminded she has 11 great grandchildren. Daughters? … Well, Hope and hubby are traveling around the country again, Judy was with Ikey last weekend and Jill is returning from Ireland and will be visiting shortly.

Meanwhile, Ikey is learning to play duplicate bridge, loves it and hopes to improve. So much for a peaceful retirement, but then you’ve got to go with the flow, man!

The Farmington area of New Mexico, where Blanche Brown lives, had been subject to very strong winds for two weeks just prior to our conversation, and she had

suffered an allergic reaction affecting her breathing and appetite; other residents had similar reactions. Daughter Roe and hubby Sam, who live in the same area, were leaving for an important company meeting in Sedona, AZ, and undoubtedly were pleased with the timing.

Though Jeanette Newman loves to play bridge twice a month with friends in Darrington, WA, where she owns a lodge, her principal residence is at the Cap Sants Court Ret. Center in Anacortes, WA. It’s bingo every Tuesday and Thursday night, and she is presently the monthly champion and custodian of the Bingo Trophy. She has a 91year- old lady friend, and they check on each other daily. Jeanette and son Doug attended a seafood buffet recently and played the slot machines, winning $40 and $30 respectively – what else? Doug was coming for Mothers Day, and as anticipated, they will go to the Casino. Her daughter in Maine is expected soon, and they will spend time at her lodge in Darrington.

Jane Ferrell finally got into her house in Vero Beach, FL, which sits right on the ocean front, requiring four years to completely rebuild due to repeated hurricane damage. Marble floors have replaced wooden construction, so vulnerable to flooding, and she now has a new salt water swimming pool. Son Puck lives just a mile or so away and comes over daily. Daughter Merry, with whom Jane visits quite often, lives in Northport. Jane owns an old plantation home in Charles City County, VA, where she spends part of her summers, and it is looked after by a caretaker otherwise. It has 75 acres presently planted with corn. Jane misses Nip every day; they met on a blind date in VA and were married for 63 yrs.

Peggy and I are enjoying spring in Southern Pines, and we share the affection of two of her sons and their families who live only a few hours away. We both have been slowed by leg and joint problems, and I have an extremely painful neck attributable to a prescription drug I should never been given.

Recently, I had my first neck surgery to overcome the problem and will have a second on May 21st, with a third to be anticipated.

In future, I will check out on the Internet the side effects of any new drug I am prescribed – blind trust is not the answer!

Bless you all ... Jim

37

CLASS NOTES

’36 ’37 ’38 ’39

Class of 1939 70th Reunion

Frank Parker III ’64

The big news this issue is obviously our 70th Reunion. We had four BRs make it in person: Col. Alex Morrison, Col. Bill Brand, Mr. John Chiles and Dr. Lawrence Mathews. Bert Brayshaw was scheduled to be there, but at the last minute, his wife, Mary, became very ill, and he could not make it. In addition, we had many wives, children and friends in attendance. The wives included Jo Morrison, Tickie Brand, Libby Chiles, Evelyn Mathews, Betty Kadick¸ Emily Hill and Roberta Bigler. Finally, but very important, were the many children and friends of the class of ’39 that came to celebrate old time memories and long standing friendships.

Col. Gibson ’77, the director of the VMI Museum, and his wife, Pat, were our hosts for the first evening’s cocktail hour and banquet. Mrs. Norma Robinson from the Alumni Association acted as our host for the second night’s festivities.

The weather did not cooperate on the second evening which led to the cancellation of the parade. While we were all looking forward to seeing the Corps march onto the hill, we took solace that at least the rain made the Corps happy. Col. Alex Morrison was able to represent the class in the Old Barracks courtyard for 39’s Old Yell.

I received an update from our adopted BR Max Hopkins ’97. He is currently at

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John Chiles, Alex Morrison and Larry Mathews. Not present for photo: Bill Brand.

Ft. Benning with the 75th Ranger Regiment and expects to be PCS as the Naval Gunfire Department head at the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific.

His wife, Jaime, is now a LCDR assigned to the U.S.S. Bunker Hill as the operations officer, and his son is four and a half and waiting for him in San Diego.

Unfortunately, I received notice that ’39 has lost another BR. John “Jack” Peebles died on 29 April 2009. His obituary will appear in the 2009-Issue 4 edition of the VMI Alumni Review.

I have some pictures of the reunion events that I’d be happy to e-mail to anyone who requests them. I would also appreciate receiving any pictures others may have taken.

’40

Robert Smith

The last few months seem to have been relatively good for our BRs with only one item of alarming news. But also, I’m sure you read about the challenging situations for the Institute’s finances described in the May 1 letter of Gen. Peay ’62 which our class, as one of the leaders, will take as almost personally significant.

Most of you got my report about our Class President Walt Edens’ recovery in the form of a copy of a letter to Charley Beach dated April 25 which told of Walt’s fall in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES March and of his progress. Walt has moved in with his wonderful son, Sandy, who is Walt Edens Jr. ’72. He is using a walker but expects to only need a cane soon.

After I had told all of you about Walt, Sandy sent a very heartwarming letter meant for sharing with you. He wrote, “Thank you for including me in the update that you sent to the class of ’40 regarding the condition of my father and the state of his recovery. If at all possible, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you and to the VMI class of 1940 for the dedication and friendship shown to my dad over the years but especially in the past three months. The Spirit that welds the class of ’40 is utterly incredible, and due to that Spirit, I believe you and your class have lifted my dad back to health. Starting with the Ratline, continuing through graduation, cemented through the difficult and admirable years of World War II and tested by the years to date, the class of 1940 has been key to my dad’s life, livelihood, fun, interests and friendships, and now I can attribute to the class of ’40 his recovery from a very difficult fall and subsequent hospitalization. Mrs. Adelaide Simpson called to tell me of prayers for my dad that were said in Lexington as a result of the network of the class of ’40. You men and your wives are truly the Greatest Generation. Thank you, sir, for leading the information chain that allowed your class to rally yet again to the aid of your Brother Rat and my dad. As you mentioned in your letter, Dad will come to live with me in my house in Albuquerque. In the years that he will be with me, I hope that he and I can continue to share the VMI bond and that I can continue at 59 to learn more of life’s lessons from Dad that I refused to listen to in my much earlier years. Please feel free to contact me to get an update on that wisdom transfer. I look forward to it ... Dad has told me he remains alive for two reasons. First, he says only he can care for my mom in her condition in the manner that she deserves to be cared for. That is love.

And secondly, he remains alive so that he might lead the VMI class of 1940 when you pass in Class review for your 70th Reunion.

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I pledge and certify to you that I will do all in my power to guarantee that Walter Edens will stand tall alongside his Brother Rats for that reunion. And I have assured Dad that, if required, I will lend a hand to him so that he might pass in review that afternoon. He said if he is required to use a cane, he might use it either as a swagger stick or he would substitute the cane for his saber Manual of Arms. We will have to wait to see which it is … Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the VMI Class of 1940, for being instrumental in the recovery of my dad.”

Jack Camp continues with his considerate phone calls to check on people, and after he had called Walt Edens, he sent a note that he had called Walt and also sent him his book, “While You’re Up.” BettyJane and I have enjoyed this memoir – it is a good read. There is so much in it about VMI that it becomes of great interest to all who shared the same experiences. The back cover says this: “John M. (Jack) Camp Jr. is a keen observer and a gifted storyteller. His autobiography is full of action and tells the tale of a determined man who always looks on the bright side of life. Jack’s inner strength emanates from mental discipline and his profound faith.”

Within the book, I liked this passage: “I think my cousin, Hugh Camp, summed VMI camaraderie up best. He was one of my top bosses for a long time, and went to the University of Virginia. During a conversation about the restrictive nature of VMI, he said, ‘It’s no wonder all you VMI fellows stay so close. It’s as if you were shipwrecked together.’”

It is alarming that a check on Matt Lyle in early May revealed he is in a serious way with multiple myeloma. He had been

of 1939: Bill and Tickie Brand.

in remission for years, but his daughter, Deborah, is not encouraging now. She is spending time away from her business to be with him, and he has hospice care. Last March, they celebrated his 90th birthday with a party for about 50 people, and the crisis began after that, about mid April.

Frazier and Ginny Baldwin’s theme when I spoke with them was contentment.

Ginny enjoys her flower garden, and Frazier enjoys his vegetable garden. They are looked after by their Corgi, Patrick, who is about 9 years old and does everything a good family member should do except talk. Patrick has the endearing trait of bringing Ginny her slipper as recompense whenever he is scolded.

Good news: John Augustine’s grandson, “AJ,” has been accepted at VMI and will matriculate this fall. John and June are thrilled about this, of course, and John hopes he will be going up to VMI many times before AJ graduates. John is quite interested in Civil War history and is going to Gettysburg this summer with June and two of their sons, William and John ’68.

John and June’s travel plans this summer also include a meeting with his 22nd Bomber Group compatriots in San Antonio and a meeting with his B-57 outfit at Colorado Springs, during which they will tour the Air Force Academy.

Dan Flowers reports that he is still working three to four hours per day and has some interesting activities in the form of three study groups. One is called the Dawn Patrol, because it meets at 6:30 AM on Wednesdays. Dan feels that it is remarkable that he has no aches and pains and attributes this to his regular swimming for about a half hour per day, ending up with six breaststroke laps. I’m still trying to catch my breath after hearing that.

At the time we spoke, he was excited about his oldest granddaughter, Elizabeth Carlton, who is quite a 50-meter freestyle swimmer. She graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH – one of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges – where, in March, their ladies produced their 23rd NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Champion-

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CLASS NOTES ship title. Elizabeth joined their list of NCAA postgraduate scholars by being among 58 winter sport participants nationwide to receive a grant of $7,500. Dan also was happy to report that grandson Daniel Flowers III has a provisional appointment to VMI and should matriculate in 2012!

A wonderful letter came from Mary Moncure Watson of Atlanta, Dick Moncure’s daughter, which will surely be of interest to all. “Bob: I have been meaning to write you for some time to give you an update on Daddy … Daddy is very content and lives in the same house on Lookout Mountain that he has lived in for the past 43 years. He has some form of dementia but knows me about 90% of the time and speaks very fondly about his family, early trips to China and his days at VMI. He is very fortunate to have friends and neighbors who check on him and to have the same six adoring, caring sitters that have been with him for the past five years. He continues to be the consummate Virginia Gentleman. My husband, Tom, our 16-year-old daughter, Morgan, and I came up from Atlanta to celebrate his 90th birthday with him last Oct. 10th. I had struggled to find something VMI-related to give him for his birthday but could not come up with anything meaningful. My husband called the VMI Admissions office to see if they had anything, and they offered to send a DVD which they send to prospective cadets. With that being all we could find, we gave Daddy the DVD for his birthday and played it for him on my daughter’s portable DVD player.

It was a very well done video that mentioned the history of VMI, showed beautiful scenes of buildings and the campus and included a segment about a day in the life of a cadet.

Daddy watched it intently, but it was difficult to tell how much of it he followed. While watching shots of photos from the archives that were flashed on the screen for a few seconds, Daddy exclaimed “That’s my daddy!”

It was in fact a picture of his father William Augustus Moncure, class of 1889, whose photo was included in a grouping of eight or 10 cadets. The chances of a picture of his father being selected randomly for the DVD and of daddy recognizing him when the picture was flashed on the screen only momentarily is astounding. It certainly made for a good story and for a very memorable

40

90th birthday … Thank you so much for keeping in touch with Daddy and for all you do for VMI – it is truly a remarkable place.”

Sol Rawls sent me a clipping from the Richmond Times-Dispatch of last Feb. 16th in which their “Today In History” column remembered Tommy Downing for being at the opening of the Downing Bridge at Tappahannock in 1927. Tommy was eight years old, but he shared the ribbon cutting with Harry Flood Byrd Jr. ’35, age 12. Fascinating that these two were together so early and destined to become such outstanding public servants.

Both served for about 18 years, Tom as a Representative and Harry Jr. as a senator.

Chuck Wilson greatly enjoys his community and church in Kingsland, but when I asked if George Bush has asked him to lunch, as Lyndon Johnson did all those years, the answer was no. He did say that the secret service man who heads up the Crawford detail had been a neighbor and that he had a standing invitation to visit Crawford whenever the ex-president is not there.

Ben Hardaway again reported his status with his great expression, “just circling the drain,” but he added a lament about not getting his turkey this past month of April season. His party had a gobbler coming toward them, and Ben took the shot with his 12-gauge but missed! This tragedy was only about three weeks past when we spoke. Otherwise, Ben is doing fine.

Matt Friedlander was at his real estate office in Moultrie when we talked but was going in a few days to his summer retreat at Highlands, NC, where he expects to stay through October. He still works in order to stay happy and challenged. We talked about his career. After leaving VMI, he went on to graduate from Duke and then was a naval officer commanding transports and tankers.

He also spent time at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

Nick Dominick and I spoke the day after the Players Championship golf tournament which had just taken place in Nick’s town of Ponte Vedra. Golf was Nick’s sport, and so he had thoroughly enjoyed watching the TV. Nick is continuing to publish the family newsletter, gets up to go to his computer for a few hours each day and is reasonably at peace with his situation.

Andy Turner and Evelyn continue to lead their full life at Deltaville. Andy has been thru a spell involving a mysterious set-back, probably as a result of an allergic reaction, but has recovered. Their daughter, Courtney, who the State Department has posted to Turkey, was about to arrive in May in order to celebrate her birthday at home. Evelyn is updating her previous input to a Deltaville historical publication and is heading off to James Madison’s Montpelier to see the latest restoration.

Eppy Powell spoke of his hope that his grandson, who is in high school, will choose VMI. Doris is in a health center room in their retirement place, and Eppy will soon move his apartment in order to be closer when he goes to see her.

Doug Cook strangely said that he is inexplicably slowing down – taking longer for his morning walks, not bounding out of bed right away when he wakes up in the morning, observing speed limits while driving his car slowly and more carefully, and getting fewer crossword puzzles and computer games completed in any given day. Speaking of crossword puzzles, he seemed to be still smarting over the fact that when Bud Irwin visited him years and years ago, on the day of departure, Bud quickly did the puzzles in both his local paper and in the NY Times when Doug and Barbara weren’t looking. So, Bud departed, and they then found that they had nothing left to do that day!

Bud Irwin is also going slower but not much. He and Ruth have about given up traveling. Bud still does crossword puzzles and Sudoku, but he thinks he spends too much time on them. They have three daughters who frequently come to see them. One is in Florida, another in Charlotte, and the third, Katherine, lives nearby in Columbus, OH, which adjoins their town of Worthington.

Bob Barnes maintains his purposeful life in Seattle at the Horizon House. He is active in Hospice Care and went to London years ago to learn more about it. The first modern hospice, St. Christopher’s Hospice, was in a residential suburb of London, and in 1986, the Medicare Hospice Benefit was made permanent by Congress.

Currently, he is helping five patients in Horizon House. Bob has a friend, Michelle

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Edelmann, who lives a short drive away.

Bob has been asked by his caring family to give up driving, thereby necessitating the use of a taxi cab or Seattle’s light rail system, which is to open July 18.

Sol Rawls was cheerful when we talked and said he had just planted 36 tomato plants of many varieties. He joked about his and roommate Jack Camp’s academic status upon graduation – Jack was last, as Jack gladly publicized in his new memoir book, but it is not as well known that Sol was next to last. Sol said that some time ago, a book about the career accomplishments of the Jackson-Hope Medalist was proposed, and he asked the author to also consider a book about the bottom 2% of graduates! He thought it might be interesting to see what the lack of academic achievement forecasts for life success.

Briefs: Ronnie Lau ’72 called me to say he enjoyed the notes on his father, Chun Lau, and on Gen. Sun. Ronnie lives on Staten Island and works in the city. Gene Phillipi often calls and sends notes – his daughter gave him a big 90th birthday celebration party in Knoxville last September. Earl Brown is doing well at Carolina Meadows and was very cheerful – he surprised me by saying he gave up his e-mail about two years ago. I have been sending him news that way right along. After a slight heart problem, Jim Cheek has moved to the assisted living section of his Burton Hills facility but walks to meals and has a man to get him started in the mornings. In his address, only the apartment number is changed to “Apt. AL#221.” Was not able to reach Art Wadsworth but called the care center, Britthaven of Edenton, where his wife, Ruth, stays, and they told me that he comes in regularly – bright and cheerful.

Adelaide Simpson was very interested in Walt Eden’s status when she heard about his fall and has phoned and caringly kept in touch with the situation. She and Herb were close to Walt and Dottie when the Edens lived in Lexington. Could not reach John Cowart by phone, but his son, John, gave me the word that he is OK. Charley Beach was also not available as this report was sent off, but his office called and gave a reassuring message from him that he had just gotten out of

2009-Issue 3

the hospital and that his doctor was a VMI ’50 man.

Numbers: There are a total of 28 BRs on the list – including me. Of these, there are only four that I am not in touch with for one reason or another.

Our Line shortens. There are now 30 of those who matriculated on Sept. 13, 1937.

“You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.”

Keep The Spirit ’41

Walter Richards

Richard C. Horne III

’41

“Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you have lived.”

Sam Dobyns filled in for me at the Class Agents Conference. Says he enjoyed it, as I always have. I haven’t asked for a report yet.

Jack Ayler still lives in the North (VA, that is), and though he sounds great over the phone, says the doctors have told him to slow down. Lucky he has daughters to keep an eye on him. H.P. Clark is still at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg. He has had a stroke but wasn’t complaining and was slowly recovering.

It seems like I mostly have sad news to report, so here goes. This has been a sad year for ’41. Marion Lucas’ son informed us of the passing of his father on Dec. 6, 2008, and Howard Satterwhite left us on Feb. 19, 2009. Howard was at VMI three years and was paralyzed in an automobile accident. Robert (Jake) Doland died on Feb. 23, 2009. Jake had long suffered with knee replacements. We lost John B. Rudulph who died on Mar. 5, 2009. The latest death is that of my roommate of four years, Nash Strudwick, on April 5, 2009.

An e-mail dated April 1, 2009, from Patrice Cole informed us of the passing of her father, Durland Clark. There was no date and no other details. Recall that following Stan Navas’ death, Durland assumed the job of leader until ill health forced him to give it up. Mrs. Cole said, “I am sure that he would have wanted his fellow classmates to know that on the day of his passing, heaven ‘heard from the Institute.’”

Also, in case you don’t know, Winnie Baldwin, wife of F.C. Baldwin, passed away on Nov. 7, 2008. Frank Kirby’s wife, Belle, passed away on March 25, 2009.

Keep our Brothers and the spouses of our deceased Brother Rats in your prayers.

’42

Editor’s note: There were no note submitted from the class of 1942 for this issue.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

It is once again New Market Day – which is also the deadline set by my lord and master, the Alumni Association, for the submission of the Class Notes. First things first: Blessedly, I have no deaths to report.

Day after tomorrow, 16 May, the class of 2009 graduates, concluding the Finals period, which has been for some time a somewhat condensed version of what our class had, even in the midst of World War II. As part of Finals, today’s New Market Day will feature the pomp and circumstance of a special midday ceremony which will be observed by the many visitors present for graduation … only fitting.

As I wrote in a solicitation letter to you last year, this special day triggers memories of our first two years at VMI when the 15th of May fell nearly a month before Finals and all that period’s attendant distractions. Attention was focused only on the battle and the cadets who lost their lives. At BRC, designated cadets in Companies A, B, C and D – the New Market Corps had only those companies – answered the roll call for the cadets who’d been killed. There were no spectators other than the bugler and the officer-in-charge.

As the morning mist hovered on the Parade Ground, the names of each of the fallen were called by the cadet adjutant. In turn, each of the designated cadets stepped forward a pace and called out: “Died on the field of honor!”

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CLASS NOTES New Market Day is but one of the many VMI legacies. Speaking of which, the Institute, through the good offices of the Admissions Office and Alumni Association, has hosted an annual “Legacy Day” program in recent years. Jane and I accompanied by our youngest daughter, her husband and their five children (from Charlotte, NC) attended this year’s program 27-28 March. The event is designed to acquaint alumni children and grandchildren, ages 5 to 13, with VMI. Approximately 200 attended this year, including youngsters and oldsters. The weekend began with the Friday afternoon parade despite the arrival of a light rain drifting in from, where else, House Mountain. As was so often the case during our cadet days, the rain held off until the cadets were fully formed on the Parade Ground: The point of no return. Fortunately, the temperature was mild. The Corps, which performed admirably, and the spectators shrugged off the weather.

Next day, the rain held off until very late, and the children were treated to a full day of tours and visits accompanied by cadet escorts. The new “Third” Barracks (that seems to be the official name) with its modernized rooms, plus the new PX, gift shop and bookstore, was a favorite. We had lunch in Crozet Hall (the Mess Hall) – and I hasten to say that today’s cadets are extremely well fed in terms of tasty, multiple and healthy choices.

The kitchen is impressive.

The tradeoff has been the loss of the “family” style dining with waiters and some of the associated customs – good, bad and trivial. Remember tossing water glasses to Rats at the table for filling – and occasionally missing, to the tune of tinkling glass fragments? In exchange, have come the efficiencies and wider choices made possible by today’s “cafeteria” style self service.

Several mementos were handed out during the orientation on Saturday morning (28 March) before we began

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our tours. Somewhat embarrassingly, our nine-member family group received the lion’s share: The most attendees from one family. The youngest attendee – age 5. The oldest VMI graduate present – guess who.

The Legacy Day orientation was presented in the magnificent newly completed Marshall Hall, which houses VMI’s Leadership and Ethics Center. It is situated behind Moody Hall (the Alumni building). Courses and lectures began in the new center early this spring. I urge each of you, when next you visit VMI, to include Marshall Hall.

Whether or not you can do so, bear in mind that our own Bill Gottwald and his family and their generosity made the new center possible in large part. When Bill recently retired as CEO of the Albemarle Corporation, the corporation and Bill’s family and friends established the Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43 Visiting Professor of Leadership and Ethics at VMI to “formalize (as stated in the The Institute Report) a program that advances the understanding, practice and integration of leadership and character development at the Institute.”

The “Third Barracks,” of which I’ve written in this and the previous issue of the

Review, has its own legacies. The westernmost part (the “Clock Tower”) rests on ground once occupied by the historic quarters built in 1853, in which lived the commandants of VMI until 1964. Jane and I and our children lived in them 196063. A year later, they were demolished to make way for the first Lejeune Hall (VMI’s version of a student union) which, in turn, was demolished to make way for the Third Barracks. These class notes include three grainy photos (below) taken in and in front of our quarters. Two were taken 8 June 1963, at a party we had for Brother Rats and wives attending our 20th Class Reunion. Might stir a memory or two.

As my predecessor class agents often observed, it’s difficult to provide news of classmates when so few communicate or volunteer news. What follows is what I have been able to glean.

Leading off, from the Holy City, Dick Catlett sent me a much appreciated “attaboy” in March for my labors as class agent.

Chuck Beckham, in addition to keeping me current on current affairs and political opinions through his frequent e-mails, sent me news of his only grandson, Eric. He

Class of 1943

Photos clockwise from top, left: -Ned Brantly and the commandant of cadets in the commandant’s VMI quarters on June 8, 1963 – the 20th Reunion of class of 1943.

-Brother Rats and wives at a 20th Reunion party hosted by Jeff and Jane Smith in their VMI quarters. In front, were Tom and Kitty Jones. In back, were, from left: Ned Brantly, Jane Smith, Gerry Asch, Farley and Josh Whetzel, and Ann Asch.

-The commandant’s quarters in 1961.

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CLASS NOTES wrote that “Helen and I are proud of Eric, who is a junior taking petroleum engineering at Texas A&M University. He was just elected president of the entire student body for the coming year at A&M. With some 14,000 voters, he got 57% of the vote in a runoff with a popular member of the Corps of Cadets. Just wanted our good friends to know of Eric’s honor.” Well done, Eric!

It is comforting to read Chuck’s messages and find how much we agree on views of the nation, politics, morals and almost everything else. For the same reasons, I also enjoy the frequent e-mails I receive from Hugh Dischinger ’45 and Brother Rat Fielding (Doc) Greaves – San Rafael, CA. Chuck lives in my native state of Texas which, by the reckoning of many (including my cousins), has a majority which leans in his (and my) philosophical direction. And Hugh represents the philosophies of, I hope, most Virginians. On the other hand, Fielding must contend with some California philosophies that, shall we say, raise a hackle or two.

Hugh reports that he saw his brother, our Brother Rat, Jim Dischinger, in early March. Jim exercises by walking a selfprescribed route, is doing well and in great shape, despite some dental problems and the need of a cane. Good to hear – and Jim, as many all too well know, has a lot company from the cane users of our class.

Correction on George Snead’s abode: In my last notes, I stated that he and Kitty were living in the Goodwin House (retirement residence) in Lynchburg. They, of course, are in the Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg. Both the Goodwin House in Alexandria, VA (near us), and Westminster Canterbury have ties to the Episcopal Church. My mind wandered as I was typing the misinfo -- and I simply goofed on my proofreading. George is assisting the marketing effort at Westminster Canterbury which is faced (as is common elsewhere) with older people desiring to move into retirement residences but unable to sell their current homes. George and Kitty spend a pre-breakfast 60 minutes, six days a week, in the fitness center at Westminster Canterbury. An example for all!

‘Way down south in Thomasville, GA, Jim Anderson and Harry Jones continue to hold the VMI banner high. Jim and

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Harry are regulars at the weekly Rotary Club lunches in Thomasville, not to speak of occasional meals together at the Country Club. As previously reported, Jim is confined to a walker and wheelchair these days (after three hip operations), but he sounds cheerful and upbeat. His daughter and son-in-law have moved to Thomasville, and she is a frequent visitor and helper (e.g., e-mails) to her father. I’ve had a series of recent, very welcome phone calls from Jim, some of them to help him connect to the VMI Foundation. Brother Rats will (should) recall that Jim’s father, Brigadier General James A. Anderson, class of 1913, was the VMI dean during our Rat year. You might know that he personally selected the members of our VMI class. (In our day, there was no dedicated Admissions Office, per se.) General Anderson left VMI to direct the development of Virginia’s highways. He retired to Lexington and was one of my mentors when I was commandant of cadets, 1960-63. When he died, he left a very large unrestricted bequest to the VMI Foundation. That bequest continues to be financially significant to the VMI endowment.

Jim Hodgkin also wrote me a very welcome and cheery “attaboy” note. It was once again adorned with one his water colors – this one of bagpipers. Muchas gracias, Jim. Later, he also called to ask if I knew when the capes (worn by first classmen) were phased out. My not-toowell-informed answer: “Gradually phased out during the war (WWII) and in years closely following.” They were long gone by 1960 when I reported to my new station at VMI. Jim must still use a wheelchair but is “very, very much improved” since his stroke which affected only legs.

I slipped into Spanish as a reminder to mention that I exercised my meager Spanish (un poquito solamente) during a visit

by Jane and me to the Cancun, Mexico, area 2-12 March. To anticipate: No, we didn’t see evidence of or hear of any swine flu cases. No, we weren’t hindered by drug/cartel gangs. All was very peaceful, very friendly, seemingly prosperous and unquestionably pleasant, especially the warm and balmy weather. As of now, of course, the travel/tourism business in Mexico is in (temporary, one hopes) shat-

ters because of the flu scare.

On 8 May, I had an encouraging telephone chat with Vince and Betty Thomas.

Vince is now on the mend, and Betty is relieved from intense and tiring worry.

However, Vince has had a rough patch or two. Only a day or two before we spoke, Vince was released from a two-week hospital stay following surgery to stop a leak resulting from repair of an abdominal aneurysm several months ago. As we chatted, Vince still had drainage tubes which a nurse (from their retirement residence) monitors. The nurse’s 8 May prognosis: “Looks better, but it will take a couple of more weeks.” Vince was in good spirits, commenting that he “didn’t feel I was as sick as Betty believed.” He has set two benchmarks: Attend the 2009 Institute Society dinner this November and a mini reunion in spring of 2010.

Vince passed along some news on two Brother Rats who are fellow residents of the Thomas’ Norfolk waterfront retirement residence. Frank Bilisoly continues to hold his own, which is to say that his balance problems (water on the brain related) require him to spend his nights in assisted living, but he can spend much of his waking hours with Indie Bain in their apartment and have meals in the residence’s dining room. Vince also said that, unfortunately, Charlie Willcox’ emphysema doesn’t appear to be improving.

From their retirement residence, Barbara Board (Hockessin, DE) updated me on Charles (Box) and herself. She continues to be well and Box to (use a well worn phrase) holding his own in the assisted living wing. Box was resting from a cold when I called, and Barbara suggested I not disturb him. Come June, it will be two years since an infection following knee surgery caused his severe loss of balance. The Boards eat dinner every night together, but are allowed no overnights.

Barbara said that she is “married to a saint who is never in the dumps and through it all has retained his dry sense of humor.”

She added that few could “imagine what VMI means to him.”

It is one of my blessings that Bill Johann keeps in frequent touch. He recently reached 89 years, but one would never know to observe or listen to him – not to

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CLASS NOTES speak of his energy, interests and adaptability. He tells me that Frank Williams (who seems to have put his heart attack way behind him) and Keith Phillips (who I hope is in training to host a 2010 mini reunion hospitality room) are hanging in there (wherever “there” might be).

Bill and good friend, Ann Walls (who sent me a gracious attaboy for my class notes), entertained Hap Vaughan and his two daughters with cocktails and a light supper on 10 May at Bill’s home. The Vaughans were quite taken, as I suspect most of us would be, by Bill’s (politically incorrect?) collector’s item displayed in his den: A framed picture, c.1940, titled “Women out of uniform, a gratifying spectacle.” It shows an attractive young woman wearing a plumed shako and a first captain’s coatee unbuttoned a decorous inch. The Vaughans were in Richmond for a family reunion. Bill reports that Hap has slowed down a few steps and joined the cane brigade.

Brian Bowen e-mailed me 16 May an update on his Jane, and the assistant editor of the Alumni Review (Traci Mierzwa) kindly allowed me to include his news past my deadline. When the last notes were written, Jane was recovering (at home) after a hospital stay necessitated by side effects of chemotherapy for her lung cancer. Unfortunately, a recurrence of “sodium deficiency” recently made it necessary to return to the hospital. She is in the rehab portion to get her sodium levels increased and regain strength. Brian says she is having a tough fight. I know that you all join me in hoping the best and praying for them.

I spoke to Johnny Van Landingham on 14 May and am happy to note that he’s doing well, feeling fine and said that he counts his blessings when he sees so many of our contemporaries who are not. Johnny speaks for me on that. He swims two or three times a week at the Y, plays golf once a week and drops by the office for a while most weekdays. Johnny is one of the few who so continue. Brian Bowen, Frank Williams and, perhaps, Sonny Litton also do, I believe. As mentioned above, Bill Gottwald finally joined the retired ranks. The Van Landingham building supply business is hurting a bit from the recession. Finally, Johnny mentioned that he, too, thought

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we ought to have a mini reunion. Message received and noted for action.

Another who checked into the net on the eve of my submitting the class notes was Maxine Mahone, calling from the warmth and sunshine of Florida. She wanted help/ advice on checking on her generous 2008 year-end donation to VMI. I was delighted to assist, and it was a delight for Jane and me to hear her cheery voice. She said she is feeling first rate, top notch – and that her daughters are as well.

In my just previous class notes, I wrote of the gracious note from Jack McGrath’s daughter, Bridget, upon her receiving replacement copies of the 65th Reunion booklet. Just after submitting those notes for publication, I received an equally gracious thank-you letter from Margery McGrath, Jack’s widow. Margery and Jack were married in her large, attractive Harrisonburg, VA, home in what is known as the Joshua Wilton House. It is now an up-scale bed and breakfast. The web address, showing several photographs, for computer literates is below. It is well worth a look: www.bedandbreakfast.com/ photo-harrisonburg-inns-joshua-wiltonhouse.html.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

Our long anticipated 65th Reunion is now history by about three weeks. I feel it was certainly as good as any we have ever had, and Faye and I consider it probably the best for at least two reasons. One being it’s probably the last time most of us who were there will be in Lexington together, and we all realized that. The other is that only 25 Brother Rats were present, along with 27 wives, widows, companions, sons and daughters which allowed more socializing among the attendees with each other.

As I said several times during the reunion, Tom Peyton, our reunion chairman, did one really magnificent job in putting the affair together and handling the supervision to make sure everything went smoothly. He had help from some of the wives, widows and BRs, plus a lot of help from Carole Green, vice president for

Alumni Activities and director of Moody Hall, who manages all class reunions at VMI. However, the man totally responsible for this really successful affair was Tom Peyton, and I want to express again thanks from the entire class for a time consuming and difficult task well done!

Going back to my pre-reunion “Notes for the Next Issue” file, I find a long note from Win Whitehurst, Gus’ daughter, apologizing for not having written sooner. Win told me that Lois, having passed that 90th birthday, had no major problems but most of the little ones that come with age. One of her daughters is living with her, and that helps to handle things like that. Win also brought me up to date on her half of Gus’ family which was most welcome to Faye and me as we are longtime friends.

When Bob Watt and I were talking about Carolyn Weatherford sometime in March, he said Carolyn gave him his first kiss from a girl. He swore that to be the truth, which I’ll leave up to you all.

A bit of sad news from late March was the death of Dot Cumming. Dot had been a devoted companion to Peck Chambers for over 20 years. When I expressed our sorrow and sympathy to Peck, he told me he was greatly disappointed that he could not make the reunion since he was very unsteady on his feet and continually concerned about falling.

In early April, I had a call from Marge Roberts, RB’s widow, to tell me I had really made her day. She had gotten my birthday card and wanted to thank me for including her in the class of ’44 family.

She said she really missed RB. Life has settled down, and having children living close by is really a great comfort.

The rest of my pre-reunion days were full of VMI activity, primarily Class Agent Conference homework, numerous chats with Tom Peyton in an effort to help him with various tasks and discussing the physical problems that were going to prevent many of our BRs from attending the reunion. I’m still trying to maintain my decision made several years ago not to use our class notes for a “gim” report.

At times, it is impossible to avoid and germane to the thoughts I’m trying to express.

For the pre-reunion Friday and Saturday nights, Faye and I checked into the Nichols

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1944 65th Class Reunion

Row 1: Tom L. Peyton Jr., Claiborne Christian, Cabell Brand, F. Meade Bell, Robert Smothers, M.C. Wilhelm and Harry Ratrie. Row 2: H.K. Spencer, J.D. Hammond, R.S. Sherrard, Ezra Trice, R.C. (Dick) Odom, Robert T. Helmen and Charlie Parker. Row 3: Tazewell Ellett III, Tom Gentry, Bill Eickelberg, Alex Munroe, Bob (Egypt) Jones, John Irby, George Thompkins and Art Taylor. Row 4: Robert G. Watt.

hotel to spend my Class Agent Conference evenings with Betty Bond. The hospitality there was outstanding as always, and we really extend our thanks again to Betty Bond for her ever-gracious friendship. She and Faye got their tour of Lexington shops done on Saturday morning in time to join me at the closing lunch for class agents.

Neither of them will turn down a fine free meal when offered. The three of us then joined Ruthie Miller, Scottie Haley and Jim Doss that evening for our usual dinner out.

As always, the conversation between those four ladies blanketed most of what Jim and I tried to say, regardless of how verbose Jim Doss can be. We did listen a little and dared to interrupt in several instances.

Sunday morning, Betty Bond headed out early to substitute for a vacationing church organist. Her doorbell rang while Faye and I were packing to leave. When we opened the door, Tom Peyton came in with boxes galore to get help from Faye and me in stuffing reunion bags with name tags, programs, a fine brooch for the ladies, a coffee mug for the guys and caps for all.

That done, we all headed for the Holiday Inn Express to check in, and the 65th

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Reunion was underway. We were greeted

by Dick Doom, the first out-of-state BR to arrive and Jimmy Spencer, the first Virginian to register. After helping Tom lay out his bags, Faye, Dick and I headed next door to the Redwood Restaurant for lunch. Included in that meal’s conversation was Faye’s query for Dick as to how many animals he and Victoria were now hosting. Dick’s response was, “Only 52.”

Now you know why things are never dull or mundane at the Dooms’.

On Sunday evening, over half of our expected attendees assembled in the hotel banquet room for cocktails and a buffet dinner catered by Aramark who handled all our catered meals. Tom Peyton worked with them to choose all the menus. In every instance, the food was excellent, and the service from their people was courteous and efficient at all times. This was a very social beginning for the reunion. Conversation, as you can imagine, was a torrent and only beginning. It continued thru our final continental breakfast at the hotel on Thursday morning, as the last of us still there said our goodbyes. All hugs, then, were understandably a little longer than usual.

With a 9:30 bus departure on Tuesday and Wednesday, our continental breakfasts at the hotel could be leisurely enjoyed without anyone feeling rushed to make the bus departure on time. The free hotel breakfasts were also excellent with numerous choices from coffee, juice and a donut, thru the gamut, to include eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, fresh fruit and on and on. The hotel staff went out of its way to see that we enjoyed that meal and our stay at their facility. Throughout, they provided any assistance we needed to enhance our stay.

Monday morning, we took a windshield tour of the VMI Post to get an idea of the scope of athletic facility improvement completed and planned and of the renovation of old and construction of new buildings. The tour was long enough to get a real feel for the massive scope of these changes but short enough to not be at all boring. A stop at the new Kilbourne Hall included a guided tour in small groups of that ROTC education and training facility in the old stable area. It is truly impressive and from our viewpoint, well deserves its reputation as the best ROTC education center in the country.

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CLASS NOTES Midday was lunch at Ruthie Miller’s home east of Lexington with tables and chairs for all under a large tent in her front yard. Clouds and a very light rain prevented us from getting a look at the impressive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains which one can normally see from that front yard.

The rain didn’t hamper our enjoyment, and about halfway through an excellent barbeque lunch, it quit. Ruthie’s preparations were superb and her hospitality unexcelled.

Faye really liked her flower arrangements on each table. Yellow jonquils stuck in the white water bottle you get when you buy water at the Institute, sitting in red bowls.

The lively conversation of many old friends was enhanced by the arrival from Richmond of Tom and Sally Williams with son Evan to assist Tom with his mobility. He is still recovering from his fall and broken bones in November 2008.

After our return to the hotel and the afternoon activity of nap, hospitality room or both, depending on individual desires, we headed for Moody Hall and our evening dinner. The post dinner entertainment was furnished by “Men in Grey.” Carole Green suggested them as a good program to follow our dinner, and Tom Peyton liked the idea. This is a spontaneous group organized by some cadets from all classes who like to sing. They were excellent. M.C. and Jean Wilhelm, along with his roommates, Bob Smothers and Meade Bell with their spouses, were delegated by our director to arrange a welcome for the 14 cadets and see that at least one cadet sat at each table.

M.C. handled that assignment by further delegating and handed several of us names of cadets on a piece of paper to meet upon arrival and invite to sit at our table. The third classman we invited was a Marine reservist who had two years of active duty prior to entering VMI. There are quite a few cadets at the Institute in that or a similar situation, much like the status of a lot of us returning to VMI after WWII. We had a good start on dinner table talk.

During the Men in Grey presentation, they surrounded Jean Wilhelm and serenaded her with “You Are My Sunshine.”

It was a fun evening.

Tuesday morning, we were bussed to new Marshall Hall, the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, for a fine brief-

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ing with slides on new construction at the Institute. This was an excellent follow-up to Monday’s windshield tour. It also was very informational and not long enough to be boring. Well done! It also gave us the opportunity to take a short look around this new facility located behind Smith Hall and the Marshall Library.

Then, we were bussed to the new Third Barracks to visit that courtyard and one room. Lejeune Hall, housing the gift shop, book store and café (PX for you all) makes up one side of this addition to Barracks. Our next bus stop was the completely renovated Crozet Hall for lunch in a small dining area on the second floor similar to the old “subs” dining room that we knew. We had a little time to look around that new mess hall. Now, cadets pick up their meals from several buffets but appear to sit at company tables. Bogus would be out of a job, but his tribute plaque, engineered by Bill Eickelberg, still hangs on the inside front wall.

After nap time at the hotel, we journeyed to J.M. Hall to pose for the class picture.

Rain had left the parade ground very wet, so the Reunion Parade was cancelled. The “Old Yell” ceremony in the courtyard was held as scheduled. Tom Peyton told me he had asked Bob Sherrard to carry our class guidon and lead the Old Yell. I said, he’s probably the only one here in our class who can safely get to the top of the sentry box. I think this was taken as a challenge. So, Tom joined Bob up there. Our Old Yell was done with gusto, and there were even a few tears of nostalgia at that historic ceremony.

Our guests for dinner that evening in the hotel banquet room were the superintendent, Gen. Peay ’62, and his wife, Pam. His remarks after dinner were very complimentary of our class and most of its members being fragmented at the end of our second class year and called to active duty for WWII. He extolled the history of our service in WWII, many returning to VMI and others to various colleges after the war to get our degrees, our successful pursuit of many varied civilian careers and some choosing active military careers.

He said that the hallmark of our class is, through the years, remaining intensely loyal to the Institute and dedicated to sustaining the friendship of our Brother Rats. The general termed that “a timeless

lesson for all of us and for the young men and women who enter VMI ‘now’ and in the years to come.” It was a very complimentary assessment!

He went on from there to talk about where the Institute is today and where it is headed, noting that the physical changes are obvious but the modifications to academic, military and athletic programs are less so. He further stated that VMI continues to stand on the bedrock of its honor code and is dedicated to producing the type of graduate personified in the “Inscription on the Parapet.” He reviewed the changes in a general fashion and emphasized the real need and commitment of continued loyalty and support from a dedicated alumni base.

Gen. Peay’s closing words were, “Welcome home, Class of 1944!” I like that!

By Wednesday, about half of our crowd had said their farewells. The remainder scattered out to visit various local areas of special interest to them.

That evening, the bus took us to the refurbished VMI Museum in J.M. Hall.

Time was set aside for a short tour. Then there were cocktails and another delicious dinner. After dinner, Tom Peyton cranked up a CD player with a CD brought by the Smothers with 1940s music. Bob and Hazel Smothers had requested that dancing be included at some point in the reunion activities. For a short while, a few took advantage of that. The stars of that part of the program were certainly Smoothie and his bride. Their exhibition of ballroom talent showed why they made their request by demonstrating very expressively how much they like to dance.

Following that, Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of VMI museum operations, gave us a short talk on the museum, what it depicts in VMI history and its planned layout after modifications are complete later this year.

Some years ago, Bill McClure ’43 started getting all classes to enlist their eligible members in sending the necessary information to be included in the VMI Hall of Valor.

I asked Bill Eickelberg to canvas our class for those interested in participating. He did and sent that information to Bill. After that, I put together the information needed to include all in our class who were KIA

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in WWII and Korea and a few others who turned up during my search. Working with Barbara Blakey, the registrar of the VMI Museum, we came up with a list for our class and all the medals involved. Barbara had each of them framed in a well done and very impressive exhibit for all of us at the dinner Wednesday night. They will be permanently displayed in the new Marshall Hall when that display area is completed.

After the dinner, a few of us gathered in the hospitality room for awhile to chat.

The reunion wound down, and the Thursday goodbyes I mentioned earlier brought it to a close that was both sad and happy!

This reunion travelogue has been long, but my intent has been to stir memories and give a report to those members of our class who couldn’t attend.

Notable out-of-state attendees we don’t see too often that I haven’t mentioned were Anne Burbridge; Alex and Maryann Munroe with their daughter, Cameron Pratt; Charlie and Sophie Parker with their daughter, Porter; and Harry Ratrie with his new wife, Nancy, and their dog, Ernie.

Harry always names his dogs after golfers.

Nancy, with a long northern background and some amazement, adjusted very well to the VMI environment. She is a lovely new Sister Rat. These folks were especially enthusiastic in renewing friendships from way back and making some new ones.

In our drive home from Lexington, Faye and I stopped at Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond to visit Tom and Juliet Hupp.

Tom is still in healthcare there, working to renew his stamina and move back into their cottage after suffering an episode of congestive heart failure which precluded his attendance at our reunion. While at lunch with Juliet, Nancy Phillips joined us to chat and catch up on any news we had to offer. Tom’s instructions on how best to leave Richmond and avoid traffic were right on target, thus a big help. It was a good stop; one we’re glad we made!

After Bob Watt got home, we received a long note from Nell. She said he talked non-stop coming through the front door and made her feel like she had been there.

Bob told her that the Parker’s daughter, Porter, was moved to tears by the “Old Yell” ceremony in the courtyard and had a hard time taking pictures. Bob had gotten

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home late on Thursday and left again at 6 a.m. Friday to attend a Montreat College Board of Trustees meeting in Black Mountain, NC. Nell feels they are really blessed that at 87 he can be so active, including playing golf and tennis every week. I certainly agree with that.

Jim Doss sent me a long article starting on the front page of the April 26, 2009, Roanoke Times with the headline “Liberal Lion” and a large photo of Cabell Brand.

The article covers Cabell’s nearly 50-year mission fighting poverty by giving folks suffering through the problems of being poor a “hand up” instead of a “hand out” with a myriad of programs he was responsible for developing and carrying out.

Cabell can be proud of living a life that engenders an article such as that.

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

It’s really getting to a sad state of affairs when the main part of our class notes has to deal with the obituaries of our classmates, but I must report the bad news first.

During the last quarter, we have lost the following Brothers: Phil White passed away on Feb. 26th in Vero Beach, FL, where he resided. Edwin I. “Ned” Ford passed away on March 16th in Clearwater, FL, and Irving F. “Bud” Truitt passed away in Norfolk, VA, on March 30th.

These obituaries are in the Taps section of this Alumni Review.

A wonderful letter from Kitty and Doug Quarles from their winter home in Ocean Ridge, FL, finds them in good health and thoroughly enjoying their Golden Years with Doug playing tennis at least four times per week; he would play every day if he could get a game. He spent last summer repairing and renovating a small subdivision house which he has now sold and will probably start on another one upon his return from Florida. It is my understanding that Doug does all of this repair work himself. On their return from wintering in Florida, they plan to visit two granddaugh-

ters at Tulane and on to Lexington to visit their grandson, Will Quarles ’10, who plays soccer at VMI and has just gotten his class ring.

Sarge Wise reports that he and Kitty stay fairly close around the area of Rochester and Cape Vincent, NY, and see very few VMI folks but truly wish that some Brothers would drop in to see them.

Sarge seemed concerned that “no one has informed me that we have no Sister Rats in ’45.” I seem to use the term “Sister” frequently when referring to our classmates’ wives. According to the Institute, it is correct to refer to our wives as either “Sister” or “Sister Rat,” and since females have entered VMI, they have always been referred to as “Brother Rat” and not “Sister Rat.” Bea Myers has sent an advice of change of address and is now located in a retirement home at 8919 Park Road, Apt. 7814, Charlotte, NC 28210, telephone 704/9307244. Hugh Dischinger is still holding forth in Gloucester, VA, and has recently been giving some advice and leadership to a group of local young girls who are all home-schooled. These girls entered a contest called Future City in Hampton, VA, and won first place. Hugh’s great nephew, Casey Brown ’09, is the regimental S-4 at VMI, and Hugh was planning to go to his graduation in May. Casey has been accepted in medical school.

Bob Allen continues his pursuit of geology in Oklahoma, as well as other places and continues to receive accolades. He took up a close relationship with a Virginia family with three sons from Albemarle County, VA. The oldest of these boys has just received a certificate of commendation from the Albemarle County Public School System in recognition of the 2008 publication of his article, “This man really can move mountains: A tribute to Bob Allen.” In our telephone conversations, Bob advised that Verne Chaney has recently received a Humanitarian Award from the Explorers Club, and I would like to know more about this tremendous honor which has been bestowed upon Verne.

Mary Ballou and I returned from the Bahamas in early March, and I was diagnosed with pneumonia, which hung on for a full month. I have finally fully recovered from this setback and am enjoying

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CLASS NOTES our lovely spring weather and beautiful flowers. Later this week, we will take the Amtrak to Connecticut to visit her daughter and family for the weekend. With eight children and 16 grandchildren between us, we stay extremely busy.

We are indeed experiencing most difficult times, but we are all in the same situation and currently certainly far better off than our parents were in the Great Depression. The letter sent to all alumni in early May by Gen. Peay ’62 was most descriptive of how severe the financial situation is at VMI and other state institutions of higher learning. After so much hard work over 30 years, to have the value of your endowment decline by $151 million is very difficult to comprehend and presents a huge challenge. Let’s all join together to do our part in some small way to help the Institute through these difficult times.

God bless our Great Class of 1945 and VMI.

’46

William A. Eliason

When last we talked, we awaited the Big Dance of the March Madness, hoping our team would make it. But alas, it was not to be. However, the records set by the “Runnin’ Roos” will stand, I predict, for a long time. They were magnificent!

To all of you who have been staunch members of the Keydet Club, thanks and congratulations. Without your support and enthusiasm, this outstanding athletic recovery could never have happened. And there is sure to be more to come. Our new football coach, Sparky Woods, shows more promise than we’ve had for decades.

He’s “into” VMI and getting a lot of support from Gen. Binnie Peay ’62, down to the last Rat in line.

For the first time in a long while, I am looking forward to the fall season.

Remember, we were the last class to see Joltin’ Joe Muha ’43 run, pass and kick the pants off of the old Southern Conference and clobber UVa and the next week shut out the University of Maryland.

We can also recall our Rat eleven, with two future NFLers, Vince Ragunas and

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Jack Hutchinson, who would have surely brought fame to VMI and ’46 if WWII had not interfered. In addition to those stars, they were backed up by the likes of Fritz Crytzer, Harry Brown, Jim Cobb, Jimmy Gill, Allen Clay and more. I remember not being good enough to even make that squad, yet two years later I would be on the squad with Bobby Thomason ’49B who wound up quarterbacking the Philadelphia Eagles and setting an NFL passing record at the time. And how many of you remember that Coach Tom Nugent invented the “I” formation, used all over the NFL and the NCAA today, and brought it from Hopewell High to VMI who became the first team to use it in collegiate play?

And my recollection would not be complete if I didn’t recall the days of fantastic glory produced by Coach John McKenna, a legendary coach and leader for all time.

Will this “big league” past glory ever return to VMI? Certainly not in the form of “big league” college play which doesn’t exist anymore as it did when we were cadets.

What few top student athletes are being produced today are “hired” by some of the big schools that we used to play and beat.

Many of our former foes are nothing less than “farm clubs” for the NFL, hiring high school talent to play football – don’t worry about learning anything else. The demanding life on the Hill does not entice these stars like it did in our day. But we can and will be tops again with fair competition. Let’s see how we go against West Point this fall, and then we will revisit this recollection.

Carol and I made the trip to Lexington in April for the annual Class Agents enclave.

It was well attended and very informative.

We met the new deputy superintendent and dean of the faculty, Brig. Gen. R. Wayne Schneiter. He has been on the faculty for 19 years and well earned this promotion.

I might add, somewhat parochially, that he is an engineering professional. I’m as proud as any liberal arts hay-hound that VMI is one of the top public liberal arts colleges, but I am delighted to hear the powers that be insist that the balance with the sciences will not be disturbed. I do worry, however, about the condition of the Virginia highways. They were in better shape when VMI state cadets had to serve four years in the Department of Highways

under Gen. Jim Anderson (1913), another dean of VMI’s faculty and father of our late Brother Rat, Art Anderson.

The most warmly received news that I learned at the CA’s meeting was that on March 27th, Elmon Gray was awarded the prestigious Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award. The award was established in 2001 by Senator (U.S.) Harry F. Byrd Jr.’35, scion of one of the oldest and most distinguished families in Virginia and brother-lawof Jim Thomson. I had the good fortune to become personally acquainted with Sen. Byrd. His father was the legendary conservative senator who “ran” Virginia politics for half a century, and his uncle was RAD Richard E. Byrd Jr. (1908), the polar explorer and awardee of the Medal of Honor. John Naill sent me a nice e-mail commending Elmon which I forwarded to him. (Editor’s Note: See an article about Sen. Gray and his award in the front section of this issue.) This is yet another of Elmon’s long string of justly earned rewards. The previous four recipients were a Virginia governor, a Virginia chief justice, a Secretary of the Army and last year, Sandra Day O’Connor. With only a little bit of tongue-in-cheek and as a warm friend of Elmon’s, I wonder what’s left for him – the Nobel? Not likely; if you’ve ever seen him on the baseball diamond or argued with him, there’s no way anybody is going to award him a “peace” prize!

Although, VMI’s fiscal year will be over by the time you read this, I want to express my thanks in advance as well as those of the Institute for your generous response to my end-of-the-year letter with your donations of the “stimulus bonus” from Social Security. As I write this, you haven’t yet received my letter, but I know you guys; you won’t let the Keydets down!

Jim Price is still recovering from the damage to his right hip while leaving an after-golf party. He is back on the putting green and I’m sure, watching his step.

Jim’s railroad, CSX (he’s a former director), runs about 20 trains of coal a day on their track about a quarter mile from our house. I’ve learned all of the engineers’ special whistles, and I have to admit they are nostalgic, but we could do without the coal dust. My guess is that there are about 1,000 gondola cars a day running from West Virginia to Newport News. It must be

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES super profitable, because they “deadhead” all of the way back to the mines.

Larry Mauck called me from his rural abode just north of here in New Kent County asking for Elmon Gray’s phone number to get help in VMI admissions for his grandson. Elmon went to work on it, and at this point, it looks good. If any of you visit the VMI Web site and go to the donations page, you’ll see the page headed by a pix of Elmon, June and Judge Nottingham with their cadet (at the time) grandson. Add that notoriety to the previously mentioned publicity received by Zack Dameron’s backside in Washington Arch and it is getting ever more difficult to call us a “phantom class.”

Speaking of phantoms, Allan Ferrey called me a couple of months ago from Ontario. I had sent him a birthday card, and he wanted to thank me for it and bring me up to date. Most of you will recall that Allan left VMI in 1943 to join the RCAF and flew fighter-bombers over Germany for a few years. What I did not know was that he had two brothers who preceded him at VMI – James Ferrey ’37 and Russell Ferrey ’39.

Although they were all Canadians, Allan’s two brothers elected to join the U.S.Army, Jim in the USAAF and Russ in the Signal Corps. They are both buried in Arlington.

Allan would have gone U.S. as well but without his degree, he wouldn’t be commissioned. The RCAF wasn’t so fussy.

Paul Marks dropped me a nice note last month. He and Joan had been to Lexington the same weekend Carol and I were there, but neither couple knew it at the time. Paul and Joan were invited guests for a major donors meeting. Paul helps run the Camp Foundation in Franklin which is a major scholarship donor to VMI. He says his eyesight is giving him a lot of problems and has seriously curtailed his hunting activities. Still able to bag some wild turkeys and a deer or two. My guess is that he has been at it so long, he doesn’t have to see ’em; he can smell ’em. My earlier warning to “chicken” thirds from ’45 still stands.

Web Chandler and I talk every now and then. Seems as how Web had a coronary “event” a few months back. They did an angioplasty (if you don’t know what that is, call Phil Reitz or Buck Bedinger) and found that he had one completely clogged artery.

2009-Issue 3

They also found that Web’s clean living and engineering skills (First Jackson-Hope) had provided his heart with the good sense to create a new artery bypassing the plugged one. They still stuck in a stent, and Web says he feels fine with no complications. He and Nancy took in Grover Outland’s ’49B receipt of the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award this spring. Grover is Nancy’s brother, and you can read his talk in the last issue of the Alumni Review. It’s great, and so very Grover!

Grover’s recall of Colonel “College Bill” Hundley’s conversation with his mother reminded me of one College Bill told us before that. He claimed that he had gone up to Fordham to attend the dedication of George Bernard Shaw’s niche in the Hall of Fame.

It seems that he met the famous playwright and as they chatted, a lovely young Sweetbriar student who was quite physically wellendowed came up to them and gushed, “Oh, Mr. Shaw! I have traveled almost 500 miles to see your bust unveiled.” Shaw replied, “My dear, I would be delighted to return the favor!” You never knew whether “Bill” was putting you on or not. He looked, talked and acted like Winston Churchill and was his military bearing equal. Salute him, and he’d raise his cigar to his shoulder and wave it at you. Great guy!

Speaking of guys, Guy Gilleland sent my birthday card back, because I had his date of birth wrong, and he claimed he didn’t know Nat Beaman. Well, the date was my mistake, but it was Guy’s room directory that gave me Nat’s room number, so I take the fifth (bourbon, please.) I corrected his card, and sent him a new one the way he wanted it. Remember that if you find a mistake on yours. I got Elmon’s card screwed up as well and had to redo it for the same reason. Guy’s directory had him in the wrong room also. Just call me “if you care enough to send the very best Willie.”

On a sad note, Harry Augustine called to thank me for his card, and I found out that he had lost his beloved Mae to the big “C” last August. They’d been together for over 60 years. Harry says that the only things that keep him going without her are his insurance work and the comfort of friends.

When they were handing out hearts, Harry said, “Give me a big red soft one.” He’s a dear Brother Rat.

I also had a call from Gray Garland in Pittsburgh with thanks for his card. He’s still keeping up with his business, although mostly he’s turned it over to the next generation. No complaints but like Harry, he still desperately misses his Peggy who he lost two years ago.

When I hear from you guys about your losses, I get a lump in my throat. I know that is an overworked cliché, but as much as care giving to one’s mate (and I know that I am not alone in this) is a lot of work and worry, the alternative is devastating. The lump just tells me to be glad I am here and that my dear Carol is here, and we still can share life together with joy and appreciation. My heart goes out to those of you who no longer have that joy and to encourage you to concentrate on the good memories that you are left with instead of the sorrow.

Good kids and good friends help a lot.

I want to close this on a less somber note, so I want to tell you that another dividend from the meeting in Lexington was having a great visit with our Brother Rat Heywood France ’49C, who, by some nefarious miscarriage of justice, now finds himself an indentured servant as class agent to the class of ’49C. Despite the fact that he brought felicitations from Doc Mac Lacy, one of our class presidents, I had to remind him, as gently as possible, that you cannot have a true Brother Rat unless you went through the Ratline with him. He bent but he would not break – says that ’49C has more ex-’46 graduates than any other class. I think he’s right – so I therefore declare that the Class of ’49C is hereby designated as the Class of ’46A. I realize it is quite a promotion for a number of our BRs, but I am sure that we will all welcome them back!

Well, I guess I’ve caused enough trouble for one issue. See you next time, if not before. How about some news? And send pix – they show up great!

’47

Bill Hallett

The bugler reported for duty and sounded Taps for Euclid Murden Hanbury who died Feb. 20, 2009, at his Orange, VA, home.

Red matriculated from Portsmouth, VA.

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CLASS NOTES After leaving VMI, he entered the V-12 program at Duke, served in the Navy and in 1952, received his M.D. from UVa. Red established a surgical practice in Maine in 1969 and until retiring in 1994, was director of Emergency Medical Services at the Waldo County General Hospital. He was an active sailor, an avid golfer, author of several technical papers, as well as a member of numerous professional societies including the Jamestown Society, the NY Academy of Sciences, MENSA and the American Rocket Society. He is survived by his wife, Caryll (a long-lost girlfriend from 55 years earlier who he married in 2000), two daughters and a son. His ashes were interred among the bonsai trees and statuary in the Zen garden he created at his home. Mac Davis and John Burton were two of his Rat year roommates.

Always difficult to report the death of a Bro’ Rat. This one is even more so. On March 24, in an apparent murder-suicide, at the Hudson, WI, home they had shared for 51 years, Claire LeRoy Erickson and his wife, Betty, departed this vale of tears.

Both were cancer survivors and Betty had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for three years. They had just returned from their winter home in Naples, FL, where they had celebrated their 60th anniversary with family and friends. Claire matriculated from Hudson and after leaving VMI, was graduated from Ohio State. He organized several businesses including Erickson Oil which included a refinery and more than 60 Freedom/Value gas and convenience stations. Our sympathy to their son, David, and daughters, Marilyn and Kristine.

A few days prior to the “spring forward” routine for timepieces, Jim Brice called to affirm that time was speeding on for us

Class of 1947: Euclid “Red” Hanbury tending bonsai trees at his Orange, Virginia, home in summer 2008

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and that his mobility, aided by therapy, was gradually improving, following a tumble he took just last fall. Fortunately for him, Phyllis continues her caring watch. Jim and I remembered a few of the highlights, as well as some of the less publicized events associated with our participation in the post-war occupation of Japan. The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age. That ageless philosopher Satchell Paige had it right when he asked, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”

During the 2009 Legislative Reception sponsored by VMI and held at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Buck Cavedo, Marty and Bill Hallett, Bettie Jacobsen, Bill Phillips and Gus Robbins were among the many alumni there urging our legislators to be generous in their support of the Institute.

They are eager eaters; I hope they listened!

Last summer, Donna O’Leary and one of her sons went to Ireland to travel around and visit the towns of their ancestors. Donna said that Casey was there with them in spirit, as he had always wanted them to go there together. Memories; so very precious.

The Lexington Golf and Country Club awarded the Blair Nicely Award to a trio of its longtime members. Helen Gillespie, a former club champion, was described by the presenter as having “a steady down-themiddle tee game, a short game to die for and a putter with magic stuff on it.” Helen first roamed the club’s former nine-hole course in 1952 when she and Sam came to Lexington and returned to the club’s 18-hole course 16 years later, following Sam’s completion of his tour with the Corps of Engineers.

Congratulations, Helen! A picture postcard mailed in early March, complete with a Forever stamp, arrived in mid April.

Now we know the postal system’s interpretation of “Forever” … That’s how long it takes to deliver some items. Tommie Jarrett just couldn’t resist the beautiful snow and skiing that she and Red had enjoyed years ago and had a great week in Killington, VT, visiting friends there. Tommie, thanks for the card.

From over the transom: The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. ’Tis said that many Federal dollars are designated for “shovel ready” projects. Realistically, I guess it could

be said that a few of us are in that same category. Wish my balances – physical, mental and financial – were in better condition!

Including off-ship visits to Berlin, Dresden and Potsdam, Bettie Jacobsen enjoyed watching the castles go by during her nine-day Elbe River cruise. Most relaxing and enjoyable. Talked with Lance Smith recently, and he assured me that while he was interested in UNC’s basketball, he held back enough to send some $$ to VMI. After WWII, Lance was graduated from UNC, became a CPA and worked in public accounting. Last year, he and Maggie bought a place on Cudjoe Key, FL, and spent three months there at year-end. They spend some of their time there remodeling and adding a room for any wandering Bro’ Rat. Lance reminded me that in an earlier letter, I had mentioned that Sam Duff had roomed with John Salley during our Rat year. He thought that might have been the case after our Rat year ended in February 1944. Lance said that he roomed with John Salley, Jack Gregory and Howard (Mike) Morrow, and he believes they were in room 331. Morrow was at UNC when Lance arrived there in January 1946 and has not been seen or heard from since.

A good report from Alice and Ben McCarley. Alice was recuperating nicely from her mid-March medical/surgical episode and assured me that her in-house physician was being most attentive and helpful. Ben noticed from the most recent class roster that none of us were getting any younger.

Note earlier reference to “shovel ready.”

As far as I know, Tex Brown is the only ’47 still possessing his Rat year laundry bag. Currently, each Monday morning, nearly 1,300 laundry bags are picked up in Jackson Arch; many shorts, much underwear (including a few bras) 5,000 ducks and 4,000 shirts are trucked down the hill where the laundry does its magic, so that every last item is ready to be picked up by 1430 Friday afternoon. Wonder if Rats are still “sucked in” for retrieval duty?

Touring with an Elderhostel group in early March, Betty Lane and Gus Robbins enjoyed the week-long highlights of the Natchez Pilgrimage, including tours of restored antebellum homes and gardens, as well as The Confederate Pageant during which “Dixie” was played as the Stars &

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Bars paraded through a cheering on-itsfeet audience. On their way south, they enjoyed lunch in Atlanta with Peggy and Joe Reynolds. Unfortunately, car problems (expiring warranty, training wheels falling off or similar) prevented their planned visits with Allene and Lucius Dabney in Vicksburg and Joan and Mac Davis in Nashville. Since the Robbinses could not make their planned Nashville visit, Dick Spencer joined Joan and Mac at the Loew’s Vanderbilt Hotel for dinner to enjoy the Dixie Land Jazz Band that plays there every Sunday evening. Music for the soul.

Buck Cavedo and your scribe joined the loyals on Feb. 17th in Hollywood Cemetery at the obelisk marking the grave of Gen. J.E.B. Stuart to commemorate the general’s birthday. It was a lovely clear day. The program included appropriate remarks by J.E.B. Stuart IV (a West Point grad - now a stock broker), cannon fire, music, floral tributes arranged at gravesites and singing of “Dixie.” Following the ceremony, most attendees adjourned to the Commonwealth Club for libations, a delightful lunch and an entertaining speaker who presented highlights of Jeb’s career.

Great fun for a history major!

Among those returning in mid April for the 60th Reunion of the class of ’49C were Anita and Marshall Brittain, Jean and Stock Fleming, Arlene and Tom Hawkins, Heinie Henzel, Hilma Anne and Max Lamont.

They marveled at the improvements on Post.

Please read again the superintendent’s May 1st letter, and take action as requested in my May 8th letter. I hope that now you will, to the extent you are able to do so, make a meaningful contribution to the VMI Foundation to support the Institute. You can make a difference and help ’47 be a leader in participation. Stay well, have an enjoyable summer and send some news, so that I may share it with our Bro’ Rats. We’re all in this together; continue to age gracefully.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

Each year, the Institute honors those who have provided scholarships to cadets. This year, John and Barbara Trumbo and Irene

2009-Issue 3

Sadler were so recognized at the luncheon given on 27 March. I was unable to attend to represent the class in the scholarship given to Cadet Shannon Sellers ’09. The 1948A Scholarship, in the amount of $5,540, assisted her in completing her cadetship. She plans to enter graduate school to study psychology and asked me to thank all the Brother Rats who contributed to the scholarship this year. I will let you know when the recipient is announced for the academic year 2009-10.

Of our 12 remaining Brother Rats, it appears that medical problems are claiming the attention of about eight. Hopefully, the next class notes will show changes for the better.

I, myself, am just now recovering from a heart attack which hospitalized me for a few days at the University of Virginia Hospital.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

George Ramsey advised that 15 rooms have been set aside at the Hampton Inn for our class reunion. The arrival date is Nov. 5, 2010, and departure, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010.

The room rate is $99.00 per night, and our contact at the hotel is Christina Hatcher at telephone number 540/463-2223.

I am happy to report that Norma Robinson of the VMI Alumni and Reunion Giving office sent out to all of our Brother and Sister Rats an updated roster for our class.

It is expected that by the end of the fiscal year – June 30, 2009 – approximately 50% of our Brother and Sister Rats will have participated in financial contributions to the Institute.

Frank Lawson reports that he will be taking a transatlantic cruise with his wife, Helen, with multiple stops along the Mediterranean.

Received a letter from Howard Smith.

Howard graduated from the class of 1949C. This was the process for several of our Brother Rats who went into the military service. Howard suggested that we secure a roster from the class of ’49C, and I have sent a request to the Alumni Office to forward a roster to the class of ’48B. Going down memory lane, one of my roommates and our Brother Rat, Floyd

Stevenson, went to West Point. On graduation, he came to visit me and my family for a weekend. Upon graduation from West Point, he entered the Air Force and was unfortunately killed in Korea.

John Boyd is still serving as the senior judge for the Court of Appeals in the state of Texas. He recognizes, like many of us hate to admit, that household pets rank #1 in family seniority.

Bill Bercaw advised that he broke his leg and had a knee replacement but seems to be recovering very well. He is living in Colorado. However, unlike the rest of us and fortunately for him, he has no heart problems. I believe Bill retired from the service in 1964.

As class agent, I received a third quarter FY09 giving summary. Going back to the year 1932, the summary shows a tremendous recognition by VMI alumni of the importance of maintaining the spirit and message of VMI and everything that the Institute stands for. I have asked the Alumni Office to send each one of you a copy of this statement as a message that the spirit is alive and well.

’49A

James Harrington

“The healthful and pleasant abode of a crowd of honorable youths …”

Seven honorable (octogenarian) youths renewed acquaintance with the Institute and each other at our 60th Reunion in April. Our assigned “abode” was the old slave cabin in back of the Hampton Inn, where we were sheltered from the raucous antics of the ’49B youngsters who were stabled nearby. The “Magnificent Seven” were: Bill May, Stan Millimet, Charlie Tiller, Bill Noftsinger, Larry Butler, Joe Fil and Jim Harrington. The stories were much the same as before, and we told some about our absentees.

Despite having the parade rained out, we managed to share memories, old and new, break bread together and generally enjoy each other’s company. We formed “on the bricks” with our old comrades, visited the updated museum in Jackson Hall and our class plaque on the wall of Memorial Garden. A couple of us had an opportunity to talk over lunch with a current cadet, and

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1949A 60th Class Reunion

Joe Fil, Bill May, Lawrence Butler, Stan Millimet, Jim Harrington and Charlie Tiller. Not present for photo: Bill Noftsinger.

we were pleasantly surprised to find that the old ways survive, if in somewhat more modern form. The Institute we remember remains, despite astonishing improvements in physical facilities and greatly expanded and improved academic programs; yet the underlying theme of honor and duty appears to have survived intact.

We had occasion to share moments with some of our ’49B friends, who despite their youth and inexperience, appear to have retained the old spirit and mellowed well over the years.

Allen Penniman had to cancel his reunion reservation at the last minute for family reasons. He has, however, forwarded a quarterly update, which follows. “I am really sorry that I was unable to be with you for our 60th Class Reunion. It was a real disappointment to me. I hear all had an excellent time, and I understand the weather gave all of you the time to get reacquainted and to talk about days at the Institute. I also understand the Harrington-VMI Chair was gratefully received. I am sorry I was not there to partici-

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pate. Hopefully, next time. The first quarter of 2009 has passed without much happening to the Pennimans, other than two brief trips.

My daughter and I flew to California, and this was most enjoyable. With a family as large as mine, the opportunity to spend quality time with one child doesn’t come along very often. She is a grown up young woman, and I thoroughly enjoyed a week with her.

While Laurie and I were in California, I did have time to visit the Hearst Castle located at San Simeon. I had just received a letter from the Institute concerning the need for funds, and I thought how fortunate we would have been if old William Randolph had come to VMI rather than Harvard. Our troubles would be over. After my first trip, Joanie and I traveled to Denver to visit with her daughter and son-inlaw and three of our grandchildren who all live there. Denver is a beautiful city, and I was impressed with the quality of life and the quality of people that I came in contact with. There is a lot to do in Denver, and it seems everyone is interested in what

is good for their bodies and their health.

They run and they walk and they ride bicycles everywhere. It was very interesting to observe this, and it is a far cry from what we do here in Louisiana, which is mainly sit around eating and drinking – enjoyable but not the most beneficial things to do. As you might gather, much of the time at this point in our lives is spent with the children and grandchildren. This is most enjoyable, and I recommend it highly. On a personal matter, I am going in for a knee replacement soon. This joint has been bothering me for a year or so, and I have decided to replace the old one with a bright, new shiny one. This will allow me to do what I want to do and to live the active life that I have enjoyed for many years.

Joanie and I are doing just fine and I hope each of you is doing well. I am sorry for my absence in April; it was a sad thing for me not to be there. Best wishes to all, especially for your good health.”

Allen’s letter deserves a couple of comments from me. First, the chair he

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES references is a very nice VMI “Heritage” chair, engraved with my initials, which was given me, probably, as a bribe to keep me chained to this class agent chore.

Thank you, whoever did it. It will be very useful as I age. Second, as to the issue of Harvard’s finances, I’d rather have the honorable, ethical and patriotic reputation of a VMI diploma on my resume than be associated with Harvard in any way, and I’m willing to contribute for the privilege.

Hope you all feel the same way.

Tom Brooks had a bad problem back in February, so I sent him a “get well” card. Here’s his response and explanation: “Thank you for the ‘get well’ card. After working hard for over a year, the cardiologist was able to discover a partial blockage in one of my heart arteries. The procedure was described as ‘practically an out-patient procedure’. I was to be in and out on the same day. Wrong – in on 2/17 and am still out of it. The artery used to insert the catheter did not close when catheter was removed. Dumped blood in my thigh which settled between my right knee and foot and then became infected. At the rate I am going, should be able to walk without a limp in a couple more weeks. Getting old is more fun! Will try to write again when I have a better attitude and can appreciate more fully the results of our most recent elections.”

Anyway, Tom, of course, gets an excused absence from the reunion. True to his word, he has sent the following update: “Thank you for the two pictures; one of the bricks and one of seven old men. I wouldn’t have thought the seven would have changed so much or that I would have lost the ability to remember what they all looked like after such a few years. My cardiologist is a good heart man, I am told, but he is a poor leg man. I have another appointment in June (four months after the procedure), and I hope things will have returned to normal by then.

I really have very little to write about. I do little or no traveling – out to the hay shed to look at the cows and the dogs and to the doctor’s office, neither of which lend themselves to good letter writing. I am alive, and thanks for the pictures and the note.”

Margaret Anne and Bill Noftsinger celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary concurrently with the reunion, which explains some of this note from Margaret Anne:

2009-Issue 3

“What a great reunion we had! It was good to see Br’ Rats we have not seen in ages and folks from other classes, as well. Sorry we had our plans made for our anniversary; one never knows what another year will bring.

We have had 59 great years, and they began at the Southern Pines hotel. The weather was not the best, but a little bit of rain never hurt anyone! We are back in our routine with Sara’s activities and the grandchildren’s various goings and comings. The summer has not been put on the map yet, so I can’t tell you of any plans. But when we have any news I will let you know. Oh yeah! Sarah Katherine went to Tom Stamey’s birthday party. She said it was very nice. She took her big lab puppy with her--Tom loves the dog.

Hope we see you before another five years.

Take care, and have a wonderful summer.”

I think Margaret Anne’s comment about the weather relates to the reunion, not to my mother’s hotel in Southern Pines. I don’t think it leaked in those days!

Larry Butler called me. Apparently, he is trying to get comfortable with a new computer. Larry says he and Margaret spent some time after the reunion at an Elderhostel on the Rappahannock River, where they enjoyed Eastern Shore seafood.

Margaret does the driving, and Larry tries to sleep during the drive.

And here’s Herb Johnston’s excuse for missing out on the reunion: “Thanks for sending the picture of the reunion attendees.

We are sorry that we couldn’t be there, but our schedule and the reunion date were in conflict – the illness and death of one of my close friends, the final performance of the music group I’ve been with for nearly 50 years and most importantly, Jeanne’s kidney surgery. She is recuperating but still taking antibiotics and pain killers. On the brighter side, we hope you all had a great time at the reunion. I’m sorry that Allen couldn’t make it. I am looking forward to the class notes that cover all the activities. During the last week, we have made plans to be at the Outer Banks in late August and early September.

We also hope to get to Florida and Toronto before the end of the year. I wish I had more exciting news, but being well and being able to be involved in lots of things we enjoy – children, church, music and attending sporting events – is great. Again, we’re sorry we couldn’t make it – maybe next time!”

Here’s Bill May’s post-reunion update: “Thanks for the photo of all those men called ’49A. The ranks are thin and old. It was a nice reunion. We got to talk to each other more than usual, largely because of the cozy cabin. Dolores and I are taking a cruise in July around the New England Islands and coastal towns. Lots of lobster eating and wine drinking. Eight days on a small ship. No children! Great seeing all of you at our 60th.”

Charley and Nancy Tiller continued their travels: “Nancy and I went from Lexington to Myrtle Beach for a Rotary District Conference and back home on the 5th of May. I left on the 7th of May for Glenview, IL, for a graduation and my oldest grandson’s Eagle Scout presentation. As a result of all of this, I just turned my computer on. As I have told you, I do not live by this thing, and if you want me, the number on the cell or land line has not changed. At any rate, the reunion was well done. Thank you for all of your efforts, and I am sorry you have trouble getting us to ‘brace’ as you need the attention.”

I told Charlie that I don’t need you all to “brace” continually, but I do need your attention in February, May, August and November. Mark your calendars, please.

And a final word from Stan Millimet: “We’re back from our mini family reunion.

We enjoyed it and learned a few things.

Families are great – like Brother Rats. Although we may not have seen one another in many years, time falls away each time we meet – and it’s like yesterday that we last met. Travel isn’t fun anymore. It’s tiring. And the aging process isn’t fun either.

We’re like wine – we all age differently.

Some well, others not so well – but it’s still not fun. And it’s great to be home. So, that’s my philosophy for today. Thanks for the photo – what a bunch of distinguished guys.

Talk to you soon. Be well and be happy.”

’49B

Dan Smaw

It has been my privilege and pleasure to have been your class agent for the past 20 years. These are the Class Notes for May 2009.

On 21 Feb., we attended the wedding of

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1949B 60th Class Reunion

Row 1: George Dooley, James Morgan, George Wolfe, L.M. Lewis Jr., Grover C. Outland Sr. and Daniel G. Smaw III. Row 2: Max Feinman, Charles Upshaw, Joe Spitler, Ben Harmon, John Haggerty, Harvey Bradley and Jerry Henderson.

Row 3: Bob Lardon, Lon Walter, Greg Nelson, Jim Enochs, Mack Van Hook and Cary Branch. Row 4: Dick Rawles, Bob Jeffries, Ding Patton, Axel Bolvig, Leo Soucek and Dave Briggs. Row 5: Thomas D. Bowers, Thomas R. Cooke, Vaughn L. Maxwell, James W. Shepherd, Edward J. Watling, G. Thomas Challoner and Carel T. Humme.

our grandson, Andrew Timpner ’07, to Christin Suthard at Robert E. Lee Episcopal Church in Lexington, VA. Christin is the daughter of Nancy and Bob Suthard ’79. Bob served as head of Army ROTC at VMI earlier in the 2000s. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Natural Bridge Inn on Friday night. The wedding reception was held at the Lexington Country Club Saturday evening and was a wonderful affair with a great meal, excellent toasts to the bride and groom, and dancing and conversation. One of the toasts was offered

by Casey Brower who was dean of the faculty. Christin worked in his office, and Andrew saw lots of him in connection with the Honors Program. Of course, a lot of his visits to the dean’s office were not to see the dean, but rather Christin. At the wedding, I ran into Elmon Gray ’46 and his wife, and at the reception, I visited with Mike Bissell ’61 who is now the commandant at Mary Baldwin.

After the reception, most of the Timpners and Smaws ended up at Macado’s, which is a rather lively place on Saturday night. While there, I saw the image of

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Grover Outland across the room, and it was obviously young Grover ’81, whom I had not seen in years. He was there with his roommates and several other ’81s. We had a great visit. When I returned home, I called Teancy Outland to tell her – Grover was either out or napping – and found that young Grover had already called her.

Ding Patton and I talked in early March, and Ding reported that his grandson, Scooter Baber ’02, is back in Afghanistan, close to the Pakistan border in a combat engineer battalion. Scooter is in the National Guard and had an earlier tour in Iraq.

On 10 March, Bill Sweeney called to inform me of the death of Susie Massie on the 8th. Max Feinman visited with Mort and his family and said Susie died suddenly of a cardiac event. Our condolences go out to Mort and his family on their great loss.

Ronnie Gault called in early March and told of the many medical tests he had done, without the doctor coming up with what was wrong and what to do about it. He said he was weak and just generally felt bad and was sorry he was not able to come to the reunion. We missed you, Ronnie.

Jim Morgan wrote in March that for quite a few years he had been reading, researching and writing about Roman agriculture.

This included not just the Italian peninsula but the many regions around the Mediterranean Sea. He then realized he had stumbled across the reason for the fall of the Western Roman Empire. While in the Air Force, he had traveled to many lands and in so doing, found himself fascinated with the endless ruins of the old Roman Empire. He had visited many parts of the empire and had lived in Libya. To us, the land he saw was desert, but he was told that this was the breadbasket of the old Roman Empire. The prodigal Romans had three sources of income: plunder and loot from their conquests, silver and gold from their captured mines, and production from their rich agricultural domain.

After two centuries, the loot was spent, the mines nearly depleted and agriculture was their remaining source of sustenance. His book, The Prodigal Empire: The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (available at Amazon.com), tells how they managed, or more accurately mismanaged, their agricultural wealth and brought down the empire. I have

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES read about two thirds of the book which I find very interesting. Jim has gone back centuries in discussing each area and how they went from being very productive into the desert area we know. I hope I got all this reasonably straight, Jim. Thanks, again, for the book, which I will finish.

In March, Danny Myers informed me that he was physically not able to travel to the reunion. He and Beth were certainly missed, and we wish him well with his health problem.

Boyd Guttery and I had a long phone conversation in March which covered the times and places we had been in Korea – Boyd was ’52-’53, and I was ’51-’52. He had recently visited the Pattons, and a good time was had by all. Boyd had back surgery several years ago and now has spinal stenosis. It makes it very hard to ride for great distances, as well as make airport transfers. Unfortunately, you missed a great reunion, and we missed you.

In March, Hotz Lardon read the article in the Institute Report about the VMI Commanders playing in Munich, Germany. He wrote and said the furthest distance they ever got under his leadership was Sullins College in Bristol, TN. In 1945, Hotz formed a small jazz band with a group of ASTPs (Army students) and called it Hotz Lardon and his 5 Flame Throwers. Later that year, it was reformed as the Commanders with Tom Stamey ’49A and Hotz as leaders. From 1946 thru 1949, the band was under Hotz’s direction and ranged between 12 and 16 members. It had W&L musicians as well as some ’50Bs and other classes represented. They played predominantly women’s colleges but did play dances at the University of Richmond, W&L and VMI. To the best of Hotz’s knowledge, the Commanders have continued to perform for the past 60-odd years.

Louise and I attended the Class Agents Conference in Lexington 17-18 May. The primary focus was on funding and how the loss in value of the endowment and cuts in state funding were impacting the school. Gen. Peay ’62 talked to us at length about the measures VMI was taking to counter the loss in funding. He has written a letter to all alumni, parents and friends which was mailed in early

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May. I hope each of you read it and are planning to keep your contribution at the current level or higher if possible. It is important that every one contribute, no matter the amount, because alumni participation is considered in national rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

One of the e-mails I had upon returning from the reunion was from Jane Alexander, who, along with her deceased husband, Tom, hosted our class dinner at the Cataloochee reunion several years ago. Those who were there can probably remember the pouring rain which forced everyone inside for dinner. The Alexanders took it in stride, and a great time was had, in spite of the crowded conditions.

Her e-mail was to say that Jimmy Shepherd was to receive his MBA from the University of Alabama on 9 May 2009 – 56 years late. She thought it would be nice if this event could be made known to the ’49Bs. These class notes will accomplish that. Congratulations, Jimmy.

The following Brother Rats, Sister Rats, family and friends attended our 60th Reunion 19-21 May at the Hampton Inn in Lexington: Axel Bolvig; Tommy and Pam Bowers; Harv and Barbara Bradley and son Cary ’75; Beanie Branch; Dave and Margaret Briggs; Tommy and Glad Challoner; Tom and Virginia Cooke; George and Jane Dooley; Nux Enochs; Max Feinman; John and Mary Haggerty and their son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Odete Haggerty; Benny Harmon; Gerry Henderson, his companion, Susan Hill, and caregiver, Lindsay Coatman; Carel and Ikey Humme; Bob and Barbara Jeffries; Hotz Lardon; Country and Liz Lauerman; Earthmole and Earlene Lewis; Frank Liddell, his son, Robert, with friend Tara Conley; Buddy and June Marshall; Vaughn and Izzy Maxwell; Ed and Pearl Mead; Jim and Hester Morgan; Greg and Kitty Nelson; Grover and Teancy Outland; Margaret Lee Overton; Ding and Nobbie Patton; Dick and Dot Rawles; Jimmy and Frances Shepherd; Dan and Louise Smaw; Leo and Evelyn Soucek; Joe Spitler; Bill and Nada Sweeney; Charlie and Laura Upshaw with son, daughter-in-law and grandson James, Amanda and Charles IV and daughter and son-in-law Mary Frances and Chris Culpepper; Mack and Inge Van Hook; Lon and

Doris Walter; Ed and Deegee Watling; and George Wolfe.

It was good that the reunion followed the Class Agents Conference – one trip to Lexington rather than two. Saturday afternoon, Greg and Kitty came over, bringing supplies for the hospitality room, and George Dooley came with the liquid refreshments, including adult beverages. Saturday evening, the Nelsons and Smaws had dinner at the Bistro-on-Main and enjoyed a fine meal, drinks and conversation. Sunday morning, we helped Greg and Kitty set up the hospitality room. Beanie Branch and Benny Harmon also came early to help.

Monday was a day with no planned activities until a catered dinner that evening at the hotel. It was a rainy day, so there was lots of visiting and tall tales in the hospitality room, which Kitty and her helpers kept well stocked with various snacks – all delicious and some even fattening. After dinner, there was lots of interest in looking over the booklets Greg had put together from the archives of all the Special Reports, spelling out all the trouble we got into in four years.

These were especially interesting to the children of the Haggertys and Upshaws, since they had only heard what model cadets their fathers had been. The Special Reports showed things a bit differently. In fact, Odete Haggerty made some copies for their next family reunion.

Tuesday morning, there was a construction briefing in the new Leadership and Ethics Building for anyone who was interested – it was very interesting and well attended.

After that, a good many of the attendees went to the cafeteria, which is in one end of the new “Third Barracks” and has a Quisnos and pizza section, among other things.

The book store is in the same building and is much larger that the old book store.

Virginia Cooke had arranged a tour for the ladies which included the Reeves Center, Japanese Tea Ceremony and lunch at “Sunnyside.” About three carloads of ladies enjoyed the tour.

The class meeting showed little interest in a reunion next year. However, a couple of BRs are looking into the possibility of one. When something definite happens, you will be informed. The subject of the “bricks” in the sidewalk by class on the west side of Barracks was brought up. It

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CLASS NOTES was decided that since a number of BRs had sufficient extra entitlements, we would provide a brick for all deceased BRs who did not already have one. I will get the info on that to the proper people at VMI, and the bricks should be in by this fall.

The class picture was moved from the steps of Preston Library into J.M. Hall due to inclement weather. Rain Monday and off-and-on rain Tuesday resulted in the Reunion Parade being cancelled, but it was okay for “Old Yells” in the courtyard for all the reunion classes. Harv Bradley climbed to the top of the Sentry Box to lead the yell for ’49B. We then went to the Nichols Engineering Building auditorium for the Memorial Service for our deceased BRs. As Lon Walter read the name, Greg Nelson put a picture on the screen for each one of the deceased.

He had gotten the pictures from our Rat Bomb, and it was very effective. Tommy Bowers then gave the eulogy which was extremely moving and meaningful to everyone there. He ended with the third verse of the poem “Festival of Friends,” which certainly put things in a most gracious perspective for us.

Cocktails and dinner were in Moody Hall. Buddy Marshall and Greg Nelson had been working for three years on the favors which were passed out before dinner. It was a miniature grandfather’s clock carved from mahogany, complete with a clock which keeps perfect time and a brass plaque on the back with the inscription: V.M.I. 1949B, 60th Reunion 2009, God Bless Our Class, and V.M.I. The reunion was an outstanding affair from start to finish, and we are indebted to Greg and Kitty for all the planning and work they did, as well as to those who helped them, particularly Buddy for his work on the clocks.

During the reunion, a lot of conversation centered on Ted Bohn’s status – whether or not he graduated and whether or not he was dead. Lon Walter checked six Register of Former Cadets dating back to 1970, and each confirms that Ted did graduate from VMI with a BA degree. A VMI Alumni Association representative answered Lon’s query and reported that Ted died in 1989 – no date was available. Lon will add him to our list of deceased Brother Rats. A brick

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will be placed for Ted Bohn.

In early May, Louise and I went to our granddaughter, Ashley Timpner’s, graduation from Hope College in Holland, MI. The night before graduation, the Timpners and Smaws had dinner, drinks and lots of fun at an Irish Pub in Holland. It was as noisy and busy as Macado’s in Lexington. After graduation, Ashley and her five housemates had a party for parents and grandparents which was a very nice finishing touch for the weekend.

Greg Nelson wrote that Mack Van Hook put together a luncheon in Charlottesville on 6 May which was attended by Beanie Branch, Dan Payne, Greg and Mack.

It was at a nice restaurant that Beanie frequents. Dan is having trouble with his legs and is now using a cane, but his spirits remain high. All had a good time. June Payne came by for a short time.

I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion and am only sorry that more of you could not have been there. Age and health are cutting into reunion attendance. Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual Giving - it is very important that everyone participates.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

The 60th Reunion of the class of 1949C was attended by 15 Brother Rats and two Sister Rats. Bruce and Anna May Taylor and Mil Hayes had problems arise at the

last minute and were forced to cancel their plans. Those in attendance were Marshall and Anita Brittain, Eddie and Rosemarie Davis, Bob and Mary Ellett, Jud and Azalea Ellis, Stock and Jean Fleming, Haywood and Kendall France, Bob and Jane Fretz, Tom and Arlene Hawkins, Heinie Henzel, John and Frances Holladay, Max and Hilma Anne Lamont, Cappie and Connie Moncure and daughter Kate, Bob and Anne Patterson, Coleman and Nancy Rice, and Stew and Ann Snoddy. We hope that all the class will be able to make the 65th. Stew and Ann Snoddy started the festivities with a reception at the Sunnyside House at Kendal.

Reception guests (VMI) were Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan, Brig. Gen. Robert L. Green ’67 and Mrs. Green, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 and Mrs. Peay, Mrs. Norma Robinson, and Col. Patrick F. Webb and his wife, Dr. Carol Webb. Several guests from Kendal were Sam Dobyns ’41, Audrey Todd, Jim Morgan ’45 and Lou Hundley ’47. Good food, drink and company got our 60th off to a great start.

On Tuesday morning, the memorial service for our deceased Brother Rats was held in Pogue auditorium in Marshall Museum.

Our deceased Brother Rats now outnumber the partially erect members of the class by four. We browsed Marshall Museum and Marshall Hall-Center for Leadership and Ethics on our own. Col. Brown gave an excellent presentation describing the planning, in process and completed construction taking place at the Institute. His presentation will hopefully be made available to many more of the alumni. We followed his talk with a tour of Third Barracks, bookstore and PX. Kate, our newly named daughter

Class of 1949C: Brother Rats with their wives during their 60th Reunion.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1949C 60th Class Reunion

Row 1: Heinie Henzel, Max Lamont, Haywood France, W.T. Hawkins, Coleman Rice and Stock Fleming. Robert H. Patterson Jr., Marshall Brittain, Robert J. Fretz, Judson M. Ellis Jr., John E. Holladay, Edward P. Davis and Robert D. Ellett. Row 3: Stewart Snoddy and Robert A. Moncure.

Rat, corralled everyone into the buses for a return to the Inn for lunch. She made sure during the two days that everybody was on time and nobody missed the bus.

The Corps won, and parade was cancelled due to rain. However, Bob Patterson and Max Lamont scaled the heights of the sentry box and led us in the Old Yell for the class of ’49C. The reunion ended with our banquet at Lexington Country Club. Jim Morgan gave a talk on the Great Class of 1949C. We were transported from matriculation, the demise of horses at VMI, conditions at the Institute during WWII, our return to VMI and our subsequent graduation. I have a copy of his notes and would be willing to send you a copy in return for some news from you along with your request.

The Great Class of 1949C departed Lexington on Wednesday with good thoughts, memories and prayers that we can all be together for the 65th.

’50A

Bill Moore

First, an overview: Our 60th Reunion dates are April 19 and 20, 2010. This is a Monday and Tuesday. I’m trying to ar-

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range activities of interest for Sunday the 18th also. We need more time together.

After all, this will be our 60th, and eventually we have to cope with the principal of diminishing returns. Also, many of you live a long way from Lexington, and it’s a long trip for two days together. Second part of the overview: Most everyone I’ve talked to lately has little or no personal news, some good stories but little news.

For us at our age and stage – that’s GOOD. Rocking boats throw people out.

Dick and Jackie Martin still have memories of the 97+ inches of snow they got last winter in Spokane. As you know, it grounded their plans for a nice comfortable winter stay at Apache Junction and an eagerly awaited hook up with Gene Witcher in Tucson. Dick gave me a good/almost horror story regarding his grandson and namesake, Rick III. Rick has been applying to various medical schools around the country. One of them was the University of Rochester in upstate New York. He had his interview scheduled and his airline ticket bought – on the plane that crashed at Buffalo! At the last moment, Rick III’s grandmother talked him into canceling his flight and selling his ticket … Chilling to think about. Incidentally, Rick III has been accepted at the University of Washington Medical School.

Speaking of Gene Witcher, he’s in Spring, TX, doing well and feeling good.

Like many of us, Gene is in the “no news is good news” category. He is hugely anticipating our 60th. So are we, Gene.

Our “Flying Eskimo,” Syd Stealey, is still in Fairbanks, although he thinks the place is warming up. He’s still flying and rebuilding planes. His current rebuilding project is a Cessna 150. He’s at the replacing riveted metal covering stage and is wondering whether all the effort is worth it. Most of my major projects reach this stage sooner or later. He and Beverly also have a project raising regular growing season tomatoes, which seems to be doing nicely. Having to cope with the short growing season in Fairbanks is a project in itself. I well remember trying to grow 90-day sweet corn in Casper, WY, some 50-plus years ago.

I can’t take credit/blame for the “Flying Eskimo” appellation. That belongs to Dick Mandt. Every time I talk to a BR, the universal question is, “How is Dick?” Once again, I assure you that Dick and Jeanne are doing well, and if my voice perception analysis is any good, Dick is doing even better than the last time I talked to him.

They are very fortunate to have a good helper in the person of their son, Rich.

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CLASS NOTES Rich has being trying to convince his dad that the fish are biting in Lake Norman and that they should shake the dust off of Dick’s fishing boat and get with it. Dick sounds like he’s ready to take him up on the suggestion. Watch out, fish. The Old Pro is about to come after you.

Jennings and Harriet Bunch also fall into the “no news is good news” category. They haven’t been on the worldwide go as much lately, which is news, considering their many trips over the last few years. Bill and Carol Clark are leading the good, quiet life in Jackson, MS. I’m beating on Bill pretty hard about coming to our 60th. I hope I’m successful. He recently cracked a vertebra which seems to be healing nicely.

Elliott and Nancy Hudgins attended Nancy’s 50th Reunion at Averett University (girls’ college when most of us knew it) at Danville, VA. Their girls, daughter and granddaughter, respectively, still work and go to college in South Carolina. Their son, Reed ’90, is now a lieutenant colonel in a joint forces unit. He leads a very active life in the Army and is currently in Djibouti, of all places. Elliot expects him to go to Germany in September to take command of a battalion that’s returning from Iraq and going to Afghanistan. Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Kenny and BJ Stagg sort of fall in the “no news is good news” category but not quite. They haven’t taken any of their world famous trips lately, but they have some in their sights – including South America and the Grecian Isles.

Sooner or later they’ll get itchy feet.

BJ tells me that the Richmond real estate market is “less bad” than it has been which I hope is the beginning of the end of our economic malaise.

For all of you, which includes almost everybody, who have been asking about Loggie (Harold Logsdon), here’s the latest from Charlotte. As I believe you know, Loggie has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for some time now. Charlotte tells me that he is comfortable, doesn’t know anybody but does smile when she gives him a hug. We all know the prognosis for this disease, and he is on the usual time table. Charlotte is well and hearty which is natural for her. She sends her love to all the BRs and wives and is looking forward to our 60th.

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Had a good chat with Nancy McWane recently. Carole Green of the Alumni Office called me to say that Robby Jones ’80 who owns Hamrick Jewelers in Lexington had found a ’50A class ring in a collection of gold scrap he bought. The name “Henry E. McWane Jr. Lynchburg, VA” was inscribed inside. I asked Carole to have Robbie hold the ring for me, as I would be in Lexington within a few days. Consequently, I bought the ring from him, and he told me as much of its story as he knew. The local lady he bought the gold scrap from said that her deceased husband worked for the city of Lexington and found the ring while street cleaning many years ago. He threw it into a drawer and pretty much forgot about it.

There it lay until she began examining her unused gold trinkets for possible sale as scrap. When I got back to Lynchburg, I called Nancy and told her I had something that belonged to her. She immediately exclaimed, “The Ring!” Hank had lost it on a golf course at Pompano Beach, FL, in 1979, and nothing had been heard about it since. How Nancy intuitively knew what I had, and how it got from Pompano Beach to Lexington, I have no idea. With Robbie’s help, I’m trying to piece the story together.

Stay tuned. If I ever find our Bro Rat Ralph Mooney who is reportedly hiding out in the mountains of Amherst County, VA, I’ll probably have another story for you.

Oh, yes, Anne and I definitely fall into the “no news is good news” slot. Keeping grandchildren, gardening, knitting, cutting grass, reading, planting trees and the like is our routine. ’50A now has another 80-yearold skier. Dick Martin is the first. Our son, David ’86, and granddaughters, Penelope, 10, and Savannah, 5, took me skiing at Caanan Valley, WV, for my 80th birthday.

It was a good and historic (for the girls and me) occasion. No, I didn’t fall.

’50B

Ralph Warren

Did you know that it is less than a year before our 60th Reunion? Well, it is. Robin White has agreed to serve as the chairman for the reunion and is hard at work. He has already enlisted Mary Buchanan, Braxton

Green, Jane Patton and Deedee Shepherd to serve on his committee. I know that all of you will give them your total cooperation. The reunion will be on Monday, April 19th and Tuesday, April 20th, so mark those days on your calendar now. You will be kept informed as plans progress.

Deedee Shepherd represented us at the VMI Foundation luncheon for the scholarship cadets. He sent back the following information: “Just wanted to let you know that I made it to the Foundation luncheon on March 27, 2009. They had a nice feast in the new Marshall Hall. It is quite a building. Gen. Peay ’62 gave an hour-long update about what is going on and what will be going on. Troops are living in the Third Barracks. Lee Badget asked Peay why we could not go to Division 3 sports, and he said that we would not continue to receive the kind of cadets that we want.” The Leadership and Ethics Building, in which the Marshall Hall is located, is a very impressive building and a great addition to the VMI campus. Gen. Brower gave a talk to the class agents in the auditorium which seats about 500.

Speaking from the stage without any kind of amplification, he could be clearly heard.

It was amazing.”

The following e-mail came from Tommy Harwood: “We’re off to Zona Saturday until May 19. Grandson Matthew will be graduated from the U of AZ, Tucson, the morning of May 16, and we’ll be there to witness it. Sally will be there May 12-19. Golf every other day [or more]. Our renovation projects continue. We plan to check our answering machine daily (but sometimes I forget; 80, you know). AA has a nonstop out of Miami – five hours out and four back.

In the event anyone wants to invade the premises while we’re away, we thought they’d like to know the nicknames of the guys working here: ‘Jack the Ripper’ and ‘Ice Pick Frank.’ One leaves his unfed python overnight. So, ‘Bring it on.’”

From Braxton Green comes the e-mail below: (I have taken the liberty of adding the appropriate punctuation and capitalization since he apparently failed to absorb Dodo’s fine teaching.) “We attended a memorial service for Bill T on Saturday, held in J.M. Hall – near capacity crowd.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES BRs present: Lexington irregulars,Carl Galliher, Mike Lawrence, John Taylor, Tom Kelly (looking svelte – has lost 35 lbs.),Red Bragg, Jack Parrott, Thatcher Watson, Hoge, Richie, Woodman, Ed Smith, Tom Handy, Harold Templeton, Sam Saunders and John Berberich. Reception held in new center for leadership and ethics located behind the administration building. Had a chance to talk to several of Bill’s and Helen’s VMI ‘boys’ there – over a dozen in attendance! They told me they were invited to Sunday dinner each week – prime rib, baked ham, fried chicken, et al, followed by sports-watching on TV, followed by nap, followed by sumptuous supper! I’ve put Helen in for sainthood. Bill’s minister said he was in church every Sunday, sitting on the front row. Must be the water from the Maury. Looking forward to spring. …l & k” Got a note from George Coffman saying that he enjoyed reaching his 80th birthday.

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the dedication of the 1978 Bomb to Bill Buchanan on page 17 of the last Alumni Review.

See you next notes … Ralph

’51

John Ross

To start this note off, I had a great visit with Taylor Hay on his birthday. He and Joanna were quietly celebrating at home.

However, Taylor made clear that the real celebration would be on the weekend.

Taylor mentioned he had talked with Rufus Lazzell the prior week, and he inquired about a number of our BRs: Johnny Jordan, Bland Wilson and Fred Anson. I supplied what information I had. This note covers the period Feb. 11 to May 10, 2009.

That same evening I received an e-mail from Des Wray, pointing out the “egregious error” in my last Class Notes, wherein I described Des as a retired Marine lieutenant colonel. In fact, he retired as a bird colonel. Des then went on in a serious note that he had coffee about a year ago with one of his roommates, Richard Chaplin. I replied in an e-mail that his records would be corrected and urged him to make our April reunion.

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I received a phone call from Gibson Gay thanking me for my birthday greetings. He inquired about the April mini reunion, and I provided him with the details. He hopes to attend but is disappointed that there will not be any organized physical activities. Gib evidently plays tennis three times a week.

I had a belated visit with Maurice King on President’s Day and wished him happy birthday. He really sounds great and asked for Henry Pitot’s e-mail address, which I provided.

I have had multiple calls back and forth with Peggy Hays concerning various aspects of the April reunion. She is certainly doing a great job for the class.

I received an e-mail from Bob Nolley reporting that he, Ed May, Johnny Gray and Sookie Hill visited Clyde Green and had a great “trip down memory lane.” Bob says Clyde looks great.

I called Ed May and reached Mary Lee. She had just returned from the doctor and reports that she received a very favorable report. I then talked to Ed, and he mentioned what a great visit he and the other BRs had with Clyde Green.

I reached Randy Thompson on his birthday, and we had a nice visit. He lives in Fairfax Station, VA, and is fully retired. Due to his spondylitis, he does not get around very well but was looking forward to a birthday celebration with his four adult children.

I wished Woody Woodward a happy 80th. He resides in Tyler, TX, where he re-

Class of 1951: Joe Tom and Frances Howard with their son, Cmdr.

John Colby Howard ’92, USN, and his wife, Adrienne, at Hafrsfjord, Stavanger, Norway. Joe Tom and Frances spent seven weeks in Europe. During their trip, they visited Colby in Norway, attended the 2008 Edinburgh Tattoo, cruised the eastern and western Mediterranean for 20 days and visited Oslo and Bergen, Norway. Colby is serving with NATO in Stavanger.

tired from an engineering firm as corporate counsel secretary.

Woody still has Sherlock, his dog, as a companion. He does not get around very well and therefore, is unable to make a reunion. We, of course, reminisced about our time in the Marine Corps. He also noted how much he appreciated the Alumni Review and the class news.

I had a very nice visit with Billye Henson and wished her happy birthday. She is still in Wise, VA, where Buck taught for many years at Clinch Valley College.

I had a couple of phone calls back and forth with Gloria Cowherd concerning memorial gifts to VMI in honor of George.

She, of course, misses him but is busy with all the administrative details in connection with a death. It is great that she has taken the time to think of the Institute.

I had a really long call with Hap Higby on his birthday in which he informed me he was enjoying his Black Forest birthday cake on his patio in Bonita Springs, FL, where the temperature was hovering around 80º. I replied we were hoping for 40º in Alexandria, VA. Hap’s back is still giving him a problem, requiring periodic shots to relieve the pain. He asked me for the phone number and address of Tim Evers, who winters in Bonita Springs, which I provided along with the phone numbers of Dick McFarlin, Beano Graf and Hobart Richey, who was a roommate at VMI. Hap is a gun collector with 80 guns in his collection. I urged him to consider our 60th and described the various changes at the Institute.

I had a nice call from Bobby Guthans, who expressed regret that he could not make our mini in April. He reported on the participation of the VMI Band in the Mobile Marti Gras Parade – “great.” Barbara Ann and he expect to make the Institute dinner in November.

Bob Nolley called to report on his efforts to make contact with Fred Taylor concerning distribution of a large number of class pictures that Fred recently discovered. We also discussed the astounding price of current VMI class rings.

I tried to reach Joe Stump on Feb. 28 to extend birthday greetings but had to settle for leaving a voice message.

I also elected to extend best wishes to

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CLASS NOTES Lew Beazlie on the same date, even though he has that unusual date of Feb. 29. I left a message with his wife, Beverly.

I reached Steve Carlon in Middletown, PA, and he says he is doing OK. We talked about his time at VMI and he inquired about Johnny Gray and Skip Parks.

I tried to reach Mrs. Wray on March 1, but was unable to make contact to extend birthday greetings.

I did reach Hank Quisenberry to wish him a happy birthday. Hank is still in Enterprise, AL, and has had a good recovery from his hip replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the other hip is acting up.

I had a long chat with Sam Scott in which he informed me that he is fully prepared to lead us in an Old Yell at the mini reunion.

I called Rav Marshall on his birthday and Sheila reported that Rav was outside gardening. When Rav came in, I brought him up to date on class news, as he is not on the Internet, after wishing him a happy birthday.

I again failed this year to make contact with Pete Ames, although his birthday card evidently reached him.

I was delighted to read Rufus Lazzell’s e-mail on the class net. He said he could not make the April mini in Lexington but stated, “We will see you at the next reunion.”

I received a letter from Steve Carlon, subsequent to our telephone call, in which he asked me to say “hello” to all the “Brothers.”

I had a long telephone call from Sam Scott in which he confirmed he would make the mini and inquired as to any additional attendees. We, of course, reminisced about many shared experiences at the Institute.

I also had a telephone call from Doc Laville in Breaux Bridge, LA. He wanted the contact information on two of his roommates – Lewis Beazlie and Clyde Green. I subsequently called Doc with the information. Needless to say, in both calls Doc was in his usual effervescent mode.

He has finally secured the marble door for the family mausoleum. He also reported on the donation of a stained glass window to his local church. Doc is so optimistic and full of life that it is hard to keep track of time when talking with him.

I failed to reach Joe Tom Howard on his birthday but left him voice mail greetings.

He subsequently called, and we had a long talk about various Institute subjects. Joe

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Tom is preparing a letter for me outlining his thoughts.

Marie, in cleaning out one of her many closets, discovered some old VMI pictures of “D” Company officers. I sent Kirby Bernich’s to Mila, Jack Catlin’s to Jane and George Maxwell’s to him. I have no contact for Cecil Dickens, who died in May 1968, so I could not forward his picture. If anyone has any information on Cecil, please let me know.

I received a very nice thank you note from Mila Bernich for the picture of Kirby. She pointed out how the new generations of the family want pictures of Kirby.

I also received a very nice long and informative letter from George Maxwell thanking me for his picture. George summarized his post-VMI years as follows: “I am doing fine after 39 months in USAF; marriage to a Hollins graduate; four years in family furniture business; three years in Virginia Seminary; 50th anniversary as a priest in 2012; three wonderful kids; having lived in … Savannah, GA, since 1973.” George retired in 1991 but has worked as a spiritual director of the Diocese of Georgia since then. He further reports that Ginny and he are in good health and that his golf game “has gone to pot.”

As promised, I received a very long, threepage, single-spaced, typewritten letter from Joe Tom Howard. After thanking me for my birthday call and card, he inquired about George Maxwell – “a great guy.” Joe Tom wondered if George keeps in contact with anyone. Well, Joe Tom, your answer appears above. Needless to say, I was also delighted to hear from George after all these years.

Joe Tom, in answer to my inquiry, then reported that he and Frances are “both fine” and very active in church, civic, social and philanthropic activities.

Joe Tom also presented two suggestions. In view of the VMI Band’s “splendid” performance in the Rose Bowl Parade and at the Inauguration, consideration should be given to the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The second concerned the possibility of establishing a VMI Columbarium.

I reached Jim Strickland on St. Patrick’s Day and wished him a happy 80th birthday.

He was looking forward to a visit from his sister, who lives in Richmond, to help him celebrate. Jim reported that he very much appreciated a recent telephone call from Ed

May. I would once again suggest a call or note to any of your BRs, such as Jim, who do not get around very well.

Bill Leck called from Florida to say he could not make the mini. He asked for news of Sam Scott and Jack Lowden, both of whom he intends to visit on his trip to New York at the beginning of May. Marie called Carolyn McCallum on her birthday to extend greetings and then I did the same. Carolyn related how she donated four of Bill’s paintings to be auctioned at the Keydet Club fundraiser in Hampton. Bill, who designed our class ring, was also a very accomplished artist.

I tried to reach Mila Bernich on her birthday but the number furnished by VMI was incorrect.

I did reach Richard Chaplin in California on his birthday. A year ago, Richard was in intensive care with a double, pulmonary embolism but now he is doing fine. Richard is also back in fine form on the golf course.

I was amazed to learn he had a 2 handicap, until he explained that he regularly caddied for Sam Snead at the Homestead.

Richard reports that Anita is fine and that they will make the 60th.

At the end of March I had a long walk down memory lane with Rufus Lazzell on his 80th birthday, which Jo Jac and his two daughters helped him celebrate. Rufus is as enthusiastic as ever and very active in local politics and community affairs.

He strongly urged us to continue having a mini every year. I responded, we will try but how about his attending, which he once again promised to do.

John Herring hopes to make the mini reunion. John, who spent two years in the Air Force and then 32 years the University of Virginia, is another strong VMI advocate. To quote John: “VMI changed my entire life.”

Sam Scott reports he now may not make the mini, as he has a major construction project repairing the foundation of his home. We may need a volunteer to lead the Old Yell.

Received a note from Jane Catlin thanking me for Jack’s picture. She included an interesting article from the Military Officer pertaining to dogs in combat.

Johnny Gray had a great report on his recent medical check-up. For the first time, he did not require a blood transfusion.

Jim Connolly continues to do a great

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES job in running our class network. I hope everyone recognizes what a time consuming matter this is.

Nancy Bell called to wish Marie and me a happy Easter. She is fairly well recovered from her nasty fall and plans to come north to spend Easter with her daughter in the Alexandria area.

I reached Sid Hannah in Cincinnati to wish him a happy birthday. As you may recall, Sid was a chemistry major and after two years in the Army, obtained an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

He then spent a very productive career as a research chemist with the E.P.A. Sid has now been retired for 19 years and continues to walk five miles a day. He will try to make the 60th.

Bob Nolley had a great report from Johns Hopkins – no trace of a tumor. However, it was discovered that he had a stress fracture of the femur, which will prevent his planned attendance at the mini.

Skip had two surgeries on his foot for a melanoma but intended to make the mini.

However, during a routine follow-up, a non-related tumor was discovered in his colon. Gracelyn reported that Skip had successful colon surgery on April 6 and is doing well. He even was pushing to make the mini, but the doctors vetoed it.

Bounce Carstens reports that Sally has had a good medical review following lung surgery and is doing well at home. Bounce asked to be remembered to everyone.

Needless to say, we will miss the Carstens, Nolleys and Parks at the reunion and wish Sally, Bob and Skip a speedy recovery.

A check with Paul Shrader in Pensacola, FL, discloses he is awaiting back surgery toward the end of April. Paul evidently was hospitalized for back problems back in his Marine Corps days, and this may be a reoccurrence. He asked to be remembered to the class and especially mentioned Jim Connolly.

Brom Nichol, who had been fighting a neck cancer, reports no further surgery is feasible. Unfortunately, he did not tolerate chemotherapy and discontinued it after a week. Brom sounds great and states that his companion, Jack, the parrot, is well.

We called the Holloways to wish them a happy Easter and to check on Pat, who had major back surgery at the beginning of

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March. Duane was not sure that they would make the mini. However, we subsequently learned they would attend.

On Easter Monday, I reached Bill Moore to wish him a happy 80th. He will celebrate it next weekend, but Jackie did take him out for a birthday breakfast. I urged him to consider attending a reunion and suggested the 60th.

I also reached Ted Taylor in Richmond to wish him a happy birthday. Ted mentioned his roommates, Dick Lawrence and Chuck Wallace. He knew of Chuck’s death, and I recounted my contacts with Dick.

I tried to reach Sam Bass on his 80th and left him best wishes on his voicemail.

Just before leaving for the mini in Lexington, I had a long and enjoyable call with Pete Philp, who is having a back problem.

Pete, who is very busy leading an important Catholic Church organization in Dallas, is hoping to postpone surgery until next year when his term of office expires. Pete assures me he will make the 60th.

The mini reunion in Lexington (April 15-17) was a great success due to the great job by Peggy Hays, ably assisted by Willard. Our headquarters was the Best Western at Hunt Ridge. The hospitality room opened on the 15th and was the scene of much greeting and reminiscing. That evening we had the class dinner in the banquet room of the Sheridan Livery Inn. In attendance were: Fred and Rose Anson; Jigger and Ursula Baxley; John and Eleanore Blakemore; Henry and Joan Bryan; George and Marty Cohen; Bill Dawson and his grandson, Caleb Boyer ’11; Jerry Eggleston and Phyllis Graf Johnson; Willard and Peg Hays; John Herring; Jack and Nancy Hill; Johnny and Pat Gray; Frans and Shirley Kasteel; Duane and Pat Holloway and their grandson, Gordon Holloway ’09; Jack and Barbara Lowden; Charlotte Marr and her son, Tom Marr Jr.; Jim Marshall; Rav and Sheila Marshall; Ed and Mary Lee May; Dick and Clare McFarlin; Steve and Marion Meader; Bill and Ellen Nelson; Paul and Jean Robinson; Jack and Marie Ross; Bill and Helen Sacra; Jake Wamsley; and Col. Tom Davis ’64 and his wife.

After dinner, Col. Davis presented an informative and interesting talk recounting little known facts of Institute history.

Then, in a short business meeting it was decided to pass on a mini reunion next year. Instead, it was agreed to concentrate on our 60th in 2011. To that end Johnny Gray agreed to chair the Reunion Committee, ably assisted by Jack Lowden, Steve Meader and Jake Wamsley.

On Thursday, April 16, Charlotte Marr presented their valuable old history volumes that Tom Marr had discovered while teaching in England, to VMI. The ceremony took place in Preston Library and was well attended by the library staff and the class.

We then proceeded to the new Marshall Hall (Leadership & Ethics Center) for a guided tour by the director, Brig. Gen. Brower. That was followed by a visit to Lejeune Hall in the New Third Barracks. Both buildings were most impressive.

On Thursday afternoon many of the class attended a very interesting guided tour of the Reeves Center on the W&L campus.

That evening, after dinner, the Hospitality Room was the venue for reminiscing and fond farewells.

On Friday morning, Marie and I said our final farewells and proceeded back to the Institute for a two-day Class Agent Conference. The highlight was an informative and inspiring “State of the Institute” address by Gen. Peay ’62. Succinctly, the declining economy has created a critical problem for VMI. The state has reduced its contribution dramatically, our endowment has lost significant value and alumni support has decreased. Nevertheless, the general made it clear that the Institute has implemented a number of proactive measures to meet this problem. He further assured us that the “immutables” of VMI education – graduating honorable leaders and good citizens – will not change.

Immediately on return from Lexington, Marie and I called the Holloways to check on Pat. We were relieved to hear she had experienced no problem with the trip.

I then checked on Skip Parks, who Jim Marshall had called during the mini to wish him well. Skip is now waiting to hear about future treatment, as the lymph nodes may be involved.

Paul Robinson called and commented on how much he enjoyed the mini and his opportunity to visit with his roommate, Rav Marshall. He expects to leave Florida

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CLASS NOTES around Memorial Day and head north to Wisconsin.

I called Fred Anson and wished him a happy birthday. He said that he and Rose Marie had a great time at the mini.

I reached Scott Underwood a couple of days late to wish him a happy 80th.

Scott was fighting a flu-like problem.

He thought the Corps looked great in the Inauguration Parade.

I finally reached Bob Martin in Henderson, NV, to wish him a happy birthday.

Bob, who was from Covington, VA, left us after one and one-half years and received a B.S. from Bridgewater College. He then received his D.D.S. from MCV and specialized in orthodontia. He practiced for many years in Virginia Beach and retired about 10 years ago to move to Nevada. Bob was then recruited by the new U.N.L.V. to help organize an orthodontia program, which he proceeded to do, first part time and now full time faculty. I urged him to consider returning for our 60th.

Sam Scott called to hear about the mini.

I filled him in on the highlights, and noted there was no Old Yell, as we recognized he was irreplaceable. Sam will be traveling the next three weeks – a grandson graduating from Duke, another from V.P.I. and a third from high school, who has been awarded a full four-year scholarship to Vanderbilt.

I reached Bill Dawson to wish him a happy birthday. Bill enjoyed the mini and the opportunity to visit his grandson, Caleb.

Bob Nolley called to hear about the mini and I gave him a summary. He is doing fine and is in a wait and see mode for the stress fracture of his femur. Jeanne has a knee problem for which she hopes to avoid surgery.

I called Ed May to extend birthday greetings. However, he was shopping, so I visited with Mary Lee. She recounted how she gave Ed a surprise 80th birthday party, attended by his two daughters and May Lee’s family.

I checked on Vic Parks and wished him a happy birthday. He reports his medical prognosis is very optimistic and he intends to make our 60th.

I reached Bounce Carstens, and he reports Sally is doing very well in her recovery from surgery and does not require any further treatment.

Paul Shrader had successful back surgery

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and now faces about nine months of rehabilitation. He really sounds great, and we reminisced about our Marine Corps days and how much we missed Harry Atkinson.

I tried to reach Johnny Jordan to wish him a happy birthday and left a voicemail for Robin to convey best wishes to him.

Please keep the news coming. Remember our 60th – no excuses.

Marie and I wish all of you good health.

Semper Fi ... Jack

’52

Nutz Navas

In March, the following e-mail from Bill Ruffin was received informing us of the funeral services for Dan Bruce Robertson held at Westminster Canterbury in Kilmarnock on February 28. His large and extended family was well represented. His brother, Peyton, was the main spokesperson. Dan’s sons spoke briefly. George Hutter and Army Wellford came over from Richmond, Jim Wiley and Carol came from Reedville and Bill came in from Tidewater. Bill reported all looked fit and trim. Anne was unable to attend because of a broken foot. She has been confined and frustrated for the past eight plus weeks but hopefully her boot will be removed for good in a few more days. With the lymphoma currently under control and requiring only monthly chemo treatments, Bill expected she will be hard to keep “down on the farm.”

Tom Birge’s funeral service at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myers, VA, was packed with family, friends and Brother Rats on May 7, 2009. After the service Tom’s caisson proceeded into Arlington Cemetery where our beloved Brother Rat was laid to rest next to his late spouse, Carolyn.

Friends and family then proceeded to the Fort Myer Officer’s Club for a reception and lunch hosted by Sally and the family.

Tom was an extraordinary man. He never centered his achievements on himself, and there were many. His service to his country was marked by dedication, honor and courage. He starred as an outstanding athlete at Episcopal High School in Alexandria and VMI. He majored in physics in

college and upon graduation entered the United States Air Force where he served with distinction for 26 years as a fighter pilot and leader of men. Upon retirement he became a consultant for a couple of local area defense contractors for several years. We joined Sally and Tom in Hawaii for several golf vacations along with Lou and Ella Delisio. Tom lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute it.

John Portasik, diagnosed with lymphoma in May, was undergoing radiation treatments and completed half of 17 treatments when we chatted. He still lives alone in Albuquerque, NM. He is building a greenhouse in his home. He is upbeat about his future and looks forward to each day with enthusiasm. Jim Mecredy checked in from Martinez, GA. He and Lucette are in good health except for an ankle problem with her. Jim keeps in touch with his roommate Howard Williamson in Tucson regularly by phone. Jim suffered a two minute TIA (transient ischemic attack). He explained it as a “warning stroke.” He and Lucette are helping people with personal problems in their church community and remain very active with their four sons and their families.

Barbara and family hosted my 80th birthday party at the Sheraton Hotel in Reston, VA, on 18 April with 54 friends and family in attendance. Brother Rats/widows who attended included Army and Barbara Wellford, Bob and Betty Lambert, Lou and Ella Delisio, Chris and Sugar Holland, Walter Ames, Sally Birge, Martha Leighty and Carol Clingempeel. In addition, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, and his spouse, Suzie, attended.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats: This has not been a good quarter for our class, in that we lost three BRs. First, Walter “Munch” Moncrief died on March 28 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Then Wyatt Shorter died on 31 March in Camden, AL, after fighting cancer at various stages for 14 years. Munch and Wyatt were roommates our Rat year, and roomed right next door to Pete Cox, Bill Atwill and me. Then Charles

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “Chuck” Mitchell died on April 9 An e-mail from Vivian Frank in Montgomery, AL, after suffering tells that Bob has now entered from cancer for four years. Chuck cyber space, and she has set him was also a chemistry major, along up on a computer, and gotten him with Wyatt, Pete, Bill and me. In his own e-mail address. An e-mail addition, BR Dave Rose’s widow from Foy Braswell talked about died on 4 Feb. in Rhode Island from an ACS meeting in Milwaukee a fall down some steps. Edwina was that several of our BR chemistry still working for Coldwater Banker majors attended. In this, he listed the at the time of her accident. members of our chemistry section at I have great memories of Wyatt that time 15, and I noted that eight in our Institute days, and we have have passed on. An e-mail from kept in contact over the years. One Bob Cheatham says that Bebe is memory is that I do not like a martini still not having to take treatment to this day, because when Pete and I and is holding her own. She does visited Wyatt and Munch in Room have to go every three months to 400, we would have gin straight out have her lymph nodes checked. She of the bottle. Now, I will only take it is able to do whatever she wants. in mixed drinks. The best memory I also had a nice e-mail from Faye of Wyatt was that he always had a Andrews, and she said that her Class of 1953: Each year during furlough, Walt date for the Hops, except at Finals. knee replacement is now doing very McCarthy held a Christmas party for Brother Rats in the Brooklyn area. Front row, from left: Wyatt When asked why not, he said in all well – nearly 100% but it does tire Shorter (chow hound), Mother McCarthy and an past Hops, he had too much to drink easily. Russ and Helen Horne had unidentified cadet. Back row: Walt McCarthy, Don and asked the gal to marry him but planned to make a visit to Lexington Matheson, Walt Newton, Foy Braswell, Dr. McCarthy, being at the Institute, he could not after the first of the year, but medical Phyllis Maline and Frank Conley. Foy Braswell, who do it but said he did not have that problems called it off and to date submitted this photo, said of the group, “The sad news: Don and I are the only Brother Rats in the “out” at Finals, so was afraid to have they still have not been able to do picture who are still alive.” a date then. Have had little contact so. The doctors have told Helen not with Munch since graduation … he to travel until they can stabilize her did make it back for a reunion about irregular heart beat with the medicaMoncrief said he is OK but hopes for better 10 or 15 years ago but could not get him back breathing after he loses weight … the problem tions. Russ has had pancreitis due to some after that. As for Chuck, I have had no contact is that Susan is “a terrific cook,” and he likes liver problems and high blood sugar and had with him since graduation. His wife, Connie everything he is supposed to avoid … think to make a stay in the hospital. Pinky Moore said they met Wyatt on several occasions at that falls in line for a lot of us. had a defibrillator and pacemaker put in, in the cancer clinic in Montgomery.

February, and said it made him Russ Horne said he saw Chuck at feel better. Then later he was to Fort McClellen, AL, back in ’54, have open heart to replace his and he was still spit and polish, aorta valve with a pig valve ... as at the Institute. Edwina Rose said it was supposed to be the kept in contact with me fairly last thing. I know the recovery regularly, and I visited with her on was slower than he expected the parade ground a few years ago but have not heard anything rewhen she was back for a Southern cently. Norman George advised Sem reunion. that he was waiting to hear from Parker and Anna Cross attended Duke to see if he qualifies for the services for Wyatt (I was on open heart surgery ... have not the Outer Banks), and while in heard since.

Alabama, they visited with Jack I received several comments and Peachy Trigg in Birmingham. Class of 1953: Brother Rats gathered for the Richmond from my e-mail to BRs about ’53 lunch at the Country Club of Virginia on March 26, He said that Peachy still does not 2009. First row, from left: Chippy Woods, Warren God- the Inaugural Parade, and our get around very well. Since then, dard, Herold Hofheimer, Luke Witt and Bill Atwill. Second trip to it for General Ike that Jack has fractured his clavicle row: Fluggie Moore, Jim Morris, Bob Miller, Jeff Bane, I wrote and was published in while doing home repairs, and this Ken Perry and Spider Evans. Third row: Bill Noell, Parker the Lexington Gazette. Don has messed up his golf game for Cross, Reed Johnson, Art Williams, Mickey Woodward Matheson remembers it being and Warren Koontz. three months. An e-mail from Art dark and cold when we reached

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CLASS NOTES the reviewing stand and that they played “Dixie” as they approached … remarks that they could not get away with that today. Bill Atwill said he had the flu and a fever of 102, and that every time his foot hit Penn Avenue, it felt like every bone in his body would break. Says he remembers having hot tea and bourbon at my house afterward to help get him back to VMI and then it was straight to the infirmary for a couple of days. Foy Braswell remembers the darn trolley tracks he had to march on down Penn Avenue and the loud HS behind him. He also remembers Ike smiling when “Dixie” was played instead of “Hail to the Chief.”

Through contact with Bob Miller, I received an e-mail from George “Ted” Harris, who matriculated with us, only attended a total of two years but has been listed as a ‘54.

He has requested to be listed with the class of ‘53, and the Alumni Office says there was a mess up of some kind on this, and thus Ted will be changed to ’53. Ted went through the Rat year with us, then the following fall semester, was out the spring semester, was back for the fall semester of our second class year and was gone for good after that. Thus, Ted says he was there for two years and considers himself a ’53 person, even though he was certainly a “black sheep.” Ted went on to graduate from UVa, the Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest and later the Union Theological Seminary (Presbyterian) in Richmond. Says he is an American Baptist, but those Presbyterians were very kind to him. As far as he knows, Art Williams was not there when he was. For a period of time he was chaplain at Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia and then taught Christian studies for nine years there. Ted is now retired, and he and Barbara live in Marietta, Ohio. They have three children and seven grandchildren, and he has asked to be added to the class e-mail list.

I did receive some nice notes from a few widows about the Reunion Glee Club CD that they received. Ann Artz was very appreciative and was sorry she had to miss our 55th. Judy Newton said it was a delight and that she is enjoying it very much and that VMI and his Brother Rats were a very important part of Walt’s life. Norma Woy has also enjoyed the CD. Esther Laver, Ben White’s sister, wrote how appreciative she was for the info put into the Alumni Review

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about Ben. Had a nice long note from Lucy Moise as to how her life has been going and giving thanks for staying in touch. A very nice note from Sherri Hanks, Joe Morison’s daughter, saying how much her mother appreciated the words about Joe in the Class Notes. She says she and her mom relive that trip often, and Joe was so happy to be at the 55th and felt well enough to make the trip.

The Richmond Class of ‘53 luncheon was reinitiated, after a lapse of right many years. This one was held at the Country Club of Virginia, thanks to Warren Koontz, on March 26, with 17 Brother Rats in attendance: Bill Atwill, Jeff Bane, Spider Evans, Herold Hofheimer, Bob Miller, Fluggie Moore, Jim Morris, Ken Perry, Art Williams, Luke Witt, Mickey Woodward, Warren Goddard, Reed Johnson, Chippy Woods, Parker Cross, Warren Koontz and Bill Noell. Pinky Moore had planned to attend, but his slow recovery from his recent operation prevented him from making the trip from NC. Jim Eads, Jack Townes and Ed Brown had prior commitments. From reports, all enjoyed the outing, and it was decided to continue the luncheons … for the time being, on a six-month basis. The next one is tentatively scheduled for the Commonwealth Club by Spider Evans on Sept. 10th or 17th. Any BRs within decent (?) driving distance to Richmond that might like to attend one of these, let me know, and I will put you on the notification list. I did send out notices to the Lexington and Charlottesville area, as well as some of Tidewater.

As for Judy and I, we attended the VMI basketball games here, and the Big South Tournament games … it was great watching the Running Roos on the court this year.

However, the big event for us was a week at the Outer Banks, Avon, for Easter spring break. Our 11-year-old grandson once again found a great place, with reasonable costs, via the web … I would not have the patience to spend that much time searching. So we were there with daughter Jennifer and family for the kids’ spring break, and of course took our usual one-day tour via ferry of Ocracoke Island. Had lunch at Howard’s Pub and noted my VMI ’53, 2000 license plate, is still posted on a beam in strategic view. Of course, we had to have a dinner of soft shell crabs several times. I also made it up the 268 steps to the Hatteras Lighthouse with

my 11-yr.-old grandson. We also walked around the house used in the movie “Nights in Rhodanthe” (2007) with Richard Ghere.

The movie is pretty good, but for those that like the Outer Banks, the scenery is great … makes you want to go. We did just finish up with Judy entertaining seven of her best college friends (two couples and a widow) here for a long weekend at our Woodduck House.

Lastly, I am trying to find out how to contact family members of BR Harold “Bud” Golla. A family has found his class ring and would like to return it to a family member, but neither VMI nor I have any addresses, etc. for Bud’s family. I have just written to the Valley Forge Military Academy to see if they have any records, since he did teach there back in the ’60s. Bud died in November 1966. I sent out the question to the BR e-mail list … however, do any of you not on e-mail have any leads?

VMI Trivia: Although we took the buses to DC in order to parade for President Ike, our class rode the train out of East Lex for the Corps trip to Alexandria, and the George Washington football game on 29 Sept. 1950.

The game was played at George Washington HS, where Tommy Harrison, Tee Morgan, Art Williams and I attended, and came down from to go to the Institute. This was our only Corps train trip, of which I have some great pictures, including one of “Garbage Mouth” Rufus Lazzell ’51 sounding off, as usual. After our graduation, there were only a couple more Corps train trips out of Lexington. Whereas, when my father was at the Institute in ’24, the girls came in on the train for the Hops, along behind Barracks to the Lexington station. Now the tracks have been removed coming into East Lex, as well as behind the Barracks – so all Corps trips these days are by bus and certainly not as much “traveling” fun.

’54

Bill Turner

This will be my first report since assuming the mantel as your class agent. This position may well represent the apex of my mediocre career. Pretty heady stuff. I feel that I have finally arrived. I tell you true that trying to follow in the footsteps of such

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1954 55th Class Reunion

Row 1: Bill Schubmehl, Wendle Snapp, Bill Paine, Hank Hulme, Billy Kingery, Ray Helmer, Don Lamanna and John F. Mowbray. Row 2: Bill Berry, Bill Scroggins, Pat Morgan, George Ford, Pete Lyons and Ken Iversen. Row 3: Bud Bare, William Fulgham, George Ramer, Don Walden, Connie Via, Paul Lamb and Bruce Gottwald. Row 4: R.B. Barnes, F.B. Harrington, W.D. Almy, Jack R. Huyett, Bob Gee, Leonard Wagner and T.P. Wright. Row 5: Norman Plunkett, Leland Bell, Claiborne Terry, Glen Cock, Tommy Williamson and Tom Wallace. Row 6: Bob Modjeski, George White, Ran Phillips, Paul R. Meyer and Paul A. Kuhne. Row 7: Tom Kane, William O. Turner, Alvah Mattox and Roy Alexander.

literary luminaries as Dick Trumbo, Jack Huyett and finally the “Schubster,” is kind of intimidating. There’s no way I can ever replace them, only succeed them. And that I will endeavor to do to the best of my modest ability. This writer probably represents something seldom seen on land or sea, a Virginian with an inferiority complex.

Perhaps the highlight of this reporting period is the 55th Reunion of the class.

Hard to believe, perhaps even harder to accept. But as the late actress Grace Kelly remarked on reaching her 50th birthday … ”Beats hell out of the alternative.” (Well, those were not her exact words, but you get my drift.) Where has it gone, the time, I mean? But I believe we can gain some small measure of relief when we remember the words of the poet: “I shall grow old, but never lose life’s zest; because the road’s last turn will be the best.”

Growing old is certainly not for sissies.

Life is far too fleeting, more so for some than for others. One can ill afford to blink.

2009-Issue 3

Yet, if there is anything I have gleaned from the swift passage of the years, it is that life is far too short to either dwell in the past or live in the future. It is almost too true to be repeated, but I believe we must try with every fiber of our being to live in the moment, to, as Seneca suggests, treat every day as a separate life.

The advancing years have brought both joy and sadness. We have crossed many rivers, trudged many deserts, climbed many mountains, seen dreams born, fade and die, lost many friends and loved ones along the way, experienced some pain, savored moments of great joy, and known both failure and success. But I think most of us would agree that it’s been one hell of a ride. I think most of us, if asked, would say they would not have done many things differently. Oh, we’ve made mistakes, said and done things we wish we could take back, but, all in all, we have done the best we could, given the cards we’ve been dealt or dealt ourselves.

Looking back, we were indeed young once and cadets at the VMI. We may not have been the “Greatest Generation,” but we were, I think, among the best of our generation. As the Bard of Avon put it so well, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” And so it was, is and ever will be. 1954. It was a vintage year.

I subscribe to the view that “growing old is nothing more than a bad habit which a busy man has no time to form.” I, for one, have decided to die young at a very old age. Therefore, BRs, I invite you to join me. May you ever stay … forever young.

In September 1950, approximately 400 young men were matriculated into an environment only a few could imagine. For many, it would be the defining moment of their lives. When 159 of us graduated four years later, few among us could have possibly foreseen what impact the intervening four years would have on our lives. I doubt that any of us has been the same since.

When I learned recently that about 69 of

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CLASS NOTES my BRs had died, I was stunned. I almost wept. I don’t know why I should have been so affected, but I was. That’s almost a third of our graduating class. Both my roommates, Joe Carney and Jim McDowell, are “gone.” Three of my best friends at the Institute, “Tex” Ricker, John Benson and Jim Bramlet…gone. “Tex” and John were very young, too young. Neither had even begun to live. Dave Hengel piloted his sputtering aircraft into a German river to avoid crashing in a heavily populated area. A hero. But too young, in his 20s.

Almost all of them left grieving wives and children. Tommy Armstrong, our class president, a quiet, unassuming, introspective, and decent man, died only a relatively short time before our reunion.

Life is hard and harder for some than for others. It isn’t always fair. Bad things do happen to good people. Dr. Gordon Livingstone, in his good work, “Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart,” reminds us that life is tenuous and uncertain. He tries to tell us how we might live in the face of necessary and often unavoidable “loss,” loss of parents, loss of siblings, loss of children, jobs, careers, loss of hopes and dreams - unfulfilled and unrealizable expectations. Mitch Albom, in his book One More Day, nudges us to tell those we love, and sometimes take for granted, that we really do love and appreciate them, while there is still time, before there is no longer … one more day.

It was a fine reunion. Some have said it was the best they had ever attended. The “Killer Bees,” Berry and Schubmehl, did a superlative job pulling the whole show together. (As you know, Schub completed his fifth year at the helm as your class agent. As I have said, he will be very difficult to succeed. He has set the bar a trifle high for an old Tidewater, VA, boy like me.) The food and lodging were great. The VMI Commanders played music from the 40s and 50s that most of us actually recognized. More than one of the Brothers demonstrated they still had a few moves on the dance floor. (Of course, the wives set the pace. In that regard, I have to say that from my perspective, all the BRs, including moi, obviously married well above themselves.

The ladies looked terrific, which explains, I believe, why I spent considerably more

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time with them than I did with the BRs. I guess I just prefer the smell of perfume to Ben-Gay.) Although the parade was “washed out” (Prayers and supplications from the Corps still fall on sympathetic ears), we did get off a resounding “Old Yell” in the courtyard.

While everything extrinsic, food, lodging, dancing, music, etc., were all that one could wish, by far the real reward resulted from interacting with one another. I could not help but notice the smiles and laughter emanating from virtually everyone in attendance. The unbridled joy was effortless, it was genuine and it was contagious. For a brief time, it was 1950-54 all over again.

It was as though we had never left. It was almost palpable. It was moving, and it was beautiful. I only wish those of you who couldn’t make it, for whatever reason, could have been there. Maybe 2014. Mark your calendars.

Now for news from the front: Big Bill Ralph has just written a book, Fiction and Facts from Ralph’s Almanac, and it’s a good one. Mixing humor with some topical and sometimes hard-hitting words of wisdom, Reverend Ralph has produced a literary work worthy of our consideration. When’s the next one coming out, Bill?

Bill writes that he and his lovely bride, Rosalie, have just returned from two reunions, one at the VMI and the other, Augusta Military Academy, where he once taught. Bill opines that the 55th was different because he had a chance to meet with and converse with a “whole new group of Brother Rats.” He explains that previously certain “groups” seemed to converge, e.g., the “snowbirds,” the athletes (“those who gathered to talk about how great they once were”) and the rest. He believes that on this particular occasion, the Bible study opportunity seemed to change things. It helped people think about “where they might like to spend eternity.” (Bill says there is no U-Haul in the back of a hearse.)

BRs and their spouses who attended the bible studies quickly coalesced into a cohesive group who really wanted to talk about things spiritual. Bill says that the enlisted man heading the VMI Commander’s dance band told him that while he had been doing reunions for over 20 years, this

was the first time that he had ever seen a Bible study on the ticket. Bill was gratified that a lot of BRs had bought his book and hopes that it will be a “force for good.”

The second reunion was at Augusta and according to Reverend Ralph, while there were only a handful of people they knew during the first two nights, on Sunday morning at a Bible study conducted by Bill it was “well attended.” “Things changed.

Many wanted a copy of Bill’s book, and had a lot of spiritual questions.” Bill says that he thought he would never get away.

Bill concludes that he believes “there is a real hunger for the things of the Lord, and that this “awakening,” if you will, gives him hope for the future.

Your current class agent, “Wild Bill” (Bill says it’s now mostly “Mild Bill,” except after a couple of Bombay Sapphire martinis) Turner, has also written a book, Reflections: My Life through the RearView Mirror, a collection of memories stored up through the ages, including a couple of chapters about his life at the Institute. Bill has always maintained that instead of inscribing Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s immortal lines over the entrance of Jackson Arch, “You May Be Whatever You Resolve to Be,” they should have borrowed from the Italian poet, Dante, who, in his immortalized Paradise Lost had imprinted over the gates to hell, “Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here.” Bill feels that would have been far more apropos.

He admits, however, that, despite a year’s confinement and a couple thousand miles in penalty tours, VMI was, for him, the “Defining Moment” in his life and says any modest success he’s ever achieved in life is directly attributable to what he got from the Institute.

Have just spoken by telephone to a pair of BRs whom I’ve not seen or heard from for too long a time. One of them is Jack Daniel, who was president of the Honor Court when we were there. Jack also served with distinction in Vietnam, was wounded quite severely, at least once, maybe twice, and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, as well as the Purple Heart. Jack told me he was not doing well at the moment, having suffered several strokes. As a matter of fact, Jack was taking therapy as we spoke. I also

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES 1

Reunion Photos 2

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Class of 1954 55th Reunion Photo 1: Rev. Bill Ralph and his wife, Rosalie, at the 55th Reunion.

Photo 2: BRs Bruce Gottwald and Tommy Williamson settling affairs of state at the 55th.

Photo 3: VMI’s athletic director, Donnie White ’65, addressed the class of 1954 at the 55th Reunion.

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Photo 4: Incoming class agent, “Wild Bill” Turner, and Jan Lamanna critiquing Bill’s new book at the 55th Reunion.

Photo 5: Perry Archer and wife Shirley.

Photo 6: Class of 1954 Vice President Bill Berry and outgoing class agent, Bill Schubmehl, “making a point” at the reunion.

called and had a good conversation with Bill Dunkelberger, who was first captain during our first class year. Bill also served in Vietnam, flew “choppers” all over the landscape. Bill informed me that he, too, is hors de combat at the moment, undergoing joint replacement therapy. However, both sounded reasonably well, given their current “challenges.”

Just got an e-mail from Bill Kingery expressing sentiments so “on point,” so profound that I am compelled to pass them 2009-Issue 3

on. (Wish I had said them; I’d certainly take credit if I could.) Bill says, talking about the recent reunion ... “Maybe this reunion was the best because we are finally able to accept who we are and not what we want people to think we are. A time to examine our mortality and what are the most important things in our life. A sense of telling our story with love but more interested in hearing someone else express theirs. We all enjoy talking to people who listen well. Listen to your life. Listen to

what happens to you because it is through what happens to you that God speaks. It’s in language that’s not easy to decipher, but it’s there – powerfully, memorably and unforgettably.” And then he concludes: “A true Brother Rat is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart, and … The joy of life is in the quest.” Darn, Bill. I do wish I had said those things. Are you sure you weren’t an English major?

I also had warm and wonderful telephone conversations with Barbara Bramlet and 67

CLASS NOTES Jay and Page Langhammer. Barbara, as vivacious as I remember, lost her husband and my very good friend, Jim, a few years ago from multiple malignancies. I served with Jim in Vietnam. He was a fine soldier.

Among his other awards and decorations was the coveted Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action.

Jay Langhammer is still with the company he owns in Roanoke, VA, although he’s handed management control to his son.

I caught Jay at work, which tells me that he may be something more than a silent partner. He’s still playing a lot of golf and he and his “significant other,” Page, spend as much time as they can at their mountain retreat near Hot Springs, VA. Our class VP, Bill Berry, wrote a brief note reminding me that 47 BRs attended the 55th and that by all accounts, all had a great time. (That’s almost 50% of those still vertical and above ground. That means there are about 97 of us left. In the immortal words of that old ball player, Satchel Page, “You better not look back ‘cause you just might see what’s gaining on you.”)

Just finished talking with Sandra, Tommy Armstrong’s widow, who echoed what most of us who have been there would say, “The pain of his loss is almost unendurable.” But she sounded pretty good under the circumstances. I was glad I called. She said that Tom is buried in the old Revolutionary War cemetery in Yorktown. She thought that Tommy, loving American history as he did, would like that.

Don and Maureen Walden write that they had just returned home from the reunion after a 3500+ mile trip. On the way to the Institute, they stopped in Abingdon where they attended a performance at the venerable Barter Theater, arguably the premier repertory theater in America.

After the reunion, they spent some time at the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford County, “about 15 miles from where (Don) lived during his high school days.” They then traveled to Norfolk, VA, where they toured the battleship Wisconsin before moving on to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a couple of days with friends. Don concludes by saying, “I would recommend these places to anybody. Virginia has so much to offer, and seeing the VMI again is

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like frosting on the cake.” (He admits that he can’t believe he said that.)

Had an interesting discussion with Byrd LaPrade and his wife last evening. Byrd is still managing his own company, stays busy and continues to live in the beautiful state of Vermont. Byrd says he saw “Mud” White and Fran a while ago and enjoyed the visit very much.

Len Wagner called to say that, despite medical “challenges,” he’s hanging in there. He reminded me that he and his good wife have been married more than 50 years. (That’s beginning to sound like a commitment, Len.) Len’s still living in Williamsburg and would, I’m sure, welcome visits from his Brother Rats.

John Mapp reports that he’s bought a small place in Florida and is spending 3-4 months a year there. Hank Hulme says that as historian for his 154-year-old church, he is enjoying writing history articles, sorting through old records and photos and arranging pictures and artifact displays, sort of a strange calling for a died-in-the-wool civil engineer. Jack Tiller joined a mission team from his church and traveled to Mississippi for a week to help repair and rebuild homes so terribly damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Jack says he found the experience to be one of the “most satisfying and fulfilling of his life.” George Ramer still spends his winters in Vero Beach, Florida, with BRs Mapp, Schubmehl, Jock Wheeler, Bill Berry and Connie Wentz. He says that they had a great evening when Bruce and Nancy Gottwald brought their yacht to Vero.

As I said at the beginning of these notes, Tommy Armstrong, our class president, died only a relatively short time before our reunion. Sandra and I agreed that the loss of a spouse in a good and mutually rewarding marriage was one of the worst tragedies one can experience on this earthly journey. But we also agreed that the blessings of such a rich and rewarding relationship far outweighed the pain of separation and that the departed loved one can never really die as long as he or she lives in the heart and soul of those who knew and loved them. Sandra, I know I speak for all of Tommy’s Brother Rats when I say that we mourn his passing greatly and pray that a merciful and loving God will sustain you in your hour of need.

One final note on the reunion … The vibes I felt in that place at that time reminded me of the following passage from the Bible: “Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish.

Love does not take offense and is never resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sin but delights in the truth. Love is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure. Whatever comes, love does not come to an end.” I Corinthians 13 And that’s the way it was, at the Institute, at the 55th.

’55

Read Hanmer

This edition of the ’55 class notes marks the transition of your class agent from Casey Jones to Read Hanmer. The informal transition took place at the mini reunion in Lexington in early April. Please see the photo on the next page for the formal ceremony.

We owe a great vote of thanks to Casey for manning the barricades for four years, beginning at our 50th Reunion in 2005.

During his tenure, which spanned numerous mini reunions and class notes in the Alumni Review, Casey kept us well informed and abreast of class business. Casey, you and Sarah served us well and ably. I know you will be regular attendees at class functions in the future. Again, many thanks from all of us!

The mini reunion on 3-5 April in Lexington was a huge success. Twenty-two Brother Rats attended all or most of the events, which featured beautiful ‘tho quite chilly weather. We were joined by Liz Barker and her daughter, Susanne, and granddaughter Anya. Also joining the group were Joe Irby II ’85 and Cindy. Brother Rats who attended were Bowden, Boxley, Brooke, Bryan, Cridlin, Davidson, Fisher, Hanmer, Haake, Hill, Irby, Jones, Lazarus, McCants, Nolley, Powell, Rhodes, Sutherland, Tait, Valentine, Wainwright and Williamson. Festivities began at the hospitality room at the Col Alto on Friday afternoon and then migrated to Tom and Margaret Tait’s home for cocktail, snacks and lots of palaver.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Thanks, Tom and Margaret, for extending dinner at the Lexington Country Club. On And remember to keep those cards and your warm hospitality to all. Evidence of a somber note, we noted the passing of BR letters (and e-mails) coming. I can’t make the class’s increasing seniority was the early Dave Barker. Dave fought a tremendous things up. I’ll be depending on YOU to proclosing of the hospitality room – before 10 battle with a deteriorating illness, amyloid vide anecdotes for the class notes. I can be pm. angiopathy. It is interesting to note that Tom reached at: 703/698-9798, VMI55Agent@ Saturday morning began with a presentation Tait’s daughter is conducting research into cox.net or readandlois@cox.net, and 7533

by Pete Haake on the emerging Class of 1955 this rare disease. You may wish to make Fairwood Lane, Falls Church, VA 22046. directory on the VMI alumni web site (http:// a contribution to the VMI Foundation in Richard M. Smith www.vmialumni.org). It includes a directory, Dave’s memory. events, photos, a blog, and class notes pages.

Sunday morning gave all an opportunity to To access the site, first make sure you have enjoy a Col Alto breakfast and to begin to lay a user account at the link above, then click plans for the 55th. on “VMI RANKS,” then click on “My VMI In early May, Joe Brenner and I had a links” on the left index, then select “Class of great chat over hot cakes, coffee and tea I have just returned from a great week in 1955.” You may also update your own profile while Joe was in Arlington to visit his son the warm Florida sunshine to 12 inches of by clicking on the directory. Pete snow and 10 degree temperatures! has uploaded many pictures from In addition to having to scrape all the 50th Reunion that can be run the snow and ice off my jeep in as a slide show. Consider posting the parking lot, my flight was deyour own photos to the site, for layed three hours in Atlanta, and the rest of us to enjoy. Also, I just I ended up driving home at three posted the first blog on our site. in the morning! I also caught a Join in the fun. Thanks, Pete, for horrendous head cold, and one getting us started on this imporear is still plugged up from the tant resource. pressurization. Woe to those The group then assembled at who travel in the winter months! the new Leadership Center, a Nevertheless, I can’t say enough magnificent facility that will proabout the hospitality shown me by vide, inter alia, space for many BR Scottie Boland. alumni activities. After a quick He took me fishing on Lake Class of 1955: Class agent change of command in Reedville, Virginia, May 2009. Seated, from left: Sarah and tour of the center, we moved to Kissimmee and showed me all Casey Jones and Read Hanmer. Standing: Lois Hanmer. the new PX – bookstore in the the wonderful sights where he “new-new” (new squared for has had the opportunity to hunt you engineers) or Third Barracks, and fish all his life. Neither of us which features a variety of fast food services, and family. Joe offered helpful suggestions got skunked, but the wind and cold water a far cry from Red Turner’s emporium in the for class business - more about them later. didn’t allow us to catch the limit of Speckbasement of the Old Barracks. We then had an les or Bass we had hoped. I had hoped to Looking ahead, it’s time to mark your opportunity to enter the courtyard of the new calendars for our 55th Reunion, to be held visit Spider and Anne Allison, but time New Barracks, which faithfully preserves the Monday, 19 April, and Tuesday, 20 April didn’t allow it. Spider sent me a picture of ambiance of the Old and New Barracks. VMI 2010. Plan now to attend and catch up on all the Pelican Sport 600 new airplane Dave Sergeant Major Neel was along, and when Jane your BRs’ comings and goings. You Yankees Blair recently bought, which accompaBowden asked whether we could see inside a (and all the rest of you) note that the VMI nies these notes. As Spider commented, cadet room, he said “sure.” You can imagine football team plays Army at West Point on “Just shows that 56ers aren’t ready to be the poor cadet’s discomfiture when the SGM Nov. 14. Lets’ have a great turnout to support put out to pasture yet.” Jere Real reports and a crowd of ladies roused him out of his hay! the Keydets. he is still entering a number of photo galFortunately, he was fully clad and was able to leries with his pictures taken back in the Shortly after the mini reunion, we all brief all on the new-new Barracks rooms. Tom received the detailed letter from Gen. Peay ’50s and ’60s. He recently had the engine Williamson and Read Hanmer also took a ’62 reporting on the state of the Institute. on his 1962 Studebaker Hawk rebuilt. Sevtour of the renovated Mallory Hall. eral magazine articles he wrote some years Read it carefully, and it’s easy to see why Saturday afternoon found Tom Williamago are being republished. John “Rocky” VMI needs our help. VMI’s “egg” – the son, Ron Bryan and Bill Davidson at the Stone writes he was at Mt. Pleasant for money that draws interest and sustains golf course. Others lazed about or caught the progress – was hit by the recession, just Grandparents Day and bumped into Don first few innings of the VMI-Liberty baseball as we all were. Our class has a fine record Nyman. They both have grandchildren game, ultimately won by Liberty. attending Trident Academy. He is looking of support; let’s keep it up and improve it.

Saturday evening featured a wonderful forward to being with us at the fall mini Every dollar really helps.

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CLASS NOTES reunion. He also complimented me for having a “facelift” and covering it up with a beard. Hoppy Holsinger and Sallie had a trip to Florida this winter, trying to escape the cold weather. They visited a cousin in Tallahassee, and he got to fly his plane.

Next, they were in St. Augustine where he drank from the fountain of youth and expects to be around for a long time now.

After seeing the Space Museum, they went on to Melbourne and had a wonderful visit for several days with Spider and Anne Allison. After seeing more sights in Tampa and Sarasota, they headed back loaded with oranges, lemons, grapefruits and pecans. I was saddened to learn the Allisons lost their son-in-law, Ernie McDaniel, to cancer at the age of 49 on Apr. 30th. They attended the ceremony for their grandson, Shane McDaniel, in March at Paris Island when he became a U.S. Marine. I had the pleasure of spending my 75th birthday in Buenos Ares, Argentina, with my daughter and son-in-law and 12-year-old twin granddaughter and grandson. Vernelle and I did everything from riding the 100-yearold subway to dancing the Tango. We even flew to Mendoza and toured the

wine venues and climbed part way up Mt. Aconcagua in the Andes Mountains. As of May 15th, we have 20 signed up to attend the fall mini reunion. By October, we hope to triple this number. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Yours in the Spirit, Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

Here ’tis May, and summer has arrived in Florida. We have heat and humidity and bugs but no rain. We haven’t had a drop for weeks, and the wild-fire danger is high.

Management posted a notice that the golfers should refrain from smoking while on the golf courses. It is that serious.

In April, Dawn and I enjoyed a trip to VMI for the Class Agents Conference on 17-18 April. Of the 81 agents, a majority attended.

The Post looked beautiful in the spring, and Third Barracks was occupied with cadets, as well as a two-level Lejeune Hall. Restoration continues on Old and New Barracks, and when completed, the Corps will “swell” to

Class of 1956: Above: Anne and Dave Blair beside their new experimental airplane in Punta Gorda, Florida, January 2009. Below: Dave Blair in his Pelican Sport 600.

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1500. Now with all these cadets, the football team should have a winning season, its first since 1981. We plan to attend several games in 2009 in Lexington and South Carolina. We look to see many Brother Rats in attendance and lots of victories.

Even in an economic downturn, our class continues to support VMI. Giving totals for fiscal year 2009 (as of 31 March) indicate that 79 Brother Rats and two widows are donors. Our class had achieved the goal of 100 donors in eight of the last 10 years, and we are on target to make it nine for 11. Last week I sent a letter to VMI to mail to those BRs who have yet to contribute this fiscal year.

I have complete confidence that 21 Brother Rats will raise our total to 100 donors.

In addition, I phoned VMI today and learned that the Keydet Club 75th Anniversary Challenge continues through 31 December 2009. Our class could be among the top 10. Please make a check to the VMI Keydet Club of $75.00 and indicate 75th Anniversary Challenge, or send you regular contribution to the VMI Foundation and add $75.00, indicating in the body of the check that $75.00 is for the 75th Anniversary Challenge. My records indicate that 14

Class of 1956: Above: In March 2009, Ralph “Hoppy” Holsinger flew an airplane belonging to a cousin in Tallahassee, Florida. Below; While in Florida, Holsinger meet with Thayer “Spider” Allison in Melbourne.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES fair ground across the street from the house Brother Rats have already done this.

Milt Hargrave, Lionel Hancock, Tommy Having reached the watershed of our 50th in which he grew up. The reenactment is Hunter, J.J. Kirchmier, Gus Kline, Ron Kaye, Jim Kyle, Carl LeBourdais, Tiger Reunion, the class established a Bereave- quite impressive, and he hopes to attend Locke, G.E. Murray, P.D. Phillips, Ed ment Committee in 2008, and we also set next year. Pat and he did attend the alumni up a Bereavement Committee Fund to review of their son, Coleman ’89, at his 20th Powell, Fritz Scholz, Jim Snead, Armond enable the committee to send flowers and Reunion. These young men are in the prime Wagner and Bunny Wiggins.

On a more pleasant note, G.E. Murray sympathy cards, as well as notes and cards of their lives. The honor class was the class and Ro enclosed a group picture of the class to the seriously ill. There have been 12 of 1959, celebrating their 50th. We were of 1957 sailing on the Royal Clipper, 14-21 Brother Rats who have given to this fund. second classmen when they were Rats.

March 2009. Pictured are Phil and Sharon Eight were recognized in my February notes. Does this mean we are getting on in years?

Don Jamison on 20 April wrote that we Howard and Pat in April had dinner in Roa- Peters, Patti Hammond and G.E. and Ro Murray. They had a wonderful time. should add and commend Kenny Dickinson, noke with Shirley and George Sydnor, and Drewry Fox, Frank Gilmore and Tommy his dyke, Bill W. Kingery ’54 and his wife, Wes Roberts Hunter for their contribution to his special Shirley. All are doing well. fund. Don writes that our BRs have been On 11 May, Dawn and I drove south 90 generous, and we have an adequate balance miles to Merritt Island to visit Katie and in the account. This doesn’t mean that we Kenny Dickinson. Ken recently had a discourage other BRs from contribution. two-hour operation to insert a pacemaker.

All contributions should be sent to Colonel He is recovering nicely but can’t drive for Donald K. Jamison at 110 Colston Place, another six weeks. After a delicious lunch, Lexington, VA 24450, with checks made we watched the space shuttle Atlantis to “The Class of 1957 Bereavement Fund.” liftoff at 2:10 p.m. on its way to repair This is not a full-blown solicitation, just a the Hubble telescope. We had a nice visit, Well, Shipmates (no, I wasn’t in the gentle encouragement.

Navy; it just struck me as a good Peggy Rogers in April thanked way to start off), we have a vathe class for the beautiful vase of riety of interesting notes and ancut flowers we sent when Buddy ecdotes to report this quarter. I’ll passed away in December. “I start off with a report from BR still can’t believe he is not with Dorsey “”Ship” Shipley, who is me anymore after 51 ½ years of now retired after 30 years with marriage, and I dated him for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assofive years. I truly miss him. I ciation (AOPA). Ship forwarded kinda feel lost.” Peggy thanked to me a copy of the AOPA us for our thoughtfulness. magazine, Flight Training (April Edie and Bob Fiske in Ormond 2009), in which he had published Beach, Florida, sent a postcard an article entitled, “Behind Class of 1957: On the VMI Alumni Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, March 14-21, 2009, were, from from Aiken, South Carolina, on the Eightball: When the Wind left, Phil and Sharon Peters, Patti Hammond, and G.E. their way north. They plan to Catches Up.” Dorsey relayed his and Ro Murray. visit Kay and Lew Diuguid in flying experiences in his reunion Baltimore. Edie thanked Dawn with his flight instructor, whom for the catnip mouse that Dawn made for and Dawn gave a catnip mouse to Puff III, he had not seen for almost 50 years after their new kitten. learning to fly. The article dealt with the their new kitten.

Ann and Frank Gilmore in Butte, Montana, dangers inherent in cross-wind landings. It The Alumni Review 2009-Issue 2 arrived question us about our possible visit to Mon- on May 13, containing the class notes was an amusing article, though serious in tana. Dawn and I plan to travel to the Pacific written in February. This three-month content. He ended with a quote from the Northwest, but Dawn has continued to work publication time lapse is wonderful as the control tower, stating, “I have a message because of the economic situation. We had news isn’t ancient history. However, for from your instructor who was behind you hoped that she would have retired by now, but the first time, the staff returned my notes in the pattern with another student. He said we believe we will have a chance to travel in for additional editing. I had submitted 20 that if you asked to take off again, to shoot 2010 or 2011. Frank suggested the best months hand-printed pages, and that exceeded the you down!” If you would like a copy of to visit are probably August and September. suggested limit by 25%. I had to abridge the this article, contact Ship at Dorsey.shipThere is much to see in Big Sky Country.” ley@comcast.net. Ship said he is enjoying remarks of Alan Baumgartner, Jose ChioHoward Lawrence informed me that flying his remote control helicopter, which co and Pete Lincoln. More importantly, I Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated he, unfortunately, crashed into the trees. removed completely the news from Bob in Buchanan every year on 26 April on the He said that he is toying with the idea of Christopher, Tony DiCesare, Bob Fravel,

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2009-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES letting it take off from the trees and crash into the ground.

A brief note from BR Bob Beale, stated that he and his wife, Diane, were in NYC, where they met with Frank and Elaine Boeggeman for dinner one evening. They had a delightful time reminiscing and continuing where they left off at our 50th. The Beales then went to join his other set of classmates for his 50th West Point reunion.

BR Gene Martin advised that he and Peggy are gearing up for a June departure in their annual RV travel to visit their daughter. They also spent some time with son Michael at Pope AFB, just prior to his eighth deployment to the Mideast. Gratefully, this will be his last, as he reports to the Pentagon in late August.

BR Drew Troxler spoke of plans to visit Lexington on 14 May to celebrate New Market Day. Drew noted that he plans to have his two grandsons with him next year. One of them is named after a family member who was a New Market cadet of 1867. His name was not Troxler but Turner; they called him “Uncle Dred” for “Etheldred.” Drew shared Jan Woodman’s current address: 101 Bradley Lane, Lewes, DE 19958.

BR Frank Boeggeman spoke of his 17-year-old granddaughter who plays girls’ basketball in school. One of her teammates’ grandfathers went to VMI: Dick Walsh ’54. He said, “What are the odds of two girls from locust Valley, Long Island, NY, on the same sports team with grandfathers from VMI? A small world!” Boeggie related the reunion with the Beales, “the second time in 50 years.”

Duke Bishop and Nan reported from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, where they were trying to shake off the “winter pallor and blues.” He said their son, Dale Bishop ’92, and wife are expecting their first child, a girl. Duke is looking forward to attending Jules Berman’s third annual cruise in Herrington Harbor, MD, sometime in June.

By the time you read these notes, BR Gene Grayson will have had his left shoulder replacement, followed by a left hip replacement. Gene says the doctor wants to eventually replace the right shoulder, if he, Gene doesn’t chicken out!

Gene noted that Bob Buckland is moving to Frederick, MD, and stated that the

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“Radford Gang” is getting smaller, adding that Walt Leach is expected at their high school reunion in June and will, no doubt, arrive on his chopper, “Big Red.” Gene said he sees Dr. Russ Davis ’57 on a regular basis for his aches and pains. Gene added this interesting note that he and Betty are “armed with John and Susie Peters’ book on Virginia courthouses. For one week (in 1912) it was the major national news story, until the Titanic tragedy.” He added, “This is a marvelous book on Virginia courthouses and basically, a history of the commonwealth, since most of our early history was centered on the courthouse.”

Donnie Walker’s wife, Barbara, reported they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 18, adding, “Can you believe someone can be married that long?” (Barb, I believe there are other BRs that also celebrated their 50th anniversaries in the past year, so you are in good company! See Dave Pai and Jim Cowan, below.)

BR Joe Parker reported that he is returning to the Institute in mid July to “interact with a few cadets in the Biology Summer Research program. I remain as the director of the Pathology Residency Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, working with my son, Dr. John Parker, who practices neuropathology with me.” Joe added that he and Trish celebrated Grandparents Day with their 7-year-old granddaughter, who he described as “a strong-willed young girl, who could hold her own at the Institute.”

BR Dave Pai reported that he and Anna have moved to The Pines at Davidson, NC: The Pines #423, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036, (Tel: 201/259-7187).

The Pines is a continuing care retirement facility and is next to Davidson College.

Residents may audit classes for free and participate in their cultural and sports programs. Dave said that after 44 years in New Jersey, you can’t believe how much junk one can accumulate. He noted that their main reason for moving is that their number one son, Ben, and family live in Charlotte, NC, about 20 minutes away.

He welcomes any of our BRs for visits.

Dave said at the end of February, he had a chance to play a round of golf with BRs Billy Thomas and Bobby Jordan in

Naples, FL. Bill Holland was supposed to be their fourth but backed out because he had to rush back to Richmond to attend a funeral. This year is Dave and Anna’s 50th wedding anniversary. They plan to join their family in Portland, OR, where their number two son, Mike, lives, to celebrate over the Forth of July holiday. Mike’s wife, Katharine, gave birth to their second son last August, so the Pai’s now have four grandkids – three boys and one girl.

Lee McCown advised me that he has been asked by Donnie Ross ’74 of the Keydet Club to obtain the e-mail addresses of our BRs. It is anticipated that we will be contacted by Lee regarding efforts to increase Keydet Club participation. We have all received the letter from Gen. Peay ’62, which, taken in the broadest context, expands on Lee’s efforts.

In March, Annemarie and I enjoyed a visit by Jim and Margaret Cowan, who had fled from their snowed-in home in the Black Hills of South Dakota. They also were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and were heading out on a three-day Caribbean cruise. After arriving in Florida, they took advantage of same and visited with Bill and Vivian Gee before heading to Miami. Upon returning home from the Sunshine State, they found their quarter-mile driveway to their home snowed-in again. They had to rely on their daughter and her boyfriend to snow-plow a pathway to the house.

BR Bill Holland and I correspond frequently via telephone. I find Bill to be his good natured, humorous self. Bill is always good for a laugh and lifts my spirits, as hopefully, I lift his.

Sam Woolwine appears to have lost his class ring, and I am endeavoring to have a reproduction made. Years ago, my ring was stolen in a house burglary.

Our jeweler made a mold using a class of ’58 ring furnished by Keith Gibson ’77, curator of the VMI Museum. My new ring is an exact copy of our class ring, and Dr. Sam’s ring will be as genuine as that made

by Josten’s. (Josten’s does not have a mold for our ring.)

Virginia is calling us. Hopefully, we will be there by the end of summer to enjoy the beautiful autumn season. Keep the Spirit!

God’s blessings ... Wes and Annemarie

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’59

Shep Shepard

I begin this quarter’s class notes with mixed emotions – we lost another Brother Rat and that saddened me, but we also had a wonderful gathering at VMI to celebrate our 50th Class Reunion. Although that alone doesn’t make up for the loss of a Brother Rat, it does soften the pain. Robert E. Pac passed away on 22 Feb. 2009. He was the beloved brother of Nancy DeMena and Barbara Pac and our Brother Rat. Robert left VMI after his Rat year and transferred to Lycoming College where he graduated and entered the United States Marine Corps. Unfortunately, I learned of Robert’s death a month after he passed away, and we were unable to send flowers or have a representative at his funeral, but I expressed our thoughts and prayers to his family by sending them a sympathy card from our class. What can I say about the 50th Reunion that has not already been said? It was, by far, the best we have had, thanks to Dick and Barbara Trandell, Mike and Julia Vagosko, Don and Carole Messner, John Patane, Bobby and Alice Ross and their daughter, Mary Catherine, and the whole Fund and Fun Committees.

Many kudos go to the Alumni Association for their participation, especially the indefatigable Carole Green, Pat Webb, Norma Robinson and Kathryn Wise who were responsible for so many things associated with the reunion including hotel reservations, pre-reunion packets, the wonderful reception and dinner in Marshall Hall, the fund raising, picture taking, etc. Additional kudos go out to Jimmy and Linda Johnson who instigated, designed and purchased the beautiful class of ’59 commemorative challenge coins, as well as Pete McWane who not only purchased a copy of the DVD “Mardi Gras” for every member of the class but also provided a 1959 bottle of scotch whiskey to celebrate the occasion. Bob and Anne Baillio capped the weekend off by hosting the wonderful Sunday morning breakfast at the Sheridan Livery Inn. What a great way to end a great weekend. One

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cannot leave the grounds of the Institute without admiring the fabulous work being done by our dyke and current superintendent, Gen. Binnie Peay ’62 – Dave Goode trained him well. The changes at VMI are measured not only by the wonderful new buildings that have been built since his arrival, but can also be seen in the way the cadets march, present themselves and the general overall attitude and atmosphere that predominates the whole institution.

From the class of ’59, an Old Yell to them all. We had such a great turnout; the final number was 96 Brother Rats, among them a number of first-timers. At the risk of being wrong and leaving someone out, I think this was the first for Danny Coogan, Pete Johnson, Larry Johnson and Bill Wichlei, and it was great to see them all there. Many Brother Rats wanted to be there, but circumstances prevented it.

Sonny Elkridge was one who wanted to be there, but Nancy has not been feeling up to par, and he thought it best to keep her close to home. Sonny reports that he is doing great. He is in real estate land development business with his sons, and although business is slow now, he expects it to pick up big time soon. Walt Ferony wanted to be there, but a few minor medical problems and the fact that relatives were getting married kept him away. This is the only reunion that Walt has missed but he feels that with his eyes, ears and hair almost gone and his memory fading fast he probably would not have recognized anyone anyway. I doubt that very seriously. Don and Judy MacWillie wanted to be there, but as you know, Don has been suffering with hepatitis C for many years, contracted from a bad blood transfusion, and doesn’t like to get too far from his medical facilities. Don spends a lot of his time these days working on the family genealogy and obtaining scholarships for deserving high school students.

Judy says Don has always been very good working with young high school-age kids, and over the years it has served him and the kids well. Years ago, Ann and I stayed with Don and Judy in Killeen, TX, and their son, Skip, was commanding an aviation battalion right down the road at Fort Hood. I always envied them and thought that must have been the best years

of their lives. Speaking of Skip MacWillie, while Eve Trumpore and her son, Van ’89, were visiting the Pentagon, they noticed Skip’s name on a marquee. They inquired about it and ended up having a nice long chat with him reliving old times.

It’s a Small, Small World. (Now, for the rest of the day, try to get that song out of your head.) It was so good to see Eve and Van. The weekend was Van’s 20th VMI Class Reunion, and if my memory serves me correctly, it was Eve’s 20th college reunion at Winston-Salem. Got a note from Howard Sprinkle who said it might be hard to believe, but he never cared much for parades and military ceremonies. To the saying, “If you don’t want to be seen, don’t become a preacher or a politician,” Howard adds “or the person leading the parade.”

Other priorities prevented Howard from attending the reunion. Ed Thomas was unable to attend because he is having prostate problems. About two months ago, his P.S.A. was high, so they gave him a biopsy and found malignant cancer in the prostate. A whole series of CAT scans and bone marrow tests were conducted and, thank goodness, it doesn’t seem to have spread beyond the prostate. Ed has started his radiation therapy and our prayers are with him that it will be successful. Ed recalls the time when Watson Mundy was his executive officer in a tank company he commanded at Fort Drum, NY. One day, near the end of summer camp, Watson surprised Ed; he had taught the company the chorus of the “VMI Spirit,” and they all sung it on a chilly fall morning in the middle of the woods at reveille. Ed remembers it as a fond memory that will remain with him always. I understand our other Thomas, Sonny Thomas, is also not feeling well with a reoccurrence of cancer.

Our prayers are with you, Sonny. Richard and Colleen Hein were also unable to attend due to Dick’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Colleen says Richard has a hard time remembering these days, but his health appears to be good. Bonnie Pomponio wanted to attend the reunion but thought it much too soon after Art’s death, and far too many memories would cloud her mind.

On our way to Lexington, Ann and I stopped by Monroe, NC, and had supper with Bonnie. We had a great evening

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1959 50th Class Reunion

Row 1: Dean Helfer, Bill Traylor, Jack Barnett, Lon Martin, Stephen J. Barcik, Shep Shepard, Skip White, Mike Vargosko, Russell C. Chew Jr., Royall Geis, John L. Engels Jr., Kent D. Decker, Rusty Loth, Max Blanchard, Robert Martin, Hal Dayhuff and E.L. Fall. Row 2: Dick Trandel, Kenneth Smith, Dave Goode, Jimmy Johnson, Ed Talley, Lloyd Thacker, Truman Baxter, Kurt Gloeckner, Billy Kornegay, Penn Whitescarver, Ron Marley, James C. Wood Jr., Jerry Borst and Harry Ray. Row 3: Jim Sam Gillespie, Nevins H. Wilburn, Jim Wood, Dick Bingham, Pete McWane, Eddie Barnes, Marvin Myers, Harlee Pate, Leon Elsarelli, Noland Pipes, Ed Sitch, Jerry Borst and Rogers McCall. Row 4: Nowell Loop, James Vermillion, M.A.H. Smith, Buzz Nowlin, Tex Carr, Lou Gapenski, John Van Kesteren, Don Messner, Bobby Ross, Chuck Cotton, Dick Phillippi and William Lee. Row 5: Bruce Mackenzie, Joe Monroe, Sonny Bishop, George O’Neill, Lee Wilkinson, Dan Coogan, Phil Sellers, Charlie Orrison, Mike Irivne, Jack Angolia, Spencer Tucker, Lawrence F. Johnson, Eugene S. King, Morton Eggleston, Dick Tuck and John Patane. Row 6: John Trout, Bill Kessler, Larry Wood, Harry Mac Gregor, Brad Willard, Bob Haines, Bob Hobson, Carl Kasko, Ralph Lawson, Bob Baillio, Ned Addison, Gordon Keiser and Niels Andersen. Row 7: Bill Wichlei, George Mittendorf, Mel Anderson, John Martin, Lee Southard, Bill Nebraska, Bud Kramer, Max Guggenheimer, John Reed, Art Brandriff, Tom Klemenko and Jim McFalls.

talking about the good old days. I believe I spilled the beans on a number of antics that Art and I were involved in before he met Bonnie and that she knew nothing about. Bonnie loves living close to her son, Matt, Ellen and the grandchildren but misses all her northern Virginia and Baltimore friends. She sends her love and regrets that she was unable to attend the reunion. To all our Brother Rats who are sick and suffering, we offer our prayers and condolences and wish you all a speedy recovery. The Reverends Noland Pipes, Robert Martin and Richard Bingham are once again to be commended for the moving memorial service that they put together. It seemed most appropriate to have the service in Jackson Memorial Hall. We were also fortunate to have several family members at the service.

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Agnes Inge Carter brought husband Charlie, who has been one of us for so long he is almost a Brother Rat, as well as a good portion of the Inge family.

The recent wedding of Agnes’ daughter, Owen, who was married two weeks before the reunion on a chilly, windy and wet day on the water’s edge overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, consumed the Carter’s planning and vacation time, so she and Charlie could only make it for the memorial service. Agnes passed the beautiful class commemorative challenge coin – a gift that Jimmy Johnson sent to all the widows – on to son Thomas Benjamin Inge IV ’89 who she says prizes it dearly. Cecil Young’s daughter, Karen Levi, was there with her husband, Gary. What a wonderful young couple who I hope will continue to

maintain contact with Cecil’s Brother Rats. You could see Cecil in Karen’s eyes; Marge Garnett Elsarelli brought her husband, Leon Elsarelli; Eve Trumpore brought her son, Van ’89; Ina Ingram was there with Jack Barnett; and Don Dreelin’s sister, Ann Shepard, was there with her husband, me. It’s hard to believe we have lost on an average, one Brother Rat each year since we’ve graduated. All the more reason we should renew old friendships and get together with a Brother Rat. It was great to see so many old friends. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space to recognize everyone, but I do want to recognize Brad Willard and Corazon Johnson. It was so good to see them. We haven’t seen them since we attended a football game together in Tampa, close to 10 VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES years ago. Brad is living out in Shelton, WA, in between his trips to his home in Garmisch, Germany, and his place down in Saba. Says he’s glad to be away from Saba where he thinks he is the highest paid bell hop on the Island. Bob Hobson remembers that when Jim Masotti died in Vietnam, his funeral was held across the street from the nuclear lab at Rensselaer Poly Institute. On the way to the lab as a graduate student, Bob noticed a funeral taking place. He stopped to salute, since it was obviously a military funeral, but did not find out until the following day in the paper that it was Jim’s funeral. Tex Carr and Hal Dayhuff are threatening to update and republish the 40th Reunion Yellow Book, so look forward to a deluge of e-mails from them. They received many requests for an updated version. Unfortunately, as you might recall, we gave Hal an electric cattle prod at the 40th Reunion as a gag-gift which I’m afraid he still has and tells me he has no compunctions about using it. Ann and I will take a wide berth when we next pass by Atlanta. Kidding aside, please cooperate with Tex and Hal and help them put this together. Hal said he heard a lot of new stories that would be a great addition to a third volume of the Memories of VMI which is in the very hard stages of being tabulated. If you heard a good one, write it down and send it to Hal or Tex. I could go on for pages talking about the reunion, but we have other news to cover. Earlier this year, several of us from the Stonewall Class made a trip to South America. Although we didn’t get as many Brother Rats to join us as we had hoped, those that did show were wonderful company, and we had a great time together. Mel and Jean Anderson, Pete McWane, and Ann and I started the trip with a week-long post extension to Peru and Machu Picchu. We began our adventure with a few days in Cuzco, Peru, 11,000 feet above sea level, in order to get acclimated to the altitude.

Then, we proceeded on to Machu Picchu, and what a magnificent sight it was. After all these years of seeing pictures of it, it seemed almost surreal seeing it. It’s an experience we will never forget. Bill and Connie Nebraska joined us in Santiago, Chile, where we enjoyed Chilean

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hospitality for a few days before “Tangoing” our way to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and eventually ending up at Iguassu Falls – Argentina and Brazil’s answer to Niagara Falls. From there, we made our way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where we caught enough of the end of Carnival to learn to do a little “Sambaing” and enjoy seeing many amazing and beautiful Carnival costumes before heading back to Miami.

Traveling with Mel and Jean brought back a lot of wonderful memories of previous trips we’ve made together, but it was a new experience traveling with Pete, who unbeknownst to me, has been a world traveler for years. I don’t know how we would have made it through the day without Pete pulling out one of his many gadgets to inform us about the wind speed, altitude, outside/inside temperature, ultraviolet ray count, magnetic declination, longitude, latitude and so many other indispensible facts that I’ve forgotten them. Pete was a real pleasure to travel with, and I hope we can do it again soon.

Bill and Connie were also great traveling buddies. I’m not saying that Bill’s granddaughter has him wrapped around her finger, but Bill promised to pay her for every A she got on her report card. When she received her latest report card, she called him and said, “You’re going to have to dig deep this time, Pepe.” I’m surprised they were able to afford the trip to the reunion after paying off their granddaughter. We had such a great time with our Brother Rats and only wish we could get more to join us next time. Speaking of the Nebraskas, when Bill returned from South America, he joined Carl Kasko and a couple of his friends in Sarasota for golf and some Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games, something Carl has been doing for a number of years. Bill and Connie also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in the Lexington, VA, Catholic Chapel, the same one in which they were married 50 years ago.

Fortunately, many of Bill’s Brother Rats were able to be there to witness the event: Ron and Mary Alice Marley, Carl Kasko, Baldy and JoAnn Fall, Bobby and Alice Ross, Bud and Denyse Kramer, and Ann and me. Bill and Connie’s plans for the future include a late summer get-together

with their two sons and their families for a long weekend in the Poconos of Pennsylvania as they continue to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Spence Tucker keeps on trucking. He just finished a biography about Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, which should be out this spring, while currently working on a five-volume encyclopedia of U.S. wars in the Middle East. Spence is like the Energizer Bunny – he just keeps on going and going and going … Both he and Beverly looked great at the reunion. And speaking of writing, Jack Angolia just released his 38th book, is working on his 39th and will probably stop at 40. Between his roomies, Spence and Jack, two very old history majors who probably spent more time on LA beach than most, they have produced about 50 books. Congratulations, guys; that’s a remarkable achievement and in only 50 years. Jack writes that he just finished doing his taxes and finds he is qualified for a bail out but only providing he doesn’t pay his “staff (Joy)” a bonus. This winter, Jack and Joy will travel once again to the west coast of South America and then on to Micronesia (Tahiti, Easter Island, etc.), and in 2010 they plan to do the North Atlantic rim.

Jack and Joy still seem to be holding on to that Globetrotter Award. A few years ago, Bill Kessler discovered several problems associated with a small plot of family owned land located in the Long Island, NY, area. The land was purchased by his grandfather in 1910 and handed down through family in the years that followed.

He sent a “distress signal” to John Engels to see if he knew someone with New York real estate knowledge who could help sort out several issues. John came through and introduced Bill to his associate, Stephen Checca ’82, who also introduced him to his sister, Jane Checca, an alumni of Hollins University. They have been very helpful in bringing considerable clarity to his family’s real estate issue. When Bill and Mary visited New York, John organized a terrific dinner party for all of the participants. Bill Wichlei had news from Coastal Carolina. Through the newly formed VMI Coastal Carolina Chapter in Charleston, SC, he has gotten to meet several alumni. The local chapter president

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CLASS NOTES 1

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Class of 1959 Snapshots

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1959 Captions photos on previous page Photo 1: The “Stonewall Class of ’59” golfers after a round of golf at the Vista Links in Buena Vista, Virginia. Photo 2: Out to lunch at VMI’s mess hall were, from left, sitting, Marge Garnett and Andrea Loth. Standing: Ann Shepard, Vel and John Engels, Rusty Loth, Bet Vermillion, Mark and June Smith, Leon Elsarelli, Jim Vermillion, and Ron and Mary Alice Marley. Photo 3: Alice Ross and her daughter, Mary Catherine, hosted a brunch for the ladies from the class of 1959.

Photo 4: The VMI crew at Iguassu Falls, Argentina. From left: Bill Nebraska, Mel Anderson, Ann and Shep Shepard, Jean Anderson, Connie Nebraska and Pete McWane. Photo 5: Eve Trumpore had the unexpected pleasure of running into Col. Skip MacWillie, Don MacWillie’s son, while visiting the Pentagon recently. Photo 6: The “Stonewall Class Ministers” who performed the memorial service for deceased Brother Rats. From left: The Reverends Robert Martin, Richard Bingham and Noland Pipes. Photo 7: Pete McWane shared a bottle of 1959 Mortlach Scotch whiskey that he placed in the Alumni Association bar many years ago to be opened at the class’s 50th Reunion. From left: Dan Coogan, John Trout, Bill Wichlei and Pete McWane.

Photo 8: The certificate that accompanied the Commemorative Challenge Coins that were created and presented by Jimmy Johnson. Photo 9: Party time at the Lexington Country Club.

From left: Russ Chew, Charlotte Waters, Mary and Bill Kessler, June Smith, and Barbara and Harlee Pate. Photo 10: At an impromptu dinner hosted by Vel and John Engels were the Engels, Sally and Stephen Checca ’82, Bill and Mary Kessler, and Jane Checca.

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is very outgoing and dynamic, causing many hidden alumni like himself to start being active. Bill attended the Southern Conference Tournament Wrestling matches and watched our young VMI team perform well. The heavyweight division was won

by Josh Wine ’11 who should fare well in the regional NCAA matches. Lloyd and Bette Thacker had a visit from Brother Rats Truman and Jackie Baxter and Marvin and Patty Myers. They had a great time dusting off old stories getting them ready for recitation at the 50th Reunion. All are doing well. Marvin is undergoing a golf anger management course, and it appears to be working; he has only broken 35 golf clubs so far this year. Truman is semi retired and spends most of his spare time either fishing or bird hunting. Last fall, Jack and Gail Christie had the last of their four daughters get married in Las Vegas, NV, and in the winter, one of their two sons got married in Key Biscayne, FL. That’s it for Jack and Gail; no more walking down the aisle. All six kids are married now, and no doubt the grandchildren count will increase from the present 11. Jack and Gail might give Bob and Lois Hobson a run for their money. When the issue of water boarding was being discussed at the national leveln and Bill O’Reilly made the comment that George C. Marshall was water boarded while attending VMI, several of our Brother Rats had flashbacks. Mark Smith always thought that duck-walking through the main sinks in rain capes, in the middle of January, with all the showers running full blast was a form of water boarding; but perhaps that might have been just a resurrection. Kurt Berggren, on the other hand, thinks his rehab is going well; he has no recollection of duck walking thru the main sinks. In fact, he has no knowledge at all about what the main sinks are, nor does he recall anything called duck walking, whatever that might be. “Perhaps it was group therapy or just something for Mark alone?” I believe Kurt also said something about running for Congress next session and expecting to be a shoe-in. Kurt was also sorry he missed the reunion and apologizes with, “Mea culpa, mea culpa.

Abrazos por todos Kurt.” Don Hann got married in January to Beverly, a retired Lt./Cmdr. of the Public Health Service.

Don met Beverly in the PHS Hospital in Savannah, GA, after getting banged up in the Cuba Crisis. Don, a Coastie, was cadre at the Bay of Pigs fiasco and suffered minor wounds. All officers of the Coast Guard received medical services from the PHS. Don and Beverly plan to buy an old Savannah, GA, mansion, refurbished but with modern sanitary and food service equipment. It is owned by the city but with the housing market being what it is, they are willing to give him a deal. They will maintain their winter home in Harbor, OR. Noland and Mary Pipes are enjoying lots of quality time these days with their newest grandson while his mother completes her third grade teaching obligation. They are otherwise occupied by moving furniture, etc. to make room for this part of their family, as they have sold their home in Memphis and will move to Little Rock after school is out. The rest of the Pipes family remains in Memphis, so they have been blessed, but they foresee lots of trips to Little Rock. In the meantime, Noland is teaching in a seminary program that involves short, intense periods of face to face classroom work and lots of e-mail and telephone conference time. According to Noland this “distance learning” has become quite popular. He has finally gained some relief from sixteen weeks of shingles pain and would counsel any BR who had chicken pox as a child but has not yet had the shingles virus to get the vaccine immediately. After returning from the reunion, Noland relates the following about his wife, Mary. Mary maintains a regular round of telephone conversations; family, church friends and neighbors. Within a couple of days after returning from the 50th Reunion, Noland overheard a repeated theme as she talked with a number of these people and a Westhampton (U of Richmond) classmate.

Mary could not speak of the reunion without the use of superlatives. She referred to the state and appearance of the Institute, the generous gift to the Institute from the class of ’59, the social experience and interaction she observed, and so on.

She went on to say to the Westhampton classmate that she now doubted that she wanted to attend their 50th reunion because she was so sure that it could not measure up to that which she had just observed – a 77

CLASS NOTES feeling I am sure that many of us still feel.

Mary is now wondering if there is some way that they can effectively encourage their grandson to consider VMI when that time comes. Bill and Susie Kirkland report that there is not much to report – haven’t been on any big trips, nor are there any planned. Bill and Susie did go to Ft. Myers, FL, to escape the cold weather of Kentucky. Unfortunately, the weather was a little cool the first week but got increasingly better as the month went on, far better than the weather they had left in Louisville – snow and ice storms. One of their twin daughters got pregnant soon after her husband got back from Iraq. She held off telling them until she was 10 weeks pregnant since she had lost a couple of babies and thought that after 10 weeks she was safe.

However, sadly it was not to be true; she lost this one too. Shortly after getting back from Florida, Bill and Susie were on the road again, this time to Indiana to take care of their 19-month-old granddaughter while their daughter recovered. They finally got back home, and the mailman asked if they were back in town for awhile. “You never know from day to day,” was the answer.

Buzz Noland has come out of retirement for the second time and is working part time as superintendent in Highland Public Schools to help them out. The division has only 258 students in K-12 which gives him the opportunity to get to know everyone in the school. Buzz and Virginia are enjoying life. Don and Carol Messner followed up the Reunion with a river cruise beginning in Budapest, Hungary and cruising to Nuremberg, Germany. John and Chris Patane, as well as Carol’s brother and wife, accompanied them, and they all had a wonderful trip. Don and Carol had a brief visit from old Pittsburgh friends Dayle and Bill Salsgiver ’56 earlier in the year. Bill is doing well, still flying his plane and chairing the board of his Ellwood City Bank. Bobby and Alice Ross can finally take off their shoes, sit back and relax after some hectic months preparing for the reunion. Just days before the reunion and Alice’s brunch, they had a pipe burst in their house. They were out of town at the time and came home to a royal mess.

Fortunately, all repairs were completed prior to the reunion, albeit without the close supervision by Bobby, it would not have been completed. Alice’s lovely brunch was 78

a smashing success, and some of the credit must go to their daughter, Mary Catherine, who ran a catering business for years while at the same time being a Navy wife for 20 years. Her husband is a captain in the Navy and is presently in Afghanistan until October. They bought a house in Lexington, so they could be near family while he is over there, and they plan to retire in the home they are in now. They love Lexington and are looking forward to the day when they can retire and settle down. Bud and Denyse Kramer are planning a 7400-mile, two-month-long, motor home trip this summer that will include many western, northern and eastern states, as well as Canada. Their daughter-in-law, Crystal, has been fighting cancer for some time now and seems to be holding her own. Crystal is a casting director in Toronto and is scheduled to do a Food Channel special on food for cancer victims sometimes this fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with her as she continues to fight her battle. Bud and Denyse currently have four grandchildren in college, one will graduate this year. In addition, Bud’s son is attending helicopter school, and they’re hoping that he graduates later this year. He is preparing for his role as an executive producer for an aviation movie sometime this year. When I asked Jimmy Johnson to join us for golf at the reunion, he informed me that his cousin was Ben Crenshaw. Right away, I grabbed my back pocket to make sure my wallet was still there. Seems Ben’s mother was Jimmy’s father’s youngest sister. Ben was named after Jimmy’s father, George Ben Johnson, VMI class of 1932. Jimmy babysat Ben and his older brother, Charlie, when he was going to U of T prior to going to dental school. Jimmy goes on to say that the Johnson family was from Tazewell in southwest VA, and his grandmother was a Gillespie. Her father was in the 23rd Battalion of VA Infantry C.S.A. and fought in the Battle of New Market next to the VMI Corps. He thinks that he was Jim Sam Gillespie’s great grandfather as well. Jimmy was not raised in Virginia, because his father died when he was one year old and his mother returned to her home in Houston to raise the family. Once again, it’s time to sing together, “It’s a Small, Small World.”

After the reunion, Jimmy and Linda left Lexington and drove to Norfolk to visit

relatives. While there, they had the opportunity to have lunch with Bill Fuqua and his girlfriend. No word on why Bill didn’t attend the reunion, but he appears to be in good shape. Bruce and Norma MacKenzie are off again on another trip. This time they are on the American Cruise Lines sailing from Charleston to Baltimore. Ken and Peggy Smith report that they had a great time at the 50th Reunion. It was great renewing old friendship with our Brother Rats. Ken and Peggy sold their house last year and moved up the street three houses to a smaller house, made some additions to help the house fit their needs and now are living the Life of Riley. Their “retirement house” does have a spare bedroom, so Brother Rats visiting the Charlottesville area and needing a clean place to overnight are encouraged to stop by and pay Ken and Peggy a visit. Ann and I are doing well. Our children are prospering, and grandchildren make us prouder every day.

As they go from children to young adults, the transformation is spectacular to watch.

The economy has forced us to cut back a little on our overseas travels, but we still plan to make it up to Hilton Head a few times this summer, as well as a trip out west with our daughter, Christine, and her family.

We also have to make it up to Virginia Beach, VA, to see our son, Phil ’83, and his family, as well as our son Brett ’87, and his family in Atlanta, GA, not to mention our daughter, Colleen, and her family in Springfield, MO. Looks like we will be pretty busy this summer. Hope all of you stay well and healthy. Keep those cards and letters coming in! Remember, I can’t write the class notes without your input.

Yours in the Spirit … Shep

’60

L. Edward Tolley

Brother Rats: In preparation for our upcoming 50th Reunion to be held April 23-25, 2010, there are several things we need. First, you have received a form that requests several pieces of information that will be published on a page(s) dedicated to you in our reunion booklet. If you have not returned the form, pictures and your summary of events you wish to reveal to Brother Rats, please do it today. The time constraints for compiling, checking and printing demands that we receive your information no later than mid

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES November. Secondly, please review the package of information relative to the schedule of events, mark your calendar and return reservation confirmation. We are excited about the anticipated large percentage of returning Brother Rats and look forward to a grand reunion.

I trust that you all received Gen. Peay’s ’62 letter and the update of where the Institute stands relative to the current state of the state, economy and ongoing programs. Gen. Peay made a presentation to the Class Agents Conference, held on April 17th & 18th, that was sobering but not a big surprise.

Brother Rats, please read the article located in the “Alumni News” section of this issue of the VMI Alumni Review concerning the induction ceremony for G.G. Phillips and George Foresman ’84 into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society. The society recognizes achievement in the five areas of scholarship; athletics; campus/community service social/religious activities and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and creative and performing arts. We are most gratified that the ODK National Leadership Honors Society had recognized both men for their accomplishments, and we, class of ’60 Brother Rats, bear witness to the many and varied duties that G.G. Phillips has, over the years, continued to perform for our class and the Institute. Of course, Frances Phillips has been a steady force in the Phillips team. What a pair!

Thanks, BR G.G. and Frances. Rah Va Mil. I talked to Troy Williams, Temple, TX, who has not been able to make any reunion to date.

He will definitely make the 50th. Troy is a doctor and still at it. During my trip to Texas for a family wedding (first granddaughter), I plan to visit Troy and numerous others.

I suppose Henry and Linda Brown are on a golf tour of the USA. In March, they visited G.G. and Frances Phillips in Carefree, AZ, and met up with Bill and Sally Ennis, Bill Cressall and his wife, Bob and Lucy Clay, and Bolling and Theresa Williamson for a round of chasing whitey.

Then, in April a mini reunion met at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg for more of the same including the Browns, the Phillips, the Williamsons, the Clays, Peanuts and Jan Elliott, Jack and Nancy Horgan, Howard and Susan Moss, Andy and Donna Wise, Jim and Suzanne Odell, Jimbo and Ruth Smith, and Herb and Terri Vaughan. After each man, and some of the women, finished a shower and downing the evening’s ration of medications, the only time left was spent discussing the pros and cons of their bionic limbs or joints. Seems like years since scores were important. No holes-in-one were registered. Next month’s tournament will probably be close to some extended medical care facility.

2009-Issue 3

My ole roomie, Darryl Markland, e-mailed me that he may be available for a visit while in Texas. He lives on the north side of San Antonio which is only 30 or so miles from Lockhart, the site of the upcoming wedding. Mark is another BR who has not made a reunion. I’m sure that I have missed numerous cards and letters from Mark (knowing what a prolific writer Mark was as a cadet) due obviously to my gallivanting around the world. Mark is coming to the reunion if Don Duncan and I have to go get him in a paddy wagon.

Bob and Jo Kitt Vinson will be back at the Outer Banks, NC, their summer residence, during the trip to Texas. So, I won’t make it back to Wichita Falls. I just may have to get my fishing gear cleaned up and check out the blues in Kill Devil Hills and see what Bob and Jo Kitt find so rewarding in NC. I had a good chat with Fudd Caldwell who is doing well now that the price of oil is semi out of the crapper. He and son Bo keep the pumps pumping while Speer’s cooking maintains his tight belt.

Tom Daniel was enjoying a break from his part time teaching schedule when I called. Tom has a good assessment of the deterioration of the education systems (in my view). Student weight control, dumbing down of curricula and discipline are big factors in the poor health of the schools. Tom and Barb had dinner with George and Cheryl Salaita a couple weeks ago. George also has a teaching job at a couple colleges in the Bristol/Kingsport area where he teaches history.

My chat with Tom prompted a call to Jim Odell, Dan Marston and Howie Moss. I struck out with Odell and Marston but hit a home run with Moss. Howie has had hip replacement and back surgery, no doubt the result of many hits on the grid iron, but his head is still hard and functioning. Susan had to call him in from his work in the flower garden, confirmation that the surgeries worked. He has had several visits from the golfing gang, Odell, Henry Brown, Herb Vaughan, G.G. Phillips, et al. We had several laughs about the developments of various male enhancements, war stories and our ages. The whereabouts of Jon Quinn was discussed, to wit Bob Gianella’s name surfaced. Bob was not at home but Betty made a note to have Bob call me upon his return home. And later, Bob called. We rambled on for the better part of an hour about Bob’s endeavors to purchase another coffee plant or company and what we’ve done and where we’ve been. He also gave me Mike and Mimi Moss’ Sierra Vista, AZ, phone number. I was unsuccessful in attempts to contact Mike.

Mike Shoemaker was laid back enjoying another spring day in VA Beach when I called.

Mike and Alice recently celebrated the birth of their 10th grandchild, a boy, on March 17th.

Mike and the VMI ’60 Tidewater mini reunion had a gathering on April 23. In attendance were Mike Pitt, Bill Knowles, Dave Bisset, Bob Clay, Tommy Leary and Howie Moss. One of my reasons for the call was to try again to locate Jon Quinn plus to get the latest phone number for Buck Gough. I scored on the second count, but Jon Quinn’s whereabouts is still unknown. Another missing BR is Howie Roth.

Last known to be in Orlando, FL, my address and phone number are now N.G. We would like anyone with information concerning any “lost” BR to respond to me or any 50th Reunion committee member.

I received a very timely call from Tommy Leary just moments before I mailed in my notes.

Having received a call from Mike Shoemaker, Tom did some investigative work to find Buck Gough. He found him at a secluded site and not in a comfortable situation. More later. Also, Tom, while laying flat on his back and recovering from eye surgery to remove cataracts, was using the post op time to reconnect with BRs. Somehow, he caught Seaborn Brown and spent an hour or so laughing at the various war stories each remembered. Seaborn and Prill are still in Sarasota, FL. Next on the call list was Worley Boxley, who I’ve tried on numerous occasions to reach. Again, the conversation rambled on and on. Then Tom got Linwood Knight on the line and got confirmation that he intends to make the 50th. BR Brown and Boxley both intend to make “the scene “next April. Great work, Tom Leary, and a unique ploy. Maybe I’ll go to bed and take the phone with me.

Jeep Goodwillie sent regrets for not being able to make the reunion committee meeting.

Since he was healing from severe burns (arms and legs) suffered from a hot oil spilling accident received while cooking, I suppose the gim is a legitimate excuse. It must have been real, since he couldn’t play golf for three months.

Jeep and son Skip Goodwillie ’83 attended granddaughter Ashton’s graduation from JMU and during the trip took the occasion to stop off at the “I” to see the changes made, especially Third Barracks and the room (a six-man room) grandson James will occupy next year. James Goodwillie ’12 had a great Rat year, setting six school swimming records and being named MVP for the swim team! I don’t remember Jeep ever swimming well enough to set records, so where does such prowess come from?

Please, everyone, in the upcoming months you will be receiving mail relative to the 50th. Do your best to return forms and information as requested. BUT IF YOU THINK YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND ONLY TO REALIZE AFTER DEADLINES ARE LONG GONE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THE SHOW, COME ON! WE CAN ACCOMMODATE

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CLASS NOTES HICCUPS OR WHATEVER IT TAKES. We want at least 100 Brother Rats, whether or not you graduated, in attendance.

The Ratline was a thing that molded us together into one. I’d like to visit with everyone, hear your life’s story and learn more of how you benefitted or suffered from your VMI experience.

Rah Va Mil

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

Every day we are alive is a gift, and as we get older we appreciate even more the time we can spend with family, friends and Brother Rats.

What a treat it was to rise at 7AM this morning, turn on the TV to the NBC Today Show, and see BR Bill Maurer, a National Park ranger, explain the history of the Statue of Liberty to a national TV audience, including Al Roker and Ann Curry. Bill has also been accepted for the Gilder Lehman seminars and will be at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore for a week’s seminar on “Freedom and Slavery in the Atlantic World, 1600 to 1800.” Way to go, Ranger Bill.

I hope you all enjoyed my early edition of the class notes and pictures I sent you via e-mail.

Since the Alumni Review staff has a limit on the number of photos a class agent can send in, and I cannot make a decision as to whose pictures not to send, I thought the early edition via e-mail was a good way to handle the situation and show you all the pictures. For those of you who have not shared your e-mail with me and missed some great pictures, I am sorry. I only hope that your e-mail address is forthcoming.

During February, I spent most of the time recuperating from shoulder surgery, and fortunately I don’t have very many mechanical parts left for rehab. At months end, we were notified that Ashby Taylor’s mother, Frances, had passed away and several of us attended a service for her, including Carney Taylor ’92, Sal Vitale, Marshall Taylor ’66, Allison Drescher, Bill Gibbings, Tazewell Taylor ’70, Bruce Selden Taylor’00, Ashby Taylor, W. Barton “Sox” Baldwin ’37, Jim Bickford and spouses. Early March, Sue and I were off to Florida for an annual company retirement party.

We had a few hours to meet with Jack and Nancy Bell in Naples, FL, and John and Linda Moore in Venice, FL. Both couples are in great health. Jack keeps lowering his golf handicap, and John is so involved in Venice government that he needs to retire again. We enjoyed the tour of Venice and all the projects John has been

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involved with. While in Venice, we saw where Hershel Murray spent his winters as a cadet at KMI. What a way to spend the cold Kentucky winters. Hershel and Cinny recently moved to Naples, FL, where Cinny is now a president of a division of Chico’s.

Thanks to our BR Bill Gibbings and his research at the Mariners Museum, there is a renewed interest in John Mercer Brooke. The museum sponsored a lecture given by George Mercer Brooke III ’67 on the subject of his great-grandfather John Mercer Brooke. If the name sounds familiar it is because you probably remember Maury Brooke Hall, a Rat Bible question and a history professor, Col Brooke ’36, who many of us had. One hundred years before our graduation, John Brooke resigned from the U.S. Navy to join the Confederate Navy. He was involved in the conversion of the frigate U.S.S. Merrimack into the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia.

After the war, he became a professor at VMI and occupied the chair of physics and astronomy. After the lecture, several of us met for lunch at the Hampton Yacht Club where we enjoyed stories of all the Brookes who taught at VMI. Pictures of the gathering are supposed to be with the ’67 class notes but just in case, Larry Wetsel, George Brooke ’67, Charlie Krebs’67, Stu Woodcock, Bill Gibbings, Paul Myatt, Sal Vitale, David Gibbings ’88 and Lt. Col. Stewart Anderson’88 were in attendance. Paul Myatt returned from Germany and is living in Alexandria VA. Paul is still taking care of his grandchildren as both his daughter and son-in-law are on active duty. A bit of trivia: Paul’s son-in-law is currently flying Air Force One. During the Brooke weekend, Sue and I enjoyed Paul’s visit with us. A few weeks later, Paul Myatt was attending a religious seminar in Alexandria, VA, when a lady noticed Paul’s ring and asked where he graduated from. VMI, he responded. She said that her husband was in VMI class of 1943. What year did you graduate was the next question? 1961 was the response.

Oh, she said; my husband was commandant during that time. Guess who?

Sue’s stepmother passed away mid March, and we were off to New Jersey for the funeral.

Immediately after the funeral, we flew to St Maarten for two weeks in the sun and the celebration of my 70th birthday. Easter came and went, and before we knew it, it was time for the Vitales and Gibbings to attend the annual Virginia Historical Society garden party. While in Richmond ,we stopped by to visit with John and Anne Woodfin. The Woodfins were in good health and very involved with their grandchildren’s activities like baseball, dancing, etc.

The next week, I was in the hospital for a knee renewal. I wore out the plastic insert that lies between the upper and lower metal prosthesis.

So much for exercising!

I owe a special thanks to Lee and Betsey Badgett who took my place at the annual VMI scholarship luncheon honoring those who have ongoing cadet scholarships. This year, the VMI 1961 Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Dave Roberts ’06 /’11. Cadet Roberts is from Virginia Beach and was initially in the class of ’06 but resigned from the Institute, twice, to take two tours in Iraq with the Marines. He is currently an academic 2nd with graduation expected in ’11.He is a modern language & cultures major with a single-language specialty in Arabic. Bill Keech, John Miller and Battle Haslam were attending a Foundation meeting and were able to join the Badgetts at the scholarship luncheon. Battle Haslam has been busy, as usual. Battle rendezvoused in Lexington with Donny Wilkinson, who flew down from NYC to be the guest speaker for the Roberts Lecture.

Attending Donny’s lecture were about 200 cadets (business and econ.) in Gillis Auditorium in the new Marshall Hall. The new Leadership and Ethics building is now “Marshall Hall” and is a very impressive building. Donny’s lecture was excellent. He has a great command of his subject, as well as a relaxed comfortable presentation style and an excellent perspective on these difficult global economic conditions.

There were also good questions from some of the cadets. Battle has been in touch with Gaylia Hudgins. Gaylia drove her car all over Florida, visiting friends and going places that she and Bland used to enjoy. She is quite a role model for those trying to be positive in bereavement recovery. Another of our Sister Rats, Mary Franklin Fulghum, wants us to know that she is getting married again. His name is James Palmer, and he is not a VMI graduate. I told Mary Franklin that he will be welcome to our events, and we will not lose touch with her.

Irv Wells spent three and a half months from November through February as one of two U.S. Treasury representatives assigned to an assessment of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) requested by General David H. Petraeus who assumed command on Oct. 31, 2008. The region encompasses 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Arabian Gulf region into Central Asia. The task force was composed of representatives of our armed forces; our coalition partners; many U.S. Government agencies; and civilian experts from academia and think tanks. Irv worked at the National Defense University at Ft. McNair in Washington while in country. In December 2008, he was deployed to the Forward CENTCOM Headquarters, Camp As Aayliyah, Qatar, and to Iraq. After flying into Iraq in full battle rattle in a C-130 and hopping in and out of choppers while traveling in Iraq, Irv says that at age 69 he was arguably the country’s oldest

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES living warrior! He was assigned to the Iraq Country Team and the Rule of Law Functional Team. The purpose of the assessment was to make recommendations to General Petraeus on the way forward in all countries, with special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan. A picture of him appears in the OEF/OIF section at the front of this Alumni Review issue.

Bob and Loretta Coltrane are finally seeing the green grass again. While Bob is still “retiring,” Loretta is serving on the Township Ordnance Committee, which is trying to come up with ordnances appropriate for the area in which they live (the woods). Her major activity, however, is working with Rotary International. She is an assistant district governor, which means she is responsible for providing assistance to five local Rotary clubs, giving them guidance on such things as fundraising, programming, recruiting new members, etc.

She also conducts training workshops for new members and gives public relations seminars at the district conferences. Mitch and Jennifer Kot are still in Da Nang, Vietnam, and especially enjoyed looking at all the pictures sent with my special for your eyes only 1961 E-Mail Alumni Review. Mitch said, “Seeing the pictures was uplifting, and I very much miss seeing my BRs and VMI.” The Kots receive no regular mail in Da Nang other than through a secure e-mail address (secure means no one can read his e-mail). All regular mail is opened and read before Mitch gets it. So, if you used their USA postal address and they haven’t answered you, be patient. When they return once a year in the summer, they read all the mail at that time.

Mitch and Jennifer work very hard teaching business owners in a 20-month program. This has been the most rewarding time of their entire lives. They still teach a little at the university.

This summer, they will have about 30 Vietnamese business owners in the states for two weeks and will not have any free time to visit.

David Martin sent me an article that appeared in the NY Times, March 20th, about BR Tom Bradshaw and his interest in historic preservation. The story was about his stone house which is located on the bend on Route 11 as you near VMI. VMI ’61 people are everywhere.

We have now heard about the success of Wyatt Durrette’s son and his song “Chicken Fried” and the awards that have been bestowed on him. One of our BRs wrote to me after hearing the song, and I want to share his thoughts with you: “Some songs are spiritually based to me, and ‘Chicken Fried’ is a Prayer of Thanksgiving for the little things in life to which we all can relate. Thank Wyatt’s son for me. He’s a very talented poet.” Amen! Congratulations to Bob Von Hellens who formed his own law firm.

Bob’s practice will continue to be limited to

2009-Issue 3

patents, trademarks, copyrights and related matters. Howard Dyer is still a volunteer coach for the boys’ and girls’ tennis team at Brevard College. The girls’ record is 12-3, and the boys are 11-3. Hitting with the tennis team keeps Howard in shape. Jim “Peaches” Miner survived the heavy snow and ice storms back in March. The pictures he sent of downed lines and trees did not do justice to the destruction. Over 65,000 cubic yards of tree limbs were picked up in the county, and that’s a lot of trash.

I get especially excited when BRs who we haven’t heard from in years finally surface.

Jim McDonald lives in Linn Creek, MO, and he and his wife, Carolyn, have 8 children,18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They travel around the country seeing the brood and maybe someday they will surprise you by stopping by. Ernie and Kathy Johnson are living in Memphis and spend a lot of time in New Orleans and Charleston, SC, visiting with their two boys, one a doctor and one a lawyer, and a wonderful inherited daughter, two granddaughters and a grandson on the way. Lynn and Brenda Kasel are moving from Seattle to somewhere in the northeast area of Scottsdale, AZ. After raising six children of their own, the Kasel’s have adopted a Philippine brother and sister (now 8 and 10 years old), Franklyn and Lyanne. All I can say is God bless you both!

I always enjoy bringing you news of our BRs’ children who are serving their country. Chris Ederle is still flying his F-15, and a picture was taken of Chris during a refueling over Guam.

The picture was awesome. My grandson, Doug Everett, is safely returned from Iraq and is now at Fort Meade, MD, for the next few months. Joe Lisecki’s son, Joseph, was recently promoted to colonel (06). BR Joe is very proud of his son, Joey, his daughter in law, Carolyn, and their children, Joseph, Zac and Gia. Joe Jr. sure looks like a chip off the old Lisecki block. Pictures of Brother Rats’ children and grandchildren are always welcome, and I would be honored to include them in our ’61 e-mail version of the class notes.

My grandson, Mark Muckelbauer Jr. (12 years old), attended the Legacy Weekend at VMI and later on that weekend, the VWIL Military Ball at Mary Baldwin College. At VMI, he met several other boys whose fathers and grandfathers had graduated from the Institute. One was the grandson of a 1943 graduate and a retired general. Yes, it was Jeffery G. Smith ’43, the commandant during our first class year. Gen. Smith was given special recognition that weekend for bringing to VMI the largest number of potential cadets. At the VWIL Military Ball, Mark Jr., my daughter, Cathy, and her husband, Mark Sr., met and were greatly impressed with several of our Brother Rats, including Gen. Mike Bissell, J.C.

Miller, Gen. Lee Badgett, John Woodfin and a friend of ’61, Col. John Brodie. What a time Mark had dancing with the female cadets.

The first weekend in May was ’61 golf weekend at Myrtle Beach, NC. The sponsors were Dude Copenhaver and Dick Stone, and according to the participants, it was a great weekend. The accommodations were very acceptable, weather windy but ok and the golf course somewhat challenging to BRs and spouses. On Sunday, they played at Stone’s home course, Carolina National, and had six groups tee off starting at 10:30 AM. Included in the groups were Henry Brown ’60, who had played with Dickey Stone before, and Richard Tarrall ’66, who is BR Hony’s younger brother. The Big Red Group of Bob Polk, John Gangemi, Lee Crow and Richard Tarrall were the class of the field, shooting a -3, while the next best teams were at even par. Also, Lee Crow won a hat for ladies closest to the pin and Dude Copenhaver for men’s closest to the pin. On Monday, they played at the Oak Island Course, and it looked like Polk’s group would win again, but Stone’s group of local talent (non-VMI personnel) beat them out -3 to -2 in the men’s category. Lee Crow, Diane Stone and Connie Walker (Diane’s sister) won the ladies category on Monday. Everybody won at the 19th and 20th holes. The consensus was there will be a repeat of this event in NC and hopefully FL, and next time, the good Lord willing and no joint issues, Sue and I will participate. The golf group included: Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Dick and Dianne Stone, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Jim and Blain Bickford, Dude and Kath Copenhaver, Mike and Betty Pitt ’60, Don and Ibis Kern, George Henning, Buzz Bossart and his weekend friend, Jan Kruback, Stu and Lee Crow, Bob and Bronnie Polk, John and Linda Butler, John “J.C.” Miller, and John Gangemi. All attendees agreed that the golf was nice but being together with BRs and spouses made the weekend outstanding. As I have heard many times from you all, we need to get together more often, and I certainly agree. So what is keeping you from doing it?

Sue and I are very proud of our daughter, Lynn Vitale Cross. Lynn works at NIH in Bethesda, MD. Thanks to Kenner Rice, she received a three-month internship at NIH which has turned into 15 years of employment with the agency. Lynn’s recent research and publications have brought her some notoriety and promotions. Lynn’s husband recently received a promotion that will require the family to relocate to Greensboro, NC, the stomping grounds of Bud Alligood and Walter Stokes. Bud was contacted, and the family met their new “Uncle Bud.” Guess Sue and I will be spending some

81

CLASS NOTES time in Greensboro and hope to reacquaint ourselves with BRs Alligood and Stokes.

It seems like the “Gim” list is not getting smaller, and the afflictions are numerous to say the least. Some of you have shared your issues with me, and some have requested that the details not be mentioned. I fully respect your request. However, most of you have agreed that you would welcome prayers, and in the spirit of that request, I ask you to join me in prayers for: Roy Schall who is waiting for a liver transplant, Ken Patrick for a kidney transplant and speedy recovery for Sigrid Hala, Don Rishell, Bob Coltrane, John Steadman, Barbara Phlegar, Sue Wells, Bill Dabney, Lee Everett, Mary Carolyn “M.C.” Harrison, Mac McGinn, Floyd Roberts and George Van Orden, along with Battle Haslam and Bill Keech, both of whom continue to be doing exceptionally well.

Since my last class notes, we had three Brother Rats pass on: Stan Boleski on Feb. 16, Sam Phillips on March 10 and Don “Donnie” Wise on May 6. They will be missed. Final arrangements for Stan are still uncertain, and Joe Lisecki is staying in touch with the family.

John “J.C.” Tharrington and Ray and Sally Hanlein attended the church services in Virginia for Sam. Lou Shuba was present for Sam’s graveside services in Hagerstown, MD. Nancy Phillips asked me to thank all those BRs who took the time to call Sam during the last days of his life and is especially appreciative to “J.C.”, Ray and Lou for being at the services.

A celebration of Donnie Wise’s life was held at the Portsmouth Renaissance Inn, and approximately 200 friends, associates and Brother Rats filled the ballroom for the services.

Brother Rats Irv Wells, Allison Drescher, John Butler, Fred Ayers and Mike Pitt ’60, as well as Donnie’s four daughters, recounted their remembrances. An Old Yell and the playing of the “VMI Spirit” concluded the celebration.

Those Brother Rats in attendance (most all with spouses) were Bill Daniels, Walter Stokes, Paul Myatt, Lee Badgett, Dorsey Pender, Don Kern, Bill Gibbings, Dude Copenhaver, Larry Williams, Robert Williamson, Floyd Farleigh, Skip McDannald, Sue Patrick, Dick Youngblood, Rhett Clarkson, Jim Bickford, Harrison Fridley, Mitchell Fridley ’89, Oscar Mabry, Ben Lynch, Ashby Taylor, Sal Vitale and several VMI alumni from other classes. Should I have missed anyone, I am sorry. Let’s hope that the old wives tale that things happen in three is over for at least the next few years.

Mother’s Day weekend, Sue and I were invited to the Gibbings for Sunday dinner. The Italian dinner was prepared by Thomas Gibbings (15 years old and David Gibbing’s ’88 youngest son), and it was very good. Joining us were Larry and Joanne Respess who were in

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from San Diego for a family memorial service.

Larry is in good health and is still working.

Class notes are due in a few days, so I need to bring this to a close. I am sure some of you have noticed that many of us have started to repeat VMI stories. I ask you to be tolerant of us, and what the heck – the stories get better every time you hear them. We also need to find time to be with each other more often and not wait for funerals. I never have had a bad time being with Brother Rats and spouses. So, call someone or e-mail someone now! Tomorrow may be a day late. God bless you all, and when in the area please come by. We would love to see you.

’62

Jerry Burnett

Dear Brother Rats: I begin my notes reemphasizing a recent letter that BR Superintendent Gen. Binnie Peay recently sent to alumni, parents, colleagues and friends. In his letter, he re-emphasizes the challenges of the current recession which affects everyone in every

organization. I was recently at the Class Agents Conference, wherein Binnie reviewed the “State of VMI.” A major source of funding for VMI comes from the VMI Foundation and the VMI Keydet Club. As you can surmise, VMI’s financial situation is quite challenging. VMI is facing major reductions in public and private support in the forthcoming academic year while simultaneously needing to fulfill mandates related to states performance, standards and academic accreditation.

Walt Perrin is chairman of the VMI Foundation Board and has been busy trying to increase Foundation gifts and cut costs until the economy recovers. Butch Armistead and Allen Bamforth also serve on the VMI Foundation Board. As you know, VMI gets the high ranking from U.S. News and World Report, partially on the basis of percentage of alumni who contribute to VMI. Walt Perrin and I want to reiterate, “It is not how much we give but rather, how many that give to VMI that is important.” We would like to see at least 62% of our Brother Rats contribute something from the great Class of 1962.

Tony Curtis recently notified the first 50

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Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. For rush service (2-3 weeks delivery) add $25.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES BRs to send their biographical data to Judy and Tony. He said it would take 600 hours to assemble the 50th Reunion biographical book.

The sooner it is printed, the cheaper it will be.

Tony, Judy and I would like to make this available before our 50th Reunion in ample time for everyone to read it and make the conversation at the 50th Reunion more enjoyable.

I received a nice note from Tony Bueschen. As you recall, Tony left VMI after our 2nd class year and entered the University of Virginia Medical School. He and Norma Jean are now living in Atlanta, GA, and have recently chatted with Walt and Mary Perrin. Tony and Norma Jean spend their summers at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. He is presently serving as president elect of the American Urological Association and in this capacity, travels around the United States addressing state urological societies.

John Traynham recently moved to a new address in Roanoke, VA. Should anyone want to contact John, give me a call, and I will give you his new address. Doug and Scott Fielder recently wrote that they had completed a move to their new home which they purchased in a new retirement community in Oneonta, NY, located about 17 miles from the home that they lived in for nearly 37 years. He said it was a big change, but already they know nearly half of the people who will be living there.

Walter Hylton is still with the office of the Chief Council at Headquarters, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He is still doing well.

John Allen sent a nice note and had finally located BR Billy J. Nester. Billy is living in Las Vegas, NV. Thanks a lot for a note from Howard Cobb regarding the Class Agent’s Roster. So far, it appears that Bruce Seiling and maybe Neil O’Conner were the first two class agents. John Allen, Howard Cobb, Ware Smith and Lewis Graybill have been class agents. Howard was class agent for our 25th Reunion, and he thinks that Dee Worrell was a class agent. The most recent class agents were Monty Williams, Dennis Easley and Edmund Strickler. If any other BRs have served, please let me know when you served so that this can be entered into the reunion handbook.

Edmund and Margie Strickler were recently in South Boston for the burial of Margie’s father, Raymond Compton, and her cousin who died a month earlier. Joy and I always enjoy seeing Edmund and Margie.

Doug Marechal wrote at the end of the season that he had seen a lot of BRs at the basketball games to include Mark Graybill, Jerry Wagner, John Mott Robertson, Dick Thomas, Ware Smith, Columbus Cartwright and Lewis Graybill. I hope all of you were able to watch the Keydets on national TV.

2009-Issue 3

Larry Wilson wrote that they had moved back to the country in Raleigh, NC. Finally, I received a nice note with pictures from George Barnes. George and Della, his VMI girl and wife of 46 years, enjoyed the old scene on the VMI Christmas card that I sent. George spent most of his career in Atlanta working for the city of Atlanta mostly on water and waste water programs. He is currently involved in planning, designing and building a $4 billion capital improvement program for the cities’ water and sewage infrastructure. He has responsibility for implementing the program, a large part of which is under court orders and under very tight schedules. He said that, to date, they had completed about half of the program on schedule and under budget. He suspected that he was one of the few civil engineering majors that actually went into engineering after graduation. He also sent a couple of pictures, one of which was with Mayor Shirley Franklin on the occasion of completing excavation of a $210 million tunnel, and the other was a large underground storage cabin built to store waste water overflows. He said he had been very fortunate to have been involved in many projects like these over the past 30 years and was able to put to use a lot of the things that he learned at VMI, both in and out of the class room. God bless all of you and VMI. In the Spirit … Jerry Burnett

’63

Michael J. Curley

This e-mail is so typically Mike Smither, I absolutely had to make it the lead! “Happy New Market Day! Betty and I enjoyed a good ski season this winter. We also took a road trip south in April/May, visiting Gettysburg and Sharpsburg/Antietam, both of which are extremely interesting and visits long overdue by me (Next stop: New Market!). We drove part of Skyline Drive and made a drive-through in Lexington. Third Barracks looks great. Memories of our 45th came back to me. Then I read, or reread, the Alumni Review and the account of our reunion with all the fine photos (thank you Tom and Yvonne Myers and others). Our house is back on the market for the third year. Oh, well.

Hope all is well with all of you. Who’s working on a mini for this year?” (mjc: Good question, Mike … welcome to my real estate market!)

After nearly six years as your class agent, I’ve come to know some of your least popular topics. First on the list is a death in the class of ’63 family. Happily there are none to report in this issue. The second least popular topic is news of illness within our family. Happily, there is also nothing to report in this area. However, I

strongly suspect that there are some unreported instances in our family, as e-mails and phone calls from Brother Rats have been way too few of late. In any event, please know that there are many of us standing at the ready to support you in any way necessary. Please let us know what’s going on in your life, because it matters to so many of your Brother Rats!

Not surprisingly, ranking third on the list of least popular topics is fundraising for the Institute! Most don’t like to talk about it … I can feel your eyes glazing over even now! Unfortunately, fundraising is the secondary duty of every class agent. I’m very disappointed with my performance to date but determined to improve my effectiveness starting now. With our 50th Reunion looming just four years away, the economy in the toilet and our investments seriously depleted, we are all under the gun. Get ready; contributions will become an increasingly discussed topic, so you may as well accept my apology in advance, ‘cause I plan to do my job. Let’s begin by taking a look at our performance to date.

As you all know, there are some very generous members of our class who are extremely dedicated to the success of the Institute. All you need do is check their daily planners and checkbooks as proof. Here’s the Good News: As of the end of 3rd Qtr of FY 2008, we lead the classes of ’60 through ’79 with a total of nearly $360,000, almost twice that of the nearest class! Included with the most recent issue of the Alumni Review is a separate booklet entitled VMI Foundation & Keydet Club Honor Roll of Donors which most of you may have discarded, but I encourage you to retrieve it and look at it carefully to discover which of our Brother Rats are carrying the load. I’m not asking any of you to contribute to this extent, although that would be nice. I am simply asking you to contribute even the smallest amount to increase our participation with the class of ’63.

Let me confess. Your class agent is not listed anywhere in this booklet. Although I’ve contributed in years past, albeit inconsistently, I am certainly not proud of my track record. Times are financially difficult, or at least guarded, for many of us, but this afternoon I will write two $75 checks, one to the VMI Foundation and another to the VMI Keydet Club, to improve our situation. Hopefully, this will make a small dent in the embarrassing low number of donors that labels the class of ’63. Though VMI enjoys, or at least used to, the highest percentage of donors per alumnus in the nation, our class is stuck at a very poor 46.61% per capita participation. That’s Bad News!

To our credit, four of our Brother Rats are listed as Major Donors, and 25 are members of The Institute Society. In the VMI Keydet Club Leadership ranks, eight are listed. Those Brother

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CLASS NOTES Rats who made a planned gift commitment in the Washington Arch Society number an encouraging 33! Incredibly, 28 of our Brother Rats are listed as having made contributions for over 20 years running! Thank you, gentlemen, on behalf of the rest of the class. Let’s commit to making a serious effort to join these good people in supporting our beloved VMI in the 21st century, if only in a small way. VMI needs us now more than ever!

The CRUISE: “A Short Paragraph” from Cindy Peckham, Charlie Peckham’s beloved wordsmith of 40+ years: “The Inaugural VMI Alumni Association Caribbean Cruise passengers boarded the SPV Royal Clipper in Bridgetown, Barbados, on March 14, 2009, for an eight-day cruise to the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Martinique and St. Lucia, then back to Barbados. Approximately 172 VMI alumni, alumnae and guests sailed away from winter’s trials toward a Caribbean Paradise aboard the largest passenger-carrying, sailing vessel in the world. The Royal Clipper is 439 feet long, with a 54-foot beam, 5,600

square feet of sail area on five masts and 42 sails. Participating classes ranged from 1944, represented by Dick and Frannie Meade ’44, to 2001, represented by Dr. Melissa Williams ’01 and Kelly Sullivan ’01. Seven members of the class of 1963 participated: Charlie and Quinby Amory, Bob and Carol Baldwin, Bill and Maria Bell, Sam and Charlotte Griffin, Charlie and Cindy Peckham, Ed and Marti Shield, Chuck and Christy Weddington, and Kent and Mary Wilson. Class of ’63 had the largest contingent of members of any participating classes. We all had a great time renewing old acquaintances and forming new friendships. A fine time was had by all. It goes without saying that too many ribald stories, old familiar jokes and fond memories were shared to document here. Our thanks go to Hobbs Goodwin who dreamed of this cruise and made it happen. Sadly, Hobbs was not able to participate. We missed him and look forward to sharing the next cruise with him. Did I hear anyone say Mediterranean? – Cindy” The NEWS: Leland Caldwell sent some photos of a “chance meeting” at the High Point

Class of 1963

vs.VMI basketball game in High Point, NC, Saturday, 28 Feb, 2009: “Howard Dyer ’61 is currently living in Brevard, NC, and also attended the game. VMI won 81 to 76! Sunday morning after the game, John and Janet Macrae joined Bill Wray and me for breakfast at the VMI Hotel High Point.” (mjc: Sorry – photos did not meet publication criteria.) As a result of this chance meeting, Kent McCraney writes, “Mike: Just got off the phone with a few guys and gals. Bill Wray called me, and he passed the cell phone around to John Macrae, Janet Macrae, Leland Caldwell and Bob Gregory. They were at dinner in Radford, waiting to go to the VMI vs. Liberty game. Actually spoke to all of them. That was kind of neat. Kent” In case you are wondering where Buff DeLeo is this week, he writes: “Back home, Mike. 70 hours of blackout as I traveled with 90 soldiers coming home for R&R, too. Off to wedding Wednesday and will be back in Greenville Sunday night. Will attach pictures next time of Capt. Matthew Hylton ’02 and me at Joint Balad Base (JBB) as we waited for a sand storm

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Photo 1: Chuck and Christi Wedding4 ton, left, and Mary and Kent Wilson enjoyed lunch during a stop at one of the many ports of call during the Alumni Association Caribbean Cruise. Photo 2: On the cruise in March 2009 were, from left, Charlie Amory, Eddie Shield, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Weddington, Bill Bell, Kent Wilson and Moose Peckham.

Not pictured is Sam Griffin. Photo 3: Out to dinner in Buenos Aries, March 2009, were, from left, Denver Perkins, Photo 4: Ann and Artie Phaup enjoySugie and George Lanahan, and Judith ing the Danube during a March 2009 Evans.

European trip.

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Photo 5: John Cloe, right, at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES to blow over. Had fiv- hour wait with him and wound up leaving together on a C-17 4 AM. Stopped at Al Asad and let some troops off and then onto Taquaddum where Capt. Hylton will live for next six months. He’s special and quite an important guy when it comes to his expertise. Gotta go to bed … God bless” George Lanahan sent a picture and e-mail telling me of a “mini reunion that took place early May in Buenos Aires, current home of Denver Perkins. My wife and I were planning a vacation to Argentina with friends here in Minneapolis/St. Paul when I remembered seeing Denver’s address (in BA) in our class roster. Emailed him, told him we were heading his way and plugged into his expertise on Argentina.

Denver and his significant other (Judith Evans) arranged a dinner gathering for all of us at one of their favorite restaurants in BA, and we met for the first time since graduation. We agreed immediately that neither of us had changed one bit since graduation (OK, maybe a few hairs were missing) and that we would have recognized one another anywhere! The food was fantastic, the Mendoza Malbec flowed freely, and we spent a memorable evening reminiscing and playing catch-up. Denver and I met for coffee later in the week and shared more war stories, but sans the Malbec, these were far less heroic than the ones we told at dinner earlier in the week. All said and done, it was a highlight of our Argentine vacation to share a few moments with a Brother Rat. I’m convinced that only those who have shared the VMI experience could have met as we did after over 45 years and find that neither of us had lost a beat … it was as if we had seen each other every week.”

Now, let’s hear Denver Perkins’ side of things: “In the last few months, my significant other and I have had two great surprises. Steve and Peggy Riethmiller visited Buenos Aires, and then about a month later, George and Nancy (mjc: See end of paragraph) Lanahan came down. Had a great time! George and Steve both look like they could slip back into their VMI uniforms today without even taking a deep breath. And it’s like George said: You meet your Brother Rats after 30 or 40 years, and it’s like you were talking to them last week. Time just evaporates.” (mjc: Ain’t it great, Denver?) Later, I received this from George: “Hey C-Rat! Methinks Denver has been temporarily hit with a memory fart. (It occasionally happens to all of us.) My wife’s name is ‘Sugie’ not ‘Nancy.’ There was a ‘Nancy’ (from St. Paul) who was with us during our vacation to BA, however. So, in that regard, Denver’s memory isn’t totally whacked!” (mjc: Oh, thank God for that, George!)

Pat Kelly dropped me a note before he and Gwen to Northern Ireland. “Not much to say from central Texas. I’ve been working on our

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new house every free day since last October.

Still have several months to go. But Gwen and I have made a pact that we’re in no hurry and won’t be rushed. This Sunday, we leave for 3 and a 1/2 weeks in Ireland, so no work on the house for that month. Planning on a side trip to Portugal for a long weekend while in Ireland.

Gwen and I will celebrate our birthdays while on the trip – Gwen’s on the 23rd and mine on the 30th. Otherwise, we’ll just be hanging around with friends. No big tour this year; no one wanted to come over with us! I met Paul Clare in Austin recently; he was over from Austria on a golfing holiday. Think I sent you the picture of us in the lobby of his hotel. His wife was sick and mine was on a business trip, so it was just the two of us. We went to an Irish Pub for a quick meal and then back to his hotel. Paul seemed in good shape and was enjoying the rounds of golf they’d played at primo courses around San Antonio and Austin. Amazingly, he didn’t invite me to play a round with them the next day. Has someone been spreading the truth about my golf game? Anyway, Gwen and I plan on visiting them in 2010. Also dropped in to beg a meal and a bed from Bob and Crellin Byrd while in Ft. Lauderdale one week. Bob was recovering from his operation and was still a bit immobile. We sat around, had drinks and great conversation. I got to mix my drinks since he couldn’t get up. It will take him awhile to restock from that little mistake! Later, Tom and Sharon Roundtree came over, and Crellin produced one incredible dinner. I highly recommend the Byrd B&B when in Florida! Like you, I’ve heard little of the great cruise. Chuck Weddington and bride went on it, but all I got was a one liner saying they had a good time.

They’ve settled in a bit since their wedding; don’t see as much of them now. I think Chuck is busy mucking stalls on the ranch or stalking the elusive wolves that keep pestering the livestock. In August, we’re flying up to Alaska to visit with Gwen’s sister and husband who are spending the summer up in Skagway (second year in a row; they love the place). If I don’t get eaten by a bear, I’ll be happy! Understand they roam freely thru the town at night. I’m on the road right now, so don’t have my notes handy.

I think I’ve met with other BRs since your last ‘class notes’ pub but don’t know if I already wrote you about those encounters. Did I write about my trips to Seattle and Tacoma, WA, and Portland, OR, where I met with some of our Far West BRs? Advise if not, and I’ll dig those up. We’ll be expecting visits from many BRs starting this fall when our house is complete.

We will have a guest cottage out back, so guests don’t have to put up with my snoring if they chose.” (mjc: Send news about your Far West trip when you return from Ireland, Pat!)

Received this e-mail from Rick Ward via J.P. Kelly: “Pat: I know Hamilton well – great area to retire. Also knew Corpus Christi well. We lived in the valley (Harlingen) for several years on business in ’90s. We have lived in Salado for almost 10 years. Have daughter with three grandchildren here. Also have son and five grandchildren in The Colony in Plano area. All eight grandchildren are Texas born. Have kin in Maverick County also. Scottish gathering of the clans is a major event here. Salado is basically an artsy, tourist attraction. This is where Jenna Bush had her wedding events. Great retirement area, 60 miles to Austin,120 miles to Dallas/ Ft. Worth. Too close to Houston. We had to sell our little ranch two years ago and most of our horses as a result of my sins of the past … two mini strokes in one month; back on track now.

Work part time with my mini storage interests.

Carole and I will celebrate 46 years of wedded bliss in June. She was with me entire four years at VMI; still hasn’t wised up. Call me if you are in the area. Will buy you a drink of west Texas ‘buttermilk.’ Rick Ward” Ann and Artie Phaup “just got back from a two week holiday in Eastern Europe cruising the along the Danube River. Started out in Bucharest, Romania, and then by ship (boat) along the river, visiting sites in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, ending with several days in Budapest, Hungary.

Wonderful weather, food, scenery … particularly Budapest but glad to be back home.” Art continues later: “Beautiful spring in Virginia. Bill and Marcia Keech ’60 have been up from Savannah for a couple of days. Yesterday, we took off and visited Westover, Berkley and Shirley Plantations. We had lunch at the Charles City Tavern (formally Indian Fields Tavern). Wonderful day!”

Jim Taylor’s quarterly input is so precise, timely and organized … makes me wonder if maybe he wasn’t a physics major! “I’ve made a complete recovery from the broken collar bone last October. The residual stiffness in my shoulder will work out with exercise and time. One of these days, I’ll get back on my horse. Otherwise, I’m busy working on my next technical book.

Following Cliff Miller’s suggestion at the reunion, I may try a novel about the Little Bighorn Battle. The Cowboy Chronicle, a monthly paper for old west style shooters, will publish my short story ‘Trumpeter Voss at Custer’s Last Stand’ over three months starting in May.” (mjc: I’ll find a way to get a copy, Troops.) “People who have read the draft like it. I’ve also had some good discussions with John Cloe about his books on the air war in Alaska during WWII. I have no plans for summer travel.” Here’s breaking news from Harry Tatum in downtown Forest, VA (Bedford County): “Not much to report from here. I see Fred McWane for lunch often, and he is doing well. My wife and I spent the

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CLASS NOTES month of February in Charlotte, NC, to be close to grandkids, and while there, in addition to our grandchildren, we also shared some quality time with Yogi and Sharon Doar. I still work a little and am still doing flying for angel flight and the mighty Virginia Defense Force.” (mjc: Nice way to give back to your community, Harry!)

Frank and Sally Allison checked in with me from their beautiful waterside villa in Seaford, VA, wanting to know why Hobbs and Heidi Goodwin weren’t on the trip. (mjc: I’m sure they had good reason, Frank.) “Charlie and Suzanne Talbott are going to spend the night with us on June 20th when we celebrate our 50th reunion at Hampton High School. It should be fun. Talked to Jan Gray last week, and he stays busy and is doing well. Bill Pearson continues to keep me, Tom Whitford and Mike Smither supplied with e-mail jokes. Take care, BR. Regards, Frank” “It has been awhile since we have seen any Brother Rats,” write Bob and Anne Modarelli.

“We missed the reunion because of Anne’s back surgery which went well. Subsequently, I have had both hips replaced, the most recent being 10 days ago. In between time, I have kept on working and am lucky to enjoy what I do. I spoke with Tom Myers twice, as he has done the hip routine with good results, so I anticipate a similar response. We are planning a two-week stay at Hilton Head the first two weeks in August and hope to meet and greet any Brother Rats in the region. This is part of our Marriot vacation club, so we have a condo and some room. All in all, we are getting older and hope to see some of you before the 2013 reunion.” Tony Hancock writes me regularly in brief notes, mostly thanking me for keeping him involved. I assure you, Tony; I enjoy doing my job and particularly appreciate your notes. Tony writes this quarter, “My news: Number one son back from second Iraq tour in February - I pray he is not sent again.” (mjc: … as do we all pray, Tony. Please thank him, on our behalf, for his unselfish service.)

Finally, Peg and I must report on an absolutely enjoyable evening spent with Jim and Kathy Cox at their new home in Glen Allen, VA (FYI … just another mailing address for Richmond). Kathy prepared a scrumptious dinner for us and Pam Traugott who was passing through Richmond on one of her many road trips. The food and conversation were great, as was the fellowship of people who can tell stories nearly 45 years old as if they happened yesterday! Kathy tried to secure Rush Limbaugh as our guest dinner speaker but had to make do with Jim at the podium …

WOW! It was great fun watching Kathy moderate the discussion with Peg and Pam taking a more liberal position. I enjoyed my wine!

That’s all from The Holy City for now. Pray for our troops in harm’s way, our departed and those on the GIM. God bless! Curleyrat

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’64

John R. Cavedo

The weekend of April 17-18, several of us met in the new PX on the bottom floor of the Third Barracks. Present were Tom Davis, Floyd Duncan, Hank Cronin, my wife, Sherrel, and me. We discussed continued planning for the 45th Reunion.

Tom reported that the Alumni Association should be finished with spring reunions by early May. At that time, there would be a push to get info to classes meeting this fall. We all agreed on the events, timing and “favors.” Still being worked out is the cost of various parts of the reunion. We are hoping that all registration and payment will be able to be accomplished online at the VMI Web site. If so, we’ll be spared the requirement to have a treasurer. Anyway, the plans look good. We believe a great time is ahead. As of this weekend, we estimate that nearly 100 Brother Rats will be attending. If you haven’t already made hotel/motel reservations, do so quickly.

Just prior to sending in the prior issue, Don Carson was visited by Tom Sebrell: “I hope Sherrel and you are doing well. Tom and Penney Sebrell stopped by for a visit on the way to her dad’s home near Miami. It was great to see them and spend some time together. Tom and I used to play music together with Kevin MacCarthey while at VMI. We would play for dances at the country club or wherever people would pay us.

Tom and I have not played music together for 45 years but had the opportunity to do so while he was here. Attached is a photo of us with our guitars. It was a lot of fun playing, and we both still remember some of the songs we used to play.”

Walt Sykes wrote, “I have two pictures, each of just us guys and with the ladies. It was taken at Buzz Birzenieks Lexington Country Club.

Next time, we will get the girls to sit down on a bench or something. Most of us went to the VMI basketball game with Gardner Webb.

There was also track and wrestling. Also present were Pete Mazik, John Thornton, Tom Davis, Harvey Sargent, Hank Cronin, Dick Atkinson and Paul Bouis ’67, Buzz’ dyke.”

In a separate and later correspondence with Hank Cronin, he sent the following: “On Thursday, March 26th, Harvey Sargent flew in from Boulder, and we drove to Lexington the next day to see the VMI-W&L Invitational Track Meet.

We stayed with Tom and Helen Davis and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves talking about events that transpired 45 years ago. Tom has a large volume of records about his dad (class of 1934) relating to VMI and his Army career, which Harvey and I thought were quite interesting. Unfortunately, the weather was lousy, and we spent

two days shivering under umbrellas watching the meet. We didn’t see any other BRs at the meet— probably because of the bad weather conditions.

VMI has some good sprinters – an excellent miler (Donnie Cowart ’09) and a record-setting 800 meters man (Felix Kitur ’11). We met a visitor in the stands, John Haines, who is currently the head judge at the Penn Relays. During the 1950s, he was a world class sprinter and held the world record in the 60 yard dash at 6.1 sec. for 35 years. He participated in two Olympic trials, 1952 and 1956, but didn’t make it either time.

However, he knew almost everyone in the track and field world to include being good friends with Roger Bannister, the first man to run under 4 minutes in the mile. I was able to spend some time with Mike Bozeman, the recently retired VMI track coach, as well as Darrin Webb, the new track coach. They are excited about VMI track prospects and expect us to perform well in the upcoming Big South Outdoor Championships later on this spring. On Sunday, March 29, we drove to Norfolk and spent two days with Harvey’s mother, Evelyn, who lives in an assisted living facility in which Ron Williams’ mother-in-law also resides. Evelyn is a delightful lady who entertains us with an inexhaustible supply of stories from the WWII era. Harvey is currently looking into the possibility of having Evelyn relocate to Boulder. Harvey and I also had a nice visit with Ron Williams. Ron and Ginny recently moved to a waterfront home in Norfolk. They still have their beach house at the Outer Banks and are looking forward to our 45th Reunion in September.”

Frank Parker e-mailed, “I had a chance to stop and see my first class roommate, Don (DT) Reed, and his wife, Diane, at their place in El Paso, TX. They are doing fine. DT is completely retired and spends his time at the gym and other community efforts, while Di is still teaching school. Last time we saw each other was at their wedding in1965.”

Bill Grubb e-mailed that he had made his reservations for the Holiday Inn Express. He felt destined to attend, since he was home recovering from his third major surgery in less than three years. The surgeries – in order of appearance: First, removal of a large benign tumor from the thoracic region inside the spinal cord (Jun 06).

Second, triple heart by-pass (Dec 06). Third, spinal cord reconstruction (sounds more impressive than inserting an artificial disk) (Mar 09).

He went on to say the cost was astronomical.

However, since he’s still walking and talking, he assumes that God has approved his request to attend our class reunion in September.

I should point out at this point that Bill is among many of our class who’ve experienced major medical situations over the past year.

Many of the spouses have had other serious

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES problems. I remind everyone of the several years fighting cancer by both Ron and Ginny Williams (who, at last report, are doing fine) and Wally Hawkins’ wife, Lilly, currently under Hospice Care. Lilly is Tom Faulkner’s sister. In addition, Chuck MacDonald’s wife, June, is still recovering from major invasive surgery. My wife, Sherrel, had surgery in August and will not be 100% for another year or more. There are many others.

Some don’t wish to share their pain. I wish everyone would allow me to pass these situations on. Feedback from BRs receiving such information is that, when I do, the outpouring from the class is comforting and healing.

In early April, Tony Putamanonda reported, “The situation in Bangkok is now quiet. Soldiers are still on the streets to make sure that the emergency decree holds. The former PM who stirs up troubles from Dubai with his money will not give up easily. Chaos might flare up again.”

Tony is going on the China trip with our group and added, “I hope that nobody in our group plans to take the extended tour to Bangkok after HK. The government has issued warrants for the turmoil leaders. Some of them have been put in jail already. Thaksin, the former PM, is number one on the list. Followers of these guys (red shirted people) won’t take it lying down.”

“Thailand has survived several crises before; I suspect that we will survive this one. What worries me is that the political upheaval we are now facing is making the economic downslide worse off than any time in our history.”

“Several experts now predict that we can now expect 3-5 percent negative economic growth.

Middle class people like Joe Chompaisal or us are likely to scrape by. Poor and low-income folk are the ones who will suffer. The present PM, a young fellow about the same age as Obama, is a good and capable man. He is fight-

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ing two-front battle in which I can only wish him luck.”

Joe Chompaisal wrote that he and Pongsri went to Spain, France and Italy between March 20 to March 31. They attached a picture of the two of them in Toledo, which was the capital of Spain at one time. “We never stay in the same hotel for more than one night, meaning we were always on the move to another city every day. Venice was more dirty than the last time I visited. Pisa and Rome improved from the last time we were there.”

He went on to report, “I have started the process for attending the reunion by applying for a new U.S. VISA. Have an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok on May 27 at 0730. Pongsri and I plan to land in Chicago four or five days before we go to Lexington on Thursday September 3. We will be met at the airport by Mary Jo Jordan with

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Class of 1964

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Photo 1: At the Great Wall of China in May 2009 were, from left, Tony Putamanonda; Tony Munera; Lauranne Kitchen; Dusadee Putamanonda; Barb Munera; Bill Rodier; Karen Walborn; W.J. Kitchen; Phyllis Weisser, John Cavedo’s sister; and the Cavedos. Photo 2: Tom Sebrell and Don Carson in Tequesta, Florida, February 2009.

Photo 3: From left: Dick Atkinson, Walt Sykes, Bill Taylor, Buzz Birzenieks, John Thornton and Mike Hanna at Sykes’ home in Rappahannock River, Virginia, April 2009. Photo 4: Pictured from left: Walt Sykes, Pete Mazik, Karen Sykes, Tom Davis, Hank Cronin, John Thornton, Buzz and Jane Birzenieks, Harvey Sargent, Paul Bouis ’67, and Susan and Dick Atkinson at the Lexington Golf and Country Club in February 2009.

Photo 5: Pongsri 5 and Joe Chompaisal in Toledo, Spain, March 2009.

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CLASS NOTES her brother and her sister-in-law when they will take us to their ranch in Illinois where we will stay before Mary Jo, Pongsri and I will drive to Lexington which we plan to arrive on Thursday as mentioned before and attend the party that evening with you guys. We are also interested in joining the tour to New Market on Friday morning. We shall probably leave Lexington on Sunday. That means we need two rooms for three nights (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).”

“The situation in Bangkok is getting much better now. Hope you have a great time in China. My new house in Bangkok will need at least six more months to be completed. Looking forward to seeing you all in September.”

David Ayers wrote, “I have had a wonderful but unspectacular life so far. After graduation, I went to work for the Virginia department of highways to fulfill my two-year obligation for my state cadetship loan. Actually stayed for eight years before moving to Lynchburg to work for several consultant engineers and industries before moving back to Richmond in 1984 where I have been ever since. I worked with several more consultant engineers before settling in with Dominion Virginia Power for 11 years from which I was able to take an early retirement in 1996. Pretty small retirement compensation at age 55 and only 11 years’ service. Needless to say, I continued my modus operandi and worked for several consultant engineers before starting my own company in January 2008. That year went quite well, while this year is going quite poorly.”

“When I moved to Richmond in 1967, I ended up rooming with Leo Roach on the north side of Richmond, and then Leo, John Thornton and I lived on the south side before we split up when I married a girl I had met at the highway department. We had one son who decided not to attend VMI after listening to my many ‘wonderful’ stories about the fifth stoop, the Ratline, etc.

He now has his Ph.D. in chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University here in Richmond and is currently working in Bonita Springs, FL.” “I am planning to attend at least some of the 45th Reunion. It happens to be at the same time as my annual vacation at the beach with my brother and sister and spouses. I will probably try to get to the New Market gathering and go on from there.”

Most of you know that Ed Scarborough, our Brother Rat until Christmas our Rat year, had been “missing.” Thanks to Butch Nunnally, he was tracked down. It turned out he was an Army captain, killed in combat in Vietnam in 1968. For his actions that day, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. I believe that makes him the highest decorated BR in our class. Several guys sent e-mails regarding Ed. Floyd Duncan: “I remember Scarborough.

He was a nice guy. He either was in my com-

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pany or roomed near me. I remember seeing him on my way into Vietnam or on my way out.

I didn’t know that he had been killed.”

Charlie Shumate: “I was saddened to receive your e-mail about Ed Scarborough. I have thought of him often throughout the years and wondered about what happened to him. We got to know one another early on and left each night for the library to give the Rat year studies our best shot. I made it through the first semester with some academic misadventures, but my best recollection is that Ed did not return due to his academic situation. He was a really fine BR, and I remember him very fondly.”

“When I think of Ed, I cannot help but remember Les Smith, another great BR. Both quiet, without pretenses, sincere and a good friend/BR. I understand that Les is ‘just a poor parish priest.’ ‘Hello’ to Les and all BRs.” One thing I hope we can accomplish during the 45th Reunion is to visit the Wall of Honor in the new Ethics center. Tom Davis has requested that venue for our class meeting on Saturday.

The wall should be in place.

I request everyone review the Register of Former Cadets to determine if your military awards are reflected accurately. If not, contact VMI or me to update them. To be eligible for the Wall of Honor, you need an award for valor in combat or a Purple Heart.

Walt Sykes wrote in: “John Thornton, Dick Atkinson, Buzz Birzenieks, Bill Taylor, Mike Hanna and I got together for a VMI mini reunion in Northern Neck Virginia in late April.

Dick, Buzz, Mike and Walt played two rounds of 18 holes of golf, and John and Bill went spring turkey hunting. The golfers shot a couple of birdies, but John and Bill had no luck.”

“We feasted on John’s grilling of pheasant and barbeque chicken one night. Enjoyed watching the eagles and osprey from John’s back porch while sipping on our favorite beverages, especially Buzz’s tonics. Dick treated some of us to his patented smoothies, and he vouched that it would improve our golf and worked as well as Viagra. It was great seeing Mike Hanna; we haven’t played golf together since the 1964 Southern Conference Championships in Myrtle Beach. The weekend was a blast, and we plan to repeat it.”

Sometimes I receive photos from you guys that have too few pixels to be published in the Alumni Review. The new policy is that those pictures will be placed on the VMI Web site under an extra version of the Alumni Review. This process is still having the bugs worked out. However, if you’ve sent a photo to me, and it doesn’t appear, check the Web site. In addition, I’ll send along those photos when I send out the class notes.

Once again, please keep me informed of your goings and comings. Your Brother Rats want to hear about you.

’65

Mickey Finn

With 7 BRs and wives of ’65 on board the Royal Clipper, our class was well represented on the Alumni Cruise of the southern Caribbean. It was a great vacation, and we recommend it to everyone. Representing ’65 were: Harry and Lynn Bartosik, Jan and Connie Brueckmann, Mickey and Jane Finn, Bruce and Janice Herczogh, Easley and Alice Moore, Bill and Carol Ryan, and Dees and Susan Stallings.

Response to my e-mail was with heartfelt sadness for Irwin McCumbers’ loss of his son, Scott ’88. Space limitations required editing and elimination of most sympathies. If you did not receive the e-mail from me, please send me your current e-mail address.

John Hinton: “Damn … I just hate to hear that news. I was at the game with Chowan back in September. Irwin grabbed me and made me promise to come to reunion #45. (I swore that I was waiting until #50.) Anyway, he won over Debbie. So, I couldn’t say no.”

Norman Land: “My daughter, Elizabeth, will soon graduate magna cum laude with honors from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a BS in biology. She plans to enter the MBA program here where I teach Michelangelo’s art and architecture.”

John O’Keefe: “Still working; my son, Sills ’93, just got engaged.”

Joe Hooten: “I live in Belleville, IL, where I am a facilities manager for FKG Oil Company’s MotoMart convenience stores. I was planning to retire, but after going broke in the stock market, I’ll be working until I’m 90. Lost my bride, Vicki, on the way to vacation in the Massanutten Mountains about two years ago.

Since then, I have been trying to figure out how to cook. My girls come each year to help with distribution of Vicki’s ‘stuff’ and leave a freezer full of food and a house full of boxes. This year, I will learn how to plant a garden. My family is headed for Emerald Isle, NC, for vacation. Will distribute my sister’s ashes there, and bury my wife’s ashes in Front Royal, VA.” Marlie Sweigart: “I’m still in San Antonio, TX, and still working for Weston Solutions, involved primarily with their International DOD construction. Shirley and I have just about completed building a new house which is probably more stressful than working in Iraq or Afghanistan but also rewarding. So, I guess I’m here in Texas for the foreseeable future. I would love to get back to the east coast, Pennsylvania or Virginia, but she refuses to live any place colder than 70 degrees! Our oldest son, Chad,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES is a physical therapist living in Corpus Christi, TX, with his wife, Carol, and our one grandson, Chad Jr., age 7. Our other son, Brian, just got back from his second tour in Iraq. He’s a West Point class of 2000 graduate, and he and his wife, Jennifer, live in Hawaii. He’s a Stryker company commander and just pinned on his major leaves. He’s been deployed 26 months in the last five years, and so we’re hoping he’ll be home long enough to give us some more grandkids!! Looking forward to the reunion!”

Mac Cranford: “Becky and I have taken up car racing our Porsche, which has been modified for the track. We autocross, which is a course set up with cones where you drive as fast as you can and compete against the clock in 3050 seconds. We do high speed driving events at Laguna Seca and Infineon race tracks in Northern CA with 20-25 other cars on the track at the same time in sessions that last 25-30 minutes.

With 4-5 session per day on a weekend, it’s an intense experience!”

Class of 1965

Photos from top: - Keeping the annual tradition alive in Palm Desert, California, were, from left, Speedo Thomas, Lou Lahendro, Mac Cranford, Carl Ennis and Fred Bishopp. “Good fellowship, food, golf and drink brings this crew, former ‘roomies,’ together at Mac’s vacation home every year,” said Class Agent Mickey Finn of the photo.

- Jack Mountcastle with his Army ROTC cadets from the University of Richmond at New Market.

- Johnny Mac Marshall welcomed his daughter, Victoria, home from Iraq in December 2008.

2009-Issue 3

Paul Crawford: “Gayle retired last June from teaching. We spent the month of September in Scotland and had a great time. We found the Crawford Castle ruins and saw the Lairds Gallery for the Crawford family in the old Kilbernie Kirk. William Braveheart Wallace’s mother was a Crawford. A Crawford was a key consort to Mary Queen of Scots and helped design Hollyrood Palace. We visited St. Andrews, the Whiskey Trail and enjoyed the Highlands.

My youngest son graduated from San Jose State with an accounting degree in December. Gayle and I spend a lot of our time working with American Brittany Rescue helping to save Brittanys and finding them a good home.”

Vicar Phil Taylor: “Susan received her Masters Degree from ECU on May 9th and our son, Marshall, was the goalie on the 2008-09 RYHA Pee Wee Championship Hockey Team. His kidney transplant operation has not occurred yet, but we think it will happen soon. He is a courageous kid, plays hockey and we are very proud of him.”

Ron Petitte: “You may need to sit down with a double whiskey, once you realize from whom this message is coming. It’s been many years since I have written. The fault is mine, for which I duly apologize. But I do enjoy, immensely, reading about our Brother Rats.

And in only six years, we will be celebrating 50 years since last we wore Keydet grey; that is so incredibly hard to believe, but believe it we must. Sue and I will have been married 29 years this September: Our fourth daughter, Stepheny, graduated from Bryan on Saturday, as each of our other girls [Valerie, Daven and Virginia] did. I retired with 26 years of service and took an administrative position with Bryan College 15 years ago. I have been full-time faculty, with additional administrative duties, for the last eight and enjoy staying busy on this beautiful campus in the Tennessee Valley.”

Bob Hughes: “Nothing much up. Real estate development attorneys in northwest FL have a lot of time on their hands.”

Dave Kiger: “I really feel for Irwin for I also lost my son, Troy, about 15 years ago in an unusual auto accident. He was a freshman in dental school. I am (38 years) practicing dentistry in Lynchburg, VA. Remodeled my office, so I will be practicing another 10 years. Good thing I like what I do! Sorry I missed the last reunion.

Had planned on coming, but the evening before the reunion started, I found out I hadn’t signed up for it. The day I get the notice for the 45th, I’ll sign up immediately! I have a daughter in Richmond, VA, and three grandchildren, ages 11, 9 and 6. Life is good - working, continuing education in Las Vegas, taking vacations, visiting the daughter and kids and doing the honeydo list. Tell Dick Waters and Richard Phillips

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CLASS NOTES to be sure to come to the next reunion.”

Tom Lilly: “Going to Lexington where my wife and oldest son have taken 25 horses for the Bonnie Blue horse show. They are world-class trainers of American Saddlebreds and have customers from 14-15 states. I am still playing lawyer in Princeton, WV, and enjoy it most of the time. Next month, when I join most of our class in receiving full retirement benefits from social security, I plan to work only four days a week. I have stepped down from the local hospital board after 29 years, the last five as president. With a horse farm and golf, I have plenty of retirement skills but plan on playing lawyer, at least part time, for some years.”

Marshall Henry: “Spook / Jim Sinclair, now living mostly in Waynesboro at his new abode, and I were back for the basketball and winter relays weekend in February. Visited our son, wife and grandson in Bend, OR, where Jay is a CEO / hospital administrator. Our daughter and son-in-law live in Charlotte, so we travel from time to time visiting them.”

Pete Norton: “Today is my VMI day – attended a VMI Maryland Networking Breakfast, ran into Dee Stallings and an e-mail from you. Owning and running a small boutique executive recruiting business specializing in the Specialty Chemical and Formulated or Converted Product Industries.

Needless to say, our search assignments have dramatically declined from an average of 10 to 12 at a time down to an average of 5 today. But we’re finally seeing some improvement.”

Forest Norman: “All is well here in Easley, SC. I’m doing some CPA/consulting work and Linda has a ‘real job’ - but mostly we’re just trying to spoil our grandkids.”

Bob Morgan: “In Seattle to meet a client, see my niece and to take the Statendam from Vancouver on Sunday for a couple of weeks in Alaskan water. Will see a comrade (26th Marines) and wife from Anchorage in Seward. In the VMI bookstore last Saturday on way back to Vermont from Mississippi. Tried to explain being in class of ‘65 to a cadet with an ancient illustration: I told him Donnie White was a Brother Rat. The fellow standing with his back to me then turned around. His name? Donnie White. I was compelled to admit that he didn’t look at all ancient. Then, the two youngish looking fellows he was about to play golf with walked up, Patterson and Loughridge - a mini-reunion of our Rat CE section. Saw John Turner ’66 at a Boys of ‘67 reunion last May at Quantico.”

Carr Hyatt: “Just returned from Hilton Head for a family week at the beach. All is well, but unable to go to Lexington for our usual winter basketball reunion.”

John Hill: “I am still recovering from brain cancer and in 15 months will pass the five-year mark. I had a fall that pulled muscles in my

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right leg that are slow to heal. I get around with a wheel chair or a cane. Thank God for my Ring Finger date/wife for taking care of me.”

Curtis White: “I am retired and in Salt Lake most of the year and Desert Hot Springs California for three months in the winter. I am involved in our University Natural History Paleontology lab program. Participated in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park in CA’s paleo program and went through their certification program. Best to you all!”

Berry Walker: “I live in Westminster, CO, and am heavy into road biking. Will participate in a 150-miler in June and a 120-miler in July to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Check out my MS participants page at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/COCBikeEve nts?px=5098397&pg=personal&fr_id=10973” Norm Radford: “My wife, Dorothy, and I are in England for two weeks, and I am presently in an Internet cafe in London checking my e-mail messages. Retirement is great!”

Tom Bethune: “Things are still the same in the hills of West Virginia. We don’t see anyone from VMI. Visit us at lightningrodfarm.com, or come to visit in person.”

Alex Schultes: “Jackie and I live in Great Falls, VA, and winter at our place in Naples, FL. Daughter Lyn received her master’s from the London School of Economics and is working in London. Son Alex received his master’s at the University of Miami and is in the doctorate program there - Middle East studies. He is assistant director of Undergraduate Admission and head coach of the UM lacrosse team. Visited with my roommate, Joe Kruse, in DC and Lexington where we saw Andy Williams.”

Jack Cook: “I decided to go back to work full time with the Corps of Engineers (after retiring on 1 Jul 08 with 42+ years of federal government service) here in Savannah. Recently, I had surgery to make some internal repairs from my ‘prostate cancer’ surgery seven years ago. I played golf with Doug Thomas, Wayne Chiles, Brian McNeil and Irwin McCumber earlier this year when they all came down to HH Island. I’m hoping to get up to Conway, SC, to see the Coastal Carolina vs.

VMI football game this coming season.”

Fred Cochran: “I retired12 years ago and wake up every morning with nothing to do and go to bed only half done. I golf three times a week and work in the yard or do ‘honey dos.’ Jeanne and I have a second home at Lake Tahoe and spend half our time up there. In addition, we have timeshares in Palm Desert and Kauai. Our two beautiful granddaughters, 7 and 5, are three miles from our home in CA. We see them almost everyday.”

Jim Hogler: “Enjoying retirement. Had lunch with Chuck Hough who had toured the new construction at VMI and gave me a good rundown on the changes. Got to one football game and

saw the Keydets win one. Stadium looks great.”

Byron Parker: “Living on the ‘rivah’ outside of Urbanna, practicing law in Richmond; we stay there some during the week. We enjoyed visiting two grandchildren in Hawaii where their dad is a deputy submarine squadron commander. Our other two live in Frederick, MD, which makes visiting easier.”

Jim Turner: “The past nine years at VMI as the director for undergraduate research and professor of biology has been a great experience contributing to program development. Virginia works in Lexington as a pharmacist, and all our children and grandchildren are close by in North Carolina.”

Clyde Bragg: “With my family in Richmond, wife Ruth amuses herself with oldest daughter Jenny’s two boys, 9 and girl 7. Her work is about to double since our baby girl, Josie, is due in July, and middle daughter Julie is due in early November. Jenny teaches, Julie is the morning news anchor on the CBS Channel 6 and Josie is a lawyer with the commonwealth’s attorneys office.”

Johnny Mac Marshall: “I was ordained as a priest Feb. 23 in the Anglican Diocese of Texas and am the Canon to the Ordinary. I continue being a judge and legal consultant to keep some income flowing. We just returned from a month in Germany and Poland where I was lecturing on American history and Constitutional law.

Wife Jamie finished her project in Poland as the creator and initial director of the UMCS Alumni Foundation, modeled after our own VMI Foundation, and the first fundraising entity of its kind in Europe. Our younger daughter, Victoria, upon her return from Iraq in December, was appointed company commander of Headquarters Company, 703d BN, 3ID.” Easley Moore: “I qualified for my lifetime PADI open water diving certificate while on the VMI cruise to the Caribbean this past March.”

Lou Lahendro: “I retired on 1 April 2008 from Boeing. In September 2008, my wife, Ruth, retired after 23 years as a nurse at the local Kaiser Hospital. We have lived in Lomita, CA, for 24 years and are considering a retirement move to SW Virginia or western NC and SC areas. We stay busy and do not regret retiring at all.”

Charlie Nelson: “Margarete and I have two new grandsons, Charlie in Delaware, born last October, and Simon in Oregon, born in April. So we’re visiting coast to coast. In the meantime, our kitchen renovation is ongoing and on and on … ” John Schefer: “Linda and I will celebrate seven years of retirement in Cypress Landing, a golf and boating community on the Pamlico River in Chocowinity, NC. We have five grandchildren; my daughter and her family are in Holly Springs, NC. We get together with my roommate, Bill Gibson, and his wife, Doris (Linda’s roommate at Madison) who live in Cary, NC when we visit

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the grandkids. My son is in San Diego, so unfortunately we don’t get to see his family as often.

Retired life is great, golf is wonderful, fishing is OK and we are both healthy. Anyone traveling Rt. 17 be sure to stop in and say hello.”

Bob Walker: “I am still practicing law in Memphis with the same firm for 39 years. On May 8th, our daughter, Emily, graduated from the U of Colorado Law School and will be working as a judicial clerk for a federal judge in Memphis for a year before joining our firm.

On May 9th, our son, Robert, graduated from Duke Law School and will join the Sutherland Asbill firm in Atlanta. Emily and I plan to visit Lexington this fall.”

Bob Southworth: “After graduation, I served in the Army Corps of Engineers for four years. In 1970, I married Suzann Schied of Falls Church, VA. We have two children, Kevin and Kati. I worked for two Federal agencies after graduate school, then worked for a consultant in northern Virginia. After three years, I returned to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 21 years, retiring in 1998. We moved five miles west of Warrenton, VA. We have five grandchildren with another one on the way. Sadly, Suzann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years ago. As I write this note, she is living in an assisted living facility in Oakton, VA. Our new motto is, “One day at a time.” Bye for now from the Brother Rat who left VMI in good standing at the end of our Rat year and then returned for the second semester of our sophomore year. Many said that I was crazy to return. For me, time has proven that was a good decision.

Watch your mail for Reunion 2010! ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

Just before sending these notes, in I received a call from a VMI cadet – she was a first classman, going into the Army and had four days to go for graduation – can you remember what that was like? Anyway, she asked me a standard question: “How long has it been since you’ve been back to VMI?” I looked at my watch and told her, “1:30 today!”

Since my last notes, I’ve been down there three times: for the scholarship luncheon, class agents’ conference and John A. Adams ’71 advisory board meeting. Volunteering is one thing, but sometimes it seems like we stand in line just to find out where the line ends. That said, here’s my report.

Those whose e-mail addresses now grace my 13 VMI66 address books will have already heard about the class agents’ stuff. Hopefully, all of

2009-Issue 3

you got my letter (and opened and read it), and there was a little more news there. This year’s scholarship luncheon was well worth the seven hour roundtrip-drive that day. Jane and I had lunch with the two cadets receiving the Cheryl Lithgow Conner Scholarship now in its twelth year of supplementing ROTC scholarships.

Thanks, John Walters (John set it up for us), wherever you are! (Actually, I know where he is.) By my count, some 10 cadets have now been helped by that scholarship. And these two, as did the others I’ve met, really took me back to 1965 (they are seconds). They are headed off to ROTC camps, flashing their new rings, looking forward to coming back as firsts, looking forward to graduating and going into the Army, and with the natural mixed feelings about their “VMI experience” and the road ahead. It was great to see that energy for getting started in life.

At the class agents’ conference, we received a big update from GEN. Peay ’62. Not surprisingly, that is always the best summary of what’s important. I still believe that God smiled on us when he gave us this guy. He’s purposeful, direct and clear. Things he said when he started have happened and/or are happening.

Changes of note include a completed “Third Barracks” (2009), and now major renovations to Old (1851) and New (1951) Barracks begin.

Construction is starting this fall on military and leadership field training grounds on North Post and McKethan Park. The newly finished “Marshall Hall” is a fantastic new Leadership and Ethics Center. BG “Casey” Brower has been filling in till they find a director. There are two complementary components: the building, which has a large number of uses inside and outside the Institute, and the programs, which run the gamut of opportunities to improve cadet leadership training and education, to use as a conference center for a number of related organizations, causes and purposes (all of which can be used to enrich the VMI educational experience). It will allow VMI to host many academic or professional conferences and shine positive light on the place nationally and internationally. The Institute now believes leadership is an art which can be studied and taught. This is an improvement over tending to teach leadership by osmosis and we must admit, by good and bad examples. The reasoning goes that cadets should get the most out of their (military, athletic and academic) leadership experiences and can profit from the experience of others while getting their basic education. So, think of it as supplementary education.

Cadet news includes an 11th Rhodes Scholar, Greg Lippiat ’09, a double-major in English and history, battalion commander, Army ROTC, rugby player and Sounding Brass editor. By the way, when Jane and I visited Oxford in 2004, it struck

me just how amazing it was that little old VMI had produced so many Rhodes Scholars … and we’ve had two more since then. BR Tom Slater, who definitely knows, says that VMI ranks third in Virginia in Rhodes Scholarship winners.

Mercifully, the Institute’s extraordinarily ambitious Vision 2039 program was conceived and acted upon before most of the recent economic problems. VMI has achieved academic excellence in just about all aspects. The superintendent promised he “will not change” what he called “the immutables” of VMI: a full-spectrum academic education; inculcation of a citizen-soldier ethic; a quality teaching and learning environment; competitive athletics; community of purpose; and most importantly, producing honorable men and women and good citizens. But he and the staff and faculty are working hard to reexamine everything to support the immutables and maintain that excellence. We’re still ranked among the highest nationally and squeaking by financially, but the Institute’s endowment suffered a huge market loss. Given the innumerable critical uses of VMI Foundation money, that’s bound to hurt the cadets (80 percent are now getting aid, and the Foundation and families are paying the biggest chunks). Of particular concern is our revenues aren’t providing significant “fund balances” or reserves now or in the foreseeable future (through 2012). Tuition has now become the largest contributor to operating revenues.

That, plus state and federal support and what we give through annual giving, make up what they need to run the school each year. Academic excellence is at risk when you don’t have financial reserves; can’t increase employee pay for a second year in a row; defer filling vacancies; and reduce travel, equipment and supply spending. Because they’ve basically tried to “pay their way” on athletics and didn’t create a huge separate endowment for them, those activities are at particular risk.

That comes down to a tough period at least through 2012. The only place they possibly can get more revenues is from unrestricted giving by alumni and friends, and through grants. By the time you read this, the Annual Giving year for 2008-09 will be over. It’s time to focus on the 2009-10 fiscal year just beginning. This year’s situation will be the same as last, and the next few years are likely to be worse. The answer is pretty clear: VMI needs more givers and more money and will for the foreseeable future.

If you gave this year, thanks, and I know the Institute appreciates it at every level. If you can give more the next three years, please dig in and give all you can.

Last, I’d like to mention the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis.

It’s based in VMI’s History Department, and its

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CLASS NOTES mission is to “promote innovation in military history and strategic studies.” John Adams ’71, a creative thinker and scholar in his own right, endowed and established the center six years ago to promote rigorous thinking about all sorts of strategic issues. The center has been led by Col. “Kip” Muir since its inception and has carved out a niche in Cold War studies. The center looks at the Cold War (and everything else) in broad contexts as everything that took place from 1945-91; so, the Korean and Vietnam Wars and a host of other encounters fall within its purview. Its activities include acquiring military history and strategic studies books for the library, acting as a resource for media (documentaries, news, etc.), hosting speakers, giving talks, supporting cadet trips to foreign historical sites, oral histories, international document exchanges, annual national and international essay contest, conferences on Cold War history and citizen soldier roles in war and peace, and sponsoring faculty and cadet research and an internship. The advisory board is presently composed of VMI faculty and alumni with active interests in furthering military historical study and analysis. You can read more about it at the Institute’s Web site: http://www. vmi.edu/show.aspx?tid=36987&id=4013. You can also access the oral histories through the VMI archives at their portion of the VMI Web site: http://www.vmi.edu/archives.aspx?id=371 9&ekmensel=fb5d653b_72_0_3719_8 Hugh Adams wrote that he too was enormously impressed with VMI’s basketball team and its great season. He noted, “Apart from all the press coverage, the basketball season provided some good opportunities to see some BRs. We went to three games in Lexington. The rewarding aspect, though, was the chance to see so many ‘66 folks.

After the Radford game, we ended up having dinner with Knox McEwen, Guthrie Smith, Herb Chittum, Cliff Martin, the Burtons and the Hannahs. It was a mini reunion for me. In March, Deane and I, Herb Chittum and the Dictors ventured down to Petersburg to join Knox, Guthrie and Dee Hartman at a tri-cities alumni meeting where we heard a presentation on the new Leadership and Ethics Center. Finally, I walked into the VMI-VCU baseball game in Richmond and encountered the Three Amigos: Coach Maini, Ray Cullen and Pete Farley. It wasn’t exactly baseball weather that night, so we didn’t stick it out for a post-game.”

Wayne Gray sent in a great e-mail with lots of news. He too got caught up in the basketball mania, relating: “X. Parsons, Cliff Martin, Al Carr, Jim Pauls, Joe Dictor, and wife and I went to the VMI-Radford basketball conference championship game in Radford and did our best to cheer on the team. We had a good time there and at dinner afterward, with much catching up

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and good stories.” Wayne adds that he and X. stay in touch by phone and visits, and that X. and Jean are planning a move to the Raleigh, NC, area sometime. He often sees and speaks to Bill Gore who lives in nearby Fairfax County.

Wayne also passed along some info on his roomie, Bob Sleeker, with whom he stayed in Denver for 10 days in mid April, while taking his daughter to visit her upcoming graduate school at University of Denver. Although Bob was traveling part of the time, he and Wayne “spent several good evenings catching up and revisiting our four years as roommates with Martin Delaney and Bill McClure.” Bob travels quite a bit in his current railroad-related job but is based in Denver. Bob and wife Shirley became grandparents for the second and third times during the last part of 2008. Retirement questions were discussed but without answers.

Well, guys, let me tell you it’s the best job I’ve had, and I liked them all!

Not just the Virginia residents were interested in VMI’s basketball fortunes. I heard from Phil Valenti that “I was at the Yankees-Braves game in Tampa at 1 and came home to watch the VMI game on ESPN2 at 4. It’s the first VMI game I was able to see. They looked good. They just didn’t hit their 3-point shots like they used to.

I was at ALL of our games when we made it to the final 8, when we beat Appalachian State, Furman, Richmond, Tennessee, DePaul. Remember that?” Actually, no, but I do get the idea. It’s really nice when we have some winning sports teams to talk about. But I wish you guys could all hear the athletic stuff from the VMI Keydet Club and coaches, etc. Year-in and year-out, they are out there plugging for resources and trying to put together solid teams in the VMI tradition.

They really work in a demanding environment and win-or-lose, our teams always give it all they have. But we have to admit, winning IS more fun, so let’s savor the moment.

Wayne also mentioned that he has had a life long interest in the Civil War (as should you all), and in late April, he attended the kickoff event in Richmond for Virginia’s 150th anniversary celebration of the Civil War and briefly chatted with Jay Adams who also attended.

Speaking of Jay, I hope you all noticed in the last Alumni Review that he has succeeded Gen. Edward C. Meyer, former Army chief of staff, as chairman of the board of the George C. Marshall Foundation. Congratulations, Jay! We know you’ll do a great job for the foundation.

I had an update and a nice exchange of e-mails with Lloyd Leech. He’s had a rough time with several serious health issues but is weathering the storm with that and trying to take care of elderly parents. I’m sure everyone wishes Lloyd and Rita the best as they negotiate life’s peaks and valleys.

Thanks to Mike Talley, we linked up with

BR Jim Guy, who left us in 1964. He was in F Company and was a basketball player and a high-character guy. Jim has been going through a bunch of serious medical problems, but his faith remains strong and he is extraordinarily well-grounded. Please keep him and Lloyd and all of our Brother Rats struggling with physical maladies in your prayers.

Heard from Cliff Crittsinger whose e-mail address speaks volumes as it begins with “vmi6466.” Cliff sent me his contact numbers, always appreciated; hopefully, we’ll also get an update soon. Thanks to Ed Guida, Reyn Young and Neil Fisher for providing their new e-mail addresses. I also received encouraging and thought-provoking emails from BRs John Turner, Bernie Halloran, Bill Gregory, George Dyer, Spence Wilkinson, Parky Parkman, and Ian Ackroyd-Kelly. I may not have mentioned this enough, but you are all a bunch of really good guys. I don’t think anyone could or would ever be anything but happy to have you all for classmates. It’s great just to be in touch with you.

George reported attending the inaugural VMI Cruise, about which we were briefed by Mickey Finn ’65 at the class agents conference. Sounds like it was a great event. If you have an interest in participating in the next cruise, you might want to contact either George or Mickey.

Woody Sadler was involved in a 32-day missions trip with the Rotarians that took him to India and a number of other places. I don’t have all the details, but it looks like the group was doing a lot of good things in developing countries.

Lori was good (as always) at putting out updates; however, I never got the basic memo. Much of the trip remains a mystery. An example of the messages will show you what I mean: “We are in Fradkot today and will be going to see schools tomorrow. Be here for 2 days then head east toward Delhi. Three more stops. I sent you a longer message but it got lost. Have to get up early.

Tried Skype but it said your computer was not on line. Janie is down with stomach problems. She stayed home yesterday and left the meeting early tonight. I love Punjab food. Better than the others. Nawab’s in Roanoke is Punjab food. It is still a great experience. Sent you 2 pics; tried 6 but it didn’t work. Everything going well. I’ll try later.

Love ya, W.” Any questions? I refer you to Woody.

Jim Smith kindly sent me this next item from a Richmond paper. It’s from Vince Scott’s family, and is very moving and something to reflect on: “Scott -- Vincent C. Jr. ‘Vin’: Dearest Brother, 40 years ago today God called you home on that mountain top along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We lost you doing what you loved, flying your F-4 Phantom and serving your country. Years have been spent finding answers to our questions. Your Brother Rats - VMI

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Class of ‘66 - have kept your name alive. Your nephew, Trent Blackman, class of 2009, has proudly worn your breastplate in every parade at VMI. Because of men like you, Jim Smith, John Jumper, Doug Jenkins, David Combs [there are two, one each in classes of 1928 and 1983], and Hugh Adams, America is a Free Nation today. Vin, not a day goes by that we don’t think of you, and we thank you for being our Brother. Rest in Peace ... Your Family” A more facile pen than mine, in the hands of one Thomas Campbell (1777-1844), once wrote, “The patriot’s blood’s the seed of Freedom’s tree.” That sentiment always makes me think of Vince and all of our other fallen Brother Rats. We owe them a better nation and a better world. We owe them better-lived lives.

You are all my heroes – especially those of you who tough out every day under heavy burdens.

May the wind be always at your backs.

’67

Jan Abernathy

I begin these notes with a short review of the alumni cruise. I could take the entire space for this but will not, as there is much other to share from you. The only downside to the entire trip was the 15-hour return trip from Barbados to Atlanta. Customs in Miami lasted forever, and I will never change planes there again! Going down was easy, as we went a couple of days early to wind down before the serious relaxing on the ship began. Our hotel was on the beach, The Silver Sands. We spent the two days with BR Dave and Allison Bristow, Melissa Williams ’01 and Kelly Sullivan ’01. (Joan and I “adopted” Kelly when she was a Georgia Rat in 1998). Kelly works for Time Warner with VOIP. She was the first VMI woman to be entered into the Southern Conference record books … shot put, I think. Melissa is a recent med school grad as an osteopath. They were a lot of fun and a tremendous “hit” on the cruise.

Dave had rented a very small four-passenger car, and to see the six of us in it cruising around the island was a treat. I have pictures.

The actual cruise was to several islands in the Grenadines: beginning and ending in Barbados, we visited Grenadine, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St.Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and two ports in St. Lucia. While there were days when you were not certain where you were, the water and sand at each stop were wonderful. And there were three different monetary changes plus the U.S. dollar. French islands use the Euro, Barbados has its own system and the other islands use Eastern Caribbean money. I brought back coins

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for Randy Heneberger as he requested for his collection. We weighed out just fine on luggage going out but paid a $50 overweight fee coming back. Who knew T-shirts were so heavy? I may add additional stories from the cruise later in these notes, but for now I just need to say that the only other ’67s on the trip were Randy and Ann Blanks. The Alumni Association is contemplating a cruise on the same ship in the Med in 2011. Nothing is firm so far, but the trip would include some combination of Italy, Greece, Sicily and/or Croatia. Start saving you pocket change now.

Bo Traywick sent me a letter which he started with, “I saw my name in the last class notes and thought I would drop you a note in response to your invitation to do so.” (Jan’s note: I wish this worked for more of you, as I would publish more “need to hear from you” lists!) Bo is still “tugboating” but is now “a mate on a seagoing tug operating in the gulf as the paper mill work at West Point, VA, has played out. “I’m too young to retire but too old to learn new tricks…” he said. “Still seeking the truth… still dodging the fickle finger of fate…best regards to all BRs. Bo”. Bob Gates: “I was just looking at the AR and thought I’d give you an update. I’m still working and have a ‘tentative’ retirement date in mind - January 2011. I’m the technical director of the Indian Head (MD) Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center and love every minute of it. We develop and produce energetic materials (like gun and missile propellants, etc.), and I have a lot of chemists working for me. That’s interesting, since the last time I took chemistry was Rat chemistry in 1963-64! We developed the thermo baric bomb for Afghanistan (in theater in 67 days ... not bad for a government lab!), and anyone who has punched out of an airplane has used one of our products. By the way, I had an article published in the April issue of the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings. Rob” Bruce Weiner writes: “I’m lagging behind Lowry in joint replacements but not by much anymore. I’m at home now recuperating from recent surgery on my right hip. I went skiing in Vail and Whistler in January and February, but my progressive limp made me go back to the orthopedic surgeon. He essentially told me that my right hip was deteriorating (just like the left one), and we scheduled the hip resurfacing procedure for late April. I recuperated fully from the left hip surgery in 9/07... well enough to ski in January and February ‘08 and well enough to take that bike trip to France.

This time .... recuperation seems the same.

Will certainly be recovered enough to make the Pinehurst Golf Trip in August. Regards to Joan.

Keep up the good work ... Bruce.”

David Reid ’69 wrote to ask me for help with reconstructing the 1967 baseball season’s

history and records. It seems the Keydet folks are virtually devoid of information on our last season. I sent him the e-mail contact on our BRs from that year (Don McMenamin, Reuben Terry, Bill Brent, Bob Hinkel, Tex Young, Larry Hardy, Mel Wright, and I included Linda Rountree in case she might have information to share from Jimmy). If you can add anything, including personal memories, please send them to me, and I will forward them to David. Tom Hancock sent a note thanking me for remembering his birthday. Mike Bagnulo also sent a thank you for his card and a note that said, “I am pretty much recovered from the back surgery and have even been able to hit some golf balls.” A repeat to those on the ‘67 email list but new to the rest of you from Brenda Ferrell: “Jimmy arrived at the door 3:30AM, Wednesday, 4/15. An absurdly long trip: KYRG to Turkey to Germany to BWI. Took hours to go thru customs and retrieve baggage at BWI (first bag on, last bag off!), but he’s thrilled to be IN HIS OWN HOUSE, complete w/ potable tap water, good hot showers and his own clean sheets! Casey-cat and I did our best as the Welcoming Committee. He’s sleeping now and will be for quite a few more hours. Thanks to everyone for positive thoughts, moral support and for being the good friends (as well as family) for us both. Couldn’t have done it w/o you.” Barrett Graham: “Not much news … I see Larry Hardy at the Elks Lodge periodically, and he and Darleen seem to be doing OK. He, of course, is fully retired and doing pretty much what he wants. My law practice remains active, and I’ve begun consulting with local government and fire officials regarding methods and means for funding emergency services in counties and municipalities which are served by volunteer fire departments. The crappy economy (my business is way off) is really putting the squeeze on all emergency service providers, especially the volunteer outfits. Barrett” Bert Burchard and Tom Coughenour are volunteer firefighters. Bert’s comment: “Fire business is slow at the moment in terms of fires.

Unfortunately, people are just too damn careful these days, so we rarely get to have fun with all of our expensive engines any more. Our calls are mostly medical emergencies (we have two ambulances) and motor vehicle collisions. Visit www.carrolltonfiredept.org. I’ve been an active volunteer firefighter and EMT for six years. It is great fun, and I recommend it for all retirees with a military background. Claudia calls it ‘the Army without guns,’ because we respond at all hours with heavy equipment. (It’s really just like roaring out of the motor pool in Germany or Korea on an ‘alert’ in an M-113 or M-60.) It is a real adrenaline rush to drive (or even just ride in) a 25-ton ladder truck at 75MPH with

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CLASS NOTES full lights and sirens blowing all traffic off the road! Physically, even at 64, I can run circles around many of our strapping ‘teenagers’ (anyone under 40!), even in full turn-out gear with 35 pounds of air tank, mask and helmet. It is considerably easier than the 70 pounds we carried around in the jungles of I Corps!” Bert is also trying to find someone to donate a Brooke rifle (9” cannon of the Civil War period) to VMI. There are few still around, but he is making a survey to find all that exist. The U.S. Navy seems to have the most stored somewhere. It seems appropriate that one be displayed on Post as Chip Brooke’s great-grandfather developed the gun. This started when Chip was scheduled to lecture at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, VA, on the subject of his ancestor John Mercer Brooke. Bert and I also exchanged some metal detecting information: “I have not “detected” since about 1983 when I found a .69 cal. British musket ball on the Waterloo battlefield. We snuck in early one foggy morning in order to avoid the Belgian gendarmes.

My White 600 is still in my attic but probably does not work anymore. In any case, I have now gone over to the other side on the detecting issue, at least as far as militaria is concerned. I was recently involved in the restoration of Civil War Fort Huger here in Isle of Wight County.

Our fort was ‘looted’ back in the 70s by folks who went in with backhoes and left almost nothing for us future serious researchers. They even hauled out pieces of a burst Columbiad which we have not been able to relocate. We know who did it, but because their ‘collecting’ was done with property owner permission, it was technically legal. Despite repeated requests the Isle of Wight County Historical Society has been able to retrieve only a few artifacts.” Jan’s note: I also have picked up surface exposed .69 round balls at Waterloo in farmer’s fields without ever seeing a guard or policeman. And your White 600 should be fine as long as you did not leave batteries to corrode in it. But if you did, I can tell you the White’s repair folks will fix it at a reasonable cost.

Speaking of detecting, I have a short story from the alumni cruise. Three rings were lost during the trip. Dick Meade ’44 misplaced his class ring when he went to the sauna. Eventually, his wife, Fran, found it in a drawer in his stateroom. Easley Moore ’65 put his class ring in his shoe on the deck and went swimming in one of the three pools on board. Someone moved his shoes, and the ring went on an adventure. After many people spent a lot of time crawling under equipment on and around the main deck, his wife, Alice, spotted it hours later in a corner of one of the stairs leading to a lower deck. It appears to have rolled 30 or so yards and bounced down several steps to lodge

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where she spotted it after dark. Dennis Witt ’69 and his wife, Anne, were part of the snorkeling group one day. In about five feet of water, Dennis’ wedding ring slipped off and disappeared into the sandy bottom. While Anne “guarded” the general area thought to be where the ring fell, Dennis came looking for me. I happened to be using my Fisher 1280 (under water machine) close by. It took only a few minutes for me to “hear” the ring and Joan (my under water spotter, fanning the sand with her flipper) just a few seconds to see it shining in the clear water. Anne took a photo of us holding Dennis’ ring and my detector in front of the beach sign which read ,“Shark Attack Beach.” We were unable to include it with these notes. Another

repeat of BR news is about J.I. Orrison. J.I. received a Patriot Award from the Department of Defense for his efforts to support the Guard and Reserves (ESGR). Nominations can only come from members of the National Guard or reserves. “The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes John Orrison and Draper & Associates for their outstanding support for their soldier/employees ... , said Brig. Gen. Thomas McCullough, of ESGR. ‘I’ve never considered what we do for our service people anything special; it’s just the right thing to do,’ said Mr. Orrison.” A photo and article about Orrison are in the Alumni News section of this Review.

Wayne and Dot Marshall completed their Hawaii trip. I know because I have gotten generic

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Class of 1967 Photo 1: The VMI Pipe Band at the Order of Myths (OOM) Parade in Mobile, Alabama, to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Photo 2: Pipe band with OOM float in the background. Photo 3: Terry Moore and Robert Guthans. Photo 4: Randy and Ann Blanks on the rigging of the Royal Clipper. Photo 5: Dave Bristow on the Royal Clipper.

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CLASS NOTES e-mails from Wayne but no photos of his fishing success(s). Chuck and Ruth Shorter also have returned from Hawaii. Chuck says he will send photos of his visit to the U.S.S. Arizona where he was to honor his father’s wish to be buried at sea. Chuck is pleased to announce he has new employment. Phil Gioia writes, “Hope to make it back to the next reunion; it’s a little lonely out here on the Coast, not many VMI people out here. I have seen Pete Wells from time to time when he comes through for a conference. You’re lucky to have such a density of classmates where you live. Girls are growing like crazy; going to have our hands full here in a few years. Phil” Terry Moore watched Mardi Gras events in Mobile and sent photos of the VMI group.

“Band and pipes looked GOOD and impressed all today. Had a chance to talk to several members during their visit - interesting comments from both men and women. They were in Mobile for Mardi Gras and were at our OOM Sunday street party [very social and lots of Mobile names there]. They will be in several parades. I believe Max Rogers set it up. Several VMI alumni were there. A bit more on the emblem float [It is not death chasing life!]. The Order of Myths (OOM), established in 1867, chose as its emblem, Folly chasing Death around a broken column -- imagery that was seen by many as a symbol of the ‘Lost Cause.’ At the end of the traditional OOM parade, Death is defeated, and Folly wins the day. Terry” (Editor’s Note: See Institute section of this issue for photos.) Bill Brent: “Sorry I have been out of touch for so long. We are now permanently residing on the family property on the Chesapeake Bay in Reedville, VA. It sure is nice to be settled after 40 years of moving all over the place. Regards, Bill” Ted Mervosh: “I have been forgetting to mention that over Thanksgiving last year in Austin, TX (visiting our daughter), I ran into Bob Poland in the lobby of our hotel. We had a nice ‘catch up’ discussion … Bob’s wife evidently refers to these interactions as VMI sightings. I enjoyed the opportunity to introduce him to my wife and daughter. He looks great! Ted” J.B. Farley: “I hope all’s well with everyone. Carol and I are anxiously awaiting the birth of our daughter’s TWINS. We’re all really excited about that, and we continue to enjoy our first grandchild who is now 2 years old. I’m getting fairly good at one- handed typing, as I just had rotator cuff repair on my right shoulder two weeks ago. It’s been a very easy recovery so far, and hopefully I can get back to some serious fishing later this summer. It was great to see our basketball team do so well this year, and I wish them well for future seasons. Will keep you posted as to the expanded family as time goes on. Meantime, please give our best to all the BR’s. J.B.” Randy

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Blanks: “Attended the dedication of Marshall Hall Center for Leadership on 1 May. It is a truly great facility and an asset to VMI. I talked with Jimmy Rogers who was also at the dedication with the BOV, and I am glad to report he is 100%! For those BRs that did not sign up for the cruise, you missed a GREAT TIME! We had 17 classes represented from ‘44 to ’01.

You will likely have a chance to do it again, this time in the Med in 2011. Keep your eyes open for an announcement from the Alumni Association. Randy” Kip Jones: “The wife and I’ll be off for a three-month locum tenens assignment to Bermuda in June. Tentatively, we will spend six months in New Zealand starting in December. In contrast to these exotic locales, I just completed a month of providing psychiatric services to two maximum security prisons in Wise County, and this weekend, Judy and I are visiting with BRs and old roommates Maxwell and Phlegar and their better halves in Charlotte. We’ve played some golf, dined with John Vaughn and wife Margaret, and today will attend the final day of the PGA tour event at Quail Hollow. The Phlegars have just returned from a trip to Egypt. Anne brought back a collection of jewelry for friends and family, whereas Jim returned with a hacking cough picked up, no doubt, from exploring the ancient sacred crypts of the pharaoh’s. Kip” When I contacted Andy Anderson for an update, his reply by e-mail was, “No changes.” Bob Klink: “June and I are going to VMI for graduation.

We were fortunate enough to get tickets and are looking forward to hearing Gen. Petraeus give the commencement address. Robert” Mel Wright: “We have the 6th grandson, Tucker Smith Wright, born 4/15/09, to our son, Lee. As I file my taxes, I will never forget the date. Mom and baby are doing well. We head off to Alaska in August on Lynn’s dream trip.”

Johnny Watt Vaughan on the USAA potential fraud on the web: “Thanks. I don’t have any big news except to say I am still on this side of the grass. I am still working because my 401K/IRA situation is under the grass. John” John and Annette Horner are moving to the Raleigh area. Ray Irvine says Anne has retired from her position with Michigan State University’s Emergency Medicine Program Residency.

Vance and Dawn Powell attended her retirement event. Ron and Patsy Lowry visited family in Richmond recently and extended their trip to spend time with Allen and Wendy Gwaltney.

Ron and Allen were four-year roommates. Ron says, “I retired from my surgical practice on 12/29/08 and had my third prosthetic joint replacement (right shoulder) on 12/29/08. In two days with Allen, we visited two of his favorite micro-breweries and a winery. I still have daily rehab and have scheduled 10 separate fishing

and hunting trips between now and October ’09.” Mike Miley: “I feel a little out of it here in Wisconsin, but I assure you, I read the AR faithfully and even got out my Bomb the other night … Sally and I are still in Madison … still in the same medical group which includes my daughter, Katherine.” Mike and Anne Hall celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in New Orleans at Chateaux Bourbon in the French Quarter. Colin Campbell: “I am still in Charlottesville working with CIS, Inc., on a ministry ‘war on cancer’ using spiritual tools to combat the disease including music, meditation, visualization and prayer. My son, Colin, and daughter Courtney are in Los Angeles with the grandbabies, ages 2 and 4. Peace to you and those you love. Colin” I remind us all to sign up for Bob Hess’ Tour de Skyline Drive prostate awareness bicycle ride honoring BR John Foret. Can’t ride? Drive a support vehicle or just join in and spend the night in the mountains with us. It is 22-23 August.

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

Spoke with Smokey Beirne (Roanoke, VA) in mid-February. Smokey is a Communication Technology supervisor for the state police. He says retirement is not on his immediate horizon, as he figures he’ll work at least another four years. His wife, Louise, is a certified substance RN working part time at the Drug Substance Abuse Center in Salem, VA. Smokey says he’s active in his local Elks Lodge where he expects to become master of the lodge in December 2009 – a position he held before.

It was a cold day in Maryland when I spoke with Cal Warriner (Ozona, FL). He had plans to leave sunny Florida for a quick visit to a Hargrave Military Academy reunion and relatives in Richmond and Franklin, VA. In spite of being a beach rat, he’s putting a swimming pool into his backyard, so he can go for a swim without having to go to the beach.

While it was cold in Maryland, the weather in Colorado had warmed up enough for Dave Wagner (Englewood, CO) (our sole USAFA graduate) to get in a round of golf. He said the Denver area was very dry as the city had not gotten much snow over the winter. Dave had been planning to retire, but with the economy the way it is, he doesn’t think it makes much sense to hang it up – a sentiment I think others share. Dave had been on the board of the

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CLASS NOTES Golden, CO, School of Mines but the Democratic governor did not reappoint him after he’d served for nine years. However, he was still chairman of the School of Mines Foundation.

His wife, Marti, is active in women’s golf at Denver’s Columbine Country Club. His golf cart has a USAFA theme, so he noticed John Fischer’s’54 VMI themed cart. He said he knew Fisher but did not know about the VMI connection until he saw the cart.

John Warwick (Virginia Beach, VA) is still working for Arcadis but is thinking about giving it up. In the meantime, he goes sailing on the Chesapeake in his 34’ sailboat every week from April through November. He and Trudy have four grandchildren living nearby.

Spoke briefly with Bogie Holland (Norfolk,VA) who is doing well. He said he recently spoke with John Kemper and Kevin Henry (who’s on the Keydet Club board).

Bogie has hopes for our current football coach, as he’s been able to retain Rat football players just as his predecessor was doing.

George Buzzard (Waynesboro, VA) is the director of an alternative high school in Waynesboro, VA. He spends his free time, and gets good exercise, refereeing high school football, wrestling and girl’s softball during the school year. Norma retired from full time teaching but is still doing long-term substituting, plus some occasional dayto-day substituting. George and Norma have four grandchildren with a fifth on the way when we spoke in February. George also shared he recently heard from Wayne Burton (St. Mary’s, GA).

Johnny Lester (Richmond, VA) contributed this e-mail update: “Well - we are fine and both still working. Last year was going well with the surveying and civil design until September, and it was like a valve was just turned off. A turn around is hard to predict, and every time I believe that things will pick back up, the project is tabled. Sally is planning to stay with Bank America until we are 65, and I will probably be with this firm until then also. We can be thankful for what we have. I talked to Bogie a few weeks ago asking how things were going. My comment was Sally and I were fine but business sucked. Bogie said, ‘Try doing what I do!’”

In March, Dave Clark’s (Doswell, VA) business was starting to make some money. It appears that more businesses are motivated to save money in this recession and had discovered that recycled printer cartridges was a good way to go. He tried several types of advertising and found that “word of mouth” is best – there’s nothing like a positive referral for someone to try something new. Dave and Jean are grandparents of Rebecca, daughter of their son, David, who is in the USAF and assigned to Offutt AFB. Their daughter, Elizabeth, graduated from dental school in 2007. She decided to continue her

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education in the MCV Pediatrics Dental program in May 2009, where she is going to run the MCV pediatric clinic. Jean is working at VCU where she evaluates transfer candidates’ transcripts.

Mike Gompf (Richmond, VA) said he retired for four months in 2008, but it didn’t last.

Since April 2008, he’s been collecting bad commercial real estate loans for SunTrust. He commutes to Raleigh for most of the week. We agreed that both of us need a DOW at 12000 to consider retirement (it’s less than 8000 as this is written). Mike said he hears from Mike Michelson (Jacksonville, AL) from time to time. Paul Grigg (Mechanicsburg, VA). Mike and Katherine’s daughter, Meredith, a middle school teacher, is working on a master’s degree at VCU in writing communications and rhetoric. Their son, Mike Jr., is in the marble and tile business, and the recession is really hitting him.

John Hart (Stanton, VA), who ran for public office in 2008, says he is now retired from civil engineering but is still willing to consult if called upon. He stays active by working as a substitute at a local elementary school.

Wife Judy is a library assistant. He says that substitute teaching helps him maintain the interest in education he showed in running for the school board. He says he does enjoy cashing that Social Security check every month now – it supplements his state retirement and substitute teaching income. We got a little nostalgic, and he mentioned that before VMI he went to prep school with Hank Johnson (Southport, ME), Gary Klemas (Gulf Breeze, FL) at Patrick Henry in Roanoke along with a bunch of guys from ’67. Their son, Matthew ’99, is a youth minister at a Winston Salem church. Their daughter, Christina, married in August 2008, now lives live in Harrisburg, NC, with her husband who is an assistant professor at UNC Charlotte in construction management.

Rick Anderson (Los Alamos, NM) says he is still working for a living. His son, David, got a master’s degree in criminal justice and is now continuing his education at the Barry School of Law in Orlando, FL. His son, Jason, is working for a computer game company in Austin, TX. Rick is considered moving when he retires but figures the housing market could be a constraint.

Plus, he likes the small town atmosphere of Los Alamos. Sounds like odds of moving aren’t too high.

In April, Jack Long (Augusta, GA) is still practicing law. He stays busy trying cases, principally consumer class action law suits and divorce cases decided by a jury. His experience is that both are “business disputes,” but divorce is complicated by emotion. Jack says that five or six years ago, he got back into rifle competitions. He plans to go shooting at Camp Perry, OH, in July and August. Jack and Benita’s son,

Jack, a graduate of Georgia Tech, is practicing law by himself in Augusta. Sallie, their daughter, is a sophomore at University at Georgia in an honors program in physical sciences. She’s thinking about medical school after college.

Benita published a book, Come to the Table, with Steve Wingfield of Wingfield Ministries. The publisher, Thomas Nelson, is a Nashville-based publisher of inspirational books, bibles, etc.

The book, which can be found on Amazon, is a cookbook with literary and biblical passages that encourages folks to come together at the table.

Sounds like it has been successful, as 70,000 had been sold by April. He and Benita have a farm nearby near his home, and Benita was at the farm writing an article for Women of the World, a Christian magazine, when we talked.

Tayo LeDuc (Hiawassee, GA) says he is semi-retired, working 30 hours/week at local Ace HW & building supply store. Betty is working part time running a sign business (small signs like banners, real estate signs, golf outing signs, etc.). He had Betty produce a reunion license plate commemorating our 40th Reunion for the front of their car. He and Betty have five grandkids across four kids.

They recently visited daughter in Fishersville, VA, who’s husband teaches at James Madison.

While on the trip, they toured new Barracks. He hopes to get to a football game during the fall 2009 season.

In late April, John Royster (Advance, NC) said he was recovering from tax season. When we spoke, he and Susan were leaving shortly for a cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, touching in Spain and France (Bordeaux & Normandy), and ending in London. The recession has certainly impacted his CPA business, but he’s doing OK. Growth, though, is not a current priority.

Talked with John Crim (New Market, VA) just before these notes were submitted. We spoke early in the week of the Battle of New Market reenactment. He was hoping for a big crowd in his hotel and restaurant and was planning to spend the weekend working. He said he went down to the Mar ‘09 Harry F. Byrd ’35 award ceremony honoring Elmon T. Gray ’46.

While there, he saw Bryan Barton (Oakton, VA), Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, VA), Skip Roberts (Lexington, VA) and Tom Byrd (Berryville, VA). He also looked out his back door one day and saw Bob and Lissa McDowell (Friday Harbor, WA) walking across his back yard for a visit. John reminded me that the 2009 Rat Parade and party will be held on Sept. 6. The party crowd, food, drink and view from John’s porch are all excellent!

Speaking of Rat Parade, John’s “Chief Operations Officer,” Billy Seargeant (Fredericksburg, VA), called just as I was putting the finishing touches on these notes to report that he has a

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CLASS NOTES new title, director of Business Development (or some such title) for CTI. He also said he had spoken with George McLaurine’s (Northpoint, AL) wife and provided me with George’s e-mail address and an updated mailing address.

Got a short note from George Squires (Richmond, VA). George wrote that he was enjoying the class notes that were mailed in May 2009 but that his comments on the Corp’s performance in the Inaugural Parade were, perhaps, a little less effusive than John Crim’s that were published in one of the articles as well as in the Class Notes. I guess it all depends on your perspective.

Terry Emerson sent in a too short update. He wrote, “I sure hope we can make the next big reunion. We still live in the castle and are making many trips all around the continent. Will be in the USA for July.”

Spoke with Kevin Henry (Winston Salem, NC) when he was trying to find a fourth to fill out a foursome in Tommy Norment’s (Williamsburg, VA) annual golf tournament. Hope at least one of the leads I gave him worked out.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the great class of 1969. We just completed our fantastic, wonderful 40th Reunion, and a lot of us are still laughing and smiling. Seeing old friends and enjoying a couple of meals together was downright terrific and made us remember a lot of good times. In fact, both Pat King and Charlie Bryan helped us with pictures and music of days long gone: Pat in his Friday slide show and Charlie in his Saturday night speech at the new Center for Leadership and Ethics. We saw pictures of us as Rats and us as firsts. We even saw a picture of a bunch of “legacy cadets” who looked as young as any Rat mass today. What a weekend!

We start with who was there and who was almost there. I cannot speak to records, but I can say we had a lively group of 105 BRs who enjoyed some part of the reunion.

Maj. Mel and Kathy Adams from Northfield, VT; Dr. Bob and Susan Alexander from Seaford, VA; Dr. Jim and Barbara Baker of Suffolk, VA; Lee Barnes from Virginia Beach, VA; Dr. Chuck and Beth Becker from Beckley, WV; Bill and Betsy Blandford from Powhatan, VA; Don Bogard of Glen Allen, VA; Pat and Tricia Branch from Richmond, VA; Lt. Col. Drew and Carole Brantley from Williamsburg, VA; Lt Col. Gary and Nancy Braswell of Winchester, VA; Dr. Chris Brothers of Santa Fe, NM; Peyton and Gail Brown of Lynchburg, VA; Dr. Charlie and Cammy Bryan of

2009-Issue 3

Richmond, VA; Tom and Karen Buckner of Memphis, TN; David Bush of Wytheville, VA; Spunky and Linda Butler of Nokesville, VA; Rick and Cheryl Camp of Richmond, VA; Tommy and Nancy Catlett of Poquoson, VA; Bob Clingenpeel of Glendale, AZ; Judge Brant Collins of Brick, NJ; Randy and Pam Crocker of South Hill, VA; Richie and Elleanore Daub (and big dog) from Richmond, VA; Mike Dean with friend Stephanie Westerman from Stafford, VA; John Dick of Clear Brook, VA; Maj. Fred and Claudia Downey of Fairfax, VA; Dr. John DuBose of Summerville, SC; Bill and Donna Ellerman of Silver Spring, MD; Col. Harold C. Fleischer of San Antonio, TX; Ken and Judy Fleming of Wichita, KS; Lt. Gen. Bob and Lynda Flowers of Clifton, VA; Phil and Lynn Gardner of Martinsville, VA; Dan and Kathy Gibson of Williamsburg, VA; Bruce and Sherry Gregory of Richmond, VA; David Hagan of Richmond, VA; Col. Glenn and Elizabeth Hammond of Roanoke, VA; Dr. Mike Hanna of Anniston, AL; Dr. Steve and Gail Harrington of Bentonville, AR; Bob and Lush Heely of Norfolk, VA; Tom Hickman of Taneytown, MD and parts east; Don and Laura Hinshelwood of Germantown, TN; Hugh and Adrianne Hopkins of Orange Park, FL; Ken Houston of Salisbury, NC; Dr. Joe Howard of Los Alamos, NM; Dr. Frank and Georgia Huger of Milford, NJ; Ray and Lynn Ihlenburg of Floyds Knob, IN; John and Jane Ishon of Hampton, VA; Dr. Dick Jeter of Richmond, VA; Dr. Tom and Elizabeth Jones of Macon, GA; Maj Walter Judd of Yorktown, VA; Dr. Pat King with friend Lisa Davis of Lovingston, VA; Bob and Susie Ladd of Staunton, VA; Larry’s widow Linda Lenz and daughter Larissa of Pompton Plains, NJ; Jim and Beth Long of Salem, VA; Chris and Cindy L’Orange of San Francisco, CA; Maj Gen Joe and Pat Lynch of Burke, VA; Gary and Peggy Mackey of Norfolk, VA; Mike and Debbie Maguigan of Dunwoody, GA; Doug and Janet Marks of Columbia, SC; Paul and Becky Mascot of Jacksonville, TX; Lt Col Lloyd and Debbie McGrady of Waco, TX; Dr. Gary and Ellen Moore of Chester, VA; Dr. Tom and Gail Morris of Williamsbug, VA; Donald and Lois Nelson of Midlothian, VA; Bruce and Gayle Noel of Atlanta, GA; Dr. Frank and Shelly Novakowski of Hudsonville, MI; Preston and Janis Painter of Dawsonville, GA; T. O. and Arlene Palmer of Nags Head, NC; Marty and Cathy Parks of Galax, VA; Bunny and Carolyn Paulette of Richmond, VA; Dr. V.J. and Margi Petrella of Mount Airy, MD; Dr. Jess and Becky Powell of Shelby, NC; Walter and Barbara Priest of Bena, VA; Dr. David and Susan Prugh of Chester, VA; David and Jan Reid of Pawleys Island, SC; John Robins of Hampton, VA; Mike and Martha Santoro of Wilbraham.

MA; John and Nancy Scott of N. Redington Beach, FL; John and Sallie Sebrell of Suffolk, VA; Larry and Elizabeth Seekford of Lake Frederick, VA; Lt Col Rudy and Judy Segaar of Woodville, VA; Bruce and Nancy Sharp of Suffolk, VA; Louis Sidney of Alexandria, VA; Dr. Bob and Gayne Slay of Palos Verdes Estates, CA ; Judge Val and Lorie Southall of Amelia Court House, VA; Robert and Kathleen Sparks of Falls Church, VA; Lt Col John and Mary Stann of Myersville, MD; Ron and Bruni Stead of Fredericksville, VA; Reverend John and Carolyn Steiner of Lusby, MD; Roy D. Swatts of Orlando, FL; Lee and Donna Swats of Midlothian, VA; Dr. Geoff and Frances Taylor of Richmond, VA; T.B. Thompson of Richmond, VA; Hugh Tompkins of Bethesda, MD; Jamie and Jody Totten of Hendersonville, TN; COL G. W. Updike of Orlando, FL; Bob and Ruth Waldo of Chesapeake, VA; Col Ron and Betsy Wall of Rolesville, NC; Courtenay Welton of Richmond, VA with friend Ellen Boynton (and small dog) from Key West, FL; Glenn and Susie White of Yorktown, VA; Dr. Rawls and Barbara Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC; Art Wilson of Fredericksburg, VA; Dr. Win Winfree of Afton, VA; Dennis and Anne Witt of Orange Park, FL; Dr. K. C. and Connie Woodroof of Bedford, VA; Ralph and Mary Alice Wright of Lexington, VA; and John Zunka of Charlottesville, VA. The following sent money for tumblers: Bobby Watts of Alexandria, VA; Clint Spencer of Gainesville, GA; Chunk Neale of Elgin, IL; and Gene Beale of Norfolk, VA. Wishing to attend but unable because of last moment business: Frank Easterly of Midlothian, VA; COL Mike Harper of Bowling Green, KY; Knox Hubard of Richmond, VA; Ward Carr of Frankfurt, Germany; Mike LaMar of Fair Oaks, TX; Bob Graham of Huntsville, AL; Kirk Materne of Bedminster, NJ; Lt Col John Power of O’Fallon, IL; Scott McMillan of Lenexa, KS; Marvin Fayman of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Chip Williams of Jackson, MS; Lt Col Rick Snow of Corrales, NM; Col Paul Curs of Canyon Lake, TX; and Lt Col Larry Brydon of Richmond, VA. Let’s start at the beginning: Thursday afternoon. I arrived soon after noon and visited the site of our Saturday evening dinner, the new CLE behind Smith Hall and the Marshall Library.

Charlie and Cammy Bryan were already hard at work practicing for the Saturday multi-media presentation. Justin Spears, A-V expert for the CLE, was right there working with the Bryans to make all perfect. Ron and Betsy Wall were also there checking out all details for the building with Carole Green of The VMI Alumni Association. Even Vincent, custodian for the building, was there with a smile ready to help us anyway

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1969 40th Class Reunion

Row 1: Chuck Becker, Randy Crocker, G.W. Updike, Bob Waldo, Tom Catlett, Marty Parkes, John Dick, Wip Priest, Glenn Hammond, Tom Hickman, Fred Downey, Ron Wall, John DuBose, Ron Stead, Gary Moore and Charlie Bryan.

Row 2: Bob Seay, K.C. Woodroof, Ray Ihlenburg, Don Bogard, Jess Powell, Pat Branch, David Hagan, Dick Camp, Frank Novakowski, Jimmy Long, Chris L’Orange, Courtenay Welton, Tom Buckner and Lee Barnes. Row 3: Vance Petrella, Joe Howard, Skip Steiner, William Ellerman, and Mike Maguigan. Row 4: Lee Swats, Richard Daub, Jim Baker, Tom Morris, Lloyd McGrady, David Reid, Brant Collins, Mel Adams, Dan Gibson, Don Nelson, Bob Heely, Tom Jones, Bob Clingenpeel and Dick Jeter. Row 5: Hugh Hopkins, Tommy Thompson, John Stann, Bunny Paulette, Peyton Brown, Doug Marks, Gary Mackey, Glenn White, Bob Flowers, Win Winfree, T.O. Palmer, Drew Brantley, Walt Judd, Dave Prugh, Chris Brothers, Gary Braswell and Jamie Totten. Row 6: Val Southall, Bob Sparks, John Scott, Geoffrey Taylor, Dennis Witt, Mike Santoro, Dana Swatts, Spunky Butler, John Robins, Ken Houston, Joe Lynch, John Zunka and Steve Harrington. Row 7: Bob Alexander, Paul Mascot, Rawls Williams, Preston Painter, Dave Bush, John Sebrell, Ralph D. Wright, Bruce Sharp, Louis Sidney, Art Wilson, Mike Dean, Harold Fleischer, Don Hinshelwood, Bill Blandford, Michael Hanna and Pat King. he could. With those preparations well underway, I picked up an extra computer and projector for Friday night’s photo show from the director of Alumni Giving, Pat Webb, Texas A&M ’69, one of two other ‘69 grads assisting us in our adventure. Brig. Gen. Casey Brower, USMA ’69, interim director of CLE, is the other. I then visited the new book store in Third Barracks and introduced the managers to Larry Lenz’ new book. They like to have on hand copies of every book written by a VMI grad.

While in the Lejeune Hall area, I met Dr. Frank and Shelly Novakowski with Col. Tom Moncure ’72, Frank’s dyke from yesteryear.

We all checked out the new snack bar area and the book store downstairs before heading over to the VMI Museum on the lower levels of JM Hall. I enjoyed the “class rings” exhibit and seeing how the museum is coming in their expansions.

By the time I got to the motel to check in, there were a bunch of folks hauling in clothes and golf

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clubs from cars in the lot. There were a lot of glances at faces trying to find that familiar smile or look from years gone by. I had established reservations for a big table at the Southern Inn at 1900 and wondered then if I would fill the table.

As it turned out, that was enough room for only two thirds of the BRs I saw that night at the SI. Dr. Tom and Elizabeth Jones, Dr. Dick Jeter and Tommy Thompson staked out a table in the bar area. Mel Adams was waiting for John DuBose and me when we arrived around 1830, and a dozen of us sat at one table. Joining John, Mel and me were the Bryans (Charlie and Cammy), Ken Fleming, Mascots (Paul and Becky), Reids (David and Jan), and Dr. Chris Brothers. As we sat at dinner, the occupants of a nearby table arose, and there stood Col. Harold Fleischer and Mike Dean with his date, Stephanie. And John and Sallie Sebrell and Steve and Gail Harrington headed to the Main Street Bistro just down the street. Obviously, the reunion was on and in full swing Thursday night.

When we returned to the motel, I decided to check out the hospitality room in the Holiday Inn. Good move! By my count there were 32 BRs already in place Thursday night! The room was open and guys were already busy helping themselves to a cool libation and lots of catching up with other BRs and wives. Not all were partying, however, as Ron and Betsy Wall, David and Susan Prugh, and Chuck and Beth Becker were busy stuffing registration folders and Jimmy and Beth Long were preparing centerpieces for the Friday night tables.

Friday was golf day for many, and the HI was busy at breakfast with BRs grabbing a bite before heading out to the course. Did I mention the weather was perfect? Sunny and warm all weekend. What luck we had! Hugh and Adrianne Hopkins from FL were up early, as well as Tom Hickman, Roy Dana Swatts, Steve Harrington and Tommy “Stud” Jones. The latter two had been out running before breakfast, or at least wore a wet sweatshirt to breakfast…

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES I will mention now that BR Tom Hickman came the furthest for the reunion: all the way from Afghanistan (many time zones!) and his prosecutor duties for the World Court. Dr. Chris Brothers drove the furthest (from New Mexico) and several BRs came in from west of the Mississippi: Bob Clingenpeel from AZ; Dr. Joe Howard from NM; Dr. Bob Slay and Chris L’Orange from CA, Col Harold Fleischer and Paul Mascot from TX, Dr. Frank Novakowski from MI, Dr. Harrington from AR; Ken Fleming from KA. Mike Santoro from MA and Mel Adams from VT also traveled a long way.

Back to the golf. Jim Long had arranged for tee times on both Friday and Saturday. Many of us gathered Friday morning at the Lexington G&CC and found ourselves in foursomes but playing our own ball. Gary Mackey (first net), Fatback Jeter (second net) and David Reid (low gross 76) took honors for men’s lowest scores with Rawls Williams and Tom Catlett tying for third, and Randy Crocker and Dennis Witt tying for fifth. Beth Long won the ladies competition. John Sebrell, Bob Waldo, Dennis Witt, Jim Long and Dick Jeter all won closestto-the-hole prizes, while Mr. Reid hit the straightest drive and “Mighty Man” Dr. Skinny Baker hit the longest drive. Ken Fleming, Tom Buckner and I cheered for Dennis Witt as none of us had a career day… Also out there were Dr. Tom Morris, Bob Heely, Mike Santoro, Glenn White, Larry Seekford, Dr. Tom Jones, Pat Branch, Tommy Thompson, Bob Flowers, John Dick, Dan Gibson, Hugh Hopkins, Bob Ladd, Peyton Brown, Preston Painter, Barbara (Mrs. LR) Williams and Janis Painter.

For those arriving on Friday, registration in the hospitality room was available and manned by the Walls, Beckers and Prughs. Each BR received two tall Tervis Tumblers with the class sweater emblem displayed. Many bought a second or third pair in the same or slightly smaller size. Check with John Sebrell if you wish to order a bunch more in the same or a different size.

Late Friday afternoon the “meet and greet” began in earnest. Jimmy Long and David Bush had arranged for a BBQ served in a big tent behind the hotel. The flow of conversations went from interior bar area to the door area to the tent area in one continuum. There appeared to be room for all to sip and talk and smoke a cigar as necessary. When dinner was ready, all chowed down on pulled pork, barbecued chicken, beans and slaw. There was no snorkeling of pudding! People sat in the tent and inside the hospitality room. When all had been served, Ron Wall invited all to the tent area and allowed me to introduce Linda and Larissa Lenz, Larry’s wife and daughter, who were there to thank the class for all the help and support offered to Larry in his last years of life. Then I passed the mike to Pat King, former photographer for the Bomb. He regaled us with tales of barracks life and showed pictures of all sorts of activities during our time at VMI. I think he had displayed on a big screen 100 photos by the time he finished his show. By now Leo Barnes, Bob Heely, Rick Camp and a couple of cadet musicians were chomping at the bit so we finished the photo show and turned the evening over to some of the former “Soul Kings” to make beautiful music from the 60’s. Camp can still go to town on the electric guitar while Barnes and Heely filled in enthusiastically on the vocals and guitar chords. The group drew an appreciative audience out in the tent while others elected to return to the hospitality room for more sipping and talking. Hearsay says the party extended well into the wee hours.

Saturday morning arrived warm and bright again. Picture-taking was first order of business for many and then hanging around for the parade. John Zunka and Don Bogard strolled in and were part of the morning activities. Although the photographer had taken a couple of images on time, he agreed to take another couple when Boob Slay and KC Woodroof arrived a few moments late. That pair had enjoyed their breakfast

so much at a B&B in town they were a few minutes late arriving. “No harm, no foul” worked that day as it did years ago in the IGBA. After our photos were taken, and some visited our class memorial room in the Library, it was time for shopping at the bookstore and waiting for the parade activities. The sun was warm and breeze comfortable as we passed time talking to neighbors seated in the special area reserved for us near the center of the reviewing area. When parade time rolled around, we were ready. The class of 1959 presented their excellent class gift to the Supe and then it was time to troop the line. We as a class fell in behind Bob Heely, acting company commander; Ron Wall, guide-on bearer with the ‘1969’ displayed prominently; and me, your class agent and general agitator. We followed the not-quite-asquick-marching 1959 class – doing a fine job of not overtaking them – and ended the parade in front of barracks before filing into the Old Barracks courtyard. After the ’59 Old Yells, Heely led Wall and me up the rickety portable steps to the top of the sentinel box where I led the Old Yell for our rat dykes (’72, ’72, ’72) ; Ron led the Yell for our first class dykes (’66, ’66, ’66!); and Bobby raised a huge ruckus with a ’69, ’69, ’69!!! We all managed to get back down the steps and observed the ’79 and ’89 classes making a little noise. I have to admit that visit to the sentinel box roof was a first for me and pretty exciting.

Now that the parade and cheers were over, people headed in different directions for the afternoon. Many of us accepted the offer from Sallie Sebrell to have a box lunch in Moody Hall before leaving for the Garden Club of Lexington’s annual home tour. The Novakowskis joined me for the tour while I noted at least three or four other cars with members of our class. Other families left for the Lexington G&CC course for another round. The Saturday round was for fun with no prizes awarded.

I got back to the hospitality room around four

Class of 1969: Charlie Bryan was named Virginian of the Year. Pictured with Bryan, center, were, from left: Spunky Butler, Jim Hitchcock, John Dick, Gary Braswell, Marty Parks, Bryan, Bill Bailey, Win Winfree, Vance Petrella, John Zunka and John Robins. See Alumni News section for full article on Bryan.

2009-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES and found the room quietly active. There were lots of small groups sipping and talking and enjoying themselves. As our first activity was not until 6:30 or so, many guys decided to have one last beer and tell tall tales of “there I was.”

At 6:30ish people started gathering to catch a yellow school bus over to the Center for Leadership and Ethics on the VMI Post. Some drove themselves but no one got into any trouble before or after the dinner there. Yea! I rode with Ron and Betsy Wall and the Prughs and got to work as soon as we parked at VMI. There were Tervis Tumblers of a smaller size to sell and a few Saturday-evening-only BRs to greet. The pre-dinner cocktail party was served on the balcony level above the dining area and afforded a nice view of the new building and its conference capabilities. The pay-as-yougo bar got me in trouble with a few who had not brought their wallets. [One “gotcha” for the weekend is not too bad.] Around 7:50 Col Wall got out his old trumpet and sounded first call. And then a whole bunch of other easily recognizable bugle calls. Most of the group was seated at the open-seating tables by “assembly” and the dinner event began. The two early speakers called in to say conditions on the Interstate prevented them from getting to VMI on time and they were not going to make it to the dinner, so we began with a welcome from Ron and a quick, to-the-point grace by BR Rev. Skip Steiner, Episcopal rector from MD. Dinner was then served by the Aramark team: chicken or beef as advertised in the registration materials. I certainly enjoyed my dinner and thought it was well served and good tasting. Wine came with the dinner service.

As dinner was moving towards dessert, Ron Wall invited his former roommate Dr. Chuck Becker to the podium to introduce his rat dyke Walt Chalkley ’72, executive officer to the Supe.

Walt is now COL Chalkley, USA, Retired, and since our reunion has become second-timeretired Walt. Col Chalkley gave us a “state of the Institute” update and kept to his word to keep it “short, sweet and funny. “ When Walt finished he was greeted by Ron with a beautiful gift and a serenade led by Ray Ihlenberg with his accordion! Ray had changed the words to a known song and passed out the words to all there. He led the group in singing to Walt by playing the tune on his accordion. What a hoot! Ron then publicly thanked Carole Greene of the VMI Alumni Association for all her help in setting up the reunion. Next Ron called me up to introduce our main speaker for the evening. BR Charlie Bryan needed little introduction but I did say his name and tell the group I got to, as class agent, talk about you guys in the recent past history.

Charlie, however, had the tougher job – of telling us about us many years ago. Charlie accepted

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the mike and started into his well prepared and rehearsed multi-media presentation (assisted by his wife Cammy with a second laptop computer and A-V specialist Justin Spears sitting near her).

Charlie launched on his speech and immediately got everyone’s attention with images from yesteryear displayed on a big screen directly behind and above him. Charlie’s presentation came with words, photos, and music from our Keydet days. It was a masterpiece. [Ron posted that speech at the following site: files.me.com/ ronaldrwall/2q6ti0.mov.]

About half-way through the speech, Charlie’s computer stopped and indicated low battery power. That was A-OK with most of the crowd as they all headed to a nearby set of bathrooms!

When power was restored to the laptop, Charlie continued on his journey of days gone by and completed his prepared remarks. David Prugh of the reunion team presented Charlie with a small metal statuette, created by Daniel Booton ’73 and named “Youth’s Hour of Glory” as a thank-you gift, as Charlie and Cammy were recognized again for their magnificent work.

Jimmy Long then came forward and presented Ron Wall with a small present for his work as chairman of the reunion committee. Ron finally called on Bob Heely to come forward and lead us in the singing of the Doxology. Before we all sang, though, Bob presented me, your class agent, with a gift and admonition not to quit doing my duties. I was very much touched by his words and the gift, a hand-made jewelry box with inlaid wood from Ron Wall’s woodshop in NC. The box had stained wood VMI spider on top and is beautiful. After the singing it was time to head back to the busses and the motel, where the party continued for a few more hours.

Sunday morning was a sad day in some ways as people were loading cars and heading in all directions. On a spur of the moment idea, I went down to the hospitality room and took a look.

It looked pretty tame with lots of left-over refreshments on the bar. Soon TB Thompson and Gary Mackey appeared to load up the surviving bottles and cans. We made a command decision on the spot to donate the left-overs to Gary and Gene Beale to use in a dinner party donated by the pair in a recent VMI Keydet Club auction in Norfolk. Mayor Paul Fraim ’70 made the winning bid and won a dinner for a bunch fixed

by Gary, Gene and friends at Gene’s house in the Ghent section of Norfolk. With that last business completed, I left the area with lots of good memories and very satisfied feelings of accomplishment. 105 BRs came back to renew ties with others. Many wives and girl friends got acquainted with their hubby’s BRs and lifetime friends. It was a terrific weekend.

What did I learn about you, the classmates, to pass on? There are a lot of guys whose first name

is now Doctor. There are a couple whose first name is now General. There are a lot of wives who appear to enjoy being in Lexington and Rockbridge County and some who are anxiously waiting their turn to live there. Mel Adams lives in Vermont and has just been named to lead the effort to spend one billion dollars in his state in federal incentive funds. Wow. Even the talented wives/professional buyers I know would be hard pressed to take that on. The Bush, Judd and Gregory BRs not only share a birthday but also are preparing for a wedding in the family this year. The Alexanders’ son was about to open a new deli in Grafton, VA, near a newly opened county ball park complex. Good planning! Both parents have had big roles in getting the restaurant ready for business. John and Sallie Sebrell are moving along on their building renovation project on Main Street, Lexington. Anyone need a condo in town? Contact Banker John.

Judge Hammond’s son Barry is moving along in his AF career and has met his bride-to-be.

Dad is still receiving accolades from his special ops work from long ago. Tom Hickman is a busy man who lives and works in Afghanistan bringing bad guys to justice in the World Court.

[In making this reunion a reality, the committee made security arrangements for three judges, two General Officers, and one high profile attorney.

The VMI Police Department took care of a lot of details for us in this regard.]

From Spunky Butler, roving reporter, came the following excellent report. The noon, 9 May event marking Charlie Bryan’s ”2009 Outstanding Virginian” Award was well attended by ten BRs with five bringing their wives. Charlie set up one table for us, but we filled that one and spilled over onto another one. His immediate family was there, from his son and daughter, and especially his grandson, to his extended family; all the VHS staff (whom he had stand up and credited them solely for his success), his physician, his personal trainer, and us. It was really a celebration of Charlie’s and Cammy’s life together. And Front Royal’s Northern Virginia 4H Educational and Conference Center was an excellent venue: an amazing place even for the city guys among us. The group shot of attending BRs includes Spunky Butler, Jim Hitchcock, John Dick, Gary Braswell, Marty Parks, Charlie Bryan, Bill Bailey, Win Winfree, Vance Petrella, John Zunka, and John Robins.

I am out of space to tell you more so I must quit. Look on-line at VMI AA site for this and more text about the reunion. And please let your voice and wallet be heard from today by VMI Annual Giving. Support the Foundation, Keydet Club or Athletic Operations Fund in some way.

All gifts made starting today count towards our 50th reunion gift.

In the Spirit … Walt

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’70

Bill O’Connor

Greetings from Richmond. As I write these May notes I realize that we will be celebrating our 40th reunion in less than a year. Wow – where as the time gone. By now you have received updates from our various reunion committees and have a tentative itinerary of what’s being planned for our reunion. Let’s make this the biggest reunion yet by getting in touch with former roommates and BR’s that we have not heard from in years and talking up the reunion.

It is amazing that when a “lost” BR is found how often they regret not staying in touch. The news was bountiful this quarter and I thank you for all the updates. Let’s get started.

It is with deep regret that I inform the Class of the passing of John Pappas’ wife Janice. I do not have the details but apparently she lost her two year battle with cancer on May 14th. I wrote John a note letting him know that our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Wedding bells were ringing this past quarter with Al Kirk’s daughter Katherine, getting married in Charleston, Warren Grasty’s son Jeffery, getting married in England and Phil Anderson getting married in Georgia. Al and Anne Kirk’s daughter Katherine got married at an old plantation in Charleston, SC. Attending the nuptials were Tom and Jill Cooke, Ralph and Marsha Costen and Paula and I. The wedding was great, Al’s liquor superb and the bride beautiful.

The only down side to the event was that the groom’s family has long time ties to the Citadel.

That being said it was a great wedding. Warren and Liz Grasty’s son Jeffery was married in merry old England last month and Warren couldn’t be prouder. Jeff met his bride shortly after arriving in England, to start his three year assignment as a design engineer with NSA. Warren says they make a super couple and he looks forward to their return to the States in another year. Last and certainly not least, Taze Taylor informed me that Phil Anderson was married last month. Taze didn’t provide any details other than Phil saying the only baggage she brought into the marriage were two long haired dachshunds and the fact that she was an Alabama graduate. Phil looks forward to introducing her to us in the fall. Congrats to all.

Speaking of Alabama, I spoke with Julian “JuJu” Smith recently for an update. Smitty retired about a year ago from Alabama Power and now spends his time doting over his three grandchildren, Isabelle, Julie and baby John, born April 11th. I asked Smitty if wife Donna had retired and he said he can’t live the life

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he has become a custom too without Donna working another 15 years. She of course was not present when he said it. Congrats on your retirement and your new grandson. Look forward to seeing you and Donna in the fall. Also in Birmingham is Rodney Shu. I tried to get in touch with Rodney through FaceBook and ended up hooking up with his wife Julie. I told Julie that Rodney has been missed by many for to long and hoped he would make a trip to Lexington this fall. Got a short note from Roland Vaughan. Roland has left Rosser International Inc. and has started a consulting company, VAST Solutions, LLC in Tuskegee, Al. Way to go Roland, I know under your leadership it will be a success.

Dave Lawrence reports in from the left coast.

Brother Dave continues to work for Lockheed Martin and says his life is focused on getting his two boys through college and then considering retirement. Dave stays in touch with Dave Trentholm, Dave Price and Bob Grossman.

According to Dave, Trentholm is still working, Price is trying to retire and Grossman continues to be a full time father. Also on the left coast is Bill (who has a need for speed) Scherer. As reported in the last Alumni Review Bill continues to set world motorcycle speed records on the salt flats. He has been riding motorcycle for years and has set numerous records. Also a tip of the hat to Bill for graciously offering a week at his Palm Springs home as an item for the Keydet Club auction held in Norfolk last June.

Bill’s generosity brought in three+ thousand dollars to the Keydet Club. Thanks Bill and congrats on your speed records.

Jumping back over to the east coast Dewey George checked in from Northern Va. Retiring after 27 years in the Army, Dewey went to work for a small company in NVA which was brought out in 2003. Dewey decided to start his own business and 11 years later is living the American dream. He wants to get in touch with his former roomie Matt Curtis, with whom he lost contact a few years after graduation. Dewey gets back to Lexington once or twice a year and is looking forward to next year’s reunion.

Thanks Dewey, good to hear from you.

Bob Hawthorne sent the following note with an update: “After many years in the Air Force---and with Martinair we finally moved back to Richmond, Va....Still driving up and down the road to Washington, but at least we are home...My son Jeff just finished up with Wachovia Securities---he headed back office operations (Sarbanes/Oxley) and now is looking for work.....Cathy watches the grand kids a lot now when they aren’t at Jack and Jill Nursery school (my cousin Mary Cox) and my daughter Heather is working on becoming a nurse....Went to hear Neil Steverson speak at Grace Baptist

Church---was nice to see Ralph Costen there.

Working these politicians to fly our jets---some days I am a Democrat and other days a Republican! Somehow the stimulus hasn’t floated down to us or my kids! All my best....I started playing Sax again after 40 years, with our TJCC Cadet Alumni Band here at Thomas Jefferson...Nice playing again....I see Dick Cheatham and few folks at the VMI Richmond Club...Nice to be back!!” Welcome back to the capital city Bob. Donnie Wheatley checked in from Covington to say hi and give an update. Donnie received a grant that allowed him to visit Youth Villages in Israel during March. He said Israel was everything he expected and more. I hear that Donnie will be receiving an honorary Doctorate in May from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. Congrats Donnie, could not be more deserved.

Ed Andrews writes from Raleigh where he has lived for the last 20 years. He attended the VMI – Campbell B-Ball game and said the Keydets looked super. Ed has been a long time supporter of the VMI Ice Hockey Club and encourages all of us to help the club sports. I agree Ed – VMI has some super Club sports with some pretty good athletes.

“Tricky” Dick Knight writes from Nashville where he is preparing to head off to Yellowstone National Park to be a seasonal park ranger from May to October. Dick’s history with Yellowstone goes back many years. He and wife Linda honeymooned there in 1971 and one of his great-grandfathers was superintendent of Yellowstone when the national parks were under the Army’s control. He encourages all BR’s to visit Yellowstone and to look for the “Rat” with the Smokey the Bear hat. Enjoy yourself Dick and watch out for the Grizzlies.

Ted Durvin checked in from the Tar Heel state where he and Barbara continue to enjoy retirement. Barbara had a little medical issue that scared them but she bounced back and is going strong. Ted and Barbara are heading out next January for an extended vacation in Asia and will travel to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore. Sounds like a super trip. Fellow Tar Heeler AC Arnn writes from Statesville that all is well with Arnn family. Son Patrick is stationed in South Korea with the Air Force and files the DMZ in the F-16 Viper. AC and Beth are hoping to visit him this summer.

Daughter Sarah is back in graduate school at UNCG and is planning to get her teaching certificate and teach elementary school. Thanks AC for the update and for keeping the tradition alive – I’ll plan on doing my part next January!

Leonard “Boom Boom” McClure writes from Shanghai that he is fine but continues to travel all around the world on business. In the past year he has visited the UK, Hungary, Austria,

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CLASS NOTES Japan, and India among others. Wife Brenda has retired from the real estate business and seems to be enjoying the retired life. Lennie’s says his kids are doing well and that he and Brenda dote on grandson Gray. The McClures are planning on attending the 40th reunion.

Counting on it Lennie.

Bill and Brigitte Bott continue to reside on the eastern Shore. They moved into Bill’s parent’s home and had fun remodeling. Both he and Brigitte are retired and are loving it. They have traveled to Alaska to visit son Wescott ’99 and his family and are looking forward to having their other son Charles ’96 and his family become neighbors in June. Charles will be moving to the Eastern Shore in June and will be just a couple of hundred yards away. How lucky – being able to watch the grandkids grow up. Bill extends an open invitation to all BR’s to visit.

Mike Carruth writes from NVA that he and Jeannie are enjoying being near their daughters and watching their two granddaughters grow up.

They’ve done quite a bit of traveling lately and are planning on visiting Trinidad in May and Michigan in the summer. Mike says hi to all.

Ed Trinkle sent a nice newsy letter with lots of info: “Guilty - of changing your address in my address book(s), but not of sending you anything. I retired from Norfolk Southern last June (2008), and then my wife and I took a trip to include the East Coast of Maine, and all the Maritime Provinces of Canada – well, except Newfoundland –there ARE limits to adventure

after all. After years of moving around the south for the railroad, it felt odd indeed to retire in the Atlanta area, but most of the ties to Northern Virginia had withered over the years, and my son, Pete had come to Georgia (GA Tech) to get an engineering masters degree, and was working in the Atlanta area with the huge, and much delayed refurbishing of the water purification and delivery systems. He comes over to the house weekly and provides superb IT support for our computers in exchange for food! So, the reasons for staying here outweighed the ones for leaving by a considerable margin.

Last year’s tragedy of Allen Anderson’s death has seen a brighter light for Phil, in his meeting the wonderful Ms Carolyn Daniel. We are looking forward to their nuptials in Atlanta on 2 May 2009. I WILL give you a detailed account AFTER the event.

Dick Schellhammer made one of his rare pilgrimages back to New Jersey (as did I) early in January to attend the funeral of an old mutual friend, who – while never attending the Institute, always spoke of his appreciation for the bonds it allowed THREE brother rats to share – as his best friend, who was vacationing with Denis and his wife when he died, was Larry Stryker, who transferred to Rutgers after our Third Class Year. It was a poignant reunion for the three of us.

Dick and Jack Sheedy are still partneringin-crime in Dallas as “attorneys” for Goins, Underkoffler, Crawford, and Langdon, and

we seem to congregate when another of the children (ours, or Steve McAuliffe’s) gets married. Collectively, we’re down to three children left unhitched – so we DO have aspirational, if not concrete, plans to get together. Don Crawford is well established at the upper end of the Shenandoah Valley, at Harrisonburg, working for Schickel Corp, a metals fabrication company –one of whose recent projects was installing the railings in the new(est) barracks. We had plans to get together with Don and Lois at his hometown, Wytheville, for Valentine’s Day – and were all going to stay at the renowned SW Virginia B&B, the Trinkle Mansion (you can look it up on-line – I’ve been there, and it IS “worth a visit by every cadet”), but family illnesses precluded that visit.

We’re getting together with them in May when one of their nieces gets married in Harrisonburg .In the bonds, Ed & Marky Trinkle PS – I must admit to frequent contact with John C. McLemore, whom I keep trying to see when I go through Nashville, TN – but whose associates\confederates have been well trained to assist him into a “Saddam-Hussein” hiding position if a VMI bumper sticker or window decal is spotted within 1000 meters of the Garfinkle, McLemore, & Walker law offices.

John apparently told them it was EITHER their salaries, or his paying for lunch for the visiting Brother-Rats. John, ever the diplomat, left the choice up to them.” Thanks Ed – great letter.

And speaking of Don Crawford he hit the

Class of 1970 Photos clockwise from top left: - Bruce Pates kicking back with rock and roller musicans Mark Andes and Mac McLagan.

- At Al Kirk’s daughter’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, were, from left, Tom Cooke, Bill O’Connor, groom Michael Baldwin, bride Katherine, Al Kirk and Ralph Costen.

- At Warren and Liz Grasty’s son’s wedding in England were, from left, Warren’s new daughter-in-law, Ruth, proud dad Warren and son Jeffery.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES proverbial jackpot with grandkids. Last year his daughters had three new babies, two girls and boy, raising Don’s total tally of grandkids to five.

Don says it’s great to have them come for a visit and then see them go home! I bet you are a real “softie” Don with all those grandbabies. Don has one more daughter who is to be married later this month and then he can settle down. Thanks for the update Don and congrats on the Crawford army! Jack “The Governor” Hoffman reported from San Antonio where he and Barbara are practicing retirement. Barbara has fully retired from teaching and Jack has cut back to part time lawyering. Their son Jay was recently called up from the IRR to report for active duty and a tour in Iraq to fly Blackhawks – problem is he never has flown a Blackhawk. He is now in a refresher course at Ft. Rucker getting qualified. Our best to Jay – God bless him. Jack is looking forward to seeing everyone at reunion.

Neil (everybody is guilty in my court) Steverson recently attended Spring Training in Florida and had a ball watching good major league baseball. He sees the usual ’70 criminals around and about in Richmond. Speaking of criminals, Herb Braun had a little get-together when John Bailey came down to Richmond for the races. Herb threw some steaks on the grill and John, Tom Cooke, Jimmy Mawyer, Gary Weishaar, and yours truly were treated to a culinary delight. As usual, the same old stories were told but the endings were different. Fun night – thanks Herb.

Peter and Brantley Knowles continue to enjoy retirement between Richmond and Florida.

They recently had a new addition to the family, son Bolling and his wife Darci presented them with their first grandchild, a daughter born on April 30th. Needless to say they are extremely pleased and excited. Other son Peter ’05 lives in Richmond and works for Kjellestrom & Lee General Contractors. Peter, Sr. keeps busy doing volunteer work with various non-profit organizations while Brantley stays busy with her various garden club activities. Contrats to the Knowles on their new granddaughter.

Warren Grasty recently got together with John Bailey and Reed Heddleston for a round of golf at Reed’s club. Warren said it wasn’t pretty but at least it wasn’t raining!! Warren indicated that Stix Chandler will be visiting the Grasty’s next month prior to attending a conference in DC. Stix is with out doubt the busiest retiree I have ever seen. He and Nancy went on the sailing ship cruise in the spring and had a great time. I have not checked his travel schedule for the rest of the year but if it is any thing like the previous year, he will rack up some serious frequent flyer miles.

Jon and Sherri Vordermark write from Lubbock, Texas where Jon continues to develop and

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expand the resident training program at Texas Tech. He is also busy working on a book which centers on leadership and personal development for physicians. Sherri has completed her certification as personal trainer and is working on establishing her business. They don’t see many VMI people and Jon says his career has cost him staying in touch with many BRs – which he regrets. He indicated that the majority of his personal time is devoted to fly fishing for which he has a burning passion. Take care Jon and please try to make the reunion – you will be able to reestablish many of those lost relationships. Speaking of lost relationships, with the help of Ned Haley, a long lost BR was found. Jim “Scourge” Stevens.

Jim was my roommate our Rat year and into our third class year when he decided to leave VMI. Jim sent the following note: “Nice to hear from you guys. Just to put together a few missing pieces of information. I lived on Edgewood Ave and I was assigned to Piedmont Elementary School in the 5th grade. I attended Sheffield School in the 6th and 7th grades. I left VMI in October of 1967.

The school wired the Draft Board and I received my draft notice in less than a week. I tried to join the Marines because they were 2 years active duty versus the Army which was 4 years. I took the bus down to Richmond to take the Marine Corps physical. When they saw that I had an enlarged testicle from a bicycle injury when I was 12, they told me that they could send me to Quantico to fix the testicle and 9 weeks later I would go to Paris Island for boot camp, OR, if I didn’t have the operation, I was undraftable. I said thank you, walked out of there, and never looked back. The irony is I might have passed the Army physical.

In 1968, I moved to Boston and took a job with an industrial supply company right in the city and have been there ever since. I met my wife, Louise, while she was attending Boston University. We moved to Maine in 1976. I’ve been commuting to Boston 4 or 5 days a week (70 mi each way) for the last 23 years. We have raised three children, Alexis, Victoria, and Jimmy. They all have finished college and Louise and I are trying to figure out how to retire early. I’m sure this is more than you ever needed to know about my life but there it is. It’s nice to know that I was remembered.

Thanks for thinking of me. Regards, Jim Stevens.”

It was great catching up and talking with Jim and hopefully he will attend the 40th. Last issue I mentioned that I had gotten in touch with Steve Talley who I hadn’t seen or talked to since 1971.

It was super catching up with him and what he had been doing since graduation. Steve called last month and had an awful experience during a knee replacement. During the operation his blood pressure dropped which caused him to have a heart attack and two strokes which resulted in his losing significant vision in both eyes. Thankfully he is on the mend and hopefully will regain more

vision. Steve wanted to pass on to everybody that life is precious and to never take it for granted.

The value of friends and family truly shine when things get difficult. Please know Steve we are rooting for your recovery and that you are in our prayers.

Kent Schlussel reported in from Charlottesville saying that he is enjoying his retirement from his full time job but is working as a consultant to three companies. He is teaching one class per semester at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Good God man – if that’s retirement I’m keeping my full time job. Wife Judy had a fairly serious foot operation last December that put her on crutches for over 8 weeks. She was however, well cared for by Nurse Kent (serving her breakfast in bed for 63 consecutive days). She now has healed and she and Kent are planning to do some traveling.

Bruce “Artie” Pates wrote an interesting letter regarding how he and Bob “Fuzzy” Patrick paths have crossed since VMI. They bumped into each other from time to time in the early ’70s, dated the same girl at different times, lost touch with each other and most recently ran into each other at the Library of Congress. As with all BR’s who get together after a period of time, it wasn’t long before they began reminiscing.

Bruce continues to enjoy the retired life and keeps busy doing a lot of musical “stuff”. He is looking forward to attending the 40th.

Dick Cheatham dropped a note saying that he recently lost his mom. It is never easy when we lose a parent but like Dick said, they leave us with some wonderful memories. We are sorry for your loss. Dick is staying busy doing speaking engagements (most recently on the west coast) and doing some writing. He has truly had an interesting career with his living history theme.

Last month Ralph Costen, Herb Braun, Waite Rawls and I attended a luncheon at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond where the featured speaker was our basketball coach, Duggar Bascom. The event was well attended and Duggar gave a heck of a talk. It is still hard to believe VMI 111- University of Kentucky 103. Wow. That’s about it. Thank you all for all the news.

Mark your calendars for next April’s Class of 1970, 40th Reunion. Enjoy the summer and be safe. Take care.

’71

James Kelly

Greetings everyone I hope that you are all doing well. This week will mark the 38th anniversary of our graduation from VMI. Sort of makes some of us feel old, especially as most everyone is over 60 or soon will be. Remember

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CLASS NOTES the “old” alumni we used to watch back in the day? Guess who the Corps thinks is “old” now.

I got an email recently from Jim Gearhart about starting our spring golf tour. The weather here has been just awful lately with monsoonal rain. I think we would have to borrow an amphibious golf cart from the Marines before we could get in a round now but we will get out there soon. I look forward to the summer.

Kathryn and I were in Lexington during the weekend of 17 April for the annual Class Agents’ Conference. The agents were brought up to speed on several items which I will mention later. We had dinner on Saturday night with Carol and Buddy Bryan and Pat and Mike Kelly ’73. Mike Strickler was also on board for the evening. Following dinner we were given a presentation on the undergraduate research program at VMI. The cadets are doing some impressive work and a few received patents for their “inventions”. Buddy Bryan has been filling the vacancy at the VMI Foundation which was created with the departure of Jim Adams. He has gone to Coastal Carolina to accept a similar position down there. I had previously reported Jim’s retirement which is not going to be the case.

Lanny Gault has taken on the duty of representing our class for the Keydet Club with special emphasis on getting contributions for the 75th anniversary challenge. He has really been beating the bushes and several BRs have stepped up. He really wants us to out do everybody but he very much hopes to beat out ’68.

Craig Biegel upped the ante when he pledged an extra 25 dollars for every member of ’71 who accepts the challenge during the month of May. I hope it all turns out well.

Lanny had seen Rich Stegmerten in Richmond. Rich coaches and teaches at Matoca HS in Chesterfield County VA. He also let me know that Dave Kennedy had a little “clean out” work done on his heart and that all is going well. Ned Mikula has a daughter graduating from Tech this year and a son playing club baseball at Coastal Carolina.

Barry O’Donnel is still at VPI with the Pamplin College of Business. Recently he attended a pre baseball game barbeque hosted by Wes Barrow ’99. Barry said the two compared class rings and had a photo made together. According to Barry the newer rings are about “six times” the size of ours. Barry had also sent a prospective real estate agent to visit with Bob Copty ’70. VMI networking is alive and well.

Given the current state of the newspaper business John Willis feels like he has job security now that he is the editor for the Calhoun newspaper and editorial page director for the Rome GA newspaper. His two married daughters live nearby and he can spend more time with them.

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I got a rare note from Bernie Groome who sends his best to all BRs. Bernie and Wanda celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in November 2008. They are looking forward to Bernie’s retirement (USNR) checks so they can live the good life. His brother Larry ’75 lives close bye in Huntsville, AL. Bernie also said he had seen many of you on Facebook.

From Llano TX (pop. 3400) I got email from Rich Staley. Rich is retired and his wife is working for the local school district. The two of them have taken on two children (from CPS) ages 6 and 10. I told Rich he should nominated for sainthood. He has also been in touch with fellow Texan Bill Ginder.

Alan Tashima is still supporting the intelligence community but has now joined with a new company called NJVC working out of Vienna VA. The new company has been around about seven years and Alan looks forward to helping them grow.

John Youell retired in October 2008. He and Kat purchased some land south of Chester VA and are now in their third year in their new home. John has several trees and on the “manicured” part of the estate he has developed three golf “holes” suitable for 7 iron workouts. .John’s daughter Katie is teaching in Brooklyn and son Blanton married a young doctor who is now chief resident at a Charlottesville hospital.

His brother Bill ’72 is getting married for the first time at age 58.

While in Lexington last April the Class Agents got a tour of the new Center for Leadership and Ethics The mission of the center is to foster a four year program of development for cadets as well as to share insights with a national audience. It is an impressive facility which also houses a state of the art theater. Plans are in the works to hold the Institute Society dinner there in November.

The Third Barracks is now complete and open for business. The design incorporates the architectural features of the older barracks and features a modern heating system (no radiators to lean over). Hardware is also in place for air conditioning if the decision is made in the future to utilize that feature. Underneath are two floors for storage, meeting rooms, bookstore and even a mud room. The ground level features a new Lejeune Hall and reception area. The arch to the third barracks has yet to be named. A sentinel box will be constructed, historic quotes and plaques honoring VMI graduates who gave their lives in Vietnam and the Gulf War will round out the barracks features.

The Alumni Association is working hard to enhance communication capabilities. Plans include using Facebook, Twitter and You Tube.

Check VMI’s website to keep up with the particulars.

The VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club are struggling to overcome several financial hurdles. The current state of the economy is certainly a factor with the revenue flow but it is not VMI’s only challenge. State, federal and NCAA requirements all contribute to a much greater demand on monies. VMI is also striving to maintain tuition fees at a competitive level while attempting to maintain a balance of Virginia and out of state cadets.

Now, perhaps more than ever VMI needs our support. The things I saw and heard at our conference were nothing short of awe inspiring.

I am extremely proud of VMI and I am proud to be from VMI’s Class of 1971. If you haven’t been up there lately, I urge you to set aside some time and make the trip.

That pretty well sums up things for now.

Thanks to all of you who have supported Annual Giving this year. I hope you have a great summer. Chuck, Veronica, Lauren (’26), Ryan (’27) send you their best as do Kathryn and I. Keep me posted on what is going on. My next notes deadline will be 15 August.

God Bless our team and VMI, Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Brothers and Sisters, Legacies and Progeny, assorted fans, friends, onlookers – These notes cover Valentine’s Day through New Market Day 2009 – a time of spring, renewal, and – traditionally – a slower time for Class news. By the time you receive this issue, we will be deep in the throes of a sultry summer; tanned, rested and ready (??) for fall.

Time and tides have been challenging for ’72 these past few months. The Grojeans, Murrays (Rob) and Freiermuths have experienced loss; we were well represented (Chris Foster, Walt Chalkley) for the Pappas family and the heartfelt and spontaneous outpouring of support for the Tompkins family has been inspiring.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to, and remain, with all – On to the news – The photos of Walt Chalkley’s retirement are courtesy of his wife Debbie and also from George Kosovic. Several BRs, spouses and friends attended on a surprisingly and unexpectedly sunny afternoon. After a reception at the Leadership Center and a brief weekend with family and friends, Walt and GEN Peay were back in the office, as usual, over the weekend and in early on Monday AM. I was fortunate to join Walt and Debbie for supper at the Class Agent’s Conference in April – they’re moving back to their home in Florida

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Walt assured me that, this time, he’s going hour from Kuwait City…This morning I returned “…pretty darn interesting.” Yep; Phil - Jimmy to get retirement, and his golf game, right – on home from a trip to Kuwait City (about 15 hours Stewart; Ava – June Allyson behalf of the Class, we salute you, Debbie and in the air). I saw my son, Bill, twice. I got a tour Fellow Rockbridge-rooted and NC-ensconced the family for your service to the Institute and of his base the 1st day. Although big, everything is Dave Condon passed along the following while wish you all the best, BR. temporary. It looks like the Army could make the lamenting the recession’s effects upon his boatBob Beerbower provided the following news base disappear in a very short time. The quarters ing dealership and sentimental trip down memory lane – “…I are primitive, there is sand up to the ankles, & (www.americanmarinesail.com) in Zebulon, thoroughly enjoyed your latest edition of the class today is like yesterday & tomorrow is more of NC – “My daughter is finishing her second year notes in the alumni review. The rat memories made the same. Bill says his present tour is much better with one more to go at Radford. She is on the me smile. Strangely enough, you were a featured than his last tour in Baghdad. He was able to visit Dean’s List in Music. Her mother who lives in player in one of my memories. I traveled home me at the Marriott the following day for breakfast. Roanoke had a bout with breast cancer but is with Jim Snead (‘Sneadsie’) for our 1st ‘corps Although I have some issues with the US foreign recovering. As for myself, I am staying afloat trip’ on the NVA chartered bus in the fall of 1968. I policy, when I see my son & the young men & at this time but for how long, who knows as remember being introduced to Jim’s father who at women working with him I realize that things are the sailboat industry is not in the best of shape. the time was wearing an Army 2 star uniform (he not as bad as I sometimes think.” …an English However, I will not be amiss if I have to close. I was not only a VMI alumnus, but also a Ph.D.) as, major to the core…thanks, BR have been doing this for a long time and maybe ‘Pleased to meet you Mr. Snead (remember I was The ever erudite, and previously alludedit is time for me to do something else. Only not from a military background). You came over to, Hank Humphreys forwarded me the lead God knows. I recently spoke with Gregg Bragg later & the 3 of us (editor’s note (1)-??Bill Powley, article from 21 February’s “News Gazette’s who is currently living in Airfield, California.

Hank Humphreys ??) went to ‘Dixie Liquors’ at Weekender Section” – above the fold “A Career He is still in airline maintenance and is becomthe end of the 14th Street bridge in the Snead’s In The Air – Philip Clayton, A Veteran Of Two ing a respiratory therapist. He and his wife are Country Squire Ford station wagon. We bought Wars, Retires From Airline.” This is Jimmy doing fine. Kenny Sexton who matriculated several bottles of pint whiskey. Somewhat later Stewart-stuff, BRs…”Philip Clayton has spent with us but dropped out after the first semester you exited; I think there was a female involved. two years of his life in the air…the Rockbridge lives in Buchanan and he is a realtor. He knows The following day in Richmond I soaked out county native, who retired as a commercial pilot the lay of the land as he was a Virginia game my blouse & might have had an internal ‘back in December, has accumulated 17,000 hours of warden for over 33 years.” flush.’ While not unfamiliar with alcohol at 18 I actual flying time over the course of a 36-year Dave’s Rockbridge County roots? His anceswas not then the expert I have become. Anyway career, including seven years for the Air Force tors built the rail line through Goshen Pass and the weekend was a nice departure from our nor- and 29 years for American Airlines…”; “… owned the farm located on the north side of the mal college freshman routine.” Returning to the another study in contrasts…was piloting his Boy Scout Camp for over 130 years. He’s deeply present, Bob said “…last week I drove to PA to own small Cessna from an airstrip at Balcony involved in long-range planning and coordinavisit with my grandson & daughter-in-law. Upon Falls near Glasgow to Andrews AFB outside tion for the BSA’s plans to move the National joining I-81 from I-77 I found myself behind a Washington, DC, from where he flew his large Jamboree to Camp Goshen. It’s a daunting task silver, late model Cadillac Deville with a VA tag military transport aircraft overseas…”; “… to coordinate and satisfy the interests of the of ‘72 VMI 01’ driven by a lady wearing glasses. I leaving the bucolic countryside of Rockbridge BSA’s National Council, Camp Goshen, Rockfollowed her north to exit 132 near Salem (editor’s County behind for the intense buildup in the bridge County, and out-of-state consulting firms note (2) – any guesses who??). I thought about desert…”; serving as instructor/captain training but, Dave, we’re all well aware of your fortitude following her home, but decided she might call pilots how to fly in and out of higher elevation and persistence and know you’ll prevail.

911 when I stopped to introduce myself. I was airports in the Andes…” In his words, it’s been Jim Yolda writes from the horse-country of driving my 9 yr old VW Passat beautiful Fauquier County – “… (which hasn’t been washed in sevHope this finds you in fine health eral years) wearing a sweat soaked and spirit…Doug Davenport and visor, white tee shirt, wrinkled Ken (Buz) Chacey…left a phone convertible (legs unzip to become message for me on my home phone shorts) blue pants, & ‘flip-flops.’ I in Warrenton while I was in Vermont decided she might not buy the fact this past week. It was pretty humorthat I am a ‘72 alumnus with a son ous how they were carrying on a who graduated (albeit from West conversation between themselves Point) in ‘01. I was hoping to find while at the same time checking up a place to spend the night but jail on me. As it turned out, they ran would not have been my 1st choice. out of recording time just as Doug Needless to say, I drove on…The gave me the first part of his email reason I did not visit with my son is address…I had meant to drop a note that he was ‘called up’ from the insome time ago on my feeling bad active reserves on Aug 3rd to serve about missing the reunion (almost for 400 days. He had been working two years ago now!) My wife, for an engineering firm for 2 years Patricia, had just retired in June ‘07 Class of 1972: Col. Walter Chalkley, former VMI chief of & his wife had delivered their 1st from teaching and I had retired at the staff, with Colonels Stewart Husted and Robert Ludt of child on 3/19/08 (William Robert end of August (2007). As good as we the VMI Economics and Chemistry Departments, respecIII aka Trip). He is presently based thought we were in planning ahead, tively, at the April 10, 2009, retirement parade. with a transportation unit about an we booked a trip to Scotland early

2009-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES on that conflicted with the reunion weekend.

Never the less, my thoughts and spirits (at least a few of them!) were in Lexington for the weekend and I did lift a dram or two (?) in the Highlands in honor of our Class…” great to hear from you, BR Dave Stauss slipped in a bit of personal news while keeping us up to date on Chris and Ginny Tompkins. He retired from Ft McPherson several years ago and, with wife Cheryl, now works at the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), where he is a Master Planning, Engineering, and Construction Consultant. If you haven’t already, check out Dave and Cheryl’s favorite pastime, the “Seed and Feed Marching Abominable” (http://www.seedandfeed.org) a “guerilla” marching street band.

Marshall Pinkard and I recently regaled each other with “divorced Dad” tales (and terrors) of new social lives, the joys of mortgage payments and 600 ft2 apartments, and our impending 60’s.

He shared a particularly humorous incident of customer resistance in a sales call at Fort Bragg – in addition to the usual ‘getting-to-know-you’, he had to pass the gauntlet of a young MP aiming a .30 cal at his head … not the greatest “buy-sign” Ronnie Lau called while he was in town for the Cherry Blossom Festival. He’s been coming to town to photograph the blossoms and the Tidal Basin for years; he says he can tell how close he’s been to their peak each year by the surface of the Basin … water=peak; a blanket of pink=post peak – (cheaply alliterative on your scribe’s part…my apologies).

Communicating via Facebook, Michelle Mullen (Moon) provided a nice video commentary of son Sean’s wedding on the Riverwalk in San Antonio – both the mother and father of the groom were all smiles and dancing Several of you provided thoughts and insights in response to the Annual Giving campaign – I so much appreciated the opinions offered by Paul Gorski and (long lost) Eric Hammersen.

I also got quick notes – thank you so much – from Ted Bremer, Mike Sadler, and Cam Fine.

That’s it for this quarter – keep the faith, keep those you love close, and, as always – Rah Virginia Mil – Honored, BRs, Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

Hello Brother Rats! Today is Friday, May 15New Market Day! Wish I was in Lexington for the parade and festivities, but it just didn’t work out for us to make it this year. It is always such a great time to be in Lexington and enjoy the

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history and spirit of VMI. Scott McCarthy sent me a note saying that he and Ed Hall would be there.

Pat and I were in Lexington just before Easter for a Class Agent’s meeting. We toured Marshall Hall, the new Center for Leadership and Ethics, and of course we visited the new PX and bookstore. Pat puts a lease on me in the bookstore because I’m like a kid in a candy shop! We had a really nice weekend, and it was great to see the progress continuing with Vision 2039.

Scott McCarthy said he and some other BRs were in Lexington on May 1 for the dedication of Marshall Hall. R.B. Newman, Scott Lingamfelter, Billy Stephens and Rich Lykins joined him in this momentous occasion. Scott said former senator Chuck Hagel gave an excellent talk on the importance of ethical behavior and how it defines us as individual Americans and as a nation.

In February, Pat and I attended the opening baseball game between VMI and UNC in Chapel Hill. She wore her Carolina blue- but I had on plenty of my red, white and yellow! We had a few stares- check out the photo in this edition of the Review! There were VMI and UNC flags flying on the car. (Her license tag is 4UNC&VMI.) We also attended the Big South Conference championship basketball game in Radford. I told her that she should be glad we lost that game because if VMI had played UNC in the first round of the tournament, Carolina may not have gotten the national championship!

She had the nerve to snicker at my comment!

At the Radford game, we saw a number of other BRs - Billy Stephens, Mark Weiss, Dave Woody, and Scott Lingamfelter were all present. There may have been others that we didn’t see because the gym was packed, and the Radford fans absolutely went crazy after the game.

I went to Boone, NC, on Friday May 8 to pick up Derek, my youngest son, from Appalachian where he just finished his junior year with honors! He’s majoring in Construction Management. Two days later, I helped him move to Fayetteville for the summer. He is working as an intern with Hensel Phelps Construction Company which is building the new FORSCOM / USARC headquarters at Ft. Bragg.

Great opportunity for him! I went to visit him a few days later and had a great surprise waiting on me as Randy Marshall is an engineer working on this same project. Randy had met the “intern” and knew he was going to ASU, so when Derek showed up wearing a VMI shirt the next day, Randy questioned him a little further and they realized the bond! I got to visit with Randy and we had our picture taken for the Review. I hadn’t heard from him for quite some time, so it was great to meet up with him and

share some old tales!

Doug Huthwaite, and wife Pat, also live in the Fayetteville area, so hopefully before the summer is up we can get down to visit with them and the Marshall’s. However, it may be hard to catch up with Doug and Pat because in his note the other day he indicated he had retired from L-3 Communications where he had been working as a defense contractor. He has a lot of traveling planned for the next few months-from Baltimore to Michigan to Cancun.

They just got back from an 18 day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Rome! And they are now working on their Kure Beach (NC) home where they will mover permanently. Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

Roland Tiso has been in close touch with me as well. He arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 6 for a six-month tour, and possibly another month in Afghanistan. Roland is working on the ODRP staff at the US Embassy. He is, for the most part, enjoying the assignment, but admits that it is somewhat lonely. He misses having a unit, or soldier’s family, and certainly misses his ladies! His daughters are off to different corners of the world this summer. CJ is in Tunisia with a dance troupe as guests of the embassy there, and Allie is in San Francisco to study ballet at the Lines School of Ballet. Judie, his wife, plans to take some time off from teaching and visit her family in Colorado. Roland says he works some long days but still has time to exercise and enjoy the culture. He sends his best wishes to all of you. Roland also talked about a lunch visit he had during the winter with M.B. Adelson and Dave Northcraft. Dave took a picture of Roland and M.B., which is also in this issue of the Review.

I had messages from all three of them about their visit together. Dave and M.B. started out on a road trip in Tampa and linked up with Roland for lunch. M.B. and Dave continued on to Lexington for an alumni job fair where M.B. was one of the presenters. M.B. said that his law business, which is tied to the real estate market, had slowed somewhat, and he’s been spending his time working on a cook book “Flavari” (think it is Floridian and Bavarian cooking), and he’s writing a made-for-movie novel.

He also continues to pursue his German roots and is thinking of opening a German restaurant in Tallahassee.

M.B. noted that he had spoken to Buck Harrison about returning to Lexington next year for their annual rugby match with the cadets.

Buck’s daughter, Becky, graduates this year from Davidson, is getting an Army commission, and then heads to Ft. Lewis after her basic training.

In addition to traveling around with M.B., Dave Northcraft had a recent stent as a radio

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES talk show personality! Dave was listening to the Kris Kobach Show one night in April and heard some comments being made about VMI. He wrote to Kris Kobach, as did M.B. Adelson, questioning him about his comments and was invited to call in and be a guest on the show. On May 3 he was a guest on the show to talk about VMI. Dave works with new cadet recruiting in the Kansas City area and was more than happy to take advantage of the offer. He was on May 3 as a guest where he discussed VMI in general and other related topics, such as the inclusion of women and the Ratline. Dave also said that the machine tool business he’s in still hasn’t picked up, and he was looking at other opportunities.

Dave mentioned that he recently spoke with Dave Sutherland, who is doing well working as an attorney and living in Indianapolis.

In addition to the picture of Roland and M.B., Dave sent me a picture of Darrell Rickmond and Mark Weiss that he took at a basketball game when he was in Lexington. Unfortunately, it came out too dark so I couldn’t include it.

I had several other notes from many of you this month. Becky Newman was certainly bubbly announcing that she and R.B. were the proud grandparents of a beautiful baby girl born March 31. Elizabeth (Ellie) Ann Kersey weighed in at 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 21

inches long! Everyone is doing fine! Congratulations all – ain’t it great being a grandparent!

Chad Brown is doing well and is still in Stanton. He’s trying to link up with John Hall and Roger Webb as they work on their high school reunion. Don’t think I remembered that they all had graduated together, but hope you make it to the reunion together.

Scott Lingamfelter has been a busy fellow this year. Virginia, like North Carolina and lots of other states, has had its share of financial woes. Scott said his son Paul, Class 2012, had finished his “Rat” year (he’s an academic Third) and was looking forward to a relaxing summer.

And in addition to running around the state doing VMI “stuff,” Scott has spent a lot of time in Richmond with the legislature.

Ray Burton told me he was one of the unlucky ones in this time of financial woes, and has been unemployed since January. And to add to his worries, parts of his neighborhood were devastated in a series of storms with tornadoes that hit around Easter. However, he came out much better than some of his neighbors and fortunately had minimum damage to his home.

We are thinking about you Ray, and wish you a speedy recovery!

I also heard from Gary Shope about a new contract his company has with the US DOD.

Class of 1973

Photos clockwise, from top left: - Mike Kelly’s son, Derek, a rising senior at Appalachian State University, is working as an intern for Hensel Phelps Construction Company in the construction of the new FORSCOM Headquarters at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. One of the senior engineers on this project is Randy Marshall. Pictured together were, from left, Randy, Derek and Mike.

- In February, Roland Tiso, left, M.B. Adelson, right, and Dave Northcraft, not pictured, got together for lunch in Tampa, Florida, to relive some old memories.

- Mike Kelly and his wife, Pat (UNC ’72), were dyked out for the opening baseball game in February 2009 between VMI and UNC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. About the game, Kelly said, “Talk about a house divided!”

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Gary is the CEO of Medafor Inc. which specializes in medical supplies. Its new contract includes a grant that will be used to develop a hemostatic wound bandage for battlefield use.

He was also excited about the “brick” that his family gave him for Christmas.

Alex Kor said he was certainly enjoying his work with the Boeing Company’s Structural Test Labs and has been doing bird impact testing for leading edge structures, as well as static and fatigue testing of both aluminum and composite structure. As he says, “others build ‘em, I break em.” Sounds like fun! But he noted that, like many of us, the thought of retirement keeps popping into his head! Alex talked about his home where he can swim in the river in his front yard and see the snow on the mountains in his backyard. While that hour commute gets rough sometimes, he’s thinking that it may not really matter much before long.

And speaking of retiring, this is Billy Stephen’s last year as president of the Keydet Club. I know he’s really stayed busy with that this past year, and has done a fantastic job with the 75th Anniversary Challenge! Giving to the Keydet Club has increased by nearly 50 percent. He officially steps down July 1. Thanks for all you’ve done, Billy! You have truly made a difference and represented the Class ’73 well.

Mike Smith sent a short email with a new email address, and to say he was doing well.

Tom Clark said that he and Bonnie were likewise enjoying life in the mountains of Colorado in spite of the fact that the economic situation wasn’t the best it could be. He and Bonnie were planning a trip to St. Maartens with two other Army-friend couples. They have also spent some time on the road visiting their mothers in Albuquerque and South Dakota. And in Colorado, the snow is melting and everything is blooming and turning green! Life is good and I’m sure Tom’s getting that bike ready to roll.

Earlier I mentioned my visit with Randy Marshal. I want to list him as a “lost and found” BR this month because we had communicated some last year, but then we sort of let that fall off until this week. I hope that we can get together a little more now that we’ve seen each other and have another common denominator with my son working there. Both of us are from southwest Virginia, and were in the same IOBC class together, so we go back a ways!

This month’s “lost and found” BR award goes to Steve Stockwitz. Steve mailed me a card back in February after I sent him a birthday card. He is doing well and lives in San Antonio.

I look forward to hearing from him on a regular basis! It was great to get your note, Steve!

Well, that is about it for the cards and letters this time. Now that New Market Day has arrived, the summer has begun. I’m sure that

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CLASS NOTES when you’re reading these notes, we’ll be sweltering in the heat and longing for a nice pleasant day like today. And as you read these notes, I hope you are making plans for a football weekend at the Institute. Our first game is September 5 against Robert Morris. I hope that you can make some of the games this year, and perhaps we can have a “mini-reunion” or two this fall!

I wanted to also point out that we play Army again this year- November 14, so if you haven’t made that trip, you should try it. The VMI of the North is a nice place to visit.

I also hope that you have a great summer.

Please stay in touch and let me know how you’re doing. And I can’t close without thanking every one of you that continue to support the Institute, and remind you that VMI, now more than ever, really does need our financial help. There are a lot of great things going on – we just need to keep them moving. Hope to see you soon. Be safe out there.

’74

Snookie Parker

Spring greetings to all. First order of business is a correction to the Feb 09 notes. I made mention of the Pete Shelley/Hall Brodie reunion at the ACC swim meets since Pete’s daughter Taryn swims for NCSU and Halls’ daughter Layne swims for UNC (not Ga Tech as indicated in the Feb notes – sorry Layne!). Jim Weyant hooked up with Pete and Hall for breakfast at one of the meets. Jim reports that both are outstanding young ladies for their respective teams but Layne is having a particularly great year. Sent by Jim, the following is an excerpt from the website collegeswimming.com: “Tar Heels Take Second Place At ACC Championships” Freshman Layne Brodie continued her assault on the record books with an ACC mark in the 200-yard breaststroke and three other Tar Heels took runner-up finishes as North Carolina placed second at the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. Brodie broke her second ACC mark in two nights after taking down the gold standard in the 100-yard breaststroke on Friday.

She also became the first Tar Heel this year to earn an automatic qualifying time for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships to be held next month in College Station, Texas. Brodie won the 200 breast in 2:10.04, an NCAA “A” time, which bested the previous ACC mark set by Virginia Tech’s Jessica Botzum on March 20, 2008, a time of 2:10.13. Brodie also broke the ACC Meet record of 2:11.82 set by Virginia’s Danica

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Wizniuk on February 18, 1999. She also took down the school record of Katie Hathaway set in 2002 at 2:11.12. Brodie’s career best time going into the Championships had been 2:14.99.”

Well done Layne – a proud parent moment for Hall and Brenda. Pete said it was really interesting at the ACC championship when NC State parents, Susan & Pete, were rooting for a UNC swimmer and when UNC parents, Brenda & Hall, were rooting for a NC State swimmer.

Pete just told people that it is a VMI thing, BRs are family. Pete’s quote, “Everybody had some great swims but Layne was outstanding, she won 2 events and was named ACC Freshman Woman Swimmer of the Year!”

At their last meeting, the Breakfast Club Grand PuhBah Charley Banning said there were a more than a few guys slipping into formation after the last note of assembly: Mike (and young Mike) Andriani, Don Kilcullen, Charlie Gardner, Bob Trost, Steve Orr, Space Huddle, Arnie Leonard, and Paul Van Doren. Arnie snapped a couple of pix so he might provide photographic evidence of all the miscreants – no evidence provided as of this writing. Steve had just returned from the Carribean and was looking bronzed. Paul was visiting from Tidewater and shared greetings from the BRs in the area - with one notable exception. He did not want to speculate as to why, but Mike Ernzen seems reluctant to meet and is not returning calls. Bob’s life is revolving around his HOG. Bob is the executive vice director of the Fairfax HOG group and has been to Milwaukee this past year for Harley’s 105th anniversary. With more than 100,000 attending even in a group photo you would not be able to pick out Bob. He said Springsteen performed to the throngs. Charley said the other BRs were at the other end of the table, so he did not pick up their latest news (remarkable given Kilcullen was down there and how can anyone miss what he is talking about? Charley thought he maybe getting mercifully deaf.) That said, all were looking well and hearty.

Additional BR news via the Grand PuhBah: Rick Donohue’s son was in a terrible accident in Washington State. He suffered some severe injuries remains in critical, but stable condition. He is, at the moment, expected to make a full recovery, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. Mike Mahoney had some check formation training.

Don Whitten wrote that he was planning to attend but did not. Bill Shumate’s Dad had just gone through cancer surgery so he was in Waynesboro visiting while he remains hospitalized.

Charlie Toler writes that he and Tommie are still hanging on in Panama City Beach, but times are getting tight for the area. Recent news put unemployment at 10%. Thankfully, Charlie still has a job. Running news: Tommie ran the

Myrtle Beach Marathon on Valentine’s Day and did great. Charlie on the other hand has torn a portion of his knee (Thanksgiving weekend), ended up getting scoped in January, and has just now started running again. Hang in there Charlie – those old bones take more time to heal these days! Maybe we’ll run a lap or two at the reunion – see you and Tommie there! Semper Fidelis Gary and Alison Trinkle joined Mike and Sarah Fisher at the VMI-Radford basketball game in February and a good time was had by all. They report seeing Donnie Ross at the game. Gary also passed on some sad news - Lou Pappas ’71 died in March in Birmingham, AL. Thanks for the note Gary – see you and Alison in September.

Charlie Gardner found the following article on BR Allyn Alsomitas: “Skilled trauma services save retiree’s life” - For almost 52 years, Allyn Aksomitas enjoyed a strong, active, independent life. A retired Air Force officer, he had spent the last two years working on his 50foot catamaran. On Sept. 28 he and his friend were ready to launch his boat into the water for the first time. Then things went wrong. The boat teetered and pinned Aksomitas. The boat slid into the water, dragging Aksomitas with it. Everything happened so fast, the next thing Aksomitas knew, he was dogpaddling towards the sea wall. His friend held a ladder down to him, then pulled him out. “The accident is still fresh in my mind,” Aksomitas said. “I felt like a piece of dough being rolled by a rolling pin.”

His body had been squashed and crushed from his sternum to his feet. Within minutes of the accident, EMS arrived and took Aksomitas by ambulance to MUSC’s Level I Trauma Center.

Once Aksomitas arrived, the trauma team was ready to work. “There were at least 15 people around me, putting in IV’s, ready to give me a CAT scan,” he said. “I had already lost 3.5 liters of blood. I was impressed by how prepared the trauma team was. There was no stress or panic. I had a strong sense that they were going to be able to take care of me no matter what.

Their expertise and preparedness saved my life.” Aksomitas was treated by the skilled hands of several MUSC physicians and staff. In surgery, they cut Aksomitas from his sternum to his crotch so they could check and stabilize all internal organs. He suffered busted ribs and intestines, an acute testicular trauma, a broken hip and a fractured femur in his left leg. His mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to the intestines, burst. The skin and underlying tissue around his torso and leg area had separated from his muscles. “The trauma system saved my life,” Aksomitas said. “Having a Level I trauma center so close saved me. They were ready to handle the extent of my injuries. If I had lived an hour away from the nearest trauma center, I would not have made it.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES We contacted Al and he said the story was true us. Ann leaned against my shoulder and asked “Is has been more than good, and many wonderful and somehow it got on the internet. Al said it was this Chris’ company?” I’m jolted back to 2008 and rewards have come my way; there is emptiness actually worse than the story indicates. The docs the cold winter sun on my face. “Yeah, he’s in the in knowing that these days are gone for me, and said most people with this kind of damage die. second platoon.” Chris is my son, a cadet, and he is that the young cadet with the flashing eyes and However, big Al is resilient and is doing OK. a member of the Class of 2011. I watch him march bold dreams is buried beneath these wrinkles and He and John Crawley are planning to attend the by; tall and sharp with cross dykes stretched tight wears the grey uniform of time. Then, somewhere reunion. You know, when it’s your time, it’s your over his red caped overcoat. He is a million other near the guardhouse in the old courtyard comes the time … and this was not Al’s time. Glad you cadets, he is a new market casualty, he is George command “Dismissed!” I hear the cadets cheer and survived Al … looking forward to seeing you McArthur, he is Chesty Puller, he is an architect, suddenly, in solidarity, we are shouting as one. Yes, and John in September. Rich Forbes is working a doctor, a historian, and he is me. I didn’t know this is truly The Spirit of VMI. on a new book titled “Virginia Military Institute; those were some of the best days in my life. Chris Like I said, you be the judge. Nice piece Rich.

Memories from Beyond the Bricks.” He sent a doesn’t know it now. Somehow life at VMI never Good luck on this book! sample for preview. He is still working it but this really changes. Chris and I have bridged time to Speaking of artists at work – I spoke with Mark book is going to be special if the following is any join each other on the parade ground today. I am Shively about a week before his show opened. indication – you be the judge. Those Were The standing on the sidewalk along the parade deck He was excited and I was excited for him. The Days? I stand stiff, as the ice pelts my face, and drinking in every step, every note the band plays, show: The Eclectic Eye of Mark Shively – A cuss the Commandant for not calling off this parade every command barked by regimental command- showing of Sculpture and Photography. Centre due to inclement weather. How could anyone be ers, as if they were hot chocolate, while Chris is Gallery East @ Artworks Studios and Galleries, so stupid? Then there are the folks standing along shivering with his chin strap clinched between 320 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224. 24 Aprthe parade deck with long coats and their collars frozen teeth. I envy his misery. I long for the days 17 May Tu-Sun noon - 6 p.m. Mark: 804 291pulled up tight around cold necks to fend off the when a clanking old radiator could represent such 1441; markdesignmjs@verizon.net. Mark has bitter Lexington wind. Why would anyone want to comfort. The days when a lavatory mirror attached a lot of “irons in the fire” so to speak. In addition see a parade so badly? “Attention!” The corps snaps to the concrete wall above a worn out old porcelain to his Sculpture and Photography, he continues to attention with the command, and my knees feel sink smiled back with the brown hair and smooth with his long string of Virginia State Fair award stiff inside grey wool pants. “Riiiiight Shoulder- skin of a twenty year old. I long for the boyish hu- winning cookies he bakes. Ginger snaps are his rrrr Arms!” The long drawn out command sounds mor exchanged between roommates as they dress specialty. I’ve tasted his cookies and they are like a winter day in the Shenandoah Valley, and for Supper Roll Call (SRC). I wish I could hear something special. I don’t even like ginger snaps my elbows fight the order for them to bend. Look the barbs directed at the Commandant for making but Mark’s are the exception. No spin here – they at those kids running up and down the sidewalk; us march when we could have been sitting warm are the real deal Best of luck on your showing don’t they know it’s freezing out here? How can in our rooms. Where did those days go? I pulled and your cookie crusade. anyone be that happy while all of us cadets stand my collar up tight around my cold neck and turned Reminder if you have done so already - Block at right shoulder arms with the chin straps of our towards barracks. Ann huddled close for warmth your calendars: Reunion Dates: 4&5 September hats clinched between icy teeth? It is the winter of as we walked that old familiar path to Jackson’s 2009. Planning guidelines: Fun, inexpensive, 1973 and I am a second classmen (Junior for you Arch. I could hear the excited roar of barracks in my casual, and convenient. Here is the updated plan: civilians). What this means is that my black glove memory, long before my ears did their part. There Thursday p.m.: an informal get together for dinbulges around my ring finger where an oversized was comfort in knowing what to expect, and what ner/drinks for early bird arrivals. Friday: Set up class ring identifies me as a member of the class I would see and hear; yet there was certain sadness class reunion HQs/Party Room for registration, of 1974. It also means that when we return to bar- in knowing that these days belonged to someone class golf tournament, activity for the ladies, racks, I will only ascend one flight of stairs to my else. Certain sadness in the fact that some of the afternoon parade, casual buffet dinner/dance room on the second stoop. Life here at the Virginia best days in my life were now behind me. Today in Moody Hall and late night at the Class HQs Military Institute is so rigid, so unforgiving, so I stood along the parade ground and admired the – Breakfast and lunch on your own. Saturday: fair, and sometimes … so frustratingly unjust. The youth I once was and envied the quest that these Breakfast and lunch on your own; Class memothought of justice makes me chuckle. VMI isn’t young cadets have embarked upon. Although life rial service, class meeting, class photo, parade, about justice; it is about such things ballgame at 1:00 p.m., an outdoor as order, honor, details, obedience, BBQ at the Pavilion at McKethan and camaraderie. Finally, the torture Park and late night in the class HQs. ends with the command “Forwarrrd Sunday: A farewell brunch. The Inn March!” After a seeming eternity, at Hunt Ridge has rooms blocked this parade is coming to an end and for our class. If everyone attends, the warmth of my room’s clanking we will have the place to ourselves. antique steam radiator beckons. My Again, we are looking for volunstiff feet ache with the cold each time teers to continue to coordinate the my heel hits the ground in unison with plan and execute. Don’t be shy. See all those around me. We are one as you there! Kudos to Donnie Ross we march. Despite the cold and pain, for pulling all of this together.

I take pride in marching to the band’s That is all the news for now. cadence. The thundering rabble of CLASS AGENT PLEA! Please rats that once drilled in the summer forward any news regarding births, Class of 1974: At the Atlantic Coast Conference Swimheat of 1970 has become one with the deaths, illnesses, marriages and ming Championships were, from left, Pete Shelley and corps and soon will be one with all other significant events concerning daughter Taryn with Layne and Hall Brodie . those alumni who have come before your family and/or careers. Brother

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CLASS NOTES Rats are interested and do care. I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months.

Keep us current. Send your updated email address to me snookieparker1974@earthlink. net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our Web Master) nettrour@ accessus.net. Check out the Web-site. Send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm Regards, Snookie

’75

Robert Mills

Greetings, My Brothers: I trust that by now all of you have enjoyed a wonderful summer and that none of you lost track of your sunscreen!

As you know, this is the spring edition of the Notes and spring began in fine fashion among the cherry blossoms of the District of Columbia as Mike Mulligan announced his engagement to the lovely Teresa. Somehow, Mike managed to land an economist with one of the top lobbying firms who is not only intelligent and attractive, but also owns her own Harley Davidson. Needless to say, if Mike has any plans on missing the next reunion, he will have all of us to answer to and hell to pay! Equally amazing is the fact that we actually heard from the long lost Kevin Tamez who has retired from the government and is the managing partner of the MPM Group, a professional consulting firm specializing in litigation management.

Kevin was motivated by his desire to track down the contact information for Charlie “The Big Kahuna” Kaune who, as all of you regular readers will know, currently resides in Stuttgart, Germany, where he and Lynn both work for our government. Kevin reports that Charlie has single-handedly determined that all Germans need to modify their drinking habits. He is determined that he can only reduce domestic consumption by increasing his own and has invited Kevin’s middle son, young Patrick, a recent graduate and hockey star at Western New England College, to join him in this endeavor.

Kevin was apprehensive about this but not sure who was in more danger, Charlie or Patrick. I got the distinct impression that if Kevin wasn’t too worldly to carry a backpack that this would be a father-son trip. Charlie reports that his own professional activities are too secret to report but that Kevin Wright and Scott Lloyd ’76 are engaged in serious efforts to somehow straighten out the Sudan. I am not sure how likely that is, but at least the right guys are involved in the effort. Lowery Tucker, our class banker, has been taking good care of our class money and

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also had the opportunity to see the Keydets play basketball, incuding the Big South Tournament finals. Lowery’s wife Cathy was awarded her Doctorate in Education in May from the University of Virginia and will assist in running the gifted program for Augusta County as well as teaching at Mary Baldwin College.

Our Brother Rat Rob Slaughter has given up his prosecution duties as the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Norfolk to take a job working with the legal system in Afghanistan. I suppose Iraq just wasn’t exciting enough for Rob and the thousand splendid suns of Kabul had an irresistible appeal. All of the well wishers for his going away party filled a fairly large restaurant where we hoisted many an ale in his honor, accompanied by nearly every judge and lawyer in the Hampton Roads area. This included John Yulee Richardson and myself, as well as Charlie Jenkins, ‘57. We were joined by Oscar Richardson, but Oscar was drinking white zinfandel . . . all to our mutual embarrassment.

In the end, I gave Rob Chuck Wohlrab’s email address, told him to keep his head down and to be sure to write. Major General Bill Terpeluk had also traveled abroad to Binarville, France to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the action of the “Lost Battalion”, a legacy unit of the 77th Regional Readiness Command that General Terpeluk had commanded as his last assignment. Bill has used his extra time to take a group of cadets to visit WWI and WWII battlefields in France and Belgium during their spring break. This was a trip that was organized by the VMI History Department and Bill enjoyed trying to keep up with his young charges.

Also, touring battlefields is the highly resilient Len Riedel who sailed through open heart surgery in fine fashion, dropped thirty pounds and has been working on a book that will be published by the National Geographic Society in early 2010. Len’s group, The Blue and Gray Education Society has only just completed replacing the flags in the Lincoln box at Ford’s Theater and is planning a group tour of English battlefields with a return trip to New York on the Queen Mary 2. Speaking of cruises, Guy and Karen Conte, Kimo and Melanie Wong and Mike Mulligan (with his aforementioned fiancee Teresa) sailed together on the VMI Alumni cruise in March. The guys had a blast telling stories with representatives from six decades of VMI Alumni and Guy even ran into “sky captain” Dean Armstrong at the Phoenix airport while waiting to board the flight. Guy said that Deano was in town visiting and hiking with his Arizona friends. Guy also got together with Michael “Rico” Soarez and attended the VMI Alumni Association board meeting where they spent some time with Tom and Judy Baur and also learned that our Brother Rat Felix

Wolkowitz has been appointed the Northeast Regional Director for the VMI Alumni Association. Guy was able to get with Jerry DeWaters who came down from New York for his annual pre-season golf warm up where Guy and Jerry teed it up along with Bernie Cobb before joining the girls and heading out on the town for some great German food and a few tasty beverages. Guy would like to give special kudos to our Brother Rat Clayton DePuey for his generous donation of 10,000 American flags to honor the graves of the fallen at Riverside National Cemetery in California. The flags will be displayed annually for both Memorial and Veteran’s Day, owing to a generous gift from Clayton and his wife Aleece.

Bernie Cobb confirms that Jerry DeWaters is indeed capable of talking 90 mph in the middle of his golf swing while continuing to score in the low 70s. I know this must belong in the Guinness Book of World Records, we just need to find the right category. Bernie’s youngest daughter is studying at Furman University, where she recently completed an abroad program that included a ten week trip to Africa; visiting Botswana, Namibia, and Johannesburg.

Scott Risser checked in from our nations capital to remind us that he and Barbara are both working as civilian employees for the Department of Defense. Barbara works as a reference librarian in the Pentagon Library and Scott is with the new Army Contracting Command in Fort Belvoir. The two of them were engaged in retaining a builder and constructing their country estate on land just outside of Lexington and have just completed renovating their kitchen in D.C. Scott and Barbara skipped off for a driving tour of New England in the fall and were planning a two week trip to Hungary, Austria and Central Europe, including a six day cruise on the storied Danube. Maybe I need a job with the Department of Defense? Can you imagine me with a security clearance? R.B. Lane has retired from the Comptroller of the Currency and relocated back to the Richmond area where he has established Lane Risk Consulting, LLC and was in the process of getting some risk management self-assessment tools copyrighted. He was looking forward to getting together with the Richmond alums at some of the local functions.

Our old friend Bill Witherow emerged from the mists of time, craving clemency and seeking forgiveness for his lack of communication and absentee status. Bill had visited and dined with Major General Bo “Bonecrusher” Temple at the USCE headquarters in D.C. and followed that up with a visit to Bill and Edith Robson’s at Fort Lee in Petersburg. On the way down, he stopped in to have SRC in Richmond with Nat Hamner, to reminisce about the Rat line and

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES their old Hopewell days and followed that with a visit to his brother Bob Witherow ’79 and their mother before heading home. So you see, some people tour battlefields, others tour rivers, and some even tour Brother Rats. In the old days we used to call this freeloading, but I am sure that was not Bill’s intention.

Oliver and Bonnie Way decided that they would like to visit Mexico despite gang killings and swine flu. Of course, they may do this without remorse in light of their empty nest status. Their son, Lawton, just completed his second year at the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law. Barrett has graduated from Ohio University and will be working as a financial analyst for TRSA in Memphis, unless an NFL team calls and offers him a kicking job. Tom Mason and Mark Hall from Roanoke had a big old time watching Keydet basketball and the stunning exploits of the Holmes twins and were both looking forward to football season. Their fellow Roanoker, Harry McKnight was looking forward to football season as well, but for a different reason.

Harry is still officiating football and was studying up on his rule book. (Seems a little late for that too me). Artie Nunn, also of Roanoke had been up at the institute interviewing a graduate chemistry major for a potential position with his company, the Air Compliance Group, LLC. While there, he had a chance to visit with VMI Professor, Colonel Tom Baur. Artie reported that his son, Matt, was heading back to Iraq.

Jim McCriskin’s son Brendan, who is a US Army flight surgeon running medivac missions out of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, recently had a CBS reporter embedded in his unit and the pictures and stories from that event may be found at www.sebastianrich.com listed under “Tears the Size of Boiled Sweets.” The report features a Blackhawk crew chief advising young Dr. McCriskin to refrain from shooting the rotors of the helicopter as they were engaged in returning fire during a medivac mission. Jim thought this was good advice for a physician immersed in an effort to protect his patients from Taliban ground fire. I suppose I agree with that assessment.

Jim’s daughter Katie graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Social Work and is employed in Hartford, CT. Katie, you may recall, has been in the Mississippi Delta for two years working with Teach for America along with Lawton Way ’04 (See William and Mary above). Dr. McCriskin the elder, is actively engaged on the front lines of healthcare reform with the Heart and Lung Group. We need to put Dr. Jim, a cardiologist, in touch with Charlie Hoon, who, while undergoing a routine history and physical in preparation for ankle surgery, was told that a previously installed cardiac stent was failing. An emergency exploration showed

2009-Issue 3

that this was not the case, but that he had two new blockages, each at approximately 95%!

Two more stents and Charlie was as good as new but he was understandably alarmed considering the fact that he had been working out at the gym three days a week and feeling great with absolutely no warning that he was about to take a long walk off a short pier. The moral of this story guys, do not neglect your physicals! Charlie had been turkey hunting in Iowa and had also been in touch with Ron Bongiovanni who had only recently entertained Mike Hunter and son on a successful hunting trip in Florida.

Greg Diamontopulos, whose son Peter will be matriculating at the Institute as you read this, reported that Lieutenant General Daniel Darnell, who has been serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air, Space and Information Operations had been nominated to become Duputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii. No doubt Kimo can teach Danny a few helpful Hawaiian phrases before his deployment! Chuck Duncan, his wife Mary and son Neil are living in Kokomo, Indiana where they both work in the auto industry and are actively engaged in local historic preservation. Chuck is the President of the Historic Review Board in Kokomo and he has also been busy restoring his Victorian home as well as a totally sweet 1952 MG TD which is the envy of local car collectors. Rick Hening has been busy in his new position as Operations Training Specialist for McLane, Carolina where he has been the last 13 years. Rick and Suzanne’s son, Andrew, graduated cum laude from Elizabeth City State University where he also provided place kicking duties for the football team which participated in the CIAA Championship game, losing to Shaw University. Tom and Kathy Schultze have been indulging their wanderlust and really enjoyed their time in Guatemala. They particularly like Lake Atitlan, a gorgeous spot flanked by dormant volcanoes.

Their daughter Sara graduated from Miami University in Ohio. The two of them took time out from their travels to attend and celebrate.

We were very fortunate to have my old roomie, Allen Morgan and his wife Sandy come down from Richmond to attend the VMI Keydet Club Auction in April. We all had a splendid time accompanied by Ben and Ann Vanderberry, Steve and Sherrie Chapin, Oscar and Anna Richardson and John Yulee Richardson and many other revelers from classes of diverse vintage. Steve and Sherrie were in the process of moving from Roanoke to Williamsburg as a consequence of his hot shot executive position with AECOM Transportation. We all had a lot of fun eating, drinking, bidding, bragging, and chatting, despite the fact that Oscar continued to drink white zinfandel. At least his pinky was planted firmly on the glass!

The Mills family celebrated perhaps their last spring break in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where we had some fun marlin fishing before embracing the sport of skydiving. Edward, Valerie and I all did tandem jumps from 12,000 ft with a one minute free fall, which treated us to a spectacular view of the tip of the Baja peninsula and landed us softly on the beach. I was fortunate enough to be able to follow that up with some scuba diving in the Exumas portion of the Bahamas before jetting off to New York where our daughter Valerie graduated from Barnard College one day and Columbia University the next. Well that’s all the news for now my brothers. I am looking forward to seeing some of you in the Fall. By the way, it’s not too early to “save the date” for our 35th reunion September 17-19, 2010. Jelly Bear Taylor and the committee are already hard at work to assure that this is the most festive, hilarious and memorable ever!

Until next time stay young and stay in touch!

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats: Hopefully, by the time you read these short notes (written on 15 May 2009), Ray Pavlosky departed Kuwait after a 32 month deployment supporting our troops there. Ray and his wife Kayann are awaiting their next assignment - Ray wants to continue working and training soldiers either at Fort Stewart, GA or at the US Army Reserve Command at Ft McPherson, GA. Mark McIntyre says he is doing well. He misses seeing Mark Rinnan, Jerry Codutti, Paul Spenser, and Jimmy Lofton. Mark said Jerry and Lydia Codutti live in Springfield, MO. Jerry is the plant/production vice president for Paul Mueller Company and orchestrates a work force of approximately 750 personnel. The Codutti’s son Nick recently married and hopes to continue his career in coaching football. Mark said Nick plays arena football when there is an operational league. Mark has not heard from Paul or Jimmy in a long time and would like to hear from them.

A tough real estate market and tight financing from lenders for residential/commercial developments define Mark’s professional life. He is working a niche market of University Housing that still provides viable projects and subsequent interest from banks. Mark and his wife Debi live on a farm outside of Reading, PA. They have five children. Four of them are out of college. His oldest son Mark Jr. went through a six-year pharmacy program at Rutgers University to obtain a Doctorate in Pharmacy. He

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CLASS NOTES is engaged and working in a hospital internship. Ammie went to Millersville University in Lancaster, PA and graduated with a BA in Social Sciences. She helps the disadvantaged in Lancaster and is also engaged. Drew went to school at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He graduated a deck officer and spent two years at sea and one year with harbor tugs. He is out of the maritime industry now, lives in Santa Cruz, CA, and is a partner in a new credit card service company. Ashleigh went to Penn State University and obtained a BA degree specific to the care and teaching of children with autism. She works for the Devaro Foundation as a casework manager. She is married and has the first McIntyre grandchild, Natalie. Abbie, the youngest, is still at home and will probably stay as long as she can. She attends Penn State University seeking a degree in Agricultural Science with a minor in Equestrian Studies.

Jim Mallon’s annual ski trip in Colorado included Ray Ramos this year. They skied 4 resorts in 5 days. At the end of the week, Ray’s son Mike joined them for a day of skiing as he was in Colorado Springs on business. Mike is a consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton in Arlington, VA. Jim says he does “hush hush work”. Ray also has a daughter, Emily, a sophomore attending Lees McCrae College in Banner Elk, NC. Maury Gatewood finished traveling for Philip Morris International in mid-March and is now in Richmond until he hits the road again in July.

Needless to say, Maury is enjoying his time at home. Maury and his wife Libby went down to Myrtle Beach the last week in March to use up some vacation and plan going again in June.

Libbie is doing well considering she is in the real estate business, but she is selling, which is good.

And now, the 1976 BR minute: Mark Sculley and J.R. Mott are trying to locate the ’76 class flag. If you have any idea where it ended up after the mini-reunion tailgate last September, contact them. In January, Ron LaGrone started a new three year job at the Baltic Defense College in Tartu, Estonia. In February, Allen McCarthy went to the Liberty-VMI basketball game where the Keydets stomped out the Flames.

Unfortunately, Allen, Dexter Gilliam, Wayne Eastham, Mike Dietrick, Dyke Davies and their wives also attended the first VMI-Liberty game where the final score was not kind to the Keydets. In March, Mark Sculley and his son Julian Sculley ’09 returned from a trip to Germany and Austria where they skied and cleaned their kidneys with schnaps and beer. Last week Rory Walsh wanted to attend the Class of 1979 30th reunion to see if they would still strain for him.

The latest addition to VMI’s executive staff is one of Wayne Eastham’s dykes - GEN Peay’s ’62 new Chief of Staff, Jeffrey Curtis ’79. Fox-

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trot Company update - Bill Brown’s son, Carter Brown ’10 will be a Foxtrot Company Cadet Lieutenant next year.

Okay, since I have plenty of white space in this issue, I want to remind everyone the 35th reunion is approximately 854 days away. You have plenty of time to plan for it now, so there are no excuses for not attending. I will organize a planning committee sometime next year but now is the time to think “out of the box” if you want to do something new or different from previous reunions. Send me your thoughts and ideas now; don’t wait!

Until 15 August 2009, take care!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super ’77, Rah, Rah, Rah …

Well here Moe sits finishing his last term paper for the semester. It’s due later today or was that yesterday. Sounds familiar to some of us. This is important because if successful no more having to listen to 3rd’s eat @#** and on to hello ring figure. It’s hard to believe that Moe has been spreading joy and manure for two years to the Super ’77 boys. Okay, enough trifling let’s get down to business!

And business is what comes to mind when Moe got word from Shelton Rhodes, PhD. as you may remember Shelton is the Dean of the School of Business and Leadership at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland. He wrote to say all is well in his new job because the ratline prepared him to meet these challenges. Shelton extends an invitation to any BR visiting the Baltimore area to stop by and see him and get a tour of the new business school.

Freddie Allner also lives in Baltimore but I’m not sure he can be reached because Moe never can and he doesn’t return Moe’s calls. Talk about rejection! Damn those caller IDs! The 21st of February was the VMI – Radford game in Lexington where Moe saw India and Bob Atkinson, Eric Hutchings, John Krovic and Hope and John Marshall. Kro was at VMI helping with the VMI networking conference and attending the Keydet Club Board of Governor’s meeting. Mr. Bruce Cameron ’38 was honored at the basketball game. Great to see BRs at the game.

Ralph George emailed to say he had spent five days in Vegas at the MGM, gambling and eating with Jim Bentley. Ralph said, “We’d wake up late, gamble, walk around a bit, gamble, go to dinner and eat enough for ten men – two to three bottles of wine and be in bed by 11 pm, wake up late…we needed someone

like JJ Marshall with us to instigate mischief, Santelli would do in a pinch.” Speaking of JJ and Santelli, they had gotten with Ralph in Tampa at the Hard Rock Café. Of course more drinking and poker. No mention of strip poker, but knowing this crowd anything could happen. Ralph also mentioned a Tampa Rays / Philadelphia Phillies wager which he lost to Buster Pace. But what really took the cake was the end of his email and Moe quotes Ralph, “Now I honestly never gamble but seems like when I do there is a brother rat around. I’m sure there is a simple explanation, but it’s hard not to be competitive with the likes of Maddog, JJ, the WOP and Buster!” Sounds like some type of syndrome or disease…maybe its swine flu!

VMI played Liberty in Lynchburg on the 24th of February. Talk about a smack down. Randy Foster, Janine & Eric Hutchings, Paul Seufer and Billy Talley and son Bill Talley ’03 were there to witness the sweet revenge. Go Runnin’ Roos! The Lynchburg Chapter had a pregame get together at “Big Licks’ Tropical Grill” to get everyone fired up. It was well attended and started the evening off right.

Roy Siegel sent word that he continues to work for Lockheed Martin in Baltimore as a facilities manager. He gets to see Rich Humenuck and Bill Sangtinette occasionally, but sees more of Joey Keyes ’92 and Dan Schultz ’75 who is the Business Sector VP. Roy and his wife Beth are now grandparents thanks to their daughter Kimberly. Their granddaughter is Abigail Ann Dugenske born 24th of February.

Roy said, “I had to peel Grandma Beth off the ceiling that night.” Sounds like TMI (to much information) to me but congratulations to the proud celebratory grandparents.

The Big South Tournament started 3 March for VMI against Coastal Carolina in Lexington.

Moe talked to Billy Hupp and his daughter Charlotte, Barton Pasco, and Meg & Bill Talley. Great win for the Keydets. March 5th was VMI vs. Liberty in Radford. VMI proved to Liberty once and for all who was the “King of the Big Ball” this season. Moe saw Eric Hutchings and Chris Nash enjoy Liberty’s season ending defeat at the hand of the true Big Red Machine. Once again VMI advanced to the finals of the Big South. 7 March VMI vs. Radford game ended to a disappointing 2nd place.

Not bad considering we had not been expected to finish higher than 6th in the conference. The basketball season ended with its banquet in Marshall Hall to celebrate a super season. The best since our cadetship! VMI basketball is back and it’s for real. Thanks to Duggar Baucom and his assistants.

Moe received a nice letter from Cadet Jarrett J. Bennett ’09 of Sutherlin, Virginia. Jarrett wanted to thank our class for the support he

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES received from the class of 1977 Fund this past semester. He said “your contribution has helped me to finance the final months of my cadetship here at VMI. This contribution also showed me first-hand the support that VMI alumni give to the Institute.” He ended by saying, “VMI places a lot of stress on me in many different ways, but you have helped to remove my finances from being included in this category. I hope life is going well on your end of the Institute.” Moe is reminded that our giving back to VMI helps further someone else’s chance to experience

what VMI has to offer, both good and bad.

Misery loves company!

March 14-21 brought the 1st ever all VMI alumni cruise. The sailing vessel was the Royal Clipper of the Star Clipper line (in case you want to Google it). Jane and Moe Massie were the only Super ‘77ers on board. Therefore Moe can tell the story anyway he wishes without any rebuttal. Aside from a fantastic sailing ship, great beaches, beautiful water, superior cuisine and gentle ocean breezes in your hard (what’s left of it) were 150 VMI guys and gals having a

blast on rum punch. This was truly a memorable trip which I would encourage everyone to make next time. There is the possibility of doing another one on the same ship through the western Mediterranean in May of 2011. Several classes had ten or more on the trip. Super ’77 should consider the next trip as a large group.

More to come later, start saving for the next cruise now!

The VMI Foundation hosted a luncheon in Marshall Hall in late March. Moe sat with Susan Hobbs (wife of Jim ’75) and Guy Conte

Class of 1977

Top, left: Wes Naff and son Hunter ’10 at the alumni/cadet rugby match. Top, right: Among the alumni/cadet rugby match players, were Wes Naff and Chris Nash, standing, seventh and eighth from left.

Bottom, left: Lee Foresman with wife Giselle,

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bottom left; Steve Wood, top left; Carol and Mike Conaway, back right; and Trish and Will Bynum, at the Bynum’s house in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bottom, right: Bland Massie, right, with Ernie and Elizabeth Ernest at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, for the 2009 Masters.

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CLASS NOTES ’75 and son Chris ’10. It’s great to see VMI using Marshall Hall (Leadership and Ethics Center) you will all be pleased with this addition to VMI. Mike Conaway’s room 142 had their roommate reunion at Trish & Will Bynum’s home in Raleigh, NC in late February 09. It was their first in many years. The VMI baseball team was playing UNC that weekend for three games. It was each team’s opener and UNC was ranked #1 in the nation. The UNC stadium has just been refurbished complements of George Steinbrenner’s $25 M donation. Steinbrenner’s daughter went and granddaughter goes to UNC. Will Bynum, Giselle & Lee Foresman and Mike braved the cold at Friday night’s game. Crank said it was “cold as hell”. Sounds like an oxymoron but you must consider the source. Mike also said the old wimps couldn’t handle the cold beyond the 7th inning so they left. Later that evening Steve Woodis joined them for dinner at a local restaurant where the Bynum’s daughter Claire works. She is also a senior at UNC. After dinner they all returned to the Bynum’s home for a VMI tradition… tell embellished truths about the old Corps and our most laughable times at the Institute. Of course Johnny Hobbs was missed but was there in spirit. It didn’t keep Johnny from being the brunt of many stories. Sounds like another great reunion for Super ’77.

Moe was back in Lexington on 3 April for the VMI Research Laboratories meeting. The amount of undergraduate research going on at VMI is impressive. Just another way VMI is getting better.

Moe made his 30th annual pilgrimage to Augusta National for the Masters. On Wednesday he was host to Major General Charles Ernest Edgar ’58 and his wife Elizabeth for the practice round and par three tournament. It was the first time for the Edgar’s so Moe gave them the full tour. Ernie had been commandant at VMI after our time at the “I”. He has also served on and as chairman of the VMIRL (Research Laboratories) board. The Edgar’s live in Auburn, Alabama. No sooner had the Edgar’s left the ’77 boys arrived. Freddie Allner and Billy Hupp cruised into Augusta with their own entourage (Diana, Billy’s girlfriend, Will, his son, and a school friend of Wills, and Johnny, one of Billy’s golfing buddies). We all had dinner together one night but had to be somewhat under control because a lady (Diana) was with us. For a minute there you probably thought the lady was Freddie. Believe me Freddie isn’t anywhere near the same league as Diana. Billy, you have really improved the beauty of Augusta with your new friend. Sorry Freddie, you knew it couldn’t last forever. Besides we want Cindy back. Moe knows tickets to the Masters are

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limited so next year just send Cindy and Diana!

Moe received an email from BR and Major General J.D. Johnson. John plans to get all the VMI troops he can together for a New Market Day get together at least long enough for a photo. If Moe gets it in time to make these notes it should be included if not it will be in a later edition. Moe has started sharing the Hero Tributes from J.D. with all BRs to give us all more appreciation for our troop’s sacrifice. Hey, if J.D. can run a war command troops and make time to email Moe what is some of you guys excuses for not sending information? Moe knows you are probably busier than J.D. and doing more important things than J.D. John thanks for your service to our country and information to Super ’77. Hope you BRs enjoy the Hero Tributes.

17 April the VMI Keydet Club had its second Live and Silent Auction to raise money for academic tutoring of athletes to keep them in school and eligible to play ball! It was the first one held in Norfolk, Virginia. Including the one in Richmond last fall, a total of $190,000 has been raised. Moe got to visit with Carol and Mike Conaway and Charlotte and John Krovic at the event. Gary Haste also helped with the event. After the event Moe took off for Lexington at 10:30 p.m. for the Class Agents meeting in Lexington at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Moe must be living right because he was stopped by a Virginia State Trooper in Charlottesville at 1:00 a.m. and by one of Lexington’s finest on Letcher Avenue at 2:00 a.m.

They were both kind enough to let Moe travel on without a ticket. Moe saw the shock on both officers’ faces when he got off his motorcycle and pulled of his helmet and they saw an old gray haired man out at that time of night in 42° weather. Moe still believes they felt sorry for him. Boy, Moe’s glad he doesn’t use that “Just for Men” hair color like some of those VT Hokies or UVA boys.

The Alumni meeting was held in Lexington the next weekend. VMI’s Alumni Board is continuing to move forward to unite alumni. The leadership of Adam Volant ’88 as the executive vice president of the Alumni Association has made him Moe’s choice for the “Man among Giants.” Adam has catapulted the association into the new millennium with enthusiasm and direction. He has joined forces with the Keydet Club to share in numerous events enjoyed by many alumni across the country. Great job Adam and keep up the good work.

25 April was a day of Super ’77 standouts once again - the VMI Alumni Rugby match.

Better known as the VMI Rugby team against the Old Farts. The victory was for the O.F.s aided by Super ’77’s Wes Naff and Chris Nash.

Wes was playing against his son Hunter ’10.

Wes was cheered on by two of his daughters and one of their friends – all great looking young ladies. Moe and Sid Huguenin cheered for Wes and Chris from the shade of the Moody Hall balcony like any wise alumni. Moe called Billy Hupp and Keith Kowadlo to inform them that they should be there fighting for the ’77 cause. Hey if they had been there the O.F.s might not have won. Rumor has it that Billy and Keith have gotten soft in their mature years.

Moe was unable to reach Keith and hasn’t had his messages returned. Thanks roomie. Billy told Moe to tell Chris Nash to use plenty of ice after the match. Ibuprofen and beer might also be in order. Col. Tom Trumps ’79 (current commandant) and Mac Curtis ’79 gave questionable help to the winning effort. Moe had seen Pat and Keith Gibson at the parade earlier that day. Keith is recovering from his run in with a cannon. The cannon won! Thankfully Keith is out of his bed and getting around post in a wheelchair. Keep healing Keith even though it is not as fast as it used to be.

This coming Monday (18 May) is the golf outing Moe usually attends with Mary Bryant, Mike Davis, and Sid Huguenin. Moe won’t be there this time because he has his appreciation day golf outing at the Augusta National. Tough choice huh. Hey guys, Moe didn’t choose Augusta because of “better people” just “a better golf course”. More on their performance later.

Speaking of Augusta Moe needs to hit the road. Hope Super ’77 had a great summer. Moe is sure Sparky Woods has a treat for us all this coming football season. The team had a great spring practice and has gotten stronger each year. Moe hopes to see a lot of BR’s this fall at the games. Let me know if you are coming or later if you were there and we missed each other. It is hard for Moe to see everyone in the stands especially when he had been “working on the chain gang.”

All Super ’77 BR’s don’t forget the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary matching gift campaign until the end of 2009 and Moe wants everyone to “get your own brick.” … Rah, Rah VMI Whole Da*# Class.

In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! Moe

’78

Tom Brown

Time again to bring you the latest updates on the great class of ’78. Bill Leavenworth checks in saying not too much new to report for now. He is no longer at Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program. He is now working for Missile Defense Agency on the Kinetic Energy program in Huntsville, Alabama. My former roommate

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Terry Dorn sent along an article telling of his lot of golf and water-skis year round.

Big Al’s for the Finals, co-mingling with Bo involvement in the Stimulus Plan. He has been Jerry says, “Regarding our three roommates, Grant ’77 and Katherine and Tim Mitchell in North Carolina as a team leader. The article Dr. David Colonna, Dr. Clyde Long, and Dr. ’77. Paul’s personal news, he was training states, “The team members are partly armored Carl Esche, pretty impressive! It’s not really to “do” Richmond’s big, famous Monument car guards, making sure the money goes where surprising that those guys decided to save lives Avenue 10K on March 28th. He wrote “do” it is supposed to and is spent the way that (and teeth). Looks like we all did what we were and not “run” or “jog” because he was just fastCongress intended. They also will be examining good at. It has been a great life so far. I think walking the 6.2 miles. Five years ago, the only whether the funding is getting results.” And I about our times at VMI from time to time. other time Paul ran the Monument Avenue 10K, thought we got out of guard duty at graduation.

There are definitely a few stories from that he screwed up a knee during training, jogged Terry thanks for looking after our money. place.” Thanks for the thirty-year update. I hope the whole course anyway and had a painful Class field correspondent Paul Mitchell brings we hear from you again sooner than that. limp for 6 months afterward. Paul didn’t want lots of news. His daughter Bonnie insisted last The next piece from class correspondent that to happen again. Paul didn’t know of any summer that Paul joins Facebook. He declined Mitchell is from the field of sports. For the Big other BRs who registered to participate but he saying that Facebook was for young people. She South Basketball Semi-finals, there was a large was sure there would be. Paul really enjoys the responded that hip adults were on there too. Paul crowd of alumni and some of their wives at Big benefits of the training. Way to go Brother Rat! said, “Hip adults? Let’s get started!” AccordAl’s Sports Bar & Grill in Richmond’s West Thank you Paul for all the news that you send. ing to Paul other hip Brother Rats presently on End. From our class, eating, drinking and cheerMark Seely is well and still in Kentucky, Facebook include the following: Charles Beaver, ing were: Billy Way, Shady Grove, Ronnie where a 50-1 long shot (Mine That Bird) won Mark Bottomly, Garry Brumbach, Dac Colden, Milligan, Steve Oddi, Wendy and Wads Bugg, the Derby and there’s a 100-1 chance of the rain Terry Dorn, Andy Fauconer, Jerry Harris, Bob and Tamara Jenvey, and Paul Mitchell. here stopping any time soon. People there tell Jerry Hillard, Bert Loflin, Allen Moore, Jr., Since the Keydets won, it was a joyous occaMark last winter, when 700,000+ Kentuckians Tim Pishdad, Wes Shull, Scot Singletary and sion. Steve and Audrey Oddi and their lovely lost power in the worst ice storm in state hisTom Tanner. Facebook is a very convenient and daughter Anne Margaret and Paul returned to tory, it was “an anomaly.” Now, they’re telling free way to maintain connections him this spring, where it’s rained for to Brother Rats. Paul hope to see the last month and is flooding the more BRs join. I guess we all need eastern half of the state “this is just to get “hip” Paul. wetter than normal;” Mark guesses Paul was pleasantly shocked to that includes the tornado that ripped get a Facebook friend request from through 6 miles south of where he Jerry Hillard, one of his rat year lives and killed two people. Now, roommates, whom he had not heard they are evidently besieged by “tent from in over 30 years. Here is the caterpillars.” Now, Mark says he is latest on Jerry. He has been really not a religious man but, if locusts or busy, having just sold his house and some other bug invades in June, he having to be out by the end of March is going to study up on Revelations and bought another smaller house, to see what’s coming next. which he is renovating. His kids Mark states things are going well.

Class of 1978: Photo, above: Watching the Keydets moved out and no one else visits The project to neutralize the chemibasketball team play in the Big South Finals were, from anymore so they decided to downcal weapons there is moving along, left, Anne Margaret and Audrey Oddi; Paul Mitchell, size. Jerry has been selling Ventyx starting to ramp up construction and Anne’s date; Katherine and Tim Mitchell ’77; Bo Grant software to the utilities industry equipment fabrication. Congress and ’77; and Steve Oddi. Photo, below: BRs gathered at (Asset Management for Nuclear the Pentagon act like they’ll fulfill Big Al’s Sports Bar & Grill in Richmond, Virginia, for Power Plants) for years. So he travtheir commitment to give more an evening to watch the Keydets defeat Liberty in the els a couple of times a month. For a money each year, which will help semi-finals of the Big South Basketball Tournament.

Seated: Steve Oddi. Standing, from left: Ronnie Milhobby Jerry builds 8,000-9,000 sq. speed up things and lower overall ligan, Wads Bugg, Bob Jenvey, Paul Mitchell, Shady ft. luxury homes. Well, not right cost. This economy is a good time Grove and Billy Way. now he says, but he did! to have the federal government as a Jerry reports he is in good health customer. Mark just returned from and is married. His wife’s name is his annual golf trip to Kiawah IsJoyce and they have been together land, SC, which is always a blast for almost since he got out of college. him with all the beautiful courses Joyce is his soul mate and the only down there. person in the world that will put up Joe Cafarella tells me not much with his crap! They have a daughter new in Dayton, Ohio. He is still with two grandkids. Jerry also has working for Ball Aerospace, still a son, age 18, who is an upcomat the National Air & Space Intel ing movie star. He is in a Wayan’s Center at Wright-Patt AFB, still loves Brothers movie called “Dance riding motorcycles, and still married Flick.” Jerry moved from Los Anafter almost 29 years. They took a geles about 10 years ago and now weeklong trip to Oakland, CA to see lives in Scottsdale, AZ. He plays a my older son who now works for

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CLASS NOTES Wells Fargo Bank. His younger son graduates from Wright-State University in Dayton with a degree in finance. Joe comments that finally with the kids out the door, it’s time to focus on what he wants to do for the rest of his life. Joe has another 8 years left on my mortgage, so he’ll probably keep working until his house is paid off, then buy a travel trailer and hit the road.

Joe also recommends I mention something about us VMI 78 BRs having Facebook accounts. He hasn’t figured it all out yet, but Joe sees he is accumulating a few “friends” in our class. Seems like a good way to stay in touch and share life’s stories if he can ever figure it all out … you and me both Joe. Spike Stubbs is still at NASA. His son Jack wants to go to the Naval Academy to be a Naval Aviator and is starting CAP. Jack wants Spike to start teaching him to fly. Spike told him if he buys him a plane, he’d be glad to. Can we all get free rides then Spike?

My neighbor Jay Hutt passed along the release about Ned Reister making the ’32 crew proud. Reister has been named Head of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, effective April 1, 2009. Ned replaces Colonel Wane Schneiter, who has been named VMI’s new Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of Faculty. Way to go Ned! Ned also humbly checked in with the news too. He sent along an update of building projects at VMI. The Kilbourne Hall renovation is complete. The third barracks is now done and new barracks is getting some work. There is one area of new barracks still in use and it connects the Third Barracks to Old Barracks … Cadets refer to is as the Gaza Strip … And the new Leadership center is awesome (Marshall Hall).

I had the privilege of seeing these facilities this spring and they are super. The new Lejeune Hall in the Third Barracks is a great place, coffee bar, pizza shop, and sandwich shop all in one spot. They say that minks from W&L come over to check it out. Red Turner would be proud. If you have the chance to get to VMI do it to checkout all the changes.

Scott LaCagnin sent news. Scott is still a private investigator in the Dallas area working strictly in the technical countermeasures field (bugsweeps) for companies and law firms.

Check his website out at www.tscm-jrsgroup. com. He gets his weekly adrenaline rush as a reserve police officer in a suburb of Dallas. And when Scott is not doing that he writes movie screenplays. He has a manager out in L.A. so hopefully he’ll get on the big screen pretty soon. Maybe you can get Jerry Hillard’s son to be in one of your movies.

Rob “Chops” Parker reports he is back in the pool swimming again; tough keeping in shape these days - not quite up to two-a-days.

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Rob is working Bechtel projects, currently on the Dulles Metro Rail Corridor linking the Washington DC Metro to the Dulles Airport. He is commuting back and forth from Philadelphia on weekends. Chops has the latest on Mark Gentile. Mark and his mother Margaret have moved out of Philly and relocated to Alabama where Gino’s brother lives. Gino is enjoying it down south and is taking life like most of us; one day at a time. Rob says Joe Tulski is still hangin in Philly, so he and Rob hook up often.

Rob’s family is doing great; his daughter of 21 months, Eva Grace Parker, is the apple of his eye. Chops never thought he’d be up for it at our age, but she keeps him young at heart.

That covers it for the BR updates. I do hope each of you has been getting my emails. If you have not for some reason please help me by going to VMI Ranks and updating your information. The Ranks is a link through the Alumni Association’s website. If it proves too irksome to mess with send me your information. Hope everyone had a great summer and send me news. EZ Bear

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope this finds everyone well. From February notes and more.

Ben Bauman has moved back to Peachtree, GA as of last fall. He still works for SAIC, but telecommutes with his office back in Washington, D.C. as a contractor working for the Corps of Engineers. Overall, work and life are going well. He has been to one VMI football game this year they lost which he says just seemed to be bad timing on his part!

Jim LaRose writes that all is well with him and Kathie. They have been busy working to get the new house in order that they moved into last fall.

Larry Adams wants to know if anyone else has a son or daughter at the Air Force Academy.

He suggests planning a meal if anyone happens to be visiting Colorado Springs during the same weekend in the next few years! Larry’s son, David, is a freshman (or SMACK - Soldier Minus Ability Coordination or Knowledge) for the 2008-2009 school year. Larry writes “That the highlight of their first year is what they call Recognition (what we would call Breakout) and he is so looking forward to that. After Recognition they are treated as upper classmen and are no longer SMACKs. Davis is doing very well in all aspects so far. Yes, it’s tough out there (by today’s pansy standards), but they really do all they can to keep as many of the cadets in the Wing (what we would call the Corps) as possible. I think it’s because the Air Force needs

the officers, for the short term anyway. The support system and parent groups seem very strong.” Larry’s High School freshman daughter is doing well in school, but is entirely too pretty for his own good! She’s had one boyfriend so far, but Larry has added a couple more pages to the “Application to Date My Daughter” since then. Larry is getting more active in the American Legion (as I am here in Cheriton) and the USAFA parent’s group.

Mohammad Reza Zeinali and his family live in his hometown Tabriz and prays for “all my BRs health and happiness.”

Burt Cramer and wife Susan became first time grandparents on November 10th with the birth of a little girl, Hayden Elizabeth to our daughter Morgan Tyler Cramer. He reports that everyone is doing just fine.

Harlan Niehaus saw Kelly Lombard, Ben Baumen, Randy Atkins and John Hash at a VMI basketball game. Kelly has moved out to the San Francisco area. Harlan says that Ben, Randy and John are doing well. Kelly was in good enough shape to play in the Alumni basketball game. Harlan just watched!

John Blake dropped a note writing that he is enjoying disability retirement with hay down every day of the week for the past 5 years and watching the Tonight Show with Jay Leno every night. John has been struggling to find some volunteer work to do in the community of Marion VA to keep himself active. Right now he is a tutor for the Smyth County Adult Literacy Enrichment Program teaching adults how to read and do basic math. He is also a volunteer at the local hospital. John’s two sons, Jonathan and Zachary, attend Wytheville Community College. Jonathan is pursuing a degree to be a musical therapist while Zachary wants to go onto UVa and major in political science.

Jeff McLean writes that all is well here at the McLean household in Florida. It has been a hectic last two years. Jeff has been busy being Head Football coach and Athletic Director at Merritt Island High School. Jeff also served a year as State President of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. Wife Jamie and Jeff were busy traveling all over the state as his daughter Sadie’s soccer team finished as State Runner-up for 2 years in Class 4A. She is headed to University of North Florida to play soccer. Sadie was a 4 year letterman in soccer, track, and cross country, was voted most athletic and the top scholar athlete in her school. VMI had tried to recruit her for soccer but some reason she was not interested in the Institute. Jeff’s brother Mark McLean’s ’80 son Ryan graduated from VMI last May and made sure she didn’t want anything to do with playing at VMI! Jeff and Jamie have also been busy traveling and watching their nephew Buster Posey of FSU, who

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1979 30th Class Reunion

Row 1: Ray Duffett, John Colonna, Mike Ogden, Grady Andrews, Bob Sievert, Roy Sadler, Jeff Curtis, John Poffenbarger, Dave Jeter, Jay Thomason, Bill Hamlin, Curt McCabe and David Smith. Row 2: John Kailey, Mark Byrd, Jeff McLean, Frank Jester, Bill McCarthy, John Arthur, Russell Zech, Jeb Burton, Mike Staso, Bill Sarvay, Ed Johnson and Massie Meredith. Row 3: Eric Schwarz, Dan Kornacki, Tim Ritzert, Glenn Higgins, Dan Sheahan, Bob Morris, Chappy Lucas, Jeff Minnix, Tom Manley, Tom White, Steve Heatwole, Ed Buck, Jay Virtue, Jim Leavitt and Mike Thomas. Row 4: John Carty, David Van Wagoner, Steve Scaglione, Tom Kovach, Larry Adams, Randy Atkins, Phil Southers, Pete Underwood, Anthony Pais, Jim LaRose, Rich McGruder, Gleb Taran, Claude Fore, Jeff Vordermark, Chuck Smith and Jim Owens. Row 5: John Hash, Ben Bauman, John Ozolins, Tom Trumps, Ralph Briggs, Jim Blank, Travis Callaway, Tim Bridges, Mike Mendez, John Brown, Asa Page, R.J. Bartol, John Blake, Mory Wood, Jay Higginbotham and Jay Airis. Row 6: Steve White, David Crim, Carter McCrowell, Rich McDonough, Tom Herbert, Bill Drewery, Joe Benda, Bob Bookmiller, Ed Negro, Al Soltis, Rob Maxey and Dean Smith. Row 7: Brian Tollie, Doug Doerr, Parke Smith and R.J. Bartol. Row 8: Meade Spotts, Noel Harris, Mac Curtis, Tom Baltazar, Jim Elliott, Bill Albro and Wilton Holmes. was the ACC and NCAA Baseball Player of the Year and the 5th pick in the MLB draft by the SF Giants. They also went to Omaha for the College World Series. Jamie’s job at the Space Center is still going well, but time is winding down until the Shuttle program is over. Jamie lost her father during the summer. If anyone is on the Space Coast please look Jeff up.

Eric Schwarz and wife Becky attended their daughter Heather’s Master’s Degree graduation from JMU in May. Next up for them is their last HS graduation for son Michael, followed by his Eagle Scout Court of Honor (recognition ceremony), and followed by a 2 ½ week cruise from England to Russia and back. Wow! Mark Perrin writes: “Although I don’t stay in touch with many Bother Rats, I am proud of my time at VMI. I left VMI due to my marriage to my wife, Annie, we’ve been married for 32 years, raised two beautiful daughters, and now have 4 four grandchildren – 3 grandsons (5,3, 1) and a granddaughter (9 months). I’ve attached

2009-Issue 3

a few recent pictures of Annie, me, and the grandchildren. Although I truly coveted a VMI diploma, I would do it all over again the same way! I am currently the Senior Intelligence Officer (J2) for US Forces in Korea (USFK).

Annie and I came to Korea from Hawaii, and hope to remain through summer 2010, but we’ll go where the Army needs us to go. We have been outside the continental US for the past 7 years. We are both looking forward to becoming full-time grandparents when the Army no longer needs our service.”

Charlie Sachs and family are departing Vienna, VA for San Antonio. Charile will be leaving his job at the Pentagon to take on a new role at Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, TX; helping stand up the Air Force Air Advisor School. Charile and Jackie married on 3 Nov 2007 in San Antonio; both for the first time! Reports Charlie: “Yes, Jackie is an Aggie and yes, she was in the corps of cadets. It is challenging, to say the least, to get a word in

edgewise when she and her two Aggie brothers get together! Jackie and I dated for almost 10 years before marrying - she would not permit me to exercise a 10 year option! Jackie is an Air Force reservist, currently lives in San Antonio, and works for the Bank of America. As soon as we sell my Vienna home, we will embark on building a home in San Antonio. Of the 11 years Jackie and I have known each other, we’ve spent one year in the same town (1st year), so I guess I owe Jackie to head to San Antonio! The VMI influence is felt on the Air Staff at the Pentagon. I currently work for Lt Gen Dan Darnell ’75, (my boss’s boss), Maj Gen Darren McDew ’82, also works at the Pentagon. And I regularly run into Col Ray Joinson ’80, Al Moore ’78 and Dave Honeywell ’71. I hear from BR Bill Albro fairly regularly. I see BR Gleb Taran on Saturday mornings at the Greek Grill in Vienna, and if you need a great tax preparer, there is none better than Dawn McGruder, BR Rich McGruder’s wife.”

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CLASS NOTES Chappy Lucus writes that he is currently in Saudi Arabia where he has been working for the past 5 years with Saudi ARAMCO at the corporate headquarters in Dhahran. Wife Suzanne continues to be in Houston pursuing her career there. Chappy gets back to the US two to three times a year. They have one daughter who is currently in Washington DC working at GW hospital but will be returning to Georgetown this fall for her Masters in Nursing. Chappy would also welcome any opportunities to meet up with anyone who might be in the area in Saudi. While Saudi Arabia can be a challenge to get someone in for a visit, there are always options to meet up if anyone happens to be in Bharain, the UAE, etc.

Renee and I would like to thank Asa Page, John Arthur, Ben Baumann, Jim Blank and Mory Wood for all their help, advice and hard work making our recent 30th reunion such a huge success. It was a true team effort and the past year’s work made the difference. We would also like to recognize Rebecca Chittum and Linda Russ of Natural Bridge, Pat Ruley from the VMI Bookstore and Carole Green from the Alumni Association. Without their help the planning and execution of the reunion would not been nearly as smooth as it was. Thanks also to Larry Adams and “Stosh” Morris for providing the “audio visual.” entertainment for both nights.

Speaking of the Reunion, for those that were unable to attend, it was by all accounts a blast.

We had over 100 BRs attend some portion of the event and a total attendance of over 180. The “Bridge” did a grand job with both evenings’ dinners, Nancy and Tom Trumps had ’79 over for lunch on Saturday at the Commandant’s Quarters and that turned out to be awesome. The weather cooperated. It was just a wonderful weekend all around.

Finally, words from Larry Adams who attended Al Higginbotham’s funeral.

“Visitation was at a Chapel at a Cemetery right outside the gates of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) at Miramar (former Navy Top Gun base, when the movie “Top Gun” was made) at 10 am March 5, 2009. I’ll tell you why I mention that in a moment.

At the Chapel was where we first met with the family and extended our condolences. That’s the first time I had seen most of them in almost 26 years (since Al’s first wedding), though I have exchanged emails and seen some pictures over the years. It was great seeing and talking to them, even under these circumstances and they really appreciated JK Hudgins and I being there (they told us so several times over the next few days).

There were pictures of Allen and family in the “sitting room” outside the chapel, as well as some hand-made cards to Al from his daughters when they were little. I added a few pictures of my

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own, and a few I had collected from you, which the family really liked – mostly of VMI years or with VMI folks in them. JK Hudgins and I were the only BRs in attendance, but there were many Navy people. There was a slide show of about 30 slides, repeatedly playing in the chapel before and during the short service. Some were copies of pictures I took and are in my presentation. The service was nice. Al’s family is, like he was, quality people that are a pleasure to be around.

After it was over, we followed the hearse up the hill to a mausoleum on a hill overlooking Miramar MCAS. The service was outside under a beautiful, bright & sunny spring day.

Here, a few more words were spoken and full military honors rendered. It’s difficult for me to hold back the tears, when the 21 gun salute is fired and taps is played for any veteran, much less when it’s your buddy – but I actually did better than I thought I would. There were quite a number of Navy/Former Navy shipmates of Al’s (and of Vicki’s – she was in the Navy also) present as evidenced by the number of salutes that went up and down. One thing I thought was cool: on about 2 occasions, the preacher had to pause his comments for the roar of the fighter jets to subside as they flew over us. I know it’s really common around Miramar, but I’m not around Miramar much, so I think several of us thought of it as Allen’s personal fly-over!

The Higginbotham’s and/or Vicki hosted a reception at the Miramar Officers Club and I guess this was my favorite part of the scheduled activities because there were about 10 tables set up and at each one of them, as you walked by, you could hear laughing and fun being had. Sure, every so often someone would get choked up – that’s natural. At the table I spent most time at sat the new owner of Allen’s water supply business and 2 Hispanic workers.

They were there for the same reason everyone else was – but they said he was a great Boss in addition to him just being Al. The Hispanic guys even teared up a few times when we were talking about Al. At every table someone was telling their favorite Allen stories; stories and remembrances about Allen and the re-telling of stories that Allen told. You all have your own, and you all know they are all funny – even hilarious! You all know he was known far and wide for his ability to tell a story and shoot the #@&% breeze. The thing that struck me as I thought about him and his stories as I was flying to San Diego was that, for the most part, they were all TRUE! I don’t know if more funny stuff happened to this guy than most people I’ve ever met or he caused more funny things to happen than most people or he just could tell a better story than most people, but it’s amazing how many stories surround Allen.

Anyway, this reception went on for a couple

of hours! My presentation was playing on a laptop computer off to the side and was well received by the family and everyone else (who mentioned anything to me anyway…). One slide I have of Allen is of him coming in the door of a barracks room, with his hands sticking out of his head like a moose and his tongue sticking out. Classic Allen and everyone loved that picture. So when I was taking pictures of the family, who had all seen the presentation, just before we all left the O-Club, I suggested everyone make the same face Allen did in that picture – that was good too.

After a few hour break, the family (which includes Brother Rats, of course) and close friends (which also includes Brother Rats) were invited to Vicki’s house for finger food, drinks and just being together, supporting each other. There was a lot of all that going on and of course, this was the most enjoyable part of all. JK generously offered to come over the next night (Friday night) and cook steaks and chicken on the grill. Vicki and the family took him up on it – so JK and I were there for two nights in a row with family and close friends.

I was supposed to be assisting JK, but probably wasn’t very good, as I was usually taking with someone. Everyone had moments covering the range of emotions, but as the preacher said, this is natural and good. As far as I could tell, everyone was doing about as good as could be expected, in the wake of what seems like to us, an untimely, premature death. In spite of that, it was fun reconnecting with the family that I knew when Allen and I used to spend time at each other’s house on breaks and over the summers.

Needless to say ALL men present married UP! His brother David Higginbotham ’85 left after 2 years and joined the Navy, finishing college and becoming an Officer later. He looks and sounds most like Allen. Robert knew VMI wasn’t for him right from the start and went to WVU and used to see John Poffenbarger and Mark Day occasionally around campus. Both work for the FAA, live in northern Virginia and travel to work in the morning on the Metro train together. They’ve enjoyed doing that and have deepened their relationship because of it. Both are married with children. Ann, Al’s sister, is married with 2 girls in Charlotte, NC. She had a bout with brain cancer a few years ago. The recovery took several months but they “got it all” and everything has been fine since then. Allen’s Parents live in Sarasota Florida and shared that several family members have died of cancer, so they feel like they have a predisposition for it.

But his parents look, sound and act like they are doing great.

Way too late, we got out the VMI yearbooks and started looking through them. You may recall JK weaned him self from the teat of Mother I and did not return after our junior

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES year – Life just happened! He made a great new life since VMI, so that former life was kind of out of mind all those years – until Allen tapped him on the shoulder in the Escondido Costco Beer & Wine department a few years ago. And yes, as Allen told me on the phone call after he ran into JK that day – JK had a box full of some kind of alcohol on his shoulder! Well those 2 hit it off again and renewed their friendship – then I was added to the mix the next time I came west. (By the way, when JK and I went shopping for the Steaks and Chicken on Friday – we

went to the very same Costco JK and Allen reconnected in…and we toted out some spirits which were later raised in Big Al’s honor.) But JK had never seen ANY yearbook from our time at VMI until last week – that amazed me!

We had fun because everybody that JK had supposedly been friends with at VMI and since then (mainly from Rugby I think) – could not be found in any of the yearbooks (with a few minor exceptions … )! I’m so thankful Al & I rekindled our friendship and were able to see each other several times over the past few years

and that JK is a part of me and our Brotherhood again and that I can call him friend (or anything else I want!) again. I hope you all get to see and renew friendships with him again, too.

Also, you may or may not remember, Ann Higginbotham was homecoming queen our Junior year … Bill Peacock was her escort – how the hell did that happen? I guess Al owed him a favor or Bill pulled rank – I don’t know … (pure speculation and cheap attempt at humor on my part … ), at any rate, guess it didn’t work out in the long run … So, we looked at those

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Class of 1979 Reunion Snapshots 2

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4

5

Photo 1: From left, Lt. Cmdr. Clark Twiddy ’98 and Cmdr.

Greg Booth at Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training course in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, January 2009.

Photo 2: Cmdr. Scott Smith, USN, took command of the U.S.S. KLAKRING (FFG 42) on Jan. 23, 2009. His wife affixed the Command-at-Sea pin. Photo 3: Brian and Robin Snider with their daughter, Sophie, at their home near

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Photo 1: Rory Walsh visited with Rats Bob Sievert and Mike Ogden during the reunion. Photo 2: Grady Andrews (back to camera) checked ’79’s “interval and dress” prior to the class march. Photo 3: John Arthur, Asa Page and Buffalo, Newled York, 2008.

4: Elijah Mike Ogden theDecember Old Yell on the Photo sentential box Reaves that ’79 Stone wasduring born on Dec. 9, 2008, to Brian and Valerie in destroyed the “burning of the wools.”

Photo 4: Jim Berkeley, California.

According Stone, “Mother and son LaRose, Bob Sievert and Ed Bucktoat the memorial service. are doing Ian Connor Photo 5: well.”

ClassPhoto Agent5:Mike Ogden works led ’79with in Mammut a rousing Sports Group-North America.

Above are class Ian and his wife, chorus of “Tech Triumph” prior to the picture.

(He Annie.

Editors Note: Please see another picture of the Conwas just kidding.) nors at www.vmialumni.org/alumnireview.

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CLASS NOTES pictures too – and Ann pointed out a candid shot of her, me and Al in the basketball stands.

At least I was in the ORIGINAL picture. My Brother Rat Meade Spotts (yearbook editor) saw fit to crop me out in the yearbook! No wonder I never knew about it! Can’t say I blame you, but thanks anyway Bro! I think I can speak for JK in saying we were proud to be there representing you all and we told the family (although we really didn’t have to) that all of you, and many more, wished you could have been there too. The flowers from the Class were beautiful. Red, white and Yellow, what else? Nice job Mike. I recognized them from a picture Mike Ogden sent me – the cards had been removed by the time I finally got around to trying to read them.

Sorry for the length of this dissertation, if you hung in there this long – and thanks for indulging me by reading all this. It was probably much more fun writing it, than reading it.”

That is all for now BRs. Stay well and keep in touch.

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello Brother Rats: These notes cover the period Feb. 16, 2009 through May 15, 2009.

All too often these notes open with an apology. This time apologies are extended to John Alerding, Rob D’Alessandro, Tom Gelles and Bruno Loefstedt. Alumni Review 2009 Issue-1 included two photographs that incorrectly identified our BRs. Rob, Tom and Bruno appear in the top picture. John, Bruno and Rob appear in the bottom picture. Sorry guys.

The period began with snail mail. Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent a four-page color brochure from their home in Peru detailing in words and pictures the work they do for their church. They began a trip in February that will take them to Alaska through the end of August and to Virginia in the fall where they hope to attend a VMI football game. They noted a brief visit with Dan Sweeney in Lynchburg and Wade Stinnette in Columbia, SC. Walt Kreitler sent a letter noting that he just returned from Iraq and was scheduled to visit Afghanistan for work.

Dwight Pearson sent an email from Iraq.

Psycho is a Colonel in the Army Reserves serving a one-year tour as the Director of the Joint Reconstruction Center in Baghdad. He hopes to return to the US in time for our 30th reunion.

Craig Wilson sent an email after visiting Lexington to see the basketball team play its

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final home game of the season. Ann and Paul Burkholder drove down from Winchester to meet Wiennie, who also threatened to make a spur-ofthe-moment trip up north, probably to play golf.

Larry Avery sent an email with photos from Iraq. Larry, a Colonel in the Air Force, has been deployed for almost 14 months but is scheduled to return home in May. March began with two Facebook messages. The first arrived from Thomas Horan containing a link to his Facebook page. The second message, from Sue and Joe Brown, also contained a Facebook link. As I wrote in an end-of-fiscal-year letter, social networks will soon be incorporated into communication from VMI to the alumni.

Andy Ludlum also sent an email saying that he signed up our class for Facebook on the VMI website. By the time these notes are published, I will have participated in an Alumni Review WebEx where I expect the use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube will be discussed.

Dixon Tucker copied me on two email messages along with too many of our BRs to list.

The first message contained an invitation to view the movie “Brother Rat” and the second contained an invitation to go rappelling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thanks, Dixon.

Bert Schneider sent an email containing a link to an article he wrote that was published in Raytheon Technology Today magazine.

Bert also wrote that he and Peggy hosted Tom Horan during Christmas. Bert located Tom through a social networking site (see reference to Horan above) and noticed an Arizona address. Tom’s parents live in the same town as Bert. Tom travels extensively throughout Russia and neighboring countries but visited his parents during the holidays.

Phil Munisteri sent a message containing an attached photo. Phil teaches high school in Long Island.

Many alumni, including our BRs, communicate with Cadets. Hunter Davis sent an email following an exchange of messages with an unidentified Cadet who had less than kind words for VMI’s Deputy Commandant, Gary Levenson. It’s no wonder Gary needs an outlet from the rigors of his job (more on Gary to follow). Hunter is completing a rotating two-year term as Dean of the Southeast Deanery of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska. Hunter encourages all veterans to join the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

As March ended and April began, Patti and I traveled to Washington, DC where I attended the annual Enrolled Actuaries Meeting. We had dinner in DC with Ray and Carla Joinson.

Ray is an Air Force Colonel stationed at The Pentagon. Ray expects to retire in 2010 and he and Carla plan to relocate to a home they built in Tennessee. Their son, Eric, is a Lieutenant in

the Coast Guard stationed in Alaska.

We also had dinner with Tuck Masker.

Tuck’s stepson graduated from VMI with the Class of 2009.

Patti and I then made a quick trip to Lexington so Patti could visit her jeweler, Robby Jones.

While in Lexington we had dinner with Gary Levenson. I believe we can all agree that VMI’s Deputy Commandant has a very demanding and stressful job. So, the incumbent from time to time needs to find an outlet or a way to release the tension. What’s Gary’s outlet? Curling up on the couch and watching “The Real Housewives of New York City”. Patti and I live on the upper east side of NYC where these characters live and where much of the program is filmed. It’s also a program that Patti watches. So, dinner consisted mostly of my listening to the two “Chatty Cathys” yakking about the trials and tribulations of these women. It gets worse.

April began with an exchange of emails and phone calls with Pat Griffin. Pat, who lives in the Boston area and works for OSHA, inquired about the dates of our 30th reunion (23 and 24 April 2010). He also reported that all is well with Beth and the boys.

In mid-April, I attended the annual Class Agent Conference at VMI. In advance I contacted John Alerding, Tim Hodges, Robby Jones, Gary Levenson, Jay Melvin and Scott Sayre, our Lexington BRs, and I stayed with Gary Levenson. I visited briefly with Tim and Vicki Hodges and again saw Robby and Beth Jones. Their oldest daughter, Katie, has completed her sophomore year at Virginia Tech.

Their youngest daughter, Jennie, has completed her junior year in high school. Beth is a special education teacher in the high school.

Also, Dennis Hackemeyer made a presentation to the Class Agents. His company has been retained by the Alumni Association and the presentation included a very impressive video clip and sample mailing to alumni. Dennis also told a poignant story about a young woman’s decision to attend VMI. He was speaking of his daughter, Hope, who just completed her third class year.

Tracy Wilson sent a message following receipt of his birthday card. To the best of my knowledge Tracy is the last of our BRs to begin his sixth decade. Tracy reported that all is well with Jennifer and the girls.

I spoke several times throughout the period with Chal Glenn, a broker with UBS in Sumter, SC. A year ago Chal broke his leg while playing basketball. The break was so severe that he required surgery. His leg is still held together by steel plates and eleven four-inch screws. In order to board an airplane, Chal needs to present the x-ray of his leg as the metal in his leg sets off the alarms. Chal reported that the leg has healed and that Robin and the kids are doing well.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES April ended with a series of phone calls.

First, I spoke with Tom Gelles. Tom’s wife, Lynn, is a criminal investigator with the Veterans Administration. Their son, Nick, has completed his Rat year at VMI. Nick did very well and earned a three-year Navy scholarship.

Their daughter, Lindsey, will be a high school senior in September. She’s a lacrosse player who is considering colleges, mainly in the Pittsburgh area. Tom also calls play-by-play on the local public access station for the basketball team comprised of members of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Then, Dan Sweeney called following a visit to Long Island where he represented a client. Dan is an attorney in Lynchburg with a practice that includes trusts and estates. In August, his son, Dan, Jr., will become a third-generation Sweeney to attend VMI. Dan also said that his father and Hugh Fain’s father were at VMI together.

Lastly, I spoke with Hugh Fain. In addition to his law practice, Hugh has been leading a committee that is assisting the Alumni Association in its search for a new Executive Vice President of the VMI Foundation. Hugh reported that Renee had recently returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with ten other women.

Their youngest daughter, Sally, is already six.

Their middle daughter, Audrey, is finishing her junior year in high school and their oldest daughter, Joyce, has completed her freshman year at Wake Forest.

May began with an email from Dave Hageman. Dave ran into Jody (Dave wrote Judy) Weatherwax at a VMI gathering in Detroit.

Dave reported that Jody’s son is an Army Ranger who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Dave retired from the Army Reserves on February 1st and became engaged to Diana on Valentine’s Day. They plan to wed in July 2010 on Lake St. Clair, MI. Congrats, Dave.

I exchanged email messages with both Chris Dombalis and Matthew Keys in a failed effort at getting together. Chris lives in northern New Jersey and travels extensively for business but reports that Jennifer and the girls are doing well. Matthew and Tanya live in lower Manhattan. Tanya works for JP Morgan Chase and has also been traveling.

Jim O’Connor also sent an update. Jim lives in New Jersey and over the last four years has completed his Ph.D. while working full-time at Delaware Valley College. Jim now has more time to spend with his son George who is ten years old. Jim also wrote a play entitled, “Christmas Guest” that will appear offBroadway this summer. Jim is also producing the play, which will run as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival from July 24th through August 2nd.

Tuck Masker called to say that this son,

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Tuck, will be attending a football camp in northern New Jersey in June. Tuck will try to catch up with Jim O’Connor during the trip.

Larry Avery has returned to the US following his tour in Iraq. Larry made it home in time to attend his daughter Kim’s graduation from the University of Central Florida and then attend the launch of the Space Shuttle. In June, Larry will begin a tour at Eglin AFB in Florida.

Walt and Mary Lynne Wood also sent an update on their trip through the US. They left Virginia on March 7th and will travel 9,000 miles to Alaska. They expect to arrive in late May. The return trip to Virginia is scheduled to begin in August to include a stop at VMI. Elliott Wolffe is getting married. Amy is a “Jersey Girl” (I’m married to one so I can write that) who accepted Elliott’s proposal with an expletive deleted. Amy plans to relocate to New Orleans where her son attends Tulane University. They plan to wed in the spring. Elliott also plans to visit his parents in New Jersey in June and in July and we will try to connect then.

So, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in May, coincident with the end of the reporting period for these notes and the close of the VMI school year, Patti and I witnessed a taxi cab strike a pedestrian crossing the street at Park Avenue and East 57th Street. Being a Good Samaritan, I immediately called Gary Levenson (the pedestrian was crossing against the light, flew only a few feet in the air and others called 9-1-1).

Unconcerned with either the injured pedestrian or his Brother Rat, Gary only wanted to speak to Patti about the most recent episode of “The Real Housewives of New York City.” It must have been a tough year in Barracks.

Thank you all for all your support. Please keep in touch.

’81

Gerald Manley

Dearest Brother Rats: Please allow me to start the Class Notes with my sincere gratitude to all of you for the many emails, cards, and phone calls expressing faith, testimonials, and condolences over the passing of my dear brother, Jack ’83. As I write these notes in early May, it is still quite surreal that Jack has moved from this world to the embrace of our dear Lord. Over the past 18 months, so many BRs have shared how they, or their families, were inspired by Jack’s strength; how they learned so much from his example of faith and courage. So many BRs from ’81, ’83, and several other Classes, have supported Jack and his loving wife, Anne, in so many ways. For everything that you have

all done for them, I am eternally grateful. I am also grateful that through Jack’s ordeal, several BR’s have opened their hearts and shared some of their own current struggles or recent losses.

I will always hold such communications in confidence, unless told otherwise, but I will share with all that we have a number of BR’s that are going through similar ordeals, either fighting medical conditions of their own, or supporting beloved family members that are stricken with cancer or other serious ailments.

For all of them and all of you, I pray for the same source of strength, courage and peace that enveloped Jack. One of the many lessons that I learned from my beloved brother is that none of us are ever truly alone – without question, we have our Divine Father, and through Him, we are blessed to also have our Brother Rats. I am here for you all, just as you have been here for me and for my family. I offer my sincere gratitude for all of your emails (and I will respond to them all!) with special thanks to BRs, Ed Boylan and Jesse Seawell, for attending Jack’s funeral mass in Grapevine, Texas and to the following BR’s that attended the memorial service and reception in Arlington: Grover Outland, Mike Denton, Bruce Kitchen, Billy Stamm, John Ferry, Clarkson Merideth, Trip Lloyd, Gary Morgan, Rick McCue, Matt Merriman, Pete Nauta, Gene Loving, Reg Ridgley, Dave Openshaw, Marc Barthello, and Ken Pierro (and I pray that I did not miss anyone).

It meant the world to my entire family to have such a strong showing from VMI and to know that so many others would have been there if circumstances and commitments would have allowed. The Class of ’81+2 did an incredible job in honoring Jack and had many, many BR’s in attendance. Special thanks go to their Class Agent, Jim Outland for his communication and coordination efforts and to Andy Woolwine for partaking in the services and being such a close and caring friend to Jack. Special “shout out” to one of my Rat dykes, Frank Kollmansperger, ’81+3 for being there as well and for always being such a solid soul.

With that, let me share words from our BRs: Ray Lawson sent me a great update. This is one of those that I read and just shook my head with a smile and out of awe so I wanted to share it in its entirety. Ray wrote the following: “At a time in life when many people begin to slow down, it seems that I am speeding up.... Gale and I celebrated our 50th birthdays this year with a trip to Sedona, AZ. We were able to do a fair amount of hiking (my idea more than Gale’s) through the Red Rocks area and the Grand Canyon, and explore a part of the country we don’t get too many opportunities to travel to.

The trip also doubled as our 25th wedding anniversary present to ourselves. It was our first

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CLASS NOTES “child-less” vacation in 20 years! Beautiful area if you’ve never been before. If any BRs are ever interested, I can vouch that the combination of the South Beach Diet, running (well, kind of), and weightlifting works wonders. Since the 1st of the year I’ve dropped nearly 25 pounds (about 5 pounds more than my VMI weight) and received excellent results on my physical.

In addition to feeling great, I’m playing on a men’s softball team (with my two sons) and am leading in home runs and runs batted in. I hit four out in the first two games of the season!

The voices coming from the opponents’ dugout are usually to the effect, “We need to get that old guy to teach us how to hit!” I suspect that most of the players are about half my age. It’s kind of neat to show them up! This Fall I will be heading back to school to work on my Masters in Nuclear Engineering at the University of South Carolina. With a little luck my oldest son and I will graduate from the USC Engineering department at the same time. I’ve been tutoring some students in Calc I, II and Numerical Analysis, so the rust is slowly coming off the old brain cells. I’m shooting to do some teaching and consulting when retirement time comes for me, so the Masters will help. In my spare time, like I really have any, I continue to write

science and technology articles for Homeschool Enrichment magazine (my 7th year writing for them), run the soundboard for church services and choir practices, and serve as a Deacon. I pretty much run on either “Full Throttle” or “Off.” There is not too much “Medium” in my life. I wonder why I wasn’t this motivated when I was at VMI? Maybe I’m finally growing up.

Gale doesn’t think so. :-)” (Man, Ray, you have energy! Looks to me like you are living and loving life. Keep it up, BR!) Steve Tenant reports that all is well on the Great Plains. He has had a busy tempo and foresees it remaining so through the summer.

Steve was in Norfolk in early March for an exercise at the Norfolk Naval Base. He met John Holloway for dinner and reports that John is looking good and recently changed law firms.

Steve also joined many of the VMI Alumni Association’s Kansas contingent for a BBQ to commemorate New Market Day at the home of Jeff Vordermark ’79. Jeff and Steve are self proclaimed optimists as they continue their attempts at recruiting for VMI in Leavenworth and Lawrence Kansas. Steve’s oldest son, Joseph, graduates from the University of Kansas and will attend the University of Chicago for a fully funded Psychology PhD program. Since

Steve is also a KU graduate student, thanks to the GI Bill, and working towards a PhD, the father son academic race appears to be on!

Steve’s youngest son, Jonathan, graduates from high school this summer and will start at the University of Kansas in the fall. He plays bass guitar, guitar, French horn, and melophone and intends to study music. Jonathon intends to be in the UK band, since there are free football and basketball tickets involved. Steve’s daughter, Madeline, graduates from junior high school this year, and moves on to 10th grade in the fall.

After the wave of graduation activity, Steve’s family will all arrive in Kansas to commemorate his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary during the 4th of July weekend. (Great input, Steve, and we wish you all well. A hearty congratulations to your folks for their 50th.)

Mark Lowe continues to serve in uniform.

He is still at Fort Bragg, NC, where he has command of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne); a brigade size element of 4400 personnel. Mark will give up command on 2 July 2009 and may deploy back to Iraq after taking some leave well deserved leave. Mark shared that Jim Waring stopped by in early May to say hello and to share the news of his January retirement. Jim Waring, Steve Brouse,

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Class of 1981 2

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Photo 1: Ian Costello ’09 at his commissioning into the Navy on May 15, 2009.

With Ian, was his mother, Jen, father Rob “Cos” Costello and Jen’s parents, Mr. and Ms. Hall. Ian will enter the Navy flight program in October 2009. Photo 2: At The VMI Alumni Association Career Networking Forum in Moody Hall were, from left, Dave Saunders, Scott Marsh, Grover Outland, Gene Loving, Mike Denton, Chet Thompson, Jerry Manley, Mark Gonsalves, Rob Digby, Rick McCue, Ken Herbert and Ken Morris. Photo 3: Greg Wolven looked on as daugh5 ter Katie signed on to play volleyball at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. Photo 4: Ray Lawson and wife Gaile celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and birthdays – Ray’s 50th and Gaile’s “29th” – at the Grand Canyon. Photo 5: Jenna and father Jerry Manley, who is holding his great-nephew, Duncan Morelli (class of 2030). Duncan is the grandson of Kathie and Joe Morelli ’78.

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CLASS NOTES and Mark Lowe all went to the Army War College together in 2003-04 before Mark deployed early to Iraq to work for LTG Sanchez and GEN Casey at the MNF-I. Mark reports that Jim is doing very well working for Honeywell in Defense and Space. Mark’s son, Matthew (Class of 2011), just finished his second year and will be a Battalion S-1 Sergeant next year. Matthew has been on the Dean’s List all four semesters this year, something for which Mark has just reason to be proud. Mark did the math and checked the calendars and reports that, if everything works out according to plan, Matthew will graduate 30 years to the day our Class did. That may very well put us on the same Class Reunion Schedule. (Mark, congratulations on a successful command tour and we wish you Godspeed and His mantle of protection when you go to Iraq.

Travel safely, BR!) Chip Chipley also sent a great email. He and his wife just had their second child, Vivia Belle Chipley, who was born on Cinco de Mayo, 2009. Chip reports that he and his wife shared a margarita on the way to the hospital! Chip shared his reflection that, at fifty years of age, he realized that having a child at such a late start may mean the possibility that his daughters may have Brother or Sister Rats who are, in fact, the grandchildren of his own BRs! (Just don’t go teaching any of them how to clean a .45, Chip!) If anyone is in the Sarasota area, Chip asks that you look him up.

Paul Brier checked in from Guam. Paul was recently selected for promotion to Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps, and is expected to PCS to Stuttgart in late July to take command of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa in September. We are very proud of you, Paul, and we wish you the best of luck in Stuttgart. Something tells me you will see John “Troll” Driscoll from time to time! Semper Fi, sir!

Rob “Cos” Costello shot me a couple notes.

His son, Ian, was commissioned into the Navy on 15 May by CDR Mark Martin of the VMI NROTC Unit and graduated VMI on the following day of 16 May. Ian will report to Navy Flight school in October. (Cos, tell Ian to look for my OICC Ivan Command Coin in the Pensacola O’club bar.) Cos’ younger son, Tim, will be a Rat in August and it looks like Bruce Kitchen’s son, Brett, will be his BR! Cos reports that he will host tailgate parties for the Class of ’81 for the next four years! (Way to go, Cos! You know you were always my favorite!)

Other Sons of ’81 that graduated with the Class of ’09 with Ian were John Saunders (Dave Saunders’ son and First Captain of the Corps of Cadets), Drew Thompson (Chet Thompson’s son, who I ran into in a DC metro station, of all places), and Chris Brown (Eddy Brown’s son and the spitting image of his father!).

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Mike Placzek reported on a very busy year for his family. Mike’s demanding schedule has had him on the road for all but four weeks or so, as of this writing. Mike and his beautiful bride, Lynn, celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in June. From what Mike writes, Lynn has been his rock and steadily at his side through many tough times. Lynn has supported Mike through 8 years of active duty, 19 years of reserves, and a demanding civilian job while raising their two children. (For Lynn, Mike specifically wrote that he considers himself a very fortunate man and extremely blest to be your husband.

Sounds to me that you are both blest to have one another.) Mike has applied for retirement from the USAF Reserves effective 1 May 2010.

Their son, Dan, graduates high school this year, as well (Any hope for VMI, Mike?) We wish you all the best, Mike, and congratulations to both you and Lynn on your 25th!

Glen Zaramba wrote that he was scheduled to receive a Certificate in Medical Coding May 30th. At the time of this writing, Glen was going through exams. He has also applied for the Health Information Associates (RHIT) program and plans to send me an update on all for the next Notes. Glen is also on LinkedIn.com, a member of the American Health Information Management Association, and always appreciates hearing from the VMI family. Glen and Bob Cody plan to get together this summer.

Penny Holland wrote on behalf of Ed “Dutch” Holland. Dutch departed Maxwell AFB on 4 May to go back to Baghdad and serving as the Air Component Coordination Element (ACCE) Deputy Director for 6 months.

Dutch is scheduled to return in December, before Christmas. Any BR’s passing through Baghdad should be sure to look Dutch up. In the meantime, Penny is keeping the VMI flag flying at Maxwell and has an open door for any new VMI AF lieutenants heading to Maxwell AFB for ASBC that want a meal. In February, Penny and Dutch hosted a group of ‘08 grads and experienced some new Brother Rat stories.

(Thanks for the update, Penny! May God continue to bless both you and Dutch.)

Ann Wolven sent an update on behalf of Greg Wolven and family. Their daughter, Katie, signed to play volleyball at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN. on April 8. It is a Division II school, and she is the first girl to sign to play college volleyball from her Lincoln High School in more than 10 years! Katie was CoCaptain this year and won the “Highest Attack Percentage” award. She is also in LHS’s Record Books for third all time in serve percentage (96%), assists, and digs. In addition, she was named to the “All Area Team” and carries a 3.95 GPA on an Academic Honors Diploma. (… and, Ann, we know she got the talent, smarts,

and good looks from your side of the family!)

Paul “CP” Davis is staying busy overseeing portfolio companies. The majority of his focus is on business turnarounds and regrettably conducting a liquidation or two. CP reports that his family is all doing well. His son, Tyler, is finishing up his first year at Alabama and was admitted to the Business “Honors” program.

His daughter, Courtney, is finishing 8th grade and will enter upper school at Charlotte Country Day school. Younger sons, Thomas and Jack, are keeping CP hustling with baseball, swimming, and more. CP plans to get up to Lexington soon to re-charge his batteries as he is hitting the “half-century” mark, just like the rest of us! (Great hearing from you, CP, as always. Hope to run into you in Lexington!)

John McKeegan sent me an inspirational note.

John is dealing with some challenges of his own but took the time to share some very kind words.

Great news came from John in a last minute email in that he is engaged. I hope to get more details to share with all in a future update.

I had the pleasure of being included in some email banter between Jere Harris, Bob Munno, and Charlie Wilson. Jere’s daughter, Aubree, will be attending NYCC next Fall and there was some good spirited jabbing at Bobbie in that regard. Jere appears to be truly comforted, though, knowing that a BR, even though it is Bob, will be close by should Aubree need any support. (Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves is also in the Big Apple these days, Jere, and I know Slop would be there “in a New York minute” if Aubree should need him.)

Grover “Endo” Outland did his typical superlative job in supporting the Institute. Grover was key to the planning and orchestration of a Career Networking Forum held on 21 February.

The Career Networking Forum was a huge success. It was held in Moody Hall with more than 45 alumni from various fields sharing career insights with 90 -100 cadets in the morning and rolling into the afternoon session with 40-50 alumni job-seekers. Jerry Acuff’s (’71) keynote for both sessions was outstanding. Kudos to you, Grover, as there is no question that the Institute, cadets and alumni have all benefited from your contributions towards developing this forum and in giving your energy and career perspectives. It was a pleasure to have so many BR’s from ’81 in attendance. I will add that it was a special honor for me that weekend as the “137th + 1” (Grover Outland, Mark Gonsalves, Rob Digby, Johann Cooper, and Mike “+1” Denton) presented me with a VMI sword as a belated, but highly honored, retirement gift.

It doesn’t get any better than that…except for maybe the evening after when we witnessed Sloppy on a “couger hunt” in Macados…but that is a story for another printing.

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CLASS NOTES As I have said many times, I am proud to be your BR. Please keep the emails and phone calls coming. In closing, I leave you with the following: “…All you have to remember is to never ever lose your faith, no matter what happens. Know that even a difficult life is a very good life. And just live simply….”

– Jack Manley ’83, 11 March 1961 – 7 April 2009 In the bonds … Jerry

’82

Charles Kause

In his epic Le Morte d’Arthur, Sir Thomas Mallory wrote “The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and flourish in May, in likewise every lusty heart that is in any manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds.

For it giveth unto all lovers courage, that lusty month of May.” Well now … firmly ensconced in my middle age, my lusty heart only turns these days to tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers that I have gently nursed from seed.

Mrs. Kause takes a back seat to my babies that I have nurtured from winter’s cold and dark depravities and ushered into the wet, sweet light of May. Schloss Kause has been awash in rain, rain, and more rain, leaving the flower beds choked with weeds.

But I still heart Mrs. Kause and demonstrated my love by combining an Alumni Association business trip to The I with an anniversary weekend away from kith and kin. We dumped the Clown Prince and Daughter of Darkness off on some unsuspecting friends and went gallivanting down the Valley as fast as Mrs. Kause’s convertible could carry us. While in Lexington, we ran into Scott Crumpler, who was sitting serenely on the veranda of Moody Hall, watching the late afternoon progress with a wistful look in his eye. He was accompanying his son to VMI on a sleepover weekend for prospective cadets.

We made tentative plans to link up at the Palms after I concluded business later that evening, but Mrs. Kause went off on another vector.

She dragged me into Macado’s (the old White Column Inn) where she proceeded to buy shots for all Keydets in the room. Mrs. Kause is now Facebook friends with half the Corps. She said she felt sorry for them because they only made $500 a month. I nearly spit out my bourbon when I replied we only made $100 a month! And of course, I got stuck with the tab. But I got even.

I made sure we drove by every chicken coop, dairy farm, and beef cattle spread on every twisty

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back road in the Valley, while Mrs. Kause nursed her wicked hangover with those rustic aromas wafting around as we wound our way back to Washington. Sorry, Scott. Perhaps we can link up sometime this fall.

Speaking of back to Washington, several alert Brother Rats alerted me to Darren McDew’s new gig. Darren is now the Deputy J-5 (Plans) on the Joint Staff, so he only had to move his office down a couple of corridors in the Pentagon. This news arrived right after I put the last Class Notes to bed, and I had just met deadline.

So, really, this news is three months late.

My work routine has developed into a particular pattern. Ron Mecredy and I now meet for breakfast once a month in the cafeteria of his agency. I mentioned to Ron the difficulties of maintaining communications with the BRs and he offered a high tech solution. Ron, by nature and profession, is more open to information technology applications, which make communication easier. He suggested he send out a distress signal to BRs within his circle on Facebook and Linked-In to see who would respond.

I received some really nice surprise notes from BRs thanks to Ron’s network.

First to respond was Joe Bouchelle, who is “still” at Southern Virginia University (formerly known as Southern Seminary) in Buena Vista.

Joe is the Associate Dean of Students, which really means he works with student government, activities, clubs and the student center.

Joe’s students call him the “Dean of Fun.” Of course, with that title and location, Joe thinks he has a great job. During VMI basketball season, Joe and his son had a chance to catch a few games and ran into Willie Funkhouser and Bill Jennings at the Southern Conference Championship in Radford. Joe is having “a sort of mini-reunion” this year during finals week.

Cookie Jarvis, Mike Shea, Erik Karrell, Larry Williams, Rich Reisch are scheduled to get together with Joe because “someone’s relative (son?) is graduating.” A picture of this august event would be nice, gentlemen. But it is not all fun and games for Joe. He is still working on his Ph.D. from UVa. His coursework is completed, but now he has one minor detail … that “little paper” known as his dissertation!

Steve Varga writes that his family now has only six kids in the house. He lives currently in New Jersey, working in New Providence as the Procurement Manager for the Bulk group in North America. Steve’s oldest son joined the Air Force and is stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas, and works in Public Affairs. His family continues to lead very busy lives with the kids and all of the activities that go with many children. Steve started a second job teaching/facilitating classes at the University of Phoenix Online to continue his own growth

and to make extra money for all of the kids and to pay his New Jersey taxes. Steve also started training for the Air Force Marathon, which will take place during September 2009 in Dayton, Ohio. As part of the marathon, Steve is raising money for the Fisher House Foundation, a group that helps military families with housing during difficult situations like medical rehabilitation.

See the link: http://www.active.com/donate/FisherHouse2009AFM/SteveVarga. Bill Jennings and Steve were chatting the other night and Bill reminded Steve that he didn’t like running at VMI. Steve says he was unenlightened as a cadet and now finds running leaves him with a better feeling than Jack and Coke!

Ted Clarkson dropped a line to tell about his January ski weekend in Breckinridge, Colorado with Brother Rats Curtis Johnson and John Bangert. Of course, the boys were accompanied by their respective wives: Susan Clarkson, Ann Johnson, and Beth Bangert.

John and Beth hosted the weekend. Ted reports the Colorado slopes to be quite a bit different than the wet slop found at Massanutten. John and Beth live in Denver and are veteran skiers, while Curtis and Ted were novices. John is an FBI agent and is now doing a few months in Iraq teaching the Iraqi feds how to do investigations. Curtis is still in Dallas-Fort Worth area and is now a Vice President in his organization.

Ted started his own consulting company last year, and is supporting the Joint Strike Fighter Program in Crystal City, Virginia. Ted also ran into Colonel Sean Le, USAF, in Pentagon City Mall. Ted swears Sean does not age at all.

Bob Louthan has resigned himself to his role as a “Lacrosse Dad” this spring. He has hardly seen any of the local BRs around Richmond, since Kathy and Bob have two sons in spring lacrosse they have been running to/from games constantly for months. Bob did get to VMI in April for the alumni board meeting, and the Class of ‘79 was having their 30th reunion. In other Richmond news, Bob reports Jeff Modisett turned fifty in April and escaped without running the beltline he so richly deserved. We mourn the passing of his youth. Mack Tabb escorted his daughter (who got all of her mother’s good looks) as a Homecoming Princess for Douglas Freeman High School last fall. Not to be outdone by the classic vintage cars in the lineup, Macko drove his daughter in the parade (perhaps limped along is more accurate) in a rust-and bondo-colored Yugo convertible! Bob did not know Yugo made a convertible, much less that any remain on the road – Priceless!

In other news from Richmond, John Reese dropped a line to me wondering where he could score some more of those red polo shirts with the 25th class reunion logo. Alas, I told him, they were only for reunion attendees. But the

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CLASS NOTES new PX in the Third Barracks has similarly attractive shirts for sale. When I begged John for a report from Richmond, John only mentioned he is now cleared to drive an ambulance. Perhaps he and Ron Mecredy can have a competition someday.

J.J. Nau was touched by my plea for information, as relayed through Ron Mecredy’s Facebook and Linked In messages, so he decided to drop a line. J.J. and his wife, Dawn, just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. He remembers this date easily, as it is three days prior to New Market Day. J.J. still lives in Oregon and is planning on starting his own woodworking business (custom wooden treasures) in a few years after he retires from the FAA. He occasionally hears from John Meadows and John Matthews, but lately the lines have been silent. J.J. would also like to know the whereabouts of Eddie Keith and Dave Holtzbach.

With any luck, I may join the hipsters in the modern era by establishing a Linked In account.

Until that happy day arrives, I will still take phone calls and e-mails from Brother Rats and those interested parties who wish to rat them out. In the meantime, my lusty heart dreams of hybrid tomatoes and bell peppers glistening in the morning sun.

’83

Jim Outland

This issue of class notes is bitter-sweet. Bitter with news of the loss of our BR Jack Manley on April 7th due to complications associated with pancreatic cancer and sweet with the knowledge that his struggle is over and we have gained inspiration from him and the entire Manley family.

Jack was a terrific person and a fine example of what a VMI man should be: honorable, strong, devoted, disciplined and humble. I truly enjoyed knowing Jack during our cadetship and will miss him. I know Jack and the Manley family appreciated the brick inscribed in his name that was installed for him on the bricks at VMI. Our condolences go out to Anne and his children and the extended Manley as they have endured Jack’s struggle over the past several months. Many, many people have been influenced by their journey.

One of our BRs sent me the following about Jack which hit the nail right on the head: “He had quite an influence on me while we were together. As a lieutenant for our company, he was never gung ho military, but as an officer did his duties without complaint and to perfection.

Especially with the Rats, he was firm but fair. I

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can’t tell you how many times I sat in his room or in Crozet for his wise counsel on what to do. If anyone had a positive outcome of being a Rat in our company, I can assure you Jack had a pivotal role in it. He was wise beyond his years of the purpose of our school and the responsibilities First Classmen should execute in shaping our “heirs”. It was after our reunion I re-read this story and see Jack as someone who was aware years ahead of many of us the value of what is important.”

BR Bruce Cohen attended the service for Jack in Texas and provided the following feedback: “Jack’s funeral in Colleyville was well attended and his pastor gave a genuinely touching eulogy. After the service, we reconvened outside (it was a beautiful day in Dallas), where his Air Force detachment presented his mother a posthumous Oak Leaf Cluster to his Meritorious Service Medal and a ceremonial U.S. flag.

After Taps was played, four F-16’s flew a missing man formation over the church. It was a very moving ceremony and an extraordinary tribute to our BR.” The service at Ft. Myer memorial chapel in Arlington was equally moving and well attended by BRs, VMI, and Jack’s family and friends.

By happen-stance we formed a mini-reunion in the parking lot before the service which enabled us all to enter the chapel en masse and sit as a group. By my count we had over 30 BRs in attendance and I know many other BRs wanted to be there but were not able to attend. There were also a large number of men from other classes.

Jack’s brothers, Jerry ’81 and Tom ’79, did an outstanding job under difficult circumstances in providing composed recollections of their beloved brother. In addition, BR Andy Woolwine and BR Chaplain Caudill also gave meaningful remarks with Chaplain Caudill also officiating the service.

Taps was played by Col. Brodie of VMI, and a piper, Cadet Bryant, played Amazing Grace.

Col Steve Amato also had cadets along to act as ushers, among them Cadet Luck. BR John Dodge came through with two large framed photos that were culled from his voluminous 83 archives. One picture showed a smiling Jack taken shortly after breakout in February 1980 and another was of an 83 breakout banner hung over the fourth stoop which was taken the day after our blessed event. These pictures were added to those at the front of the church showing Jack smiling in his USAF uniform and another with him in his VMI coatee. The program cover for the service included Jack’s words from his 83 Bomb picture.

The reception after the service was held at the at Ft. Myer Officers club’s George S. Patton 1907 Hall. This provided a great opportunity to mingle while a steady stream of Jack’s pictures

were cycled on a big screen. I especially enjoyed re-connecting with Anne Manley and Jack’s Mom and also meeting Jack’s son Miles, who is a sophomore in high school.

Miles superbly withstood a brief three-way interview with BRs Dunahoe, MacDonald, and me asking a variety of questions. Miles seems determined to attend VMI with the goal of pursuing the ministry at some point after graduation. I assured him VMI has produced a number of clergy over the years - although many have ended up in God’s service only after circuitous routes. Besides school, Miles is heavily involved in Rugby so I’m hoping some of you will provide feedback to him about VMI Rugby when the time is right.

Also at the reception, Matt Waring and I were discussing a lunch group of 83ers that have met in the Ft. Myer area from time to time.

Matt works at the Pentagon and asks if there are any of you in the metro DC area who want to get together to please reach out to him at waring83@yahoo.com. Here are some of the BRs who attended the service at Ft. Myer: Chaplain Caudill, Col. Chris Caudill, Andy Woolwine, Gary Dronen, Steve Byrum, J.J. Costello, Mark Heslep, Beau Cook, Matt Waring, Scott Horan, John Dodge, Col. Steve Amato, Mark Pappas, Mark Roltsch, Col. Jamie MacDonald, Teddy Gottwald, Gene Warren, David Via, Jamie Call, Skip Goodwillie, Charlie Luck, John Manning, Tom Winckler, Trey Adams, Steve Goddard, Frank Cooper, Cpt Andy Whitson, Jim Ayers, Tim Craul, Owen Peery, Malachi Mills, Ed Kluckowski, Mark McDonald, Dave Clarke and Ritchie Seymour.

In other news it seems the stars have started falling on the Class of 83 as the announcement was made by Commander US Army Engineers of the selection of Scott “Rock” Donahue to command their South Pacific Division. “Rock” most recently served as XVIII Airborne Corps Engineer beginning September 2007, as well as Director, Multi-National Corps - Iraq C7, from February 2008 to April 2009.

Col Steve Amato, our Kilbourne Hall BR-inResidence, led the effort this spring to take his VMI ROTC cadets to visit three USAF bases. A special thanks Jim and Cheryl Henry for hosting a BBQ for 50+ VMI AFROTC cadets who visited Shaw AFB, SC on 5-7 Apr. According to Steve, Jim & Cheryl did a terrific job and the cadets loved it. The Coastal Carolina Chapter also helped host the VMI AFROTC cadets who visited Charleston AFB, SC during the same period. Among the local alumni attending that event were our own BRs Brent Dunahoe and Todd Miles, who is improving from a lung ailment. The base visit to Wright-Patterson AFB, also went well for the 50 cadets who attended

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CLASS NOTES and they also enjoyed having lunch with local Ohio VMI Alumni.

On the civilian front, an article by fellow English Major Lynn Seldon recently appeared in Playboy magazine, which seems to be a very fine place to showcase one’s talents. Lynn’s article in the “Playboy on the Scene” section of the magazine concerned the increased popularity of scuba diving and an increase in destinations that cater to divers. When not doing the hard work at Playboy, Lynn, together with wife Cele, are also busy with their travel journalism business. Their work has appeared in numerous publications including US Airways Magazine, The Atlanta JournalConstitution, Cruise Travel and Southern Living.

Check out the website at lynnseldon.com to see their recent journey covering professional baseball spring training in Florida.

To highlight the difference between things Liberal Artists do (see above) and the things Civil Engineers do, my main information source in Tidewater (Thanks Mom!) recently sent me an article from the Virginian Pilot newspaper which featured our BR Franklin Hudgin’s smiling mug. It seems the Merchant has started with the environmental engineering services firm of Hazen and Sawyer where he will focus on municipal water and wastewater projects. A hearty congratulations to Franklin, but after hearing about BR Seldon’s “work” for Playboy, I’m just sayin’ ...

Also, Scott Horan sent me his 2009 spring gobbler report as follows: VMI Turkeys 3 and Spring Turkeys 0. Joined by BR Jim Henry and Joe Irby ’85 our three hunters spent a day chasing wild birds through the woods near Lexington and the apparently the birds won. In Horan’s words “We came up empty but had a lot of turkeys (not Jim or Joe) running around just out of our reach! I even tried to get Jim eaten by a Goshen Black Bear with three cubs.” Although no birds were bagged by these VMI alumni, it sure sounds like a good time was had by all!

As I write these notes for a New Market Day deadline, I know some of you are again preparing for a VMI graduation. By my reckoning, BRs Murray, Cooper and Gottwald have sons who may well be alumni by the time you read these notes so congrats to the graduates. In another son of 83 note, Kim (and Mark) Sykes let me know that their son, Ben, has expressed his intention to matriculate in August 2009.

An overnight stay in Barracks helped seal the deal for him – so kudos to Ben for accepting the challenge and many thanks to his Mom for keeping us in the loop.

On the anniversary of our class birthday, February 27th, Col Steve Amato brought back a rash of memories concerning our breakout from the Ratline. This momentous event was not only the birth of our class, but also marked the last

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break out of a class in barracks, the “tradition” being promptly terminated by the Institute after our momentous trek up the stoops.

As you may recall, the goal of barracks breakout was to fight as a mass through the upperclassmen at each of the stair wells and floors of barracks until reaching the fourth stoop whereupon we could then rightfully claim our victory as a broken-out class. The build up to this event included not only physical workouts, but the also cheerful greetings from upperclassmen as they prepared a witch’s brew of “suitable” items to hurl at us as we fought our way up. The result was a breakout that became an assault on all five of the human senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, touch. BR Gene Warren recalls a hearty combination of soured milk and pancake syrup from the Mess Hall being thrown, while Brett Allen and Hugh Daughtry reminded me that “Club Crozet,” was not the only source of breakout material – the local roadways provided their fair share. As BR Vernon Purdue remembers “It was being beat with a dead bird that topped my list of entertaining events. To say I was scared for life is an understatement.” Lingering memories of breakout stench came to me from Mike Devens, “The smell - I’m not sure I’ve forgotten it. I wore my black leather gloves, in addition to everything else I owned, and I tried in vain to clean them after breakout. I’ve kept those gloves all these years and used to pull them out and smell them whenever I was looking for something in my memorabilia box. They’re still dried and curled from the toxic experience. It was really remarkable though, how for years that smell could take me back.” There were also the recollections of the noise from Teddy Gottwald “I too remember the screams of roommate Kenny McCallister; it seemed like it took forever to get the massive pile of bodies off of him after a successful pushback by the 3rds sent everyone down the stairs.” Although most of the sights of 83 breakout are a visual blur for me, courtesy of some second classman’s well-aimed, tobacco juice “face shot,” the visual memories remain for many, especially for Malachi Mills “I can remember what BR Owen Dunlap ate for lunch that day – a lot of salad greens w/French dressing. He puked it up right in my face on the 2nd stoop stairwell.” Even in the midst of our incredible challenge there was time for random acts of kindness as Dave Warriner recalls, “I remember getting to the third stoop with my face covered in goo and yuck and some thirds gently pulling me over to the side and using a towel to clean off the mess so I could see and talk. After making sure I was clean and ready to go, they smashed a huge bowl of rotten cottage cheese in my face and threw me back in the pack to go one more flight. “Ahh the memories

and on that note I’ll certainly now close. Please remember to continue support of VMI during these challenging economic times and I hope to see you all this fall in Lexington.

’84

Hank Selman

Well our 25th Reunion is upon us. I hope you are reading this just before the Reunion and not just after. Regardless, the next installment of class notes in the “AR” should include many amusing stories from our weekend.

Spruill Thompson checked in with an update on one of our long lost BRs John Mays: “John is living n Chicago with his girlfriend Lorain(?).

She is with a company that handles production of commercials as well as the rental of commercial cameras for most all of the movies, commercials, TV shows etc. John is in the movie Public Enemy which comes out July 1, 2009. Now that the Screen Actors’ Guild is off strike, he is able to interview for positions again. John sounds great and seems happy. He says he is planning to come to the Reunion. However, he had not received any mailings, other than the Alumni Review. I sent him scanned copies of the material.

I can’t wait to see John’s movie this summer, and see him in person at the reunion.”

Ken Gill reports that he and Pam will be getting transferred to Norfolk in July and he can’t wait to get back to Virginia.

Former class agent great Frank Kollmansperger chimed in again with more news as well: “OK Hank, I have had the opportunity recently to meet up with a couple of the shorter guys in our class. As small as our class was, I am still amazed when I get to spend time with BRs with whom I did not spend much time with at VMI. John Karafa was a Charlie Company guy, who chose a real major CE. Dave Adams was an Econ major was way too squared away to be in F troop. Any way I grabbed breakfast with Dave and lunch with John and both of these guys have been very busy and successful. Very fun and interesting to catch with these two guys. John told me that a business trip was taking him to Atlanta area and he was planning to hook up with Chris Davidson and Kevin Sample.”

Alex Thompson hosted Dave Pruitt and me in Va Beach a few weeks ago. We have a great time catching up; both of these guys are doing well. Dave was not wearing leather pants so I was disappointed about that.

I spoke to Phil Schied yesterday and he is planning to be there for our 25th. He is working on his dissertation for his Civil Engineering

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES PHD and he and Carol are busy with their kids Hanna and Jack.

I stopped by Mike Locher’s unannounced again yesterday during my very slow jog. No doubt Mike is one of the best around. I am not a big chatter, but I really enjoy jawing with ML. Grabbed lunch with Hal Hamner about a month ago, that was fun.

I was reading through lacrosse scores in the paper this morning and saw a Morgan had five goals. Am pretty sure that Mark’s son scored more goals yesterday then I did in my career and that includes me shooting alone in practice.

Of course I saw you wondering around in your yard in your night gown. You are looking good my friend.

I would like to thank Frank for coming in strong with that update, I would like for the record to let all know that I never wear a night gown. I believe Frank might have confused my LL Bean night shirt with said gown.

I also heard from John Karafa himself recently as well: “Still living in Williamsburg, Va with daughter Emily (15 years old going on 20) and my girlfriend Kimberly Davis. My company (Leebcor Services, LLC) is doing great…building a Dining Facility and Company Ops Building right now for the US Army Corps BRAC office at Ft Lee (Bill Robson ’75). Heading to Hilton Head, Savannah, and Atlanta to visit with Kevin and Teresa Sample and Chris and Amelda Davidson on Monday…Ya’ll need to come to W’burg and play in our 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of my son Tommy who passed away in an auto accident this past July 25th… I’ll be sending out the invites soon…its going to be held on Aug 29th at The National GC in Williamsburg” John it would be an honor to play in your son’s memorial golf tournament. Make sure you get the word out on Facebook as well.

Speaking of Facebook, we now have nearly 60 members of our class who are members of this internet phenomenon. Obviously it is no longer cutting edge or cool to be on Facebook by virtue of the fact that I am on it, but it is a great tool to communicate and share pictures with each other. Some of our BRs who have been MIA for a long time have even popped up. Jim Kenkel was not only our Regimental Commander he is also the undisputed king of Facebook. If you have not signed up yet please give it a try it has really been a hoot.

Hal Hamner just missed the cut off last month with news of a recent road trip: “Nat Hamner ’75 and I rode up to see the VMI Gardner-Webb basketball WIN with Chip Louthan ’75 and his father Frank Louthan ’41 and joined up with my dad, Doug Hamner ’48B, for an afternoon of fun. I’m proud to say we had the pleasure of watching Joseph Munno’s decisive win in his af-

2009-Issue 3

ternoon wrestling match! Mr. Louthan dutifully strained me for not being able to recite the words on the parapet to his satisfaction, Chip joked about sending the least senior member of the group, Rat Hamner, back up to the car for the lunches as the eldest two Hamner’s had great fun reliving my notable academic achievements!

Great fun was had by all!

Bob Smolar also checked in recently. He is in the Illinois National Guard and back in Iraq for the second time. Bob reports that his unit has seen a lot of action and continues to be in almost daily contact with the enemy. Unfortunately he will not be able to join us for our 25th because of his deployment. Bob we are proud to have you as a member of our class, and we hope you get home soon.

Finally let us continue to keep Ron Abbit in our thoughts and prayers. Ron is still fighting his cancer like a champion. Sam Browne is very close to Ron geographically and has been doing a great job of sending out updates on his treatment. Feel free to email Sam for additional info regarding Ron’s treatment Samuel.

Browne@hq.doe.gov.

That is it. See you in Lexington!

’85

John Eckenrode

BRs: I missed the stick for the last class notes submission, so below is the combined “old and new” news that I have from everyone.

2009 is here, and as I electronically “pen” these notes (late again, we all owe the Alumni Review staff a big “THANK YOU” for tolerating my tardiness) VMI’s Basketball team has beaten Coastal Carolina 96-76 in the Quarterfinals at Cameron Hall for a 23-7 record this season! To slightly rephrase a famous quote dear to the hearts of all VMI graduates … “The Institute was heard from today.”

Thankfully, our Brother Rats continue to be heard from again as well! I chatted with Chuck Baker on his birthday, shortly after the Norfolk Fire Department had extinguished all the flames from his birthday cake. Luckily, the mandatory “Stop, Drop, and Roll” training provided by the Navy ensured that there were no serious burns, or injury to any of Chuck’s sailors. Chuck’s busy fixing ships in Norfolk, and loves his job.

I mean, he REALLY loves his job. The water, the cornucopia of aromas (welding torches, rust, fresh paint, bilge water) and watching the sun rise over the horizon really “floats his boat” (bad, I know). All kidding aside, CAPT Chuck and Molly are doing great down in Norfolk, and he would LOVE to give any of us a tour of the shipyard if we’re in the area.

In one of the recent issues of the Alumni Review I mentioned Matt Nolen as having won the “shortest note to Class Agent” award. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have to inform you that Matt has been unseated! Bill Tilling checked in with an epic tome that read “Here I am” That is a direct, unabridged quote. “Cliff Notes” for engineers, etc. should be available at Borders shortly, or online from Amazon.com. Bill is a Principal with the Reznick Group in Bethesda, one of the top 20 public accounting firms in the United States! (for those of you wondering, I was able to glean this information from their website, gotta love the internet).

Dave Wood recently completed his PhD in Software Engineering from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia! Dave submitted his dissertation this past July and passed his oral defense in November – a serious cause for celebration! Dave and his family are panning on traveling back to Australia in July to celebrate, visit friends, and drink lots of Fosters.

Well, truth be told, David didn’t say anything about Fosters, but I figured hey, if I was in Australia to celebrate …

Rich Flanary is with DHS as an instructor at the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco Georgia. He reports all is well on the career front, and his son Jimmy is anticipated to matriculate in 2021!

The Flanary clan is expecting a brother or sister sometime next year as well – 2009 will provide some exciting times for Rich! ‘08 was a great year for him as well – he delivered a lecture to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Toronto at the RCMP/Canadian Customs Counter-Proliferation Conference. Rich was (specially) requested to present a brief on US Export Laws and Investigative methods, in an attempt to increase cooperation with Canadian Law Enforcement counterparts – interesting stuff! His tour of duty at the Academy will be up in ’09, so it’s likely we’ll see him either in the DC area, or perhaps going overseas.

In another chapter of the “It’s a Small World” book, our “BR on the Scene” Jake Spivey ran into Darren Sawyer recently at the Norfolk Airport where they were both returning from separate work related trips to the Honolulu area.

(Yes, I know what you are thinking … Jake and Darren do have it rough). Darren is busy, doing well in his Navy career, and living in the Tidewater area. To hear Jake tell the story, Darren saw & recognized Jake waiting for his luggage at baggage claim. Darren was so suave, debonair and immaculately dressed that Jake wouldn’t have recognized him if Darren hadn’t said anything. At least that’s his story, and he’s sticking to it …

Globetrotting Brent Harder is living and

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CLASS NOTES working in Zurich. NOT the one in Illinois – The one where BR Schwitter lives! Brent sent me a nice note after he spent the day with Mike at his beautiful house near the Alps in Rapperswil reviewing a bunch of old slides of BreakOut ’83, belt lines, sweat parties and all sorts of other fun memories. Ah, the good old days … Brent is stuck with this hardship posting for 3 years, and Mike has promised to get Brent speaking, eating, drinking and skiing like a native before he leaves. I’d need 5 years myself, since I’m a slow learner. Included in this issue of the Alumni Review is a beautiful picture Mike snapped of the Alps while piloting his sailplane. Mike has logged over 2,500 hours in the sail plane and is still an avid mountain climber, having conquered most of the major peaks in the local area, as well as some major mountains in Patagonia! IMPRESSIVE! Devil Dog Steve Medeiros will be heading up to Quantico (truly the Crossroads of the Marine Corps) in July to be the Director of Training. In other Naval warrior news, “Action” Jackson is retiring from the Navy out of Jacksonville.

Stay tuned for the latest antics from the Charlie Company Golf Safari – it promises to be a fun time! And lest you forget - We are still soliciting help for our 25th Reunion (that will be in 2010 - just around the corner for those of you that weren’t Mallory Hall studs) – so 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 ’09, and please continue to keep in touch. I’m afraid this is all I have for this edition of the AR Notes – now I need to beg forgiveness for missing the stick (yet again) to get these notes in!

Stay Safe, Eck

’86

Clint Hubbard

Faithfully Submitted by: Clint Hubbard – Class Agent It is a pleasant spring evening of May 14th as I write this latest edition; my thoughts run to memories of the Institute and, at this time of year, of the Battle of New Market. As you may recall, the night of May 14th is the night that legend has it the great painting in J.M. Hall comes to life and you can hear unexplained sounds in the dark.

Luckily, I am typing this from the comfort and sanctuary of my own living room so all I hear is the sound of Nickelodeon on TV as the Hubbard boys stall bedtime; no ghosts for me!

You may have noted from the change of e-mail

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address that I have changed employers. I’m still selling educational materials but Voyager is a more progressive shop and much more technologically savvy – that makes sense for an English major, right? I even have an iPhone so I am being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. That’s the good news; the bad news is with the switch came a change in laptops so I lost some info for these notes and will have to rely heavily on memory to reconstruct the past quarter. Wish me luck!

After badgering him in several editions of Alumni Review, Doug Brennan obliged with a brief update. By the time this appears in print, BR Brennan will be retired from the US Army after 20+ years of service. He said his final assignment as the Army Reserve Command’s Collective Training Division Chief in Atlanta, Georgia was truly the most challenging mission he ever accepted, so it was a good way to leave.

Doug and his wife Debbie have been married about 22 years and are blessed with five children ranging from 1 year old to 18 years old. While BR Brennan says he prefers to stay under the radar and out of the limelight, he closed with a great quote: “I always hope all our classmates are doing well. I’m glad that so many of them seem so successful in their endeavors. I knew we had a good bunch of high quality people. I also pray everyone can weather the moral and economic times we are going through.” Here, here. Doug said he might write in again in the next 20 years; let’s hope he does.

Speaking of Atlanta, early February brought the pride of Peachtree Street, Charles C. Schoen IV, up to Virginia on business. Chuck and a co-worker spent two nights in Richmond, so naturally we seized the opportunity to go on a weeknight bender. Among the participants were: Paul Burch, Scott Wagner, Brett Hayes, Gordon Poindexter, Wayne Fuller, Steve Pancham, Scott Wilson, Jon Moody, Bob Rainer, Jay Ball, Mikey Calkins and Pat Farrell along with your dedicated scribe to take notes. Judging from the bar-tab and hangovers, it is probably good if Charlie doesn’t come to Virginia too often.

On or about March 16th, a crowd of BRs (who can sadly no longer necessarily be characterized as honorable or youths) pressed up the hill of Champps Sports Bar in Richmond and celebrated the class birthday. The revelers included: Jay Ball, Paul Burch, Mikey Calkins, Wayne Fuller, Phil Howard, Clint Hubbard, Steve Pancham, Gordon Poindexter, Tim Spivey, Frank Trice and Scott Wagner. I know, I know; it is mostly the same names again; beginning to see a pattern here? Those of us living in the Richmond area are fortunate in that we are able to gather together fairly often; let us know when you’re coming to town and we’ll rally the troops.

Paul Pruitt, P.E., checked in from Spartan-

burg, South Carolina where he and Elaine live in “a log cabin in the woods”. BR Pruitt says he actually has two log cabins and moved his in-laws into one ‘next door’. Paul is the Director of Corporate Engineering for Milliken Corporation across four continents. In addition, he is about to be installed/ordained as an Elder in their church. And if that weren’t enough already, our BR Pruitt is leading the project in constructing a new soup kitchen in Spartanburg. The current one only feeds 500 people per day so that is why they are working on a new one. Paul says that for a modest donation in the six or seven figure range, they’d be happy to name it in honor of anyone. I wonder if they’ll serve baked scrod or ‘red death?’

The Lanier watch is going on approximately five quarters now; that’s 15 months and offers no comfort for decent people anywhere.

Greg Simpson had an exciting job interview.

He was considering an assignment with the big green machine in the holy land so he took a trip over to check things out and managed to do a bit of sight-seeing too as evidenced by the pictures adjacent to the notes.

On a recent spring day, I took my sons over to the University of Richmond to catch a Spiders baseball game. Number 29 for the Spiders is strapping young lad listed at 6’5”; 230 pounds and bearing an almost eerie resemblance to someone we all know – that’s right number 29 is Billy Barber – son of our very own Barber, WM. BR Barber wasn’t present at this game but young Billy pitched at least one inning and had a good day at the plate hitting two homeruns! Just before his second at bat, when he was on deck in front of the stands, I hollered at him and got his attention. When he turned around, I pointed at my Ring and said “VMI ’86 – don’t let me down”. Billy flashed me a grin and then took care of business hitting his second home run of the afternoon.

A sad bit of news from the class of 1983 is that Jack Manley succumbed to cancer in April 2009.

We in the class of 1986, of course, remember Jack as a member of the 1983 Rat Disciplinary Committee. It was Jack Manley who came into room 442 in the fall of 1982 and read off the names on the misc. boxes – “HowardHubbard-Morehead-Necessary-Wilson” – thought for a moment and then repeated himself “Morehead-Necessary; I’ve always believed in that.” May God rest him.

The Keydet basketball team had a fine year and nearly won the Big South tournament which would have given us an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. BRs Fuller, GW; Poindexter, GW; and Hubbard, RC made the road trip to Radford to see the Big South Championship game where we also spotted Al “number 10 in the program, but number 1 in our hearts” Comer.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES have “some other terms to describe her, at least for awhile.” Most importantly, Paul is excited and looking forward to a new phase in his life doing activities with a pain free hip.

Ernie Edgar On a lighter note, Mike Maxwell got hold of some tickets to get together with BRs to see the Washington Capitals in February. In addition to seeing Alex Ovechkin score one of his ridiculous other-worldly goals, Mike, Keith Washington, Jeff Temple, John Ferguson, Brother Rats, as I write this for submission to the Scott Jones, Kyle Oliver, and I swapped Old Alumni Review, New Market Day is just around the Corps stories and had a blast. In addition, we corner, marking the end of another academic year at discovered that when you really hit VMI. In April, I had the opportunity to hard times, you can always serve attend the annual Class Agents Conferbeer—as COL Dean Kratzenence and learn more about the state of berg and wife, Dawn, were doing our beloved Institute, what cadets are that night. (In reality, they were up to these days, and what challenges doing it as a fundraiser for the lie ahead for them and for VMI. Like Air Force). But really, you can’t each of us, this past academic year at make this stuff up and we have the VMI has been overshadowed by the pictures to prove it! economic and market turbulence that From the Army, John Pilloni has have reduced the resources available to retired after 21 years of active duty support the various programs at VMI. service, much of which he spent But while those circumstances pose a as a Russian Foreign Area Officer challenge to the Institute’s leadership, (FAO). His retirement ceremony inmy sense is that they do not pose a cricluded a good bit of Red, White and sis. In the meantime, this year has also Yellow and both Al Meade ’84 and seen the dedication of Third Barracks COL (Ret) Jeff Vordermark ’79 (and with it, the imminent expansion attended. Pig stayed at Leavenworth of the Corps to 1500 cadets), as well as where he now works as a contractor the dedication of Marshall Hall, which supporting the programs there. He has tremendous potential to raise and Kristina have two teenage boys VMI’s profile on a national scale. And Class of 1987: Photo, above Mike Maxwell gathered who play football, are into scouting while this is true in the good times, several D.C.-area Brother Rats for a Washington Capitals and active in their church so they it is even more so now in the leaner hockey game in February 2009. Front row, from left: Kyle are continuing to enjoy what has ones: the interest and support of the Oliver and Lt. Col. John Ferguson. Back row: Scott Jones, been for them the first taste of an alumni are essential to the Institute’s Ernie Edgar, Jeff Temple, Mike Maxwell and Keith WashAmerican childhood. He also hears future success in producing educated ington. Not pictured, Dean Kratzenberg. Below: Really, regularly from Al Cowan, Bob Eckand honorable young leaders. Now truly manning the beer stand at the Capitals game were hoff and John Nolan. John and his that our Breakout is a quarter century Col. Dean Kratzenberg and wife Dawn. family are down in South America, past, we may not be as young as we’d enjoying all the fun of life in the still like to think, but we’re still leaddiplomatic corps. ing the way!

Dave Smith passed on some exFirst, some really good news. Like cellent news about the promotion many of you, I’ve been keeping up of Lapthe Flora to Vice President with Kenny Walters’ fight against canat ITT. The press release read as cer at the Rockefeller Cancer Institute follows: “Lapthe Flora has been in Little Rock, AR. He is undergoing promoted into the role of VP of chemo there and has been making Quality Assurance, reporting to good progress since his treatment bethe General Manager. Lapthe has a gan. Between and among treatments, vast amount of leadership experiKenny is the Director of the Staff of ence and night vision technology the 19th Air Wing at Little Rock AFB. expertise, including knowing and Kenny and Amy’s website through understanding our key customers.

CaringBridge tracks his progress and Lapthe has been on the ITT Night you can leave him online notes. The Vision team for 20 years, where he address is: http://www.caringbridge. has excelled in several leadership org/visit/kenwalters. And in other roles in manufacturing engineernews from Little Rock AFB, Derrick ing, most recently as Director of Johnson wrote that COL Greg Otey is Product Transition, which have on his way to take command of the 19th That’s a wrap for this edition; until next time, keep it between the white lines. By the way, has anyone seen Tim Young in the last 20 years?

’87

2009-Issue 3

Airlift Wing. That ought to make for some great pictures (hint, hint)!

Also on the mend is Paul Munson. Paul’s wife, Anne Marie, wrote to say that Paul’s February 10th hip replacement surgery went well. The details sounded pretty gruesome—something about “chipping away at the bone” and “adding a half-inch to his leg.” But the surgery was a great success. When Anne Marie wrote, Paul was already home and the physical therapist had just made her initial visit. Anne Marie thought she would be excellent though she expected Paul to

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CLASS NOTES directly improved our product performance. In Lapthe’s new role, he will oversee quality efforts in every aspect of our product and processes, while continuing to lead the GDP yield improvement teams to help develop breakthrough processes that are needed to improve our productivity and yield. Lapthe graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science and has been active in the 1-116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in the United States Army for the past 21 years. Lapthe has held many positions as a Soldier, from platoon leader to battalion commander. During his time in the service, he has been awarded over 15 medals of commendation, including the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. He is a certified Robust Design “Expert” by Taguchi Institute and is Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified.” Congratulations!

Craig Walker checked in from Charlotte, NC. He and his wife, Dawn, have a 20 month old son named Tyler. Professionally, Craig has moved from pharmaceutical sales and is now president and director of sales and marketing for Gingerhaus, LLC. “I am having a blast, but am drinking water through a fire hose. Manufacturing and distribution is a whole other beast, but I love doing what I am doing.”

Brad Maak also checked in from Las Vegas, where he works in sales and recruiting. “I was in New Orleans, Katrina came, destroyed my house and the city, so I decided not to go back and made the move out west. I’m playing a lot of golf and enjoying the Vegas lifestyle.” I’m hoping Brad can link up with Rob Susnar, and maybe we can put together an off-season minireunion? They say that “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” which is what we used to say about Barracks, right? Just a thought …

As always, thank you again for all the emails, photos and news that you have sent and please keep them coming! Ernie

’88

Drew McKone

I am sorry to have to start this edition of Class Notes with sad news but it is my duty to report that our Brother Rat Scott McCumber died in a car accident on April 11th. Scott was coming home from work in the early morning hours when the accident occurred. If this is the first that you are hearing of this loss, I apologize.

Adam and I tried to inform the class through e-mails and FaceBook. I had the honor to represent the Class (along with many other BRs) at Scott’s funeral. It was clear that Scott touched many lives and that he was loved dearly by his

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friends and family. He will be remembered for his intelligence, his wit and his undying loyalty to VMI. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his wife Erin, his daughter Kelsey and his son Miles. For those that were unable to attend the memorial service, Scott’s father, Irwin McCumber ’65 has shared these links: Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=1055509035# Memorial service http://rapidshare.com/files/223643857/Scott_s_ Service.zip.htm Slideshow http://rapidshare. com/files/223640378/SCOTT_SLIDESHOW. wmv.html.

Donations can be made to the following: Scott P & David K. McCumber Memorial Scholarship 537 Coalbrook Drive Midlothian, VA 23114 I had the pleasure of visiting Lexington and attending the Class Agent Conference the weekend of April 17th. The “I” continues to attract high-quality students and continues to graduate honorable persons of character. Even with the many changes since 1988, we should be proud to be VMI alumni! Construction of Third Barracks, the PX and the new Book Store is complete and stands on the old site of Lejeune Hall. The rooms are very similar to those of “Old” and “New” Barracks. The new Book Store and PX are spacious and modern. If you are in the Lexington area, try to drop-in to see these new additions. We also had a tour of the new VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics.

This is a beautiful facility that will be used to host international and national conferences.

Prior to going to the conference, I had the chance to catch-up with Bob Clark in Richmond.

Bob is the President of Baskervill Engineering and lives in Richmond with his wife Andrea and their two children. It was nice to catch-up with Bob and to visit with his family. On the way home from the conference, I visited with Joey Swink and his family in Waynesboro, VA. Joey and his wife, Deb were gearing-up for a trip to the Bahamas and celebrating their youngest daughter’s birthday.

If I ever pass through Western Kentucky, I’ll have to drop-in on Criss Finwood to complete the roommate round up!

Bill Cronenburg gets the long-distance correspondence award for this issue! He sent the following: “Hi Drew, I am probably over the deadline, but I will give you a few lines anyway.

I do not think I have ever given any info for class notes, so after 20+ yrs perhaps it is time: Bill is still going strong in Tallinn, Estonia where he has lived for the last 17 years. Regretted having to miss the 20-year reunion, but have enjoyed hearing about it from others. Only one I have missed; had to pass because of imminent arrival of my second child. I have two boys now, dual U.S./Estonian citizens. I earn my living in private

business, dealing mostly with trade and wealth management. In my spare time I hunt and dabble in hobby forestry and farming. I have an old farm about 30 minutes drive from Tallinn. I am in the middle of building a log hunting-cabin there, which should be done by the end of the summer.

If any BR’s have good advice about cabin building, I’d love to hear from them! I get back to the USA once or twice a year; next trip is in late April. I was there last in September, and among other things I went on a weeklong black bear hunt in Maine with BR John Bordelon. Neither of us got a bear, but an interesting experience nevertheless. Brgds,” Walt Coleman sent the following along with some pictures: “Drew, Thanks for being the coclass agent, I know it’s a lot of work (did it with John Doyle back in the day).

Not sure what I sent before but I wanted to give you an update on what’s happening with me. We moved to Midlothian back in June 07 and live in Salisbury neighborhood. We decided to move from the Cincinnati area 1) to be somewhere I want to be long term, and 2) before my oldest got in high school and now he is a freshman at Midlothian HS. My other son is in seventh grade at Midlo middle and my daughter is in fourth grade at Bettie Weaver elementary school. They are all active in baseball, softball, soccer, basketball etc. … speaking of softball – my daughter got on an all-star team last fall coached by Matt McNeil. I was at one of her games and started a conversation with the coach’s wife. Turns out that she was married to Ray Dyer and had a son (who was there and looked very similar to Ray) Also her sister is married to Dan Wilson who lives not too far from me. I ran in to Dan at a basketball game in February and we talked for a while as well.

Speaking of running in to people, I also ran in to Mack Carr at Lowes a few weeks ago and we talked for a while as well. He is working for a national appraisal company and although things are slow, he is doing well.

My wife Missy is working for my company (Ferrero USA) as a part time merchandiser here in the Richmond area – so much for nepotism issues…and she is enjoying the flexibility plus getting out is good for her. She was substituting in Chesterfield for a while but in the end she is not interested in getting back to teach. As for me, I am working hard and traveling across the country managing our grocery business for Ferrero. My travels take me to Europe a bit but keep busy enough here in the US. I have been running a fair amount and recently completed the Holiday Lake 50k (really 34 miles) in February and have my sights set on a couple more Ultras this year if I can stay healthy. I’m taking off to Argentina in March to go fly-fishing with my dad and a couple folks who run an outfitter

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1989 20th Class Reunion

Row 1: Andrew Tunnard, George Armbruster, Gordy Fox, Harrison Bresee, Rich Pell, George Bowles, Pedro DeJesus, Steve Nezas, Gary Bissell, Coleman Lawrence and Sam Callejo. Row 2: Jay Lawson, Kevin Jones, Wuzzer Rader, Mitch Fridley, Jerry Damron, Brian Collier, Paul Mele, Tom Hernandez, Jim Masella, Paul Canada, Jack Toepfer and Joe Grealish. Row 3: John Banigan, Mike Banigan, John Piedmont, Bob Spieldenner, Fred Smith, Mike Mezzacca, Jon Gheen, Ashley Fairchild and Mike Biliunas. Row 4: Paul Pardew, Ned Cox, Pat McMahan, Zeke Moore, Ken Cobb, Chris Mitchell, Jon Jacobs, Frank Campion and Jason Gray. Row 5: Trey Walker, Ron Nelson Jr., Tom Hamner, Nat Cross, Wayne Jones, Brian Duffy, Derek McCown and Thomas N.C. Spivey. Row 6: Sean Raborn, Steve Stafford, Steve Peyton, Steve Chiles, Davin Ruohomaki and Van Trumpore. in Edinburg, VA. They were asked to come down and work with the local guides to help them with their business – and I’m a hitchhiker, but will help with translation – especially for ordering cerveza and pescado desportiva.

Thanks again for working as class agent.

Regards, Walt” By now, you should have received your Annual Giving letter. Please consider pledging some amount before our 25th Reunion. I would really like to boast of 100% participation from the Class of ’88! If we can get 100% participation, the money will take care of itself. Any pledge made to an Institute-sponsored activity counts towards our class’ total. This includes the three memorial scholarships that have been established for our class - Scott P. McCumber ’88 and Brian K. McCumber Memorial Scholarship, Terry L. Plunk 1988 Memorial Scholarship and the LT Mark Russell Wilson’88 Scholarship.

Thanks in advance for your contributions and for your correspondence! Drew

2009-Issue 3

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

Editor’s note: These notes were submitted by Andy Tunnard.

Dear Brother Rats, A few weeks ago many of us got together for our 20 year reunion. I think it was a great event, and it was so good to see so many BRs looking and doing so well. The weather was absolutely perfect and I think the committee did a great job pulling it all together.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of them. The committee included Brian Duffy, Mitch Fridley, Harrison Bresee, William “Wuzzer” Rader, Tom “Buzzard” Spivey, Gary Bissell and Nat Cross. These gentlemen arranged the dinner Friday night; transportation; golf outings; tours of post and Lexington; a skeet shooting event and a great party on

Saturday night with live entertainment. We had BRs and their families come from as far away as California, Florida and Maine. It was a great event and I hope we have an even bigger turn out for our 25th!

For those who attended the reunion, you know this will be my last set of notes. For those who were not able to attend, I have turned class agent duties over to Nat Cross. I have no doubt Nat will do a fantastic job as class agent. Nat has been a wonderful sounding board for me for many years and has filled in as class agent several times since we’ve graduated. Nat will use the following e-mail address for class agent responsibilities: crosscrew89@aol.com. Please send Nat a note congratulating him on this new role and give him some updates for the next set of notes.

The job of class agent however, relies quite a bit on the participation and energy of the class.

I hope and ask those of you who are reading these notes who have been out of touch for some time to re-connect with the class through

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CLASS NOTES Nat. It only takes an e-mail or phone call. I also strongly encourage everyone to check out the new VMI alumni web site. www.vmialumni. org. The alumni organization has done a great job revamping the site to include a whole VMI networking space. It is a great way to try and find that BR or dyke you have not spoken to in a long time. Check it out.

Gentlemen, it has truly been an honor and a cherished privilege to be our classes’ agent for the last 10 years. I have enjoyed hearing from so many friends and sharing a little in the announcements of new children, job promotions adventures around the world and funny encounters with BRs between reunions. I thank you for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to staying in touch with all of you for many, many years to come.

Take care Brothers, Andrew Tunnard Please send new updates to Nat Cross at crosscrew89@aol.com

’90

R. Hunter Trumbo

Gentlemen! As I submit these class notes New Market Day celebrations are underway in Lexington, and the class of 2009 is getting ready to graduate. Not to say we’re getting old, but most of the graduating cadets were born when we were Rats and Reagan was in office … and yet sometimes it feels like it was yesterday.

One addendum to the last set of notes – Tim Bosetti sent me some more details about his Army assignment in Germany. Tim is the Chief of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine - Europe. His group is responsible for providing military public health engineering garrison and deployment support to the Installation Management Command Europe and US Army Europe, and Africa Command. I’m glad Tim’s over there to help keep things straight!

I was able to catch up with John Lanzillotta and his wife, Stacey, a few months ago when they met my wife, Stacy, and me for a grown-up dinner out. John’s been working for Bold Concepts Inc. doing consulting work for the Federal government almost since graduation. He’s risen through the ranks, and is now an Executive VP helping run client programs.

John still is as serious as ever, but always has a little smirk that makes me pretty sure that he’s mocking me with every word. Not allowing ourselves to be overly adult, we exchanged bald jokes throughout the evening and shared a good bottle of wine.

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Jim Hynes and Chip Chenery met me for a beer one evening this spring, and somehow we ended up on the topic of “foods that make sense when you’re drinking.” We reminisced about the 2 a.m. draw of the “He-Man Special” from Lee High Truck Stop, Hynes and John Hahn eating puppy chow, Mike Morelock successfully daring Pete Mantz to eat a live crawfish at a Zollman’s party and Kelly Musick performing a cat food evaluation. Ah, those were the days.

While looking for some advice recently I had a chance to catch up with our BR Neil Whitmore who’s an Associate Director of Admissions at VMI and acts as the Alumni Liaison for the Admissions Office. Neil’s been working at VMI for 12 years now, and was talking to me about the challenges of creating a balanced class of incoming Rats each year.

He feels lucky to be able to be an active part of the VMI family, and thinks we’d all be proud of what goes into the new cadet selection process. It seems like the office is lucky to have Neil as well. In his own words: “VMI is unique in just about every way and that certainly extends to the work that we do in the admissions office and how we go about enrolling the best possible class of new cadets each year. Of course we care about their academic background, and VMI is tougher now to get accepted to than at basically anytime in our history, but as we all know so well, VMI is a lot more than just what is on paper. As an admissions office we conduct more face to face interviews and other personal meetings with students and their parents than any other college that I know of. When a prospective cadet walks on to Post for an admissions interview they will sit down with the very person that will ultimately read their application for admission and make a decision on them. That is very unique in the world of college admissions, and it is something that we feel is very important when it comes to finding the best new cadets to take on the challenges of VMI.” When Neil’s not on Post he’s often working on restoring an old Land Rover or two or out bird hunting with his English setter. He and his wife, Gwen, live about 12 miles outside of Lexington, and have plenty of room for guests.

Neil’s extended an offer to put up anyone who needs a place to stay when they’re in town, but said he’d need to think about putting up del Valle.

In the random connections category, Max Guggenheimer and I were reunited when a mutual acquaintance forwarded me his information asking: “Do you know this guy?” Max thanked me for tracking him down – he’s been able to avoid the class notes for most of our alumni years but he does get to Lexington regularly.

His wife, Jessica, and he live on a small farm in

Bedford County, and they both work at Lynchburg College. Jessica is the Director of Learning Resources, and Max is a member of the English Faculty. They’ve been there for about 12 years, and on March 18th they had their first child: Declan Wesley-Maximus Guggenheimer.

Declan isn’t letting his parents sleep much, but they’re really having fun with him.

Ed Swanson passed over a quick update with what he’s been up to lately. After a tour as a TAC at the Air Force Academy he spent two years on an exchange tour as a cadet company commander at West Point. He said that it was a weird place for and Air Force guy to wind up but that he enjoyed it. Ed’s next stop was a promotion to Lt Col and a gig at Langley AFB at HQ Air Combat Command where he runs the ACC AEF Deployment branch. He’s currently deployed to Iraq and serving in the International Zone with the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq (MNSTC-I) as the Chief of Strategic Effects. He said that life in Baghdad is a bit crazy but he works hard to find some sense of normalcy wherever he goes. His current favorite distraction is the Baghdad Cigar Aficionado Club where he meets twice a month to enjoy some good Cubans by one of Saddam’s pools. Ed said that when he returns he’ll be back at Langley for a while before the Air Force decides his next stop.

Also in from Iraq, Tim Haynie emailed me a photo of him at a New Market Day Ceremony he had arranged for a group of VMI alumni.

Tim is about 2 months into a year-long deployment and put together a full program for the ceremony. His commanding officer MG JD Johnson ’77 gave a New Market history lesson, the New Market roll call was re-enacted by the assembled alumni, a bugler played taps, and the ceremony concluded with the VMI Doxology and an old yell. Tim says things are going well and he really enjoys the work he does for MNC-I coordinating technical capabilities. Tim notes that things are generally better over there for the average Iraqi and the big push is to enable the Government of Iraq to maintain security. Nearly everything he does is “by, with, and through,” his Iraqi counterparts, which poses some challenges but is going well. This is Tim’s third deployment, and with summer coming on he’s taking it a day at a time.

And last but not least, Elson Hin, sent over an email just under the wire that after just 25 years of golf he’s finally hit a hole-in-one. His money-shot was 124 yards with a pitching wedge – congrats sir.

That’s it for this set of notes guys. If you haven’t gotten anything in here lately please drop me an update. People really read these and want to know what’s new with you. Hunter

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’91

George Petty III

Greetings, Brother Rats! I hope the spring rains have been doing your outside endeavors well and not merely a soggy, squishy clay mess that would inspire a glorious Breakout memory.

Lorraine and I attended the gathering before the opening night of the new VMI Theatre. The theatre will also serve as a lecture hall and is designed to sit the Rat Mass plus their cadre. I was surprised to see Jon Greenspon with his two children. Jon’s son attempted to explain the rage about Twitter, but I still don get it. Also in attendance was Gary Barnette. While in the area said he was taking the rental car and going Geocaching about the Valley. Twitter? Geocaching? Is it possible I have step over the threshold into the House of the Ludites? Anyhow, use google and you will find the Global GPS Cache Hunt Site. This could be just the trick to talk your spouse into allowing the purchase of a GPS. Here are some snippets received recently.

From Matt Childs: “ … here’s what I have lately. I was escorting the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, MG Fields (Ret.), around the country when I found myself in a briefing in Spin Boldak. There was a Navy engineer giving the construction portion. When it was done, he looked at me and asked, ‘What class?’(I wear my combat ring over here). Turns out he is Jimmy Angerman ’06. I’ve attached a couple pictures. Later, when we returned to Kabul, I was waiting outside another briefing when our BR, MAJ Ed Fuller walked down the hall. I was pretty exhausted at that point so I apologize for not remembering what his exact assignment is, but I know he’s on the staff at New Kabul Compound and I did have one of my men take a picture, which is attached. That’s it for now. I’m hoping as I get to see more of the country, I’ll see more VMI men.”

JT Mistr delivered on him promise for an update. Shannon and he will celebrate their 17th anniversary on July 11th. He spends most of his free time chasing their two children around.

Audrey is 11 and Brady is 8. JT has been teaching for 10 years now. “Life is as good as it’s ever been - and everyday I feel lucky to get to do what I do and then play with my own family. It would just be nice to have time to take a nap...maybe after they’re out of high school.” JT’s mint crop isn’t doing so well, which he finds amusing as it is basically a noxious, invasive weed. He asks that we all send his mint a little bit of love.

This message came in from Rich Coupland … Heidi and I are in our 15th year of marriage, almost entirely here in Phoenix. I am a Director

2009-Issue 3

at General Dynamics C4 Systems, responsible for Science and Technology, as well as several of the companies we have acquired over the past years. Because of this, I have offices in Ft Wayne, Pittsburgh, Columbia MD, and Washington DC. I am on the road almost constantly, but the work is great, and I am happy to be contributing technology and systems to the fight on Iraq and Afghanistan. We have 2 girls, Kendall (7) and Carley (3), and a new boy puppy (“KC”) who arrived from the Easter Bunny this year. All is well in Phoenix, but I fear the future years when the girls get older!

I regret to report the passing of my father, Richard Coupland Jr ’50B this past 18 FEB 09. He will be buried at Arlington national on 11 JUN 09 at 1300 with full honors from the Air Force. It is hard to express the gap left by a father who passes, and even harder when he had such a great bond with our class and so many of the Brother Rats.

Tim Janeway wrote from PA to say he has “been living in Pittsburgh for the past several years and just left my position with Coventry Health Care to go back to IT project management consulting for Celerity. I am currently running a project for Bank of New York Mellon. Still no wife of kids but a new Labrador Retriever puppy and two nephews have been keeping me busy.”

LTC Bill McClary checked in to say hello. He has just returned in April from another Middle East excursion. He wrote from Ft. Hood Texas while on leave. He and his family are waiting to see where the Army will send them next.

Gregg Booth has landed in Afghanistan and sends the following: “Class of 1991 Mini Reunion – CDR Greg Booth and Matt Childs had the opportunity to catch up with each other at Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan, in March 2009. Matt is a Regional Security Officer at the American Embassy. Greg is the Security Cooperation Programs Chief at the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.”

That sums everything up for now. Just a reminder that we are allowed 5 hi-resolution .jpeg formatted pictures each edition of the Review.

Any extras and those that are not suitable for print will be included in the online edition of the Review. The online edition can be found at The Ranks Website.

ously), completed November 11, 2008. The addition broadens the façade of Barracks, while maintaining outward consistency with the Old and New sections. The entire Barracks can now accommodate approximately 1,500 Cadets.

The tour was part of the VMI Class Agent Conference (April 18-19), held annually at the Marshall Museum. Andy Tate and I attended the conference on behalf of our Class, alongside class agents from all generations of living VMI Alumni.

Friday afternoon, we saw Colonel Brody on the Parade Deck, who took a break from his afternoon PT to say hello. He reports that: “played hockey with Steve Brandtner in Roanoke in a men’s league. My life here at VMI is great; family is well; my kids are growing at the same rate I appear to be shrinking!”

Col. Brody also mentioned that he “went to Mardi Gras in Mobile [see the C-17 picture we flew down there], Presidential Inauguration, with the Band and Pipes and the Jazz Band played in Germany over Christmas! Good times, also a picture of me the drum major and LTC Funkhouser ’82 with “Death and Folly” at Mardi Gras. Best to all my BRs, I wear our ring everyday!”

Friday evening of the conference, we inevitably ended up at the Palms. There we ran into Bill Cox ’93, who’s the agent for his class. He’s doing well. Saturday morning, Bill Woodward sat in for conference presentations, after which we all got to catch-up briefly. He was in town for another conference being held over at W&L. Woody, by the way, is very active working on behalf of our Class. He’s a member of our Class Scholarship Committee, and recently agreed to Chair the 20th Year Reunion Committee. Let me know if you want to help Woody with that very worthy cause, and I’ll get you his contacts.

There’s talk of holding a golf tourney, so let the sand-bagging begin.

Adam Gregory

’92

Andy Tate Tate Andy

Gentlemen: Last month, I got a tour of “Third Barracks” (where Lejeune Hall stood previ-

Class of 1992: Kenner Coon at the beach in Tejas with daughter Megan, son Thomas and wife Carla.

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CLASS NOTES Molly; and Matt and Brittney Gill On May 16th, Andy Tate, Dave welcomed twins, Gray Matthew Weisenberger and Jon Thibodeaux and Baylor Hall on 4-24-09. Last I showed up at my house, whereupon heard all moms and kids are doing we helped Andy with a class mailwell. Congrats to all of you. Sills ing. We also polished off some O’Keefe was engaged to Dr. Adele beer and discussed ways to better Logan in March as well. I welpromote fundraising efforts. In case come all of you to the VMI family. you didn’t know, Dave serves on the Kevin Link is moving back to Class Scholarship Committee and Jon Virginia after 14 years to work in serves as its Treasurer (non-voting).

Roanoke. He started work in May FYI, Woody and Trent Dudley are at his new job but his family will the other two voting members of the not join him in Virginia until later scholarship committee. this summer. Welcome home Link.

Dave said he regularly plays cards Erik Nilsson put on O-5 in Januin Richmond with James Cherry, ary. Congratulations Commander; Carl Engstrom, Mark Baush and Class of 1992: Photo, above: Lt. Col. Funkhouser ’82, he is moving with wife, Alison, Tricky Dick Richardson. If you’re the VMI Drum Major and Col. Brody at Mardis Gras. and boys Jake (8) and Chase (5) to lame at cards and have money to Below: Col. Brody and the VMI Pipe Band participated in the 2009 Mardis Gras in Mobile, Alabama, traveling San Diego where he will eventuburn, they’d love to have you. Dave via the C-17 pictured. ally take command of Beachmasmay have mentioned others involved, ter Unit 1 (www.bmu1.navy.mil) who probably prefer remaining nameafter doing 18 months as XO. Erik less anyway. last post was on the USS Winston In closing, just a few housekeeping Churchhill (DDG 81) and then notes: Kenner Coon’s name was mishe spent some time with US Joint spelled in the last edition – my bad.

Forces Command in Norfolk. Erik As recompense, I’m including a photo would bump into Tom Westen in this edition that he subsequently and Sills O’Keefe in the area and forwarded (per my request). Thanks traded emails with Tom Nelson Kenner – y’all look great, although I who is out of Suffolk. If you in was expecting to see a yellow rose in the San Diego area let Erik know, your mouth. his email is erik.nilsson@jfcom.

Going forward, I’d like more feedmil. Tom Nelson also sent word in. He expects back from BRs, and from a broader cross-section be published. I do send all the pictures I have to to be in Suffolk for another year and a half with of our Class than I can effectively solicit myself. VMI and “extra” pictures can be found online.

USJFCOM. He had lunch with Keith McGee Accordingly, please e-mail me your updates Go to www.vmi.edu then to Alumni Agencies when he was in DC recently. Tom was presentearly and often, and include pictures whenever and look for the Alumni Review. There is a link for additional photographs. While they are not ing a briefing to some members of the National possible. broken out by class, they will be there. If I can Security Council during that trip. He says it was Lastly, if you know any BRs “outside the figure out how to put them on our class page I a pretty incredible experience. Steve Thrasher loop” who are not receiving the Alumni Review will. Also the Alumni Review can now be found rang in and had bumped into Mike Starling ’92 (and would like to), please forward their cononline in PDF on the VMI website. Secondly, and said he would send a photo but never did tacts along to me or Andy. We want to continue Mark Schroeder has a Class of ’93 group set (you bum). Steve is a Major with the Army and keeping our Class contact list as squared-away up on Facebook if anyone is interested. I think travels a good bit. Steve was trying to find Mike as possible, which is no small task. there are about 40 members or so in that group Tuck. Mike drop him a line (if you need his Best regards Brother Rats … Adam and there are over 100 BR’s on Facebook as contact info let me know). Boo Lassiter visited Bill Cox well. Lastly, I plead again for everyone to VMI during Legacy weekend with his 3 sons update their contact information on the VMI teaching them about the Civil War and VMI’s website. The last email I sent out had 193 part. They are in 8th, 7th, and 4th grade and are invalid addresses. Also almost every day, I get all interested in VMI. Boo has something going something back from the USPS for an incorrect on with a reality TV series but I don’t have address. If you can’t update your information Amazing how quickly three months pass. all the details yet. Hopefully more to come on online, send it to me directly and I will pass on Again I hope these notes find everyone in good that later. Rick Barnes was recently promoted to the I. company, health, and humor. Summer’s here, to LtCol in the USMC. He says the promotion Now on to the notes: Several new parents in the DOW is back above 8000 for now, and I went well and a couple VMI folks made it to our midst; Coco Grace Carlsen was born on have a lot of updates to share. First, a little adthe ceremony. Rick doesn’t know what his next 4-10-09 to Tom and Ana; Evelyn Jane Runnals ministrative housekeeping. I have been asked a post will be yet. Capt. Buck Sessoms ’91 was Hurst was born on 5-1-09 to David & Jennifer; few questions about pictures in the Alumni Rethere and just checked into HMX-1 from 24 Adelaide Elizabeth Nelson was born on 2-14-09 MEU in Afghanistan. Buck will taking Rick’s view. Currently, each class is allotted space for to Tom & Elizabeth; Claire Farley was born 5 pictures unless it is their reunion. They must place flying POTUS. LTC Marc Mueller also be 300 dpi quality or better and should be maxi- on 4-15-09 to Sean & Julia; Madeline Frances made it to the ceremony. Marc is currently the Kemper was born on 2-24-09 to Chris & mized in size (height & width) so that they can Director of the White House Transportation

’93

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Agency. I would like to share an email I got from Tom Ripley concerning Rick Barnes the other day. Rick has never been one to brag on himself so Tom is helping him out with this letter. Tom wrote it so well I will just copy and paste it here. “Billy, I saw Rick and he is great.

Instead of an update, how about a story. I saw Rick Barnes last month and I wonder how many of our classmates know the story behind what Rick has accomplished during his Marine Corps career? The story behind Rick is a testament to the type of Marine he has become.

Many of you might not know, but Rick was originally selected to become a Supply Officer.

There is not a US Marine that wants to be a Supply Officer; counting underwear is not why you become a Marine. It is what we call an “under MOS”, meaning that it is understaffed and in constant short supply. Rick did exactly what

Class of 1993

you would have expected of him and Cincinnatis - he became bound and determined to bloom where he was planted. He became the best Supply Officer in the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). Don’t take my word for it; look at the Commanding General’s actions. Rick applied for a meritorious lateral move to flight school. There was only one billet for the entire II MEF (100,000 Marines). Rick was awarded it, and went on to flight school to become a helo pilot. What did he do next? Bloomed where he was planted, and became one of the best helo pilots in the Marine Corps. Combat tested in Iraq and Rick returned to the US as a proven warrior. With few desirable stateside billets for helo pilots Rick applied to the extremely elite and selective HMX-1. You can imagine just how selective this organization is given that they care for and serve the President of the

United States. The security clearance involves interviewing everyone that has known Rick for the past 20 years. One of the best pictures I have in my how is Rick sitting behind the pilots seat of Marine One as the President boarded the aircraft. Pretty cool.” Signed Thomas H. Ripley.

I appreciate Tom taking the time to write me that story and thought it was worth sharing.

Eddie Antoine sent a short note. Eddie is living the single life in Blacksburg VA and works for Virginia Tech as a Human Resources Coordinator. Aside from telling me about his new daughter, David Hurst mentioned he is still in Richmond working for VITA but looking for a job in the RDU area so he can rejoin his family there. His new daughter joins his older daughter Ellie at home with wife Jennifer. Mark Schroeder touched base from University of Toledo where he is the Manager of International/Military

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5 Photo 1: Pat Peschka ’94 and Brian Melvin in San Diego, California. Photo 2: In March 2009, Artie Tanner, Mike Wright, Rick Robinson and Creg Matthews got together in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Photo 3: Madeline Frances Kemper was born to Chris and Molly. Photo 4: At Rick Barnes’ promotion ceremony to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps were, from left, Buck Sessoms ’91, Barnes and Marc Mueller. Photo 5: Brian and Kristi Southard at the Kentucky Derby.

2009-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES Admissions. Mark is doing well but misses his kids who live in Florida with their mom. For UT, Mark handles all of their international recruitment and Veteran’s Affairs issues. Scott Eanes checked in from Omaha NE. He was promoted to Commander in Feb and serves at the U.S. Strategic Command. Scott and his wife, Inga, expect transfer orders next summer. In the meantime, he has become an avid hockey player and is looking forward to the Alumni vs. Cadets game this fall in Lynchburg. He mentioned he ran into Phil Walker while wandering the halls of the Pentagon in March. Chris Reid also mentioned running into Phil in the Pentagon. Chris is stationed with the Army Staff there. He also runs into Rhett Cox, Rod Turbak, Jeff Williams, and Dan Hill a lot in those hallowed halls. Chris lives in Leesburg VA with his wife, Nicole, and two sons, Wesley (5) and Eliot (2). Chris and Nicole are expecting a third son in August as well. Bryan Van Deun sent me a nice email. He is overseas with Uncle Sam right now but that tour ends on 5-21-09. His family is relocating to the DC area in early June.

Send him a note if you are in the area. I’m sure he would love to see a friendly face. Bryan’s email is bvd­_mba@yahoo.com. Bryan has two children a 4 yo boy and a 2 yo girl. He mentioned that Kevin Smith is getting ready to deploy to the Middle East this summer from Germany and Mike Wallace plans to relocate to New Orleans this summer as well. Neil Osbon tells me he is living in Evans Ga. He teaches English in Thomson Ga about 30 minutes from where he and his wife, Georgette, live. Guy Berry just graduated from Villanova with an MA and moved to Annapolis. To quote Guy, they are “settling in (translation, fighting about where to hang stuff and whether or not we need 15 baskets in the living room).” Guy starts teaching at Annapolis in the fall. He plans to make some Football games this fall. I did see a picture of Guy standing next to a beer vending machine in Japan (I think). The humor content of Guy’s page on Facebook is absolutely hilarious. I know a bunch of ’93 guys are planning to go to the ODU game Nov 21. We plan to make a weekend out of it. I don’t know who is heading it up but on the email distribution are Roop, Trumbo, Matt Williams, Romasz, Farley, Spears, Ramsey, Howard, Rick Barnes, Kevin Morris, Piccioni, Oldfield and Tim Ervin. The emails have kept me laughing I can assure you. Matt Williams is shipping out to the sandbox in mid May and a bunch of those guys got together to send him off. Be safe Matt. He should return to the States by mid November.

David Timma dropped me a line

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from just up the road in Bedford Va. David and his wife, Suzann, with their children, Jonathan (13), Daniel (11), and Emily (8). David is the pastor at Quaker Baptist Church. They are Baptist not Quakers, David pointed out. He is involved with Boy Scouts and Cubs Scouts in the area as he has a son in each. Wade McNichols send his first words in 10 years or so as he put it. Wade and his wife, Virginia, have been living in Roanoke VA since last July. He has a solo law practice there in criminal defense and family law. His wife is an OR Nurse at Roanoke Memorial. They don’t have any children but may have news soon. Wade had recently spoken with Clarence Tweedy. Clarence is on tenure track at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg where he and his wife have a 5 year old daughter. Matt Eads has three kids in Atlanta. He is taking the two oldest to France this summer with time in Paris and the Riviera.

He just bought a Ford Mustang convertible and I think he may just be slightly ahead of most of us in his mid life crisis. Let me know how it turns out Matt, I plan to start mine next year if not sooner. Alex DeVarona is finishing up his tour as Brigade S3 at Ft. Bragg. His next post is at MacDill AFB working at CENTCOM J3, Special Operations and Activities Divisions. He and his family are moving there in June or July this year. Chad Smith started his own business in Richmond, Smith Custom Builders after getting his Class A contractor’s license a few years ago. You guys help him out if you can. His # is 804-357-1859. Congrats on hanging your own

shingle Chad. I got a great email from Mike Wright. I have included the email here: “At the end of March, Rick Robinson, his wife, son and daughter stopped in Richmond. They were visiting Rick’s parents in Mechanicsville. By coincidence Creg Matthews, his wife and two sons were coming through Richmond on the way to the Beach. Artie Tanner and I arranged for all of us to get together for some Pizza in Mechanicsville. Everyone showed up, including Rick’s parents, for our impromptu pizza party.

However, Creg was late since Artie gave him driving directions. He had him circling Richmond in all the wrong directions, but I managed to steer him to the Restaurant about 20 minutes later. I should remind you that Artie grew up in Mechanicsville and I grew up in Waynesboro.

Not sure why Artie doesn’t work for Garmin.

We had a blast eating Pizza and drinking pitchers of beer and generally catching up. I personally haven’t seen Rick for at least ten years.

He is in his 18th year in the Army and hopes to retire at twenty years. He has been stationed out of Colorado for the majority of his time in the Army and hopes to make Lt. Colonel before he retires. He has served in Iraq and other places during his time in the Army. I think he is definitely ready for the civilian life, considering he bought a sweet Harley to cruise around on. During our Pizza party, we ran into Rusty McGuire ’96 who is running for Political office for the Hanover District. Afterwards, we all went back to Rick’s parents’ house to talk about old times and drink Milwaukee’s Best. The kid’s were busy riding around in Rick’s dad’s supped up Golf Cart while we were busy catching up about the good old days.

All in all it turned out to be an excellent impromptu 15-year reunion with Rick. I have included a picture from that day.”

From Mike Wright. This email sums up the relationships established at VMI pretty well I believe. Max Swoboda, Jennifer, and family are in Huntsville Alabama where Max works for MPW Services. He does a good bit of traveling but said for anyone passing through to give him a holler. Charles Sternberg is in New York. He and his wife, Tricia, just celebrated their 5th anniversary, they have two children, Campbell, daughter is 3, and son, Cooper is 9. Charles says the son (provisional class of 2030) will be the answer to VMI’s football woes.

Charles is still in the financial arena and taking his blows like the rest of us. He had dinner with Rusty Smith and his son Jake recently. Jake is at Fork Union Military Academy and plans on attending VMI making the third James Smith to do so (albeit with his hat tipped back

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and thumbs in his belt as Sternberg put it).

Charles also had an update on John Weeda.

He, wife Leanne have 3 boys and live in NJ. Charles’s fear is that his daughter has a crush on one of the Weeda boys. Campbell Sternberg Weeda; has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? I’m with Charles in his sentiments about all of you in harms way, here and abroad. We all owe you guys a big thanks for preserving our way of life. Brian Southard is running a multistate construction company specializing in insurance consulting projects for catastrophes. He says he has been growing it for 8 yrs and it’s a long way from his premed days. He splits his time between Orlando and Carmel IN. Married 10 years to Kristi, they have two sons, Chase (8) and Christian (9 mo). He sent a great picture from the Kentucky Derby. Brian Melvin sent word from DC. He is stationed at CG HQ and has been since moving up here from Louisiana about a year ago. He will be in the DC area until summer 2010 when he moves again. Brian ran into Pat Peschka ’94 in San Diego the other week at a CG function. John Moore is back from Dubai and living outside Houston with his family, Kirsten, Alexandre, and Zachary.

He spends a lot of time traveling between DC, London, and home with ExxonMobil. He is their public affairs advisor for middle eastoriented government relations. Anyone passing through DC, Houston, or London, give him a call 281-768-1740. He frequents all three a lot.

Jennifer Howard sent an update on Mike and son Mikey. They just celebrated the second anniversary of their kidney transplant (as many of you know, Mike was son Mikey’s donor). Mike has been asked to serve on board of directors of the NC National Kidney Foundation to promote live kidney donation. I can’t think of a better role model to do this. I had a long phone chat with Dallas Grubbs. He is living in Gillette Wyoming and what he described was awesome.

He has been out there 10 years with no plans on leaving but extends an invite to anyone passing through. If you’re headed that way, let me know and Ill put you in touch. Brian Darin is wrapping up his tour in Hong Kong but is hanging out with Mark Turner ’97 in the meantime.

Brian and family will relocate to DC in July where he will working for the Dept. of State as a foreign affairs analyst. He is stopping by to see Dom Ford in Pearl City, Hawaii on the way back to the states.

John Barefoot got in touch. He and Heather moved back to Richmond last summer from SC. John is president of his own company, RPM Engineers. He has two daughters, Haley (8) and Lawsen (4). He had recently spoken with Kevin Barnes. Kevin, Becca, Jackson, and Carter are living in Myrtle Beach and enjoying it; they narrowly missed the evacuations in MB

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recently due to the unprecedented wildfires there. Brian Adams is living in Williamsburg; he’s been back from Hilton Head for about 6 years. He has two children, a daughter Ashley (7 going on 16) and son Luke (1) with wife, Tia. He has seen Lou Petrillo around the Burg and caught up with Kirby Smeltzer and Billy Terry. Billy is back in Roanoke from Atlanta and has started his own company. BA also talked to Chris Chernisky and says he is on the move but doesn’t know where he will end up yet. It’s been great to hear all the news from all over the world.

Kelly and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on New Market Day. Addison is finishing up 1st grade at James River Day School in Lynchburg and has a busy summer ahead of her. I was in Lexington the other month and stopped by to see Col. Dabney at his farm in Lexington. It was great seeing him and Mrs. Dabney again. I wish I had listened to him more when I was a cadet and thought I had all the answers. All is well in Virginia but business is pretty tough right now (bet I’m not the only one who can say that) I saw a bunch of VMI guys in L’burg when we beat the snot of Liberty in basketball. It was a good time but too many people to list here. Congratulations to all those moving up the ladder in the military. Our hats are off to you guys. You guys returning to Iraq / Afghanistan and those of you already there, be safe out there. To all those serving here and abroad, we are all proud to be associated with you. God Bless the Armed Forces, VMI, and Class of 1993.

’94

Christopher L. Doyle

Greetings Brother Rats. I trust that everyone is well. Please remember that our 15th reunion is 2-3 October in Lexington. If you have not received information in the mail, Please contact me immediately (cldoyle94@hotmail.com / 703-933-1986).

Jim McCoy is living in Houston where he is the Manager of Environmental Affairs for Goodman Global Inc. He is busy implementing ISO 14001 standards in 4 manufacturing facilities. ISO 4001 is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of a business and to decrease the pollution and waste a business produces. Jim is also coaching his 8-year-old son’s baseball team. Jim is planning to attend our reunion in October.

Dave Underwood has had a busy spring. He went from San Antonio back to D.C. to have a procedure done on his arm. He then went back to San Antonio to go to class and write a paper, then left for San Francisco and Napa from 25-28 April,

returned to do another paper, Dave then went back to D.C. for the White House Soldier Ride from 29 April through 4 May. While in DC, Dave got to go back to the White House and meet its newest Inhabitant. He then participated in a bike ride from The White House to Annapolis, MD. He said it was a great time which ended at a bar where there were free drinks all night. This summer, Dave has trips planned to Colorado, D.C., New York City, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Sharon Springs, NY and San Diego.

I received an e-mail from Mary Helen Story.

She is teaching Government and Economics at Christian Academy of Knoxville. Rebecca is graduating from 3rd grade and Stacy is graduating from Kindergarten at Christian Academy of Knoxville. All seems to be well with her.

Fritz Ligday is currently in Afghanistan working for the Army Corps of Engineers. He is working at an old Russian dirt air strip near the town of Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan Province. They are building some roads, bridges, police stations, facilities for the Afghan National Army (ANA) and facilities for coalition forces. Fritz said, “It’s been a challenge and have met some great folks here; but I will be ready to get home in August.” Fritz ran into Weeden Gallagher ’90, who is working for the Corps of Engineers in Kandahar. He has also heard that Brad Moses ’95 and Scott Townsend are here.

Fritz said he talks to Frank Boehling every once in a while –– their wives are sisters. He also talks to Jim McCoy and Chris McClung. They all plan to be at the reunion.

Brian Collins is currently in Iraq. He is serving as the XO for 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment.

Congratulations to Dustin DeVore for being named a partner at Kaufman and Canoles.

Ryan Croley was selected to command SEAL Team 2 in Little Creek, Virginia. He is currently stationed at Special Operations Command in Tampa. He will move back to the Tidewater area next summer to assume command. Congratulatons Ryan!

I look forward to seeing you in Lexington.

Fifteen years has passed very quickly.

Rick Killmeyer

’95

Dan Williams

As Dan and I compiled these notes we were reminded of the date – New Market Day. Many years have past yet we still draw inspiration from the 10 cadets who paid the ultimate

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CLASS NOTES sacrifice 145 years ago today. The Corps will pass in review and they will honor these 10 men pronouncing that they died on the field of honor sir.

I have had a nice first half of the year. Per Dan’s last notes, I had the opportunity to witness my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl win in person. Villanova University (my wife’s alma mater) beat the Pitt Panthers to advance to the Final Four. Lizann’s family has had season tickets to ‘Nova football and basketball for about 30 years. Needless to say, ‘Nova hoops is as much a priority as work and church.

So we packed up the car and drove to Motown to see the Cats. Sadly, VU was thumped by the eventual champion UNC Tar Heels. What a great season and a special event. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to attend.

I hope you all had an opportunity to watch our own basketball team this past season. What an incredible year for Coach Baucom and the VMI Keydets. I had the opportunity to see about half a dozen games this year. LA and I had company over on New Year’s Eve and we watched our team beat the Richmond Spiders in Cameron Hall on television. They led the nation in scoring for the third time in a row! I got a tremendous sense of pride when they played Radford for the Big South Championship and I was able to watch it in high definition broadcast on ESPN2. It was a disappointing loss as the winner would automatically advance to the NCAA tournament. I think athletic director Donnie White ’65 was hoping that we would get an NIT bid but no invitation was extended.

In April, Dan and I attended the annual Class Agents’ Conference. Dan is awfully busy with his duties as a husband, father of 2 little kids, partner at Booze Allen and US Army National Guardsman. When we spoke last, Dan was on his way to Little Rock, AR for National Guard training. Dan is getting ready for his deployment with the Nebraska National Guard in summer 2010.

Dan recently caught up with Stu Mallory via email. Stu reports that he is engaged to Meredith Brown from Atlanta, Georgia. He and Meredith met while serving on US Senator John Thune’s (SD) staff. According to Stu, he calls it a successful inter-office romance. Stu was promoted to associate in January and is neck deep in work.

He and Meredith plan to wed on October 24 of this year. Congrats Stu and Meredith!

Both Dan and I heard from Kurt Polk. He is living in NYC and weathering the financial storm at Rainer Funds. Kurt hangs out a lot with Ricky Blaylock, Steve Mills ’94 and George Mosby ’97. Kurt reports that Timothy Duane Miller and family stayed at his apartment during Easter while Kurt and his girlfriend Angie were ripping it up in Vegas (Baby Vegas)! According to Kurt, Rainer funds has a sabbatical

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policy so Kurt and Angie are going to travel to Europe this summer. Finally, Kurt reports while traveling on business he saw Brian Kellner in Chicago and Dave Fleck, Tim Miller and Jim Sharp ’93 on his most recent trip to Charlotte, and Lloyd Taliaferro and Jeremy Ingram on his visit to Norfolk, VA. I just got off the phone with Charlie Branch.

He’s doing well. He’s still plugging away at Merrill Lynch. He and his wife Erica have a 20-month-old son named Charlie and are still living in Greenwich, CT. He still gets to coach a bit, teaching young boys how to wrestle.

Charlie spoke with Damien Wilborne recently.

Damien and his family are stationed in Turkey and he is TDY to Bagdad. Charlie told me that he gets to catch up about once a month with Ante Sucic for beer or two. Charlie also said he ran into Rick Blaylock. Apparently Rick now works for Avon, which is in Rockefeller Center where Charlie’s office is also located. Charlie also reports that ghost rat John Koster works for Booze Allen, is living in New Jersey and has 3 kids. Wow! I told Charlie that Kurt Polk is working and living in NYC and that I would shoot Kurt’s contact information over to him.

Thom Brashears has assumed a new responsibility as our Keydet Club Class Representative.

Thom is responsible for keeping us informed of the latest developments and programs with which the Keydet Club is involved. The latest endeavor, which Thom has asked to relay to everyone, is The 75th Anniversary Challenge, celebrating 75 years of the Keydet Club. Currently, there are only 13 class members participating, including Thom. So, please go to the website www.vmialumni.org and give something back for a good cause. You can contact Thom for details via email at thomasbrashears@roadrunner. com. He’d love to hear from you. Thom is also the voice of VMI Football in Foster Stadium and Basketball in Cameron Hall.

Class of 1995: Alanah Jonelle Brashears was born on March 28, 2009, to Jill and Thom at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton, Virginia.

I exchanged text messages with Coach Marlin Ikenberry at the start of the baseball season.

The Keydets have had a disappointing season compared to the last four. That is to be expected when you lose three players to the majors.

He’s keeping a positive outlook on the team’s progression as there is a ton of talent on the VMI roster. Thank you Marlin and Thom for representing the class of 1995!

In the deployment news, Kurt Polk wrote to a few of us back in late March to say that Brad Moses was mentioned in a NY Times Op-Ed piece by David Brooks entitled, “Combat and Community.” I believe Brad is still serving as the Group S-3. Sean Burke also made the big print. An article in the Monday, March 30, 2009, edition of The Washington Times, made the following reference to Sean’s recent deployment to Afghanistan: “Special Agent Sean Burke, who received the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement for his role in response to a 2008 grenade attack at a hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, is the son of John Burke, a retired deputy assistant director.” Well done Sean. None of us are surprised by your humility, professionalism and valor. The article was about Legacy Agents within the FBI, titled “For some FBI agents, it’s all in the family. Family legacies a familiar sight at bureau.” Another VMI FBI legacy is Sean Boyle ’91. His father and grandfather were career FBI; his grandfather was a big player in the anti-mob efforts in Chicago for Edgar Hoover.

I received an email from William Christopher. He reports that he went from being single to being married with 3 kids in 2 years. The marriage was officiated by an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas! Benji Bird fired off a few pictures of his wife Amy’s promotion to major.

Ben and Amy are stationed in Korea. Apologies as this was inadvertently omitted from February’s notes. Derek and Heather Secrist had another baby. Sydney Elizabeth Secrist was born on November 5th. Apparently she is a big hit with her older brother. Congratulations Derek and Heather.

I received a great update from Joe Doyle.

He is still working and living in Roanoke. Joe reports that his daughter Morgan is nearly 4 years old and growing like a weed. According to Joe, Morgan loves to sing, as it must have been passed down from her dad for his time in the VMI Glee Club. Joe has been doing a little singing of his own as a member of the Virginia Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus in Roanoke.

They placed 16th at the Mid Atlantic District Competition in October 2008. Joe’s wife Stephanie was named Virginia Teacher of the Year for 2009! Joe and Stephanie were invited to Washington for the inauguration. They also were invited to a ceremony at the rose garden

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in April where Stephanie got to meet President Obama in the Oval Office! Finally, Stephanie founded a Non-Profit mentoring program for inner city girls called GROW (Girls Rising Onto Womanhood). Their goal is to help young women to make good choices and provide opportunities that they might not receive on their own. Joe explained that Stephanie was able to raise enough money to take the girls to Washington DC. None of the girls were really interested in going to college prior to their involvement with GROW, but now they are all pursuing a college career. They do monthly community service projects and confidence building sessions. Stephanie has footed most of the bill for GROW and she could use any assistance that anyone could make. If you are interested, please contact Joe. Joe closed out his email by saying he caught up with blast from the past Bill Eger. Joe writes that Bill is living in Chicago and doing well.

We sent out the end of the year letter. If you did not receive it, please call the alumni office at 800-444-1839 to update your home of record.

I know Dan sent an email in January about the Corps making us proud during the Inauguration.

About 90% of the email addresses bounced.

Please drop us an email so we have your correct address. You can also update your information in the VMI Ranks database.

Godspeed

’96

Rusty McGuire

What an exciting time right now and I am pleased to hear from so many BRs. Many wrote this time for the first time and I appreciate your involvement. Mike Obadal wrote for the first time and told me that his wife Christine (WP ’96) are still in Newport News and have 2 boys, Alexander and Christopher. He is still doing his thing in the Army. He recently attended Travis George’s wedding to a doctor and saw, Chris Antonelli, Shawn McFadden, Mike Waltz, Rick Mattosso and Josh Lewis.

Jim Zepko is finishing up his time as the Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Los Angeles. It is time for his family to head back to Virginia. Quantico for 1 year at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

He hopes to see some BRs or other VMI guys there. He knows Rich Pitchford ’95 USMC will be in school with me.

Susan and the kids are doing well. Kiera (6) is looking forward to going back to her birth state after 5 years in Southern California. Trevor (3) will get his first shot at some snow this winter.

2009-Issue 3

Susan is very much looking forward to the change of work hours from 6 days a week on recruiting to me being a student.

He is looking forward to being closer to his parents in northern VA and a chance to go visit the “I.” Last visit was the 5 year reunion. He was deployed to Iraq for the 10 year.

He told me that Larry Machabee is back in VA after moving from Dana Point California.

He, wife and 2 sons are doing well.

Christopher M. McCallum said that he and

Class of 1996: Brice Corrie and his ruck before the Bataan Memorial Death March through White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Corrie is wearing two memorial bracelets, one for Brother Rat Jamie Edge and one for Ryan Doltz ’01, both of whom were killed in Iraq. Below: Donnie Hasseltine and Brice Corrie.

Pete Ehlers were selected for Commander Command Afloat this spring. Pretty major step in a Surface Warfare Officer’s career path--to my knowledge, and they are the only two remaining Class of 96 guys still serving as SWOs. Two for two is pretty remarkable. It’ll still be a few years before they are in command and the Institute is heard from on the high seas.

Jim Flaherty said “Jake and I are going to Spain in June for a little vacation. Wachovia Securities is relocating to St. Louis in June and we are not following them, so we going on a little trip to celebrate her over 10 years of working there. She has done a very good job for them and I am really proud of her. She will take a little time off and then look for something else.

I am currently head of the litigation department at my firm’s Richmond office and have recently been promoted to head the back end operations at my firm. Essentially, I manage the people who handle our cases after they are filed. It is pretty cool, but a challenge to still manage my own case work and that of other attorneys.

I will be visiting Jeff Mozgala down in Hickory at the end of the month when he graduates from nursing school. His wife had their second daughter, Mia Bella, in February I believe. I recently spoke to Pete Ehlers, he is still down in Florida, but he screened for Command at Sea - I don’t know if I was supposed to leak the news but really proud of him too.

That is just awesome. I have informed him I want a ball cap when he assumes command. I ran in to John Adams at a bar lunch where Gen. Peay ’62 was speaking. It was a good speech, but I think it went over the heads of about ¾’s of the people there. I think they were expecting CLE credit and not a speech on radical Islam and an emerging threat from China. It was good to see John and he said he would try to get the Richmond area class breakfasts going again.

That is all for now.

John Ripley said “It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in, but things are pretty good down here in Florida. It was a rough winter with my dad passing away in October, but I have great memories of the man and thousands of lessons he taught me over the years to remember and pass on to my daughter, Lily. I was blown away by the number of BRs and VMI guys that reached out to me and my brother Tom to show support, and there were a lot of VMI guys from ’93, ’96 and other classes who came to Annapolis, MD for the funeral service. Obviously, we had a lot on our minds and I apologize sincerely to anyone whose name I leave off this list, but from my memory I saw from ’96: Ryan McCarthy, Buck Meier, Rusty Parrino, Matt Modarelli (who came from Germany just to be there), Ryan Olson, Mike Deegan, Mike Wilbourn,

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CLASS NOTES Matt Howell, Brady Crone, Craig Lutterbie, Wallace Inge and Sean McFadden, as well as Corky Oldfield ’93, Hans Sylvester ’93, Lou Petrillo ’93, Chris Doyle ’94, David Johnson ’95, David Benedick ’98 and Rollin Steele ’03. (Former Lacrosse Coach) Doug Bartlett was also there and many others … It was really great of all those guys to come and I appreciate all the emails and letters I got from other guys that wanted to be there but couldn’t. Considering how many of us have friends and family currently in harms way, I was really humbled to have all these folks show up to honor my father.

In more personal news, I am still running the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach (www. palmbeachpreservation.org), a great gig that has me working with historic preservation, new architecture, local politics, and some social / fundraising stuff that’s a lot of fun. Work is work and playtime is mostly with my daughter Lily, who turned 4 in February. She’s so much fun to be around, and we hit the beach as much as we can. I taught her how to swim last summer, and I’m already looking at the young surfer dudes like target profiles! I’m going to run the Marine Corps Marathon again this fall, and I’m going to try and run it every year as long as I’m able, so anyone else that’s thinking of doing it, let me know (I can use the help).

Whenever I feel like a tough guy for running the marathon, I remember that my brother Tom is training for an Ironman Triathlon (2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) this summer … He’s still crazy, as you can see. Best to everyone, and hopefully I’ll see you at a football game this fall.”

I heard from my old roommate Noppadon Kuljanyavivat who will soon be promoted to colonel working in Directorate of Intelligence, Royal Thai Army. Right now, he is still lieutenant colonel, and is chief of foreign liaison and training section, Foreign Liaison Division. He is also seeking experience in politics. He was seconded to the Deputy Prime Minister Office right before the riot situation in Bangkok.

There has been political turmoil in Bangkok when the red shirts destroyed the Asian Summit + 6 meeting, or in other term, East Asia Summit (EAS) on April 11.

Corrie Brice said “I am still out here at Fort Sill training some of the Army’s newest lieutenants. The biggest thing I did so far this year is participate in the 20th annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. There were about 5,400 people (military and civilian) who participated in the 26.2 mile marathon. My team placed 7th out of 34 military heavy teams (our rucks averaged about 45 pounds) with an official time of 7 hours 53 minutes. There were 3 living survivors of the actual Bataan Death March at the event.

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The most humbling site was the amputees from OIF/OEF who participated in some or all of the marathon. I ran into Donnie Hasseltine ’97 who was also participating. It was a great experience.

I heard from Randy Shyu who said “Sorry for not keeping in touch with the class, I’ll try my best to keep the class informed from now on.

I went to (ACSC) Air Command Staff College during June 2007 to June 2008, at the same time two of our BRs were there attending ACSC as well. They are Bryan Eberhardt and John Buchanan. It was amazing how 3 Computer Science guys end up at the same school again.

ACSC classes are divided into 4 divisions; guess what, we were even in the same division.

John and I had a chance to be in the same seminar, while Bryan was only a few doorways from us. We had a lot of fun and we all missed the good old days at VMI. After I graduated from ACSC, I returned to Taiwan, and began my teaching job at ACSC equivalent school at Taiwan. I was promoted to lieutenant colonel on the 1st of January. I will be transferred back my old flying job soon, and I am looking forward to that.”

Chris Noe said “All is well here with the Noes. We are still in Heidelberg, Germany, but we’re getting ready to move to Baumholder, Germany this summer. This will make 3 moves in 2 years. Ugh. I am going to be the support operations officer in the 47th FSB. Melissa and the kids are doing well. We’re heading to the Canary Islands in June for some much needed rest and relaxation.”

JJ Rivera said “We, my wife Laura and I, are expecting our first baby ... due around the beginning of July. I can’t wait. I am very excited. I’m just fixing up the kid’s room and getting as prepared as we can. I just spoke with John Pearce and he and his wife Ally, just had their first ...a son, born last week.

Tommy Danielsen just moved up to Boston from Fla. I am looking forward to a getting up there for a visit.

I’m not sure when the last time we spoke was, but I got off active duty in the summer of 2006 moved back to the Eastern side of PA (right outside Philly) and joined a Marine Reserve squadron of Hueys and Cobras out of Johnstown, Pa. I got picked up as the Lead Pilot by a program called ‘PennSTAR Flight.’

The PennSTAR flight program provides critical care air medical transportation within a 100-mile radius of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, in Philadelphia, Pa. PennSTAR provides rapid transport of critical care patients between medical centers, as well as “on-scene” services at the site of accidents and trauma-related incidents. It’s awesome man … The pay sucks, but the job is great and

I love going to work (most of the time).”

Brandon “Bull” Smith said “My wife Lynda and our daughter Tatom are currently in Newport, RI attending Navy CGSC. Hard life these Navy guys lead. Off by 1200 daily and usually only go to class four days out of the week. I did have to write my first paper since VMI. Not sure how that turned out, especially since my work at VMI may not have been a good base line to start with. Colin Boynton is also up here with his wife and kids. I think he leaves out this summer.

We arrived in Feb from Fort Benning, GA. in the snow so it was quite a change in environments. But the spring is here and looks like it will be a beautiful summer. Not sure where I am going next but we should find out JUL or AUG.” Mike Wilbourn said “As far as an update for the notes, I’m still teaching at Manassas Park High School, coaching wrestling and boy’s soccer. I recently caught up with Buck Meier, Mike Deegan, Matt Howell, as well as Tyler Chase and Chris Strock from ’97 at a Captials Hockey game. After the game Buck took us out at one of his favorite spots in DuPont Circle where we meet up with Brady Crone and some of his friends. Everyone had a great time sharing rat line stories and giving ol’ yells. Again, more things change, the more they stay the same. I just heard from David Hall 2 weeks ago, he and Vicky just brought their 3rd daughter into the world. Congrats to him. He is still coaching and teaching at Great Bridge.”

Russ Moore said “Courtney and I have two boys, Blake (7 - 1st grade) and Travis (5 - Kindergarten). They keep us hard at work between baseball, soccer, basketball and swim team (like their old man) but we have a blast doing it. I am still (yes still) with PricewaterhouseCoopers in the corporate accounting group in Richmond, VA. Courtney stays home and has picked up the tennis bug now that both boys are in school.

We spend most of our free time in the summer at our lake house (some may remember from a wild night right before ring figure) in Louisa.

Other than that, things are very well and we hope to see everyone soon.”

Doug Bartlet said “Only one new item to report - ran into Shane Sposito last month for a mini Room 308 reunion. Since leaving “The I” after 3rd class year, he’s been in and out of the Army, and has spent the last 8 years active; he’s currently a CW3 Chopper Pilot with several tours in Iraq at the stick of an OH-58. Other than that, it’s been fun signing up on Facebook and getting back in touch with so many BR’s. If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s worth it; if only to see the videos that Wahesh posts every so often.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’97

John Duckworth

Editor’s note: There were no notes submitted from the class of 1997 for this issue.

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

As we bear down on summer 2009, I hope that everyone is doing well & ready for the heat! General Patreaus has now delivered the 2009 Commencement Address in Lexington & July 4th plans are under way! I have heard from a number of you and am enjoying keeping up with you on Facebook! For those of you that are not aware, we have started a “VMI Class of 1998” Group on Facebook and I invite all of you to join us. Please continue to call, write and send pictures and news on your lives. I look forward to hearing from, seeing and updating our Brother Rats on each of your lives. For those of you that are deployed or in harms way, we wish you all the best and pray every day that you will stay safe and return home quickly. We miss you all! Lastly, if there is anything I or we as a Class can do for you or your family, please let me know & PLEASE continue to keep your contact information current on the VMI website at www.vmialumni.org, as that that will definitely continue to serve as our primary means of communication, and that’s the memo!

First of all, I would like to issue a retraction (my first and hopefully my last). In our last edition of the Notes I mentioned that Mark Redmond had been in touch and offered an update on him, well just to clarify that was supposed to be for Mark Redman who is in Dothan, Alabama, livin the dream! Anyway, I try very hard not to miss things like that but unfortunately I am only human. I am terribly sorry to Mark and to all of those that I confused.

Now, on to our new updates, I hear from Chris Buchness who couldn’t make the reunion due to the fact that he was in the hospital recovering from an appendix operation. He and his wife Jen are doing well & their two children Aiden & Paige are keeping them on their toes.

They recently moved from the Annapolis area to the Patuxent River area. Chris is still with BAE Systems, doing design work for the Navy, and waiting on the next deployment to fall out of the sky for the National Guard. Chris reported that he had heard from Brady Gallagher,

2009-Issue 3

who is at the CGSC for the Army and should finish up his tour soon. Next time I am up in MD, we will have to make a run to the Lone Star Steakhouse for a cold one!

I am sure by the time you read this you will have already heard, but stop the presses! Ernesto Sampson is running for office in the 69th district of the House of Delegates in Virginia!

Saturday May 9, 2009, Ernesto kicked off his campaign at O’Charley’s restaurant in Richmond. You should all check out his Facebook page and his website at www.sampsonfordelegate.com. Good luck Ernesto! Let us know how we can help buddy!

Speaking of the Richmond connection, I also heard from Todd Boykin who is doing well and is still working at a VMI filled Malcolm Pirnie (Civil Engineering firm) office and is busy raising Saddler Reese (he and Christina’s eldest) & Sara Grace (their youngest). Although I try not to miss a trip to RIR, I had to pull the chute for the May race but will be back for one of the next two for sure. I hope you guys are doing well and keep us posted!

Tyler Shelbert wrote in to announce that he will finish all of his course work this quarter as well as starting the research for his thesis. If all goes well he expects to graduate this June from the University of California Santa Barbara with a Master’s in Political Science. In July, Tyler will report to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, KS for about a year, during which time he will venture down to Tulsa for a reunion with your humble correspondent! Tyler also reported that he received a very brief e-mail from LCDR(SEL) Josh Brown about a month ago. He is the Chief Engineer aboard the USS Nitze (DDG 94) patroling somewhere in the Middle East. It was great to hear from you both and I look forward to seeing Tyler this summer.

And now for the Texas segment of our Notes!

I have been blessed to hear from Mr. Charles Houk who reports that things are going great down in TX! Chuck closed on a Honky Tonk called Southern Junction shortly after the reunion and is truly livin the Dream! Chuck reports that he and his lovely wife, Shyan, are also expecting their third son in June! That is awesome … Congratulations to the Houk’s … and “God Help Us!” Charles also reported that Ryan Landmann is up in South Dakota recovering from shoulder surgery in April, but will be back to flying B-1’s as soon as he is able. The Houk connection went on to say that he had heard from Dr. Mike Spinelli when he came through Dallas for a convention. Dr Spinelli is reportedly in residency now, but further details are lacking. We look forward to hearing more from Mike in the next edition.

Wait for it … oh ya, there is an update for the

one, the only, Michael T. Runyan who reports that all is well in Marshall Texas. Michael & Kim are expecting a little girl during the first part of October. This young Texas Belle will be their second child and will join Michael, Kim & Cade, their oldest, who is now 3 and ½. Although Cade is a Runyan and is reportedly disappointed he is not going to have a little brother, he has embraced this news and is engaged in the naming process.

In the vein of VMI Class of 1998 Renegade’s I received a report from Joey Bates who continues to man the lighthouse in Charlotte.

Joey stated that he has been traveling all over for work and reports that he and his lovely bride Tori, bought another house in January and moved again (yes this is beginning to be a pattern). They have rented their old house out and Joey is no doubt gouging some poor college student out of his noodle money! Anyway, the hopeless romantic that he is, Joey reported that he and Tori’s one year anniversary was a couple weeks ago & they are gearing up for several trips this summer. The most anticipated of which is a trip back to Puerto Rico’s mountains for a few days of R&R, Scuba Diving, etc.

Enjoy and keep us posted buddy! Joey also mentioned that Dale Paxton and his wife delivered a healthy baby boy named Cooper in April.

Congratulations Dale!

In an exciting turn of events I heard from Jonathan Brant, who wrote in to pass along that all is well up in Wyoming where he is working as a professor at the University of Wyoming. He and his wife are absorbing every moment with their baby daughter Olivia Brant who is now 4 months old. It is great to hear from you buddy and congratulations on all of the exciting news in your life. Keep us posted!

Ok … it’s time for a regular update from my crazy roommate Major Matt Baldwin. Matt finished the U.S. Multi Engine Qualification course at Ft. Rucker in April & is moving to Ft. Hood TX in June. Matt will deploy to Iraq in July to fly Army C-12s (Beechcraft King Air) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I look forward to getting a chance to see you in TX before you leave for the sandbox. Kristin (Matt’s lovely bride & better half), Emma, and Lilly will remain in Clarksville, TN at Ft. Campbell during Matt’s extended vacation in Iraq. Congratulations on finishing the course Matt and good luck with your deployment. We all look forward to your safe return.

There has been a reporting from Monk (Jason Mitchell), who wrote in to announce that he is moving to Spangdahlem, Germany this summer to take command of a maintenance squadron.

He said that the entire family is really looking forward to Europe and his new posting there.

Stay in touch while you are there Jason. We

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CLASS NOTES look forward to seeing you at the 15th Reunion!

In Navy news, I heard from LCDR Robert Heely who wrote in to confirm that he is currently sailing the pirate infested seas of the Middle East whose ship will return to San Diego later this summer and upon his return, Robert intends to move back to the east coast (hopefully in December). And as a secondary confirmation, while out here Robert noted that he operated in the same waters with Josh Brown who is the Chief Engineer on USS NITZE (DDG 94). Josh has reportedly now sailed for Norfolk for some “well deserved R&R.” Mike Lorence and I very much want to thank those of you who participated with our 10th Reunion Fundraising Campaign. Everyone who contributed and is working to honor those pledges deserves all of our sincere appreciation. Furthermore, those who served on that Fundraising Campaign deserve high praise for the efforts as we would never have achieved our goals as a class without their dedicated service.

Anyway, it is always great to hear from Mike Lorence, but this time the Lorence’s have big news: May 1st was Mike and Erica’s 10 year anniversary (Mike led the family in Old Yell’s) & the family had planned a cruise to Mexico but that was canceled due to the swine flu.

However, they are elated to announce that they are expecting their third child around Dec 12 at 11:42 & 36 seconds (according to Mike’s Op Order). Mike & Erica have 2 girls, Anna Grace who is now 5 & Bella Ward who is now 3 and everyone is telling them to expect a baby boy, but they will have that update for us next time around. In anticipation of this new arrival, last year, they moved into the house they built and are glad to be settled. Mike has started two more companies; a small business coaching practice and a real estate investment company that deals in wholesaling, short sales, and a host of other creative real estate acquisition and exit strategies. Congratulations Mike on all of your achievements! Take care and keep us updated on the happenings of your life!

Chris Dietrich’s report was brief but full of great updates, the first of which is that he and his family have relocated to Cypress, TX (Northwest Houston). But the big news is that they are expecting another child and appear to be due in November! I am beginning to think there was a lot of cold weather in March! As always it is great to hear from you Chris, & congratulations on your new addition! Chris is going to be up to Tulsa soon and I can’t wait to connect with him and his little brother Stefan Dietrich ’07 who will be at Vance AFB in Enid starting in August.

I also heard from our good buddy Travis Kurtz who is still in Oklahoma City just down the road from me. Kurtz missed our last Okla-

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homa Chapter event because he was hiking the WindRivers over New Market weekend, but we are set to get together soon to catch up!

I know this edition has been riddled with updates from the Lone Star State, but I got a great note from Tom Smith. Tom apologized profusely for missing the reunion in the fall and announced that his wife Andrea (from Michigan) and daughter Xoe are doing well. Tom did however manage to attend his father’s (Howard Lee Smith ’48B) 60th Reunion last spring & was subsequently indoctrinated as an honorary Brother Rat of the class of 1948B (TRAITOR).

Anyway, Tom is still with American Eagle Airlines based at DFW Airport in Irving Texas & he and his family are living in Tom’s hometown just outside the Metroplex in Marlin, TX. Amazingly enough Tom recently ran into Mike Lorence at DFW a few weeks ago and apparently Mike had the pleasure of riding on Tom’s flight to Jackson Mississippi (where he lives).

Tom reported that, “you just should have seen Mike’s face when he realized I was his pilot.”

Anyway, Tom & Andrea’s daughter Xoe Beatrix Smith was born in on 12/4/07 & they managed a brief excursion to the “Old Dominion” back in May for the marriage of Tom’s Uncle Dyke, Mark Lacy ’95. The wedding was in Waynesboro & Mark is apparently living in L.A. and has steady work there as an actor extraordinaire.

Tom also caught up with his Uncle Dykes Fred Werth ’95 & John Miller ’95 both of which are doing well. Tom did some reconnaissance during his trip and reports that Sam Houston’s birthplace is in good shape and we plan to meet there for our next Texas Club meeting!

Tom did report that he has kept in touch with Brad Vier who is still in Austin, married and just had his second child and of course Mr. Runyon back in Marshall Texas.

I also got a thorough update from Brian Pearson who mentioned that he has learned that his mother has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Therefore he is leaving the B-1 community and Dyess to go and work on a humanitarian assignment granted by the Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio so that Brian and his family be closer to her. This assignment will have him working in the Air Force Material Command Flight Safety Office.

Brian now has an MBA to accompany his bulletproof VMI engineering degree and is hoping they will let him “buy stuff” for the Air Force.

Brian explained that his family is excited about the move and the new job. The boys are now 6, 4, 2 & another boy due in July. I have attached a photo of Brian’s final B-1 flight where his family just finished a traditional wetting down.

It appears that the kids enjoyed soaking dad with the fire extinguishers. I know Brian & his family could use all of our thoughts and prayers

right now as they struggle with this diagnosis.

Congrats your new addition buddy & keep us updated on the joys of your relocation!

I got a note from Sebastian Jolly who announced he is still deployed to Iraq & working as a Border Transition Team Chief in the Basra Province. Sebastian is looking forward to a reunion with his wife and two kids who are moving to Hawaii in advance of his next assignment in the Aloha State. Sebastian looks to re-deploy in October. Look out Aloha Chapter of the VMIAA! These are some of my favorites. I got a real quick note from Lt. General Brendan Toolan who is now on his way back to Kandahar Afghanistan after 15 days of leave in Philadelphia.

He maintains that all is well in Afghanistan and things appear to be in only slightly better shape in Philly! Anyway, Brendan reports that he is working with the afghan army down south and looking forward to his return stateside.

Lastly, I must give a shout out to Dave Burns who is TRULY Livin the dream out in beautiful Las Vegas. I had the occasion to visit Vegas back in April with one of my rats and some friends. Regretfully, I only got to see Dave for a short time, but as you know, that’s all it takes. Anyway, it was a great trip and thanks for everything Dave!

I would like to congratulate each of you on the exciting news in your lives & thank you for writing in to share your news with our class.

If I have missed anyone’s update please send it again as I hope to have enough updates for our next edition to force Moody Hall to tell me I have to limit the size of our “Notes” … ’98, ’98, ’98! I hope that the next few months bring health and wealth into each of your homes.

Please keep in touch and let me know if you are ever passing through Tulsa in your travels (My door is always open).

’99

Brad Wineman

Greetings to all. I hope everyone is enjoying their spring. Just a short collection of class notes and updates for you this May. Ryan Thompson checked in from Afghanistan where he is deployed with his Richmond National Guard unit along with Maj. Chris Doss ’94, Capt. David Baber ’02, 1st Lt. Jesse Kopczynski ’07. He’s been in touch with John Wilcox in Kabul but been unable to meet up with him.

Barry Williams his heading out to Afghanistan shortly but says he was lucky to visit Virginia a few times before leaving, including a stop by VMI. Woody Cromley

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES is still in company command in the Reserve in his Albuquerque, New Mexico, unit and is taking in some schooling at Fort Lee for a few months. Court Whitman is back stateside at Fort Bragg where he and Tara just gave birth to their first child Charlotte. Court also had a visit with Ben Kincaid earlier in the year and says he is doing well.

Tracking everyone in Afghanistan is new Fox News reporter Conor Powell who is working as a correspondent there. He has succeeded where Ryan Thompson has failed by meeting up with John Wilcox who has just been promoted to major.

Charles Faulkner is finishing up a course down at Hurlburt Field, FL, with the Air Force. He is still working for USNORTHCOM and NORAD at the Pentagon and meets with Bill Steinbach, Dale Durlach and Jason Trubenbach have been having weekly Pentagon lunches.

On the Marine side, Chris McGuire has left 4th Marines and heading back to Iraq this summer as part of a transition team. He and Marlena are also expecting their second child.

Out in the civilian world, I got a nice note from Greg Bryant. He is in Richmond as an IT manager and he and wife Cheryl just welcomed a daughter Brooke Olivia into the world in April. Also in baby news Mike Polhamus and wife Jamie gave birth to their first child, Madelyn Kime, in March and all are home comfortably outside of Rochester, NY. Also heard from Wes Barrow in Richmond.

Got this update: I’m still with Ernst & Young as a Mid Atlantic College Recruiter. My IT consulting business (GIGLINE) is still running. I have been coaching my son’s soccer team in the fall. It is a 4-5 age co-ed team. One of my player’s fathers is Kent Doane ’89.

Still find some free time to play golf with Brother Rats and baseball teammates such as Brannon Howle and Patrick Abelon. He is working at Suntrust in Richmond and doing quite well. I also ran into Brother Rat and baseball teammate Hank Morgan a few months ago in Hampton, VA, and we had a few bourbons. Pat and Hank left after our 3rd class year but we reconnected recently.

I ran into Stan Midy on a trip to Baltimore.

Had beers and shrimp at Mama Schucks! Marshall Luck has taken on a new role as project manager for a construction firm in Williamsburg, VA. He talks to Mason Ayers quite a bit.

And last but most importantly, I recently found out that my Brother Rat & VMI Baseball Teammate Danny Hughes passed away on Dec. 31, 2002. I had a great conversation with his father and he was real appreciative of Danny’s time at VMI. The VMI Richmond baseball guys Dan Smith ’98, Travis Pow-

2009-Issue 3

roznik, W.G. Smith ’97, Brannon Howle, Pat Abelon, Hank Morgan and I will be getting together and sending Danny’s father his #22 jersey.

Ian Bobbitt checked in with me from Lexington. Sadly, it’s the same named town in the Citadel state. He is working on his MBA at the University of South Carolina and reports that he ran into Grant Eddy at the Crawfish Festival in Columbia.

Andy Kratt sent me a full update as he has just taken a new position as the maintenance manager at the Yorktown plant for Dominion power. He and the family are excited about the new opportunity as they are relocating to Williamsburg here this summer.

I apologize the notes are so short. I heard from only these few people. I hope everyone has a great summer. Looking forward to everyone coming out for the big weekend in October.

’00

the beans on him in this forum. When you all stop by to help Christen in his new house try to convince him to share the road map. Don reports that a crew of our BRs is planning an

Class of 2000

Christian Arllen

Luis Gonzalez completed his last tour with the Army several years back and married Allison. Their son Blake was born in September and Mike and Merissa Mule are godparents.

The Gonzalezes reside near the Fort Irwin National Training Center (NTC) where Gonzo is supporting the Exportable Training Capability “ETC”. Currently it is Luis’s turn to keep track of Brent Harrington who is working in Texas and John Wilson who separated from the Navy and is now living in Arlington, Texas. John is working as a transition recruiter for a tech company. Luis and Oscar Miller ’93 are keeping folks on their toes at NTC and try to keep each other sane. While Luis and Allison were living in northern California they linked up with Delton Lowery ’01 and his wife.

The Justin and Jackie Wood are doing well in Nashville. They moved to the Brentwood suburb of Nashville this past December and Jackie graduated from Vanderbilt University in early May with her Masters degree. Their daughter Jordan turned two years old a few months ago and I have a new appreciation for that now that I have an eight month old daughter.

Don O’Sullivan is working with Symantec in NYC working in their SAAS division as an Enterprise Account Manager for the Southeast and South-central of the US. “I will hopefully have a new house by the time this gets to print so anyone is welcome to visit once I close on it!” He has quite a plan mapped out for the next few stages of life, but I won’t spill

Photos from top: - John Ferguson with 9-month-old twins Sophie, left, and Dean at home prior to their move to Texas.

- Chris and Bahar Lowrance in Leesburg, Virginia, at his graduation and farewell party on May 15, 2009.

- At Chris Lowrance’s graduation/ New Market Day/farewell party on May 15, 2009, were, from left, Shawn Segreti, Matt McComas, Ben Inyama, Christian Arllen and Lowrance.

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CLASS NOTES informal mini reunion this fall at the “I” and that Jeremy Berry will be going to William & Mary for a master’s in accounting.

Tony Esteve checked in and I expect to see him on Tuesday at the Potomac River Chapter event where Gen. Peay ’62 is speaking.

Lee Nelson will be in the area on business and is also planning to attend. Tony is still working for Truland on health-care projects in northern VA. As previously reported, his fiance Caroline has consented to marriage.

The news is that she hasn’t changed her mind and the plans for the ceremony are progressing smoothly.

John and Molly Ferguson will bid farewell to South Dakota in August and move to Dyess AFB, TX where John will become an instructor at the B-1 FTU. Their twins Sophi and Dean have been working on their poses (photos are included).

Tony Cerella recently finished his Iraqi MiTT assignment and returned to the states.

He will spend the next 20 months with Bethany and kids in Colorado earning a degree from the Colorado School of Mines. We are glad to have you back in the States!

B.J. Arvin checked in and he is finishing up his first year teaching. He is one of those guys that absolutely loves his job and gets a summer break. In spite of his best efforts to join the ranks of the unemployed Donovan, his school, asked him to return again next year and take on the rolls of Varsity Track Coach, Boys JV Basketball Coach and Junior High Softball Coach.

Matthew Martin is deploying aboard the USS Bataan (LHD-5) as the Mini-Boss for the air department. They will deploy shortly for several months. This will be his forth cruise in the last 6 years. We appreciate the sacrifice you and your family are making. Matt and Wendy just celebrated their daughter Allison’s 1st birthday. It sounds like Matt will pin on Lieutenant Commander boards in the next few months, congrats Matt!

We have one more promotion to celebrate: Chris Lowrance is about to swap his Captain’s bars for the bronze oak leaves of a Major.

Chris, Bahar, and Keon are moving to New York at the end of the May where he will teach Digital Logic at West Point. Chris will graduate with a MS in Electrical Engineering from George Washington tomorrow. Shawn Segreti, Ben Inyama, Matt McComas and I toasted Chris at this going away party tonight and wish them well.

We are planning a trip to the Nov. football game at the Point and hope to see a bunch of you there.

Safe travels and I hope to see you at the reunion next year, Christian

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’01

Jason Whitaker

Greetings from NOVA. The past few months have been very busy for Dawn and me. Nevertheless, we found some time to get away in mid April for an eleven-night cruise to the Panama Canal on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas.

We had a great time, ate great food and saw some wonderful places not to mention just enjoying the atmosphere cruising around the Caribbean Sea under the warm sun. This truly is a small world because while on the cruise we bumped into Jim Burket ’02 who is the ship’s head security officer. Jon and I had a few beers together and shared some VMI stories. Jon even provided us with our own tour of the ship’s bridge, engine control room, crew quarters area and the security room. Jon runs a tight ship, pardon the pun, but he really did a good job overseeing the security of a few thousand people during this entire cruise.

Our class continues to serve our Nation gallantly and I applaud all of you who do so and everyone for your support to our brave men and women in combat and the civilian service.

On the home front, our class continues to grow as many had children over the past several months and I am happy to report on the births in this submission. Also I wish to extend my congratulations to everyone who got married or engaged as well.

Enough of my words, let’s hear what you all had to say!

Elijah Ward returned from his third tour in Iraq as the Fire Support Officer for 1-502nd Infantry Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division after 14 months in northwest Baghdad. On 3 March 2009, he took command of Bravo Company, 1-320th Field Artillery, which is a 105mm battery in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division. Elijah said it is a great organization and he was prepping to start platoon live fires in May. On 13 June 2009, Elijah will be marrying Ms. Jennifer (Jenn) Ryan in Jackson Memorial Hall. Jenn and Elijah have known each other for three and a half years and met at church in Clarksville, TN. Charlie Benbow sent me the following update. ”I graduated from the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning this past February - I was there with Will Lyles ‘02, Josh Powers ‘04 and Ben Melton ‘05. I also saw Jim McKnight, W&L ‘00, who was one of the instructors. Despite assurances from my monitor (equivalent to a branch manager for those that habla Army) that I should be able to get orders to Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps sent me

back to Camp Lejeune after school. My wife and I are living on North Topsail Beach while we wait for our house in Holly Ridge to be completed. I originally thought I was going to take command of a weapons company and deploy to Afghanistan, but once again the Marine Corps had other ideas, and I am going to Iraq instead as the S-3 advisor to an Iraqi brigade.

In about a month, I will buy my second house through Steve Skakandy down here in North Carolina (I used him as my real estate agent when I bought my first house in 2005). Steve’s real estate business seems to be doing well despite the current economic status, as the market around Camp Lejeune has done pretty well. I also stopped in to see our old Hotel Company XO, Jon Hamilton ’98, who is a battalion operations officer down here. He just got promoted to major, and was selected as the 2008 recipient of the Lt. Col. William G. Leftwich Jr. Trophy for Outstanding Leadership. The Leftwich trophy is given to the best company commander in the Marine Corps for a given year. It was all of the leadership experience he gained crushing our n*** on the 4th Stoop that helped him win the trophy, if you ask me.” Charlie pardon me for the asterisks I inserted in the last sentence but I’ll leave it to everyone’s’ imagination as to the actual word you used to describe the enjoyment we Hotel Company rats had with Jon as our Company Executive Officer.

Kenny Carmichael and his wife Tanisha had a gorgeous baby girl, Maliah on 24 November 2008 while Kenny was deployed to Forward Operating Base Loyalty Iraq in support of our Nation’s mission in Iraq. The Carmichael’s recently received orders to PCS to Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia where Kenny will be a Branch Chief in the Air Combat Command – ISR Platforms Division. Kenny will be stationed there and working with Charles Ransom. Kenny and Tanisha also have a two year old son named Elijah. Todd Anthony and his wife Mandy had a baby girl named Schuyler on 7 March 2009 in Hartford, CT. Schuyler was a healthy baby, weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz. and was 18 inches long at birth and Todd was happy to report that she and mom were doing well. Chris Simpson and his wife Kacie welcomed their newborn son, Conner James on 8 May 2009.

Connor was a healthy baby weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long. Jake Williams and his wife Kathleen welcomed Sean Sebastian on 18 February 2009. Sean weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. Jake said all are at home and doing well.

Melissa Williams and Kelly Sullivan attended the VMI alumni cruise on the Royal Clipper down through the Windward Islands and Melissa described it as an amazing experience with the opportunity to connect with other alumni.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Melissa believed they were the youngest alumni on the boat but felt certainly kept folks entertained. During the cruise they dove off waterfalls, rode down zip lines in the jungle, hiked through the rain forest, and snorkeled almost daily. Melissa said there certainly were a few rat line stories exchanged and a few drinks had. Melissa felt it was the best vacation she’s ever been on and believed they’re talking about another cruise to the Mediterranean in 2010. Melissa suggested for more Class of 2001 representation on that one. Melissa is still doing the doctor thing in rural Maine. Melissa happily reported that Melissa Graham got married to Michael Adamski (Melissa commented “a West Pointer – gasp!) on 21 March 2009 and they’re living in Northern Virginia and doing quite well. Melissa also happily reported that Tennille Chisholm is marrying a nice young man named Robert Barnabi II in September 2009 in Virginia.

Greg Martin got engaged to Caren Gandolfi in January and they will be getting married on 15 August 2009 in Charlotte, NC. Dave Russell is working in for KBR in Houston. Right now Dave is in Okpo, South Korea on assignment for an offshore project.

Adam Stanley-Smith is in Paris working on an MBA at HEC. After two years in Albu-

querque, John Niederhaus is moving back to Madison, WI to live with his wife who is there finishing her residency. Eric Gannon will be coming over from Phoenix to help John make the move. In Madison, John will be telecommuting to his job in New Mexico when he’s “not shoveling snow or grilling brauts.” John stated Eric is also moving this summer. Eric’s wife will finish her residency in June and join a practice in the Nashville area in August, after their celebratory European cruise. Lastly, Parker Reeves asked that if anyone has heard anything at all about Paul Dart please let us know. Paul, DS-9000 needs you bro, give us a shout.

Thanks for sending me your submissions. If you have any comments, suggestions, criticism, etc. please let me know. Slowly but surely I am starting to hear more from classmates we have not heard much from since graduation. It is good to touch base with everyone and I hope I can continue to meet your expectations as class agent. As always please continue to spread the word to all classmates you are in contact with to send me updates or just a hello with their e-mail address so I can keep everyone updated on the class and the mother “I”. God bless all of our Armed Forces, our country and God bless you!

Brother Rat Whitaker, JM

1

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Review finds you and yours well. Summertime is finally here! I received a number of questions from BRs about the timeline for publication of the Review, and wanted to let you know that the class agents submit our notes a period of time prior to the actual publication and distribution of the Review. As such, when I hear from you regarding your updates, I will be letting you know in which edition you can expect to see your notes. I have really enjoyed receiving updates from many ’02 BRs and appreciate the time many of you have taken to drop me a line.

For those of you who have not sent in notes in awhile, please feel free to let me know how you’ve been doing, send me your pictures, and I will be more than happy to include them in upcoming editions of the Alumni Review.

Sam and Lesley Carney recently celebrated the birth of their first son, Samuel Edward Lesley write, “He has blonde hair, little cherub lips and the chubbiest cheeks you’ve ever

2

Class of 2001 3 5 4

Photo 1: Sean Sebastian Williams was born on Feb. 18, 2009, to Kathleen and Jake. Photo 2: Todd Anthony and his daughter, Schuyler, born on March 7, 2009. Photo 3: Chris Simpson, his wife, Kacie, and their son, Connor James, who was born on May 8, 2009.

2009-Issue 3

Photo 4: Jason Whitaker and Jim Burket ’02 on the bridge of the Jewel of the Seas in the Caribbean Sea. Photo 5: Elijah and Maliah Carmichael, son and daughter, respectively, of Tanisha and Kenny.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 2002: J.C. Villar, his wife, Michelle, and J.C.’s police dog, Zeus, at J.C. and Zeus’ K-9 police graduation. seen!” Little Samuel weighed 9lbs 5oz and was 21.2 inches long and is very healthy and happy.

Lesley also said that “Samuel is an absolute joy and truly our love for him is beyond words.”

Congratulations to the Carney family!

Juan Carlos “JC” Villar called me recently to let me know that he and his wife Michelle are expecting their first baby. Due date is around 11/02. An early congratulations are in order for JC and Michelle! JC was also recently promoted to K-9 officer for the Miami Gardens Police Department. JC was happy to note that “everything is blessedly going well. We live in Boca Raton in a nice little house with everything going great. I miss the “I” and need to make a trip back to visit, especially with my wife.

JC also let me know that Henry Papiano is doing well. Henry and his wife have two children, and they are doing great. Henry is staying busy helping to run the family business.

Some of you may recall that CPT. Steve Ward had been injured while serving our country abroad awhile back. He has recovered completely, and I recently came across the following article which included a note that Steve was recently awarded the Brown Star with Valor. While I’m sure Steve would want this to remain on the “down low,” I think it is an excellent example of his courage, persistence, and leadership, among other qualities, that truly reflect what it means to be an Institute graduate.

The “I” was certainly heard from that day!

On 2 November 2007, Civil Affairs Team 745 was conducting a Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) with elements of the 3rd Special Forces Group in the village of SARSINA, Oruzgon Province, Afghanistan, when an insurgent force numbering over 300 combatants attacked

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the Afghan and US Army forces. During the and ran alongside the other vehicle loaded down initial engagement, SFC Walls, an Embedded with casualties and equipment until the element Tactical Trainer (ETT) was killed. broke contact with the enemy. Civil Affairs Team Members of SFODA 3212 were able to secure 745’s courageous performance allowed for the and move him to a position behind a building in evacuation of all personnel, prevented further the middle of the engagement area. As the engage- casualties, and saved the lives of the personnel ment continued, this position was in danger of on this patrol. being overrun by enemy insurgents. In order to I want to take this note to personally thank all prevent those individuals from being overrun and of our Brother Rats and VMI men and women to recover US and Afghan casualties, Civil Affairs serving stateside and abroad protecting our Team 745 Team Leader, CPT Ward, ordered his freedom. vehicle to move from a covered position to the That’s it for the notes for this edition. Like I position of those pinned down by fire. In the face mentioned earlier, please feel free to contact me of heavy enemy fire, SSG Alcazar maneuvered with information about you and yours to keep their vehicle towards this location at a high rate of speed. Approximately ten meters away from the position, 745’s vehicle became disabled when it struck a concealed enemy fighting position. The violent collision resulted in SSG Alcazar sustaining lacerations to his leg and CPT Ward sustaining a concussion, both were temporarily rendered unconscious. Despite these injuries, both men quickly reengaged insurgent forces. From the turret of the disabled vehicle, and without regard for his own safety, SFC Kimmey continued to engage insurgent forces, which enabled his Class of 2002: Photo, above: Capt. Steve fellow teammates to fight to the poWard, top left, and his team, Sergeants First sition where Afghan and American Class Kimmey, top right, Alcazar, lower left, and forces where pinned down. Under Hall, were recently awarded multiple medals a heavy volume of fire, CPT Ward for commendable service during a mission in and SSG Alcazar immediately Afghanistan. Below: Capt. Steve Ward received began to move the causalities to the Bronze Star with Valor during a ceremony another vehicle, which had arrived on Sept. 25, 2008. to evacuate the personnel. Despite unrelenting enemy small arms, machine gun, and RPG fire that continually impacted the disabled vehicle during the evacuation, SFC Kimmey remained on the vehicle laying down covering fire, drawing enemy fire, and engaging enemy forces. During their movement from the engagement area, Civil Affairs Team 745’s vehicle, while being towed, became permanently disabled in a wadi. CPT Ward and SSG Alcazar immediately began to recover sensitive equipment, while SFC Kimmey continued to provide covering fire. Once all equipment was recovered, SFC Kimmey ensured that all personnel had taken cover and then disabled his weapon so it could not be used by advancing enemy forces. The Team abandoned their vehicle

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES your Brother Rats in the loop and keep the VMI family strong! Don’t forget, our ten year Reunion is getting closer! 02! 02! 02! ~ Salmaan

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

Happy spring, Brother Rats! I hope all of you are doing well and are finding time to enjoy the warmer weather. I, for one, have been taking every opportunity to get out the door and hit the running trails, sandwiched between family time, wedding planning, and work. Angee and I have been quite busy in the midst of our wedding preparations, and are counting down until the big day in late September. Also, below this quarter’s ’03 notes, I’ve included a brief letter from Bill Talley to the entire class. Enjoy!

I received an Alpha Company update from Mark Carr. For those of you who didn’t know, the big news is that Rich Eytel got married to Kristen King. From Mark, myself, and the rest of the class, welcome to the family Kristen!

Groomsmen at Rich’s wedding included Will Belmont, Lars Wagner, and Mark Carr. According to Mark there were two large surprises from that weekend: Rich finding someone to marry and Craig Blackwood making an appearance with his lovely girlfriend, Katie Stephens.

A couple weekends ago, Mark had a chance to catch up again with Lars, Belmont, Sara Belmont (Will’s wife), and Hayden Belmont (their daughter). Hayden is getting big, and I’m told she is a classic Belmont! Lara Tyler and Stuart Chambers are living in Richmond, VA. Tyler is still running her business, Tyler LLC, and specializes in construction and land development management. Mark says she is still running marathons and she plans to do her first triathlon (The XTERRA in Richmond) this June. From one endurance athlete to another, good luck Lara! Mark says that Marc Motyleski is over in Africa, hanging out in Djibouti.

Mark heard from Aaron Fegley who is living in Hawaii and stationed at Ft. Shafter. Congratulations to him and his wife on their new addition, Camden Reese, born March 11. Mark also spoke with Bryan Andrew and he is doing well in Richmond.

Bill Talley sent me the news from Bravo company. Bill was quite happy to finally have a company distribution list set up, and as far as he could tell, he was only missing about seven people’s addresses, to include the following:

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Josh Bandy, Jan Wierzbicki, Drew Marsh, Rachael Forrest, Seth Ostlund, Steven Johnson & Danny Goldberg. If anyone has their contact info, please pass it to Bill or myself.

Bill will be sending out emails about every other month for updates and to pass on news.

Bill reports that Pierre Ngankeu is living up in Connecticut and working in the design of glass container forming machines. He says things are going well and he will be attending UConn in the fall to start work on his Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering. Chaz Wagner reports that he is still up in NOVA and is stock piling ammunition for the New World Order, along with shooting competitively and being a kickball all-star. Matt Bartles is currently stationed in Naples, Italy as a maritime planner and will be deploying to Afghanistan later this summer where he will be the Joint Virtual Battlespace Deputy. Bartles admits that even he does not know what that means. Congratulations are in order for Rick Reid and his wife Marla, who are expecting their first child to be born this October. Also in baby news, Bill would like to announce that he and Amie-Anne are expecting baby number 2 in late August, just in time for football season. Savannah, who will be 5 in September, has already made it clear that Bill and Amie-Anne can bring the baby with them so that the Talley family won’t miss any games!

Matt McQueen gave me the low-down on Echo Company. Matt says that Patrick Botlero moved out of New York City to Stockholm, Sweden about a year and a half ago. Since then, he’s been busy establishing himself there and

Class of 2002: Matt McQueen is Travelocity’s newest Traveling Gnome, in the Netherlands,” says Class Agent Phil Kerns who submitted this photo.

building contacts, all while trying to learn the language. In due time and after he gets things into place, he plans to offer local representation for US companies doing business in Sweden.

Above all, Patrick says that life has been good and he’s much happier in Stockholm than NYC (he hinted that a nice young lady might have something to do with that!). Nick Foster reported that he was currently deployed to Afghanistan for the summer/fall. At press time, Nick was still stationed in North Carolina, but may be moving to who-knows-where this late fall/winter when he gets back from deployment.

John Bocek told Matt that the biggest thing going on in his life is that he runs an Ultra Marathon every month. These events include non-stop running races on the Appalachian trail and can range from 50 miles to 100 miles (his longest thus far) nonstop. Of course, in his off-time he spends his days working as a Financial Advisor in Virginia. In more baby news, congratulations are in order for Kennon Kincaid and his wife Sarah on the birth of their son: Calder Watkins Kincaid, born 20 April 2009 and weighing in at 7lb 1oz. The entire family (Sarah, Calder, and Kennon) will return to Nigeria as soon as possible. The little man’s healthy and is a ton of fun. Matt also informed me that Chris Adams is engaged and planning on a July 2009 wedding - congrats Chris!

Rob McLean passed along a few noteworthy items for Hotel Company this edition. Since his last report, Allen Maxey has deployed to Afghanistan and is a battalion surgeon with the 25th ID in Khowst. He’s been providing medical care to the soldiers, contractors and locals on and around FOB Salerno. Ben Booth has recently been working with the Mack Trucks integration team and has been tasked with moving the company’s world headquarters to Greensboro, NC. Ben was also recently appointed to the role of President of the VMI Club of the Triad area, and his younger brother Johnathan will be matriculating at VMI with the Class of 2013. For Ben’s recent accolades, he has received this edition’s Hotel Employee of the Quarter Award. Congratulations, Ben! Ben and his wife Jessica still live in WinstonSalem, NC. Rob also said that Daren Williams is putting together a big tailgate party for one of the football games this fall. Stay tuned for details.

Jared Swanson gave me the current goingson for our Band Company BRs. Mihaela Froehlich moved with family in-tow to Heidelberg, Germany after finishing her PhD in Math at Duke, and is expecting baby #2 in August. She is taking a break from the working world after spending her life in school. Congratulations from the class of ’03, Mihaela! The word on the street is that John

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CLASS NOTES Noonan is now an ICBM weapons instructheir contribution goes. This will allow all of us Timothy Johnson tor, meaning he teaches people how to sit to contribute back to VMI in a private manner underground and watch DVDs. Just keep him at our own convenience. Further details will folaway from those red launch buttons! Jordan low in email format.

Fox volunteered for duty in Afghanistan, and Speaking of email, please make sure that your William Ray is at Ft. Dix for combat training until August. company representative for class notes has your Congratulations and best wishes are in order correct email address. This is the primary way for Dave Burdette, who married Blair Coin that we are getting information out to you all on April 25th in Boca Grande, Florida. Steve and if we don’t have it or don’t have one that you check, then we can’t get the information Nakazawa, who attended Dave’s wedding, Brother Rats, As I write this set of notes, it’s to you. is playing kickball with Marco Midence, mid May and it’s hard to believe we’re almost Finally, I hope everyone has a great summer Chaz Wagner, Chris Mision, Sungmin Kim half-way through 2009 and even closer to headand as things happen or you see people please and Marc Motyleski in the DC area. As a ing back to VMI for our 5-Year Reunion. I hope send me or your company reps emails and picveteran of the DC kickball league, I imagine the first half of 2009 has been good to you and tures about it so that we can get it in the Review. that you are finding success and enjoyment in there is more off-field imbibing than on-field In the Bonds … Bill kicking! Keep the spirit alive guys! Steve is your daily work and endeavors. The spring time passing on the invite for any DCkept me fairly busy with work and area BRs who would like to join I had a few opportunities to hang the team next season. out with a few of the Brother Rats That’s all the updates I have for the as well as a trip up to the Mother I class of ’03 at this time. For all our for the Annual Spring Class Agents BRs serving in conflict zones and Conference. bases overseas, I speak on behalf of Over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, our class when I say “thank you”.

I made a trip down to Charleston For everyone, stay safe and I hope and Savannah where I met up with to hear from you next quarter. Rah Ian Dunlap and Ben Melton on Va Mil! Phil Kerns Friday night. After some catching P.S. - And now, without further up, we had a night out in Charlesadieu, here is a brief message ton that involved some adult Class of 2003: Dave Burdette was married in Boca from our fearless Class Agent, Mr. beverages and some interesting Grande, Florida, on April 25, 2009. At the rehearsal dinner William Talley V for an important decisions that left us with some were, from left, Casey Jones ’06, Jessica Schmaus ’04, post-reunion update: Brother Rats, incredible stories that we’re still A.J. Schmaus, Dave Burdette and Steve Nakazawa.

I apologize in the delay in getting trying to piece together. After this out however wanted to let making sure everyone was in one everyone know that we had enough funds left piece and did not have any outstanding arrest Ryan Shealy over from our reunion last October to contribute warrants from the night before, we headed $250 towards getting a brick in front of Bardown to Savannah for the St. Patrick’s Day racks in honor of BR Barrett F. McIlhenny. party of St. Patrick’s Day parties where we For those of you who were not at the reunion, met up with Ryan Murphy and his girlfriend the class decided to contribute a portion of the Rachel, as well as Duke Acors, Rich Litwin, C. Justin Roberts funds leftover from the reunion towards this and Will DeShazor and his girlfriend, Ashley. project. As many of you know, alumni who conSavannah put on a show as there were people tribute $2,500 (or have that amount donated in dressed in green and celebrating as far as you their name) receive a brick inscribed with their could see. The night itself involved some name in the respective class’ section in front of interesting side excursions and bar stops Old Barracks. This is just a start towards the end with the highlight being our very own Will goal, however I have no doubt based on talking DeShazor passing on the Orders of the Day Brother Rats, I hope this Review finds you with you all that we will easily meet this goal. well. It seems that we must have all been pretty to the inhabitants of River Street and then If you would like to contribute money towards busy as the deadline for notes approached, we ordering them to pass in Review. It was a Barrett’s brick, you can send a check to the only had a couple of updates. We will include sight to take in…and for your sake, we have VMI Foundation, attention Pat Webb, and made those in the next edition. Those notes are due pictures. If you’ve never been to Savannah payable to “Class 2003 Reunion Fund – Brick in August, so please make sure that you e-mail for St. Patrick’s Day, I highly encourage for Barrett McIlhenny”. Any amount of money Ryan or myself. you to make the trip at least once before you contributed that is in excess of the $2,500 will die – I guaranteed you’ll have a great time.

As you may know, our fifth reunion is coming stay in the Class of 2003 reunion fund for use upon us quickly and we are trying to firm up the A quick update on the guys: Ian Dunlap at the discretion of the class. officially joined MARSOC on May 1st and final plans for the reunion. I have received sevIn other VMI giving related news, be on the eral inquiries from a number of you, so it looks recently purchased a condo in Surf City, lookout as our class will soon have its own like we will have a good number of us back in North Carolina. Ben Melton moved to Fort website for individuals that wish to donate Lexington that weekend. I am looking forward Bragg, North Carolina to start SFQC with to VMI. This website will allow a person to to seeing you all in Lexington in October. the Army. Ryan Murphy had been stationed specifically designate, if desired, exactly where In the Spirit, Justin and Ryan at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Georgia, but

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’04

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CLASS NOTES has been transferred back to Fort Rucker for the Aviation Captains Career Course where he will remain until October 2009. After the course, he will most likely be sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Not much is different for Duke Acors and Will DeShazor as they are still living in the Charleston area and Rich Litwin continues to work and reside in the Charlotte area.

In late April, I met up with Jason Downs, who returned from a 7 month MEU at the end of March, to head to the Gold Cup races in Big Meadows, Virginia. I had heard quite a bit about the races previously but had never attended them. At the races we ran into Brother Rats John Rerucha, Sushil Macchi, and Andy Stribling. At the time, John was getting ready to move from Fort Stewart to Fort Huachuca for the Intelligence Captains Career Course and would most likely head to Fort Bragg following the completion of the course. Sushil is working and living in the Maryland/D.C. area and hangs out with Jarred Drown quite a bit. Andy continues to live in the Warrenton area and is enjoying life. I have been to several horse races in Virginia, but the Gold Cup was one of the best ones I have been to and Jason and I are looking into having a VMI group sponsor a tent at future event if anyone would like to come.

Among other people to check-in for the class notes, Alex Boykin is currently on a deployment to Iraq but should be back stateside by the time the notes are published. In mid October,

his unit should be on another deployment to the Iraq theater. After Air Force Intelligence School, Jason Reinitz went to Korea for a year.

He met up with Derek Rankin in Japan before getting PCS’ed to Hurlburt Field, Florida. He deployed last year to Iraq, where he ran into Sean Matson. He has since returned from his deployment and still stationed in Florida.

Sean Matson returned from his deployment in mid-March and did not have much time to relax as Casey gave birth to 8lb., 8 oz., Shelby Lynn Matson on March 31, 2009. Casey and Shelby are doing fine, and, needless to say, Sean is a very proud papa.

Chris Muller is still working at Fort Campbell, KY, with the 101st Airborne Division and just bought a house in Clarksville, Tennessee.

He will be leaving soon on a second deployment with the 3rd Ranger Battalion to Afghanistan for a few months. He ran into Phil Sauls, Evan Roddenberry ’08, Aaron Childers and Danny Fields while doing some training at Fort Benning, Georgian. Phil, Aaron, and Danny are all going through the Infantry Captain’s Career Course and Evan, Phil’s rat, just graduated IOBC and is expected to go to Ranger school in June. Phil Sauls’ father sends word that Phil was married on May 21, 2005. He and his wife, Danielle, went to Fort Benning, Georgia where he completed IOBC. After IOBC, he completed Ranger school and earned his Ranger tab. Phil and Danielle PCS’ed to Italy in July of 2006 where he joined the 173rd Airborne in Vicenza.

The Sauls’ welcomed a daughter into the world, Sydnee Kalyn Sauls, on October 25, 2006. In May 2007, Phil was deployed to Afghanistan for 15 months where he earned the rank of Captain. He was invited to SFAS in October 2008 and was selected for SFQC. He is now at Fort Benning attending MCCC, after which he will begin SFQC at Fort Bragg in August 2009.

Congratulations go out to our honorary Brother Rat, Major Wiggers as he has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and received orders to the Netherlands. He is reporting in to the NATO staff and will be working with the J-5. This NATO HQ is responsible for all NATO forces in Afghanistan. He and his family will move to the Netherlands in July for a 3 year tour after he finishes Command and Staff College.

Sam Johnson sends the following update: Andrew Stone has just finished up his second year on his MBA and should be finished next year. He is still working for Towne Bank in Norfolk and is enjoying fixing up his new house in Suffolk. John Streetman is getting ready to move from 29 Palms, California to Camp Pendleton, California where he will be assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. I know he is excited to enjoy sand with a beach instead of in a desert. Tommy Hardinge and his wife Missy are doing well in Iowa where Tom works as an Engineer and Missy as a teacher. He is highly involved with his church where he and Missy led a praise

Class of 2005: Photo, below: Tim Johnson, Will DeShazor and girlfriend Ashley Brunson, Ian Dunlap and Ben Melton in Savannah, Georgia, during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration in March 2009. Photo at left: After issuing the Orders of the Day, Will DeShazor prepares the population of River Street to pass in review.

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CLASS NOTES married man as his wedding as his wedding and worship team for high school kids. The biggest news comes from Johnny Johnson and took place in late July in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I promise a full report and several his wife Lauren. They welcomed a new baby photos for the next set of notes detailing the boy into their lives in May, just about the time Lauren graduated her Master’s program. As for final shackling of our young William. As for me, I continue to work in the Fitness industry me, I just returned back from the 26th Marine and coach swim teams and soccer teams. This Expeditionary Unit in April and my wife, spring I had the opportunity to coach a High Lyndsay, and I are getting ready to move up to School girls soccer team to the state tournaReading, Pennsylvania where I will be taking ment for the VISAA. Unfortunately, they lost over the duties as Inspector & Instructor for in the quarterfinals to the number 1 ranked India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines. team in the state who Jay Coleman dropped would eventually go on me a line while on a to win the state title. deployment in support Other than that, I am of OEF and OIF. He is still in the Richmond doing well over there and area if anyone is passing is keeping busy. While through town and wants deployments aren’t the to meet up. most enjoyable experiIf you have not done ence, Jay finds his misso I continue to encoursion to be good and much age you to head up to better than sitting around VMI to see the physical with nothing to do. Midchanges to post. The way through the deploynew Third Barracks has ment to Afghanistan, he been opened completely and a small detachment and features an incredof 11 other pilots were ible bookstore and a packing up and heading new PX that has the to join the rest of our minks from W&L comsquadron in Iraq and will Class of 2005: Shelby Lynn Mating over to get dinner. be there until sometime son born on March 31, 2009, to The Marshall Hall for late August.

Sean and Casey.

Leadership and Ethics Tim Riemann has is an incredible addition been sending me updates as he is on a MEU in the Pacific. His last to post with a state of the art auditorium and update has him in Thailand training with the incredible area for breakout meetings or large Royal Thai Marines for a month where they banquet events. Kilbourne Hall renovations performed a lot of amphibious landings and are complete and the building looks great. As quality training. Unfortunately, on his first night of now, New Barracks is closed for renovain Thailand, he was bitten on the calf by a street tions and should be reopened within a year. dog and the bite broke the skin. Even worse for On the downside, the current economic crisis Tim, the dog population in Thailand has a high has hit VMI and the endowment significantly rate of rabies infections. Needless to say, Tim so I encourage each and every one of you to had to go on a series of rabies shots to ensure give in whatever way you see fit to help VMI that he did not become infected. To add insult through these difficult times.

I apologize for the brevity of the notes, but to injury, after his third rabies shot, he started to get very sick with a high fever, chills, diarrhea, with the business of the year so far, I did not vomiting, and dizziness. After a grueling four hear back from many people. If I did run into days of clinging to life in his hospital room, the you and failed to mention it in the notes, I fine Navy doctors assured Tim he was merely apologize. In the future, if you could send me having a bad reaction to his rabies series. The quick e-mail that would be appreciated as I do symptoms failed to subside by the next day so not always remember specific conversations I he was sent to the Naval Hospital in Okinawa have over the course of several months and I where they put him in the ICU for three days to can make mistakes in conveying your informadiscover he had both salmonella poisoning and tion through the notes. If you haven’t sent any Typhoid fever. Fortunately, Tim recovered well updates in – what are you waiting for? We all and is back with his unit, but advises anyone want to hear what great things you have been heading to Thailand to be wary of Thai street up to. I hope you enjoy the rest of your sumfood…or Navy mess hall eggs. mer and that we get to meet up in the fall at As for your class agents, by the time you the “I.” Until next time … receive this set of notes, Will Ray will be a In the bonds, Tim Johnson

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Clark Dudley

Editor’s note: There were no notes submitted for the class of 2006 in this issue.

’07

Sally Coffman Arciero

Well, another year has come and gone since we graduated. Can you believe that come August our rats will be assuming the leadership of the Corps? It seems so long ago that we were a mass ourselves under the excellent tutelage of the Class of ‘04. Now we are watching our rats welcome their own charges to the Institute to mentor. I wish the Class of ‘10 the best of luck as they approach the start of their final year at the Mother I. And now to jump into the latest updates on our Brother Rats.

Anya Kovarik said that she is doing well stationed at Holloman AFB in New Mexico.

Also, I happened to run into her brother, Zac Kovarik ‘08, here at Goodfellow AFB in Texas and he said that she was doing just fine.

Scott Lutterbie is studying chemistry in grad school at the University of Kentucky.

Byron Faidley sent me a message saying he is living not too far from VMI in his hometown of Covington, VA. He is working as a Hotel Management Trainee and is currently overseeing 3 hotels there.

Jamaal Walton graduated from Florida State University on December 13 with a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications. He has since taken a job as Assistant to the Athletic Director at Savannah State University. He says he loves the area and is enjoying living there. Also, the Athletic Director there is the former Basketball coach for VMI, Mr. Bart Bellairs. Jamaal also mentioned that Matt Davis lives nearby.

Erin Hottle is engaged! She is still stationed in Florida at Eglin AFB and is working in the Air Force Research Laboratory. She is set to marry Capt. Nick Saucier (a Citadel grad) in September 2009. Best of luck to them!

Jon Pool is stationed at Fort Bragg with the 1-7 ADA battalion. He should be deploying in October in support of OEF. Jon says he is engaged to Ms. Nicole McGill and the two of them are expecting their first child in September. Congratulations to Jon and Nicole!

Hope everything works out wonderfully for you two.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES there. He is working in Lynchburg for VDOT and me about the happenings in their life. As I’m I also heard from Jon that Elijah Huston is Matt said he seemed to be in high spirits. in an MITT team in Iraq and should be returnsure some of you are aware, Joe and Caitlin I also received a nice email from Andrew ing stateside in the spring. By the time this were featured on the Dr. Phil Valentine Day prints, he may very well have returned already. Timpner. He informed me that he had been Show. I was able to catch a few clips from Will Doyle has also messaged me saying that in Rhode Island at Surface Warfare Officer’s the show and they looked great! In early May, School and just recently returned to Everett, he is currently in Afghanistan as a rifle platoon their renewal of vows was featured on the leader with 1-501 in IN (ABN).

Style Network’s “Whose WedMatt Saccone sent me a nice long ding is it Anyway?” In addition email with a number of updates not to all that, their triplets recently only on himself but also on other celebrated their first birthday BRs. Thanks, Matt, for keeping in on March 11, 2009. The happy touch! He is living in Richmond and family is still living in the San working as Utilities Engineer for Francisco area and are apparently the County of Goochland. He says not lacking any excitement! that he is able to interact with Pete I am TDY to Goodfellow Class of 2007: John Beducian was married to Robin Duvigneaud and Scott Harvey on a AFB in Texas for a Cryptology Davis (W&L ’07) on July 5, 2008, in Lee Chapel on the pretty regular basis. Scott Harvey is class right now, but should be Washington and Lee University campus with the reception working with a civil engineering firm moving on soon to Offutt AFB held at Moody Hall. Attending were, from left, Col. Tom in Richmond and that Pete Duvignein Nebraska after I pass through Davis ’64; the groom; Phil Jones ’08; Jonathon Woloshuk, aud is working for a geotechnical SERE training in Washington in groomsman; Al Bowker ’10; Ryan Rogers ’06, groomsman; Jared Lawson ’10; Jason Morgan ’10; and Hunter Davis engineering firm. Matt also wrote June/July. ’11, brother of the bride. Also in attendance but not in the that he is rooming with Grady Orr That is all I have for updates. photo were Matt Lowe ’11 and Tom Louderback ’11. Col. ‘04 and Brock Daniel ‘04 who both Thank you to all those who John Brodie was trumpeter for the wedding ceremony, are living/working near Richmond. contacted me. I am pleased to which ended with a saber arch comprised of friends of the Matt also gets to see Mike Tudor and say that I am receiving informacouple and the bride’s brother. To the couple’s delight, Mike Peranski from time to time. tion from more and more people.

Col. Davis graciously led a rousing Old Yell in their honor Peranski is working as a Henrico Don’t hesitate to contact me for at the reception.

County Police Officer and Tudor anything, class related or not. is a Virginia State Trooper. Matt Until next issue, God bless! has also traveled to the DC area to visit Tim WA, where he is stationed on the USS Fairchild ‘06 who lives and works in that area. MOMSEN (DDG 92). Also, on 21 February Robert Hill I also learned from Matt that Air Force Lt. Tom 2009, Andrew married Ms. Christin Suthard Pepka is stationed in Florida still and Army Lt. in Lexington. Andrew said that a number of Matt Hopchak is stationed in New York, but cur- BR’s and other Alumni were able to attend rently deployed to Afghanistan. Matt said that he the wedding. Congratulations to Andrew and and Pete Duvigneaud traveled to VMI in April Christin! May you two have a wonderful life 2009 to participate in the Timberframing FTX together!

Well it’s been an interesting 12 months. ThankJoe and Caitlin Cassin have also contacted and bumped into Rob Russman while they were fully, another group of our brother rats have now received their diplomas from the Institute. While some were happy to be over with classes, Nick Cutting is starting his work towards his master’s degree at Columbia University. Matt Harrison and I have been chatting on a pretty regular basis. Matt is now out of the Navy and looking for an engineering job in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jacob Widrick sent me a picture of his new fiancé and himself. Jake and Emily Schelleng got engaged in March 21st in Washington, D.C. Dawson Boyer also got engaged. He and Photo at left, Ensign Andrew Timpner and the new Mrs. his fiancé, Corey Prior, were in Paris Christin Timpner, formally Suthard. Photo, above: Atwhen Dawson popped the question tending the Timpner wedding were, from left, Mary-Ann Dellinger, Phil Gallahan ’79, Mike Bissel ’61, Kurt Helfrich on November 27th, 2008. They will ’08, Jillian Weatherford ’09, Walter Chalkley ’80, Ray be getting married on October 17th, Kirchner ’10, Daniel Johnson ’09, Matt Musick ’10, the 2009 in Richmond. Congrats to the groom, Robert Suthard ’79, Dan Smaw ’49B, Greg Lippiatt both of you! ’09, Alex Wade ’10, Bryant Martin, Chipper Woodruff ’04, Kyle Makinen joined the Nuclear Whitney Matthews, Fred Walker ’72, Laura Hash, Scarlett Propulsion Officer Candidate ComBean ’05 and John Wranek ’85. missioning program that required Kyle

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CLASS NOTES to attend OCS right after graduation last May. He graduated 2nd out of 45 in Newport, Rhode Island.

He was then assigned to the DDG-106 USS Stockdale, which was commissioned in April in San Diego. He will be heading to Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC within the next year or so. Enjoy it down there, it’s a beautiful place. Travis Light received his commission in the Air Force at VMI on May 9th. Congrats Travis!

Chris Haviley graduated from BOLC II at Fort Benning and BOLC III (Engineering Officer Basic). After BOLC III, Chris began

Class of 2008: Jacob Widrick and his fiancé, Emily Schelleng, in Washington, D.C.

BIRTHS LAKE – A son, Zane Joshua, to Lea Michelle and Michael A. Lake ’89 on Feb. 13, 2009.

CARLSEN – A daughter, Coco Grace, to Ana and Thomas A. Carlsen ’93 on April 10, 2009.

Sapper School at Fort Leonard Wood on March 5th. After graduation, Chris will be assigned to the 20th Engineering Brigade at Fort Bragg.

Matt Payne took a commission with the Army.

He graduate BCT at Fort Benning on February 26th and will have completed OCS around the middle of this past May. Adam Barr is currently stationed at Spangdahlem AB in Germany. Adam is a conventional munitions maintenance officer. He is in charge of building, storing, and delivering bombs to the Air Force aircraft. He is deployed to Iraq until September.

I made my first trip back to Lexington in April. I saw Donnie Glass and Nate Brown as they were finishing up their last semester at the Institute. At the class agent’s conference, I toured the Third Barracks and the Leadership and Ethics Center. The Young Alumni Class Agents met as well in a separate group and it was a great chance to meet other Alumni and here some of their ideas. One thing that we thought would be a great help is if we expand the class agent role to more than one person.

With that said, I am looking to set-up a system to reach out to more brother rats. I realize that this is going to take some time as these notes won’t be published for three months, but if you are interested please feel free to call me or email me. I look forward to hearing from more people so that we can expand our reach.

NELSON – A daughter, Adelaide Elizabeth, to Elizabeth and Thomas P. Nelson III ’93 on Feb. 14, 2009.

MEYERS – A son, Jack Warren, to Nicolle and Matthew W. Meyers ’01 on March 18, 2009.

BRASHEARS – A daughter, Alanah Jonelle, to Jill and Thomas A. Brashears ’95 on March 28, 2009.

NORRIS – A son, Walker Benjamin, to Dawn and Benjamin S. Norris ’01 on Jan. 5, 2009.

BOYERS – A daughter, Anna Lee, to Doris and Daniel E. Boyers ’00 on July 8, 2008.

PRIOR – A son, Jaymeson Alan, to Amanda and Justin M. Prior ’01 on Jan. 6, 2009.

FARLEY – A daughter, Claire to Julia and Sean C. Farley ’93 on April 15, 2009.

ANTHONY – A daughter, Schuyler Grace, to Mandy and Todd M. Anthony ’01 on March 7, 2009.

GILL – Twins, Gray Matthew and Baylor Hall to Brittney and M. Matthew Gill ’93 on April 24, 2009.

CARMICHAEL – A daughter, Maliah, to Tanisha and Kenneth R. Carmichael ’01 on Nov. 24, 2008.

HURST – A daughter, Evelyn Jane Runnals, to Jennifer and David L. Hurst ’93 on May 1, 2009.

DICKINSON – A son, William Andrew IV, to Erin and W. Andrew Dickinson ’01 on Jan. 29, 2009.

KEMPER – A daughter, Madeline Frances, to Molly and Christopher J. Kemper ’93 on Feb. 24, 2009.

FORD – A daughter, Annabelle Karen, to Sarah and G. Seth Ford ’01 on Nov. 3, 2008.

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IanWilliams

SIMPSON – A son, Connor James, to Kacie and Christopher W. Simpson ’01 on May 8, 2009.

WILLIAMS – A son, Sean Sebastian, to Kathleen and Jacob J. Williams ’01 on Feb. 18, 2009.

MIDURA – Twins, Brynn and Benjamin Joseph, to Brieanne and Benjamin J. Midura ’02 on Feb. 25, 2009.

HARRIS – A son, Devin Wyatt, to Vanessa and David W. Harris ’04 on Dec. 30, 2008.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

BIRTHS

MOSS – Carter Mackenzie Hayden to R. Cannon Moss ’01 on Feb. 9, 2008.

DEGREES

FISHER – A daughter, Jolie, to Kat and John T. Fisher ’05 on Oct. 18, 2008.

NIEDERHAUS – Silke Haustein to John J. Niederhaus ’01 on Jan. 3, 2009.

MATSON – A daughter, Shelby Lynn, to Casey and Sean M. Matson ’05 on March 31, 2009.

WARD – Jennifer Ryan to Elijah M. Ward ’01 on June 13, 2009.

Robert L. Titus Jr. ’80 Marriage and Family Council Professional Gordon-Cornwell Theological Seminary Charlotte, NC May 2009

(cont.)

SAULS – A daughter, Sydnee Kalyn, to Danielle and Phillip R. Sauls II ’05 on Oct. 25, 2006.

MARRIAGES FOWLER – Amy Hilgeman to Robert W. Fowler ’92 on Sept. 13, 2008.

GREGORY – Rebecca Lynn Hord to T. Adam Gregory ’92 on May 10, 2008.

GUERRA – Siobhan Boyle to Felix Guerra III ’05 on Jan. 3, 2009.

SPANU – Abby Cather to Daniel Spanu ’05 on Sept. 2, 2008.

STAFFORD – Rachel E. Cobbs to Jamaal W. Stafford ’05 on May 12, 2007.

CIPPERLY – Erin Jayne Cipperly ’08 to Spencer Propst on Dec. 27, 2008.

GRAHAM – Melissa Graham ’99 to Michael Adamski on March 21, 2009.

NIKIFORAKIS – Heather Robinson to John P. Nikiforakis ’08 on Oct. 18, 2008.

MARTIN – Caren Gandolfi to Gregory L. Martin ’01 on Aug. 15, 2009.

VISHNESKI – Susie Labonte to Jacob C. Vishneski ’08 on Jan. 3, 2009.

Clayton B. Altizer ’94 Forest Resources Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS December 2008

D.Min.

Ph.D.

Preston W. Griffith III ’05 J.D. Law Mississippi College School of Law Jackson, MS May 2009 Michael P. Tittermary ’05 Law T.C. Williams School of Law University of Richmond Richmond, VA May 2009

J.D.

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 should any errors be noted.

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 John A. Chambliss Jr. ’31 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 James Heine ’34 E. Lane Whitley ’34

2009-Issue 3

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. 21, 1910 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 Mar. 18, 1911 April 1, 1911

William R. Vivian ’32 Wayne C. Weaver ’33 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 John D. Todd Jr. ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34 Thomas St. John Arnold ’35 Alfred J. Snapp ’35 Francis T. Follin ’35 James E. Kirk ’36 Oscar E. Roberson ’38 Leonard M. Todd ’35 Edwin T. Arnold ’35

Aug. 3, 1911 Dec. 6, 1911 Feb. 27, 1912 June 30, 1912 Dec. 4, 1912 Sept. 8, 1913 Sept. 18, 1913 Sept. 19, 1913 Oct. 25, 1913 Nov. 13, 1913 Dec. 10, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914

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PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Christopher Fuller '95 Eric S. Whiteman '86

Father Father

Cabell Hawthorne McNeil Early Todd Coleman Early '91

John E. Valensein '74 Eric S. Whiteman '86 Thomas D. McGinnis '86 Medford G. Ramey, Jr. '71 William R. Sharp, Jr. '92

Cousin Father Uncle Father Father

James Parke Smith '79 Maurice S. McNamara '73 John Franklin '90 William C. Lewis '50B George Edward Lewis '1900 William Cheever Lewis '1880

Uncle Step-Grandfather Stepfather Step-Grandfather

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2014

Leiah N. Fuller Scott E. Whiteman

Class of 2015

Zachary Baldock Jeffrey E. Whiteman Eric Matthew Thompson Jacob Grove Ramey Ellison N. Sharp

Class of 2016

Jeremy T. Smith Nicholas Benjamin Peterson Christopher Burns Christopher Dillon Radford

Step-Great-Grandfather Step-Great-Great-Uncle

Class of 2017

Nathan Kain Rush Alexandra J. Harper McKenna C. Sharp

Nathan Matthew Rush '94 Michael Q. Harper '80 William R. Sharp, Jr. '92

Father Father Father

Eric S. Whiteman '86 Medford G. Ramey, Jr. '71 Jeffrey G. Smith '43 Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr. '79

Father Father Grandfather Uncle

William Lee Wimbish, Jr. '84 Christopher Fuller '95 Ray Ihlenburg '69 Michael Knapp '80 Jeffrey G. Smith '43 Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr. '79

Father Father Uncle Father Grandfather Uncle

Class of 2018

John E. Whiteman Joshua Garret Ramey Greer Katherine Pollock

Class of 2019

William Lee Wimbish, III Catherine Fuller Jamie Nicole Moose Emma Marie Knapp Griffin Arlo Pollock

Lucas Cabell Atkins Sean E. Whiteman Brendan W. Harper

Thomas P. Taylor '88 Eric S. Whiteman '86 Michael Q. Harper '80

Katherine Reaves Wimbish Tucker A. Parks Christian Neary Colleen Ann Young

Kraton Alexander Rush Nathan Matthew Rush '94 Cameron Bouchard Alexis Bouchard '95 Conrad Greenwood Pollock Jeffrey G. Smith '43 Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr. '79

William Lee Wimbish, Jr. '84 Christopher A. Parks '84 Stephen Neary '88 Ed Knowling '65

Father Father Father Grandfather

Alexis Bouchard '95 Eric Duncan '99 Samuel V. Browne '84 Jeffrey G. Smith '43 Jeffrey J. Smith, Jr. '79

Father Father Father Grandfather Uncle

Nathan Matthew Rush '94 William R. Sharp, Jr. '92

Father Father

Tim Lyon '94 Eric Duncan '99 Samuel V. Browne '84 Samuel H. Kirby, Jr. '71

Father Father Father Grandfather

Matt Ott '92 Walter S. Duryea '64 Jeffrey G. Smith '43 Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr. '79 Beverly McGruder '55 Richard K. McGruder '79

Father Grandfather Grandfather Uncle GreatGrandfather Great-Uncle

Ray Ihlenburg '69

Uncle

Danny W. Felty '94 Matt Ott '92 Walter S. Duryea '64

Father Father Grandfather

David J. Kaczmarek '99 Eric Duncan '99 Joel J. Britt '99

Father Father Father

Class of 2023

Carter Bouchard Summer Lee Hoage Hannah Nicole Browne Tate Gardner Pollock

Class of 2024

Kade Jackson Rush Liam R. Sharp

Class of 2025

Emily Grace Lyon Lilian Hope Duncan Samuel Jacob Browne Hannah Caroline West

Class of 2026

Sophie Sorenson Ott Ian Samuel Heeringa Kane Wellington Pollock Annaston Leigh Adams

Class of 2027

Uncle Father Father

Class of 2028

Father Father Grandfather Uncle

Class of 2029

Class of 2021

Father Grandfather

Class of 2022

Ethan Conner Moose

Class of 2020

Frederick Brian McNeil '65

Elijah Nathaniel Felty Matthew Nelson Ott, IV Eric Walter Heeringa

Sofia Kaczmarek Erika Rayen Duncan Jameson Bradshaw Britt

The VMI Bookstore Looking around for just the right gift? Outgrown your old VMI sweatshirt?

Address: Manager, VMI Keydet Bookstore, 200 Lejeune, Lexington VA 24450 Phone: 540/464-7637 154

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2029 (continued)

Robert Andrew Wilkinson, IV Robert A. Wilkinson, Jr. '65 Beverly McGruder '55 Grant Mason Adams

Class of 2030

John Tyler Newton, Jr.

John Hardy Welsh Pierce Harrison Cooley Daniel Thor Schenk Kiley Faye Smith Ezra Lee Trubey

Class of 2031

Ryan Matthew Parker Hilbert Watson Wilkinson, IV John Walker Moore Connor Clayton Weddington

Richard K. McGruder '79

Grandfather GreatGrandfather Great-Uncle

John Newton '97 David Bates '98 David Colonna '78 George M. Colonna '44

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Owen Edward Molyneux

Alfred Jackson Snapp '35

Lucian Augustine DiPace Benjamin Joseph Midura, Jr. Abigail Elizabeth Schindler Luke Robert Maslow

Larry Walter Platt '77 Ben Midura '02 Daniel A. Schindler '01 Jason Ryan Maslow '00

Father Uncle Uncle GreatGrandfather William E. Welsh '64 Grandfather Theodore C. Cooley '62 Grandfather Joseph A. Schenk ' 95 Father Andrew P. Calvo '08 Cousin Thomas A. Van Benschoten '91 Uncle Lewis F. Rea '71 Grandfather J. Montie Rea '32 Great-Great-Uncle J. Montie Rea, Jr. '58 Great-Uncle

William Andrew Dickinson IV

Matthew A. Parker '00

Abram James Musser

Hilbert Watson Wilkinson, III '94 Paul Douglas Camp Marks, Jr. '69

Charles Weddington '63

Father Father Grandfather Grandfather

Connor James Woodruff Peyton William West Elijah Reaves Stone Duncan Stewart Wallace Alexander Chase Crawford John William Candler Arthur Johnston Reiss

RELATIONSHIP

William Andrew Dickinson, III '01

Jeff Beeby '79 Samuel H. Kirby, Jr. '71 Brian E. Stone '91 Michael M. Wallace '93 John Kearney '73 Peter R. Candler '71 John S. Candler '62 Anderson Wade Douthat, II '25

Anderson Wade Douthat, III '57 Anderson Wade Douthat, IV '82 Alexander Evans Watterson Wirt E. Shinault '81 William Chapin '17

Evan Grayson Mackey

Handcrafted Clocks

Lewis F. Rea '71 J. Montie Rea '32 J. Montie Rea '58 Carter G. Mackey '96 Gary Mackey '69

GreatGrandfather Grandfather Father Father Father Father Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Grandfather Grandfather Great-Uncle GreatGrandfather Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Great-GreatGrandfather Grandfather Great-Great-Uncle

Great-Uncle Father Grandfather

A NEW VMI TRADITION

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Alton—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; color VMI logo; Dimensions 10 -1/2"h x 10 -1/2"w x 2"d

(PERSONALIZED PLAQUE IS OPTIONAL) Concord—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; VMI seal; Dimensions 6"h x 12"w x 2"d

Winchester I/Winchester II—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; VMI seal; Winchester II has Westminister Chimes; Dimensions 10"h x 8"w x 4"d

Bristol—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; Westminister chimes; VMI seal; Dimensions 14"h x 10"w x 5"d

Jefferson I/Jefferson II—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; VMI seal; Jefferson II has Westminister Chimes; Dimensions 11-1/2"h x 8"w x 4"d

Andover—made of solid cherry; available in either burgundy cherry or antique cherry finish; VMI seal; Dimensions 4"h x 8"w x 2"d

The VMI Alumni Association receives a generous royalty on each clock sold!

2009-Issue 3

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TAPS TAPS Charles M. Hunter ’36

Charles Morris Hunter ’36 of Birmingham, Alabama, died on Feb. 28, 2009. He was 94.

Hunter matriculated from Barboursville, West Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was the D Company first lieutenant.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army’s 16th Field Artillery Observation Battalion from 1942-46. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, In all, he served in five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Following the war, he acted as military governor in Marienbad, Czechoslovakia. In addition, he served for 22 years in the Army Reserve, from which he retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He had a 43-year career with the Southern Natural Gas Company (SONAT), from which he retired as vice president of administration.

He was a member of the Mountain Brook Lion’s Club, the Toastmasters Club, the Mountain Brook Zoning Board for 18 years and the St. Andrews Society. He was a past president of Clan Hunter USA, and the founder of the Alabama Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Rudd Mandt Hunter of Birmingham; three children, Page Hunter Patrick and her husband, Chris, Bradford Pierce Hunter and his wife, Andrea, and Leslie Hunter Hudson and her husband, Ed; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two sisters, Balmaine Hatfield of Huntington, West Virginia, and Patricia Arant of Granville, Ohio. His cousin was the late Charles Morris Hunter ’29.

Matthew R. Beebe ’38

Matthew Roger Beebe ’38 of Lexington, Virginia, died on March 17, 2009. He was 94.

Beebe matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, from which he graduated with distinction. He was the A Company captain and a member of the football team and the Glee Club.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940-46 with the Third Cavalry. In 1942 he was one of the first to serve as Secret Service protection for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House. He served in the European Theatre of Operations and landed at Normandy D+6. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. At the time of his discharge from the Army he held the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In later years he worked with his father-in-law, C.W. Barger Sr., and brother-in-law, C.W. Barger Jr., building many roads, bridges and buildings in southwest Virginia. His projects included the bypass bridge over U.S. 60 and the Virginia 631 bridge over the Maury River, and he worked on nearly every school addition in Rockbridge County, including VMI’s Mallory Hall, Scott Shipp Hall, the Barracks

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and the football stadium, as well as Lexington High School. He retired as president of Barger’s in 1984 after having served 35 years with the company.

He was appointed to the Lexington Electoral Board and was a member of That Club, the Kiwanis Club, R.E. Lee Episcopal Church vestry, the Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra and Tau Beta Pi. He played stand-up bass with the Joe Lynn Quartet.

He is survived by five children, Matthew R. Beebe Jr. and his wife, Ann, of Parma, Idaho, W. Scott Beebe Sr. and his wife, Sonja, of Glasgow, Virginia, David Cooke Beebe of Walkers Creek, Virginia, Martha Louise Beebe of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and Jane B. Garrett and her husband, William, of Buena Vista, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Margaret, Scott Jr., Sara, Ross, Matthew, Joey and Annie; four great-grandchildren, Max, Jessica, Simora and Maeleigh; two stepchildren, Janis Holmes Davis, whose husband is William G. Davis ’68, and Henry Holmes; and four step-grandchildren, Will, Emily, Caroline and Patrick. His first wife was the late Louise Barger Beebe, and his second wife was the late Anne Holmes Beebe, whose first husband was the late Henry Benjamin Holmes III ’41.

Upon completion of that school, he was assigned to HQ Army Air Corps, Washington, D.C., in Air Target Intelligence. He was assigned to HQ Strategic Air Command in July 1949 in Air Target Intelligence. In September 1951 he transferred to HQ 2nd Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, as director of intelligence. In July 1954 he was assigned to the 91st Reconnaissance Wing, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, as director of operations. In July 1955 he transferred to Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco, as base commander.

In August 1957 he returned to the United States as director of operations at Homestead AFB, Florida, where he was subsequently named vice commander of the 19th Bomb Wing. In January 1961 he transferred to Warren AFB, Wyoming, with a short stop at Griffiss AFB, New York, as commander, Missile Site Activation Task Force. He was responsible for activating an ATLAS Missile Squadron during this period, along with the first 200 missile MINUTEMAN Wing. In June 1965 he transferred to Wright Patterson AFB, HQ, Aeronautical Systems Division, where he served initially as the assistant to his BR Stan Jeffrey in the Office of the Deputy for Systems Management. When Jeffrey was promoted to vice William E. Todd ’38 commander, Todd took over his position as DSM. Class Agent, 2007-09 He was awarded two Legions of Merit and the Air Col. William E. Todd ’38, USAF (Ret), of Spring- Force Commendation Medal. field, Virginia, died on April 30, 2009. He was 92.

Todd retired from the Air Force in 1969 and Todd served as the class of 1938’s class agent from became president of Broach Systems Inc., and later 2007-08. Accompanied by his son, worked in real estate and insurance in William B. Todd ’68, he most recently Ormond Beach, Florida. had visited VMI at the time of his 70th He is survived by a daughter, Katherreunion in April 2008. ine Lyell Todd Royal, and her husband, Todd matriculated from Covington, Jackson W. Royal; a son, Col. William Kentucky, and held a bachelor of sciB. Todd ’68, USAF (Ret), and his wife, ence degree in chemistry from VMI, Kathleen K. Todd, of Springfield, where he was an F Company second Virginia; eight grandchildren, Jennife lieutenant. During his third class year L. Royal, Jeffrey T. Royal, Kevin he served on the editorial staff of the B. Royal, Emily R. Todd, Rachel E. Cadet newspaper, and as a first classRieckhoff, William Bracken Todd Jr., man he served in the Intramural CounBrittane L. Todd and John M. Todd; Todd ’38 cil and was the F Company Intramural nine great-grandchildren; a nephew, Manager.

Scott Todd; and two nieces, Laura Following graduation, he worked for two years for Lyell Farmer and Ginger Lyell. His wife of 68 years, the father of his BR Bruce Cameron at the Cape Fear Reba Lyell Todd, died on March 30, 2008.

Terminal Company in Wilmington, North Carolina.

At the same time he served as a second lieutenant in Nelson W. Tobey ’39 the U.S. Army Reserve.

Col. Nelson Whitney (Nels) Tobey ’39, USA He applied for and was called to active duty in (Ret), of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died on Feb. 1940. He entered the U.S. Army Field Artillery 17, 2009. He was 92. in August 1940 and served as an artillery officer Stroud matriculated from Hampton, New Hampuntil he entered pilot training in December 1941. shire, and held a bachelor of science degree in He graduated from pilot training in Class 42-G in chemistry from VMI. August 1942. He then served as a B-25 instructor A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. pilot in Greenville, South Carolina, until June 1944. Army as a lieutenant and captain in the 7th Field He served in the Persian Gulf Command test flying Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. He particiP-39, P-40 and P-47 fighters for delivery to the pated in the combat operations of eight campaigns, Soviet Air Force until July 1945, when he returned including amphibious invasions of North Africa, to the United States and attended Command and Sicily and Normandy, as well as the Battle of the General Staff School.

Bulge and on into Germany.

VMI MI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Following the war, he returned to VMI, where Ysidro, New Mexico, Marilyn Tobey, D.V.M., of he served as a chemistry instructor in 1945-46 Lecanto, Florida, and Patricia Tobey Chelber of before rejoining the Army. He earned a master’s Aiken, South Carolina; two grandchildren; three degree in engineering, studying rocket science at great-grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Barry the University of Southern California. His military of Hampton, New Hampshire. His wife of 61 years, career included command of the 867th Battalion of Beryl Crockford Tobey, who was his childhood 75mm air defense weapons in Alaska and of the 9th sweetheart, died in 2001.

Missile Group. He was deputy commander of the III Editor’s Note: A picture of Col. Nels Tobey that Corps Artillery, with one tour in Saudi Arabia. He accompanied the class of 1939’s class notes in the served two assignments in the Office of the Chief 2009-Issue 2 of the Alumni Review was incorrectly of Research and Development on the Army staff at identified as being Col. William Tobey. The Alumni the Pentagon, and he had other assignments in the Review staff regrets this error. testing of rockets and missiles, including service as the chief project officer for the Pershing missile Robert J. Doland ’41 tests. His last assignment was as the director, Army Robert Joseph (Jake) Doland ’41 of Little Rock, Missile Tests and Evaluations, at White Sands Arkansas, died on Feb. 23, 2009. He was 90.

Missile Range, New Mexico. He Doland matriculated from Webster retired from the Army in 1971 after a Groves, Missouri, and held a bachelor 32-year career. of science degree in chemistry from Among his military awards were VMI, where he was an F Company the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze corporal and a member for four years Star Medal, the Purple Heart, three of the fencing team.

Legions of Merit, two Army CommenA veteran of World War II, he served dation Medals. His unit received the in the U.S. Army Military Police Presidential Unit Citation for action from 1942-46, attaining the rank of on D-Day – June 6, 1944 – and the captain.

National Defense Service Medal for He was a chemist with Monsanto in Doland ’41 distinguished service in North Africa.

St. Louis before moving to Little Rock Tobey was wagon master of the in 1957 to work at Olin & Mathieson.

Southern Wagon Train, one of five After retiring he bought the Bryant national wagon trains that crossed the country Bureau, an executive search agency. He later went and converged on Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in to Egypt and Israel to study Tilapia for commercial celebration of the United States’ bicentennial in farming in the United States.

1976. As wagon master, he was responsible iniHe was an Eagle Scout and a life member of the tially for 200 miles of wagon train routing through American Chemical Society. southern New Mexico, including campsites, rest He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances stops, feed, water and coordination of wagon train Woodrow Doland of Little Rock; a daughter, Deboand Bicentennial celebration schedules. Those 200 rah, and her husband, Kent Burnett; a son, Robert miles grew to 400 miles as he crossed Raton Pass Woodrow Doland, and his wife, Kathy; a grandson, into Colorado on the old Santa Fe Trail, and that, in Brian, and his wife, Dawn, of Conway, Arkansas; turn, led to Tobey commanding the train all the way a granddaughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, John, to Valley Forge. of New Orleans; three great-grandchildren, MariWhile in Virginia, Tobey invited the then 76-year- anne, T.J. and Robyn Burnett; and several nieces old Sergeant Ed Henson to ride with the wagon train and nephews. as much as Henson was able to while the train was in Virginia. Tobey met up with “Sarge” Henson in John B. Rudulph ’41 Buena Vista, and Henson, who was an instructor in John Barratt (Rudy) Rudulph ’41 of Birmingham, horsemanship and cavalry at VMI when Tobey was Alabama, died on March 5, 2009. He was 87. a cadet, rode with him on the 26-mile leg to Steele’s Rudulph matriculated from Birmingham and Tavern. Also joining the train in Buena held a bachelor of science degree in Vista was Joe Conner, who was VMI’s chemistry from VMI. security chief at the time and a horseA veteran of World War II, he served man in his own right. in the U.S. Army from 1942-46, attainTobey was the author of Never Broken ing the rank of major, and was awarded

by Hardship or Battle: The Memoirs of the Bronze Star Medal. He served at World War II Colonel Nelson W. Tobey Fort McClellan, Alabama, from 1942as well as Growing Up in Blakeville and 43 and in China from 1943-45.

The History of the 7th Field Artillery He worked briefly for Dupont in Battalion, World War II. 1941 before serving in the Army.

He is survived by three children, Following the war he worked in the Nelson Whitney Tobey Jr. of San Rudulph ’41 hardware business in 1947 and for

2009-Issue 3

W.B. Leedy & Company Inc., Insurance-Real Estate-Mortgage Brokers, from 1949-64. Beginning in 1965 he was the owner of the Rudulph Company, where he enjoyed a successful career as a real estate and insurance executive. He was a past president of the Birmingham Board of Realtors and the Alabama Association of Realtors.

He attended the Mortgage Bankers School at Northwestern-Chicago from 1956-58.

He was a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, the Country Club of Birmingham, the 59 Forever Tennis Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Sons of the American Revolution and the Young Presidents’ Organization. He served on the boards of directors of the Birmingham Humane Society and the Downtown YMCA. He was an honorary member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, of which his grandfather, Col. John Barratt Rudulph, was a founding father.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Cha) Garber Rudulph of Birmingham; a daughter, Frances Rudulph Wilkinson, and her husband, Frank, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two sons, John Barratt Rudulph Jr. and his wife, Sandy, and James Garber Rudulph and his wife, Patty, all of Birmingham; six grandchildren, John Rudulph, Michael Rudulph, Charlotte Scannell, Jake Rudulph, Benjamin Wilkinson and Barratt Rudulph; a great-grandson, Adam Rudulph; and two sisters, Virginia Rudulph Thrasher and Gertrude Rudulph Sherrod.

Howard L. Satterwhite ’41

Howard Lewis Satterwhite ’41 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Feb. 19, 2009. He was 88.

Satterwhite matriculated from Lynchburg and attended VMI for two years and seven months.

During his second class year he was paralyzed in an automobile accident and had to leave the Institute.

He later graduated from Marshall University.

He worked for WLVA radio/WSET television in Lynchburg as manager of business services.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Jo Satterwhite of Lynchburg; a brother, Henry Gilmer Satterwhite of Sunset Beach, North Carolina; a sister, Rebecca Anne McComas of Huntington, West Virginia; a stepson, William H. Burruss III and his wife, Martha Terrell Harris Burruss; two grandsons, George and Boyd Burruss; six nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Darin Nelson.

F. Nash Strudwick ’41

Frederick Nash Strudwick ’41 of Salisbury, Maryland, died on April 5, 2009. He was 88.

Strudwick matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1941-46. He latter attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

From 1946-88 he worked for and became president of W.B. Tilghman Fertilizer Company.

He was a member of the Salisbury Jaycees, the

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TAPS Salisbury and Maryland chambers of commerce, the DelmarvaMaryland and National Fertilizer associations and the Wicomico and Maryland farm bureaus. He was a member of the board of the Wicomico Housing Strudwick ’41 Authority and IRP and AARP. He served on the vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where he had been a longtime member, and helped restore Old Spring Hill Church into a working church community. More recently his church affiliation had been at Trinity United Methodist Church.

He was a member of the Elks Club, the Lions Club, the American Legion, the Ham Radio Club and the Model Railroad Club. He was a former scoutmaster for the Salisbury Rotary Club troop, and had been a volunteer at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Priscilla (Pat) Phillips Strudwick of Salisbury; a daughter, Mary Strudwick Wagstaff, and her husband, Brock, of Larkspur, California; two grandchildren, Laurel Wagstaff and Jesse Wagstaff of Larkspur; a brother, Lewis C. Strudwick, and his wife, Shelby, of Chestertown, Maryland; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special cousin, Louise Hartman.

Another brother was the late Robert Tilghman Strudwick ’44.

Ross W. Coe Jr. ’42

Ross Wallace Coe Jr. ’42 of Ardmore, Oklahoma, died on Feb. 17, 2009. He was 87.

Coe matriculated from Ardmore and attended VMI for two years. He also attended Oklahoma University, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

He served in England in the U.S. Army during World War II and attained the rank of captain.

He was a self-employed petroleum engineer.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Lowenstein Coe of Ardmore; a daughter, Leslie Finegan of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and eight nieces and nephews.

William F. Lindsay ’44

William Freeman Lindsay ’44 of Richmond, Virginia, died on March 18, 2009. He was 89.

Freeman matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was an E Company lieutenant and played basketball and football. He also attended Smithdeal-Massey School of Law and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

A veteran of World War II, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1944-46.

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He was a real estate broker with Ebel, Jenkins and Traynham Realtors.

He is survived by a son, David Lindsay, and his wife, Kaye; a daughter, Pam McWaters, and her husband, Dennis; a grandson, David Brad Lindsay; and two cherished friends, Elsie Martin and Quinton Tedeschi.

Edwin I. Ford II ’45

Edwin Ivanhoe Ford II ’45 of Largo, Florida, died on March 16, 2009. He was 87.

Ford matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He later earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a J.D. degree from Stetson University.

A veteran of World War II, he was a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of major.

Ford served as a municipal judge, city attorney, city commissioner and vice mayor, all in Largo, and he was a member of Bellair Bluffs Rotary Club and the Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Traxler Ford of Largo; two daughters, Susan Sterghos and Deborah Johnson of St. Petersburg, Florida, and a son, James Ford, and his wife, Pamela, of Sarasota, Florida; three grandchildren, Jennifer ford Kelly, Kristen Sterghos and Michael Ford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irving F. Truitt Jr. ’45

Irving Fillmore (Buddy) Truitt Jr. ’45 of Norfolk, Virginia, died on March 30, 2009. He was 85.

Truitt matriculated from Norfolk and attended VMI for two years. He was a member of the Glee Club for two years and of the rat football and wrestling teams.

A veteran of World War II, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1943-46 and later served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve. After leaving VMI he was enrolled in the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program) at Texas A&M University and trained with the 364th Field Artillery at Camp Howze with the 103rd Infantry and then was sent overseas with the division and into Europe through Marseilles until the war ended for him at Innsbruck, Austria. He was sent back to the United States for retraining with the 5th Division and was discharged from the Army in 1946.

Truitt earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration (real estate) from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Commerce in 1949. He then returned to Norfolk to work as a real estate salesman in his father’s firm, Truitt Realty Corporation. When his father died in 1965 he took on the responsibility for the entire firm. He subsequently retired as the owner of Century 21 Truitt Realty Company.

He was a member of the International Realtors Association and a former board member of the Norfolk SPCA. He was a former president of the Norfolk/Chesapeake Board of Realtors and of Tidewater Chapter 39, and was a member of the

Institute of Real Estate Management. He was a staff appraiser for First Virginia Bank of Tidewater and a member of the Norfolk Rotary Club, and served as treasurer of the Norfolk City Republican Committee. He was a trustee of the Norfolk Political Action Committee. He was a past member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Mayor, which he served as chairman of the Housing Sub-Committee. He was a member of the official board of Ghent Methodist Church.

He is survived by two daughters, Dale Truitt Berrett and her husband, Dean, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Bland T. Walbert DeMao and her husband, Randall, of Charlotte, North Carolina; a son, Irving F. (Fil) Truitt III ’79 and his wife, Carolyn, of Ruther Glen, Virginia; a sister, Margaret Truitt (Peggy) Joyal of Norfolk; his former wife, Harriett Martin Robinson; his special friend, Grace Wiggins; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Philip A. White ’45

Philip Ashby White ’45 of Vero Beach, Florida, died on Feb. 26, 2009. He was 85.

White matriculated from Goode, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He was a member of the Cadet newspaper staff and the wrestling team.

A veteran of World War II, he left the Institute to serve as a first lieutenant with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He flew 32 missions as a navigator in the 15th Air Force with the 485th Group in Italy. He was awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters.

Following the war he entered the University of Virginia and graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce in 1948. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon at U.Va. After graduation he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and became the regional manager for the Deering Milliken Company before forming his own firm, Philip White Associates.

He served as president of the Atlanta Textile Club in 1968. He was a member of the Riomar Country Club, the Riomar Bay Yacht Club, the John’s Island Club and The Moorings in Vero Beach. In Atlanta he was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club and the Peachtree Golf Club. He was a member of The Jamestown Society, the Pointsett Club in Greenville, South Carolina, and The Travellers in Paris.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Garvin White of Vero Beach; a daughter, Laura White Crouse of Sarasota, Florida; a son, Philip Ashby White Jr. of Mendham, New Jersey; a stepdaughter, Carol Dean Spratlin Davis of Atlanta; a daughter-inlaw, Paige Hardy White; a son-in-law, John Leist Crouse; six grandsons, Cantey Pace Davis Jr., John Leist Crouse VII, Philip David Crouse, White ’45

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TAPS Edward Alvin Crouse, William Mobley Crouse, Philip Ashby White III; two granddaughters, Laura Wynn Davis and Olivia Lane White; and his siblings, Lewis Marian (Jack) White, Jeanne Kenny, Polly Adkins and Cary Baber, all of Virginia. His VMI relatives included two cousins, the late Erle T. Rucker ’28 and the late C. Nelson Rucker ’33, and a nephew, Thomas H. White ’79 of Vienna, Virginia.

Claire L. Erickson ’47

Claire Leroy Erickson ’47 of Hudson, Wisconsin, died on March 24, 2009. He was 83.

Erickson matriculated from Hudson and attended VMI for one and one-half years. He also attended Ohio State.

He was the founder of Erickson Oil/Freedom Valu Centers, a gas and convenience store station chain with more than 60 locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Michigan. His company was recognized in 2008 as the 2007 large business of the year by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Among his survivors are two daughters, Marilyn (Mimi) Kron, and her husband, Jim, and Kristine Kampmeyer of Sunfish Lake, Minnesota; a son, David Erickson; and several grandchildren. His wife, Betty Erickson, also died on March 24, 2009.

The Ericksons had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 18th.

Euclid M. Hanbury Jr. ’47

Euclid Murden (Red) Hanbury Jr. ’47, M.D., of Orange, Virginia, died on Feb. 20, 2009. He was 82.

Hanbury matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year and one month before transferring to Hampden-Sydney College.

A veteran of World War II, entered the V12 program at Duke University and then served as a seaman in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46.

He received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Virginia in 1952 as well as a master of science degree in surgery. He completed his internship in medicine and surgery at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada, and earned a fellowship in physiology at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He returned to the University of Virginia for his residence in surgery.

After eight years of residency training, he was certified by the American Board of Surgery and taught briefly at the University. Hanbury then returned to Portsmouth where he was clinical director of the former Portsmouth General Hospital and was responsible for establishing the extensive outpatient clinics there, the residency program, the isotope unit and the renal dialysis service.

Hanbury moved in 1969 to Maine, where he established an active practice of surgery in Belfst until 1982, when he assumed the directorship of the

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Emergency Medical Services of the Waldo County General Hospital until his retirement in 1994.

He served as president of the Maine Medical Association in 1975 and 1976 and of the Medical Care Development Inc. from 1972-82. He was a member of the New York Academy of Science, MENSA and the American Rocket Society. He was the author of several papers t and was a member of the Jamestown Society.

He is survived by his wife, Caryll McConnell Hanbury of Orange, to whom he was married in 2000 and who was a long lost girlfriend from 55 years earlier; three children, a daughter, Claudia Marie Hanbury Bleecker and her husband, Lorin, of Potomac, Maryland, and their five children, Cisne, Nicole, Chase, Ann Louise and Grayson; a daughter, Deirdre Hanbury Baer of Tualatin, Oregon, and her daughter, Cheryl, and two granddaughters, Emma and Lilly; and a son, Euclid Murden Hanbury III of Lowell, Massachusetts; and a brother, John Paul Conwell Hanbury of Irvington, Virginia.

Coupland joined Rockwell International Corporation, Missile Systems Division, as a Washington Office liaison to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill representing the guided weapons business at Rockwell.

In this role, he continued his service to his country until June 1990 through continued development and refinement of guided weapon systems.

He is survived by his wife of over 24 years, Carole Sue Bowermaster Coupland of Annandale; three children from his first marriage, Michelle H. Coupland, Richard C. Coupland III ’91 of Phoenix, Arizona, and Michael R. Coupland; two children from his second marriage, Lansing S. Rice and Layne E. Bessho; 11 grandchildren; and his first wife, Helen DeBrier.

Richard C. Coupland Jr. ’50B Class Agent, 1991-95

Lt. Col. Richard Cox Coupland Jr. ’50B, USAF (Ret), of Annandale, Virginia, died on Feb. 18, 2009. He was 81.

Coupland matriculated from Washington, D.C., and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI, where he was rose to the rank of regimental adjutant (S-1) and was a member of the Glee Club for four years. He was a member of the swimming, wrestling and golf teams for two years, and of the football team for one year.

Coupland was the second of three generations of Couplands to attend VMI. His father was the late Maj. Gen. Richard C. Coupland ’15, USAF, and his son is Richard C. Coupland III ’91. In addition, his brother was the late William R. Coupland ’55, and his cousin is William C. Coupland Jr. ’57 of Norfolk, Virginia.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-73.

In his initial years in the Air Force he was selected for enrollment in the graduate program at the University of Michigan, where he studied the early science of guided weapon systems and graduated with a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering.

The expertise gained in this program allowed him to make major contributions to the development, management and fielding of many of the smart weapon systems that are currently in use daily by our armed forces worldwide. His service to his country included assignments to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio; SHAPE Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium; the Office of the Defense Advisor, Paris, France; Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland; and the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. During his last five years on active duty he directed the air launched missile division of the Air Force Systems Command Headquarters in Washington.

Following 23 years of service in the Air Force,

Coupland ’50B was regimental adjutant under Buck Buchanan ’50B, who later was the commandant and director of Admissions at VMI.

John J. Nadder ’50B

John Joseph Nadder ’50B of Montpelier, Virginia, died on March 25, 2009.

Nadder matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

Nadder served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired as a telecommunications officer after a 42-year career with Bank of America. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church where he served many years as church organist.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Sanyour Nadder of Montpelier; four children, John J. Nadder Jr. and his wife, Teresa, Cynthia Saady

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TAPS and her husband, Robert, Stephanie Drysdale and her husband, Dave, and Kimberly Reynolds and her husband, Vic; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, Joseph and Anthony; and two sisters, Theresa Carroll and Lu Mardigian.

William P. Talbott ’50B

William Parks Talbott ’50B of Glasgow, Virginia, died on March 10, 2009. He was 80.

Talbott matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was a member of the football team for three years.

A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army from 1950-52, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal while serving with the 38th Field Artillery Battalion of the Second Infantry Division from April 15-Sept.

9, 1952. According to the medal’s citation, while in charge of a forward observer party accompanying the infantry to the front lines, Talbott “was instrumental in furnishing accurate fire support which aided in defending friendly troops and neutralizing enemy actions.”

Following the war he went to work for J.M. Turner and Company Inc., of Roanoke, as a civil engineer in construction and road building. He worked for Turner for 41 years and retired as vice president in 1991.

Talbott was very active at VMI. He was a member of the VMI Keydet Club and served as a member of its board of governors for two terms from 200107. He also was president of the Friends of Preston Library for two years, and he mentored numerous cadets. He re-established the VMI Roundball Club in 1999 and subsequently served as its president. He was a “sideline coach” at football practice.

He was an active member of ROMEO – Retired Old Men Eating Out. He is survived by his wife, Helen B. Talbott of Glasgow; a daughter, Elizabeth A. Talbott; a son, William Parks Talbott Jr., and his wife, Jenine; five stepchildren, Kaye Henderson, Barry Henderson, Rickie Neese, Greg Neese and Vernon Neese; 11 grandchildren, William Parks Talbott III, Mary Catherine Talbott, Brooke Zirk, Kevin Zirk, Blaire Price, Will Price, Barrett Henderson, Dylan Neese, Amanda Neese, Alicia Neese and Steve Eisenberg; a niece, Ann Zinnser, and her husband, Tony, of New York; a nephew, Richard Lee Talbott of St. Louis, Missouri; and special family members, Emily Wells and Justin Huff, and his two children, Braxton and William. His first wife, to whom he was married for 35 years, was Mary Elizabeth Guilfoyle Talbott.

In September 2006, in recognition of their strong support of VMI athletics and cadet-athletes, Talbott and his wife, Helen, were presented the highest honor of the VMI Keydet Club, the Spirit Award.

George T. Cowherd Jr. ’51

George Taylor Cowherd Jr. ’51 of East Brunswick,

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New Jersey, died on Feb. 7, 2009. He was 81.

Cowherd matriculated from Cartersville, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was the B Company first lieutenant. He was a member of the fencing team and the wrestling team and was a member of the Monogram Club during his second and first class years.

He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1945-47. During that time, he was assigned to the 8th Weather Squadron in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, in World War II. He later served for five years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

He earned a master of science degree in sanitation engineering from Rutgers University in 1953. He then worked in Brazil for two years for the U.S. government, designing and working on water supply systems. He also worked at the Interstate Sanitation Commission in New York, and retired in 1992 from Consolidated Edison as director of budgeting and administration.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria Puscas Cowherd of East Brunswick; a son, Thomas Randall Cowherd; two daughters, Margaret Meade Cowherd and Carolyn Phillips and her husband, Anthony Phillips; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan.

Thomas W.C. Birge ’52

Col. Thomas Worthington Cooke Birge ’52, USAF (Ret), of Fairfax, Virginia, died on Jan. 29, 2009. He was 78.

Birge matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in physics from VMI, where he was a sergeant during his second class year. He was a member for four years of the football team and the track team. He was a member for two years of the Monogram Club and served as its president during his first class year. He was a member of the Officer of the Guard Association during his first class year.

A retired Air Force officer, he attended flight school in Bartow, Florida, and Bryan, Texas, before being sent to Korea and Okinawa as a fighter pilot in 1953-55. He was a test engineer/pilot in Arizona and Florida from 1955-63 and an aerospace engineer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 1963-67. He was a fighter pilot in Thailand fro 1967-68 and a munitions test engineer at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from 1968-71. Prior to his retirement he was a munitions development officer at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Birge was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air Medals, the Silver Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

He was a member of the American Ordnance Association and was active in both the Cub Scouts and the Girl Scouts. He was a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Molster Birge of Fairfax; four children, Robert Birge and his wife, Kathy, Lisa Dalby and her husband, Fleet, Thomas Birge Jr. and his wife, Donna, and Nancy Jacobs and her husband, William; two stepsons, Kyle Holt and his wife, Jan, and Dwayne Holt and his wife, Brenda; and 12 grandchildren. His first wife was the late Carolyn C. Birge.

He was buried on May 6, 2009, with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Daniel B. Robertson ’52 First Battalion Commander

Daniel Bruce Robertson ’52 of Irvington, Virginia, died on Jan. 28, 2009. He was 79.

He was a former president of the Rappahannock Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

Robertson matriculated from Saddle River, New Jersey, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI, where he was the first battalion commander. He was associate editor of the 1952 Bomb and was named a Distinguished Military Student.

He served in the U.S. Robertson ’52 Army from 1952-55, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. His last assignment was with the 63rd Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in Kitzingen, Germany.

After a series of sales jobs, in 1966 he joined the Inmont Corporation as a market manager in Hawthorne, New Jersey. In 1969 he was named national sales manager and in 1970 he was named director of marketing, RBH industrial colorants, for Inmont’s color systems group. In 1976 he was named to the new position of business director, industrial colorants, for Inmont’s Color Systems Group, where he was responsible for all manufacturing, research and marketing operations related to industrial colorants, which were widely marketed under the Inmont “RBH” label.

In 1977 he left Inmont to become business manager, ceramics, for the industrial chemicals division of NL Industries Inc. He had full responsibility for the operation and future development of the industrial chemicals division’s ceramics business area, which provided Zirconium and Titanium-based products to the ceramics industry. In 1978 he was named business manager, plastics and specialty chemicals, of the Industrial Chemicals Division of NL Industries, which at that time had sales of over $1.5 billion.

In 1980 Roberson was named director of sales and marketing for all of NL Chemicals’ U.S. operations.

He was responsible for pigment, specialty chemical and urethane marketing developments. He retired

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TAPS from NL in 1982 after a 27-year career that took him to the firm’s Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City offices.

Robertson was a member of the Saddle River Borough Council, the National Paint and Coatings Association, the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the board of directors of the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, and volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels.

He is survived by four children, Randolph Christian Robertson ’75 and his wife, Diane, of Aberdeen, Maryland, Bruce Dixon Robertson and his wife, Robin, Ellen Robertson Blake and her husband, Andrew, and Jonathan Rood Robertson; five grandchildren, Daniel Christian Robertson and his wife, Jennifer, Lindsay Jane Robertson, Camillus Andrew Blake, Warren Ambrose Robertson and Eric Bruce Robertson; a brother, John William Peyton Robertson and his wife, Edie, of Norfolk, Virginia; and a sister, Ann Robertson Butter and her husband, Charles, of Cologne, Minnesota. His wife of 52 years, who was his sixth grade sweetheart, was the late Diane Randolph Dixon Robertson. His uncle was the late Bolling Lynn Robertson ’13.

Charles C. Mitchell Jr. ’53

to manage until it was sold again in 1977. At one time he operated the largest car crushing company in the south from New Orleans to Tampa. In 1977 he purchased the Energy Scanners franchise for the state of Alabama. At the time of his death he was retired from Colonial Bank.

He was a member of the Conchology Society of America and the Bailey Matthews Museum.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Connie Reid Mitchell of Montgomery; four daughters, Denise Graham of Cartersville, Georgia, Susan Jones and her husband, Roger, of Roswell, Georgia, Sharon Ward of Montgomery and Debra Dorn and her husband, David, of Miami, Florida; six grandchildren, Vaughn Graham and his wife, Renee, of Dalton, Georgia, Bradi Paxson and her husband, Josh, and Stephanie Jones, all of Roswell, and Derrell Vaughn III, Davis Vaughn and Elizabeth Wesley Vaughn, all of Montgomery; and his mother, Pauline Mitchell of Montgomery.

Walter B. Moncrief ’53

Walter Brinton Moncrief ’53 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died on March 28, 2009. He was 78.

Moncrief matriculated from Portsmouth and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1954-56. He then spent 10 years working in construction and joined the U.S. Navy in 1965. At the time of his death he was a retired planner with the Atlantic Division Naval Facilities.

He is survived by four sons, John Brinton Moncrief and his wife, Adele, of Chesapeake, Virginia, Walter David Moncrief and his wife, Melody, of Jacksonville, Florida, Bruce Scott Moncrief and his wife, Susan, of Roanoke, Virginia, and James Barry Moncrief and his wife, Becky, of Jacksonville; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and a longtime friend, Myra Creecy. His wife, who was his childhood sweetheart, was the late Barbara Caffee Moncrief.

Charles Camp Mitchell Jr. ’53 of Montgomery, Alabama, died on April 9, 2009. He as 77.

Mitchell matriculated from New Haven, Connecticut, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI, where he was a cadet captain and served as battalion S-4 and regimental supply officer on the battalion staff. He was a member of the Glee Club and the International Relations Club, and was designated a distinguished military graduate. In addition to his degree from VMI, he held a graduate degree in chemistry from Perdue University, which he attended from 1955-57.

Mitchell served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Chemical Warfare Service from 1953-55.

During that period he was an instructor in military intelligence at the Chemical Corps School, Fort McClellan, Alabama.

From 1957-67 he worked for Monsanto Chemical Company in Pensacola, Florida. His positions W. Wyatt Shorter ’53 with Monsanto included quality control engineer, Walter Wyatt Shorter ’53 of Camden, Alabama, senior quality control engineer, computer systems died on March 30, 2009. He was 76. group leader, process engineering group leader Shorter matriculated from Franklin, Virginia, and quality control engineering supervisor. From and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry 1967-71 he worked in Anderson, from VMI, where he was a captain and South Carolina, for Dow-Badische C Company commander.

Company, where he started as a qualHe served in the U.S. Marine Corps ity control superintendent and later from 1953-55, attaining the rank of served as department manager of captain. He then attended the University planning and control which included of Maine, where he earned a master of the plant laboratories, production science degree in pulp and paper scicontrol, quality control engineering ence and chemical engineering and was and industrial engineering. From inducted into both Tau Beta Pi and the 1971-77 he operated his own scrap Society of the Sigma Xi for his research metal business, Dixie Auto Mashers, related to Zeta potential.

Shorter ’53 which he sold in 1972 but continued Shorter spent his entire career in the

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pulp and paper industry. He worked for Union Camp Corporation for 21 years, rising to vice president and resident manager of the Prattville, Alabama, mill. He was a pioneer in the development of using recycled paper in corrugated containers, which is in wide use today. In 1978 he was named president of U.S. operations for Canadian-based Macmillan Bloedel Inc., a position from which he retired in 1993.

He served on the boards of First Alabama Bankshares and Jenkins Brick Corporation. He was a member of the Nature Conservancy of Alabama and of the “13” Literary Society in Montgomery, and was a trustee of Huntington College. He was president of the Alabama State Chamber of Commerce from 1975-76, chairman of the Alabama Alliance of Business and Industry, director of the Fourdrinier Kraft Board Group and a member of the Alabama Council on Economic Education. Shorter was national president of the Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA) in 1971. PIMA awarded him its National Community Service Award in 1974. He received a resolution from the Camden City Council in 2008 which read, in part, “Wyatt Shorter is a man who has given outstanding service and devotion to his country, his church, his family and his career.”

He was a lay reader in the Episcopal Church for over 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gayle Prince Shorter of Camden; five children, Walter Wyatt Shorter Jr. of Germantown, Tennessee, Margaret Shorter Robinson of Ozark, Alabama, Mathew Peasley Shorter of Camden, Lt. Cmdr. John David Shorter, USN (Ret), of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Charles Christopher Shorter of Mobile, Alabama; four daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; and 11 grandchildren.

Thomas C. Armstrong Jr. ’54 Class President

Thomas Clevius Armstrong Jr. ’54 of Yorktown, Virginia, died on Feb. 8, 2009. He was 79.

Armstrong matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI, where he played football for two years and served as president of the class of 1954 for four years. During his first class year he was captain of the football team and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

During his second class year he held the rank of cadet sergeant.

He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1955-57. In 1993 he retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as manager of paint chemistry. He held two patents, one for concrete and the second for coating steel piping. He attended Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra B. Armstrong of Yorktown; two brothers, Robert and his wife, Nancy, of Newport News and Larry and his wife, Susan, of Annapolis, Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.

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TAPS Alfred E. Sheldon Jr. ’54

Alfred Edwin Sheldon Jr. ’54 of Claremont, California, died on Feb. 4, 2009. He was 77.

Sheldon matriculated from Maplewood, New Jersey, and attended VMI for one year before receiving an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, from which he graduated in 1955. He served in the U.S. Air Force after graduation and subsequently taught English and American literature at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He separated from the Air Force in 1965 holding the rank of captain, and moved to Claremont where he taught in the English department at Cal Poly Pomona. He then moved to the communications department, which he served as chairperson for many years. At the same time he taught linguistics courses at various institutions in the area, including the University of Southern California. He did coursework toward a doctorate at California State University, Fullerton.

He was a member of the Da Camera Society of Mt. Saint Mary’s College, a music and historical society that presents chamber music concerts at historical sites in the region.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Helia Sheldon of Claremont; a daughter, Diane Stuart of Rockville, Maryland; two stepchildren, Jim Reese of Ridgecrest, California, and Carla Motejo of Seattle, Washington; and three grandchildren, Max and Sam Wappel and Girard Thompson.

David M. Barker ’55

David Maghee Barker ’55 of Waynesboro, Virginia, died on March 10, 2009. He was 76.

Barker matriculated from Columbia, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was an E Company corporal.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-58 and from 1961-62, and in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1959-61 and from 1962-66, attaining the rank of captain.

He joined CLOA as an industrial engineer in 1955, and by the end of that year he was in the U.S. Air Force Pilot Training Program. After three years as a pilot he returned to ALCOA near Knoxville, Tennessee, where he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard. He was recalled to active duty with the unit for one year in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis.

Following various production assignments at ALCOA, he was transferred to Australia for four and one-half years, after which he was assigned to the plant near Evansville, Illinois. He moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1979 and worked for a subsidiary of ALCOA. He retired from ALCOA in 1998 after 43 years of service.

He was a member of the Fishersville United Methodist Church, the Waynesboro Kiwanis Club and the Shenandoah British Car Club. He served with United Way, the Salvation Army, the Food Pantry at Fishersville United Methodist Church and at Lyndhurst United Methodist Church, the 4th of July

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Extravaganza at Ridgeview Park, and he participated in the Shenandoah Valley British Car Club’s Show during the Fall Foliage Festival.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth M. Barker of Waynesboro; three sons, David M. Barker Jr. and his wife, Charlotte, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Richard T. Barker and his wife, Tanya, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Bradford A. Barker and his wife, Susanne, of Waynesboro; six grandchildren, Stacy, Melanie, Tom, Patrick, Allen and Anja; a great-granddaughter, Lexy; two brothers, Douglas Barker and Joseph Barker; a sister, June Silveira and her husband, Jorge; two nieces, Rene Kidd and her husband, Nathan, and Kathy Gates and her husband, Tom, and their children; and a special cousin, Jane Blosser.

Robert E. Pac ’59

Robert Edward Pac ’59 died on Feb. 22, 2009.

He was 72.

Pac matriculated from Sparrows Point, Maryland, and attended VMI for one year and two months. He graduated from Lycoming College and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Among his survivors are two sisters, Nancy DeMena and Barbara Pac.

Stanley Boleski Jr. ’61

Stanley Boleski Jr. ’61 of Wild River Ranches, Wyoming, died on Feb. 16, 2009. He was 72.

Boleski matriculated from Hammond, Indiana, and held a bachelor of arts degree in biology from VMI, where he was a B Company sergeant and a member of the Religious Council, the Firefighters and the English Society, as well as of the soccer, cross country and track teams.

A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-86, attaining the rank of captain.

He moved to Wyoming 20 years ago.

He is survived by a son, Ferdinand Boleski of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his mother, Aurelia Boleski, also of Las Vegas.

Samuel C. Phillips Jr. ’61

Samuel Cornelius Phillips Jr. ’61 of Purcellville, Virginia, died on March 10, 2009.

Phillips matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and held a bachelor of arts degree in biology from VMI, where he was a Band Company lieutenant.

A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1962-70, attaining the rank of captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Phillips began his military career at officer basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he became a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps (MSC). His first assignment was at Madigan General Hospital at Fort Lewis, Washington, as an aide-de-camp to the commanding general. He was transferred to Germany in 1964 where he served as a dispensary executive officer, ambulance train com-

mander and the operations officer of the USAEUR Medical Battalion. In 1967 he was sent to Vietnam where he served as the commanding officer of an ambulance company, as executive officer of HQ & A Company, 25th Medical Battalion, as executive officer of C Company, 4th Medical Battalion, and, finally, as executive officer of the Americal Division Medical Battalion. He was responsible for the creation of this unit from three separate medical companies.

In 1968 Phillips branch transferred from MSC and became a military intelligence officer. He attended the counterintelligence officer basic school and then went to the intelligence officer advance course at Fort Holabird, Maryland. His first assignment in military intelligence was as the executive officer of the 10th Military Intelligence Region, Denver, Colorado. In 1970 he accepted a position as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service. In 1973 he was transferred from Denver to Washington, D.C., to begin his assignment in protection.

He served on the Agnew and Ford vice presidential details. He then transferred to the presidential protection detail where he served as detail leader for the president’s son, Jack Ford. He continued on the presidential protection detail with President Jimmy Carter and eventually became the training officer for the presidential protection detail. He transferred in 1979 to the Washington Field Officer as a criminal investigator. He then served as the chairman, investigative manual committee for over a year. In 1985 he became the Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) of the criminal records section with a mandate to form a criminal intelligence division. This division would be innovative in using commercial databases for criminal investigations.

When he retired from the Secret Service in 1990, he was the SAIC of the investigative support and records division.

He spent the next three years as the vice president of operations with FYI, a startup company with the backing of Equifax and MCI, to develop a computer program to sell to law enforcement. In 1994 he began a consulting career in computer program development. He was a consultant to the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) in the Department of Justice being utilized primarily in Colombia. He helped the country in the development of intelligence and law enforcement computer operations and systems. In 1997 he was the training officer for a “train the trainers” project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Also since 1994, he did background investigations for the U.S. government, both as a direct hire and for companies holding contracts. In the summer of 2008 he became acting secretary and webmaster of ACBI (Association of Certified Background Investigators).

Among his survivors are his wife, Nancy Harding Phillips of Purcellville; and two daughters, Sarah and Katherine.

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TAPS Louis S. Pappas ’72 First Jackson Hope Medal

Program at the Baptist Healthcare System. He was also the medical director of the Respiratory Therapy Training Program at Virginia College in Birmingham.

He was an active member of the Holy TrinityHoly Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

He is survived by his mother, Tasia G. Pappas; his brother, Peter G. Pappas, M.D., and his wife, Alexis; two sons, Steve L. Pappas and Benjamin R. Opipari; a daughter, Ellen C. Pappas; his former wife, Susan D. Pappas; nieces and nephews, Hayden R. Pappas, Peter Cameron Pappas, Stavros P. Pappas and Elias G. Pappas; and three grandchildren, Annabella Opipari, Nicholas Opipari and Francesca Opipari.

Louis Steve Pappas ’72, M.D., of Birmingham, Alabama, died on March 27, 2009. He was 58.

Pappas matriculated from Birmingham and held a bachelor of science degree in biology from VMI, where he was an A Company second lieutenant, was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and was named a distinguished academic and military student. In addition to the First Jackson-Hope Medal, presented for highest attainment in scholarship, he received in 1969 both the Lemuel MacKennie Long Jarman ’43 Award, presented to a member of the fourth class who has been most outstanding in scholarship, conduct and Allen B. Higginbotham Jr. ’79 character, and the Paul R. Meyer ’24 Award, given Allen Bane Higginbotham Jr. ’79 of San Diego, for academic achievement to a fourth class biology major. In 1970 he received the John Randolph California, died on Feb, 28, 2009. He was 53.

Higginbotham matriculated from Vienna, Virginia, Tucker Carmichael ’31 Award, which is presented to a third class biology major and is based upon and held a bachelor of science degree in economics unusual academic achievement and excellence of from VMI. He served from 1979-80 in the U.S. Army. He character, and the Superior Cadet Ribbon. In 1971 also served in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of he was awarded the Philip H. Killey ’41 Award, which is presented to a second class biology major commander. He spent the 1980s in the North Atlantic and is based upon unusual academic achievement on a succession of ships, including the destroyer U.S.S. Coontz, the frigate U.S.S. Edward and excellence of character, and, at McDonnell and the guided missile degraduation in 1972, he was awarded stroyer U.S.S. Sellers. In addition to two the Alfred H. Knowles ’33 Award, tours of duty at the Pentagon, he served in which is based upon class standing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jacksonville, and presented to a graduating biolFlorida, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, Minogy major, and the ROTC Medal. neapolis, Minnesota, Tampa, Florida, He was a member of the Honor New Orleans, Louisiana, and San Diego, Court, the wrestling team and the California. He was awarded two Navy rugby team.

Commendation Medals.

In 1975 he received an M.D. deHe retired from the Navy in 2003 and gree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. From 1975-76 Higginbotham purchased the San Diego-based Trident Jr. ’79 Bottled Water Accessories, which he he was an intern in internal medicine expanded into an online business. He at the university of Mississippi Medisold the business after four years and cal Center, after which he returned to Birmingham as an obstetrics and gynecology resident at UAB embarked on a yearlong around-the-world tour.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Vicki until 1977.

Fredericks of San Diego; two daughters from His residency was interrupted by active military service in the U.S. Army from 1977-79. A veteran his first marriage, Julia Marie Engel of Minof Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, he was a neapolis and Claire Fox Higginbotham of Apple flight surgeon in Saudi Arabia and a general medical Valley, Minnesota; his parents, Allen and Linda officer at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was Higginbotham of Sarasota, Florida; a sister, Ann Prohoniak of Charlotte, North Carolina; and two awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Following completion of his military commit- brothers, David Higginbotham of Manassas, ment, he completed residency training in internal Virginia, and Robert Higginbotham of Fairfax medicine. He served as chief medical resident and City, Virginia. completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at John S. Manley ’83 Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, Lt. Col. John (Jack) Sherman Manley ’83, D.C. He then entered private practice for two years at the Washington Clinic in Washington, D.C., after USAF, of Grapevine, Texas, died on April 7, which he joined the faculty at Georgetown Univer- 2009. He was 48.

Manley matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, sity Hospital from 1986-87.

He returned to Birmingham in 1987 and joined and held a bachelor of science degree in civil Pulmonary Associates of the Southeast, where he engineering from VMI. He was secretary of the worked until his death. He was a member of the Rat Disciplinary Committee during his first class clinical faculty of the Internal Medicine Training year and was a member of the Hop and Floor

2009-Issue 3

Committee and the VMI Firefighters.

Following graduation he received a commission in the U.S. Air Force. After eight years of service, he transitioned to civilian life and held various positions with large commercial engineering firms and continued his service to his country as an officer in the Air National Guard.

A communicator, author, self-taught computer programmer and entrepreneur, he started a number of small businesses, including The Information Union and Manley Services.

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, he was recalled to active duty and served in a number of positions supporting the Air Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 2005 after accepting a leadership role in the U.S. Air Force Search and Rescue community as the chief, special operations/rescue branch, Manley ’83 and chief, personnel recovery, 10th Air Force.

During his time with the 10th Air Force Wing, Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, Manley was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

He volunteered many hours with the United Service Organization (USO) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. His work with the USO involved improvement of its automated tracking and inventory software systems.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Anne Schoeffel Manley of Grapevine; two daughters, Emily Anne and Lillian Francis, both of Grapevine; a son, Miles Elliott Manley of Grapevine; his mother, Patricia Tucker Manley of Manassas, Virginia; his sister, Kathie Morelli, and her husband, Joseph A. Morelli III ’78, of Stafford, Virginia; three brothers, Thomas F. Manley II ’79 and his wife, Annette, of Stafford, Gerald R. Manley ’81 and his wife, Cathy, of Centreville, Virginia, and James Manley of Alexandria; his father- and mother-in-law, Peter and Jane Schoeffel of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother-in-law, Clay Schoeffel, and his wife, Leslie, of Alexandria; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Daniel T. Hughes ’99

Daniel Thomas Hughes ’99 of Las Vegas, Nevada, died on Dec. 31, 2002. He was 25.

Hughes matriculated from Las Vegas and attended VMI for two years.

He was a student at the University of Las Vegas.

He is survived by his parents, Dan and Adela Hughes of Las Vegas; two brothers, Bryan Hughes of Kingwood, Texas, and Brad Hughes of Las Vegas; a sister, Lisa; and his grandparents, Leo Baez and Connie Baez, both of Las Vegas.

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THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 1882 Elmhurst Dr. Germantown, TN 38138 vmi73agent@aol.com

First Vice President Randolph M. Blanks ’67 4773 Charter Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192 vmi67@comcast.net

Second Vice President Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bob_heely@wcbay.com

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 avolant@vmialumni.org

The VMI President

Immediate Past President

James F. Spellman Jr. ’85 jfspellman@vmialumni.org

Brian Crockett

Keydet Club, Inc.

Charles F. Plageman ’90

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

President

Walter C. Perrin II ’62

Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2010 Jamel Lynch, Jr. ’94 region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Michael Soares ’75 mLodington@gmail.com

Directors at Large

Terms Expire June 30, 2012 Term Expires June 30, 2011 Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Bland Massie ’77 super77@vmialumni.org Heidi Nagel ’02 Heidimason@aol.com Dallas B. Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 Jay C. Wegrzyn ’66 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89

russell.takatar@yahoo.com mrhemenez@cox.net tearris@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vmiman@comcast.com jcwegrzyn@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com tboggs@gci.com jhoward211@cox.net krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Raphael S. Barsgmian ’89 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68

San Antonio Centex Chicago Kansas City, Missouri North TX - Dallas Rio Grande SE TX - Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Detroit Little Rock Bluegrass Third Coast (Corpus Christi) Oklahoma

Robert R. Costigan ’70 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Jeffrey T. Golden ’99 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 Timothy S. Feagans ’90 Alexander E. Woelper ’80 Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83 Michael A. Demers ’80 Harry W. Gore Jr. ’72 David C. Hagemann ’80 James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory G. McDearmon ’99 Walter J. Kleine ’63 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98

bcosti@mindspring.com jminch@littlefield.com jeff.t.golden@smithbarney.com vordermark@juno.com tfeagans@marcusmillchap.com alexw@enconinternational.com Joseph.J.Leonard@uscg.mil michael.demers2@wpafb.af.mil goreharry@vmialumni.org dhag80@aol.com jim_dittrich@leisurearts.com ggmcd34@earthlink.net WKleine@STX.RR.com HBRvmi98@vmialumni.org

Jimmie V. Thurmond ’56 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Todd J. Jacobs ’90

Greater Rhode Island New England NY City - Long Island North Jersey

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 Matthew L. Camfield ’94 Robert A. Munno ’81

magsvmi@email.com matthew_camfield@msn.com ram81vmi@aol.com

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 John W. Wainwright III ’82 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Duane E. Williams ’66 John D. Kearney ’73 Allan R. Berenbrok ’80

twirth@mragta.com dwilliams@pa.net kearneyjd@msn.com allan.berenbrok@tetratech.com

Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Lester C. Martin ’68 John D. Kearney ’73 Robert A. Lane ’75

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 William E. Kirby III ’96

tbowers68@comcast.net tomdaniel60@charter.net cschoen@ironwoodins.com

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 Charles S. Sanger ’82

Hawaii Greater Los Angeles Bob Clingenpeel ’69 Northern California Pacific Northwest bclingenpeel1@ Rocky Mountain gmail.com San Diego Inland Empire Chapter Alaska Arizona Las Vegas

Region I Far West

Region II Midwest

Fred Lehman ’91

Fredrick.Lehman@ morganstanley.com

Region III Northeast

Felix Wolkowitz ’75 fwolkowitz@ wolkowbraker.com

Region IV Mid Atlantic

Baltimore Central Keystone Grover Outland ’81 Delaware Valley outland@ Western PA - Pittsburgh techusa.net

Region V Southeast

Guy Conte ’75 guyconte@ gmail.com

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Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA - South Carolina Midsouth Middle TN - Nashville

vmi73agent@aol.com ktkirby@comcast.net

Nathaniel P. Ward IV ’65 Peter H. Lyons ’54 Marcus Bruce Paine ’81 Thomas D. Kelly ’50B John D. Christie ’59

Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Michael A. Demers ’80 Robert C. Polk ’61 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Hugh R. Hill ’85 M. Douglass Payne ’73 Michael A. Davis ’06

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Club of the Triad Cape Fear Central NC - Raleigh Charlotte SE N. Carolina/NE S. Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Coastal Carolina, SC

Benjamin A. Booth ’03 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Michael J. Tutor ’96 James A. Sharp ’93

benjamin.booth@volvo.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net mike@tutorresumes.com jim@twpllc.com

John R. Fisher ’89 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Jonathan D. Atkins ’98 E. Hugh Daughtry III ’83

Jerome M. Brinkley ’84

brinkleyj1@yahoo.com

Karl L. Klinar ’54 Donald P. DeLuca ’62

Birmingham Central Florida Mobile NE Florida - Jacksonville Southern Florida Tennessee Valley West Coast FL - Tampa Southwest Florida-Fort Meyer

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 James G. Joustra Jr. ’76 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Michael T. Fellows ’95 John A. Weekes Jr. ’97 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Larry L. Fluty ’78 Bradford T. Herrell ’01

billcather@bellsouth.net jim.joustra@walgreens.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org michael.fellows@mac.com jweekeslaw@gmail.com huf2000@aol.com lfluty@tbegroup.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com

New River Valley Lynchburg Roanoke

William A. Madison ’90 Christopher M. Boswell ’00 Mchael B. Kemp ’90

bmadison@themadisonfamily.net William A. Madison ’90 cboswell@aquaduckshoes.com John T. McCarthy ’87 michael.b.kemp@smithbarney.com W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62

N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter Charlottesville Blue Ridge Rockbridge County Allegheny Highlands Stonewall Jackson

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

wdtllt@comcast.net jim@realcentralva.com weastham@carrhyde.com tedjenks@comcast.net troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com rjarrell@spilmanlaw.com

Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Mark H. Bryant ’77 R. Edward Duncan ’60 Lewis V. Graybill ’62 Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Eastern Shore

lbcpa2@verizon.net dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com johnrowejr@verizon.net

Thomas F. Wilson ’80

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

Robert W. Leatherbury ’80 David G. Tyler IV ’86 Joshua P. Priest ’80 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66

George C. Marshall Potomac River

Sean P. Boyle ’91 Thomas A. Brashears ’95

boyle100@comcast.net R. Rucker Slater Jr. ’88 thomasbrashears@roadrunner.com Douglas B. Warner ’03

Richmond Tri Cities

James R. Smith III ’93 William H. Talley IV ’77

rrsmith@bbandt.com wht4@whts.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Richard A. Duke ’90 Peter J. Kokolis ’96

carl.debernard@dhs.gov rduke@mcguirewoods.com Peter_Kokolis@ml.com

R. C. Thompson III ’74 Robert B. Powell ’63 John J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV Pacific Rim

Thailand Taiwan

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

Europe

Italy

Steven G. Cade ’87

steven.cade@us.army.mil

Region VI Carolinas

Lane Toomey ’74 toomeyl@ pinehurst.net

Region VII Deep South Jim Joustra ’76 Jim.Joustra@ Walgreens.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Turner Perrow ’96

tperrow@ perrowconsulting.com

Region IX Shenandoah Valley Ted Jenks ’67 tedjenks@ comcast.net

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 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

Region X Hampton Roads Asa Page III ’79 apage3@cox.net Douglas Burdett ’82 douglasburdett@ yahoo.com

Region XI Metro D.C.

Sean Boyle ’91

boyle100@comcast.net

Steve Nakazawa ’ 03

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

steve.nakazawa@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Robert Louthan ’82 rpl@aocp.com

Samuel Stocks ’90

sstocks@ kbsgc.com

Region XIII Rappahannock Eric Nost ’79 enost@cffc.com

2009-Issue 3

165

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp Sr. ’54, the estate was left to him.

Foresman matriculated from Lexington, USAR (Ret), was initiated into Omicron Ayers, who was a journalist for The New Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor York Times, lives in Lexington, Virginia, bachelor’s degree in history. society, in April 2009. where he teaches English at VMI. He is president of Highland Risk & Crisis Knapp matriculated from Richmond, Ayers matriculated from Accomac and Solutions, Ltd, a firm that assists corpoVirginia, and graduated with a bachelor’s graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s rations and government organizations in degree from VMI in civil engineering. degree in English. He continued his understanding and mitigating homeland He received his master’s degree and doc- education at Columbia University and and national security risks, both domestitorate from Johns Hopkins University. earned his master’s degree in 1959. cally and internationally.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Army ArPreviously, Foresman was confirmed tillery and Infantry Schools, Command In April, George G. Phillips Jr. ’60 and by the U.S. Senate in 2005 as America’s and General Staff College and Army War George W. Foresman ’84 were inducted first under secretary of preparedness at College. He achieved the rank of major as alumni members into the the Department of Homeland general serving in the Army Reserve and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Security (DHS). Before leaving lieutenant general in the Virginia Militia, National Leadership Honors government in 2007, he became serving as an aide-de-camp to Virginia Society. the first under secretary for naGovernor Kaine.

The Omicron Delta Kappa tional protection and programs.

At VMI, Knapp was a professor of civil Society recognizes achieveAs the number three official at engineering and later dean of the faculty. ment in the five areas of scholDHS, he led efforts to integrate He served as superintendent of VMI from arship; athletics; campus/ and advance homeland security 1989-95 and was appointed superinten- community service, social/ efforts at both the department and dent emeritus upon his retirement. religious activities and camnational levels by instituting manHe served for 10 years on the Lexing- pus government; journalism, Phillips Jr. ’60 agement reforms and enhancing ton City Council, the final eight years as speech and the mass media; stakeholder engagement. mayor. He is a past trustee of the George and creative and performing Foresman began his government C. Marshall Foundation, the Stonewall arts. Membership in the society is regarded career as a public safety responder in 1979 Jackson Foundation, the Stonewall as one of the highest collegiate honors that and joined Virginia state government in Jackson Area Council of the Boy Scouts can be awarded to an individual.

1985. He has worked for five governors, of America, the Virginia State Chamber Phillips matriculated from Virginia been active on national working groups of Commerce and Crestar (SunTrust) Beach, Virginia, and graduated with a and task forces, and has managed crisis Bank. He served as chair of the bachelor’s degree from VMI events ranging from acts of nature to terMilitary Task Force, Programs in electrical engineering. He rorist attacks. and Events Subcommittee for continued his education at the the Commemoration of JameUniversity of Virginia.

Montgomery C. Williams III ’62 has stown in 2007. He was also He served as president of the received the Navy Superior Civilian Sera founding board member of Keydet Club from 1973-75, vice Award for his work in protecting the LEAD Virginia, connecting member of the VMI Board of nation from nuclear radiation emitted by diverse leaders to promote a Visitors from 1979-85, member the eastern submarine fleet. The award for statewide perspective about of the VMI Foundation Board superior service included the period of July the quality of life in the comof Trustees from 1986-90 and 1985 to February 2006 and was presented Foresman ’84 from 1991-97, and president to Williams by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral monwealth. He is vice chair of the Virginia National Defense of the VMI Foundation from Kevin Cosgriff, deputy and chief of staff Industrial Authority, and is a 1991-95. During his tenure as of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command. board member of Kendal at Lexington. a member of the board of trustees, he held Williams matriculated from Portsmouth, the position of vice president of fundrais- Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a B. Drummond Ayers Jr. ’57 owns ing and was on the Executive Committee, bachelor’s degree in physics. an historic home, “West View”, in Ac- the Planned Giving Committee and the comac, Virginia, that was part of the Leadership Gifts/ Steering Committee.

Josiah Bunting III ’63, former VMI April 2009 Eastern Shore House and Phillips was executive vice president, superintendent and retired lieutenant Garden Tour. chairman and president of Henderson & general, Virginia Militia, has been West View was completed in 1941 on Phillips Insurance. He was also president named to the American Revolution Centhe site of a circa 1780 home, also known of the General Hospital of Virginia Beach ter (ARC) board of directors. as West View. The original owner, Hen- and chairman, then president, of Seaboard The ARC will establish the first inrietta Ayers Sheppard, bequeathed the Financial Group, the holding company for ternational center to commemorate estate to Ayers’ parents in 1961; later the Henderson firm. the story of the American Revolution,

166

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS displaying a collection of artifacts and Reserve, a staff organization within the manuscripts from the revolution.

U.S. Department of Defense. Individuals Bunting, who graduated as the top rank- and employers qualify for recognition ing English major in his class when they practice leadership at VMI, was an academically and personnel policies that distinguished student for four support employee participation years and was designated a in the Guard and Reserve.

Distinguished Military StuOrrison shared this award dent. He was first captain and with Draper & Associates, regimental commander of the which is a consulting firm based Corps of Cadets. in Atlanta, Georgia.

Named a Rhodes Scholar Orrison was in the U.S. Army in 1962, he studied at Christ from 1968-71. He received the Bunting ’63 Church, Oxford University, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star and from 1963-66 and earned a Army Commendation Medal.

B.A. and an M.A. with honors He matriculated from Belle in modern history.

Vernon, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Bunting served on active duty in the VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil enU.S. Army from 1966-73, attaining the gineering. He received his master’s degree rank of major. He was awarded three from Georgia State University in 1977.

Bronze Star Medals as well as the Army Commendation Medal.

M. L. Buchanan ’68, USMC (Ret), and Graham L. Undercoffer ’74, USA (Ret), Evan R. Farmer ’66, M.D., has been were two of the first seven to receive named vice president of the American a new decoration called “The Agency Academy of Dermatology, the world’s SEAL Medal” for their activities in the largest dermatologic society, represent- Mideast war zone. (See photo of the ing more than 15,000 physicians. award at right.) They were both decorated Farmer will hold office for a year and will by the associate director of Military Afhold the same position for the American fairs, Maj. Gen. John Brenan, USAF. Academy of Dermatology Association, Undercoffer’s contribution involved which formulates policies that enhance two tours with the Marines in Anbar, the quality of dermatologic care.

Iran, and other tours with the U.S. Army Farmer matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and is a distinguished VMI graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

He continued his education at Johns Hopkins University where he received his medical degree.

Farmer was a captain in the U.S. Army from 1971-73 and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Farmer is a professor of dermatology and pathology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond.

John I. Orrison ’67, senior vice president of Draper & Associates, is the recipient of a Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and

2009-Issue 3

and British Royal Marines/Paratroops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Both Undercoffer and Buchanan had retired from military service in 1979, but because of their experience and

The Agency SEAL Medal, a new decoration of military service, was awarded to seven individuals in 2008. Two of the recipients were, M.L. Buchanam ’68 and Graham L. Undercoffer ’74. Photo taken by Kathryn Wise.

qualifications, they returned to assist in the war efforts.

Buchanan matriculated from Concord, North Carolina, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He continued his education at North Carolina State University where he earned his master’s degree. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968-79.

Undercoffer matriculated from Loveland, Ohio, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned a master of arts degree from the Naval War College and a master of science degree from USC. He was a captain in the U.S. Army from 1974-79 and received two Army Commendation Medals.

John I. Orrison ’67, left, received a Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in March 2009.

Charles F. Bryan Jr. ’69 has been named the 2009 Outstanding Virginian by the General Assembly for his service, achievements, leadership and contributions to Virginians.

Bryan served as president

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ALUMNI NEWS and CEO of the Virginia Historical Society (VHS) from 1988-2008. In this position, his goal was for VHS “to be of service to every Virginian and even beyond Virginia.” Toward this end, he helped the organization raise over $110 million, and during the last 12 years of his tenure, attendance increased from a yearly average of 5,000 to 58,087 visitors.

One of Bryan’s contributions to the VHS was the addition of the Reynolds Business History Center, which helps to tell Virginia’s story during the 20th century.

Bryan matriculated from McMinnville, Tennessee, and graduated from VMI with a degree in history. He continued his education at the University of Georgia and University of Tennessee where he received his master’s degree and doctorate, respectively.

Bryan is a former historian of The VMI Alumni Association; he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1971-73 and received the Army Commendation Medal.

William A. Paulette ’69 has been elected to the Hampton Roads Bankshares’ Board of Directors.

Paulette is the founder and president of KBS, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia, which is among largest general contractor in the commonwealth and performs construction work along the Eastern seaboard. He founded the company in 1975.

In addition to KBS, he has been involved with the formation of other companies in the construction business including: Hermitage Steel in Ashland, Virginia, Mid-Eastern Builders in Chesapeake, Virginia, and Systems East in Hampton, Virginia.

Paulette is a founder and board member of the Bank of Richmond, a board member of the Virginia State Board for Contractors, former chairman of the Henrico County Community Services Board and a member of the Make-AWish Foundation board.

In 2002, Paulette was appointed to the VMI Board of Visitors and reappointed in 2006 to serve a second term, of which he was one of three vice presidents, and he is a former member of the VMI Keydet Club.

168

Named in his honor, Paulette Hall was constructed by KBS and dedicated in March 2007. It houses the locker room facilities for the baseball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as a storage room and an auxiliary training room.

Paulette matriculated from South Hill, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Editor’s note: In the 2009-Issue 2 Review, we incorrectly stated that the Honorable James D. Pagones ’72 attended New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. In fact, he attended Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he received his juris doctorate. The Review staff apologizes to Judge Pagones for this error.

Philip J. Parker ’74 has been named the new president of Samson Corporation, a leader in fluid handling equipment for automotive maintenance facilities.

Prior to this position, Parker was the North American sales and marketing director of Samson.

He began his career in the automotive equipment industry in 1978 when he started a manufacturer’s representative business.

He then operated a distributor business focused on sales, service and installation of automotive service equipment.

Parker matriculated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from VMI

Philip J. Parker ’74, left, has been named the new president of Samson Corporation. In the picture above, the retiring president is passing keys to the building to Parker.

with a bachelor’s degree in English.

As announced by the Air Force Association (AFA), Col. Evan L. Haberman ’76 has received the Stuart R. Reichart Award for the most outstanding achievement in the field of law within the U.S. Air Force. Each year, the AFA honors outstanding achievements of those in the Air Force, government, academia and aerospace industry. Nominations for AFA national aerospace awards are solicited from the U.S. Air Force, members and leaders of AFA and the aerospace industry, and U.S. citizens or organizations with an interest in aerospace activities.

Haberman matriculated from Fort Lee, New Jersey, and graduated with distinction from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He received his juris doctorate from the University of Richmond.

While serving in the Air Force, he has received two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Force Commendation Medals.

R. Craig Jones ’80 has been named the Massanutten Military Academy head of school.

Jones has over 10 years of experience in teaching, coaching and administration.

A distinguished VMI graduate with a degree in English, Jones matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia. He also obtained a law degree from the University of Virginia.

A star football player at VMI, he was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

Thomas M. O’Sullivan ’82 has been promoted to the position of director of International Business of BLACKHAWK! Products Group, a world leader in manufacturing tactical gear for the military and law enforcement.

O’Sullivan, in his new position, will lead efforts to introduce the full line of BLACKHAWK! products, establish strategic business partnerships and develop new sales channels outside the continental United States.

Prior to this position, he was director

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS of government and military programs and and the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive brand manager for tactical gear and hy- Research, Development and Engineerdration for BLACKHAWK!. ing Center.

O’Sullivan matriculated from Timmes matriculated from Albany, New York, and earned Alexandria, Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in history graduated with distinction from VMI. He also earned a from VMI with a bachelor’s master of military arts and scidegree in civil engineering. He ence degree in national secuearned his master of science in rity studies from the Command engineering from Johns Hopand General Staff College. kins University in 2000.

O’Sullivan is a 20-year U.S. He has received two MeritoO’Sullivan ’82 rious Service Medals, an Army Army veteran who attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. He Commendation Medal, a Joint received the Soldier’s Medal, Service Commendation Medal three Meritorious Service Medals and and a Navy Achievement Medal. three Army Commendation Medals.

Timmes has spent 17 years as an environmental engineer in the U.S. Army Lt. Col. J. Daniel Caine ’90, USAF, has Medical Service Corps. been accepted into the White House Fellows program, a first-hand experience working at The law firm of Kaufman & Canoles, the highest levels of government.

P.C., in Williamsburg, Virginia, anCaine matriculated from Hahn Air Force nounced that Dustin H. DeVore ’94 has Base, Germany, and graduated from VMI been named partner. with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He DeVore is a member of the firm’s comwas a member of the White House Fel- mercial/business section and real estate lows class of 2006 and earned a master’s transactions and finance group. degree, with honors, in military studies He matriculated from Erdenheim, from American Military University.

Pennsylvania, and graduated with disCain serves as a lieutenant colonel tinction from VMI with a bachelor’s in the Air National Guard. He has also degree in history. He received his juris received the Air Medal and the Air Force doctorate from William & Mary School Commendation Medal. of Law in 2001.

He is the president of Patriot TechDeVore was a commissioned officer in nologies Group LLC, a company that the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps provides airborne observation and sur- Reserve from 1994-2000. veillance services world-wide.

Special Agent Sean J. Burke ’95 received Lt. Col. Thomas C. Timmes ’92, P.E., the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement has earned a doctorate degree in envi- for his role in response to a 2008 grenade ronmental engineering from Penn State attack at a hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan.

University and has joined the Burke matriculated from faculty of the U.S. Military Gainesville, Virginia, and Academy at West Point, New graduated from VMI with a York. As a member of the bachelor’s degree in English.

Department of Geography and Environmental EngineerIn March 2009, Chad Chrising, he is teaching courses in tianson ’01 helped save a physical and chemical proparaplegic man from his burncesses and biochemical treating vehicle. ment. His doctoral research, The driver of the van is paraTimmes ’92 “Electrocoagulation Pretreatlyzed from the chest down, and ment Prior to Ultrafiltration,” when smoke started coming was funded by the Army Research from the dashboard, he tried to signal Office, the Office of Naval Research, passersby for help. Christianson and a co-

2009-Issue 3

worker noticed the smoke-filled vehicle and stopped. Both helped carry the driver away before the van burst into flames.

In an interview with the local television station, Christianson and his co-worker said that they didn’t doing anything special and were glad they could help.

Christianson matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a degree in history. He is a computer technician working for Wheat Systems Integration in Richmond.

1st Lt. Shawn G. Hogan ’06, USA, 7th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, was part of a two-person team to win first place in the 2009 Best Sapper Competition, an intense 52-hour, six-phase contest that tests the physical endurance and technical knowledge of the most highly skilled soldiers in the engineer regiments.

Sixty-eight of the Army’s top engineers were tested on demolitions, foreign weapons, mountaineering, land navigation and more. Hogan and his teammate received the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal and a trophy.

Hogan matriculated from Salem, New Hampshire. He was valedictorian for his class at VMI and a distinguished graduate. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and minored in writing.

David B. Mayo ’06 has been selected to receive a Sloan Scholarship to facilitate his doctorate studies with the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. The scholarship is available to cover the cost of tuition, stipend, books, professional travel and/or summer support while he is working toward his doctorate.

Mayo matriculated from Tuskegee, Alabama, in 2002. His education was interrupted by a call to active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, during which time he served two tours in Iraq.

He returned to graduate from VMI and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering.

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ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ...

The Hard Corps: 21st Leadership Development by Stewart W. The Hard Corps is the first book in over 30 years to provide Husted. Mariner Publishing, 2009, Buena Vista, Virginia. Available a history of its recent graduates in combat around the world, from marinermedia.com/bookstore.html. from Iraq and Afghanistan to the seas off Somalia. Husted’s quantitative and qualitative approach includes stories of recent The question is: Who will lead our nation, states and communi- graduates who have served in the Peace Corps, Teach America ties in the 21st century? Will they be ethical individuals of good and businesses around the globe. For history buffs, Husted character and solid educational also reminds us that VMI has backgrounds, who are anchored played a key role in providing in the personal skills and values past leaders from Gen. George needed to succeed in this century?

C. Marshall, class of 1901, Will they be prepared to lead in military leader and statesman, a rapidly changing global envito General J.H. Binford Peay ronment? Undoubtedly, it will III ’62, USA (Ret), CENTOM require unusual individuals who commander. In all, this book is are pledged to be servant leada rare glimpse into a treasured ers. These individuals put others American icon. A copy of before themselves and are willing the book will be given to all to sacrifice for the good and well incoming VMI Rats. being of those they serve.

One institution of higher eduAbout the Author: cation, the Virginia Military InCol. Stewart Husted, a senior stitute (VMI), strives to produce faculty member and holder of such leaders. This 170-year-old the John and Jane Roberts undergraduate college is unlike Chair of Free Enterprise Busiany other. Not West Point, the ness at VMI, gives a personal Air Force Academy, the Naval perspective into the lives of Academy nor The Citadel proVMI cadets, alumni, faculty vide such a rigorous, all-around and staff. His daily observaeducation that challenges every tions and interactions with cacadet’s body, mind and soul. Few dets and interviews with many outsiders ever have a chance to key staff and alumni provide witness this unique educational countless stories of leadership experience. The Hard Corps, successes. Husted’s perspecwritten by a senior VMI faculty tive is colored by his days as member and graduate of a rival a cadet at Virginia Tech, a state university and corps of Vietnam veteran and 28 years cadets – Virginia Tech – examines VMI’s all-inclusive leadership of service as an officer in the Army Reserve. Frequently, he development program. provides personal experiences as a comparison to past, presIn addition to detailed accounts of VMI’s leadership program, ent and future events.

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170

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE Marshall Hall, Home of Leadership Center, Dedicated Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay attributes of leadership whose develop- es our ability to integrate and synchroIII ’62 and Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower ment it is the center’s goal to nurture. nize the various programs’ contributions addressed an audience of cadets, alumni, Brower described the programs the to leadership and character development community residents and beneacross the four-year VMI factors, as well as many involved experience and to identify in planning and construction, on opportunities for synergies May 1, 2009, during a ceremony and improved effectiveness,” dedicating the newest building he said. on the VMI Post, Marshall Hall.

The center’s “flagship” conNamed for alumnus Gen. ference, he said, a “top-tier” George C. Marshall ’01, the VMI leadership conference, building houses VMI’s new Cenis scheduled for September ter for Leadership and Ethics, of 2010 and will be offered biwhich Brower is acting director. annually.

Marshall was U.S. Army chief of “We aspire to establish a staff during World War II and national reputation for this architect of the Marshall Plan, conference within the next which helped rebuild Europe decade,” he said. after the war.

Other planned programs From left, Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54, Cadet John M. Saun“For us, there is no finer exinclude the Cadet Character ders ’09, regimental commander, and Thomas G. Slater ample of … a leader than our Education Program, a fourJr. ’66, president of the VMI Board of Visitors unveiled the own alumnus, Gen. George C. year program of honor and building cornerstone during the May 1, 2009, dedication Marshall,” noted Peay. “It is our respect education; a leaderof Marshall Hall. VMI photo by Kevin Remington. hope that the work that will in-residence program; faculty be done in this center … will attendance at other national inspire and guide generations leadership and ethics conferto come.” ences; and the expanded use Marshall Hall features the of military staff rides which Leslie Gillis Jr. ’29 Theater, offer opportunities for cadet with state-of-the-art facilities leader development through and equipment, including two on-the-battlefield analysis dressing rooms, light-sound and discussion. lock areas and a rehearsal/ The ceremony concluded storage room; the Hall of Valor, as Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66, where a banquet celebrating the president of the VMI Board dedication was held after the of Visitors; Bruce C. Gottwald May 1 dedication; offices for the Sr. ’54; and Cadet John M. Center for Leadership and Development; center is expected to offer, including Saunders ’09, regimental commander, and breakout rooms for conferences. symposia such as the recent Environ- unveiled the cornerstone.

Peay thanked those involved in funding, ment Virginia symposium, conferences, Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Chuck planning and constructing the center, addresses from visiting professors, and Hagel spoke, and the VMI Glee Club peradding that the ceremony not only dedi- films and discussions. formed during the reception and dinner cated a new building but celebrated the “Adding this center and its staff enhanc- following the dedication.

VMI Seeks Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 In order to more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through

2009-Issue 3

an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some

means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ’89 in the Registrar’s Office by e-mail at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7263.

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INSTITUTE Governor Visits Post Addresses Symposium and Helps Dedicate Kilbourne Hall An address by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine opened the 20th annual Environment Virginia Symposium, which took place March 31-April 2, 2009, at VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics. The conference theme was “Sustainability: The Nexus of Economic Prosperity and Environmental Stewardship.”

While on Post, Kaine also addressed the Corps of Cadets and took part in the dedication of the recently renovated and enlarged Kilbourne Hall, home of VMI’s ROTC programs. Kaine and Col. Hal Worrell ’81, professor of military science and the senior leader of the ROTC departments, unveiled a portrait of Lt. Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne in the entrance foyer to the facility. “It is fitting that VMI now has the nation’s finest facility for ROTC training,” Kaine said.

Also during the symposium, Ann F. Jennings, Virginia executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, was presented the 2009 Erchul Environmental Leadership Award. The award is named for retired VMI Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Ronald A. Erchul, the founder of the Environment Virginia Symposium.

During his talk at the symposium’s opening session, Kaine discussed en-

On April 1, 2009, Gov. Kaine addressed the opening session of the 20th annual Environment Virginia Symposium in Jackson Memorial Hall.

ergy, water, and transportation issues addressed by his Renew Virginia initiative, as well as state land conservation goals. He said more than 329,000 acres of land had been preserved during his term and more than $1 billion had been allocated to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup with bipartisan support in the state legislature.

More than 600 symposium participants had access to more than 65 exhibit booths and breakout sessions that explored the areas of water, energy, climate change, land, the Chesapeake Bay and regulatory updates.

Hosts of the symposium were VMI, Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories Inc., Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, center, and Col. Hal Worrell ’81, far right, professor of military science and senior the Virginia Deleader of VMI’s ROTC departments, unveiled a portrait partment of Conof Lt. Charles E. Kilbourne during the dedication of the servation and Recnewly renovated Kilbourne Hall, home to VMI’s ROTC reation, the Virginia programs. Looking on are, far left, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, and second from right, Thomas Department of EnG. Slater Jr. ’66, president of the Board of Visitors. Kil- vironmental Qualbourne, VMI’s sixth superintendent, was a graduate of ity, and the Virginia the class of 1894 and a Medal of Honor winner. VMI photo Environmental Enby Kevin Remington. dowment.

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Curtis ’79 Named Chief of Staff Col. Jeffrey H. Curtis ’79 has returned to VMI 30 years after he and his Brother Rats graduated to take on the job of chief of staff. Curtis, whose appointment was effective July 1, 2009, is responsible for coordinating the actions of the InCurtis ’79 stitute’s primary staff officers and ensuring integration of all organizational and Post operations, events, and issues, to include significant administrative duties. He takes over from Col. Walter L. Chalkley ’72, who is retiring to Florida. Chalkley headed VMI’s Army ROTC as professor of military science from 1995-99 and returned to the Institute at the conclusion of a 30-year Active Army career to serve as chief of staff in 2004.

Curtis, a resident of Papillion, Nebraska, retired from the U.S. Air Force with 24 years’ service in 2006.

He served in a variety of senior leadership positions as a staff judge advocate, providing legal counsel to senior Air Force field commanders, while managing large legal staffs and complex programs. He advised senior military officials during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and has also served as the senior staff judge advocate for the U.S. Strategic Command.

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from VMI, Curtis earned his J.D. degree from T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1982. He also earned two master’s degrees.

Curtis is married to Elizabeth “Betsy” Curtis, a major in the Nebraska Air National Guard, where she is a flight commander and an instructor pilot.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Open House Program Offers Clear Picture of VMI Experience Despite his knowledge of the rigors of the Ratline, Blake Wheeler will come to VMI this fall with a sense of confidence that he is in the right place. The incoming cadet attended VMI’s open house program, where he not only got a sense of what VMI is all about but also that it is the place he wants to spend the next four years.

Wheeler, who lives in Hendersonville, Tenn., found the Institute in his search for a college with an ROTC program.

“I’m interested in the Marine Corps, and VMI has the lifestyle, discipline and uniformity that I’m looking for,” said Wheeler. “My parents thought it would be too hard and too intense, but after visiting Post, they’re on board now, too.”

Natalie Hansen, Wheeler’s mother and a civil engineer, heard about VMI through a coworker, and she was skeptical about her son becoming a cadet. In fact, she hoped that attending the open house program would convince him that VMI was not the right choice. That changed after their visit.

“We loved that the classes are small and that the academic program is strong,” said Hansen. “We really liked the presentations, and we got the sense that there’s a real caring for the cadets. We came away To learn more about VMI’s open house program, visit www.vmi.edu/admissions or call 1-800/767-4207. Following are open house program dates for the 2009-10 academic year, and online registration is available.

Oct. 2-3, 2009 Oct. 23-24, 2009 Nov. 13-14, 2009 2009-Issue 3

Feb. 19-20, 2010 March 5-6, 2010 April 9-10, 2010

thinking that VMI will offer Blake something no other college experience can.”

Col. Vernon Beitzel ’72, director of admissions, said VMI’s open house program is not just for prospective cadets like Wheeler who has no prior affiliation with the Institute. Children of alumni often have visited Post but don’t have a full understanding of what the VMI experience is like for cadets.

“It’s a huge benefit for children of alumni to come and experience VMI in another way,” he said. “Sometimes alumni don’t think it’s necessary to bring their children to an open house, because they’ve been exposed to the Institute.

Many find it to be an experience that interests them, but if they walk away saying ‘that’s not what I want,’ then coming was time well spent, too.”

Guy Conte ’75 agrees, adding that not only was attending an open house beneficial for his son, Chris, but also taking part in the Summer Transition Program, a voluntary four-week program in which incoming fourth classmen take a course and focus on physical fitness in preparation for their cadetship.

Conte brought his son to VMI for the first time in 2005 to celebrate his 30th Reunion. When Chris expressed interest in attending the Institute, Conte wanted him to attend an open house to help him see a clearer picture of the VMI experience.

He currently is a second classman.

“To me, attending the open house is critical in helping someone get a full appreciation of what VMI’s all about,” said Conte. “You’ve got to experience it for yourself, especially living in the Barracks. The Barracks experience and the Spartan lifestyle are the hardest aspects of VMI, and I didn’t want to sugarcoat it for Chris.”

Conte added that taking part in the open house empowered his son to make his own decision about attending VMI and one that was informed by the opportunity he had to witness firsthand life in Barracks and also to talk with fourth classmen about their experiences.

Beitzel said he and his staff have worked

hard to put together an informative program that highlights all aspects of life at VMI. During the weekend, prospective students are paired with fourth classmen and stay in Barracks and eat with them in Crozet Hall. They get a comprehensive overview of the Institute’s academic, athletic and ROTC programs, as well as a full briefing on VMI’s history and traditions, the Ratline, cadet life and leadership opportunities.

The involvement of current cadets in the open house program provides a peer view of life at VMI and often is one of the most rewarding parts of the weekend. Attending in the fall also gives them a firsthand look at the Ratline when it is in full swing.

“The open house program encompasses all of VMI, not just the admissions process,” said Beitzel. “The program is not scripted, and we do our best to give prospective students a clear picture of the VMI experience. More than half of the cadets who come to VMI attended an open house before enrolling, and we think they come well informed about an exciting and unique college experience.”

173

INSTITUTE Band Company Performs in Mobile for Mardi Gras, Followed by Busy Spring In late February, the cadets of the Regimental Band and Pipes traveled to Mobile, Alabama, to march in the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Parade there, as well as performing at other events.

The band and pipes – 120 strong – were flown to Mobile on a C-17 Loadmaster, piloted by Lt. Col. Rob Sawyer ’88 and Maj. Ken Jambor ’95 of the 313th Airlift Squadron (McChord Air Force Base). After arriving, the cadets marched three, 2.6-mile parades within 18 hours and performed four other concerts in and around Mobile. As told by the band’s music director, Col. John Brodie, “We were marching in the biggest parade of the festival; 143,000 people were there, and we were chosen as the best band in the parade!”

In addition to Sawyer and Jambor, Col. Brodie is grateful to Max Rogers ’83, M.D., “who arranged the billets, the food/ picnics and the busses all over Mobile for us,” Brodie said. “He and I have been working on this trip since last spring [2008].”

Following the Mobile trip, the VMI Commanders Jazz Band performed in a concert at the Rockbridge County High School (RCHS) with the RCHS Jazz Ensemble on April 1, 2009. The following day, seven cadets and Brodie traveled to Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., to attend a drum major clinic with staff NCOs of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps at their new facility.

Throughout Lexington and around Post, the VMI Pipes and Drums, led by Capt. Burt Mitchell, have performed in concerts at Effinger and Waddell elementary schools, Lexington Friday Night Lights, the Lexington Scots Irish Heritage Festival, the Jonathan Daniels memorial ceremony and the VMI Legacy Day Parade on Post. In addition, the VMI Commanders, the Institute Brass and Herald Trumpets have performed for the Environment Virginia Conference, the Marshall Awards, Class Reunions of 1959 and 1954, the Navy Dining In, the Air Force Dining Out and at the Hotel Roanoke.

Cadets Bishop, Schmitt and Kinder with Lt. Col. Funkhouser on the C-17 airplane.

VMI cadets were joined by a VWIL cadet to learn the duties of a drum major at the U.S. Marine Corps Drum Major Clinic. – Photo courtesy of the Regimental Band.

At the home of Max Rogers ’83, M.D., in Mobile were, from left, Cadet Alexa Tarbona, drum major; Lt. Col. Funkhouser; two parade entertainers, dressed as “Death” and “Folly,” and Col. John Brodie, band director.

On Feb. 24, 2009, the VMI Regimental Band and Pipes marched in the Fat Tuesday Parade down Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama. VMI was chosen as the best band in the parade.

174

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Institute section of the Alumni Review are provided by either VMI Communications and Marketing or the office of Gen. Charles Brower, dean of the faculty.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Experts to Debate the Role of the National Guard and Reserve The National Guard and Reserve Forces have refined their roles in responding to natural disasters and human adversaries since the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

Join top state and federal officials at VMI on Sept. 18 and 19, 2009, to debate the progress that has been made and the future refinements needed to answer grave homeland challenges in the future.

“The U.S. Citizen-Soldier, Protector of the Homeland: A Retrospective Look and the Road Ahead” will address such issues as: How prepared are the nation’s Reserve and National Guard forces to respond to a terrorist attack on America’s cities?

How ready are those citizen-soldiers to confront a major natural disaster? What role do citizen-soldiers have in helping rebuild stricken communities? How should these forces mesh with those of civilian agencies such as FEMA? What legal conundrums face commanders of those forces? Are the lines separating the responsibilities of state and federal authorities clear – or tangled? How much have we learned from 9/11 and Katrina?

Given the virtual certainty that this nation will confront similar challenges, it is incumbent on us to derive from these trials signposts for the future.

Among the invited speakers are Admiral Thad W. Allen, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief, National Guard Bureau; Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré, USA (Ret.), commander, JTF Katrina; Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk ’75, USA (Ret.), commander of 77th Regional Readiness Command during 9/11; Maj. Gen. Michael Davidson, National Guard advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman ’73, adjutant general of Virginia; Brig. Gen. David L. Grange, USA (Ret.), president and chief executive officer of the McCormick Foundation; and former U.S. Senator John W. Warner. Dr. Malcolm Muir Jr., a military historian who directs the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis at VMI, developed the conference program.

The conference is hosted by the First Di2009-Issue 3

vision Museum, Cantigny; the Robert R. McCormick Foundation; and VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics. To learn

more about the conference program and speakers and to register online, visit www. vmi.edu/cle/citizensoldier.

The U.S. Citizen-Soldier, Protector of the Homeland: A Retrospective Look and the Road Ahead Sept. 17-19, 2009 Center for Leadership and Ethics – Virginia Military Institute – Lexington, Virginia Thursday, Sept. 17 1600 - 1900 Registration 1800 – 1930 Reception Friday, Sept. 18 0930 - 1015 Welcoming Ceremonies and Opening Session

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, Superintendent, VMI

Adm. Thad W. Allen, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (Invited) 1030 - 1145 Responding to Domestic Emergencies: The Historical Context

Dr. Renee Hylton, National Guard Bureau

Dr. Michael Doubler, author of Civilian in Peace, Soldier in War 1200 - 1300 Luncheon 1315 – 1430 The Aftermath of 9/11

Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk ’75, former Commander,

77th Regional Readiness Command - TBA 1445 - 1600 Responding to Hurricane Katrina

Brig. Gen. John Soileau, Past President,

National Guard Association of Louisiana (Invited)

Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré, Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina

(Tentative) 1630 - 1740 Parade - VMI Corps of Cadets 1830 - 2100 Reception and Banquet

Keynote Address, Maj. Gen. David L. Grange,

Robert R. McCormick Foundation Saturday, Sept. 19 0830 – 0930 Legal & Legislative Requirements in Homeland Defense and

Disaster Relief

Maj. Gen. Michael W. Davidson, National Guard adviser to JCS

Dr. James Jay Carafano, Heritage Foundation 0945 – 1045 Emergency Response: The Role of the States

John T. Nelsen II ’71, Booz Allen Hamilton

Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman Jr. ’73, Adjutant General of the

Commonwealth of Virginia 1100 – 1200 Protection and Recovery of Cities: A Look Ahead

Dr. John Arquilla, Naval Postgraduate School (Tentative)

Rear Adm. Paul T. Kayye, President Elect,

Reserve Officers Association

Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting, Chairman, National Guard Association of

the United States (Invited) 1215 – 1330 Luncheon: Keynote Address,

Former Virginia Senator John W. Warner (invited)

175

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

Lacrosse

End-of-Season Report After a slow start in its 2009 campaign, the VMI lacrosse team closed the season strong, winning two of its final three games to finish the year on a high note.

The Keydets ended the year on April 25, 2009, with a thrilling 12-11 win over 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) champion Canisius College, a win that knocked Canisius out of contention for a berth in the MAAC postseason tournament. Tim Moran ’10 had a five-goal, two-assist day that afternoon, as he finished the year with 25 goals and 10 assists, both team-highs.

For those efforts during the 2009 campaign, Moran earned First-Team All-MAAC honors at the season conclusion. He is the first VMI player to earn two All-Conference First-Team honors since the Keydets joined the MAAC prior to the 2003 season.

Other highlights of VMI’s closing stretch included a 12-7 road win against an improved Wagner team on April 18, as well as a near-win against eventual MAAC tournament participant Mount St. Mary’s on April 22 – a game the Keydets dropped 8-7 in overtime. On that cold, blustery day in Lexington, Brett Leonard had a career-day against the Mountaineers, as he scored or assisted on all seven of VMI’s goals.

Other high points of the season included the play of two freshmen, Colin Bosse and Alex Benedick. Bosse tallied 16 goals in his first collegiate campaign, a number that tied him for third on the team and included four-goal games against both Manhattan and Wagner. For those efforts, Bosse was named MAAC Rookie of the Week on March 23. Benedick, who shared time in the cage with veteran Sean McCoy, had several strong moments in his first collegiate campaign, including a seasonhigh 16 saves versus Manhattan on March 21, a number that tied the Buckeye State native for the fourth-best, single-game performance in Keydet history.

Tim Moran, right, playing against Bellarmine in February 2009.

176

Track and Field

End-of-Season Report

Donnie Cowart, left, and Felix Kitur running in an event at VMI’s Foster Stadium.

The VMI track and field teams enjoyed a strong outdoor season, highlighted by a second-place men’s squad finish at the Big South Championships in Radford, Virginia, on April 16-18.

At those championships, the VMI men were paced by Donnie Cowart ’09, who notched 28 individual points in leading the Keydets to their best outdoor finish since joining the Big South.

Cowart won the 3,000-meter steeplechase – an event in which he has been among the country’s best this season – and then finished second in the 1,500-meters, third in the 800-meter run and closed out his meet by finishing fifth in the 5K. Freshman Ademola Titcombe also had a strong meet, garnering a personal best in the long jump to earn a runner-up finish in that event. Finally, Felix Kitur ’11 successfully defended his 800-meter championship, winning an event at which he has never been beaten in Big South action. All told, VMI scored 107 points in notching the second-place finish, including 21 points in the steeplechase alone.

On the women’s side, sophomore Hannah Granger became VMI’s first female champion in a running event as she prevailed in the 10,000-meters at the Big South Championships. Granger’s 36:56 time was a new VMI record in the event – the sixth track and field record the Keystone State native has set at the Institute – and also allowed her to qualify for the ECAC Championships for the second consecutive season. Freshman Jasmine Hariston also had a solid conference championship, as she scored points in both the triple jump and long jump.

The Keydets wrapped up the 2008-09 track and field campaign on June 10-13 with the NCAA National Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS

Baseball

End-of-Season Report

back-to-back, 6-5 wins against Winthrop, winning the program’s first-ever series on the road against the Eagles.

A major achievement then came at the end of the season, when the eighth-seeded Keydets upset fifth-seeded Gardner-Webb, 13-4, to claim their first win in a Big South tournament. The Keydets then fell to the two top-ranked clubs in the championship, spelling the end of the roller-coaster campaign.

There were many individual achievements for the club, as for the fifth straight season, the Keydets had multiple players named All-Conference. Senior A.J. Yoder was named First Team All-Big South at second base, while redshirt junior Travis Smink earned Second Team accolades as a starting pitcher. Yoder also became VMI’s first All-Tournament selection since joining the Big South, capping a season during which he pounded out a schoolrecord 80 hits.

The future is bright for the program, in which at least six starting position players will return next season. In addition, several freshmen with extended time on the mound this season will come back as seasoned sophomores and join a trio of hurlers who were injured in the 2009 season.

In 2009, the VMI baseball team made some impressive steps forward while battling through a difficult campaign. The season was one that included several ups and downs for Coach Marlin Ikenberry’s troops.

The Keydets opened the season with a daunting challenge, taking on top-ranked North Carolina to open the Tar Heels’ revamped facility, Boshamer Stadium. The series marked what is believed to be the first time that VMI baseball had ever chalSenior A.J. Yoder broke the school’s lenged the top-ranked team in the land. single-season hits record this year Following a rousing, walk-off win in the and earned First Team All-Conference honors, marking the fifth home opener over Old Dominion, the Keystraight year VMI has had a First dets settled into a stretch in early March Team selection. during which they won 9 of 13 games, including their first four Big South contests, to even their mark at 10-10. Injuries, however, began to take their toll, and pitching depth was hard to come by the rest of the way.

There were several highlights in the conference season, including a sweep of Presbyterian to open Big South play, marking the third straight season that VMI opened league play VMI claimed its first tournament win since joining the Big with a weekend sweep. Later South Conference by upsetting Gardner-Webb, 13-4. in the season, VMI rallied for

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.

2009 Keydet Football Schedule Sep. 05 Sep. 19 Sep. 26 Oct. 03

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 07 Nov. 14 Nov. 21

Robert Morris - First Reunion Weekend James Madison Richmond Gardner-Webb - Homecoming (Second Reunion Weekend) * Coastal Carolina * Stony Brook - Parents Weekend * Presbyterian * Charleston Southern - Hall of Fame * Liberty * Army Old Dominion - Ring Figure *Conference Games

2009-Issue 3

Lexington, VA 1:30 p.m. at Harrisonburg, Va. TBA at Richmond, Va. 3:00 p.m.

Lexington, Va. 1:30 p.m. at Conway, SC 7:00 p.m.

Lexington, Va. 1:30 p.m. at Clinton, S.C. 2:00 p.m.

Lexington, Va. 1:30 p.m. at Lynchburg, Va. 3:30 p.m. at West Point, NY TBA Lexington, Va. 1:30 p.m.

All games are played on Saturday

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

VMI Foundation, Inc. Announces Brian S. Crockett As New Chief Executive Officer well placed to build on current relationships with these organizations and help develop new, collaborative ways we can assist each other in accomplishing our separate missions, as well as our common mission of serving VMI.

In May 2009, Walter C. Perrin II ’62, president of the VMI Foundation, Inc., announced that the VMI Foundation’s search committee had unanimously agreed to hire Brian S. Crockett, then the vice president for Development of the West Point Association of Graduates, as the VMI Foundation’s first chief executive officer.

Shortly before he began his duties on June 29th, Crockett answered a few questions.

Q

: What are some of the VMI Foundation’s immediate challenges?

A

: In a broad sense, the VMI Foundation needs to communicate that, now more than position? ever, the Foundation is utterly critical to maintaining the high quality of a VMI education. It : First, there was VMI itself, its amazing also must emphasize the importance of growing history and astounding national reputation. private giving so VMI can meet its priorities and It deeply impressed me that VMI measures its achieve its goals. Along the way, it also needs to Crockett success solely by the success of its graduates, increase the number of donors who decide they by their abilities to excel as leaders and citizenhave a stake in VMI’s success – alumni, parents, soldiers. That’s a courageous stance, one that reveals what is at friends, corporations and foundations – and give to VMI. the core of VMI: an unshakeable commitment to cadets’ education. I also admire how VMI defines education as a broad-based : What are you most looking forward to in this position? experience encompassing academics, co-curricular activities and athletics within a military framework. It is a definition in : There are five things I am looking forward to doing at line with my own values, and so, the opportunity to support Neikirk Hall. First, using my talents to serve such a prestigious and advance such a college was quite appealing. institution. Second, working with the experienced profesAfter considering the specifications of this new and exciting sionals of the Foundation and the other Alumni Agencies, position, I thought that it would be an excellent opportunity to as well as VMI’s leaders, faculty and staff. Third, building on apply my knowledge and experience. For instance, along with the successes and traditions that have led to the Foundamy close to 15 years of foundation experience at Rutgers, I tion’s long-term success. Fourth, bringing current and new bring years of overseeing alumni relations and athletic develop- constituents ever closer to VMI and the VMI Foundation. ment. Therefore, I fully understand the demands on The VMI Finally, I am most looking forward to becoming a member Alumni Association and the VMI Keydet Club. That makes me of the VMI family.

Q : What appealed to you about this A

Q A

Brian S. Crockett - a short biography Brian Crockett was vice president of Development for the West Point Association of Graduates from November 2007 to June 2009, responsible for the association’s development operations, including major gifts, planned giving, class and annual giving, and donor relations.

•

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He served his alma mater, Rutgers, as the vice president of External Programs of the Rutgers University Foundation from 2004 to November 2007. In this position, he oversaw annual giving, alumni relations, reunion campaigns and athletic development.

He also served Rutgers as the executive director of the

• •

Scarlet R Club and associate athletic director for Development from 1993 to 2004, securing gifts for numerous capital projects, such as the $3 million expansion and renovation of the Rutgers Stadium and football complex, and coordinating development activities for 30 sports programs.

Crockett worked as sales and marketing executive with Xerox and Digital Equipment Corporation from 1984-93.

The recipient of a full football scholarship, a three-year letter winner and a two-time Rutgers Super-Star Champion, he received a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education in 1982 and served for one year as a graduate assistant with Rutgers football.

More information is at the Web site: vmialumni.org/ceo.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

Class of

1983

The class of 1983 marched into Barracks after presenting the initial proceeds of its 25th Reunion Fund. When its books were closed, the Fund had received a grand total of $4,007,553.06.

Success with 25th Reunion Fund In the spring of 2009, the VMI Foundation tallied up the results of the class of 1983’s 25th Reunion Fund. The class, which had begun its work in February 2008 and presented the initial proceeds of the fund on Sept. 20, 2008, raised a total of $4,007,553.06 from 182 Brother Rats, a participation rate of 59%. This spring, the class’s Reunion Fund chairman, James M. Outland, was asked about this effort on behalf of VMI.

Q:

Why did the class of 1983’s 25th Reunion Fund set such ambitious goals?

A:

The Class of ’83 Reunion Fund Committee looked at the accomplishments of preceding classes and decided to set “stretch goals” of 83% class participation and $3,000,083.83 in gifts and commitments. We thought these goals would have an energizing effect on our efforts, because although ambitious, they were attainable.

Q:

Did anything surprise you about your Brother Rats’ willingness to participate?

A:

Nothing really surprised me. However, working with the fund made me realize that many VMI alumni just need to know specifically what they can do to help their alma mater.

Once they get the call, most are ready to lock arms with their Brother Rats in the worthwhile endeavor of supporting VMI.

Q: To what do you attribute the fund’s success?

A: Primarily, it comes down to people. In this regard, our

Reunion Committee members did a tireless job of tracking down Brother Rats and asking for their support. This is especially noteworthy, because keeping accurate contact information is somewhat difficult. Their efforts helped us not only reach a large

2009-Issue 3

number of Brother Rats but also enabled efficient communication to the class about the progress of fundraising. This allowed us to build momentum as well as enjoy the moments when we reached critical giving milestones. We also had the outstanding guidance and support from Pat Webb [vice president Alumni and Reunion Giving] and Marilyn Dudley [assistant director of Alumni and Reunion Giving]. They did a terrific job throughout the whole effort by providing names and contact information, timely responses to our many information requests and the wise advice that comes from dedicated professionals.

Q:

The class of 1983 has a number of special projects.

Please tell us why the class decided to pursue them.

A:

In a nod to VMI’s famous “Three-Legged Stool” of educating the whole person, our Executive Committee established what Brother Rat Ben Cottrell calls our own “Four-Legged Stool” to provide a variety of giving options for Brother Rats to support VMI in the areas of scholarship, religion, athletics, and leadership and ethics. These are represented, respectively,

by The Class of 1983 Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Class of 1983 Leadership and Ethics Fund, The Class of 1983 Chaplain Charles C. Caudill Discretionary Fund, and the Melvin P. Rucker ’83 and E. Ray Rushton ’83 Memorial Football Scholarship.

Within these funds, the Rucker-Rushton football scholarship deserves special mention. Melvin Rucker and Ray Rushton both played as linebackers and exemplified VMI’s “Never Say Die” spirit. Our class believes the examples of strength, leadership, perseverance and humility they displayed on the field were worthy of our commemoration.

Of course, our giving was not restricted to these funds. Several BRs provided support in other areas. One specific example is that of BR Mark Heslep. He, his father, Don Heslep ’54, and their family established their own football scholarship.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

Q: Your fund had an interesting “matching gift” aspect.

What was it?

A:

Corporate matching gifts are a great way to enhance support for VMI. Many companies, however, don’t match gifts to athletics. A creative and generous BR suggested a process to accommodate Brother Rats who wanted to support the RuckerRushton Scholarship and not have VMI forgo any matching gifts. In it, a BR would designate a gift for Rucker-Rushton or another Keydet Club-related fund and communicate his intent to the Foundation. His athletic pledge then was “traded” to our BR who would make the gift to an athletic fund. In this way, the Rucker-Rushton Scholarship and other Keydet Club funds received the gift and the other class of ’83 funds received a corporate match.

Q:

The cadets of the Calling Center contacted your class.

How did your Brother Rats react to them?

A:

I particularly enjoyed informing my more reluctant BRs that failure to commit to the fund before a certain date would earn them a spot on the Calling Center’s list. Seriously, our Brother Rats appreciated hearing from them, because cadets really are the reason to support VMI. The Calling Center’s cadets played a significant role in improving our participation rate.

The BRs receiving their calls had a great opportunity to hear first-hand from these young men and women about all what is happening at VMI and thus, to understand how important their support is to the education of these cadets and hundreds more.

Q:

Finally, are there any Brother Rats who deserve special recognition?

A:

There are so many who played such big parts that I would hate to leave anyone out. Of course, our Reunion Committee certainly did yeoman work. Everyone who participated in the 25th Reunion Fund deserves recognition, however, and they should feel good about coming together as a class. By giving to VMI, we also received something back beyond the knowledge of supporting a worthwhile endeavor: we reinvigorated the spirit of the class of 1983 and strengthened the bonds that hold us together. The close relationship among Brother Rats is one of the things that makes VMI so special. Our bonds are based on the challenges, difficulties and perseverance required of living together as cadets during a critical time in our lives. We always will have that relationship, and we expect current and future cadets will have it as well. Finally, when their time comes and they receive the call, we hope these future alumni will remember their bonds to Brother Rats and to VMI and “pass it on” by supporting the Institute.

Class of 1998 Turns In Record-Setting 10th Reunion Fund Effort At their March 2009 meeting, the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution praising the class of 1998 for the results of its 10th Reunion Fund and for what the Trustees termed “banding together in so impressive a fashion to sustain the Institute’s singular education.”

What was it that brought such praise from the trustees?

Simple: a 10th Reunion Fund that netted $368,475.12 in gifts and commitments and a participation rate of 65% – both of which represent records in the 15-year history of the 10th Reunion Fund.

As with so many successes, the basis of the class of 1998’s success were goals of an ambitious nature, specifically $350,000 in gifts and short-term pledges and a participation rate of 75% – both of which represented new records for 10th Reunion Funds in both money raised and participation. According to Michael Lorence ’98, the Reunion Fund Committee chairman, the motivation for these goals was quite simple: to beat the notable effort made by the class of 1997. Indeed, in their initial letter to their Brother Rats, Lorence and Class Agent Hamel Reinmiller used the class of 1997’s results as a benchmark.

Along with the goals related to money and participation, the class of 1998 was inspired to set another goal by another previous VMI-related fundraising effort, albeit one that occurred more than 90 years ago. “In 1917, VMI’s superinten-

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dent, Maj. Gen. E.W. Nichols, was confronted with the need to raise $10,000 to build the stables and drill grounds to house the horses and equipment for the ‘Officers Reserve Corps’ at VMI,” said Patrick F. Webb, vice president, Alumni and Reunion Giving for the VMI Foundation. “He asked a member of his staff, Col. William Couper, to handle the fundraising effort.

Col. Couper and those who helped him hit upon the idea of making a very simple appeal to alumni: donate whatever they earned on May 1, 1917. The idea was simple – asking alumni to give an equal share of their income for that one day – but effective. On New Market Day 1917, Gen. Nichols announced that alumni had oversubscribed the fund, donating a total of $11,994.14.” The class of 1998 adopted this approach and took it one step further by asking Brother Rats to commit to giving one day’s wages per year for five years. Lorence asserts it was one of the keys to the effort’s success. “Having a clear, easy-to-understand-and-remember message really resonated with people,” he said.

The class of 1998 also responded well to the hard and devoted work of the Reunion Fund Committee – along with Lorence and Reinmiller, its members were Bill Beard, Brian Bowes, Christian Craft, Jason Fye, Lee Guill, Mike Harris, Joshua Metcalf, Steve Pruitt, Ben Schultz, Dan Smith, Eric Smith, Tim Trant, Tom Warburton, Lang White and Todd Boykin. “The substantial

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. amount of time that the Reunion Fund Committee donated was very surprising,” said Lorence, “considering that we all are leaders in a company, own our own businesses, travel extensively, and have babies and young children.” The committee members used their time wisely, however, thanks to an organized approach to their work that included monthly conference calls among the committee and regular mailings to the class. “We also reworked the donation form in order to make it easier to understand and ensured that Brother Rats could respond to our clearly laid out call to action by multiple methods, such as fax, e-mail and telephone,” recounted Lorence. He also took a hand in the work of the Cadet Call Center on behalf of the class of 1998, writing the script used by cadet callers in order to ensure it was “relevant, interesting and humorous.”

Such was the dedication of the committee to achieving the goals of the fund that they did not confine their efforts to calls and letters. In fact, the fundraising continued right up until the night before the class presented the proceeds of the fund to the superintendent. Lorence and the rest of the committee saw the class’s dinner on the Friday evening before the Reunion Parade as an opportunity to “close the final goal,” and, therefore, the time to organize a presentation “using humorous stories of cadet life within it,” as

Lorence put it, and a silent auction.

The success of the committee’s energetic and organized approach is in the record-setting numbers posted by the class of 1998. However, besides his fellow committee members, Lorence credited other “key people with unique skills” within the class’s “family” who helped with the effort, including Mark Schweigert, an executive at Microsoft who helped with information technology issues; Chrissy Flansburg, wife of Chad Flansburg, who ran the silent auction; and Todd Boykin who, as Lorence puts it, “really took hold of the 1998 Endowed Scholarship,” a project of the class. Lorence also praised Pat Webb and his colleagues in the Foundation’s office of Alumni and Reunion Giving for their “super-strong support, enthusiasm and abilities.” Finally, he gave credit to those who made gifts or commitments to the fund, “despite the tanking economy and all associated with it, such as layoffs, they brought forth the largest 10th Reunion Fund in history with the highest rate of participation ever for a 10th Reunion Fund.”

The Foundation’s acting chief executive officer, Warren J. Bryan ’71, praised the accomplishments of the class of 1998.

“The achievements of this class would have been extraordinary in any year,” he said, “but considering they came at a time of economic uncertainty, they are even more remarkable. I hope that all classes who soon will be organizing their Reunion Funds, not just their 10th

The class of 1998 had a lot to cheer about during the Second Fall Reunion Week in 2008. Led by Michael Lorence, reunion fund chairman, and Hamel Reinmiller, class agent, these Brother Rats turned in a record-setting performance for their 10th Reunion Fund.

Reunion Fund, will take a moment to consider the example of the class of 1998 and see in it what is possible to do for VMI through energy, organization and commitment to each other and to the Institute.”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are produced by the VMI Foundation.

At the Reunion Parade on April 25, 2009, the class of 1959 presented VMI with the initial proceeds of its 50th Reunion Fund: $7,158,619.59. Making the presentation were the Class of 1959 Reunion Fund Committee, led by Bobby Ross (with microphone), Richard Trandel and John Engels Jr. (holding check). Accepting on behalf of VMI were Richmond Lykins Jr. ’73, president of The VMI Alumni Association (left of Ross) and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, USA (Ret), superintendent (far right).

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. John C. Allen ’62 to Receive Distinguished Service Award On May 1, 2009, Walter C. Perrin II ’62, president of the VMI Foundation, announced that the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees had unanimously voted to bestow the Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, on John C. Allen ’62. The Foundation gives the award to those alumni and friends of the Institute whose dedication to the Institute and to the mission of the VMI Foundation is exceptionally commendable.

A member of a VMI family – his father, James F. Allen, was a 1933 graduate in civil engineering, and his brother, David G. Allen, graduated in 1971 with a bachelor of arts in economics – John Allen matriculated at VMI after spending one year at West Virginia University.

After graduating from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in biology, Allen joined his family’s highway construction firm, J.F. Allen Company. From 1962-67, he worked in the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley, supervising the company’s projects related to the construction of Interstate 81 in Winchester, Strasburg and Woodstock.

Returning to West Virginia in 1967, Allen was involved in projects on Interstate 79 and Interstate 68, as well as three Appalachian Corridor highways.

Elected president of the J.F. Allen Company in 1974, Allen expanded the company’s operations over the next 25 years to include limestone quarries and asphalt paving plants, as well as manufacturing of ready-mixed concrete and concrete block.

In the late 1970s, the company relocated roads and built other projects at Burnsville Lake in West Virginia for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the mid 1980s, working with Wiley N. Jackson Company of Roanoke, Virginia, they built the Stonewall Jackson Dam at Weston, West Virginia, for the Corps of Engineers. The company also relocated highways in the Stonewall Jackson Lake basin in the 1980s.

In 1999, J.F. Allen Company was named by Engineering News Record as one of the nation’s top 100 highway contractors.

J.F. Allen Company has developed sites

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for public schools, manufacturing plants and recreation projects and reclaimed abandoned coal mines under the federal reclamation program.

Allen also has been an active professional citizen, serving as a director of the Virginia Road Builders Association, the Contractors Association of West Virginia, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

John and Joyce Allen were married in 1969 in Winchester, Virginia, Mrs. Allen’s hometown. Their son, John C. Allen Jr., lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Allen has two stepsons, Peter K. McKee Jr. of Dallas, Texas, and T. Braxton McKee of Virginia Beach, Virginia. His stepdaughter, Susan McKee Crimmins, lives in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.

The Allens have been devoted to many charitable activities. John serves on the West Virginia University Foundation’s Board of Directors. Since 1992, Mrs. Allen has been a Trustee of Davis and Elkins College. In 2000, the Allens endowed the Sara C. and James F. Allen Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program at West Virginia University’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. In 2004, John was inducted into the Order of Vandalia, West Virginia University’s highest recognition, and in 2006, WVU named the Allens the “Most Loyal West Virginians.” In 2001, the West Virginia Association of Fundraising Professionals honored them as “Outstanding West Virginia Philanthropists.”

A loyal supporter of VMI for many years, Allen served as the class agent for the class of 1962 from 1983-87 and as a trustee of the VMI Foundation from 1994-98. He is a long-time member of The Institute Society of the VMI Foundation and a donor to the VMI Keydet Club. He is best known, however, for his generous support of the James F. Allen ’33 Scholarship, established by his family in 1980 to support cadets from West Virginia, and his endowment of the John C. Allen 1962 Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry. Allen created the professorship in 1998 in order to honor

professors of chemistry at VMI “who have dedicated their professional careers to countless cadets” and “to attract and retain in the Department of Chemistry faculty members who will enhance the quality of VMI’s educational program by striving for excellence in every aspect of their teaching and guidance of cadets.”

When asked why he and his wife were so keen on supporting VMI and West Virginia University, Allen replied that he and his wife have always considered higher education as a priority – next to their immediate family, which now includes 10 grandchildren.

“After all, that is the future of our country.

We derive great satisfaction, therefore, in supporting scholarships, teaching and research at these institutions.”

Commenting on the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Allen, Foundation president Walt Perrin said, “All of us on the board of trustees were delighted to select John as this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He has a strong commitment to the Institute that he has demonstrated by his service on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, his generosity toward cadets and faculty, and his invaluable advice to the leadership of both the Foundation and the Institute.

“He and his wife, Joyce,” continued Perrin, “often return to VMI for significant functions, and I know they always enjoy themselves. But I think they will remember this year’s Founders Day convocation with a lot more affection, not only because John will receive a high honor but also because the extraordinary company that he’ll join includes his father who received the award in 1987.”

Of his reaction to receiving the news that the Foundation had decided to present him with the Distinguished Service Award, Allen said, “I was both very surprised and humbled upon learning I would be the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.”

Allen will receive the Distinguished Service Award on Nov. 11, 2009, at the Founders Day Convocation at Cameron Hall.

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 April. 31, 2009.

Col. Oscar H. Adams ’36, USA Mrs. August F. Penzold Jr.

Mr. Howard M. Allen ’52 Mrs. Hugh C. Barnes Jr. Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Mr. Bobby R. Caudle ’52 F. Allen Cavedo ’47, DDS Class of 1952 Ms. Jane B. Dowling Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Frank Hoffman Mr. George C. Hutter ’52 Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Curtis E. Marc Jr. Mr. William W. Scott ’63 and Mrs. Scott Mr. and Mrs. O.H. Tashjian Mrs. Anne A. Woolley

Mrs. Jeannette P. Alligood Mr. Charles H. Alligood ’61 Mr. W. Thomas Rutledge Jr. ’61

Douglas E. Andrews ’53, MD J. Parker Cross Jr. ’53, MD Mr. and Mrs. Gene Jolley Warren W. Koontz Jr. ’53, MD Mr. and Mrs. Don P. Staples Mr. David E. Wheeler ’80 Ms. Virginia R. Wheeler Ms. Jacyne J. Woodcox

Mr. Arthur J. Armstead II ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Thomas C. Armstrong Jr. ’54 Mr. Jack R. Huyett ’54 Mr. Leonard A. Wagner ’54

Capt. R.T. Arnest Jr. ’46, USN

Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Ms. Debeorah L. Callison Ty and Morris Elliott Mr. Thomas W. McNamara Mr. Ralph R. Oakes Mr. Larry E. Price ’55 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait Waynesboro Newcomers Club Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret) Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, MD and Mrs. Bowden

Mr. David M. Barker ’55 Mr. and Mrs. Elmer G. Alger Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret) Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, MD and Mrs. Bowden

2009-Issue 3

Mr. Robert R. Sparks Jr. ’69

Mr. Paul Cabell ’42 Grey Cabell, Ann Stoiker and Anne Giles

Mr. John M. Camp Class of 1905 Mr. Walter W. Shorter ’53

Mrs. Linda S. Candler Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell

Mr. Hugh C. Barnes, Jr. ’50A Mr. W. Clark Barnes ’87

Mr. Matthew R. Beebe ’38 Mrs. George B. Ax Col. H.S.G.T. Carmichael III ’61, USA (Ret) Mr. William G. Davis ’68 and Mrs. Davis Harris Office Furniture Co. Inc. Mrs. Benjamin Huger Jr. Mrs. J. Robert Philpott Jr.

Mr. Eldon C. Benson Jr. ’54 Mrs. Eldon C. Benson Jr.

Col. Thomas W.C. Birge ’52, USAF Mr. and Mrs. David Birge Class of 1952 Col. Louis C. Delisio ’52, USAF (Ret) Ms. Jane S. Hanning Col. and Mrs. Edward A. Heberg Mr. C.V. Holland Jr. ’52 Ms. Patricia B. Jacobs Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52 Mrs. Helen J. Molster-Allingham Ms. Patricia Ross Mr. William C. Sharp SRA International Corporation Mrs. George C. Stringer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Thompson

Mr. Joseph S. Black ’45 Capt. and Mrs. H. David Black

Mr. Robert L. Bobbitt Jr. ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. James A. Bott ’36 Mr. G.T. Durvin Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Durvin

Mrs. Richard T. Arnest Jr.

Mr. Alfred W. Baldock ’55

Chester F. Burgess Jr., Ph.D.

Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36, USA Mr. David H. Kennedy ’71

Mr. Henry T. Bryan III ’45 John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Wadsworth Bugg Jr. ’43 Mr. John J. Marshall ’77

Mrs. Charlotte Cheatham Lt. Col. Robert C. Hawthorne ’70, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Lynn P. Chewning ’49B Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Mr. Durland E. Clark Jr. ’41 Class of 1941 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Mr. Kenneth L. Wire

Mr. Linwood H. Clark Jr. ’56 BB&T Connie and Jim Brown Ms. Gretchen M. Farrell John, Renee and Hayden Farrell Ms. Melissa M. Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. King

Mr. Adrian A. Cmerek ’06 Ms. Chun Cmerek

Mr. Richard C. Coupland Jr. ’50B

Mrs. Thomas W.C. Birge Mr. Charles W. Bragg Jr. ’50B Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Class of 1950B John R. Comerford Jr. ’50B, PhD Mrs. William R. Coupland Mr. Richard C. Coupland III ’91 Mrs. Sandra B. Foulkrod Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Garrett Jr. Mr. H. Braxton Green ’50B The Honorable Thomas P. Harwood Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Harwood Mr. and Mrs. James V. Heit Ms. Nancy L. Hindman Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Keelty Ms. Jean Lemasurier Col. Albert M. Navas ’52, USAF (Ret) and Mrs. Navas Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B Mr. Edward L. Oast Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Oast Mrs. William C. Overman Jr. Col. Paul R. Palmer ’50B, USA (Ret) Mrs. Claude H. Patton Mr. and Mrs. James J. Serafin Mr. Edward L. Smith ’50B Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Smith Ms. Lillie C. Spence

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thorkildsen Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Weese Mrs. Reba P. Whitaker Mr. R.T. Woodman ’50B

Mr. George T. Cowherd Jr. ’51 Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 Mr. C. Edward May Jr. ’51 Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Lt. Cmdr. Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82, USAF

Mr. John A. Cummings ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Mr. G. Powell Davis ’48A Mr. and Mrs. James R. Ennis

Deceased Brother Rats Class of 1972 Col. Christopher R. Jones ’72, USCG

Deceased Brother Rats Class of 1969 Col. Glenn B. Hammond ’69, USAFR (Ret) and Lt. G. Barry Hammond ’06, USAF

Deceased Members of 1980 Mr. Kevin C. Davis ’80

Mr. Stephen M. Delich Jr. ’58 Mr. Bruce Haldeman II ’58

Lt. Arthur L. Galloway Jr. ’69, USA Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

The Honorable Michael E. Gersten ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Mr. Glen P. Beale ’91 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Col. B. McCluer Gilliam ’40 Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Class of 1940 Class of 1969 Mr. J. Douglas Cook ’40 Mr. W. John Cowart ’40 Mr. Tazewell Ellett III ’44 and Mrs. Ellett Mr. David H. Kennedy ’71 William M. Massie ’52, MD and Mrs. Massie Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mrs. George H. Simpson

Mr. Enrique Gorbea Jr. ’60 Mr. Roberto Gorbea ’62

Rear Adm. Charles Grojean ’45, USN John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’34 Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Mr. Robert J. Doland ’41 Class of 1941 Mrs. Martha K. Mitchell

Mr. Henry S. Dunbar III ’48B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Donald J. Dunlap ’54, DMin Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Walter Dyke ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Capt. James C. Edge ’96, USMC Mr. Andrew W. Beaman ’98

Mr. Wayne R. Eggleston ’88 Mr. David T. Hart ’91

Mr. William H. Emory Jr. ’43 Mr. William H. Emory

Mr. Andrew G. Fallat Jr. ’40 Ms. Claire Snyder

Mr. William P. Fergus ’50B Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B, USAR (Ret)

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Col. Andrew L. Hannah Jr. ’24, USAF Mr. Andrew L. Hannah

Col. Michael S. Harris Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Allen R. Hawkins ’69 Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Mr. William A. Herbert ’97 Mrs. Sarah A. Hoke

Cmdr. Allen B. Higginbotham Jr. ’79, USN Maj. Douglas R. Doerr ’79, USMC (Ret) The Gerry Family Ms. Grace M. Hay Mr. Howard C. Lucas Jr. ’79 Mr. Thomas G. Martin ’79 Mr. Robert F. McConnell Maj. Michael Mendez ’79, USAF (Ret) Mr. Henry S. Powers III ’79 Mr. Mark Prins Maj. Councill C. Rudolph II ’79, USA Lt. Col. James P. Smith ’79, USAF (Ret) Mr. Matthew Thrift Mr. Thomas H. White ’79

Mr. O. Halsey Hill ’39 Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret)

Mrs. Cyril V. Fraser Jr.

Mrs. Frederick W. Hope Jr. Mrs. Edward R. Baird Burrus, Paul & Turnbull PLC Mr. Robert W. Given Ms. Barbara D. Long The Makkonen and Bridger Families Barbara Hope Thames, Mary Hope Moss and Rhoda Hope Sherr Ms. Diane L. Weaver

Mr. Charles M. Hunter ’36 16th Field Artillery Battalion Ms. Patricia H. Arant Mrs. George M. Brooke Jr. Mrs. Juanita F. Cox Bill and Jeanne Donovan The Edwards Family Carol Jones, Pam Brown and Chuck Hand Mrs. Balmaine Hatfield Ms. Carolyn B. Hodge Mr. Bradford P. Hunter ’74 Mr. Joseph H. Keller ’36 Ms. Dona Musgrave Valerie & Robert Parker Mrs. August F. Penzold Jr. Ms. Elberta G. Reid Ms. Lee Ann Roll Mr. & Mrs. Fred Stephens Don & Jean Waggoner and the Patrick Children Mr. Robert G. Walker Mr. and Mrs. William A. Walker Jr. Ms. Virginia S. Zimmerly

Mr. James P. Irby ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Lt. Gen. Richard L. Irby ’39 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mrs. Charles E. Johnson Jr. ’26 Mr. C.E. Johnson IV

Col. Royce E. Jones ’55 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. T. Ralph Jones Jr. ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret)

Capt John W. Kennedy ’69, USAF Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Mrs. Belle K. Kirby Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan

Mr. John D. Kitt ’01 Mrs. Mary G. Jones

Mr. Leroy Charles Lee Mrs. Leroy C. Lee

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Lawrence R. Lenz ’69 Mr. Paul D.C. Marks Jr. ’69

Mrs. Dorothy Lester Mr. and Mrs. A. Patrick Boykin Fairways Villas Mr. and Mrs. William L. Gregg Professional Governmental Underwriters Inc. Mr. & Mrs. J. Waverly Pulley Mr. George T. Richardson Charlie and Therese Talley

Mr. W. Freeman Lindsay ’44 Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. Paul A. Louis ’45 Mr. Brian P. Patchen

Mr. Marion D. Lucas Jr. ’41 Class of 1941 Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan

Lt. Col. John S. Manley ’83, USAF

Col. Steven L. Amato ’83, USAF Capt. James Ayers ’83, USMC (Ret) Mrs. Margaret W. Batko Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Blum Collins, Tim, Elliott and Miles Chalmers Cottrell Contracting Corporation Mr. Robert M. Digby ’81 Mr. Owen M. Dunlap ’83 William H. Elliott IV Peggy & Herman Foster Mr. Thomas E. Gottwald ’83 Mr. Robert S. Haines Mr. Bruce R. Hazelgrove III ’83 Joel Johnson Ms. Joan Kemp Col. Robert C. Kerecz ’83, USAR Mr. Charles S. Luck IV ’83 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Manzione Capt. Alan R. McGreer ’83, USAF (Ret) Mr. James M. Outland ’83 Mr. W. Lynn Seldon Jr. ’83 Wenn and Lynn Smith and Family Mr. Douglas B. Wainwright ’83 Mr. David T.D. Warriner ’83

Mr. Gerard Mannix ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mrs. Betty S. Martin Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Michael W. Maupin ’59 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Joseph W. McCarthy III ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

2009-Issue 3

Mr. Ronald M. McCullough III ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Scott P. McCumber ’88 Mr. F. Byron Parker Jr. ’65

Capt. William J. McDonald ’81, USA Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Lt. Alan M. McLachlen ’81, USN Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Thomas C. McLeod ’43 Mr. James A. McLeod ’72

Mr. Thaddeus J. Meler ’48A Mr. Thomas R. Meler ’62

1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante, Honorary ’07, USMC Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Mr. Richard Warner

Mr. Frank S. Moore ’44 Mr. Tazewell Ellett III ’44 and Mrs. Ellett Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Mrs. William F. Kastelberg

Mr. Benham E. Morriss Jr. ’49B Mrs. Benham E. Morriss Jr.

Mr. Halcott L. Moses ’69 Mr. George W. Lester ’69 Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Belvey W. Mundy Jr. ’40, PhD Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller

Mr. James Vincent Ovca ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Louis S. Pappas ’72, MD Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mrs. Joseph E. Martin Jr. The Honorable James D. Pagones ’72

Mr. H. Merrill Pasco ’37 Mr. Waller H. Horsley

Mr. Andrew Percival Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James O. Driscoll Ambassador S.R. Hanmer Jr. ’55 Ms. Elsie Whittle

Mr. Robert N. Petrola ’71 Mr. Philip G. Hannum Jr. ’71

Mr. Thomas B. Phillips Jr. ’50B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mrs. J. Robert Philpott Sr. Mrs. J. Robert Philpott Jr.

Mr. Philip A. Read ’45 John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams

Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Rattie V ’81, USN Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Col. George H. Ripley ’52, USMC Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Col. John W. Ripley Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. Edgar James T. Perrow Jr. ’96

Mr. Daniel B. Robertson ’52 Class of 1952 Mr. and Mrs. Warren Dixon III Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence K. Reynen Col. J.W. Peyton Robertson ’50B, USMC (Ret) The Trust Company of Virginia Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, MD

Mr. C. Fred Rosenbaum ’58 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum

Mr. John Rudulph ’41 Mr. and Mrs. Will M. Booker Jr. Class of 1941 Mrs. James Kidd Mr. Mike O. Krawcheck L. Paul Kassouf & Co. PC Mr. Wiley K. Livingston Mr. Nimrod W.E. Long ’43 Mr. Caldwell Marks Mrs. Ed D. Robinson Jr. Mr. Henry E. Simpson Ms. Caroline B. Taylor The Welch Group LLC Mr. Meade Whitaker Jr.

Mr. Howard L. Satterwhite ’41 Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Carrington Class of 1941 Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen Mr. and Mrs. J. Eugene Kidd Mr. Michael J. Madden Mr. and Mrs. T. Ashby Watts III

Lt. Col. George H. Scherer ’55, USAR Alston & Bird LLP Mr. R. Amis Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret) Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, MD and Mrs. Bowden Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Lt. Col. Martin C. Fisher ’55, USA (Ret)

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Hooks Mr. and Mrs. William C. Humphreys Jr. Mr. Kenneth McDonald Jr. ’56 O’Keeffe & Spies Mr. Joseph Ranalli Mr. Harold D. Story Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Charles A. Schwarz III ’87 Mr. Paul D. Russo ’87

Mr. Vincent C. Scott Jr. ’66 John C. DuBose ’69, PhD

Jay R. Sculley ’62, PhD Ms. Mary B. Croxton, Kathy King, Christine Lakey, Brian King Lt. Col. Carl M. Jordan Jr. ’62, USA (Ret) Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. Walter H. Hylton III ’62 Mr. Andrew M. Tarr ’77

Mr. Fred C. Segesman ’64 Mr. William E. Welsh ’64

Mr. William M. Shelley ’49B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Walter W. Shorter ’53 Mrs. M. Palmer Bedsole, Jr. Mr. Evander R.M. Coker ’52 Judge and Mrs. John W. Davis III Jeff and Jane Douglass and Jane and Joe Moss

Capt. Robert S. Silverman ’81, USA Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. C. Dwight Slough ’55 Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret) Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, MD and Mrs. Bowden Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Mr. William R. Davidson ’55

Mr. W. Meade Stith Jr. ’33 Mr. David H. Kennedy ’71

Col. William J. Stockwell Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mrs. George B. Ax Brig. Gen. Lee D. Badgett ’61, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Badgett Gen. N. Michael Bissell ’61 Ms. Ruth M. Cady Joe, Della, Carissa & Joey Cantafio Col. Walter L. Chalkley ’72 and Mrs. Chalkley Mr. Robert R. Copty ’70 Ms. Janet H. Cummings

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Cadet Christopher Curtis and Family Drs. Downey & Devening PC Col. Charles E. Fraley Brig. Gen. Robert L. Green ’67 and Mrs. Green Mr. T. David Grist Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond Ms. Carol Hines Dr. Robert L. Holt Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57, USAR Mr. and Mrs. James A. Jones III Warren W. Koontz Jr. ’53, MD Mr. Greg Kordick Mr. Charles S. Luck III ’55 and Mrs. Luck Mr. D. Lewis Mattie and Family Col. Emily P. Miller Col. Thomas B. Moncure ’72 and Mrs. Moncure Col. W. Grigg Mullen Jr. ’76 Mr. G. Marshall Mundy ’56 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 and Mrs. Rowe Mrs. George H. Simpson Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. Stuart G. Stein Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Tharp Col. John R. Thompson VMI Parents Council Mr. and Mrs. Robert Welch and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wager Mrs. Anne F. Williams Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell Lt. Col. John J. Wranek III ’85 Mr. Ralph D. Wright ’69

Mr. David C. Strock ’74 Mrs. David C. Strock

Mr. William A. Stuart Jr. ’46 Mr. Bruce Haldeman II ’58

Mr. William P. Talbott ’50B Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. and Mrs. Frank Avery Mr. Charles W. Bragg Jr. ’50B Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Mr. and Mrs. Ray E. Byington Col. H.S.G.T. Carmichael III ’61, USA (Ret) Mr. Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70 Mr. P. Stockton Fleming ’49C Mr. H. Braxton Green ’50B

Brig. Gen. Robert L. Green ’67 and Mrs. Green Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 The Honorable Thomas P. Harwood Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Harwood J.M. Turner & Co. Inc. Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57, USA (Ret) Ms. Jean W. Johnson Mr. John E. Kemper ’68 Mr. John C. Lanford ’52 Mr. Chip Lazarus ’55 Mr. Thomas R. McDonald Jr. Mr. G. Marshall Mundy ’56 and Mrs. Mundy Mr. William M. Noftsinger ’49A and Mrs. Noftsinger Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B Mr. Edward L. Oast Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Oast Mrs. William C. Overman Jr. Mrs. Claude H. Patton Mrs. Joan W. Phillips Col. J.W. Peyton Robertson ’50B, USMC (Ret) Maj. Gen. Stephen H. Sewell Jr. ’60, USAR (Ret) Dr. Lee W. Shaffer Mr. Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B Mr. Edward L. Smith ’50B Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. Harold R. Templeton ’50B Mr. Dennis P. Traubert ’72 Mrs. Fancher T. Turner Mr. N. Thatcher Watson ’50B Mr. R.T. Woodman ’50B

Capt. John R. Teal ’94, USA Mr. John F. Blacketor

Mr. Ralph J. Tremaglio Jr. ’58 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum

Mr. Irving F. Truitt Jr. ’45 Mr. and Mrs. Clarke H. Crenshaw Mr. Robert B. Galbraith Mrs. Martha B. Ruggles Mr. Brett B. Thompson ’97 Mrs. Kavanaugh Y. Thrift

Mr. Charles Undercoffer Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. William L. Van Fossen ’56 Mr. Bruce Haldeman II ’58

Mr. Allan S. Wagner Jr. ’50B Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Charles P. Walthour ’49B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Franklin W. Webb ’69 Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Col. Siegfried Weing

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Robert W. Wentz Jr. ’54 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mrs. James C. Wheat Jr.

Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan

Mr. Warren Scott Williams ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN

Mr. Robert F. Kay Mr. Robert Levit Mr. Christopher W. McDonald ’88 Mr. Michael A. Monticelli

Mr. Henry A. Wise ’27

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Wilson S. Woodhouse

Mr. Joseph W. McCarthy Jr. ’52 and Mrs. McCarthy

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62

Mr. Glen P. Beale ’91 Fee-Only Financial Planning Company Mr. George J. Gibbs Jr. Mr. Eric C. Hyman Mr. Alfred W. Kaemmerlen Mr. John C. McCue Mr. William S. Morris Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. Anthony J. Saraceni ’00 Dr. Robert J. Snyder Mr. Eddie B. Willis Mr. Robert A. Worrell ’97 Dr. Stewart S. Worrell

Mr. Elliott I. Young ’59 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

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 April. 31, 2009.

3M Foundation Mr. Michael Y. Moss ’60

Accenture Foundation Inc. Mr. Randolph S. Knipp ’56

2009-Issue 3

Aetna Foundation Inc.

Corning Inc. Foundation

AGL Resources Inc.

Dana Corporation Foundation

Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

Dominion Foundation

Mr. William T. Nebraska ’59

Mr. P. Lee Starkey

Mr. Jeffrey R. Joyce ’79

Altria Group Inc.

Mr. William K. Bhatta ’76 Mr. Heartwell L. Bradshaw ’76 Mr. Curtis M. Hinton ’84 Mr. John R. Munno ’84

American Electric Power

Joseph A. Miller Jr. ’63, PhD

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Washbish

Mr. Walter C. Ames III ’52 Mr. David E. Ayers ’64 Mr. Kevin M. Cordray ’80 Mr. F. Brian McNeil ’65 Scott & Stringfellow Inc. Lt. Col. Frank E. Spencer Jr.

Ernst & Young Foundation Mr. James S.C. Phlegar Jr. ’67

Mr. James R. Thrasher ’82

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mr. Reverdy H. Jones III ’68

AOL Time Warner Foundation Mr. Geoffrey E. Blum ’95

AT&T Foundation

Col. Harold C. Fleischer III ’69, USAR (Ret)

AXA Foundation

Mr. William H. Talley IV ’77

Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. James C. Cosby ’82 Mr. Guy W. Gilleland Jr. ’46 Mr. John G. Lester ’68

Bechtel Foundation

Mr. Hunter F. Taylor ’67

The Boeing Company

Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Parker

BP Foundation Inc.

Mr. Frederick Davison Jr. ’75

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Mr. Eric S. Plogger ’93

Calibre Systems Inc.

Mr. James R. Blanks ’91

Capital One

Mr. Alexander G. Blanton Jr. ’98 Mr. Hunter S. Seal ’96

Ciba Foundation Inc.

Stephen M. Andrews ’80, PhD

CNA Foundation

Mr. John K. Whitmer ’78

CNA Surety Company Mr. James A. Mallis ’87

ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. Charles H. Beckham ’43 William P. Boyer ’38, PhD Mr. William D. Dermott ’66 Mr. Joshua C. Hanks ’70 Mr. Charles W. Kause ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Doug Kenaley Mr. Thomas F. Lemons Jr. ’66 Mr. Horace L. Rose III ’82 Mrs. Horace L. Rose Jr. Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Capt. Michael L. Soares ’75, USNR Mr. Robert A. Sommers ’59 Mr. James L. Whitehurst Jr. ’66 Mr. Price G. Wingate ’56

Fannie Mae Foundation Mr. Thomas S. Greenspon ’85

The General Electric Foundation Mr. Donald T. Doherty ’47 Mr. Paul A. Kuhne Jr. ’54 Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B

GrayCo Inc. Mr. Garland Gray II ’73

Hershey Foods Corporation Mr. Bernard M. Banas Jr. ’81

Insurance Services Office Inc. Mr. Joseph R. Jones Jr. ’44

International Paper Company Foundation Mr. Roy A. Raney Jr. ’62

LandAmerica Foundation Mr. W. Riker Purcell ’70

Lockheed Martin Corporation Mr. C. Wayne Burton ’68 Mr. Jonathan M. Davis ’89 Lt. Col. Marc L. Fielder ’72, USAF (Ret) Mr. Joseph W. Keyes Jr.’82 Mr. David L. Lawson Jr. ’96 Mr. Donald F. Prystaloski ’63

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Col. Daniel C. Schultz ’75, USMC (Ret) Mr. Roy I. Siegel ’77 Mr. Lawrence S. Tayon ’76

The Merck Company Foundation Col. Michael A. Ceroli ’85, USA (Ret) Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C

Merrill Lynch & Co Foundation Inc. Mr. Robert E. Kozyra ’65

MetLife Foundation Mr. Robert R. Baldwin ’63

Microsoft Corporation Mr. Kevin P. Williams ’92

MMC Mr. Thomas R. Buckner ’69 Mr. Douglas Lawrence Rowe ’71

Mutual of America Mr. Matthew Wright Atkinson ’80

Nationwide Foundation Mr. Erik D. Marechal ’92

New York Life Foundation Mr. Warren C. Budd ’64

NewMarket Corporation Mr. Bruce R. Hazelgrove III ’83

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. E.B. Burwell ’50B Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71 Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. Edwin R. Trinkle ’70

The Northrop Grumman Foundation Mr. Charles W. Kause ’82 Lt. Col. Timothy A. McGreer ’78, USAF (Ret)

Package Pavement Company Inc. Mr. William M. Fleshood ’67

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Pfizer Foundation Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C Mr. G. Chandler Williams ’68

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

Progress Energy Mr. L.B. Wilson Jr. ’62

The Prudential Foundation Mr. Ernest L. Martin ’59

Public Service Electric & Gas Company Mr. James J. Schaffer III ’77

Raytheon Company Lt. Col. Daniel J. Conn ’80, USMC (Ret.) Mr. Kenneth C. Herbert ’81 Col. Paul G. Munch ’70, USA (Ret)

Sanofi-Aventis Mr. Timothy I. Macaulay ’86

Science Applications International Corporation Maj. Ben M. Bauman II ’79, USA (Ret) Richard N. Brooke Jr. ’67, PhD Lt. Col. James A. Byron III ’81, USAF (Ret) Lt. Col. Alan S. Fojt ’72, USA (Ret) Mr. Roy R. Heddleston ’70 Lt. Col. James A. Wojcik ’67, USA (Ret)

Sentry Insurance Foundation Mr. George H. Ritko ’70

St Paul Travelers Foundation Mr. John Pittenger ’72

St. Jude Medical Inc. Mr. Donald R. Craighead ’84

Mr. William R. Welsh ’68

SunTrust Mid-Atlantic Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Howard Mr. Vincent A. Wood III ’81

United Technologies Corporation Mr. James R. Greene ’87

Universal Leaf Foundation Mr. William E. Powell ’77

The Vanguard Group Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Forbes

Verizon Foundation Mr. William D. Almy ’54 Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58 Mr. Wayne D. Chiles ’65 Mr. George C. Hutter ’52 Mr. R.N. Lineweaver III ’63 Mr. Gary J. Mackin ’82 Mr. Ralph T. Minor ’97 Mr. A. Thomas Wallace ’54

Vulcan Materials Company Mr. G. Allen Ramer Jr. ’80

Wachovia Foundation Mr. Jeremy W. Ingram ’95 Mr. John T. Piper Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63

Waters Corporation Andrew J. Young ’74, PhD

WellPoint Associate Giving Campaign Mr. C. Timothy Gundlach ’73 Mr. Ronald K. Milligan ’78

Wells Fargo Foundation Mr. Daniel R. Owens ’97

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. John D. Greene ’75

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB

A Charitable Night to Remember

by Joel Balthaser

Ben Cottrell ’83 had the winning bid for a montage of photos and tickets from the VMI basketball victory over Kentucky in November 2008. (See montage photo at right.) Cottrell Contracting Corporation, run by Ben and his brother, Jimmy ’88, was the major sponsor of the auction.

Nearly 300 VMI alumni and friends gathered on April 17, 2009, in Norfolk, Virginia, for the 2009 Keydet Club Hampton Roads Charitable Auction, an annual event held to benefit academic support for Keydet Athletics. Guests were treated to more than 150 live and silent auction items, an on-site raffle, first-class entertainment, and great food and drinks.

This year’s event was held at the spectacular Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk and was a resounding success. Over $80,000 was raised for this very important cause on a night that also showcased the true brotherhood and camaraderie of the VMI family.

The collection of live auction items this year was an impressive one, thanks to the generosity of this year’s event sponsors and auction donors. The bid paddles were flying for vacation packages to Puerto Rico and New York City, cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda, VMI football weekend extravaganzas, and tickets to watch a game in the new Yankee Stadium, just to name a few.

However, one particular item stole the show: a collection of photos from VMI basketball’s upset win over Kentucky, which was framed, matted and signed by the entire team and coaching staff. The winning bid of $5,000 came from Ben Cottrell ’83 of Cottrell Contracting, this year’s diamond-level exclusive

2009-Issue 3

A montage of photos and tickets from the VMI basketball victory over Kentucky in November 2008, signed by the team and coaches, was one of the items available in the live auction.

sponsor. Cottrell came away with the fantastic basketball collector’s item after a memorable back-and-forth bidding war with Keydet Club board member and fellow Brother Rat, Richard Hewitt ’83.

The 2009 Hampton Roads Charitable Auction was the second annual Keydet Club auction of its kind, the first of which was held in 2008 at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. In May 2010, the auction will return to Richmond, and planning is already underway. So, get your bid paddles ready; it’s going to be fun!

Many thanks to the following sponsors: Exclusive Event Sponsor: Cottrell Contracting, Inc. (Ben Cottrell ’83 and Jimmy Cottrell ’88) Print Sponsor: Clark Nexsen, Architecture & Engineering (Chris Stone ’78) Live Auction Sponsors: Conrad M. Hall ’65; Hall, Fox & AtLee (Rich AtLee ’66) and JES Construction, Inc. (Jesse Waltz ’85) Bar Sponsors: Mayor Paul Fraim ’71, Rutter Mills Attorneys at Law, LLP (Robert Mills ’75) and Skanska USA Civil Southeast (John Krovic ’77) Raffle Sponsors: Towne Bank and Outland, Gray, O’Keefe and Hubbard (John A. O’Keefe ’65) Silent Auction Sponsor: PAPCO, Inc. (Claiborne Coupland ’57) (Continued on top of next page)

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KEYDET CLUB Table Sponsorships: Branscome, Inc. (Buddy League ’91), Centurion Development Group (John Arthur ’79), Hanson Pipe & Precast (Edward M. Plucinski ’86), Kaufman & Canoles, PC (Tommy Norment Jr. ’68, Dustin DeVore ’94, Timothy Trant ’98), McDonald & Ingram Wealth Management of Wachovia Securities (Jeremy Ingram ’95), Ralph Northam ’81, Sullivan, Andrews & Taylor (Tazewell Taylor ’70), Hampton Roads Shipping Association and Jeffrey Yates ’78.

Thanks also go to the event honorary chairs: Richard AtLee ’66, Chip Beaman ’74, Ben Cottrell ’83, Conrad Hall ’65, Bogie Holland ’68, John Krovic ’77, Peter Meredith ’74, Grover Outland ’49B and Vince Thomas ’43.

Finally, thanks go to the event chairs: John Arthur ’79, Gary Haste ’77, Bob Heely ’69, Jeremy Ingram ’95, John Kokolis ’96, Buddy League ’91, Pete Mantz ’90, Robert Mills ’75, Fred Minnigerode ’90, Sills O’Keefe ’93, John O’Keefe ’65, Ed Plucinski ’86, Josh Priest ’80, Andy Protogyrou ’84, John Rowe ’66, Lloyd Taliaferro ’95, Ben Vanderberry ’75, Emily Mills and Charlotte Krovic.

Pictured above, right, Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer, looked on as the event chairs open the auction: Senator Ralph Northam ’81, Senator Tommy Norment Jr. ’68 (speaking) and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim ’71. Pictured at right, the crowd enjoyed the bidding.

Class of 1959 Establishes Football Quarterback Scholarship The class of 1959, in conjunction with its 50th Class Re- Donny White ’65 and Sparky Woods and the Keydet Club, union in April 2009, has established an athletic scholarship I thank the class of 1959 for their loyalty to their alma through the Keydet Club that will provide grant-in-aid to the mater and to the Keydets.” pre-season-named starting quarterback each year.

The scholarship was established to build on the class’s love for VMI, its appreciation for the excellent education each Brother Rat received and its love for VMI Intercollegiate Athletics and the VMI Spirit, which has helped to bond the class during their cadetships and continues to bond the class as alumni. The class of 1959 celebrated winning football seasons in the Southern Conference in three of its four-year cadetship, and its members were conference champions in their third and first class years.

Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer, acknowledged the scholarship by saying: “The great class Members of the Class of 1959 Reunion Fund Campaign of 1959 has produced honorable and successful leaders Committee and other members of the class looked on as in the true style of the VMI citizen-soldier, both from the their Brother Rat Bobby Ross ’59 (left, seated) endorsed the newly created Class of 1959 Football Scholarship as classroom and the athletic field. Their Spirit continues to part of the Stonewall Fund of 1959. The scholarship will thrive, as evidenced in their establishment of this schol- provide grant-in-aid to the starting quarterback of the arship that will benefit future leaders in the position of Big Red Team each year. Ross was the chairman of the quarterback on the VMI football team. On behalf of Coaches committee. Photo submitted by Kathryn Wise.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Slater ’66 Establishes Football Scholarship in Honor of Parents VMI Board of Visitors President Thomas Slater died on April 30, 1983.

G. Slater Jr. ’66 has established the Thomas The Slaters had two sons, Thomas G. G. and Hylton R. Slater, VMI Class of 1932, Slater Jr. (the donor) and Robert R. Slater.

Football Scholarship in the Keydet Club A late uncle, John F. Fletcher, class of 1859, that will provide grant-in-aid to a cadet- was killed as a captain in the 75th Virginia athlete, with preference given to a cadet Cavalry in 1862. who matriculates from Virginia.

Tom Slater matriculated from Upper“This scholarship will perpetuate the ville and graduated with a bachelor of legacy of the Slater family and provide arts degree in history. He continued his critical endowment scholarship resources education at the University of Virginia for future generations of cadet-athletes,” Law School, where he earned his LLB said Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer degree in 1969.

Greg Cavallaro ’84. “Tom Slater is one As a cadet, Slater played football all four of the all-time great VMI leaders and a years at VMI, including both linebacker devoted son to whom the Institute will be and fullback positions. During his first eternally grateful.” class year, he was team co-captain and Thomas Glascock Slater ’32 matriculated in 1965, received Honorable Mention from Upperville, Virginia, and graduated All-Southern Conference and All-State from VMI with a bachelor of science degree Football. Slater also participated in track in civil engineering. As a cadet, he was a as a sprinter during his cadetship. He was talented boxer and horseman. a member of the Athletic Council and the Slater served in the U.S. Army in World Monogram Club and served as president of War II. He had successful careers as a the Monogram Club his senior year.

Washington, D.C., mortgage banker, an Upperville farmer and a real estate broker-investor. He was a past president of the Upperville Community League and former chairman of the Loudoun County Planning Commission.

He represented Loudoun County with the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments from 1967-70. He also had been a member of the Loudon County Industrial Development Commission. In 1950, he took over Rose Hill Farm in Upperville, which had been in the family since the 1840s.

Slater died on April 19, 1984, at the age of 75.

Slater was married to the former Hylton Carrico Rucker, an alumna of the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina. Before her marriage to Slater, she worked in Washington, D.C., as federal highway bureau director and was involved in coordinating construction of the Alaskan Highway.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Trinity Thomas G. Slater ’32 and his wife, Hylton R. Slater, in 1942.

Episcopal Church of Upperville. Mrs. 2009-Issue 3

Slater ’66

Slater joined the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP in 1969 and became a partner in the firm in 1976. He is currently a co-head of the firm’s Litigation-IP and Antitrust Group (approximately 300 lawyers).

His practice focuses on complex litigation matters with emphasis on antitrust, intellectual property (patents and trademarks) and unfair trade practices. He also serves as a member of the firm’s Community Service Committee, which establishes community service policies on a firmwide basis and coordinates the activities of the office pro bono committees.

Slater is a member or fellow of numerous bars, societies and organizations, including the Virginia State Bar, Virginia Law Foundation and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is also a director of the Virginia Historical Society and Central Virginia Legal Aid Society.

Slater has served his alma mater as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of Trustees. He was appointed to the VMI Board of Visitors in 2003 by the governor of the commonwealth and was elected president in 2008.

He is married to the former Martha (Scottie) Newell and has three children: Andrew, Tacie and Thomas III ’90. The Slaters live in Richmond, Virginia, but continue to own and operate the family farm, Rose Hill, in Upperville.

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KEYDET CLUB

Worrell ’62 Memorial Tournament Benefits VMI Athletes

by Joe McCue, Tournament Coordinator On April 11, 2009, 18 teams participated in the 15th Annual De Worrell ’62 Memorial Handball Tournament at Cameron Hall. The tournament was initiated in 1995 to honor Worrell, a prominent local businessman, civic leader and active VMI alumnus who died in an airplane accident in September 1994. Each year, the tournament is held in the spring during VMI’s annual Spring Sports Weekend – a time when Worrell would actively seek and greet parents, athletes and sponsors throughout the VMI campus.

Proceeds from the tournament go to the DeWitt S. (De) Worrell

The late De Worrell ’62, center, is shown in the late 1980s being congratulated on winning a handball tournament.

’62 Memorial Scholarship Fund, one of the largest athletic scholarships at VMI that provides grant-in-aid to lacrosse or football athletes. Once again, Worrell’s family helped to make this year’s tournament a success: Carolyn, Worrell’s widow who lives in Lexington, was joined by daughter Mindy from Knoxville, Tennessee, and sons Rob ’97 and Stewart, who traveled from Kansas and Massachusetts, respectively. In addition to playing in the tournament, the family attended to tournament details throughout the day to keep the event running smoothly.

The tournament features a round-robin format in which each team plays one 21-point game against each of four other teams in its division. After all the games are played, each division’s top four teams (by points) advance to a semi-final round, 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs.

3. The two semi-final winners then play a final game to determine the division winner.

The Worrell family and all players extend a warm thanks to everyone at VMI and the Keydet Club for hosting and supporting this tournament every year and a very special thanks to Bill Kirk and his company, Associated Asphalt, for their generosity, year after year, in supplying tournament t-shirts for players and sponsors.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles and photos in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review are produced by the VMI Keydet Club.

Tournament Winners Intermediate B Division Winners: Kern Lunsford (Lynchburg, VA) and Jim Bisha (Blacksburg, VA) Intermediate A Division Winners: Dan Sable (Blacksburg, VA) and John Hodock (Blacksburg, VA) Open B Division Winners: Harry Brown (Roanoke, VA) and Akshay Sharma (Blacksburg, VA) Open A Division Winners: Final: Josh Osburn (Arlington, VA) and Keith Niehart (Springfield, VA)

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW