Alumni Review 2011 Issue 2 by VMI Alumni Agencies

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2011-Issue 2

The above photos, which were provided by VMI Archives, appeared in the recently published Register of Former Cadets 2010. The top photo is a rendering of the VMI Barracks in 1847. The bottom photo is the Corps of Cadets in front of Barracks, May 1918.

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2011-Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes covering the time period of Nov. 16, 2010, to Feb. 15, 2011. Other than class notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the November through February time frame.

FEATURES Curdts ’45: “Home at Last”

Priest ’69: Restoring Wetlands

Lyle ’92: Rugby’s Pitch Man

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.

NEWS AND UPDATES 3

OEF/OIF: An Update

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

Association/Chapter News

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

Class Notes

140 Most Senior Alumni 141 Taps 154 Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS President’s Letter

152 Association Directory 160 The Institute 164 The Foundation 167 Memorial/Matching Gifts 174 The Keydet Club

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Editor: Hope Hennessey Assistant Editor: Traci Mierzwa Editorial Assistant: Brenda Stoner

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

140 Births, Marriages, Degrees

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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

10 Armellino ’43: Omaha Beach 12

Volume 87, No. 1

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PURPOSE OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni, the better to keep alive the memories of Institute life and—by their united efforts—to aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes. VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: 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 Cover: The Barracks and a small group of cadets enjoying an unseasonably warm day. Photo by Kathryn Wise. Inside Front Cover: Corps of Cadets, D Company, marching on the VMI parade ground in 1935. The 1907 library building is in the background. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Fellow Alumni, As this issue of the Alumni Review is delivered, VMI is nearing its New Market Day commemoration – a salute to the Institute’s heritage – and graduation ceremonies. The spring reunions are complete, and reunion photos will appear in the next Review. We welcomed back the classes of 1936, ’41, ’46, ’51, ’56, ’61, ’71, ’81 and ’91. A special thanks to the 50th Reunion class of 1961 and class agent, Sal Vitale, for their generosity to our alma mater. Active alumni participation in reunions and other events confirms Blanks ’67 to me that the connection we have as alumni remains strong, including our chapter membership and participation. For example, I would like to recognize the renewed activity in the Williamsburg Chapter and commend the efforts of Alumni Association Representative Jim Henry ’68. I would also like to welcome the East Tennessee-Knoxville Chapter and its newly elected president, Chris Adams ’96, to the Alumni Association. One of the principal functions of the Alumni Association is to connect alumni. Succeeding at that task requires a sustained effort to update information that allows alumni to remain in touch. The 2010 Register of Former Cadets is now complete, and more than 1,750 alumni have purchased that book. The contact data – work, home and e-mail – is updated online and is available, free of charge, as a searchable alumni directory at vmialumni.org. Check the Web site, and you will also see a list of events and other information for alumni. If you have not updated your record, please sign on to VMI Ranks, and give us your current contact information. Did you know that it costs us $5.00 for every copy of the Alumni Review returned to us because of an incorrect address? On the topic of alumni services, this issue contains articles about services and events related to job placement. For example, the Alumni Association’s placement officer, Eric Hunter ’08, has been busy hosting Networking Forums and working with VMI Career Services to create a Career Mentor Network for cadets. Adam Volant and I attended the Potomac River and Marshall Chapters’ Networking Event in March, and it was great to see alumni reach out to fellow alumni and cadets with jobs and networking opportunities. Additionally, outstanding work is being accomplished by our Senior Alumni Committee. Please read the article written by Bolling Williamson ’60 on John Armellino ’43, who was one of the first to land on Omaha Beach during World War II and who distinguished himself as a hero. Also, note the feature story on Bill Curdts ’45 who is co-chairing Habitat’s “Home at Last” program for our wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. These two articles highlight what our senior alumni have done and are doing for all of us. We ask that each chapter, when holding events, remember and reach out to senior alumni who live in the chapter’s area. They might wish to attend the event but may need some help with transportation. Finally, I would like to highlight the story in this Review about one of our former Keydet football players, Dan Lyle ’92, who has worked hard to bring rugby to the Olympic Games. Look for this first-time event at the 2016 Olympics. His efforts show what can happen when you get involved. In closing, let us not forget that we share an affinity for the Institute, along with a common set of values and a belief in service, honor and the concept of the citizen-soldier. I encourage all alumni, including athletes like Dan Lyle, to get involved with your local alumni chapter or the Alumni Association, and in doing so, help to make VMI an even better place. Proudly serving more than 21,000 alumni,

Randolph M. Blanks ’67 President, VMI Alumni Association

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Second from left, Lt. Mark Woodard ’08, USA, 23rd Engineering Company, with his platoon. Woodard’s unit, based in Fort Richardson, Alaska, was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010.

Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom An Update The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2011-Issue 1 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after Feb. 15, 2011. Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is re-deployed at a later date. Not all of the alumni listed are currently serving in OEF/OIF, but they all have served at one time. Names and photographs are e-mailed to us almost every week.

Because we have to have a cut-off date for each issue, your name 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 the Alumni Review staff at: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 (e-mail: review@vmiaa.org). For a complete list of names that we have received, go to http://www.vmialumni.org and click on the link titled “OEF/ OIF,” or go directly to http://www.vmialumni.org/oifoef.

Class of 1979

Class of 2005

Kailey, John A., Col., USMC

Gibson, Robert G., Capt., USMC

Class of 1989

Class of 2007

Giltz, John R., Lt. Col., USMC

Engle, Nicholas A., Capt., USAF

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Lt. Col. Chuck Douglass ’92, USAF, at an airfield in Afghanistan, where he commanded a provincial reconstruction team. Photo right: In Iraq, Lt. Col. Glenn Garland ’75, NCARNG, is serving with the 163rd Area Support Medical Company.

Col. John Kailey ’79, USAR, standing, second from left, with his unit in Iraq, November 2010. Kailey is chief of the Department of Border Enforcement Transition Team, Joint Security Station Loyalty.

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 4

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, assistant chief of staff, by e-mail at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Photo above: Andy Kestner ’87, left, greeted U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dawn Kratzenberg (wife of Col. Dean Kratzenberg ’87) as she arrived in Iraq to take command of the 821st Expeditionary Training Squadron. Photo above: Lt. Col. Ed Ledford ’87 has been serving in Afghanistan as a speechwriter and strategic communications specialist. On his return to the U.S., he plans to live in Charlottesville, Virginia, and attend law school.

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Photo above: 1st Lt. Chris Haviley ’08 at the New Kabul Compound, headquarters of U.S Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A). Haviley is the aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Mark Yenter, USFOR-A director of Joint Engineering.

Photo below: In December 2010, Lt. Col. Frank Charlonis ’88, USMC, was on a staff visit to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, deployed aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to the Navy 5th Fleet area of responsibility. There, he met three alumni assigned to the MEU. Below, from left, were Charlonis, operations officer, Expeditionary Strike Group 5, NAVCENT (Bahrain); Sgt. Jason Downs ’05, MEU Force Reconnaissance Platoon; 1st Lt. Robert Frazier ’06, commander, Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 3/8; and Lt. Col. Mike Starling ’92, MEU executive officer.

Love and War: Two Couples’ Thoughts on Dual-military Marriage 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs by Capt. Cynthia Holuta

Editor’s Note: The following article about VMI alumni Blair and Joe DiDomenico, classes of 2007 and 2004, respectively, appeared on the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) on Dec. 14, 2010. It is reprinted here with permission from the publisher. MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan – Marriage is hard. Ask any couple, no matter how long they’ve been married, and they’ll tell you it takes work. Throw in long periods of separation and a war on top of that, and it becomes that much more difficult. Such is the case for two dual-military couples in the 10th Brigade Support Battalion [BSB] of the 1st Brigade Combat Team [BCT], 10th Mountain Division who are deployed across Afghanistan. Of the 130 dual-military couples in 1st BCT, 24 of the couples are in the BSB, and of that, three of them are officers holding a command or leadership position. The first couple: Captains Dave and Maria Gregory are both company commanders in forward support companies in the 10th Brigade Support Battalion. Dave is commander of Company F, 10th BSB, in support of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, and Maria [is commander] of Company G in support of 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery. Though they are in the same battalion, each is located at a different forward operating base [FOB]. Dave – located at FOB Kunduz in northeast Afghanistan – met his wife, Maria – located at FOB Griffin, in northwest Afghanistan – in 2004 during a land navigation course in Fort Eustis, Virginia. They began dating in 2005 when they both were stationed at Fort Drum, New York, where they were quickly separated due to opposite deployment schedules. During their courtship, the two soldiers took their rest and recuperation leaves together whenever possible and spoke on the phone or e-mailed each other as often as possible. “I think the biggest challenge for me is being apart from Dave,” said Maria. “Dave and I were never in sync with each other’s timeline, so whatever time we got to see each other, we made the best of it.” When Maria was home on rest and recuperation leave from her deployment with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in July 2009, she and Dave decided it was time to get married and had a small ceremony with family in Las Vegas. When Maria redeployed to Fort Drum, she requested to be transferred to 1st Brigade, knowing that they were getting ready to deploy again in January, so that she and Dave would

Dual-military couples, U.S. Army Captains Blair and Joe DiDomenico and Dave and Maria Gregory, are able to spend time together at Camp Mike Spann in northern Afghanistan. Both couples are deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Photos by Capt. Cynthia Holuta. be on the same deployment cycle. The couple agrees that knowing the ins and outs of each other’s job is a good advantage, especially with the plethora of acronyms the Army uses. “Communication about a hard day at work would be even more frustrating if you had to explain the situation and all the acronyms to a non-military spouse,” said Dave. “It is nice to have a spouse who speaks the language, too.”

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The Gregorys also agreed that finding time to spend together is probably the most difficult part of being dualmilitary. They celebrated their first anniversary July 4 at Camp Mike Spann, located in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, when they both had business to conduct. They were able to enjoy the day together and look forward to quality time when they redeploy. The second couple: Capt. Blair DiDomenico [’07] is a company executive officer in the 10th BSB and is married to Capt. Joe DiDomenico [’04] who is an operational planner on the 1st Brigade staff. The DiDomenicos met [while in the Pipe Band] at Virginia Military Institute which they both attended in Lexington, Virginia. Though they met in 2004 during Blair’s freshman year and became friends, they did not start dating until after Joe graduated in May of that year. They married three years later on May 26, 2007. You could say the couple started their lives together being separated due to school, followed by subsequent deployments. But despite the separation, the couple enjoys [the fact] that they know firsthand what the other one does for a job. Having someone to share the whole military experience with is one of the biggest advantages, said Blair, who is stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. “We both pretty much understand what the other is going through, and we can help one another through the many ups and downs,” she said. Joe said he thinks it funny that he can speak “Army” with his wife when they are at home. “Sometimes we talk in acronyms while we are cooking dinner,” he said. “And more often than not, when we choose to do things on our weekends, there is a clearly defined intent and a task and purpose that allow us to achieve our end state.” But as with anything, the advantages don’t come without challenges. Finding time to spend together and worrying about each other’s safety are two of the DiDomenico’s greatest struggles. With Blair away and running convoys in southern Afghanistan, Joe worries about her safety while he remains in northern Afghanistan at Camp Mike Spann. Earlier in their deployment, [the wife of a] Hungarian provincial reconstruction team soldier was killed the day after he left to go home, when her convoy hit an improvised explosive device on its way to the airport. This “hit close to home” for Joe. “It gives you an uneasy feeling knowing that this deployment is not over for you or your wife until you both have your feet back home,” he said. Of the three deployments the couple has endured to both Iraq and Afghanistan, this is the first time they have lived in the same place, although it was for a short time. Joe and

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Blair spent the first three months of their deployment at Camp Mike Spann located near Mazar-e-Sharif when Blair was serving as platoon leader for Company A, 10th BSB’s Convoy Security Element. “There is just very little time to spend together in a deployed environment,” said Blair. “You almost struggle to get time together, and when you don’t live together, that is another challenge. Eating meals and walking around the FOB together is great and all, but it’s just not the way a married couple should have to spend their time. It often made us wonder if it would be easier doing this apart from one another.” Overall, the couples agree that while being a dual-military couple has its added challenges, it is not much different than any other marriage. All marriages have their high points and low points, and it’s how you communicate and work through them that are key. Blair, who has had the unique experiences of being the spouse at home during Joe’s first deployment [as well as] being deployed at the same time as her husband and with her husband, said that keeping busy and reminding yourself that it is all temporary are the best ways to deal with the challenges. She said the keys to staying together are, “not forgetting what life is like when you’re together, communicating as much as you can and just understanding the circumstances that you’re both in.” Both couples take advantage of any chance they might get to spend together while they are deployed and look forward to their return home to Fort Drum.

Capt. Blair DiDomenico ’07 and her husband, Capt. Joe DiDomenico ’04, in Afghanistan.

Snapshots from Wranek’85 in Afghanistan Top photo: Lt. Col. John Wranek ’85, USAR, pictured left, with Maj. Dan Williams ’95, NEARNG, in Afghanistan. Wranek is a member of the International Joint Command Engineer Team stationed in Kabul. He and his team, who are pictured in the center photo on Christmas Eve 2010 with Wranek (far right), plan and coordinate engineer support and construction operations across Afghanistan. The team is made up of officers from Australia, Canada, England, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia and the U.S. Williams is the executive officer of the 1-134 Cavalry Squadron, Nebraska National Guard, stationed at Camp Phoenix. He and his unit are mentoring the Afghan police and army in the Kabul Province. Photo bottom: In the background are the Hindu Kush Mountains, Kabul.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI Locket is Now Available for Purchase

Unique, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Honors VMI Legacy and Tradition This magnificent Fabergé-style egg locket hides a surprise that would please the master himself. Fashioned from 925 (millesimal fineness) sterling silver and 24kt gold vermeil, this inaugural locket honors the service and legacy of the graduates and families of Virginia Military Institute. Featuring exquisite guilloché patterns covered with hand-applied Italian enamels, this locket is adorned with the “VMI” monogram on both sides. The piece opens to reveal the VMI shako, the traditional parade hat and recognizable cadet uniform item, hanging from a gold chain. This truly unique piece of jewelry was handmade in the United States by immigrant Russian master jewelers in the same style and tradition as the czar’s treasured pieces. Attractive and indicative of the quality expected by alumni, this special gift includes your choice of an 18- , 20- or 24-inch gold-filled chain, manufacturer’s certificate of authenticity and an exquisite presentation box. Suitable for wear with formal-, business or casual attire, these lockets are wonderful keepsakes and conversation pieces. Pricing is as follows: VMI Locket Shako Pendant only

The locket is adorned with the VMI Spider monogram on both sides. Above, the shako is displayed.

$124.99 plus shipping $34.99 plus shipping

Shipping cost for Locket and Pendant: $6.00 ground, $15.00 overnight

To order, call 800/444-1839, or mail a check or money order to The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P. O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450. To order online, go to www.vmialumni.org/vmilocket. About the manufacturer: For nearly two decades, The Artel Collection has provided the most creative, original and inspired assortment of egg pendants to major Fabergé exhibits across the United States. The manufacturer is currently the source of original egg pendants offered at numerous museum shops, jewelry stores and fine gift shops across the United States and abroad. 2011-Issue 2

When opened, the locket reveals the VMI shako hanging from a gold chain.

Courage on Omaha Beach by J. Bolling Williamson ’60

“The entire beach was a killing field.”

When the fires of war swept across the globe in 1942, many VMI men stepped forward to serve, including a number of cadets. Among them was John R. Armellino ’43, who entered the Army in May 1942 as a second lieutenant. By the time he arrived in England in the spring of 1944 to assume command of an infantry company, Capt. Armellino had already earned a Purple Heart, three Silver Stars and a Bronze Star in the North African and Sicilian campaigns. He could anticipate seeing more combat: the Normandy invasion plans called for Armellino’s unit, L Company, 16th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, to land on Omaha Beach. His company would be in the first wave. A Rough Trip to the Beach 0400, 6 June 1944: the troops began boarding the assault craft, which proceeded to join up with the other units. After circling about in the staging area for an hour, the boats began the run toward the beach. Waves were six to seven feet, and one of the boats carrying Armellino’s men capsized about two miles from shore; another boat carrying men in the first platoon began taking on water and fell behind. The remainder pressed on, trying to stay in formation. The coxswains had difficulties with their navigation because of the rough seas, along with the haze and smoke; furthermore, strong tidal currents pulled them off their course. Consequently, many of the boats in this sector of Omaha Beach landed a considerable distance away from their designated landing spots and found themselves mixed in with boats carrying men from other units that were also landing in the wrong place. When the boats grounded on the sand, many of the men coming down the ramp were hit right away; others jumped over the gunwales to make themselves less of a target and were pulled under water by the weight of their packs and equipment. A member of the 3rd platoon recalled his experience: “I managed to leave the boat just as it was sinking behind me. I was the last man off. As I stepped off, a large wave hit me, and I went completely under the water. I was able to get my pack off and reach the surface and swim to shore. As bad as things had begun for me, once I made it to the beach, it got worse …”

Troops who made it ashore were pinned down on the beach.

The Ramp Goes Down When the ramp of his landing craft went down, Armellino looked straight into the face of Hell: the gun barrels of a German infantry division, dug in on the high ground some 300 yards away and shooting down at him. It was a defender’s dream: unlimited fields of fire with automatic weapons strategically placed in fortified positions so as to cover every yard of the beach with interlocking bands of fire and supported by mortars and artillery. The barrage of bullets from the Germans quickly reduced companies and platoons to small groups of individuals. Separated from their leadership, weakened by seasickness and experiencing combat for the first time, many of the men who had managed to get ashore huddled behind whatever they could find – frozen into inaction. As one soldier described it, “The entire beach was a killing field … men lying dead and wounded everywhere ...” Furthermore, L Company had landed on the wrong beach.

Taking Charge Armellino quickly realized that remaining on the beach was a death sentence, but first he needed to find some cover. He noted that a short distance beyond the high-water 10

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

mark was a collection of smooth stones and shale which formed a ridge a yard or two high and which offered a slight measure of protection. Encouraging his men to move up behind that ridge, he recognized that this was only a temporary position – the only way to survive was to get off the beach and move inland. However, the hills occupied by the Germans effectively prevented this, and the only way to exit the beach was by finding a draw which penetrated the bluffs leading inland. Looking around, Armellino saw that the closest one was about 400 yards away and guarded by a German strongpoint. Spotting four amphibious tanks sitting immobilized down the beach, he sprinted through the enemy fire and made contact with the crews to direct their fire onto enemy positions. He then returned to rally his men. For 45 minutes, Armellino ran back and forth across the fire-swept beach between the tanks and his troops, coordinating their fire and endeavoring to restore some semblance of unit integrity. On one of his trips, he was hit and severely wounded in the leg, but continued to direct the firing of his men until the strongpoint defending the draw was neutralized. He was then evacuated. Although L Company was at less than half strength, Armellino’s leadership kept it focused, and it was one of only a few on Omaha that gained a foothold which could be exploited by others to exit the beach – a factor that became more and more critical as successive waves landed. For his extraordinary heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – the highest award for valor given by the Army and ranking just behind the Medal of Honor, which is bestowed by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Aftermath Armellino lost part of his leg from the wound suffered on Omaha Beach and retired from the Army in 1946 with the rank of major. His decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star w/ two oak leaf clusters in lieu of second and third awards,

Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He died in 2004. Omaha Beach was very nearly a total disaster. Gen. Omar Bradley wrote that the planners of the invasion had anticipated only a “thin crust” of German defense: “Instead of the rag-tag static troops we had expected to find there, the assault had run head-on into one of Rommel’s tough field divisions.” Messages from the assault waves described such a chaotic and disheartening picture that he gave serious consideration to diverting follow-up forces to the other beaches. A strong argument can be made that the leadership and perseverance of just a few individuals made the difference between success and failure of the operation. The military historian S.L.A. Marshall observed: “Thousands of Americans were spilled onto Omaha Beach. The high ground was won by a handful of men who, on that day, burned with a flame bright beyond common understanding.” He was referring to men like John R. Armellino. Author’s Note Another member of the class of 1943 who landed on Omaha that morning was killed. 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Kearfott ’43 died, landing in the first wave on another sector of the beach. Sources: Bradley, Omar N., A Soldier’s Story, Henry Holt & Company, New York, 1951; pg. 270-1 “Omaha Beach” www.omahabeach.org “D-Day 6 June 1944 – Operation Overlord” www.6juin1944. com. Account of Pfc. James H. Jordan, 1st platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division. “Saving Private Ryan: Omaha Beach” www.sproe.com/o/ omaha-beach.html General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944) Citation for Distinguished Service Cross – Capt. John R. Armellino (ASN 0-442775) Editorial: “Valor at Normandy” – Washington Times, June 7, 2009 VMI Alumni Review, Fall Issue (1945), pg. 23 Marshall, S.L.A. “First Wave At Omaha Beach” The Atlantic Monthly; November 1960, pg. 66-72.

Above: This drawing of German gun placements on Omaha Beach depicts what author Bolling Williamson describes as “ … a defender’s dream: unlimited fields of fire with automatic weapons strategically placed ...” The note on the drawing states: “Most of L Company came ashore about 500 yards to the left of its designated area.” Right: Troops wading through the surf toward Omaha Beach.

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Bill Curdts ’45: Habitat Volunteer This spring, Army Sgt. Maj. Patrick Corcoran and his family will move into their new mortgage-free home in Oakland, Florida. The home is being constructed by the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate through a unique program called Home at Last. It’s a labor of love for William (Bill) Curdts III ’45, cochair of the program. “A lot of people want to say thank you to the men and women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they don’t know how,” said Curdts, a World War II veteran who lives in Windemere, Florida. “Home at Last has been a good way to do that, and the local community and the construction industry have really stepped up to the plate to help these wounded warriors.” Curdts’ main role as a Habitat volunteer is to find potential build sites and negotiate the purchase of property for West Orange Habitat for Humanity. Despite the downturn in the economy, the affiliate has been able to sustain the Home at Last program, as well as continue to build two traditional Habitat homes each year. Curdts said the Corcorans are the third military family to benefit from a Habitat-built home since Home at Last was established in 2006. Construction on a fourth disability-friendly home is slated to begin later this year. A 23-year Army veteran with two tours and three deployments to war zones, Corcoran was injured in 2009 while travelling

to a remote combat post to honor the most recent killed in action American soldier. His armored vehicle was struck by a 500-pound improvised explosive device, and the blast left him paralyzed from the waist down. “The greatest thing about this project is helping wounded veterans restart their lives,” said Curdts. “Learning about their injuries and disabilities is heartbreaking, and I’ve never been involved with anything that’s given me such personal satisfaction.” Curdts remembers restarting his life following service in World War II. He returned to VMI to begin his second class year with a new bride in tow. However, he decided life as a cadet and a new husband didn’t go hand in hand. In addition, his time as an Army pilot sparked an interest in aviation, and he finished his degree at Purdue University. Curdts went on to a career in aviation research and was president of Flight Research, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia, for most of his career. He ran a few small businesses in Florida until full retirement. Through it all, Curdts has remained a true VMI citizen soldier. “I was enthralled with aviation more so than chemical engineering, which I studied at VMI,” said Curdts. “I am grateful for my time at Purdue, but I still feel closer to VMI. I made such close friends at the Institute and think it’s quite a special place.”

Discussing plans for the Corcoran home are from left, Bill Criswell, founder and chairman of Home at Last; John Russo of Winter Park Construction; Tom Squiteri of Da Pau Enterprises; and Bill Curdts ’45, co-chairmam of Home at Last.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Walter Priest ’69: Wetlands Restoration Specialist For more than 30 years, Walter Priest ’69 has worked to protect and restore Virginia’s wetlands. It is the ideal job for a man who grew up on the Lafayette River in Norfolk and is passionate about the out of doors. As a habitat restoration specialist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Restoration Center, Priest provides technical advice and project management for the Community-Based Restoration Program. He also consults on habitat restoration relating to the remediation of Superfund sites and hazardous material spills. (See note regarding “Superfund” at the end of this article.) He’s cleaned up sites littered with creosote, heavy metals, TNT, calcium hydroxide, lead shot, construction debris and unexploded ordnance. For much of Priest’s career, he conducted environmental impact assessments for the Wetlands Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point, Virginia, where NOAA’s Fisheries Restoration Center is located. “I just had to move across the street on the VIMS campus when I took the job at NOAA six years ago,” said Priest. “The work I do with NOAA is quite fulfilling, because we know how to restore problem areas, and I get to help make things happen. We solicit proposals from organizations that need habitat restoration and then help fund and design the projects.” \Priest added that he enjoys envisioning what a damaged site looked like before, and he tries to reproduce the ecological values the site had prior to contamination. Despite great abuse, it is possible to restore the ecology of an area and turn it back into functional wetlands with Priest ’69 some semblance of its original state. Last fall, Priest got a plum assignment when he was asked to travel to Louisiana to work on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. For 12 hours a day, 14 days straight, he was part of a team that assessed injury to a particular area of marshlands. The group, which included representatives from NOAA, the state of Louisiana and British Petroleum, traveled by boat to various areas of a marsh affected by the spill, taking samples in areas that weren’t affected, were moderately impacted and greatly damaged. “Because of the magnitude of the spill, the testing and sampling were especially rigorous,” said Priest. “It was a very scientific process and as fair a process as possible. It was wonderful to be part of this huge undertaking.” While the damage is extensive and the area will be impacted for generations, Priest is hopeful that restoration is possible. He said the warm climate allows bacteria to feed on the oil, and the growing season lasts all year long, allowing some natural recovery. He added that there are natural oil seeps that occur throughout the Gulf on a daily basis, which have helped the system adapt to low-level exposure. “You can’t go buy pelicans, turtles or dolphins to replace the ones that have been lost, but you can create breeding habitats that will help these species come back,” said Priest. “I’m hopeful that, in time, the impact will be less noticeable.” While Priest played a role in the restoration process in the Gulf, there will be much work for other scientists who follow. His son, Brant ’07, just might be one of them.

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He is currently completing a master’s degree in marine science at the University of South Carolina and is interested in wetlands ecology. His son, Adam ’01, is an engineer in Florida who focuses on shoreline engineering, and son Walter is a logger. “I took all of my sons out in the field with me,” said Priest. “They helped with plant sampling and fish sampling. I guess it’s not surprising they have followed similar paths.” Priest said he has enjoyed his career as a biologist and is grateful for the education he received at VMI and Old Dominion University, where he earned a master’s degree. He has authored more than 40 publications, delivered more than 25 presentations, received two Coastal American Spirit Awards for wetland restoration activities at Navy Superfund sites on the Elizabeth River and a service award from the Norfolk Environmental Commission. Most importantly, he is proud of the fact that he has had a hand in the design, review and construction of more than 80 acres of habitat restoration in more than 40 separate projects. He’s also helped monitor more than 20 acres of tidal wetlands. This citizen soldier has done his part in leaving the world a better place than he found it – one

that will be enjoyable for those who follow. Note: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Web site, “Superfund” is the name given to the environmental program established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites. It is also the name of the fund established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended. This law was enacted in the wake of the discovery of toxic waste dumps such as Love Canal and Times Beach in the 1970s. It allows the EPA to clean up such sites and to compel responsible parties to perform cleanups or reimburse the government for EPA-led cleanups.

In both photos are Walter Priest, right, and Joe Rieger, left, working on the Elizabeth River Project (ERP), one of the non-governmental organizations with which Priest works. The mission of the ERP – based in Portsmouth, Virginia – is to “restore the Elizabeth River to the highest practical level of environmental quality through government, business and community partnerships.” Reiger is with the ERP. All photos by Morgan Heim of Smithsonian magazine.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Dan Lyle ’92: Rugby’s Pitch Man Dan Lyle ’92 graduated from VMI hoping for a chance to play and by the next season, he was 6-foot-four and weighed 230 pounds. professional football. However, by the time an offer came from the Lyle took up rugby after graduation while he was working toward a Minnesota Vikings a few years later, he decided to play a different spot on an NFL team. Somewhere along the way, he decided he’d kind of football. rather play rugby, and it’s a decision he’s Instead of heading to Minneapolis, Lyle never regretted. packed his kit and headed to Europe to While Lyle no longer competes proplay rugby for the Bath Football Club, fessionally, he’s playing a leading role England’s premier team. His success in bringing the sport to the U.S. stage. with rugby – known as football outside The timing is right for national expoof the United States – earned him the sure, as rugby sevens will debut as an nickname “Captain America,” and in Olympic sport in 2016 at the Rio de 1998, he led Bath to a Heineken Cup Janeiro Games. title as European champion. Lyle also Lyle first began to promote rugby in served on the Professional Rugby Playthe U.S. when he was on staff at USA ers Association, which helped prepare Rugby, the non-profit organizing body him for a career in the sport when he for youth, collegiate, club and national returned home. amateur teams. As executive vice presi“The sport of rugby itself is akin to all dent for USA Sevens LLC, he still works of the games we played growing up,” with USA Rugby, but the move has said Lyle, who grew up playing soccer, given him the opportunity to focus on football and basketball. “It has a fluidity the commercial and media side of the and flow like none other. You’re drawn to sport. the sport, if you see it played live.” While most American sports fans were In rugby sevens, each team has seven tuned in to the Super Bowl in February, players on the field, and each match has Dan Lyle ’92 at the USA Sevens rugby Lyle was putting the final touches on the two, seven-minute halves. The object of tournament opening ceremony in Las VeUSA Sevens tournament, which took the game is to move the ball downfield gas, Nevada, February 2010. Photograph place in Las Vegas the following weekand score, and the ball may be passed by Numina Photo. end. It was the fourth event in the HSBC laterally or backward but never forward. Sevens World Series, an annual eliteLike soccer, rugby is continuous; play continues when the ball hits level competition series between nations whose top professional the ground, and the ball carrier must release the ball when tackled rugby players compete for the title by accumulating points based and roll out of the way, so other players on their feet can play it. on their finishing position in each of the eight series tournaments. Rugby is a club sport at VMI, but Lyle played football for the (See note regarding HSBC at the end of this article.) Keydets. He walked on his Rat year as a 6-foot, 2-inch wide receiver, NBC televised portions of the tournament which helped showcase a sport that is growing in popularity in the U.S. Lyle and his colleagues will use the momentum of the recent sevens tournament and the sports’ debut at the 2016 games to strengthen its share of the American market. “The Olympic vote a year ago was the catalyst for legitimizing rugby in America,” said Lyle. “The rings have such a cache for popularizing a sport. There are school districts, universities, and parks and recreation departments that won’t consider your sport unless it’s in the Olympics.” The opportunity to make rugby a household word in America is a daunting one but a challenge Lyle said he’s excited to embrace. “I think rugby is the next ‘it’ sport in America,” said Lyle. “The Olympics are a part of the fabric, and after 2012, it will really ramp up for us. It hasn’t penetrated the American marketplace yet, but I hope to help make that happen.” Note: Headquartered in London, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. In Lyle presenting the Challenge Bracket trophy to Bowling October 2010, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced Green University at the USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby that HSBC had been appointed the first ever title sponsor of the Championships in June 2010. Photo by Joan Shepherd. IRB Sevens World Series. 2011-Issue 2

ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni Career Mentors Needed The VMI Office of Career Services and the Alumni Association are collaborating to encourage alumni and cadets to build mentoring relationships through the KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network. Cadets continue to seek out alumni at networking events and through Alumni Association channels, and we are using Webbased venues to help cadets make connections with alumni. The KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network provides an excellent opportunity for alumni mentors to assist cadets with career questions. Our hope is that cadets will have access to a variety of alumni in diverse industries and organizations to answer their questions about career direction. We also see this as a wonderful opportunity for alumni to help the Institute in guiding cadets to meaningful employment and making informed decisions about their future. • • •

Please say, “Yes,” and join other alumni already making considerable contributions to cadets and their future! Questions? If you have questions about the KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network or alumni networking events, please contact Eric Hunter ’08 (VMI Alumni Association) at ehunter@vmiaa.org, Col. Sam Ratcliffe at ratcliffers@vmi.edu or Lt. Col. Dave Chase at chasedr@vmi.edu (VMI Office of Career Services).

Why become a mentor? Help cadets seeking career guidance, opportunities and information. Use your experiences and expertise to encourage and support cadets. Have the chance to significantly impact a cadet’s life and future.

What are some key features? Select the number of times you can be contacted by cadets and how many cadets can contact you. • Choose how you will be contacted by cadets (e-mail, phone or mail). • Select how much of your contact information is revealed to cadets. •

Photo above: Jessica Schmaus ’04 answering questions. Photo below: Rich Meredith ’07 speaking with cadets.

How to sign up? Enter the KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network by following the next few steps: • Go to the VMI Career Services Web site at: www.vmi.edu/careerservices. • Click on the “Alumni” portal (sidebar). • Click on the “Career Mentor Network” (sidebar). • Choose the “KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network” link toward the bottom of the page. Note: It usually takes only a few minutes to register but may have a lasting impact on cadets! The success of this important collaboration depends on your willingness to participate. 16

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Cadet-Alumni Networking Forum Demonstrates Strong VMI Support by Eric Hunter ’08, Placement Officer Lining the walls of Moody Hall’s Activity Room, each of the 40 alumni called out his or her name, class and organization. In that moment, the strength of VMI’s network of support was undeniable. These alumni were there for one reason – to provide help to cadets. On Dec. 4, 2010, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., and VMI Career Services held a cadet-alumni networking forum. Forty alumni and more than 80 cadets attended. Alumni speakers on the Engineering and Technical Panel were, from left, The alumni represented 24 graduating Tom Wirth ’98, Greg Schwartz ’07, John Krovic ’77, Sam Stocks ’90, Jim Harrington ’79 and Jack Keane ’80. classes, ranging from 1966 to 2008, and seven different industries: sales and marketing, investment banking and finance, The event included two breakout sessions in which cadets engineering and technical, government and government contracting, information technology, law enforcement, and legal. could choose to visit the industry of their choice and learn more about it. During each session, the alumni introduced themselves, described their background and experiences, and then turned the floor over to cadets for questions. At the event’s end, cadets were given the opportunity to talk one-on-one with any of the alumni. As a result of positive feedback from both alumni and cadets, we will build upon the success of this event and work toward holding two forums each year. If you are interested in becoming a part of the cadet-alumni networking experience, please contact Eric Hunter Alumni speakers on the Legal Panel were, from left, Bill Nixon ’88, Grover Outland ’81, Karl Protil ’83, Chip Beaman ’74, Jay Gede ’79, Dave Gleason at ehunter@vmiaa.org or by phone at ’80 and Andy Clark ’97. 800/444-1839.

Potomac River Chapter Recognizes Marshall’s 130th Birthday Placing a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery gravesite of Gen. George C. Marshall, class of 1901, on Dec. 31, 2010, were, from left, Christopher Whittaker ’90, Steve Nakazawa ’03, Cadet Ermin Mujezinovic ’11, Thomas Puskas ’74, Daniel Shrimpton ’88, William Collier ’72, Randolph Blanks ’67 and Matthew Keller ’00. Photo courtesy William Collier, chapter president.

2011-Issue 2

ASSOCIATION NEWS Placement and Networking Services Connecting with Alumni As the year quickly moves forward, it is important for us to know and understand what is readily available in regard to connecting with other alumni for professional development opportunities.

VMI Ranks Become a member of VMI Ranks by signing up at www.vmialumni.org. Once you are a member, you will have access to our job board and alumni directory. The directory allows you to view the most up-to-date alumni contact information, and the job board allows you to search for and post jobs.

VMI Alumni Directory The VMI Alumni Directory is a free service that provides immeasurable value in helping you to connect with Brother Rats, dykes or other alumni. Using this tool, you can search by Name, Location, Class, Profession and/ or Organization. The directory includes the recent updates of more than 4,000 cell phone numbers and 8,000 e-mail addresses.

VMI Job Board The VMI Job Board is a free service that allows you to search for and post available jobs. When searching, you can look by location, title, organization and/ or salary.

When you post a job, you are also given the ability to later modify and/or delete the listing. There is no limit to the number of jobs you can post to the VMI Job Board. Although the job board is only accessible by alumni, positions can be offered by alumni and non-alumni.

Alumni Review, Association Directory. I encourage you to explore each of these avenues and take advantage of opportunities to reach out to alumni and strengthen your network. It is when we collectively understand and use what is available to us that we are able to make great strides forward. Here for you,

Join LinkedIn today by visiting www. linkedin.com. Once you have created a profile, become a member of The VMI Alumni Association (AA) group, and start connecting with other alumni. There are currently more than 4,000 alumni registered on LinkedIn, but only 1,200 are members of the VMI AA group. Spread the word, and help us to continue growing.

Eric Hunter ’08 Placement Officer

VMI Alumni Association Group • • •

Connect with more than 1,200 alumni on a professional level. Post current job openings. Advertise and offer opportunities by starting discussions.

VMI Chapters Become involved with your local chapter, and meet other alumni within your area by contacting the chapter president and finding out when the next event will be held. Chapter president names and e-mail addresses are listed in the VMI

Hunter ’08

2011-2012 Reunion Dates Sept. 9-10, 2011: First Fall Reunion Weekend (Classes of 1966, 1976 and 1986)

April 27-28, 2012: Spring Reunion Weekend (Classes of 1962, 1972, 1982 and 1992)

Oct. 21-22, 2011: Second Fall Reunion Weekend (Classes of 1996, 2001 and 2006)

Sept. 14-15, 2012: First Fall Reunion Weekend (Classes of 1967, 1977 and 1987)

April 23-24, 2012: Early Spring Reunion (Classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952 and 1957)

Oct. 5-6, 2012: Second Fall Reunion Weekend (Classes of 1997, 2002 and 2007)

Contact Carole Green, VMI Alumni Association, at 800/444-1839 for more information.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni Board Holds Winter Meeting The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Board of Directors assembled on Jan. 28-29, 2011, in Moody Hall for their winter meeting. The board meets three times per year to discuss the business of the association and to hear reports from the Institute, VMI Foundation and Keydet Club. Pictured, from left, are: Row 1: Adam Volant ’88, executive vice president; J. Edgar Perrow IV ’96, second vice president; Randolph Blanks ’67, president; Robert Heely ’69, first vice president. Row 2: Hilbert Wilkinson ’94, Ted Jenks ’67, Dallas Clark ’99, Walt Chalkley ’72 and Jim Joustra ’76. Row 3: Bland Massie ’77, Douglas Burdett ’82, Asa Page ’79, Lane Toomey ’74, Sam Stocks ’90 and Bob Clingenpeel ’69. Row 4: Heidi Nagel ’02; Steve Nakazawa ’03; Ken Herbert ’81; Tom Davis ’64, historian; Doug Warner ’03; Richmond Lykins ’73, most recent past president; and Grover Outland ’81.

Piegari Honored by Alumni Association Col. George Piegari, professor emeritus of mathematics, has been designated an honorary alumnus by the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors. Piegari, a long-serving faculty member and distinguished professor, joins a list of only 25 other non-graduates to receive the honorary alumnus designation. The board of directors voted to bestow the honor on Jan. 29, 2011. The recognition affords Piegari the full benefits and privileges of more than 21,000 living alumni of VMI. A ceremony recognizing this important milestone is being planned for April 2011. Randolph Blanks ’67, president of the Alumni Association, commented that this “rare designation clearly recognizes the service and affinity between the Institute, the individual and VMI alumni in a very special way.” During a 35-year career as a member of the VMI faculty, Piegari was a recognized advocate for students and a much-appreciated mentor. As a result of his efforts, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science became fully accredited. With his retirement in 2007, the Col. George Piegari Computer Science Lab was dedicated in recognition of his efforts in establishing the computer science program at VMI. His teaching awards and achievements included the Distinguished Teaching Award, an honor he was given in both 1990 and 1996. In 2000, he was given the VMI Corps of Cadets Faculty Mentor Award. Beyond his service in the classroom, Piegari has been a strong advocate for VMI athletics and served as the faculty representative to the NCAA and head of the VMI Athletic Council. Additionally, he and his wife, Melou, are frequent fans of athletic events, both on Post and off. In one of several letters received as a part of his nomination, one alumnus commented that Piegari “is a person who understands and communicates the value of the total VMI educational system … because he cares about the cadets, their educational 2011-Issue 2

Piegari

dreams and their life dreams. He is an educator of the citizen-soldier.” Another wrote, “He epitomizes the personal characteristics of honor, integrity and selfless service that we hope all of our alumni take away from their VMI experience.” 19

ASSOCIATION NEWS Technology Evaluators at American Security Challenge On Sept. 23, 2010, Senior Chief Petty Officer Chris Beck ’88, USN, right, and Joe Swider Jr. ’88, left, met at the annual American Security Challenge (ASC) in Crystal City, Virginia. Chris and Joe were technology evaluators for the Challenge and were present at the finalist ceremony. Beck is a Science and Technology (S&T) lead at Special Operations Command. He will retire in 2011 after 20 years of service in the Navy SEALs and plans on continuing his S&T role with the Office of the Secretary of Defense post-retirement. Swider is president of MJS Partners, LLC, which is a firm that concentrates on advanced technology commercialization for government, military and commercial applications.

Arkansas Chapter Takes a Night Out On Nov. 13, 2010, the Arkansas Chapter of the Alumni Association met at the Pantry Restaurant in Little Rock. From left were Al Robinson ’77 and wife Caroline, Col. Ken Walters ’87, Laticia Dittrich, Frances Doland (wife of the late Jake Doland ’41), Laurie Guyton, Spencer and Lori Walsh, Mason Walsh, Lt. Col. Dave Walsh ’90, Herb Guyton ’66, Nita Clark (wife of the late Billy Clark ’43), Jim Dittrich ’76, Amy Walters, Donna Bandy and T.R. Bandy ’62. Photo courtesy Jim Dittrich.

Hawaii Chapter Commemorates Founders Day Gathering on Founders Day 2010 at Sam Snead’s Tavern, Navy Marine Golf Course, in Honolulu, Hawaii were, from left, Mike Chang ’85, Dan Darnell ’75, Ian Brooks ’97, Mike Ceroli ’85, Bob Pedigo ’90, Greg Barnekoff ’07, Diana Khaksar ’06, Tom Smyth ’58, Ken Wiseman ’06, Rick Mattoso ’96 and Chapter President Russ Takata ’74, who submitted this photo.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni at Leader Conference Attending the January 2011 Warrior Leader Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, for the 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division, U.S. Army Reserve, were Capt. Austin Wakefield ’04, Capt. Paul Stamp ’02, Capt. Reuben Trant ’02, Capt. Jake Wilson ’00, Maj. Brian Woodford ’90, Maj. David Wallace ’86, Capt. Bill Steinbach ’99, Lt. Col. Jeff Perkins ’84 and Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ’89. Not pictured: Lt. Col. John Phillips ’87.

Alumni at Fort Rucker Graduation Ceremony At the October 2010 U.S. Air Force Helicopter Pilot Training graduation ceremony in Fort Rucker, Alabama, were Matthew Johnson, son of Al Johnson ’70 and Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets ’05; Peter Borchelt ’08; Al Johnson ’70; Joe Jenkins ’70; and Jason Pettengill ’08. According to Al Johnson who submitted this photo, he and Jenkins are “Brother Rats and roommates from the Old Corps and [are] very proud of all these pilots!”

Fairfax County Defenders, Fire and Police Departments Tim Fairchild ’06 coordinated the gathering of the VMI alumni at left who are members of Fairfax County (Virginia) fire and police departments. Joe Pittman ’90 submitted the photo. From left: Fire Technician Matt Tamillow ’06, Officer Mike Roberts ’01, Officer Ben Griffith ’01, Detective Joe Pitman ’90, Master Fire Technician Dave Bender ’90, Fire Lieutenant Steve Henry ’91, Officer Brian Bowman ’05, Officer Scott Neville ’95 and Fire Technician Tim Fairchild ’06. Not pictured but also sworn defenders of Fairfax County: Fire Technician Brad Haywood ’04, Fire Lieutenant Eric Erlendson ’82, Master Police Officer Jim Urie ’86 and Officer Jon Long ’00.

2011-Issue 2

ASSOCIATION NEWS Three VMI Historians at World War II Conference Speaking at the American History Forum annual WWII Conference in Sarasota, Florida, were, from left, Dean Armstrong ’75, Richard McMurry ’62 and Rob Dalessandro ’80.

Lanier ’94 Connects with Other Alums in Kuwait

Photo above, left: Max Blizzard ’86; Maj. E. Sean Lanier ’94; Alfredo Versoza ’89 and Andrew Troy ’05 in Arifjan, Kuwait. Photo above: Lanier, left, with Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ives ’79, USA, in Arifjan, Kuwait. Ives was conducting a pre-site survey of the area in preparation for a potential deployment, and coincidently, Lanier was his escort officer. Photo left: Lanier, right, with John Rerucha ’05, far left, and Larry Burris ’95, center, in Kuwait. Burris is aide to the vice chief of staff of the Army, Gen. Peter Chiarelli. Rerucha works in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) G-2 and Lanier is the secretary to the general staff (SGS) for Maj. Gen. Ken Dowd, 1st TSC commanding general. As Lanier wrote, the three found time in their schedules to link up for lunch and a photo op.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS 1

Westminster Canterbury Event 3 5

Alumni and Sister Rats living at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, Virginia, held a cocktail party on Nov. 2, 2010, for residents before they left for Florida. The group will hold another one in the spring after returning. According to Jo Ann Wicker O’Hara, who submitted these photos, it was “lots of fun with cocktails, dinner and happy VMI memories!”

1. Dee and Buddy Metz ’45 and Theda Royall (Archer’37)

2. Anne (Addison ’54) and Russell Scott

3. Marguerite and Taz Ellett ’44 4. Ann Artz (Ed ’53) and Janet Dennis (O.D. ’43) 5. Dick Wight ’30 6. Bunny Tucker ’37

7. Janet Dennis (O.D. ’43)

8. Charles and Anne Miller ’42 9. Juliet Goode-Hupp (Tommy ’44)

10. Harry and Elizabeth Lee ’47

11. Ben and Page Harmon ’49B 12. Judith and John Halsey ’43

13. R.B. and Maya Barnes ’54

14. Jo Ann O’Hara (Robert G. ’35)

15. George and Mary Hutter ’52

2011-Issue 2

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

’35

Richard H. Knight ’70

What an honor it is for me to walk Post #1 for the great class of ’35. When it was time to relieve Jim Sherman, who had been on duty for years, I happily volunteered. Like many alumni, I save my Alumni Reviews. So, in preparation for my new role, I looked at some of Jim’s past columns. To say the least, they were (and are) second to none. I have known many class agents over the years. I have always thought that the late Ed Shepherd ’27 set the standard for excellence. I don’t doubt that Jim equaled that standard. So, on behalf of your Brother Rats, sir, please accept a hearty “well done.” I regret that the passage of time has dealt a hard hand to the class of ’35 in recent months. Bob Evans, Al Snapp St. John Arnold have fallen out of ranks. Their distinguished and useful lives will be accounted for under “Taps.” I have also received word that Dora has reunited with her beloved Judge Williams. The class conveys its sincere condolences to the families. I wondered what the class was doing 10 years ago, so I turned to the column Jim wrote for the spring 2001 issue. It was a full three pages. Not bad for a class that had been out of the Barracks for more than 65 years. Messrs. Evans, Snapp, and St. John Arnold were mentioned in those class notes. Dr. Evans had just received Yale University’s “Founders Award” for teaching in the medical field, and he reported from Florida where he was on vacation. Bob related that a nice young man had helped him navigate the hotel lobby. The hotel staff recognized Bob, but not the nice young man (Florida’s governor, JEB Bush). Mr. Snapp thanked Jim for the VMI Christmas card. Al added, “Your card brings back memories – walking P tours, guard duty, to church, to breakfast, to class and wherever! Too bad we didn’t appreciate it then as we do now!” I did not know Mr. Snapp, but he obviously had a wonderful sense of humor. Col. Arnold’s VMI 24

Christmas card reminded Jim of room 113 and his roommates, John Burgess, Jimmy Humphreys and Dan McMillin. Senator Harry Byrd and I have swapped letters. I worked in Senator Byrd’s senatorial campaign in 1970, and we met at his Norfolk campaign headquarters that fall. Back then, one had to be 21 to vote, and my very first vote was cast for Senator Byrd. Years later, Senator Byrd and I unexpectedly ran into each other at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. He was there with a number of retired senators, including Barry Goldwater. Senator Byrd introduced me to Senator Goldwater, the presidential candidate that everyone says they voted for. Senator Byrd remembered that we had met in 1970. Then, in 1991, Senator Byrd accepted my invitation to keynote a three-day conference on Sir Winston Churchill’s association with the commonwealth of Virginia. (Over a 66-year span, Churchill visited the Old Dominion 15 times.) The conference was held at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Harry cast a spell on the attendees as he recalled meeting the great Churchill in 1929 during Sir Winston’s visit to the governor’s mansion (where Harry was living with his mother and his father, then governor of Virginia). Harry also recalled meeting Churchill in Sir Winston’s parliamentary offices in 1950. Churchill talked at length on the American Civil War, one of his favorite topics, and expressed his regret that he had not had the opportunity to visit the battlefields associated with Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After Churchill’s death in 1965, Senator Byrd published his tribute to Churchill in the Winchester (VA) Evening Star. It is a classic. (Should anyone reading this column desire a copy, please contact me.) Thank you, Senator Byrd, for these good memories. I have learned that George Freeman is doing very well and that he has returned to independent living at Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Shores. My mother lives there, as well, so I am looking forward to seeing Col. and Mrs. Freeman on my next trip. I hope these notes find all of ’35’s Brother and Sister Rats enjoying spring and looking forward to a pleasant summer.

I would like to hear from all of you. Ask a friend or family member to contact me, if you would prefer to communicate by proxy. As always, thank you for your generous support of our little school. Until the next time, the very best to you and yours … Dick

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

As class agent, I really like the Christmas and New Year holidays, because, among other things, I get cards from you all. Unfortunately, most came after the deadline for the last notes. Mrs. Jeanne Marie Brownley wrote that she dated Pete all through his cadetship, but they didn’t get married then and waited until later in life (1974) to finally tie the knot. She still is an “avid” VMI person and looks forward to the class notes. Bill Brand sent a Christmas letter summarizing his year’s experiences, much of which I have already reported. The most recent big event is that he has moved into an assisted living complex in Salem, Virginia. He and Tickie are in the process of consolidating their lives and things into the new apartment. Evelyn Mathews sent a nice card indicating she is doing well and wished me a speedy recovery from my surgery. Finally, Howard Golladay’s card indicated he was in good health and looking forward to spending time with the family. In February, I had a great opportunity to have lunch with Howard and some of his family in La Jolla, CA. He is doing great. He is truly the “Bionic Man” with two artificial knees, two new hips and a piece of cow tissue for an aortic valve. His granddaughter, Jennifer, lives with him and keeps him straight. And on top of that, he is still driving himself, which is no mean feat, considering the amount of traffic and crazy drivers in the San Diego area. The accompanying picture was taken of Howard, some of his family and me at the luncheon. Marcy and I are doing great. We had our two children and their families here for Christmas in 2010. With four grandkids VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ranging in ages from 4 to 16, the holidays were fun, exciting and noisy. My heart is apparently working great, and my surgeon told me to never come back. Keeping up the exercise routine is tough. All those VMI Army guys enjoyed getting up before daylight, doing an hour of PT and then running a few miles before breakfast. That’s a big reason I joined the Air Force. We don’t sleep in the mud and wake up with frozen canteens – much more civilized. Finally, we have lost three Brother Rats: Mr. Stanley Graves of Hampton, VA; Col. John Chiles of Lexington, VA; and Col. Joseph Vecchiarelli of Roslyn, NY. I was able to place a condolence note to the family in the funeral home remembrance book for Stanley. My Brother Rat Tom Davis represented the class of ’39 at Col. Chiles’ funeral. Tom reported that many friends and family attended and that the family was appreciative of his presence at the services. I just found out yesterday about Col. Vecchiarelli’s passing on Dec. 9, 2010. There was no obituary provided for Vecchiarelli, and the obituary for John Chiles will appear in the 2011-Issue 3 Alumni Review. The obituary for Stanley Graves is in the Taps section of this Review. Spring is finally here in Texas, and I hope by the time these notes are published, it is spring up north where most of you all are. However, I must tell you that my sister in Staunton, VA, is not very hopeful.

’40

Robert Smith

Our First Captain, our class president, our leader, our life-long inspiration and one of our great friends has passed on. We will miss him, but the great arc of his life leaves us with the sure, comforting knowledge that his time did not come before he fulfilled most of the elements of his admirable ambitions. Strangely for an abstract entity, we think of the class of 1940 and its special mystique not only as something mysterious but also almost real. We respect other classes as well – especially those close to us – but the bond within our class is set apart in our minds. Part of that is the fact that we graduated on the cusp of WWII when the shared experiences of war further bonded us, but perhaps a greater part of our bond comes from the leadership and the examples of devotion to common objectives of support for VMI provided by Walt and other great class members. So, Walt was an important source of our class mystique. His election to class president was by unanimous acclamation after the passing of our beloved Bob Merchant. He was a constant person, steady in his friendship and loyalties. He had such deep

Class of 1939: Frank Parker, far right, and Howard Golladay, second from right, with his granddaughter, Jennifer Platt; his daughter, Cathy Jackson, and her husband, Monty, far left.

2011-Issue 2

roots at VMI that he returned there for a part of his career. His home in Richmond was filled with memorabilia of people and events that he cherished, and it was wrenching when the time came for him and his wonderful Dottie to dismantle all that and move on. Whenever we were with him, he was always a cheerful example of friendship by a man of substance who knew his mind and treated other people’s views with respect. By the example he set, we are proud to be a member of our class and the bonds that bind us all. His obituary is in the Taps section herein. Many of us know and have a great fondness for his family, his beloved wife of 69 years, Dorothy Leimbach Edens; his three children, Joanne E. Theon of McLean, VA, Susan E. Musselman of Apollo, PA, and Walter A. Edens Jr. ’71 [Sandy] of Castle Rock, CO. There were seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His son, Sandy, together with his charming daughter-in-law, Diane, were with us at our 70th Reunion to the delight of all that attended. I’d like to share with you what Sandy wrote me on Feb. 2 from their home in Castle Rock, CO, after Walt’s death, about his father, our class and all of us. “Dear Bob, “Thank you so very much for your kind words regarding my father in the letter that you sent to your class. You and I started our friendship around a letter that I sent to you some time ago that outlined the reason my dad stayed alive – to care for my mom and for the class of 1940 of the Virginia Military Institute. I could not agree more with your assessment that the class of ’40 was the hinge pin of the country at that time and remains so today. The bonds and friendships that I have witnessed within your class and the honor that I had in attending your 70th Reunion with Dad will stay with me forever. You, sir, carry the distinction and honor of being in the Greatest Generation who saved our country and set the standards by which we should all live – duty to country and to family, marriages that have lasted 70 years, careers [about which those who have followed you could only dream.] “You and the class of ’40 have stood tall, heads held high, to lead this country into battle and into business and have been successful at both. Thank you! 25

CLASS NOTES “My dad was certainly proud to be of your generation. In fact, in his final writings, he stated he wanted to be remembered as a ‘dedicated Christian, a devoted husband and father, a real patriot, and a man who came to this earth to make a difference.’ He is my hero; so, of course, I believe he was successful beyond his goal at each of those things. But beyond that, I believe that he and you and the others I know in the class of ’40 have all reached those goals. You have all made a difference, and I am honored to know and admire you all. And above all else, you gentlemen have remained friends, coming to each other’s sides in life as you did in the Ratline, friendships that started over 74 years ago. Whether First Captain or First Class Private, you have all remained in the Bonds of VMI, and you should be proud. “My dad loved VMI for the place that it is, the kind of man that it developed, the kind of man who would sacrifice the ‘easy life’ for life in Barracks to obtain something worthwhile, and for the friendships that were derived. My dad, while successful, remained humble and thankful and proud. And although many thought him to be without mischief at VMI, I can tell you that he tells of bringing sandwiches from the mess hall into Barracks in the sleeve of his blouse; he tells of shirttail parades which he didn’t know how to handle to discipline yet remain loyal and friends; he tells of Corps trips during which he might have to turn his head away so he could avoid ‘boning’ a cadet. He was a loyal and good man, and I miss him. “Today he is with his brother, Joe ’42, and I imagine they are trying to organize the angels into a regimental staff to pass in review. He lived and breathed Red, White and Yellow. We will bury him with his VMI ’40 pin, and I was honored to have him, on his last day, give to me his class of ’40 VMI ring. With Dad, as the VMI Doxology says, ‘The Institute shall never die.’ I can only dream of living to the standard set by you gentlemen of the Greatest Generation, the VMI class of 1940. Thank you, and thanks to all who have blessed Dad and our family with your friendship.” We thank you, Sandy, for writing such heartwarming sentiments that lift us up at this time when we are feeling the loss of your dad. Finally, I should add to these notes about Walt that in a conversation with him shortly before his death, he happily told me 26

that he was arranging a bequest to the Institute from his estate, and the Alumni Office has confirmed that he got this done. It was a great final gesture. Turning to other news, our Civil War buffs, John and June Augustine, are planning a trip in May to a Civil War Conference at the site of the First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas. It was fought on July 21, 1861, and is where Stonewall Jackson got his nickname. John is doing well and called June his “fine” driver who takes them to appointments as needed. He told an amusing episode about his cousin, Harry Augustine ’46, who attended VMI for only a few months, but who, in that short time, garnered a lifelong devotion to VMI in spite of his going on to graduate from UVa. John said he was surprised when one day the superintendent asked John if he was kin to Harry. Apparently, Harry was always at VMI, and the super had gotten to know him well because of his constant presence and loyalty. Wryly, John conveyed that, at the time, the super didn’t hardly know John from Adam’s off ox! Sol Rawls and I talked in late January, after Walt’s death and somewhat earlier than my other phone conversations. They had a lot more snow than usual in Franklin, but he did not mention that they were running out of firewood. We were both pleased with the then-fresh news that Wal-Mart had dropped plans to build near the site of the Battle of the Wilderness which took place in May 1864. Frazier and Jinny Baldwin are settled into their new place in Wilmington where the facilities include a spa and fine meals. He said they now read a lot, and he no longer uses his ham radio station. They were fortunate in selling their home in Kennett Square quickly when they wanted to move. Matt and Jackie Freidlander were in their Jupiter, FL, home when I called and talked to both of them. Matt reports that they play a lot of bridge and get into the visual arts for fun. Being curious, I looked on Wikipedia and found that “visual arts” means “ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts and often modern visual arts (photography, video and filmmaking) and architecture. Also included within the visual arts are the applied arts, such as industrial design, graphic design, fashion design, interior design and decorative art. All that

sounds like enough to make for a whole lot of fun days. My phone calls to all who I could reach did not find anything very significant to report, since everyone is enjoying the quiet life, as befits us. I’ll just bow to each with a little trivia of not much import. In February, Ruth Irwin reported that she and Bud are well but “staying put” for the moment – that may be because they were snowed in. John Cowart said that he is limping around, and his son, Jack, reports that he will be seeing his father soon. It was great to learn from Jack Camp that he is staying faithful to his rehab program, going four to five days per week. Rachel was perky, as well, and Jack said that they keep up some minor social activities and are reinforced by frequent phone calls from their family. Barbara and Doug Cook were surviving the winter quite well, since the lowest temperature has only been about minus six degrees. It was a surprise when he said that the snow accumulation was only 10 or less inches. I thought Ithaca would have enormous lake effect deposits! Doug’s heart rhythm problems are being worked on. Gene Phillipi was well and getting good care in his home where he has elected to stay – he has help during the day with his meals, and someone else comes to stay the nights. The nursing station for Jim Cheek advised that he is not much changed over the past several months, but I was not able to find a time when he could answer his phone. Jeannie Flowers advised that she and Dan are doing fine, as attested by his being at his Pilates class when I called. Ben Hardaway was his usual, cordial self and picked up the phone immediately, but this time he had no activities to report. I had a very pleasant little talk with Page, who looks after Jerry Totten, because my call found him napping, but I may have gotten more information than I would have in talking to him. Happily, she told that he reads his paper every day, watches the sports channels 24/7 and each afternoon he gets a refreshing drink. You may be interested in my nostalgic reply to Virginia Merchant who recently sent me two clippings from the newspapers published at the time of Ben Handy’s death. One had the headline, “First VMI Man Killed in War is Honored.” I wrote her, “Thank you so much for sending the news clips about Ben Handy’s death and memorial service. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “He was my closest friend among the Brother Rats, and I had known him from the earliest time I can remember. When we were about three, I think, we lived across the alley from each other and played together. He had a cat and a brother, Bolling, who could not hear or talk at that age, and later, he got a wonderful sister, who, when we grew up, I was honored to escort to her coming out ball! “Perhaps the most exciting thing about him in our VMI days was his Richmond girl friend, Peggy Jean Ellis. We double-dated many times. She was very beautiful, used the professional name Peggy Lloyd as a model, was on the cover of Life about three times and on the inside many more times. She was in the movie “Cover Girl” and married a Hollywood doctor after the war, at which point I lost track of her. She came to the hops at VMI and is in the bottom right picture with Ben on page 269 of our 1940 Bomb.” That little story illustrates how close we were to the center of all culture as cadets. To make that case, in addition to Peggy, we were in the movie “Brother Rat” with Ronald Regan; we had Wayne Morris dumping us out of our hays during the night after the movie’s premier; we had Priscilla Lane coming to our ball in the gym for the premiere; etc. Also, but earlier, we had a hand in spreading the craze for the dance called “The Big Apple” all across the country – but that’s another story. Memorial gifts from our class were sent to our class scholarship fund at the VMI Foundation in memory of Marshall Hardy, Eliot P.Y. Powell and Arthur L. Wadsworth III. This has been the practice in recent years. Later, a note was received from Whitney Hardy who thanked us for the gift and went on to say that their grandson, Charles Hardy ’01, benefitted from our scholarship fund. Two books of interest were brought to my attention recently. John Augustine sent Red Raider Diary kept by a friend of his who flew B-26 bombers in WW II. John is pictured and acknowledged in this little book, and it was published by the son of the diarist. It is all about the air war in the South Pacific, North Australia and New Guinea and takes one into those events with enormous immediacy. The second book, mentioned by Sol Rawls, is Virginia Military Institute, The Campus History Series. It is by Col. Keith E. Gibson ’77, VMI director of museum opera2011-Issue 2

tions. It was published in 2010 and is readily available for purchase. [An announcement about this book appeared on page 171 of the previous Alumni Review, 2011-Issue 1.] The history of the very beginning of VMI was a revelation. But what I most enjoyed are the pictures from the time our class was in school that show the events, the people and the horses that we knew.

’41

Walter Richards

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1941 for this issue.

Richard C. Horne III

’42

Charles P. Wilson

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1942 for this issue.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

It’s been a very cold winter in Virginia, but by the time you read this, it’ll be May, which usually brings the most pleasant days of the year, enhanced by the beauty of the lush foliage of mid spring. “Can’t wait,” one might say. However, for the past several years, I, for one, savor each day, one at a time and am all too often dismayed at how fast they go by. By my count, there now remain (as of this day, Feb. 15, 2011) 43 surviving members of the class of 1943. 43 from ’43. Our Brother Rat and good and great personal friend to many, Jim Anderson, died Nov. 18, 2010, at his home in Thomasville, GA. Jim’s father, you’ll recall, was Brig. Gen. James A. Anderson, class of 1913, and dean of the faculty during our Rat year. Both Jim and his father told

me several times that General Anderson had personally chosen the members of our class. I will never forget the kindnesses and support that both father and son gave me as a cadet and later as the VMI commandant. Jim’s lovely wife, Mary, preceded him in death. Jim was plagued by mobility problems in his final years, and his daughter and her husband moved in to care for him. Harry and Lella Jones, also from Thomasville, were loyal and faithful friends. Harry and Jim routinely lunched together at Rotary Club meetings and at the Country Club. I was surprised to read in Issue 4, Nov. 15, 2010, of the Alumni Review that our Brother Rat, James A. (Jim) Middleton had died June 23, 2010, in Lake Forest Park, WA. The Review published an informative obituary, but no one told your humble class agent of his death. I hasten to add that the alumni office, in general, and those responsible for the Alumni Review, in particular, do a superb job of keeping track of all alumni and keeping us informed. Everyone is entitled to a few mistakes. My hat is off to all in the alumni office – and the staff of the VMI Foundation, as well! Back to Harry and Lella Jones. It was they from whom I learned of Jim Anderson’s death. They sent me the program for the requiem Eucharist on Nov. 23rd that was celebrated for Jim at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Thomasville. That, along with a most welcome donation to VMI, and a note, “We’ll miss Jimmy.” So will we all, very much. We (Jeff and Jane) Smiths are doing our best to keep up with the Joneses. Circa Feb. 7, Harry and Lella had their first great-granddaughter, and on Feb. 6, Jeff and Jane had their first greatgranddaughter. Harry celebrated the big 90 last August; Lella sent me a photo of Harry and her (looking youthful) with 19 of their very attractive family. Late 2010, I received a card from Jane Bishop, one of Bill (Snapper) Andrew’s three daughters (two survive). She enclosed a photo taken on the occasion of Evelyn’s (Bill’s widow) 90th birthday (Oct. 10, 2010 – triple 10!) at her retirement residence in Exeter, NH. Jane was there along with her son and daughter. Evelyn looked, quite simply, great. In my last set of class notes, I expressed 27

CLASS NOTES tion to the VMI Foundation. Way to go, is so afflicted. Paradoxically sad, because worry about receiving no replies to my eDon. Always appreciated. our class was completely dominated by mails to Dick Catlett, Bill Winter, Harry I had a couple of very pleasant and those majoring in chemistry, biology and Jones and Bob Reveley. To my relief – engineering, in which technical skills were interesting telephone conversations with and yours – I have since had upbeat and essential. And sad for me personally bereassuring news from all four. (The e-mail Bill Winter. One just before Christmas cause it not only complicates my obtaining and another on Feb. 10. He was interested address for Bill, whose e-mail is apparently handled by his wife, was out of date.) updates on you, my dear classmates, but in my class notes account of my famdrastically limits the pool of my eventual A second hand report reached me that ily ties with the Parkers of Texas and successors as class agent. The VMI alumni the Comanches. Seems that Bill’s wife Bob Reveley was well, but I called him system is entrenched in the digital age. I Feb. 13, just to make sure. All was indeed attended the Houston, TX, school named sometimes find it hard to keep up, because OK – at that moment -- but in just the for Cynthia Ann Parker (Comanche I do not pretend to be a computer whizprevious week, Bob had fainted, flat on Chief Quanah Parker’s mother, as well kid. Neither, I hasten to add, do I aspire to the floor (fortunately, in a public place). as my great-grandmother’s first cousin). be class agent for life. He was hospitalized briefly. Heart was/is I suppose that might fit into the “it’s a I received a nice note from Jim Dischfine. No pain. Doctors theorized that he’d small world” category. In past issues, I inger (Richmond) a day or two before had a “small” stroke. Bob’s son flew in believe I wrote of the highly unusual acChristmas, thanking me for my Christmas from Colorado to stay till Bob was stable. complishments of Bill’s son, Bruce (who card. He’d just spent a “most enjoyable Bob keeps active, does a lot of walking, was at our 65th Reunion). Bruce was a “previous day with his brother, Hugh especially along the beach (no retirement brand new medical school graduate who, Dischinger ’45, and Jim’s daughter, Janet. home for him!) that fronts his home in in 1988, chose to become a U.S. Naval Coronado, CA. He misses his Brother Rats Hugh is a steady provider (via the Internet, aviator and fly F-18s. After 10 years, he mind you) to various friends (such as me) and said my call renewed his VMI Spirit. returned to (civilian) medicine, becoming of interesting and eclectic topics such as (Small World Department: Bill Winter a successful ophthalmologist. While vacapolitics, worldwide current affairs, entertold me of a property he’d purchased in tioning in Honduras, he came upon an old tainers, historical events, foreign climes the beautiful San Juan Islands, WA, some (and decrepit) World War II P-51 fighter. and the customs of foreign armies. years ago. Not long after, new neighbors He bought it, had it restored to virtually Retired Judge Don Foster checked into moved next door. They were the Reveleys, mint condition, and now enjoys flying the net just before Christmas from not-sowho shared with the Winters their love of cross country and appearing in various sunny California. Torrential rains. And lots air shows and competitions. In 2008, with the water, boats and fishing.) of it, but happily Don was weathering the Dick Catlett sent me, not one, but two Bruce at the controls, his P-51 “Happy storms. Among other things, he wanted to brief letters, the essence being that only Jack’s Go Buggy” (named for Jack Ilfrey, let me know that he’d sent in a contribua few other Brother Rats now are living the Army Air Forces officer who flew it in Richmond (Dischinger, in WW II) was named Grand Halsey, Johann and GotChampion at the prestigious (antwald) – and that, regrettably, nual) EEA Air Venture air show. he is mainly not in touch Many of Bruce’s weekends are with them. A far cry from filled by his P-51 fly-bys and asthe early days of the class of sociated gatherings. Just recently, 1943 when our ranks seemed he entertained and was enterloaded with residents of the tained by film star John Travolta. Holy City. Dick had heard Again, as I’ve previously menreports on Westminstertioned, Bill has renewed ties after Canterbury resident John lo, these many years, with fellow Halsey that John plays tennis VMI pre-med Gunyon Harrisix (yes, I said “six”) times son. I earlier wrote of Gunyon’s a week with Charlie Miller heading pediatrics at Baylor ’42. He pleads understanding University Medical School for 20 of his failure to reply to my years. Gunyon is an avid fishere-mails because he is “almost man – fly-fishing, in particular Class of 1943: The National Museum of the U.S. Army at computer illiterate.” The – still actively involved with it in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is scheduled to open in 2015. The most important info was that Texas. As a boy in (where else?) VMI class of 1943 will be recognized on the museum’s Dick and Barbara are well. Richmond, his father taught him Donor Wall of Honor. This state-of-the-art facility is being built to honor America’s soldiers, preserve the history of Speaking of computer how to tie flies. Both father and America’s oldest military branch and educate all Ameriilliteracy, my somewhat son had close ties with Orvis, the cans about the Army’s role in our nation’s development. educated guess is that a large nationally known sporting goods See article on page 154 of this issue. majority of the class of 1943 firm headquartered in Manchester, 28

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES VT. It is “The Place” to go regarding fly fishing gear. The Harrisons were both customers and paid advisors. Bill relates that Gunyon speaks with the purest of Richmond accents, changed not a bit by all those Texas years. Texas and Richmond seem to resonate in the background of these notes. Floyd (Bill) Gottwald (of Richmond) rekindled memories by sending me an account of the World War II exploits of the 124th Cavalry Regiment-Special (“special” meaning “infantry”) in the Burma campaigns. Bill and I served in that regiment, as did Ned Brantly and Tom (Gabe) Jones. Leo Tynan was a forward observer (FO) in our regiment’s direct support 613th Field Artillery Battalion (mule pack, 75mm). The 124th was a federalized Texas National Guard outfit and the last purely horse cavalry regiment when we VMI graduates reported to it along the Mexican border in January 1944. Fast forward to the fall of 1944. The 124th (pack mules had replaced our horses) and the 475th Infantry Regiment (forerunner of today’s 75th Ranger Regiment) had been organized as “Long Range Penetration” units and were combined to form the “Mars Task Force” in the mountains and lush growth of Burma. Our mission: March south in multiple, single-file battalion columns. All supplies to be by air drop. Establish road blocks behind enemy lines. After a few isolated skirmishes, by mid January 1945, Mars made contact with an enemy force of major size. Weeks of fighting ensued. On Feb. 2, the 124th’s 2nd Squadron, F Troop in particular, attacked an enemy strongpoint. Bill Gottwald was in F Troop. Leo Tynan was F Troop’s FO. 1st Lt. Jack Knight, the troop commander, led a charge into what was a lethal hornet’s nest, personally knocking out several pillboxes, despite being virtually blinded by a grenade. Leo (who won the Silver Star) was at Jack’s side, killing one Japanese as he threatened Jack, but Jack was soon mortally wounded. His last words were to Bill Gottwald, exhorting Bill to “finish the job.” However, Bill and the other F Troop officers were soon wounded, leaving Leo, the FO, the only officer standing. Troop F prevailed, at great cost. On Feb. 15, the Japanese began to retreat south. Jack Knight was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. 2011-Issue 2

Southeast Asia Supreme Commander Lord Louis Mountbatten flew in to address our regiment at the base of the hill where Jack lost his life, announcing it would henceforth be called “Knight’s Hill.” Bill Johann, I am happy to write, has now returned to his apartment in his Richmond (where else?) retirement residence, St. Mary’s Woods, after an intestinal infection and severe dehydration necessitated a few days in the hospital in late January. By Jan. 29, he was released to a rehabilitation nursing home (Our Lady of Hope). We had a brief chat on Feb. 3, during which he joked that although he couldn’t remember being taken to the hospital, he did remember the essential things: name, rank and serial number, the last being 0-538369. On Feb. 11, Bill was allowed to go home – to St. Mary’s Woods. I spoke with him on Feb. 12. He was in good voice – albeit with a slight, lingering cough – and glad to be home. In a chat we had just before Christmas, Bill said that he was very much “among the living and shooting for a hundred years.” During his illness, Bill’s youngest daughter, Jane Gresham of Norfolk, kept me fully informed. She, along with her older twin sisters and Bill’s son, are stalwarts when it comes to the love and care of their father. Speaking (or writing) of Norfolk brings to mind the honorable (former) mayor thereof, namely, ’43’s own Vince Thomas. I called to wish Vince a Happy New Year on Jan. 1, 2011. Both he and Betty were in good spirits. They, with several of their fellow residents, celebrated New Year’s Eve dining on Chinese food in the penthouse of their retirement residence

(Harbor’s Edge) on the Norfolk waterfront. A grand time was had by all, and by 8:30 or 9 p.m., all headed home for home (apartments) and bed. Betty is completely recovered from her hip operation, and Vince’s broken hip is mending well, but he has a bum knee upon which the doctors are loathe to operate because of risks involved in general anesthesia. Up-shot is that Vince is pretty much wheelchair dependent for, as he put it, the duration. The Thomases have seven grandchildren, of whom two “might go to VMI,” and two are studying engineering – a girl at VA Tech and a boy at Ohio State. Vince is very active as a planner on the “Future of Hampton Roads,” looking ahead 30 years at such things as high-speed rail. Indie Bain and Frank Bilisoly also live at Harbor’s Edge, and they, too, attended the New Year’s Eve bash. Frank continues to require a “permanent” room in the health care wing for sleeping due to his severe balance problems. Otherwise, he’s free to go to the apartment he and Indie Bain have and enjoy the facilities and company of fellow residents in the Harbor’s Edge. Vince said that “Frank is very popular.” Not surprising. And it takes a popular man to know another. I received an e-mail from Harlee Pate ’59 telling me of his appreciation of my notes on my Comanche Indian connections. He went on to write that “the class of 1943 is special to me. Vince Thomas influenced me to attend VMI, and Frank and Indie [Bilisoly] lived directly across the street before moving to Harbor’s Edge. In fact, we had dinner with them recently.” On Feb. 13, I had a lengthy and enjoyable

Class of 1943: Bruce Winter, son of Bill Winter, flying his refurbished World War II 9-51.

CLASS NOTES telephone conversation with my fellow long-time soldier, George Snead. He was in their (Kitty’s and George’s) apartment at Lynchburg’s Westminster Canterbury. I’m happy to report that George is yet another Brother Rat altogether upbeat while coping with the usual afflictions that Father Time has in his bag of tricks for those on the brink of 90. As previously reported, George has a very painful knee. His cortisone injections no longer help, and he expects to have a knee and kneecap replacement come late spring or early summer (about the time readers will see these notes). His mild congestive heart failure (name sounds worse than ailment really is) has improved and now limits only the lustiness of his singing in the Westminster Canterbury chorus. Kitty is quite well but has given up driving. George said at times she finds it necessary to provide, albeit lovingly, some “discipline and direction” to George’s attire and habits. I suspect, George, that we all need some of that from time to time. In previous notes, I have mentioned that thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Floyd (Bill) Gottwald, the VMI class of 1943 will be honored on the (soon to be built) National Army Museum’s Donor Wall of recognition. Bill asked the Army Historical Foundation (AHF) not to publicize his name. Accordingly, an article from the AHF’s March newsletter reproduced in the Alumni News section of this Review refers to an “anonymous” donor. The new museum will be on the south post of Fort Belvoir, VA (near Washington, D.C.), with easy access from U.S. Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. It is fully expected to attract many thousands of annual visitors, all of whom will be able to say (paraphrasing Stonewall Jackson), “The Institute was heard from today.” Again, accompanying the AHF article in the Alumni News section of this Review is shown the architect’s depiction of the new museum. Mention of the word “donor” brings me to my concluding subject, a status report on Alumni Giving – by class – for the first half of VMI’s 2011 Fiscal Year. Our class, as has become increasingly the case, has not shone brightly. Of course, I realize that there remain six more months of results due for the entire fiscal year. However, if 30

we rely solely on the percentage of our Brother Rats who donated anything at all, the outlook for improvement would be dim. As I – and my predecessors – have repeatedly written, any size donation helps the Institute that trained and educated us to succeed in life. As of Dec. 31, 2010, contributions had been received from only 13 (30.95%) of our Brother Rats who the Alumni Office considers “solicitable.” (That office has given up on one of our classmates.) Of the classes that graduated in 1940 through 1949, our class stood a humiliating second from last. Only the class of 1947 was worse at 29.31%. Tops were 1949C (52.38%) and 1942 (48.48%). It was touching and gratifying that eight of our widowed Sister Rats donated. Our total class donations as of Dec. 31, 2010, were $164,091, due, as usual, in overwhelming degree to one Brother Rat. Our class total was closely followed by 1940’s $133,439 – but topping all was the class of 1945 with $489,806. Totals are impressive and certainly welcome, but it is the percentage of giving that best demonstrates the true character of a class. God bless you, one and all.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

Since my November notes, my contacts with you all have indicated that most of us are sort of holding our own on this road called “life;” some a little better than others and some a little worse. To again paraphrase Hap Irby; “It has been a great ride.” First I want to pass on some information you may have guessed. The picture I had included at the end of the typed copy of my November notes was from Alex Munroe’s daughter, Cameron Pratt. It was one she had taken at Alex’s military funeral procession in Fort Sam Houston, TX. In November I called the Elletts to help us find a restaurant on the west side of Richmond to meet our son and his wife the day after Thanksgiving. They mentioned Short Pump and after checking the AAA book and a couple of phone calls, we selected the Fire Birds Wood Fired Grill.

Our son and his wife came east from Weyers Cave near Harrisonburg and met the rest of us there. We had an enjoyable, good second family Thanksgiving dinner. Marguerite wrote that she was glad they could help and the restaurant had served us well. The Elletts had visited some of their family living in northern Virginia for Thanksgiving and really had a good time. They were looking forward to another good family get together at Christmas. The annual Christmas letter from Victoria Doom brought us up to date on some of their resident animals. The two last equine arrivals (Ringo and Taylor) I mentioned a year or two ago have been well accepted into the equine family and are happy to have stalls of their own with a fair share of the food and treats. The two last canine arrivals have gone thru a name change to fit their personalities. The Chihuahua puppy picked up from the Wal-Mart parking lot had her name modified from “Peanut” to Princess Peanut.” That’s sorta self explanatory. The fuzzy puppy rescued from the Interstate median had her name modified from “Pumpkin Squigglebutt” $!^#@! Squigglebutt. The Dooms chose that from a song I’ve never heard. “You look like an angel; walk like an angel; talk like an angel; but I got wise! You’re the devil in disguise.” At only 10 lb., this pup escaped from their fenced yard one day, and Dick found her up the road running with their two 100 lb. pit bull mixes Monster Dog and Pander Bear. All three were obviously having a ball running playing together. If you wonder why I give you all the Doom animal report every year, the reasons are twofold. Victoria’s letter is always entertaining and I have been volunteering one day a week at the Virginia Living Museum here in Newport News the same number of years I have been in this class agent’s job. I answer questions on the Museum’s outside trail where the large waterfowl, coyotes, foxes, wolves and other such critters are on exhibit in large fenced natural habits. Thus I just figure most folks are interested in animals and their antics. Back to the Dooms. They played golf at various New Mexico and Colorado courses last year and remodeled their house. Among the many changes the kitchen got stone counters and a big farm sink. The VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES master bath got a freestanding copper claw foot tub. Victoria has semi-retired in her law practice to two or three days per week and continues maintaining a small contract with the district court handling abuse/ neglect cases and mental health cases. She has been handling these types of legal cases for many years and is a real blessing to those needing this kind of legal assistance. Dick spends most of his “free” time taking care of their collection of critters. My note from John Ingles said that he and Audrey didn’t have the best of years health wise in 2010 but they were still plugging along. In the Martha McIntyre family the 2010 health problems have been corrected or brought under control. She mentioned how for all of us Christmas notes change with age and says we all have a lot to be thankful for. Their three dogs entertained them Christmas Day continually playing with package bows. Martha sent a picture with her note of her son, Tom, with a dog in his lap, playing Santa at a dog rescue agency. I’ve talked to Dick Meade a couple of times. His graduation to a walker is continuing to go well. Fran’s Christmas poem confirmed that they were taking their two daughters, Pat and Susie, on their May sailing cruise in the Mediterranean. Dick also told me that Bettie Sorensen had signed on for the same cruise. Improvement in his vision after successful cataract surgery and glasses made it possible for Dick to get both his wife’s and his doctor’s permission for him to apply for renewal of his driver’s license which he has obtained and is now free to stray from home. My card from the Nays showed a change in their return address. I called Jean and found they had moved to a new retirement community so Bob could get into a better rehab situation. He had fallen a few times without breaking any bones but needed some long term therapy. He is now getting that. Bob tells me that he is headed uphill, has graduated from a wheelchair to a walker and is still improving. Their new address is: Emeritus at Lake Ridge, 3940 Prince William Parkway – Room 227, Woodbridge, VA 22192 and telephone 703-897-4063. Along with her Christmas good wishes Betty Bond Nichols sent a newspaper clipping announcing the opening of a Lexington 2011-Issue 2

Historic house built in 1803 as a Bed & Breakfast. Some of the class agent’s wives had taken a tour of that house during one of our annual conferences while the class agents were being lectured. Betty Bond reminded us that her accommodations were better than theirs. Faye says “much better!” The Niess’s report that the HollandAmerican repositioning cruise they took in October with their daughter and son-inlaw from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale was really great fun. They also joined many of us when their granddaughter presented the family with a first great-granddaughter in December. Both Dick and Ann continue to be active in their many volunteer activities I’ve reported in the past. When a young man she didn’t know noticed Nancy Phillips’ license plate (V4M4I) in December he stopped to chat. He was an alumnus from the ’70s taking cookies to the Elletts for Christmas and was a former son-in-law of theirs. Nancy said she does see Marguerite fairly often. Nancy and Punk used to have a great Christmas cocktail party at their home in Newport News every year and she misses all the “to do” getting ready for it and the actual very social affair. Many folks in Newport News still talk about the Phillips’ Christmas party and how enjoyable it was; as do we! She says a little batch of eggnog for her small family is all she can manage nowadays. Edwina Ragland is joining the greatgrandchild set in a big way with a great-granddaughter born last year and is expecting a great-grandson in January and fraternal twin great-granddaughters in March. She asked me to send a big “Hello” to Betty Bond Nichols, so here that is! Edwina also sent her best wishes for good health and happiness to the members of the class of 1944; here that is for all of you! Late in November Bob and Hazel Smothers sent me their photo taken on the U.S.S. Midway at the annual Veteran’s Day Swinging at the Midway party in San Diego. The theme again was 1940s music and dress. They took second place this year doing the Balboa Hop and other swing and jitterbug stuff. The pair that took first place were professional acrobatic performers. Bob said he and Hazel were amazed to have won anything. I’m amazed every time they do. No way Faye and I

could even get close to doing that! Rose Tucker extended an invitation for us to stop by when we were in Richmond. We’d love to and have had several such invitations, but always seem to be in a hurry going thru and don’t drive west as much as we used to. We are trying to plan to make such a stop. Estate matters took a lot of Mabbot Warren’s time during 2010 and she still feels sad at times missing Joe. She does keep up with friends and has a new younger lady friend in Radford that joined her last year on a great trip to Italy. Mabbot said this lady sure helped her get around on that trip. Grandchildren activities are keeping MC and Jean Wilhelm occupied until the weather lets him back on the golf course. He has finished his book, The History of Cancer at the University of Virginia. It is being published and will be presented at the opening of the Emily Couric Cancer Center at the University of Virginia this month (February). Later this year he’ll be finishing another book, Jefferson and Medicine. Jean is still deeply involved in the “arts scene” in Charlottesville. She won the Charlottesville Junior League’s 2010 Emily Couric Award for Advocacy which resulted in a $2000.00 gift to the opera in her name. The Wilhelm’s summer travels last year were mainly to their beach home at Port Trinitie in Duck, NC, with bird watching for Jean and canoeing or golf for MC. They did make a two-week trip to Tacoma, WA, to help his sister, Betty, move into a cottage in a retirement community. Naturally a bit of good sightseeing filled up most of the blank spaces on that trip. MC wrote that his long letter was more than we’d ever want to know about the Wilhelms. It was all interesting but more than I wanted to type. Thusly I hope to stir some curiosity and you all can ask MC questions to find out anything else you might like more information about. While waiting for her grandchildren to arrive for Christmas, Patricia Wen wrote to bring me up to date on her life. She had cataracts removed in April and in November but is still awaiting new glasses which she needs to read. Patricia fell and broke a bone in her foot this past summer. It has healed well. She has found herself adjusting to apartment living. Seeing daughter 31

CLASS NOTES Lillian daily and son Stanley once a week makes her feel very fortunate and happy. Earlier Hotdog Helmen had written that they would be in Florida from January until mid March and wanted Slim Galliford’s address. I sent it to him; he left it up north when they went to Florida and called me to get it one night at 9:30 when I’m naked and stepping into the shower. I sure hope he and Slim get together and give me a report. A note from Mary Easterly commented that selling her house at the top of the real estate market and moving into the Westminster-Canterbury Retirement Community was the second best thing she ever did. Marrying Harry was the best. She has 960 new friends, a bar, a theater and a putting green. Mary has also written a book, Master Top Dog, about a small Bichon Frise who strives to be top dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She did all the illustrations in the book and proceeds from its sale are being given to the Annual Fellowship Fund at her retirement community. Since writing is nearly impossible to do with her poor eyesight, Carolyn Weatherford called to thank me for her cards. She would really like to be in Richmond but the real estate market won’t allow it as her house in Reedville hasn’t attracted a buyer. A daughter living nearby is her main source of mobility since she can’t drive. Carolyn continues to think positive and believes that the arrival of spring will help her out. A long note of thanks arrived from Sophie Parker for my class agent efforts on behalf of VMI and “the wonderful class of 1944. What a group!” The Parkers wish they weren’t so far away. Sophie says Milwaukee is a great town but nothing beats the south. She reports that Charlie is slowing down to a normal human pace and they both send cheers and good wishes for a happy New Year to all their 1944 classmates. In response to my query on an address change VMI sent me Jack Cross wrote that it was correct. He and Page had moved to their Hilton Head beach house from Spartanburg, SC, after her stroke in 2008. Later they moved to a retirement community and Page is in remission from her leukemia thanks to the new drug, 32

Tasigna, for which they are very grateful. Their new address is: Seabrook Retirement Community, 300 Woodhaven Dr., Apt. 5202, Hilton Head, SC 29928-7513 and telephone 843-671-4703. Faye and I want to thank those of you who sent cards for Christmas and New Years. We really appreciated them, the good wishes and the news that came with them! That’s all for now. Take care of yourselves wherever you are. God bless all of you and God bless America and VMI.

’45

Richard A. Matheis

These notes are long in coming and even longer coming to fruition. It’s probably the weather. By the time you read this, you will have long ago forgotten the trials and tribulations of the ice storms and blizzards. But all of those adverse conditions no doubt caused most of us to stick close to the pot bellied stoves. I can tell you about one personal experience. (Yes, I am that desperate for copy.) I traveled from home in South Florida to St. Louis a week ago. I was constantly asked why I would possibly leave that great climate for this frigid territory. My standard answer was that there is a streak of insanity in my family tree, and upon occasion, I display traces of same. On to matters of more interest. Let’s start with two former class agents. First, John Williams. What a year he just had health-wise. In April, he was hit with a severe case of food poisoning during class reunion. It put him out of action for over a month. Then, in October, he was stricken with pneumonia. Before he even began to recover from that, he had a major heart problem which resulted in a triple bypass. By Christmas, he returned to being his warm and jolly self. He is now involved in all his physical activities big time. John, you are one tough hombre. John also is proud to announce that his grandson, John D. III, known as Trip, is presently being considered for the Rat class this fall. He just spent a week attending classes, etc. as a means of indoctrination.

Next, Hugh Dischinger. This story can be best told by directly quoting his e-mail, sent in response to my request for class news. It reads: “How much news is generated by an 86year-old man living alone in a small community? For one thing, he starts counting his blessings. I have four children, three of whom live in places like Minnesota, Colorado and northern Alabama. The fourth lives in Richmond, only 60 miles away. “Our children have produced five grandchildren – three boys and two girls. Four of them have finished college, and the fifth finishes this spring. One of them is pursuing his Ph.D. at LSU, where Brother Rat Charlie Bigger had been a great help to him. “This is February, and I am convinced that I live in absolutely the best section of the nation, considering what the weather is like around the country at this time of the year. No snow, no ice, tolerable temperatures, safe roads and the prospect of an early spring. “On top of that, my doctor seems amazed at my good health. I walk at least a mile and a half a day, and I take no medicines except a daily multi-vitamin tablet and an aspirin three times a week. I still drive my car, although few long trips, and my eyesight is holding up well. I don’t hear as well as I used to, which I blame on engine noise while flying fighter planes during World War II – but the VA disagrees with me about that being the reason. “So, my news is pretty humdrum, but I’ll take it for as long as the Good Lord allows.” What a great attitude, Disch. Moving right along, in our last issue, there was a story about Bill Curdts’ involvement with a special Habitat for Humanity program, building homes for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. He was interviewed recently regarding this activity by an Alumni Review writer. The editor picked up on his unique activities from our notes, and an article about him appears in the front section of this issue. On a sad note, we have learned of the passing of the wife of our late BR Sig Bear – Kay. We were informed by her son-in-law, Roger Powell. Next, a news e-mail from Joe Gantt. He reports he has two young grandsons who VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES have received provisional appointments to VMI. He further states his son, Navy Capt. Robert Gantt, is moving his family to Sicily in June where he will take over as commanding officer of the Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Logistics for U.S. Navy European and African operating area and the Persian Gulf … Sicily? Joe, tell Bob to carefully watch his “Six” to protect himself and all those supplies. When I sent out my appeal for news back in January, I received a note from Jim Lewter. He replied, “I am sorry but nothing new here except the snow and ice storm that paralyzed Atlanta. We live on a hill and couldn’t get out for four days. No mail or paper.” I didn’t understand the reference to Atlanta, as I had him living in Chase City, VA. He then explained he moved to Roswell, GA (a suburb of Atlanta), four years ago and now lives with his daughter and her family. Jeff Esser sent an informative note regarding his present status and that of his wife, Kay. They are now in assisted living in a retirement home facility outside of Birmingham. His family has scattered somewhat and are now not only in Birmingham, but also in Lexington, KY, and Philadelphia. He summarized his current situation by stating, “I find life, in as nice a place as this, boring, but I realize that I couldn’t effectively handle the level of activity I used to enjoy.” Too bad some of us are not close by – we could correct that condition quickly. I received a nice note from Bob Pettigrew referencing the comments about him in the last issue. In the interest of accuracy, he wishes it to be known he served with the Marines during the Korean War but not in Korea – rather, as an instructor at the Quantico OCS. What a precise individual. I’ll bet his uniform was always freshly pressed, too. I picked up some reflections on the past from Vic Bray that might be of interest. He was looking back on the days that Sam Walker was superintendant, and his old roommates of 337 met quite often at VMI. They were Dischinger, Butch Robinson and himself, plus their wives. He also mentioned he still regrets not returning to the Institute to finish his college career, but marrying P.J. blocked that option. I share that regret, since my situation was identical – different girl, of course! 2011-Issue 2

I just received an interesting note from Bucky Redwine’s wife, Karen, regarding our rogue BR. It seems he is still at it. He had a very serious fall at home in November and then spent two monotonous months in a rehab center. To quote Karen, “The pièce de résistance occurred the evening the meds nurse, who was just outside his room as I arrived to visit, glanced up at me and said, ‘He’s a flirt!’” Bucky is presently located at an assisted living facility in his home town of Athens, GA. I mentioned this incident to John Williams this morning, and he told me a Bucky story I really enjoyed. It seems that when he matriculated, as he entered the Barracks area, he had a bag of clothing in one hand, a golf bag in the other and a cigarette in his mouth. An upperclassman verbally tore into him, berating him for the cigarette and golf bag. Bucky retorted, “OK, you grab the golf bag, and I’ll take care of the cigarette!” A couple of months ago, I learned that Jim Morgan will no longer be compiling our roster and associated historical data at the time of our reunions. Jim has been doing an outstanding and thankless task for lo these many years. He is the perfect image of a class historian. We bow our heads and sincerely say, thank you, Jim, for a job well done. One last item. We should all be proud that the class of ’45 was the largest contributor of all classes to the VMI funds during 2010. That occurred only because of a very generous contribution on the part of Bea Myers. Our next deadline is May 15. Please send me any newsworthy items as they occur. I can obviously only be as informative as you all permit. Addendum: We received word on Feb. 25, 2011, from the granddaughter of our Brother Rat, James L. Morrison, that he passed away suddenly due to a heart attack on Feb. 21st. … Dick

’46

William A. Eliason

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1946 for this issue.

’47

Bill Hallett

The bugler reports for duty, and the sound of “Taps” lingers in the air to let us know that John Jones Salley died Dec. 18, 2010. John is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters Katharine and Martha; and son John Jr. He matriculated from the Holy City. Following WW II service in the U.S. Army Air Force, John received his D.D.S. from the Medical College of Virginia, his Ph.D. from the Univ. of Rochester and an honorary D.Sc. from Boston University. His academic career began at MCV where he was professor of oral pathology. He served as dean of the school of dentistry at the University of Maryland and, prior to retiring in 1990, was professor of oral pathology at VA Commonwealth University. John loved quail hunting and sailing. Your Scribe enjoyed Chesapeake Bay sailing with him; he referred to me as an “amplebodied” seaman. He loved VMI and was an active and generous supporter. With regret, I report that Arlene Hope Wright Hawkins died Dec. 19, 2010. She is survived by husband Tom and her daughter, Kay Foster. Music was a big part of Arlene’s life; she enjoyed playing piano, loved singing, painting, golf, gardening and travelling. Our sympathy to Tom on the loss of his lady love. During the November 2010 meeting of the California House of Representatives, tribute was paid to Dr. Graciela Sarmiento [Jorge Sarmiento’s daughter] of Arryo Grande. Dr. Sarmiento was one of four medical specialists killed when their plane carrying medical supplies crashed in Mexico. All four were members of the Flying Samaritans aid organization. Our sympathy to Jorge on this tragic loss of his daughter. Great to get a pre-Thanksgiving call from Stock Fleming. In spite of some of the agonies of aging, we agreed that we were fortunate indeed to still be around. Especially in view of the fact that nearly 60 years ago in Korea, we were dodging hostile metal. You may remember that six of our Bro’ Rats – John Barkley, John Bates, Patteson Gilliam, Bob Smith, Howell Thomas and John Timmins – did 33

CLASS NOTES not survive that so-called Police Action. More of our Bro’ Rats gave their lives in that war than any other VMI class. Somewhat unusual to have pleasant weather on Founders Day. Nov. 11, 2010, brought comfortable temperatures. The Institute Society Dinner in the new Marshall Hall was a grand affair, and all were dressed in their running and formal attire. Marty and Bill Hallett, Elizabeth and Harry Lee, and Betty Lane and Gus Robbins were there for ’47. Regrettably, Buck Cavedo and Bill Phillips, two of our most loyal and generous, could not be there. Health problems for both, I’m very sorry to say. The most striking of Gen. Peay’s ’62 brief remarks was the fact that during the seven years since he became superintendent, the state’s funding for VMI has reduced from 36% to 14%. Tuition has been increased about as far as practical; increased alumni support will be needed. Again, Lexington City Council has allowed residents of certain sections of the city to become deer hunters. While VMI has a hunting program to help thin the increasingly bold critters, W&L continues to provide sanctuary for Bambi’s bunch. A note from John Steel confirms that he is still enjoying his much-too-inactive life while spending most of his time reading Business Week, The Economist and the Sunday edition of the New York Times. John sends greetings to his Bro’ Rats. During her Thanksgiving visit in the Richmond area with daughter Martha’s family, Sarah Newsom decided to stay over for some Black Friday shopping. Surely, her purchase of earrings helped the local economy; much fun with family while feasting and planning year-end parties. Early correspondents of the season were A.T. Davidson and Woobucket Sizer. A.T. (also known as Troy) wondered if the reason that most of us are at the four score and five mark is because we still follow the physical regime of our Rat days and avoid most of the mess hall food of that era. He may be right. In A.T.’s collection of 1943 trivia was a paper written by Ted Jacobsen; I’ll pass that on to Bettie. In his letter from the land of ice and snow, Sizer believed that, for this winter, all of us were being sent to Mother 34

Nature’s company room. He remembers that at “Taps,” regardless of the weather, all Barracks windows had to be opened. In his north side suite, he layered his bedding by putting his blanket, newspapers, his quilt and then his rain cape neatly on top as he crawled in the sack. With five in a room, things were a bit snug, and if you were lucky, you may have been “selected” for window-closing detail. Mary Anne and Jim are hoping to visit VMI this summer to check on all the changes over the past 68 years. Time has flown! For those of you planning to travel to or through Lexington, you should know that Easter furlough begins at 16:15 on Friday, April 22 and ends at 20:00 on Monday, April 25. The New Market Day ceremony is on May 15, and graduation on May 16. As one of the few remaining fellow dinosaurs of the pre-cyber age, Max Lamont noted that he and Hilma Anne are indeed fortunate to be around and are grateful for the chance to mourn and remember fondly the Bro’ and Sister Rats who are passing from us. Max sent greetings from the other ’49Cs who failed to write. The greeting card from Carol and Jim Willson depicted a watercolor painting of Lake Louise. Carol had painted that scene during their tour of Calgary. She continues her weekly watercolor classes, while Jim carries on with his “gofer” duties at their local hospital. When the Canada geese departed and the wild turkeys arrived at their golf course, extra care was required during their daily walks. Year-end news from Norma and John Burton reported their grandson’s June marriage, and, “Thank goodness, he has a job with Bank of America.” Their other two grandsons are also employed; all of their family celebrated Christmas at the Burton’s Charlotte, NC, home. Eva Simmons happily reports that she is still in good health and continues to be active in her church and as a participant in another MESA research study that includes 6,800 participants from six centers across the country. A great Christmas picture of Anna May and Bruce Taylor – getting younger all the time. Their April trip to Paris to visit a grandson there was extended due to the volcano erupting in Iceland; I’m sure that was tough duty for Bruce. Anna May’s granddaughter was

married in October and a grand time had by all; Bruce said he was well-behaved and wondered if there had been official confirmation that we were now the “Old Corps.” I’ll check on that. Carol and Dick White reported that all was well and, unfortunately, no other reportable news. Marty Katcher promised that he would have Florence write a letter for him. Since he did not certify, I’ll just have to wait. Lynne and Roger Rosenfield spent Christmas week in Atlanta with their children and grandchildren. Even though the Amtrak trip over the Rockies from Denver to CA was a bit bumpy, Alice and Ben McCarley enjoyed the scenery along the way and had a great time visiting with their daughter, Betsy, and her children; they flew back to their Edmond, OK, home. Ben wished he knew something to tell us and promised that he would write; said he and Alice spend a lot of time helping each other remember correctly. They are not alone in that effort. “Of all things I miss the most, I miss my mind most of all.” Quite a year for Suellen Garrison. In addition to Carl’s death in February, several members of her extended family encountered health problems. She is looking forward to a much happier and healthier 2011. We’ll all join in. The warm days that Margaret and Ridley Nichol requested for Christmas and New Year did not arrive. Along with the rest of us and in order to stay warm, they are transferring assets to the power company. They are now blessed with three great-grandchildren and truly understand the meaning of great and grand. In addition to being a wonderful nurse for Ridley, Margaret continues to enjoy her alter guild duties. Having enjoyed since 1965 their home on six acres in downtown Front Royal, Jo and John Ewell made arrangements to improve the appearance of their much-too-large yard. The neighbors rejoiced. Because of the necessity of Jo having her left hip replacement, they cancelled a planned summer cruise of the Baltic. Jo now has all new hips to compliment both new knees. The Ewells relaxed at their Kitty Hawk timeshare and at their family reunion at Pawley’s Island. My thanks to Jo for typing the family news; John’s handwriting (?) has become illegible. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Daffinitions: Reintarnation – coming back to life as a hillbilly. Coffee – a person upon whom one coughs. Balderdash – a rapidly receding hairline. Abdicate – to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. Frisbeetarianism – the belief that, upon death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there. At Christmas time as snow moved into NC, all was well with Dolores Gelly and her companion cats, Cal and Damon. Evidently, Dick Spencer had grown a bit weary; his Christmas greeting arrived with the promise to write later. I’ll remember. And I hope he will. The Glass family grows. Bill Jr. and his wife, Whitney, welcomed a third daughter, and Bill’s son, Bob, and his wife, Bea, welcomed their second son. Bro’ Rat Glass had much to brag about while attending his 60th Reunion at MIT. While not showing pictures of his grandchildren, Bill stays active playing tennis and continuing his CPA practice. Donna O’Leary had little news but says she still sings in her church choir and carries on Casey’s tradition of being in his church choir wherever he lived. Donna sent New Year’s greetings to all of Casey’s Bro’ Rats. A post-Christmas wish: To see Al Gore out in our driveway shoveling the six inches of global warming residue accumulated during the storm that swept along the East Coast in late December. Fred Floyd said nearly a foot of that stuff, along with very high winds, convinced him that he had no reasons to venture out, and he was hoping that all of it would be gone before New Year’s Day. Sarah Newsom reported, with regret, nine inches of snow in Suffolk, VA, and was happy to have daughter Boodie and her husband, Peter McGinnis, visiting from NY to help with the shovel. Betty Lane and Gus Robbins went north for the Christmas week to visit with the Baltimore branch of the Robbins clan – fortunately, no snow there. The January 16th edition of The Vicksburg Post paid tribute to the eight Vicksburg veterans of the Korean War which began nearly 60 years earlier. Lucius Dabney stood tall among the eight veterans featured on the front page. Dabney’s outfit was one of the several National Guard outfits 2011-Issue 2

activated then and which marched along Walnut Street in January 1951; his law office is still on that same street. Lucius was a communications officer who spent about eight months at Fort Jackson, eight months in Korea and eight months in Japan. Thanks to those who sent greeting cards and a signature; nice to be remembered and to know you are still out there. Marty joins in sending all good wishes to you for a healthy and happy 2011. You may have noticed that time is flying; please keep in touch, and please continue to support VMI and the class of ’47.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

We were all saddened to hear that our Brother Rat, Ed Kritzer, died on Dec. 31, 2010, and was buried in Newport News. Although Ed subsequently graduated from West Point, his heart remained with VMI. He and his wife, Peggy, returned to live here in Lexington in 1993. During his Rat year at VMI, he was elected historian of the class of 1948A. Ed was particularly interested in the 1948A Scholarship Fund, helped to establish it and remained a major supporter. His obituary appears in the Taps section of this issue.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

All of us received the winter edition of the VMI Alumni Review, and that included a rather comprehensive report on our reunion held in October 2010. As mentioned in prior notes, two class agents from the classes of 1949A and 1949B, respectively, are looking at the possibility of having a reunion every two and one-half years, such as we have done, mindful that age takes its toll. Unfortunately, because of the holidays and being in Florida for six weeks, I was not in a position to generate any news concerning our Brother and Sister Rats. However, within the next month, I will contact as many as I can and hopefully have a more newsworthy report for you.

’49A

James Harrington

Sorry to report that our long-lost Brother Rat, David A. Flippin, is again lost. David died Nov. 6, 2010, and is survived by his wife, Sarah, daughter and son. Sarah wrote that David really enjoyed our brief reunion after so many years. Allen Penniman submits his quarterly update: “Once again, I turn to my planning calendar to see what I can dig up that even approaches being interesting to you, my fellow classmates. Certainly, the most important activity Joanie and I have to tell about is our trip to Albuquerque and Santa Fe for the Christmas holidays. We stayed in Albuquerque where Joanie has a daughter, her husband and three great children. This is always a fun trip for me, and I enjoy the two boys who are both in college and are able to talk to me about things of interest. They are both sports nuts, as I am, and this is a common interest for all of us. “From Albuquerque we drove to Santa Fe to visit the second of Joanie’s daughters, her husband and three daughters. This was a wonderful part of our trip. Santa Fe is a very interesting place to go. It is one of the pure adobe cities and the art and the museums and the culture are among the very best I have found. There is always plenty to do, and of course, the food is excellent as well. While in Santa Fe, we were joined by our granddaughter from Denver with her husband and precious Lily. Lily is our first great-grandchild. She is a beautiful little girl. Her mother, Sarah, is the first grandchild to be married, but the calendar tells me that there are several more waiting in the wings. Although the majority of our grandchildren are younger, if I look ahead, say five years, we could have a major explosion in the Penniman/Atkins family. The more, the merrier! Frankly, I don’t know what I would do without my family, and I am blessed time and time again. “After this wonderful western trip, we returned to Baton Rouge and spent a quiet New Year’s Eve at home with a few friends. We have a contest to see who can stay up late enough to celebrate the coming of the New Year. I kept turning 35

CLASS NOTES the television to the celebration in Times Square which took place at 11:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. This enabled all of us to adjourn the party one hour ahead of schedule. My days of wishing in the New Year have come and gone. “Joanie and I are both well and are enjoying our lives together. We are both blessed, and I am forever thankful for her ... “I send you my warmest regards. Take care of yourselves, and I look forward to hearing from you.” Margaret Noftsinger writes a note to all of us: “Hope all is well with you. Life is good here, kept busy with grands, as is true with all who are lucky enough to have them in town. We will have one more graduating this spring, and he has signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse for University of Delaware. In the fall, we will have one as a freshman in college and one going into kindergarten; we sort of cover the span of education. We also have a granddaughter who will finish the Darden School in C’ville and has taken a job in the Holy City. Again, we count our blessings! Right now, we are counting the days until lacrosse season begins – that is always great fun for us. We send our best wishes to you and the other Bro’ Rats. Stay well and enjoy the good weather when it comes!” At the Harrington’s, we have been waiting out the winter. We had snow – unusual for our winter quarters at PinehurstSouthern Pines – but it’s better than the cold winds at the beach. As with most of our Brother Rats, we keep busy staying in touch with our grandchildren, but they’re not here, so we are trying to learn to “text” – the current version of writing cards and letters. It’s hard to learn the lingo. OMG. So, for excitement, we’ll wait for the annual tax reporting statements, start on our tax return, help fund the medical profession and depend on our local library. The major emphasis this time of year is college basketball, with which we have been absorbed. Maybe by the time the NCAA tournament is settled it will be warm enough to return to the beach. As usual, you are welcome to visit. Stan Millimet writes: “We have been hibernating – like a dirty old bear. I’m tired of winter – tired of watching the snow fall. So, that’s my excuse. But frankly, I don’t have a lot to report. Watching a lot of news, 36

particularly what’s going on in Egypt. I fear that the people we have ‘in charge’ will screw things up and cause greater problems. I’ve also been slowly getting papers together for the tax season which I detest, but it has to be done. Otherwise, I spend lots of time reading. None of this is exciting – I’m sorry. I’m thinking, Jim, but I don’t know what else to write about. I guess you’ll just have to check back in the spring – if it ever gets here. So, stay well and stay warm. Fond regards … ” And this from Herb Johnston: “… I hope you had a wonderful holiday. We had our usual fun time with our children and grandchild. We had a very cold winter with lots of snow and ice, as in most of the country. We lost power in an ice and wind storm and ended up in a hotel for a couple of days. We didn’t go to Toronto this year, because my cardiologist there retired. I will see a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic next month. He has similar expertise as the one in Toronto. I am also entering a genetic study at OSU to try to determine if my condition is hereditary or not. This is important info for my children and other family members. We have enjoyed exciting basketball and hope that March Madness will be a good time for OSU. We also keep busy attending plays, concerts, ballet, church activities and to each other!” This from Bill May: “We are happy to get this winter over. Too cold and I’m too old. However, been kept busy planning a summer trip to the southwest desert national parks. Figure a couple of weeks of sweating like a mule will take care of my winter chills. Winter wasn’t entirely a bomber. The rabbit hunting was a lot of fun. The dogs have done what they are supposed to do very well. I have done the best that I am capable of, which was disgusting at times. The good news is that there are a lot of rabbits still out there in the wild. Have enjoyed the exciting happenings in the Middle East. Am collecting stacks of fodder for lectures in the fall. Dolores sends her love – me, too.” And Joe Fil called to report that he has survived his heart valve surgery. He promised to send an update – and here it is! “Please excuse the delay in getting this to you. Sue and I spent some time at the lake since the weather has been so pleasant. I don’t have Internet in our cottage. We have

been almost a month without rain but hope to see some soon. I keep busy with my activities at the County District and Public Works here at the town. My daughter-inlaw has invited me to take a trip with her to Italy. It would be a super trip for me. Maria and I always have fun. Her parents have moved from Naples to a beach town further south, so this would be new territory to see. I have never been south of Salerno. I am doing fine with my rebuilt heart. It’s great to be able to get around as before. I truly appreciate the thoughts and prayers from friends and Brother Rats. I had nice long talks with Charlie Tiller and Stan Millimet and communications from Herb Johnston and Allen Penniman. Sue recently celebrated her 80th birthday. She actually was dreading it, but the four sons showed up together and made it a super day for her. She is now working on the four girls, and that will really complete the circle. Congratulations to Ann on her tennis achievements. Since I turned in my motorcycle, I hope to get on my bicycle soon.” All I’ve heard from the Tillers is a newsy Christmas letter. You’all probably also received this, so I’ll just summarize by saying that they have had their leg problems – Charlie with a broken ankle and Nancy with a knee replacement. They were snowed in all winter in the NC mountains but will probably be out dancing again when the snow melts. Well, we’re all old. Our youthful adventures now exist in fading memory or in dreams. It seems that we’re living largely vicariously through our grandchildren – but we are living … Somehow.

’49B

Dan Smaw

Thanks to Mother Nature, I am getting a head start of about a month on these notes. The night of Jan. 9, we received five inches of snow, followed the next day with sleet and freezing rain. Since this is the sunny south, there is a definite lack of snow removal equipment. It looks like we will be housebound for three or four days due to the low temperatures and ice. With no mail delivery, I am probably missing all the letters and notes you guys usually send. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Louise and I attended our first Institute Society Dinner on Nov. 11 and had a fine time. Ding and Nobbie Patton and Nux Enochs were there, so we had a pretty small class table with a high level of conversation. Grover and Teancy Outland were scheduled to attend, but his doctor insisted he not go in order to have a couple of tests. As it turned out, the tests were OK, thankfully. I talked with Earthmole Lewis in November, and Earlene’s cancer has moved to her liver. She is getting some relief from a chemo-pill. We wish you well, Earlene. Jack Evans called in November and said he had recently talked with Bobby Thomason, Leo Soucek and Tommy Bowers – sounds like a roommate reunion. Jack says when Pat goes to exercise, he tags along to watch. Joe Spitler called on Christmas Eve day to wish us a Merry Christmas, which we greatly appreciated. He and Shirley were to have some other family members visit after Christmas. Our daughter, Sally, and her husband, Andy, came on Christmas Eve. After Christmas dinner with our son, Danny, and his wife, Linda, Sally and Andy went to Florida to visit his mother for several days. Our grandson, Andrew ’07, and his wife, Christin, came on the 30th. Sally and Andy returned on New Year’s Eve. It was nice to have several family members here for Christmas. The increased use of Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays is also very nice and long overdue. Thanks to all of you who were kind enough to send cards and notes at Christmas. What follows is taken from them. Jack and Pat Evans are still happy living in Sun City, TX; they have been there five years. Between doctor visits, they manage to deliver Meals on Wheels, drive for Citizens on Patrol (COPS) and take short drives through the Hill Country of Texas. Jack plays golf a couple of times a month, and Pat is up to two miles, walking on the new indoor track at Sun City. They are planning a trip back to East Texas to see the changes that have occurred since they left five years ago. Ben and Page Harmon had no exciting news to report – better that way. Lon and Doris Walter are looking forward to the Lexington reunion. 2011-Issue 2

Sam and Julie Marty had a fabulous trip to the Canadian Rockies, as well as trips to Dixieland Jazz Festivals around the country. Sam still works part-time, and Julie does church work and volunteers for Head Start and other things. Joe and Shirley Spitler had a quiet year – maybe an age thing. Joe went to a hearing clinic at the University of Arizona early in the year for help with his hearing loss. In March, he went to Chicago for the wedding of a grandson. They became a one-car family for the first time in many years. Joe bought a bicycle in July and enjoys riding again. His new hip was on the recall list, but exams and x-rays showed it will probably last a lifetime. They had their first great-grandchild which was a joy for both. Clint and Rose Anne Hurd said that Betty Lu Stephens is doing quite well. They had been to Mobile for Thanksgiving, and Betty Lu was coming to Opelika, AL, before Christmas for a dental appointment. Betty Lu will be going to VMI in May for her grandson’s graduation. The Hurds will leave the reunion up to Betty Lu, but they would like to come, and we would like to have all of them. The Hummes’ ninth great-grandchild joined the family on VMI Founders Day, which also happens to be Veteran’s Day. Carel’s long aviation career ended with the expiration of his flight instructor license in September. With their time shares, they provided vacations to various family members in locations across the country. Carel serves weekly as a volunteer to The National Park Service at Historic Jamestown. Ikey serves as the info and control center for their wide spread family. Mack and Inge Van Hook had a great time with Inge’s family in October. They took a side trip to Berlin which they had not seen in the 21 years since the wall came down. Mack’s shoulder has forced him to take a leave from tennis. Inge is still good for a couple of games a week. They are not ready to leave their home for a retirement community – I agree. Danny and Beth Myers held their 20th family reunion in California in May. From the looks in the picture, everyone was having a wonderful time. Danny started on a new drug for treatment of his cancer. They hope it will last as long

as the previous one – so do we. Jack Nuenhoffer said 2010 was a difficult year for them. Grace’s total knee replacement was not responding and caused a great deal of pain. Jack is back to his job as starter on the golf course. They have seen lots of deer in their back yard – so far, no bears. With the state bear hunt in December, they should be safe from bears this year. Harv Bradley said the Bradley clan is doing fine. He became a great-grandfather during the year. He and Barbara have not been spending much time in Florida recently, since their weather has not been much better than ours. Vernon Patterson says it is hard to believe another Christmas is already here. Time seems to fly the older we get – not a particularly comforting thought. John (Jack) Hayes wrote they visited China and Thailand in October and November. Upon return, he has had real ortho health problems – as he said, that’s life. He may try to attend the reunion, and I am sure a lot of the BRs would love to see him there. I’ll keep you updated and plan to see you there. Grover Outland wrote that he had just returned from the Eastern Shore where he and young Grover go each year to hunt and celebrate young Grover’s birthday. A BR of the class of ’81 and another VMI graduate were present, so old Grover does little or no hunting – he reads, sleeps and listens to the VMI chatter from the others. A great time was had by all. Grover says he has put most of the VMI Christmas cards in a scrapbook which he looks at from time to time. He and Teancy plan to attend the October reunion. Mary Haggerty has taken up the ukulele, and her ukulele class frequently gives concerts at local senior centers, Salvation Army or Alzheimer Centers, libraries, club events, etc. As part of the show, John and Mary swing dance to several tunes, Mary hulas with several ladies and John clogs, if Jambalaya is part of the program. In July, they went to Hawaii where the group led off the 40th Ukulele Festival Hawaii at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Looks like we have our entertainment for the reunion. Bob Jeffries wrote that he and Barbara didn’t do any exciting travel last year, so he didn’t have much to write about. 37

CLASS NOTES Barbara continues as director of programs and activities for the New Canaan Inn. Bob handles computer services for the community center. He said the recession has not hurt their family too much. Their son, Andrew, and family live in Asia and their daughter, Imaya, participates in swim meets all over Asia. She recently won six medals at a meet in Singapore. Risque and Felice Benedict were blessed with visits from many family and friends during the year. They lost Shaq – their standard Poodle – to cancer in September and are now the exhausted owners of “Puppers,” a long haired Chihuahua. He is 5-months-old and faster than a speeding bullet. Bill and Ann Stribling are well and active in many things. Ann fills in for local Episcopal clergy as needed, as well as tends a large vegetable garden and flower beds. Bill oversees about 10 acres of Christmas trees for Choose & Cut Sales, but their sons do most of the manual labor. Bill is also president of the local cemetery corporation which means he has to meet with families and coordinate with funeral homes and grave diggers – this is a voluntary position. Ed and Deegee Watling continued with most of the activities they have been doing for years. Deegee with tennis, art and book club, church thrift shop and local politics. Ed with the Walter Reed prostate cancer support group and various engineering activities. In February, Ed entered the hospital with difficulty breathing and several days later underwent triple bypass surgery. This took place on the day of the big snow, so Deegee got to spend several nights in the hospital, as did many of the medical staff – Ed had plenty of attention. He recovered nicely and goes to cardiac rehab three mornings a week for supervised workouts. In July during a severe storm, Deegee was running around the house checking on wind gusts and rain when she slipped and fell, hitting her head on the corner of a chair, her elbow on the door and her shoulder on the corner of a bookcase. The head and elbow cleared up in a couple of weeks, but she had to have surgery for a torn rotator cuff. The surgery was successful, and she now undergoes physical therapy for her shoulder and a pinched nerve in her back. I hope 2011 38

will be a lot kinder for your health and well being. John Allen wrote that he would like me to let George Dooley know that he had a perfect attendance record at General Committee for physical training, certainly not hazing. This was signed “Cannonball Allen” – I reckon that is a term known only to the two of them. John did mention that one of his classmates at the Naval Academy was Jimmy Valentine ’49A. Leo Soucek said he and Evelyn are still moving around, albeit more slowly and gingerly. They plan on being at the reunion, complete with wheeled walkers for both. Whatever helps you get around and keep your balance. Nobbie Patton told us that she and Ding were leaving Staunton for Florida on Jan. 13 and would be there until April. They were planning to return to Virginia in March for a few days. Prior to moving from Florida to Virginia last year, they arranged for a condo in Melbourne from January until April. The way this winter weather has been going, I am not sure you can escape cold weather anywhere in the U.S. Greg Nelson e-mailed that Mack Van Hook hosted a luncheon at his club just west of Charlottesville in January. Greg and Nux Enochs drove up to be with Mack and Beanie Branch. Even though the number was small, they had a great time. A couple of others were kept away by the threat of bad weather, which everyone had plenty of this winter. In early February, the Pattons said they had been in Florida long enough to get settled and take care of doctor appointments. Ding had successful cataract surgery. Louise and I are planning to visit them, since they were kind enough to invite us. Susan Hill, Gerry Henderson’s companion, called in early February to let me know that Gerry was diagnosed in November with colon cancer. It was removed, but they found it has spread to the liver. Treatment for that was planned to begin in February. I talked to Gerry who is in good spirits and hopes the treatment will allow him to come to the October reunion. We are pulling for you, Gerry. Charlie Upshaw called Feb. 6 to tell me that our Brother Rat Phanor Perot died at his home in Charleston, SC, on Feb. 2.

Phanor was the long-time chairman of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Department of Neurological Surgery. He was widely known for his work in the neurological field, as well as his work on spinal cord injuries. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren. Our sympathy goes to all his family for their great loss. Charlie Upshaw also told me that their grandson, Andrew ’06, was back from Iraq and attending a six-month intelligence course at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Andrew has been involved in intelligence work since his first tour in Iraq. Grover Outland called to say he already had his room reserved in Lexington for the reunion in October. He and Teancy were in Lexington recently so Grover could attend a committee meeting; I don’t know what the committee was, even if he told me. They went up a day early and went to a basketball game which VMI won. Grover was planning to get together with John Hayes for lunch around the middle of February. When you receive these class notes, there will still be plenty of time, for those of you who have not done so, to sign up for the reunion. It will also allow those who have not done it time to contribute to Annual Giving. Thanks to all who have contributed. See you in Lexington in October. God bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

This past winter was cold in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as most other parts of the country. We probably had it easier than most. There was a small amount of activity from our class, so the weather wasn’t too hard on some. The Corps was happy, in that several parades were probably cancelled. We were all saddened by news of the death of Tom Hawkin’s wife, Arlene, and we will keep Tom and his family in our prayers. Arlene’s wit and humor will be missed by everyone who knew her. The class of ’49C was well represented at her funeral by Jean and Stock Fleming, Ann and Stew Snoddy, Anita and VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Marshall Brittain, and Caroline Robertson. Bill Sweeney ’49B, Mary Ellett’s brother, was also present. Mary and Bob Ellett were not able to attend because of colds which they did not wish to spread among their friends. According to Bob Fretz’s Christmas note, he and Jan had a busy 2010 with a grandson’s wedding, graduation, sale of their beach home and Bob’s hip replacement. It was good to hear that Bob’s new hip is doing fine and they are looking forward to a mini in 2011. (Any volunteers?) Max and Hilma Anne Lamont were traveling over the holidays to visit their daughter in Florida. This was a good way to escape the snow in Tennessee, but Florida had its share of cold weather this winter. E.J. Williams’ Christmas note indicated that 2010 was finally settling down. He has moved to a retirement home in Fairfax and is well pleased with his new digs. Bruce and Anna May Taylor were back in Maryland for Christmas. They ventured to France to visit their grandson who was doing a semester abroad in Grenoble. They missed their stay at Grenoble because of the cancellation of flights due to the volcanic ash in the air, but they added an extra week in Paris. They said this was the first time they had been held up by a volcano. (I think they meant down.) However, they enjoyed their extra time in Paris. Last year’s Forbes magazine placed VMI at number 60 among the best colleges in the nation, and VMI held its place at number 62 in annual ranking from U.S. News & World Report. Private money in the form of income from endowments and Annual Giving provide scholarship support to cadets seeking a VMI education. We thank all of those supporting the ’49C Scholarship Fund. In the current year, this fund has provided a total of $30,200 in support of four cadets. As of June 30, 2010, the ’49C Scholarship Fund had a market value of $526,066. Keep up the good work, and keep the contributions coming. Looking forward to all of your correspondence and news in the coming months. 2011-Issue 2

’50A

Bill Moore

Most of you already know that Dick Martin died on Nov. 20th of last year. I had just gotten an e-mail from Jackie two days before warning me of his seriously failing condition. Jackie is having to deal with two voids in her life – her loss and not having to give the tender care she gave Dick during his illness. We are all indebted to her for her loving care of our Brother Rat and dear friend. I talked with her recently, and she seems to be dealing with her/our loss as well as could be expected. She greatly appreciates the cards, calls and red/white/yellow roses from the class. We can all take comfort that he had excellent Hospice care and was not in great pain. She did spend Christmas in Albuquerque with her children which was comforting. Gene Witcher reports that he, a nephew and wife, and a friend spent Christmas at Great Bend National Park in southern Texas. He’s promised a picture when he can find one. Which reminds me – I would appreciate pictures from the rest of you. I know it won’t be groupings of BRs like you see in the rest of the Review. We can are far too few and too widely dispersed for that to happen. Pictures with family, friend, alumni, etc. will be fine. Please remember to identify the people in the photo. Syd Stealey is still restoring airplanes in his hanger/garage in Fairbanks. This time it’s a J-3 trainer of WW II vintage. Some of you may remember this plane as the L-4 reconnaissance plane, also from WW II. Essentially a Piper Super Cub in civilian life Syd says restoring a small plane is more appropriate now that he is 85. Besides, apparently you can fly a small plane of this and similar types in Alaska with only a driver’s license and proof of the plane’s worthiness. Syd says his health is good except for the nuisance of not being able to sit for long trips. Mary (Joe) Ripley reports that everything is good with her, and she sure is enjoying the fine weather we’ve had recently in this part of Virginia. Might not last long but we’ll enjoy it while it’s here. Mary

had experienced much rougher weather in Richmond than we have in the Lynchburg area. Kenny and B.J. Stagg are very thankful they took their Egyptian trip when they did. Even watching the hordes of travelers sleeping on the Cairo airport floor was unnerving. Jennings and Harriet Bunch are well. Harriet recently had a thyroid problem but she is apparently managing it quite well. Both the Staggs and Bunches report very little other news which is good at our ages. Just “keeping on keeping on.” I usually start my calls to you folks with a call to Dick Mandt as I know that the first question I’ll be asked is, “How is Dick Mandt doing?” However, this time it was scary. I could get nothing from Dick except his son, Richard’s, recorded message. I tried for several days with no results. Finally, I started to call the rest of you. Just as I suspected. “How’s Dick Mandt doing?” Dick finally got through to assure me that he was doing well; he had just completed some tests, and they indicated he was definitely doing well. Elliott Hudgins recently had an episode of serious internal bleeding. He had to have several pints of blood and plasma while the doctors were trying to find out the source of the bleeding. Eventually, they found that a vein in his upper colon was the culprit and did immediate surgery. He’s doing well but is still in the process of recovering his strength. All this after his almost complete recovery from a stroke. His speech is fine, and he has regained most if not all of his pre-stroke functions. His son, Reed ’90, is still in Special Forces and commands one of the three enhanced battalions assigned to cover from the Baltic States to the southern tip of Africa. Nan and Elliott are expecting him to return to the states to go to the War College perhaps as soon as this summer. Bill and Carol Clark are much like Anne and myself – trying to keep an older house, that we cherish, maintained and livable. Not easy is it Brother Rat? The four of us are determined to stay where we are for as long as possible. Carol regularly goes for her chemo and judging by the lilt in her voice continues to do well. She had been doing these treatments for a long time so they must be doing their intended job. Bill has had successful prostate surgery since I last talked with him. Everything was benign with no cancer cells present. Other 39

CLASS NOTES than the discomfort of post surgery, he’s still doing well. They have a great-grandchild now. I forgot to ask whether boy or girl … senior moment. Joanne (Ed) Miller has settled into her new home and has decided that it’s not so bad after all even though she still misses her lovely home in Alexandria that she and Ed shared for so many years. She says she feels great and is looking forward to nice weather and the ability to get farther afield when she travels. I sense a slight case of cabin fever which she will undoubtedly soon cure. Her grandson, Eric Van Horn (16), was part of a national championship soccer team this past year. I’m not quite sure whether this was his high school team (Gonzaga) or his club team. A very impressive accomplishment either way. She sounds good and says she is well. Ralph and Judy Mooney are still enjoying being up on their mountain in Amherst County. Judging by the weather we’ve had to the northwest of us it must have been a tight winter up there. Judy tells me that they are well and are looking forward to spring. Surely the groundhog saw his shadow up on that mountain. She also tells me that Ralph fell recently and broke his tailbone and hurt his head. He’s recovering OK but it’s been a pretty sore time. I always knew Ralph had talent (we were Rat roomies) but I never knew it was the ability to hurt both ends at the same time. Barbara (Hugh) Barnes was to have a hip replacement on (St. Valentine’s Day). We all wish her well and I have no doubt she’ll be up and running by the time she reads this. My hip replacement done back in November has been a huge success. I’m moving better than I have in several years. No more cane! The Moore’s are still herding cats (grandchildren). We’ve had a very decent winter. A little colder than usual but we’ve managed to miss all but one of the snows that have plagues our neighbors to the north, south, east and west. Not even any ice or power outages. Still trying to get things accomplished to the old homestead. The original builder of this house (1945) installed a copper roof. Well and good, but a subsequent owner added a section to the house and was too tight to spring for copper and put a tin roof on that section. I’ve fought that roof for all of the years we’ve 40

lived here. Paint won’t stick to it, and it always looks like a shedding dog. Well, I finally gave in and am replacing the tin with copper as I expect and hope several generations of Moores will live here after us. I’m certainly not spending that kind of money for the time Anne and I have left. Other than the house maintenance hassle, Anne and I are doing just fine. We even get to Lexington for a few of the Keydet’s basketball games. They are real good at times and not so good at others. Sort of like us …

’50B

Robert White

The weather for our February mini reunion in Fort Myers, FL, was perfect – perfect for golf, shopping, sightseeing or just being. Those present were Cary and Nancy Blades, Frank Cox, Braxton and Judith Green, Mary Virginia Harwood, Bob and Nancy Lynd, Bee and Frankie Rhees, Ed and Sarah Smith, Ralph and Marilyn Warren, and Alice and I. Thanks to the efforts of Ralph and Marilyn, things were scheduled in a way that made for the greatest pleasure for everybody. Golf was put over until Tuesday morning, giving everybody the time to be together on Sunday and Monday. They had also made reservations at some of the best restaurants around, and we were all able to sit together. The food was first rate at all of them. One of the restaurants was on Captiva Island, and to get there, we had to drive the length of Sanibel Island. It was interesting to see all of the tourists dressed for the beach and enjoying the 80-degree sunshine while knowing that most places in the north were dealing with blizzards and ice. We told all of the old stories again. They are better than ever now. I was happy that Braxton did not mention the mythical minstrel again. All in all, it was a wonderful time, and I feel sure that we will do it again next year and hope that many more of our class will be there. In the meantime, Red Bragg asked me to remind you that “coal keeps the light on.” Peyton and Edie Robertson were not able to attend our 60th Reunion, because

they needed to be in Colorado with their son, Brooke, for his robotic surgery for prostate cancer. We missed them, of course, but the good news is that the surgery was a success, and Brooke is fine. Peyton, your cousin, Peyton, is fine and sends you her best. There are 18 members of the Institute Society in our class, but only two of them were in Lexington for Founders Day last November – Bill Kelly and wife Catherine and John Berberich and his wife, Gloria. Bill said that the weather was perfect and that Donald M. Wilkinson ’61 was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He is a former president of the Foundation and has also served on the board of visitors. He spent some time in his remarks giving tribute to his classmate, Jonathan Daniels ’61, and Jon’s advocacy of civil rights, a commitment which led to his untimely death; Jon was the valedictorian of his class. I am sure that many of you already know the circumstances of Jon’s death. What a wonderful person he was. Bill said that Don’s remarks were truly inspiring. Koko Kovarik has retired, and he and Karen did a lot of vacation traveling last year. They took a cruise on Holland American to the Western Caribbean including Mayan sites. Then, they went on to Disney World, Virginia Beach and Michigan to visit Karen’s family. Later, they went to Miami and also canoeing down the Shenandoah River. Sounds pretty strenuous but a lot of fun. As you know, we have a lot of interesting people in our class. Tom Kelly said that he was called by Dick Woodman who told him that he and Richey Dickson had planned a trip to Lexington but that just before the time to go, he could not locate Richey. He said that he had called a number of times but received no answer. He called Tom to see if Tom knew anything about Richey and whether anything was wrong. Tom said that he did not know anything but that he would see what he could find out, whereupon he called the Iowa State Police to see whether they had any information. They told Tom that they did not but that it was Saturday and they were closed. They suggested that he call the local police. I assume that, in Iowa, robberies and other incidents for which VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the state police are responsible are not allowed to happen on Saturdays. Anyway, Tom called the local police, and they sent a cruiser by, and there was Richey. They asked if he knew a Mr. Kelly in Phoenix, to which Richey replied, “What has he done now?” Richey has never explained why he never called Woodman or where he had been, but that he was OK. Not long after all of that, Richey wrote me a letter in which he said that he had just made a trip to Fort Sill, OK, where he had been stationed. I was there, too, during the Korean “police action,” along with a lot of our Brother Rats, but it never occurred to me to go back. Mary Virginia Harwood has informed me that her son and Tommy’s, Thomas P. Harwood III, who is an Air Force general, has been advised that he will be promoted with a second star sometime in June. General Harwood attended the Air Force Academy and finished third in his class. He is stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Ohau, HI. Mary Virginia plans to be present for the pinning in June, and needless to say, she is bursting with pride. If Tommy were here, he would feel the same, as will all of the Brother Rats of 1950B.

’51

John Ross

These notes cover the period Nov. 10, 2010 – Feb. 10, 2011. Shortly before leaving for Lexington on Nov. 10th, I received calls from Sam Scott and Paul Robinson expressing birthday greetings on the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps. On the evening of Nov. 11, I attended the Institute Society Dinner in Marshall Hall. It was a gala affair at which the Glee Club performed impressively. Also in attendance were Barbara and Jack Lowden and Peggy and Willard Hays. For the first time, Marie did not accompany me, as she was still recovering from surgery. On the following day, Nov. 12, I attended a Class Agents’ meeting. We learned of the continuing financial needs of VMI and the importance of alumni support. On the positive side – the Rat class exceeded 2011-Issue 2

500, a record-breaking number; Barracks construction was completed; and the North Post Military Leadership and Field Training Grounds’ improvements are proceeding. On my return from Lexington, I had an e-mail notifying me that our BR, Jack Friend, had died on Nov. 9, as reported by his son, John H. Friend III ’82. Chico was a great BR and friend. As noted in the Bomb, he was “a leader with the ability to get things done.” I sent a note of condolence to Venetia in Montrose, AL, and made a memorial contribution to VMI. I reached Janet Lemley in Stepside Beach, SC, to wish her a happy birthday. She reminded me that our BR, Jack, who died in 2002, had served as the town manager of Christiansburg, VA, for 40 years, a record in Virginia, and that he had retired as a colonel in the Army Reserve. I contacted Dave Kneessy in Indianapolis to extend birthday greetings and found he was celebrating with a visit from his family. I wished Walt Carraway in Plano, TX, a happy birthday and learned he has a back problem which will probably preclude making the 60th. I received a very nice note from Alan Vicory ’74, a nephew of Jim Strickland, thanking me for the memorial gift to VMI. He noted that Jim was a “true VMI man,” and that “we’ve lost someone special.” And I agree.

I received a long letter from Bill Sacra concerning his participation with the class of 1951 and requesting to be copied on all communications related to the 60th. I immediately contacted Johnny Gray and sent him the request. Johnny in turn complied with the request. Bill Leck called from Rockville Center, NY, to thank me for remembering his birthday. He reports that Maureen is doing fine and that he is recovering from a serious illness. They plan to make the 60th. I wished Paul Robinson a happy birthday and learned that he and Jean were leaving Florida shortly to spend the Christmas season in their Wisconsin abode. When I called Homer Ambrose to check on him, he informed me that he had spent 12 weeks in the hospital with a neurological problem. He is not sure about the 60th, as he is presently confined to a wheelchair. I had a nice visit with Anita and Richard Chaplin in Tarzana, CA. Richard has multiple health problems, which makes them doubtful for the 60th. I received a note and an enclosed news article from Jimmy Gonzales in Kenner, LA. Both he and Earl Patton intend to make the 60th. The article concerned the induction of Ned Schowalter into the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame on Nov. 13, 2010, and appeared in the Times Picayune on the following day. I called Jimmy to thank him and to express pleasure that

Class of 1951: Dick McFarlin’s 1962 Corvette that he restored with the help of his brother.

CLASS NOTES we will see them at the 60th. Jim Marshall called to thank me and to report on a call he had with Vic Parks. I left a voice mail with Tom Green to wish our BR, Clyde, a happy birthday. I extended birthday greetings to Jack Hill and learned that he has started eating better, after losing quite a bit of weight. I managed to get the VMI Christmas cards mailed shortly before mid-December – 140 cards to BRs and SRs. We received our first Christmas card around the same time from Pat and Johnny Gray. Shortly thereafter, we received a decorated note – “Christmas is for Love” – from Marie and Homer Ambrose. Then, in no particular order, we received cards from: Pat and Duane Holloway, Henry and Joan Bryan, Gracelyn and Skip Parks, Gib Gay, Ted and Jacqueline Taylor, Marion and Steve Meader, Ed and Mary Lee May, Beverly and Lew Beazlie, Clare and Dick McFarlin, Ellen Nelson, Sheila and Rav Marshall, Charlotte Marr, Pete Philp, Eleanore and John Blakemore, Paul and Jean Robinson, Fred and Marilyn Watson, Bill Moore, Lee Duval, Sid Hannah, Richard and Anita Chaplin, Doc Laville and family, Steve Carlon and Pat Wise, Phil Barton, Julie and Henry Pitot, Barbara and Jack Lowden, Peggy and Willard Hays, Nancy and Jack Hill, Bounce and Sally Carstens, Cindy and Jim Marshall, Fred and Rose Marie Anson, Paul and Polly Shrader, Mary Ellen and Jim Connolly, George and Marty Cohen, Ann Penner, Sam Scott, Jane Catlin, Glennie Brown, Carolyn McCallum, Bob and Jeanne Nolley, and Woody and Sherlock (his dog) Woodward. Many of the cards and notes were informative. A few examples are illustrative: Ellen Nelson writes – “I’m looking forward to the 60th. Bill won’t be there, but his class ring will.” Bill Moore, who was with us for one year states – “I have lasting memories of my year at VMI – very proud of it and all my Brother Rats. Merry Christmas to all.” Henry Pitot writes that Julie is recovering from a long illness, and Nancy Hill writes similarly with regard to Jack. Fred Anson, not withstanding multiple health problems, again intended to suit up for the alumni basketball game in February – true VMI Spirit. 42

The Connolly’s card portrayed a Currier & Ives winter scene, which brought back nostalgic memories of the cards my folks always sent. Claire McFarlin included a note and picture in her card. She said “Dreams come true … Dick and his brother, Whit, restored this 1962 Corvette … and it runs!” The envelope had a 41¢ Virginia Military Institute stamp, plus a regular 4¢ stamp. I did not know of the VMI stamp and of course had never seen one. Dick explained that the Institute had offered sheets of these stamps for sale a number of years ago. I also received a very nice thank you note from Venetia Friend. On Christmas Day, I reached Jigger and Ursula Baxley to wish him a happy birthday and both of them a Merry Christmas. Shortly before Christmas, I reached Carl Carstens to extend birthday greetings. He has a number of golfing trips with Jim Enochs scheduled. I missed connecting with Tom Wornham and Ken Crisp on their birthdays. I started the New Year by leaving birthday greetings for Jack Lowden with Barbara. She reports they are doing well and enjoyed a holiday visit with their daughter and family in South Carolina. I had a nice visit with Ray Moncrief. He and his wife are both in good health and enjoying their new home in Georgetown, TX. Brom Nichol called to inquire about the new edition of The Register of Former Cadets. He reports that he is doing well. I left birthday greetings for Steve Carlon with Pat Wise. She reports that Steve is about the same, and she has developed a heart problem. I failed to reach Bob Nolley and Hob Richey on their birthdays in January. I was saddened to learn of the death of our BR, Jim Coley, in late November. I will always remember him as the quiet gentleman from El Dorado, AR, and of course, as the quarterback of our football team. I sent a note of condolence to Mrs. Coley and made a memorial contribution to VMI from the class. Early in January, I received an e-mail from Gracelyn Parks with great news … Vic’s CAT scan was negative. Jim Close sent word that he was leaving

Alexandria, VA, for the warmer climes of Naples, FL, for the winter. I had a long talk with Henry Bryan after wishing him a happy birthday. He and Joan are doing well and looking forward to the 60th. Jan. 10, 2011, was a momentous day. On that day, Duane Holloway reached his 80th and joined the Octogenerian Club. At the same time the club closed its membership, as Flash was our youngest BR; I congratulated him on this milestone. I also reached John Blakemore on the 10th to wish him well on his birthday. Subsequently, I congratulated Jim Smith, who likewise lives in the Richmond area, on his birthday. He and Hilda hope to make the 60th. Jan. 24th was another momentous day. Marie completed her physiotherapy visits and was cleared by her doctor. Her recovery from hand and wrist surgery has been great. I forgot to include that, back in December, I received an e-mail from Jean Enochs with a series of pictures of our BR Jim participating in the Jackson, MS, halfmarathon. I acknowledged and congratulated Jim – not bad for an octogenarian. Unfortunately, I lost the pictures in cyber space. Toward the end of January, I left birthday messages for John Phillips and Johnny Gray. I also had a long chat with Sam Scott in Charleston and a nice visit with Duane Holloway. I wished Jack Davis in Southern Pines, NC, a happy birthday. He hopes to make the 60th and is in the process of switching cardiologists. Johnny Gray reported that he had just returned from Lexington. He and Pat met with the Hays, Gerry Eggleston, and Nancy and Jack Hill for lunch. Peggy and Johnny were able to finalize all the details of the reunion. At the same time, the Hills and Grays were able to catch two basketball games and a wrestling meet. Bob Nolley called for some contact information, and I was able to extend belated birthday wishes. He is working on an historical presentation for the reunion. Bob reports that he ran into Sam Bass. George Cohen called from Hilton Head and reports that Ed May is still having back problems and may not make the 60th. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES began teaching at the University of Florida in 1974, was promoted into a director position in 1980 and served in this capacity until 1987. He continued to teach until 2010. Lucette and I visited Bris and Ann in 2008 at their home in Gainesville, FL. At that time, Bris told me that he had a major role in two atomic tests. Colonel “Teddy Bear” Heflin would have been proud of him. Some of you may remember Bris was in the first graduating class in physics along with Lee Rogers, Johnnie Walker, Weir Goodwin, Bud Becker, Tommy Birge, Charlie Badgett and myself. I have to report that Bill Diehl died Sept. 17, 2010. His wife, seven children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren survive him. Bill spent his career with Columbia Gas Transmissions, except for an Army tour from 1953-55. Both Bill’s and Bris’ obituaries appear in the Taps section of this Review issue. Henry Nanninga called to let me know that Bob Long has hospice care. Bob has been fighting cancer for a number of years. Lucette and I went to Charleston to visit him two years ago when we learned about his struggle. I talked to Bob on Jan. 6, 2011. He is in good spirits, and he says he is still mobile. Dick Chamberlain called to say he is doing well, recovering from hip and knee replacement. He tells me the doctors in Augusta did a fine job of repair. He has also had cataract surgery, which left him seeing better than before. His wife, Mary Ann, had some complications with cataract surgery, which is still in the process of being corrected. Dick currently has a cough, which kept us from talking long. But other than that, he says Mary Ann is

such a good manager, that he has little about which to complain. I talked to Howard Williamson a few hours after the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Giffords in Tucson, AZ. Howard had just heard of the shooting, as they had not turned the TV on all day. Howard tells me that he and Bernie are doing well. His coffee group of men – all older than Howard – is still meeting. Howard is growing orange trees, kumquats, sweet oranges and tangelos. It sounds like he has an orchard, but I have been in their yard and know they only have room for one or two of each. Howard usually attends a joint West Point/ VMI meeting every year, but he missed the meeting this year. Howard says it was just as well, since West Point beat VMI. I heard from Ellen Blake, Danny Robertson’s daughter. She called to report that Danny’s second wife died a couple of years before Danny, who died in 2009. She also reported that Danny’s brother, Payton Robertson ’50B, is alive and active. I talked to Walt Ames to learn that the BRs living in the Tidewater area get together for breakfast every couple of James M. Mecredy months. Walt expects to meet again in the next couple of weeks. Walt and Sally Birge (Tommy Birge’s widow) see each other every few months. Sally lives in the Washington area. Walt drives to Washington and spends some time with Sally and Thank you for accepting me as your Brother Rats who live in that area. new class agent. I shall endeavor to keep Scurvy Patton called to report his you apprised of events and needs our health is limited. He gets around with a Brother Rats experience as we approach walker and a power chair. His son lives our 60th Reunion. nearby, so he gets to see family regularly. With sadness, I have to report that Moon Haley lives close by, so they see Brisbane Brown died Nov. 15 of cancer. each other occasionally. Scurvy’s He spent 20 years on active wife, Helene, died last April. His duty with the Army Corps of phone number is 214/618-0859. Engineers, retiring as a lieuHe would enjoy hearing from tenant colonel. His overseas you. The address is 5850 Ohio duty posts included Dexheim, Dr., Apt. 203, Frisco, TX 75035Germany; Thule, Greenland; 7097. Vietnam; and Seoul, Korea. John Roche reports that he just Bris received numerous citagot back from a very emotional tions, including the Bronze trip to Israel. His nephew, a reStar. He is survived by his cently retired USAF colonel and wife, Ann, and sons, Mark Classof 1952: Meeting for breakfast in the Tidewater USAFA grad, was his companion Brown and Steve Brown. Area were, from left, Carol Clingempeel, Walter Ames, and benefactor for the trip. He had Following the military, Bris Salley Birge, Al Navas, Lou and Ella Delisio, and Barbara been there many times, knew the received a Ph.D. from OklaNavas. language and the country’s culture, homa State University. He

However, when I checked with Ed, he hopes to make it, even though he now uses a walker. I notified Brom Nichol as a result of his inquiry that The Register of Former Cadets is due to be issued this April. Brom and Jack, the parrot, are doing well. Sam Bass reports he is doing well and is looking forward to the 60th. I missed contacting Doc Laville and left birthday greetings on his voice mail. If you did not receive a card or call from me in 2010, it means I do not have current contact info (address and/or telephone number) or you birth date (day and month). Keep the news coming. Before closing I would like to remember our Brother Rats who left us in 2010 – Johnny Jordan (4/20/10); Jim Strickland (4/30/10); Jack Friend (11/9/10); and Jim Coley (11/29/10). May you rest in peace. Marie and I wish to thank everyone who so kindly remembered us during the holiday season and once again to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011. Semper Fi – Jack

’52

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES politics and geography. They had children in college. Two are at a professional guide, a recent IDF Wolford in Spartanburg, and retired tanker, who took them to one is at Dennison in Ohio. a number of military sites. The Ray Gilchrist reports that highlight in that department was he recently had a shoulder standing on the Golan Heights operation which turned out and looking out across the plain well. However, the day folfrom which some 400 Syrian lowing the operation, he fell tanks advanced in the Yom Kipand injured his back and is pur War while he told them of still struggling with some the fight. They were standing back pain. alongside a burnt out T-54 with Clarence Redman called me a penetrated gun placement and on his 80th birthday, beating some 100 meters from a damaged me to the call I had planned IDF Centurion. They also visited to make to him. Both he and Class of 1952: Clarence Brauner went skydiving to Masada and sites in Jerusalem, Tel his wife, Harriet, are doing celebrate his 80th birthday. Aviv, Caesarea and Galilee. They well. Lifting weights is good had lots of chat in the evenings. for Clarence, but it did not Zeke and Sarah go to Captiva Island in Although John considers himself keep him from gaining seven more spiritual than formally religious, the Florida each year. This year, they expect pounds over Thanksgiving and Christexperiences at the biblical sites were pro- to stop in Boynton Beach to visit Andy mas, which he is now working off. He found. So was the weaving of their guide’s and Mary Dickinson. Sue Cooper has still lives in Bethlehem, PA, because his appreciation of Islam and Judaism into his a place nearby in Florida and visits with daughter lives there. They have three narratives as they went along. While in them. Bob and Betty Lambert also own a grandchildren. Israel, John experienced a severe nosebleed place nearby. Bob Gerdetz called from Austin, TX, Zeke reports that he and Sarah are in at 2:30 one a.m. (a unique and frightening on Jan. 19, where he and his wife, Mary, experience) and was treated to an ambulance good health. Zeke’s children are in the moved two weeks ago from Florida. His ride, emergency room treatment and follow- business. He and Sarah have three grandnew address is: 1034 Liberty Park Drive, up with an American-trained doc Austin, TX. Bob’s daughter who was superb. All turned out lives in Austin, which is the OK. On Jan. 20, John was back reason they moved. Bob’s teaching political science with wife, Mary, has some health 40 students. problems, so their daughter Zeke Finney and Andy Dickwanted them to be near her. inson started a golfing group They have stayed in touch about 10 years ago, calling with Mary Shoaf. Charlie themselves “The Old Corps.” Shoaf is in a nursing home in There are eight of them that play very poor health. Pat Barry once a month during the sumalso lives in Austin, and Bob mer. The group includes: Andy says Pat is in good health. Dickinson, Bill Ruffin, Jock Clarence Brauner called in Wheeler ’54, Johnny Mapp ’54, January. He had some good Paul Lamb ’54, Bob Beale ’55, news and some bad news. The Tom Vaughan ’56 and Zeke. good news is that he swims 50 There was a picture of the group laps, three times a week. He in the last issue of the Alumni went sky diving on his 80th Review on page 38. Also Miles birthday last November and and Ann Hutchinson live in is considering it again on his Gloucester and go to the same 82nd birthday. He sent me a church. Zeke, Miles and Ann picture to prove he actually sing in the choir. Zeke rememwas skydiving on his 80th bers that he and Hutch were in birthday! He claims that “old” the same section in 1948 and is not in his vocabulary. His Classof 1952: Attending the Institute Society Dinner went through together in most of wife, Dorothy, is in good were the Welshes, the Lamberts, the Lanfords, Walter the classes. Now after 63 years, health after having a five-byAmes, the Cures, the Pittmans and Sally Birge. they are still together. pass surgery in 1993. They 44

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES travel a lot, staying at military bases. They take their time, traveling some back roads. Clarence reports that the Air Force accommodations are usually the best. Bud Becker reports that both Joyce and he are in good health. They have requested a move to a retirement complex. People are living longer, so their request has been significantly delayed. Last fall, they had dinner with George and Nancy Bookman on the occasion of a visit by Army and Barbara Wellford. Bud and Joyce have one great-grandson and expect to have three more this year. Their four children live in Lancaster County, as well as all but one of their grandchildren. That must be nice. Lucette’s and my children and grandchildren are scattered from Augusta to northern Virginia and Minnesota. Incidentally, my son, Dave Mecredy ’78, tells me they are having an “old fashion” winter in Minnesota this year with lots of snow. I received an e-mail from Joe Webber thanking me for taking the assignment of class agent – no news from Joe at this point. Clark Britton reports that he has recently moved to an independent living community called “Shepherd’s Crossing” after giving up his residence of 38 years. His new address is: 4840 N. Chapel View St., Bel Aire, KS 67226-8931. Telephone and e-mail remain the same. He has recently had a pacemaker installed, but otherwise he sounds like he’s OK. Rem Simpson wrote to thank me for taking the job as class agent. He said he would try to come up with some news, which I will report in the next issue of class notes. Jim Wiley and his wife, Carole, are in good health and are active in both the Richmond and Rappahannock Alumni Chapters. Jim has a new hip and new knee. Carole went through chemo. Jim reports that they are both in good health now. Russ McCarthy writes about a trip they made through the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert (best seen in late afternoon), Sedona, Tucson and the meteorite crater. The crater is so large it is hard to get the mind to comprehend the vastness of the place. I have seen all but the crater 2011-Issue 2

and agree with Russ about the beauty of these places. Russ said that this year, Patricia got her concealed hand gun permit. She had never fired a pistol until this year, and she fired well enough to qualify as “expert” on a military range. Now, Russ says if the grandkids get out of line, he tells them, “Don’t mess with grandma; she’s packing heat.” Lou Delisio sent a picture of breakfast with Carol Clingempeel, Walt Ames, Salley Birge, Nutz and Barbara Navas, and Lou and Ella Delisio. Cecil and Barbara Welsh recently took a trip to Turkey. They found a very modern country growing at a rate of 8%. They saw many sights of ancient ruins dating back to B.C. They visited Ephesus to find a busy city. Streets in Ephesus are narrow with traffic jams. Cecil has done much traveling over the years all over the world from his first job with the Navy. Traveling must have gotten in his blood, because he and Barbara have continued traveling since retirement in 1988. Dick Valack reports that both he and his wife, Mary Catherine, are in good health. They occasionally join with other BRs in the Tidewater area. They live in Cape Charles, so anytime they cross the bridge and tunnel to Norfolk, they have to pay a bundle. Consequently, they limit trips to around eight a month. In thinking about our 60th Reunion next year, Dick remembers that we marched for the 50th Reunion of the class of 1898 our Rat year. This means we will be celebrating 114 years of reunions next year. Bill Ruffin tells me he was at a fitness center and saw some young girls doing push-ups. He tried but could not do one complete push-up. Now, he has been practicing and is up to six or seven. I also found that I could not do one push-up. So, for the past month I have been practicing, and I am up to 10. However, our push-ups will not meet Rat requirements for even one. I recently read that VMI has the highest percentage of giving of any public school, ranking 56th among all public and private schools that reported the statistic. Only private schools report higher rates of donations. That is all for this report. I expect to have a lot more news for the next report.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Once again, I have to report the loss of a Brother Rat. This time, it is Charles Harmon Williams who died on Christmas Day in Charlottesville. I was not able to make it to the services, as Judy and I were in Nashville at the Music City Bowl. However, Parker and Anna Cross, John and Doris Gilbert, Terry and Betty Davis, Frank Spencer, Jeff Bane, and Warren Koontz attended the memorial services on Dec. 30th in the Episcopal church in the town of Ivy outside of Charlottesville. His wife, Judy, and my boys’ mother were suite-mates at Mary Washington College, and we even double dated at least once at VMI. In fact, my first trip over the mountain the back way to Glasgow was with Judy and Harmon in those Institute days. I received a late notice last month that George Thomas Bigner had died back on Nov. 30th in Shreveport, LA, after a brief illness. A service was held for Tom in Shreveport on Dec. 2nd at a local Methodist church. (Editor’s Note: Obituaries for both Mr. Williams and Mr. Bigner appear in the Taps section of this Review.) Additional sad news is that “Sissy” Prillaman now has serious cancer and cannot be cured with treatment. Right now, the doctors in C’ville are trying to alleviate the pain she is having from a couple of tumors. I sent an e-mail to those on the list about Sissy, so that those who wished could send her cards/notes, etc. Mickey Woodward has recovered fairly well from his recent medical problems – at least well enough to finally go on a cruise to Hawaii on Jan. 22, returning on Feb. 6. Mickey is able to walk more, is dealing with less pain and has decided not to have additional surgery at this time. Betty has been very faithful in keeping me posted via e-mail on a regular basis as to Mickey’s condition/progress. As I advised those on our e-mail circuit, Jack Trigg’s wife, Peachy, has been deteriorating fairly rapidly with her AD in recent months, and it certainly has been hard on Jack. I did send out an e-mail to our fellow chemistry section members about contacting Jack 45

CLASS NOTES that Stuart’s wife, Pat, passed away a couple Evans. During the day, we were to have and also sent a copy to the rest on the years ago and that Stuart “has a ‘ticker’ prob- a luncheon, and the Virginia Museum list. When Judy and I were there about a lem, but not in need of a pacemaker.” The was holding a Picasso Art Exhibit (from year and a half or two years ago, she had picture of Clarence and Stuart relaxing at the France), about which an announcement just recently given up driving. Jack says bar at Patrick AFB in Florida was sent in by had been sent with the lunch notice for that when he was a med student, AD was Clarence, as they both live in Florida. Stuart those who might be interested. It was considered very uncommon, and the life is on the east side, and Clarence and Dottie determined in a consensus that we would expectancy was about 55 years. Now it on the west, but they do cross the state peri- not have a Friday or Saturday night dinis 80 years and very prevalent. They are odically for a get-together. Judy and I spent ner/weekend stay in Richmond, as a type visiting Gayle Shorter periodically, as Gayle is very good with Peachy. Gayle has New Year’s in Nashville with friends from of mini reunion, but continue with the just recovered from a bout with pneumonia our lake and attended the Music City Bowl Thursday lunches about every six months. and was in the hospital for a time. Said she to see U of Tennessee play the U of North Since my notes are shorter than usual had never been that sick and was surprised Carolina. UT lost the game on a controversial this time, here is an update on a few class call on the last play of the game. During the statistics. According to the VMI Register, how weakened she was … last month, I day, we visited and ate at the Opryland Hotel we had 258 matriculate and 158 graduate. heard she was 80% back to normal. She wrote to Sissy, as Dave Fletcher and … it looked almost the same as before the This does not count those that graduated Wyatt were close friends. flood and certainly cost a “fortune” to redo after June ’53. Currently, we have 136 on I received a nice note via “snail mail” from it. New Year’s Eve, we joined the several our class mailing list – BRs and widows Oz Bellinger this month – he says he does thousand crowded onto Broadway Street – and 60 BRs and seven widows on the enot do that e-mail stuff. He is now living down at the river to see the new year come mail list. Regretfully, we have now lost 73 in Birmingham and has talked with Jack in … the dropping of the lighted guitar from Brother Rats that completed our Rat year. Trigg and also with Foy Braswell recently. about a 50-foot tower. We then went to the Now, as you know, I write the class Oz said that his wife, Jeannie, a registered Wild Horse Saloon for an hour or so. As we notes … but FIRST, I need information nurse, has moved down to Robertsdale to started out for our return walk to the hotel, from all of you to go into these notes be with their daughter who now has major we ran into pouring rain and strong winds – most of the info comes from a small medical problems. Jeannie was the e-mail/ on Broadway Street. Surprising how many percentage of our BRs. And SECOND, computer person in their family. I attended were still on the street in the rain, in party I need you to send me some pictures of the Alumni Association board meeting with dresses and such, but soaking wet. your activities, trips, family, etc. As you Warren Koontz to pass on information to a We have attended a half dozen or more have certainly noted, the Alumni Review committee about our class luncheons for in- Keydet basketball games this year, which class notes are now full of pictures from sight in communicating to the older classes. were great and fast moving … we have alumni and no longer just class reunion Jim Morris was at the meeting, and Reid even taken four grandsons (13, 6, 5 and pictures. SO … Johnson was there for the board meeting. 3) to two Saturday afternoon games for a VMI/Alumni Trivia: For those of you I had a nice telephone conversation with great time. who happen to live anywhere near Bromo Seletz. He says that the medicine/ Richmond, every first Wednesday of each The Richmond ’53 and Beyond lunch treatment for his AD is really helping him; was scheduled for Thursday, April 28th, month at noon, there is an impromptu he sounded great on the phone. He also in- at the Commonwealth Club in downlunch for alumni at Topeka Steak House quired about whether we would be having a town Richmond, as arranged by Spider on North Parham Road, about a mile off 60th Reunion in 2013 and was I-64. There is no program at the concerned as to how he might lunch, and you just order off get here, since he can no longer the menu and visit. It started drive or fly. However, I advised with the older alumni but now that the planning would not is more widespread, and the start until eight or nine months gathering runs around 20 to before, and we would address 25 alumni at each lunch. I had his transportation then. He said intended to drive down for the he really wants to come, since last one but did not make it; he feels this will be the last one however, it was attended by Jim that he will be able to make. Morris and Fuggie Moore. At I received a letter from Clarthe previous lunch, ’53s were ence Brauner ’52 who marepresented by Jim Morris, Jim triculated with our class. On Eads, Spider Evans, Luke Witt the train in ’49 to the Institute, and Mickey Woodward. Warren he and Stuart McCloskey met Class of 1953: Clarence Brauner ’52 and Stuart McKoontz and Ken Perry said that and decided to room together Closkey relaxing at Patrick Air Force Base Officers Club they cannot attend, as their Roin December 2010. their Rat year. Clarence noted tary lunch is at the same time. 46

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’54

Bill Turner

“Infinite love is a weapon of matchless potency. It is the summum bonum of life. It is an attribute of the brave; in fact, it is their all.” Got a surprising yet informative e-mail from Dr. Philip (Phil) Enslow. Some of you may recall that Phil attended the Institute for a year before transferring to that other military school on the Hudson. Phil writes: “My wife, Dianne, and I recently returned from West Point, NY, where I attended the 55th reunion of the class of 1955. I left VMI in May 1951 to visit my parents, then stationed in Germany, before entering the Military Academy on July 3, 1951, along with several others from VMI – some BRs as well as Bob Joseph ’53. I retired from the Army in 1975 after serving tours in Vietnam, Korea, the Military Academy, the Pentagon, the Executive Office of the President and downtown London. I then became a professor at Georgia Tech, specializing in data communications and computer and telecommunications networks, a position I held for more than 25 years. I retired in 2000 and have done some work since then as an expert witness in patent cases. Since then, Diane and I have lived in downtown Atlanta. Our two daughters and three grandsons also live in the area. All Brother Rats are cordially invited to give a call and drop by when passing through Atlanta … 404/325-2562.” Great hearing from you, Dr. Phil, and thanks much for the update. Sounds like you’ve been busy since leaving VMI and, in the process, have done very well for yourself. But, then, why shouldn’t you, seeing as how you got “jump started” at the Institute? BR Bob Moore and I had a long, discursive yet informative telephone conversation recently. Bob, a retired Army colonel, lives in Dayton, OH, with his second wife, Sheila. (Bob lost his first wife, Pat, a couple of years ago after a long, difficult, yet courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. I remember Pat well; she was a strikingly beautiful and vivacious woman. Robert, as one who has 2011-Issue 2

been where you’ve been, I can tell you that there is no other pain in the world like it, except, perhaps, the loss of a child. I am so glad, however, that you found another beautiful lady with whom to share your life. Pat would have wanted that.) I had called Bob to congratulate him on being named to VMI’s Hall of Valor, a monument to those VMI grads who have received our country’s highest awards for conspicuous gallantry in action. Bob served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a full colonel. I reminded Bob, as though he needed reminding, of the night we spent in an after hours club in Newport, KY, following a VMI-U of Cincinnati football game. Bob, Ed Santos, Bill Freeman and I had “policed” up three pulchritudinous Cincy coeds and decided to try our luck in Newport. The game was unremarkable (we dropped a “close one” to the Bearcats – 50-14 or so; Tom Nugent, coach of the Bearcats, had once coached at VMI and was of the “take no prisoners” school of coaching, believing that when a man is

down, kick him and make him want to rise above it), but we did score more points off the field. So, we managed to salvage a little something from the trip. Also had a long telephone discussion with Dave Crockett. Dave was a fine baseball player for the Keydets, a spraytype line drive hitter, who could also hit for distance. Dave told me that he had turned down four pro offers before turning to academe. He taught at Fork Union Military Academy for several years. Dave’s father ran the place, a prep school for many VMI grads, for many years. Dave was one of the finest people I knew at the Institute – quiet, reserved, with a dry, infectious sense of humor; to me, he represented the best of the VMI. Last evening, Col. William (Buck) Anderson, USAF (Ret), called all the way from his estate in far-away, beautiful Bath County. Buck was Echo Company commander when I was in that spit-and-polish outfit. James (Jungle Jim) Bramlet was one of Buck’s platoon leaders, while I was the official guidon bearer, a role I relished

The Institute Society Dinner – Nov. 11, 2010 Class of 1954 Photos, provided by Paul Kuhne ’54, counterclockwise from bottom, left: - Ran Phillips and Tom Wright. -VMI ’54 wives from left: Elinor Wright, Ramona Kuhne and Betty Tiller. -Bill and Sonja Turner.

CLASS NOTES and carried out to absolute perfection. (Truth be told, between Jim and me, two charter members of ‘Abstinence International,’ we made the company commander look awfully good.) Col. Anderson, too, is in the Hall of Valor and deservedly so. Buck flew almost 200 combat missions in Vietnam and among other things, won the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals. I know he would not admit it, but Buck and all the other patriots on the Wall are genuine, 14-karat American heroes. Awfully proud of you, Buck, and all the others who have brought so much credit to the country and to the Institute. “The sublimest word in the English language is duty; you should never do less, you can never do more.” – Robert E. Lee VMI lost a good man, an icon really, with the recent death of Johnny Jordan ’51. Most BRs will remember John, a man short in statue but very tall in heart and “soul.” If memory serves, I believe Johnny was president of the HC when we were Rats. He was also Southern Conference wrestling champion in his class. He may have been his class president, as well. (I don’t remember things as well as I did at one time.) Although I wasn’t on intimate speaking terms with many first classmen, I considered John a friend even then, someone to talk to when things seemed about to unravel. Somehow, he could sense my “discomfort” during the hard times, offer a smile, a hand up, whatever, that would help me through one more “challenging” day at the West Point of the South. Although he was always a little closer to the ground than I, nevertheless, I always looked up to him as I did few others. I’m not sure I ever told him how much he meant to me. Now I can’t. And I’m sorry about that. I bowl with an Episcopal minister who knew John, and one day he gave me John’s mailing address. He was in the hospital at the time and not doing well. I wrote him a brief letter, reminiscing about the old days at the Institute and wishing him Godspeed. He didn’t answer my letter, but his devoted wife of many years did. She sent me a beautiful note telling me how much he seemed to appreciate that letter. She said she had read it to him, and he just smiled – didn’t say anything, just smiled. She 48

thought he may have remembered me. They say that none of us is indispensable, that we can and will be replaced some day. (Charles DeGaulle once remarked: “All the indispensable men are in the graveyard.”) But to my way of thinking, Johnny Jordan came as close to that as anyone I have ever known. You’ll be missed, John. Go with God. “Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice; moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” – Barry Goldwater Len Wagner called from his home in beautiful, historic Williamsburg, VA. We had a long, wonderful conversation. As some of you may know, Len has lived in a wheelchair for too long a time, having been stricken several years ago by an auto-immune disease. But you wouldn’t know it; Len exudes joy. Remarkable. He almost always leaves me feeling better than I felt before he called. Len related a great story about former Vietnam POW Jeremiah Denton, who was a guest of the North Vietnamese in their “Hanoi Hilton” hospitality suite for just about seven years. He said he heard Admiral Denton, a graduate of the Naval Academy, speak on his experiences while a prisoner, a story of courage, faith and survival against improbable odds. Len said the admiral’s remarks were nothing if not inspiring. Len’s son roomed with Admiral Denton’s grandson while he was a cadet at the VMI. Len said he had gotten the admiral to sign his book a few years ago and was privileged to speak with him. The admiral, according to Len, spoke very highly of the Institute. He was especially impressed with their long, but ultimately unsuccessful, fight against the coeducation of the Institute. He felt VMI’s struggle stood in stark contrast to the relatively feeble defense put up by the service academies. Len said an added, though unexpected, benefit of the evening occurred when he learned that Anne Addison Scott, the late Buddy Addison’s widow, who was sitting in the row just in front of him, turned and re-introduced herself to him. (They had met originally while Len was a cadet.) Apparently, the two of them had a most enjoyable mini reunion. Just got off the phone with Ollie Hux. Ollie roomed with another hero, Dave Hengel. Some may recall that Dave flew his faltering airplane into the ground rather than letting

it crash into a heavily populated area near Frankfurt, Germany. He left a widow and two small children. I understand Dave’s heroism was recognized by a grateful people by erecting a monument (plaque) in Dave’s memory. (I’m currently trying to corroborate that.) I’ve also heard that the mayor of Frankfurt wrote a letter to Dave’s widow, Juanita, commemorating that event. So, I called Juanita (Nita). We chatted briefly. She expressed gratitude for my call and told me that she had married Dave’s brother, thereby “keeping it in the family.” She has grandchildren now and lives in the Suffolk, VA, area. She agreed that it was a terrible loss and that there are, indeed, scars that never completely heal. But she is grateful for her life and for her family and believes you only get through such a horrific experience by taking it “one day at a time.” It was both a joy and a privilege to speak with her. She sounds like a gallant lady, one whom I would like to meet personally one day. “You’re getting old when your memories are more important than your dreams.” Just returned home after attending a great cocktail party hosted by Anne Addison and Russell Scott. Anne is as vivacious as I remembered and one helluva hostess. Saw several of the Brothers and their significant others there, including Bill and Becca Schubmehl, Hugh and Mary White, Claiborne and Ann Terry, R.B. and Marietta Barnes, “Mud” and Fran White, and Tommy and Camilla Williamson. All looked pretty good under the circumstances. Have to say, though, the girls looked a good deal better than their male counterparts. But then, that’s been the case for a long time – probably from the beginning. No surprises there. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. And great being together … one more time. For those of you who have never attended one of Anne’s parties, you’ve really missed something special. “Casual, Understated Elegance.” If Pearl Mesta was America’s hostess, Anne certainly qualifies for one of the Old Dominion’s best. Talked with “Dapper Don” Walden today. He and Maureen are doing well and have just moved to a place called Addison, TX, in the Dallas suburbs. Don had called to invite me to Texas and a Rangers game. He remembered that my son, Jack, and I try to see a major league baseball game in a VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES different park each summer, an annual ritual. I thought it was so characteristically thoughtful of Misto Walden. Old Don doesn’t change much; he still maintains that laid back, laizzez-faire persona, as comfortable as a pair of favorite bedroom slippers. Hang in there, Donald, and don’t ever change. You’re (almost) perfect, just the way you are. Just finished reading an article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch featuring Reggie Williams ’08, who led the nation in scoring (basketball) during his junior and senior years at the Institute. It kind of reinforces my own view of the place, and I share it with you here. The article reads: “The only Division 1 scholarship offer he (Williams) received was from VMI. And a certain price must be paid to be an athlete at VMI. ‘VMI teaches you to deal with adversity,’ Williams said. ‘You face situations most college students are never in. I give VMI credit for building character.’ It would seem that Reggie Williams, who recently signed a lucrative contract with the Golden State Warriors, learned more during his four years at VMI than playing basketball. No apologies. When in England attending a conference, Gen. Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just another example of ‘empire building’ by then President George Bush. Gen. Powell answered by saying, “Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those who did not return.” You could have heard a pin drop. Have you ever wondered why those who owe the most are willing to repay the least? I guess it’s true: No good deed ever goes unpunished. And that’s sad. Had a nice telephone conversation with Ed Bare today. He confided to me that the most exciting thing that’s happened to him lately is that he became a first time greatgrandfather to a little girl born in October. He was very proud of that, as well he should be. See what you started, Ed? Are you happy now? A great-grandfather! Good grief. Are we really that old? Turn off the light. The show’s over. What happened? Did I sleep through the whole thing? Heck, it was only yesterday that I was doing the dirty boogie in the Pine Room of the Mayflower. I’m sorry; I’m really having trouble with all this. 2011-Issue 2

I was privileged to attend the Institute Society Dinner in Lexington, a quality “Black Tie” affair. Was happy to see Tom and Elinor Wright, John and Beth Knapp, Ran Phillips and his better half, Paul Kuhne and his lovely bride, and Jack and Betty Tiller in attendance. Dr. Paul “Polo” Meyer was supposed to be there, but his planned visit was aborted at the last minute by his doctors. Paul had serious surgery a while back and is recovering, albeit slowly. The dinner featured a presentation by Gen. Peay ’62 and a performance by the VMI Glee Club. If you’ve not heard the club recently, you’ve missed a great opportunity to witness a first-class musical ensemble. They are good. Much of the credit has to go to Col. John Brodie (Hon. ’92) who became director of the Regimental Band in 1988. While playing tennis recently with a VMI grad, class of ’49, I learned that the Glee Club had fallen to fewer than 20 cadets a few years ago and is now up to over 100 cadets, male and female. I am told that Col. Brodie is largely responsible for the upsurge in interest and participation. Well, since my BW, Sonja, continues to remind me that she doesn’t believe I’ve ever had an unexpressed thought, I am constrained to say that’s a wrap, guys. In closing, please be reminded to send me something, anything. And photos, too. Take care. Watch your back, and *KUTF (*Keep Up the Fire). … Shalom

’55

Read Hanmer

As I write this in early February 2011, I am bemused with various activities going on around the globe. Hosni Mubarak is “embattled” (as the press loves to characterize things) in Cairo. I fear no good will come about as Egypt dissolves. I guess we’ll know by the time these notes get published. Elsewhere, Packers and Steelers fans are gearing up for the annual Super Bowl bash. It’s fortunate that Jerry Jones built a roof over his stadium, since the temperature in Dallas has been in the teens and below. We here in Falls Church have been fortunate in avoiding the worst of recent winter weather but still have had two deep snowstorms to deal with and presently are enjoying various amounts of

freezing rain. Joe Brenner picked a great time to come to Alexandria to visit – and babysit for his kids – right in the middle of one of the aforementioned snows. He notes that since returning to New England, there have been three major snow falls in two weeks. All that brought to Joe’s mind being awakened for an after-midnight “walk this post in a military manner, keeping always on alert,” etc., etc. Of course, by the time this is published in the spring, all will be right with the weather. The VMI basketball team is having another good, ‘tho not spectacular, year. Lois and I, unfortunately, have not been able to get to Lexington for a game. On the baseball front, VMI’s Michael Devine ’12 has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America Stopper of the Year Watch List, for the award given to the top relief pitcher in collegiate baseball. This just in! You guys and gals are great! The Annual Giving to the Alumni Association through December 2010 finds 1955 in second place (among the classes from 1950A through 1959) with a half-year total of $323,127.59! Only 1958 surpassed us at $402,006, with the other classes in our decade far behind. Many thanks to the heavy-lifters of the class, Charlie Luck and Jim Openshaw, as well as the high percentage of participants for this successful giving to the Institute. On a somber note, BR Jerry Trice passed away in January. Bill and Pattie Davidson and Ron and Nita Bryan were able to attend his visitation, along with Dr. Lou Massad ’54. Bill and Ron conveyed the condolences of the class to Jerry’s wife, Tudy. I have made a contribution in Jerry’s name to the Mary Washington Hospice on behalf of the class. (Editor’s Note: The obituary for Mr. Trice appears in the Taps section of this issue.) Dave Woolwine reports that he is continuing rehab from rotator cuff surgery. I know from Lois’ similar experiences just how painful that can be. Dave says he hopes to be up to trying a golf swing in late March or early April. The Woolwines are planning a trip to the D.C. area in late February for his son, Steve’s, retirement. Steve is a 1984 VMI graduate and is retiring from Army intelligence after a 27-year career. Stu and Norma Adams extended Seasons 49

CLASS NOTES Greetings and wishes for a peaceful and prosperous 2011 to one and all. The Adamses are beset with health problems, and the downturn has caused some of their investments to suffer, but they are determined to put it all right. Stu reports a new granddaughter born last April, joining her brother and two male cousins among the Adams’ grandchildren. The new addition tends to keep Stu and Norma humble and on their toes! Stu has changed phone numbers – it’s now 434/260-1775. Stu’s note concluded with this: “We are very cognizant of our family and friends and grateful for all of them. Regrettably, the roster thins. Our very best to all. Cheers, Stuart.” Walt and Loli Reed are expecting to attend their granddaughter’s graduation from the University of Florida this spring. They are also hoping that their daughter, her husband and two children, who live in Brazzaville, will also be able to attend the graduation. Life in the conservation field is pretty demanding right now, so they may not be able to come. In contrast to what we have been experiencing, Walt notes that the weather has been lovely in Northern California, while the previous month’s snow has kept the skiers and snowboarders happy in the mountains. This note from Ken Carstens: “I was a forward observer with C Company, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) during 1956’s Operation Cold Spot at Camp Hale in Colorado. Camp Hale was then (and may still be) the highest Army post in the U.S. I was with C Battery, 33rd Field Artillery Battalion.” Ken noted that he did not get together with Ned Whitlock [in 2010], since there were no hurricanes to cause relocations, as in recent years. A call from Ben Angle let me know that he is out of the hospital and feeling much better. He greatly appreciates the calls and letters y’all have been sending. Marty Fisher checked in to observe that he, Bill Wainwright and Jack Owen all have their aches and pains but thankfully are all still above ground. Marty and Anne leave shortly for Florida and won’t return until mid March. During their Florida stay, they intend to take a two-week cruise to the Virgin Islands. I’m envious, Marty. Speaking of Marty Fisher, he and Anne celebrated Thanksgiving with their (collective) 11 children in Yorktown. With all the 50

relatives, Marty had to rent the community center to feed the 76 who came to dinner. In all, the party lasted three days, and Marty says it took another two days to recover. Sounds like great fun, Marty. Sue Hill sent along a disturbing note concerning Bob Filer. “Bob is in Sentara Heart Hospital with multiple problems – lung, heart, kidney etc. Maybe all of you could keep him in your prayers. Thanks! Sue” Dusty Rhodes continues to make slow but steady recovery from his recent back surgery, but he notes that recovery will take longer than originally thought. Dusty is taking aquatic therapy three days a week at the PT pool at Kendall, which helps with stretching those things that have been idle for so many months. Dusty also uses Cameron Hall for walking therapy and has been able to do four laps on several occasions. Here are some snips from the Christmas cards many of you sent: Don and Pat Pierson report on a rapidly expanding family – four great-grandsons with a fifth great-grandchild due in the spring. All their children and grandchildren are healthy, happy and enjoying great success. The Piersons enjoyed a Mediterranean cruise in October with stops in many of Lois’ and my favorite places: Genoa, Pisa, Florence, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Knute Lawson also checked in to note that he and Wilma are at Air Force Village II in San Antonio, TX. There are about 500 officers and their wives at Air Force Village II with, sadly, the ranks of WWII veterans thinning rapidly. Knute says that Russ McCarthy ’52 is the only other VMI grad there, presently. However, the mother of John Jumper ’66 (former chief of staff, USAF) is resident there. A short note from Canby Dautel: “I wish I could say that I’m sitting on a warm sandy beach, drink in hand, watching the dolphins play, but alas, I’m up to my knees in snow and slush. I have a snow shovel in my hand, and I’m watching the black clouds assemble for another assault. The good news is, I don’t have to cut the grass!” A nice note from Bettye Jean McKemie to report that the “McKemie Place” homeless shelter is doing well and serving about 75 homeless souls. John and Shirley Johnson have downsized to “a cottage of her choice.” Johnny

noted that Shirley “sold their house and bought the new place in two and onehalf days, a real work of art.” Well done, Shirley! Mike and Mitzi Belenky announced Mike’s retirement. However, Mike is continuing his associations with, inter alia, VP of the local chapter of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, working with the International College of Dentists and participating in a clinic that cares for the health of the Spanish immigrant population of Baltimore. Doesn’t sound like retirement to me, Mike. Keep up the good work. In other news, the Belenkys have purchased a townhouse in the Tampa area and will soon be “snowbirds.” Give them a call if you are in the Tampa area in February through April. Doc May, sounding pretty gloomy, says, “This has been a bad winter for Maxine and me. I don’t remember a time in Atlanta when it’s been so cold and wet for so long. All we’ve been out of the house for has been doctor visits, and we had to cancel a week of appointments due to weather. Nothing really serious, although I had an artery by-pass in my leg in October. Weather has not permitted but one golf game since then. Family and grandchildren (girl, 6, twin boys, 5, and another boy, 4) are all doing well. We see them often, as they live about half an hour away in downtown Atlanta.” Don Kulp writes: “Harryette and I are alive and well in spite of the heavy snowfall this winter. We hibernate and wait for spring! Last fall, we spent a great two weeks touring Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine, Hilton Head and Tybee. We stayed at Army and Air Force Bases. This spring we plan to head to the New Orleans area and the Alabama shore to warm up. Got a nice call from Ned Whitlock a while back in lieu of a Christmas card. Said he and Jane were doing fine. Good to hear from him. We had some wonderful times with Ned at his home in Farmville while we were Keydets. Wow, I see the sun … better go check it out! Thanks for all your good work. I know Lois keeps you straight. Harryette did that job when I was class agent! Take care and God Bless.” Well, that’s all for now. Keep the e-mails and letters coming. Yours in the Bonds … Read VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’56

Richard M. Smith

J.P. Moore came to Virginia in December for a visit with classmates from his prep school days and VMI Brother Rats. Honey and I, along with Bill Lamb and Irene Myers, joined him at Amos and Lane Dickinson’s for dinner and a wonderful evening of reminiscing. He is still full of stories about his experiences at the Institute, both good and bad. We both could commiserate remembering our “specials” and “marching off tours” on PT Road. We agreed we both were lucky not to get booted out by the commandant! He was going on to Hampton, VA, later to visit Bill and Else Tolley at the Chamberlain Hotel. He has made reservations to attend the 55th Reunion next April, after two sessions of the committee meeting on plans for the 55th Reunion. We have finally come up with a letter to go to the class telling them what to expect in April. Thanks to the hard work of Motsy Foster, Fred and Mary Jo Farthing, Bruce and Ann Fowler, and Les and Pat Belsha, I feel we have a very enjoyable program planned. I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington in April when the flowers are in bloom. Our sympathy goes out to Amos Dickinson who lost his oldest sister, Nancy Bridgforth. Her deceased husband, Dick Bridgforth ’46, a former VMI cadet, was from my hometown of Kenbridge. Russ Wiltshire reports that he and Margarete, after returning home from Germany in September, spent a week on St. Maarten just relaxing and soaking up the sun rays. It helped them recover from the pressures of being new great-grandparents. Now back in Sarasota, they are deeply involved in the opera, concert and play seasons. Russ says VMI did not prepare him to be an impresario, and now he is one. On the positive side, VMI did prepare him for the many “after” parties they attend. Tony and Maureen Nicoletti report that they are both in good health. They stay very busy with their families; their ninth grandchild was born in August. Tony Jr. and his family were scheduled to arrive for a visit in mid January, and Mo’s mother 2011-Issue 2

should have arrived about the same time and stayed a couple of months. Tony and Moe will go back to Long Island in the spring to see the rest of their family. Tony, don’t forget our 55th Reunion in April; maybe you can work it in on the same trip. George Clark sent the following, and I quote: “You cannot imagine how much I would like to be able to give you some really surprising and exciting news about the Clarks, but that ain’t going to happen.” George and Joyce are in good health and enjoying life. We would also like to see you two at the 55th. During my visit to Florida, I talked with Dave Blair and learned he was the true “head of house” now, since Ann was recuperating from knee replacement. He is looking forward to her speedy recovery, so he can get back to flying again. They plan to be at the 55th Reunion. Honey and I joined Fred and Mary Jo Farthing at Spider and Ann Allison’s for two days. We were entertained like royalty at their home and club. We had a super Super Bowl party, and my team prevailed, as we celebrated the win with champagne. We also got to play nine holes of golf at their course. After returning to St. Augustine, I contacted Bob Morris and went to The Villages for a two-day visit with him and Jackie. They enjoy being here part of the time and go back to Virginia to their home on Northern Neck during the summer. From there, I met Paul Gronroos in Port St. Lucie and spent two days playing golf. Paul is still keeping in good shape, and he and Terry have been out to San Diego and North Carolina to visit the grandkids recently. He isn’t sure if they will make the reunion or not. A two-day stay in Boca Raton with my cousin, Bill Gee ’58, was a pleasant experience. His wife, Vivian, took me around to the rich and famous homes section where she has sold a number of the houses in her years as a realtor. The Senior Tour was playing there that weekend, and I got to see some good golf at the Aleinz Tournament. We were later in Palm City with Helen and Charlie Lavery. After visiting in their home, we had a nice lunch at one of their favorite restaurants. Helen enjoys both golf and tennis most days. Charlie has to watch his activities due to a heart condition but is still very interested

in sports events. They are not sure if they will make the reunion, since they are planning a trip to Alaska in the spring. This finishes up the news I have for the 26th edition of class notes. We hope to have more for the next issue after the reunion. Yours in the Spirit … Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

At the start of winter, the weather service announced that there was snow in 49 states and only Florida was snow free. Unfortunately, we didn’t escape the arctic blasts and an unseasonably cold December and January. As a result, Dawn and I came down with nasty colds. Now in February, we long for warm weather. We heard from a plethora of Brother Rats at Christmas. Bob and Ginny Alexander escaped Pennsylvania for Scottsdale, AZ. They arrived to an 80-degree temperature and noticed Florida was in the 20s. The cross-country drive was uneventful, but their cat, Squeaky, hated it. Tom and Joan Atkeson had six inches of the white stuff in Monterey, VA. With the temperature in the 20s, they huddled by the fire. They had a houseful for Thanksgiving week, and their cats hid in the closets. Martin Andersen continues to care for Kay Schwendinger, Charles’ widow. We hope to have lunch with Martin in Valrico, FL. We say this every year. Sam and Betsy Barker in Murrells Inlet, SC, made two trips to Tucson, AZ. Betsy’s mother passed away in May and her father in late August. Sam says they will not be doing any long trips west of the Mississippi for a while. “Cannot believe it has been one year since I have written a letter to anyone. It has been an active year.” Carolyn Baumgartner from Powder Springs, GA, reports that Alan had a hip replacement. A week later, their granddaughter, Ellen, and five female classmates from Valparaiso University descended upon them for a week, while attending a seminar in Atlanta. Carolyn said it was a wonderful distraction for Al while he was 51

CLASS NOTES recuperating and lots of fun. He is really doing well now, and is back to long walks with the dog, still tooting along on his tuba, square dancing and joking around. Bill and Helen Colvin in Martinsville, VA, saw one football game in Lexington. He was hoping to get to VMI and see some basketball games. They were in Houston visiting their son and granddaughter for Thanksgiving. They also took a week-long cruise to Honduras, Belize and Mexico. They had good weather but returned to Virginia and nearly froze. “I always look forward to your cards and hearing from you and Dawn. Maybe someday our paths will cross – I surely hope so.” Dawn and I hope our paths will cross, also. Wiley and Nancy Clapp report that all is “swell” in northern Nevada, and they have decided to stay and not move to Arizona. They just celebrated the 40th anniversary of their first date. “Wiley’s Colt 1911 has done well, and things are looking good.” His colt 45 is featured in Combat Handguns, February 2011 issue. Beverly Caldwell from Gilliam, LA, claims that after heart surgery, it does get better. Charles had his 12 years ago and took just over a year to get back to normal. Now, his health is not good. He had a diagnosis of ALS, Lou Gehrig ’s disease. He is wheelchair bound and having breathing problems. “He is hanging tough, but it is very hard on him.” The good news

from Charles and Beverly is in a photo of their three great-grandchildren. The 2 and one-half-year-old boy in the middle looks like a splendid candidate for a provisional appointment. Dick and Sarah Collier had a logistical problem getting the family together for the annual Christmas photo. Since they are scattered from Arizona, New York, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia, Dick and Sarah had six different pictures, featuring all 33 members of the Collier Clan. Jose and Carmen Chioco from Norman, OK, sent two Christmas cards. One was religious, and one was secular. How is that for covering all your bases! Don and Judy Coombs sent greetings from Texas Hill Country. All is well with them, and they continue to enjoy life at Comanche Trace and Kerrville. They were planning to return to Venice, FL, at the end of March. Don has been invited to play in a golf tournament. Lew and Kay Diuguid from Baltimore Harbor sagely note that 2010 had been costly for the class. “We survivors must count our blessings.” Tony and Gretchen DiCesare in West Long Branch, NJ, sent a splendid picture of themselves and 18 grandchildren, all dressed in white. Tony claims, “We are so blessed.” Ken and Katie Dickinson sent Season’s Greetings from Roscoe, SD, where the

Class of 1957: “We are so blessed,” say Tony and Gretchen DiCesare of their 18 grandchildren, ages 1-21.

snow and bitter cold had arrived. It is now time to treat them to lunch at Halifax Plantation. John and Connie Emmerich in Louisville, KY, were enduring the cold and trying to stay warm. Ben and Damaris Elmore invited us to visit them. “We have a suite for you here, if you get this way.” Someday, we will go west and visit them in Pensacola. We promise. Bob and Connie Fravel declared that winter had hit Port Clinton, OH, early and hard, but watching the grandchildren play basketball keeps Bob going. They both were hoping that 2011 is a better year. Drewry and Joanne Fox are doing well in Haverford, PA, in spite of the cold. Drew hopes to see me at the next meeting of our 55th Reunion Committee. Mickey Galvin in Tonawanda, NY, wished that the New Year brings the best of health. “2011 has to be better than 2010.” Clint and Belkis Glover in Antioch, IL, missed the Institute Society Dinner last November but will be there in 2011. Clint claims it is nice to get back to VMI and see so many friends. They just added their fifth grandson in December. With five sons and now five grandsons, Clint thinks at least one would attend VMI. They keep their fingers crossed. Clint also wants the class to start up the mini reunions again. Bob and Alice Garrett from Roanoke want us to know that their grandson, Reed Garrett, signed a letter of intent to attend VMI and play baseball starting in August. Also, Alice and he had lunch with Joe and Joy Davidson recently. Joe is doing fine now, after having a stroke. Milt and Nancy Hargrave in Dinwiddie, VA, are rooting for us to have a successful trip to the Institute this spring. They were “enjoying” ice and snow on Dec. 16. Cars slipped into the ditch in front of their house several times. Without the ditch, the cars could have been nestled in their living room. If nothing else, life is exciting. Bill and Betty Huffcut traveled so much in 2010; they were rarely home in Tallahassee. Even at Christmas, they had a fun trip to Savannah, Charleston, Quantico and D.C. Bill had both knees replaced, and that didn’t slow him down at all. They even had a sightseeing drive to VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Vail, CO, to attend a wedding. Sandwiched among their trips to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi, they spent four enjoyable months at their place in Mary Esther, climaxed by a family reunion at Thanksgiving. Harry and Rita Huneycutt in Verdi, NV, had a tough year in 2010. Rita had hip replacement and ligament repairs around her hip. Recovery has been slow. In addition, Harry lost his youngest son, Ken, this past summer. At least Harry continues in good health. Carl and Jeanne Hellstrom in Portsmouth, VA, are delighted to report that Carl has finally retired. They both are doing “pretty well” health wise, and Carl promises to write and bring us up to date Tommy Hunter reports that not much happens in Milam, TX. He is still traveling with his two cats in his motor home. Tommy is another Brother Rat who had by-pass surgery. He recalls trying to sleep in his recliner and hugging his heart pillow every time he coughed. Don and Priscilla Jamison were looking forward to seeing us in Lexington in April. They report that the service for Pete Lincoln in JM Hall was impressive, and the class of 1957 was there in mass. John Kling was having a cold spell on Dec. 13 in Myrtle Beach and expected a low in the teens. John is grateful for the guy who developed powered wheelchairs, because he is still mobile. His chair is a real blessing. John, his step-daughter and two grandchildren visited VMI in October. Jim and Diana Kyle believe we probably would not want the kind of cold weather they had in Poughkeepsie, NY. Their one advantage is that the snow makes the world more beautiful at Christmas. The big news from Gastonia, NC, is that Nick Kallelis and Carmen will marry in March 2011. We hope to meet her at our 55th Reunion in April 2012. Ruth Smith, a retired Navy commander and nurse, takes excellent care of Ron Kaye in California. Both she and Ron enjoy the VMI Alumni Review. She reads the class notes to him, and Ron is very attentive to the happenings of his Brother Rats. Ruth visits Ron twice daily. The afternoon visit is a “Happy Hour,” and she brings him a “wee bit of the spirit,” and a blueberry cupcake or some other sweet. 2011-Issue 2

J.J. Kirchmier arrived in Winter Haven, FL, long before Christmas, and we received his Christmas card in early December. Nancy Lincoln sent me a birthday card, and she enclosed the obit for Pete who passed away Nov. 26, 2010. She also enclosed a copy of the memorial service on Dec. 1 in J.M. Hall. Dawn and I wish we could have attended. Tiger and Carol Locke in Bristol, VA, reported that they are fine and were looking forward to a quiet Christmas with family. He imagines that it must be difficult keeping up with all of ’57s and remembering the birthdays and Christmases. He compared it to “herding cats.” Ray and Martha MacKay in 2010 did not get together with the roommates but should do better in 2011. Martha broke her left big toe last February and had hand surgery in July. She mended well, and both left her with the ability to forecast the weather in West End, NC. Ray had cataract surgery on both eyes, but the right eye didn’t turn out as well as the left. Anyway, they keep Medicare and the health care community occupied. Carroll Mason had the misfortune to slip on some black ice and break his hip. With great nursing from Darrell, he was able to attend the VMI reception for legislators. By April, they enjoyed a trip to Disney World and by year’s end, they had traveled from coast to coast and even saw a VMI baseball, basketball and football game along the way. The year started on a low but ended with many highs. Karen Ashbaugh and her son, Max Maticic, live in Fairport, NY, near Rochester. Karen saw her first snow on her business trip to Prague. Max is focusing on plans for college. She wishes he would look at VMI. We received a letter from Lucy with Rod McCormack’s obituary from the Virginian Pilot and the program from the memorial service at Emmanuel Episcopal Church where Rod was a 40-year member. In the program was a beautiful poem by their oldest granddaughter, Rachel Carter, age 11, which she read at the service. Rod and Lucy had been married 49 years, and shortly before his death, they drove to VMI for Matriculation Day to witness the largest Rat class ever sign the book. Lucy

also sent a picture of Rodney D. McCormack’s brick, which was added to his Brother Rats since our last reunion. Betty Mixson in College Station, TX, sent us a Thomas Kinkade Christmas card. She is looking forward to seeing us again at the 55th Class Reunion. In the photo of Rod’s brick is one for Joseph G. Mixson who was killed in action in 1966. At his funeral in Arlington National Cemetery, Eagle Vaughan and I represented VMI and our class. Joe and Sue Moody in Raleigh, NC, think a mini reunion in Asheville, NC, is an excellent idea. Joe thinks that probably August or September would be best for them. John and Diane Paganelli in Rochester both wrote a message. Diane had kept a birthday card that I wrote years ago as addenda for John’s birthday on Dec. 7. It listed the eight battleships at Pearl Harbor, and Diane was to make John name them on his birthday. They are coming to the East Coast of Florida this winter. Maybe we can get together. Randy Pendleton trudged through the snow to the mailbox, and there was my card with the comment about enjoying “the last golden days of autumn in Charlottesville.” When we come up to VMI in April, I want to get together with Randy and talk him into helping us with the next reunion booklet. Our class is blessed with three gifted writers: B.D. Ayres, Lew Diuguid and Randy Pendleton. We hope Randy will lend a hand. Nat and Chris Pendleton continue to enjoy life in Fort Myers where he is planting coconut trees, sea grape trees, banana plants and papaya trees in their yard. Chris is still the CEO of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. I believe Fort Myers would make a great site for a mini reunion in 2012 or later. Jim and Toni Piggott had a delightful get-together with the Douthats, the Whittles and the Spiveys on Nov. 27 in celebration of George and Shirley Sydnor’s 50th wedding anniversary. Dudley and Pat Price had just returned from Virginia to spend Christmas in Punta Gorda, FL. They saw their grandson, Brandon ’07, back for a 10-day break from Afghanistan. His younger brother, Ethan, is a first classman at VMI. 53

CLASS NOTES Ed and Betty Powell sent another splendid family photo from Burlington, NC. They number nine strong. Skip Richardson in Virginia Beach sent us a Thanksgiving and a Christmas card. He boasts that his corn crop was one of the best in the area. For Christmas, he was planning to visit his daughter and grandchildren in Atlanta. He was saddened to learn of Rod McCormack’s passing. Rod was really faithful to VMI. Jim and Bobbie Rust in Roanoke are doing fine and staying busy. According to Jim, it seems each year, the Christmas Season comes faster and faster. Pat Saunders from Petersburg hopes that 2011 is better than last year. Sadly, Buddy passed away on Aug. 23, 2010. Carl and Joyce Schladitz in Reading, PA, hope they get to see us before the 55th. Fritz and Betsy Scholz from Leesburg, VA, wish that I will be able to continue as class agent for years to come. I do also. Three years have passed since Malcolm Smith had his kidney transplant. His health is much improved. We had a delightful visit with him in Deland, and he looks wonderful. Jim and Janice Snead in Riverview, FL, are doing fine on the west coast of Florida, and Dawn and I plan to get together with them in 2011. Buz and Nelda Snyder had two enjoyable weeks in New Mexico and SW Colorado. Then they went back to Richmond and loved the snow covered beauty. They were looking forward to seeing us in Lexington in April. Garland Sullivan from Hattiesburg, MS, wrote a three-page letter praising the virtues of having a mini reunion in Biloxi. Since he suggests we wait until after our 55th Reunion, I will save the details until 2012. Also, Garland included an e-mail from Howard Lawrence on “Thinking about old times today and cadet days.” I will include this in my class notes due May 15th. Finally, Howard sent Garland an e-mail about Frank Gilmore. The news is not good. After eight chemo treatments, the tumor in Frank’s chest did not respond. He is considering consulting with Anderson Clinic in Houston. He wants to complete his work as chancellor of Montana Tech and retire in June 2011. Then Frank 54

and Ann hope to travel to Asia and Europe. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers. Tom and Brenda Vaughan had snow on the ground in Williamsburg and were expecting a white Christmas. They missed seeing us in Lexington. It saddens Tom to hear of the passing of our BRs, which means we need to appreciate every day the good Lord gives us. Deloris Walters from Whiteford, MD (near Baltimore), sent Christmas greetings. It is always nice to hear from a Sister Rat. Armand and Rita Wagner in Ware Neck, VA, attended Founders Day and had an enjoyable visit with their grandson, David T. Wagner Jr., who is a second classman and an EE major. “He loves VMI and is the fifth generation of Wagners to attend VMI.”

Wes Roberts

’58 Dear BRs, families, et al, This issue I always find particularly challenging, inasmuch as, while I am writing in February, much of your input includes the Christmas season, a period of time which my mind left behind long ago. Nonetheless, they are items of interest, and I will endeavor to include them now. Alex Clarke expressed personal interest in our most recent Christmas card depicting Mallory Hall, named for Francis C. Mallory, who was Alex’ great uncle. Alex says that the VMI Christmas card always has a special place on their mantel. Flip Miller’s wife, Sally, was supposed to have double knee replacement surgery the beginning of December. However, she was found to have some internal bleeding (never a good sign), and her surgery was put on hold. At the time of this writing, Sally’s surgery is still pending. The Millers visited New York City. One point of interest which they visited there was Ellis Island, which brought back memories to Sally, as both of her parents passed through there before entering the U.S.

(Annemarie advised me that both of her parents also entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.) BR Tony Williams and his wife, Ann, were able to take a cruise up the New England and Canadian coasts and down the St. Lawrence to Quebec. This turned out to be a special treat, as Tony had spent a bad week in the hospital which involved an acute flare up of rheumatoid arthritis, which was initially misdiagnosed as a cardiac problem. Tony and Ann enjoyed a visit from their grandson, Gabriel, over Christmas. The Godfreys, Ken and Lorna, won the “travel award” for 2010. They spent two and one-half weeks in France and another two and one-half weeks in the Baja of Mexico. While in California, they visited Lorna’s children and grandchildren. Then, it was on to Arizona for 12 days. “We are having fun,” says Ken, “but air travel is a killer!” Hunter and Betty Jean Clark celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, accompanied by immediate members of the family at a large house in Wintergreen, VA. Hunter came down with pneumonia in mid July. This was especially tough for him, as he has only one lobe of his right lung. Being a tough VMI man, Hunter prevailed! Dave and Anna Pai were visited by Brooke and Linda Doggett during the Christmas holidays. Brooke and Linda were in Davidson, NC, visiting daughter Leane and her husband, Ron Turner. Note: As Dave said in his note with enclosed photograph, “Brooke and Linda looked great!” We think the four of you look pretty good. Our BR Ernie Edgar brought in the New Year and shortly thereafter celebrated the “25th anniversary of his 50th birthday.” The occasion was recognized at a dinner hosted by Ernie’s wife, Elizabeth. Among the attendees were Ernie’s first cousins, Terry Locklin Moore III ’67 and Leland Thompson Moore Sr., USNA. Other VMI men in the family include Terry’s father, Terry Locklin Moore Jr. ’33, and Ernie’s son, Charles Earnest Edgar IV ’87. We understand the list goes back to John Richard Triplett, class of ’866, in the Battle of New Market. That’s quite a legacy, BR Ernie. BR Tony Lash sent pictures from the All VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Services Academy Ball, which was held in the fall of last year. Interestingly, Tony had occasion to meet Don Malarkey, a WWII hero and member of the Band of Brothers of D-Day fame. Bob and Cathie Spurrier reported on their attendance at a party celebrating the 235th birthday of the U.S. Army. This gala occasion was well attended by Tom and Ru Nance, Paul and Betsey Bark ’56, Bob and Cathie Spurrier, Shep and Ann Shepard ’59 and Spider and Anne Allison ’56. Following a wonderful dinner and dancing to the music of a local orchestra were many toasts, followed by toasts, toasts and toasts! Bill and Mary Jo Thomas report that Mary Jo was pronounced to have lung cancer, which was caught early and did not require surgery. Following the diagnosis, they stayed in Florida and have the following permanent address: 10454 Smokehouse Bay Dr., #101, Naples, FL 34120

Phone number is: 239/653-9715. E-mail is: billthomas007@comcast.net. Ted and Becky Henry checked in to report that their daughter, Noelle, and husband, both pastors at a church in Natchez, MS, are expecting triplets soon. They said they were going to try to increase the size of the congregation there, but Ted didn’t think they meant by themselves! Ted and Becky are heading to Natchez for the big event. Reporting from West Virginia, Gates and Janis Sykes stated that they have about completed their work on “The Cabin.” They are looking forward to a little “free time” now. Son Mark ’83 and his son, Cadet Benjamin Sykes ’13, along with Dad, represent their alma mater well. No one thought Ben would like VMI, but he is doing very well and, to everyone’s surprise, is studying to be a physician. Sandy Yon continues her travel sagas and intersperses her work with the Virginia

Beach Hospital Auxiliary and the Virginia Aquarium. Sandy has applied for a position on a ship which takes students on an around-the-world cruise for three and onehalf months. It is called the “Semester at Sea Program” and is sponsored by UVa. BR Bill Walker reports that he is still pressing his nose to the grindstone with hopes that the weather will turn for the better and he can get out his mountain bike and golf clubs again. Belinda and Bill have an upcoming lunch date with Dorsey and Millie Shipley in Frederick, MD. Dorsey is still very much involved in flying; but these days, most of the time Dorsey puts his son-in-law ‘behind the stick.” Bill said that Dorsey has arranged for them to fly from Leesburg, VA, to Martinsburg, WV, where they keep the big Air Force C5’s. They will have lunch there and tour “one of the birds,” courtesy of one of Dorsey’s buddies. Says Bill, “What a Hoot!”

Class of 1958 Photos counterclockwise, from top. left: – Hunter and Betty Jean Clarke, center, surrounded by family at their 50th anniversary celebration. – Celebrating Ernest Edgar’s “25th anniversary of his 50th birthday” at a Ruth’s Chris restaurant in Mobile, Alabama, were, from left, Leland Thompson Moore Sr., Edgar and Terry Lockin Moore ’67, all first cousins. – Dave and Anna Pai with Linda and Brooke Doggett on Christmas Eve in Davidson, North Carolina.

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES A note from Lee McCown states that he and Laura, accompanied by Jan Woodman, took a driving trip to Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC. There, they had a great time with Drew and JoAnne Troxler. They were shown some great places to eat, including Drew’s club, and were given a tour of the house in Savannah where Gen. Sherman stayed. That house is owned by the church that the Troxlers attend and is a grand place. Lee says, “In Charleston, we continued to eat and gain weight (in my case) and enjoy a great city. Our hotel was in the old Citadel Building on Marion Square. They moved out years ago and fairly recently tore down their barracks and built them back exactly as before, except with air conditioning. What wimps! Third Barracks at VMI is cooled by opening the door and the windows at the same time, just like the old days.” Some pertinent notes from the Boeggeman family: Elaine and Frank celebrated their 50th anniversary in early October; Frank “celebrated” his cataract operation in late October; and Elaine “celebrated” foot surgery in November. They did manage to take an anniversary trip to the Maine coast at a quiet New England inn. Frank will be 75 this year and “may go back to smoking. I still drink some, mostly red wine in the evening … also martinis

Class of 1958: A 2010 Christmas photo of Ann and Tony Williams with grandson Gabriel.

and Manhattans, but no beer … bad for the waistline.” Boeggie noted that they don’t do Facebook, don’t text, Tweet or Toot, but do have a cell phone for emergencies only. BR Gene Martin reported that he and his family continue in good health and that he and Peggy made their usual annual RV trip to Colorado this past summer. They look forward to their son, Michael’s, graduation from the National War College in mid June and will spend time with Michael and family, since Michael’s next assignment is unknown at this time. Michael has had eight short term deployments to the Middle East over the last nine years. Gene says he hasn’t played much golf, due to the cold weather, and he says, “Yes, I am a wimp when the temperature drops below 60 degrees. Due to the cold weather, I have taken a page out of Jim Poteet’s book: ‘Some days I sits and thinks, and some days, I just sits.’” Our BR Julius Berman lost his class ring recently (for the second time). It was replaced on his 75th birthday by wife Sheila, much to his delight. “It was a perfect 75th birthday gift,” said Jules. Our BR J.O. Peters penned the following: “I would like for the class to know that reports of ‘growing fame’ have been greatly exaggerated. I find myself at home writing for hours on end, which can only be slightly preferable to Ignacio, CO (Paul Johnson) and Kemah, TX (Poteet and Boze).” (Note: VMI Alumni Review, 2011Issue 1, Class Notes.) Tom Nance reports that, like all of us, he is getting older. He mentioned the old adage, “Where have the golden years gone?” Tom has had two knee surgeries and has some foot problems. (Note: Hang in there, BR Tom. Join the crowd.) Tom and Ru were planning to make two pilgrimages to tennis tournaments in Delray Beach, FL, in February and Key Biscayne, FL, in March. Health permitting, they hope to spend some time in New York on Lake George near Ticonderoga, a great place to get away from Florida’s heat in July. Our Flyboy, Roy Palmer, reports that he recently returned from a flying job to ferry a Boeing 747 from Xiamen, China, to Israel. It was a complete trip around the world in six days. “I still enjoy being paid for my hobby, but recovering from a trip such as this seems to take longer,” said

Roy. “While in China, I had a nice video chat with BR Jim Moore. If you haven’t tried Skype, it’s a great way to communicate. While traveling overseas, instead of paying $5 to $10 a minute for use of a hotel telephone, a Skype call is about two cents a minute, plus you have video.” Roy and Joyce have signed up for the VMI Alumni Association cruise from Rome, which will take place in May. This cruise will be aboard the Royal Clipper, the same vessel that was chartered for last year’s cruise from Barbados. Roy said that, so far from our class, the Williamsons and

Class of 1958: Tony Lash with Band of Brothers member Don Malarkey at the All Services Academy Ball, Sept. 26, 2010.

Jim Moore and friend have also booked passage. They look forward to a wonderful week on board. The Palmers were planning to fly to Florida for the Space Shuttle launch scheduled for late February. “We witnessed the first Shuttle landing in California eons ago and have always wanted to see a launch.” Last, but not least, Paul Johnson reported that he and Cynthia enjoyed visits to Kemah ,TX, with Jack and Lynn Boze. While there, they visited the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Old Galveston Opera House. “Never thought I would be doing that!” says Paul. (Note: Blotch, you’ll never live that down!) Paul plans on going back to Colorado this fall, hunting again. Thanks, BRs, for your newsy inputs. I especially appreciate the response to my emergency notice re: class notes. Need I say, we can’t put this column together without you! Keep the Spirit! God’s Blessings … Wes VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’59

Shep Shepard

We have three Brother Rats who continue to have health problems: Sonny Thomas, Hal Dayhuff and Bill Wichlei. Sonny continues to fight the good fight as he battles this terrible disease. He says it’s a funny disease: “Sometimes, if it wasn’t for the tests, you wouldn’t even know it was there.” His cancer seems to have settled in the liver, and the oncologists are trying to keep it from spreading. He spends the week in the hospice; it is just too much for his partner, Kevin, to handle, since he holds down a full time job and cares for his parents. Weekends find them at their home in Delaware, so they can relax in front of the fire. Sonny says that all the prayers are most helpful. It’s one day at a time. Hal Dayhuff doesn’t plan on checking out anytime soon. He is carefully watched by wife Barbara and daughter Marty. They’ve made charts for him to ensure he takes his medicine properly. Hal has COPD and prostate cancer. Can’t operate now, because he coughs too much – maybe later when it’s under control. Hal has had some bad lung problems but feels he’s getting better. Needs oxygen at night and carries a small bottle during the day for emergencies. Hal thanks all his BRs for the calls, cards and e-mails. Bill Wichlei plans on attending many more class reunions, even though he is suffering with cancer of the esophagus. He’s had the first radiation treatments and is now on a schedule of five weeks of chemo and radiation at University of South Carolina in Charleston. Tex Carr has talked to him, and he sounds great; he said the first radiation treatments weren’t bad. Fred and Lee Cavanaugh report that they are doing great. Fred, who is still the mayor of Akins, is busy with city matters and Lee with her in-home women’s clothing business. Neither has tasted the fruits of retirement, nor do they think they will anytime soon. Even though Ed Thomas lives way out in Arizona and is unable to see the Keydet football games, he religiously checked the scores every Saturday evening to see how 2011-Issue 2

we did. He recently attended a Glendale Community College/New Mexico Military Institute football game. GCC won several national junior college championships and was heavily favored. The NMMI’s team was a lot smaller, but they had spirit that reminded Ed of VMI and the “never, never die” spirit. NMMI lost, but it brought back such happy memories of Lloyd Thacker, Jerry Borst, Bill Nebraska and Coach McKenna. Rah, Virginia Mil. Jimmy Johnson has almost completely recovered from his stroke. He can now drive and work part time at the UT Dental Branch in Houston, as well as teach a few undergraduate courses. He recently underwent a cardiac ablation to correct the arrhythmia problem which caused his stroke. Other than being a little sore after the procedure, he is recovering well. Jimmy feels that God didn’t bring him this far for nothing; he may even get to drink whisky again. Jimmy spoke to Bill Fuqua and found that he has remarried and is very happy. Congratulations, Bill. It’s not good for man to be alone, as Jimmy found out at VMI. He recalls how miserable he was returning from Christmas vacation our Rat year. He rode on the bus from D.C. with John Engels. They arrived in Lexington about 2 a.m., trudged up the hill into the gates of Hell facing finals and another Resurrection; there were still six months to go in the Ratline. Some memories never fade. Congratulations, Don and Carole Messner. Their son, Lt. Col. Doug Messner ’87, was recognized as the commander of the best battalion sized unit in the Army National Guard for 2009. Doug was presented the General Walter T. Kerwin Award during the Association of the United States’ Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., by the chief of staff of the Army, General Casey, and the sergeant major of the Army, Kenneth Preston. Well done, Doug. (Editor’s Note: See photo of Doug Messner receiving the award in the Alumni News section of this issue.) Bill and Susie Kirkland will soon be grandparents for the seventh time. Daughter Susan popped the news on Thanksgiving Day, and they could not be more happy or thankful. A few months ago, Ann and I got a call from Jim and Bet Vermillion inviting us to

join them for a day at the LPGA Tournament at Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando. Jim and Bet practically raised Wendy Ward, one of the world class players on the tour. I first met Wendy back in 1989 when we played golf together at Fort Sam Houston, TX, and she was only 13 years old. Her dad, John Ward, and I were stationed together. Ann and I had a great day with Jim and Bet following Wendy around the course, but unfortunately, she missed the cut. What a heartbreaker, but it was a tough course with lightning fast greens. Besides working on “Old Comfort,” Jim continues to count money for the church, is still a master gardener, a faithful member of the Rotary Club and sits on the Virginia Beach Historical Preservation Commission. Bet is a master gardener, a very active member in the book club and enjoys guiding visitors through their beautiful home during the Christmas holidays. Jim finds time, ever so often, to get together with a few BRs to discuss the state of the union. Recently, the problem solvers met for lunch in Norfolk and included Harlee Pate, Art Brandriff, Vern Keefer and Baldy Fall. No world problems were solved, but all is well with everyone. Vern continues to work on his country home and figures maybe in five more years it will be complete. Jim reminded me of a story he told me a few months ago. One day while he was enjoying a Saturday morning at “Old Comfort,” he got a knock on the door. When he answered the door, there stood three young men on their bicycles. They asked if it were true that Jim’s house was haunted, to which he replied, “Absolutely!” and invited them in to check it out for themselves. When they got around to introducing themselves, the ringleader turned out to be our grandson, Collin Shepard, who lives a few miles down the road. It’s a small world after all. Royall and Geri Geis spent Christmas Eve in the Hyatt Hotel, Dulles Airport, so they could catch an early flight to St. Maarten the next morning. Visiting the area reminded them of the wonderful times when they lived in Kailua 300 yards from the beach. When they arrived, Royall rented the smallest convertible he has ever seen. It was so small the rental guys had to put their luggage in another car and follow them 57

CLASS NOTES to the hotel. They had a wonderful week; the weather was great, traveled all over the island, the people were friendly and came back brown and a couple of pounds heavier. They attempted to contact Brad Willard but discovered that he sold the Willard Hotel on Saba Island in 2009. Jack and Joy Angolia are happy campers and sleeping much better these days. After three years on the market, they finally sold their house. Jack doesn’t think that it marks the end of the housing problem, but they are very happy to be out from under two homes. Jack just completed his book on WWII elite forces, and it is at the publishers now with a release date of later this year. He is already gathering material for Vol. II, which will cover Ranger-type units, First Special Service Force, OSS/SF and 10th Mountain Division. Jack and Joy have not given up on traveling and soon will be off again on another world adventure. They will begin in Rome, cruise the Med and finish in Venice. Future plans call for a riverboat trip on the northern rivers with a side trip to Berlin. Charlie and Agnes (Inge) Carter had an amazing Christmas filled with visits from Agnes’ four children, their spouses and the 12 grandchildren, all of whom have provisional appointments to VMI. The children did a nativity pageant for the adults. The 3-year-old was the little drummer boy from VMI. Charlie and Agnes took a long awaited vacation to the Bahamas, and while they enjoyed the warmth, Agnes thought about all the poor souls at home, especially those of us in Florida, who were experiencing an unusually cold winter. Chuck and Margo Cotton could muster only half of their tribe for Christmas, but they still had a great time, despite the fact that they had snow every week, fall and winter. Quite unusual for their neck of the woods, but they have managed to survive. Chuck has spent a lot of time with doctors and Parkinson support groups, and it seems to be helping. Bill and Jenny Lee feel that life is truly wonderful, and they feel blessed. They had the inside of their home painted, and fortunately, they completed the job just before Christmas. It looked so good that they did a little painting on the outside, as well as replacement of shutters and windows. When 58

you live on the water, there is no end to maintenance, but it looks like they might have it under control for a little while, anyway. Rusty (The Bear) Loth celebrated his birthday in Lexington with BRs Eddie Barnes, Harlee Pate and Jim McFalls. They all lifted a glass in loving memory of Donnie Dreelin whose birthday fell on the same date. Being around these senior citizens made Rusty feel like a young whippersnapper. The basketball game was disappointing, but they still had the “never, never die” spirit. Following Christmas in Memphis with daughter Laura, Rusty visited Sonny and Nancy Eskridge in Alabama. Before he was unpacked, they had him at a Christmas party at honorary BR Bobby Chambliss’ house. He earned the title of honorary when Sonny brought him on one of our Spring Break escapades in Fort Lauderdale. Rusty reports that Sonny is hanging tough and sends best wishes to all. Spence and Beverly Tucker suffered through an unusually cold fall and winter in Lexington this year. Both are well but looking forward to spring. Spence had two books appear this fall. The first is Battles That Have Changed History. It contains studies of 212 important battles throughout history. The second is the two-volume Encyclopedia of the Civil War at Sea. Like the Energizer Bunny, Spence just keep on going and going. As previously reported, we lost Marilyn Southard in October 2010. Because Marilyn touched so many people, it was necessary for Lee to have three separate memorial services for her: one in Richmond, one in Fort Collins, CO, and one in Sanibel, FL. Lee was kind enough to have those BRs who could make it to his home the night before for dinner. Bill and Connie Nebraska, Mel and Jean Anderson, Buddy and Denyse Kramer, and Ann and I attended. We had a wonderful evening reminiscing about the old days and remembering Marilyn, a woman of grace and strength who had a deep faith in God and lived her life with Christ as the centered purpose. The Service of Celebration for the Life of Marilyn Southard was a moving and beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. BRs attending the ceremony include those mentioned above, as well

as Ron and Mary Alice Marley, Don and Carol Messner, Bill and Yvonne Traylor, and Dave and Sandy Goode. It was nice to see so many BRs, but unfortunately, it was for such a sad occasion. Larry Wood’s daughter sent him a book for his birthday entitled, 365 Thank Yous, The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik. All it took was the introduction to get him started, so you might see something in the mail shortly. A thank you note to each of his BRs is in order, so be patient, and yours is coming. Bonnie Pomponio can’t seem to adjust to western North Carolina. She misses all her old friends “back east,” but everything comes alive when she is visited by her grandsons, J.T.6 years old, and David 3 years old. The fact that son Matt and daughter-in-law Ellen are close at hand also helps quill the homesick pains. Rogers and Susan McCall feel blessed to be reasonably fit and in good health. Susan still loves teaching children and is in her 18th year at Sullins Academy in Bristol, VA. She also paints beautiful pastels that she shows in Blowing Rock, NC. Rogers continues to practice law, mainly elder matters, estates, probate, etc. Both of their daughters are doing great; Taylor in graduate school at the Courtauld Institute for Art in London and Laura in her second year at University of SC where her interests lie in fashion and merchandising. For the first time in a long time Ron and Mary Alice Marley can report that they are both in excellent health. They continue to support their community; Ron feeds the homeless, and Mary Alice runs the local Catholic Church. Over the past few months, Ron has had to replenish his wardrobe. Seems every time he went to the closet, he couldn’t find his shirts, ties, suits, socks and shoes. Funny it coincided with visits from grandson Alex who is about to graduate from Stetson University and is very much involved in job interviews. John and Betty Ann Tompson have health problems, but they pale in comparison to the difficulties of others, so says John. They are a matter of just patch, patch and more patches. John still battles headaches and spends time with doctors trying different things but still finds time VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES for racquetball, teaching Sunday school and swimming. Betty Ann has had cataract and shoulder surgery, but she is well on the road to recovery. Son Chris and his family are doing well in Pennsylvania while second son Bill and his new wife are enjoying a new baby and living in Paris. John and Betty Ann can always find an excuse to visit Bill. Steve and Paula Barcik are totally involved with family these days and have little

time for anything else. Thank goodness Austin is not that far from Houston where they visit their children and grandchildren. They were blessed with twin grandsons last year who, like their other two cousins, were born on Valentine’s Day. That’s got to mean something. Steve and Paula found some time for themselves recently and took a two-week vacation to The Bahamas where they enjoyed the balmy weather and beautiful scenery.

Darlene Borst thanked the class for the beautiful flowers and the cards and notes she received. Jerry touched many people’s lives in a good way, and Darlene is so happy that she was one of many. I think we all can echo that sentiment; we’ll miss Jerry, a great guy. Art and Ginny Brandriff are well in Chesapeake, VA; both are enjoying retirement. Billy and Sue Kornegay have been

Class of 1959 Photos clockwise from top, left: – Brother Rats met in Lexington to celebrate Rusty Loth’s 39th birthday. Seated were Harlee Pate and Eddie Barnes. Standing behind them were Rusty Loth and Jim McFalls. – Paying tribute to Marilyn Southard were, from left, front row, Jean Anderson, Connie Nebraska, Shep and Ann Shepard, Bill and Yvonne Traylor, Dave and Sandy Goode, Denyse Kramer, and Mary Alice Marley. Second row: Mel Anderson, Bill Nebraska, Lee Southard, Don and Carol Messner, Bud Kramer and Ron Marley. – The Vermillions and the Shepards spent a day with the parents of professional golfer, Wendy Ward, at the LPGA Golf Tournament. From left: Wanda Ward, Shep and Ann Shepard, Jim and Bet Vermillion, and John Ward. – Skip and Linda White spent some time at the beach with 22 family members. – Bob and Anne Baillio enjoyed the North Carolina beaches with their family.

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES busy keeping up with their children and grandchildren. All seem to be doing great. As reported previously, grandson Alex ’10 was valedictorian of his class and is now in medical school. Granddaughter Ashton was recently married and now lives in Jacksonville, NC, with her Marine Corps husband, an Afghanistan combat veteran. The other five are in college (Kate and Tyler), high school (Kara), or grade school (Nicole and Katelyn). They keep the Kornegays busy. Buddy and Denyse Kramer took time out from their camping trip to Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL, to have lunch with Ron and Mary Alice Marley. Same old war stories but a lot of fun seeing his old Ranger buddy again. Bud and Denyse’s grandsons are doing well in school. Charlie made all state chorus, all county band and was just accepted into the Magna program, a straight-A student. Definitely not like his grandpa! Treaver, 14, 6’3’’ made the high school basketball team, and his brother, Tyler, 13, 6’0’’ made his middle school basketball team. Their daughter-in-law, Crystal, lost her threeyear-battle with cancer just before this article was published. She was one of the bravest people that Bud has ever known, and we will pray for the repose of her soul. Kenny Bradford was touched by the picture of Cec Young that Royall Geis sent out. Ken said that if there was such a thing as an ideal roommate, Cec was it. He was always in good humor, in spite of his many PTs; more than willing to do his share of work; and never took himself nor anything but the Marine Corps too seriously. He may well have been the sweetest person Ken has ever known, which only confirms what I have said for years; Cecil was the kindest person I’ve ever known. Ken and Cec had a sailing date set up when Cec returned from Florida, and he will always be sad that they didn’t go before his trip. Bill and Connie Nebraska are in the process of planning a winter cruise. Mid March, Bill joins Carl Kasko and Nick Kallelis ’57 for a week of Pittsburgh Pirate baseball spring training, as well as an occasional round of golf. This is always a blast, and they look forward to it every year. Bill went on a fishing trip to Lake Erie looking for steelhead trout. It turned out to be a great experience, and they 60

caught a lot of steelheads, all in the eightpound range. Needless to say, Bill plans on doing this again soon. Jimmy Johnson sent Ted Harcke one of our 50th Reunion commemorative coins. As you recall, Ted left after our Rat year and, along with Bud Mease and Harvey Brown, went to USMA, that school that was built on a bluff and run on the same principle. Ted is still a colonel in the U.S. Army and is chief of forensic radiology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. Ted said the reunion coin brought back many memories of the Rat year at VMI and thinks that one year had a great impact on what followed. Ted expressed it best saying, “The term ‘Brother Rat’ truly stands for a bond that lasts a lifetime and includes those of us who spent less than the four years. Yours in the Spirit.” George and Bunny Mittendorf make it a point to keep up with their medical exams, and the results are great. They both feel good and are able to do whatever they like, albeit at a slower pace. George retired in 1995, but they still spend five months each year in their house in the North Carolina mountains. While they do have colder weather in Illinois, their primary residence, it is so different in NC; there is not a snow plow in the county. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson are stuck in a rut; they spend 54 days each year at their time-shares in Hilton Head, SC, and Homestead, VA; take a trip to Barbados when it turns cold in Virginia; and go to Europe for riverboat cruises in the spring. Next riverboat cruise is Nice to Paris, followed by a river cruise to visit the Christmas markets. They feel fortunate to be healthy enough to do all the things they do. Janice does water aerobics five days a week, while Ralph plays racquetball. Keep up the good work, my friends. Ann and I are doing well. The past quarter has been a tough one … seems we spent a lot of time attending memorial services. Ann lost her older sister, Kitty, and Marilyn Southard passed away, as did our next door neighbor. May they all rest in peace. We had a great Christmas celebration with visits from two of our four kids and their families. My, how they grow! We’ve been playing as much golf as the weather will permit, making regular trips

to the antique extravaganza and eating out far too often to maintain a New Year’s resolution diet. We have a busy year ahead; Hilton Head in March; college graduation in May; a riverboat cruise from Amsterdam to Vienna, followed by a freewheeling week in Austria; a trans-Canada railroad trip in August; and back to Hilton Head in October. Still looking for something to do for November and December. Children and grandchildren are doing great and continue to make us proud grandparents. We are cheering Megan on, hoping she makes it to the Special Olympics where we know she will medal. Thanks for all your cards, letters and e-mails; keep them coming. Yours in the Spirit … Shep

’60

L. Edward Tolley

After such a joyous season, it is with a heavy heart that I report that our Brother Rat, Billy Overman, passed away on Jan. 25, 2011, at his home in Virginia Beach. According to Mary Lou, Bill retired the evening of the 24th and did not awaken the next morning. He is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren and unbeknownst to me, a twin brother, Bobby Overman. Bill was the sheriff of Virginia Beach from 1986-90, was a professor of criminal justice at Tidewater Community College, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later served in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division in Frankfort, Germany. He was very active in community affairs. Known for his broad smile, good singing voice and harmonica playing, Bill loved his family, his life and was a very good friend to many. Mr. Enthusiasm, rest in peace. A donation was made to Bill’s church in Virginia Beach in lieu of flowers. Again, sad news, Doc Ballard lost his wife, Glenda, on Jan. 11, 2011, at the local hospital in Morehead City, NC. Glenda was owner of a medical billing firm and did very well. Disposing of the business has had Doc very busy, but he has completed the deal. Of course, there are several other items to be closed. Glenda had suffered a stroke on Dec. 28th that was complicated by serious diabetes. She had a second stroke from which she did not recover on Jan. 11th. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Then came another blow in the news that I had a good chat with Jeep Goodwillie Mike Ondos passed away on Feb. 2, 2011. as a result of his commitment statement Mike had serious diabetes, and that reto the Alumni Association and the news sulted in the necessary amputation of one he wrote on the margins and back of the leg. As evidenced during the past reunion, form. My main interest was the fact that he Mike remained upbeat and joined in on had eye surgery that didn’t go so well, but the war stories and fond memories of his then, he was bragging about having made life at the Institute. He served in the U.S. two holes-in-one and three eagles during Coast Guard in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the past year. Next, I fully expect him to during his off time, coached a Catholic announce that he beat Stevie Wonder in a basketball team in San Juan. Mike was a midnight round. Poor thing; his handicap devout Catholic and was active in church has slipped from a five to 12 as a result of activities. He was owner and president only one good eye. Linda keeps Jeep fed of Ondos Environmental, obviously a and on his toes. Thanks, lady. Steelers fan and a loving grandfather. A Valerie Cochran sent a very nice donadonation was made to Mike’s church in tion to the VMIAA. We had a fabulous lieu of flowers. chat about the universe and man’s impact And you may have received the news that on the climate, weather, seismic events I lost my dearest Nance on Dec. 26th. She and forces which we cannot change. We had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for have both enjoyed programs on the NGC the past four or more years, had lost signifi- about the sun, stars and junk flying around cant weight and appetite. Having not eaten up there. on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, I sumSomewhere out there, Howie and Nancy moned the EMS to take her to the hospital Roth roll in the bay, river, waterway or the morning of the 26th, hoping that they maybe the ocean! After their trip over 33 could get some nourishment into her. While states and visits to all five children, not to the EMS was taking vital signs, Nance spoke mention a beaucoup of friends, they have in more intelligible statements than she had now gotten their water legs back. All that for over a year, then suddenly glazed over land travel may have created the need for and was gone. CPR and emergency efforts two knee operations for Nancy! I guess were unsuccessful. Many of you who knew Nance remember her as a smiling, fun filled, happy person who always liked to tease folks of any age and loved the banter associated with loving friends. I will miss her dearly. Thanks to all for the cards, letters, flowers and donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Presbyterian Church and the VMI Foundation sent in memory of Nance. My family is most appreciative for your sympathy. Phil Hamric called after reading my last notes, relative to my comment that I had not reached several BRs. I have good numbers for Spence, Haycock, Yeh, Brewster and Thornburg, but my Carmine number is no good. I will endeavor to reach each as we roll along. Phil also told me about dizzying spells that he has experienced of late and that they have resulted in his driving privileges being restricted. Consultations with several doctors tend to indicate that diet may correct this! Hopefully, that will be the case, and he will be allowed to relieve Carol of Class of 1960: Mike Pitt and Betty Hudgins as Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. some time behind the wheel. 2011-Issue 2

terra firma just proved to be much too solid a base for the joints. Hope everything goes well for you, Nancy, and for you too, Howie. Your picture is a great looking team – those Roths. Big Ed and Linda Duncan have sorta scaled back activities, although they have increased the herd, acreage and a partner, so farming still gets them up early and down tired. Hunting was off this year with only one six-point deer being the bragging item. Their family members are busy with the grandchildren. Linda offered some sound advice, i.e., “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.” George and Evie Uhlig and Snoozer, the cat, are now back in Price, Utah, having spent the past 18 months in the Roanoke/ Blacksburg, VA, area on a church mission. George became reacquainted with traditional Virginia foods (except for grits in the morning!) while Evie opted for her preferred meat and potatoes. Obviously, George didn’t learn that it is grits that make us Virginians so smart and goodlooking. Upon returning to Utah, George was offered an adjunct position with his old college employer to teach organic chemistry. This time, be careful with those fire retardants, George. Their family is still growing, with Phineas being the latest grandson. Ed and Sheila Davis also welcomed to our world their new grandbaby, William Setia Davis, in my old stomping grounds of Jakarta. Son Jamie lives there and is good reason for Ed and Sheila’s visit to Singapore, Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Ed remains a deacon in the Episcopal Church, and Sheila is auditing a course at the College of Charleston which she enjoys very much; no doubt because there are no tests or homework! Thanks for your help at the reunion, Ed. Ken and Wanda Scott surprised me when they stated that they were “keeping busy on our mountain homestead with all their large and small animals.” Now, the last time I spoke with Ken, he was in the Northern Neck of Virginia. I guess the absence of the big mountains that act as stout shoulders of protection induced Ken and Wanda to “go west” and arrive at a more comfortable setting 61

CLASS NOTES for the horses, cows, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and a hamster or so. Neat looking horses, Ken. Did you watch “Secretariat” yet? Good flick! Peanuts and Jan Elliott kept the road hot with their travels around the country and southern Ontario. Their trip to Disney World and rides on the roller coaster must have taken several years off their life span! Their delight in watching the kids as they toured the Disney sights brought back the warmth and fun of childhood. The trees on the farm are growing larger and greater in number. Summers and the relaxing life there is what retirement is all about. Peanuts helped get a congressman elected, so he did his part in the revitalization of Michigan and the Congress. Now, run Peanuts run! (What a slogan that’d be!) Seab and Pril Brown are still trying to identify all the Brother Rats and spouses from reunion pictures. It will be an interesting test to see how many they got right at our next one. Pril, get a longer lever so you can pry Seab loose for our 55th. Tony and Jan Di Caprio are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. No doubt there are numerous others doing the same. Both are in good health and are enjoying the grandchildren growing spurts. Tony retired but is very busy helping Polish officers and their families at the War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. He also teaches the seventh grade religion class at their church. Bill and Joan King left no big news from Missouri City, TX, so we’ll assume that things are rolling along on a straight line. Bill, Guy Smith, Jim Bagby and I teamed up for the round at Lexington Golf Course during the reunion. They all marveled at my driver and its small club head, since they couldn’t remember that far back when its size was the norm. Anyway, I haven’t gotten all the good knocks it is supposed to contain. Careful, Bananas! Joe “Bananas” and Ella Sisler sent another picture of a golf course, this one with snow covering a scene of the green, a pond and fairway covered in ice and snow. I know what Joe was thinking, and I’ll bet that Ella was dreaming of another trip to the Caribbean, sun tan (in a bottle) and shopping. Chris and Linda Fleet have had another wonderful year with visits to family and 62

friends in Western Maryland and in Germany. Son Tim is stationed in Germany and has since been deployed to Kuwait for a year, thus an exciting reunion is planned for Christmas, December 2011. Chris and Linda are still marveling at the sheer joy and appreciation for what the committee produced for our 50th. Chris, envious of several license plates at the reunion, promptly got his own, reading 6 VMI 0. Darryl Markland asked me to advise all that he had found the Fountain of Youth in San Antonio, TX, since so many BRs that looked “old” may want to visit it. But my ole roomie is obviously suffering from bad eyesight or some other debilitating malady. His hair is gray; he’s got wrinkles; he has a gimpy leg; and he is not nearly as feisty as I remember him in days gone by. Note: There may not be such a fountain in San Antonio. I haven’t seen it. Go if you like, but I think Darryl is full of coyote poop. Jerry Herrmann says that now that the transitional year of 2010 is gone, he is looking forward to a much better 2011. He loves to sit in Land ‘O Lakes, FL, and watch on the tube as the snow falls in any state north of him while sipping on a hot toddy, remembering the days he spent in New York. Yankees are not as ill informed these days. They’ve heard of Florida, like it and the stampede is on. The latest from Carl and Barbara Benner: The granddaughters are Emily, 9, and Amy, 6, and Carl shot his age from the blue tees @ 6574 yards … Our oldest BR, Carl, is pushing 85! Thanks for the great contribution, Carl. Sam Miller has had the opportunity to visit Buena Vista a little more often, now that he is eligible for Social Security. Yeah, he drops by whenever it is convenient, and the hustle and bustle of downtown BV gets to him. The man doesn’t seem to age like most of us. Maybe he’s been to Markland’s fountain of youth. Jack and Jayne Seamon are still bragging about getting the honeymoon suite at the reunion hotel for the 50th. As I understand, they coupled up with Mike and Mimi Moss and Valerie Cochran. The rules, as given to me, were that such was not to happen, but knowing Jack and Mike … Do I need to say more? Ole Jack had a run-in with an exercise bike at the gym in Florida during a December trip; after

a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, he ended up on crutches with a knee brace! “A good investment in a nearby house” and an excellent therapy nurse convinced Jack that they should buy in the area where they normally rented. Hey, the welcome mat is out, so call on your trip to Florida, 239/689-8736. Really, Carl Benner is only 71, and he did shoot his age! Jimmy and Carol Seeley continued to reunion with the family and Carol’s old high school friends after leaving Lexington in April, and they spent Christmas in Tennessee with the families of their children, plus six dogs. The Seeley household suffered from intestinal bacteria that were serious enough to put Jim in the hospital! Granddaughter Emma got it first, and it ran through the entire family. Carol was the least affected, and she was the nurse-onduty. Sadly, daughter-in-law Pamela has had her brain cancer return. She is going to the Mayo Clinic for radiation treatments. Pamela has a business that sells commissary items to prisons that she has kept going. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Phil and Carol Hamric had a good year that included trips to British Columbia and Montana for fishing and hunting and, of course, the momentous trip to Lexington. They also got to see the mockup of the dinosaur bones that they excavated several years ago. Phil and I were convinced that Boise State football would be number one in the country, only to fall short by one in Nevada. Bill and Bev Driver, from their cozy nest in Newberry, FL, sent wishes for snow. OK, Bill, rub it in, why don’t ya. It is a good thing you aren’t in Rockbridge Baths. We’ve had several minor snows, and it is snowing as I type, but the temperatures have dipped into the thermal underwear zone. Dick and Mary Ann Murphy have been on the road since the big thaw came in early April. Their health issues have not slowed them down, as trips to Virginia (a couple), California and New Mexico attest. On their trip to Norfolk for the VMI-ODU football game, Mary Ann had to visit the emergency room with shortness of breath and chest pains and a two-day stay in ICU. Not to worry; upon return to Olean, she bounced back, and Christmas went on as VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES scheduled. Dick’s eye problem may have subsided to a minor degree, and he only gets shots every six-to-eight weeks, where he was on a four-week schedule. Dick, as the Brits would say, “Keep your chin up” … That means, “Keep the faith, baby.” Jack and Anneliese Willard sent good wishes to all from Alexandria, as do Mike and Alice Shoemaker from Virginia Beach; Wayne and Judy LeBlang from LaQuinta, CA; Denny and Sandy Zay in Wilmington, NC; and Ray and Teri Crickenberger in Greenville, NC. I was unable to reach Don Hammond in Marietta, GA, to get an update on him and his warrior sons. Doc Mallory is still assisting a company owner in North Carolina who purchased a business from him a couple years ago. Doc is in North Carolina for a good bit of time, but Dorcas keeps the Millwood home fires burning. If you weren’t fortunate enough to get the Christmas letter from Alex and Barb Dunlap, well, it was a classic. Happily, they are still in Atlanta going on 12 years and now are dedicated C&W music fans. Alex has invested heavily in the medical services industry, since his payments to his cardiologist, dermatologist, nephrologist, orthopedist, podiatrist and pulmonary specialists hit the golden level, and he has a wing at the clinic named in his honor. Barb says Alex is stuck on singing, “I Ain’t as Good as I Once Was, but I’m as Good Once as I Ever Was.” All you guys probably know every word … I do. Bettina Graham sent a nice note concerning the reunion and how she thought that her late Lenny would have enjoyed it. And, John Olsen enjoyed the reunion. Know this, John – you would enjoy such events every five years, and we would certainly enjoy your presence. We’ve heard many of the war stories from many of the guys, but we haven’t heard yours. They might be a welcomed change. Of course, a visit to the Institute during the between years keeps one abreast of the ever-changing, ever-remaining-the-same dynamics of the “I.” I had a great conversation with resultant good news from Tom Kurkoski. Since Tom suffered a stroke just prior to the reunion, he has progressed very well. A severe speech impediment was one of the 2011-Issue 2

ills that lingered. That has been corrected very nicely, and his speech is virtually back to the old Tom we all know. He is still in therapy and sounds great. Eva Gillespie says he is still reading the booklet from the reunion, and the more he reads, the more great experiences and stories return. He is in great shape and sends his best to the class. Mike Pitt and Betty Hudgins, aka Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee, provided their latest family picture, and it very clearly shows that Tweedle Dum has added some long-needed girth and color to his cheeks. Since I have only recently had the pleasure knowing Betty, I cannot comment in her case. The two make a beautiful couple, as you can see in the photo that accompanies these notes. Joe and Mary Ann Morabit were on track to take their beautiful little granddaughter, who is 6 and one-half, to Disney World in mid December. I would bet that our fastest computers could not process data bits as fast as that young lady can talk. No, Joe and Mary Ann don’t spoil this child. Not much! George and Ginny Ax recently went to Las Vegas and made their payments on the next mega bag of dollars. They saw “Viva Elvis” and “The Beatles – Love.” George didn’t say whether or not he saw the new bridge over the Hoover Dam gorge which is awesome, to be mild in description. Jimbo and Ruth Smith were present at the Institute Society Dinner and both were in excellent shape. Their trip to the Dominican Republic where they do voluntary dental work was again a success and plans to go again next year are in the formative stages. Brother Rats hold an opening for the next golf outing in support of their efforts. George and Judy Miller are only two blocks from ocean front property as a result of the recent heavy rains that besieged Southern California. George, being ever alert to potential calamity, took the precaution to acquire some land in Arizona as a fall-back refuge. Like so many of us, the small chores of yesteryear are now projects that require planning, budgeting and worst of all, executing. Judy makes sure that George stays ahead of his work. Now, from the political front, i.e. news from Reed and Valerie Myrick. According

to them, things reported on the TV and in most papers about Arizona are by and large true. The borders are holey. People are truly furious at the administration and the suit against Arizona. Reed’s escape from the daily chatter is on the hunt for wild animals. He sprained his knee on his return trip at the bottom of a rugged mountain and in sight of the hunting lodge. No, he wasn’t carrying a prong horned sheep nor mountain cat, but the rifle was getting heavy. Jay and Sandy Jarrett are gittin’ along out in Huntington Beach. Jay is the primary caregiver to Sandy who has suffered much like Nance. Sandy does not speak but uses the computer that has voice capability. Bob and Jane Graves sent a message of love and prayer and thanks for the reunion. It was so good to have Bob and Ed Davis involved in the memorial service. Bolling and Theresa Williamson have been sweating through some severe anguish over their 3-year-old grandson who was diagnosed with lymphoma last July. Brighter days are emerging as a result of optimistic reports that after 10 rounds of chemo, they have pretty much cleaned the stuff from his system. There is one more round to go that will be administered in April. The young man is a real tiger who fights each injection or tube hook-up. Sounds like another Marine in the making! Bolling and Theresa are full of praise for the staff at the MCV Hospital and especially the pediatric nurses and doctors. All Brother Rats should keep an eye out for more of Bolling’s articles in the Review. If you missed the ones already published, go read them now. This BR can write! Here is a list of some of his work (all in the VMI Alumni Review): “A Report on VMI’s Construction and Renovation Efforts,” winter of 2005, p.25; “VMI’s Legacy in the Sea Services,” 2008-Issue 1, p.20; “You have to Play the Hand You’re Dealt,” 2009-Issue 1, p. 20; “One Came Back,” 2009-Issue 2, p.10; and the article in the front of this issue, “Courage on Omaha Beach.” There are more to come. Well, Ed Martin didn’t last long in retirement. Ed, it takes a tough man to manage retirement! An old boss called him to jump back in with a new company, so it’s back to alarm clocks and early coffee. But 63

CLASS NOTES he loves it and will just have to keep on keeping on. Not good news from Ingrid’s side. Chemo has knocked the tumors back, but they are slowly growing. We’ll pray for you, Ingrid. It was a very good year for soybeans and that meant that Vaughn and Helen Foxwell were able to get off the tractor and into the limo for trips to Texas, Delaware, France and Florida. Also, they visited Vaughn’s mom, who checks in at 99+, in Salisbury, MD. Speaking of age, Mrs. Helen scratched off number 70 but still chases Vaughn who is leading by a nose, actually two years. A Texas barbeque at Foxhaven (?) brought the entire family home for a gala celebration in July. Al and Cookie Walker were ready for the rack when I called. Al’s knees, that were injected with a material that is supposed to provide a cushion for the joint when there is no longer natural material, aren’t doing worth a s___! (Al’s words) But Al is on a high since his granddaughter is set to graduate from U of Maryland with a 4.0, and his grandson is to graduate from high school. He is also carrying a 4.0, is the best hockey player in the county and routinely bags deer whenever he wants. Atta boy! Betty Gianella says that Bob has become a CIA agent, because he looks so Latino, and we have lost so many agents in Mexico. She says, because Bob can’t. The big concern is that he may now be a double agent. He has gained three or more notches in his belt, and his cheeks look like Pablo Escobar. I’m afraid that our ole BR is into more than coffee beans. It sounds like Frank and Alice Bruce have had another good year – Alice shopping and Frank in the basement running the counterfeit machine. Yeah, Alice and her sisters, sisters-in-law, sisters-out-law and other friends made the tour of C&W studios and homesteads, wherever they are. Frank kept busy searching for another good running back for the Ravens. They are planning on moving to the country if and when they can find a place where their pet raven can caw without the police being summoned by neighbors. Since Frank doesn’t have a cell phone, doesn’t use the computer and doesn’t answer the home phone (all tough manipulations for an electrical engineer), it is extremely hard to reach him. 64

I saw Bob Clay at Bill Overman’s funeral. Lucy was not able to attend. He told me a story about Howard Moss burning his hand as he swiped the Christmas greens from the mantle after they caught fire! I must go see that fireplace and mantle. Our prayers are that Howard is OK, the house is still standing and that Susan has the place back in ship shape. Howard Moss invited me to come down for an overnight stay on the day when the tidewater BRs get together for a delicious dinner at The Broken Egg Bistro. I’ll give you a full report on the incident noted above. Bill Knowles has been the instigator of these mini reunions that are well attended. John and Lin Hilliard certainly have had a busy year traveling with friends and family. Among the numerous places visited, they ended up in Tucson, AZ, in October, for the annual Association of Air Force Missileers convention and then on to Phoenix for three days. While in Phoenix, they were joined by Carl and Barb Benner for dinner. The poodle party is alive and well. G.G. and Frances Phillips rounded up their brigade for a family picture as they celebrated the latest wedding, this one of a granddaughter. You may recall that I reported on the unique hobby that Tom Royster has, i.e. collecting Civil War vintage correspondence. From the assortment of letters, envelopes and related material, Tom has constructed and had published a book, Stories Revealed from Confederate Postal History, hardcover, 198 pages. I ordered a copy @ $65. (To obtain a copy, go to Lulu.com and search D. Thomas Royster; there you can purchase the book.) See the Alumni News, Book Announcements section in this issue for more about the book. As luck would have it, as I spoke with Phil Hamric, I told him about Tom’s book. Phil remembered that George Coulbourn had spoken about letters of the era and that his great-great-great-grandfather has passed down about life on the Chesapeake Bay. George confirmed that one original document is a pardon, four or more pages hand-written and carried on his person in worn condition. There might be others of us who have similar material you may want to make known to Tom.

Another book that is of interest to me by authors, Steve Yedinak, a Gonzaga grad, and his step-son, Alex Taylor ’10, titled, Ratline 2010 that is about the title and experiences and daily life in the Corps today. It is very interesting and describes how much things have changed and stayed the same. It is available in the VMI bookstore. Still no words from those who didn’t answer my calls. The bewitching hour is upon me; it is after five (Miller time), and I’ve run out of notes, etc. Rah Va Mil

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

Weather has been the story for the past several months. I could not believe it when we got 10 inches of snow in Virginia Beach, and it came at Christmas. January and early February have been cold but nothing like John (JC) Miller had in St. Louis or Bill Hala had in New York. Even Naples, FL, has had some very cold days and nights. Lou Grazulis, who lives in Massachusetts, is tired of shoveling, is having trouble with the ice dams on roof edges and hopes the roof doesn’t collapse. Valentine’s Day is upon us, and it is only a few weeks until our 50th Reunion. Hopefully, by the time you receive this copy of the Review, you will either be on your way to Lexington or wishing you were. I was disappointed to learn that several BRs, whom I would have loved to see, will not be with us. On the bright side, I am very pleased that we do have many BRs returning, and for some, it will be their first time. Immediately after our reunion, I plan to e-mail a “Special Edition of Class Notes” with lots of news and pictures, so when you see it, please don’t delete it. It will not be a request for money, since formal reunion fundraising activities will be over. From now on, let your conscience be your guide regarding support to VMI. Facebook has been a very good way to find people. I was very pleased to hear from Lou Anjier’s daughter, Jeanette Amels. Jeanette lives in Seattle, WA. I also hear from Bonnie Anjier. Lou Shuba and Kent Modine, along with Shuba’s VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES neighbor, Dave, ventured to the Grand the Badgetts took the train to Colorado for Women of Summer. I have read the book Canyon (Nov. 9-10). Kent said that Lou Thanksgiving and were very disappointed in and enjoyed it. How Irv’s wife, Sue, will and Dave pulled him down the South the amenities provided for this 1,732-mile be able to keep this budding writer under Kaibab Trail for seven hours. Once down, train trip. Sleepers were not available, and the control should be very interesting. Battle they camped and had a great steak dinner dining cars were not like yester-years. Christ- Haslam has a surprise. By the time you at the Phantom Ranch. The next day, they mas was home and quiet. So, for excitement, read this, Battle will be accompanied by pulled Kent up the Bright Angel Trail for Lee and Betsey had a fascinating, exciting and Frances Haslam. You read that right. 10 and one-half hours, with the last hour a exhausting visit to Egypt. Lee rode a camel As you may recall, Betty died seven real challenge. I contacted Alex Szczapa and gained five pounds. The Badgetts were years ago, and Battle insisted “he wasn’t and enjoyed our 50-year-catching-up talk. in Egypt when terrorists bombed a Coptic looking.” However, this past fall, he disAlex is retired from AT&T and lives a church, killing many, and a tour bus crash covered Frances, and it didn’t take long few miles from where he grew up. All his killed eight Americans. No less than two and to determine that life together would children are nearby, and as Alex puts it, he as many as three Egyptian security agents be better for both of them. Battle has has everything he needs right where he is. accompanied the Badgetts with weapons informed Frances (an oncology nurse Another phone call to Bob Stoy allowed barely concealed. Lee said that at times the in Asheville) that she has also married for a 30-year-catch-up. Bob has a home in Cairo streets appeared more occupied by sol- the class of ’61, and the timing of our Arlington and a cabin in Harrisonburg. He diers and police than civilians. Ray and Sally 50th will be perfect for meeting the is retired and enjoys fishing and hunting. Hanlein had a beltway BR Christmas party. family. Louis Kiger retired in 2009 and Bob’s roommate was Bob von Hellens. Those in attendance excluded the Tidewater recently went back to work half-time Bob von Hellens still lives in Phoenix, bunch, the reunion and fundraising commit- and is enjoying it. Lou and Jane traveled resigned from his former law firm, after tee, and the class agent, and in spite of that, to the Canadian Rockies and had a great 35+ years, to form his own firm, The von all had a great time. Those in attendance time. Jim and Nancy Gabbert are fine, Hellens Law Firm Ltd. Bob is still flying included Jack (JD) Miller, Carl and Becky and Jim, an only child, is caring for his gliders and finally bought a 911 Porsche Hirsch, Raine and Clara Gilbert, Spike and 94-year-old mother who insists on living after rationalizing, “If not now, when ?” Mary Callander, Bill and Jane Hill, Ray and alone. A daily visit to Mom is required, Another lost BR was Chuck Morris, and Sally Hanlein, Kenner and Nancy Rice, Hol- and therefore, reunion attendance is I finally got a response from him. Chuck mes and Jeanette Smith, John Tharrington, doubtful. Bob and Jeanne Burks had says the only Brother Rat that he sees Archie Ramirez and his companion, and, in lunch with Ron and Ann Scott in Destin, occasionally is Mike and Bev Wash when spirit only, Vitale. FL. All is well with the Scotts. Jeanne Chuck and his wife, Sue, travel to San DiLarry and Joann Respess came east to Burks has had a knee replacement and ego. Chuck and Mike were in high school see family and to Virginia Beach for News a second hip replacement. I thought together their senior year. Chuck lives in Year’s with Bill and Joyce Gibbings. On Sue and I were bionic? Bob and Sue Madison, MS, is semi retired and is very New Year’s Eve, Larry and Jerri WetEllen Reitz are busy trying to settle in active in local civil activities. sel and Sue and I joined Gibbings and their new mountain home. A bear and Tom Bradshaw continues to have his morn- Respess for dinner, and we toasted in the her cubs tried out the hot tub but their ing coffee in downtown Lexington. I know New Year. Not long after New Year’s, BR weight gave the tub problems. Bob went this because George Neofotis, the son of the Irv Wells published his first book entitled, back to Vietnam and Cambodia for two former owner of the College Inn, weeks to revisit areas he had has coffee with Tom most every so many memories of. Sue Elmorning. Do you remember the len hopes that the trip will enback room at the College Inn? courage Bob to write the book Mitch and Jennifer Kot continue he keeps talking about. Paul to teach the High Mark Successful Johnston enjoyed skiing with Business Principles class for busiFred Ayers and, in his spare ness owners in Danang, Vietnam. time, builds cabin furniture, Mitch enjoys teaching the classes; stone walls, shutters and doll a recent class photo accompanies beds. If that isn’t consumthese notes. Things are not easy in ing, he cuts wood to keep his Vietnam and both are looking forcabin in the North Carolina ward to reunion. Lee and Betsey mountains warm when he and Badgett have resumed the datDebbie spend their week a ing game again. Their calendars month there. Fred Kressierer are full of CT scans, dentist and was kind enough to visit with doctor appointment dates, as well Class of 1961: During a trip to Phantom Ranch on Nov. Ken Patrick when Ken had as an occasional trip to Colorado 13, 2010, Lou Shuba and Kent Modine hiked along the his kidney replaced. What I or New York or Egypt. This year Grand Canyon. didn’t know when I called 2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES him about Ken was that Fred has some medical problems of his own. Between dealing with blood clots and a pacemaker problem, Fred still found the time to cheer up a BR. Thanks, Fred. Since we saw Jim Miner at the August golf outing, he and Ann had a trip to the Holy Land, remodeled the kitchen and master bath, and were ready for guests in early December. Lynn and Shirley Hartford said this year has been a blur. They took a wine trip to France and Italy and another to Maui. Shirley is immersed in her not-for-profit cat sanctuary program which I hear has turned out to be more of an obligation than she bargained for. Finding homes for 600 kitties has been challenging, to say the least. Lynn continues to be very involved in their church administration and finds time to enjoy a good glass of wine. Dave and Charlotte Harbach visited the Hartford’s and enjoyed the visits to many of the local wineries. Ed and Phyllis Hollowell spent three weeks in England and had a splendid time. Ed is completing his final year as division commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary but will still continue to serve on the AIM Staff at the Coast Guard Academy. Phyllis has become very involved in painting with water color, and the pictures Sue and I have seen are very nice. Of course, Phyllis is still quilting, knitting, crocheting and taking care of Ed. Bill and Connie Nelms are busier than ever. Our “quiet” Bill is now a Richmond Tea Party activist who is “actually doing something.” Connie continues to dance and, in December, performed at a local dance gathering. John and Linda Moore took a trip to Sidney, Australia, and from there, a cruise to Bangkok, Thailand. In January, the plan was to travel to Rio de Janeiro and cruise around Cape Horn to Antarctica and deplane in Valparaiso, Chile. I guess the Moores figure Antarctica can’t be much colder than Florida has been this year. I can’t wait to hear the details of the trip. David and Edwina Thomas moved to Texas about eight months ago when David retired. They soon found out that contractors in East Texas have their own time schedule, and lots of items that would ease the move into new quarters had not been done. David and Edwina have not taken a trip “together” in a long time, so off to Ireland and Scotland they went. It was a fabulous trip. Maria Anjier had two exciting trips this past 66

year. First a river cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow. The 1,000-mile boat trip was notable for the absence of people and development. The river banks were heavily forested. From Moscow, Maria flew to Munich, Germany, where she started on her eight-day BavarianDanube un-accompanied 240-mile bicycle trip. Finding her hotels or B&Bs every night was a challenge and she got lost many times. For the remainder of her time in Europe, she visited family and friends. Should you be in Beaver Creek, you can find Maria working for Beaver Creek Security which is part of the Vail resorts. Ed and Linda Duncan ’60 always send a card at Christmas, and it is appreciated. Ed is still farming and buying livestock and certainly not retired. Ed even managed to get some of his honey-do list, like the deck and block walls for flower beds completed. Finally, the mail just came, and the Duncans will be with us at the reunion for part of the time. I talk to Don Kern every so often. Don is still working part time. Carl and Becky Hirsch are very proud of their grandsons, Trevor, 11, and Travis, 13,

Class of 1961: Above: At the Hanlein home in Annandale, Virginia, on Dec.11, 2010, for a Christmas party were, from left, Becky Hirsch, Clara Gilbert, Mary Callander, Jane Hill, Sally Hanlein, Nancy Rice and Jeanette Smith. Below: From left, front row: Raine Gilbert, Bill Hill, Carl Hirsch and Ray Hanlein. Back row: Spike Callander, J.D. Miller, Holmes Smith, Archie Ramirez, Kenner Rice and John J.C. Tharrington.

who have excelled in fencing. One may recall that grandpa Carl was a VMI fencer. The boys are rising stars in the fencing world, and who knows, they may be VMI material. In this electronic age, electronic Christmas cards are the rage and very nice. I wish I could keep them forever. We received E-cards from: Thacker, Holmes Smith, Gaylia Hudgins, Dick Stone, Ring, Maurer, Ed Hollowell, Wells, Bickford and Popp. From snail mail we heard from McDonald, Goldman, Pete Roberts, Gangemi, Alligood, Van Orden, Rishell, Myruski, McLester, Williamson, Weede, Preston, Copenhaver, L.T. Jones, W. Hoskins, Artman, Kim Wise, Wetsel, Harbach, Redd, Daniels, Grazulis, Jarvis, Keech, Fridley, Berger, Coltrane, Durrette, Cranford, Barry Smith, Coen, Orndorff, Bell, Bev Scott, E. Drescher, Fred Winiker, Fulghum, Bill Puette, Cleveland, Rutledge, Bissell, Carmichael, Tarrall, Stephenson, Len Martin, Whalen, Rice, Bella, Hirsch, Doleman, Shuba, L.C. Smith, Tom Jones, Wash, Suiter, Hannelore Garrison, Kiger, Phlegar, Hanlein, McNemar, Bryant, Lisiecki, Gabbert, Burks, Reitz, Callander, Respess, Johnston, Kressierer, Miner, Hartford, Ed Hollowell, Nelms, Floyd Roberts, Badgett, Moore, Thomas, Hartman, Maria Anjier, Duncan, and some with letters and pictures. We are deeply honored that you remembered us at this time of the year, and it is nice to know you are alive. As we all enter our seventh decade, we are vulnerable to the ravages of health problems, from cancer to heart attacks, to strokes, to knee and hip replacements, staph infections, etc. I am happy to tell you that Sue and I are still vertical and, with the help of God and good doctors, will stay that way for another decade. Others not as fortunate need you to keep them in your prayers. Jerry Eubank was in hospital with Lyme disease and has to be on an IV for a while and then oral antibiotics. Jim Berger had both knees replaced at the same time. (One at a time was bad enough.) Jim was in Kendal in Lexington for rehab and will parade with us around the courtyard at the reunion. Frankie Ring began chemotherapy the middle of December at Augusta Oncology. The treatment sounds VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES daunting, but Frankie knows that, with prayer man he became. He certainly took the honor the worship area, chapel, balcony and aisles and under God’s watchful eye, things will code to heart throughout his life.” Bill Hala’s was filled. What a tribute to a great Brother move along positively! Frankie sends a special wife, Sigrid H. Hala, passed away a few days Rat. John’s son, Jack, son-in –law John Vilthanks to all those who sent cards and made after Tom at Good Samaritan Hospital in New lani, and John’s grandson, Johnny Villani, calls. Tom Phlegar is getting stronger each spoke on wonderful remembrances. John’s day after his heart attack. His cardiac rehab is grandson, who is thinking about VMI, did an underway, and Tom will be ready for the 50th outstanding presentation. I am sure that John and play “assembly” for our class dinner. The was looking over Johnny’s shoulder and music festival at Tom’s farm is planned for smiling. John loved his grandchildren. John the fourth weekend in July 2011. It is a great did more for people and VMI than we know. show, so come on down. Buzz Bossart has I met some people that John paid for their had many ups and downs in recent months. education. Lots of VMI people attended the The doctors’ opinions vary, and Buzz’s future service, and our class was well represented. is not very clear. All he wants at this time is Dick Butler, Dick Jarvis, John Miller, to be at the reunion in the flesh and not just Larry Wetsel, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Bill in the spirit. Me, too! Andy Thacker sounds Nelms, Bill and Marci Keech, Dude and good on the phone and is still holding on. The Kathy Copenhaver, Paul Myatt, Spike Calmedication has somewhat slowed up the ALS, lander, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Booty but the future prognosis is still not good. Ken and Jane Farleigh, Harrison and Terry FridClass of 1961: Carl Hirsch’s grandsons, Trevor and Travis Sullivant, Patrick is doing much better. His new kidney ley, Jim Oliver, Bill Daniels, Bill and Joyce took part in the Austin, Texas, regionis doing great. Now, if the arthritis didn’t give Gibbings, Paul and Deborah Johnston, al fencing matches in March 2010. him trouble walking, he could suit up and help Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Russ Stone the VMI football team. Sleepy Hollowell is and daughter Jane, Lee and Betsey Badgett, coping with kidney problems and has dialysis York. Sigrid was an active outdoors person Dick and Judy Youngblood, Irv Wells, Mike several times a week. Sleepy still maintains who enjoyed skiing, sailing, cruising and and Jan Bissell, Bill Phillips, Jim and Blair a great attitude. Floyd Roberts, one of my hiking and was an avid walker. For the 1980 Bickford, and me. I also saw Howard Cobb roommates, has been dealing with cancer in Olympic Games in Lake Placid, NY, Sigrid ’62, John Mills ’63, Bolling Williamson his vertebrae, causing his spine to move out of was chosen as a hostess and also worked as a ’60, Tom Slater ’66 and a bunch of “old timalignment and induce unbearable pain. Surgery translator for German television. ers” from the ’40s and ’50s. I had the opporis out of the question, and the pain killers are Taps were played at VMI in honor of tunity to talk to Anne Woodfin just before losing their effectiveness. Floyd has registered Brother Rat John Woodfin by Col. John I turned in these notes. As expected, she is for reunion, and I pray we will see him. I talk Brodie (Hon. ’92) the VMI Band director. having difficulty coping, especially when she to him every few weeks, and like Sleepy, he On Dec. 20, several hundred people attended is alone. When friends are about, it is a little stays upbeat. the church service for John, and every seat in easier for her. I sincerely hope she will be It is very painful to be beset at reunion. There are lots of BRs by the reality that, in our 70s, who would like to see her, and too many of our BRs and Sister Ann is considering the invitation. Rats are falling. November and Finally, I was saddened to learn December 2010 were not particuthat another member of the VMI larly good months. As I reported family passed on. Ed Tolley’s’60 in my last notes, I had just learned wife, Nancy, died on Dec. 26. Ed that Tom Langdon had passed is the class agent for 1960, and I away. At Tom’s funeral, Jim Harhave always enjoyed being in his rison gave the main eulogy, and and Nancy’s company. May they Jim finished by reading a very all rest in peace. touching note from Irv Wells. As for Sue and I, we have been Brother Rats Kenny Legum, relatively quiet. Finalizing reunion Bob Polk and Bob Reitz were in plans and putting out vendor attendance. Tom’s wife, Jeri, is fires consumes more time than I very appreciative of our respect remember. Still working part-time for Tom and the outpouring of in the gun shop and attending support from classmates who Friday evening beer and cookies Class of 1961: Mitch and Jennifer Kot teach the High called and e-mailed her during at Gibbings with Larry and Jeri Mark Successful Business Principles class for business this difficult time. Jeri summed Wetsel, Charlie and Ann Stevens, owners in Danang, Vietnam. Pictured above are the it up by saying, “Tom truly loved Garland Payne and on occasion Kots, center, with the members of the 2010 class. VMI and felt that it made him the Ken and Sue Patrick, Robert and 2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES Pat Williamson, and Irv and Sue Wells. As you may recall, my daughter, Cathy, was elected to a Maryland state delegate position, and we attended the swearing-in ceremony. Yes, both parents were beaming. I still remember the first time (1973) I saw the Maryland legislators start their session. I had an office on State Circle in Annapolis, MD, which encircles the State House. A horsedrawn carriage pulled up, and several gentlemen in colonial costumes stepped out. I was informed that this was the ceremony for the commencement of the 90-day legislative session. This time, there was no horse-drawn carriage, but a Vitale was on the floor taking the oath of office. What a Country! Sue and I are off to the Feb. 14-16, 2011, Orange County National (OCN), Winter Garden, FL, golf outing with Brother Rats. The event will be reported next time, as will our 50th Reunion. That is our story for this issue. It has been very hard for me to maintain my composure when I realize that this June we will have known each other longer than most of us know our wives. I have been researching records from all sources, and as of this day, I believe there were 353who signed the book, four were drummed out and 61 reported passed away as of the preparation of these notes. On graduation day, 220 crossed the platform with 215 from our class. Please stay well, and mark your calendar now for our 55th Reunion in the fall of 2016. God bless our Brother Rats, spouses and VMI.

’62

Jerry Burnett

Since my last VMI class notes on Nov. 15, 2010, we lost BR Norton D. Smiley of Silver Spring, MD, on Dec. 30, 2010. Norton was born in Fountain Hill, PA. He attended VMI and graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. He retired after many years of service in the computer industry. He and Harriet had been married for 44 years and had five sons. (Editor’s Note: Norton Smiley’s obituary appears in the Taps section of this Review.) I received a nice note with e-mail update from Lou and Sue Ritchie. He said, “Thanks for keeping us informed of BRs’ whereabouts and activities. It brings back tons of memories.” Mike Lilge and Rosemary Hendrick sent a capsule of 2010 history. Mike visited Doug and

Scott Fielder in their new retirement home in Oneonta, NY. The weather was superior, and they were able to visit several local sites plus exercise walk in the local community. Mike and Rosemary are pretty much stay-at-home people and enjoy the fellowship at the Church of the Nazarene, dining and family activities. In my last notes, I told you that Bill Mizell had some heart issues. I am happy to report that Bill had his aortic valve replaced the second week in December 2010 and is pretty well pleased with his progress. We hope you continue to improve, Bill. Barbara Wool, wife of our deceased BR Joe, sent a super story on Joe’s bio and wishes the BRs of VMI class of 1962 a successful reunion. I received a nice note and card from Earl Severo. Thanks to Eugene and Becky Bane for updating their e-mail and hopefully sending in their bio. Thanks to a long note from Judy and Tony Curtis. They are really working hard on the VMI Class of ’62 Reunion Yearbook. Judy and Tony went to Stafford, VA, to see their oldest granddaughter graduate from high school. She will start her classes at Virginia Commonwealth School of Nursing. They continued to Williamsburg, VA, where they met Rosser and Kate Bobbitt for dinner. Kate is the interim rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chesapeake, VA. Their next stop was at The Institute to catch up on all the changes inside and out. Tony said, “None of the room furniture was the same.” They visited Joy and me in South Boston. On their way home to Florida, they stayed with Ridge and Donna Ridgely in Aiken, SC, enjoying the beautiful home Ridge had designed and fishing in his private lake. Donna is still in the Department of Energy Savannah River Site as the “environmental cleanup” assistant manager. On their way to New Orleans, they stopped by Bob and Mary Lambert’s home in Niceville, FL, and got caught up on Bob’s achievements in the Air Force, from shooting down a MIG to surviving a crash landing. Later, they flew to Kansas City to see their son, Kevin, graduate from his four-year nursing school program. They stayed with Bill and Christa Harris in Florissant, MO. In addition to Bill’s many talents, apparently he is a master carpenter. Anyway, Tony and Judy, thanks for all the hard work you both have done on the reunion yearbook. As I mentioned to you in my last notes, each reunion committee member is assigned to call seven BRs. I am happy to report that Bruce Seiling is busy making his contacts. He talked to Ralph Spaulding. Ralph and his wife of 45 years, Betty, live in Hendersonville, NC, after years in Florida. He ran his family’s lawn and

garden business until he retired. He left VMI and graduated from the University of Florida. He has sent his bio to Tony Curtis and hopefully can attend our 50th Reunion on his way to visit his daughter and her husband in Richmond. They also have another daughter and son-in-law who are attorneys living in Atlanta. Bruce has talked to John Cummings, Bob Sheldon and Carl Galanti; all are in good health. All will attend the 50th Reunion, and all have sent their bios to Tony. Carl is retired and lives four months during the winter in Englewood, FL. Bob works now and then as an engineering consultant. John is a contractor for the Joint War Fighting Center in Norfolk, VA. Bruce had spoken to Dave and Andrea Sabow in Rapid City, SD. Dave left VMI after our Rat year and broke his neck when he was 20 years old attending Georgetown University. Dave recovered well enough to go to medical school and has had a great medical career as a neurologist. He is retired but now works as a medical expert in legal cases. He most likely will not be able to attend our 50th Reunion because of difficulty he has with deteriorated spine and difficulty in traveling long distances. Bob Gesner has sent his bio. He was born and raised in Norwalk, CT, and attended VMI for two years and graduated from West Point in 1964. He retired from the U.S. Army Field Artillery after 26 years. He retired again in

Class of 1962: Fred Mangino, right, with Capt. Steve Raveia ’04 at Mangino’s 70th birthday party which was held at the Fort Monmouth Officers Club on Feb. 20, 2010. Raveia is the commander of Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Monmouth.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES during our cadetship, just as I am now, thinking 1992 as a certified financial planner. He and Michael J. Curley of the two personal losses the class of ’63 his wife, Frankie, live in Denver. Along the recently experienced. way, he obtained a master’s degree in industrial Charlie Peckham died of cancer in Alton Bay, engineering from Kansas State University. NH, on Nov. 15, 2010, as I was finishing off Dan Prall has decided to make this reunion, the last installment of the notes, and it was all I especially after talking to a couple of his could do to complete the task. His obituary is in What a winter! Isn’t it all too reminiscent of old roommates who haven’t been regulars at the Taps section of this Review. My memory of a winter 50 years ago this Jan. 20th that saw reunions and plan to be at this one. He is still Charlie was simple and straightforward – a guy us, as young third classmen, trudging through driving his stock, 3.8L twin-turbo V-6, 480 HP, who dearly loved his Cindy while at VMI and the cold, slushy and watery streets of D.C. in all-wheel drive, 3.5 sec 0-60, and top speed 193 during their 47 years of marriage, a loyal friend, tribute to our new president, John F. Kennedy? sports car. and a “good stick,” both in the USAF and the A little over two years later, we would stand Thanks for notes from Edmund Strickler airlines. He was a very successful entrepreneur with him in the Rose Garden (May 4, 1963) with suggestions about the 50th Reunion. I’ve who always managed to keep his door open to and 1,000 days later (Nov. 22, 1963), our nation also received other calls and suggestions and all visitors, maintain a smile on his face and would mourn his death in office. To say that will send more information about the 50th. treat us all to one of the most genuine laughs the life of the class of ’63 is inextricably linked Please mark your calendars for April 27-29, ever heard! His funeral was well attended and with that of one of our nation’s most beloved 2012. Binnie Peay would like to have the class ’63 well represented. His three sons paid him a presidents would be an understatement. I am for cocktails before the Friday evening dinner gracious, sincere and honest tribute as a good overwhelmed by the ambivalence of my feelthat the Alumni Association hosts for the 50th dad without bloviating, while Cindy retained ings, thinking of the events which transpired Reunion class. We will have dinner at the new her genteel composure throughLeadership Center. out the events, even attending It is always nice to receive notes a pre-departure dinner, despite from Wayne Pacine and hear of the her exhaustion with the likes of happenings at the Federal Reserve. Beaver Bevins, Missy Alden Ogle, He continues to shoot skeet/trap every Mike and Betty Smither, Fausto weekend that he is in town. Molinet, and myself. Cindy actuRosser Bobbitt sent a copy of the Physics Department newsletter ally granted us permission and wherein they had interviewed Butch participated in an “Old Yell” to Armistead, which was a very interest“Moose” in the restaurant parking ing interview. For those of you who lot, after which we voted that the do not get e-mails, I would suggest departed was hither more to be you contact the Physics Department known simply as “Charlie.” Fareand maybe get an e-mail version of well, Moose! the interview. Bob Lineweaver died in RoaThanks for all the cards, letters, enoke, VA, on Dec. 13, 2010, also mails and pictures that you send me. of cancer. Dusty Custer, his high Again, I try to forward urgent e-mails school friend, wrote to Kirk White to you. Many of you have spam filters, and said: “Robbie Lineweaver Class of 1962: Keith Block at the summit of Mt. Katahdin, and many of you have not sent me your was one of four of us who graduMaine, the northern most point of the Appalachian Trail and tallest peak in Maine. e-mail addresses or have changed your ated from Robert E. Lee High e-mail addresses. Paul Rhodes had School in Staunton and went to asked about the brick list. We have VMI. Others were Sleepy Moore, 387 BRs who matriculated. FiftyBill Crisp and myself. And we all seven BRs that we can document are graduated! After VMI, he married deceased. Tony and Judy have received his high school sweetheart who 130 bios and forwarded them to the was also in our class at Lee High. printer. Two hundred BRs did not send Sharon passed away about three in bios. Three deceased BRs left a total years ago. Robbie has been fightof nine bricks in the Brick Foundaing cancer for about four years at tion that have not been donated to a least. He had a pretty miserable deceased BR. There are a total of 200 life the last five years or so. I’ve bricks available for donation. Please been very sad about this, because e-mail me if you wish to donate any we grew up together. You’re right; of your additional bricks to the Brick every day from here on out is a Foundation or contact Patrick Webb at bonus.” (mjc: Sadly, this winter’s the VMI Foundation office. snowfall assault prevented me and I enjoy being your class agent, and others from attending his funeral I look forward to your notes. in Vinton and subsequent burial Class of 1962: Bill and Donna Fisher in July 2010 at In the Bonds and Spirit of VMI … in Staunton. His obituary is in Akaka Falls near Hilo, Hawaii. Jerry Burnett the Taps section of this Review.

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CLASS NOTES Godspeed, Bob!) Dusty also commented on their weather in Ohio: “We’re having a day almost identical to that day in D.C. 50 years ago – sunny but cold as blue blazes! I especially liked riding cramped up in the bus for hours, then topping it off with a box lunch!” I gleaned a universal message from your much appreciated Christmas cards and newsletters; we’ve finally morphed into our grandparents! The scant news of your activities was dominated by generous amounts of information about the lives and visits with the kids and grandkids. You know, that’s actually a pretty nice place to be, isn’t it? I would rather spend time with the older grandchildren or an overnight with our newest grandson than anything on earth … love it! I exchanged e-mails with Bob Byrd this week (Feb. 9th), and he said, “Hobbs and Heidi Goodwin are behind our house, ready to leave tomorrow for the Bahamas. The boat has been docked here since December and they, since late January. Lots of preparation and provisioning have been done. We had a nice dinner here with Yvonne and Tom Myers ’64 and Hobbs and Heidi. John and Judy Mills will be in Lauderdale soon for a few days, and we look forward to that. It must be cold outside of Florida!” Big Toot is ably commanded by Captain Lisa whom many of us met at their recent Maxi-mini. Bob and Mary Landon Walton tell us they “attended the Annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast in Richmond in January, where we heard comments from Virginia’s governor, attorney general, chief justice of the state supreme court, leaders of the legislature and others about the importance of their respective faiths when conducting the state’s business. There were a good number of VMI alumni in attendance, and it was nice to see a dozen or more Keydets in uniform serving as ushers during the event. It’s always great to see VMI’s physical presence at noteworthy events throughout the state.” Fred McBride writes, “I’m doing well – just got back from my latest surgery since moving to Huntsville. There have been five of them (and he enumerates … ). I’m really glad I moved here, ’cause the medical community is really super.” “Lynn is leaving today for a four-day class in Louisville,” says our resident appraiser, Charlie Straub. “This is three of four that she still needs to qualify for the big test and project she needs to become a MAI. I am recovering from a detached retina which means that I cannot see very well out of one eye. That should only last a month. This is my second one.” Randy Williams commenting on the recent release of historical material from the JFK Library says, “I just happened to look up ‘VMI’ in Wikipedia yesterday and was amazed at the amount of

information there is on the Institute. For example, I was not aware that VMI is the only school to graduate a chief of staff of the Army, a chief of staff of the Air Force and a commandant of the Marine Corps.” Dave Dibbs writes, “Life in Tampa is really good for this retired guy. I have lots of friends in the area. My two sons, daughters-in-law and four grandkids all live nearby. And of course, friends from up north often take advantage of the free rent at Chez Dibbs when they travel down this way. I’m still very active as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. I’m the voice for several kids, help with training new guardians and chair the program’s volunteer advisory council here in Hillsborough County. I’m looking forward to our ‘How can it be possible?’ 50th Reunion in 2013 but also thinking that the cadets will surely be looking at us the same way we viewed the old farts in the class of 1913 when we saw them back in 1963.” (mjc: ’Fraid so!) Kent McCraney reports from Irvington: “Nothing really exciting going on. Weather this winter has been nasty, but who’s complaining after five years in Kansas! Bob Powell and I live close to each other and attended a local chapter meeting here in Rappahannock water country. Hobbs Goodwin who also lives nearby is probably in the Caribbean for the winter. (mjc: Got that right, Kent.) Just a note regarding

the maxi-mini last Oct. … Bunny Reynolds and several others came over to our place and noticed a license plate on a nearby car. Bunny wanted to know if ‘VMI 40’ was for real. I assured him it was and that John Cowart ’40 is a fine young man at age 91. It’s amazing to look in the February Alumni Review and see there are eight alumni who are 100 or older – oldest being 105.” Responding to an e-mail from Pete Ippolito about VMI weapons, Fausto Molinet says, “Some time ago, I corresponded with the VMI museum curator and got the following list of weapons used and dates used. (mjc: Omitted here, but he lists all 15.) I have procured one each of these, except for the M14 which is selective fire. I got an M1S knockoff, semi-auto only. The 1836 Hall and the 1854 Lorenz are in poor condition, and I am restoring them. I chose an 1816 Harpers Ferry vs. the 1835/40 Springfield because of cost but recently found some information that suggests a number were sent to Harpers Ferry in the right time frame, so I may need to reconsider. Others have suggested the use of some from the Virginia Manufactory, but those are scarce and way out of my price range. I did not try to get actual VMI issued pieces just because the majority was not serialized. The more modern weapons might be identifiable from records, but actually finding one would be a daunting task. Let’s talk again. I will read the article.” (mjc: Appears to be a lot of gun collectors in the class.)

Class of 1963: At the pyramids in the Valley of Giza, Egypt, were, from left, Shun-Te Shih ’13, Brad Stallings ’13, Troy Warcewicz ’12, Gordon Ellison ’12, Hannah Granger ’11, Lucille Stratton ’12, Jennifer Sing ’12, Szu-Ning Chang ’12, Peggy Riethmiller, Dorothy and Gary Gearhart, Heba El-Shazli (parent), Kim Gragg ’13, Gabe Dongieux ’12, Suzanne and Perry Reid, and Steve Riethmiller. The Riethmillers, Gearharts and Reids traveled in Egypt with the VMI cadets and greatly enjoyed the trip.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES When I was running low on copy, Yogi Doar jumped in to help. “OK, Mike, I’ll offer up a few lines to help out. I have been meeting Harry Tatum and Leland Caldwell regularly for lunch the past several weeks, ever since Harry and Sarah have been in the process of relocating to Charlotte. Leland has been in the area for the past several years, but when Harry came here, it was the catalyst for us to try to meet regularly. It’s been great fun. Harry is still involved with the great Virginia Defense Force, even though he lives in Charlotte 50% or more of his time. He flies missions with his Cessna172 in support of the Old Dominion, and he also flies patients that need to be transported for medical care with the organization called ‘Angel Flight.’ Leland is still trying to remain somewhat employed by doing mediations. He’s been doing this for a while now, but he, like me, is finding that work is becoming harder to find these days. At one of our recent lunches, he told Harry and me that he ran into Jeffrey G. Smith ’43 at some function a number of years ago and mentioned to him that he was a member of the class of ’63. Col. (now retired General) Smith replied, ‘ … you guys hated me!’ Well, maybe we did just a little bit, but hell, we were only 22 years old back then; what did we know? Leland likes to read his notes, as well as ours, in the Review, because they are so well written. I followed his lead in the latest Review, and I have to agree that they are very well done. (No offense, Mike!) (mjc: None taken, Yogi, but you might check your tires!) I talked recently with Norm Skinrood, whom I haven’t seen or talked with since 1963. We share a mutual non-VMI friend who was best man in my wedding and was also in Norm’s. It was good to share a few words with him, and I look forward to seeing him again at the 50th. I was lucky enough to talk with Charlie Peckham and Cindy just before he died last November. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to his funeral. As with many of you, I miss talking with him. He, as well as Cindy, was very gracious and helpful to Sharon and me the past few years, and I think of him often. On March 4th, Sharon and I are taking my daughter, Ashley, her husband, John Cochran, and a work colleague and his wife up to Lexington to see a parade and share some memories. I don’t know why I never took Ashley and her brother, Brett, when they were younger; I just never got around to it. It’ll be fun showing them around. Well, hope this little bit helps you fill out your notes. Take care!” (mjc: Thanks, Yogi!) It sounds like Bunny Reynolds is having a winter meltdown. “We have had record snow here in Connecticut – more than four feet in January alone, and I’ve done nothing but shovel, plow, shovel, chip ice, plow, etc. We lost

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power in a storm a couple of weeks ago, and the timer that controls the outside Christmas lights and my flag light is still buried under more than two feet of snow, so I can’t reset it. So the lights all come on around midnight instead of sundown. Of course, the lights are also buried, so I guess it doesn’t make much difference. Other than that, nothing has happened since the Maximini; what a great event! I will try to give you a warmer report next time.” Always good to hear from Pete Ippolito “Mike, thanks for taking the time to send the photo of us marching in JFK’s inaugural parade. I remember how cold it was and the bus trip we took that morning to arrive in time for the parade. I did not think we were going to make it because of the road conditions. I do recall that we ate a meal at Fort Belvoir? Not sure of where. I also recall that I was sick with the flu after we returned to VMI. Nonetheless, I will never forget the experience. Yogi and Mike, thanks for sharing this info. I still have the photo of our class meeting with JFK in the Rose Garden. I still remember the bus ride to D.C. to march in JFK’s Inaugural Parade when we were freezing and marching at the same time. I could kick myself for not obtaining a copy of the photo taken that day. It is the photo that appears in our Bomb for 1963.” I received a short note from Phil Hickerson who says he is on the mend from a recent heart problem. He writes, “I am about 99% healed and will be moving out of the retirement community [where I lived during my rehab] and into my own apartment. I was in Lexington last month. If the gods are good to me, there is no way that I will miss the 50th. I even gave to the school this year.” (mjc: Thunder and lightning … thanks!) A sad note from John Cloe: “My urologist called while I was at Susan’s with the results of my bladder tumor removal yesterday afternoon. I have transitional cell cancer that was detected early, which means no surgery; however, I will require six weeks of chemo. I plan to start treatment the week of Feb. 14th, which will allow time for recovery before Susan and I leave for Russia May 1st. Susan and others have been with me all the way. As those who know us, we have both suffered multiple losses and share common bonds.” (mjc: Our prayers are with you both, John; Godspeed!) Betty and Mike Smither “have been enjoying decent downhill and cross-country skiing this winter, so far with good snow and weather for the most part. We continue to spend every other week with our daughter and son-in-law and our two grandsons, now nine months old. (Both have provisional appointments.) It is special for us, although we return home exhausted, only to rest up for the next round. We occasionally meet Cindy Peckham on our bi-weekly trips – always a treat. Recent newscasts of JKF’s Inaugural bring back

fond but bittersweet memories. Mike Curley is good at forwarding heads-up links sent in by BRs, including the one concerning JFK’s notes before and remarks during our Rose Garden meeting. (I have two photos of that meeting and am trying to find more and better copies.) Of course, all this is in preparation for our 50th Reunion – two, only two short years from now. Mount up! With temperatures dropping below zero at night and with fond memories of Heidi and Hobbs Goodwin’s Maxi-mini VMI ’63 reunion of last October, I’m lighting the wood fire, grabbing a bottle of my favorite adult beverage and hoping all our Brother Rats are healthy, well and warm. I hope to see all of you soon.” Pete Brunel writes, “Sorry, I don’t have anything since Hobbs Goodwin, Sleepy Moore and I went to Normandy in October.” (mjc: No story to the CA, no pictures … Pete, what were you thinking? Pictures are now on the Web site.) Re: the JFK Inaugural, “Noticed the pavement in front of the reviewing stand is totally clear of snow. Don’t remember that, but my feet wouldn’t have noticed anyway.” (mjc: Snow was cleared from the pavement and dried by flamethrowers … no kidding!) Re: VMI Rifles, “Latest issue of U.S. Martial Arms Collector had a letter about Springfield issuance of rifles to VMI. I asked the editor for more information but no specifics yet. He advises that this letter is very rare; he researches rifles at the National Archives. Was wondering if any of you history guys have ever looked into rifles used at VMI? Has anyone talked to the armory at VMI? My goal is to own a vintage VMI rifle, like an 1898 Krag or 1903 Springfield that can be verified as being used at VMI. Any insight would be appreciated. Curleyrat, anyone else that may have info?” (mjc: Volunteers?) Professor Larry James to the rescue! “You are in luck! I just happened to be on my computer when your message came through. Pam and I are enjoying the great skiing in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado again this year. Hopefully, it will last another month or so. We wish the same good skiing to all the other BRs who still do. Not for the newsletter yet: Did you get a few BRs to collect memories of the 50th anniversary of the stepoff? I have a special interest in this. I have a first cousin, once removed, who was in the class of 199x when Si Bunting became superintendant. I just met him two years ago on a genealogy trip to Virginia. I gave him a picture of his mother, my first cousin, when she visited me at VMI in 1962. She died when he was very young, and I think she willed that he was to go to VMI. Somehow, he knew that Si was my BR and that we had a stepoff while I was there. This fact elevated me to some sort of celebrity status in his thoughts, since that

CLASS NOTES was the latest occurrence of a stepoff. I told him some of the things I remembered. For example: Returning from dinner that night hearing … Bam! Bam! (Room doors slamming) Stepoff! Stepoff! Rats are out of the Ratline! Bam! Bam! We ‘marched’ around the parade ground with first class privates, yelling and screaming so that Lexington would hear us. There is a story in that also. I have thought about the experience more since I talked to my cousin and remember some more. He was excited to tell some of his BRs he knows locally in Richmond about our visit. I would like to be able to send him our memories, if we put them together. I think the time is coming soon – March, certainly April, I don’t think it was February. Rudy, our historian, (mjc: Wouldn’t that be Ted Chilcote?) would know or maybe Roger Spencer ’61, historian for his class. We were third classmen weren’t we? Let me know if anyone is working on this; maybe I could help.” (mjc: Your job for the taking, Larry.) Bob Modarelli writes, “Mike, Anne and I are in Hawaii for two weeks after four days in Vegas. This may be the longest vacation we’ve taken without a stop in the hospital. We have two new grandsons, Andrew Werner born in Virginia to Lisa and Art Werner, and Stone Modarelli born in Germany to my VMI grad, Matt Modarelli ’96, and his wife, Diane. We are looking to some sort of trip to see you all. Regards to all BRs! Bob and Anne” (mjc: Keep it up, Bob!) “All is well, and thank you so much for your kind thoughts and a swell job,” is the message from Roy Evans. “I’m gaining things back, though it’s never fast enough, with progress occurring every day. Haven’t been out, except for a couple of doctor’s appointments but will be teaching an online course (don’t have to go to campus) this spring and a full load (three classes) in the fall. Pamela has been keeping a pretty watchful eye on me, and I’m getting more active every day. I guess I was feeling pretty bulletproof and, as a result, wasn’t taking as good care of myself as I should have. She’s making sure that happens now!” (Thanks, Pamela!) This is a wonderful story of giving back from Tom Snyder: “I’ve attached a recent photo of me and Lynda taken at Iguazu Falls in Argentina, an inspiring, spectacular national park we visited after spending two weeks on a build for Habitat for Humanity in Paraguay near Asuncion, the capital. There’s no better way to get to know the people of a country than to work with them side-by-side and meet their families, even if briefly. Iguazu was featured in the Robert De Niro movie, ‘The Missions,’ produced in the 1980s and related the history of the Jesuits work/ life with the Guarani people in Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina in the 18th century. I’m sure most BRs have seen the movie, which is well worth

viewing again. Our recent Review was greatly enriched by our visit to Iguazu and to several missions in Paraguay that have been preserved as UNESCO world heritage sites. Otherwise, we are well and busy working and traveling – next, to Guatemala in March and then Africa in June; you’d want to travel, too, if you lived in Edmonton with our mountains of snow this winter. Very much appreciated the recording you sent of JFK’s talk to our class in the Rose Garden. I wasn’t there, presumably because of a ball game, and it was good to know what I’d missed, yet miss no more. Warm regards from a cold place, Tom.” (mjc: Thank you so much, Tom!) “You know, after the first six feet, it gets kinda’ boring … Merry Christmas, Tom ’n Teak Whitford.” George Lanahan: (Dec. 22nd) “Best wishes to you and your family (all Brrr-rats included, of course) … If, by chance, you’re longing for some of the white stuff, come on up to Minnesota and take some back to Virginia with you. As of today, we’ve had about 27-1/2 inches thus far in December with more to come before the New Year rolls in. Looking forward to seeing the lawn once again, come April (if we’re lucky). Meanwhile, I’ll spend my winter hunkered down in front of a warm fire in the fireplace with a good book and a hot buttered rum. Life is good!” (Feb 19th) “You want news?” asks George Lanahan. “How’s this for boring. Coldest damned winter I’ve lived through since we moved to Minnesota. So many nights/days in the ‘minuses,’ I quit countin.’ Record snowfall here in Minneapolis … over 60 inches so far, and we’re not even halfway through February. That may not seem so unusual, except there haven’t been any days (until yesterday, February 12th) that the temperature got warm enough (that would be 32 degrees F.) to melt the damned stuff. Expect we’ll see green sometime in late April. Thankfully, I’ll be leavin’ all this behind in March when we head to Maui for my son’s wedding. Hoping that when we return in April, there won’t be any more freakin’ snow days. Your winter hasn’t been an easy one either, so I hear, but if you get the hankerin’ to go cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, play outdoor ice hockey, or ice fishin,’ don’t call me ’cause I don’t do any of that stuff! From Minnesota with Love … George” Please remember that our roster, class notes and other interesting information can be found on our class Web site located at www.VMI63. net and at www.m.VMI63.net on your mobile devices. Check out our photos at www.curleyrat. myphotoalbum.com. 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 P.S. Plan now to attend our 50th Reunion in April 2013! (Dates to follow.)

’64

John R. Cavedo

It’s funny how time flies. By the time this issue is in your hands, we’ll have exactly three years until our 50th Reunion. The 45th seems like only yesterday. Mark your calendars. Also, each quarter as I prepare to submit the class notes, another two or three BRs have changed their e-mail address and sent no notification. At the height of the address book, there were 187 good e-mail addresses. Over the last three years, that number has slipped to 161. Please remember to provide updates to e-mail, phone and mailing addresses. Jan Abernathy ’67 called and wrote with a warm story regarding Dave Kaliski. He followed up by contacting Penny directly. If any of you Band Company guys want the details, let me know. It was a really long but funny story. Richard Beatty, an excellent correspondent, sent the following plus a great photo: “Karen and I have been busy as usual. Had a nice vacation in Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park. We took our granddaughter, Jennifer, with us. My youngest daughter, Susan, is expecting in May. That will be my fourth, but with our extended family, there’s almost too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to keep track.” Bill Crone told me that Ron Williams is doing as well as can be expected for someone who’s been through what he has experienced. The brain surgery has really slowed him down physically, and he spends most of his days at home when he’s not going to the doctors. He is using a walker to get around but usually requires assistance, so he won’t fall. He has hardly any feeling in his feet, so going up and down steps is a real problem. Mentally, he is doing just fine. Bill and Dyan visit Ron and Ginny as often as possible. Ginny continues to be a real stalwart and gets inhome help with Ron from her children and a paid caregiver. (Editor’s Note: After these notes were submitted and prior to press time, we received the sad news that Ron Williams had passed away. His obituary will appear in the next issue of the Review.) Nelson Trinkle was one of the few who replied about getting on the list of those wishing to be notified about future mini reunions. So, if you didn’t make a positive e-mail or phone response, there will be no more notices regarding mini reunions. Nelson is going to Arizona in March to visit his niece and her family. She is an archaeologist and geologist with the Federal Park Service and specializes in the Grand Canyon.

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CLASS NOTES Nelson has now joined the quickly expanding group getting on Facebook. He added, “As a possible note of interest, Karen and I just got back from a cruise to the Caribbean and chartered a boat in Tortola, which I captained, and cruised to Virgin Gordy and the baths, Norman Island, Willy-T’s for lunch and to Jost Van Dyke and Foxies for drinks. Then back to Tortola. Quite an all-day trip. At Foxies, we ran into a VMI Keyet Club sticker over the bar. The Institute was heard from that day. “One final note,” Nelson continued. “Ran into John Thornton at Arby’s, and we had an impromptu lunch and caught up on the latest with each other. Sounds like they are going to Don’s in March.” Lauranne Kitchen sent lots of news: “We told you we did our Thanksgiving dinner with my family over the Veteran’s Day weekend. So, we’re off to Arizona to share Thanksgiving with our friends in Tucson and their family of 15. Although we will enjoy the day, I believe this is the first year I haven’t baked a turkey. WJ’s family will be coming on the weekend before Christmas. I’ll probably get my wish to bake a turkey (and all the other food) then. Maybe I should be counting my blessings! “I have already driven WJ nuts by decorating the house for Christmas, knowing we wouldn’t be back until December. Then, as soon as we get back to Rancho Santa Fe, we have company here for a week. So, even though I jumped the gun, I feel somewhat organized. Now, if only someone would do my Christmas cards for me. If Sherrel is up for your trip to the Mexican Riviera in February, maybe you can fly out this way and stay with us a few days before you go on to Mexico. We will be home from our ski trip on the weekend before Feb. 7 (giving us a weekend to get unpacked and ready for you guys). We’ll be back from Arizona probably around Feb. 21 and available in Rancho Santa Fe from the 21st until Feb. 28th.” Don Jones continues to stay really busy and involved: “Go on the net and look up America On Wheels Museum. This is one of my major projects. We just installed a British Car Exhibit last week that officially opens on Friday. This exhibit is intermingled with a very large train display that is located throughout the museum. We also have invited the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive to join us for the second year. Last year, we did not have much time to put this all together, and we still had over 5,000 visitors in December. This time around, we have had all year to work it out and have added special events, along with the overall themes and much more publicity. We expect we will have 7,500-plus visitors to the museum this time around. “As a member of the Exhibit Committee, I

2011-Issue 2

have been able to acquire our first-ever exhibit sponsors for this exhibit. Both the Jaguar and Mini Cooper dealers are the sponsors. The museum was pleased that we were able to accomplish this. I keep telling them that all we have to do is ‘Walk and talk and tell our story.’” Bill Rodier has recently been provided a really distinct honor. He is now the Frances De Serio Chair of Strategic and Theater Intelligence at the U.S. Army War College. He e-mailed, “If anyone is passing through the college or Carlisle, look me up, and I will let you sit in my Chair. The lady who endowed the Chair in her first husband’s memory is a charming, Sweet Briar graduate. I will be teaching a class on covert action directed at strategic planners next semester. I am preparing now, since the topic has not been taught in depth at the college before.” Mary Jo Jordan wrote from Thailand over Christmas: “My son and brother played golf with Joe Chompaisal and Tony Putamanonda when we first arrived in Bangkok. They were playing in a tournament with friends on a beautiful golf course by the sea and invited Sam and Jim to join them. The rest of us walked along the beach, shopped and just enjoyed the lovely scenery. We are in Cambodia right now and have had a great time. We’ll be flying back to Bangkok to join Pongsri, Tony and Joe again. Then we’ll tour Thailand.” After returning from Thailand, Mary Jo sent the following: “I am back home in Michigan after a really fabulous time in Thailand and Cambodia. Joe and Pongsri Chompaisal were the greatest hosts and treated us like royalty. I only saw Tony Putamanonda briefly (at the golf course in Hua Hin), but that was very nice. We traveled with Joe quite a bit while in Thailand and saw a lot of the countryside. One place of interest was the new academy which has moved north of Bangkok since Joe and Tony went there. Joe showed us the VMI gazebo and plaques. It was a beautiful campus and area, and we all really enjoyed seeing it. We also visited Pongsri’s childhood home where her sister still lives. It was over 100 years old and very beautiful. There were so many highlights to the trip, but these were both very special ones. Their new home is lovely and spacious. They have a large yard where their five dogs romp and chase each other and kept us entertained. We flew back to O’Hare and the weather there was good. Anyway, we had a wonderful time and hope they can get to the U.S. at least once before the 50th Reunion (which is presently their plan). We will see them in Greece/Turkey, so that will be fun.” Walt Sykes sent a report from their recent trip: “This past October, Dick and Susan Atkinson and Karen and I were invited down to Emerald Isle, NC, to Bill and Marion Garber’s

home. There, we feasted on Marion’s home cooking and us guys played golf for two days. While we did our golf thing, the ladies did some shopping, site seeing and hit the beach for a walk. The Garbers have a beautiful home with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Dick and I tried to behave ourselves, because we were hoping to be invited back.” Ron Rogers sent in a nice letter. “It has been many years since I actually corresponded with the class agent (actually, it has been since 1967 when I took over class agent responsibilities from Pat Taylor). Shortly after graduation, I married a girl I have known since we were both 10 years old; in fact, we grew up on the same street. We have two grown children, Tracie and Kyle. Tracie has CP and still lives at home. Kyle graduated from UVa and W&M and worked as marketing director for the Virginia Lottery for about 10 years before accepting a job as executive vice president of MDI Entertainment/Scientific Games in Atlanta. “After completing my Armor officer’s basic at Fort Knox (along with Charlie Cole), I reported to the 4th Bn 68th Armor 82nd ABN Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After a little over a year with the Division, I was assigned to the G3, 18th Airborne Corps, and for about my last eight months in the service, I served as casualty officer (next of kin notification and survivor’s assistance). After three years at Fort Bragg, I left the Army as a captain and accepted a job in my hometown as a nuclear engineer for the only shipyard in the country capable of building and refueling nuclear aircraft carriers, preparing for the ‘largest and most complex nuclear reactor refueling operation ever undertaken,’ the refueling of the eight reactor aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Enterprise. When the ship actually arrived for refueling, I served as an onboard engineer in charge of the refueling operations on one reactor. Even though it takes about two or three years to refuel a carrier, the core lasts about 25 years between refuelings. After the Enterprise, I was sent to Mare Island, CA, to perform similar duties during the refueling of the U.S.S. Longbeach. Upon returning from California, I went to work in the Submarine Refueling Project as an engineering manager in charge of all technical aspects of the refueling. I worked in this capacity for a number of years and refueled about 24 nuclear powered submarines, with a couple of deactivations and several new reactor installations thrown in. Later, I was assigned as engineering manager for the third refueling of Enterprise and the defueling/deactivation of Longbeach. I was also the engineering manager for the first three refuelings of Nimitiz Class Carriers and will end my career back where I started, preparing for the defueling and deactivation of U.S.S. Enterprise.

CLASS NOTES “I would also like to share a story that happened a few years ago. On my way to work, I heard an announcement on the radio that the 60s singing group, the Lettermen, were going to perform at a local concert at Langley Air Force Base. My thought immediately turned to Dickie Butts, Don Keener and Steve Giberson ’61 who were constantly singing Lettermen songs. When I got to work, I started shoving

the papers away, looking for my Vietnam Memorial etching of Dickie’s name on the wall. As I was looking at the etching, one of my engineers brought in a new engineer for me to meet. When she said, I would like you to meet Richard Butt, I almost fell out of my chair. I had not seen Richard since a ceremony I attended at Norfolk Naval Base honoring Dickie. Although Richard did not stay with us but for a short

time, I was able to share many stories of his father with him.” Jan Rudinoff checked in to tell me that Paula’s milestone 60th birthday was in April 2010, so she got to choose all the travel adventures. They snowboarded in Nelson, British Columbia, in February; cruised to Europe in April; saw”On The Town” in Seattle in May; cruised to Alaska for the eighth or ninth time in June;

Class of 1964 Photos clockwise from top, right: - Joyce, Laura and Jim Brittingham at home in Ohio, November 2010. - Gathering at the Garbers’ Emerald Isle, North Carolina, home in October 2010 were, from left, Dick and Susan Atkinson, Walt and Karen Sykes, and Bill and Marion Garber. - From left: Mary Jo Jordan; Kendra Russell Li; the Li’s son, Aven; Li’s mother; Terry Li ’97; and Janice and Ed Seager in Thailand. - Richard Beatty with a Duesenberg at a car show in October 2010. - Sandy and Dan DeForrest with John Cavedo (far right) aboard a sightseeing boat on the Nile River, during the Egypt mini reunion.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and returned to Nelson in August. They had plans to leave Jan. 15 to go on a big adventure to Canada, Italy and France; Jan got to choose this trip. They had a wonderful Christmas with lots of family around. Paula’s parents and their sons, Jeff and Josh, and his family live on island. Daughters Sarah and Liz came from Seattle. Paula’s sister, Eve, and brother, Victor, and his wife, Lolly, flew in, too. Santa was good to everyone. Chuck and June MacDonald e-mailed: “Our holidays have been both fun and exhausting. Ann, Michael and their two dogs left yesterday after having been with us for a week. It was wonderful having them with us. Lots of time to catch up. Ann is beginning her ninth month of pregnancy. The time when you are so big that everything that you do, even sleeping, seems virtually impossible. Her due date is officially Feb. 1st, but she is hoping that Stewart will decide to come a bit early. Chuck and I are going up there on Jan. 25th, just in case. Michael will be back in grad school at night, so they will feel much better with Ann not being alone. “It was wonderful seeing Christmas through the eyes of a 5-year-old this year. Paul was so excited about everything. We feel very lucky in having him, Chad and Leigh so close to be able to share their lives first hand. I still have a difficult time realizing that he is as old as he is. Gosh, next May he will be six and then off to the first grade. How time flies.” Jack West has contacted me a couple of times in recent years. He lives in Suffolk and still works actively as a stockbroker (registered representative) for Raymond James. Until the break up of Merrill Lynch, he had worked there for 33 years. His son, Josh, also works at Raymond James (he had been with Merrill Lynch for 10 years). He really enjoys working closely with his son. They took on their new positions when he observed what he thought was a lack of integrity among some of the people he worked with/for. Jack has MS and is wheelchair bound. But when he contacts me, it’s to express concern regarding other BRs and SRs who have reported health issues. “When I read about what some are dealing with, having and dealing with, MS is a piece of cake.” In a recent e-mail, he reported, “I have two very big events in my life that reinforced my basis in what was important: my service in the Marine Corps and VMI. Even though I fiinished at ODU, I have never lost that feeling for The Institute. I promise I will attend the 50th, if some of our brilliant civil engineers can figure out a way to allow me use of those motel bathrooms. Wheelchairs are not compatible with most – even handicapped-equipped. Otherwise, I’m pretty set.”

2011-Issue 2

Pete Mazik took a bad fall a few weeks ago picking up his dog at the vet’s. He broke several bones and was laid up in his house for a long time. Only this week has he been able to get out and around. Fortunately, his son was able to come over from Norfolk and stay with him while he was bedridden. The number of injuries he sustained was really severe. We had a nice talk on the phone and reminisced about days in Vietnam and military careers and our deteriorating health associated with getting older. Bottom line is that his spirits are pretty good, considering his injuries. Again, my personal thanks to all of you sending e-mails, calling, providing photos, etc. This duty continues to be fun, made so by great participation on your part. Photos continue to be a slight problem, since some come in too small in size. The issue has several causes, from how your digital cameras are set to how your e-mails are set (to reduce photo sizes or sizes of attachments). It would be very helpful if you could recheck your camera and e-mail settings. I had to dig into some old photos for this issue. Don’t forget, in addition to letting me know what’s going on in your lives, photos are as interesting to view as the class notes are to read. Keep those cards and letters coming, so to speak.

’65

Mickey Finn

As you can see from the different address above we have downsized and our address has changed. All other means of communication remain the same. Thanks so much for your response to my request for news from those that have given me and e-mail address. For those of you who have not, keep those cards and letters coming! Johnny Jordan sent a nice note about missing our 45th but committing himself to be at the 50th. Johnny, we will see you there! Duane Conques missed the reunion due to his mothers’ death on 9/4/10. Duane and Loula send out a very nice Christmas letter that covered the marriage of daughter number four Colette, as well as the goings on of number one Danielle and her four children; number two, Camille, and her two children; number three, Nicole, was her school district “Teacher of the Year;” and number five, Caresse, is expecting her first child this February. Great letter Duane – thanks for keeping me on your mailing list! Robert Whirl sent a nice letter of regret that he was unable to make the reunion but will be there for the 50th. He has put his four daughters through college, graduate school, weddings,

etc., and enclosed a donation to our Memorial Fund. Thanks Robert, and we look forward to seeing you at the 50th Reunion! Cliff Fleet reported that 27 of our BRs were going to VMI on Fri. /Sat. for the annual ’65 mini reunion at a basket ball game. “On Friday, Feb. 11th, Donny White arranged a catered supper in the sub mess at Club Crozet and then off to the wrestling match in Cocke Hall. On Saturday after an early breakfast at old White’s Truck Stop, we have a guided tour across the “Nile” at the new practice parade fields, obstacle course and indoor rifle range; then on to Cameron Hall to watch the Running Roos take on Radford. Donny and Larry Egan and his wife have done a good job. The hotel rates are cheaper than those at our reunion.” John Hinton e-mails, “Believe it or not, old Hinton is the mayor of Murfreesboro, NC. It must be that super leadership training I received as a first class private and living with Bill Cather. There’s one truth, however, that I have verified by my tenure in politics, “It still flows downhill and up stoops.” By the way, the students here at the University have dubbed me … ‘Old Fatty, King of the Murfites.’ The football team is my honor guard. Life is good!” Editor’s note: John is the vice president for human resources at Chowan University. Phil Taylor sends good news from his iPhone: “Marshall received his new kidney on 9/2/2010 … sorry I missed the reunion. Marshall is doing great. He’s on schedule to start playing spring hockey in a few weeks … Mom, Dad and doctors are pleased with his progress. I coordinated the 3rd Annual VMI vs. Citadel hockey game to raise funds for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund was a success. Total raised in three years is over $14,000.” Prayers count, great news Phil! John Cocke reports: “My oldest grandchild, Tanner Bradley, received his Eagle Scout award. I was able to present him with a kerchief that I was awarded 50 years ago. The one of a kind kerchief had a hand painted Eagle on the back. Needless to say I am proud of his achievement. I was glad to revisit with my roommates of four years at VMI at the 45th Reunion, Chuck Hough and Ted Goodloe. We are all looking forward to the 50th!” Norman “Butch” Land should know we all care but he still says, “I doubt that anyone will be interested in this: I’m writing a book tentatively titled Michelangelo, Parrhasius and Murder: The History of a Plot. The book is a study of the history and significance of the plot of a story that Seneca, the Elder, first told around the time of Christ about the fourth century B.C. Greek painter Parrhasius. That story not only has its own history; it also inspired other similar tales, such as

CLASS NOTES one in which Michelangelo is said to have murdered one of his models. The story about Michelangelo was current for almost three centuries.” From Bob Whaley who is suffering in the Florida Keys this winter … “Not too much to report from down here in the Florida Keys. I was expecting to have Bob Morgan drop in next week. He’s been on a driving vacation down to Mississippi to visit relatives and was planning to drive on down here for a visit. But I talked to him this morning, and he now has to head back north for some ‘lawyering work’ that came up. Thinks he can come down later in February. Glad you mentioned the challenge coins. As I mentioned at the reunion, I carry one all the time. They are, if nothing else, a symbol of a select group to which you belong and a daily reminder of ties to people we don’t see often but won’t forget.” Well said, Bob! Jack Wilkerson writes, “Please accept my apology for not thanking you sooner for the outstanding job you and the committee did on the reunion! Very well done. It was great to see so many Brother Rats and to spend some time catching up with our class. Schedules did not permit us to attend all the events, but Saturday was a great day for me. Thanks once again.” Jack, the committee headed by Charlie Russell did do an outstanding job! Harry Bartosik writes: “Things are just peachy keen up here in NOVA. You may have noticed me limping at the reunion (and it was not the alcohol either). After baffling my back and pain doctors for about three or four months, they referred me to my orthopedist, and he took one look at my X-Rays and he said I needed a new left hip. That was in the middle of January and two weeks later (and getting worse/more painful by the day) I went in for surgery on the Feb. 1st. I am literally surprised that the only pain and discomfort that I have had is really minor and really just sore around the incision. I am a little leery about my mobility, even though everyone says I am doing really well. The home PT started yesterday (the 7th). Out of the 20 or so exercises only three sort of hurt and let me know it. But that is what the PT is for to get everything up and going like it was or better than before. I even hit one of the three-to-fourweek goals today and ‘walked’ the 550' down to the end of my driveway and back. So life is good and I will be back on the golf course by the end of March. “Even better news on the wife front is that her latest chemo appears to be working, and we are now going ahead with plans to attend the VMI Alumni Cruise in Italy along with Bruce Herczogh, Bill Ryan and Easley Moore in May. That should be another blast.” Thanks for the update, Harry, and I know you both will

have a great time on the cruise. Our Brother Rat, Vince Cable sent quite a long e-mail which I think is important enough for all of us to reflect on so it is presented in its entirety. Vince, thanks so much for taking the time to remind us that no matter how long we were at the “I,” it has forever altered our lives. Here is the e-mail: “I attended VMI for 1 year. I was in ‘F’ Company. Jim Rogan ’62 was the company commander and he looked and acted the part. His leadership was something that I remember today; KIA in Vietnam. With Jim as CO and Captain (now Colonel) L.L. LeWane ’50B as company TAC, it’s hard to believe I made it through that year! I joined the Virginia National Guard in ’63 and served as a traditional Guardsman for 17 years, running into a few Brother Rats along the way. My basic training company commander was Charlie Maurer (Jim Maurer’s brother). I attended OCS in ’65 and thanked VMI every day for the experience there in helping me make that work. “In 1980, I went on active duty and served for an additional 16 years, 364 days, retiring as a colonel. During my many years in the Pentagon, I ran into a lot of VMI guys. One was Col. Binney Peay ’62. He kept turning up each time with one more star! I had the opportunity to work with and for some great folks in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill. When I retired, I worked for a while on the Hill and briefly in an appointed job at the Veterans Administration. “Later, I began doing some consulting with the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. I was working a project for them when 9-11 took place. Subsequently, they were tasked to establish a Center for Homeland Defense and Security and I was lucky enough to help build that multi-faceted program. I manage the piece that provides governors, mayors and their cabinet-level subordinates with seminars focused on policy, strategic planning and organizational design for their individual states and cities. It has been very rewarding and as we now return to places for our second or third trip and see how those programs have become very successful as they matured. “In September 2009, I attended a three-day conference at the Institute. What a difference 45 years and millions of dollars make! It is a first class place. At the Friday evening parade, I reminded Gen. Peay that my last parade was at his graduation 47 years before. I think he tried to smile but it was tough. “My year at VMI is still with me, literally and figuratively. I have discovered that there are quite a few of us who have a recurring dream about the ‘I.’ Sometimes it’s good; most of the time, it is chaotic. I still have routine contact with Alex Schultes and Speed Thomas.”

Note: Vince wrote to me after his visit to VMI about the “Hall of Valor” which inspired me to make sure it was right in regard to our class. Thank you, Vince! Tom Thompson missed the reunion but offers this: “I missed our 45th and missed seeing everyone. Isolated in Smallbury, I’ve lost contact with our BRs and what’s happening at the Institute. Still working full time as a struggling ENT physician in Salisbury, NC, with Obamacare retirement for me and most physicians will be happening when we fall over in our office. My two lovely daughters have each brought Trudy and me a grandson and granddaughter. One family is in Charlotte the other in Winston-Salem. We are keeping the roads hot going north and south these days.” Tom – great to hear from you! Our third doctor for these notes, Carr Hyatt writes: “I am still practicing small animal medicine/surgery full time. No plans to cut back for two to three years to three days per week. Plan to go to VMI this weekend with Larry Egan and Joe Straub for our yearly gettogether for a game. Hope to see you as well. Thanks as always for your tireless efforts on our class’s behalf.” Carr, you are very welcome, I am proud to serve. Can you believe this story from a Ph.D.? “I hope all is well with you, and thanks for the squib! Jim Hall and I had lunch here in Annapolis recently. I did not have my coin when Jim asked me if I had brought mine. Fortunately for me, neither had he.” Thanks Dr. Stallings. Gee Dee … oh, never mind. I can hardly wait to see you again. My roomie and Company Commander Dave Thompson is now loose on the continent! “Retired at the end of August from my job with an insurance company. Traveled from South Carolina to Virginia for the reunion (great job, by the way), then to West Virginia to visit relatives, then to St. Louis where we checked out the arch, then to Branson where we spent a bunch of money on show tickets, then to Memphis where we ate barbeque saw Graceland and went to Sun Studios. Whew! Came back home and did nothing for a while, then started digging into family history (lot of interesting stuff, but no black sheep so far). Plan on going to Holland, MI, for the Tulip Festival this year, then over to Niagara Falls and back home. In October we will be back in Virginia for a high school reunion. Plans now are to take an extensive trip on Amtrak from Chicago to San Francisco, then return via Seattle to Chicago. We’ll go as long as the money and health allow or until we get swallowed up in some volunteer thingies.” And this from Floyd Taylor, “Thank you or whomever for the coin and Institute postcard

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES … thoughtful and appreciated. We have been delighted to behold F Co. travelers, conveyed by different means, who have stopped in for a visit on their way to Florida. Al Orgain arrived by air piloting his own plane, and Buddy Dalton skillfully maneuvering a large trailer; both accompanied by charming wives confident of their husband’s abilities. “Al is a practicing lawyer (for airplane stuff naturally) and Buddy a retired research chemist with the formulas still whirling around in his head just like the good old days in Ritchie’s Organic. Despite what the local authorities might say, both would be welcomed return visitors. “I have been retired for seven years from Merrill Lynch and am still trying ‘to get rich quick’ through skilled stock picking – an illusion not easily abandoned. I hear from Imre Lipping, my Estonian roommate now residing there, who advises less fortunates on voting and other activities in various places where most of us have never trod. Also on the active list is Gene

Marshall – a fishing buddy and general-purpose friend. And then there is Phil Lien ’66 (F Co) who is still easily led astray – and that’s a good thing. I think of John (Razz) Rasmussen often with clear and fond memories. Let that be said … Best to you, Mickey, and to my other Brother Rats.” Floyd, it is always a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you. We all miss John too. The great basketball weekend starts tomorrow (2/11) and from the sound of things Larry Egan has raised the bar … “This is our tour on Saturday morning after breakfast at Berky’s. It starts at 0845 hours and should take 40 to 50 minutes. The uniform for this is combat boots and jocks and the boots must be spit shined or you will be required to do the entire course. No PT attire is permitted; this is not PT on the stoops. EMT’s will be on site! Cadet Egan, LP” Here is the latest on John Hill: “Good news! It only took three and one-half weeks, but John is finally home from the hospital. His pain started to be under control towards the end of

last week, right after he completed two days of radiation, so I attribute it to that. However, it is probably a combination of a cortisone shot they gave him early on, the chemotherapy and the radiation. It is really good to see him looking a little more like himself. His PSA has also started to decline so things are moving in a positive direction.” To follow John’s progress go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ johnhill. Our prayers are with you, John. John (J.J.) O’Keefe reports: “I hated missing the reunion and hope we can have some minis before 50th. Conrad Hall and I vowed to make number 50. In the last six months or so I have run into Richard Timmons’ son and daughter-in-law at the Norfolk Y. Rich is an Army lieutenant colonel with JFCOM. Great young couple; they went to the VMI-ODU game, and I think they enjoyed it although we lost and the seats weren’t great.” J.J., we missed both you and Conrad but understood the conflicts. The

Class of 1965 Annual Basketball Weekend at VMI February 2011 Photos counterclockwise from top, left: - E Company members gathering at the new indoor rifle range were, from left, Billy Loughridge, Woodie Watkinson, Benny Dyer, Joe Straub, Granny Amos, Erwin McCumber and Cliff Fleet. - Members of the class at the new indoor rifle range were, from left, Joe Straub, Granny Amos, Al Orgain, Doug Thomas, Cliff Fleet, Bennie Dyer, Donny White, Woody Watkinson, Carr Hyatt, Marshall Henry, Billy Loughridge, Lou Siegel, Easley Moore, Richard Moring, Larry Egan, J.J. Sinclair and Erwin McCumber. - From left: Class President Lou Siegel, Joe Straub, Granny Amos and Carr Hyatt. - Al Orgain and Granny Amos trying one of the obstacles on VMI’s Obstacle Course.

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES 50th will be a Spring Reunion Weekend so it should be no problem! Byron Parker reported in from one of the warm spots of the 48: “Linda and I are in Florida visiting friends at Marathon Key. Leave today from Lauderdale for a seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise. We are with Christ Church Parrish of Saluda, VA, and looking forward to a little respite from the law office. Cliff Fleet and I compare notes on travel at Ridge 7-11 in Richmond. Tommy Mustain’s son, Wilson, graduated from Regent Law School in June and is going to Army JAG School later this year after working for us in the summer.” Thanks for the update, Byron. Lou Siegel posted this report on the annual basketball weekend: “I went to the annual February get together. Donny White is just a very nice and knowledgeable person, as we all know. It’s refreshing to get a historical background on issues when one of us asked a question. We ate a nice meal in the Sub’s Mess Friday night and Saturday morning he got the group a tour of the new obstacle course – the tour given by two knowledgeable and patient cadets. If there were any thoughts that I could do it with a little work, they are gone. That is one rough course and the answer to the question, ‘Are the female cadets given any slack,’ was, ‘No.’ The Al Orgain event of the day was when he convinced Granny Amos to get on a pair of wires, hold hands (sort of) and move down the wires (constantly increasing space between them). I got Al’s camera and took pictures as this unfolded, and folded. VMI won the basketball game, exciting to the end. I’m very glad I got to be with these nice guys – about 17 of us. Someone else has a good head count and names. “Again, thanks for the thoughtful medallion. I’ve got that shillelagh in my pocket every day. I hope you are well. I’m getting back into my yoga routine, the only thing that seems to keep the joints young(er). It’s amazing how easy it is to do something to myself that I’ve never done before – at my/our current age. Maybe I’ll move past this. Maybe that’s the definition of an optimist.” Lou, thanks so much for this report. Warren Self did not make the weekend but did offer a fine explanation: “Judy and I are sorry to have missed the ’65 basketball gathering, but we were in Georgia, where our grandson, Paul, was in his first Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Paul won every one of his races and finished first in his den and first in his pack. He had a great day, as did Judy and I. Hope you all had a splendid day at VMI.” Surprise Warren, and thanks! My roomie for all four years, John Yager reports: “Betsy and I really enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. Congrats to you and

the other organizers for a job well done! Mardi Gras is coming up. For the first time in several years the VMI band won’t be in the parade. (I did a horse). I’m still looking for an appropriate time to quaff the Straub beer I was given at the reunion. We sailed the boat to Pensacola for the Blue Angels homecoming show. Some of the prop aerobatic planes are as impressive as the jets. The navy ship coming to Mardi Gras this year is the U.S.S. Faragut, which may cause consternation in some circles.” Jon Fawley sent a short update on his outlook for retirement: “Still selling residential real estate in Richmond. I am a broker with The Gentil Company, with a particular interest in older and/or historic properties, and wouldn’t know how to retire. Our daughter is back in Florida, teaching college English and getting her theater re-established at The Orlando Performing Arts Center at Pointe Orlando.” Great to hear from you, Joe! I’m in the same boat as far as retirement – I would not know what to do with myself although I’m sure Janie has some ideas! Just a short note in closing. You guys are the greatest – cannons and all! Rah Virginia Mil, ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

Unfortunately, I again begin my notes with sad news. Our Brother Rat, Bob Woods, passed away on Dec. 13, 2010, in Anaheim Hills, CA. His death, attributed to cancer, was described as “a brief but courageous battle.” Originally from Kansas City, MO, Bob was an English major and Air Force ROTC cadet. During our cadetship, he wrestled, was 1st Battalion S-1, a DAS, and was on several publications staffs. He served in SEA in special operations duties and received a DFC and seven Air Medals. He later worked as a securities broker, rancher, corporate pilot, flight safety instructor and FAA aviation safety inspector. Appropriately, his memorial service was held in Orange County, CA, at Atlantic Aviation at John Wayne Airport. Our condolences go to Bob’s “long-time love of his life,” Patricia Noyes, and his family. Then, on Jan. 20, 2011, BR Lloyd Leech passed away in San Antonio, TX, from a heart condition brought on by multiple cancer events. Lloyd, a well-respected leader in our class, commanded 1st Battalion and served on the Honor Court during our first-class year. A history major and Army (Artillery) ROTC cadet (DMG), he also was in the Glee Club and had played football as a Rat. In Vietnam, Lloyd served with the 101st Air Assault Division and received two Bronze

Stars for valor and one for meritorious service and rose to captain. He left the Army in 1972 and became a stock broker and manager with several firms. His memorial service was held in San Antonio at the retirement facility where his parents live. Lloyd’s father (class of 1942) and brother (class of 1978) are VMI alumni, as were his grandfather (class of 1913) and great uncle (class of 1921). We extend to his wife, Rita, and their family our deep sympathies. A number of BRs attended the memorial services. Walt Walsh (Birmingham, AL) and Rob Ritchie (Sweetwater, TX) attended Lloyd’s. Craig Caldwell and John Walters attended both services. Then we received word that, on Feb. 7, 2011, Ray Cullen had died in Richmond. Ray had also suffered through a long fight with lung cancer. A history major and armor cadet, Ray will be remembered as an eternally friendly and funny Brother Rat. Our first class year, he was a lieutenant in E Company and was aptly described as “a private’s lieutenant.” He enjoyed a successful business career and was president of United Leasing Corporation in Richmond at his passing. Ray was a past president of the VMI Richmond Club and was involved in many civic and charitable groups. Our condolences go to Ann and their family. With the loss of Ed Hines in November 2010, it has been a hard four months for ’66. Each loss is felt by many and I wish I could include all of the touching comments about these men that my e-mails brought. To us they remain eternally young and strong, and free of the pains of life and duty. And memory lingers. Dave Adkins sent me a copy of an e-mail he had sent to a non-VMI friend. It began with, “It’s Monday, Dec. 6, 2:00 a.m. I can’t sleep. I have been lying awake thinking about my VMI roommate, Doug Green. Doug was killed in Vietnam Jan. 11, 1968. On Dec. 1st, I received an e-mail from a guy in Hampton, VA, asking if I knew where Doug is buried. He said they were friends in Vietnam and he wanted to visit his grave. The last line of the e-mail was a shock. It said, ‘I was there when he died.’ Doug and I were like brothers. We got in lots of trouble together and separately. Apparently Doug and the guy from Hampton were also close. In a later e-mail he said he had not been able to let himself become good friends with anyone since that day.” Dave concluded with: “The last time I saw Doug was in 1967. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and he was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC. I went down to visit for the weekend and we went cruising in his red ’66 Pontiac GTO … I found out Doug is buried in Arlington at Section 31 Site 6409. Section 31 is in front of the women’s memorial which is appropriate because Doug loved the ladies.” Doug’s Army friend, James Shamblen, was there when Doug was killed:

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “He was driving toward him for a visit when an it through the Tet Offensive and Counteroffensive vehicles for the Egyptians.” He loved Cairo but explosive under a bridge went off right under with the 101st Airborne Division. Having sur- was disabled with diabetes and now writes and his jeep. He was killed instantly. Good to know vived a number of firefights and other actions, is “having a great time doing it!” he didn’t suffer.” Coincidentally, Nick Hoskot my recollection is that it is in rather poor shape. Received a nice update from Tom Morris: “I sent a web link with information on U.S. It came back on the stretcher with me.” He also finished up my four years of state government Vietnam casualties: www.VirtualWall.org. It passed along some interesting class history: “ … service in Gov. Tim Kaine’s cabinet in January, showed Doug as a first lieutenant in Company a little known fact is that Johnnie Jumper, Jim took almost three months off between jobs (a A, 39th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Whitehurst and I were roommates all four years, first for me), and started in April as president of Brigade, and killed by hostile action (explosive including the first night. Like all of us, we were the Virginia Foundation for Independent Coldevice) on Jan. 11, 1968, in Quang Nam Provthrown into a room (eight-man) the first night. The leges (VFIC).” Tom relates that the VFIC has ince, RVN. He’s on the Vietnam Memorial Wall next day, we were counted off and ended up in a been around for 58 years, raising money and at Panel 34E, Line 028. three-man room. The three of us stayed together in coordinating programs for 15 of Virginia’s inI like to think that Ed, Bob, Lloyd, Ray and three-man rooms the entire four years. However, dependent colleges, including the University of all of our other BRs who have passed on have we don’t really know why.” Richmond and Emory & Henry College (where formed a platoon and now guard at Supreme Bill Hawfield wrote from California that he he was president). Tom continued, “I am on Headquarters. Inspections and parades, guard had breakfast with Lou Nichols in November my own living in an apartment in Richmond’s mounts, and drills – and no doubt a few penalty and that Lou “is in very good shape and is raisbeautiful Byrd Park overlooking Fountain Lake. tours at first – doesn’t sound much like provering Christmas trees in northern Virginia. He has Coming home each day is like being on vacabial heaven; but, I also like to think there’s time three accomplished daughters that are all home tion.” He also passed along some class news: “I for roommates and BRs to reminisce and to for Christmas.” Bill reported, “Life is good was introduced as a Brother Rat by Jay Adams, share time with family and friends. The poem here near L.A. Joyce and I have six grandchilwho was presented with an award for his seron the Washington Arch plaque reflects: “They dren, lots of activities. I am writing a book on vice to the organization. I also recently joined shall not grow old, as we that are left grow boards in privately owned companies. Health the George C. Marshall Foundation Board old: age shall not weary them nor the years is sound.” of Directors, which is chaired by Jay and on condemn.” Class Veep Clark Reifsnider wrote to tell which John Jumper also serves.” I’ll bet Tom Moving on to happier news, in order of us that Marion and he celebrated the Dec. 26 doesn’t know that Richmond’s Byrd Park was receipt, Wayne Gray sent an e-mail through ’66 birth of their fourth grandchild. “Colin Khalil designed by Wilford Emory Cutshaw (class VMI sports channels (meaning Cliff Martin) Reifsnider, born to William Clark and Odette of 1858), late lieutenant colonel of Confederalong with a seasonal greeting to all BRs and a Reifsnider in Greenville, SC. All are healthy.” ate artillery. In 1873 Cutshaw became the city link to a Washington Post article on the basketCoincidentally Colin’s potential Sister Rat, engineer, charged with the task of rebuilding ball team. Christiana Diane Conner, our fourth grandchild, the war-ruined city. In office for 34 years, some Cliff Crittsinger ’64 called in from the Wild arrived on Dec. 13. of his plans were still reportedly being carried and Wooly West. He’s still operating out of Gil Siegel, long among the MIA, reported out into the 1930s. He had spent almost every the Boulder and Denver, CO, area in search of in with an update. He was an Army captain, afternoon driving his carriage to construction the retirement home. He’s also continuing the a nuclear weapons officer in Istanbul, before sites to inspect and supervise. So, appropriately, process to develop the previously mentioned spending “about 10 years at Rock Island Arsethe “Holy City” was rebuilt by a VMI man over New Market Corps Legacy Award honoring nal! Fun Place!” After that he was at Savannah, three decades. the Brother Rat spirit and we wish him good Georgia, and worked for Martin Marietta, and We also heard from Nick Mager, one of fortune in his and his ’64 comrades’ efforts. “ended up at FMC in York, PA.” Gil finished at least four of our BRs to become a minisI started a new effort to contact BRs that I hadn’t with, “Spent five years in Cairo, Egypt, as a ter. Nick wrote: “I have literally been in the heard from, to catch-up and see what had been program manager building M88A1 tank recovery Presbyterian Church since baptism. After going on in their lives. George Barton VMI, I graduated from Louisville was the first to respond. I have a small Presbyterian Seminary, and then collection of 1900-30s Bomb’s, and served twice as an associate pasnoticed that his namesake had once tor, first in Clarksburg, WV, and been a VMI professor; so I asked him then Sharon, PA. Since then I have about that. He replied, “Yes, that is served as pastor/head of staff in my grandfather and his materials [in McKeesport, PA (near Pittsburgh); the VMI Archives]. Two-side notes: Salem, OH; Laurinburg, NC; and For years (including ours at VMI), have been in Youngstown since the handwritten sample of permisDecember 2002. Each one of my sion requests in our manuals was pastorates has been more challenghis writing. My father, who grew up ing than the one before. (I guess at VMI, did not attend; however, he that’s the way it should be?)” urged me to and served as president His First Presbyterian Church of of the Parents Council.” George then Youngstown, OH, was founded in related an interesting tale of military 1799. They also have a close reClass of 1966: Aboard a private plane, Roy Saunders flew service: “My modest contribution to lationship with Youngstown State from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to his home in Richmond, the archives and museum is an official University. He and Debbie are Virginia. During the flight, he had chance to photograph state storm flag, sent to me in Vietnam discussing retirement plans and the Institute from a low altitude. by Gov. Mills Godwin in 1968. I carried their large family is spread from

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CLASS NOTES Glenn Baumgartner provided a good update: fight. He rewarded my inquiry with a wonderful Detroit, MI, to Columbus, OH; King George, VA; “I’m still working and generally liking it. Good e-mail: “I don’t know if you are aware but Charlie San Diego, CA; and Haiti! Nick added, “When work, all over the world, all electronics in interestSchmaus, Nick Benjamin (Nick) Nicodemus, Granddad has to work weekends, it’s tough to ing environments. Seems there is endless work and Mike Talley came up to visit me last summer. find time to visit … We just pray that our health for people who can actually build things that work I was overwhelmed by their caring through a will hold out into retirement so we are still able to and then be willing to take them anywhere, any visit to the northern climates of Pennsylvania. We travel and baby-sit.” We all wish Nick and Debbie time. Old Army Signal Officer and AT&T training had a brief but beneficial visit. I had just started the best as they work out their future plans … has come in handy the last 25 years since ‘retirewhich hopefully will pass through Stafford headed chemo treatments again and the Lord gave me a ment.’ I’ve always loved ‘playing’ with radios, reprieve from the side effects that lasted for the to King George. now I get to do it all the time and people actually Joe Gesker, retired from the Army with a distin- two days they were here. Praise the Lord for that. guished record in war and peace andis still teaching They bought steaks and we barbequed them on pay me to go to interesting places, do it all day Advanced Placement U.S. History at Paul VI High the grill and broke bread together. We reminisced long, and teach the next generation of young enSchool in northern Virginia. He degineers and operators … I’ve been very scribed the rigorous and demanding fortunate to have had that for a number course he gives, and believe me, the of years now … Couldn’t ask for much youngsters will judge college easy more in this life and also be lucky after what he has them reading and enough to marry and still be married, to doing. He also coached their highly a good mate from ‘Southern Sem,’ for successful swimming program 42 years and 14 PCS moves. Both our for 12 years and won a number of kids are grown and gone. I’m a grandfaWashington area, Virginia and Nather twice over now and Betty is loving tional Catholic championships. Joe, being a grandmother … With no end in always amazingly humble, draws sight and no health problems, I expect on the inspiration of VMI profesto be found face-down in a jungle or sors Ty Wilson and Austin Marcus desert somewhere in the fairly distant Drum in the classroom and (gulp, future building electronic systems and gulp … you guessed it) Charlie ‘playing with radios.’” Arnold poolside. Well, I draw my VMIAA’s circulating a new draft Reginspiration from Joe and our BRs, ister, enabled me to enlarge my e-mail and I never run out of inspirational group. I’ve now got 17 e-mail address Class of 1966: Bill and Gin Edmunds visited Egypt’s material. books and a new, historical class roster 3,200-year-old Abu Simbel site, which was relocated to Art Badgett responded to my to better handle frequent changes. avoid the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the mid 1960s. sonar pinging: “Ann and I are still in Please respond quickly to my “commo Their trip was altered by the civil unrest there, and they Colorado Springs where our daughchecks.” had to leave early. They hope to return to a peaceful ter, Molly, and two granddaughters, Jim Guy’s e-mail ended with “hapEgypt. Amara and Teagan, also live, while piness is not gained by what you have, our son, Doug, lives in Denver. We but by what you do with what you arrived here in 1985 for my last Army active duty on our time together at VMI and particularly have.” What we all truly have is an unmeasured assignment at Fort Carson. I retired from the Army in our sophomore year.” Jim had three more small amount of time, and figuring out what to do with 1990 but stayed on as a federal civil servant, retiring tumors removed in November, spent three it becomes the task. I hope we all will appreciate from that in 2007. We moved into a small patio home days in ICU. He also related that an intestinal the time and spend it with those who care about community about three and one-half years ago, blockage necessitated the surgery. Afterward, us and who make our time most precious. Hope to where I’m currently the president of the Home Own- they struggled to awaken him from medicated see you on Sept. 9-10, 2011, at our 45th Reunion. ers Association [HOA] – fortunately, we only have sleep. A pulmonary surgeon was consulted and 21 homes at this time, so we all know each other and they administered a drug which caused a severe Jan Abernathy live in relative harmony with our neighbors. After reaction, respiratory arrest and convulsions. In the shooting skeet for 20+ years, the gun club at Peterson ICU, after a harrowing 15 minutes, the convulAFB closed, and I’ve subsequently traded shooting sions ceased. Jim adds, “I often criticized my wife for walking our husky, Karma, two to three times a for watching those shows on TV that depict out day, doing HOA stuff and helping our daughter with of body experiences and now the biggest critic of house maintenance. We keep in touch with Syl Zahn that possibility experienced it. In all the violence I know it is going to be a good year as I with a bi-weekly phone call. In fact, we’ll be starting and pain of what was occurring to me, I was able received 37 (yes, I went back and counted) our annual trek to Sanibel Island, FL, soon to spend to observe unemotionally the reactions of others e-mails from Barrett Graham in January. And time with Syl, his brother and wife, and hopefully as if outside my body. At moments I looked down goodness knows most of us could use a good John Fore who usually comes down from Tampa at myself going through my physical contortions year. Bob Poland ran a close second but I did during our stay. You’d think after so many years of as an observer to it all rather than as a particinot count his messages. silence that I’d have more to say, but … ” Great start, pant. Moments following what occurred I can Let me start with an explanation of sorts. I reremember thanking God for the abatement of that Art, keep in touch! ceived a message from Ron Niedermayer just struggle.” Please continue to keep Jim and other I contacted BR Jim Guy for an update. You’ll after the AR arrived last week … the February BRs struggling with serious and chronic medical recall that Jim has been struggling with various issue. He asked where his information was that problems in your prayers. cancer-related conditions and has made a valiant he sent in just before the November issue came

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES out. He figured he just missed the deadline but expected to see his news in the February issue. It was not there. I had no recollection of his message (I get hundreds of missives on my VMI e-mail but not all are class news – see my statement about Barrett above) and went to look for it in Inbox and then Sent just in case. I found that from 11/23/10 back to 5/03/08 I am missing an estimated 3500 messages not otherwise saved or filed. I suspect the e-mails are in the computer somewhere but I have no clue. Ron’s information is below but if anyone else feels they sent in news and I snubbed them … albeit accidentally … please re-send your information. It might be late but I will get it in for May inclusion. Ron Niedermayer: “I have not written you in some time about what is going on in our lives. On Jan. 1, 2010, I retired from state government. Brenda was already retired. Because of state budget shortfalls, my department offered a generous retirement package to those more senior employees who had considerable service time. Although I worked only 25 years for the state, I retired with 36-years service time, which made a considerable difference in retirement income. I thought that retirement would afford me considerable goofing off time, hobby adventures, completion of honey-do items and travel. However, that assumption was in error. Once one retires, the rest of the world thinks that you do have considerable free time, thus they find stuff to keep you busy … church endeavors, baby sitting, civic clubs, etc … Brenda and I are not exceptions, especially with 10 grandkids. In addition, I am working part-time for another state agency, 16-20 hours a week, at my leisure. I did manage to find one hobby … fixing up old cars, although I am a rank novice in this area. I

acquired two old 1973 Stingray Corvettes, one drivable and one not. The drivable one is keeper and the other is a resale once I get that fixed up. Both are money pits. I just hope that I don’t kill myself or burn down the house working on these beasts. I see Jim Tate from time to time. He works for Ameriprise as a financial planner/consultant and we needed his services as retirees. He is running all over the state and because some of his kids live in Richmond, he stops by to visit occasionally. Hope all is well with you. Ron” Tom Rhodes sent a good article about his artist sister working with the families of servicemen in the Wounded Warrior project. If you Google Painter Honors Fallen Military you will be able to see this incredible artist at work. Tom also wrote he took second place in The National Aerobatic contest this year. He sent a great Internet photo of himself sitting on his very red, white and yellow plane which the AR folks and I are trying to get in a useable format. If not in this issue we will get one for the next as Tom is working on it. I enjoyed a long chat with Ginny Keblusek. She continues her quarterly chemo treatments that are keeping her cancer in remission. Chuck is working part time. Several BRs were looking for other BRs to re-connect: John Forsyth asked for Dan Wells. (The Other Bob) Green (Texas) was looking for Ron Niedermayer. John also said, “My wife, Leslie, has cervical spinal fusion in her immediate future. She had to have a couple lumbar fusions in 2009 which have not gone well. Right now we have our daughter with us recovering from knee surgery. Dan Wells is officially retired from Coca-Cola and he and Arlene have moved to Old Fort, NC. As we approach our 45th Reunion, I have

asked Terry Moore to head up a plan to find as many lost or misplaced BRs as possible. Wayne Marshall (who was himself misplaced for years) has volunteered to assist Terry. It is time we do our best to reach out to those who are not on the ’67 active list. I am not getting any younger and there are many among our number, our ranks that I would like to see again. If a person was on our original matriculation list, we want to know about them. Maurice Andrews (Mike) checked in to say he had been somehow dropped from the e-mails: “Please add me back. I enjoy hearing about our Brother Rats even though I was only with you for a year and one-half in room 427 with David Neel, Bo Traywick, Dennis Hill and Rob Hinkel. I want to thank George Elmore for helping and encouraging me through the somewhat irritating process of getting my SS and Medicare paperwork in order. With a lost birth certificate and inability to find my DD-214 (I know exactly where it is with my folder of military records but it is not where I know it is) and to the cool efficiency of the local government offices it took me more than a year to get things mostly settled out. I suggest you start earlier than I did (three months) so it will not take you a year to get things in order. Amazingly enough the government will not send you back “SS wages” just because it takes extra time to finish your papers to their satisfaction. I get $17.00 more per month but would have to live another 950 years to make up for the thousands of dollars I did not receive while time frittered away. But for George, I suspect I would still be waiting. Randy Mueller checked in to say he was still in Texas but was soon to be heading to Eagle country Colorado. He did not say if this was a permanent change. Don and Cheryl

Class of 1967: Members of the class in North Carolina for the VMI-Gardner Webb football game on Nov. 20, 2010, were, at left, from left: John Vaughan, Kip Jones, Jan Abernathy and Gary Maxwell. Below: At the VMI Keydet picnic just prior to kick-off were, from left, Skid Garrett, Dixie Walker, Tom Coughenour, Kip Jones, Jan Abernathy, Frank Oliver, Dan Wells, Gary Maxwell, John Vaughan and J.I. Orrison, seated.

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES McMenamin spent Christmas in Shreveport, LA, with their son Major Steve ’95, (B-52 pilot instructor at Barksdale AFB) and his wife, Jeni, and her folks. Pete and Karen Wells took an anniversary trip to Hawaii. They also visited with Doug and Jane Taylor in New Jersey. Mike Holloman took early retirement from International Paper in 2006. He and Jo moved to their new home in Franklin, VA, on the Nottoway River around that time. Jo is an examiner with the National Credit Association and Mike does volunteer tutoring and some substitute teaching at the local middle school. J.I. and Brenda Orrison report that daughter Amanda has changed schools from Hofstra, NY, to Georgia Southern in Statesboro, GA. All parties are pleased with the change. Jamie and Kathy Tate sent me a note that said: “If you moved to Georgia to avoid the snow it did not work this year!” They are correct! Doug and Carol Ann Mills report that they are grandparents as their granddaughter, Reagan, was born in July. Doug and son Steve ’94, were in Yankee Stadium to watch A Rod hit his 600th home run. They also were able to attend the VMI/USMA football game. Carol Ann is retiring from teaching this year and they are looking forward to “ … a new chapter in our

lives.” A letter from Rick Brooke says he is married to Nancy; they have moved (downsized) to Warrenton, VA; they honeymooned in Dallas and have three cats between them. Rick is working for SCITOR after moving over from SAIC. Nancy does a lot of volunteer work and they met at a Salvation Army function. John Forsyth says Rick visited him in Denver on a recent business trip. Tom Gritzmacher fussed about the snow in the Valley this winter. He has a health challenge with “Speakers Cramp” or lingua dystonia. I spoke with him recently and he says he is improving with new medication. Tom and Shirley Mustard are retiring this spring to northeast Georgia (The Village at Deacon Creek) to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Frank and Margaret Oliver joined the ’67 group for the Gardner-Webb football game. Margaret had a stroke last fall just after their move and is recovering. She and Frank are like many among us … a bit slower than we would like to be. John Lee sent me a deer count for the family: Sandy 2, Barney 2, John “too damn cold to go hunting.” His son, Johnathan ’00. Academic probation sent him to JMU to finish his degree, and he is on the president’s academic list. I received a wedding announcement from Anita

Guthrie for her daughter, Anne, who married a young Lt. Sterling Anderson. Congratulations to Anita and the handsome couple. Bland would have been so proud. Brenda Ferrell checked in for herself and Jimmy with the message that the Lion’s Club needs frames for the work they do in providing free glasses for the needy. Seems they get lots of lenses but are short on frames. She said Jim’s youngest daughter was, at the moment she wrote me, at jump school and loving it. Mel Wright sent me a great story about Bill Mauldin and his “Willy & Joe” cartoon history. Mel also sent me a 2011 Hooter’s calendar that had a bunch of owl photos in it. Bert Burckard sends me lots of stuff I can’t forward. Recently he sent me some pearls of military training manual wisdom that included “ … tracers work both ways … ”and “ … if the enemy is in range, so are you … ” Ron Niedermayer asked me for Doug Mills contact information. Ron had bumped into Doug’s Rat dyke and wanted to help the two of them connect. Barry Hedquist checked in saying he feels his ability to meet and survive life’s challenges comes from the toughness he learned at VMI … my paraphrase as I could not find his exact words. George Elmore says

Class of 1967 Photo top, left: Tom Rhodes with his airplane just after he won second place in the U.S. National Aerobatics Championships in the Intermediate category. Below, right: Neil Schlussel and friend Shelli Ross spent the month of December 2010 traveling Australia and New Zealand. They toasted the sunset at Uluru Rock in Australia. Below, left: Bev and Dixie Walker during their Alaskan trip.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES he has gotten a provisional appointment for grandson Owen Michael in the class of 2033. George and Suzanne spent time with John and Mary Pasco on Christmas Eve. He also said he had recently heard from Chuck Malley. A message from Ann Marie and Tom Hancock sent great news that their Marine son is back from Indonesia (after a couple of special ops) and will start law school next fall. Peter and Mary Lou Van Note sent a great Christmas letter saying their 2010 was to have been more quiet than the 2009 three month adventures in Europe, China and Alaska and six weeks on the motorcycles through the western U.S. Peter goes on to say they started slow with four days in the motor home to the Daytona Races. 2010 took off from there with trips to Charleston, Amelia Island and the Ozark Mountains (on their small BMW 1100s) that morphed into the Natchez Trace, Great Smokey Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive that covered 3200 miles in 10 days. It goes on from there but he ends with this advice: “Do your traveling when you are younger and then savor your memories when you are no longer able to travel, walk, see, hear etc. … ” I think I have heard that somewhere before, Pete. Vance Powell has reasons to be proud of his son: “Vance III, graduated from nursing school and now may be coming to work here in my hospital in the ICU! Ray Irvine and his lovely wife, Anne, hosted another fabulous gourmet dinner for Dawn and me just prior to the Christmas holidays. It is always such a treat to do this as it is Anne’s hobby and each event is better than the last! Ray is enjoying his retirement and they’re both enjoying their one grandchild. Personally speaking, we now have four grandchildren. Two live nearby with my son and his wife and the other two, unfortunately, live in Illinois where my daughter and her husband reside. My father will be turning 104 the first of March! He just keeps plugging along like the ever ready bunny!” Fran Moore checked in from Texas: “An important cautionary story for our Brother Rats on keeping up your health. Tom Rhodes and I swim in the same club in Dallas, sometimes in the same lane. I have begun calling him Dad during the swim. One of the other men in the lane asked me, “Is he really your father?” I answered, “Yes, he is and we’re all very proud of him.” Then this fellow says, “Wow, that’s amazing that he is so active.” Everybody! Don’t let this happen to you! Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day and watch those calories! This is a true story!” Thanks F.O. I expect there will be a rebuttal from Tom in the future. Phil Cannon sent an e-mail that reviewed new signs for strokes that can be read from checking a person’s tongue. I suspect there is much

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truth in this as the Chinese had been reading tongues for medical signs for centuries. Bob Flynn sent a forwarded message explaining the origins of Sigma Nu and the rock that came from VMI and stands in front of their headquarters. Terry Moore has a photo in the class of ’58 notes. He hosted a birthday party for Ernie Edgar ’58 and included a USNA neighbor. Check the ’58 notes for a great photo of Terry and the others. When I forwarded Bill Brent’s message requesting prayers for fallen Marines I later found that they were not all Marines, not all U.S. casualties, and they did not all perish in the timeframe stated in the message. Among others who checked out the facts was Dennis Telzrow. But even though I got it wrong, a lot of prayers went out to the families of those who served us with courage and honor. Wil Plentl checked in asking for John Horner’s new address in North Carolina. Jake de Steiguer sent a note saying he and the family are going to Corvalis, OR, to watch the VMI basketball team. He said he needed to update his VMI paraphernalia so as to be recognized in the crowd as a Keydet fan. Tom Rhodes sent me a message lamenting the temperature at Super Bowl time in Texas. Jim Hayes: “I am currently living in Richmond and teaching anatomy and physiology at a ‘higher ed’ school in the area. I am so glad to be back in VA! I have retired from the pastorate (in 2007) but, of course, I have not retired from being a Christian. I have been pretty busy, but visited for a week with Dr. Kip and Judy Jones … (He was my roommate in 429.)” Earlier I mentioned Vance Powell’s Dad turning 104. Several among us are facing challenges with aging parents. John and Leslie Forsyth helped his folks move to Colorado, but they missed the Shenandoah so much they moved back. Sue Heneberger’s mom is in a home in the Richmond area. Patsy Lowry’s mom is making a move from Virginia to Idaho. Many of us have been through the difficult and sometimes heart-rending process of moving aging parents into assisted living facilities. If any need to speak with someone who has been through this, let me know and I will point you to someone who can perhaps ease your mind. I will end on a happy and personal note for the Abernathy family. Joan Hallford Abernathy has become the first Ph.D. in the family! She received official notice this morning that her coursework was complete and her dissertation was in order. Her title is Doctor of Holistic Health. Her paper was written on the toxic poisons in our homes and workplaces and their effects on our health. The notice came this morning. I am so proud of her.

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

My note about the passing of Tom Hayes in 2009 sparked some poignant remembrances of Tom. Benny Hicks wrote, “I had the pleasure of visiting Tom in his barracks at West Point when we were second classmen. Sent to play at a USMA dance with my USNA rock band, he was surprised to see me to say the least. He was so gracious. What a nice guy!” Guy Wilson wrote, “Hayes and I each had appointments to West Point that year, Drudick assumed we both would go, but I stayed and made my alternate very happy. Tom went, and I saw him at West Point when Joe Smith and I made the trip up there our first class year.” Dean Kershaw wrote, “We were Rat roommates in 411 with Bob Waldron and Terry Emerson. I last saw Tom in Vietnam in 1972 in Da Nang. His brother was a year behind us at VMI and followed Tom to West Point after his Rat year.” Ned Harris remembered, “Tom, his brother, my brother and I shared a cabin on the U.S.N.S. General Alexander Patch, a troop transport returning to the U.S. from Southampton, England, in 1961. Tom and I were in Rat chemistry lab exchanging tales when we discovered/remembered that.” Bob Waldron added an interesting note with this, “I ran into Tom only once after VMI down at Fort Benning while I was there on Viet Nam Orientation Training just prior to deployment. Tom was assigned at Fort Benning in the school I think at the time. He lived in one of those billets that had a shared kitchen with another Army officer. His suite mate was none other than Lt. William L. Calley that was associated with the My Lai massacre who was then pending trial.” Received a nice collection of notes and newsletters at the end of the year. Here’re some excerpts (heavily edited to fit into the space available). John Thrift: “Your recent Alumni Review update on Bill Todd was good news. His new home upon retirement will be, perhaps, a mile from me here at Wrightsville Beach, NC. Living at WB since spring 2010 – took me only five minutes to adjust to island time.” Howard Chapman: “I will be retiring in July after over 41 years in public service. Haven’t decided exactly what I will do. I plan to play golf and tennis and visit my grandchildren.”

CLASS NOTES Hal Switzer: “This has been a year of travel. We started out in January with our trusty Airstream trailer packed up with stuff, bicycles and our 1960 Cushman Eagle motor scooter for a seven-month trip. Went to Florida, Alabama, Texas, Arizona, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, Missouri and New York. We’re leaving in December for our winter trip … ” Rick Brothers: “We have begun our transition into retirement as Rick finished working in Richmond, IN, at the end of April. We have placed our Steamboat home on the market and moved to Sedona, AZ. We have plenty of room and invite anyone to come visit us here in the beautiful surroundings of Sedona. We are really enjoying being out of the winter snows after 30 years of living in winter seven months of the year.” Ron Stultz: “I discovered, by definition, I am not elderly. Here in northern Virginia, worst winter on record with feet of snow on ground for months and learned the meaning of gutter ice dam. Worst winter followed by stink bug infestation.” Hal Hostetler: “Brenda and I both continue to sing in our church’s senior choir. I am also enjoying six or so statewide events with our Virginia Baptist Male Chorale. I continue to enjoy playing clarinet in two groups, our church orchestra and the Tidewater Concert Band. Brenda and I play a role in the Military Officers Association of America where I have accepted a second year as the secretary and legislative representative.”

The following material was gleaned from e-mails … Dave Gibbons: “We have lived in Barnaby Woods, a small neighborhood in northwest D.C., for the past 28 years. Martha continues to be a very busy Ph.D. nurse psychotherapist in northwest D.C., specializing in loss/ grief, couples and adolescents (marthagibbons. com). Adam graduated from CU Boulder in 2008 and has had positions on the Hill (Colorado Senator Mark Udall’s staff), experience as a paralegal in Palo Alto, CA, all the while developing his own custom web design business (http://biped-design.com). One of his major clients is American Heritage Publications, as Adam is digitizing their huge archive of print to the Internet. He lives in D.C. “I continue to be active as a busy practicing pediatric urologist with Children’s National Medical Center, and am on the faculty of Georgetown and George Washington University School of Medicine. I’m director of Pediatric Urology at Georgetown University Hospital, as well as Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital. Our surgery department at Children’s was recently generously gifted $150 million, which has enabled many new clinical and research programs to develop as. Our research focus is on developing advanced ‘smart’ systems and technical innovations for minimally invasive (e.g. robotic) surgery for infants and children. Don’t really have retirement ‘in focus’ yet, but there is no rush at all there. My professional career has been quite challenging, rewarding and fulfilling and I am continuously thankful

Class of 1968: Attending a September 2010 pre-Rat Parade feast at John Crim’s home in New Market, Virginia, were, from left, front row, Dave Clark, Clay Thompson, John Byrd, Bob Crenshaw and Hal Switzer. Second row: Tom Arensdorf, Richard Wallach, Gil Piddington, Joe Petitta and Kit Tyler. Third row: Tom Hickey, Bill Cloyd, Jay Slaughter, John Griffin, Paul Simmons and John Crim. Fourth row: George Sebren, Rev Jones, Chandler Williams (behind Griffin), Bryan Barton, Billy Seargeant and Bob Walton.

for all of that, as well as my continued great health. Both Martha and I lost our fathers in 2008. When at all possible we try to spend time at our places in Santa Cruz, CA (where Martha hails from), as well as Pagosa Springs, CO. In our spare time in D.C. we try to take advantage of the arts, the great downtown restaurants, the Nationals (still a work in progress) and our boat on the Potomac River.” Bob Sagnette: “Not much contact with BRs to report, although I voraciously consume the class notes as a way of staying connected. Just finished a job working at the Data Processing Center in Essex, MD, for the 2010 U.S. Census project. I was tasked with running the Manual Check-in Dept. Of the several past jobs I’ve held, this one was by far the most fun and most rewarding from the stand point of participating in a historical event and working with a broad cross section of Americana. People had quite a lot of things to say to their government! Exiting this job probably opens the door to retirement … the adventure continues. We have an April wedding planned for daughter number one Lindsay in Jamaica, and daughter number two Mary Stewart is expecting a baby boy approximately first week in December. We are excited about the prospects of gaining another son-in-law and becoming grandparents!” Dick Wise: “Recently I had the honor of joining Kevin ‘Cadet Rear Admiral’ Henry, Johnnie (Coach) Kemper and Howie (nick name better left unsaid) Donald on their Pup Cup and Two Bellies tournament teams. I was pulled off the taxi squad as their fourth member and was extremely proud of my exalted status. The anointing did not help my game, as it was maybe a tad better than when I played with you a few years ago in Lex, i.e. it sucked! Nonetheless, the tournaments were Captain’s Choice, therefore; my incompetence was covered, mostly by the Admiral, who has survived the learning process to become halfway good, and the Coach, who’s better at bball but has his moments on the links. Howard has a decent short game and contributed his fair share. “All three of those guys are doing pretty well. The Admiral, who happens to be in the mortgage insurance business in a very fragile time is hanging tough and can be seen at the Lex CC fairly often, as he has become a member there. The Coach is very close to the Keydet bball program, as you might expect, and he claims that this year’s team has the chemistry to be something special. Great news after another disappointing gridiron season! He is very close to Reggie Williams ’08 and his family and was a participant in the halftime ceremony last September retiring Reggie’s jersey. Howard retired from the mortgage business none too soon

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and has purchased a new condo, which he has gutted and is in the process of renovating. It’s a labor of love for him. I also communicate with George Walton, Phil Lanier and Bill Welsh on a regular basis. George is doing well and is finally taking full advantage of the cottage he purchased three years ago on the Rappahannock. Rather than attend VMI football games with me, he goes to the river on weekends, relaxes and performs honey dos for his wife, Dietra. I’d say he has his priorities straight! He has two attractive daughters, Kyle, a recent UVa business graduate, who is doing quite well working for an ad firm in D.C. and Kelly, who just graduated from JMU with honors this past spring. “Saw Phil last fall in Lex. He recently purchased a house in Austin, TX, and moved there from his erstwhile home in Monroe, LA, so he and wife Becky could be closer to his children and grandchildren. BTW, he works in the plastics business in Boston and has an apartment there. Other than having some major geography problems getting back and forth between home and work he’s doing OK. As to Bill, he and his wife, Janet, have so many kids I can’t remember. One lovely daughter was graduated from Tech a couple of years ago, and he has a son at Radford. More upcoming I think. Guess he needs to keep working hard in his insurance business, which he has done quite successfully since his tour with Uncle Sam ended in the early 70s! Reflecting back a ways, I remember George, Steve Fogleman ’71, Charley Lindsey ’71 and I went to a surprise birthday party for him (his 50th) at a fire station in Loudon County. The Cloud, of course, didn’t have a clue as to what was going on, but the place was jam packed, which was a real tribute to him. To this day he has yet to meet a person that didn’t like him! As for me, well, I’m doing great. Sarah, 26, is thriving in Portland, OR; Andy, 24, was just graduated from Tech and is a diehard. Wow! Never thought that could ever happen in my family! He’s working for a local service company while awaiting the call from Uncle Sam and Ricky, 22, is somewhere around a junior at VCU. He’s moving forward slowly but surely. Then there’s the love of my life, Joyce. She keeps me straight.” Phil Lanier: “To follow BR Wise’s epistle to you –I didn’t know he could be literate, but he does surprise me at times. He is my best source of porn and good jokes. Becky and I have moved to Austin, TX, as Dickie mentioned. We are close to our son and his family, plus a quick plane trip to visit our daughter and her husband in Denver. Rather than Austin proper, we live in a little suburb called Lakeway, on Lake Travis (hence the name), located about 25 miles NE of the city. We are on the 15th fairway of one of

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four golf courses here, and we both are getting back into golf, painful as it is! Austin is a fabulous city, and we love living here.” Jim Henry: “Susan and I are acclimating ourselves to a new home and community and thoroughly enjoying Fords Colony and Williamsburg. The building experience was a good one for us. My marketing consulting efforts are winding down and I am golfing, gardening and relaxing. We hosted Room 135 BRs and wives for the W&M game in September. It was great having Leah and Jack Ferguson, Robbie and Chandler Williams and Letty and Dick Wood in our home. I have had the opportunity to see Tommy Norment, as well. He continues to serve this area very well as our state senator. Betty and Roddy Delk recently stopped by for a nice visit, and we have vowed to play some couples golf in the coming year. Roddy is enjoying his work as a Judge and, other than knee surgery on the horizon, is in great shape. I have gotten engaged with the local alumni chapter and will be the chapter rep and am currently looking forward to attending a VMIAA meeting in late January.” Wright Ellis: “This is a hoot – we’re having a reunion of our elementary school class of 1958. How many elementary school classes turned out four Brother Rats do you suppose? Me, Paul Hebert, David Avery and George Squires.” Bill Millan: “Still healthy, still working full time for the Nature Conservancy. I turn 64 on Dec. 30th but have decided that 70 is the new 50, so plan to carry on until at least that age, then retire and write novels.” Tom Boyd: “I have restored the house I grew up in, which was also the place where we were married (and Tommy Norment and Slick

Wilkinson were two of my groomsmen – they worked like dogs that day, driving attendees to their cars because so much rain had fallen that the yard was like quicksand. Its only about two and one-half hours from D.C. and once I hit route 17, I can actually feel the pressure begin to lift off my shoulders, and once there the river and the same familiar rhythms of that place and childhood friends who have lived there ever since we graduated from high school together, or have returned to the county in recent years, along with interesting new people have a soothing effect. So it’s nice to be able to go back there now and equally hard, sometimes, to return to D.C. every time. And I say that as someone who can periodically write and work from Gloucester and who continues to enjoy my practice, my clients and their issues and the political give and take of D.C. But it’s increasingly nice to be able to return to my real home again.” M.L. Buchanan: “Valerie (the wife and better half) and I are doing fine. She is still with the agency as a staffer. I have been retired since ’04 and was, until this past December, on contract to my old office. I am now retired-retired and on the public dole (Social Security) effective January of this year. I have been very busy catching up on all the house chores that I have neglected for so long. We will be remodeling all four bathrooms and re-doing the hardwood and carpets upstairs and on both stairwells … plus some outdoor landscaping when this damn snow and cold go away! I am also working on my ‘Man Cave’ and doing some wood ship modeling and ‘horning’ (powder horns). I am looking for a good place to shoot (preferably Quantico and the Issac Walton League in Chantilly). I have to maintain my skill

Class of 1968: Dick Rankin entered his boat, the Malie Kai, in the Hawaii Kai Marina Boat Parade on Dec 19, 2010. The Malie Kai came in second place. There were 43 boats in the parade. Rankin’s theme was, “Let it Snow! Let it Snow!”

CLASS NOTES set. I can still hit the steel with my Glock at 100 yards … but not as often as I used to! “I am beginning to understand the feelings of the older generations now that I stand amongst them. I am looking forward to our 45th Reunion. I hope to be there with ‘ … bells on my toes and a bone in my nose.’ I will do my best not to be the subject of another ‘I regret to inform you … ’ e-mail. Unfortunately, unlike Creigh Kelley, I no longer have the physique to fit into my blouse/coatee … tho I still have them in a closet.” Joe Petitta (in response to ML’s e-mail): “Not in a big rush (to retire). Since I took early retirement from Aetna in 1997 after 27 years, I’ve been doing consulting and expert witness work which allows me to work from my home office here in sunny Florida and take on as much or as little work as possible.” Di Johnson: “All our kids and grandkids are nearby. Most of the Jersey Rats know my mother Terry and now she is comfortable in her assisted living apartment here three miles away. With 12 years here in Kingwood, TX, Suzie and I are very settled, which is wearing on her as she likes to stir things up and travel. Biggest news is our grandson, Hunter Perry Puckett, born to our daughter Jessica on May 6th. He is a beautiful baby and very good sleeper with no fussin.’ “Some friends have asked us about the merger with Continental and United Airlines – it has basically no effect on us other than opening up more travel routes for us retirees. We did make our usual couple of extended stays at our cottage on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This year we spent more time enjoying the 110-year-old place than fixing or repairing it. We went to the Scottish Parade and Cultural Celebration in Dundee, NY, and also took in the Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. And, of course there were lots of NY wineries on our 2010 wine trail. One thing you have to do in that region area is check out the New York Wine and Culinary Center http:// nywcc.com/ in Canandaigua. We went to a wine tasting and dinner featuring Ravines Wines where we also prepared our own gourmet dinner under the tutelage of the professional chefs there. This was a terrific experience. Besides a wine tasting amphitheater, the place has a working pro-gourmet demo kitchen with 12 workstations. “I have been retired two years now – no consulting. Suzie and I get out on our new ‘Townie’ bicycles when it isn’t so hot around here. After seven years, we finally had our boathouse built with three slips and put a deck boat in the big slip. This puts a new perspective on Lake Houston, being able to cruise on it as well as looking at the water from the back windows.

Reminds me, we have about 500 white pelicans as seasonal guests – you should see them fly in echelon formation – too cool! They also amaze us with their mass feeding frenzies by swimming as close together as possible and dunking their giant bills for breakfast fishies. Again this year I got busy and restored another boat and outboard motor – a 1972 home-built eight-foot hydroplane based on Glen-L kit plans. Power is a 1951 Mercury KG-4. The first weekend in May, we took it to the Keels and Wheels Concours car and boat show at Clear Lake, TX, and it won a silver award for contemporary outboards. Last year my gold ’57 Feathercraft w/Mercury Mark 58 won best of Class in Classic Outboards. “Suzie maintains her keen love of tennis and plays at least three times a week. All three of our kids are in the local grid square – Army types will know that means close by. Jason our oldest travels extensively (watch out, now!) installing red light traffic cameras across the nation.” Dick Rankin: “All is well here in Honolulu! Playing lots of tennis and fishing as often as I can! Cynthia caught a 337 1/2 pound marlin this past summer. I was proud of her but jealous as well. My biggest ever was 308 so the wife outdoes the captain! Most recently, our boat, The Malie Kai, came in second place out of 43 boats in the annual Hawaii Kai Christmas Boat Parade. Terry Bowers: “Spent Christmas at Fairchild AFB with Matt and his family. Got to fly a KC135 simulator, see perhaps 100 Bald Eagles, and go XC-skiing. Missed our connecting flight in Dallas on the way home and got to spend New Year’s Eve at a motel by the airport.” Wayne Burton: “Well, I’ve had a busy time lately. Went to the Charleston Southern game and tail gated with the Charleston Chapter and cheered the team to victory. Just got back from VMI after visiting on Founders Day. The Rat Battalion had it all over the Old Corps when it comes to parade precision. Ran into Byran Barton and had a nice visit. The Institute looks impressive with all the new facilities. Carole and I went on to UVa for the Maryland vs. UVa game as I attended UVa for my master’s, and Carole attended Maryland after graduating from Southern Sem.” Gerald Jones: “One of the minuses of living up in Massachusetts is there are not many from our class up here, but maybe that’s an enticement. Boston is a great place to live and visit. Both our kids live in the city and love it. One is a high school science teacher and the other, married, works for a market research firm. My wife, Linda, has retired from 25 years of parenting consulting. I am still keeping the economy going for a bit longer! We did get to

Costa Rica for Steve Strickler’s daughter’s wedding in January, a wonderful time and good break from all the snow and ice we’ve had this winter.” Shake-a-leg is sounding for submittal of these notes so I’ll close. By the time these are published, Paul Hebert will have received the Jonathan Daniels award on March 30, 2011. I hope there are lots of Brother Rats there.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the great class of 1969: It is late winter in Virginia’s Tidewater region and cold breezes still meet my wife and me as we start our early morning walks. Much news needs to be reported on our illustrious class so let’s get started. Don Mercer begins this report with a thankful look back at Joe Spicer’s life and final honors. Later we get to talk sports, families and joyful events. “The Passing of a Great Brother Rat, Lt. Col. Joseph G. Spicer Jr., USA [as recorded by BR Don Mercer]: On Nov. 16, 2010, over 200 people attended the memorial service at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Virginia, for Lt. Col. Joseph G. Spicer Jr. ’69, USA. Joe succumbed to his second round with cancer on Oct. 26. He fought valiantly to defeat the latest bout, as he had done once before several years previously. However, success was not in the offing. But Joe would live just a few days past the birth of his first grandchild and was able to hold him briefly. One of Joe’s endearing qualities was perseverance in the face of adversity. On arriving at Hayfield that evening, I was pleased to see other VMI alumni and Brother Rats who had taken time from their busy schedules to attend and pay tribute to Joe. Wayne Keesee, Bob Leibecke Jr., Joe Flanz, Lou Sidney and Tom (Good-to-Me) Jeffrey were in attendance. Joe enjoyed a wonderful life with his wife, Harriet, and their two daughters, Susan and Beth. While serving our country, Joe gave new meaning to the concept of citizen soldier, as he wore the uniform of a U.S. Army officer for over 41 years. I had the honor of being commissioned that beautiful day in May 1969 with many in our class. But it would be Joe who served our country for the longest period of any, I believe. His father had been a World War II Pearl Harbor veteran and had set a great example. Joe had completed his only college application by cutting out his picture from his high school yearbook. After graduation from VMI, he completed Ranger and Airborne Schools, as well as infantry basic and advanced courses in his

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES early years as an officer. He then went on to hold note in person the new Rat players and this year’s came, Bob and helpers learned the long halls a wide variety of command and staff positions. team. BR Ralph Wright of the VMI Post Police looked really long. Bob laughed as he described His initial career of over 24 years took him to and I compared notes on this and past teams as the flotilla of wheelchairs heading down the halls Fort Carson, Colorado; Republic of Korea; Fort we waited for the games to start. BRs attending and to the restaurants and other activities. There Lewis, Washington; and the Pentagon. One of one or both games included Bunny Paulette, John was some mention of an after-hours visit to the his favorite assignments was as a Tactical Officer Sebrell (with wife Sallie and son, the brand new casino associated with good luck. “No golf or and the Assistant Commandant at VMI. He so history Ph.D., Tom), Marty and Cathy Parks and outside activities due to five inches of snow but enjoyed giving back to his alma mater through Mav Long with daughter Holland for one. While after all-day duty with senior citizens, we manthe mentorship of cadets. Immediately following visiting Lexington, I noted the new construction of aged some quality time in the new casino with a his retirement in 1993, Joe was brought back to military training fields (that look a lot like athletic little success.” active duty for an additional two and one-half fields … ) near the baseball field complex and the Webb Hatch is now officially the winningest years to join Junior ROTC Operations. While new indoor rifle range on what is now being called coach of men’s basketball at Frostburg State Joe’s awards and citations were numerous, his the South Post. I spent time in the library research- University. He tied the record in December and greatest accomplishment was yet in his future. ing our class and now have a good accounting of then watched his team win a few more in Jan. In On retiring from the Army a second time, he “who signed the book” with us and how long each late December, he brought his team to Newport was selected to become an instructor in Junior stayed at the “I.” I have reported before that Rawls News for a tournament with CNU and others. ROTC. This was to be a perfect fit, as Joe Williams and Tim Rahm had begun a study of the Drew and Carol Brantley, Tommy and Nancy had once said that it was his ‘sincere desire to degrees earned by our classmates through the years Catlett and T.O. Palmer watched the first game contribute in the development of tomorrow’s and that story is now more complete. I think it is while I joined Drew and Lee Barnes for the citizens and soldiers.’ Joe continued as a teacher safe to say a majority of BRs earned postgraduate second game. Webb did not add to his winning until just weeks prior to his death. One speaker degrees in many topics and are now making strong totals either night. that evening stated that Joe had affected over contributions to society in many ways. Did you notice all the BRs in the most recent two thousand Junior ROTC students during I am also compiling a record of deaths in our edition of the AR? Charlie Bryan and Bob Heely his tenure of over 15 years. Joe’s career was a class family. If you have any info about John shown at Founders Day; Rawls Williams playgreat example of a man obtaining an educaPierce and Jim Hayes – short time BRs, please ing golf with Reb Anderson’s cousin, Dr. Jerry tion at VMI and then dispersing all the values send it my way. I expect to publish what I have Burnett ’62; Courtney Welton seen at a Richinstilled at VMI to many young people in some on the VMI class web pages soon. mond club meeting; Bunny Paulette speaking of their most formative years. The presence of Bob and Susan Alexander had a Christmasat Scholarship Athletes’ Banquet; Judge Glenn Col. John Brodie and The Sentinels performing time adventure with several senior ladies. A Hammond helping to promote his son – again; songs throughout the service, which included nice birthday trip to the Greenbrier sounded like and Joe Lynch getting good press in his new job. ‘The Spirit,’ was eloquent. The results of Joe’s such a good idea for Bob and his family. “My Weas Chapman and Bunny were shown after impact were seen through the numerous speakers mother-in-law’s 90th birthday treat was an early playing golf in the “R Cities Challenge” with ’70 that evening, as one after another of his former December trip to the Greenbrier Resort (one members. Then Wayne Keesee had his picture in students – some now officers and others in the hour west of Lexington and a totally different the “Ride to the I” story. Sorry, Bob Leibecke, enlisted ranks – rose to honor Joe. The evening environment than VMI). She brought along you were only in the big photo! And lastly the was an impressive one; and a most fitting tribute three other 90+ senior ladies. With the help of one picture I got published showed Ward Carr was given to my roommate, Joe Spicer.” Joe was my wife, sister and brother-in-law (a Hokie), we and his “mink” friend in Frankfurt. Good work, officially buried at Arlington Cemetery on Feb. 4 managed to escort three of them in wheelchairs you photogenic guys. with full military honors. all over that gigantic place while the fourth Don Nelson asked why the Christmas card had While passing the news about Joe around, Mike ambled along.” Soon after the room assignments to include a picture of his least favorite building Harper spoke with Wayne Scholtes on Post, Mallory Hall. “Where I in Spartanburg, SC. Wayne also mis-spent my youth in the spring of worked with the JROTC troops ’67 enduring that dreadful six-hour and understood Joe’s career very physics course! I make my living well. Wayne is now retired and busy now – yes, using physics, statistics caring for aging parents and famand chemistry. Who knew?” It is a ily members. Mike spoke briefly of sad story many of us tell. his son’s fourth reunion of his IED Christmas greetings came from injury. Friends gather to celebrate many BRs: Doug Marks keeps with a shot of something on Chris’ us entertained with his ramblings momentous day. All of us owe such on the Pop’s Shop web site; Lloyd warriors a debt of gratitude. and Debbie McGrady have moved Winter is basketball season and west to Albuquerque, NM, for a the Running ’Roos of VMI have new opportunity with SAIC; Eileen been playing their up-tempo game Nohava from Florida sent a very again this year. Jimmy Long has newsy update on her family and the Class of 1969: At Lt. Col. Spicer’s memorial service on terrific seats right behind the visitscholarship she started in memory of Nov. 16, 2010, were VMI Band Director Col. John A. ing team’s bench and does not miss Corville; Bobby and Elizabeth Watts Brodie, far right, and The Sentinels, from left, Cadets too many opportunities to make his sent a card with his extended family Richard Lee ‘11, Sarah Hoover ‘13, Aquisi Harris ‘11 and loyalties known. I made it over to a and new grandbaby; John Edenfield Kevin Kyle ‘13. couple of January games and got to sent a card [but forgot to include his

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CLASS NOTES son-in-law; Mike and Mary Giles in Somerville area last comment pointed out what we already knew: annual letter!]; Harold and Jane Fleischer found of Boston; and John and Marie Mitchell of Chapel Reb is a great doctor and has been recognized for the brightest red paper for their card I have seen Hill where Marie will never be able to retire and lose the fourth year as one of “the Texas Super Docs” recently; Tom and Elizabeth Jones sent photos her basketball seat privileges. nominated by his peers. – of the group of us in Lexington at the Institute Bob Flowers responded to my question about Just a little west of Reb lives another of our Society Dinner and of a football touchdown his new company: “I work for ARCADIS, famous doctors, newly retired David Couch, in during past season; Rick and Mary Ann Snow’s a global company that does environmental Tucson, AZ. In a newsy e-mail Dave told of his daughter married a German young man and then restoration and designs, manages and constructs retirement after 30 years of pathology practice agreed to keep “her name” as their family name water resource projects around the world. The and celebration of his 40th anniversary on the (!) [guess that means Rick now has three sons new hurricane protection in New Orleans was same day. Dave and Darlene have three sons (all with his last name]; Gordon and Pat Bailey sent designed and managed by our firm. Flood and University of Arizona grads) and now a total of pictures of the International Crane Foundation coastal protection as in the Netherlands and five grandchildren. in Wisconsin, and a lot of other places they fresh water projects in a number of developing Courtenay and Ellen Welton sent a post card visited last year; Mike and Leigh Harper talked countries are also executed by ARCADIS. It’s a (yes, they still do exist) from Khiva, Uzbekistan, of his interesting travels this past year: Beijing, great place to work.” and said they were on the way to Samarkand, Nairobi, Paris and – closer to home – Nashville; Donnie Ross of Keydet Club came to Virginia Tashkent and Istanbul before returning home. Tommy and Becky Hudson used another of Beach for meetings and met with some of ’69’s Mike Harper and Paul Curs might have some his paintings for their card [the Bomber is an finest. Lee Barnes, Gary Mackey and John competition here for most exotic places visited in accomplished artist!]; Mel and Kathy Adams’ the past year. card had a snow scene, of course – just typical Sebrell met with Donnie for lunch on Feb. 4 I am still looking for help in keeping up with the of their Vermont neighborhood for months this and discussed VMI sports from a scholarship Linked In network for social networking. Anyone time of year; and Spunky Butler really is retired perspective. looking for an interesting new job as class web and appears to enjoy it. Mel added a note later Rudy Segaar checked in to say he had played master? I have selected the Linked In process vice in February that he retired from all government Scrooge’s nephew Fred in Dickens’ “A Christmas Facebook and can use some help in keeping up work last spring, started substitute teaching and Carol” in early December. The “very off-Broadwith our BRs and their families. tutoring and is now ready for fly fishing and golf. way” production apparently was small town in I have to stop here and say thank you to all who Larry Riegner checked in from Florida; L.R. and scope but big time in fun. He even got to march in sent a donation to any of the three Annual Giving Barbara Williams sent word of a growing family costume in the Little Washington, VA, Christmas funds during the first half of the year. The Alumni of grandkids and showed pictures of the two of parade – with tractors, farm animals and lots of Association goals are for 30% of grads to make them in beautiful places around America; Glenn scouts. Boy, some guys have all the luck! gifts during any given fiscal year. I hope we can and Elizabeth Hammond talked about submitting Dr. W.C. (Rebel) Anderson III, of New Braundo a little better than that. Join the team in some the “standard AF form for a grandchild” [no pres- fels, TX, checked in with a perfectly good reason way before the end of June. sure there, son Barry. All in good time.]; Dr. Frank for not attending our reunion last year: two wedIn the Spirit, Walt Novakowski said hello; Fred and Claudia Downey dings spaced around the date for our gathering. spent time over the holidays with their two daughters He mentioned his dermatology practice near San and five grandchildren; Joe and Jenny Howard Antonio and the fact his younger son, John Henry, Warren Grasty wrote that Joe is in his 36th year at Los Alamos was finishing his residency (also in dermatology) National Laboratory; and Tom and Karen Buckner and will then join him in 2012. Reb and Carol’s sent a newsy letter and picture of their kids and one older son, Thomas, is a Ph.D. mechanical engineer grandchild. I read that their daughter, Susan, was in working for Exxon in Houston. Daughter Erin business school at Stanford and at that time on a trip combines medical research for Abbott Labs with And now for a thought that is sure to brighten to the Far East. I quickly noted my newest family caring for her daughter (their first grandchild). His your day: the soon-to-graduate class member-to-be was on the same trip of 2011 is as close to us in time as and in the same class. My nephew we were to the class of 1929. With will marry one of Susan’s classmates nowhere to go but up from here … this coming summer. Small world Herb Braun sent in indisputable … again. video evidence of Peel Dillard’s Paul and Marsha Kowalski have annual Mill Farm Oyster Roast held moved to the big city of Lexington, on Dec. 6th. Among those caught in KY, recently; while Larry and Kathaction were Tom Cooke, Ralph Coserine Brydon celebrated with photos ten and Bill O’Connor. The menu of them with two older pups and included oysters fixed three ways, their son, Mac, and daughter-in-law along with rockfish, shrimp and Jane in the neighbor’s Jaguar. Mac quail and plenty of libations. Being is the voice in ESPN Radio ads for a truly manly event, no vegetables his parents’ jewelry store. Lastly I were served. Any bets on how many heard from Peyton and Gail Brown oysters were left over? in Lynchburg; Sam Hoffman in John Flemming attended the VMI/ Goochland, VA; Wayne Keesee ODU football game in November up north in Somers, CT; Don and Class of 1969: David Couch with his wife, Darlene, and with a friend who graduated from Noreen Mercer of Virginia Beach – five grandchildren in Tucson, Arizona. ODU. They sat in the Monarchs’ showing off their daughters and new

’70

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES section and said the fans were very respectin his sixth year heading up the Manufacturing horses, dogs and chickens in Booksville, ME, ful of his VMI hat, and he even received mild Extension Partnership of Mississippi, which near Acadia. Luckily, they both like snow, since applause from some of the VMI fans nearby. was designated the top such organization in the that is what they get for about half of the year. (John always liked living on the edge.) As they U.S. based upon the economic benefits provided Tony used the old standby “we couldn’t get a are now both retired, John and Carole recently to clients. Liz is in her second year at the barn sitter” excuse for not making it to reunion joined the Chesapeake Gideon’s Camp, which Central Mississippi Medical Center’s Podiatric but promises to make it down (i.e., South) for distributes Bibles to hotels, motels, hospitals, & Surgical Center, which she founded. Their our 45th. nursing homes, jails and other appropriate “spare” time is pretty much spent keeping up Speaking of the South, Julian Smith did places in the area. It didn’t take long before with four-year-old son, J.J. a virtual e-mail reconnect via Donna from their talents were recognized, with Carole being Bob Grossman and I exchanged pleasantries Birmingham, AL, which was pretty lame, since elected auxiliary chaplain and John elected via e-mail over Christmas. Bob recently retired, JuJu has been retired for several years from webmaster and membership chairman. He and he and Tari are enjoying life in Ventura, Alabama Power Company but Donna still plugs is flying to Tampa, FL, this week to present CA, with their 13-year-old son. I had the sad away there. In any case, son Houston, wife several papers at the International Business task of informing Bob that he, in fact, was not Stephanie and their three children, ages 6, 4 and Conference sponsored by Saint Leo University the winner of the class of ’70 Strom Thurman 2, also live in Birmingham, where Houston is and looks forward to seeing many BRs at the award. That honor goes to Jay Tice. an attorney with Balch Bingham. Donna also Keydet Club Leadership Golf Outing in LexingBob’s fellow Californian and former roomreports that her brother, Andy Dearman ’75, ton this June. mate, Dave Lawrence, dropped a line from recently retired from Southern Company as John’s former roomie and recently retired Mike Lancaster, CA, relating that he and Pam kicked chief transmission officer and is catching up on Hannum sent a nice note about the article on off 2010 with a family cruise that included Acasome long overdue fishing and hunting. Cy Dolph’s recognition in the 2010 edition of pulco and the Panama Canal. Older son Brian, It was a pleasure reconnecting through e-mail Virginia Super Lawyers that appeared in the a senior at Arizona State University, went on a over the past several months with other long previous Alumni Review. Speaking of whom, Cy six-week mission trip to China during the sumlost BRs, including Cliff Brooks from St. and I had a very nice phone conversation last week mer and somewhere along the line got engaged. Cloud, FL; George Flinn from Jackson, MS; between client meetings (unfortunately, they were Younger son Greg is a freshman at San Franand Russ Quay from Cookesville, TN. Russ, his clients, not mine). From the I-Didn’t-Know- cisco State with an eye on becoming a biologist. who attended Hargrave Military Academy with That Department, Cy has been refereeing rowing Pam stays busy with women’s ministry work A.C. Arnn, says he usually takes in a football events throughout the state for years at the club, and taking care of her mother, while Dave is be- game with Paul Bouis ’67 every year but wasn’t high school and collegiate levels. Who knew? ginning to ponder retirement from the company able to do so this past fall. So if any of you guys Anyway, he and Mary are expecting their first he has been with the past 15 years. aren’t on the BR e-mail list and want to be, grandchild this summer in Laredo, TX, where Mark Albright tagged me in while he and send me an e-mail at ClassAgent1970@aol.com their daughter works at Texas A&M Interna- Sandy were visiting their daughter, Sloane, and so you can stay in the loop between Alumni tional University. One son lives in Charlottesville, son, Gregg, over the holidays in New Jersey. Review issues. where he and his wife earned Ph.D.’s in physics, Christmas greetings also came wafting in from Paul Dickinson sent a note from Richmond and their youngest son recently graduated from Tony and Pam Rolfe in Down East, Maine. saying that his daughter and her family have William & Mary with a degree in biology and (Note: I don’t know who started this down East just moved to Knoxville, TN, where son-in-law is currently working on an engineering degree. stuff, but I’m pretty sure that South is down, Derek has taken a new job. Lee Moon also All in all, a pretty intelligent bunch. Cy bumps East is to the right.) In any case, the Rolfes checked in from Jacksonville and invites any into Taze Taylor on occasion, as their offices are appear to be living the good life raising draft BRs to stop by and visit him and Connie when close by in Norfolk. He also keeps in the area. Leads on potential tabs on Chis Chiswell, which generUNF athletic recruits will also be ally brings back memories from the much appreciated. good old days of slinking into the I am happy to report that Phil Red Front store to discretely acquire Jornlin returned unscathed from bottles of Double Barrel “wine.” The his assignment in the Balkans and mind boggles, not to mention the is now at the Baghdad Embassy as stomach. senior site security manager for the Joe and Patricia Girlando checked State Department. As such, Phil in from Bainbridge Island, WA, will be responsible for the security via Dallas, TX, where Joe works at all construction projects in Iraq for government contractor RAM for the next two years, including Inc. Although Joe’s job only entails consulates and embassy offices U.S. travel, Patricia has been going in Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk, Erbil bonkers traveling all over the world, and Basra. I’m not sure that this is including London, Birmingham and what the phrase “job security” is Scotland in the UK, Amman and all about, but best wishes to Phil Class of 1970: At the Annual VMI 1970 “GOMBAC” trip Petra, Jordan, Egypt, Canada and for a safe two years. to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were, from left, Warren Greece (twice, no less). She did let Bob Hawthorne is becoming Grasty, Mike Snead, Dave Schmidt, Reed Heddleston, Herb Joe tag along for his reunion trip to somewhat of a mini celebrity in Braun, John Bailey, Dave Eaton (friend of Gray Chandler), Kwajalein Atoll. the Richmond area playing with, Charlie Walker, Gary Weishaar and Gray Chandler. Joe’s old roommate, Jay Tice, is and sometimes conducting, the

2011-Issue 2

CLASS NOTES Thomas Jefferson Cadet Corps Alumni Band. had two management job offers in hand and was Charlotte Alumni Chapter meeting, a young Last year they performed 13 times, once at leaning towards a position up in the Washington, alum asked Tom if he knew someone from the the Byrd Theater. Not only does he have fun D.C., area. Thanks to all who donated to help class of 1949. Ouch! Shattered ego notwithplaying the sax again, it gives him a great opendow our scholarship. We still have a long way standing, he attended the VMI/Gardner-Webb portunity to check out the numerous old folks to go fully endow the scholarship as a full ride for football game. However, at the post-game homes in the area. He says it seems to make the its recipient.” There are many high quality young alumni chapter barbeque, several discrete people who hear them happy. I’m not quite sure people just like Damiso for whom our class queries surfaced concerning the tall man with how to break this to you, Hayroll, but they can’t scholarship can literally make a life-changing the brown paper bag over his head. hear you! difference. It sure would be great to have this Meanwhile, somewhere in the skies above the Dick Knight continues to support The Insti- scholarship fully endowed by our 45th Reunion, West Texas prairie, Tom’s former roommate, tute in numerous ways. He has volunteered to which is a mere four years away. Tom Clingerman, is fighting wild fires for the be class agent for the class of 1935, since their In late January, Tom and Sarah Massey U.S. Forest Service. Like so many other of our numbers are unfortunately down to six men and visited their daughter-in-law and two grandcadet pilot BRs, he credits his skills to the many 22 widows. Also, on Feb. 19th, he and Linda daughters (2-1/2 years and 3 months) at Fort hours spent hovering over Mary Baldwin as the hosted a VMI brunch at their Nashville home. Lewis, WA. Unfortunately, son Tom was TDY young ladies sunbathed on the rooftops. Back This week I had the pleasure of forwarding an e- at Fort Benning, GA, at the time, so they on terra firma, Tom and Karen’s older son is mail to Dick from Capt. John Downs ’00, who is missed seeing him. Provisional appointments in school in Arizona and is due for promotion currently serving as a special operations medical for the young lassies have been duly obtained. to sergeant in the Marine Corps, while their officer and flight surgeon in Iraq. Capt. Downs Tom, the elder, still trains fledgling pilots for younger son has graduated from Iowa State wanted to give him an update, since Dick was the USAir, and he and Sarah spend as much time University and lives in Iowa City. person who presented him with his VMI Institute as possible at their mountain retreat in Western From Conyers, GA, Chip Hatcher and I Scholarship at Gallatin High School in Tennessee North Carolina. While attending a monthly commiserated via e-mail about the recent deciback in 1996 that allowed him to sion to add women’s water polo as attend VMI. After graduating from the 7th Title IX-mandated women’s VMI as a Distinguished Academic sport at VMI. Chip pretty much Graduate and a Distinguished brought me around from favorMilitary Graduate, Downs earned ing women’s tennis to supporting his medical degree with honors women’s rugby as the seventh from the Uniformed Services sport. However, no one seems to be University School of Medicine in screaming for either of our humble Bethesda, MD. He married a Roaopinions. noke College graduate, whom he While on the sports theme, Gormet during his cadetship, and she don Williams sent in some photos and their 4-year-old daughter live of Reggie Williams ’08 in action in Tennessee awaiting his return in December with the Golden State this summer. Quite a good story! Warriors against the Bulls in ChiEver the wanderer, Dick will head cago. Reed and Carol Heddleston’s out in late February to Yellowstone son, Tom, lives in the Bay area and National Park to check out the says that Reggie’s strong work ethic winter scenery and then onward to and humble manner have made him Class of 1970: Above: Bill O’Connor and Ralph Costen Portland and Sacramento to visit a favorite among Warriors fans. in Palm Springs, California. Below: Shootout particirelatives. Other travel plans include Closer to home, Waite Rawls adpants at the golf outing in Palm Springs were, from left, an ice fishing trip to Maine with a vises that his dyke, G.G. Gray ’73, Bill Paulette ’69, Bill O’Connor, Ralph Costen and Jim stopover in Boston and a June trip has joined the board of directors Chapman ’69. to Normandy. at the Museum of the Confederacy Speaking of the significance of in Richmond. Son Garland Gray VMI scholarships, Bill O’Connor ’10 is working at the MOC on sent a nice write-up and pictures an interim basis while awaiting a from the December graduation of Coast Guard commission. Soda is the Class of 1970 Academic & Athpondering whether or not such a letic Scholarship recipient, Cadet hiring constitutes a gray area. Damiso Alexander ’10. Damiso Zipping right along, Ned Haley earned his degree in economics and Fricka are purchasing a large old and business and was named to the home in the Church Hill section of 2010 All Big South second team. Richmond and will be spending the “Damiso expressed his sincere apnext few months doing enough renopreciation to the class for the finanvations to make it livable. That will cial assistance that the scholarship be followed by several years’ worth provided and also for the support of work restoring her to her previous he received from many members glory. I’m thinking “Party Central” of the class. At graduation, Damiso for future VMI-Richmond football

Annual Class of ’69 vs.’70 Golf Shootout

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES games. Ned, put me down to bring the plastic cups and don’t forget to Scotch guard the carpets. Staying with the real estate thing, A.C. and Beth Arnn recently bought a new home at Windermere Country Club in Blythewood, SC, near Columbia where A.C. is chief estimator for M.B. Kahn Construction Co. Beth will stay behind in Statesboro, NC, and teach until the end of this school year in June, so A.C. will have a few months to refine his numerous golf skills. Arrangements are pretty much nailed down for daughter Sarah’s April 2nd wedding in Burlington, NC, and plans are being made as we speak to visit son Patrick in Aviano, Italy, where he serves as a USAF F-16 pilot. The end of January brought on the annual display of bad golf known as GOMBACS in Myrtle Beach, SC, featuring the usual cast of miscreants – our fearless leader John Bailey, Herb Braun, Stix Chandler, Reed Heddleston, Dave Schmidt, Mike Snead, Charlie Walker, Gary Weishaar and yours truly. The excitement about the trip down was enhanced by the blizzard that hit northern Virginia the afternoon before departure, resulting in one and one-half hours of shoveling snow out of Reed’s driveway the next morning before we could hit the road. The storm hit so quickly that John’s wife, June, couldn’t even make it home from work that night, which was probably for the better since they had no electricity.

Class of 1970: The Class of 1970 Academic and Athletic Scholarship recipient, Damiso Alexander ’10 with Bill O’Connor at Alexander’s December 2010 graduation.

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Luckily, everyone made it safely to South Carolina. Over the following six days, no bones were broken and property damages were kept to a minimum, so it was deemed a successful venture. Afterwards, Dave and I stowed away in Stix’s Hot Rod Lincoln Version II and headed to Orange Park, FL, near Jacksonville in order to partake in his and Nancy’s renowned oyster roast the following weekend. There are a lot worse places to be in early February than on a deck with brew in hand overlooking a private lake in Orange Park. Dave then headed back to Akron, OH, where he takes care of his Mom following last year’s major surgery. She continues to do amazingly well. Not to be outdone by GOMBACS, that same week Ralph Costen, Bill O’Connor and Bill Paulette ’69 flew to Pam Springs, CA, for the annual class of ’69 versus ’70 golf shootout, hosted by Jim Chapman ’69. The good news is that our guys are consistent. The bad news is they have consistently lost the past six years. An optimist would opine that they are just setting the ’69-ers up for a big fall. A pessimist would say that they just ain’t that good. I will humbly let each of you make your own determination. Neil Steverson relates that he stays busy trying to keep Ralph out of the news, but he simply doesn’t have the travel budget to keep events like the one above under wraps. Gary and Lynn Weishaar and Chuck and Penny Wills took in the Keydets’ big win over Radford last Saturday in Lexington. Also making an appearance straight from their weekend retreat near Woodstock (Virginia not New York) were Paul and Lynn Munch. It was a rare reprise of the Hunch and Munch show. On Feb. 11th, daughter Kimberly blessed Kent and Judy Schlussel with their fourth grandchild, Noah Allen Warschaw, who was born on his father’s birthday and weighed in at eight pounds. Mom and son are doing fine. Earlier, Judy and Kent took a two-week, 15-person tour of Egypt, returning on New Year’s Day. As Kent so succinctly reported, they “saw a bunch of 3,000 to 5,000 year old stuff.” Eat your heart out Paul Theroux! The tour included Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, a Nile River cruise and provided opportunities to talk with many Egyptians about their lives. So let me get this straight. In October, the Schlussels returned from Haiti and afterwards a cholera epidemic broke out across Haiti. Then, after returning from Egypt, the Egyptian government collapsed. So Kent, who’s your travel agent, Nostradamus? As always, you are all welcome to stop by and stay with us when passing through northern Virginia. Note to Kent and Judy: please call ahead. In the Spirit!

’71

James Kelly

These notes will cover the period from Nov. 15, 2010 to Feb. 15, 2011. Although it is now early February, the winds here in Pulaski today have a distinct March feel to them. Our groundhogs did not see their shadow this year so, in about six weeks, things should be looking better all around. I have been working today on the second mail out for our 40th Reunion which will already be in the history books when you receive these notes. I am saddened to report that the family of the class of 1971 lost two of its members during the month of January. Pete Candler died Jan. 11 after a long illness and was buried in South Carolina. A number of Brother Rats were able to attend Pete’s memorial service and participated, at the family’s request, as honorary pall bearers. John Guthrie’s wife, Gail, also died after a long struggle with cancer. John met Gail in summer school at Madison (now JMU) when a number of VMI boys were up there studying organic chemistry. We will fondly remember both of these individuals and their contributions to our lives. The class of ’71 extends heartfelt condolences to each family. CareCo Shoreline, a home health care company based in Waterford, has recently named Dave Krug to be its chief financial officer. Dave has been a career banker and most recently was senior vice president of retail banking at Chelsea Groton Bank and has held numerous leadership positions with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Groton Bible Chapel and the Salvation Army. Congrats to Dave on his accomplishment. Retired flyboy Dave Honeywell is working with a group called Scitor Corp. providing advice on the future needs of the military with a focus on “remotely piloted aircraft” (RPA). Talk about men and boys and the price of their toys! What do you suppose an RPA costs Uncle Sam? Donna is in her 11th year at Arlington Traditional School. The indoor phase of their home remodel is now complete and the word is that the guest room is open. I heard from Phil Hannum after he and Kimiko had made their fourth trip to Japan. I think a trip over there is kind of a birthday tradition for them. The couple volunteered with the Franklin Graham Festival in Osaka and upon returning to the U.S. spent time with a relatively new granddaughter in Asheville, NC. Kathryn and I appreciated all of the Christmas cards this past year. Our display this year featured cards from Wadsworth, Neville, Gearhart,

CLASS NOTES O’Loughlin, Mays, Honeywell, Hannum, Flanagan, Ashman, Kardian, Stallings, Coble, Venable, Friend, Berglund, Kennedy, Berkness, Staley and Acuff. It is nice to hear from everyone even if it is sometimes only at Christmas. We enjoyed a portion of our holiday season in Richmond with our rapidly growing grandchildren, Lauren (’26), Ryan (’27) and their parents Chuck and Veronica Fox. Chuck is the branch manager at Frischkorn in Richmond, and Veronica was just promoted to commercial loan officer at Village Bank. The VMI Runnin’ Roos jumped out to a fast start this basketball season but have fallen on some hard times with injuries and academic challenges. On a snowy day in January, Kathryn and I hitched a ride with Jim Gearhart in his big (real big) new truck to the Charleston Southern game at VMI. Buddy and Carol Bryan treated us to a great lunch at their home prior to the tipoff in Cameron Hall. While at the game, we ran in to Ken Coleman and Oscar Padgett. The Corps was still out on furlough, and the Keydets took it on the chin. Lanny Gault (AD) organized a mini reunion in Lexington for VMI’s game against Radford University on Feb. 12. The turnout was great with 18 Brother Rats on hand for the game. Our team apparently got a sense of the power in the stands that day and finished off Radford with a 71 to 58 score. They actually held the ball for the last several seconds of the game and did not attempt anymore shots that could have changed the score. Thanks to Buddy Bryan who got the group a private dinning room for lunch in Moody Hall and arranged for tickets to the game. On board for the day’s activities were Lanny Gault, Ned Mikula, Jim Adams, Dave Kennedy, Bob (Duty) and Maureen Lockridge, Ken and Marie Coleman, Scott Miller, Robert Haywood, George and Bonnie Robbins, Mike and Dru Guffey, Chin Morefield, Ken and Carol Yorgey, Jim Gearhart, Jim and Kathryn Kelly, Tim and Leah Golden, Mouse Littleton, Buddy and Carol Bryan and Mike Strickler. Men our age should probably give up climbing ladders and working on the roof without a safety net. Murphy Sprinkel cracked a femur while performing a similar task and was on crutches when he was spotted at a wedding by Lanny Gault. Bob Stransky’s ’72 son was the groom that day and Bob’s daughter is married to Murph’s son. Other than being banged up a little, Murph and Woody are doing fine and were planning a trip to Guatemala to visit a daughter who is volunteering down there with the Peace Corps. His son is a special education teacher in Richmond. Murph retired about two years ago from Phillip Morris. A few years ago it would have been considered a bad thing to be termed as “out to lunch.”

Several of our Richmond area Brother Rats, however, make it a point to be OTL on a regular basis. The February meeting of the Richmond “mafia” included Bryan (special guest speaker), Heisler, Robbins, Rackley, Banister, Tuxford, Walton, Clary, Cox and Patterson. The VMI Placement Office is hard at work creating networking opportunities for alumni and businesses that wish to employ alumni. Available resources include VMI Ranks with the Alumni directory and job board, as well as the Alumni Association group on LinkedIn. Eric Hunter ’08 is the placement officer and can be reached at ehunter@vmiaa.org. First quarter results are in on Annual Giving at VMI. So far ’71 has 68 alumni donors. That places us in third for the classes in our decade. Not a bad start and I thank each of you that have contributed so far. Of course, our customary position is more like number one so I hope that as the year progresses that more can get on board. Since this is our 40th Reunion year why not give some thought to sending in $40 … or multiples of $40 … sort of a 40/40 campaign for ’71. VMI has a great track record for putting our donations to work in the right places. A few forties would help and a bunch of forties could help even more. Have a great spring. Let me hear from you. My next notes deadline will be May 15, 2011. God bless our team and VMI. Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, families, friends and followers, These notes cover mid November through mid February. I’m writing them on a quiet Valentine’s Day weekend and by the time you see them, spring will be in full bloom. Before I get to the news of “us” business: First, our erstwhile reunion committee advises that they are already in the throes of planning our next – thank you, gentlemen, your record speaks for itself! Second, while the economy remains a challenge, VMI continues to meet its mission of producing graduates of distinction who make positive contributions across all levels of society. If you have not done so, check out the impressive “VMI Academics: By the Numbers” posted on the Institute Web site and Facebook. Your giving drives this success – as a class we are on track to support the Institute’s FY 11 goals of $2,700,00 to the Foundation Fund, $2,000,000 to the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, $1,750,000 for the Athletic

Operations Fund and 35% alumni participation. At mid-year, 25% of us have contributed a total of just under $40,000 for the FY. I encourage each of us to contemplate what VMI has meant to us and offer our support – in whatever level we can – to ensure the continued success of the Institute and all those that follow! Now – “us.” My friend CeCe and I joined A.J. and Karen Fojt, Phil and Carol Wilkerson and their lovely daughter, Lois, for “Harry Potter” and On The Border on Black Friday in Tyson’s Corner – a logistics challenge well-met! All the old war stories are even more colorful burnished by time – and what a delight to see them through the eyes of a 20-something! The holiday cards, letters and pictures are such a treat – our motley crew’s uncanny ability to marry well and well above our station is most evident in the family portraits (Roger and Jennie Hart’s golden family on the beach at sunset, Fred and Cathy Bauer’s family at daughter Alice’s wedding, Bob and Jan Benson’s snowy and smiling family, Bill and Pam Collier with sons in Army Dress Blues, Chris and Betsy Foster with their beautiful smiling family, and Jimmy and Angela Kellam (yes – Jimmy Kellam) in Talkeetna, AK). Heard, too, from the Fojts, Mullens, Bishops, Worrells, Chaceys, Gorskis, Mike Finney (musing on our impending 40th!), Dunns, Areys, Holsens, Stranskys, Robbo Bailey and Dick Valentine. Harry Gore wrote – “All is well with Susan and me in Illinois. I’m still with LMI supporting USTRANSCOM. Our 18 and 15-year-old granddaughters recently moved in with us – they’re both sweethearts, but it’s an adjustment going instantly from empty-nest to ‘parenthood.’ Although we’re busy, we’re having fun.” The Griffiths wrote of son James’ graduation from VMI with dad Greg administering his commissioning oath, son Edward in Houston and a family/son cross-country from home (Wilmington, NC) to Fort Lewis, WA. Mom (Emily) and black-lab Brodie stayed at home vicariously enjoying the trip courtesy of e-photo’s. Emily is still teaching 4-5 year olds at The Learning Tree and is active with Mothers In Prayer for VMI grads. Phil Clayton’s beautiful block print noted life’s changes as he “ … morph(s) further away from airline captain to my roots in the mountains.” Herb and Penny McCulloch’s photo-cade said “ … yep, another wedding in 2010!” Quite the party, for daughter Kelly’s wedding to Joseph Amato at the historic Main Street Train Station in Richmond, VA, on Oct. 16th. Daughter Krista works for the Children’s Home Society of Virginia as an adoption recruiter matching children needing homes with new parents and a new and better life. Daughter Kara

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and son-in-law Ben work for the government in northern Virginia and the only drawback they face daily is the commute to and from work. They adopted a dog on Dec. 11th (Annabelle – Bells for short). Daughter Kelly is a speech pathologist at a private school in Richmond. She and husband Joe are settled in Richmond in the “Fan District” with a bull terrier (Moose), two cats, and three chinchillas. Penny loves her job as head nurse at Richmond Pediatrics, and Herb loves his job as vice president contracts at Logistics Management Resources Inc. (note – Bob Stransky is CFO and Jimmy Chalkley ’73 is VP for business development). They’ve adapted well to the ‘empty nester’ life with vacations to Las Vegas, Nashville (third row seats at the Opry to see Carrie Underwood) and Williamsburg. Penny says they do get to see the kids quite often and have been known to puppy sit the grand puppies when the kids take vacation or go out of town for the weekend. She closes with – “we have two adult guest bedrooms, a wine rack that is always full and a ‘beer fridge’ in the garage … ” Stay alert, guys; you never know who may come knockin’! The “Four-J” Pagones’ (Jim, Joan, Julia and Army Capt. Jordan Pagones ’06 sent a beautiful family shot from Fort Campbell, as Jordan prepared for deployment with the 101st. Fred Bauer (yes, Fred Bauer) wrote, “ … what a year! My daughter, Alice, got married on Feb. 6th (in 40 inches of snow) and nine months and three days later made me a grandfather. Her and her husband, Mike’s, daughter Nealie Elizabeth Dougherty, weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and everyone is doing well. After three combat tours in Iraq Mike is at the University of Texas (studying to be a physician’s assistant). Shortly after his arrival a gunman walked into the building next to his and shot himself (for a while there it liked like it was going to be a re-play of the VA Tech massacre or the sniper (also at UT) who killed 22 people there many years ago). Our son, Rob, graduated from William & Mary Law School in May; took the Bar in July and found out in October that he passed. (Phew!) He’s in a temporarily-funded position as a prosecutor in Hopewell and looking for a permanent job. Daughter Catherine is still teaching and youngest daughter Christine is still a musician at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. My wife, Cathy, and I continue to stumble along. I’m fully retired now after an Air Force JAG career followed by private law practice. I even survived a battle with cancer (colorectal; get those check-ups) and have a great 13-inch scar to embarrass the kids with when we go to the beach. Even got some vacations in finally; last one was a cruise to the eastern Mediterranean (if you ever get a chance to see Istanbul, its fascinating).” Thanks, Fred; it’s been a long time.

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Julie Gaulding wrote in her and Mike’s card, “(Dec. 17) I am heading to the hospital in a few hours for out-patient surgery to remove the hardware from my back and a couple of screws from my ankle. Assuming all goes well, I will return to work in January. I appreciate everything you and Mike’s BRs did to support ahem those first few weeks of this ordeal. The surgery marks a huge milestone in my mind. It’s been a long year, but I am feeling very good considering all.” A long year, indeed, Julie; but, good Lord, what a trooper you are! Zeno (the Fox) Henninger is quite the colorful writer, so I include his total letter. “… hard to scribe 2011 … Kids at school ask me if I believe in Santa Claus. My answer is yes! I tell them how else could I have passed Rat calculus and Rat English under Dr. Brewster Sherwood Ford with not a clue of what I was doing. The little scholars understand not but it leaves them pondering. Yes, I received a ‘D’ but darn it worked … I do not have much contact with VMI citizens here; a cashier in a Luxembourg store was fascinated with my ring one day. I tried to explain the genre to her, she did not understand why I would go to a college where one had to suffer, starve, march, attend lousy sports games and lose sleep. But she had one devil of a smile about the ring. Jo-Ann went on a staff assistance visit to a small school in Belgium in August. The principal is a ‘good to me’ class of ’68 grad. He is a pleasant yet aloof fellow; I said howdy then headed to the local bakery. Belgium has fantastic beer and bakeries, they can’t drive worth a darn and their government is more in error than Pennsylvania’s but hails the bakery. “The pictures, my wife finishing the annual gingerbread house using a recipe her ancestors used in the Munich bakery, then her greatgrandmother in a Boston bakery from 1900. I am the dud on the right in a snowstorm. The site is a memorial 300 yards south of our house on the Luxembourg/Germany border celebrating a U.S. Army unit that successfully crossed the river there in February 1945. The local citizens maintain the U.S. flag. We used to encounter many veterans’ groups visiting the area, they are of course diminishing. No real news, we are healthy except teeth that break in the middle of gourmet lunches, golly those screws up the food I cannot even pronounce the names of. Our community is shrinking account of Air Force personnel policies; probably have two more years at the school then perhaps retire. I am too much of an old mariner to move to another civilization, 31 years in Germany has been a hoot. And I still screw up the language tremendously. Took Yule bread to neighbor yesterday; he invited me into his house (first time in 18 years), and I have no clue what he talked

about – Dr. Ewing would kill me. We spent two weeks this past summer scouting retirement abodes in Maine (my wife is a New Englander, so geography is set). It was refreshing, and we found the population affable, the environment well set (except February), and the fresh lobster and haddock had nothing to do with our selecting ‘this is the place.’ Egad, took a tourist train along the coast, on the return trip a horde of totally gorgeous ladies boarded, it turns out they were the Rockland Maine Lobster Princess candidates. The pageant coordinator asked us to interview two of the candidates (me talking to a lady, ah ha fortunately Jo-Ann was there too). One was the typical high school grad full of great dreams but every other word was ‘like.’ The second is a pre-med student at the University of Maine, thoroughly put together lady she was. Unfortunately, neither of our candidates won, but it was fun. I did not mention anything degenerate as my social history from 1968-72 was a disaster, well heck you could extend the range of date to 1978 when I received proper supervision after getting married. I have an uncle still living there (Bethesda); he kept me out of big trouble during the first Corps trip in 1968. I missed the bus back to Lexington and the poor lad had to drive me late in Sunday licked-split to Lexington. We encountered the Tidewater bus in Waynesboro who let me board, Geez that would have been a whopper of a penalty. Oh well, sunk cost – ‘Ignorant Rat Menninger’ to quote Sergeant Glenn (Happy) Kuntz ’70 from Cranford, NJ.” Thanks, Fox … haven’t changed a bit. The Bensons – Bob and Jan continue to live Coudersport, PA, where Bob is the general manager of Buckler Transport. Jan supports many community and church functions and is always willing to donate her (and Bob’s) time to a worthy cause. The clan welcomed their newest member, grandson Robert Cane Clamored, on Jan. 20, 2010. Mom (Tara), Dad (Shane) and particularly Brother Carter and Sister Cruz are thrilled! Young Carter is a kindergarten genius (according to grandma and grandpa) and Cruz, at 4, is the family diva. Shane is a financial advisor and west Texas hunter; Tara is a speech pathologist (I’m seeing a pattern here) for the local school system. Son Rhett began his third year of residency in anesthesiology in June … grueling hours but he did manage a trip to California for a medical conference and surfing – smart, grounded young man. Daughter Lana (their sophomore TCU Horned Frog) loves the Fort Worth college life (and, no doubt, the football!) Speaking of which, they managed to get the entire family together for Parents Weekend at TCU for the Baylor game (Rhett’s alma mater). Jan said, “It was blazing hot … the men enjoyed the game and the women enjoyed

CLASS NOTES the shopping! A great time was had by all again, and we were just happy to support both teams! Go Frogs/Bears!” The entire clan flocked to Coudersport for Thanksgiving with many trips to Buffalo to gather up the various travelers. Thanks, Jan. I couldn’t help but smile and catch my breath as I followed your adventures. Jimmy and Angela Kellam (yes, Jimmy Kellam) wrote, “We checked Alaska off our bucket list on Jimmy’s birthday in June. Thompson is in flight school in Pensacola Florida – U.S. Navy. Carter Kunz ’10 graduated from VMI in May and is a second lieutenant in the Air Force in New Mexico” Mary Jane Williams said, regarding George’s retirement from L-3 Communications, “ … though obviously some ‘adjustments’ were in order, I have found it’s great to have him around and found, with proper prodding, he can even be helpful!” Son Phil is with the Martin agency in Richmond where he’s an account manager on the Wal-Mart account. He still DJs but now spends most of his spare time on the road visiting with his girlfriend, Lauren, who lives in Philadelphia with home a convenient pit stop. Clayton is with IAI in the Space Radar division and really enjoys the work he’s doing for the Naval Research Lab. Mom and Dad don’t know what he does (security), but the travel is great! He’s a new homeowner which provides Mom and Dad plenty of opportunities to offer up their handyman skills. A brand new Class B RV has been perfect for her and George’s travel, camping, and hiking. They’ve hit south Florida (Keys and the Everglades) and in May they took three weeks hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to Tennessee; several trips to the North Carolina beaches; and a five-week trip to Newfoundland, Canada. Now that’s how to retire. Lee Hill filled me in – “Two of our BRs, JR Bell and Chip Woodall, departed Dominion’s Inns brook Technical Center at the end of December. JR had retired from the commonwealth of Virginia and was working as a contractor to Dominion but did not have his contract renewed by the company for financial reasons. Chip took an early retirement offer from the company (as did Bob MacMeccan earlier in the year). So now it appears I’m the only VMI 1972 representative at Dominion. We’ll still get the power to northern Virginia anyway.” Jack and Donna Miller wrote, “Donna and I made our annual Thanksgiving trip to Coast Guard Station Canaveral today to help cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner to the Coasties and help clean up. We have done this for several years. Right in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner when the Coasties sat down with their plates, the SAR alarm sounded, (Search and

Rescue) as expected, the SAR team dropped everything and headed for the boats – of course missing their Thanksgiving dinner. It served as a reminder to all of us that our military does not rest; they are at the ready to serve Americans any place, any day, any time! Semper Paratus and God bless, Millers” Bill Mundie wrote from Colorado Springs, “I almost preceded my parents to the great beyond, back in October. I had my right knee replaced with an artificial knee at the end of September. Two weeks later, while recovering, I had a heart attack. My wife and I had just come back home from visiting my son and his wife at the hospital after the birth of their daughter (our seventh grandchild). One of my heart’s arteries suddenly became blocked (not sure how or by what). The on-call cardiac surgeon at the hospital did a quick angioplasty and put in a couple of stints. All other arteries were fine. The hardest part of the whole ordeal was dealing with the fact I’m not immortal. Funny as it sounds, it was truly a shock that I could have died way before I was ready to go. I didn’t get depressed, but I was sure emotional about it for a couple of days. So, I had to give up orthopedic rehab for cardio-rehab. I passed all my subsequent heart stress tests and I graduate from rehab on Fri. I’ve been back to work since early November. I’m going to try to get back into orthopedic rehab for a few weeks if my insurance company will let me. The knee is doing fine, but I need a little therapy help getting better than 100 degrees of knee flexibility and getting to where I can go downstairs with a little more gusto. I’m going to get the left knee replaced in the spring. You can bet your behind I’ll be really alert to something going wrong after that surgery, too.” Yow, scary, Bill, but what a great attitude! Zirc Bailey – Just as he was preparing for retirement from civil service and the Coast Guard, Zirc passed along the “Proud Daddy/ That’s my girl” news that daughter Mercedes (Navy medical officer) has been selected for the Navy’s Flight Surgeon Program – congrats! Both Dave and Sue Hall and Carsten Hillson chose the e-card option for two very good reasons; Sue says “old What’s his name” is always on the road and she’s up to her neck in volunteer activities (including the Senior Center where she says she ‘could be one but she’s learning how not to act when she does have to accept help from the younger generation). On the other hand, Carsten apologized for an e-hiccup by saying “I’m now in a new duty station for U.N. Security – the remote northeastern (border) Province of Kenya in East Africa; and I still don’t have everything quite together yet! (Smile!)” Always more news than time or space allows but it’s Little Toot – gotta scoot! In the Bonds and Honored ... Larry

Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

I wrote my last notes around Thanksgiving, and suddenly we’ve passed Christmas and into a new year. When you read these notes, it will be spring time and almost New Market Day. I received a lot of cards, notes and letters from many of you during the holidays, and it would appear that most folks have had a pretty good winter in spite of the cold and snowy conditions. Pat and I haven’t done a lot of extra stuff since Thanksgiving. Last summer and fall were so busy it felt good to slow down somewhat. We visited family and friends during the holidays and spent time at my home in Pulaski, VA. On New Year’s Eve, we traveled to Asheville, NC, to watch the Keydets play basketball against UNC-A. The team looked great and won a very exciting game. The Keydet Club hosted a dinner and dance at a local tavern that evening, and we got to meet a lot of other VMI folks who attended the event. Earlier in December, one of my neighbors, Phil Taylor ’65, helped sponsor and organize what is now an annual hockey game and fund raiser here in Raleigh. The Keydets played the Citadel at a local ice rink. There were quite a few fans present from both VMI and the Citadel. Phil’s son, Marshal, was the honorary fan who got to drop the first puck. It was a lot of fun, but unfortunately, VMI, after leading almost the entire game, lost in the final minute. It is always nice to start off with some good news; I’m happy to report that Don (Hap) Reisch sent me a note to say that he had his last chemotherapy treatment in December and is now in 100 percent remission! What fantastic news! Don went on to say that great things were happening to their family now. His daughter became engaged at Thanksgiving, so they are now planning a wedding. On Dec. 3, he became a grandfather as his son Jake ’04 and his wife had a baby boy. Don said he really appreciates all of the thoughts, prayers and notes he had received. And on another happy note, Ray Burton said he accepted a job with ACT, a Xerox company, in Richmond. Ray was unemployed for quite awhile and moved last year from Chattanooga back to his home place in Richmond where he was doing odd jobs while trying to find a permanent data analysis position. Congratulations on the job, Ray, and best of luck to you. Tom and Bonnie Clark have been busy traveling. After spending time in Albuquerque during Christmas with Tom’s mother, they took

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES off to a snowy place, the Devils Thumb Ranch, in Winter Park, CO. I don’t know how many feet of snow they had, but from the pictures I saw, it certainly looked like a winter wonderland. Next up for the Clarks? Hawaii in April. Have fun, you guys! M.B. and Mary Adelson said that while it wasn’t snowing during Christmas in Tallahassee, it was cold – below 20 degrees on a couple of occasions. They seemed convinced that we were approaching another ice age. One of M.B.’s hobbies is cooking, and Mary said he actually found a recipe for grilling mastodon in Gourmet Magazine last fall. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. M.B. is about to finish his LL.M. in environmental law, and is scheduled to graduate in May. In his spare time, M.B. works to keep his law practice going, and Mary works with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Mary also sent me a picture of the Le Moyne Holiday Show that they do each year during Christmas as part of a visual arts lighting show. Very nice! Bob Luther sent a nice Christmas card followed by a letter last month. He is a dentist in the Pittsburg area and enjoys keeping up with the class. Bob said it never ceases to amaze him how much our BRs continue to contribute to our country and the betterment of society and their communities, and how proud he is to have been associated with the class. He said his love for Virginia has rubbed off on his children. His oldest son, Rob, is an attorney in Williamsburg, and his daughter, Kiersten, completed her undergraduate studies at UVa last year and wants to teach in Virginia. She is currently in Berlin, however, as a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. Bob said they plan to visit her in April. He also said that he and his wife, Melanie, enjoy traveling down the valley in Virginia as part of their vacations. I am sure Bob was rooting for the Steelers during the Super Bowl? They have another fan out there as well, as I had a note from John Sykes that only said “Go Steelers.” Hope you all aren’t too disappointed! Doug and Pat Huthwaite sent a nice Christmas card and letter. While Doug retired last year, Pat is still working in real estate and recently merged her business with ERA Strother Real Estate in Fayetteville, and feels that they can offer a wider range of services to the public. Hopefully their business will do really well as Fort McPherson is closed and folks are moved to Fort Bragg. Doug spends his time working on a long list of “honey do’s” and especially enjoys doing things at their beach house where they hope to move sometime in the near future. Randy Marshall is also still in Fayetteville and I hear from him occasionally, and he is still working as a contractor for Hensel Phelps

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Construction Company at Fort Bragg. Sandy and Blake Thomas have been moving around, or perhaps I should say flying around, a lot. When you own your own airplanes and fly for a living, you can really move about and that is what they’ve been doing this past year. However, they may be thinking about retirement since Sandy said they recently purchased a lot at Love’s Landing airport community in Weirsdale, FL. Now that’s exciting! Sandy also said to keep an eye out on the tabloids this year as she and Blake were photographed during some of their travels. Hope you weren’t wing walking on the Nieuport 28? We’ll stay tuned. Neil and Jennie Carlson are likewise looking to retire. Jennie, a registered nurse, is getting ready to retire this year, and Neil will begin cutting back on his hours at Barnes & Noble. They have a place on about five acres of land overlooking the Red River Valley north of Shreveport. Sounds like fun to me. Milt Salter continues as a financial advisor in the Gulf Coast area where business is still a little slow. He is one of only two representatives covering the territory, so he gets a lot of windshield time traveling around the area. He is very thankful for books on tape and satellite radio. Milt said he visited Alaska last year and spent a couple of weeks touring around to see all the animals, glaciers, cities and the state’s great open countryside. He highly recommends the trip. Sometime around Christmas, I sent a note out to let everyone know that Roland Tiso was back from Afghanistan and enjoying the holidays with his family. His birthday was Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day), and he said that his wife and daughters were throwing him a birthday and Super Bowl party all in one. You know that Roland was always into physical fitness, and he continues to work out regularly. He has been in several body building contests and plans to enter two more this spring and summer, so we wish him the best of luck. Perhaps we should have a mini reunion to cheer him on? Boca Raton sounds pretty good in April. Ro said his daughters continue to excel. Allie will audition this spring in Chicago for several ballet programs, and CJ will also audition there with several modern dance companies. Rick Gribling sent a note in January. It was good to hear from him as it has been some time since we had contact. Rick is still teaching national policy, military strategy and history at the Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk. He was also very excited about his daughter, Rachel, who is studying political science and economics at Christ Church University, Oxford, England. This church is world renowned for its studies in political science and economics and is also where several of the Harry Potter movies were

filmed. He and his wife enjoyed taking Rachel to school and visiting the area. Pete Walters and his wife, Karen, just returned from an extended vacation in California. They flew into Los Angeles and went up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, stopping along the way at Hearst Castle, Carmel and Monterey. They were really amazed at the beautiful scenery. During their visit in San Francisco, Pete noted some strange similarities to their tour of Alcatraz and VMI, especially in places like the shower area which looked a lot like the main sinks. Michael Burke is still teaching at St. Louis Community College and spends time representing VMI at college fairs. He said they have two cadets this year from the St. Louis area, and four have been accepted for next year. Mike keeps up with Steve Chadwick, who is still at Fort Polk working as the chief of training within the AC of S, G-3. I am sure those of you living in Virginia probably see a lot of news about Scott Lingamfelter. The Commonwealth’s legislature is right in the middle of its session and Representative Scott is extremely active in a number of key issues. I understand the governor even mentioned Scott by name during the state-of-the-state address. He’s chaired several task forces and sponsored quite a few pieces of legislation, and Scott works hard to provide for VMI as much as possible. He and his wife, Shelly, take time to enjoy the weekends and football games at VMI with their son, Paul ’12. They also flew out to Minot, ND, last October to participate in their son John’s ’08 promotion to first lieutenant. Keep up the good work, Scott, as a lot of people are counting on you. As I mentioned earlier, I heard from a good number of you during the past few weeks. This included hearing from several “lost BRs.” I was pleased to hear from them. I can’t remember when I last heard from Phil Coulter, but he is still practicing law in Roanoke, and he said he tries to watch over Don Caldwell, Roanoke’s Commonwealth Attorney. (Don’t think I’ve ever heard anything from Don?) Phil says Don is doing a great job, and they’ve worked together a number of times during his 33 years practicing law. Phil also said he built a house on one of the mountains overlooking the valley, and his next door neighbor is Fred Hall. (Haven’t heard from Fred in a while either.) Apparently, Fred has made a lot of friends on the mountain as he is the go-to guy for getting you out of the snow! Phil mentioned that his two sons got married last summer. One is a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins in cancer research, and the other flies choppers as a flight nurse/medic. Great hearing from you, Phil.

CLASS NOTES Another lost BR I heard from is Tuck Bowie. Tuck is president of the Terry Peterson Companies in Virginia Beach. I guess it has been a year or so since I heard from Tuck, but he is doing well in spite of the sluggish housing market. He and his wife, Sandy, went to the VMI-ODU game last fall in Norfolk and though they did not run into any BRs, they met with a lot of alumni and had a great time. I had a note from Doug Brown who said he used to see Tom Linn fairly frequently, but Doug’s office is no longer at the Pentagon, so they don’t run into each other anymore. Doug works with the U.S. Defense Intelligence but is somewhat concerned that some of his company’s funding may be lost which may force him to seek other opportunities. Good luck, Doug. Another person that I had not heard from for some time is Richard Rogers. Richard sent me a note to say he enjoys keeping up with our BRs and how they are doing. He indicated he was doing well himself and lives in Austin, TX, which is home to several of our BRs. Thanks for writing, Richard, and please stay in touch. I received several notes from folks just touching base: Mike MacKenzie, Bob Vanderspiegel, Bob Poynor, Tom Linn, P.X. English, Mac Kirkpatrick and Ralph Littreal. Ralph said he and his wife, Becky, were headed to southwest Virginia for the holidays. One year I hope we can coordinate our holiday visits to have lunch or something, as we were almost “neighbors” growing up. Mrs. Patricia (Thad) Smith sent a Christmas card and included a picture of herself and her two daughters, Tiann and Tanis, on a canoe trip. Patricia said she was coming to Raleigh over the holidays but we were not able to get together. She lives in the Fort Worth area and stays in touch with me on a regular basis. Bob and Sharon Bushnell sent a card with a family picture including their daughters and their husbands, Joe and Kate Reardon, and Josh and Liz Myers. RB and Becky Newman likewise sent a Christmas card and family photo that included Rob, Betsy, Michael and Ellie. We received season’s greetings from a number of other folks as well: John and Michaela Sykes, John Kearney, Scott McCarthy, Tom and Lois Jennings, Susan and Klaus Worrell, Leisa and Hank Weatherford and Dave Sutherland. Thanks for all your cards and notes. Bill Stephens sent me a message that he wanted to share with everyone regarding a plaque the Keydet Club is going to put up in Cameron Hall in memory of Jeff Morgan ’80. Jeff was a former executive director of the Keydet Club and was on his way from Williamsburg to JMU for a meeting following a fundraiser in Williamsburg when the small plane he was in crashed, taking his life. Bill and Jim Chalkley were both at the

fundraiser with Jeff before he left for JMU. It has been 10 years since Jeff’s passing and because members of our class worked so closely with Jeff, Bill wanted everyone to know about the commemorative plaque in remembrance of Jeff and his hard work for the Keydet Club. Here ends the news from all of you. I really appreciate hearing from you and enjoy sharing information about what is going on with the class of ’73. Feel free to contact me anytime and let me know how you are doing. I try to send out e-mails on a regular basis, so if you’re not getting any messages from me, please send me your e-mail address. We have a class agents’ meeting scheduled for April 1-2, so I’ll be sending out an update on Institute activities following that meeting. It should be early May when you get these notes. If you get a chance to visit VMI for New Market, please do so. What a great time and event! I also want to thank you for your support to the Institute. In spite of all the efforts of folks like Scott Lingamfelter, money and budgets are tight. Tuition is already high and the school needs our support. During the second quarter of the VMI fiscal year (October through December), our class increased from the first quarter in the number of donors from 17 to 44, and went from more than $12,000 to nearly $38,000. And as part of that, our percent of alumni giving went from only 8.13 percent to 21.05 percent. I would like to see us get to 50 percent this year. The fiscal year ends June 30, so please consider donating to the school we all love so much. Any amount you give will count and is important. As Bob Luther pointed out, there are a lot of amazing things being done by our class and other VMI alumni all over the world, so it is evident what is going out from the Institute; the school needs more coming in from us. I hope everyone continues to prosper this year and enjoys good health. More and more of us are looking at retirement and looking forward to enjoying life to its fullest. Stay in touch! Have a great summer. In the bonds ... Mike

’74

Snookie Parker

Greetings, Brother Rats. I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas holidays. I know we were digging out of 12 inches of snow on Christmas Day in Wilson, NC. Yikes! I have received news/ notes on some BRs that I have not heard from in a while. For example, Jim (Rope the Scope) Roper (Denver, CO) checks in after a wonderful medical career. Jim is recently semi-retired and

considering what to do next – maybe some international medical volunteer work. Jim pursued a medical career (M.D.) after getting out of the Army in ’82. However, he still has connections in Kabul: Peaches Petraeus (Ranger School platoon/classmate winter ’74 – ’75) and Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess (Director, Defense Intelligence Agency) (MI Officers’ Advanced Course, ’78). Rope, I hear the “I” is looking for a few good stoopies – got to bring your own broom though! Got a note from Bill McDonald (Durham, NC) – he is semi-retired but still willing to serve. He is in hot pursuit of any job that will contribute but would really, really like to be a Family Readiness Officer with the Marine Corps Community Services. As Bill says, “It’s an opportunity to give back.” Very noble of you Bill … wishing you the best of luck on this new pursuit. I received an informative note from Lane Toomey. Lane says he sees Ron Stelmasczyk weekly, almost daily, at Fort Bragg. He said Ron’s doing great work with the Army G8 in keeping the rotating Fort Bragg FORSCOM units equipped and ready for their next deployments and that Ron is well-respected among the commanders and staffs of the units at Fort Bragg. Lane reports seeing John White on occasion and attended John’s daughter’s wedding this past May. Also, back in May, Lane and Karin ran into Dave Sheppard and his wife, Susan, at the Raleigh-Durham Airport. Lane and Karin were on their way to Greece for a few weeks, and Dave and Susan were on their way to Florida. They had small-world mini-reunion over coffee until they had to go to their flights. Lane, still active with the Alumni Association, ran into Chip Beaman and Tom Puskas while attending the December BOV meeting. Chip and Tom were representing their professions by participating in an Alumni Association-sponsored career fair for first and second classmen. Kudos to Chip and Tom! Thanks for the note, Lane. Marla and I will have to join you and Karin for dinner and the show: Shen Yun Chinese acrobat performance in Raleigh this June. Speaking of Ron Stelmasczyk - Ron and Marilyn Stelmasczyk invited John and Anita White, Pete and Susan Shelley, Kent and Brenda Wheeless, Cliff and Twana Biram, Lane and Karin Toomey and yours truly to a Super Bowl Party at their Beacon Ridge Golf Course Community home in West End, NC. I was committed to a weekend in Charleston, SC, with Marla so could not be there. I understand Stel supplied the warm Iron City Beer and perogis! I have not received a SITREP on the party so I am not sure who all attended. I’d like to report that I am confident no one got arrested but I’m not! However, with Marilyn at the helm, I’m sure everything was under control. Hope y’all had a good time! Charlie Gardner went to the “I” the last

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES weekend in January for the wrestling and a small ’74 reunion. BRs gathered for the wrestling matches, a basketball game and a late night at Ruby Tuesdays. BR attending: John Valenstein, Mike Andriani, Cliff Biram, Mike Cole, George Van Laethem, Lane Toomey, Donnie Ross, Tommy Anderson, Chip Beaman, Bill Pennypacker, Bruce Pence, Mike Mahoney, and R.C. Thompson. I’m told Cliff Biram got some pics, but I have not seen any evidence to substantiate the claim. Charlie, having missed our 35th, said it was especially great to spend time with everyone. I wish I could have been there! In December, Pat and Sue Flynn met Roland and Karen Lazenby at Hilton Head, SC, for the weekend. Hard to believe no one got arrested – not even a “disturbing the peace” warning? Paul Van Doren told me several months ago about this war-game he has been working on: Battles from the Bulge. Well, PC World has just named Battles from the Bulge as among the top 10 games of 2010. Here is PC World’s review: “Another fascinating, fantastically wrought war-game the mainstream sites and strategy blogs blinked past. You shouldn’t. Not if you’re into exquisitely drawn World War II maps, meticulously crafted scenarios, carefully foldedin historical fidelity, and relentlessly shrewd, frighteningly aware computer opponents. Battles from the Bulge is the most sophisticated real-time strategy game released this year, and you’ve probably never heard of it.” Kudos, Paul. Well done! Received a nice note from Rob (Kid) Fulks. Rob says Vivian and the family are doing great. However his vintage Mercedes 190 convertible is undergoing some restoration work at a body shop in Katy, TX - work that was needed but exceeded his abilities and patience. Rob and I commiserate on old Mercedes convertible restorations. I am nursing a 1966 230 SL I bought from Mike Morrissett’s in-laws in 1978. After 40 years, the work on these cars never ends – a labor of love though! At this point in life, Rob had hoped to be slowing down at work. But fate is not always in agreement with planning. Rob says he is busier than at any time in his 32-year career. Kid’s group is responsible for shale gas/ oil drilling and completion. Rob says the past six years have seen shale drilling and technology expand from the Barnett shale in Texas to Arkansas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and back into South Texas. And just when things got a little under control in the U.S., things are going crazy internationally. In the past six months, Rob has been to Germany, Poland, UK, France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, India and Canada chasing new projects. Hey Rob, I’d rather be busy than bored. Great note – thanks! We will have to have a car rally

2011-Issue 2

soon! I’d like to see how yours turns out! This past June BR Dr. Ed Blake had the pleasure of having lunch with his dyke Medford G. (Buddy) Ramey Jr. ’71 at the Tides Inn in Irvington, VA, where they spent over three hours catching up on what we had been doing over the past 34+ years! The last conversation they had had was in 1976! Ed thanked Buddy for selecting him as one of his dykes and providing him wisdom and guidance before, during and after the Ratline. They shared many stories related to VMI and discussed many events that had shaped their lives over these many years. Nice note Ed. I’d like to catch up with my dyke – Pete Van Hooser ’71 and thank him for his support my Rat year. Last I heard, he was a legendary Navy Seal still chasing bad guys. Snapper Carlock saw several BRs at one of the opening basketball games: Terrell Williams, Tommy Anderson, Thomas Walton, Ricky Kastelberg, Bruce Jones, Weldon Neal, and Donnie Ross. VMI lost by one but a great venue for a college basketball. Craig and Cathy are now in their new home in Lexington. Their house in Richmond is up for sale. Donnie and Snap did travel to Paramus, NJ, to pay tribute to the LaHowchic family. Snap was lucky enough to go with Donnie to the Stony Brook game in Long Island. Steve, Donnie and Snap, as well as a couple of Steve’s good friends, had dinner and went to the game together. Thanks, Snap. You and Cathy can expect a number of visitors now that you are in Lexington! See you soon! I received a collection to VMI tidbits from Mark Prentice. Enclosed were some pics of Mark and John Davis (now teaches maintenance classes for Boeing all over the world) skiing Keystone Mountain in CO. Nice Pics! Mark’s job requires him to travel around Virginia and allows him to run into a BR here and there: Bob (Blockhead) Benninger (division director for Water in Western Virginia Water Authority) when he is in Roanoke, Jim Sarver (chief of operations, Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities) when at the beach, and Donnie Ross when in Lexington. At an environmental conference in Hampton, Jim Sarver, Blockhead and Mark got Mike Foley (a chief utility engineer at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station) to join them for a Hooters night out. Mark, sounds like you are having too much fun! Thanks for the note! Just wanted to let you know that the VMI Class of 1974 Tidewater Area Breakfast Club has been revived. They have a fixed schedule allowing folks to plan ahead, especially out of town guests. Consider putting these dates on your calendars, especially those in Richmond who find the drive to Springfield trying. Let the club’s “less than grand” Pooh Baahs know if you plan to attend: Paul Van Doren 757/5352017 or Bill Pennypacker 757/647-8636. They

meet every two months on the third Saturday of the month at 8:30. They rotate through three locations: north side, west side, east side – so be sure to call before you come. The Nov. 20 Breakfast: Another moment of good cheer. Present were Paul Van Doren, Chip Beaman, Dave Sheppard, Gary Trinkle, Chuck Clayton, Bill Pennypacker, John Crawley, Steve Ham, and much to all’s surprise Mike Hogan and Phil Parker. Rumor has it that Mike and Phil were corralled by Chip. Phil happened to be in the area for a family event, and Mike happened to make his semi-annual reading of e-mail. George Van Laethem couldn’t make it because of a new job and urgent tasks. Not sure what happened to Sam Turner. Besides having a good time and good food, the only news t report: Gary Trinkle has ended his generous streak and refused to buy everyone breakfast. Thanks for the Christmas cards received: Ike and Sue Mushall (Columbus, NJ), Bailey and Doree Hurley (Ballwin, MO), Mark Shively (Richmond, VA), Bill and Leslie Minor (Burke, VA), Ed and Jamie Blake (Kilmarnock, VA), Paul and Rose Van Doren (Suffolk, VA), Bert and Cherryl Graham (Berwyn, PA), Rich and Ann Forbes (Nashville, TN), Steve and Pat Orr (Walkersville, MD), John and Suzanne Pate (Virginia Beach, VA), Bruce and Peggy Pence (Salem, VA), Charlie and Tommie Toler (Panama City Beach, FL), Kent and Brenda Wheeless (Rocky Mount, VA), Ted Zajak (Elyria, OH), Chip and Cathy Beamon (Chesapeake, VA), John and Diane McLaren (Virginia Beach, VA), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, VA), J.W. and Pam Simms (Midlothian, VA), Bob and Lisa Braren (Marco Island, FL), Lane and Karin Toomey (Southern Pines, NC), Kevin and Cindy Nettrour (Mascoutah, IL), Juice and Sue Jones (Richmond, VA), Ricky and Page Kastelberg (Richmond, VA), Mike and Clay Morrissett (Roanoke, VA), Don and Barb Whitten (Manassas, VA), Tom and Patricia Puskas (Oakton, VA), Snap and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, VA), Andy Eason and Marcie Mitchell (Moore, OK); Walt and Karen Wilson (Seattle, WA), Wilson and Anne Johnson (Fredericksburg, VA), Chuck and Louise Ward (Charlottesville, VA), John and Tracey Crawley (Newport News, VA), George and Anne Van Laethem (Chesapeake, Va), Craig and Debbie MacFarlane (Woodbridge, VA), Jim and Robin Garten (AZ -- who have Gavin (1) now with daughter Kelly on the way), Tom and Patti Mascot (Litchfield, AZ), Ted and Susan Telle (Germany), Clarke and Brenda Peele (Glendale, AZ), Rob and Joan Bacon (Jacksonville, FL), Andy and Pat Young, Mike Ashley (Bothell, WA), Don and Patti Kilcullen (Richmond, VA), Bob and Jeanne Slupik (Canyon Lake, TX), Russ and Cheryl Takata (HI), Pete and Susan Shelley

CLASS NOTES (Raleigh, NC), Gary and Alison Trinkle, and Ken and Betsy Terry (Williamsburg, VA). Charley Banning issued his 13th edition of the Banning Christmas Gazette. Small world story: After church on a Sunday this past fall, Chuck and Louise Ward were taking their grandchildren to visit Lexington and VMI. They happen to pass through Waynesboro during a big motorcycle rally and stop for lunch at McAllister’s where many bikers were eating. On the way in, Chuck explained that one of his Brother Rats, Bob Trost, rides a bike like one of these. Lo and behold, who is sitting at a table close by – BR Bob Trost. Small world! Here are a couple of recent BR network stories. The first concerns Herby Harlow and his son Daniel. There is nothing like a last minute “cold call” from someone looking for a room over the Christmas holiday. Daniel is a senior at the United State Merchant Marine Academy. On Dec. 17th, Daniel received notice of a short internship with Crowley Petroleum in Jacksonville, over the Christmas break, starting Dec. 20th. Herby was immediately on the net hoping to find someone in the Jacksonville area that might be able to put him up during this time. Herby understood that it is short notice, was not aware of any BRs in that area and knew that it is over Christmas when people are having friends and relatives in for the holidays. Herby knew the chances are slim to none but had to try. Well, it turns out there are three BRs in the area: Pat Flynn, Judge Nottingham, and Rob Bacon. Rob lived within minutes of Crowley Petroleum. By mid-day Dec. 18, young Daniel had three places to stay. Turned out that Daniel did not need a place to stay however Herby said it best: “It is nice to know that we have such a great support network!” The second story begins with an e-mail note to Dr. Charlie Gardner: “My son, Chris, was in Richmond playing in a rugby tournament for VMI. He has cut his mouth and is being transported to Henrico Hospital. Do you live in Richmond? EMT says he will need a plastic surgeon, and I could sure use someone to take a look and make certain he is getting the proper care. Sounded bad from here, but I can’t get there … The coach would handle this, but he has been transported to another hospital with broken ribs. Let me know when you receive this and if you can help. Your BR, Rich Forbes.” Then Rich called me, and I was able to reach Tommy Anderson in Richmond, and Tommy’s wife, Molly (who was on duty as a nurse practitioner at St. Mary’s), was able to contact the E.R. charge nurse at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital and insure that Chris was being handled with the best of care. As Rich says and we all agree, Molly was our angel and an extension of a great Brother Rat. Rich said, “How wonderful our network of BRs is and the commitment we have to each other. Being 1000 miles away with

an EMT on the phone relaying a crisis involving one of your children is an incredibly unsettling situation. Just knowing that I could reach out and have a BR respond in my time of need was calming beyond description. My wife, Ann, didn’t know me when I was a cadet, but she asked a profound question yesterday … “How could you describe the relationship you have with your Brother Rats to anyone and have them fully understand its meaning?” Ann and I have friends whose sons have gone to West Point, the Air Force and Naval Academies, yet, although these are great schools, none of them bonds their cadets and midshipmen with the same commitment and loyalty that VMI does. In speaking with these parents and young men, they are clueless as to the depth of the VMI bond we share. It is without a doubt unique in this day and age. Today I wrote a quick thank you note to Pat Farrell, the CEO of Henrico Doctors Hospital, for the professionalism of the E.R. staff, and relayed Molly’s comments regarding them. I quickly received a response from him … VMI Class of ’86 … and a rugby player while he was there! What a small world.” I love it when a plan comes together … and I hope by the time you are reading these notes, it will be in much warmer weather! All the best … Class Agent Plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/or careers. Brother Rats are interested and do care. I know e-mail addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated e-mail 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

Art Nunn III

The nasty bite of winter continues as these notes are prepared, but by the time they are published, we should all be enjoying a nice taste of springtime. Over the past couple of months, many of our BRs have stayed in touch, which is much appreciated and which makes this job a bit easier. Speaking of winter, Tony and Teresa Farry are enjoying the nice winter weather in FL. After the winter in Jensen Beach they will be heading back to Virginia, and Tony will start caddying again. Ain’t retirement great? Ellett and Frances Smith had dinner with

John and Karen Richardson not long after our reunion. John and Karen were in Alexandria to see their son, John, who is working there. Everyone was joined at lunch by the Richardson’s other son, Andrew, and Stephanie (his girlfriend) along with Ellett’s, daughter Lauren. A great time was had by all. Len Riedel reports that his daughter, Katherine, is preparing for college wanting to enter emergency medicine and is looking at both Randolph College (RMWC) and UVa. She is in one and waiting for the other. While she and her mom were on pins and needles Len enjoyed a couple of rounds of golf in Myrtle Beach in January. In February, Len and Dean Armstrong went to Guam (Gen. Lemuel Shepherd ’917), Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa and Tokyo to site survey a January 2012 Central Pacific World War II tour that they will be conducting with VMI professor Kip Muir. Heather Janes is in the Rochester area working through the last semester at seminary. Mike Farris and his family have landed in the NC High Country; Boone. Mike says that they really love life and living there. Mike is working with a small community bank in Boone, and he said it is a breath of fresh air from the corporate rat race where he had been before. Mike’s biggest surprise in life is that his wife, Kathy, has stayed married to him for the past 36 years. Their son, Michael, is the starting center on the Emory and Henry College football team, and their daughter, Mariah, is loving high school life. Tad MacGowan has been happily married since May and is living in Annapolis, while still working in Manassas. Tad’s 13-year-old son is into guns and hunting in a big way so they are building their own arsenal. (Class agent note – be very afraid!) Tad’s wife sells waterfront real estate and for a million bucks you can get a nice little tear down with a beautiful view. Greg and Anne Stultz are living in NE Ohio, and have endured a rough winter. Greg and Salvo Lape made it their mission, and they were successful in locating and getting in touch with John Plunkett. The Plunk and his wife are now living in Santa Barbara, CA. Jerry DeWaters tried to play golf in the snow in February. He lost six balls on the first hole and still took a 5. Jerry and Alice (who has stuck with him for almost 36 years) will be attending graduation of their godson, Christopher Conte ’11 (name sounds familiar), at the Institute about the time of publication of these notes. Jerry and Guy will find some time to play some golf, but Guy may want to bring along an accountant to verify the scores. Frank Hillson passed his Ph.D. comprehensive exams in American Literature. It was seven hours per day for two days. Now, he is a

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES doctoral candidate, and all he has to do is write in the Post Engineer shop at Marine Corps Air informed me that I had improperly spelled his the dissertation, which should take a year or so. Station Cherry Point, NC. Not only is she a VA son’s name in the last set of notes. At least his In the interim, Frank will be presenting papers Tech graduate, she also took a job with the Mason’s name is not spelled the same way as our on American Literature topics in March and in rines, for crying out loud. Kevin feels betrayed old roommate Dave Schuyler. Misspelled or May. on so many levels. not, the very sound of the name Skyler Fleenor Michael Soares reports that he and Capt. Jim Mesnard wrote that he and Dave Mund still messes with my brain. Liam Murphy ’65 will be attending a Victorian have an annual ritual of going duck and goose Doug Baird is still with the Institute for DeMilitary Society’s formal Mess Dining In at the hunting on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in fense Analyses in Alexandria, working operaAtlantic Beach Club Newport, RI. After that, January. They made their annual trek early in tional testing issues on Navy ships. Doug has he and his wife are off to Cascais, Portugal for the month and claim that their freezers are now been there for nearly 15 years (since retiring a visit. filled. from the Air Force in 1995). He and Norma Paul Bernard is doing well in northern Virginia. Bo and Nancy Temple are both doing well. had dinner recently with Teresa and Mike Abby is still feeling the effects of the many medi- Nancy’s “new” right knee has worked out well. Mulligan, who were married last June up in cal challenges she has been through Fairfield, PA. Speaking of that, the last several years, but they are the occasion was a mini-reunion – hoping for improvements as her back Vicky and Todd Sain, Susan and continues to heal from surgery last Jim Mesnard, and Linda and Jim year. Things are going well for their Seitz attended, along with Norma son, Chris, and his wife, Wendy, in and Doug. Charlottesville. They both are still Chip and Kathy Louthan went working at the Boar’s Head Inn and on a four-day cruise with Bill and staying busy with lots of work related Dolores Overton. The Judge was social items that allow them meet all in charge of 43 of his parishioners sorts of interesting people. through the Bahamas. A great time Dean Armstrong has been flywas had by all, to say the least. ing a lot lately – mostly European Danny Daniels checked in routes. He attended a World War from Lawrenceville, GA. Danny II convention also attended by Rob is an officer with the Williams Dalessandro ’80 and Richard McGroup, which is a construction and Murry ’61. Dean is also involved as maintenance services company Class of 1975: In Norfolk, Virginia, for the VMI-ODU football a volunteer on the LST 325 located for the nuclear power industry. In game were, from left, Chip Louthan, Oliver Way, Ben Vanin Evansville, IN. his business, he has run into a few derberry, Rich Meredith ’07, Lawton Way ’05, Robert Mills, Glenn Garland is in Iraq serving BRs over the years, including Andy Steve Chain, Richard Meredith ’78 and Allen Morgan. his dental skills to deserving teeth. Dearman and Gary Taylor. Danny As a member of the North Carolina serves on the VMI Foundation National Guard, Glenn is convinced that he is Bo completed his third cycle of treatments BOT, along with Jim Hobbs, who has been on the oldest VMI alumnus in the theater. Well, (melanoma) on Dec. 31st, and he says that he it for a while. Danny’s and Anne’s son, Andrew, somebody has to be. is doing just fine. Bo is still the deputy comis currently a Rat at VMI. He has run into Greg Oliver Way and his wife made a visit to mander of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers/ Diamantopoulos at a VMI game. Greg also has Mexico in early February. After that, they were the deputy chief of engineers, headquartered in a son at VMI. looking forward to the wedding festivities for NW Washington, D.C. Our highest ranking BR, Dan Darnell, wrote their son, Lawton. Lane Pritchard has his own residential apto let us all know that he is going to retire after Allen and Sandy Morgan have been atpraisal business and has been doing appraisals 35 years of active duty service this summer. A tending the Saturday basketball games at the for banks, individuals and attorneys for about career in the Air Force has been everything he Institute. They have enjoyed spending time with seven years now. It allows Lane to work out of hoped it would be when our ROTC class was Judy and Tom Baur. Allen reports that George his home and volunteer in his daughter’s classcommissioned in J.M. Hall many years ago. Dan Piegari, whom many of us had for different room. He is still involved in the martial arts and is currently the deputy commander, United States math classes, will be awarded a VMI diploma. goes to class twice a week under the watchful Pacific Command at Camp Smith, HI. Dan and Apparently, in the history of VMI this has only eye of a grand master. Maybe that is why he Vickie are planning to settle in northern Virginia happened 25 times before. He is very deserving still looks as young as the day we graduated, near three of their grandchildren. of this award. which really ticks me off. Ben Vanderberry hosted a gathering of BRs Kevin Wright continues as an intelligence Scott and Barb Risser are rapidly approachat his home, before the VMI-ODU football planner in the J2 shop in Stuttgart. If that isn’t ing retirement from many years of military and game last fall. It was much appreciated by all scary enough, he is supporting Charlie Kaune civil service. They are building their retirement who attended. Right before Christmas, Ben got who is apparently single handedly solving all home in Rockbridge County, and it will be open together with Robert Mills, Oscar Richardson, problems in the Sudan. Kevin also works with to any BRs needing a place to stay when in and Rob Slaughter to share some Christmas Scott Lloyd ’76 who is doing security cooperatown. Scott said that Vic Arthur has found new cheer. Ben also spoke recently with Harry tion stuff with Africa. Kevin’s wife, Kathleen, employment in the Winchester, VA, area. McKnight. is a Department of the Army civilian research Mike Fleenor has been much more involved Randy Frank is enjoying working (sort of) in psychologist in Heidelberg. Their daughter, in activities at VMI this year, since his son, Bellingham, WA. Randy’s wife, Terry, is workMichelle, is a Department of Defense civilian Skyler, is completing his Rat year. Mike ing as set director in-training for the Bellingham

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CLASS NOTES Theater Guild. Their son, Sam, is in school at Evergreen State College in Olympia and interning at a gourmet cheese producer. Other son Zach is designing magazine applications for I-phones and I-pads in LA. Randy and Terry are just glad to have their sons both back in the same Time Zone with them. Bill Robson is still working at Fort Belvoir assisting the Corps with the construction of the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Bill recently ran into Oscar Richardson. They had a great time catching up with each other. Andy and Mary Love Dearman are enjoying life as new grandparents, particularly when it comes to spoiling their little granddaughter. Their son is an offensive lineman at the University of South Florida. Andy says he is prospering in retirement. (All of these retired guys are starting to get to me.) He and Mary Love enjoyed a great weekend with Sloane and Mike Hunter, Sandy and Al Morgan and Robert Mills at the Hunter’s gorgeous place at Kiawah Island, SC. Lies were told, liquor consumed and good times were had by all. Chuck Wohlrab checked in from Afghanistan where he works for DynCorp as the director for half of the training establishment and now controls 60 U.S. and 70 Afghan workers (about a quarter of the contract). His guys are located at eight sites around Kabul and across the rest of the country. Chuck’s oldest son, Philip, is headed back to Iraq this year with the VA Guard. Daughter Kirkland is still with Sigma Nu, working on their education programs and fundraising. Back home in New Zealand the younger kids, Conor and Seren, are doing well in elementary school. Deb is doing fine, continuing to volunteer at Seren’s school, and doing a bit of work with the National Party now and again. That will wrap it up for now. Just a quick note about Annual Giving. The fiscal year ends 30 June, so I would like to urge all of our Brother Rats who have not donated to the Institute to do so if at all possible. With continuing loss of state revenues, alumni giving has never been more important. It is tough to find money to give right now, we all know that. There are hundreds of deserving young men and women who will not have the opportunity to attend VMI if the alumni are not there for them. This is not about giving back to VMI; it is about giving forward to the young men and women who could benefit from the education that VMI provides. Please think about it, and if at all possible, make a donation, no matter what the amount, before the end of this fiscal year. It will make a tremendous difference to someone down the road. All the best my Brother Rats. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay in touch.

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’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats: These notes were written on Feb. 15, 2011. You are probably reading them the first or second week in May. I hope you have finalized your plans to attend the 35th Class Reunion (Sept. 9-11) like Jack and Charlotte Christy! Before Jack flew to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan on business for Boeing, he told me he was making travel plans to attend the reunion. Jack and Charlotte will leave Seattle the first week in September to arrive in Washington, D.C., tour the area, then visit the Old Dominion. Jack said they’ll swing down to Williamsburg, maybe Richmond; certainly a Charlottesville - Monticello stop; obviously Lexington; a day in Staunton; a leisurely drive on Skyline Drive; and return to Washington, D.C., for a flight back to Seattle. If you live along their route, contact Jack for a mini-reunion! Jack said Charlotte looks at Washington, D.C., and Virginia through wondering eyes, so it will be a great trip for her. Since I am talking about the reunion, let me use this opportunity to publish the draft itinerary. Remember, these notes were written in February. It will get adjusted as the reunion date gets closer. Friday, Sept. 9 Check-in at the Wingate Hotel 0900: Golf at Lexington CC 1300: Sport Clay shooting 1630: Attend parade 1730 - 2230: Class reception Saturday, Sept. 10 0900: Class tailgate open 0930: Class picture 1030: Attend parade & “Old Yells” 1130-1300: Tailgate Lunch (TBD) 1300: Football game Event for ladies (TBD) 1730: Class dinner Sunday, Sept. 11 Check-out at the Wingate Hotel 1000: Memorial Service You will receive the final itinerary and other reunion information through the mail in late spring/early summer. Oops! Razz Waff did not get promoted to major general in the Army Reserve on Aug. 4, 2010, as I previously reported. Unfortunately Senate confirmation was delayed because of a minor technicality - political debate surrounding the closure of Joint Forces Command in the Hampton Roads area. Razz said the delay held up a total of 3,359 promotions. Nevertheless, he

finally got promoted on Dec. 23rd. Unfortunately, the promotions order did not get Razz’s full name right, but I think his social security number was correct. I spoke to J.B. Kirk on the phone last November. J.B. and Wanda are empty nesters living in the Atlanta area – their daughter was married last year. J.B. received his Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines in Operations Research. He joined Blue Water Solutions in 2001 (a professional services company focusing on the airline and aviation industries). He manages contracts with Teradata, the U.S. Army Missile Command and an air charter service that provides air ambulance, executive charter and fire fighting capability. J.B. said he is actively looking for VMI recruits in local Atlanta high schools. Last Thanksgiving, Wayne Eastham, his wife, Caren, and their daughter, Margy, went on a 10-day mission trip to Uganda. Wayne and his wife are coordinators for a church program sponsoring about 40 girls in secondary school and university in Uganda. During the trip they met several of the girls and visited several schools. Wayne said it was a rewarding and humbling trip – their first to Africa. Tony and Sharon Young had a great Christmas holiday. All of their kids with families were able to visit them in Vero Beach, FL. After 30 years of service, Tony retired from the U.S. Army in 2006. Tony said there are a few retired soldiers in town but most of them are Navy and Air Force types. Tony and Sharon are probably sitting at the beach right now while the rest of us are freezing our tails off. Dyke and Bobbi Davies, Dexter and Sevanne Gilliam, Wayne and Caren Eastham, Mike and Laura Dietrick, and Allen and Ruth Ann McCarthy attended the Valentine’s Day Hop in February which was sponsored by the Lynchburg Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association. The VMI Commanders provided the music for the evening. Dyke said it was a nice get-a-way weekend to hang out with VMI family.

Class of 1976: On a mission trip to Uganda in November 2010 were Wayne, Caren and Margy Eastham at Nyero Rock in the Kumi Province.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES While Ray Ramos got “connected” on Face- California. (Flashback: Ray saved me during of not-for-profit organizations, taking his turn as book, he sent me a BR update. Ray has been busy our Rat FTX. Late one night he showed me how president of one and chairman for another. Ted in the Atlanta area. His business is growing. “A to open a C-ration can with a P38 - I was clue- volunteers with the USFS and NPS and is also a business that I swore would not get any bigger less! The meal was beef and potatoes with half an member of the Sierra Vista Environmental Affairs than just me is now almost bigger than me.” Ray inch of indescribable goo stuck to the food. The Commission. In his spare time, he writes, paints has 19 employees in two offices that work in too next morning I was a pro with the P38 - opened and tries to stay in shape. Ted said the latter is not many states. “Right now, I have three guys work- up my first can of semi-green scrambled eggs as easy as it once was, but so far, so good. Ted’s ing on projects in Southern California, one in Chi- with bacon bits.) wife, Melanie, is a member of the Fort Huachuca cago, and two others overseeing roofing projects Ted Mouras said not much has changed out in military retiree’s council, still plays the piano and in Iowa, Mississippi and Ohio.” Ray and Margaret Arizona. He continues to be involved in a number is studying French. Ted suspects there is a vacahave one child left in college. Their tion to France in his near future. The youngest, Emily, is attending Full Sail Mouras’ spent a couple of weeks in University in Orlando, FL, studying southeastern Utah this fall and had a cinematography. Michael, their oldwonderful time. As I write this note, est, lives in Arlington, VA, and works they are probably returning from a for Booz-Allen. Katie, their middle trip to Costa Rica and Panama. child, moved from Arlington back to Uma LaGrone sent an update on Atlanta. She works for Uncle Julio’s Ron. He continues to be in charge and relocated to open a new store. She of the Joint Command and General is currently the kitchen manager and Staff Course at the Baltic Defense will complete her training to become College in Estonia for the second the assistant general manager. Ray year of a three-year term. Uma said the Mexican food at Uncle Julio’s visits him at least twice a year. is even better when Katie picks up She said with Skype and instant Class of 1976: Jim and Susan Mallon, center, with their the tab. Ray and Jim Mallon have messaging she is able to stay in son and daughter on the coast of Italy in August 2010. been hitting the ski slopes for the past touch with Ron between visits. two years. (I think they are skiing in Montana right now.) Jim was in Atlanta last fall where he was attending the International Facilities Manager Conference and Raymond Engineering was exhibiting. Jim spent several days at the Ramos house where they were able to play a round of golf and just hang out. Ray Beazley passed his 20-year anniversary with the San Francisco Police Department last summer. Ray said he worked mostly late at night in areas you don’t read about or see in travel brochures. But he transferred to a better part of the city to enjoy his last few years on the streets. Ray has not decided exactly when to retire but his wife has: four years from now. Ray retired from the Army Reserve in 1999 following a deployment to Bosnia, so in four years he will be able to receive his retirement pay to help maintain their lifestyle of home improvement and cruising. Ray and his wife rescue abused and neglected Golden Retrievers. They either adopt or foster them until they can find the dogs a good home. About seven years ago, Ray lost half an Achilles tendon chasing a guy with a gun, so his running days are over. For a good workout, he likes taking his dogs hiking through the hills of northern

2011-Issue 2

Class of 1976: Tony and Sharon Young, center, with family at a 2010 Christmas service.

Class of 1976: Supporting the 14th Annual Hunter’s Hope Memorial Golf Tournament and Auction in Roanoke, Virginia, were Scott Snow ’77, Jake Willis ’07, Jim Delisio, Hunt Ozmer, Ron Wilkosz ’77, Jim Gearhart ’71, Bill Gearhart ’70, Roland Lazenby ’74, Bill Bhatta, Jeff Reynolds ’77, J.R. Mott, Kavie Thrift, Hank Dean and Jeff Munsey ’77.

Their sons are doing well in the Washington, D.C., area. Both are gainfully employed, unmarried and despite Uma’s hints about grand children, they are in no hurry to get married. Jim and Tish Dittrich are well and still working at Leisure Arts. She runs the accounting department, and Jim runs operations. Tish is the new fire captain in their local fire department. Jim said she bosses him there as well as at work. She also continues with her knitting, gardening and keeping her CPA license current. They hike and travel as often as they can. Their kids are doing fine: Addison and Johanna live on their 58 acre property; he works at Blue Cross and she works at Social Security. They want to move to Colorado this year. Taylor graduates in May from Johnson & Wales University in Denver where he will remain and hopefully start a restaurant. Finally, Chelsea is at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and hopes to transfer to the University of Colorado, Boulder. They all love Colorado! And of course there is Bear, an Australian Shepherd dog. Everyone has a favorite dog story; I thought this one was exceptional. Jim said: “Our

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CLASS NOTES toilet didn’t work and we paid a local guy $99 to tell me that there was a permanent blockage and we needed a new toilet that he would sell for $1200. Instead, I look the toilet apart and found Bear’s rawhide bone seasoning deep in the toilet. The rawhide expanded with water and it took a hammer to remove it. Bear enjoyed the seasoned bone with the unique flavor.” Grigg and Cindy Mullen reported they made it through another year intact. Cindy’s health is good; Grigg (the elder) is getting balder; Grigg (the younger) is settling in to his own place and remains happy working for the VMI Physics Department; and Andrew is on schedule to graduate this spring from the University of Mary Washington after spending the fall semester studying in Bilbao, Spain. Grigg is the “wise voice” within the VMI Civil Engineering department now. After 15 years of little change, there are now four new professors in the department. Grigg said, “I now find the whippersnappers coming to me for advice.” This summer Grigg and Cindy spent two weeks in England and Wales. During the week of Thanksgiving, they visited Andrew in Spain. Grigg said, “I don’t think we embarrassed him too terribly!” See your stock in Verizon! Rocky Glass announced his retirement from the company after 30 years of service. His last day was Jan. 31st. Rocky said he will continue working elsewhere (not as a Walmart greeter however) until his twins get through college in a couple of years. That’s it until May. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super ’77 Rah, Rah, Rah … BRs, this is a combo issue of old and new. The first section is the notes you were e-mailed. The notes were written in the order as they occurred. Debbie and Bob Hartzell do a great job every home game with their tailgate. BRs present were India and Bob Atkinson, Peggy and Mike Meise, Chris Nash and Moe. Harts also has his son, James, and many of his BRs come by for the feast. Chris had his quickly growing up children with him. After the game the children were running around on the parade ground away from the tailgate when the canon sounded and the flag began its decent. Both of his children (on their own) stopped and stood facing the flag with their hands over their hearts until the bugle stopped and the flag was down. Moe applauds Chris for teaching his children respect for the flag. His children could teach a lot of adults a thing or two about respecting the flag. Robert

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Houser was also seen at the game, but Moe regrettably missed him. The next Friday was the Pup Cup golf tournament which was held somewhere between Richmond and Williamsburg. ’77 was represented by Mark Bryant, Billy Hupp, John Marshall, Buzzy Northen and Buster Pace. Moe missed the outing but heard an ear full of whining about how hard the course had played. The next day was the VMI-W&M game in Williamsburg. ’77 was out in force. Mark Bryant and Carol, Buddy Lemaster, Janine and Eric Hutchings, Hope and John Marshall, Jane and Moe Massie, Ellen and Buzzy Northen, Gail and Buster Pace, Stanley Stout, and Travis and Tommy Underhill were at the Keydet Club pregame barbeque and the game. A picture with these notes (see at right) shows how old some of these BRs are looking … judge for yourself, but make sure there aren’t any mirrors around. VMI’s next foe on the gridiron was against UVa in Charlottesville. Meg and Bill Talley invited Jane and Moe to join them for their tailgate and the game. Meg and Bill have a Wahoo daughter and a Keydet son (Bill ’03). Savannah the Talley’s granddaughter was also there. Moe also saw Harts who was going to find Shorty (Paul Seufer) and other roomies. Moe heard that the Huppster (Billy), Busta Chop (Pace), Buzzim (Northen), and Shankapotamus (Marshall) were somewhere among the masses at the game. It’s a wonder one of them didn’t streak across the field. On second thought, I’m glad they didn’t. Oct. 2nd was the 5th annual “Ride to the I” weekend. BRs Billy Holzgrefe and Stan Stout joined Moe for the event. Harpo came from Richmond and Stan from Williamsburg. Moe had made it to the previous four events but had clutch problems and thought he might miss this year. Rather than break the streak, Moe rode his dirt bike over the mountain from Lynchburg. Never say Die! Moe also saw the Hartzells, Gail and Buster Pace, and Patti and Chris Perry. Jim Bradshaw was seen as he drove away from the game, but Moe was able to run him down. Moe didn’t get any info from BRs at the Stony Brook game but did see a great turn out at the”I” for the Liberty game which was Parents Weekend. Harts sent Moe the following story: During the Parents Weekend, Harts set up his tailgate tents on the parade ground and went back to get Debbie. Evidently, it was before the authorized set up time on the parade ground. While Harts and Deb were sitting in the line of traffic waiting to get on post, the Post Police wanted to remove Harts tents, but Buster told them, “No way!” Busta Chop said, “Harts is a Tailgater Emeritus, and you are not going to confiscate his gear.” Harts wanted Moe to send

a shout out to BR Pace who had his back! Moe saw Hobbie Andrews and his son, Forest, Deb and Harts, Billy Hupp, Hope and John Marshall, Ellen and Buzzy Northen, Gail and Buster Pace, Patti and Chris Perry, Joe Santelli, and Travis and Tommy Underhill. Moe also saw the Perrys at the scholarship dinner that evening. The VMI-Army game was held at West Point. Moe saw Herb Fluhler from a distance but wasn’t able to talk to him. Moe did talk to the Hartzells. Moe rode up to New York with Barbara and Donnie Ross ’74 and after the game went to eat with the Ross family and Steve LaHowchic ’74. Some of you probably remember Steve. Moe is sorry to say that Steve passed away two weeks after the Army game. Steve had also come down for his last reunion and this past UVa game. Steve will be missed. Super ’77 came back to VMI Nov. 6, 2010, for the Coastal Carolina game. India and Bob Atkinson, Mark Bryant and Carol, Sherri and Steve Gallahan and their son, Debbie and Bob Hartzell, and Peggy and Mike Meise and their daughter were there to cheer for VMI. Moe missed seeing Denise and Steve Neas who also made it up. At Moody Hall after the game someone knew it was Jane Massie’s birthday and started to sing happy birthday to her. After the song a Marine came up to Jane and said it was also his birthday. Well we sang happy birthday to him. Now the brain teaser for you math wizards: on Nov. 6, 1946, the Marine was born and on Nov. 6, 2010, he was 64 years old. On Nov. 6, 1964, Jane was born and on Nov.6, 2010, she was 46 years old. Could this happen with two other birthday years? And what are the odds of these two people meeting on their birthday by accident with the same type of number opposites? Founders Day brought The Institute Society Dinner to Marshall Hall. There will be pictures in the next issue. Mark Bryant and Carol sat with Jane and Moe Massie. Patti and Chris Perry sat with his father and Eric Hutchings sat with other VMI officials. Such a small group of ’77ers when so many qualify to attend. Maybe we can show up in numbers next year. The next day, Jane and Moe traveled to the beach to see the VMI-ODU game. The Keydet Club had use of a skybox for the game, and Charlotte and John Krovic were there. Not only did we have a warm room, we had a great view of the field, food, drink and a cooler full of ice cream with all the fixings. Moe loves ice cream! ODU football has risen to the top in a very short time … the 25,000 students doesn’t hurt plus the 1000 dollars per student per year fee raises 25 million for their athletic budget not counting their sold out football games and concessions sales. Not too shabby!

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Moe wants to encourage all BRs visiting the Institute to stop by and see BR Keith Gibson or at least see his work. The VMI museum looks great and with the addition of the Henry Stewart 19th Century Antique Firearm Collection it is over the top. Keith and staff put the entire collection display together. It made Moe wonder if Keith was an engineering major rather than a LA major the way everything is so systematically put together. Great job, Keith; another BR making Super ’77 so Super! Speaking of Super our very own newly promoted Lt. Gen. J.D Johnson had a nice article in a link Moe received from Mike Parish.

Check it out at http://wwwusfk.mil/usfk/content.chief.of.staff.lt.gen.john.d.johnson.60 Tom Pender wrote to tell Moe that 30 years of government contracting as a trial attorney, chief trial attorney and as a judge has been enough. He accepted a job as an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration in Richmond, VA. Sounds like another super career for another Super ’77. He also said his long term plans are to retire someday to the New Market area where he owns some farm land. Tom said, “Seems like VMI and the valley is like a neutron star – it does pull back.” He also said his son has shown interest in VMI so

he may be a cadet someday in the near future. This section of the notes are the ones which you have not received via e-mail. Moe hooked up with several BRs and friends at the Gardner Webb football game in South Carolina on Nov. 20, 2010. Tommy Cole, Susan and Keith Kowadlo and their daughter, Chris Nash, Steve Woodis and Moe were joined by Steve McKenna ’79 and his wife and Donnie Ross ’74 for the pregame festivities. Unfortunately, the football season ended with a loss. Now five games into basketball season and all wins. Mike Meise made the Southern VA game just before Thanksgiving to see the fifth straight victory.

Class of 1977

Photos counter clockwise from top, left: - At the William & Mary Keydet Club pregame barbeque were, from left, Buster Pace, Stanley Stout, Buzzy Northen, Tommy Underhill, Buddy Lemaster, John Marshall, Moe and Mark Bryant. - Mark Bryant with his date, Carole, at the Institute Society Dinner. - Attending the Gardner-Webb football game on Nov. 20, 2010, were, from left, front row, Chris Nash, Tommy Cole and Donny Ross ’74. Back row: Steve Woodis, Moe and Keith Kowadlo. - Steve Callihan obtained his private pilot’s license on Oct. 30, 2010, at Washington County Airport, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One week later, he and his wife, Lindy, flew to Carroll County, Ohio, for breakfast at an airport restaurant. Lindy said, “Nothing like a $175 breakfast.” - Attending the Institute Society Dinner in Marshall Hall on Nov, 11, 2010, were, from left, Moe, Mark Bryant, Eric Hutchings and Chris Perry.

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CLASS NOTES Our first loss was against West VA (the same one who went to the final four the year before). Moe made the trip and saw many VMI fans but no Super ’77ers. Kimber Latsha was at VMI for the December BOV meetings. He made it to both basketball games. Kimber and Moe sat together for one of the games, and between the two of us, we solved most of VMI’s problems. It was good to see that Kimber’s BOV appointment has not gone to his head and that he’s still the same normal guy we all remember. On Nov. 30th, Mr. Van Naisawald ’42 died here in Lynchburg. Moe saw Paul Seufer at the visitation. Lindy Callihan from Pittsburg wrote to let Moe know that no Oct. 30, 2010, her husband Steve Callihan obtained his private pilot’s license. After his check ride with 43 hours in his log book in a Piper warrior they flew to Carrol County, OH, for breakfast. Steve planned to start his instrument lessons in March. Lindy has about five hours in her log book. Moe’s nephew, Josh Favaro ’10, graduated on Dec. 18, 2010. Josh had stayed the extra semester to play his last year of football eligibility. He started his job with Boxley out of Roanoke on Jan. 11th. Boxley is a good company with numerous VMI employees. Moe was glad to see Josh get off to such a great start right out of VMI CE program. India Atkinson (Bob Atkinson’s wife) sent Moe a note to bring him up to date. Bob had lost his father and mother during the past year. Unfortunately, many of us who have been fortunate enough to have our parents live full lives are now starting to see their years start to catch up with them. Moe’s thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost and may lose loved ones in the near future. Thankfully on a better note, the Atkinsons became grandparents to Drake, son of their daughter, Ashley, and her husband, Jay. Another Atkinson daughter, Jennifer, served five months in Kuwait with the USAF Reserve. She and her husband, Stephen, are stationed at Langley AFB. They have two children: Andrew (6) and Cailyn (4). Bob’s daughter, Rachel, graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with an advertising and journalism degree. Their youngest, Marshall, is at VT in mechanical engineering. Marshall has been selected for the Formula SAE team for the next two years. Hopefully Marshall can stay clear of Tommy Cole’s corrupting ways in the racing world. Bob and India now have India’s 94-year-old mother living with them. It sounds like they are both very busy but still find time to make it over to VMI often. Another Roanoker wrote to say the Meise family has had a good 2010. Matt Meise is a senior in high school and should be graduating soon. Son David is 15 and daughter Elizabeth is 12. Peggy is still the guidance counselor at the

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middle school, and Mike is with the Roanoke library system. The Meises and Adkinsons have set the VMI attendance bar high for the Big Lick crowd. Moe also got word from John Quackenbush who is still with Homeland Security protecting approximately 2000 federal buildings. Quack has added another hot car to his collection: a 2010 Roush Mustang Convertible, supercharged with 435 horse power. Sounds like a blast Quack also mentioned another supercharger hottie which he has been dating for two years. Moe has read between the lines about the supercharger hottie part but it does stand to reason if he hasn’t caught her yet with all those fast cars she must be pretty evasive. They did make an eight-day trip to Mexico City this past summer where she grew up. Quack said it was a great trip and found it very safe and reasonable prices. Moe also enjoyed cards from Marianne and Bill Anderson in Chesapeake, VA; Debra, Robert and James Hartzell in Springfield, VA.; Marty and Bob Manteuffel in Richardson, TX; Irene and Elliott Shull in Cherry Hill, NJ; and Fred Wiggins in Pembroke, NC. Tim Thompson sent word from Tidewater that his karate team won the Christmas Holiday Karate show 2010. Check it out at www.dragon foreskaste.com and on you tube 1watch?v=8r2BGIRObu. Moe traveled to Asheville, NC, for the New Year’s Eve VMI-UNC Asheville game and after game party. Well, who would have expected to see Carol and Mike Conaway come walking in. They had been to Raleigh, NC, to visit Trish and Will Bynum and then headed west for the game, party and to see the Biltmore House and candlelight tour. The Conaways and Moe cheered the Keydets on to victory at the game. We also sat together at the party and had Pat and Mike Kelly ’73 join us. Mike is class agent for his class and also our BR, Steve Kelly’s, brother. It was great seeing Carol and Mike and having another Super ’77 BR help bring in the New Year. Jan. 20, 2011, brought the Running Roos to Lynchburg to play Liberty and things didn’t go to well for the Keydets. At least Feb. 15, 2011, we got even beating the Flames at Cameron Hall. The Jan. 29, 2011, game against UNC Asheville where they got their revenge against us, but Moe did get to see Will Bynum and his daughter at the game and in Moody Hall afterward. Will said it was his wife, Trish’s, college friends’ reunion at their house, and Will and his daughter decided to get out of Dodge or Raleigh. It’s reported that there was quite a bit of wine flowing that weekend at the Bynum’s home. Tommy Cole made it up for the game, as did Bert Deacon and Chris Perry. Chris was also at the board of governors meeting for the Keydet Club and Bert came for the Board of

Directors meeting of the Alumni Association. Moe also met Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47 our BR Gus’ father at the Alumni dinner. Moe received a nice letter from Carol and Mike Conaway on Jan 11th. Their daughter, Carlin, earned a BA in communications and minors in business and leadership from VT. Christopher, their son, earned his master’s degree in strategic intelligence. Carlin is teaching in VA Beach and working toward a master’s degree in secondary education at ODU. Christopher deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, on Feb. 11th for a 4- to 6-month hitch. Hopefully, he will be home safely soon. Mike continues to work as EVP of Tetra Tech Tasoro while Carol is involved with several ministries at church, one being a soup kitchen which serves hot meals 365 days a year. Carol is also a member of the Civil Engineer Corps Spouses’ Club. Mike and Carol continue to enjoy boating, fishing and their dinner cruises when the boat isn’t in the repair shop. Steve Neas wrote from Greensboro, NC, to let Moe know that he and Denise were married in J.M. Hall in Nov 09. Evidently the honeymoon did not give Steve time to write until now – Steve you da man! Quack was the best man; Bob Atkinson and Chuck Conner were also there. Steve said he sees Chris Nash and Tommy Underhill occasionally in the Triad area. Denise and Steve own some land in Rockbridge County near the Lexington Reservoir on Moores’ Creek Road. He hopes to build and be ready to host all early arrivals for the 35th Reunion out for a Thursday night cookout. More details closer to our reunion. Morris Siegel wrote from St. Louis, MS, to tell Moe that he and Bretta are doing fine after he was laid off on Jan. 28, 2011. He said their children, Brad and Blake, are out of college, and he hopes to have more time to attend some VMI events. Other than the ice and snow, Morris says things are going well, there is a roof over his head, clothes on his back and he is beginning to upscale to premium bacon and Bushes beans for supper. As we know, Morris is still a survivor and will come out of the Midwest on top. Feb. 5th was the Lynchburg Chapter’s 5th Annual Valentine’s Hop. Debbie and Steve Kelly, Martha and Paul Seufer, and Jane and Moe Massie were there to celebrate. There will be a group photo in our next issue. The event has continued to grow and brings VMI people from Roanoke, Lexington, Richmond, VA Beach, northern VA and South Boston. Karen and Dennis Kocik and Mark Bryant usually attend but were AWOL this year. Moe had a nice talk with George Borojevich at the VMI-Radford game. George seems to be doing well and plans to make it to more VMI events and games.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES The VMI legislative reception was held in Richmond on Feb. 15, 2011. Moe saw Eric Hutchings, Hope and John Marshall, Buzzy Northen, Patti and Chris Perry, and Alan Wagner helping support the VMI mission with our state legislators. Hopefully, we helped the commonwealth to realize our value and to keep the state’s support coming to VMI for our growth. Do note for the future our 35th Reunion dates – Sept. 14-15, 2012! Start making your plans to be there now. Lastly, Moe would like to thank you Super BRs. So many of you have given me encouragement concerning the loss of my father through letters, cards, e-mails, text messages, phone calls and in person. It means so much to know someone cares when you are hurting. BRs are family much like the very family we are related to by blood or marriage. The VMI family is alive, well and important to all of us. It rejoices with our victories, cheers for us during our battles and encourages us to carry on during our tough times. Moe has learned that losing a parent is hard to understand until it happens to you. I hope to be more understanding of others in their losses in the future. The VMI experience is also hard to understand unless you have been through it. Who will say VMI is nothing like the Real World. Not I! Thank you for your patience with me. Rah, Rah, VMI Whole Da*# Class, In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! ... Moe

’78

Tom Brown

It is May as you are reading this, and it has been a while since all the snow was around, a very happy spring to the class of ’78. The winter weather did not keep the news from flowing. Alec Earle continues working information technology issues for the Air Force civil engineer. He and Sheila have been living in Alexandria just 15 minutes from work. They continue to enjoy traveling around the local area and around the country. Alec competed two in triathlons this past year and plans on doing some longer ones in 2011. Do one for me too Alec. Bob Kirby sent along news that he has moved to a new home in Edenton, NC, and commutes to Portsmouth. Jimmy Leech is completely retired now and is staying busy with church, a volunteer wildlife rescue organization, and his youngest son’s high school baseball career. Mark Walrod has been in northern Leesburg, VA, for the past four years. Mark has been working for a security company since retiring from the Army. He found out his dyke, Dr. Jim Langan ’81 has been living

2011-Issue 2

close by in Ashburn. Jim retired from the Army and is doing work for Raytheon. Jim, his lovely wife, Melissa, and Mark attended the Coastal Carolina football game at VMI. Mark says he didn’t recognize anyone after not having been back in so long. Must have been over 25 years or more. He said it was great to go back! Tom Booker did not have much snow in the Portland, OR, area, but said there was still great skiing on Mt. Hood. News from Tom is that they are in the process of adopting a third child from China and would appreciate prayers concerning her safe and timely joining of their family. Chip Schelhorn reports he is working hard keeping his family afloat in this expensive world. Chip was looking forward to an eight-day ski vacation to Aspen, CO. He had been out to Big Sky, MT, for three days as a warm up. His children are keeping him busy and says with a 10-year-old his new goal is to retire at 66.2 years old, his max thru Social Security, God willing! I hear you on the retirement age. Greg Gearhart says he had a couple of really cool trips in 2009 and 2010 with Engineering Ministries International to Uganda and Haiti. eMi puts together teams of volunteer engineers, architects and surveyors to help design infrastructure improvements for ministries serving in the poorest parts of the world. Their teams worked with an orphanage expansion and then master planned a new college to replace an earthquake-damaged facility. Greg worked on water and wastewater issues. He said our bros who traveled the world with the military have probably experienced the third world, but he had not, and it really altered his perspective, if anyone is interested, e-mail Greg. He still is running ultra marathons, just not as fast! Take Alec on one. Sad news to repot is that Ned Riester lost his wife, Karen Gutermuth, in early February. Our prayers are with you. Jay Hutt sent word that he saw some BRs at some different events. He met up with Terry Dorn at services for Karen Gutermuth. He and Bernie Riesbeck were at a basketball game together. Mike Moore attended Rob Parker’s son’s (Rob Parker Jr.) wedding on Jan. 16th in Manhattan. Reported to be a gorgeous all-out affair. Joe Tulsky and wife were also there. Mike’s son Michael Jr. just completed the Ratline at VMI. His company, Golf, has not lost anyone, very strong group. Mike and Lynn attended Bob Jenvey’s New Year’s Eve party in which Bill Way, Steve Oddi and other BRs attended. Mike is still at Altria and racing cars in Classic Sports car races. Rob Parker sent a quick note. He says the days continue to pass by too quickly. His daughter, Eva, is 3.5 years young now and is the apple of his eye. She is definitely keeping Rob young at heart. Big news is that his son, Rob Jr. was married in January 2011. Rob continues to

live in Philadelphia, while working with Bechtel on the Dulles Metro Rail Connector to the Dulles Airport. Pat Wilson says life is still about the same down in Memphis except it feels more like living up north with the cold weather they had. After 15 years, Pat is still with Medtronic. Pat and Laura (MBC 80) celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past fall. Field correspondent Paul Mitchell reports in February, he joined Steve Oddi, Billy Way, Bob Jenvey, Bill Hardy and Mike Moore for supper at Phil’s in Richmond’s West End. They were impressed with a story Paul shared about the perils of Internet dating. Paul reports that he is fine and that what you see is not always what you get when you use the Internet. Glad you are safe, Paul. Wes Shull says life’s good. Oldest son got engaged, daughter graduated from college, and his wife just ran a 39 min 10K at the age of 53. Wes is still running all end-user tech support (help desk, field support, PDA, etc) for a large U.S. Government agency and as a PC hobbyist he just water-cooled his core i7 PC-gaming rig. Last fall he wrote a small piece on his blog (http://www. puptentgames.com) on how he met his wife … it was at one of those pre-ring figure socials where they bus girls in from the other colleges so we could all get dates. Wes said it was fate. The class was well represented at the Valentine’s Hop put on by the Lynchburg Chapter of the Alumni Association. Danny and Melissa Thornton, Jay and Paula Hutt, Bert and Kim Loflin, Stu and Emily Gitchell, and Pat and I enjoyed an evening of great music and dance to the sounds of the VMI Commanders. The socializing was fantastic, the food excellent and we even danced. If you have the chance, come join us next time. The hop is usually the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday. That wraps up the latest from the great ’78. So as you read this it is time to send more news. If you are not getting the e-mail notice please let me know.

’79

Michael Ogden

February 2011. Hope this finds everyone safe and well. I ran into Jim Elliott on the Parade Ground during tailgate/home football game extravaganza last fall. We had a super talk getting caught up. He looked great and promised to send me an update. So here follows from Jim: “As I may have mentioned, my son Sam matriculated this past August after successfully completing the STP course in the summer. He’s doing very

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CLASS NOTES well in all aspects of VMI life (says he hates Hunt at his farm in Cumberland County back in “I also occasionally run into Jim Leavitt when the place so I guess he’s normal) and especially September. Mr. Bob Patterson ’49, Rob Pat- he’s not diving for sunken treasure in the Caribacademically (3.00 GPA) at this writing. He has terson’s father, was the master of ceremonies. I bean. Mark Powell and his wife, Kathy, and my yet to be sent to the RDC, has very few demermissed his opening comments and safety speech wife, Beth, and I share the responsibility of being its and has not had to serve any confinement. but, I understand it had something to do with how God parents to each other’s children so we see a You are now asking yourself the same question the class of 1949 was “The Best Class Ever” and lot of one another. The Powells are doing great. I have been asking since the day he was born: that we were all totally worthless. I don’t think and that dog is close to being totally retired! Our ‘Are we sure he’s my son?’ Jury is still out but, he said anything about being safe as it would relationship is a great example of a true VMI he sure looks like me! have been a waste of oxygen and energy! Those friendship, and we can thank Doug Mauck for “It has been an incredible experience for our in attendance were Spotts, Bill Albro, Noel making it all happen as we met back in 1975 in entire family to be so involved in the VMI family Harris, Dave Jeter, Doug Mauck, Bob Maxey, his New Barracks Corner Room during one of again. Jay Higginbotham’s son is in Hotel with Eric Nost, Stafford Taylor (drove from SC), many card games! Perhaps that had something to my boy, as is Jeb Burton’s son (he’s a first) and Hugh Fain ’80 (he was the Rat), Bill Albro, Bill do with my short tenure? nephew. It’s been great seeing Tommy Trumps, Hamlin, Jeb Burton, Billy Smithson (all in one “Mike Thomas, Eric Nost and I touch Jeb, Jay, Nectar Pace, Asa Page and many other piece from Afghanistan thank God!). We had a base from time to time. Last year, we found Brother Rats at the “I” this year. I am truly hum- great time and to my knowledge no one got Dick ourselves with Spotts in South Dakota for a bled at how genuinely happy everyone has been Cheney’d! Sorry if I left anyone out! pheasant hunt. We had a great time! South to see and reacquaint themselves with me! You Dakota is a lot like Vegas in that ‘what happens may recall I had to leave after our Rat year, quite in South Dakota stays in South Dakota.’ We are honestly, for academic reasons. They required far all sworn to secrecy! more maturity than I was able to generate at the “I’m sure there are many things I have failed time. Not having the sense to figure out a way to mention and will do my best to write more to stay and graduate is something I’ve deeply often, but suffice it to say, VMI has been and regretted ever since. Not exactly the best way to will always be a very important part of my life, get started in life. Still, thankfully we were creand I am proud to be associated with those that ated by a forgiving God who seems to take pride were educated there, including my stepfather, Dr. in blessing even the most idiotic of the species Jim Wiley ’52, and my younger brother, Hunter so, I am happy to say that I’ve managed to be a Elliott ’85! I appreciate being remembered on productive and mostly law abiding citizen that my birthday by you and also feeling so welcomed goes to church, has a beautiful (and also forgivevery time I’m in the presence of a member of ing) wife, four handsome children, two dogs and our class.” a rewarding career with BB&T Capital Markets Now that is a class notes entry! Brother Rats, in Richmond. Speaking of children, I have four please take note of this fine example of literary sons. One of my older boys was married in Dayexcellence! Inputs like this make my job so much ton, OH, this past May, and my oldest son was easier. And never forget; it’s all about me and married two weeks ago in Tallahassee, FL. They what you can do to make my life better! are very happy and doing well! Our youngest son John Kailey checks in from Forward Operatis in the ninth grade at Douglas Freeman High ing Base (FOB) Loyalty in Iraq. “We continue School where he plays football and lacrosse, is to march out here. It has been interesting. I miss socially very active, and occasionally finds time my family greatly, but I also have my ‘family’ Class of 1979: John Blake Jr. of to crack the books. He is definitely my son! I am over here. I am looking forward to R&R (rest and Marion, Virginia, and Dr. Deborah happy to say that he has already started to receive relaxation) in the spring and redeploying in the Lilly Weddington of Abingdon, Vir‘propaganda’ from Lexington and the other night fall. Beyond that, who knows?” Thanks for all you ginia, were married Jan. 15, 2011, he informed us that if he got a scholarship offer to are doing, and stay safe out there, BR! at Marion Baptist Church. play a sport at VMI he might go, othPete Underwood is having huge erwise, he preferred a ‘Party School!’ issues meeting scheduled and I told him he wasn’t smart enough planned breakfasts with BRs Asa to get into a party school. He hasn’t Page, John Arthur and myself spoken to me in weeks! I’ve actually because he is apparently, even enjoyed the ‘break,’ because as you with 30 years in the Marine Corps, probably know, discussing anything unable to read calendars and maps. with a teenaged boy is like trying to Maybe with a little remedial land negotiate with a terrorist! navigation, compass and “the big “The people that I see most often hand is on the … the little hand in Richmond are Meade Spotts, is on the …” instruction, he can Brad Jones, Maury Wood and Doug make it the next time! That said, Mauck. I think it is primarily due to Pete says, “Brian and Laura Tollie Class of 1979: Rich McDonough, Al Soltis, Jeb Burton our affection for gun powder, brown spent the night with me and Anita a and Bill Hamlin at the Virginia Transportation Construcwater and the great outdoors but, few weeks ago when they were in tion Alliance meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Note the first honestly, VMI had a lot to do with the area. Their big news is that this class privates’ belt worn by Jeb Burton. it. Brad sponsored a VMI ’79 Dove spring Brian is being transferred to

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CLASS NOTES England for a three-year assignment; they will be living in the vicinity of Cambridge.” Awaiting confirmation from Brian as unsure how reliable Pete’s mind is these days! Ed Johnson writes that “the Johnson’s joined together to enjoy a 35/36-year high school reunion and had a great time reconnecting with friends from Edison High School, in northern Virginia. No one had changed a bit!” Ed is golfing … Judy is quilting … and gardening is coming to both with those 100 bags of mulch in the spring! Ed’s office returned to the Pentagon in early December, and Judy is still at the library. They recently took a family vacation, for the first time in years, to Nassau for a week last September. Daughter Kate rallied by getting ahead on work and joined them. Kate is diligent in her work on her Ph.D. at Michigan State, and as such this was a great break. They spent time watching the cruise ships roll in and out of Paradise Island.” Sounds like fun to me! All is well with Jim and Kathie LaRose. Jim’s youngest son, Daniel, graduated from Auburn in December (this makes two sons total now) and stepdaughter Samantha from Florida State. Only one more stepson to go! This is shaping up to be a travel year for Jim. He recently got back from Shanghai and with the economy and company business recovering he will do some work in Jamaica, Philippines and Brazil this year. Jim says his hair has a lot more grey in it, and for some reason it takes longer to recover from tennis and running. “We aren’t getting old, are we?” Naw. None of us are. Not one bit. Well, except maybe Pete Underwood. Jay Virtue writes that there are no significant changes in the Virtue clan except Jay is no longer at Edward Jones. He has finally gone independent with Cornerstone Wealth Management doing business thru LPL. Eric and Becky Schwarz continue their “we work so we can travel” life style. They took a one-week cruise to Bermuda last October, will spend a company-paid week in Atlantis (Nassau, Bahamas) in March, and then take a two week cruise of the Mediterranean (out from Venice and return to Rome) in June. The last trip is the celebration of their 30th anniversary coming up Aug. 8th. Eric just passed 10 years at Information Builders (a software company) in August and Becky is over 21 years working for Weight Watchers. They celebrated Christmas with family visitors (Virginia, Kansas and North Carolina) but without their son, Michael. He started U.S. Coast Guard basic training at Cape May, NJ, on Dec. 14th. Michael was allowed a five minute call on Christmas, and they were glad he used it to call home. Michael reported that the joyous day started with a fire drill and work out at 5:30 a.m. “Sounds like a particularly evil sweat party.” says Eric. He found out

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his first duty assignment will be at Portsmouth, VA, and he should arrive just in time for a sixweek deployment to Haiti. Daughter Heather is a second year teacher of students with autism at Stafford High School. She was recognized with the first-ever scholarship for Stafford County special education teachers. Pictures of the award ceremony and interviews were published in a local newspaper and in the James Madison University alumni magazine. The proud parents noted that “it is great to see her officially commended for doing the job she loves – and does so well. Heather and her boyfriend, Josh Prible ’07, climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire in late January. When they reached the summit it was -30degrees. After a picture, Josh got to his knee and proposed. When Heather was sure he wasn’t kidding she said, “Yes.” He had asked for and gotten Eric’s and Becky’s blessing the day before they left. Congratulations to the happy couple! Steve Scag Scaglione sends greetings from New Yawk and writes: “As a die-hard Jets fan, I went to the Jets-Indy Playoff and the Jets-Pats game as well. Now on to Pittsburgh this weekend! One more road win and on to the ‘Bid Dance’ in Arlington! I am tired of seeing Joe Namath reruns for the past 40 years!” Of course, we all know how that turned out. Sorry Scags. Keith Ranker writes about our time at VMI: “I had a very rough time at first, but so did others in Bravo Company. With the help of my dyke I gradually adjusted. (The word ‘dyke’ has taken on another and somewhat uncomplimentary meaning since we graduated – takes explaining when talking to a non-Keydet.) I think that the stress of being away from home, the Ratline and the noisy Barracks would interrupt the study patterns of many. It had that effect on me until I finally adjusted in my first class year (delayed intelligence is one of my faults!).” I am thinking some of us have never adjusted! Charlie Sachs writes about his and Jackie’s (Texas A&M ’90) November trip to Disney World. “Disney always does things first class and Shades of Green at Disney World is the best bargain going for accommodations. I retired from the Air Force in July, and I took some time off to oversee the completion of our new home. Jackie continues to work as a senior executive for Bank of America. Keeping it in the family, I accepted a position with Bank of America as a senior change consultant for Business Continuity and Disaster Relief, Home Loans and Insurance Servicing. BoA has a progressive work policy that allows me to work from home under their ‘My Work’ program. It goes without saying, Brother Rats are always welcome at our new home (just ignore all the Aggie stuff) when they visit San

Antonio, land of sun and margaritas!” Take Charlie up on this. Renee and I have spent time there, and San Antonio is a blast! Can you say “River Walk?” Mark Cheek got onboard the physical bandwagon and reports “it was good! Especially since BR Dr. Dan Foster now knows me in a special way!” How are everyone else’s physicals and check-ups coming? Did not think I would fail to bug you about that did ya? Chip Humphrey attended the VMI Alumni Association Lynchburg Chapter’s fifth annual Valentine’s Day Hop on Feb. 5th. Several Brother Rats were in attendance and a great time was had by all. ’79ers in attendance, in addition Chip (Richmond), were Asa Page (Virginia Beach), Bill McCarthy (Columbia, SC) and Bruce Pearson (Lynchburg). Chip’s Dyke, Allen McCarthy ’76 also attended the event, and Chip says, “It was great to catch up with him and almost his entire room from Barracks who were there to enjoy the evening.” Chip also said “the VMI Commanders put on a great show and several administration types from Lexington made the trip over the mountain to enjoy the festivities. The class of ’78 was also well represented including Andrew Faulconer ’78, Danny Thornton ’78 and Bert Loflin ’78. A block of rooms at the Craddock Terry Hotel were reserved for those from out of town. I understand from those who stayed at the hotel that it was quite a special treat. I would highly recommend attendance for fellow alumni to next years’ event. Check it out!” Tom Bright tendered his resignation from government service at Tobyhanna Army Depot in order to pursue the growth of his company, Pioneer Global Industries (PGI). Tom says “It’s going to be a grand adventure with our strategic objective to employ disabled veterans.” What an awesome endeavor! Good on you, Tom! Al Soltis got to spend some time with BRs Rich McDonough, Jeb Burton and Bill Hamlin at the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) meeting in Savannah, GA. The four are fortunate to be able to get together from time to time at VTCA events. Al reports that “We are all feeling pretty good for 53-yearold road building guys!” Doug Doerr checks in; “My scout troop has 18 boy scouts in it, and we are known as a small troop. Well, this month, we have as many as 14 scouts joining the troop. We’ll no longer be a small troop. We’ve had lots of success with our older boys (oldest now 14). I tell them that my goal as the scoutmaster is to get one of my scouts to attend VMI or go into the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Museum continues to flourish (Doug is a docent there). Our attendance is now 2.24 million visitors. I still invite any of our BRs to visit on a Sunday, and I’ll provide them a tour.”

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CLASS NOTES Asa and Karen Page enjoyed a visit to Lynchburg recently and, as mentioned above, attended the Lynchburg Chapter’s Valentine’s Day Hop. Their youngest son, Addison, is now out of the Ratline and enjoying life as a fourth classman, along with oldest son Brandon, who’s a first classman. Between the two of them, they keep Asa and Karen quite amused by all their antics, and Asa passes on that all of the Old Corps Barracks humor that we all remember and experienced is still very much alive and well, almost 32 years after we left the Institute ourselves. Life on the Virginia Eastern Shore moves along nicely. It has been a cold winter, and Renee and I are both ready for spring! Renee and I recently had dinner with Chuck (Jos) Biviano. We had a super time reminiscing and getting caught up. Chuck, who is living in Richmond, is doing well and sends his best to all. And finally congratulations to John Blake who married Dr. Deborah Lilly Weddington on Jan. 15 in Marion, VA! I suppose it’s too late to warn her about the class of ’79! Welcome Deborah! Stay well, Brother Rats.

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period Nov. 16, 2010, through Feb. 15, 2011, and include 14 Naked Tuesdays. November began with a call from Pat Griffin. He reported that Phil Munisteri took his son (and future cadet?), Connor, to VMI for a visit. Pat also said that the New England Chapter hosted a New Cadet Recruiting event that was attended by Ed Carter, Bruno Loefstedt and Dennis Maguire. We also discussed a few 30th Reunion loose ends. Pat followed our discussion with a message of thanks to the committee members: John Blankenship, Paul Burkholder, Hugh Fain, Frank Hilton, Tim Hodges, Robby Jones, Gary Levenson, Pat McCarthy, Jay Melvin, Phil Munisteri, Rob Quarles, Scott Sayre and Bill Wallace. Mike Knapp sent an e-mail following our sitting together at The Institute Society Dinner. Mike is the deputy director of Army Museums at CMH in D.C. where he works with Rob Dalessandro. Mike, Amy and their daughters live in McLean, VA. Mike wrote that he and Rob were out running one day in Fort McNair when they passed Joe Brown. More on Joe later. Josh Priest sent regards following receipt of a birthday card in which he reported that

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all is well. V Dunn did the same. I spoke with Andy Ludlum on his birthday. Andy and Nicki recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. Their oldest daughter, Chrissy, is living in St. Louis where her husband attends Seminary. Their middle child, Heather, is pregnant with her second child. Their son, Nathan, is a pilot and a flight school instructor. They also visited VMI in the fall where they saw Rob and Ginger Gearhart and Gary Levenson. Andy also said that he saw Pat and Roni McCarthy. Andy said that all are doing well. Dwight Pearson’s wife, Joanne, sent a photo of Psycho receiving his 2nd degree black belt in karate. The photo did not meet publication standards. Steve Andrews sent an e-mail saying that he and Cathy were looking forward to the return to their Connecticut home of their oldest daughter, Virginia, a VCU freshman, for Thanksgiving. Sorry, Caroline, you were not mentioned. Steve planned to drive Virginia back to school and then go hunting in Richmond. Steve also reached out to Hugh Fain for legal assistance on a real estate matter. Phil Munisteri sent a Thanksgiving e-mail and Gary and Karen Levenson again took up residence in our apartment over the Thanksgiving holiday. November ended with a call with John Alerding. John and Anne share an anniversary date with Patti and me and this was our annual call. John’s son, Johnny, is in the second class at VMI, wears academic stars and is hoping for a commission in the Air Force upon graduation. Anne teaches at VMI. Coincidently, an article about her botany class appeared in a recent issue of The Institute Report. December began with an e-mail update from Rob Wheeler. Rob currently lives in Plano, TX, where he is a pilot for American Airlines. Wheelz is transferring to Chicago in the spring. I spoke with Ed Baker. Ed is an ob/gyn surgeon in Lumberton, NC. His practice is doing very well. Ed’s wife, Dianna, is a RN in a surgery center in Fayetteville. Their daughter, Katie, attends UNC where she double-majors in Child Psychology and English Literature and minors in Sociology. Their son, Charlie, is in high school and has grown to 5’ 10” and 185 lbs. Frank Leech sent an e-mail from Abu Dhabi after receiving his birthday card. Frank and Elma were planning to travel with their daughters to the Philippines for the holidays. Frankie is a high school junior beginning to look at colleges. Marie is enjoying middle school. Jack Keane called. He visited VMI in advance of a job fair that he will be running there in March. Joe Brown sent an e-mail with an update. Joe is a major general in the Air Force. He

pinned his second star on in August. He is now stationed at Fort McNair where he commands the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He and Sue live on post there. Their son, Dan, graduated from UVa in May 2010 and is a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He is planning to wed in May 2011. Their daughter, Emily, is a junior at William & Mary majoring in psychology. Joe and Sue traveled to NYC just before Christmas and visited with Patti and me in our apartment before we dined at a local French restaurant. Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an e-mail outlining their involvement in an orphanage in Ayacucho, Peru, with an attached blog report describing their activities. Patti and I attended brunch and a Christmas concert with Matthew and Tanya Keys. The concert featured bag pipes and was held in a church. Dixon Tucker copied me on his e-mail invitation to VMI alumni in the Norfolk area to attend a chapter meeting. Dixon organizes these meetings several times a year. Typically, several of our BRs attend. Finally, Don and Karyn Bradshaw sent an email wishing all of our BRs a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. The message contained a photo of Don dressed as Santa in an annual run that he makes through the barracks areas and Army family housing areas in Fort Lee, VA. Christmas cards arrived throughout the

Class of 1980: Maj. Gen. Joe Brown received his second star in August 2010. Pinning on the stars were his daughter, Emily, and his son, Dan.

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CLASS NOTES month, some with photos, some with handwritKeys and I having dinner and attending a New Gerald Manley ten notes and others with an enclosed year-end York Rangers hockey game. It was Matthew’s summary. Cards were sent by John and Anne first game at Madison Square Garden. Alerding, Ed Baker, Joe Burns, Vince and Joe Brown sent a note following his visit to Sheila Copenhaver, Chal Glenn, Pat and Beth NYC. Griffin, Gary and Karen Levenson, and Bert Pat Griffin called. He and Beth, Matthew and Peggy Schneider. and Tanya Keys and Phil and Kathy Munisteri Dearest Brother Rats and families, Cards with photos were sent by Chris and Jen are taking a Caribbean cruise in February. Pat I hope this edition of class notes finds everyDombalis and their daughters, Taylor and Alexis now president of the New England Chapter one well. It has been a busy holiday season for is, Dave and Diana Hageman, Tuck Masker, of the Alumni Association. The superintendent many of us. By the time, you read these notes Rob and Elizabeth Quarles and their children will be their guest in June. we will have already had our 30th Reunion for Arkell (20), Marshall(18) and Fielding (13), Jack Keane sent an e-mail to many of our which I hope and pray we have a great turnout Rob and Traci Robinson and their daughters BRs encouraging participation in the VMI and that we will have relished in old memories Maddie and Caitlin and Elliott and Amy Wolffe Cadet Networking/Mentoring Program. Reand created new ones! and their “Brady Bunch.” sponses on which I was copied came from Dan I received a great e-mail from Clarkson Larry and Lynn Avery sent a card and a note. Conn, Dave Gleason, Mike Harper and John Meredith. Clarkson wrote that he was heading Larry retired from the Air Force in October Runyon. on a mission trip to Haiti for a week and was as a colonel, after 30 years of service. Larry Jim O’Connor sent an e-mail saying that he extremely excited about it. At this writing, served his last six months on a second tour in wrote another play that ran in Manhattan Feb. Clarkson will be traveling with a medical misIraq. Their son, Colby, is in graduate school 11, 12 and 13. at Florida State studying meteorology. Their Tom Bersson and Larry Hupertz each sent an sion organization called Eleos Healing Global Mission from March 5-12. His team will be led daughter, Kim, teaches fifth grade. Connor is e-mail after receipt of their birthday card. Larry by Dr. and Mrs. Dino Tintin, and they will serve in ninth grade. The family planned to celebrate wrote that he and Vera were on their way to a in an orphanage in Quanaminthe, Haiti. This is Christmas and Larry’s retirement on a Caribcruise in the Caribbean. an orphanage and city that desperately needs bean cruise. Elliott Wolffe called while driving from his medical and physical help. Although QuanaFrank and Debbie Borsi sent a card with phohome in New Orleans to Memphis. Elliott said minthe is not in the western part of Haiti that tos and a note from their Florida home. Their that Eli Alford told him that Tom Kelly was was devastated by last year’s earthquake, they, daughter, Jessica, graduated with honors from getting married. Is that true, Tom? nonetheless, are still in abject poverty and need. the University of Florida. Jennifer has begun Although the opening of these notes define The mission team will bring medical services graduate school. the reporting period as ending on Feb. 15th, and supplies as well as facility repair and Matthew and Tanya Keys enclosed a note in that is their due date in Lexington. These notes expansion to an orphanage that houses over 40 their card saying that they have now lived in NYC were actually submitted on Feb. 4th. I offer my young children. And yes, as it is a mission trip, for five years. Matthew works for Sleepy’s on 5th apologies to anyone who contacted me in the they will be preaching the Gospel to the people Avenue. Tanya moved to Morgan Stanley where interim for not including you above. of Quanaminthe. At the core of all the support she is a staffing manager. Their son, Brian, graduThanks for your continuing support. Please being provided, the idea is to serve and spread ated in May from Mary Washington with a degree keep in touch. the Word. Clarkson shared that he in chemistry. He spent the summer is going on the mission because in NYC and is working in D.C. Their he feels a call to serve and is very son Andrew lives in Brooklyn and humbled to have this opportunity. In works in Manhattan. other happenings for Clarkson, his Tim and Becky Mecredy enclosed 19-year-old son loves the college a note in their card that outlined life at Radford where he is playing their travels throughout an eventful lacrosse and doing very well aca2010. Their son, Michael, graduated demically. The Meredith household from Georgia Tech with a master’s is typically full of teenage kids and degree in environmental engineering. Clarkson keeps busy with his coachHe plans to wed in May 2011. He ing. (God bless you, Clarkson, and lives and works in Nashville. Their hope to hear of the joys of your trip daughter, Emily, graduated from high at the Reunion!) school and is in the Honors College Dave Richards provided a at the College of Charleston. great update. Dave shared that he Brian and Kim O’Neill enclosed and family are on the move once a photo and a note with a brief sumagain. About three years ago they mary of the activities of their chilmoved south of Raleigh, NC. Dave dren, Kelly (24), Ryan (22), Tim (19), was working in pharmaceutical Kirsten (16) and Brendan (14). manufacturing while at the same Tracy and Jennifer Wilson sent a time he was serving in a Military card with photos of their daughters Sealift Command unit with Brian Sienna, age 6 and in Kindergarten, Class of 1980: Don Bradshaw making a “Santa Run” Quisenberry as the CO. A great and Ellie, 3½. through Army family housing in Fort Lee, Virginia. January began with Matthew opportunity for Dave to get back

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CLASS NOTES into Biotech production came around, and he happen to be in Hawaii on business or pleasure military training! John shared that the school is pulling up stakes for southern Massachusetts during that timeframe. Following the retirement, president and senior army instructor are both and the hub of Biotech. For Dave and his lovely Mei-Ling is making tentative arrangements to West Point graduates, and the academic dean bride of 25 years, the nest is almost empty, and take Jim on a Hawaiian cruise. Jim attended a is a Virginia Tech graduate, but with Johnny he plans to start their new chapter of travels. Worldwide Air Force Civil Engineer meeting in there, he ensures that The Institute is “heard Their oldest son, who has the entertainer bug, Panama City Beach this past December and ran from” on a daily basis. We will see John recently moved to L.A. and their middle son is into other VMI notables such as: Bob Moore and Patti back on Gwynn’s Island setting a junior at Hofstra University studying political ’74, director, Air Force Real Property Agency; crab pots and cranking up beach music this science. Their youngest son graduates HS this Alec Earle ’78, Headquarters Air Force, Office summer, and I suspect there will be open year and has VMI on the top of his list. Dave of The Civil Engineer, Information Technology invitations passed around at the reunion to will be retiring from the Naval Reserve as an Branch Chief; Bill Albro ’79, the civil engineer, join them at their private paradise. O6 this June. Dave has almost 11 years active Headquarters Air National Guard; Tim Bridges Ann and Greg Wolven also chimed in. Ann service to his credit. In an e-mail from Dave, he ’79, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force wrote while Greg was out for the third day and indicated he had recent contact with Hal Worrell (Environment, Safety & Occupational Health). night in a row to address power issue resulting and Dave Harbison. Lastly, Dave shared a very Ken Pierro is being fleeted up from his current from ice storm damages of this winter. While kind remembrance of deceased BRs Bob Silverjob as the operations planner, to become the there home was spared the worst of the weather, man and Bill McDonald, God rest their souls. response officer (equivalent to a Regimental S-3) Greg’s northern service area got hit with Bruce Kitchen had dinner with Cris Timfor largest field unit in the Coast Guard. Ken will significant ice, 50 mph winds, freezing rain and mons in D.C. on Bruce’s birthday. Bruce rebe based out of Staten Island, NY, and will be then snow. That was one of many areas declared ports that Cris is working for Lockheed Martin responsible for all the law enforcement, security, as being a state of emergency by the goversupporting TSA, and he commutes to D.C. from Search & Rescue, and oil spill response from nor. With nearly one quarter of his consumers Orlando several times a month. Cris’ oldest son, New York City up the Hudson River to Albany. without power, and the VMI commitment to Cris, is doing a study abroad program in Spain Ken shared that when he left that area in 1977 duty, Greg was devoting himself to assessments this semester. Bruce remains very active with and met up with “youse guys in the Ratline” he and directing repairs while getting four hours the Keydet Club. Most recently Bruce shared had no intention to ever come back. Now, Kenny or less of sleep per night. Greg’s efforts and that The Keydet Club is gearing up for another is watching his kids, born in the great state of leadership ensured expeditious power restoraauction to raise money for tutoring and other Virginia, settle into becoming New Yorkers. (Say tion in extreme weather conditions for those in academic support for cadet athletes. While the it isn’t so, Ken! Say it isn’t so!) need. Ann’s nephew, Thomas, just broke out event may have already occurred by the time John Dixon and Patti are still living and of the Ratline at the “I” and loves the Institute, this goes to print, we hope to pass more details loving life on campus of Carson Long though, reportedly, he is not so enamored with in e-mail and mailings about the event that is Military Academy, in Bloomfield, PA, with the academics! Ann reports that daughter Katie scheduled to be held on May 7. If you had a dogs Justice and Brady. John continues in his was recognized with having the highest GPA chance to attend previous auctions in Richmond leadership role for these young kids and conon the St. Joseph College volleyball team and or Norfolk, you know they are first class events. tinues to teach chemistry and physics while made the dean’s list for the third semester in Paul (CP) Davis reports all is well in Charlotte, serving as a building officer for approximatea row. Katie was also awarded with the “Saint NC. His son, Tyler, is completing his junior year at ly 35 young high school cadets. Carson Long Joseph College Volleyball Most Improved” NCSU and will be interning with a private equity has the honors of being the oldest boarding player plaque! Their son, Chris, is extremely group this summer. Daughter Courtney turned school in the United States that still offers busy juggling work and trying to complete two 16 and is driving (and while CP wrote college degrees – one in biomedi“Enough said” on the latter, he can be cal electronics (so he can work on assured that he has the sympathies, computers in hospitals) and one and prayers of us other fathers!) CPs in computer networking/Internet two youngest, Jack and Thomas are security. also dong well and very involved in Ken Herbert resigned from swimming, tennis and baseball. On the Raytheon in January as he was professional side, CP just completed “ready for a change.” Ken began the sale of a family owned textile comworking for QinetiQ North Amerpany to an Austrian firm and reports ica on Jan. 31st as their director that it was a very rewarding experience for NRO Engineering, a new in many ways. They sold the plant and business segment. Ken shared that maintained over 65 existing jobs. he is so humbly grateful to God Jim Frishkorn is the director of that He has shown His light on staff, 325th Fighter Wing, at Hickam Ken during these tough economic AFB, HI, but hits his 30-year mandatotimes and provided him many ry retirement date this summer for his blessings in this transition. Given other career in the Air Force Reserve. that, Ken decided to take time off Class of 1981: Attending an Ice Breaker for the Decem- with his “Celebrate Recovery” Retirement ceremony is scheduled ber 2010 Air Force Civil Engineer Worldwide Meeting in partner to go hunting in Hondo, for July 1, 2011, at Hickam. BR John Panama City Beach, Florida, were, from left, Bill Albro TX, in mid January on the 777 Cawthorne has already submitted his ’79, Tim Bridges ’79, Alec Earle ’78, Bob Moore ’74 and Ranch. The 777 Ranch is an 8,500 RSVP, and Jim has extended an open Jim Frishkorn. invitation to all BRs who might just acre ranch that, as Ken put it “is

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CLASS NOTES like Africa with 50+ species of animal roaming the property.” Ken had a relaxing experience and even took a large European Fallow buck during his hunting jaunts. Other quick hitters: Corky Mitchell and I

Class of 1981: Ken Herbert at the 777 Ranch in Hondo, Texas, after harvesting a large European fallow buck in January 2011. keep missing “telephone drinks,” but we seem to share voice messages and texts often. Our last call seemed to be between holiday events where we spoke of BRs, “Old Corps” Review entries, cooking turkeys and family. We are both committed to making the “phone cocktails” a regular event. Rick (Moose) McCue continues to coordinate cigar socials at Havana’s in Richmond. A number of us from the northern VA area are planning a convoy for one of the future events but may require overnight accommodations as I am sure we will take part in more than just cigars! John Judge hoisted his Navy Reserve retirement flag on Feb. 19th onboard the U.S.S. Santa

Class of 1981: Katie, daughter of Ann and Greg Wolven, received “Most Improved” and “Academic Excellence” awards at a Saint Joseph College Volleyball Awards Banquet.

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Fe (SSN 763), where his son, Lt. j.g. John Judge ’08, is the main propulsion assistant. John will be leaving his Gold Dolphins (submarine warfare pin) onboard for his son to pin on during his next deployment, once he completes his submarine warfare qualifications. No small accomplishment! (John and John, I hope to get some pictures of the event we can share with all!) Bob (Clinker) Moss shared that he and his son, Shelton (known to the folks on the VMI Sportstalk chat site as, ’21) had the recent pleasures of sitting with Kenny Herbert at the CSU basketball game and Marc Barthello at the RU basketball game, all the while throwing down excellent hotdogs sold by VMI food services coordinator, BR Matthew O’Conner. Mike (Plaz) Placzek shared that his daughter, Rachel, became engaged to a young fellow named Eric Johnson. Mike’s future son-in-law will be entering Navy basic training with plans of attending Navy Corpsman training shortly after. The wedding plans are just beginning but Mike anticipates the nuptials to be in summer or fall 2012. Dan Gallagher shared that he left Ameriprise last November to become an independent financial planner. Dan reports that he, Laura and the kids are all doing very well. John Cawthorne ran traps on Greg White and snared him! Greg shared that he cannot thank John enough for tracking him down. When they connected by phone, John and Greg spoke for over an hour. Greg wrote, “Unfortunately, I have been absent without leave over the years. In that regard, John gave me a 10-6-30, I answered correct but wish to explain … ” Greg plans to be at the 30th, whether he is on confinement or not! Had a great breakfast this past weekend at IHOP with regulars Jeff Adler, George DePaoli, Ken Herbert and our long lost BR, Kevin (KC) O’Neil. Was great seeing all, and we are hoping to make KC a regular! Side note, Grover Outland was scheduled to attend, but he reported he had “direct orders” from his commander, the lovely Melissa, to sleep in after an all night poker game ( … like Grover ever needed direct orders for that … it is kind of like “commanding” him to go for seconds at an all-you-can-eat crab fest!). I look forward to seeing you all at the reunion! Please keep the inputs coming and please keep me posted of changes in e-mail and mailing addresses. As always, if you know of BRs that are not on our class distribution list, please send me any contact information you may have. May God continue to bless you all. In closing, and with a heavy heart, I extend our deepest sympathies to Brother Rat Joe Provenzano for the passing of his beautiful and loving wife, Cindy. And, if you will all allow or perhaps forgive me, I learned through testimony of close

family and friends at the memorial service that Cindy would often require the last word. So out of respect for Cindy, and all that she was to you, Brother Rat Joe, she shall be the “last word” in these class notes. For the class, Cindy was born and raised in California, where she met our BR Joe. Cindy held a B.A. in sociology from the University of California San Diego, and earned a master’s of social work at San Diego State University. Cindy enjoyed helping others and was employed as the operations officer at SERVE in Manassas providing shelter, food, emergency assistance and life skills educations for those in need. Cindy was also an accomplished artist who displayed her works at the cooperative gallery, Art Beat, in Old Town, Manassas. After a long battle with cancer, Cindy passed peacefully at home. Cindy will be greatly missed by so very many whose lives were touched and blessed by her and Joe. Cindy’s memorial service was extremely well attended with the church quite literally packed. Brother Rats and VMI family that paid respects for the class included George DePaoli, Trip Lloyd, Mike Shupp, Grover Outland, Beth and Kurt Owermohle and me. Other alum and family in attendance included my brother and sister-in-law, Annette and Tom Manley ’79. For Joe words cannot possibly express the feelings we hold for you and your loving children, Marina and Sam, in this time of loss. The class offers our deepest love and condolences to you all. We are here for you, Joe, always. So, with that, and to make good on the promise of the “last word,” may God continue to bless the Provenzano family and may He continue hold in His loving arms His dear child, Cindy Provenzano.

’82

Charles Kause

“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow! You cataracts and hurricanes, spout Till you have drenched our steeples, drowned the cocks! You sulphurous and thought-executing fires, Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts, Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder, Strike flat the thick rotundity o’ the world!” William Shakespeare, King Lear, 3.2.1 It has been one cold, blustery winter in northern Virginia. Schloss Kause got schwacked with snow on a few occasions. Our last storm knocked out the power for a day, forcing me to use up my firewood supply and evacuate my

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CLASS NOTES family to the relative warmth of our shack in Colonial Beach. I was just settling in to a quiet, peaceful evening with the house lit up with candles, dinner cooking on the stove, a fresh bottle of bourbon to nip on, and a great book to tuck into when my idyllic calm was shattered by a phone call from Mrs. Kause telling me the shack was infested with rodents. Then, as I was bucking her up to poison the little buggers, the power returned to my neighborhood and she grew angry at me for being all alone in a warm, dry, children and rodent-free domicile. There was nothing I could do but turn off my cell phone, unhook the landline, and warm the chill in my body and soul with a dram or six of Knob Creek. So far, the storms have not been anywhere near the scope of last year’s Snowmaggedon, but I think the winds have been more aggressive. I received e-mail from George Seiferth, who is currently living in Heidelberg, Germany. According to George, after 29 years in the Army and several tours in Germany, he still can’t speak a lick of German. Of course, he compensates for his lack of linguistic finesse by patronizing every Bierstube and Gasthaus in the republic for beer and bratwursts. This tour George has enjoyed two years as the deputy operations officer for U.S. Army Europe, a year as deputy chief of staff. Currently he is the chief of the Headquarters Relocation Task Force, where he shall remain until he retires from active duty in 2012. The Task Force is a great opportunity and will allow him to stay in Germany as a civilian working for the Headquarters. It is also closer to wife Annette’s parents’ home. George and Annette have two children. Their son is now a “Rook” at Norwich University and enrolled in ROTC; and a daughter starting her freshman year at Heidelburg High School. George sees Tom O’Sullivan several times a year when he makes his pilgrimage to Europe on business and beer drinking. Guy and Leslie Marangoni were also able to visit a while ago, as well. George runs into Bill Caulfield from time to time - most recently at the Heidelberg Christmas Bazaar. George remarked Bill was hard to miss because he was wearing a VMI baseball hat. In the course of his official duties, George often sees Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Smith ’79 who is the 5th Signal Commander in Wiesbaden. He was also my Rat Platoon Commander in Foxtrot Company and Doug Burdett’s dyke. In other Foxtrot Company news, Chuck Fanshaw has a new job. He left his gig at George Mason University to rejoin the federal government as the Head of Facilities at the national Defense University on Fort McNair in DC. Chuck’s wife, Hope (in her own words), continues her dominance of the non-profit world as PTA treasurer at her daughter’s school. Chuck and Hope have three

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daughters: Kathleen (18), a senior in high school who wants to be a military nurse and is applying for ROTC scholarships; Hailey (11), a sixth grader who is a talented musician and athlete; and Mia (4 1/2), a budding ballerina. Kimbel Burt, Michael Burt’s wife and Van Noah’s sister, dropped me a Christmas card with a small note updating me on Mike’s activities. Mike and family still reside in New Orleans, but now Mike has a new gig. He is the business development lead for Conti Group out of New Jersey. He suggested they open a New Orleans office, and they took him up on his idea. Mike now works engineering projects in and around the Gulf Coast region. Kimbel is a utility infielder substitute teacher, working pre-K through eighth grade. Their son has two more semesters in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. Their married daughter is now a first grade teacher. Randy and Michelle Parker led a busy life this past year. Unlike most couples our age, Randy and Michelle are still playing tennis and running in 10Ks. Their son, Tyler, started college where he is studying engineering and computer science. Ashley, their daughter, is a junior in high school and active in her school’s marching band as a flute player. She is also preparing to take ACTs and running track. They took their first cruise to the Caribbean this past summer and swam with the stingrays in the Cayman Islands. Dan Clymore saw my previous note on acquiring the river shack and jumped at the chance to acquaint me with the local water in and around the Northern Neck. Dan and his dad have a place in Reedville, down the peninsula from Colonial Beach. Even better, they own a nice center console fishing boat that is at home in the Chesapeake Bay or the Potomac River. I finally procured some decent fishing tackle to go rockfishing, but had no one local to guide me. Now that I know Dan has a boat and is local, I will buy gas, beer and cook his catch for being a swell Brother Rat. Dan still has an annual golf event with Todd Minnix, Nick Roper and Scott Crumpler. Ozzie Belcher is still Dan’s next-door neighbor in Herndon. I went down to Richmond to attend the annual VMI Day at the General Assembly right before my deadline for this dispatch. I saw Kendall Avery at the reception in the Library of Virginia. Kendall is a financial advisor with RBC Wealth Management in Richmond. His daughter is currently a junior at James Madison University. His son is graduating from high school this spring and is entertaining visions of taking premed courses at Washington and Lee. Kendall didn’t know what pained him more: a son who might become a Mink, or the tuition, room, and board on the other side of the Parade Ground. Jim Cosby was also at the reception. Jim is

still practicing law in Richmond. He mentioned attending Jim Hickey’s retirement ceremony from the Army late last year. Cos did not know whether Jim had decided on a particular second career. I know pictures of that august event have to be roaming around the Internet. I trust a few could find their way to me sometime soon. Cookie Jarvis was present in Richmond this year as well. Cookie looked even better this year, as his ravishingly beautiful and acerbically funny wife, Jeanne, accompanied him at the reception. He is still working the barracks construction/ reconstruction effort at VMI and was proud to report the facelift and update are now 80 percent complete. The project should be completed by May. It still boggles the mind that there will be no more radiators to clang the night away in winter. Cookie and Jeanne are preparing to visit their son in Japan, where he is serving in the Air Force as a C-130 Hercules mechanic. In other Air Force news, Maj. Gen. Darren McDew assumed command of the Air Force District of Washington in December. I was unable to attend the ceremony, as I was up in Buffalo, NY, observing my annual Boys Behaving Badly Weekend. Ron Mecredy, however, was in attendance and provided this full and complete report: “A fine group; Bob Louthan, Lynn Heltzel, Darryl Horne and Charlene, Harry Bitzberger, Joel Benefield and Jay Wamsley joined Darren and Evelyn McDew for the change of command ceremony at Andrews AFB, MD, for the Air Force District Washington. It was a rather chilly but yet quite sunny day. Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones relinquished command to Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Carrol H. (Howie) Chandler on Dec. 9th. Darren’s prior assignment was at the Pentagon, where he was the vice director of Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff. We gathered at the O’Club afterwards and managed to all jump into the receiving line for an impromptu group photo.” The photo, regrettably, was unable to transfer from Facebook. Ron, has big news, too. He was just elected president of his Volunteer Rescue Squad in Loudon County. On top of his day job as an associate at Booz Allen, Ron must now deal with leadership issues, budgets and local politics, as well as keep up to date on medical news and techniques. On my domestic front, the Clown Price did, indeed, join the Marine Corps. But, thinking he would be cool about it, he decided to go into the delayed entry program. Now, he must show up at Parris Island on the 2nd of May, just when the sand fleas are mating in hope of a hot and humid summer. To celebrate signing an open contract with the Corps (meaning they will put him wherever they want), the Clown

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CLASS NOTES Thailand with our family there. Chanon and I came to visit them for the month of August. We had a fantastic time. The old man, celebrated the big 5-0 this year. I did it in glory wearing the tux I was married in and at a fabulous pig roast. Aor has been holding all of us together. Someone has to be the sane one in the family.” Many thanks, Mark, for the update, and I second your thoughts regarding sanity and turning the big 5-0 because I’m hitting that milestone just as these notes were due in February. Phil Hubbard sent me a note to join him on LinkedIn which I gladly accepted, even though I’m not very active on that medium. Phil is in Va. Beach where he works for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District in a Compliance Assurance role. This involves providing overall direction for two consent Jim Outland orders that the HRSD is under. The first order has 14 parties with the VDEQ, HRSD and 13 localities (satellites) serviced by HRSD. The second order is between the USEPA, VDEQ and HRSD so it sounds like our BR is a busy man in the acronym soup kettle – just pray he doesn’t start receiving orders from the It has been an eventful quarter so let’s get started. LMNOP or the OBGYN … By the time you read these notes, I hope you will Frank Kollmansperger ’84 says he saw Tim have received your updated Registry of Former Spencer here in Richmond at the Bob Evans Cadets which the VMI Alumni Association has restaurant. I know what some of you may now be been working on for some time. While reviewing a thinking. The elusive Tim Spencer? That sounds draft of the contact information VMI has on file for something like a BigFoot encounter or one of those our class, I’ve noticed several of you who may now “I saw Elvis in a Michigan Burger King” incidents have e-mail addresses that are not subscribed to the of the early ’80s. Anyway, Frank swears he had a Class of ’83 Group I have set up at yahoo.com. Beconfirmed sighting of our wayward BR and says Tim ing a member of the VMI ’83 Group allows you to has committed to attending our 30th. send and receive an e-mail message to or from anyJim Henry also sent me a note with an informative one else who is also subscribed to the distribution. turkey calling video link from YouTube so thanks for Many of us are using this medium as a quick and putting the sport in a whole new light, BR! handy means to communicate news, share updates, Keith Sawyer updated me that he has landed a job opportunities, etc. If you are not receiving these position with Dispenser Services Inc. out of Charlese-mails and would like to be added, please contact ton, SC. Keith also had a chance to meet up with me at the information listed above, and I will add Brent Dunahoe for lunch and catch up on things you. Unfortunately, it is my sad duty to pass along Citadel, VMI and life. Keith’s new assignment is in these notes news of the sudden death of Breck and in Greenville, SC, where he is doing site survey, Cabell Gorman’s oldest son, Patrick. My family and engineering, installs and repairs. I are fortunate to have known Patrick Gorman. He Another BR with a new position is Duane Ray combined his father’s love of the outdoors in fishwho has landed a job with StarTek Corporation in ing, hunting and shooting together with his mother’s Class of 1983: On Nov. 12, 2010, Collinsville, VA. As I mentioned in the last class artistic ability and kindness. He was a fine young Lois Ann and Danny Chu became notes installment, Duane has been recovering from man of character who persevered over physical proud parents of daughter Riley a significant medical set-back and was out of the hardships from birth and will be greatly missed. As Ann Chu. job market for a while. Several of a tribute to Patrick’s accomplishments, our classmates, as well as VMI men The Richmond Times-Dispatch ran a from other classes have rallied to help special front page story which highDuane with his medical, financial and lighted the significant achievements of professional recovery. his short life. Among some of the many Joining the effort recently were BRs and extended VMI family I spoke Skip Goodwillie and Gene Warren with during the funeral and subsequent who have both been able to assist reception were Bill Cornett, Jim Henry, Duane with their own expertise, adMike Laughon, John Preston, Doug vice and networks. For BRs in Texas Wainwright, John Gordon, Danny Class of 1983: Attending the retirement celebration for Col. and Kentucky who responded to Brad Mason, John Dodge, Steve Goddard, Steve Amato, USAF, in Lexington, Virginia, Jan. 29, 2010, Norwood’s request to buy cigarettes Owen Peery, Trey Adams, Al Toler, were, from left, Scott Belliveau, Jay Williams, Scott Horan, for his analytical testing lab, I also Wilson Enochs ’84, Mike Locher ’84 Amato, Mark Sykes, Danny Chu and Jim Henry. want to convey a “Thank You.” As and Mark Williams ’85. Prince finally earned his learners permit to drive after his fifth attempt. Then, with Mrs. Kause riding shotgun, he promptly backed into a brick retaining wall on the side of my driveway, knocking it down to below the base. Of course, it was my entire fault because I parked my car on the “wrong” side of the driveway, forcing him to not pay attention to what he was doing. I am still scratching my head over that logic. But spring will be arriving shortly, and I have some sweet genetically engineered tomatoes and peppers I wish to try out in my garden. And spring shall gentle the condition of the winds, or so I will hope.

’83

2011-Issue 2

In direct contrast to this traumatic event is news from Mark Sykes that on Nov. 12, Danny and Lois Ann Chu became proud parents of daughter Riley Ann Chu. In Mark’s words, Danny is such a gung ho VMI alumnus that he tried to convince Lois Ann to have Riley’s delivery date on VMI’s Founders Day! Regardless of missing the Nov. 11th date by one day, Mark reports that Riley is a really cute and happy baby. Mark also informs me that Trent and Sherri Bogg’s daughter, Rebecca, will be playing soccer at Colorado University next year and this is despite the fact that Trent was her team’s soccer coach. In another milestone event, I learned the class of 2010 received their coveted VMI Rings. Congratulations therefore go out to ’83 sons James Goodwillie, Richard Luck and Cameron Murray for having earned the privilege to wear the ring. BR Cal Murray reports that the ring ceremony on Nov. 21st in J.M. Hall kicked off a celebration lasting 48 hours. “I can promise you the ’83 dads are so very proud. What makes this especially satisfying for me is the three are roommates at The Mother I.” Skip Goodwillie echoed Cal’s sentiments “We were proud alright. Initially it was because they earned a VMI ring, then it was because we were not called by Lexington’s finest to bail any of them out. And because I know some were wondering, none of the ’83 Dads burned anything down.” Mark Roltsch sent me a nice Christmas card with and update: “This past summer Aor and the girls spent three months in

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CLASS NOTES Brad explained it, he needed the smokes from different parts of the country in order to do something about “calculating human exposure compared to machine-generated yield by generating a correlation line between mainstream nicotine delivery from a cigarette brand smoked across a variety of degrees and the amount of nicotine collected in the cigarette’s filter tip, and then to do the same thing with respect to tar, more properly known as nicotine-free dry particulate matter.” Although my eyes glazed over at the scientific description of his project, I was glad to see Texas BRs Bruce Cohen, Brett Allen and Jack Ditt offering to assist, as well as a representative in the Blue Grass State, our own Dave Haskins. Haskins seemed particularly enthusiastic about his mission to purchase a hard pack of Kentucky’s Best Full Flavor 100s: “Sounds like fun! So, I’m off to buy smokes ... ” Yet another helpful BR was Richard Hewitt who volunteered to participate if Brad’s lab ever needs help analyzing red wine and steak consumption. And finally, Lt. Col. Al Toler, USAR, was also helping out a BR when he met up with me at a local range to review the finer points of accurately firing the M1911. Al is the team captain of the USAR’s Service Pistol “Black” team, and they recently successfully competed against active Army, Marine and Coast Guard teams at Fort Benning and Camp Perry. BR Al has a full kit of goodies and is on a first name basis with the folks at Dominion Range here in Richmond, so we were also thinking about getting some people together there for a shoot some time. Also, he was kind in his comments regarding my less than textbook form, so I am appreciative of his feedback, and my ego remains undamaged. That’s all for now, folks. Please keep helping each other out and I hope to see you at the Institute this spring. Until next time, thanks for your continued support, stay in touch, and “Stay Classy” ’83!

’84

Barry Coceano

I hope these notes find everyone doing well. By the time you read these, we will be well into spring and “the leaves will have returned” but thank goodness we are no longer Rats! Don’t know about you, but I despised that phrase when we were going through the Ratline. I won’t digress, after all, the Ratline was a long time ago and the memories have slowly faded from weekly flash-backs to periodic paralyzing flickers within the memory bank (at least that is what my therapist tells me)! I want to thank all those who provided updates. Please keep them coming. Now, on to the show. I received the following note from Wes

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Demory. “I keep meaning to send in an update but always get side tracked and don’t do it. I hope all is well with you and that you’re having a great 2011 so far! I’m living in Santa Clarita, CA (just north of L.A.), and working for Princess Cruises as fleet security manager. I’m still in the Navy Reserve, and I just returned in late November from a one-year deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Forces-Iraq/Iraq Security Assistance Mission (ISAM). While I was there, I ran into Capt. Brian Quisenberry ’81 in Basrah. My job was assisting the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to get equipment for the police and border security folks. I’ve been with Princess Cruises for about four years now. My wife, Kelly, who is from L.A., and I have been married for almost 19 years. We have two kids (daughter Blaine, 16, and son Reece, 8). Please give my best to our BRs when you speak to them.” Wes, thanks for the update. I’m hoping that Princess Cruises has some good employee perks for you and your family, like 75% off the price of a cruise! Steve Woolwine sent me the following. “Hope things are well. My retirement ceremony is coming up on Feb. 25, 2011 … 30th anniversary of Breakout. Not sure where I will land employment but looking like the private sector somewhere in D.C. area. My oldest son graduated from West Point in May and is a second lieutenant training at Fort Sill, OK, on his way the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Youngest son will graduate high school this spring … still working on a fine academic institution for him to attend!” Steve, congrats on the retirement, and we all wish your son well with his tour in the 82nd! Randy Heath sent me an update letting me know his whereabouts and what he has been doing since graduation. After graduating from VMI, Randy served as a KC-135 navigator, stationed for five years in New York and then for three more years in Alaska. After finishing his time on active duty, Randy received an M.A. in history from Marshall University and an M.A. in teaching from VCU. He has been teaching for the past 12 years, and is currently teaching at the Grafton School, a private school in Richmond for children with autism. Randy, thanks for the wonderful note and for the work you are doing as a teacher. Having two parents who were both teachers, I can attest that in the teaching profession, you are truly one of the unsung heroes in our society … keep up the great work. Bill Dyer checked in following the rare snow/ ice storms in Atlanta. “Not too much to report from here. I’m still in the Army Reserve and will probably be the last guy in the class to hit 20 years, which I’ll do by the time the Alumni Review comes out. I’m currently practicing law in Atlanta, and I’m also the staff judge advocate for the 335th Signal Command. Chris Busse’s daughter, Amanda, is in law school at Mercer University

about an hour south of Atlanta. We met for lunch, and she is a bright and delightful young lady. I was able to refrain from telling too many VMI stories, but it seemed that she has already heard most of the good ones from Jim Hoy. She spent last summer working for BR Johnny Mitchell in his law office in Macon. I’ve attached a photo from a lunch not long ago … Waters, Sample, Melvin, Hesson and I got together and solved all the world’s problems. Pretty amazing, given Melvin was the only one who had a beer. We resolved that our next meeting would not be in the middle of a work day. Tactical error, for sure.” Bill, wait a minute … you mean to tell me a lawyer had lunch and didn’t have a least one drink? The tactical error was not, not having a beer; the tactical error was not billing the entire lunch to Holman. Bill Piper sent me the following note. “Hello Barry, here is a little news for you. I recently got married to Ayse Kennedy. Also, we moved to Cincinnati from Colorado on Thanksgiving Day. I think I have shoveled more snow since I have been here then I did in the 15 years I lived in Colorado. Take care.” Bill, I will give you a brevity pass because you sent the note from your Blackberry. Hopefully everything is going well for you with American Airlines and more importantly, congratulations from us all on your recent marriage to Ayse! Additionally, since you let me know in a follow-up e-mail that you ran into John Munno during a layover in Paris, if you see him again, remind him I am waiting for an update also. Roland Staiano, reported in with the following fantastic news from Seattle. “I trust you are doing well in the New Year. Things are great out here, except for the lack of sunshine. I meet with my surgeon in two weeks to schedule my final surgery, which should be around the time you submit your notes. The news has all been good thus far, and I expect to be cancer free and in recovery mode until March. I am in touch with Kevin Sample, John Karafa and Michael Kay on occasion, and they all sound excellent. Kevin, of course, is fighting his own battle and maintains a great attitude.” Roland – first, the words “cancer free,” are sweet music to the ears; we continue to pray for your speedy recovery. Second, I want to commend your selfless nature. You have written me a number of notes over the past six months and always talk about Kevin Sample’s battles first. My remarks pertain to correspondence I receive from Kevin as well. The spirit, determination and selfless nature that you and Kevin have shown is inspiring. Speaking for every BR, we wish you both the best and know you’ll both prevail. Mark Hirsch filed the following report. “Things have been extra busy this holiday season. Over the past several months, I’ve been charged with gaining work outside the state of Florida, for my firm RS&H CS. After a year and half on the road

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CLASS NOTES from a vacation spent wondering various secluded New England Chapter meeting of the class of ’84 traveling throughout the southeast from Texas to beaches in Hawaii, to an 85-mile hike through the on a ski lift at local slope last year and hope to Maryland, we were successful winning a Virginia mountains of Montana (that included a face-to-face get together again this season. The girls should DOT project in Grundy, VA, overseeing the stare down encounter with a mama grizzly and her be in the college hunt in a few years, and both construction of the Route 460 Connector Phase cub). Good thing for Chris and Kristen that mama have expressed an interest in warmer winters, so 1 project. This four-year project will consist of bear wasn’t hungry or looking for a fight that day. there is a good chance we will be driving closer to a new bridge that will be the tallest in the ComSam Browne sent me the following update from Lexington. Lastly, to add to your closing, where monwealth. Shelby and I are moving in January his office at the Department of Energy. “All is is Barry Ballard and his Chris Cross albums?” from Jacksonville to Abingdon for the duration well from my end. On the career front, I am the Clay, I am having a hard time with two things: (1) of the project. We hope to continue our success acting deputy director for American Affairs, in the envisioning a Georgia boy on the ski slopes, and in Virginia and attend more VMI events since U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Policy and (2) hearing a Georgia boy utter the following New we are now just down the road. While marketing International Affairs. My office is responsible for Hampshire phrase “Yo, are youz guys hitting the work outside of the state of Florida, I helped start the DOE’s activities in the Western Hemisphere slopes today or not!” a new service group in our company with Dale and reports directly to the secretary of energy, John Karafa checked-in with the following: Paxton ’98. This group specializes in various providing advice on domestic and International “Happy to report that I officially got engaged to forms of construction testing but specializes in policy options. During a work-related trip to Peru Ms. Kimberly Davis this past July at the Michael deep foundations. These recent efforts led to me last summer, I participated in a briefing led by our Buble concert in Norfolk … My brother Paul being elected as a vice president of RS&H CS.” military attaché, Col. Dan Gettings. Also at DOE, Karafa ’83 and his wife, Linda, and our BR Chris Mark, congratulations on your promotion to VP! I routinely bump into Jaime Clark who is in our Davidson and wife Amelda were with us, as well Sounds like you will be pretty busy for the next electricity reliability office. Col Dean Kratzen… we plan a late 2012 wedding somewhere very four years down in Grundy. Good luck with the berg ’87 is here at DOE as well.” Sam, only one warm … all is going well for me here in WilliamsRoute 460 work. request … make them keep gasoline prices in burg, but did have a few more Grand Mal seizures Jeff Duncan checked in with the following check! on Dec. 14th … other than that, I’m feeling great! report. “I’m PCS’ing to Fort Leavenworth on Clay Goss sent the following great update. My daughter, Emily, is doing great too. She is Wednesday, Jan. 12 for a year (and no, I should be “Andrea and I are living in Hanover, NH, which very active at school and with her competitive on this side of the locks, for a while). I was picked is about two hours northwest of Boston. I’m cheerleading team traveling all over the U.S. to attend ILE as a resident student. If anyone employed as a part time business manager for competing … My company, Leebcor Services, happens to be passing through KC over the next Andrea’s practice, and Mr. Mom to two teenage is doing very well. We are a Federal design/build year, please, give me a call. I hope to see J.R. girls who are busy with school, travel and many construction contractor (Service Disabled Veteran Robinette on Thursday. I’ll be passing through of the same sports that I grew up with in Georgia, owned) with current projects throughout the Denver that day. Nancy and the kids will be staycompetitive swimming, soccer and cross-country Mid-Atlantic and Southeast including: Army War ing in Utah for the coming year. Our son is still in skiing (OK - none of the sports that I grew up with College, Fort AP Hill, Fort Bragg, Fort Lee, Fort high school and our daughter was just accepted to in Georgia). We have been in New Hampshire Eustis, Navy Brig in Chesapeake and the VA Med the University of Utah. That’s about it for us. Just for over 10 years and have discovered three difCenter in Richmond … Recently reconnected continuing to work on my doctorate and Nancy ferences in the natives from those in the South: with Darrell Rickmond ’73 on a fun quail hunt is completing her nurse practitioner’s degree.” 1) the speed and accent of the spoken language, at his land in Surry County last week … had a Jeff, good luck in the ILE program this year and 2) the number of vowels in the last names, and blast! Also, I’ve recently joined the Williamsburg congrats, I know that’s a major career milestone Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association as VP to for you Army guys. 3) the primary complaints about the weather are help Chapter President, Peter Kokolis ’96, and Sam Lowman filled me in with the following held in January instead of August. On the VMI other board members including his brother, John update from the Star City. “For your filler – the Low- front, Chris Caplice and I were able to hold a Kokolis ’96, Darrell Rickmond, man family is doing well in Roanoke. Brent Barth ’03 and Jim Henry ’68 The boys, Austin, 15, and Miles, 12, to re-energize the chapter as there are busy with basketball and off season are many alumni in our area … I baseball practice. This past fall I spent look forward to our Kickoff Dinner quite a bit of time coaching football at Kingsmill CC in February.” Hey with Keith Allen ’01, our seventh John, congratulations on the engageyear. We scrimmaged a team coached ment and the upcoming wedding. by Ted Comer and Al Comer ’86 a Additionally, thanks for taking on couple of times (they were good!). I the chapter VP responsibilities. I am also run into Dennis Butts ’87 and sure you will find it both fun and Glenn Frank ’85 quite frequently rewarding! and they are doing well.” Sammie, as Rob Clark sent me the following usual, thanks for the update. I am still from his home in CA. “Greetings waiting for you, Teddy and Al to make from sunny Southern California. It it up for a VMI football weekend. looks a bit chilly on your coast but it Chris Caplice sent me a great upwas a comfortable 75 degrees here date. Chris, I have only one question, today. All is well with the Clark famwere you able to find some time to Class of 1984: Bill Dyer, Holman Waters, Kevin Sample, ily. My oldest, Rebecca, is in her first work in between all the travels last Tim Melvin and Tom Hesson having a power lunch in year at UC Santa Barbara. I know the year? Chris and Kristin did quite a bit Atlanta, Georgia. Institute is near and dear to all of us, of traveling over the past 12 months

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CLASS NOTES but her beach-front, co-ed campus is quite a draw also. I remain a contract employee for the Marine Corps and keep my fingers crossed our first option year survives contact with the DOD budget. I spoke with Mark Hirsch yesterday. He and his lovely bride, Shelby, moved to Abington, VA, recently as part of Mark’s promotion and project he’s leading to build a bridge in that area of SW VA. He’s got an easy shot up I-81 for VMI sporting events. Also spoke to Jim Kenkel recently. He’s weathering the VA winter at Quantico. I LinkedIn with John Minehan, who is a lawyer in New York State – I want him on my legal team.” Rob, thanks for the note. Glad you are remaining connected with a number of BRs; you do realize that makes you an early candidate to relieve me in three and one-half years! I guess my pleas for notes worked as I managed to get the ever dapper yet elusive Steve Barsamian to check-in from Richmond with the following: “A few months ago I attended the local FBI Citizen’s Academy at the Richmond field office. It is a community outreach program that provides “ … business, religious, civic and community leaders an insight into the infrastructure of a field office.” It was a great experience made even better when Louis Darden ’81 showed up for the same class. We both highly recommend attending one of these in your community. It’s fascinating to learn what some of America’s finest are doing to protect us. In addition, we had excellent field trips to the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, VA, as well as their local firing range. Louis shot the lights out of his target with a Thompson submachine gun. I thought they were going to recruit him on the spot. This note can’t compare with a Chris Caplice update, but it’s what passes for excitement around here. Hoping Steve Reardon will call an ’84 breakfast soon and ensure Bill Janis shows up. I’ve got a long wish list for the General Assembly.” Steve, as a recent graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, are you now qualified to serve as your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator? Frank Kollmansperger (former class agent extraordinaire) helped me with the following update: “A few things to report. Jamie Shoemaker, Alex Thompson and I have taken somewhat of a carpe diem approach to duck hunting together this year. Instead of only talking about the fact that we want to and need to do it, we have actually gotten together three times since Thanksgiving to do it. It’s been fun; so far the score reads ducks 21, Room 101 minus Hauck and Morgan 1. We (Jamie, Alex and Alex’s brother, Doug, from Florida) just returned from a three-day trip on the Eastern Shore. I think the Floridians dealt with the cold weather better than Jamie and I did. I see Hank Selman often and caught a beautiful glance of him in the predawn hours yesterday; it is a scary scene – Hank just out of bed, with his dog, only clothed in overcoat and slippers. All

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the more jarring because Hank is the best dressed guy in our neighborhood. The man looks stunning even when he is mowing the lawn, especially if he knows that Jeff Levenson is coming over. Met with Wilson Enochs to discuss a project; he is doing well. Spoke to Bruce Hauck while driving through New Jersey. I wanted to make sure that if I were pulled over by police, he would remember me. He and the family are doing great. Mark Morgan and family are on the move, I think that Jay may be heading to the Air Force Academy. Bill Janis is doing very well. I did gig him that his waistline was almost as big as mine this summer. Bill, I’m sorry about that comment. I grabbed lunch with Andy Anderson a couple of times; he has been working for DuPont for a while and is moving to Paris for an overseas assignment in Feb. /March timeframe.” Frank, I definitely didn’t need that visual of Hank; now I’m going to start having nightmares again! Well, I think it is time to close. Besides, I have a five-hour drive ahead of me, as I head over to Pittsburgh to watch my beloved Steelers play the Jets in the AFC Championship game. I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of Kyle Jolly, an offensive lineman for the Steelers and son of our BR Eric Jolly. I also wanted to let everyone know a couple things about our Class of ’84 Scholarship Fund. First, our scholarship is providing support to Cadets Eva Edelbrock ’14, an economics and business major from Centreville, VA, and her sister, Flora Edelbrock ’14, an English major. Second, the current value of our Class of ’84 Scholarship Fund is $56,885. I’d like to set a goal of increasing the value of our Class Scholarship to $150,000 by our 30th Reunion. Please help me make this a reality so that we are poised to have the class of ’84 help support more magnificent cadets in the future. Until next time, thanks to all who provided updates, and goodnight Mike Montgomery, wherever you are!

’85

Matt Daniel

First: If we were all together, physically, as a class, we would call for a moment of silence for all of our dear departed classmates. We would ask for silence, introspection and finally, lively and good-natured discussion about our fallen Brother Rats. And we would ask for a special pause for our most recently deceased Brother Rat, Larry Thomas, and his family: wife Deb and kids Elizabeth and James. We would recognize the accomplishments of Larry, the nature of his quiet and determined patriotism and the variety of qualities and accomplishments that made him a great American. He and his contributions are appreciated and will not be forgotten. We wish

fair winds and following seas to you, Brother Rat Larry Thomas. Deb, Elizabeth and James, please let us know if we may help you in any way. Tom Anthony ’84, thank you for your help. Next: Thanks for the responses. These notes are peppered with some great input from responsive classmates who answered the call when I put it out there: “Hey Brother Rats, send me some timely, relative and interesting information about what is going on in your lives. You know, stuff that your former fellow fourth stoop-dwellers, Ratline walkers, chin-krankees, Rat-tie wearers, hay-rollers would want to read.” As I waited for class notes contributions, I was reminded of the Ace Ventura quote: “If I’m not back in five minutes, just wait longer.” So I did. In the end, you guys answered the call. Then: Before I unload that interesting hunted and gathered information on you, let me ask again: *Where is Benny Hill? I have made this my personal quest. I must find Thomas Bruce Hill! Any help will be appreciated. Notes: Jerry Brooks sends that he is currently a mobilized reservist at CENTCOM & has been there since June of 2009. He leaves for his third tour to Iraq in May. Jerry and Kristin will be leaving Tampa and moving to Jacksonville, NC, in April. Jerry will be one of the guys closing the door and shutting off the lights in Iraq if the disengagement goes as advertised (December 2011). Kristen is pregnant with their second child and will deliver in August. God bless you guys, Jerry. LaMont Toliver recently sent me a PBSgenerated video via Facebook. The topic was UMBC and the Meyerhoff Scholarship program. I realize that this makes two VMI Alumni Review Notes periods where I have mentioned this, but it is worth committing this faux pas. The video is informative and motivating and I encourage all ’85ers to watch what this program is doing. LaMont will send you the link if you ask him nicely. Steve Barcik is still in Austin, TX, and has taken over the Central Texas VMI Alumni chapter’s duties. RVM, Steve! His business

Class of 1985: Capt. Bill Warnock at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with Weeman from the Jackass TV shows and movies.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES success is also notable. Steve’s company, FireFly W.G. Rowlett and Col. Ralph Tremaglio, (plus, I confirmed was one Brad Gerstbrein. It was great LED Lighting (WWW.FireflyLedLight.com) has think) Col. Mike Dittamo (he could be home by to see Brad. Between his sets of biceps curls, he received a $3MM grant from the State of Texas spring), Lt. Col. Charles Chappell, Lt. Col. Mick told me that I reminded him of a co-worker who for research and commercialization of an LED Chang and Lt. Col. JJ Wranek. For the Corps, Col. sported a pony-tail and an earring. That was the lighting technology that he invented. FireFly LED Rob Gardner and Col. Jay Malik.” forcing function I needed to cut my hair. Hanging is going strong and is growing fast. As if that were Jake also sends that he “still has more than a dozen on to my Teva’s though. Brad is working as a connot enough, BR Barcik also recently founded and a half canvas bags left over from the reunion. tractor on the USMC Command and Staff College Caliber Partners. Caliber invests in technology, These are perfect for the beach, the river, tailgating curriculum. Our Marine officers are consistently aerospace and life sciences companies using a at lacrosse games, etc. Only a very few ball caps getting smarter because of BR Gerstbrein, and combination of American and Chinese funding. and a mixed bag remains WRT t-shirts and golf now I look like a Marine, not an Elvis impersonSteve sends, “if you make it to Texas come on by shirts. Anybody who still wants a spare shirt (or 2) ator. for a Margarita on the lake.” should send me an e-mail. No promises I’ll have Col. Steve Medeiros (USMC) and I had a Jake Spivey sends some great information, here the requested size.” meeting at Quantico. Steve is doing very well as goes, almost unedited: Great additions, Jake! Thank you for keeping us the Ops O of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab “I checked in with my roomie, Dave Campbell, connected. (MCWL). Wait – did I mention that in the last around New Year’s. Dave’s dad passed away Palmer Hamilton and Rat Roommate Dave notes? Well, we had another meeting. Also in shortly after our reunion. I wanted to see how his Tingley had a visit during the big February snow. our meeting was Maj. Tom “Brain” Heffern ’91. mom was doing. She is doing fine and is going to Palmer was on a 20-hour trip pulling a horse They call him Brain for a reason. Brilliant guy. stay in VA (friends around her, etc.). Dave lives in trailer from Charlotte, NC up to a race track in Mark “Action” Jackson had a scare recently Panama City, FL. My other roomies, Woo Kirtley, PA to “rescue” a Thoroughbred race horse. Dave when his son, Trevor (11), took a nasty spill on is doing fine in Fort Worth, TX, and Tim Martin offered a chance for a stay at his 100-year-old his moto-cross bike. Mark recounts the story in is enjoying his ministry in Roanoke. Here is his farmhouse in Western Maryland. Palmer arrived typical Jackson-style: fascinating. The long and church website: http://www.gcrva.org/. at midnight on a Saturday, and our BRs caught short of the incident is that while Action was “Bonus, for those who want to sleep in on up with each other for hours. “What a sight,” said convinced that his son had badly injured his arm, Sundays but don’t want to miss church services, Palmer, “to have my Rat roommate appear in subfocused praying, soul-searching, positive expectaTim does podcasts of his sermons. (Boom notes: freezing conditions to guide my horse through the tions and more hard praying kept Trevor clear of awesome! I’m going to check that out on lazy, snow-covered pastures.” Among the topics covserious injury. I was uplifted, moved and schooled non-Church Sunday mornings.) ered were a begrudging appreciation for the effort by Mark’s story. And I was so happy to hear that “Was at a funeral last month for a high school given by their cadre corporals when they where Trevor was left almost uninjured. friend and sat adjacent to Mark and Alston WilRats, (Staiano, Sample, Karafa and Seaver). In February, the VMI Lacrosse team traveled liams. Also there was Spencer Williamson. Also, both agreed that they have a fond appreciato Annapolis to play the venerable Midshipmen “Had lunch back in December with Jim Begley tion all things equine, and they must really love of the USNA. VMI made a good showing. The and Father Kevin (Cubby) Fimian. I have traded their wives for both to find themselves living on Keydets drew first blood and went into half-time e-mails with Matt Hamilton. He is well, but very horse farms. Thanks for the assist, PHam! knotted at six goals apiece. The second half bebusy (work and family). I was recently at the MCAS Quantico gym (nice longed to Middies, but the Keydets held their own “By the time this gets published John Adams gym, incidentally), when in strolls, nay, struts a but fell to the Middies in the end. My son, Johnny, will be soon be heading back from his tour in bearded intellectual giant of a man who looked and I joined Mark Utke and his son, Jack, Mark Afghanistan. He extended until June 2011 with an very familiar. I slunk (wd?) over closer to whom I Carroll and his son, Tom, and Tom Greenspon R&R break to the States scheduled and his son, Stuart, in cheering for the for April. He is serving chief, EngiKeydets. Cold day. Good lacrosse. neering and Construction Division, Great brotherhood! U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, A special hello to these gents: Gary Afghanistan District – South. He Klein, Steve Wynn, Shawn Oliver, sent me an e-mail and said, ‘I’ve Eric Enslen, Tucker Maloney, John been having fun with Lt. Col. Mick Dixon, Kurt Minne, Steve MotylChang, who is deployed here and inski, Scottie Vaughn, Warren “H” saw Col. Marvin Smith last week Shindle, Henry “the Chez” Sanchez, (2/7/2011) as he rolled through here and Tab Warlitner! This is an with Maj. Gen. Tim Byers. Mick unabashed plug for these Keydets to has not aged in 26 years. I have also send me some life-data, info, scoop. been working closely with Tom And photos, we’d love to publish phoIngram ’82. Tom serves as the Distos of your smiling faces. Send them trict Counsel. I have been enjoying in jpg or tif format and with a resoluthe 80-hour work weeks and dusty tion of 300 dots per inch or greater. runs around the airfield.’ Include the date taken and the people Class of 1985: Cheering for the Keydets’ lacrosse team “Navy Reserve Capt. Bill Warand situation the photo depicts. as they played the Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Academy, on nock should be back from his tour as Anyone know if Mrs. Sandy is still Feb. 12, 2010, were, from left, front row, Johnny and the officer-in-charge Naval Forces teaching Spanish? Matt Daniel and Jack and Mark Utke. Back row: Mark Central Command (Forward) Camp Ways to connect: We have a pretty and Tom Carroll. Attending but not pictured were Tom Arifjan, Kuwait. good concentration of ’85ers on Faceand Stuart Greenspon. “Still overseas will be (Army) Col. book. Check out the VMI ’85 group

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CLASS NOTES (just type “VMI 85” into the search bar once on the site) on Facebook. Also, if you would like to connect with me, try me on http://www.facebook.com/boomdaniel or for some oft-updated cartoons, try http://www. facebook.com/boombagart Send photos! RVM gents! Keep the Faith!

’86

Clint Hubbard

’Tis a balmy February day as I write these notes; clear blue skies with temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A man of means like Stew Barnes is probably on the golf course on a day like today! It’s pretty tough to top the Greenbrier and Pinehurst #2; I wonder if he’s at Augusta National? Remember when the highlight of your day as a cadet was either hay down or a letter in your mailbox? Since most of you are married with children now, you know that hay down doesn’t exist any longer. Ah, but the infamous letter and all the excitement it brought surely does still exist. What a treat to get a bit of mail (e-mail nowadays) from my companion in sharing VMI PO Box 420 from 1982-86 – BR Dan Kirby. Dan writes that he “should be taken out and shot down like a dog for staying silent for so long.” Well, I wouldn’t be that hard on him although this might well be his virgin trip into the class notes. Dan wrote to lament the passing of Putnam Wolcott and to echo the sentiments of Gerry Tertychny ’87 about being thankful for those who molded him (Dan) into the man he has become. For BR Kirby, it was folks like Chris Eversman ’83, George Woltz ’84 and Steve Eubank ’85. Dan went on to also list Capt. Steve Neas, Maj. Dan Barr, Col. Dick Trandel and the entire Math and Physics departments. BR Kirby concluded “Lord only knows how we made it out, but I echo the sentiments of Cadet Tertychny – I have the establishment and individuals that are currently VMI and that made up VMI in 1982-1986 to thank for shaping me.” Well said, Dan. BR Kirby went on to say that the VMI Christmas story took him back to other similar memories of craziness. Dan offered a Tim Perez-type version on his current life: Dan and his wife of 20 years, Beth, are fine, as are their 13- and 15-yearold kids. BR Kirby is doing his best to enable the possibility of life past 50, meaning (his words) he’s trying to get in shape and lose some of the extra ton of baggage he’s accumulated since graduation. Dan says he is “equally committed to sharpening his mental abilities, such as they are …” (again, his words, not me sticking it to him!)

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BR Kirby keeps up with Jim Shanley and occasionally Dan Whalen. These misguided Steelers fans were attempting to make a trip to Texas for the Super Bowl, but were not able to pull it off due to snow and other business and family commitments (mostly due to the snow, though). It’s probably just as well since the police would have probably loved the opportunity to nab all three of them at one time. And it would be a tad difficult for BR Shanley to “blend in” to a crowd. Speaking of Tim Perez, he came through with a little more info. If we keep putting him under hot lights in Alumni Review, he’ll eventually tell us what’s going on. Work-wise, BR Perez is running the sales arm of a SaaS contact automation provider (Contact Solutions) in northern Virginia. Tim says he was able to go to the VMI-UVa game this past fall where he saw Wayne Fuller and Cy Kump, and they enjoyed the game for the first quarter or so. Tim reports that Mrs. Perez (Amy) is finally back into the sport she left behind when she married Tim … that is doing Hunter-Jumper horses. She spends most of her time at the barn and loves it. BR Perez says that as they prepare to become empty-nesters it will allow her to maintain her sanity. (A below-the-belt punch would be that Amy gave up on horses for a jack-ass for several years and is now back with the horses, but I’d never take a shot like that at a great BR like Tim Perez.) Their oldest, Alyssa, will graduate from Emory University in Atlanta in spring 2011 and has set her sights on law schools. Their youngest, Connor, will graduate from high school and will be attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, majoring in sports management. After a visit to both the Institute and The Citadel, Tim was unable to convince young Connor that shaved heads and discipline are great attributes of a college lifestyle. BR Perez concedes that after seeing some of the co-eds at Flagler, he thinks Connor is making an excellent collegiate choice. Tim closed by saying that he is looking forward to the 25th Reunion in 2011. We’ll look forward to it, too, Tim. The mention of a jackass made me think of Ronnie Mays for some reason. Did it strike anyone else that way? Well, since we know he’ll never write in, hopefully the beautiful and charming Suzi Mays will see this and let us know how our boy is doing. Just joshing you, R.O.; hope all is well in the natural gas business. Now, that makes me think of Botts Smith on burrito night in the Crozet Hall. You see how this stuff just snowballs out of control! I swear I can’t help myself sometimes … Our beloved Ranger Gitchell reports that there is a new Gitchell running around these days; I had thought that two of them were quite enough! Colin Joseph Gitchell was born on June 24, 2010, and is currently laughing every day as he eats Carl out of house and home. This must mean that BR Dave Brackett will be nearly homeless

what with his twins who should be here by now. To use that favorite Dave Grimm quote, “I’m just sayin’ … ” Michael Laban keeps coming up with ideas for adventure. For his 50th birthday (April 3, 2013) he wants to drive from Berlin to Vladivostok – Russia’s port on the Pacific Ocean on the other side of the land mass. Michael was in Berlin just after graduation with Lt. Col. Wayne Thompson’s group and he loved Berlin. BR Laban plans to get a (or as many as a group will need) second hand, German Army, diesel, 4WD, off road vehicle, load up a tent on the roof, with spare jerries (water and fuel), all camping kit and head straight across overland to Vladivostok. He plans his return home across the southern route: across China, Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand), across Burma, Bangladesh, India Pakistan, Iran/Iraq (maybe), Jordan and Egypt then south down through east Africa back to Zimbabwe. To test the vehicle, camping kit, etc., he plans to get to Europe the year before and tour Napoleon’s battlefields in Germany, France and Italy. Sounding somewhat like Ernest Shackleton, BR Laban offers the invite to any interested parties: “It will be a hard trip. All camping (I cannot afford anything else). It will be expensive (buying vehicles and outfitting them). Any American aspect will be discouraged (led by a Zimbabwean anyways!) especially in some parts. I do not drink, so no stopping in big towns (or any towns if I can avoid it) for ‘nightlife’.” He might have had some takers until he dropped in the no drinking clause! (I can guarantee that Jon Aycock and Marc Moquin are out for this trip.) Godspeed, Michael, and stay safe. Just under the wire, Tom Russell checked in to say he’s retired out of the Marine Corps (how will they be able to tell?) and has started his own company consulting back to the government and industry wishing to do business with the government. BR Russell says business is rolling along so far, and he is still fixed inside the beltway next to the five sided building. Tom says he has a daughter down at Hollins University, but she has strict orders to stay away from the “I.” That sounds like good advice to me. With the sparse news again this quarter, I need another space-filler. I wanted to try and top the Christmas caroling story from last edition – and I could do it, too, with the story of the Tri-Delta sorority at James Madison University but it might break up a marriage and besides, they’d never print it in a family publication like Alumni Review, anyhow. All right men, you may stand down for another quarter. This may well be the last version to appear in print before the 25th Reunion so make your plans to attend (Sept. 9-11, 2011) and don’t forget to bring your checkbooks.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’87

Ernie Edgar

Brother Rats, I must open these notes with sad news. As many of you know by now, it is my sad duty to report the passing of our Brother Rat, Matt Rowe, on Feb. 7, 2010, apparently following an illness. Matt left VMI during our third class year and later served in the Marine Corps in Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines. More recently, he had been a Systems Analyst on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The obituary which appeared on Feb. 14, 2010, in the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin for Matt I have excerpted below: “Matthew B. Rowe of Port Dickinson. On Feb. 7, 2010, Matthew found his peace and is now relieved of his torments. He was predeceased by both sets of grandparents, his mother, Catherine “Kitty” Rowe; and his sister Christy Marie Peterson. He is survived by his father Brian; his brother, Foster (Rebecca); his brother-in-law, Terren Peterson; his nieces, Kaya and Sanna Peterson; and step-grandmother, Mary Yarosh; also aunts, Patricia (Charles) McCarthy, Mary Fern, Joan Terynik, Nora Harder, Elizabeth Brady, and Anne Marie Brady; uncles Charles Brady, John (Renee) Brady, Cornelius (Nancy) Brady; and many wonderful cousins. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps with duty in Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines. Before his disability, he was a Systems Analyst with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. There will be no viewing; the family will be having a private service at their convenience. Semper Fi, Matt.” Matt Sutton also wrote following the passing of his wife, Barb. “I can think of no other single event that so fundamentally changed my life. Our Brother Rats have been wonderful in lending support and comfort to my family and me during this incident, and since. I have received numerous cards and inquiries as to our condition, and there have been multiple donations made in Barbara’s name. John Eubank and his wife, Sheryl, flew up here to Maine right after it happened, and Jeff Temple also came up for a visit. I appreciate everything that has been done.” I am also remiss in not passing on notes that should have made the last Alumni Review. First, Bill McCarthy wrote that he made it to the parents weekend game. “I ran into a bunch of folks. Mark Cranford flew down with his son from the Boston area. I sat with my old roomie, Matt Morgan who is the owner of an Industrial Fuse business headquartered in Richmond. Mike Dawson’s son is a third and cadre corporal of Kevin Reardon’s son(s) (not

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sure if one or both). I missed the tailgate at Bill Wanovich’s new lair, but he may be able to give you a whole bunch more info. Saw Paul Munson and family, but they were a good distance away. Violated the cardinal rule, was gone at half time—missed the doxology.” Also, Kurt Vogan wrote in after an October trip to Lexington where he attended a Law Enforcement Seminar for current cadets at VMI. “The program was organized by Chris Parks ’84 and has grown over the years. We had a great attendance that night—16 officers of which 14 were VMI Alumni. We had a large crowd of cadets attending too. We were talking with cadets up to 10:30 that night! Represented at the seminar were Chris and myself (United States Marshals Service) as well as ATF, State Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Secret Service, FBI and Virginia State Police. Craig Covert was scheduled to be there, but unfortunately was not able to attend. Earlier in the day our group had a tour of the new parade fields behind Barracks (tennis courts are gone), ropes and agility course and the new firearms range (located on Breakout Hill). Some of the cadets were surprised to see U.S. Marshals again—we were just enjoying SRC in Crozet Hall! The newest Barracks and exchange are incredible too. Hope to see some BRs at games/parades in the future. Let me know if anyone is visiting the Baltimore area. Love to visit with y’all!” Over the Christmas holidays, Dean Kratzenberg wrote in with lots of news. The first bit comes courtesy of Sam Browne ’84 and Jamie Clark ’84, both of whom work at U.S. Department of Energy, where Dean is stationed. They passed on an AP news wire story from late December under the headline “‘Ratlines’ threaten White House Afghan war plans,” wherein our own Col. Dave Furness is quoted several times and describes columns of enemy insurgents advancing through the mountains toward his Marines as “Ratlines.” Semper Fi, Dave! The link to the AP story is here, but it appears to have expired. For those who are better internet sleuths than I am (and that’s a pretty low bar), you might be able to use this to pull it up. http://m.apnews.mobi/ap/db_36972/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=2ajoQcCQ. Dean, being a geographic bachelor for a year while his wife, USAF Lt. Col. Dawn, is deployed to Iraq, has also been surfing Facebook lately and ran across Mike Wright’s page. Mike has been busy recently “and really swamped the system with some new pictures. Actually they were not really new; they were just new to the Facebook community – there were a lot of pictures from our wonderful time at the ‘I!’ Mike put a snapshot of a painting that is in Moody Hall – the winter scene of a cadet

sentry walking third post in overcoat. It is one of my favorites, and from some of the comments from out BRs, I think that I am not the only one that thinks that!” Dean also caught up with Macon Snowden who had “disappeared for a while” following his wedding. Macon and Peggy recently purchased a house in McLean, VA. Macon apparently has been in the basement ever since working on bringing it up to par in time for a planned Super Bowl Party/housewarming. No word yet on whether he made that self-imposed deadline or whether there are any pictures that are Facebook-worthy. Dean also bumped into my Rat roomie, Col. Greg Otey, in the Pentagon. “He is on the Air Staff now; I cannot remember the exact office. It really surprised me when we were walking down the same hallway. We both had that ‘pregnant pause’ before recognition kicked in. That is always a good feeling, you know!” Warren Weiss was in the D.C. area for the holidays and dropped by Dean’s place for a couple of hours to catch up. He is still in the Denver area and ready for the snow pack there to get “just right” for his first ski excursion of the season. When not Facebooking, Dean has spent a lot of time on Skype talking to Dawn in Iraq (and counting the days until she comes home). Dawn is doing well in her command at Taji, Iraq. Andy Kestner went a bit out of his way to go to Taji and welcome her to theater! That was awesome! While on Skype, Dean also checks in with Jeff Temple in King George, who reports that all is going well in the Northern Neck. “Technology really is a cool thing and that is coming from a physics major (smirk).” Mike Wright also wrote in with some

Class of 1987: Renny Renshaw’s daughter with the newest family addition, Jammer. “Like his namesake, a gentleman and a scholar,” said Class Agent Ernie Edgar.

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CLASS NOTES updates. Mike lives in Carlisle, PA, and works as a consultant with IBM and a part time professor of Information Security at Harrisburg University. “My roommate, Capt. David M. Smith reported to Italy this past summer, and I am looking forward to taking a trip sometime next year to see him and his family. While he was stationed at the Pentagon, we were lucky enough to get together several times. At a Boy Scout golf outing this past spring, I met Bob Longwell ’78 and had an enjoyable time talking about the ‘I.’ With the growing popularity of Facebook, I’ve been able to reconnect with several BRs and alumni. John Ferguson and I found out that we were both in the Marine Corps Historic Half together this past year (although he was much faster than me!) and I have found out that Scott Jones is an ardent hockey fan of the Washington Capitals (a passion of mine as well). This last Alumni Review had an article about the ‘Ride to The I’ event for bikers – so, I am going to try to do that this year.” Finally, Renny Renshaw recently received a nice e-mail from our legendary CE professor, Col. Don Jamison ’57, in reference to his dog, “Jammer,” which was featured in the last class notes. “He is the epitome of ‘a gentleman and a scholar.’ Almost makes me miss being a cadet … almost.” Last February, I noted that our 25th Reunion was then a little more than two years away. Now it’s a year closer! Consider this fiveminute call for planning! As you know, there will need to be a big poster-board check with lots of commas and “1987” somewhere in the motif. But more importantly, there will be a great weekend during which we’ll get to see each other again, remember the good times, and tell stories about all the other times … So be thinking about what you want that weekend to look like. As always, thanks for letting me know what you are up to and please keep all the e-mails, photos and news coming! Ernie

’88

Drew McKone

We have made it through another winter and the “Dark Ages” are coming to a close … time to store away the wool and break-in a new pair of ducks. My wife and I are experiencing an “empty nest” for the first time in 22 years. My daughter is a dean’s list junior at Mount St. Mary’s and studying abroad in Argentina while my son is guiding kayak tours somewhere in

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the mountains of Mexico. But the kids aren’t the only ones having fun! The wife and I are headed to Daytona for the Daytona 500 and we plan a visit to Argentina in early April. I look forward to being in Lexington April 1-2 for the Class Agents’ Conference. I continue to spend time with my job in the Fredericksburg and Richmond areas. On a recent trip to Fredericksburg, I ran into Brent Wilson. I was enjoying $1 burger night at the Capital Ale house while he was hosting a private function for a group of doctors in the wine cellar. What’s that tell you about our karma? It was good to run into Brent, and I hope to reconnect with him the next time I’m in Richmond. While in Fredericksburg on a different occasion, I ran into David Jones. David was a lifelong friend of our BR Chris Bunn. David informed me of an annual fundraising event in Chris’ memory. Appropriately, the fundraising event is a golf tournament. This year’s golf tournament will be May 2nd at North Ridge Country Club at 1:30. There is more information on the website www.continuousblessings. org as well as a video about Chris and the foundation in his name in the news archives. The news archive is on the right side of the main page – click it and then scroll down to “Sponsor Video.” These notes are likely to be published after this year’s event, but I wanted to make you aware that this annual event in the Raleigh, NC, area benefits one of our Brother Rats. This has been a good quarter for updates from other Brother Rats. The following are some updates that I received through Facebook: Steve Champion is doing well in Raleigh, NC. He designs bridges for a living and is married to Robin after 18 years with two boys, 12 and 14. Steve has realized one of his dreams coming true and enjoys riding his Harley Dyna for pleasure and for some general transportation needs. Steve is active in church and has developed close friendships there. As with many of us, he laments the speed by which time seems to pass. Steve offers an open invitation to any BRs passing thru town to please visit … especially if you ride! Scott Hurst remains with the only employer he has had since VMI … the Navy. He is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton providing logistics and facilities engineering support to USMC bases throughout the western U.S. Scott has been selected to be the CO of a forward operating base Camp Lemonier in Djibouti and will be leaving Camp Pendleton soon. Scott hasn’t had much contact with BRs over his Navy career but did run into Steve Neary towards the end of 2010. Thanks for the update, Scott. Fair winds and following seas to you on your time in Djibouti! Drew Stewart and Ron Gillespie win the

brevity award with the following short bursts. Drew expressed that he enjoys connecting with the class and that he is “at peace and has joy!” Ron simply reported that that he was “ … feeling like a shut-in with all of this snow!” Thanks to both Ron and Drew for their updates! Ronald Maass is still in California. His son, Harlan, is 12 and daughter Emily is 7 and both are avid athletes. Harlan specializes in basketball and soccer. No lacrosse out here for the younger kids. Ron coaches basketball and ref AYSO. Ron is the vice/narcotics division commander now, still with the San Bernardino Police Dept. He hears from Chris Beck from time to time and reports that Chris is getting ready to retire this month from the SEALs and will then be double dipping up at the Pentagon. Thanks for the update, Ron, and keep an eye out for that light at the end of the tunnel for our retirement! Roy Hill is in his 20th year teaching biology at the high school level (Hayfield HS in Alexandria, VA). Additionally, he is the head football coach and wrestling coach. Over the past 20 years, Roy has had nine of his former wrestlers graduate from VMI. Roy is also the state chairman for USA Wrestling in VA and takes his team down to VMI every year for a scrimmage and clinic. Thanks for the update, Roy, and thanks for the steady supply of Keydet wrestlers! Joe Elie lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Sueide. They stay busy raising their three little boys; Gabriel is 4, Dylan is 2 and Ethan is 10 months. Joe hopes to bring the entire family to our 25th and looks forward to reconnecting with all the BRs he hasn’t seen for a long time. Thanks for the update Joe, and we hope to see the entire Elie brood at the next reunion! Fred Ferares has been assigned to the Defense Information Systems Agency in Arlington, VA, since 2008. He has been back to VMI for a few football games while visiting his parents who live just a few miles north in Greenville, VA. As you can imagine, Fred sees quite a few BRs and VMI alumni in-and-around the Pentagon. He had the opportunity to attend the retirement ceremony for Lt. Col. Hugh McGloin (a Purple Heart recipient in 2004) a few months ago. After 24 years of service, Fred’s time in the Marine Corps will come to a close as he retires in May 2011. He plans to stay in the area and is busy shaping his next career. Fred looks forward to spending more time with his family and to reducing his ever-increasing golf handicap! Thanks for your service, Fred, and best of luck to you and your family … Semper Fi! Gregg Thomas has ended his 14-year career with Jacobs Engineering and has become a USAF civilian. Gregg works with the AMRAAM

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CLASS NOTES program at Eglin AFB, FL, as the chief engineer for production and sustainment. The job is very interesting in that there is always something going on with the production line or a live launch investigation. In January, Gregg got to see Dan Riley when Dan traveled down to Eglin from Pax River. Dan and Anne are doing great. When not at work on the new job, Gregg’s two teenage daughters keep him busy. Brittany is finishing her last year in middle school (eighth grade), and Megan is a junior in high school. Both are playing soccer at a pretty high level, and in Florida that means traveling to a lot of soccer tournaments throughout the southeast for a good portion of the year. Gregg enjoys seeing everyone’s news, successes and family pictures via Facebook. Thanks for the update, Gregg, and best of luck with your family and your new job! Charles Cayce retired from the Navy Reserve in late 2009 as a commander. In 2010, he got serious about being healthier and lost 50 lbs. and started running half-marathons. He still lives in Atlanta and is the senior regional manager for Weingerten Realty. He reports that his family is doing well, and life is good. Thanks for checking in Charlie! All of the BRs that checked in also expressed their best wishes for the rest of the class … thanks for checking-in! If you enjoyed catching-up with these BRs via their updates, please consider providing your own update for our next edition of class notes. Best Regards, Drew

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

So, it’s New Year ’s Eve and I have started this addition of our notes a month and a half before they are due. Why the early start? Some great amount of motivation, some pre New Year resolution? No just a bunch of stuff going with the class of ’89 … so let’s get started. First off, I have to paint a picture for you. A week or so before Christmas, while sitting at the post office in Lori’s car as she mails some packages, I was bored so I glanced over and see some program in the passenger door “map compartment.” I pull it out to see what it is. Thinking that it is something that we had picked up at a recent Richmond Alumni event and sure enough, it was. Answering the Nation’s Call for Leaders of Character … October 2010. It was very impressive looking, so I flipped it open and what was the first thing that I see … a huge picture of Randolph Wood III, vice president CISCO Systems. It turns out Randy was one of the key note speakers for the event. Just think -

2011-Issue 2

our very own Randy still molding young minds. All kidding aside, way to go Randy. After that, I started thinking about my first year as your class agent and what you guys are up to. The best part of this job is getting to hear what you are doing and reconnecting with you. I have to say, for a laid back class, you have done very well for yourselves. From continued careers in the military (during a very demanding time), to leaders in business, law, medicine and education, you have made a name for yourselves. I think VMI would say it was because of our education that we have accomplished what we have. Some of that is true, but I think it is more the high school boy that looks at the challenges that the “I” lays before him and says that’s for me. Anyway, proud of you guys, keep it up. Alright enough of that, let’s get to the news of the quarter. First off, I got a Christmas card from Scott Leonard and family. Great news, Scott is back from his second tour in Afghanistan and will attend Navy school in Newport, RI this summer. Scott’s other big news is that his son has accepted a Marine Corp Scholarship to attend VMI starting this fall. As far as I can tell, he is our first child to attend the “I”. Scott, I am sure that you are very proud of your son. We will have to make sure that BRs Fridley and Bissell keep an eye on him while you are in Newport. There should be a picture attached to these notes that was taken at Wayne Jones’ promotion to colonel. In case it is not, in attendance for the event were: John Piedmont, Mike and Mary Monfalcone, Matt St. Clair, Paul and Kelly Pardew and of course Christine Jones with their boys Nate and Sam. It was a really good ceremony, and I was amazed at the brass that showed up with a 3 star general as the host. Wayne is next in route to Paris Island where he will command all the basic training units on the island. I got a chance to catch up with Paul Pardew on the metro ride to and from the Pentagon. He will be taking his family to Vicenza, Italy, this summer where he is standing up an Army Brigade that will handle contracts in Africa. Kelly said that the kids are looking forward to the move, and she has started putting up Italian words and phrases in the house to get them ready. Through Facebook, it looks like Al Versoza enjoyed a couple of weeks at home for some R&R and is now back in Iraq finishing up his tour. Hopefully by the time you read this he will be home. I have also seen postings from John Giltz who is still in Iraq, but I am not sure of his return date. Back in December, I attended the VCU-VMI basketball game in Richmond. Since the stick had been run early, I left the game at half time.

It turned out the Running Roo’s put on strong effort in the second half and made it a good game. Representing ’89 was Mike Biliunas, Jason Gray and Bob Bradford. I believe it was mentioned in earlier notes that Jason and Bob work for the same company and have cubes that are very close. As a heads up to the Richmond guys, look for an outing one night at the Diamond this summer. Will try to get the word out and whoever can make it come on out and support the Flying Squirrels. Also in December, Lori and I were able to celebrate Harlan Carvey’s birthday with him and Terri in Richmond. Harlan, being the beer connoisseur that he is, had us meet at a local brew house for dinner and then toured some of the Christmas decorations downtown. They are doing well, and it was good catching up with them and hearing about their trip to Africa this summer. That’s all the news I have for now; please remember that these are your notes, so if you haven’t seen your name mentioned in a while, please drop me a line and fill us in. The 25th Reunion is just a couple of years away now, so if you are interested in helping out, please let me know. Until we meet again, “Fall out” and have a great spring. Nat

’90

Robert Clark

Brother Rats, Welcome to the spring 2011 edition of our class notes. I hope your 2011 is off to a great start! It’s been great to hear from a number of you, and I encourage everyone to drop me a line or give me a call and let me know what you are up to. Mike Lithgow checked in from Boulder, CO, where he and his wife, Amy, and three daughters (Corinne, Celeste and Calista) are living the good life in ski country. Mike is working with the state of Colorado helping to improve school and university safety for the Colorado Department of Public Safety. Mike is also a doctoral candidate through Virginia Tech, which he hopes to finish next year. Three daughters, working on your doctorate and protecting the youth of Colorado – impressive, Mike! Mike also relayed that his roommate, Tim Haynie, recently moved to Colorado Springs, and they are looking forward to spending some time together – although perhaps not in the same room this go round. If you’re in the area, give them a call; Mike can show you some of

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CLASS NOTES Congratulations to Ana and Maggie! Also in Texas is my Rat roommate Bill Ator, who I got the chance to catch up with via phone not too long ago. Bill and Suzy and their three kids (ages 15, 13 and 11) are living in San Antonio. His oldest son is a 5’ 11” 215 pound freshmen, who recently won his football team’s weightlifting contest. Perhaps his son will be joining the Keydets soon – let’s hope so! Bill is stationed at Randolph AFB, where he is a branch chief running crisis operations action teams for the command’s generals. I’m sure I butchered up that description but, in short, I think Bill runs the place when the crap hits the fan. Bill just went over 19 years and is starting to contemplate his next move in or out of the Air Force. It sounds like he’s up for one more assignment, which he’ll have worked out here soon. The Ator’s get together fairly regularly with the Feagans, Dicks and Moushegians and report those families are all doing well. Class of 1990: In September 2010, Marr Snyder ’92 was diagnosed with I got a great note from Daren Payne, who cancer. In November 2010, between treatments at the Mayo Clinic, a group of friends traveled west to Marr’s South Dakota residence to offer support and has been a busy man indeed. Darren is living encouragement. From left: Ashley Abernathy ’87, Guy Gormley ’88, Kevin in Daphne, AL, where he works as the deputy Meares, Steve Fitton, Ray Dotterweich ’91, Mike Kamin ’92, Marr Snyder commander of the Mobile District for the Army ’92, Dave Jahnke ’92, Robert Matson ’93 and Addison Field ’94. Kneeling in Corps of Engineers. Prior to this role, Daren did front is Marr’s son, Parker. “Marr has been responding well to treatment and a tour in Iraq which ended last July. looking forward to a procedure which should offer a very positive long-term In October, Daren married Leigh Ann Woods outlook.” Wrote Steve Fitton. “In the meantime, he has met the disease headof Stafford, VA. Daren and Leigh Ann were on with characteristic VMI grit and determination as well as a healthy dose friends in high school growing up. Daren’s of his off-beat humor!” duty in Iraq prevented him from attending our 20th, but Leigh Ann and Daren landed at VMI this past fall after their wedding and took in a now so we’ll keep you in our thoughts. the wonderful local breweries in Boulder. (My football game. Daren shared his concern with When Sal checked in, he and his wife were favorite: Left Hand Brewing Company.) our lack of football wins, and I can’t disagree. headed off on a Caribbean cruise, then off to Speaking of four women in your life, I heard Phoenix for Christmas and then back in time for Seems we can’t find the recipe to put a winning from Gray Riddick. Gray and his wife, April, football team on the field. I’d be interested if skiing in New Mexico. His most rewarding trip, are the proud parents of three daughters and others share our concern. however, will come later this year when he and are stationed at Kirtland AFB, NM. Gray is the Right before these notes were going to print, his wife head off to Chicago where Sal’s twin commanding officer of the 71st Special OperaI received a note from Luis del Valle, who, at daughters, Ana and Maggie, will be graduattions Squadron which flies CV-22 Ospreys. If I this writing, was heading out on an eight to ing from the University of Illinois, Chicago. recall, those go up, down and sideways at fairly 10-month deployment to Afghanihigh speeds – much better than stan for the Marines. Luis will be in flying a desk. Gray is scheduled the Helmand Province area and our to be at the Air War College this thoughts and prayers are with you. summer. Luis does not have a direct e-mail I found my way to Gray through account on deployment. However, his co-dyke, Sal Bora. Sal checked if you’re interested in writing Luis, in from El Paso, TX, where he is you can create an account at www. in the private sector and with the motomail.us and send him e-mail Arizona Air National Guard. Sal’s a through this Marine service. I have flyer by trade but is currently workhis mailing address if you’re intering an office gig with the Arizona ested as well. Drop me an e-mail, Guard’s command center. and I will send it to you. When not on guard duty, Sal is We wish Luis and all of our BRs the Juarez Mexico Plant Director in the military our best! Thanks for for Falcon Technology Group. your sacrifice and service. This role has allowed Sal to colI can’t tell you how much I’ve laborate with Eliot Assimakopouenjoyed being class agent. It’s great los on a General Electric lighting Class of 1991: Matt Childs with a bunch of cadets at to hear from folks, so keep the cards, project. As we all know, Juarez is the Army-Navy game. e-mails, and photos coming! a dangerous part of the world right

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CLASS NOTES 20; and Chris, 19. My wife and I run a foundation for children with autism. We have a golf tournament in August every year. My son is doing very well. We found out early in his life, and he is progressing nicely. Life is good. I miss the ’I,’ all my BRs, and I am looking forward to that April weekend 2012.” Andy Tate Tate Andy Lt. Col. Rich O’Quinn writes: “I’m doing well Well, this will be a short batch of notes. and am currently living in northern VA with my I suspect most of you were saving up the wife, Alison, and three children – Angus, 7, William, tales for the reunion in April. If you attended, I 6, and Clare, 4. I’m still serving on active duty as a hope you found it most awesome. If you were lieutenant colonel in the Army. I recently ran into our unable to attend, you were missed, and we hope Gentlemen, I hope these notes find you doing very BR Rob Hurd, in the beer tent at the Fort Belvoir, everyone can attend the next one in 2016. 2016? well. As I have nothing interesting to share (shocker, VA, Oktoberfest. Don’t worry, he was fully clothed Sound’s like something from an ancient culture’s I know), here are the most recent updates from your and had no fins attached. Rob told me that he is an prophecy book. Brother Rats: Todd Denny e-mails, “I am living in English professor, and his wife and young daughter Mike Martin and Bill McClary were unable to attend the reunion because they were training units Syracuse, NY, and we are still shoveling after get- all live in Annapolis, MD.” Lt. Col. Chuck Douglas reports that he “got ting seven feet of snow in two weeks. It has been for deployment to Afghanistan. Todd Hubbard unbelievable even for upstate New York standards. back from Afghanistan right before Thanksgiving couldn’t attend because he was in Afghanistan. My wife, Lisa, and I have been married 10 years. I after a tour of duty commanding a Provincial ReMatt Childs was unable to attend because after have one son Jack, 9; and two stepchildren, Katie, construction Team. Pretty spotty year, and though learning Romanian the State Department sent we lost trucks and had a few folks medEvac’ed him to Eastern Europe to translate Gypsy home, no one was killed (thank God). I’m back Polkas for the Smithsonian. I jest and should in the Pentagon on the HQ Air Force staff, lay off of Matt. Matt has been deployed more where I’ve been since 2006. Right now, I’m times away from his family than I have toes heading the USAF’s Information Operations to count on. Thanks, Matt, and all of you BRs program as a division chief and waiting to see who have served and continue to serve and how the war college selection process works. carry out the orders of our nation’s leaders. My wife, Janet (Southern Sem ’91), and I are Matt had lunch with Jeff Pence this weeklooking forward to a summer move, but we end. Jeff e-mailed me earlier this month to just don’t know where yet. We’ve now got four say he was looking forward to good times at kids, and none of them seem to want to move the reunion. anymore … it will be tough this time around.” Andy and Naoko Collier are (were) expectChuck continues, “[t]here’s a few alumni and ing their first child, a daughter, the week friends running around here in Fredericksburg. before the reunion. That is why you did not see him. Mike Kamin and I see each other frequently, Heath and Jocelyn Wells were unable to and I’m in touch with Bryan Frazier. Marr attend the reunion also given a conflicting Snyder was here but moved out west and is engagement. I do hope they share some of the still struggling with cancer and treatment at Class of 1992: Laird Knights, Anhtuan pictures from their honeymoon trip in FebruMayo. Ups and downs.” Nguyen, Cmdr. Franco Neto and Kent ary. As of writing, they are spending three With respect to BR Snyder, I received a Gring share drinks in an Irish pub in weeks in Australia lazing about and scuba forwarded e-mail written by Stephen Fitton Falls Church, Virginia, fall 2010. diving on the Barrier Reef. ’90 containing the following update: “In SepChris and Tamara West are (were) tember 2010, Edward ‘Marr’ Snyder going to Paris for their honeymoon. was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Unless I misunderstood his e-mail, In November 2010, between treatthey were going in April before the ments at the Mayo Clinic, a group of reunion. If that was case, then I hope friends traveled west to Marr’s Parker, the quantity of wine at the reunion SD, residence to offer support and made up for the lack of quality he encouragement.” In attendance were enjoyed in Paris. Chris has spoken Ashley Abernathy ’87, Guy Gormley lately with Jon Greenspon, A.J. ’88, Kevin Meares, Steve Fitton, Nazario and Frank Mulcahy. Ray Dotterweich ’91, Mike Kamin, Seems to me I received an e-mail Marr Snyder, Dave Jahnke, Robert from Tracey Demers saying that Jim Matson ’93 and Addison Field ’94. would not be at the reunion as he Steve reports that “Marr has been was activated and would be in South responding well to treatment and Carolina. I can’t find the e-mail, so looking forward to a procedure, which if it is wrong, I will correct in the should offer a very positive long term Class of 1992: At the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in August notes. outlook. In the meantime, he has met November 2010 were Ra Yoeun ’93, James Cherry, Dan That’s about it. Stay well and have the disease head-on with characteristic Gaskell, Jon Lester, Ken Gill ’84 and Chris Gideons ’91. a great summer. VMI grit and determination, as well

’91

2011-Issue 2

Adam Gregory

George Petty III

’92

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CLASS NOTES as a healthy dose of his off-beat humor!” See the class of ’90s notes in this edition for a picture of the recent get-together, and please keep Marr in your thoughts and prayers as he continues working towards recovery. Hang in there, Marr! Col. John Brodie, a volunteer on our 20th Reunion Committee, updates: “[T]hings are busy as usual. The Ratline still sucks if all my BRs are worried about it. The family is real good; my wife’s book reached number 10 in Germany. Daughter Julia won a statewide art contest. Band is good; we are planning a trip to Hawaii next fall. Taking 40 cadets to Puerto Rico in March for Spring Break. See Todd Pegg around Post. That’s about it. Best to my BRs, best class out of VMI! ’92 ’92 ’92!” Cmdr. Franco Neto writes: “I’m stationed at the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office where our mission is to account for the remains of servicemen from previous wars. I was in China last year investigating the crash of a U.S. Navy Seaplane in 1950. Ana and I are hoping to stay in the D.C. area a little longer, with two sons, Sam, 5, and Joshua, 2. I spoke to Cmdr. Shannon Terhune the other day. He is also a Navy Commander and in the D.C. area; he’s a geo-bachelor at Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard for the next two-three years.” Brian McCarthy shares: “I know Neal Corson just took command down at Fort Stewart. Catty had a bunch of pics on her FB page. Not much news from the McCarthys save for it’s freaking cold in Kansas right now ... inhumane!” Mike Kirkmire reports the he was “in Staunton

Class of 1992: Attending an October 2010 pre-command course at the U.S. Army School for Command Preparation at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, were, from left, Lt. Col. Shannon Lucas ’95, Lt. Col. Chris Jones, Lt. Col. Rich O’Quinn, Lt. Col. Mike Naifeh ’91 and Lt. Col. Rhett Cox ’93.

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visiting Teresa’s folks over Thanksgiving. Went to Lex Vegas one night and ran into Roger Jarrell ’91. We traded stories and updates over drinks (beer for him, diet Pepsi for me). Retired from hockey on Dec. 1st. I got another blood clot while playing in a game before Thanksgiving. The last one I had kept me in the hospital for over a week. No thank you! Looks like I’ll be making more trips to the commonwealth. My older sister, Chris Mazzola, is going to be the dean of the upper division at St. Anne’s-Bellfield in Charlottesville starting July 1. She and her family are moving from California.” Mike continues that he’s “looking into doing a couple of more half-Ironman distance triathlon’s this year, plus an Xterra Triathlon (swim, mountain bike, trail run) and a couple of marathon’s (one off-road). Hoping to move up to a full Ironman distance triathlon in the next year or two. It’s going to take some time and money (any BRs want to sponsor? Kidding … kinda).” Keith Peloquin messages: “Now that Bob Burgess is stationed here in Tampa, he and Jennifer have had my girlfriend, Kelly Goforth, and me over a few times for delightful dinners. Anthony Brinkley and family were down in the area over Christmas, so we all got together at Bob and Jennifer’s for a great roomie reunion [less Cdmr. Shannon Terhune and Cdmr. Franco Neto, who could not attend]. Life’s treating me pretty well, and I’m dating an awesome girl. That will soon change though … to me being engaged to that awesome girl. Not sure when/where I’ll pop the question, but I’m ring shopping. My VMI roommates gave her the thumbs-up of approval, so I’m officially green-lighted.” Keith continues: “Work for me hasn’t changed, and I’m still the director of aviation for Walter Energy. They recently bought Western Coal, a similarly-sized Canadian mining company, so the addition of its far-flung operating sites bodes well for the continued existence of the company’s aviation department. I’ve been flying all over the country and Canada as well since we started the acquisition of Western Coal. I spoke with Bill Sharp on the phone when I was in Atlanta, and we tried unsuccessfully to sync our schedules for a breakfast at Dave Bradley’s restaurant in the suburbs. Hopefully we can swing it some other

Class of 1993: Samuel Brady Greever was born on Feb. 13, 2010, to Jonathan and Marissa.

time. Lots of travel lately … whew! Anyway, so far, so good ... ” That’s all the cutting and pasting I have for these notes. Have a great summer. Best regards, Adam.

’93

Bill Cox

I want to open these class notes with two stories I think really paint the picture of what VMI is all about. The first is about a Brother Rat who put out the word that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He requested that the word not be widely spread, and so I will not divulge the details. However, I will say that I was amazed to see the VMI family swing into action. Within a day, several other Brother Rats had gotten the word and the e-mails were flying about what could be done to help out. It was frankly amazing to watch everyone drop what they were doing and take action to circle the wagons and help one of our own. The second story is about the return of a lost ring. In November 2010, I received an e-mail from a man named William Nieberding. Mr. Nieberding attended VMI for one semester in 1990. He is currently a police sergeant in Rockville City, Maryland. One of his new officers told him how he had found a VMI ring in a car he had owned. The ring had been sitting in his mother’s house for years but the police officer wanted to return it to its rightful owner. Since Mr. Nieberding attended VMI, he receives a copy of the Alumni Review and saw that I was the contact person for the class of 1993. He sent me an e-mail with the name he found engraved on the inside of the ring. Mr. Nieberding wrote “I do remember how sacred these class rings are to those who earned them, and I believe he should get it back.” I got in touch with Adam Perin who lost the ring and arrangements are being made to get it back to him. Adam is serving with the State Department and spends a great deal of time out of the country. It took about two months, but he finally got my messages and got back to me. I thought it was a great story about someone who only spent a month at VMI understood the importance of the ring and went to exceptional efforts to get it back to the owner. Anyhow, I thought the stories were worth repeating. On to the news: Brian Piccioni touched base. He is heading out to Beaver Creek with Trumbo, John Perry, Dan Crawford and Pat Foley. As Brian writes; “We are all crashing at Chateau Roop … should be great, and I am sure there will be no drinking or hitting on women half our age.” Speaking of age, Paul Meadows was kind enough to point out that most of us will be turning 40 this year (or last year but thanks for reminding me I am older than most of the class Paul; but I am

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES still younger than Grandpa Artie Tanner). Paul lives in Lynchburg where he is president/CEO of his own company, Distributed IT Services Inc. He has run into Ed Willman a few times in his ventures in Lynchburg. While visiting E.C. Glass, Paul tells me that there is a picture of Willman and Petty immortalized as champions of the links on the wall of E.C. Glass. Paul tells me that Matt and Britney Gill are now expecting their fifth child, because four boys weren’t enough. Paul has also talked to Jim Roman. Jim has moved back to South Carolina after 10 years in Florida. Jim accepted a position as director of asset services for CBRE, The Furman Co., a boutique real estate firm in upstate South Carolina. Jim has three children now and is doing well. More news that Paul sent me: Craig Currie apparently spends most of his time being faithful to his hobbies and watching the weather channel in hopes of some Mother Nature inspired need for generators, and yes, I stole that verbatim from Meadows e-mail. Jamie Shiflett is still working for NASA and that scares both me and Meadows to death. Andy Joyner is still in Lynchburg and is working on ramping up a bobcat dealership there. Joyner’s niece, Amber, recently matriculated and is a member of the class of 2014. Paul is doing well and growing his business in Lynchburg. He recently moved locations in Lynchburg and is expanding into the Roanoke area with his healthcare expansions. Charles Leggett wrote in. He left active duty in January and is now the group chaplain for the 2nd USAR Mobilization Support Group at Fort Sill, OK. He has begun pursuing his masters of education at Cameron University. Most importantly, Charles is the proud father of Lucy Christine Wahinenoilama Leggett born on Feb. 8 at 12:15 p.m. Rhonda Ackerman sent a note in on behalf of Paul. Paul resigned from his position at VMI and was awarded a graduate research assistantship from VT and hopes to have his Ph.D. in Construction Engineering and Management in two years. The Ackermans will continue to live in Lex Vegas for now. Ed Tomlinson checked in. He and his wife are moving to the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University in the fall. Ed will be a professor of management and teaching human resources and labor relations. Remember your TIPS and FOEs, Ed. John Guggenheimer turned 40 in January and had a party that Tray Petty, Clifford Foster, Todd Brickhouse, Carter Hubard, Andy Joyner, Rich Weatherly, Max Guggenheimer ’90 and Chris Boswell ’00 attended in Wilmington, NC. I got a long e-mail from Dom Ford. “I got married to my wife, Liz, in 2008 just as I ended my tour at the Joint Chiefs of Staff J6 Directorate. We, along with my step-daughter (Jacqueline, currently age 8) moved to Hawaii where I am a

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communications planner for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific. In April 2010, I took a break from MARFORPAC and deployed voluntarily to Afghanistan for seven months, returning in November 2010. Wouldn’t you know that the week after I put my name in the ring to volunteer for that deployment, my wife informed me that she was pregnant. So, while I was in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province working for ISAF’s Regional Command Southwest as a Civil Military Operations planner, Liz was back home single-handedly raising our daughter and dealing with pregnancy. I should mention that there were several VMI folks out in the AO to include our BR Lt. Col. Craig Price, USMC, Lt. Col. Tom West ’90, USMC and Maj. Brad Rees ’94, USA, who all did some great work there. Anyway, the tour was challenging but successful and the highlight came on Sept. 19, 2010, when my son, Ryon Courage Ford, entered the world. The adoption of my step-daughter was also approved a few months prior to that so I returned home to two kids who were both officially mine and one exhausted wife. She’s caught up on her rest now and everyone is doing well.” It has been years since Dom sent in an update so I wanted to include it all. Erik Nilsson sent a quick e-mail. He took command of BMU 1 on Feb. 11th. Chris Martin is still in Mechanicsville with his wife, Lynn, and his two boys, Mike and Hunter, 13 and 10. Chris is National Sales Engineer for Thomas & Betts

Power Solutions in their surge protective products. Chris is travelling to Haiti in February as part of his church trip. He hopes to establish an ongoing relationship between an orphanage there and his local church. He will have gone and returned by the time this goes to press. Creg Matthews is still in Roanoke, and his clan is growing. He welcomed a third son, Nicholas Ingram, on Oct. 19, 2010. I look forward to catching up with Creg when I get a chance. A last minute note came in from Brian Melvin. Brian is in Chesapeake, VA, now. He and his family met up with Sills O’Keefe in November and went to the ODU game. In December, Brian also caught up with Scott Davis who, as Brian puts it, “has returned from Palin’s Alaska and has stopped spying on the Russians from his front porch. Scott is now working out of Huntsville, AL.” I am still in Lynchburg and still moving boxes for Target. Eric Natale was recently in my building interviewing there. That would make four VMI guys working there. Life is good, and there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. I am doing some consulting work for my brother, still in graduate school, and working full time so needless to say, I have been busy. That’s about all the news that’s worth reporting. To those serving, I offer my now old compliments; I can’t say it enough how much we all appreciate the sacrifices you make and have made in the past. We are all better people for knowing you. To all those serving here and abroad, thanks. I don’t know what else to say. God bless the Armed Forces, VMI and the class of 1993.

’94

Class of 1993: Cmdr. Erik Nilsson took command of BMU 1.

Christopher L. Doyle

I hope everyone is well. Congratulations to the class of 2014, who broke out of the Ratline on 22 January 2011. I regret to inform you that these cadets were born in 1994. Brother Rats, we are officially old! Jim Hewitt and his wife welcomed a baby boy, Nathan Hewitt, in December. Congratulations to the Hewitts! Jim is working for the Secret Service and living in Arlington, VA. Tony Underhill checked in from Rockledge, Florida. Tony was awarded a master of science degree in Space Systems from Florida Institute of Technology. Tony works as a mission integrator at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Tony recently transferred from the Air Force Reserve to the Navy Reserve. He is an Operations Officer for NAVAIR Expeditionary Logistics and was recently promoted to lieutenant commander. Tony and his wife, Jazmine, have decided to start homeschooling their kids. She will be taking their three boys to her parent’s house in Peru to study and hone their language skills.

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CLASS NOTES Matt MacNeilly and Steve Kavanaugh recently returned home from deployments. Matt was in Afghanistan, and Steve was in Iraq. Welcome home, Brother Rats! We are glad to have you back. Jimmy Bratina and his wife, Tiffany, had a baby boy on Dec. 11, 2010. They named him Elijah James Bratina. The Bratinas are living in Charlotte, NC. Jimmy is working for Rubbermaid, and Tiffany is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Novant Health. Jimmy and Jake Stenner got together for a few days of snowboarding in Snowshoe, WV. Jimmy said Jake reminded him of Shawn White. Vince Porter was selected for the Army’s “Training with Industry” program. Vince will spend a year at a civilian corporation. He has been paired with Google Corporation and will spend a year at the company’s main headquarters in California. He will be PCSing in June. Please stay well and tell me how you are doing.

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

Dan Williams

Gentlemen … this is my first go at this class notes thing, so be patient with me until I can get the hang of it. Hard to believe, but we’re already moving forward towards our 20th reunion, which just so happens to be scheduled in just a shade under 54 months from now. First of all I trust and hope this note finds everybody and their families well, wherever you may be. My wife, Jill, and I are continuing to hold the fort down here in Bealeton, VA … we’re pretty excited that baby number two is due on Aug. 3rd. It’s actually hard to believe that I’ve been announcing home football games for the past three years, and actually, just this past season, I started announcing the home basketball games on a regular basis. It’s been a lot of fun, and it really and truly offers the best seat in the house to some great contests. While there, I’m able to run into quite a few folks. At the basketball game against Radford, I was able to see our BRs Tim Williams, David Groseclose and Jamie Joyner. Tim is living in Richmond and working for First Command, David calls Fishersville home, while Jamie has been hanging his hat in Lexington for the past few years. They all looked good and were excitedly cheering our team on to a great win against Radford. I get to pass on some great news for the Ikenberry family … this past Nov. 19th, Owen Marshall Ikenberry was born to Marlin and Shannon. Congratulations! By the way, Ike started the baseball season against Florida State on Feb. 18th and is returning his entire starting pitching

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rotation from last year; great things are expected! Go Keydets! This past December while on a trip to the West Coast for business, I was able to stop in Portland, OR, and catch up with Chip Rex. He and wife Imogen along with their children, Isabelle and Connor, moved out there last summer and seem to be getting used to the abundance of rain the great northwest provides. They were very excited to have been able to get back for the 15th Reunion last October. Back in the beginning of February, while at a Keydet Club event, I saw Jeremy Ingram. He and his family continue to do well and are enjoying life down in Virginia Beach. Also, I was able to get together with our BR Larry Burris at the Pentagon. He continues to serve as the aide-de-camp for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, but he’s anxiously waiting this summer when he’ll be able to leave the “puzzle palace” and head off to battalion command at Fort Carson. I also exchanged e-mails recently with Kendall Clarke, who is residing at Fort Knox and serves as an aide-decamp for the commander of the United States Army Accessions Command. I also continue to have regular contact with Stu Mallory and Matt Reiner here in northern VA. Rick Killmeyer sent me an e-mail recently and provided some great updates. He and wife Lizann went skiing this winter out in Jackson, WY, and while there, actually ran into Ed Randall. Rick said that Ed, Joy and the kids are moving back to Houston this summer. Ed recently had taken up a new job, which is necessitating the move back to the Lonestar state. It seems as though Jackson was a hub of VMI activity, as Rick also ran into Jeff Guild ’94 as well. Jeff had been coordinating a training event in the Teton National Park for his SEAL team in anticipation of their deployment later this year. Rick also recently spoke with Sean Burke, who mentioned that Chris Hartwell was in Chicago earlier this year doing some training with his SEAL team. Sean also reported that his brother, Tim Burke ’02, is now working as an FBI Special Agent down in Atlanta and loving it. Finally, Rick reported that he had been having a great game of phone tag with BR Sean Davis. Thanks, Rick, for some great updates! Social media has also been a great tool to keep up with folks … I regularly see updates from BRs Bird, Fisher, Hubbard, Tucker, Eger, Clark, Gorospe, Monahan, Ragosta, Andy Johnson and several others. If it’s easier for you to send me updates via Facebook that you’d like to see in the class notes, please let me know, and feel free to do so. Well, that’s about it for this version of the class notes. I’d encourage each of you to send me updates as often as you’d like and also include a picture every now and then. Take care, and I hope to catch up with you soon!

’96

Rusty McGuire

It is that time again, and it is starting to warm up, but I am sure it is hot by the time you are reading this. I know Pete Segersten and the Reunion Committee are working hard to plan our reunion this fall. I heard from Bob Swahn who told me, “I am a technical project manager at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and have been at DTRA on Fort Belvoir, VA, for eight years. As a PM in the Innovation Office, my projects vary and cover the agency’s entire mission space of chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and high yield explosive warfare. Currently, my most rewarding projects are counter-IED. I am married to my wonderful wife of three years, Angelica, and we have two terrific girls: my 16-year-old stepdaughter, Gaby, and 20-month-old daughter, Samantha.” Wes Parmer said, “My wife, Pascale, and I welcomed our first child, Lara Pascale Parmer, on Nov. 15, 2010. She’s a beautiful, healthy little girl. I recently completed my MBA and continue to serve full-time with the guard at the National Guard Bureau. I maintain drill status with the 29th ID, where I serve as the Division Public Affairs

Class of 1996: Chris Oakey’s children holding their new baby brother, John Charles Oakey.

Class of 1996: Matt Creech ’96 with Geoff Blum ’95 after running in the Harrisburg Marathon in November 2010.

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CLASS NOTES Officer and am looking at a possible Afghanistan deployment later this year.” It seems there are many newborns. Chris Oakey said, “I wanted to share with you my pride in welcoming a second son and my third child. John Charles Oakey was born at home Saturday night at 11:30 PM. Mother and children are all doing well. Knox and Neely are very excited. I am looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep in about 3-4 years.” Sterling Sweeney attended Brian Hartless’ lieutenant colonel promotion ceremony at the Pentagon in December. They also honored his wife, Erin, and his son, Ben, for the sacrifice they have endured for him being deployed so much. Sterling said it was a great ceremony and really great to hear all the awesome things Brian is doing. Dat Lam is also a CE and works with Brian and was at the ceremony. Curt Bourn said, “Not a whole lot of news; the airline lifestyle only changes as much as the price of oil. I just wrapped up a three-week detachment with my Navy VR squadron, VR-58, flying the C-40 (Boeing 737) throughout Japan, Indonesia and Thailand in support of Operation Cobra Gold. The last day we were in theater, we had the opportunity to visit Iwo Jima and spend five hours on the island that included a tour along Invasion Beach, Mount Suribachi and the cave that the Japanese General Kuribayashi used during the month-long battle.” Shawn McFadden said, “I returned from deployment with CJTF-HOA at the end of November and have been getting settled back in with the family. The deployment allowed me to see a good portion of Africa as well as Europe; so, not really a bad deal as far as deployments go. Shannon and I are working on 10 years of marriage, and we have two children now, Harper (1) and Liam (5). I just switched XO jobs from my comfort zone to the unfamiliar territory of a new unit that is outside my occupational specialty, Marine Air Support Squadron 1 in Cherry Point, NC. We will be here until summer 2012 when the moving adventure will happen once again.” Mike Waltz said, “I joined some former col-

leagues from the Bush Administration to form a new business last year called Metis Solutions. It’s (yet another) defense consulting and contracting business focused on international work. Lots of late nights, but we are getting there. I will also change command next month with my reserve component unit after six years and three mobilizations.” I also heard from Max Casteleyn who I have not seen since we crossed paths in Baghdad in 2005. Max said, “I am currently in Western Poland preparing to deploy with the Polish Army’s 17th Mech Inf Bde as part of TF White Eagle (Polish AFG contingent) U.S. enabler/LNO team. I will be the U.S. S4/Dep TF logistics officer for their rotation. Our enabler team has become a shadow HQ for any U.S. forces assigned to TF White Eagle at the same as assisting the Poles. For the record, I don’t speak Polish, but learning extremely fast. First word: Pivo=Beer! This is approx. a 10-month deployment. Like always, anyone needing any assistance in our AO ... contact me.” Chris Powell said, “2010 was dynamic. Moved out of Reed’s basement – had a good time being able to walk upstairs and drink beer with Reed – and into an apartment. Life’s good. Got reserve orders to London in December and ran into Lt. Cmdr. Joe Klapatch ’97. We took full advantage of the British Officers’ Mess to compare stories since his time as one of my company Rats. Then, to prove how small the world really is, I walked into my unit for the January drill weekend to find Lt. Matt Bartles ’03 (one of my Midshipmen from my orders to the VMI NROTC unit) had just come aboard. I’m still senior to him by about a week, so I didn’t have to salute one of my own Mids. Looking to head back out later this year with operation OCEAN SHIELD for more NATO counter-piracy ops. Love being back in the Navy, even if only part-time.” Chris Watson said: “The wife and I are holding steady with a total kid count of six. Discussions of more (yes, I’m serious, and also crazy) have been halted mostly due to the challenges we’re continually facing with two special needs

Class of 1996: At the Institute Society Dinner were Turner and Holly Perrow, Mark and Alice Townsend, Sterling and Karen Sweeney, and John and Lisa Adams.

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children (Down Syndrome and Autism). It’s a busy, crowded and non-stop house, and we love it. We’ve been in Pittsburgh now over five years and really love the city. If you or anyone else is ever passing though town, send me an e-mail. No, I can’t get you Steelers tickets, but we have a great minor league baseball team with an equally beautiful stadium, and they have surprisingly easy tickets to find.” Ryan Olson recently spent some time with Matt Modarelli and John Ripley walking the battlefields in Verdun. They picked up McFadden in Stuttgart and spent a few days in Munich for Oktoberfest. Brandon Porter said, “God has blessed Dinah and me with our fifth child. So we now have three girls, ages 10, 8 and 6, and two boys ages 3 and 6 months. We are so very blessed. I’m still a pastor at The People’s Church in Spring Hill, TN. I see Trey Kirby, Mike Bernard ’95, and Steven Kidd ’94 quite a bit because we all go to the same church and live near each other. Trey is doing a great job keeping all of the Nashville area alumni together on a regular basis.” Chris Noe wrote me and said, “I am writing this from Camp Spann, Afghanistan, in Mazar-eSharif. I just deployed a couple of weeks ago as the Support operations officer for 24th BSB, 170th IBCT. Melissa and the kids are still in Germany. Unfortunately, I will not be at the reunion. Maybe I can attend via Skype!” Until the next notes be safe and God bless you. Thanks ... Rusty

’97

David Zirkle

Editor’s Note: The Alumni Review welcomes David Zirkle as the new class agent for the class of 1997. Please send updates to him at the address noted above. The following (on next page) was submitted by Ian Brooks regarding his Appalachian Trail hike which he is doing to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. (No class notes were received.)

Class of 1996: During their cadetship were, from left, Buck Meier, William Kaushagen, Gary Netzer and Mike Wilbourne. Sadly, Kaushagen has recently passed away.

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CLASS NOTES Hello, Everyone, As many of you may already know, I [am] hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the Marines in the Wounded Warrior Regiment, which helps injured Marines and sailors to heal, adjust and reintegrate into military or civilian life … I have already secured a large commitment from my primary sponsor, Omega XL, and donations from other corporate sponsors, such as Allstate and Ferguson. If you would like to donate or ask others to donate, see my letter below which explains everything about the hike: Dear Sir or Madam, I am a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute Class of 1997, and I am a major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. I am currently a platoon commander at the 4th Force Reconnaissance Detachment in Hawaii. I served 10 years active duty, including tours with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. While serving as a company commander for Fox Company 2/5, “The Blackhearts,” I was injured during a gunfight in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. I did not need to be evacuated from Iraq, but it did get me thinking about those who did. The Wounded Warrior Regiment, along with the Semper Fi Fund, helps Marines and sailors who have been injured to heal, adjust and re-integrate into the military or transition into the civilian sector. I decided to combine my desire to support wounded Marines with my lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail by creating the charity, “A Hike for Help.” I plan on beginning my hike on Feb. 28, 2011, and ending June 30, 2011. Starting in Springer Mountain, Georgia, and ending on the top of Mount Katahdin in Maine, I will try averaging 22 miles a day for six days a week. A schedule of where I am planning to be each day can be found on the hike Web site at AHIKEFORHELP.COM. I also invite you to monitor the Web site, as Blue (my dog) and I will be posting a journal, pictures and mileage updates along the way. If you have any suggestions, ideas or well wishes, please e-mail me at ahikeforhelp@gmail.com. I could use all three. If you would like to donate and support the hike, there are two ways to do so. You can choose to use our PAYPAL account, which is on the Web site, or you can send a check to this address: A Hike For Help C/O Ian Brooks 44-164 Hako St., Suite 1704 Kaneohe, Hi 96744 To ensure that everyone’s donation is tax deductible, we are teaming up with the Semper Fi Fund (A 501-3C organization.) I will submit 93% of donations to the Semper Fi Fund, and they, in turn, will grant the money in the name of “A Hike for Help” to wounded Marines. Seven percent of

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the money raised will be used to defer the cost of the hike. If you would like to contact me by phone, please call me at 949/547-7951. Thank you for taking the time to help those injured while serving our country. Sincerely, Maj. Ian P. Brooks, USMCR

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

With winter behind us, we look forward to a beautiful spring in Lexington. I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoyed the holiday season! I have not heard from many of you this round and hence the notes are pretty tame. I trust that the updates will be flowing for the next edition. I am really enjoying keeping up with you on our class Facebook page! For those of you who 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 who are deployed or in harm’s 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 Web site at www.vmialumni.org, as that will definitely continue to serve as our primary means of communication, and that’s the memo! Life has been pretty crazy for me here in Tulsa, OK. I am working on some exciting opportunities at work (which I will update you on further next time) and have been very busy with my local professional association, which I have had the pleasure of serving as their president this year. My family has completely re-located to Tulsa and it is nice to finally have the family back in one town again. I had an amazing opportunity to spend a few days in Vegas with Sean Williams and Matt Bertsch and some other VMI guys (Ryan Manor ’02 and John Leake ’02). We took the opportunity to get together in the desert to celebrate Sean’s recent deployment to Iraq. Farewell buddy, and send us updates from the sandbox. Mr. Bertsch left his lovely wife, Emily, in Lompoc, CA. The Bertsch’s have recently wrapped up a multi-year station overseas and Maj. Bertsch is glad to be back stateside! Welcome back brotha! I have played some phone tag with Maj. Matt Baldwin who is now stationed in Richmond Hill

(Savannah), GA, and recently completed some training in Dallas. I was hoping to get down to “Big D” to hang out but was unable to pull it off. We’ll get together soon Matt. Matt is still married to the lovely Kristin Baldwin, and their two beautiful girls, Emma and Lilly, are growing up fast! I got a quick update from Scott Houser who has recently become single and is still the most feared FBI agent in Miami. Take care and keep in touch Scott! I occasionally hear from J.P. Morris who is now working for the City of Lynchburg, VA, as an engineer and living in Bedford. J.P. is happily married to Kim, and they have a wonderful son, Tyler. Stay in touch Brother Rat! Todd and Christina Boykin check in periodically from Richmond where Todd is still working for Malcolm Pirnie, and they are raising their two lovely children, Saddler and Sara Grace. I did receive an update from Chuck Fullam. In April, he will be leaving the USAF after 11 years and has moved back home to Martinsburg, WV. He is currently looking for work in the northern VA, MD and D.C. area; so if any of you NOVA guys have leads for Chuck let me know, and I will put you in touch. Chuck’s family is growing like weeds and adjusting to all the changes being thrown at them. The kids are now 14, 7 and 4, and he hopes to plan a trip back to the “I” to show the kids the alma mater. Chuck indicated that while in Montana he has not had much opportunity to network in the VMI family with the one exception of Frank Kalesnik ’83. Yes, Maj. Kalesnik from the IS department while we were at the “I.” Turns out he was the base historian at Malmstrom AFB where he was stationed until recently. Good luck Chuck! Take care and keep in touch! I also got a brief update from Simon Macioch who checked in from Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he is attending a school for the Army. Simon reports that Brian Roeder and Greg Moseley are also up there attending school and says that he sees them periodically but noted that they are not sure what is in store for them next. I got a quick update from Ryan Hughes who reports that he and his wife, Betsy, are still living happily in Atlanta with our twin boys, Gavyn and Drake, who are now 6. Ryan mentioned that he saw Matt Guise over Christmas in Atlanta and reports that he’s doing well in Richmond. He also said he caught up with Travers Clemons recently and reports he and his family are doing well and that they have recently moved just outside of Richmond. Mike Lorence sent in an update to say that he and Erica are doing very well in Mississippi. Erica is now the assistant coach of the Sunkist Swim Team and the parents are loving her as she is doing well with the kids (no surprise there). Anna Grace, their oldest, 7 yrs., started on the swim team this year and is already swimming like

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES a fish. Mike noted that he and Erica both swam competitively growing up, so this is definitely a family affair. Mike has decided that it’s time to return to school for a doctorate degree in business, and he has found a unique program designed for future CEOs/executives who want to stay in industry and don’t want to teach, which is exactly what he is looking for. In true Lorence fashion, he plans to work fulltime while doing it, so no doubt, it will be challenging. Good luck, Mike! The Lorence’s youngest, Lady Catherine, turned 1 in December and is developing quite the personality. I have no doubt that a few cadre instructions (by the numbers) will help her work through it! I am glad to hear that all is well with you guys, and we appreciate the update! Keep us posted! In closing, I wanted to include a message from J.P. Mahaffey that struck me and captured just a small piece of the greatness that is the VMI Brotherhood. J.P. reports that although life has taken him on many great adventures since our days at VMI, he truly cherishes all of the memories made during the Rat year and summer that followed. He went on to say how much he appreciates the way many of our BRs have responded to him since our days at VMI. He and his family now reside in Charlotte, NC, where he is a manager of filed operations for level 3 communications. He and his wife, Amy E. (De Witt) Mahaffey have been married since August 2001 and have been blessed beyond measure by three wonderful children. William Addison, who just turned 7, Grace Elizabeth, who will be 5 in March, and Andrew Stewart who is 2 (the little tornado). J.P. reflected that from arriving early for football, matriculation, hell week, Rat tours, pep rallies, re-organizing the mess hall onto the football field, chasing the JMU Bulldog mascot across the field during homecoming and finally Breakout … which are just some of the memories/reasons why he cherishes our time together as the best class to ever inhabit Barracks at VMI. J.P. also wanted to pass along that “[f]or those that not only Brokeout, but finished, congratulations to all of you, for you accomplished a large step in your lives. I am grateful that I was able to share in the Rat year, Breakout and summer school with most of you.” I have J.P.’s contact information if you want to get in touch with him, please let me know. I would like to congratulate each of you on the exciting news in your lives and 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 have started a Class Agent’s Discretionary Fund to be used for cards, postage, care packages, travel expenses etc. If you would like to donate to our class fund, please send me a check made out to “BR ’98.” I

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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

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Hopefully everyone is reading this edition while basking in the warm sun. I for one am really sick of winter, and I am really looking forward to spring time. First of all, I would like to apologize to anyone who did not receive a Christmas card from the Institute this year. I got about half way through the class roster when unfortunately something unexpectedly came up at the beginning of December that kept me from finishing the cards prior to Christmas. I will work on a contingency plan for things such as this to insure that it does not happen again. Once again, my sincere apologizes to anyone who was left out. While on this subject, numerous cards were returned to me as non-deliverable. If you have not updated your records with the Alumni Association in the past year or so, or you have recently moved, please do so. Returned cards and letters cost the association precious funds. Jon Rogers sent me the following note, “I am hoping to get in touch with Charlie Bennett. I too work with at-risk youth in Seattle at Ingraham High School, where I am a special education teacher running a Behavior Modification program. I also have the honor of being an assistant football coach for the school, working with the O-line. Seattle is amazing! I have lived in Seattle going on eight years now. We have a ton of great skiing virtually in our backyard during the winter and the summers here climate-wise are stellar. Beats the hell out of all that sticky humidity I endured for 26 years living in Norfolk. My parents make the annual pilgrimage to the Pacific Northwest every August and can’t get enough.” Jon, I will try to get you in touch with Charlie. Hopefully you guys can link up in the Pacific Northwest. Scott Burris decided to check in after a long time of no communications: “I know I have been a horrible BR and haven’t checked in a long … long … long time! Between work and family, it seems like time just flies by. Hope all is well. My wife, Kristin, and I are still in Maryland, just south of D.C. in LaPlata. In November we welcomed our third child, Emily, into the world. Between her and our other kids Jake, 4, and Addison, 2, there is never a dull moment in our house! I recently was retired, from the Fairfax County Police Dept as a police officer. I blew

my knee twice while on duty and two surgeries later my knee is still messed up. So after all these years, I’m back in the job market looking for a job. If anyone has connections out there, let me know … haha!” Sorry to hear about the injuries, Scott. Hopefully the network can help you out. While Scott has not checked in a long time, I heard from Jason Grubaugh for the first time since graduation right as I sat down to type these notes up. Jason sent me the following update: “Well, unfortunately, it has been too long since I’ve checked in, so I won’t bore you with five-to-six year’s worth of detail. I am still flying B-52s for the USAF, and have taught at the USAF Weapons School for the past two years. I was a student in ’07 and was quickly re-called to teach about 10 months later. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, but also the most exhausting. I’m responsible for teaching two classes a year filled with the most motivated and capable aviators the USAF has to offer in this field. We go through about 400+ hours of academics and 21 sorties, covering everything from close air support to advanced air defense takedown. I finally got married on Aug. 15, 2009, to my beautiful wife, Martha, from Ann Arbor, MI. She is the program director at a local hospital for pediatric and women’s services. No kids yet, just two crazy dogs and a cat. With both of us working hectic schedules, that’s about all I have time for. “I just graduated last week from my master’s program in Military Studies – Air Warfare. Thank God, that is done! Coming up this June/ July, I’m pretty sure I’m moving back to VA, to do a staff tour at Langley AFB, as the Air Combat Command (ACC)/Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) weapons and tactics liaison. Never thought I’d say this, but after living in Louisiana for nine years, I’m excited to be coming back to Virginia and seeing my family in Richmond. Hopefully, we’ll be able to stay in touch better with Brother Rats and the VMI community. No excuses, but it’s sometimes hard when you’re constantly deployed on the other side of the world!” Good to hear from Screwball. It appears he has been doing many great things and representing the Institute and the class of 1999 well. Speaking of representing, I got an e-mail from a Mr. Terry Howlett ’73, “I’m VMI class of ’73, and have been getting to know one of your BRs, Matt Franks. Matt is a great swim coach here in Tyler, TX. He is highly respected by swimmers, parents and staffers. He runs a disciplined program, works the swimmers hard, and you can see the results from the attached article. His team is well on their way to be state champions in Texas. I assisted him recently for an overnight swim meet, and he enforced curfew in the hotel like a VMI Tac Officer. I

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CLASS NOTES think he ran a ‘stick check.’ Yesterday, his team achieved great things at the regional level. Out of almost 30 schools, his boys won first place, and the girls won third place. Many of them go to the state meet next week. “Furthermore, Matt was selected Regional Coach of the Year for both the boys and the girls. I’m not sure that has ever happened before. He’s a great BR, making a big difference in the lives of young people.” Congratulations to Coach Franks! Thank you, Mr. Howlett for sharing the great achievements of our Brother Rat Matt. He is much too modest to have ever shared such things himself. That is all for the notes this go around. They are a little light, but I did not hear from many people this go around. If anyone has any major announcements such as births, promotions, marriages, deployments or even long lost BR sightings, please do not wait until the class notes are due. Send them to me immediately! Let me know if I can assist anyone in any way. In the Bonds, Bill

’00

Matthew McComas

This is my first shot at the class notes, so bear with me … I guess a good place to start is with me. As most of you are by now aware, I recently came in relief of our faithful class agent, Christian Arllen. He has served the class very well for the past five years, and I would like to officially thank him on behalf of the class. I hope that I can fill the shoes of my predecessors, and if I do half as good of a job as Christian and Justin Wood before him, I will consider my tenure a success. In other big news, I proposed to my girlfriend,

Class of 2000: Brooke Sienna Wagner was born to Christine and Josh on Sept. 28, 2010.

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Miss Meredith Baker, VT ’03 on New Year’s Day, and thankfully, she said “Yes!” Meredith and I met seven years ago working together at Paciulli, Simmons and Associates in Leesburg. Many of you have met Meredith over the past few years at football games, reunions, parties, weddings, etc., and I think that you will all agree that I am a very lucky guy to have such a great girl put up with me! As I write this, we have been in full planning mode for the past six weeks. The wedding will take place in Berryville in July, and we are both very excited. Check out our website at www.theknot.com/ ourwedding/meredithbaker&mattmccomas. I recently hosted the 10th Annual Groundhog’s Day Party at my house in Berryville. It is amazing that such a ridiculous reason to have a party, thought up in some bar somewhere 10 years ago, and has survived this long. I am grateful to all the friends, family, co-workers and Brother Rats that manage to drive out to the boonies to spend time with me every year. In attendance this year were Jon Palmer, Marty Silman, Tony Esteve, Shawn Segreti, Chris Lucas, Matt Keller and Brian Hay. As usual, it was a blast listening to music, playing games, drinking, eating and hanging out. One absentee at the party this year was Ben Inyama. He usually makes it out but called to extend his regrets this year. He has been very busy with work and family recently. Ben is now working for MC Dean, an electrical engineering firm in northern VA. I recently received the first 2010 issue of the Alumni Review, and I was highly motivated to see that Ben, Christian and the 2000 guidon made the cover! Ben did a great job of leading Old Yells for the class! I received a Facebook message from Frank Jackson. Frank shared the joyous news that his wife, Anne Marie, recently won her fight with thyroid cancer and, to celebrate her victory, is now working to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by running a marathon with Team in Training. Check out Frank’s profile to find the link to contribute. I got an update from Tony Cerella who reports that he is still in the Army and finished up his graduate program at Colorado School of Mines in December. His next stop … Canberra, Australia! Tony is being deployed in February for the next two years as an exchange officer with the Australian Defense Force. I would imagine that of all the places to be deployed, this has got to be one of the best and with the whole family tagging it should be a great experience for all. I am glad to hear that a lot of our Brother Rats are getting involved in the Alumni Association’s efforts to bring alumni together. Tony Esteve recently took over as president of the Potomac River Chapter, and Brian Skusa reports that he has recently been helping to build up the alumni presence in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Brian is pulling double duty, working for IT staffing firm

KForce while also working on his MBA full time at University of South Florida. Brian deserves a big pat on the back for helping find folks work in this tough economy, both in his job and in his work with the Alumni Association. Matt Keller has also been getting involved in the Alumni Association, serving as both treasurer and secretary of the Potomac River Chapter. Matt recently began his career as a lawyer in northern Virginia and he and his lovely wife Suzy will soon be able to stop the cross country commuting as Suzy will be moving to Virginia permanently soon. Matt also passed on the great news that he and Suzy are expecting their first child in June. It will be nice to see another little one added to the northern Virginia crew! Speaking of little ones, I got word out of New Jersey that Josh Wagner and his wife, Christine, recently had their first child; a baby girl, Brooke Sienna, born in late September. Brooke’s timing meant that Josh was not able to attend the reunion, but, from a photo of Brooke that Josh sent along, it is obvious the VMI spirit is alive and well in the Wagner household. Also absent from the reunion was B.J. Arvin who checked in from Donovan, IL, where he is teaching business/computer education and coaching football, basketball and track. Wow … I am not sure how he fits all that in! B.J. reports that he plans to make the rounds this year to make up for not getting to hang out with Brother Rats at the reunion. John Ferguson reported in that he is once again deployed flying B-1 bombers. His wife, Molly, is enjoying spending time with their two and one-half-year-old twins, Dean and Sophie. In yet another expansion of the class of 2000 family, John and Molly are expecting their third in August. Congratulations! News out of Norfolk … Matt Martin shares that he is starting his department head tour with HSC-26 Chargers and he loves every minute of flying the MH-60S Knight Hawk. He and wife Wendy have their hands full with a 3-year-old Allison, and 1-year-old Henry, at home. I also heard from Don O’Sullivan. Don is still working with Symantec and living in Balmville, NY. I enjoyed hanging out with Don and his lovely wife, Krysta, at the reunion. Too bad we only do those things once every five years! A final report comes from Jon Palmer. Jon just came off of an amazing cross-country bike ride. In July, his wife, Nicole; Meredith; and I were able to drive out to Louisville, KY, to hang out with him and Jim Bourie ’01. Then Mickey Wing and I flew out to see Jon in Kansas about a month after that, surprising him at the end of a long day’s ride in the August heat. The look on Jon’s face when we ambushed him in the middle of nowhere was classic! I think that about does it for this report. I wish

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES everyone a happy, healthy and fun 2011 and look forward to hearing from everyone next time!

’01

Jason Whitaker

Thankfully, by the time you read this, spring will have come, and this cold winter weather in northern VA will be in the distance. Before I get to the notes, I just want to thank Charlie Bunting for volunteering to chair our reunion campaign committee. A lot of planning is going on for the reunion, and Charlie has a lot of weight on his shoulders in leading the charge. I am confident in his ability to lead us on this and thankful to the handful of you who volunteered to help Charlie and me on the reunion campaign committee. We ask that everyone consider making a donation or pledge to VMI via the reunion campaign. You may have already received a phone call, e-mail, Facebook messages, etc. from our committee about the reunion campaign. Remember, this is our chance as a class to show unity in giving back to the Institute which made us all better people and leaders. I ask all of you to make that pledge or donation to those current and future Keydets on the path less traveled so the Institute will be heard from today. Remember to keep your contact information updated with the Alumni Association via VMI Ranks, or feel free to send it to me and I will make sure it is updated. If you are in contact with anyone in our class who does not get my e-mails or Facebook messages, please have them contact me or send me their contact information so I can reach out to them. I want to make sure that everyone is receiving information about the reunion and if you have any questions about it or our reunion, feel free to call or e-mail me. As is usual, the VMI Family continues to grow with marriages and little ones. While Anthony Bravo will not be able to attend our 10-year reunion next October due to his deployment, he found time to send me the following, and I figure it was best said in his words. “I wanted to inform you that Brian Cummings married the lovely Nancy Bryers on Nov. 13, 2010, at NAS Oceana. BR Chris Butera (and now ordained Catholic Priest) performed the ceremony, and I was involved as a reader. The three of us were roommates all four years at the ‘I,’ so it was definitely a special occasion to say the least. I also had the prestigious responsibility of welcoming Nancy to the Navy (and VMI) family, by whacking her on the _$$ with Brian’s grandfather’s Naval Saber, as the newlyweds walked through an arch upon departing the church. Additionally, Brad Herrell was able to fly in from Miami, FL, in order to support Brian as he commenced the next phase of his life. A little FYI, one-shot/one-kill Cummings returned from his Caribbean honeymoon as a father to be! Though not as noteworthy (at least there were not any other Keydets present per se),

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I married my wife, Amelia Fuentes, on Nov. 1, 2010, at the JOP in Norfolk, VA, and then we held a ceremony at her church in Puerto Rico a week before Christmas. Like Señor Brian and his wife Nancy, Amelia and I are expecting our first child this summer as well. Finally, I am now in Kabul, Afghanistan, completing a one-year deployment with the U.S. Army ... or as us “Boots on Ground” Sailors have come to refer to it, the NARMY! Also out here in the lovely desert is Capt. Stewart Curcio, who is stationed in Kandahar with the USMC. Although we have not been able to catch up yet, we are certainly looking forward to sharing a near-beer sometime soon ... perhaps in Bagram.” Congratulations to Jenni and Parker Reeves on the birth of their son, Maxwell Dwight Reeves, on Jan. 5, 2011. Max weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces at birth and Parker was happy to report that mom and baby are doing well. Parker said “delivery was a surprise and somewhat intense but the hospital staff was great. I attribute this to the fact that Paradise City was playing in the operating room when they wheeled Jenni in for her cesarean … I’m serious; no joke.” Last fall Parker and Jenni vacationed in Germany and visited Bertchesgaden, Nuremburg, Obersalzburg, Salzburg, Munich, Augsburg, Konigsee and Dachau among other places. They saw the infamous Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain top retreat given to him by the Nazi party for his 50th birthday, and also went to the 200th Oktoberfest as well as the 2010 Passion Play. Parker commented “everything was perfect except for Jenni who could not have any real beer since Max was along for the ride.” Drew Dickinson is still working for Carter Machinery but was transferred to Lynchburg and has been working there since last May. Drew is still living in Roanoke, but he and Erin are hoping to relocate once they sold their home in Roanoke. Drew son’s “Little Billy” just turned two years old a couple of weeks ago and is thriving under his mother’s care. More exciting news from the ‘Noke is that Nate Charles is getting married on Aug. 27, 2011, at Hotel Roanoke to Elizabeth Brooke Williams.

Class of 2001: Parker Reeves and son Maxwell Dwight Reeves.

Congratulations to Ethan Weber who was promoted to major in the U.S. Army and is in the Congressional Fellowship program. He is finishing up a masters in legislative affairs from George Washington University and also working on Capitol Hill until December when he will go to the Pentagon to “do two years of penance at the Pentagon.” Ethan is on the personal staff of Mike Rogers, 8th District of Michigan, as his defense fellow. Ethan said “it’s been a great experience so far, getting exposed to the Hill and all it has to offer. I answer constituent mail, meet with lobbyists, and get to sit in on defense related meetings, to former government officials and ambassadors, pretty neat. I have my hands in policy, as my portfolio includes defense, homeland security, foreign affairs and intelligence. Since Congressman Rogers is the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, it will be an exciting year and I am looking forward to it.” Ethan provided the following comments about his promotion ceremony “Even though I was promoted in November on paper, I didn’t want to give up the opportunity of standing up in front of family and friends and thank them for all the support they have given me throughout 38 months in Iraq since 2004. I promise not to get the Field Grade lobotomy, ha!” We had the promotion ceremony on February 14th, and my parents, in-laws, former mentor Lt. Col. Todd Fox and Chairman Rogers were all able to participate in the promotion. The chairman administered the oath of office, and it was a great moment.” Ryan Blake was also in attendance. Last October Josh Berk finished his tour in Baghdad and is now an Assistant Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Josh asks that anyone who visits Beijing to give him a shout. Ethan Weber was promoted to major in the U.S. Army by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee on Feb. 14th. Jamie Dillon shared the following news with me. “All is well, I’m in San Diego buying satellites for the Navy and planning expeditions for the Explorers Club of NY. Tom Gleason (from Echo, not the twins) is at Miramar with the USMC after four Middle East tours. We both hit up the Cayman Islands over Christmas for some polar expedition planning (best place to do it!) and to see some of my family. Oh and found out that Tom and I are in fact related. But not like our inbred ‘Noke classmates (err, Smarker Peeves). Tom also just won gold in a MMA grappling tournament, and I got to play coach. He did us proud! Alex Tedla is up in San Fran killing bad guys.” Jamie also said Drew Carbone and his wife, Kristi, are well and having their second boy for little Joey Knuckles to kick around back in Falls Church, VA. Jamie told Drew, “If the baby is black he’ll know it’s mine.” Dave Nagel and David Dewey are working together at IBM, and David recently received the honor of being named a “Senior Technical Staff Member” and is manager for Advanced

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CLASS NOTES Technology for Cyber Solutions. Seth Ford and and joining the group, you will be able to conMason School of Business in January 2011, and his wife, Sarah, are doing well and their daughnect on a business level with 1,200 other alumni will be leaving the U.S. Army Reserve, after eightter Ellie turned two years old in November and who are current members. and a-half-years of service, in 2001. is precious as ever. Seth’s practice in Cleveland, Well that is it for now and I hope you all Ronald Hull met Slava Kirillov ’04 in the Red TN, as an ophthalmologist is thriving. Jeff Kue- enjoy the end of spring and coming of sumSquare this past summer on his annual summer hne recently moved to San Francisco and he mer. God bless our country and those serving trip to Russia with his wife, Anya, and daughter bought a condominium downtown with his girloverseas in harm’s way and I look forward to Polina. Ron and his family also spent eight days friend, Steph. Jeff said it’s quite a change but hearing from you for the next submission which on the Black Sea in Anapa, Russia. Currently, Ron he’s loving life in the city. Jeff was going to run is due in May. Rah VA Mil ... Jason runs his own real estate brokerage, and his wife, a marathon in New Orleans in early February Anya, is getting her second master’s degree at the and commented he has come a long way from University of Wisconsin. They spend their free time Salmaan Khawaja dreading the personal workout runs at VMI. teaching Polina how to ski. Ron also coaches pole John Niederhaus told me a funny story about vaulting in the spring at his old high school and sails how his dad just happened to buy a book from competitively twice a week in the summer. Ron says, Eric Gannon through Amazon last year, not “Life is great!” knowing it was him. John was shocked at the Reuben Trant recently attended the marriage of Brother Rats, chances of this happening. John and his wife Tim and Rachel (nee Taylor) Wolford and said that I hope that this edition of the Alumni Review Silke saw Eric and his wife Meghan while “it was a great time had by all, and the only good finds you and yours doing well. I will not be doing reason for this Virginia boy to travel north of the they were on a road trip. Eric showed John his any nagging this time around. Y’all know the warehouse in Spring Hill, TN, which is literally Mason Dixon!” Tim and Rachel live in Alexandria, 10-year Reunion is coming up, and y’all know it’d VA, and are doing well. Reuben and his wife, Ashstacked floor to ceiling with books; some in be mighty embarrassing to hand over a big check giant crates the size of dumpsters. Vic Zottig lyn, sold their house in Norfolk back in March ’10 on the parade ground with very little moolah on it is still in graduate school at UVa working on a and the happy couple now lives in Williamsburg. … on to the notes! I appreciate all who contacted Ph.D. in organic chemistry and hopes to graduReuben noted that it’s quite a drive to Naval Stame via Facebook and on our 10-year reunion ate this summer. Vic plans to attend the 10-year tion Norfolk, but well worth it. He also finds time Facebook page. Reunion and looks forward to seeing everyone to make frequent visits to the Jamestown settlement Brett Prillaman returned from his second there. to strain the colonists. “On more than one occasion, deployment to Iraq in October 2009. Brett got Finally if anyone is looking for a job I wanted I had them sound off with ‘Real men fought in the engaged to Ms. Nichole Bulls on Feb. 19, 2010. to inform you about the VMI Placement Office Civil War!’ from the front-leaning rest.” Kidding, Ms. Bulls, a native of Franklin, VA, is currently which is directed by VMI Placement Officer, I’m sure! They are happy in Williamsburg and employed and working in Richmond, VA, at the Eric Hunter ’08 (ehunter@vmiaa.org). Eric represented the Corps well at the VMI-W&M game, Virginia Baptist Mission Board, as a Global Misrecently sent out a letter to all class agents with which they vow to attend each year. sions volunteer coordinator. Brett started a new details about the Placement Office. The office is Christian Blanch is in Lima, Peru, and has been focused on helping unite alumni for job and busi- job on Sept. 8, 2010, with H&A Architects and there since February 2010. He will be starting Engineers (formerly Hankins and Anderson), as ness opportunities by networking and providing flight school hopefully soon to eventually become a project manager overseeing the design of U.S. knowledge of, and access to, the most up-to-date first officer for LAN airlines, Flight training Embassies worldwide. On Oct. 9, 2010, Brett and resources and information. With opportunities school is 15 months long so he should start flying Nichole got married. In attendance at the wedding and avenues to connect with each other, the before our class reunion. Chris wishes best to BRs were: Grey Lester, David Lester ’70, Derick Placement Office will be able to continually in the U.S. and around the world. Swenck, Taylor Mawyer ’01, Jon Tibbs, Keenan strengthen our VMI network. To date, the PlaceBrendan Fitzpatrick recently completed a Entsminger, Jackson Castleberry, Tim Burke, ment Office is using the following tools that are master’s degree in strategic intelligence as well David Baber, Jesse Bilthuis, Tim Wolford, JM readily available to all of you: as an M.S. in information security and assurance. VMI Alumni Directory – The VMI Alumni Nemish, Jon Gray ’96 and Chris Mills. Brett also Brendan is working at Army Cyber located at Fort Directory allows you to search for alumni by started an M.B.A. program at William & Mary’s Belvoir. Brendan also ran into Jim Cowardin name, class, location, profession, recently, who is doing well. Mark and/or organization. This is a tool Grigsby and Brendan got together that can provide immeasurable value recently to attend their spouse’s high when looking to connect with other school reunion. Brendan and Stephaalumni. The directory includes the nie are expecting another baby, and recent updates of more than 4,000 the due date is July 4, 2011. Congrats cell phone numbers and 8,000 e-mail in advance to the Fitzpatrick’s! addresses. Erik Vik is still kicking ___ in VMI Job Board – The VMI Job the Navy as an EOD tech blowing Board allows you to both search for stuff up. He recently got married to and post available jobs. The job board his beautiful wife, Elicia, in October is only accessible by alumni, but that 2010. The happy couple is living does not mean the positions can only in Washington for the time being. be offered by alumni. If you know Between demolitions, Erik ran into of any vacancies, please pass along Anthony Donahue at Erik’s last Eric’s contact information to the command (Riverines) in Virginia. hiring official or respective Human Erik let me know that Anthony is Class of 2002: Attending Tim and Rachel Wolford’s wedResources representative. still “running around eating snakes ding in New Jersey on Dec. 11, 2010, were Jackson CastleLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com as a SEAL and is doing great.” berry, John Tibbs, John Trant, the bride and groom, Ryan VMI Alumni Association Group Christopher Brander got out of Peay, Reuben Trant, Tim Burke and Brett Prillaman. – By creating a profile on LinkedIn the Army last year and is now living

’02

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CLASS NOTES in northern Virginia with his wife. They are expecting a baby in June 2011, and Chris is working as a government contractor at Fort Belvoir. There seem to be a lot of comments about J.R. Fidler on the VMI 2002 10-year Reunion Facebook page – I’ll just leave it at that for now, lol. Peter Sok finally got in touch with us, after eight years mind you, citing eight as a lucky number. He is now the father of two sons, ages 4 and 2, and wants to see a Dan versus Donahue and a Vik versus everybody singing competition. I think I’ll add that to the list of activities for the 10-year reunion … Conor Evans just finished his first semester at Notre Dame’s M.B.A. program. The Fighting Irish came on strong toward the end of the season with their new coach and Lauren and Conor are hoping to see some BRs for a Notre Dame game weekend next season, saying “all are welcome!” David Shively wrote in to let me know that after his Rat year he joined the Army as a Cavalry Scout and did 16 months in Iraq in 2003-04. After leaving the Army, Dave ran a lube shop and car wash in Lake Charles, LA. He had to leave that area after hurricane Rita tore the place up and is now living back in north central Pennsylvania. After moving home, he held a job as a butcher for a year and now works in pharmaceutical plastics. Dave makes medical devices that are mostly used in hospitals. He got pretty banged up in 2009 after a teenager ran a red light and hit him while he was riding a motorcycle. Dave notes that he has recovered well, but may have problems for the rest of his life because of them. Best wishes Dave in your recovery! Abraham (Stretch) Hughes was married on Sept. 25, 2010, to the former Miss Tanisha Carter. Maurice Pipkin ’04 was a groomsman, and also in attendance were Shawn Lacks attended and James Howard attended my wedding. Stretch works at Old Dominion Job Corps Center in Monroe, VA, where he oversees the Behavior Management System for young adults ages 16-25. They have around 370 students and offer various trades, as well as the ability to obtain a GED or high school diploma. Congrats you two! That’s it for the notes – Happy New Year and spring to all! In the Spirit ... Salmaan

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

Well, Brother Rats, I hope this set of notes finds y’all well. By the time this issue hits your mailbox the weather will be nice and summer will be just around the corner. However, right now as I type these we are in the middle of February, and if your house is like mine, then you are probably in the

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middle of having sickness ravage your household. Those of you with kids understand this all too well, the never ending rotation of colds, intestinal bugs, ear aches, sinus infections, etc. So just know that I feel your pain and am right there with you! As I dive into this, both of my kids are upstairs asleep, my wife’s at work and I have been reminded once again just how difficult first grade homework is! You would think that having obtained the hardest degree the Institute has to offer, Business/Economics for those of you that weren’t sure – thanks Col. Bush & Ice Man, the complexities of addition/subtraction and grammar wouldn’t be difficult, but damn, they have added some things since we were at that age! Life in the Talley house continues to be described as, well, chaotic. Billy has discovered that he can climb up on just about any piece of furniture and has fallen off just about all of them as well. Savannah continues to lose baby teeth, like Rats falling out of an RDC workout. Then you add in two labs and everything else life has to offer, and well, you could say I am living the dream! As we venture into 2011 please send updates to your company reps, otherwise fabricated stories tend to find their way into the notes. So, without further ado, on with the notes … Alpha Co. – No notes at this time, I guess everyone is on permit. Bravo Co. – Bravo BRs we have a few faithful contributors, those being Chaz Wagner who has recently gotten engaged and is buying a house in Falls Church, VA. Congratulations, man, I am sure it will be one hell of a wedding! Rick Reid’s wife, Marla, is always good at keeping me up to date with their family. Currently, their son, Park, is following in the footsteps of Rick in being a “wild child” and keeping Marla busy. Rick apparently is ready for baby #2, but does not have the majority stock in the decision. She also reports that he is enjoying his job with the command group he’s with at Fort Bragg. Finally, Matt Bartles reported that he has resigned his active duty commission in the Navy as of October 2010 and started in the reserves that same month. He is the training officer for a NATO maritime support command and has gotten an honest job at Capitol One Finance in McLean, VA. Also he was selected as one of the “Top 40 Under 40 Military Professionals” by CivilianJobs.com in 2010. Congratulations Matt! Charlie Co. – No notes were submitted by Brandon Matthews or Josh Hillsman, but I do know that Brandon recently sold his house and has become a tester for hair care products on the side while not keeping people in Henrico County safe. Delta Co. – Blake Traina writes, I guess it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t start this off with an apology for not getting some notes together for the last issue. I had all the good intentions of getting it together then my job got in the way. So for missing the last issue, I am sorry. Speaking of jobs, I have now switched from working directly on the Army G-3 staff to being assigned there. I have

taken a position with the office of the surgeon general, but I still work out of the Army G-3. So if any of you plan on being in the Pentagon for anything let me know, and we can try to get together. I have been able to get together with a few members of Delta Company over the last few months. Chris Mision is officially a member of the Active Guard Reserve (working full time for the National Guard) and attempting to keep himself out of trouble at the Army Readiness Center. Dan McNair has taken a change of course and started to work for General Electric. He recently moved to San Francisco where he is staying busy working and running. Jon Anderson has left the cushy job of being an ROTC instructor at University of Georgia. His son, Ernie, who I am sure will miss it there, was able to meet the UGA coaches, players and more importantly cheerleaders of that fine institution during his stay. Speaking of Ernie, he will soon be a big brother from what Jon has told me. Congrats to both Jon and Mandy, and we look forward to seeing pictures of the little one soon. Jon is now stationed back at Fort Benning where he is working as a staff officer for the 75th Ranger Regiment. The last I heard from Jacob Agnew, he is in New York City, about to finish his last year of law school at Cardozo School of Law and then going to take his bar exam this summer. I received a note from Mike Poliquin a while back also. He is still in Yuma, AZ, and working for the Border Patrol. Mike and his wife, Beth, were expecting their second daughter in early February. From what I can tell on Facebook, this second beautiful daughter (Sophia) may have already arrived. I am sure that I have missed some info that people have sent me, and for that, I apologize. I will get better at doing this in the future and will put out info on more people next issue. Echo Co. – Spence Robbins didn’t send me anything but if he did I probably wouldn’t be able to tell you because of his imaginative wording. F-Troop. – Dermot Gavin reports, Trey and Candace Guy welcomed Madilyn Grace Guy into the world at Fort Sill, OK, on Nov. 17, 2010, at 0847 in the morning. She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 inches long. Everyone is doing great. Golf Co. – No notes submitted at this time, however per Facebook Kyle Haire is deployed overseas and Julie is keeping things straight on the home front. Hotel Co. – No notes at this time and while I would try and make something up, it occurs to me that this is Hotel Company we’re talking about and I can’t think of anything that would sound unusual for them. Band Co. – Jared Swanson writes, Greg Shpunder is attending Warrant Officer Flight Training with the Army in Alabama. Steve Nakazawa finished his M.B.A. program at George Mason. Steve is working in acquisitions program management for Uncle Sam (DHS CBP), and serving on the VMI Alumni Association Board

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CLASS NOTES of Directors. David Burdette was recently promoted. He and his wife, Blair, are finally going on their year-and-a-half late honeymoon in November. John Noonan is now running his big mouth full time for the Weekly Standard in D.C. John just had two columns run in Politico and Wired. He sees BRs Sam LaGrone (a journalist for Jane’s Defense Weekly), Patrick Gonzales and Chris Drinkwater regularly for alcohol ingestion. Well folks, in summary, get updates to your company reps! I would like to take an opportunity to thank all of our BRs that supported the Institute financially in 2010, and I urge those that didn’t to consider doing so in 2011. In stressful financial times like this, I can assure you there are not many places where your hard earned dollars are put to a better use than at VMI. So, until next time, Go Home, Sudhani!

Ryan Shealy

’04

C. Justin Roberts

Hey, Brother Rats! First off, I’d like to apologize for missing the last Alumni Review. Not that it is an excuse, but I was moving back to Virginia and starting at a new company, and the deadline for the last submittal completely slipped my mind during that transition. Drew and Megan Hardin are doing well, still down near Austin, TX. Their daughter is almost 8 months old now. Drew just started a Six Sigma program and should complete his black belt at the beginning of August. He was able to go hunting with John Ginder in December, and he seems to be doing well. Congrats to Derek Raymond and his wife, Lilya Haynes Raymond, who just got married on Dec. 11, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale. Matt Vogel was one of his groomsmen and arguably one of the drunkest guests there! Derek’s still with 5th SFG (A) at Fort Campbell and planning on deploying by the end of the year. Josh Powers left company command in October and headed home from Afghanistan. The deployment was his toughest yet and he was wounded in August. Josh recovered quickly in Theater and was even visited in the hospital by Jason Quash. Prior to leaving Tennessee, his family spent a lot of quality time with Derek Raymond and his wife Lilya. The Powers moved back to Fort Benning, GA, where Josh will teach at the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course. He has been able to hang out with Chris

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Russo, who is a company commander at Fort Benning. Martha and Josh are expecting their second child in September. Dennis Crennan moved up to Alexandria, VA, in July after finishing up with the U.S. Marshals training academy. He works as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in D.C., but is still a Marine Corps reservist drilling out of the Pentagon. Dennis was roommates with John Cobb for about three months and then he was transferred to San Diego for his job. Ryan Koziol is on his third deployment. Right now he’s on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson (CVN70) as an EA-6B Prowler pilot. They are flying missions in support of OEF and OND (Operation New Dawn). Stephen Linkous and his wife, Michelle, welcomed their son, Carson Alexander Linkous, into the world on Jan. 24th at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 inches long. Now, he just needs to get this kid a provisional appointment to VMI! He also states that Seminary studies (at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary – Charlotte) are going well and that he hopes to drop the part-time job and be a full-time student and full-time dad until he finishes his master’s in divinity degree program. Jon Saburn would like to share with everyone that his son, William Dale Saburn, was born on Dec. 8th. He is welcomed by his three sisters, Mckenzie, Taylor and Charlie. Rod James is currently stationed back at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina as an F-15E Instructor pilot. He and his wife had their first child, Ellie Giana, at the end of August 2010. Rod met up with Geoff Goldsmith for the first time since graduation, he’s stationed down at Charleston AFB flying C-17s; Rod will be going down to CAFB in a few weeks to fly with his squadron. Jo Doane has moved from Raleigh back up to his hometown of Elmira, NY working with an Engineering company. Rod frequently flies over VMI and insists it’s all for motivation for the cadets. Jessica (Remick) Schmaus and her husband A.J. are living in Alexandria, VA. She’s working for the Federal Government at the Justice Department as a budget operations analyst on their budget staff. Recently, A.J. and Jess participated in a cadet and Alumni Networking Forum designed to assist cadets with networking for a job, resume writing and interview skills. There were also breakout sessions with alumni from different sectors of private and public service. A few alumni were able to provide cadets with internship programs they could apply to. She would like to encourage BRs from our class to participate in the next one as it’s very rewarding to give something back to the Institute by helping cadets, and it was a lot of

fun networking with alumni from other classes. By the way, the alumni at the forum ate a meal in the mess hall; even with all of the beautiful improvements done to the building the food is the same. She ate the same exact Swedish meatballs and noodles that she ate years ago as a cadet. Jess is starting her master’s in public administration in March. John Dumas and his wife had a new baby boy on July 4th, Elliot Mason. Weight 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. But that was seven months ago. So now he weighs like 20 lbs., John says, haha! He also wanted to share that Rob Wilson has his picture in a new Oliver Stone book about Special Forces. George Cushman, as he was deploying for Iraq, wrote in to say that on the 24th of January his daughter, Lorelei Rose Cushman, was born. His son, George Hawley Cushman VI, turned 2 on the 25th of January. Melissa and the kids will be remaining at fort hood during this deployment. He is currently the HHC Company Commander for 3-8CAV part of the 1st CAV Division at Fort Hood TX. Mike Scott will be redeploying to Fort Carson around March; Nate Cincala is completing some training at the Joint Multinational Training Center in Hoenfels, Germany; and Adam Zimmerman is engaged to get married in August. Joe DiDomenico has been deployed to Afghanistan since March 2010 with his wife, and they are both scheduled to return from Afghanistan in the next month to Fort Drum, NY. Joe will also be taking command upon return of a Reconnaissance Troop. The Brigade XO Lt. Col. Matt MacNeilly ’94 and Joe have run into a number of other VMI Alumni including Maj. Christopher Noe ’96, of Band Company who has just arrived to replace them. Brian Gallagher has a big update to share. He finished up VMI in 2006. The past six years have been interesting, to say the least. Brian has run the gambit of professions since graduation, but has had some good times doing different

Class of 2004: Dan Hall shaking hands with Gen. Petraeus, the current commander, International Security Assistance Force, and commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES things such as being the general manager of a pizza franchise, construction/remodeling, and he was even a pipe maker for Taylor & Boody Organbuilders in Staunton. Finally, he decided to move in a more constructive direction and joined the Marine Corps in 2009. He’s stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, AZ, and getting ready to deploy on the 13th MEU with VMA-211 (Wake Island Avengers). Dan Hall is finishing up a six-month deployment to HQ ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan, and should be home by mid February. He’s been working as the battle captain in Gen. Petraeus’ Situational Awareness Room. David Yaman is currently still a captain in the Marines, and stationed at Systems Command onboard MCB Quantico. However, after seven years of service, he is unfortunately being medically retired due to service injuries that he has been recovering since September 2008. He will be leaving the Marines this summer. On a positive note, David got engaged over Christmas during a getaway trip to Europe and plan on being married in the fall of this year. Bree Adams just got another Alumni Review in the mail, and so much of her life has changed she wanted to be included in the spring one. She’s no longer at the Pentagon as she is now off active duty. Bree has retained a commission in the Naval Reserve though and got a new job with Boston Scientific. She is a supervisor of manufacturing for Cardiac pulse units (pacemakers, resync devices, etc.) in the Twin Cities. It is very interesting and meaningful work. She is also engaged to be married to a wonderful man, Justin Guiterman. Their wedding is scheduled on March 5 in St. Augustine, FL. Justin was also Navy and is now a consultant for Ernst & Young. I am back home in Richmond, VA, after spending the majority of 2010 in Allentown, PA, overseeing some project installations at my old company’s facility there. It was a great experience, but I am glad to be home. I have actually changed over to a new company and don’t have to travel anymore, and the work is a lot more hands on. Aside from that, I’m still active in my rec league in Richmond and actually travel to D.C. on the weekends to play in a flag football league up there. Great competition and amazing people. Hoping everyone else is doing well, and let me know what you’re up to! ’04! ’04! ’04! Ryan Shealy

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2005 for this issue.

2011-Issue 2

’06

Will Davis

Greetings, Brother Rats, I trust everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. It is hard to believe that 2011 is already here let alone having our 5th year reunion right around the corner. I think it is fair to say everyone is excited to see some old friends and see how their BRs have changed in the past few years. While on the topic of the reunion, I would like everyone to know that Brian Yannetti will be taking the reins on planning our events this fall. I believe that I will be deployed again within the next few months. With that in mind I asked Yetti to help the class out and he didn’t hesitate to say yes. I would like to ask the class, especially VA residents to help him out as much as possible. Andrew Upshaw spoke up and is going to help and I ask others to do the same. Now, on to the updates. I did not receive a lot of input so I will report on what I have received. I spoke with Burgess Lindsey on the phone recently after his last deployment to Iraq. He did great engineering work equal to VMI’s reputation. Ian Camper only received a few phone calls for “how-to” questions just like their first class year. Tom Collins lives an hour away in Heidelberg and visited Burgess and Alisha (Burg’s wife) when he got back from Iraq. The photos are those submitted from their recent visit. When I requested updates from the class Chris Pridgen reported that he is good, so I will report as directed. Pridgen is good with no issues. Dan Rogers responded as well but with a little more detail. He is loving life while flying MH-60S Knighthawks for the Navy out of Norfolk, VA. Dan is in the same boat as myself and will be deployed during our reunion. Tim Fairchild is still doing the dew with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue as a paramedic firefighter. He praises the job as the “Greatest Job in the World!” There is nothing better than writing about a friend that is loving his life and job. Back to Tim and a unique story that he shared with us. At around 1 am the other night, Tim was at Fairfax Hospital changing over his stretcher after delivering a patient when he saw Greg Schwartz ’07 walking around with a hard hat on as part of a construction crew. Schwartz is an assistant superintendent with Turner Construction performing renovations there. It is a small world but Tim really thought that one was weird. Fairchild reports that he still runs into Matt Tamillow all the time who was recently promoted to engine driver with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. Tamillow lives in West Annandale, and Tim is now in the Jefferson area of Falls Church. Jackson Todd informed me that he no longer works for the Maryland State Police and has transferred to work for the Ocean Pines Police in

Maryland. Colleen Logan graduates from nursing school as a registered nurse in May of this year. She also recently got engaged in December of 2010, congrats on both huge events. Tom Wilson wrote in: “Will, Got your message on Facebook and thought I would send you my update. My wife and I left Alaska this summer for six months of TDY en route to our new assignment at RAF Mildenhall, England. I spent a month at SERE training where I ran into Upchurch ’07 and Sara Hanson ’09. Both are doing well. After that I spent five lovely months at Offutt AFB, NE, where I trained to become an airborne intelligence officer on the RC-135 rivet joint. I heard from Brad Steidle over Christmas. He is deployed to Iraq for a year and

Class of 2006: Photos, from top: - Tom Wilson with his wife, Leslie. - Burgess and Alisha Lindsey with Tom Collins in Germany. - Lindsey and Collins are both stationed in Germany.

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CLASS NOTES is recently engaged to a Julia Kolanda-Lewis. They are set to wed in the spring of 2012. Also ran into my Rat Zack Youngsma ’09 in Kansas City. He is a lieutenant in the Army and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. My wife and I now live in England where I will be based out of for the next three years. I will be unable to make the class reunion as I will be deployed during that time. Hope this helps for the class notes.” That is all I have to report on. Thanks to everyone who has included their small life stories for everyone to read. I would like to take this time to inform every one of the timeframe for the Review publication. It takes roughly four months to publish an edition of the Review. For example, I’m writing these notes with a due date of Feb. 15 and will publish in the spring of 2011. If you submit notes and wonder why you do not see your notes shortly after you have submitted them to myself, that is why. As I close this submission I wish everyone health and happiness for 2011. Please help out yourself and the class with the upcoming reunion in any way possible. Rah VA Mil! Will Davis

’07

Sally Coffman Arciero

Hello! I hope this New Year is finding everyone well and in good health and spirits. As I’m sure most of you have noticed, our Five-year Reunion is coming up very soon. If anyone has any great ideas to put forward towards it, let myself or Jamaal know. I welcome any and all input so that we can make this a truly outstanding get-together for the class. I know for many of us this will mark the first time we’ll meet in person since graduation. I know I’m looking forward to it! I received a message from Chris Scott. He’s

currently deployed to Ali Al Salem but drops into Balad every so often, which is where I’m currently deployed. It’s a small world, to be sure. Jeff Fusick says he and his family are doing well. He is deploying to Afghanistan in May. Mike Peranski has been a Henrico County police officer for the past three years now. He says this is his first year working in the schools with the kids. He also just completed his first season as the coach for Richmond’s J.R. Tucker High School’s freshman boys’ basketball team. He said it was a great learning experience. Mike mentioned that Matt Saccone recently moved back to Pittsburgh for a work opportunity and is enjoying it so far. He also passes on that Pete Duvigneaud finished his masters’ at Virginia Tech and moved back home. Congratulations to Rhys Williams and his wife Mrs. Amy Nunez Williams! They were married in June of 2008 in New Orleans. Rhys just graduated from Tulane with his M.A. in economics in December 2010. He now works in investment banking for Global Hunter Securities with a focus in the oil and gas industry. He works in Fort Worth during the week and commutes to New Orleans for the weekends. He hopes to be settled in New Orleans for good by the end of the year. Rhys has also founded an alumni chapter in New Orleans for the greater metro area, if anyone is in the area and interested. I received an e-mail from Karen Bill. She also enclosed a photo of a recent get together she had with a few other BRs. Justin Trowbridge, Neal Sutliff, Dave Riedel, Wes Thomas and Karen were able to meet up for drinks over Christmas in Williamsburg, VA. She says everyone is doing great! Karen and Wes are also engaged to be married in October. They have relocated to Oregon and are enjoying the experience. Manuel Caballero is currently stationed in San Diego, CA, onboard a fast attack submarine where he is the assistant weapons officer. He is in the final stages of

Class of 2007: Worth Bugg married Josie Hanners on Aug. 7, 2010, in Richmond, Virginia. Attending were, from left, Abby Ward, John Marshall ’77, Adam Britt ’03, Sam Stocks ’90, Wads Bugg ’78, Parker Thurman ’06, Steve Long, Jack Castleberry, Bill Paulette ’69, Ed Mills, the groom, Eddie Desch ’10, Stuart Craft, Christian Porter ’06, Marc Antonelli ’06, Will Paulette ’05, Thane Smith and Tommy Catlett.

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his engineer qualification and will be headed to D.C. in March for a job interview with the head of Naval Reactors, Admiral Donald. He mentioned that last June, he and his wife were able to have their wedding at Disneyland! They’ve been legally married since December 2007, but because of both of their schedules, they haven’t been able to hold a ceremony. Rob Russman was his best man and their Rats, Michael Purpura ’10 and Matthew Graham ’10, were groomsmen. Also, one of Cabby’s grand-Rats, Robert Incontro ’13, was able to be present. Dustin Schultz was expected to attend but ended up being deployed and couldn’t make it. His wife, Sarah Schultz, and their daughter, Paige, were able to go in his place, though. Dustin and his wife are expecting their second child in September. According to Cabby, Dustin is stationed in Mayport, FL, on a frigate. Robert Russman is working for VDOT in Lynchburg but is searching for a job in the D.C. area. Whitney Matthews is living in Texas, where she is a chef after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. I also heard from my old roommate, Mira Veis. She has been working for Booz Allen Hamilton for a few years now and enjoys her work in the Crystal City area. Mira and her fiancé Paul have a 14-month-old son named Aiden and just bought a house in February 2010. She writes that Eri Kamura is engaged to Rob McMullen ’10 and they will be marrying in March. She just spent one of her last nights of freedom out with Tabitha Pinter, Karen Bill, Jackie Morton ’09 and Mira. Eri lives in Boston with her fiancé, and according to Mira, can’t wait for the snow to melt. Tabitha Pinter has moved closer to home and is back in Michigan where she is working to recruit young Marine officers. Mira says she is doing very well for herself. Scott Lutterbie is newly married! He and Ms. Jennifer Melvin (now Mrs. Jennifer Lutterbie) were married on Oct. 2nd just outside of Boston. Sixteen alumni were in attendance. Scott is currently teaching high school chemistry and

Class of 2007: Justin Trowbridge, Laura Crowe, Julie Solar, Neal Sutliff, Dave Riedel, Constance Magnuson, Karen Bill and Wes Thomas.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES coaching the JV basketball team at a school in Columbia, SC. That wraps up my reports for this issue. Until next time, BRs, stay safe and God bless.

’08

Robert Hill

Greetings to everyone! Our Rats are graduating any day now. For me, that’s a crazy thought to wrap my head around. Take a moment and welcome them into the new chapter of their lives as VMI Alumni! It’s been an interesting few months since I last wrote these notes. I’ll begin with Brian Peeler. The following is a copy of the e-mails I first received: Brian was on his way to Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK. He was about an hour or so outside of Fairbanks when he hit a patch of ice. His vehicle started to swerve, and he couldn’t get control of it. It then proceeded to flip over and rolled down a 20-foot ditch. His seatbelt popped off, and he was ejected from the vehicle out of the driver side window. He landed quite a ways away from his vehicle. Luckily, his instincts kicked in, and he checked his fingers and toes and then crawled to his truck. He tried to find his phone with no luck; so, he immediately tried to find dry clothes. He was able to get into the sleeping bag that his Opa had given him, and that kept him warm for the next hour until someone noticed his headlights and stopped to help him. They helped him to their truck and called 911. He started at a hospital in Fairbanks but was soon transferred via MedEvac to Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. He has a collapsed lung that is being inflated by a chest tube that was inserted in his right side, and he had back surgery to correct his spine and get rid of the fractures that he had. They put two rods in and between 10-15 screws. He’s in good spirits considering how much pain he is in, and he certainly has not lost his sense of humor. Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers. There was definitely an angel looking after him, and we are so thankful for God’s protection over him. Thank you all for the love and support you have given. It means the world to know that so many people love and care about Brian. Since that first post, Brian made tremendous progress and was out of the hospital in a few days. Soon after though, he returned for an infection. He is continuing to make progress, and I would encourage everyone to make contact with Brian to send him well wishes. I heard from Travis Mulkey in early February. Since graduating, Travis has gone into business with his best friend as well as his parents. They focus on water damage restoration and mold remediation on the peninsula and southside of Virginia. Travis is also helping with Operation Homefront (helping wounded Veterans) in the Richmond Area. Anyone who

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would like to help is asked to contact Travis. John Arthur returned from Las Vegas recently. He traveled with John Mark Pittman as well as Joe McIntosh as a send off for John Mark, who is now deployed to Iraq. He is deployed at Cav. Scout PL in Baghdad. Joe is due to deploy to Saudi Arabia as well. He also informed me that Kurt Helfrich is deploying to Kandahar, Afghanistan, with the 361st Expeditionary Recon Squadron. John has returned to active duty since recovering from most of his injuries he suffered while deployed. By the time the notes are published, he and his wife, Kathryn, will be stationed in Germany. They are open to visitors and will try and keep a room for anyone interested. Glad to hear you are doing well John! Ira Houck is doing well in Alaska. He’s currently stationed at Fort Richardson and lives in downtown Anchorage. Eddie Burke is doing well. He’s finished with Purdue and working in Chicago at the family business. Andrew Czaplicki and his wife have moved to Lusby, Maryland. His wife took a job with the Census Bureau in D.C. He mentioned he had the opportunity to welcome home Devin Millson from his time in Iraq. Pat Clark is working in Norfolk for BASF as a production chemist. On Feb. 20th, he started OCS, and he will then continue on to flight school to be a Naval Flight Officer. Christoph Lohr is doing well. He’s married to the former Katharine Lily Fish (Sweet Briar College ’09). They were married over a year ago, on March 27, 2010. They had a small wedding in Phoenix, AZ, and Dan McKeegan and Tom Shaffner were in attendance. After the wedding they headed to Sedona, AZ, for a honeymoon. In July, the new bride and groom moved from Davenport, IA, to Phoenix, AZ, where Christoph works for CDM and is working towards his LEED AP and PE. The man always good for a one line e-mail, J.T. Tishman checked in and wanted to let everyone know he is “Awesome.” Thanks, J.T. Dave Jacobs is doing well in Afghanistan with his platoon. They spend most of their time patrolling the mountains. Jessica Rheinlander is doing well in her new job with USAA in San Antonio. She recently was able to fly on the company jet from San Antonio to Kileen (Fort Hood) and attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest USAA Financial center. While at the ceremony, she met retired Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes who is the executive vice president of USAA. Clint Adams was married on Jan. 16th to his new bride, Christine. The two were married in Austin, TX, and Lynn Larson was in the wedding party as a groomsman. Clint has now transferred to Camp Pendleton to start flying the CH-4 Sea Knight helicopter. Lynn is awaiting word on his aircraft selection. Matt Walker is doing well in Afghanistan. He’s included a picture of himself with the two VMI Alumni who also are in his battalion. He is serving with Lt. Col. David Womack ’91, BN Commander as well as Capt. Ryan Smith ’07, A Co XO. Jacob Vishneski is doing well with Susie. The

two have settled down around Fort Eustis, VA, where Jacob will be taking over command of the 622nd Movement Control Team in March. In his spare time, he is also attending William & Mary to obtain his M.B.A. Susie is in her second year of medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk and will be taking her board exam in June 2011. Jacob mentioned he exchanges e-mails with Dave Kerr who is doing well on his deployment. Before the holidays, I received an e-mail from Alexa Bernas. Her family collected/gathered items to send to troops who were deployed, and I asked for the address of those deployed. In the course of those e-mails I heard from Chris Haviley (Kabul), John Regan (FOB Salerno), Phil McCloskey (FOB Marez), Justus O’Connor (Camp Leatherneck), Josh Wilson, John Cristiano, Dave Kerr (Marjeh, Afghanistan), Aaron Alderman, Nick Orzechowski, Mack Colella, Brett Lucas, Jeremiah Shenefield and Matt Walker. Everyone seemed to be doing well! Ryan Corcoran is now engaged to Amanda. They were engaged over Thanksgiving and are getting married in Richmond on Oct. 22, 2011. Ryan still plans to continue working at Specialty Beverage in Rockville, VA, and Amanda will continue to work as a speech language pathologist in Richmond. Congrats to you both! As for me, it’s been an interesting few months. Like Ryan, I too got engaged to my girlfriend, Lauren Montague, of Lancaster, PA. Both our families were gathered together for the celebration, and the only person who didn’t know was Lauren. We are planning on getting married in spring of 2012 after Lauren finished her B.S. in health and physical education at IUP. After the holidays, my brother, father and I all headed to Las Vegas to celebrate my brother’s graduation from the University of Pittsburgh and my graduate degree from Penn State. While in Vegas, we visited the new Hoover Dam Bridge as well as the dam. On Saturday night, while browsing Facebook on my phone, I saw that John Sollock had just checked into his hotel in Vegas as well. Later on in the evening, John and I got to spend some time catching up, as we haven’t talked since shortly after graduation. Since then, John has finished his graduate program at UCCS and was in the midst of a west coast vacation with his girlfriend. John hopes to end up in the Greater D.C. area after the trip and find a job. It was great to see John before leaving the next day. For future Reviews, please keep sending me updates and pictures. I must admit, I procrastinate until the very last minute and put the notes together in a rush. In the future, I am going to construct the notes as the e-mails come in from everyone. Also, with regards to pictures, please send original pictures. Unfortunately, the Review cannot use pictures of low quality in the paper copy of the Review. Usually, to be used, a picture is at least 1.5 MB in size. If it’s been uploaded to Facebook, and then re-downloaded, I can’t use it. Thanks again for everyone who took a moment

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CLASS NOTES to send me an e-mail. I really enjoy hearing from everyone and how they are doing, and without your responses, you’d get tired of one paragraph responses about me. Take care, and God bless!

’09

Ian Williams

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2009 for this issue.

’10

Matthew Allen

Since my last writing, I’ve decided to hightail to the Midwest to greener and warmer pastures. However, to my dismay and apparent “great luck,” snow and ice have seemed to follow me

from New Jersey to Fort Worth, TX. Currently, I have set up shop with Rhys Williams ’07 at Global Hunter Securities as equity research analysts covering oil and gas exploration and production companies. Hard Charging Hotel’s Chris Czupryna stopped in to visit after a bad ice storm on his way to Fort Hood from New Jersey. Chris is doing well and is tough as ever after finishing up some very grueling and very frigid training in January. Eddie Ahmed reached out to me and is doing well and living in Houston. He is working hard and looking to begin his military career soon. Steve (Hooah) Stark and his wife, Renee, were recently married. Mr. Alex Beckstrand also tied the knot with his bride, Brianna, during a beautiful ceremony at JM Hall. Alex followed it up with a big Green Bay Super Bowl win. There are several recent engagements to note: Lance Hindle and his longtime girlfriend, Randi, were recently engaged, as was Marshall Cox and his girlfriend, Sarah. Stephen Cauley reached out to me and informed me that he has finished his necessary coursework at William & Mary to sit for the CPA and is inter-

viewing at various accounting firms in Richmond. Chris Zarycki wrote to me and informed me that he is a systems engineer for NAVAIR, U.S. Navy. He is currently working on a rotation out in the TEST and Instrumentation Engineering Dept. at NAVAIR. He is working on programs such as VLA (visual landing aids) and the new EMALS (Electro-magnetic Aircraft Launch System) that will be installed on the new CVN 78 Gerald Ford class aircraft carrier. Proud papa David Bice and wife Lara welcomed David Byron Bice III (Trace) on Feb. 5, 2011. The newest Bice was a healthy 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was 21 inches long. The proud parents and Trace are doing great. Austin Hunt informed me that he will be moving to sunny California soon to work for the FBI and live the dream. Jacob Moore recently moved to northern VA to begin his career at the ATF in Washington, D.C., and to keep the streets safe! I spoke with Jorge Tellez who informed me that he will be moving to Japan in the coming weeks to join Leo Weschler as our class representatives in Japan. Rumor on the street is that Paul Bailey may be competing for Mr. Olympia and may be the first VMI Alum to win! If anyone from the class of 2010 would like to have anything written or any photos published, please reach out to me. Also, please don’t hesitate to use the class site: www.vmi2010.com. In the spirit ... Matthew Allen

Class of 2008

Photos counterclockwise from top, far left: - From left, David Womack ’92 with Matt Walker and Ryan Smith ’07. - Dan McKeegan, Christoph and Katharine Lohr, and Tom Shaffner in Arizona for the Lohr’s wedding. - Ryan Corcoran and his new fiancée, Amanda, after their engagement. - Attending Clinton Adam’s wedding in Austin, Texas, were, from left, 1st Lt. Chris Curry, USAF; Pfc. Anthony Adams, USMC, brother of the groom;1st Lt. Clinton Adams, USMC; 1st Lt. Lynn Larson, USMC; and 1st Lt. James Barron, USMC. - Robert Hill proposed to girlfriend Lauren at his home, Thanksgiving 2010.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2015 Dylan Clayton Dillard Victoria M. Fraser Curran P. Kiely

Philip Andrew Martin Patrick David McReynolds Zackary Pittard

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2022 Brian K. McReynolds ’91 Jeff A. Fraser ’85 Maj. Patrick M. Kiely ’91 Maj. Denis J. Kiely III ’87 Denis J. Kiely IV ’13 Nohelia S. Martin ’08 Brian K. McReynolds ’91 J. Gray Chandler ’70

Uncle Father Father Uncle Cousin Sister Uncle Cousin

Joshua Richard Camper Olivia Faith Evans Madison Reiley Lloyd

David L. Camper ’58 Richard M. Camper ’55 Charles F. Evans ’94 Richard M. Lloyd ’71

Great-uncle Grandfather Father Grandfather

Charles F. Evans ’94

Uncle

Charles F. Evans ’94 Lt. Col. Allen S. Fojt ’72 Robert M. Southworth ’65

Father Godfather Grandfather

Richard M. Lloyd ’71

Grandfather

Lt. Col. Allen S. Fojt ’72

Godfather

Matthew A. Staton ’98 Robert M. Southworth ’65

Father Grandfather

G. Stuart Mays ’55 Col. James R. Wiltshire ’56 Maj. Turner H. Wiltshire 1908

Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-great-grandfather

Col. David R. Elliott ’61

Grandfather

Lt. Col. Brent H. Hashimoto ’88 Kerry D. Kirk ’85 Michael R. Meads ’94 Edward B. Willis ’66

Father Uncle Father Grandfather

George W. Bishop III ’58 Dale S. Bishop ’93 G. Stuart Mays ’55 Richard M. Lloyd ’71 George W. Bishop III ’58 Dale S. Bishop ’93

Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Uncle

Class of 2023 Ryan Jerry Evans

Class of 2024 Class of 2016 Simon Joshua Newsome Sarah Elizabeth Woynicz

Capt. Saul R. Newsome ’05 Charles F. Evans ’94

Brother Uncle

Gary M. Montgomery ’84 James C. Rice ’83 Scott T. Proffitt ’93

Father Uncle Father

Class of 2017 Virginia Ariel Montgomery Mary Elizabeth Pegelow Cameron Tolson Proffitt

Joshua Jackson Evans Amelia Anne Smythe Emily Suzann Stauder

Class of 2025 Brett Michael Lloyd

Class of 2026 Charlotte Jasmine Smythe

Class of 2018 Collin Adkerson Gantt

Victoria Anne Montoro James Doresy Pennington Kendall Nicole Timmons

Joseph I. Gantt ’45 Hugh R. Gantt ’41 William C. Blake Bryant ’05 Derek C.W. Bryant ’08 Harry P. Montoro ’02 L.C. “Tuck” Landry ’62 John R. Timmons ’93 John B. Timmons ’68

Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Father Great-uncle Father Grandfather

David L. Camper ’58 Richard M. Camper ’55 Harry P. Montoro ’02 James C. Rice ’83 Charles F. Evans ’94

Great-uncle Grandfather Father Uncle Uncle

Jack Walter Elliott Mikayla Alexis Emiko Hashimoto Matthew Sebelius Kirk Joseph Ryan Donald Meads James Calder Nida

Charles F. Evans ’94 Joseph I. Gant ’45 Hugh R. Gantt ’41 William C. Blake Bryant ’05 Derek C.W. Bryant ’08 Barry R. Johnson ’90

Uncle Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Father

Class of 2030

Jeffrey H. Farleigh ’89 Thomas K. Farleigh ’87 Floyd R. Farleigh ’61

Father Uncle Grandfather

Class of 2031

Class of 2019 Jake Marcus Camper Haley Anne Montoro Taylor Elizabeth Morton Emily Michelle Woynicz

Class of 2027 Samantha Suzanne Staton Madeline Marie Stauder

Class of 2028 Maxwell Stuart Mays Taelor Wilson

Class of 2029

Class of 2020 Bailey Stephen Evans Jacob Aaron Gantt

Carter Davis Johnson

Ezra Odell Huber Caroline Alexandra Miller Brandon Lloyd Murray Isaac Lee Seo

Class of 2021 Erin Elizabeth Farleigh

2011-Issue 2

Lt. Col. Rory B. McCormack ’90 Blaise Gentry Bell Robert M. Southworth ’65 John Robert Stauder Samuel Dillard Williamson James A. Smith III ’60, M.D. James A. Smith Jr. ’27

Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Great-grandfather

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PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2033

Class of 2032 Locke Thomas Boor Matthew Hollis Camper Aibhlinn O’Neil Donovan Griffin Daniel Elliott Oscar Allen Elliott Abigail Goldstein Grayson John Hillsman Connor James Johnson Jackson Rylee Lohrmann Olivia Sarah Martinak Jackson Jonah William Meads Harry Patrick Montoro Fitzgerald Cockey O’Neil Hamilton Burns Willis

Brandon S. Boor ’04 David L. Camper ’58 Richard M. Camper ’55 Patrick W. Donovan ’09 Walter F. Donovan Jr. ’56 Col. David R. Elliott ’61 Col. David R. Elliott ’61 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 Joshua N. Hillsman ’03 Capt. Samuel A. Johnson ’05 Brien M. Lohrmann ’96 Robert A. Heely Jr. ’98 George W. Robbins III ’62 Michael R. Meads ’94 Harry P. Montoro ’02 John S. Cockey Jr. ’63 Edward B. Willis ’66

Father Great-uncle Grandfather Father Great-grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Father Father Uncle Grandfather Father Father Grandfather Grandfather

Charles Walter Blackmon Madilyn Grace Guy Aiden Michael Hathaway

Bruce Haldeman II ’58 Edmund A. Guy III ’03 Thomas C. Hathaway III ’72 Thomas C. Hathaway Jr. ’49C William S. Hathaway ’47 Hazel Seddon Heely Robert A. Heely, Jr. ’98 Robert A. Heely Sr. ’69 Brien M. Lohrmann ’96 James E. Heely ’71 Dale H. Heely ’40 Reid Claiborne Mountcastle Lt. Col. John C. Mountcastle ’94 Luke Benjamin Steverson L. Neil Steverson ’70 John Middleton Stuart Withers W. Moncure Jr. ’76 Withers W. Moncure III ’02

Grandfather Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-great-uncle Father Grandfather Uncle Great-uncle Great-grandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather Uncle

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 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 William B. Walshe ’32 Richard C.Wight Jr. ’30 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 James Heine ’34

Oct. 17, 1905 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 30, 1909 May 26, 1910 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 Mar. 18, 1911

BIRTHS FORD - A daughter, Ryon Courage, to Liz and Dom D. Ford ’93 on Sept. 19, 2010. LEGGETT - A daughter, Lucy Christine, to Amanda and Charles A. Leggett ’93 on Feb. 9, 2011. MATTHEWS - A son, Nicholas Ingram, to Kristin and Creg F. Matthews ’93 on Oct. 19, 2010.

IKENBERRY – A son, Owen Marshall, to Shannon and Marlin M. Ikenberry ’95 on Nov. 19, 2010.

E. Lane Whitley ’34 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 John D. Todd Jr. ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34 James E. Kirk ’36 Oscar E. Roberson ’38 Edwin T. Arnold ’35 James C. Sherman ’35

April 1, 1911 Feb. 27, 1912 June 30, 1912 Dec. 4, 1912 Oct. 25, 1913 Nov. 13, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914 March 31, 1914

REEVES – A son, Maxwell Dwight, to Jenni and S. Parker Reeves ’01 on Jan. 5, 2011. WADE – A daughter, Addie Mae, to Rachel and Jonathan D. Wade ’05 on Dec. 11, 2010.

MARRIAGES PINKARD – Becky Lyle to R. Marshall Pinkard Jr. ’72 on Aug. 28, 2010. BLAKE – Deborah Lilly Weddington to John C. Blake Jr. ’79 on Jan. 15, 2011. BEYER – Lauren Neely to Ryon P. Beyer ’01 on Nov. 26, 2010.

BRINKAC – A son, Kyle Joseph, to Aimee and Lt. Cmdr. Chris T. Brinkac ’96 on Sept. 8, 2010. BRAVO – Amelia Fuentes to Anthony N. Bravo ’01 on Nov. 1, 2010. WAGNER – A daughter, Brooke Sienna, to Christine and Josh B. Wagner ’00 on Sept. 28, CUMMINGS – Nancy Bryers to Brian A. 2010. Cummings ’01 on Nov. 13, 2010.

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Gardner F. Goodwyn ’36 Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37 Robert W.W. Evans ’35 John A. Gialanella ’36 John H. Divine III ’36 Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 George C. Freeman ’35 Joseph H. Keller ’36

April 27, 1914 June 29, 1914 Aug. 7,1914 Aug. 28, 1914 Nov. 13, 1914 Dec. 20, 1914 Jan. 27, 1915 Feb. 5, 1915

DEGREES Robert L. Titus ’80 D.Min. Marriage & Family Counseling – Advanced Prof. Track Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Charlotte, NC May 2009 David P. Loduca ’81 Ph.D. Engineering: Engineering Management Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO March 2011 Jeffrey A. Temple ’87 Ph.D. Engineering: Engineering Management Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA May 2010

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS TAPS Wayne C. Weaver ’33 Wayne Clyde Weaver ’33 of Titusville, Florida, and Waynesboro, Virginia, died on Nov. 21, 2010. He was 98. Weaver matriculated from Waynesboro, Virginia, and earned his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He was employed in the construction division, engineering department, of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. for 38 years and was based in Wilmington, Delaware, for most of those years. He retired in 1972 and moved to Virginia. Weaver was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, The National Society of Professional Engineers and a registered professional engineer in the state of Delaware. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Pryor Wright Weaver; daughter, Joy L.W. Christian; son, Wayne C. Weaver Jr.; stepson, Donald K. Miller; stepdaughter, Ellen Wright Grissom; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Carpenter Weaver, on Sept. 20, 1947.

Thomas S. Arnold ’35 Col. Thomas St. John Arnold ’35, USA (Ret), of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Nov. 20, 2010. He was 97. Arnold matriculated from Waverly, Virginia, and earned his bachelor of science degree from VMI in civil engineering. He joined the Army in 1935 and retired as a colonel in 1967, serving in both World War II and the Korean Police Action. While in the service, he completed programs in the Field Artillery School, Command and General Staff College, Army Artillery School, and the Navy War College. During his military career, he was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with cluster, Order of the British Empire by King George VI of England and Cross of the War by King Umberto II of Italy. He was chairman of the board of Sussex 2011-Issue 2

Finance and Loan Corporation and Arnold Farms. Arnold is survived by his son, Thomas St. John Arnold Jr., who was associated with him in business; his grandson, Robert Watson Arnold of Elkin, North Carolina; and two granddaughters, Kelly Christian Arnold and Camilla Townsend Arnold.

Alfred J. Snapp ’35 Alfred Jackson Snapp ’35 of Alachua, Florida, died on Jan. 14, 2011. He was 97. Snapp matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He was a chemical engineer and worked for Allied Chemical Corp. from 1935-50. He began his career with Allied as a line supervisor in Baltimore, Maryland, became plant manager of the company’s largest plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, and was later promoted to production manager in the New York corporate office. During World War II, he managed the West Virginia Ordnance Works, which manufactured TNT for the War Department. At 60 years old, Snapp purchased a 65-acre farm in Florida with no prior experience in agriculture and transformed it into a successful operation. In association with the University of Florida’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences, he was the first to plant apple trees in Florida, assisted in developing a blueberry fertilizer and was a major contributor to a Florida blueberry handbook. He was the founder of Hainesworth Farms. Additionally, Snapp was a past president of the Florida State Blueberry Association and a director of the Florida Farm Bureau. He is survived by three daughters, Beverly Keene, Linda Parrett and Carol Remer, and son-in-law Dave Remer of Alachua; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Alfred Jackson Snapp Jr.

Robert L. Goldsmith Jr. ’38 Robert Lee Goldsmith Jr. ’38 of Towanda,

Pennsylvania, died on Nov. 5, 2010. He was 93. Goldsmith matriculated from Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He later earned a master of science degree from Villanova University. Goldsmith served in the Army from 1941-42 as a quartermaster and then in the Air Force from 1942-46, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He was subsequently employed by American Viscos in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. In 1958, he began work for Sylvania Electric in Towanda and remained with the company until his retirement in December 1983. He was member of Christ Episcopal Church. Goldsmith is survived by his sons, Robert L. Goldsmith III and wife Sue of Douglasville, Georgia, and J. Barry Goldsmith of Towanda; granddaughters, Kimberly Kobersmith and husband David of Connecticut and Leslie Hammes and husband Michael of Texas; stepbrother, Rev. James M. Hindle and wife Carol of Hendersonville, North Carolina; three great-grandchildren, Sayer, Samantha and Caven; brotherin-law, Ernest Redfield of Wilmington, Delaware; and sister-in-law, Helen Hindle of Bethesda, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen R.M. Goldsmith, in 1996.

Stanley H. Graves ’39 Stanley Hope Graves ’39 of Hampton, Virginia, died on Nov. 20, 2010. He was 94. Graves matriculated from Lahore, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941-60. During World War II, he was based in Europe with the 272nd Artillery Battalion as a reconnaissance pilot. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve as a battalion commander, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He was awarded four air medals during that time. Graves had been employed as a designer with the Newport News shipyard for 42 years. 141

TAPS He is survived by his daughters, Page Graves Nestor and husband Robert of Virginia Beach, Rhonda Louise Graves and Ellen Coleman of Hampton; granddaughters, Jenna Brown Agnello and husband Bryan of Norfolk, Virginia, and Kathryn Leigh Brown and Joe Rodgers of Palo Alto, California; grandson, Michael Channing Brown and fiancée Christine Suter of Norfolk, Virginia; step-grandson, Owen Nestor of Newport News; step-granddaughter, Katie Nestor of Norfolk; and a sister, Violet Page Graves of Orange, Virginia. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Louise Tennis Graves, in 2001.

Marshall B. Hardy Jr. ’40 Marshall Burwell Hardy Jr. ’40 of

Louisville, Kentucky, died on Nov. 2, 2010. He was 92. A distinguished VMI graduate, Hardy matriculated from Louisville and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Institute. He later earned a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Virginia. Hardy served in World War II in the U.S. Army from 1940-45 and in the Army Reserve until 1968. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in field artillery at the fall of France and the beginning of the Battle of Britain. He volunteered for active duty in the Army, and while awaiting assignment, he was employed by the construction division of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours as chief expeditor in the southeastern

United States for the Charleston Ordnance project. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1948, he entered his father’s firm of Hardy and Logan. He retired in 1982. Hardy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Whitney Knowles Hardy; his sister, Helen H. Browning; three sons, Marshall III of Raleigh, North Carolina, Henry and wife Robbie of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Tabb and wife Sue of Homestead, Florida; three daughters, Whitney de Courcel and husband Jerome of Paris, France, Anne Shermyen and husband John of Alachua, Florida, and Katherine Failing and husband James of Indianola, Mississippi; 10 grandchildren; and one step-grandson.

Walter A. Edens ’40

Regimental Commander, Distinguished Officer Walter A. Edens ’40 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Jan. 19, 2011. He was 91. Edens matriculated from Petersburg, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was first captain and regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets and was captain of the pistol and horse show team his first class year. The Saturday Evening Post dedicated its Nov. 11, 1939, issue to the Institute’s centennial anniversary, and Edens and Cadet Frazier Baldwin ’40 appeared on its cover. Upon graduation, Edens was one of three graduates to receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the regular Army, in which he served from 1940-62, retiring as a colonel. During World War II, he served with the 70th Division in France and remained in Germany following the war as part of the Constabulary. Returning to the states in 1947, Edens was assigned to VMI as an ROTC instructor to the Corps of Cadets for three years. Other highlights of his career included assignments to the 2nd Field

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Artillery Battalion (Pack) in Fort Clayton, served eight years as a board member and Panama; the Army War College; the Army treasurer of the Shepherd Center. Command and General Staff School; and On the occasion of his 70th VMI Rethe Pentagon, where he served on the union in April 2010, Edens made an Secretary of the Army’s commission to indelible mark on those in attendance reorganize the Army. Durduring the parade. Along ing his military career, with his classmates and he was honored with the with the assistance of a Bronze Star and the Army walker, he marched with Commendation Medal. his class into the new Edens retired from the Third Barracks. With the service in 1962 and joined help of his son, Sandy, he the trust department of ascended to the top of the State Planters Bank, now sentinel box to meet the SunTrust, in Richmond. current first class presiHe attended the National dent and lead the “Old Trust School at NorthYell” for his class. The western and was president cheers from the crowd of his class of 1971. When were poignant and glorihe retired in 1983, he was ous, and all present, inEdens ’40 vice president in charge of cluding cadets, witnessed the Trust Administration a heroic act. Division. Edens is survived by his wife of 69 An active member of his community, years, Dorothy Leimbach Edens of Edens served on the vestry of the Episcopal Castle Rock, Colorado; three children, Church of the Redeemer, where he was ju- Joanne Theon of McLean, Virginia, Sunior warden, senior warden and a trustee. san Musselman of Apollo, Pennsylvania, In 1986, he became a member of Grace and Walter A. “Sandy” Edens Jr. ’72 of and Holy Trinity Church and served two, Castle Rock, Colorado; seven grandchilthree-year terms on the vestry. He also dren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Eliot P.Y. Powell ’40 Col. Eliot Pierre Young Powell ’40, USA (Ret), of Annapolis, Maryland, died on Nov. 3, 2010. He was 92. Powell matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. Following graduation from VMI, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to the 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army. Powell served in a number of capacities during World War II, from infantry, to tank battalion captain, to major on the staff of Gen. George S. Patton III ’907. He took part in the Normandy landings and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained near Metz, France. He was also awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Army Commendation Medal. Following World War II, Powell remained in the Army Reserve for 30 years, serving as Maryland Gov. Mandel’s military advisor and executive vice president, Department of Maryland, Reserve Officer’s Association. His reserve service also included four years of active duty as commanding officer of the First Army’s Maneuver Control Command and his final assignment as deputy commander, 97th USARCOM, Infantry Division. While in the service, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Command and General Staff College. In his civilian life, he was the CEO of a family-owned motor freight carrier, operating between Washington, D.C., and New York. After expanding the business and selling it in 1960, he moved on to real estate, building and leasing warehouses in Prince George’s County. In 1964, he bought 228 acres near Annapolis and developed what is now known as Saefern, a well regarded waterfront community. Powell is survived by his wife, Doris Powell; his daughters, Sara T. Powell and husband Terry Hoebeke and Anne M.P. Duke and husband Bruce; son, Eliot D.M. Powell and wife Ann; his stepdaughters, Karen Magill and Susan Kritter; five grandchildren; and his 2011-Issue 2

brother, Marshall Powell. He was predeceased by his first wife of 57 years, Shirley T. Powell, who died in 1998.

Henry C. Sutherland ’42 Henry Clifton Sutherland ’42 of Culpeper, Virginia, died on Oct. 31, 2010. He was 90. Sutherland matriculated from Clifton Forge, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He served in the U.S. Army from 194246, including service during World War II in the Pacific Theater as part of the 713th Armored Flame Thrower Battalion, detached from the 11th Armored Division. From 1944-46, he served in

Okinawa and as the first commanding officer in Seoul, Korea, after the Japanese surrendered South Korea to the Allies in September 1945. He served the remainder of his military career as a reserve officer. On Dec. 4, 1961, his 2nd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy, Normandy, France, July 26-Aug. 12, 1944. He retired from the Army Reserve at the rank of lieutenant colonel in March 1968. After World War II, Sutherland was employed by the Department of Commerce, Patent Office, as a patent examiner. He retired from civil service

L. Van Loan Naisawald ’42 Louis Van Loan Naisawald ’42 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Nov. 30, 2010. He was 90. Naisawald matriculated from Garden City, New York, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of arts degree in history. He later earned a master of arts degree from the University of North Carolina. After graduation from VMI, he entered the Army on limited active duty as a second lieutenant, serving first in the Office of the Chief of Staff and then as the commander of a U.S. Military Academy preparatory unit at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. In subsequent years, he served several tours with the Army’s historical agencies, as a small arms instructor and, during the Korean War, with the Army’s Operations Research Office as an operations research analyst. He was Naisawald ’42 twice awarded the Army’s Meritorious Service Award. He was a historian and author who wrote several military history books, among which were Grape and Canister – The Field Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, Manassas Junction and the Doctor, Cannon Blasts and In Some Foreign Field. In addition, he authored a number of magazine articles on a variety of military subjects. He was a noted authority on Civil War field artillery and taught classes in history at the Northern Virginia Community College. From 1992-94, he was secretary of the VMI Commandant’s Advisory Committee. He was an ardent supporter of the VMI Regimental Band, Pipe Band and museums. For 10 years, he addressed the incoming Rat class on the meaning of the Battle of New Market to VMI. Naisawald was well known in the VMI community for his paintings of the Institute, many of which he gave as gifts and which now hang in prominent places. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou Rust Naisawald; a son, Christian R. Naisawald and wife Nancy; daughters, Gretchen N. Arnold and husband William and Robin N. Edson and husband Hurst; grandsons, Christian, John and Andrew Naisawald and Hurst H. Edson Jr.; granddaughters, Burgess V. Edson and Katherine E. Naisawald.

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TAPS in July 1975. Throughout his civilian career, he received many honors for exceptional performance, including recognition for his efforts in employee development and new examiner training. As a result of these and other accomplishments, he was awarded the Bronze Medal by the Office of Patent and Trademark. He was a founding member and member of the Vestry of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia. After retirement, he was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington, Virginia. After moving to Culpeper, Virginia, he joined and became an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Martha Tavenner Sutherland; a son, James Clifton Sutherland; a daughter, Ann Tinsley Sutherland Rice and her husband, William; a brother, James Clarence Sutherland ’53; grandson, Robert Hughes Sutherland; greatgrandson, Ian Matthew Foley ’05; and great-granddaughter, Lisa-Jean Denise Foley. He is also survived by a cousin, Richard Clifton Sutherland II ’55 of Grand Bay, Alabama. Sutherland was predeceased by his brother, William Arthur Sutherland ’39, who died on March 24, 2004; a cousin, John H. Sutherland ’926, who died on Oct. 4, 1970; and a granddaughter, Jane Siegert Sutherland.

James A. Anderson Jr. ’43 James Aylor Anderson Jr. ’43 of Thomasville, Georgia, died on Nov. 18, 2010. He was 89. Anderson matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Institute and later earned a master’s in business administration from Harvard. Following graduation from VMI, Anderson was commissioned and sent to Europe with the 78th Division of the First Army, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and was among the first American soldiers to cross the Remagen Bridge. He was stationed in Berlin after the war, returned to the United 144

States and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 with the rank of captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal. Anderson was recalled to military duty in 1950-52 during the Korean War but was discharged before being shipped overseas due to his previous service in WWII. He was employed with H&H Construction for many years and retired as vice president. Anderson is survived by a son, James A. Anderson III and wife Carol of Athens, Georgia, and a daughter, Mary A. Anderson Griffin and husband Charlton of Thomasville, Georgia. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Neel Anderson, in 2007; his father, James A. Anderson ’913, who died on Nov. 16, 1964; and a brother, Arthur C. Anderson ’46, who died on Nov. 15, 2006.

James D. Casey Jr. ’44 James Douglas Casey Jr. ’44 of Greenwich, Connecticut, died on Sept. 25, 2010. He was 87. Casey matriculated from River Forest, Illinois, and attended VMI for four months. He later entered Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II as a B-17 pilot. He joined A.C. Allyn & Co. in Chicago, Illinois, in 1945 and moved to New York in 1958 to manage the investment banking office. He finished his career in 1977 as a partner at Paine Webber, Jackson & Curtis and moved to La Jolla, California. Casey is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen; a son, Doug of Greenwich; daughters, Cynthia Potters of Boston and Joan Kearney of Greenwich; brothers, Donald and Richard of Chicago and John of San Francisco, California; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Charles W. Anderson ’46 Charles William Anderson ’46, M.D., of Chesapeake, Virginia, died on Dec. 27, 2010. He was 86. Anderson matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and attended VMI for one

year. He joined the Army in 1943 in a medical program. He completed intensive pre-med work at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1944, he began his medical studies at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and earned his doctor of medicine degree in 1948, specializing in dermatology. He interned at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Barnard Skin Clinic in St. Louis, Missouri. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty and served in Germany with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Upon his discharge in 1953, he joined his father’s practice in Norfolk. He was a member of the faculty at the Medical College of Virginia, an assistant medical examiner and a highly esteemed staff physician with the Norfolk Public Health Center. Anderson is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Bugbee Anderson; two sons, James William Anderson and wife Bonnie of Chesapeake and Patric Arthur Cumstie Anderson and wife Isabel of Norfolk; three grandchildren, Ian Anderson and wife Ayako of Okinawa, Cary Anderson and Megan Grace Anderson; and one great-granddaughter, Mina Anderson.

Charles C. Hartman Jr. ’46 Charles Christian (Buck) Hartman Jr. ’46 of Pasadena, Maryland, died on Dec. 26, 2010. He was 86. Hartman matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland. A distinguished VMI graduate with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, he went on to earn his juris doctor degree from Harvard University. Hartman enlisted in the Army during his Rat year at VMI and later returned to graduate with the class of 1948B. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army infantry from 1943-45 and in the Army Reserve from 1947-52, attaining the rank of second lieutenant. In Annapolis, Maryland, he was an attorney and partner in the Hartman & Crain Law firm. Elected to the original County Council from the 5th District, he served on the commission that drafted the first Anne Arundel (MaryVMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS land) County Charter. Hartman is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Gilman Hartman; daughter, Linda Hartman Denny of Ocean City, Maryland; sons, Michael Hartman and wife Cathy of Kingston, Massachusetts, Christian Hartman and wife Kathy of Pasadena, Maryland, and Davidson Hartman and wife Gretchen of Gaithersburg, Maryland; brothers, Preston Hartman of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Jay Spry of Centerville, Maryland; a sister, Christine Robinson of Hampstead, North Carolina; and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by a cousin, Charles Edward Hartman II ’48, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Lucius S. Nottingham Jr. ’46 Lucius Smith (Judge) Nottingham Jr. ’46 of Jacksonville, Florida, died on Dec. 25, 2010. He was 87. Nottingham matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Third Infantry, I & R Platoon, Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry. He participated in eight campaigns, as well as the U.S. troop landings in Anzio and in Normandy on D-Day. Among his awards were the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star for gallantry in action, French Croix de Guerre with Palms and Presidential Unit Citation. He and wife Saville moved to Jacksonville in February 1953, where he worked for Carolina Lumber Company and retired as president in 1989. Nottingham was a member of Riverside Presbyterian Church, honorary life member of Florida Yacht Club, a member of 200 Club, a former member of Meninak Club, a member of Hoo-Hoo Lumberman’s Fraternity and a former board member of Florida Lumber and Building Materials Association. He is survived by his wife, June Elarbee Nottingham; daughter, Genny Reddick and husband Jim; sons, L.S. “Judge” Nottingham III ’74 and wife Rhoda, Robert I. Nottingham and wife Amy, and E. Carter Nottingham and wife Laura; nine grandchildren, one of whom is 2011-Issue 2

alumnus Christopher S. Nottingham ’07; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife of 41 years, Saville Morris Nottingham, who died in January 1991, his father, Lucius S. Nottingham ’906, and a nephew, Waller G. Wills III ’57, who died on May 29, 1992.

John J. Salley ’47 John Jones Salley ’47, D.D.S., of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 18, 2010. He was 84. Salley matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for two years and two months. He earned his doctor of dental science degree from the Medical College of Virginia; his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Rochester; and an honorary doctor of science degree from Boston University. During World War II, he served in the Dental Corps of the U.S. Army Air Force from 1944-46. Salley’s academic career began at the Medical College of Virginia where he was a professor of oral pathology in the school of dentistry. He served as the dean of the school of dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, before returning to Richmond as the vice president for research and graduate affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Following appointment by the governor of Virginia to serve as acting president of the Center for Innovative Technology, he returned to teaching oral pathology at VCU, prior to retiring in 1990. He is survived by his wife, Jean Cunningham Salley; son, John J. Salley Jr.; and daughters, Katharine and Martha. Salley was predeceased by a brother, George Elmore Salley ’50, who died on May, 5, 1960.

Edward A. Kritzer ’48A Lt. Col. Edward Anderton Kritzer ’48A, USAF (Ret), of Lexington, Virginia, died on Dec. 31, 2010. He was 84. Kritzer matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and attended VMI for three months and 20 days, after which he earned a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West

Point, New York. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the Air Force and served on active duty for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. During his Air Force career, his focus was on Department of Defense nuclear energy programs, including assignments at the Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. He served as special weapons officer of the 49th Air Division in England when a U.S. tactical atomic capability was first introduced into NATO. At the time of his retirement, he was chief of the Plans Branch of the Division of Military Application of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he served as an official of the U.S. Department of Commerce for 12 years. During that time, he headed the group that evaluated export license applications for digital computers and related products in tended for sale Kritzer ’48A to the Soviet Union and other communist countries. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Rhodes Kritzer; three daughters, Peggy Keene, Sarah Larson and Martha Gray; one son, David McCall; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

David A. Flippin ’49A David Adams Flippin ’49A of Greensboro, North Carolina, died on Nov. 6, 2010. He was 83. Flippin matriculated from Stuart, Virginia, and attended VMI for two months and two days. He went to High Point University, earning a certified property and casualty underwriter designation. He served in the U.S. Army after World War II and was stationed in Germany. Flippin was employed by JeffersonPilot Insurance Company as an underwriter and risk manager for the city of Asheville, North Carolina, and Buncombe County and later for the city of Greensboro and Guilford County. 145

TAPS He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sarah Brown Flippin; daughter, Ellen F. Smith and husband William S. Smith III; son, David A. Flippin Jr. and wife Kellie B. Flippin, M.D.; and seven grandchildren.

Richard L. Martin Sr.’50A Maj. Richard Lewis Martin Sr.’50A, USAF (Ret), of Spokane, Washington, died on Nov. 20, 2010. He was 82. Martin matriculated from Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He was on the swim team for four years, becoming a Virginia state diving champion. Upon his graduation from VMI, which coincided with the outbreak of the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1950-70. As an Air Force pilot, he flew in both Korea and Vietnam and was awarded seven Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Martin is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jackie; daughters, Pamala Martin and Brenda Emert and husband Ronald; grandson, Richard L. Martin III; stepson, Paul Grunwald, wife Susan and their daughters, Hannah and Grace; and stepson, Eric Grunwald. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jo-Anne, and their son, Richard L. Martin Jr.

Wilber E. Harrison Jr. ’50B Wilber Ernest Harrison Jr. ’50B of Melbourne, Florida, died on Nov. 8, 2010. He was 82. Harrison matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-53 and continued with service in the Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of captain. Harrison was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 1982, for his outstanding championship performance in track. He was president of Harrison Associates Inc., an electrical engineering company 146

that he founded in Baltimore, Maryland. Harrison is survived by his wife, Jean; four children; and six grandchildren.

Robert J. Robertson Jr. ’50B Robert John Robertson Jr. ’50B of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Dec. 22, 2010. He was 82. Robertson matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in pre-med from VMI. He earned a master of science degree from the University of Virginia and a doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia. His residency followed, with a cardiology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a cardiologist with Cardiology Ltd. in Virginia Beach. Robertson is survived by his wife, June H. Robertson; three children, Rev. Robert J. Robertson III and his wife, Carolyn, Anne Randolph Schumdde and her husband, Eric, and Martha Bruce Lazar and her husband, Mike; and four grandchildren.

James P. Coley ’51 Col. James Palmer Coley ’51, USA (Ret), of San Antonio, Texas, died on Nov. 28, 2010. He was 81. Coley matriculated from El Dorado, Arizona, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army infantry for 28 years in both the Korean Police Action and the Vietnam War, retiring as colonel. During his military career, Coley was awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Silver Star, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and three Meritorious Service Medals. He attended the Army War College and the Command and General Staff College. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gayle Farthing Coley; son, James P. Coley Jr.; and grandson, Garrett. He was predeceased by his daughter, Dana Lynn Coley.

John H. Friend Jr. ’51 John Henry Friend Jr. ’51 of Montrose, Alabama, died on Nov. 9, 2010. He was 81. Friend matriculated from Mobile, Ala-

bama, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI and a master’s degree in business administration from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He was a first lieutenant and tank company commander in the armored division of the U.S. Army from 1951-54 during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Friend founded a market research company in Mobile which he ran for 25 years. He was the author of the Civil War book, West Wind, Flood Tide: The Battle of Mobile Bay, and was involved in many civic and historic activities in both Mobile and Baldwin counties. Friend is survived by his wife of 51 years, Venetia Butler Friend; sons, John Henry Friend III and wife Melanie and Randolph Danner Friend and wife Marianne; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Neville Friend.

Brisbane H. Brown Jr. ’52 Brisbane Hanks Brown Jr. ’52 of Gainesville, Florida, died on Nov. 15, 2010. He was 79. Brown matriculated from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from VMI. He went on to earn a master of science degree from the University of New Mexico. He served in the U.S. Army with the Army Corps of Engineers from 195272, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He served in both Korea and Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and two Legions of Merit. After his military career, he earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Oklahoma State University. In 1974, he began teaching at the University of Florida, was promoted to director in 1980 and served in this capacity until 1987. He continued to teach at the university until 2010. Brown is survived by his wife, Ann Brown, and sons, Mark Brown and Steve Brown.

William P. Diehl Jr. ’52 William Paul Diehl Jr. ’52 of Winchester, Virginia, died on Sept. 17, 2010. He was 80. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Diehl matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant in the armored division from 1953-55. Diehl was the area manager for Columbia Gas Transmissions of Strasburg, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Hall Diehl; two daughters, Toni Perry and husband Donald and Bobbie Smoot and husband Bo; two sons, Bob and wife Mary Anne Durette and Dr. Paul Diehl; a stepson, Dr. Robert B. Hall Jr. and wife Margie; two stepdaughters, Dr. Jennifer Hall and Dr. Pamela Hall and husband Clark McGhee; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

George T. Bigner ’53 George Thomas Bigner ’53 of Shreveport, Louisiana, died on Nov. 26, 2010. He was 79. Bigner matriculated from Shreveport, Louisiana, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army from 195355 as a first lieutenant with the Corps of Engineers. Bigner is survived by his wife, Rhoda Morehead Bigner; three sons, Dane and wife Cindy, Jack and Zack; two daughters, Jan McDonald and husband Michael and Martha Lesikar and husband Robert; and six grandchildren. Bigner was predeceased by his first wife, Marcia, and a daughter, Elizabeth.

Emmette C. Skinner Jr. ’53 Emmette Charles Skinner Jr. ’53, D.D.S., of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Sept. 21, 2009. He was 79. Skinner matriculated from Suffolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his doctor of dental science degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army from 195357, attaining the rank of captain. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve. Skinner was a dentist in the Virginia 2011-Issue 2

Beach area for many years. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Cox Skinner; a son, Charles Keith Skinner; and a daughter, Margaret Skinner.

Charles H. Williams Jr. ’53 Charles Harmon Williams Jr. ’53 of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Dec. 25, 2010. He was 79. Williams matriculated from Charlottesville and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He went on to earn a master of science degree from New York University. Williams entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and attained the rank of first lieutenant in the armored division until his honorable discharge in 1955. After returning to Charlottesville from New York, he directed his family’s retail businesses and then co-founded United Dominion Realty Trust. Williams is survived by his wife, Julianna Garrett Williams; his daughter, Lawton Williams; and his sons, Charles H. Williams III and Richard S. Williams.

James W. Brown ’54 The Reverend James Williamson Brown ’54 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Nov. 13, 2010. He was 81. Brown matriculated from Danville, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years. After service in the Army and an early career with Merrill Lynch, he was ordained an Episcopal priest at age 40. In this capacity, he served churches in Kentucky and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia before retiring. He is survived by his wife, Joan Wiley Brown; son, James W. Brown III; daughter, Elizabeth Brown; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Brown was predeceased by an uncle, Walter S.L. McMann ’926, who died on Oct. 8, 1979.

Horace Mann III ’54 Col. Horace (Pete) Mann III ’54, USA (Ret), of Chester, Virginia, died on Jan. 10, 2011. He was 78. Mann matriculated from Matoaca, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years.

Mann served as a career officer in the U.S. Army and the Virginia Army National Guard. In the Army, his commands included the 176th Engineer Group headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. While in the service, he attended the U.S. Army War College and the Command and General Staff College. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Upon his retirement from the military in 1992, he served as a brigadier general in the Virginia State Forces and became very active in the Chesterfield County, Virginia, community. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Elizabeth Peck Mann; sons, Horace E. (Chip) Mann, wife Becki and their son, Horace W. Mann of Richmond, Peter J. Mann, wife Sherry and their son, Henry E. Mann of Fairfax; a daughter, Martha A.M. Atkinson and husband Thomas of McKinney; Col. Dwight W. Pearson, USA (Ret), wife Joanne and their sons, Peter and Patrick Pearson of Pittsburgh; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Sue Ellen Mann.

Jerry A. Trice ’55 Jerry Ashby Trice ’55, M.D., of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on Jan. 10, 2011. He was 77. Trice matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree as a distinguished VMI graduate. He went on to earn his doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps at the 121st EVAC hospital in Korea and finished his enlistment at Fort Lee. He served from 1960-62, attaining the rank of captain. Trice then completed a residency in internal medicine, followed by a pulmonary fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and veterans hospitals in Houston, Texas. He moved to Fredericksburg in 1968, joining the Pratt Clinic as a pulmonologist. He practiced until 1990, when he and his colleagues formed Pulmonary Associates of Fredericksburg. Trice is survived by his wife of 42 years, 147

TAPS Mildred (Tudy) Trice; a son, Jerry Ashby Trice II; a stepdaughter, Sharon Minniear and her husband, Ed; a stepson, Roger McAughan and his wife, Colleen; and three grandchildren.

Percy M. Lincoln ’57 Percy Marsh (Pete) Lincoln Jr. ’57 of Lexington, Virginia, died on Nov. 26, 2010. He was 79. He matriculated from Hingham, Massachusetts, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He received his master of business education degree from Washington University in 1968 and a doctor of education degree from the University of Sarasota in 1977. Lincoln was a franchisee with Robert Half Personnel Agency, acquiring offices in Detroit, Birmingham, Alabama and London, England. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Grady Lincoln; his sons, Harold Ruch, Col. Thomas Lincoln and wife Lena, and Dr. Timothy Lincoln and wife Gail; a stepson, Thomas Gee and wife Tammy; a daughter-in-law, Mary Follis and husband Craig; and 12 grandchildren.

William C. Boxley III ’60 William Clivie Boxley III ’60 of Greensboro, North Carolina, died on Nov. 20, 2010. He was 71. Boxley matriculated from Raleigh, North Carolina, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of arts degree in English. He served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant from 1960-61 and in the Army Reserve from 1961-68, attaining the rank of captain. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Truelove Boxley; his three children, Beth B. Walker and husband Jerry Lee, William C. Boxley IV and wife Elizabeth, and Mary Rebecca Boxley and fiancé Henri Paul Elkins; five grandchildren; and a brother, John MacLachian Boxley and wife Mary Roper Boxley.

Billy R. Overman ’60 Billy Ray Overman ’60 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Jan. 25, 2011. He was 73. Overman matriculated from Rich148

mond, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year, four months and 15 days. He went on to Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a bachelor of science degree, followed by a master of science degree from Nova University. He served in the U.S. Army military police from 1961-64 and, after his military service, joined the Richmond Police Department. In the early 1970s, Overman and his wife relocated to Hampton Roads, Virginia, where he spent most of his career teaching criminal justice classes at Tidewater Community College. He served one term as sheriff from 198689, during which time he raised pay for deputies, expedited the process for serving court papers and started the state’s first Law Enforcement Academy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Bowman Overman; a daughter, Jenny Lind Overman; a son, C. Eric Overman; and four grandchildren.

Van T. Langdon ’61 Van Thomas Langdon ’61 of Cumming, Georgia, died on Nov. 14, 2010. He was 71. Langdon matriculated from Newport, Rhode Island, and attended VMI for two years, four months and 15 days. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1963-71. Langdon was a senior designer with Ebasco Services Inc., an engineering firm, from which he later retired. He is survived by his wife, Jeri Jackson Langdon; a son, John P. Langdon; a daughter, Laurie Love; stepfather, William R. Mershon; sister, Diana Langdon; and brother, Victor Langdon.

John H. Woodfin Sr. ’61 John Howlett Woodfin Sr. ’61 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 15, 2010. He was 72. A distinguished military graduate, Woodfin matriculated from Richmond and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He played football and track for VMI and was honored with the Intramural Cup for the highest score in company athletic contests. Following graduation, Woodfin was commissioned into the U.S. Army and

served in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1961-64. He was also an Airborne Ranger. In years following, he worked for Exxon until 1977 and returned to Richmond to found Woodfin Oil, a small heating oil company that grew to become one of the largest privately held petroleum businesses in Virginia, as well as becoming a leader in commercial and industrial HVAC contracting in the region. He was president and CEO of Woodfin Oil. Woodfin was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Richmond Club and the Armed Forces Club. He also served on VMI Alumni Agencies boards of governors and was an active member of the VMI Keydet Club. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anne Cunningham Woodfin; a daughter, Suzanne Woodfin Villani, husband Anthony J. Villani Jr. and their three children, Anthony J. III, Wright Woodfin Villani and Virginia Curran Villani; a son, John H. Woodfin Jr. ’91, wife Charlotte Brown Woodfin and their four children, Anna Charlotte, Eliza Wilcox, John H. III and Margaret Louise Harris Woodfin; and a brother, Richard Agnew Woodfin Jr. and wife, Patricia Perry Woodfin.

John Woodfin Sr. ’61 with his wife, Anne, and one of his grandchildren on Nov. 13, 2009.

Norton D. Smiley ’62 Norton Dunlop Smiley ’62 of Silver Spring, Maryland, died on Dec. 30, 2010. Smiley matriculated from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and attended VMI for one year, four months and 15 days. He graduated from Moravian College in VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Bethlehem. Smiley served in the U.S. Army from 1963-65, attaining the rank of specialist. He retired after a career in the computer industry, employed by IBM, Fujitsu, Informatics, Waldenbooks and Sagemaker. He was a member of Assumption Church in Westport, serving for many years as a Eucharistic minister. Smiley is survived by his wife of 44 years, Harriet; sons, Colin and wife Jennifer, Brian and wife Susan, Brendan and wife Katrina, Devin and Christi, and Kieran and Bo; sisters, Maureen S. Gross and Marcia S. Kung; and 12 grandchildren.

Robert N. Lineweaver III ’63 Robert Neff Lineweaver III ’63 of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Dec. 13, 2010. He was 69. Lineweaver matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree from VMI in civil engineering. He served as registrar of the U.S. Army Artillery and Missile School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of captain. He retired from Verizon Communications in 2002 after 39 years of service. Lineweaver is survived by his sister, Anna L. McLean and husband George; and nephews, George A. McLean III and Robert L. McLean and wife Lindsey.

Charles G. Peckham ’63 Charles George Peckham ’63 of Alton Bay, New Hampshire, died on Nov. 15, 2010. He was 71. Peckham matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant and served during the Vietnam War in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1963-69, attaining the rank of captain. After graduating from pilot training with Class 65A, he served with the SAC units based at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas and Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. Peckham flew for Western Airlines out of Los Angeles, California, and then Eastern 2011-Issue 2

Airlines out of Boston, Massachusetts, before his retirement in 1981. He later founded Professional Planning Service of New Hampshire in Exeter which he owned and operated until his death. Peckham was a communicant of St. Katharine Drexel Parrish. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia Clemen Peckham; sons, C. John Peckham and wife Michele, Christopher M. Peckham ’87 and wife Sue, and Craig A. Peckham and wife Elizabeth Wyatt; and seven grandchildren.

Edwin Y. Hines ’66 Edwin Yarbrough Hines ’66 of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Nov. 7, 2010. He was 66. Hines matriculated from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of the Institute’s literary magazine, The Sounding Brass; co-captain of the tennis team with his twin brother; and upon graduation, was inducted into the Beta Commission of the Kappa Alpha Order. Following in the footsteps of three generations before him, Hines was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. As an officer in the U.S. Army armored division, he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, before serving with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He served with Division G-2 in Pleiku as an intelligence officer in 1968-69. While serving in the Central Highlands, he monitored the activity of the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army and helped coordinate responsive troop action, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. He had a long and distinguished career in the securities and investment business, and at the time of his death, he was serving as director of marketing and client service with Cornerstone Investment Partners. He had recently been selected to serve on the board of trustees of the VMI Foundation. Hines is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth (Bette) Cay Hines; daughters, Hilton H. Ball and husband Butler, and Anne H. Wilson and husband Terrell; sister, Cornelia H. Pelzer; a twin brother, Richard K. Hines V ’66; and five grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard K. Hines IV ’926, who died on Dec. 30, 1975; his grandfather, Richard K. Hines ’894, who died on June 5, 1930; his greatgrandfather, Edward Minor Watson ’871, date of death unknown; and a great-uncle, James Henry Watson ’868, who died on Jan. 3, 1925.

Lloyd L. Leech III ’66 Lloyd Lorenzo Leech III ’66 of San Antonio, Texas, died on Jan. 20, 2011. He was 66. Leech matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. During his first class year, he served as first battalion commander and a member of the Honor Court. Upon graduation, he was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Order (Beta Commission). During 1967-68, Leech served with distinction as an artillery forward observer and liaison officer with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, where he earned three awards of the Bronze Star, including one for valor. Subsequently, he served in Korea and with the Division Artillery, 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon his release from active duty in 1973, Leech became a successful broker with E.F. Hutton, Rotan Mosle, Everen Securities, Kemper Securities and First Union. His father, Col. Lloyd L. Leech Jr. ’42, was commandant at VMI from 1966-67. Both his father and his brother, Col. James J. Leech ’78, received the Cincinnati Medal upon graduation from VMI. Leech is survived by his wife, Rita Gresham Leech; sons, Lloyd L. “Renn” Leech IV and Timothy Bryan Leech, both of Little Elm, Texas; parents, Brig. Gen. Lloyd L. Leech Jr. ’42, USA (Ret), and Virginia Leech of San Antonio; sister, Jane and her husband, Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret), of Lexington, Virginia; and brother, Col. James J. Leech ’78, M.D., USA (Ret), of El Paso, Texas. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Col. Lloyd L. Leech ’913, USMC, who died on Apr. 26, 1951, and his great-uncle, James C. Leech ’921, USMC, who died on Aug. 18, 1951, and was posthumously 149

TAPS inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame in 1956 and the VMI Hall of Fame for football in 1972.

Thomas M. Hayes ’68 Col. Thomas Michael Hayes ’68, USA (Ret), of Falls Church, Virginia, died on June 1, 2009. He was 63. Hayes attended VMI for one year and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, class of 1969. Hayes remained in the U.S. Army following graduation and retired as a colonel after 30 years. A master aviator, he served tours in Vietnam, Korea and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device. Following his military career, he joined Inter-Coastal Electronics. During his 10 years with the firm, he became the director of International Business Development. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lana Robertson Hayes; his son, Patrick Michael Hayes; siblings, James Patrick Hayes, Sharon Hayes Keller and husband Dan, David Christopher Hayes, and John Joseph Hayes Jr. and wife Christine; and his mother, Mary Rambler Hayes.

Joseph G. Spicer Jr. ’69

junior Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) programs in Fairfax County, Virginia, and beyond. In 1995, he led the formation of the Hayfield Secondary School JROTC program for Fairfax County Public Schools and became the program’s first senior Army instructor. He spent 15 years there, teaching and mentoring hundreds of young men and women. Spicer also served as an assistant professor of military science at VMI. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Harriet Carrow Spicer; two daughters, Elizabeth Windley Spicer and Susan Carrow Spicer; a grandson, Kintan Praveen Spicer; two sisters, Gwen Spicer Osborn and Eileen Spicer Blaha and her husband, Chris.

Peter R. Candler ’71 Peter Ransom Candler ’71 of Spartanburg, South Carolina, died on Jan. 11, 2011. He was 61. Candler matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He spent a large part of his career in the insurance industry in Virginia and South Carolina and the retail furniture business in Duncan, South Carolina. Candler is survived by his wife, Page Stansbury Candler; three sons, David and his wife, Ann, Bill and his wife, Kelly, and John and his fiancée, Leslie Thomas; one stepdaughter, Carrie Scott and her husband, Tripp; one brother, John S. Candler ’62; two sisters, Margaret Reed and husband Bill and Susan Henderson and husband Potter; and four grandchildren.

Lt. Col. Joseph Gordon Spicer Jr. ’69, USA (Ret), of Springfield, Virginia, died on Oct. 26, 2010. He was 63. Spicer matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. He went on to earn a master of business administration degree from Florida Institute of Technology. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War, Steven T. LaHowchic ’74 Grenada Police Action, Desert Storm Steven Thomas LaHowchic ’74 of and the Panamanian Police Action. He Southhampton, New York, died on Nov. was awarded five Meritorious 8, 2010. He was 57. Service Medals, one with four LaHowchic matriculated oak leaf clusters; four Army from Oradell, New Jersey, and Commendation Medals, one attended VMI for three years, with four oak leaf clusters; a four months and 15 days, Legion of Merit; and an Army taking a year off to recover Achievement Medal. He served from football injuries and for more than 26 years and restudy at Fairleigh Dickinson tired as a lieutenant colonel. University. While at VMI, he Spicer was instrumental was a defensive tackle for the Spicer ’69 in establishing a number of Rat and varsity football teams, 150

a member of the Young Republicans, a member of the Rat wrestling team and a drummer in the Regimental Band. After college, he was part-owner in Rhiannon’s Restaurant in Springfield, Virginia, where he occasionally played drums with visiting bands. Later, he started a home construction business in Fairfax and Alexandria, Virginia, and then opened a tile and trim store in Water Mill, New York. At the time of his death, he was involved in construction projects in Southampton, New York, building homes, additions and historical home restoration. LaHowchic was an active member of his class, booster to the Keydet Club and an involved member of the Knights of Columbus. He participated actively in charitable initiatives within his community, including an organization that he formed to provide graduating high school students with scholarships to trade schools. He is survived by his mother, Mary LaHowchic of Florida, and two brothers, Michael and wife Maryann of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and Nicholas and wife Diane of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Lawrence A. Thomas ’85 Lawrence Allen Thomas ’85 of Fairfax, Virginia, died on Jan. 6, 2011. He was 47. Thomas matriculated from Martinsville, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army and served from 1985-94, including combat in Operation Desert Storm as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, as well as assignments in Japan and Germany. He served a tour, as well, in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. Thomas was employed, along with his wife, by the U.S. Department of State. Their assignments included postings in Istanbul and Dubai. He served in Bagdad in the Green Zone for a year. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Deborah Barrett Thomas; a daughter, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Elizabeth; a son, James; his mother, Josetta Harris Thomas; and three brothers.

Matthew B. Rowe ’87 Matthew Brian Rowe ’87 of Binghamton, New York, died on Feb. 7, 2010. He was 44. Rowe matriculated from Binghamton and attended VMI for one year, seven months and four days. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps with duty in Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines. Before his disability, he was a systems analyst with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Rowe is survived by his father, Brian; his brother, Foster, and his wife, Rebecca; and his brother-in-law, Terren Peterson. He was predeceased by his mother, Catherine “Kitty” Rowe, and his sister, Christy Marie Peterson.

Chia-Jung Fan ’92 Deputy Army Attaché Col. Chia-Jung Fan ’92 of Rockville, Maryland, died on Oct. 1, 2010. He was 41. Fan matriculated from the Republic of China (ROC). A distinguished VMI graduate, he was awarded the Jackson Hope Medal, second honor, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the Institute. Fan also held a master of business administration degree from Georgetown University. Fan was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Taiwanese Army, ROC, Armor Division, in January 2004. Held in high regard by the U.S. military, he was appointed in June 2008 to the position of Deputy Army Attaché, Defense Liaison Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative, Office of the United States. In addiCadet Chia-Jung tion, the Taiwan Fan ’92 when he army commandwas a first classing general seman. lected Fan to be 2011-Issue 2

the Lu Wei program manager on the tion a lifelong commitment. His experiTaiwan army staff, one of the most impor- ences as a counselor with Jacob’s Ladder tant positions in the Taiwan army and for and his easy-going personality enabled Taiwan-U.S. relations. him to enrich the lives of Military schools that Fan the children with whom he attended were the ROC Army worked. Armor Officer Basic and He is survived by his mothAdvanced Courses, Hukou, er, Beth Arthur, of Houston, Hsinchu, Taiwan; U.S. Army Texas; his father, William D. Armor Officer Basic and AdReavis, of Tappahannock; two vanced Courses, Fort Knox, brothers, William D. Reavis Kentucky; and the ROC Army Jr. and Cadet Kyle Wesley Command and General Staff Reavis ’14, both of TappahanSchool, Longtan, Taoyuan, Cadet Reavis ’12 nock; his girlfriend, Allyson Taiwan. McElroy of Richmond; his His awards include the Chimaternal grandparents, Lucy nese Military Academy Honor Badge, and Don Arthur; and his paternal grandthe Academic Distinguished Medal, the parents, Don and Barbara Reavis. Bao-Sing One Star Medal, the Jing-Fong First Stem Medal, the Jing-Fong Second Stem Medal and the Bi-Liang First Stem Medal. Death in the VMI Family Fan is survived by his wife, Denise Lee Fan, and one son, Eric Fan.

William O. Kaushagen ’96 William Oliver Kaushagen ’96 of Tinley Park, Illinois, died on Dec. 28, 2010. He was 36. Kaushagen matriculated from Manassas, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years, four months and six days. Staff Sgt. Kaushagen was a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Kosovo and Iraq. He is survived by his wife, Nerissa, of Culpeper, Virginia; his mother, Carol Lyons, and her husband, Patrick of Orlando, Florida; his father, Ralph Kaushagen, and his wife, Lori of Illinois; and brothers, Sean and Anthony, both of Florida.

Cadet Andrew L. Reavis ’12 Cadet Andrew Lee Reavis ’12 of Tappahannock, Virginia, died on Jan. 3, 2011. He was 20. Reavis matriculated from Tappahannock on Aug. 23, 2008, and was attending VMI on a full U.S. Marine Corps ROTC scholarship. He was a second classman majoring in history. Reavis was a Cadre corporal and a Rat Disciplinary Committee representative. During summer 2010, he took part in a mission trip to Guatemala with Jacob’s Ladder and planned to make this organiza-

Peter Windell Hoadley Peter Windell Hoadley, 53, of Lexington, Virginia, died on Jan. 7, 2011, due to complications from heart transplant surgery. He was a professor of civil engineering at VMI for 23 years. He earned his doctor of philosophy in structural engineering from the University of Texas-Austin. In 2004, he earned the distinguished Teaching Award from VMI, and in 2006, he was presented with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Southeastern Section’s Outstanding Teacher Award. He also served as a leader in the ASEE. During his time as a professor, he participated in two faculty exchanges: the Royal Military College of Science in Wiltshire, England, and Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Jane Nash Hoadley; two sons, Ensign Benjamin Hoadley, USN, and wife Kristen of Pensacola, FL, and Matthew Hoadley of Staunton, Virginia; one daughter, Teresa of Staunton; two sisters, Barbara Cassel and Gail Buchalski and husband Robert; and special daughter, Katya Sokolova of Ufa, Russia. 151

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

Randolph M. Blanks ’67 4773 Charter Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192 vmi67@comcast.net

First Vice President Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bob_heely@wcbay.com

Second Vice President Edgar James T. Perrow ’96 PO Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@wwassociates.net

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

President

Walter C. Perrin II ’62

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 avolant@vmiaa.org

President

Charles F. Plageman ’90

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 1882 Elmhurst Dr. Germantown, TN 38138 vmi73agent@aol.com

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

Immediate Past President

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Directors at Large

Terms Expire June 30, 2012 Walter Chalkley ’72 waltchalkley@aol.com Heidi Nagel ’02 Heidimason@aol.com

Terms Expire June 30, 2011 Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Dallas B. Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Terms Expire June 30, 2013 Jamel Lynch Jr. ’94 region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Michael Soares ’75 mLodington@gmail.com

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.takata@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. Barsamian ’89 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 William V. Trumpore ’89 Nathaniel P. Ward IV ’65 Peter H. Lyons ’54 Marcus Bruce Paine ’81 Thomas D. Kelly ’50B John D. Christie ’59

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 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 Christopher L. Haney ’00 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 steve.barcik@htds2.com haneycl@yahoo.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 Patrick J. Griffin ’80 Robert A. Munno ’81

magsvmi@email.com anchors80@comcast.net ram81vmi@hotmail.com

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 John W. Wainwright III ’82 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

Baltimore Central Keystone Delaware Valley Western PA - Pittsburgh

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Duane E. Williams ’66 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Allan R. Berenbrok ’80

twirth@mragta.com dwilliams@pa.net rkillmeyer@mcintyre-group.com allan.berenbrok@tetratech.com

Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Lester C. Martin ’68 John T. Pace IV ’77 Robert A. Lane ’75

Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA - South Carolina Midsouth Middle TN - Nashville East TN - Knoxville

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 John R. Savage ’74 Robert P. Quarles III ’80 William E. Kirby III ’96 Christopher R. Jones ’96

terrybowers@vmialumni.org tomdaniel60@charter.net cschoen@ironwoodins.com

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 Steve E. Hively ’72 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Bradley R. Pruitt ’07

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

Grover Outland ’81 outland@ techusa.net

Region V Southeast

Guy Conte ’75 guyconte@ gmail.com

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rpquarles@buckman.com ktkirby@comcast.net crj2112@gmail.com

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 David R. Yockel Jr. ’90

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 Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast

Benjamin A. Booth ’03 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Michael J. Tutor ’96 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Stephen L. Skakandy ’01 (C) John Moder ’98 (AD)

benjamin.booth@volvo.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net mike@tutorresumes.com mike.anderson@allentate.com Stephen@SkakandyGroup.com

Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Jonathan D. Atkins ’98 James A. Sharp ’93

Brendan A. Kearney ’03

bakearney@hotmail.com

Birmingham Central Florida Mobile NE Florida - Jacksonville Southern Florida Tennessee Valley West Coast FL - Tampa Southwest Florida-Fort Meyer Greater New Orleans Mississippi The Villages - Florida

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 James G. Joustra Jr. ’76 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 John A. Weekes Jr. ’97 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Larry L. Fluty ’78 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Rhys D. Williams ’07 P. Wells Griffith III ’05 Walter L. Chalkley ’72

billcather@bellsouth.net jim.joustra@walgreens.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org jmgoldstein@mactec.com jweekeslaw@gmail.com huf2000@aol.com lfluty@tbegroup.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com rhys.david.williams@gmail.com wellsgriffith@gmail.com waltchalkley@aol.com

William H. Cather Jr. ’65

New River Valley Lynchburg Roanoke

bmadison@themadisonfamily.net William A. Madison ’90 Christopher M. Boswell ’00 cboswell@aquaduckshoes.com Christopher D. Copenhaver ’99 chrisc@protossecurity.com

William A. Madison ’90 John T. McCarthy ’87 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

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 Jason K. Gruse ’97

wdtllt@comcast.net jim@realcentralva.com weastham@carrhyde.com tedjenks@comcast.net troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com jasongruse@hotmail.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 jrowe66@cox.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

Douglas B. Warner ’03 William C. Collier ’72

douglas.warner1@gmail.com wcol72@aol.com

G. Anthony Esteve ’00

Richmond Tri Cities

William R. Charlet ’01 William H. Talley IV ’77

wcharlet@investdavenport.com wht4@whts.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Rappahannock Eric Nost ’79 enost@cffc.com

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg Southside

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Richard A. Duke ’90 Peter J. Kokolis ’96 George D. Dyer ’66

carl.debernard@dhs.gov rduke@mcguirewoods.com pkokolis@cox.net spookfive@aol.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

Europe

Italy

Steven G. Cade ’87

steven.cade@us.army.mil

Region VI Carolinas

Lane Toomey ’74 toomeyl@ pinehurst.net

Palmetto, South Carolina Coastal Carolina, SC

Region VII Deep South Jim Joustra ’76 Jim.Joustra@ Walgreens.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Bland Massie ’77

super77@vmialumni.org

Region IX Shenandoah Valley Ted Jenks ’67 tedjenks@ comcast.net

Region X Hampton Roads Asa Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net Douglas Burdett ’82 douglasburdett@ yahoo.com

Karl L. Klinar ’54 Steve E. Hively ’72

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

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

Region XI Metro D.C.

Sean Boyle ’91

boyle100@comcast.net

Steve Nakazawa ’03

steve.nakazawa@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Hilbert Wilkinson III ’94 vmirichmondnetwork @gmail.com

Samuel Stocks ’90

sstocks@kbsgc.com

Region XIII

2011-Issue 2

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

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ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS VMI Class of 1943 to be Remembered at Museum by Susan Fazakerley Smullen Deputy Director of Communications, Army Historical Society

Editor’s Note: The following article, which appeared in the March issue of the Army Historical Society (AHS) publication, Call to Duty, is reprinted here with the writer’s and publisher’s permission. The brotherhood of cadets who walked the “Ratline” together at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and graduated in 1943 in the midst of World War II will be memorialized through a timeless tribute at the National Museum of the United States Army [scheduled to open in 2015]. Through an anonymous six-figure donation by a “Brother Rat,” as VMI classmates refer to each other, the 247 members of the class of 1943 will be honored on the National Army Museum’s Donor Wall of recognition. According to Rachel Hartmann, the campaign’s director of Major and Planned Gifts, the anonymous donor, who is remembering VMI through this gift, recognized an opportunity to honor his classmates while encouraging visitor interest in history and education. “VMI and the Army played an instrumental role in his life,” Hartmann said. “He sees the value added to his life from his time as a cadet and as a soldier, and honoring soldiers is a tenet [that] he and the National Army Museum share.”

The Virginia Military Institute was founded in 1839 in Lexington, Virginia, and is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. Following World War I, VMI sponsored the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program, with a majority of graduating cadets receiving Army Reserve commissions. When the United States became involved in World War II, military reservists were called to active duty. The 156 cadets graduating in 1943 were the second class to receive their commissions and to enter duty directly, the majority serving in the U.S. Army. They joined their non-graduating Brother Rats, all of whom were already serving in the Armed Forces. During a recent interview, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith, USA (Ret), the VMI 1943 class agent, recalled that he and several classmates (including the anonymous donor) served together in Burma with the 124th Cavalry Regiment, Special (“special” being infantry). The 124th became part of the MARS Task Force Regiment and fought several pitched battles with the Japanese in and around the Burma Road. On reflecting on their experiences in Burma and stories from their classmates in other battlefields, Smith added that the anonymous benefactor developed an affinity for those who served in WWII and concluded, “We had done

Oil painting of a VMI cadet wearing a shako by the late James O. Hodgkin III ’43. This photo of Hodgkin’s work appeared with the AHS Call to Duty article.

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a darn good job as a class and hope that our name on the Donor Wall may spark questions about VMI and the class of 1943.” “It is an honor to provide the venue for this generous gift and remembrance, made by a humble man loyal to his school and his classmates,” remarked Brig. Gen. Creighton W. Abrams Jr., USA (Ret), Army Historical Foundation executive director. “This unique gift is another example of how the National Army Museum will provide a meaningful tribute to so many who have served our country.” While a handful of the class remained on active duty after WWII, most returned to civilian life, pursuing advanced degrees and attaining successful careers. Smith relayed some statistics that were compiled for a recent class reunion. “Here’s a snapshot of one aspect of the military accomplishments of the 247 cadets who entered VMI to constitute the class of ’43: three Distinguished Service Crosses, two Distinguished Service Medals, 13 Silver Stars, 14 Legions of Merit, 13 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 41 Bronze Stars and 40 Purple Hearts. “I am honored, gratified and humbled that we’ve been accorded this place of honor,” Smith said. “Those of us who remain will try to live up to it. Coincidentally, as of New Year’s Day 2011, there are 43 of us surviving.”

An architect’s depiction of the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The VMI class of 1943 will be recognized on the museum’s Donor Wall of Honor.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, George C. Marshall, class of 1901, who became the first fivestar general of World War II and the only professional military man to win the Nobel Prize for Peace, will have a post office named after him in his hometown, Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The postal facility on East Fayette Street will be designated the George C. Marshall Post Office as a result of a bill signed into law by President Obama. No date has been set for a formal naming ceremony. Hugh F. Gouldthorpe Jr. ’61 has retired as senior vice president of Quality and Communications at Owens&Minor in Richmond, Virginia. Gouldthorpe, who joined the company on Jan. 1, 1986, was known as the company’s “head cheerleader,” as noted in the Nov. 30, 2010, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The newspaper included a one-and-ahalf-page spread honoring Gouldthorpe and his noteworthy contributions to his company, community and industry. In a tribute to Gouldthorpe from company President G. Gilmer Minor III ’63, Minor said that his friend and co-worker has been the spirit and goodwill ambassador of Owens&Minor. In September 2010, Charles L. Shumate ’64 was appointed as the Stafford County (Virginia) Attorney by the Stafford

Board of Supervisors. According to a Stafford County government news release, Shumate was an ideal candidate due to his experience in land use, as well as his work with other local governments. Shumate matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned

Maj. Gen. James H. Marshall ’51, USAF (Ret), was presented with a Lifetime Membership in the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association by Col. Susan Neugebauer, USAF (Ret), president of the chapter, at the January meeting. Photo courtesy Joe Howard ’51, who is also a chapter member.

his juris doctor degree from American University. According to an announcement by the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society (VAHS), Albert M. Orgain IV ’65 has been inducted into the VAHS Hall of Fame for “his leadership skills and passion for Virginia’s aviation history.” As chairman of the board from 2002-10, he laid the groundwork for new programs and updated established programs, Orgain IV ’65 raising the VAHS “to a state of recognition unmatched in its history.” Orgain matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned his juris doctor degree at Washington & Lee School of Law. John D. Crim ’68 owns and runs Johnny Appleseed Restaurant in New Market, Virginia. Each year on Veterans Day, he provides a free meal to all veterans. “We have been providing veterans and servicemen a free steak dinner on Veteran’s Day since 2005, and this was our biggest one yet,” wrote Crim. “[The line] stretched outside the front door and across the parking lot.” Photo left: The Miller brothers, WWII veterans from Page County, Virginia, came for the meal. Below: Crim estimated the total attendance count to be approximately 185.

Alfred R. Mangino ’62 saluted veterans after his speech on Nov. 11, 2010, Veteran’s Day, in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. Mangino was selected to speak by the Fort Monmouth Public Affairs Office because of his military history as a major in the U.S. Army and current civilian position at Fort Monmouth.

2011-Issue 2

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ALUMNI NEWS VMI Alumni Hall of Honor Opens at Virginia War Memorial by Brig. Gen. John W. Mountcastle ’65, USA (Ret) Alumni of Virginia Military Institute have a proud history of selfless service to the nation. Their contributions have been recorded in many different ways in places near and far. Their stories are told at VMI, on foreign fields and in a host of historical accounts. VMI alumni and their families know what it means to be a citizen-soldier, what it means to serve the country and what it means to sacrifice for the greater good. We can be very proud of the Institute’s service to the United States and to the commonwealth of Virginia in war and in peace. There is another organization that admirably serves the commonwealth and our military veterans: the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Its mission – Honoring our Veterans, Preserving our History, Educating our Youth and Inspiring Patriotism in All – is embodied in its Shrine of Memory overlooking the James River. Inscribed on the shrine’s glass and marble walls are the names of 11,639 Virginians who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom since the outbreak of World War II. They will forever be remembered and honored for their sacrifice. Among them, of course, are the names of many VMI alumni. On Sept. 17, 2010, the War Memorial dedicated newly expanded facilities that include an education center named

for Paul and Phyllis Galanti, two American heroes – Paul, a Vietnam POW, and Phyllis, a leader fighting for the fair treatment and release of POWs. The added space can now accommodate the more than 20,000 annual visitors. The Institute and the Virginia War Memorial share a common vision, and VMI alumni have generously supported the War Memorial in its fundraising and in its construction efforts. (The general contractor for the $10 million construction project was KBS, Inc., led by William A. Paulette ’69.) Among the enhanced facilities in the Galanti Education Center is a 150-seat auditorium near the Shrine of Memory that serves as the Virginia War Memorial’s primary space for educational events. In recognition of the generous contributions of a number of VMI alumni, the auditorium has been named the VMI Alumni Hall of Honor. Those wishing to learn more about the VMI Alumni Hall of Honor or the work of the Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation are encouraged to contact the foundation’s executive director, Harry H. Warner Jr., at 804/786-2063 or by e-mail at hhwarner@msn.com. More information on the Virginia War Memorial is available on its Web site at www. vawarmemorial.org.

A 150-seat auditorium that serves as the Virginia War Memorial’s primary space for educational events has been named the VMI Alumni Hall of Honor, recognizing the generous contributions from VMI alumni. Photo above: Hall of Honor entrance. Photo above, left: Inside the Hall of Honor. Photo at left: An exterior view of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Rorer J. (Buddy) Grant ’71 headed the effort to buy and donate a 2008 Ford 350 van to the MartinsvilleHenry County (Virginia) SPCA in memory of the late J. Clyde Hooker Jr. ’42. The van was purchased using donations from VMI alumni, family and friends. Grant, an active SPCA volunteer, also retrofitted the van so that it can safely transport more than 60 animals to receive care. According to an article about Hooker in the Martinsville Bulletin, Leslie Hervey, executive director of the local SPCA, said Hooker’s financial contributions were generous, and he also gave his advice and perspective. “He made me believe the SPCA and taking care of animals is the most noble thing I can do with my life.” (Editor’s Note: J. Clyde Hooker’s obituary appeared in the 2010-Issue 4 Alumni Review, Taps section.)

Philip J. Thorp ’75 was appointed the executive director of the United Way of Lexington and Rockbridge County, Virginia, on Jan. 17, 2011. Thorp matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He earned his master’s degree from Rutgers University. In November 2010, Joseph G. Corsaro ’79, founder of Corsaro & Associates Co., L.P.A., in Westlake, Ohio, welcomed his son, Joseph M. Corsaro, to the firm. In a press release from the firm, Corsaro stated, “[Joe is] dedicated to our clients and the success and growth of our practice.” A distinguished graduate of VMI, Corsaro matriculated from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and attainted his bachelor’s degree in Eng-

lish. He earned his juris doctor degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Robert D. Sweaney ’87 has been promoted to president and CEO of Power Distribution Inc. (PDI) in Richmond, Virginia. During his 14 years with PDI, he has helped the company grow into a leading power distribution equipment manufacturer. Sweaney matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. According to a Staten Island Yankees press release, Thomas G. Slater III ’90 has been selected to lead the club during the 2011 season. Slater, most recently the manager of the Gulf Coast Yankees, is entering his third season as a member of

the Yankees organization. His coaching career began as the assistant coach of the Auburn Tigers, after which he served as head coach for three seasons at VMI. Prior to joining the Yankees organization, Slater returned to Auburn for four seasons as head coach. “To have someone the caliber of a Tom Slater leading the team is a real asset,” said Jane Rogers, executive vice president and general manager of the Staten Island Yankees. “His background, track record and accomplishments speak for themselves. We couldn’t be happier with the addition of Tom and his entire staff and are looking forward to working toward another New York-Penn League Championship.” T. Matthew Creech ’96 was recognized at the first North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Emerging Legal Leaders event as one of the state’s most outstanding young lawyers. Honorees were selected based on leadership in their Creech ’96 profession, community involvement and personal lives. Creech, who is an attorney with Smith Moore Leatherwood, focuses on employment litigation and counseling; ERISA and life, health and disability insurance

Lt. Col. Douglas R. Messner ’87, VANG, second from left, received the Gen. Walter T. Kerwin Award on Oct. 26, 2010, at the Association of the United States’ Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Making the presentation were Gen. George Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army, far left, and Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth Preston, far right. Messner and 1st Sgt. Ernest Miller, second from right, accepted the award on behalf of the Virginia National Guard 1030th Transportation Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, which was recognized as the most outstanding Army National Guard battalion in the country for the 2009 training year. Messner was the 1030th Battalion commander in 2009. Editor’s Note: Mention of this award appeared in the class notes section of the 2011-Issue 1 Review on page 130.

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ALUMNI NEWS litigation; and commercial litigation. He is also managing partner of the firm’s Greensboro office. Creech matriculated from Greensboro and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned his master’s degree from Georgia State University and his juris doctor degree from The Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State.

According to the Fleet Hometown News Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Navy Ensign Christopher N. Malta ’08 – alongside approximately 350 fellow sailors attached to the cruiser U.S.S. Princeton (CG 59) homeported in Naval Station San Diego, California – recently returned from an independent six-month deployment to the Middle East, Pacific and Indian Ocean areas. Daniel N. Lieber ’01 was promoted to associate at The Princeton’s main objective was to patrol areas AECOM Technology Corporation, which provides where the threat of piracy was growing against merLieber ’01 professional technical and management support serchant vessels. vices to government and commercial clients. Based During their deployment, the Princeton assisted the in the Roanoke, Virginia, office, Lieber specializes in the design U.S.S. Dubuque (LPD 8) along with other vessels in capturing of mechanical systems for educational and office buildings and nine suspected pirates who had taken control of the merchant industrial facilities. vessel, Magellan Star. Lieber matriculated from Salem, Virginia, and graduated from Malta, who graduated with distinction from VMI, holds a VMI with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. bachelor’s degree in international studies. Timothy W. Maypray ’10, a rookie with the Alouettes – Montreal’s football team – was named player of the week on Nov. 23, 2010, for his playoff debut performance in the Canadian Football League’s Eastern Final. According to an Alouettes’ press release, he returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown to give his club a commanding 17-0 lead midway through the first quarter against the visiting Toronto Argonauts. He finished the contest with 130 total return yards in the game, including three punts for 105 yards and two kickoffs for 25 yards. Maypray matriculated from Madisonville, Kentucky, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

In January 2011, R. Wayne Jones ’89 was promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. Attending the ceremony at the Pentagon were, from left, Nat Cross, John Piedmont, Paul and Kelly Pardew, Jones and wife Christine, Mary and Mike Monfalcone, and Matt St. Clair.

On Oct. 22, 2010, Capt. Mark T. Searles ’06, USA, second from right, graduated with distinction from Fort Benning, Georgia, Ranger Class 10-10. Searles, an infantry officer, received the class’s Officer Leadership Award for achieving the highest leadership evaluations of all officers in the class. Attending his graduation were his family, left, and Col. Ed Daly, far right.

Lt. Col. David A. Martin ’89, USAR, completed a three-anda-half-year deployment mobilization tour as part of the Joint Staff in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pictured at left, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Adm. Mike Mullen, left, thanked Martin for his achievements as the Central Asia Branch chief in the J-5, Plans and Policy Directorate.

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ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Discovery: Stories Revealed From Confederate Postal History by D. Thomas Royster Jr. ’60. Published and available through www.lulu.com, Nov. 16, 2010. Experience the War Between the States through actual letters from soldiers and their families, military officers and government officials, as well as over 190 color images of original Confederate postal history and other materials. Discovery: Stories Revealed from Confederate Postal History is arranged chronologically beginning with pre-war material which sets the stage for this period in the nation’s history, described by some as a time of death and dying. Some 627,000 men died (a majority from disease) between 1861 and 1865 – more than all other wars combined in which America has fought. From April 12, 1861, the day on which Fort Sumter was bombarded and the war began, correspondence relates the concerns, emotions, fears and sadness of so many men and women across all parts of the “Southern Confederacy.” As battles unfolded, lists of casualties arrived and the war came closer to homes, communications clearly noted the changes and uncertainty that all felt, and as the end approached, letters reflected sadness, disappointment and a growing fear of the unknown.

Included in the pages of Discovery are items associated with more than 50 generals and 100 military units; references, reports, live observations and comments about over 50 major battles; and correspondence between all 13 states represented in the Confederate Congress. There are letters from and to prisoners of war in 17 Union prisons which describe, within the limited one page of writing, how soldiers managed, among other things, to pass on information about their fellow prisoners to their loved ones. And there are numerous letters and references from, to and about soldiers and VMI alumni, including a letter from a Rat to his aunt, an interesting and well written letter from the adjutant general of Virginia to CSA President Jefferson Davis concerning the cadets of VMI, and two pieces written by co-founder and first VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. About the Author: D. Thomas Royster Jr. graduated from VMI and served in the U.S. Army for four years. He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Florida Law School and worked in the Trust business until his retirement. His passion for collecting Confederate postal history has led him to publish this book and thereby make the information available to those interested in history, philately and the War Between the States. Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market and the Opening of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, May 1864 by Charles R. Knight. Savas Beatie; 1 edition, May 19, 2010. ISBN: 1932714804. Available via Amazon.com. Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market is the first full-length account in more than three decades to examine the combat at New Market on May 15, 1864 – the battle that opened the pivotal 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who set in motion the wide-ranging operation to subjugate the South in 1864, intended to attack the Confederacy on multiple fronts so it could no longer “take advantage of interior lines.” Grant tasked Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel

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and a motley collection of units, numbering some 10,000 men, to clear the Valley and threaten Lee’s left flank. Opposing Sigel was John C. Breckinridge who assembled a scratch command to repulse the invading Federals. Included within the ranks of his 4,500-man army were cadets from the Virginia Military Institute under the direction of VMI Commandant of Cadets Lt. Col. Scott Ship, who had marched 80 miles in just four days to fight Sigel. The two armies faced off at New Market. The sharp fighting seesawed back and forth during a drenching rainstorm and was not concluded until the cadets were dramatically inserted into the battle line to repulse a Federal attack and launch one of their own. The Confederate victory drove Union forces from the Valley, but they would return, reinforced and under new leadership, within a month. Before being repulsed, these Federals would march over the field at New Market and capture Staunton, burn VMI in Lexington (partly in retaliation for the cadets’ participation at New Market), and very nearly capture Lynchburg. Operations in the Valley on a much larger scale that summer would permanently sweep the Confederates from the “Bread Basket of the Confederacy.” Valley Thunder is based upon years of research and a firsthand appreciation of the battlefield terrain. Knight’s balanced and objective approach includes a detailed examination of the complex prelude leading up to the day of battle. His prose introduces a new generation of readers to a wide array of soldiers, civilians and politicians who found themselves swept up in one of the war’s most gripping engagements. About the Author: Charles R. Knight is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He is a former historical interpreter at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and currently serves as the curator of the Douglas MacArthur Memorial. Knight has written articles for various Civil War and railroad publications, including Blue and Gray, Classic Trains and NRHS Bulletin. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia, with his wife and son. Knight, along with Valley Thunder, was featured in the summer 2010 issue of Hallowed Ground. 159

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE VMI Supports Cadets, Alumni through Graduate School Partnerships by Wendy Lovell, Alumni Review Staff The Institute has proappreciate the experi- Institute had in mind when it began forging vided longtime support for ence and background of these relationships. its cadets and alumni in these cadets. “Obtaining graduate school partnerships securing internships and “I was the second VMI and agreements has been one of the key comfull-time jobs, but a relagrad to benefit from ponents of Vision 2039 since its inception,” tively new effort to increase the VMI-FSU partner- said VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford partnerships with graduate ship,” said Porter, who Peay III ’62. “With 15 partnerships of various programs assists those who was preceded at FSU natures on the books, we are ensuring our are interested in furthering by Jamaal Walton ’07. cadets, who meet certain criteria, will be their education. “After I had been in the accepted for masters-level graduate work at In 2009, Chase Porter ’05 program awhile, Dr. Jay some of the finest colleges and universities graduated from the FloriRayburn told me that in the nation.” da State University (FSU) they love VMI grads, bePeay added that the preferable approach School of Communication cause we’re professional, is for cadets to commission in the armed with a master’s degree in hard-working and moti- forces, serve four years of active or reserve integrated marketing comvated. Because of these duty and then attend a degree program asmunication. Not only is he traits, we had proven sociated with their chosen profession. Porter ’05 grateful for the support the our ability to excel in “Active duty career officers, working with Institute provided in enthe program, especially their service, may also take advantage of couraging him to pursue a graduate degree, since we had already experienced a rigorous these programs,” he said. “Over time, this but also he is grateful that VMI helped him academic atmosphere at VMI.” initiative will enhance VMI’s reputation to prepare his application. Walton also is grateful for the connection by the performance of its graduates and Porter was a video editor for the Depart- between VMI and FSU. While he would have the preparatory education delivered by our ment of Modern Languages and Cultures pursued a master’s degree superb faculty.” during his cadetship, and he remained in on his own, the VMI conAmong the institutions Lexington the summer following graduation nection opened a door for who have formalized as an intern in the Institute’s Office of Com- him, and his participation agreements with VMI are munications and Marketing, creating a video in the program has been Eastern Virginia Medical on the Undergraduate Research Initiative. instrumental in his career. School, the Edward Via While he enjoyed the work, he thought he Following his program College of Osteopathic was bound for ministry. at FSU, Walton worked as Medicine, Virginia ComFor the next few years, his summer in- assistant to Bart Bellairs, a monwealth University’s ternship supervisor remained in contact former coach and senior athSchool of Medicine and with Porter and encouraged him to pursue letics administrator for VMI School of Business, Landa graduate degree at FSU, one of the early basketball and then director stuhl Regional Medical graduate programs to partner with the Insti- of intercollegiate athletics at Center, the Florida State tute. When he decided the field of commu- Savannah State University in University School of Comnications would be a better fit, he followed Georgia. Walton went on to munication, National up on VMI’s program. the University of Tennessee Defense University, U.S. “The direct connection between the as a marketing assistant Southern Command, the Walton ’07 two schools made the application process and now serves as assistant University of Virginia’s smooth and painless,” said Porter, who director of marketing for the School of Law and Darden received a stipend for serving as a FSU University of Oklahoma. School of Business, and graduate assistant. “VMI also provided “Without the opportunity to get to FSU, I Virginia Tech’s Civil Engineering Program. resources to help me with the application. probably wouldn’t be where I am now,” said An agreement with the College of William Such an opportunity would have been Walton. “While I had to earn my spot, the and Mary’s School of Business is pending. very difficult to obtain just on my own VMI connection was helpful, and the skills Such partnerships provide ease of applicawith Internet searches or cold calls to I learned at FSU have really helped me in tion and in some cases guarantee slots for graduate communication programs.” my career.” qualified VMI alumni. While the partner Porter added that VMI alumni aren’t the Connecting talented VMI alumni with institutions don’t lower their standards only ones to benefit from the partnerships. programs that will increase their market- for applicants with degrees from VMI, they Graduate schools that select former cadets ability and chance for success is just what the do give them special consideration and in

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INSTITUTE some cases eliminate the need for certain requirements. Col. Wade Bell, professor of biology, chairs the VMI Graduate Programs Relationships Committee, a team of representatives across Post, including Career Services, Admissions and the Alumni Association, who are tasked with developing and maintaining partnerships with graduate and professional schools. Currently, there are opportunities for cadets interested in the fields of medicine, law, engineering and business; the committee hopes to expand graduate school partnerships in other fields. The committee also works to establish relationships with U.S. colleges and universities for cadet internships and exchanges as part of VMI’s Undergraduate Research Initiative, as well as to identify and promote grant and scholarship opportunities for faculty and

cadet participation in external private and governmental research programs. For the past 13 years, Bell has served as the pre-med advisor to cadets and said he has learned a great deal about the type of students medical schools seek. He thinks VMI graduates have a lot to offer. “VMI instills a work ethic in its students that is crucial to medical school training,” he said. “Our graduates have demonstrated self restraint and have matured sooner than their peers due to their experiences at the Institute and in the military. They also accept and perform well in leadership positions, which help them in these programs.” Bell added that the partnerships provide an incentive for student success and give current students an achievable goal. The program is attractive to perspective students and provides VMI’s partners with

visibility and a good marketing tool. Taking advantage of VMI’s relationship with FSU has paid off for Porter. Last May, he accepted the position of interactive strategist at Fry Hammond Barr, an advertising, interactive, public relations and media firm in Orlando, Florida. He is enjoying analyzing online and mobile data and helping develop marketing and advertising strategies for these platforms, as well as coordinating interactive strategy with traditional media strategies for other divisions of the company. “I think the benefit of VMI’s graduate school partnerships is that many cadets already have aspirations to continue their education but may have to start from scratch in the process,” said Porter. “With these partnerships, however, cadets get a helping hand in the process and may learn of opportunities that they never would have thought of on their own.”

Cox ’10 Receives Prestigious Gates Scholarship The Gates Cambridge Trust recently announced that VMI alumnus Jacob Cox ’10 has received its prestigious scholarship for graduate study at the University of Cambridge in England. Originally from Burke, Virginia, and currently living in Cameroon, Jacob will pursue a master’s degree in biological science. His is the first Gates Cambridge Scholarship to be awarded to a VMI student or alumnus since the program began in 2001. “We are all very proud of Jacob in the Chemistry Department,” said Lt. Col. Dan McCain, associate professor of chemistry and Cox’s mentor at VMI. “We all had a hand in helping Jacob throughout his VMI career, and several of us helped Jacob with his Gates application. He is an exceptional student, and the fact that the Institute and the Chemistry Department were able to attract and nurture such an exceptional student shows that we have a lot to offer in the way of academics.” In summer 2009, Cox was selected to participate in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Solid State Chemistry Program at the University of California Los Angeles’ Nanosystems Chemistry and Engineering Research – NanoCER – program. NanoCER supports the NSF program by working in teams that develop new materials, devices and applications in nanotechnology. Cox’s team focused on developing an electrolyte that could be used in a three-dimensional battery. McCain, who also took part in the program in college, supported Cox’s interest in NanoCER, and the Chemistry Department supplemented his housing allowance, so he could participate in the program. For his Institute Honors thesis

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on enzyme kinetics, Cox worked with McCain on studying an enzyme in humans called PP2C, which is involved in a large number of signaling sequences in the body. They hope the data collected in this project will lead to a better understanding of cellular processes and, eventually, drug treatments for a variety of diseases. Cox is one of 30 Gates Cambridge Scholars from the United States who were selected from an initial field of around 800 applicants and an interview shortlist of 80. They will be joined by 60 Gates Scholars from other parts of the world. Since graduating, Cox has been at work overseas. “In Cameroon, I am analyzing local plants traditionally used to treat sleeping sickness,” said Cox. “My aim is to isolate compounds that may one day be used to develop safe and effective treatments for the disease. At Cambridge, I plan to pursue an M.Phil. in biological science by researching the cellular biology of trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. I ultimately hope to enter a career researching treatments for neglected diseases and advising entities that are working to develop health care in sub-Saharan Africa.” At VMI, Cox also studied English and volunteered as an EMT and tutor, presided over the peer-counseling group, played in the band, and served as an academic officer. “Jacob always pushed himself, and he was never content to do the minimum required,” said McCain. “He always pursues his interests and talents as far as they will go. When students truly take the initiative in their education, as Jacob has, they really can succeed at VMI and beyond.”

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INSTITUTE Former Senator Nunn Receives VMI’s Byrd Award Former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn received the Senate include the “Nunn-Lugar” Cooperative Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award Threat Reduction Program, which provides in VMI’s Cameron Hall Wednesday, Nov. assistance to Russia and the former Soviet re3, 2010. publics for securing and destroying their excess Nunn addressed the Corps of Cadets and nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. the public during the ceremony, which beRaised in the small town of Perry in middle gan at 11:15 a.m. He was also honored that Georgia, he attended Georgia Tech, Emory afternoon at a Corps parade. University and Emory Law School, where he Nunn is co-chairman and chief executive graduated with honors in 1962. officer of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), After active duty service in the U.S. Coast a charitable organization working to reduce Guard, he served six years in the U.S. Coast the global threats from nuclear, biological Guard Reserve. and chemical weapons. The Byrd Award was established in 2001 to He served as a United States senator from honor a public official who has made significant Georgia for 24 years, from 1972-96, and is civic contributions. The award selection comretired from the law firm of King & Spalding. mittee includes members of the Byrd family and In addition to his work with NTI, Nunn state and VMI officials. continued his service in the public policy Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 served in the Navy Nunn at podium arena as a distinguished professor in the during World War II and in the Virginia Senate Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and United States Senate for a total of 35 years. at Georgia Tech and as chairman of the board of the Center for The Byrd Award represents the ideals of public service that have Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. distinguished Sen. Byrd’s career – ideals of selflessness, integrity, Nunn’s legislative achievements during his tenure in the U.S. patriotism and courage.

Air Force ROTC Commander Amato ’83 Retires by Capt. Noah W. Diehl ’04, Air Force ROTC

Col. Steven L. Amato ’83, commander of Detachment 880, VMI’s Air Force ROTC unit, retired on Feb. 1, 2011, with over 27 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Maj. Steve Bolster has assumed command until Col. David Miller arrives in summer 2011. An Air Force ROTC distinguished graduate, Amato earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from VMI and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Since that time, he has served in a variety of positions at the joint command, Air Force headquarters, major command and wing levels. He is a master navigator with 3,400 flying hours – including combat time – in the T-43, B-52G and B-52H. During his tenure at VMI, Detachment 880 maintained its status as the Air Force ROTC unit with the largest enrollment in the nation and consistently remained in the top 10 percent in officer production. The detachment earned the 2010 Southeast Region Best Large Unit Award and an “excellent” rating during the 2009 Air Education and Training Command compliance inspection. Amato consistently sought recognition for airmen who garnered awards, including the Holm Center Education Officer of the Year, Holm Center Airman of the Year and Southeast Region Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Amato provided cadets with valuable opportunities to experi-

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Retired Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper ’66 , left, presented the Legion of Merit decoration to Col. Steve Amato ’83 during Amato’s retirement ceremony.

ence the Air Force through base visits, survival training and an extensive guest speaker program. He challenged cadets to be leaders of VMI today, while preparing for the rigors of life as tomorrow’s officers, and he mentored both current and future Air Force officers from VMI. Amato and his wife, Mary, are remaining in the Lexington area.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE North Post Project Finishes As South Post Project Gets Under Way

Three drill fields, supported by a retaining wall, are nearing completion at North Post. The rifle range, in use for the first time, is in the background. VMI photo by Kevin Remington. Parking is a key component of projects under way on the north and south ends of Post, with a total estimated addition of 146 spaces. A new South Institute Hill parking lot will be located behind Maury-Brooke Hall and Mallory Hall and will provide access to both Letcher Avenue and Main Street. “The South Institute Hill parking is scheduled to begin in fall 2011,” said Lt. Col. Dale Brown, director of construction. “It involves the demolition of four houses and the construction of approximately 98 new parking spaces.” The parking lot, a $2,816,000 project, is expected to be ready for use in fall 2012. Forty-eight additional parking spaces will be provided by a surface parking lot as part of the third and final phase of the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. In addition to the parking lot, the third phase will encompass three new drill fields, four tennis courts and an entrance road, all of which are scheduled to be complete in early summer and ready for use in fall. “There is a delay between the comple2011-Issue 2

tion of the drill fields and their availability for use to allow the grass to fully mature before use in fall 2011,” said Brown. Though always a part of the master plan, state funding was insufficient for the completion of the tennis courts. Nevertheless, they have been added to the construction contract and are being funded through auxiliary funding. Completion of the $16.6 million Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds will mark the end of a twoyear project, which began in 2009 and encompassed a new obstacle course and a fully baffled firing range in previous phases, in addition to drainage controls and retaining walls. Development on other capital projects across Post, including renovation of Maury-Brooke Hall and the VMI infirmary and construction of the Corps Physical Training Facilities, is on hold until the General Assembly reconvenes. “While both the House and the Senate had language for capital projects, they were not able to reach an agreement, and as a result, the budget language approved by the General Assembly was silent on capital project funding,” said Brown.

Engineers Without Borders Chapter Forms A VMI chapter of Engineers Without Borders is forming with the help of faculty adviser Maj. Tim Moore ’97, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. According to its Web site, “Engineers Without Borders-International facilitates links and collaboration among its member groups toward improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities worldwide through education and implementation of sustainable engineering projects”... It does this “while promoting new dimensions of experience for engineers, engineering students and similarly motivated non-engineers.” The organization’s goal is to increase stability and prosperity by providing necessities such as clean water, power, sanitation and education. Spring semester activities for the VMI chapter are focusing on fundraising for a cooperative project with the Blue Ridge professional chapter to provide water and sanitation in Potosi, Bolivia. Cadets will work with professionals from engineering firms in the local region to design and implement the project, gaining hands-on experience and making contacts. Moore, who was a member of the chapter at Virginia Tech, said the group’s projects fit in well with VMI’s citizen-soldier ideal and the goal of Vision 2039 to increase numbers in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – programs. Additional information is available from Moore at 540/464-7412 or mooreto@vmi.edu. Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Institute section of the Alumni Review are provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Scholarship Established to Honor George M. Brooke Jr. ’36, Longtime History Professor

Brooke ’36

“As a family that has been so closely involved with VMI since the Civil War and that has seen four generations graduate from the Institute and four teach there, we are happy to do a little something to perpetuate that tradition at VMI.” Col. George M. Brooke III ’67

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n late 2010, Mrs. Frances B. Brooke, the widow of Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36, who served as a member of the faculty in the Department of History for almost four decades and died in 2006, signed the memorandum of understanding that established the Colonel George M. Brooke Jr. 1936 Memorial Scholarship at VMI. Teaching at VMI from 1942-79, with a break of a few years for military service during World War II and for a short time to receive his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Brooke was the grandson of John Mercer Brooke, the naval explorer and scientist who joined VMI’s faculty after the Civil War and taught at VMI for 34 years. Over the span of his career, he taught thousands of cadets and developed close ties to many of his former students. As his son, Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret) – a faculty member in VMI’s history department – said, “Many former cadets would call him to let him know what they were doing and often to ask him for advice. Now, many of these same alumni call my mother to see how she is doing.” According to George Brooke III, his father was intensely dedicated to VMI. “His association with VMI was long and deep. He went to high school in Lexington, attended VMI, and then returned in the early 1940s and then again after the war. In the late 1970s, Virginia law required professors and other government employees to retire at 65 years old. If he had had his way, I am sure he would have continued teaching at VMI for many, many years. In light of that dedication, that service, our family – led by my mother – determined to honor my father at VMI.” The scholarship is need-based, meaning that it is awarded to cadets on the basis of their demonstrated financial need. “Our decision to make it a need-based schol-

arship was based first on the experience of my mother and father,” said Brooke. “Over the years, they had helped some cadets pay for their tuitions and fees and so ensured that these cadets could stay at VMI and complete their education. Furthermore, we are mindful of the increasing cost of a VMI education. I know that VMI is different than most colleges, in that it includes uniforms and room and board in its costs. Even taking that into consideration, the amount of money it costs to attend VMI, especially for outof-state cadets, certainly looks, on the surface at least, to be quite ominous.” The scholarship also gives preference in award to cadets who are VMI legacies, cadets who are related in some way to alumni. When asked about this preference, Brooke laughed and replied, “Well, we’ll confess to a little VMI prejudice. Seriously, as a family that has been so closely involved with VMI since the Civil War and that has seen four generations graduate from the Institute and four teach there, we are happy to do a little something to perpetuate that tradition at VMI.” When asked for any concluding thoughts, Brooke said, “Our family, especially my mother, believes it is important to honor my father at VMI and to do so in this manner. I am hopeful that others – especially many of the alumni my father taught – will share our view, make a gift in honor of my father and build the scholarship.” Members of the VMI family interested in making a gift to this scholarship may do so by sending a check to the VMI Foundation, P.O. Box 932; Lexington, Virginia 24450 and designating the gift to support the Colonel George M. Brooke Jr. 1936 Memorial Scholarship. Those who wish to make a gift via credit card can go directly to the VMI Alumni Agencies’ secure online giving page (https://www.vmialumni. org/Donate) in order to do so. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. New Scholarship for Merit Recognizes Service of William H. Dabney ’61 to Marine Corps and VMI

o honor his service to our country and to VMI, a merit scholarship has been established in the name of Col. William H. Dabney, USMC (Ret), class of 1961. Dabney enjoyed a long and varied career in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in the Corps in 1954 and served until he matriculated to VMI in summer 1957. Graduating in 1960, he accepted a commission in the Marine Corps. From 1967-68, he served as a rifle company commander in Vietnam. He fought at the Battle of Khe Sanh and received the Navy Cross for his actions as the officerin-charge of a regimental combat outpost on Hill 881S during that battle. He also received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry during this tour of duty. He returned to Vietnam after a year at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a senior advisor to a battalion of the Vietnamese Marine Corps. For this service, he received a second award of the Bronze Star, two awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart and a second award of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After his service in Vietnam, Dabney served in a variety of posts. Among his assignments was the command of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and of the 9th Marines from 1978-79 and 1983-84, respectively. He also was the chief, Combat Operations Center, at the National Airborne Emergency Airborne Command Post and a senior fellow at the Strategic Defense Studies Center in Washington, D.C. He received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in both of those assignments. He concluded his career as the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC unit at VMI from 1987-90. During his last year of service, he served as the commandant of cadets at VMI. Asked why he established a scholarship honoring Dabney at VMI, the scholar2011-Issue 2

ship’s donor, Graham King ’61, explained, “There are several reasons – professional and personal – for honoring Col. Dabney. As a cadet, he was a great role model and roommate and, to me and many in the Corps, a solid friend. During his decades in the Marines, he defended our country

men and women to VMI, folks who have the drive to distinguish themselves and the intellect to solve problems and be recognized as leaders by their peers. On a personal basis, the connection of Col. Dabney’s record and the notion of a scholarship earned for merit seem to

Dabney on Hill 881S, Vietnam, in 1968. Photo by David Louis Powell.

and served with great distinction. When he returned to VMI, he headed up the Naval ROTC program and also willingly served as the Institute’s commandant of cadets. His service in our country’s armed forces and service on behalf of VMI are worthy of being recognized, and I am glad to help accomplish this through the scholarship.” King said that he chose to establish a scholarship for merit after discussions with Brig. Gen. Wane Schneiter, the dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics. “I selected the merit scholarship because the dean said that is what is needed the most and that a strong merit scholarship program is essential to the academic health of the Institute. We must be able to attract outstanding young

me to be most appropriate.” Anyone who wishes to join the donor in honoring Col. Dabney through this scholarship may send a check to the VMI Foundation, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450 and designating the gift to support the Colonel (USMC) William H. Dabney 1961 Scholarship for Merit. Donations by credit card can be made via the VMI Alumni Agencies’ secure online giving page (https://www.vmialumni. org/Donate). Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Foundation.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI Foundation’s Expanded “Barracks Program” Engages Cadets on VMI’s Behalf On Jan. 22, 2011, the class of 2014 came into being. When the Brother Rats of this new class returned to their rooms in Barracks, each of them found a coffee mug with the words, “Virginia Military Institute/2014” on the front and on the back, the symbol of the VMI Foundation and the words, “Breakout 2014.” Accompanying the mug was a note card on which was a congratulatory message from Brian Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. The presentation of a mug and a note to classes has been the custom of the VMI Foundation since February 2001 when they were given to the class of 2004. However, since last year, this presentation has been an integral part of the VMI Foundation’s Barracks Program. “In early 2009, we began informal discussions with cadets about their knowledge of the VMI Foundation and the work it does on behalf of cadets, as well as the many benefits they derive – directly and indirectly – from the financial support of VMI that comes from alumni and friends,” recounted Col. Patrick Webb, U.S. Army (Ret), who, as the VMI Foundation’s vice president of Annual and Reunion Giving, is responsible for the Barracks Program. “What we discovered was worrisome. Most of the cadets had only the vaguest of ideas about the support they received from alumni and the importance of the work of the Foundation on behalf of alumni, VMI and the Corps as a whole. Few, as well, were aware of the critical nature of private financial support from alumni for them and their Brother Rats.” As a result of these discussions, the VMI Foundation decided to change the focus of the Barracks Program to explaining and ensuring that the cadets at their respective years at VMI understood the amount and value of support provided to them by alumni and coordinated by the Foundation. In the past, the emphasis had been limited to the mug presentation, a gift to the third class to assist with Ring Figure, $100 to second-class cadets to help pay for their class rings and an effort to encourage first classmen to make a gift to VMI toward the end of their final year. “While we were sure that cadets appreciated the support they received for, say, their class rings, we weren’t so sure that they

With Capt. Amanda Moore ’09, center, the leaders of the class of 2012 accepted a facsimile check of $32,500 that represents the VMI Foundation’s gift to defray the cost of cadets’ class rings. Sam Sorrells, associate director of Annual and Reunion Giving (in background), presented the gift. From left, front row, were Cadets Richard Luck, Stewart Hargrove, Doug Alvey, Joe Munno and Daniel Fiasconaro. Photo by Chris Martin ’10.

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understood the significance behind these gestures or appreciated the full picture of assistance they were receiving from alumni as a whole,” continued Webb. The Barracks Program expanded, therefore, to include orientations for the first and the third classes at which they received information about private support at VMI. Much of this information was something of a surprise to cadets. “For example,” said Webb, “the fact that about one quarter of the Corps needs private scholarships to attend VMI opened a lot of eyes.” The VMI Foundation also changed the approach toward the first class’s Graduation Gift. It encouraged the leaders of the class of 2010 to take charge and thus establish a new approach, whereby they set their own goals and organization for achieving them. The new approach has resulted in the leadership of the first class working to coordinate and encourage their Brother Rats to consider the impact VMI has had on them and, in turn, consider a modest commitment back to VMI. The leaders of the class of 2010 engaged their class two months before their commencement through a fundraising campaign. By the end of Fiscal Year 2010, 40 members of the class of 2010 had made a commitment, resulting in a participation rate of more than 13 percent, the highest of any graduating class. In October 2010, the VMI Foundation hosted a dinner for class leaders at which Brian Crockett explained the overall importance of private financial support from alumni to the Corps, and Patrick Webb provided information on the Barracks Program’s mission and conduct. “It was exciting to see the cadets’ respond to this information with genuine enthusiasm,” Crockett said, “as well as to begin to discuss with each other and members of the Foundation staff how they could engage their Brother Rats and what messages would resonate within the Corps. It was a very encouraging start to the program for this academic year.” In December 2010, the VMI Foundation presented the class of 2012 with a check for $32,500, which symbolized the $100 gift that the Foundation gave to each member of the class in order to help defray the cost of their rings and serve as a gesture of support from VMI alumni. “With the price of gold rising, there is no doubt that every bit of monetary support helps,” said Sam Sorrells, associate director of Annual and Reunion Giving at the VMI Foundation. “However, it truly isn’t about the amount of money that cadets receive; it’s about ensuring they understand that they share a stronger bond with alumni than many of them previously thought. Alumni give to VMI in order to support cadets, to ensure that cadets have opportunities that some of them never imagined.” “In the end,” said Webb, “the entire Barracks Program is about increasing cadets’ knowledge of what private support does for them and building in them an appreciation of those alumni who so generously support VMI and the Corps. We hope that the Barracks Program encourages current cadets into becoming alumni who, in turn, will support the Institute in years to come.” Apparently, the program is having an impact, because at the December 2010 check presentation ceremony, the president of the class of 2012, Daniel Fiasconaro, said, “VMI is a place where giving back and supporting cadets is one of the greatest things you can do as an alumnus.”

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 Nov. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011.

Mrs. Donna M. Adams

Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Lt. Col. Daniel W. Czupryna ’71, USA (Ret) Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. William A. Gregory ’66 Mr. Geoffrey G. Schelhorn ’71 Gunnery Sgt. and Mrs. Samuel G. Sorrells Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor

Mr. Robert L. Bobbitt Jr. ’81

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

John S. Bolger

Mr. John S. Bolger Jr. ’66

Mr. Jerry Borst ’59

Mr. Jim Sam Gillespie Jr. ’59

Mrs. Nancy P. Bouis

Mr. O. Burton Palmer Jr. ’67

Mr. S. Sydney Bradford ’45 Class of 1945

Col. Robert P. Carroll

Herbert P. Rhodes Jr. ’62, M.D. and Mrs. Rhodes

Lt. Col. Charles V. Carson ’934, USAF Ms. Carol C. Joseloff

Mr. I. Lee Chapman III ’65 Mr. William A. Gregory ’66

Col. James P. Coley Sr. ’51, USA

Mr. C. Edward May Jr. ’51 Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Mr. George M. Brooke ’896

Mr. Archie L. Cook

Mr. John B. Adams ’36

Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36

Maj. Gen. Richard C. Coupland ’915, USAF

Charles W. Anderson ’46, M.D.

Mr. Chesley J. Browne

Mr. Michael L. Thompson ’75 Dr. Henry Clapp

Mr. James A. Anderson Jr. ’43

Mr. Harry T. Jones Jr. ’43 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. Arthur J. Armstead II ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Thomas C. Armstrong Jr. ’54 Mrs. Thomas C. Armstrong Jr.

Col. Thomas St. John Arnold ’35, USA Col. Walter A. Edens ’40, USA (Ret) Richard Freeman Mrs. William C. Overman Jr.

Mary M. Ball

Lt. Col. Alan S. Fojt ’72, USA (Ret)

Capt. Paul D. Barnes II ’92, USMC

Maj. Christopher L. Phelps ’92, USMC

Mr. J. Irving Beale III ’44 Mrs. J. Irving Beale III

Mr. Charles T. Benedict ’64 Mr. Bernie G. Hylton ’64

Mrs. Lucy D. Beyer

Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Mr. George T. Black Jr. ’52 Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mr. Crispin P. Blanchette ’68 Mr. L. Bruce McGlothlin ’68

Mr. W.R. Blandford Jr. ’69

Mrs. Carolyn M. Bryan Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret) Mr. Paul J. Mascot ’69

2011-Issue 2

Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret) Mr. Michael L. Thompson ’75

Harvey C. Woodruff III ’64, D.D.S. and Mrs. Woodruff

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace W. Ring

Mrs. William R. Coupland

Mr. William R. Coupland ’55 Mrs. William R. Coupland

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B

Mr. William E. Crumpler ’53

Dr. Chester F. Burgess Jr.

Mr. William G. Davis ’64

Mr. Richard L. Burton ’68

Mr. William W. Davis ’934

Mr. John W. Butler ’86

Deceased Brother Rats of 1971

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. Robert R. Sparks Jr. ’69 Mrs. Richard L. Burton Mrs. Marian P. Butler

Mr. Peter R. Candler ’71

Mr. Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71 Douglas Booth Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Ms. Virginia S. Carter Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71 Mr. Robert A. Haywood ’71 Mr. James R. Kelly ’71 Ms. Kathleen Kyle Col. Richard B. Littleton Jr. ’71, USAR (Ret) Robert S. Lockridge Jr. ’71, M.D. Mrs. Ellen J. Massey Mr. John R. Metzger ’71 Mr. Ned M. Mikula ’71 Mr. Robert T. Mitchell Jr. ’62 and Mrs. Mitchell Ms. Margaret Ryan Lt. Col. F. Neal Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Cranston Williams Jr., Sally W. Williams and C. Reade Williams Norbie and Candy, Dave and Linda, Doug and Barbara, Fred and Diane, Jerry and Wayne Mr. and Mrs. Marshall B. Wood

Mr. W. Scott Crumpler ’82

The Honorable Robert G. O’Hara Jr. ’64 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Mr. Craig A. Biegel ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Thurman S. Deyerle III ’76 Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Deyerle Jr.

Cpl. Alan L. Diedricksen ’66, USMC Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’934 Mr. Carson L. Tucker ’70

Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz ’00, ANG

Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Cook Jr. Mr. Kenneth M. Wing Jr. ’00

Lt. Jefferson S. Dotson ’66, USAF Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mr. Henry S. Dunbar III ’48B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. John F. Dunseth Jr. ’55

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait

Mr. Charles E. Early ’47

Mr. Thomas R. Culler Jr.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Wayne R. Eggleston ’88

Col. Andrew L. Hannah Jr. ’924, USAF

Cadet John A. Evans ’13

Mr. Marshall B. Hardy Jr. ’40

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne R. Eggleston Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Nelson

John Fenton

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Louis A. Finney ’52, M.D. Mr. Douglas R. Webb ’52

Mr. John H. Friend Jr. ’51

Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 and Mrs. Howard Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Mr. Charles S. Sanger ’82 Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Mr. Jesse F. Frosch ’64

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Lt. Arthur L. Galloway Jr. ’69, USA

Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret)

Mr. William S. Galvin ’57

Lt. Col. Theron A. Henry Jr. ’58, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Benjamin R. Gardner ’64

The Honorable Robert G. O’Hara Jr. ’64 Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Plageman

Mr. James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Mr. A.J. Graham III ’74 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Col. B. McCluer Gilliam ’40, USAR Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

William P. Gorman

Mrs. Frances W. Arehart

Mrs. Elmon T. Gray

Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence N. Mauck Jr. Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

1st Lt. Douglas B. Green III ’66, USA Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Col. Turner E. Grimsley ’63, USA Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63

Mr. Eugene S. Groseclose Jr. ’67 Mr. and Mrs. Hunsdon Cary III

Mrs. Gail Guthrie

Mr. James R. Kelly ’71

Mr. & Mrs. Otey W. Hall Mr. Conrad M. Hall ’65

Lt. Harry B. Hambleton III ’66, USA Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

168

Mr. Andrew L. Hannah

Class of 1940 Col. Walter A. Edens ’40, USA (Ret)

Mr. Finley H. Harlow ’35 Neil Stronach ’66, M.D. and Mrs. Stronach

Mr. George W. Harrel ’69

Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret)

Mr. F. Baldwin Harrington ’928 F.B. Harrington Jr. ’54, M.D.

Col. Michael S. Harris

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Richard A. Harris Jr. ’46 Mrs. Richard A. Harris Jr.

Col. W.S. Hathaway ’47, USA Mr. Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Knight

Mrs. Elizabeth F. Hawkins

Gunnery Sgt. and Mrs. Samuel G. Sorrells

Mr. Thomas M. Hayes ’68 Class of 1968

B. Richard Hill ’68, D.D.S.

James C. Burns ’68, D.D.S. Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68

Mr. Edwin Y. Hines ’66

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin L. Adler Mr. John G. Alston Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Bonneau Ansley Jr. Mr. Richard Y. AtLee ’66 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Atwater Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Balentine Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Butler Ball Mr. and Mrs. Willis M. Ball III Mr. Charles H. Battle Jr. Mr. and Mrs. S. Bryan Benedict Mr. and Mrs. Dan W. Boone III Mr. and Mrs. Richard Y. Bradley Ms. Irene Branch Linda M. Bridgers Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Bross Mr. and Mrs. David Brown Chattooga Club Class of 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Madison Cole Mr. Albert Z. Conner Jr. ’66 Mr. Lane Cook Mr. Charles R. Cooper ’66 Mr. Robert R. Copty ’70 Cornerstone Investment Partners LLC Miss Lila Cruikshank Mr. C. Terry Crump ’66

Mr. Raymond C. Cullen ’66 and Mrs. Cullen Mr. and Mrs. John R. Decker Dr. and Mrs. H. Clark Deriso Mr. and Mrs. David S. Dimling Mr. Willis P. Dobbs Mr. George D. Dyer ’66 Charles Ellis III and Julie McIntosh Alan Elsas Mr. and Mrs. William W. Espy Charlotte, Charlie and Ned Wheland Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Glen Mrs. Randall Goblirsch Gary and Nancy Goodenough Mr. William A. Gregory ’66 Ms. Anne Gurbel Ms. Elaine Hackett Mr. and Mrs.William B. Haile Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harkey Carolyn and Lem Hewes Mrs. Dorothy S. Hines Mr. and Mrs. Edward M.W. Hines Mr. Richard K. Hines V ’66 and Mrs. Hines Ms. Mary B. Hollis Ms. Elizabeth G. Izard Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Jenkins Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kennedy Mr. John Knox Sr. Mr. and Mrs. John O. Knox Jr. Ms. Catherine D. Latimore Mr. William F. Law Jr. ’58 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66 Mr. Frank G. Louthan III ’66 Blair Mann Mr. and Mrs. Mchael P. Marshall Mrs. Sarah Ball Mason Ms. Kimberley Mauldin Bill McClure ’66 and Wyckie McClure Mr. Allen P. McDaniel Mr. John K. McEwen ’66 Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Mitchell James and Park Simpson Mock Ms. Victoria N. Mooney Mr. John T. Moore Mr. Dean W. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Moss Jr. Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP Ms. Joan W. Newton Mr. Thomas W. Norwood Mr. John F. Parrott and The Reverend Sally F. Parrott Mr. and Mrs. James O. Patterson Peregrine Investment Advisors LLC Mr. Walter C. Perrin II ’62 and Mrs. Perrin Mr. Sam Pettway Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Piligian Mr. and Mrs. John R. Pope Sr. Mrs. Allen W. Post Jr. Ernie and Libby Prickett Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pridgen Mr. Stephen M. Raeber Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ray Jr.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Col. L. Clark Reifsnider ’66, USMC (Ret) Mr. John M. Rivers Jr. Ms. Deborah C. Robbins Ms. Mary E. Roberts Mr. and Mrs. H. English Robinson Jr. Mrs. Katherine M. Scardino Capt. Daniel Shea Mr. and Mrs. James S. Skesavage Jr. Mr. Charles U. Slick Mr. Joel H. Smith and Ms. Pamela J. Roberts Ms. Meme Wellman Smith Mr. and Mrs. Rankin M. Smith Jr. Mr. Taylor Smith Mr. and Mrs. Kent T. Stair Ms. Elise M. Stratton Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Strickland Chris Hohlstein, Hamilton Hilsman of the TBC Family Office, Synovus Family Asset Management Mrs. Jerry Temple Ms. Sally G. Train Mr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Trotman Jr. Mr. Wiley A. Tucker Jr. Mr. Randolph W. Urmston ’66 Mr. and Mrs. John M. Wallace Mr. John A. Walters ’66 Ms. Alice P. Watson Mr. Herron P. Weems Mr. Thomas C. Weller Jr. Bill and Jane Whitaker Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams Mrs. Edwin S. Yarbrough Mr. and Mrs. Danny Yates Mr. and Mrs. J. Blake Young Jr. Mrs. Judy O. Zaban

Mr. Russell B. Hogshire ’55

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Brett III Mr. Frank J. Leech ’55 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait

Mr. William H. Hoofnagle Jr. ’36 Mr. William H. Hoofnagle III ’67 and Mrs. Hoofnagle

Mr. J. Clyde Hooker Jr. ’42

Mr. John P. Irby ’44 Mrs. J. Russell Major Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Plageman Mr. Harry J. Siebert ’42

Mr. H. Thomas Hupp Jr. ’44

Mrs. Ann W. Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Lester B. Hershey Jr.

Lt. William D. Huyler Jr. ’66, USA Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mr. Campbell C. Hyatt Jr. ’929 Mr. and Mrs. Larry P. Egan

Mr. Thomas B. Inge Jr. ’59 Mrs. Agnes I. Carter

2011-Issue 2

Ms. Elizabeth C. Irby

Mr. Walter C. Laundon ’69

Mr. James P. Irby ’81

Capt. Stanley E. Leck ’79, USA

Lt. Gen. Richard L. Irby ’39

Mr. Lloyd L. Leech III ’66

Col. Royce E. Jones ’55

Mrs. Charles W. Lewis

Mr. John P. Irby ’44

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Cmdr. Matthew N. Ott III ’92 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait

Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Mr. Gregory M. Leck ’77

Mr. John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 and Mrs. Rowe The Lewis Foundation

Mr. Charles W. Lewis ’924 The Lewis Foundation

Mr. Thomas G. Jones III ’43

Mr. Robert A. Lewis ’42

Mr. Torrence V. Jones

Mr. Frank A. Liddell Jr. ’49B

Mr. Thomas G. Jones IV ’73

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beard Ms. Margaret O. Bower Mr. and Mrs. C. Douglas Chavous Mr. Steve Cobb Ms. Julia G. Denny ITW Brands Mr. Mark C. King Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nicholls Mr. Kem R. Smith Tomlin & Company Inc. Mr. Don Ziegert

The Reverend J.H. Jordan Jr. ’51 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

Lt. Col. Michael A. Burke ’73, USA (Ret) Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret) Lt. Col. Carel T. Humme ’49B, USAF (Ret) Mr. Charles S. Sanger ’82

Percy M. Lincoln Jr. ’57, Ph.D.

Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mrs. George B. Ax Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond Mr. Joseph M. Spivey III ’57 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tait Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Mr. Thomas A. Joynes

Cmdr. H.M. Lloyd ’923, USN

Mr. David N. Kaliski ’64

Mr. Frank F. Lumpkin ’79

Mrs. Eileen D. Kearney

Mr. Michael T. Mahoney ’68

Clark King, Ph.D.

J. Russell Major ’42, Ph.D.

Cadet Robert R. Knight ’11

Mr. Gerard Mannix ’81

Lt. Col. Edward A. Kritzer ’48A, USAF

Mr. Peyton J. Marshall Jr. ’52

Mrs. Jeannette F. Joynes Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Mr. David P. Northcraft ’73 Col. Hart Slater

Col. Steven L. Turner ’71, USAF (Ret) Mrs. Douglas C. Broad Mr. Eugene E. Rich Jr. Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Mr. Van T. Langdon ’61 John Hackney

Mr. Edward J. Lastih Ms. Debra A. Lastih Mrs. Lorraine Lastih

1st Lt. John H. Lattin Jr. ’66, USA

Mr. George D. Dyer ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66 Col. Paul A. Robblee Jr. ’66, USA (Ret)

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. L. Bruce McGlothlin ’68 Mrs. J. Russell Major

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mrs. Peyton J. Marshall Jr.

Mrs. Joseph E. Martin

Col. John G. Barrett (Hon. ’44) Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Col. D. Rae Carpenter Jr. Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Ms. Elizabeth C. Donald Ms. Elizabeth N. Evans Mr. and Mrs. William Gant Mr. Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54 Mrs. Clentis M. Gupton Mr. Louis Harlan Ms. Cynthia R. Hintze Mr. Ronald E. Kuykendall

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Ms. Mary E. Page Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Ms. Frances S. Pollard Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Price Ms. Vera A. Sadler Dr. Henry Sharp Jr. Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 VMI Math and Computer Science Department Lt. Col. Paul A. Wagner ’66, USAF (Ret) and Mrs. Wagner Mr. Hugh V. White Jr. ’54 and Mrs. White

Mr. Joseph E. Martin Jr. ’72 Mrs. Carolyn M. Bryan

Mrs. Ann Materniak

Mrs. Donna L. Korzun

Mr. Walter E. Materniak

Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Assink Ms. Gail O. Bell Ms. Isabel Black Ms. Betty J. Deery Mrs. Donna L. Korzun Mr. Robert J. Martin Mr. John S. Materniak Mr. Ronnie R. Materniak Mr. Corry R. Watrous Mrs. Virginia P. Willoth

Capt. Donald J. Mattaro Jr. ’66, USA Mr. George D. Dyer ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Thaddeus J. Meler ’48A

Mr. Temple R. North Jr. ’73

Mr. John A. Michelsen ’57

Mr. Lucius Nottingham Jr. ’46

Lt. Col. Daniel W. Czupryna ’71, USA (Ret) Mr. John E. Woodward Jr. ’57

Mr. Hugh L. Miller ’23

Dr. and Mrs. J. Stuart McDaniel

Mr. Hugh L. Miller Jr. ’59

Dr. and Mrs. J. Stuart McDaniel

Mrs. J. Clifford Miller Jr.

Austin and Jane Brockenbrough III Mrs. Mary J. Campbell Elliott Harrigan and Terrell Luck Harrigan Mr. J. Clifford Miller III ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Mountcastle Jr. Mrs. Chiswell D.L. Perkins Jr. SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management Dr. and Mrs. E. Armistead Talman John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams

William W. Miller ’54, M.D. Mr. John B.R. Long Jr. ’57

Mr. W. Clark Minnigerode ’92

Cmdr. Matthew N. Ott III ’92, USN

Mr. Jeffrey J. Morgan ’80 Class of 1980

Mr. Michael W. Maupin ’59

Lt. Daniel L. Mullins ’66, USA

Mr. Robert V. Mazzoni ’71

Mr. L. Van Loan Naisawald ’42

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. Jeffrey C. Carver ’71

S. Christa McAuliffe

The Honorable Steven J. McAuliffe ’70

Mr. Joseph W. McCarthy III ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Michael A. McCrory ’69

Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret)

Mr. Ronald M. McCullough III ’81 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Capt. William J. McDonald ’81, USA Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Col. Joel L. McGrady ’72, USA Mrs. Joel L. McGrady

Lt. Alan M. McLachlen ’81, USN Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

William W. Mears ’ 56, M.D.

Col. H.S.G.T. Carmichael III ’61, USA (Ret) Mr. G. Marshall Mundy ’56

170

Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mrs. Gretchen N. Arnold and Dr. William Arnold III Mr. Garnett C. Ball Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Montzeree C. Blakey Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, M.D. and Mrs. Bowden Mr. John W. Cure III ’52 and Mrs. Cure Foundation for Historic Christ Church Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas K. Harvey Mr. William C. Hope III ’62 Mr. and Mrs. John E. Humphries Ms. Wilma B. Lynch, Ms. Elaine Attridge and Ms. Ann Carter Mr. and Mrs. Terrell D. Moseley Mr. Robert M. Mustoe Mr. John and Judy Rust Mr. William R. Van Loan Jr. Mr. John E. Whitmore ’42 and Mrs. Whitmore Mr. John B. Zimmerman

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Howard Lt. Cmdr. M. Douglass Payne ’73, USN (Ret) Mr. Andy Beverly Catherine Clark Capps, Cecelia Clark Parrish and Pen Clark III Ms. Elizabeth C. Roberts James A. Smith III ’60, M.D. and Mrs. Smith

Mr. James Vincent Ovca ’81

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Sgt. Maj. Daniel Palesky Mr. H. John Lee ’67

Ms. Nelson Palmer

Mr. O. Burton Palmer Jr. ’67

Louis S. Pappas ’72, M.D. Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Robert J. Patane ’54 Ms. Carole P. Toone

Mr. F. Joseph Paul ’66

Mr. Herbert H. Guyton III ’66

Mr. Charles G. Peckham ’63 Mrs. Charles G. Peckham Mr. Michael T. Smither ’63

Mr. Robert N. Petrola ’71 Mr. Paul F. Gibson ’71

Mr. Thomas B. Phillips Jr. ’50B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Sr. ’35 Philpott Foundation Inc.

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Jr. ’68 Philpott Foundation Inc.

Mr. Eliot P.Y. Powell ’40

Judge and Mrs. E. Mackall Childs Class of 1940 Mrs. Robert H. Deaderick Col. Walter A. Edens ’40, USA (Ret) Mr. Peter N. Herring Capt. Richard D. Lazenby Caren Lichter and The Lichter Group LLC SAA Architecture LLC

Mr. Lewis B. Puller ’921 Sgt. A.L. Scarborough

Mr. Corville J. Nohava ’69

Mr. Michael J. Ragland ’69

Mr. Charles D. North ’30

Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Rattie V ’81, USN

Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Howard

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Archer L. Richardson III ’68 Anonymous

Col. P.S. Richardson Jr. ’48B, USA Mrs. P.S. Richardson Jr.

Col. George H. Ripley ’52, USMC Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Col. John W. Ripley

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. James W. Rountree Jr. ’67 Frank E. Oliver ’67, M.D. and Mrs. Oliver

John J. Salley ’47, D.D.S.

Mr. Tazewell Ellett III ’44 and Mrs. Ellett Mr. Rives Fleming Jr. ’47 and Mrs. Fleming Mr. H. Waldo Forster Jr. ’46 Mr. Catesby B. Jones ’47 and Mrs. Jones Mr. R. Coleman Rice Jr. ’49C Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47 Mr. Wortham A. Spilman Jr. ’42 and Mrs. Spilman Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Bruce H. Weiner ’67, D.D.S.

Miss Jane Saunders

Mrs. Ann Saunders Brown

Mr. and Mrs. George Schelhorn Mr. Geoffrey G. Schelhorn ’71

Mr. Charles E. Schneller ’47 Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47

Mr. Vincent C. Scott Jr. ’66 Mr. George D. Dyer ’66 Mrs. Vincent C. Scott Sr.

Jay R. Sculley ’62, Ph.D.

Mr. William R. King ’60 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Herbert P. Rhodes Jr. ’62, M.D. and Mrs. Rhodes

Mr. William M. Shelley ’49B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Capt. Robert S. Silverman ’81, USA Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Millard G. Smith ’43 Mr. Byrd S. Heaton

W. Mayo Smith Jr. ’38, Ph.D.

Bob, Betty and Sarah Thornton

Mrs. Marilyn W. Southard

Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Plageman

Mrs. Marilou A. Spacek Mr. Robert R. Copty ’70

2011-Issue 2

Lt. Col. Joseph G. Spicer Jr. ’69, USA Class of 1969 Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret) Mr. Harold G. Mercer ’69

Maj. Gen. John W. Squire ’917, USANG Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Col. William J. Stockwell

Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower IV Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Capt. Rodney H. Stone ’66, USAF Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mr. Henry C. Sutherland ’42

Mr. and Mrs. H. Clayton Chandler Mr. W. Wilson Dorward Ms. Elisabeth H. Jones Mr. Harold W. Jones Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret) Mrs. Henry C. Sutherland

Maj. Paul R. Syverson III ’93, USA Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Syverson II

Mr. William P. Talbott ’50B

Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham

Mrs. Powell H. Taylor

Mr. Stuart S. Taylor ’85

Mrs. Nancy E. Tolley

Mr. William E. Vick ’63

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. A.L. Wadsworth III ’40

Class of 1940 Col. Walter A. Edens ’40, USA (Ret)

Col. J.E. Wales III ’35, USA Ms. Rebecca W. Andersen

Mr. Charles P. Walthour ’49B Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. J. Albert Watkins ’47 Mrs. J. Albert Watkins

Mr. Robert L. Watson ’64

Buzz Birzenieks ’64 and Jane Birzenieks

Mr. Julian M. Weaver Jr. ’25 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Richard C. Weaver ’921 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Wayne C. Weaver ’33

Mrs. Rose Arrants Mr. and Mrs. Del Grissom Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Pryor Mr. and Mrs. William Pryor Mrs. Wayne C. Weaver

Brig. Gen. C.P. Weidenthal ’53, USA Ms. Corinne Weidenthal

Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60 James A. Smith III ’60, M.D. and Mrs. Smith

Col. Siegfried Weing

Mr. Eugene N. Touchstone ’67

Mr. Edgar V. Weir ’40

Mr. Christopher A. Touhill ’85

Mr. Robert W. Wentz Jr. ’54

Jerry A. Trice ’55, M.D.

2nd Lt. Mark C. Whittier ’66, USMC

Col. Michael J. Ingelido II ’67, USAF (Ret) Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Mr. William R. Davidson ’55 Mr. Frank J. Leech ’55 Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Andrew L. Turner Jr. ’40 Mrs. Andrew L. Turner Jr.

Mr. Bruce W. Undercoffer ’76

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 The Edgar V. Weir Family Foundation Inc. Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. George D. Dyer ’66

Mr. C. Harmon Williams Jr. ’53 Mr. Jeff C. Bane ’53

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN

Mrs. Alexander Casimes Lt. Col. Timothy L. Pennington ’91, USAF Mr. Robert A. Shults ’91

Mr. Charles Undercoffer

Mrs. Margaret Williams

1st Lt. William Undercoffer

Mr. Warren Scott Williams ’81

Col. Godfrey W. Updike Jr. ’69, USA

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74 Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74 Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret) Anonymous Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Mr. Robert R. Fair

Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. Mark A. Schafer Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Wilson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. T. Glenn Wilson

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. S. Frederick Winiker Jr. ’61 Mrs. S. Frederick Winiker Jr.

Mr. Henry A. Wise ’927 Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81

Mr. John H. Woodfin Sr. ’61 Mr. Thomas N. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Ayers Jr. and Mary B. Clary Brig. Gen. Lee D. Badgett ’61, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Badgett Mr. Charles B. Bice Mr. Daniel Bredel Mrs. Carolyn M. Bryan Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Lt. Col. and Mrs. George M. Brydon III Richard M. Clary ’70, M.D. and Mrs. Clary Mr. Samuel A. Clement Jr. ’62 Mr. Raymond C. Cullen ’66 and Mrs. Cullen Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Darling Mr. and Mrs. Claude R. Davenport Jr. Robert C. Dawson Mr. Felix E. Deacon III ’77 Mr. W.S. Dingledine Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Dodd Dunlap & Partners Engineers PC Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Edmunds Mr. J. Morton Eggleston Jr. ’59 and Mrs. Eggleston Mr. Spencer H. Elmore ’62 Skip and Margaret Ford Mr. H. Waldo Forster Jr. ’46 Mr. and Mrs. David W. Fuller Mr. and Mrs. William D. Garrison Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. George Mr. William O. Giles III ’60 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Goodwin Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Grimsley The Honorable John Hager Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Elliott Harrigan and Terrell Luck Harrigan Mr. and Mrs. John S. Hart Mr. and Mrs. Norman E. Hendricks Mr. W. Bogart Holland ’68 Mr. and Mrs. H. Winston Holt III Mr. Olin V. Hyde Mr. and Mrs. Thomas N. Innes Mr. Catesby B. Jones ’47 and Mrs. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Ralph G. Jones

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Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Lamb III ’54 Pepper & Stuart Laughon Mr. Charles M. Louthan ’75 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. Frank G. Louthan III ’66 Mr. William J. Lyon Ms. Marion E. MacCorkle Mrs. Frank C. Maloney Mr. C. Douglas Marechal ’62 Mr. Erik D. Marechal ’92 Mr. John J. Marshall ’77 Mr. John A. Mills III ’63 Mr. and Mrs David H. Murphy Cmdr. Matthew N. Ott III ’92, USN Gift from Susan, Hatcher and Bill Overton and Margaret Geige Mr. Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C and Mrs. Patterson Mr. William A. Paulette ’69 Bobby and Doreen Peay Mr. Kenneth M. Perry ’53 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60 Mr. and Mrs. Russell L. Rabb Jr. ’63 Mr. George P. Ramsey Jr. ’48B Mr. R. Coleman Rice Jr. ’49C James C. Roberts Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Andy Sadler Mr. William P. Schubmehl ’54 Mr. Stuart M. Seaton Jr. ’73 Mr. William R. Shands Jr. Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. Daniel S. Smith Anonymous The Steward School and Steward School Board of Trustees The Steward School Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Stone Mr. J.V. Taylor Jr. ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Locke A. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Wistar H. Trent Mr. Robert S. Ukrop Mr. and Mrs. Ben B. Ussery Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Waddell Jr. Mr. Oliver L. Way ’75 Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, M.D. Mr. C. Lee Wilkinson Jr. ’59 Mr. Daniel L. Williams Jr. Mr. David M. Williams Mr. Emil Otto N. Williams Mr. Stuart E. Woodcock Sr. ’61 Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence C. Zacharias

Mr. Robert S. Woods ’66 Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Mr. Charles W. Beale III ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Cox Capt. and Mrs. Michael L. Jordan Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Herbert P. Rhodes Jr. ’62, M.D., and Mrs. Rhodes Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. Winks Mr. J. Brook Wright Mr. Watson H. Wright Mr. William H. Wright

Mr. John M. Wray Jr. ’42 Mr. Harry J. Siebert ’42

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Mr. Thomas Citrano Mr. David Savino and Family

Mr. Elliott I. Young ’59 Karen Young Levi

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 Nov. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011.

Aetna Foundation Inc. Mr. William T. Nebraska ’59 Mr. Joseph P. Petitta ’68 Col. Douglas A. Stephens ’65, USA (Ret)

Albemarle Foundation Anne M. Whittemore, Esquire

Altria Group Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford B. Fleet III Mr. John R. Munno ’84

American Electric Power Mr. David H. Altizer ’69 Mr. William G. Rogers ’86 Mr. James G. Tapley ’43 Mr. John H. Tucker ’78

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. The Boeing Company Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret) Mr. Jeff Hanna ’52 Lt. Col. Marvin O. Herbaugh ’66, USA (Ret) Col. Albert L. Lahendro ’65, USAF (Ret) Mr. Roy E. Palmer Jr. ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Parker Lt. Col. Charles F. Toler III ’74, USMC (Ret)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Mr. William R. Favier ’76

Clark-Nexsen Foundation Mr. Christopher M. Stone ’78

Coille Limited Partnership LP Mr. Robert P. Kyle ’67

Datatel Inc. Mr. William H. Dunlap ’72

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72

Dominion Foundation Mr. Walter C. Ames III ’52 Mr. David E. Ayers ’64 Mr. Michael P. Wilson ’99

Entergy Operations Inc. Mr. S.M. Henry Brown Jr. ’60

First Community Bank Mr. G. Wayne Eastham ’76

First Data Corporation

The General Electric Foundation Mr. Ante J. Sucic ’95

Genworth Foundation Mr. David A. Loy ’82

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Mr. Robert E. Edwards II ’91

Integrity Applications Incorporated Mr. J. Scott Miller ’88

Kraft Foods Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Keith

Liquidnet Mr. Troy Mosby ’97

2011-Issue 2

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

Raytheon Company Mr. Fredrick L. Jones ’77

Russell and Eleanor Horn Foundation Mr. Karl R. Swartz ’79

SCANA Corporation Mr. John M. Cobb ’72

Scitor Corporation Richard N. Brooke Jr. ’67, Ph.D.

Mr. William M. Bragg ’68

St. Jude Medical Inc. Mr. Donald R. Craighead ’84

The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. Mr. Philip A. Galgano ’85

Universal Leaf Foundation

The Medtronic Foundation

Mr. John B. Adams Jr. ’66 Mr. William E. Powell ’77

Mr. Roger O. Hart Jr. ’99 Mr. Ronald H. Reimann Jr. ’85

The Merck Company Foundation Mr. Tracy W. Burke ’85

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Harvey H. Bradley ’49B Mr. and Mrs. George W. Gearhart Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71 Mr. Christian A. Hoeser ’48B Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. William M. Westerman ’56

The Northrop Grumman Foundation Mr. Charles A. DePasquale ’86

Mr. William M. Fleshood ’67

Macy’s Foundation

Mr. Randall Nugent

Freddie Mac Foundation

Package Pavement Company Inc.

Verizon Foundation Mr. William D. Almy ’54 Mr. James R. Miller ’85 Mr. David L. Tingley ’85 Mr. Eugene Williams ’74

Wells Fargo Foundation Mr. Scott F. McInnis ’00 Mr. Brian D. Tate ’90

William J. & Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation Mr. Tayloe M. Dameron ’85

Mr. Richard B. Fowler ’80 Capt. Brian C. O’Neill ’80, USN (Ret)

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KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB

R. Cameron Thompson ’49C Memorial Football Scholarship Every year, the Keydet Club is privileged to receive endowed scholarships for VMI’s cadet-athletes. With each scholarship, one cadet-athlete is ensured that he or she will receive an education and athletic experience like no other in the country. These cadets understand the significance of giving back to a school and athletic program that helped enrich their lives with the fruits of VMI, and what better way to teach these young men and women than by creating a scholarship to represent one of them. With this in mind, the Keydet Club is proud to announce the completion of VMI’s newest endowed athletic scholarship, the R. Cameron Thompson ’49C Memorial Football Scholarship. The late Cameron Thompson was a native of Culpeper, Virginia. He matriculated at VMI with the class of 1948 after graduating from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, returning to VMI to graduate with the class of 1949C and to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. During his four years at VMI, he played guard on the football team, and he was selected to be a member of the Virginia All-State team. He was also selected to play in the post-season Blue and Gray

Football Game in Montgomery, Alabama. Additionally, he was a three-year member of the track team and a member of the monogram club. After graduating from VMI and serving in the U.S. Air Force, Thompson worked for a short time as a civil engineer in Richmond, Virginia, before joining his father-in-law in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at Robert B. Payne, Inc., a home heating and fuel oil company. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Thompson added air conditioning to the company’s product line. He served as the company’s president until his retirement in 1992. Thompson was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry and as a junior warden. He was an active member of The VMI Alumni Association and the VMI Keydet Club. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fredericksburg Rotary Club & Dominion Club. Thompson passed away on July 25, 2003, at the age of 76. In his name, a memorial scholarship has been established by his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Beverly Mason Payne Thompson, and his two sons, Robert Beverly Payne Thompson and Keydet Club Board of Governors member R. Cameron Thompson ’74. This scholar-

Thompson ’49C ship ensures that R. Cameron Thompson’s contributions to VMI and the community are perpetuated for years to come. As Donnie Ross ’74, vice president of the Keydet Club, said, “We are eternally grateful to the Thompson family for their generous contribution to VMI’s ongoing endowment needs. This memorial scholarship honors one of the finest gentlemen to have ever walked through Jackson Arch.”

Keydet Club Hosts New Years Eve Party in Asheville New Year’s Eve, a Big South Conference basketball game and a beautiful city in the North Carolina mountains gave the Keydet Club all the reasons needed to host a party in Asheville, North Carolina, in conjunction with the basketball team’s contest against UNC-Asheville. The day began with a crucial VMI basketball victory in a close game against the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs. Adding to the excitement, numerous alumni and family gathered at the team hotel to celebrate the win. Over 60 members of the Keydet Club, VMI staff and basketball supporters met at Pack’s Tavern in downtown Asheville for a wonderful buffet dinner and a post-meal party, complete with music and dancing.

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“What a great day it was to be a Keydet and bring in the New Year!” said Keydet Club Assistant Vice President Robert Crumpler ’07. “We had over 100 fans show up at the game to match the enthusiasm of the UNC-Asheville fans; we had a great basketball win against a good conference opponent; and we celebrated the victory and the occasion with a great New Year’s Eve party that night. Only at VMI would you see Keydet Club board members, major donors, VMI coaches with their families and loyal VMI supporters traveling nine-hour distances to celebrate the New Year together.” Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review are provided by the Keydet Club.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB

Plageman Family Football Scholarship The Keydet Club is greatly honored to receive an endowed scholarship from one of its members which helps provide a young man or woman the opportunity to attend VMI. An alumnus contributing to a cadet’s education starts a cycle, which produces an honorable citizen-soldier who thrives in all walks of life. In spring 2011, David Plageman ’62 and his family are providing this opportunity for one more cadet-athlete with the establishment of the Plageman Family Football Scholarship. Plageman matriculated to VMI from Richmond, Virginia, in 1958. He was a member of the Keydet football team. In 1962, he received his bachelor of arts degree in history and his commission into the U.S. Army. He served in the U.S. and Korea for four years, and in 1966, he left the Army and joined the brokerage firm of Abbott, Proctor & Paine. In 1974, Plageman joined Scott and Stringfellow and became a partner two years later. At the time of this writing, he is the executive vice president for Scott and Stringfellow and is in his 37th year with the company. Plageman served for six years on the VMI Keydet Club’s Board of Governors and has been a longtime leadership donor to the Keydet Club. About establishing the scholarship, he says, “I played football at VMI during the [Coach John] McKenna era. At that

time, VMI football played a role in rallying the Corps and VMI community. With the establishment of the Plageman Family Football Scholarship, I hope to ‘rally’ others to support Keydet football during these challenging economic times. I realize the value and needs for funding football at the Institute.” “David Plageman’s contriPlageman ’62 butions will enhance the VMI football program for generations to come,” said Donnie Ross ’74, vice president of the Keydet Club. “His support for VMI football has never wavered through the years. I commend him and the Plageman family for their vision and generosity.” David and his wife, Nancy Ashton Plageman, live in Richmond. They have five children and 16 grandchildren. Their oldest son, Charles F. Plageman, graduated from VMI in 1990 and is the current president of the VMI Keydet Club’s Board of Governors.

First VMI Alumni Wrestling Reunion On Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, the VMI Keydet Club hosted the first VMI Alumni Wrestling Reunion. Central to the event was the VMI wrestling match against The Citadel, which drew a Thunder Dome-record crowd of 1,537 attendees. The evening honored Coach Ike Sherlock and the 1985 Southern Conference Championship team, along with over 40 former wrestlers, representing classes ranging from

2011-Issue 2

1941 to 2007. The former grapplers and their spouses were treated to pre- and post-match gatherings in the newly renovated Crozet Hall Sub’s Mess. Wrestling Coach Rocky Trudgeon said, “It was very exciting [to see] the large number of alumni who came back for this reunion. My hat’s off to Greg Cavallaro and the Keydet Club for organizing all of this, getting out the publicity … and [bringing back] guys that I

haven’t seen in a long time. It was a memorable event for VMI wrestling.” This reunion provided the ideal opportunity for wrestlers from seven decades to celebrate the past success of the VMI wrestling program and to participate, first-hand, in “Renaissance for Wrestling,” a part of the Keydet Club’s Funding for Success initiative, which has raised over $400,000 in gifts and pledges. Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84 summed up the evening by saying, “The first-ever VMI Alumni Wrestling Reunion was such a huge success that, based on feedback from those who attended, we are encouraged to host more of these in the future. The opportunity to bring so many former alumni together, in support of a school and a sport they love, is an essential piece of the college development process! For us, it ensures that alumni stay engaged, so the VMI wrestling program will remain competitive and successful. The return of iconic VMI coaching legend Ike Sherlock was one of the weekend’s many highlights! I am very optimistic that we will see many more former wrestlers contribute to the Athletic Operating Fund for Wrestling and to The Keydet Club Scholarship Fund.”

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KEYDET CLUB Leadership Member Spotlight This is the first of a new, recurring feature article that the Keydet Club has titled “Member Spotlight.” In coming issues of the Review, as in this feature about Jacoby Fields ’07, a Keydet Club Leadership Member will be profiled, including the member’s cadetship experiences, where he or she is now, and why he or she gives to the Keydet Club.

The Keydet Club recently talked with alumnus and former Keydet baseball player Jacoby Fields ’07 about some of his VMI memories and why he has chosen to become a Leadership Member in the Keydet Club. His answers are below. Name: Jacoby Fields Class: 2007 Major: History Matriculated from: Prince George, Virginia Sport: Baseball

Jacoby Fields ’07 in his first class Bomb photo.

2011 Keydet Football Schedule

ccupation: I work for Norfolk Southern Corporation as a business analyst in Corporate Accounting. Right now, I’m based in Roanoke (Virginia) but will be going back to Atlanta this summer after we finish implementing a major business management software system (SAP).

ost influential person at VMI during cadetship: Coach Marlin Ikenberry ’95. Not only did Coach Ike become influential as a person during my cadetship, but he used all of his resources to help me when times were not so bright in both school and baseball. He did whatever he could to help me make it through VMI.

est baseball memory: That would have to be when we beat Winthrop two games out of three in a series my junior year, and I managed to go 9 for 10 at the plate. Winthrop was tough to beat that year, and they were the 16th ranked team in the country coming into that weekend. I can remember in years past when it seemed as though we had them, and somehow, they always managed to come back and beat us. That year, we played extremely hard and outplayed one of the best teams in the country.

hy did you decide to become a Keydet Club Leadership Member: Well, I’ve kept in touch with one of my good friends and Brother Rats from VMI, Robert Crumpler ’07. He told me what the Keydet Club does for VMI and its cadet-athletes. After talking with him, I decided to join with my donation. As you get older, you start to realize the sacrifices of others who have laid the foundation through their donations to help young student athletes have the same opportunity that I did. As of this writing, Fields is a BIG RED Leadership Member in the Keydet Club. His gift affords him the opportunity to attend the prized Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June each year, access to all basketball game halftime socials for Keydet Club Leadership Members, VIP parking on the parade ground for football games and name recognition in the football game-day program for his donation! Contact the Keydet Club at 800/4441839 if you’re interested in joining Fields and becoming the newest Keydet Club Leadership Member.

Sept. 3 Delaware State (Hall of Fame) Sept. 10 William & Mary (First fall reunion) Sept. 17 at Richmond Sept. 24 at Akron Oct. 1 Open Oct. 8 at Coastal Carolina Oct. 15 Charleston Southeren (Parents Weekend) Oct. 22 Stony Brook (Second fall reunion) Oct. 29 at The Citadel Nov. 5 at Liberty Nov. 12 at Presbyterian Nov. 19 Gardner-Webb (Ring Figure)

1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 1:30 p.m.

Tickets for the 2011 VMI football season will go on sale July 10, 2011, and can be ordered online at www.vmikeydets.com or by calling 540/464-7266.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2010-Issue 4

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes Class Notes covering the time period of May 16 to Aug. 15, 2008. Other than Class Notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the May through August ’08 time frame.

FEATURES 10

Class of 2008 Graduation

Fain ’80: On Leadership

Eads ’93: Financial Advice

Dernovsek ’06: In Africa

LaCerda ’07: Wins Award

Bomb Dedications

OEF/OIF: An Update

Association/Chapter News

Class Notes

162 Most Senior Alumni 167 Taps 179 Alumni News

President’s Letter

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

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

WEB SITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu

177 Association Directory 186 The Institute 190 VMI Athletics 203 The Keydet Club

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

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

DEPARTMENTS

192 The Foundation

Editor: Hope Hennessey Assistant Editor: Traci Mierzwa Editorial Assistant: Brenda Stoner

162 Births, Marriages, Degrees

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

NEWS AND UPDATES

Volume 84, No. 3

182

ON OUR COVER Front Cover: Class of 2000 leaders atop the sentinel box for the class Old Yell during their 10th Reunion, Oct. 1-2, 2010. As the honored class of this reunion weekend, the class had earlier presented a check to VMI, representing its commitment to support the Institute. Photo by Kevin Remington.