Alumni Review 2012 Issue 2

VMI 2012-Issue 2

ALUMNI REVIEW 2012-Issue 2 1

Aloha Hawaii Chapter Welcomes VMI Regimental Band

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In November 2011, the Hawaii Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association welcomed the VMI Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums to Oahu. The band was there to participate in the 70th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, including marching in the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Hawaii Chapter President Russ Takata ’74, at center in Photo 1, and the chapter presented Col. John Brodie ’92 (Hon), band director, at left in Photo 1, and the band with a print of the U.S.S. Arizona (Photos 1 and 2). The band traveled to and from Hawaii on an Air Force C-17 aircraft, courtesy of the 729th Airlift Squadron (Photo 3) and while in Oahu, performed at the Arizona Monument pavilion (Photo 4). In Photo 5, the band surrounds the Anchor Memorial (the recovered anchor of the Arizona), from which the Arizona and U.S.S. Missouri Monuments can be seen in the distance. For more, see related article in the Institute section of this issue.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2012-Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes covering the time period of Oct. 18, 2011, to Feb. 15, 2012. Other than notes, most articles in this issue were received in the October ’11 through February ’12 time frame.

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FEATURES 7

Woelper ’42: In Memory

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Miller ’42: Beats Odds

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Mease ’59: Lasting Ties

10 Powell ’69: Builds Shelter 11 McKnight ’78: Fighting Pirates 14 Lambert ’94: Rare Muscles

NEWS AND UPDATES

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 PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia 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.

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Association/Chapter News

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

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Class Notes

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

151 Most Senior Alumni 153 Taps

DEPARTMENTS President’s Letter

158 Association Directory 166 The Institute 173 VMI Athletics 176 The Foundation 185 The Keydet Club

2012-Issue 2

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

OEF/OIF: An Update

160 Alumni News

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PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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151 Births, Marriages, Degrees

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Volume 88, 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

WEBSITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu ON OUR COVER Front Cover: The statue of Gen. George C. Marshall, class of 1901, in front of the VMI Barracks.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Alumni, As I write this letter, my last one as president, I reflect on the past two years as your president and four years as an elected officer. It has been a labor of love that I leave with mixed feelings.

I am extremely proud of Adam Volant ’88 and his full time staff. Our great Alumni Association staff does an outstanding job supporting the alumni and VMI. I am also very proud of the elected and special appointees to the alumni board of directors. These 28 individuals give a lot of their time and effort to improve our support to alumni.

Blanks ’67

I am particularly proud of the job Nichole Kramer ’03 and the New Cadet Recruiting (NCR) Committee have done. We have continued to recruit some of the finest young men and women in our nation. In just a few short years, they will join our ranks, and they, too, can reap the benefits of a VMI education which I believe is second to none.

I am also amazed at Eric Hunter ’08 and the work he is doing in career networking. In just a very short time, he has helped find employment opportunities for dozens of alumni. Just like NCR, Eric depends on alumni helping alumni. It does work!

We continue to have an outstanding Alumni Review, and that, too, is the result of a remarkably dedicated and small staff.

I am approaching my 45th Reunion this fall, and again, the reunion classes could not do all the planning without the knowledge and support of the Alumni Association staff.

Please accept my sincere thanks to each and every one of you. Keep up the outstanding work!

As I depart, I would be remiss if I did not remind you of the quote we have seen many times: “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” I venture to say that we are all indebted to the VMI faculty, staff and the Institute’s traditions which we so proudly cherish and embellish with stories as the years unfold.

In these austere times, VMI needs you more than ever. We are fortunate to have experienced a heritage of support as alumni, and I urge each of you to give of your time and resources so others may enjoy and appreciate what we enjoy today. VMI has given us a great education, and we need to leave that legacy to our children.

Please remember that every gift truly counts, no matter the size.

As you read this, the Corps prepares for the end of another academic year, and we are again in touch with our New Market remembrances. We have so many great traditions, and we also look forward to the bright prospect of where VMI is headed in the future. I will continue to join you as a proud and fortunate alumnus and wish my very best to our board, the VMI Alumni Agencies and our fine Institute.

Rah Virginia Mil!

Randolph M. Blanks ’67, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

At Forward Operating Base Salerno Task Force Spartan in Afghanistan were, from left, Chaz Crowder ’10, Alex Oliver ’09, David Kimsey ’07, Finney Kimsey ’09, Mike Fager ’07 and Ryan Stull ’10.

Alumni in Theater* Recognizing Alumni Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq * Theater is defined here as the entirety of the air, land and sea area involved in declared war operations at this time.

An Update The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after Feb. 15, 2012.

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 theater, 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 2012-Issue 2

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 2010 Stull, Ryan A. 2nd Lt., USA 5

Col. Tracey Jones ’83, USAF, and Lt. Col. (sel) Joe DuBose ’96, USAF, were stationed together at Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Joint Base Bagram, Afghanistan, where Jones was the chief of vascular surgery and DuBose was the chief of trauma surgery in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. First Class Chris Buchness ’98, USA, right, with his brother, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tom Buchness and Tom’s military working dog, Max, in December 2011 at Bagram, Afghanistan. Both brothers were stationed at Regional Command East, Afghanistan, for a year and were able to see each other several times.

Attending an Oct. 12, 2011, reception at the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, were, from left, Lt. Col. John Wranek ’85, IJC Security Partnering Team 1, Combined Joint Engineer; Col. Lapthe Flora ’87, IJC Security Partnering Team 2, director and advisor to the Afghan National Army (ANA) Ground Forces CommandCommanding General, Lt. Gen. Murad Ali; Lt. Col. Travis Mabrey ’90, IJC Security Partnering Team 1, advisor and mentor to the ANA Ground Forces Command Staff; Maj. Doug Stransky ’93, IJC Security Partnering Team 2, Future Plans Cross-Functional Team, Afghan National Police Development; Maj. Wes Parmer ’96, IJC Security Partnering Team 2, Future Operations deputy; and Maj. Chuck Reinhold ’99, IJC Security Partnering Team 2, Operations officer. All are U.S. Army National Guard officers. The reception was held following the transfer of authority from Security Partnering Team 1 (November 2010-October 2011) to Security Partnering Team 2 (October 2011-September 2012). Since this photo was taken, Wranek has returned back to the states. Photo provided by Reinhold.

In Kabul, Afghanistan, were, from left, Lt. Col. Omar Land ’91; Lt. Col. Tom Westen ’93; Chaplain Pete Sniffin ’85; and Maj. Sean Lanier ’94. “Lots of snow lately!” wrote Sniffin, who submitted this photo in early February.

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

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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

Garcia ’87 Relieves Warnock ’85, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Forward Headquarters, Kuwait/Qatar On Sept. 12, 2011, Capt. Adrian A. Garcia ’87, USN, relieved Capt. and Integration (RSO&I) segment serves as the inbound portal Bill Warnock ’85, USN, as officer in charge, U.S. Naval Forces Cen- for sailors who are beginning deployment. The RSO&I Team’s tral Command Forward Headquarters Kuwait/Qatar, in a change operations are conducted at Camp Virginia. of charge ceremony held at Camp Arifjan.

Second, the Liaison Operations Team – located at the Ali Al The ceremony was officiated by Rear Adm. John Jolliffe, vice Salem Air Base Life Support area – provides support to all sailors commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, who praised as they transit through the Theater Gateway en route to their next Warnock for his leadership and accomplishments. destination, whether it is R&R leave, emergency leave, emergency Following the ceremony, Warnock reported to the staff of U.S. redeployment or return to their forward operating assignment.

Fleet Forces Command where he is addressing individual augmenThird, the NFHK Team is responsible for providing sailor sustaintee (IA) issues for the Navy. (Editor’s Note: An IA is a member of ment support in the form of administrative, pay, career counseling, the United States military who is assigned for temporary duty and general health and welfare requirements for sailors assigned to a unit (battalion or company) in order to fill in Kuwait and Qatar. shortages or to fill the need for specialized knowlFourth, the NFHK Team provides support to edge or skill sets.) redeploying sailors through its operations at Garcia, who previously had served on the U.S. Camp Arifjan, commonly known as the Warrior Naval Forces Southern Command staff, thanked Transition Program (WTP). The WTP serves as a Warnock for his hospitality and expressed admiradecompression stop prior to returning home, at tion of Warnock’s outstanding work. which time sailors return their issued weapon(s) The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Forand military-issued gear. Also, they participate in ward Headquarters Kuwait (NFHK) Team consists peer group workshops, reflect on their deployof 50 sailors who are responsible for supporting ment experiences and prepare to reintegrate Navy IAs deployed in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan with their families, their parent commands (acand Qatar. The Navy IA sailor contingent includes tive component sailors), their civilian employers both active and reserve personnel of all ranks and (reserve component sailors) and their reserve levels, from admirals to junior enlisted sailors. component commands.

Individual augmentee sailors provide support to various military commands and fulfill a multitude Editor’s Note: The above article was submitof mission requirements, ranging from logistics ted by Capt. Garcia ’87 and edited by Alumni Capt. Adrian A. Garcia ’87, USN, relieved Warsupport to high level advisory roles – these are Review staff to accommodate spacing and other nock as officer in charge certainly not the conventional ship, squadron or requirements. and read his orders to unit deployments of days gone by. ceremony attendees.

The NFHK Team serves as the Navy’s lifeline for these IA sailors and provides support via four operation segments.

First, the Reception, Staging, Onward-movement

Garcia ’87 was “piped aboard” during the ceremony.

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Captain Bill Warnock, ’85 delivered his change of charge speech at the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Forward Headquarters in Kuwait/Qatar.

Warnock was “piped ashore” at the end of the change of charge ceremony.

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On VMI Founders Day, Nov. 11, 2011, were, from left, USMC Lieutenant Colonels John Golden ’90, Louis Del Valle ’90 and Craig Covert ’87. “Both Golden and Del Valle were Rats in my company when I was Hotel Company commander as a first classman,” wrote Covert. “We are standing in front of 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV) Headquarters, Camp Leatherneck, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It appears our VMI banner was a little overshadowed by the 2nd MARDIV sign.” Another alumnus, Mint Ralston ’90, had to miss the photo opportunity, Covert explained.

From left were Maj. Sean Lanier ’94, Derya Stickley (mother of Shannon Smith ’09), Lt. Col. Tom Westen ’93 and Chaplain Pete Sniffin ’85. According to Sniffin, this is the current VMI team at Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Weedon Gallagher ’90, left, with 1st Lt. Andrew Hosey ’09, USA, on Founders Day 2011 in Afghanistan.

The two are holding a flag given to Gallagher by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, USA, VMI superintendent, and the VMI Board of Visitors.

On Founders Day 2011 at the North Kabul (Afghanistan) International Airport (NKAIA) – location of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Headquarters – were, from left, Maj. Chuck Reinhold ’99, Maj. Wesley Parmer ’96, Lt. Col. Tim Lyon ’94, USAF, and Maj. Doug Stransky ’93. “We had a luncheon, told war stories about East Lex/Palms/Spanky’s, etc. and resolved to get together monthly – hopefully!” wrote Reinhold. Besides Lyon, all men pictured are Virginia National Guard officers.

Chaplain Pete Sniffin ’85, right, with ChapU.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jack Curtis ’10, second from right, lain Tom Roltsch ’85 with his platoon and a few Afghan soldiers on patrol in in Kandahar, Afthe mountains of Afghanistan. ghanistan. “Tom is the command chaplain for the Joint Sustainment Com- I’m the operations chaplain for Headquarters, U.S. Forces, mand, Afghanistan,” Afghanistan. Great for a couple of ’85 BRs to meet up over wrote Sniffin, “and here!”

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

In Memory Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42

by Scott Belliveau ’83 Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

On December 20, 2011, Walter Elliott Woelper Sr. ’42 died in El Paso, Texas. He was 90.

Woelper Sr. ’42 Woelper matriculated from Newark, New Jersey, and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from VMI. He participated in Rat wrestling and various intramural sports, and he was a member of the Methodist and Yankee Clubs for his entire cadetship.

After graduation, Woelper entered the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer. During World War II, he rose to the rank of captain.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1966.

Woelper taught liberal arts courses in the El Paso School District for 18 years and remained in El Paso after retiring.

Active in several organizations, he was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Navy League of the United States, the Military Order of World Wars, the Capitol Hill Club, the International Coin Club of El Paso, the National Education Association, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, the Texas State Teachers Association, the Texas Retired Teachers Association, the El Paso Retired Teachers Association and the Republican Party. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Faith Meth-

odist Church in El Paso, where he devoted more than 60 years of service in various capacities. He also served on The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Throughout his life, Woelper was keenly interested in numismatics, which is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects. He was a life member of both the American Numismatic Association and the Texas Numismatic Association. According to Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of Museum Operations for VMI, Woelper had an “encyclopedic knowledge of coins and paper currency that made him well-known throughout the collecting world.” A long-time supporter of the VMI Museum, Woelper donated a significant numismatic collection – including World War II military script – to the museum over three decades.

Besides his gifts of coins and paper money, Woelper also generously gave in support of other aspects of the VMI education. He was presented with the VMI Legacy Medallion in recognition of his use of planned giving to support the Institute.

Woelper is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elvira Ochoa Woelper; six daughters, Katherine, Mary, Rebecca, Ruth, Victoria and Virginia; and three sons, Walter E. Woelper Jr., George F. Woelper and Alexander E. Woelper ’80.

Miller ’42 Continues to Beat the Odds in War and Tennis Miller said separated him from returning to Richmond in September 1945 and making an instant trip to the great beyond. He and the rest of the crew had just arrived back in the United States when the engines failed on his B-29. He waited as long as he could, until the plane had an altitude of less than 1,000 feet, before bailing out. His parachute didn’t open on the first pull, and only a harder yank unleashed the chute just before he hit the ground.

He suffered a chipped bone in his left leg but hobbled away relatively unscathed. Two members of the crew died.

A brief, front-page story in The Richmond News Leader on Sept. 28, 1945, didn’t make Charles B. Miller ’42 and his wife, clear how seriously he was injured, so he Anne, at a Westminster-Canterbury was glad he called home quickly to assuage VMI Alumni Group gathering in Richmond, Virginia, May 2011. any fears his wife, Anne, might have. OthPhoto by JoAnn O’Hara, wife of the ers thought he hadn’t made it. late Robert G. O’Hara ’35.

“People were coming up to the house with

Editor’s Note: The following article featuring Charles B. Miller ’42 appeared in the Nov. 10, 2011, issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and is reprinted here with the publisher’s permission.

Charles Miller: World War II Pilot Survived War and Peace

by Bill Lohmann, Richmond Times-Dispatch

Charles B. Miller [’42] flew dozens of combat missions over Germany and Japan during World War II, surviving withering anti-aircraft fire and delicately maneuvering through wing-to-wing flights with other American bombers on the darkest of nights.

But his closest brush with death came a few days after the war when he was on his way home, flying out of Sacramento, California.

“A millisecond” of good fortune is what 2012-Issue 2

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flowers,” he recalled. “There was Anne smiling away. She’d already talked to me.”

It’s always a good idea to offer appreciation to those who serve and have served our country. It becomes all the more pertinent at times such as Veterans Day. Charlie Miller is, of course, part of the World War II generation that, as we all know, is fading away. However, Miller doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon.

He’s fit and trim and plays tennis five mornings a week at 6:30 a.m., as well as a couple of afternoons. When I caught up with him at his Richmond home, he was still in his white tennis shirt, shorts and shoes. As we sat on his patio on a glorious fall afternoon, he bemoaned his broken computer – “I’m lost without a computer,” he said – and then whipped out his iPod Touch to snap a picture.

A pretty cool guy for 90. (He [turned] 91 in February.)

While some might see him, as he put it, as “that old man who plays tennis,” anyone who really knows him marvels at his past and his present.

“This man is one of the stellar members of ‘the greatest generation,’” said Dr. Warren W. Koontz Jr., retired professor and chairman of the urology department at VCU’s Medical College of Virginia who now plays tennis with Miller at least twice a week.

“He’s such an amazing guy. I admire him so much.”

You don’t often run into WWII vets who served in both Europe and the Pacific – “I say I won both wars,” Miller said with a laugh – or who, after flying in formation over Tokyo in a show of American strength on the day Japan formally surrendered, decided to “buzz” the U.S.S. Missouri where the surrender ceremony was held – just for fun.

The Pacific Ocean is a long way from the grass airstrip that existed where you will now find the western end of Laburnum Avenue. That’s where Miller took his first flight as a child of maybe 10. His dad had paid $1 for a pilot to take him up in an open-cockpit plane for a short ride. “My father said later he was not so sure he wanted me to go on that thing,” Miller said. “I just enjoyed it.”

Miller, a 1942 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, seems like the sort of man who enjoys a lot. He worked 30 years for Concrete Pipe and Products Co., and retired as chief engineer.

He used to run 4 or 5 miles every morning, but eventually gave that up and focused on tennis, though he insists he’s no star, and always plays doubles.

“It’s really no fun for anybody to play singles with me,” he said.

“In doubles, I hit a freak shot sometimes, and it dribbles over the net, and everybody’s happy.”

He and Anne, who met at Thomas Jefferson High School, [celebrated] their 67th wedding anniversary in December [2011]. He explains the genesis of their relationship simply: “In French class at TJ, I noticed these good-looking legs, and I followed up on that.”

He also said, “I’ve been lucky all my life.”

Perhaps not as lucky as the rest of us for having people like him serve. He understands it’s difficult for anyone who’s never been in combat to fully comprehend the experience. He also understands that those who serve aren’t necessarily in the forefront of many people’s minds.

But he knows this: He appreciates beyond description when someone he doesn’t know walks up and says, “Thank you.”

Mease ’59: A Year in the Ratline and Family Connections Forge Lasting Ties

by Laure Stevens-Lubin, Contributing Writer Col. Jennings H. (Bud) Mease Jr. ’59 may have spent only one very formative year at VMI, but his connection to the Institute has lasted a lifetime.

“I am a class of 1959 Brother Rat,” said Mease, who spent his first year at VMI and took part in the Ratline before transferring to West Point (class of 1960). “I am very proud of my year at VMI. I enjoyed it. It wasn’t, by any means, an easy year, but I was attuned to the military,” explained Mease, a self-described “Army brat.”

In April 1943, when Mease was only five years old, his father, Capt. Jennings Mease Sr., disappeared in the Himalaya Mountains while on a cargo flight during WWII. “I barely remember my father,” said Mease, “but it is still a very emotional subject.” Mease’s mother, Ellen Frances Page Mease, eventually remarried after her husband was declared legally dead three years later. Mease’s stepfather, John Neary, a member of the Army Reserve, encouraged Mease to consider a military career.

Mease had applied to West Point but did not rate high enough on the exam to get an appointment. “We were stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, when I [got word that I] didn’t get into West Point,” Mease recalled. “A friend suggested that I consider VMI. I looked

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it up, and it appealed to me,” said Mease who, at this point, intended to make the Army his career.

He was accepted at VMI and had a surprise waiting for him when he arrived. “As a military brat, I had gone to high school in Munich, Germany. When I got to VMI, I found a Munich schoolmate, Phil “Shep” Shepard ’59, there,” said Mease. “We bumped into each other at a movie and arranged to try to be in the same company, Company F. I remember lining up side by side the next day. Shep was a bit taller than I, so I had to stand up on my toes, but we ended up in the same squad.” Coincidentally, the first sergeant of their squad also turned out to be a former schoolmate, Bill Huffcut ’57, who just shook his head when he saw the two and said he was keeping his eye on them.

At VMI, Mease played Rat football and was on the baseball squad.

Although, as Mease said, he “felt right at home at VMI,” out-of-state tuition fees put a strain on the budget, and he had friends who were cadets at West Point. Both of these factors spurred him to continue his efforts to attend the U.S. Military Academy.

Through perseverance and help from a congressman’s office, Mease was able to enroll at West Point following his first year at the Institute. “VMI thoroughly prepared me for my plebe year at West Point. Already knowing the ropes [how to march, brace

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

and answer questions] made it a lot easier,” supplies on the Burma Road to Chiang KaiMease admitted. shek’s army in China and to the ‘Fighting The VMI football team played at West Tigers,’ a U.S. air wing assigned to protect Point when Mease was a plebe there. “My China from the Japanese. From bases in roommate was a photographer for the HowIndia, U.S. Army Air Corps transports would itzer – the West Point year book,” Mease fly over the Himalayas … to resupply them. explained. His roommate enlisted Mease to During the war, the U.S. lost some 400 cover the VMI side of the football game. “I aircraft along that route, leaving what one got to see all of my Rat football pals and sit author called the ‘Aluminum Trail.’ At the on the bench with my old friends. I really Mease aircraft crash site, Kuhles and his enjoyed that.” party found human remains, remnants of Indirectly, VMI gave Mease one of his uniforms and shoes, as well as a four-bygreatest gifts – his wife of 48 years, Susan one-inch metal plate that bore the aircraft’s Shepard Mease. “After Shep graduated identification number. ‘How it could have from VMI, he drove up to West Point with survived the inferno that literally vaporized his sister to see me. We all had known each most all of the aluminum wreckage after other in high school. Frankly, I regarded impact, and then been found amidst all her more like a sister,” Mease admitted. the debris and rocks, was nothing short of His feelings changed a year later when a a miracle,’ Kuhles wrote.” near tragedy brought them back together.

The Tribune article goes on to explain that He had gone to Richmond for the wedding when Kuhles crossed back into Myanmar This photo of Capt. Mease is one of of Phil Shepard and Ann Dreelin, sister of few mementos owned by his son, with the pieces of wreckage and remains, Donnie Dreelin ’59. who was 5 years old when his father they were confiscated by Myanmar military “I had a little Red Triumph,” Mease re- disappeared. Photo by Francisco officials. He was detained and questioned called. It was pouring rain, and visibility Kjolseth, The Salt Lake Tribune. but not jailed. Eventually, through was bad. Mease did not see a stop the U.S. Embassy, Kuhles was able sign, went through it and was to recover the items. He sent them broadsided. “The classmate I was to the Department of Defense Joint driving was injured and Tommie Prisoners of War, Missing in Action Dreelin, Ann’s younger brother, Accounting Command (JPAC) at suffered a broken ankle. It was Pearl Harbor Hickam Airbase in pretty traumatic,” he admitted.

Hawaii for identification. It was Susan Shepard went with Mease then that U.S. officials determined to visit one of the injured passenthe wreckage was the C-87 piloted gers in the hospital. “After that, I

by Mease with a crew of four othsaw her in a different light.” The ers, the article says. couple began dating and was marAfter hearing this story from ried in 1964.

Kuhles, Mease recalls, “I could Susan was at Mease’s side when hardly talk; it was overwhelming.” he got the news in early 2004 that In March 2011, a representative his father’s plane had been found, of JPAC came to see Mease after bringing closure to a mystery they had completed the process of that had haunted Mease since identification.

“We went through childhood. “I got a telephone call the final report and sifted through asking if I was related to Capt. the pictures and other small items.

Jennings Mease Sr.” The caller, JPAC did a first class job,” said Clayton Kuhles, an adventurer Mease. They delivered a bronze from Prescott, Arizona, had been urn with his father’s cremated trekking through the Himalaya remains, and his father was laid to Mountains in an area called the rest in Mease’s burial plot in Salt “Hump” by old Army Air Corps Lake City. veterans in search of wreckage Over the years, Mease has mainfrom a downed World War II cargo tained his ties to VMI through his plane, as stated in a recent Salt brother-in-law, Shep. “He keeps me Lake (Utah) Tribune article.

The article describes Kuhles story Col. Jennings H. “Bud” Mease Jr. ’59 with pieces of posted on events, and I have gone a plane piloted by his father, Capt. Jennings Mease as follows: “After the Japanese cap- Sr., who disappeared during World War II while flying to a few of the reunions with him. I tured Burma in 1942, the United over the Himalaya Mountains in April 1943. Photo have remained close to the Institute States could no longer transport by Francisco Kjolseth, The Salt Lake Tribune. through the years this way.”

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Powell ’69 Builds Shelter for Homeless Men Helps Raise Over $1 Million in His Community

by George Abry, Contributing Writer

Once upon a time, Jess A. Powell III ’69, M.D., would see a homeless man panhandling on the street and wonder: Why doesn’t that guy get a job; what’s his problem?

One day Powell began to see things differently: He saw homeless people as human beings, saw himself as someone who could help them. “I think I was called to help them,” said Powell, a retired radiologist who is chairman of the Inter-faith Alliance, a nonprofit that operates a night shelter for men in Shelby, North Carolina.

Powell’s conversion began back in 2004 when his wife brought him downtown to cook and serve soup at a day shelter. Over time, Powell would sit and have lunch with the homeless men, see them at church and listen to their stories. “I really felt like the Lord was saying, ‘This is what you need to be spending your energy on,’” Powell said.

Chairman of the Inter-Faith Alliance, Jess Powell III ’69, M.D., and his Powell knew he was a successful doctor, committee have spent the past few years raising more than $1 million for a new 24-hour shelter that will house 40 men in Shelby, North Carolina. because he had been given a strong analytical mind, one that could recognize problems and come up with practical solutions. He thought helped them navigate the maze of government agencies with he could do the same thing for the homeless men. As it turned which they had to deal. out, things were a bit more complicated. “Actually, it’s a very Powell became chairman of the Inter-Faith Alliance in 2010. complicated situation,” Powell said.

His committee has spent the past couple of years raising more Almost all the men struggle with personal demons and affliction: than $1 million for a new 24-hour shelter that will house 40 men drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness; many of them are un- downstairs and provide transitional housing upstairs for 40 more. skilled or have a criminal record which makes it hard to find a job. The new facility will provide life skill and job training, computers, So, in 2005 Powell joined the Shelby mayor’s task force for Bible study, as well as a kitchen and dining area, a chapel and the homeless and came up with a plan to improve the shelter police presence. The new building should be completed by the and help the men find jobs. A year later, Powell and his wife, end of 2012. “I don’t kid myself; it’s going to be a very big job, Becky, started a homeless ministry at their church, Christ for but I never thought this town would be able to do it,” Powell said. the Nations. Each Sunday, the church sent buses to surroundPlans for the new shelter in Shelby have turned out to be an ing homeless shelters to pick up men and women who wanted inspiration for other communities. One of Powell’s Brother Rats, to go to church. The church installed showers, built a clothing Scott Rhodes ’69, is a retired school teacher in Hickory, North room, and served hot breakfast and lunch.

Carolina, who is trying to build a similar transition house in his For some time, Powell had been thinking about the need for own hometown. Rhodes has visited Powell several times over the some type of transitional housing for the men, who returned to years and is using Powell’s transition house as a model. the streets each morning. And anyone fortunate enough to find a Looking back on it, the providential hand that guided Powell in low-wage job typically could afford housing only in disreputable his efforts to build a new homeless shelter wasn’t the same one neighborhoods. that steered him to VMI. “The reason I went to VMI is because “The Lord woke me up, and I felt he was telling me to build my father went there, and he thought it would be a good place a transition house and mentor these men,” Powell said. “After for me to go to school,” Powell said. several nights, I got more instructions, and I knew that this was Jess Powell Sr. ’38 was the VMI regimental commander of his what I was intended to do.” Thus, Powell founded his own 501c3 first class. “He thought it was great; he just loved it,” Powell said charitable foundation and started a Christian transformational of his father’s time at VMI. house with five homeless men.

Powell recalled having dinner with his father while he was In 2008, Powell retired from radiology to spend more time studying radiology in medical school. “I said, ‘Dad, you know I teaching, mentoring and helping the men move forward with really wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to VMI.’ And he said, ‘Well, their lives. He helped them get proper identification, disability you always wanted to be a doctor, now you’re in medical school. benefits, jobs, medical care, settle legal issues and taxes, and You’re doing well. See, it was the right place for you.’”

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McKnight ’78 Advocates Partnerships in Fighting Piracy Off Horn of Africa Editor’s Note: The following article written by Rear Adm. Terence McKnight ’78, USN (Ret), appeared in a recent issue of Proceedings, a U.S. Naval Institute publication. It is reprinted here with permission. McKnight was the first commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 for counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. He has commanded the U.S.S. Kearsarge (LHD-3) and was the 85th commandant of Naval District Washington. As of this writing, he is working on a book titled, Pirate Alley – Commanding Combined Task Force 151 on the Hunt for Somali Pirates, to be published by Naval Institute Press in 2012.

The Future of Coalition Maritime Operations Maintaining International Partnerships to Fight Piracy Off Horn of Africa Could Help Stabilize Shifting Global Relations and Support U.S. Security Interests

by Rear Adm. Terence McKnight ’78, USN (Ret)

Much has been written over the past months regarding maritime counter-piracy operations off Horn of Africa. Many have questioned the effectiveness of the two major maritime forces in the region. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently stated before the Senate Appropriations Committee for International Affairs: “The international naval flotilla working to curtail piracy in the western Indian Ocean is failing to solve the problem; the naval ships that have been involved from … more than 20 nations just have not been willing to really put themselves out.” Clinton said, “They’re happy to patrol, and they’re happy to say they are and then kind of count themselves as part of the Coalition. But when push comes to shove, they’re not really producing.”

In fact, in 2010 only 10 of the successful 49 hijackings occurred in the Gulf of Aden, and only seven of those occurred along the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), where foreign naval forces such as Combined Task Force 151 and the European Union’s Operation Atalanta focus their patrols.

While reasonable observers may differ about some of the finer aspects of these operations, there are several key points on which all should agree. And therein could be the basis for future Coalition maritime operations.

Safeguarding vs. Eradicating Some observers have gone to great lengths to discuss the history of piracy in the region 2012-Issue 2

to make the very idea of counter-piracy operations sound farfetched or even naïve. Most debates on the topic confuse the goal of maritime counter-piracy operations – intended to prevent pirates from successfully taking a ship from within a certain sphere of influence – with the goal of eradicating these attempts altogether.

However, if the goal of a maritime force is simply to safeguard a major shipping lane in the region using naval ships, then this is easily achievable. All that the latter requires is a sufficient coalition of warships to operate in a coordinated fashion.

If the international community wants to effectively guarantee the safety of the maritime shipping that uses the IRTC in the Gulf of Aden, a force of approximately 25 warships would be required, some with embarked helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles, with their naval chiefs willing to provide a coordinated “zone” defense of the corridor. Warships would simply guard approximately 20 miles of the corridor around the clock. Somali pirates are no match for naval forces. They can only operate in daylight, where modern warships and helicopters are not located.

As long as a warship has an organic helicopter capability, it can respond to a pirate attack moments after receiving a distress call from a ship in its zone. Unfortunately, the international community does not yet have a coalition large enough to work in such a coordinated fashion. But these nations are moving closer every day to achieving such a force.

The problem is not so much the number of warships required as it is the difficulty in coordinating operations; each country has different mandates. Some are in the Gulf of Aden to protect World Food Program vessels, others are with the African

McKnight, far right, and Capt. Mark Cedrun, far left, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Boxer (LHD 4), visited the Royal Danish Navy command and support ship HDMS Absalon (L16) during counter-piracy operations. Absalon is part of CTF-151. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laura A. Moore/Released.)

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Union Mission in Somali vessels, and still others protect ships that are flagged in a particular state or group of states. If one warship is playing a “zone” defense while a neighboring warship is playing a “man-to-man” defense, then redundancies and inefficiencies will result.

Success with International Partners

by the Turkish warship TCG Giresun (F-491) of NATO’s counter-piracy Task Force 508. Following confirmation from Guanabara’s master that the suspected pirates were on board and his crew had taken refuge in the ship’s “citadel,” Bulkeley’s specialist boarding team, supported overhead by its embarked helicopters, secured the Bahamian-flagged vessel and detained the four suspected pirates without exchange of gunfire. The Japanese government agreed to take the suspected pirates into custody for further prosecution.

These operations are exactly what then-Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Mullen had in mind when he described his “Thousand-Ship Navy,” membership in which would be purely voluntary and have no legal or encumbering ties. It would be a free-form, self-organizing network of maritime partners – good neighbors interested in using the power of the sea to unite, rather than to divide. The barriers for entry are low. Respect for sovereignty is high. As a veteran of the Cold War, the profound significance of such collaboration is not lost on me.

Collaboration and de-confliction will inevitably improve, and national mandates will inevitably adjust to ensure maximum coordination. Given the usual bureaucratic delays associated with such matters, it may take years to assemble the proper coalition, but it can be done. The U.S. Navy is making great strides in this regard. I have witnessed the commanding officer of the Aegis missile cruiser U.S.S. Monterey (CG-61) smoothly hand off the chase of a suspected pirate skiff from a U.S. helicopter to a German naval helicopter belonging to a European Union Task Force, and then watch the German Bremen-class frigate Rheinland Pfalz close for the capture.

I also watched the commanding officer of the Aegis cruiser Vella Gulf (CG-72) call in a helicopter from the Russian “Coalition of the Willing” Udaloy-class antisubmarine destroyer Admiral Vinogradov to provide air support while investigating a suspect skiff every There is much that we can learn from studying the history bit as comfortably as he might have called in his own organic of piracy. Trying to defeat the problem by building a maritime air assets. The capstone event of all Coalition operations coalition has been part of our strategy for centuries. Thomas occurred in the late afternoon of 29 March as the German Jefferson, as the new U.S. Ambassador to France in 1785, first Rhön-class naval tanker Spessart (A1442) was taking part in proposed a “coalition of the willing” to assist America in the Operation Atalanta. Spessart fight against the Barbary piwas attacked by a seven-man rates. More recently, Virginia pirate vessel. Along with its Lunsford laid out an excellent regular 40-man civilian crew, summary of piracy in the Spessart carried a 12-man December 2008 edition of Prosecurity detail that exchanged ceedings. The current methsmall-arms fire with the piods of Somali pirates operating rates and repelled the assault. from fast skiffs do indeed have The Royal Netherlands Navy much in common with the frigate HNLMS De Zeven corsairs of North Africa who Provinciën (F802), Spanish terrorized the Mediterranean frigate SPS Victoria (F82) from 1500 to 1832. While the and the U.S.S. Boxer (LHDfocus has shifted from people 4) intervened and captured to ships as the primary ranthe pirates after a few hours’ som targets, the technique chase. Thus, three task forces of sneaking up on merchant from seven nations carried ships via smaller, swifter craft Rear Adm. Terence McKnight ’78, USN, right, commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, presented out a highly successful joint is anything but new. an American Flag to Capt. Cenk Dalkanat, commanding operation in an extremely Then as now it was diffiofficer of the Turkish Naval Forces frigate TCG Giresun complex environment. cult to dissuade those on the (F-491), during a visit to Giresun, which is operating as In March 2011, the request fringe of civilization from part of CTF 151. The CTF 151 is a multinational task for assistance from a Japaengaging in piracy. Then as force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian nese-owned merchant vessel now the pirates’ center of Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. in the Somali Basin led the gravity was their safe havens, John Fage/Released.)

Combined Maritime Forcor as Dr. Richard J. Norton es warship U.S.S. Bulkeley so eloquently describes it in (DDG-84) to secure the release of the vessel and its 24 crew the Naval War College Review in 2003, their “feral cities” members from a pirate attack. At the time, the Bulkeley was where the state government had lost its ability to maintain assigned to Combined Task Force 151. The ship was directed the rule of law. to intercept the oil tanker MV Guanabara and was supported While many factors contributed to their eventual downfall, 14

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it was not until the United States made war against Tripoli from 1801-05 and France invaded Algiers in 1830 that the age of the corsairs of North Africa essentially ended. For this reason, many are convinced that it is going to take “boots on the ground” to achieve victory over Somalia’s pirates. Indeed, the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1851 has authorized the possibility of such operations. However, it is essential that commentators avoid comparing apples to oranges.

If the present goal is to eradicate all piracy attempts that stem from Somalia, then history does support that this is going to take a coalition willing to deploy significant ground troops in Somalia for an extended period to stabilize the many lawless cities that exist along its coast. If, however, the object is simply to prevent successful piracies in the IRTC and escort key vulnerable ships, that is achievable, using only a coalition of willing warships. This won’t prevent all pirate attempts in the region. But to suggest that a technologically advanced modern warship with an organic helicopter capability cannot prevent a successful attack within a 20-mile stretch of the IRTC is unreasonable. Comparing 17th-century battles between corsairs and European warships to battles between Somali skiffs and modern warships is unreasonable. In fact, the relative firepower that each side brings to the equation today are so asymmetric that even to use the word “battle” to describe the potential conflict would be inappropriate.

consumers, owned by a Brazilian conglomerate, insured by a British company, whose shareholders include U.S. Mutual Funds, which happen to rely heavily on pension-fund managers as their principal clients. To concentrate on the flag of a pirated ship is archaic at best. It is similarly illogical to focus on the percentage of ships pirated while passing through a particular region. The costs of counter-piracy are not limited to the pirated ships themselves – they are ultimately passed along to the world at large. They are not borne by a single state’s economy or even the economies of several. They are shared by the entire world because of our interdependent economies.

Piracy’s Price

Fully 90 percent of the world’s commerce and 65 percent of all oil shipments are transported by sea. In addition, 70 percent of the world’s traffic in terms of petroleum products passes through the Indian Ocean. The Gulf of Aden and the Malacca Straits are the principal gateways for such commerce. More than 30,000 ships pass through the Gulf of Aden each year, including approximately 11 percent of the world’s petroleum products. Because of the piracy problem in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin, maritime traffic there takes numerous precautions. They may increase the size of their crew to include more lookouts, add passive protective measures, such as fences and concertina wire along the beams of their ships, The “Flattened” World activate fire hoses to make their ships harder to scale, post warning signs in the Somali language, hire security guards, As Thomas L. Friedman points out in his seminal work, pay for escort services, travel more circuitous routes and at The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Cen- faster, less economical speeds – all in hopes of becoming a tury (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005), globalization has harder target. leveled the playing field in terms of commerce, where all These measures entail costs that must either be absorbed by competitors essentially have an equal opportunity to suc- investors in the form of lesser profits, passed on to consumers ceed. To remain competitive, in the form of increased prices not only must corporations or both. At this point, both the adjust, but countries also investors and consumers are must make a paradigm shift. a diverse lot not easily suscepHistorical and geographic tible to geographic stereotypes. divisions are increasingly irWhen a ship is pirated, insurrelevant. This also means that ance money is likely to pay the tomorrow’s “U.S. interests” ransom. So, this particular cost could literarily be anywhere of piracy is actually going to be in the world. Commentators spread throughout the marion counter-piracy have fretime community via increased quently pointed out that less premiums. Insurance money than 1 percent of the shipping will also pay for the delayed in the Gulf of Aden is being cargo. (Today’s companies canThe Danish flexible support ship HDMS Absalon (L 16), pirated and that those ships not afford to get cars, clothes right, the guided-missile cruiser U.S.S. Vella Gulf (CG that are pirated are not U.S.and holiday presents to market 72) and the guided-missile destroyer U.S.S. Mahan (DDG flagged vessels. These facts are three months late.) Everything 72) are pictured transiting the Gulf of Aden. Vella Gulf true but immaterial due to the has to be insured, piracy drives is the flagship for CTF 151. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/ effects of globalization. the premiums up, and again, Released.)

The flag state of a merchant the investor, the consumer or ship is completely irrelevant both must pay. Experts disagree in the flattened world we now live in. Tomorrow’s pirated ship about the total cost of piracy last year, but the estimates range from may well be flagged in Panama, with a Ukrainian master, a $1 billion to $16 billion, and there is, in the end, no sense getting Russian crew, carrying cargo from China bound for Canadian caught up in this particular debate. (Continued on next page.)

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Even if the figure is only $1 billion, this figure necessarily includes substantial U.S. interests.

Some observers have tried to focus on how much money is being spent by the U.S. on counter-piracy operations, to question whether the losses associated with piracy can truly justify the expense. At first glance, this seems reasonable. In fact, it is not. This argument fails to account for the fact that such costs to taxpayers represent “sunk” costs: the operating costs of a naval warship have already been obligated whether or not it is used for counter-piracy operations. The officers and crew are still going to be paid, fuel expended, maintenance expenses incurred, etc. The comparison of the cost of counter-piracy operations to U.S. taxpayers to the cost of piracy itself would only make sense if what was being proposed was to build a whole new set of naval warships for counter-piracy operations, and that is definitely not the case in the United States. Thus, there should be no debate over our role in counter-piracy operations; allowing the free flow of commerce on the high seas will always be one of the cornerstones of our maritime strategy.

Shifting Centers of Power There are complementary geopolitical reasons for the United States to engage in counter-piracy operations in the region.

As Robert D. Kaplan explained in “Center Stage for the 21st Century: Power Plays in the Indian Ocean” (Foreign Affairs, March/April 2009), the Indian Ocean is to the 21st century what Europe was to the 20th in terms of power politics. China will soon supersede America in terms of the number of naval warships it possesses, and India is not far behind. Both nations will necessarily act to protect their interests in the region, and tensions between the two may be inevitable. The fact that China has developed a closer relationship with Pakistan, while India has done the same with Iran, adds enormous complexity to the diplomatic situation.

A new incident in Tibet, the Kashmir Valley or the Strait of Hormuz could soon have far deeper ramifications as China and India may choose to engage in the same brinksmanship that the United States and Soviet Union did during the Cold War. This should concern U.S. citizens. China and India are close neighbors with large military forces and no shortage of nuclear weapons. It is in our interests to do everything possible to promote stable relations between the two. And what’s the best thing the United States could be doing right now in this regard? As odd as it may sound, the answer may be to combat piracy in the region.

As the ancient Arabic proverb goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” If one’s enemies happen to be pirates, then every state is your friend. It doesn’t matter what region of the world you are from or what religion you practice, no one sides with pirates. India, China and the United States, along with many others, including some of our very closest allies, are in the Gulf of Aden right now engaged in the very same fight against piracy. Since the fall of 2008, more than 30 countries have contributed maritime forces to combat piracy there.

At the moment, their efforts are not yet fully coordinated, but it is just a matter of time before they are. The potential diplomatic dividends from an effort that brings India, China and the United States, along with a host of other states, closer together are difficult to overestimate.

Together, the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps are uniquely positioned to help create a partnership of states to combat piracy. Such coalitions represent the future of maritime operations in general, regardless of whether our potential foes happen to be pirates, drug-smugglers, slave traders or terrorists. The maritime environment is too large for a single state to fight alone; we must ask for the continued support of the coalition of the willing.

The above article is reprinted from Proceedings with permission. Copyright © 2011 U.S. Naval Institute/www.usni.org.

Lambert ’94 Discovers Rare Muscles

by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

It was just a normal day at the anatomy lab.

H. Wayne Lambert ’94, M.D., was leading 160 medical and graduate students in a dissection of 40 bodies, when they ran into an anomaly – an extra muscle running from the cadaver’s heel to its fibula. It was the first time the muscle – now known as an anterior fibulocalcaneus muscle—had ever been seen.

“I scoured the literature all the way back to 1811, and it had never been published,” Lambert said. This discovery was made at the University of Louisville in 2008, and it has led Lambert on a quest to learn more about this and other rare variant muscles.

Variant muscles are additional muscles that most humans don’t have. Usually seen as disadvantageous, they take up space and can limit mobility.

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“Clinicians would call [variant muscles] a space-occupying lesion,” says Lambert, who is now an associate professor at West Virginia University (WVU). “It could impinge a nerve by taking up too much space.”

In a lab during 2011 at WVU, Lambert asked his students to look for a different variant muscle called the fibulocalcaneus internus muscle (of MacAlister) on a cadaver. (“MacAlister” refers to an anatomist famous for his studies of muscular anomalies, Alexander MacAlister, M.D.) Because it is extremely rare, Lambert told his students they probably wouldn’t find it but to look anyway.

After an hour of searching, the students gave up and asked Lambert to take a look.

“I did a little stroke with my scalpel and probe,” Lambert VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

H. Wayne Lambert ’94, M.D., dissecting the deep perineal space in a hemisected pelvis which is placed underwater due to the delicate nature of the tissue.

says. “The muscle was right there. It was one of those onein-a-million things.”

Lambert took the first gross anatomical photograph of the muscle and the first gross anatomical study of it since its original discovery in 1914. (“Gross” anatomy can be seen with the naked eye, as opposed to microscopic anatomy.)

He speculates that some of these extra muscles could be an evolutionary adaptation to hilly terrain. Because many of the cadavers Lambert uses are from the surrounding area, and many of the people that settled in the Appalachian Mountains were from Scotland and Germany. Lambert theorizes that, over thousands of years, these people may have developed an added muscle for balance.

“The funny bottom line is that people from West Virginia are more highly evolved than others – at least when it comes to walking on uneven surfaces,” Lambert jokes.

Altogether, Lambert has located seven examples of the anterior fibulocalcaneus muscle, one example of the MacAlister and one entirely new muscle variant that he is keeping under wraps until he can publish it. He also published an article last year on a variant muscle involved in swallowing.

“These muscles show how people can evolve – how during development the anatomy can change in different individuals,” Lambert says. “I think it’s important that people realize that everyone is inherently unique and that future clinicians see anatomical variation. Every patient is a unique individual.”

Lambert says many of the skills he learned at VMI helped him later on in life. During his time at VMI, he played on the basketball team and was involved in the Glee Club, band and theater.

“It was a time to explore and try new opportunities,” Lambert says. “I was a kid who hadn’t gone many places, and VMI gave me a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by people from all different socio-economic classes, all different races, all different countries. That was very important for someone in his formative years.”

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While at VMI, Lambert got his first taste of teaching as an upperclassman, tutoring biology and chemistry. He also took part in the Dr. Fred C. Swope Summer Scholars Program, an intensive eight-week science boot camp for selected students.

It was there that he met James Turner ’65, Ph.D., currently a professor and head of the Biology Department at VMI. “He’s one turned-on, energetic and dedicated person,” Turner says of Lambert. “His dedication to his profession is beyond anything that I have witnessed.”

Since graduating, Lambert has come back to Swope as an instructor several times, including summer 2011.

“I’m going to try to go back every year,” Lambert says. “It’s great to see all the faculty members that meant so much to me.”

Dr. Dick Dey, professor and chair of the neurobiology and anatomy department at WVU, says that Lambert is an excellent teacher. “He’s a model of a dynamic, engaging instructor,” says Dey. “His real passion in life is teaching.” Dey says Lambert has been very successful, particularly at carrying out research with little funding.

Not one to stay still for long, Lambert is working on a number of studies and articles. He is partnering with a urologist at Johns Hopkins University to study whether an artery involved in erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of heart disease.

He is also involved in two studies with the University of California, Los Angeles. One studies how the nerve supply to the heart is altered after a heart attack. The other uses brain imaging to create an atlas of how Alzheimer’s disease alters the brain.

For Lambert, the opportunities he encountered at VMI helped shape him as an adult.

“VMI was a fertile area for me to develop as a person,” Lambert says. “There’s definitely something in the water there that does great things for individuals.”

Lambert with his family – Raine, Greer, Lucy and Emma – when he received the West Virginia University 2010 Distinguished Teacher Award for M.D. Programs-Junior Level.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS Arkansas Chapter Founders Day The Arkansas Chapter celebrated Founders Day 2011 at Cajun’s Wharf in Little Rock. According to Jim Dittrich ’76, who submitted this photo, 21 people attended. From left: Laurie Guyton, Susy and Brice Strickland ’04, Mark Conley ’05, Herb Guyton ’66, Marlene and Randy Aylor ’61, Jamie and Todd Baldwin ’06, Ted and Veronica Goodloe ’65, Tish Dittrich and Al Robinson ’77 (holding VMI pennant), Nate McCall ’07, Amy Walters, Caroline Robinson, Ken Walters ’87, Dittrich, John and Kitty Eldridge ’48B, and Nita Clark (wife of Billy S. Clark ’43).

Chicago Chapter Meets The Citadel for Joint Celebration The VMI Alumni Association’s Chicago Chapter and The Citadel’s local chapter got together for the Military Classic of the South, Chicago-style.

This photo was provided by Alumni Association Chicago Chapter President Chris Haney ’00.

Norfolk Meeting and Meal

Gathering in Norfolk, Virginia, were, from left, Frank Jester ’79, Douglas Burdett ’82, Andrew Stone ’05, Matt Brady ’03, H.A. Mahan ’80, Dixon Tucker ’80, Butch Manning ’79, David Sadowski ’80, Bob White ’80 and Jeremy Ingram ’95.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS The VMIAA Young Alumni Committee Keeping the Bonds The Young Alumni Committee, created in 2008 by Alumni Association President Randy Blanks ’67 in response to an opportunity to further engage and better communicate with young alumni, encourages recent graduates to stay connected with the VMI family as they maneuver through those first 15 tumultuous years after VMI. At the same time, he created the Senior Alumni Committee to similarly address the alumni group that has celebrated its 40th (and beyond) Reunion. The Young Alumni Committee focuses on alumni who graduated less than 15 years ago.

Currently, the most important initiative of the Young Alumni Committee is to start the symbiotic relationship as early as possible. The committee encourages alumni to engage with current cadets and teach them the ropes of the Alumni Association.

Each spring, the Young Alumni Committee sponsors an informational presentation about the Alumni Agencies, as well as an informal reception for the first class. The presence and testimony of other recent graduates help add validity to this endeavor. The first class always gets a kick out of visiting Moody Hall for the first time and getting the alumni privilege to address particular faculty members by name! This year, the informational presentation was held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, followed by a dinner on Thursday, April 26, 2012. As of this writing, the Open House is scheduled to be in Moody Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, 2012. If you are interested in attending any of these events next year (2013), please contact Nichole Kramer ’03 at nkramer@vmiaa.org.

The committee wants to expand its horizons and provide more social opportunities and activities geared toward the younger crowd. Research is underway for California bus trips, major league sporting events, pre-game events in Lexington, family-friendly events and more. Please contact Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@ vmiaa.org to offer suggestions. Be sure to update your own

2012-Issue 2

The goal of the VMIAA Young Alumni Committee is to proactively serve and support alumni who are within 15 years of graduation from VMI. Based on the unique perspectives of young alumni, the committee encourages participation in chapter and Alumni Association activities.

contact information, and stay tuned to our media for more!

Through these efforts, the Young Alumni Committee hopes recent graduates will realize that donating back to the Institute (and each other) does not have to be done monetarily. Sometimes, donating other resources, such as time or brain power, is worth even more than a blank check. To learn how you can become involved in the Young Alumni Committee, please contact Steve Nakazawa ’03 at NakazawaSJ@vmialumni.org.

Ways to Stay Connected with your Brother Rats • Sign up for VMI Ranks at www.vmialumni.org to find BRs and other alumni, events, job postings and information.

• Look for VMI Alumni Association and Keydet Club Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Career Networking Services Three Ways to Use the VMI Network

by Eric Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer

“It is not what you know, but who you know.” We have all creating a profile at www.vmialumni.org. Once you have been heard and probably said this at one point in our lives. Most confirmed as an alumnus, you will have access to the VMI Job of us have even experienced it.

Board and Alumni Directory. The directory allows you to view the most up-to-date alumni contact information, while the job Many times it is the people we know who are able to help board gives you current job availability information. us network and connect with others who then become influential in our career development. It is important for us to Alumni Directory know and understand what is readily available in regard to The Alumni Directory provides you with immense value when you connecting with other alumni. are looking to connect with Brother Rats, dykes or other alumni.

1. VMI Alumni Website

Using this tool, you can search by name, location, class, profesYou easily can have full access to the VMI alumni website by sion and/or organization. (Continued on next page.)

Rappahannock Chapter Dinner The Rappahannock Chapter held a dinner on Dec. 11, 2011, at the Mathews Yacht Club in Hudgins, Virginia. VMI Alumni Association President Randy Blanks ’67, pictured below, was the guest speaker. Steve Wilson ’68, who submitted these photos, wrote, “Randy had everyone mesmerized. We had a good crowd with 40 in attendance.”

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS VMI Job Board The VMI Job Board is a free service that allows you to both search for and post available jobs. When searching, you can look by location, title, organization or words contained in the description.

When you post a job, you are also given the ability to later modify and/or delete the listing. There is not a limit to the number of jobs you can post to the VMI Job Board.

The job board is only accessible by alumni, but this does not mean that positions can only be offered by alumni.

2. LinkedIn

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 networking with other alumni. There are currently more than 4,700 alumni registered on LinkedIn but only 2,200 members in the VMI AA group. Spread the word, and help us continue to grow.

• • •

“My association with John Osborn ’89 through the Baltimore Chapter led to introductions and advocacy.” This is an excerpt from an e-mail I received from PX English who had just recently completed a career transition and benefited from being active and involved in his local chapter and the VMI network.

I encourage you to explore each of these avenues and take advantage of the opportunities to reach out to other 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, Eric Hunter ’08 Career Networking Officer

VMI Alumni Association Group Connect with more than 2,200 alumni on a professional level.

Post current job openings.

Advertise and offer opportunities by starting discussions.

“LinkedIn turned out to be a huge tool in helping me navigate to this opportunity,” said PX English ’73, talking about his recent career transition.

3. VMI Chapters

With more than 70 chapters worldwide, you are never far from other alumni. Become involved with your local chapter, and meet other alumni within your area by contacting the chapter president to find out when the next event will be held.

Chapter information is listed on the Association Directory pages of the Alumni Review magazine.

The Villages Chapter (The Villages, Florida) held a Founders Day celebration at the home of former VMI chief of staff, Col. Walt Chalkley ’72, USA (Ret), on Nov. 11, 2011.

Attending were, from left, Bob Morris ’56, Tony Curtis ’62, Don Holmes ’66, Carl LeBourdais ’57, Larry Hendry ’75, Art Carnevale ’58, Chalkley, Jim Goodwillie ’60 and Matt Kearns, prospective cadet. Photo provided by Chalkley.

2012-Issue 2

The New Jersey Chapter got together to celebrate Founders Day on Nov. 17, 2011, at the Beacon Hill Club in Summit, New Jersey. From left were Bob Magnan ’78; Mike Mezzacca ’89; Ron McGovern ’82; Rear Adm. Terry McKnight ’78, USN (Ret); Kevin Sincavage ’87; Ray Mattia ’07; Frank McGovern, Rick Wolffe ’78 and John Weeda ’93. The young flag bearer in the front row is prospective cadet Declan Weeda.

According to Rick Wolffe, who submitted this photo, “We had a wonderful Founders Day dinner with our spouses …

Rear Adm. Terry McKnight ’78, USN (Ret), was our guest speaker and gave an informative presentation on modern day piracy in the Gulf of Aden.” (Editor’s Note: See front section of this issue for an article written by McKnight.)

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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 web-based 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 is as a wonderful opportunity for alumni to help the Institute in guiding cadets to meaningful employment and making informed decisions about their future.

•

Why become a mentor?

•

To help cadets who are seeking career guidance, opportunities and information.

•

To use your experiences and expertise to encourage and support cadets.

To 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.

How to sign up?

Enter the KeydetConnect Career Mentor Network by following the next few steps: 1. Go to the VMI Career Services web site at: www.vmi.edu/ careerservices.

2. Click on the “Alumni” portal (sidebar).

3. Click on the “Career Mentor Network” (sidebar).

4. 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. Please say, “Yes,” and join other alumni already making considerable contributions to cadets and their future!

Questions?

Randolph Williams ’66 speaking with a cadet.

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).

VMI Veterans Transition Program

Making connections with cadets were A.J. Schmaus ’03, foreground, and Jessica Schmaus ’04, background.

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Are you retiring or planning to transition from active duty military service to another job or career? If so, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. can help. Please contact Placement and Career Networking Officer Eric Hunter ’08, at ehunter@ vmiaa.org, and discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Lance Cpl. Shane Wilkinson ’11, third from left, completed his training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Named the Company Honor Grad, he was promoted meritoriously to lance corporal.

Pictured, from left: Sonny Landry ’11, Aaron Weiland ’11, Wilkinson, Phil Steinhoff ’11 and Col. Wayne Jones ’89, USMC, commanding officer, Recruit Training Regiment. According to his father, who submitted this photo, Wilkinson will complete Marine Combat Training and then report to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, for Arabic training.

Gary Sibayan ’89, center, was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 2, 2011. With him were two of Sibayan’s Brother Rats, Col. Gary Bissell, left, and Tom Henning, right. A member of the Keydet baseball team, Sibayan compiled a .306 career batting average with a then-school record 92 stolen bases. He was also named All-Southern Conference Northern Division for three straight years, 1986-87-88.

2012-Issue 2

For mer VMI Alumni Association President Jim Spellman ’85 submitted this photo of #1 World Trade Center in New York City to show the rebuilding progress as of January 2012. “For those who can’t get to NYC,” wrote Spellman, “but might be wondering how it and the American spirit are doing ... here’s the latest on our reach for the sky.”

At the 13th Annual Hampton Roads Military Classic were Ed Plucinski ’86, right, with Citadel class of ’72 grad Pete Hoyer.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS During a November 2011 Veteran’s Day ceremony at Leisure Arts, Inc., in Little Rock, Arkansas, former Capt. Todd Baldwin ’06, USA, spoke with great emotion about what it meant to him to be a veteran, explained Jim Dittrich ’76, who submitted this photo. Over 100 people listened as Baldwin described the challenges he faced during his two Iraq deployments which took place during 2007-09. “He told us about his first combat experience and how it occurred on his first day in country, when an IED device struck his convoy,” Dittrich wrote. “Todd talked about how veterans of all ages bond because of their unique service.” Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Baldwin was a football linebacker at VMI. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the field artillery but served in an infantry unit while in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. “Todd currently is the account manager for TEK Systems in Little Rock and is a junior member of the Keydet Club Board,” concluded Dittrich, who is the VMI Alumni Association Region II Midwest director.

Hampton Roads Young Alumni Event

At the first Hampton Roads Young Alumni event in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Jan. 6, 2012, were, from left, Elliott Erbe, Will DeShazor, Matt Smith, Laird Nickels, Andrew Stone and Sean Matson, all class of 2005. Photo provided by Bob Heely ’69, first vice president of The VMI Alumni Association.

At the home of Carolyn and Fred Ayers ’61 on Dec. 29, 2011, were, from left, Brig. Gen. Bob Green ’67, VMI deputy superintendent for Finance, Administration and Support; Andrew Lawrence ’91; Ayers (holding an issue of the VMI Alumni Review); Ware Smith ’62; and Mike Ingelido ’67. Photo courtesy Ayers.

Stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa are, from left, Lt. Cmdr.

David Killian ’98, USN, Camp Lemonnier safety officer; 1st Lt. Carrie McAtee ’07, USMC, Global Force manager working in the J35 Future Ops shop on the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa staff; Capt. Scott Hurst ’88, USN, Camp Lemonnier commanding officer; Maj. Benjamin Venning ’96, USMC, Somalia desk officer in the J5 shop on the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa staff; and Maj. Kevin Price ’95, USAR, D/402nd Civil Affairs Battalion company commander. Photo and caption information were provided by Killian.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Sail the Windward Islands with

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

March 16 - 23, 2013 OUR ITINERARY

Depart from Barbados (8:00pm) At Sea St. Barts St. Maarten St. Kitts Iles des Saintes Martinique Return to Barbados

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Port charges of $225 and $70 gratuity per person will be equally divided into the payment schedule.

We welcome you to climb aboard the Royal Clipper for a unique sailing adventure that combines the splendor of the Caribbean with the fellowship of VMI alumni and friends.

We’ve planned an exciting trip on a ship that offers excellent accommodations, and it promises to be eight days of great times shared and new memories made with a group of very special alumni.

To secure your reservation, please visit www.vmialumni.org/cruise and download the reservation form or call 800/444-1839.

Payment Schedule: $500 deposit required with registration form Payment 1: June 15, 2012 Payment 2: October 30, 2012

2012-Issue 2

25

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

’35

Richard H. Knight ’70

Greetings to the distinguished class of 1935!

During a visit to Virginia Beach in late October 2011, I enjoyed a pleasant visit with Lt. Col. George and Clelia Freeman in their lovely home located at Atlantic Shores. (Please see the accompanying photo.) We talked in detail about Freeman’s service during the Second World War. Freeman served in France under Gen. Patton and in Japan on Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s staff. He retired from the Army in 1962, after a tour of duty in Korea.

The Freemans looked great, sounded great and were looking forward to the New Year. So, I was not prepared for the news that Lt. Col. Freeman passed into eternity on Jan. 11, 2012, just days short of his 97th birthday. His obituary appears in the Taps section of this Review.

A Masonic memorial service for Lt. Col. Freeman was held at Atlantic Shores on Jan. 21. The service was attended by many members of the VMI Family, including Albert E. “Mac” McCants Jr. ’55, who called me and sent me a copy of the program, and my mother.

I spoke with Mrs. Freeman a few days later. Clelia confirmed that she met George 90 years ago when they were in grade school and that they were married 71 years. That is quite a love story.

Clelia remarked that George’s loyalty to

VMI never wavered over eight decades.

George served as class agent and faithfully supported the Institute’s agencies.

The Freemans enjoyed the class reunions and returned to the Institute on many other occasions.

On behalf of the class and all who knew George Clifford Freeman, I extend my sympathy to Mrs. Freeman and their family.

In early January, Roe Brown Arn called to inform the class that her mother, Blanche Brown, reunited with her father, Lt. Col. Bill Roe Brown, on Dec. 26, 2011.

We had a pleasant conversation, and I learned that the Browns had enjoyed a wonderful life together, including over 50 years of matrimony. Brown grew up in Montana and Colorado, and was living in the Centennial State at the time of his appointment to VMI. After graduation, he was commissioned in the Army and then transferred to the Army Air Corps and eventually to the Air Force. During the Second World War, Brown served in the Pacific and years later in Korea.

After retirement from the Air Force, the Browns moved to California. Brown had several interesting opportunities, including a stint with Martin-Marietta. Later, the Browns settled in Albuquerque and finally in Farmington, NM. Roe reported that her parents attended the class’ 50th Reunion and enjoyed it very much. It was kind of Roe to call me.

Dr. Tom Arnold reports that his dad, Edwin T. “Eddie” Arnold, is enjoying his new home in Albuquerque, NM. Eddie is shown in two of the photos that accom-

Class of 1935: Above: Eddie Arnold on Father’s Day 2011.

Photo at left: Eddie Arnold with his mother, Laura, and brother, Walter, during the winter of his Rat year, 1931-32.

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pany this column. In one, he is pictured with his mother, Laura, and brother, Walter, during the winter of his Rat year (1931-32). In the other, a picture taken 80 years later, he is pictured on Father’s Day (2011). I have a trip to Albuquerque lined up for this summer, and I am looking forward to meeting both of the Arnold boys.

I was thinking the other day of Albert Daniel Davis, who was a regular fixture at VMI football and basketball games during my cadet days. He was living in Orange, VA, and I thought he might be a cousin, as my mother is a “Davis” and was raised in Orange. However, Mr. Davis entered VMI from Connecticut and was not a cousin.

Mr. Davis had a very “colorful” personality, to say the least.

The 2010 Register of Former Cadets has been delivered, and it was well worth the wait. The production values are of the highest quality.

I surveyed the class of ’35 and saw a number of familiar names: James Dearing Fauntleroy Jr., for example. One of my Brother Rats is James Dearing Fauntleroy III ’70. My eyes fell on a name I should know: Lewis Courtland Knight of Alexandria, VA. The Knight family settled in Northumberland County in the early 1600s, and almost all of Virginia’s Knights descend on that line, including Captain (9th Va Cav) Oscar Mansfield Knight, Class of 1842 (VMI’s oldest living alumnus in 1918), and New Market Cadet Emmet Carter Knight (1st Company, Richmond Howitzers), Class of 1867. The Register is an important repository of Virginia history and genealogy.

I had a note from James C. Sherman, our great class agent emeritus. Should you have time on your hands, go back and read some of Jim’s class notes (1995-2010).

They are indispensable to telling the class of ’35’s story. What a treasure.

The USPS has had a little trouble delivering mail to Jim, but it’s sorted out now. If you would like to write or call Jim, please contact me for his mailing address and telephone number.

I plan to speak with Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr., this year, to get his take on the presidential campaign.

I am looking forward to hearing from everyone this year, including the ladies.

Please remember to have someone scan and e-mail photos to me at my e-mail VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES address. Until the next time, my very best wishes to you and yours! [“35! – 35! – 35!”]

Sincerely, Dick ’70

Class of 1935: George and Clelia Freeman, in late October 2011. Lt. Col. Freeman passed away on Jan. 11, 2012.

’37

Frank Forsyth’37

We have to start this issue of ’37 notes with news regarding Nell Jetton (John).

Nell’s daughter, Mary Ann Jetton Craft, responded for Nell informing our class that Nell celebrated her 100th birthday last May 28th. What wonderful news!

Daughter Mary Ann continued that Nell is quite healthy and enjoying her assisted living accommodations in Cibolo, TX, a San Antonio suburb. We all wish Nell the very best.

In November, I received a card from Jean Zimmerman (James) with telephone number. I took the opportunity to call Jean and we had a delightful conversation. Jean also resides in the San Antonio area (a very nice area of the country in which to live).

My solicitation for class member information drew a nice letter from Nancy Worsham (James) in Norfolk, VA. Nancy related that she turned 90 last June, con2012-Issue 2

tinues to drive and take care of herself.

She is comfortable where she is but would be happier if she had family a bit closer. She mentioned her grandchildren are scattered throughout the VirginiaNorth Carolina area while another resides in California. Nancy mentioned her son, Tucker, was class of ’67 and wondered if my son, John, ever ran into him. John laughed about the inquiry. John said that he, of course, knew Tucker. However, being a history major, John avoided those physics and math classrooms Tucker was known to frequent! Nancy looks forward to seeing Tucker when he visits, especially on her birthday and at Christmas time.

She still loves a good game of bridge; however, her bridge partners have diminished, so opportunities for an afternoon’s bridge gathering have dwindled. Nancy, congrats to your St. Louis Cardinals for their “Series” win. I know you had picked them to go all the way. What an exciting series, one of the best! My TV control has difficulty turning from the golf channel; and I’ve been enjoying the AT&T Pro-Am golf classic at Pebble Beach. The beauty of that California area is breathtaking.

I received a quick note from Celeste Adams (Sam T.) from The Plains, VA. No real news to share but it was good to get her note. Helen Church (William) wrote from Juno Beach, FL, (little north of Tampa) that she was glad someone had picked up “Strother’s class notes.”

Helen related that her Bill and Strother were roommates and that Bill thought a great deal of him. A few weeks later Helen followed up with a bit more news and information. She has an e-mail address, hlnscb@aol.com, which stands for helenscuba, a fond reminder of her more than 20 years as a certified diver. Scuba diving was a pastime she relished while her beloved husband, Bill, chased that little white ball around the golf links.

She lost Bill last March. Helen went on to say that her Florida weather was just beginning to turn cold (around Thanksgiving). I was thinking just yesterday how enjoyable Florida weather must be right now, as I watched son, John, wrestle with redistributing more than 22 inches of that cold, white stuff from his driveway and sidewalk! Helen, can I come for an extended visit? Just until it thaws out here!

I have received a nice Christmas card with enclosed note from Fran Freeman (Arthur C.) around the middle of December. Fran relates that she has a living accommodation similar to the arrangement I have with son, John, and his wife, Leslie.

Fran lost Arthur in 1990, so she’s since been on her own. However, her son, Arthur C. Freeman IV, and his wife brought Fran closer … co-located with them in their Williamsburg, VA, home. There, in what she terms her mother-in-law suite, Fran enjoys cooking in her kitchenette, accomplishing desk work in comfortable surroundings and socializing in the community. She’s pleased that she still drives herself places. I so admire her independence and resourcefulness. Although I decided to hang up my car keys at 95, I did enjoy putting the petal to the metal. I found I could still negotiate quite easily those familiar Staunton, VA, streets which Kitty and I traversed together no less than 50 years. So, we should all salute Fran for her independence, her active lifestyle, and her independent attitude!

The next day, I received a nice Christmas card from Margery Couper (John L.) just before the holiday period …

So nice to get her note from Lexington.

Bunny Tucker also checked in with a Christmas note where he related that he was planning to attend the class’ 75th Reunion, scheduled for April 23rd and 24th. I hope that I may be able to make it; but right now, I’m not going to commit traveling from Colorado just yet.

Then in January, a lengthy note arrived from Donna Callar, filled with information about her 2010-11 school activities (yep, Donna remains active in the education industry, 48 years and counting). At the time, Donna was helping numerous low income families make Christmas a little brighter for their children. Accompanying her note was a Christmas letter which recounted her busy, busy year.

After completing the school year June 18th, she began the summer break assisting her mother recover from a nasty fall down a back staircase. Back home in July, she found just enough time to recertify her pilot’s rating and complete the mandatory flying physical. Once recertified, her vacation kicked into high gear, commencing with a comfortable 27

CLASS NOTES cruise with friends through the Baltic Sea area, visiting exciting ports of call in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Germany. She said that their excursion of Berlin was particularly thought provoking. Standing at the water’s edge, possibly where the Spree and Havel rivers meet, Donna observed firsthand the architectural contrast between the oncedivided cities and pondered what other contrasts might still exist beneath its surface. She traveled Holland Cruise line and commented the accommodations were more than comfortable. Besides the food, the entertainment, and the sights, creature comforts were enhanced by the attentiveness of the ship’s crew/ staff. The extra mints left on a stateroom pillow were the crème de la crème! She and others from her group are making preparations for trip to Norway this coming summer.

As with life, time passes, and we ’37 family members know loved ones leave our side for the next adventure. I received notice that Evelyn Dressler departed this life just before the Christmas holidays.

Evelyn’s daughter, Dottie Thomas, was gracious to let the class agent know of their loss. Dottie related that Evelyn passed away in her sleep. “For the family, Evelyn’s death is bittersweet. We will miss her and her sweet, gentle spirit. We were blessed to have had such strong Christian parents that brought us up in the Lord and taught us values. She and Lee are reunited and are in heaven with our Lord. We rejoice for her.” What a wonderful remembrance for Dottie to share with us.

I think we all understand and realize how blessed we members of the class of ’37 have been these many years. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the above information. Please, consider dropping a note to me so we may continue the communication through class notes. An e-mail address would be better! My son’s is johnf061167@msn.com. Additionally, if you have a picture you wish to share, of yourself or of VMI times, please send it to me. I’ll forward to the Alumni Association for inclusion in the notes, if it has the resolution to be replicated. We’ll return the original to you.

Until next time, we remain In The Spirit!

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’39

Frank Parker III ’64

I was able to run down most of the BRs via telephone. Ira Saxe is doing well here in the Houston area. He just celebrated his 94th birthday and is waiting for the weather to warm up some, so he can get back on the golf course. Col. Alex Morrison is recovering from a broken wrist in December. He is doing well and has been receiving letters from his students who are now financial managers, bankers, judges, etc., thanking him for his important role in their lives. I would add to that. While I was never a student he did rescue me from the Ratline for a quiet visit to his quarters which helped me through that trying year. Joe Ross reports he’s doing very well despite some 6 inches of snow on the ground. He is working out regularly at the local YMCA. He had four hip replacements many years ago which are doing fine. However, an old elbow injury from VMI football has come back and needs work. Howard Golladay is still doing fine in sunny San Diego. He is still working part time at his church and his family is taking good care of him.

Our other honorary BR, Max Hopkins ’97, writes to let us know that he is scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan in April. He met Howard Golladay at his VMI Founders Day lunch. All 18 attendees paid him their respects and all had a great time. Mrs. Laurette Plunkett sent a nice note indicating that she is doing well and is living in Cutler Bay, FL. Everyone in the Parker clan is doing fine. All were here for Christmas and we had a great time, especially a family horseback ride through the countryside. At least two of my grandkids now want horses.

Marcy and I are planning on finishing our cruise on the Danube River this spring.

Last fall, we cruised from Amsterdam to Vienna. Now we plan to go from Vienna to the Black Sea along with a group of my classmates, wives and friends. It should be a great time. The wives never seem to get bored hearing the same old war stories whenever the ’64 BRs get together or maybe they know how important they are

to a bunch of old guys.

I am saddened to report the passing of our Brother Rat Gilbert McCutcheon.

His obituary is in the Taps’ section of this Review. James, the son of Walter Samans, sent me a note indicating that his mother had passed on Oct. 1, 2010, in Lewes, DE. Keep in touch.

’40

Robert Smith

To get the solemn news out of the way first, I have to tell you that a notice from Brenda Stoner of the alumni office came with the obituary for Thomas W. Purcell Jr. on Dec. 30, 2011. She advised it will appear in this issue of the VMI Alumni Review. (Please see the Taps section.) I’m just sorry I was not able to talk with him over the years. He was with us for his Rat year and, according to Johnny Augustine’s memory, roomed with our beloved James Smith and Nelson Hotchkiss. After leaving VMI he attended UVa and graduated in the class of ’40 there. He was a naval officer and was recalled to service during the Korean War. He also attended the Richmond Professional Institute, now Virginia Commonwealth University, to train as a clinical psychologist. He worked in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers until his retirement in 1962. He was an outstanding citizen of Richmond, had three sons and is survived by grandchildren.

Wanda, his wife, is deceased. His avocations included painting and writing poetry and telling stories. I’m sure he was a great guy and just wish that we had known him better and longer. Perhaps we can say that some Brother Rats stayed close to the class and others did not after they left the school, but near or far they were all great fellows.

The cards that many of you kindly sent with holiday seasons greetings were interesting and much appreciated.

Adelaide Simpson included a newsy note with her card in which she told about her three big happenings. First, she wrote the history of Kendal at Lexington which was professionally published and was sent to most, if not all twelve, of the Kendal affiliated retirement facilities, and also to VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES key people in the communities. That is not bad for someone “more than 80 by a bit.”

Second, she loves it that she has moved to assisted living from independent living and where she has all the help she can want at the press of a button she wears around her neck. Third, she gave up driving and gave her car to a nice deserving family. She reports that her family members are well and loving and attentive.

Charlie Hoge’s wife, Billie Mac, wrote her thanks for the card the Class sent to her. I am sorry that we have never met and wonder if she did meet some of us.

Frazier Baldwin sent an extremely kind note on his Christmas card which I greatly appreciated. When I called them, first, Jinny said they were listening to music on their Bose system. Frazier then also confirmed that they are doing well; he is using a walker and she only requires a cane. He had recently gotten over a bout of pneumonia and was still doctoring to clear up the remnants, but he sounded good.

I called Dan Flowers’ telephone early one morning in February to catch him before he went to work. He said he was continuing with his routines such as going to work each day and Pilates classes. Jeannie sounded well when she answered. He was very pleased that his grandson Daniel Flowers III has been accepted at VMI. Young Daniel has gotten himself into shape for matriculation by losing weight and is now a fine broth of a fit lad who has gotten trim so he weighs just over 220 pounds. His major interest has been music; he sang bass in his school choir, and he is looking forward to being in the glee club.

Dan is participating in a Civil War discussion group at his church and they are specializing on Texas war history. I have sent him some information about the Freedman Bank in Texas which was once headed up

by General Joseph Kiddoo the great uncle of a very good friend of mine of that family. That name has always reminded me of our great Brother Rat Allen Kessee from Helena, AR, who I’m sure we proudly recall from years ago.

Earl Brown was doing well when we talked. He told me a little about his daily routines -- four times a week he goes to the Carolina Meadows exercise facility where he participates in a “stretch and tone” 2012-Issue 2

class. He also likes to play both Solitaire and FreeCell computer games, and I guess that is to keep his mind very active-which seems to be working very well. On Sundays, his daughter comes out from Raleigh and they go to church. He was about to have his 95th birthday on February 15. His two sons, one from Florida and one from Charlotte, will come in for the celebration along with his daughter. I learned for the first time about his younger years when he taught at the University of Liverpool in Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, and also at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He said all that was a long time ago, and he and his wife greatly enjoyed their experiences overseas.

John Augustine sent his best wishes and greetings with a beautiful card, and when we talked in February, he and June were doing well. In the month of June they will take the trip to Richmond for a tour of battlefields sponsored by the Civil War Trust that I previously wrote about. His son who lives in Arlington will meet their plane at Dulles and chauffeur them for this journey. Next after that, in October, he will be in Austin, TX, for his 22nd Bomber Group’s 63rd reunion. During this trip they will drive to Fredericksburg, TX, to visit the Admiral Nimitz Museum in the National Museum of the Pacific War. His bomb group will put up a plaque commemorating their participation in the war.

Fredericksburg was the home of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and the museum is located there to commemorate his career.

John’s grandson at VMI is doing well in his studies and is completing his second class year.

Sol Rawls’ card had some beautiful photographs of the exterior of his home in Franklin after a snow which was enhanced by the image of his venerable Chocolate Labrador dog sitting in front of the house in the snow to demonstrate his absolute loyalty to his assigned job of protecting the estate. His name was “Chocolate Fudge”, but alas he has since gone to his Valhalla.

When I called Sol in February he referred to being in his log cabin. I asked him about that and it was interesting that the cabin is a building built in 1837 by his grandparents from White Juniper Cedar cut in the Great Dismal Swamp. Sol said that when he was first married they lived in this cabin

and that it had three bedrooms. For now he uses it as his office. We talked about the swamp and the many stories about it.

I believe he said that the Camp family business once owned the entire swamp and that he has a company history book about that which he will share. I volunteered that when I was working as a Naval Architect during the war, my supervisor was a Senior Naval Architect that was the oldest employee in the government service just keeping on because of the war. He was quite a colorful character whose dwelling was in Portsmouth, VA, and he told stories about his long exploratory hikes through the nearby Dismal Swamp. One day he came upon a tall hollow honey bee cypress tree deep in the misty swamp that had the usual cypress knees around its base, sticking straight up out of the water.

Impaled upon the knees were a number of old whitened skeletons of bears. Apparently the bears would go up to the top of this tree to get the honey and when the stings of the bees got to be too bad they would just let go and fall to the ground but unfortunately some of them impaled themselves on the cypress knees. What a spooky site that was.

I was able to talk very briefly with Jim Cheek and was thankful for that because I had tried many times in the past without getting thru to him. He sounded strong and said that he had thought the recent item in the Review with his picture was fine.

Ruth and Bud Erwin had no special news to report other than he has stopped driving and she drives a little bit. A daughter who lives nearby drives them on most errands so they get along just fine. They enjoyed the Alumni Review which they had just received when I called in early February.

I called Dick Moncure and talked with one of his caregivers who said that he was getting along well, is talkative and banters with his nurses. These nurses come in regularly and check on his vital signs.

They had been checked the same day I called and were fine.

Gene Phillipi in Knoxville was well and upbeat but he had little to report. We decided this was fortunate since we agreed that after a certain age, a lack of news means that something bad has not happened. So, his life was on an even keel.

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CLASS NOTES It was great that John Cowart answered the phone when I called. He said he was having a hard time but I got no details. We wished each other God Bless.

Matt Friedlander was a little under the weather because of an orthopedic problem when I called him in Jupiter and so I was delighted to spend a lovely time talking to his wife Jackie. Their life in Jupiter is a little different from that at their Highlands, NC, retreat-especially in the number of friends and in the kind of bridge that is played. They don’t have quite as deep roots in Florida. Their son Charles, who is a lawyer with Florida Power & Light, lives in Jupiter and so they have grandchildren nearby. They have another son who lives in Michigan, graduated from Harvard and was a lawyer but is now turning into an author. Their third son, Stephen, lives in Jerusalem a rather unique place to live. I got the impression that Jackie and Matt enjoyed a very full life.

It was fun to catch up with Ben Hardaway and to learn a little bit about his current foxhunting exploits. His son-in-law, Mason Lampton, has a place in Fitzpatrick, AL, near Ben’s home that is used for foxhunting. When I called in mid-February the season for fox hunting had about three weeks to go so Ben was doing all he could to take advantage of the precious time that was left. Mason keeps the hounds and Ben goes over to participate, during which he stays in his truck while others ride their horses. Of course this gives Ben a chance to see the Hardaway Crossbreed Hounds, the breed that he originated, in action. Besides fox hunting, Ben does some shotgun shooting. Ben and I then got into some of the other worthwhile things he is doing. He is continuing to support the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning and particularly a room dedicated to honor a general that Ben served under the doing WW II. He also is sponsoring a young artist named Sharon Whitworth who writes songs and performs in country style. She has a husband who also is a musician and Ben is helping them with their careers.

His life sounds very interesting and it is great that he is so involved with stimulating activities that keep him going and interesting.

As for Betty-Jane and me, we are enjoying reasonably good health and living. She 30

has switched from water-walking to treadmill walking to get more challenged, and I am continuing to work-out at our Spa. Her bridge is improving-both with the “girls” and when we play our Chicago game Couples Bridge. For the latter we designed the movements, designed tallies and scorepads, and wrote out the procedures.

We play with up to six tables followed by a gala dinner to celebrate and defame the victors and to give out the prizes. Oddly, some couple or other always gets a prize! I have just completed my three-part cycle of lectures at the Heritage Library about Hilton Head as related to the Civil War. Our island was then called Port Royal, and the Union’s Army of the South, plus the Union Navy’s Coastal Blockade fleet was based right where we lived on the Island before we came to this retirement facility. The island population grew to about 47,000 in a mostly temporary city of buildings torn down after the war.

Finally, may I note that in connection with a soon to happen Class Agents’ Conference at VMI, I got a report on giving by all the classes in our decade for this school year. We are still doing exceptionally well among this group (and I expect among all alumni if the whole database were known).

Thank you to all who have and will contribute this year.

’41

Alfred Rooklin

I often wonder about the following Brother Rats, M.A. Prideaux, our class president during our Rat year and third class year. Why didn’t he come back for our second class year? What about Shelby? “Ripper” Walker and any others that you can bring to mind? Please tell me and I will find out or any non-grads.

I received a RE document of ’42 grads from the Alumni Association. Harold Tipton is listed as one.

Since I am new at this, help me as I return to our cadet days and the memories that standout about our Brother Rats.

Please let me know, and I will share them with you. If you have only their names I can ask the alumni office to help locate them.

There were 255 of us who matriculated Sept. ’37. Some went to other schools, some “bulled out.” Indeed some non-grads showed up at our various class reunions, and I feel are still living.

As for the football team, “wait until next year.” The basketball team is exceptional and plays to large crowds.

There were no departures last year; any of our +95 age survivors – keep it up!

Yours in the Spirit!

Al

’42

Charles B. Miller

A belated Happy New Year. I am grateful for the communications that have come in.

I hadn’t heard from B.W. Baker in a long time, so gave him a call. He is out of the Chesapeake Bay retriever business, but keeps three dogs and a kennel outside of Portsmouth, VA, where he’s still involved in local politics. Billy served on the City Council in the 1950s and was mayor from 1958 to 1960. At the age of 90, he ran for mayor. He lost in 2010 but is considering another run again this year. Last year his wife Margaret died. He says he is a good driver and thinking seriously about making the 70th Reunion.

Blair Rogers Major, widow of J. Russell Major, sent a nice Christmas card and note. She has established a scholarship in Russell’s memory. It is a merit scholarship for cadets majoring in liberal arts. Russell, who taught history at Emory University for 41 years, was an expert on Renaissance history. Blair gave a large part of Russell’s library to Preston Library.

At Amazon.com, you can get a copy of Russell’s book, The Memoirs of an Artillery Forward Observer, 1944-45.

Harry Siebert’s publisher has changed the name of Harry’s soon-to-be-published memoir to Cavalry Officer: The War Years, 1942-45. Besides Russell and Harry, I wonder how many other Brother Rats have published their World War II memories.

Harry was having some breathing problems, but hopes to attend our 70th Reunion.

He would arrive in Lexington on Sunday and be available to shuttle anybody who needs a ride from Roanoke airport.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Dot, Paul Cabell’s widow, got a nice Christmas present from their daughter Ann – tickets to hear the Glenn Miller Orchestra near Dot’s home in Albia, IA. She says it brought back a lot of memories. Dot has a new e-mail address: devsoma@yahoo. com.

Bob Goodman plays on a water volleyball team in Austin, TX, and sent a picture of him and his wife Natalie at the pool.

They look great.

I am afraid I ruffled Ed Jones in the last issue by discussing his age, but he got over it and we had a very good conversation about religion. He is “blogging” these days with some people who have entirely different thoughts about religion than he has.

Ernie Keppel’s wife, Tish, fell and broke her pelvis. For the time being, is using a wheelchair. I interrupted Ernie while he was watching golf, so I did not get a lot of other news from him.

I was sorry to learn that Irving Pierce died in May 2011. He lived in Duxbury, MA, and was a practicing civil engineer for more than 60 years. During WWII, he was with the Army Corps of Engineers, supervising construction of forward airfields in North Africa, Corsica, Sicily and

Class of 1942: Harry Siebert and his wife, Jody, who were attending the change of command ceremony for her nephew, Michael, in Beaufort, South Carolina.

2012-Issue 2

Italy. Our condolences to his wife, Ann, and family.

The Alumni Association has current addresses for 21 Brother Rats and for 33 widows. The 1938 Rat roster listed 203 in our class. My slide rule shows 10 percent of us left. The Brother Rats are: B. W. Baker, John Embrey, P.X. Geary*, Bob Goodman*, Gabe Horne, Ed Jones*, Ernie Keppel, Lloyd Leech, Frank Lee, Fred Love*, Charlie Miller*, Gordon Moore*, Jack Patton*, Irving Pierce, Charles Purdum, George Rhea, Harry Siebert, Lloyd Stallings, Andy Stumpf, Jack Whitmore*, Jed Wilson and Jack Woodward.

If your name has an *, that means I have your e-mail address. E-mail might be too difficult to get into at this stage. It certainly can be time consuming, but it is a mighty convenient way to stay in touch. If you don’t have an * by your name, but do have an e-mail address, please send it to me at my e-mail address above.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

“Ten little, nine little, eight little Indians” – so the nursery rhyme goes until it ends with “one little Indian boy.” In 1939–1940, Agatha Christie, playing on the theme of that rhyme, published her classic And Then There Were (sic) None. Its denouement describes the circumstances surrounding the dramatic death of the last little Indian, in this case the sole survivor of a tenperson-group stranded in a mansion on a channel island. The other nine, one by one, died mysteriously. Our class is thankfully far from “none.” However, it is sobering to report we have lost three Brother Rats, none under mysterious circumstances, since my previous class notes stated that we were holding at forty survivors. “And Then There Were Thirty-Seven” survivors in the class of 1943.

The obituaries of our departed three are printed in this issue. (Editor’s Note: Please see the Taps section.) I regret to tell you of the deaths of Robert Saunders Rucker of New Bedford, VA, on November 6, 2011 – of Nimrod William Ezekiel Long of Birmingham, Alabama, on

September 27, 2011 – and of Joshua Clyde Whetzel, Jr. of Del Ray Beach (formerly of Ligonier, Pennsylvania) on January 24, 2012. Blessedly, all had peaceful deaths.

Josh and Nimrod were 90, Bob Rucker – 91.

Neither Bob nor Nimrod graduated. Bob enlisted in the Army after he left VMI. He served first in the horse cavalry, later with mechanized cavalry units in Europe, received a degree from Lynchburg College after the war, and indulging his love for cars and all things French, opened a Citroen auto dealership in 1967. His wife, three children and four grandchildren survive him. Nim Long left VMI for Auburn for a while, then joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet and became a P-51 pilot in the China Theater.

He returned to Auburn for his degree and became a renowned builder of roads in Alabama. He is survived by a daughter and son, and three granddaughters.

Josh Whetzel was a full-fledged VMI graduate and roomed all his four years with the Brantly twins, Ned and Ghee.

He was proud of his service as an Army officer, especially during the Battle of the Bulge, an “experience (that) never left him.” After the war, Josh operated a small

Class of 1943: The late Bob Rucker at Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1942. Bob died on Nov. 6, 2011, at the age 91.

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CLASS NOTES oil refinery in Pennsylvania, until 1968 refurbished former (of our time) chemistry Johnny and Shirley Van Landingham, when he chose to become a leader – soon and biology building. It is now – as of Oct. Betty Haskins and Jeff and Jane Smith very highly regarded – in the field of 28, 2011 – Shell Hall so named in honor (aka Jane and me). The guest speaker was conservation, particularly in his home state of the 9th VMI Superintendent Brigadier Lt. Gen. Carl Strock, USA (Ret), former of Pennsylvania. Josh is survived by his General George R.E. “Buddy” Shell ’931, Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers and wife, Farley, three sons, a daughter, nine USMC (Ret). Maj.Gen. Jim Morgan ’45 – a Brother Rat of 1970 whose interrupted grandchildren and one great-grandchild. former long-time CE professor and dean of cadetship delayed his graduation until I also was saddened, as many of you the faculty – gave the dedication speech.

1975. As always, the many cadets who aswill be, by the death of Evelyn Andrew, It was, as are all Jim’s comments at such sisted us, helped serve and entertain were widow of Bill “Snapper” Andrew, on occasions, superb, informative, hearta credit to all that VMI stands for. You December 9, 2011. Evelyn and Bill’s warming and humorous. To the delight of would have been very proud of them. The daughter, Jane Bishop, called to let me Jane and me, all three of Gen. and Mrs. Johnny Vans both looked great and were in know. Jane was with Evelyn at the end in Shell’s children attended, as did several of good spirits, as was Betty. Betty has given the latter’s retirement residence in Exeter, the Shells’ grandchildren. That made for up trying to sell her Lexington home, at New Hampshire. Evelyn simply drifted a very joyful reunion, and brought back least for the time being, so we who attend off as she slept. That severed the final link memories of an era when the VMI Class of our 70th Reunion can look forward to to some of my nearest and dearest. Bill 1961 thought that the new superintendent seeing her. and I were Army brats whose fathers were and new commandant, that is, Gen. Shell Jane and I were keenly disappointed that horse cavalrymen. We roomed together all and I, were the devil incarnate. BlessGeorge and Kitty Snead could not attend our four years, were commissioned in the edly, time and changing perspectives and the dinner. Turned out that they cancelled, Cavalry, and Bill was my best man when maturity take care of many things, and on orders from George’s doctor, at nearly Jane and I were married. on that very particular day there was only the last moment. It wasn’t an emergency.

Echoing the theme of the above notes reminiscing about the good and construcIt was all caused by the timing of George’s regarding mortality, Settle Frank wrote tive and happy events. periodic injection into his knee of the on December 19, 2011 that, “It’s rather The second upcoming event was the magic elixir that keeps him free of a disconcerting to see how close we are annual Institute Society Dinner on Foundwheelchair. The doctor wanted a margin of getting to (be) the first class listed!” in the ers Day, Nov. 11, 2011. It was a grand safety after the shot to see if George’s knee class notes of the Alumni Review. Settle’s evening. The dinner, as has become the were fully OK. The margin of safety fell wife, Pauline, is unfortunately a victim of custom, was in the relatively new Marshall beyond Nov. 11. Aside from that, George Alzheimer’s disease. She is in the nursing Hall which also houses VMI’s Ethics and reports all is (as of Feb. 11) well with both wing of the Franks’ retirement facilLeadership department and the Hall of Kitty and him, that he’d been taken off five ity – Mount Pleasant Retirement Village, Valor, among other things. Every seat was medications (didn’t say how many that Monroe, Ohio – and only five minutes taken, but it took only a few to accommoleft) to alleviate his daytime drowsiness, from Settle’s apartment. Settle and oldest date our small contingent from the class of knee gel still works, George still sings, son, Rick, who lives about 40 minutes 1943. We were seated at a table with a few both Kitty and he keep up their exercising, away, spent a night last May at the Skyfrom the class of 1945. Our attendees were enjoy music and residence activities. Sixth land Resort on Mile 41.7 on the great-grandchild arrived Feb. 9!

Skyline Drive. They hiked up Congratulations all around. nearby Little Stoney Man trail, On Pearl Harbor Day – Dec. which starts at 3215 feet above 7, 2011, my answering machine sea level and ends 200 feet informed me that Gerry Asch higher with a storybook view. had called from his Long The Park Service describes the Island home in New York. climb “moderately difficult,” Dutifully, I called back. Gerry which means VERY difficult for told me that somehow, as we those of our age and stage. Well all are sometimes prone to do, done! Also last May, Settle enhe’d evidently misdialed and joyed the Gulf of Mexico beach left a message for some one and some fishing with his son, other than me. Whatever the Tom and wife, Kathy, on South circumstances, it made for a Padre Island – near my old brief and pleasant chat. He haunts at Fort Brown, TX. was off to California in a few In my last class notes, I mendays to visit his two daughters Class of 1943: In August 1945, Josh Halbert, Jeff Smith, tioned two upcoming events. and son before heading for his Ned Brantly and Wade Wineman had an impromptu reunion The first was the dedication of longtime Boca Raton, Florida, near Kunming, China, days prior the Hiroshima bomb. the restored and handsomely condominium till the heat and 32

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES humidity remind him it’s time to return me two Christmas cards, the latter to the matches were not played outdoors in to Long Island. Anne is well, and they inform that Baylor, a true warrior as Peg the Dante Inferno Houston heat. Nevertheare definitely planning to attend our 70th describes him, had a second stroke the first less, a notable achievement, Chuck!

Reunion. Mark down the date – April week in December, was soon back on his On the Nov. 15th, I received a brief but 22–23, 2013. feet, albeit a bit unsteady, only to fall down news-filled e-mail from John Halsey.

Bill Johann’s legacy lives on through at 0300 a week or two later and get a split He is gradually healing from the loss my semi-frequent and always welcome above his left eye that was “glued” shut in of Judy thanks to his daughters arrange-mails and letters from Bill’s son, Bill Jr., time for him to have a skin cancer on this ing many days at Martha’s Vineyard of Richmond, and Bill’s youngest daughhead removed the next day. Peg wrote that last summer and repeated visits to their ter, Jane Gresham of Norfolk. Courtesy of “Baylor is becoming well known at Duke homes in Chevy Chase. He’s moved from the Alumni Review editor-in-chief, Hope University Hospital, having tried out every the assisted living wing of Westminster Hennessey (daughter of my longtime good department from the emergency room to Canterbury to “the Tower” in a single friend, the late Gen. Jack Hennessey, West the ninth floor. He has become an expert bedroom apartment, which gives him more Point 1944), Jane Gresham will continue on where everything is.” The undiluted dining options. As a result, he reports, he’s to receive the Review. sweet news was of their grandson, Tyler met new people including a “number of The mystery and guessing game continGibson, who having received his Ph.D. attractive widows … and I’ve had meals ues as to the health and situation of Bob from Harvard Medical School last summer with a few of them.” He has joined the Reveley. Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan ’71, has been hired by Cal Tech to work with approximately 12 (not including several the VMI Foundation’s vice president for two Nobel Laureates. Tyler has lectured widows) VMI residents who join about major gifts, is keenly interested in Bob in China, Japan and France. The Gibsons’ 12 other VMI men for monthly lunches at because of Bob’s generosity to VMI, but granddaughters are also high achievers in Richmond’s Topeka Steakhouse. “Mostly has been rebuffed, as I have, by Bob’s sole their own right.

World War II vintage.” Charlie Miller surviving son. Bob has no daughter. Buddy Chuck Beckham continues to keep me ’42, is and has been the organizer-in-chief. keeps me posted, and in that regard called politically correct and informed (we share John plays tennis three times a week, and to let me know that he’d received a Christ- the same philosophy). He and Helen report has organized a twice-a-week bridge game mas card, mailed Dec. 13, 2011, in San that they have had a busy 2011, marked “that is very competitive and sociable Diego from Bob. It contained a monetary in particular by the marriages of three of (except that in the) last few days two of gift (for VMI) but no message other than their grandchildren. They hope to make it the players have gone to the hospital with “Merry Christmas.” As reported before, to Florida this year to visit relatives and serious problems.” John wrote that he I have long been worried (as has Buddy) friends. Chuck wrote that he’d hoped my looks forward to our 70th – but, John, take about Bob’s physical and mental welfare. mention of Hugh Birchett might encourit easy on those bridge games.

We all wish him well. age him to drop me a few lines, but so far I wrote George Eng at year’s end that Speaking of Christmas, it was gratifydead silence. Chuck also wrote to explain I only had two good friends from Chiing to hear from several in our class. Dick that all the matches in the 2011 U.S. Nacago – the city, that is, not the suburbs. and Barbara Catlett sent one featuring the tional Tennis Championships were played One, of course is George – now 92 – birthday boy on the occasion of Dick’s in air conditioned, indoor courts in Houswhose ancestry is Chinese. The other was 90th. You’d never know he’d reached that ton last summer. He won in the age 90–94 Arthur Morimitsu, of Japanese ancestry, milestone nor, I expect, that his golf game Age Group, but wanted to ensure all knew who recently died and was a cherished has suffered. comrade-in-arms in the Burma Brian Bowen sent a cheery campaigns and later serving, as note and thanked me, once did I, on the small U.S. Army again, for being class agent. team sent to Taiyuan, north Just before Christmas, Lella China, just south of the Great Jones wrote to tell me that Wall, to observe the surrender Harry (Jones) had broken a of the Japanese Second Army leg on Oct. 19, 2011, and was to the local Chinese warlord, undergoing therapy at a local Marshal Yen-shi-san. George rehab facility. He was improvsoon replied that although he ing slowly and his spirits were and Art had never met, he had high. Maxine Mahone thanked long known Art’s brother and me for reminding her of the other family members, and that 70th. She’s going to do her best they attended the same church. to make it and looks forward to George stated that although he greeting us all. is “afflicted with the symptoms Class of 1943: On May 25, 2011, Settle Frank climbed the Bittersweet news from Peg of aging, I believe the Lord has Little Stoney Man trail in the Shenandoah National Park. and Baylor Gibson. Peg sent blessed me with a good life…

2012-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES My activities are greatly reduced…(but) the experiences and training I received at the Institute still play a major role in directing my life.” Amen.

Christmas Eve I was called by retired Judge Don Foster from his home at Woodland Hills, CA. He’d been cleaning his swimming pool, an inside one. Both he and his wife are in good health. Don asked me to correct a misstatement in my earlier notes where I’d stated his home was 6000 feet above sea level – a gross exaggeration that simply sailed by me and my wife who is my editor. The Fosters are at 600 feet – still relatively high for western reaches of California. But mainly, Don wanted to chat and wish us a Merry Christmas. He had just bought a new computer (he’s not an Apple Macintosh man as am I) which he was about to explore, however, he doesn’t intend to let it interfere with his “ham” radio activities. Finally, he attempted to educate me on the various levels of Free Masons. Don is a 32nd degree Mason and has been for 62 years a Shriner. Sounds very impressive.

Vince Thomas called me on Dec. 27, 2011, from his room in the assisted livingnursing portion of Harbor’s Edge, the retirement residence where he and Betty – and the Bilosolys – have lived the past several years. He was up-beat and cheery, his broken hip behind him, but said that he and Betty decided it best that he move full-time into assisted living. Betty is maintaining their apartment. Vince was able to use a walker at times, but was mostly confined to a wheelchair. Well and good, but Buddy Bryan (mentioned above) called me about Feb. 6 to tell me that Vince had fallen and “shattered” his pelvis. Shattered it was, and to the hospital he went. A few days later, he was released from the hospital to assisted living at Harbor’s Edge. I spoke to both Vince and Betty two days later. They weren’t too pleased with the hospital care, but their spirits have since risen – and Vince, the penultimate, indomitable happy Warrior, was looking forward to a second session with his physical therapist who predicted that he’d soon have Vince walking again. So we all hope and pray – as do also for Frank Bilisoly who’s had more that his share of tumbles and balance problems.

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Some welcome news from Bruce and Joan Suter from their retirement residence – called Harrogate. Bruce chairs the Building and Grounds Committee, organized an Arbor Day celebration, and gave a wellreceived speech about his World War II service the Activities and Marketing Committees. Somehow that doesn’t surprise me a bit about their activities. Joan wrote they are in good health and remind one another to take their daily pills. Bruce added that Billy Bell is recovering from a broken foot so he thinks Bill “is giving up square dancing but continues to play his violin and sings in the choir.”

Take the “Dementia Quiz,” so urged Gordon Smith in a recent letter to me in which he enclosed a copy of the quiz. (He was also sending it to Vince Thomas and John Van Landingham, fellow EE majors.) It seemed primarily to test one’s ability to keep track of the arithmetic involved in a series of changing situations. I took it twice and flunked it twice, as did my mentally agile spouse. As did my highly intelligent son. Good luck to Vince and Johnny.

There was no trickery involved, just a case in which a computer was more reliable than our little grey cells in our brains. Gordon signed his letter as “G,” commenting he was adopting the style of our one-time Commandant, Gen. H.B. Holmes ’916, who always signed his missives with only a capital “H,” “G” seems to be doing well, all things considered.

Class of 1943: Jeff Smith – 124th Cavalry – in April 1944, holding a rattler which he later ate for supper. At the time, he was in Boca Chica, Texas, near Fort Brown, where the Rio Grande River enters the Gulf of Mexico.

It was comforting to learn two days ago from Hugh Dischinger ’45 that his brother, our Brother Rat Jim Dischinger, was doing well, “still sharp as a tack” and enjoying the Alumni Review despite his need for a cane and an inability to tolerate long car rides.

I received a very interesting letter from Harry Siebert ’42 (New Smyrna Beach, FL). As a member of the Horse Show team, he was severely injured in the fall of 1940 when his horse “refused” a jump. As a result, Harry missed the spring semester for medical reasons and when he returned to VMI the next fall, was turned back academically to the class of 1943. However, he was able to attend ROTC Summer Camp in 1941, and in May 1943, without graduating, was called to active duty as a second lieutenant in the Cavalry. He “well remembers” his last months at VMI with the “great men” of 1943. Of the many VMI Class of 1942 men commissioned in the Cavalry, only Durland Clark, Jim Satterfield and Harry went to horse units in the 1st Cavalry Division (in which division my father commanded the 5th Cavalry regiment 1940-41.) Satterfield and Harry left the division to fight their war in Europe with the 38th Recon Squadron.

The 1st Cavalry Division was dismounted and fought as Cavalry (Special), a War Department euphemism for “Infantry,” in the Pacific. Several in the class of 1943 (I was one) fought in Burma with the last horse cavalry regiment to become Cavalry (Special). Harry’s book, Cavalry Officer, about his three years in the Army was published January 2012 by 2 Books.com of Alexander, NC 28701.

Just received was the quarterly accounting provided by the alumni office of Annual Giving. Thanks, once again, in extremely large part to the generosity of Bill Gottwald, our class totals look very good at the half way point in VMI’s the fiscal year. For those, such as I, who wait for the calendar year to donate, please do not forget.

The numbers as they pertain to the 13 classes of the 1940s decade: The 1943 total was $339,509, second only to the class of 1940’s $344,675. We had four widows who gave, with Nita Clark (Billy’s widow) being very generous.

Our percentage of giving was – as it is VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES so often – disappointing, only 41 percent (14 alumni donors). Fifth among the 13 classes. Those such as Jim Demmler, who is deep into Alzheimer’s, and Bob Reeves and John Bader who’ve asked they not be contacted by VMI, are not included in the calculations.

Finally, I have included a few photos of (mainly) the past and of one recent event.

Jane and I are off to cruise the Caribbean down to Belize for 10 days come Feb. 26th. Hasta la vista.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

Once again it’s time to try and make sense of my scribbled notes over the last three months. It is getting more difficult at a faster rate lately as all the difficulties of increasing age become more prominent in my mental activity.

Back in November, Ezra Trice’s oldest son, Ezra B. Jr., took him on a trip to Europe. They spent five days in Rome and four in Paris. Ezra had never been to Rome and said the five days immersed in the history of that city was extremely fascinating and interesting. The entire trip was great.

All their travel was first class and Ezra Jr. paid all the bills.

A call on my telephone ID from a number in Washington state that I didn’t recognize had me try the number I had for Jim Renton to check and see if he had moved. I found he hadn’t. He and Nancy are very comfortable and happy in their retirement community cottage in Vancouver, WA. They have been there for about two and one-half years and find it just right for this stage in their life. His telephone is 360/882-3634 should any of you want to chat with him.

One couple who has moved is Bob and Ruth Sherrard. They are now settled in an assisted living facility in Lancaster, PA, and enjoying their quarters there. Their new mailing address is: P.O. Box 5093, Lancaster, PA 17606-5093 and telephone 717/569-0817.

Their two granddaughters at the Naval Academy are very happy with their attendance there. The older one is a senior cadet captain and the younger is a sophomore 2012-Issue 2

on the soccer team. Bob’s health is pretty stable, so he comments as do many of us, “I’m still hanging in there.”

A short while later Jim Hammond called to ask about Bob and was glad to hear the above.

After a siege with vertigo Jim Doss is medicated and improving. He says his doctor won’t let him drive any further than Buena Vista. That cramps his style a little, but a lot of his family came visiting in Lexington for Christmas. He did report that Tom Gentry and John McClung don’t get out of their Lexington quarters very often but both are doing OK. I got an update on Harold Lockwood and Marguerite when he called to wish us a Merry Christmas from them both. He said they need rain badly in his area of Texas but have gotten enough for grass to feed his 14 cows. His herd keeps him busy and he can’t give them up. Harold says they love him and come running when he shows up each morning with his bucket.

He doesn’t drive much anymore but does play golf once a week.

With only a few short trips in 2011 Marguerite and Taz Ellett’s whole family got together for a huge enjoyable Christmas celebration on December 26th.

Among our Christmas cards the leader for having the most family members in their photograph is still Cabell and Shirley Brand with 21 and three smaller oneperson photos. Second place was Mardi Gillum with 19 individuals. As I’ve said before, I don’t know how they remember all the names of their respective family members.

Bob and Hazel Smothers were in a different category. They had 20 small individual photos. The two of them were in nine of these and family members were in the rest. All had a small descriptive sentence or two under the photo. I did find a small symbol at the bottom of the card reading “Smother’s Print Shop.” Bob must have expanded his family history operation. I’ve previously mentioned several family histories he and Hazel have written.

Under one photo he mentioned that the treatment for his health problem I told you all about in October had gone well. That was great news.

Fran Meade’s annual card narrative for 2011 was great, as usual, and I’ll quote the

first and last verses: We see that all around the town Christmas flips things upside down With indoor trees and outdoor lights To brighten up December nights So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year To you and you and you and you We wish you all the best we can With lots of love from Dick and Fran Joining those with poetic messages was Martha McIntyre, and I’ll quote the last four lines of this one: And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew The best gift that life offers is knowing a friend like you And may the spirit of our Lord that will forever endure Leave its richest blessing in the heart of you and yours The news from Dick and Ann Niess was upbeat with both managing to hang in there while competing successfully with some physical problems. Ann’s hoping to have the novel she’s been writing in print by spring of this year. I’ve mentioned it before and it sounds very interesting. They were planning an 11-day Caribbean area cruise in mid December which we hope to hear more about in the future.

With a growing family that includes four great-great-grandchildren, Edwina Ragland reported that Christmas in Ruxton, MD, was bedlam. It also closed out a twomonth celebration of her 75th birthday.

Her family is really glad to have her still around.

Hotdog and Miriam Helmen spent Christmas in Illinois and planned their usual winter at the farm in Virginia and spring in Florida. We’ve had quite a few warm days in Virginia this winter, so I guess they are really enjoying their time here.

John Ingles sent me some really sad news. His wife, Audrey, died in August 2011. We all certainly send John our deepest and sincere sympathy. He had moved to a new apartment in the same retirement community. His new address is: 619 Laurel Drive, OBT 214, Columbus, NC 28722.

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CLASS NOTES After five enjoyable years of living in Richmond, Rose Tucker says she had made many new friends and has a nice social life. She and her cousin, Juliet Hupp, visit every Sunday in church and laugh a lot about old age. Rose thinks often of the good times we enjoyed in past years when she and Dan saw us and the other ’44s in Lexington. She still misses Dan every day and says she always will.

New hearing aids have really made Mabbot Warren realize how expensive it is to be in your 80s. She gives thanks that she has family and wonderful friends to help her live a good life but still misses Joe every day.

Back in August, I wrote that Patricia Wen was heading for California and a family get together in early fall. Sisters came from Houston and Washington, D.C. She stayed with her older sister in Oakland. Grandsons came from Indiana University and Toronto. Along with her children, Lillian and Stanley, they had a great time especially with not having seen some of them in five years. Families do seem to be more scattered nowadays than when we were in our younger years.

Ezra Trice called in late January. He had gone past 90 in mid-December and was still celebrating. Ezra said he never expected to make that milestone!

Our holiday letter from Victoria Doom was as usual the most entertaining of our news. They did take a few short RV trips last year to play golf in spite of problems with Dick’s badly repaired hip. Her 2011 highlight occurred after one of Dick’s trips to Las Vegas, NM, to meet her for lunch.

Las Vegas is where Victoria has her office.

After lunch, Dick headed home while she visited a local bookstore (Tome on the Range), before going back to her office.

While waiting in line to pay for her purchases she heard others conversing that the clerk’s young daughter owned a dressage/ steeple-chase horse who could no longer do that strenuous work and she couldn’t afford to stable the horse with winter coming on. The daughter was devastated! It was there that Victoria’s highlight of the year occurred. She acquired a 12-year-old thoroughbred/quarter horse in a bookstore. She agreed to adopt China (the horse’s name) who arrived at the Doom’s ranch four days later and is slowly settling in with the rest 36

of their four-legged inhabitants.

A recent call from Bettie Sorensen was welcome. She is the only VMI connected individual in Hudson, OH. Bettie has introduced the members of her Angelican Church to a few VMI traditions. We chatted a bit and I answered her queries as to when she would get her next mailing to make her annual contribution to the Institute. She is going to send me a disc of how she brought up VMI at one of her church meetings.

Talking later to Dick Meade and Fran; they were glad to hear that all was well with Bettie since she had cancelled out on taking the VMI sailing cruise in the Mediterranean last year.

That’s about 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

My opening comments will seem strange as you read this in May, but it being early February at the time of this writing, please allow me to acknowledge the receipt of a number of Christmas cards, most of which contained flattering references to our class notes.

Thanks are in order to Charlotte and Sam Walker, Jo Pittman, Beth Welles, Ann and Jim Morgan, Cary Esser, Jean Pates, John and Mary Ballou Williams, plus Connie and Danny Walser.

The Walsers mentioned they had a pleasant dinner with Jess Reed back in November while he was en route to Pennsylvania to visit his sisters.

Jean Pates included a tidbit regarding her visit to Lynchburg to visit her granddaughter who is preparing for a teaching career.

Beth Welles is now located at The Waterford in Juna Beach, FL, and has many old friends there to add to her daily pleasures.

She only wishes Rogers was still with her to share her enjoyments.

Charlotte Walker’s note was rather succinct – “Things are OK here. A little slower these days.” I like that!

Jim Morgan’s comments included

references to the late Sarge Wise as a “great Brother Rat” and Jack Burnett as a “true American Patriot.” Very kind words indeed.

And now for notes and e-mails received.

By the way, all of these have been received since the first of the year when I had next to nothing to report and sent out my distress signal. What a great response!

Thank you.

Bill Curdts reports, “I had the pleasure of having Thanksgiving dinner with Ann Addington, along with 70 or so of my family and friends. Ann lives two doors from my nephew’s cottage at Virginia Beach, where my family gathers every Thanksgiving. Ann is always invited and I had the good fortune to sit next to her at dinner. She was as interesting as ever and full of unique stories.”

Speaking of Ann, a good friend of mine in St. Louis and Naples, Dr. Ted Windsor and his newlywed wife, Pat, had dinner with Sandra and me last month. Pat is from Virginia Beach and told us she knows Ann very well. Small world.

And then a very detailed note from our far western representative, Bob Pettigrew in Casper, WY. Knowing him to be a rather erudite individual, it was not surprising that he had a list of books he has reviewed recently and highly recommends to his BRs for their reading pleasure. The list is rather long, but here are some excerpts from his letter.

Biographies: Beetle by D.K.R. Croswell – the life of Gen. Bedel Smith and his outstanding career during WWII. Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris – all about Teddy.

Truman by David McCullough.

Class of 1945: John Williams with Dick Matheis during Williams’ visit to Naples, Florida, in January 2012.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES His last sentence was a beauty. “I cannot to interview me and get information, Taylor and George Ramsey. George is in good conscious recommend The Last complete with pictures on my life and our a highly regarded VMI alumnus who Stand of Major Pettigrew, unless your last family back to when they came to this finished with me in ’48. name happens to be Pettigrew.” country – and that goes back to the 1600s I remained with the company until I reThe next note was from Charlie Bigger, and 1700s.” Well, Jim, all I can say is your tired at the age of 69. I enjoyed traveling, and is a classic. It reads as follows: “Last memory better be a darned sight better sales and especially flying the company summer Anne and I went to Italy to give than mine! plane for many years.” lectures at the Assisi Institute. I spoke Sadly, I must report the passing of Bob What follows might well be though of how a sacred place is informed by the Buford, on Feb. 2, 2012. Word of this upon as self-serving, but it does reflect on transcendent using Plato’s Phaedrus as my came to me from both John Williams and a promise I made to John Williams last model. I am working on lectures to be used Jim Morgan. month to print whatever he wrote – sight later in Vermont on the transcendent. I’m This brings to mind something of which unseen, regarding his visit to Naples in also working on a treatise that suggests we some of you are already aware. At the time January. are mistaken to think of God as a being, of matriculation we were an impressive Having stated my disclaimer, here is his but should think of Him as ‘the Good begroup of 227. As of this date, we are down note: yond being on the model of St. Denys the to 50 strong. As an aside, our Sisters far, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, Aeopagate, Jean-Luc Marion.’”

“Mary Ballou and I have just Charlie continues, “While at returned from a most enjoyable VMI, my dream of a military 10 days in Florida where we career was shattered by my visited friends on the East and ineptitude. But, by reading RusWest Coast. sian novels and Freud under a “The true highlight of our trip blanket after ‘Taps,’ I was more was a three-day visit with Sandra at home at VMI than I have ever and Dick Matheis in their lovely been since. The Institute and the home in Naples. Many of you honor code have given me ideals may remember the reception that I love. So I go on, knowing they gave to our classmates that little can be worse than our while attending a mini reunion Bigger ’45 Gantt ’45 Lewter ’45 Rat year.” in Naples some years ago. They On a lighter note, here’s an are the most gracious host and e-mail from Buddy Metz, “In Richmond far outnumber us. Incidentally, I received a hostess and we were thoroughly relaxed on the first Wednesday of each month we note from Marcia Collins confirming that with them. have a meeting of VMI alumni for lunch her husband, Frank, left us in August last “One day, while the girls were out shopat the Topeka Restaurant. It is interesting year. ping, Dick and I cruised around in his red to hear some old VMI stories. At times we As you know, last year I contacted all of Corvette convertible as though we were have speakers of interest. the past class agents asking they bring us 18, not 88. We couldn’t have picked up Even I gave a presentation on a paper I up to speed on their lives since their cadet any young chicks though, because his car wrote about the Holocaust. I had slides I took days. only has two seats! inside the concentration camp of Ebensee So far you have seen the responses of “We also had great meals at their home which our 80th Division had just liberated.”

Jim Morgan and Jack Burnett. This issue and went out to several classy restaurants.

Next, an excerpt of a note from one of includes that of Joe Gantt. Future issues “Dick is about the most active guy I have our class’s great communicators, Bob will feature, hopefully, Bob William, been with lately. His day starts about 6:00 Allen, out in Oklahoma. He writes, “ReBob Osborn, Doug Pritchard, Jack a.m. when he arises, reads the paper fixes cently, the VMI Club of Oklahoma met in Newcomb, Hugh Dischinger and John his breakfast and then goes to Mass. ReOklahoma City. My wife, Fran, my daugh- Williams. turning, he prepares a great breakfast for ter, Kathy, and her friend and I attended.

Joe’s response to my inquiry states, the remaining household including Eggs There were about 30 people there. This “My first job out of school was with the Benedict and Swedish Pancakes. By about spring there will be another meeting, and it Lynchburg Foundry starting in the Engi9:00 a.m. Mary Ballou, Sandra and I were will be at the ballpark.” Gosh, Bob, is the neering Department. After several years, ready to join him for a great feast, while I VMI group going to be THAT big?

I switched to sales and began traveling in am sure he was thinking of lunch.

Jim Lewter checked in from Chase the Mid-Atlantic states – west as far as “One day we had a nice cruise in his City, VA, with a note regarding a project Chicago, north as far as New York City, yacht that he keeps moored just off his in which he is involved … “I have been and south as far as Jacksonville. After patio. We went out into the Gulf of Mexico spending most of my time lately workmany years with the foundry, I joined a with his captain at the helm. ing on a project for my granddaughter local lumber company, the Taylor-Ramsey “Sandra is recuperating beautifully after who lives in Illinois. She had a project Corp., the principals of which were Jim two knee and two hip replacements and 2012-Issue 2

37

CLASS NOTES was able to join us in all activities.

“I could not give you a more glowing report of the great lifestyle they have in Naples and how royally they entertained us.

John Williams” (Class Agent’s Note: Early reservations are strongly recommended!)

RAMblings: As in the past, I recently spent some time phoning a few Brother Rats to learn what’s going on in their lives.

First at bat, Jeff Reed. He proudly announced (and appropriately so) that he plays golf three times a week and tries to walk a mile or two a day. He is still a tournament fisherman working the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico but only in the summer months.

The next call was to Eiland Anthony down in Alabama. Guess what? He also plays golf three times a week and walks a mile or so a day. Neither one shared their handicap with me (golf that is).

A call to our e-mail specialist, Hugh Dischinger, resulted in learning his daughter, Amy, a teacher in special ed, has seen the light and is moving back from Minnesota to Virginia. Actually, her husband, a history professor, has accepted a chair at Old Dominion.

What was really revealing was we had to hastily terminate our phone conversation due to his being late for a poker club meeting!

That’s it for now. I have a great WWII story from Dish but am saving it for the next issue. Thanks for all the help in putting the above together and most of all, for taking the time to read it!

God bless VMI and the class of ’45.

Dick

’46

William A. Eliason

Sometimes plans work out and sometimes they don’t. Having spent a beautiful Virginia “Indian Summer” with temps running in the 60s and 70s almost throughout December and January here in Williamsburg, we woke up to three 38

inches of snow and 22 degrees fahrenheit this morning. Nothing like it for forcing one to hang up the swimsuit and go to work on the class notes that have been neglected with such unyielding regularity for the past year.

At the outset, I wish I could report that all of our problems here at home have been solved but I am grateful to be able to tell you that things are much better. Very little of what I have to report is the kind of news that we like to hear about. I’m sure that all of you were deeply saddened as Carol and I were at the deaths of Elmon Gray, Buck Bedinger and Harry Augustine. There was a fine article on Elmon in the last issue of the Review, and obits for Buck and Harry should be in this issue’s Taps section.

Each of us has, I am sure, some very fond personal memories of these three fine men and great Brother Rats. I was planning my own tribute to them when a wave of depressing melancholy settled on me like a black shroud. That was four days ago and were today not my deadline, I don’t think I could have resumed this task. As inevitable as death is we are never really ready to part with people we have been close to for most of our lives.

For almost eight years now, I have been noting the passing of Brother Rat after Brother Rat and it is finally taking its toll on me. These notes get harder and harder to write. I have determined that it is time for me to step out of this job and devote what little of my time that is left to Carol’s continuing recovery for which I have assumed full responsibility. I have no desire to be the last one left standing, and I derive no satisfaction or joy in being so closely involved in the disintegration of probably the most remarkable class ever to walk through Jackson Arch.

As I answered Tommy McNamara’s plea when he had to hang it up, I trust one of you will come forward to take over. If not, Lexington will probably assign an alumnus from a younger class to the task.

Those of you who have followed some of my writings know why I believe ’46 to be so phenomenal. One of the main reasons is the staggering financial support given the Institute by the 80 percent of our class who attended VMI for one year or less.

The most recent evidence of that devotion

came to me just a few days ago in the form of a report on first half Fiscal Year 2012 alumni giving; I was shocked to see that our class not only exceeded 50 percent participation for the first time since 1996 but the six-month total for this year was in excess of $200,000! Now I think most of you know that we class agents do not divulge the amounts of individual giving by living alumni, but I don’t believe that it is a violation of that practice to divulge a bequest from a deceased Brother Rat when it is a matter of public probate record. There was one entry on our list of a “gift” of $176,000 from the late Robert Ray Cleland Jr. Bob finished his Rat year and joined the U.S. Navy late spending most of his life on the sunny coast of Mexico. Beyond Bob’s posthumous generosity, there are many such “yearlings” who have regularly made annual gifts in thousands of dollars each. I defy any school or class to top us with only two on-time graduates and only 36 in total, a number of them make their gifts through later classes. I rest my case.

Paul and Joan Marks report that they have given up the home where Paul has lived since he returned from WWII. They’ve settled into a retirement village in Franklin and are quite comfortable. Paul had a serious battle with pneumonia last year and is still fighting the residual debilitation. While nursing Paul through his travail, Joan required a radical mastectomy. The good news there is that her lymph nodes are not malignant so she does not have to endure chemo or radiation therapy.

Ed Massenburg wrote me a beautiful letter recalling his last visit with Elmon

Class of 1946: Bill and Nancy Eliason at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Gray. Seems that Elmon’s grandson who recently graduated from VMI thought he’d like to become a Hampton Roads harbor pilot and brought him to Ed’s home in Hampton for advice and counsel. Ed’s father was, as I recall, the harbormaster for Hampton Roads, so I’d guess that Ed is as good a pilot authority as one can get.

Phil Reitz and I have had a number of telcons mostly to do with Carol’s medical problems and he has been very helpful.

He apparently accepts Medicare because I haven’t received any bills from him.

Web and Nancy Chandler picked up Tom Layman in Richmond and drove over to Lexington for Elmon Gray’s memorial service in J.M. Hall. They had invited me to join them but it was held the on the day that I brought Carol home from the nursing facility that she had been in for five long months. I knew that Elmon, of all people, with his devoted care of his beloved Pam in her last days, would understand. Also with regard to Elmon, Bill Hallett, ’47’s class agent, sent me a beautiful D-Day Memorial (Bedford) newsletter tribute to Elmon for his personal financial support and his unflagging leadership effort to bring that facility to reality. I was able to take Carol to the Institute Society Dinner on Founders Day where we were fortunate to sit at a table with Bill, Gus Robbins ’47, George Ramsey ’47, and Dale Wykoff ’48A. Dale and I reminisced about the ’48A graduation in February of 1947 and came to the conclusion that I had to withdraw my claim for ’46 having the fewest on-time grads because ’48B had zero.

Those graduating at the ’48A ceremony were about two dozen ’44s, one ’45, one ’46 (your CA) and one ’47. John Trumbo, ’48A was scheduled to walk with us but an illness caused him to miss an exam and he got his dip a few weeks later.

I received a rather cryptic note from Jule Spach telling me that Jim Breckinridge is now in an assisted living facility near Jule but no other info.

Mort and Babs Mumma are still rambling around Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, California, Texas, and any other place they haven’t been to before. Mort, as you must know, graduated from the Point and spent 30 years in the USAAC and the USAF, retiring as a bird colonel. Another yearling Mort has been a steady supporter 2012-Issue 2

of Alumni Giving, responding to my end of the year plea by doubling up on an earlier gift. Many thanks, Mort.

Nat Wilson decided to leave his southern California hacienda for an extended trip east to see a sister that he hasn’t seen for something like 50 years. Nat and Gus Robbins’47 grew up together in Hopewell, so he’ll be returning to Richmond to see Gus by way of Florida.

So Nat called me to get in touch with Jim Price, my Rat roommate. Jim and his one and only Midge (since high school) are two of my favorite people and hang out in their beautiful oceanside condo in Ocean Ridge for about five months a year. Seems Jim, who I think still has some heinie schrapnel in his legs (that’s the German spelling) prefers Florida to Baltimore for winter golf. Larry Mauck calls me from time to time now that he is a pretty much a permanent resident of New Kent County, James City’s neighbor to the north. Larry’s got leg problems but he keeps me posted on his Richmond buddies.

That’s all I’ve got for now. You won’t be reading this until a day or two before the next column is due (May 15th) but, please, somebody step forward before the August 15th due date.

’47

Bill Hallett

With regret I report that on April 20, 2011, Taps sounded for Samuel Howard “Mike” Morrow Jr. at his Charleston, SC, home. (See the Taps section in this issue for Mr. Morrow’s obituary.) Howard matriculated from Wilmington, NC, and roomed with Jack Gregory, John Salley and Lance Smith. Because of poor eyesight he was classified 4F, left VMI at the end of our Rat year and entered UNC-Chapel Hill where he was a twotime, All-American swimmer and in 1948 was named the Top Student Athlete of the university. He retired as a representative of Jefferson-Pilot Life and as a CLU was a 25-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He is survived by wife Sue, their two daughters, two sons and 11 grandchildren.

Very sorry to report that Sam Hairston’s

wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Hunter Hairston died Feb. 4, 2012. Liz graduated from Hollins College. In addition to keeping an eye on the Judge, she always had a warm smile. She was a member of the Chatham Garden Club, the Garden Club of Virginia and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. Liz is survived by their five children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

After being discharged from service in the Army Air Corps, Lance Smith entered UNC and while there, ran into Mike Morrow several times but never saw him after graduation. Lance had read of Mike’s death in the Carolina Alumni & Friends quarterly and sent me a copy of it. In his YE note, Lucius Dabney wrote that he continues to percolate with three pills and two eye-drops each day. He went on to say that he remembers his father telling his mother at the end of 1933; “In spite of FDR’s administration getting in the way, I can see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Lucius believes that history does repeat itself; he may be right if the Republicans will stop shooting themselves in the foot!

All in all, he and Allene rate the Dabney clan a high B+ or a low A- for 2011.

Bill “Superbunny” Watkins says that friends and family have sustained him following Norma’s death in 2009 (they had been married 59 years) and the death of their youngest son in 2010. As do most of us, Super has a few health problems but still remains busy with his church and as chairman of the board of directors of The Woodlands, a 300-bed nursing and retirement home. He remembers while in the Navy running into Red Hanbury, Joe Reynolds, Mac Davis and Dick White; he says Mac saved his life by getting him a job in the ship’s store where he sold candy and cigarettes for the rest of his Navy tour.

Just remember everybody has a problem, is a problem or has to live with a problem.

Families are like fudge … mostly sweet with a few nuts. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician.

You may have read of the trip the VMI Regimental Band and Pipes made to Hawaii to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition to performing at the U.S.S. Arizona memorial, the VMI band joined 23 other 39

CLASS NOTES bands from around the U.S. including local Hawaiian bands and military units in the two-mile 14th Annual Holiday Parade. In the 2009 inaugural parade the VMI band marched last; they were 13th in the line of march for the Waikiki Parade and the weather was very much nicer. The VMI band was awarded the Aloha Trophy for placing first among the others.

Gus Robbins IV ’77 says he and his dad had been discussing trusts, wills, final arrangements, etc., recently. Gus III told Gus IV that there was some good news for him, which was that all the documents had been reviewed and signed; the bad news was that his doctor predicted many more good years, which means that Gus IV will have to wait a while for his share. Young Gus remembers many years ago when all classes had reunions on the same weekend and the reunion of 1947 was so loud and rowdy the hotel manager came to the rooms of ’77 and told them to keep it down; he didn’t believe it was “the old guys down the hall” making so much racket … Times and VMI have changed.

At our 60th Reunion in 2007, 27 Bro’ Rats were present and accounted for; as of this writing 15 have made room reservations. Many of our stalwarts will be missed. They live on in fond memories.

From out of the past: VMI won its first football game on Oct. 31, 1891.

Cold running water was introduced in some cadet rooms in 1915, to all rooms by 1926; hot water in 1936. The first bathtub on VMI property was in the commandant’s house, put there by Gen. Shipp; it was a stone affair with nothing but cold water.

An enjoyable Christmas Eve call from Jorge Sarmiento sending a warm embrace and good wishes to all Bro’ Rats.

He was enjoying the increasingly warm weather in his part of the world; it makes his daily swims more relaxing and keeps him away from some of his medications. He and Delia are out and about celebrating birthdays for their children and grandchildren. Jorge sent a picture of him and his son, Pancho, taken near a mine where Pancho supervises the building on a new town for 5,000 people to replace one being taken over by an open-pit mine; that site is about 15, 000 40

feet above sea level. Bill Haughton wrote that due to several ailments he was down to his old fighting weight of 130 pounds and happy to report that fighting was not now on his “to do” list; says politics is one of the topics less demanding of his attention. “Our political system is out of wack and wackos caused it.” As our cousins across the Atlantic do, our political campaigns should be limited to six weeks which provide enough time for all the lies and empty promises. Nice letter from Jim Brice mentioning our years-ago days in the occupation of Japan. To quote: “Ah, youth, it flashed by so fast.” I had often wondered what happened to Arthur MacArthur IV, the only child of Gen. MacArthur and Jean Marie Faircloth, born in Manila in 1938. As families of MacArthur’s staff moved to Japan their children were “encouraged” to come play with Arthur at the American Embassy where the MacArthurs lived. Jim’s info said Arthur attended Columbia University and following his father’s death in 1964, changed his name and lived in New York.

Thanks to all who sent Christmas greetings and special thanks to those sending notes, and for those who only signed their name; it was comforting to know you were still out there. Marty joins in sending all good wishes for a healthy and happy and New Year. Hope springs eternal!

I hope you will use the updated class roster to write or call a former roommate or fellow stoop-walker. Soon ’47 will celebrate its 65th Reunion. Considering our ages, it’s not likely to be a barn-burner but I know that it will be a heart-warmer.

An early January call from Garvin Jones checking on the dates for that event. We check in at the Hampton Inn on Sunday, April 22nd and bid fond farewells on Wednesday morning. Garvin continues tennis and golf; he and Lucie went skiing in Utah in late January. As I half-dozed my way toward midnight on December 31st and flipped between the ABC and NBC channels was somewhat amazed as I listened and watched things (?) called entertainment these days. Lady Gaga on one channel and on the other featured what appeared to be a chemically-animated half-bred who raced around excitedly trying to entertain the assembled citizens as the crystal ball descended onto

Times Square above the Toshiba sign. (I wondered if there was a Wal-mart sign beneath Tokyo’s crystal ball.) The lights flared, the throng hugged and kissed, and I shuffled off to bed while wondering about our society. Hello, 2012!

Space limitations demand that I omit mention of the many gim reports which arrived with some of the Christmas notes and reunion attendance slips.

Ben McCarley wrote that an idea popped into his head recently and then popped right out. He did remember an old legend which has it that when the Lord created the world, man and all the other animals, he/she decided that all creatures should live 40 years. As you’d expect, man was not pleased. So the horse volunteered to give up 10 years, the dog did likewise and the monkey also contributed 10 of his.

So that’s how it is. Man lives his 40, works like a horse for 10, leads a dog’s life for 10 and monkeys around for 10 with no specific plans for the eighth and ninth decades; those are reserved for medications and walking down memory’s lanes. McCarley remembered a VMI moment during one Sunday morning inspection he was room orderly and was boned by Maj. George Ax ’33 for “trash in trash basket.” Ben learned that day that trash was supposed to be stored in the back of your desk drawer or in your laundry bag. Each of us learned many unusual things in 1943 at VMI and in many other places. Ben says that in spite of all the pills, blessings abound. In June, the last of their nine grandchildren will be graduated from high school.

John Ewell’s note indicated that he was dealing well with the usual aches and pains of our cohort; his mother lived to be 100 and his four sisters are alive and kicking. Evidently some good genes in John’s clan. John Steel’s report at year-end: “I’m feeling great.” Doris Riddell sent greetings and best wishes to our class. A picture of her cool cats, Cal and Damon, from Delores Gelly. Lynne and Roger Rosenfield went to Atlanta to be with their children during the holidays. Roger wonders if we could sell our class rings for the going price and wishes he could wear his. Your scribe bought his class ring after his return to VMI after WWII and cost was $70 then. Currently, class rings cost more than $1,000. Norma and VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES John Burton had an enjoyable Christmas at their home with all their children and grandchildren. They are fortunate indeed that all of their children and grandchildren live nearby and all have jobs. Gay McGehee sent wishes for a happy 2012 for every ’47.

A great picture of Anna May and Bruce Taylor was taken near Lake Tahoe on the last day of their trip west which began when they flew to San Diego to visit friends. Then on to Palm Springs, Marina Del Ray, San Francisco and a visit to the Reagan Library. Their grandson was graduated from VPI in May and much champagne was consumed at that happy time. Nothing quite like similar events at Steve’s Diner in days of yore.

More best wishes from our newlyweds Bobbie and George Ashby. Also wishes for good health and peace from Gladys Rayhorn. Suellen Garrison’s YE letter told of much activity and many travels for her extended family. Eva Simmons continues to be quite active with her church; playing the organ and teaching Sunday school, as well as, participating in two MESA projects at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Eva made a prom dress for her youngest grandchild who graduated from high school last spring.

Freddy LeBlanc was hoping that he was still on Santa’s list; said he had no need for coal and switches. Donna O’Leary had a busy year of travel including a trip to Texas with a son and two of her grandchildren; the “grands” had a great time at the Houston Space Center. Another year of travel for Carol and Jim Willson; their major trip was a two-week cruise on the Rhine River which was preceded by several days of navigating Europe’s train system from Basel to Zurich. They eased back to a slower pace on their way home with a Fourth of July sunset cruise on the Hudson River to watch fireworks. Carol continues her artistic skills with watercolors as Jim reduces his volunteer work to that of being a “gofer” at their local hospital.

I hope the preceding gluten-free reports/ messages have been of interest, that your annual financial confession to the IRS will be relatively painless and that you and your loved ones will be healthy and happy.

Please write, call and participate.

A volunteer needed! Our class needs a 2012-Issue 2

new class agent. I hope there will be volunteers; if not, our class officers may have to hold an election during our April reunion. Your current scribe has been scribbling for the past seven years; his first term many years ago lasted eight years. Many benefits including no commuting, flexible hours, write at home, etc. Act now!

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

It seems that most of the younger classes generate lots of news each three months, but for us, the time whizzes by and we don’t have much to report. During the cold weather, we do think often about John and Barbara Trumbo who spend parts of every winter basking in Florida! Irene Sadler is still recovering from her dreadful fall and subsequent hospitalization, and she hopes to be able to go home to Hawaii this year.

Her son, Jimmy, invites all of his dad’s Brother Rats to come visit him where he operates the Pizza Hawaii, in Hilo. Might be good to have our coming 65th Reunion there! I frequently talk with J.Y. O’Neal who says he is looking forward to that reunion, and everyone will certainly be glad to see him again. Mary Ann says that Gilly Williamson is doing well in Edinburg.

At the Institute Society Dinner, I recently saw our Brother Rat (whom we share

Class of 1948A: Cmdr. Don Florence, USN (Ret), in Georgia, fall 2011.

with 1949C) Bob Patterson. We were all glad to see Bob and Anne. He has made a remarkable recovery from his recent illness. Paul Stagg has multiple weekly appointments with his local physician, but reports that he is making good progress.

Of course, as you might suspect, he’s looking forward to the coming football season.

He never gave up hope! Don Florence and his daughter, Debra Pianka, are doing well in Georgia. They were recently in this part of Virginia, but we were unfortunately unable to meet up with them. Don’s photo makes us all envious of his great physical shape! Football for Navy and good clean living must account for it! Thanks to all who have contributed to the Institute, and while doing so, don’t forget to note on your check what portion should go to the 1948A Scholarship Fund. The only funds come from you – and we won’t be around forever. Time to donate is now!

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

Shortly before Christmas, I spoke to Al Loth, who advised that his wife recently passed away from an aneurysm. Al did say that his four daughters have been very supportive.

Brother Rat John Boyd served on the Texas Court of Appeals. John recently received from the judges of Texas a Career Achievement Award. This is the second time in the judicial history of the state of Texas that such an award was made. Congratulations John!

Brother Rat Lt. Cmdr. Richard Blackwell is living in Tennessee, served in the Navy for 20 years and presently is located on a farm site comprising 93 acres, which he leases out. His two children live in Pennsylvania. During his Rat year, he was in room 212, which was right over the rooms occupied by the hated ’49As. Brother Rat John Ayers lives in Louisiana. John has been married for 60 years to Joann. He has four children, 10 grandchildren and nine and one-half great-grandchildren. After being discharged from the service, he went to Georgia Tech and secured a degree in industrial engineering and has his own business under the name 41

CLASS NOTES of Tetron. I think Tetron involves environmental work as well as trucking.

Our Brother Rat Bruce Brand was in the cooling tower business, secured his engineering degree and is in good health, living in Forth Worth, TX. Brother Rat Chuck Alberto has a grandson, Charles Alberto III, who graduated from Duke University on a full scholarship and now his grandson is in the scuba diving business, going all over the world checking underwater construction.

I was able to reach Dr. Angus Crook. I haven’t spoken to him since I left VMI. Angus is still practicing OB-GYN in Nashville, TN. He and about four other Brother Rats went to UVa for medical school.

Rod Kallgren is living in Michigan with his wife. He has six sons and 18 grandchildren. Rod did two tours of duty, one during the Second World War and his second tour was during the Korean War, where he was in the service for three and one-half years and rose to the rank of captain. Rod has been retired from Dow Chemical, where he was employed for 35 years.

Being class agent is not a job that anyone goes out looking for. However, although I assumed the duties with some reluctance, it has been very rewarding for me to reach out to all our Brother Rats who are still surviving. Many I haven’t spoken to since I left VMI in 1945. However, the bond created by the Ratline makes us all truly “Brother Rats.”

I will always remember our Brother Rat, the late Julius Walker, saying that the Marine Corps was a piece of cake compared to the Ratline.

Next year will be our 65th Reunion and hopefully we will have a good turnout.

’49A

James Harrington

I called Allen Penniman late one night to console him over the LSU game. While he’s disconsolate, he has taken advantage of his efficient assistant to send us his usual upbeat update: “After a rather quiet beginning, we did make our plans to spend Christmas and New Years in Albuquerque/ 42

Santa Fe, New Mexico. Joanie and I have families in both locations and have found a nice place to stay in Albuquerque. We headquartered there with Caroline and Charles Coutret, our family, and their children. It was a fun time and there is much to see and do as well as enjoy this part of our family. The weather is always difficult there. When we stepped off the plane it was 19 degrees. This is not too bad for some of you, but it is a shock for those of us who live in the southern climate. In spite of this, we had a grand time and then drove to Santa Fe for Christmas. There, we visited with Lila and Randy Mulkey, our children who live there, and their three daughters. We were also joined by two sons-in-law and our first great-granddaughter, Lily. This Christmas gathering was really the highlight of the trip. The little one, Lily, who is just beginning to walk was the center of attention. I had really forgotten how much a young child adds to the spirit of Christmas. It was amazing and it took me back to my younger days when I had my little ones circling the Christmas tree. It was a wonderful occasion. After this was over, we returned to Albuquerque and then flew back to Baton Rouge and the peace and quiet of our home.

From time to time, I have tried to tell you how important football is to the state of Louisiana, especially Baton Rouge and New Orleans. When our teams do well, we do well and when they lose, we don’t do so well. First, it was LSU that had gone undefeated through 13 games which is something to be accomplished in the SEC. In fact, it had never been done before.

Then came the BCS Championship and all was lost. A son and I attended and it was a dismal night for all of the Tiger fans. Next came the New Orleans Saints, and after a spectacular season they lost as well. So that is that and as the old saying goes, “Just wait for next year.” Let’s hope it will be better.

We now will turn our immediate plans to two of our granddaughters who will be graduated from college this year. One is in school at Alabama and the other in Tennessee. At this point, Joanie and I plan to attend both of the graduations. This is an important time for our grandchildren and we certainly want to be present.

As I arise each morning, the first thing in my mind is that I am well and in good

health. This is most important of all, and I am happy to tell you that Joanie and I are both feeling great.”

In the course of our late night telephone visit, Allen and I shared mutual medical experiences. Here, where we hole up during the winter between Southern Pines and Pinehurst, we have a large, sprawling medical complex, where medical professionals from all over the country come to practice, and probably mostly to play golf.

One such, a young lady originally from Louisiana, in some way has become my primary physician. She is a remarkable diagnostician. Each time I visit, she finds that I’m afflicted with some new ailment.

None are imminently life threatening … yet. Ann continues with her tennis, and I try, as best I can, to think of something interesting to share with you’all. I’m not having much luck with that.

Bill May, at least, stays busy: “Here in the Holy city of Richmond we have had a great, very mild winter. Just looked out of the window and it is really snowing. No parade today! The temp has dropped 30 degrees in the last hour. Oh, well! The rabbit season was very good while it lasted.

Will start teaching at U. of Richmond in March. Same stuff except that it changes almost every day. ‘Mid-east History and Current Affairs’ I never run out of new material. Plans for the summer are in the making for a cruise of the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers aboard the Queen of the Mississippi. Hope to visit some Civil War sites on the trip.”

And I’ve received a short note from Herb Johnston: “We are getting our second light snowfall of the winter today. This lack of snow has made it easier to walk our dog and to stay active outside. We had a really nice fall, a fun Christmas with our children and (only) granddaughter. We are now into basketball, practice for our spring musical, Battelle Assoc. activities, ballet, symphony, jazz and theatre. We keep busy!

We aren’t certain about a trip to Florida but we are trying to get that worked out.”

This from Joe Fil: “Greetings from sunny California. It really has been sunny out here as we have very little rain – maybe two days. Not much snow in the Sierras, which is where our water comes from. I guess I’ll have to switch to beer and martinis. I have been very busy these VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES last few months. I spend most of my time dodging bureaucrats, of whom we have plenty. If the state would drop those people who interfere with progress we would have no difficulty in eliminating our 58 billion state short fall. Oh well, on the bright side, Susie and I are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year. All 20 Fils will be gathered together. We are really looking forward to the event. When I first drove out here in my old Chevy from Virginia, all I had was my car, $25, and a box of chicken bones left over from my good sister’s largesse. Now there are 20 of us, and I’m complaining about the world population! At any rate, Sue and I are really looking forward to all getting together. I really appreciated your call the other evening, Jim. I have spoken to Stan and Charlie fairly recently and they seem to be in fairly good shape. Charlie has had quite a bit of problems with his ankle but it is on the mend I think. I received some very welcome Christmas cards from the Brother Rats.”

Joe had better luck communicating with Stan – I couldn’t get him to respond for this report. I congratulate Joe for keeping up with his 20 (we have 21) but I think Allen has all of us beat in terms of aggregate progeny.

Charlie Tiller’s problems with his ankle has not held him back. Here’s his latest travelogue: “It is strange to have any requests for my travel experiences after my long rest period on the mountain. For the first time since 2008, Nancy and I were able to fly to Austin, TX, to spend Christmas with Suzanne and her family.

We fall behind on the news so quickly.

They have two children, Sara a sophomore at UT and Alex a high school senior. We are definitely too young to have grandchildren so close to entering the work force.

What a great time we had watching and trying to understand the new generation develop. (Nancy reminded me that our oldest grandchild has made us great-grandparents.) After returning home, we went to Augusta, GA, to visit Nancy’s brother who is a retired physician and stopped at Fort Gordon to replenish our pill supply.

We are grateful for these benefits. Nancy’s cousin’s husband decided to retire since he has reached age 74. So a party of sorts was arranged and we took advantage of some 2012-Issue 2

timeshares and went to Sevierville, TN, for two weeks. Nancy and Jane took turns telling us what we were going to do next.

Somehow shopping had to take first place on the schedule. I am still using a cane to help my balance and a ‘boot’ to support the ankle. We say thanks and keep on going.”

And that’s it. With so few of us left, it’s hard to get much news. But a few good men …

’49B

Dan Smaw

These are the class notes for February 2012 and cover the period from October 2011 to February 2012.

Page Harmon died Sunday afternoon October 16 very quick and, in spite of her problems over the past year, very unexpected. Benny said it was a heart attack. A memorial service was held Friday at Westminster Canterbury with Tom and Virginia Cooke, Ding and Nobbie Patton, Mack and Inge Van Hook, Tommy Challoner and George Wolfe in attendance. Internment in Arlington National Cemetery was October 25, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Benny and his family on their great loss.

Kitty Nelson had gotten everyone at the mini reunion to sign wishing-you-well cards for Page, Mark Casey and Louise Smaw. Page received her card prior to her death. Helen Casey said Mark was happy to hear from everyone. His memory is of the moment so Helen read it to him over and over giving him great pleasure.

His condition is not improving with his impaired sight and lack of mobility, but he hangs in there one day at a time. We wish you both well.

I talked with Jimmy Shepherd and Axel Bolvig in October – the occasion being they were having lunch together at Axel’s rehab facility. Axel was doing better and they were having a good time at lunch.

Mort Massie called in October to say he was reading the class notes while drinking a martini. It gave me the idea to fix a drink and get back to whatever I was doing which I cannot recall. It was good to talk with Mort.

On October 1, received a letter from

John O’Leary who was with us for our Rat year. He roomed with Joe Heiker, Bruno Pack and Greg Nelson. After attending several colleges he married and had five kids. His wife died at 35 – he moved around several times while working as a cement contractor. He lived on a boat in Marina Del Rey for about 20 years.

He said he would write again about some of his more interesting travels and some of his close shaves. Good to hear from you, John, after all these years.

It was discovered in October that our daughter, Sally, had a brain tumor. The operation on November 3 removed the tumor which was on the brain, not in the brain. However, there were four spikes that extended into the brain and they were malignant. She underwent six weeks of radiation and chemo without too many adverse reactions other than tiredness. We are now waiting for an MRI later this month to see how effective the treatment has been.

Tommy Bowers called a couple of times in October to see how Sally was since he prays for her regularly, as do a lot of others, for which we are thankful. Tommy also mentioned he was glad to have seen June and Stuart Payne at the mini.

Margaret Lee Overton wrote in November that she really enjoyed the mini, just sitting around visiting with everyone with a drink in hand. Since she walks with a cane and at a slow pace she appreciates all the help she gets from the BRs. For Thanksgiving she was going to Greenville, NC, to visit grandchildren at ECU. Mack Van Hook wrote in November that a bunch had been planning to get together with Beanie Branch in Charlottesville and they finally did with good results. The group included Nux Enochs, Greg Nelson, Benny Harmon, Ding Patton and George Wolfe. They forgot to arrange with the chef to bring Beanie a big plate of broccoli – his favorite vegetable.

I received the obit for our Brother Rat, Jay Kinsel, on November 17, 2011. Jay died October 19 in Corpus Christi, TX, after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. After leaving VMI, Jay graduated from the University of Texas and practiced law working for Texaco for 34 years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia, three children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service 43

CLASS NOTES was held October 29 in the Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church in Houston. Our condolences go to Virginia and the family for their loss.

Beth Myers informed me November 26 of the death of our Brother Rat Danny Myers on November 23. She said he had a sudden heart attack and suffered for only 10 minutes. Plans are: cremation with his ashes to be reposed at West Point with a memorial service in the spring, tentative date is May16; and also at the family Ratcliffe Cemetery in Tannersville, VA, tentative date is the afternoon of May 19.

Beth sent the following e-mail to me on December 20, which would have been Danny’s birthday. It was to be shared with all the ’49Bs and wives, widows and widowers. “My husband, my soul mate, my very best friend would have been 83 years old today,” she wrote. “The birthday card he never got to read is the best one ever, and I hope you do not mind me sharing it all with you: ‘To my dear husband, Danny, ‘Yours is the smile I look forward to each morning, and yours is the voice I loved to hear through the day.

‘Yours is the touch that could reach my heart and soul, and it is your understanding that so often calmed my doubts and fears.

Yours are the plans and dreams that blend with mine, becoming ours, and yours is the love that means the world to me.

‘My life would be so different if you hadn’t been a part of it, and that is why no one has more to celebrate today than I do.’

‘Thank you, God! May your soul rest in peace!

‘Aloha! Your loving wife, Beth Myers’” As Hotz Lardon said, these words are a beautiful remembrance of friendship and love. I agree; thanks, Beth.

In December, I talked with Frances Shepherd who informed me that Jimmy does not drive any longer – she takes him to work and someone from there gets him home. Frances indicated that between going for coffee and so forth that Jimmy does not spend too much time actually working.

Thanks for all the cards and notes at Christmas – the following comes from them: Bobby and Jean Thomason both have back problems, but they just hang in and go about their daily lives. They planned to visit their daughter in Connecticut at Christmas. They are sorry 44

they missed the mini.

Vernon Patterson still vividly recalls Christmas 1944 in Stalag VII-A in Germany. Several years ago he told us how they, along with their German guards, celebrated Christmas. It was an interesting story which I’m sure a lot of you remember.

Grover and Teancy Outland are doing well – a few aches and pains, but nothing serious. They are to go to Puerto Rico this month to attend a family wedding and stay a week.

A note from Susan on Gerry Henderson’s card indicated he still keeps his sense of humor. I talked with them early in February, and Gerry enjoyed looking back over the years starting with our Rat year which he did not enjoy. His first encounter with an old cadet was Hayroll Cabell ’47, that relation seemed to carry thru the year much to Gerry’s displeasure. His cancer appears to be in remission, but he has a severe case of macular degeneration.

Sam and Julie Marty and their family are all doing well. In November they celebrated 60 years of marriage with Thanksgiving get-togethers and a trip to San Diego for the Dixieland Jazz Festival and more family gatherings.

Tom and Virginia Cooke are getting along fine and make it to Rockbridge Baths a couple of times a month.

Harv and Barbara Bradley were busy moving a daughter and husband from The Villages to Acworth, GA. They are putting their unit in The Villages up for sale. A year ago, they stopped going to the North Carolina mountains around Christmas due to the freezing temperatures, even though his daughter and her husband make their living on the ski slopes. We stopped going to Michigan because of the cold and snow.

Carel and Ikey Humme have slowed a bit, but when asked about their health, they say “We are looking good.” They now have 10 great-grandchildren ranging in age from 14 to not yet one. Thanksgiving provided a gathering for 20 of them in Lynchburg with one of their granddaughters.

Pat Bridges has had a couple of strokes in the past year and had to give up driving.

He has continued in the Writers’ Group at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community.

His focus recently is Haiku - the Japanese poetic form.

Bill and Ann Stribling celebrated their

50th wedding anniversary in July at Shrine Mont, the Episcopal Conference Center in Orkney Springs, VA. Their sons and daughters-in-law gave them a lovely party to mark the occasion. There were over 60 in attendance ranging in age from 1 to 94.

Bill keeps busy with the Christmas tree business while Ann subs at local churches as the need arises. They went to Glacier National Park in August and up the Hudson River Valley with Ann’s friend from school and her husband.

John and Mary Haggerty both stay very busy and are in good health. Mary plays the ukulele for shows the class puts on at local libraries and senior, Salvation Army and Alzheimer’s centers. John beats out the rhythm in the band on a Cajon, sitting drum. They dance a few tunes in the shows. Mary continues to play tennis, but the group is getting progressively smaller. John is winding down his income tax business, which is difficult when you have long-time aging clients. They visited children at various locations across the country during the year.

Bob and Barbara Jeffries say the year was dominated by weather: a cold snowy winter, a long rainy summer, a hurricane, a premature snowfall and power outages with no heat or water. Their son and family from Manila visited in the summer and were to be there for Christmas. A son in the roofing business is profiting from all the bad weather. Another son has a big musical in the works – hopefully this year.

Barbara stages a “Living Tableau,” a “Wax Museum” and a “Roaring Twenties” revue in a speakeasy, complete with a raid by the New Canaan police. These are staged with 80 and 90 year olds and draw a big audience. Bob continues to do internet work for the senior center.

Risque and Felice Benedict spent Thanksgiving in Richmond with a daughter and family, and then continued on to their winter home in Port St. Lucie, FL, where they will stay until April. Felice has been dealing with a pinched nerve in her back for several months. The treatments are spaced several weeks apart which is frustrating waiting for relief.

Jack Evans said they like to get their notes out early in hope of receiving a response in return. Their note was the first we received in early December. He and Pat VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES course we need a few real cold days straight morning in mid-January from Tommy had some complicated health issues durrunning to kill the ground insects, etc.

Bowers who was doing his “hardship ing the year but feel lucky to have come Pat Bridges sent an obit for our Brother tour” this year in Antigua. This year he through in pretty good shape. Pat finished Rat Bob Crocker who died January 11, doesn’t have to open the church since a second round of chemo and is now in 2012, in Hayesville, NC. (His obituary remission. Jack hopes to get back to a little someone does it for him, but he claims will appear in the next Review, Taps seceach year the work is more stressful. He golf which he has been missing. Best of called to ask about Sally and also to let me tion.) He was a Korean War veteran and luck to you both. a retired engineer with Lockheed Martin. know the temperature was 80 degrees. He The Watlings celebrated their 50th wedBob is survived by his wife, Judy, three said after the winter of ’50-51 in Korea, ding anniversary in April with a catered he has a great aversion to cold weather – I party at home for relatives, friends and daughters, a step-daughter, a sister, two share that feeling also. Although Tommy neighbors. The following day the relagrandchildren, a step-grandchild and a says the tour is strictly hard work, you can tives joined them for brunch at the Fort step-great-grandson. Our condolences bet he will be back there next year.

Myer Officers Club. In July, they had to Judy and the family on their loss. It is In late January, I talked with Vaughn their annual family vacation on the Outer sometimes interesting how you receive an Maxwell who said he is improving, but Banks of NC. The last day there, a major obit – Pat was sent this by an acquaintance at a slower pace than he would like. He is storm hit the Outer Banks and provided who lives in their retirement community now using a cane, but likes to have somesome excitement for their younger family and knew he had visited Bob at one time. members. In August, they flew to Budapest one with him – that is the same for Louise.

Our daughter, Sally, had an MRI Februand started a two and one-half week cruise His son Tex, VMI ’84 comes over and ary 9, approximately three weeks after her gives him physical therapy, which at times of the Danube. They had a very enjoyable last radiation and chemo treatment. The trip with excellent tour guides. Deegee still gets a little too physical. Since he has prodoctor was pleased with the MRI and said gressed from a wheelchair to a walker to a plays a little tennis, works at the church she could now drive, return to work on a cane, hopefully it won’t be too long until Thrift Shop and is active in local Republilimited basis and fly. She is to have a fivecan politics. Ed is on the board of directors he will be walking without any help. day session of chemo starting February15, In a conversation with Lon Walter, of the Walter Reed prostate cancer support with four weeks off, and then a repeat of he said Doris goes to heart rehab twice group. He had a right shoulder replacethe chemo. Another MRI will be in two a week. There are several guys who get ment and cataract surgery in both eyes. months to check her progress. We are The Spitlers are both in good health as together there while they are waiting for thankful for her progress thus far. is their family, all of whom are working or their wives. I mentioned to Doris about my Thanks to all who have contributed to retired. Joe went to Switzerland in June for conversation with Gerry Henderson, since Annual Giving – to all the rest, do it by the one last hiking adventure which he enjoyed they went to school together while growend of June. but says he doesn’t hike as good as he once ing up in Pennsylvania.

Haywood France In early February, I talked with Ding and did – I can relate to that. He and Shirley went to Colorado in September to visit family. Nobbie Patton. They allowed as how the Shirley still knits a lot. Her Christmas was a winter has been pretty mild so far, as it cell phone and a camera, which is requiring has been here and that is OK with me. Of a serious learning process. Joe still tutors math and is a docent First, I want to thank everyat Kitt Peak doing tours and opone for their Christmas cards erating a 90mm solar telescope. and especially their notes. I He maintains his exercise routine really felt overwhelmed with and is learning to play the Native class correspondence. I suspect American flute. that many of you received this That is about it for the Christinformation but I want to touch mas notes. on a few. It was good to get the In early January Leo Soucek news that Bob and Jan Fretz wrote a belated Merry Christmas were both improving and doing and Happy New Year letter. He well. Bob from his hip surgery and Evelyn are OK while dealand Jan from her shoulder probing with the usual “old folks” lems. Almost everyone stated medical problems – arthritis and they were doing as well as for Leo – COPD. Their youngcould be expected, considering est son is still in the Middle East their age. and hopefully will be home this Eddie Davis wrote that he had Class of 1949C: Cappy Moncure with his grandsons, summer. to interrupt his winter in Florida Robbie, 10, and Courtney, 12, on Christmas Day 2011.

I received a phone call one and return home to be operated

’49C

2012-Issue 2

45

CLASS NOTES on for lung cancer. All reports are that the surgery went well and he was extremely fortunate. Rosemarie took good care of him during his recovery and he is doing well.

I’m sure all of you read of the tales and travels of Bruce and Anna May Taylor. The snow scene on their card at Lake Tahoe is something we’ve seen very little of around these parts this year. The Taylors and the Fretzs are examples of a few left in the class that are out and about. After the loss of Tom Hawkins and Dan Forsyth this past year, the surviving Brother Rats of ’49C now number 20. (See the Taps section in this issue for Mr. Forsyth’s obituary. See the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review for Mr. Hawkins’ obituary.)

I received a letter from the Foundation updating the status of the ’49C Scholarship Fund. In the current year, the fund is providing $27,130 in support of three cadets in the fields of engineering and international studies. As of June 30, 2011, the close of the fiscal year, the ’49C Scholarship Fund had a market value of $609,054.

This compares to a value of $526,606 for year ending June 2010. Also received information on class giving as of 12/31/11.

We had a participation rate for alumni of 61 percent. This compared to 52 percent for the same period in 2010. Keep up the good work and the Spirit.

I will look forward to all the news in your Valentine and Easter cards.

’50A

Bill Moore

Sid Stealey has his Piper J-3 and a pair of Cessna 150s almost ready to fly by this summer and is looking forward to flying them himself. I believe him because he sounds so good and so upbeat. Then again, I’ve never known Sid when he wasn’t. In fact, he was quizzing me about the date of our next reunion. I told him 2015. He said, “Hum, that’s doable.” After all, he and Beverly are active, in good health and only 86. When I asked him about Beverly’s famous “fifty-mile butt” Sid told me they would do it in stages. As some of you know Beverly has trouble sitting still for any length of time on long trips. That’s a problem in Alaska where 46

most everything is at least 50 miles away.

The day I called, Fairbanks was enjoying clear, sunny, 29-degree weather. A welcome respite from some of the rough weather they’ve had recently. Things are good for both of them and I can tell they’re relishing life and are going to wring every drop out of the future. Sid will soon have two daughters living nearby in Alaska. One, a retired Air Force colonel, is already there and the second one’s husband, an Air Force tanker pilot, will soon retire to the area, as well.

They’ve already started tomato plants on their windowsill. So have I. We’re all hungry for some real tomato sandwiches.

Mary (Joe) Ripley has been busy. She and her sister visited Colonial Williamsburg and Myrtle Beach over the extended holiday season and had a wonderful time.

As usual, she is well and sounds like her always sparkling self. Mary is one of our class’ staunchest and most consistent supporters of VMI. When I thanked her the reply was, “Joe would want me to.”

Thank you again, Mary. She has her eye on an Alaskan trip next summer. Sid, I warned her about the black flies. Mary, you just keep on taking those great trips and telling us about them.

Nan (Elliott) Hudgins reports that everything is getting better in New Bern, NC. The area is recovering from last summer’s hurricane, but there is still considerable water damage to the insides of buildings that has not been repaired. I understand that they incurred very little damage. Elliott is doing extremely well with his health and so is she. Son, Reed ’00, is back in northern Virginia from a tour with the Special Forces. He and his wife have bought a larger house in that area in anticipation of retirement.

Barbara (Hugh) Barnes has moved into a full service retirement apartment. She’s still in the Midlothian, VA, area and enjoying the freedom from the chores of having to do everything for herself. She can get out doing the things she likes and visiting with the people she loves without as much of the everyday hassle.

Granddaughter, Sarah, just turned sweet 16. She and Brooklynn are lovely girls.

Brooklynn is going to Australia this summer with a group as cultural ambassadors. She’s working very hard raising

money by babysitting, running errands, you name it, so that her parents, Lori and Clark Barnes ’87, won’t have so much expense.

Dick and Jeanne Mandt are doing well.

Dick continues to get stronger and more active. They are still walking for exercise in the neighborhood when it’s nice and inside when it’s not. Dick says all his doctors are pleased with his progress, and he has a slew of them – primary care, skin, cardiac, foot and circulatory. They are definitely “keepin’ on keepin’ on.”

Jennings Bunch reports that he and Harriet are doing well but have retired from the cultural exchange group that Jennings has headed and worked with for a long time. They recently had their first greatgrandchild with another due in March.

Both are girls. They have 15 grandchildren … busy people.

Over the years I’ve had a hard time catching up with Nancy (Hank) McWane. Last week I found out how to do this. I’ll just call up my dentist, Dr. Dale Evans ’69, and schedule my appointment on either side of hers. We both go to the same dentist! I was in his office when she rolled in. Nancy hasn’t changed one bit.

Still vivacious, drop-dead gorgeous and full of herself. We had a cracker jack of a conversation … about everything. I was so pleased to see her.

Daughters are busy and doing well, farm under reasonable control, if a farm ever is under control (from experience), active social life and busy, busy, busy.

No wonder I’ve had trouble getting her on the phone. Keep it up! Gene Witcher sounds good but he’s been having some health problems which have been resolved in his favor, thankfully. A mass in his bladder appeared on a scan, doctor told him it probably was cancerous, second doctor told him same thing, surgery was performed, the thing was removed, and it was benign. Gene, after all the drama, I know you’re disappointed. Not so. On a pleasanter note – Gene is going to visit some old friends in Austin for a few weeks and is looking forward to it.

Our friends keep us going, don’t they?

Joanne (Ed) Miller’s daughter, Maria, called to let me know that Joanne was having difficulty with both her new hearing aids and her special phone. She gave VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES me an otherwise good report. I then called Joanne again, and this time I reached her.

She is well with few problems other than a 75 percent loss of hearing. Joanne’s grandchildren, Maria’s children, are all grown or growing up. One (girl) is a junior at UVA; one (boy) is a senior in high school; and another (boy) is a junior in high school. I apologize for not knowing their names.

Our Brother Rat Ralph Mooney’s wife, Judy, tells me that they haven’t had any winter weather or snow up in the Blue Ridge either. Lynchburg has gotten absolutely no winter weather as of February 15th. We had a great conversation about most everything although there’s not much news to report. Anne and I are still trying to keep the old homestead up and Judy is getting ready to get her bike out and have at it. But then, she’s much younger than most of us, except for Mary Ripley, Jackie Martin, Charlotte Logsdon. Is there anybody else in the low 70s or below? I don’t want to miss anybody.

I recently checked up on Carol Clark, Bill’s widow. She is understandably low just now. Her loss and her own longstanding battle with cancer are taking its toll. I advise those of you who were particularly close to Bill not to call Carol just now. I keep in touch with Bill and Carol’s daughter, Melanie McNeel, and will keep you posted. She and all of Carol and Bill’s folks are wonderful people.

Anne and I had the pleasure of meeting them at Bill’s funeral.

In May of 2008, Gen. Peay ’62 gave me a printed description of a great leader.

He asked me not to release the quote for a while. Well, it’s been almost four years and I have been true to his request. However, in my mind “a while” has long past and the quote is just too good not to pass along. So, Gen. Peay ’62, if you did write it, consider yourself “outed.”

Great leaders have vision, are competent in their daily duty and care deeply about people, they exhibit a style of ‘quiet excellence.’ There is no ego … yet a strong work ethic. Character, love of country and service describe their drive and inner strength.

A VMI graduate 10 May 2008 2012-Issue 2

’50B

Robert White

Because I was required to turn in the notes for the February issue early (on Oct. 15, 2011) instead of the usual time of Nov. 15, there were things that I wanted to write about but could not. They are now in this edition.

For our class, 2011 was a rough year.

We lost four great Brother Rats: Hughes T. Angell Jr., William B. Kuykendall Jr., Robert K. Waring Jr. and Ralph A. Warren Jr. (See the Taps section of this issue for the obituaries for Mr. Waring and Mr.Warren.) I realize that we have had rough years before and considering how long it has been since our graduation, we will be in for more of them. My advice is to enjoy and be thankful for every day. All of us went to VMI, of course, and those years were some of the best of our lives and in spite of what we may have thought of them at the time, they were a major influence on what we have been and are. We were fortunate not only to have been there but to have been there together. And so I know that we are better than just all right,

Angell Jr. ’50B Warren ’50B

Waring Jr. ’50B

Kuykendall Jr. ’50B

and I am so glad that I have been and I am a part of you.

We are deeply saddened by the death of Sallee Lewane and our hearts go out to Lee. The way we were.

This memory courtesy of William Cullen Bryant ’62 (THANATOPSIS) and Do-do Dillard ’934: “So live, that when thy summons come to join The innumerable caravan which moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon; but, sustain’d and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”

Bill and Catherine Kelly attended the Institute Society Dinner and other Founders Day events at VMI. Their table included Jim and Nancy Flippen and John and Ruth Taylor. Also at the table were Col. Jeffrey Curtis and his wife. He is an Air Force Colonel and was in the class of 1979.

The overall turnout was large and impressive. Gen. Peay ’62 gave an upbeat report on the many projects undergoing, along with the largest enrollment ever.

The other principal speaker was Lt. Gen. Carl Strock ’70, who had a distinguished career, culminating with the post of Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bob Lynd writes about the value of a second medical opinion. Last August he had a 3 x 6 hunk taken out of his right butt.

Turns out that it was a pheomorphic sarcoma, the edges of which were not clean. His oncologist at home recommended that he go to M.D. Anderson in Houston because they are experts in the field, sarcoma being a rare but aggressive cancer. Bob was very fortunate. His “primary” who said she knew exactly what it was and continued the “watching” process. Still later she pronounced him cured. Later, during a routine 47

CLASS NOTES physical the lump was still there and after being referred to a surgeon, it was taken out. He has since had radiation treatment and so far all seems well.

I just talked to Bob, on the first of February. The cancer is out. He is experiencing some discomfort, but all is well. This is the kind of news that we all want to hear.

I have a nice letter from Tom Kelly dated last September. When I received it, it was too late to include it in the last issue of the Review but I believe that the information included is still essentially the same. All is well with the Kellys except for those problems of age, which affect all of us. Daughter Sue had major surgery last fall but has recovered and is back on full schedule, including substitute teaching for some of the local Catholic grade schools. Kelly was the chair of fund raising to construct a multi-million expansion of his Parish school and he was honored with a banquet of 800 people by the Diocese of Phoenix.

Grandson Tommy works on Capitol Hill as director of New Media and Constituent Correspondence for Representative Ben Quale of Arizona. Granddaughter, Kelsey, is happy working with kindergartners at a Catholic grade school in Phoenix. And youngest granddaughter, Molly, has one and a half years to go in Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is aiming for a career in Broadcast/Journalism. As you can tell, all is well with the Kellys and McKones.

The David Kovariks survived Mother Nature’s problems in 2011 which consisted of an earthquake, Hurricane Irene and a major electric storm. On the pleasant side, they took some trips including one to Austin with side excursions to San Antonio and the Alamo; Virginia Beach with visits to Chrysler Fine Arts Museum and Norfolk Botanic Garden; Nashville, to preview the performers for Community Concert; a sea trip from Montreal to Boston with sightseeing tours in Halifax, Bar Harbor and of course, Boston; a final trip to Virginia including a trip on the Potomac and stops in Staunton and Richmond. The Kovariks seem not to spend much time at home. But what they do sounds great.

Vaughn Tweedy wrote this letter: “Dear Robin, Your article in one of the recent Corps publications gave me quite a few laughs. It was 48

the one about the chiggers and liniment.

Essentially the same thing happened with my brother and me but maybe a little more dramatically.

My father had taken my brother, Jimmy, and me down to my Aunt Myra’s farm in the country for the early squirrel hunting season the first two weeks in September. I was 13 and Jimmy was 11.

We went out in the mid-afternoon and came back around four o’clock after having got a pair of squirrels. We could actually feel the chiggers crawling upon our bodies. Aunty Myer gave us a bottle of horse liniment to rub on ourselves. Jimmy got the liniment first and naturally we were generous with the applications, particularly on the tender parts. Soon my brother was standing first on one foot and then the other with increasing sounds of suffering.

I thought to myself, ‘Well, he just can’t stand anything!’ Pretty soon he gave up all resistance and tore down the stairs and out the front door, naked as a jaybird. He began to run around and around the farmhouse yelling and groaning. I could hear his toenails clipping the grass as he ran.

My Aunt Myra had a young boy living with her who played the radio rather loudly and incessantly. At that moment the radio had a band playing The Drum Boogie. Picture this 11-year-old naked prepuberty boy hollering and running around the house to the tune of ‘Drum Boogie Woogie Woogie, Drum Boogie, Drum Boogie.’

Aunt Myra and our father were doubled in laughter. Meanwhile I had descended to the main floor and lowered myself into Aunt Myra’s bathtub run full of cold water.

I tried to subdue my groaning and retain a trifle more dignity as befitted a much more mature 13-year-old in puberty.”

You know I was with you on that trip to Fort Bragg. I could have told you what would happen. Our particular liniment was “Sloane’s Horse Liniment.”

Herb Harris writes that he and Mary (M-M) are both fine – very busy but enjoying their five grandchildren. He is happy to report that the oldest was just graduated from Temple and has a job. Herb is president of the Resident’s Association where they live at Rudal Park and M-M is chairman of the Program Committee. They have done a good bit of traveling over the last 15 to 20 years – last summer to the

Corning Museum, a week at Chautauqua Institute at Niagara Falls, with their usual early September in Stone Harbor, NJ. I talked to DeeDee Shepherd and he told me that Lola’s broken leg has all but healed. I knew that she had fallen from her horse and that she had hurt herself but I had not realized that it was so serious.

At any rate, I know that all of us continue to wish her the best and are glad that she has come along so well. DeeDee continues to handle our funds with which he either buys flowers for deceased Brother Rats or makes contributions in their names.

George Coffman. The men’s’ clothing store that George Coffman started in 1956 continues to do well. George says that his two sons, Bill and John, run the store and that he tries to stay out of the way but that he goes to visit every day. He says that he does not or tries not even to give advice but that it is a pleasure just to sit back and observe. He and Martha, in January, had just returned from a trip to Europe, primarily Spain but also a little of Italy and with stopovers in London, both coming and going. He and Martha are in good health and enjoying senior citizen life.

Last January, Mary Virginia Harwood had Braxton and Judith Green as her house guests. She decided to take them to lunch in Coral Gables at the Biltmore Hotel poolside restaurant with her daughter, Sally. She also asked Bee and Franky Rhees and Frank Cox. Alice and I were also there. The occasion was just right. The company was solid VMI; the day was South Florida winter gorgeous; the place was glamorous; the food was delicious; all in all a perfect 10.

’51

John Ross

This note covers the period Oct. 16, 2011, to Feb. 10, 2012.

Peter Philp called to check on his roommate, Dwayne Holloway, and to see how Marie and I were doing. Pete was scheduled for back surgery on Oct. 21.

I passed on Pete’s inquiry to Duane and learned that Pat and he are doing well.

Marie, in a telephone call with Nancy Hill, learned that Jack is still doing well in his rehab program.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Sam Bass sent an e-mail to all Marines noting that the Army cannot match the Corps’ record – citing that the fourth commandant was cashiered for public drunkenness on six occasions and frequenting a house of prostitution, which I presume was considered conduct unbecoming a gentleman.

I extended late birthday greetings to Phil Barton in California, and we had a long conversation in which we agreed that the 60th was great.

I left birthday greetings for Kay Bennett and Tusten Lanning at the end of October.

Sam Scott reported in an e-mail on a micro reunion in Charleston for the Citadel game – Pat and Johnny Gray; Cindy and Jim Marshall; Marilyn and Gib Gay; and George Cohen.

I reached Harry Bailey at the beginning of November to extend birthday wishes.

I left birthday greetings for Des Wray with his wife, Fran, as he was out golfing.

On the NBC evening news of Nov. 7 there was a story concerning Patrick Witt, the Yale quarterback and his dilemma – play in the traditional Harvard game on Saturday or travel to an interview for a Rhodes Scholarship. Shortly thereafter, Jigger Baxley called to inform me that Patrick was Kirby Bernich’s grandson. I subsequently learned that Patrick canceled the interview in order to play.

On Nov. 10th, the 236th Marine birthday, Marie and I traveled to Lexington, where we met the Holloways for lunch and dinner. On the following day, Duane and I visited the Institute, while Pate and Marie went shopping.

Duane and I missed the dedication of the Crozet monument but did see the French contingent. That evening we attended the Institute Society Dinner in the Hall of Valor.

Joining us were Eddy and John Phillips.

Although the speeches were rather long, the Glee Club rendered a rousing performance.

On my return from Lexington, there awaiting me was Roger Little’s usual birthday greetings to all Marine BRs. On Nov. 14, I wished Mrs. Whitlow a happy birthday, and she thanked me for our birthday card. During our call I learned that her son, Zachary Whitlow ’78, is a retired vascular surgeon.

On the same day, I received a call from 2012-Issue 2

Des Wray in Staunton, VA, inquiring about Johnny Gray’s HBOT treatment.

Des reports Fran and he are doing fine.

I had a nice chat with Janet Lemley in Stepside Beach, SC, after wishing her a happy birthday. She reports that she keeps quite active operating a beach rental business and is doing well considering age.

John Phillips called to say how much he enjoyed the Institute Dinner and that he is glad to be back. He and Eddy normally spend the winter in Florida, but this year they are remaining in Richmond while he is rehabbing from hip surgery.

George Cohen called to report that Marty is doing fine in her recovery from surgery and that she had just spent five days in Paris with her son and daughterin-law. George also noted that he had seen Patrick Witt, Kirby Bernich’s grandson, play for Yale.

I left birthday greetings for Dave Kneessy on Nov. 17. I also tried to check up on the following and left messages – Pete Philp; Paul Shrader; Gloria Cowherd; Gayle Coley; and Robbin Jordan.

I had a nice chat with Venetia Friend in Montrose, AL. She is doing well coping with the loss of Jack.

On Nov. 17 Jim Connolly, after years of dedicated service operating our e-mail network, retired, or in his own words, “Someone else will have to pick up the colors.” As I have said many times, Jim did an outstanding job for the class, and we owe him big time.

I left birthday wishes for Dick Owen in Wilson, NC, with his wife, Jane, as he was in rehab. She reports he is bothered by pain in both legs, which is still undiagnosed.

When I caught up with Dave Kneessy in Indianapolis, he reports that like most of us, he has some mobility problems. He is looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit from Katherine and her family.

I reached Walt Carraway in Plano, TX, with birthday greetings. He is doing fairly well and his back is much improved.

I had multiple calls with Jake Wamsley and Sid Hannah arranging for Sid “to pick up the colors” and take over as our e-mail coordinator.

Just before Thanksgiving, I had a call from Paul Shrader reporting on an enjoyable lunch he and Polly had with Paul

and Jean Robinson and Brom Nichol.

Shortly thereafter, Paul called from north of Mobile, AL, while driving to Wisconsin for the holidays, reporting on the same luncheon.

I wished Gloria Cowherd in New Brunswick, NJ, a happy Thanksgiving.

Pete Philp in Dallas reports he had a nice holiday with his family and is hoping for improvement after surgery.

I called Tom Green and asked him to wish his dad, Clyde, a happy birthday.

They had a nice Thanksgiving with Clyde’s sister.

Mary Ellen Connolly said that she and Jim had a nice Thanksgiving with their two daughters. I then talked with Jim, who was most concerned that the transfer of e-mail coordinator to Sid Hannah was going smoothly. I assured him it was and he offered to help if Sid required assistance.

Pat Gray reports that she and Johnny had a nice holiday and that he is doing well.

I subsequently learned that a new drug is doing wonders for Johnny.

I failed to reach Ken Crisp in Huntington, WV, and I then remembered that he usually spends Thanksgiving with a son in Chicago.

I received a copy of a letter from Bob Jones ’44 to Pat Webb, which went to all class agents, noting the serious mistake in the class of 1944 listing in the 2010 Register of Former Cadets. Our class has the same error – many are listed as graduates incorrectly. I previously called to your attention numerous other errors with this Register and caution to exercise care in using it.

On Dec. 5 we received our first three Christmas cards; Marie and Homer Ambrose; Polly and Paul Shrader; and Joan and Henry Bryan.

Then in no particular order we received cards from: Richard and Anita Chaplin; Pete Philp; Jimmy and Joy Gonzales; Ann Penner; George and Marty Cohen; Sally and Carl Rand Carstens; Fred Watson; Bill Dawson; Phil Barton and Joan; Winston and Betty Baber; Kay Bennett; Gracelyn and Skip Parks; Woody Woodward; Marilyn and Gib Gay; Fred and Rose Anson; Bob and Jeanne Nolley; Glennie Brown; Lew and Beverly Beazlie; Jack and Nancy Hill; Sam Scott; Robbin Jordan; Pat and Duane Holloway; 49

CLASS NOTES Pat and Johnny Gray; Peggy and Willard Hays; Barbara and Jack Lowden; Bill and Joanna Caldwell; Lee Duval; Carolyn McCallum; Sheila and Rav Marshall; Don and Jody Baldwin; Ellen Nelson; Steve and Marion Meader; Jean and Paul Robinson; Jim Evers; Dick Cole and Louise; Jim and Cindy Marshall; Ursula and Jigger Baxley; Clare and Dick McFarlin; Eday and Jake Wamsley; Bill Moore; the Lavilles, Lois, Doc and daughter; and Sid Hannah.

Finally on Jan. 19, 2012, we received a card from Rog and Betty Little (“not late for 2011 – just early and practicing for 2012”).

Many of the cards had informative notes and letters; Fred Anson had knee replacement surgery scheduled for late December, followed by repair of his right knee. Woody Woodward lost his faithful Sherlock after 12 years. Dick McFarlin also had knee replacement surgery last June. Dick Cole intended to propose to Louise on Christmas day. And Pete Philp developed a strep infection, after his back surgery, which required nine days of hospitalization. While Glennie Brown wrote, “Thanks for keeping me in the loop, even when asking for donations.”

Marie and I wish to thank each of you for remembering us.

As we were in the midst of preparing for the joyous celebration of Christmas, I received the sad news that on Dec. 11, 2011, our BR Jim Connolly died at home, after a long and hard fight.

Jim was a great BR who served his country with valor for 27 years in the Marine Corps. He likewise served our class with dedication for five years as our e-mail network coordinator. Despite numerous medical problems that necessitated multiple hospital stays, Jim never failed us. Even at the end, when he “passed the colors,” he asked me to let him know if Sid needed help.

Jim was one tough Marine and one dedicated BR. We owe him big time and I shall miss him.

I expressed to Mary Ellen and her family our deepest sympathy on their loss and made a contribution to VMI in his memory.

I wished Jack Hill a happy birthday. He reports that Nancy and he are doing well.

50

Rav Marshall likewise reports that Sheila and he are OK but have some age-related problems. Rav hears from his roommate, Paul Robinson.

As a result of an inquiry from Sid Hannah concerning e-mail addresses, I contacted: John Blakemore, who reports that he and Eleanore are doing well with some age-related problems; Jim Smith reports that he and Hilda are doing well and have nearly completed repair of storm-related damage to their home; and Anita Chaplin reports that Richard’s condition continues to deteriorate but is still able to enjoy some VMI reminiscences.

I wished Bounce Carsten a happy birthday at his business. He and Sally are doing well.

I called Jigger Baxley on Dec. 24 to wish him a happy birthday and a Merry Christmas to Ursula and him. Jigger’s actual birth date is the 25th, but I did not wish to interfere with his celebration on that date.

On Dec. 28, 2011, I made my last birthday call of the year to Tom Wornham in LaJolla, CA, who immediately passed the phone to Pinky, his wife. I learned that Tom has serious medical problems, but Pinky was quite upbeat.

On Dec. 29, Marie and I called the Holloways to wish them a happy anniversary – their 60th. They had a great Christmas with their family, plus a telephone call from their grandson, Gordon Holloway ’09, from Afghanistan.

On Jan. 1, 2012, we received Happy New Year messages from the Carstens and the Grays.

On Jan. 3, I wished Jack Lowden a happy birthday. He and Barbara are both well.

I reached Ray Moncrief in Georgetown, TX, with birthday greetings and learned that Phyllis and he are both well and slowly adjusting to the move to Texas.

But, I failed to reach Steve Carlon in Middletown, PA, with birthday greetings.

I received an e-mail from Steve Meador notifying me of the death of Marion on Jan. 3, 2012, of lung cancer and pneumonia. I shall always remember her courageous attendance at our 60th in a wheelchair and so stated to Steve in a letter of condolence.

I wished Bob Nolley a happy birthday.

He is doing well but reports that Jeanne is

having a problem with her non-repaired knee.

On the 10th of January I reached both Duane Holloway and Johnny Blakemore to wish them a happy birthday. Both are doing well and celebrating quietly – Pat was taking Duane to lunch, and Eleanore was taking Johnny to dinner.

I attended the memorial service in Reston, VA, for Marion Meader at which I was able to extend condolences to Steve and his family.

I missed connecting with Hob Richey in Orange Beach, AL, and left a birthday message for him.

I wished Henry Bryan in Port Huron, MI, a happy birthday. He is still recovering from quadriceps tears and has physio three times per week. When I informed him of Marion Meader’s death, he reminisced about his participation in her wedding, as he was Steve’s roommate, along with Bill Moore, Helmut Schrader and Hal Bowen.

Johnny Gray called to report that based on a call from Skip Parks, our BR Steve Carlon died on Jan. 7, 2012, in Middletown, PA, after many years of health problems.

I immediately called Pat Wise, who had taken care of Steve for 26 years, to confirm the report and to express our condolences.

At present there is no contact info for a next-of-kin.

I wished Jim Smith a happy birthday on Jan. 23rd, a day late.

Sid Hannah informed me that Ann Penner was hospitalized with a dangerous sodium level problem. When I called to check on her, Ann got on the phone and said she was being discharged but would require home assistance for some time.

Skip Parks called with regard to the death of his roommate, Steve Carlon. He and Gracelyn are now doing well after a rough siege over the Christmas season.

Hob Richey e-mailed thanks for my birthday remembrances. He also reported on an Egyptian trip with his son, son-inlaw and grandchildren over the Christmas period.

Johnny Gray called to tell me he was celebrating his birthday early with his family. Then he and Pat were leaving to continue celebrating with a stay at the Greenbriar in West Virginia on his actual birth date of Jan. 30.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES I contacted Jack Davis in Southern Pines, NC, with birthday greetings a day late. He had a quiet celebration – cake and ice cream with his son and family. Jack is dealing with multiple medical issues but is still hanging in there.

I have been unable to reach Gayle Coley to see how she is doing, as her telephone number is not working.

I missed connecting with Gib Gay in Bradenton, FL, to extend birthday greetings.

I had a nice visit with Jimmy Gonzales in Kenner, LA, after wishing him a happy birthday. Jimmy was sorry to have missed the 60th but hopes to make our next reunion. He inquired about Bill Leck, Hank Quisenberry and A.J. Marchand ’52. I brought him up-to-date to the extent I had knowledge.

Bob Nolley called with a question concerning VMI rings. He is doing OK but confirms Jeanne is still having problems with her non-repaired knee.

I wished Doc Laville a happy birthday in Breaux Bridge, LA. He is as positive as ever and is doing fairly well. Doc inquired about Lang Sheffield and Gene Held, his roommates.

Keep the news coming. My next deadline is mid-May. Once again, before closing, I wish to remember our BRs who left us during the past year of 2011: Bobby Guthans (6/5/11); Ed May (7/25/11); Frank Gorham (9/14/11); and Jim Connolly (12/11/11). May they rest in peace.

Marie and I wish to thank everyone who remembered us during the past year and to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Semper Fi – Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

I will start these notes with Bill Croswell’s amazing career.

At graduation in June 1952, Bill had orders to report to Lackland AFB, the stopping off point for going to Korea, only to have them cancelled a number of times.

Finally in late August, he received orders to report to Wright Field. He reported to a 2012-Issue 2

meeting held by a general who was head of Air University Command. He informed the group that they were to form the accreditation class of the Air Force Institute of Technology, a new graduate school for Air Force officers. The general stated that if they did poorly, they would be flown to Korea in a week.

Studies were intense, with a load of over 20 quarter hours a quarter. Bill wrote his thesis on radome design, and was assigned to the Radome Branch at Wright Field with seven or eight aircraft or missile projects with signature authority to approve or disapprove production hardware.

In the fall of 1957, he left the Air Force and went to Ohio State University to study electromagnetics and antennas. Bill interviewed at NASA Langley and was offered a good job, which he decided to take because the university added 15 additional hours of solid state physics courses, which he didn’t need for a Ph.D. degree.

For the first few years at NASA, he worked on antennas for reentry vehicles.

He was one of those asked to give lectures to the first seven astronauts on antennas and various subjects in electromagnetics.

For the next 10 years he worked on the Mercury and Apollo programs focusing on reentry physics, In addition he became head of the Electromagnetic Research Branch. He was appointed full professor by the dean of EE of George Washington University. He taught graduate courses in antennas, electromagnetics, and controls, and started a research program in microwave remote sensing. He retired from NASA Langley in 1981, and joined the Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Florida, as a senior scientist working on classified projects. He is a Senior Fellow of the IEEE. Joe Hatfield lives in Burnsville, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. He has four children – two boys and two girls, plus four grandchildren. Joe is living from day-to-day because he has melanoma. This was identified last spring. Joe received radiation treatment which seemed to solve the problem. This fall he had another test to find the melanoma had returned and spread to his liver. He is enrolled in a hospice program. I just got word that Joe died November 23, 2011. I am glad I was able to talk to him before he died. (See Mr.

Hatfield’s obituary in the Taps section of this Alumni Review.)

I also called John Taylor for his birthday.

John is going to the World Series tomorrow expecting the Rangers to win. John has season tickets for Ranger games.

John’s sons both live in Dallas. One son is CEO for Olmsted Paper Co., which his mother’s family owned. He recently took over leadership of the company as it was near bankruptcy. The business has now recovered. John’s other son is a prominent surgeon specializing in breast surgery. His son invited John and Betty to go to Beijing for three days as his guest. They flew business class, leaving on a Thursday and arriving on Friday. They spent Saturday and Sunday in Beijing, returning home on Tuesday.

Clark Britton retired in 2000 after teaching advertising and package design for 43 years. He also designs doll house rooms.

One of his designs will be printed in an industry magazine in the next month or two.

Clark and his wife, Pauline, enjoy traveling through the west, especially a trip they took following the Santa Fe Trail, visiting many of the watering places on the trail that are maintained for the public. Clark told me that his wife worked for NASA back in the years when Chuck Yeager was breaking the sound barrier. She had the job of calibrating the instrument that recorded Yeager’s record.

Dave White e-mailed me with some questions about the Citadel game. I asked if his wife, Mary Kee, was joining him at the game. Dave then informed me that she died in March. In answer to my question about how he is doing, he replied that he is working every day raising money for a new hospice and they are within a million of having it paid for. The hospice is ministering to 270 daily in the Raleigh, NC, area.

I haven’t been able to get in touch with Weir Goodwin, so I left a message for him to call me back. Weir called me back a few weeks later. He has had an aneurism. Now he is doing better, but is having trouble with spasms in his back, which has yet to be identified for cause. Weir told me he had tried to return my call from last month, but couldn’t get through, perhaps because he had the number wrong. Weir’s new address is: c/o Tremont H-G Room 51

CLASS NOTES 114, 2501 Westerland Drive, Houston, TX 77063. Weir has all three of his boys and their families living within 15 minutes or so from him and they visit him regularly.

I talked to Red Austermann. He and his wife are doing well, although she broke a bone a few months ago and has recovered. They are retired in California with a golden retriever and two cats. He has doubts about making it to our reunion because of the distance and the fact that flying is no fun.

As you probably know by now we lost to the Citadel 41 to 14. A bunch of us trav-

eled to Charleston to the game. While the game was a disappointment, our time together was great. The group included: John Cure, Chris Holland, George Hutter, Jack Lanford, Bill Massie, Henry Nanninga, Gary Pittman, Army Wellford, Cecil Welsh, Dave White, Gibson Gay and Jim Wiley along with me. We and our wives had lots of time for conversation of things which were much more interesting than the game. A couple of pictures of our group are included here.

I had called Pat Barry on his birthday in October and left a message. He returned

Class of 1952: Above: In South Carolina for the VMI-Citadel football game, October 2011, were, from left, Lucette and Jim Mecredy, Anne and Bill Massie, Jean and George Hutter, Barbara and Army Welford, John and Mary Dillon Cure, David White, Jack and Linda Lanford, Henry Nanninga, Sandra and Gary Pittman, Chris and Sugar Holland, Jim and Carol Wiley, Cecil and Barbara Welch, and Marilyn and Gib Gay. Below: Army Welford, George Hutter, John Cure, Jim Mecredy, Dave White, Bill Massie, Henry Nanninga, Gib Gay, Chris Holland, Gary Pittman, Jack Lanford, Jim Wiley and Cecil Welsh.

52

my call today (Nov. 8) and we talked about old times, especially the times he and his wife, Raynell, spent in a small town, Washington, GA, not far from Augusta. He spent a lot of time hunting and fishing in a large lake near Augusta. This is great deer hunting country. The deer are so plentiful that the limit is four deer. We also talked about the times in service; Pat was Air Force and I was Army at Fort Hood, Texas.

He had occasions to be at Fort Hood, so he was familiar with the territory where I practiced shooting cows with a machine gun when they wandered onto the firing range. The firing range was open season on cows in those days. We did have to call the range officer and report any dead cows.

Pat told me that he and Nutz “hitched hiked” to Korea on several airplanes, including a B26, which has a tunnel to the only place on the plane they could ride.

Later today, I got a call from Bill Kearney to ask for Nutz Navas’s phone number. Bill had lost his number and wanted to call him. Bill told me his wife, Shirley died last month. She had been in a wheel chair for some years and recently she started failing, to die in October.

Today, I talked with Howard Williamson, George Bookman, Bill Shunk, Bob Lambert, Jack Frankeberger, Jay Grumbling and John Greenwood. They all had birthdays in November. Howard Williamson tells me his weekly coffee group is down to two or three. All of the members are over 90, except for Howard.

Howard’s wife, Bernie, fell and damaged her knee enough that she is using a walker to recover, but there was no need to operate. Bookie and Nancy met with the Beckers recently, and tomorrow night they are going to listen to a men’s chorus in which Joe Webber is a member. Bill Shunk is an active member of SCORE and several other groups helping people.

He found the he has a low form of kidney disease which can be minimized. Bill has three daughters, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Bob Lambert is meeting next week with Bookie and other members of the reunion committee to hopefully put the finishing touches on planning our reunion. I think you will get these notes in May after the reunion.

Jack Fankeberger tells me he is doing a VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES little better, even though he is on dialysis three times a week.

Jay Grumbling lives in New Hampshire and boards 46 horses. During the recent New England snowstorm, he was without electricity for an extended period of time, which meant the he had to bring water from a creek for the horses every day by bucket. Electricity was restored a few days ago so that chore was thankfully ended.

The horses include six old horses that are in retirement.

John Greenwood completed two years at VMI before he ran out of money. Later he completed college at the University of Virginia and went on active duty flying B29s.

After his time in the Air Force he bought a private plane, a Ryan STA Special, and started flying in air shows. He worked for the telephone company to support his love of flying. He is currently instructing in aerobatics and occasionally participates in air shows. He has the VMI spider on top of his wings and VMI colors underneath.

I received an obituary for William F. Howard. He died July 6, 2011 of natural causes, at age 80. A native of Nashville, he was born February 22, 1931 to the late Lawrence B. and Ellen Felder Howard, and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1956. He served his country as a United States Marine during the Korean War, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. (Mr. Howard’s obituary appeared in the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review.)

George Robison wrote me about himself at age 80. He claimed good health through 79 ½, but has started falling apart (his words) after that. He has had a prostate operation and says his heart is beating too fast, so he does not know which one will get him. I wrote back that the doctors only work on symptoms. Only God knows how long He needs us here, so long as we strive to stay healthy.

I must thank George Robison, Bud Becker and Bob Patrick ’72 for up-dating me about Larry Patrick’s death in 2005.

I had missed this in making my birthday phone calls. Keep checking on me guys!

Al Marchand tells me he is struggling with diabetes, leg problems, and he has had open-heart surgery. In spite of these he sounds cheerful, but he doubts he will be able to make it to our reunion.

2012-Issue 2

Charlie McRae has a birthday on Monday, December 5 and to celebrate his birthday Charlie and his son are flying from Houston to San Diego to play golf at Torrey Pines. They have been doing this for a few years to celebrate Charlie’s birthday.

I talked to Boyd Guttery. He tells me that he walks with a cane, but otherwise he is doing well. His wife died in ’94 and he has a son living in Atlanta.

I called Bill Gilley on his birthday. He is planning to spend time with his entire family just before Christmas in northern Virginia. He has five grandchildren, the oldest one is 22. Bill hopes to make it to our 60th Reunion.

Jim Martin and Bob Perkins also have birthdays this week, but I have not been able to reach them so far. I will try again later. Cecil Puckette wasn’t home when I called him, and he called me back the next day. Both he and his wife, Carolyn, are in good health at this point. Cecil had some heart problems a few years ago, but that has been resolved.

I have been unable to reach Jim Martin or Bob Perkins on their birthdays, so I left messages. I did reach Bob Yore to learn that he has three daughters and two stepdaughters. The stepdaughters are teaching in China, and Bob went to China last Christmas.

Red Gerdetz wrote that he has a grandson in the Class of 2014. Red is very pleased with the state of the Institute and is glad to support it.

Gary Pittman writes that they made a transatlantic trip in September letting them visit the outstanding land and scenery in Iceland and Greenland. In December 2010, they took a trip to Australia/New Zealand.

Gary also reports that, fortunately, his family had a good year, and in good health. I also got Christmas cards from a number of you. If I listed them all I would run out of the space I am allowed in the Alumni Review.

I have received two address changes from our Brother Rats. Turk Lane has moved to Pensacola, FL, and the new address is: 615 Bayshore Dr. #801, Pensacola, FL 32507. My card to Martha Foy was returned as “unable to forward.”

I received a nice note from Sandy O’Connor, Ted O’Connor’s wife, bring-

ing us up to date on her life. Ted died in 1998 after a career in the Army. He retired in 1980 as a Lt. Col. His son, Theodore, also had an Army career retiring as a Lt. Col. Sandy and her son attended our 50th Reunion in 2002. She said they had a lovely time, particularly thanks to Walt Ames. Their son recently died in July, 2010. They also have a daughter, Vanessa Claire O’Connor Lopez.

Joe Craven sent me a Christmas card describing his recent move to a Veterans home in the Napa Valley, California. His new address is: VHC – Section E, 260 California Drive, Yountville, CA 945991412. Joe tells me he gets to play lots of golf and other activities. His son told Joe about this Veterans home being an ideal place. Joe checked it out and moved there.

Starting in January 2012, I will be sending each of you a card on your birthday.

Please let me know by phone (706/6833565), e-mail (mecredyjm@bellsouth.net) or regular mail of any changes or events that you want me to share in the Alumni Review. I will continue to call you or email you from time to time as I learn about events at the Institute that you will want to know about. I have already contacted many of you by e-mail. If you are not sure that I have your e-mail address, please send it to me.

We will have our 60th before you receive this, so some of this will be old news.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

This past quarter, we lost three Brother Rats: Tom Schermerhorn, Dan Stickley and George O’Leary. (Editor’s Note: See the Taps section of this issue for Mr. Schermerhorn’s and Mr. Stickley’s obituary. See the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review for Mr. O’Leary’s obituary.)

I received a Christmas card from Tom’s wife that Dr. Tom passed away in Atlanta on Dec. 17th after a long battle with leukemia. He roomed with Wes Gray and Pancho their first class year. Parker has “chatted” with Landora, and I sent her a note card on behalf of the class of ’53. Additionally, I received a Christmas note card from Joan O’Leary, after sending George a birthday card in January, saying that George had died in Houston this past July 53

CLASS NOTES 25th, after a long struggle with Alzheimers. trip himself any longer. hospital, as was Jack Townes. Judy and I She had notified the alumni office last year, Jack Townes called me the first of were at Kendal here in Lexington a couple but evidently the info did not get passed on January to tell me that Warren Goddard Sundays ago visiting our past neighbor, to me. The obit is in the issue of the Alumni was in the hospital in Richmond. Never Lou Hundley ’47 (History Department).

Review that just came out. George only at- did find out all the details, but apparently He and Terry Davis are good friends, and tended one year, but only because his father he had fallen out of bed, and had to go in Terry asked about Lou when we were in remarried, and would not continue to send to get checked out; however, he did not Charleston. We also stopped by to see him. She said that George loved Tom Wright ’54 briefly, his year at VMI, and really wanted in the assisted living secto return. He roomed with Spider tion; he has been there for Evans and Rawlings the Rat year. several weeks, but is better I did write to Joan on behalf of the now. Fred and Uschi Hauser class of ’53. Dan passed away in are good friends of Tom and Harrisonburg in October, and the Eleanor – they visited them services were attended by Fred and several weeks ago. Also had Ursula Hauser. They had visited the opportunity to say hello to Dan after his return from Johns Gen. Jim Morgan ’45 in the Hopkins in December a year ago. hallway. I assume that most The surgeon could not do anything of you remember Jim in our with the cancerous tumor, but Institute days … he seems to chemo did help for a while. Dan be doing well. was a fellow chemistry major, but An e-mail from Mickey Class of 1953: Reid Johnson, Judy and Bill Noell, Cadet after two years, he transferred to Woodward said that once William Wild, and Betty and Terry Davis at the Institute W&L, from where he graduated again they are on a long Society Dinner, November 2011. along with BR Art Williams. cruise, but back to Richmond The other sad news this quarter at the end of January. In comis that Rilda has had to move Jules “Bromo” break any bones. As you recall, Warren has menting on Warren Goddard’s medical Seletz into an assisted living quarters, due had back problems for several years, and problems, he noted that their daughter-into the progression of his Alzheimer’s. I had had to be driven to the recent Richmond law, Leslie’s sister is married to Stephen a nice talk with Rilda a few weeks ago. She group lunches that he attended. After he Goddard. Received a nice note from Oz says he is set up nicely in his new quarters, was released, he and Ann went to their Bellinger after the Charleston gathering. has pictures on the wall, his computer – condo in Richmond for recuperation and He noted that he and his date at Charleswhich he now only plays solitaire on. He the winter, in lieu of going home to White ton, Joyce, have now had an “exit interstill knows who she is, but his memory does Stone. I tried to call Warren several times view.” Said that at one time, she was Mrs. fluctuate. It was getting so he, thus she, was at the hospital, but was never successful, Alabama. An e-mail from Bob Cheatham up many hours during the night, and then so just sent him a couple of notes. Warren noted that Bebe graduated from chemo she was having a very hard time function- Koontz was able to visit Warren at the school in December – cap and gown and ing during the day. He is able all. It was her sixth and last to read some of his notes, other treatment, and they are praying times she reads to him. Rilda has that her lymphoma will stay in a daughter in the area that helps remission. When we were with out, but Bromo’s four sons live them in Charleston in October, a distance away. Bromo roomed she looked great, and Bob said with Norris Kantor along with she is doing well. An e-mail Al Miller their first and second from Jerrilu Mallo said she class years. Norris has also talked spent Christmas in Maine with to Rilda recently concerning her youngest son, and on the the progression of Bromo’s way home, waiting in the AtAlzheimer’s, and noted that as lanta airport, she saw a young much as he wants to attend the man with a VMI sweatshirt.

60th, he will not be able to do so.

She met up with him, and they In fact, Bromo contacted Norris had a brief visit and smiles. about six months ago in regard He was the class of 2011. Judy Class of 1953: Members of the class who attended the to coming to Massachusetts, and and I, and Jack and Peachy VMI-Citadel game in October 2011 went to dinner in driving them both to the 60th, as Charleston, South Carolina.

Trigg did visit Gayle Shorter he knew he could not drive the in Camden, AL, toward the end 54

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of October. We had a great visit, and Gayle Bob and Bebe Cheatham have just of this gathering only went out on e-mail, prepared an excellent lunch for us. I had returned from a cruise to South America although noted as coming about in the a couple of notes from Jack since then … and have not heard any details yet, but last class notes. Judy and I stayed with the said Peachy is still about the same. They am sure it was great. Judy and I have Cheathams at their place in Kiawah along are returning to Gayle’s for a visit in early been attending VMI basketball games with Harold McClung. We really had a February. One comment from “great” visit with Harold while Jack, I completely agree with: we were there. Harold left on “It seems that as we get older, Sunday morning to return to our VMI relationships become Savannah, and Bob and I went more important and valuable.” oystering, while Judy and Bebe An e-mail from Norma Woy did some local shopping. Bob says she is recovering well from and I had an oyster feast that her stroke of a year ago, and has night at their place at Kiawah. a caregiver daily … she even We also attended Bebe’s flew to Disney for five days rebirthday dinner in Summerville cently with church friends. In the on Monday night at their son’s Epiphany 2012 letter from Gayle home, Ben and Sallie’s. Our Shorter, after Epiphany, because planned shrimping trip failed she was in the hospital with pneuon Tuesday due to boat engine monia, besides her family news, problems, but all in all, it was she asks the question, “Have a great five days in the “Low you ever wondered why the silly Country.” (Note: There will be Class of 1953: Bill Noell, Gayle Shorter and Jack Trigg Christmas carol ‘A Partridge in a group of Charleston dinner with Wyatt Shorter’s portrait in the background at Gayle’s a Pear Tree’ was written?” Well, pictures in the next issue, as I home in Camden, Alabama. sometime between 1558 and have already reached the allow1829, when there was a problem able five.) in practicing Catholicism in England, it was this year, and staying in Lexington in lieu Since these class notes are going to be written as a Catechism for young Catholics, of Tennessee basketball … taking five kind of long, and we received a great thus each element in the carol has a code grandchildren (4 to 14) to several Saturday number of Christmas cards from BRs word for a religious reality. Hence, the bal- games. Frank Spencer has come over with notes, I am not going to do the usual ance of Gayle’s letter goes through the carol, from Charlottesville for several games, past practice of bringing forth who, and and points out the religious conation for each and John Gilbert was at a game last week. all your comments/greetings and such verse … it is very interesting.

Bob Morris ’81, one of Jim Morris’ sons, this year, as it would add several more I received an e-mail from Ted Mariani was at a game in December, and we talked paragraphs to these notes. So, just want to that he has just received his long delayed about Jim’s recuperation. Bob said he was thank you all for cards, the greetings and MCRP degree from the Catholic University moving around but very slowly. At the all the information. However, I will menof America in Washington, D.C. He received time being, VMI is just above 50/50 in the tion a couple things, like Bob Rutschow’s his M.S. in architectural engineering from conference and overall. Speaking of VMI prostate cancer, and CT scans showed MIT in 1957, and then embarked on the pro- sports, we had a great time in Charleston tumors in the lymph nodes, but recent fessional career as an architect. Although he with our ’53 gathering for the VMI-Citadel scans, after treatment have shown some had finished his course work, it was 48 years football game, despite the outcome of decrease in size. He will have another before completing his thesis, and receiving the game. At least we all sat together in scan early this year. Frank Wooten had the final degree. This should also be covered our ’53 block of tickets. Judy and I did some skin cancer surgery several months somewhat in the Alumni News section. I give up tickets to the UT-SC game that ago, and now they have found out he may received a telephone call one morning in weekend. Bob and Bebe Cheatham did need a pacemaker. The Fortin’s grandson, December from Norman George just to a great job of organizing the gathering, Brandon Zembler, 3rd class, was part of talk and such. Said that he and Joy are doing after they returned from Mackinac Island. the Cadre at VMI this fall, and is doing very well. At the Institute Society Dinner in We had dinner at the Middleton Plantawell in civil engineering. And then there is November, our class representation was kind tion on Friday night in a private room, and Webb Maddux who had to write a family of slim: Judy and I, Betty and Terry Davis, on Saturday night we all ate as a group Christmas letter this year – his first after Reid Johnson and then we had a VMI First downtown at a local restaurant. In addition 58 years of marriage. Webb said that Helen Class Cadet officer at our table. At the dinner, to us and the Cheathams, the Davises talked him into it, and he starts off with: Judy and I did get to visit with one of the Lisellas, Sanders, Grines, Kantors, “Lord give me strength, I hope this works sons of roommate Pete Cox, Bill ’93, who Braswells, Bellinger and date, and Harold out OK.” Yes Webb, you did a pretty good lives in Lynchburg, who I see periodically McClung – a nice group of 19 for the job; after 20 years of marriage, I am still at class agents’ meetings.

Charleston weekend. The announcement trying to convince Judy it is time for her to 2012-Issue 2

55

CLASS NOTES take over that letter, but all she agrees to do so far is the proofing, and it does take a lot of that.

Now, Judy and my news is that we have a new, great-grandson – 4th greatgrandchild. Travis Hudson was born in January in Virginia Beach to my granddaughter, Sandy, and her “Hokie” husband, Andy. The good thing is that all is great with them, and we had a fun visit after they came home from the hospital. We had spent several days after Christmas at a family gathering in the area, and noted that it sure was about time for Hudson to

Class of 1953: Harold McClung and Bebe Cheatham at Cheatham Cottage, Kiawah Island, South Carolina, for the VMI-Citadel game in October 2011.

enter this world. In my last class notes, in my rush with the required early submission date, I forgot to mention our great trip to Italy. It seems that I am always writing about some great trips that BRs make throughout the world but never able to say we have been anywhere but up and down the interstate to Tennessee. So, I will be a little wordy with this description of our travel and maybe create some interest for you. Judy’s first trip overseas: Well, Judy and I celebrated our 20th anniversary, my 80th, and her ? birthday by going to Italy for three weeks at the end of August and just over Labor Day. For two weeks, we rented a restored medieval apartment, built 800 years ago, in the wall of the historic hamlet of Anghiari, overlooking the Tiber River Valley, in Tuscany. We traveled out of Norfolk with another couple, but first spent three days in Rome, before driving an Italian rental car up to Tuscany … Glad Joe was doing the driving and I was navigating. From our apartment, we toured Florence, Assisi, Arezzo, Caprice, 56

Sansepolcro, Citerna, Monterchi, and other historic villages in the area, as well as a convent and a castle, plus spending a lot of time wandering around Anghiari visiting with the local people, eating at most of the restaurants, and never in a hurry. Not being “on a tour,” we were able to pick where we wanted to visit, eat where we saw an interesting place, and not be on a specific time schedule. One day we had a tour of a family (Ravagni – 1421) olive grove/ oil and wine making due to a contact we had. After other touring, we arrived at 6:00 p.m. per schedule, and after about an hour walking tour of the historic facilities, we were told we would be given a snack on the patio outside the “big house.” Well, we did not leave there until 10:30 at night, after much wine, food, and meeting all the family – about 14, many of whom joined us for wine and talk; one who sang opera in Arezzo. It was like being in a movie setting. We did make a three-day visit from Anghiari to Venice – visited the Murano Glass Island and the Burana Lace Island, as well as attending an opera performance.

As can be expected, the churches and artwork that we saw were very numerous, historic and beautiful. On the afternoon that we returned to Rome to fly home, the four of us went to nearby Lido di Ostia, took off our shoes, walked in the black sand, and waded in the sea before having a final drink looking over the blue waters.

And of course, we have hundreds of photographs from it all … thank goodness for digital these days!

The next “Richmond and Beyond” ’53 lunch is being scheduled for either April 26 or 27 at the Country Club of Virginia.

Class of 1953: Judy and Bill Noell in Anghiari, Italy (the Tuscany region), celebrating birthdays and their 20th wedding anniversary in August 2011.

Details will come out by e-mail sometime in March. The next class reunion, the 60th, will be on Sunday – Tuesday, April 21–23, 2013 … Mark your calendars, and setaside these dates from your other plans for April one year from now!

Corrections: Although these were sent to those on the class e-mail, the first is: Class Notes of Issue 1, 2012. In the notes speaking of Walt and Emily Saunders compiling the info for the book about Walt’s mother, “Bee’s Story,” I wrote that Bebe helped with the compiling instead of Emily … Sorry, Emm. Walt did give us a copy in Charleston. Second; in the last issue (4) of 2011, In the Alumni News section, it mistakenly gives Walt McCarthy’s (Capt. USA) class as ’54 and not ’53.

I wrote to the Alumni Office in regard to this and advised that although he graduated with the ’54s, he matriculated (#66) with the class of ’53 and is so listed in the Register of Former Cadets in the ’53 section. Walt was elected vice president of our class at the end of our Rat year, but when he bulled back, he resigned the honor. His first class roommates were John Evans, Lew Cutrer and Jim Sutherland. As you recall, Walt was our first Brother Rat killed in hostile conflict.

’54

Bill Turner

“Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.” (Anon.)

Every now and then I get something interesting from ol’ Ollie Hux. For example, he writes: “The other day my wife opened a box that had been sitting in a closet after having been moved many times and never opened. We are still in the downsizing mode. In the box were four copies of the Turn Out from ’53 and ’54. (Is that still being published?) Also found some supporting letters for my application to be enrolled at VMI.” (Class Agent Note: Were “supporting letters” required then? I know I didn’t have any.) Ollie continues: “There was also an invitation to my parents to attend the dedication of Marshall Arch.

I would suppose that an invitation was sent to all cadets’ parents. In reading the VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES memorabilia about the dedication of Marshall Arch, and about Gen. Marshall ’901 himself, it was noted that a number of his Brother Rats attended the dedication. In 1951, I thought those people were ancient but they weren’t as ancient as I would be to a third classman today. My conception of ‘old’ is decidedly different now than it was as a third classman.”

Thanks, Ollie. I feel a lot better now. Seriously, I am grateful to Mr. Hux for sending me some “copy” now and again. I wish others of you would be so conscientious.

Obviously the reason you get so much of me is that I get so little from you. I think that’s been the toughest part of this job.

In an earlier column, the reader may recall that I penned a couple of paragraphs regarding VMI’s impressive “Hall of Valor,” which honors those Institute grads who have been awarded the nation’s highest military awards for bravery. I listed the members of our class so honored and the awards for which they were recognized.

In that connection, recently I read remarks attributed to one Max Hast-

ings, eminent military historian, which I believe exemplify the kind of hero who would merit such an honor. Mr. Hastings writes: “The sort of people you need to win your wars are seldom if ever going to be the ones you would call normal human beings…Often they possessed an ‘uncongenial personality’ and were somewhat ‘unhinged.’ They terrified or at least aroused the deepest suspicion by other soldiers around them …” I immediately thought of two of my best friends, Jack Daniels and Jim Bramlet. I don’t know why I thought of them but I did. Jack and Jim were warriors plain and simple.

They were not very complicated. Like this writer, no one would mistake them for a Rhodes Scholar, or even an intellectual.

Basically, they were simple men, not very complicated. What you saw was what you got with them. But in a larger sense, they were more than that, much more. They were the core of what makes this country so extraordinary. They were citizensoldiers, that is true, but they were willing to put their very lives on the line to defend an idea, and an ideal, exemplified by this wondrous land which we, all of us, are willing to take for granted, that it is worth fighting for and, if necessary, die for. I

Class of 1954 Photo top, left: Paul Meyer and his wife, Charlotte, at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011. Photo bottom, right: Dick Trumbo and his wife, Peggy, with Paul Meyer at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011.

Photo bottom, left: Bill Turner with Ramona and Paul Kuhne at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011.

2012-Issue 2

wonder how many outside their families ever think about it, what it cost to maintain and preserve those things we hold most dear. Well, I for one do; I think about their service and sacrifice nearly every day, and I miss them more than words can say. “Jungle Jim” is gone now, and Jack lies in a VA hospital bed wondering, I’m sure, what comes next. I wish I could tell them how much they’re missed, and what I wouldn’t give to be with them again, perhaps having a beer in the old Dutch Inn or “jumpin’ and jammin’” in Stevesville after one more hop.

“Ever since Eve gave Adam the apple, there has been a misunderstanding between the sexes about gifts.” – Nan Robertson in the New York Times.

I attended a sad affair recently, the memorial service of Claiborne’s Ann Terry.

All such services tend to be sad, but this one was a little more than that. Ann died after a prolonged, but courageous, battle with cancer. She and Claiborne had been married 55 years. Ann was one of the most charming and gracious ladies I have ever known. She exuded southern hospitality from every pore. She could light up a room by the sheer magnetism of her remarkable personality. Perhaps more importantly, she knew the value of giving of oneself to those less fortunate. For as long as I knew her, or knew of her, she involved herself in charitable and humanitarian enterprises.

She seemed to be the perfect complement to, I believe, an adoring husband and family. We should all be so lucky. Ann Terry will be greatly missed; there’s no denying that. I know every one of Claiborne’s Brother Rats join me in extending our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to

57

CLASS NOTES Claibo and his beautiful daughters.

Had a long, delightful conversation with Bob Lindsey a little while ago. Bob has suffered macular degeneration for about 20 years, yet is so positive and upbeat. I have a doctor friend who told me several years ago that “attitude is more important than fact,’ and I know it is so. It isn’t what happens to you but how you react to what happens that matters. Two people can have identical problems but have entirely different outcomes. Bob is a living example of that philosophy. I don’t remember who said it but I remember someone once quipped that “some people go through life with a chloroform bottle under their nose while others seem eternally equipped with a perpetual bottle of vintage champagne.”

And it’s hard to predict who will do what when adversity comes. It was great talking with Bob; he always leaves me feeling better than I felt before he called.

During our conversation, Bob told me he had sent me a brief writing that he had done titled, “The Death of a Soldier.” He told me he had been inspired to write this brief narrative while he was preparing to teach a Sunday school class of teenagers on one of the Beatitudes, “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.”

I have read it a couple of times and was more impressed on the second reading than I was the first. Simply put, it is beautiful in its simplicity, beautiful and extremely moving. I share it with you here: The Death of A Soldier, R.E. Lindsey Jr. The soldier’s widow, stained with pain, awash in the dried tears of loneliness, fights for survival in a shattered world.

Slowly, she turns from empty dreams and moves into the unknown.

The soldier’s mother gently places trembling fingers under her pierced heart, with deep breaths. She relives the birth of a baby boy with closing eyes. She succumbs to soft cries of unstoppable anguish.

The soldier’s father is embraced by the bonds of helplessness. Like a dying leaf falling from its branch. He is lost in the turbulent winds of time. He searches for solace in the bitter dark of sleepless nights.

Finding only despair and tear soaked memories, he prays for redemption.

Bob Lindsey was a EE major at the Institute.

58

“My choices in life were to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference.” – Harry Truman.

As some of you may know, I like to write. It’s been a lifelong habit, one that has served me well in my several mediocre careers. I acquired this interest at an early age, but I believe Colonels Dillard and Dixon really brought out the best I had in this arena. They were tough, stern, unrelenting taskmasters, but they taught me a lot about the soaring beauty and majesty of words. The power of effective expression. To illustrate a point, at the moment I’m working on two books: one, historical fiction about the Civil War and the other, addressing the sexual expression of maturing adults. It’s called Sex for Seniors. This work was inspired by my recent move to a retirement community. Admittedly, it won’t be a long book, perhaps a novelette, or maybe even a monograph. Four or five pages? It’s kind of a “paint by the numbers” treatise; all you have to do is stay between the lines. I’ll be happy to provide autographed copies on request. Now, if someone will just tell me where I left my glasses.

Have just now concluded a great conversation with Tom Mayo. The real payoff to this job is that it presents the opportunity to re-connect with old comrades you’ve not seen for too long a time. My conversation with the old physics professor is a classic example. He taught at Hampden Sydney College for 39 years. After he retired, he was invited back to teach one course for seven years. But after one year, Tom decided the language, age, and cultural divide separating him from the students – the “cultural chasm” – simply too great a gulf to overcome. So he retired again, this time for good. Too bad. I think Tom still has much to share, especially with today’s youth who, like this writer, probably believe they already know all that can be known.

Nonetheless, Tom says he stays busy.

In fact, he was dusting furniture even as we spoke. Tom reminded me that he was our first class agent, a position he held for only a year since he was then in graduate school. When I told him I had walked probably a thousand miles in penalty tours during our Rat Year, and was under

confinement most of the time, he told me I should have done what he had done – join the Rat wrestling team, training table and all that. I told him that apparently I wasn’t smart enough. He agreed.

I called Jobil Cole today and we had a delightful conversation. Of course she still misses Jack. A 55+ year commitment can make you feel that way. But she says “with the help of family and friends,” she’s doing “okay.” She travels some and reads. I would like to see and spend some time with Jobil. She sounds like a truly beautiful person. All this reminds me that I should inform you about what I’ve been thinking regarding our next reunion, our 60th! Good grief! I have difficulty even saying it, but there it is, no parsing of words, no temporizing here; it is what it is. So deal with it. Anyway, I’m thinking of doing something “special” for our “First Ladies,” those gals who have “lost” perhaps the most important part of themselves. I believe they may need a little extra TLC, and I intend to see that they get it. My objective is to invite them back for a little extra attention. I think it would be a good thing for them – and for us. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on the matter.

“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.” – St. Augustine.

They had another birthday party for Bill Ralph recently. It was Bill’s 80th; there were many who came. A few had nice things to say about him. I am told that many attendees were from the various churches with which the big guy had been affiliated. Two were former students of Augusta Military Academy where Bill had taught and coached. Many stood and lauded Bill for the way he had touched their lives. By all accounts, it was a fitting and moving tribute to a good man.

Bill was recently featured in an article published in the Virginia-Pilot and Ledger Star. The article described how as coach of Granby High’s football team, he took them to a state championship in 1962. Bill continues to be a “life coach” teaching pastors what to look for in the pastoral ministry and grounding them in sound biblical doctrine. Despite everything he’s doing with his life, Bill still finds time to catch five- to six-pound catfish in the Northeast VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES River. Bill plans to publish his second book during 2012. His first literary effort won first place in the history category at an award presentation held in Raleigh, NC. Bill’s mantra is: “A Christian never retires; it’s not in the Bible.” Seems like Bill’s not only about “talkin’ the talk.” Hang tough Bro’;and *KUTF! (*Keep Up the Fire!)

Late Breaking News: I have just received a report from the “Head Shed” informing me that results are in regarding alumni giving through the end of third quarter 2011, and the rate of participation by the class of 1954 is now above 50 percent! For the last several years, our rate of participation has approximated 33-34 percent, so this marks a quantum leap in our gift giving. I am gratified by that. With one final quarter to go before the end of the FY, I am cautiously emboldened to predict we may hit 58-60 percent before the year is past. If we could reach 60 percent before my term of office expires, I would consider it one of the major achievements of my “tour of duty.” GO ’54!

Bob Lindsey called again just before press time. Had another great conversation. Bob still resides in Reno, Nevada, and still dealing from the bottom of the deck. He suffers from macular degeneration but probably still sees more than the rest of us will ever see. Bob roomed with Otto Naumann and the “Quiet Man,” Tommy Armstrong, our late class president. Had nice things to say about both.

Bob and his wife of many years do a good thing. They take every high school graduating grandchild on a trip of the graduate’s choosing, the most recent a trip to Italy. What a neat thing. I don’t believe a grandparent could do more. It’s something a young man or lady will remember, and cherish, for the rest of their lives. If I ever get to Reno again, and am reasonably cognitive, the only thing I’ll want from Bob is a tip on how to win at blackjack.

Lord knows I’ve been trying for a long time. And since Bob has been on the scene longer than Bugsy Siegal, he ought to know.

“You don’t need a parachute to skydive.

You only need a parachute to skydive twice.”

In a continuing discussion on how great personal loss has affected the lives of those whom I’ve labeled “The Widows of ’54,” 2012-Issue 2

I received the following letter from Lois Windle whose husband, John, died in September 2008.

Lois writes: “We met in Baton Rouge, LA, at a party I was giving. John had come from McComb, MS, to check on Bob Modjeski who was visiting a friend of mine in Baton Rouge and I invited them all to a party at my home in 1953. He was tall, handsome, and didn’t smoke. This was important to me since I had never smoked but had been raised by family who were heavy smokers, a habit which I disliked very much.

“John and I were married 53 wonderful years. I never could have children, but Jack was such a delightful handful, I never missed not having them.

“When John died, we were in the process of selling our condo and moving to Trinity Terrace where I am now. I sold the condo, his car, and had a private funeral for only family and friends, and moved in 15 days.

I moved here on October 1, 2008. I had help from my church, family, and dear friends. I could not have done it alone.

“The primary source of my strength was God and Jesus Christ. Faith, and lots of it, will get anyone through difficult and stressful times.

“Since John’s death, my life has been extremely busy. You have to put on your ‘big girl panties,’ as one girlfriend told me, and live every day one day at a time with your memories. I do lots of volunteer work and play golf and bridge. I manage to handle my own money and banking issues and keep my own books. When you are suddenly ‘one’ in the world, it makes a huge difference, but it can be done.

‘Survival is adaptation.’ Learn to ‘go with the flow.’ Everyone has problems.

(John taught me that.) It’s called life. Live with it. Deal with it. Try to smile a lot, and find something every day to be happy about and for which to be thankful. No one likes a whiner very much, and everyone seems to like an “up” person. Learn to listen. I’ve observed that most people like you better when you do more listening than talking.

“Cultivate a ‘faith formula.’ This works for me. I don’t know how one lives without it. Because of what has happened to me, I now have a far greater empathy for those who have suffered a similar fate.

I can relate. Some are among my closest friends. Learn to give, really give, of yourself, I mean. You cannot do more. You should not do less. And by giving, you will receive far more than you can ever imagine. Of course there are those former ‘friends’ who no longer call. I suppose they find it difficult to maintain a one person relationship. I try not to worry much about that. It may be they who suffer the greater loss. I would have to say to those fortunate enough to still be married, please be kind to your single friends. It may be awkward, uncomfortable even, but pay them some little attention. They probably need it more now than ever.”

Lois concludes: “Bill, I believe you have a full understanding of being ‘one’ in life.

I had to write on school paper because I felt you could read it more easily and, for me, it’s easier to compose my thoughts on notebook paper. I have just returned from church and I guess this is the time I miss my ‘dear heart’ the most. But life does go on, though it is sad and lonely at times.

But I know I was blessed for 53 years with the ‘perfect relationship.’ And I will forever give God the glory for that. Bill, I know it’s taken me a long time to respond to your request, and to do it from the heart.

Enjoy. With my love, Sister Mouse, Lois.”

Wow! What can I say? What can anyone say? I think Lois may have had something that many never know. And that, simply, is a love too strong for death to contain.

Thank you, Lois. Thank you so very much.

And God bless you, now and forever.

Just received a nice call from Bill Kingery. Among other things, we talked about some of the Brother Rats who have contributed so much to the Institute. And that brought us to Dick Trumbo. We both agreed that Dick had performed service above and beyond. I knew that Dick served as class agent for 10 consecutive years – no ordinary accomplishment. What I didn’t know was that Dick had been such a player in the growth and evolution of Preston Library. According to Billy, Dick was proactively instrumental in making the library what it is today, one of the preeminent book repositories in academe.

Dick is just one more example of those among us who have tried to return to the Institute a little of what we got from it. I am sure there are others of you who have 59

CLASS NOTES made similar contributions. If so, I would like to know the particulars. If I can’t do more for your service, I would at least like to give you the recognition you deserve.

Guess that’s “all the news that’s fit to print” for this time. Shalom and *KUTF! (*Keep Up the Fire!)

’55

Read Hanmer

Bill Davidson provided an update on Pattie’s shoulder replacement: “The shoulder operation went very well. However, she developed numbness in her right hand and then her entire right arm. A sonogram revealed a blockage in an artery and she went back into surgery on Tuesday (January 25). At approximately 6:00 p.m., they discovered a kink in the artery between her right elbow and shoulder. The kink was cut out and then the artery was rejoined. So now she has several good size incisions.

She endured much pain for several days while in the hospital. Now however, she is feeling much better, some pain but bearable with medication. Normally she probably would have been discharged two days after the shoulder operation but the vascular surgery added a couple days longer in the hospital. But, we think things are looking up. She is in good spirits everything considered.” In a second note, Bill provided this update: “Just a quick note.

My cataract surgery was successful with no problems. Pattie is recovering from her shoulder replacement surgery and is now doing therapy. Please pass along to BRs and spouses Pattie and my thanks for their e-mails, phone calls, cards and prayers during our time of illness. The VMI family cannot be surpassed.”

Nearby are two photos. The first is from Charlie Luck, featuring Charlie, True and their grandson, Richard Luck ’12. In a note to me Charlie writes: “I have enclosed a great photograph of True and I with Richard taken up at the Institute late last fall. Having the picture in the Alumni Review will be a great way for True and me to recognize our grandson and what a remarkable record he’s had at VMI, particularly his last couple of years. Just for the record, 60

Tom Tait, Bill Greene, Al Shattuck, John Morgan, Dave Woolwine, Charlie Byrd. What a jolly crew! It is saddening, nevertheless, to realize how many of these stalwart Keydets are no longer with us.

Knute Lawson sent a Christmas note, advising me that his wife, Peggy, had passed away in 2007, and that he and Wilma Clinton were married at the Air Force Village in San Antonio, TX, in 2009.

Knute said “I am a most fortunate man to have married two exceptional women in my life.” Knute added that there is another VMI alumnus at AFV among the many USMA and USAFA grads. Knute says that he and Russ McCarthy ’52 hold the others off with tales of the Ratline and “bloody Sunday.” Knute and Wilma are very active, running in half-marathons!

Good news from Marty Fisher, who reports: “Friday the 13th (of January) I finished my 44th and final treatment of proton therapy. If any Brother Rats, or members of their family or friends have been diagnosed with cancer I would be glad to tell them about proton treatment as a far less invasive cure. My home number is 757/898-9448 and my cell number is 757/561-3181. With only nine treatment facilities in the U.S., many doctors don’t tell patients about this treatment option.

Mine is a happy new year!” Way to go, Marty. It’s been a long haul for you.

John Barlow provided the following update: “(Let me) bring you up to date. I have leukemia and peripheral neuropathy; I have had four sessions of Rituxan treatment, and three other more evasive chemotherapeutic treatments, all of which hurt me more than the cancer … one of the chemo treatments left me with weak legs and a balance problem. I can’t drive either a vehicle or even a golf club. I can’t compete in road races, and I have had to stop officiating track and field events at the University of Tennessee. I also stopped coaching at the high school level, which I had done since 1975. Juanita is a loving, caring wife of 53 years, but as of the last decade, she doesn’t like to travel or go to parties, not even church parties.

Therefore, my life is dull compared to Class of 1955: Charlie and True Luck, many who write to you. I still teach with their grandson, Richard Luck ’12, Sunday school, and spend a lot of time at VMI. on the computer (ed. Note, so do I). I he is vice president of his class (2012), wears academic stars and is S-5 on the regimental staff. VMI has been a great experience for Richard and he has grown in his experience at VMI in many ways, particularly in leadership and involvement with the Corps and his class.” The Lucks are continuing a long tradition of giving to VMI. We all appreciate your devotion to the Institute, Charlie and True.

As to the second photo, Bob Ragan circulated it by e-mail to a number of BRs, which sparked a vigorous exchange as we attempted to identify the miscreants.

Bob wrote: “A brief diversion to a simpler time. Were we really this young? I found the photo when cleaning some drawers as a New Year’s resolution. No idea what prompted the gathering of this group.”

Subsequent research among current BRs revealed the following: Dave Woolwine remembers that the picture was taken in Charlie Byrd’s room just before Christmas break our third class year. The consensus is: First row: Frank Boxley, Sam Hill, Ray Collins, Joe Giacomini; second row: Ken Carstens, Frank Farmer, Ben Parrot, Bob Ragan, Pete Dean, Joe Sakakini; third row: Don Gillespie, Russ Kleinpeter, Jim Atkinson, Jack Arrants, Dick Camper, Dave Anderson; fourth row:

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES also spend a fair amount of time going to doctors and getting treatments for eyes, neuropathy, cancer, skin, and general conditions. Juanita doesn’t mind driving me to them. In fact, she won’t let me ask for anyone other than my son to do the driving. I do appreciate what I have, and thank God for Juanita and my two sons and three grandchildren. Two of the grandchildren, who are from Midlothian, VA, are going to VPI (now VA Tech, but still Hokies). One, a freshman, is on the cross-county team.

He ran an 8K (five miles) in 25:01 minutes at Clemson this fall. My granddaughter at Tech is a super senior. The other granddaughter lives five miles away and is only eight years old. Of course, I am proud of all three grandchildren. May God Bless all of us. John in Maryville, Tennessee.”

My able correspondent, Sue Hill reports that Sam is retiring from Physicians for Peace (in April) and, of course, will be looking for something new to keep himself busy. The Hills spent Christmas with their daughter Catherine in Lexington, and their son, Whit, and his family joined them on Christmas day, so all of the Hill’s grandchildren were there. Granddaughter Leigh Hill will be married in June. Sue ended by noting that she and Sam have been married for 54 years.

Bob Bowden sent a quick note to say that he and Jane had a nice visit with Carroll and Frances Ann Thackston. They all had dinner at the Drug Store Grill in Brookneal (halfway point between South Boston and Lynchburg). Bob says that The Mayor is doing well, and has signed on for another tour at South Boston, but again says this will be his last?

Those of you who have provided to me an e-mail address received a message from me relaying a TV review of Bob Hope’s many Christmas visits with “the troops” over the years. Dave Woolwine responded with this memory: “I saw the Bob Hope Christmas Show at UBON RTAFB in 1970 during my combat tour in SEA. The closing “Silent Night” carol was very emotional for all of us.

I remember I was unable to sing along as I usually do. The show was over at about 9:30 p.m. I went straight to planning a five-hour mission over the Ho Chi Minh trail to interdict truck traffic resupplying the North Vietnamese 2012-Issue 2

and the VC in the south. Take off was about 12:30 a.m., and returning before sunrise. My dear friend and our Brother Rat Randy O’Neill was also stationed at UBON in the 8th TFW, flying F-4s. The 8th provided escort for our missions.

Randy was a great fighter pilot. I miss him.” Leon Cock weighed in with the following comment: “Thanks, Read, for the Bob Hope Christmas message. Hope was one of a kind, a saint, unparalleled, unprecedented, and irreplaceable. Zella and I remember Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, Bob Hope airport in Burbank, Bob Hope’s house high on a hill in Palm Springs. We also remember watching his shows on NBC and we remember meeting him by chance in the Nashville airport.

Thanks for the memories!

Speaking of Vietnam memories, my battalion HQ was near Tuy Hoa Air Force base. On New Year’s Day 1969, I was standing outside my fire direction center at midnight, when the entire Air Force Base erupted in a vast display of “fireworks” (live ordnance) launched into the sky. At that point, I recalled the World War II air defense of Salerno, Italy, when more allied casualties resulted from falling spent ammunition fired at German aircraft than from the actual bombing by the Germans.

I hightailed it into the FDC and made sure all my troops were under cover.

Class of 1955: Brother Rats anticipating Christmas break in December 1953 were, front row: Frank Boxley, Sam Hill, Ray Collins and Joe Giacomini. Row 2: Ken Carstens, Frank Farmer, Ben Parrot, Bob Ragan, Pete Dean and Joe Sakakini. Row 3: Don Gillespie, Russ Kleinpeter, Jim Atkinson, Jack Arrants, Dick Camper and Dave Anderson. Row 4: Tom Tait, Bill Greene, Al Shattuck, John Morgan, Dave Woolwine and Charlie Byrd.

From Bill Nolley in Richmond, VA: “I just left a luncheon at Topeka Steakhouse with some “Old Corps” members, Frank Louthan ’41, Harry Lee ’47, Charlie Miller ’42, Claiborne Terry ’54, Jimmie Morris ’53, Jack Tiller ’54, Bruce Doggett ’58, Bill Hallett ’47, Coleman Rice ’49C, and others.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. I have missed a lot of the meetings since Wednesdays are set aside for golf, but it rained today! Great fun talking about the mess hall days with Bogus.” Bill sent a wish for a joyous Holiday season.

Birch Phillips sent in the following: “As I type this (two fingers at best) I am overlooking Lake Keuka in Penn Yan, NY. This is our newest and last vacation home and Ann and I and our family love it. We have six grandchildren, five girls and one boy. Seems not too likely that we will have another generation at the “I,” but I am not in charge. My wife, Ann, and I are well and active; in fact, we are both employed by our son, Birch III (“Trey”) VMI ’82, in the family business founded by my grandfather in 1893. We are not wealthy, but we are rich in the important things, including faith, health, and family. We hope to be present at our 60th in 2015, not too far as of now, but God is in charge, not I. I have recently communicated with Merc Hager in Florida. Keep up the communication.”

This update from Mort Bregman: “Not much new from the Bregman family. We are now settled in at the Army Residence Community in San Antonio and enjoy the facilities very much. We were blessed last week when our granddaughter gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl making us great-grandparents for a second time.”

Walt Reed sent the following communication: “2011 started out well for us with a June family reunion for our little family in Hollywood, Florida. Our youngest daughter and her husband who live in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, with their two children just bought into a very nice condo called the Radius. Our eldest daughter who lives in Fort Lauderdale, and her daughter (in her final year of architecture at Florida University), joined us and it was great fun. However we were not prepared for a call from our doctor upon our arrival home stating the need for 61

CLASS NOTES lung surgery for my dear Loli. It was cancer and after heavy surgery, and, although the nodule and about 1/3 of her right lung was removed, we were made aware of the possibility of a return of the cancer. Loli’s recovery has been slow but steady, yet the requirement of repeated CT scans in the future is a heavy burden to bear. If it does not return after five years, they will declare her cancer free but annual scans will be necessary from then on. How hard it will be to keep a positive attitude, but we must do so. Two things we have learned, the value of understanding by the many friends who have been down this same road and the power of prayer which seems to have helped us in so many ways so far.

I stay in touch with my roommates (Bill Greig in North Carolina and Mish Pettyjohn in Lynchburg) and, though both have their share of old people’s problems, they are pretty active. I am much impressed by your efforts as class agent to keep us all in touch, especially as I have the same job with my high school class at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. Great news from Marty Fisher: “Read I’m doing fine—no more urology doctors for six months. I have two granddaughters who are graduates of the Naval Academy and this June they’ll both be assigned to destroyers in San Diego (not on the same ships). With the world in flux, pray for their safety.”

I received a nice note from H. Ross (Bud) Ford: “Although I was a ‘short time’ BR I have continued to be a supporter of the Institute and its traditions over the years.

My interest in the military extends back to my youth when, in the early 1940s, I began collecting Army shoulder patches and over the years have thousands in my collection.

Several years ago I developed a database depicting all of the officially approved Army shoulder sleeve insignia http://masterpatchguide.com. My research led me to recognize that to my knowledge no one had ever verified the actual insignia as officially approved in 1918-19 by G.H.Q., A.E.F. I undertook that quest and over several years of research my book is now being published by Schiffer Publications. Below is the description of the book from the Schiffer web site http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/ book_template.php?isbn=9780764340444.

Interestingly the only other major publica62

tion I am aware of that has specialized in WWI insignia, although from a very different perspective, is the outstanding book Organization and Insignia of the American Expeditionary Forces 1917 -1923 by Robert J. Delessandro and Michael G. Knapp, both Brother Rats of the class of 1980. Their book was also published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. I think the two books complement one another. A must have for any military historian, collector, library or museum.” To find out more about Bud’s endeavor, please contact him at Hrossford@aol.com. My cousin, Bob Leard (USMA ’57) and I were avid collectors of military shoulder patches during and shortly after WW II. My collection, sadly, fell to the moths. Bob, on the other hand, has amassed a nearly complete collection of artillery and engineer distinctive unit insignia, the metal kind, worn on epaulettes and as cap devices.

Finally, I just received the semi-annual giving summary from the VMI Alumni Association. For the first six months of the fiscal year, as of December 31, 2011, the class of 1955 heads the list of all classes from 1930 to 2011! That’s the good news. Not as good news is the fact that, at 35 percent participation, our class is down in the middle of the pack. Were it not for the contributions of several key donors, we would not be competitive at all in the class rankings. If you have not yet made a contribution to the Alumni Association this year, please consider at least a $55 gift. Those of you who have already donated please consider another $55 for the very sound cause of the VMI. We can really knock the socks off the other classes by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2012.

Thaaaaat’s all, folks. Keep those e-mails and letters flowing!

’56

Richard M. Smith

I talked with Ina Gee Pittman and learned that Jack could no longer drive so their trips are not as frequent to Lexington as they once were. She said he was doing well physically and was interested in what was happening in the class. They have two granddaughters at the University of the South. One is acquainted with a young man there who turns out to be Sonny

Schoen’s grandson. Ina and Jack attended the first football game in September and saw Hoppy Holsinger. She was glad to learn that Honey was coming along nicely in her recovery from hip surgery. She was disappointed that they wouldn’t be with us in Charleston for the VMI-Citadel game.

We visited with Bob and Sara Irby at Pawley’s Island on the way to Charleston. Bob is planning on having knee replacement after going thru numerous treatments which have not helped. Sara is recovering from a broken arm caused by a fall this year.

She had to have it set a second time and still has nerve damage in her hand. They have a positive attitude and are still a joy to be with. The attendance at the Charleston VMI outing was not very satisfactory as far as the Class of ’56 was concerned.

Bruce and Shirley McCreedy and Bill and Lori Alexander joined Honey and me for dinner each of the two nights we were there. We had nice weather but the football game left much to be desired. The old city has much charm and is blessed with many wonderful restaurants and places for shopping. After receiving a call from the president of the Detroit, MI, VMI Alumni Chapter regarding our BR John “Jack” Pointer’s health, I called his wife, Donna.

She told me Jack has been in a Hospice Care facility since Sept. 2006. I remember they attended our 50th Reunion when he was in a wheelchair. The facility is not far from their home in Ann Arbor, MI, and she visits him daily. Their son and two daughters are able to visit him frequently. Donna says he loves his BRs and VMI and would like to hear from any who will write. Their address is: 310 Gralake Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103-2025, e-mail:jdpointer@aol. com. I had the pleasure of attending The Institute Society reception and dinner honoring the members and guest at 172 years founding of VMI on 11/11/11. The Corps of Cadets looked great at the parade in grey uniforms. We had a small number of ’56 class representatives at dinner including Don and Jo Heslep, Motsy Foster and her granddaughter and Honey and me. I wish we could see more of the class as members of this prestigious function.

We had the class agents fall meeting the following morning with representatives of the Foundation, Alumni Association and Keydet Club. Also Graham-Pelton VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Consulting, Inc., who is handling the campaign study for the proposed $200 million needed to support funding for academics, military, athletics, legacy and long-term support at VMI reviewed the results of their yearlong study. They determined it to be feasible over the next seven years in addition to present alumni commitments.

Emphasis will be given to present nondonor givers (have not given in the past 10 years). More discussion will take place concerning VMI football division and conference status. The present graduation rate for four years at VMI is 63.5 percent with average SAT scores of 1151 and GPA 3.5. Contrary to what I had understood, the State of Virginia is still giving “Big Dollars” to VMI for facility maintenance and construction. They have cut funds for our annual budget to 16 percent as for most State colleges. Since Gen. Peay ’62 took over as superintendent in 2004, alumni giving has increased by 50 percent and 6,000 donors and $6 million for KC/ AOF/FF. VMI now ranks No. 65 among 650 colleges on the Forbes listing of Top Colleges in America. I received a nice note in Ann Shibut’s Christmas card saying how much she enjoyed catching up with the ’56 class in the VMI Alumni Review.

She enjoyed a nice trip to Kenya early this year. She has three granddaughters one at JMU, one at Georgia Tech and one still in middle school. One of her sons is an author and chess master in northern Virginia, one in Richmond with Estes Express. She wishes the best for all BRs of 1956. Ann’s card was done in Zentangle design which is done by creating images from repetitive patterns and is very impressive I think. I received an “Epistle” from Russ Wilshire on his and Margarete’s travels throughout the year from their home in Sarasota, Fl. It covered far too many points around the globe for me to fit into this limited space!

The operas they attended in various locations sounded fabulous. It was good they got to work in our 55th Reunion. Randy Knipp writes that he and Jean, along with Coco, their poodle, are getting just fine.

Their son, Chuck, has moved back to Orange and lives about five blocks from them. They visit Jean’s family in Baton Rouge occasionally. He sends his best wishes to his BRs. Jim Dillard expressed his disappointment having to miss our 2012-Issue 2

get-together this fall after Frances had to undergo colon surgery. She is undergoing chemo now and looks forward to getting it finished before too long. They did get to Virginia for a few days over the Thanksgiving holiday but won’t be back until summer. Marge Dreyer writes from the Panhandle of Florida, she and Fred manage one day at the time. He is in very good shape physically but has some mental problems like following conversations. They were in Omaha for Kevin (son-in-law’s) retirement (I think from the Air Force). Grandson Madison will graduate from the Air Force Academy in June. Other grandkids are in University of Nebraska and University of Florida as well as high schools. The family visited in July and helped with various chores around the place. Pete Jennette reports he and Sue took a 10-day trip on Holland America to the Caribbean to get warm. On the way home they stopped by Dave and Anne Blairs for a few days. Pannill Jones drove down for lunch and they had fun going over old times. He included a picture of the get-together. Spider Allison sent me a recent copy of the Indian River Colony Club Community Newsletter. On the front were pictures of the new board members.

The two new directors are Anne Allison and Bob Spurrier ’58. He says VMI is always out front! Fred Farthing reports that Bill Tolley has good and bad days according to Else. He has a birthday on Feb. 9th so Fred and Mary Jo along with Jim and Betty Mann plan to join the Tolleys for the occasion. He and Mary Jo had the opportunity to play Kings Mill golf course recently and Fred had a 79 (close to his age). He says golf is more enjoyable from the senior tees.

I visited Spider and Anne Allison at the Indian River Colony Club near Melbourne, FL, and enjoyed meeting many of their friends and playing the golf course with them and Honey. They are doing fine in spite of Spiders eye problems. They hope to come to Virginia in the fall and would like for us to have a mini reunion. I’ll have to check with the class to see how many are interested. I’ve talked with Paul Gronroos who will be leaving this week to visit his family in California after we get together to play golf. I also talked with Scottie Boland since we had planned to

go fishing while I was in Florida. Unfortunately, his son is at a convention and he has to tend to the business while he’s away. They still provide most of the fireworks for Disney World and the Mardi Gras.

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

Every February for the past 21 years, I write my class notes due on the 15th of the month. Five of these years, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012, Dawn and I work on the reunion booklet, and we set that aside to get our class notes to the VMI Alumni Review. The good news is that we have finished most of the reunion booklet and mailed it to VMI last week. The great news is that Dawn at our computer did 95 percent of the work. She is a marvel and has a knack for organization. Without her, we would not have our 11th booklet.

At Christmas, we heard from many in

Class of 1957: Wiley and Nancy Clapp celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on April 23, 2011.`

63

CLASS NOTES the class. Bob and Ginny Alexander flew Country. Don keeps busy as moderator Banks were in Sarasota, FL, in January from Exton, PA, to Scottsdale, AZ. Sadly, of the deacons of their church, and Judy and February, and then off on a cruise to their cat, Squeaky, died last year, so they keeps busy raising money for breast cancer Southeast Asia. In their Christmas card could fly and not drive, as the cat didn’t research. Last April they toured the East, they sent a check for the Bereavement like flying. visiting friends from Venice Beach to New Fund which I passed on to Don Jamison.

Joan Atkeson will open an antique shop York City. In August, they planned a trip John and Connie Emmerich from Louin Monterey, VA, in April. She will have to Yellowstone, but Don failed a stress test isville, KY, send greetings to the class, and her plate very full and will be unable to which led to a visit to San Antonio Heart they are looking to see us in April. attend the 55th Reunion.

Hospital, where he had two stents put in Drew and Joanne Fox sent a picture of Sam and Betsy Barker had a quiet the main artery of his heart. So “Old Faith- nine beautiful grandchildren and hopefully Christmas in Murrells Inlet, SC. It has ful” is still on their bucket list. one may be a candidate for VMI. They too been one and one-half years since they Lew Diuguid reports that Jay Long was plan to attend the 55th Reunion in April. were in Tucson, AZ, which they enjoyed elected president of The Virginians of Bob and Connie Fravel from Port Clinvisiting. Since they have never attended a Maryland at their dinner meeting, Decemton, OH, hope to attend the reunion. They reunion, we hope to see them this April. ber 7th. Jay invited Lew because of his continue to enjoy the grandkids.

“Mad Dog” Bolling for Christmas sent a VMI connection, and there were several Frank and Ann Gilmore have settled framed photograph of the cannon at Limits other VMI types there. Lew and Kay into Oxford, MS, for the winter. Frank Gates. It hangs in a place of honor in our Diuguid look forward to seeing us in April had a great time after Thanksgiving when library above the French doors. and so do Jay and Olive Long.

Howard Lawrence and Garland Sullivan Maria Brookhouser in Omaha, NE, wrote Ken and Katie Dickinson left Roscoe, came to visit. the sad news that her second husband, SD, the third week in December, and we Clint and Belkis Glover from Antioch, Dr. Pat Brookhouser passed away sudstill haven’t visited them in Merritt Island.

IL, attended the Founders Day events, denly. She has lost both him and Walter They sent us a picture of Bear, their huge and we were delighted to join them at the O’Donohue. The year 2011 did have some cat, sharing a chair with one of their huntInstitute Society Dinner. Afterwards, they happy moments with the wedding of her ing dogs. drove to Williamsburg for several days. son, Walter III, and visiting her daughter in Every Christmas, Wade and Sis Douthat Patti Hammond is happy and content, Washington, D.C. send a large canister of salted Virginia living at Kendal in Lexington. Life there is Bob and Susan Christopher on the peanuts which Dawn and I greatly enjoy. I busy and full, and her health is good. She Northern Neck both had knee replaceeven had a handful last night while writing traveled by train on a Trans-Canada trip ments but they plan to be in Lexington for these notes. in September 2010, and it was fantastic. the 55th. They keep busy caring for six Billy and Chloe Elmore on the Outer In May 2011, she went on a VMI alumni dogs and 20 cats. They really cruise to Italy. They sailed on a look forward to VMI, as they “Tall Ship” from a port outside have two lady cadets who are Rome, and Patti saw areas of Itgood friends and will be bringaly that she had not seen when ing them “goodies.”

Roy and she lived in Vicenza Wiley and Nancy Clapp from years ago.

Minden, NV, sent a photo of Bill and Betty Huffcut sent their 40th wedding anniversary Christmas wishes to the class on April 23, 2011. They also and enclosed two pictures of included the exciting news grandchildren but none of the that they may attend the 55th boys had “Huffcut Haircuts.”

Reunion.

However, one of them looked Dick and Sarah Collier sent like he might make a good first a photo of themselves holding captain. their three musketeers, Buddy, Frank Kline, in August, Max and Willy. journeyed to Toronto to begin a Bill and Helen Colvin live a Dominican vocation making his quiet life in Martinsville, VA. novice promises and receiving Bill does see Charlie Smith the Habit of the Anglican Order from time-to-time. They have of Preachers. I suspect our class been on another cruise to the is the only one with an AngeliCaribbean…this time only a can Dominican Monk!

Class of 1957: Frank Kline, center, is shown with Brother five-day trip.

John Kuchnia in Raleigh, Thomas Hudson, left, Postulant director, and Kline’s men- NC, finally retired on April 1, Don and Judy Coombs enjoy tor, Brother Harris, in Toronto, Canada, August 2011. life in Kerrville in Texas Hill 2010. He and Loretta cel64

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ebrated with a trip to England to visit their article on recent physical change at VMI different total. Everyone was there except daughter. Her husband was an Air Force for our reunion booklet. Ron and Patty Jake, the parrot.

F-15 Squadron Commander. They next continue to enjoy life in Lexington.

George and Helen Niedermayer toured Tuscany, Italy, and continued to the Betty Mixson writes from her daughwished the class a happy 2012 from Czech Republic, Poland and Germany by ter’s house in San Antonio where she had Philadelphia. They hope to see us in the train. They also attended the mini reunion cataract surgery. Now she is looking for spring and to take care of the world’s in September, but the game was oldest cat. “Mosby” will be a disappointment. Later, John 19 years old in March and is saw a much better contest with going strong and still rules the VMI losing to Liberty Univerhousehold. sity 37-31.

Bill Nuenke has moved from Marilyn Landis in Arnold, Fernandina Beach to Amelia MD, remains healthy and able Island. This is why the reunion to travel. In June, she and her booklets are of great value daughter toured Argentina, every five years.

Brazil and Chile. In September, Nat and Chris Pendleton are she traveled to Malta. Thanksenjoying life in Fort Myers, giving she spent in Tucson, AZ, FL, where they have a line of with her son. royal palms in front of Casa Howard Lawrence is making Pendleton. Nat is doing OK Class of 1957: Howard Lawrence, Frank Gilmore and progress on the “Brick” project. and his melanoma seems to be Garland Sullivan in Oxford, Mississippi.

We should be quite pleased in check. Chris is still heading with our collection of bricks on up Edison Ford. All is well for the west side of Barracks when we gather much better vision at the reunion. She is them in Florida. in April. also working on Fred and Betty Newcomb Ed and Betty Powell in Burlington, NC, Carl and Mary LeBourdais in The Vilto come, but so far no confirmation! sent the annual photo of their handsome lages keep busy. Carl had spinal surgery in Bill and Florine Moore from Smithfield, family. They have two grandsons of grade November and cataract surgery in DecemVA, sent several pictures. One of their school age who look like excellent prosber and claims he can see again. family at Christmas; two, the BRs attendpects for the Institute. I hope Ed gets them Mo and Cindy Levine in Westminster, ing the Institute Society Dinner; and three, provisional appointments.

CO, continue their travels in Europe. Their a group picture of the 55th Reunion comWarren Richardson in Virginia Beach Christmas card was a picture of them in mittee meeting in November. proudly announced two new additions to Copenhagen, Denmark, a very beautiful Paul and Harriet Muldowney sent a his family – a granddaughter and a greatcountry. family snapshot, and it includes half the grandson. Skip reports that makes nine Nancy Lincoln spent Christmas at population of Hagerstown. Every time I grands and two greats. her old home with her cat “Dixie.” The counted the members present, I arrived at a Pat Saunders had the usual 13 for TurLincoln Foundation is buying key Day, and everyone brought all the property, paying off the something including the turkey. construction loans and setting Christmas was centered around up her annuity. Nancy will be her 15-month-old grandson moving into an apartment this (only grandchild). “Buddy month and will let us know her would have loved watching new address when she does. him ride in and pulling his new Lucy McCormack took her red wagon.” only granddaughter, Rachel, to Charlie and Betsy Smith in New York City at Christmas Bassett, VA, are in great health, to celebrate her 13th birthday. and he is still working. They They had a wonderful four-day are really blessed with five visit and sent a picture of their grandchildren in Baltimore and carriage ride in Central Park.

Raleigh.

Lucy will miss the reunion as Ruth Smith in San Marcos, her older brother will celebrate CA, sent a photo of Ron Kaye his 60th wedding anniversary in and her, taken at a retired Class of 1957: Rachel and Lucy McCormack with their Tampa and all her relatives will military event. Ruth reports carriage driver and his horse in Central Park, New York be there. she received many sympathy City, New York.

Ron McManus sent the notes from Ron’s Brother Rats.

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CLASS NOTES Emirates). In September, she traveled to She says Ron wore his VMI ring until he Wes Roberts the New England states and the Canadian died, and Ron’s son gave it to Ruth. She Maritimes. In January, she was looking made a little shrine with his class ring, forward to the British Isles and Ireland, flag from Fort Rosecrans Cemetery and where she can’t wait to see the Military photographs. She took care of him for 26 Tattoo in Edinburgh. (Makes me tired just years and now she is taking care of his thinking about it!) Sandy continues, addmemory. ing that she still does volunteer work at the Buzzy and Nelda Snyder sent a great hospital and Aquarium. picture of the VMI bagpipers. They With a change of pace, I mention at this look forward to our April gathering in point the visit of Dave and Anna Pai in Happy New Year! Yes, I realize this Lexington to share good times with very greeting seems belated; however, note that special friends. early January. They were on a trip to Flormuch of the information contained herein Thanksgiving weekend Garland and ida, visiting friends from Dave’s graduate is from your Christmas letters. Don’t get Sally Sullivan drove to Oxford, MS, years and stopped to join Annemarie and me wrong, I appreciate any news you to see Howard and Pat Lawrence, and me for lunch in Ft. Lauderdale. It was a send, whether it is used or not. To change Frank and Ann Gilmore. This may have delightful visit; Anna and Annemarie were the subject mid-paragraph, may I mention been the first mini reunion of the great in great shape. However, Dave and Wes that we have been basking in the sun and class of 1957 ever held in Mississippi. are beginning to show the “ravages of enjoying temperatures in the 70’s since our time.” Wes roomed with David and Yum As evidence of the gathering, they enreturn from Virginia in November. closed a photo of the three Brother Rats.

Chor Fu for a semester in our third class Turning to our Christmas mail offerings, Doug Talbot has moved from Virginia year. Fu is last known to have resided in Flip Miller reports that he had a knee reBeach to Eagle Point Adult Community Canada; however, correspondence has placement in June. All went well, but Flip in Chesapeake, VA. It has a golf course been returned from that address. For all says, one replacement is enough for him, and all the features. you golfers out there, Dave and Anna’s thank you very much. On a brighter note, We have sad news of Bob and Charson, Mike, has invented a new golf ball for the Millers had a family wedding event, lotte Wagner. Charlotte passed away Nike, named “20XI.” Hopefully, more intheir granddaughter, Amanda. In Novemin March 2011, shortly after being teresting information will be forthcoming. ber, the Millers made a trip to Branson, diagnosed with cancer. Bob has been Tony Williams, who I proudly hail as MO. Says, Flip, “… a great place to visit; diagnosed with dementia, which has my former “F Co” Commander, wrote a all the shows are relatively inexpensive progressed to the point he no longer letter listing his and wife, Ann’s, ailments, and worth seeing.” remembers most of the people he knew, to which I would say, “Make room, Sick Our “World Traveler,” Sandy Yon, was including his children. Bob is living in Bay!” Tony is currently using an inhaler at it again this year. To simplify her travels daily, as he suffers from COPD, a lung an assisted living facility in Williamsand exploits, she visited Central America burg. disease. He is also troubled with neuto see the Mayan ruins in El Salvador, Ben and Lynn Wiggins sent a picture ropathy in his lower extremities, which Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. Sandy of all 11 members of their family on a causes numbness. His better half, Ann, has also traveled to the Gulf of Arabia, where Disney cruise in 2011. We trust Ben’s suffered with a long bout of intestinal bacshe visited the U.A.E. (United Arab broken leg is mending well. terial infection. Both are better now, thank Ann Wilson has left Florida goodness. Folks, we are in our and has moved to the beautiful “golden years.” Isn’t it great?

“City of Roses” Portland, OR. BR Jack Cunningham subMarshall and Lind Wright mitted a photograph showing have bought and are remodelBill Dunn, Brooke Doggett, ing an apartment at the Good“Moon” Menefee, Jerry Paull win House in Falls Church, and himself taken in front of VA. It is a lovely retirement the Dulles Air-Space Muhome and close to Marshall’s seum in the fall of 2011. Jack sons and Lind’s sister. As soon described this as a “must see” as they sell their Hilton Head place to visit. home, they will move.

Bill and Mary Jo Thomas Just as I was finishing these proudly announced that they notes, Jim Rust phoned that are now “Official Floridians,” he and Bobbie are in Florida, as they sold their Roanoke and Dawn and I will join them house in October. They will Class of 1957: Dick and Sarah Collier holding their three for lunch tomorrow in Flagler miss the Valley and the mounmusketeers – Buddy, Max and Willy.

Beach. tains, but love the palm trees

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and year-round warm weather. Son, Steve ment of their grandchildren (triplets!). Ted portions of his right lung, due to a recurThomas ’81, still loves flying (mostly to said he still can’t tell the boys apart. ring infection. He is currently on strong South America and London). He comes to BR Hunter Clarke stands tall in our meds, which will, hopefully eradicate this see Mom and Dad at least once a month. ranks as a trooper of the 101st Airborne very resistant strain of the bacteria. Hang Bill says, “Come see us anytime”: 10454 Division. (Boooo! That’s from an 82nd in there, “trooper!” We are all supporting Smokehouse Bay Drive #101, Naples, FL Airborne Division veteran’s perspective. you in thoughts and prayers. (BJ, keep us 34120, Tel.: 239-653-9715. Email: billtho- We used to call them the “pukin’ buzup to date!) mas007@comcast.net. zards!” In gross disrespect, they referred to BR Dr. Joe Parker (a.k.a. “Joe Max”) BR Gates Sykes reports in from West us as the All A’holes.) Hunter has had mul- will celebrate his 50th anniversary at Virginia that all is under control in the tiple lung surgeries, removing significant the Medical College of Virginia with the Sykes household. They still do Medical Class of 1962. He some small projects on their remains busy with recruiting cabin, but it is mostly complete. first year pathology residents Son, Mark, VMI ’83 and his at the University of Louisville. wife, live in Centreville, VA. Joe speaks with pride of his Mark works with the army at children and their families, all Fort Belvoir. His son, Ben is of whom are involved with finishing his second class year the scientific community. Son, at VMI and is on the Dean’s John, is a doctor in the field List. “That,” says Gates, “is of neuropathology, also at the something neither his dad nor University of Louisville. John’s I could do at VMI.” Daughter, wife, Lynn, also an M.D., is Laurie and her husband, along involved with GYN Oncology with grandson, Gates, live in at the university. Daughter, Leesburg, VA. Nancy Cooper, is obtaining Class of 1958: Bill Dunn, Brooke Doggett, Moon Menefee, Heard from Richard and Pat her master’s degree in marine Jerry Paull and Jack Cunningham at Dulles Air 7 Space Robertson, proud residents biology from the University of Museum in fall 2011. of Colorado. They live within Miami, while working full time view of Pikes Peak and describe as the head dolphin trainer at its snow covered, majestic disDolphins Plus in Key Largo, play, which greets them every FL. Nancy and her husband, morning. Robbie reported that Art Cooper, are the primary he and their golden retriever, directors of marine activities at Simba, both received cancer the facility. diagnoses and underwent treatEwing Best reports on her ment. Gratefully, man and dog activities, which she admittedly are doing well. Robbie also had states were not exciting travels, cataract surgery. By his descripalthough she wished they were. tion of the mountain views, that She has spent most of her time went well, too. The Robertsons running back and forth to Charcelebrated their 52nd wedding lotte, NC, to see her “precious anniversary in August of 2011. grandson, Charlie” (Charles Congratulations!

Spenser Best, named for his BR Ted Henry reports that foltwo grandfathers). She also has lowing successful knee replacespent the last two years trying ment surgery in June, he and to settle her mother’s estate. As Becky took a cruise from Los Ewing states, “I swear, if anyAngeles to Hawaii and back. Ted one breathes the word ‘execusaid they managed to take in the tor’ around me again, I will run sights of four of the islands and away as fast as I can!” Ewing enjoyed a peaceful time at sea. was diagnosed with early stage He noted this was also a good Parkinson’s Disease about two chance to try out his new knee! years ago. She is doing “great” Class of 1958: Dave and Anna Pai with Wes and The Henrys continue their treks on meds.

Annemarie Roberts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for to Natchez, MS, a 10-hour drive, Our former Class Agent, lunch on Jan. 14, 2012. to enjoy the growth and developGene Grayson, reported in 2012-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES from “cold, s’west Virginia” that he had a mini-stroke the Saturday before Christmas, whereupon he spent some time in the hospital. Thankfully, there was no residual damage from the stroke. In January, he had a tumor removed from his “tummy” which was diagnosed to be malignant.

Doctors feel it will be no serious problem.

Gene sees Bobby Jordan and talks with Joe Gray frequently. He reports that while Radford is a small town, off the beaten path, there are six cadets currently enrolled at VMI, plus 20 or so alumni, all young.

BR Drew Troxler noted that he and his “gang of ten” (extended family) traveled to the U.K. in 2011. Drew raved about their pretty, pleasant summer weather. Although retired since 2006, Drew is still trying to accomplish “honey do’s” and “pro bono structural work” on his church and his Masonic Lodge. He noted that he is “still climbing,” but tries to avoid that whenever possible. Drew, we all hope to join the angels one day, but don’t push your luck.

As an aside, Drew raised the question, what happened to Khlai Navaphandh? We only know that he was graduated in 1957.

If you have any info, contact BR Drew.

I spoke with BR Hans Meinig (my Rat Year roommate) before the holidays. He had his aortic valve replaced and mitral valve repaired. All went well. Knowing Hans as we do, a rough tough guy, these surgical procedures will carry him through many “shake-a legs” to come.

All kidding aside, Hans reports that he and his wife, Rusty, are doing very well.

After the holidays, I spoke with Bruce Baker’s widow, Sybil. She reported she had been under treatment for cancer and was out of commission for awhile; but she is back home now and feeling much better. I can just see Bruce in the “ready” position on the wrestling mat. Good memories all.

BR Ron Swirk leads a solitary life, living in a development in Jasper, GA. He follows his hobby of flying remote control airplanes. Ronny really enjoys building and flying them, some of which have a wing span of five feet plus. An occasional plane crash calls on Ronnie’s aircraft repair abilities (though they are few… crashes, that is!). Annemarie is trying to goad Ron into joining the 21st century, as he refuses to get a computer 68

or even an answering machine. So far, no luck. Not wishing to give the impression that Ron is a lonesome polecat, he enjoys regularly cooking dinner for family members, sometimes feeding up to ten hungry mouths. He must do a pretty good job, because they keep coming back!

Before I forget, BR Sam “#31” Woolwine, not wishing to be left out of the “jet set,” submitted a photograph of himself and his son, Andy Woolwine ’83, intended to be used in this column.

The photo was rejected for some technical reasons. (Did you use a “Brownie” camera?) The picture depicts Sam and Andy, who was the co-pilot on a trip Sam and Carolyn took to the Caribbean last fall. They also visited grandchildren in Florida.

Let me end this communiqué with a quote from a noted southern gentleman, Paul Drewry Troxler: “God bless Dave Pai and the VMI.” Keep the Spirit!

God’s Blessings, Wes

’59

Shep Shepard

I’m sorry to report that we lost two BRs this past quarter; George Mittendorf and Hank “Sonny” Thomas. George and Bunny were in NC enjoying their annual leaf season when George had a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away. George was put to rest wearing the rings that symbolized what he loved most, his wedding ring and his VMI ring. Sonny lost his hard fought battle with cancer, a battle he fought with great courage for many years. His last years were the toughest, but like a good Marine he sucked it up and went on with his life. Our condolences go to Bunny Mittendorf and her family and Kevin Litschgi, Sonny’s longtime companion, and Sonny’s family. May they rest in peace. (See the Taps section in this issue for Mr. Mittendorf’s obituary.)

We have other BR who need support.

Max Blanchard had some problems with a wound on his foot and it got so bad that in November he had to have his leg amputated. Lee Ann reports Max is doing great. Robert Martin is doing better after

suffering a right occipital hemorrhagic stroke causing him to lose peripheral vision and have severe headaches. He has made tremendous progress and is back to driving himself to work. Chuck and Margo Cotton enjoyed the Holiday season despite the health problems they have faced over the past year. Chuck is recovering from a stroke and Margo is undergoing treatment for some pretty serious cancer. Her last PET scan came back clear but she’s still getting radiation treatments. Margo hopes to be on the winning side once again and up and about, cancer free, with God’s help.

Larry Wood has been on the gim. While on his way to choir practice he hit something in the road and went head over heels over the handle bars. He woke up in the Sunrise ER with Nancy standing over him and no memory of anything since supper.

He suffered a brain concussion, separated shoulder, and lots of bruises. Things look better now and he has pretty much recovered, but you bet he’ll be more careful while riding his bike. All BRs and/or their families express their appreciation for the beautiful cards, emails and the prayers you have sent; they felt every one of them.

Spence and Beverly Tucker are such talented people; Spence with his book writing and Beverly with her poetry; it’s always a pleasure to hear from them.

Besides writing books Spence spends time working in his garden while Beverly leans more towards community service and in her spare time writes books. When Spence heard of Sonny’s death he recalled that he would often ride with him to Arlington and around Lexington. Once while driving to the 1st Class picnic in his ’58 Chevy they were T-boned by a dump truck.

Mel and Jean Anderson have been busy.

Mel, Jean, Bob Haines and Monique, took an Eastern Med cruise. They began in Spain then on to Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia, ending up in Venice. Mel and Jean felt at home in Dubrovnik since they visited there several times in the 80’s when Mel took groups of students to what was then Yugoslavia. Shortly after returning from Europe they were off to AZ to visit Monument Valley where the old John Wayne westerns were made. From there they based out of Sedona and visited various sites in northern AZ. Their first trip of the New Year took them to Israel where grandson, Cody, is about to VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES finish his enlistment in the Israeli Army. Jean John and Betty Ann Tompson left San living in “Old Comfort” but in time the was a nervous wreck and prayed the whole Antonio, TX for awhile to spend Christrequirement for upkeep will be more than time that things would remain peaceful in the mas in Paris with their son. They love they want to deal with so they have it on ME. Thankfully they did and they returned Paris and their son but John doesn’t relish the market for sale. home safely. Mel was recently reelected the airplane ride. John, that’s the price you Bill and Yvonne Traylor enjoyed ChristChairman of the BoG of The mas in VA with their daughter Order of the Engineer, a national and her family. Despite Larry organizations whose members Wood’s recent bicycle accident have agreed to the “Obligation he and Nancy stay quite active. of an Engineer” and to wear the Larry sings in the church choir, symbolic stainless steel ring as preaches every fifth Sunday a mark of their professionalism. and edits the monthly news Congratulations Mel, you make letter while Nancy continues to us all proud. support the American Turkish Carl and Phyllis Kasko recentAssociation where she encourly built a house in Williamsburg, ages people through the “Share VA but still maintain a home in a Book Project” to read. They Mobile, AL. They’ve not yet celebrated their 50th wedding established a schedule when they anniversary this past year Class of 1959: John Van Kesteren at the Smithsonian will be at either place but hope to with a surprise get together of Instituion’s National Air and Space Museum which was adjust it so they can attend some friends and family. Congrats! celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). John is standing in front of a of the ’59er’s monthly luncheons.

Russ Chew, Bill and Jennifer display of the Hexagon Satellite System, similar to the George and Marie O’Neill Lee, Dick and Linda Phillippi, ones he would recover over the Pacific years ago when he continue to enjoy their life in John, Anne and Jack Reed, was flying for the Air Force. (Editor’s Note: The Hexagon Kingsport, TN where George Cec and Gordon MacArthur, satellites were the largest spy satellites the United States is still “Dean” of the Kingsport Dorothy Heisman, Lou and ever launched into space. The satellites took photographs of the Soviet Union and other targets around the world Alliance for Continual LearnDiane Gontrum, Mort and from 1971 to the early 1980s, according to a Smithsonian ing at East Tennessee State Audrey Eggleston, Bonnie announcement.)

University and Marie continues Pomponio, Art and Ginny to be active in many community Brandriff, Harlee and Barbara activities.

Pate, John and Chris Patane, Walt Ferony fears his memory is fading; have to pay to spend Christmas in Paris; Lon and Patty Martin, Rusty “The Bear” he can’t recall half of the names referred suck it up!

Loth, Truman and Jackie Baxter, Baldy to in the Class Notes. His hearing, eyesight Jim and Bet Vermillion ushered in the and JoAnne Fall, Bill Kessler, Carl and and a couple of other things are also fading New Year as they’ve done for the past 10 Phyllis Kasko, Bud and Denyse Kramer, but he continues to enjoy his daily walk. years with a trip to Williamsburg. The city Jerry and Shay Booth, Nevin Wilburn, Walt spoke with Geoff Manack, his old hosts a First Night that boasts a variety of Harry and Priscilla Ray, Max and Dorothy roommate, and reports that he is doing quality shows and programs. They also get Guggenheimer, Buzz and Virginia Nowwell despite the recession which hit his a chance to meet with their extended famlin all reported in and are present or acstorage business hard. ily for a few days. They are still content counted for, enjoying life and awaiting the next “Stonewall Class” reunion.

Don and Carol Messner enjoyed the Christmas holidays with their family in PA. They’re now in FL enjoying the tropical breezes and balmy weather for which we are famous.

Jimmy and Linda Johnson are enjoying life in Houston, TX where Jimmy’s health problems have been taken care of and Linda continues to be cute and sassy.

Class of 1959: In Celebration City, Florida, for a mini reunion were, from left, Bud Jimmy talked to Bill Fuqua not and Denyse Kramer, Bob Haines, Monique Harnetty, Shep and Ann Shepard, Lee long ago and he is very happy Southard, Bill Traylor, Mel and Jean Anderson, Jim and Bet Vermillion, and Ron and with his new life. I think Bill’s Mary Alice Marley. new wife must have something to 2012-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES do with that. I was glad to get some news about Bill.

Steve and Paula Barcik packed up and moved from Kingwood, TX, down the road apiece to Lakeway; about a four hour drive away. Their new place has plenty of room so if you’re in the area drop by and pay them a visit; Ann and I plan to do the same.

Billy and Sue Kornegay think things slowed down a bit this year. Previously Billy got exciting consulting opportunities in Romania, Bulgaria and Egypt but this year he had to settle for Petersburg, WV. He’s not complaining and is thankful for the opportunity since so many have no work at all. With the downtime he and Sue have done some genealogy work on the Kornegay family. They found the home built by Billy’s great grandfather as well as many cemeteries where his ancestors are buried. Fortunately they’ve not turned up any horse thieves but have found a number of politicians which just might be worse. Sue continues to work with the local Women’s Club, church groups and helps with the American Legion baseball team while Billy enjoys the Civil War and WWII Roundtables, historic societies and the American Legion Post that still sends 1000 care packages a year to troops overseas. It was also a great year for wine and Billy bottled around 25 cases. Look forward to a trip to VA to sample some of that Brother Rat Red. Eddie and Carolyn Barnes had a good year with the exception of their last trip to China when visiting son, Rob, and his family. Carolyn broke her arm but received excellent medical care in the Chinese hos-

D.C. area a while back. While Julie was at home catching things flying off shelves Mike was chipping onto the first green at the local golf course. Mike said it felt like being close to a B-52 “Arc Light” strike. Unlike some of their neighbors they suffered no damage. Recently Mike had a pleasant surprise; lunch with his first platoon sergeant. Mike attributes his success as a commander to what he learned from this soldier. The year’s been good to Mike and Julie with good health, good friends and a wonderful family.

Lee Southard continues to grieve for Marilyn but finds solace in his faith and family. Although he does not fully understand it he now feels the depth of love that God has for all of us. His boys continue to make him proud as do his grandchildren.

Although scattered all over the country he does make time to visit them all. Highlight of the year was grandson, Chase, catching a 150 # tarpon. Chase is the Southard’s next VMI basketball hope. God bless you Lee; we all feel the loss of that wonderful lady, Marilyn.

Ron and Mary Alice Marley consider the highlight of their year to be #1 grandson, Alex, graduation from Stetson; a proud moment for everyone in the family. They also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a week in Las Vegas but “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” so it remains a mystery what they did. No police reports; that’s good. The grandkids are doing great and Ron and Mary Alice could not be prouder.

John and Teddi Martin are very grateful for their lives that are busier than they probably should be. Their hospital work seems to have increased; John works two full days a week as chaplain, works holidays and is on call every Monday night.

Teddi is a patient advocates working as a volunteer Mondays in general services on Tuesdays.

They continue to enjoy going to symphony concerts, bridge groups and church involvement.

Their kids and grandchildren are doing great; all devoted family folks.

Class of 1959: At the CME Group Titleholders LPGA Tournament which took place Bill and Connie Nebraska enat the Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, were, from left, John Ward, Ann joyed cruising the Danube over Shepard, Bet and Jim Vermillion, Wendy Ward Hair, Nate Hair and Shep Shepard.

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pital. Eddie has had it with the long flights to China.

Skip and Linda White are doing great.

They look back on 2011 with fond memories; a trip to Hawaii for their fiftieth, a family reunion on Emerald Island, duplicate bridge and volunteer work. Skip leads a men’s bible study group and produces some really fine woodworking projects while Linda attends bible study and plays a lot of bridge. They’re most proud of their children and grandchildren and what they have all accomplished.

Jim and Martha Wood are healthy and happy because of all their wonderful family and friends. They always seem to be busy with exceptional opportunities to be involved in their community and be enriched with the many cultural events available to them.

Larry and Liza Johnson are doing well in Birmingham, AL. Liza says that Larry is working full time and that leaves little time for travel; but he did take a week off to celebrate Christmas. It’s a start, but Larry, you need to taste the fruits of retirement.

Pete McWane is vying for the Class “Globe-Trotter” Award. He just visited Cuba where he enjoyed a beautiful and cultural trip and met a great bunch of people. His next trip will be a riverboat cruise through the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Ann and I along with Mel and Jean Anderson will accompany him on this “Tulip Tour.” We look forward to traveling with Pete again; we had such a great time during our South American trip.

Mike and Julie Vargosko were at the epicenter of the earthquake that shook the

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the Christmas holidays.

Noland and Mary Pipes had visits from children and grand babies over the holidays and they didn’t do a thing but tend to them the whole time. Mary and daughter, Sarah, made 600 jars of chocolate and caramel sauce for Sarah to sell for her school tuition. Noland and Mary hope to visit friends out west this year as well as a visit to Houston for a Winter Conference.

The Anglican Mission is going thru some transition and should be an interesting meeting. They recently returned from a wonderful river cruise on the Danube.

Bob and Lois Hobson downsized last year and moved to Orem, UT. It was sad to leave old friends but Bob now has the luxury of not mowing the lawn. They remain within visiting distance with many of the family but each year more move farther away; from ME to AZ. While most of us are working on our first great grandchild Bob and Lois now have 7 with 3 more on the way and 2 pending adoptions. Bob’s stents are working, cataracts are gone and Niacin does wonders. Lois knees still bother her but after the last episode Bob doubts that she will allow any more knee surgery. It’s been a good year.

Although difficult at times, JoAnne (Dreelin) and Joe Anstett are trying to age with grace. Both are doing great living the country life and enjoying their surroundings.

Bobby and Alice Ross miss the serenity and beauty of Lexington but are glad they downsized to Richmond where they are close to family, friends and good hospitals.

Although their family is spread over the east coast they manage to sneak in a few visits each year. They recently visited Mary Catherine and her family in Jacksonville, FL, where Bobby was also the keynote speaker for the Judy Nicholson Foundation, a kidney cancer research organization. Ron and Mary Alice Marley were kind enough to invite Ann and me to attend. We got a chance to spend time with Bobby and Alice before the banquet. Big news in the Ross family is that grandson, Billy Joe, will be attending VMI next year. Alice and Bobby think it will be really cool visiting VMI where their grandson is a cadet.

John and Pat Van Kesteren will finally become great-grandparents; granddaughter, Chelsea, will give birth in Melbourne, Australia and they will be there to share in the joyful event. John and Pat had an interesting experience when they attended

Class of 1959: The group above held a mini-reunion in Urbanna, Virginia, including lunch at Angelo’s Colonial Pizza followed by a visit to Verne Keefer’s “work in progress” in Waterview. From left: Jim McFalls, Baldy Fall, Rusty Loth, Marve Myers, Janice Rae Lawson, Mort Eggleston, Patty Myers, Verne Keefer, Harlee Pate, Jim Vermillion, Dave Goode, Ralph Lawson, Kurt Gloeckner and Shep Shepard.

2012-Issue 2

the 50th Anniversary of the National Reconnaissance Office at the Air and Space Museum in VA. They featured the declassification of the Hexagon Satellite System.

The half-ton capsules that were ejected from the satellite were the ones that John use to recover. John enjoyed being back among his old “Recovery Group” buddies.

The Van Kesteren’s are well.

Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson prepared for Christmas with a riverboat cruise from Amsterdam down the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland. They confess that there is nothing like the Kris Kringle Marts in snowy Germany to put one in the Christmas spirit.

Bud and Sue Mease are “Living la Vida Loca” with a trip to Guam where they visited daughter, Suzann, and her family. They took a side trip to Australia to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and zip line the Cairns National Park. Next adventure will take them to Germany to visit Suzann’s twin sister, Stacey, who teaches in Stuttgart.

I always enjoy hearing from Brad Willard; not only because his letters are interesting but because they are steeped in history. Brad celebrates a “Pearl Harbor Birthday” and on 7 December 1941 his parents had a birthday party for him inviting several of his playmates, one whom happened to be the son of the Italian ambassador. The party was raided by the FBI; two agents in black trench coats with silver FBI badges entered the house and seized his young playmate because at that moment he became an enemy of the U.S. Brad never saw him again although some say he was Silvio Berlusconi, former PM of Italy. Brad was recently responsible for having the Gen. Stephen Rowe Bradley homestead placed on the National Register of Historic Places. He is now in the process of getting the National Museum of American History to acknowledge in their “Star Spangled Banner” exhibit, Gen. Bradley’s contribution. The flag immortalized by Frances Scott Key was known as the “Bradley Flag.” Sen. Bradley’s 1795 bill established the design of the U.S. flag; fifteen stripes representing the first fifteen states. The pattern could not continue as more states were admitted to the union. It was this flag that flew over Fort McHenry and which inspires Key to write the “Star 71

CLASS NOTES Spangled Banner.” Brad needs your help in this endeavor.

Ann and I had an enjoyable week in Hilton Head where we were joined by Jim and Bet Vermillion. We spent the week enjoying the Hilton Head area including Beauford, Savannah and Bluffton. We saw a lot, ate and drank a lot and enjoyed telling war stories about all our wonderful experiences in the Army. Following Hilton Head Ann and I headed for Virginia Beach where we spent a few days with our son, Phil ’83, and his family. The good news is that we will have our first grandchild in VMI next year; Phil’s son Connor, hopefully, will be a member of the class of 2016. While Ann joined some of her St Gertrude High School girlfriends in Burgess, VA I joined our BRs in Urbanna, VA for lunch. The lunch, hosted by Verne Keefer at Angelo’s Colonial Pizza, had a good turnout. Kurt Gloeckner came from Charlottesville, Jim Vermillion, Harlee Pate, Art Brandriff, Verne Keefer and Baldy Falls came from the Norfolk area; Rusty Loth, Dave Goode, Mort Eggleston, Marve and Patty Myers came from Richmond; Jim McFalls from Annandale; Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson from just around the corner in Cobbs Creek; and me from FL. After lunch Verne had a special treat in store; a trip out to his “work in progress,” the home in Waterview that he has been building for the past ten years.

What makes it so special is that he has built it from scratch using timbers that he cut and ripped from the lot himself. The

home is a timber framed house put together with pegged mortise and tenon joints and is a sight to see. A month later Ann and I again joined Jim and Bet Vermillion in Orlando, FL to attended the CME Group Titleholders LPGA Tournament at Grand Cypress Resorts. We supported our mutual friend and LPGA player Wendy Ward.

Jim and Bet are Wendy’s godparents and have known her all her life. I met Wendy on the golf course at Fort Sam Houston, TX back in ’89 when she was 13 years old playing with her Dad, John. Wendy played a great first two days and was riding with the big dogs but the wheels started to come off Saturday and came completely off on Sunday. Despite that the weather was great and the company was better. Since Jim and Bet were there in Orlando we decided it was time for a Florida Group Minireunion. We met in Celebration City and had a pretty good turnout including Ron/ Mary Alice Marley, Mel/Jean Anderson, Lee Southard, Bud/Denyse Kramer, Bob Haines and Monique Hanitty and Bill Traylor. We started the New Year with a trip to Key West to support our daughter, Christine, who was running in the Ragnar Relay Race from Miami to Key West.

She was on a twelve person team; one of a thousand teams. It was a tough race but everyone seemed to have a great time as did Ann and I. Next big trip will be to the Netherlands and Belgium to see the tulip in bloom. Keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming in.

Yours in the Spirit, Shep.

Class of 1959: Attending the Judy Nicholson Foundation for Kidney Cancer Research Banquet in Jacksonville, Florida, were, from left, Bobby and Alice Ross, Shep and Ann Shepard, and Ron and Mary Alice Marley.

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’60

L. Edward Tolley

Brother Rats and Ladies of ’60, With all the good news that the Christmas season brings, we got the very sad news that our Brother Rat, Archibald McDowell “Archie” Brown passed away on Nov. 12, 2011, at his home in Virginia Beach. Archie was 74, received a master’s degree from Old Dominion University, was a Vietnam Army veteran, and retired from the City of Chesapeake. (See Taps section in this issue for Mr. Brown’s obituary.) When he wasn’t rock fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, Archie was usually found with his and Marty’s children and grandchildren in their many sports pursuits. There are four children and seven grandchildren. At the request of the family, a donation was made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.

Then, on January 13, 2012, Sandi Jarrett, Jay Jarrett’s wife, Sandy, passed after suffering a seizure from which she never recovered. Sandy suffered from progressive supranuclear palsey (PSP) for nine or so years but throughout the whole time, she maintained her bright and happy outlook on life. George and Judy Miller, Nance and I were in attendance at the wedding of Jay and Sandy back in the nineties and had a ball. She was a good times gal for sure.

Our prayers go to Jay and the family.

Troy and Mary Williams have enjoyed several trips around the country, Florida, California, New York and Virginia, and this, as stated, “…was not traveling as much this year.” Not to worry, next year they will visit Denmark so don’t be surprised if no one in Temple answers your calls. A “pre-owned” cat has taken up residency with them and provides Troy with neck warmth. Everyone needs a pet!

The biggest tremor you felt after the Mineral, Virginia, earthquake was Dick Murphy’s stomp having lost the vote to move to Winchester from their forever home in Olean, NY. They are going through the normal unboxing, lining up doctors, a dentist, hairdresser, and favorite businesses that are necessary for normal living. The health of both is on guard VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES but both are doing well; the children and grandchildren are, as well. Dick’s macular degeneration isn’t progressing which allows him to continue reading a good bit.

Mary Anne had a cardiac catheterization a few weeks back and the good news is that the arteries are clear.

From the boat somewhere around Lake City, Florida, Howie and Nancy Roth made the shake-a-leg toot getting Christmas cards in the mail! A family picture taken on Cape Cod included everyone.

All looked happy under blue skies. Back in Florida now, skiing is on the agenda and later to Key West where they will winter over ’til May. Howie, Jon Quinn asked about you and Mike Shoemaker, old roomies, when he visited VMI for the football game vs. Gardner-Webb.

And, yes, Jon Quinn did make it to the game and brought his sons, Jon and Joe, and wife, Mandy. It was a beautiful day, the colors vivid and the crowd enthusiastic. We had lunch at Applebee’s, watched the parade, and tooled around the hill until game time. We joined up with Hap Miller, Tom Daniel and Howie Moss for the game, then dinner, and later refreshments on the porch of Alumni Hall … in the dark … a reunion class had things jumping in Marshall Hall thus Alumni Hall was closed. There were no lies told but many old game reviews were news to me. Jon looked great and Mandy and the boys took good care of the Big Man. From left to right are me, Tom, Jon, and Howie. Jimbo and Ruthie Smith were also at the game, both looking dapper and full of fun.

Tony and Jay DiCaprio still hang out in Mechanicsburg, PA. Tony teaches religion and sponsors international officers at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. Tony assists sixty-eight Italian and Polish officers and their families. He is very excited at being able to interface with officers from all over the world. He is amazed at what VMI did for a kid from Brooklyn!

Bill and Joan King are living it up down in the Lone Star state. Don’t know what they are doing but it’s gotta be good, Texas and all …

Ed and Sheila Davis are finally getting on with life in a big way. Having spent a career teaching at the Citadel couldn’t have spent much energy or tested his intelligence. But, that is changed. Ed 2012-Issue 2

now continues as an Episcopal deacon, is chaplain at the Canterbury House, works with the seafarers’ ministry and is a Boy Scouts’ chaplain. Sundays he serves at Old Saint Andrew’s Church. The description of their travels on a return trip from Jakarta through India, Cyprus and Europe’s low countries sounds like qualifications as a correspondent for National Geographic.

Old Carl and beautiful Barbara Benner checked in from Arizona. Carl is having trouble golfing his age. And wouldn’t you know, last year when I stated that Carl’s age and golf scores were identical at 85, one BR called me to assure that Carl wasn’t 85! I simply suggested that he read further in my notes. I can believe that Barbara can raise irises in Arizona, but roses?

C’mon man!

Don and Lynn Hammonds invited me and all BRs in the Atlanta area to Marietta with the intent of a mini reunion. This is a great idea Don, since so many BRs live in the Atlanta metropolitan area. We might open a keg of nails, right Kaintuck? I think I’m losing my battle to convert Don to the Tea Party. At least I didn’t see him in any of the occupiers’ pictures on the tube. He may be softening.

James M. Warrington ’48B sent me a note that his good friend and our Brother Rat, Frank Swoboda had retired as of Dec. 31, 2011. So, I called Frank to get the scoop. You may remember that Frank finished at Harvard after three years at the Institute. Frank worked his way up through the ranks of the Washington Post to the position of business manager which he held for some eight years. Frank was a close friend of Herb Block, renowned political and editorial cartoonist at the Post, who established The Herb Block Foundation and who placed Frank at the position of president and chief executive officer of the foundation’s board. I was not familiar with Herb Block’s work and had to research him discovering that numerous cartoons that made news that I recall, were Herb Block’s work. Frank can entertain you with much color of the events and coverage that the Washington Post published over the past fifty or so years.

Toot and Cecile Barr sent a neat picture of his family. Lots of smiles and it looks like there is a bashful one in the crowd as he, or she, is hiding in the lower left of the

picture. Cecile recently had a double knee replacement and had a little difficulty with a medication while recuperating. Things are now clearing up and it is expected that she will soon be back at full throttle.

And the photo of Buddy and Jeanne Frith included their clan, three girls and one ambitious young man. All is well in Lafayette, Colorado.

Jim and Irma Bagby sent a picture of some short fat man in red, firing at no. 4 green at the Lexington course. Really, he could have sported my yellow pants outfit, but red fits the right color scheme, too. I’m going to have to make it to Mt. Pleasants, SC, soon.

Bettina Graham sent a nice card from Fayetteville, but my card to Marjorie Carver was returned with no forwarding address.

I got a nice and newsy note from George and Evie Uhlig who are still in Price, Utah. Unfortunately, Evie fell and broke her femur requiring a hip replacement back in November and recovery is slow and inconvenient. They had returned only a short time, prior to the fall, from a one year’s mission. George is teaching organic chemistry and enjoys the students but his love is inorganic and physical chem.

George is a bike rider and plans to make the trans-America trip from Florence, OR, to Yorktown, VA, next summer! Let me think, George, if you start out in Florence on June 1, and Ashby Chamberlin starts in Yorktown on the same day, y’all might meet in Ainsworth, Nebraska, on July 4th for a fire cracker pop and reunion! Daughters, Jeanne and Becky are doing well in their professions. Becky and Thad have Phineas, a live-wire, one year old who keeps everyone in good physical shape.

Jim Schaaf didn’t last long on the retirement rolls from the air and missile defense arena. He has signed up to assist a friend on two major programs in a start-up business. He says that it is helping him “taper off.” And, since he still has extra time, he helps children in an after school homework coaching program which has proven to be very rewarding as students “get it.”

Becky continues to work for H&R Block.

I’ll bet that is exciting!

“Figgy pudding lovers of the world, UNITE” is the slogan that carries the day with Mike Pitt and Betty Hudgins. Their 73

CLASS NOTES card pictured them beside their pup tent with bongo drums and Coleman lantern, hawking their wares. I think I saw them in a shot of Occupiers. The Jack Daniels label gave them away.

Fran and John Olsen are comfortably settled in North Chesterfield. Al and Cookie Walker are well in Berlin, Maryland.

Mike and Alice Shoemaker are relaxing down at the beach. Al and Sandy Zay are doing great in Wilmington, NC, as are Big Ed and Kathleen Robertson down in Wilkesboro, NC. Jerry Herrmann still resides in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and is lovin’ it. No snow! No ice! Bolling and Theresa Williamson are coolin’ it in Richmond.

Ed and Ingrid Martin checked in from Beavercreek, Ohio. They’re doing well in retirement, finally. Eva Gillespie is doing fine in Arlington. Sam Miller sent wishes for good fortune in the coming year. Hey Sam, do you have any good numbers for a lotto play? Wayne, the La Quinta Kid, and Judy LeBlang are still basking in the southern California sun. Jack and Anneliese Willard are cruising along up near never-never land (Alexandria) and nearby Jack and Jayne Seamon await the coming golfing season (Fairfax).

Ginny and Henry Shirley had a fast year after they took a 33 days trip across the northern U.S. (Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Idaho, and Montana) and southwestern Canada (BC, and Alberta).

Logan Pass still had six feet of snow. The spring thaw and rainfall had all streams at flood stage or greater and caused a 50 mile detour at one area. The children are all doing well and are growing.

Bob and Jane Graves sent best wishes for the season in a card that pictured the National Cathedral covered by snow. Is that wishful thinking re the snow, Bob? We’ve had no snowfall yet here in Virginia but the temperature would accommodate it.

I didn’t see any diapers clad young’uns in the photo of the GG and Frances Phillips crew again this year! I did count five dogs but didn’t recognize the white one in the back row since the face was hidden.

And speaking of dogs, Barb and Alex Dunlap have a couple sentinel dogs, papillon breed that do guard duty non-stop.

Barb is convinced that she can identify to security risk announced by their various 74

barks. She has traced Alex’s ancestry back 73 generations through kings and queens of England and Scotland to some junior engineer who designed one of the pyramids … the one that washed away in the flood of 713 BC. Joe and Mary Ann Morabit are in Florida for the months of January and February. Yeah, they took granddaughter, Sydney, with them for the first week. Joe, that beautiful blue-eyed child doesn’t look spoiled to me.

George and Ginny Ax sent a card that stopped me in my tracks! On the left page inside was printed a new version of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” and given a new title “Merry Christmas, My Friend.” This poem was written by Lance Cpl. James M. Schmidt, a Marine stationed in Washington, D.C., who filled in the time waiting for inspection, by Colonel Myers, of area Christmas decorations. You may have seen it on the Internet. I have not. Reading it gave me pause remembering the bleak days during the war periods around Christmas time, not only for me but for family members, friends and unknown servicemen. If you haven’t read it already, Google it.

Bill and Beverley Driver are “hangingin” health wise and tending their eight horses, seven dogs, and seven grandkids … not necessarily in that order. I think if we made a count, we’d find that there are as many dogs in our crowd as BRs. But that’s good. My miniature schnauzer, Dixie, is a great companion who goes with me everywhere.

Vaughn and Helen Foxwell racked up mega bonus air frequent flier miles as a result of trips to Colorado, Arizona, New York City, Texas, France, Alaska, state of Washington, and then back to Texas. They are now on first name friendships with a dozen or more flight captains, twenty some flight attendants, thirty cab drivers, BOA credit card servicers, and the passport office supervisor.

Pril says that Seaborn Brown really enjoys his work as a translator for the local Sarasota Public Defenders Office, and meets many very unusual people! He is also a regular Nautilus facility visitor.

Their sons and their families were present for Christmas.

Ray Crickenberger must be in research

and development with the military. He e-mails a stream of the very latest aircraft, ships, guns, and assorted military toys.

And there are other machines, pictures of which are very easy to look at.

Peanuts and Jan Elliott’s letter had good news that the snow did melt again in Mullett Lake, Michigan, and life was bigger and better with time spent with their fifteen-year-old grandson, Grant, and granddaughter, Sydney, and Carson.

Peanuts gave Grant driving lessons along with some more work lessons around the farm. The trees provide lots to learn about.

As I write, it must be about time for the annual Winter Burn Weekend, an event that involves many friends.

Another dog story came from John and Lin Hilliard. They acquired another poodle whose owner, Brenda, Lin’s sister left with them upon her passing in May. Lin and John have had knee problems during the year but are recovering. Lin had a replacement in July but all didn’t go so well and she may need to have it reworked.

Jon hurt his … playing golf? (The rough is rough in Florida). John says his knee is “hanging in there?” Geeze, I hope so.

It sounds like Jeep and Linda Goodwillie are slowing down, finally, since Jeep’s cataract surgery was something less of perfection and he has essentially given up his clubs. He is now flying and metal detecting when Linda is bowling, playing mah jong, and, what else? Shopping! They did a major landscaping this summer. Now, what is there to landscape at the Villages?

Grandson, James ’12, is still eating up the program at VMI and Ashton is teaching in Richmond after a master’s at JMU. You are aware that Bob Gianella is running for president this year on a 0-0-0 platform. Zero sales tax, zero corporate tax, zero income tax! The king of the coffee mafia won’t appear in the debates since rival gangs have threatened to end his political career and any other career he professes to have.

Thanksgiving week was a grand time at Jim and Carol Seeley’s house since all the family was present. Jim II, Richard, and Melissa and their spouses and the four grandchildren along with friends made the week one to remember. Bill Giles and Jim made their high school 55 year reunion in Roanoke and Carol and Jim went to VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Alabama for yet another high school reunion, Carol’s, in midsummer. Jim still flies “The Spirit” and participates in the Young Eagles program locally. There were no dogs in their reunion picture! I’m calling PETA! John and Patricia Moore are in good health and spirits. I don’t know about you but e-mails cause me some headaches, but John always forwards only very good ones, as does Marquette, Beavers, Hughes, Crickenberger, Greathead, and various other Brother Rats. Thanks for keeping me posted on “need-to-know” items, John.

More knee problems, this time for Sue, Bill Knowles reports. So, green fees will ramp down at courses around Chesapeake.

Surgery was successful for getting Sue back on her feet but it wasn’t as good as hoped for. Otherwise the Knowles are chugging along with the rest of us.

Dave Bisset included a nice letter in his card. He finally retired from teaching history and started to write it about the Civil War CSA “Iron Colonel” Benjamin Elliott, VMI 1851. The research and travel to obtain details for the book have been enjoyable and rewarding. The Colonel came from Madison Mills, Virginia, to VMI. He graduated and died in Odessa, Missouri, in 1911. I’m sure Dave will fill us in on the years between 1851 and 1911. Imelda is still teaching but may hang it up next year.

The rest of the family that includes seven grandchildren is doing very well.

Reed Myrick noted that things are sorta on autopilot out in Arizona and all are surviving the down turn in the economy. Both he and Val are feeling their age a little more and it has rained some so we know what is wrong. It’s the crappy weather, eh?

Their oldest grandson started college this year – now that will make you feel your age! And, they are expecting yet another grandson, this number thirteen. All this news has convinced Reed that it is time to hang up … de fiddle and de bow.

Jon Parnell says that things are about the same with him in Georgetown, Texas.

He sent a nice donation to the Class of ’60 fund and another for the Colonel George M. Brooke Jr. ’36 Scholarship fund.

Thanks Jon. The latest from Tom Kurkoski is that he is progressing beautifully. I spoke with 2012-Issue 2

him and his voice is as we all knew it. He has several tests to be run that will confirm that he is back on top. He sends thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Hap and Mary Miller and I enjoy the VMI Runnin’ Roos basketball games most times. Some get to the nail biting stage but they are all very entertaining. Several players are having good seasons. Burks ’12, Gabriel ’12, Sparks ’12, and Okoye ’13 are doing very good. We have a good crop of Rats who are also contributing nicely. I chatted with Howard Cobb ’62 at the Winthrop game that we won. He has moved back to Richmond and makes the Saturday afternoon games. He looks good.

From Boise, ID, Phil and Carol Hamric sent a picture of the family and news that on their annual hunting trip to Montana this year, the fire power was only a camera! The bag limit is unlimited using such weaponry. They also visited “Judith,” a replica of a 75-million-year-old dinosaur that he and others helped to exhume from a friend’s ranch a couple years back. They also traveled to Atlanta to watch Boise State U. beat up on the Bulldogs.

“C” Company (as in Chamberlin, Ashby) gave me a run down on their fun, travels, trials and tribulations of the past year. Ole Ashby had to have a heart valve replacement back in March. It was very serious but with much prayer and good behavior (thanks to Katie), it turned out fine. They gave him a new type that you can throttle up or down depending on how much blood you want to circulate!

Of course there is only one setting for Ashby and that is wide open. How did that old song “Transfusion” go? “ … pump a gallon in me, Allen.” The Chamberlin crowd keeps the highways warm with their countrywide travels.

In view of all the medical reports listed above, my mother had a saying that might be appropriate at this time in our lives.

The saying was “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” I guess that implies that all us old codgers can’t expect a doctor to make us whole when they are working with well worn body parts. Now, take your pills, do your exercises, don’t smoke too much unless it is a good cigar, and have another beer. With that I’m out of here; it is nap time.

Rah Va Mil

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

Staying in touch is more important now than it ever was. So here is what has been going on since Oct. 15, 2011. Mid-October Sue and I traveled in northern Arizona with Bill and Sandra Fout. Bill drove us all around northern Arizona to see the Red Rocks, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forests, and we stood on the corner in Winslow, AZ. November it was VMI for The Institute Society Dinner and those in attendance were: Ed and Phyllis Hollowell, Warren and Kathy Copenhaver, Harrison and Terry Fridley, Alison and Jean Drescher, Fred and Carolyn Ayers, Lynn and Shirley Hartford, the Vitales, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Mike and Jan Bissell, Dick and Linda Butler, Doug Popp, Bill and Sue Daniels, Carl and Becky Hirsch, Gates and Margaret Richards, Bill Nelms, John Miller, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Ashby and Sandra Taylor, John Tharrington, John Gangemi, Dick Lindquist, Hershel Murray, George and Edna Henning, Larry and Jeri Wetsel, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Lee and Betsey Badgett, Battle Haslam, Dick and Anne

Class of 1961: Tom and new wife Annett Jones at their home in Camden, Maine, October 2011.

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CLASS NOTES Weede, Jim and Johanna Needham, Graham and Leola King, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Ann and Suzanne Woodfin, and Virginia Dabney. The next morning Copenhaver, Hartford, Vitale, Harbach, Butler, Popp, Hirsch, Nelms, Youngblood, Taylor, Tharrington, Lindquist, Henning, Wetsel, Woodcock, Badgett, Haslam, Needham, Polk, and Ann and Suzanne Woodfin met for a class brunch at the Southern Inn. Harrison and Terry Fridley didn’t join us for brunch because they were moving their furniture from Covington to Lexington. The Fridleys now live in Lexington just past the Route 60 RR overpass on the left side.

Thanksgiving we were in Georgia and I did manage to get a day of quail hunting with Skip McDannald and Jim Harrison. The day ended with Harriotte preparing a wonderful dinner. Skip is still teaching at the local high school. We hurried back to Virginia to attend two funerals, Pete McCormick and Pamela Kurstedt. The 9 a.m. Arlington service for Pete included Paul Jenkins, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Ray and Sally Harbach, John Tharrington, and Larry and Jeri Wetsel. Later that morning, the McCormick family had a brunch and Bill Gibbings and Sue and I joined the Brother Rats. Ann, Pete’s wife and his

children were very pleased that we were able to meet the entire family. Pete’s son, Allan, is in the active reserve and is at Fort Polk for a brief ‘Combat Advisor’ training stint and then off to Afghanistan in early March. Paul Jenkins, is retired from the FBI and since a tragic car accident several years ago that took the life of his daughter and grandchild, Paul has concentrated his efforts on getting drunken driving laws and penalties strengthened in Wisconsin. In the afternoon, Ray and Sally Hanlein, John Tharrington, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Sue and I, Bill Gibbings, and Jim Bickford went to the historic Falls Church for the Pam Kurstedt memorial service. The service was very well attended by friends and professors from Tech where Pam spent 20 years teaching and in administration. We had Christmas in Maryland and then stayed with John Tharrington at his home in order to make it easier to attend the interment service at Arlington Cemetery for Sally Lewane, wife of Col. Leonard Lewane ’50B, who had died in October. Battle Haslam and Dick and Ann Weede attended the October service in Lexington and Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Carl and Becky Hirsch, John Tharrington and Sue and I attended the service and brunch after at Fort Myers. The year ended

Class of 1961: Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, in October 2011 were Bill and Sandra Fout and Sue and Sal Vitale.

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with our annual New Year’s Eve party at the Gibbings. This year Copenhaver and Harbach joined Larry and Joann Respess, Larry and Jeri Wetsel and so after the clock struck 12 we all went to bed. On Jan. 6, 2012, Sue and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and the family had a small party for us. Brother Rats Uncles (as my children refer to them) Harbach, Gibbings, Hirsch and spouses joined in the celebration. For fun we returned to the hotel in the Poconos where we had our honeymoon. This time it was very different! (Smile) We visited with Ashby and Sandra Taylor in January to see how the geothermal heating was working and the renovation of their historic house was coming along. It is shaping up and maybe in a year or so Ashby will have a party in his front yard for us. Congratulations to Tom and Annett Jones who were married first on the 21st of October in Tom’s living room by a notary public and then again the next day on board the schooner Olad by Captain Lincoln with a few close friends and relatives on board. After the ceremony, Tom and Annett hoisted the main sail and off they went for a two-hour cruise, with lots of prosecco. A couple of dolphins were seen and I understand this brings good luck. Tom says things are slowly turning to normal – sort of. Tom can’t find his things any more, and the kitchen has changed completely – but, “I get a good home cooked meal every night.” Annett is from Germany and the couple will remain in Camden, Maine, for the foreseeable future. Andy Myruski’s wife, Peggy, is a very talented person. In December we went to visit them before they left for Naples, Florida, and Peggy presented us with two beautiful handcrafted VMI ’61 Christmas decorations. They stand about 18 inches tall and are decorated with past reunion favors. What a gift! Bill Hala has been very busy repairing the damage from hurricane Irene. Bill was in Canada when the storm hit and his neighbor, and sons, cleaned out the basement but not before mold took over. Then he took on Mother Nature in a big way as 17 inches of snow fell in October along with power outages. On the positive side, Bill has rekindled a relationship with Monica his Ring Figure date. Stay tuned.

George Van Orden is excited about his grandson, Jack, who wants to go to VMI. Jack is 13 years old and people are saying he is a phenomenal banjo player. Maybe VMI VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES will have another Jud Strunk ’59. George’s time in 10 years he was not at the Institute we visited Venice he did a great job. Floyd oldest grandson, Kyle, is on the basketball Society Dinner. Bill and Marcia Keech were Roberts, my roommate, was honored when team at Bridgewater College (should have also visited by Jim and Ann Miner and their asked to be the Honorary Grand Marshall for been VMI) and George has a parade in Springfield, VT. attended a number of their Every year scouts in Vermont do games. Bert and Kent Modine a state-wide “salute” to veterans had a mini-reunion and golf where scout troops from all over outing with Dick and Diane the state get together with Stone, Ray and Sally Hanlein at veteran organizations and have a the Stone’s beach house in parade and ceremony. Since Southport, NC. Rounds of golf, a Floyd is an Eagle Scout and a pot luck dinner, dinner at the club veteran, the organizers asked and lots of stories made for a Floyd to share the spot light with wonderful weekend. Dick and Governor Shumlin and make a Diane Stone have been traveling speech during the ceremony. and visited with Tom Rutledge Well, it has finally happened. Lee in Charleston and had dinner and Betsey Badgett have moved with him at S.N.O.B. It was a to Bloomfield, CO. Why you nice dinner and great to have may ask? Siblings, children and time to catch up. Then it was off grandchildren, thirteen in total, to Hilton Head for rounds of golf populate the Colorado frontwith Ray and Sally Hanlein. One range. The marvelous clock Lee Class of 1961: At the Myruski’s home in King George, night at dinner, Stones/Hanlein received from the class has Virginia, during the 2011 Christmas season were Sue were seated right next to Larry changed two time zones and now Vitale with Andy and Peggy Myruski. and Jerri Wetsel and Stu and tones in their new residence.

Sylvia Woodcock. Needless to David Martin, like Badgett a say, four VMI ’61 couples having a good daughter, Hannah. “Peaches” and his physics major, has retired though he does conversation got louder as the evening went daughter ran in the Savannah Rock and Roll some part time work. Dave’s wife Sandra is on. On the way back to Southport, the Marathon and held his own. After nine years an adjunct professor after retiring from Stones stopped by and chatted with Johnny John Moore’s Venice City Council career teaching at the local high school. Has anyone and Nelle Gouldthorpe – they both look came to an end as a result of term limits. It heard from another physics major Bill great! The Wetsel/Woodcock troop also did was not the easiest job but John thoroughly Kelly? Lynn Kasel is retired and living in some visiting with Johnny and Nelle enjoyed the process, met a lot of interesting Goodyear, AZ, and wishes he were a little Gouldthorpe and Bill and Marcia Keech. people and hopefully had a positive impact closer so the family could visit and keep Bill is having some issues and it was the first on the community. From what I saw when touch with Brother Rats. Is anyone near Goodyear? Donnie Wilkinson says he has been working harder, but not smarter, for the last few months because of the European Financial crisis, and hence we did not see him at the Institute Society Dinner. Don’s goal is to take more time for himself this year after he gets through the hump of the early months of 2012. Irv Wells, Bill Braithwaite, Donnie Wilkinson and Alison Drescher took a bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, VA. Irv would like to expand that ride either in summer or early fall and those interested let Irv know.

Irv says Bill Gibbings says he wants to go next time.(That I want to see! smile). Alison Drescher will again be riding from D.C. to Gettysburg for the Veterans and his goal is $4000. Lou Shuba is also planning to do it again and is trying to assemble a contingent Class of 1961: Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, Virginia, on Oct. from VMI. Let Shuba know if you are 7, 2011, were Bill Braithwaite, Alison Drescher, Irv Wells and Donnie Wilkinson. interested in riding. Lou Kiger is sort of 2012-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES finally/almost retired as soon as he finishes a project at W&L University. Lou says if Social Security stays solvent, the stock market doesn’t go bottom up and if his meager savings don’t run out, he and Jane should be able to make it without resorting to eating dog food. It sounds like Lou’s plan for survival is similar to many of our plans.

Tom and Barbara Phlegar have been busy.

They visited the Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, NC, at the Woolworth store where the lunch counter sit-ins started. At the end of the tour there is a memorial room paying tribute to those who were killed during that time. Included in the exhibit and very prominent was Jonathan Daniels. Tom promptly let everyone in the tour group know Jon was his VMI 1961 BR and it made Tom feel very proud. Tom is very active in history and was asked to join a group of Ph.D.s and academic heads who will be presenting a series of lectures pertaining to the history of Charlotte and North Carolina. The Phlegar 24th Annual Music Festival at the Phlegar farm is set for July 27–29, 2012. Maybe George Van Orden’s grandson will come and play his banjo? Finally as I am writing these notes, the Phlegars are on a cruise to Cozumel, Belize, Rotan, and Honduras, in the Western Caribbean. Hope they don’t catch the bug that has plagued several cruise ships. Dave Bella (actually his wife, Cammie) alerted me to an article about Jonathan Daniels in the Episcopal News Service. The article says that the Diocese of Rhode Island is now part of a new initiative to establish an expanding network of over 20 service communities for young adults in cities across the country. The “Jonathan Daniels House” will welcome four to eight young adults to South Providence in the fall of 2013. The Richmond BRs are trying to be more communicative says Wyatt Durrette. The BRs had their first breakfast at Joe’s Inn in Bon Air and George Van Orden, Rhett Clarkson, Bill Nelms, Dick Jarvis and Snake Daniels attended. What a deal – a fantastic Senior Breakfast for $3.95 with two eggs, French toast, toast, biscuits or pancakes, bacon, ham or sausage and grits. I hear they want to make it a monthly event at Joe’s on the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Great idea! It is always great to hear from “Saint” Battle Haslam, a title he has certainly earned in 78

our class. The Friday afternoon of the Institute Society function, Battle, Sam Witt ’58 and Charlie Bryan ’69 visited Bill and Virginia Dabney at their home.

Bill was mentally sharp and has a great memory. Virginia was ever so gracious.

Bill, Sam, Charlie and Battle shared some medicinal amber liquid with Bill, toasting. When Bill broke out his pipe, every one gasped! Bill was temporarily on “room air” rather than pure O2 on his breathing machine. In the last Review, there was an article about the Crozet Point dedication which was made possible by the generosity of Battle.

Battle also reminded me that Graham King has joined the VMI Foundation as a trustee and joins John Miller and Battle.

Bill Keech completed his term last year.

Also a quail hunter, Battle, Bryan Haslam ’90, grandson Wynn Haslam (2016?) drove down to Camilla in south Georgia, to the Riverview Plantation and met up with Tom Slater ’66 and his sons Tom Slater Jr. ’90 and Andrew Slater. (It looks to me that Wynn had some quality time with good VMI people.) Wynn proved again that he is a fantastic shot with many doubles to his credit. To survive in this economy we all have to do

something and Battle is no exception.

Battle drives to Raleigh on weekends, gets a hotel room, goes to the legendary Angus Barn Steakhouse and plays the piano for six hours non-stop in their popular Wild Turkey Lounge on Friday and Saturday nights for tips. At least he is not on food stamps! What a family picture the Bissells sent. My count was 35 plus/minus a couple we don’t know about? Mike is doing well at VWIL (Mary Baldwin) and the alumni from the Staunton Military Academy are helping the college rebuild Barracks, etc. for the ladies at VWIL. Randy and Marlene Aylor had a close call when an oncoming car hit theirs. Fortunately their old heavy Caddy saved them. Tim and Sandy Bryant are excited about the expected arrival of their son, Mike Bryant’s ’88 third child. As Tim says our only connection with immortality is our grandchildren. Jud and Shelia McLester are also excited about the arrival of their grandson, Gavin. John and Doris Rudibaugh are also expecting a grandson and John says with 13 grandchildren someone will go to VMI. Jim Gabbert is still the care provider for his 95-year-old mother and this keeps Jim

Class of 1961: Gathering in Southport, North Carolina, on Oct. 28, 2011, for the Southport Golf Course Brother Rat Outing were, from left, front row, Bert Modine, Diane Stone and Sally Hanlein. Back row: Ray Hanlein, Kent Modine and Dick Stone.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Nancy close to home. Lynn and Shirley Hartford purchased a house and property for their cat sanctuary, but the ‘Big Government’ is making it difficult for them to occupy the place. Lynn needs to call “Uncle Guido!” Lou and Pris Shuba traveled to Germany to watch their son, Louis, participate in a triathlon.

Louis did well finishing in the top 12 percent of 3500 participants. John and Jean Wiggins are in Florida on John’s sailboat Summersail and soaking up the sun or maybe the rain? Len and Judy Christie decided in retirement to grow beets and the crop was overwhelming and consuming. Now Len is going to try growing squash when not restoring his Porsche. Bill Nelms manages to stay busy in Tea Party activities when he is not working at his church. Having BRs like Jep Housley and Joe Engelhard (Haslam Rat roommate) stay in touch with us is great since both were short timers. Joe said snow was falling in Michigan and his Norwegian elk hound is in seventh heaven. Bob and Jeanne Burks had an unusual problem, possums in the house.

Bob trapped 10 of the animals and the pest control folk can figure how they got it. Roy and Nancy Whitehouse spent Christmas with their grandkids in Idaho and had a ball. David and Edwina

Thomas are working hard to be fully retired. Edwina still is associated with SOMA and both Dave and Edwina have enrolled in a master gardener’s course developed by Texas A&M. Unfortunately the indestructible roses Dave planted died. The Thomases have two beautiful granddaughters who play on very competitive soccer traveling teams and VMI should take a look at them! Bob and Suellen Reitz have finally settled in their home in the North Georgia’s Talking Mountain. Bob had his shoulder replaced, rehabbed and was ready for the hunting season. There were 51 black bear sightings, lots of turkeys, but no meat on the table by this former ranger. Jim and Carol Cranford have permanently moved to Vero Beach, FL. Now we have two BRs there and I also have two relatives a few miles from them. Bev Scott has finally gotten an e-mail, bevscott39@yahoo.com, so now you old basketball players can unite with one of your best players. Paul Johnston is off somewhere in the world skiing and by the next notes we will learn where. The Copenhavers are spending the month of February in Florida and joined up with the Hennings and JC John Miller in Key West. The Gim list is not getting smaller. I ask you to take some time and call these

Class of 1961: Attending the Pete McCormick interment luncheon on Nov. 29, 2011, in Arlington, Virginia, were Sal Vitale (holding a picture of McCormick), Sue Vitale, Jeri Wetsel, Sally and Ray Hanlein, and Paul Jenkins. Back row: Larry Wetsel, John Tharrington and Bill Gibbings.

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BRs to brighten their day. Andy Thacker is not improving. He can’t talk but can e-mail and communicate thru his caregiver. Bill Keech is feeling great, and works out three times a week at the Y and walks 30 minutes a day. His chemotherapy was finished in January and he sees a urology guru at Johns Hopkins in February, to see if it worked. If not, more surgery may be in his future. All my roommates are experiencing some sort of medical distress. Lou Grazulis had angioplasty and now has two stents.

Lou said that a long time ago an old wise gypsy predicted that Lou will live to age of 82. So I guess he still has a few years left.

Eh bien! Carl Hirsch had 42 radiation treatments and the prognosis is very good as his PSA number, is now down to 0.5.Carl has been in very good spirits during all of this and said to thank everyone who had concerns and prayed on his behalf. Floyd Roberts is in a lot of pain and volunteered for an experimental cancer program called Provenge. It is a new treatment for asymptomatic minimally symptomatic, metastatic hormone resistant prostate cancer and protocols. It is still in development.

Floyd is a tough cookie, and his spirits are high. “JD” Jack Miller won round one in what appears to be a one round bout with lymphoma. Let’s hope so. Sleepy Hollowell had his knee replacement and this time no infection. He still is on dialysis. Hugh Gouldthorpe’s last chemo treatment was in January and now life is good. Hugh will see the oncologist every three months for now and see the surgeon in Charleston every six months. AMEN! Ann Rishell has been in and out of the hospital in Ft. Myers for gall stones and complications and infections from the operation. What a vacation. Dick Parker’s wife, Gloria, has started dialysis and is in need of a kidney replacement as I understand it. Jim Harrison had a heart issue when he was visiting with Oscar Mabry. He was rushed to the hospital to get his rhythm under control. When Jim was released, he stayed with Irv Wells until his plane left for Atlanta. What a scare it was for Oscar. Ken and Anne Ayala have their share of issues. Anne’s chemo treatments never made her ill, but she could not ride her horses, so Anne took up Tai Chi and is on her way to becoming an instructor. Ken, like Bill Gibbings, goes to the gym where all of us old guys solve the 79

CLASS NOTES follows: E-mail greetings from Maria world’s problems and admire the shapely, Jerry Burnett Anjier, Bickford, Callander, Deaner, young women (any female under 60) work Hancock, Hoskins, Huntsberry, Kasel, out on the stair climbers. Len Martin Oliver, Popp, Rishell, Ward and Zick and missed the reunion because he got sick as cards from Alligood, Artman, Page Aylor, he was leaving. He says that despite past Badgett, Bell, Bella, Bissell, Carolyn setbacks things have improved and his I begin my quarterly report on a sad note; Brown, Browning, Bryant, Burks, doctor gave him an upbeat report, and with Walt Perrin notified me that Betty Jo Taylor, the new medicines, he should be good to go Christie, Coen, Coltrane, Copenhaver, wife of Jack Taylor passed away on New to future reunions. Len really thinks that his Cranford, Curtis, Daniels, Doleman, Year’s Eve 2011. The service was held on Januimprovement might have something to do Drescher, Durrette, Elliott, Engelhard, ary 5th. Walt and Jack were roommates from with the VMI Spirit and occasional vodka Fridley, Mary Franklin Fulghum (Palmer), Roanoke. Our sympathies go out to Jack in the on the rocks. Tom Artman’s wife, Jan, is Gabbert, Gangemi, Hannelore Garrison, loss of his mate. recovering from a cancer on her spine. Tom Gibbings, Goldman, Grazulis, Hala, On a happier note, Sonny Robbins e-mailed said the source has not been found, but the Hanlein, Harbach, Hartford, Henning, me that he and Betsy had the pleasure of attendprognosis is good. Stu Woodcock had his Paula Hill, Bill Hill, Hirsch, Ed Hollowell, ing Nick Nicholson’s wedding in Jacksonville.

Nick married Sue Moore Berry at Christ Epiship replaced and is doing great. Lou Shuba Willard Hoskins, Huneycutt, Jarvis, copal Church. Nick’s roommate at the Institute, is doing great after his shoulder operation Johnston, Tom Jones, Troy Jones, Keech, Darden Helms and Jackie were also there. and Lou’s wife, Pris, is very happy she had Barbara Jean LeFon, Legum, Lisiecki, George Mayforth ’82, was also a guest along her shoulder repaired. Mike Carmichael Magee, Maurer, McDonald, McLester, with assorted friends, relatives, kids, and grandsays he hopes his numbers of not so good McNemar, Miner, Moore, Murray, kids of both the bride and groom. Nick and Sue days lessen and Joe Preston is always Myruski, Nelms, Oley, Orndorff, Bill and their deceased first spouses were “couples looking for improvement. Please pray for Phillips, Phlegar, Preston, Puette, Redd, friends” for some time and lived in the same all these folks. We lost Brother Rat John Reitz, Respess, Rice, Ring, Pete Roberts, condo complex at Atlantic Beach. Nick is still Steadman on October 30. (See Taps Floyd Roberts, Rudibaugh, Rutledge, active in his commercial real estate company as section in this issue for Mr. Steadman’s Bev Scott, Shuba, Clayton Smith, well as chair of the Judy Nicholson Foundation/ obituary.) John was very devoted to his Stephenson, Stokes, Dickey Stone, Suiter, Funding Kidney Cancer Research.

By the time you get this e-mail/class notes church and it really showed with the Tarrall, Taylor, Thomas, Donna Tyler, you should have received a notice from Carnumber of people present at the service.

Van Orden, Wash, Weede, Wells III, ole Green from the Alumni office regarding Louis and Jane Kiger, Sue and Kenny Wetsel, Whalen, Whitehouse, Williamregistering for the 50th Reunion of the great Patrick, Barry Orndorff and Ken son, Elfriede Winiker and Woodcock. class of 1962. In previous correspondence, I have urged you to make your reservations Templeton attended the funeral. The class Keep in touch by visiting us, snail mail, at the Holiday Inn Express on April 26–28, e-mail, telephone but no texting. I am not flowers were very much appreciated by the 2012 departing on Sunday, April 29th, which that advanced. family. When I sent out the e-mail about is the headquarters hotel for our 50th ReCall a Brother Rat or Sister Rat (widow) John, I was amazed to learn how many BRs union. A hospitality suite has been reserved you have not talked to in a while. I know it had talked to him just before his death. On on the ground floor. The Best Western Hotel is located adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express will be a rewarding experience. Only God the day he died, Kenny was supposed to should you not be able to book a room. knows how long we will have together, so take him to lunch but John said he didn’t When you register through Carole Green feel like it. Jerry and Glorie Coen were very make every day count. Stay well, take your in the Alumni office, you will be billed for vitamins and keep VMI in your heart. happy that they took the time to see John in the Thursday night reception at the home of Lynchburg before our 50th Reunion and Carolyn Worrell. Carolyn has a beautiful home on Ross Road, had talked with John about three sitting on an eight-acre pristine weeks before his death. Johnny lot. This will be a buffet dinner Gouldthorpe had gotten a call “under the tent” and an ensemble from John a week before that from the VMI Commanders will final day. John has been furnish entertainment. As mentioned, the dress will be business/ suffering for years and he is in a casual as the nights in Lexingbetter place now. You never ton can be somewhat chilly. On know when God is going to call Friday morning, the Reunion you home. That is the news to Golf Tournament will start at 10 date. Sue and I enjoyed reading a.m. with a captain’s choice. You can sign up for this through the the Christmas cards and your registration with Carole Green. family pictures have been The fee is $55. Those wishing carefully placed in the 1961 to play tennis should sign up Class of 1961: Jim and Ann Miner with their daughter, picture album. As has been by on the registration form. Ware Hannah, center, in November 2011 when Jim and Hannah tradition, the list of those who Smith and Doug Marechal will ran in the Savannah, Georgia, Rock and Roll Marathon. be coordinating the tennis. Those communicate at Christmas is as

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CLASS NOTES wishing to shoot skeet at Quail Ridge SportHopefully 165 of you have received your Please make sure you add dates, names, the ocing Clays should also sign up and Wayne 50th Reunion Book and have had a chance to casion, etc. so they can be promptly catalogued Paccine will be coordinating this activity. reminisce and admire all of our BRs for their by the videographer. All of this has been a labor On Friday night, we will meet at BR Gen. success, large or small, over the past 50 years. I of love by your Reunion committee.

Peay Superintendent’s quarters at 5:30 for a am amazed at the accomplishments of our BRs. During the last quarter, I have received notes reception which will proceed to Marshall Hall We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Judy from Nancy and Weldon Eddins who have for the 50th Reunion festivities sponsored and Tony Curtis for the innumerable hours, returned to Hawaii (their primary residence) by the Alumni Association. The dress for telephone calls, and logistics in bringing this where they spend half the year from their secthe Friday night function is coat and tie for book to fruition. It is a real treasure. There are ond home in Southern Maryland. They recently the men and cocktail dresses for the ladies.

35 remaining books which will be sold at the met a neighbor, “Ben Cartwright” who is an A program is scheduled after dinner. On Saturday morning, we will have a class meetReunion unless you want to send a check to me Army officer stationed in Tripler who just haping at 9 a.m. followed by a Memorial service made out to Class of ’62 Account in the amount pens to be the son of “Columbus Cartwright.” in Memorial Gardens at 9:30 a.m. I would of $65. I will make sure that you are sent a book Joe Roberts is looking forward to the Relike for all BR ministers, priests, lay readers before the supply is extinguished. union. He has reservations at the Holiday Inn to notify me if you will be present for this Hopefully each of you who have not contribExpress including a second bunk if somebody ceremony. You will be scheduled as a reader uted to the Reunion campaign are finalizing winds up needing one. His grandson got his for the ceremony. After the ceremony, we your plans for your contributions to the 50th class ring this Ring Figure. He says it is a will meet on the steps of Preston Library for Reunion goal of $17 million.

The committee nice looking ring with an aquamarine stone. our class picture. Please wear a blue blazer, has set a goal of 95% participation of our BRs. John Glenn wrote that he is now living in white shirt, and khaki pants. The parade comI hope all of you received and enjoyed the Mexico. His biggest complaint is “public mail mences at 11 a.m. followed by the courtyard ceremony. After the parade, we will eat Dutch video (1) of our class. Now that 214 biographies appears to be little used.” Americans should treat in Crozet Hall in a section reserved for have been collected, printed, and distributed be very thankful for the USA mail system. I our class. At 2 p.m. buses will depart from our next project is to send me any photographs, received a nice Christmas 2011 letter from Alumni Hall to tour points of interest that memorabilia of things of interests from the Jane and John McWane – what a beautiful many of you are not familiar with, including time we entered the Institute in 1958 until family they have. the new North Post improvements and faciliwe graduated in June 1962. I have engaged a John Anthony wrote in late December that ties. On Saturday night, buses will depart videographer to assemble these memorabilia he had been to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, having from Holiday Inn Express at 5:30 to journey and develop a video (2) which will be made been the only American invited to attend the to Brian Crockett’s mountain top home in available at the Reunion. Of course, we can use 32nd Ministerial and Heads of State Summit West Lexington. The dress for this reception later year submissions. As an example, I plan of the Gulf Cooperation Council (comprised of and buffet dinner will again be business/casual because of the cooler weather in higher to use a photograph of BR Joe Gwaltney and I Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, elevations at this time of the year. Incidenescorting Ms. George Shell and Ms. Mark Clark and the United Arab Emirates.) He said, “Given tally, buses will be running from the Holiday at a parade and also a letter that I received in the political tumult that has swept through Arab Inn Express for the Thursday night affair and Barracks from Gen. Shell ’931 commending countries this year, this summit, led by six of Friday night affair likewise. Breakfasts at the us for the courtesies extended to their wives.

America’s closest Arab allies, was arguably one hotels are complimentary on Friday morning, Saturday morning, and our farewell on Sunday morning.

You will be billed for the Thursday night and Saturday night receptions which can be paid at the time of registration. Any remaining reunion books available can be purchased at a price of $65 per book in cash or by check made out to Class of ’62 Account. Your reunion committee has worked hard to make this an enjoyable, inexpensive, and memorable occasion.

On December 11th, 14 Sister and BRs dined together at the Annual Institute Society Dinner. SR Carolyn Worrell was joined by Paul Rhodes, Allen Bamforth, George Collins, Walt Perrin, Jerry Wagner, Earl Severo, Ware Smith, Jim Vest, Danny Kizer, Howard Cobb, Buck Bradley, Doug Marechal, Jerry Burnett and their wives. Also Class of 1962: Attending the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011 were, from present, of course, was BR General left, seated, Linda Bamforth and Carolyn Worrell. Standing: Jim Vest, Paul Rhodes, Binnie Peay. This was a wonderful George Collins, Danny Kiser, Walt Perrin, Howard Cobb, Allen Bamforth, Jerry Burnett, event.

Jerry Wagner, Doug Marechal and Buck Bradley.

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CLASS NOTES aroff frequently and is hoping Gene will be of the most substantively important since the Michael J. Curley free to attend the 50th. Speaking of Gene’s, I GCC’s establishment in May 1981.” John went had a long conversation with Gene Bane. The on to express his sincerest thanks to Tony and Banes are traveling extensively. He has retired Judy Curtis for their labor of love in producing from his optometry practice and is still heavily the 50th Reunion Book. engaged in his coal mining property. He and Tom Henriksen has a book coming out in his family are operating a recreational park in mid-summer entitled America and the Rogue Plan NOW to attend our 50th Reunion April States. Palgrave Macmillan in NYC is publish- the Roanoke Valley which keeps him busy.

26–28, 2013! We’re working like crazy to make John Mott Robertson, Bowles Pender, ing it. The book focuses on North Korea, it a pleasant and memorable event! Need volunand other friends are leaving for a visit to the Iran, and Iraq before its U.S. intervention. It teers to assist in planning the weekend’s events Greek Isles shortly after our Reunion. also surveys U.S. relations with Syria, Libya, starting March 2012; 1st meeting will be at my Sonny Robbins has been a tremendous asset Sudan, and Cuba, plus some coverage of other home in Richmond, Saturday, March 17th. to Tony Curtis and myself in getting out the countries. He said, “Finishing this book nearly Let us join together first to extend our condo50th Reunion Book. finished me.” In addition, Margaret had a few lences to Bill Shaner who lost his beloved wife I encourage each of you to respond to Carole health issues which have resolved.

Betty Ann in January. Nov. 23rd, we laid Wayne Green in the Alumni Office when you receive My Rat year roommate, Jim Galloway, O’Hern to rest at Arlington. Wayne’s family your registration package. There are significant was there and it was wonderful to meet his reports that he probably will not be able to logistics in planning for any reunion, but more attend the 50th Reunion because of health children and siblings for the first time. On the especially a 50th Reunion. I would like to issues with his wife. Likewise, Bill Hope Gim: We were just notified by wife, Derith,that thank the Reunion Committee for all of their has had some cardiac issues as well as being Jerry Bennett is quite ill dealing with a brain work. This will be an elegant reunion weekend on chronic peritoneal dialysis, but they are tumor and Liza Thomson (Paul Thomson’s and I hope each of you will diligently try to going to give it their best shot to attend. Don wife) is recovering from central nervous system attend this most memorable occasion.

Johnson and his wife have found a babysitter lymphoma. Will Scott is also in need of our Thanks for all your cards, letters, and notes. for their eight-year-old granddaughter and are prayers, however he has somehow slipped out planning to attend the 50th. of our reach, apparently moving from RichIn the Bonds of the VMI Spirit, Walter Hylton reports from northern Virmond to God knows where … I’ll let you know Jerry Burnett ginia that he retired from the legal staff of when I locate him and Dottie. Pete Brunel the Army Corps of Engineers in the past actually spoke with Dottie on January 18th year and is spending most of time taking and she mentioned nothing of an impending care of things that have been put aside for move. (mjc: I feel badly for not visiting Will over 40 years. His sister lives in South Hill, often enough as we all should.) Our prayers Virginia, and is having some health issues. to Bill, the O’Hern family, Derith, Paul He is uncertain whether he will make it to and Dottie along with all our other Brother the 50th, but will try.

Rats and all of their loved ones who may be Columbus Cartwright called and told suffering. me that Clyde Glover had some rather sigBy this writing, you should have received nificant heart issues over the past 15 years your initial packet of information from me and was due to have some rather significant asking you to “Save the Date” in the form heart surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in of a refrigerator magnet. Pretty clever, huh?

Richmond.

Not my idea though; that one came from Pat Class of 1962: Lewis Graybill and Earl Ed Beirne is now retired and lives in Webb at the VMIAA. In addition, our 50th Severo met for lunch on Nov. 12, 2011, in Richmond. He apparently is still active in Reunion Financial Committee is beginning Lexington, Virginia. his running hobby. its work to secure a meaningful I had a nice conversation with legacy gift to VMI in the name of Hughes Burton recently. He and the Class of 1963. Our committee his bride are still active in the real is just beginning to reach out to estate industry in Carroll County, everyone. Perhaps one of the most Virginia. They live in Fancy Gap interesting aspects of my job as and are proud of their son who is a class agent is to observe the giving cadet at VMI. patterns present in each class. Even Dennis Easley told me recently though the bulk of the Class of ’63 that Spencer Elmore had had some gifts to VMI comes from a small non-life threatening issues recently but consistent and generous minorrequiring hospitalization at St. ity, it is actually those less sigMary’s Hospital. nificant gifts from members of the I hear Joe Gedro is having some class that round out the campaign knee issues and probably will not and makes it quite meaningful. be able to attend our Reunion.

The Class of ’63 always seems to Stinson Jones is still practicing have a very number of its members Class of 1962: Bruce Seiling and Perry Madsen met for Pediatrics in Dallas, Texas. contributing regardless of the size a drink in November 2011.

Walt Perrin talks to Gene Lazof their individual gifts. Do your

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CLASS NOTES best but please do make some sort of a gift and has increased from $100 to $125!” Said he was let’s see if we can come close to a record 100 going to buy one anyway! percent participation. Make my day!

From Roanoke, the Crows (as Dennis and Here come those fun Christmas letters: Jim Linda Crowley refer to themselves) report that Taylor says he shall now be forever known they see Harry and Sarah Tatum regularly. July as a “recovering equestrian.” (mjc: Sorry I saw the Crowleys in Europe touring Budapest, referred to Jim as “John” in our last issue…my cruising the Danube, visiting Hungary, Croatia, apologies, John, uh, Jim!) Surely you remember Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. (mjc: his stories about his injurious equine battles in WOW!) Probably the biggest “Breaking News” which he was the consistent loser. Having now story came from Dennie and Fausto Molinet stabled his mount, he is concentrating on the about the demise of Dennie’s beloved 1986 publication of yet more Ultrawideband Radar Saab 9000 after 360,000 miles. (mjc: Now, Application and Design technical books which, that’s the type of stuff I love to read about in a just in case you don’t know the first thing about Christmas letter … keep it coming, Dennie.) I the field, have worthwhile applications in the hear Beaver and Ava Bevins are at the moment medical field for vital signs monitoring and diagnosis. Harry Jones wishes everyone a “Merry Ho-Ho to Everyone”! Harry says he and Sally are travelling extensively to such interesting destinations as Disney World and then on to a Caribbean cruise. Bob and Tina Powell sent a couple pictures (including one published in our last issue) from their three-week tour down the Seine that included stops in Normandy, Omaha Beach and concluding in the French Alps. “Perfect weather, lots of wine and great friends … a truly winning combo” said the Powells.

From Larry and Pam James to our ComClass of 1963: Roommates Dennis Crowplaint Dept. (mjc: Do we have one, Artie?) ley and Harry Tatum during Christmas Larry whines “the economy is so bad that 2011 in Roanoke, Virginia. the Senior Season Pass at Taos Ski Valley

living in a commune somewhere in North Carolina awaiting the completion of their new home, also somewhere in North Carolina. My old roomie in Room 374, Mike Spencer wrote to say that he had a call from our third roomie, Mike Warring, making sure he had plans to attend the 50th. (mjc: I am really looking forward to that reunion … the three Mikes … who incidentally fought like dogs and cats when they were together but now love one another big time…go figure!) Back in November, Jim and Catherine Hoge paid us a visit in Richmond where we had lunch and spent time together. It was great fun since I got to meet Jim’s son who now lives here.

I look forward every year to receiving a card from Tom and Teak Whitford, always an original piece of art from Tom’s creative juices. Here’s a quick footnote about Teak, aka Charlotte Grimes who holds the Knight Chair in Political Reporting at Syracuse University’s SI Newhouse School of Public Communications. Teak dispatches student reporters around the country in presidential election years to report to local newspapers the inner workings of the people behind the campaigns. This year one of her student reporters managed to connect with a talented young woman from D.C., aka my daughter Britt who is currently working with the Gingrich campaign. The interview and picture made it into a number of papers in New Hampshire as well as here in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Gary and Sharon Eifried, for two years now residents of Claytor Lake, west of Roanoke, report that they are living active lives and still found time last year for a visit to China then look forward to visiting Alaska in June 2012. They say they’re just 1½ miles off Exit 92 on I-81 and invite everyone to drop by for a visit.

Happiness in Kearsarge, NH for Mike and Betty Smither is a nice new house, a condo SOLD, lots of kids and grandkids close at hand and traveling. Alaska was the choice of Lee and Dianne Spessard for a 14day cruise. Lee says he took a ridiculous number of pictures with his new digital camera yet, here I am without a single one of them … shame, Lee! Surgery for both the Spessards: Lee, to repair a tear in his left knee caused by new golf shoes (mjc: What?); Lee, her third knee replacement!

Class of 1963: Having lunch at the Hampton (Virginia) Yacht Club in February 2012 Commendably they continue to play were, from left, Randy Williams, Kent McCraney, Charley Amory, Bill Wray, Jan Gray, a large part in their favorite pastime, Frank Allison, Johnny Mills, Bob Walton, Bob Powell, Billy Bell, Beau Walker, Taz boxer rescue. Lee said “the poor Hubard, Ed Patnesky and Tony Holtry. economy has hurt more than just

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CLASS NOTES people!” In addition to their European travels, Dennis and Linda Crowley “drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Peaks of Otter, climbed Sharp Top (3,873 feet, at the summit) and then walked down the mile and a half path to the base of the mountain. (mjc: Got tired just reading about it!) John and Susan Cloe write that they, too, are climbing, well, at least they were! Late summer last year, John “lost his footing on a mountain path when he headed back to help a member of his climbing group.

He tumbled downhill and severely fractured his right shoulder,” resulting in a complete shoulder replacement. More surgery followed when it was discovered that the other shoulder had also been dislocated in the mishap! An upcoming trip to Vietnam in March 2012 is still on the schedule with side trips to Laos and Cambodia. (mjc: Now, I’m envious!)

I’m always fascinated reading Dave and Mary Ann Glantz’s letter. Save the account of Dave’s progress with his multi-volume life’s work, The Battle of Smolensk and also the Stalingrad Trilogy, the rest of the news is usually allocated to about 50 percent human family and 50 percent cat family … great reading! Beau Walker sent me this interesting e-mail saying, “David was back on national TV last night. He was one of several experts discussing new theories of Russian tactics at the WWII Battle of Stalingrad on an oddly named public TV documentary, Secrets of the Dead. For some reason the program showed clips of The Citadel just before Dave’s first piece, giving the false impression that he is a product of that institution. Boo! (mjc: David recently spent a year as a visiting Professor at The Citadel.) A little later in the show, when the camera zoomed in for a close up of Dave at his keyboard, puffing on his pipe, his ’63 ring stood out, front and center. Dave, as you would imagine, was very knowledgeable and, to me quite persuasive.”

John and Sue Reid’s letter is all about kids, grandkids, their priests and their pilots! (mjc: Actually, not a bad combination) Kent and Cecelia McCraney are happily settled into life at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in beautiful Kilmarnock, VA. Don and Candy Prystaloski “celebrated 45 years and took a delayed vacation for two weeks to Hilton Head … first time we had ever gone anywhere by ourselves and we are still together!” She continues “Andy and Jan Anderson entertained us a lot, Don got to play golf, took us boating with lunch on the water … ” Did I mention that their 16-year-old granddaughter is now living with family which might explain the collective expression of relief on everyone’s face? (mjc: Many more happy years to you both!) Pam Traugott sent beautiful pictures of herself and son Trey, Rick’s sister, Mary Lou and family

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during a recent visit, and a picture with her longtime buddies from their recent trip to Israel.

News from Pat Kelly: “Just got off the phone with Bill Klobus. He’s back in NYC and working again. Says he lost a bunch in the market crash and Florida real estate crash and felt the need to build things back up. Son is 6 years old now so he has to plan ahead. Neat idea: He’s writing a book to his son telling about the high points of his life, realizing he may not be around to tell him when he’s old enough to be interested. Made the comment that he’s finding he can’t remember lots of old stuff, like his best restaurants. I simply observed ‘Duh!’ Jim Ellis and wife, Tik came to see us recently.

Then Gwen and I had lunch at their home in Temple, TX a few weeks ago. Great Thai food!

Jim has an enormous collection of German beer steins from his tours of duty in Europe – I’ve never seen so many great steins. His collection includes lots of German military units memorial steins, something I’d not heard about before.

Going to Chuck and Christi Weddingtons for the Super Bowl. We spent a month in Ireland over Christmas and New Years. Don’t really recommend it however. First of all, all tourist places are closed and we had to drive to Bunratty Castle (Blarney Woolen mills has a store there) to buy anything. Next, it rains a lot in the winter (not much snow but daily rain, mist or fog. After awhile you start to feel depressed!

Fortunately we were there to visit friends and relatives, so it wasn’t so bad for us…mostly sitting in front of a big coal fire with whiskey in hand. Walt Kleine e-mails that all is well in Corpus Christi. Charlie Straub reports “I was able to break away from a weekend church meeting that my wife and I help manage in Roanoke, to go to the memorial service in Salem, VA for Ann (Bill Shaner’s beloved wife). I saw Kyle and Karen Kiesau, brothers

Dr. Carr Hyatt ’65 and Doc Hyatt ’68, along with Bill. All these guys came to VMI from East Tennessee.”

I got to know Pete Ippolito a bit while playing soccer during out Rat year, however, over the past couple years we’ve had some terrific e-mail conversations … a better word … reminiscences. Pete writes: “I met up with a ’73 grad the other day and we were talking about the old days at VMI. I told him about our trials and tribulations going through the Resurrections we were confronted with and told him that we had to duck walk the tennis court steps and parade ground with our rifles. He looked at me and asked what a Resurrection was. From his answer I assumed that after our graduation they must have been banned. Do you know when? (mjc: Class?) This is the first I have heard about your car at the ESSO station; shame on you! (mjc: Baby blue ’54 Jag Mark VII … wish I had it now!) I remember Bob Baldwin lived in New Jersey too. (mjc: West Orange.) It’s funny you mentioned civilian clothes. In our 1st Class year we had lockers in our rooms where civilian clothes could be stored. I bought a great suit and wore it every time I could for the entire year. I loved that suit. When we graduated and I cleaned out the room, I forgot to pack the suit.

Was I mad about that?” Pete continues “Our Rat Christmas, I could not wait to get on the road for home. I could smell my mom’s cooking 500 miles away! The trip to D.C. in that cab was the longest leg to a short vacation away from the pressures of the Rat Line. I certainly remember turning the cab taking us to D.C. into a clown car. I cannot remember how many cadets you could put in a ’41 Pontiac along with a driver that appeared to have been a retired Indy 500 driver. (Ironically, Pete, that was Mr. Harris’ cab that was also used for drumming outs!)

What a trip! For some reason I remember that

Class of 1963: Pat and Gwen Kelly, right, celebrated their wedding anniversary at the Weddington’s ranch in October 2011, with, from left, Sharon and Tommy Rountree and Chuck Weddington.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES just after their record storm. Ah, but the coast we were all in the Barracks on the day we left lies and friends so it is truly a match made in of Oregon and Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer for Christmas vacation waiting for the room heaven. Following San Francisco we visited are beautiful, as is Mt. Hood. check to be completed before we could leave.

Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, I was amazed to see issues of The VMI Memories …”

Cadet and The Bomb, among other offerOn a happy note, Logan Jennings says that “our BR and your Rat roommate, Kenny ings, posted on the library’s web site for Saunders and his wife, Rosanne, visited all to see. What a hoot! What memories! their son Kenny Saunders Jr. and his wife, (mjc: Go to www.vmi.edu and look for the Millie, at our development a couple of weeks Archives link … it’s a lot of fun, Mike’s ago. We had both couples over for dinner right!) I was also amazed that I was able while Senior was here. Harry Jones and I are to enroll in the Veterans’ Administration actively involved with fishing on the Albehealth care program recently. I don’t know marle Sound and the surf at Hatteras this fall. where I’ve been all these years, but all Mike Smither is probably the most of us, who served, not just the 10 percent prolific correspondent in the Class of ’63! career types, are apparently eligible. I’m Mike always checks in before each deadline very much looking forward to our (cough, and delivers some great stuff, right around cough) 50th! Happy New Market Day and Class of 1963: Catherine and Jim Hoge vis“Big Toot.” Mike writes “Bunny Reynolds Founders Day and Valentine’s Day! Stay ited Richmond, Virginia, in November 2011. asked me to join him last March 2011 for healthy! the annual VMI Foundation benefactors’ And from me … Pray for our troops in luncheon honoring endowment donors. Bunny, and Las Vegas, the first three of which are harm’s way, our departed, and those on the as we all know, spearheads the Class of 1963 must-sees. In May 2011, we celebrated our GIM. That’s all from here for now. God bless! twin grandsons’ first birthday. My how time Curleyrat Thomas Tucker Oliver Scholarship Fund. does fly. And finally, we traded our condo for We sat at a table with the current recipient, John R. Cavedo a house. Negotiations started while I was at Henry L Rhodenhizer Jr. ’12, an economics Sleepy Moore’s, and ended while we were in and business major from Lexington. (mjc: Happily, Peg and I will get to do that this year San Francisco, calling, e-mailing and faxing … it’s a humbling experience to witness what documents along the way. So, we have a new address just across town, with privacy your donations can do!)The VMI Foundation and more space. Come see us! Our annual luncheon and meetings coincided with the Virginia visit in October 2011 started with East Meets West Conference, Legacy Day, The game at the Citadel in Charleston kicked me bunking in at Jan Gray’s for a few days. and Friday parade where we met Col. Lee off the writing of this edition of the class notes.

Jan had a dinner party for Sally and Frank Lewane ’50B. At one time or another there A really good turn out of Brother and Sister were nine classmates on hand: Brother Rats Rats enjoyed good weather, good food, good Allison, Barbie and Tony Holtry, Maureen Don Hargy, Denny Marchant, Bill Moore, drink and great companionship. The game itself and Randy Williams, and Kent McCraney, Art Phaup, Bunny Reynolds, Steve RiethThen Betty and I stayed with Ghada and Beau was a disaster, but it still couldn’t spoil the miller, Bob Troxler, Bill Wells and me. In wonderful opportunity to be together. Attending Walker for a few days. They had Judy and addition, we stopped off for a New Market some or all of the events were Tom and Carol John Mills and Carolyn and Jim Key over for visit, and to join Lisa and Sleepy Moore for Allen, Buzz and Jane Birzenieks, John and dinner one evening, a very nice evening inSherrel Cavedo, Parker Duncan, Bill and Mardeed. We flew to Seattle in February 2012 to dinner at their house. Furthermore, following ion Garber, W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, John visit friends and lucked out with the weather, parade, we enjoyed adult beverages courtesy and Ginger Manley, George and Jane Rapport, sunny and warm the entire week. And this of Becky and Bill Wells before dinner. We Tom and Penny Sebrell, Walt and were also fortunate to observe Karen Sykes and John Thornton. firsthand the cuisine and dining Also joining us for some of the environment of Club Crozet for weekend activities were the sons of both BRC and DRC. Better yet, Tom Allen, George Rapport and Bunny and I attended a class in John Manley. Plus each of the sons reinforced concrete, where we had a date. George’s son had just managed to appear knowledgegraduated from Marine Corps boot able, though did not participate in camp at Parris Island. the discussions. The drive down The Citadel Class of 1964, and back was made easy and hearing of our group coming to interesting in that Bunny drove us the game invited us to be their in his red Corvette. guests at their tailgate party. They Betty and I flew to San Francisprovided really good food and co in April 2011 to spend a week drink and a place to gather prior to in preparation for our son Trent’s Class of 1963: Jim Key, John Mills, Mike Smither and and after the game. It was a very wedding to Alessia. All went well Beau Walker at Beau and Ghada Walker’s home, attending hospitable group of guys and gals – travel, weather, venues, celebraa dinner for Mike and Betty Smither during their annual with like interests and backgrounds tions, ceremony, and reception. trip to Virginia Beach. (virtually every one of them had, Betty and I have wonderful fami-

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CLASS NOTES as we had, served in the military upon leaving school). In fact, the event was so successful that we decided to host them for the VMI-Citadel football game in November 2012. The Garbers and Birzenieks will take the lead even though we’re still nine months away. So, plan now to be a part of this event.

Prior to the weekend the Sykes and Kitchens joined Sherrel and me at our home on Hilton Head for a couple of days. We toured the island, visited Savannah and ate and drank too much. Following the game, the Kitchens and Mary Jo Jordan returned to Hilton Head with us. Again, we toured the area and ate well. Sherrel and I wish more of you would join us at Hilton Head. We have plenty of room and would love to have you stay over for a couple of days.

In mid-November, Sherrel and I spent a week in Colorado. My sister, Phyllis Weisser joined us. Phyllis dated my roommate, Paul Cusick for a few years after he left VMI. We were able to have lunch with Gary and Carol Gosnell in Breckenridge. They had just returned from skiing. Their health is good and they have lots of energy to deal with their three grandchildren; two of which live only a couple miles away. We tried to meet Harvey and Delores Sargent, but the weather and timing just didn’t cooperate. In fact, we weren’t prepared for six straight days of snow and temperatures in the single digits teens and 20s. The day before we flew home, we stayed with Cliff Crittsinger in his new home in Denver. It’s a great house and he has really made it a comfortable home. We were the first house guests. His collection of VMI memoriabilia and art of various types is impressive indeed.

We also had an opportunity to see some of the work which has been done by the New Market Legacy Award Committee. Sketches by one possible sculpture and an example of another sculpture’s work. The statue and the award will be something of which we can all be proud.

The committee meets again in March. We’re not certain of the outcome, but the entire group has worked hard for several years putting this all together.

As mentioned in the previous class notes, our class officers, Andy Tucker, Ken Dice and Bill Thompson sent everyone on the mailing list a letter about our 50th Reunion. Please don’t forget to reply with your offers to serve on various committees. Regardless of the old Army doctrine of never volunteering, you need to do this as soon as possible. Let any of the class officers, Tom Davis or me know of your interest and willingness to help.

For those who don’t have e-mail, Bill Black wrote that as of mid-November, he had been cancer free for an entire year. Carol Allen also

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let all of us know that her cancer hadn’t spread, so she would only require radiation and no chemotherapy.

Just before closing these class notes, we found that Sherrel appears to be cancer free. The doctors advised us that another year of scans, radio-

Class of 1964: From left, Joe Chompaisal, Tony Putamanonda and Cliff Crittsinger presented a Cadet New Market Legacy Award statue to Lt. Gen. Danai Meechoovet, superintendent of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in Thailand, January 2012. Other academy staff members who are pictured were not identified. active iodine and blood tests would be required to guarantee it’s all over. But, for the first time in 18 months, the outlook is excellent.

Don Carson sent a long e-mail and several photos. “In November, Margaret and I hosted a VMI Founders Day event for area alumni down by our pond. We enjoyed seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones. Lee Fleshood came; Roxanne was out of town. Also attending were Hobbs Goodwin ’63 and his date, Theresa; Crellin and Bob Byrd ’63; Cathy and Bill Lewis ’62 and Karen and Stan Gause, whose son is a cadet.

“The highlight of the event was meeting Sally and Ray Long ’38. Ray is 94 years old and a pleasure to be around. He graduated before any of our class was born, so he could tell us about the “Real” Old Corps. It was a nice afternoon and a lot of fun to be with such a nice group of VMI people.”

Don is going to attempt to get an article with photos included in the Alumni in the News section of an upcoming Alumni Review.

King von Schilling sent an e-mail about his annual hunting trip with Doug Walker and Warren Budd. “This year Doug and I were there to hunt a full five days. The guides Warren has hooked us up with are just outstanding. They could not be more hospitable and thoughtful for the well being of a couple of old guys. They even had their hunt club run the dogs for us twice. Doug shot two deer, I shot two and our guide ran over one in his mom’s front yard on the way to pick us up at 0530.

We saw no pigs and I saw one coyote but got

no shot. Doug got a chill on Tuesday and was really sick from Wednesday on, but being a trooper he said he could be sick in the stand as well as in the cabin so he went out each day.

“When Warren and his wife Courtney arrived on Thursday night they took over doctoring Doug to try to get him better. Courtney fixed some fine southern meals to try to restore our strength. The pic you will get is of me after a few days of hard hunting, skinning and quartering the deer and taking care of Doug. I think I am getting too old for this.

Celebrated my 70th while there.”

King, who still works full time with the National Guard, went on to describe some of his work issues, “This acting boss bit is for the birds. I ain’t having fun doing this. The boss deployed and the new one is not due in until mid-January. I’ll believe it when I see him at the door. I have a fine young Maj. Corey Stavinoha ’02 who has already been an aide de camp and is now working with me to learn how the money side works and he is a great help and a fast study. Must be his citizen solder education.”

On a different note, Warren Budd made the news in Savannah. I’ve only provided a portion of the article: “Since 2005, Budd served as an appointee on the state Board of Natural Resources. He shouldered an important public responsibility, as this panel oversees and sets policy for the state Department of Natural Resources and the state Environmental Protection Division.

Class of 1964: Mike Murphy with King von Schilling in Murphy’s Virginia office, September 2011.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal recently booted him from the board and put someone else in that seat. It’s a noteworthy kick.

Budd was vice chairman of the 18-member panel. The man appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue was expected to become chairman this year. But Budd was more than an officer. He was the only board member who could be reliably described as an environmental advocate.

For example, Budd was the only board member critical of the EPD’s outrageous agreement last year to accept a $1 million check from King America Finishing, which dumped chemicals into the Ogeechee River upriver from Savannah in violation of its state permit. Those discharges contributed to the largest fish kill in Georgia’s history. King, a Chicago-based textile company, faced penalties of up to $91 million for unauthorized discharges that go back five years. So much for the EPD sending a strong message to deter similar violations in the future.

Budd also questioned Deal’s plan to build reservoirs in North Georgia as hedges against droughts in water-challenged metro Atlanta.

That may have been the last straw. “I was told to hush up on both of them,” Budd told his hometown newspaper. “I was warned and I didn’t do it, and that is why I’m off.”

So, Brother Rats, as you can see, at least one of us is active and involved. Way to go Warren!

Jan Rudinoff also e-mailed, “We have had an amazing year of traveling. Seattle, Nelson, BC, Italy, France, and a transatlantic cruising.

We were actually off island for over nine months while son, Josh, daughter-in-law, Holly and grandaughers, Chloe and Sabryn watched over the homestead in Lihue. Now we

are living in the one bedroom apartment above Paula’s parents so that we can keep traveling and Josh and Holly can have space for their family.” Jan added in a later e-mail that he would plan on attending the 50th Reunion and would help with menial tasks but preferred not to be involved in the planning. Have we got some chores for him!

Dick Atkinson continues to keep me up to date, “I keep feeling like I need to send some news or pictures but I am really pretty boring and don’t get out much to see our BRs. I did have a trip to Dubai in December to speak at the World Diabetes Congress. Dubai is fascinating.

The lots between hotels are just sand. It truly has arisen from the desert. Many big buildings and new construction, some of which are not occupied or not fully occupied. The tallest building looks unimpressive from a distance but a “wow” when you get to the base. Dubai Mall and the water show outside are an experience.

All this water in the desert, I think all coming from desalination. I guess they have a lot of banks, but it doesn’t seem they have a lot of other plants or employers. Once the oil runs out in the region, it could be a real problem. Back to traveling on camels. Apparently most of the work is done by foreigners. There were many Indians doing the sweeping, bathroom cleaning, etc. Had the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen; about every 10 minutes they washed the floor!

“Susan and I just got back from a visit to Montana to see our oldest daughter and her family. Thank goodness for frequent flyer miles. Montana is such a lovely area. She lives about 20 minutes from the entrance to Glacier

Class of 1964: Sherrel and John Cavedo with Yvonne and Tom Myers in St. Augustine, Florida, on New Years Day 2012.

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National Park and the views from her house of the mountains on all sides from down in the Flathead Valley are just stunning. The weather was great, clear and not too cold the whole week, then snowed like crazy the morning we were to fly out.

In December we received a nice note from Bob O’Hara, “All is well in Emporia, VA; still semi-retired working 2-3 days per week in various courts of southern Virginia. We have a small herd of cows on our 200 acre farm in the northwest corner of the county. I’m able to hunt and fish all I want. Marilyn and I are still in our home of 41 years; right off I-95, 18 miles north of the North Carolina line. It’s a good spot or

Class of 1964: Richard Beatty with his newest grandson in October 2011. stop for our Brother Rats traveling north or south. All are welcome.”

“Our three children are scattered. Gil, our son, is in Nevada City, CA. Daughter, Ginny is in Denver and our oldest son, Sean is in Richmond with his wife, Mary Beth and our grandsons.

Life couldn’t be better. We’re looking forward to our 50th Reunion.”

Jake Kleinschuster sent a copy of their Christmas letter with a nice personal note enclosed. He and his wife, Deborah, have been busy teaching 52 weeks every year, working their garden and making short weekend trips.

They have nine grandchildren, ages 2-11.

Some of the family have settled close in the Shanandoah Valley. Jake also describes his life as rewarding and idyllic. It’s gratifying to see another Brother Rat enjoying family, home and friends.

John Thornton sent a very quick note saying he had just returned from a hunting trip to Pennsylvania. Apparently Bill Taylor and Walt Sykes went to the same place the week prior.

Over Christmas I received several additional updates from Brother Rats in the forms of family Christmas letters. Unfortunately, space lim-

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CLASS NOTES its my ability to include them all. But, thanks to monarch in the world. He and his family are Mickey Finn Bill and Millie McVey, Gary Spoden, Richard very involved with the people – their advanceand Karen Beatty, Gerald and Sandra Reid ment and self-sufficiency. The visit was an and Tony and Barb Munera for taking the experience of a lifetime.” time to send them along. I enjoyed reading evIn early February, Sherrel and I had the ery one. In each case they are enjoying decent opportunity to visit Butch and Joan Nunnally health, travels and time with family. at their home just north of Orlando. We had a My roomie and noted author of The BlackwaCliff Crittsinger just returned from a nearly wonderful time getting a guided tour of Winter ter Philosopher, Dave Thompson, attended the three-week trip, including a nice long stay in Park, the Tiffany Stained Glass Museum and South Carolina State Fair, we’ll let him tell the Thailand visiting Joe Chompaisal and Tony several other sites. At the conclusion, Joan story: “I was entering the South Carolina State Putamanonda. In addition to working with treated us to a nice meal while kicking our Fair in Columbia, SC, last night wearing my the committee preparing the New Market fannys at card games. She has a knack for win- VMI ’65 jacket when a young man stopped me Legacy Award, Cliff commissioned a statue ning at all kinds of games. Butch, Sherrel and and introduced himself. He is Jeff Godby ’95. with his own funds. While in Thailand, Cliff I had no chance.

He told me his stepfather is Buster Woodruff presented one of those statues to the ChulaJust this month (February) Andy Tucker ’64. Interesting conversation with Jeff, his chomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA). sent a quick note with a photo of himself on wife and sons. Jeff said he thought he’d never Even though Cliff funded this entirely out of horseback. It was the first time in years he leave Virginia, but he is in Columbia and has a his own pocket, the statue was presented by had been able to ride for any length of time. plumbing and gas company. We both comthe Class of 1964 specifically in the names His years of multiple back surgerys kept him mented on how rare it is to see another alumnus of Tony and Joe as the first CRMA cadets to from doing the things he really loved. That around and Jeff even admitted to chasing down attend VMI, but also to all subsequent VMI photo is posted on our private class Facebook cars with VMI stickers. He is interested in graduates who attended the CRMA. The statue page. After over two years, our privacy has getting a group started in the Columbia area. will be permanently displayed in the CRMA not been violated. It’s also the best place Maybe we can revive the old Palmetto chapter museum. to see current photos of the class of ’64 in of the Alumni Association. We’ll see.”

Some of you will recall that during our very action. And there is no limit to the size of We all mourned the passing of John Hill on first mini reunion to Thailand in 2006, the the photo as there is with submissions to the Nov. 23, 2011. Many of you saw the following travelling group of Brother Rats and wives Alumni Review. announcement from his wife, Carol, but for set up an award to be presented annually to a During the past three months, four Brother those who did not it is included here. “It has cadet at the CRMA. That award too, was done Rats have called or e-mailed to ask me about been a long and difficult year for John. After his in the name of Tony and Joe. upcoming mini reunions. Don’t forget, it was three weeks in the hospital in January/February, Cliff also sent an e-mail describing his trip, decided nearly two years ago that we wouldn’t it continued with a one-week hospital stay in “I just returned from a fantastic two-week visit bother any of you with details or advertising May, a 5+ weeks stay starting in late September with Joe and Tony in Thailand. I spent the first of specific destinations unless you asked to be and another 10-day stay three days after his week with Joe and Pongsi at their beautiful placed on the mini reunion notification list. At release from the previous stay. Each stay took new home in Bangkok and the second week present, out of the 208 Brother Rats and widits toll on his strength and ability to keep fightwith Tony and Dusadee in their bucolic home ows for whom we have contact information, ing the prostate cancer, although he continued by the river in Chang Mai. The entire time I only 45 are on the mini reunion contact list. If chemotherapy through last Saturday. By Sunday could not have been treated better if I were a you would like to be added simply to know the his condition had deteriorated and he could no visiting dignitary or staying in a 5-Star resort! possibilities, let me know. longer swallow. On Monday his doctor recomThey were perfect hosts in every way and I enIn closing, as I have said several times, mended we transfer him to hospice where he courage any BR who wishes to visit Thailand without your letters, phone calls, e-mails and died yesterday afternoon. This was all rather to contact them! photos, these class notes would not exist. sudden, so we are still in a state of shock over “They ensured that I partook in the culture, how quickly the end came.

Thanks again to all who continue to support customs and food of the Thai people, which is Visitation, the funeral and burial will all take the cause. what I wanted. We visited countplace in Norfolk, Virginia this less temples; each more beautiful weekend, with a memorial service and fascinating than the previto be held at a later date in Atlanta, ous. We also visited the previGeorgia. Visitation will held from ous capitals of Thailand as well 7-9 p.m. on Friday, November 25th ancient ruins depicting the history at Hollomon Brown Funeral Home and growth of the country and the on Tidewater Drive in Norfolk. people. We also visited many of The funeral service will also be the king’s palaces throughout the at Hollomon Brown at 11 a.m. on country and again, very inpresSaturday, November 26th, with a sive. I also enjoyed my exposure reception to follow in the Parish to Bhuddish – both enlightening Hall at Church of the Advent on and refreshing. Finally, I found it Norfolk Avenue in Oceanview. intriguing that the king’s picture Thank you for all your support Class of 1964: In Breckenridge, Colorado, were John was displayed throughout Thailand over the years. It has meant a Cavedo, Gary and Carol Gosnell, and Sherrel Cavedo, great deal to both of us. He fought – everywhere! He is very well November 2011. several very courageous battles. loved and he is the longest ruling

’65

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Finally his struggles are at an end and he is no longer suffering.” We will all fondly remember this Private from Company B. John’s obituary is published in the Taps Section of this issue.

Russell Proctor and JJ O’Keefe were able to represent the class and Russell filed this report: “John O’Keefe went to the funeral home on Friday night and I went to the service and burial on Saturday. We both spoke with John Hill’s wife and members of his family. I did not know any of them but it was clear they much appreciated our visits. From the e-mail that Irwin McCumber circulated it was clear that John Hill had been sick for some time, six or seven years total. During all of this he had set an example for his family and friends, remaining dignified, encouraging and in good cheer right to the end.

After so many years of suffering it was apparent that his passing was a blessing, but he was remembered with great affection and love by his family.” Thanks to you both for representing us to honor John.

Barb and Joe Straub’s daughter, Ann, has blessed them a new grandson. Joe already has plans for him. “Barb has four siblings and traditionally they cooked all day on Thanksgiving. She has not given up on the idea and we will have Ann, Victor and 1st grandson, Liam (15 mo.) over. Victor also has a birthday today and when I make the first toast it will be to “tradition.” Somehow I will work VMI in there so baby Liam begins to hear it early. We only wish our son Erik and Erin and their 12-dayold daughter, Rylee could make the trip from Charlotte but that would not be in order.

I do not know if I told you but my niece, Maggie Straub (Brother Charles) is keeping up the tradition and will matriculate next fall into the Class of 2016. Her grandfather Straub ’34 captained the ’33 football team as a member of ’34.”

Vince Cable reacted to the news of John Hall’s death with his own experience with cancer,” Thanks, Mickey. I am so sorry to hear that. We have now lost at least two BRs to this illness. Many of us have had prostate cancer and survived to tell about it. I don’t know the details of John’s sickness. I do know a few things first hand: Get your PSA checked every year. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Early detection is a big help and allows for a lot more options you would not otherwise have. Do NOT select “watchful waiting.” Check out Proton Beam Radiation treatment. There is nothing like it. You won’t hear a doc raise it as an option. If you ask, they will tell you that is new, unproven technology, voodoo, dangerous, etc, etc. Yes, it is a new unproven technology–NOT! I went through the whole discovery, research, networking process in 2002. Loma Linda Hospital in California was the only hospital in U.S. with the

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proton beam generator and a team of specialists with the skills and dedication to defeating prostate cancer as well as leaving the rest of the functions down there in place.

I went through the treatment (15 minutes every day for eight weeks). I was somewhere around the 1200th man to go through it. They have no cancer. The hospital has now treated 12,000 patients and there are 5–7 Proton Beam facilities in the U.S.” Thanks for your courage to tell us your story, Vince.

Phil Taylor reports on his annual fund raiser: “Over $8,100 was raised for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund at this year’s charity hockey game between The Citadel and VMI. The event is called “The Military Classic of the South on Ice” and was held on Dec. 3rd at the Raleigh Ice Plex.

This year’s trophy was won by The Citadel and both teams look forward to coming back to Raleigh for next year’s battle. VMI won the trophy in 2008 and 2009. The Citadel won in 2010. The real winners however are the children of our fallen comrades who will get to go to college because of this scholarship. The total raised since 2008 by this unique hockey event is now over $22,000.

As many of you now know we lost Tom Bethune on Dec. 22, 2011, while he was spending Christmas with his son’s family in Westminster, MD. I have spoken to his wife of 46 years, Mary Samuel Stewart “Sam” Bethune and she told me he passed very suddenly and unexpectedly. She intends to remain in their home, Lightning Rod Farm in West Virginia. Please see the obituary notice in this issue and support Sam with your prayers.

Joe Straub sent and e-mail to Bill Cather after seeing reports of a tornado in Birmingham, AL and received this response from Bill: “Thanks for your concern. These tornados are nothing to fool around with. There is not much you can do but hunker down. We live right in the city. Fortunately the ones last night and the ones last summer were a few miles north of the city. We live in a 90-year-old wooden, two-story house but it does have a cellar, which is where we head when the sirens go off.

On another note Mia’s aorta burst on Dec. 5th, but we are so lucky to live five minutes from a great hospital and after eight hours in the OR they were able to save her. She has been on oxygen, but today it was sunny and 70 degrees and she was able to take the tube out of her nose and walk 100 yards. It is a miracle she is still alive. As all of you know, life turns on a dime.

I have decided to not try to make that last dollar, go ahead and merge my business with a larger company; I can finally retire from the printing business, so I will have time to travel

around and see all of my Brother Rats. I also have some mountains to climb, rivers to canoe, trails to hike “and miles to go before I sleep.” I am two years out from my colon cancer operation and six months of chemo and am in as good a shape as I have been in the last 10 years.

Thanks for your concern Joe. Don Cummings promised an update and here it is: “It has been nearly seven years since we retired to Arizona. During this time, Karolyn and I have been active in our church and community where we do volunteer work – Karolyn at Phoenix’s national cemetery where she is one of the ladies who assures that no veteran is buried alone, and I have been working with the Mesa police department. Also, I teach a couple of graduate courses online and manage a local accounting firm’s quality control program part time.

We have two grandsons now who are aged four and twenty months. In fact, they are the reason we were unable to attend the last reunion. Our daughter and son-in-law asked us to babysit them while they took a trip and we jumped at the opportunity. They moved to California in 2009 and we visited them and they visited us numerous times. Now, they have moved back to northern Virginia, and there is no reason for us not to be able to attend our next reunion.

Both of us learned that we are no longer 25; but we enjoy good health. Karolyn will have cataract surgery in February. After years of contacts and eyeglasses not to mention being unable to drive at night, all that she is anticipating to need is a pair of reading glasses when this is finished. I discovered that I had a heart problem when I went in for a routine colon cancer exam two years ago. Medicine and a recently implanted pacemaker are managing it nicely. My take away from this has been that one should never go to a frontside doctor for a backside exam. Seriously, we are blessed that there have been solutions for us.

Finally, we have taken the time to visit places that we always wanted to see and this is why we were not at the 50th anniversary of our matriculation. I committed to a cruise around the British Isles just before the announcement of the event in Lexington. This past year was a significant birthday for Karolyn, so the cruise was a great way to celebrate it. We even kissed the Blarney Stone. Any member of our class always has an open invitation to visit while in the Phoenix area or travelling through.” Great update, Don! Thanks so much.

Doug Mathews says: “It is my intent to make the 50th reunion and I’ve not been to one before. I left the institute at the end of my 3rd class year but have been back several times, the latest was to a football game last fall. My

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CLASS NOTES first roommate was John Cocke the summer before we entered as Rats, and then for the next two years I roomed with Richard Bernstein and Jimmy Watkins. You asked in one of your notes to me for a photo so since I’m now responding, I attached one of a bike ride my wife and I did on the Katy Train in Missouri a couple of years ago. Thanks for all your efforts and I enjoy reading the alumni publication and especially the section on the class of ’65.”

And Floyd Taylor reminds us of the wonders of spring, “From south Georgia comes the call of spring – the apple trees are blooming and the azaleas too. The fish in our marsh creeks are beginning to stir, with the catch of the first bass of ’12 happening yesterday. If I can find them, I will go into white ducks next week – never mind the waist size – we grow them healthy size down here. Keeping the lantern of hospitality burning – I leave you – in good fortune and spirit ...”

Further south in the Keys writes Bob Whaley, “Just enclosed a note with a check to the Foundation, an hour ago! Anyway, it just said Linda and I enjoyed meeting Peter and Jeanne Trible for lunch in January during their visit to Key West. Also had a visit from Pete Rondiak for a few days in December.” Bob, thanks for your contribution!

Then from Alaska, Michael Carlson reminds us of the winter, “I am a stay at home body. Not much to report. I am still attending classes at UAF towards a B.S.–geology and am currently taking calculus. I had my right (and second) eye operated on last December, removing its cataract. One month post-op I started my current class in calculus. A few days after the class started in January the cold point of our winter arrived. I went to class one day and it was about -51F. The warmest point of that day was about -40F. Face masks or a doubled over heavy duty brushed wool scarf across one’s nose becomes meaningful. The air was fresh.” That is enough about the cold!

Carr Hyatt was kind enough to remind me of the upcoming get together at the “I” in the dead of a Shenandoah Valley winter, “Nothing new to report except I am looking forward to our group of Brother Rats getting together at VMI for our yearly basketball weekend. Hope you will be there. I now have a VMI grad, Anthony Gray ’96 working with me. He attended Veterinary School at VPI. We have lots of fun discussing our VMI experience!”

Then there is the Karl Zeller caper. Do we have a loose screw amongst us or are we on the verge of a new episteme brought to us by BR Zeller, PhD? In January, he sent out an e-mail to all of us titled: “Liberal, bleeding-heart BR throws his hard-ass, wrong-minded, godfearing, close-minded rightwing BRs a bone!”

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Good Grief Karl, that ‘excite-to-riot’ speech assignment we had was due exactly 50 years ago, you’re late Keydet! Anyway, he invited us to Google ‘Nikolov Zeller.’ Upon doing that we find numerous links to a new ‘unified theory of climate,’ that upon reading dares to claim that the very foundation of the global warming i.e. the current Green House Gas theory is not only flawed and misleading but flat out wrong.

Hence, the ‘bone’ he’s offering is apparently not the VMI bone we all know and hate, but the gift of derailing the contentious global warming politics. Hmmm, even Robert Morgan couldn’t understand it but it did send him off on new ranting tangent (according to Karl). If Karl and his colleague are truly on to something, knowing about it ahead of time may be financially beneficial for the rest of us. Like sell those carbon credits NOW! Stay tuned.

Speaking of switching sides, Phil Rutchow reports “I just un-retired two weeks ago … spent 46 years building highways and stuff, now have joined a demolition company so I get to tear it all down … much more fun!”

From Larry Rose, “You might see my face in a photo in the upcoming Alumni Review – I was invited by Rick Wolffe ’78, who is working to revive the New Jersey chapter, to watch the Glee Club, directed by Col. John Brodie, perform at our local VA. Once there I also met Ken Iversen ’54 and his wife. The long skirts worn by the VMI women blew me away – I was not prepared to see anything but white ducks!

Several photos were shot – one class ring shot of fingers: ’54, ’65 and ’12 worn by Ken, myself, and a proud 1st classman.

I visited with my brother-in-law and Brother Rat Sam Morris last weekend; Alzheimer’s is exacting a harsh toll, but he’s keeping up the good fight. Rah Virginia Mil!” Then this report of our wandering Glee Club from Bill Murphy “Greg Robertson and Bill Murphy were among the VMI alumni who assembled at O’Lunney’s Times Square Pub (145 West 45th Street) in New York City for a concert (Bill arranged with the owner – a serious supporter of the Wounded Warrior program) by the VMI Glee Club on February 4. The VMI Glee Club, while in the Big Apple, also sang on the USS Intrepid Sea, Air, Space Museum, and at Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Park Avenue. Bill also reports that his son, Brian, after three tours in the sandbox, has left Fort Hood, TX, and is now Army (TRADOC) Operations Officer at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn (part of a ring of forts to protect New York City from the “evil empire” of the 1840s – Fort Hamilton was designed by an Army Engineer Officer named Robert E. Lee).”

Due to page limitations if your note did not make this issue it will be in the next. I enter

them in the order received. Let me close by saying that you guys are the greatest! Thank you for caring for each other, thanks for giving of your time and money to our VMI, and thanks for the privilege of serving as your humble scribe. All together, ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

Heard from Al Carr who provided a newsy update from Lexington. He reports that he and Gail were blessed with a new granddaughter, West Catherine Carr, born in Charlottesville to son, Al III ’98 and wife Brooke. Mom and baby are doing well. Gail and Al’s daughter, Christian, is now teaching at the University of Southern Maryland and setting up a program on art history, historic architecture and museum management. Al noted: “She and husband Garret are in Leonardtown where John Walters has graciously and generously helped Garret with contacts and suggestions in his local job search which has proved successful.” Al and Gail were there during our 45th reunion weekend. He adds that Gail continues to turn in good results health wise and he’s still teaching part-time at Washington and Lee Law School (“I have to say that I enjoy the teaching more than anything else I’ve ever done.”) He’s also involved with local matters, finishing up eight years service on the Historic Lexington Foundation board, the last two as president. Al also chairs the Lexington City Planning Commission and serves on several other local boards. He was once again honored to present the award in memory of BR Johnny Lattin at VMI’s Annual Awards ceremony in May. He keeps in touch with several of the award recipients. Paul and Joanne Robblee visited the Carrs during the recent Founders’ Day events. Doing very well, they are both now fully retired (but were on the way down to Raleigh to do grandparent duty).

Moby also mentioned hearing from Mark Mount and asked me to pass along information to the class. Mark has struggled valiantly with tongue cancer and has made great strides.

To show you just how well he’s doing, here’s Mark’s response to the copy of Ray Saunders’ reunion slide-show I sent him: “Received the slide show on Saturday. It was a great compilation of photos. I also enjoyed the matriculation register. I still remember the day we signed in. I arrived in Lexington earlier that morning after a 12-hour bus ride from my home in Shelbyville, IN. Took a cab from the bus depot to the Institute, dropped my things off in Old Barracks Courtyard, and headed for Cocke Hall

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES for the sign in. It was all kind of a blur after that, at least until we returned to Old Barracks.

I clearly remember that taking my things to the fourth stoop all in one load turned out to be a tough task, as I was only six weeks removed from what was then major surgery to remove torn cartilage from my left knee (a high school football injury that got worse over time). Somehow I got it all to my room, and thus began my journey with you and our Brother Rats.” Mark also passed along two other reminiscences: “Later that same day, as we were all on the stoop and heading for some kind of check formation, we all stopped to face a turn out. I have never forgotten what was said, ‘All Rats that were told to do so, and have not done so, will do so right away.’ I remember being panicked at the time, sure that I had not done something.

However, as I sensed others around me reacting the same way, I came to understand that some First Classman had just used the Turnout to trifle with the Fourth Class. A few days later I was second in line of a group of Rats caught on the First Stoop. The Rat in front of me was asked how long his cognomen was, his response was ‘six inches, sir.’ Knowing that was not the correct response, I laughed so hard that I accidentally spit on the back of his head. He was reprimanded for not knowing what cognomen meant and allowed to drive on. I, on the other hand, spent the next several minutes improving my physical conditioning through vigorous exercise. Do not know who that Brother Rat was or if he is still among us, but if he is, belated apologies for what happened.” Be sure to look Mark up at our 50th if he “decorated” your head that day.

the price was better than expected due to the worldwide shortage of grains. Unfortunately this is projected well into the next decade. Real estate and consulting are holding their own. But the most important part of the year has been the wonderful visits with our many friends that we have been blessed to meet from all over the world.”

Had brief Holiday Season email encounters with Glenn Baumgartner and Larry DeMeo – both of whom need to plan visits to the historic Rappahannock Valley. Had a humorous note from John Jumper in response to my asking if he had moved to this neck of the woods yet: “Al, We are in and trying to sort through a sea of boxes. Forgot how much I hate this part.

Hope all is well with you. Best, John.” This too shall pass Herr General!

The ever-alert Tom Hickey ’68 (class agent) continues to demonstrate the outstanding training he received as a Rat by once again alerting me to news of one of our BRs. This one, on BR George Dyer, appeared in an article on the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum’s exhibit on local Vietnam veterans.

One veteran conservatively noted, “We didn’t get much recognition then.” The article continued, “In contrast, George Dyer remembered the recognition when he marched in a ticker-tape parade in New York City after the war. He marched with a group from the FBI, where he worked for 25 years. There also was a reception aboard the USS Intrepid sponsored by Donald Trump, who gave $1 million to the Vietnam veterans, Dyer said. Dyer graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1966 and was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

He fondly recalled flying a surgeon to different villages and assisting him during operations but also remembered when the man he roomed with one year at VMI was killed.” The article then quoted George: “‘Everyone had the same basic dream,’ Dyer said. In the dream, a man would be lying in bed, surrounded by mosquito nets, with the North Vietnamese approaching. The man could not get to his weapon because of the netting, so he did not breathe for fear of attracting the attention of the North Vietnamese. Eventually, the man would wake up because he couldn’t breathe, Dyer added.” If you’re interested in the whole article, see: http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/ article.cfm?ID=30952 Just as I thanked Tom, I noticed anClass of 1966: Roommates Carl Rhodes, far left, and Jamie Browder, far right, travother he had sent on to Joe Birindelli eled to Hawaii in November 2011 with their Ring Figure dates, Kendall, at left, center, datelined Fairhope, AL: “A leader and Doma, at right, center. They were celebrating 49 years of friendship. in numerous local veterans affairs

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Another Brother Rat struggling with great physical difficulties is Jerry “Butch” Lazaroff.

Butch wrote shortly after my last notes went in: “Thanks for all of the Presbies’ Prayers [he’s referring to my church’s prayer chain]. The back surgery is healing slowly. The back brace forced out a right inguinal hernia (all of the intensive coughing from lung problems and COPD 2001– 2010, probably tore the abdominal lining). Had surgery on Oct. 4 and slowly recovering. This time next year I won’t even remember all of these minor problems.” Please keep Butch in your thoughts and prayers. If you’d like to send him a note of encouragement, his email address is jerrylazaroff@satx.rr.com.

Cliff Martin and Al Carr continue to attend all possible VMI basketball games and render great observations. Various BRs and SRs have been sighted and reported at basketball games by the dynamic duo. Cliff and Al (occasionally accompanied by “the very elusive” Gail Carr) have mentioned: Ray and Mary Melton, Hugh Adams, Bobby and Bonnie Cooper, Bob and Natalie Odom, Guthrie and Sandy Smith, Doug and Arona Richard, Woody Sadler, Jim Pauls, Wayne Gray, Bill Gore, X Parsons, and our own basketball legend, Charlie Schmaus. They also noted several times the presence of Jim and Beth (“aka the Paula Dean of Roanoke”) Long (Class of ’69).

Duane and Linda Williams wrote from Pennsylvania: “This again has been a very blessed year. Life has been fantastic! We put in a solar field and are moving to install an enormous irrigation system to support our effort to become as self-sustaining as we can. The corn crop was less than to be desired but we will do okay as

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CLASS NOTES and community projects, Fairhope resident Joe Birindelli has been named the 2011 Veteran of the Year by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. ‘We had 15 nominees this year and all were very deserving,’ said Pat Downing, chairman of the commission’s selection committee. ‘But Joe stood out, not only because of his active duty service, but also for what he has done to support veterans and the community afterwards. He will ride at the front of the Veterans Day parade and be honored at the luncheon that day at Fort Whiting.’ Born in Richmond, VA, Birindelli, 67, graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1966 with a degree in civil engineering and began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk immediately upon graduation. He transferred to the Mobile District in 1975 and retired in 1999 after 33 years of service. In 1967, he took a two-year leave of absence from his engineering job to serve in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam as an Armored Cavalry Platoon Leader with the 1st Infantry Division. A first lieutenant on leaving active duty, Birindelli’s military awards include two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. He came out of retirement to serve as a civilian employee with the Corps of Engineers in Mosul, Iraq, for five months in 2005. He also volunteered to work with the Corps in New Orleans for six months in 2007 as a project manager for the design of higher levees in St. Bernard Parish.

‘Joe has been the point man for a myriad of veterans’ causes since coming off active duty,’ said Barry Booth, director of the Honor Flight South Alabama program and Vietnam veteran.

‘With all the efforts he’s put forth, not only in the military, but also after his military service to our nation, he is most deserving of the honor.’” The article also noted Joe’s work as co-founder and co-chairman of the Citizens for Local Troop Support and co-founder and co-chairman of the Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee. He has been the recipient of the Fairhope First Quality of Life Award 2010 and Fairhope Veteran of the Year 2004. In addition, Joe is founder and three-time past president of Chapter 864, Vietnam Veterans of America; commander since 2006 of Chapter 2206, Military Order of the Purple Heart; member, board of directors, Association of the First Infantry Division; vice-president, 1st Squadron, 4th Calvary Association; and member, American Legion Post 199, VFW Post 5660, DAV Post 45 and South Alabama Veterans Council. Not surprisingly, our BR responded: “‘I am very honored to receive this award but feel humbled in comparison to those Veterans of the Year preceding me,’ Birindelli said this week. ‘This award belongs to the members of the Troop

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Support and Fairhope Memorial committees.

They are responsible for the assistance we have been able to provide to the families whose loved ones are serving our country under difficult circumstances and the completion of the memorial which honors all veterans and their families.’” Full article: http://www.baldwincountynow.com/articles/2011/10/14/baldwin_ people/doc4e9878e9c1537458853634.txt.

Ken Spitzer had also received info on Joe’s recognition, and copied me (as well as Joe Dictor and Pat Chang-lo): “This richly deserved award is a fitting tribute to all you have done for this country and for the men and women in uniform. All your hard work is obviously greatly appreciated and has had a major positive impact on the lives of many … Room 433 comes through again! Sincerely, Ken.” Pat responded: “Congratulations! Edna and I are really proud and happy for you! I’ve already forwarded your message to Chris.” The Gnome responded with: “Quite an honor and well deserved, considering what the old boy’s done for his fellow vets over the years. Not bad for a career private at the ‘I.’” Lastly, I received a wonderful, handwritten letter – like the ones found in dusty archives all over the world? – from Ian Ackroyd-Kelly. He informs that the postal authorities have renamed and renumbered the addresses in Stroudsburg, PA. He’s now at 158 Sandhill Terrace at zip-code 18360. More significantly he has once again “failed retirement” adding, “I thought I had escaped the university back in May of 2010 after my second stint in the Dean role. And for a year I did. Then shortly after the 45th Reunion, they came calling again. And so, in October, the coat and tie came (literally) out of mothballs and I have returned to ‘dean-dom’ for the remainder of the academic year. I am beginning to doubt my sanity … The transition to stable hand will just have to be put on hold for a while.” In our prereunion class e-mail discussions of ring losses in Vietnam, A-K chided our failure to grasp the concept of “combat zone.” Well, BR, the concept of “retirement” is even easier to grasp. It begins with the words “No, I’m retired now, and I really mean it!” Actually, I understand all too well as the call of public duty runs deeply in the DNA of the Class of 1966. You guys are, in common with our alumni brethren through the years and to use my (I believe original) phrase, “The Centurions of the American Republic.” Whenever and wherever there are thankless and self-sacrificing tasks to be done, the largely unappreciative world can always strap a saddle on VMI’s alumni and, especially, my dear Brother Rats.

All of this proves once again that “The Spirit of VMI” is more than a football song and confirms me in my eternal respect for our class. It continues to allow me to sign off as “your proud class agent.” Please keep in touch.

’67

Jan Abernathy

I begin these notes with an apology to at least two BRs for neglecting to include their submissions from last August. This means their information is six months late. No excuses but I did “lose” them in my antiquated computer and only recovered the information after they politely complained. By the time you read this (I am writing this part of the notes in November 2011) I should have mastered my new ACER brand whiz bang portable that Joan bought for me. I am a lucky guy but expect I will make other techno errors so please call me to task if you feel your news is not being published.

Tom and Lucy Gritzmacher are docents (everything from presenters to kitchen help to tour guides and cashiers) at the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington. They were recipients of the Barksdale Award for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism last summer. {See photo in this issue} And yes, the award is named after the Colonel “Pinky” Barksdale of our era on Post. Congratulations to them both. As an aside, one might think I would have trouble misplacing their submission as it came with photos and some history. Both Tom and Lucy have forgiven me and say they will co-ordinate a schedule during our reunion days next September for touring of the house by small groups or individuals from ’67. Lucy also told me that our BR Pete Wells was born in the Jackson House.

Pete, help me out so I can include your story in a future set of notes!

Pat O’Brien’s misplaced submission follows but it is almost unforgivable that I missed his information that his and Diana’s son became a Rat in the fall of 2011. He writes: “Jan, thought I’d drop you a short note and catch you up. I just returned from the Institute where my teary wife and I dropped off number 1 son into the class of 12+3. I imagine that you’ve seen the process now, but it was the first time I’d seen it in 48 years. It’s a lot more structured than what I remember from September 1963. In my case, my parents unloaded my suitcase at Jackson Arch, went with me into Cocke, signed some papers, and then left on a one month vacation to Florida. I couldn’t quit even if I wanted to – I had no idea where my folks were and didn’t have any place to go! (Not to mention, I had no hair.) The Rats nowadays are assigned to companies before they arrive based on the prematriculation information form. (There are a few glitches: one Rat this year must have written his height as 6 ft. 5 in., but was mistakenly read as 65 inches. He literally stood a full head

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES taller than any other Rat in D company.) My memory of our second day was standing along Letcher Ave. when they sized the class. It was raining and we were in fatigues and rain capes.

I still remember focusing on the drops of water dripping from the bill of my fatigue hat. The rest of the week was pretty much a blur: marching, push-ups, shining shoes, push-ups, running, push-ups; oh, yeah, pull-ups, too. Then repeat.

My son is in Golf Company in the far back corner of the Third Barracks. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. He’s away from the Guard Room and I suppose most of the rankers, but it’s an overnight hike to get to the mess hall (and to the PX by way of Jackson Arch). I was in Bravo Company and roomed in Washington Arch.

During 1st semester, Bob Williams was one of my roommates. He was the “West Point Rat.” We did get a bit of attention from cadre wanting to know, sarcastically I might add, if “this is how they do it at West Point?” One of my other unique roommates was Sam Whitehouse. He

Class of 1967: Anne Blanks having fun in her Halloween costume, October 2011.

2012-Issue 2

had the stinkiest feet I’ve ever smelled. And they would sweat so bad that the top of his shoes got holes in them within a week. Once, he tried to counter the smell by burning the inside of the shoes using lighter fluid. I can tell you, that worked about as bad as it sounds. That made my other two roomies, Tom Rhodes and Sid Thomas, seem almost normal. We were all on permit 1st semester, so we did manage to avoid too much attention. As for the present, I’m starting my 10th year of teaching. I’m teaching math at James Madison High School in Vienna, about a half mile from my house. My other child, a daughter, will be a senior. She will not be going to VMI. When we visited once for legacy weekend, her question was, “Where do you put your make-up?” So we’re now in the college search mode. I’ve been keeping busy otherwise by coaching Babe Ruth baseball, being an assistant scout master in a local Boy Scout troop, and being a timer at my daughter’s summer swim meets. I’ll teach at least this year, and then decide if I’m still having fun. If not, I’ll retire from my 3rd career and start using up the kids’ inheritance. Having a son as a cadet results in visiting the VMI website a lot (pay bills, order the Cadet and the Bomb, etc.). Take care, and I’ll see you next year at the 45th. Rah Virginia Mil. Pat O’Brien.” Pat also sent me a link that will get one into all issues of the Cadet from our 1st Class year. Let me know if you would like to have it.

Pat mentions his daughter’s concerns about makeup. During the weekend in November for the Institute Dinner, I visited the room of four female Thirds Joan and I are following during their time on Post. Remember the bookshelves we had? There is one in the room I visited but it held two shelves of creams, ointments, hairspray, shampoos, conditioners and stuff (much of it in pink containers) I never figured out … at least forty bottles. On top were a hot water heater, a Brita water filter, a coffee maker and hair curling irons. And the beds (two girls had hay down privileges) had stuffed animals on them so I guess there are some allowances for makeup and female stuff. Other things I noticed in Barracks: most doors now have ½” or ¾” plywood panels on the lower half of room doors – no more kicking in and breaking them. All rooms have new chrome lever handles with key locks – used by the Institute to lock doors when cadets are gone. No more individual locks on “hook and eye” hardware.

Every room, including Old Barracks, now has an individual heating unit in it similar to what you would find in a motel. No air conditioning but no more radiators either. Main sinks as we remember them were converted to cadet rooms years ago due to overcrowding and were mostly used for 5th year cadets. With

Third Barracks in full use, the area is now a laundry room with a dozen commercial washers and a dozen commercial dryers. It is for cadet use and fills in for stuff the laundry folks cannot produce fast enough. Beyond just “rinsing out a few things” cadets wash just about anything you can imagine in the appliances. And there are irons there also. The other reason for closing those lower rooms, per my conversation with the commandant, was to put all cadets “up top where I could see them.” This is important to him as there are no more TAC officers patrolling and no more physical stick checks that actually hit a door. Not certain why the lack of TACs but I understand it has something to do with the government and liability. Finally, and you likely know this already, cartridge boxes only get a shine with a brush. Not enough spit on Post? And shakos are all plastic except for the hat brass … which come already “taken down.” The rim and buttons and chin strap, the outside covering, the chain and the bucket itself are plastic.

Brenda Ferrell sent me an early and great Veteran’s tribute. Brenda Orrison sent in a list of all the goodies (meals, collapsible canes, discounts) that are available from vendors over the weekend of Veteran’s celebrations. Doug Mills sent a funny story about a grandchild’s

Class of 1967: Johnny Watt Vaughan, M.D., on the day of his retirement, riding into the sunset.

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CLASS NOTES perspective regarding his “retarded” grandparthree wonderful grandchildren we love dearly Kip Jones, his brother-in-law. There were ents who moved to Arizona to live in a tin box and enjoy being with as often as we can. Bev many tributes and stories during the reception with rocks painted green to resemble grass. If the and I both are service brats who traveled extenespecially regarding Gary’s love for all things photo meets the AR criteria you will see Johnny sively in our younger years. Now we just like involving trains. If you are not on the ’67 e-mail Watt Vaughan riding off to retirement on these to stay at or near home, be active in our church, list, both Jill Maxwell and Rebecca Schlosser pages. Rick Brooke wrote to tell me I had misetc. I have taken up golf recently, a great game mailed their very personal “thank you” cards spelled the e-mail for Vance and Dawn Powell. that allows you to spend time with good friends, for the messages of condolences and the flowThanks Rick. Lew Read, who has been on our and kayaking is a favorite summer activity on ers from all BRs via the class fund Joan and I “not really lost but back in the fold list” says the the river.” maintain for ’67. reunion next September sounds like a good idea.

Ron and Brenda Neidermayer sent a tribute Hunter Taylor sent me a great message about John Prince also has been brought back into the regarding Mike Monsour’s Medal of Honor Vietnam statistics and the following story. “I mainstream through the efforts of the “Find ‘em” ceremony and funeral. Along the same line Bill pass this along – the list – from a business committee. As of this paragraph in the notes we Treveri sent me photos of a Marine’s casket friend, non-vet like myself. I was dismissed know something about all BRs except 25. being returned to the states. Both are moving (4F) our 2nd class year for a hearing deficiently Pete Wells asked for a contact at VMI for the tributes to this generation of fighting men and created on our 3rd class Spring Hike by Rats Glee Club. I referred him to Col. John Brodie. The women. Gary Maxwell’s service was attended with pressure compensators for our M-1’s.

Glee Club sang at the Institute Society Dinner in by BRs, Ted Mervosh, Jim and Ann Phlegar, I was at a conference in Alexandria in the November and were quite entertaining. Joan and I Will Plentl, John Vaughan, Joan and I and early ’80s. I was free on an afternoon and was were recently guests of Arlene and Dan into biking on the Washington Wells at their retirement home in Old trails. I decided to bike to the Fort, NC (near Asheville). The home VN Memorial – first visit – and is spectacular but pales in comparison looked up Larry Scanlan in to the view. They are on a mountain the directory. When I found his top with views for many miles along name on the wall, the memories with neighbors that include hawks, in barracks flooded my thoughts bears, bobcats, raccoons, possums and and I instantly became emotional. skunks. Jack Thompson sent me the One memory is about Scanlan article that names Paul Bouis as the yelling from within his room in Keydet Club’s winner of the VMI SpirNew Barracks to Eagle Vaughan it Award. Bill Paulette ’69, president in the New Barracks Courtof the Keydet Club board said, “Paul, yard: “Blow it out you’re a**!” very few alumni and fans are as enActually, it was Engleman who gaged as you are with the VMI Football proclaimed, but I was the only team and the VMI and Track & Field one in sight, and as a CE was recClass of 1967: Ken and Monica Chun vacationed in Maui during Christmas 2011. and Cross Country programs. Despite ognized by Vaughan so I had to traveling the long distance from your answer to the assistant supe. After home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, I reported to him, explaining your love and support of our teams the situation in as complicated a and the countless cadet-athletes whose manner as possible, he responded lives you have touched reinforces the with frustration: “Mr. Taylor, I Spirit of VMI. Your financial generoshope you aspire to be a lawyer.” ity through the athletic scholarship Only facts were offered and endowment you created in memory of nobody was boned. your late wife, Nancy Peterson Bouis, Wayne McDermott: “It has as well as your generous annual supbeen a long time since we port of the Keydet Club Scholarship exchanged notes. The last time I Fund and Athletic Operations Funds, was retired and living the dream has been critical to the Keydet Club’s driving the duce-and-a half at effort to assist with the funding of Disney World Animal Kingdom VMI’s Division I athletic program.”

Kilimanjaro tour. In April 2009 When I sent out the e-mail to the class all that changed and I went back Paul responded: ‘Makes me sound a lot to work leading a group of AEbetter than I am. Really like the tribute COM folks developing projects to Nancy, she was a real sweetheart, to support the troops in Afghaniand her memory goes on thanks to stan. Well, I’m done. $3/4 billion VMI. Take care.” Your memory will worth of projects later at Camp also go far BR. Bastion Leatherneck, I think I am Bev and Dave Johnson: “We are ready to play golf in Florida and doing great, enjoying life here on the the OBX. It’s good to be back.”

Class of 1967: Tom and Lucy Gritzmacher received the James River near the famous Shirley Randy Heneberger: “Jan, Barksdale Award for exceptional volunteer service at the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington, Virginia. and Berkley Plantations. We have Sue and I were invited to the

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Toch’s recently to see their sons (Charlie and Leo) received their Boy Scout Eagle award on 10/29/11. Sue and I went up on Friday, had an enjoyable visit with the Toch’s and attended the very impressive Eagle award ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Max’s and Terriann’s triplets will be 16 years old on 12/1/11. They are both over 6’ tall, and are both very athletic. Charlie plays for a regional soccer team, and Leo is on his high school’s rowing team. Maria is working on her Gold Award level with Girl Scouts.”

Christmas always brings lots of newsworthy information in cards and family newsletters.

Self described “a bionic couple” Bruce and Hollace Weiner in 2011 had between them knee, back and hip surgeries. Bruce, at a dental ski meeting in Steamboat Springs was the fastest skier in the over 50 category and his time qualified him for a position in NASTAR’s national championship. More on this when results come in. The various joint repairs negated a bike trip in France but they still managed a conference in Belfast. Jim and Janice Clarke’s daughter, Amy, married last year and a granddaughter is expected in March. Vance Powell sent sincere thanks to all for the prayers and cards for Dawn. I called the last week of January and Dawn’s sister said she was doing well that day.

Tom Coughenour will marry Betty Yaun in February as announced in his card. Joan and I are attending the wedding so look for a future report. Ski Waskiewicz’s mom passed last year.

She was 99. Mort and Ginny Barnwell visited Israel last summer. Doug and Carol Ann Mills are expecting a grandchild in May. Dave and

Marlene Fink have a second grandson. George and Suzanne Elmore spend a lot of time babysitting their five grandchildren and George is volunteering time at the McGuire Veterans Hospital. Pete and Karen Wells report that son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and Chrissy, presented them with a third grandson, Jonathan Wesley Wells. Peter and MaryLou Van Note took either their Freightliner motor home or BMW 1100s (multiple trips) and visited virtually every city on the East Coast that is situated on the Atlantic. They also managed tours of the Blue Ridge and part of Texas.

Bo Traywick says, “I’m a living, breathing anachronism … no internet, no cable TV … I am semi-retired but still piloting tugboats part time and working on publishing a book about the North’s war against Southern secession.”

Max and Terryann Toch were able to visit family and friends in Australia. Their triplets all now have driver’s licenses. Rick and Nancy Brooke’s card contained a nice photo of the two of them. Phil and Lianee Gioia’s card was full of family photos including Fremont, their cat.

Jane says Chip Brooke is teaching his Vietnam course at VMI this year. Andy and Vonnie Carter married a couple of years ago. Their now combined families include eight grandchildren with one on the way. Andy is retired and Vonnie keeps up her nursing skills by volunteering for medical missions. They went to Panama together last year and anticipate going to Ecuador in July 2012. Carter and Connie Melton divide their time between Virginia and a home in Florida depending on the seasons. Dave

and Allison Bristow’s card/letter had fourteen photos of the family with various members shown in Italy, St. Kitts and Antarctica. Well, one photo was of a new family pet Corgi and one was of a penguin but they certainly get the prize for most photos anyway.

As we approach our 45th Reunion (September14–15, 2012), Joan and I appreciate your notes and calls and e-mails offering suggestions, asking questions and just catching up. Let us hear from you at anytime. We were able to host a couple of small get-togethers last fall. In November, we saw Lucy and Tom Gritzmacher, Ted and Kathy Jenks, Sandy and John Lee and son, Barney, and Jane and Chip Brooke in Lexington while in town for the Institute Society Dinner. All local BRs were invited but I was not able to reach everyone. The Nablos had moved to Lynchburg and there was no answer at Sid Thomas’ number. At Christmas we were in northern Virginia visiting family and hosted BRs for a reception at the Marriott Residence Inn in Reston. Among those who were able to join us were Rick and Nancy Brooke, Charlie Brooke, Neil Schlussel, Bob Randolph, Pat O’Brien and his son, the Rat; Anne and Randy Blanks, Jim Wilson and Rick and Carol Davis.

Our friend Kelly Sullivan ’01, also joined us. I had not seen Chip Brooke or Rick Davis since we were cadets. They say they will be at the reunion – a first time for both.

I close with a happy thought and considerable relief when I report that J.I. Orrison’s PSA is now 0.3. You may have gotten an e-mail on the results, but there are a number of BRs who do not have internet service (see Bo Trawick’s message above). Congratulations J.I.!

Jan Abernathy

Tom Hickey

’68

Class of 1967: Will Plentl, Jan Abernathy, John Vaughan, Jim Phlegar and Kip Jones standing next to the floral arrangement provided by the class of ’67 at Gary Maxwell’s funeral service reception. Ted Mervosh also attended the service but is not pictured.

2012-Issue 2

Ron Gallagher

I had to really edit down my material to fit into the page limits, so I had to leave out some good stuff. Hope you all recognize the great material you provided.

Bob Waldron (El Paso, TX) (about pictures taken at John Crim’s that he received from Billy Seargeant (Fredericksburg, VA) taken on Rat Parade weekend): I do not immediately recognize the brave soul hanging on precariously to the “sissy bar” on the back of the bike (it was Gil Piddington’s (Downington, PA) wife, Tracey). However that was probably preferable

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CLASS NOTES to hanging onto that wild man (Hal Switzer) sitting astride that “rip roaring moped.” Sandy Switzer claims that he is so ticklish that you have to be worried that Hal might let go of the handlebars when the beast is at max throttle which is really dangerous at 8.3 KPH. Smokey Beirne (Roanoke, VA): I’ve retired from the State Police in August. Busy with “honeydews.”

Paul Hebert (Steamboat Springs, CO): In early November, my standing Google search returned a program announcement for a November 2011 conference at the Leadership Center titled, “The Eagle and the Dragon” Stability and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Paul, recipient of the Jonathan Daniels award in the spring of 2011, was one of the panel chairs.

John Crim (New Market, VA) sent along the following news in late October: “Nine attorneys with the Harrisonburg law firm Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver PLC have been named to the 2012 edition of Best Lawyers in America. George H. Roberts Jr. (Lexington, VA) … is included in the book.” Skip’s response: the competition was weak.

Steve Wilson (Mathews, VA): Now on Medicare; hope it lasts. Attended Nov. 9–13 reunion in Las Vegas of Vietnam unit–1-1 CAV. Marched in 11.11.11 Veterans Day homecoming parade 41 years late. Very moving; saw fellow troopers last seen in 1970. Still working for SAIC. Still Commodore of Mathews Yacht Club. Now president of VMIAA Rappahannock Chapter. Enjoyed catching up with Jim Henry (Williamsburg, VA) at fall VMIAA board meeting.

Frank Pinizzotto (Middle River, MD): I was (in Reston, VA) to thank John Augustine (Burke, VA) for all his support while I was looking for new work, and expanding my consulting business. I thought Steve Powers might be interested in what John’s company is all about. Steve Powers and I had a great time and a great lunch with John, who is still a joy to be with (laughed half the time we were together).

Terry Bowers (Martinez, GA): Retirement!

What’s that? My company doesn’t have a retirement plan. So as long as it isn’t stressful I’ll stick it out for a while. In April, I will likely cut back to 32 hours per week. Then in 2013, go to part time. Then again if I hit the lottery …

Jim Burg (Prescott, AZ): At our most recent Purple Heart meeting (MOPH) on November 13, I was honored by receiving an award from the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in recognition of more hours of service to veterans and their families than any other volunteer in the state of Arizona. On the home front, we continue to enjoy our home and the Prescott area; receiving our first snow-

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fall for the season last week, an environmental occasion that lasts for only 1–2 days ushering in the holiday season before departing the area.

My activities include reading exercising, listening to music and helping others.

Class of 1968: Harold Hostetler Jr. ’68 and Cadet Nicole Augins (class of 2014) completed a 5K run on the Portsmouth (Virginia) Naval Hospital grounds, which began at 11:35 p.m., on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2011. Hostetler, who submitted this photo, wrote, “Nicole was inside celebrating the New Year when I came in, having completed the race. She finished at or near the top of all the women, I believe. I was proud of her (and me). RAH ’14 and ’68.”

Wayne Burton (St. Marys, GA): I retired from Sandia National Labs March 2010 but started working half time for the Navy the next day as a consultant. Carole and I are having a great time traveling to England, Portugal and Ireland and up the East Coast from Key West to Maine. Enjoyed the Citadel game in Charleston in October 2011 and tailgated with Terry Bowers at the Presbyterian College game in November 2011. In September, we enjoyed a Virginia gathering in Jacksonville, FL, including VMI, VA Tech, University of Richmond, UVa, James Madison, MCV and others.

Jim Haney (Sun City Center, FL): Priscilla and I are well, having just returned home on November 7 from a 24-day cruise of the Greek Isles and the Holy Lands and Istanbul; great city of diverse cultures and people. The experience was overwhelming since my last ancient history class was in high school. Yes, there were lots of ruins but the guides and fellow travelers provided a depth of background that was mesmerizing. My favorite locales were Masada and Ephesus.

Dick Wise (Richmond, VA): My life has changed considerably since we last chatted.

I married Joyce in April, purchased a house

shortly thereafter, and moved in May. Our romance had been going very well for 10 years until all of a sudden we realized that our kids would not leave our respective homes; therefore, we decided to leave instead. Now I’m looking forward to retirement in the near future. See Howie Donald and George Walton (Richmond, VA) fairly often, and get disgusting e-mails from Phil Lanier from time to time. George, Howie, and I love to chat about the usual subjects: politics, religion, how we would improve the I, etc. on Friday afternoons, but we got a little spice added to our watering hole when Tom Murphey (Richmond, VA) of VMI wrestling and 199th Light Infantry Brigade fame joined us when he moved to Richmond from Arkansas. I had the questionable fortune of being in his weight class on the wrestling team and also was assigned to the 199th shortly after his departure and heard many stories about his soldiering prowess. Howie and he go way back as they played high school ball against each other.

Jim Burns (Henrico, VA): One piece of news is that on April 20–22, 2012, VCU’s Medical College of Virginia will be having our 40th reunion which will include the VMI ’68, MCV ’72 “Doc’s Boys.” Col. Carroll was quite instrumental in getting many of us BRs into medical and dental school back in his days. MCV alone got Andrassy (Houston, TX), Andrews (Ocean Springs, MS), Berezoski (Richmond, TX), Brothers (Sedona, AZ), Bryant, Burns, Gibbons (Washington, D.C.), Hill, Lynch (Virginia Beach, VA), Thews (Roanoke, VA), Wall (Keswick, VA), Wood (Richmond, VA) and Zachman.

John Kemper (Richmond, VA): Kevin Henry (Winston-Salem, NC) and our wives went to Colorado Springs to see the first annual Military Classic Kick-Off tournament. VMI did well and should be very good this year. Our big man did not play in the tournament as he has a bad back.

We need him on the court as we are a very different team with him.

Buzz Sprinkle (Greer, SC): Shortly after my birthday, I had cervical fusion surgery on my C6 – C7 vertebrae to fix a long-term problem thus the delay in responding. On September 1, I became president of the Greenville Woodworkers Guild, a 500+ member, all-volunteer, organization of men and women who enjoy woodworking. It’s been like returning to a full time job!

Dick Rankin (Honolulu, HI): Mahalo for the card and the thoughts, Tom! I am in Philadelphia for the Redskins-Eagles game. Cyn surprised me for my birthday. I think (when she purchased the tickets) she viewed it as an opportunity to see a game to decide the champion

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of the NFC East, but it turns out as a battle for exciting, but it works for us. seriously after the clunk and dunk of the Costa the cellar.

Steve Powers (Malvern, PA): I tried to avoid Concordia. Next big news coming up, our Bill Millan (Arlington, VA): I am healthy and you and every other ‘Double E,” physics major daughter Jessica is getting married to Brian active, still work for the Nature Conservancy, and math major during my four years at The Long on St. Patty’s Day, March 17th. An on our international operations. Susan and I Institute. One thing we shared was marching outdoor lakeside wedding is planned with the plan to continue here in Arlington at least until past W&L on Sunday mornings on our way to altar flanked by a ’62 Corvette and a ’63 Impala the summer of 2014, at which point we will Catholic Church. The Minks would stand on 409 Convertible – vroom, vroom! Work news, probably retire. I would like (meanwhile) to their frat balconies with their arms around their although I have been retired for three years, organize a group of classmates to do Garden “main squeeze” and yell down to us, “Hey, Continental (now United Airlines) called me Week near Charlottesville this spring. Anybody Keydets, look what we got!” After church we back three times to consult on the merger. My who might be interested, please e-mail me. marched directly to the mess hall and had the specialty is in regulatory compliance – passing John Warburton (Middletown, VA): My last place to ourselves for a late breakfast. The other FAA and international inspections (which we day working is Dec. 22. Doing contract work VMI guys had to stand SMI. Breakfast on Sundid – just fine). Suzie maintains her keen love for the FAA is no joy anymore and I know days included all the eggs we could scramble of tennis and plays at least three times a week. that it is time to move on. We plan a few trips and making “Sin-A-Men-Buns” out of a whole She is back on her game after a lot of traveling in 2012 and I want to get involved in some loaf of fresh bread. Oh, how we loved Sunday last summer and fall. volunteer work in the community. My principal mornings!

Clay Thompson (Salisbury, MD): At least aim is to tutor needy kids in math and science.

Dee Biggs (Acton, MA): I have finally being old gives us an excuse to forget more and Anne is a volunteer nurse at the local free clinic announced my retirement from Welch’s after more. Last November, Donna looked at me in so I am sure that we will be busy in retirement – thirty-four years, and will retire in November church and said “do you know what today is?” maybe more than ever. We love the Shenandoah 2012.

It was our 40th wedding anniversary and she Valley and this community that Chuck Maddox Di Johnson (Humble, TX): We celebrated had forgotten too until she saw the date in the and his friends created is a great place to live. my Jan. 29 birthday on a Caribbean cruise – on church bulletin.

John English (Richmond, VA): I spent my the Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans.

John Ivy (Austin, TX): I have been at birthday listening to “When I’m 64” a few The lifeboat/jacket drill was taken a bit more University of Texas for 30 years as an exercise times, realizing at one point physiologist, and department chair that as of November 1st next of Kinesiology and Health Educayear, every member of ’68 will tion for the last 13 years. I had a very be eligible for Medicare and busy year in 2011 and decided that Social Security (assuming those I will retire in September of 2012. I programs still exist then). How also became a grandfather on Nov. the time flies!

28th. I have a very lovely and sweet Phil Lanier (Lakeway, TX): granddaughter named Alix Ivy. I would like to come to the Rat Unfortunately, she lives in New York Parade and that should not be a and that is a considerable distance problem now since as of Dec 31, from Austin.

2011, I will be retired and a “person Joe Smith (Annapolis, MD): As of leisure,” whatever that means!

I look around at friends and family Skip Anders (Tempe, AZ): The (and not just the VMI family), I have Anders family moved to Tempe, become more and more thankful that Arizona, in mid-August, 2011. we are still on the planet. To us, the Skip and Marta will do some subage of 65 (?) or even approaching stitute teaching, once 2nd semester 66 (yes!) seems not that far removed starts in January. Skip will resume from our matriculation days in ’64 … teaching full-time for the 2012What can I say – I certainly feel that 13 school year. Daughter, Liz, way – even with the startling number is enrolled at Mesa Community of hospital visits and surgeries in College, and will transfer to ASU, the past five years (when my first 60 once she has established Arizona years produced a mere tonsillectomy residency. at age 5).

Chuck Avery (Midland, TX): I Kerr Kump (Elkins, WV): I no longer acknowledge the annijoined your ranks and signed up for versary of my birth, due to the fact Medicare (still out of step). Susie and that it makes me feel like an Old I visit and take care of our grandF***. My wife and I both retired children every chance we get. We (simultaneously) effective June have 11 and 1 on the way. We are 1, 2008, so we have been “unemlooking forward to seeing Jim and ployed” going on four years now.

Karen Burns in a couple weeks in Class of 1968: Standing, from left, were Creigh Kelley, We spend our days doing whatever Richmond.

Skip Roberts and Tom Murphey at the home of George we feel like doing, whenever we Krita Kritakara (Bangkok, Squires, seated, in Richmond, Virginia, January 2012. feel like doing it. It may not be Thailand): I’m fine here in Bangkok,

2012-Issue 2

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CLASS NOTES happily retired and playing a lot of golf and looking after my three grand kids!!! Coming to Virginia Beach in late March for Chips McCallum’s wedding, don’t know if we can swing by the Institute or not since we’re driving down with Bucky!

Mike Gompf (Richmond, VA): I fully retired 6/30/2011 after working for three years with SunTrust Bank and 35+ with Bank of America.

I am really enjoying retirement. Golf game is getting better (which not saying much) and I really appreciate the lack of more pressure from deadlines or corporate bureaucracy. I had no idea of the stress that I was under. I made contact with Paul Grigg awhile back and he is doing well. He is now working for the government after his tenure with IBM. Also had Mike Michelson (Jacksonville, AL) and Suzie Spiceland down for a long weekend. They were both running in the half marathon in Fredericksburg.

I am looking forward to attending John Crim’s New Market get-together this fall. It will be great to see my Brother Rats again.

David Wagner (Littleton, CO): The big news in my life is that I retired on January 1. I am still doing some special legal projects, but I am no longer actively practicing law. It has been an interesting change for me, and working my way through the transition. I am still involved with the Colorado School of Mines as chairman and president of the Mines Foundation. I am also on the Board of the Falcon Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to candidates who need additional time to prepare for the Air Force Academy entrance examinations.

Tayo Leduc (Hiwassee, GA): I retired on April 1, 2011, and am still working on my “honey do list.” Betty and my oldest grandson will be graduating from New College, Sarasota, FL, in May 2012. We still enjoy northern Georgia and have been to VMI on trips to see our youngest daughter who teaches at JMU. Jim Polley (Stafford, VA): Our biggest news is that our son went to and safely returned from Afghanistan. Charles is an Air Force officer and has been trained to provide air support for the troops in combat. He went on a number of combat patrols and, thankfully, was not injured.

He returned in time for Thanksgiving 2011.

Hal Hostetler (Portsmouth, VA): We’ve had another loving year together (our 43rd) as we live, share and serve together. I had a busy year in three special groups. These included the Tidewater Concert Band, singing in the Virginia Baptist Male Chorale, and supporting our active and retired military and veterans by serving in the Portsmouth chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Howard Donald (Richmond, VA): Guy Wilson (Charlotte, NC) and I played on the VMI

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golf team against the Citadel on Friday before the football game – and we tied them. Guy is a great golfer and I helped him a little bit. At the game we saw Mike Thacker (Roanoke, VA), and Pete Farmer (Edmonds, WA).

Wes Padgett (Montgomery, AL): Wes is working full time and golfing every spare minute, and Ruth is teaching full time, on campus and on line.

Ron Stultz (Fairfax, VA): Ron retired and is finally on Medicare, 2011 was yard repair, house painting, wood rot replace/repair, driveway asphalt repair, constantly breaking off my front teeth, multiple computers repaired for others, as well as Mr. Fixit for neighbors and friends. Priscilla works everyday in her Cornell artist studio trying new art techniques. She also exhibits and sells at several craft shows each year.

Hal Switzer (Cambridge, MD – when not on the road): We traveled from December 2010 to February in the hill country of Texas and then in March to the dry warm climate of Arizona.

We did hiking, biking, dancing and riding Hal’s Cushman scooter. What a great time we had in Arizona with Roy and Pam Dornsife (Casa Grande, AZ)

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the most excellent VMI 1969 class.

It is mid-February and winter has us firmly rooted in basketball games and wrestling matches. We called this period the Dark Ages when we were cadets and hit the books extra hard during this time. Today we call it the same and instead of studying, we hit the tax programs extra hard.

I report another death in our VMI class family. George Walter Farr of Mississippi died on Nov. 13, 2010. George’s sister sent me the word and I got a little more information from the Mississippi State University alumni office.

George left VMI after one year and went on to MSU for B.A. and M.A. degrees in chemistry.

Jim Long reported on Oct. 22 football game: Well it was a beautiful fall day on Saturday as Stoney Brook rolled into Lexington. For the first 29 minutes our team was up to the task.

Defense played great and the offense was adequate, dropping three passes, but not really showing a tremendous amount. AS USUAL, the opposing team scored right before half (1:28 to go) to take a 7-0 lead to the locker room. Evidently, their BIG team must have gotten a hell of a better halftime talk than our boys as they

came out and scored three times in six minutes!! Now it’s 28-0 with six minutes gone in the 3rd. I lost track, but right after they scored their 3rd TD (I think), they kicked off and put a tremendous hit on our returner dislodging the ball which they scooped up and ran it in. So I guess they really scored twice in 14 seconds!

Your tickets went to good use for Bruce and Gayle Noel who were up from Atlanta. Bruce is also going to join the Sebrells, Longs and Morris next week. Also, representing the great class of 1969 were Bunny Paulette, Weasel and Ruth Chapman, Gary Mackey, John and Sallie Sebrell, Bruce Gregory and Bellies. Talked to Asst. Coach Jack Castleberry about basketball and he is VERY optimistic. He said we really have depth this year.

Tom Morris was the reporting agent this time with reports on BR sightings in Charleston at the Citadel football game. WIP and Barbara Priest, Tom and Elizabeth Jones, Jim and Beth Long, Bruce and Gayle Noel joined Tom and Gail Morris at the game.

Dec. 11 from Joe Flanz: “Just a short note to bring you up to date on my doings over the past year. Michie and I moved into our new home in December (in Alexandria) and most of our time has been spent in remodeling. In October, we had progressed far enough along to take a trip. I had always wanted to see more of the Midwest, so we set out on a 16-day sojourn visiting Ohio (Air Force Museum), Indiana (War Memorial and Museum of Art), Illinois (Lincoln Library), St. Louis (Gateway Arch, Art Museum, Botanical Gardens), Missouri (Truman Library, National World War I Museum) and then back to Chicago (great town). You probably notice a pattern here – military stuff balanced off with art (had to keep Michie happy somehow). The absolute best part of the trip was visiting Des Moines, Iowa, and spending two days with BR Tim Rahm, whom I had not seen in twenty years. He and his wife, Rosemary, were gracious hosts and we had a non-stop reminiscence fest, reliving our days at the Institute. They have a son living in Baltimore so I hope we can continue getting together here in the D.C. area when they visit him. Thanks for putting me in touch with Bob Leibecke and his plans to get together with Mike McCrory’s son so we can tell him what a great father he had. Finally, visited the Institute in October with two former Army colleagues. We stopped off at New Market (they’ve done a great job with the place) and then proceeded on to Lexington. Visited my old room and found it occupied by female cadets. Had a good time talking to them. The pink comforters were slightly disconcerting, but except for that the memories came flooding back. FYI, I have donated my Jackson-Hope and Harrison (for History) medals to the VMI

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Museum, as I am afraid the Flanz line ends with They grabbed the chance and began a new me. Glad to know they will be well kept. As business called McGrady and Associates, is my custom, I am sending a contribution to LLC. The new small, veteran-owned venture the Institute in the memory of our Brother Rats specializes in proposal preparation in response Lee Galloway, Mike McCrory and Corville to federal government solicitations and began Nohava. I miss them. Received a lovely letter on Dec. 1 with 12 persons working. Good Luck, from Lee’s sister last year.”

BR! Lloyd also said he had visited with BR VMI played basketball at Norfolk’s Ted ConMaguigan in Lexington at Thanksgiving time stant Center against Old Dominion University and walked around the “I.” Spunky and Linda on Dec. 22. It was a close game until last two Butler reported in: sold the farm in Nokesville minutes when ODU slipped ahead for the win. and moved to Hanover County to be nearer WIP Priest with son and brother; TO Palmer grown children. Became grandparents for first with older son; Drew and Carol Brantley; Bob, time in October with the arrival of twin girls.

Lush and son Teddy Heely; Lee and son Bryce Lots of good times in being with the two preeBarnes; Good-to-me John Griffin; and I had mies (two months early) first at UVA and now fun at the pre-game indoor picnic and game with at home. Ellen Nohava sent a newsy letter. She views from level high above the court. It was is now expecting her sixth grandchild in April fun to see current cadets check in as they arrived and recently achieved her Junior Master Bridge in the area after finishing exams in Lexington.

Player title. Wow! Pat and Tricia Branch Alumni Association reps said they initially sent pictures of kids and grandkids from the expected 100 persons but got responses from blended family. Pat does not look good in UNC nearly 300. They and the caterers did a good job or UVA ball caps but his son and daughter do. of keeping the food and drink tables full.

The things we do to please the kids… Bob and You all were very gracious to Beverly and me Sandy Clingenpeel are now both retired (she this Christmas with cards, notes, letters and lots completing her counseling position in May) of pictures. Don and Noreen Mercer from anand enjoying traveling. A trip to the Med and other cruise ship – this time to Central America Austria was followed by another to the North and Mexico; Rudy and Judy Segaar from the Carolina beaches (a very long way from Phoesemi-secluded house in the woods of NW VA; Geoff and Frances Taylor in Richmond.

Peyton and Gail Brown; Paul and Marsha Kowalski who reported Paul had retired from CSX on Nov. 1; Mel and Kathy Adams; and Harold and Jane Fleischer. Richie Daub, who lamented my lack of mention of politics in the notes, said he had become active in the City of Richmond Republican party. Richie said he was now retired, his wife Elleanore still worked, and his youngest daughter, Jesse, at Florida State University was a senior with an interesting double major: ballet and business… Jim and Beth Long reported a busy, active three-generation family was still norm. Golf and catering must work out as they are still enjoying both.

Webb Hatch, coach of the other FSU men’s basketball program at Frostburg State U., sent his team schedule and their record so far. He did not bring his team to Newport News this year. Sam and Wendy Hoffman; Mike and Mary Giles; Joe and Michie Flanz, who sent a lot of news about their new house and newly retired status in the message located above; and Glenn and Elizabeth Hammond, who reported they too were expecting their first grandchild in March.

Lloyd and Debbie McGrady corrected what several of us thought and reported: Class of 1969: Rebecca Gibson, daughter Lloyd is not retired. He and Debbie comof the late Robert Gibson, married Luke pleted assigned work with SAIC and were Reinhart Wilkins on July 18, 2009. offered the opportunity for new ventures.

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nix!). They also got to Lexington in November for the Institute Society dinner.

Larry and Katherine Brydon send their holiday message out early in a Thanksgiving postcard.

Card included two family members Nana and Murphy, the dachshunds. Mike and Leigh Harper sent a letter full of family happenings. It appears his “non-traditional” job suits him just fine and has him travel the world each year. Seems a lot of people want to participate in his leadership classes which appear to take the Army-standard “Staff Ride” and add a little leadership observed to the history lesson. Gordon and Pat Bailey sent their annual photo-intense note again outlining their trips and family outings. Rawls and Barbara Williams sent a short note with a photo of them in Idaho. He lauded BR Charlie Bryan and his efforts to raise funds for the new MCV Parkinson’s Center in Richmond. The same publication showed Charlie as part of the new MCV Foundation board of trustees. LR also said he sat with Charlie Schmaus ’65 and near BRs Dave Reid, Larry Seekford and Bob Waldo at a recent VMI- Coastal Carolina basketball game.

Tom and Karen Buckner have a growing family with two grandkids now among the three older sibs. They still support Vanderbilt University and traveled to the Liberty Bowl game in December.

Tommy and Becky Hudson‘s Christmas photo showed a big bearded guy with two grandkids including six-year-old Charlie on his birthday. U.S. Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina and his wife, Roxanne McCrory Wilson, sent info about Mike’s son Alan Wilson, Attorney-General of the state of South Carolina. Joe’s note said it well “Our family is proud of a VMI-W&L heritage.” Last of this group to check in was Rick and Mary Ann Snow from New Mexico. Never at a loss for a way to contribute, Rick sold several of his pottery pieces during the “Art in the Park” season and then offered lessons in the studio one night a week. He also conspired with his sons and daughter to arrange a hot air balloon experience for mom on her 60th birthday. They all piled into the basket – as a family – and took off together for the adventure.

Doug Marks sent a terrific summary of his Christmas season. His experience mirrored mine: empty house on the very day but lots of activity before and after in person or via computer-based voice and picture sharing.

He celebrated with different daughters as he could schedule and ended up spreading out the family celebrations over a week. That is a kid’s dream: to spread out the holidays with the people you love and have gift exchanges almost every day.

In mid-January, BR Bob Heely sent me a picture with 8 or 10 BRs sometime after

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CLASS NOTES graduation. We had fun trying to identify a bunch of guys with dark hair and plenty of it.

It had to be a Tidewater party, as almost all of the guys in the picture were from Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas.

Among the terrific responses I got from VMI friends soon after Christmas was a letter and check from Cathy Gibson, widow of our BR Robert “Hoot” Gibson, who died in May 1991.

Cathy sent a picture of their daughter, Rebecca Paige, on her wedding day in July 2009 to Dr. Luke Reinhart Wilkins of Michigan. Rebecca graduated from the George Washington University and received her master’s degree in social work from Tulane University. She later graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law with Order of the Coif honors in 2010. Dr. Wilkins graduated from Tulane’s school of medicine and is now a radiologist completing a fellowship in Charleston, SC. Cathy is a University of Kentucky grad and is ready for the March Madness to begin.

Rebel Good sent me info a year ago and more this week. “This past September [2011] I was an official for the men’s final of the U.S. Open (Djokovic vs. Nadal). This was my 19th U.S. Open and eighth finals.” From March 2011, “I believe I’m the youngest BR, DOB 07/20/49 (that’s correct). I am now fully retired from newspaper and magazine editing and publishing. Devoting most of my time to tennis officiating. On USTA’s national Tennis Rules & Regulations Committee.”

John Sebrell is now retired: an ex-banker and a new bank consultant with Thurmond and Clower Associates. He moved full time to his condo in Lexington soon after the start of the New Year. His work history includes stints at a number of banks in Virginia and reads like the re-branding of a bunch of them through the last forty years. As he said, “43 years at Fidelity National Bank, First & Merchants, Sovran Bank, C&S Sovran Bank, Nations Bank, Old Point, Bank of Suffolk, James River Bank/Colonial, First Virginia Bank, and BB&T.” VMI football announced the 2012 schedule recently and there are some interesting dates.

Sept. 22 at Navy brings back memories of one very hot afternoon years ago when we had to bail out of the stands in the third period for an hour to allow a lightning storm time to pass.

Sept. 15 with Richmond coming to Lexington and then Nov. 10 with El Cid coming to town, are also dates to remember.

Bruce Gregory sent me word about the sale of Biker Bob Ladd’s Shenandoah HarleyDavidson business to new owners. Bob got some great publicity from a writer in the Valley who gave him credit for his many charitable and patriotic acts through the years. Go to the following site for the info. http://swacgirl.

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blogspot.com/2011/08/bob-ladd-sells-locallandmark.html. Bruce said, “I’ve already had an opportunity to congratulate him for a job well done and others may want to do so the same… ’69 is a great class and I’m thankful every day I was lucky enough to meet guys like Bobby Ladd.” Amen, BR! Dr. Tom Jones sent this thought-provoking, sober message on his journey back in time. “It was a hot steamy day on August 13th in Hayneville, AL. I had come to attend the 14th Pilgrimage to honor Jonathan Myrick Daniels, a graduate of VMI in1961. I am sure you are aware of his heroic, selfless deed that saved the life of Ruby Sales in 1965, and which, unfortunately, resulted in his horrific death. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said it was “one of the most heroic Christian deeds… a sense of honor and nobility.” It is surreal to contemplate Jonathan’s final thoughts at VMI when he gave the valedictorian address. Those words to all in attendance were “I wish you the decency and the nobility of which you are capable.” My Episcopal priest [in Macon, GA], Father David Probst, told me about the Pilgrimage in Hayneville. I had seen pictures of VMI graduates at Hayneville over the years in the Alumni Review but I had never seen mention or pictures of the Pilgrimage. Therefore David and I drove from Macon to Lowndes County courthouse square to participate in the event. Three hundred other people attended on this dreadfully hot day. William Lee (VMI ’59) was there with his wife. He had attended four other JD Pilgrimages. He wore his VMI shirt so I easily spotted him in the crowd. The procession began with clergy and common folk singing old gospel music on the way to the jail where Daniels and 23 others were kept for a week for picketing white-only stores in Fort Deposit, AL. Some in the procession carried large pictures of all the martyrs killed in Alabama during that tumultuous time in America. We then walked to the Varner grocery store where Jonathan was murdered and then back to the courthouse square.

In one corner of the square is the memorial to Jonathan Daniels erected by Shirley and Cabell Brand (VMI ’44). At every location all was quiet and then someone read excerpts from the book Outside Agitator. [This is an excellent book about Daniels’ life and the events leading up to his death and afterwards, regarding the Civil Rights Movement.] After this we all entered the courthouse for more provocative readings and testimonials about those slain martyrs. Then the Episcopal Bishop of Alabama, Reverend Palsey, led us through prayers, homily and communion.

It was both a solemn and exhilarating occasion.

I had proudly worn a VMI shirt and enjoyed talking to people about The Institute. When most people think of VMI they think about its famous Generals: Stonewall Jackson and George

Marshall. Few know that Professor Jonathan Jackson taught slaves in Lexington how to read and write – then against the law. Jonathan Daniels was not a soldier of battle but was a soldier of justice, freedom and hope. He gave his life so that others could enjoy equality in America.

VMI has a tremendous heritage and I am so proud to have graduated from such an honorable institution. The Institution has honored the moral characteristics of Jonathan Daniels by erecting a memorial garden behind barracks, naming one of the archways going into the newest barracks for him and established the Daniels Humanitarian award. I attended the third Daniels award presented to former cadet Paul Hebert, VMI ’68. He has devoted his life to helping others in the spirit of Daniels. As graduates of VMI, we need to be leaders to change the things that are wrong in society. We need to be citizen-soldiers in our communities to achieve justice, freedom and equality for all. Our new ethics and leadership building, named for General Marshall is a place to encourage and strengthen those ideals of General Marshall and Jonathan Daniels. It is a place that will encourage the citizen-soldier to be a vital participant in their community to make it better for all mankind. We older graduates need to rekindle our inner souls and spirit to improve our communities. I hope that next year, you will join me and William Lee wearing your VMI shirt and join the procession in Hayneville, AL, to witness the life of Jonathan Daniels, a VMI graduate who believed in justice for all. VMI will be heard from that day and every Daniels Pilgrimage Day.” Busy times ahead this spring: VMI at W&M for baseball in February, Class Agents’ Conference in late March, and Keydet Club Leadership outing in June. The fun just keeps on coming! Hope you have similar activities with your VMI BRs and friends. Keep those donations coming as well, as the fiscal year ends in June.

Max participation is the key. In the Spirit, Walt.

’70

Warren Grasty

The end of 2011 brought with it some memorable occurrences, not the least of which was Carl Strock’s keynote address at The Institute Society Dinner in Lexington in mid-November.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but the 500+ attendees included Bob and Susan Copty, Bill and Wysor Gearhart, Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Kent and Judy Schlussel, Neil and De Steverson and Tom and Jan Zarges. The event recognized Institute Society members, who contributed over 67 percent of the $2.55

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES million received by the VMI Foundation Fund in fiscal 2011. Carl is still with Bechtel, and he and Julie recently moved into their restored home north of Tappahannock on the Northern Neck in anticipation of eventual retirement.

Neighbors include Ted and Peggy Rennolds ’69 and Mac and Boo Garrett ’71. They occasionally run into Peel and June Dillard, and there have been unsubstantiated sightings of Kelly Sutton and Rich Clary. Not quite as exciting as Big Foot, but these will have to do. They also stay in touch with Donnie and Bonnie Wheatley and Bobby and Betty Brown through Julie’s and Betty’s involvement with the Boys’ Home board.

The roads were chock full of BRs the last weekend of October for an invasion of Charleston, SC, and the VMI-Citadel football game. In attendance were Phil and Carolyn Anderson, A.C. and Beth Arnn, Gray (a.k.a. Stix) and Nancy Chandler, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Steve (a.k.a.

Crash) and Sherrie Craddock, Al and Ann Kirk, Bill and Paula O’Connor, Tom Spink, Charlie and Margaret Walker, Gary and Lynn Weishaar and Chuck and Penny Wills.

Fearlessly joining this illustrious group were Roger and Mitzie Craddock ’63 and Jim and Sharon Joustra ’76.

Among the numerous highbrow discussions during the weekend, the most disturbing

wallet was found. Amazingly, both dollars were still there! As it turned out, the bartender put it in a paper bag before stashing it behind the bar while cleaning up. Since everyone was looking for a wallet instead of a paper bag with a wallet in it, the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth went on much longer than was necessary. In retrospect, I don’t know what the consternation was all about, because really, people, who in their right mind would want to assume Stix’s identity?

But wait, there’s more. On Sunday, I followed Gray and Nancy down I-95 to their home in Orange Park, FL, for a week of golf, tennis and general mayhem. At the end of the week, I was to drop Stix off at the airport for his flight to Richmond on my way back. Of course, this was at o’dark thirty on Friday morning in the rain with little time to spare. After slogging through heavy traffic to get to the interstate, we hadn’t even made Class of 1970: Playing golf in Myrtle it to the first interchange when I heard Stix Beach, South Carolina, were, from left, exclaim, “Oh *$#(^&@#, I forgot my walTom Massey, Jim Mawyer and Herb Braun. let!” It seems that he got dressed in the dark so as not to awaken Nancy and didn’t realize The lowlight of the weekend was the panic his wallet wasn’t already in his pants pocket. that ensued after Stix (who else?) left his wallet Ipso facto, this was clearly Nancy’s fault. So, at the hotel bar Friday night. While the rest back we go at warp speed, slipping and sliding of us nestled all snug in our beds, visions of all the way, with me singing under my breath, identity theft wafted through Stix’s little head.

“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” MiIt wasn’t until shortly before the game that the raculously, we made it to the airport just in time for his flight. Being the grateful kind of guy that he is, Stix doubled his normal tip.

Returning to sanity, the holidays brought with it Jack and Melanie Kern’s annual Holiday Party that included the usual cornucopia of food, refreshments and holiday cheer. Shamelessly joining Liz and me in partaking of their largesse were Bob (a.k.a. Speed) and Kathy Candido, Reed and Carol Heddleston, Glenn Kuntz and Paul and Lynn Munch. The Candidos are planning their final, last ever, never-gonna-happenagain O’Candido’s St. Patrick’s Day party in March, at which time the same motley cast of characters is sure to reconvene. Sadly, last fall Speed had a run in with the U.S. Secret Service at a Fort Belvoir golf outing. Evidently, they considered his swing a real and present danger to the president, who was playing nearby. Reed is adjusting to the retired life, having recently left SAIC, while Carol is adjusting to Reed’s adjustment. Glenn continues to struggle trying to prioritize between skiing and golf. And the Munches appear to have had a pretty good year, which included a trip to Albuquerque to visit Paul’s family. Paul works full time at Raytheon-UTD while Lynn volunteers and does Class of 1970: Attending the Institute Society Dinner on Nov. 11, quite a bit of quilting, with much of their spare 2011, were, from left, Carl and Julie Strock, Kent and Judy Schlustime being spent gardening and relaxing at their sel, Susan and Bob Copty, Wisor and Bill Gearhart, Tom and Jan cabin on the Shenandoah River.

Zarges, Neil Steverson, Marilyn and Bill Huffman, and De Steverson.

Christmas time brought updates from quite a

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involved the recollections by Crash and Wills of a long-ago, mysterious late-night appearance of Chicken Hawk in the doorway of room 147. Larry Dempsey, if you are out there, you should chime in just to set the record straight. I fear for your credibility.

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CLASS NOTES few BRs. Phil and Carolyn Anderson appear to have become full-time volunteers in and around Big Canoe, GA, with Phil pulling duty with their church and with the homeowners’ association, and Carolyn helping out at the food pantry and the Good Samaritan Health Clinic. On top of that, they are both taking piano lessons.

Sounds like a grand idea to me.

Late in the year, Joe and Patricia Girlando moved permanently to Bainbridge Island, WA, where Joe now consults for his former employer, RAM, as well as for other companies.

Having consolidated two large houses into a smaller one, much of their monthly disposable income goes to Public Storage. Earlier in the year Patricia traveled to Greece for her birthday, with a stop over in Naples to visit friends and to do some sightseeing, and later to London to visit her mother. In November they took a tenday vacation in Hawaii.

Joe’s old roommate and our former neighbor, Jay Tice, wrote in from Ridgeland, Mississippi, that all is well with he, Liz and six-year-old

J.J. Jay is in his seventh year as director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi, and Liz just completed her second year as founder of the Podiatric and Surgical Center of Central MS (I ain’t spelling it out again!). She also spends time at the CMMC Wound Care Center. Unfortunately, Jay’s mom passed away on Veteran’s Day in Tallahassee, FL. Also from MS, George and Shiela Yurchak related that they stay busy with church activities and keeping up with their various pets in Gulfport. And from a little farther up the road in Alabama came Christmas greetings from A.C. and Shirley Blalock.

Cliff and Amy Brooks dropped a note from St. Cloud, FL, where Cliff had been substitute teaching at City of Life Christian Academy in Kissimmee. He must have done alright, as he is now a full time U.S. history and P.E. teacher, as well as assistant middle school basketball coach. Last summer son, Cliff III, and wife, Kris, stopped by with their three children on their way to Cape Girardeau, MO, where he started as comptroller

Class of 1970: Photo at top: Wives attending the VMI-Citadel football weekend were, from left, Nancy Chandler, Lynn Weishaar, Margaret Walker, Sherrie Craddock and Penny Wills. Above: Sharing a meal during the VMI-Citadel football weekend in October 2011 were, from left, Chuck and Penny Wills, Charlie and Margaret Walker, and Sherrie and Steve Craddock.

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and part owner of Shaeffer Electrical Enclosures.

To add a little excitement to their lives, Cliff and Amy decided to visit Amy’s 94-year-old mother in Pittsfield, MA, during Hurricane Irene.

Other Floridians checking in were Lee and Connie Moon from Jacksonville, and Frank and Michelle Cleaton from Maitland, where Frank is still doing the engineering thing. The holidays were merrier than usual, as grandchild #2 was born to their daughter on December 15th.

Tony and Pamela Rolfe extend an open invitation to any BRs finding themselves in the vicinity of Blue Hill, ME to a free sleigh ride, if you come in the winter, or a wagon ride for the summer-season wimps. I think I’ll go with the wagon, Tony. And from sunny Poca, WV, J.C. and Dana Hanks sent their holiday greetings, where rumor has it that J.C. is silently plotting another fishing trip to Montana.

Ned Haley and Fricka Raycroft had a very busy year in their new home in Richmond. They are both very active in the First UU Church of Richmond, where Fricka is board president and directs/acts/sings in numerous fundraising productions, sometimes with daughter Caitlin.

Caitlin’s husband, Justin, works for Black Iris, a music production company that has won several national awards, including a CLIO for their work on a Toyota Sienna commercial. For the annual church auction, Ned and Fricka hosted “Pavarotti’s 75th Birthday Dinner,” a five-course gourmet Italian meal for six guests prepared by none other than Chef Ned. (I hereby offer a bounty of $10 on that menu to discover the Italian translation of “mystery meat.”) Son Adam is due to complete his PhD at Penn State later this year, while son Patrick is with American Eagle and commutes to Chicago from Richmond.

Speaking of new homes, Jim and Judy Mawyer moved into their new digs in Glen Allen, VA, just in time for the holidays. No stress there, huh Judy? Also from Glen Allen, Bob and Cathy Hawthorne report spending many happy hours looking after their new granddaughter, London.

Bob recently conducted the TJ Cadet Corps Alumni Band through several Sousa, not to be confused with Salsa, concerts, piping in when needed on his saxophone.

Phil Jornlin began the second year of his tour in Iraq. Although things feel a bit less settled after the pull out of the military units, he says at least the car bombs are not generally intended for U.S. State Department employees and their contractors. Tappey Jones dropped a line from Lexington saying that he is still teaching at The Institute. And Russ Marshall checked in saying that he sees Bob Sperberg in the Pentagon fairly frequently.

During the holidays I spoke briefly with Dixie Walker, who was about to leave for London to train pilots for UAE, Singapore and other

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES airlines on Boeing 777/787s. Not a bad gig if you can get it. And Bill Richardson e-mailed from Smith Mountain Lake, where he and Ann retired several years ago. Bill says that Mike Wood visited last fall to do a three-mile open water swim. Ever the Swamp Rat, Mike was also the instigator who got Bill hooked on stand up paddle boarding on a previous visit. Personally, I prefer sitting instead of standing with a 150 hp Evinrude cranking behind me instead of a paddle, but that’s just me.

By the time you read this, the Museum of the Confederacy’s new facility in Appomattox should be open. Waite Rawls, MOC executive director, says that it will feature artifacts of the man who named the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John cannons as well as those of ten different VMI men. Related to the grand opening, Soda worked on a presentation in Powhatan County with Carson Tucker, who is on the county’s Board of Supervisors. He is also working with Ben Dick helping to validate the authenticity of what may be the belt buckle worn by Stonewall Jackson at the First Battle of Bull Run. This artifact was purchased by Ben’s clients at an estate auction. Assisting in this validation is Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of Museum Operations at VMI. Just listen to this lineage: The buckle was reportedly taken by then 2nd Lt. Jackson from a dead Mexican Army officer during the Mexican War and worn as a war trophy, as was the custom at the time. He wore it until he received a tailored Confederate Army uniform with a saber and belt, reportedly from Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. In 1865, Mrs. Anna Jackson gave her late husband’s buckle to Col. John Mosby during his convalescence from battle wounds.

Col. Mosby later gave the buckle, attached to a mounting that included Col. Mosby’s verified signature, to a Dr. Luck, who served under Lt. Gen. Jackson in the Valley Campaign. And speaking of artifacts, Ben recently ran into Kent

Schlussel in the greater C’ville area.

Another Brother Rat knee deep in history is Dick Cheatham via his Living History Associates business. One of the characters in Dick’s arsenal is his great, great grandfather, then Captain Richard Manson, who participated in the Battle of Crampton’s Gap, which preceded Antietam. Dick was fortunate to have saved from the scrap heap many of his letters describing events of the day. These provided the basis of his recent dramatization as Captain Manson at Frederick Community College. Dick is currently preparing for Norfolk’s OpSail event June 8–10,

Early February brought with it some amazing weather for the annual GOMBACS golf extravaganza in Myrtle Beach, SC. The usual suspects included A.C. Arnn, John Bailey, Herb Braun, Gray Chandler, Tom Cooke, Reed Heddleston, Tom Massey, Jim Mawyer, Mike Snead, Charlie Walker, Gary Weishaar and yours truly.

This illustrious group reached a new milestone of sorts in spending less time comparing golf scores than comparing medications. A few also waxed poetically for an earlier, more innocent time when a business suit, now marketed as “Executive Cut,” was simply labeled “XXXX.”

Class of 1970: At Jack and Melanie Kern’s holiday party in December 2011 were, from left, Warren Grasty, Paul Munch, Jack Kern, Reed Heddleston, Glenn Kuntz and Bob Candido.

A highlight of the week was the announcement that Mike and Suzanne Snead had just become grandparents for the fifth time. While the above cats were away, several of the GOMBACS wives made a mad dash to New York City for the weekend. This year’s entourage included June Bailey, Nancy Chandler, Liz Grasty, Judy Mawyer, Margaret Walker and Lynn Weishaar.

Since they all know where I live, I shall refrain from making any snide comments.

After GOMBACS, in my ongoing search for a free meal, I rode with Stix to Orange Park, FL, for his annual oyster roast. With his usual flair, he managed to infuse even this mundane trip with gratuitous drama by having to go back to the restaurant where we ate the night before to pick up the credit card he had left behind. An optimist might say that this reflects some improvement over his predisposition for leaving behind his entire wallet. Ever the realist, I humbly submit that he should simply not be left to wander around unsupervised.

Anyway, while in FL, I had the Class of 1970: At the 2012 GOMBACS were, front row, Gray Chandler, Warren Grasty, pleasure meeting the newest member Gary Weishaar, Charlie Walker and Tom Cooke. Back row: Tom Massey, Jim Mawyer, of the Chandler dynasty, Joshua John Bailey, Herb Braun, Reed Heddleston, A.C.Arnn and Mike Snead.

Ryker Volpe, son of daughter, Tara,

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where LHA will be responsible for all of its living history aspects. They have also been contracted to develop the character of John Clayton, who collected plant materials in the early- to mid-18th century that formed the basis of the first “Virginia Flora.” A new “Virginia Flora” is being published this year, and LHA will be doing promotional premiers and lectures around Virginia. I guess you could say that business is blooming … Or not.

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CLASS NOTES and husband Josh, who was born December 15th. Not to be outdone, son Brandon and wife, Timea, are expecting their second child in April.

The Lovely Liz flew down for the oyster roast, and we enjoyed exploring St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach with Gray and Nancy the following week. We also had a very nice dinner the last night in town with Adrianne and Hugh Hopkins ’69 and Anne and Dennis Witt ’69.

That’s all for now. I hope the year is off to a great start for all of you, and please let us know if you are ever in the D.C. area.

In the Spirit!

’71

James Kelly

These notes cover the period between Oct. 17, 2011, and Feb. 15, 2012. We are back on our “regular” schedule following a change in the publication date for the last edition of the Alumni Review. This gave me a little more time to accumulate information and I appreciate hearing from many of you since our last set of notes. It is hard to believe that when you are looking at this edition of the Review it will be on or about the 41st anniversary of our graduation date from VMI. Winter here in Pulaski has been sort of a let down for fans of skiing and other cold weather related activities but it may not be over with yet. Kathryn and I have been working on some home improvement projects…like many of us our age …trying to get the house either ready for the long haul or in condition to sell and move to some exotic island if the housing market ever takes an upward trend again. I hope that each one of you and your families are off to a good beginning for the year.

Once again I am saddened to begin with the news of the death of another one of our Brother Rats. Alex Bearov died on Nov. 21, 2011 in Circleville, OH. Alex had lived previously in Winchester, VA, and is survived by two daughters, one son, a grandson and a sister. (See Taps section in this edition of the Alumni Review). On behalf of the Class of 1971, I extend heartfelt condolences to members of Alex’s family.

I got an e-mail from Will Wickun just days after the last notes deadline in October. Will and his wife, LeAnne (“young and fearless” according to Will) are both enjoying their retirement…Will from the Marines and college teaching and LeAnne from teaching 8th grade chemistry and physics. They have spent some of their time biking in Utah as well as back packing, fly fishing and “dodging bears.” Will says that he was invited to join

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the Montana Militia…and although meeting their grooming and weight standards, his “ideology” did not match their “mission requirements”…whatever those are.

The fall gathering of BRs at John and Laura Metzger’s home in Vesuvius was held at the Lodge in late October. A great time was had by the many participants … including Lindsey, Paton, Haywood, Schelhorne, Piernick, Littleton, Jolisant, Honeywell, Dudley, Adams and Whitley. I have since learned, via The Roanoke Times, the news that Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House has closed in Lexington.

For those who may not have heard, the visit to Aunt Sarah’s for breakfast was a major part of a weekend at the Lodge and I am sure that it has been a blow to the loyal customers.

Heaven forbid that the Friday night seafood buffet at Natural Bridge closes down … that could mean serious trouble for the Metzgers if they have to start providing meals for all of the guests.

The Citadel football game in Charlestown, SC, drew several of our classmates to view what was described as an “awful game” but a good weekend was enjoyed in spite of that fact. Lanny Gault, “Box” Wall, Mike Guffey, Bill Ginder, Jim Adams, Art Shelfer along with a few brave wives were among the crowd. Nonetheless, the Keydets did not return with the Silver Shako.

On the weekend of Founders Day at VMI, Kathryn and I went up to Lexington for the parade and other activities, including the Institute Society Dinner which was held in the (relatively new) Marshall Hall. It was a nice event and the gentlemen were on hand in dress blues or tuxes and the ladies looked pretty darn nice as well. The guest speaker for the evening was Lt. Gen. Carl Strock ’70, USA (Ret) … yes, the one you all remember.

Kathryn and I were honored to be joined by Buddy and Carol Bryan, Sam and Spring Kirby, Dave and Donna Honeywell, Mike and Doris Strickler and Jim Gearhart. The weekend also included a Class Agents’ briefing, but I would have to say in all honesty that the weekend highlight was the Founders Day parade and the Corps of Cadets. There is just something special about that parade … the cannon fire, the military theme songs and the “Spirit” that makes you proud to be a part of VMI. I wish all of you could have been there.

The class of ’71 has produced an impressive group of men who have contributed in a positive way to military and/or civilian careers.

One of our brightest stars has been Pete Van Hooser, who spent the last 40+ years serving our country … both in the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. In December (2011) Pete was

honored by the Freedom Alliance with the Defender of Freedom Award at ceremonies in Quantico VA … primarily for his role as Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (aka SEAL Team Six) … and without disclosing any classified information, you already know what those men accomplished under Pete’s leadership. A large number of ’71 BRs attended the award presentation … enough that the Class of ’71 was recognized as a Gold Sponsor of the event … and shortly thereafter Pete’s retirement celebration. Present at the Freedom Alliance gathering were Brother Rats Fogleman, Metzger, Biersack, Paton, Lindsey, Sanetti, Noon, Wright, Turner, Schrader, Rogers, Patterson, Clary, Willis, McEwan, Roder, Sloan, Nilon, Haywood, Kennedy and Price. Attending Pete’s retirement ceremony were Randolph, Kennedy, Miller, Ronayne, Lewis, Padgett, Biersack, Turner, Rogers, Dunlap, Gearhart, Healy, Fraim, Bryan and Gault. On the following page is a photo and excerpt of an article about Pete written by John Willis. There’s also a photo taken at Pete’s retirement ceremony in the Alumni News section. Bob McEwan took a number of photos which can be viewed on the VMI Class of ’71 Face Book page. Congratulations, Pete, from your Brother Rats and a grateful nation.

Kathryn and I appreciated all of the Christmas greetings we received from so many of you. Still alive and well out there (though some are seldom heard from) include Honeywell, Patterson, Neville, Flanagan, Berglund, Bryan, Sanetti, Rhodes, Hepler, Rovito, Berkness, Coble, Staley, Turner, Caul, Wadsworth, Schrader, Hannum, Tribolet, Stegemerten, Hanke, Gearhart, Friend, Groome, Pearman and Kelly (the “other” Kelly) , as well as Elizabeth Jacoby and Jo Ann Good. Thanks to all of you for your cards as well as assorted pictures and notes.

New Year’s Eve was a great time to be at VMI according to a couple of different reports that I received. The Keydets started the evening by beating Presbyterian in overtime in Cameron Hall. Then some out of season “tailgating” took place at the Sheridan Livery and a gathering of various VMI fans at the home of Tim and Leah Golden followed by a dinner at the Southern Inn. When the “official New Year’s” event started, it was held in Moody Hall. Attending one or more of the activities were Gault, Mikula, Ellington, Coleman, Golden, Strickler and a fair collection of members of the Class of ’70. Reliable sources tell me that Lanny and TS helped to close the place down very early on Jan.1, ’12. Rumor has it, that sometime

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CLASS NOTES say that he had actually talked to Cowardin as he was leaving his self-built home on the Eastern Shore of VA where he reportedly spends about 51 of 52 weeks each year. We are now all awaiting our invitations to join in the beach activity … with or without the Tomasello’s.

In late January of this year, Charlie Lindsey and Lanny Gault traveled to North Carolina to visit with Mrs. France who, according to Lanny, is “alert and sharp” at the age of 94. The group went to lunch together and talked about old times and the memories Mrs. France has of (and the fondness for) the Class of 1971. Later in the day Lanny and Charlie visited the grave sites of Doug and his brother as well as that of Colonel France who passed away in 1982. Lanny expressed the feeling that the visit renewed his conviction that the Brother Rat spirit never dies and that Mrs. France should always be in our thoughts and prayers.

The SWVA 71 Alumni Association got together near the end of January for the VMI-Radford University basketball game. We had an early dinner at our home restaurant Sal’s and made our way over to the game. The Keydets up until that day had not won a road game but with such a strong showing of fans they did come away with a victory (although it was ugly). Buz Booker (social chairman) made the dinner arrangements and Bear O’Donnell (secretary) made all of the ticket connections with RU. Along with Buz and the Bear ,’71 was represented by Bill and Sara Gentry, Jim and Mary Gearhart, Erwin Hanke, Rick and Bev Littleton (chapter president), John Saunders, Jim and Kathryn Kelly, Class of 1971: The following is an excerpt of an article written by John Willis: “Two Herb Whitley, Buddy Bryan, Big dozen of [Pete Van Hooser’s] classmates were able to surprise him with a ‘mini-reunion’ Tim Golden and Ken and Maria of sorts on Dec. 8, 2011, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where Pete Coleman. We were also joined by was honored with the Freedom Alliance’s Defender of Freedom Award. Van Hooser’s some visitors … VMI alumni and a BRs learned of the Freedom Alliance event only after Kirk Murray gave Buddy Bryan few civilians. GEN. Peay ’62 was a heads-up that it was happening. Bryan coordinated the effort, and with less than also at the game but was across the a week’s notice, 24 classmates had signed up to attend – enough to make the class way from most of our group. of 1971 a Gold Sponsor of the event. ‘We could have had many more from ’71 in atI just received the figures for tendance if we had two or three weeks to plan it,’ said Steve Fogelman. So sure was VMI Annual Giving through DeJohn Metzger that enough of Pete’s classmates would make the trip that he personally cember of 2011. Our class is maksponsored a table at the awards banquet. Dave Schrader flew in from Tampa, Florida, the longest distance traveled, while Charlie Roder came over from his office at the FBI ing a very good showing in terms Training Center in Quantico.” Photo above: With Van Hooser, his wife, Sally, and of donor numbers and alumni pardaughter, Kiersten, at the Freedom Foundation Awards Dinner were Steve Fogelman, ticipation. Thanks so much to each John Metzger, Carl Biersack, John Paton, Charlie Lindsey, Steve Sanetti, John Noon, one of you that has already made Sam Wright, Steve Turner, Dave Schrader, Mike Rodgers, Bob Patterson, Rich Clary, a gift for this year. I want you to John Willis, Bob McEwan, Charlie Roder, John Sloan, John Nilon, Bob Haywood, Dave know that every bit of what we give Kennedy, Steve Price and Snookie Parker ’74, Van Hooser’s dyke. (Editor’s Note: A to VMI is being well-managed and feature article about Van Hooser is planned for a future issue of the Alumni Review.) it shows with the quality of today’s

during the festivities, some sort of discussion was held about members of ’71 purchasing a large tract of land in the Lexington area and creating our own retirement community.

This is unconfirmed and the conversation was possibly influenced by adult beverages on hand. Anyway, wouldn’t that be a fun way to spend our twilight years together? We probably have enough doctors and lawyers in the class to make things safe and legal, engineers to design things and the Rockbridge County sheriff’s office would of course be invited to provide security for our compound.

Many of us have looked forward to being retired and enjoying the good life. Our BR Rick “Mouse” Littleton retired from Lionberger Construction Company in early January, after overseeing the construction of a new library complex near Roanoke, VA. By all accounts the building is a big hit. How-

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ever, Rick could only stand so much leisure time and has already gone back to work part time with another construction company. Rick says he is sort of in a “wait and see” mode as to how long this new activity will continue.

I think he is fearful of the home projects that Bev will find for him if he is just sitting at home watching the soaps on the tube.

Apparently back in the spring of 1971 Jim Cowardin and Jim Rovito took a road trip to New Jersey in order to purchase a station wagon load of a particular kind of sweet wine (Tomasello’s) to fulfill a list of requests from several Brother Rats with a fondness for this particular product of the vine. Barry O’Donnell recently corresponded with Cowardin to let him know that this “vintage” wine is now available at Kroger’s in Blacksburg VA … for whatever purpose it might serve some forty years later. Barry went on to

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CLASS NOTES Corps and the improvements to the campus.

Now would be a great time to consider what you can do this year in support of VMI. With winter winding down, Kathryn and I look forward to spring and seeing our grandchildren, Lauren ’26 and Ryan ’27, for some summertime activities and vacations.

I hope that all of you are doing well. Let me hear from you.

Until next time … God bless our team and VMI. Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Gentlemen, ladies, families and friends: Whereas this issue arrives just weeks after our 40th (!) Reunion; and Whereas any news from your Oct. 2011 – Feb. 2012 timeframe normally addressed in the issue you hold would/should have been exuberantly dispensed during that August assemblage; and Whereas your humble scribe intends to disseminate a post-reunion communiqué detailing the goings-on; then Therefore, be it known that – there will be no notes for this issue.

In the Spirit – Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

Well, Brother Rats, it is now mid-February, and so far the winter has not been anything like last year’s, except for a couple folks like Tom and Bonnie Clark who have been slammed with snow out in Colorado! However, spring will have sprung when you read these notes and another New Market Day will be upon us. I hope the spring finds you and your family doing well and looking forward to a relaxing summer.

I recently sent a message to everyone regarding the passing of our Brother Rat Walter “Ned” Wright. Sandy McNamara contacted me before Christmas to say that he had heard of Ned’s passing, but we were unable to confirm it; I had an address for Ned but could not get a phone number. Finally I sent a letter to his wife Barbara and she replied back that “Major” had indeed passed away from metastatic pancreatic cancer and ischemic bowel on November 11, 2011 – Founder’s Day. Barbara said Ned donated his body to science in lieu of a burial.

They lived in Cedar Rapids, IA. I have had an outpouring of notes from folks about Ned and how he will be missed. Major was one of those unique individuals that everyone loved. Please keep Barbara and her family in your thoughts and prayers. David Schwab noted he had not seen “Major” Wright since about 1977 when he was passing through Fort Campbell and spent

Class of 1972: On Dec. 27, 2011, Joan Pagones retired from her position as supervisor of the town of Fishkill, New York. Attending were Capt. Michael Pasquale ’06, the Hon. James Pagones and his son, Jordan Pagones ’06.

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the night with him at the BOQ. As David said, Ned was “one hell of a fine man…just like him to give his body to science.” Ned was the fourth BR we lost last year!

I was able to follow-up the bad news of Ned’s death with some great news on Dave Northcraft. As you are aware, Dave has been battling mantle cell lymphoma for several years. Last year he went through hell himself and endured a tremendous amount of hardship and pain, and finally was able to have a stem cell transplant.

On January 23, 2012, he was officially declared “in remission” from stage IV. While he’ll closely monitor his situation for the next couple of years, Dave and Susan can finally plan some fun things to do. I know that first on his list is a trip to Colorado to visit a new grandbaby and back east to visit his dad.

This is absolutely wonderful news, Dave! I’ve had lots of great comments back from folks, but Scott Lingamfelter summed it up and said, “Thanks be to God!” P.X. English said that you “have set an example in a time of personal adversity that I and all of our Brother Rat’s can learn from.” Ed Hall said that this was indeed wonderful news, and that “You are one hell of a fighter and I am inspired by your strength!”

We are all very happy for you, Dave, and look forward to catching up with you soon.

A number of other BRs sent email and notes to Dave Northcraft. I heard from John Riding, Harold Laughlin, Doug Huthwaite and Michael Smith, all happy and proud of Dave’s success.

Pat and I are settling into the “retired mode” although I really understand now what folks mean about being so busy once you retire.

Our calendar stays full! We were able to take a trip last fall to the United Kingdom, and as we recovered from that, we attended a few ball games. I’ve been doing a little environmental consulting work that fills in nicely both time-wise and financially. We went to VMI for Founder’s Day and the Society Dinner where we met up with Garland and Ann Gray, Jimmy and Ruth Parks, Willie Wells, and Scott McCarthy. As always, it was a very delightful evening. We also went to Atlanta for Thanksgiving with my son, Scott, and his family, where we were joined by my parents from Pulaski, my sister and her husband, Judy and Jeff Tewksbury from Tampa, FL, and one of my brothers and his wife, Rick and Kristen Kelly, from East Stroudsburg, PA. We really had a great time and family get-together. In December, Pat and I attended the “Military Classic of the South on Ice” here in Raleigh with VMI playing the Citadel in hockey. Phil Taylor, Class ’65, and one of my neighbors, helps organize the event each year (this was the fourth year) and it is a fund raiser for the

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CLASS NOTES American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

This year they raised $8,100, which was an all-time record and brought the total raised to $22,000 over the past four years. And of course, we had our annual Christmas holiday event in Pulaski with all the Kelly clan, including kids and grandkids! It is always a great event. In January, Pat and I met up with Pat and Doug Huthwaite at Campbell University for the VMI basketball game (which we lost, unfortunately, as the Keydets stopped scoring after getting 73 points) and we had dinner at a local Mexican restaurant afterwards. It was really a nice day. Randy Marshall and his wife had planned to join us but Randy had to change plans as they had company from out of town on that weekend. Randy and Doug both live in the Fayetteville, NC, area.

One of the neat things about writing the February notes is the fact that I normally have lots of stuff to report as I get cards and letters from folks over the holidays. One of the letters was from Rick Gribling and his wife Rebekah.

Their daughter, Rachel, spent last spring at Christ Church University in Oxford, England, and Rick and Rebekah were able to visit with her a couple of times. One of their pictures is of Rick and Rachel at Blenheim Palace outside of Oxford, which is one of the places Pat and I visited last fall. It is the home-place of Winston Churchill, and is quite a lovely place. They also visited Paris and Normandy. Rachel’s back in the states now and Rick is still working for the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk.

I had a nice letter from Renee and George Goodwin who are still in Mineral, VA. You may recall that last year, Mineral was the epicenter of the earthquake, which struck along the east coast. They have recovered fairly well from that, and George has retired from the National Ground Intelligence Center in Charlottesville

large celebration they had for Mary’s mother’s 90th birthday, attended by all the children, grandchildren and five great-grandchildren! I am a little worried about M.B., however, as he may be slipping some in his old age. He said he had traded in a Ford pick-up for a Chevrolet?

Not a good move, BR! Mike, Mary and Emilie Burke are still in the St. Louis area, where Mike and Mary both teach at St. Louis Community College. Their daughter, Emilie, attends school there and is about to complete her associate degree. She will then transfer to another school. They spent their vacation last summer at home hosting company. The event coincided with Mike’s 60th birthday. After being “tourists” in their own city, they had a party and Elvis made a surprise visit. Mary said it was one of the best “impersonators” she had ever seen. Mike also sent a note to congratulate Dave Northcraft on his wonderful news, and hopes that Dave can soon get back to his “recruiting duties” for VMI. He and Dave have been doing some heavy recruiting in the state.

Milt Salter is looking forward to a better year as he’s still in the financial planning business. He said he had attended the VMICollege of Charleston game and ran into G.G. Gray. Milt traveled a lot last year and decided he would stay home for Christmas to enjoy some down time. Blake and Sandy Thomas don’t slow down very much according to their Christmas letter. They have spent the past year building a new Schneider airplane, and flying around the country to different shows and “showing off” their Nieuport 28! Blake still flies for Southwest Airlines, and Sandy enjoys the fringe benefit of flying along with him. Milt still lives in Mobile, AL, and the Thomas’ live in Richmond, TX. Fred Hall sent a Christmas card saying he has enjoyed showing off his snowplow photograph that was in the last Alumni Review. He said he and wife, Donna, have gotten several laughs from folks over the picture. I also heard from Art Pendleton, who doesn’t live far from Fred. Artie said his mother passed away in December.

She was a big fan of VMI and would often send care packages to Art during our cadetship. Art also said that his wife, Phyllis, fell and broke her leg and ankle on Christmas Eve, and while she was having surgery for that, they discovered she also had a heart problem and installed a pacemaker. Art said “who would Class of 1973: At the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011 were, from left, have thought a broken leg would be Garland and Ann Gray, Jimmy and Ruth Parks, Mike and Pat Kelly, Scott McCarthy, some type of blessing?” Artie also and William Wells. pointed out that he was staying pretty

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after 33 years, and was awarded the prestigious Knowlton Award. He is now involved with politics as a legislative advisor to the state senator from their new 22nd district. George finds that work very exciting and rewarding in spite of the hard work. Renee said she had messages from Malon Updike and Brent Shumate after the earthquake, which made her wish that a bunch of the VMI guys could get back to Virginia for a visit. George and Renee have two children and three beautiful grandchildren, and are enjoying the good life!

Since the groundhog saw his shadow February 2, we are supposed to have six more weeks of winter. I always tease my old roommate, Roland Tiso, who was born on Groundhog Day, and as usual, we communicated on his birthday, which he celebrated with some officers from the 1st Calvary Division at Fort Riley, KS. He is scheduled to head back to Afghanistan February 24 for the fourth time in as many years. He hopes to be back home by May 21, so we’ll wish him God-speed and pray for his safe return. Roland reported that his daughters are still in Chicago and Pittsburgh pursuing their dance careers, and his wife, Judie, is able to plan and travel some herself during Ro’s absence. In their Christmas letter, Judie referred to Roland as “King Studly” since he continues “his neverending physical training regimen” and is still winning bodybuilding competitions. Keep at it, Ro, I’m in your corner!

M.B. and Mary Adelson continue to do well in Tallahassee, FL. I had hoped to report that M.B. had finally finished his LL.M. degree, but a change in sponsors at FSU delayed his dissertation. He really feels like it will be finished this spring. In the meantime, he continues to run his law practice and Mary is working with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

One of their highlights from last year was the

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CLASS NOTES busy taking care of Phyllis and may go ahead Sara, who graduated from the University be long before I hear from you again. When I and retire. Hope the New Year is better for you of Delaware in 2008 and now works as the was with environmental health, I used to go to all, Art! general manager of a large regional pet supNags Head fairly often and visit some of my Mrs. Thad (Patricia) Smith keeps in touch ply store; Kate, their youngest daughter, is a shellfish sanitation folks, and occasionally go with me on a fairly regular basis and sent a junior at a business college taking marketing fishing. Also, my son Scott, who moved back card with a picture of her two daughters and management. Jim said that last year, due to the to the Atlanta area last year from Las Vegas, new son-in-law. Tanis got married last year. downturn in the economy, he had to downlives in Cumming, GA, which is not far from The family is doing well, and Patricia still size his fire protection engineering and code Kennesaw, so we have a lot in common! Also, lives in Ft. Worth, TX. consulting engineering firm, but hopes to “up I need your help in connecting with Mrs. Mary I had a lot of great Christmas cards from size” this year as the economy improves. Jim (Robert) Romm who lives in Currituck. It has folks: John and Ann Pinner, and Ann pointed said he is fighting Type 2 diabetes, and encour- been some time since I had any communicaout that John has now joined Facebook; Larry aged all of us to eat right and exercise more! tion with her or her family. Bob passed away and Laurel Cerruiti, Arlington, VA; Scott He and Kathy come to North Carolina during several years ago, and their son, Robert, was McCarthy; Joe and Paula Wyatt, Lynchburg, the summer and vacation on Oak Island. Great a Rat at VMI when we held our 35th Reunion.

VA; Bob and Sharon Bushnell included their hearing from you Jim, and next time you’re Anyway, thanks for writing, and please stay picture with their two daughters and husthis way, let me know. in touch. bands – Liz and Josh Meyer, and Kate and I also heard from Dean Robinson. Dean Pat and I hope to do a little traveling this Joe Reardon; John Kearney, Springfield, PA; roomed in 460 our Rat year (I was in 466 with year to visit some folks and attend some events and Ralph and Becky Littreal, who are still in Bill Boland and R.B. Brown) and he roomed at VMI. We are going through there next week California; Hank and Leisa Weatherford are with Sandy McNamara and Tim Gundlach. on our way to visit my son, Derek, in State doing well and sent a picture of their daughter, Dean’s father was laid off from Boeing and College, PA, and may stop over at Gettysburg.

Savannah, with their card; Willie Wells, and it became necessary that Dean leave the And we plan trips to Atlanta, the Class Agent’s his two sons, William and George, sent their Institute. He has stayed in contact with VMI meeting is the end of March, and hopefully Christmas best wishes; Bill and Mary Stoner as he continued his education and career. Dean we’ll make it up for New Market. No big said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year works as a dentist for the California Departplans for the summer as yet, but we may spend from their home in Austin, TX; and John ment of Corrections, and also serves in the our tenth anniversary in September visiting Sykes actually sent a Facebook Merry ChristArmy Reserves as a dentist. Last November, Glacier National Park. We are also interested mas. I also had notes and cards from Tom Dean said he finally made full bird Colonel in partying in the D.C. area with some of you and Lois Jennings, Chesterfield, VA; Tom and was very happy to make the 06 list, even folks as VMI plays Navy, September 22 in and Suzi Napier; Glenn and Renee Younes, though, as he said, he may be the last one in Annapolis. Put that date on your calendar and Jeffersonton, VA; and Dave Sutherland in our class to make it. Great hearing from you, let’s do a Maryland mini-reunion! And speakBrownburg, IN. Dick Bugbee sent a nice card Dean, and please stay in touch. ing of reunions, also mark your calendar for and picture of his wife and two sons, and is The third “lost BR” who contacted me is April 26 and 27, 2013.Those, my friends, are still in Nazareth, PA; and I had a note from Reuben Trant. I’ve been trying to get up with the dates for our 40th Reunion. You should be Klaus and Sue Worrell.

Reuben for a long time, and he finally sent getting a warning order on that before long, so As I mentioned earlier, Tom and Bonme a really nice note and card at Christmas. please start making plans to attend. nie Clark have endured some pretty heavy Reuben is a commercial fisherman in Hatteras, That is about all for now. Just let me close snow this year in Colorado Springs, but have NC, where he and his wife Vanessa live. They with another plea for monetary support for managed to get in some camping, fishing and have two children, a daughter, Julia, and son, the Institute. VMI’s fiscal year ends June 30, hiking. Tom continues to work on the Class Andy. Julia and her husband, Tracy, have so you still have time to get in a donation ’73 Facebook page and is currently collecting one son, Hunter, and live in Kennesaw, GA. for the year. Thanks to all of you who are some of our “college” year photographs, so if Andy also fishes and lives in Hatteras. Great supporters of the Institute. During the first six you have any, please forward on to him. He to hear from you, Reuben, and I hope it won’t months of FY 2011-12, the Class of ’73, with and Bonnie made a trip to Hawaii 208 “solicitable” alumni, had 47 last year and stayed in a beautiful donors. This gave our class a 22 cabin at Bellows Air Force Stapercent participation rate. That is tion, one of those “top secrets” of really low, folks. We can do better. places to stay. They highly recomMoney is tight everywhere, and mended it. institutions of higher learning are Well, not only did I “rack up” being squeezed on a regular basis, with cards and notes this Christso it is even more important that mas, I also have the pleasure of we contribute something back to saying that for this issue of the the school we love. Please take Review, I have heard from three the time to send in a check (I’ll “lost Brother Rats.” One of them, be sending you a special letter Jim Davidson, is a BR whom I June 1) or go on-line and make a have had contact with in the past, donation. but not heard from for a long time, Take care, and have a great Class of 1973: Attending the VMI-Campbell University at least not since our 35th reunion. summer. basketball game in January 2012 were, from left, Pat Jim and his wife, Kathy, are doing In the bonds, Huthwaite, Pat and Mike Kelly, and Doug Huthwaite. fine. They have two daughters: Mike

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CLASS NOTES

’74

Snookie Parker

Greetings, Brother Rats. I have lots of material (Christmas Notes) and limited space, so some of the entries will be somewhat cryptic to make room for all. So here goes – Received a short note from Bruce Pence. He has been playing volleyball (and won several championships) with the Roanoke Valley Volleyball Association for several years … a family affair including his two sons, and wife. Bruce ran into Bob Benninger! Had not seen him since graduation and didn’t know he was in the area. Bruce said he looks good, for an old guy.

Don’t we all! Bruce did mention that he and Rick Remensnyder hope to do lunch together soon. Thanks for checking in Bruce!

The Tidewater Area Breakfast Club met in November – five BRs in attendance: Sam Turner, Bill Pennypacker, Chuck Cayton, Dave Sheppard and Paul Van Doren. What a motley crew! Paul says that Sam Turner entertained all with his running string of confessions.

In particular, Sam remembered the numerous occasions that audacity in the face of academic negligence pulled him through. I’m sure there was the “usual end of the world as we know it” conversation touching on economic, geo-political, and etc. The next breakfast should about the time of this writing. Thanks for the note Paul!

Sam Mattocks writes from Petersburg, VA. Sam reports that life in Petersburg continues to be active and full. In fact, Hollywood has come to Petersburg – Steven Spielberg was in town in the spring to shoot the final shots of his movie, “Lincoln,” down the street from Sam’s house. I can’t wait to see the movie to see if Sam worked his way into the movie as part of the crowd. I understand that Sam and Colleen are grandparents (times 2) this year – their son, Greg, and his “better half” Tanya, had a little boy, Gregory Wyatt, on September 17th and their daughter, Dana, and her husband, Jeff, had a little girl, Ruby Elizabeth, on December 8th. I am told that one’s perspective on life literally changes when you become a grandparent.

Congrats Sam and Colleen!

Bill McDonald wrote inquiring on the “whereabouts” of BR David Brown. Bill was quick to exclaim, “Not that I really care. He snaked my girlfriend away from me while I was in Corps and married her.” Bill’s daughter, Anna, has been accepted to East Carolina next fall. Any BRs have children going to ECU now or soon? Bill would like to know. williamfmcdonald@yahoo.com.

2012-Issue 2

Reminder to all BRs – if you are planning to visit Lexington, check out Herbie Harlow’s 502 South Main Bed & Breakfast. I plan to stay with Herbie the next time I’m in Lexington … if I can get in.

Hats off to Glenn Greene and the members of the class who have so generously contributed to the well being of Barbara Heiderman and family this Christmas season. Clearly in the Spirit! Speaking of the Greenes, Grace has a new novel out – Kincaid’s Hope. I just started reading it today…it’s going to be another good one – Kudos Grace!

Charley Banning had Wilson Johnson accompany him in a rock and roll band that he has been jamming with for the past few months. Charley says Wilson is a pretty talented harmonica player and carries a bandolier full of different harmonicas. I understand they had lots of fun. Rock on BRs. Speaking of Wilson Johnson, I recently received a call from Wilson – he and Anne were on their monthly trek up and down I-95 and had stopped for their Sunday lunch at Parker’s BBQ in Wilson, NC. Unfortunately, I was still in church and missed an opportunity to share some of NC’s finest BBQ with Wilson and Anne. Wilson has committed to calling ahead the next time through.

I’m looking forward to the visit. Wilson is still living in Fredericksburg and commuting to D.C. for his work with the Agriculture Dept.

Stephen Klinefelter is living in Sierra Vista, AZ, and working for the Army’s NETCOM as a DEP G3 while wife, Heidi, works as a high school counselor. Steve has just certified as a court appointed child advocate (CASA) and is at the archdiocese level of his young men’s organization. His three kids are all in college, and his two foster kids have jobs and are going to college part time. Great stuff Stephen Tom Parker is back in Colorado Springs –left Rhode Island in March. Tom works at NORAD/ NORTHCOM in the Plans shop, doing Russia stuff and generally enjoying it. Tom and Ann have just moved into a new house on the side of Cheyenne Mountain on the south end of town, have deer looking through the windows and have seen bear in the yard. Tom says it’s a great place for fly fishing, motorcycle riding, and hiking, so they plan to stay. As Tom says, “Life goes on, my hair gets thinner and my hearing gets worse by the day … must be getting old!”

Aren’t we all! Thanks for the note Tom. Alan Vicory has retired from the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission after 32 years and entered the private sector as a principal at STANTEC. (See Alumni News.)

John Smith is living in Germany again. He was in London for a year and decided to return to Germany – wanted his youngest son, John Paul, to finish school in Germany so he could

.

finish high school fluent in German. John and Mary have managed to get all seven of their children fluent in at least one other language.

Believe it or not, John and I have discovered that we are in the same line of work. Go figure!

Thanks for the note John!

The Thursday evening before the Army-Navy football game, I had the opportunity to attend Lt.Col. Ollie North’s Annual Freedom Alliance dinner held at the Marine Museum on Quantico to honor a select American hero. This year the honoree was none other than my dyke Perry (Pete) Van Hooser ’71, Commander Naval Special Warfare Group. A wonderful event in a fabulous setting with some “no kidding – real world heros.” Class of ’71 was well represented with 21 BRs flying in from all over the United States. The room was filled with family, friends, wounded warriors, and Navy Seals. I sat with the Class of ’71 and had an entertaining evening strolling down memory lane. What an event!

Pete’s retirement ceremony was on Feb. 3 at Joint Amphibious Base, Little Creek-Fort Story.

Bob Johnson was detailed from his Army staff job at the Pentagon in June to work on the Arlington National Cemetery Gravesite Accountability Task Force to help fix the recordkeeping at the cemetery. It was supposed to be a 90-day assignment but was extended (along with Bob) to December when a report to Congress was due. Along the way it was discovered to be a bigger problem than anticipated, and the Army has asked Bob to stay on for another year to correct all the mistakes made to records over the past 100+ years. There have been 330,000 people buried in Arlington since 1864 with about 30 more being buried every day. The December 22 report to Congress determined that about 25 percent of the records (64,000) had mistakes, and now Bob is in charge of the analysts correcting those errors by mid-2012.

As the only green suiter on the final 40-person team, it should continue to be an interesting project and year. Bob also continues with his master’s degree in publishing at George Washington University and should graduate summer 2012. He continued his Walter Reed Wounded Warrior Writing program until this fall when the Army part of Walter Reed moved to Bethesda.

The highlight of that program was this past May, when Bob and two of his students did a reading at Politics and Prose bookstore in D.C. Politics and Prose is a famous bookstore where many prominent authors début their books and are often filmed for C-SPAN’s program “Booknotes.” The Johnsons are ending the year with a family trip to Mexico over Christmas.

Ike and Sue Mushall sent holiday greetings from Columbus, NJ. Recent Mushall news was son, Matthew’s, November activation for a 3-6 month deployment to the desert of United Arab

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CLASS NOTES Emerits. Ike is still working at Mannheim car auction. Sue is in her 23rd year at Mannington and has survived several rounds of layoffs. Ike and Sue did get to take a Mediterranean cruise in September, and Ike continues his mountain biking passion.

Thanks for the note Ike (Sue) Walt and Karen Wilson send greetings from Steilacoom, WA. Walt is still enjoying his job as the Customer Service Rep for PEO-STRI at Joint Base Lewis-McChord but is counting the months before full retirement. Karen, a bank manager, is doing well while her regional bank gobbles up smaller banks. Thanks for the note, Walt. Hope to see you on the East coast in the summer – perhaps at a North Carolina beach?

Nice note from Bill Candler. Dr. Bill just finished a 3-year recall to active duty and now does part time work covering for physicians who are ill or on vacation. Wife of 31 years, Judy, does volunteer work at a free clinic and on short-term missions. Bill had a great summer that included backpacking portions of the Appalachian Trail and a link up with Scott and Sonja Fraser. Thanks for the note Bill.

Short note from Sam Powell. Sam and Karen, a Southern Seminary alum and wife of 36 years, are enjoying life in Burlington, NC, as grandparents to three grandkids. Sam retired from the medical diagnostic business and is now working in commercial property management. Sam also does non-profit work with the North Carolina College System and is an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Thanks for the note Sam! Received a nice note from Gene Williams.

Gene and Margot live in Marriottsville, MD, even though for the last three years Gene has been splitting time between Richmond and Marriottsville. Margot continues to teach, and Gene continues to coach track and field at the local high school. Gene’s son, Brad, fluent in Spanish, has been in Argentina completing his Fulbright Scholarship and has just recently returned to the States. Daughter, Chelsea, is a senior at York College in Pennsylvania, and has been offered a fulltime position at a small technology company in Maryland. BTW: Gene’s College Orientation Workshop (COW) program is in it s 26th year and doing well. Thanks for the note Gene!

Mark and Michelle Prentice are now grandparents. Their daughter, Kristine, had Reagan Michelle Tittermary on Feb. 10, 2011. Dad, Michael Tittermary ’05, received his law degree from the University of Richmond and is now working as a lawyer. Congrats Mark and Michelle!

Maj. Gen. John McLaren has recently retired from the Army and has gone to work for a small construction firm in Newport News. Wife, Di-

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ane, is a school nurse for an elementary school at Virginia Beach and loves her job. Daughter, Sara, is a junior at Old Dominion and son, John, graduated from James Madison in 2003 and is selling real estate in Virginia Beach. Thanks for the note John!

Red Undercoffer has spent another holiday season at the pointy end of the spear … this year it was Afghanistan. The sacrifices are great for Red and his family who has to press on without dear Dad nearby. Continue to pray for Red and his safe return home and for his family.

Gary and Alison Trinkle celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by taking a two-week trip to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Nice! Gary helped close Fort Monroe and moved with TRADOC to new digs on Fort Eustis, cutting his commute in half. Gary and Alison have been spending time in the fall at their Duck cottage “LAZ’N & GAZ’N.” Rough Life!

Bob and Anita (Magic) Moore took a trip of a lifetime this year – 12 days in Ireland … about the same time as the Trinkles. Since there was Guinness involved … I’m surprised that Bob and Magic did not run into Gary and Alison. Hmmm.

Magic teaches 6th grade in Fairfax County Schools, while Bob’s job took him to San Antonio, Texas, in 2008 … so Bob has been bouncing back and forth ever since. Son, Rob, (30) is in communications with the Marines and son, Patrick, (26) has enlisted in the Air Force and is waiting for his boot camp date. Good stuff!

George and Anna Van Laethem celebrated their 30th anniversary with a trip to Hawaii and a stay at the Hale Koa and with friends.

They also took their annual summer trek to the Outer Banks in July. Daughter, Ashley, graduated from Francis Marion U. with a B.S. in chemistry, is working in Myrtle Beach, SC, and applying to law school. George is the Identity Operations Manager for an element of the Joint Staff in Suffolk. Anna continues her work in the Guidance Department of Western Branch High School.

John and Ann Savage are doing well in Savannah, GA. Son, Mason, is in his first year internship at the NC State Vet School, after graduating from U. of GA Vet School. Daughter Tyler is expecting their 2nd grandchild and will earn her masters in communication from the U. of South Carolina this spring. John and Ann hope to retire in March and ride motorcycles cross country on route 66. Easy riders!

The big news in the Kilcullen household was the safe return of Marine Corporal Michael Kilcullen – recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal for service in Afghanistan. Corporal Kilcullen is now stationed at Quantico assigned to the Weapons Company. No one comes home from a war zone unchanged. Don and Patti could see the change in Michael’s face and in

his voice. Don and Patti are extremely proud … and glad to have him home.

Received a short note from Mike Ashley.

His youngest son has returned from a two-year mission trip in Berlin, Germany, and is now in AF ROTC at the U. of Washington (Seattle) majoring in Arabic studies (Mike thinks it’s harder than differential equations!)

Tom and Patti Mascot are enjoying life in Arizona. Tom is still flying for South West Airlines out of Phoenix along with BR Clarke Peele. Daughter, Elizabeth, is working for Senator Jon Kyl in Phoenix. Daughter, Rebecca, graduated summa cum laude in communications from Arizona State and is working for a PR firm in Chandler, AZ. Summer highlight was the family cruise to Vancouver, BC, and Anchorage, Alaska. Thanks for the note Tom. John and Tracey Crawley reported job changes this year. As an outcome of the U.S. Joint Forces Command closure, John was transitioned to work on the Pentagon’s Joint Staff in the J8 Directorate. As a benefit of the digital age, John’s work location remains in Norfolk. After eight years with the Navy’s fleet and Family Support Centers, Tracey moved to private practice as a Christian counselor. Life is full of change!

Ken and Betsy Terry are enjoying life in Williamsburg. Ken is still flying for JetBlue – and has one more to get through college. Betsy is doing well and continues to keep up with several circles of friends…to Ken’s continued amazement. I understand Betsy recently put together a Southern Seminary Class Reunion. I would like to have been a fly on the walls and listened to the stories told there. I hope to see Ken and Betsy sometime this year!

Jim and Robin Garten send Christmas wishes from Oro Valley, Arizona. Big news for the Gartens – two granddaughters: Maeghan, born in July and Gavin who is 2 ½.

Andy Young is still directing the Military Nutrition Division for the Amy Medical R&D Command laboratory with no plans for retirement. Pat, a marketing manager with Waters Corporation, has had both knees replaced and hopes to be back on the links with Andy by Derby Day. Rob and Joan Bacon are doing well in Jacksonville, FL. Big news for the Bacons was the arrival of a new grandson, Ryan Thomas Mulchay – their third grandchild. Pete and Susan Shelley have been on the wedding circuit attending six weddings in six months two in Dallas, one in New York, one in Rockville, MD, and one in Chapel Hill, NC. Wow! Pete has started his 20th year with Kruger and Susan has completed her first year as the IT person at Capstone Bank.

I have received Christmas cards from

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the following BRs: Bruce and Sue Jones (Richmond, VA), Mike and Clay Morrissett (Roanoke, VA), Dan and Krisna Pirasak Sikangwan, (Aliso Viejo, CA), Ed and Jamie Blake (Kilmarnock, VA), Ted and Susan Telle (Germany), Ted Zajac (Avon Lake, OH), TJ and Kerri Wilson (Harrisonburg, VA), Don and Barb Whitten (Manassas, VA), Lane and Karin Toomey (Southern Pines, NC), Charlie and Tommie Toler (Panama City, FL), Russ and Cheryl Takata (Hawaii), J.W. and Pam Simms (Midlothian, VA), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, VA), John and Sazanne Pate (Virginia Beach, VA), Kevin and Cindy Nettrour (Mascoutah, IL), Steve and Pat Orr (Walkersville, MD), Ricky and Page Kastelberg (Richmond, VA), Randy and Martha Gleason (Salem, VA), Bert and Cherryl Graham (Berwyn, PA), Pat and Sue Flynn (St. Augustine, FL), Snap and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, VA), Mike Cole (Carlisle, PA), and Mike and Sarah Fisher (Rochelle, VA).

Big news in the Parker family. Daughter, Olivia, has been accepted and has decided to attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall. Marla (a UNC grad) and I are excited for Olivia!

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 webmaster) nettrour@accessus. net. Check out the website. Send me a note.

Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm Regards ... Snookie

’75

Art Nunn III

I hate to start these notes with sad news, and I know that all BRs for whom I have e-mail addresses are already aware of this, but for the benefit of everybody else, I am sorry to report that Jay Newcomer and his wife, Margarita, have suffered perhaps the greatest loss that a person can endure – the loss of one of their children. Jay’s son, Brian, and his fiancée (Jessica) celebrated Thanksgiving with Jay and Margarita in Florida. The next day he experienced car trouble while driving up I-95, and his car was rear-ended at 70 mph.

Brian was killed instantly. Jessica was treated

2012-Issue 2

and released at the local hospital. Personally, I cannot imagine a pain any greater than losing a child, so I cannot fathom what Jay and Margarita are going through. This had been the first Thanksgiving in five years that they have had all three of their children home to celebrate together. Jay is trying to move on and live as well as he can at this point, as is the entire family.

The VMI family also suffered the loss of long-time football coach, Bob Thalman, recently. Many in our class were touched by Coach Thalman, and his insistence on a positive outlook, and he will be missed. I know that Tony Farry traveled to Atlanta for the funeral. I don’t know whether or not any others from out class were present.

In other news, John Young let us know that he recently received his “reduction in force” notice from General Dynamics, and was let go at the end of August. John had been with GD for just over 10 years, having started with them in July 2001 in Burlington, VT, and transferred to the company headquarters in Charlotte, NC, over our 35th Reunion weekend, to take a job as a Senior Manager for Business Development for the Advanced Programs team. John is currently living in Fort Mill, SC, just over the NCSC state line from Charlotte. This past summer, the company decided it no longer needed the Advanced Programs team and a couple of other small sections, so about 15 people were let go.

After working for 36 years straight, John was planning on relaxing for a little while before actively seeking new employment.

To my total surprise, Ronnie Norman actually sent me a note. I was stunned, until I read it. He just said that he had not written because of some delirious “memories” of alleged early morning attacks on him and his roommates by me and my roommates. Naturally, his memories are completely stilted, if not fully fanciful, but at least he finally contacted me. Understandably, I was even more surprised when I received another e-mail last month. This time Col. Norman was only writing to inform me that he was staying in touch with other BRs, but that he will not stay in touch with me. What a guy!

Heather Janes wrote to let us all know that she received her master of divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity school in May. Following that, she completed a unit of Clinical Practical Education as a Chaplain at Strong Memorial Hospital graduating in August. September 16, Heather was ordained as a minister of the Word and sacrament and is serving as a Pastor of Loving Hands Fellowship.

Taylor Slate is living in Fort Worth, Texas.

He enjoyed a nice visit with Bill Landrum and his lovely wife, Justine, in Kentucky in August.

Also, and this is impressive, 36.5 years after

graduating with a CE degree, Taylor finally got his Professional Engineer’s License by passing the P.E. exam on the first try. Not bad for a guy so chronologically challenged.

I heard from Chris Smart recently. I have heard rumors about the life and times of one Chris Smart, and it was great to hear from the man himself. Chris sends “Greetings from Warm and Sunny Buenos Aires.” Work is going well there for him, as Apache keeps finding more oil and gas out in the pampas. Chris tries to make sense of the well data and he tries to keep operations running smoothly. He has a bit more work than he desires but, he does find a little time to sleep and sneak off to the golf course on the weekends. The summer brought with it low rounds on the course. Chris missed the cut to claim an amateur entry into the Argentine Open which was held on his home course at Pilar. He did get to play a practice round with Andres (Pigu) Romero and was happy with his 73. Hells Bells! I am generally happy if I score a 73 on the front side. I don’t think I like Chris anymore.

Charlie Hoon has stayed in touch with Art Sigsbury, and has tried to meet up with Bo Temple. Charlie and Bo were not able to get together because of Bo’s hectic schedule. In January, the duck hunting club Charlie belongs to in California put on a Wounded Warrior hunt.

Seven Marines from Camp Pendleton arrived to the club at 5:00 a.m. WW, Sgt. Oscar Canon, and Charlie teamed up to not only represent gratitude, but also the Corp and VMI. Sgt. Canon’s wounds, and treatment are on Google.

The advancement in medical treatment has come a long way as clearly evidenced by the fact that he still has his leg. Obviously he is an inspiration to us all. Well done Charlie, for helping to support such a great cause.

When Glenn Garland is not molding the minds of your dental students (a frightening thought in itself), he has been restoring an old car. He sent me a picture, but considering that Glenn was the only thing under the hood, I am thinking that it might be lacking in power just a little bit. He is now thinking about just going ahead and buying a new car. Not a bad thought!

Oliver Way visited with C.T. Bryant in November. C.T. is recovering from cancer and is doing well. He does however have some lingering pain from the radiation treatment, but he is getting back to working on construction projects in Charlottesville and Wintergreen.

Oliver and C.T. enjoyed spending several hours just talking about our time at VMI, their families, work, and the future. Oliver’s and Bonnie’s younger son, Barrett, is engaged to be married on July 28th in Athens, Ohio. There is talk about having the rehearsal dinner in the skybox at the football stadium!! Should be a blast. Bar-

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CLASS NOTES rett is working as an interim administrator for a continuing care retirement community that his company manages.

Rick and Suzanne Hening celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Rick is still with McLane/Carolina and it will be 16 years with them on March 26, 2012. Their son, Sam, (Special Needs) is a freshman at University North Carolina-Greensboro. Oldest son, Andrew, is an assistant branch manager for Enterprise RentA-Car in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Suzanne and Rick became grandparents with the birth of their 1st grandson, Ashton Grayson Hening in November. Rick is refereeing UPWARD basketball games for the 15th consecutive season, and has achieved seniority to the point where he can choose the games and age group he desires.

Anyone who travels the I- 95 corridor through North Carolina should stop in Rocky Mount, NC, and at least call to say hello!

Dino Armstrong continues to travel the world as a commercial pilot is prone to do.

Dean had the chance recently to go to Havana and Camaguey on charters. Absolutely fascinating! He also went to Saint Maarteen in the Dutch West Indies – rather interesting as that’s the place where the people (Dean used different words) stand near the blast fence and see if the aircraft back blast will blow them across the road and into the water. Hysterical to watch while having some malt soup (Huh?).

Unfortunately, Dean also wrote to report that he lost his father to Alzheimer’s and congestive heart failure on January 17. Dean’s wish is that NONE of our BRs or their families have to contend with that horrible disease. I know that we all join together to extend our deepest sympathies to Dean and his family.

Bo Temple reports that Nancy is recovering well from her late November left knee replacement. Bo had his last of four new cancer treatments. This is slow acting so he may not know the results until at least March, 2012.

Meanwhile, Bo is still the Acting Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers (awaiting the nominee to be confirmed by the Senate). Bo is planning on retiring sometime between May and September of this year. It’s been a great 37 years, but it’s time to do something else hopefully as rewarding. It will be the Army’s loss.

Mike Fleenor went to a Disaster Medicine course in San Francisco and the Orthopedic Academy meeting after that at the same location. He was planning to will fly to Seattle then on to Bellingham to visit Randy and Terry Frank for two days, or until Terry kicked them out! Mike’s son, Skyler, is still in San Antonio selling western wear for Cavender’s store. He says he’s really enjoying it and plans on taking classes at night for a while.

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Chuck Wolhrab wrote from New Zealand where he was home from Afghanistan for the holidays; their two older children were also able to join them. Philip flew out of Iraq, (ending his latest deployment) spent a few days at Camp Attebury, IN, and then was home in Lexington for a day prior to flying down to New Zealand.

Older daughter, Kirkland, had flown down a couple days before that. Younger son, Conor, graduated from middle school the day Philip flew in, so it was a case of picking him up at the airport and heading up to graduation. Seren had just finished her last year in primary school and was delighted to have her older brother and sister home for the holidays. Chuck and Deb were understandably thrilled to have all four kids in the house for Christmas. This is the first time they had all been together for Christmas since 2005.

Chip Louthan got a new knee in November and it apparently has gone very well. That is great news for all of us who expect to see our old knees headed for the local dumpster at some time in the near future. Chip made it to a Keydet basketball game in December with Nat Hamner, where he saw Allen and Sandy Morgan, and Mike and Sloane Hunter. Chip and Nat later toured the “North Post,” new athletic fields, obstacle course, tennis courts and parking. According to Chip, the new facilities are very impressive! Chip also mentioned that he saw Bo Temple and Oliver Way at their 40th high school reunion in October. Wow. 40 years.

No wonder our knees are falling apart!

Mike Soares wrote that he and his wife, Luci, live in the south of Portugal for the winter in a small sea town called Cascais. It is a town much like Newport, Rhode Island, in that it is the center of European sailing, with winds consistently blowing out of the north every day at 25 knots. Temps are in the 60s and sunny.

Now I know that most of us have experienced a mild winter this year, but did we really need to hear those details? “Temps are in the 60s and sunny.” That’s just mean!

The irrepressible Jerry DeWaters checked in to let us know that his daughter, Leslie, has completed her masters degree in counseling and should be guiding our high school students of the future towards who knows what. He claims that she has had little effect in guiding him on the proper use of his laptop, but I disagree – Jerry does a great job of staying in touch, with often inspiring ideas.

Anyway, Jerry’s son, Joe, is working with him in his business and is also following his passion of playing and coaching ice hockey.

He continues to coach as the assistant for varsity and JV at the IONA prep high school he graduated from. Jerry just hopes that he does not coach like his dad who claims to

have had locker room sweat parties after they lost a game. Jerry’s wife continues to work as a librarian and loves her job so much it seems that they may never retire, so Jerry figures that he is relegated to end his days in NYC. Jerry regularly keeps in touch with his Rat, Dan Thornton ’78, who from time to time has business in NYC. They meet for dinner and a little banter, and Dan keeps Jerry up on the local Institute news. As always, his door and hospitality is opened to all in the area.

Dan Schultz still runs the ship and aviation business for Lockheed Martin in Washington, D.C. He gets to see John Maples on a pretty regular basis. John works for CSC in Norfolk, and has a son at Radford. Over Thanksgiving, John and his son, Matt, took Dan shooting at an amazing trap and skeet club. Dan claims to have shot the 1-3 combo (no corroborating witnesses), but Matt is a dead shot and impossible to beat. Dan also just had the honor of promoting his daughter to major of Marines at a very incredible ceremony in the Pentagon.

She was one of the first graduates of the VWIL program at MBC. Since both of Dan’s twins went there, along with his wife, the LexingtonStaunton connection is still strong in their family.

Tad MacGowan checked in from Annapolis to let us all know that life is rolling along “drama free” for the most part. He never runs into any of our BRs (perhaps they see him first), but he did run into a Navy Lieutenant from the Class of 2007 at the Navy-Air Force game. Tad did have a disturbing adventure as he drove his youngest daughter home for Christmas break from Emory & Henry. As they passsed by Lexington, he regaled her with stories of bands that had played at various hops: Mac Davis; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Earth, Wind and Fire; Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, to name a few.

Apparently, she was completely underwhelmed.

What a shocker!

Meanwhile, the number of members of the Class of ’75 who live in Lexington has recently increased by one. Stew Fleming wrote to tell us all that Scott Risser and his wife now live in town, and Scott may be joining Stew’s Rotary Club.

Greg Diamontopulos is a slightly proud father of his son, Peter, who received his Class of 2013 Ring on Nov. 18, 2011. To top it off, he made the Dean’s List for the third semester in a row. As for Greg, he has passed the one-year mark as a Government Service (GS) employee, still serving the Department of the Air Force (DAF). That makes 20 years USAF active duty, 16 years as a Support Contractor with MTC Technologies/BAE supporting the DAF, and now over one year as a GS. That’s 37 years

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES sale of F-16 aircraft and initial logistical support serving the USAF in some form or fashion.

William Bhatta to foreign air forces. Now he is “ … using my And to think that those of us in Alpha Company never thought Greg would be able to hold down hands in all sorts of projects, making some music a job. (playing French horn and choral singing), runKimo Wong is still wandering around loose ning, biking, and falling less frequently with less and unsupervised, but he wrote to brag about injury while rollerblading.”

Brother Rats, the Christmas gift he received from Shelley Bill Wolfe sent in a quick update. He spent 21 The chances of my youngest daughter meeting (a.k.a. Shaneenee). With the help of BR Tom years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He an undesirable, my grandson wearing a dog Baur who secured the brick and the skillful flew EC-121 Super Constellation and F4 Phancollar or finding me in a ditch wearing an eye art work of Al and Sandy Morgan’s daughter, toms for about 11 years then finally retired as the patch have decreased a little bit because of the Kimo received a hand painted VMI brick. As OIC of the Homestead Air Force Base Command following three notes: you may recall, a similar one was auctioned off Post. In the mid eighties Bill started working for Gary Czupryna wrote from his home office in in the Keydet Club online auction. Apparently U.S. Customs as a ground radar controller. He Plymouth, Massachusetts. After living in New it is really well done with the VMI spider on transferred to the Miami Air Branch where he Jersey for 19 years, Gary and Mary moved back one side and Barracks on the other. I just hope flew as a sensor operator (working various airto his home state. Gary is a consultant and trainer borne radar and camera systems). Bill also flew Kimo doesn’t use it in a moment of desperation in the safety and hazardous materials transportato open a beer bottle. in the back of Blackhawk helicopters as a “bust tion field. He said his work takes him all over I hear from Ellett Smith from time to time, crew” member – he said the politically correct the country, and sometimes out of it to Chile, he is doing well in the northern Virginia area, term should be tactical team member. He was Tunisia and Oman. Mary is also self-employed but would love to find a job and move to the mandatorily retired from Customs last Septemas a technical writer. The Czupryna’s sons are Roanoke area. I will have to keep my eyes open ber. Now he is working on the honey-do-list and VMI graduates. Dan ’07 is a Captain in the for him. It would be great to have a Brother Rat sending out resumes. Bill’s wife is a substitute Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. After two in town who actually keeps in touch with his teacher at the local elementary school. He has deployments in Iraq, he is stateside now, looking Class Agent! Yes, you know who you are!!!! (It three kids: the oldest son is going to school in couldn’t possibly be that all other such Roanoke forward to his career course at Fort Lee, Virginia, Ohio and is working part time; his youngest son and getting married in Key West, Florida, on BRs fear that since they live so close to me, is in high school; his daughter is in the last year St. Patrick’s Day. Chris ’10 is a 1st Lieutenant they might actually have to see me if they initiof middle school. In his spare time, he takes care in the Army and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. ate contact, could it? Nah.) of three dogs, two cats and a horse.

By the way, all BRs have an open invitation to Last, but certainly not least, Ben VanderberJim Joustra and Sharon are doing well in visit the Czuprynas for “lobstah rolls and clam ry is now the proud father of a fourth classman, Orlando, Florida. Jim works in the Walgreens chowdah.” as his son, Ben, and his Brother Rats, broke out office in Orlando and Chicago, but 50 percent Mike Linaberry checked-in. He has been marlast month! Ben (Jr.) is excited and doing well. of the time he is on the road managing merger ried to Karen for twenty years this August. He He made Dean’s list for the 1st semester in and acquisition projects for the company. Their has two kids from a previous marriage; both are mechanical engineering – Mom’s genes! son, Andrew, graduated from the University of happy and successful. Matthew is a programmer As for the Nunn family, Judy and I are Florida and lives in Los Angeles, California, pleased to announce that we are now grandpar- in Ohio, and Erin is an electrical engineer in where he is trying to start his career in the enterents. Our daughter, Meredith, and her husband, Georgia. Mike said he does not have any grandtainment business. Jim said Andrew has already James, blessed us with a beautiful granddaugh- children yet, “but there is talk.” Mike is retired. done some production work for the Tyra Banks His last job was at Wright-Patterson Air Force ter, Frances Prescott Little, in December. Now Show and has worked on a Pixar movie.

Base as a government contractor. He was part of that is cool! The only other news is that I ran Jay Foertsch and Garry Varney celebrated a team that priced and designed programs for the into my old Dyke while in the grocery store Founders Day together, along with other alumni, the other day. I hadn’t seen Tony Sartini ’72 since the day he graduated, almost 40 years ago. Judy and I sit with his Dyke, Jim Long ’69 at basketball games, and Jim often brings his Dyke, Bobby Cooper ’66.

If we ever add Tony to the mix, we will have four generations of Dykes sitting there. On second thought, that’s just weird!

Thanks to all for staying in touch.

I hope you have had a great winter season, and that spring is shaping up to be great for all of us as well. As always, Class of 1976: At the Oklahoma Chapter Founders Day Dinner on Nov. 15, 2011, were please stay safe and healthy, and stay in Garry Varney, far left, and Jay Foertsch, far right. Col. Tom Trumps ’79 is pictured touch. One more reminder, if you do not second from left in Row 2. Class Agent Bill Bhatta wrote, “I apologize to all Oklahoma get periodic e-mails from me, I don’t alumni in the picture for not listing your names.” According to Bhatta, Varney and have your e-mail address on the class Foertsch forgot to send the names, and so they agreed to make amends by providing list. Drop me a note so I can add you free beverages at the next chapter meeting. on. We actually have fun sometimes!

’76

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CLASS NOTES at the Oklahoma Chapter Founders Day dinner last November. Garry is the chapter’s new vice president and Jay is the secretary. The Commandant of Cadets attended and presented an overview of current cadet life. Jay said you don’t bump into VMI alumni in Oklahoma often, so when everyone is able to get together they have a great time.

There is a Facebook page called Having to Explain VMI Terms to People. Sooner or later, someone will have to explain the term Brother Rats-in-law. John Furr and Kathryn Dickson were married on 30 December 2011 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The next day, Mack Curle, Keith Dickson and Clyde Furr started their road trip (with all of Kathryn’s stuff) to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where John is stationed. The BR trio stayed long enough to unload and eat supper. The next day they visited the Artillery museum at Fort Sill then headed back home. On the way, they met Garry Varney and Jay Foertsch at the Cattleman’s Cafe in the Stockyard section of Oklahoma City for lunch. They toured the Pea Ridge battlefield in northwest Arkansas. The bookstore at the park had Keith’s book Civil War for Dummies on sale. Keith signed them all! They spent time in Memphis on Beale Street eating BBQ, drinking beer and listening to live blues. Then they went to Graceland –evidently, Keith is the consummate Elvis tour guide.

This is a great time to plug VMI Alumni Mobile.

If you are planning a long distance, cross-country road trip and have a smart phone, download the app – it’s free. It’s like having a BR GPS – it will give you the map locations of all alumni based upon where you are. With the app, you might find an opportunity to visit a BR during your trip!

Mack and Paula Curle are getting ready for their son’s wedding in Greenville, South Carolina, on April 21. Ben ’08, promotable to captain this summer, is the Battalion S3 for his South Carolina National Guard unit. Presently he is living in Christiansburg, Virginia, and working for Pepsi in Wytheville, Virginia.

Below is the first BR recipe ever to appear in our Class Notes. I actually intended to publish it in the 35th Reunion notes after receiving several requests for it – the famous Greg and Lyn Hedley 35th Reunion dessert: Ingredients: 1-box of Graham Crackers (whole) 2-(3oz.) pkg. vanilla instant pudding 1-(8oz.) container Cool Whip 3-cups milk 1-can chocolate fudge icing Steps: 1. Mix pudding with milk until thick.

2. Add Cool Whip and mix thoroughly.

3. Put a layer of Graham Crackers in the bottom of a 13x9 pan.

4. Pour half of the pudding over the crackers.

5. Add another layer of Graham crackers.

6. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the crackers.

7. Add a third layer of Graham Crackers.

8. Put icing on the top layer of Graham Crackers.

9. Refrigerate overnight. The longer it sits the better!

10. Run an extra three miles before you eat it.

Class of 1976: From left, Keith Dickson, Clyde Lee Furr and Howard Mack Curle visited Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, during the same week that everyone was celebrating Elvis Presley’s 77th birthday.

Class Agent Bill Bhatta wrote that, to his knowledge, there were no Elvis sightings.

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Mark and Bernadette Sculley are enjoying Brussels, Belgium, and the surrounding area. Mark said the weather is fairly mild; the NATO job is demanding /rewarding; the international community is interesting; and travelling is great too! Mark had a business trip to Estonia in December last year. He said the Estonians invented Skype (appears to be true based on a quick Google search) and the capital city of Tallinn offers free Wi-Fi. The Sculley boys are doing well in school. Christian is on the wrestling team; Mark thinks Daniel will be the next Sculley to graduate from the Class of 2022. Virginia visited for Christmas but Julian ’09 (attending graduate school at the University of Texas) had to celebrate virtually over an Estonian Skype connection on Christmas morning.

Jeff Wall is still serving in the California National Guard, although he can submit his retirement papers any time. Jeff figures he has 18-24 months of service left, if a command sergeant major and a lieutenant colonel do not convince him to go to Afghanistan with them.

But Jeff’s wife has had enough of his trips around the world for the past 10 years. So, they are looking forward and planning to establish a shooting school. A skill set they can teach is long range precision marksmanship, but finding 1200-1500 yard ranges and the necessary safety zones is tough. Trying to do it in California is even harder, so Jeff has to start looking at other locations. He said similar schools have hard corps names like Trident Concepts and Spartan Tactical, so they have opted for “TUGS,” The Unemployed Gunfighter School.

And now the BR minute: Jack Christy completed six business trips to India last year for Boeing. Bill Danzeisen probably received the ultimate birthday present last September 26th – his first grandchild! Four Czuprynas, three Conleys and three Sculleys have graduated from VMI. I know there are many father-BR and BR-son/daughter graduates out there. But I think Mark Moncure’s family holds the record – do you know how many have graduated from VMI? That’s it for now. Hope to hear from each of you soon!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super ’77 Rah, Rah, Rah …

Well once again, it is feast or famine in the notes department. Thankfully, it is a feast this time. Super ’77 stepped up with emails, notes, Christmas cards and pictures. Moe realizes you get tired of seeing pictures of Moe and stories about his travels through ’77 land.

This time it’s different thanks to some help from many of you. Because of this mother lode of information, some of the pictures will be carried over until the next set so please be patient. One might ask why such an outpouring of “b s” from so many BRs. Could it be you were ready to help Moe out or were you motivated by the Christmas card in which Moe threatened your manhood?

Speaking of being threatened Moe would like to share with you that all BRs took the Christmas card in the spirit it was intended EXCEPT ONE BR! Everyone received the same harassment – it is the Brother Rat way.

Moe does admit it seemed odd writing “Sissy Boy” on Lt. General J.D. Johnson’s card, but then we can all remember the humble pie we

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES all had to eat our Rat year and that makes any running for the Nebraska state senate. HopeJoshua should be a Rat then and he will be of us fair game. Moe was surprised that one BR fully we will have good news on a victory ready for a “too large to mail” care package. didn’t give himself the chance to get the joke later. Thanks Mike. Moe stresses the need for BR Mike Lindsay wrote with the sad news because he wouldn’t even open the card. His current information to get reunion updates, etc. that BR Tim Snyder’s brother George died name will never be revealed to protect the overSome others “Missing in Action” are BR John Feb.13, 2012 at the age of 53. Mike had worked ly super sensitive side of his psyche. It’s a good Butchko, BR John Vizzi, BR Eric Letendre, with George on a government project. Tim, our thing Moe has a sense of humor and can laugh BR Colin McKenzie, BR Lee DeMeo, BR thoughts and prayers go out to you and your at himself. It was hard to believe that anyone family. who went through the Ratline and VMI in Coach Bob Thalman (VMI’s “Little general could have such thin skin. What General”) died early this year. He was 89 the hay; maybe he was having a bad day. years old but had fought Alzheimer’s disease Hopefully he will come to our 35th because for the last 10 years. He coached two VMI it appears he needs to be around some real teams to Southern Conference championmanly men. (See the picture of the returned ships in 1974 and 1977. We all remember Christmas card and get a good chuckle). our wins in ’74 as ways to get out of the Moe will never give up the name of this BR Ratline (Go Big Red). In 1981, we also but in defense of one BR whose name probbeat Army and VT. Coach Thalman and his Class of 1977: Bland and Jane Massie, ably came to your mind the minute you read wife, Mary, had been married 62 years. Now Paul and Martha Seufer, and Steve and this, it was Not BR John (Shankopotamus) Coach Thalman has finally caught up with Debbie Kelly at the Lynchburg, Virginia, Marshall. Okay, moving on – BR Johnny Hobbs in the afterlife (hopefully Alumni Chapter Valentine’s Hop in FebSpeaking of BR John Marshall, he sent heaven) and knows the whole story – God ruary 2011 at the Boonsboro Country out the links of BR Glenn “Tasty Kate” help Johnny!

Club.

Davidson’s Rwanda mission trip. For those BR Tim Thompson’s karate team continof you who missed it go to http://vimeo.com/ ues to win championships and awards. They natefrazier/vmi@aol.com for the link. Very Thomas Gibbons, BR Hector Rios, BR Gary have performed at many events including half touching, Glenn, and thanks for your patience Morgan, BR Robert Reibach, and BR Mark time shows. Maybe Tim could bring his demo with Moe’s techno inadequacies. No word yet Abernathy. If anyone knows current informateam to VMI for a football half time show. on the Vegas II Super ’77 trip last fall. Moe is tion for these BRs please send it to Moe or get (Maybe our Reunion Weekend against the having no success getting the participants to them word to contact Moe or Norma Robinson Richmond Spiders). Way to go, Tim. give up the real story. Maybe next year Moe at VMI at 800/444-1839 to update.

BR Bill Nay already has his reunion hotel reswill have to go and give a live report.

BR Bob Gutjahr wrote to let Moe know that ervation and says he can’t wait to see the BRs. Moe saw Stephen Hupp ’84 at a Keydet he has appreciated the cards over the years and He recently landed a sales position at MegaPath basketball game and found out Diana and to say that his son, Joshua, has been given a Networks as the Regional Account Manager for the Huppster were wed last November 2011. conditional appointment to VMI as a member the Enterprise East Team, which provides data, Congratulations to you, Billy Hupp, and best of the Class of 2016. He was accepted in the voice and security for clients. His son is in the wishes to you Diana. Moe hasn’t seen too much early decision process so he must be smart like Air Force and his daughter expects to join the of Billy lately because of his honey- do- list. his father, Bob. Bob it would be great for you Army Officer’s training this summer. He is very Nobly, he made time to take her back to Costa and Ellen to make it to our 35th especially since proud of both of them.

Rica where he popped the question Well, he thought he would be in last year. Thankfully, for us all she Richmond until he retired, but the said yes. once in a lifetime opportunity is Debbie and BR Bob Hartzell sent pulling BR Thomas Pender away.

Moe word of their trip to the CitaThomas will be the Administrative del game where they saw Debbie Law Judge at the United States and BR Steve Kelly. Harts has been International Trade Commission. a regular at so many of the football He will manage litigation, preside games the last few years and his deover evidentiary hearings, and licious tailgates at the home games make initial determinations in the are to die for? The Harts were also agency’s investigations involving at the Institute dinner along with unfair practices in import trade.

BR Mort Mumma, Caryl and BR (These involve allegations of patMark Bryant, and Jane and Moe ent, trademarks and copyright inMassie. Great evening but would fringement) for more go to USITC. be super to have ’77 fill three or GOV. Thomas said “VMI has been four tables. Moe realizes many and always will be a lodestar to me qualify to attend and don’t make it. and I feel my time at VMI is at the Maybe next year. root of any success I have had.”

BR Mike Parish wrote to wish Moe sees BR Paul Seufer from Class of 1977: Bland Massie, Bob Hartzell, Mark Bryant Moe great holidays and update time to time around Lynchburg but and Mort Mumma attended the Institute Society Dinner some contact information. Mike where is BR Bill Cross hiding? on Founders Day 2011. also said that BR Mike Smith is BR Bert Deacon made it to the

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CLASS NOTES alumni meeting but we didn’t have any time BR Gus Robbins just reserved his room for together. BR Chris Perry was at the Keydet the reunion also. Goose had lunch with Caryl Board of Governor’s Meeting in February and and BR Mark Bryant recently, and he said how Moe was able to get Patti and Chris to come beautiful their wedding was. Moe thinks Goose on our 2013 VMI sailing cruise. It’s nice to know Moe will have some other ’77ers for company on this next trip. There’s still time for some other ’77 BRs to sign up for the fun. Chris also sent an e-mail with pictures of his grandson, George Alexander Ross Hening, born July 15, 2011. He will be the 4th generation of the Perry family at VMI and should be in the class of 2033. Now that’s planning ahead. These pictures will be in the next issue.

Class of 1977: Bert Lassiter and Bland The Board of Visitors met in Lynchburg Massie had lunch together in Lynchburg, in Feb. 2012. Moe had hoped to see BR Virginia, on Founders Day 2011.

Kimber Latsha at the reception and dinner afterward but Kimber was not there that evening. He may have come in late that night meant to say how beautiful the bride was and or early the next morning for his meetings. Eihow it made the wedding look the same. ther way we missed each other. Moe assumes Christmas cards and well wishes for the Kimber found “better people” to hang with. holidays were abundant this past year. Debbie, Moe saw a number of BRs at this year’s basJames, (their VMI son) and BR Bob Hartzell ketball games. Janine and BR Eric Hutchings remembered Moe. Travis and BR Tommy Unare regulars and sit near Moe. Peggy and Mike derhill sent cheer and their new address. Pat Meise on several occasions, Charlotte and BR and BR Tim Liles sent joy and said they are John Krovic, BR Bill Powell with Kathy and looking forward to the reunion. Tim did menBR Jeff Munsey, Meg and BR Bill Talley IV tion that his mother had passed away in Nov with Bill Talley V ’03 and Billy Talley VI, fu’11 so their holidays were more subdued. They ture Keydet and Moe. Moe also saw BR Steve are both hoping 2012 is better. Our prayers are Neas in front of Cameron Hall on his way with you both and we will plan on 2012 being to the house he and Denise are building, just great. Alice and BR Steve Turley sent Christoutside of Lexington – more on that later. mas greetings and news that he is still working BR Sid Huguenin emailed a picture of Mary for Jacobs Engineering and supporting DOD Jo and Sid at the Grand Canyon where they in Colorado Springs. They hope to make the went to celebrate his birthday. One of the must reunion. Both are trying to work it in along see places before leaving this earth and Sid with a 30th anniversary trip. Hey Steve, just also will see everyone at the reunion. combine the two and make the reunion part of BR Bert Lassiter stopped by to see Moe the anniversary celebration trip! BR Vanyong when he was in Lynchburg. We had chance to Phataralaoha sent do some catching up and grab lunch together.

Moe a calendar and Moe is sure Bert will be at our reunion. best wishes from

Class of 1977: Bland Massie with Deb and Bob Hartzell tailgating after the “Ride to the I” in September 2011.

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Thailand. His airmail postage was $109.00 BAHT so it sounds like the rest of you need to step it up somewhat. BR Rick Jones sent word in his card that he had to have back surgery and the right knee replaced but is doing well. He plans to see us all in 2012 and plans to continue to support the “Big I” from Northern Virginia. Moe looks forward to seeing you, Rick. Kathleen, James, Sarah and BR Louie Cuellar sent a family photo Christmas card and newsletter. They live in Edmond, OK, but plan to visit Virginia this year. Their son, James, is a junior at Oklahoma State University in the school for aerospace and mechanical engineering. Sarah, their daughter, is 13 and in the 7th grade with an “A” average. She enjoys horseback riding, choir, church and Girl Scouts. Kathleen became a Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor for the Girls Scouts of Western Oklahoma and also serves as a Girl Scout troop leader. Kathleen and Louie are both active in their church. Louie also enjoys racquetball and playing golf. Hopefully, you two can make our reunion. Debbie and BR Steve Kelly sent a nice Christmas newsletter also. Moe has the chance to see them both around Lynchburg from time to time. Steve works for Christian Counseling Services in Lynchburg and teaches courses in the masters counseling program at Liberty University, but not to worry, Steve still cheers for VMI. Debbie retired from teaching in Campbell County Schools in July and was hired as an adjunct math professor at LU three days per week.

Campbell County Schools wanted her to do contract work as a math curriculum specialist for one to two days per week. Doesn’t sound like she is retired after all. Her son, Andrew, works part time in Lynchburg and lives with

Class of 1977: Moe received a returned, unopened Christmas card from ... whom? He will never tell.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES them. In January 2012, they saw Steve’s oldest daughter, Kim, and her new baby boy, Brandon Nathaniel Coogan, in Louisiana. He was born Dec. 29, 2011. Chris is Kim’s husband and works for NASA at Stennis Space Center.

Art Kelly and his wife, Rebecca, have four children in Murfreesboro, TN. Art has his own roofing company and Rebecca keeps up with the kids and a part time photography business. Stephanie and her husband, Ryan, live in Picayune, MS. Stephanie is a massage therapist and Ryan works for Hewlett-Packard at Stennis Space Center. Elizabeth and her husband, Jonathan, are in Shalimar, FL, where he is an associate pastor. They have one child (Noah) and one due in May. Steve’s parents are still in Pulaski, VA. It sounds like Steve and Debbie do a lot of traveling to see family. How do you two keep up with everyone? Just thinking about all this has almost worn Moe out! Teresa and BR John Quackenbush were married on June 27, 2011. They honeymooned in Mesido, Mexico, and also visited the great Mayan pyramid. Quack still enjoys his cars and likes to go to the car show in Las Vegas (Viva Las Vegas) at the Orleans Hotel. On April 6, 2012, Teresa and Quack renewed their vows at the Elvis Graceland Chapel by Elvis himself. Who said Elvis was dead. Sounds like he is alive and well or Quack is on something powerful. John says the 1932 Ford is still a work in progress.

Carol and Mike Conaway sent out a Ground Hog’s Day newsletter this year. (That’s Late for Happy New Year newsletter). Carlin, their daughter is still in grad school at ODU and Christopher is safely back from Afghanistan and Panama City deployments. He is back doing his regular job with Navy Intelligence in Washington, D.C. Mike and Carol continue to work and enjoy their boat when they can.

Mike works at Tetra Tech Tesora and Carol is doing volunteer work. Moe knows you will both be at our reunion.

VMI hosted a Leadership Conference in Marshall Hall in March 2012. Moe was out of the country but would like to have attended. Hopefully there will be an audio of it available. This conference was cadet inspired and was attended by schools from all over the country. Its title was “Cheating, Lying and Honor in America’s High Schools, Colleges and Universities.” It is something we can all be proud to be associated with VMI. Thanks for all the help this time with so much news and Moe looks forward to seeing most of you and your spouses at our Reunion Sept. 14-15, 2012.

Rah, Rah VMI Whole Da*# Class.

In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! Moe

2012-Issue 2

’78

Tom Brown

committee. They chose Terry Dorn. Terry set a goal of bicycling 2010 miles, in coincidentally, 2010. In mid-summer, he suffered a serious accident resulting in a broken clavicle among other injuries. All were thankful it was not more serious.

After recovering, Terry remounted his bike and worked hard to meet his goal. That’s the “Never Say Die!” attitude they seek in the Brother Rat selected for this annual honor. The 2011 BR of the Year is Mark “Gino” Gentile. Gino was the obvious choice to anyone familiar with Gino’s long, courageous and inspiring ordeal with MS. Well-played gentlemen, a very noble endeavor.

Jim Mackin checked in and is still doing that defense contractor thing working out at Chantilly but is looking to get back to the Pentagon. Jim says he is even considering civil service. Off duty, he got an Open Water Dive certification this past November. His qualification dives were made in a nearby quarry in 54 degree water. Jim says shrinkage? Hell yeah. His oldest daughter graduated from Christopher Newport last May … B.S. in bio with a chemistry minor. Jim guesses that erases the stain on the family name, since he had to bow out of bio after three semesters at VMI. His middle daughter is a junior at Radford studying business marketing and the youngest is a sophomore in high school. Jim may have a few more years at the grindstone before he can retire!

Jim met up with Mark Seely and his wife, Sarah, for dinner in D.C. a while back, and then they went to the Bohemian Caverns and heard some great big band jazz music. Jim said it was great catching up with Mark and Sarah! He also met up with Tim Berkhimer and friend at the 2011 Montpelier Hunt Races on the grounds of the James Madison Estate, where Jim is a sponsor, and has a great parking slot right near the finish line. He say it was a great day of horse racing, tailgating and enjoying being out in the country on a nice day!

Aloha, Brother Rats! It is once again my honor to convey to you the latest from the Wide World of ’78. The first update came from the 2011 Founders Day Dinner. Class Agent for Life, Glenn Dallinger, traveled up this way to attend and stopped in at the ’78 suite here at Chez Brown. Glenn has been keeping himself busy in Florida and venturing about to keep up with the class. We attended the dinner along with Ed and Mary Little. A great time was had by all. During the stay we had the privilege of sharing breakfast with Jay and Paula Hutt. Jay is still busy with traveling with his work and enjoying time with his sons and daughter.

Several folks checked in via Christmas cards.

Bob Brown has been keeping busy doing white water rafting and traveling to visit his sons and grandchildren. Tony Pileggi, Mike Oelrich, Rick Wolffe, and Bob Fricke sent greetings and all seem to be doing well. Bill Greg sent along news that he is active in the home inspection business in the northern Virginia and southern Maryland area. Alec Earle sent news that he continues to do Information Technology for the Air Force in the D.C. area. His big news is his 40-foot motor home he got this year. Since getting it the Earles have been on the road back to the San Antonio area, Arizona and, Las Vegas.

So, I think he should bring it down to a football game and host the class pregame party, as it would be a much shorter trip.

Field correspondent Paul Mitchell sent along news of a gathering in the Richmond area. Some Brother Rats met at Phil’s for an interesting evening. According to Paul a few decades ago, they formed a committee to garner nominations and select a Class of ‘78 “Brother Rat of the Year.”

An individual who has best represented the core values of your class and the spirit of VMI during the previous year. Those attending this year’s meeting were Bill Hardy, Steve Oddi, Billy Way, Jerry Harris, Bill Grove, Paul Mitchell, Robert Jenvey, and Anthony Moore.

Sending in proxy votes were Wads Bugg and Ronnie Milligan, the committee chairman.

Class of 1978: Brother Rat of the Year Bill Hardy, Last year they set a precedent Wads Bugg, Bob Jenvey, Jerry Harris, Ron Nichols and selected someone who was and Ronnie Milligan (not in order of appearance). not a member of the selection

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CLASS NOTES Joe Tulskie is still working as a principle engineer in Philly with a focus on working to get business for his company. Joe says he and Chops, Rob Parker, have gone to a couple of Flyers games together. Bob Magnan sent along that he did get to the recent alumni dinner sponsored by Rick Wolffe, where they heard RADM Terry McKnight speak. While there Bob’s “sciatica” really kicked in, meaning he had to be helped to his car for the first time in many a year, and when he got there, he was completely sober and able to drive home. Glad to hear you made it Bob. Don Robey retired in Jan. 2011 from CSX Transportation after 33 years of railroading. His blood pressure has dropped 15 points on both numbers and he has lost about 15 pounds and says life is great. He and Martha are having a blast. They bought a second home in Lexington and get back up that way about three or four times a year. About eight years ago, they also bought 21 acres out in Collierstown (10 miles southwest of Lexington) and will start building a new home in a few years; they’re in the planning stage now and looking for a contractor. They are waiting on the housing market in Florida to improve so they can sell and get “the hell out of the oven.” Don spent a good part of the time traveling throughout the South.

Don started playing some golf again, he does not think his game will every break a 100, but it beats going to the office. So true Don. Mike McCarthy tells me life in El Paso continues to go well. He has been recovering quickly from surgery and with great results. Says he has no more reflux, is completely off eight of nine of the meds he was taking. Mike has been cleared to restart PT, and he has dropped 55 pounds. Mike says the only down side is running out of clothes that fit. He reports the local charities are getting a windfall. Scott LaCagnin sends along that things are still clicking along in Plano. He invested a few more bucks into some nice spectrum analyzers for his countermeasures business. Scott says the lengths that people go to spy on each other and the lengths companies go to spy on each other never ceases to amaze him. When he is not bug hunting, he is writing screenplays. There’s a producer/director in Austria interested in shooting one of his scripts in German, wouldn’t that have made Lt. Col. Weing’s day. Paul Campbell checked in and reported his son, Scott (’04), and daughterin-law, Misia, had a baby girl on December 30.

Although the delivery became long and complicated; mom and Anya are doing well. Dad and Granddad are also holding up pretty well, too.

Congratulations grandpa Paul. Bill Robertson tells me life is good in Midlothian. Bill enjoyed reading recently about how members of the Institute and cadets participated this past October in the Tough Mudder at Wintergreen. The class

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of ’78 was represented in the event on Sunday the 23rd. Bill and his son completed the course.

He says it is terrific sharing the event with his son. The Tough Mudder is an insane event but definitely worth it. Anyone want to sign-up for next year?

That concludes this edition of your notes, which means that I need new material as you read this. Please get your input to me by May 14. Also, the 35th Reunion is just around the corner, fall of 2013, so start thinking about getting involved.

In the Spirit

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope everyone had a great holiday and winter season and that everyone is well.

All is well at the LaRose house. Jim and Kathie have a boxer puppy who is their “new baby.” Jim has been travelling quite a bit for work (no news there BR), and has twice been to the Netherlands and Finland (in the dead of winter)! Jim says (whines) that he is starting to have knee trouble from running, so he is playing tennis instead. Says he is still sore but a different sore. “It’s hell to get old.” He says. Concur roomie, concur.

Ed Johnson continues to work on the Navy staff as the branch head for submarine manpower and training. He plays as much golf as he can and recently went on his fourth annual “mancation” with his golf buddies in November to Myrtle Beach. This year they took on Pinehurst in September. Wife, Judy, is still working at the library in Old Town Alexandria and Kate is in the fourth year of a Ph.D. program at Michigan State. I think we need a ’79 golf outing. All in favor of Ed organizing it raise your hand please!

A quick note from Mitch Bottoms: “Not much going on with me … still adjusting to marriage with my Chinese wife (seven years now) … enjoying my Veterans disability pension and hanging out on Facebook … hay down and all duty.”

John Colonna writes from Norfolk, “Teresa and I went to Miami in January. The transplant surgeons have a Winter Symposium in south Florida every January, and Teresa and I make it a mini-vacation. I was standing in line at a nearby deli and saw a guy with a VMI baseball hat. He was from ‘75 and said he was in town for a meeting of the Virginia Transportation Contractors Association, which was being held at the same hotel. When I told him I was from ‘79, he said there were several classmates at the meeting.

I later ran into Rich McDonough in the hotel lobby and he confirmed. I crashed their party on

Saturday, knowing that a party with four guys from ‘79 would, by nature, be a better party than a party with only one. Boy was I right. Our party had a DJ playing Dancing Queen and theirs had a live band dressed like the Blues Brothers. I had a great time talking to Rich, Bill Hamlin, Al Soltis and Jeb Burton. A Rat from ‘82 was also there.” Sounds like ’79 rules!

“Nectar” Pace confesses, “I still owe Bill Albro his GLASSES back from this past fall event at the “I” (Dave Jeter’s barbecue in Tom Trumps front yard over Parent’s weekend).

I believe it was around the October 2011 +/timeframe, when he thought he had them on but really didn’t. I’ve been wondering how he has survived without them these last several months.

Must have gone underground with the moles.

It really was an awesome time, and enjoyed hanging out with you BRO after the event – I’ll get them in the mail soon!” Yup, checks, I mean glasses, are “in the mail.”

Bro’s turn. With regards to my suggesting that he write less difficult to decipher e-mails, Albro writes, and I quote: “Roger – help a BR out w/o being a BRF in the process – an inculcated lifestyle from long ago … will attempt less cryptic but with some verbosity. I have heard rumor that BR Alveraz (please note spelling) is retiring… (if not already). Got my quarterly e-mail “note of harassment” from Meade (Spotts) two days ago... (he called it a “status check”) … I think I am going to nominate Cheryl for the Nobel Prize in tolerance. I talked w/ Doug Mauck a few days ago. He seems to be doing ok and is looking forward to spring. That is about all I know. Not a lot of contact since the last cryptic email … I guess we are all hung up w/ work and such... not getting “out an about”... at least I don’t appear to be.”

Pete Alvarez responds to above email: “Bro: Live with a guy two years and he still can’t get your name spelled right. Jeez!” Bro counters with, and again I quote: “I didn’t spell Padro right? Jeez – this engineer could never spell – and all thumbs on the keyboard to boot!”

Pete continues … “I am hanging up my trench coat March 1st. Hope to have a retirement ceremony sometime after, to which I also hope ‘79ers who can come will make a good showing.

More details as I get them. BR Tollie is back in town from the sacred realm and hope to get together with him and BR Poffenbarger on Feb. 16. (In fact, a nice size gathering is anticipated the day after these notes are due.) My daughter is zeroing in on the end of her junior year of high school and has already netted a provisional appointment for the class of 2017. We’ll see which school she chooses!”

Brian Lettieri and wife, Doreen, lost their house to fire on January 6th. He writes, “If you Google CBS ‘Huntington Beach House Fire’ there are two

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES video stories that were done that aired on the news. ‘he had had enough of school, he would not go to for Fort Benning school for boys to enlist in the At this point, the house is a 100% total loss and so college (especially not VMI!) and he was going to Infantry. Nothing like going the opposite way from are all of the contents. Thirty-two years of memo- join the military.’ So, okay, he did. He left mid-Oct. the rest of the Vordermark Field Artillery Colonels! ries ... gone. My health is OK. I did ‘I just want to carry a gun, ride in a have an angina attack, that’s why I Stryker, and not tell other people what to went to the hospital. Our dogs were do,’ he says. (Chain of command did not all saved by the fire department. We mean a thing to the boy yet!) So, next are now living in a rental home for week, on the 15th of February, Jeff and what we believe will be the next I will fly to Georgia and watch our boy nine months.” So sorry to hear about graduate ... showing us he did exactly the house BR but glad all are safe what he said he was going to do and he and sound. Keep us posted please. did it well. Now, considering that he is Chuck Smith and Roberta have the 2nd to the smallest in his group of been wondering if there are any 175 enlistees, (and by small I mean 121 BRs who frequent Smith Mountain pounds! That one is important to him!)

Lake? They have finally finished and they wear 60 pound+ packs ... the their six years of weekend labor fact that he survived the one week FTX, and extend an invite to any ‘79 on the 12 mile ruck march, and the five the lake to pull in to their escape mile Eagle Run is a great accomplishin Franklin County. They are there ment and we are thrilled for him. (His most weekends. Chuck says to just PT run was 12:21) His first assignment head up Grimes Creek at channel is Fort Carson and he heads there immarker R39 off the Roanoke River mediately after graduation on the 17th, and look for the windsock at “Safe so we are anxious to hear what unit Landing.” he will be in and what exactly he will Susan for the Rat, I mean Colonel, be doing. Other than that, Jeff has just Jeff Vordermark (love it when welcomed ILE class #6 of his “retired” the wives write in!) reports: “We career and it looks to be “the best year had a crack in the foundation of our of their life” as always. Jeff and I are house. Long story, lots of money, also filling in for Tom and Jean Schmidt lots of time, LOTS of fighting with who are on sabbatical from their jobs builder and insurance and 19 piers as Officer’s Christian Fellowship full later, it’s repaired. Jeff is putting the time representatives here at the Fort drywall back up, so I’m going to Leavenworth Chapel. For the next two give you some Vordermark updates months, we will help facilitate the ongoin his place. Really only one big ing neighborhood bible study program update but, the one we are the most (of which there are about 50 small group proud of right now... our “baby,” home studies) as well as the Tuesday Class of 1979: Dan Kornacki ’79 completed a NovemSeth, who just turned 19 three weeks morning discipleship breakfast at the ber 2011 Ironman competition in Florida with a time of 12:05:38. ago, decided in March of 2011 that Chapel. Jeff is also heavy into making his own turkey wingbone Turkey calls.

They are beautiful and pretty popular around here so far. He also has been playing at being a semi-taxidermist, cleaning up deer heads and doing European mounts of them. They look good and save his friends some tedious work.

So, if any of you are in the Kansas City/ Leavenworth area look us up. We will be hosting our 6th annual New Market Day gathering and ya’ll are welcome to drop in and hang with us.”

Thanks Susan. As I said, I love it when the wives write. So much MORE information!

Some sad news as last November Paul Lachmanek’s wife, Amy, was Class of 1979: In February 2012, members of the class gathered in northern Virginia diagnosed with breast cancer. Not to celebrate Brian Tollie’s visit back to the states from Cambridge, England, where he to get into details but it has not been had been for training. From left: Mike Staso, Gleb Taran, John Poffenbarger, Doug easy, to say the least, but she is fightDoerr, Tom Manley, David Smith, Brian Tollie and Rich McGruder. ing the good fight and has a positive

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CLASS NOTES prognosis. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Mike Thomas dropped a note: “I joined Meade Spotts on his annual weekend before Thanksgiving pheasant hunting trip and tent revival to Hollybrooke Farm in Ideal, South Dakota. This was the last year that Hollybrooke would be operated by Doc and Sherry Skewes – lifetime friends of Meades. Jim Elliott also received permission from the CINC Home to make the trip. The night we arrived a prairie blizzard blew through the state. We spent the next couple of days trying to shoot birds assisted by a 30-40 mph tailwind. Our hit percentage definitely improved as the wind speed decreased.

In the small world category, my brother-in-law, George Corey, UGA ’79, reports seeing Eric Nost and Noel Harris at a goose picking shed outside Chestertown, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore. After spending four years at Washington College in Chestertown, Eric’s son, Foster, was able to guide his dad and Noel on a once in a lifetime Eastern Shore Canada goose hunt. In the even smaller world category, Eric and George played on the same lacrosse team at the Severn School in Annapolis, Maryland.” Thanks for the update Mike. I need to get in on some of these adventures!

John Blake wrote in with a story related to the VMI uniforms for class notes. “Last fall, my oldest son, Jonathan, was selected to be the Assistant Director/Stage Manager for the Virginia Highlands Community College’s fall production of “The Oldest Living Graduate” written by Preston Jones. Jonathan needed some authentic uniforms from a military academy. So, we contacted Mr. Larry Blackwell, quartermaster at VMI and he took our measurements for the two

actors. We only had to make two road trips to VMI from Abingdon, VA, to get a perfect fit for both actors. We were so impressed at his expertise. We were so grateful for his help. Comments from the audience were more than positive about the play and the uniforms, and Jonathan bought several souvenirs at the bookstore on post. Now you know the rest of the story and now I need to write a thank you letter to Jeff Curtis in Puzzle Palace before he sees this story!”

Pretty neat story BR. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well with newly married life!

John Ozolins (Elaine actually…another WIFE!) writes that their son, Jason, married his high school sweetheart last October and other son, Jeremy, will be graduating from Clarkson University this spring. John continues to make his daily commute to Fort Drum each day (two hours each way thank you very much!) and Elaine continues to maintain the home front and keeps up with VMI activities via Facebook.

Ray Duffett dropped me a hand written letter (easy reading, let’s remember, he’s an orthopedic surgeon…I say again, DOCTOR). He reports that things are well in Ohio. He is heavily involved with Youngstown State University athletics as their team physician. His eldest is a student at Y.S.U. and a manager for the football team. His middle girl is a freshman at Furman, and he says his youngest, who is 14, is probably his future Cadet. The lad plays football and wrestles and loves guns, “etc.” Ray has been in orthopedic “stuff” for 24 years and does mostly total joint replacements (I can see BRs copying down THAT information for future use!) and sports medicine, as well as taking his share of ER duty. He is one of three Board Counselors from Ohio for the American Academy of Ortho-

pedic Surgeons, which function as the “House of Representatives” for Ohio’s orthopedic surgeons.

Fun work he says but time consuming! Ray closed his letter saying that he is still married to the same gal and she is doing well!

Great to hear from you and sincere appreciation for taking the time to actually hand write a letter.

Iron man Dan Kornacki completed IRONMAN Florida last November. He did it in 12:05:00, “a PR if you take out the eight minutes to change a flat!” He continues, “I had my best IM splits ever, but the tire change took me over.

Starting back up training for IMFL 2012. Also, my daughter, Leigh Ann, was married this past November, and my son, Doug (Citadel ’04), will deploy to Afghanistan in April; supposedly the last combat deployment. He is an Armor Officer in a Stryker Brigade.” Dan obviously missed Jim LaRose’s comments about getting old!

All is well here with Renee on the Virginia Eastern Shore. Youngest graduates from ODU in the spring, is getting married and moving to Canada (my future daughter-in-law is very wellemployed up there). Talk about some significant life changes! Eldest continues his work with the Marines in Camp Lejeune and expects to finish college next winter. My golf game still sucks.

My annual physical is scheduled for next Thursday. When is yours? (Nag. Nag. Nag.) Stay well Brother Rats.

’80

Class of 1979: While attending the Transplant Surgeons Winter Symposium in south Florida, John Colonna and wife Teresa ran into some BRs attending a meeting of the Virginia Transportation Contractors Association, which was being held at the same hotel. From left: Jeb Burton, Bill Hamlin, Chris Bucher, Rich McDonough, John Colonna and Al Soltis.

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John Gibney Jr.

Hello. Brother Rats, By direction of the Alumni Review staff, these notes cover the period October 15, 2011 through February 15, 2012, a four-month period that included the New York Giants fourth Super Bowl Championship.

Typically, the reporting period would begin on November 15th. The period also included some sad news as one of our BRs lost his battle with cancer.

The period began with Patti and me traveling to Richmond for a VMI Foundation Board meeting and continuing on to Lexington for a football game. In Richmond, Hugh and Renee Fain graciously opened their home and hosted a party for us that included two, backyard performances by their daughter, Sally. John Blankenship arrived wearing his not-fully-buttoned coatee. Hugh was

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES able to both locate and button his coatee! Other and works in Richmond. We also pilgrimaged Navy after more than 30 years of service. Tom attendees were Paul and Ann Burkholder, from to Robby Jones’ jewelry store then had lunch and Tammy now do a lot of traveling. They Winchester; John and Margie Caplice; Kevin at The Palms where we were joined by Robby had planned to visit VMI for a football game Cordray; Rick Fowler; Tolar Nolley, who trav- and Ed Bower and Ed’s fiancée, Cindy. If you and plan to visit VMI for a basketball game in eled in his Oyster Company of Virginia SUV; look at the photos before reading the notes, you February.

Allen Ramer; Dan and Cindy Sweeney who get ten demerits but you already know that Ed November ended with an annual Thanksgivtraveled in their new Jeep Grand Cherokee; and and Cindy were married the following week in ing visit to NYC by Gary Levenson, Karen Dixon Tucker. Thanks to all for your hospitalLynchburg. and their grandson, Tyler, and a phone call ity on a Thursday night. with John Alerding, as we share a wedding We then drove to Lexington. Most years, a anniversary date. John’s son, Johnny, will group of our BRs gather in Lexington for a graduate from VMI in May and enter the Air round of golf and to attend a football game.

Force.

Mike Lunning and Rob Quarles typically December began with a birthday cardspearhead this effort. Gary Levenson now related phone call with Ed Baker. Ed said lives on the parade ground and his front yard that he, Dianna, their two children and his served as a command post where tents were medical practice are doing well. Katie is a erected, food was cooked and coolers were double major at UNC and will graduate in full. On Saturday evening, Gary hosted a May. Charlie is a high school junior and is party. This year’s attendees included: Tom considering attending VMI. Ed wrote in a and Beth Bersson; Don Bradshaw; John subsequent e-mail that Dennis and Donna Class of 1980: Ben Judge and Aaron Bush and Margie Caplice; Sean Gallagher, who Loba visited their home on the Outer Banks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in August 2011. flew in from Washington State to also attend of North Carolina this summer and that all his son’s wedding; Larry and Vera Hupertz survived the hurricane. and their daughters, Alex and Monica; Andy and Don Bradshaw visited NYC with his Army A second birthday card-related call came from Nicki Ludlum; Dan and Cindy Sweeney; Dixon War College class. Don’s visit included a briefTuck Masker, who said that Kerri and Tuck Jr. Tucker; and Preston and Sheri Vock. ing at FEMA in Lower Manhattan. The briefing are both doing well.

Dixon Tucker also organized a VMI chapter was given by Larry Ciacci.

Rick Fowler, Dave Gleason, Jack Keane and lunch in Chesapeake in October. Ali Mahan, Pat Griffin called. In his role as president Tom Kelly represented the Class of 1980 at a Dave Sadowski and Bob White represented of the New England chapter of the alumni ascareer networking forum. our class. sociation, Pat ran a new cadet recruiting event.

Matt Griffin sent an e-mail with a photo that A military history request prompted an e-mail Supporting Pat at the event were Ed Carter, should appear with these notes. Matt divides his to Rob D’Alessandro. Rob is the chief of MiliBruno Loefstedt, Dennis Maguire and Doug time between Meridian, MS and New Orleans tary History at Fort McNair. Rob recommended Reddington. Pat also planned to attend an in his role as the superintendent for the Norfolk Forrest Marion, who works at Air Force open house at VMI in December with his son, Southern Railroad in the New Orleans area. He Historical in Alabama. Forrest both addressed Michael, and to travel through Richmond and and Diane have four children. Cory is an Ole the issue and noted that his son, a member of visit Frank Bell.

Miss graduate and in law school. Mary Paige the second class at VMI, was doing well and Tom Johnston sent an e-mail after readis an Ole Miss sophomore and a Rebelette. looking forward to Ring Figure. ing the Alumni Review. Tom retired from the Margaret and Maddie are in 10th grade and Jack Keane connected Peyton Campbell with a number of our BRs via e-mail. Peyton and Patricia have been married for 27 years. Peyton retired from the Navy and has moved from Northrup Grumman to working for the Department of the Navy.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Joe Brown sent an e-mail providing the date of the annual visit to NYC that he and Sue make. Joe also wrote that he and Sue flew to Charleston for the VMICitadel football game. In Charleston, they saw local residents John and Debbie Runyon.

October ended with Patti and I, dressed as Occupy Wall Street protesters, attending an annual Halloween party with Matthew and Tanya Keys.

In November, Patti and I attended The Institute Society dinner where we sat with Rick and Ginny Fowler. Thanks to Gary Levenson for housing us. We also had dinner with Jay and Trudy Melvin. Their son, Jason, has Class of 1980: Aaron and Nancy Bush and their five children – Wes, Zach, moved to Denver where he works in comKinsey, Jeremiah and Lucas – surrounding granddaughter Ava Alessandra. mercial insurance. Their daughter, Sarah, lives

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CLASS NOTES 8th grade, respectively, in Meridian. Matt was Cards with photos arrived from Dave Hageunable to attend our last two reunions but is man; Larry, Vera, Alex and Monica Hupertz; planning to attend our 35th. He wished all of Robby, Beth, Katie and Ginny Jones; Louis, our BRs a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Michelle, Josie and Jonathan McBride; Phil, Year.

Kathy, Meghan and Connor Munisteri; Rob, Andy Ludlum also made a birthday card-reElizabeth, Arkell, Marshall and Fielding Quarlated phone call. He still flies for Southwest airlines out of BWI. He and Nicki now have two grandchildren.

Joe and Sue Brown visited NYC in connection with Joe’s current position as the commandant of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Matthew and Tanya Keys joined us for dinner at a French restaurant. Joe and Sue plan to host us and our D.C. BRs in March when we attend an annual conference.

Chal Glenn and I spoke, and Chal reports that he, Robin and their children are all doing well. Mackenzie lives in Nashville and works for TeachForAmerica. Jennifer has returned from Barcelona where she taught English as a second language and is a nurse in Charlotte.

Josh is studying economics at Clemson. Chal also said that, four years after breaking his leg, he plans to resume playing golf this summer.

Class of 1980: Cindy and Ed Bower were Just before Christmas, Larry Ciacci and I married on Nov. 19, 2011, in Lynchburg, had lunch. His FEMA office in Lower ManVirginia. hattan is only a few blocks from my office.

Thank you to all our BRs who sent Christmas cards. Cards arrive with hand written les; Rob, Traci, Maddie and Caitlin Robinson; comments, printed updates of activities over the Wade and Lannie Stinnette; and Elliott and year, with enclosed photos, as photos and with Amy Wolffe. photos printed in the enclosed updates.

Larry and Lynn Avery sent a note claiming Those sending cards without enclosures were that the sugar-white beaches define a white John, Anne and Johnny Alerding; Steve, Cathy, Christmas in Florida. Larry is retired from the Virginia and Cathy Andrews; Paul and Ann Air Force and is working as a consultant. Their Burkholder; Joe Burns; Sean Gallagher and son, Connor, is a sophomore in high school.

Liz; Tom Gelles; Pat, Beth, Michael and John Their daughter, Kim, teaches 5th grade. Their Griffin; Andy and Nicki Ludlum; Tim and son, Colby, will receive his master’s from Becky Mecredy and Rob Wheeler. Wheelz is Florida State this spring. still flying for American Eagle.

Joe and Sue Brown sent a note with their

Class of 1980: Matt Griffin, center, with his brother, Paul, and six Ole Miss Rebelettes. Griffin’s daughter, Mary Paige, is a Rebelette.

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photo-card. Their son, Daniel, was married in May 2011 and is on active duty in the Air Force. Their daughter, Emily, is a senior at William and Mary.

Aaron and Nancy Bush sent a card with two enclosed photos. They are new grandparents!

Aaron is retired from the Army, teaches, and coaches in Hershey, PA. Their son, Wes, lives and works in Leesburg. Zach and Ashley celebrated their first wedding anniversary, and Kinsey had her daughter, Ava Alessandra, on January 11, 2011 (1/11/11).

Jeremiah attends Pace University in Lower Manhattan. Lucas is in 8th grade.

Frank and Debbie Borsi sent a photo-card with a note. Their daughter, Jennifer, is working on her master’s degree and manages the family ranch in Florida. Jessica, a writer, tutors at a local college.

Matthew and Tanya Keys sent a photocard and note from their apartment near an occupied Wall Street. Matthew has been promoted to district manager with Sleepy’s.

Their son, Andrew, was promoted to manager at Applebee’s in Times Square. Their son, Bryan, moved to D.C. and works in the pharmaceutical industry. Tanya has a new job with a UK-based recruiting firm.

Jay and Kathleen McCauley sent a note with their card. They began the year in Colorado but relocated to Virginia when Jay, who works for the Air Force, departed for Bagram AFB in Afghanistan for a one-year tour. Their son, Sean, is in his second class year at VMI. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is a junior in high school. Kathleen manages an urgent care unit.

Brian and Kim O’Neill sent a card with a note and two enclosed photos. Their already large family added two members. Their son, Ryan, married Heather, his high school sweetheart.

They live in Charleston. Their daughter, Kelly, married Kevin and they reside in Virginia Beach. Their son, Tim, is in his third year in the architecture program at UVa. Kirsten is a high school senior applying to colleges. She plans to enter a nursing program. Brenda is a high school freshman. Brian, retired from the Navy, is the Deputy Director of Operations for the Submarine Force.

Bert and Peggy Schneider sent a card and noted that there are an ever-increasing number of cadets matriculating from their home state of Arizona. Bert is an active new cadet recruiter. Their daughter received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley. Their son will graduate in May from Colorado State University with a veterinary degree. Peggy is in nursing school.

Mark and Darleen Sobota sent a note with a page of photos. They are planning a mission trip to Mozambique, Africa in the fall. Their

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES able for Ken Baybutt (2), Mike Bellamy, V. son, Chad, is planning a July wedding. He is a Dunn, Joe Hinton, Bert Liverance, Mike double EE/CE major at Miami (Ohio) UniversiRellins (3), Phil Raeburn and Mass Tahamty. Their son, Luke, is a junior at the Ohio State tani. Address labels are provided by the Alumni University. He is planning for a 2013 wedding.

Association for cards. Letters are addressed and Traci and Jennifer Wilson sent a card and a mailed from Lexington. If I receive updated note with photos. They have two very active information, I forward it to VMI and they daughters, Sienna (7) and Ellie (4), who include update all files. ballet and Spanish in their after school activiFinally, each Class Agent is allowed to pubties. They also traveled extensively in 2011 lish a maximum of five photos with their Class including a trip to Disneyland.

December ended with the Giants needing a Notes, which may not exceed five typed pages. victory over the Cowboys on January 1 to make the playoffs.

January began with a call from Pat Griffin. He and Beth hosted Phil and Kathy Munisteri for New Year’s. Pat also said that he had dinner with Jack Keane and Gary Levenson when he visited VMI in January.

Eli Alford sent an e-mail containing his new address in Cincinnati.

Gary Levenson called to get Andy Brown’s e-mail address. Andy is a Rear Admiral in the Navy stationed Class of 1980: Dennis Jacobs and Jack Keane in Europe. He and Sharon expect to Tahoe in February 2012. return to the U.S. this summer. Their son, Christian, is a high school junior.

Casey is in his third year of medical school. Joe All photos have to meet publication requireis a Navy pilot. ments. Therefore, some of the photos received Larry Hupertz sent a note after receiving his during the period have not been published. birthday card noting that he is looking forward They may appear in future editions. Also, some to the annual fall visit to VMI in 2012. of the narrative was abbreviated due to the Hugh Fain was named president of the Virlength of these notes. ginia Bar Association.

On February 13, George “Ralph” Snyder Chris Dombalis called after receiving his passed away. Chal Glenn said that he, Doug birthday card and reported all well with work Burton, Rick Gilbert and Bill M’Coy visited and the family. We plan to have lunch in the Ralph in the hospital in Huntsville, AL, just City. prior to his passing where they told stories February began with an e-mail from Jack to Ralph’s wife and two boys. Doug Burton, Keane connecting Jeff Basilotta with John Rick Gilbert, Chal Glenn, Bill M’Coy, Mark Hughes. I was then copied on e-mail between McLean and Allen Ramer plan to attend the Tom Bersson, Boyd Gaines, Les Walsh and funeral. Ave Atque Vale!

Bob White. Les wrote that he is retired from the Army and that Carolyn, Brian (21) and Erin Trip Lloyd (16) are doing great. They live in Peachtree City, GA. Les has been working as a contractor, mostly in Afghanistan. He is currently with General Dynamics.

Jack Keane also sent an e-mail with a photo taken at Tahoe where he skied with Dennis Dear Brother Rats and Families, Jacobs.

This submission is entitled: At this writing, it Thanks to Hugh Fain, Larry Hupertz and has been a lackluster winter for those of us in Matthew Keys for sending e-mail following the the commonwealth seeking nearby skiing. The Giants Super Bowl victory. And thanks to Tolar groundhog has seen his shadow promising an Nolley for the call on Super Bowl Sunday. At early spring and some of us are looking forward submission it is less than 10 days until the Yanto children finishing school and polishing our kees report for spring training. Lin-Sanity? The summer vacation plans. In December, I acRangers are atop the NHL! No snow? It’s been cepted a new leadership position with the U.S. a good winter for New York sports fans.

Agency for International Development and A birthday card, Christmas card and/or a letter oversee the budget and operations for anything from the Class Agent was returned as undeliver- having to do with Global Health. The commute

’81

2012-Issue 2

is the same and the hours are longer, but the opportunities are better and the culture is much nicer. It was a good career change.

I am saddened to share that Dickie Augustine’s father, Harry Hamill Augustine Jr. ’46, of Richmond, VA., passed away on January 24, 2012. Dickie’s father grew up in Richmond and attended VMI, his favorite alma mater. During his sophomore year at VMI (1942), he was drafted into the Army Air Corps (397 Bomb Group) and flew 26 missions over Germany.

John Williams writes that he and Julie are still living in Arlington. Julie just started with TIAA-CREFF, and John is still working with Freddie Mac (since 1999). He sends out a hello to Mike Hatfield and Mark Kanter.

Jerry Manley reported that a Class of ‘81 Breakfast Bunch occurred on January 29, 2012, at the IHOP in Chantilly, VA. Included in the gathering were: Joe Provenzano, Adrian Bogart, at Lake John Cawthorne, George Depaoli Jr., Mark Olson, Ken “Piggy” Herbert, Jeff Adler, Jerry Manley, Glenn Alexander, Grover Outland III and Gene Loving. Also in attendance were the lovely wives, Christie Adler and Theresa Olson and a new son, Lucas Loving.

Gene Loving and the Loving clan (Susan and Grace) are excited to announce they have added to the clan. They adopted a newborn in January, Lucas William Loving, born on January 6, 2012. Lucas is doing well and getting in shape to join the Class of 2033.

CP Davis shared that his son, Tyler, is graduating this spring from North Carolina State, and will be starting with Norfolk & Southern Railway in an operations management training position based in Charlotte. CP says that his dad worked at the railroad for over 40 years so a legacy is in place. CP is working with a few firms in Charlotte on business and investment advisory, and recently reached out to the VMI career center to solicit names for open positions within these companies.

Jim and Mei-Ling Frishkorn will be relocating to Charlottesville, VA, in the spring. Jim received a great job offer from TEC Inc., an engineering consulting firm that is less than a mile from the UVA campus. Jim says it’s hard to believe that this will be their second retirement in just nine months (AFRES and Civil Service). Jim and Mei-Ling will miss the Florida panhandle, but plan to get back periodically to check on their home and get some sand between their toes. Jim credits John Cawthorne, who was instrumental in providing advice on this career move. John, Jim appreciates all your guidance and looks

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CLASS NOTES children can retell most of the stories with all the forward to the next big game hunt on Lanai. names, dates, and details!

Marc and Laura Barthello write that he was Rich Wiggs and his wife, Lisa, have moved to at VMI with his folks for a weekend visit last Huntsville, AL, working a new job (same comfall and ran into Jeff Adler. Jeff was at VMI for Parents Council activities. Marc is also active with, and gets to visit Grover Outland twice a year when participating in the Cadet-Alumni Networking Forum.

Grover continues to provide great leadership in this event and the cadet attendance grows dramatically each time. Marc also had a chance to catch up with Mike Shupp as he participated in the Dec. 2011 event. Marc’s only complaint was having to suffer through an onslaught of 1982 participants. Laura and he ran into Clinker Moss and his son, Shelton, at a basketball game this past January, which was no surprise as Clinker and family are at most Class of 1981: Mark Olson and his new VMI games! bride, Theresa, on their wedding day, Jan. Johnny Dixon and his wife, Patricia, 13, 2012, in Hawaii. took a couple of days “off” and slipped down to their house on Gwynn’s Island to catch their breath and let their collective blood pressure drop about a thousand points! All is well with them, and he is still a Faculty Officer teaching chemistry and physics at Carson Long Military Academy in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania. Johnny shared that he hadn’t thought about our “Breakout” for some time, but wondered how 34 years could have slipped by so quickly. He has one of our class patches framed with a simple brass plaque under it that reads: “1 March 1978.” He says it’s a great conversation starter for guests who haven’t heard all Class of 1981: Gene Loving with son Luke and John Cawthorne. the stories, but adds that Patricia and the

pany). He says he is already enjoying a slower pace of life and shorter commute as compared to that of northern VA. Rob Costello writes that his son, Lt. j.g. Ian Costello ’09, was married to his lovely wife, Michelle (nee, Messina), December 31, at the Omni in Richmond. Rob’s Rat roommate, Pastor Dave Taylor performed the ceremony. On another note, Rob ran into Dave Hinchee, Jim Hart and Jim Waring at the VMI-ODU basketball game December 22 at ODU. Barry Beemer left Centra Health in Richmond in February to take up a travel nurse job in Washington, D.C., working for Washington Hospital Center through the middle of May. His wife took a position working with Capital Hospice. He writes, “After that, who knows where we will go.

The empty nest is good.”

Mark Olsen started as the G3 for Marine Corps Installations Command the week of Thanksgiving.

He expects to finish his M.S. in Public Administration in May. The big news is he was married on Friday, January 13, 2012 to Theresa in Hawaii.

The newlyweds are now living in Culpeper, VA, and Mark is driving to the Pentagon every day.

Ray Lawson ran his first 5K race and finished first in the 50+ age group. There were not many in that age range, and those that ran were not in great shape, but he says, “I’ll take a win anywhere I can get one.” He did finish less than a minute behind a group of college guys that were in pretty good shape, so he feels like he was hustling along at a pretty good clip.

’82

Charles Kause

If seasons all were summers, And leaves would never fall, And hopping casement-comers Were foodless not at all, And fragile folk might be here That white winds bid depart; Then one I used to see here Would warm my wasted heart!

Class of 1981 Above: From left, Rob Costello; his son, Lt. j.g. Ian Costello ’09; and Dave Taylor at Ian’s wedding. Taylor, a pastor, presided over the wedding.

Photo right: Pastor Dave Taylor with newlyweds Michelle and Lt. j.g. Ian Costello ’09.

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One frail, who, bravely tilling Long hours in gripping gusts, Was mastered by their chilling, And now his ploughshare rusts.

So savage winter catches The breath of limber things, And what I love he snatches, And what I love not, brings.

The Farm Woman’s Winter, Thomas Hardy

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CLASS NOTES Though winter has been somewhat mild in northern Virginia, the season has been somewhat savage on morale and purse. As I feared, I lost my slot on a government contract due to budget cuts. At the same time, the company I was employed by was facing budget cuts, as well, and I found myself on the street. The bad thing was I missed a Founders Day Breakfast in the Pentagon, where I was to catch up with Curtis Southern. I ran into Curtis in the hallways of the Pentagon. I had not seen him since graduation, but I immediately recognized his saunter before I actually recognized his face. He is a civilian government official on the Army staff, and I hope he comes to our 30th Reunion, so I can report more details.

I heard from my old Rat roommate, Jose Suarez around Thanksgiving. He was honored at a banquet in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as one of the ten most influential Hispanic Canadians in 2011. The Honorable Diane Ablonczy, Canada’s Minister for the Americas, and Michael Darch, Managing Director of global marketing at the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, presented the award. This year’s winners were chosen from 29 nominees from four provinces and representing 11 countries of origin. The honorees were selected by a panel of judges comprised of past winners and executives from the Canadian Foundation for the Americas, Canadian Broadcast Corporation, Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, Canadian Council for the Americas and The Toronto Star. Jose is a senior vice president, Business Development, Global Mining and Metallurgy at the engineering firm SNC-Lavalin. He was recognized for his work and support for women and children’s rights.

Mike Ewing was motivated by his wife, Tierney, to drop a line after not reading about him in previous editions of the Class Notes.

His work as a government contractor keeps him occupied. Recently, his office moved a few blocks from its previous location. Now Mike is working in the same building as Joey Keyes.

Mike and Tierney have been able to escape the work rut a few times this year with vacation trips to Jamaica and New Orleans.

John Friend was in my neighborhood after the holidays. He wanted to meet to converse, so I found a tavern in Alexandria for us to spend an evening reminiscing and catching up on our lives. John is at the end of his dissertation trail for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

He was interviewing at schools, hospitals, and prisons throughout the Southeast, in order to find a counseling program where he could observe and hone his skills. The reason he was in Alexandria on a cold winter’s night was it is where his high school alma mater, Episcopal High School, is located. Being from Mobile,

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Alabama, John was quite specific about limiting his tour to only locations in the Southeast, as the cold dampens his Southern sensibilities tremendously. He told a great story about his interview in the bowels of a Kentucky prison, where the only way to identify the guards from the prisoners was in looking for who was wearing a weapon.

I did not know that Bill Vickers and I worked for the same client. He has been quite active on LinkedIn since founding his own company, Applied Identity Solutions, where he is president and CEO. In his previous position, Bill supported the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence as a subject matter expert on biometrics and forensics. Prior to accepting a position with USD (I), Bill was the special assistant to the Director and Deputy Director of the DoD Biometrics Task Force (BTF) responsible as executive agent for executing biometrics programs across the Department of Defense.

During that assignment, he served as Deputy Co-Chair of the Defense Forensics Executive Committee, led science and technology efforts and was the Principal Chair of the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) SubCommittee on Biometrics and Forensics. Prior to his assignment with the BTF, Bill served 23 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, culminating by heading strategic negotiations with the government of Japan representing the U.S. government on behalf of U.S. Forces Japan and DoD. I wonder if Bill has John Boyd on his BlackBerry speed dial?

Will Council has rejoined the ranks of domestic engineers voluntarily. He was working as a production line supervisor for McKee Foods, making Little Debbie snack cakes on the swing shift in southeastern Tennessee. According to Will (and Kenny Chesney), shift work sucks and he was becoming an absent father to his kids. Fortunately, he was able to walk away, in order to return to being involved in his children’s lives. Apparently, his leadership skills were felt at the plant because several other junior supervisors followed him out the door.

Will’s children are thriving. Will’s son, Hayden, is a high school junior and is slowly meeting his final requirements toward attaining Eagle Scout recognition. Both Will and his wife, Susan, have become heavily involved as leaders in Hayden’s Venture Crew. The family will make the trek up to West Virginia to attend the Boy Scout National Jamboree. This will be the first time Venture Crews will be able to attend the event. Daughter, Dana, is finishing high school and has been accepted at UT Chattanooga. She hopes to become an FBI agent.

But life is not all skittles and beer for Will.

Hayden borrowed Dad’s road bike without informing Will he had changed the seat settings.

Will went out for a quick ride and discovered the seat was not mounted securely. I will not describe Will’s current medical difficulties arising from this biking incident, as they made me blanch. All I will report is Will is experiencing a period of enforced leisure sitting in his Lazy Boy, watching 10,000 cable channels and writing detailed letters to his class agent (which are always greatly appreciated, BRs!).

A couple of weeks ago I shared a lunch with Chris Schrichte, Guy Marangoni, and Joe Irby ’85. Joe works for Chris’ software company, TeraDact, and they were in the D.C. area looking to expand business. Guy recently retired as an FBI agent and is getting used to the slower pace of life as a retiree. Actually, Guy is going nuts waiting for his FBI clearances to transfer over to his new employer, so he can get to work advising his client … the FBI. That is an all too common occurrence in the consulting world and the only thing Guy can do is grin and bear it.

A couple of quick notes. Ralph Taber is out in Anaheim, California, where he is a construction manager for ARCADIS, the global company providing consultancy, design, engineering, and management services in the fields of infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. Mike Burt landed a position in federal procurement with Roy Anderson Corporation in Gulfport, Mississippi. George Mayforth and Randy Parker are planning to attend the 30th Reunion.

The next Class Note will be chock-a-block with pictures and bon mots on BRs because of the 30th Reunion. Sister Rat Lynn Heltzel has been busting the heads of our class officers and caterers in Lexington to ensure we have a great time.

’83

83

Jim Outland

The Dark Ages of Winter are upon us as I write these notes and I’ve got plenty of news to share. I’m hoping by the time this gets to print that our BR Tracey Jones will have returned from duty in Afghanistan to his home in Las Vegas. The last update I received concerned his spending a lovely evening in a shed in Krzykstan before boarding a flight to his final destination in-country. Apparently that over-night experience prepped him for his duty quarters in the combat zone; “We also live in shed-like plywood huts here, and have port-a-pots. There is usually hot water. Have been pretty busy lately operating. The Taliban also welcomed me to country with a few 107mm rockets when I got here, so I got to sit

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CLASS NOTES in a concrete shelter outside in my kevlar vest and helmet for a while.” Sounds like quite a welcome to the neighborhood but I doubt viewers would see that one on an HGTV show.

Speaking of houses, neighborhoods and relocation, Mark Roltsch has been seriously looking into an opportunity in San Antonio and appreciated the feedback from many BRs who were able to provide him details about the area and schools as the Roltsches were considering how to proceed. Please keep me updated, Mark, on how things work out for you and your family and thanks Mike Hamlin, Ritch Seymour, Calvin Murray, Brett Allen and others for sharing the local knowledge. Another BR-on-the-move is Cmdr. (Sel) Joe Leonard USCG who learned around Christmas-time that he and family would be transferred from Galveston to California. These orders were subsequently “amended” for the Leonards to move instead to HQ USCG in Washington, D.C. where they expect to arrive in mid to late June. In the latest iteration, our BR will be assigned as Chief of the Oil Spill and Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning Division. In Joe’s words, “Nothing like a 3000 mile roller coaster ride before Xmas.” Many thanks to our D.C.-area BRs Matt Waring, Jamie MacDonald, Tom Winckler, Mark Roltsch, and others who have offered to hook Joe and his family up with realtors and such.

I’ve also enjoyed being included on Joe’s e-mail distribution for Leadership Lessons which periodically focus on different aspects of leadership, character and philosophy. These are usually lessons-learned from historical figures such as Lee, Grant, Patton, etc. Reading the electronic feedback, counter-point, and associated banter they inspire from the likes of BRs Kalesnik, Guevremont, Shobbrook, Powell and others is a hoot. In other news, our family had a great opportunity to catch up with a number of Tidewater BRs when the Keydet basketball team travelled to Norfolk to play ODU at the Ted Constant Center. The VMI Alumni Association hosted a fine pre-game inside the arena and the subsequent hoops were also very exciting. There was a terrific turn-out of local alumni from all classes and even though we lost a close game, a great time was had by all. I enjoyed catching up with Ben Cottrell, Bobby Greenwood, Franklin Hudgins, John Dodge, and Phil Shepard who, by the way, has a son that looks just like Phil and is twice as tall! Snake Arnold and the entire Arnold clan were also “in the house” which gave me an opportunity to congratulate him directly on the accolades he has received in leading the $400 million effort to renovate or replace 25 of the most dated Virginia Beach Public Schools. Hopefully we will see more

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about Snake’s accomplishments in the “Alumni in the News” section of this AR. I did get a good chuckle, however, in telling him my e-mail to his manager conveyed my view that Snake’s considerable achievements in managing such complexity were “no doubt due to the same modesty and reserve he displays within the company of his VMI Brother Rats.” Despite the good VMI turnout at the ODU game our ranks did sorely feel the absence of BR Hewitt in leading the Keydet cheering section.

Regardless of Bunny’s unexcused absence, my sister and I were still able to lead a rousing chorus of “Are You Ready, Let’s Go” after a particularly inspiring Keydet slam-dunk. The cheer must have had some effect as it caused Franklin Hudgins to stir from his perch among the ODU Monarch’s box-seating section – an area which is reserved for their alumni heavy-hitters. For a brief moment I though Merchant may even become inspired enough to leave there and come join the VMI crowd, but after he failed to move out I had to go over there and invite myself in. Once inside the Monarch cocoon I understood why our BR was staying put. Thanks to the courtesy of ODU’s new Athletic Director, Dr. Wood Selig (W&L ’83), they provided quite a spread which he kindly invited us all to enjoy. Also in the arena that evening was Wade Branner, who was calling the play-by-play at courtside for the Keydet radio network. On YouTube you can also see our BR and his old band in another arena as they leverage the “amazing acoustics” of VMI’s Cameron Hall to perform Tom Petty’s classic song “Breakdown.” Speaking of support for Keydet Athletics, I wanted to thank everyone who responded to the VMI Keydet Club’s Gridiron initiative last fall. Extra efforts

by BRs Murray, Dodge, Hewitt, and others to rally the troops inspired 50 members of our class to sign-on before the campaign closed in October. Based on feedback from Robert Crumpler ’07, the VMI Keydet Club’s VP for Development, our showing gave us a 16.5 percent participation rate based on solictable BRs in our class. The class next to us in solicitable alumni had a 12.75 percent participation rate and the other classes around us were at less than 6 percent participation with ’84 having 5.6 percent and ’82 having 3.5 percent. In Rob’s words, “You guys are hands down the example of the class with the best communication and the most drive!” I guess that same ’83 communication and drive was also evident in participation at home football game festivities as well. Even though I did not get to Lexington last fall to see one, an alumnus from another class who did go back for a game weekend told me later how impressed he was with the ’83’s multi-vehicle tailgate coordina-

tion – “even including the five matching Weber grills which is kinda strange.” Also in regards to football, I hope you all enjoyed the NFL Super Bowl game between the Giants and the Patriots in February. Besides a great game, there were also the usual funny commercials – including one a critic described as “one of the funnier and more endearing spots” from TaxAct.com which featured BR Bobby Edwards’ son as the boy who needs to use the bathroom while swimming in a pool and is forced to improvise.

Bobby says young “Hollywood” Edwards can take direction and is therefore destined for the Ratline. I’m just thinking the pool may be a little warmer during that boy’s Rat Drowning class. And finally as relates to football, I was sad to learn as many of you did about the death of Coach Bob Thalman in February at age 89.

His enthusiasm as a coach at VMI and his ability to produce winning teams during our years there are fond memories and I know he touched many lives. I was also greatly saddened to learn of the passing of both of Owen Perry’s parents during the last part of 2011. I remember Nancy and Ralph well from our cadetship and afterwards. Also around Christmas-time, Steve Amato sent me pictures from Arlington National Cemetery of the wreath-bedecked graves of our departed BRs Bob McGehee and Jack Manley. Each year The Worcester Wreath company from Maine donates wreaths to be laid on graves at Arlington and last December 15,000 volunteers laid 90,000 wreaths, which is a moving tribute to those that have served and are buried there. In other news, I communicated with BR Warren Groseclose concerning the well-deserved promotion of his dyke, Lt. Col. (P) Bob “Stork” Cabell ’86 USA. During our discussion, Warren was quick to correct a “factual error” he claims I made in a prior edition of Class Notes where I referred to him as the guidon-bearer for Alpha Company.

Although Warren now clarifies he actually “carried the pole” for Fierce-Fighting-Foxtrot, I’ve explained to him that “facts,” “truth,” and “truthiness” are all relative things to this “Pravda” reporter. I’ll continue to spew all the news that’s fit to print or that I can dream up to support the cause because my memory is going to heck-in-handbasket on a daily basis. This was again on display during a conversation with BR Mike Laughon where he had to remind me of his service as a USAF Missileer in the silos of South Dakota! Mike’s tales of service during the SD winter also reminded me of how cold the Cold War could actually get. As for Groseclose, I leveraged my “factual faux-pas” concerning his pole-carrying into a visit to his home here in Midlothian where Jodi and I were able to enjoy some time with Warren and Sarah.

We all had a great time discussing both

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CLASS NOTES late in August 2012. In other VMI sightings, I ran into Bobby Blackwell ’87 last summer – I was helping my brother-in-law deliver and set up “moon bounces” in Baltimore. Bobby lived next door to the house at one of the set up locations and we had an opportunity to chat briefly – small world! The wife of Greg Hatchett ’89 also works here at DOE – she called out to me in the DOE garage after seeing my 84 VMI car tags. Terry Fortune ’87 and I live in the same community and frequently run into each other, especially at our community pool.” Sam, thanks for the update. I believe a director position is looming on the horizon for you…keep up the great work!

As you will figure out quickly, the following three updates meld together nicely. The first is Barry Coceano from Curtis Hinton. “Wanted to let you know that Una and I, along with John Karafa, made the trek from Virginia to Seattle, WA, to go to Roland Staiano’s birthday party. Roland’s girlfriend, Laura Pinto, contacted us to arrange the surprise for Roland’s birthday. He thought Hope these notes find everyone doing well. they had a local guest coming to their home but Thanks for keeping the updates coming! It just we surprised Roland, at Laura’s suggestion, by hit me the other day that we are only two years obscuring our identities with pillows and gift away from the 30th Reunion (Spring 2014). bags over our heads. Roland had no idea that Time goes by quickly. Well, I am not going to we were coming and was moved that we had waste your time pontificating, so let’s get down made the flight cross country for his birthday. to business…your Class Notes.

We had a great time partying, meeting local The other day, I saw the following news friends and watching a Pay-Per-View boxing release from the office of the Governor of match (a birthday gift from Roland’s son).

Virginia for Bill Janis and his appointment as Roland has had ongoing health challenges relatDeputy Commissioner for the Department of ing to colon cancer but is doing great and has Veterans Services. The article read, “Bill Janis an indomitable spirit.” Curt, what an awesome has a distinguished career in public service gift from you and John! I’m sure Roland was as a Navy Officer, member of the House of happy as heck to see you guys Delegates and attorney. and would probably say that He was the first member you guys making the trip and of his family to graduate surprising him was his best from college, attending present! Happy 49th B-day to the Virginia Military Roland.

Institute on a Navy ROTC John Karafa added to the scholarship. In 1984, above story with the followJanis entered the United ing. “Big news for me is that States Navy as a ComI’m planning my wedding for missioned Officer and is later this year to my fiancée, a veteran of the Persian Kimberly Davis (details to Gulf War. He is active in be worked out)… I’m still veteran’s organizations living here in Williamsburg, such as VFW Post 6364 VA, and my daughter, Emily, and American Legion is a senior in high school and Post 215, and serves on getting ready to graduate and the Virginia War Memogo on to college this year. I’m rial Board of Trustees. still president and principal After 11 years of service, Class of 1984: Frank Kollmansperger and Hank Selman hosted a owner of Leebcor Services, Janis left the Navy as a Richmond tailgate party in fall 2011. Pictured: Lee Wimbish, Bill LLC (Federal ConstrucLieutenant Commander Janis, Keith Mangum, Selman, Alex Thompson, Hal Hamner, Steve tion Contractor and Service to attend the University Woolwine, Jeff Perkins, Jeff Levenson, Dave Phillips, Mike Locher Disabled Veteran owned busiof Virginia Law School. and Kollmansperger. According to Selman and other reliable sources, ness).

We recently relocated In 2001, Janis was elected it was “an epic event with lots of insanity.” to our new office building and to the House of Delegates days-gone-by and days-present. Warren is still in excellent physical condition and coordinates weekend hiking trips to the Virginia mountains with an extensive group of trekkers. Their day trips from Richmond have included hikes up Old Rag, Crabtree Falls, and The Priest among others. Well, that is all for now. I suspect by the time these notes get to print we will be less than one year away from celebrating our 30th Reunion. I’m looking forward to this next class anniversary, so start clearing your calendars now for April 2013. Heck, by that time BR Groseclose may even be ready to hike to Lexington in order to attend! “Are You Ready, Let’s Go!”

’84

2012-Issue 2

to represent the 56th District, a seat once held

by Patrick Henry. He was elected by his peers in 2010 to serve as the House Majority Whip.

Janis is married to the former Rose Ann Hunter and they have two children.” Needless to say, as both a resident of Virginia and a BR, I am proud to have Bill as a member of the House of Delegates and also representing veteran’s interests in the job as the Deputy Commissioner.

Hopefully, someday we will see Bill pursue a Congressional or Senate seat.

Sam Browne sent me the following update to fill me in on his job here in the D.C. area. “All is well on the family front. I have been doing well professionally and in September 2011 was selected as the Deputy Director for American Affairs/Office of Policy and International Affairs at the Department of Energy (DOE). A VMI Cadet (Dallas Disbro ’12) interned in my office last summer. Dallas continued the tradition (he is my second VMI intern) of working hard while interning in my office, making us all proud of the caliber of men/women attending and graduating from VMI. During the summer, Dallas developed a policy paper on resource nationalism in the western hemisphere and worked with senior members of my team to prepare briefing materials to follow-up on a Presidential Initiative/the Deputy Secretary of Energy’s trip to Brazil and Argentina (August 2011). Dallas did an outstanding job! I frequently run into Jamie Clark and Col. Dean Kratzenberg ’87 in the hallowed halls of DOE. Jamie and I played a significant role (we’d like to think) in convincing a VA Tech graduate to send his son to VMI. Rat Cedras will matricu-

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CLASS NOTES larger corporate headquarters in Williamsburg Bill Blazer sent me the following update. in 20 years but knew lived in Charlotte. Lee to accommodate our growth. Currently, we have “I am still living in Virginia Beach with my immediately went out to Pam’s location and reactive construction projects at Fort Benning, wife, Allison. Our son is currently a sophotrieved her. When Neville arrived in Charlotte, GA; Fort Lee, VA; DSCR, which is located more at NC State University. He is majorPam was resting comfortably in the Gooch’s in Virginia; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Eustis, VA; ing in computer science and enjoys playing home. Enough said…the Brother Rat spirit at and Langley AFB, VA. Just visited Roland trumpet in the marching band. Our daughter work; and Neville is setting the example by Staiano and family out in Seattle with Curt and is currently a junior in high school and is paying it forward. Neville, I hope you were able Una Hinton last month for Roland’s surprise looking at colleges that offer a fashion design to contact Paul and thanks to you and Pam for birthday party! We had a blast and it was great degree. Don’t think that is in VMI’s curyour hospitality and kindness. to see him again and spend quality time. Last riculum just yet. I recently switched over to Steve Woolwine checked-in with the month we had our first annual Williamsburg a government GS-14 position with the Joint following. “I recently accepted a position area VMI Alumni Quail Hunt over in Surry on Test and Evaluation (JT&E) program that with the government and will assume duties Darrell Rickmond’s ’73 land. Everyone had falls under the Director, Operational Test and in mid-January as the Director of the Joint a great time. Also did some deer hunting with Evaluation (DOT&E). It keeps me busy, but I Intelligence Task Force for Combating TerBR Alex Thompson over in Chesapeake. Well, enjoy staying connected with the military and rorism (JITF-CT) at the Defense Intelligence that’s about it.” John, great to hear Leebcor is helping them with non-material solutions to Agency. It’s a Tier 2 Senior Executive Service doing well and rapidly growing…next stop, current problems.” Bill, hopefully it wasn’t (SES) position leading 500 plus analysts in Fortune 500! the Department of Defense’s sole The last in this triad of updates national-level, all-source foreign comes from Roland Staiano. terrorism intelligence effort. I was “Things are well in the Northwest. perfectly content with life in the I am staging a comeback and have private sector, but couldn’t resist put on fifteen pounds after losing the calling of the mission and the sixty. I am thrilled to be celebrating opportunity to work with such a another new year and look forward great team. My oldest son deploys to getting back east in 2012. My to Afghanistan next month as a Lt. beautiful girlfriend surprised me for with the 82d Airborne Division; my 49th and threw a party, comthe new position may provide me plete with John Karafa and Curtis an opportunity to buy him a meal and Una Hinton. It was so shockin a downrange chow hall later this ing; I almost had to be resuscitated! year. Best to you and all our BRs They picked me up at a time when this coming year.” Steve, thanks I was discouraged and needed a lift. for the news and good luck in the For that, I am eternally grateful! I new job. Also, our best to your son hope all is well with you.” Roland, during his deployment and please Class of 1984: Class Agent Barry Coceano wrote, “Many we’re all happy to hear that things thank him for his service. moons ago, in a far away land, two young USMC second are looking good and you’re on the Dave Collie filed the following lieutenants, Dave Phillips and Hank Selman, were looking way to a full recovery. I’m sure it report. “My youngest son, Mark, rather dapper and ready to take on the world. Please refer to the Richmond tailgate party photo (previous page), and was an incredible sight and quite a is in his Rat year at VMI and is see how they look now, 27 years later.” surprise when Curt, Una and John doing well. My oldest son, Jacob took those bags off their heads… ’09, tells me I’m going to be a surprise! grandpa...he is doing well in mediDawn and I, along with Jim and Leslie Dixon, too difficult to transition from the helo cockcal school ...especially in biology, I guess. He and Carlos and Meredith Zamora continued pit to the desk cockpit. Just think, in a few is in the USAF and I’m still flying as a Captain our ongoing annual Christmas Eve Diner years after your daughter graduates, we may for American in Washington, D.C.” Dave, an celebration this year…a tradition we have all be seeing a Blazer fashion show or a Blazer early congratulation to you Jacob. You know, enjoyed over the past seven years. The highlight summer line of apparel in the local mall. you could be the first BR with three generations of this year’s dinner was toasting the news that Neville Anderson sent me a note recently at VMI commencing with the Class of ’84.

Jim Dixon’s daughter, Gingy, was accepted to after he read Paul Tate’s update in the last Frank Kollmansperger e-mailed me from and will be attending W&L in the fall. Gingy Class Notes. Paul’s daughter is attending the Richmond with this update. “Just got off the attending W&L means that Jim will now have University of Georgia, and Neville lives about phone with Bruce Hauck, he sounds like he a good reason to hitch-up their Tailgate Stratofive minutes from the campus. Neville and his is doing well. Was talking to Hank a couple of liner Grill to the back of the SUV and head wife, Pam, (MBC ’84) keep an open door to the days ago reviewing the long list of VMI kickers south to Lexington this coming fall for Class of sons/daughters of friends attending UGA in the and punters when Lee Wimbish pulled up for ’84 tailgate parties on the Parade Deck. Trust event of an emergency or if they just want to a visit. He took us through the details of all me, master-chef Jim will be cooking up some stop by and relax for a little while. Neville told four of his kick-off return tackles/cheap shots incredible meals that will be the envy of anyone me a pretty neat story that happened two years of his VMI career. He reminded us that no one in the vicinity. Jim has invited all BRs to stop ago. While passing through Charlotte, NC, on returned one of his kickoffs for a touchdown. by the ’84 tailgate over the next four years. He a business trip, Neville’s wife, Pam, suddenly There was no fact-check present nor did he even went so far as to say that he might even became very ill while driving. Neville reached certify. Andy Anderson sent me an e-mail allow a Mink or two to stop by on occasion! out to BR Lee Gooch, whom he had not seen from ME/Dubai, where he lives and works for

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CLASS NOTES Dupont. He told me that his wife, Amy, will be working for a security magazine. Andy is truly one of the good guys. I have been very fortunate to be a member of a Bible Study here in Richmond, composed of a motley group of men and led by my Dyke Tom Mitchell ’81.

Although I am still a self-centered and lazy son of a gun, it has changed my life. As the other members of the group would attest, Tom is an extraordinary leader, teacher and friend.

Owens and Minor is sending him to China for a two-year assignment. He leaves in January and Jaime and his boys are moving there this summer. The group, which includes several distinguished alums of the “I,” Frank Devenoge ’88, Patrick Becker ’89, John Dodge ’83 and a few others will really miss him. I see and speak to Hank Selman, Jaime Shoemaker, Alex Thompson, and Mark Morgan frequently. John Shannon called me a few weeks ago from Lexington. Sounds like he and his family are doing extremely well. “We are all healthy here and just trying to keep everything in balance, knowing what is important and what is not.” Frank, I know I can always count on you as a past Class Agent to keep me informed and updated. Now, can you get your neighbor and former Class Agent (Hank Selman) to send me an update… ole’ Hank keeps riding your coattail by having you include him in your updates.

Greg and Marlene Cavallaro hosted Dawn and me for New Years Eve. The weekend started with a big Keydet basketball victory as we sat behind the team bench cheering them on.

Following the game, we enjoyed a great New Years Eve Party at Moody Hall with over 100 other alumni. After hitting the rack at about 4 a.m., Cav and I had an early reveille and teed off in the Annual Mad Hatters Scramble golf tourney. Despite the lack of sleep, an infusion of Bloody Mary’s was the perfect remedy and pick-me-up needed for Cav and I to hit some pretty good shots, and start the new year off with a couple more bucks in our wallets than we had when we teed off. Thank you to Cav and Marlene for always providing Dawn and myself a place to stay in Lexington at Casa-deCav. I guess calling out “Goodnight” to guys at the end of the notes is actually working. I just received the following awesome update from Mark Koltura, a recent recipient of my callout. “Where ever I am is Mt. Laurel, NJ. I’ll try to give you as brief as possible 28-year update since May 18, 1984. I served three years active duty as gunnery officer aboard the U.S.S. Valdez (FF-1096) after graduation, and also did four years reserve time after that. Jerry Roscoe also served with me for sometime on the same ship.

She was home ported out of Newport, RI. This ship has since been decommissioned and sold

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to the Taiwanese Navy. After active duty, I have worked for Raytheon and Siemens in several supervisory and management positions. I have been working for the Quikrete Company for the past 11 years as a production operations manager. One of our auxiliary products known as Spec Mix was used to build the two recent buildings (Leadership Center and barracks addition) at the Institute. On the personal side, I am still happily married to my Ring Figure date, Michele, we were married three weeks after graduation. We have two wonderful children: my daughter, Laura, who graduated from Drexel University with a degree in biology and my son, Markus, is a junior at Immaculata University near Malvern, PA. We have also been blessed with a granddaughter, also named Laura, after her mom. I have run into several classmates, VMI alumni, and current cadets throughout my life and have been back to visit several times including the 20 Year Reunion. Personally my hobbies/activities include a decent amount of recorded distance running (aerobics points rubbed off I guess), playing as much golf as time will allow, and taking a renewed interest in Civil War History (thank you Col. Barrett). Also have become a big NASCAR fan. I hope all is well with you and your family. My wife and I do plan on attending the 30 Year Reunion.”

Mark, I’m not sure but you may be the first ’84 Grandpa…even if I am wrong, congratulations!

Once again, great update…stay in touch.

Well, time to finish off this edition of the Class Notes. In closing, I would like to request your continued prayers for BR Roland Staiano and also for Meredith Zamora, as they both continue to show amazing courage while battling through and recovering from health challenges…way to fight Roland and Meredith!

Until next time, goodnight Jeff Vielock, Ken Werres, Andy Petretti and Ricky Canipe, where ever you guys are.

’85

Matt Daniel

Gentlemen, Brother Rats, For a sense of scope and calendar, today is Feb. 13, 2012. These notes should be published in three months’ time–on or about May 15th.

Is today May 15th?

Rest in peace, Coach Bob Thalman. Thank you for all you have done.

Mark Bornhorst. Steve Medeiros. Jay Lucas. Don Scroggins, John Whitty.

Random name drops. The only Class Agent in the history of Class Agents to shamelessly utilize this very effective technique “Random Name Drops.” When I die, I want to be

known as the “Father of the RND: Random Name Drop.” Everybody should be known for something.

Daryoush Ziai. RND. I was in the Pentagon a few weeks ago (remember, it’s really February right now. This is like the Time Machine! It’s hurting my head) in the Naval Warfare hallway when I saw a long lanky figure in khakis with a cup of coffee in his hand, ducking into the Office of Naval Air Warfare: OpNav N88. That figure looked very familiar from a good ways off…he had a star on his shoulder. He ducked in before I could catch him and I did not want to be the toadie/groupie who goes around following Flags and Stars, looking for an autograph or a handout. But, who cares about looking like a star-struck teenager?

I followed him anyway. I waited for the coffeedrinking star to turn around …

“Matt Carter! Rear Admiral Matt Carter!

How are you doing, Brother!?” http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio. asp?bioID=638 He has not changed. Engaging and playful as ever, the star suits Matt well. He was eager to talk about our class and happy to talk with me. Loved the discussion. In selecting Matt as a star, the Navy has chosen well. He is soon off to Japan to take over the Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet in the Pacific.

About a week later, Cedric Wins pinned on his star in the Pentagon. Unfortunately, I was traveling and was not present. From the photos I saw, Cedric had a nice crowd there. Alongside his beautiful family was Davis “now I have a beard-thing” Estes, Darren “I am a very distinguished dude” Sawyer, Chuck “as Rockhead as ever” Rogerson, Tommy “Matt Daniel sees me everywhere in the Pentagon” Rahe, WG “I can still kill a dude with my bare hands” Rowlett, Fred “still always smiling” Miller and several other Keydet and Army pals. I know that Cedric is sick of hearing about how proud we are of him, but hot-damn, harley…that’s just too bad.

Jim Begley should be pinning his on sometime soon, as well. Anyone know? Don’t tell me that it has already happened!

We have several full birds, too. Of the growing number of very qualified, capable and now recognized ’85ers is Col. Jerry Brooks who pinned on his bird in December. Way to go, Jerry!

Marvin Smith. Tracy Burke. H Shindle.

RND. Man! I was walking down the 4th corridor, 5th floor in the Pentagon toward the A ring (the center) and what is really like our own little “Pervert Corner” of the Pentagon. This is the location that is patrolled by our own Col. PW “I am bigger than you” Sarver. Remember? Beating up Air Force dudes and stealing their lunch

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CLASS NOTES touch... I really appreciate it. As we discussed, just moved to Philadelphia in January. He is the money? Every once in a while I will get a quick here’s a quick snapshot of my next adventure. new District Manager for a firm called Rimkus e-mail from him, “Hey Matt, come on out to Please feel free to edit as necessary to make it Consulting Group. Paul told me that he plans to Pervert. Got another Air Force dude…this time ready for prime time... And please extend an have a beer in every bar in Philly and live off of I got a free Dunkin Donuts coupon!” open invitation for ANYONE to visit and stay cheese steaks, beer and Eagles games.

Anyway, This day I was walking down the with me (hotels can be very expensive). My I got a fleeting e-mail from one Judson corridor and I see this ruckus. It was PW and flat is a stone’s throw from the Kremlin and Springer ’83. Then he faded away. Spartana young Air Force Lt. Col. He happened to be Moscow River... burg, SC. Works for Kapstone (paper mill).

Paul Valenzuela ’90. Paul is the little brother of Ciao, our beloved BR, Andy Valenzuela’s.

Jammer The younger Valenzuela was putting Moving to Moscow for the next up one hell of a fight! No lunch money three years as Head of Infrastructure won this day. (Agent note: It did not Development to lead strategic efforts to really happen quite like that.) upgrade and modernize the operations I ride the bus home with Paul, and of Sberbank, Russia’s largest retail have been successful in enlisting his bank with over 18,000 branches and youngest son, Royce, into the game of lacrosse. He has been playing along241,000 employees nationwide. side Hayden Bayer’s nephew, Blake, Well, I will tell you this, the next and my 13-year-old carnivore, Johnny. time I am in Moscow, I know who I am Paul tells me that Andy is pursuing going to visit! I am trying to connect another career direction: JTAC (Joint two of my favorite financial folks toTerminal Attack Controller, like the gether: The Jammer and Jeremy ClemForward Air Controller in days of old). ent ’09. Jeremy played lacrosse for me Andy Valenzuela, at 48ish, running in high school and is now lighting the and fighting like a 23-year-old. God world afire, working for Bloomberg in Class of 1985: Attending the promotion ceremony bless him!

Tokyo. of Brig. Gen. Cedric Wins, USA, at the Pentagon on Jan. 23, 2012, were front row, Davis Estes and The Stoopies and John Adams.

Pat Donahue. John Powers. Kurt Wins. Row 2: Charles Rogerson, Mike Huffman ’86, RND. Minne. Andy Mock. RND. W.G. Rowlett, Tomas McHugh ’86, Fred Miller and I was in Reno at an In-N-Out Burger In Richmond this past weekend to Darren Sawyer. Row 3: Tom Rahe. ordering a big sandwich served up watch my son, Nick (sophomore at Animal Style with fries in December.

UR), play lacrosse. They had a scrimApparently my “cholesterol low” light mage vs the Richmond Lacrosse Club Happily married. Four kids. Short story. A was on, steady. I was alone, enjoying my grease at UR. There was this fleet of foot, quick of man of few words – gotta love Runnin’ Jud when I got the tell-tale buzz of a text message. stick, clever of placement attackman from RLC, Springer!

Then there came another, and yet another. As #7 I think, who was pretty impressive. After the Dave Tingley. Brad Gerstbrein. Don Monit turns out, it was two of my roommates, the game I saw him with his helmet off. He looked day. RND. famous Mark “No-Action” Jackson and Paul oddly familiar. No, it was not Bart Williams or I’ve been in contact with Brent Harder, here “Yes I am crazier than you” Marsenison. They Neil Lowenstein or Matt Henderson or Walt is what he says to me: had JUST THEN finished a 100 mile bike odysMcMann or Jeff Young or Scott Medeiros Boom, It was great to catch-up earlier this sey from Key Largo to Key West. Get this, the or Jerry Bessette. No – it was not Benny Hill week. Thanks for making the effort to stay in two animals from rooms 302, 202 and 102 had (WTH!?). It was one of our younger dykes, just ridden with Action’s father, Walt Spence ’88. Man, that dude Alan Jackson ’56 (card-carrying could play! At 45ish, he made those stud). The more senior and surely college kids look downright silly. wiser Jackson has a theory: “huHe scored three goals in one half of man beings are capable of riding play, then took himself out to apply a bike 100 miles in a day without Bengay on his knee. training.” Well, they put it to the Paul “a man of few vowels” test and found that the ride was Grgas is still in the Pacific, Japan I pure agony from mile 40 on. Paul think. Rotating in a year? Help me, sends, “were it not for stopping anyone know more? every 10 minutes for Mark to Sly Davis has three more years compose himself, we would not before he can retire as a cop in have finished this ride within the D.C. and do what he loves the most calendar year.” That is one ride – working with kids. Sylvester is you will never forget, gents! Mark a dedicated and driven coach. He submitted a cell phone generated coaches his boys to be leaders and photo, I hope it has the resolution men who can be proud of themClass of 1985: Pausing in Key West, Florida, during a to be published in here. If not, hit selves. Bravo Sly! I cannot think of 100-mile bike trip were Paul Marsenison, Alan Jackson me up via Facebook and I’ll post it. a more noble effort, or a better man ’57, unidentified rider and Mark Jackson.

Speaking of Paul Marsenison, he to provide this service.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Brent Hearn. Tayloe Dameron. Scottie Pearson. Mike Ceroli. RND. Actually, Scott and Mike are not so random. I have been in touch with both of them via Facebook and LinkedIn. Scott continues to amaze all with his martial arts abilities, while Mike is still in Hawaii and loving life. He has a son, Zachary, who is to be a midshipman at USNA this coming summer. Mike is rotating from Paradise this summer, as well.

Bryan Augsburger is still in Rota, Spain, and working for NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Command). He rotates back home in 2013.

Doug Hill is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve and in Afghanistan. We hope that he and Pete Sniffin get together while overseas.

Ray Baldwin. Paul Keaton. Remember those guys? Ormsby. RND. Neal Felty was in the news in August, when he helped the Newport News police with a hit and run case. Apparently, Neal saw a body on the side of the road, pulled over and contacted the police. Nice work Neal. How many other people just drove by, ignoring trouble is anyone’s guess. But not our Neal!

“Chris Welch is also in the Pentagon, somewhere.” That was a nice lead…thanks, Tom Greenspon (not really from Sponge, just wanted to say his name). Actually, BR Jake Spivey gave me that pearl.

A fall away jumper to remind you that the Annual Charlie Club Golf Safari is August 3-5.

Joe Irby, George Halages, Mark Carroll and Big Dan Murphy. RND. Out here, fellas. I will be pulling and praying for our deployed and for our departed and their families. Please join me.

Visit VMI 85 on FaceBook. Visit BoomBag Art on FaceBook.

Semper fi, brothers.

Matt Daniel. RND

more on BR Perez in a few minutes…)

Colonel Dave Shin attended the 25th Reunion then followed up with an e-mail update. Make that Col. Dave Shin (Ret), as BR Shin recently hung up his BDUs and retired from the Army after 25 years of service as a Military Intelligence (is that an oxymoron?) and Northeast Asia Foreign Area Officer. Dave commenced his second career as an associate with Booz Allen Hamilton and will be teaching intelligence professionals at the National Intelligence University (Defense Intelligence Agency). BR Mike Castaldi attended Dave’s retirement ceremony at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon.

Thanks for checking in Dave and best wishes in the new gig!

Speaking of big doings at the Pentagon, our very own Sgt. Cabell is soon to become Col. Cabell. That’s right–the room 220 boys just keep on doing it. First, we had the oft-told tale of Ranger Gitchell and now we learn that Bob Cabell is pinning on some eagles. I wouldn’t blame you if you busted every liquor bottle in your house. Way to go, Bob! And while Cabell is moving on up, BR Rob Mason is joining BR Shin and toning it down.

Rather than take another chance at a kick in the jimmy, Rob Mason has quietly retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves. There wasn’t even any mention of pictures with farm animals; he just dropped anchor and that was that. The other big news for BR Mason was that his son was offered an appointment to Canoe U. in Annapolis

– you know, the little sailing reform school on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD. I believe there is also a Midshipman French at the USNA, who may be related to our very own Jon French. And we have to give equal time to the VMI of the North on the Hudson River – USMA – where there may be a few VMI ’86 progeny – among them I believe is a Cadet Tabur who may be related to our long lost BR, Henry Tabur. All kidding aside, well done to these fine American youths!

Much of this info was gleaned from the oracle of wisdom and current events known as Facebook; any inaccuracies are not the fault of the columnist or the editors – just consider it to be ‘filler.’

Speaking of current events on Facebook, that is a good place to keep tabs on Tim Perez. He chimes in there a time or two each day with a nugget of wisdom or a smart-aleck comment.

It is always worth the read; but they are true Perez-style, they’re brief.

It would appear that Cadet Sheild, GC, wishes to answer the charge of MIA as ‘correct’; and he didn’t even quibble when I called him out about missing the last two reunions and trying to pull a Jim Jenkins on us. BR and Mrs. Sheild (Susan) got engaged at our Ring Figure weekend and George notes that they “are still going great after 25 years!!!!! We have been so blessed with wonderful kids and good times that it has been like living a dream.” That is George’s side of it; I haven’t heard from Susan

Editor’s Note: Sadly, Lamont Toliver died on Feb. 28, 2012. His obituary will appear in the 2012-Issue 3 Alumni Review due out in August.

’86

Clint Hubbard

We’re here in the midst of the Dark Ages – mid February – and time for another quarterly installment for the Alumni Review. The news is as sparse as the snow has been this winter but let’s get to it, anyway.

At the 25th Reunion, we found out that Rob Ramos is alive and well – we also found a few other BRs in the same condition. One of ‘em even took time to check in afterwards with a Tim Perez-style update. (By that I mean brief –

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Class of 1986: Attending the retirement ceremony of Dave Shin, third from left, at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon were his wife, Nikki, their children, his sister and brother-in-law, and his parents. The other officers attending were Mike Castaldi, far right, who was the ceremony host, and Maj. Gen. (promotable) Mary Legere with her husband, Col. Paul Legere (whose older brother, Richard, is a class of 1980 VMI alumnus). Retired Col. Ashton Ormes ’70 also attended the ceremony but is not pictured.

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CLASS NOTES to get her version. Seriously, if you had to wake up next to George every day, you probably wouldn’t be quite so chipper. Y’all know what Dave Grimm’s assessment might be: “I’m just sayin’….” The Sheild family includes Katie (20), Ellie (17) and Cabell (15). With those young ‘uns who aren’t so young anymore and a busy work schedule, George has been keeping busy.

BR Sheild was sorry to miss the 25th but noted that his middle child, Ellie, had a big game the weekend of the Reunion. She is a junior at Charlotte Latin School with four varsity state championships under her belt and is looking at some Virginia schools, including VMI, for her college search.

Oldest daughter, Katie, is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill and according to her proud dad is doing great. She entered UNC with advanced credits from Charlotte Latin School, and is on track to graduate with a double major in Spanish and Portuguese, and a minor in global studies. She has studied in Spain twice, taught Bible school in Costa Rica twice, and is going to Quito, Ecuador, this spring. Last summer, she used her Spanish in Post Judicial Services at the North Carolina Superior Court in Charlotte.

Wow, with all those good deeds and academic achievements, it would appear that the fruit did indeed fall a long way from the tree in this case.

Young Cabell Sheild is very involved in martial arts. He achieved his black belt in four martial arts disciplines last fall, and is on the staff of the largest martial arts school in North Carolina. George says Cabell is really happy with that occupation, and more importantly has his own cash now.

On the business front (commercial real estate), BR Sheild acknowledges that the last few

years have been a very big correction with real estate values crashing, but the Charlotte commercial real estate market is slowly improving, so he feels optimistic about 2012.

Notwithstanding that, their old room 158 has become a ladies room; BR Sheild offered an update on his old roomies: Kerry and Cathy Cassell are still in Charlotte, where Kerry is a wealth manager for Merrill-Lynch Bank of America. They have a daughter in high school and a son in middle school. Steve and Lin Weiss are still in Houston, their son, Wesley, is in college in Boston. Brad and Tiffany Bradshaw are still in Las Vegas, where he flies commercial aircraft; they have two sons (Hunter and Chase) in high school now. Thanks for the superb update, George; it’s always great to hear from you!

Here’s a bit of class legacy news: the building that was the Hyatt House Hotel in Richmond, site of the only real Ring Figure back in 1984, is being razed. The story in the Richmond paper didn’t specifically note whether a failure to recover from the mayhem thrust upon the place at our Ring Figure was a cataclysmic event from which they never recovered but one could speculate. I probably ought to check with BR Roy Woolwine to see about our infamous class debt just to be sure no creditors will come knocking and force us to pass the shako around.

I mentioned a mild winter; this is probably as good a place as any to insert the obligatory busting on Stew “Golfball” Barnes. With the nice weather, he’s probably played as much this winter as he plays in the spring, summer and fall. Which is saying something…we can only hope the crumpets and tea at all his highfallutin’ venues have been up to snuff. We all know how irritable BR Barnes can get when

Class of 1986: Susan and George Sheild with their family, Ellie, Katie and Cabell, when Cabell earned his black belt in martial arts.

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his ice cream is too cold, etc. What the hell is a crumpet, anyway? All I know is they don’t serve crumpets at Cracker Barrel or even at Moore’s Country Store!

Just under the wire for submission, I learned that our favorite lacrosse referee, the long arm of the law, Lt. Tim Spivey of the Chesterfield Police Department is slated to referee a W&L lacrosse game. In the food for thought department, I reminded him that at least one of the Mink lacrosse players had tried to snake a Keydet’s girlfriend, or thrown some Keydet out of their frat party, and to remember that if there was a call that could go either way.

Well, this might make a wrap on this edition. I hope all of you are well and that 2012 is a good year for everyone. Take a minute and reach out to a BR you haven’t spoken to in a while–keep that bond intact. And, if the spirit moves you, to check in with your Class Agent, all the better as I will record it for posterity in the Alumni Review. So, get off your posteriors and get it done! Take care, Brother Rats.

’87

Ernie Edgar

Brother Rats, by the time these Notes go to press and reach you in the Alumni Review we will be just a bit more than three months away from our 25th Reunion, September 14-16, 2012.

It will be a great occasion and a great gathering of a great VMI class. While we may be missing a few, like John Ferguson and Al Pantano, to deployment, I look forward to seeing everyone else there! In the meantime, I thank you all for hearing my plaintive cries in the last Class Notes and for sending me a boatload of great news to share.

First, I am pleased and proud to announce that, despite having me as a Rat roommate, the Air Force has selected Greg Otey for brigadier general! Greg is currently on the Air Staff and pinned on his stars in early January. Dean Kratzenberg was there and sent an IPhone photo, which I hope makes into print. I think Greg is our class’s first general officer, but I am confident he won’t be the last! In that vein, I received an e-mail shortly thereafter that announced Cedric Wins ’85 had also been promoted to brigadier general.

I received a great, long note from Bruce Bones, which he described as his once a decade update, for which I am profoundly grateful! His sister is married to Jeff Maclay ’86 who commands NAS Jacksonville, and they both keep up with Capt. Adrian Garcia who is currently deployed to Kuwait.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Bruce calls his life “a little more mundane” even though he has a lot going on. He and his family live in Richmond and he is a principle partner with Piedmont Metal Fabricators in Louisa, between Richmond and Charlottesville.

“Our claim to fame is being five miles from the epicenter of the recent east coast earthquake. My company predominantly designs and manufactures processing equipment for the tobacco industry but we are active in the wood processing, bakeries, quarries, plastics, recycling and other process industries.” Their two kids, Caroline (16), and Harrison (12), keep them running “from sporting event to school event to social event and back again.”

When he’s not on the road, Bruce is still active in soccer as a coach, and even as a 47-year-old player. He coaches a travel team in Richmond for a club called the Richmond Kickers. At a recent tournament where he was coaching, he ran into Tom Murray and Ashley Abernathy. Tom’s son and Ashley’s nephew play on the same team for the Kickers and both were out watching the game. “They both seem to be no worse for wear and both live in the Richmond area.”

Bruce has also seen Bill McCarthy and Todd Williamson at school events where their daughters all go to the same school. “Again, they seem to be no worse for wear and seem to spend their time chasing kids. Bill’s kids are a little younger than mine and Todd’s are quite a bit younger.” Bruce’s son is in school with Tom Mitchell’s sons. Tom works for Owens and Minor and, apparently, the company sent Tom and his family to China in January. Tom went over first and his family will travel to be with him after the school year. Owens and Minor is involved with a joint venture in Shanghai and Tom will be there for 18 months getting it off the ground.

Bruce also recently caught up with his roomie, Stu Wharton. Stu and Cheryl are living in Charles Town, WV, with their two kids, Zack and Ally. Stu is still active as a Captain in the Navy Reserves. Ted Fishback lives in Richmond, as well, “but we can never seem to get caught up. He and his wife have a young son, Patrick, and they live in the Fan. He is still flying for Jet Blue and rumors have it that he is now a Captain.”

How are you? I appreciate the fact that you have taken on the responsibility as class agent. I really enjoy reading the Class Notes (Facebook and the other social sites give pretty good news, but I still prefer the class notes!)

Mike Wright wrote with some great news as well. He went to Europe in September to see Dave Smith, who’s stationed in Naples as a Navy engineer. He and Lisa just had a baby boy – Michael Joel Lorenzo Smith. Back home, Mike is an engineer with IBM Global Services and a corporate faculty member with Harrisburg University. He is also helping his wife with her new business of personal and business coaching. “I’ve also been asked by my publisher to be a co-author on a new book titled FISMA and the Risk Management Framework, which is due to be published in May 2012. My side business, GoshenPass Consulting, has un-expectedly started taking off. I do IT security consulting, WordPress site design/hosting and also sell domain names.”

And, if all that wasn’t enough, he started a masters degree in January.

The reunion date is already on my calendar.

Do we have a block of hotel rooms or any info yet?

Hiram Morales checked in from Fort Leavenworth. He retired from the Air Force in May “and interestingly enough, my last job in the Air

Class of 1987: At Munich’s Oktoberfest were, from left, Annette Seiferth and Col. George Seiferth ’82, Lt. Col. Rob White ’89 and Simone White, and Rebecca Cade and Col. Steve Cade.

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Force was working with the Army at Fort Benning as the Air Force Liaison for WHINSEC. There were more Army people at my retirement than Air Force! The background on that is that I was non-volunteered for re-assignment from Offutt AFB Nebraska (after only one year there) because they couldn’t find a Spanish-speaking USAF O-5 with experience having trained Latin American Officers in Logistics. I had commanded the only Air Force squadron that trains aircraft maintenance in Spanish, so that placed me on top of the list to fill the billet, and SOUTHCOM was tired of USAF dragging its feet to fill it. I tried retiring, but that option was not open (I served two years at Fort Benning, then I was able to retire). The down side on the Benning tour is that I had to leave my family in Nebraska for about three years. Needless to say, I have a great wife...

Bonnie and I are still married! Benning was a great tour...missing the family was not. Upon retirement, the Army offered me a job at Benning as a Title 10 Army civilian instructor...but I wanted to get back to the Midwest with my family. I applied for the same job at CGSC-Fort Leavenworth that Benning had offered me, and was hired. Now the family is only about three hours away. Small world: here at CGSC, I ran into John Pilloni, who also works as faculty. I try to stay active with the local alumni chapter (recruiting, etc). For now, I live in Kansas City MO. My plan is to eventually move my family this way.”

In letting me know that he might miss us in September, John Ferguson noted that he was deployed for the 20th Reunion and it looks like he’ll be deployed for the 25th. “Of course if deployment plans change I’ll see you there!” On a happier note, he says he and Martin Ewald have been working together at CAA. Marty’s active duty tour ended in January after which he headed back to Tennessee, but not before he got picked up on the Reserve Component O6 list recently released. Congratulations, Marty!

And speaking of the Army, Steve Cade sent the following photo just to let us know he and Rebecca are still having fun in Europe, here with a couple of the guys from their Heidelberg neighborhood at Oktoberfest: Col. George Seiferth ’82 and wife, Annette, and Lt. Col. Rob White ’89 and wife Simone. On this side of the pond, Lt. Col. Bob Phillips, a chaplain in the 82nd Airborne, wrote that he has been working with the local alumni of both VMI and the Citadel to promote the VMI-Citadel Charity Hockey Game, which was held on December 3rd in Raleigh. All proceeds went to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund, which provides academic scholarships for the children of servicemen and women killed while serving in the Global War on Terror.

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CLASS NOTES Besides attending Greg Otey’s pin-on ceremony, Col. Dean Kratzenberg remains active in the D.C. area. He reports that “life in D.C. is still marching along to the slow movement of the beltway traffic. My wife, Dawn, has returned from her command tour in Iraq.

I am so very glad that she is home. From the VMI perspective, her return coincided with the Military Classic of the South and while I am sure our Brother Rats, if polled, would have supported me missing her homecoming for the game, I just could not do that! I did listen to the coverage over the web and maybe one more supporter in the stands might have made a difference, but not likely. This will be our last year in the D.C. area; I am scheduled to rotate somewhere during next summer. Those negotiations are still in the works. In the area here, I have run into–primarily though electronic communications–a few of us. Besides Greg on the Air Staff, Macon Snowden is still working in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy in the Pentagon. And to round that building out (no pun intended), Terry Sutherland is with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. As we progress in our careers, I am sure we can get the workings of that building in line with the tenets of the Institute! I have “run into” Mike Hooper out on the Ethernet. He is still in the D.C. area as well. Jeff Temple is in King George, Virginia, and makes the trek to D.C. on a frequent basis. He and I tried to make use of his man cave a couple of times over the past year – you just cannot go wrong with beer, steak and a 120-inch high-definition TV!” In spite of the steak and beer, Dean went down to Savannah in the fall for the inaugural running of the Rock-n-Roll Marathon.

“The excursion through planes, trains and automobiles took me on a circuitous route through Forsyth, Georgia. Just on a whim, I decided to look through the VMI App on my phone and received a fantastic surprise.

Walking distance from where we were staying there was the home of Kent Sparks! I wandered over and introduced myself to his daughters playing in the yard. Once we got over the confusion of this guy just wandering off the street, things went smoothly. Kent is doing well and is the assistant principal at Rutland High School in Macon, Georgia.

From my memories of high school, that position was the “enforcer.” Kent embodies that perception. Personally, if I were a student at Rutland, I would be on my best behavior!

Finally, I had a small chat with Craig Covert in Kabul – best wishes for his safe return!”

I also heard from Ken Devero. Ken retired from the Marines Corps in September “after 21 years of honest and faithful service. My last duty station was in Pensacola, but my

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wife, Mickie, and I have relocated to Sedro Woolley, WA. It is near Whidbey Island where I was stationed twice in my career. The last six months have been awesome, as I have slowly transitioned to civilian life. Salmon fishing everyday has been great. All good things must end and back to work I go. I just accepted a position with Intrepid Learning Solutions out of Seattle.

Many companies outsource their training classes and Intrepid owns many of the contracts in this area. One of the big ones is with Boeing, and that is the division in which I will be working. Rick Whitty lives not too far from me and we have been in touch on Facebook. We are planning a get together soon.”

Mike McDaniel checked in from North Carolina. He is still in Raleigh: 2010 was kind of rough with the downturn, but now he is pleased to be with Lenovo, which is located just outside Raleigh. “My role is in quality and I over see SW and Drivers for the ThinkPad line. In other words, I get to play with laptops all day and investigate why a failure occurred in the field and what can be done to prevent it in the future.

For an EE with a M.S. this is very interesting work. I think I found a great fit for me and my experience.” His oldest boy, Joshua, graduated from high school this past June. He is going to Community College for now, while he sorts out his future plans. “I don’t get to see many BRs even though I know a few of them live in or near Raleigh. Ralph Hudson is the one I have been in touch with most.”

Lastly, dear readers, by the time you have this in hard copy, it really will have been 25 years since our graduation! For the past five, it has

been my honor, privilege (and great fun) to be our class’ agent. This job requires the occasional travel to Lexington (never a bad thing), a few hours of creative writing every quarter, and carries with it the joy of staying in touch with all of you, as well as insights into today’s cadets and how the Institute’s leadership carry out their special trust of educating honorable men and women. As we come up on our next reunion, I’m reminded by my old track running days that it is time to pass the baton to a new class agent. Whoever takes up the next leg, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. Operators are standing by to take your nominations!

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

Hello Brother Rats! We had a nice response to my call for updates this quarter. We’ll look to build on that as we work our way towards our 25th Reunion (Fall 2013). Adam and I have begun discussions on organizing the weekend and the fundraising leading-up to that weekend. More to follow…

I had an eye-opening experience in late October when my heart decided it could no longer keep pace with the training schedule.

For reasons unknown to my crack team of doctors, the electrical impulses stopped reaching the bottom portion of my heart.

While there is no medical explanation, the solution is a pacemaker and that’s all that concerns me. They told me the battery should last between 7 and 10 years...it is my goal to wear it out in five and force them to develop a better product. Maybe one of you geniuses from Nichols’ Hall could invent a solar-powered pacemaker and we could all retire to the Caribbean or BV depending on the success of our product. Thanks for the well wishes from the FB BRs! Dan Salyan checks in from Fredericksburg, VA, where he lives with his wife and four boys. Dan’s oldest is visiting VMI in April…good luck! Dan retired from the Navy in 2008 and is currently the vice president of software firm called PMAT, LLC. Dan spends his working hours beClass of 1987: Col. Dean Kratzenberg with tween the Pentagon, San Diego, CharlesBrig. Gen. Greg Otey at Otey’s pinning-on ton and various sites overseas. Thanks for ceremony in Washington, D.C., January your service to our Country and for the 2012. update!

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES The long-lost but not forgotten Hugh McMenamin checked in from across the river in Alexandria. Hugh is working as a computer contractor with the State Department in Rosslyn. The BIG news is that Hugh is getting married in March…congratulations to Hugh and the new and improved Mrs. McMenamin! We look forward to meeting you at the 25-Year Reunion, if not before.

Andy Gillespie sent a note from the Seattle area, where he and Katie are raising their three sons. The boys (David - 5th grade, Matt - 3rd grade and Sammy - 1st grade) keep their parents busy with soccer practices/games and art activities. Andy is still working for Boeing but transferred last year to the Test & Evaluation group to run all the Electromagnetic Test Ranges in the Seattle area. Seattle is a long way from Lexington, but we hope to see Andy and the family at the 25-Year Reunion!

The “long-distance dedication” award goes to Chris Starling for checking-in from the UAE! Chris is wrapping up a yearlong deployment to the United Arab Emirates and will be returning home to the San Francisco Bay area in May. Chris’ wife, Suzanne, and kids joined him in the UAE for a very memorable Christmas. By the time you are reading this, Chris should be home and reunited with his family…welcome home Brother Rat! Chris’ oldest, Robert, has applied to six colleges including VMI and they are awaiting responses. Chris visited with Mike Evans ’87 and Chip Bierman ’87 as they made forays to Abu Dhabi, as both were enroute back to the USA from respective trips to Afghanistan.

Chris attached a photo of two U.S. Marine Colonels (Chip Bierman ’87 and Chris Starling) at the General HQ of the UAE Armed Forces. Take away the Arabic coffee cups and 25 years, and it’s two cadets outside Capt. Wilcockson’s office awaiting disciplinary procedures…expressionless faces reveal undue familiarity with reporting to answer specials! Semper Fi, Chris.

Class of 1988: Chris Starling and Chip Bierman ’87 in the United Arab Emirates, where Starling was completing a yearlong deployment.

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Brian Hatheway sent a quick note to report that his “very cold two-year tour in St. Pete, Russia is over, and we are now in New Orleans for a couple years where I run a State Department/Diplomatic Security criminal investigations resident office with territory covering Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It never snows here. I like that.”

Welcome back Brother Rat! I had the opportunity to join the regular crowd of Mike Owens, Dr. Scott Stachelek, Lew Sigmon, JJ Keppeler, Jim Florio and Hugh Brien at the Globe and Laurel outside of Quantico a few weeks back. Lew is preparing for his transition to the 1st CivDiv this spring…Good Luck Lew! It was good to catch-up with this crowd…next time I’ll take a picture!

That’s it for this edition. Please continue to send updates to be shared with the class.

Thanks! Drew Editor’s Note: Prior to press time, we were notified that John Boniface III had died. His memorial service was attended by several members of the class, and his obituary will be published in 2012-Issue 3 Alumni Review, due out in August 2012.

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

OK, so we have to make up for the last edition of the class notes. Again, my apologies. I got caught napping. But not this time! No sir! I’m pulling out all the stops to give you, the class of ’89, some of the best notes you have ever had. So how, Nat, are you going to do that? Getting some BRs to help, of course. But before I go any farther, we do have some business to attend.

As mentioned earlier, ’86 had their 25th Reunion last fall and our own spy, Mitch Fridley, infiltrated their party and said it was a great time. I had lunch with Clint Hubbard ’86 and got some of the ideas that our dykes used to put on a good show. This means that our reunion is only two years off. Planning has begun and if you want to help out, please let me know. Also, stay close to the class Facebook page as well as the new class website. Class website, you say, what class website? How about Billy Miller’s www.1989vmi. com. Billy started the site as a way to make gatherings easier. Check it out; I think the next get together is a baseball game in June. Billy, thank you for your effort. Before I leave the reunion topic I know I am going to ask Al Versoza – How do you bone an alumnus for being improperly dressed on the first stoop during parent’s weekend 1988? Stay tuned for the answer in the next addition of class notes.

Great input this go around guys, and not even because of our special guests. Let’s start with those deployed.

“Hi, Michael Karns here. I’ve been deployed to Afghanistan since July ’11. I lead the only Civil Affairs team in the Parwan Province, where Bagram is. I manage development projects like roads, hospitals and schools plus work with the Korean Army Provincial Reconstruction team and when I get a chance work with Afghan officials on better governance projects. I stay busy and alert as I bounce around the province. Give my best to everyone. John Corley is here too at Bagram with the 1st CAV.” Michael thanks for the update and I was glad to see that you got to come home over Christmas. You and John take care and thank you for your service.

From Mike Murray we hear, “I am stationed at the Pentagon but am finishing the last four months of a 12-month tour here. When I am at the Pentagon, I see John Piedmont just about daily in the hall, as well as several others from various classes. FYI: Also, I have reached out to Coach Trudgeon to get any spare (kidsadults) wrestling equipment that people are willing to send to Kabul. They have crazy mad wrestling programs here with thousands of participants. Any help they could get for stuff to allow them to have something to do besides kill one another is a plus in my book!” Thanks for the update Mike; we’ll see what we can get for some wrestling equipment.

Not to share any surprises yet, but from the rumor mill I was told that Kevin McAllister is serving in the Navy in Kuwait. Kevin please feel free to confirm or deny that rumor, and thank you for your service no matter where you are.

From Facebook, not 100 percent reliable, but I think that Matt Ans is in Afghanistan. Matt, Lori and I ran across your sister several months ago at a green building meeting in Charlottesville. At least we know where the brains and the looks of the family went. You be safe and let us know how you are doing.

Moving stateside with the military, Winton Smith, writes in from San Diego where he has taken command. “Kara, Pierce and Dash love the new quarters that overlook San Diego harbor. Brother Rats are always welcome to drop by the base or house.” Winton, I’m going to do all I can to take you up on that. Winton sent so great pictures and we will try to get them in the next edition or on Facebook.

Not military, but very close, John Piedmont sent a video of Lt. Bob Alder of the metro D.C. police department. Unfortunately, Bob was discussing the details of a homicide of a young man over a pair of shoes to the local media.

Bob you looked great in the suit, just a bigger version of Elliot Ness. Be careful out there and

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CLASS NOTES thanks for the hard work.

So moving from the military to the world of sports how many of you saw that our own Gary Sibayan was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame this fall? Gary, great job and we are proud of you!

So how about a blast from the past? How many of you thought Rob Gates? “I remarried in 2007 and currently live in Charlotte, NC. My wife’s name is Dr. Karen Bartley and she is a family practice physician in Monroe, NC. I have two kids from my first marriage who live nearby– Michael (16) and Karen (14).

After VMI, I spent six years in the Army, including eight months in Iraq in 91. I left the Army in ’95 to join Newell in their turnaround of manufacturing acquisitions. Over the next nine years, I spent time with Newell, AlliedSignal and Honeywell in a variety of manufacturing executive positions.

I worked for McKinsey and Company as an operations consultant from ’04-’09 and left to be part of an Australian company, Boral, which produces construction materials and building products.

After two years leading their manufacturing improvement program in the U.S., I am relocating to Sydney, Australia, to be their CIO next month. It will be a very different challenge from past manufacturing positions but I am excited to improve some of our fractured infrastructure and back office support processes.

I am reaching out to you to share some thoughts from a trip last week during which I returned to Lexington for the first time in seven years to show my wife VMI. I brought along my daughter and a friend of my son who is interested in attending in 2013. It is strange to be out of touch with the VMI community for so long. I drove to Lexington with many questions–what has the addition of females to the corps meant to the VMI experience; how challenging is today’s Ratline; what changes have been made to the physical layout of the barracks and academic buildings.

In preparation for my trip, I called the current Assistant Commandant, Lt. Col. Mitch Fridley.

I still can’t separate the administrator he is now with the partner in crime he used to be on late night excursions in 1989. While we couldn’t catch up in person due to his busy schedule, (it was breakout the day we visited) it was great to reconnect with a Brother Rat over the phone. I also learned from Lt. Col. Fridley, that Sandie is still working in the Commandant’s office. In case you are unaware, she had more to do with my graduation than any other administrator or professor. My wife claims that she probably ensured I graduated on time to get rid of me and there is probably a fair amount of truth to that.

For the other questions that lingered, I soon learned that the many changes to VMI have maintained the core fiber of the Corps:

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- My family met a very impressive Keydet for the VMI tour and she was a great ambassador for the “I.” - The sample Barracks room in the museum has Misc. Boxes from Buser and Kerr (does that require additional annual giving?).

- We ate in the food court, and I determined the food to be much improved over the fare in 1989.

- I toured the Barracks, including the “Third Barracks” that also houses the former Lejeune Hall PX, bookstore and food court (how is New Barracks still called New Barracks if Third Barracks is newer?)

- We witnessed some of the Ratline Breakout which lasted from 5 a.m to 9 p.m. Saturday – hazing might be prohibited and other elements of our Ratline may be absent, but the endurance the Rats exhibited was in the tradition of those that preceded the current fourth classmen.”

Rob, thanks for the great update and it is good to reconnect. I think you posed several great questions that many of us still have. However, seeing for yourself is the best way to understand the changes that have taken place and that the core values of VMI have not changed in over 170 years. Take care in Australia, and send us plenty of postcards! It’s a shame Dan Schnock has just moved back, but maybe he can recommend the best bars in Sydney.

As the world continues to spin, I see that Mike Harding, who grew up in Mechanicsville, VA, where I live now, and he is in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. “I’m still living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland loving the slow life out here, and the deer hunting. I retired early as a pilot with the Maryland state police. I am now a civilian test pilot with the Air Force based at Andrews. I am assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron as a civilian test pilot. Right now, I’m in New Mexico, getting requalified by the Air Force as an instructor/ test pilot...Except for the commute, it’s a great gig.

I really can’t complain. It’s nice working for the military again. I never really realized how much I missed it. Other than that, life is pretty much the same. I hardly ever run into any VMI peeps out this way, but would love to have the company.”

Mike thanks for keeping New Mexico safe while Michael Karns is oversees. Tom Henning, Pete Lampman and I will try to keep Mechanicsville up to your standards.

You saw the graduation picture from our newest member of law enforcement last issue, now for an update from Tom “Officer Buzzard” Spivey. “Graduated 56th Basic Police Academy in September and got thru FTO in November.

Full time with Chesterfield Police and loving it. Refereeing a full high school and college lacrosse schedule this year, including the Lacrosse Shootout at VMI in February. Reviving my Civil War tour business with the upcoming sesquicentennial. You can check out the website

at www.civilwartourbuzz.com.” Tom thanks for the update. Marty Malloy and I attended the VMI-Navy lacrosse game in Annapolis this past weekend, and it looked like they could have used you and Duff back on the field.

So what does a VMI man do when his back is against the wall? When he is all out of ideas?

When all seems lost? He calls in his BRs of course! So, last Saturday night I asked Mike and Lainee Biliunas and Jason and Wendy Gray to come over with some ideas. The rest is with their help.

George Armbruster is still living in Williamsburg and one of his son’s plays football at Jamestown High School with Jason’s nephew.

Matt Gallagher is living near Myrtle Beach and when not working for State Farm, catching more fish than should be allowed by law. John Shipley and Frank Campion do not want to be mentioned in the class notes. Bob Bradford is living in Chester, VA, and working for a defense contractor on Fort Lee. Jason Gray is a program manager for LMR, a VMI heavy company based next to Fort Lee. Steve Joern is still living in New York and working very hard as one of only 60 or so specialized engineers. Mike Biliunas is a print broker in Richmond, so any of you guys that need some print material you know who to call, right?

Mike Mezzacca is living in his home town of New Providence. NJ. His son, Jake (9), doing well in third grade and daughter, Taylor (5), having a ball in kindergarten. Mike is practicing law (in his 20th year) in neighboring Summit with Hartlaub, Dotten, Mezzacca and Ko. He’s a Certified Civil Trial Attorney practicing general commercial litigation. He’s keeping in touch with his old crew – Campion (editor’s note does not want to be mentioned), Gheen, Shipley, Canada, Malerba and has recently become active in the now-revised North Jersey Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association.

Jason also got an update from Heath Bain, who filled us in that he is living in Disputanta, Virginia, and working for Sussex County schools as the IT Coordinator. He is hoping to spend more time with Meredith and their three kids, Betsy (16), Hannah (12), and Jack (4), now that he is finished with his M.S. in IT and his M.B.A. Heath, from the sound of it you were good just to have kids and keep a job. Way to go.

Sadly right before these notes are to be sent in, several of us gathered in Richmond for the funeral of Gordy Fox’s father. In attendance were Dave Brown, Billy Miller, George Bowles, Bob Bradford, Tom Henning, Ned and Sharon Cox, George and Susan Armbruster, Ren O’Ferrall and Rich Sparks.

But with all of the research and technology available to us, there are still some BRs that we have not heard from or know what’s going on. So, as a prelude to the 25th Reunion, I am going to

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CLASS NOTES start adding some names that we have not heard from in a long time. So how about: Bill Crone, Pat Becker, Kevin Boyum, Mike Doucette, J.C. Gregory, Chris Menia, and T.J. Reilly, let us know where what’s up.

’90

Robert Clark

I received many great updates from our class and am glad to hear that our class is being promoted, retiring, moving around the world and country, taking new jobs, sending kids off to college, and on and on. It’s great to get your updates so keep them coming!

Andy Kvasnicka reported in from northern Virginia where he is working with Virginia Power during the week and “arresting people for free on weekends” for Prince George’s County. What a deal! He also passed on that he will be attending Rodney Edwards’ retirement ceremony from the Marines later this spring at Quantico. Congrats to Rodney on his upcoming retirement. Andy also recently heard from Kevin Hanford, who is living in Warrenton, VA, and doing well.

A number our Brother Rats are on the move. I heard from Andy Conville who is moving from Tucson, Arizona, to Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Andy is taking a new job with Generec Power Systems as a director of Service Administration.

I’ve warned Andy about his possible conversion to being a Cheesehead and have asked him to join my Packer hater club. We’ll see.

Finnie Coleman is also on the move. He recently moved from Albuquerque with the University of New Mexico to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Finnie is shadowing the university’s provost as part of a future leaders program in academia. He was recently selected to the American Council of Education Fellows, and it sounds like he will be a university president here very soon. Finnie’s wife, Doris, just completed her dissertation and is rising in the ranks of academia herself. He reports that his daughter, Anele, and son, Finnie, are growing too fast and loving Florida.

And finally, Dave Osborne checked in and reported that he will be heading from Barksdale AFB in Louisiana to northern Virginia this spring where he will take a government related job in Arlington. His family is very active including 10th grade twins, and his oldest son, who is now a published author of horror books. When you get to northern Virginia, don’t forget to check in with Chris Whittaker. Chris is now VP of the VMI Alumni Association’s Potomac River Chapter.

Chris recently saw Steve Fitton and Kenny Robinson at some other alumni events and is enjoying

2012-Issue 2

his time at the Pentagon with the Army.

Congratulations go out to Brian Haslam. He will be completing his master’s in nursing in May and will be a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. As a CNA, he will be an integral part of the surgical team, administering anesthesia in all types of surgical cases. Having spent a little bit of time in the hospital in my job, I know this is a major accomplishment for Brian and we wish him well as he embarks on this career. Brian also passed along that his father is serving as a VP in the VMI Foundation. He also recently ran into Tom Slater, who is doing well.

Tim Edwards sent along an update from his home in Chesterfield, VA. The Edwards’ added their 6th child (Mimi) last year, making it three boys and three girls in Team Edwards. In Minnesota, this is called a hockey team. In his spare time, Tim is an engineering product manager servicing Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Tim recently had the chance to connect with Dave Bland, Rob Campbell ’88 and Tony Lake ’89. He’s also on the lookout for Scott Smith and Todd Toler, his roommates, who apparently haven’t checked in awhile. No pressure Brother Rats but you may want to drop Tim a note!

Trey Wetsel is tying the knot. Trey is marrying Megan Laventy of Gaithersburg, MD, in February. Ms. Laventy is a surgical assistant who grew up in Philly, which suggests she will take no #!@t from Trey. Sounds like the Wetsels will be taking in a honeymoon in the Caribbean, and we all wish them well!

It was great to hear from Jim Hubbard who is living in Signal Mountain, TN, near Chattanooga.

Both he and his wife, Pam, work in finance for TVA. Jim proudly reported that he is coaching his two sons, Walker and William, in a host of sports.

One piece of trivia on Signal Mountain…it’s the boyhood home of one Tom Pugh, who grew up there.

Speaking of Tom Pugh, Brian McCormack sent in update from Fort Gordon, GA. Brian is assigned to Warrior Transition Battalion there and Tom is the 35th Signal Brigade Commander on the same post. Brian is deployed there temporarily, while is his family continues to live back in northern Virginia. He’s looking forward to rejoining them soon. Brian also catches up with Dave Kaulfers on occasion, who is with the Army Corps of Engineers in San Francisco.

Jim Hynes reports the he will be spending more time in Lexington. Jim, his wife, Kim, and their daughter, Margaret, were recently in Lexington where Margaret was touring W&L. Soon thereafter, Margaret was selected for admission to W&L and will be an incoming member of the class of 2016. Congratulations to Margaret! While in Lexington, Jim met up with Col. Tom Piegari and reports that he is doing great. He also caught up with John Hahn recently in Washington D.C.,

where John is working with the Coast Guard.

Finally, Garrett Peck checked in with a great update on Charlie Tujo, his roommate, who is currently stationed as a doctor with the Air Force at Travis AFB in California. Garrett and Charlie connected over dinner when Charlie was out in D.C. for his annual board review meeting. Shortly after that, Garrett learned that Charlie was promoted to full Colonel. Congratulations Charlie!

Chris Whittaker recently roped Garrett into speaking at one of the recent alumni events in northern Virginia. According to Garrett, he and about 30 other VMI folks visited PX, a classiclooking 1920s-era speakeasy in Alexandria, Virginia, in January. Garrett gave a short talk about Prohibition in D.C. and the crew sipped delicious cocktails. Chris Watson was there as well.

Lastly, Garrett is proud to report that his third book is being published in April. It’s called The Potomac River: A History and Guide, which covers the historic sites that are accessible to the public along the 383-mile river, combined with recreation opportunities. The hope of the book is to get people to appreciate the river’s history and to get some exercise while they’re at it.

Finally, as I sat down to compile our notes for this edition, I learned of the passing of Col. Bill Dabney ’61 who served as our commandant. I’ve heard from many of you already and your notes reaffirm what we all know – Col. Dabney was a tremendous role model and inspiration to our class. He was an outstanding man, leader, and the definition of a Marine. We will all miss him but never forget the wonderful influence he had on our class.

All the best and until next time ... Rob

’91

George Petty III

Greetings, Brother Rats. Spring has sprung and I must begin with sad news. Our BR Matt Gaddis lost his struggle with lymphoma on February 3, 2012. The end came unexpectedly sudden. About

Class of 1991: Steve Costello and Matt Gaddis at Gaddis’ home, May 2011.

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CLASS NOTES years old, join Tim and Karen helping out at the two weeks before his roommates made the trip Adam Gregory nursing home Bible studies, playing the piano to Wisconsin to visit Matt, Jill and their two and visiting with the residents. BTW, if you have boys. Jill said that the visit from Chris Buckneed of gluten-free baked goods, Karen is the one land, Steve Costello, and Dan Robinson really to call….yum! meant a lot to Matt. Despite the short notice, Brain Stone wrote that he is having a blast Steve, John Jeter, and Chris Watkins made the Andy Tate trying to keep up with his son, Eli, who turned trip for Matt’s memorial service. Flowers were three in December. sent on behalf of the class. The two things evCharles Fuller retired from the Marines eryone seems to remember about Matt are: 1.) last year and now is employed as a program He was always happy, even during the Ratline management analyst for SAIC. While he and 2.) When he laughed his eyes disappeared doesn’t miss the 13-month-long deployments to Gentlemen, when you read this, our 20th Reinto squinty slits. Memorials may be directed Afghanistan, he misses the Band of Brothers. union will be but a fond memory, surely cherished to the Gaddis Family Benefit Account at Royal by those BRs who attended. I hope you are one of Credit Union 800/341-9911, or contact me and I Increased time spent on hunting, fishing and camping are among his immediate plans. those and that both your wallet and self-esteem are will get you the appropriate information.

Greg Hurst sent a picture of a very nice buck fully recovered.

On a much happier note, Steve Rusher took that Charlie Schindler shot this fall. Check your I must begin with some very sad news. Marty time from looking for narcotics (calm down, e-mail for a picture if you haven’t seen it already. L. Chadwick, of Newport News, VA, passed it’s his job as a VA State Police investigator) Speaking of e-mail. Surely, there are those of away on Jan. 8, 2012. Before matriculating, Marty to write that the lil’ Rushers now number four. you that haven’t received an e-mail from me. graduated from Ferguson High School. As all BRs Isabel Marie joined her brothers, Brennan, That means – I don’t have one for you. You all know, Marty played basketball for the Keydets all Nolan and Garrett on August 15, 2011. Steve are not turning into early old-age-Luddites are four years, and was a member of the Promaji Club met up with fellow lawman Mike Martin at the you? Because, amongst other e-mails, I will be with like tenure. He is survived by his mother, Institute for a football game. forwarding to you the class notes section of the Joann Wright; one daughter, Martina Crosby; Speaking of babies, Lorraine and I are Review about 2-3 weeks before the print copy one son, Isaiah Nazareth; a twin brother, Marvin expecting the arrival our 3rd, about the time arrives in your mailbox. This early glimpse of Chadwick; four nephews and a host of other relathis edition reaches your mailbox. The due date the Review will be a regular feature beginning tives and friends. On behalf of our class, Marty, is the 15th of May. If it is a boy, Lorraine will rest in peace; we miss you. not allow me to name him TJ, T Jackson, etc. with this edition.

As to the last notes, I know they were thin. I bummer.

If you send a picture, do be sure that the file mention this only to use up some needless text Pete Dillion sent a note. He included a picture size is from 1-6Mb. This larger file size will here and make these notes longer. We deserve at of Craig Streeter and himself standing in the assure that the quality is sufficient for print. least one freeking page, no matter how slack your city square of Frankfurt. The picture will have Smaller files are still welcomed; they will just submissions! (‘Freeking’ is an homage to Pete made rounds in a separate e-mailing. Pete is be shared via e-mail and in the online edition at Finan ’90, of F-Troop Cadre fame). currently finishing his time as Commanding the VMI Ranks.

OK then, here are the latest updates from your Officer of Region 1, Marine Corps Embassy SeI will finish with the news that Paul Kubin BRs. Lt. Col. Doug Vincent writes: “Still at curity Group. His next posting will be stateside will be graduating in May or June from UCFort Polk, Louisiana, training Infantry Battalion for a one-year stint as the Marines Corps fellow Davis as a physician’s assistant. Way to go Commanders for Combat. My novel, The House to the Atlantic Council. Craig is on the staff of Paul! In his spare time, Paul has developed a or The Grave is now available on both Kindle and U.S. Africa Command. Pete and the following rather successful blog about the P.A. school Nook and I am working on getting it published Marines have been selected for promotion to experience. If the memory of our phone converthrough traditional channels. My wife, Irene, and Colonel: Craig Streeter, Chris Gideons, and sation is correct, he is getting almost 3,000 hits son, Alex, are doing well and looking forward to Chip Mclean. Wow. BZ guys! per day. Not too shabby. moving this summer for the War ColDean and Susan Bailey sent a lege, hopefully back to NoVa.” Many note saying, “Hey George!”

Congrats, Doug! I’m sure this work “Hiya Dean!” exceeds your scrawlings on my hay.

Todd Hubbard is back in the I received an e-mail reporting that Virginia Beach enjoying his time at Bob Burgess “recently hosted Franco home with Wendy and their three Neto, who was in Tampa for work, daughters. Todd had been deployed and Keith Peloquin with his new and with the VA National Guard. lovely wife, Kelly. A lot of laughs were I heard from Tim and Karen Hayes had as they prepared Kelly for her first that Tim has earned his master of arts, VMI Reunion weekend. Bob’s wife, as well as a doctor of philosophy Jennifer, having previously attended a in Biblical Studies. He was also couple reunions, is shopping for flasks ordained into the gospel ministry to share with the Peloquin, Neto, in January of 2012. In addition to Brinkley, and Terhune spouses … ” being a pharmacist at a long-term Col. John Brodie reports that “[t]he care facility, he is also leading Bible Class of 1991: Steve Rusher’s children – newborn Isa- band played at the 70th Anniverstudies at the facility, as well as fillbel Marie, Brennan, 7, and twin 2-year-olds, Nolan and sary of the Pearl Harbor attacks last ing the pulpit at various churches as Garrett – in fall 2011 on Isabel Marie’s christening day.

Thanksgiving; that was a terrific needed. His daughters, now 12 and 6

’92

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES time with 102 cadets and staff. Just got back from New York City with 35 cadets of the Glee Club. They had a three-day concert tour in New Jersey and New York City. Busy, busy. I am looking forward to seeing everyone here at VMI [for our 20th Reunion]. My daughters can all babysit for us. Julia is 16, Rachel, 15, and Kathryn is 12.”

That’s all the updates for this issue. Perhaps the pics will push us to a second page, but I can only dream.

Best regards ... Adam

’93

Bill Cox

Here goes the next edition of class notes. I will apologize now that they probably aren’t very good due to lack of news sent to me, but I

Class of 1992: Joe Casey ’94 and Neil Hennigan in “The Land Down Under,” taking a break from their assignment in November 2011, during a visit by the president of the United States.

will do my best. I am well and still in Lynchburg. I changed jobs at work and it has been an interesting change. Not so much better or worse but interesting. It is making me more rounded I guess so I can’t complain. Let me rephrase that … I won’t complain. I am almost done with grad school. I have nine more hours after this semester and will finish classes on August 7th. It will be a busy summer cramming in nine hours that fast, but I can stand on my head that long if need be, so I will make it. My fear is that I will have to decide what I want to do when I grow up at that point!

My boss asked me the other day what I wanted my next job to be and I replied “Human Cannonball.” I don’t think he saw the humor in it to be honest. Addison continues to grow and flourish and I am prouder of her each day. My divorce is complete, merely waiting on the courts to decree it as complete. I am in a complicated but wonderful relationship with a beautiful woman who gets me.

Way to go Lauren you have achieved something so few ever have...getting me. So on with the news I have …

Clarence Tweedy sent a note in. He is expecting a son, Blaze Alexander, in June of this year. Clarence is up for tenure this year and his wife is doing well with her job at Geico as a claims adjuster.

Good luck to you Dr. I hope you get it. Clarence filled me in on his roommates. Jason Held has his own aerospace company in Australia (all I know is he advertises space beer on Facebook). Wade

Class of 1992: Bob Burgess recently hosted Franco Neto and Keith Peloquin.

Class of 1992: Attending the VMI-University of Richmond football game get-together were, from left, Charlie and Denise Martin, Chuck Weatherman and son Andrew, Woody and Leslie Woodward, Tom Hamner ’89 and Sharon (Hamner is Woodward’s dyke), and Chip and Winnie Dunn. Al Saunders was also in attendance but is not pictured.

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McNichols is in Roanoke as a lawyer and has a son, Alton. Eric is married in Harrisonburg and has four children. Rich Borden and Clarence hang out a lot. Rich is a commander in the Navy and has a little boy as well. Patrick Schuler chimed in from Sri Lanka. Yes, I said Sri Lanka, where he is assigned to the U.S. Embassy as the defense attaché. If you happen to find yourself there, Pat says look him up. Brian Chamberlain wrote a nice note. His son, Bradley Chamberlain, is set to graduate from the mother I in May. He was his company RDC rep, S5 on the reg staff and CIC of VMI’s Frisbee team…Really a Frisbee team – now I know the corps has gone soft. After graduation, his son is planning to marry a cadet at VWIL. Brian Piccioni wrote in that he, Raleigh Trumbo, Sean Farley, Dan Crawford, and John Perry, are travelling to see Kevin Roop at his new house in Beaver Creek for a ski-boarding trip. Susan Kane sent me a note in December, which I rudely forgot to respond to (Sorry, Susan). She and Vic are busy raising three kids, going through job changes and moving. Sorry, Susan… again, I’m a terrible correspondent. Send me your news and I will include it….I promise. In December, I had the pleasure of hunting at Granville Higgins’ farm in Lex Vegas.

Also there, were Eric Eversole, Gerry Bingeman, Hunter Hutchens, and Higgy. I was only there for a couple nights but they stayed all week. I think the deer population suffered greatly but not at my expense. Eric had a ridge-to-ridge shot in low light in the morning and took a nice buck. I don’t know how far the shot was, but let’s just say further than I could shoot being that I missed. Lowell T. Miller sent me a very nice note. Our BR’s kids are doing well. Dani graduates high school in June and will be attending Baker College in Flint, MI. There was no update on the younger daughter.

That is about all the news I received. On a sad note, I received word via Lexington that Col. Dabney ’61 is not faring well and will be lucky to survive the month. He has had a long battle with cancer. I cut and paste here from my FB page, where some of our BRs shared their favorite Dabney stories. Mine is first, of course, (it’s all about me hahahaha). My favorite Col. Dabney story … my dad had come to the “I” when I was a Rat to take me out for the night. We ended up at the Dabney’s shooting pool in his basement. A lover of fine whiskey and bourbon, Col. Dabney and my father proceeded to get tight (gentlemen never got drunk) which made it easy for me to drink more than my share of beer from the Colonel’s fridge.

Eventually, I had to go back to barracks and was stopped in Sally Port by some 3rds...the standard questioning … you been drinking Rat? … Yes sir … You been drinking with your dyke Rat? … No sir … who you been drinking with Rat? … I’d rather not say sir … Who have you been drinking with Rat? … Col. Dabney sir … a momentary pause … Press on Rat … The next is from Mark

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CLASS NOTES Schroeder: Bill, not sure if you know this but one of the biggest reasons I got into VMI after my initial transgressions in college was that Col. Dabney’s daughter, Keane, was a classmate of mine in high school when the Colonel was posted in D.C. When down for a visit and trying to beg my way in, after wasting two years with a .6 GPA, I ran into Keane on the Parade Deck and she introduced me to him. I basically blurted out my situation and he took pity me on me, helping me in securing a place in our class. He remained a person I went to when in trouble or just needing some advice. And like you, I may or may not have experienced the pool room and liquid bread from the spring water cooler in the back of the house. I have passed my thoughts along to Keane. The next is from Scott Eanes: I came to the Institute with no family history of military service. A couple of months into Rat year, I considered leaving. Being NROTC scholarship, I had to go talk to Col. Dabney. Quite honestly, I had no idea who he was or his distinguished history. I gave him my sob story as I saw it at the time and asked him, “If you were me, would you quit?” I have to admire the fact that he didn’t jump over his desk and put my chin in right there! He just calmly answered, “No, I don’t think I would...”

I went back to class and never looked back.

Only with time, has that exchange become more and more meaningful to me as I learned more and more about Col. Dabney. Great man! The next I have to share is from Lincoln Swineford: I was actually supposed to be Class of ’92 and about a month before matriculation, VMI pulled my appointment because I had a detached retina that was surgically repaired. There’s a regulation that says that no one with a detached retina can be commissioned and that was VMI’s reason for pulling my appointment.

We tried everything, from me enlisting so that VMI would have to take me, (I was disqualified) to writing our congressman (who politely told me to suck it) and my parents finally just took me up to VMI to talk to people face to face.

We ended up face to face with Col. Dabney, who was head of the NROTC at the time.

He talked with us about 10 minutes, said “Anyone that wants to come here bad enough to drive up and try to talk their way in is going to come here.” I got my waiver that day, matriculated in August with ’93. The last story I received is from Guy Berry: “My dad saw Capt. Dabney once in a chow hall in Vietnam, so when I was a ‘pre-strain’ we went to see him in the NROTC spaces. I know he didn’t remember my dad, but he pretended he did, that’s the kind of guy he is. He took one look at me and said, ‘What do you want to do son?’

I said, ‘Be a Marine.’ He nodded and said, ‘You look like a jump-jet pilot.’ Now the CH-46 squadron, HMM-364 ‘Purple Foxes,’who resupplied him on 881S, is the helicopter squadron my Har-

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rier det is deploying with this year on the Peleliu.

I thought these stories were worth sharing. I hope I didn’t break some FB etiquette rule by including here. Needless to say, Col. Dabney had an impact on all of our lives in some way, shape, or form.

God Bless the good colonel, his family, the Corps, and Institute.” On that somber note, I will end this edition of class notes.

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

Christopher L. Doyle

Congratulations to Rob Brumley, who married Anne Carter Braxton Murphy on November 19, 2011. Following Katie’s passing, Rob was learning how to take care of his son, Hayes (age 4), daughter, Grayson (age 7 years), dog, Maggie, and himself. He said he was fortunate to be surrounded by lots of friends and family. During that time, Rob met Anne who, with her son, Blake (age 11), sadly had experienced a similar loss. Rob and Anne became close friends as a result of their similar experiences. Their friendship progressed and they decided to marry. Rob and Anne were married at Yeocomico Episcopal Church. Hayes was the ring bearer, Grayson was the flower girl, and Blake walked his mom down the aisle. It was very much a close family ceremony. Paul Curley was there and served as best man. On December 17, the couple held a reception in Richmond, VA, to celebrate with local friends and family.

Several friends, Brother Rats, and VMI Family/ Alumni were able to attend. Rob, Anne, and the kids currently reside in Richmond and welcome anyone passing through to stop by and say hello.

Congratulations to Rob, Anne, and the children.

On behalf of the Class of 1994, I am honored to

Class of 1994: Luca Starling. Photo submitted by his father, Phillip.

welcome Anne and Blake to the VMI family.

Dave Underwood retired from active duty and took a contractor job working for the Army. Additionally, he met and married his bride, Kierstin.

They started their life together by making several trips, including Washington D.C., San Francisco, Napa, and San Antonio. After their New Year’s Day wedding, the couple took a honeymoon in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. Congratulations, Dave and Kierstin.

Rudy Johnson checked in from Marietta, GA, where he is working for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a lab manager. Rudy has two daughters. Maria and Dorothy, ages nine and five.

Rudy frequently gets together with Cory McCallum for lunch and reports that he is doing well.

Craig Freeman is living in Poquoson, VA. He and his wife, Sunny, have two daughters Emily (age 14) and Holly (age 8). Craig is employed with Hampton City Schools, where he is a Science Curriculum Specialist for the school division.

Craig is planning to start a doctorate program in June through Regent University. Craig’s goal is to work his way up to a superintendent position.

Sunny will soon be graduating from nursing school. She will be an RN and hopes to become a school nurse at one of the local schools. Craig is an avid saltwater fisherman and recently got a new boat to feed his addiction. Craig invites any BRs in the Hampton Roads area to go fishing if they are interested. Craig’s oldest daughter earned Junior Angler of the Year honors from the Bull Island Anglers Club. Craig recently started a side business making custom fishing rods. He named the business “Back River Rods” (www.backriverrods.com). He specializes in light tackle saltwater rods, but can build anything from a five-foot spinning rod to a 14-foot Hatteras heaver. Craig assured me he could do VMI colors! Sounds like you are keeping busy, Craig!

Will Gorman recently ran into Larry Blackwell in northern Virginia. Larry has worked in the VMI QMD since 1979. Larry’s wife, Rita, works for the VMI Foundation. Will spends some summers at VMI fitting shoes for all of the incoming Rats during cadre. Larry also works with Jim Todd’s dad, who sells uniforms to VMI. Will is working for Pelion Financial Group providing M&A advisory services. He is licensed to sell insurance (Life & Annuities, Variable, Health, Long Term Care) in Virginia. Will says he is always available to answer any BR’s questions if they have any.

Mike Eason returned from Afghanistan in October after a tour as the Chief of Lethal Fires in Regional Command South (with the 10th MTN Division). Mike, his wife Tamara, and daughter, Victoria, are still at Fort Drum, NY, and will be until June 2012. Mike is waiting on the Command list to see where his next assignment will be and expects to be promoted to Lt. Col. soon. While deployed, Mike ran into Justin Sapp, who worked

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CLASS NOTES the Special Forces liaison. Mike also had a couple of VMI guys on the Division Staff with him and ran many more while deployed. Mike recently heard from Mike Rezabek who was deployed in Regional Command East with a Military Transition Team (MiTT).Welcome back, Mike!

Chris and Julie Ratchford are doing very well in Richmond. Their daughter, Addison, is in 6th grade and son, Jack, is in 2nd grade. Chris often talks to Dustin Devore and recently had lunch with Rich Clark in Charlotte, NC. Chris also keeps in touch with J.R. Teal’s parents, Joe and Lou. Chris says the Teals send their regards to the Class of ’94. Chris says they are doing well and welcome calls from any BRs. Their phone number is 804/883-7236 and address is 13031 Countryplace Lane, Montpelier, VA. Last summer, Chris and Julie took the family to France and Italy for a vacation. They stayed in Nice, France and then drove to Tuscany and eventually to Rome. They were also able to attend the VMIGardner Webb game last season.

Joe Casey, Stu Copenhaver, Jeff Guild, Ed Henning, John Campbell, Pete Major, Rusty Stein, and Ro Browning got together for a ’94 mini-reunion in South Carolina for the Coastal Carolina game. Jeff is a Navy SEAL and deployed last October. Ed is scheduled to move to Kenya with the DEA this year.

Joe Casey passed on some other news about some BRs. Kevin Vermillion is now assigned to the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama. Gerald Escobar is still in Atlanta and doing well. Gerald says he has a new addition to his family, daughter Amelia, born in April 2011. Congratulations to Gerald, Cheryl,

Class of 1995: Maeve Elizabeth Killmeyer, left, was born on Feb. 2, 2012, at 9:26 a.m., and her brother, Declan Michael, right, was born one minute earlier at 9:25 a.m. at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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and big brother, Andrew. Charles Downs and his family live in Roanoke and are doing well.

Charles and Gerald recently ran the R&R inaugural half marathon in Savannah, GA. I hope everyone is well? Please keep me apprised of what is happening in your lives.

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

Dan Williams

Greetings Brother Rats … Can anybody believe that 2012 is half over, or at least it will be by the time these notes are published. As always, I hope this finds you and yours well. Several updates to highlight, so I guess I should get right to it.

My wife, Jill, and I are well and it’s hard to believe, but our son is already six months old and our daughter turns three at the end of March.

I’m winding down my second year as the public address announcer for VMI basketball and look forward to starting my fifth year this fall as the PA guy for VMI football. Speaking of which, the schedule is out and there will be six home games in the fall of 2012, highlighted by a visit from our old Southern Conference foe, The Citadel. Another key game will be the September 22 matchup against the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

My job allows me to travel a good bit and earlier

Class of 1995: Chuck and Teah Bayless with their triplets, Jonathan, Paige and Madison, born Sept. 7, 2011.

this winter/late fall during a trip out to Fort Carson, I stopped by to see Larry Burris, who is in Battalion Command with the oldest tank battalion in the Army. Later this spring, I will be up at Fort Drum and will check in on Buddy Meador. I also see Matt Reiner regularly and am excited that he and Vicky just bought a house about a mile away from where Jill and I live. I also talk to Marlin Ikenberry quite often and he’s excited about this year’s baseball team. I exchanged e-mails with Drew Warren recently. Drew is working at Headquarters Marine Corps, but expects to PCS sometime this summer. He and Alice welcomed their fourth recently; daughter Julia was born on November 2, 2011.

Dan Williams is doing well, as he and Jodie welcomed their third child, McKenna Hope, earlier in January. The family is doing well and all are looking forward to the move this summer back to the east coast near Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.

Many congrats to Rick Killmeyer and his wife, who welcomed twins, Maeve Elizabeth and Declan Michael, in early February. Dan caught up with Rick recently and relayed that the Killmeyer family is happy, healthy and getting the battle rhythm set. Rick continues to serve as an alumni chapter president in the Philadelphia area.

Brian Kellner sent me a note recently. Brian is still in the Marine Corps and he and the family recently moved back to Virginia from Chicago.

Brian is at Quantico working for the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Specifically, he is working reserve structure issues as the Marine Corps draws down just as every other service seems to be doing. In Brian’s words, “It certainly isn’t sexy but I can’t complain as it is your typical staff job with mostly normal hours and I get a lot of time with my family.” About a year ago, the Kellner family welcomed their third child, daughter Caroline, who joins Reid, age 7, and Claire, age 5.

Brian said that he ran into Dave Johnson, who is now stationed in New Orleans at Marine Forces Reserve. Dave is doing well and had a child within the last year, I believe. Brian also said that he talks to Kurt Polk often who is doing very well in New York City with an Investment Firm.

Kurt and his beautiful bride, Angie, also had a son within the last year.

Just the other night I got a note from Chuck Bayless. Chuck and his wife, Teah, (who is a doctor at Duke University) have been married nearly 15 years. Since graduation they’ve been all over, living in seven states, three with the military and four for jobs and school. Currently they reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, and have been there since the summer of 2010. They were very happy to welcome triplets, born September 7, 2011, Jonathan, Paige, and Madison (Paige and Madison are identical twins). Everyone is doing well and

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CLASS NOTES growing at an alarming rate; Chuck says they’ve basically tripled in size since birth.

That’s about it for this go around. Please continue to send updates. Take care all!

’96

Peter Segersten

BRs, I can’t believe it has been 15 years since we graduated. It was an awesome experience to see and catch up with the BRs who were able to attend the reunion this past October. We surely missed those who were unable to attend the reunion, especially those who were deployed overseas in service to our country. A huge thanks to Eli Wahesh for assisting me over the last year in organizing the reunion. I hope everyone had a great time!

Corrie Brice checked in from Iraq. He met up with Jared McCormick at FOB Union III during our 15th Reunion weekend. They had a few cigars and Dr. Peppers to celebrate the reunion. Both Corrie and Jared are in Iraq for a yearlong deployment. Corrie and wife, Dianna, also celebrated their 15-year reunion, which happened to be on the same weekend. He cannot wait to reunite with wife and kids at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Wes Parmer is currently in snowy Kabul, Afghanistan, with the ISAF Corps command and is looking forward to some R&R to visit his wife, Pascale, and his 15-month-old daughter, Lara.

Steve Johnson completed a long tour in Afghanistan this summer and now will be taking command of a helicopter USN MH-60 squadron in San Diego. It was really great to see him during the reunion, and I’m sure his wife, being from San Diego, is super excited to head back.

Shawn McFadden gave an update from eastern NC. Jim Zepko, he reported, is stationed at Camp Lejeune and Josh Lewis is not too far away and lives close enough to throw down a few occasionally. The next duty station for Shawn might be in the D.C. area. He happily remains busy with his family and the Marine Corps.

Chris Powell sent me his latest update: “I finally made (reserve) Lt. Commander. Too bad I’m junior to everyone we know except the cadets I taught in 2003. Five years out of the Navy will do that–I’m mighty happy to be back. I’ve been to London a couple times, recently supporting operation OCEAN SHIELD running C2 (Command and Control) for the counter-piracy task force off Somalia. Am headed back to the UK in the next few months. Last time I was out, I made a trek to St. Anne’s where we did the VA Program at Oxford. The pub across from the college is now a private house (depressing), but not much else has

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changed. What a great deal that was.”

Ben Venning dropped a message on our class FB page. He has been at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti with the Marine Corps since the summer and plans on returning sometime this spring.

Mike Wilbourn emailed me with some unfortunate news: “The past few months have been unbelievable.

On November 6th, while we were at church, our house caught fire and burned down. We lost pretty much everything including my dog of 12 years, Buddy. On top of that, my wife was 39 weeks pregnant with our fourth child. Eleven days later at 5 a.m., I delivered my son, Phoenix, in the bedroom of the house we were staying in, because my wife woke up to contractions two minutes apart and I knew we would not make it to a hospital.

It was the typical on the phone with 911 delivery like you see on TV. Some of the same firemen who put out our house fire were there to help take us to the hospital in the ambulance after Phoenix Jedidiah was born. Since then, our family has been so blessed, not only by having a healthy baby boy that morning, but also by friends and family just supporting us in so many ways. The VMI community has been monumental. Guys I haven’t seen since the last reunion, calling or sending us a note with “a little something.” More names than I can list here and most of all, they didn’t do it for a thanks or recognition, they did it just because we are BRs. I am fortunate to be a part of the class of ’96. RAH Virginia Mil!” Let’s keep Mike and his family in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery from a tragedy such as this.

On the political front, we have two new BRs representing our class in the Commonwealth who were elected into office in the state of Virginia.

Rusty McGuire was elected as Commonwealth’s attorney in Louisa county and Anthony Martin as Commonwealth’s attorney in Nelson County. A huge congratulations to both!

I keep in touch with Chris Jones. He is currently in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the Air National Guard flying KC-135s. John McElroy is stationed up in Long Island, New York, as a Combat Rescue Officer. I also ran into Christian Hoff at a party recently. He and his wife just recently bought a house in Leesburg, Virginia, and looks to be doing quite well at Booz Allen Hamilton. Chris Antonelli was Hoff’s real estate agent and he not only lives close to Christian, but also Jason Malo and Chad Kaschak.

Chris Lowe dropped me a line to let me know he was redeploying from Afghanistan. He ran into Wes Parmer in Kabul. Matt Bogusky is doing quite well. He is still with the DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) out of Fort Meade, Maryland, and currently is living in Fairfax, Virginia. Matt Bahen has his own crossfit business near Richmond, Virginia. So, if you are in the area and need to get in shape, then check it out!

I see Matthew “Dutch” Holland occasionally on Facebook. He currently enjoys some of his spare time in a band ‘Runaway Jones’ as the drummer and tours around the Roanoke area of Virginia.

Jon Dano e-mailed me to let me know of his recent engagement to Kelly Buckingham, who many BRs met at the reunion. The wedding is set for September 2nd in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania.

Congratulations Jon! Jon currently is the North American Food Service IT lead for the Campbell Soup Company.

Harri Humaloja dropped by to visit me for a few beers from New York City after a week of training down in Washington D.C. Outside of the hockey rink; he is still quite the busy man, working and traveling for the United Nations and is doing quite well.

Please keep all the updates, photos, birth announcements, etc. coming to vmialum1996@ gmail.com or a simple phone call. I also have set up accounts on Facebook and twitter for our class if you have accounts on either. Hope all is well and keep in touch!

Pete

’97

David Zirkle

The leaves are gone here in Virginia. The snows have come and gone, and I am still the class agent and the time has come for this quarter’s edition of notes. By the time you read this we will be closing in on our 15th Reunion, which in case you have forgotten is October 5th and 6th. I suggested last time, that everyone go to vmiaa.org and check to see that the Alumni Association has a recent e-mail address on file for you. Since you didn’t do it last time, put the notes down and go check your information. A fair number of updates arrived right after the deadline last time, so forgive me if some of these tidbits are a little stale.

Jason Gruse reports, “Things here are well in West Virginia. Married to Lori with our two kids, my son, Will is 4 and my daughter, Bree is 2.

They keep us very busy as I have been working in medical sales.” Jason is also pretty sure he’s become the “typical middle-aged American dad!”

Joe Kmiecinski says, “Things are good, Erin and I had a son last year, Jackson. He’s doing great and growing like a weed. Still working in construction management, just finished a project in Richmond, saw Brett Ogletree, Matt Smith, Jason Ancarrow and Matt Linderman while I was down there. Currently working on a small project in Herndon, VA, until the next new building starts.”

Also back in October, Jeremy King said that he’s “still living in Columbia, SC, and employed with Westinghouse Electric Company. Our daugh-

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES VMI- Citadel football game in Charleston, SC. My 4) got married to my best friend, Laura, in Cocoa ter is probably the biggest thing in our lives at the daughter turned 2 over the Christmas holidays, and Beach, Florida. So, Laura and I now parent a Brady moment. She is 9 months old and teething. I can’t my brother, Matthew Martin (Class of 2000, Gary Bunch-like clan of SEVEN (Paisley 4, Rhett 5, remember the last time that I had a full night’s Compton’s Rat) just got back from his 4th tour as Jolie 7, Katerina 7, and Erin 14). Mike Medlin and sleep and look forward to when it happens again. a Navy helo pilot on Feb 6th, he was in Bahrain.” Keith Peterson were both at the wedding in Cocoa My wife and I are having the best time with our Speaking of Gary, we managed our quarterly play Beach, FL.” daughter. Being a father has brought a lot of joy to date. Will Martin is “still with Kroger (in Cincinmy life and looking forward to all the memories Jason Middough “was a VIP at Obama’s Town nati) and I do have some news. I just recently (Feb. Hall yesterday (February) only due to the fact that I that will be made. Amy and I are bringing Whitney with us to the VMI-Citadel game this month. am board member on northern Virginia Community I’m trying to get her to wear VMI colors, but it College. I left Treasury and have started out with could be a struggle since her grandpa and two some investors doing private equity investments uncles all went to the Citadel. I recently talked to globally. Over the past month, I have been in Astana, Ryan Shy. He just moved to Charlotte, NC, and Kazakhstan, Antigua, Guatemala, and South Africa. was recently married! They are also coming to We now have an equity stake in a home value apthe VMI-Citadel game.” My hope is that at least plication that should give better clarity to mortgage Jeremy is sleeping through the night since the backed security investors.” Dano says “things are football game didn’t turn out so well. going really well. My territory of Arizona, Hawaii BJ Grinage says he talks “to Billy Edmunds and New Mexico was up 55 percent this year in every once in a while. Other than that … as far as relocations, so I’ve been extremely busy. I have not me … my wife and I had a daughter on February seen any BRs, but I am in regular contact with Staich 27th, Tahlia Iris Grinage … and I ran into Mark who by the way is now engaged to Kelly Brasket.

Class of 1997: Will Martin, Mike Bristol ’88 a few weeks ago at the Steelers game The wedding is planned for March of 13. My wife Medlin, Laura Martin and Keith Peagainst the Titans. Not that his name should mean started her new job as the manufacturing manager terson at the beach. anything to anyone ... but it was cool to meet of HEI, so she’s #2 in command of a large facility. someone wearing the rock in a crowd of 65000.”

The only downside is that she is working seven days Speaking of Billy, he let me know that he and a week currently.” his B-1B are deployed in Operation Enduring Troy Mosby is “still living in Manhattan and Freedom. Joel Kusterer mentioned that he has hangs out on a regular basis with a bunch of other “been married to my wife, Karen, for about 3½ VMI guys who also live up here. They include years now. We have a son named Mac. We live Robert Browning ’94, Steve Mills ’94, Kurt Polk over in the north side of Richmond and I work ’95, Chris Berry ’97, Chris Braun ’98, Erik Seaas an analyst at Owens & Minor. I basically help man ’98 and Justin Wolfe ’98.” Troy got his head hospitals manage their inventory and supply costs shaved at a Navy SEAL Foundation Gala Dinner more efficiently.” Joel seems to keep tabs on a where he “ran into Christian Hartwell ’95, who is solid third of the class having seen or talked to currently a Navy SEAL.” Chuck Ayers, Bill Stagg, Scott Saunders, Tripp I got a long e-mail from Edward Ramatowski Costen, Chris Berger, Joe Harrell, Jay Adams, who reports “things are going pretty good, but a Troy Mosby and Jason Gruse. lot has changed in my ministry as a priest for the Class of 1997: Andy Clark and Oliver Johnson in 21st century gym dyke for Max Hopkins wrote back in December that he was Archdiocese of St. Louis. Namely, my bishop the Marine Corps Marathon. elected San Diego Chapter President this summer. released me from my duties as the pastor of ImAt the Founder’s Day Luncheon, maculate Heart of Mary Parish in St. our class made up a solid quarter Louis to enter the United States Air of the gathering – Dave Hudock, Force as a chaplain full-time. As you Shah Rahman, Donnie Hasseltine, may remember, I have been a chaplain Andy Staich, and Max. Of special in MO Air National Guard for a little note “Dave, Shah and I were all Rat over four years. I did have the opporturoommates.” They e-mailed Billy nity to deploy as a chaplain to LandstScott that evening. He was there with hul Regional Medical Center in 2009, us in spirit. In all, we had 19 alumni to assist with the wounded warriors from the class of 1939 to 2009” at coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan. the luncheon.

That was an amazing ministry and after Adam Letts is “still a police officer that experience, I felt carried to this and my boy just turned 5 in August. ministry full-time and began the jourStill have a thoroughbred horse farm ney of asking the Bishop’s permission, in West Virginia, where we breed, which finally came in 2011. break, train, and race. I haven’t Currently, I am assigned to the 502d seen or heard from anyone in quite Air Base Wing of Joint Base San Antosome time.” Brian Martin says the nio with an operational location being Class of 1997: Attending the San Diego Chapter Founders Lackland AFB. Furthermore, my as“last Brother Rats I saw and partied Day luncheon were, from left, Dave Hudock, Shah Rah- signment at Lackland AFB is working with were Chris Hobbs, Kevin Ash man, Donnie Hasseltine, Andy Staich and Max Hopkins. and my Rat Frank Jackson ’00 at with the Basic Military Trainees’ Cha-

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CLASS NOTES pel Branch. I am in charge of the entire Catholic Program for the Basic Military Trainees, as well as have duties assisting two training squadrons as their chaplain (321st ad 323rd TRS). It is a very busy ministry but quite rewarding. I will attach my current biography to provide more details.

I try to help the trainees get over and through the transition that basic military training brings. A lot of times, they just need someone to vent to and help them get back in the swing of things. Other times, it is a serious issue that needs more care and resources brought in.

I had the opportunity to run into Derek Stephenson on the Metro while in Washington, D.C. when we were both leaving the Pentagon. It was a very brief meeting. He appears to be doing well and currently calling Fredericksburg home while working at the Pentagon. I had quite a long call with Ed Bonham a week ago; he is plugging away and still working for the Fire/Rescue in Fairfax County, VA. I continue to stay in contact with Sean Ladrigan and he is doing well.”

Dan Rippy “was elected to the City Council in Plainfield, IL. It is a medium-sized Chicago suburb around 50,000 people. Other than that, I am still practicing law and enjoying time with my family.” James Pridgen wrote me (on Valentine’s Day) that “Shelley, my wife, and girlfriend since high school, is still the love of my life. My two girls, Isabella, 9, and August, 4, are growing like weeds. We are still living in Grand Island, NY. We moved here about four years ago for my job as an Air Interdiction Agent. Basically, I found my dream job–I get to be a cop and fly a helicopter at the same time. If only the weather were more agreeable. I took command of F co 1/169th Medevac in the NYARNG on 9/11/11. We are scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in September. Unfortunately, I was deployed for our tenth reunion now I’ll miss the fifteenth. Maybe I can make the twentieth.”

As for me, things are going well. I’m approaching the end of my first year in a new townhouse.

Ryan Homes sent Wyndham Buerlein ’96 out to do my ten-month inspection. He had been going over details for about fifteen minutes before I realized why his name was familiar.

I appreciate everyone responding to my spamish requests for news. As I was finishing up these notes, I received an e-mail from Oliver Johnson, who said, “I’m still active-duty AF finishing up my stint at USAFA (Colorado Springs) as an “AOC” (Air Officer Commanding - Tac Officer) for Cadet Squadron 28 “The Blackbirds.” It’s been a lot of fun and challenging at times mentoring 107 cadets. I must remind myself of some of the “silly” things I did as a cadet. “EJ” and I now have three girls (Joy-7, Sara-5, Ella-2) and they should show up under “Provisional Appointments” in the Alumni Review next go-around.

We’re PCSing to San Antonio, Texas, this

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summer where I’ll be assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron flying the T-1 “Jayhawk” in the Pilot Instructor Schoolhouse (PIT). Looking forward to Texas and hope to see long-lost BRs of the notorious “Texas Club” from VMI–Chad Neely and Jason McCoy, to name a couple.

Ran the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) this past Oct. 30, 2011, with BRs: Andy Clark, Greg Reynolds, Addison Hagan and Tony Spevak.

Steve “Secret Squirrel” Strain and Brad Pickelsimer were there for support. It was a great experience running through our nation’s capital!”

My favorite part of the e-mail was OJ’s idea for reunion shirts. He thinks we should make high tech – gym dyke shirts for the reunion. Personally, I think we should add a big non-regulation ’97 to the back. Make mine a large! So on that note, I pass you on to Ham and the Class of 1998. If you have any ideas for the reunion – activities – (Tyler Chase is already looking forward to the golf tournament and Jason Bade is going to plan a bike tour for me) let me know. Our tenth was a special weekend. I can’t wait for the fifteenth, even though as Joel Kusterer pointed out, that means we were Rats 18 years ago.

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Editor’s note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1998 for this issue.

’99

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Hope everyone made it through the winter well and is enjoying the spring. I made it back to school for Founders Day this past year. It was the first time I had been back since our 10-year Reunion. For those that have not been back in awhile, I highly encourage it. Lots of changes have taken place. One particular addition that I got to see was the Center for Leadership behind Smith Hall. It is quite impressive. My thanks go out to Sgt. Maj. John Neel for the personal tour.

Paul Wills tells me that he and his wife welcomed their second son on June 22. He is still working as a senior estimator for an engineering firm in Richmond and doing well. Congratulations on the new baby, Paul. One of my co-dykes and Rat roommates, Matt Bryant sent me an e-mail back around Christmas. He tells me he is still living in Roanoke with his wife and two children. He works in surgical equipment for

Medtronic. Good to hear that Matt is doing well.

I had not heard from him in several years. Ralph Cromley sent me the following update, “I’m AGR (active Guard/Reserves) now. Got lucky!

I’m at Fort Bragg, NC. I have been trying to get picked up for AGR for a couple of years. I should have never left AC in the first place. But, we all make bad decisions at times. Hope you are well and the holidays are treating you good!

I ran into Mike Nelson while in processing.

He is still in the SF community and comes and goes. Gene Hare also contacted me, he’s an E6 I believe, with SF and headed to Ranger School!

(Bills note: That is funny. Never could picture Gene in Special Forces. Gene, if you are reading this send me an e-mail.) I keep in touch with Mike McDermott and Barry Williams. They are both at ILE and doing well. I’m single, living the apartment dream, right in the hustling madness of Fayetteville! I’ll be better about keeping in touch. —Woody” Thanks Woody. You actually do a pretty good job of keeping me up to date with what you are doing. Billy Gage is still with the Secret Service. He just finished up Tactical Leadership School, and is getting ready for what he believes will be a very hectic election season.

I can’t imagine Billy getting anymore busy. He lives five miles from me and we hardly see each other due to his crazy schedule. Aaron Hamilton has been keeping me entertained with his adventures via Facebook. Apparently, his debauchery has been so extreme that he has had to move to Utah and change his name.

That does it for this addition. I would like to ask everyone that has not updated their information on the alumni website recently, please do so as soon as possible. I had several Christmas cards returned as undeliverable this past year. We need to cut back on this as it costs the Alumni Association a lot of money in wasted postage.

In the Bonds, Bill

Class of 2001: Brian Lakin’s son, Levi Shane, was born on Nov. 21, 2011.

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CLASS NOTES

’00

Matthew McComas

Editor’s Note: We did not receive class notes from the class of 2000 for this issue.

’01

Brandon Farris

New year, new baby, new beginnings. For my first set of class notes as the new class agent, I wanted to start with the string of possible new cadets either on the way or arriving in the past couple months.

Truth be told, I wanted to start out with the bomb Brian “snakin” Lakin dropped on me when I sent out the request for news. His son, Levi Shane Lakin, was born on Nov. 21, 2011, but he didn’t mention a word of it to anyone at the reunion! Others adding new family members were: Dan Schindler, whose daughter, Caroline Grace Schindler, was born Sept. 21, 2011; Adam Zydron’s wife, Courtney, gave birth to their first son, Bennett Millard Zydron, on August 15, 2011.

They are in Nashville, TN, but anticipate moving back to Chesapeake, VA, sometime in June 2012. Steve Kolenich and his wife, Maddie, are expecting their first child on June 23 of this year.

Congratulations to all on their new editions to the family.

I had a nice long conversation with Brady

Daniels, and he sent me the following updates: “I speak with Adam Stanley-Smith frequently. He lives in Paris, France, as a Europe/Africa/Middle East business development manager for an international risk management firm. I would describe him as an international man of mystery, were he not so prolific on Facebook. He was recently visited by Brother Rat Jim Bourie who is enrolled in an M.B.A. program in Nice, France. Jim lives just a few blocks from the beach in Nice and according to Adam is acclimating well to French life and is growing a very long, robust beard. I had lunch with Howard Ni a few weeks ago in Atlanta. He was in town for training and it was fun catching up with him. He still lives in Chicago and is married now.” Brady and his wife, Jessica, are enjoying Atlanta, yet he seems to leave town every time I try to visit and have dinner with him. Will Felvey was too stunned by Lakin’s announcement to provide any updates.

Melissa Williams is now in northern Virginia (Herndon) living next door to Kelly Sullivan and working with the State Department. She is looking forward to getting her embassy assignment soon. Harri Jahkola wrote to say that he is still in Amsterdam with Dell computers and doing well.

Drew Carbone, his wife, Kristi, and his two boys moved into a new larger house in Burke, Virginia, to accommodate their growing family.

In closing, I am very thankful for everything Jason Whitaker did as class agent and feel honored to serve as our new class agent. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to hit me up at any time.

Take ‘er easy …

Brandon P.S. After these notes were compiled, I heard

Class of 2001: Kenny Carmichael hosted a Christmas/holiday party for Gen. Mike Hostage, Air Combat Command, in December 2011.

2012-Issue 2

the news that our Brother Rat Tony Conway was recently diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS is a form of motor neuron disease, for which there is no cure; however, Tony has been accepted into a drug trial at Johns Hopkins. If you want to learn more or donate, I highly encourage everyone to check out his blog at http:// www.dontshrink.com/

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Editor’s Note: We did not receive class notes from the class of 2002 for this issue.

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

Brother Rats, this set of notes is a compilation of everything that has been submitted since August 2011, so there is some dated material. I sent out an e-mail to all of the company representatives for notes toward the end of last year, but will make a plea to everyone else as well. Please send in updates! Without these, either we have no notes or I have to get real creative and that could be a bad thing.

At the current moment, all is well in the Talley household. Savannah is in the midst of winter swim team and selling Girl Scout cookies. Billy has finally gotten tall enough to open doors on his own and continues to redefine the definition of “wide open.” We have been up to several basketball games this year and hope to catch a baseball game or two in the spring. As all of you with children understand, there is never a dull moment in our house and moments of quiet at the end of the day are terribly underrated.

Our class had a good showing at the Institute Society Dinner this past November. In attendance were Phil and Angee Kerns, Brandon Matthews and Audrey Sastri, and Steve Nakazawa. We filled up a whole table on our own and I expect us to double that for this year’s dinner.

If you haven’t seen it already, the football schedule for 2012 has already been released and it looks good. We have several key home games with the Citadel being the most notable and we also travel to Navy this year. So plan to come to a game and tailgate this fall!

All right, without further ado, here are the notes as submitted:

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CLASS NOTES Alpha Co. – No notes submitted Bravo Co. – Rick Reid reports the following: Everything is going really well down here in North Carolina. I am still working at L-3 Communications in support of a Special Operations customer at Fort Bragg. We just welcomed our second child, Lydia Emma Wood Reid, on November 23, 2011, at 5:20 p.m. My wife had to be induced at 37 weeks, but Lydia was 7 lbs. 7oz. and 20 inches long, almost as big as her full-term brother was. Marla had a nice easy delivery (only four hours) and both momma and baby are doing well. Big brother, Parks, is very excited at the arrival of his baby sister and is adjusting well. The contract I currently work on is going through a re-compete as I am writing this, so I may be switching employers sometime next year, but hopefully not jobs. It is a pretty big contract and very coveted by several companies, so fingers crossed and prayers needed that there isn’t any major change when the contract is awarded early 2012. Attached is a picture of big brother, Parks, and his new baby sister.

Also, Chaz Wagner was married to Emily Fennell on August 13, 2011, and have purchased a house and are living in Falls Church, VA. Charlie Co. – No notes submitted Delta Co. – No notes submitted Echo Co. – No notes submitted F-Troop – Andrew Dawson is living in San Antonio and working at Fort Sam Houston. Nichole Kramer has completed her first year back at VMI working as the New Cadet Recruiting Officer for the VMIAA. Together with her boyfriend, Michael Grimm, she enjoys traveling on behalf of VMI, keeping in touch or crossing paths with lots of VMI folks, and all that LexVegas has to offer even though neither Spanky’s nor Oasis is around any longer. Nichole and Michael seem to spend a lot of time (and gas money!) shuffling between Lexington and Charleston, SC, to support their rival schools and coaching adventures. Nichole also helps with the VMI women’s rugby team and supports Michael’s Citadel lacrosse team.

But they tailgate or BBQ at just about every opportunity and were excited to bust out the VMI/ USMC-Citadel/Ranger Regiment corn hole game this year! So, be sure to drop her a line if you’ll be in Lexington or Charleston. Nichole reports she speaks often with Ron Vaughns who is doing well in the Charlotte, NC, area and works often with Adam Britt, a Richmond Chapter president.

Add to the ’03 active VMIAA leadership, Steve Nakazawa, Doug Warner, Andy Reel, Ben Booth and Brendan Kearney; who would have thought ’03 would be taking over so soon? Crossing paths with Nichole for one reason or another were Kenny Stein doing well in the Navy; Trey Guy helping to recruit new cadets from lovely Ft Sill, OK; and Marco Midence whom she is pleased to finally have off

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her back about getting him a VMI hat.

Also spotted at or around the “I” was Slobodon Stipic, celebrating his host family and friend, Col. Piegari being named an honorary alumnus. Colin Wheal’s Rat, Marc Antonelli, was at a Rat Send Off event in Richmond and informed us that Colin is doing well as a captain in the Army after having transferred over from the Air Force. Up at Walter Reed, Alicia Williams (Capt., USA) wears her VMIAA pin proudly on her doctor’s coat while talking to her patients/wounded warriors. Way to represent and give the patients something positive to talk about Alicia!

Also heard from, Brandon Turner shortly before his deployment to Afghanistan. Brandon, his wife, Jessica, and their dog, Basher, remain close friends with Rollin Steele and his wife, Alexis, down near Camp Lejeune. Speaking of Brandons…Brandon Waltrip has successfully gotten into practicing law…I wonder if he still has time to croon and play the guitar out on the stoop, er—porch? Also meant to throw in there somehow that Marc Motyleski’s cousin is on Michael’s El Cid lacrosse team. Brandon Turner reported that Doug Bahrns got married recently at the “I.” He missed the wedding because he’s back in Afghanistan. Rollin Steele is in Afghanistan as well; he is the Bravo Company commander, 2D LAR. He’s doing well. Trying to finish up this war like the rest of us. Clint Alanis should be home now; he recently returned from Afghanistan. He’s doing well and is the operations officer for 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. His wife Jessica is pregnant. They are expecting a baby girl, whose name will be Savannah and are expecting her in November 2011. This is the seventh time he has been deployed. He hopes to get back to see the “I” when he gets home.

Congratulations to Dermot and Tara Gavin on the birth of Seamus Michael Gavin, who was born May 26, 2011. Tara, Shannon, and Dublin (dog) all enjoy the new addition to the family. Dermot has been training extensively over the past few months for another deployment to OEF. Round II. Golf Co. – No notes submitted Hotel Co. – By the time this set of notes comes out Derek and Kelly Overstreet will have welcomed a new baby girl into the world. I saw Kelly at a mutual friend’s wedding in January and she looked wonderful. Congratulations to Derek, who finished his master’s degree in civil engineering this past year.

Band Co. - Adam Monteleone is deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, with the 310th Military Police battalion (out of New York). Adam is the battalion engineering officer. Jared Swanson is engaged to Julie Chouinard. Mihaela Froehlich had baby number three, Lena Brighid Froehlich, in Heidelberg, Germany on Nov. 7, 2011. Mihaela is planning to move stateside in 2013. David Burdette and his wife, Blair, finally went on

their belated honeymoon—a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean. Their favorite stop was St. Barts, where they spent the day sailing, snorkeling and exploring the island. David recently joined Prairie Capital Advisors, an investment bank and ESOP advisory firm, as vice president.

Editor’s Note: In the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review on page 135 (class notes section), there was a photo of Doug and Jana Bahrns at their wedding with Chip Hancock. The person who submitted the photo included a caption which stated that Doug Bahrns was the Honor Court president at VMI. In February 2012, we received a note from Christopher Walsh’s parents informing us that, in fact, their son was the Honor Court president, not Doug Bahrns. The Walshes explained that Bahrns was a member of the Honor Court but not the president. To all parties involved, please accept our apologies, and thank you, Walshes, for pointing this out.

C. Justin Roberts

’04

Ryan Shealy

Hey, Brother Rats, Another holiday season has come and gone, and from the sound of it, the tail end of last year and the beginning of 2012 is treating everyone well! First off, I’d like to welcome back all of our guys and gals who recently have returned home from deployment! Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice!

We do have a couple of BRs who are still currently deployed, primarily in Afghanistan.

Josh Montero and family are doing well. He recently relinquished battery command and is preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan this summer where he’ll be training Afghan forces. Speaking of Afghanistan, Joe Montagna is currently in Helmand Province with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 on the back end of his third deployment.

Ray L’Heureux is also out there with 3rd Batallion on his third deployment. Joe got married in December 2010. Sean O’Donnell and Jon Lessen helped him celebrate as two of his groomsmen. He and his wife have since moved to Hawaii and he is a rifle company commander. Brian Gallagher is prepping for a deployment to Afghanistan in the spring and is training with VMA-211 at Twentynine Palms, CA. Congrats to Brian and his

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES (now) wife, Abigail, on their wedding back in October!

Gary Cutler got his M.S. in geological engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in December. He also reports that his daughter, Caroline Wells Cutler, was born on Nov. 25, 2011. He and his wife, Emily, moved to White Sands, NM, right before Caroline’s arrival where he’ll be taking command of an Engineer Route Clearance Company for a few weeks. Gary will also be heading to Afghanistan this summer.

Dan Cragg is still practicing law, but is now with a firm in Minneapolis called Eckland & Blando, which focuses on representing government contractors around the country in claims against federal, state and local government and related commercial litigation.

In family news, J.B. Rosson finished his Master Six Sigma Black Belt certification and is currently living in Harrisonburg, VA, with his wife, Summer. They’ll be welcoming a beautiful baby girl to the Rosson clan this summer! Jarod Parker, his wife, Krista, and daughter, Naomi, are celebrating the birth of their second baby girl, Mackenzie! Jarod took command of a firing battery back in July ’10 in Iraq and took over Headquarter and Headquarters Battery in Oct. ’11 down in Fort Stewart, GA. Mike Coakley will be marrying his fiancée, Jessica Jarvis, in Frederick, MD. He’s currently in Rockville where he is still working for M&T Bank. David Yaman and Jessica Amis were married on Nov. 13, 2011 at the Carnegie Institute in D.C. Craig Hamilton was one of his groomsmen and Brian Trueblood was in attendance. David is currently pursuing a masters program at Johns Hopkins University and is getting ready to take the exam for Project Management Certification. Ryan Koziol is stationed in NAS Pensacola, FL, as an instructor pilot flying the T-45C Goshawk. His daughter, Avery, will be starting kindergarten next year and his son, Owen, just turned two years old this last November.

As for me, I’m absolutely loving my new life up here in D.C. The new job with the Navy is challenging but in a good way! I’m actually in the airport right now on my way to Fort Lauderdale for a well-earned vacation of sun, sand and football. About 25 guys from my football league and I are heading down for the Sunshine Cup Football Tournament to fight to hold on to our championship. Hopefully, we’ll bring the trophy back home to D.C. to its rightful place!

To those who I didn’t hear from, I hope everything is going well and get in touch with me! ’04! ’04! ’04!

Ryan Shealy

2012-Issue 2

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

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

’06

Clark Dudley

To my fellow BRs of the class of 2006: Thank you very much for the opportunity to be our class agent. It was great to see everyone that could make it to Lexington for the Five-Year Reunion. I think we all agree that Brian Yannetti did a great job planning our return to the “I.” It sure didn’t take long to get back into the swing of things on the parade ground, telling old stories, and getting some rats into trouble. We have all changed in some way – some of us were bigger, some smaller, some with less hair, and many with wives and kids. It truly is great to see our class grow in age and maturity … well, definitely the age part, some other things never change. Before we know it, we will be back for our ten-year, then twenty, and so on, and so on …

OK, on to some housekeeping. My goal is to make sure I include as much as possible from the entire class. In order to complete this task, I will be asking a few favors from all of you. First, please join the VMI Class of 2006 - Alumni page on Facebook. I would venture to say that 90 percent of us are members; it will be a good way of keeping in contact and gathering information inbetween Reviews. Second, please send all pictures and personal notes to the newly established class agent email address: vmi2006classagent@gmail. com. Third, for any other important information, please feel free to contact me directly at the following number 703/609-0444. I would like for this to be a team effort so let me know if I got anything wrong, and I will send a correction on the class page or in the next Review.

At the reunion I ran into many BRs, so forgive me as I know I will miss many, but here are a few highlights. Ran into Colin Adams on the parade ground with his father Jim Adams ’71 who is back in Lexington and teaching our future leaders. Colin is working for DHS, and traveling a lot. He is currently in the D.C. area. Tim Stover and his wife, Kristen, were in attendance with their daughter, Kaia. I ran into Anthony Tolomeo and Jack Herzog who are both in Baltimore,

MD, working in the law enforcement field. Steel Nardozzi is also in law enforcement in Florida.

Heather Brown is in pharmaceutical sales and was one of the late-night crew at the hotel with Todd Wilson, Matt Oliver, Adam Rosenbaum, Dan Osborne and Bobby McGraw. Todd Wilson is now 12-0 in the professional boxing circuit. Way to go, “White Lighting.” Bud Webb, Tyler Monger, Dan Wilmoth, Brenton Underwood, Nathan Parsons, Tommy Zager, and Reid Dudley ’71 were all in attendance as well.

On to our BRs currently serving in the military.

Andrew Upshaw is an Army intel officer in Korea under the 8th Army. Dave Raser is a company commander at Fort Campbell, KY, and so is Mark Searles. Seth Enterline has been stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, as well, after graduating PA school. Adam Rosenbaum just took command of an Army Reserve unit in Maryland. Andrew Walton, Blake Faller, and Scott Bartholomew are currently at Fort Bragg, NC. Walton and Faller are in SF school and I have heard they are doing well – no surprise there. Will Collier is in El Paso, TX. He is stationed at Fort Bliss and is about to take command of a forward support company in the 1st armored division, 2nd brigade, 1-1 cavalry regiment. Joe Taylor ’09 will be one of his platoon leaders. I spoke with Mike Floyd who is serving at the VMI ROTC Air Force detachment, is married and has a 2 year old. Wilson Nance is stationed in Quantico, VA, and is back from Hawaii. His wife, Jess, and he have a new son, Jaxon, born September 8, 2011. Wilson will have been deployed to Afghanistan by the time this review goes out and will return in late August. Boyd Worley is a USMC JAG trial lawyer stationed at Paris Island, SC. Jim Woodard is leaving the AF to start a company with Justin Woulfe. Paul

Class of 2006: The Woodard family: James, wife Jolie and daughter Juilette Bailey. Photo by Tiffany Yates Photography.

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CLASS NOTES Welsh is stationed at Hurlbert AF Base in Florida.

Mike Yeo is currently the assistant logistics officer for the 22nd MEU, stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. He is being transferred to Washington, D.C. in August. David Bhatta has two girls now (Addison and Harper) and is currently stationed at Fort Benning GA. Phil Hahn is stationed in Las

Class of 2006: Todd “White Lighting” Wilson, winning his 12th professional fight. Photo: Tri Nguyen Photography.com.

football coach of Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA, and is looking at a good season ahead of him. Kevin Simpson lives in Houston, TX, and works in technical sales for Subsea Oilfield Equipment Manufacturer and Service Company.

He got married in August of 2010 and is in his first year of a professional M.B.A. program at the University of Texas. Jonathan Everiss got engaged on February 12, 2012 to Ruth Ghosh Roy and went to Filomena’s, Washington, D.C. after he popped the big question. Katrina Powell graduated with a M.A. in English, from California State University Bakersfield in 2010, and then followed it up with a M.S. in psychology from Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, in December 2011.

For weddings and babies, 2011 was a big year.

Kevin Simpson also let me know that Terry Slack and Andrew Ihnen both got married in October of last year. Mike Werner was married to Jennifer Teague in March of 2011, and the following were in attendance: Corry Murray (who is the proud father of his new daughter, Kendall Lyn Murray, born June 12); David Bhatta; Chris Smith with his wife, Chrissy, (baby daughter Lily was there – although she was born a few month later on August 3); Christian Porter, Bill Bhatta ’71, Mike Carney and soon to be wife, and myself.

Mike Carney was married in October of 2011 to Lauren Caiazzo. They are currently living in Fairfax, VA. He graduated from American Military University summa cum laude with a master’s in public administration and a concentration in security management in February of 2011. Stuart Miner was married on June 4, 2011 in JM Hall to Kathryn Deal. Groomsmen were Dave Mercera and Jed Tan. Other addends were Tim Fairchild, Phil Lacey, Q. Rohlfs, Terry Slack, Darren Wellner, Dan Rogers, and James Robertson ’09. Stuart and his wife now reside in Atlanta.

Jimmy Angerman got married in NOLA to the former Jessica Frederica on May 7, 2011. BRs in attendance were Chris Gathmann, Andrew Ihnen, Kevin Simpson, David Rahl, Brian McGill, Steve Bechtel, Mike Child, Kirby Smith, Chris Chase and, Jason Boatright ’03. They are currently residing in Naples. Italy. This past year, James “Woody” Woodard ’06 and his wife, Jolie,

Class of 2006: Andrew Upshaw; Cadet Adam Diehl, a 4th classman at VMI; and John Diehl.

Vegas with the Air Force and is ‘party rocking’ out there. Dan Wilmoth graduated from law school and commissioned into the Army JAG corps. He welcomed Juliette Bailey Woodard into their is currently engaged to Nicole Franchetti – Dan is family. It was also a busy year for James as he stationed at Fort Meade, MD. departed from active duty Air Force and started Jon Anderson is currently flying in Afghanistan WPI Services LLC (www.wpiservices.com) with supporting our boots on the ground. In talking fellow Brother Rat and roommate, Justin Woulfe. with Jon Kelton who is currently wrapping up his Justin and James are competing for government tour with the Ranger battalion, I was told that Andefense contracts pertaining to IT integration, 3rd derson was providing support on their missions.

Party Logistics, and Medical Support Solutions.

Kelton will be attending NYU Stern’s Business I have to include the following excerpt that I school in the summer of 2012. Kyle Schriefer received from Isaac Cecil – 2011 was one crazy is also in Afghanistan with Special Operations, year for him.

Task Force - East. He ran into James Donovan Per Isaac: “The past year has been the most at Bagram as he was arriving, and crazy, yet rewarding, year I have ever Donovan was just about to redeploy had and probably will ever have in back to the states. my life. Last year around this time, As for our civilian BRs, Colleen I was getting ready to sign away the Logan became a RN in May 2011, next five years of my life to go into graduating summa cum laude and is Special Forces, when I found out my now working at Mary Washington girlfriend at the time was pregnant.

Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. She Luckily, at that point, I had comis getting married in May 2012, in pleted my contractual obligation with Bermuda. Andrew Upshaw and John the Army so I decided to get out, be Diehl met up at VMI and hung out with a family man, and get a taste of the John’s brother, Adam Diehl ’15. Chris business world. So the timeline is as Gilliland who graduated from FSU follows: Feb. 18, 2011, I found out with a M.S. in history and Kyle Rosch my Russian girlfriend that I met in are about to take a MLB trip around Mexico was pregnant. Randomly the country. They will be hitting the saw Scott Bartholomew at JRTC following cities this spring: Cincinnati, in March and told him I was getting Class of 2006: Attending Jimmy and Jessica Angerman’s Denver, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, out. April 2011, I applied for my wedding were, from left, front, Jason Boatright ’03; row 2, Tampa and St. Louis. If you are in one resignation from the Army. May 29, Chris Gathmann, Brian McGill and Kirby Smith; and row of these cities, please reach out to them 2011, I married my girlfriend (Eliza3, Chris Chase, Dave Rahl, Steve Bechtel, Kevin Simpson, as I’m sure they would love to see some beth Layliev, now Cecil). Sometime Mike Child, the bride and groom, and Andrew Ihnen. friendly faces. Chris is also the head during this area, I saw Jon Anderson

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES HSC-26. According to Matt, Mike Canning lives in Dallas, Texas, and will be married in June. Mike Moorman lives in Hawaii now and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Also, Jon Schwerer still lives in Pittsburgh and works for Snow Financial Group.

Dan Plitnik recently was stationed at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Georgia. He works as the Radiation Health Officer of the shipyard. He also was recently promoted to lieutenant general and started a masters in Health Care Administration through Ohio University.

He says that Matt Schreibfeder was also stationed at the same base until recently and is now in Guam as an Admiral’s aid.

Justin Chetney is newly married as well! He tied the knot with Manuela (Wella) Belsen on October 8, 2011. Justin’s new bride has extensive ties to the Institute herself. Wella met Justin Class of 2007: Andrew and Christin when she worked in the Miller Academic Center Timpner with new daughter Gwenour senior year and she also is the niece of a man dolyn Jett. we all know very well – former commandant Col. Hutchings ’77. They had a 1940s themed “mobster” wedding and family from both the USA and Switzerland were in attendance! They will soon be moving to Anchorage, Alaska, where they’ll be stationed at Fort Richardson for three years.

Sally Bushore Grayson Ernst is deployed to Qatar with the USMC, and he shares that Tom Goehring is also stationed there with the Missouri National Guard. Grayson is stationed in Okinawa and will return there at the end of his mission in Qatar.

I am sure everyone is eagerly awaiting the He writes that he saw Evan Hanks there before upcoming Fall Reunion weekend. I look forward he was deployed. Also before he deployed, to catching up and reminiscing with many of you Grayson ran into Wes Haynes in Richmond. He through some means other than e-mail! Unfortumentioned that Tyler Freeman lives in Norfolk nately, I know of a few Brother Rats who will be with his wife and new daughter, Remington. Tab unable to make the reunion due to deployments Pinter is back in Michigan on OSO duty. and they will be sorely missed. Maybe these Wes Thomas and Karen Bill were married notes will help update those few who can’t make on October 1, 2011, at Langley Air Force Base.

Class of 2007: Justin and Wella it, so I’ll get right to it.

They now live in Portland, Oregon.

Chetney’s wedding in the VMI Andrew Timpner and his wife, Christin, welJoe Cassin works patrol at Gregg County Chapel. comed a new baby daughter, Gwendolyn Jett Sheriff’s Office in Texas. He is working toward a Timpner, to the world on September masters in criminal justice from Boston 1, 2011. They currently live in King University and hopes to finish it early George, VA, as he was transferred in 2013. Joe writes that his triplets will recently to Aegis Training and Readibe 4 years old in March. It’s crazy how ness Center in Dahlgreen, VA. time flies.

Ryan Young says that he has been Brant Priest is headed to Saudi Arain Bagram, Afghanistan, for six bia to work on restoring the wetlands months now working for the U.S. along the Persian Gulf. He will be there Agency for International Developuntil June. ment. He mentioned that he saw Jessee Kopczynski announces the Rich Meredith in Bangkok, Thailand, birth of his first child, Jack Parker while he was on leave. Ryan also Kopczynski, on July 19, 2011. writes that Abby Ward is a new Greg Schwartz works for Turner neighbor of his in Bagram.

Construction in the D.C. area. He is Elise Jones married Justin Woodcurrently working on INOVA Fairfax Class of 2007: Tim Howard ’10, Granville Higgins ’93 South Patient Tower, which is a worth on November 5, 2011. They were married at St. Patrick’s Church and Greg Schwartz on a job in Virginia.

14-story addition to the hospital. He

and Drew Walton randomly in the same day at RDU airport which was nuts. Aug. 28, 2011, moved from Fort Bragg to New York City to be with my pregnant wife. Randomly ran into Kevin Simpson after a job interview in New York City right next to Zucatti Park in the height of the occupy wall street protests. Oct. 20, 2011, I drove to VMI for the reunion, and on Oct. 21, my wife called as soon as I got into Lexington and says she is going into labor. Luckily, I got to drink a beer with Sale Boat and Granja, drove back to New York City, then arrived with two hours to spare before my son, Thomas Ryan Cecil, was born on Oct. 22, 2011. (Named after Ryan Hergrueter.)

Started working on Wall Street with Merrill Lynch investment management in November 2011.

And now the story continues in 2012 … I would like to send out a special ‘thank you’ for the following BRs who really helped me with this first set of notes. Mike Werner, Chris Stolle, Andrew Upshaw, Mike Carney, and Adam Rosenbaum – thanks guys, first round is on me next time we meet up.

Please keep sending e-mails and posting updates to the Facebook page.

Thanks everyone. Rah VA Mil!

in Lexington, VA. Elise’s father, Rick Jones ’73, was, of course, in attendance.

Matt Kania had a lot of knowledge to pass on. He lives in Norfolk and flies the MH-53E for HM-15. He became engaged in December.

Congratulations Matt! He says that Tim Labresh also lives in Norfolk and flies the MH-60 for

’07

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CLASS NOTES works with two other VMI grads, Granville Higgins ’93 and Tim Howard ’10.

Vanessa Berwell graduated from East Carolina University with a masters in physician Assistance. She will work for the East Carolina University Physicians Family Medicine practice starting the end of February. She lives in Greenville, NC. John Fredericks was married August 9, 2008, and lives in Hawaii. He and his wife are expecting a baby boy, Greson Ward, in April. John took command of a forward support company within a cavalry squadron within the 101st Airborne in November and will be deploying to Afghanistan in the summer as part of Security Forces Assistance and Advisory Team (SFAAT).

Rhett Hutaff was also married recently to Stephanie Sellers in January. Scott Lutterbie, Mark Falcon, Nick Franck, Ryan McLean, Dan Czupryna, Dan Brock and Rhett’s Rat Mike Casper ’10 were all in attendance. He is finishing the Captain’s Career Course and a masters at Fort Leonard Wood and will head to the 1st Engineer Battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas, in March.

Dave Williams is stationed at Fort Bliss. He just returned from Iraq in November and will head to Afghanistan in the summer or fall. He says that Andrew Milford will get married in June. Neil Sutliff is also engaged. Dan Czupryna will get married on March 17 in Key West, FL, to Naomi Dotson. Ray Mattia has left the Army and lives in New Jersey with his wife.

Whitney Matthews is a sous chef in one of San Antonio’s best new restaurants. She says they’ve been winning numerous awards for their food and she herself has received some local press for a few new dishes she’s created.

As for myself, I recently separated from the Air Force and just moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, with my new husband, who is, unfortunately, an USAF Academy grad and thinks he’s pretty hardcore. We are expecting our first child in July (accidents happen) and I am looking into starting a master’s program in the near future.

I look forward to seeing you guys soon. God bless!

Class of 2007: Elise Jones married Justin Woodworth at St. Patrick’s Church in November 2011.

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’08

Robert Hill

Hard to believe it’s been four years since graduation this May. Next year by this time, hopefully we will have our 1st Reunion planned and ready to go for the fall of 2013.

I’d like to start with Dave Kerr. Dave had surgery on Monday, February 6th, in New York City. With his wife Christine by his side, Dave has been pushing forward with his recovery. Dave endured a few tough days following the surgery but pictures have emerged of Dave walking down the hallway on crutches and regaining his strength.

I hope by the time Dave reads these notes, he’s home with his wife and baby Lillian. Dave’s wife and others are doing a polar plunge in his honor (February 18th). Please continue to keep Dave and his family in your prayers throughout his recovery.

Jeremy Clement checked in from Tokyo, Japan.

He is still working for Bloomberg but recently transferred to the island. He’s looking forward to a frosty beverage if you’re in the area. Matt Turner recently completed his carrier qualifying on the EA-18G Growler onboard The U.S.S. George H. W. Bush (CVN-77). By the time you read the notes, he will have graduated from RAG and off to the fleet with a possible deployment in the near future. Check out the online edition of the Alumni Review for a picture of Matt in the midst of a midair refueling formation.

Matthew Payne is deployed to Afghanistan as a Company Fire Support Officer with 1-23IN Tomahawks. He was hoping to talk with Nikoli Howe while on a CAS mission. Stay safe in the mountains! Speaking of Afghanistan, John Walaski is in his third deployment, all of which have been commanded by fellow VMI alumnus.

Have a safe trip home in May! Will Flathers checked in from Vandenberg AFB. Will met his fiancée, Sara Freeman, who is going through missile school before being stationed in Mamstrom, MT. Will and Sara were married in a small private ceremony on February 10th and will be having a bigger ceremony in Virginia this summer.

Congrats to you both! A picture of Will and Sara is featured in the online edition of the Review.

Branden Delong checked in from Aviano, Italy.

Branden and wife, Jessie, moved there recently, where his squadron commander is Lt. Col. Matthew Robinson ’92. Branden will be deployed shortly to Afghanistan to work with the Afghan Uniformed Police program management. Before his deployment, Branden and Lt. Col. Robinson snapped a picture in front of the Italian Alps. Cory Houck checked in from Afghanistan as well. He sends his thoughts and prayers for Dave Kerr and his family.

Rob Kelly was kind enough to check in from Kuwait with the 1-82 FA, 1st Brigade, 1st CAV. He has stayed in Kuwait since we have pulled out of Iraq. He mentioned he was in COS Echo, the second to last base closed during the exit process.

Rob has a new job as the Battalion Fire Direction officer, his “dream job” making him pretty happy with his current condition in Kuwait. Alec Gray is still in the Middle East with the 1-7 CAV working in the operation section of the BN staff, and finally out of his XO job. They plan on returning to the states in June or July. Rob will then be headed from Fort Hood to Fort Sill for his captains career course. While on leave, he found time to hang out with Dan Boyd in Dallas. Dan is current in his captain’s course at Fort Sill and will then return to Fort Hood. Thanks for the update Rob! Speaking of Texas, Chip Chace was in San Antonio for a coaching convention. While in town, he and Jessica Rheinlander headed out for drinks and they ran into Tommy Cunningham at the bar.

Check out their picture.

Drake Watts e-mailed me as I was writing the notes. Drake and the former Ms. Jessica Lea Bogacik were married in Lynchburg, VA on October 1st, 2011. In attendance were: Brandon Carter, Shane Nunes, Alex Lamb, Nate Brown, Justin

Class of 2008: Tommy Cunningham, Chip Chace and Jessica Rheinlander enjoyed time together in San Antonio, Texas.

Tammelin ’09, Joseph McCarthy ’52, Robert Syndor ’71, Turner Perrow ’96, and Drake’s Rats – Matt Willcox, Dave Arthur and Steve Sargent, all class of ’11. Congrats on the wedding.

As for me, my fiancée Lauren and I recently returned from a short cruise to the Bahamas. We, along with nine other family members, celebrated my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary. Lauren and I will be getting married on March 31st, 2012 in Hershey, PA. Afterward we’re headed to Jamaica for the honeymoon!

A quick reminder, please send me pictures!

They should be at least 1MB. If I mentioned you in the notes and you don’t see your picture, the quality was too low for printing and it’s available online. We will be having our reunion in the fall of 2013, just over a year away. Please be on the

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES lookout for e-mails and letters regarding this event and I will be looking for BRs to support the planning effort. God Bless and stay safe!

Ian Williams

’09

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

’10

Matthew Allen

At the time of this publication, it will mark the two-year anniversary of our graduation. We’re almost halfway to the big Five - year Reunion, which is unreal to believe since it felt like yesterday that we were all back at the “I.” I’d like to kick off our notes by apologizing in advance for a relatively short class note writing this issue. I will admit I haven’t had as much

time cruising Facebook stalking BRs as much as I would have liked to during the recent months.

I moved down to Houston, TX, in January and was able to catch up with my old Rat roommate, Reid Sartori. Reid has been very busy working as a project manager orchestrating several major projects across the U.S., Canada, and Central America. Reid mentioned that he spent New Year’s in Washington, D.C., with Mike Louthan and Mike Johnson. Mike Louthan is currently in the D.C. area working for an engineering firm while Mike Johnson recently commissioned and is at sea with the Navy.

Jeff Kulat, Hotel Company’s original 10th corporal, wrote in and was en route to Daegu, Korea, to teach English for the next year and mentioned that he may be the largest human being in Korea at the moment (hey I didn’t say it)!. Steve Stark also wrote in and is stationed in Wahiawa, Hawaii, catching a few rays of sun while also serving with the U.S. Army. Steve, his wife, and his daughter are all doing well!

I received an update from Mac Curtis ’79 on Jack Curtis who is currently stationed at FOB Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, as a second lieutenant CAV Scout Platoon leader, Blackjack Troop, 2-38 Cavalry Squadron. Mac

says that Jack hasn’t run into any other VMI guys but is slated to return to the states on June 30, 2012. I also received an update from Ryan Stull who recently graduated from Ranger School and is deployed with his unit to Afghanistan for a nine-month combat tour. He is an infantry officer stationed with the Airborne Brigade out of Anchorage, Alaska, 4th BCT, 25th ID, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. I also received an update on Andrew Miller who graduated from Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI,

Class of 2010: 2nd Lt. Donte Brown, USMC, left, and Ensign Andrew Miller, USN, celebrated after Brown conducted Miller’s commissioning ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, on Feb. 10, 2012.

Class of 2008 Photos clockwise from top, center: -Lt. Col. Matthew Robinson ’92 and Branden Delong with the Italian Alps in the background.

-Will Flathers with his new wife, the former Sara Freeman.

-Lauren and Robbie Hill in Nassau, Bahamas, with Hill’s grandparents who were celebrating 50 years of marriage.

-Attending the Watts wedding were, from left, front row, Matt Wilcox ’11, Justin Tammelin ’09 and Nate Brown. Row 2: Alex Lamb, Dave Arthur ’11, Brandon Carter, Joseph McCarthy ’52 and Turner Perrow ’96. Row 3: Drake Watts, Stephen Sargent ’11 and Shane Nunes.

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CLASS NOTES on February 10th, 2012 and commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. Donte Brown performed Andrew’s commissioning oath. At the time of this publication, Andrew will be off the coast of Africa on the U.S.S. Simpson (FFG 56) as it provides humanitarian mission. As always, we wish for continued safety and health for our Brother and Sister Rats in arms! I hope all is well and don’t hesitate to provide any updates or stop by if you are in the Houston area.

In the Spirit, Matthew L. Allen

’11

Allen McCown

back, Andrew Tunnel, Bryan Mayberry, Jeremy O’Brien, Alex Symons, Brian Lawrenz ’14 and I took on the Tough Mudder at Wintergreen. T.J. Green also completed it. TJ ran with a group from his BOLC class and judging from the pictures online, had a similar experience as we did. Since we didn’t see you that day, congratulations TJ! The Tough Mudder was a great experience and nothing compares to running it with a group of BRs. I had the good fortune of spending some time with Tom Hamlin earlier this year. We went skiing at Massanutten, outside of Harrisonburg.

Tom was recently engaged to Jaclyn Dickman, congratulations to them! He is working in northern Virginia for a government contractor and is an Intel Army reservist. Tom is currently in Texas for training and then later this year heading to Arizona for BOLC. Late last year the former Briana Allard married Erik Keirstead ’09 at a small ceremony in Richmond, VA. They are now stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Briana is a platoon leader for 546th Support Maintenance Company. Erik is the XO for 509th Geronimo, Alpha Company, JRTC. Congratulations to Brianna and Erik!

John Manning dropped me a nice note earlier this year. John married his high school sweetheart and Ring Figure date, the former Maryanna Maistros on New Years Eve this past year. They are now living in Falls Church, VA. John works on Capitol Hill for Congressmen Bob Goodlatte, Virginia 6th District representative, also ’10s graduation speaker. John said he occasionally runs

By the time you read this, winter will be long gone and the warmth of spring will be upon us. I hope that everyone’s year has started off well.

I would first like to congratulate Nic Williams, Lane Pratt and Jeremy Chuidian on graduating from Ranger School. I know that must have been Class of 2011: Tom Louderback and a great kick off to the new year for them! Brian Allen McCown after finishing the Blincoe also had reason to celebrate the new year; Tough Mudder.

Brian graduated from Navy basic training and is now training to be a corpsman. Brian has also secured a SARC slot and will begin the long SARC into Tyler Pumphrey, who is also working on the pipeline later this year. Congratulations to Brian hill. Also working in northern Virginia is Mario and best of luck with what lies ahead!

Giordani; Mario recently graduated from a police Matt Radi took the initiative to begin using academy and is now on the force. Also working the VMI Class of 2011 Facebook as a police officer is Carl Biggs. group again and adding some BRs Congratulations to our new academy who hadn’t been members, thanks graduates! a lot Matt! If you are on Facebook, I received some e-mails from our I encourage you to join the group. I deployed Navy BRs recently; I heard hope that it will make information for from Fredy Jurkowitsch. Fredy is class notes easier as well as help keep doing well and is currently stationed BRs in contact. out of Mayport, Florida on the U.S.S. The past few months have been Samuel B. Roberts. Fredy was deeventful for a few of our BRs who ployed when he wrote and is serving graduated in December – Emilio as an electronic warfare officer on Calvin and Tom Louderback. Tom board. Brodie Gleason also dropped has been incredibly busy since gradume a note and had some great news ation; he secured a job operating the to share. Brodie is now engaged to nation’s first natural running shoe store, Kahlie Long and they are planning Two Rivers Treads in Shepherdstown, a wedding for June of 2013. Brodie WV. Tom also completed another ultra deployed July 4th to the Persian Gulf marathon in November, the JFK 50 in and served as the strike officer on the Pennsylvania. He is currently planning U.S.S. Mitscher DDG 57. Brodie, two more ultras as well as a handful of we’re glad to have you back and conClass of 2011: Allen McCown, Andrew Tunnell, Tom marathons in 2012. Tom is becoming gratulations on your engagement!

Louderback, Jeremy O’Brien and Bryan Mayberry ’12 quite involved in the running industry; Heather Schmidt informed me that before starting the Tough Mudder at Wintergreen, Virginia. he is also now partnered with minimalshe just moved to Roanoke and be(Editor’s Note: Designed by British Special Forces, the Tough Mudder is called “the toughest event on the planet.” istrunningshoes.org and is a contracted gan work for Cushman & Wakefield The 10-mile obstacle course at Wintergreen consisted of 18 writer. Tom is definitely taking the | Thalhimer doing commercial real military-style obstacles, including electric shocks, ice-cold running community by storm! Keep estate sales and leasing. Heather replunges, 8-foot walls, barbed-wire crawls, 100-foot-long running Tom! cently got her real estate license and mud pits and a gauntlet of flames.)

In addition to running, Tom Louderis working directly for Bob Copty

152

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ’70. Congratulations on your job Heather!

Ryan Nienstedt e-mailed to tell me that he spent New Year’s Eve in style in D.C. with a few BRs. Ryan, Jason Cobb, Thomas McDavid, Roland Richardson, and Wade Thompson spent New Year’s at the D.C. Hilton, which Ryan informed me was the largest New Year’s gathering in the District! The five had a great time catching up and ringing in the new year.

Ryan informed me that Wade is currently in Florida with the Navy, and Roland is working for Southern Masonry Inc. Ryan is now living in the tidewater area working as a boarding agent

BIRTHS

Class of 2011: Ryan Nienstedt, Jason Cobb, Wade Thompson, Roland Richardson and Thomas McDavid at the D.C. Hilton on New Year’s Eve 2011.

HARBACK – A son, Liam Frank, to Willy and David P. Harback ’97 on June 21, 2011.

RUSHER – A daughter, Isabel Marie, to Corinne and Stephen M. Rusher ’91 on Aug. 15, 2011.

HIGGINS – A son, Jonathon Conner, to Marianna and Granville G. Higgins ’93 on Nov. 13, 2011.

KARAVETSOS – A son, George Michael II, to Marlene and George M. Karavetsos ’94 on June 17, 2011.

KILLMEYER – Twins, Maeve Elizabeth and Declan Michael, to Lizann and Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 on Feb. 2, 2012.

SEGERSTEN – A daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, to Katherine and Peter H. Segersten ’96 on Sept. 8, 2011.

GRINAGE – A daughter, Tahlia Iris, to Maria and Berchman L. Grinage ’97 on Feb. 27, 2011.

ALLEY – A son, Henry William, to Jessica and William C. Alley ’01 on Feb. 14, 2012.

MARRIAGES WISE – Joyce Lewis to Richard S. Wise ’68 on April 16, 2011.

PAYNE – Leigh Ann Woods to R. Daren Payne ’90 on Oct. 9, 2010.

BRUMLEY – Ann Carter Braxton Murphy to Robert H. Brumley III ’94 on Nov. 19, 2011.

FLATHERS – Sara Freeman to G. William Flathers ’08 on Feb. 10, 2012.

WATTS – Jessica Lea Bogacik to A. Drake Watts ’08 on Oct. 1, 2011.

for Capes Shipping Agencies. Tom is working in D.C. for Booz Allen Hamilton.

With these notes come the great news of Korey and Emma Tighe expecting a baby.

They are now living at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Congratulations to them on their baby!

I hope that the notes find everyone doing well; I look forward to hearing from everyone.

These notes will only be as long as the e-mails I receive so let me know what you’ve been up to.

If I missed anything for this Review, it’s never too late to let me know.

Stay in touch; Rah VA Mil!

DEGREES R. Daren Payne ’90 M.S. Environmental Engineering Sciences University of Florida Gainesville, FL December 2011 Timothy L. Hayes ’91 M.A. Biblical Studies Newburgh Theological Seminary Newburgh, IN November 2009 Timothy L. Hayes ’91 Ph.D. Biblical Studies Newburgh Theological Seminary Newburgh, IN December 2011 David P. Harback ’97 Business Strayer University September 2009

M.B.A

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 if any errors are noted.

William E. Cantrell ’26 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 James Heine ’34 E. Lane Whitley ’34 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34

2012-Issue 2

Oct. 17, 1905 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 Mar. 18, 1911 April 1, 1911 Feb. 27, 1912

Richard H. McCormick ’34 James E. Kirk ’36 Edwin T. Arnold ’35 James C. Sherman ’35 Gardner F. Goodwyn ’36 Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37 John A. Gialanella ’36 John H. Divine III ’36

Dec. 4, 1912 Oct. 25, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914 March 31, 1914 April 27, 1914 June 29, 1914 Aug. 28, 1914 Nov. 13, 1914

Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Joseph H. Keller ’36 Joseph R. Ross ’39 W. Barton Baldwin ’37 J. Frank Forsyth III ’37 Hansford McLeod ’37 J. Terry Taylor ’37 Robert N. Mathews ’38

Dec. 20, 1914 Feb. 5, 1915 June 12, 1915 July 26, 1915 Nov. 7, 1915 Dec. 19, 1915 Jan. 23, 1916 Feb. 26, 1916

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PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2016 Marcos Escalante Lauren E. Wood

CW3 Mark T. Davis ’03 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Brother-in-law Grandfather

Paul A. Faulconer ’78 Andrew L. Faulconer ’10 Robert P. Sellers ’59

Uncle Cousin Grandfather

Robert L. Clark ’63

Great-uncle

Jon French ’86 Jim French ’60 Lt. Gen. John W. Knapp ’54 Robert P. Sellers ’59 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Father Grandfather Grandfather Cousin Grandfather

Kristin E. Burlew Lt. Col. Floyd N. Roberts ’61 Will Spivey Robert P. Sellers ’59 Maximilian Charles Tiechottka Robert L. Clark ’63

Grandfather Cousin Great-uncle

2017 James Houston Faulconer Kate Sellers

2018 Hans Reza Tiechottka Jr.

2019 Brantley French John Knapp Watts Charlie Spivey Katherine H. Wood

2021

2022 Reagan Christine Hunter Edward Lee Watts

2024 Todd Connelly McNeil Early Charles F. Weddington IV

Clifford B. Weddington Jr.

154

2032 Gabija Anastasia Buchanan

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Father Grandfather

Troy E. Smith ’98 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Father Grandfather

M.L. Buchanan Jr. ’68

Grandfather

Chris Leach ’10 Chapman Berry ’50B John G. Manley ’64 Jonathan G. Manley ’92 James C. Burns ’68 Reid Hansen Burns Jr. Colin R. Burns ’07 Sloan C. Burns ’10 James W. Baker ’69 Addison Rae Carter James W. Baker ’69 Madeline Joy Dunmire Brooke Elizabeth Hammontree Frank Novakowski ’69 George Michael Karavetsos II George M. Karavetsos ’94 Duane A. Padrick ’83 Ashton Douglas Padrick Stephen P. Reeves ’01 Maxwell Dwight Reeves Brandon Smith ’04 Emerson James Shuping Andrew Calvo ’08 Emmalyn Rose Smith Tom VanBenschoten ’91 Troy E. Smith ’98 Jackson Charles Smith Nick Viar ’05 Wyatt Joseph Viar Matthew L. Waring ’83 Joseph Matthew Waring James M. Waring ’81 Mowton L. Waring Jr. ’56 Mowton L. Waring Sr. ’927 James M. S. Waring ’894 Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B Yerbury Burnham ’50B Robert K. Waring Sr. ’924 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63 Samuel H. Kirby ’71

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

Frank Cleaton ’70 David A. Coleman ’04 C. Terry Crump ’66 C.C. Crump ’39 Stephen D. Crump ’74 William A. Dickinson III ’01 Patrick W. Donovan ’09 Walter F. Donovan Jr. ’56 James W. Baker ’69 Joseph Seiler ’98, DDS Matthew T. Vordermark ’00 Whitaker R. Johnston ’00 James J. Yolda Jr. ’72

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

Landen Harrison Belcher Cameron Robert Berry William Hayes Brokaw

Father Grandfather Grandfather

Hugh B. Green ’50B Alfred A. Green ’49C Alfred A. Green ’917 Clifford B. Weddington ’96 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Grandfather Great-uncle Great-grandfather Father Grandfather

Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Grandfather

Ryan Matthew Dickinson Brennus Michael Donovan

Hal Hostetler ’68 Chris Leach ’10

Grandfather Cousin

Lyla Reese Franco Ashley Grace Seiler Thomas Adam Shoemaker

Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Grandfather Grandfather

Kendall G. Weddington Avery Lee West

2034 Barrett Reed Baker Samuel Joseph Coleman Carolyn Dean Crump

Harper Catherine Yolda

RELATIONSHIP

Clifford B. Weddington ’96 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

2033

Todd C. Early ’91 F. Brian McNeil ’65 Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

2028 Christian G. Weddington Kelsey L. Weddington

Colten Troy Smith Conner C. Weddington

Cousin Cousin Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin

2027 Dylan Daniel Cupen William David Drake

2031

Boyd A. Correll Jr. ’05 Boyd A. Correll Jr. ’05 Les H. Rose III ’82 Graham C. Rose ’85 Andrew L. Rose ’05 Adam Reel ’07 Ryan L. Rose ’08

2026 Megan P. Weddington

Andrew G. Weddington

Father Grandfather

2025 David Alexander Green

2029

John P. Hunter ’90 Lt. Gen. John W. Knapp ’54

2023 James Lee Garey John Hodges Garey John Samuel Waggoner

APPOINTEE’S NAME

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS TAPS Richard C. Wight Jr. ’30 Richard Cunningham Wight Jr. ’30 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 2, 2011. He was 101.

Wight matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his son, Richard (Susan); stepson, Henry S. White; stepdaughter, Mary T. Gautreaux, and her four children; a number of nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Delores Allen.

He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Sampson Wight.

John D. Todd Jr. ’34 John Dickerson Todd Jr. ’34 of Greenville, South Carolina, died on Dec. 29, 2011. He was 99.

Todd matriculated from Miami, Florida, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Georgia.

He is survived by his daughter, Rosalind Tedards (Ted) of Greenville; son, John D. III (Joan) of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and three granddaughters, Emily, Susan and Anna Todd.

Todd was predeceased by his wife, Mellicent McWhorther Todd, and a brother, Leonard M. Todd ’35, who died on Oct. 6, 2009.

George C. Freeman ’35 Former Class Agent Lt. Col. George Clifford Freeman ’35 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Jan. 11, 2012.

He was 96.

Freeman matriculated from Norfolk County, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Clelia Thompson Freeman; his sons, George C. II of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Richard Robert Freeman of Richmond, Virginia; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Gilbert S. McCutcheon ’39 Gilbert Stanley McCutcheon ’39 of Alexandria, Virginia, died on Dec. 28, 2011. He was 95.

McCutcheon matriculated from Petersburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Palco McCutcheon, and daughter Bonnie.

Thomas W. Purcell Jr. ’40 Thomas Williamson Purcell Jr. ’40 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 30, 2011. He was 93.

2012-Issue 2

Purcell matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his sons and their wives, Tom (Liz), Bob (Jackie) and Riker (Ginny), and by his grandchildren, Brooke, Drew, Anne Riker, Peyton, Cassie and Emily.

Purcell was predeceased by his wife, Martha.

William A. Willis ’41 Col. William Allen Willis ’41 of Edgefield, South Carolina, died on Sept. 24, 2011. He was 91.

Willis matriculated from Augusta, Georgia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Eve Nicholson Willis; children, Dr. William A. Willis Jr. (Phyllis) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Elizabeth Bryan Willis of Edgefield, Pamela Davies Willis of Auckland, New Zealand, and Rhett N. Willis (Wayne) of Savannah, Georgia; and grandchildren, Dr. Rhett Willis Jr., George Willis, David Turpin, John Turpin and William Willis III. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph B. Willis ’36, who died on March 14, 1999.

James E. Cheatham ’42 James Elliott Cheatham ’42 of Appomattox, Virginia, died on Nov. 14, 2011. He was 89.

Cheatham matriculated from Evergreen, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI and a master of science degree from the University of Illinois.

He is survived by his son, Jack Hudson Cheatham; daughter, Nan Cheatham Edwards; grandsons, James Hudson Cheatham and Weston Dane Edwards; great-granddaughter, Addison Cortney Cheatham; and his sister, Jeanne Cheatham Stanley, and her daughter, Jan Comer.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth.

Roger A. Milio ’42 Roger Angelo Milio ’42 of Columbia, Maryland, died on Oct. 10, 2011. He was 91.

Milio matriculated from New York, New York, and was a Distinguished Graduate from VMI, earning a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He earned his bachelor and doctor of laws degrees from Fordham University.

Milio is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and three daughters, Lorriane, Diane and Christine.

Wortham A. Spilman Jr. ’42 Wortham Anderson Spilman Jr. ’42 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 21, 2011.

He was 91.

Spilman matriculated from Richmond and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Alice Taylor Spilman; three daughters, Isabel Spilman Bates (Malcolm), Margaret Spilman Crowley (Michael) and Alice Spilman Frankovitch (Eric); eight grandchildren, Alec Bates, Marshall Bates Rigby, David Crowley, Andrew Crowley, Mark Frankovitch, Taylor Frankovitch, Carl Frankovitch and John Frankovitch; and great-grandchildren, Thomas and Isabel Rigby.

Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Walter Elliott Woelper Sr. ’42 of El Paso, Texas, died on Dec. 20, 2011, at the age of 90. His obituary appears in the front section of this Review.

Nimrod W.E. Long II ’43 Nimrod William Ezekiel Long II ’43 of Mountain Bark, Alabama, died on Sept. 27, 2011. He was 90.

Long matriculated from Birmingham, Alabama, and attended VMI for one year, four months and 24 days. He continued his studies at Auburn University, earning a bachelor of science degree.

Long is survived by his daughter, Joann Conzelman Long; son, Nimrod W.E. Long III (Nancy); and three granddaughters, Elizabeth McNeil Long, Martha Reese Long and Joanne Dunn Long.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan.

Robert S. Rucker ’43 Robert Saunders Rucker ’43 of Bedford, Virginia, died on Nov. 6, 2011. He was 91.

Rucker matriculated from Bedford and attended VMI for two years.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Bayse Rucker; three children, Robert S. Rucker Jr., James L. Rucker and wife Anne, and Anne Rucker O’ Connor and husband Timothy; and four grandchildren, Hannah, Carmen, Edward and Henry.

Joshua C. Whetzel Jr. ’43 Joshua Clyde Whetzel Jr. ’43 of Harbor’s

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TAPS Edge, Delray Beach, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died on Jan. 24, 2012. He was 90.

Whetzel matriculated from Pittsburgh and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Farley Walton Whetzel; daughter, Rachel Walton Casselman; sons, Joshua C. Whetzel III, William M. Whetzel and Thomas P. Whetzel; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Harry H. Augustine Jr. ’46 Harry Hamill Augustine Jr. ’46 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Jan. 24, 2012. He was 87.

Augustine matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for six months. He graduated from the University of Virginia where he earned a bachelor of arts degree.

He is survived by his daughter, Florence A. Chaffin (Joe); three sons, Harry H. Augustine III, Carter D. Augustine ’81 and John S. Augustine; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by a cousin, Col. John A. Augustine III ’40, who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mae, and a great-uncle, Harry H. Hamill ’879, who died on Aug. 28, 1922.

Robert W. Bedinger Sr. ’46 Retired U.S. Navy Commander Robert Wright Bedinger Sr. ’46, M.D., FACP, of Richmond, Virginia, died on Oct. 9, 2011.

He was 86.

Bedinger matriculated from Dunnsville, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI and a doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his children, Robert W. Bedinger Jr., M.D., Edward K. Bedinger (Jane) and Martha B. Holt (David), and seven grandchildren, Rob, Mark, Leigh, Sam, Miles, Helen and Ritchie.

Bedinger was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean, in 1974 and his second wife, Mary, in 2007.

Samuel H. Morrow Jr. ’47 Samuel Howard “Mike” Morrow Jr. ’47 of Charleston, South Carolina, died on April 30, 2011. He was 85.

Morrow matriculated from Wilmington, North Carolina, and attended VMI for one year. He later graduated from the University of North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Stowers

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Morrow; two daughters, Christine Ann Morrow of Charleston, South Carolina, and Nancy M. Smith (Richard) of St. Matthews, South Carolina; two sons, Samuel H. III of Fleetwood, North Carolina, and Robert S. Morrow (Bradley) of Charleston; and 11 grandchildren.

He is survived by a son, Daniel H. Forsyth Jr., and his wife, Deborah, of Kennesaw, Georgia; daughter, Sally Forsyth Gerlach, and her husband, Larry, of Ball Ground, Georgia; and four grandchildren, Douglas and Sara Gerlach and William and Anna Forsyth.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sara.

William R. Parker Jr. ’48B

Edwin J. Williams Jr. ’49C

William Riley Parker Jr. ’48B of Diamondhead, Mississippi, died on Jan. 10, 2012. He was 85.

Parker matriculated from Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended VMI for three months.

He is survived by his wife, Cornelia Parker; his daughters, Karen Guillot of Port Allen, Louisiana, and Ruth Anne Gryder of Pride, Louisiana; an adopted son, Michael, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Edwin James Williams Jr. ’49C of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, died on Jan. 9, 2012. He was 87.

Williams matriculated from New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned a bachelor of science degree from VMI. He is survived by three daughters, Geraldine W. Turner (Michael), Margaret Kathleen and Patricia Marie Williams, and a brother, Richard Williams of Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; father, Edwin J. Williams Sr. ’920, who died on Nov. 14, 1989; and cousin, William T. Feely Jr. ’43, who died on April 30, 1978.

Arthur R. Sheppard ’48B Arthur Rex Sheppard ’48B of Cataula, Georgia, died on Aug. 6, 2011. He was 83.

Sheppard matriculated from Waynesboro, Georgia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Williams Sheppard; sons, Arthur R. Jr. and Michael Lee Sheppard; and daughter, Mary Dell.

J. Frank Kinsel ’49B Jay Frank Kinsel ’49B of Corpus Christi, Texas, died on Oct. 19, 2011. He was 83.

Kinsel matriculated from San Antonio, Texas, and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Texas.

Daniel J. Myers Jr. ’49B Daniel James Myers Jr. ’49B of Kapoei, Hawaii, died on Nov. 23, 2011. He was 82.

Myers matriculated from North Tazewell, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the United States Military Academy and a master’s degree from Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Myers; sons, Daniel J. III, Bill and Mark; and daughters, Elizabeth and Cynthia.

Daniel H. Forsyth ’49C Daniel Henry Forsyth ’49C of Marietta, Georgia, died on Aug. 17, 2011. He was 85.

Forsyth matriculated from Pikesville, Kentucky, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI.

William T. Clark ’50A William Terrence Clark ’50A of Jackson, Mississippi, died on Nov. 1, 2011. He was 83.

Clark matriculated from Jackson and attended VMI for two years. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Milsaps College.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ransom Clark; daughters, Melanie McNeel (Niles) and Carol Hammond (Lee); son, Randy Clark; grandchildren, Jason and Taylor McNeel, Caroline Hearnsberger, and Peter and Andrew Hammond; and two greatgrandchildren.

Ernst Gunkel ’50B Ernst “Tike” Gunkel ’50B of Page, North Dakota, died on Nov. 1, 2011. He was 83.

Gunkel matriculated from Page and attended VMI for five months.

He is survived by his step-son, Murray Patterson (Pearl) of Fargo, North Dakota; grandsons, Keith, Brian and Timothy Patterson of Fargo; and great-granddaughter, Piper Stam-Patterson of West Fargo.

Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B

Correction: The obituary for Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B, who died on May 1, 2011, appeared in the 2011-Issue 4 Alumni Review. Recently, we were notified that we had omitted a survivor’s name, specifically, the name of Mr. Waring’s son’s partner, Don. We apologize to the Waring family for this inadvertent omission.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Ralph A. Warren Jr. ’50B Class Agent, 2000-10 Ralph Austin “Dude” Warren Jr. ’50B of Gaithersburg, Maryland, died on Oct. 27, 2011. He was 83.

Warren matriculated from Huntington, West Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Johnson Warren, and daughters, Linda and Nancy.

F. Steven Carlon ’51 Frederick Steven Carlon ’51 of Middletown, Pennsylvania, died on Jan. 7, 2012.

He was 82.

Carlon matriculated from Folcroft, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a master of science degree from Lehigh University and a doctorate degree from MIT. He is survived by his daughter, Carron Standiford Carlon, and son, Christopher Carlon, of Savan- Warren nah, Georgia; grandchildren; and friend and companion, Pat Wise.

Joseph P. Hatfield ’52 Joseph Preston Hatfield ’52 of Burnsville, Minnesota, died on Nov. 23, 2011. He was 80.

Hatfield matriculated from Shenandoah, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois.

Hatfield is survived by his children, Jeff, Cheryl, Brian and Stephanie; four grandchildren, Bryana Hei, Simone Hatfield, Leesa Dibble and Adam McConnell; brother, Jack J. Hatfield (Gwen Burrill) of Yorktown, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; brother, Douglas; and sister, Maxine Van Hyning.

John P. Portasik ’52 John Patrick Portasik ’52 of Germantown, Tennessee, died on June 9, 2011. He was 81.

Portasik matriculated from Ford City, Pennsylvania. A Distinguished Graduate, he earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by three daughters, Laur, Lee and Linda.

Portasik was preceded in death by his wife, Lila.

2012-Issue 2

O. Hume Powers ’52 Olney Hume Powers ’52 of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Oct. 6, 2011. He was 81.

Powers matriculated from Stafford County, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Morgan Powers; son, Olney Hume Powers III of Roanoke; two daughters, Elizabeth Powers Goll (Jeff) and family of East Northport, New York; Sara Powers Ostrom (Bob) and family of Roanoke; brother-in-law, Mallory S. Andrews Jr. (Sandra) and family of Vienna, Virginia; sisters, Susan B. Moffett and family

and attended VMI for two years. He later earned a bachelor of science degree from Washington and Lee University.

Stickley is survived by his second wife, Barbara Kasch Stickley; three daughters, Barbara Miller and husband Allen of Fredericksburg, Carolyn Bragg and husband Ron of Stuarts Draft, and Mary Stickley of Winchester; a brother, William S. Stickley ’55, M.D., and wife Betty of Harrisonburg; five grandchildren, Michael, Erin, Daniel (Rebecca) and Ryan Miller and Braxton Bragg; and one greatgranddaughter, Leigha Miller.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Julia, and his father, Dan C. Stickley ’927, who died on May 4, 1995.

John Kostas ’54 John Kostas ’54, D.D.S., of Bay Village, Ohio, died on June 2, 2010. He was 79.

Kostas matriculated from Canton, Ohio, and attended VMI for three months before transferring to Case Western Reserve University and earning his doctor of Stickley Jr. ’53 Portasik ’52 Jr. ’50B dental science degree.

He is survived by his wife, Sofia Kefal-ides Kostas; sons, John Kostas Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, and Elizabeth P. Armitage and family of Lexington Park, Maryland, (Valerie) and Danial Kostas; daughters, Karri and Richmond, Virginia; and cousin, Lt. Col. JoAnn and Sonya Kay Ramos (Carlos); and brother, James S. Kostas ’54, who lives in Butler B.T. Franklin ’48 of Washington, D.C. He was predeceased by an uncle, Stapleton Westlake, Ohio.

Crutchfield Jr. ’865, who died on April 5, 1865, and cousins, Edgar C. Gatewood ’931, who died on June 21, 1995, and Herndon Maury Gatewood ’933, who died on May 11, 1964.

Thomas J. Schermerhorn ’53 Thomas Jeter Schermerhorn ’53, M.D., of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Dec. 17, 2011. He was 80.

Schermerhorn matriculated from Glen Allen, Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from VMI and doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Landora Barden Schermerhorn; sons, Thomas J. Jr. and Jeffrey (Diane); daughters, Kathy Coffey (Tom) and Patricia Callaway (Clif); sisters, Carolyn Lucy and Helen Wood (Phin); and eight grandchildren.

Daniel C. Stickley Jr. ’53 Daniel Chenault Stickley Jr. ’53 of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died on Oct. 10, 2011.

He was 80.

Stickley matriculated from Harrisonburg

Howard H. Bundy II ’55 Howard Harold Bundy II ’55 of Beaumont, Texas, died on Dec. 19, 2011. He was 78.

Bundy matriculated from Altamonte Springs, Florida, and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Kendall Bundy, and children, Kendall Menzer (Eric) and their daughter, Frances; Benn Bundy (Dana) and their sons, Gray and Dane; and Jenness Ousley (Lance), their son, Parkes, and daughter Evans.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard J. Bundy ’920, who died on July 7, 1958, and a grandson, Reid Menzer.

John D. Pointer ’56 John Davis Pointer ’56 of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died on Jan. 13, 2012. He was 76.

Pointer matriculated from Long Island City, New York, and earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Donna Hood Pointer; son, John Davis Pointer Jr.; daughters,

157

TAPS Dawn and Desiree; four grandchildren; and sister, Priscilla.

Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57 Former VMI Commandant of Cadets Retired Army Col. Harold Berlin “Buz” Snyder Jr. ’57 died on Feb. 14, 2012. He was 78.

Editor’s Note: We received notification of Col. Snyder’s death after the input due date for this Alumni Review. An obituary will appear in the Taps section of the next Review, 2012-Issue 3.

William A. Fuller Jr. ’58 William Albert Fuller Jr. ’58 of New Port Richey, Florida, died on Oct. 1, 2011. He was 75.

He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. Editor’s Note: There was no formal obituary provided for Mr. Fuller.

William E. Holland ’58 William Elisha Holland ’58, M.D., of Midlothian, Virginia, died on Oct. 1, 2011. He was 75.

Holland matriculated from Windsor, Virginia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from VMI. In addition, he graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with a doctor of medicine degree.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his six children, two stepdaughters and 12 grandchildren, including Mark Holland (Heather), Dr. Gary Holland, Ann Tierney, Susan Phillips (Ward), Brant Holland, Kathryn Holland, Stephanie Helsley (Rob) and Diane Bishop, as well as Devon, Jonathan, Sarah, Zachary, Rachael, Benjamin, Kate, John, Rolfe, Josh, Jake and Rachel; and a brother, Dr. Clarence Holland (Mary).

George H. Mittendorf Jr. ’59

sister, Diana Langdon of West Warwick, Rhode Henry E. Thomas IV ’59 Lt. Col. Henry Evans Thomas IV ’59, USMC Island; brother, Victor Langdon of Thailand; (Ret), of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Silver and stepfather, William Randall Mershon of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Spring, Maryland, died on Oct. 24, 2011. He was 74.

John B. Steadman ’61 Thomas matriculated from John Bonneau Steadman ’61 of Arlington, Virginia. He earned a Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Oct. bachelor of arts degree in history 30, 2011. He was 73. from VMI and a master of arts Steadman matriculated from degree from the University of Richmond, Virginia, and earned a New Mexico. bachelor of science degree in civil He is survived by his life partner, engineering from VMI. John-Kevin Litschgi; sons, H. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Evans V and Nicholas G. Thomas; Steadman ’61 Blankenship Steadman; children, and his grandchildren.

Robin Steadman Smith (Mark), Mark Kennerly Steadman (Holly) Archibald M. Brown ’60 Archibald McDowell Brown ’60 of Virginia and Heath Brian Steadman (Michelle); grandBeach, Virginia, died on Nov. 12, 2011. He children, Dana and Rachael Smith and John Mark and Mary Katherine Steadman; and sister, was 74.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and Anne Steadman Fletcher. attended VMI for four years, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Archibald M. Brown Jr. (Latáne) of Virginia Beach, Jane Brown Summers (Lee) of Virginia Beach, Margaret Brown Morland (David) of Broome, Australia, and McDowell Cole Brown (Meredith) of Cardiff, California; and seven grandchildren, Annie, Walker and Molly Brown, William and Tyler Summers, and Zoe and Bella Morland.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles P. Brown ’925, who died on March 28, 1971.

William H. Dabney ’61 Former Commandant of Cadets Retired Marine Col. William Howard Dabney ’61 died on Feb. 15, 2012. He was 77.

Editor’s Note: We received notification of Col. Dabney’s death after the input due date for this Alumni Review. An obituary will appear in the Taps section of the next Review, 2012-Issue 3.

George Henry Mittendorf Jr. ’59 of Rockford, Illinois, died on Sept. 22, 2011. He was 74.

Van T. Langdon ’61 Mittendorf matriculated Van Thomas Langdon ’61 of from Atlanta, Georgia, and Cumming, Georgia, died on. earned a bachelor of science Nov. 14, 2010. He was 71.

Mittendorf Jr. ’59 degree in civil engineering Langdon matriculated from from VMI, as well as a master’s Newport, Rhode Island, and atdegree from Iowa State University. tended VMI for two years.

He is survived by his wife, Armina “Bunny” He is survived by his wife, Jeri Jackson Rabbe Mittendorf, and sons, Timothy and Langdon; daughter, Laurie Love of Atlanta, Peter.

Georgia; son, John Paul Langdon of Atlanta;

158

Wayne L. O’Hern Jr. ’63 Wayne Laverne O’Hern Jr. ’63, Ph.D., of Arlington, Virginia, died on July 14, 2011. He was 70.

O’Hern matriculated from Arlington and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. In addition, he earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Texas A&M University.

He is survived by a son, Sean; daughter, Shannon; sister, Kathie; brother, David; and four grandchildren.

Thomas C. Bethune Jr. ’65 Thomas Crowell Bethune Jr. ’65 of Pennsboro, West Virginia, died on Dec. 22, 2011.

He was 70.

Bethune matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Samuel Stewart Bethune; son, Thomas C. III (Theresa); daughters, Mary Bethune (John Ackison) and Dorothy Bethune Jarry; sister, Elizabeth Bethune Langhorne; and grandchildren, Jeffrey and Amanda Jarry, Thomas C. Bethune IV, and Jacob C., James S. and John D. Ackison.

John W. Hill III ’65 John Washburn Hill III ’65 of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Nov. 22, 2011. He was 68.

Hill matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Dunton Hill; daughter, Dr. Jenna Catherine Hill of

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Conway, South Carolina; sister, Suzanne Hill Cox of Norfolk; and nieces, Tracy Cox Jones of Seymour, Indiana, and Virginia Cox Paluck of New York City, New York.

He was preceded in death by his cousin, Joseph Sakakini Jr. ’55, M.D., who died on July 20, 1999.

George W. Farr ’69 George Walter Farr ’69 of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, died on Nov. 13, 2010. He was 63.

Farr matriculated from Greenville, Mississippi, and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University.

He is survived by a son, Tripp Farr, and a sister.

Editor’s Note: No formal obituary was provided for Mr. Farr.

earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Meredith B. Bearov of Washington, Virginia, and Katherine B. Gholson of Richmond, Virginia; son, Stuart A. Bearov of Winchester; grandson, Barry Gholson of Richmond; and sister, Elizabeth B. Wood of Georgia.

William D. Slay ’72

Alexander A. Bearov IV ’71

William Drakeford Slay ’72 of Alexandria, Virginia, died on Dec. 31, 2011. He was 61.

Slay matriculated from Petersburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of the South.

He is survived by two daughters, Francesca Slay Molnar and Lily McLeod Slay; his mother, Jane Slay; brothers, Robert and John Slay; and companion, Jean Ann Clark.

Alexander Andre Bearov IV ’71 of Circleville, Ohio, formerly of Winchester, Virginia, died on Nov. 21, 2011. He was 62.

Bearov matriculated from Winchester and

Marty LeVon Chadwick ’92 of Newport News, Virginia, died on Jan. 8, 2012. He was 42.

Marty L. Chadwick ’92

Chadwick matriculated from Newport News and attended VMI for three years.

He is survived by his mother, Joann Wright; daughter, Martina Crosby; son, Isaiah Nazareth; twin brother, Marvin Chadwick; and four nephews.

Howard J. Cook III ’01

Correction: The obituary of CWO 2 Howard June Cook III ’01, TNG, which appeared in the Taps section of the 2011-Issue 4 Alumni Review (page 144) did not include the name of Cook’s sister, Emily Ross Cook of Yorktown, Virginia, who survives her brother. Also, the obituary stated that Cook served in Operation Iraqi Freedom during his cadetship, when in fact he served in 2005. The Alumni Review staff apologizes to Howard Cook’s family and friends for these errors. Please see the Alumni News section of this Review for an announcement about Cook’s posthumous Texas Medal of Valor award.

Deaths in the VMI Family Capt. Ronald A. Erchul Former Professor of Civil Engineering Capt. Ronald Anton Erchul of Rockbridge County, Virginia, died on Oct. 8, 2011. He was 73.

Erchul was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned a master’s degree from the Naval Post-Graduate School and doctorate degree from the University of Rhode Island.

He taught geology and civil engineering at VMI for 27 years before retiring in 2008.

Erchul was the recipient of VMI’s Matthew Fontaine Maury Research Award in 1990 and again in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly A. Erchul, and daughter, Maria B. Erchul, of Fairfax County, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah.

Robert J. Thalman Former Head Football Coach Robert J. Thalman of Atlanta, Georgia,

2012-Issue 2

died on Jan. 31, 2012. He was 89 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Thalman; brother, William Thalman; sister, Mary Jane Schuetz; children, Linda Norwood, Robert Thalman, Carolyn Laraway, and Tommy Thalman; and 10 grandchildren.

Thalman served as head football coach from 1971-84 – longer than any other in his position. While he was at the helm, the Keydets won the Southern Conference Championship in 1974 and 1977 and were runners-up in both 1979 and 1981.

He received numerous awards throughout his coaching career, including his induction into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.

Editor’s Note: See the Keydet Club section of this issue for more about Thalman’s career and accomplishments.

Col. Tyson Wilson Former Professor of History Col. Tyson Wilson, USMC (Ret), of Lexington, Virginia, died on Dec. 21, 2011. He was 93.

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University, a master’s degree from Yale and pursued doctoral studies at Columbia University.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and was involved in battles at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He was awarded the Bronze Star and remained on active and reserve duty for 37 years.

Wilson joined the VMI faculty in 1952, teaching history and serving as law school and graduate business school adviser, class adviser and faculty adviser to numerous cadet organizations. A 1983 recipient of VMI’s Distinguished Teaching Award, he retired in 1984.

Wilson is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Getgood of Asheville, North Carolina, and Natalie Susan Rathvon of Bethesda, Maryland; two grandchildren and five great-grandWilson children.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois.

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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 J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 PO Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@wwassociates.net

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

President

Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68

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

The VMI President

William A. Paulette ’69

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Immediate Past President

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

Directors at Large

Chief Executive Officer Brian S. Crockett

Keydet Club, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

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

Terms Expire June 30, 2014 Terms Expire June 30, 2012 Walter Chalkley ’72 waltchalkley@aol.com Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Matthew Hemenez ’90 mhemenez@surefire.com Dallas Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

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

Russell Shun Takata ’74 John D. Bolt ’99 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 Max H. Hopkins ’97 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Matthew L. Wilson ’89 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89

russell.takata@yahoo.com jdbolt@hotmail.com tearris@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vmiman@comcast.net max.h.hopkins@gmail.com andrejg@aol.com tboggs@gci.com mwilson@goldfc.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 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 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 John D. Christie ’59

Region II Midwest

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@robertlynn.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 George T. Mosby ’97 Richard C. Wolffe Jr. ’78

magsvmi@email.com anchors80@comcast.net gmosby@liquidnet.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

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

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

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 Kevin L. Snell ’82

Region I Far West

Jim Dittrich ’76

jim.dittrich @leisurearts.com

Region III Northeast

Felix Wolkowitz ’75 fwolkowitz@ wolkowbraker.com

Region IV Mid Atlantic

Baltimore Central Keystone Peter Charrington ’66 Delaware Valley pcharrin@ Western PA - Pittsburgh comcast.net

Region V Southeast

Augusta Appalachian Heidi F. Nagel ’02 Atlanta heidimason@aol.com Coastal GA - South Carolina Midsouth Middle TN - Nashville East TN - Knoxville

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

Chapter Representative

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

Jeffrey B. Morrison ’99 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Michael J. Tutor ’96 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Stephen L. Skakandy ’01 (C) John Moder ’98 (AD)

roo1999@gmail.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net mjtutor@hotmail.com mike.anderson@allentate.com Stephen@SkakandyGroup.com

Charles H. Alligood ’61 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 John C. Nagle ’87 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 jcnagle4@aol.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 chrisboswellvmi@gmail.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 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 T. Troy Barbour ’89 Jason K. Gruse ’97

wdtllt@comcast.net jim@realcentralva.com weastham@carrhyde.com jarvistk@vmi.edu 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

vmi79classagent@aol.com 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

Michael S. Ogden ’79 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

Maury A. Denton ‘07 William H. Talley IV ’77

maurydenton@gmail.com wht4@whts.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Rappahannock Richard Duke ’90

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg Southside

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Stephen E. Wilson ’68 Peter J. Kokolis ’96 George D. Dyer ’66

carl.debernard@dhs.gov sewilson68@verizon.net pkokolis@cox.net spookfive@aol.com

R. C. Thompson III ’74 Robert B. Powell ’63 Jim E. Henry ’68

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

Charles Ramsburg ’66

clramsburg@gmail.com

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 rduke@ mcguirewoods.com

2012-Issue 2

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

161

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS The late Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 was featured on the front page of the fall 2011 Overlord Report, which is the newsletter of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation.

The article in memory of Senator Gray highlighted his contributions to the memorial, including retiring the initial construction debt and spearheading efforts to mount two plaques representing VMI and Gen. George C. Marshall ’901. “For this heroic effort,” the article stated, “the Memorial’s central plaza was dedicated as Elmon T. Gray plaza in 2006.”

Gray matriculated from Waverly, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree. He died on Sept. 27, 2011, at the age of 86. Editor’s Note: Senator Gray’s obituary appears in the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review on pages 16 and 17.

In October 2011, Theodore F. Mariani ’53 received a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Catholic University of America. Mariani completed the course requirements in 1963 but not his thesis. In spring 2011, he started his thesis which was a study of the evolution of Howard County, Maryland, following the creation of the new town of Columbia.

His thesis was accepted after a 48year hiatus.

Mariani, a distinguished military graduate, matriculated from WashMariani ’53 ington, D.C., and earned a bachelor’s degree from VMI in civil engineering.

He earned his master’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In September 2011, Samuel H. Hall ’56 was inducted into the 50th Class of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame for his career in golf. Hall played and coached at the University of Southern Mississippi.

He is a seven-time Mississippi Senior Amateur champion and has qualified six 162

times for the U.S. Open, in addition to other accomplishments.

Hall matriculated from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Nelson Gallery in Lexington, Virginia, featured the artwork of John T. Witt ’56 and his wife, Judy, during the month of January 2012.

The Witts’ collection is titled “Goshen,” an exhibition of sculptures and paintings depicting the Maury River.

Witt matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned his master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

A sculpture by John T. Witt ’65 from the “Goshen” artwork collection that was featured for the month of January 2012 at The Nelson Gallery, Lexington, Virginia.

The Winchester (Virginia) Education Foundation and the city’s public school system have established an endowed chair in honor of James R. Porterfield Jr. ’65, who taught at John Handley High School in Winchester for 28 years.

This chair was made possible by the

donation of J.J. and Kaye Smith, two of Porterfield’s former students, who contributed $700,000 to the school system in November 2011. As a result, exemplary English teachers will be honored with the distinction of the Porterfield Endowed Chair of English.

At the press conference announcing the donation and chair, Porterfield thanked the Smiths for the honor and shared his memories as a teacher.

He began his teaching career at Handley High School in August 1972 and taught courses including English, Honors English, AP English and Humanities, as well as supervising six student teachers.

He served as the English Department chair, National Honor Society advisor and Forensics Team coach. A highly respected member of the faculty whose rapport with his students is renowned, Porterfield was selected as the 1998 recipient of the Stewart Bell Award for

The Winchester Education Foundation and city’s public school system have established an endowed chair in honor of James R. Porterfield Jr. ’65

Excellence in teaching. In 2001, a hall at Handley was designated “Porterfield Hall” in his honor.

Porterfield retired from full-time teaching in July 2001. He continues to work as a substitute teacher for Winchester Public Schools and currently teaches rhetoric at the Classical Cottage School.

Porterfield matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS his master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Charles J. Rothwell ’66, director of Vital Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association for outstanding professional contributions to and leadership in the field of statistical science. Prior to this, the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems had presented Rothwell with the Halbert L. Dunn Award, which is regarded as one of the highest honors

in the field of biostatistics in the United States.

Rothwell matriculated from Andover, Massachusetts, and graduated from VMI

Rothwell ’66

Moore ’61 Receives Service Award

Editor’s Note: The following article, written by Terry O’Connor and featuring The Honorable John K. Moore ’61, above in front, right, appeared in a November 2011 issue of the Herald-Tribune in Venice, Florida. It is reprinted here with the publisher’s permission.

John Moore accepted a service award from Mayor John Holic for nine years of Venice City (Florida) Council service as he sat in on his last meeting.

Moore served three consecutive terms after taking office in 2002. He is being sidelined by term limits.

“He is a tremendous resource for all of us,” Holic said in handing Moore a service plaque.

Moore worked with 22 different city council members, including four mayors and four city managers, during the 412 meetings he served on city council.

“As an elected official, you know this day is going to come,” Moore said. “Term limits are probably the best way it can come.”

Moore cited pride in a number of projects taken on during his tenure, including the Envision Venice economic development strategy, the comprehensive plan, and the airport and utilities infrastructure. But his election as a “complete unknown” with his wife, Linda, serving as campaign manager was the high point of his tenure, he said, coming just one year after moving to Venice.

“It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world,” he said.

Moore said he had no other political ambitions.

“I’ll just slip back into being one of those retired folks who come down here from the North,” Moore said.

2012-Issue 2

Dolph IV ’70

with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He earned two master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the University of Maryland, respectively.

Cyrus A. Dolph IV ’70 has been selected for the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the trusts and estates practice area. Dolph has represented large and small companies, foundations, non-profits, individuals and financial institutions. He advises clients in a variety of business transactions and in the planning and administration of

Burg ’68 Honored for Volunteer Work In the past 18 years, James C. Burg ’68 has volunteered over 22,234 hours to help military veterans – more than any other volunteer in the state of Arizona. On Nov. 13, 2011, he received an award from retired Army Maj. John R. Tapia, founder of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 608, for his volunteer work. According to a recent article in The Daily Courier (Prescott, Arizona), Burg escorts veterans to their care and answers their questions from his post at the information desk at the Bob Stump Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Prescott.

He volunteers five days a week and plans to continue doing so for the rest of his life. In the article, Burg said that pushing veterans’ wheelchairs gives him physical exercise, answering their questions keeps his mind sharp and coming to work with other volunteers each day gives him a focus. A retired Army captain, Burg was severely injured in the Vietnam War and was told that he would never walk or talk again, nor would he survive more than a week, they said. He spent a year recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and proved the doctors wrong. “There were so many people who helped me,” said Burg in the Courier article. “I want to give back and will, as long as I can be of service to other people.”

Photo above: On Nov. 13, 2011, Jim Burg, third from right, received an award from retired Army Maj. John R. Tapia, founder of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 608, for his extensive volunteer work with military veterans.

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ALUMNI NEWS estates, foundations and trusts. He is an accredited estate planner and serves on the Hampton Roads Tax Forum, Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council and Professional Advisors Committee of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

For four years in a row, Dolph has been recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers® in the estate planning and probate, business and corporate, and tax categories. He has also earned the AV®Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating, which is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

Dolph matriculated from North Post Office, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned a master’s degree from Marshall-Wythe Law School and a juris doctor degree from T.C. Williams School of Law.

projects. In this position, Vicory leads regulatory interface, watershed planning and water quality initiatives throughout the Ohio River Valley region.

Vicory matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

In January 2011, Hugh M Fain ’80 was installed as the 124th president of the Virginia Bar Association.

Fain matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

He is a member of the board of trustees of the VMI Foundation, Inc. Fain is also past president of The VMI Alumni Association, Richmond Bar Association and VMI Club of Richmond.

In December 2011, Maj. Gen. Darren Alan H. Vicory ’74 has been named W. McDew ’82, USAF, was the Visiting a principle with Stantec in Management Professionals the firm’s Cincinnati, Ohio, Forum keynote speaker at the office. Stantec provides proDelaware State University fessional consulting services College of Business. McDew, in planning, engineering, who is commander of Air architecture, interior deForce District of Washington, sign, landscape architecture, Andrews Air Force Base, surveying, environmental Maryland, was hosted by sciences, project management, Shelton P. Rhodes ’77, dean and project economics for of the college. The forum Vicory ’74 infrastructure and facilities provides an opportunity for

students to network with representatives from various companies and industries.

Rhodes matriculated from Elizabethtown, North Carolina, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from Howard University and Old Dominion University, respectively.

McDew matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

He earned his master’s degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Maj. Gen. Darren McDew ’82, USAF, left, with Shelton Rhodes ’77 at Delaware State University College of Business in December 2011.

McDew was a keynote speaker for a visiting management professionals forum. Rhodes, dean of the college, hosted McDew.

In December 2012, Capt. Perry F. Van Hooser ’71, retired from the U.S. Navy. With the Van Hooser family – Pete, Sally, Kriersten and Curt – were, in alphabetical order from the class of ’71, Carl Biersack, Buddy Bryan, McKee Dunlap, Paul Fraim, Lanny Gault, Jim Gearhart, Jim Heely, Dave Kennedy, Ron Lewis, Scott Miller, Oscar Padgett, Dick Randolph, Mike Rogers, John Ronayne and Steve Turner. Also present: Bill Gearhart ’70 and Daniel Jones ‘08.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS The Canadian Hispanic Business AsVirginia Governor Bob McDonnell sociation has named José J. Suárez ’82 has appointed Delegate William R. one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Janis ’84 as deputy commissioner of Canadians for 2011. the Department of Veterans Suárez is senior vice Services. president, Global Mining and Janis, who devoted 11 years Metallurgy, at SNC-Lavalin, to the Navy and retired as Canada’s largest engineering lieutenant commander, is firm and one of the world’s active in veteran’s organizaleading construction groups. tions such as VFW Post 6364 Suárez matriculated from and the American Legion Ponce, Puerto Rico, and graduPost 215 and serves on the ated from VMI with a bachVirginia War Memorial Board elor’s degree in civil engineerof Trustees.

Suárez ’82 ing. He earned his master’s Janis matriculated from degree from the University of Kansas.

Cicero, Illinois, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s Anthony L. Arnold ’83 has led a $400 degree in history. He earned his juris million effort to renovate or replace 25 doctor degree from the University of of the most aged schools in the Virginia Virginia.

Beach City Public Schools division, the third largest in the state of Virginia.

JES Foundation Repair in Chesterfield, These enhancements have helped to pro- Virginia, owned by Jesse P. Waltz ’85, vide 70,000-plus students with a worldprovided a series of continuing educaclass education in a safe environment. tion seminars on structural foundation Arnold, in addition, manages an annual systems to about 200 local engineers, $600 million capital improvement plan architects, building officials and design that includes phases of school building professionals. This series of free semichanges as well as construction projects nars, held in October 2011, educated involving other district structures. participants about commercial and resiArnold matriculated from Virginia Beach, dential structural support technologies, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a applications, designs, installation and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. terminology, while allowing them also to

earn professional development hours for their professions.

Waltz matriculated from Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Lt. Col. Charles A. McLean ’91, USMC, has been selected for promotion to colonel. As of this writing, he is in Quantico, Virginia, awaiting assignment after returning from his previous station in Okinawa, Japan.

McLean matriculated from Deale, Maryland, and graduated with distinction from VMI earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Frank S. Mulcahy ’91 has been named public works director for San Juan County, Washington. Mulcahy was selected in September 2011 after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, with the most recent assignment as Public Works director of the Navy’s submarine base in New London, Connecticut.

Mulcahy matriculated from New Monmouth, New Jersey, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

He earned his master’s degree from the University of Washington.

Cmdr. Rodney L. Turbak ’93, USN,

JES Foundation Repair, owned by Jesse Waltz ’85, pictured at center in the photo at left, hosted continuing education seminars in October 2011 on structural foundation systems for local engineers, architects, building officials and design professionals. Pictured to the left of Waltz is David Stinnette ’85, one of the professional engineers who facilitated the seminars. The engineer in the photo at right is explaining helical anchors to attendees.

2012-Issue 2

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ALUMNI NEWS has been awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for outstanding public service while based with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Two at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

Turbak is a volunteer firefighter and conducts fire prevention seminars at local elementary schools.

He matriculated from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in math.

Underwood served seven tours of duty, Immediately prior to his death, Cook, with the most recent being Operation Iraqi who was living with his wife in San Freedom from May 2007 to January 2008.

Antonio, Texas, and working as a police He was wounded in action and returned officer for the Federal Reserve Bank, stateside in January 2008. was preparing for deployment Underwood’s other military to Afghanistan with his Texas awards include the Bronze Star Army National Guard unit. He Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, was trained to perform medithe Purple Heart, the Meritorical evacuations as a Blackous Service Medal, the Army hawk helicopter pilot.

Commendation Medal with While at VMI, Cook was a three Oak Leaf Clusters, the member of Golf Company, the Combat Action Badge and the rifle team, the Cadet Battery Army Parachutist Badge. and, during his first class year, Underwood ’94 Christopher T. Passarge ’94 won the Underwood matriculated the RDC. Ohio Outstanding Business Operations from Clifton, Virginia, and Manager of the Year award for 2011. graduated from the University of Arkan1st Lt. Andrew G. Maxwell ’07, Passarge, executive director of business sas. He earned his master’s degree from USMC, was featured in a November operations for the Lakota Local School the University of Texas.

2011 Florida Today article. When District, was recognized for his leaderMaxwell earned his aviator wings, the ship and guidance during According to an article in the wings pinned on during the ceremony a period marked by budget San Antonio Express News, were worn originally by his grandfather, cuts, leading to more than $5 the Texas Medal of Valor has a World War II-era Navy pilot. million in savings, while still been awarded posthumously Maxwell matriculated from Melbourne, retaining critical programs. to the late CWO2 Howard J. Florida, and graduated from VMI with a Passarge matriculated from Cook III ’01, TNG. bachelor’s degree in history. He joined Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduOn July 7, 2011, Cook was the Marine Corps Reserve a year after ated from VMI, earning a driving home from Fort Hood, matriculating, and in 2005, his education bachelor’s degree in civil Texas, with 1st Lt. Rachel Ries was interrupted when he was deployed engineering. He earned his when they were hit by another to Iraq. Upon graduation, Maxwell was Passarge ’94 driver. Cook swerved, and his master’s degree from the Unicommissioned as an officer. versity of Maryland European side of the vehicle got the imdivision. pact which ended his life and saved Ries.

The Bedford (Virginia) Science and The Express News article stated, “Cook Technology Center hosted presentations Maj. David C. Underwood ’94 retired will receive the Texas Medal of Valor for on energy in the county’s high schools from the U.S. Army on Sept. 16, 2011, his last act of bravery.” It is the second during November 2011. A. Drake Watts after 26 years of service. He was honored highest award that can be bestowed on a ’08, vice president of Watts Petroleum, with a ceremony held at Fort Leavenworth, citizen of that state. was a featured speaker. Watts Petroleum, Kansas, at which time he was awarded Cook became a Marine reservist in founded by Watts’ grandfather, delivers the Legion of Merit for exceptionally 1999 while attending VMI. He served in gasoline to gas stations and heating oil meritorious conduct in the performance of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and left and propane to homes. In his presentaoutstanding services and achievements. the Marine Corps in 2006 as a sergeant. tion, Watts described the source and distribution of petroleum, the pros and cons of petroleumCedric T. Wins ’85, USA, was promoted to brigabased fuel, and the dier general on Jan. 23, impact it has on 2011, at the Pentagon society.

Hall of Heroes. Pictured Watts matriculated left: Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. from Lynchburg, Chiarelli, left, officiated Virginia, and graduthe promotion ceremony. ated from VMI with Pictured right: Wins and a bachelor’s degree his family. in economics.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

King of Clubs: The Great Golf Marathon of 1938 by Jim Ducibella, Potomac Books, Inc., March 10, 2012. ISBN: 978-1597978361. Available via Barnes & Noble stores, Amazon.com and potomacbooksinc.com.

Sustaining Southern Identity: Douglas Southall Freeman and Memory in the Modern South by Keith D. Dickson ’76.

Louisiana State University Press, Nov. 21, 2011. ISBN: 978-0807140048. Available from Amazon.com.

This is the true story of daredevil stockbroker James Smith Ferebee ’927 and maybe the most bizarre golf bet ever made. Ferebee – VMI’s 1981 Distinguished Service Award winner – became embroiled in a disagreement over what to do with 296 acres of land which he and friend Fred Tuerk co-owned in Virginia Beach. The two finally agreed to a winnertake-all bet. Ferebee would either play 144 holes of golf at Olympia Fields Country Club, where he was a member, or forfeit the land. He played the 144 holes, but the issue was hardly settled. His appearance on “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” radio show sparked a tsunami of golf marathons, all aimed at knocking Ferebee off his “king’s” throne. Another wager was made, this one worth $100,000.

To keep the land, Ferebee would have to play – and walk or run – 600 holes over four consecutive days in eight different cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Kansas City, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York.

Gamblers caught wind of it, and that’s where the story really begins.

Sustaining Southern Identity offers a biography of Douglas Southall Freeman as well as a comprehensive analysis of how 20th century Southerners came to remember the Civil War, fashion their values and ideals, and identify themselves as citizens of the South. Freeman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, journalist, lecturer, radio broadcaster and teacher of renown, wrote and spoke on themes related to Southern memory throughout his life.

About the Author: Jim Ducibella wrote about sports for 27 years for the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, during which time he covered more than 200 golf tournaments and won seven Virginia sportswriter-of-the-year awards. His first book was Par Excellence: A Celebration of Virginia Golf. In 2010, he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in a class including Alonzo Mourning, Herman More and Jim Dombrowski. He and wife Sue live in Williamsburg, Virginia.

2012-Issue 2

Dickson’s work underscores Freeman’s contributions to the enduring memory of Confederate courage and sacrifice in Southern culture. The longtime editor of the Richmond News Leader, Freeman wrote several authoritative and influential multivolume historical narratives about both Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and the high command of the Army of Northern Virginia. His contributions to the enduring Southern memory framework – with its grand narrative of Confederate courage and sacrifice and its attachment to symbols and rituals – still serve as a touchstone for the truths that define a distinct identity in the South.

About the Author: Dickson matriculated from Farmville, Virginia, and grad-

uated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia, respectively. Dickson is a professor of military studies at the Joint Forces Staff College at National Defense University.

Foundations for Life: Confident Living in Light of the Truth by Stu Kinniburgh ’77. CreateSpace, Sept. 15, 2011. ISBN: 978-1466348950. Available via Amazon.com.

Foundations for Life offers a biblical explanation about faith. The book offers simplified concepts and uses a technique called “programmed text” to assist the reader in learning and retaining the material. An evaluation at the end of the book summarizes how much the reader has retained. The goal is that readers will be able to answer questions regarding Christianity.

About the Author: Stu Kinniburgh has been a teacher and student of the Christian faith for over 30 years. He is a 20-year U.S. Army veteran in which, among other assignments, he served as an instructor at the Artillery School and also as a teacher at Wheaton College and as professor of Military Science at Augusta State University. He also served on the staff of two churches and on the staff of a scriptural teaching ministry after leaving the military. He has taught classes throughout the country and has written biblical teaching resources used by churches in the U.S., Africa and the military. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from VMI and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. Kinniburgh is the development director for the Quo Vadis Institute, a ministry based in Austria.

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INSTITUTE INSTITUTE

Leadership Conference Opens Dialogue on Cheating

The entire Corps of Cadets, along with about 500 participants from colleges and high schools around the nation, gathered in Cameron Hall to hear Louis J. Freeh speak on the nature of cheating and dishonesty in America. Freeh served as director of the FBI from 1993 to 2001 and is currently CEO of Freeh Group International, a global consulting enterprise. VMI photo by John Robertson IV.

Academic cheating is an epidemic in America, as recent news headlines have demonstrated time and time again.

Seeking to open a dialogue among educators and students and to offer tools to help curb that cheating, the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics made this topic the focus of its 2012 VMI Leadership Conference, “Cheating, Lying, and Honor in America’s High Schools, Colleges and Universities.”

“We talked to experts who have been conducting scholarly research on the psychology of academic cheating and found out how complex the problem is,” said Capt. Susan Rabern, director of the center. “We learned that in order to reverse the problem, it will require the engagement of not just faculty and staff, but also students as peers.”

The conference featured an extensive agenda geared toward faculty, staff and students at the high school and college levels.

Workshops gave students and administrators an opportunity to discuss solutions. Topics included strengthening existing and designing new student-led honor systems, strategies for educators to get and stay ahead of the curve, and tools for high school students and faculty.

Conference presenters included educational psychologist Eric Anderman; David Callahan, author of The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead; James Stewart, author of Tangled Webs: How False Statements are Undermining America: From Martha Stewart to Bernie Madoff; and Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta.

Also addressing the conference were Louis Freeh, former director of the FBI; Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice, 168

who, as of this writing, is currently prosecuting an SAT cheating case on Long Island; and Pamela Meyer, founder and CEO of Simpatico Networks and author of Liespotting.

Rabern said the focus of the biennial conference – on the epidemic of cheating in America’s high schools, colleges and universities – originated with members of VMI’s Honor Court.

(See accompanying article titled “Lying, Cheating and Honor: Cadets Design Conference to Inspire a Movement.”)

“We began the planning in the spring of 2011,” she said. “Since then, we found out that this is a national epidemic that begins in elementary school and continues through the highest levels of the American education system.”

“I think that unless there is more attention to this issue and more push-back against it, nothing is going to change,” said David Callahan, conference speaker. “This conference reflects a growing movement to want to take on the cheating culture on campuses, and that’s a great thing.”

“This conference could not be more timely, and it couldn’t be more important,” said David Callahan, author of The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE communication and a united effort to encourage students at every level of education to hold themselves to a higher standard,” said Coursey. That higher standard, for many at the conference, was described as a community Cadets Design Conference of trust. “A common theme we want to continue to promote is the idea of a community to Inspire a Movement of trust centered on a shared goal of promoting honor throughout society,” said Coursey.

The conference also gave Honor Court Members of VMI’s Honor Court collaborated of academic dishonesty. “It seems that the members ideas to implement next year on with staff at the Center for Leadership and sources are intrinsic rather than extrinsic,” Post and in reaching out to the community.

Ethics to bring together educators, experts said Cotting. “It’s not about the punishments “One possible initiative created during the and students from across the country to have you get, but it’s because people internalize conference is having 2013’s Court, with the a conversation on lying, cheating, and honor certain values which then orient them toward help of the Corps of Cadets, visit surroundat this year’s Leadership Confering lower level schools in order to ence, March 5-6, 2012. promote the idea of an honorable About 470 guests represented lifestyle,” said Coursey. The idea 56 high schools, 57 colleges and is to help instill values of honesty 15 business enterprises at the and integrity in students at an conference. early age. “We will present our “The honor conference, over Code, the fundamental principles the course of March 5 and 6, was of it and how it affects our everyday the product of over a year of planlives,” said Coursey. “This will lead ning and coordination between in to discussion between cadets VMI’s Honor Court and the Cenand the students as to why it is imter for Leadership and Ethics,” portant to start living honorably said Honor Court member Will at a younger age and how it will Coursey ’13, who will serve as next affect their lives outside of school.” year’s Honor Court president. The The Honor Court is also seekconference adopted the view that ing to constantly build upon and the shift toward making honor improve the Institute’s honor and integrity the norm in educasystem. “We will work to increase tional institutions must start with transparency and clarity of vision, a few passionate and dedicated so that we can all be united under individuals. “We are the people a common goal of promoting an Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who received the Medal of who will lead that change: the Honor in November 2010 for gallantry, courage, and honorable lifestyle both within the people in this room today,” said leadership when his unit was ambushed in the Korengal confines of VMI and our careers Honor Court President Quinn Valley of eastern Afghanistan on Oct. 25, 2007, addressed beyond the Institute.”

Adams ’12. “Our generation has the conference in Cameron Hall. Afterward, he talked Cotting echoed that sentiment, the chance to fix it. If we don’t with the VMI Corps of Cadets more intimately in Jackson stressing that even in a system take up the mantle of leading Memorial Hall and then dined with the cadets in Crozet that is effective, it is important to Hall. “Right is not always the easiest path,” he told the now, we’re just kicking the can strive toward perfection. “There group. “It’s up to you whether you’re going to choose the down the road.” easy wrong or the hard right.

That’s a simple decision, are things that can be improved.

The ideas shared at the conferbut it’s up to us.” VMI photo by John Robertson IV. It’s really good, but it’s not perfect ence are helping participants see and nothing is,” said Cotting. “We cheating in a new light. “A lot need to be hungry for doing things of people don’t cheat, because better.

We need to constantly think and questhey’re afraid of the consequences,” said Cadet not cheating when given the opportunity.”

Nicole Harding ’14. “I think the conference Cotting teaches leadership at VMI, serves as tion and make sure we’re doing things right.”

To view articles on conference events, visit will help us understand that you shouldn’t a defense advocate for VMI’s Honor Court www.vmi.edu/2012leadershipstories. cheat, not because you’re afraid, but because and participated in several sessions at the

Lying, Cheating, and Honor

it’s what you should do, and because you want to be honorable.”

Internalizing integrity in the classroom through instilling values in individuals was a theme throughout the conference. Lt. Col. Dave Cotting, associate professor of psychology at VMI, echoed these views on the sources

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conference.

The ultimate goal of the Honor Court’s efforts was not the conference itself but the movement that members of VMI’s Honor Court hope the conference will start. “The conference was meant as a spark to ignite a fire, one that will spread through continued

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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INSTITUTE

Brooke Family Legacy The Ties to VMI Are Deep and Far Reaching

by George Abry, Contributing Writer

Three generations of the Brooke family in 2005: seated, the late Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36 and standing, left, Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret), with Lt. Col. George “Merce” Brooke IV ’94, right.

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W

hen George “Merce” Brooke IV ’94 accepted a teaching position at VMI in 2004, he inherited an intricate family legacy that only a genealogist could unravel.

“I remember we would come to Lexington when I was growing up, and my father and grandfather would get together and just tell these amazing stories,” Brooke IV said. “We would stay up late, and they would tell these stories about what happened to them at VMI; now my father and I have that connection.”

Merce Brooke IV, a professor of physics and astronomy at VMI, is the son of Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret), an adjunct professor in VMI’s history department whose own father, Col. George M. Brooke Jr., graduated from VMI in 1936 and taught at VMI for 33 years, whose own father, George M. Brooke, graduated from VMI in 1896. Brooke IV’s great-great grandfather was John M. Brooke, an 1847 Naval Academy graduate and well-known American naval scientist who designed the deep sea sounding device, the celebrated Brooke Naval gun and the armor plating on the Confederate ironclad Virginia. John Brooke taught at VMI from 1865 until 1899; he died in 1906.

Merce said his decision to attend VMI wasn’t the result of family pressure or an honorary obligation. “It’s just what I wanted to do; everybody else did it, so I wanted to do it.”

At VMI, Merce planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and commission in the Marine Corps. Merce spent six weeks at Quantico the summer after his Rat year as an officer candidate in the Platoon Leaders Class program. In the second semester of his third class year, he began dating his future wife, Erika Peters, the daughter of Col. Phil Peters, a VMI physics professor from the class of 1957. “I called her, and we hit it off immediately,” Merce said. (It just so happens that Erika’s brothers are David Peters ’91 and Michael Peters ’93.)

At some point, Merce began thinking about his future, one that would surely include Erika. Merce had moved around so much during his father’s 27-year Marine Corps career; he began thinking that maybe life in the Marine Corps wasn’t for him after all. A physics major at VMI, he began applying to graduate schools, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE

John M. Brooke taught at VMI from 1865-99. VMI Archives photo.

eventually settling on Old Dominion’s nuclear physics program.

“I was originally planning to get my master’s degree and make a billion dollars somewhere working in industry, but once I got to graduate school, I really enjoyed it,” Merce said. “I enjoyed physics, and I enjoyed the teaching I was doing as a teaching assistant. So, I decided to stick around and get my Ph.D.” In fact, Merce

George M. Booke, class of 1896.

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enjoyed physics so much that he did two years of “post-doc” research in atomic physics at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Meanwhile, Merce’s father, Brooke III, was pursuing his own graduate work at Georgetown. Having spent 27 and onehalf years in the Marine Corps, including active duty in Vietnam, Brooke III was ready for the next chapter. “I had received a master’s degree in national security studies from Georgetown in ’93, and so I decided what I wanted to do was get admitted to a doctoral program and maybe teach at VMI someday, since my father had taught here for so many years.”

Brooke III received his doctorate in history from Georgetown in 2005, and by the end of that year, through a series of unrelated events, father and son both were teaching at VMI. Even though his father had intended to one day return to Lexington, did Merce ever expect to find himself teaching at VMI? “When most people leave VMI, they say, ‘I’m not coming back here for a long time.’ That’s kind of the way I felt – you know the typical attitude,” Merce said. “The big thing here was really the faculty; you get to know all the faculty members. In fact, one of the main reasons I went to graduate school was because of Col. Carpenter. I distinctly remember him encouraging me, and that had a big impact on me.”

While Merce is deeply rooted to VMI through his father’s side of the family – not to mention his wife, Erika – it turns out that’s only part of the story. The father of Jane Brooke, Merce’s mother, was Brig. Gen. Lloyd Leech Jr. ’42, who was commandant of cadets when Brooke III was a first classman. And Mrs. Brooke’s grandfather was Col. Lloyd Leech Sr. ’913.

Jane Brooke’s two brothers were Lloyd Leech III ’66 and James Johnston Leech ’78. In fact, Lloyd Leech Jr. ’42 and James J. Leech ’78 both received The Society of the Cincinnati Medal in their respective classes.

Just outside Merce’s office there is a portrait of his great, greatgrandfather, John Mercer Brooke,

alongside other notable 19th century VMI faculty members including Matthew Fontaine Maury. “There’s definitely a certain amount of pride in that,” Merce said of seeing his ancestor’s portrait.

“I’ve got all his papers, his journals and drawings and other material,” said Brooke III. “My father published a biography of John Brooke, and much of the material in it was drawn from these papers. He told me they had all been thoroughly mined, but I’m not sure that’s true. There are some things in there I may be able to use.”

Has working at VMI made father and son closer or deepened their relationship in any way? “Well, we see more of each other I guess,” said Brooke III. “Oh, it definitely has,” Merce said. “But he’s always been so supportive and willing to listen to me, and I think that has helped me make decisions. I’ve never been afraid to talk to him about what I’m interested in, and he’s always been willing to listen.”

Brooke Family Legacy at VMI: Paternal Side On the paternal side of the Brooke family, four of the last five generations graduated from VMI: George George George George

M. M. M. M.

Brooke, class of 1896 Brooke Jr. ’36 Brooke III ’67 Brooke IV ’94

Four of the last five generations taught and are teaching at VMI: John M. Brooke: 1865-1899.

George M. Brooke Jr.: 1947-1980.

George M. Brooke III: 2005-present George M. Brooke IV: 2004-present John M. Brooke taught physics, while George “Merce” Brooke IV is teaching physics. George Brooke Jr. taught history, while George Brooke III is still teaching history.

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INSTITUTE Band Performs in Hawaii Helps Commemorate 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attacks and Wins Award for Best Marching Band During the Corps’ Thanksgiving break, Nov. 21-27, 2011, over 100 cadets and staff of the VMI Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums travelled to Oahu, Hawaii, to participate in events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

“This was the farthest distance travelled from the Institute – just under 10,000 miles – by the largest number of cadets in the school’s 172-year history,” said Col. John Brodie ’92 (Honorary), band director. The group traveled via an Air Force C-17 aircraft, courtesy of the 729th Airlift Squadron based out of March Air Force Base in California. They departed on Nov. 21st, flying 11 hours from Richmond, Virginia, to Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu and checked into their billet at the Schofield U.S. Army Barracks, coordinated by Col. Michael Ceroli ’85, USA. The band had a busy week which included performances at Schofield, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, and the Hale Koa Hotel Armed Alumni Association Hawaii Chapter President Russ Forces Recreation Center Resort on Waikiki Beach. Alumni AssoTakata ’74 arranged for the band to perform at the Hale ciation Hawaii Chapter President Russ Takata ’74 arranged for the Koa Hotel Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort on Thanksgiving Day. band to perform at the resort on Thanksgiving Day – an event that included a traditional thanksgiving meal. According to Brodie, a significant number of VMI alumni attended the concert at Hale Koa and presented the band with a rare and beautiful print of the U.S.S. Arizona. “It was an excellent opportunity for the cadets to meet and socialize with the area’s alumni and their families,” Brodie said.

The highlight of the week’s appearances was when the band marched in the Waikiki Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 25th. The VMI Band was one of 23 bands from across the United States and Canada that participated in the parade. Between each marching band were cars carrying Pearl Harbor surviving veterans in honor of their service and the Pearl Harbor anniversary. Thousands of people crowded the torch-lit parade route along Waikiki’s main thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue. Brodie said, “This was the warmest audience and reception that we have ever experienced, including all the parades and performances throughout my 24 years at VMI.” VMI won the Aloha Award for best band in the Waikiki Holiday Parade, The cost of the band’s trip was minimal, courtesy of the Gateway Music Festivals Company. Above: At the band’s Rat thanks to the transportation and billeting Christmas Party in December 2011, the cadets displayed their newly won assistance provided by the Army and Air trophy on top of the homemade, bass drum Christmas tree.

Force which allowed for maximum exposure at a minimal expense, Brodie explained.

On Sunday, Nov. 27th, the Institute’s “musical ambassadors” Editor’s Note: See the inside front cover of this issue for returned home on a C-17 from McChord Air Force Base, piloted more photos and news about the band’s visit to Hawaii.

by Lt. Col. Robert Sawyer ’89, USAF, 728th Airlift Squadron – just in time to resume classes the next day.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Glee Club Performs in New York and New Jersey The VMI Glee Club travelled north of the Mason-Dixon Line during the weekend of Feb. 2-5, 2012, to perform a series of concerts in New Jersey and New York City.

The cadets left by bus after class on Thursday, Feb. 2nd, and drove four hours north to spend the first night at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Center in Pennsylvania.

On Friday, Feb. 3rd, the group performed a concert at Dover High School in Dover, New Jersey, in honor of the late Sgt. Ryan Doltz ’00, a graduate of the high school and a cadet musician while at the Institute. He was killed in action in Iraq on June 4, 2004. “The performance was a complete success, ending with a standing ovation from the more than 1,000 students and faculty in attendance,” said Col. John Brodie ’92 (Honorary), band director.

Two hours later, the cadets sang to a crowd of veterans in the physical therapy ward at the Veterans Administration Medical Center facility in Lyons, New Jersey. Several New Jersey alumni were there to lend support, including Ken Iverson ’54, Greg Robertson ’55, Larry Rose ’65 and Rick Wolffe ’78.

The cadets were billeted for the remainder of the trip at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York.

On Feb. 4th, the club performed a concert in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, which showcases the World War II aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Intrepid, the submarine, U.S.S. Growler, a Concorde SST, a Lockheed A-12 supersonic reconnaissance plane and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. The performance aboard the Intrepid was open to the public inside the hanger deck level.

That evening, the cadets sang once more to alumni and patrons of O’Lunney’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in New York City’s Times Square. According to Brodie, Cmdr.

Photo at top: The Glee Club aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. Photo above: The Liam Murphy ’65, USN (Ret), was instruclub performed at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church on Park Avenue. mental in arranging the concert and a free Irish meal for the cadets, donated by Hugh Paolo Bordgnon, associate director of music at St. Bartholomew’s, O’Lunney and his daughter, Maureen. Several other New York said, “I’ve heard all nice things from our crowd, and I’m so glad alumni and their families attended, including Greg Robertson ’55, you were able to join us. The cadets sounded wonderful, and you John Lane ’68, John Gibney ’80, former VMI Alumni Association are welcome back anytime you come to the city.”

President Jim Spellman ’85 and Bob Munno’81.

The cadets returned to VMI that evening, after a seven-hour bus After their performance, the cadets headed out to Times Square ride, in time to catch the Super Bowl on television. Brodie said for shows, shopping and sights in the Big Apple. For many, this he was very pleased with the performance and esprit of the club. was their first exposure to the city. “[They] performed so many concerts in such a compacted time, On Sunday morning, the club performed at St. Bartholomew’s [and they] were excellent musical ambassadors for the Institute,” Episcopal Church on Park Avenue during the 9:00 a.m. service. Dr. concluded Brodie.

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INSTITUTE VMI Receives Dominion Grant

by Scott Belliveau ’83, VMI Foundation

In November 2011, Emmett Toms, external affairs manager for Dominion Virginia Power, presented VMI with $40,000 in support of VMI’s Clean Energy and Air Resources – CLEAR – Program. This gift, made through the Dominion Resources Higher Education Partnership Grant program, was only one of 34 such grants made throughout the country last year.

The Institute’s CLEAR program, which also enjoys support from the Jackson-Hope Fund, was established in order to meet the growing demand throughout the country for people who are capable of filling key professional positions in the field of clean energy and sustainable fuels production. It combines a rigorous classroom instruction, meant to give cadets a sound theoretical grounding in the fields related to sustainable fuels production and clean energy systems, with laboratory and field work that engage students in the creation and development of alternative and sustainable fuels.

Because this program is a collaboration between VMI and Virginia Tech, VMI alumni have the opportunity to earn a graduate degree from Virginia Tech while conducting research at VMI, while cadets may work one-on-one with Virginia Tech professors and graduate students who are conducting clean energy research.

Another characteristic that makes the CLEAR program stand out is its interdisciplinary nature. Managed by three VMI faculty members – Maj. Tim O. Moore II ’97 of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maj. Anne Alerding of the Department of Biology and Maj. Mary Beth Pennington of the Department of English & Fine Arts – and Linsey C. Marr of Virginia Tech’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the program takes in as many approaches to the subject.

As Moore explains it, “The cadets will be working with the civil and environmental engineering departments of both institutions and VMI’s biology department to gain an understanding of what is necessary to use an organic biomass to produce a high-quality bio-fuel, as well as to understand what the production of such fuels means, insofar as environmental effects are concerned. When they move into the research and experiments related the development of a ‘super’ plant capable of producing low emissions energy and high-quality biofuels, they also will be working with VMI biology and civil and environmental engineering.”

The third aspect of the program brings in VMI’s Department of English and Fine Arts to help cadets to develop their communications skills.

“Anyone involved in science, engineering and technology will tell you that the often wide gap between those working in these fields and the rest of society is troubling,” said Moore. “The most dynamic research and the most exciting discoveries might go unnoticed, and the many potential benefits from them might go unrealized unless scientists, technologists and engineers are able to communicate their knowledge and their enthusiasm, not only within their disciplines, but also within the wider engineering and scientific communities and broader society.”

“Such support for CLEAR is a model of the public-private partnerships we hope to encourage as VMI positions itself as a premier undergraduate teaching institution with research programs that rival those of universities with graduate programs,” said Brig. Gen. R. Wane Schneiter, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty.

“VMI will therefore actively seek additional partnerships of this kind.”

Rare Scrimshaw on Display in VMI Museum A collection of engraved and carved whale teeth and bones – scrimshaw – is now on display in the VMI Museum.

Received by the museum in 1988 from the estate of Henry M. Stewart ’35, the items are exhibited in the museum for the first time. They are located adjacent to the Henry Stewart 19th Century Antique Firearms Collection and represent a side interest of Stewart in these works of art created by sailors on 19th- and early 20th-century whaling ships.

VMI’s lone connection to the 19th-century whaling industry is through one of its early professors of physics, naval officer and oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-73), who charted the migratory patterns of the whales. Since it enabled whalers to predict where whales would be, his work changed how whales were hunted, said Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of museum operations.

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Corset busks and pie crimpers are among the novelties carved from whale teeth and bones on display at the VMI Museum. Photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Dinning and Hagos Lead VMI at Big South Cross Country Meet Senior Noah Hagos crossed the 25-minute 8K barrier for the first time, finishing ninth in 24:57 to lead VMI’s men’s cross country team to a third-place finish at the Big South Cross Country Championships on Oct. 29, 2011, in Conway, South Carolina. Hagos’ effort garnered him his first career All-Big South honor, as he led four Keydets in the top-20.

Senior Felix Kitur was 12th in 25:12, followed closely by Andrey Dmitriev ’14 in 25:14.

Ian McGinn ’13 clocked in at 25:31 to place 18th, while Dean Gonsalves ’13 rounded out the VMI scorers by finishing 32nd in 26:06.

On the women’s side, Emily Dinning finished 15th to lead the squad to a sixth-place finish.

Dinning was the top finDinning (at left) ishing freshman in the race, making her VMI’s third straight Big South Freshman of the Year in women’s cross country.

Dinning covered the 5K course in 18:35 to earn her result, while Leah Schubel ’13 finished 22nd in 18:49. Jenna Moye ’13, returning from injury after missing over a month, ran a 19:08 to finish 33rd, while Hannah Dickinson ’15 (42nd/19:25) and Hagos Nina Srikongyos ’15 (51st/19:42) rounded out the VMI scoring five.

VMI Wins Two Big South Conference Sportsmanship Awards The Big South announced that VMI is the recipient of two, fall sportsmanship awards, winning in men’s cross country and football.

Big South student-athletes select sportsmanship award recipients by voting, and team awards are announced at the end of each competitive season. Teams cannot vote for themselves.

Each institution ranks and votes for its top three. Teams receive three points for a first-place ranking, two points for a second-place ranking and one point for a third-place ranking.

This is the third sportsmanship award for VMI men’s cross country and the sixth award for VMI football.

At the conclusion of the 2011-12 athletic season, the Big South Conference Institutional Sportsmanship Award will be

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announced. Sport winners – such as VMI’s cross country and football awards – count toward the Institution Sportsmanship Award. The winner is determined through a system that recognizes the highest percentage of the maximum possible points each institution is capable of achieving in that year. The institution with the highest percentage will win the award.

VMI has won the Big South’s Institutional Sportsmanship Award all six years of the award’s history.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Athletics section of the Alumni Review are produced by the VMI Sports Information Office.

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ATHLETICS Four Players Named to All-Big South Football Squads Four football players, all seniors, earned All-Big South honors as the conference announced its postseason awards from Charlotte, North Carolina.

A.J. Gross and Rob Bailey were named to the conference’s First Team, while Byron Allen and Tracy Hairston made the All-Big South Second Team. Gross also earned All-Academic Team laurels.

This is the second straight year that Gross has been named to the all-conference First Team.

He finished his career as a threetime, All-Big South honoree, after being named to the First Team in 2010 and the Second Team in 2008. He wrapped up his on-field accolades by finishing second in the conference in tackles this past season (90), a total that led the Keydets and boosted Gross to third on the Big South’s all-time tackles chart. It also allowed him to rank eighth on the all-time VMI listing. This season, his efforts were highlighted by a 15-tackle effort Left tackle Rob Bailey played against Presbyterian College and 12-tackle outings against Richmond and Gardner-Webb.

Left tackle Rob Bailey joined Gross on the league’s first team, following a season in which he served as one of the Keydet captains. Bailey played 758 snaps on the year, the most of any VMI

offensive lineman, and graded out with top performances in seven games this season. He also caught a pass against Gardner-Webb, which helped set up a field goal.

Making his first career All-Big South team was Hairston, who ranked third in the league in all-purpose yards per game (136.3).

He logged the most catches (40) by a VMI receiver since 2005, a total that ranked fourth in the conference, and led the team in 20-yard plus plays, with 33 between his roles as a wideout and a kick returner. He had four games with five or more catches on the season.

Allen makes his third consecutive appearance on the All-Big South Second Team at defensive back, after a year that saw him play both that position and outside linebacker.

He posted 53 tackles, ranking 10th among linebackers and 17th overall in the conference, and earned Big South Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors 758 snaps on the year. for his efforts against Charleston Southern, when he had four pass breakups. Allen then closed out his career in style, posting a season-high 11 tackles against Gardner-Webb and sealing the senior day win with an interception in the closing seconds.

Strand and Jimenez Earn Big South Postseason Honors in Soccer At the conclusion of the Big South women’s soccer season in November 2011, senior Sarah Strand earned her third straight Second Team All-Big South honor, while Simone Jimenez was named to the All-Academic team for the second consecutive year.

Strand led VMI with nine goals, a total that tied her for fourth in the conference and ranked fifth in VMI single-season annals. Her 19 points tied her with sister Megan Strand ’08 for fifth on the single-season point list, as well. She scored two goals twice this past season, including Oct. 15th versus Gardner-Webb, and also notched a goal against Winthrop two days prior, helping her earn the first Big South Player of the Week honors of her career. This makes her the first Keydet to earn either All-Conference or All-Freshman honors after each of her four playing seasons, and she closes out her career ranked in a tie for third in career goals at VMI. Jimenez earned her second straight All-Academic honor, thanks to a 3.82 GPA in economics and business. She is a multi-time Dean’s List honoree, wears academic stars and is a member of

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the Big South Presidential Honor Roll. Jimenez also received an Academic Excellence Award from her major.

Sarah Strand earned her third straight Second Team All-Big South honor.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS Keydets Score ESPN Top Plays of the Day During the 2011-12 season, VMI basketball players attained ESPN Top Plays of the Day status for spectacular dunks. Junior forward Stan Okoye (#11), right, was rated as the No. 1 play for his followup jam against third-ranked Ohio State on Nov. 23, 2011.

One month later, senior forward Keith Gabriel (#21), left, made the list as the No. 7 top play for SportsCenter.

VMI Announces 2012 Football Schedule Six home games and the first meeting with the Naval Academy since 2003 highlight the 2012 football schedule.

It will be the most homes games for a VMI football team since the Keydets played the same number during the 2007 season slate.

VMI will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, to take on the Midshipmen on Sept. 22, 2012, in the first gridiron meeting between the military schools since the 2003 season opener when the Keydets last visited Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The game also marks the third time over the last four years that VMI has faced a service academy. The Keydets traveled to West Point, New York, to tangle with Army in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

VMI will open the 2012 slate on the road at Delaware State on Sept. 1st in a return game from last season’s opener in Lexington. One week later, the Keydets play the first of six

2012 VMI Football Schedule Sept. 1 at Delaware State TBA Sept. 8 CHOWAN 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 RICHMOND (1st Reunion Weekend) 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Navy TBA Sept. 29 Open Oct. 6 PRESBYTERIAN (Homecoming) 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Charleston Southern TBA Oct. 20 COASTAL CAROLINA 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Gardner-Webb TBA Nov. 3 at Stony Brook TBA Nov. 10 THE CITADEL 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 LIBERTY 1:30 p.m.

Home games are shown above in CAPS.

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home games at Foster Stadium/Alumni Memorial Field against Chowan University in the second-ever meeting between the schools. The Hawks from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, played the Keydets in Lexington in 2008.

The home slate resumes one week later on Sept. 15th when Richmond visits Foster Stadium for the first time since the 2008 campaign. VMI will also open up its 10th season of Big South Conference action at home on Oct. 6th against Presbyterian College.

Other home contests include Coastal Carolina (Oct. 20th) and The Citadel in the 68th renewal of the Military Classic of the South on Nov. 10th – the first time the Bulldogs have been in Lexington since 2007. VMI closes out the 2012 season at home against conference and in-state foe Liberty on Nov. 17th.

Other road contests on the 2012 lineup include Charleston Southern (Oct. 13th), Gardner-Webb (Oct. 27th) and Stony Brook (Nov. 3rd). The Keydets will have a bye weekend on Sept. 29th.

Home game kickoffs are expected to remain at 1:30 p.m., unless revised for television purposes. Road contest kickoffs will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the 2012 season home games will go on sale in early July. For further information, call 540/464-7266 or go to www. vmikeydets.com.

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VMI INC. VMIFOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, INC. Here Comes Summer

by Brian Scott Crockett, CEO, VMI Foundation

In May 2011, Finals Week will begin, bringing VMI’s academic year to an end in a whirl of activities. After commencement, a quiet descends almost immediately on Post. The Barracks are empty of cadets, the faculty is not in the classrooms, and the family members and friends of the graduating class have left. For visitors, it can create the impression that VMI has closed for the summer.

Such is not the case. This year, the Monday after commencement marks the beginning of the first session of summer school. Soon after that, young people arrive for various camps, and more cadets return for undergraduate research projects.

In the first week of July, the Summer Transition Program (STP) begins, drawing in many of the men and women of the class of 2016. All these activities last until late July, when VMI takes a short break, at the end of which it welcomes the cadetathletes who participate in fall sports and begins to prepare in earnest for Matriculation. Throughout the summer, too, VMI’s leadership diligently prepares for the coming academic year, and its faculty conducts and presents research. One faculty member recently said to me, “This is a year-round institution.

There is no ‘down time,’ no months-long summer vacation.”

The same holds true for the VMI Alumni Agencies. Whenever people ask a member of our staffs what it is we do during the summer, they usually are told that we spend it working. When the academic year ends, six weeks remain in the fiscal year.

We spend that time engaging as many members of the VMI family as possible in an effort to raise as much money for VMI as possible. People have asked me if we have a goal we want to meet by June 30th. In all honesty, I reply, “Yes. More.” By that, I mean more donors from among VMI’s alumni, parents, friends and admirers and more money. Why this is our goal is understandable. VMI needs an ever-expanding stream of private money if it is to maintain the progress it has enjoyed for the past decade and a half and to expand the pool of financial aid available to cadets.

After the end of the fiscal year on June 30th, we will continue to work. Some of us will be directing last-minute gifts to their proper places and thanking all of our donors properly for their generosity to VMI and its cadets. Some will be compiling results and reporting them to our respective boards, the Institute’s leaders and the entire VMI family. Still others will keep contacting donors and asking them to give in support of VMI, as well as organizing such events as the 10th Reunion Fund and supporting our hard-working corps of class agents.

Just like the work of the Institute, therefore, the work of the VMI Alumni Agencies is a year-round affair. There is no real down time. None of us are complaining, however, because we are mindful of the importance of our work – to support an extraordinary college as it educates remarkable young people.

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Brother of Edwin H. Chauncey ’55 Establishes Scholarship in His Honor In late 2011, Warren F. Chauncey established the Edwin H. Chauncey 1955 Memorial Scholarship in honor of his older brother, the late Edwin H. Chauncey ’55.

Raised in Hilton Village, Virginia (part of Newport News today), Edwin Chauncey was a star high school athlete, lettering in four sports, and he was named a member of the state track team. He matriculated at VMI in 1951 and left the Institute after his second-class year. After completing his undergraduate education at the University of Richmond, he attended T.C. Williams Law School prior to entering the U.S. Army. As a soldier, he served in Germany and participated in long range reconnaissance patrol operations.

After his Army service, Chauncey entered the brokerage business in Chauncey ’55 which he spent 35 years, all with the same Richmond-based firm, although it went through various changes, from Abbott, Proctor, and Paine to UBS Paine Webber. In retirement, he moved to Rocky Mount, Virginia, where he was involved in numerous civic groups and was an active member of the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. While there, he also restored a 150-year-old house that is on the National Historic Register and pursued his long-standing interest in the history of the United States and the Civil War. According to Warren Chauncey, a 1956 graduate of the University of Virginia, his brother ended up at VMI because a friend of their father’s, Edwin Keith Phillips (himself the son of an alumnus), was persuasive as to the merits of a VMI education. “He convinced my dad that VMI was the place for my brother,” recalled Chauncey.

Apparently, it was the right choice for his brother. “He always talked about the people he knew there and the friends that he made. He told me, as well, that his VMI experience helped him during his military service. Although his degree was from Richmond, he was a VMI man at heart, and he truly loved the place.”

The idea of establishing a scholarship at VMI in honor of his brother did not occur to Chauncey immediately, however. That came after the response to his brother’s obituary was published. “In honor of our parents, my brother and I established the Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture at the Virginia Historical Society in 2011. In my (continued next page)

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. A Discussion with the VMI Foundation President Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68 beis admitted to practice before the came the 21st president of the Supreme Court of the United VMI Foundation, Inc., on July States. He is a member of various 1, 2011. legal societies and associations, As a cadet, Jeffress was a civil including the American Bar Asengineering major, a Distinsociation. He holds two master of guished Military Graduate, and laws degrees from the National a member of the track and cross Law Center of George Washingcountry teams. As a first classton University in Taxation and man, he commanded Charlie Environmental Law. Company, which was awarded From 1991-2003, he served the Garnett Andrews Cup for as vice chairman of the board most efficient company and the of trustees for Shenandoah ValJeffress ’68 Commandant’s Cup for highest ley Westminster-Canterbury physical fitness.

(SVWC), a life-care retirement After graduation from VMI, he entered community in Winchester, Virginia. He also Washington and Lee University Law School. has been an officer of the SVWC CorporaDuring his time as a law student, he also tion, vice chair of the Executive Committee, served as an instructor in the VMI Departchairman of the Development Board, and ment of Civil Engineering. a member of the Finance Committee and For 20 years, Jeffress served in the U.S. Health Services Study Committee.

Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Jeffress joined the VMI Foundation’s Board Among his many, demanding job assignof Trustees in July 2003. He has served on ments were deputy chief counsel for a major numerous committees and was chairman of Department of Defense agency and staff judge the Finance Committee and the Audit Comadvocate for an overseas combined field army. mittee. He also served as the Foundation’s vice For the past 23 years, he has practiced law president for Administration from November in Virginia, focusing on service as fiduciary 2007-June 2011. of various trusts and estates. He also advises other fiduciaries of trusts and estates on Q&A with Walt Jeffress, their management responsibilities and duVMI Foundation President ties, provides estate planning advice, and prepares estate planning documents, such Recently, Scott Belliveau ’83, director of as wills and trusts.

Communication for the VMI Foundation, A member of the Virginia State Bar, Jeffress spoke with Foundation President Walt Jeffress

Chauncey ’55 Scholarship, continued brother’s obituary, those who wished to honor him were asked give to the fund that supports the lecture. I was impressed by the fact that many of the people who made gifts knew Edwin from VMI. That response and my memories of Edwin’s love of VMI started me thinking about a scholarship at the Institute.”

To initiate the scholarship, Chauncey

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plans to make annual contributions, a portion of which will go toward the endowment of the fund, with the balance being awarded to a deserving recipient selected

by VMI. In addition, Chauncey is naming the VMI Foundation to receive a generous gift through his estate to ensure that the scholarship is fully endowed.

Anyone wishing to honor Edwin Chauncey at VMI may do so by making a gift to the VMI Foundation and designating it to support the Edwin H. Chauncey

’68 about his involvement as a trustee and his leadership of that organization. The following are excerpts from their conversation.

Q: Why did you volunteer to become a trustee with the VMI Foundation in 2003?

A: I knew two people who were involved with the VMI Foundation: Jay Sculley ’62, Ph.D., who had been a trustee, and Col. Al Navas ’52, who was on the board of trustees’ nominating committee in 2003. Both of them were highly enthusiastic about their service with the Foundation, and both gentlemen also stressed the importance of the VMI Foundation to the Institute and, in turn, the significance of the trustees to the Foundation.

They also related to me how much they enjoyed the relationships they had forged as trustees.

Furthermore, I had a personal reason for accepting an appointment to the board.

When I was a boy, I spent four years in Lexington. I was there when the movie, “Mardi Gras,” was filmed at VMI in the late 1950s. When I left at age 12, I knew that I would return to VMI as a cadet. In 1964, I made good on that conviction. Then, after graduation, I spent another three years in Lexington, attending Washington and Lee School of Law and serving as an instructor in VMI’s Civil Engineering Department.

My love for the area deepened even more during that time. So, the chance to spend more time in Lexington while helping VMI was an additional attraction to me.

Q: What about being president of the VMI Foundation? What are your thoughts on that? (Continued next page)

1955 Memorial Scholarship. For information on how to give, please visit the VMI Foundation’s website (www. vmifoundation.org) and click on the “Give Now” button.

“I always have had a soft spot for VMI,” said Warren Chauncey.

“I admire the people, and I respect the school. I am extremely pleased, therefore, that I can honor my brother by helping young people attend the school to which he was so loyal.”

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. A: The VMI Foundation has a legacy of outstanding leadership and equally outstanding leaders – dating back to its founding – whose hard work contributed greatly to the successes that the Foundation has enjoyed. Also, as a trustee, I saw first-hand the leadership and dedication of my predecessors. Looking at these gentlemen who have served as the Foundation’s president, I can only find it humbling to be in that line.

Q: What have you learned during your time as a trustee that has surprised you?

A: First, the enormous magnitude of the Foundation’s role in all aspects of life at the Institute. Truly, there are few, if any, people on Post who do not benefit in some way from the VMI Foundation’s support.

Second, it became apparent very quickly to me that because of the money that the VMI Foundation provides to the Institute, it is, indeed, the foundation of VMI. Q: I suppose you base that observation on the fact that, for many years now, private financial support has come to make up an ever-larger portion of VMI’s annual budget.

A: Exactly. The support from the commonwealth of Virginia has declined as a share of VMI’s budget. Ten years ago, in the 2001-02 academic year, revenue from the state equaled about 32% of VMI’s budget.

Five years later, it had fallen to 24%. This year, state revenues will constitute 16% of the Institute’s budget. Don’t get me wrong: state support is a major source of revenue, and everyone in the VMI family should be grateful for every public dollar VMI receives. Still, the decline in state support is a reality with which VMI must live.

Of course, this situation is not unique to VMI. Every public college and university in Virginia is in this situation, and the same situation is found in just about every state. Like VMI, these schools are urging their alumni and friends to come forward in support. The challenge is that, with the economy in its current state, many people are reluctant to give. It is heartening, 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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therefore, to see so many of VMI’s alumni and friends come forward.

Q: In terms of private financial support, what are VMI’s most pressing needs?

A: There are many, of course. VMI always needs unrestricted money. With that, it can respond to unanticipated needs and reinforce successes in all of its programs.

Scholarships of all kinds are important, as well, especially merit-based scholarships that VMI can use to attract cadets of academic promise and to retain and reward cadets who succeed academically.

VMI is a school steeped in tradition and a college with an extraordinary history.

Therefore, preserving and promoting our heritage through the VMI Museum and the VMI Archives in Preston Library is important and a definite need, insofar as private support is concerned.

Our academic program has made great progress, but keeping the quality of a VMI education as high as it is demands private money for academic support and enrichment, as well as faculty development. The Center for Leadership and Ethics is off to an undeniably strong start, but it needs a steady stream of private dollars to maintain its pace and to become a truly integral part of every cadet’s education.

Finally, intercollegiate athletics have been an integral part of cadet life for more than a century. As a former cadet-athlete myself, I can attest to the many benefits that come from participation in intercollegiate athletics, such as self-discipline, all of which reinforced what I learned in Barracks. Also, our cadet-athletes are some of the Institute’s best ambassadors; they demonstrate the VMI graduates’ strong character and “Never Say Die” spirit. They help attract the type of young people we want as cadets. Furthermore, our athletic

teams help bind the VMI family closer together. Routinely, alumni and friends come out in strong numbers to see our athletes compete and to cheer them on.

Q: Regarding giving to VMI, how would you make the case to an alumnus, alumna or friend of VMI who is not a donor?

A: I would say that there is nothing more vital to the future of the country than sending young people armed with a VMI education into society. Quite frankly, this country is in dire need of the product we produce in every place, in every walk of life, and there are few colleges that have students who emerge, not only well prepared academically, but also with strong moral and ethical preparation. There are times when I wish that, every year, VMI could graduate 10 times as many people as we currently do, because doing so would be of great benefit to the country.

I also would tell him or her that it is never too late to start supporting VMI and that every gift will have a lasting and positive effect on the cadets. I would urge that he or she evaluate the many good causes out there and compare them to VMI. I am confident that they will conclude that VMI deserves at least some of their support.

Q: Any other thoughts you’d share?

You have the last word.

A: My last word is this: thanks. Thanks to all of the members of the VMI family who have made gifts to VMI. Your continued support of all aspects of the VMI education has done much to hasten VMI’s development into a college with a national reputation for excellence. Thank you, too, for the wonderful examples of generosity in support of the Institute that you have provided other members of the VMI family.

Memorial Ring Program Correction The article concerning the establishment of the Memorial Ring Program that appeared in the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review contained an error. Specifically, it stated that the money realized from the sale of any donated class ring would be placed in an unrestricted fund.

The correct information is that the VMI Foundation will deposit any money realized from the Memorial Ring Program into a restricted account that is dedicated solely to defraying the cost of cadets’ class rings and which will be distributed in coordination with the Office of Cadet Life. The Foundation apologizes for this error.

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 Oct. 1, 2011, through Jan. 31, 2012.

Mrs. Donna M. Adams Mr. Jeffrey C. Carver ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sorrells

Mrs. John B. Adams Mr. Edgar J.T. Perrow ’70

Mr. John B. Adams ’36

Mr. Michael L. Thompson ’75

Mr. Larnie Allgood Sr.

Mr. Charles M. Allgood Jr. ’87

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

Gen. Turner Ashby, CSA Mr. Philip Moncure Morton

Mr. Harry H. Augustine Jr. ’46 Mr. H. Waldo Forster Jr. ’46 Mr. Frank Hammond

Mr. Robert Emerson Balch ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mary M. Ball

Lt. Col. Alan S. Fojt ’72, USA (Ret)

Mr. Benjamin F. Barnes Mr. V.G. Barnes ’66

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

Robert W. Bedinger ’46, MD

Mrs. Howard M. Allen Mr. H. Waldo Forster Jr. ’46 Kathy Smallwood and Butch Gottschalk Mrs. Sue Trible Smith VPI Parham Primary Care Mr. John W. Ware Jr. Mr. R. Tyler Ware Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Col. Dale E. Wykoff ’48A, USA (Ret)

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

Mr. Thomas C. Bethune Jr. ’65 Mr. and Mrs. David R. Bethune Mr. John W. Cocke ’65

Capt. Thomas G. Blair Jr. ’69, USA Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret)

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

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Mr. Edwin H. Bodenheim II ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Adolphus G. Bradshaw ’71 Mr. John J. Walklet III ’71

Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36 Col. Douglas H. Mills ’67, USA (Ret) Mr. Michael L. Thompson ’75

Kitty McKenna Brothers D. Christy Brothers ’69, MD

Mr. Lindsay U. Bruce Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Ayers Jr. and Mary B. Clary Mr. Sam Beale Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bott Mr. James W. Bott ’99 Mr. William B. Bott ’70 Ms. Evelyn Calver Mr. and Mrs. James S. Calver Mr. and Mrs. Gregory F. Casarotti Mr. Thomas R. Cooke ’49B Mr. Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70 Mr. and Mrs. Theodore M. Curtis Jr. John J. Dickinson Sr. ’56 and Mrs. Dickinson Ms. Judith P. Fitzpatrick Mr. and Mrs. William B. Fountain Mrs. Marcia C. Frazier Mr. Donald M. Giles ’64 Mr. Coleman Grandstaff Col. B.F. Harmon III ’49B, USA (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hetzel Mr. and Mrs. Christopher T. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Lowrey H. Holthaus Mr. and Mrs. Alan G. Hutcheson Mrs. Susan Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Jenkins Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Jenkins III Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Jones Amy and Josh Keller, Wanda Chisolm, Joe Churchill and Karen and Jeff Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Lee Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Lowry Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Metcalf Naomi and Arnold Meyer Mrs. Susan C. Mitchell Thomas J. Morris ’69, DDS, and Mrs. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Kevin W. Mottley Mr. and Mrs. H. Carter Myers Mr. and Mrs. P. Bradley Nott Jr. Mr.and Mrs. William S. Porter Mr. and Mrs. J. William Reid Ms. Barbara L. Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Saunders Mr. Scott M. Saunders ’97 Ms. Patricia D. Storey J.V. Taylor Jr. ’64, Mrs. Taylor and daughters Brooke and Molly Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Thaxton William A. Towler and John Towler Mr. George M. Trible IV

Mr. and Mrs. Larry C. Tucker Mrs. Joanne K. Wellford Mr. Richard S. Wise ’68 R.H. Youngblood Jr. ’61 and Mrs. Youngblood

Mr. William T. Bryant ’51 Mr. John L. Nichols ’51

Mr. Oliver B. Bucher ’917 Joe T. Howard ’51 and Mrs. Howard

Dr. Chester F. Burgess Jr. Mr. Robert R. Sparks Jr. ’69

Mr. Paul Cabell ’42 Grey Cabell, Ann Stoiker and Anne Giles

Mr. John M. Camp Jr. ’40 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas N. Innes Thomas G. Jones IV ’73 and Mrs. Jones Mr. J. Clifford Miller III ’63 Ms. Katherine G. Taylor

Mr. Peter R. Candler ’71 Mr. David G. Candler Mr. John S. Candler ’62 Mrs. Page S. Candler Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mrs. Margaret C. Reed

Col. Robert P. Carroll Mr. H. John Lee ’67

Mr. I. Lee Chapman III ’65 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. James E. Cheatham ’42 Mr. Stephen C. Arthur ’73

Mr. Billy S. Clark ’43 Mrs. Billy S. Clark

Col. James P. Connolly II ’51, USMC Joe T. Howard ’51 and Mrs. Howard John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

CW2 Howard J. Cook III ’01, TANG Maj. Britton L. Armstrong ’01, USAF Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Cook Jr. Mrs. Mary G. Jones Mr. Delton G. Lowery ’01

Mr. Rodney G. Crowgey ’68 Mr. Jay B. Slaughter ’68

Mr. William E. Crumpler ’53 Mr. W. Scott Crumpler ’82

Dr. Marvin Daves Mr. S.L. Kopald Jr.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Daves Mr. S.L. Kopald Jr.

Mr. G. Powell Davis ’48A Mr. and Mrs. Warren L. Rose

John W. Davis Jr. ’927, MD Judge and Mrs. John W. Davis III

Mr. William G. Davis ’64 The Honorable Robert G. O’Hara Jr. ’64

Mr. William W. Davis ’934 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Deceased Brother Rats of 1948B Mrs. P.S. Richardson Jr.

Mr. Gene C. Desimone Anonymous

Col. William Dick III ’57, USAR Mr. Frank Holmes ’57

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’934 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Mr. Carson L. Tucker ’70

Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz ’00, ANG Capt. David D. Troxell ’02, USAF

Lt. Jefferson S. Dotson ’66, USAF Mr. Thomas M. Evans ’66

Col. Walter A. Edens ’40, USA Mr. Robert Chrane

Mr. Wayne R. Eggleston ’88 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne R. Eggleston

Mr. Clyde L. Ellington ’43 The Honorable Edgar A. Massenburg ’46

Robert H. Filer ’55, Hon. PhD. Mr. Albert E. McCants Jr. ’55

Mr. Richard R. Fletcher Miss Margaret Davis

Lt. Russell C. Flournoy ’99, USN Mr. William F. Steinbach II ’99

Mrs. Eleanor A. Forbes Mr. Edward A. Forbes

Mr. John B. Foret Jr. ’67 Paul A. Bouis ’67, PhD

Mrs. Rufus E. Fort Ms. Tish Fort

Col. Douglas C. France Jr. ’41, USA Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Knight

Mr. Douglas C. France III ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

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Lt. Col. G.C. Freeman ’35, USA Mr. Bartow H. Bridges Jr. ’49B Mr. Joseph H. Keller ’36 Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Knight Mr. Albert E. McCants Jr. ’55

Mr. William A. Fuller Jr. ’58 Miss Dorothea M. Fuller

Lt. Arthur L. Galloway Jr. ’69, USA Lt. Col. Joseph N. Flanz ’69, USA (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. George K. Gill Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret) Mr. John J. Walklet III ’71

Mr. William S. Galvin ’57 Mrs. William S. Galvin

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

Mr. Robert W. Gibson III ’69 Mrs. Robert W. Gibson III

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mr. Steven Wayne Good ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mrs. Bridget Goode Mr. John Goode ’81

Mr. George R. Gough ’60 Class of 1960 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

Mrs. Charlotte B. Gray Mr. Michael T. Smither ’63

Mrs. Elmon T. Gray Ms. Sara C. Childress Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

The Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 Mr. John W. Anderson Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. Fred E. Banister Jr. ’71 BDO USA, LLP Mr. Frank P. Beale Dennis I. Belcher, Esquire Austin and Jane Brockenbrough III Mr. and Mrs. Clark E. Brown Ronald M. Bryan ’55 and Mrs. Bryan Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Mrs. Gail B. Camp Ms. Elizabeth Chamberlin Ms. Sara C. Childress Mr. John S. Cockey Jr. ’63 Mr. Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70 Mr. Homer C. Eliades Thornton H. Elmore Jr. ’57, DDS The Honorable James W. Enochs Jr. ’49B Mrs. Betty W. Everett Mr. and Mrs. John W. Fain

Mr. Thomas F. Farrell Mr. H. Waldo Forster Jr. ’46 Mr. Kenneth Freeman Judge and Mrs. Ernest P. Gates Sr. Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. Donald M. Giles ’64 Mrs. Evelyn J. Gray Ms. Katherine T. Gray Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Gray Jr. Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Wayne M. Harrell Mr. and Mrs. David W. Hartz Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Hazelgrove Jr. Jack and Mary Hodge Mrs. J. Clyde Hooker Jr. Ms. Ann Igou Invincia Insurance Solutions Mr. W.M. Jeffress Jr. ’68, Esq. The Honorable Johnny S. Joannou Mr. D. Watt Jones Thomas G. Jones IV ’73 and Mrs. Jones Mr. Harry G. Lee ’47 Col. and Mrs. Malcolm H. Livick The Honorable Edgar A. Massenburg ’46 Mature Options Inc. Lawrence N. Mauck Jr. ’46 and Mrs. Mauck Mr. and Mrs. William A. McIntosh Mr. J. Clifford Miller III ’63 Mr. Malachi M. Mills ’48B Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. P. William Moore Jr. ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Marvin E. Morris Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. Tolleison Morriss VI Mr. Joseph F. Morrissette Ms. Glenda R. Noble Ms. Ann G. Norris Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C and Mrs. Patterson Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60 Judge and Mrs. Oliver A. Pollard Jr. Mr. David L. Prasnicki Mr. Robert T. Priddy Mr. George P. Ramsey Jr. ’48B Mr. and Mrs. Glenn B. Rawlings Ms. Patricia P. Rawls Mr. Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. Romaine Mr. William F. Rose Mr. and Mrs. T. Randolph Shannon Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Short Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. Robert W.N. Smith Mr. Joseph M. Spivey III ’57 Mr. and Mrs. A. Pierce Stone Dr. and Mrs. Talman Mr. Charles F. Taylor Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. John W. Terry The New Community School Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Thomas Jr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Titmus Mr. Peter M. Vick Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Wells Fargo Real Estate Banking Group

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell

Mr. Ernst M. Gunkel ’50B Class of 1950B

Col. Oscar W. Gupton Michael R. Fleenor ’75, MD

Col. Karen Gutermuth Mr. James W. Bott ’99

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

Col. Andrew L. Hannah Jr. ’924, USAF Mr. Andrew L. Hannah

Lester H. Hare Mr. Geoffrey G. Schelhorn ’71

Mrs. Page V. Harmon Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret) The Honorable James W. Enochs Jr. ’49B Mrs. Nelson T.Overton

The Honorable Thomas P. Harwood Jr. ’50B Class of 1950B

Mr. Guy H. Haskins Jr. ’43 Mrs. Guy H. Haskins Jr.

Mrs. Elizabeth F. Hawkins Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sorrells

Mr. W. Thomas Hawkins ’49C Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret) Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47

Capt. Clifford S. Heathcote Jr. ’57, USAF Mr. Frank Holmes ’57

Col. Sterling M. Heflin ’916 Mr. and Mrs. Ted H. Brown Mr. Anthony R. Lash Jr. ’58

W.H. Higinbotham Jr. ’56, DDS Mr. John S. Cockey Jr. ’63

B. Richard Hill ’68, DDS James C. Burns ’68, DDS Mr. Cyrus K. Kump ’68 Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68

Mr. John W. Hill III ’65 Mr. Henry H. Brant ’65 Mr. Irwin H. McCumber ’65

William E. Holland ’58, MD Class of 1958 William G. Harshaw Jr. ’58, MD

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Lt. Col. Theron A. Henry Jr. ’58, USAF (Ret) Mr. Maurice F. Menefee Jr. ’58 Mr. J. Thomas Vaughan ’57

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

Mr. William F. Howard ’52 Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52

Mr. H. Thomas Hupp Jr. ’44 Ms. Amy B. Campbell

Lt. Joshua C. Hurley ’01, USA Mr. Joseph W. Gunter ’01 Mr. Delton G. Lowery ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Way

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

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

Mr. Catesby B. Jones ’47 Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42 The Steward School

Mr. John D. Jones Mrs. Dolphine D. Jones

Mr. Dan L. Jordan ’67 Paul A. Bouis ’67, PhD

Ms. Florine Joyner Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell

Mr. David N. Kaliski ’64 Mr. C.P. MacDonald III ’64

Mr. John D. Kitt ’01 Mrs. Mary G. Jones

Mr. W.B. Kuykendall Jr. ’50B Class of 1950B

Mr. G. Graham Lancaster Jr. ’50B Mrs. G. Graham Lancaster Jr.

Azis LaSida Mr. Lolo F. LaSida ’94

Maj. Stanley E. Leck ’79, USAR Mr. Gregory M. Leck ’77

Mr. Gregory C. Lee ’68 Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret)

Mr. Lloyd L. Leech III ’66 Mrs. Lloyd L. Leech III

Mrs. Sara M. Lewane Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mrs. Charles W. Lewis The Lewis Foundation

Mr. Charles W. Lewis ’924 The Lewis Foundation

Mr. L.M. Lewis Jr. ’49B

Mrs. Nelson T.Overton Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Smaw

Mr. R.N. Lineweaver III ’63 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. and Mrs. Kimber Lippiatt Sr. Mr. and Mrs. David K. Lippiatt

Mr. Gordon H. Lloyd ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Roy I. Lloyd Jr. ’55 Mr. Patrick Lloyd

Mr. Charles E. Maddox Jr. ’68 Mr. Cyrus K. Kump ’68

Mr. Michael T. Mahoney ’68 Mr. L. Bruce McGlothlin ’68

Mr. Peyton J. Marshall Jr. ’52 Mrs. Peyton J. Marshall Jr.

Mr. Daniel H. Marston ’60 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

Mr. Edward G.S. Maxwell Jr. ’67 Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Col. Ted N. Mervosh ’67, USAF (Ret)

Mr. C. Edward May Jr. ’51 Mr. and Mrs. R. Duff Green J.P. Rigsbee

Mr. Robert V. Mazzoni ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

S. Christa McAuliffe

The Honorable Steven J. McAuliffe ’70

Mr. Michael R. McCrary ’69

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

Mr. John P. McCreary

Mr. Manson A. Donaghey

Mr. Michael A. McCrory ’69

Mr. Glenn Allen Geiger ’71 Lt. Col. Ruurd C. Segaar ’69, USA (Ret)

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

Mr. John McKenna

Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Thomas C. McLeod ’43 Mr. James A. McLeod ‘72

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. S. Robert McRorie ’36 Lt. Col. S.P. Waskiewicz III ’67, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Walter H. Meier III ’72 Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72

Mr. Thaddeus J. Meler ’48A Ms. Dora T. Meler

1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante ’07, NROTC 1st Lt. Robert G. Gibson ’05, USMC

Mrs. Robert A. Merchant Jr. Mrs. JoAnne E. Theon

Mr. John A. Michelsen ’57 Mr. John E. Woodward Jr. ’57

Mr. A. Roger Milio ’42 Mr. P.K. Jamison

Carol P. Miller Mrs. Robert P. Quarles Jr.

Mr. Hugh L. Miller ’923 Dr. and Mrs. J. Stuart McDaniel

Mr. Hugh L. Miller Jr. ’59 Dr. and Mrs. J. Stuart McDaniel

Mrs. J. Clifford Miller Jr. Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Lowell T. Miller II ’93 Capt. Patrick Miller

Mr. George Mittendorf Jr. ’59 Lt. Col. Michael M. Irvine Jr. ’59, USA (Ret) Col. Pearson D. McWane ’59, USAR (Ret)

Mrs. Agnes Fort More Mr. Jonathan Harwell Mr. and Mrs. W.N. Tiffany Jr.

Mr. Alexander H. Morrison II ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Robert L. Morrison ’40, MD Mrs. Robert L. Morrison

Mr. Daniel J. Myers ’49B Mrs. Daniel J. Myers Jr. Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Smaw

Mr. Irvin E. Nachman ’49A Mr. Gerald B. Henderson ’49B

Mr. L. VanLoan Naisawald ’42 Mr. Harry J. Siebert ’42

Mr. Joseph D. Neikirk ’932 Mr. Stephen M. Hubbard ’68

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Col. William L. Nelson ’51, USAF Mrs. William L. Nelson

Col. James B. Newman II ’39 Mr. and Mrs. Ted H. Brown

The Reverend James H. Newsom Jr. ’47 Mr. John S. Cockey Jr. ’63

Mr. Corville J. Nohava ’69

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

Mr. Charles D. North ’930 Mrs. Anne N. Howard

Mr. Temple R. North Jr. ’73 Mrs. Anne N. Howard

W.L. O’Hern Jr. ’63, PhD

Mr. Gregg Murray Lynam ’81 Col. Ted N. Mervosh ’67, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Michael W. Ondos ’60 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

Mr. Billy R. Overman ’60 Mr. G.G. Phillips Jr. ’60

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

Mr. Charles W. Parker Jr. ’44 Mrs. Thomas E. Williams

Mr. F. Joseph Paul ’66

Mr. Herbert H. Guyton III ’66

Mr. Phillip D. Payne III ’49B

Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret) The Honorable James W. Enochs Jr. ’49B Mrs. Nelson T.Overton Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Smaw Mrs. Selden H. Stephens Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Weinacht

Mr. Charles G. Peckham ’63 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Nancy Peery

Mr. John D. Dodge II ’83

Mr. Robert N. Petrola ’71 Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mrs. Tom L. Peyton Jr.

Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

John P. Portasik ’52, PhD Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52

Mr. O. Hume Powers Jr. ’52 Mr. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55 Ms. Susan F. Grove Mr. Robert L. Lambert ’52 Mrs. Joann B. Peake Mrs. O. Hume Powers Jr. Mr. Michael K. Smeltzer ’58 and Mrs. Smeltzer Mr. Cecil T. Welsh Jr. ’52 and Mrs. Welsh

Mrs. John Prillaman Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret)

Mrs. Eleanore Pryde Mr. Rodger Rinehart

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

The Reverend G. William Ralph ’54 Mr. Jack R. Huyett ’54 Mr. Leonard A. Wagner ’54

1st Lt. Charles A. Ransom ’01, USAF Maj. Britton L. Armstrong ’01, USAF Mr. Delton G. Lowery ’01

Lucille Rasnick Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Col. Beverly M. Read ’41 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Mr. Reed A. Remington ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

J. Darrell Rice ’58, DDS Lt. Col. Theron A. Henry Jr. ’58, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Archer L. Richardson III ’68 Anonymous

Col. P.S. Richardson Jr. ’48B, USN Mrs. P.S. Richardson Jr.

Mr. Harry L. Rimmer ’922 Mrs. Elizabeth R. Garrett

Col. Herbert E. Ritchey Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 and Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Emily G. Robertson Mr. William D. Robertson ’68

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Jr. ’68

Mr. William C. Rudulph ’47

Col. George M. Pickral Jr. ’43

Mr. Michael L. Santoro Sr.

Mr. Cyrus K. Kump ’68

Mrs. Janet P. Moncure

Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47

Mr. Michael L. Santoro Jr. ’69

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Miss Jane Saunders Mrs. Ann Saunders Brown

Mr. and Mrs. George Schelhorn Mr. Geoffrey G. Schelhorn ’71

Mr. Charles C. Schoen III ’56 Mr. William F. Law Jr. ’ 58 Mr. Charles C. Schoen IV ’86

Mr. Vincent C. Scott Jr. ’66 Mrs. Vincent C. Scott Sr.

Jay R. Sculley ’62, PhD Mr. Spencer H. Elmore ’62 Mr. Walter H. Hylton III ’62 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mr. William D. Seymour II ’01 Mr. Delton G. Lowery ’01

Mr. Walter W. Shorter ’53 Mr. John D. Shorter ’91

Mr. James Shrewsbury Mr. Larry Madison

Dr. Pamela H. Simpson Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Mr. Gordon K. Slaughter ’39 Mr. Jay B. Slaughter ’68

Mr. William D. Slay ’72 Mr. David M. Bernard Mr. and Mrs. George Sharits

Mr. Gerald E. Smallwood ’50B Mrs. Gerald E. Smallwood

Col. Albert C. Smith Jr. ’47, USMC Mr. Augustus Robbins III ’47

Mr. Dudley C. Smith Jr. ’44 Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. Frederick M. Smith ’69 Mr. Marvin I. Fayman ’69 Mr. Robert A. Heely ’69 Maj. Walter T. Judd ’69, USAF (Ret) Mr. Gary W. Mackey ’69

Mr. Millard G. Smith ’43 Mr. Byrd S. Heaton

Mr. Wortham A. Spilman Jr. ’42 Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Beard Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Black Mr. Brian M. Cann Mr. Richard H. Catlett Jr. ’43 and Mrs. Catlett Ms. Elizabeth P. Christian Ms. Cynthia Danel-Frankovitch Mr. and Mrs. Claude R. Davenport Jr.

2012-Issue 2

Mrs. Frances B. Forsyth Buddy & Bobbie Garrett Ms. Helen T. Hatch Mr. Bruce A. Kay Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kay Jr. Mr. Alan I. Kirshner Mr. Charles M. Louthan ’75 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. Betts W. McCurn and Dick and Jean Wiltshire Mrs. Catherine P. McGurn Mr. Floyd G. Mozingo Ms. Nancy C. Purcell Mr. and Mrs. Robin Russo Mrs. John J. Salley Mrs. Martha C. Sanders Mrs. Calvin Satterfield III Mr. Harry J. Siebert ’42 Mrs. Jane W. Spilman Ms. Clair P. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Taylor The Honorable J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37 Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, MD Mrs. Alexander H. Williams Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Williamson Jr. Ms. Ann G. Woods Mr. and Mrs. William A. Young Jr.

Col. Robert Steidtmann ’38, USMC Mr. and Mrs. G. David McNichols

Lt. Col. David C. Strock ’74, USAR Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock ’70, USA (Ret)

Mrs. Powell H. Taylor

Stuart S. Taylor ’85 and Katherine Taylor

The Honorable Henry E. Thomas IV ’59

Lt. Col. Michael M. Irvine Jr. ’59, USA (Ret) Mr. Gregg Murray Lynam ’81

Ms. Susan V. Thompson Mr. Craig B. Lewis

Mr. Eugene N. Touchstone ’67

Col. Michael J. Ingelido II ’67, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Alan H. Vicory

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Ralph A. Warren Jr. ’50B

Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Class of 1950B Mr. H. Braxton Green ’50B Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Nurney Ms. Josephine M. Stroud Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Dick Woodman ’50B and Julia Woodman

Mr. Robert L. Watson ’64 Buzz Birzenieks ’64 and Jane Birzenieks

Mr. Julian M. Weaver Jr. ’925 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Richard C. Weaver ’921 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Douglas R. Webb ’52 Mr. Cecil T. Welsh Jr. ’52 and Mrs. Welsh

Mr. Edgar V. Weir ’40 The Edgar V Weir Family Foundation Inc.

Mr. Stephen A. Werner ’77 Mr. David C. Hagemann ’80

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN Mr. Hans C. Peeders ’91

Mr. Henry B. Williams Mr. Joseph L. Earnhardt Mrs. Eleanor S. Krake Mr. William D. Warren

Col. Ronald W. Williams ’64, USAF Mr. James W. Bott ’99 Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Wheat

Mr. Thomas E. Williams ’44 Mr. William T. Hupp ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Claude C. Sloan

Mr. A.H. Wilson III ’57 Mrs. A.H. Wilson III

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN Ms. Lilly Sabadash Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Wilson Jr.

Col. Tyson Wilson Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Mr. Gregory B. Wingard ’68 Anonymous

Mr. S. Frederick Winiker Jr. ’61 Mrs. S. Frederick Winiker Jr.

Sergeant W. Wise ’45, Esquire Ms. M. Lois Gauch Sweeteners Plus Inc. Mr. Anderson Wise ’60 Mr. Richard S. Wise ’68

Mr. Sherrill A. Witt ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. John H. Woodfin Sr. ’61 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Archie

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Spencer H. Elmore ’62 Lt. Col. E.N. Lazaroff ’62, USAF (Ret) Mr. Sean K. McCoy ’10 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Ms. Jonelle S. Worrell Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Mr. Thomas Citrano

Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber ’02, USA Mr. Jackson S. Castleberry ’02

Mr. Elliott I. Young ’59 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Matching Gifts The following companies or related foundations have made contributions to VMI, matching the gifts of alumni and friends listed under each. These gifts were received during the time frame of Oct. 1, 2011, through Jan. 31, 2012.

Abbott Laboratories Fund Mr. Warren F. Chauncey

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. Mr. Jeffrey R. Joyce ’79

Alcoa Foundation

Mr. Robley L. Gerdetz ’52

The Allstate Foundation Mr. Lawrence D. Adams ’79 Mr. John T. Pool Jr. ’69

Altria Group Inc.

Mr. John R. Munno ’84 Mr. Curtis M. Hinton ’84

American Electric Power Mr. Claude L. Reynolds Mr. James G. Tapley ’43 Mr. John H. Tucker ’78

Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. John G. Lester ’68

The Boeing Company

Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret)

Capital One

Mr. Erick E. Ames ’89 Mr. Jason W. Ancarrow ’97 Mr. Alexander G. Blanton Jr. ’98 Mr. Hunter S. Seal ’96

CITGO Petroleum Corporation Mr. Paul J. McCusker ’83

The Clark Construction Group Inc. Mr. Thomas H. White ’79

Clark-Nexsen Foundation Mr. Christopher M. Stone ’78

Coille Limited Partnership LP Mr. Robert P. Kyle ’67

Corning Inc. Foundation Joseph A. Miller Jr. ’63, PhD

Datatel Inc. Mr. William H. Dunlap ’72

Deloitte Foundation Mr. David A. Baber Jr. ’02 Capt. Andrew N. Harris ’04, USA (Ret)

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72

Dominion Foundation Mr. Walter C. Ames III ’52 Mr. David E. Ayers ’64 Mr. William W. Berry ’54 Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. William G. Greig ’55

Entergy Corporation Mr. Michael E. Faunce ’90

First Community Bank Mr. G. Wayne Eastham ’76

Fulton Financial Corporation Mr. Oliver L. Way ’75

The General Electric Foundation Maj. David K. Belfiore ’96, USAF (Ret) Mr. William S. Gitchell ’78

Genworth Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson Sr.

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Mr. Andrew J. Krug ’92

Google Mr. Jackson S. Castleberry ’02

Ingersoll-Rand Charitable Foundation Mr. Richard C. Murphy ’60

ChevronTexaco Corporation

Invensys Systems Inc.

CIGNA Foundation

The Medtronic Foundation

Mr. Robert R. Laville ’51

Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Cantelou

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Mr. William F. Holzgrefe ’77

Mellon Financial Corporation Fund Mr. Timothy H.H. Janeway ’91

Microsoft Corporation Mrs. Lynn J. Gasch

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. Edwin R. Trinkle ’70

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Mr. Easley L. Moore Jr. ’65

PepsiCo Foundation Col. Peter L. Philp ’51, USA (Ret)

Pfizer Foundation Mr. Francis de Venoge Mr. Kurt A. Minne ’85 Mr. Thomas H. Selman III ’84

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

Public Service Electric & Gas Company Mr. James J. Schaffer III ’77

Raytheon Company Mr. Fredrick L. Jones ’77

Scitor Corporation Col. David R. Honeywell ’71, USAF (Ret)

Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. James O. Lewter ’45 Mr. Ira P. Parkman Jr. ’66

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60

Universal Leaf Foundation Mr. John B. Adams Jr. ’66

Verizon Foundation Mr. Richard W. Glass ’76 Mr. John S. Ingles ’44 Mr. Daniel W. Murphy ’85 Mr. Michael C. Zirkle ’97

Waters Corporation Andrew J. Young ’74, PhD

Wells Fargo Foundation Mr. Matthew L. Gift ’09 Mr. Jeremy W. Ingram ’95 Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63 Mr. Brian D. Tate ’90

Xerox Corporation Mr. Kenneth E. Dice Jr. ’64

Mr. Thomas F. Reimann ’88

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB Accepting the Challenge, Realizing the Potential plans to give back to the Institute, “so someone else is afforded the same opportunities I enjoyed at VMI.” Russell East ’13 came to VMI from Leesburg, Virginia, graduating from Heritage High School where he earned numerous honors in football and lacrosse. As a lacrosse athlete, he was an Adidas Underclassmen Ayao Sossou ’12 is an economics and All-American in 2008. The following year, he business major whose hometown is Lome, played in U.S. Lacrosse’s prestigious Senior the capital city of the African country of North-South All Star Game and received the Togo. As a teenager in Urbana, Maryland, Sportsmanship Award for the South Team. he was a highly successful soccer player Among the colleges who vied for him as in high school, lettering three of his four a recruit were the Air Force Academy and years. He played for the nationally-ranked Mount St. Mary’s College, as well as two Montgomery Soccer Club team, which won of the nation’s best Division III programs, four state titles while he was a player. Sossou Lynchburg College and Roanoke College. also excelled in track in high school. He was In the face of such competition, however, recruited by Loyola College in Maryland, VMI had an edge. “I had some knowledge Coastal Carolina, UNC-Charlotte and VMI. of VMI because of two, former high school Although all four colleges offered him a teammates, Justin Ong ’10 and Chris Rossie lot in the way of educational and athletic ’12,” recalled East. “Also, VMI was the first opportunities, it was an intangible factor that college to recruit me heavily. Through the attracted Sossou to VMI and has kept him recruiting process, I gained the knowledge here. “During recruitment, everyone talked of what a VMI education would do for me, about brotherhood,” he said. “That pulled long after I stop playing competitive lacrosse. me toward VMI, but I admit that I That sealed the deal.” didn’t fully understand what they During his first two seasons at meant in the beginning of my VMI, East played in 25 games, VMI experience. Over the course scoring seven goals and six assists of four years, however, VMI’s and picking up 20 ground balls. brand of brotherhood became a After his first and second season, reality to me. The people I have he was named to the Big South come to know in Barracks have Presidential Honor Roll and the become my extended family and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conferwill be for life. I will be forever ence’s All-Conference Academic grateful to have come to know Team, respectively. About East, them.”

Brian Anken, VMI’s head lacrosse According to VMI’s head soccoach, said, “I anticipate that he cer coach, Richie Rose, Sossou will figure prominently in the “combines the skills of an outside successes of VMI lacrosse over defender, the mentality of an the next two seasons.” attacking fullback and blazing East also is excelling off the field. speed.” This combination makes An economics and business major, him formidable on defense but he is an academic mentor and an Ayao Sossou ’12: “I am extremely appreciative of VMI also allows him to create many S-5 sergeant, helps organize the Keydet Club donors and, more specifically, those who support the Dr. Jay Sculley ’62 Memorial Scholarship. scoring opportunities. “When we VMI Admissions’ Open House Their generosity has given me the opportunity to play shift to offense, it’s not unusual Weekends, and is a tour guide Division I soccer while obtaining an outstanding educato see our opponents assign for prospective cadets. Next year, tion that will separate me from the pack.” multiple players to defend Ayao,” he will be one of two (continued) Impressed by the backgrounds, accomplishments and attitudes of three very busy and successful cadet-athletes, the Keydet Club is pleased to introduce these athletes to Alumni Review readers and explain how these cadets have benefited from private financial support.

explained Rose. With such skills, it’s no surprise that Sossou has played in 60 games during his cadetship, and he has started in 54 of them. His many honors include making the Big South All Freshman Team in 2008, being placed on Second Team All Big South in 2009 and 2010, and being named to the Second Team All State in 2010.

With the help of Rose, Sossou was able to compete at the amateur level in Finland during summer 2011. He hopes to parlay that experience and his success at VMI into a position with a professional club in either Finland or Mexico after graduation in May. “I am extremely appreciative of VMI Keydet Club donors and, more specifically, those who support the Dr. Jay Sculley ’62 Memorial Scholarship,” said Sossou. “Their generosity has given me the opportunity to play Division I soccer while obtaining an outstanding education that will separate me from the pack. By meeting the challenges VMI presents every day, I have learned what it takes to be successful on and off the field as a cadet, and I’ve obtained lessons that will help me enjoy a lifetime of success.” He also

VMI Keydet Club Mission Statement: To contribute to the SPIRIT and development of a successful Division I athletic program that benefits the whole of VMI. 2012-Issue 2

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KEYDET CLUB leaders for the Big Red Club, an organization initial response to the idea of going to VMI,” participates in the Institute Honors Prothat promotes support of intercollegiate she admitted, “was anything but positive.” gram, and her academic success has earned athletics among the Corps of Cadets.

Fortunately, her mother became aware of her a place on the Big South All-Academic East understood the value of the leadership VMI’s interest and encouraged her daughter Team for the past two years. Looking for an lessons he had learned at VMI during a sum- to make an official visit to VMI. Jimenez additional challenge, she took on the job of mer 2011 internship at AOC Key Solutions came away from her visit to VMI, realizing assistant business manager for The Bomb. in Chantilly, Virginia – a firm that provides that, as she said, “I could get more out of In summer 2011, Jimenez was given an services to companies that do business with VMI than any other college.” opportunity that helped her realize how the federal government. “The parent of a The word “versatile” sums up Jimenez’s attending VMI could give her a leg-up in lacrosse player I had coached the previous capabilities within women’s soccer. In 55 the outside world. Linda Moreschi, the insummer recommended me for the intern- matches, she has played every position but ternship coordinator for VMI’s Department ship,” he said. To East’s surprise, at the end goalie. She has started in 48 matches and of Economics and Business, worked with of the internship, the company offered him is responsible for seven goals and an equal Jimenez to obtain an internship with the a job after graduation. “Apparently, my VMI number of assists, a total of 21 career points. Richmond-based medical equipment firm education made me stand out for all the right Next season, she will be a team captain.

Owens & Minor, of which Gil Minor ’63 is reasons.”

Jimenez has excelled in the classroom, as chairman. “Truly, I don’t think I would have Like Sossou, East is grateful to VMI alumni well. An economics and business major, she been able to get such an exciting opportunity and friends who support VMI athletics. “I if it hadn’t been for VMI,” Jimenez said, am very thankful for the Ayers Brothers “and I don’t think I would have gotten Scholarship, which has allowed me to as much out of that experience if I compete at the top level of intercollegiate hadn’t been so well prepared by what athletics and to obtain an excellent eduI’ve learned at VMI. cation as I do so. Without that financial “What VMI has taught me has been support, I wouldn’t be at VMI.” East sees well beyond my expectations,” continthe long-term effect of donors’ generosity, ued Jimenez. “I have received excellent and he has learned an important lesson. academic preparation and made life-long “I want someone else to have the same friends. I have learned to operate and type of opportunity that I have had here at make friends outside of my comfort VMI,” he said, “and the best way I can enzone, something I doubt would have sure that is to be a regular and generous happened at another college. I have also contributor in support of the Institute.” learned that VMI is truly a family expeRussell East ’13: “I am very thankful for the Often, a parent understands the many rience. I am proud and grateful to be a Ayers Brothers Scholarship, which has albenefits of a VMI education long before member of the VMI family – including lowed me to compete at the top level of intera cadet does. Such was the case with the VMI women’s soccer team – and will collegiate athletics and to obtain an excellent Simone Jimenez ’13. A multi-sport athbe for life! Truly, my education, as well education as I do so. Without that financial lete who won her letter in four sports at as the guidance and direction I have support, I wouldn’t be at VMI.” Douglas Freeman High School in received from my professors, Richmond, Virginia, she stood out coaches and so many other people on the soccer field, earning a letter on Post, have positioned me well all four years and, in her senior for life after graduation.” year, making First Team All DisIn conclusion, she said, “I must trict and serving as team captain. thank all those who support With that record and the distincVMI athletes – specifically, Billy tion of being the leading scorer Stephens ’73 – who have made on her travel team, the Richmond it possible for me to compete Kickers, she was recruited by the at the Division I level in a sport U.S. Air Force Academy and a I love. More important, their number of Division III schools. financial support has given me Jimenez, however, had decided the opportunity to receive an to attend the University of Virginexcellent education that will help ia and, by doing so, forgo any opme throughout my life. Finally, portunity to play soccer at the inI firmly believe in the idea of tercollegiate level. This changed ‘paying it forward’ – of helping Simone Jimenez ’13: “I must thank all those who supwhen VMI’s head women’s soccer someone receive the same benport VMI athletes – specifically, Billy Stephens ’73 – who coach, Bryan Williams, saw her efits I did from my time at VMI. have made it possible for me to compete at the Division I level in a sport I love. More important, their financial travel team play and contacted I very much look forward to the support has given me the opportunity to receive an exher coach to see if Jimenez was day when I can ‘pay it forward’ cellent education that will help me throughout my life.” interested in attending VMI. “My and give back to VMI.”

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club Hosts Basketball Lettermen’s Day On Feb. 4, 2012, the Keydet Club welcomed back nearly 20 former VMI basketball lettermen to Cameron Hall for a special day in honor of their cadetship achievements and participation.

The lettermen and their guests witnessed an impressive 86-79 VMI win over the Winthrop Eagles, along with over 3,300 fans, the largest crowd of the season.

At halftime, the lettermen gathered at center court to take part in a ceremony that recognized all former VMI basketball players. Members of the VMI Basketball Hall of Fame were the guests of honor, and each was introduced to the crowd during the ceremony, which also marked the official unveiling of the new VMI Basketball Hall of Fame banners in Cameron Hall. Hall of Fame members in attendance included John Kemper ’68, Curt Reppart ’76 and Damon Williams ’90.

Following the game, the Keydet Club hosted a gathering in Moody Hall for the returning lettermen and their families.

Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84 said of the event, “It’s so meaningful for former cadet-athletes to return to the Institute and for our current cadets to have the chance to meet them. Returning alumni can offer current cadets a glimpse into the future on what life could be like after graduation. We’re grateful to those who did come back – it’s fun for the Corps and all VMI fans!”

Jeff Morgan ’80 Memorial is Unveiled In February 2012, the VMI Keydet Club unveiled a memorial to the late Jeffery J. Morgan ’80, who had held the position of Keydet Club executive vice president from 1991 until his death in 2000. Morgan – referred to as “Pup” by Brother Rats, family and friends – was flying solo in a single-engine Cessna on his way back from a Keydet Club event in Williamsburg, Virginia, when his plane crashed. The memorial reads: Jeffrey John Morgan ’80 “Pup” June 23, 1957 - April 14, 2000 Keydet Club Executive Vice President, 1991-2000 A wonderful father, husband, son, brother, teammate, Brother Rat, alumnus, employee and friend.

We will always remember and appreciate his caring spirit, compassion, integrity and devoted service to cadet-athletes, coaches and the mission of the VMI Keydet Club.

“This tribute to Pup is long overdue,” remarked Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and he set the course for all the wonderful things the Keydet Club continues to accomplish in support of VMI athletics.” Ralph Costen ’70, who was president of the Keydet Club Board of Governors at the time of Morgan’s death, added, “Jeff had an infectious smile and casual, engaging, friendly way about him. It is the Keydet Club’s hope, that while his life was short, he will always be remembered for the powerful imIn front of the Jeff Morgan ’80 memorial plaque were pact he had on the Jody Morgan with her and Jeff’s three children, Hannah, lives he touched.” Cameron and Jake, and daughter-in-law Alicia Morgan.

On Feb. 4, 2012, former VMI basketball lettermen were recognized during the VMI vs. Winthrop basketball game halftime, as part of a ceremony for the unveiling of the new Basketball Hall of Fame banners in Cameron Hall.

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KEYDET CLUB Booster Clubs Paving a New Way for the Keydet Club In 2009, a group of VMI alumni and baseball supporters in the Keydet Club wanted to start a booster organization to assist the VMI baseball program, with the goals of bringing new supporters to the program, giving Coach Marlin Ikenberry ’95 and his staff additional resources, and using detailed updates to provide members with critical information about the program. The early success of the newly formed “Diamond Club” showed there was a large segment of VMI alumni and baseball lettermen who wanted a more intimate connection with the VMI baseball program.

Since 2009, the booster club concept has spread to other programs. Within a five-month time period (from August 2011-December 2011), the Keydet Club unveiled new booster organizations such as the Gridiron Club (football), the revamped Roundball Club (basketball) and the Red Wave Club (swimming/water polo) to help increase support to those programs, and the results have been staggering!

The Gridiron Club has shown the biggest success to date.

In the July-December 2011 time frame, 621 people joined the club. Through their efforts, more than 440 supporters have contributed gifts to the Athletic Operating Fund (AOF)-Football, including approximately 200 new supporters. The impact of these new members is reflected in the total AOF-Football giving amount, which was $215,000 as of December 2011 – the halfway point of this fiscal year – compared to $48,000 last year. This $215,000 half-year amount has surpassed last year’s total support for the entire fiscal year ($154,000) and has eclipsed the highest level of support in 2009 ($174,000).

The Gridiron Club’s success has demonstrated that there is a huge contingent of VMI football supporters who are willing to do what it takes to help VMI win on the field. This success has not been limited to just the Gridiron Club, however. The new and improved Roundball Club has provided the basketball program with a 130% increase in supporters.

The Red Wave Club has given VMI’s swimming/diving and water polo teams a 46% boost in financial support, as well as adding more than 35 new donors to the water programs.

This early success, paired with the final results of the baseball program’s Diamond Club in spring 2012, should bring about huge results for the Keydet Club at the June 2012 fiscal year end.

As of the fiscal year halfway point in December 2011, the Keydet Club has reported a 29% increase in members over last fiscal year and a 21% increase in financial support.

Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84 said of these new booster clubs, “We are seeing an interesting shift in how donors designate their funds to VMI and, particularly, VMI athletics. Donors want to support those things about which they are passionate and in which they are engaged. We welcome any and all support – regardless of the amount.”

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Heslep’s Generosity is Beyond Words, Staib ’14 Says

At the 2011 Keydet Club Scholarship Dinner were members of the Heslep family with one of the cadets they support. From left: Mark C. Heslep ’83, Cadet Logan Staib ’14, Donald B. Heslep ’56 and his wife, Jo. Photo

by J. Leadbetter/Andre Studios.

Logan A. Staib ’14 came to VMI with an impressive record at the high school level, both academically and athletically. He was a straight-A student at Monacan High School in Midlothian, Virginia, and a member of the National Honor Society. In his senior year of football, Logan played both offense and defense, starting every game as quarterback, punter and safety. His many post-season honors have included Southern Virginia’s Army Ironman of the Year (two-way player award), First Team Dominion District Defensive Back and Second Team Dominion District Punter, and being named to the All-District All-Academic Team.

Red-shirted his first year at VMI, he began to have an impact at the outside linebacker position in the 2011 season. For example, his first interception came against William & Mary and killed a late-game scoring attempt. In the Military Classic of the South, he recovered a fumble and, pairing with inside linebacker Josh Sneed ’12, was largely responsible for stymieing The Citadel’s running attack late in the game.

An economics and business major, Logan is currently on the Dean’s List and serves as a company corporal of Hotel Company.

Of the support that he receives from Donald Heslep ’56 and his family, he says, “I greatly appreciate everything that Mr. Heslep and his family have done for me. Without his help, who knows where I might be today. His generosity toward me and other cadets is beyond words. One day, I hope to be able to provide cadets the same type of opportunity.”

Cavallaro continued, “Clearly, Robert Crumpler ’07 has done an outstanding job with these clubs in generating a tremendous ‘buzz.’ He is providing information that engaged donors are interested in hearing.”

The early push for these clubs should form a solid base of donors for social events and membership drives; it will give these programs the necessary resources they need to succeed; and it will allow more VMI alumni an opportunity to stay connected to their programs for years to come.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB In Memory of Coach Thalman Bob “Coach” Thalman of Atlanta, Georgia, head coach in 1971. died on Jan. 31, 2012. He was 89 years old.

During his 14 years as VMI’s head football Thalman was born on Nov. 5, 1922, in coach, he reinvigorated and energized what Wheeling, West Virginia. He attended Cen- had been a flagging program, leading the tral Catholic High School Keydets to win two Southand began Belmont Abbey ern Conference titles. He Junior College in 1942, but was known as an unfailing after the start of World War optimist. By coaching and II, he left school to enlist in preaching positive thinkthe U.S. Marine Corps. ing, he helped his players to A sergeant in the Marine’s understand the importance Fifth Division, he fought in of believing in themselves Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiand never giving up. est battles of the Pacific Thalman received numercampaign. In honor of his ous awards throughout his service, he received the Prescoaching career, including idential Unit Citation.

Hall of Fame honors from Following the War, he the Virginia Sports Hall of Thalman continued his education at Fame, Hampden-Sydney the University of Richmond College, University of Richwhere he earned a bachelor’s degree in mond and VMI. He also received Coach economics in 1948. of the Year honors from the American Football Coaches Association, the Southern Conference and the state of Virginia. In addition, “No man worked harder or did more for VMI he received a number of civic and in time of need than Bob Thalman.” sports club awards from organiThe late Tom Joynes, former VMI athletic director zations throughout Virginia.

Thalman had a significant and positive impact on hundreds of For 46 years, he was involved with sports: lives. As a loving husband, father, grandas a player, a coach and an administrator father, coach and friend, he is and will at the high school, college/university and continue to be missed. professional levels, coaching college football for 38 of those years.

Note: The Coach Bob Thalman Football His football coaching career began in Scholarship at VMI was established in 2001 Richmond, Virginia, at Benedictine High by former football players. Anyone wishSchool where he coached for three years, ing to do so may submit a gift to the VMI followed by two years at Norview High Keydet Club in memory of Coach Thalman School in Norfolk, Virginia. and in support of his scholarship.

His college coaching career started at Hampden-Sydney College, where he served as head coach and athletic director for four years, winning two Mason Dixon Conference titles. In 1960, he joined the football staff at the University of North Carolina, where he coached defense for seven years. He joined the staff at Georgia Tech in 1968 and coached defense at that school for four years. Following this, he served as assistant coach at VMI for three years before being named 2012-Issue 2

Reflections on Coach Thalman

by Wade Branner ’83, Associate Athletic Director/ Athletic Communications

Bob Thalman served as VMI head football coach from 1971-84 – the longest tenure of any Keydet gridiron coach. His teams captured the Southern Conference Championship in 1974 and 1977 and were runners-up in both 1979 and 1981.

During Thalman’s tenure as head coach, the Keydets competed and won the respect of major college football programs and excelled against state competition. VMI defeated Virginia three straight years, from 1976 through 1978, and won 10 out of 14 games with Virginia, Richmond, and William & Mary between the 1976 and 1980 seasons.

The 1981 team under Thalman posted a 6-3-1 record, including roads wins over Army and Virginia Tech.

“Coach Bob Thalman was a great VMI football coach,” said VMI Athletic Director Donny White ’65, who served under Thalman as a defensive assistant coach for the secondary in the 70’s through the 1980 season. “He energized everyone around him and made us better. He challenged coaches and players alike to believe. Coach Thalman demanded excellence and told us, ‘Do not get on the bus unless you believe we can win.’ I know that we respected his commitment to VMI football and his attention to detail, and we always felt like we were prepared to win.”

Thalman had just as much an impact off the field, as he continually raised funds for the Keydet Club, reinstated the Alumni-Varsity Spring Football game, started the summer VMI Football Camp, encouraged the formation of the VMI Sports Hall of Fame and formed the Big Brother Program.

Tom Joynes, the late athletic director who served during Thalman’s tenure, said, “No man worked harder or did more for VMI in time of need than Bob Thalman.”

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KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club Hosts New Year’s Eve Party In keeping with tradition, the Keydet Club hosted a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31, 2011, in Moody Hall. The event was attended by 115 people, and a good time was had by all!

Craig Carlock ’74, left, and Ned Mikula ’71.

From left, front: Richard Hewitt ’83; Row 2: Erica and Robert Crumpler ’07, Leigh Krull and Ian Casher ’07; Row 3: Curtis Jaques ’07 and Alecia, Jack Castleberry ’07, Kara Tammany, Chad Simmons ’07 and Anne, Caitlin Ott and Chase Perry ’07.

From left, Judy Bauer and class of ’75 Brother Rats Allen Morgan and Tom Bauer.

Jane Massie, left, and Jane Mortenson.

Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84, left, and Tom Mortenson tended bar.

Coach Jack Castleberry ’07 and girlfriend Kara Tammany.

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Erica Crumpler, Dawn Coceano and Marlene Cavallaro.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Keydet Club section are provided by the Keydet Club.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club and VMI Athletics Collaborate to Host First-Ever “Meet and Greet the Keydets” Event Throughout the year, the Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County holds a monthly “Business After Hours” gathering which is hosted by a chamber member at his or her place of business. On Feb. 2, 2012, the Keydet Club sponsored the first-ever event of this type at VMI’s Moody Hall, prior to the 7 p.m. basketball game against UNC Ashville.

Over 225 people, including local business and civic leaders, Keydet Club members, coaches, cadet-athletes and senior VMI administrators, were in attendance.

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, joined the Keydet Club in welcoming local visitors with some inspiring comments about VMI today. Football Coach Sparky Woods addressed the crowd, and those in attendance were delighted to speak with the outstanding cadet-athletes present.

“I have felt for some time that we have the capacity and ability to engage local people from this wonderful community of ours and 1 bring them into all that is going on at VMI,” remarked Buzz Birzenieks ’64, 1st vice president of the Keydet Club Board of Governors.

“In my former life in Wilmington, North Carolina, as 2 president of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawk Club, I learned that it’s important to get the community and business leaders involved and supportive of your school.

Athletics gives us a meaningful and fun way to do just that. This event was really encouraging,” he added.

“Coach” Doug Bartlett of the Keydet Club staff was responsible for coordinating the event with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and the VMI Athletic Depart3 ment. “I really think we hit 2012-Issue 2

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a home run,” said Bartlett, “and we’re all encouraged by the feedback we received.

The comments from those who attended were unbelievable. This gives us a lot to build on for the future,” he concluded.

Photo 1: From left, Lauren Welsh, Alanda Tomlin, VMI Foundation CEO Brian Crockett, Sharon Cooper and Kim Patterson. Photo 2: From left, Coach Anna Phelps with baby Sterling, Mackenzie Perkins ’15, Molly Andoe ’15, Dave and Carol Stull, and Lois Ford. Photo 3: From left, David Cox, Joy Harris, VMI Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84, Anne Nollner and Tom Silk. Photo 4: Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, delivered a well received, state of the Institute address.

Photo 5: Football cadet-athletes Ty Garvin ’14, left, and Eric Kordenbrock ’14, right, with Maj. Gen. Tom Tait ’55, USA (Ret). Photo 6: Marie Taylor, left, and Helene Baker. Photo 7: Chamber Board President Bruce King, left, with Keydet Club 1st Vice President Buzz Birzeniecks ’64. Photo 8: Barbara Molica, left, and Laura Shaner.

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If a VMI alumnus or someone referred by an alumnus buys the property, the owner, Philip Clayton, himself a class of 1972 alumnus, will donate 3% of the sales price to VMI. MRIS# RB7697618

Fred Burks Class of 1966 (540) 460-6614 fredburks@hughes.net

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2012-Issue 2

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