Alumni Review 2012 Issue 3 by VMI Alumni Agencies

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ALUMNI REVIEW 2012-Issue 3

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2012-Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes covering Feb. 16 to May 15, 2012.

FEATURES 5

New Market Day 2012

Graduation/Commissioning

13 In Memory: Berry ’54, Snyder ’57 and Dabney ’61 15 Jeffrey ’38: Bomber Command 19 Pitkethly ’58: Mercy Mission 20 Wilson ’06: Undefeated 23 First Spring Reunion: April 23-24 27 Second Spring Reunion: April 26-28

NEWS AND UPDATES 3

OEF/OIF: An Update

Association/Chapter News

Class Notes

159 Births, Marriages, Degrees 159 Most Senior Alumni 161 Taps 167 Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS 165 Association Directory 172 The Institute 180 VMI Athletics 185 The Foundation

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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

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. PURPOSE OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni, the better to keep alive the memories of Institute life and—by their united efforts—to aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes. 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

President’s Letter

191 The Keydet Club

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

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.

21 Shaara Helps Preserve Heritage

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

18 Burgess ’39: Public Servant

Volume 88, No. 2

180

ON OUR COVER Front Cover: An alumnus with his son in Jackson Arch on Legacy Day in March 2012. Inside Front: Charles B. Miller ’42 climbed to the top of the sentinel box to join class vice president, Richard Luck ’12, for a class of ’42 Old Yell. Photo by Traci Mierzwa. Inside Back: The Honorable John B. Tucker Jr. ’37 marching to Barracks with his grandson at Tucker’s 75th Reunion. Photo by Kevin Remington.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings from the Institute! It is an honor to address you and all of our wonderful alumni, wives, family and friends as we present the 2012-Issue 3 Alumni Review. I love reading the Alumni Review. I love what my class agent reports in our class notes, as I am sure you do, as well. Our mission is to organize and unify the VMI alumni, to keep their memories of the Institute alive, and nothing does it better than the stories, notes and pictures in our Alumni Review. In this issue, we pay tribute to three exceptional alumni who have passed away, leaving a legacy of service to their Heely ’69 and wife Lush Heely country and the Institute: former President of the VMI Board of Visitors William W. Berry ’54, former VMI Commandant of Cadets Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’80, and war hero and former VMI Commandant of Cadets Col. William H. Dabney ’61, USMC (Ret). Their obituaries appear in the front section of this Review (“In Memory”). Also in this issue, you have the opportunity to read about several alumni, their lives and the causes to which some are contributing their time and talents. For example: • See the fascinating article written by Bolling Williamson ’60 about Thomas S. Jeffrey Jr. ’38. A World War II pilot, Jeffrey commanded the 100th Bomb Group, which lost 12 out of 13 bombers during one infamous mission. • Also, read about Carter Burgess ’39, whose work in the military and public sector exposed him to President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Gen. deGualle, as well as Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson. • Don’t miss the inspiring story about David Pitkethly ’58, M.D., and his wife, Mara, who traveled to Kenya to deliver a large shipment of donated medical equipment and stayed to aid those in need. • And for those who have wondered about the life of a professional boxer, check out the article about Todd Wilson ’06 – a hard-working young man who, as of this writing, is undefeated in his 13 fights. I’m sure you’ll take time to peruse the spring reunion photo spread. Nine classes returned to VMI during the week of April 23rd to renew friendships and strengthen lifelong bonds. And in this Review, we take the opportunity to bid farewell to outgoing Alumni Association President Randy Blanks ’67, whose two-year tour as president ended on June 30th. I am honored to take the helm from Randy, and on behalf of all alumni, thank him and his wife, Anne, for their outstanding and generous service. Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing you in Lexington this fall!

Robert A. Heely ’69, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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

Stephen Donaldson ’08 dedicated his road repair in Afghanistan to VMI.

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

An Update As of May 15, 2012, we have received no new alumni names since the publication of the 2012-Issue 2 Alumni Review. Therefore, there are no names listed in this issue. 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. 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. Not all of the alumni listed on the website are currently serving 2012-Issue 3

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 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).

Photo captions: Photo 1: Commemorating New Market Day in Afghanistan were 2nd Lt. John Sheehan ’10, USMC, and Sgt. Dan Spanu ’05, USMC, on May 15, 2012. Photo 2: Lt. Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, USA, in Afghanistan on April 24, 2012. His role is to advise the provincial governor and government with the goal of bringing stability to specific districts in Afghanistan through governance and economic development. Photo 3: Class of 2008 Brother Rats Jason Webb, Jesse Burnette and Nick Orzechowski in Afghanistan. Photo 4: 1st Lt. Michael Hutchings ’10, USA, standing, left, with two Afghan soldiers. Hutchings is an infantry platoon leader with the 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. According to Col. Eric Hutchings ’77, USA (Ret), former VMI commandant and 5 current deputy athletic director, two squads of Afghan National Army soldiers are attached to his son’s platoon. This photo was taken at Combat Outpost “Shark Tank” near the village of Nari Karez.

Photo 5: Capt. Robert Kelly ’08, USA, second from right with fellow soldiers in March 2012.

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

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 email at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

New Market Day, May 15, 2012

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Louthan ’41 Receives New Market Medal Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 received VMI’s New Market Medal in a ceremony held as part of the Institute’s New Market Day commemoration on May 15, 2012. “Frank Louthan clearly exemplifies the qualities set forth by the Board of Visitors in 1962, those of leadership, determination and loyalty, which were displayed by the Corps of Cadets at the Battle of New Market,” said Paul D. Fraim ’71, president of the Board of Visitors. Louthan is honored in part for his leadership from 1977-90 of the VMI Campaign, which raised more than $150 million. “This remarkable result has had profoundly positive effects,” said Vincent J. Thomas ’43, in nominating Louthan for the medal. “It established the financial footing on which VMI has built, expanded and improved in every way, to the end that today the Institute stands out in fields of academic achievement, athletic competitiveness, and military and civilian leadership development.” During the years of the campaign, Louthan served on the VMI Board of Visitors and as its president; as a member and president of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees; as president of the VMI Development Board that set the initial course for the VMI Campaign; and as chairman of the campaign’s Leadership Gifts Committee. He received the Distinguished Service Award, the VMI Foundation’s highest honor, in 1992. As a cadet, Louthan earned a degree in civil engineering and received a First Jackson-Hope Medal. He was a cadet lieutenant and a member of the Monogram Club and the track team. After graduation, he served as a major in the U.S. Army and was in the European Theater in 1944-45. After the war, he remained in the Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1958. After leaving active service, Louthan’s career included positions

with Lone Star Cement, Crenshaw Equipment Co., Concrete Pipe and Products, Everett Waddey Co., Richmond Engineering, and RECO Industries. He has been active in the civic life of his community, holding positions ranging from governor of the Capital District of Kiwanis International to chairman of the Port Commission of the city of Richmond, Virginia, and, more recently, member of the board of trustees of the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation. Louthan is the 13th recipient of the New Market Medal, which was last presented in 2006.

Reviewing the Corps during the New Market Day Parade were, from left, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Frank G. Louthan III ’66; Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41; Robert P. Louthan ’82; and Col. Thomas H. Trumps ’79, commandant. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

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New Market Medal Award Remarks by Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 New Market Day, May 15, 2012 Gen. Peay, Mr. Fraim, members of the Corps of Cadets, ladies and gentlemen: To receive the New Market Medal on New Market Day is surely the highest honor an alumnus can ever hope for from the Institute. I am deeply grateful and humbled for this extraordinary opportunity to stand before you to receive it. And I speak not only for myself, but also for my wife, Marilyn, and for my entire family. I thank you most warmly and sincerely. As I look out over this hallowed parade ground with the VMI Corps of Cadets assembled before me, the VMI Barracks forming a splendid backdrop, and House Mountain in the distance, I am reminded of the many times I stood in your place so many years ago. One day stands out clearly in my memory. It was a beautiful Nov. 11th, 1939 – the day we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of VMI. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was scheduled to attend that event, but the outbreak of World War II in Europe prevented his coming, and he spoke to us, instead, by telephone connection. It was then that he said, “The whole history of VMI is a triumphant chronicle of the part which the citizen soldier can play in a democracy.” A feeling of intense pride spread through the entire Corps upon hearing those words. Of the several important ceremonies that involve the entire VMI community each year, none is more significant or filled with meaning as New Market Day. On this day, we take time to reflect on the fundamental values of the Virginia Military Institute – courage, sacrifice, honor and duty. These were the values of the New Market Corps in 1864, and these are the values that sustain the Corps of Cadets today. The color guard carries a copy of the VMI flag that was taken into battle at New Market, Virginia, on the 15th of May 1864. It has become known, in fact, as “The New Market Flag.” And attached to its staff is the battle streamer commemorating the sacrifice of those cadets who marched into harm’s way on that rainy May day. Remember: This streamer belongs not only to the 1864 Corps of Cadets, it belongs to all cadets … it belongs to you. A long line of classes since that day in May 1864 have served our nation in peace and in war. My own class, the class of 1941, graduated when the U.S. entered World War II. Nineteen Brother Rats died in that global conflict, and two were prisoners of war.

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Addressing the Corps and crowd, while Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, far left, and VMI Board of Visitors President Paul D. Fraim ’71, center, looked on, Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41, at the podium, accepted VMI’s prestigious New Market Medal during the New Market Day ceremony on May 15, 2012. The New Market Medal, established in 1962 as a tribute to the VMI cadets who fought in the 1864 Battle of New Market, honors an individual whose life and career have demonstrated the virtues shown by the New Market cadets: leadership, duty, honor and devotion. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

Young men and young women who wear the VMI ring are serving at this very moment in the Middle East and elsewhere around the globe. Thousands of graduates have contributed so much to our nation, on the battlefield and in all walks of life. In my opinion, today’s parade is for all of them … and for you. Before closing my remarks, I want to say emphatically that I have never seen the Corps look so good. And I have never seen the Institute as vibrant and strong as it is today. Many men and women must take credit for its present condition, but one man stands out, and that is our superintendent. Gen. Peay, I salute you. Looking at the Corps of Cadets assembled before me, I am profoundly encouraged by what I see. The strength of the Institute has always been its Corps of Cadets. That has not changed over the decades. And the strength of the Corps has been and remains its integrity and sense of honor, values that have been nourished and strengthened by your years at VMI. These values go with you in your civilian and military careers. Cherish them. Thank you.

244 Graduates Cross Stage Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68, majority leader in the Senate of Virginia, offered the class of 2012 an engaging blend of reminiscences of his life and especially of his cadetship in his commencement address on May 16, 2012. “I am one of you,” declared Norment, and, touching on the highs and lows of the cadetship, the false steps and triumphs, the sorrows and rewards, he entertained the cadets, who rewarded him with a standing ovation. Two hundred seventeen members of the class of 2012 graduated during the ceremony, noted VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 in his remarks, with 112 to be commissioned into the U.S. armed forces by the end of the summer, approximately 50 percent. Including cadets from previous classes, 244 received diplomas on commencement day. Peay also pointed out a special challenge faced by the class of 2012. “Your class has had the distinction of leading the largest Old Corps in VMI’s history. … Above all, you maintained a strong regimental, class and honor system and now pass these traditions on to future classes.” Class valedictorian John E. Alerding IV drew cheers during his talk when he recalled some of the experiences the class had shared. But he also offered some Delivering his address to the Corps and guests while Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68 listens, class of 2012 valedictorian, Cadet John Edward Alerding IV, above, from Lexington,Virginia, majored in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering. He is the Southeast Region recipient of the 2012 Southeast Air Force ROTC Cadet of the Year Award and was named the VMI Air Force ROTC Detachment’s Distinguished Graduate. In the Corps, he served as the Second Battalion commander. He was commissioned on May 15, 2012, and is slotted for pilot training, as of this writing.

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advice: “This place is frustrating for a reason. … Make the best of it; continue to push yourself to something you want to do. … Graduating from VMI is only the first stroke of a masterpiece.” Other cadets receiving special awards during the ceremony were Craig R. Waldman, First Jackson-Hope Medal and Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award; Douglas J. Alvey, Second Jackson-Hope Medal and Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award; and Caroline D. Wortham, Society of the Cincinnati Medal and Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry Awards.

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Joe Munno, class of 2012 president, introduced Norment, pointing to the common ground the graduating cadets would share with him as alumni and also a common theme of the ceremony’s presentations: “He is someone who has walked in our shoes.” In his closing remarks, Norment returned to an image introduced by Peay, when he noted that the commencement ceremony was the last time the entire class would be assembled in one place: “This really is the final roll call for the class of 2012.” To that thought, Norment added, “I would not change one damned second of my experience at VMI. … I will always be one of you.” Editor’s Note: The preceding article was provided by VMI Communications and Marketing. Commencement photos by Kevin Remington and Sarah Brown, VMI.

Class of 2012 Graduation Speaker: Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68 Virginia State Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68, the majority leader in the Senate of Virginia, delivered the graduation address to VMI’s class of 2012 during the Institute’s commencement exercise on May 16, 2012. Norment earned a bachelor’s degree in history from VMI before attending the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary. He served as a member of the Norment ’68 James City County Board of Supervisors from 1987 until his election to the Senate of Virginia in 1991. He has served as senator from the 3rd District for more than 20 years. Norment maintains an active role in the community. He is a member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s Board of Directors. He is on the Hampton Roads Board of Directors of TowneBank, and he chairs the Williamsburg Board of TowneBank. He is also a member of the Williamsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the James City County Ruritan Club. Professionally, Norment is an attorney with Kaufman and Canoles, P.C., and a professor at the College of William and Mary. He and his wife, Mary Humelsine Norment, live in James City County. They have two grown daughters and one grandson.

Norment has remained active as an alumnus of VMI. He has served as a trustee of the VMI Foundation, and in 2007, he was presented with the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. Editor’s Note: Article and photos provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

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ROTC Commissions More Than 100 Cadets More than 100 cadets commissioned into the U.S. armed services in a ceremony on May 15, 2012, upholding a central tradition of VMI and reinforcing bonds between former and current members of the Corps. “This commissioning ceremony marks the transition of young men and women from the life of a cadet and student to that of an officer in the armed forces of the United States of America,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, during the ceremony. “It is the fulfillment of one of the central and historic purposes of Virginia Military Institute: the preparation of citizen-soldiers.” Among those commissioned were 56 Army, 20 Marine Corps, and 11 Air Force second lieutenants and 15 Navy ensigns. That transition made for a proud day for the new officers, who were joined by friends and family to honor their accomplishment. First Lt. Mark Turner ’09 returned to VMI to see his former Rat, 2nd Lt. Daniel Clynes, through the Marine Corps pinning ceremony. Turner, who commissioned in the Marine Corps following his graduation, has served inAfghanistan and will soon deploy to Djibouti. Clynes spoke of the importance of having a mentor who has been with him since his 4th class year and has been able to share his experiences serving in the Marine Corps. “It meant a lot to me,” said Clynes. “It’s great to see that this relationship lasts past the time while you’re at school together, and I hope the relationship continues into the future.” For Ensign Jennifer Sing, commissioning in the Navy as a pilot is

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the fulfillment of a life-long dream. “I’ve dreamed of being a pilot ever since I was in elementary school. It wasn’t until about the eighth grade that I really decided I wanted to be a part of the military, more specifically the Navy,” said Sing. “As far as flight training goes, I expect it to be challenging but manageable. I am a little nervous but extremely excited to get started.” Second Lt. Bryan Reno, who will be serving as an ordnance officer in the U.S. Army, shared his feeling of accomplishment. “When you’re going through it, you don’t understand what it’s all for, but now that I’ve come through it all, it comes together. VMI has prepared me mentally, physically and emotionally,” said Reno. “After these four hard years, it’s finally paid off.” Second Lt. Daniel Knick, who will be serving as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Air Force, grew up in Lexington and found role models at VMI. “While I was growing up, I would see VMI cadets around town, and they were cool guys that I looked up to,” said Knick. “Seeing them out being themselves made me want to be like them.” Knick found a source of strength in his faith. He applied that strength throughout his cadetship at VMI. “My faith carried me through. There’s no way I would be here today without that,” said Knick. “It has changed me from a reckless, selfish kid to a person who strives to put others first.” Commissioning cadets, along with the entire Corps, members of the faculty and visitors to Post, were addressed by leaders from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Army commissioning officer Maj. General Perry L. Wiggins, commanding general of 1st Army Division West at Fort Hood, whose son, 2nd Lt. Dallas Wiggins, commissioned into the U.S. Army during the ceremony, offered words of encouragement to the newly commissioned officers. “The sweat, blood and tears of those old soldiers who have gone before us have forged a legacy of reliability and selflessness that you would

do well to uphold,” said Wiggins. “As you pass through the archways of this historic institution, remember one thing: You are part of a legacy, a tradition that has produced one five-star general, eight four-star generals, 246 other general officers, seven Medal of Honor recipients and 80 recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross.” Navy commissioning officer Vice Adm. Joseph Kernan, military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, shared a personal connection with the Institute. “The first personal loss I experienced in my career was a VMI graduate who served under my command in SEAL Team 2. He was a gifted young officer with a bright future, Lt. Mark Wilson, VMI class of

’88. He was a selfless leader and a sterling example of this institution,” said Kernan. “It is for him, and for you, that I agreed to … forego my aversion to the microphone.” Following the remarks of Wiggins, Kernan, Air Force commissioning officer Gen. Philip M. Breedlove and Marine Corps commissioning officer Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, cadets from each service swore the commissioning oath, to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Editor’s Note: The preceding article was provided by VMI Communications and Marketing. Commissioning photos by Kevin Remington and Sarah Brown, VMI.

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In Memory University (where he served on its board of visitors and on the board of the VCU School of Engineering Foundation), the Virginia College by Scott E. Belliveau ’83 Fund, and the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. Director of Communications, VMI Foundation Apparently tireless, he also served Virginia in a broader sense through his involvement in such organizations as the Metropolitan Richmond William Willis Berry ’54 of Richmond, Virginia, died on April 4, Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond 2012. He was 79. Renaissance, the United Way, the Robert E. Lee Council of the Boy Many histories in the Bomb for each class predict that their subjects Scouts of America, the Virginia Foundation for Research and Ecowill enjoy great success after graduation. As overused as that cliché nomic Education, the Virginia Hunger Foundation, the Commonwealth is, after looking at Berry’s list of many activities and accomplishments Alliance for Drug Rehabilitation, the Virginia Business Council, the as a cadet – including four years on the wrestling team, his progress Virginia Manufacturers Association, and the Virginia Economic Defrom private to corporal to sergeant to lieutenant, his status as a Dis- velopment Corporation. Also, he was active in the Kiwanis Club of tinguished Military Student, his service to his class as an officer and Richmond, and he was an elder of First Presbyterian Church. valedictorian – a reader can see why his history ends with the sentence, In the early 1990s, Governor L. Douglas Wilder appointed him to “We feel sure he will enjoy continued success.” the Governor’s Advisory Commission on the Dillon The write of that history was entirely correct, because Rule and Local Government and as co-chairman of the Berry enjoyed a successful business career, lent his leaderWorkforce 2000 Advisory Council. In 1993, the Old ship to many civic organizations in Virginia and worked Dominion Chapter of the Public Relations Society of tirelessly on behalf of the Institute. America recognized his service to the commonwealth After two years of Army service, Berry, who had maby presenting him its prestigious Thomas Jefferson jored in electrical engineering at VMI, joined Virginia Award for Public Service. This award was created to Electric and Power Company Inc. (which later became “honor individual Virginians – or others predominantly Virginia Power) as an engineer. Over the next 24 years, identified with Virginia over a considerable period he worked for Virginia Power in such areas as power of time – who have rendered selfless and significant supply operations, technical systems and programming, service to the commonwealth through personal parelectric operations, and commercial operations before ticipation in important public service activities.” becoming the company’s president and chief operating Previous recipients included James C. Wheat Jr. ’41 officer in 1980. and Winthrop Rockefeller. Berry ’54 A long-time advocate of the application of free-market Yet, while Berry certainly gave much of his time to principles to the electric power industry, Berry led the his business interests and devoted much of his energy effort that created, in 1983, Dominion Resources Inc. as a holding to serving Virginia, he also gave much of himself to VMI. He served company for Virginia Power, as well as other non-regulated subsid- on the VMI Keydet Club’s Board of Governors from 1981-84; as iaries involved in such activities as power plant construction and real chairman of the Virginia Region during the Sesquicentennial Chalestate development. He was elected president and CEO of Dominion lenge fundraising campaign; and, from 1986-90, as a member of the Resources (known as Dominion since 2000) in 1983 and chairman VMI Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. He also served as a and CEO of Virginia Power in 1985. Berry became chairman and member of the Campaign Executive Committee of Reveille: A Call to CEO of Dominion Resources in 1986; in that same year, he became Excel; the board of VMI Research Laboratories; and the Jackson-Hope chairman of Virginia Power. In 1990, Thomas E. Capps succeeded him Fund’s Board of Overseers. as CEO, and Berry was named chairman of Dominion Resources. He Perhaps his finest moment in service to VMI, however, came during retired from that post in 1992, and, three years later, he retired from his time on the VMI Board of Visitors. Appointed to the board in 1990 the board of Virginia Power. by Gov. Wilder, he was president of the board from 1995-98. It was His other business activities included membership on the boards of during his tenure as president that the U.S. Supreme Court issued its many companies, such as Scott and Stringfellow, Universal Corpora- decision that VMI’s single-sex admissions policy was unconstitutional, tion, ISO New England, Ethyl Corporation, NewMarket Corporation, the board of visitors voted to make VMI a co-ed institution and VMI NationsBank and Albemarle Corporation. He also acted as a consultant developed its own approach to co-education. All those who were to the power industry throughout the world. involved in these events praised the leadership that Berry provided Considering his business responsibilities, some might expect that the board of visitors and the entire VMI family. One alumnus said of Berry would have waited until his retirement to become involved in Berry’s actions during this period, “Bill was the Rock of Gibraltar as civic affairs. Yet, even while he was active in business, he somehow he led us through some very troubled times. He was the right man at found the time to become involved in higher education in Virginia. the right time.” Berry, who held a master’s degree in commerce from the University of On Nov. 12, 2001, the VMI Foundation presented him with its highest Richmond, served on the board of trustees, as the chairman of special honor, the Distinguished Service Award. committees and as a teacher in executive-in-residence programs at Berry’s survivors include his wife, Betsy, and three children, Elizabeth Hollins University, the College of William and Mary, Union Theologi- Preston Blackburn, John Willis Berry and William Godwin Berry ’92, cal Seminary, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth as well as a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and numerous grandchildren.

William W. Berry ’54

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In Memory Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57

William H. Dabney ’61

by Scott E. Belliveau ’83 Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57, USA (Ret), who served as VMI’s commandant of cadets and as professor of military science from 1981-84, died at his Henrico County, Virginia, home on Feb. 14, 2012. A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Snyder matriculated in 1954. As a cadet, he was a stand-out athlete, receiving the coveted monogram in three sports – football, baseball and basketball. A Distinguished Military Graduate, Snyder earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI and then entered the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, he began training as a pilot, received his wings and served as an aviator for the rest of his career. Snyder held various command and staff assignments in Korea, Vietnam, Europe and the United States. Immediately prior to reporting to VMI, he was the director of Aviation Systems at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. As commandant of cadets at VMI, he established a third battalion in order to provide cadets with an increased number of leadership opportunities. Two of the companies created under this initiative – Golf and Hotel – remain as part of the cadet regiment. Snyder retired from active duty in September 1984. His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and nine awards of the Air Medal, as well as the designation as a Master Aviator. He earned a master’s degree in aerodynamics from the Georgia Institute of Technology and graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College and the Navy Snyder Jr. ’57 War College. During his retirement, Snyder was active in civic affairs. He was a member and past president of the Varina Lions Club and a member and chairman of the board of J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. In the former position, he was responsible for the creation of the organization’s annual Canoe-A-Thon in 1992. Held on the James River, this event raises money for the club’s various civic initiatives, including supporting the provision of service dogs to the blind and scholarships to Richmond area students. The 2012 Canoe-A-Thon, held on May 6th, memorialized Snyder’s service with the Lions Club. He also was a member of the Old Dominion Eye Foundation Board, the James River Association and the Richmond Audubon Society. He continued his service to VMI as a member of the VMI Club of Richmond and as the club’s president. In addition to his wife of more than 54 years, Nelda Wood Snyder, his survivors include two sons, Harold B. Snyder III ’80, and Frank C. Snyder, as well as three sisters, a brother and six grandchildren.

On Feb. 11, 2012, Col. William H. Dabney ’61, USMC (Ret), died in Lexington, Virginia, after a long illness. Prior to matriculating at VMI in 1957, Dabney had attended Yale University for one year and served three years as an enlisted man in the Marine Corps. He graduated from VMI with a bachelor of arts degree in English. Dabney’s career in the Marine Corps was long and varied. An infantry officer from Dabney ’61 1967-68, he commanded India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines in Vietnam. He led this unit during the Battle of Khe Sanh and received the Navy Cross for his actions as the officer-in-charge of a combat outpost on Hill 881S during that battle. He also received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry during this tour of duty. He returned to Vietnam after a year at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a senior advisor to a battalion of the Vietnamese Marine Corps. For this service, he received a second award of the Bronze Star, two awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart and a second award of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After his service in Vietnam, Dabney served in a variety of posts. Among his assignments was the command of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and of the 9th Marines from 1978-79 and 1983-84, respectively. He also was the chief, Combat Operations Center, at the National Airborne Emergency Airborne Command Post and a senior fellow at the Strategic Defense Studies Center in Washington, D.C. He received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in both of those assignments. He concluded his career as the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC unit at VMI from 1987-90. During his last year of service, he served as the commandant of cadets at VMI. In 2011, Graham O. King ’61 established a VMI scholarship for merit honoring Dabney. Explaining his reasons for doing so, King said, “As a cadet, [Dabney] was a great role model and roommate and, to me and many in the Corps, a solid friend. During his decades in the Marines, he defended our country and served with great distinction. When he returned to VMI, he headed up the Naval ROTC program and also willingly served as the Institute’s commandant of cadets. His service in our country’s armed forces and service on behalf of VMI are worthy of being recognized, and I am glad to help accomplish this through this scholarship.” Among Dabney’s survivors are his wife, Virginia Puller Dabney, who he married in 1961 and who is a daughter of Lt. Gen. Lewis B. Puller ’21, USMC (Ret); son, Lewis Puller Dabney; daughter, Virginia Keane Kauders; and six grandchildren. Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship that honors Dabney may send a check to the VMI Foundation, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia, 24450. Please be sure to designate the gift to support the Colonel (USMC) William H. Dabney 1961 Scholarship for Merit. Donations by credit card can be made via the VMI Alumni Agencies’ secure on-line giving page (https://www.vmialumni.org/Donate).

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Bomber Command by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Contributing Writer

Author’s Note: Although this article focuses on the service of one man, it is also a tribute to every alumnus who faced the fighters and the flak in the skies over Europe. The courage of those men was immeasurable. They did their duty.

was named deputy commander and was designated a command pilot. The history of the 390th recorded that “he was the role model of a motivated and dedicated deputy commander.” The New Bombing Strategy

This occurred at a time when the Eighth Air Force was building up its strength in England prior to undertaking a major bombing campaign in Germany. Earlier that year, the strategic planners decided to conduct a concentrated effort to destroy industrial targets that would hinder weapons production. This was a momentous decision for the pilots and crews that would fly the missions. Up to this point, most of the raids had been against German installations in France, and the bomber formations had flown under the protection of Allied fighter planes. Nevertheless, the losses had been significant, and expanding the scope of operations meant extending the missions beyond the range of fighter escort aircraft: the bombers would fly the last 400 miles or so in Germany without any protective cover. The B-17 would be the major weapon to carry out this mission. Bristling with machine-guns and A veteran of the 100th noted, “[Jeffrey ’38] was tough, hard-nosed and expected the best from his men.” Photo courtesy VMI Archives. carrying a crew of 10 men, the plane was believed capable of defending itself. However, the loss experience cast doubts on this theory, and mong the many VMI men who it was estimated that the average crewman served with distinction in World had a one-in-four chance of completing his War II was Thomas S. Jeffrey quota of 25 missions. Jr. (Arvonia, Virginia), class of 1938. It was into this environment that JefAlthough commissioned in the field artil- frey and the 390th Bomb Group arrived lery, he was accepted to flight school and at Framlingham, England, in July 1943, received his wings in 1939. coming under the command of the Eighth In 1942, he was assigned to the newly- Air Force. Their first mission was flown on activated 390th Bombardment Group Aug. 12th. Later that week, the group was and charged with training the air-crews. tasked to participate in the initial mission He took the unit to England in July 1943, of the new strategy.

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All across England, the same story ensued: while the pilots and navigators received the critical details such as routes and The plan called for a total of 350 bombers to take off from formation positions, the air crews made last-minute preparabases across England and form into two divisions. One divi- tions on their weapons and planes. Jeffrey would be leading a wing, comprised of 30 bombers from three sion was to bomb a fighter production factory in groups flying in a “combat box” formation. Regensberg; the second was to hit a ball bearing “We can’t possibly take off in this weather,” manufacturing facility in Schweinfurt. Heavy thought one crewman. But once it was defog delayed the take-off of one of the divisions, termined that the weather over the target which left the other to take the full brunt of 300 was clear and that visibility for take-off was German fighters – in fact, the delay allowed time above minimums, the signal to proceed was for the Germans to land, refuel and rearm in time given, and the countryside shook with the to meet the second group as it entered enemy thundering roar of the heavily-laden bombers territory. The Eighth Air Force lost 60 aircraft lifting off and straining for altitude. and over 600 men that day, and while both tarUpon reaching the German border, the gets were damaged, neither was destroyed. The American fighter escort turned back, having 390th Group, which lost six aircraft, received reached the limit of their range. Anticipating a Distinguished Unit Citation for its role in the this, the German fighters had hung back and legendary but exacting mission. Jeffrey’s intense now, seeing the unprotected bombers, they training in the states had paid off. Jeffrey as a first classDue to the heavy losses from that raid and poor man at VMI. Photo cour- attacked with a vengeance. Their numbers had increased from approximately 300 in the weather over Germany, the 390th and the rest of tesy VMI Archives. first raid on Schweinfurt to as many as 700 by the Eighth Air Force were relegated to shorter one account, and they were well coordinated. missions for the next several weeks. But there was a growing pressure to get after Germany’s armament “Fighters – Twelve O’clock!” production capabilities, and with the arrival of replacement crews, another series of raids was planned. Over a period of They attacked head-on – a tactic that neutralized much of the eight days in October, there would be another “maximum bombers’ defensive firepower. The fighters slashed through effort” against selected industrial targets deep in Germany. Meanwhile the German leaders, alarmed by the first Sch- the formations at closing speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour. Another group followed weinfurt raid, decided to strip the the first; there were six waves Russian front of virtually every in all. Other fighters attacked fighter plane in order to concenfrom above. Bombers began to trate their forces and protect their fall, and the force was reduced homeland. As a result, the next to almost two thirds of its origiseries of raids would encounter a nal strength before it reached significantly larger and energized the target. defensive force. Over the target, the bombers The first three missions in Octohad to fly through clouds of ber resulted in a loss of 88 planes anti-aircraft fire as they made and almost 900 men. Morale in their bombing run – the intelthe Eighth Air Force dropped. And ligence briefing had estimated then came Thursday, Oct. 14th. about 500, 88mm guns would be defending the target. Then, “Black Thursday” turning for home, the formations were hit by the fighters The lights went on in the living again. Many of the Germans huts at 0430. Names were an- Jeffrey, standing, with two other officers. had landed and rearmed, and nounced; the crews of the 390th because bad weather over Engshuffled through the foggy darkness to the mess hall and then to the briefing huts. When the land had grounded the American fighters which were supposed briefing officer pulled back the curtain revealing the map of to escort the bombers back, the Germans were able to hound Europe that would dictate their lives for the next 14 hours, them all the way back to the English Channel. This would be the “Gettysburg” of the Eighth Air Force – its the men saw the line of red yarn that strung from their base at Framlingham to the target: “There is a hushed silence as bloodiest and worst loss of the air war. One author observed: everyone leans forward looking at the fateful end of the red “Schweinfurt should rank with Pickett’s Charge, Bataan, Choyarn. ‘It’s Schweinfurt’ the major says…” They were wide sin and other battlefields as an epic of American heroism.” * awake now. First Schweinfurt Raid

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“… Safe on the Ground!” Many tie-down spots on the concrete hardstands, stained by oil and grease where bombers once stood, were now empty on the bases across England that evening: a total of 65 were lost, and 17 more were damaged beyond repair. And there were more empty bunks in the living huts, as over 650 men did not return (some were captured). The new strategy was proving to be costly: the Eighth Air Force was on a pace of losing more than 30% of its strength a month. Jeffrey’s wing, however, lost only two aircraft on the mission, and he was awarded the Silver Star. His citation noted

Germans had singled out the 100th for destruction; others said that its losses were due to its position within the formations. In any case, the unit effectiveness was marginal, and morale was low. Jeffrey would be the fourth commanding officer in three months. Was This “Twelve O’Clock High”? He worked diligently to reorganize the command and staff structure, emphasizing all aspects of air and ground crew training as replacement crews came in, and in a relatively short period of time, the group’s operational record was substantially equal to that of the other groups. In a note to the author in February 2012, a veteran of the 100th noted, “He was tough, hardnosed and expected the best from his men. He was and still is well respected by the 100th Bomb Group.” ** He was highly regarded as group commander, and some have observed that this was the unit that inspired the movie “Twelve O’Clock High” and that the character played by Gregory Peck was patterned after Col. Thomas Jeffrey. Epilog

Jeffrey remained in command of the 100th until shortly before the end of the war and flew a total of 27 missions. He retired from the Air Force in 1971 with the rank of major general. In addition to the Silver Star, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with four Jeffrey, at right, front, with members of the 100th Bomb Group, which he oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, commanded. Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak that he “… directed the attack from his position in the leading leaf cluster, French Croix de Guerre and Polish Cross of Valor. aircraft. In spite of desperate attempts by the enemy to disrupt the unity of the formation, Colonel Jeffrey led the entire wing * Bruce Crawford (see Sources below) over the target … The high degree of success can be attributed ** Michael Faley (see Sources below) to the gallantry, skill and leadership displayed by Colonel Jeffrey.” The 390th earned its second Distinguished Unit Citation. Sources: • Bruce Crawford, “Eighth Air Force Raid on Schwein“The Bloody 100th” furt,” Aviation History, July 2001. • Edward Jablonski, Flying Fortress, Doubleday, 1965. Jeffrey now faced another problem: following the second • Walter Peters, “The Schweinfurt Raid,” Yank – The Army Schweinfurt raid, the 390th had lost 18 of its original 35 crews. Weekly, Oct. 24, 1943. He was charged with training the replacements, along with • Capt. David Reichart, “The Schweinfurt Raids,” Aviadeveloping new command crews. tion in World War Two (website). His leadership abilities brought him to the attention of the • Eighth Air Force Historical Society (website). commanding general, and in 1944, he was given a choice of • Michael Faley, 100th Bomb Group Foundation, e-mail commanding either of two groups. He chose the more chaldated Feb. 27, 2012. lenging: the 100th Bomb Group – known as the “Bloody • William F. Pennebaker & Marshall Shore, “Major 100th” because of its heavy losses. The day before the SchGeneral Thomas S. Jeffrey Jr. – A Founding Father of weinfurt mission, it lost 12 out of 13 bombers sent out; seven the 390th Bombardment Group,” The 390th Memorial more were lost on the mission before that. Some said that the Museum Foundation, 2000 (website). 2012-Issue 3

Carter L. Burgess ’39: Soldier, Public Servant and Businessman by Marge Weimer, Contributing Writer

wo years after Carter Burgess ’39 graduated from VMI, government positions, including Assistant Secretary of Defense to he faced a challenge that would define his career and an President Eisenhower. He took on the position in 1954, overseeing entire generation – answering the call to serve during manpower, personnel and reserve forces for the U.S. World War II. In a 1957 Sports Illustrated article, Burgess was referred to as “The day before D-Day, he carried a message from Eisenhower “a hard-bitten genius at articulating a problem and then getting it to de Gualle, so he was quite trusted and worked with an amazing solved.” The article stated that President Eisenhower appointed group of people,” said Jane Kelly, Burgess’ daughter. “Dad would Burgess as head of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to work not write a book, and we fussed at him, because with the President’s Council on Youth Fitness. he had seen such amazing things.” “I am delighted to hear of your willingness Burgess, who was born in 1916, rose from to assume a responsibility which I know will humble beginnings in Roanoke, Virginia. be personally rewarding and of great benHe was a graduate of Roanoke’s Jefferson efit to the young people of America,” stated High School and matriculated to VMI in 1935. Eisenhower in a letter to Burgess (archived In 1941, he married his sweetheart, May Gardner by the American Presidency Project) regardSmith, not long before heading overseas to serve ing his new role. “I am happy to designate in the U.S. Army at age 25. you as chairman … knowing that your foreDuring his time in the Army, Burgess quickly sight and leadership will bring tangible readvanced through the ranks to colonel. He sults in this essential work on youth fitness.” established lasting connections with superiors, That same year, Burgess was elected president including Walter Bedell “Beetle” Smith, reinof Trans World Airlines, reportedly bringing a forcing his reputation as a hard-working and new vigor and enthusiasm to the airline. courteous man. He later was named president of American Smith, a U.S. Army general, served as AssisMachine and Foundry Company and was foundtant to the Secretary of the General Staff under ing chairman of the National Corporation for Gen. George C. Marshall ’901 and served as Housing Partnerships (NCHP). The NCHP, Carter Burgess ’39, circa Eisenhower’s chief of staff during World War which stemmed from the 1968 Housing Act, was 1970. Photo courtesy VMI II. Smith was known as a severe man with rigid viewed as an alliance between government and Archives. sensibilities and was often referred to as Eisenindustry. With its partner, the National Houshower’s “hatchet man.” ing Partnership, the NCHP sought solutions for In 1943, John Deane, Secretary of the War Department General families with low to moderate income unable to find adequate Staff, wrote a letter of gratitude to Smith for permitting Bur- housing – an effort that continues today. gess to act as assistant secretary during the Anfa Conferences From August 1968 to March 1969, Burgess served as the U.S. Amin Casablanca. These conferences enabled the Allied forces to bassador to Argentina, appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. plan war strategies, and it was there that an imperative declaraOver the years, Burgess and his wife raised five daughters and a tion would form. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and son: Jane, Mary, Nan, Sue, Beth and Carter Jr. Though his profesGeneral Charles de Gualle, among others, determined that the sional career was demanding, Burgess was known as a devoted Allied forces would work toward garnering complete surrender husband and father – generous and dependable. of the Axis forces. “My father came from a family that didn’t have much, and with “Frankly, I could not have gotten along at all without Burgess,” all of his success in business, he educated six children and paid stated Deane in his letter to Smith, archived by the George C. for five weddings,” said Kelly, Burgess’ oldest daughter. “We Marshall Foundation. “He ran the Assistant Secretary’s Office had everything under the sun, and he did it all on his own – I say with the same efficiency that characterizes the set-up you estab- that with great pride.” lished in Washington.” Burgess’ wife, May, passed away in 1990, and after Burgess’s For his devotion and duty during the war, Burgess received death in 2002, their children donated his personal military colthe Legion of Merit, a meritorious service medal, the Croix de lection to the George C. Marshall Foundation. An exhibit was Guerre – a medal awarded by the French government recogniz- held in his honor at the History Museum of Western Virginia. ing acts of bravery – and was decorated an officer of the Order Burgess’s military successes and his rewarding career as a public of the British Empire. servant and prominent businessman prompted the Virginia Senate to “He is an outstanding officer whose high sense of duty, un- introduce a resolution in his honor at the 2003 General Assembly. failing good nature, energy and ability have contributed in a The resolution stated: “As an extraordinary citizen, Carter Burgess marked degree to the Allied cause,” stated the Order of the Brit- served his country and community with honor and tireless dedication. ish Empire announcement highlighting his work during the war. [He] will be lovingly remembered by his family and sorely missed After completing his tour of duty in 1945, Burgess held several by his numerous friends, associates and admirers.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Pitkethly ’58 and Wife Transport $100K in Donated Medical Supplies to Kenya Volunteer Their Time and Talent to Those in Need by George Abry, Contributing Writer

ith a 50-year international medical career behind him, including a position as chief of Neurosurgery during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, David T. Pitkethly ’58, M.D., thought nothing would surprise him anymore – until he arrived at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.

the people overshadowed the hardships I faced. The Kenyans are proud and cheerful, despite the overwhelming poverty in their daily lives.” In March 2012, Pitkethly and his wife, Mara, spent two weeks in western Kenya, where they both volunteered at an 800-bed hospital in Eldoret. The 20-hour flight from the couple’s hometown of Seattle, Washington, would have been enough of an undertaking, but they were also delivering $100,000 worth of donated medical equipment to the hospital. Before leaving for Kenya as a FIENS (Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery) volunteer, Pitkethly There, the ward’s 10-bed rooms were overcrowded with contacted Dr. Florentius Koech, the lone neurosurgeon in Eldopatients and families. Patients commonly slept two or three ret, and asked him what equipment he needed. Koech said that to a single bed or on the floor. Patient clothes were washed a cranial perforator for his old Stryker drill would be greatly in an outside sink by visiting family members and laid out to appreciated, as well as any other medical supplies. Since Mara planned to work on the surgical wards at the dry on bushes along the hospital’s walkways. The operating hospital, she combed the local room scrub sinks had one bar thrift stores around Seattle for of soap, and the same scrub scrubs. Pitkethly set to work brush was used over and over. soliciting donations from mediSurgical sets were incomplete cal supply companies. “Stryker, by Western standards, and Medtronic, Integra and Aescusharp instruments were either lap understood the need, and absent or dull. soon our house began to fill up “The hospital in which I with medical supplies,” he said. worked during Desert Storm “We had 18 large boxes worth was very well equipped, over $100,000 of equipment certainly better than the one from our generous donors and in Eldoret,” Pitkethly said. no practical means for moving “The conditions in general were difficult and challenging The Pitkethlys feeding a giraffe at the Nairobi National them to East Africa. Our only option was to take it all with in Kenya, but the kindness of Park. us! We unboxed the supplies down to sterile packaging and crammed everything into three oversized suitcases.” The trip’s inspiration came in 2011 during Pitkethly’s 50th medical school class reunion at Duke University. He and his wife had been longtime donors to organizations such as FIENS and Doctors without Borders, and they had always entertained the idea of volunteering in an underdeveloped country. Pitkethly, who is a professor emeritus with the University of Washington, Department of Neurosurgery, had left patient care five years ago, and Mara had also retired after 30 years as a registered nurse. During an inspirational lecture by the Duke Global David Pitkethly ’58, M.D., in front of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Health Institute, they looked at each other in Eldoret, Kenya, March 2012. and said, “We can do this!” (continued)

“We can do this!” the Pitkethlys said to each other.

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Pitkethly found that many patients were malnourished and infected with HIV/AIDS. “While I was there, I assisted Dr. Koech with a frontal lobe tuberculoma in a 36-year-old woman with AIDS,” he said. “Many of the neurosurgical patients at MTRH were infants with Type II Chiari malformation, a neural tube defect which causes myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus, and is readily preventable with prenatal care and folic acid supplements.” When he wasn’t in the operating room, he spent his time at the Moi University Medical School, teaching the five medical students on the neurosurgery service. Meanwhile, Mara organized her own busy schedule. “I came to Eldoret ready to work,” she said. Although she originally planned to spend her time working on the hospital wards, she explained, “It didn’t take long for me to realize that the learning experience I would gain from ‘free time’ was immeasurably more productive.” Mara decided to get a firsthand look at the AIDS epidemic by volunteering with AMPATH (The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare), a nonprofit partnership between Moi

Pitkethly’s wife, Mara, a retired registered nurse, accompanied him on the trip to Kenya. Above, the couple paused for a photo during a hike there.

University, MTRH and a consortium of American medical schools led by the University of Indiana. The AMPATH program has created an elaborate system of identifying and tracking infected individuals so they can receive treatment, both in clinics and outreach programs. Mara also spent time at the Sally Test Pediatric Center (a hospital wing for orphans with HIV/AIDS), Kabongo Medical Clinic and the Patrician Primary School. “My days were so full, it left my head spinning,” she said. The Pitkethlys are already making plans for another volunteer medical trip in spring 2013, perhaps to Asia or Central America. “I would encourage anyone to do it; the need is so great for nurses and physicians of any kind or just anyone with a caring heart,” Mara said. 20

Wilson ’06

Stays Undefeated in Ring by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

here’s no denying it – Todd “White Lightning” Wilson ’06 works hard. The 28-year-old professional boxer is undefeated in his 13 fights, all achieved while balancing another full-time job. The junior welterweight grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, and started boxing in high school. But it was after joining the boxing team his Rat year that Wilson began to take the sport seriously. He made All-American twice and won a National Collegiate Boxing Association championship his sophomore year. “College was definitely the catalyst to start training full time,” Wilson says. After graduating, Wilson moved to northern Virginia, where he currently balances his boxing career and his job as a business development specialist for the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. Juggling two careers has its share of challenges, especially leading up to a fight. Wilson’s rigorous schedule begins with a strength and conditioning workout at six in the morning. By 8:30 a.m., he’s at work, and depending on his schedule, he tries to sneak in a run during lunch. From six to 8:30 p.m., Wilson is boxing. “When I’m training for a fight, it’s boring and monotonous,” Wilson says. “It’s becoming an increasing challenge to balance boxing and working full-time.” Sticking to his diet before a fight is a challenge in its own right. Eight to 10 weeks before a fight, Wilson isn’t allowed alcohol or any unhealthy, processed foods. His closely calculated diet is low on bread, pasta and other carbs, consisting mainly of oatmeal, egg whites and chicken breasts. The hardest part, he says, is going out to dinner with friends and co-workers. “I’ll be sitting here, drinking water, while everyone else is having beer, or I’ll be eating chicken breast and steamed broccoli while everybody’s eating pasta and drinking wine,” Wilson says. As attested by his undefeated record, his sacrifices seem

Wilson scoring a knock down in the 6th round against Fernando Basora, en route to his 12th professional win.

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to be paying off. Last September, Wilson beat former world champion Eric “Mighty Mouse” Aiken, which put a real feather in his cap. “That silenced a lot of critics,” Wilson said. “There are a lot of people in the boxing community who don’t think a pudgy white kid from Illinois can hang with the world-class fighters.” One consistent in Wilson’s career has been long-time manager and advisor Bruce Frank. The two met while Wilson was in college, and Wilson relaxing briefly before Frank serves as Wilson’s corhis next bout. nerman during bouts. “He’s a very elusive, awkward fighter,” Frank says. “He is hard to hit, because [he doesn’t have] a traditional stance. He’s unusual even for a southpaw, the way he throws his punches.” Wilson often spends weekends before a fight at Frank’s house, fine-tuning his technique and undergoing intensive boxing workouts. Frank also gave Wilson his nickname, “White Lightning.” “I’m fairly quick, and I’m pigment challenged,” Wilson jokes. “I’m pretty white when I come in the ring, and he made a joke about it.” A nickname isn’t the only thing Wilson has taken away from the sport. While undergoing strength and conditioning training, he met his fiancé, Brigid, a personal trainer. “She’s very supportive,” Wilson says. “She’s the one who pushes me on the weekends to go run when I’d rather sit and watch TV.” The couple has been together for three years and will tie the knot in October 2012. Wilson wants to have three more fights this year, which will have to be scheduled around the wedding. “My fiancé is not too keen on having me fight right before the wedding,” Wilson says. “Don’t want to get beat up.” Wilson says he’s starting to get offers from bigger fighters and in

the next year would like to have either a televised fight or an opportunity for a title. As much as he would like to practice boxing solely, the time isn’t right yet. “Juggling a high stress business development position and boxing, there’s definitely some overlap,” Wilson says. “If I had the opportunity to fight full-time and focus on that, the sky is the limit.” Wilson credits his time at VMI with helping him in the ring. “The ability to deal with tough situations mentally and physically has impacted my boxing career,” he says, adding that VMI is “a tough, tough environment to be successful in. There’s a lot of the same mentality [with boxing]. It’s kind of sink or swim. They kind of throw you in the deep end when you get there.” Wilson stays in touch with English professor Col. Roger Thompson, to whom he became close during an internship in Canada. Thompson describes Wilson as an extremely hard-working, independent and motivated person.

Todd Wilson ’06 with his team after a win. From left: Rob Graveline, strength and conditioning coach; Leo Rossiter, head trainer and chief second; Wilson; Bruce Frank, coach, advisor and manager; and Charlie King, assistant coach/trainer.

“Once he sets his mind to doing something, he’ll do it,” Thompson says. “I assume he’s the same way in the ring.” Once, Thompson saw Wilson fight an opponent in a higher weight class with a longer reach. “Todd just dismantled him,” Thompson says. “You kind of don’t expect that he would pack such a wallop. He’s just so fast.”

Jeff Shaara: Author of “God’s and Generals” Helps Preserve VMI’s Heritage by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

ince his first book, Gods and Generals, published in 1996, Jeff Shaara has been a fixture on nearly every bestseller list. His novels, known for their carefully drawn characters and close attention to historical detail, include a trilogy about World War II in Europe and two books concerning the American Revolution. His latest novel, A Blaze of Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Shiloh, marks his return to the Civil War genre and the first book in a planned trilogy about the Civil War’s western campaign. For more than a dozen years, Shaara has supported projects related to preserving and presenting VMI’s extraordinary heritage. This past spring, we asked him a few questions about his support of the Institute. (Continued on next page)

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Jeff Shaara Helps Preserve VMI’s Heritage (continued) Why do you give to VMI in general? My relationship with VMI started in 1995 when I came to Lexington to research my first book. I fell in love with the place, the whole city of Lexington. Furthermore, some great people, especially Keith Gibson [’77, executive director, Museum Operations] and the late John Elrod, president of Washington and Lee, were very helpful to me.

I like that cadets work and study at the New Market Battlefield. That “hands-on” aspect gives them a much more valuable experience to carry into the future. Having a cadet at the battlefield also enriches visitors’ experiences by allowing them to meet a current member of the same Corps of Cadets that showed such courage in May 1864. I rarely endow anything, preferring to give to meet an immediate need, but I know I did the right thing with this program, because I have received a very nice letter of thanks from every cadet who has participated in the fellowship.

You are known for your support of the Jackson Battery’s preservation. Why did that project attract you?

Cadet Megan Sheetz ’14: Most Recent Shaara Scholar

In 1998, I was walking on the parade ground with Keith Gibson near the Battery. Keith picked up a piece of metal from one of the guns from off the ground and said, “It’s an embarrassment.” I agreed, and later that night, I asked him how much it would cost to replace the carriages. He told me $30,000, and not longer after, I provided the money. When a couple of very hard winters caused the new carriages to deteriorate much sooner than anticipated, I was happy to give the funds to replace them. As to why I do it, it’s simple: I am giving back to VMI for all that its people have done for me. Furthermore, I am paying a tribute to Stonewall Jackson. These guns, which he used to teach artillery tactics to cadets, sit under Jackson’s statue across from Jackson Arch and within sight of his classroom. Finally, the plaque at the Battery acknowledges my involvement, and that is one of the nicest things that anyone has done for me.

The most recent Shaara Scholar was Megan Sheetz ’14. About her experience, she said, “I applied for the internship because I have been to many museums, but I wanted to know what happened behind the scenes. Learning how the museum works to interpret the history of the Civil War, the Battle of New Market and VMI has given me a new appreciation for museums and the people who run them. I have always been fascinated by history, and at New Market, I am learning more about history every day and not just about the Civil War. “I learned many aspects of a museum of which I was not previously aware. The most beneficial aspect that I have learned is how to communicate with the public. Whether through my time at the front desk or giving tours of the battlefield, I have improved my ability to communicate and convey a message to a person.” Also, her time at the New Market Battlefield reinforced her decision about her plans after VMI. “I will head to graduate school, pursue a degree in archaeology and become an archaeologist,” Sheetz explained.

You also donated to the VMI Museum’s renovation and the refurbishment of an artillery caisson. Your signature project is the Shaara New Market Battlefield Scholar-in-Residence Program. Tell us about that, please.

Cadet Megan Sheetz ’14 is the most recent beneficiary of the Shaara New Market Battlefield Scholar-in-Residence Program.

I was fishing around for something more to do for VMI, and someone at the VMI Foundation suggested some sort of work-study program. It developed into the current program in which a cadet receives a stipend, works 10 weeks at the battlefield in uniform and also receives a signed hardcover version of my Civil War trilogy that includes my father’s classic, The Killer Angels.

You mentioned that the Shaara Program enriches visitors’ experiences. Why it is important for people to visit battlefields? Speaking personally, my experiences in walking the ground where history took place have enriched me as a writer. One day, for example, while researching my book about the early days of the American Revolution, Rise to Rebellion, I stood at the North Bridge in Concord, in the position that the British occupied on April 19, 1775. Looking up at the hills across the river from which the Americans launched the attack that eventually drove the British all the way back to Boston, I finally could picture what unfolded that morning. It was just awesome. And I have never experienced anything like it while reading a book or looking at a map or a museum exhibit. More broadly, museums are all well and good. However, just like a zoo is not a jungle, a museum is not a battlefield. In recent years, we have developed an awareness of battlefields’ importance. We now accept that if we lose that ground, we lose a connection with the past. And if we lose that connection, we lose sight of who we are as a people, as a nation. Thanks for your time and your support of VMI. Any final thoughts?

Yes, I hope people understand that my support of VMI is not a way of me saying, “Hooray for me!” I have been fortunate, and I know that I did not accomplish what I have by myself. So, it’s my way of saying, “Thanks.” Finally, my commitment to VMI is ongoing, and I want to continue it, because VMI is a special place, as is its hometown of Lexington. It simply is great to be involved with such an institution.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

First Spring Reunion

April 23-24, 2012

Reunion photos by Traci Mierzwa, Kevin Remington and Sarah Brown.

Classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952 and 1957

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Second Spring Reunion April 26-28, 2012

Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992 and the Honored Class of 1962

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS Board Bids Farewell to Association President Blanks ’67, Welcomes Heely ’69 as New President Farewell, Randy Blanks Randolph M. Blanks ’67 has completed his two-year term as president of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Blanks was elected second vice president in 2006 and later ascended to the role of president, following the term of Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73. Prior to being named the top board officer, he served in other Alumni Association board positions, including regional director for the Potomac River and Metro DC Region and president of the Potomac River Chapter, located in northern Virginia. During his term as president, Blanks’ interest in communicating with alumni was instrumental in the creation of both the Young Alumni and Senior Alumni Committees. During his Blanks ’67 tenure, the 2010 edition of the Register of Former Cadets was published, and mobile applications of an alumni directory and an online magazine were launched. The VMI Alumni Mobile app now serves more than 2,400 alumni and has become the primary method of updating addresses and other information. Also, during his tour, Blanks oversaw the hiring of two, key Alumni Association executives and has ensured that New Cadet Recruiting and Career Networking remain vibrant programs and services for alumni. Blanks completed his term on June 30, 2012. As the immediate past president, he will remain on the board for two years as part of the Executive Committee for the Alumni Association.

Bay, a 700-resident, continuous care retirement community. In this role, he is responsible for the growth and operations of the WestminsterCanterbury Foundation and the public relations, volunteer programs and activities of this community. The Heelys’ daughter, Becky Peterson, is the music director for the Lower School at Norfolk Academy and the mother of three of their granddaughters. Son Bobby is a lieutenant commander, surface warfare officer, in the Navy and the father of another granddaughter. Teddy, their youngest son, is a professional drummer who also works in the running/ athletic shoe business. Heely is a former president of the Norfolk Chapter of the Alumni Association and served as the New Cadet Recruiting (NCR) chair in Hampton Roads for many years before joining the Alumni Association Board. He loves promoting VMI to young men and women and served as chairman of the board’s NCR Committee for several years prior to his membership on the Executive Committee. About his position as president, Heely said, “I believe strongly in the Alumni Association’s role to organize alumni, keep the VMI spirit alive and unite them as a body to support the educational, military and athletic purposes of our beloved Institute.”

Welcome, Bob Heely Elected by the board as its next president, Robert A. “Bob” Heely ’69 had been serving as the association’s first vice president while Blanks was president. The Heely family has a strong VMI legacy. His father, Dale, graduated from VMI in 1940 and his son, Bobby Jr., in 1998. He has brothers and cousins who are also VMI men. His wife, Lush, admits to her 38-year love affair with VMI, which began when the couple first met. The two were introduced to each other by Heely’s VMI roommates. While a cadet at the Institute, Heely was class president, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers and president of the Glee Club. He took part in Rat wrestling, was a member of the baseball team and served the Corps as Charlie Company commander. Heely ’69 After graduating from VMI, Heely served three years of active duty in the Marine Corps as a combat engineer platoon commander, with a stint spent cleaning up fire support bases southwest of Da Nang as the First Marine Division departed Vietnam in 1971. After obtaining a master of business administration degree in finance from Old Dominion University, he enjoyed a 29-year career in commercial banking in Norfolk, Virginia, beginning with the Bank of Virginia which eventually became Wachovia. In 2003, he was recruited to become the vice president for Development & Community Relations with Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake

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Above: Presenting a farewell gift to Blanks, center, in appreciation for his two years as president were Bob Heely, left, and then-Second Vice President Turner Perrow ’96, right. The gift was a print of the painting “Put the Boys In,” which hangs in Moody Hall. Below: Anne Blanks, right, opened the gift presented to her by Lush Heely, left, along with a bouquet of roses.

ASSOCIATION NEWS CLASS NOTES

Association and Cadets Host Legacy Day for 100 Guests by Nichole Kramer ’03, New Cadet Recruiting Officer

For the 18th consecutive year, Legacy Day proved to be another fun and educational day for all who attended. The VMI Alumni Association and numerous cadets hosted approximately 100 guests for this annual March event. The day began in Moody Hall, where legacies were issued a gray gym dyke t-shirt and had the opportunity to play corn hole or try on various VMI uniforms. After a warm greeting by Col. Jeffrey H. Curtis ’79, VMI chief of staff, the legacies – grouped into ageappropriate “companies” – met their “cadre” of cadets and were led on a tour of Barracks. While talking with each other during the Barracks tour, many parents and alumni realized they had a lot in common, and Legacy Day became a mini-reunion of Brother Rats, cadre, dykes, etc. In addition to all of the fun events, fantastic fellowship was a

highlight of the day for the adults and cadets. Following a DRC march to Crozet for lunch, the VMI spirit swelled in our guests, and many headed to Foster Stadium to support the lacrosse team in its battle against Marist College. Hopefully, the home team crowd contributed to some of the Keydets’ amazing shots on goal. Other locked-on legacies – not wanting to get caught by the sergeant major for his inspection platoon, perhaps – got a standard haircut and then learned about VMI’s engineering program with a tour of the labs in the Nichols Engineering Building. The legacies’ final formation of the day was at North Post, where they were one of the first non-cadet groups to be authorized to maneuver some of the obstacles. The two most popular obstacles were the mentally challenging TP Shuffle and foot-races versus the alumni. Next year, Legacy Day guests will be offered the opportunity to complete the High Ropes Course and learn about other academic areas of the Institute! Stay tuned to the website or get in touch with Nichole Kramer ’03, New Cadet Recruiting officer, if you would like to attend or support this event.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Legacy Day, March 2012 (continued)

CLASS NOTES

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Lynchburg Chapter Cocktail Reception VMI Board of Visitors Meeting in Lynchburg, Virginia CLASS NOTES The VMI Board of Visitors (BOV) held its February 2012 meeting in Lynchburg, Virginia. To provide an opportunity for Alumni Association Lynchburg Chapter members to meet members of the BOV, the chapter hosted a reception at The Craddock Terry Hotel on Feb. 9th. Photos clockwise from top, right: - Drake Watts ’08 with his father, John Watts. - From left, Brig. Gen. Bob Green ’67, VMI deputy superintendent for Finance, Administration and Support; Sam Saunders ’78; and Danny Thornton ’78. - Carole Green, Alumni Association vice president, left, with Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thompson ’67. - Megan Spaulding and Chris Boswell ’00. - Matt Deacon ’11 and Mary Frazier. - Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto Sampson ’98, left, with J.P. Morris ’98.

Charlotte Chapter Meets NBA Player Williams ’08

Members of the Charlotte Chapter attended the NBA Charlotte Bobcats vs. New Jersey Nets game on March 4, 2012. Afterward, they had the chance to meet Bobcats player and VMI alumnus Reggie Williams ’08. Chapter President Mike Anderson ’88, who submitted this photo, wrote, “The kids and adults, alike, had a great time. Many thanks to Reggie for his generosity.”

Hawaii Chapter Celebrates New Market Day

Chapter members, from left, Tom Smyth ’58, Russell Takata (chapter president) and Mike Ceroli ’85 met at the Hale Koa Hotel to celebrate New Market Day, May 15, 2012. According to Takata, who submitted this photo, they “exchanged great stories.”

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ASSOCIATION NEWS New Market Day in Kuwait

Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ives ’80, USA, third from left, wrote: “A small contingent of VMI alumni gathered at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to honor [those] who lost their lives at New Market. The great [story about] this group is that we are related – by dyke class. As is true at any gathering of alumni, we discussed memories from our days at the Institute.” Ives went on to say, “After 10 years of war, we further recognized the heroic efforts of alumni, both past and present.” Pictured, from left: Maj. Ray Jaklitsch ’95, Maj. Clinton Seybold ’92, Ives, Cmdr. Tedd Muery ’92 and retired Col. Roy Blizzard ’86.

American Airlines Captain Christopher L. Manno ’77 and First Officer Shawn P. Oliver ’85 are shown above, manning the cockpit of an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 at 38,000 feet, somewhere over Arizona.

USMC Birthday

Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday on Nov. 10, 2011, at the National Defense University were, from left, Lt. Col. Adam Strickland ’94, Lt. Col. Chuck Ellis ’90, Cmdr. Scott Smith ’91, Maj. Gen. Joseph Brown ’80, Lt. Col. Dan Shipley ’92, Lt. Col. Ron Huzzard ’92 and Matt Williams ’93. Smith, who submitted the photo, wrote, “We took the opportunity of gathering around a bust of Gen. George C. Marshall, class of 1901, [at center] to also commemorate Founders Day.”

Alumni Team-up to Win

At the Rockbridge County Aquatics “Dive into Spring” swimming meet in Lexington, Virginia, on March 25, 2012, were John Blankenship ’80, Mory Wood ’79, Mark Williams ’85 and Frank DeVenoge ’88. According to Wood, who submitted the photo, this team won first place, “turning in a blazing time of 1:47.55.”

Photo at left: At the Churchland YMCA in Portsmouth, Virginia, were, from left, Bill Crone IV ’64, Meade Stith III ’71, Michael Strickland ’71, Conrad Strickland ’70, Carl Rhodes Jr. ’66, Ronnie Ayres ’66 and Bill Knowles ’60. The executive director of the YMCA is Richard Wentz, son of Robert Wentz ’54. Photo by Kendall Rhodes.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS New York City Mission Trip is Highlight for Cadets

Networking Forums Inspire and Challenge Cadets

CLASS NOTESby Eric Hunter ’08, Career Placement Officer

by Eric Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer

In 2008, VMI Chaplain Jim Park worked with Brian Pettrey ’92, an associate pastor at the Brooklyn Tabernacle church in Brooklyn, New York, to set up a cadet mission trip to New York City. With Pettrey’s help, Park accompanied 10 cadets to New York during their spring break – it was a trip that they would never forget. Since then, Chaplain Park has continued to make this mission trip with cadets each year. This year, 15 cadets – including Cadet Vytenis Miliusas, an international student from Lithuania – traveled to New York City during their spring break. The group stayed in Queens, New York, at the New York School of Urban Ministry (NYSUM) and took part in two outreach ventures per day, including activities such as a prayer walk across Brooklyn Bridge, serving the needy in soup kitchens, manning a sidewalk prayer station, visiting severely ill patients in a city hospital, ministry at a drug and alcohol rehab house, and befriending and caring for the homeless living on the streets. There were also opportunities for fellowship with a few alumni. Following service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, the group invited Pastor Pettrey to join them at Junior’s Restaurant, well known for its cheese cake. Also, as the group prepared to depart from the NYSUM one morning, a woman who had noticed the VMI spider logo on the group’s van approached them. She was the wife of Joe Brennan ’08 – the couple lives in an apartment just one block from the NYSUM. Happy to have made this connection, the VMI group invited the Brennans to join them at Gino’s Pizzeria at the end of the week. Overall, the mission trip was a tremendous success for all who participated, and both planned and chance meetings with VMI alumni were rewarding, as well.

At the Brooklyn Tabernacle church in Brooklyn, New York, were, from left, front row, VMI Chaplain Jim Park, Pastor Brian Pettrey ’92, and Zari and Eric Hunter ’08. Cadets, not in order of appearance: Molly Western ’14, Rob Young ’12, Vytenis Miliusas, Weston Hitchcock ’14, Abhimanyu Trikha ’14, William Brubaker ’14, Fred Walker ’15, Keith MacDonald ’14, Josh Lepper ’13, Daniel Oberlander ’14, Zach Stark ’14 and Matt Bang ’14. Not pictured but present were Patrick Finn ’15, Hannah Gilbert ’14 and Steve Lindley ’10.

The VMI network is the strongest among all schools in the nation and is continually evolving. All cadets have heard about it, and for some, it is the reason they are attending VMI. During the 2011-12 academic school year, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. and VMI Career Services held two cadet-alumni networking forums (Dec. 3, 2011, and Feb. 25, 2012). With an average of 30 alumni in attendance at each forum, it was clearly demonstrated how much alumni care about VMI and the current cadets. At the 2011 Winter Cadet-Alumni Networking Forum in December, we were honored to have Matt Thompson ’02, the chief operating officer at Troopswap.com, speak to the group. He described how he resigned from his position at a top investment firm and was sleeping on the couch at a friend’s house while he began building his company from scratch. During this time, he realized that he had never felt so alive. Matt challenged the cadets to take chances with their careers and always be passionate about what they are doing. At our second forum, cadets had the opportunity to hear from Mike Schupp ’81, vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates. He provided a dynamic presentation which led the cadets on a journey through his military and professional career. Mike explained how he was stretched and challenged during his career and how it all led to making him a better, more well-rounded leader. The challenge Mike presented to the cadets was to not shy away from positions that are new and outside their comfort zones. He encouraged them to embrace the opportunities and know that being stretched allows them to grow as leaders. If you would like to join us for a future networking forum, please e-mail Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@vmiaa.org.

Speaking with cadets about engineering were, from left, Peter Charrington ’66, James Byron ’81, Jack Keane ’80, Pete Tranchik ’81, Tom Wirth ’98, Caleb Gibson ’11 and John Cawthorne ’81.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Old Corps Luncheon Westminster-Canterbury, Virginia Beach On March 22, 2012, Walter Ames ’52 hosted an Old Corps Luncheon at the Westminster-Canterbury in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As stated on the invitation, “Once your VMI class has celebrated its 40th Reunion, you’re officially a member of the ‘Old Corps.’ Congratulations!” Photos provided by Douglas Burdett ’82, co-regional director (with Asa Page III ’79) of Alumni Association Region 10, Hampton Roads (Virginia). According to Burdett, there were approximately 45 attendees, including alumni classes ranging from 1936 (represented by Joe Keller ’36) to 1971. Alumni Association President (then-first vice president) Bob Heely ’69 spoke to the group.

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VMI Locket is Now Available for Purchase

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

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

$124.99 plus shipping $34.99 plus shipping

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

To order, call 800/444-1839, or mail a check or money order to The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P. O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450. To order online, go to www.vmialumni.org/vmilocket. About the manufacturer: For nearly two decades, The Artel Collection has provided the most creative, original and inspired assortment of egg pendants to major Fabergé exhibits across the United States. The manufacturer is currently the source of original egg pendants offered at numerous museum shops, jewelry stores and fine gift shops across the United States and abroad. 40

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

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CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS While in Scotland, Jim was invited to attend a wedding and escort one of the bridesmaids in Glasgow. And that is how Jim met his late wife, Betty Jack, who had quite a story. Betty had survived the London Blitz, and now, two years later, she was an officer in the Women’s Royal Greetings to the Great Class of ’35: Naval Service (the “Wrens”). Jim and I had the most interesting conversation Betty were married in 1944 in Scotland. with Jim Sherman, class agent emeritus. The conversation turned to the Battle Mr. Sherman called to talk about his for Brest. If the Allies were to adequately late Brother Rat, George Freeman. Jim supply the 37 divisions that would be on described George as a very good friend. the ground by the fall of 1944, they would We began to reminisce, and Jim spoke have to secure all of the port facilities lost of his boyhood days in Newport News, in 1940, after the fall of France. Of these, Virginia. He vividly recalled the WWI none were more important than the port fa“doughboys” returning to America and discilities at Brest, on the Brittany Peninsula. embarking at Newport News. Jim laughed Brest was defended by three crack Gerwhen I remarked that they returned man divisions and several units of elite “almost 100 years ago.” Jim has quite a paratroopers. The enemy was heavily memory. entrenched, supplied and armed. Jim We moved on to his cadet days, and Jim remembered the heavy artillery barrages recalled “greasing” the railroad tracks that continuously pounded the VIII Corps prior to the arrival of the U. of Virginia football team. Despite hitting the brakes, of Patton’s Third Army. After six weeks of the train slid right on by the station, leavfighting, including hand-to-hand combat, ing the wahoos and their fans a steep hike the Germans surrendered, but the port faup the “hill of science” to the football cilities were destroyed. Their destruction, field. together with the failure of Operation MarIn those days, a cadet was not allowed to ket Garden, seriously damaged the supply drive a car in Lexington or in the nearby chain, which slowed the Allied offensive college towns, but that did not deter Jim that fall and into the next year. and some Bro’ Rats from renting a car from Jim and Peggy are enjoying their life toone of the Army’s enlisted men and driving gether in Southern Pines, North Carolina. to the “female academy” in Lynchburg. On There is so much “living history” among the way home, they blew a tire and returned the ranks of the alumni. to Barracks well after “Taps.” In April, I was back in They were boned for coming Virginia Beach to visit my in late, and Jim was boned for mother, and while there, I had driving a car without authorithe privilege of meeting Clelia zation, a serious offense that Freeman for dinner. Mrs. Freeearned him an audience with the man reminisced about George’s superintendent, Maj. Gen. John (Lt. Col. George C. Freeman’s) Archer Lejeune. To his relief, service in Europe (with PatGen. Lejeune dismissed the more ton’s Third Army) and after serious charge against Jim, which the war, his service on Gen. further enhanced the general’s Douglas MacArthur’s staff in popularity inside the Barracks. Tokyo, Japan. The Freemans Jim recalled that Gen. LeJeune were also stationed in Northern was involved in a serious acCanada for several years, and cident. During an inspection living there was not easy. Her of the boiler room behind the descriptions were fascinating. I Barracks, Gen. Lejeune fell Class of 1935: Edwin T. “Eddie” Arnold sent class agent, hope to be seeing Clelia on my down an embankment and hit Dick Knight, this photo taken in late 1941 at the end next visit. his head on the pavement. The of the calm before the storm. Pictured were, from left, Edwin T. “Eddie” Arnold resulting injuries impaired the George D. Wiltshire ’914, an unidentified rider, Flournoy sent me another fine photo. It H. Barksdale ’40 and “Lieutenant” Arnold ’35. superintendent’s speech, and Jim was taken in late 1941, at the

’35

Richard H. Knight ’70

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remembered that the general’s mood darkened and that a dour expression dominated his facial features. The general evolved into a strict and, in the opinion of some, an unreasonable disciplinarian. (One has to wonder what an MRI might have disclosed, had such a diagnostic test been available. Gen. Lejeune’s accident is recorded in the book by Henry Wise ’927, Drawing Out the Man – The VMI Story, p. 141.) After graduation, Jim returned to Newport News and accepted a position with Newport News Shipbuilding, where his father was employed. Many of Jim’s Brother Rats were not so lucky, as the nation was deep in the Great Depression. Jim had the privilege of working on the Navy’s new Essex-class aircraft carriers and, as the war approached, Jim’s position would have exempted him from active service. However, Jim held an Army Reserve commission, and nothing could stop him from going on active duty. During the early phase of the war, Jim was stationed at Gourock, Scotland, on the Firth of Clyde, near Glasgow. It was here that transport ships, such as the Queen Mary, dropped anchor and disgorged thousands of American soldiers that would play a large role in the North African invasion. It was at Gourock that Jim saw Britain’s great Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, and a number of American celebrities now in uniform, including Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

CLASS NOTES end of the calm before the storm. By the time these notes are published, I will have had breakfast with Eddie and his son, Tom, who I am scheduled to meet in Albuquerque on June 30. I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer. Until next time, here is wishing the very best to you and yours. Dick ’70

’37

Frank Forsyth’37

This is a big “shout out” (John’s words) to all class of ’37 members; we need to hear from you! I understand we each may feel that we have little current information to share. But past memories can be entertaining, informative and valuable for those of us who have completed similar journeys. News is a little slim this quarter. However, I did receive a note from Bunny Tucker with our reunion highlights. Additionally, I received a nice note from Randolph (Randy) Blanks ’67, then-president of the Alumni Association, expressing his appreciation for reinitiating our class notes column. So, in this notes issue, I’ve extracted some of Bunny’s musings (he so graciously penned to me) to share with all. Additionally, for everyone’s reading pleasure, I’m going to tell a little story on myself. My goal in sharing a story (locked away for these many years) is to stimulate others to provide similar entrancing anecdotes. I’m sure all are aware that the class of ’37 celebrated its 75th Reunion April 21st and 22nd. Being the oldest class represented and so recognized, we were honored, wined and dined. Bunny, being our most able but sole representative, was thrilled but humbled by the attention. Both Harry Lee ’47 and Bunny live at Westminster-Canterbury, Richmond. So, it was relatively easy for Bunny to pull rank and secure chauffeured conveyance, a la Harry, into the Shenandoah Valley. And due to the fact that he was the lone ’37 member attending, Bunny was attached to the class of ’47 for scheduled reunion functions. The class of ’47 mustered about 15 Brother Rats, and all 42

were exceptionally attentive, seeing to all Bunny’s needs. On Monday, alumni were treated to a post bus tour, presided over by Lt. Col. Dale Brown, director of construction and head engineering advisor at VMI. Bunny related that they went places he had never seen. The so-called “North Post” between Nile Creek and the Maury River is now loaded with athletic facilities – including a baseball diamond, a hockey and lacrosse field, and tennis courts. Although not visible from the passengers’ positions on the bus, they were informed that there are a myriad of beams, structures, ropes, etc. which enable personal and group physical conditioning. Additionally, the renovated JM Hall museum is beautiful. Bunny was particularly taken with the Colt rifle and revolver collection gifted by Henry Stewart ’35. The Institute has over 800 bequeathed firearm artifacts to eventually display. However, the Stewart donation is an exceptional group of unique antique firearms. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind or the only known surviving example. The collection is reputed to be the finest of its kind in the U.S.A. and maybe the world! The miserable weather (cold and rainy) experienced the first two days vanished with the sun’s appearance just before parade time Tuesday afternoon. The washed earth and clear air of the valley afforded a beautiful parade ground which, reflecting on my cadet days, I’m sure was not what the today’s Corps desired. However, the cadets took the field and did not disappoint their audience. The alumni parade was everything it was anticipated to be. Bunny’s grandson, an upcoming senior at Washington & Lee University, was beside Bunny at parade. So, Bunny asked him to carry the ’37 guideon. It must have been a kick for Bunny to have his grandson by his side, as the class of ’37 led trailing reunion classes into Old Barracks! Remembering our 70th Reunion, I believe somewhere there is a picture of Bunny atop the sentry box, directing the cheer for our class. Bunny related that, although he was a young 92 in 2007, the additional five years he’s added since make a difference. Recognizing discretion to be the better part of valor, he chose to forgo the ascent this time. In any event, all in attendance joined in a rousing “Ole Yell” cheer when the ’37 guideon

was elevated over the courtyard and raised above the Corps. The festivities continued that evening. In Bunny’s own words, “Due to my seniority, I was invited to sit next to the superintendent on the final banquet night. I have known him and liked him for a long time but have rarely had a chance to talk to him alone. It was a real pleasure. As you know, ‘Binnie’ was a four-star general and a corporate head after retirement, so he has a wonderful background for his present job. You can’t believe how much renovation and new building he has gotten done in his time at VMI. I have known all of the superintendents since our Gen. Lejeune, and I think Binnie is the best.” I think we all can agree; Gen. Peay ’62 is one in a million. The 75th is another milestone for the class of ’37, and I’m glad Bunny made the effort to represent us at the Lexington festivities. Many thanks to the Institute staff, the Alumni Association and the class of ’47 for its assistance, hospitality and attentiveness. Everyone involved made this reunion successful and memorable. I promised a story, so I share this personal experience, which for some reason remains seared into my memory. When you finish, I doubt few will forget it! It’s not like it was yesterday, however, sometimes it does seem like it was only last week! My father was quite pleased that the Institute accepted me in the class of 1937. In the fall of 1933, along with my 176 fellow matriculates, I reported for duty. In short order, we were assigned to companies in the cadet battalion, and by virtue of the company assigned, we were “selected,” so to speak, for a particular Army branch: artillery, infantry or cavalry. Therefore, with only slight trepidation, my A Company comrades and I found ourselves assigned to the cavalry. After all, I was fortunate enough to have owned a pony as a kid, so I knew enough about a horse to appreciate which end could bite and which end would bark. I surmised that a cavalry mount, similar in conformation but just larger and capable of processing more oats and hay, would not be that different. Perhaps, I felt that the Institute’s mounted contingent presented a more romantic side of Army professionalism and thus more appealing to the young ladies. Or maybe, from a pragmatic view, I felt that riding VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES would be easier on my feet. In any event, I felt confident in my capability to control such a powerful beast. After settling into the VMI routine of academic classes, military regimen and Rat instruction (the most delicate way I may describe the personal attention I received from numerous upperclassmen), I penned a letter to my parents, communicating my well-being, my need for money and what apparently was to be the direction my budding Army career was taking me. I proudly communicated my good fortune of being assigned to the Corps’ mounted arm! Over the next several weeks, I became quite familiar with our Army mounts, the Institute’s stable facilities, as well as the associated maintenance activities equestrian proprietorship demanded. My initial interaction with the horses frequently

required the use of pitch fork, shovel and muck cart. I came to appreciate how busy the business end of a horse could be. However, my enthusiasm could not be dampened. I visualized myself in Army jodhpurs, riding boots and cavalry hat, mounted securely on a well-mannered and obedient steed, while my fellow soldiers were relegated to shuffle through the resident dust and/or mud otherwise known as the parade ground. Turns out my dear father, known by all to be somewhat of a prankster, had a different vision of me matched to a horse. One early November afternoon, returning from class, I entered Washington Arch to negotiate the Ratline to my room. At the arch, a large group of first classmen had gathered engrossed in raucous conversation and impeding this Rat’s further progress.

75th Reunion — April 23-25, 2012

Class of 1937

Class of 1937: The Honorable John B. Tucker Jr. was his class’s sole attendee. (See inside back cover for another photo of Judge Tucker.)

2012-Issue 3

Responding to their query, I identified myself, and the group parted to reveal the object of their attention. There, much to my surprise and blocking my way, was a hobby horse, still resplendent in faded carnival paint while sporting a whisk broom where a tail once resided! On one rump was a shipping label addressed to yours truly, and on the other rump my father had attached a note with the following message (I’m paraphrasing after all these years): “Dear Frank, we are so pleased and proud that you have been selected for the cavalry. I thought this gift would provide you opportunity to practice! Love, Dad” Of course, the upperclassmen still loitering agreed that practice was just the activity I needed at that moment and ordered me to ride my personal cavalry steed around Barracks! Several in the group even volunteered to contribute to my torment by carrying the newly acquired steed to the fourth stoop to ensure my participation. Soon, I found myself totally humiliated before my peers, dragging this carnival relic between my legs for the remainder of the afternoon. After what seemed to be an eternity, the officer of the guard appeared. With just the slightest glint of a grin, he advised me that I was not allowed to keep my father’s gift in my room. Apparently, horses of any kind were not authorized in Barracks, a rule with which I wholeheartedly agreed. However, I had to dispose of it before the next Barracks check, and that presented a problem. After considering the option of unceremoniously depositing it in Nile Creek 40 feet below the window of Room 456, I recall trading Peter Ray, the PX manager, my hobby horse (whisk broom and all) for a flat 50 tin of cigarettes and a box of Hersey Bars! Although John would love to have the artifact now, it seemed to me like a good trade at the time! That’s it for this issue of ’37 notes. Please, send stories to share with the class and among the greater alumni community. They don’t have to necessarily be Institute memories. We all are in possession of anecdotes that, while triggering a smile, prompting a chuckle or possibly provoking a healthy guffaw when shared, may propel us to a simpler, more idyllic time. Once again, Bunny, we appreciate your representation and your report. Until next time. 43

CLASS NOTES

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

I’m sad to say that Col. Alex Morrison passed over on Easter day. Jo sent me a nice note explaining that Alex was making a remarkable recovery from a nasty fall in December, and he was back to taking walks outside his “Old Mill” home when he collapsed. To Jo, “He was a very dear person, a joy to be with and fun.” He was a dedicated VMI professor and alumnus. He was the ’39 BR that I knew best, starting in 1960 when he rescued me and other Rats from the Ratline for a few hours now and then. In my mind, he epitomized the VMI man. John Chiles’ son wrote to let us know that his mother, Libby Chiles, is doing well. Also, Col. Alex Morrison was his economics professor and was “a fine man and a really good guy. Alex was one of my mother and dad’s oldest and closest friends, and they both loved him and love Jo. Alex and Jo used to drive down from Lexington for great, fun visits with Mom and Dad at my folks’ mountaintop cottage in Highlands, NC.” His obituary is in this issue of the Review, Taps section. Jennifer Platt, Col. Howard Golladay’s granddaughter, reports that he is doing great. He keeps very active and goes to his church’s functions frequently. Unfortunately, he recently lost his sister who lived in Virginia. Ira Saxe reports that he turned 94 in February without incident; had a hernia operation about two months ago and is fully recovered and about to start golfing again. Nancy Vaughn reports that they are so thrilled to tell us that their son, Charlie, grandson of William Henry Cox ’39, will be attending VMI this fall. Her dad would be so excited! They’re so proud of him. I also talked to Joe Ross who reports he is coming up on his 97th birthday. He wore out one set of artificial hips, and the replacements are starting to slow him down. However, he has started physical therapy and is doing better. His son lives nearby and is looking in frequently and taking care of him. He still has fond memories of 44

VMI when he was in the cavalry, because he didn’t like all that marching. My BR Hank Cronin ’64 represented the class of ’39 at the spring Class Agents Conference. He reports that the highlight was a presentation by Gen. Peay ’62 on the Institute today. With the addition of Third Barracks, the Corps size is now 1,600 vs. 1,100 in the 1950s and 1960s. The current Rat class matriculated with 509 cadets. Gen. Peay has emphasized the rate of commissioning, such that at the May 2012 gradation, 58 percent of the graduates received a commission vs. 37 percent in 2003. The balance in degree majors is now 50 percent engineering and 50 percent liberal arts. In 2003, it was 35 percent engineering and 65 percent liberal arts. There are 14 majors that grant degrees; the most popular are economics/ business and international studies. Physics is the least popular. It is expected that 40 women will graduate in 2015 of the 56 that matriculated in 2011. Twenty-five percent of the males participate in NCAA sports, compared to 47 percent of the females. Gen. Peay expects our football program to improve and says there is no way we are giving up on the program. With respect to construction: North Post is complete and a huge success. The main features are the three new athletic fields, a rifle range and an obstacle course. A parking lot has been added to South Post. A Corps physical training facility featuring a new indoor track and aquatic center will be constructed between 2013-15. The construction cost over the last eight years has exceeded $230 million, two-thirds of which has come from the state of Virginia. As part of the Capital Campaign, there is an additional goal of $200 million, not from the state, to be utilized for academics, athletics and construction. I was cleaning out “stuff” and ran across my father’s famous joke book. In it was the following poem I thought you might enjoy and relate to. It’s attributed to “Skeets 1933:” Panama [The Land of Palm Trees and Ticks] Where the beautiful Caribbean Sea Reflects the tropical moon Are the gates to the ocean short-cut

That bears the name “Gatun.” Where the groves of bananas and mangoes Give forth their prolific yield Are the outcasts of civilization, The pride of the Sixty-Fifth. Down with the local natives Down in the Torrid Zone Down by the Chagres River Two thousand miles from home. No one knows they are living No one gives a damn Back home they are soon forgotten These soldiers of Uncle Sam. Up before the sun in the morning Guzzling our bacon and eggs Out to drill with the whistle Yes, this is the life of the dregs. The sand flies at night keep you jumping It’s all a man can endure Hell no! Were not convicts Just soldiers on foreign tour! Just soldiers in foreign service Earning their meager pay Guarding their country’s millions For seventy cents a day. Over the hills and valleys Smiling and singing a song Dragging a gun with a tractor While the caissons follow along. Open Fire! Cannoneers Post! Get there on the run March order! Step on it, Bud You’re a slave to the three inch gun. Kitchen Police and extra fatigue You will like it my boy – and how It’s tough on the wealth but good on the health You’re in the Army now! Only three years can you stand it Three years of life you missed Don’t let the tropics get you My God! Don’t re-enlist! Last year, Marcy and I took the river cruise from Amsterdam to Vienna. This VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES spring, we went back to Vienna for a few days, then caught the cruise ship in Budapest and cruised down the Danube all the way to Constanta, Romania, on the Black Sea. Even 10 years after the Balkan wars, there is still ample evidence of destruction. While we were impressed at the sheer size of their agriculture operations, they still have a long way to go to get anywhere near Western Europe’s economic status. The further east we went, the poorer it looked. A Croatian guide summed it up best when he said, “The Marshal Plan was a great help to Western Europe, but the Soviet Plan was a disaster for us.”

’40

Robert Smith

The vanishing of the titans of ’40 continues. This time we have had to say goodbye and Godspeed to John Cowart, Gene Phillipi and Dick Moncure who departed on March 14th, May 8th and May 10th. Our class was thankful to John Cowart down through the years for his great work in promoting our very successful Class of 1940 Scholarship Fund. This worthy support of the quality of the scholars at VMI is an example for all of what can be accomplished by the dedication of graduated classes. And this legacy will continue to contribute for years to come. Like so many graduates, VMI is a better place for John having been there. Also, in case you may have forgotten about it, this might be a good time to review the wonderful 19-page entry John wrote in our class’ 55 Years On book. He spoke for so many of us in his recitals of our VMI experiences. Gene Phillipi, like the rest of us, quietly supported VMI over these long years. His loyalty and interest and friendship for the Brothers were always palpable. And so he exemplified what is important about our class spirit that has bound us throughout our time. Dick Moncure had been limited in what he could do for a very long time, but thankfully, I was able to talk to him in the recent past. His caretakers had described the great delight he took in any and all things relating to VMI over the years. And as a highlight for him, in 2010 we 2012-Issue 3

published his 92nd birthday picture in this magazine. His daughter, Mary Watson, wrote later the day he died, “he put up a tough fight, and the incredible people from Hospice who have been with him for over three years had quit betting against him. We are doing a private burial tomorrow afternoon with just the children and Daddy’s sitters and their families. We are tentatively planning the memorial service on Friday, June 1st, at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain.” Sol Rawls and I discussed two items recently. First, he said that he and his son, Waite, were pleased that the opening of Waite’s new Confederacy museum at Appomattox has gone well, and he is anticipating a great season this summer. Interestingly, a controversy about displaying the Confederate battle flag there is causing some problems, though. Second, he has been reading the new Stephen E. Ambrose biography, Eisenhower: Soldier and President, and is thoroughly enjoying it. He likes it that the book makes clear so much that was not revealed at the time as we lived through that history. Earl Brown was well and told me that he has a golf cart to get about the Carolina Meadows campus, giving him great freedom to get around and go to things, like his exercise and their clubhouse. We talked a little about early days, and it was interesting to learn more about why he was the second oldest in the class after Paul Shu. It seems that he had wanted to get a West Point appointment, and to further this ambition, he enlisted in the Army. This didn’t get the result intended. By that time, he was 21 which enabled him to establish residency in Virginia and to get a Virginia Cadet appointment. His uncle, for whom he is named, was chief engineer of the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers. He resided in Richmond and supported him, as did his aunt who had funds from his father. So, piecing all that support together, he, like many of us, somehow managed in spite of the hard times. John Augustine and June are on track to do the travels in June and October previously reported as his plan. These will be a battlefield tour near Richmond and his 22nd Bomber Group’s 63rd reunion in Austin, TX. His grandson has changed his

major from CE to business and will be a first classman this fall. He will be on the football squad again this fall. Frazier Baldwin and Jinny reported that their family in the area has grown, with a grandson who is going to school in Wilmington. The family gets together about once a week which adds greatly to their pleasures. Dan Flowers was up and ready to go to his office as usual when I called. His news is all about graduations of great-grandchildren, including one from kindergarten that was imminent. His grandson who is on his way to becoming a Rat next fall is planning to go up for a month ahead, before the regular session, in order to get oriented and take a class credit – something I didn’t know about. Dan talked a little about his business which is, among other things, refurbishing some old oil wells to restore their production. Most interesting was that they are restoring production with CO2 which they can get from some rare, natural geological accumulations of CO2. The gas can then be used over again. So, I surmised that our Dan is once again at the leading edge of technology. Ben Hardaway was continuing with his zestful living. We talked in May when he was expecting to leave in a few days for a private bluegrass music festival party in a location near Manning, SC. So, he will enjoy that, and he mentioned also his pleasures in going out and dining at a variety of places. Nothing compares with keeping on having fun. Bud Irwin and Ruth are continuing to live well and do good things, like bridge and Bud’s crosswords and Sudoku. Ruth is still driving locally, and their nearby daughter provides the support they need. Matt Freidlander and Jacqueline were in their usual seasonal transition when we talked in mid May. They had closed their Jupiter place and were spending a few days at home in Moultrie, GA, before taking off May 19 for their summer place at Highlands, NC. Matt cordially invited us to come up to the Highlands for a visit this summer, and that set me to pleasantly thinking about how great it used to be to tool around through the countryside. Wouldn’t it be splendid to easily travel once again? Matt and Jackie are really special to still be able to do it. 45

CLASS NOTES Jim Cheek reports that he is staying about the same. I gathered that he is now devoting more time to watching TV rather than reading, and that may be a change. I recently called the McKenna Village in New Braunfels, TX, where Jerry Totten is, and although I was not able to talk to him, they reported that he is well and that his son, Bill, comes to have dinner with him every week or more. Betty-Jane and I are staying on course and enjoying life with fairly good health. We rejoice in the changes that have turned things around to the point that our children and issue come to see us frequently, thereby saving us the burdens of travel. Sleeping in our own beds here at TidePointe and going to the clubhouse for meals and recreation reminds us of the line from Goldilocks and the Three Bears, “This one feels ju..s..st right!” Somehow, we stay busy: there will be a show to be in at the end of the month with dialog to say and music to sing; we will play in the bridge groups; and go to the parties and entertainments and meetings. It is all so decadent – but we love it. I have about given the last of my history talks but am doing some genealogy to help friends get into the Sons of the American Revolution. That and other family history research keeps us both having fun.

’41

Alfred Rooklin

Here it is again time for class notes. Not much to report. Frank Louthan has been honored with the VMI New Market Medal for many, many services to the Institute. (See the front section of this issue for photos and his remarks during the ceremony.) He is well, again, after treatment for a difficult illness and surgery. Our president, Stuart Seaton, represented ’41 at the presentation ceremony at the Institute on New Market Day. Our Brother Rat, Col. William A. “Bill” Willis, left this mortal coil on Sept. 24, 2011. (His obituary appeared in the 2012-Issue 2 Alumni Review, Taps section.) Newbold and I roomed in 108 with him our first class year. It seems like yesterday … It was Dec. 46

7, 1941; we were playing bridge, along with Bob Aussicker ’43. We had the radio turned to the football game between Chicago and Washington, when it was telling the terrible news – “Pearl Harbor was under attack by Japanese Air!” Class of ’42 was given a bypass on final exams and graduated on May 15, 1942. I try to contact our Brother Rats. Many of them live in the Richmond area (east). Bob Maling in Texas and Allen Ellender Jr. in Louisiana are the only ones to respond. The only ones in Lexington are me and Sam Dobyns. The rest are all in the Tidewater section of Virginia – Carter Beamer is in western Virginia. Ed Hensley’s wife, Mary, passed on. Ed’s number is 804/272-5034. He is under full care, as is Frank Kirby. I keep in touch with Stuart Seaton. While visiting Lexington, he plans to stop by my home to pick up many photos that I took at our 50th Reunion. Many are no longer with us, and it is nice to see our class enjoying it all! You have to see it! The VMI as we knew it no longer exists … Many new buildings and playing fields. The place keeps on expanding, and the goal is to enroll 1,600. More than double our old cadet days, and the cost of all this is formidable! I miss the way it was during our cadetship with 285 matriculating. We are 25 in number, now in our 90s. The classes of the ’80s are now old cadets – bald, overweight … our class’s time has come and gone. We are really old cadets … Sigh! Our class of ’41 is still here! Keep in touch … Al

’42

Charles B. Miller

Six Brother Rats made it to the 70th Reunion: Harry and Joan Siebert and their daughter, Kim Millican; Charlie Purdum; Ernie and Tish Keppel; Jack Patton; Jed Wilson and Libby Schmidt, along with Jed’s son, Paul; Tommy Wilson’s widow, Margaret, with daughters Becky Wilson and Carter Hailey; and I was there, too. Harry’s breathing problems got bad, so

he left Tuesday morning, leaving us copies of his just-published book, Cavalry Officer 1942-1945. (Editor’s Note: See the Alumni News section of this issue for a book announcement.) It is very interesting, with pictures of Charlie Chewning, Willoughby Williams, Jack Woodward and Rocks Clark. Then, there is a wedding picture with Nelly Catlett and his bride and about 15 of the Brother Rats. Daughter Kim was a big help in getting refreshments up to the hospitality room. I enjoyed talking to Charlie Purdum. I had known about his having a motorcycle at VMI and his fast trips with Ed Jones to Richmond on many Saturdays. I learned that he was flying before VMI and got his commercial license and instrument rating after the war. He bought a small passenger plane and used it in his quarry business, dealing with C&O and B&O railroads. His three daughters enjoyed vacation trips on the plane to New Orleans. Thanks to the knowledge of physics he gained at the Institute, Charlie developed a theory of reducing his speed and always flying through thunderstorms, rather than trying to fly over or around them, as Col. Jack Patton, USAF (Ret), insists is the proper way to handle this bad weather. Jack has had bad luck with operations on his back. It hurts to stand, but that did not stop him from driving, alone, from Colorado Springs – three eight-hour days, plus stops with children along the way. The three eight-hour-days back “about killed” him. He is considering going to China for acupuncture! Tish and Ernie Keppel had a short drive to Lexington from their house in Wintergreen, where they spend a lot of time. Knees have cut down on Ernie’s golfing. Thanks to SKYPE, Lloyd Stallings was at the reunion. His son, Bill Stallings ’71, set it up so we could see and hear Lloyd in Florida, and he could see and hear us at Moody Hall. Each of us there had the opportunity to talk with Lloyd. It is sad to learn that his wife, Evelyn, died the following evening. Frank Lee had called a few days earlier, cancelling his reservations. He and his wife, Mary Anne, and his sister, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Mary Anne Graybeal, Kent Graybeal’s widow, had planned to come. His doctor had said “no way” with Frank’s heart condition. Ed Jones was in the same boat. He and Ursula had reservations, but his sons, both doctors, did not want him to drive. Since I can still button the buttons on my coatee, I wore it for the parade and went to the top of the sentinel box for the “Old Yell,” no problem. By the end of the evening, three buttons had popped off. That may be because I bought it used back in 1938. The original owner was Bert Earnest ’37. Tommy Wilson’s widow and two daughters, Becky Wilson and Carter Hailey, joined us at the reserved front-row seats for the parade. Carter, using my camera, took some nice pictures, including some of me in my coatee. I have shown them proudly. Jed Wilson got there too late for the class picture at Moody Hall. Photos counter-clockwise from top, left: -Harry Siebert, Joe Drewry, Charlie Miller and Sutton Mullen outside their room second class year (1941). -“Unknown” persons making the bomb. -Roommates, Ross Lapp and Jack Patton. -Bob Goodman, Dahar Cury, Barney Skladany, Rocks Clark, Willoughby Williams, William Boehmer, H.B. Weatherford ’44 and Bruce Bennett during Christmas 1941. -Ross Lapp … possible bomber. -Attending an informal dinner were John Halsey ’43, Jack Thacker ’43, Willoughby Williams, Jack Woodward, Bob Goodman and Harry Siebert.

Class of 1942

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES 70th Reunion — April 23-25, 2012

Class of 1942

Class of 1942: Those who attended their 70th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: Ernest L. Keppel, Charles B. Miller, Marshall Millican, John M. Patton, Charles H. Purdum Jr. and Harry J. Siebert.

Carole Green of the Alumni Association did a great job of organizing our stay, three fine meals and all the transportation we needed. I never touched the car after I arrived. There were 18 of us at the 65th, six at the 70th. Does that mean there will be two of us at the 75th? Bunny Tucker ’37 was the only one to make it to his 75th.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

Forgive me for the briefness of my class notes this time. The reasons are touched upon below. I promise to do better next quarter. As with us all, or many of us, I some48

how thought I was indestructible. I was sadly disabused of that when, over the course of the last couple of weeks, I was having trouble with my right eye. Vague shadows coming and going plus a bit of fatigue on my daily regimen of two+ miles of brisk walks. I was misdiagnosed by several visits to the new Army hospital at Fort Belvoir, 20 minutes from us. Our son took us to emergency at the renamed Walter Reed, the flagship military hospital in Bethesda, MD, on May 5th, where I was quickly diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis (Google it). It is induced by severe inflammation of the head and neck arteries. My inflammation blood markers were off the scale. It afflicts, usually without pain or dramatic warning signals, about 20 percent of the population beginning at the mid-60s age

point. Men are more liable to lose vision. Ill effect in women causes other various ailments, but they are not immune to vision loss. In my case, I have lost, within days, virtually all the vision in my right eye. At Walter Reed, I was immediately admitted and began four days of round-theclock intravenous high doses of steroids. That quickly brought the inflammation to normal levels. I was flooded with competent medical attention. The vision in my good (left) eye was saved – 20/20 correctable. After four days, I came home to lesser doses of steroids taken orally for a period of at least two months, thereafter to be assessed but likely for some time. My body is slowly resuming normal levels of the numerous blood makers. In short, it appears I am returning to normal, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES less the sight of my right eye. I will be able to drive (but need much practice). Depth perception is an annoyance, but I’m adjusting. Have resumed my walks and some dumbell weight-lifting. Feel better each day. The Fort Belvoir Hospital commander has apologized and a fullscale program to improve is under way, well after the need. As for me, I have moved on mentally. I am grateful that I have one good eye. I have a lot of practicing to do and am impatient to get on with it. As for our class future, I will continue as your agent. Plans continue for our 70th Reunion. Betty Haskins (who has given up on her plans to move from Lexington) wrote to tell me that Dr. Dave Ellington ’71, our BR Duke’s son, wants to host a cocktail party for those of us who attend. Sounds great, and we appreciate the invitation very much. And now on to the sobering news: We have lost two Brother Rats: Jim Demmler, who had long suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease, died in Loudon, TN. Jim was age 90 (same as I and several of us). The other loss was Charles “Box” Board who died, with his family at his side, at the Cokesbury Village Healthcare Center in Hockessin, DE. They were grand Brother Rats who I liked and admired immensely. Elsewhere in this issue are full obituaries. “Then There Were Thirty-Five” survivors in the class of 1943. I say that we have 35 survivors, but many of those seem to have lost interest – and one can only hope and pray that they still have, if not a joyful life, one that is peaceful and has its consolations. I sent out a recent series of e-mails to those with whom I used to communicate on that so very convenient service. Only one reply! From George Snead who opined that the trouble with retirement homes is that views are short and activities limited. He wants all his Brother Rats to know the wondrous results he has had from “VISC+ injections to his severely arthritic knees. He is pain free, sleeps well but has learned to use a cane to avoid a fall, such as the one he recently had when one of his knees temporarily gave way. He and Kitty are busy, mainly helping other residents (no surprise!), and as for George, he is enjoying singing 2012-Issue 3

in a group called the “Croakers.” Their oldest son, Mike, recently attended a reunion of his class at VMI and had those special feelings we all get when we once again walk on the bricks. I called those from whom I didn’t hear back. A mixed bag with some good, some worrisome news. John Halsey seems to have disappeared. He no longer occupies his apartment at the Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond. The people who now live there simply do not know his whereabouts. Perhaps some of my readers do? I spoke with Letta Jones, Harry’s wife in Thomasville, GA, on May 24th. Harry is in a very comfortable rehab facility three miles from their home, confined to a wheelchair. Letta is not sure what Harry understands or recalls, but he receives much attention, loves to hear the birds sing and has a big smile for all. Bruce Suter reports all goes very well for Joan and him at their Lakewood, NJ, retirement home. There are monthly dances, and Bruce dances at them all – women outnumber the men, so Bruce keeps busy. He lost his sister recently to a sudden illness. Bruce reports that Bill Bell fell (at his Falcon Landing’s retirement home in Loudon County, VA). He broke his arm and is in the nursing wing of that home. On top of that, he’s concerned about his short-term memory. Say a prayer for him. I e-mailed and called A.B. “Bill” Nunn in Roanoke to no avail. Do hope he is well. I had a good upbeat chat with Vince and Betty Thomas on May 20, 2012. They were in Vince’s assisted living room. (He and Betty also have an apartment in Harbor’s Edge.) The physical therapy people have succeeded (somewhat) in getting Vince from a wheelchair to a walker, which he enjoys. Vince and Betty filled me in on Frank Bilisoly who has some skin cancers on his scalp that need be removed and repaired with skin transplants from elsewhere on his body. No fun at all. Keep him in your prayers. The Thomases also reported that Shirley Van Landingham fell on March 3rd and broke her leg. She is now in a nearby nursing home. Her short-term

memory is about gone. Johnny has much on his plate, and here again, it would help to keep them in your prayers. The birthday boy, Gordon Smith, called me to report on the bash given on April 28, 2012, in honor of his 92nd, which actually is in June. In this case, the organizer, Joe Kruze ’65, basketball star, had to conform to the availability of the Kemper Golf Course Clubhouse. There were 92 guests – and a great day it was! Settle Frank called a couple of times in May 2012: one, just as I was returning from the hospital and again to chat on May 22nd. So, he heard about the loss of my right eye vision early on. He’s doing well in WVA, although Pauline is in a nursing home. They celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary June 16th. Settle reports the death of Jane Aleshire, Denver’s widow at their home in The Villages near Orlando, FL. The Aleshires had no children. Judge Don Foster, age 91, checked into the net on March 12, 2012. He had a recent fall, a bump on his head and a slight, simple fracture of his left arm – but is quickly recovering; good to hear. Said his sister, 98, is slowing down a bit. He comes from long-livers. His dad died “prematurely” at age 101. Way down in Texas, Dr. Bill Winter wrote that on April 18, 2012, he and Judy drove two hours to Kerrville, TX, to attend an art exhibition and later met fellow doctor Guy Harrison and his wife, Jackie, on a verandah overlooking the Guadalupe River for a meal. Guy, who has lived in a stone house he built there, is in his 90s and runs a program to encourage young people to fish. The friendly folk at Alumni Giving sent me the usual (for our class) good and disappointing news re our contributions. As always, our very, very generous Bill Gottwald made us look very good in the class totals. Many thanks, Bill, from your Brother Rats and VMI. As of March 31, 2012, only 16 (47 percent) of us Brother Rats had made gifts. In my view, it is the percentage of our classmates who give that is the truest indicator of loyalty to VMI. Until the next quarter, I wish all of you Godspeed and good health. 49

CLASS NOTES

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

I’m hoping to get these thoughts of mine written on time and find enough in my skimpy file of notes to keep you folks interested. As the end of March approached, I realized that the work schedule of a couple of doctors and a few other things made it impossible for me to be in attendance at the Class Agents Conference on March 30th and 31st. Adhering to a lesson I learned from a wise Texan years ago (“It’s a dumb rat that only has one hole”), I asked Tom Peyton if he’d like to attend it in my place. Tom agreed that he would, did so and gave me a full report. He said that he really enjoyed the two days, meeting the folks at the Institute who managed the conference and the other class agents who attended. It usually is an enjoyable two days, and I feel very fortunate to have a friend like Tom who is always delighted to be of help to our class anytime he is asked. Late in February, Ezra Trice sent me a copy of an e-mail he got from Dick Niess. Dick had been awarded the Senior Member of the Year 2011 Award by the Marco Island Civil Air Patrol as their outstanding member for 2011. Dick has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for almost 50 years and public affairs officer for the Marco Island Squadron since 2006. Some of his previous work in other areas of the CAP I have mentioned in the past, and I want to quote part of the citation: “Lt. Col. Niess is an active volunteer for many tasks outside his primary duties as public affairs officer and maintains his position as a qualified mission radio operator, urban direction finding team member, mission scanner, mission observer and a valuable aircrew member. You can always depend on him no matter what the task at hand. Based on his outstanding performance and can-do spirit, it is a pleasure to proclaim Lt. Col. Richard Niess as the 2011 Member of the Year for the Marco Island Composite Squadron.” In a couple of nice notes, Sophie Parker asked that I thank the class for the red, white and yellow flower arrangement that 50

had been sent in Charlie’s memory. She said that the flowers went with the family to the church for his memorial service. The family wanted VMI to be represented there, as the Institute provided Charlie with many of the best memories of his life. His Brother Rats were never far from his thoughts. In a short note thanking me for her birthday card, Mary Stagg said it was always good to receive it, as she has such good memories of their visits there. She is doing well and still living in their old home. In early April, Hotdog Helmen also wrote to thank me for his card. The Helmens had been at their place in Florida since January, and he said it was amazing how easy it was to get used to doing nothing. They were rather worn out from the traveling, as they usually drive down and back. To alleviate that pain in the future, Hotdog bought a used car to leave at their Venice, FL, quarters, so they can now fly down and back. He further commented that he and Merm (his spelling) were in good shape for their age and hoped Faye and I could say the same. I hope so, too! Recently, Betty Bond Nichols sent me a letter which told me of her problems since January when she got a knee replacement on Jan. 11th. In January, she collapsed with a pulmonary embolism which turned her hospital stay into a real emergency situation for three weeks. Ten days after getting home, she had a ruptured appendix further delaying her knee therapy. At this writing, she is still walking with a cane but can at least drive. Betty Bond says her doctors tell her she will be fine in six months. She hopes they are right, as patience is not her best virtue, and it has been severely tried. I don’t usually go into ailment details but thought this one was newsworthy. Betty Bond sent me a newspaper clipping which had an article describing a gift that Cabell and Shirley Brand had recently made to the Salem Museum in Salem, VA. Over the years, they had collected about 20 artifacts of Aboriginal art from around the globe. The Brands had purchased the items during the course of many world travels. They wanted to support the Salem Museum and its goal of creating detailed histories of Salem families.

Also recently Jim Doss called with a little Lexington news. He is still more than a little slowed by a few of the age related factors that I’m sure most of us are acquainted with. He says Scottie Haley is happy with him as an escort and keeps him on the go. Ruthie and Bill Ellinghaus are back in town for six months, so the weekly dinner “out” has new life for Jim and Scottie. For those who might have missed it, I recommend Gen. Peay’s ’62 address to the Keydet Club 2011 Scholarship Recognition Banquet last Oct. 15th. It was printed in full in the 2012-Issue 1 VMI Alumni Review and is an outstanding description of “The VMI Way” sometimes referred to at the Institute as “the ThreeLegged Stool.” You all will note that news is a trifle scant this time. That’s because mail has also been the same way. 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

Got a theme for this quarter’s notes. It all started with Hugh Dischinger’s responding to my plea for memorable experiences

Class of 1945: Russell Newton standing in front of a B-24.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES since our cadet days. He chose one dating And to think most of us consider Hugh to the pages, let me know. back to the days when he was flying be a mild and laid back soul. Guess again. The next ’45 Warbird is none other than fighter planes in WWII. I couldn’t fit it The next “Warbird” is Paul Lewis who our “Friendly Banker,” Russ Newton. into the last issue but promised to produce left us in May of 2008. A significant In response to my request for news a it now. portion of his WWII experiences came couple of months ago, he wrote, “No In the meantime, I have received a pletho- to my attention as a result of a beautiful real news. Only morbid thoughts. All my ra of references to BRs who flew in WWII. eight page letter sent to me by his widow, Rat roommates are dead: Lewis, Haines, Thus, the decision was reached to devote Nancy. (She is an outstanding writer, by Reed, Arnold. Also, my two Princeton most of this issue’s notes to what I will call, the way.) roommates after the war are dead. All “The Warbirds of the Class of ’45.” What follows, however, will only be nine on my bomber crew members from I have known for some time that Hugh that portion pertaining to Paul’s war time ’44 - ’45 are gone and my brother/business flew P-47s during the war but nothing experience of being shot down and what partner died many years ago.” Now, there about his time in P-51s and jet fighters. followed thereafter. Two pages of the letter is a SURVIVOR! Here is a condensed version of a fun itself will accompany the advanced copy What caught my eye, of course, was the episode toward the end of his flying career. of these notes. reference to a “bomber crew.” I immediHugh writes, “My 508th Fighter Group Nancy told me in detail about a trip she ately sent a message wanting additional was deployed to Hawaii in January ’45. took in 2010 to Europe with the ultimate information. I referenced an article in the Our job was to patrol the islands and inter- purpose of visiting the site in Bremer Pass, latest issue of the Alumni Review featuring cept incoming aircraft and identify them. northern Italy, where Paul had been shot my book Captured which revolved around (ram: Pretty cushy assignment, Dish!) down. Her report is full of intriguing details my WWII flying experiences - thus my “One day, I was assigned the task of going you will enjoy, as much as I did. For our interest in his. over to Hickham Field in Honolulu to pick purposes at the moment, the details start His succinct response was, “Send me a an advanced model of our P-47s and ferry with Paul being a B-26 pilot flying out of copy of yours and I will send you a copy it back to our base over on Oahu. When Italy and being shot down by a ME-109 in of mine.” What a surprise awaited me. It I arrived at Hickman Field Operations, clear sight of people she met. Paul was the actually is a story of his life from birth which was located in the administration lone survivor of the crash. until 1948. It is a literary masterpiece, building, I was met by Bill Willis ’41. He spent the balance of the war as a filled with detail beyond one’s imagination Those of you who had been Rat wrestlers POW and was liberated by General Patton which could only be accumulated by a perremember him as assistant to Teddy Bear and his men. He then returned to the states son dedicated to his diary. “Must” reading Heflin, our coach. and eventually opened his law practice in if you have the opportunity. “We had a great reunion. I picked up the Miami. Russ was a B-24 pilot who flew out of paperwork to pick up the new plane; went Not many details of what followed are Italy during ’44 and ’45, completing 47 to the flight line and got into it. As I did, known to me other than Nancy was a missions, An amazing record. As in the I got to thinking to myself, ‘I’m going to paralegal on his staff at the time of their entire book, every detail of his wartime exgive Bill a thrill’ because I knew exactly marriage. My compliments regarding her periences, from the time we both reported where Bill’s desk was on the second floor writing skills did cause her to attribute to the U.S. Army Air Corps in Richmond looking out over the field. I taxied out them to Paul and his demands for perfecduring March ’43 till the end of the war to the runway and ran up the engine. tion in his briefs. She obviously was a are attention getters. When cleared by the tower for takeoff, I great student. Another of our ’45 Warbirds was Jack held on the brakes, fired up the engine to After you have read the two pages of Burnett whose wartime escapades as a full power, released the brakes and went her letter, should you want a copy of all P-51 pilot in Burma were shared with us screaming down the runway. last year. It was a fantastic I quickly was airborne, pulled story, including how he, at up the wheels, and lowered the one point, helped in the moveplane to within 10 feet of the runment of Chinese troops when way. I pulled up, turned back and called upon to fly transport took direct aim at an astounded planes. Unfortunately, Jack Bill. I hopped over the building left us on April 1, 2012. and headed home. I wonder how many of you “The control tower came over knew that Bucky Redwine the radio rather casually with, was a swashbuckling P-51 ‘Army 47785, we do NOT make pilot also. His wife, Karen, takeoffs like that at Hickham.’ recently sent me several pages “Never heard any more about of information regarding Class of 1945: World War II pilot Bucky Redwine standit, though. I wonder if Willis is his life and accomplishing with his P-51. still around.” ments since the cadet days. It 2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES included a picture of Bucky standing by McClellan, AL, with most of his Brother I just received a nice note from Eloise his plane, complete with his “50-mission” Rats. From Alabama, he went to Holland, and Nate Adams. He writes, “We have crushed cap! More about Karen’s informa- Michigan, then to Camp Crowder, MO. moved back to Florida! Eloise and I went tion at a later date. While there, his training officer had knowl- down to Vero Beach for a birthday celebraI recently learned through the class edge of VMI and asked him if he would tion and ended up buying a villa near the grapevine a tidbit about Joe Gantt pertilike to go to OCS. He was happy to become Disney Resort. If any of the Brothers or nent to this Warbird theme. He flew P-47s an officer in the Signal Corps. Most of his Sisters come down, we are at the following and P-51s in Burma during the war, much time in service was spent in the Pacific, address: 14115 Winding Oaks Circle W-A as did Jack Burnett. I chastised Joe on the specifically on the island of Biak teaching 501, Vero Beach, FL 32963 and phone: phone for not including this in the resume his troops electronic communications. (772) 234-8914. of a past class agent, published in the last After his discharge from the Army “The April Spring Break was absolutely issue of the Review. Modesty at its best! Signal Corps, he knew he wanted to astounding. Those bikinis are the “nearest Thanks, Joe. return to VMI to receive his degree in nothing” that can be imagined. I’ve got a hunch there are at least civil engineering. Upon graduation in “We will continue living half the year several other Brothers who should be a 1948, he took a job in Birmingham, AL, in Lexington. Eloise will NEVER leave part of these recollections, one being Joe with Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroads home!” McCullough, who I met Well, there you are – plan in London after the war. your next trip to Disney He was a pilot of a B-24 World with zero hotel and was shot down over expense. If Nate would also Germany in January of 1944. throw in admission tickets, Another was my roommate, how could you possibly reGeorge Renneman. We met sist – especially during next in Florida during our aviayear’s April Spring Break! tion cadet days. George was As always (it seems) a note in pilot training and later was received from good old killed in a training accident Bob Adams down in Oklaafter earning his wings. homa. In it he referenced his Louis ’45 Pritchard ’45 Metz ’45 Hope you all enjoyed these close friend and BR, Vern reflections, mainly provided Chaney, an MD in New by our Sisters. They are all so proud of the as an engineer in the Oregon mines. He York City. He states, “Vern called the other accomplishments of their husbands, alive was married on Sept. 18, 1948, and lived day, and he is doing fairly well. By the and deceased, as well as they should be. in Birmingham. After living several way, you may know, he served in Korea. There, no doubt, are similar stories involv- months in Bill Edmond’s City, Doug was While there he saved the lives of three ing the other services meriting attention. asked to come back to be city engineer of men in a minefield and, for that action, Bring ‘em on! I’ll happily share them with Hopewell. After several years of being city received a silver star.” the BRs and Sisters. engineer, he accepted a job at Fort Lee as No, I did not know that, nor, I am cerIn keeping with featuring class agents deputy post engineer. During those years, tain, did most of us. Thanks, Bob. of past years, this edition will reflect the he decided he had always wanted to be the I’ve received two interesting letters from activities of Doug Pritchard who served head of his own engineering and surveyGiles Upshur. They are both full of family in 1959. The information below was proing business. He was successful with other activities and history. Rather than try to vided by his wife, Rosemary. partners for 25 years in the tri-city areas. condense them so as to include them in our “He has received an award for 63 years His last 10 years of employment was in notes, I would ask that anyone who might of perfect attendance for the Rotary Club. Richmond, VA, with the State Department want to see them, contact me and a copy of He has been placed in the Hall of Fame of Engineering. This retirement was a joyboth will be on the way to you. at Hopewell High School for being an ful occasion. Now he loves spending time I will tell you this. He had a most interoutstanding athlete for winning five letters with his three children and spouse, seven esting career and lifestyle. His career conby playing five sports in high school – grandchildren and three great-grandchilsisted of 30 years in the Navy specializing football, baseball, tennis and track. He was dren. They are very active with all their in Naval Intelligence and retiring with the recognized for being the announcer for the church activities and all of the local clubs. rank of captain. football games for 50 years. They have tried to make Hopewell a betOn the personal side, he lost his first “I believe he has led a charmed life since ter place to live, because they have lived wife, who died after 34 years of marriage. he left VMI with all of his special classmates there all of their married life. Much love He then had two wives during his Naval who were to be drafted in the Army in l943. and best wishes for great happiness from days, and then had a great life with his He left Lexington and reported to Fort Lee Luther Douglas Pritchard to his Brother fourth wife, who he married in 2001. She from where he took infantry basics at Fort Rats of VMI - ’45. apparently was a remarkable and accom52

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES plished woman whom he loved dearly. Sadly, she died last year. As a result, he moved from his home into The Hermitage, an assisted living facility in Onancock, located on Virginia’s eastern shore. He loves The Hermitage and describes it as being “as close to Heaven as imaginable.” In closing he indicated he would welcome visits from his Brother Rats at any time. His address is: 23610 North Street and phone number (757) 999-0300. And now, our voice of the Northwest, Bob Pettigrew. Hang in there with me – this cannot be condensed. He writes, “I have your memo of March 25. You sound just like my drill sergeant in Paris Island. We live a quiet life now of no imaginable interest to anyone I can think of but your ‘marching orders’ are bluntly uncompromising, so … “I came to Casper in 1952 after completing a job as construction engineer for the Climax Molybdenum Co. at its mining and milling operation atop the continental divide of the Rockies in Colorado – Fremont Pass, elevation 11,300 feet. Addicted to the ‘high country’ of Colorado and still a bachelor it was an easy move to Casper (at 5280 feet) and the work – sand, gravel, concrete and construction, all in Wyoming and Montana – was right down my alley. Then came the uranium boom of the late ’50s. Still single and being somewhat a boomer myself, I fell for it. I helped form and operated a small drilling and exploration company, Primary Minerals Inc. in Moab, UT, for about a year. The boom faded and we dissolved Primary Minerals, but I and other joint venturers continued exploring claims in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California – with more effort than success I might add. Then it was on to Phoenix for a small real estate venture; but of most importance, it was there that I met Juanita and so it was there that my real life began.”

’46

William A. Eliason

Editor’s Note: We did not receive class ntoes from the class of 1946 for this issue. 2012-Issue 3

’47

Bill Hallett

Editor’s Note: The men who appeared in the class’s 65th Reunion photo (accompanying these notes) were, from left, front row, Bill Hallett, Garvin Jones, Jim Sizer, Meade Gregory and Bruce Taylor. Back row: Ben McCarley, Harry Lee, Roger Rosenfield, John Monroe, Gus Robbins, Bill Glass and John Ewell. Also attending the reunion but not present for the photo were Louis Hundley and Sam Hairston. Wonder how high the score would be on that mess hall staple “peanut butter and Rat gravy” on our government’s list of “it’s good for you” meals. In those longago days, we seemed to have thrived on it and didn’t even call “bogus” to complain. The man we called “Bogus” was Mr. Brown Colbert Borgus who served as VMI head waiter from 1919-55. The plaque honoring him is inside the center doorway to Crozet Hall. It reads: “A sympathetic ear for cadets, always a diplomat, always a gentleman.” Across the street from Crozet Hall, there is now a monument to Col. Claudius Crozet. Though the place was never recommended by Duncan Hines, it is referred to by many as Club Crozet. ARAMARK dining services operates the mess hall for VMI, and many meals are buffet style. The dinner we enjoyed Tuesday evening in JM Hall was prepared in Crozet Hall by ARAMARK. Not a soul there thought of calling for Bogus! The March edition of Sports Illustrated included a picture of Maclin Davis, grandson of Mac Davis, VP of our class. Young Maclin is a record-setting swimmer at Montgomery Bell Academy. He set a national high school record in the 100-yard butterfly at the Tennessee State championships. Last August, he won gold in the 50and 100-meter fly and 400-meter relay at junior worlds in Peru. Though not a frequent correspondent, George Ashby scored a hit with his early March letter which enclosed a largeamount check. The payee line was blank. “Do with this as you like: VMI, Southern Sem, Randolph Macon, Hollins or the

Hallett fund.” I hastened it to the VMI Foundation. George said his “main” contribution would come after his will was read. George, don’t rush! VMI will wait. A 220-year-old warning: In 1788, James Madison of Virginia wrote this in Federalist Paper 62. “It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is today, can guess what it will be tomorrow.” A number of calls came in following my letter concerning attendance at our 65th. Jock Maggard couldn’t make it; a granddaughter getting married at their Mountain Lake home. Nancy very busy while he stayed out of the way. Lucius Dabney: “Am too busy to leave my office.” Good to hear from Tex Brown though I didn’t enjoy his message; Mickey and I won’t be present this time. Said they were in the replacement stage; a hip for her and a knee for him. He sounded great and said he was still active in the pine tree business. Ding Price called to say he couldn’t make such a long trip and sent best regards to the survivors who would be there. Dick Spencer said results of a recent fall would prevent his making the trip. Believe the 65th will be the first one that he missed. Max Lamont and Hilma felt the long trip was too much for them and sent best wishes for a happy reunion with many fond memories. Sorry to report that even though they had signed up to attend, Louis Hundley and Bill Phillips were both on the gim at reunion time and could not attend. Class Agent Jim Newsom died July 2004. Bill Phillips and I co-authored notes until the May 2005 edition when he decided that I should solo; he was great at spelling and punctuation. I’ve scribbled four editions each year since then. This will be my last effort. Regrettably, Marty, my proof reader, has Alzheimer’s; now chores of a quite different nature fill my days. On May 3rd, we celebrated 60 years of marriage. We were married in Fort Sill, OK, in the Battle Abbey while I was attending “Cannon Cockers School” for new lieutenants of artillery. My first tour 53

CLASS NOTES as class agent began in 1963, one year after our 15th Reunion when “Wild Bill” Adams sought the job. He never wrote a word and never made a phone call. Jack Tice ’939, then secretary of the Alumni Association, called and said I would have to begin writing for ’47. I should have known better but I didn’t. Kept on writing until 1973 when Robert “Hay-

roll” Cabell took over the job. Reunion week was a very busy one. Our class was in the first wave with the classes of ’37, ’42, ’52 and ’57. We were pleased to have the sole East Coast survivor of ’37 as our honored guest: Judge J.R. “Bunny” Tucker. His only other Bro’ Rat lives out West. Was raining when we checked in Sunday, April 22nd, and continued to do so

on Monday. No spirits were dampened; we were fortunate to have Col. Dale Brown, VMI’s director of construction, conduct a rolling bus tour of the post and adjacent facilities … I had rented a bus – one that could kneel. During the past decade, nearly a quarter billion dollars have been spent adding to and upgrading Barracks, athletic and edu-

65th Reunion — April 23-25, 2012

Class of 1947

Class of 1947: Those who attended their 65th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: John F. Ewell, William Gordon Glass, Monroe M. Gregory Jr., Samuel M. Hairston, William A. Hallett Jr., Louis R. Hundley, Garvin L. Jones, Mr. Harry G. Lee, Ben P. McCarley, John F. Monroe Jr., Ridley T. Nichol, Augustus Robbins III, Roger P. Rosenfield, James B. Sizer III, W. Bruce Taylor ’49C and J. Randolph Tucker ’37. (See class notes for order of appearance.)

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES cational facilities. There are now twice as Kunstler Civil War Art Collection, then talented fellow. The word “cowpie” was in many Rats in the Corps than in 1943 when on exhibit, will be moved in October. A the opening line. we matriculated. It was an enjoyable and great venue to walk around some of VMI’s I’ve always had trouble understanding enlightening morning followed by lunch, treasures, learn new things and remember. the term “legal brief;” at times the first nap time and dinner at the Lexington Then, we gathered around six candleword is true and the last is hardly ever Golf & Country Club. Helen applicable. Gillespie was most helpful in John Ewell asked for time planning the menu and making to present two motions/resoarrangements for us there at her lutions. The first was a long club. statement indicating that your Col. Brodie (Hon. ’92) and a Scribe should receive a passcadet trio from Band Company ing grade for his efforts over provided relaxing music during the past several years. Then, cocktail time, then joined us for John made a moving motion dinner and also provided most to the effect that Gus Robbins enjoyable post-dessert music. should be elected as our next The overcast clouds broke up class agent. The motion was as that event was ending and a seconded, and it was passed beautiful colored sky predicted by a unanimous vote of all a cloudless Tuesday which present – all relieved that they dawned clear and cool. Quite a did not get the job. I’m sure he Class of 1947: John White ’49A, Bill Hallett ’47 and Phil Richardson ’48B received their VMI diplomas on June few were late sleepers. Others will do well. I distributed class 12, 1951. Each was the last of his Bro’ Rat class to be perused old photo albums, of 1947 pens and asked/begged graduated; they “occupied” room 103 during their first some went shopping and a that they be used to keep Gus in class year. few rode around Lexington/ touch. Bill Glass won the prize Rockbridge to remember. The for having traveled the greatest highlight of that day was Reunion Parade lit tables. In lieu of grace, we paused to distance. He was given my shako shield which stepped off at 16:35. It was an remember Bro’ Rats who died in combat which had not been polished since 1951 amazing and heart-warming sight to see in service of our country. George B. Akwhen I received my diploma and very over 1,400 cadets in parade dyke march ers (WWII), John Barkley Jr., John O. little prior to that time. Sorry that John onto the hill. Band Company now has 100 Bates, Patteson Gilliam, Robert N. Smith, Monroe and Rosemary were a day late talented marching musicians; all of us Howell G. Thomas Jr., John W. Timmins arriving; said they were lost in the wilds remembered the five or six multi-talented Jr. (Korean War) and Joseph P. Seymoe Post musicians of our cadet days. Several (Vietnam). Bro’ Rats marched into Barracks to join Col. Keith Gibson ’77 and his wife, the other reunion classes assembled around Pat, joined us for dinner. Keith is directhe Sentinel Box in Old Barracks as the tor of VMI Museums. After dinner, Keith Corps filled the stoops to give Old Yells made an impressive presentation concernfor each reunion class. The Institute now ing today’s JM Hall and VMI’s museum provides a mobile ladder with handrails to operations which include the New Market make for easy access to the top of the Sen- Museum and Battlefield and Stonewall tinel Box. Gus Robbins made the climb Jackson House. In 1943, the swimming for ’47. The Corps gave a long and rousing pool was in the lower level of JM Hall and reception for Charlie Miller ’42 who was Herb Patchin was there to teach us how to wearing his cadet day’s coatee and white survive a ship sinking by tying knots in the ducks. As the Old Yells for ’57 ended, the bottom of our trouser legs before jumping band played “The Spirit.” Then, back to overboard. That area now contains meHampton Inn to dress for SRC at JM Hall. chanical equipment and structural support It seem fitting that our end-of-reunion for the museum level. Several noted that in Class of 1947: “Cadets Meet Their dinner be held in JM Hall where 69 years the past seven decades, agility has turned Dates Beneath a Statue of Stonewall earlier we had signed the Matriculation into senility. Jackson in Lexington.” This caption Book. An elevator to the museum level Gus Robbins read the poem that Joe appeared in The National Geographic which now houses the Henry Stewart ’35 Reynolds had written for our 50th. Its Magazine. From left: Harvey Wise ’50B; Nancy Stewart; Nancy Bonney, gun collection – a world-class collection thoughts still fitting and appropriate. Ben now Mrs. Howard Simpson ’47; and for which many institutions, including McCarley told a “you never know how Al Smith ’47. the Smithsonian, sought ownership. The well off you are” story; he is indeed a 2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES Class of 1947 65th Reunion April 24, 2012

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of North Carolina. John was supposed to have conducted a seminar “securities for seniors” Monday afternoon. Maybe next time. Our thanks to Sarah Newsom for the delicious roasted peanuts, peanut brittle and cookies she brought. Sarah was most generous and thoughtful; all enjoyed those treats at lunch and cocktail time. I would be remiss if I forget to report that Col. J.M. “Crew John” Fray ’908 would have been proud of the Bro’ Rats attending – shoes shined, chin(s) tucked in and remaining hair neatly trimmed. Certainly, objects of honest pride … After our bus tour of the post, Alice McCarley asked about the size of the place. Main Post has 200 acres and contains 69 buildings with an estimated replacement value of $320 million. There is considerable VMI-owned property off Post. The New Market Battlefield State Historical Park at New Market, VA, encompasses 261 acres. There are 210 acres at McKethan Park which are part of VMI’s military and leadership training grounds. We had cocktails and a cookout there during our 55th Reunion; I remember a beautiful moonrise that evening. White’s Farm, where many rode horses and enjoyed the comfort of a McClellan saddle, now has 31 undeveloped acres. Lackey Park, with 75 acres, houses VMI’s buildings and grounds staff and equipment. At year-end 2011, there were 21,434 living alumni; we are few but we are everywhere. VMI Trivia: Electric lights were first turned on at VMI on March 1, 1893. The first typewriter was placed in service at VMI on March 23, 1887. (I still use it.) Cold running water was introduced in all cadet rooms in 1926; hot water in 1936. The first Corps-wide Christmas furlough was granted in 1925. Points to ponder: What is the speed of dark? How do you tell when you’re out of invisible ink? What happens if you get scared half to death for a second time? Do you think things you buy now will outlast you? During our Tuesday evening dinner in JM Hall, I gave each attendee a class of ’47 pen. I had distributed similar pens at our 50th. I realize that cursive handwriting is going out of style and that it is a 2012-Issue 3

task for many. Find the pen, find the paper, find an envelope, find a stamp, check the address, complete the job and walk to the mailbox. E-mail may be easier, but you get little exercise. Regardless of the method you prefer/use, please keep in touch with Gus and the Institute. Following fond farewells at Hampton Inn Wednesday morning, I drove from Lexington on Route 11. Several miles out of town, I noticed a large white-columned house on several acres of freshly mown green lawn. A large sign with Gothic letters identified the place as a funeral home. Off to one side was a small sign: “Ask about our convenient lay-away plan.” I didn’t but smiled and went on my way as I remembered the grand time with Bro’ Rats and great friends of a lifetime. Stay well, keep smiling and be alert at election time. Much of life is memories we have and the stories we tell.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

We were all very much saddened to hear of the death of Cheddy McFeely in California. Blake’s much loved and respected wife will be very much missed by all who knew her. Because of the distances involved, we didn’t have the opportunity to see her as often as we wished, but she will always remain in our memories. My own wife died in April. Alice Carroll Wykoff was born here in Lexington, and we spent 62 years together. By Army assignments, she lived and raised our two kids overseas for 15 years – in Germany, Uganda, Thailand, Kenya and, finally, after the kids left home, to World Health in Switzerland. Our lives and time together just slipped away before we knew it.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

The 65th Reunion will be held April 22-23, 2013. We will be getting more particulars within the next few months. I spoke to our Brother Rat Mickey Lawson on March 13, 2012, for one of

the longest conversations I have ever had with a Brother Rat. We shared a few memories of the treacherous ’48A cadets. Mickey and Helen are living in Boca Raton, FL. Mickey see Bob Duke once a year at Bob’s country club in Connecticut. I heard from George Ramsey. George sees Doug Hamner rather frequently. Unfortunately, Doug has a few medical problems that curtail his activities. However, he is a survivor. In order to generate some interest in our next reunion, I have contacted Brother Rats Josephson, Parker, Perkins and Schafer. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I will reach out to many others in the next several months, and hopefully, the reaction will be positive. The roster listed our Brother Rat Nick Gus Harris with his telephone number. However, I was unable to reach him by phone and wrote him a letter. The bottom line was Nick did call me; he is living at the same address, but his correct phone number is 561/364-9647. Nick was at VMI for one year. He went into the Navy and, on discharge, went to the University of Maryland and was in the aerospace business for his entire career. He has been retired for about 20 years and now lives permanently with his wife in Boynton Beach, FL. My grandson, Jack Fischer, will start at the University of Richmond in September 2012, and Al Loth indicated that his door is open 24 hours a day. Another grandson, Mark Fischer, after three tries, was finally accepted at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He is a transfer from Ohio Wesleyan. His brother, Brian Fischer, entered Harvard University in September 2011. Although he was well qualified grade-wise, his secret pass was lacrosse skills. Duncan Sinclair passed away on April 25, 2012. His obituary will appear in the 2012-Issue 4 Alumni Review coming out in November. My only hope of securing any info about our Brother or Sister Rats is to call those names on the roster. I made five or six calls on one day, and the only person I reached was Bob Duke. Bob, like myself, is not up to date in the computer age, and we probably don’t want to be. 57

CLASS NOTES

’49A

James Harrington

Spring was short this year – summer has come early, but most of the class hasn’t caught up with it yet. The responses to my request for news have been sparse. Here at the Harrington’s, we have had one grandson graduate college – he’s entering the work force, if he can find it. Our number two grandson has just left for the “sandbox” – we are proud of him but still worry. At home, we’re in the middle of an extensive (and expensive) re-do of the swimming pool, so if you’re planning to visit anytime soon, call ahead to see if we’re ready for you. Otherwise, we’re as well as can be expected, given our age. Just lose a body part from time to time, but there are still some left. Allen Penniman keeps us up to date: “When Jim Harrington prompts me and reminds me that class notes are due, I generally look at the calendar months since I have last written. The purpose of this is to bring to mind trips and visits and important occasions which have happened since I last wrote. And so, today, May 8, 2012, I have done the same thing. In doing this, an interesting thought occurred to me, and this may be true with some of you, as well. At my age and my stage in life, I find myself much more involved with my family and less involved with wonderful trips to Florence, Venice, Rome and the other grand places around the world. As Joanie and I have gotten older, we are blessed with good health. Our efforts in terms of travel tend to have grown to surround the children and their lives more and more. So, we don’t have our pictures taken on the Great Wall of China or cruising on a riverboat down the Seine. It’s just not like that anymore, and I know it is a good thing, because it does help us stay involved with our large and ever expanding family. And when I look at this life, I realize that 10 of my family have been in my home this year and have enjoyed wonderful times with Joanie and me. They come for football games, baseball games and New Orleans, which is always a great attraction. So, this is what I do. Most of all, they just come 58

to see us. Joanie leaves this week to visit Denver and our family there, so the march goes on. We do have a trip to Montana planned, but I will leave that alone and will not discuss it until we go. This will give me something to put in my letter to Harrington later this year. I send each and every one of you my best wishes for your continued happiness and good health.” And this from Joe Fil: “I just opened up my computer after about a week and found your letter. As you see, I’m not much for this modern technology. I received a very welcome telephone call from Charlie Tiller. We had a pleasant, long, four-way call between Charlie, Nancy, Susie and myself. All is well at both houses. Yesterday – Mother’s Day – our youngest son took us to dinner with his wife, Anna, and an exchange student from France that they are sponsoring. Sue received calls from our four boys, their wives and most of the grandchildren – plenty of flowers, etc. We have had beautiful weather lately, and yesterday was no exception; so all went well. Our big event coming up will be our 60th anniversary. We have engaged a room at a local restaurant for about 70 people. We are hoping that the Fils will be there. It will be the first time that this has happened, and we are looking forward to seeing the 20 of us together at one time. My sister’s family will attend, so lots of young cousins should keep things lively. I’m still on the mosquito board. The county has shifted most of their health requirements over to us, and things are changing. Our board membership has increased, so it’s not as relaxed as I would prefer – getting more bureaucratic and formal. My two latest responsibilities are chairing the Strategic Planning Committee and an earthquake retrofitting of one of our buildings. When these are completed, I may retire from the board. Thanks for sending all those interesting philosophical notes. I enjoy reading them. Sue and I send our thanks for all you do for our small class.” I was glad to hear about the Tillers from Joe, as Charlie is an infrequent correspondent. Herb Johnston did write, but as with the rest of us, not much: “I wish I had some exciting news. We did have some computer problems and got your alert. With the help of our son and the changing

of our password, we think we have things back in order. Our relatively new IPad was OK, but our two-year-old IMac was not. There is improved protection on the IPad, I guess. On the mundane side, we have our reservations for the Outer Banks, and all our family will join us. We bought vacation insurance for there for the first time, since we lost about four days last year. We are happy that our health is good, and we can continue to stay involved in a lot of activities. I serve on two boards, and I chair one of them and am vice-chairman of the other one. We are looking forward to a good summer, and we hope yours is enjoyable and fun too.” So, for the rest of the class, I guess we’ll have to wait until next time.

’49B

Dan Smaw

These are the class notes for May 2012 and cover the period from February to May. Bobby Thomason called in February after seeing the class notes. He and Jean live day to day and enjoy it. They are thinking of Sally, our daughter, and we appreciate it, as we do for all of you who pray for her. In February, Jimmy Shepherd called to say he had had a fall in December but was OK. He and Frances had just gotten back home from Cataloochee which I am sure a lot of you remember. He wanted to know how to get in touch with Tommy Bowers which Greg Nelson also wanted to know. When Tommy is performing his tough duty in the Caribbean, it is close to impossible to reach him. Had a quick note from Leo Soucek in February to say he was entered in a pulmonary rehab program in Arlington in January and was doing fairly well. He ran into Ed Watling who is in a cardio rehab program there. Leo said Ed looks good and says DeeGee is OK. In mid February, Leo went to the ER at Walter Reed with pneumonia and later heart palpitations. He was released several days later and told to slow down and take more pills, which he is doing. Margaret Lee Overton wrote in February to say she was planning another cruise VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES with her daughter. This one hits several Caribbean ports, goes through the Panama Canal and ends in Los Angeles – sounds like fun. She also sent a newspaper clipping with a picture of Tommy Challoner’s granddaughter who is getting married this spring in Richmond – both young people are VA Tech grads. Buddy Marshall called in early March to thank me for sending him the “Do Not Call” list number for cell phones. The one for regular phones does nothing to limit calls from every political nut in the country. I guess they will only increase from now until November. I talked with Charlie Upshaw in March on any number of subjects but doubt we solved any of the country’s major problems. He said Laura was not doing well which I was sorry to hear. His grandson, Andrew ’06, was nominated for a scholarship, the details of which I failed to write down, so I can only get the story half right. He also wanted some info on the ’49B doctors who remain with us. I talked to Lon Walter who was just getting ready to call George Dooley to see if he could present the Lon Walter award to the outstanding Air Force graduate. George has been doing this for a number of years, since it is a lot closer from Lynchburg to Lexington than Austin to Lexington. John (Jack) Hayes said his hips are in bad shape with dislocations and operations being his fate, but that was better than the alternative. He and Grover Outland were scheduled for lunch on March 26th. On March 17th, Allan Casey, Mark Casey’s son, called to say Mark was now in hospice care, as he had been going downhill for a while. Mark had been fighting Parkinson’s for around eight years – unfortunately, it does not get better, only worse as time goes by. Allan called again on April 13th to say Mark died on April 12th. Mark and Lon Walter were the instigators for our highly successful yearly reunions that started in 1986 and ran for 20 years. Mark is survived by Helen, his wife of 43 years; two sons, Allan and his wife, Shirley, and John and his wife, Terry; and two grandchildren, Scott and Amy. The family is planning to come to VMI in the fall to scatter Mark’s ashes in Memorial Garden. That will be coordinated with Col. Park, the VMI chaplain. Following a brief 2012-Issue 3

memorial service, all Brother/Sister Rats in attendance are invited to lunch. More specifics will be provided as the time gets closer. Harv Bradley called in late March to say they had to put down their dog, Malcom. That is always a very emotional thing to undergo, as a lot of us know from experience. Malcom came to the Dallas reunion and our 60th – maybe others I can’t remember. I did not attend the Class Agents Conference this year, since it was the Friday and Saturday before Palm Sunday, and we did not want to be traveling home that Sunday. In the 23 years I have been class agent, the conference has never been just before Palm Sunday or Easter; hope it won’t be again. On April 1st, Tommy Bowers called to say he got back from his strenuous duty in the Caribbean at the end of February. He had been in New York and several other places, as well as catching up on things after being gone for two months. Also, he was inquiring about Sally who is on his prayer list, for which we are thankful. Betty Lu Stephens wrote in early April. Clint and Rose Anne Hurd had been with her for four nights the week before during the annual “Festival of Flowers,” at which Betty Lu and Rose Anne help out. They don’t grow flowers – only do docent type stuff. Clint was doing OK, but the doctors still don’t know exactly what his problem is. To follow up on that, Lon Walter called on April 29th to tell me they had just heard from Doris’ nephew who lives in Opelika, AL, and attends the Hurd church, where it was announced that Clint had cancer in both lungs. I talked with Betty Lu April 30th, and she said a biopsy confirmed that Clint had stage four lung cancer. At that time, the doctors had not come up with what comes next. Our thoughts and prayers are with Clint and Rose Anne, as well as Betty Lu. I have had several e-mails and conversations with Beth Myers concerning the services in May to repose Danny’s ashes at West Point and Tannersville, VA. The West Point service was held May 16th, followed by reposing Danny’s ashes in the Columbarium at the Old Cadet Chapel on Saturday, May 19th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Tannersville, VA. A

luncheon followed in the church for those who wished to visit there after the service. Greg and Kitty Nelson and Ding and Nobbie Patton planned to attend the Tannersville service. All ’49Bs were invited to one or both of those services. I had a lengthy conversation with Jack Evans in early May. He was to have an operation for carpal tunnel syndrome on May 4th, and when that heals, he will have the other hand done. He had talked to Tommy Bowers and Bobby Thomason in the past several weeks. I also talked with Pat Evans for awhile – she is going through her third session of chemo in the last several years. Pat has mesothelioma; no one can figure out how she could have gotten it. Both are very upbeat about their conditions, which is a good thing. Best wishes to both for complete recovery. In early May, I talked with Vaughn Maxwell for quite awhile. He was doing well and using a cane, as opposed to a walker, when he came down with an infection that set him back. He goes to the VA for physical therapy three times a week. The primary objective is to get his balance improved by strengthening the muscles that control balance. Vaughn says he has gotten his disappointment under control about the set back and had done the same thing as it pertained to the stroke. His view is that the mental attitude is as important, if not more so, than the physical. He is determined to get better. We wish you well, Vaughn. He talks to Nux Enochs frequently. Hotz Lardon sent what he said was a long overdue update about himself. I wish some of you that I seldom hear from would take the hint. He retired from consulting about two years ago and has a home in the sleepy little town of Bonita, CA, about 12 miles south of San Diego. He still has a condo in town but leases it out. He spends most of his time playing chess, golf and working on a series of vignettes about his life as a young boy – hopefully, something to leave for his children. Barbara, his first wife of 23 years, lives in a small, private care facility in Del Mar. She has severe dementia and does not know any of them when they visit her, which they do regularly. His son, Mike, is a doctor and that helps in caring for her. Mike is a well known sports psychiatrist whose book, “Finding Your Zone,” published in 2008 59

CLASS NOTES has sold over 30,000 copies. He and his wife and three children live in Del Mar. Son Bob Jr. is with Harmon International and lives in Greenwich, CT. Son Brad is director of golf at Miramont Golf Club in Texas. Hotz is in good health but suffers from time to time with loss of equilibrium. I have that problem myself but luckily have not fallen. Betty Lu Stephens called as she was on her way home from Opelika, where she had been for a week, lending moral support to the Hurds. Clint is in good spirits and waiting for the doctors to determine what type of chemo treatment to use to fight his lung cancer. We wish you well, Clint, and as I said earlier in these notes, we will keep you, Rose Anne and Betty Lu in our prayers. For all who have contributed to Annual Giving – thanks. For the rest of you – do it. God bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

Everyone is back home after a tremendous summer of travel and adventure, and I am checking my mail for reports on all the activity. I also accept phone calls. At present, I am looking forward to a golf week at Williamsburg and planning for the remainder of this summer. I had a long phone conversation with Stew Snoddy, mostly concerned with the problems of old age. We resolved that we were both doing about as well as could be expected. I reported in the last Review that Eddie Davis had to interrupt last year’s vacation for a bout with surgery for lung cancer. I know you all received my recent letter concerning donations for this fiscal year. My letter to Eddie was returned as unable to deliver, but a second attempt was successful. I hope he made up for that lost vacation in the interim. Our thanks go to daughter Rat Kate for the picture of Cappie Moncure which was in the last issue of the quarterly Review (2012-Issue 2). It’s a little late to inform you of the death of E.J. Williams. I did not know of this 60

until I read the notice in the Taps section of the latest Review. Our numbers continue to decline. I received letters from two recipients of ’49C scholarships for the present 2011-12 year. They thanked the class and were very sincere in what the scholarship had meant to their time at VMI. One was a first classman and the other a third classman. I do not know at this time whether there were other ’49C scholarships for this period. I am sorry that we don’t have additional news from the class. I do have a request. Would everyone with a computer please send me your e-mail address so that I can update my address list? The present list dates back to 2008. If you like, you could include a brief note in your e-mail. Thanks.

’50A

Bill Moore

Anne and I have just returned from the funeral of Dick Mandt’s wife, Jeanne. She died suddenly late Saturday, May 12th. We made a very quick trip to Mooresville, NC, for the visitation and funeral. As you’d expect, Dick is devastated. In talking with their son, Richard, I mentioned how close Dick and Jeanne have been all their married lives. Sort of like the old phrase “joined at the hip.” The most encouraging news I got from Richard was that “he hasn’t missed a meal yet. We all dote on him to take good care of the good father that he has always been to us.” A dutiful son is a blessed person in the sight of the Lord. Jeanne’s death came in the midst of the compiling of these notes. Some calls to Brother Rats were completed, some didn’t get through. Others had to be repeated to include the news of Jeanne’s death, and all in all, it made for a disrupted mess. Thanks to Traci in the Review office, I had an extra day to sort things out. Other than Jeanne’s death and Barbara (Hugh) Barnes’ bad car accident in March, our class news is good. Barbara suffered severe injuries, none of them life threatening, but painful and slow to heal. Her granddaughter, Brooklynn, is

all excited about her upcoming trip to Australia. One of the casualties of Barbara’s accident was her car, which was totaled. Another is her driving confidence. She has no knowledge of the actual moment of the accident and no cause, physical or mental, was determined. Fortunately, her living situation provides almost all of her transportation needs. On a more upbeat note, our ever-adventurous Mary (Joe) Ripley is going for a workshop and fun trip to the Piankatank River in Matthews County, VA. Mary, be sure to eat lots of the delicious Gwynn’s Island seafood. Eat some for me, too, please. Harriett and Jennings Bunch report things are quiet and uneventful up in Pennsylvania. No imminent trips. Nan and Elliott Hudgins report much the same down in New Bern, NC. Nan was standing on her head trying to get a heating and air conditioning mechanic straightened out when I called. They’re trying to get the unit replaced before the hot, muggy weather hits eastern North Carolina. Elliott is doing well considering what he has faced health-wise the last few years. Much the same as Dick Mandt. B.J. and Kenny Stagg tell me all is well in the Holy City of Richmond. B.J. is still working every day. For her sake, I hope the Richmond real estate market is better than it has been in most places. It seems that the common thread weaving through the news this time is the number of us giving up driving, such as Barbara (Hugh) Barnes, as mentioned. Elliott Hudgins tells me that he passed all the tests, and his driving permit has been renewed, but he’s just not comfortable with the idea of possibly hurting someone, considering his age and history of strokes. My wife, Anne, has also joined the list of non-drivers. I hope this is temporary. Anne suffered a bad fall last winter and then had severe internal bleeding when she was switched from Coumadin to Pradaxa. She’s doing well now but has had a rough time of it. Yours truly is facing open-heart surgery in July to replace an aortic valve. Some of you already know this. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. Bill Moore VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Good food. Great company. Lots of stories told; some were even true. But the main thing is that it gave us another opportunity to make sure Lee knew how much Sallie meant to all of us. Fortunately, Laura and I had an opportunity to express our condolences early on in December, during a visit We were deeply saddened by the with Deedee and Lola at their home, as we deaths of four of our Brother Rats, were passing through Lexington on our Fred W. Schaumburg Jr., John G. way home from SW Virginia. A wonderDavis, Richey Dickson and Wilson E.D. ful lady. Laura and I had a wonderful visit Shepherd. These obituaries appear in the with Mary Virginia Harwood during the Taps section, with the exception of ShepThanksgiving holiday. She was visiting herd, whose obituary will appear in the her son, Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Harwood III, 2012-Issue 4 Review that will be coming and wife Ellie in their fabulous apartment out in November. on the Arlington Ridge Road, overlooking I had a very pleasant telephone converthe city and Pentagon. Tom is stationed sation with Thatcher and Pat Watson. there now and can just slide down the hill They are both well. Thatcher had just to work. Ellie’s dinner was delicious. Tom completed a successful physical exam married a charming young lady. Again, with his cardiologist and was pronounced stories were told. It still startles me, when fit. Thatcher and Pat are still in Macon, we talk about it, how for 10 years of our GA, as are their children and grandchillives, big Tommy and I couldn’t get rid of dren. Thatcher has pretty much retired each other – Brother Rats, played baseball from his real estate appraisal business, together, were wounded the same month although he sometimes is asked to take while leading infantry platoons in Korea on a particular job. He says that real (similar wounds), ended up in the same hosestate values in Macon are pretty much pital ward and Camp Pickett, then served the same as the rest of the country, down together at Fort Meade for a couple of years but beginning to improve. He asked me and finally roomed together, with Foster whether Alice and I had considered movWitt, while going to UVa law school. When ing to an assisted living situation. I told Tommy told me he had met the ‘perfect’girl him no, that we have been in our house during our senior year, I jumped with joy. for 50 years and had no plans for moving I was finally getting rid of the big galoot. anywhere. He said that he and Pat felt the And was he ever right about the perfect same way – a they had been in their house girl. She’s something else. Tommy was a for 47 years, and he so much enjoyed sitspecial man. When I told Mary Virginia I ting on this deck and looking at his back was his best friend ever, she smiled. Then, I yard. Altogether, it sounds like Thatcher added, so was Flip Flippen, Bill and Pat’s retirement is as good Buchanan, Foster Witt, Robin as it gets. I love to hear that White and just about everyone from a Brother Rat. else he came across. We all miss Hoge Sutherland has written him. When someone mentioned a good letter giving a lot of inthat it sounded like Tommy and I formation about different memwere alike in a lot of ways based bers of our class: “Laura and I on our experiences, I thought it were in Lexington for a couple appropriate to point out a few of days in early February to join differences: Tommy never got Richey Dickson and Woody a demerit; I got six, once just Woodman for a basketball game walking to the bathroom. He and to see old friends. We sat also seemed to always have next to Jane and Olivia Patton stripes on his arms. Me? Can during the game and had a mini you spell, ‘Private 5, 4, 3, 2, 1?’ reunion with Harold and Wanda Lastly, let’s not go into academic Templeton as we were leaving the gym. Harold drives over the Class of 1950B: Col. Lee Lewane with his late wife, Sally, records. But I never wanted to build a bridge, anyway. But we mountain from Lynchburg for and his daughters, Sue, Gloria and Tori.

’50B

2012-Issue 3

Robert White

almost all the games. It was good to see all these folks. I was talking to Tom Kelly after our 60th Reunion and told him we had seen his medals (ribbons) display in the Hall of Valor, and it was quite impressive. He said he hadn’t seen it. So, I told him we would make a photo of it when we were next in Lexington and send it to him. Even though we tried on a number of occasions, we failed miserably; we were using top-of-the-line, throw-away cameras from CVS. The glare from the glass caused problems, but on one rare occasion, you could make out the name. So, when I told Richey and Woody we were going over the next day to try again, they said they would join us. It turns out Woody is a skilled photographer. Together we took hundreds of pictures (ours with new throwaways from Rite-Aid), and Woody even went back to the motel to get a new lens. He got some pictures and sent them to Kelly. Tom said they were great. When we get ours developed, my guess is you still will barely be able to make out his name. We also took photos of Tommy Harwood’s medal display. If they turn out OK, I will send them to Mary Virginia. Robin, this Hall of Valor is very impressive. You come away with great pride in our class, after seeing, for example, Lee Lewane’s many medals, Tommy Kirk’s, Ken Taft (with a marking showing he was “killed in action”) and the one that always leaves me in awe, Benny Renton’s six (6) Purple Hearts … Incredible! What a class! After our picture-taking sessions, we had a delightful lunch at the Southern Inn with Lola and DeeDee Shepherd and Lee Lewane. Richey planned this.

CLASS NOTES had a great time chasing the ladies. We also talked about the times Tommy, Foster and I spent living across from you and Alice when we were in law school in C’ville. Without going into detail, I think that baby doctor still thinks I’m the father of your second child. Great story. Happy memories!” It is always good to hear from a cadet who writes about his appreciation for the scholarship of the class of 1950B. Here is such a letter from Cadet Ted Linville: “Dear Mr. Robert A. White: “I would like to thank you for your scholarship. I greatly appreciate this assistance in helping me fulfill my dream of graduating from VMI. “I am from North Carolina and am currently a history major. I am also working toward an international studies minor and a concentration in military history. I currently serve on the Emergency Response Team (emergency medical technician) as one way of trying to give back to this great school. I also volunteer with the Lexington Fire and Rescue Department to help the community. I plan to continue working as a firefighter/EMT after graduation by working for the National Park Service. I am a Rat Challenge sergeant as well as a guide sergeant in Bravo Company. This spring, I have been teaching the first aid class for the New Cadet Military Training. I’ve worked hard to get into VMI, and your scholarship has helped me be able to attend this great school. “Again, let me thank you for your scholarship. For many cadets, myself included, getting into college is only part of the challenge. My biggest challenge is paying for college, and scholarships like the one that you have provided are greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your support. “Sincerely, “Cadet Theodore J. Linville” My guess is that there are very few members of our class or the class of 1951 who have not already heard of the untimely death of Richey Dickson. Nevertheless, for the sake of those who have not yet learned about Richey’s demise, what follows is an abbreviated obituary for Richey, written by our Brother Rat, Woody Woodman: “Richey Dickson died at his birthplace, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on March 2, 62

2012. He was 83 years old. Following his graduation from the Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN, he matriculated at VMI in September 1946. He was a cadet sergeant during second class year. At graduation, he was awarded a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and was commissioned a second lieutenant of field artillery. He was shortly called to active duty and subsequently deployed in 1952 to South Korea with the 235th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. For his service in that conflict, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service medals. After release from active duty, he remained an active Army Reserve officer, retiring in 1980 at the grade of lieutenant colonel. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. “He was employed for about 40 years in the fabrication sector of the steel industry. He specialized in safety devices, e.g., guard rails and related products. His final position was as chief engineer of the Thompson Culvert Co. in St. Louis. He was certified as a professional engineer in the state of Missouri and was a long-time member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 1994, he retired to live in the Dickson family home in Mt. Pleasant. “Members of his immediate family surviving him are his sister, Diane Hawes; his daughter, Susan DeWulf; and twin grandchildren, Emilie DeWulf and Nicolas DeWulf.” The VMI Hall of Valor is a powerful record of the patriotism, courage and effectiveness of VMI men in times of peril and war when our country so greatly needs men of such character. The inclusion of the class of 1950B in that group reinforces the value of the hall. For these reasons and with the great help of Lee Lewane, I have listed here the members of our class who are included in the class of 1950B Hall of Valor: Barnes, Jack L., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal, two awards; Purple Heart, two awards; Air Medal, two awards; Joint Service Commendation Medal, two awards; Air Force Commendation Medal, two awards. Barnett, William T., 1st Lieutenant, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal, two

awards. Bolvig, Christopher P., Captain, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross, two awards; Air Medal, five awards. Buchanan, William J., Colonel, United States Army, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, four awards; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal with V, three awards; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal, six awards; Army Commendation Medal, four awards. Burckell, Thomas J., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Purple Heart. Fisher Jr., Emil, Bronze Star with V. French, Harry W., Colonel, United States Army, Silver Star, three awards; Legion of Merit, two awards; Meritorious Service Medal, two awards; Army Commendation Medal, two awards. Green, Albert H., Captain, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross. Guinn Jr., George W., Major, United States Army, Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal with V, two awards; Purple Heart, two awards. Hansen, Marcus Whitney, Colonel, United States Army, Silver Star; Legion of Merit, three awards; Bronze Star Medal with V, four awards; Purple Heart, three awards; Meritorious Service Medal, three awards; Air Medal, three awards; Army Commendation Medal. Hardwood Jr., Thomas P., Major, United States Army, Purple Heart. Keesling, Earl L., Colonel, United States Army, Silver Star; Legion of Merit, two awards; Bronze Star Medal, two awards; Purple Heart. Kelly, Thomas D., 1st Lieutenant, United States Army, Bronze Star Medal with V; Purple Heart, two awards. Kirk Jr., Thomas H., Colonel, United States Air Force, Air Force Cross; Silver Star, three awards; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star with V, two awards; Purple Heart, two awards; Air Force Commendation Medal. Kovarik, David F., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Bronze Star Medal with V; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal, two awards; Army Commendation Medal. Lewane, Leonard L., Colonel, United States Army, Silver Star, two awards; Legion of Merit, two awards; Distinguished Flying Cross with V; Bronze Star Medal with V, two awards, Air Medal, 11 awards; Army Commendation Medal, three awards, Presidential Unit Citation. Mason, George, Colonel, United States Army, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Silver Star; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart, two awards. Morton, Russell S., Colonel, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal, two awards; Air Medal, seven awards; Air Force Commendation Medal. Neal, Robert P., 1st Lieutenant, United States Army, Silver Star. Raffensberger, Jack W., Captain, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal, three awards. Renton, Benjamin, E., 1st Lieutenant, United States Army, Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal with V, three awards; Purple Heart, six awards. Robertson, John W., Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Silver Star; Legion of Merit with V; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal. Skelton, Richard E., Colonel, United States Air Force, Legion of Merit, two awards; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal, two awards; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal, eight awards; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal. Smallwood, Gerald E., Major, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal, four awards; Soult Jr., Launcelot E., Major, United States Army, Silver Star; Sutherland, Hoge T., Captain, United States Army, Purple Heart. Taft Jr., Kenneth E. Captain, United States Marine Corps, Navy Cross; Purple Heart; KIA March 26, 1953. Turpin, Carter M., Major, United States Army, Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart. Tuxhorn, William R., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal with V; Meritorious Service Medal, two awards; Air Medal, 13 awards; Air Force Commendation Medal. Umstead Jr., Stanley M., Lieutenant General, United States Air Force, Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal, two awards; Legion of Merit, three awards; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal, 13 awards; Air Force Commendation Medal, three awards. Ward Jr., Thomas M., Rear Admiral, United States Navy, Legion of Merit, three awards; Bronze Star Medal with V, two awards; Meritorious Service Medal. Wise, Harvey E., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross, two awards; Air Medal, 21 awards. 2012-Issue 3

’51

John Ross

This note covers the period Feb. 11, 2012, to May 11, 2012. I failed to reach Taylor Hay with belated birthday wishes but did leave a message on his voice mail. However, I was able to extend birthday wishes to Maury King in Hallieford, VA. He is doing well, as is his wife, June, who is recovering from open-heart surgery. He inquired about Henry Pitot. B.I. (Jack) Evans ’49B called from Texas to let me know our BR Woody Woodward was in a Tyler, TX, hospital in a critical condition. I made contact with his daughter, Anna, who confirmed this, and then notified the class. I also called Rav Marshall at Anna’s request to let him know, as he was her godfather. I reached Tom Carozza in Baltimore to extend birthday greetings. Paul Robinson sent me a note from Florida, enclosing an article, “Major General John A. Lejeune; Leader,” Alumni Review, spring 1985, page 9. It describes how the general came to the rescue of the Institute during the Depression by contacting President Roosevelt directly. Jack Evans checked in from Virginia Beach. He and Joyce are doing well, or as he puts it – “hanging in there.” Duane Holloway informed the class that our BR Lew Beazlie died on Feb. 13, 2012. He was only with us for one year, but as Duane put it, “Those who knew him never forgot him.” I failed to connect with Billye Henson on her birthday but did reach Randy Thompson with birthday greetings. He had just learned that his younger brother, John Thompson ’53, had died. We learned from Ann Penner’s daughter, Sandy Remson, that Ann has been in and out of the hospital with a serious medical problem. I furnished Henry Pitot, who was on the Gulf Coast, with contact information for Paul Robinson and Paul Shrader. I received a letter from Bill Dawson informing me that his grandson, Morgan, a junior at Liberty University, had died. I

sent him a note of condolence. I wished Hap Higby in Bonita Springs, FL, a happy birthday. He has multiple medical problems – back and heart – but claims it is not bad. He reminisced about jump school with Bill Ellis and Jim Coley. In a telephone call, Dick Cole informed me that he presented Louise a ring on Christmas day. I failed to reach Joe Stump with birthday greetings. I also failed to reach Mrs. Wray, as I do not have a telephone number. Homer Ambrose called to say he could not make Jim Connolly’s memorial service, as he is still wheelchair bound, but did want to be remembered to Mary Ellen. The Holloways likewise called to say that medical problems precluded their attendance. Then, Jigger and Ursula Baxley reported that their duty as election judges for the Virginia primary prevented them from attending the service. On March 5, Marie and I attended the visitation for Jim Connolly. It was well attended by Jim’s many Marine Corps friends. Harry Bailey also was able to make it. That evening, we had a very enjoyable dinner reminiscing about Jim with Sam Scott, Johnny and Pat Gray, and Gerry Eggleston and his daughter, Cindy. On March 6, all of us, along with Steve Meador, Harry Bailey and Rav Marshall, attended the Memorial Mass at the Old Chapel, Fort Meyer, VA. I had the honor of being an honorary pall bearer. We then processed into Arlington Cemetery for interment with full military honors. I am prejudiced, but the Marines did a great job. Just as Jim was laid to rest, the Netherland’s Carillion chimed the Marine Corps Hymn. Sam Scott also noted another coincidence – Jim was laid to rest in a new section of the cemetery – 51. After the ceremony, we all had a chance to visit with Mary Ellen and her family at a reception at the Fort Meyer Officer’s Club. I am so glad that so many of us could make it to Jim’s service or recognized his work for the class by making contributions to VMI. I extended birthday greetings to Rav Marshall, my Alexandria neighbor, who had just returned from a walk. Once again, I failed to reach Pete Ames in Millis, MA, on his birthday. 63

CLASS NOTES I left belated birthday greetings for Joe Tom Howard in Melbourne, FL. Shortly thereafter, I received an e-mail of thanks. Joe Tom reports that he and Frances are fine and very active with many volunteer activities. A week to the day after Jim Connolly’s funeral, I attended the interment ceremony for Marion Meader at Arlington National Cemetery. This was followed by a reception at the Fort Meyer Officer’s Club, where I visited with Steve and his family. I received a nice note from Beverly Beazlie thanking me for keeping in touch. Dick McFarlin notified us of the sad news that Clare had died on March 15th after a fall in which she injured her vertebrae. I sent Dick a note of condolence. I received an e-mail from Pete Philp that he is back in the hospital in his continuing fight against an antibiotic resistant staph infection. When I called Pete, he was upbeat, while recognizing the lengthy procedure he faced. I received word from Ann Lange, Woody Woodward’s daughter, that our Brother Rat died on March 20, 2012, in Tyler, TX. She reported that the local veteran organization and the Marine Corps conducted a very nice memorial service for Woody. I ran into Don Baldwin at a lecture series that Marie and I attend. He looks great. Marie connected with Carolyn McCallum to wish her a happy birthday. She is still in rehab for her wrist injury. I reached Mila Bernich in Biloxi, MS, to wish her a happy birthday. She is doing well, despite some mobility problems. When I called to wish Richard Chaplin a happy birthday, I had a nice chat with Anita. She reports Richard is about the same. Marie and I attended the Class Agents Conference in Lexington at the end of March. VMI looks great; the number and diversity of Keydet activities is amazing; and Gen. Peay ’62, as usual, made an informative and impressive presentation. Upon return form Lexington, I came down with shingles, which is really quite uncomfortable. If you have had chicken pox, I urge you to get the vaccine for shingles. I wished Rufus Lazzell a belated happy birthday. He and Jo Jac are doing well, with the latter recovering from surgery. He 64

is still very busy with politics and his work at the local cultural center. I wished Sid Hannah a happy birthday. He has “picked up the flag” from Jim Connolly and is doing a great job. I reached Sam Bass with birthday greetings. He reports that he sold his Richmond home and is recovering well from his cancer treatment. Sam is now looking at the possibility of moving to a retirement community. I finally reached Peggy Hays, and she reports Willard is progressing very well after back surgery. I reached Bill Moore in Fairfax, VA, to extend birthday wishes. He obviously is in great shape, as he had just refinished his outdoor deck and was about to clean his outdoor pool. Bill inquired about Gen. Peay and reminisced about meeting Burt Kidwell in Korea in 1952. I received an e-mail from Joe Tom Howard that, according to Jane Owen, Dick is not doing well. I called Jane, and she confirmed that Dick has multiple medical problems. He just recovered from pneumonia, has eating problems, and is in and out of the hospital and/or rehab facilities. I wished Glennie Brown a belated happy birthday. She is doing very well and had just renewed her scuba certification. She intends to join her daughter and granddaughter diving off the coast of Honduras. I had a nice visit with Rose Anson, who reports Fred has been in and out of the hospital and is now in rehab. I asked her to convey birthday wishes to Fred. I left a birthday message for Fred Taylor in Richmond, as I did for Bob Martin in Henderson, NV, and Bill Dawson in Richmond. Jack Lowden in Williamsburg reports that he and Barbara are OK and that he had no real news, except his “golf is lousy.” Jack Davis in Southern Pines, NC, has a serious breathing problem but hopes to make the next reunion. I overlooked a birthday call I had on March 6 with Henry Quisinberry in Enterprise, AL. He and Jackie are doing well and report that there are four recent VMI grads in the Army flight school there. I connected with George Cohen in Hilton Head at the beginning of May. Marty is still in Connecticut, where she has her business, and they are both OK.

Pete Philp called from Dallas, TX, to report that he is now out of the rehab facility, and the staph infection appears to be under control. He is now scheduled for a permanent knee replacement surgery on May 14th. I learned from a May 2nd e-mail from Jigger Baxley that our BR John Herring died on April 20, 2012. An obituary appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch of April 27. I had a nice visit with the Holloways when they called to see how I was doing – still fighting the shingles. When I, in turn, inquired of them, they laughed and responded that their calendar was full of doctor appointments. I wished Vic Parks a happy birthday on May 8th, and he expected a visit from Jim Marshall. Vic and Gracelyn are hanging in there. Johnny Gray reports that Pat had a fall, resulting in a broken ankle bone, which fortunately was not displaced. She will be wearing a boot for some time. I had a second call with Vic Parks, after Jim and Cindy Marshall had arrived. Jim said that Cindy and he were on a trip to visit his family in Virginia before heading south and that they both were doing well. As you will not receive this note until August, Marie and I hope you had a great summer. Stay healthy, and keep the “Spirit.” Semper Fi – Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

These class notes actually begin around February 15, which is the due date for turning in notes that started with events and conversations with Brother Rats from Nov. 15, 2011. I have dedicated some of these notes to our reunion April 23 and 24. I have been asked on several occasions for the reasons reunions are scheduled on Monday and Tuesday. My answer has been that we senior classes (meaning older) have more flexibility of time than younger classes where the members are employed in fulltime jobs and the fact that classes are larger and accommodations are limited. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Red Gerdetz called to confirm that I had gotten his letter honoring Nutz and correcting a couple of misspelled words, especially a misspelled name. Red asked me what activities I am currently doing. My reply included leading a group of men in viewing the video “Doing the Right Thing” by a group at Princeton, including Chuck Colson, Dr. Robert George, Brit Hume and others. This is a six-part series on ethics. Also, every month I have a number of birthday cards to write and mail to Brother Rats and widows of BRs. I am a member of a local emergency response team called CERT which responds to local emergencies that are too big for local authorities to handle. Red also asked about the support that I get from the Alumni Association. They provide a complete list of class members, widows, addresses and phone numbers. We are supplied with Christmas Cards and address labels and

postage; birthday cards with labels, postage and dates so we know when to mail out birthday cards, make all arrangements for class reunions and supply us with annual salutation letters which we may modify, and they mail out the letters. In addition, they notify me of any major events in BRs lives such as awards and deaths. In total the Association makes everything as convenient for us as possible. Natalie Long writes commending the thoughtfulness of the BRs to remember the widows and her appreciation of the invitation received to our 60th reunion. She is sorry that she cannot attend. She is trying to get her house sold so she can move closer to her daughter in Florida. Hopefully by the time you read this Natalie will have successfully sold her home and be in residence in Florida. She has been attempting to make this move shortly after Bob died.

Chuck Haley called about our reunion. He and his wife, Virginia, are planning to attend the reunion as part of an extended trip to Virginia. It is finally raining after a long drought, so Chuck is allowed to wash his car, water the lawn and take unlimited showers. Chuck reports that he has started having trouble remembering people’s names, so he had a brain scan and was told that he is perfectly normal and this is part of growing older. I, your class agent, personally do not believe that, because I have had this problem as long as I can remember. Maybe I was born older! Chuck was saddened by Hume Powers’s death especially because he and Hume had met before going to VMI. They were both working on the Virginia Highway Department project of planting kudzu for erosion protection back in the 1940s. Kudzu was discovered in Japan and was touted as an ideal plant for soil erosion. It proved so

60th Reunion — April 23-25, 2012

Class of 1952

Class of 1952: Those who attended their 60th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: Walter C. Ames III, Theodore M. Ball Jr., Robert P. Barry, George E. Becker Jr., George M. Bookman Jr., Clarence J. Brauner Jr., A.S. Bridgforth III, C. Richard Chamberlain Jr., Yancey L. Clark, John W. Cure III, Louis C. Delisio, W. Andrew Dickinson Jr., John L. Finney, Robley L. Gerdetz, Raymond Gilchrist Jr., Jay S. Grumbling, Allen W. Haley, C.V. Holland Jr., M.R. Hutchinson, George C. Hutter, William D. Kearney, John C. Lanford, William M. Massie, Mitchell R. Mays Jr., James R. McCarthy, Joseph W. McCarthy Jr., James M. Mecredy, Henry Nanninga, Albert M. Navas, Robert V. Perkins Jr., Charles A. Piper Jr., Gary E. Pittman Sr., Willcox Ruffin Jr., James M. Stallings, Richard S. Valack, A.L. Wellford III, Cecil T. Welsh Jr. and Edward J. Wiley Jr.

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES well that it covered everything in the areas of planting, including trees. I called Betty (Jack) Gladstone at the request of Andy Dickinson to give her details about her invitation to our 60th reunion. It turns out that Morehead City, NC, is more than seven hours drive from Lexington and there is no easy way to get there by airline. Betty would come if the drive was only three to four hours which she would enjoy, but seven hours is just too much and neither of us knew of anyone else close by that she could ride with. We even considered asking her to meet us in Augusta and travel with us. However, Augusta is six hours from Morehead City so that will not work. Betty really appreciated the invitation and is sorry that she will be unable to take advantage of it. I talked to Joe McCarthy about plans for our 60th Reunion. He is putting together the talk he plans to give at our Monday Night Banquet. Of course, by the time you read this, the reunion will be history, and I will be reporting later in these class notes

how successful the reunion was. Zeke Finney returned my call of a week ago. He and his family have been in Florida and will be returning home the middle of March. I had called Zeke to ask where he gets the many interesting e-mails he has been sending to me as well as some of you. Chuck Haley shared with me the origin of his nickname “Moon.” His father was at VMI looking for him one day, and his father asked Abie Bickerstaff where his son was. Abie pointed over to the Keydets in rank and said he is over there somewhere. At this point Moon’s father saw him and said: “I see that moon-faced kid”. Abie quickly spread the word and from then on he became “Moon.” George Robinson called to get Nutz Navas’ address and phone number. George wants to call Nutz instead of writing a note because George says he is not very prone to write. He would rather call Nutz and talk about old times. Joe Craven called to tell me that he will

be unable to come to the reunion. Joe is living in a Veterans Hospital in the Napa Valley of California. What a great place to live if you have the opportunity to sample all of the Napa Valley vineyards. Joe tells me that he recently found himself in the emergency room; he doesn’t remember how he got there. The doctors decided that they had to remove his leg to save the other leg because he was getting no circulation in his legs. He will be receiving prosthesis, but not in time to make it to our 60th. I promised we would call him after the reunion. His phone number is 650/2931480. So you can also call him after you receive these notes next summer. Root Hopkins is an accomplished painter in addition to being a successful lawyer. Yancy Clark tells me that Root has over 350 paintings. One outstanding example is a painting of Madelyn Albright holding a tray with Sadism Hussein head. Yancy’s second purpose in calling was to give me an update on Root Hopkins’s health. Root has diabetes and is in a wheel chair.

Class of 1952 60th Reunion

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES His daughter is his care giver. We will be sorry to miss Root’s great talk given at our last reunion. Ed Wilbarger writes from Littleton, CO, on February 23, they just got another 10” of snow. He added that they have had over 40” of snow this month. Usually February is the least snowy month, but this year February is the snowiest on record. Ed bought a remote control golf cart but has only tried it out in the driveway. James Truscott writes that he and his wife, Helen, are comfortable in Independence Village, a nice retirement community in San Antonio. Their youngest, Sarah, lives about 30 miles away but works in the ICU of the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, so they do see her and her family from time to time. Their three sons are rather scattered – one in CA, one in VA and one near Chicago. Helen’s mobility is quite limited as the result of an auto accident about 10 years ago, so they do not travel anymore and their kids come to see them. I got a note from Root Hopkins for the scrapbook we put together for Nutz. On the back Root wrote that he was sending the note from a rehab facility after a long illness. He was referring to the illness which I wrote about last year. I immediately called his home, but got no answer so I left a message. I am hoping that the report indicates possible improvement. As I learn more I will report to you. Flick Valack writes that he is participating with the volunteers at the National Wildlife Refuge located on a Coast Artillery site from WWII. There is a 700 ft. bunker built to house 16” cannons. The volunteers just received permission to move a 16” gun from the U.S.S. Missouri to arrive at the site in April. This gun weighs 120 tons and is 68 ft. long. This is quite an accomplishment. Austin Bridgforth told me that his wife, Teenie, has been honored as a member of the National Fashion Board for Talbot Department Stores. Austin is also very proud of his three grandchildren. The oldest, Lindsey, age 26, 5’9” is employed in Marketing by CARFAX in Pittsburgh. She has done some modeling even while she was still in high school and graduated Suma cum Laude from the University of Alabama. Their grandson, Austin, is president 2012-Issue 3

of the freshman class at the University of Georgia. Owen is in chef school in Atlanta, GA. Their mother, Austin and Teenie’s daughter died in January 2010 after seeing her children grow up. As many of you know we had a great turnout for our 60th Reunion. I counted 38 Brother Rats plus wives and guests for a total of 79. We missed those of you who were unable to join us for one reason or another. I am aware of the reasons for many of you, and we are sorry you could not join us. We had cloudy weather the first day, which turned clear and cool on the second day for the parade. There are currently 1,580 in the Corp, and they really looked good on parade. The Barracks, which includes Third Barracks, looks better than I have ever seen it. The new athletic field behind Barracks, the area we used to call the Nile Valley, is quite impressive. Joe McCarthy gave us an interesting and informative talk summarizing our life experiences at VMI and after. I don’t remember how many colonels, doctors and corporate presidents were mentioned. We had one Politian, namely Ospina, who was a member of the legislature in Columbia. I have been unable to get in touch with him. (Ospina, if you read this and are able, please let me hear from you.) Russ McCarthy shared with us some of the stories of secret missions in North Vietnam that have only recently been declassified, allowing Russ to share his personal experiences with us. While I cannot remember many details that Russ shared, there are a couple that stand out. First Russ shared the fact on many of the missions when he was flying he knew that someone mightier than he was in the cockpit with him. This was especially true when flying at treetop levels at night to prevent antiaircraft fire and on two occasions when a wing was about to fall off of the plane. He was able to land in safe territory in spite of the loss of so many bolts in the wing that mechanics told him after that there was no way the plane could fly with that much damage. (Russ, I hope I got this story right!) Lucy Marshall (Payton Marshall’s wife) and her daughter, Lucy Marshall Davis, joined us at the reunion. Lucy has some difficulty walking so she came

with the help of a red walker with white feet and decorated with a yellow flower. We were joined by a total of five widows including Martha Leighty, Sue Cooper, Carol Clingempeel, Sally Birge and Lucy Marshall. Our Reunion Committee – Bob Lambert, George Bookman, Sally Birge, Jack Lanford, Bill Ruffin, Army Wellford and Walter Ames – organized all activities including a hospitality room at the Hampton Inn. Clarence Brauner organized all BRs who had been in the Glee Club to serenade us on Monday night. They sounded real good in spite of the fact that the tenors had all changed to baritones. Other pictures include: Joe McCarthy speaking on Monday night; Russ McCarthy speaking on his Vietnam experiences; and a scene in Barracks of Jim Mecredy leading an “Old Yell” for ’52 from the Sentinel Box (my back was to the camera). I heard from both Nutz and Barbara Navas expressing their appreciation for the honors we shared with them at the reunion. They both appreciated the scrap book with notes from most of our Brother Rats, and Barbara thanked us for the special attention in the flowers we gave her. I talked to Betty Comer. She has been sick so she could not make it to the reunion. She does say that her four children are taking good care of her. I am already hearing requests for a minireunion, so we can be looking for ways to gather next year that we can all afford. I am aware that some of the Brother Rats could not come because of financial issues and others could not join us for health reasons. So, give me your ideas about gethering. With the Lord’s blessing Your Brother Rat Jim

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

In February, we lost our BR John V. Thompson of Danville, who was born in Lynchburg and attended Virginia Episcopal before matriculating to the Institute. His services were held at Trinity Episcopal in Danville. The obit will appear 67

CLASS NOTES in this issue of the Review, but I did not receive it until earlier this month. In several e-mails from Bob Cheatham, he noted that Bebe is again taking chemo treatments for her lymphoma and is feeling good, but they do not know if it is in remission yet. This year, Bob tackled the job as a volunteer to fill out income tax returns for 40 people at the Presbyterian retirement home in his area of Summersville. Bob Rutschow stopped doing tax returns for the elderly in Charlottesville this year due to being diagnosed with cancer in his left hip, which has proceeded from the lymph nodes. He says he is still mobile, does not feel bad but is surviving on steroids. However, he and Ilene made it to the recent Richmond ’53 lunch. An e-mail from Norman George says that he has not really ever retired, as he has worked full time in pastoral ministry and at the directorship of The Healing Rooms of Raleigh. He has had several “procedures” into the heart this past year, and Joy has had painful arthritis, so both have had some physical challenges this year. I have had a couple of very nice notes recently from Rilda Seletz about how Bromo is progressing with his Alzheimer’s. She says he is able to read my notes Photos clockwise from center: -Walt and Emily Sanders. -John and Natalie Lisella. -Doris and Norris Kantor at dinner after game. -Bebe and Bob Cheatham with Judy Noell at dinner after the VMI-Citadel game in October 2011. -Richmond and Beyond Lunch, April 27, 2012, at the Country Club of Virginia.

to him, continues to color pictures with crayons and is very happy when they do it together – really likes mermaids. He also plays solitaire on his computer and has a picture of Judy and me on his windowsill. Jack Trigg advised that Peachy is about the same in her Alzheimer’s and regretted he could not make it to the Richmond gathering. An e-mail from Mickey Woodward noted he would miss the Richmond lunch, as he and Betty had to keep their grandchildren in northern Virginia, while his son and wife were in Lexington for his 20th Reunion. Mickey has again compiled a lot of data on our class as to who roomed with whom, matriculation and too much to name here – all of which he sent to me. Jim Morris has recuperated, for the most part, from his stay in the hospital last winter … well, he is back playing golf. Speaking of golf, this year I have been playing with my 14-year-old grandson, Jackson, who hopes to make the golf team when he goes to high school in the fall. He periodically plays with the grandson of Grover Outland ’49 of Norfolk. We spent my 81st birthday walking along the ocean at Virginia Beach (too cool to sit on the beach and read), watched my great-grandson pitch baseball in his

league and had soft-shell crabs for dinner, a treat by my oldest son, before coming to the Richmond lunch on that Friday. In April, we held the ’53 Richmond and Beyond lunch at the Country Club of Virginia, hosted by Warren and Win Koontz. This is the last one before our 60th Reunion next April. We had a total of 33 in attendance – two wives of deceased BRs and BRs from North Carolina, Maryland and Ohio, and of course, most were from Virginia, including Judy and your class agent. It was a great event, and all seemed to enjoy the visitation. Each table had a very nice tulip arrangement, contributed by Dave and Betsy Stuart, since they could not make the lunch this time. An e-mail was sent out to “the list,” giving names of all those that attended but too many to list here in the notes. The group photo – BRs and BRs with wives – will give you an idea as to who was in attendance. After the lunch, Parker and Annah Cross, John and Maggie Lund, and Warren and Win Koontz headed for Charlottesville for their 55th medical reunion at UVa. Speaking of our 60th, it will be on April 22 and 23 here in Lexington. We will hold an early arrival dinner in town, which in the past has not been a part of the reunion package. Once again, we have

Class of 1953

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES a cocktail hour at our house on Sunday the 21st around 5:00 pm before the dinner, unless the committee decides to have a picnic in our side yard and deck on one of the two afternoons for lunch. We are in the process of establishing a Reunion Committee, and info on the reunion will be forthcoming after the first of the year. The ’53 reunion quarters will be at the Holiday Inn which is remodeled and much better than several years ago. At the last reunion, we had 47 BRs in attendance, so I am estimating we will have in the range of 40 for the 60th and will put rooms on hold accordingly – So, put these dates on your calendar, and plan ahead! I attended, last month, the first ever VMI football alumni weekend here in Lexington, starting with a dinner on Friday night. All the coaches introduced themselves and spoke about the cadets they are coaching. Then, on Saturday, the spring scrimmage was held which was followed by a lunch in the mess hall … all was free for the football alumni. It was a very nice event, and the Keydet Club now expects to host this event each year. There were about 80 in attendance, but no ’53s were present. Coach “Sparky” was very much pleased with the turnout; next year should be an even larger group. Judy and I attended almost all of the home basketball games this fall and went to the basketball banquet at the end of the season … Duggar does an excellent job of emceeing this event. Class Trivia (sort of) – The class brick program is still very active, and if you have reached the $2,500 cash donation level since July 1, 1998, you are entitled to have a brick with your name in the walk in front of Barracks in the ’53 section. Depending on the total amount given, you could be eligible for up to five bricks with names of relatives, etc. For example, I have one for my father and uncle, ’24 and ’17. The bricks are ordered twice a year: March/April and July/August. Contact the Alumni Office. Of course, this is repeat information that I have furnished previously but wanted to keep this program “in front of you.” As of this date, our class has 73 bricks in seven rows on the walk in the ’53 section between Jackson Arch and JM Hall. There are now 5,350 in the “brick program” on the sidewalk, according to the latest Institute Report. 2012-Issue 3

’54

Bill Turner

“Grief is a process and not a state … Death has so many ways to hurt me that I discover them one by one.” – C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed I attended a funeral today of an old friend. I don’t like doing that, especially on such a beautiful early spring day. But, alas, it seems as though I’m doing that sort of thing more and more these days. I suppose the alternative is to simply stop living myself, and I shouldn’t like that very much. Anyway, the funeral was for Bill Berry, our class vice president. That means all our class “leaders” have now left this world, hopefully for one infinitely better. I mourn the loss of Bill, of Tommy Armstrong and of Larry Dougherty. They were all good men, but that seems to have little to do with dying. Once again, I’m reminded of Col. “Daddy” Dixon, who struggled valiantly and with only limited success to encourage my infatuation with Will Shakespeare. But I do remember some things he said, especially one about death and dying. It goes something like this: “Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear death, seeing that it, a necessary end,

Class of 1954: Bill Schubmehl skydiving for his 80th birthday.

will come when it will come.” Beautiful, poetic, moving even, but not very comforting. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be but something more. Bill died on April 4, 2012, of complications resulting from an unfortunate fall while vacationing in Vero Beach, FL. He had been kept alive since then, on life support. No way to live. His most treasured possessions – his wife, Betsy, and his three children – were with him at the end. I cannot know, of course, but I imagine his last conscious thoughts were of them. I won’t recount the many successes of the man; that has already been done by men more capable and knowledgeable than I. But I do believe that Bill considered his family to be his greatest success story. No man can expect more. No man should earn less. His eulogy was handled by one of his sons. He did well, very well. His dad would have been very proud. I remember him saying that his dad always felt that a man should leave this world better than he found it. Bill did that and did it better than most. So long, Bill; we’ll miss you. But wait up; we’ll catch you later. Spoke with Jack Fuller a short time ago. He sounded pretty good. He also said he’s still battling a 15-year battle with prostate cancer. He says he’s now on some experimental drug, along with a placebo alternative. Jack, I read recently that practically all men over 65 can expect to have prostate cancer during their lifetime. I know that’s small consolation, but it does indicate that more men live with the disease than die from it. Hang tough, Jack, and know that you are in a lot of prayers. Called George Ford tonight and learned that George has a heart problem that was exacerbated by anesthesia used in his surgery. A lot of things can happen to you in the hospital, not all of them good. Ask any reputable physician. George sounded weak but confident enough to say he would consider my offer for class agent in time for our next reunion. Speaking of a new CA, I asked one BR recently if he would consider the job; he said he’d “think about it.” He did, for at least 10 seconds, before telling me he’d thought about it but decided he didn’t want it. I asked another by telephone recently, and the line went dead. Isn’t there anyone out there who needs/wants the notoriety? Looks good on your resume. 69

CLASS NOTES Just had lunch with Bill Schubmehl. netted $1,740,353 for FY10, compared to “Just too difficult to repeat the matrimoNice. Among other things, we talked about $1,822,800 for FY09. The Athletic Opera- nial process.” Jack also lost a son and is our next reunion, scheduled for spring tions Funds generated $1,633.093 in FY10 one of several BRs who have experienced 2014. Hope most of you can make it. Escompared to $1,487,919 for FY09. Dry what many psychiatrists believe may be pecially want the “widows of ’54” to know reading, perhaps, but it does tell a story. the worst pain one can experience on this we look forward to their being there. We’ll Despite the ongoing economic downturn, earthly journey. I can only imagine. That have more to say about this later. VMI alumni continue to be extraordinarily the human condition can experience such When Bill returned home, he sent me generous and supportive of their alma mater. unmitigated tragedy and continue to funcan e-mail. He said he had taken a look at Indeed, per capita, VMI grads are far more tion as well as it does is one of life’s great the ’54 Bomb and re-discovered that 160 economically involved with their school mysteries and triumphs. Jack, we pray for Brother Rats had graduated in our class. than most other colleges and universities your complete recovery and speedy return Of these, approximately 85 had passed in the United States. For the fiscal year that to the golf course. Keep the faith. away. Bill says, “It gets personal when you just ended, alumni giving totaled over $5.5 Have just read an editorial culled from look at the pictures,” adding that he won’t million. Not too shabby for a school the size the dark recesses of the Richmond Timesbe doing that again. I fully agree, Bill; it of the Institute. Dispatch (Richmond, VA) which states in does get very personal. It does indeed. As a class, we acquitted ourselves pretty part: “In an effort to retain female cadets, Remember our BR Jack Daniels? Jack’s well. We contributed $313,490.00, putVirginia Military Institute watered down the guy who served two tours in ’Nam, ting us third among 11 classes reporting. its physical fitness standards. All cadets was badly wounded twice and won three Number of BRs participating, including used to be required to do five pull-ups; Silver Stars. Well, I’ve been tracking Jack widows, (78) put us fourth among the now female cadets need to do only one. for about two years. Today, I found him. classes. This is well above the overall 34 Because of that change, federal investigaAccording to an informant, Jack’s in a VA percent participation rate average. tors have dropped the physical-standards hospital in Farragut, TN. He’s bedridden Have just concluded a very satisfying angle of their investigation into a comand immobilized. Jack is my friend. He’s telephone conversation with Dr. Jack plaint that the school discriminates against also an American hero and patriot, the kind Sanguini. Jack still lives in Pennsylvania women. The news stirred memories of of warrior you need when the shooting and is trying to fight his way back from the heated debate, nearly two decades ago starts. He’s paid his dues. If the national a staph infection caused by an attempt to now, over whether admitting women to leadership during the Vietnam War had cure a chronic hip problem. Like many VMI would require the school to relax its been as efficient or effective as Jack Danof us, he needs a new one and is waiting ferociously vigorous regimen. In arguiels, the outcome of that sad war might for the infection to clear. I opined that his ments before the Fourth Circuit Court have been different. hip problem was probably precipitated by of Appeals in 1992, Justice Department If any of you are ever around Farragut, trying to dodge too many hard hit ground lawyer Jessica Silver insisted, ‘The record TN, I hope you’ll visit Jack, and tell him balls while he was playing third base for clearly shows that some women can do he did good and that you’re damn proud of the Institute baseball team. He agreed that everything that is part of the physical trainhim. I really do. could have been a factor, but the alternaing programs at VMI.’ Bill’s mantra: “Do all the good you can, tive would have been getting “beaned” so “Judge Paul Niemeyer, a member of the for everyone you can, as long as ever you many times by line drives hit directly at three-judge panel that heard arguments tocan.” Would be great if we could actually him that he might have been considered day asked Ms. Silver whether VMI would live by this creed. But perhaps we might too “daffy” to be admitted to grad school. be forced to adopt a two-track system if it at least try. A very wise person once said; Jack reminded me that he lost his wife 16 admitted women. “We make a living by what we get. We years ago and has lived alone ever since. “Ms. Silver said no … make a life by what we give.” “Judge Hiram Ward wondered “I contend that for a nation to if women were admitted to VMI tax itself into prosperity is like under the school’s current strict a man standing in a bucket and standards and controversy over trying to lift himself up by the equal treatment arose, whether handle.” (Winston Churchill) ‘you’d be right back before the Having recently received a court, yelling sex discriminareport on “Reunion Giving,” tion.’” I thought I would send you “Ms. Silver said no.” some of its highlights. For Interesting, especially in FY10, a total of $2,555,091 light of the fact that VMI now Class of 1954: At a reception to introduce the new genwas contributed to the Founrequires its female cadets to do a eral manager of The Shenandoah Club in Roanoke were, dation Fund; this compares to minimum of at least one pull-up, from left, Jay Langhammer, Bill and Shirley Kingery, Tot $2,427,684 given during FY09. while it requires male cadets to Langhammer, and Lynn Avis ’57. The Keydet Scholarship Fund do at least five. 70

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Got Christmas cards from Jack Fuller, Tom Kane, Tom Mayo, Lois Windle, Webb Davis, Ray Helmer, Jack and Betty Tiller, Shirley Cockes, Anne Scott, Leonard and Betty Wagner, Alan Siff, Connie Via, Kay Dunlap, Larry Cockerille and Don and Maureen Walden. (Please forgive me if I have inadvertently overlooked anyone.) Kay wrote a beautiful expression of her appreciation for my interest in her loss of her late husband, Don. Well, Kay, as I’ve told you on more than one occasion, Don was a very special kind of man. I think I knew that instinctively from the first day I met him in the Ratline. So many years ago and only yesterday. He had a certain quality, an aura of character, that could stop you in your tracks and make you think, really think, about what you were doing or saying. At that age and stage of my life, my “development,” I suppose, I didn’t really respect a lot of people; my father, a couple of favorite uncles and my grandfathers were the exception. But I respected Don from the beginning, because I did know, understand and respect character, and Don Dunlap personified that appellation. All the messages were very special. I read and re-read them several times. It was so very thoughtful of all of you, and I do appreciate your kind remarks probably more than I can say. Thank you so much. Jack Fuller reports that “life is OK, with a few medical problems.” He says his youngest daughter has just moved from Bolling AFB in Maryland to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, her son having just returned from the ‘Land of the Morning Calm,’ Korea. Jack’s other daughter who is married to an Army lieutenant colonel will be re-locating soon, though Jack isn’t sure of the destination. Ray Helmer writes that he and his “significant other” visited Oberammergau, Germany, last fall to see the world class “Passion Play.” That was followed by a 23-day cruise to South America. Got an exceptionally sweet message from Shirley Cockes which reads, “Thank you so much for staying in touch and maintaining my tie to VMI – I do appreciate the cards.” Well, Shirley, the pleasure is all mine. I wouldn’t have it any other way. And as long as God gives me the grace and I keep my job, that’s the way 2012-Issue 3

it’s gonna be. I have the highest regard for our girls, ‘The Widows of ’54.’ To marry, nurture and sustain a VMI man for a lifetime, or even for what seems like a lifetime, reserves for you a place in heaven no matter what you do with the rest of your life. I think I know whereof I speak; I wouldn’t have married me for a million bucks. No way. Have just finished reading an especially thoughtful Christmas card and message from Bob and Sheila Moore. Bob, you were more than kind in your remarks. One of the few rewards of this job is having nice things said about the job you’re trying so hard to accomplish. I know how difficult it is to please everyone all the time, so the kind of sentiments you expressed are what keeps me trying. Thanks, Bob. I really appreciate that. “Lives if great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow More Christmas cards, calls and e-mails from the Brothers. Most have nice things to say about my tenure as CA. Very gratifying. You know, praise is like money; too much is never enough. Know that I am very appreciative of your kind remarks. Means a lot. My grandpappy used to say, “Appreciation without signs of approval is like whistling at a good-looking girl in the dark; you may know what you’re doing, but no one else does.” Bob MacGregor only attended the Institute one year but remains a loyal alumnus. In a recent note, Bob remarked, “Although I attended (VMI) only my Rat year, I remain a great admirer of the school.” To me, it’s kind of ironic that among the strongest supporters of the Institute are those who did not “stay the course” for whatever reason. Apparently, something at the place rubs off on you, notwithstanding the duration of one’s stay. Says something about the VMI ethos, I think. Great hearing from you, Bob. Thanks. Got a nice card and note from my old roomie, Jack Fuller. Jack said that he and Molly would be in San Antonio visiting their youngest daughter, her husband and their two children over Christmas. He actually admitted to having read my column in the Alumni Review and finding

it “interesting.” He said my referencing his dad, “Whiskey John,” reminded him that he was called “Little Whiskey” early in his career. Great hearing from you, Jack, and if you wore that title half as well as your dad, you did all right. Got an interesting e-mail from Pat Morgan. He says it’s a bit of VMI history that was never told to the cadets, as far as he knows. According to Pat, it seems Brig. Gen. John “Tiger” McCausland ’857, CSA, was under command of Gen, Jubal Early when he was sent to Chambersburg, PA, to “get some gold or burn the place down.” He burned it. Later he was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. He refused to lay down his arms and escaped to Lynchburg where he demobilized. When he got word that the Pennsylvania AG planned to prosecute him for burning Chambersburg, he “skedaddled” to Canada, Europe and Mexico until President Grant granted him a full pardon. He returned to what is now West Virginia and died peacefully on his farm near Henderson, WV. Thanks, Pat. I hadn’t heard that story. About 2,200 VMI graduates fought for the Confederacy. I believe fewer than 20 fought for the Union. As a student of the “Late Unpleasantness,” one who has written and lectured on the subject, I am always pleased to add new material to my collection. Thanks much. Just had a surprise telephone call from Ben Angle ’55. Ben called to ask about several of our classmates but especially John Mapp. Ben is suffering from a neuro-muscular disorder which has him a bit handicapped but otherwise seems to be doing well. I remember Ben quite well; he was a gifted athlete and a good guy. It was great hearing from him. Another good VMI man died recently. Bob Thalman died of Alzheimer’s disease. The “Coach” led the Keydet football team from 1971-84. His 14-year run was the longest tenure of any VMI football coach – a very tough job. When he arrived at the VMI, Coach inherited a program that had won a combined total of two games in the previous three seasons. He proceeded to post four winning seasons during 1978-81 and captured two Southern Conference Championships. From 1976-78, VMI beat Virginia three times and beat Virginia Tech 6-0 on a 71

CLASS NOTES bitter cold November Saturday in 1981 in Blacksburg. The Keydets finished 6-3-1 that year, the last time the program produced a winning record. VMI also beat Army at West Point. Bob Thalman was my friend and neighbor for many years before he was forced into an assisted living facility. When he learned that I was a VMI man and had served in Vietnam (he, himself, was a Marine who had fought at Iwo Jima), we had many great conversations. On those occasions when we would discuss his days at the Institute, his eyes would glisten as he described his feelings of great sadness and disappointment when he was told “his services were no longer required.” He was not bitter, only regretful. He understood the nature of the VMI alumni family and how rabid it was about winning. He just wished they hadn’t given up on him. I admired and respected Coach Thalman. He was a hero, a patriot and a great molder of men, their character, their moral compass, which he believed would endure long after Saturdays on the gridiron. I believe the Institute was lucky to have attracted a Bob Thalman to its football program. That doesn’t happen very often. James Thurber told a moving love story. He said a woman of 47 who had been married 27 years and has six children knows what love really is and describes it this way: “Love is what you’ve been through with somebody.” See ya, and shalom.

’55

Read Hanmer

What follows is a compendium of material I have received from members of the class since the last class notes. Proud grandparents Sam and Ginny Marshall provided a photo of grandsons Kevin and Nathan Marshall as they joined the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Congratulations! (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, the photo could not be included due to low resolution.) The final flight of the Discovery generated some activity on the BR net. I started it off, e-mailing: “April 17, just back inside from watching the Space Shuttle 72

Discovery pass right overhead on its way to Dulles Airport, where it will end up at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. Lois and I had the privilege of seeing a space launch at Canaveral back in the mid 80s. End of an era!” Joe Brenner responded, “Your note arrived exactly in time with a pix from my son (at the Naval Observatory) – and some brilliant national TV coverage. Barney Lawless said, “My 6-year-old grandson, Josh, and I went out to Dulles and saw this up close and personal. We had a perfect spot on Rt. 28 looking through the trees and saw it pass in review three times (like old time cavalry!). Then, of course, we had to go to McDonald’s to celebrate!” Bill Nolley added, “I saw her take off this morning on TV. It brings back memories to 1964 when I was involved with a startup company called Systems Engineering Laboratory (SEL) in Fort Lauderdale, and we designed and built ground digital data acquisition systems, mainly for NASA. We collected data on vibration and heat characteristics on rocket engines and the like. We built one of the first 32-bit general purpose computers as part of our acquisition system to measure deflection tests on the Saturn 5 unit. Great fun!” Anne Segar sent in a photo of Sam with Cadet Hardy Temoney ’12, recipient of the Segar Family Scholarship, and Cadet Christopher Venissat ’12, recipient of the Class of 1955 Scholarship. The picture was taken at the 2012 VMI Foundation Benefactors’ Luncheon. (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, the photo could not be included due to low resolution.) A note from Ken and Becky Carstens: “Yesterday (in March), Becky and I went to see my doctor (happens to be Becky’s son) and got good service and a clean bill of health. Looks like Becky and I will make the 60th Reunion. The alumni chapter of VMI in Central Louisiana went on our yearly golf trip at TPC San Antonio, TX. All three of us had a good time – C.R. Carstens ’51, Jim Enoch ’51 and K.P. Carstens. About the picture (of classmates in a Barracks room during our third class year, printed in the recent Alumni Review): Since no one else is alive to gainsay it (Don Gillespie, Charlie Byrd and Johnny Morgan), it was taken in my room. Byrd called it the East Side Club. I am buying a

new car tomorrow, a GMC Acadia. Maybe we will drive to Lexington. I kept the last one eight years, so if I keep this one that long, I would be 88. Becky insisted that the car have a backup camera, so I won’t run into any more mail boxes. Ben Angle called last night just to talk. It is nice that he keeps in touch. I haven’t seen Ned Whitlock lately. He has a standing invitation to stay with us when hurricanes hit. My granddaughter, Meredith, will be home for her 19th birthday next week. She graduated from Hockaday Boarding School in Dallas last year and now is attending NYU and doing very well. We are looking forward to our next gathering!” Bill Wainwright writes: “Boots and I have three grandsons. The oldest will enter VMI this fall with the class of 2016. In a perfect world, the remaining two will enter with the classes of 2018 and 2020, respectively. Boots and I are well, and we hope you and Lois are well.” Thanks for asking, Bill. Lois and I are getting along quite well. Keeping up with the class and our assorted children (three), grandchildren (four) and great-grandchildren (three) is a full time job. Nice to hear from Tuggy and Joyce Southgate: “Joyce and I just got home (March) from a three-week project where we stripped old carpet and installed ‘a floating wood floor’ in an old Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL, as part of a three-couple work team. It comes under NOMADS which stands for NOMADS On Mission Active in Divine Service – the official definition. Some say it means Nice Old Methodists Actually Doing Something. Our son says it means Nice Old Mom and Dad Service – whatever fits. To learn more, go to www.nomadsumc. org which is a great website and full of good info. We usually sign up for one or two three-week projects per year. We have been to Idaho, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Indiana and Kentucky.” An interesting note from Dick Martin: “My first assignment, following graduation from VMI and the Officers Basic Course, was to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. The division was being reactivated at the time and was drawing on airborne personnel assets worldwide. This process brought together many veterans of WWII and Korean War airborne VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES operations. Many of the senior officers and NCOs, who provided the cadre for the reactivating division, had participated in three or four combat jumps and the ground campaigns that followed. One of the officers in my unit had been a 16-yearold automatic rifleman at Normandy. These men knew their business. It was not uncommon for men who had served in the division during WWII to put their civilian lives and careers on hold and get back on active duty to serve in the division once again. One of my neighbors was a Madison Avenue advertising executive. I often volunteered for weekend training jumps, because the Air Force Reserve units that did the flying on weekends were still equipped with the WWII and Korean War era C-46s and C-47s. Many of the pilots had participated in the wartime airdrops and often talked about them with the young jumpers, when they were ‘chuted’ up, checked out and sitting in the shade under the wing ready for the pilot’s safety briefing. It was a privilege and an inspiration to serve in the 101st Airborne. It was also a good place to limit your vocabulary to those Rat year standbys. Yes, sir; no, sir; right away, sir; and above all, no excuse, sir.” I expect, Dick, that there were a few four-letter words included in that brief vocabulary! Dick and Evie Sutherland reported in: “All is well in the other LA (Lower Alabama). Having just turned 80 two weeks before Christmas, my health is in good shape. I had a picture of our son, Rick ’81, and me on the golf course on my birthday, but I could not get it into my computer. Evie is doing well, also, and we are having a wonderful spring. If we could only have this weather during the summer, Mobile would be perfect. A couple of years ago, a group of BRs came to Mobile for a couple days of golf, and we would really enjoy hosting that group again. Now that I have contacts within the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (I work there part time), we could set up a two- or three-day golf bonanza. If anyone is interested, please let me know, and I will be glad to make arrangements.” Ever alert Larry Price sent a Fred Willard sighting from the Louisville CourierJournal. In the picture, Fred is flashing his “lucky dollar” at the Kentucky Derby. 2012-Issue 3

No indication whether Fred got lucky, but Larry won $300 on Derby Day. Way to go, Larry. I’ll finish up with Dave Woolwine’s note: “I was able to establish contact with Russ Kleinpeter. I had been trying for six months or so with no luck. I went through The VMI Alumni Association and the LSU Alumni Association but reached dead ends. Russ was from Baton Rouge and transferred to LSU after our third class year. It turns out he had cancelled his land-line phone and relies strictly on a cell phone, so there was no ‘home’ number listed. My granddaughter, who is a senior at LSU in pre-veterinarian training, works regularly at the LSU hospital and had mentioned a Dr. Kleinpeter. I was able to contact the doctor, who is Russ’ son, and through him I was able to contact Russ directly. Russ is in good health and very enthusiastic about having contact with VMI and our BRs again. He runs a quarter-horse farm in St. Francisville, LA. Sadly, Russ lost his wife last December but is very upbeat and is very much interested in our 60th Reunion. Russ mentioned

that he had seen the picture from our third class year in the Alumni Review (class agent note: see earlier item). Russ’ address is 15120 Highway 10, St. Francisville, LA 70775: phone 225/245-1848.” A little thin on news this quarter. Remember, your news and comments can’t make it into the Alumni Review unless you let me in on them!

’56

Richard M. Smith

Again, I regret to start off my report for this quarter with the sad news of having lost another class member, Col. Harold “Buz” Snyder. Buz died on Feb. 16, 2012, in Varina, VA. He and I had some fun on the baseball field playing for Jack Null. I received a note from Jere Real informing me that he had almost finished restoring his ’46 Packard and plans to drive it to our 60th Class Reunion. He included a picture I will send to VMI. He hoped

Brickner ’56 Burns Up the Track: Wins Six Gold Medals Bob Brickner ’56 is burning up the track in his age group, taking home awards from more than one large competition. On Aug. 14, 2011, he crossed the finish line of the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon – a 20,000-runner event in which the majority of participants were between the ages of 20 and 40. Brickner said that although he was roughly 35-40 years older than most, he was able to beat more than a few. “‘Age before beauty,’ as the old saying used to be,” he wrote. In September 2011, Brickner participated in the 400-meter run of the Annual Chicago Senior Track & Field competition at Henson Stadium. He had trained so hard for the half marathon in August, he explained, that he did well in his events, winning in all six of his categories: 100-meter dash, 400-meter run, standing long jump, 200-meter run, running long jump and 1500-meter racewalk.

Above is Brickner during the 400-meter run of the Chicago Senior Track & Field competition, and shown in the photo inset are his six, gold medal awards.

CLASS NOTES those who requested he have the account of the “Bomb Incident” published in the Alumni Review were pleased. My Christmas card from Bob Brickner arrived as usual (two months) late and with interesting notes written forward, sideways and upside down. Along with the card, I received pictures of his participation in the Chicago “Rock and Roll” 1/2 Marathon held in August 2011 and the Annual Chicago Sr. Track and Field Event in September 2011. Approximately 20,000 runners signed up to participate with average age of 30 years, and Bob proceeded to beat quite a few of these 40-year-younger ones. He emphasizes the reason he does all this is to try and keep his immune system and physical condition strong enough to handle prostate cancer and aging problems before they get out of hand. Bob reminded me that this September marks the 60th anniversary of the original formation of the class of 1956. I received a copy of Tiger Jackson’s Bicycle Tour of Colorado with his son, Mark ’85, including photos. It is fasci-

nating to read and ride with them over this 458-mile journey over six mountain peaks in seven days this past June. They encountered everything from whiteout snow up to 20 feet deep to 80-degree temperatures. How many 77 year olds would even consider, much less complete, such an undertaking! I really like the competitive spirit of Jackson and Brickner. Randy Knipp informed me that another small co-ed school, Randolph College, has as its commencement speaker none other than Josiah Bunting III ’63. Larry Miller was in Blackstone, VA, for the funeral of his wife’s 103-year-old aunt. He called to let me know that Larry Frase had to be placed in a care facility in March due to his dementia problems. His wife, Ann, had a fall soon afterward and broke her pelvic bone and was hospitalized. She is back home now. Larry suggested that some of those who knew Ann when she was attending RMWC in Lynchburg during our cadetship might want to send her a note. Her address is 4020 Wenbley Terrace, Dallas, TX 75220-5085. E-mail: atfrase2@att.net and phone: 214/357-0469. Jere Real reports Russ Quinlan visited him in Lynchburg and attended the exhibit of his “60 Years of Watercolor” at the

Piere Daura Museum and Gallery. They also attended a local theater production of the play, “The Laramie Project,” during Quinlan’s visit to the Hill City. In mid April, I took off a week to visit my two sons’ families in Colorado. They live about two hours apart, and it was a pleasure for me to be with them and the five grandchildren. I especially enjoyed my seventh grandson, Milo Smith, who is six months old. I talked with several BRs to learn what they were doing. Fred Farthing was going to the graduation of Mary Jo’s granddaughter at JMU, along with many family members. His golf game is still out of my reach! Bill Lamb has his son, Bill Jr., coming for the weekend with his family. Bill still puts in two days a week delivering for a hardware company but says it gets harder all the time. Jim Dillard still plays golf some days each week, but his back keeps him from shooting par. He says Frances has had to extend her weeks of chemo because of low cell count. They hope to come to Virginia in July, if all goes well. Scotty Boland is still trying to get me to go tarpon fishing on his boat this summer. He was taking off for the weekend to check everything out for when we get to go. I told him about the

Photos clockwise from below, middle: -Dick Smith and Honey Rector at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2011. -The Packard that Jere Real restored. -Tiger Jackson, left, and his son, Mark ’85, during their amazing 458-mile journey over six mountain peaks in seven days, June 2012. -Motsy Foster with her granddaughter, left, and Don and Jo Heslep at the Institute Society Dinner.

Class of 1956

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES dinner party at Les Belsha’s for Jim Stevens, his old roommate. He was pleased, since Jim’s wife met such an untimely and tragic death last year. I was not aware of the tragedy. I attended the memorial service honoring Col. Harold “Buz” Snyder at the Osborne Boat Landing on the James River near Richmond. Several hundred people heard eulogies celebrating the life of Buz. He was a member of both the classes of 1956 and 1957, being a third-class Rat and graduating with class of ’56. As an athlete at VMI, he had the distinction of lettering all three years in three sports: baseball, football and basketball. Harry Warner ’57 told of his relationship at VMI when he was the executive director of the Foundation and Buz was commandant of cadets. His son, Hal Snyder, and Larry Maxwell, both retired U.S. Army colonels, traced his military service and how it affected their careers. It was noted that Spider Allison had a positive effect on Buz’s military service. The Lions Club, with whom he served over 20 years, had a plaque placed near the landing, with trees planted commemorating his long service. Several young people spoke of how he had helped them lead better lives. He was a true leader. I received my annual birthday card from Bob Brickner who still makes his home in Chicago and has signed up already for the next senior half-mile marathon. His health remains good and his social life continues to improve as attested by a photo of his socialite lady friend and him at an English high tea session in the Drake Hotel. He called me later, and we chatted for almost an hour about our continued contact with each other for over 60 years. He still continues to support VMI through a scholarship program for Asian students. He is most interested in the health and well being of all his Brother Rats. Betty Mann called to tell me about a visit that she, Motsy Foster, Betsy Gottwald and Jane Roach had with Bill and Elsie Tolley. Bill was able to recognize each and was in good spirits. His speech and memory are slow, but he and Elsie are very comfortable in the Chamberlain at Fort Monroe. They have rented their home in Gloucester with right to buy, which relieves them of some of the 2012-Issue 3

financial stress. Betty said she and Jimmy take one day at a time but get out shopping and visiting some. Fred Farthing called to tell me he had visited Gaylord Williams in Charlottesville after attending the graduation party at JMU for their granddaughter. His health is better after a recent operation, and he is back playing golf at Birdwood Country Club. Mary Jo joined the girls from Richmond for the visit to the Tolleys. They plan to attend Fred’s 60th high school reunion in Wytheville. I would like to know how many other 78-year-old BRs are gainfully employed still, as are Bill Lamb and I? Somebody has to carry the load for social security recipients! This is the best I can do for now, folks. Yours in the Spirit, Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

I have been happily writing birthday cards and sending the 55th Reunion booklets. However, the class notes for May are due next week, so I had better get started. In April, we held our 55th Class Reunion, and it was a grand success. We had 134 attend, counting Brother Rats, widows, Sister Rats and significant others. We were grouped with the classes of 1952, 1947, 1942 and 1937. This last class has only

one remaining member, and he came to his reunion. He must be 97 or 98 years old! When we were leaving warm and sunny Florida, Dawn wanted to bring warm coats, but I talked her out of it. The next day when we passed through Fancy Gap into Virginia, the temperature was in the 30s with a cold rain. However, Jay Musser held a sun dance, and for the rest of our reunion, the weather was better. Thanks to the “Rainmaker,” all 11 reunions have had favorable weather. Harry and Rita Huneycutt came to the reunion all the way from Verdi, NV, but Ann Wilson, Pete’s widow, beat them, as she came all the way from Portland, OR. Harry took it hard. All told, we had six widows attend. Besides Ann, we had Patti Hammond, Nancy Lincoln, Beverly Caldwell, Betty Mixson and Nelda Snyder. When Wally McKeel passed away on Feb. 13th and Buzzy Snyder on Feb. 14th, Dawn had already submitted the copy for “Brother Rats Who Passed Away since Our 50th Reunion.” She re-did the list, adding the two names, and the mean ol’ computer kicked out the picture, which placed on the next page, but it also removed Tom Atkeson’s name, which we didn’t catch. Therefore, in all the reunion booklets that I mail, I print by hand: Thomas L. Atkeson 8/22/11. We have 21 Brother Rats who have passed away since our 50th Reunion. Counting the 50 Brother Rats on the “Gone but Not Forgotten” page, we have

Class of 1957: The class of 1957 artillery section at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in summer 1956.

Class of 1957: Those who attended their 55th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: Martin Andersen, Jr., Lynn D. Avis, B. Drummond Ayres Jr., Wilson C. Batten, Alan S. Baumgartner, William L. Benson Jr., Robert G. Christopher, Richard E. Collier, Donald H. Coombs, W.C. Coupland Jr., Russell L. Davis Jr., Anthony N. DiCesare, W.J. Dickens III, Kenneth K. Dickinson, Lewis H. Diuguid, Anderson W. Douthat III, Thornton H. Elmore Jr., John W. Emmerich, John R. Fiske, Drewry R. Fox II, Robert K. Fravel, William A. Gay Jr., W. Franklin Gilmore, Clinton T. Glover, I. Lionel Hancock III, Milton I. Hargrave Jr., Frank Holmes, R. Kirkland Hubbard Jr., William H. Huffcut II, Harry C. Huneycutt Jr., Donald K. Jamison, Charles J. Jeckell III, Nicholas Kallelis, John E. Kuchnia, James C. Kyle Jr., Howard C. Lawrence, Carl J. LeBourdais, Monroe I. Levine, Raymond G. MacKay Jr., Ronald G. McManus Sr., Lynn D. Meyer, Joel F. Moody Jr., William R. Moore Jr., Paul D. Muldowney, Guy E. Murray Jr., J.G. Musser, John A. Paganelli, N.W. Pendleton Jr., Philip B. Peters, Paul D. Phillips Jr., James A. Piggott, John T. Poffenbarger, Dudley R. Price, Warren L. Richardson, J.W. Rust Jr., Carl T. Schladitz, O. Van Pelt Sessoms, P. Malcolm Smith Jr., James E. Snead, Joseph M. Spivey III, John R. St. George Jr., Garland W. Sullivan, George W. Sydnor Jr., Clayton M. Thomas III, John H. Trant III, Armand W. Wagner, Harry H. Warner, John P. Whittle, Ben E. Wiggins Jr., Robert V. Wood and John E. Woodward Jr.

CLASS NOTES

55th Reunion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; April 23-25, 2012

Class of 1957

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES group could have reconstructed two rooms bicycle mishap and was unable to climb.) 71 Brother Rats who have passed on. On of New Barracks with no advanced warnThis was a great honor, and I will always a more positive note, all 11 graduates in ing, no tools, no supplies and no previous remember it. the chemistry curriculum are still with us. training? Answers: None and none. Ah, Joe Spivey sent us the picture of our They must be a hardy breed. those were the days.” field artillery class at Fort Sill, OK, in the While at VMI, we checked the bricks on On a more somber note, Walter Leach summer of 1956. That takes us back a few the west side of Old Barracks. Thanks to reported that his youngest son, Stephen Howard Lawrence, every Brother Rat who years. Miller Leach, died early in 2012. Stephen Now, I will return to the reunion bookis deceased is remembered with a brick. lets. We have handed out or mailed 124 Fifty-two Brother Rats without bricks are had been living with his dad. He was a booklets. We only have about 50 more to now remembered by name near Jackson great help to Walter, who reportedly is do. Arch. Howard did a great job. suffering from early Alzheimer’s. On a George Sydnor, our reunion chairman, brighter note, I am pleased to report that Wes Roberts did an outstanding job in forming an Walt, who had lost his class ring, got it excellent committee and planning a robust back! The finder called Bob Jordan, who and interesting schedule of events. The gave him Walt’s phone number. Walt was 19-member committee consisted of four most happy that it had been found. “How previous chairmen and five Sister Rats: about that!” was the comment from Gene Patti Hammond, Nancy Lincoln, Ann Grayson, who related this story to me. Spivey, Dawn Thomas and Sis Warner. Condolences to Tony Lash and his two Sis Warner deserves much credit for the sons, who lost their mother and Tony, his most successful cocktails and class buffet former wife, in April of this year. Getting these class notes off with a at the Sheridan Livery Inn. The prime rib Ewing Best reported in April that she is “bang,” I’d like to mention a piece of was delicious. The class presented Russ doing her best to stay young by exercising correspondence I received from BR Jack Davis, our president, with a beautiful and gardening. She is still managing her Dunavant, a letter wherein he refers to picture of VMI, and Dawn and I received early stage Parkinson ’s disease. “Meds are the Jere Real ’56 account of the VMI New working great, and I am attacking it with a handsome plaque for dedication and Barracks Bomb-Blast. You may recall service to the class of 1957. I believe Don everything I’ve got.” She is going to Duck, that I forwarded this e-mail to those of Jamison was responsible for both awards. NC, to visit with her grandson at a home G.E. and Ro Murray maintained a well- you who are on the Internet. Did you read her daughter-in-law’s family rents every stocked refreshment bar in our Hospitality it? Didn’t it make you tingle all over? summer. Suite at the Holiday Inn Express. They put That was a hell of a blast that still evokes (Class agent note: Hey, gang, I’m going in long hours replenishing the stock. Dawn memories all over again of something that blind trying to read some of the e-mail and I also spent much time in the Hospital- was happening but couldn’t have hapnotes! Change the font size on your e-mail, ity Suite, distributing the reunion booklets. pened. To quote our BR Jack, “That little and have some pity on this old guy!) Martin Andersen joined us all three days. vignette from VMI’s long and storied past, Tom and Ru Nance report on, guess He kept a record of those receiving the class doth beg two questions: 1.What other what? … Tennis! It must be keeping them institution of higher learning ever had an favor. Martin was a great help. young, as they belong to a nice club which I understand the picnic lunch at Van Ses- ‘official’ bomb thrower? 2. What other provides lots of tennis. They traveled to soms’ home in Rockbridge Baths California in March for the Inwas well attended and a big sucdian Wells Tennis Tournament. cess. Dawn and I stayed away “We stayed in Palm Springs, because of the cool weather. and Ru fell in love with the Dawn believes water freezes at area. We plan on celebrating 72 degrees. our 33rd anniversary in May by The weather was only slightly going to London and Paris for warmer for the alumni review, a week.” and Dawn watched the events Jim and Kay Stilwell still from Moody Hall. She did not enjoy living at the Sunnyside attend the events inside the Retirement Community in courtyard of Old Barracks. Harrisonburg, VA. Jim says, We were the last class to give “It’s good to be back in the the Old Yell, and when Bill valley!” They celebrated their Huffcut, our first captain, 50th anniversary last summer Class of 1957: Bill Huffcut and Dixie Thomas leading the climbed atop the sentinel box, with all of their 13 children and “Old Yell” from the sentinel box at their 55th Reunion, I followed up after him. (Russ grandchildren with them. They April 2012. Davis had injured himself in a have a daughter and son-in-law

’58

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES who have lived in Switzerland for several years, so Jim and Kay have made several trips to visit them and do some sightseeing. Another trip is planned for this spring. Roy “Palmer’s-my-name-and-flying’smy-game” Palmer “flew in” to announce that, in June, he is going to Florida for a family reunion on Joyce’s side. (Personal note: Where in Florida was that reunion to be? Maybe we could have met for lunch. I’d have picked up the tab!) Capt. Roy announced that he is going to Australia for a QANTAS 747 flight test the last week in June. He also announced that they have already signed up for the VMI Alumni Cruise out of Barbados in March 2013. He declared this to be a wonderful opportunity for a fantastic cruise on the Royal Clipper, which is the largest, classic sailing ship in the world. He added that the clipper can accommodate 228 guests; he thinks it is already over 50% booked. With the Alumni Association chartering the whole boat, the price can’t be beat. Reservations are only available for VMI alumni and their guests. Roy said that this will be their third alumni cruise on the Royal Clipper. Capt. Palmer signed off with, “‘Shake-aleg’ and sign up!” Gene Grayson advised in early May that he had two benign tumors removed from his abdomen and two stents placed in coronary vessels. He also wrote to say that BR Jack Boze will be in Wytheville, VA, on May 18. “We are looking forward to getting together.” Gene noted that he made his very first airplane ride in Jack’s plane one Wednesday afternoon from a dirt field somewhere in Lexington. “How about that for a long ago remembrance!” (Class agent note: Gene, you’ve probably gotten too old to remember, but when we were stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, in the 82nd AB Div., we flew in a helicopter, piloted by Lieutenants Dick Irons ’59 and Phil Sellers ’59, to Lexington, VA, and landed in that same field. We hitch-hiked into town. My “mission” was to toss red, white and yellow smoke canisters onto the field, where VMI was playing a notrecalled opponent in the W&L stadium. VMI scored! I tossed the smoke grenade. However, in my exuberance, I threw the grenades before the extra point was kicked, obscuring the kicker’s vision. Coach McKenna was ready to kill me! 78

We high-tailed it out of there!) Ted and Becky Henry stated that they will be going to Natchez, MS, for a week to babysit the triplets. They are now a year old and starting to walk – hopefully, not any faster than grandpa does, as he had his knee replaced last year and should have gotten a faster model! Ted noted that they cruised to Hawaii last fall and are planning a trip to Japan this fall. Ted signed off by saying, “Haven’t been back there for 50 years – I wonder if the ‘jo-sans’ still remember me – ‘Lloyd Llewellyn!’” (Ted, we’re used to Spanish in south Florida; this bears some “’splainin”!) Talked with “Moon” Menefee recently and learned that he is participating in a Navy League golf tournament to be held May 16 at The Hollows Golf Club in Richmond. This club is owned and managed by Andrew Bemis, aka “Andy,” who is also our son-in-law. I am told it is a handsome golf course and that improvements in management and caretaking are noteworthy. Should you have the opportunity to play at The Hollows, make a point to speak with Andy and let him know you are a member of the VMI class of ’58. Earlier this spring, Frank Boeggemann wrote to inform me of our BR George Shrieves suffering a stroke while on a vacation cruise. George and Harriett had to leave the ship in Puerto Rico and fly back to Georgetown Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Frank commented that “all of us can only hang tough and comfort each other during these trying times … It’s what BRs are for – helping each and every one of us survive the ‘Ratline’ of life.” I just got off the phone with Harriett (May 14), who reported that George is recovering nicely, and it sounds as if Harriett has taken over the helm. We discussed the joys, fun and good times experienced during boat ownership and agreed to include in that experience of ownership, hard work and expenses. Hopefully, George will be back manning the helm in the near future. Lest I forget to mention, our BR Dr. David Pitkethly is featured in the front section of this issue of the AR you are reading. Dave and his wife, Mara, made a trip of a lifetime to Kenya, all of which you can read about in the article. Kudos and many thanks for your generosity and the personal and professional interest you

have shown to your fellow inhabitants of this planet. Gene Martin reported that he and Peggy were planning a trip to visit their son, who is assuming command of the 724 Special Tactics Group, USAF, Pope AFB, Fayetteville, NC. Gene said he was disappointed that he did not get to witness their son, Michael’s, promotion to colonel. From there, the Martins will head west to take their annual trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the summer. Gene’s problem, as I see it, is to decide where to drive that behemoth of a camper, given the cost of gasoline today. BR Jack Sullivan reported that his wife, Liza, has a hard time walking due to back problems, which has curtailed their travels. Jack says he stays busy as the president of the board of directors of the Clinton (MS) Christian Community Corp. He is lay delegate to the United Methodist Annual Conference and treasurer of the church’s Men’s Club. Somehow, he squeezes in a game of golf in his “spare time.” That’s after spending 10-12 hours a week working out at the Baptist Healthplex. Jack, you’ve about worn me out just reading about your activities! Ron Swirk, our BR (remember him, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”), reported on his trip to “The I” for a special football recognition ceremony. Ronnie was duly impressed and overtaken by the improvements, new construction and condition of the post as he saw it. (We’ll have a lot of new sights to see at our reunion!) Allow me to take this opportunity to remind you all of the plans for our 55th Class Reunion. Lee McCown has agreed to be our Reunion Committee chairman. His able committee persons are as follows: Bill and Vivian Gee, Frank Norvell and Martha Booker, Paul and Hope Royer, Howard and Joann Savage, Sam and Carolyn Woolwine, Stirling and Jane Williamson, Wes and Annemarie Roberts, Mike and Catherine Smeltzer, Brooke and Linda Doggett, and, of course, Lee McCown and Laura Cameron. The date of our reunion is April 22-23, 2013. Be advised that the Institute will feed us one night; dinner on the second night is our choice. Lodging will be at Hampton Inn Col Alto, 540/463-2223, where we stayed for the 50th. These dates are the Monday VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Tuesday before finals week. (Guys, I suggest you let your wives handle the arrangements. If you decide to do it yourselves and it gets “screwed up,” we can make pallets for you in our barn.) God’s blessings. In the Spirit, Wes

’59

Shep Shepard

We began this quarter with a pleasant surprise, a visit from Dean and Kathryn Helfer. Seems Dean and Kathryn were visiting friends on the Florida Gulf Coast when they decided to stop by and pay us a visit on their way home to Butler, PA. We had a great visit, albeit much too short. We had lunch in Sebastian at Ann’s and my favorite place, Captain Hiram’s, followed by dessert at our home. We had a great time reminiscing about the “stunt of the month club” and other dangerous things we did at the Institute. We look forward to our next get together with Kathryn and Dean and hope that it will be soon. Steve and Paula Barcik recently moved to Lakeway, TX, from Houston to be near their big family in Austin and the beautiful Lake Travis. Steve recently celebrated his birthday Texas style with steaks on the pit and lots of Lone Star beer. Steve continues to consult with his son, Steve ’85, about business and enjoys giving everyone a hard time. John and Betty Ann Tompson are plodding along and looking forward to a better summer than they had last year when they were plagued by several minor surgeries. This summer, they plan to visit their son, his Italian wife and granddaughter in Italy. After a few months there, they will skip over to Paris for Christmas. John read the VMI Report, and he is astounded at the cadet projects they are doing. He’s glad we were long before them, because he doesn’t think we were in their league. The article about the ME major and the flex wing model was mind boggling. Maybe we could all have been LAs! Mel and Jean Anderson returned safely after two weeks in Israel where they had a wonderful time visiting friends and their extended family. They especially enjoyed visiting Cody, their 2012-Issue 3

grandson, who, at the time, was a proud member of the Israel Defense Force. Cody has been in the Israel Defense Force for the past two years and among other skills, is a qualified paratrooper. While there, they saw a lot of the country, spending several nights living in a kibbutz. Jean was so enamored by the kibbutz living (and getting to carry her own pink Armalite AR-18) that she wanted to sell their home in Tampa and move to Israel. Cooler heads prevailed, and Mel talked her out of it, which is good for Ann and me, since we won’t have to travel to the Middle East to see our dear friends, Mel and Jean. All’s well in the Anderson family. Jean deserted Mel for a week while she gallivanted all over Maryland with her high school girlfriends. Mel survived on fast food and beer. What could be better than no wife and the fridge filled with beer? Physically, Lee Southard is feeling much better this year. It was a difficult year when he suffered cardiac ablation. However, many prayers were answered, and Lee appreciates everyone who raised them on his behalf. He learned a lot about grief during this process, at least as it affected him. “Grief takes its toll physically as well as emotionally. More importantly, grief is a reflection of God’s grace and is a blessing, something you never want to lose. Grief is a sorrow over loss but also a remembrance of love, and you only grieve over that which you love.” Well said, Lee; we all grieved for Marilyn. Lee and his son are still working on their heart failure product after getting through some difficult technical challenges. Fishing continues to be good off Sanibel, and any BR who wants to do some fishing is welcome. Lee was recently on board a boat visiting an island off the coast of Florida where he met a couple from Maine. Lee asked if they had heard of Jud Strunk, whereupon the wife pulled out her IPod and started playing “A Daisy a Day.” They talked of Jud and his escapades and found that he was an icon in the state of Maine. Before they parted, Lee asked if she had heard “She’s got the Biggest Parakeets in Town.” She responded by pulling it up and playing it on her IPod. It’s a small world after all. … Tex Carr is pleased to announce that, effective May 15, 2012, he has retired from Auburn University. Tex gave the university 22 years of service, but that was after five years at University of Georgia and

21 years at General Dynamics where Tex says he put the horns and turn signals on the F-111 and F-16 aircraft. From my observation, a fine job he did. He is in the process of emptying his office of 20 years and taking things home to a house that is already full of wonderful memories. Fortunately, he doesn’t need the ’59 cane yet. Tex and his lady have taken four ocean cruises; looking forward to a European riverboat cruise as well as a cruise to Alaska and a Trans Canada train ride. Keep on truckin,’ Tex. Mort and Audrey Eggleston spent quality time in CA last Christmas with their son, John, and daughter Leigh, and grandchildren Madeleine, Carson, Gabriel and Liam … Bob and Lois Hobson celebrated the birth of their eighth great-grandchild, and she is a precious bundle of joy. They always thought grandkids were special, but these great ones are even more so. That makes six girls and two boys. They are not calling it quits yet; this summer they will welcome two more. Also pending are two adoptions, which will bring the total to 12 by the end of the year! There is a reason they call them GREAT grandkids. Mark and June Smith shared traveling tips for our upcoming trip to The Netherlands. As reported in the last issue, Mark and June were in Europe last summer celebrating Mark’s Heidelberg High School reunion. They took time to visit Luxembourg for a short visit, and Mark suggested that, while we were in the “low countries,” we should do the same and pay respects to “The General;” old Georgie’s grave is still as beautiful as ever. Speaking of Mark, last year while Ann and I were visiting Jim and Bet Vermillion, I told them about our “favorite niece,” Stacy Mease, one of Bud and Sue Mease’s daughters. We have always had a very close relationship with Stacy and occasionally send silly gifts back and forth. While Stacy was stationed in Turkey with DODDS, she sent us an alarm clock in the shape of a Muslim Mosque with the alarm an actual recording of an Islamic call to prayer. To be startled awake with the call to prayer is quite shocking, to say the least. Once, when Bill Gwynn was spending the night with us, I set the alarm for two in the morning. Around one o’clock, I began to worry that poor old Bill might have a heart attack when it sounded, so I snuck in his room and turned it off. 79

CLASS NOTES Not so with Jim and Bet Vermillion. They borrowed the alarm clock and invited Mark and June to spend the night. Unbeknownst to Mark, Jim set the alarm and waited for the fireworks. He was not disappointed, Mark shot out of the bed with flashbacks of his days in Saudi Arabia. As of this writing, I am happy to say, the Vermillions and the Smiths are still close friends.

Bobby and Alice Ross are still busting with pride about grandson Billy Joe Wheeler who will be attending VMI this fall. They were thrilled to learn that he chose VMI. They are looking forward to traveling to Lexington for even more events at VMI. Ann and I understand the thrill of hearing that your grandchild has been accepted to VMI. Our grandson, Connor Shepard, son of our oldest

Photos clockwise from top, right: -Visiting the Keukenhof Gardens just outside of Amsterdam at an open-air flower exhibition, where growers showcase their latest hybrids, were, from left, Pete McWane, Shep and Ann Shepard, and Jean and Mel Anderson. Notice the red, white and yellow flowers in the background. -Toasting Brother Rat Brad Willard, “Schoenen Dank for the Bier,” were, from left, Ann Shepard, Mel and Jean Anderson, Pete McWane and Shep Shepard. -On a recent trip to Florida, Dean and Kathryn Helfer stopped by Sebastian to have lunch with Shep and Ann Shepard. From left: Shep, Kathryn, Dean and Ann. -At an Eggleston family reunion were. from left, front row: Grandson Carson Twiford, grandson Liam Eggleston, daughter-in-law Malena Eggleston, Audrey Eggleston, granddaughter Madeleine Twiford and daughter Leigh Twiford. Second row: Grandson Gabriel Eggleston, son John Eggleston, Mort Eggleston and son-in-law Kurt Twiford. -Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson enjoyed the Hall of Mirrors at the Chateau de Versailles outside of Paris, France.

son, Phil Shepard ’83, will also be a member of the class of 2016, and like Bobby and Alice, we plan to make a number of trips to the Institute over the next four years. I hear that Ned Addison’s grandson will also be in this class, as will Lauren Dreelin, grandniece of Donnie Dreelin. I encourage all BRs to write these names down, and while visiting the Institute in the next four years,

Class of 1959

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES look in on them, and let them know they are connected to the Stonewall Class of ’59. Spence Tucker writes that his three-volume Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 will be out at the end of May, just in time for the 200th anniversary of the start of what some have called the “Second War for Independence.” Spence is also a first class gardener and has already planted a modest garden in hopes that the warm weather holds. George O’Neill was reminiscing about the days of yore when giants strode the earth wearing red, white and yellow football uniforms. Just how much they were giants was shown when George compared us with the USMA roster, coached by Red Blake, in 1956. It was especially interesting for me, because I recognized many names of guys I served with in the U.S. Army over the next 30 years and became very good friends with several of them. For example, Dave Bourland, the quarterback was 6’0” weighing in at 185 pounds; Chuck Lytle, another good friend, was a guard, 6’2” weighing in at 200 pounds; and who could forget Pete Dawkins, halfback, 6’1” weighing in at 195 pounds, later to become first captain and a Rhodes Scholar. No doubt, their first year of football at West Point started off with a bang against us; final score, Army 32-VMI 12. Bud and Denyse Kramer are still RV-ing with their friends and usually go out every month. They have made a lot of good friends along the way. Bud’s son, Blaine, is still working on producing a TV series regarding cancer families and the struggles they face. He is finding that the TV world is very cut-throat; however, he is very determined. His 6-year-old daughter has a 50-50 chance of getting triple negative breast cancer that took her mother at age 36. He has made this his life-long goal of finding a cure or at least a treatment to slow down this horrible disease. The disease passes from mother to daughter through the genes. He is talking to some prominent doctors about this and, at this time, is working on funding. Bud hopes by the time he sends in the next class notes, he has good news about the progress of this series. So do we, Bud; our best to Blaine. Mike and Julie Vargosko attended the last regular season VMI basketball game with Dick and Barbara Trandel in Lexington. The evening before the game, they attended the play, “Guys and Dolls,” performed in the ethics building playhouse. There’s an old 2012-Issue 3

saying that “VMI changes, but it really does not.” Mike contends that it does; the dolls were played by VMI lady cadets. Their son, Michael, came for a visit a few months ago on his way to the Caribbean Islands where he has business interests. They hope to visit their other son, John, in Charlotte, NC, this summer when Mike intends to take a little money from Bruce Mackenzie on the golf course. All seems to be well in the Vargosko camp. Chuck and Margo Cotton haven’t been able to get out and about lately. Chuck has problems getting around, and Margo has been tied down with that darn cancer and radiation treatments. Treatments are over now, and both are doing better. They have made plans to gather the whole family in New Jersey at the home of their youngest daughter, Martha, for a Fourth of July celebration. Should be a blast with all six kids and their families. Carl Kasko, Bill Nebraska and Nick Kallelis ’57 met once again in Bradenton, FL, for their annual “Baseball Adventure.” Bill, as tradition dictates, brought the Famous Grouse which, without much persuasion, they all helped consume. They played a round of golf, and it must have been a sight to see – three old men, all with bad backs, trying to swing a golf club. As always, they had a great time and are already looking forward to next year. Speaking of Bill Nebraska, he and Connie are going on an Elbe River Cruise, visiting Germany and the Czech Republic. They have another river cruise lined up around Christmas, visiting the Kris Kringle Marts and doing a bit of Christmas shopping. Bill also has his usual salmon and steelhead trout fishing trips scheduled for late September and November. Their oldest grandson, Mark, graduates this year and is in the process of selecting a college. Unfortunately, VMI is not even in the mix. Kurt and Jane Gloeckner don’t write much unless they have information that is too good to keep to themselves. In this case, daughter Chelsea is graduating from Washington and Lee with a double major in pre-med and religion. She was also recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Needless to say, they are very proud of her. Son John is slowly taking over the engineering business, and it won’t be long before Kurt will be working for him. Bruce and Norma Mackenzie started the

year with a week in the Everglades hosted by “Road Scholar’s.” Bruce said it was an incredible place, and he is convinced that it is about time that we all realized that it is every American’s responsibility to save our natural beauty. After returning, they went to Anna Maria Island for a week. The future looks good with a return trip to Canada this summer for a canal cruise out of Peterborough, Ontario. Max Blanchard, as many of you already knew, had his right leg amputated just above the knee. Max wanted everyone to know how much he appreciated all of the calls and cards he received; it made a tough situation a little easier. Max did not have diabetes. It was just that the circulation in his right leg was very poor, and he got some wounds on his toes that would not heal after a year of treatment. In order to keep the infection from spreading to the rest of his body, the best option was the amputation. Max has been to rehab and physical therapy and is doing great. Actually, he says he is getting around as well or better than before the amputation. He hadn’t walked in over a year and feels very good about the situation and thinks he made the right decision. The VA evaluated Max and, because of his MS, decided that he probably could not effectively use prosthesis. Jimmy Johnson spoke to Bill Fuqua and found that he is happily married and patiently waiting for Mark Smith to visit him, bearing a fifth of whisky. John Reed contacted Jimmy, inviting him to go on a medical mission to Haiti. Jimmy told John that he doesn’t speak French but referred him to Bill Fuqua or Truman Baxter. Jimmy’s lovely wife, Linda, continues to taunt Ann and me every year at this time with pictures of Texas in bloom. We still, and always will, miss the wonderful state of Texas. The beautiful wild flowers, bluebonnets and Indian paint brush are everywhere this time of the year and can be found on highway median strips to grazing pastures, thanks to Lady Bird Johnson. Noland and Mary Pipes are “perking” along. Noland has his own trainer now and is doing quite well. Mary has some back problems and will probably be facing surgery. She can’t go there yet and is trying everything she knows before giving in to surgery. They would like to get back on the road and visit with friends, but it’s not in the cards right now. Noland and Mary want you 81

CLASS NOTES to know that they think of us often and keep us in their prayers. Rusty Loth reported in from “The Mecca.” The L.A.M.E. Group (Rusty Loth, Ned Addison, Marvin Meyers, Mort Eggleston) still gather for lunch every other Tuesday, unless someone gets mixed up or forgets, which happens often. When BR “Snowbird” Dave Goode comes up from Florida, the group changes to “L.A.G.E.M.” Jack Barnett called Rusty the other night and said he is getting a little bored these days in Danville. This might be an alert to Lee Southard that another road trip is in the making, or maybe they will head in another direction and check out BR Chuck Cotton in Kentucky and/or Niels Anderson in Tennessee. It’s hard to tell which direction the “Roadtrip Renegades” might be heading; be forewarned, they might be headed in your direction. Mike Irvin wrote that the picture of the last flight of the shuttle Discovery piggybacked on the 747 that I sent out several months ago reminded him of the launch viewing he experienced with Ann, me and some longtime friends of his who live in this area. He remembers it as being an awesome sight and always wished he could have come back for another. Alas, the program is finished, and we will never see another sight quite like it. Mike and Karen continue to travel about and just returned from their annual trip to southern California and Sedona, AZ, where they enjoyed a good and relaxing vacation. Eddie and Carolyn Barnes take a lot of trips, but their most memorable was a recent one to NYC to see their granddaughter, Annie Barnes, perform on the Carnegie Hall stage. Roanoke High School has an excellent orchestra, and they were invited to perform at this famous venue; perform they did. They did a magnificent job that made all Virginians proud, including Don Jamison ’57 who sat in the box next to Eddie. Don, who you recall was head of the CE Department, has a grandson who plays in the orchestra, and Eddie and Carolyn see him at a lot of school events. Congrats to Don, Eddie and Carolyn. Ann and I closed out this quarter with a wonderful trip, enjoying the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. It was particularly enjoyable, because we joined Mel and Jean Anderson and Pete McWane on this colorful trip where we saw 82

tulips, windmills and canals. We immersed ourselves in Dutch culture when we stepped inside a working windmill at Kinderdijk. We admired the detail work of artisans painting fine porcelain at the Royal Delft Factory and were dazzled by the work of Dutch master painters on display at the many museums we visited. We experienced the beauty of Dutch landscapes as they sprang to life with a kaleidoscope of colorful bulb flowers stretching as far as the eye could see, but the crowning beauty was the Keukenhof Gardens where we experienced a profusion of blooms covering the landscape. We traveled from Amsterdam to Bruges, from Delft to Nijmegen and back. We also enjoyed the historical wonders of the Netherlands and Belgium, not the least being that the French fry was invented by the Belgians and definitely not the French. This was our first trip together since we traveled to South America in 2009, and it brought back a lot of pleasant memories. We’ve been traveling with Mel and Jean for the past 10 years, and as usual it was great, but Pete is another story. He’s a wonderful traveling companion with a great sense of humor. Ann and Jean are by far his best audience. We look forward to traveling with this crew again. You might recall that Ann’s and my trip on a riverboat on the Rhine and Danube was cancelled last year, because our riverboat was rammed by a tanker and had to be put in dry dock. When Brad Willard heard we were going to Germany, where he has a second home, he sent some Euros and invited us to have a “bier” on him. Well, when our trip was cancelled, we kept the Euros and decided to use them this year, and we did in Hoorn. From the whole crew – Mel, Jean, Pete, Ann and me – Danke for the bier, Brad! Our family is doing well; as I mentioned above we are extremely excited about Connor Shepard attending VMI this fall. We are also extremely proud of our grandson, Patrick, who graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology last year with a degree in aeronautical engineering and just got a job with GE in Boston, MA. Ann is doing well but still in the repair mode, but we hope to have her problems solved shortly. Keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming. Yours in the spirit, Shep

’60

L. Edward Tolley

In a couple days, Cadet James Goodwillie ’12, grandson of Brother Rat Jeep Goodwillie, will receive his diploma from the VMI, thus becoming the first grandson of the class of ’60 to do so. The young man has been the captain of the swim team and a prosecutor on the VMI Honor Court. His accomplishments in the pool are numerous, having set several records. Jeep will be in attendance May 15, 2012, when James picks up his sheepskin. Congratulations, James and Jeep! Now, get yourself a new shirt with all the buttons, Jeep. Joe Sisler couldn’t find any BRs in the New Orleans area to swat the golf ball with while on his trip to the Final Four, NCAA Basketball Tournament, but he did get in a couple rounds with friends. And the outcome of both the round of golf and the tournament suited Bananas. He also made a trip to Phoenix for R&R. Joe says that a granddaughter informed the family that she wanted to be a pilot, and through some quirk of fate and a search of his family tree, he found out that a bloodline Sisler-connected lady, Nettie Snook, had written a book titled, I taught Amelia Arehart to Fly. So, somewhere up the tree, there is a navigator of world renown. Bananas, just think … through the wonders of the Internet or the next evolution of communication, someday your greatgreat-great-grandson will find out that you walked 103 penalty tours during your Rat year at VMI, a distance from Lexington to Washington, D.C., and back to Dulles Airport – a fact of significance – and he’ll simply ask, “What was a penalty tour?” Hap Miller just returned to Lexington, having spent a month in and around the British Isles. The trip originally was to last only a week and in the company of friends. However, the friends had to cancel out, and one thing led to another, adding side trips here and there. Mary and Hap ended up spending the entire month converting dollars to euros and visiting many places not planned. Jet lag and continental cuisine have the two on Dramamine and bacon and eggs. Hap says that we will VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES lose Jack Castleberry ’07 as a basketball coach, as he has accepted a coaching job at Siena College, Londonville, New York (pop. 12,000). Also, Quinton Upshur ’15 is transferring to a new school. Jack has been a big help in the team’s progress and coaching staff’s understanding of the VMI system. Hap, the outstanding class of ’60’s contribution to the betterment of VMI, has assisted in the STP (Summer Transition Program) that involves some 250 prospective cadets in a seven-week introduction to VMI and a summer school course that helps reduce the academic load the Rat year. STP participants can take Rat calculus, biology, history or other courses. It is a great program that you understand the benefits thereof. By the way, Hap, being the shy, quiet, gentle giant that he is, was awarded the James Chadwick Kenna Class of ’02 Coaches Award at the team’s end-of-season basketball banquet for his significant contribution to the team’s coaches and players. What did Hap do? He traveled to all away games and tutored any player in any class in which the Keydet player may have needed help. He also provided statistical analysis and advice on issues that helped in the locker room and cadet life. The players and coaches voted unanimously in the award! That’s the VMI Spirit, Hap. And now, an Old Yell to Hap Miller! Hey, Jerry Brittingham knows all about The FairTax, HR-25 and S-1025, bills waiting to be addressed in the congress. His congressman, Rep. John Linder, along with Neil Boortz, authored a book titled, The FairTax Book – Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS. If you wonder just how the problems of government spending and control would be resolved, get yourself a copy, and read it several times. Walt Witschard is back, semi-unretired, doing consulting work for the intelligence agencies, mostly background checking of lawyers, judges, NSA, FBI and miscellaneous other government employees and whatever. Not only that – he is teaching Civil War history to a class of elder students which Walt says is very much fun and enlightening. He had a question that he suggested we propose to BR Dave Maddox: “Who determines who makes the rank of general?” and “Who sits on 2012-Issue 3

boards to promote brigadiers to major, lieutenant or general?” Help us out, Dave. I thought the answer was the congress. Residing in Lake Oswego, OR, Walt says he can view the snows on the high mountains while basking in warm sunshine and short shirt sleeves. Heaven? Sounds like it! The annual Jimbo and Ruth Smith Golf Tournament in early May was a booming success, raising over $25,000 for their restricted equipment fund that furnishes equipment and supplies needed when they go to the Dominican Republic to provide charitable dental and medical help to less fortunate families and individuals. A total of 212 golfers competed in the tournament and many in the after-event auction and prize awarding. Sam Horner and Jim O’Dell attended and stayed overnight with Jimbo and Ruth. Henry Brown came with a team and participated. Several Brother Rats made contributions while not attending. The event is scheduled in late April or early May and will “be on” again next year. Otis Pool and Joe Bananas Sisler were unable to attend, thus the side wagers were fewer. All golfers and travelers should consider plans to make the scene next year. It is a good time and place to visit. Brother Rats Tom Daniel, George Salaita and Andy Wise got into a flurry of e-mails concerning the “older gentleman who wore a black cape” often seen around the Institute during our cadetship. The debate was, “Who was he?” George thought he was Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne ’894, VMI’s sixth superintendent, civil engineer, Spanish American War hero and Medal of Honor recipient (Philippines, 1899). Tom responded that he thought the black caped man was Henry Wise ’894, BR Andy Wise’s grandfather and author of Drawing Out the Man: The VMI Story. Thankfully, BR Andy Wise came through with the real answer to all, that the gentleman was Jennings C. Wise ’902, his grandfather who was commandant of cadets in 1912-14, WWI, DSC, PH and prolific writer, including Sunrise of the Virginia Military Institute, as a School of Arms, 1958. Even Tiger Locke ’57 got into the e-mail rounds, remembering the man but not knowing who he was. Tiger then added that a group of 10 or more Spanish-American veterans were at the same medical cen-

ter in Johnson City where he was getting an induction physical, all dressed in their Spanish American War uniforms. Anyway, I think – I hope – the issue is settled. Bill Driver forwarded a fascinating story written by Col. Bill Dabney ’61, USMC, from the Marine Corps Gazette, 1998. As you are aware, Col. Dabney passed away, recently but you may not have known that he was the son-in-law of Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller ’921, USMC. Col. Dabney tells the story of conversations with Gen. Puller concerning fighting the war in Vietnam. It is very interesting, the insight of Gen. Puller concerning Southeast Asia. I have the story saved and can send it to anyone who may be interested. Ed “Robbie” Robertson has a grandson, John, who has applied to VMI for admission August 2012. Like me, Ed did not get his grandson a Provisional Appointment, but with both grandfathers and father retired military, and Ed’s son and a grandson on active duty, an aunt, graduate of the USNA, and older brother, graduate of the USMA, it would seem that there are several pluses on his application. As a matter of fact, he should get paid for having made the better choice of the VMI. I forwarded my advice and some personal history re: admission. Attempts to reach Ed at “Notes” submission time were unsuccessful. That’s it, BRs. Rah Va Mil! Ed

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

Most of the e-mails you received from me during the past few months have not been uplifting. I know that we are of that age when God selects us for a better place, but every departure hurts. With our 55th Reunion only a little over four years away, stay healthy. Here is the news. Lots of Brother Rats spent their winter time in Florida. Sue and I had planned to make the grand tour to be with them, but it didn’t happen. Maybe next year? Key West was the February gathering place for many, and at Michael’s Restaurant at a Valentine’s Day dinner, Lee and Betsy Badgett, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver, 83

CLASS NOTES George and Edna Henning, John and Bette Miller, Larry and Jerri Wetsel enjoyed time together. Soon after Wetsel and Miller departed Key West, Don and Ann Rishell joined Henning, Copenhaver and Badgett for an evening out on the town. Gaylia Hudgins spent Valentine’s Day in Vero Beach, FL, and in spite of the cool days in the 60s, it was clear and beautiful. From the East Coast, Gaylia traveled with a nursing school friend to Long Boat Key on the Gulf for a few days. The West Coast has quite a few BRs in the Naples area, and Captain Jack and First Mate Nancy Bell hosted an outing on their yacht, “Fancy Nancy.” On the yacht were Bob and Bronnie Polk, Andy and Peg Myruski, Dave and Judy Elliott, and Hill and Heather Browning. Their picture taken with a cell phone did not produce an image that could be published, and it is a shame, since all looked very happy, if not a little lit. (Smile) Also living in the same Florida neighborhood with Browning are Pete and Carol Roberts, and they both belong to the Bonita Bay boating club and travel around the area in their boats for lunch, etc. Next year, we need to have a mini reunion somewhere between Bonita Springs and Naples Florida? The Orange County, Florida, golf outing was a success in spite of last minute cancellations, like me. Two days of golf were enjoyed by Stu and Lee Crow, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Spike and Mary Callander, and Dick and Diane Stone. While the snowbirds were soaking up the Florida sun, Holmes and Jeanette Smith hosted a gathering of Brother Rats at their home in Manassas. Those in attendance included Raine and Clara Gilbert, David Harbach, Raymond and Sally Hanlein, William and Jane Hill, Carl and Becky Hirsch, “J.D.” Jack Miller, Paul Myatt, Russell Stone, John Tharrington, Kenner and Nancy Rice, Fred and Kathryn Stephenson, and Pete and Anna McCrary ’56. This was Fred and Kathryn Stephenson’s second exposure to a gathering of Brother Rats, and Fred said Kathryn especially enjoyed the event. Fred did not graduate with us, but he served three tours in Vietnam starting in 1963. He was both a fixed wing and helicopter pilot and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 29 Air Medals, two Purple Hearts and 84

other decorations. Fred now shares a place in the Hall of Valor with all of our other distinguished Brother Rats. Others in our class were traveling. Barbara Jean LeFon had a wonderful threeweek trip to Europe, starting off in Germany and ending up on a Rhine River boat cruise in Amsterdam. Bootsie and Barbara Jean visited Germany every year at Christmas time, and she continued the tradition since Bootsie passed in 2008. Larry and Joanne Respess took a four-week trip to Asia to visit their younger daughter’s family in Vientiane, Laos, where their son-in-law, Lt. Col. James McAden, is the first defense attaché to the American embassy since the Vietnam War. On the way home, they traveled to Cambodia for a five-day visit to Angkor Wat and a few days in Bangkok. Battle Haslam took his grandson, Wynn (17), for his VMI Open House recruitment weekend. It would be great to have another Haslam in the ranks. Next year, I hope to take two grandsons for the same weekend. I can’t imagine how nice it would be to continue the relationships beyond our years. Lynn and Shirley Hartford were visiting family in southern California and caught up with Larry and Joanne Respess for an all too brief get together. Tom and Faye Bradshaw are fine, and their rentals are keeping them running. Lexington had become a very nice place to visit, and that is good for Tom. Wyatt Durrette says the gathering for breakfast at Joe’s Inn is doing well. In March, Messrs. Daniels, Stone, Phillips, Nelms and Youngblood enjoyed a grand breakfast together. In May, Dennis Curtis, Dick Jarvis and Rhett Clarkson joined in. Pictures will come when they have a larger gathering or a good camera or give the waitress a good tip, so she will take a good picture. (Smile) Bill Hala has been running between Canada and New York and has managed to get caught in the spring snow. More importantly, Bill gave Monica (his Ring Figure date) the ’61 Ring Finger pin she had returned to Bill during our first class year. Monica says she doesn’t plan on returning it this time. Wonder if that signifies something? The 1961 Scholarship Fund is currently being used by Cadet Jackson Calhoon. Harrison and Terry Fridley represented the class at the scholarship luncheon at VMI. Coincidentally,

a Foundation meeting was in progress, and J.C. Miller, Battle Haslam, Graham King, and Gates and Margaret Richards joined them for lunch. The Fridleys love living in Lexington – Terry said, “Seems as if we go to something at VMI every week.” Ken and Sue Patrick and Ken Legum and his daughter, Beth, were at VMI to support next year’s football players. It is hoped that a visit by the winning “Old Corps” football players would help in some way our current team. I hear that Dick Weede hosted the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) breakfast group and had a chance to share and embellish stories with the other surviving grandfathers, like Carmichael. I attended the annual Class Agents Meeting and was asked to lead a session on fund raising. I also was very impressed with the presentation Gen. Peay ’62 made. I thought it was his best presentation yet, and I told him so. We need to keep supporting him. Congratulations to 1962 on their fine showing for their 50th Reunion contribution. The class rose to the occasion and presented a $20M gift to VMI. That gift has set a new mark for the younger classes to work toward. The 1962 percent participation, excluding the “do not solicits,” was 92.5 percent. When using the same criteria as 1962 used for their calculation, our 1961 percent participation is 96.6 percent, but who is comparing? (Smile) Pigmy Drescher completed the Face of America 110 Mile Bike Ride from Washington, D.C., to Gettysburg, PA. Alison’s fund raising total as of May 1 was $7921 and placed third highest in all of the fund raising. Alison thanks the Brother Rats for their generous contributions. Donations are still coming in, and the final figures for Alison’s team, “Custer’s Cavalry,” have not been calculated. Lou Shuba, who was the top fund raiser for two consecutive years, did not participate this year due to a shoulder fatigue problem. Bob Heely ’69, the incoming president of the Alumni Association and the VP for Development at Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach, assisted in sponsoring a VMI old timers luncheon (had to have your 45th Reunion) at the facility. Joe Keller ’36 was the oldest, and Walter Ames ’52 was the Westminster resident lunch sponsor. 1961 were the youngsters at VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES this gathering and enjoyed all the “Old Corps” stories. Attending for 1961 were Bill Gibbings, Jim Bickford, Larry Wetsel, Ashby and Sandra Taylor, and Vitale. Sam Hill ’56 sat with us and insisted that we keep his glass of tea full and made sure we did not get out of line. It has been a long time since we had our triple chins in for DRC. (Smile) Lots of alum from the ’50s and some from the ’40s were in attendance. It was a fun time, and I hope we can do it again. Sue and I attended the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) Military Ball in Staunton, VA, and had a great time. Bobby Ross ’59 was supposed to be the guest speaker but was ill. Mike Bissell still is in command of the VWIL Corps,

Class of 1961 Photos clockwise from top, left: -Gathering on Feb. 16, 2012, for a golf outing at the Orange County Golf Course in Florida were, from left, front row, Lee Crow, Bronnie Polk, Sally Hanlein and Diane Stone. Back row: Stu Crow, Bob Polk, Spike Callander, Mary Callander, Ray Hanlein and Dick Stone. -Alison Drescher was the third highest fund raiser for the April 27, 2012, Face of America 110-Mile Bike Ride from Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. -In Southport, North Carolina, at the Caswell Dunes Clubhouse dinner for golfers on April 28, 2012, were, from left, seated, Dick Stone, Sal Vitale and Ray Hanlein. Standing, first row: John J.C. Miller, Walter Stokes, Paul Johnston, Kent Modine and Warren Copenhaver. Second row: Mike Pitt, Bud Alligood, Bob Reitz, Johnny Butler, Dick Youngblood and Bob Polk. Camera shy: Stu Crow, John Gangemi and Spike Callander. -At the Chancellorsville, Virginia, Battlefield on May 8, 2012, were, from left, John McDougall, Alison Drescher and John J.C. Miller -Holmes Smith hosted a Valentine’s Day party on Feb. 12, 2012, at his home in Manassas, Virginia. Attending were, from left, front row, Paul Myatt, Ray Hanlein, Carl Hirsch, Dave Harbach and Raine Gilbert. Second row: Bill Hill, Rocky Stone, Kenner Rice and John Tharrington. Third row: Smith, J.D. Jack Miller, Pete McCary ’56 and Fred Stephenson.

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES and he loves his job. The ladies love him, too. Recently, the graduates of the former Staunton Military Academy are raising money to rebuild the barracks for VWIL. It never ceases to amaze me how professional these women are. The program is now in its 12th year, and returning for the Military Ball were several VWIL graduates in their full dress military uniforms. Several women are now captains and majors and looked sharp. I can’t say enough about the program and how proud I am to be a supporter of this great institution. Come see for yourself; you will be pleased. Sue and I did make the annual golf outing in Southport, NC. Let me apologize to those who watch me try to play. Maybe next year I will figure out how to hit the ball. Playing with BRs is great, because they do not make you feel out of sorts. The group stayed in condos in Southport/Oak Island, and our tee times started mid morning. So, we could sleep in or spend time on the putting or driving range. Sunday’s golf was at the beautiful Founders Club at St. James and Monday at Oak Island. All teams had a lady, and the ladies generally carried the team. Saturday night, we had a social at the Caswell Dunes Clubhouse catered by Bert Modine with help from some of the other ladies. The food, desserts and table arrangements were outstanding. Sunday, we had a catered dinner using an outside firm, and again, it was a great time. For those ladies like Sue who just had a foot operation and could not play golf, Diane Stone had activities for them on Sunday. The entire weekend was wonderful, thanks to the hard work of Dick and Diane Stone and Kent and Bert Modine. In attendance were: Bud Alligood, Johnny and Linda Butler, Spike and Mary Callander, Warren and Kathy Copenhaver, Stu and Lee Crow, John and Irene Gangemi, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Paul Johnston, “J.C.” John Miller, Kent and Bert Modine, Michael and Betty Pitt ’60, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Bob and Suellen Reitz, Walter Stokes, Dick and Diane Stone, Sal and Sue Vitale, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Doug Bergere ’64, Jim and Anne Phlegar ’67 (BR Tom Phlegar’s cousin), John Schmidt ’58, Jimbo and Ruth Smith’60, and Don Walker ’58. Walker, as a representative of 1958, our dykes’ class, officially let us out of the Ratline. “J.C.” John Miller seems to be spending 86

a lot of time in the east, and I have enjoyed being with him. His May visit was at the Chancellorsville Battlefield for a tour of surrounding Civil War fields with a group of Civil War buffs which included Brother Rat Johnny McDougall. John invited Alison Drescher along this year, and from what I heard, Johnny Mac, who is retired and lives in Nashville, TN, enjoyed renewing acquaintances. Now, if we could get McDougall to come to a BR affair, it would be wonderful. What say, Mac? Life at the Vitale house has been rather quiet. I recently certified as a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries hunter safety instructor and look forward to teaching classes, so that people can get hunting licenses. I also teach concealed carry classes and especially enjoy answering questions like, “When can I shoot someone?” We have attended several lectures at the Virginia Historical Society with Bill and Joyce Gibbings and have seen Dave Harbach at a few. For our 50th anniversary gift to each other, Sue and I will be on our way to Normandy, France, and southern Ireland at the end of May. We will be in Normandy for our Memorial Day, and from what I understand, this will be a very memorable day for Americans. VMI sent me the locations of the VMI alumni buried there, and I plan to visit each grave. There are several Brother Rat functions coming up, but these notes are due in two days, and the reporting will have to wait for the next issue. Grandkids are growing and the planned visits to see the old folks will be limited this summer. Driving permits for three of them and time behind the wheel may be a root cause of their planned absence. Maybe that is good? Gibbings still has his Friday beer and cookies at his home from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Beer is outstanding and the snacks very adequate. Wine is also available. While not regulars, we do see Larry and Jeri Wetsel, Robert and Pat Williamson, Ken and Sue Patrick, Irv and Sue Wells, Don Kern, and Charlie and Ann Stevens. Some local people that Bill works out with at the VB recreation center also join in. Did you know that Larry Wetsel is a master chocolate chip cookie baker? Larry keeps the Gibbings household supplied with his wonderful cookies for the Friday night event. No reservations required; just show up and walk in.

I am a believer in the power of prayer, and as I have found out, so are many of you. For those who are struggling day after day, prayer is as important as radiation, chemo and dialysis. So, I ask you to consider including in your prayers the Brother Rats mentioned below (as of May 14, 2012). Some Brother Rats and spouses prefer not to burden us with their situation, and so I did not list them. Please pray for: Charlie Stevens, who is still fighting for his life; Henry Huntsberry, who is being treated for chronic myelogenous leukemia; Anne Ayala; Mike Carmichael’s son, Tucker, who is having another leg operation; Ann Woodfin, who is trying to control the swelling and growths on her brain; Jim Harrison, who is fighting to keep his heart in rhythm; Sleepy Hollowell, who takes dialysisis every day; John Moore, who copes with his MS; George Van Orden, who has had several seizures and therefore can’t drive; Floyd Roberts, who fights every day for another day; Roy Schall, who by all measures should not be with us but still is; Gerry Eubank, who is still fighting Lyme disease; and Sheila McLester, whose days with us are numbered. For those in remission, we need to continue to pray for them to make sure their condition stays that way. My roommate, Carl Hirsch, completed his prostate cancer radiation treatment, and the prognosis is excellent. The only after-effect Carl is having is sleeping, because his “tuchas” glows in the dark, and the light keeps him awake! Also in remission or clean from the “C” are Sue Wells, Bill Daniels, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Bill Keech and “J.D.” Jack Miller. And finally, about those pesky operations like joint replacements, stents or medications like Coumadin, etc., we pray for the continued recovery of Charles Manly, George Ward, Stu Woodcock, Lou Grazulis, Bob Huddle, Don Kern, Len Martin, Ken Patrick, Mike Payne, Anne Rishell, Virginia Dabney, Jeannie Drescher and Hershel Murray. Hershel missed a bullet when his heart problem was discovered in an annual checkup. He has been symptom-free since getting his heart shocked back to the correct rhythm. Bill Fout is recovering from his stroke and is still in Arizona and will be there for VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES awhile. His left eye seems to be getting better, and he is in therapy. I talked to Bill, and he said thanks for the cards, calls and e-mails. I know from the comments made by those who have received cards and e-mails that their spirits were lifted. One BR told me that he never realized how many BRs cared enough to take the time. So, please keep up the good work or, even better, call or visit them. Anyone needing a new BR list let me know. There have been several losses to our class and it has affected both Brother Rats and spouses. What a great tribute for Brother Rat Bill Dabney. The R.E.L. Episcopal Church was filled to over capacity with Marine Corps generals, colonels and non-commissioned and comrades from “Hill 881 South,” VMI professors and friends, and others from every walk of life. VMI cadets carried the flags into the church, and a Marine Corps Honor Guard carried Bill’s remains to the sanctuary. Bill’s son, Lewis, gave the eulogy, and Col. John Brodie, director of the VMI Regimental Band, played “Taps.” In attendance from our class were Graham King, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Jim and Connie Oliver, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Dick and Ann Weede, Carl and Becky Hirsch, Irv Wells, Harrison and Terry Fridley, Battle Haslam, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Oscar Mabry, Ken and Sue Patrick, Paul Johnston, Lee and Betsey Badgett, Wyatt Durrette, Bill Daniels, Dick Youngblood, Bill and Jane Hill, Ron and Fran McNemar, Floyd Farleigh, David and Charlotte Harbach, Ed Fox, Sal and Sue Vitale, and Dick Jarvis. Troy “L.T.” and June Jones attended the funeral service for Andy Thacker in Seabrook, TX. The service was amazing and beautiful! Andy’s cousin, a monsignor, flew down from Raleigh, NC, to officiate the funeral mass. Bernard, Andy’s caregiver, said, “We then had a good party at the house that Andy would definitely have approved, because Andy’s favorite Greek restaurant catered his favorite dishes.” Holmes Smith said, “Andy was my oldest friend. We grew up together and attended the same school in Richmond from second grade through seventh.” A celebration of Gwen Stone’s life was held at The Mill at Fine Creek [in Powhatan, VA]. Gwen’s friend is the chef 2012-Issue 3

there, and needless to say, there was an outstanding food and beverage service. We enjoyed looking at a video of Gwen’s life and learned that Gwen was a beauty queen in her younger days. (Should have realized that when we saw her daughter, Jane.) Lots of friends and sorority sisters were in attendance. Those from our class included Anne Woodfin and her daughter, Suzanne; Dick and Judy Youngblood; Bill and Sue Daniels; Bill and Joyce Gibbings; Oscar and Caroline Mabry; Rhett and Jan Clarkson; Bill and Connie Nelms; Booty Farleigh and his adorable 5-year-old grandson; and Sal and Sue Vitale. Gwen will be missed. Brother Rat Dick Parker lost his wife, Gloria Marietta Parker, on March 23rd. Dick lives on the West Coast, and there were no BRs close by. I had hoped to meet this wonderful Italian lady and swap recipes but never had the chance. Wives are supposed to go after the husband, I thought. Dick said thanks for the flowers, and I hope you can send him a note to cheer him up: Mr. Richard H. Parker, 2154 Fennel Drive, Corona, CA 92879-7715. He has not had a lot of contact with BRs. Until we see you, stay in touch, be well and may God bless our class, VMI and our service men and women. As for the U.S.A., I only hope and pray that our current and future officials and Supreme Court Justices remember that our Constitution was written at a time when politically correct included God, and our forefathers framed the Constitution embracing that. It is my view that our Constitution will not serve those who do not embrace that concept. That is all for now. Should you be at the beach, call us, or even better, come stay with us. All are welcome.

’62

Jerry Burnett

Comments overheard as our 50th Reunion came to an end: “This is the BEST reunion ever!” and/or “This is my first time back for a reunion, but I’ll NEVER miss another one!” There were many reasons that this was such a very successful reunion: 1) Class Agent Jerry Burnett worked his

individual tail off by personally coordinating everything that happened during the entire weekend! “Thanks, Jerry!” 2) Carolyn Worrell hosted a great reception/supper at her home! 3) Well organized golf, tennis and clay shooting events! 4) BR Peay’s class reception at his home! 5) 50th Reunion Banquet with Gen. Peay as speaker! 6) Class meeting, with Jerry Burnett and Tony Curtis elected as co-class agents. Jerry will attend Class Agents Conferences and handle class funds, while Tony (tonyvmi62@embarqmail.com) will take charge of class notes, publications, notifications and communications! 7) The service at Memorial Garden with moving presentations from VMI Corps Chaplain James Park and BR John Anthony! 8) Posing for our 50th Reunion class picture! Obtain your picture by logging onto vmialumni.org and then clicking on the “Photo Store” icon. This also allows you to choose the size and finish of your photo, as well as options to frame your selection(s). 9) The Reunion Parade and carrying our class banner – the only negative moment during the memorable weekend was the cancellation of this event, due to rainy weather! You could hear the roar of the Barracks yell as it echoed up the Shenandoah Valley! 10) Presentation of a large, $20-milliondollar check to VMI by class of ’62 representatives John Anthony and Jerry Burnett definitely brought the biggest yell of all! 11) A great virtual tour of the post, exclusively for the class of 1962, and hosted for us by Col. Brown, showed the improvements to the Institute made during Binnie’s watch! 12) The class of ’62 party, graciously hosted by Brian Crockett (CEO, VMI Foundation) at his estate atop the glorious Virginia mountains will long remain in our memories! 13) All necessary transportation during the weekend, going to events and returning to hotels, was accomplished via bus shuttles provided for our convenience! 14) During the entire weekend, all of 87

Class of 1962: Those who attended their 50th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: John C. Allen, John D. Anthony, R.A. Armistead Jr., Bruce W. Ballard, C. Allan Bamforth Jr., Thomas R. Bandy III, George D. Barnes Jr., Eldridge Blanton III, Keith S. Block Jr., Joseph R. Bobbitt III, R. Sydney Bradbury, Robert D. Bradley, Anton J. Bueschen, Gerald C. Burnett, Hughes D. Burton, Randolph E. Campbell, John S. Candler, John B. Carles, Columbus Cartwright, Samuel A. Clement Jr., Howard E. Cobb, George J. Collins, B. Allen Connell, Frederic Consolvo III, William H. Cook, Theodore C. Cooley, Thomas E. Coulbourn, James D. Cox, John W. Cummings, Anthony M. Curtis, Mr. Ryland P. Davis Jr., Mr. James W. Dean, J. R. Dunkley Jr., Dennis F. Easley, A. Weldon Eddins Jr., Spencer H. Elmore, Robert R. Evans, Douglas S. Fielder, William H. Fisher Jr., Robert W. Gesner, Mr. Roberto Gorbea, Lewis V. Graybill, Mark H. Graybill Jr., Walter C. Gwaltney Jr., Norman Halberstadt, Randolph M. Hamner, Thomas H. Henriksen, Richard H. Hoagland Jr., Walton R. Hood, Walter T. Houston Jr., Robert M. Howard Jr., James D. Johnson, Kenneth F. Johnson, R.L. Stinson Jones, Carl M. Jordan Jr., Victor D. Kane, R. Danny Kiser, Robert W. Lambert, Louis C. Landry III, Thomas N. Layne III, J. Michael Lilge, Calvin A. Lloyd II, Alfred R. Mangino, C. Douglas Marechal, John W. McWane, Thomas R. Meler, George M. Meredith II, A. Dennis Merklinger, Robert A. Miller, Geoffrey S. Mitchell, Robert T. Mitchell Jr., William K. Mizell Jr., Charles G. Montgomery, Patrick J. Morrison, C. Eugene Moss Jr., Thomas W. Murphree, Henry K. Murray Jr., Edward D. Northrop Jr., H. Wayne Pacine, J.H.B. Peay III, J. Bowles Pender Jr., Walter C. Perrin II, David D. Plageman, Josef D. Prall, John W. Price Jr., Roy A. Raney Jr., William B. Rawlings Jr., L. Warren Reed, H. Paul Rhodes, James C. Richards, George W. Robbins III, Joseph B. Roberts Jr., J. Mott Robertson Jr., John O. Rowell Jr., William E. Samuels, Bruce G. Seiling, Orlando C. Severo Jr., Calvin C. Seybold, Robert C. Sheldon, John C. Shelhorse III, W. Ware Smith Jr., Richard R. Speidel, Edmund R. Strickler, William C. Sydnor Sr., Peter D. Tattersall, C. Richard Thomas Jr., John E. Traynham III, Walter L. Turnage, Robert D. Tyson, James A. Vest, David W. Wagner, Jerry T. Wagner, Ronald L. Wagner, Richard B. Ward, Joseph L. Weakley, James C. West Jr., Gordon R. White Jr., William C. White Jr., M.C. Williams III, L.B. Wilson Jr. and Robert D. Yearout.

CLASS NOTES

50th Reunion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; April 27-28, 2012

Class of 1962

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1962 50th Reunion April 27-28, 2012

The class sets a new record!

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES the events and socializing (including BRs Peay’s and Anthony’s speeches) were captured for us by professional videographer Stephen Hanes and will be available on DVD-R discs. To purchase your copy of The Class of 1962 Reunion History, send your check for $30 (VA residents add 5% tax; $1.50) to: Stephen Hanes Video Photography, 336 Concord Drive, Fairfield, VA 24435, Phone: 540/241-5195, e-mail: stephenhanesvideo@gmail.com. 15) We were introduced to the taste improvement techniques of wine aeration. In answer to questions for details, see: www. vinturi.com. The Vinturi Red Wine Deluxe Set was provided in the hospitality room during our reunion. 16) The Class Reunion Yearbook gave us insight to the many accomplishments and locations of our Brother Rats. If you would like to purchase one for yourself or as a gift to another Brother Rat, please send your check for $65 made out to “VMI Class of ’62 Account” to: Dr. Jerry Burnett, P.O. Box 835, South Boston, VA 24592. Now, requests from Jerry and Tony: Please review carefully the lists at the back of the yearbook! If you know data for anyone shown on the “LOST” listing, please let us know ASAP! If you have not yet furnished us with your bio, please do so ASAP! An addendum will be created NLT July 1, reflecting all new bios, additions, corrections, updates, etc. Note: All BRs who wrote that they could not make the reunion expressed the hope to spend time with Brother Rats who might be in their area at some time in the future! Please make it a point to contact all BRs as you travel throughout the nation in the upcoming months and years, and be sure and drop us a note about your get-together! In the months prior to the reunion, Judy and Tony hosted several Brother Rats at their home in The Villages, FL. Nancy and Bob Miller toured The Villages, and Don Arey rode his bicycle 75 miles to join them (and wife Ellen) for dinner. (Don and bike drove home with Ellen!) Bill Mizell and Betsy toured and played golf; Mark Graybill toured, and Gary Kaylor came up with Jeanne to play senior 3-man basketball. (His team cleaned all the other’s clocks!) On the way “up north” for the reunion, Judy and Tony Curtis stopped 90

by Walterboro, SC, and were treated to a wonderful breakfast at the local Cracker Barrel by BR Dr. Allen Gustin, D.D.S. His wife, Anne, still teaches fourth grade, but they were unable to attend reunion due to her limited mobility issues. Judy and Tony continued on to Raleigh, NC, to enjoy a stay with high school classmates Betsy and BR Larry Wilson at their brand new home on the Eagle Ridge Golf Course! The next day, it was on to South Boston, VA, for a stay at the famous guest house on the property of Joy and Jerry Burnett before heading to Lexington the next day for the long anticipated 50th Reunion of the class of 1962! Now, the sad news, too soon. After the reunion, Monty Williams visited BR Richard Bartlett, who has IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – lung disease). When Richard asked about Dennis Merklinger and Jerry Conners, Monty showed him their bios in the yearbook, which he left with him, and encouraged Richard to write his bio soon! Bruce Ballard took his bluegrass band to the Memory Center, 1853 Old Donation Parkway, Virginia Beach, and met with Jay Bierman. Two large cards were signed for Jay throughout the reunion. Jay has Alzheimer’s and is wheelchair bound. Bruce left his VMI 50th Reunion medallion with Jay. The most enjoyable experience by everyone at the reunion was the “catching up” with roomies and Brother Rats many had not seen for way too long! The next best thing is still keeping up to date with cards, letters and e-mails on “whatcha been doing.” Please keep them coming. In the Spirit of ’62, Tony and Jerry

’63

Michael J. Curley

Plan now to attend our 50th Reunion April 26th, 27th and 28th, 2013, at The Natural Bridge! We’re working like crazy to make it a pleasant and memorable event! As a result, you can expect my notes to be briefer than normal, leading up to the reunion … please forgive me. I’m afraid we have to lead off with some bad news first. Don Prystaloski is battling pancreatic cancer. At the moment, Don and

Candy are working with their medical team to fully diagnose the problem and set a course of action. I chatted with him just yesterday after he returned home from the hospital. He is in fine spirits, and both he and Candy resolved to fight the disease with everything in their power. Andy Anderson, as Don’s closest friend and roomie, was the first to break the news to me. When I first saw Andy’s name on the caller ID, my mind reverted to a call I received from Andy and Don shortly after our 45th Reunion. It was literally in the middle of the night; they were at the river and both seriously incapacitated by alcohol. They needed Bob Modarelli’s phone number, because they were in the process of “inventing” some sort of a device that required Bob’s professional expertise … please remember that Bob is a urologist, and that will be where this story will end. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the nature of this evening’s call, and we both wept as we discussed Don’s condition! I’ll keep you posted. Harry Tatum sent me an e-mail regarding Don: “I just spent some time with Don at Miami Valley Hospital. He is in good spirits and is hopefully waiting for a positive diagnosis. Amazingly, after I left, Pat Kelly stopped in to see him and called me afterwards. Pat, like me, was just passing through Dayton. Don really appreciates the interest in his condition!” (mjc: Don asked that we hold visits to a minimum for the time being.) This morning, May 15th, I met Karen and Denny Marchant at the Massey Cancer Center here in Richmond where Karen is being evaluated for treatment of brain cancer which surfaced about three weeks ago. Although Karen was able to overcome her recent bouts with breast cancer, the disease has returned. As she said this morning, “Cancer is the gift that keeps on giving.” She actually was in a sparkling mood. I’m sure it was due in large part to Bob and Bromby Earle’s nurturing overnight at their place, along with Bromby’s spectacular food. Bromby, by the way, will be five years cancer-free within the next couple weeks, and it should be noted that this courageous and generous woman now serves on the board of The Massey Cancer Center and donates many hours of volunteer work. I’m sure Karen appreciates the support and care that only another cancer survivor can give a cancer patient in treatment. Best wishes and prayers to both Don and Karen during the coming weeks and months. We will be there for you! VMI suffered another loss recently with the passing of Col. Bill Dabney ’61. Many stories of heroism and bravery were suitably re-told. My personal memories of him revolved around Bill’s infamous combat boots and campaign hat that were his customary uniform on the soccer field.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES There was another side to Bill Dabney that could is now on the U.S. Navy captain (select) list! Day!” And at 8:15 this morning, I received this be told by his closest friends and dykes. Yogi Doar Momma ain’t proud or nuttin’ like that! Send up flash from Mike: “VMI graduation tomorrow. contributes to the legend: “As you may remember, a prayer of thanksgiving for him!” New Market Parade 1400 today. I’ll be on the Bill was my dyke our Rat year. Great guy and a Isn’t it funny, I constantly forget New Market web cams all day!” (mjc: Anybody want to good mentor! I went to the award ceremony at Day, since it’s also my son, Paul Curley’s ’94, know why I love being class agent?) VMI when he was awarded the Navy Cross and birthday … hell, I forget that, too, at his age! And from me … Pray for our troops in harm’s was saddened to see his health so marginal, even Mike Smither doesn’t! Catch this: “Skiing way, our departed and those on the GIM. then. I was surprised that he recognized me, since was good this past season in spite of few snow Speaking of those on the GIM, here is an update I hadn’t seen him since he graduated and had no storms but little or no cross-country skiing as a on Jerry Bennett’s condition from Derith: idea then that he had been involved “Jerry had pneumonia over Presiin such a desperate and heroic battle dent’s Day weekend and spent a during the Vietnam War. My memories few days in the hospital. Because of Bill always begin in the times after some sick cells were present with military duty, when a table would be the blood for the vaccine clinical cleared in his room, a blanket spread trial, he did not make the cut. on the table, and the poker game and We could not wait any longer to smoking would commence big time begin radiation and chemo. The with Bill in his DI hat. Those games radiation and chemo pill began were very serious business, as I reon March 6th and will continue member, and a lot on money changed for another five weeks. Jerry feels hands.” great and is doing things like yard Pat Kelly was not only in Ohio work and heading to the woods recently, but also in Florida, and on Friday for the weekend. He he wrote, “Gwen and I were in really does look good and is doFlorida a few weeks ago and spent ing the daily regimen well. He is Class of 1963: Pat Kelly and Tommy Rountree before the night with Tommy and Sharon driving himself to radiation. He going to dinner at Bob Earle’s favorite restaurant in Rountree at their home above Tampa is doing a clinical trial with meds Tampa, Florida. They took us to a great little seafood to see if his energy can be up … place that he said was Bob Earle’s so far, they are working. He is favorite place in Florida.” (mjc: You also taking an antibiotic daily, as just never know where Kelly is going to appear result. I have several issues of The VMI Cadet they don’t want a recurrence of the pneumonia. next!) Kelly’s follow-up e-mail reads, “By the from our cadetship, saved by my parents. (The Please do not hesitate to call him … he would way, is it true that you are a KA? If so, did you VMI Library does not want them, as they are love to talk to you both. He is usually home afknow I was inducted at the national convention archived and available online, along with the ter 2:00 p.m. from the treatment.” (mjc: Thanks in Phoenix last year? Interesting … no?” (mjc: Bomb. Go to www.vmi.edu/archives/home/ for sharing, Derith; it’s important to most of us Yes, I am, and no, I didn’t, Pat.) to research both publications.) Anybody is to know how our Brother Rats are doing in their It is both joyous and monumental when you welcome to have my copies of The VMI Cadet. time of need. We will keep you and Jerry in our hear from one of our ailing Brother Rats who is I am very much looking forward to our (cough, thoughts and prayers!) well on the road to recovery, thanks to his staunch cough) 50th Reunion next April. Everybody Finally, Bunny Reynolds asked Peg and me constitution and a loving significant other. “The” stay healthy till then, and please, pulleese, to stand in for him at the annual scholarship Roy Evans says, “Hope all is well with each of everybody plan to attend. Happy New Market luncheon, where we had the opportunity to you. School keeps me too busy, but meet our sponsored cadet, Hank the semester will soon be over, and I Rhodenizer ’12. Hank is a look forward to three months of sun “townie” (i.e., from Lexington … and fun. First on our list is Kingsmill remember?). He is quite proud of Resort near Williamsburg. Pamela being a townie and told us how (Sutko) and I are heading down there he had always wanted to be a over Memorial Day weekend. We’re cadet. Hank plans to be an ATF arriving the evening of Thursday, May agent after graduation. The Tucker 24th, and leaving Sunday, May 27th. Oliver Fund continues to serve a We have no set plans except to visit good purpose. However, it is only Virginia Beach one day, since Pamela about $80,000 at the moment, and hasn’t been there before. We’d like in order for it to be most effective, to see you during our stay and catch it needs to be around $300,000. up on things. Let us know what your Bunny bemoans the fact that it calendars allow, and if it’s not possible hasn’t seemed to have grown in this time, we’ll see you at the 50th.” the last several years, and I can Tom Bryan’s widow, Celie, has only encourage you to support this absolutely no shame! “Not to brag or fund, for it fulfills a very worthy Class of 1963: Ann and Art Phaup touring Holland in anything (Hell, yes, I’m bragging), purpose. We have witnessed the spring 2012. See class notes for details. but youngest son Kyle Bryan ’91 results, and they are good!

2012-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES One final photo from Ann and Art Phaup: “In April of this year, Ann and I took a river cruise through Belgium and Holland to see sites and tulips in bloom. The picture [accompanying these notes] was taken at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site where historic windmills in Holland are preserved. Note the numerous working windmills in full operation. Really impressive!” That’s all from here for now. God bless! Curleyrat

’64

John R. Cavedo

Another busy time for the class of 1964. Three mini reunions have occurred, and a final decision by the New Market Award committee is getting closer. Some interesting developments have occurred about our mini reunions. They started with the Thailand trip in February 2006. Forty of us (20 BRs plus spouses) went. As time has evolved, the groups have become more diverse. In virtually every case in the past three years, BRs have invited family and friends to attend with us. Now, we have 10 “regulars” who try to join us. Those are brother or sisters, collegues, neighbors, etc. So, if you have elected not to attend because you wanted to travel with someone other than just BRs, this is a great opportunity to go with a group and enjoy the significant discounts which are always passed on to all attendees. And if you have a particular destination or time in which you’re interested, just e-mail me, and I can help set up a group to do EXACTLY what you want. A good example of this is a long-time high school friend of Sandy DeForrest. She was a

widow and had not been comfortable travelling alone. Along with Sandy and Dan, she accompanied our group to Egypt in 2010 as a roommate of Mary Jo Jordan. The two had never met prior to arriving in Cairo. Since then, Connie has made four more trips with the group. Sometimes with Mary Jo, but a couple of times on her own. We consider her a regular now. Connie sent the following to me which I feel should be shared: “Two years ago, I was asked by some friends if I would like to join them on one of their VMI vacations. I was delighted to have the experience of going to Egypt, even though I would not know anyone except my two friends. We met some of our fellow travelers at JFK and the rest when we arrived in Egypt. As soon as I met the ‘Brother Rats,’ I felt very welcomed and no longer felt like a stranger. I have since traveled quite a few times with the group and look forward to seeing my ‘new friends’ every time. We all seem to enjoy each other’s company no matter where we travel.” The point of including Connie’s short note was to assure many of you out there that our mini reunions are a great way of travelling, both with Brother Rats and with your family and friends. Icing on the cake is that we always find good economic deals and then end up with group discounts. Let me know if you want to be added to our list of potential travellers. Between March 8th and 11th, several of us met in Jupiter , FL. In addition to Sherrel and me were Don and Margaret Carson, Lee Fleshood and Roxane Spitzer, Tom and Penny Sebrell, John and Ronnie Thornton, Butch and Joan Nunnally, Bill and Diane Crone, Genny Williams, Tom and Yvonne Myers, plus my sister, Phyllis Weisser. In addition to two nights at restaurants, the Carsons and the Fleshoods

both hosted dinners at their homes. During the day, we enjoyed great Florida weather and a myriad of activities. Among other things, John and Lee shot clays. On the last day, we invited everyone to our crowded but OK timeshare condo for a farewell brunch. This entire long weekend has become an annual event in Florida. In an attempt to try something different next spring, perhaps closer to home for most of you, John and Ronnie Thornton have discussed doing something similar in their neck of the woods (on the Rapahannock River), perhaps in the spring of 2013. Walt and Karen Sykes have already started assisting with the planning details. More to come. Mary Jo Jordan sent the following account of a recent trip to Eastern Europe: “In March, 13 of us, including five Brother Rats, friends and family, met in Budapest for a river cruise to the Black Sea. Attendees were W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, Tony and Barb Munera, Tom and Carol Allen, Mary Jo Jordan, Frank and Marcie Parker, Mary Jo’s brother and his wife, a friend of W.J.’s, plus Connie Gage. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Strahov Monastery brewery. Several members of our group made the brewery a priority! They were not disappointed, though some of them did have to go back a second time to double-check standards. In Prague, we visited magnificent cathedrals, walked the famous Charles Bridge, the historic town square and beautiful Prague Castle. This was sharp contrast to our sobering tour of Terezin, the Nazi concentration camp. We were constantly reminded that the history and beauty of this Soviet Bloc region is colored by so much tragedy. “We then traveled by bus through Bratislava in Slovakia before boarding our boat which was docked on the Danube at Budapest. We then

Class of 1964: Joan and Butch Nunnally, Ginny Williams, Don Carson, Bill and Diane Crone, Penny and Tom Sebrell, Margaret Carson, Yvonne Myers, Ronnie Thornton, Sherrel Cavedo, John Thornton, Phyllis Weisser, John Cavedo, Roxane Spitzer, and Lee Fleshood, at the Carson’s home in Jupiter, Florida, March 2012.

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CLASS NOTES cruised the rest of the trip down the Danube This whole region has a history of wars from had been through so much in the past 20 years, through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria the recent ones that we remember to those sang and performed several pieces for us. This and Romania, all the way to the Black Sea. dating back centuries. We kept hearing stories is the area where we also had our home visits, Each country had its own language, currency, of the former Czechoslovakia and the former and we all enjoyed meeting families and hearcustoms, culture, tradition and charm. And each Yugoslavia. Years of war together with the oping their personal stories of living through the had its own history of invasions, conquests and pression under communist rule behind the Iron recent war and also the hardship of growing up survival under the worst of conditions. I know I Curtain have devastated the economies of these during the communist era. It was very moving! learned more history and geography on this trip former Communist Bloc countries. Perhaps the “The last two countries that we visited on this than during any of my previous ones. trip were Bulgaria and Romania. “In Budapest, we could look out our We traveled through the scenic boat’s windows to see the beautiful old area known as the Iron Gates city. The Parliament and the bridges up which is a series of gorges that and down the river were lit up every the river forms as it cuts through night with thousands of lights, and the the mountains. Along the way, setting was one of old world magic and we saw the 130-foot-high statue charm. We toured the city including of the Dacian King DecebaHeroes Square and Castle Hill. Budalus carved into the side of the pest was clearly my favorite of all the mountain. We stopped in Vidin Eastern European cities that we visited. and Ruse to tour the cities and Some of us explored the underground to see the ancient fortresses and labyrinths and beautiful churches cobblestoned ruins. We then there, as well as the synagogues and sailed through the Danube-Black the Emanuel Memorial Tree sculpture Sea Canal to Constanta and visand Jewish Museum. We also went to Class of 1964: W.J. Kitchen, Connie Gage, Mary Jo Jor- ited the Cathedral of Saints Peter a paprika museum followed by a horse dan, Dave and Carolyn Ashcraft, and Lauranne Kitchen and Paul and the mosaic-paved show out on the Great Hungarian Plain. Roman Edifice of Tomis and at a Paris restaurant in April 2012. “We left Hungary and traveled to remains of the ancient Roman Vukovar and Osijek, Croatia, the public baths and aqueducts. We sites of some of the worst artillery shelling of most touching moment of the entire trip was dipped our feet in the Black Sea at Mamaia the Croatian-Serbian War. The tragic history of the school visit in Croatia, where we attended a Beach. this region made this one of the most emotional concert in English presented by the young chil“We left the boat at Constanta and boarded and educational tours that we have experienced. dren. These children, whose immediate families a bus for the ride through the countryside to Bucharest. Romania is called the breadbasket of Eastern Europe, and we saw the miles and miles of farmland as well as some gypsy camps along the way. We arrived in Bucharest for our final day of the trip and walked on the boulevards near our hotel through parks and down to Victory Avenue and Revolution Square. We saw the Romanian Arc de Triomphe which was a wonderful way to end our Eastern European trip. The Muneras continued on to Transylvania to the mountain resort at Sinaia and visited Dracula’s Castle. The rest of us packed our bags and flew home the next day, feeling that we were taking home so much more from this trip than ever before. This was truly one of the most interesting and amazing trips our VMI group has ever taken.” Don Jones sent the following: “Many of you are aware that, just over 18 months ago, Diana and I made a decision to leave the Lehigh Valley area where we had been for 25 and 20 years, respectively. We both wanted to move to Virginia somewhere near or in the Shenandoah Valley or in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has been a long and arduous journey, but the end is in site. On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, we will be traveling Class of 1964: Mary Jo Jordan, Carol Allen, Marilyn and Jim Anderson, Conto Lynchburg, VA, to sign the final papers to nie Gage, Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen, Barb and Tony Munera, Marci Parker, purchase a great home in the foothills of the Blue Tom Allen, and Frank Parker in March 2012 during the Danube River Cruise. Ridge Mountains. The home is located just about

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CLASS NOTES five miles north of the town of Concord, VA. Our to see them at the hospital. Her symptoms energy. We are hoping the eating and energy new home is located in the northwest corner of could have suggested heart or lung problems or will return with time, and it will probably take Appomattox county and about seven miles west even cancer. She remained overnight and, still a long time, several months. We got back home of Appomattox Courthouse, the site of Gen. Lee’s undiagnosed, left for home the next day. Upon late in the afternoon, and I went to church surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, virtu- arrival home in West Virginia, they visited a tonight, so am late getting back to you. We apally ending the Civil War. Needless to say, we are couple of doctors and hospitals before finding preciate your efforts to keep our BRs informed, excited about the purchase and our move that will out that it had been a temporary problem associ- and we especially appreciate all of your prayers. begin on April 13th when we will make our first ated with flu-like symptoms. The most recent Butch and Joan Nunnally put us up last night in trip with a truck load of furniture and other things. update from Jerry: “Sandra saw Dr. Leslie Mon- their home near Blacksburg. They are great!” We have lots of things to do when we get there and day, and he was very encouraging. He believes We now have several active committees will be busy for some time making it our home. Sandra’s problems are caused by pneumonia preparing for the 50th Reunion. In addition to Diana, for the first time in a very long the New Market Committee, you time, will get to practice her skills at should receive your first official ‘green thumbing’ in the gardens. This announcement from the fund raisis something that she has wanted to ing committee prior to or shortly do for a long time, and now she will after Christmas. Also, under Hank be able to. You see, she was raised Cronin is the committee planin a family that owned and operated ning the activities for Friday and a garden store and greenhouses for a Saturday. Give Hank a call if you long time. As for me, I’ll be able to either would like to be on the comwork in my own garage and do things mittee or have specific suggestions that I have not been able to do while or comments about those activities. here in the valley.” Then there is a committee responThe New Market Committee has sible for the gifts and favors which Class of 1964: Tony Munera, John Cavedo and W.J. had several meetings, with another will be available to all attendees. Kitchen at the Rhone American Cemetery, Draguinnan, planned in October. This group of Jim Brittingham is heading up that France in April 2012. amazing Brother Rats has spent uncommittee. He and another four or told hours and travelled to a dozen five Brother Rats have already been of meetings at their own expense exploring many different ideas and (hotels and meals), all for the single purpose of that is complicated by her spinal curvature their costs. Again, give Jim a call if you either making us proud of the award to be presented to and our age. He does not believe there is any would like to be on the committee or have a graduate of the class of 2014 during our 50th tumor in her lung, but he did order a CT scan of specific suggestions or comments about gifts Reunion. Along the way have been bumps and her chest today to confirm that. If the CT scan and favors. obstacles. You can imagine 10, type-A Brother shows anything suspicious, he will use a probe Also, Leo Roach has agreed to be in charge Rats all trying to agree on a single issue. Yet, to view the inside of her lung to see if there of a group of Brother and Sister Rats who will they will come through for us. are any problems. She has eaten a little better assure our hospitality room (at the Holiday I got a really nice and long note from Dave the last two days but still does not have much Inn Express) is clean and well stocked with Cabell. Dave, like I did, attended only Rat year (also in F company; roomed with Bill Blair and Mike Battaglia). He wrote, in part, “I have always been grateful for the experience.” He reminisced about demerits, third classman Frank Allison ’63 and other fun times. Dave plans to attend the 50th. He owns a publishing company in Beaumont, TX. In addition to his note, he enclosed a VERY nice check as a donation toward our 50th Reunion celebration and gift to VMI. Dan and Sandy DeForrest got together with Jan and Paula Rudinoff at St. Petersburg this past March. Jan and Paula continue to travel extensively and seem to be enjoying life to the maximum. Dan sent along a photo, but you’ll have to go to our Class of 1964 Facebook to see it (pixels too small to be allowed in the Alumni Review). In early April, Jerry and Sandra Reid visited Hilton Head with their daughter, her husband Class of 1964: W.J. Kitchen, Mary Jo Jordan, Barb Munera, Lauranne and children. They were all to share a timeshare Kitchen, John and Sherrel Cavedo, and Tony Munera in Old Town Vivers, for a week. Unfortunately, Sandra had to be France, April 2012. hospitalized the night they arrived. I went by

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CLASS NOTES beverages and snacks. He has at least a couple of assistants but can use more help. Again, if you either would like to be on the committee or have specific suggestions or comments about what snacks and beverages should be stocked, contact Leo. There is more planning to be done and, perhaps, more committees needed. Call me, Tom Davis or one of the class officers if you have ideas or are willing to help in some other way. If you need phone numbers or e-mail addresses, the best way to obtain them is to go on the VMI website (vmialumni.org). For those with IPhones or IPads, there is a wonderful “APP” which is now available. Or as a last resort, call or e-mail me, and I’ll get you connected. On April 16th, several of us left the states for another mini reunion, this time to France and another River Cruise. We started off with three nights in Paris (our hotel was only a couple of blocks from the Eiffel tower, right on the Seine River). Enjoying this trip and representing VMI class of 1964 were Sherrel and me, W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, Tony and Barb Munera, and Mary Jo Jordan. Also joining us were Mary Jo’s brother and his wife, W.J.’s old boss from NSA and his wife, and our ever faithful Connie Gage. After those first days in Paris – with the usual bus city tour and a couple of side trips to every possible museum, cathedral and old building, plus lots of stops at sidewalk cafes plus the usual expensive Parisian food – we left by bus for our trip south through the Burgandy region, where we joined our river cruise on first, the Sohn River, and then the Rhone. For seven days, we cruised south with stops at Beaune, Macon, Lyon, Trevoux, Tournon, Vivers and Avignon and ended up in Arles. At each stop, we enjoyed local beer, Beaujolais and other wines. Each city had a unique history – some highlighting World War II and others explaining early French history as it was associated with ancient Rome, the Papacy and the Crusades. What all the sites had in common were fantastic architecture and warm, hospitable people. In fact, many of us commented on the lack of rudeness normally associated with the French people. One beautiful side trip was to the village of Les Baux de Provence, located high on a hill overlooking magnificant valleys. On the way back to the boat, we went to a local winery and tasted unique Beaujolais wines in an extremely quaint private home. After disembarking our small river boat in Arles, it was back on the bus for a four-hour drive to Nice on the French Riveria. Enroute, we stopped at the Rhone American Cemetery in Draguignan. Surprising to me was that, only a couple of weeks after D-Day in 1944, the allies made a landing in the south of France to fight

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their way north to link up with the remainder of the forces. Somehow, that piece of history had escaped me. Anyway, the cemetery is U.S.A.owned and run by the U.S. government, just as the Normandy Cemetary is. Eight hundred sixty service personnel are interred there in a beautiful and sacred setting. Among those are 60 “Unknowns.” All the veterans in our group of 43 (total on the tour) were asked to place flowers on the memorial. It was a moving tribute. Our next and last stop was Nice. The hotel was wonderfully located only a couple of blocks from the beach and near one of the busiest parts of the old city. Several of us stayed a few extra days and were able to visit Cannes and Monaco. I don’t believe anybody tried betting in the casino. The casino and hotel were surrounded by an unbelieveable number of Rolls Royces, Lamborginis, Ferrerais, Mercedes and BMWs. Plus a few other exotic cars I couldn’t identify. Four of us paid almost 30 dollars for three cokes and a glass of water in a sidewalk café overlooking the casino square. Overall it was a wonderful trip. A couple days of rain in the earliest days and on the last didn’t dampen our spirits. After five years sending out the birthday cards to you all, Hank Cronin is handing the baton to Tom Sebrell as of this coming October. Hank and I talk on the phone at least once per week. He is a good guy and a loyal Brother Rat. Thanks, Hank! One last request: Please send photos where you have used minimum compression settings on your digital cameras and e-mails. Most sent to me are unuseable, except on the Facebook page. Many of you have sent dozens of photos. None useable. That’s why all the photos in the Alumni Review seem to be always either W.J. Kitchen or me. Please re-set your cameras or assure your e-mail configuration isn’t reducing the pixels for transmission. As always,my deepest appreciation to those of you writing and calling.

’65

Mickey Finn

As promised, we will begin with the notes that did not make the last issue. Enjoy! Globe-trotting Charlie Russell reports from Florida: “Barbara and I are working/relaxing in Cocoa Beach, FL. Did you know that they have three Irish Pubs here? I should correct that; Barbara is getting some rest while I teach information assurance to a unit of the Air Force’s Space Command. Weather is great: warmer than at home in Virginia! During our trek to Walt

Disney World, we hosted three grandchildren from Apr. 25 to 30, then two more from May 2 to 7. We stayed at the Shades of Green, with the children doing meal planning. It was wonderful, but Barbara and I are really feeling the wear on our own physical abilities. They say that one walks more than 13 miles a day at WDW: I believe it. Finally, as you know, we’re wrapping up the final work on our basement, making room for electric trains, game room activities, a bar and such … ’course, at this rate, we may not see much of it, as we always seem to be on the road!” From Wayne Chiles: “I’ve been thinking about writing for a long time; maybe I’ll actually get this done. First, though, I’m saddened, as we all are, to get those notices of BRs who have gone to a better place. Certainly, John Hill had a tough battle for years. I remember speaking with him in August. I was surprised to hear of Tom Bethune’s passing. He is the second of my third class roomies to ‘leave early,’ Dr. Butch Prugh led off. Charlie England and I from C Company roomed with Butch, Tom and Mebane Lea, I think, until lovely Barbara used her feminine powers to lure Charlie away from our band of Brothers. Life is good here – nine years retired and haven’t missed the rat race for a minute. Occasionally, I have to get out in NoVA rush traffic, and that serves as a great reminder of why work is a four letter word. Like most of us, our high school class had its 50th in late October. Irwin McCumber, Mel Brannan and Anne Gordon Mustian, individually and collectively, conspired to motivate me to attend. Why the hell they invited all those other old people, I’ll never understand. Our high school, Thomas Jefferson in Richmond, had a gaggle of us who matriculated on Sept. 13, ’61. The only thing that salvaged the evening for me was seeing Richard and Mimi Moring at a small table in a quiet corner shortly after entering the room. Graciously, they allowed me to join (my lovely bride, Ann, was cavorting with girlfriends in Mississippi during this event). While moving between our table and the serving tables, I visited with Jim and Virginia Turner, Hugh and Jacky Dowdy, Jack and Susan Mountcastle, Irwin and Linda McCumber, Melvin and Jeanette Brannan, Gordon and Mary Anne Eubank, Anne Mustian, and Dottie Marshall Carpenter. Lo and behold, even Al and Jan Orgain “crashed” the party, with some lame story about he wanted to be one of us but others had a different view. Anyway, they always add a lot to any party, although I do not remember any fireworks! Final thought on that: Our BRs made outstanding choices for partners. “I occupy myself by giving my time away, mostly involved with Rotary and a great organization, ShelterBox, www.shelterboxusa.

CLASS NOTES of BRs on Facebook and asks, “Do you have a org, that provides humanitarian relief supplies Facebook account? I am trying to put a group to survivors of disasters around the world. I do together on Facebook for BRs thinking it might a ‘show and tell’ for anyone who will listen for be a way for BRs to share information. I’m just 15 minutes or so, trying to drum up support. taking baby steps right now and only have 15 Most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Our kids in the group thus far.” Jack, I just might have and grandkids live in Philly and Omaha. If you to look into a Facebook account, because now got them around the corner from you, squeeze there is a reason! them every chance you get. Well, by now, we Sage advice from Larry Umberger: “We all know the other meaning of ’65, ’65, ’65. don’t always use the best practical sense! On Anybody notice that we are fast-forwarding to April 27, I met a couple friends to take down the front of the Alumni Review?! Stay active, a tree for another friend (not present). The tree do what you enjoy and keep a positive attitude, was near the house and had a couple branches even when the forces of evil argue against it. going in the wrong direction. We got an extenThanks, Mickey, for being the glue that holds sion ladder and set it up very firmly at the top us together.” Bill Cather called his note a “short note:” “I and bottom. In the past, I have tied ladders at envy all of you close enough or retired enough the top to the tree before working, but this time to make all of these gatherings at the Institute. it seemed so well set, that I did not tie it off. However, I will be hanging it up this year, one While cutting the smaller branch, the chain saw way or another. I am giving up on making that last got pinched. In my efforts to free the chain saw, dollar, so I will be merging my printing business I pulled the ladder around the tree until we were with a larger company. Mia and I have both had both going down (about 15 feet). Bottom line is warning shots to our health – mine, with my stage that I broke both bones to my left wrist, broke four colon cancer which I am two years out and the 11th rib on the left side and broke the left have no signs of resurgence. Mia had a burst aorta front pelvis bone three places. Never had a broon Dec. 5th, and after rushing her to the hospital ken bone in my body before now. I am getting (we have three great hospitals within five minutes around using a walker and making progress, but of the house) and undergoing an eight-hour opera- it seems slow. Lesson learned – if any of you tion and valve replacement, she is able to walk ever climb up into a tree with ladder, ALWAYS 200 yards. We even had dinner out this week (Feb. tie it to the tree at the top. The cast on my left 12th) for her birthday. Needless to say, we are go- arm is to come off on June 11, and we plan a ing to take advantage of our second chance at life. long trip to the West Coast starting the same Last summer, my son, Robbie, and my grandson, day, if possible. We still enjoy our grandkids Matthew, and I led five other scouts on a 10-day – the oldest, Branner, turned 6 on Saturday, backpack on the Philmont Scout Reservation, and we went out to help them celebrate.” My a 350,000-acre wilderness in the mountains of suggestion is to make sure your insurance is up northeast New Mexico. I would like to know how to date, and then call a tree guy. many of my Brother Rats did this 50 years ago as Brian McNeil reports on an annual gathering: a scout? At 68 years old, covering 70 miles be- “A contingent of VMI ’65 met in Hilton Head tween 5,000 and 12,000 feet high was no easy task as we have done over the last five years or so. for me. Needless to say, the scouts took pity on me and relieved me of a few pounds out of my 40-pound pack while on a particularly arduous struggle up Mt. Phillips. It was kind of like VMI. I would not take anything for having done it, but I am not sure I would want to go back next year at 69. Last fall, I was invited to go camping and hiking with Robbie and his family in Zion National Park. If I can find it, I will enclose a picture of the three guys in bathtubs in a hippie commune on the side of a mountain. They were all fed by a hot spring coming out of the side of a mountain. I hope to see you guys at a football game next fall.” CA’s note: The picture was “R” rated and Class of 1965: Johnny Mac and Jamie Marshall will be e-mailed on request. siczyn Castle in Poland, February 2012. Jack Cook has started a group

Doug Thomas, Wayne Chiles, Irwin McCumber, Hugh Dowdy and I (with spouses) get villas on the island and go down to play golf, tennis, eat at the ‘early bird’ specials for seniors, go shopping – ladies mostly – and just have a relaxing week. Jack Cook comes over from Savannah and joins us, and we have occasionally joined with Steve Smith for golfing or dinner action, as well. This past February, we had the pleasure of watching the Keydets play well in the Big South Tourney. The view wasn’t on the big screen, but our pc connections delivered the game reasonably well. We would enjoy hearing from other VMI ’65 who are in HHI during the last week of February next year.” Tom Lilly writes that he is still playing lawyer but only four days a week. He tries golf on Wednesday but is not playing well. My advice: Try Saturday, play captains choice and make sure they are good enough to carry you. Works for me but only if it is the annual men’s tournament sponsored by my church. Tom also reminisced, “I was supposed to go to Korea. About 10 days before I was discharged, I called officers’ records from Fort Lewis, where I had been for almost two years, to find out why I had not been sent to Vietnam. Some lieutenant asked if I was calling from Korea, as there were orders in my file sending me there 13 months prior to my call. They were cut and published but never mailed. I was probably one of the few infantry captains who did not go to either place. Had I gone, my oldest son would not have been conceived, at least not then. I am recovering from guillian barre, an auto-immune syndrome that acts somewhat like polio. Unlike polio, it is reversible, and I am able to walk without a walker or cane and can now play golf. I’m not up to racquetball yet.” Hummm. Explains the poor golf game. It must be the season for golf, as Lou Siegel writes, “’65 was represented at the annual Richmond Club Golf Tournament held April 25th at Independence Golf Club. Donny White, Billy Loughridge and I played and did pretty well. It’s to be noted that Donny is one year older than most of us and knocks the heck out of a golf ball. The Fall Hampton Roads Military Classic of the South Tournament (VMI and Citadel alumni) is scheduled for Nov.12th at Kiskiack in Williamsburg. $75 per golfer. Let me know if you are interested.” Tom, just jump on Interstate 64East, and I’ll come up 95 North with Bill Ryan, who is older than at KraDonny, and we will show “long ball” White a thing or two! Granny

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CLASS NOTES Amos, want to round out the team? It seams as if the idea of visiting Korea has struck a cord. Bob Morgan, a Marine, paused to remember, “If I can afford it, I might be interested in the trip to Korea – especially to Inchon. When the Pueblo was captured in January ’68, I was at Khe Sanh. During the following ‘crisis,’ scuttlebutt had it that the Army was going to replace the Marines in I Corps while the Marines went to Korea. I ‘were’ not happy. I Corps was cold enough and has left me with some of my coldest memories – including the second College Grant above Errol at 35 below 0 on skis. I had no desire to trade Vietnam’s cold for that of Korea’s. My intuition informed me that the North Koreans would not be easier than the NVA.” Bob then goes off the subject completely with this: “I’ve discovered Fado-Amalia and Marisa and am studying Portuguese for my trip to Portugal in October for three weeks – on my own – returning Oct. 27-Nov. 10 (Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale). I don’t know why fado fascinates me so much but recommend it to anyone not familiar. The more I learn of Lisbon and Barcelona, the greater my desire to visit them.” Sometimes, all you can say is, “Hummm.” Let’s conclude with Johnny Mac Marshall: “This has been a wild half-year for us. We started by leaving for Poland at the end of February, and due to a snafu, we had a threeday vacation at the front end once we got there before I started my lectures in Lublin. Actually, we went to southeast Poland, a part of the country where Jamie had never been, and we visited some really fantastic castles and palaces. [The photo included] is of the two of us at Krasiczyn, a castle not far from the border with Ukraine and Slovakia. It was used by the Red Army as a barracks, and, of course, they almost completely destroyed it over a 50-year period. It has been undergoing restoration, and, as you can see, it is really beautiful. Thanks to the mild winter in Poland this year, the trees were actually beginning to bud. At the end of the trip, we spent a full day in London (tough duty) before winging our way back to steamy and pollen-ridden Dallas. This gave me just enough time to prepare for a symposium at University of Texas at Dallas on the relationship between ethics and technology (needless to say, I was the only judge on the panel). Then, of course, Easter at the church kept me busy. We had a great visit with Vern Beitzel ’72 when he came to Dallas, and that was a good ‘social’ break in the schedule. Last week, I was in New York (actually Brooklyn) to give the keynote speech at a conference of construction schedulers and engineers (yes, I was the only liberal artist in the room for that one, for sure). We will be going back to Poland in October for a judicial

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conference and for the Alumni Foundation Ball. (Jamie created the alumni foundation at UMCS, so naturally, she is the star of that show.) In the midst of all this, Jamie is busy redesigning the museum portion of the Scottish Rite Cathedral here in Dallas, and that keeps her off the streets (and keeps me in the style to which I have become accustomed). We are looking forward to coming to Lexington in July on our way to a convention in D.C. but especially because one, and maybe both, of my great-nephews is matriculating at VMI. He will be the fifth generation of our family at the Institute. Not bad. David Bywaters is still in East Texas enjoying his fishing and sitting on his veranda. Tough duty.” Allow me to give a special thanks to Lou Siegel for attending the annual Class Agents Conference with me March 30-31. Lou, I certainly enjoyed our time together and your assistance with the breakout session. Hope you all appreciated a few editorial comments from me this time. A little short on material and a little long on time allowed the extra effort. As to the references to golf, as Coke Marshall knows, the view from the back porch of the 17th tee is about as close as I get to play a round of golf for anything other than fun. I hope your summer was grand and that you now know the Mayan calendar does not end on 12/21/2012. Armed with that information, let’s give an Old Yell! Rah Virginia Mil, Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! VMI, ’65!, ’65!, ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

For those who aren’t in one of my 17 e-mail address books, on March 30-31, I attended this year’s Class Agents Conference. Here’s a shorter version of my report. I hope it will show you what’s going on and what the Institute faces in the next few years. Gen. Peay ’62 believes Vision 2039 has come together in general; however, some “culture” issues remain involving the characteristic behaviors of the school (cadets, staff, faculty, etc.). In particular, he mentioned dealing with “family, civility and decency” issues. He spoke of 10 tough years ahead in light of continuing the past 10 years of state budget cuts. Internally, he spoke of 65+ standing committees of faculty and staff trying to dig into what the best future courses might be, commenting dryly, “That’s how colleges work today.” The 10-year-lookahead priorities: maintaining and expanding our national reputation through academic excellence; accreditation expansion; endowment

growth; dealing with rising costs; NCAA issues; South Post expansion; and miscellaneous (listed as “Environmental, Cultural, Social and Technological”) issues. The Corps is hovering on 1,600 cadets with a rolling average of 1,585. They are now balanced 50-50 between science and engineering and liberal arts. Over 900 are from Virginia and over 600 are from other states and countries. Commissioning has climbed from 38 percent when the superintendent arrived to 57 percent. This progress will be greatly affected in the future by post-Iraq/Afghanistan draw downs in the services’ officer strengths. Air Force and Navy opportunities are considerably fewer; the Army provides the best numbers of requirements of all the services due to VMI’s large position in commissioning numbers now. He thinks we should do even more in getting our graduates focused on National Guard and Reserve commissioning with consequent careers. This is more consistent with VMI’s traditional and historic roles and makes great sense now. Cadets are graduating with an average debt of $20,000 (a matter of some pride among VA schools); about 52 percent of cadets [grads?] have loans. That said, about 98 percent remarkably find post-graduation jobs, which gives them a fighting chance to reduce their debts. This is attributed to commissioning, communications-networking and the solid reputation of our grads (meaning you). Academically, our graduation averages now are 62 percent within four years and 70 percent within six years. They are developing a BS in psychology and are modifying the English curriculum to include more writing in journalistic styles. EE is evolving into electronics and computer engineering. The computer science degree will emphasize more repair and maintenance operations. VMI is proceeding with more “concentrations” and minors programs. Most cadets have major/minor combinations; some have as many as two each with the consequent heavy academic loads. Faculty-student ratios remain good; they’ve worked to also keep the course load for faculty realistic and have tried to allow them time for research and individual development through reading/working in their respective fields. They’re also trying to provide more in the way of assistance to cadets in remedial (in the best sense) learning methods, English/writing and math. The faculty currently includes 11 percent VMI alumni. Closer student work with faculty is desired through undergrad research program, honors programs, appropriate writing counseling, etc. Nationally, we’re ranked 65th overall; in the top 10 for college buys; fourth among liberal arts colleges; 21st in engineering; and 13th among “Great Schools, Great Prices.” We are also first in

CLASS NOTES ROTC participation among liberal arts colleges. They’re continuing regiment, teams and academics – throughout cadetships. Extracurricular clubs (many more than in our experience) attract 1,476 cadets. They must have a minimum of 10 cadets for one of these activities. Cadet majors (largest to smallest) are: international studies, economics/business, history, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, psychology, biology, electronics and computer engineering, English, chemistry, math, computer sciences, modern languages, and physics. The Graduate School Partnership program continues to grow. Mentioned were partnerships (random order; I missed some) with Florida State, National Defense University, Virginia Tech, Via College of Medicine, VCU Medical, UVa law, EVA Medical, UVa Darden Business School, VCU Business and Norwich University. Expanded exchange programs are continuing with military colleges of France (2), Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, United Kingdom and Taiwan – mostly through foreign study summers. We continue to have an active visiting speaker program. Academics are a $90 million dollar/year program. Athletics remain a key component of cadet life, there are an amazing number participating: 409 NCAA athletes (25 percent of the males and 47 percent of the females) and 560 club sports athletes. I didn’t think to ask if they have an intramural program of any sort. For sure, they have a rigorous PT program, which seems more connected to ROTC than Corps, if I’m not mistaken. They’re not thinking Division III. They’re “NCAA Compliant” on all sports. We regularly win sportsmanship awards in conference. We are graduating “good cadets” who are also athletes. Football (and basketball to some extent) is (are), of course, the keystone, and poor performance there has a disproportionate effect on the whole effort. He discussed our continuing to play The Citadel. They will try to schedule a “money game” or two in football which will help with program costs. The simple reality is that we get money and publicity playing “name” teams; the art of the balance is not killing team morale and records. He really believes in the value of athletics, and I’d doubt anybody would want “every cadet screaming and yelling” in support of our teams more. Money for athletics – meaning having an endowment and not just paying as we go – was described as the “next big challenge.” The general level of construction activity is noticeably (and favorably) lower (but still present and ongoing). Current initiatives include a Corps PT facility (2013-15) and fixing up Cocke Hall (2015-16) and Cormack Field House (2014-15). The total price tag is about $230 million. Considering the past decade, it is a real tribute to the superintendent’s vision and

insight to have seen this need and acted quickly in order to get ahead of the financial realities and problems in nation and state. A special feature was an update from Col. Vern Beitzel ’72, director of admissions, which gave us a better feel for the entrance obstacles encountered by today’s cadets. It will also give you a feel for what it takes to get in today. The most recent entering class, 2015, had 2,244 applications (largest number ever) and 1,010 (37 percent Virginia; 52 percent non-Virginia) were accepted [45 percent; FYI this was 80 percent in 1996]. Then 509 matriculated (74 percent Virginia, 36 percent non-Virginia; and 453 male, 56 female). Alumni sons/daughters equaled five percent; alumni relatives equaled 16 percent. Some 78 percent came from public schools; 16 percent from private/parochial schools; and seven percent came from other colleges or universities. Some 48 percent were in the top quarters of their graduating classes. Advice to grandpas advising future Keydets: Academic strength (GPA most important; around 3.3-3.5 GPA is considered strong) is crucial; standard test performance ideally would be around (mean) 1150 SAT (they should take both SAT and ACT); recommendations from alumni are good; extracurricular activities help; legacies may help (but no guarantees); and a clear statement of personal interest and desire to go to VMI (essay, visits/interview, participation in orientation, etc.) really helps. Degree of course difficulty in high school is an important factor and successful participation in international baccalaureate (IB) and advanced placement classes is highly desirable. They continue searching for “well-rounded” youngsters (e.g., student officers; team captains; student government leaders; National Honor Society; two-year athletes on teams; Boys’ State/Girls’ State; Boy/ Girl Scouts (Eagles and Golds); club officers; JROTC or CAP; band; and chorus). Demonstrating VMI has become a truly national and international school, the 2015 class includes members from 34 states and from five foreign nations. In my last notes, I reported our BR John Jumper “trying to sort through a sea of boxes” and settling into the genteel rhythms of the Rappahannock Valley. Well, that quickly changed as he has taken on yet another major league challenge, as CEO of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and its 41,000 people. As the “Business” section of The Washington Post relates, “John P. Jumper’s high-velocity military career was over, and the former Air Force chief of staff was settling into a quiet retirement in Fredericksburg. He and his wife had built a house. He’d signed on to corporate boards. He was ready for visits from the grandkids.” I guess that’s over, at least for a

while; but I really laughed when I read John’s description of his previous work experience: “The company I ran in the Air Force was 750,000 people with a budget of $110 billion a year; and we were at war.” Best wishes BR. SAIC is darned lucky to have you, and I guess the Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable will just have to wait a bit longer. I had a nice visit with BRs Dick Goodall, Rich Hines and Spence Wilkinson at the annual VMI scholarship donor luncheon. We enjoyed talking to the cadet recipients and with each other. A particular joy was evident in discussion that helping today’s cadets and seeing them launch into life brought a particular satisfaction. I noticed in the latest Institute Report that Woody and Lori Sadler were recognized for establishing the Colonels Woodson and Lorraine Sadler Mechanical Engineering Fund to “provide support for cadet learning projects in the mechanical engineering department.” I know a substantial number of you have created memorial funds and scholarship funds to honor a loved one’s memory and I hope others will do so in the future. Annual Giving is rewarding in itself because it supports VMI’s all-important yearly operational needs. But it is also very rewarding to help a particular living, breathing cadet with a face and name and to see him or her then move on assisted by your assistance. Heard from Jim Hannah with some BR news. He related Mike Burton is continuing to serve on the town council of Buchanan and “is attempting to whip the town into shape” per Jim. Then he noted: “Les Rutledge (Smithfield, VA) has just undergone a neck vertebra operation. He’s doing well but must wear a neck brace for three months. G.P. Michael is still working hard in Atlanta consulting for an engineer firm concerning railroad design & operations.” BRs Al Carr, John Walters and Charlie Ramsburg actually called me on the telephone – knowing of my love for historical artifacts no doubt. In case you missed it, the last Alumni Review provided the news that BR Charlie Rothwell had been honored as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association for his “outstanding professional contributions to and leadership in the field of statistical science.” Several other BRs jiggled the orange juice can on this end of the string to let me know they are still vertical and in the game. No news (except as noted) accompanied the contacts, but I appreciate their staying in touch: Howie Lloyd, Bill Gregory, Bernie Halloran, Rick Kiernan, Cliff Crittsinger (wearied working valiantly with his “other” class on a New Market Cadet Legacy Award), Clark Reifsnider (getting stronger in his recovery from surgery), Jim Guy, Mike Burton, Roy Alford, Cliff

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Martin (via sportsnet) and Charlie Schmaus (via sportsnet). Lastly, I received an e-mail update from Charlie Ramsburg. In his role as a VMI Alumni Association regional director, Charlie was in Columbia, SC, on Feb. 18th attending the VMI-South Carolina baseball game. Because of weather considerations, the previously scheduled, single game became a doubleheader. While in the University of SC baseball stadium, he visited with BR Mike Talley, as well as familiar alumni Dave Thompson ’65, Larry Umberger ’65 and Doug Marks ’69 and several other younger former cadets. Charlie adds, “Late in the game (in which VMI gave the much stronger USC team a tough time before losing), I was able to join an old business colleague in his right-behind-home-plate season ticket holder prime seats. He had alerted me before hand that you could call ‘balls and strikes’ from his seats and he was right!” One of the very best of my class agent comrades told me that he seeks to get at least one update from each BR annually. That sounds reasonable to me because I field the “can you send me so-and-so’s email and/or phone number” questions. So you all obviously try to keep in touch with various BRs. How about sitting down once a year and popping out an e-mail to all of us? Perhaps on your birthday? For your planning convenience, I send in class notes on Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. It helps if you send in your update five - 10 days prior to those dates. If I exceed five pages or get your info after a deadline passes, it goes into the next quarterly class notes. Here in old Stafford, we celebrated the birth of our fifth grandchild, Alice Marjorie Pfeiffer Conner, as the latest little star in God’s universe. As to my health situation, right now it isn’t completely clear what will transpire in potential treatments, but I got my latest PET/CT results last week and the infernal “uptake values” have gone up enough to set off alarm bells. That other Mr. C. has risen his ugly head once again in all the old familiar places (but nowhere else). I sent an e-mail to my Presbie prayer pards telling them they’re all “fired” – yes, I was kidding – and asked them to continue their work with a bit more urgency. I recalled a guy, Alexander King, who used to appear regularly on Jack Parr’s nighttime show in the 1950s. He had written a book called Mine Enemy Grows Older (or words to that effect, and allegedly from the Old Testament) about his long-term struggle with addiction. That title, of whatever origin, always stuck with me. I told the prayer warriors that I too knew my enemy at any range and, wearing the armor and helmet of the living God, I would endeavor to again do battle, understanding that in this, as in all else in life, I

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stand obedient to His will and purposes. Many of you (too many I would add) have struggled and/or are struggling with similar maladies, and I know that you also battle our old enemy with the Spirit of VMI in your quiver. I hope you will be ever victorious. And I hope you will reach out to one another and let each other know what is going on in your life. That is the prayer of your proud class agent.

’67

Jan Abernathy

Greetings to all! As you read this issue we are just a few days away from our 45th Reunion weekend. And from what I hear from Carole Green and the folks on the committee it appears as if the “Hoard of ’67” will again set attendance records. Joan and I will be arriving on Wednesday, as will many of you, to get the party started early. There will be a hospitality room open in the Holiday Inn as of Thursday. So, stop in to visit with BRs there regardless of when you arrive. There will be a sign at the door and you can’t miss the room. Official check in and “get your packet” place and time is not set as I write this in May. Thanks to all who sent in suggestions as to venues, meals, music, etc., to the committee. The committee gets all of the credit for the success of this reunion … again! Sad news first: Vance Powell’s wife, Dawn, and Don Harrison’s wife, Frankie, have passed since my last notes. I have sent contacts for Vance and Don but if you need them again just let me know. Both of them have thanked the class for messages and cards of sympathy and encouragement. In May, Robert and June Klink’s grandson, Winfield Lake Klink, was stillborn. Services were held at their UMC church in Gloucester, VA. BR Jim Hayes died in April. Kip Jones sent me this information: “We lost BR James E. Hayes who passed away last Thursday while sitting in his car in the Richmond area. Jim transferred to Memphis State University after our second class year but received his VMI diploma after completing studies at MSU. Obviously I can’t be sure of every detail but I recall Gen. George Shell ’31 was aghast that one could graduate from VMI without completing the first class year, and I think the rules were changed after he was forced to sign the diploma. For many years he worked in hospital administration and then attended divinity school and served as a Presbyterian minister in Tennessee and Florida. Most recently, after retiring from the ministry he taught anatomy and physiology to adults

pursuing certification as emergency medical technicians or as medical office technicians. At VMI he majored in biology and was known for his marksmanship on the rifle team and for his expertise as a photographer. Jim was married twice and has four grown children, the youngest of whom was to have enlisted in the USMC this past year. Jim established marksmanship scores at VMI that have never been equaled. Either he or Phil Gioia was the youngest in our class as both were 16 years of age when they matriculated. As a Rat he roomed with Mike Hall, Jerry Milton, Jim Phlegar and me and he roomed with Bruce Bodner and possibly Harry Lee (I think) as a second classman. I don’t think he ever attended a reunion but having met with him while in Richmond I had hopes that he might join the class for the 45th in September.” Barrett Graham added this: “Jim, Skid Garrett and I roomed together for awhile as thirds.” Jan’s note: I have not been able to get any contact with Jim’s family. E-mails and voice mail asking to hear from his family were not returned. In a call to Jim last fall he said he was going to be at the reunion. When I recently asked for photos to meet our AR quarterly quota of five, I actually received seven. The AR folks will select the best quality ones and the others will be used either in the future or added to the ’67 info page on the VMIAA website. A couple of you have promised me photos of travels or events but are slow in sending them in. Between us, Pat O’Brien and I finally got a good photo of

Class of 1967: Pat O’Brien with his son, Matt, who was a Rat in October 2011.

CLASS NOTES below the earth’s surface in one of the world’s Pat and Rat son Matt for this issue. Speaking of some very serious histories and plenty of Seven Natural Wonders of the World was an exfather and son pictures, you will see a great photo funny anecdotes. But we are far short of a real perience few are privileged to have.” You may of Jim Waehler and son Marcus ’92 at Marcus’ compilation from amongst us. I received stories recall, Ron is a nearly bionic man with multiple 20th Reunion. Jim sent this to include with the from non-vets among us and some from those joint replacements! picture: “I had the pleasure of attending my son’s who served but did not go to SE Asia. I suggest Janice Clarke writes: “I know Jim never 20th Reunion the weekend of April 27-29, 2012. we find a time to actually write a book for the sends you any news for the Alumni Review colMy son, Marcus Longstreet Waehler ’92, lives VMI archives on our combined experiences. in Alaska and I therefore am only able to see him More on this later. J.I. Orrison had his first suc- umn (we usually lead pretty dull lives), but we had some joy this week (February). Our daughonce or twice a year. It is a six-hour drive from cessful total knee replacement in April and the ter, Amy, presented us with the best Valentine’s Ocean View, DE, but the trip was well worth it. second knee is set to be replaced in June. J.I. Day present ever, when our first grandchild I had lunch with Marcus and some of his close sent me his prep schedule for the surgery and arrived at 1:51 AM on Tuesday. Breonna Grace friends when I arrived and attended the formal it included seven different doctors over several Shalawylo was three weeks early, but she is dinner Saturday night at the Lexington Country hours and then the actual procedure. It would Club, which is a nice facility. I seemed to be the exhaust anyone to do that much preparation. absolutely perfect. She was 6 lbs. 15 oz. and oldest fellow in the room, and I joked with some Joe Stafford sent me an e-mail about how to 19 inches long. Labor and delivery was only of the wives that it took me a long time to gradu- find out more than you would want to know about six hours, with not a single problem, and ate and that was why I looked so old. A number about your neighbors. So far as I can tell none mother and baby are both healthy and fabulous. of them congratulated me with a serious face for of mine are ex-cons or potential serial killers. I And I have never seen such a thoughtful and not giving up. In any event, his classmates were saw Bob Flynn and his two grandsons on Post attentive husband. Amy and Greg were married very gracious and seemed to mix well without any for Legacy Day during the annual Class Agents’ last May in the chapel at the National Museum cliques because of their position (rank) when they Conference. of the Marine Corps in nearby Quantico. She Ron Lowry: “I returned yesterday from a were cadets or their current occupations. Quite a teaches kindergarten and he works for VA few were still active in the military but only one ‘Bucket List’ adventure of a life-time. With Dominion Power and is a volunteer firefighter. class member wore his uniform to the dinner. Two 13 friends, I rafted 226 miles, 26 days, in the They are going to be great parents. We are so other observations: There was no music at the din- Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. It was a blessed and wanted to share our good news.” ner Saturday night. It does not appear that the later private trip, so we rowed our own rafts, cooked Marie Wertz regularly participates in overclasses danced the way we did and this has ap- our food on wood/gas fires, set up our tents, toiseas missions with her church. Most recently parently continued. Also, the class of ’92 is made lets, kitchens on sand bars, etc. Winter camping she and her granddaughter were in The Dominiup of a lot of big guys. There appeared to be very was a challenge, but living for a month a mile can Republic. “Dear Friends and Family, few who would have been placed I want to thank you for your in Delta Company where I was prayers and financial support for the right at home. My son boxed and Dominican Mission Trip in January. played rugby and his close friends It was truly an inspirational trip and appeared to have also engaged in we did accomplish many different such sports. A number were also on goals. We set up clinics each day in a the football team. All in all, they different part of Guerra and saw over were very gracious to me and dis200 people each day. It was definitely played excellent manners. I think a trip full of spiritual and emotional we of the Old Corps should not gifts for all of us. Before we left, we worry about any deterioration in visited the aids orphanage, which the classes that followed us. They has a special place in my heart. should make us proud. Regards, These are God’s Lost Children, and Jim.” Jan’s note: I am informed it does your heart and soul good to that one of our reunion dinners spend time with them. Susannah, my will be at the Lexington Country granddaughter, went on the trip and it Club also. was a truly inspirational trip for her. In this miscellaneous section There was so much love and spiritual of the notes I notice that Tom growth on this trip; everyone reCoughenour was not happy with turned with more of a worldly vision my description of his yellow moof our many gifts from above.” torcycle as a “tricycle.” He pointed Mya Krebs checked in for herself out that tricycles are peddled and and Chuck. “We both are real excited his three-wheeled vehicle has a about our trip out to Lexington in motor. I half expected him to take September. We love getting together his new bride on their honeymoon with all the BRs. Even though I on it but she opted for a cruise indon’t know many, I always have fun. stead. Tom and Betty had a lovely See you there!” From Bert Burckwedding and Joan and I enjoyed ard; “See the article in May 2012 meeting the new combined family. National Geographic ‘Bringing the Class of 1967: Pete and Karen Wells with sons Charlie and My request for Vietnam stories Civil War to Life’ starting on page Jamie and their wives and grandchildren at Disney World. from your experiences produced 38. They took modern photos and

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES reworked them to look old. On page 43 is me, last year in my 1862 ‘war correspondent’ outfit (same one I wear for my Fort Huger tours) talking to two other re-enactors.” I forwarded an e-mail sent to me on the second amendment. It contained unflattering photos of some of our national leaders. My error. I am just simple enough to see the message without regard to some of the visual imagery involved that reflects someone else’s political views. I have pledged to do better in the past. I re-pledge now. Bob and Janet Nablo moved to Lynchburg last year. Janet had a heart attack at Christmas but is doing well now. She says their new granddaughter is an inspiration to her and has been helpful with her recovery. Bob writes: “I apologize for taking so long to respond to Joan’s call, and I appreciate your concern! We haven’t actually disappeared from the planet, although we certainly have been at ‘nametag defilade’ for a few months. I’m sure you guys don’t know anything about the trials of getting older, but it seems like Janet and I can’t stay out of hospitals and doctor’s offices these days. Joan, you heard correctly … we no longer have a land-line phone, and haven’t for a couple of years. I like to say that calls to the house phone were never for me, but in truth there were fewer and fewer calls to that phone, so we went completely to cell phones. That probably does irritate some people because I have a tendency to leave the phone in the car after work. We have been going to the pre-reunion planning meetings Jim Joyner has organized. We also have a new granddaughter in Pittsburgh (only 18 years younger than the previous one – will they even understand that they are part of the same nuclear family?) and Janet had been spending a fair amount of time playing long distance babysitter. Even with a five+ hour drive, going to Pittsburgh may be easier than having them come here … and bringing their 200 lb. English Mastiff. A great, gentle dog, but

Class of 1967: Bert Burckard and Jamie Tate at a New Market reenactment event. Burckard is a journalist, and Tate portrays a Yankee infantryman.

2012-Issue 3

anything that size (including me) gets in the way. That’s about it from here. We are still in the loop, albeit more quietly. Bob” Jim Goodgion was reading a Veteran’s Report and noticed the name Gioia mentioned several times. He asked me to forward his contact to Phil and they exchanged information. Phil wrote: “Many, many thanks for forwarding this. Gioia, Joseph F, Battery D 105th Field Artillery, 27th Division was my father. He was then an NCO; on his separation date in 1943 he was en route to Artillery OCS at Fort Sill, from which he would then become a member of OSS in England and Italy during the remainder of World War II. Dad’s Army career following the war took our family to Japan, Virginia, West Point, Italy and Alabama. Quite a ride. This was truly a find, and again, many thanks. All the best – hope to see you both at the reunion in September – we’ll be bringing our daughters for their first trip to Lexington. Phil”

Class of 1967: Jim Waehler with his son, Marcus ’92, at Marcus’ 20th Reunion in April 2012. Want to have some fun? Check out this site on Ring Figure. http://www.vmi.edu/Content. aspx?id=15889 J.B. Farley: “Carol and I now have four grandchildren; two of them live within a mile of us so we see them a lot. Our daughter lives near San Diego and has twins, a girl and a boy. I recently took a look at one of the VMI Webcams during a snowstorm – a number of cadets were out on the parade ground having a snowball battle. It was 80 degrees here, so it was fun to see those troops having it out in the Virginia cold.” Thank you, Hunter Taylor, for sending me a news paper copy of Hillary Clinton’s speech at the VMI Marshall Foundation. I received a beautiful hand-done calligraphy note from Eva Jones. I am working on getting Box Car to join us in September. Please dust off your memories and stories about Bland Guthrie. His daughter, Anne, will be at the reunion and wants to learn more about her dad. John Chiles sent me his memory of BR Don Blanchard’s passing during our Rat year. The “Lost” committee found BR Kary Walker but my letter to him came

Class of 1967: Tom Coughenour married Betty Yaun in spring 2012. back “Unable to Forward.” Kary, are you there? From Lynn P Beaulieu: “Dear Coach, My class provided the depth and strength that allowed Coach Charlie ‘Fish’ Arnold to capture the 1965 Southern Conference Swimming and Diving Championship held at William and Mary. We only swam varsity over the last three years of our cadetships, and the arrival of scholarship schools in the fall of 1965 ended our reign at one year. Until your recent success, VMI Swimming has been in eclipse. Our reunion is in September, and I would like to assemble a ‘Medicare Medley,’ and ‘Medicare Relay’ to swim for a record time for future classes to challenge. As everyone swimming must be over 65, these would be 200 yard events. I know it is asking a lot for timing to be set up, the pool cleared, etc., but if you are willing, I will contact my classmates to see if I can get enough people into good enough shape to do this. As you are well aware from your time at the Institute, class rivalries are the keystone of the alumni experience. This could be another! I hope to hear from you soon, as five months will be barely enough time for me to get into a Speedo! Thanks, Lynn P Beaulieu” Jan’s note: If anyone is just reading this for the first time and can squeeze into a Speedo to join this bunch, call Lynn. By the way, photo rights for the event are already locked up! Bob Klink: “In April, June and I attended the quarterly meeting of the Rappahannock Alumni chapter. I met Bill Brent there. It was nice to get re-acquainted with him. I did not know that Dave Gwaltney lives in this area until recently when I ran into him at our local golf club. The Northern Neck of Virginia is a popular retirement area. The ’67 BR group that normally goes to Pinehurst in August had a ‘bonus’ gathering in Pinehurst the last week of April. Attending were Bruce Weiner, George Sanborn, Tubby Wilkinson, Dave Neel, Tom Gillette, Tex Young, Ted Mervosh, Carter Melton, Bob Ward and myself. We combined with five of Bruce’s friends from Fort Worth and four of my friends from Deltaville. There was one Citadel graduate. He held his own even though he was

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CLASS NOTES severely outnumbered. That’s all the news that is fit to print. See you in September.” John Forsythe: “Jan, your e-mail moved me to look Don Harrison up in the Bomb, because I didn’t remember him. However, once I found his picture, I recognized him immediately. I found him in the 1964 Bomb, which oddly enough doesn’t contain my picture. Anyway, I also found an envelope which my mother sent me in 2004. Mom was so good about cutting newspaper articles from the Richmond paper for me, especially if it had a VMI theme. This article was no exception. It was about our BR Stan Navas Jr., who was severely injured your Rat year when he woke up his mother and sister when a fire erupted in their home. Of course, Stan couldn’t return to the Institute. I was glad that his life turned out as well as it did, probably better than a lot of us; however, he faced challenges we could not imagine. The story is wonderfully poignant. I’m sorry he’s gone but happy for the woman he found to complete his journey. Don’t know if you ever read it. If not, thought you might like a read.” Jan’s note: If you want a copy I will e-mail it to you. I can end on positive news. Ski Waskiewicz’s prostate surgery was a success. Ron and Brenda Neidermayer’s twin grandchildren, Brian and Anna, are, at this writing, recovering heartily from their illnesses resulting from their early delivery. To close this issue completely I want to thank Randy Blanks for his recently ended tenure as the president of The VMI Alumni Association. No one has ever done a more proficient job in that position. The hours of driving for the nearly weekly different meetings that he and Anne attended will benefit all of us and all alumni. He served at his own expense and volunteered his time willingly. Thanks BR and thanks to Anne also. Jan Abernathy

family and all the Brother Rats who showed their concern for him.” The obituary that I sent to VMI and to all of VMI ’68 certainly showed that George’s wit was sharp to the end. Now a correction. In the last set of notes I had the following: Howard Donald: Guy Wilson and I played on the VMI 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, and Pete Farmer. Retirement is fabulous. Should have been Howie Chapman, not Howard Donald. Sorry Howie. From Ron Cowardin, I got a wedding announcement that his daughter Stacey married Curtis Sharkey in January 2012. Hal Hostetler sent information about the 2012 Virginia Baptist Male Chorale’s (of which he is a member) appearance in Lexington. He wrote, “I had a great time visiting the ‘I.’ Had a nice chat with Chaplain Park and got the music for the ‘VMI Spirit’ from Major Mitchell; had lunch with the cadets and enjoyed 0700 BRC one morning. Cadets are still tipping their hats to ladies, and of course we felt free to leave valuables by the table when going through the chow line. It was a time of great pride to be able to share with others.” Now, on with the notes from e-mails and Facebook (with just a little editing for length). Steve Strickler: “I continue to practice law full-time and still enjoy it (I wonder if I ever will fully retire). A ’68 William & Mary grad (and also a two-year active duty Army type) and I are the senior partners in a firm of 12 lawyers in Virginia Beach. Lynda continues

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

George Squires’ passing in late March caused a great deal of heartfelt remembrances of George – too many to include here. I’ll just include Don Lynch’s Facebook posting as an example. “In my 40-odd years of practice, I have seen few people who conducted themselves with the courage, grace, and good humor that George showed these difficult last several months. God bless him, Kitty Sue, his

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Class of 1968: Terry Bowers at the annual May cleanup of the cemetery containing the grave of New Market Cadet William Smith Carmichael, class of 1867, in Augusta, Georgia.

working part time with Social Services in VA. Beach handling adoptions but her true passion remains her garden. Our two daughters reside on the West Coast and we are looking forward to the arrival of our first grandchild, a boy, in April. Since one daughter is in the Bay area and one in San Diego we have great places to visit. Most of our free time is spent in California. We spent time with Gerald and Linda Jones in Costa Rica in January 2011, as they attended our younger daughter’s wedding there. We were in Lexington for the wedding of Brother Mike’s daughter, Amanda, in November. I saw a number of members of the class of ’71 (they will always be Rats). It was my first trip back to Lexington in several years.” Phil Lanier: “Work is past, retirement is present, and who knows what the future holds. I was sorry to hear of George’s passing. Roomed with him, Creigh Kelley, Steve Hubbard and Tom Burnett our second class year. Life is good here in Austin, most of which revolves around playing golf and babysitting for two grandsons. Our kids gave me a golf cart as a retirement present, so Becky and I will be cruising around the course more and more, I suppose.” Dave Clark: “For me, not much has changed. Still trying to get the cartridge business big enough to sell. My second grandchild is due this summer. They are in California. Went to see them over Christmas. I’ll never travel over Christmas again. The trip out and back was the worst I can remember. Flying is a real pain in the a--. Not much going on. Just had to chase my neighbor’s dog out of the pond. It was chasing the ducks. Wouldn’t it be nice if that was the only thing I had to worry about?” Ken Shafer: “I have re-struck up my friendship with Mac Parrish who now lives in Williamsburg. Mac and I were very close at VMI and when I lived in Richmond. Unfortunately, when I moved to NVA we lost touch but in the last couple of months we have had several long phone conversations … generally every couple weeks or so.” Bob Fletcher: “I received an award during the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) 2012 Emergency Management Policy and Leadership Forum last week. It was a special honor and a surprise for me, although it turns out that my wife, Kim, knew about it since October of last year. She surprised me by inviting a gaggle of my friends to a post-award reception. The following day, she embarrassed me by inviting our entire boat club to the house for another party! While nobody gets too excited about standards work, I have been working on the establishment of the only national standard and accreditation program for emergency management programs since 1995. It’s great to see it running without training

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Terry Bowers (on May 15): “Don’t forget Rats, which mean the world to Katherine and wheels finally! Also, my great-granddaughter, me. Katherine and I are enjoying the retired life, that May 15, 2012, is the 148th observance of Destiny, was born on Feb. 2, 2012! I may be collecting social security and clipping coupons. the Battle of New Market. See http://home.comthe first of our class to feel this old! Can you We are looking forward to traveling a little more cast.net/~tbowers23/. Please take a moment to believe that I am a great-grandfather? (I think I when things settle down. On a good note, my remember the New Market Corps and all VMI will tweet it to the world). Maybe not.” daughter, Meredith, just received her master’s men who have died on the field of honor!” Ed Anderson: “Pat and I are doing fine, as Vic Huang: “I am engaged in project mandegree from Virginia Commonwealth University are our daughter in Roanoke and our son in in English. She teaches 10th grade English in agement in the electric vehicles industry includRaleigh. I’m still working for a living at Areva ing charge stations, a nascent technology hopFredericksburg.” Inc. in Lynchburg and holding off making firm Dana Duthie: “I’m still running a water utility ing to go mainstream soon and help the global retirement plans in the hope that the economy environment! Because of this, I spend about 45 just north of Colorado Springs where water will recover in the next few months.” Kerr Kump: “We had two more grandchilpercent of my time in China! I am also very dren last summer and another one is on the active in the IEEE on industrial electronics way due in September. That will make 12! standards with meetings and conferences We have a lot to live for and we appreciate taking me to interesting places around the each day.” world (Gdansk, Poland; Melbourne, AustraJohn Lester: “We spent some time skiing lia; Chile; etc). These are extremely interestin Jackson Hole and look ahead to sailing ing times for EEs – what with the disruptive on the Chesapeake. Sally has retired and at technologies that are changing the world in the moment our only grandchild is a yellow social media (Facebook, Google, … ) mobile lab.” devices (iPad, smartphones, … ) all interestClass of 1968: The three amigos, Curtis Lew Yeouze: “Turning 65 is a treat and ing technologies that are fun to do and work Beach, Steve Powers and John Crim, at I am blessed in many ways. A loving God, on, especially here in the Silicone Valley.” Shenvalee Resort in New Market, Virginia, family, friends and good health are chief Don MacCuish: “We are all doing well. May 2012. among them.” Donald III is a battalion commander in Barry Archer: “I retired at the end of March Germany, Bamberg to be exact. Heather for the third and final time after approximately is fast becoming more valuable than gold in and her family just moved to Montgomery, and 44 years of public service. Iris and I are having ‘them thar hills,’ and no longer the “God given Dave and his crew are still in Palatka, FL. In a blast here in south/central Texas. We live in a right” too many folks think it is. The politics June I’m going to the UK – EURO International small community out in the Texas hill country and legal issues have about run me down. After Society for Military Ethics conference where about 10 miles west of New Braunfels. We both 25 years in the Air Force and 20 years doing I’ll be giving a paper on the UN’s ‘Responsilike to dance and spend a lot of our free time hit- this, I am retiring next June (’13). No idea what bility to Protect’ initiative. I am still at the Air ting the honkytonks around here like Gruene Hall then – maybe some golf, maybe some traveling, Command and Staff College trying to convince this younger generation of air force officers – the oldest dance hall in Texas. Hal and Sandy maybe some flight instructing. Steve Powers that 1947 was a big mistake. If they voluntarily Switzer, when they were wintering in Texas, have dropped by last fall. We were roomies our Rat come back into the fold of the Army Air Forces joined us at Gruene Hall a couple of times along and third year and had lots to catch up on … all will be forgiven.” with Larry Ryan who currently lives in New most of which you can’t print here. Anyway – Jay Slaughter: “Still got daughter and grandBraunfels. I kill some of my newly acquired free 6’ 6”, 250 pounds of ‘rippin steel’ came over for kids with us, love having them nearby; went to time riding my 1800cc Honda Classic Cruiser dinner and we have corresponded some since. Arizona in February, had a short visit with Roy motorcycle whenever I get the itch but Iris usually He even got me interested in getting a rowing and Pam Dornsife down in Casa Grande. Just lets me do that solo. Iris and I have five children machine for our office gym and I’m trying (in came back from a trip to Florida, we stayed and five grandchildren – none of which live in vain) to keep up with his workout schedule. with Sharon’s brother and sister-in-law down in Texas – so we stay busy travelling to see them or Still got plenty of room for anyone passing Amelia Island, they have a lovely condo on the planning their visits with us. Speaking of visits, through town. Lots of room, steaks, libations ocean, tough but someone has to do it. Looking please extend an open invitation to all Brother and war stories available.” forward to the trip to Virginia and Rats who may be travelling down Rat parade this summer.” our way. We are about 20 minutes Paul Quillen, who graciously west of Interstate 35. We would love sponsored the www.vmi68.com to have you visit with us. We’ll go website that I maintained for a few honky-tonking together. Heck, you years, reminded me of the VMI might love this area as much as we do Alumni Association’s website that and want to move here permanently. I can use. I’ll be posting reunion Come on down!” information starting in the fall. Mike Gompf: “Unfortunately, Speaking of reunions, our 45th March was not a very good month for will be in the fall of 2013 so planus. On March 19th, our son died. He ning will need to start right after was 42 and worked in the construcClass of 1968: “Doc Carroll’s boys” at the 40th reunion these notes are published. I expect tion industry. His loss was totally of the Medical College of Virginia’s dental class of 1972. that registration will be simplest unexpected and as you can imagine, From left: Marvin Thews, Jim Burns, Dick Wood and using the Alumni Association shocking. I have received numerGreg Wall. online tools. However, paper will ous condolences from my Brother

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CLASS NOTES staph infection of his shoulders, hands and arms (after a fall on the ice in December). In an early May update, he sounded much better and told me he had resumed his soccer refereeing activities in a limited way. In the “it’s a small world” category, I fielded a request from Dr. Tom Morris for BR Reynolds’ address. One of Dr. Morris’ patients was a former high school wrestling coach from northern VA and he was looking for one of his better student athletes. Dr. Morris and I each gained the assist as we connected the coach with BR Reynolds in Omaha. Gary Mackey and I sent out a message from Fred Smith’s wife, Linda, and got back some heartfelt responses. Fred’s picture and his “story” have been posted on the Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) website: http://www.sportslegacy.org/cte-concussions/cte-concussions-slilegacy-donors/. Check it out. Bob Ladd sent in this short message to the site: I have just read the bio on Fred against whom I played sports in high school and with whom I attended VMI. My tears and heart go out to Linda and the family. I am wondering how the information on CTE can be made more public … very public?” Bob asked for a reminder before the June 1 ceremony at Arlington for Fred. Russ Quay ’70, football quarterback for ’67 season, wrote: “Thanks for the info on Fred. He was a special person whom I had many fun moments with. Many people feel that ’67 season was magical, but it was the result of many good athletes with the right chemistry and a team that had one heartbeat. That year, along with the VMI experience, has directed my life. I was shocked when I read about Fred’s death in the Alumni Review. I get up to Lexington about once a year and usually visit with Paul Bouis ’67. Thanks again.” Spunky Butler passed to Gary and Linda, “Glad you got some closure on Fred’s

condition but still tough to see him be taken so early. Count me in for his ceremony on June 1st. There will be many good times to remember!” Knox Hubard also responded, “I am very pleased that Linda has received some clarifying information about Fred’s condition. I plan to attend the June 1 ceremony at Arlington.” Knox has a new title. He is now called an ambassador of goodwill for Richmond’s business community. Ambassador Hubard will accept your calls if you remember to honor his new status and bow low enough. Walter Judd Many BRs read my April e-mail update and sent greetings. I mentioned the Alumni Association’s brick program and was pleased to get positive responses from several BRs when asked if they could sponsor a brick for a BR who died before obtaining a brick. At this time Greetings Brother Rats and supporters of the every BR who graduated, but passed away great class of 1969. early, has a brick. There are opportunities still It is springtime in eastern Virginia and available for many living BRs (grads or othergardens and golf courses are thriving. As wise) to obtain their own. Our total of bricks in retirement age comes along for a majority of the class of ’69 area is over 80 but not anyway us now, we are doing things a little differently. near the complete class who finished academic See travel updates from some world travelers pursuits at VMI in the late 60s or early 70s. For mixed in with health issue reports. With the the record, once you make gifts totaling $2500, death of another NFL superstar, we are seeing you get a brick. If you continue to give, you can added evidence of the effects of brain trauma on build up credits for more bricks up to a total of others besides our star BR Fred Smith. Please five. Many BRs have obtained their own bricks go to site listed further down in these notes for and then given others in honor or memory of a stirring article by Fred’s wife, Linda. wives or parents. The BR bricks go in one area Clint Spencer sent this sad update in late in front of Barracks while the others go in a April. “Unfortunately, I have a mournful special Friends/Parents area nearer the Third update. My second wife, Susan, passed away Barracks and PX. last Thursday. We were married for slightly Joe Flanz always gets the last words because over eight years and she was unable to complete they are such good words. I discussed with Ratline indoctrination. My roommate, BR Noel, him the opportunity to donate a brick in Lt. B.A., was able to attend the visitation. BR Col. Geddes MacLaren’s name. “If memory Watts and BR Ishon made status checks. Walt, serves, and it doesn’t as well as it used to, please ask our BRs to treasure their wives. Geddes bloodied my nose during Rat boxing. We don’t know how long either of us will be Certainly worth a brick! The below around. I do not know if I will be words, taken from Laurence Binyan’s the first BR to lose two wives, but poem, “For the Fallen,” have always I pray none of you have to endure meant a lot to me. “They shall grow a second loss. Thanks so much not old, as we that are left grow old/ for your caring compassion.” Age shall not weary them, nor the BRs Thornton Newlon and Glenn years condemn/ At the going down of White have also lost mothers in the sun and in the morning, We will recent days. remember them.” (At the Australian Brant and Betsy Collins spent memorial service on ANZAC day, two months in Australia and met April 25th, they add the words, “Lest with Marv and Barbara Fayman we forget.” Altogether appropriate.) for dinner. Marv was still recovFinally, I am reading Defeat into ering from a bad accident a year Victory by Field Marshal Viscount ago. BR Collins is now retired and Slim of Burma fame. At one time, he enjoys travel several months a year. had under his command the Chinese His tag on LinkedIn shows World 38th Division, commanded by Li Jen Traveler. Not a bad way to live … Class of 1969: Capt. Paul Curs at the controls of his Sun ’27. Slim describes him thusly: I met with Tom and Carol Reynrestored 1977 Grumman Tiger, “Seven Lima Zulu,” with “Later in the day Lt. Gen. Li Jen olds in Omaha in March and his son, David, and grandson, Riv, after a spring trip over Sun, commanding the 38th Division, enjoyed dinner in Old Market area. the younger pair’s home in Burleson, Texas. arrived … He was alert, energetic Tom was still recovering from a be available for those who are more inclined in that direction. Anybody that would like to help please let me know. Opportunities to organize parties and dinners, commemorative items/favors, speakers, golf, etc., abound. To close, in 2011, Paul Hebert received the prestigious Daniels Award. In 2012, Tom Norment was the guest speaker at graduation and Walt Jeffress is leading the VMI Foundation. VMI ’68 is heard from today.

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CLASS NOTES and direct. Later I found him a good tactician: cool in action, very aggressively minded, and, in my dealings with him, completely straightforward. In addition, he had the great advantage that he spoke good English with a slight American accent, having, as he was rightly proud to tell, been educated at the Virginia Military Academy (Well, Slim was an Englishman. One couldn’t expect for him to get everything right.) The Academy could be proud of Sun; he would have been a good commander in any army.” Part of my update note made this notice: “Dr. Tom Jones, with his wife, Elizabeth, runs a camp each summer for kids with diabetes. He requested I forward this: “I would appreciate if you could send out a mass mailing to our class about considering contributing anything for our camp fundraising. One of our campers is riding across America to raise funds. Even a dollar helps. Go to our web page to donate. www. camplittleshot.com.” I did go to the site and left a small donation. Tom has put a lot of himself into this effort and is worthy of our attention. I got notes later from Lee Swats and Paul Curs telling me they too had followed my example. Another part of the update: “Dentists in my area have had interesting times: Dr. Tom Morris had a patient drive her car directly into his waiting room in Williamsburg after lunch last week. Fortunately no one was in the waiting room at the time. Unfortunately, his wife, Gail, spent the rest of the week talking insurance with all the right people. Tom had never really considered a drive-through office before ... Tom and Gail also got news recently their

Class of 1969: Gary Mackey and his son, Carter ’96, dressed up for the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012.

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younger daughter is expecting this fall their third grandchild. [For the pictures of the car in his waiting room, ask me or Tom. The story is funny now but it wasn’t that week!] Also ‘Dr. Bob,’ aka Bob Alexander, announced recently his daughter was getting married in September. Fun times ahead.” Bob’s comeback was almost immediate, “The wedding ... leaving town next Tuesday for a Caribbean sail up to Bermuda ... got another Zero’s [son’s deli business] opened in Denbigh ... I’m getting too old for all this excitement but at least nobody has driven into my office! If they did, I could close up and sail away!” Spoken like a true sailor, Bob. As of Sunday, May 13, he had reached Bermuda safely and had just started his sail back home. My wife Beverly and I headed to Lexington for the annual Class Agents’ Conference on March 30-31. As always, we were well treated and heard a lot of news about the Institute and its affairs. Gen. Peay ’62 gave a comprehensive report on the status of many facets of VMI and later we heard from Col. Vern Beitzell ’72, director of Admissions, a report on not only the cadets getting into VMI but also activities of the admission staff and the New Cadet Recruiting volunteer system. T.O. and Drew, we even heard about over 30 Rats who transferred into VMI after one-to-three years at other institutions. Some have trouble getting in; others difficulty leaving! In last February e-mail Jim Long reported on this year’s basketball team’s last home game in Lexington: “Saturdays’ game against Coastal Carolina (CCU) wasn’t a great ‘Senior Day’ to say the least. We couldn’t make any 3’s and in general just seemed to be lacking. I thought when we got two of their starters in foul trouble with three fouls reasonably early, things may turn big time, but it was not to be. I know our four seniors did not want their last home game to be this bad, so hopefully they get a reprieve tonight at home in the tournament play in game against Radford. [Rest of the story? VMI beat all preliminary competition in the tournament (including Radford and CCU) and played in the conference finals the next weekend. We played a tight first half in the final but faltered in the second half to finish up in the runner-up position.] On the bright side, ’69 was represented well at the game: BRs Jim and Beth Long, Bob and Ruth Waldo, Dave and Susan Prugh, Ron and Betsy Wall and Chuck and Beth Becker.” L.R. Williams in South Carolina in late April: “Great series with VMI vs. CCU two weeks ago on the baseball field; my adopted school, CCU, came out on top of the pitching duels. Dave and Jan Reid watched the games with Barbara and me. Spent last weekend attending the Big South Track Championships held here in Myrtle Beach. Cadet Antonio Wood ’13 par-

ticipated in 15 events (included the decathlon) and Felix Kitur ’11 won 800 and 1500 and female took second in 1500. Reminds me of bro Gordon Williams ’70 and all his events. CCU basketball is losing its center, Sam McLaurin, to graduation and he has one year of eligibility left and would like to attend law school and play basketball. [VMI would love to get him if he were to go to W&L law school.]” In the past many of you have written me asking for addresses or contact info on specific BRs. In talking with Don Mercer I learned he was heading to Phoenix area on a photo safari. I mentioned the fact Bob Clingenpeel lived in the vicinity and next thing I knew Don was writing about a good meeting between the two. For those of you with smart phones, there is a VMI “app” for finding grads in various areas. You supply a city name or zip code and get back a map with a bunch of location indicators with names and address info. The personal info is protected so you must log in to the alumni site to get access to the info. Paul Curs sent a fine picture of him with a son and grandson in an old airplane. When asked about the plane, Paul responded: “I had the airplane restored by a guy that does lots of Grumman work. It was a long deal. He said it would take two to three months ... took nine. His hangar/shop is out west of Fredericksburg at TS36 (Silver Wings Airpark.) We enjoy the little bird, but it’s the last time I will have an airplane restored. Like building a custom house ... you can only put up with the process once. We have ‘Seven Lima Zulu’ in a hangar at KBAZ, which is New Braunfels Municipal Airport ... about a 40 minute drive for us. We recently flew a trip out to Alpine, TX, to see Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory ... at the ‘Star Party’ we got to see the universe in a whole new light, so to speak. Looking at the rings of Saturn through a telescope kind of puts life in perspective. Kathy and I have seven sons between us ... and eight grandkids, with three more due in the August/September time frame. My oldest grandson is named River. He’s in the back seat of the airplane picture. I’m known as Grandpa to all the grandkids, but one day River decided to call me ‘Gramps,’ thinking he was being funny. So, I looked back at him and said, ‘OK ... Riv ... if I’m Gramps, you’re Riv.’ He is 8 and just smiled back at me.” As I approached my 65th birthday, I joined the throngs seeking information about insurance and what the transition to Medicare really meant. BR Ken Houston was more than helpful as he listed the various options I had. As readers of this set of notes get closer to that milestone event, they should also contact Ken and let him fill in some gaps in your knowledge. All I can say is: do notify Social Security several

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CLASS NOTES months ahead and all should flow smoothly. It still is a bummer/a reminder of your age to get a Medicare card. Now we need no excuses for heading to the senior tees way up front at the golf course. We have really earned the right to be there. Mike Hanna noticed the advice in my update about knowing what to do if you had a heart attack. He advised guys to pay attention to diet and general health and not to rely on last moment actions: “by the time you need emergency aspirin, the game is over. We are at the age where blood pressure, diabetes, weight and cholesterol must be perfectly controlled. Even good doctors let some of this slip by. It makes me sick to hear about someone dying from a heart attack that could have been prevented.” Spoken like the caring doctor he is … Courtenay Welton is another of our frequent travelers: “Yes, it’s been a pretty busy time since early last year. It started in March with the birth of my third grandchild in March to my daughter and her husband, now in Peoria, where she splits her time between being a mom and an adjunct teacher at one or two local colleges and he is a pilot for Caterpillar. Yes, I took a trip out there and had a nice visit to Peoria. In June Ellen ad I left on our two-month Semester at Sea voyage. We left from Nassau and, after a stop in Gibraltar for fuel, we arrived in Barcelona, one of our new favorite cities. From there we went to Naples, Rome, Dubrovnik, Varna (a substitute for Alexandria), Istanbul, Athens and Casablanca. Because the ship is in port for three to four days each time, we were able to stay ashore, which we did in Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Istanbul and Casablanca (went to Marrakech from there). Ellen is great at finding nice local hotels, so we had a good opportunity to get to know a little of those cities. While we were in Dubrovnik we took a day trip to Montenegro, which included a bus trip up a mountain road with 25-hair-pin turns on the way to the top. While we were on the ship between ports, we sat in on some of the classes the students were taking. Everybody took a class on the art and architecture of the cities we were visiting. I also sat in on three other classes: ‘Italy and the Mediterranean during the Renaissance,’ ‘The History and Culture of Mediterranean Food’ and ‘Modern Revolution.’ Ellen did ‘World Music and Anthropology of Tourism.’ UVa runs the program now, so they made sure the classes and professors were top-notch. We enjoyed the voyage so much that this summer we are taking a SAS Enrichment cruise from Ensenada to Ecuador, with all the right stops along the way. Next summer we will be taking three consecutive cruises touching on a lot of European and Baltic ports over two months. We highly recommend Semester-at-Sea’s (SAS) cruises to any-

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one looking for something different from the big cruise ship routine. They do have a number of shorter cruises for folks who are not up to the full trip, as well as being able to handle partial cruises. A few weeks after returning from the cruise, we went to Egypt for two and a half weeks, where we saw the highlights from Cairo to Abu Simbel, including a Nile River cruise. In Aswan we stumbled into the reopening of the classic Cataract Hotel (think ‘Death on the Nile’) and had lunch and a personal tour, as they were gearing up for visits by the travel industry press. We added several days in Alexandria to the basic trip to make up for the stop that SAS didn’t make. That was another good idea. We had a lot of time to explore on our own, as well as having a local guide. We stayed on the Corniche and saw the new Biblioteque, which is fascinating. Overall, Cairo is more interesting, but Alexandria is worth the visit. Our timing for the Egypt trip was perfect. We did not encounter any demonstrations or problems, but we did see the aftermath of the riots earlier in the year. Everyone we met was very nice and they were all hoping for and looking forward to a new Egypt. Needless to say, there were not many tourists, which was good for us, but not for the local economy. As it turned out, most of our guides were Copts, which gave us some special insights into the overall situation. In general, the Copts are among the better educated part of the population, so they handle a lot of the tourist business. As an aside, Egypt has the best falafel we have had in that area (Damascus has the best hummus). All in all, this was a terrifically interesting and educational year.” [My side note: my family visited several Med cities soon after Desert Storm in 1991 and found the same welcome from merchants looking for tourists.] Val Southall wrote in March from Amelia County, VA, “After 35 years I came to the thought that I should start wearing my ring again and discovered that it had ‘shrunk’ to the extent that it fits very snugly on my pinkie finger on my left hand. I want to wear it on my right ring finger. What to do? [We got that re-work started.] My family and I are doing well. All my children are still in school although there are very encouraging signs that may hint of light at the end of the tunnel. My oldest, Elizabeth, is finishing up her second year at T.C. Williams Law School; number two Rachel is finishing her master’s degree in sports management at Georgetown; Kate is finishing her third year at UVa (she and her two sisters have all been on the UVa Dance team and captains thereof – their terpsichorean talents inherited from their dad); and son Val is finishing his second year at JMU. Lorie, my wife, is still teaching Spanish at Cosby High School in

Chesterfield County, and I was just reappointed to another six year term as judge which will carry me to mandatory retirement.” As you may have noticed I have referenced an update e-mail that I sent out in mid April several times in these notes. If you did not get the message, you need to give me a current e-mail address. I will try to keep some news heading to you more often than these quarterly notes if I have your address. And if you noted when you got the message that I did not have the address for another BR with whom you communicate all the time, please send me that missing address. Thanks … In the Spirit, Walt

’70

Warren Grasty

As mentioned in the last class notes, March 17th brought with it the final installment of the annual O’Candido’s St. Patrick’s Day Party. Joining Bob and Kathy Candido in partaking of corned beef and Irish soda bread were Reed and Carol Heddleston, Jack and Melanie Kern, Paul and Lynn Munch, Cameron and Mary Seay, and Liz and yours truly. This was the first time that it was warm enough for the party to expand into the great outdoors, much to the bemusement of the neighbors. Upon leaving, some had to be restrained from ripping out swatches of carpet, prying bricks from the walls or grabbing other suitable mementos of this long-standing tradition. Weeping and wailing, we staggered to our cars. Which differed from previous parties only by the weeping and wailing. March also saw the end of another legend, that being The Virginia Outdoorsman hunting and fishing establishment at Smith Mountain Lake. With the arrival of a grandchild number five, Mike and Suzanne Snead decided that, after nine years of the retail life, it was indeed time to retire and spend more time with family. That said, Cap’n Mike kept all the tools of the trade, so give him a call if you get the urge to go after some bass or assault small, unarmed furry creatures. As some things came to an end, others came into existence, such as the Museum of the Confederacy’s new facility in Appomattox, which had its grand opening on March 31st. Among the throng of 2,500 helping Waite Rawls celebrate this event were Dick Knight and Cameron and Mary Seay. A few weeks after the grand opening, Waite spotted Bert McKenzie taking a friend through the museum, which we both thought was a very docent thing for him

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CLASS NOTES to do. Anyway, Dick and I had a nice visit the previous day in Lexington at the spring Class Agents’ Conference. As you may know, Dick is class agent for the class of 1935. A few weeks later, Dick drove to Newland in western NC to visit Mike and Terri Manis. Mike continues to fight the effects of MS and has managed to maintain his basketball-playing weight. From the “Who Knew?” department, it seems that Linda Knight actually had a blind date with Mike before she met Dick way back then. I guess one would say that this date didn’t qualify as a slam dunk. On the same road trip, Dick stopped by Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio to attend the 70th reunion of the Doolittle Raiders. Of the 80 Raiders, five are still alive and four were in attendance, the oldest of whom is 96. The highlight of the event was a flyover by 20 vintage B-25 bombers. I still find it mind boggling that they flew 16 of these suckers off of one aircraft carrier. Dick’s old roomie, John Hill, chimed in from California where he works for a CPA firm in Long Beach. John’s specialty is auditing not-for-profit organizations. Which brings to mind an old business school joke. How can you tell an auditor from a regular accountant? The auditor is the one with the bayonet on his belt. Anyway, John occasionally sees Ben Morris, who lives near San Diego. Here’s an interesting piece of trivia – John, Ben and Jim Shelby all attended the Punahou School in Honolulu, which is reportedly the largest independent school in the U.S. Other less notable attendees include President Barack (a.k.a.

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Barry) Obama and Michelle Wie, the young golf phenom. We also exchanged remembrances of John’s Rat year roommate and Jim’s third class year roommate, Phil Ramsey. A great guy taken way too soon. Speaking of remembrances, Cy Dolph called to comment on the old newspaper clipping I e-mailed around about the closing of Duck’s, a.k.a. Johnny’s, in Lexington back in the 1980’s. We waxed nostalgia about the good times that were had in the back room of this fine establishment. Luckily for us all, this was well before the invention of the camera phone. Ben and Val Morris recently returned from visiting son Ben and wife Sidia on the west coast of Costa Rica. Son Ben had just finished building another home there, so Ben and Val flew in to do their quality control duties. Upon returning to the San Diego area, they started renovating their home in anticipation of selling it and moving to the Discovery Bay area near San Francisco to be closer to their daughter and her family. Also enjoying the fresh sea breezes are Matt and Lynne Curtis, who spend a good part of each year in Bahia Kino on the Sea of Cortez in Senora, Mexico escaping the heat of Prescott, AZ. When he is not boating, fishing or otherwise suffering on the beach, Matt reads up on natural history and works on expanding his Spanglish vocabulary.

With the mild weather this winter, there were several opportunities to chase the little white ball around the northern Virginia countryside. Joining in at various times were John and June Bailey, Herb Braun, Reed Heddleston and Jim Mawyer with his older son, Todd. Reed and Carol just returned from their son Tom’s wedding to the former Jenny Burrington in Kansas City. Later this month Tom will be receiving his doctorate in sociology from UC Santa Cruz. You know, I’m beginning to think that A.C. Arnn only works in order to get the perks, the most recent of which was a trip to The Masters Golf Tournament, accompanied by the aforementioned Jim Mawyer. It seems that A.C. is the only senior person at M.B. Kahn Construction Co. who likes golf, so he gets “stuck” with taking clients golfing and to pro golf tournaments. He probably earns a bonus as well. It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “green with envy.” Anyway, life is good in Columbia, SC, and Beth is pondering retiring from teaching to concentrate on her art. Son Patrick is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, flying Liberty 12 Information, Reconnaissance and Surveillance aircraft through the end of the year. After that, he will return to flying F-16s out of Aviano, Italy, and with any luck, will do so just in time to host Mom and Dad for the holidays. Daughter Sarah and husband Michael

Photos clockwise from top, center: -Ned Snead and J.C. Hanks with J.C.’s uncle, Nelson Hanks, in Galax, Virginia. -Dick Knight and Mike Manis at Mike’s home in Newland, North Carolina. -The Morris clan from left: Dad Ben, Son Ben, Valerie and Sidia Morris in Costa Rica. -Waite Rawls, Dick Knight and Mary Seay at the opening of the Museum of the Confederacy’s Appomattox facility.

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CLASS NOTES have a year under their belts as newlyweds and are looking to build a home in the Burlington, NC, area. Speaking of golf, Gordon Williams writes that he has been selected to be a marshal at the 2012 Ryder Cup in September, which will be played at Medina Country Club near Chicago. Gordon has been assigned hole captain on the second hole. Actually, he was hoping to be assigned as barkeep at the 19th hole, but #2 hole captain will just have to do. Coming up from northern Virginia to join him will be his former roomie Mike Carruth, who reportedly is deeply disappointed about Gordon’s assigned post. Otherwise, Mike and Jeannie are doing fine and enjoying their four grandchildren. Older daughter Cherilyn McCall contributed Caroline (5) and Connor (3) while younger daughter Melissa Saint-Victor chipped in with Olivia (4) and Emma (1/12), who arrived April 3rd. Mike is still managing the R&D and acquisition of new technologies for Air Force special programs at Jacobs Engineering, and he and Jeannie are looking forward to retiring in 2014. Also chiming in from northern Virginia, Chad Lash says that when he isn’t teaching, he writes for fun and continues with his efforts to learn how to play the hammered dulcimer. One can surmise that his neighbors would prefer that he spend his spare time writing. In any case, once again this summer, Chad will be working at the Northern Virginia Writing Project camp. Recently, Jud Collier stopped by Neil Steverson’s chambers for a chat. Normally these sessions turn out pretty ugly, and this one was no exception. It turns out that Jud had recently stumbled across the YouTube video archive of “The Beverly Hillbillies” (here we go … ) and found the episode where Jed Clampett and Mr. Drysdale discussed the continuance of Jethro’s education, as it were. When Jed asked Jethro to show Mr. Drysdale how well he could spell, Jethro replied, “UCLA, MIT, FSU, VMI.” So, while the masses huddled awaiting justice outside his chamber doors, Da Judge and Jud were Googling “Beverly Hillbillies VMI” so they could watch this video. Honestly people, I don’t make this stuff up. Returning to the real world, Phil Jornlin checked in saying that he has about nine more months in Baghdad implementing security systems at U.S. Embassy sites, not that he’s watching the calendar or anything like that. Not really needing a calendar are Tim and Sue Farley, who are enjoying the retired life in Minnescott Beach, NC, which is southeast of New Bern near the Carolina coast. Following a 21-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard, Tim worked for 15 years as a program manager at the Battelle Memorial Institute on Coast Guard and FDA contracts before retiring in

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2006. When not golfing or sailing, he serves on the town’s board of commissioners, where he recently completed two years as chairman. A little farther west, in New London, NC, Ted Durvin writes that Barbara’s rotator cuff surgery last year went so well that she’s going to have the other shoulder done this fall. So we now have proof of who has been shouldering the burden in that family. They have just finalized plans for a dream trip to East Africa in early 2013, where they will spend three weeks in Kenya and Tanzania. Ted is eager to find out how Barbara will handle the slit trench toilets, the lions munching on fresh zebra and the challenging shopping environment. Also getting into traveling mode are Gray and Nancy Chandler and Gary and Lynn Weishaar, who will be leaving on a tour of Ireland in a few weeks. The Chandler clan has expanded once again in April with the birth of Gavin Tyler to son Brandon and wife Timea. Grandma Chandler now has four grandsons under the age of four to try to keep up with, so good luck with that. Not to be outdone, Paul and Judy Dickenson had their sixth and seventh grandchildren pretty much simultaneously with the birth of fraternal twins (a boy and a girl) to daughter Jane Kahle in Knoxville, TN. Although not quite in the same league as Howie and Barbara DeWolf with their 11 grandchildren, it’s still a valiant effort. Paul continues to be active in the Richmond real estate market and finds time to play tennis as often as he can. Trying their best to keep pace, Tom and Sheryl Love await the arrival of grandchild number five in the sunny suburbs of Disneyland also known as Orlando. They extend an invitation to any BRs who find their way to central Florida. Tom says that he hears from his former roomie Glenn Kuntz occasionally through the magic of e-mail. Following up on a story first reported in last quarter’s class notes, Ben Dick writes that his and Waite Rawls’ efforts at verifying Stonewall Jackson’s belt buckle owned by one of Ben’s clients continue with much vigor. They recently located in the Corcoran Gallery of Art in D.C. a larger-than-life-sized portrait of General Jackson by the artist John Elder, who served under General Jackson and painted the portrait from memory. According to the gallery’s archivist, the belt buckle in question showed a “remarkable coincidence” to the one in the portrait. Reading between the lines, I would say that Ben feels that it’s time to buckle down and get this thing resolved. In early May, Ned Snead joined J.C. Hanks for the 2012 HoustonFest in J.C.’s birthplace, Galax, VA, the Bluegrass Capital of the World. Why, you ask, is HoustonFest held in Galax,

VA? It turns out to be an annual tribute to a talented young Galax musician, Houston Caldwell, who died in a motorcycle accident a few years ago at the age of 18. Although numerous pictures of this excursion to J.C.’s old stomping grounds were provided, I was somewhat taken aback that none were of grinning men standing around holding dead fish. But life must go on. Dick Cheatham reports that there is good news and bad news from Richmond. The good news is that his business is much improved over last year. The bad news is that Patti has “encouraged” him to get rid of the many years of accumulated junk, which apparently is no minor task. Showing signs of extreme strain and duress, amid his ramblings Dick asked for my take on Plasma Cosmology Theory and its impact on the astrophysics in general and the Big Bang Theory in particular. Say “What?” Dick, old buddy, old pal, you’re a freakin’ history major! And without honors, I might add. But, upon further review, I must say that I am impressed with this positive example for all of us to expand our intellectual horizons while we have the gray matter left to do so. On the Texas front, Jack Sheedy relays that he and Judi get together with former Rat year roomie G.W. and Kitty Flinn of Jackson, MS, when the Flinns visit relatives in Arlington, TX, and when Jack and Judi drive through Jackson on the way to their Florida beach house. Jack also quips that Dick Schellhammer, another former roomie and current law partner, had his 16th birthday earlier this year, Dick being a Leap Year baby. When Dick’s wife, Mary, asked Jack for advice about a suitable birthday present, he suggested that a car would be appropriate for a 16 year old. One hopes he didn’t charge her his normal fee for this advice. Anyway, it turns out that when Dick and Mary were married, Dick was the proud owner of a brown 1975 Triumph TR6. After much effort, at Dick’s surprise 16th birthday party, they were able to present him with the keys to a brown TR6 with under 40,000 miles on it. Amazingly, Wedge can still get into this car. No word as to whether or not he can get out. The Friday before Mother’s Day I stopped by to see old roomie George and Lisa Ritko before the memorial service for Mrs. Ritko at Arlington National Cemetery. On a recent trip back to Newport News to visit the children and grandchildren, daughter Jennifer, who is a Red Cross fundraiser, invited them to a Red Cross event at the Mariner’s Museum. There they bumped into Tommy Catlett ’69, John Holt ’67 and John Decher ’67, who was George’s Rat year E Company Platoon Leader. Bob Wood checked in last week so that we could wish each other a happy birthday, having

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES both arrived on the planet on the same day in 1948. Appropriately, that was also Mother’s Day. He and Marilyn recently returned from their annual trek to Florida to visit his sister. Woody also wanted to tweak my gray matter to see if I could recall the name of the professor who would flip a blackboard eraser up in the air and yell “Voila” as he caught it. It was none other than the late Maj. Dan Brattigan ’55 in statics class, the only professor I remember who had enough of a sense of humor to do such a thing. In fact, I can only recall one other instance of a professor throwing something, and it wasn’t in jest. It involved Col. Herbert Ritchey and John Bailey in Rat chemistry and had something to do with the former’s assessment of the latter’s mental acuity. This was that rarest of opportunities for John Boy to assume the mantle of a cult hero. Instead … Well, you be the judge. That’s all for now. I look forward to seeing many of you this fall at one or more Keydet football games. With a game against Navy in Annapolis and with Richmond, The Citadel and Liberty coming to Lexington, there should be plenty of good football in store. In the Spirit!

’71

James Kelly

These notes will cover the period from Feb. 15, 2012, to May 15, 2012. I hope that everyone made it through the winter in good shape and that the summer season will bring you some great days with friends and family. This particular note deadline always reminds me of our last few weeks at VMI “back in the day.” Forty two years ago we were young, handsome and full of promise for the future. The “young” part may not be so much with us but ’71 still has some handsome men who still have great things left to do and I look forward to sharing those times with you at games, reunions and other chances that we have to get together. The news has been slow with regard to volume but a lot of our Brother Rats have been involved is some pretty interesting activities and have received some well deserved recognition. Shortly after my notes deadline for February, it was announced that Sam Kirby had been named the recipient of the first Richmond Joint Engineers’ Council (RJEC) Career Achievement Award. According to the press release, Sam was honored for his “significant contributions and dedication to the engineering profession in the Richmond area over the course of his 40+ year career.” Congratulations to Sam

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on this great achievement. Being recognized by one’s peers as being among the very best is a well deserved tribute to Sam. (See article in this issue of the Alumni Review, page 168.) Toward the end of March ’12, John Metzger hosted a weekend retreat at his lodge in Vesuvius. Activities included some hunting, shooting (guns and bull), political discussions and a lot of good fellowship. Those making it down for the weekend included Schelhorn, Kennedy, Van Hooser, Fogleman, Ronayne, Biersack, Lindsey, Haywood and Coleman. (See photo posted on class of ’71 Facebook page.) On the last weekend in March, Kathryn and I made the trip to Lexington for the annual Class Agents’ Conference hosted by the VMI Foundation and the VMI Alumni Association. About 45 agents were in attendance representing classes from ’44 to ’12. We focused on issues such as communication, fund raising and reunion planning on Friday, as well as a presentation on VMI’s strategic goals. Following our evening meal, we had a great program given by Col. Keith Gibson ’77 the director of VMI Museum operations. Col. Gibson had prepared a slide show depicting many years of archived photos of VMI and former cadets. On Saturday we heard from Gen. Peay ’62 who gave an assessment of “VMI Today” with information about today’s Corps and plans for future improvements to VMI. Col. Vern Beitzel ’72 gave a very informative “Profile of a Successful Applicant” based on his experiences over his years as director of admissions. Getting accepted in to VMI today is a little more difficult than it was in 1967, so if you are working with prospective cadets, it would be helpful to be in touch with Vern and his staff early in the process, and they can provide useful advice and suggestions. The agents also got information and a demonstration of new electronic applications for receiving VMI “stuff” on your smart phones, etc. Check the VMI Web page for details. Jim “Bag” Caul recently made a trip “up north” from his home in Georgia to visit friends and relatives in the Waynesboro, VA, area. Jim dropped by Lexington on his tour and had lunch with Buddy Bryan, Big Tim Golden and Mike Strickler to get caught up on the latest happenings at VMI. Jim had planned to stop by Pulaski on his way home but went “on the gim” with back problems and had to stay in the saddle until he made it safely back to the southland. The VMI Center for Leadership & Ethics featured Capt. Pete Van Hooser, USN (Ret), as its “Leader in Residence” during late April and early May. The selected individual gives lectures, seminars and conducts small group question and answer sessions for the Corps, faculty and staff. For more information about the CLE and programs see VMI’s website. In

honor of Pete’s visit to Lexington, Mike and Doris Strickler hosted a dinner at their home in Lexington with a number of Brother Rats from the area in attendance. On board were Buddy and Carol Bryan, Tim and Leah Golden, Zeke and Jane Ellington, Ken and Marie Coleman, John and Laura Metzger, McKee and Terry Dunlap, Jim Adams, Bobby Pickral, John Ronayne, and Van Hooser. Capt. Susan Rabern, USN (Ret), director of the VMI CLE was also an honored guest. Paul “The Mayor” Fraim was featured recently on PBS for his efforts in the City of Norfolk to provide long range protection in the event of flooding from the Atlantic Ocean. I did not hear about the program until after it had aired but the dreaded “global warming” was evidently cited as a cause for concern in relation to rising ocean waters. This created a spirited debate among several of our Brother Rats … they appear to be about even in their opinions on whether or not global warming is fact or fantasy. Some, I think, have already moved to higher ground and others are still lounging on the beach having fun. I will not weigh in on either position but in the short term, Kathryn and I are going to Hilton Head Island next month … while it is still in its present location … just to be on the safe side. The most recent edition of The Institute Report announced the creation of the Pete Candler ’71 Memorial Scholarship made possible by the combined generosity of Pete’s wife Page and his brother John Candler ’62. This scholarship has a preference to support cadets who are majoring in one of the liberal arts. Thanks to Page and John for this memorial to Pete which will benefit many future members of the Corps. Those cadets will likely have never have known Pete but we can hope that they will be good stewards of his Brother Rat spirit. Two of our Brother Rats, that are often arch rivals in the world of clay target shooting, teamed up to assist (that is “work”) for the Wounded Warrior Clay Target Shoot at Quail Hollow in Lexington. John Metzger and Rick Littleton helped to recruit shooters and to raise money for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and Local Veterans. The event (June 9, 2012) was sponsored by the George C. Marshall Chapter of the Military Officer Association of Virginia. Our hats are off to John and Rick for putting aside their rivalry to support a great cause. I recently received the data from VMI on Annual Giving as of the end of the third quarter of FY12. The class of ’71, as of that benchmark, had 81 alumni donors or 32 percent of those in the class identified as being potential donors. We are not number one in the rankings … but we have been before and we can be again. I

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Class of 1972: Those who attended their 40th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: W. Daniel Andrews, Christopher M. Arey, James K. Bailey, Robert M. Bailey, James H. Barnes Jr., James B. Bartley, Fredric L. Bauer, W.R. Beerbower, Vernon L. Beitzel, J.R. Bell Jr., Robert B. Benham, Richard K. Bishop Jr., Richard S. Bryan, Geoffrey L. Bull, Walter L. Chalkley, Edward R. Channel, Philip E. Clayton, William C. Collier, Richard G. Condit, David E. Condon Jr., Charles E. Conklin Jr., William K. Cooper, V.M. Cox III, Robert E. Duncan, William H. Dunlap, John E. Durst, Walter A. Edens Jr., Thomas A. Edwards, John F. Fick III, Camden R. Fine, William C. Fitzhugh, Richard W. Flowers, Alan S. Fojt, William C. Foster, Michael E. Gaulding, Harry W. Gore Jr., Robert M. Gore, Paul A. Gorski, Gregory Mark Griffith, Peter F. Grojean, Richard A. Hack, David B. Hall, Lee R. Harrison, Roger O. Hart, Thomas C. Hathaway III, Gerard W. Higgins, Lee O. Hill Jr., Carsten H. Hillson, Steve E. Hively, J.G. Hornberger Jr., Lawrence E. Houseworth, Adolph H. Humphreys Jr., William Irby, Christopher R. Jones, Richard S. Jones, Joseph Henry Knick, George Kosovic Jr., G.T. Lahmers, William H. Long, Robert M. MacMeccan Jr., John H. Martin Jr., Alan W. McElroy, Kimberly N. McGrath, Thomas B. Moncure, William L. Mundie Jr., M. Edward Murphy, Douglas A. Nichols, Michael J. Oglesby, Charles L. Overby, James D. Pagones, Jack Riddick Palmer, Steven W. Palmer, G. Robert Patrick, J.C. Pettyjohn, John Pittenger, Harold W. Plott, John Timothy Pool, George P. Ramsey III, James M. Read, Kurt Otto Renz, Edward M. Robbins, John Elton Sayers Jr., Phillip N. Smith, William F. Smith, James M. Snead, Louis E. Solomon III, Gale F. Sommers, Salvatore Spada, Sterling R. Spencer, R.V. Stransky, W. Dennis Sullivan, C. Thomas Urquhart, R.E. Valentine Jr., J.P. Van Landingham, Robert J. Ward, Louis S. Welker, H. Baxter West III, Kenneth W. Wester, Philip L. Wilkerson Jr., George B. Williams, Charles L. Winstead II, Raymond H. Woodall III, Norman John Worrell and Jacob Hiram Yost III.

CLASS NOTES

40th Reunion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; April 27-28, 2012

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES want to thank all of you who have continued to be committed to the support of VMI Annual Giving and encourage everyone who can to please give some thought to making a donation this year. The VMI Board of Visitors reluctantly increased tuition for incoming cadets by a little more than four percent. This action on their part is a reflection of the rising cost of providing a VMI education coupled with a lack of adequate funding from the state. Support from private sources and our alumni is the key to our continued success. Today there are 170 members of the class of 71 that I hope will answer the call and join those who recognize that any gift to VMI is important and that we can make a difference in the lives of the men and women of today’s Corps. That would be pretty much all I have this time around. I hope that I will hear from a lot of you about your summer activities and plans for the fall. VMI has a great slate of games in Lexington as well as a trip to the Naval Academy in September. Kathryn and I plan to be at a few home games and at Navy. We also have plans to finish up the work we have been doing on our house and kick back a little during the summer. We hope to spend some quality time with our grandchildren, Lauren ’26 and Ryan ’27 during their break from school. Please let me know when you have a change of address … home or e-mail … so that I can keep up with where you guys are. Have a great summer season. If you have seen the most recent VMI bumper stickers and some of our “promos” to prospective cadets, then you should have heard by now that we are VMI Alumni and we “Don’t Do Ordinary.” Be safe out there and keep ’71 number one. Jim

’72

or Southern Africa. And the other is to do the Mountain Gorilla Trek and see those huge beasts close-up, living in the wild mountains of the Uganda-Rwanda-DR Congo tri-border area. Attached are the snapshots of our joint father-daughter effort for that last accomplishment – my daughter Christina and myself – this last Thursday, March 22, 2012, in Rwanda.” Carsten’s our own “Ramar of the Jungle” … That’s a wrap for this go-around; take good care of you and yours, BRs. In The Spirit, Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

Hello, Brother Rats! Today is New Market Day and I wish I were at the Institute instead of here in Raleigh looking out the window at rainy weather. New Market Day was always so special, and one of the highlights of my VMI career was being on the “21-gun salute” team my second class year. That was a proud day for sure! Pat and I visited Gettysburg in February and as we passed New Market headed north and south on I-81, we remarked that we really want to get up there to visit the memorial. Got it on my list! We’ve been to Lexington a couple of times this winter and spring, although between the VMI bookstore, Celtic shop and the sergeant major’s Shenandoah Attic, I need to limit my

Larry Houseworth

Brother Rats, families, friends, observers: These notes are finalized on a beautiful New Market Day morning from high atop bustling downtown Bethesda. It’s been less than three weeks from what many say was our most spectacular reunion to date. So many of you have passed along your appreciation and thanks to our magnificent Reunion Planning Committee and to your humble scribe. Speaking only for myself, your graciousness is prized more than you know and, as I told a couple of you, I often feel I’m being thanked for receiving the best present under the tree. These notes will be brief as we all shared our latest news just days ago. By the time you

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read this, our reminiscences, notes and photos will be available online courtesy of George Kosovic. Additionally, the presentation by Col. Jeff Curtis ’79 was the best I’d seen in years in encapsulating the fiscal, academic, physical and strategic state of VMI – both “then” and “now.” It put real-world teeth into the message conveyed in “Rediscover VMI.” Now to the news. Bob Gore sent the enclosed photo of Chris Tompkins with our ’72-autographed VMI banner and vest. Bob said Chris was very appreciative and judging by the smiles, I’d say he was right. Bill Cooper advises, “I did some checking today and found out that Balfour has taken over the John Roberts class ring accounts and are still honoring warranty, including resizing for 1972 and onward. Fee is $14.95 for return postage. Once this passes, resizing will be $50 – still cheap … I can provide the details if anyone has an interest.” Thanks, Coop Jim and Winnie Van Landingham, Coby Fitzhugh, Tip Palmer, Jim and Marsha Payne and I attended Drake Slay’s funeral services on a beautiful spring day. The church was beautiful and eulogies poignant – and irreverent at the wake … I know we had some off-center characters in New Barracks but nothing to rival our dearly departed BR Slay! These tales are the stuff of legends! Carsten Hillson sent the following from his UN Post in Kenya. “OK Folks, for those of us really ‘into’ ‘Mother Africa,’ there’s at least two major things you’re supposed to do on this continent! One is to go on a real Safari; and see all of the ‘Big 5’ animals, somewhere in Eastern

Class of 1972: Ginny and Chris Tomkins, Lee Rice of Needles Eye Ministries, and Bob Gore when Gore presented Tomkins with a reunion vest and a ’72-autographed VMI banner from the 40th Reunion.

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CLASS NOTES trips! We attended the Class Agents’ Conference the end of March. That is always an interesting meeting as we hear the latest in what is going on at the Institute and listen to a variety of the staff, including Gen. Peay ’62, who provided updates on current events. Col. Vernon Beitzel ’72, director of admissions, provided some very interesting details on VMI at his last meeting. During the 1990 VMI accepted an average of 80 percent of its applicants; for the past two years, the percentage of applicants getting in averages 45. Total enrollment is at 1,585 cadets, of which 139 are female. Today, May 15th, 45 female cadets are expected to graduate. Quite a change from 39 years ago when we graduated! It really is amazing all of the fantastic things going on at VMI today, and I encourage you to get back often to visit. Pat and I have also been to Atlanta and Charlotte to visit kids, and are going to Hilton Head with my brother, Jim ’71, and his wife, Kathryn, for some R&R in the sun, surf and sand. Then we are planning a trip to Banff National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in Montana this September, and are looking forward to those trips. I’m also planning to get up to some football games, especially the Navy game in Annapolis on Sept. 22nd. Hope a lot of you can make it there as I would love to have a mini reunion on that trip! Last week as I started preparing for my notes, it did not look like I had a lot of information to put out this time, so I sent out a couple of e-mail messages soliciting your help. Many of you responded with updates, and as I went back through my e-mail for the past few months, I found I actually had a lot more than I realized. I got a new computer in March, and my daughter, Kathryn, who set it all up for me (I’m still somewhat technically challenged) saved all of my “old messages” in a new file, so when I opened that up I actually found several that I had not responded to. But thanks to everyone who send me notes and messages on a routine basis. One of the notes I had was from Jim Heine letting me know that his father, James F. Heine ’34, passed away Feb. 22nd. Jim’s father was a long time resident of White Plains, NY. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim and his family. I also had a note in February from Tim McConnell. Tim and his wife live in Columbus, OH, and run a business there called Comfort Keepers, Home Care for the Elderly. Tim said he “blew out his right knee” while playing racquetball with Randy Gordon during our second class year, and that Randy carried him to the hospital. Tim figured it was about time to “pay him back” and was headed to Orlando on vacation and said he would buy him dinner if

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they could get connected as Randy lives in the Orlando area. Hope you all made it and had fun reminiscing about the “good old days!” M.B. Adelson forwarded a message in February from Roland Tiso as Ro was getting ready to fly into Afghanistan. I normally hear from Roland while he is overseas, however, I did not get any messages from him this time. M.B. told me the other day that Roland was on his way home and should be back by May 25th after completing his “debriefing” stops along the way. Glad you are headed home, Roland, and hope you don’t have to go back. After quite some time, I am pleased to announce that M.B. completed his dissertation on riparian rights, successfully defended it, and graduated May 5th from FSU College of Law and Policy with a LL.M. in Environmental Law and Policy. He specializes in water resources. Congratulations, M.B. I know that has been a long and tough road for you, as you’ve kept your business going and put up with various roadblocks along the way. Maybe I need to send you some information on my environmental consulting business! M.B. also noted that he was very appreciative of Dave Northcraft along the way. Dave provided continuous support and helped with proofreading the final paper (and was acknowledged with “help received” on the paper.) I know Dave was happy for you, as well, because he sent me a note about your graduation and stated that this was M.B.’s fifth degree. Dave also suggested I call M.B. and tell him to get a haircut as M.B. is starting to look like a 60s’ hippie. With his message Dave included a couple photos of his granddaughter, Evelyn Nicole ’33, with whom he and Susan had been visiting recently. Their son, Daniel ’01 and his wife, Jennifer, live in the Denver area and recently attended a VMI chapter meeting at the invitation of Tom Clark. Around the first of May, Dave went to the KU Medical Center to have some tests run including blood work and a bone marrow biopsy, and he anticipates getting the results back later in the month. He says he really feels fine and is able to not only travel, but get out and do a few jobs. After some tree trimming, Dave said he only felt like a normal, tired 61 year old! We all keep hoping for the best for you, Dave, and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Susan is looking forward to the summer break from teaching kindergarten, and they are planning a trip east to visit Dave’s parents. Dave said he recently talked to Bill Spencer who lives in Jacksonville, FL. Bill’s son just graduated from law school and found a good job with a letter of recommendation from none other than our BR M.B. Adelson! Tom Clark talked about the visit he and Bonnie had with Dave and Susan last month when

they were in Colorado, and how proud Dave and Susan were of their granddaughter! Tom said that Dave is still the “preeminent storyteller in the class” and kept them all entertained during the visit. Tom and Bonnie are getting ready to head to France this fall. Bonnie has a high school “exchange sister” in Bordeaux that they plan to visit, and Tom said he was looking forward to some cheese and wine and checking out his old stomping grounds in Orleans where he lived for a few years as a child when his dad was stationed there while in the Army. Hope you all have a great trip! Mac Kirkpatrick’s son, Clark, is finishing up his Rat year at VMI. Mac and Clark took a bike trip to Alaska last summer. Mac said that he and a couple other friends were going to meet up with Clark in Lexington in March during his spring break and then bike to Daytona Beach for bike week. Sounds like fun. I had a really nice note from Bob Poynor to update me on his activities. He and his wife Sandy live in central Alabama where he works at the Air Force’s doctrine center at Maxwell AFB. One of his biggest projects has been working on a new Air Force basic doctrine document, and while it has had its share of headaches, it is close to being rolled out in a final version. Bob indicated that the military continues to downsize some of its positions to civil service, but as the work load increases, the number of civil service staff isn’t keeping up, so it is a lot of hard work! In addition to his work, Bob helped his mother-in-law before she passed away this spring and was in Indiana last fall to care for his father who is developing Alzheimer’s. Bob was reminiscing on the challenges many of us face now with our parents and the fact that we are rapidly becoming the “senior generation.” He was thankful, however, that they managed to dodge the tornadoes that swept through Alabama this spring, and he said everything was now budding out and spring was in full bloom. Great to hear from you, Bob. Thomas Burke posted a reminder on Facebook March 4 about the passing of Walt Bowden on that day in 1974. Thomas was in the field at Fort Carson when he got news of Walt’s death at Fort Benning. I was actually at Fort Benning when it happened, so I remember it well. Thomas also let me know that he had retired from Avon Products last year. His wife was diagnosed with MS in 2005, so Thomas now spends a lot of time with her and caring for her at home. Their son and daughter live close by so that works out well. Both children are married and their son has two boys ages four and six. Thomas says he follows the VMI activities but is not able to travel much; however, he sends his best regards to all. I also had a note in March from Doug

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CLASS NOTES Basham’s wife, Beth, who gave me an update on them. Beth was getting ready to participate in Roanoke Valley’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. While I have not heard from them for a couple of years, they have certainly been dealing with a number of issues. It was nice to hear from you all, Beth, and please stay in touch. Sandy McNamara sent me a picture of a very nice looking young lady and bragging about how proud he was! Sandy’s daughter was married recently and he was showing off her wedding photo. Way to go, Sandy, I know you are proud indeed. Pete Walters checked in with me recently and said he was doing well. He also wanted me to know that he had finally gotten around to ordering his brick and that it would be placed this fall. Pete wanted me to remind everyone of our pledge for the “Last Man Standing” and how our goal was to be sure all of our classmates had a brick in place. Each of us are to try and get a brick ourselves (requires a minimum of $2,500 in total contributions to the Institute since 1998) and as we move forward into our later years in life, others in the class will help secure a brick for those not able to do so on their own. Brick placement for our class used to be just outside Jackson Arch toward JM Hall, but we’re now on the north side of the arch toward the bookstore. Thanks for the reminder, Pete. If you have any questions on the bricks, please let me know. I had a short note from RB and Becky Newman who still live in the Richmond area and are doing well. Becky said RB stayed busy doing consulting work for Homeland Security and energy. Ed Hall copied me on some messages from the Maryland group that is heavily involved in recruiting. He, Scott McCarthy, Dave McCown and PX English are very involved in new cadet recruiting and were attending a breakfast in Baltimore for prospective cadets. Ed also sent me a note earlier to say Matt Tignor had surgery on his trachea and was doing well. He said he passed up a chance to go turkey hunting with Matt and felt really bad for not going when Matt told him about the 18-pound gobbler he bagged! Ed also said that he was now the trap chairman for the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, as well as president of his gun club (Old Post, Marine Post One). And he is going to run for commander of the American Legion Post. He plans to be at VMI today for New Market and commissioning, and then he’s off to South Korea to work on an Asian telecom code conflict. Sounds like he’s staying pretty busy. Doug Huthwaite sent a note about a big VMI New Market function held at Fort Bragg. He said about 30 people, including Randy Marshall and a Citadel graduate, attended. Doug

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and his wife, Pat, were getting ready to head out on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London with stops in Portugal and France along the way. They plan to take a side trip to Normandy and Omaha Beach. Pat started her military career with the Maryland National Guard 29th Infantry Division, which was the first division to land on June 6, 1944, onto Omaha Beach, so this trip and the visit to Normandy is on their bucket list of things to do. Doug said that when they get back they are putting their house on the market and moving to their place at Kure Beach, NC. Life is good! I suppose I get more e-mail from Bill van Deusen than anyone. Bill loves searching out Internet stuff and sending along funny stories, cool pictures and lots of other things! But this time he actually sent me a note to say how he was doing. He’s still a real estate broker in both Virginia and North Carolina but is currently working as the assistant manager of the Farm Fresh seafood department in Virginia Beach. Bill is proud of his grandkids; one just graduated from Virginia Tech in business, and the two youngest are soccer stars who he hopes to recruit for VMI. And Bill, an avid fisherman, said he was ready for the summer fishing season. John Sykes dropped me a quick line to say his daughter Christel starts school in August at the University of Pittsburg to get her doctorate in German, and that his son, Christopher, is doing quite well at Full Sail University in Florida working on his bachelor of arts as a record arts engineer. He and his wife, Michaela, are happy and healthy and live in Bluffton, SC. Chad Brown said he was finishing up his eleventh year teaching English and personal finance at Grace Christian High School in Staunton. He has really enjoyed being back home and near his mother, who just turned 91. Chad said to say hello to all and to invite anyone coming through or to Staunton to stop in and say hi, and to check out the Mockingbird for some excellent concerts. Larry Cerruti and his wife, Laurel, are still in the Arlington, VA, area. Larry works at Fort McNair and Laurel is with the Arlington School of Health. Their daughter, Lauren, is a captain with the Air Force, as is her husband, Evan, and have both recently moved to San Antonio. Their son, Peter, is a group leader with Mercedes Benz of Arlington. Klaus Worrell and his wife, Sue, have a new grandson, Patrick J.K. Pega, of whom they are very proud. Klaus is working on getting him an appointment to VMI – what, class of 2034? Klaus says we are getting old! Grandkids are great, Klaus, but I still have you beat as I have one that is now driving! Don Reisch said all was well in Nashville and that he had recently talked to Dave Northcraft to congratulate each

other on being in remission. We are all very thankful for that, as well, and will continue to pray for your wellbeing. Don said he has also been talking to Stuart Seaton and they will be playing golf together at the Keydet Club Leadership Golf Outing in June. Good luck, guys, and have a great summer! I also heard from Harold Laughlin who is now living in Myrtle Beach and works as adjunct research staff member for the Institute for Defense Analyses, and is currently doing some work assisting the Colombian Ministry of National Defense in Bogota. Glad to hear from you, Hal, and good luck with the job. Doug Payne sent a note saying that not much was going on in South Texas, but he was selected to cross train to the T-6B Texan trainer, making him a subject matter expert. Doug said he had forgotten how much work there is in learning a new aircraft. His wife, Libbie, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Corpus Christi ISD, and their youngest son just graduated from TAMUCC this spring and is headed to the oil fields. And Rich Lykins told me that George Tisdale was in Memphis for a few days where they were able to visit, and Rich was the tour guide for George and his daughters around town. Rich fed them some of the famous Memphis barbecue and of course the Memphis tour included a drive by Graceland, which George didn’t seem to want to do, but Rich set him straight! Seems that is a “check formation” when in Memphis. George is a frequent poster to our Facebook page and has his own blog with some very interesting stories to tell; so you should log on to see what he’s up to. Paul Jalbert sent me a last minute note to say he had been fishing in the Little Cayman Islands; then fishing at Hatteras, NC, with Reuben Trant; visited Robert Romm’s grave in Moyock, NC; is attending cooking classes with Chuck Peters; ran a couple races (10k and 8k) with Mike MacKenzie; and that he plans to visit Jeff Minch in August in Austin, TX. Paul sure is getting around! Even saw RB Newman at Costco one night! Steve Chadwick sent a note today commemorating New Market Day. He reminded me that there were 247 VMI cadets whose average age was just under 16, who bravely charged and captured the Union battery 148 years ago. They lead the way and turned the tide in that battle. Their youth and exuberance is what we celebrate today. Lastly, I got a message posted on Facebook from Mike Burke talking about how he remembers New Market Day and the longest parade of the year carrying a bass drum that weighed about 100 pounds, and while he misses the ceremony, he doesn’t miss the scent of a thousand coatees thrown over the stoop rails to air. Mike, you know some things never

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CLASS NOTES change! Rah Virginia Mil! I hope everyone has a great summer and I look forward to seeing many of you this fall. Please stay in touch and by all means keep me apprised of your e-mail and home addresses. And don’t forget to put April 26-27, 2013 on your calendar – that, BRs, is the date for our 40th Reunion! Be there! In the Bonds, Mike

’74

Snookie Parker

Greetings, Brother Rats: Spring is in the air, and for many, it’s final exams and graduation time, be it high school, college or VMI (the un-college). For our household, it is the high school senior year for Olivia (headed to UNC-CH). For T.J. and Kerri Wilson, it is the high school graduation for daughter Madison (headed to James Madison). George and Anna Van Laethem’s daughter, Ashley, is accepted to law school (Charlotte Law) and will start in August. Glenn Greene notes Lauren Heiderman (attending ODU this fall), who has overcome many obstacles to get to this point in her life, is also a graduating high school senior this year. And all those wonderful VMI Keydets! What a wonderful and special time! Speaking of special time and graduation, Ed Blake sends the following: “Jamie Blake received her doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree in special education administration from the College of William and Mary in Virginia on Sunday, May 13, 2012. While a doctoral student at William and Mary, Jamie was selected for membership in Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society in education. She is a graduate of St. Francis College (B.A. in psychology), George Washington University (M.A. in education and human development) and the University of Virginia (Ed.S. in administration and supervision). She is continuing to serve as the director of the Northern Neck Regional Special Education Program (NNRSEP), as well as the director of special education for the Lancaster County Public Schools.” Truly a special moment for Jaime and proud moment for Ed. And speaking of proud moments, Ted Zajac sends a Proud Papa moment – son David M. Zajac’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony is scheduled for June of this year. Well done, David! Well done, all!!! Received a nice note from Phil Parker who writes about his youngest son excitedly telling him that he had tickets to the Big South championship: VMI versus UNC Asheville. Phil

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noted what a nice stage of life it is when your employed son buys you a ticket and goes with you to a game! Phil said it was fun to be around VMI! There were several hundred cadets there and probably 500 alumni and fans. Phil kept thinking there must be someone he would know, but none of them were young enough to be one of our classmates! Phil reports that 2011 was an interesting year – daughter Caroline got married to a great guy and son Brian added another granddaughter for a total of five grandkids. Brian left in March for Afghanistan. He is a company commander, and his company has responsibility for the Torkham Gate. Brian lives in Colorado Springs, and the kids decided, since he was deploying, the Parker clan should spend Christmas there. Phil said, “It was wonderful to be together; it is not often with six kids that we all manage to fit schedules and gather, but it worked great.” They did spend a few days skiing at Steamboat, where Phil was presented a tee shirt that said, “If it’s too steep, you’re too old.” Of course, nothing was too steep for Phil after that, but Phil noted that he did spend a lot of time on his back looking up at the beautiful Colorado sky. While in Colorado, Phil was able to catch up with Tom Parker for breakfast one morning. It had been over 20 years since Phil had seen Tom and said he looked great. I’m thinking that salt air must have been good for Tom! Phil was also able to spend some time with Rich Forbes this past year and did chase some balls around the Black Mountain golf course (which includes a rare par 6, 727-yard hole) with Dave Stormont. Phil has suggested a western NC mini-reunion when VMI plays Gardner Webb in October. Sounds like a good idea to me … who else is interested? Stand by for that. Thanks for the note, Phil!!! On 28 March, Rick Hess’ son, Derrick Scott Hess, was lifted out of his forward operating base in Afghanistan – supposedly, a knee and shoulder injury of some sort. The knee is bad but fixable. The shoulder is right after the knee. The surgery for the knee is scheduled for the middle of May. I understand that Derrick would be recovering at Fort Belvoir for six to nine months. Derrick was with the 689th Engineer Company, and they were in the Kornedal Valley. Our prayers are with Derrick, Rick and family! Received a call from David Lester … Jan and David are doing well. David provided me with a little insight regarding worrying about daughters going off to college … said I would get over it. We’ll see! David and Jan are enjoying the fact that all of their family is now close to home. Son Grey has provided a grandson, and daughter Rachel has another grandchild on the way. Rachel’s husband, Brad, is back from Afghanistan, and they are now residing

in Richmond. Reed is working for BB&T in Richmond. Thanks for the call, David. Marla and I were in Jacksonville, FL, the first week in May for my Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1970 60th Birthday Bash, expecting to see my high school classmate, Judge Nottingham. Judge could not make the event – he had taken his bride, Rhoda, to Key West for her birthday that same weekend. Good call, Judge. I did get to spend two days in Pat Flynn’s new man cave (enclosed his garage – made it into a home office, and I must say, it is nice) in St. Augustine Beach. Marla had flown back to Raleigh, and Pat’s wife, Sue, was in NC with friends. Believe it or not, Pat and I actually did some work!!! Not much but some!!! George Van Laethem has been traveling a bit more this year, having been gone a total of 44 nights from 20 Jan through 11 April – Fort Riley, Tampa, Fort Stewart and some smaller stuff in between. He did get to spend Easter weekend in Myrtle Beach with daughter Ashley and her boyfriend. The travel continues: George was planning to go to Charlotte in May for a biometrics conference, a long weekend to Myrtle Beach in June and their usual week in the OBX in July. Lots of travel, George, but it’s all good!!! I caught up with T.J. Wilson and wife Kerri. T.J. is in his fifth year as a Circuit Court judge, and they were on their way to the annual Judicial Conference of Virginia in Norfolk. T.J.’s son, John, has finished his second class year at VMI and, as I mentioned before, daughter Madison is graduating from high school and attending James Madison in the fall. I’m sure to see T.J. and Kerri at a game or two in the fall, since son John will be a graduating first classman this next year! Hoo-aah! I’ll be splitting time between VMI and UNC-CH! Jeff Huckabee has accepted a position with Shell Oil company – headquartered in Pittsburg – and started 1 April. I understand Jeff will be in an apartment for a year until he finds a good place to land. I’m planning to visit in June, if possible. Pirate stadium is on my MLB bucket list. Received a note from Mike Cole. Mike is contemplating starting his own business and setting up a limited liability company. My advice – go for it!!! In closing, I have some very sad news to report – Brother Rat Wayne Worman did not survive a motor cycle accident in March of this year. I was not made aware of Wayne’s death until sometime in mid April. Chuck Ward was contacted by the Institute on the hunt for a 1974 Bomb. Wayne’s wife, Linda, was attempting to replace some of Wayne’s VMI memorabilia (which was lost in a recent flood as a result of a hurricane) to be presented to Wayne’s aging

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES mother. Chuck contacted me, thinking he must have missed something. In fact, Chuck was the first in the class to be notified. I believe Wayne’s roommates were Jim Huddle, Chuck Ward and Karl Liebrich. Chuck Ward has stepped forward to assist and volunteered to author Wayne’s obituary. Wayne is to be interred on 6 July in Lakewood, NJ. Linda said Wayne was a good person – reserved and quiet. Chuck mentioned that Wayne had a very warped sense of humor (or should I say, typical for the VMI man!). Wayne only wanted to have his enemies attend his funeral, so they’d be sure to have fun! Another Brother Rat who has fallen from our ranks but will not be soon forgotten. I noted in the last Alumni Review the passing of Coach Bob Thalman (89) and our class faculty advisor and Honorary Classmate Col. Ty Wilson (93). It is men such as these two who have given of themselves, touched many, even if in a small way, and have helped shape who we are today. They should be remembered, and may they rest in peace. It is 15 May, and tonight I plan to attend a gathering of VMI men at O’Connell’s in Old Town, Alexandria, to honor those who fell at New Market many, many years ago. I’ll be joined by Bill Minor, Charley Banning, Mike Andriani and Clint Anderson … and maybe a few others. More to report on this event … next edition! 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 hope you are all enjoying a great summer and have had some down time. Keydet football is about to start, the lawn does not need to be mowed as often and yet there is still plenty of time left for summer frivolity, whether legal or illegal, socially acceptable or morally repugnant. (That last one just seemed appropriate,

2012-Issue 3

since it is an election year.) Over the winter, I had the opportunity to run into a number of BRs at various basketball games. Such stalwart individuals as Allen Morgan, Dave Schuyler, Chip Louthan, Mike Hunter, Greg Diamontopulos, Mike Fleenor, Mark Hall, Tom Baur, Ben Vanderberry and Tom Mason have made appearances at such events, supporting the basketball game. Deserving of special note, however, is Allen Morgan who attended a game a mere 10 days after knee replacement surgery. Now that is a major stud move if ever there was one! Allen was the latest in the line of joint replacements among our BRs. Chip and Allen are owners of new knees, and Fred Edwards has a new hip. Dave Schuyler wanted to join the club, but he was afraid of the surgery, so he got Tana to have her knee replaced instead. Now that is ingenuity. Greg Stultz wrote to let us know that he and Anne traveled to California recently and had dinner with John and Michelle Plunkett. According to Greg, John looks great and is running eight miles just to work up a little sweat now and then. Personally, I work up a sweat thinking about running eight miles. John has apparently promised to be in attendance at out 40th in a few years, and Greg is looking to Salvo Lape and Cary Bradley for help in holding John to his promise. Greg also mentioned that he saw Bruce Torbett at the University of Akron football game last fall. Devery Miller sent an e-mail which I forwarded to everybody on the class e-mail list. It was an Air Force promotional video featuring his son, Andy Miller ’05, flying C-130 missions from Pope AFB. As an old C-130 navigator, Dev was not too sure what to make of it. Son Andy did a nice job of including a fleeting VMI advertisement in the video for the world to see. Harry McKnight sent a note to Ben Vanderberry and me asking if we thought he might be in need of a little help. It seems that Harry’s daughter gave him an IPod, and it is now loaded with the unmistakable musical stylings of the VMI Regimental Band, among other old tunes from our youth. The simple answer is, yeah, Man, you need help – but no more than the rest of us. Perhaps Randy Frank, a board certified child psychiatrist, could help. Glenn Garland checked in to let us know that he was promoted to colonel with the North Carolina National Guard. He believes that he was the oldest lieutenant colonel in all of the armed forces, so the Guard promoted him only out of a sense of embarrassment. Glenn also let us know that Yulee Richardson has been honored by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association with the Eggleston/ L’Anson Professionalism Award. Actually, Glen just said, “our

Brother Rat Richardson,” so between Yulee Richardson and Oscar Richardson, it wasn’t too hard to figure out which one he was talking about. I only say that, because I know Oscar still does not use e-mail, so he is not too likely to verbally assault me any time soon. For that matter, I don’t even know what country Oscar is hanging out in these days. I also had the great “honor” of speaking with our beloved class vice president, Ronnie Norman, not too long ago. Unfortunately, the primary reason for the call was related to the fact that Ronnie and his family had just suffered the loss of Ronnie’s brother. As a man of devout faith, Ronnie was in great spirits and comforted by the fact that his brother had received his ultimate reward for a life well lived. I could tell that Ronnie was in good spirits, because he spent most of the conversation insulting me and letting me know that he thinks I am the worst class agent in the history of the Institute. Oh well, what are you going to do? Perhaps the most amazing, and possibly disturbing news of the last several months is that the young son of Ben and Anne Vanderberry has been selected to be a corporal next year. Ben is absolutely devastated, and is wondering where he went wrong all these years. Anne, on the other hand, is excited and is hopeful that young Ben will one day wear “one of those hats with feathers on it.” Our Ben has decided to seek counseling to deal with the devastating news. Naturally, this information has sparked a flurry of e-mails from such individuals as Allen Morgan, Kimo Wong, Oliver Way, Rob Taylor, Rick Law, Steve Chapin and Robert Mills. A Ghetto Court hearing has been suggested, and there have been several recommendations for paternity testing. This is indeed a strange world in which we are living. Speaking of Oliver Way, he is once again planning a wedding, this time for son Barrett Way ’08. Bonnie and Oliver are hosting the rehearsal dinner in the skybox of Ohio University stadium. I am sure it will be a blast. Dawg Law has joined the grandfather ranks of our class. His son Rusty recently added a little girl to the family. Other than that, Dawg says that life is relatively quiet out in Colorado, and he advises us all to drink lots of Coors Light. Jim Seitz sent a note confirming Glenn Garland was not in a state of delirium when he stated that he had been promoted to colonel in the NC Guard. Jim saw written proof of it. Always good to have confirmation. Bob Holby sent a note to say that he has nothing to say. That is better than not sending a note when you have something to say, that could have been said in a note. I just gave myself a headache!

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CLASS NOTES Tom Mason and Chip Louthan also wrote to say that they have nothing to write. Geez, are we all really living such boring lives? Good chance I will see both of these guys at the annual Keydet Club Leadership dinner, and I will try to extract some more meaningful information. Of course, I won’t remember it, but I will at least try to get it. There is some big news from our class. Lt. Gen Dan Darnell has retired after 36 years in the U.S. Air Force. (Editor’s Note: See the Alumni News section of this issue for an announcement about Lt. Gen. Darnell.) To say that Dan did the Institute and our class proud would be a huge understatement. Dan and Vickie are settling into their home in Leesburg, VA. He said that it is quite a chore sorting through 36 years of boxes and furniture, but they are thrilled to be back in God’s Country. Dan is really looking forward to making it to Lexington for football games this fall and to getting reacquainted with friends not seen for many years. Speaking of generals, I have not heard recently from Maj. Gen Bo Temple. Last I heard, he was expecting to retire from the Army some time in 2012. This is another example of an outstanding military career that has honored VMI and our class. Another recent retiree is John Young. John is living in Fort Mill, SC, and plans to spend some serious time at his parents’ place on the Outer Banks. John says that life is pretty good as a “retired person.” No more 0500 mornings, no more ridiculous orders and sales targets, no more grumpy production supervisors, and plenty of time for leisure travel or to work on long-delayed projects. He has even taken up horseback riding lessons. In other news, John’s son, John IV, just returned from a year-long tour in Afghanistan, where he earned both the Combat Action Badge and a Bronze Star for his actions in combat against the Taliban. He is assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY, and is currently preparing to attend Ranger School. Jay and Dawn Jones are enjoying the grandparent life and frequently visit their oldest daughter and her family in Lynchburg. Other than that, Jay is spending a lot of time taking care of his mom and generally enjoying life. Mike Fleenor visited with Randy and Terry Frank in Bellingham, WA, for a few days in February. Official reports are that they spent time walking trails around Bellingham and drinking coffee. Somehow, I suspect there was a bit more on the agenda than was reported. Later, Randy took time while visiting his son, Zack, in LA, to drop in on Doug Conte and catch up. While there, Randy and Doug were visited by Dean Armstrong, while he waited

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for a flight he was piloting to Italy. Dino often sends me postcards from his various stops around the world. Mike Garten recently returned from a year’s stay in Iraq. He spent the year prior (2010) evaluating the Iraqi crime lab system and teaching forensic scientists. This last assignment had him working as CI specialist at FOB ADDER in the south. It was one of the last bases closed. Mike departed there at the end of November and took a similar slot for DOS at the embassy in Baghdad, vetting local hires for employment suitability. Mike has a couple of offers in Afghanistan but will slow the pace down a bit and spend some time at home before seeking a new adventure. I have been in touch with Rich Mines numerous times over the past several months. Somehow, Rich managed to get me involved in helping him write a college textbook on the subject of environmental engineering. Because I am a professional air head, I am writing the air pollution chapter of the book, while Rich is writing and coordinating the entire project. It is a monumental task, for which he deserves a lot of credit. The thought that two Keydets are going to be molding the minds of future engineering students, however, is a little disconcerting. From our neck of the woods, Judy and I became grandparents for the second time in March. That is two in three months. Our daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Jason, blessed us with a granddaughter, Kennedy Pamela Recher, in New Orleans. Now we have another reason to periodically visit the Big Easy. Hopefully, on one of these trips, I can catch up with Gary Taylor who lives there as well. Well, that’s about it for now. This is a somewhat shorter issue of the notes than normal, so count on me to lean on you guys a little harder next quarter to try to get more info to work with, but I do appreciate all of you who stay in touch. Until next time, please stay healthy, stay safe and stay in touch. Lastly, I will once again ask for e-mail addresses from all who are not on the class e-mail list. Hey, if Mike Hunter can learn to use a computer, anybody can. In the Spirit, Art

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats, These notes were written on 15 May – New Market Day. Mike Conley’s daughter graduated with the class of 2012 on 16 May! And on 17 May, Jack McAteer was the first BR to reach the fine age of 60!

Mack and Paula Curle celebrated their son’s wedding (Ben ’08) in Greenville, SC, in April. Looks like there was a VMI mini reunion at the same time: Sean Ruppert ’08 was a groomsman (Ben’s VMI roommate); Billy Angle ’05 and Keith O’Donnell ’11 were also groomsmen (Ben’s senior and junior dykes); Mack was the best man; Keith Dickson and Clyde Furr also attended. Mack said the rehearsal dinner and wedding went off without a hitch. Nothing will get Brother Rats stirred up more than a lost class ring story, even if it’s a lost class ring image story: I was cruising the Internet looking for class memento ideas. One suggestion was to copy our class ring design onto a coin. So, I searched the VMI online archives for a picture of our ring and noticed it was not represented in the official class ring display. At this point in our class history, I did not think any picture, let alone an official ring image, existed. Thanks to everyone who helped find one. Mack Curle, Mike Dietrick and Jeff Wall weighed in. Charlie Archer, Jake Berberich and Stephen Joyce e-mailed me scans of old ring images. J.B. Kirk (ring design committee member) said he thought all committee members received a black and white class side image from Jostens. Mark Sculley (another ring design committee member) had an image, but it was in storage thousands of miles away. Hopefully, Clyde Furr has found his class ring picture by now. Wayne Eastham and Dexter Gilliam searched their own archives, and each had an official Jostens image. Thanks to Dexter for donating his image to the VMI archives to be stored and digitalized for posterity. Tony Young checked in. Right now, Tony and his wife are very “psyched,” because their daughter delivered their first grandchild in May. Tony has been retired for five years, and he’s enjoying sunny Florida. He said there are always plenty of things to keep him busy. He contributes to local veterans efforts, serves on a city council committee and is the president for his county’s genealogy society. All in addition to helping his Catholic parish and his wife’s volunteer work. Tony said he is still running short distances (under six miles) – that’s long distance for me. Maj. Gen. Razz Waff attended VMI’s Army ROTC Dining Out in April. He is still looking for a few good men for the U.S. Army Reserve and met with the superintendent and the Army’s professor of military science to discuss how to increase the number of Army Reserve commissions each year. Razz said the Army Reserve is short captains and majors, so well-trained VMI second lieutenants can be put to work immediately. Jim and Susan Mallon spent four days with Jim and Sharon Joustra at their home in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Orlando, FL. Jim J. was busy working a big business deal for Walgreens but had time to join Sharon, Susan and Jim M. for some fun – they visited Winter Park, Ybor City (in Tampa), a winery and some nice restaurants. Best of all, they were able to sit around and just talk to get caught up on things. The Joustra’s son, Andrew, lives in Los Angeles, CA, and just started a job with Disney. Jim J. has a very nice man cave/ VMI museum/war room with all his trophies, civil war paintings and other manly things in it. The rest of the house belongs to Sharon. Jim J. said she keeps it decorated to Better Homes and Gardens standards. World traveler Mark Sculley wrote about the hardship of international travel while drinking a Carlsberg in Norway after he flew in from Vancouver. I know it is a tough life, but I guess someone has got to do it. Bernadette was able to join Mark in Vancouver for their 27th wedding anniversary. Jack Christy reported all is well in Seattle, but it is still very cold there. (His note to me was sent in April.) The last couple of years the temperature has been about 10 degrees colder. Jack said the snow-capped mountains looked spectacular. He has been working in India twice since the reunion – last November and then in January and February. He said he will probably end up making a third trip this year. I think he has made enough trips to India to qualify for citizenship. While travelling to New York, Rick Tufaro was carrying his laptop in a limited edition class of 1976 computer bag. He said, “Several cadets were returning to Lexington after spring break, and what an ice breaker the case was. We spoke for the entire trip.” Wayne Eastham celebrated his son’s wedding with Dyke Davies, Dexter Gilliam and Jack Reeves the first week in May. Jack’s son is attending VMI this fall. Last but not least, Vince Pate called. Vince completed his first year at VMI, then finished his first degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. He went to high school with Lee Godsey and Tom Books. His Rat roommates were Tom, Henry Foresman and Jimmy Lofton in Room 472. Vince is married with two kids, and he works as an auditor for the Virginia Department of Transportation. That’s it for now. Keep the VMI Spirit alive!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super ’77, Rah, Rah, Rah … Well, BRs, by the time you read these notes,

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Moe hopes you are all signed up for our 35th Reunion on Sept. 14-15, 2012. If you are not and want to attend, please contact Moe at email address super77@vmialumni.org or Carole Green (Alumni Office) at 800/444-1839. If you have any last minute changes, please let Moe know. The Keydets will be playing the Richmond Spiders that weekend with a real chance of being victorious. This will be our third game of the season. Thankfully, we won’t have to do any push-ups with the Rats each time VMI scores. I am sure it could be arranged for you to do this, if you so desire. Hey, it might be a great idea to do this as a class; at least it would pump up your guns (arms). OK, we can all dream. Right after the last notes were sent in February, VMI had its legislative reception in Richmond. Moe had a chance to see many BRs there. BR Bob Hartzell, BR Mark Bryant and BR Alan Wagner were able to get together for a quick picture. Unfortunately, not all BRs could be rounded up for a photo. Moe also saw BR Chris Perry and BR Bill Talley. It was a great showing for VMI and Super ’77. The governor addressed the reception. BR Freddie Allner and BR Billy Hupp made their annual road trip to the Masters. They also brought Bill Hardy ’78 to roll their hays each morning. Moe went to dinner with them, and fun was had by all. We all agreed that someone named Bubba needed to wear a “Green Jacket.” Moe heard through the grapevine that BR Scott Snow had retired recently from Norfolk Southern Railroad. Scott had been with them since graduation. Congratulations, Scott. BR John Quackenbush sent New Market greetings and is looking forward to seeing everyone in September at our reunion. BR Bob Hartzell attended the graduation of his son, James, from VMI. Harts said his roommates – BR Jim Anderson, BR Paul Farrell, BR Bill Cross and BR Paul Seufer – were to be there to help in the celebration. Great news, Bob, and hooray for James. The only down side is Bob and Debbie probably won’t be doing their football tailgates this season. Maybe you two could adopt another cadet to tailgate for. BR Gary Morgan sent word from Boise, ID, where he has been living since 2011. Gary has been moving around the country a lot since 2009. He moved from Wisconsin to South Carolina in 2009. In 2010, he married Vickie in South Carolina, and in 2011 moved to Idaho. It sounds like Vickie was a great reason to go to South Carolina. Gary also said he is planning his second elk and mule deer hunt this fall. He is ready to retire from the government and is looking for a civilian job back East. Gary and Vickie would love to live and work in Virginia, and we would love to have them. BR John Marshall wrote to say he was sorry

Class of 1977: Vickie and Gary Morgan. Morgan reconnected after receiving the last Alumni Review. for not sending more information over the years, but most of it he says he just makes up anyway. If he really wants to redeem himself, he could send the details from the Super ’77 Vegas trips. Don’t worry, J.J.; Moe will never give up his sources. It could be arranged for your identity to be changed and relocation out of state or the country under the witness protection program. Jane and Moe Massie attended the VMI Foundation luncheon as our class representatives. BR Jim Anderson was to be seated at our table but didn’t make it. Moe would have enjoyed catching up with Jim, but Moe is sure VMI would rather Jim forget a luncheon than forget to mail his check. Thanks, Jim, for what you do for the Institute. BR Chris Nash sent Moe a web link which Moe was unable to connect to. Sorry, Chris, but thanks for staying in touch. Moe is glad things are going well. BR Mick Lafferty wrote to say he had gotten a laugh out of his “Sissy Boy” Christmas card but didn’t get the joke. Hopefully, Moe didn’t forget to include the comic strip inside the card. Mick had seen the Third Barracks during construction and hopes to make it to the reunion and see the Barracks completed and of course all of his BRs. Hey, BRs, it’s too not late to sign up to go on the VMI alumni cruise in March 2013. Patti and Chris Perry have decided to join Jane and Moe. Moe is sure there are more Super’77ers who would love to have a week in the sun on a five-mast, 42-sail ship in the Windward Islands. Check it out by Googling Star Clipper ships and look at the Royal Clipper ship. Well, the news was light this issue, but it would be hard to compete with the mother lode of information you all sent last time. The next issue notes will be due in August, and that will

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Snapshots Photo at right: Bob Hartzel, Bland Massie, Mark Bryant and Allan Wagner at the VMI Legislative Reception at the Library of Virginia, Richmond, in February 2012.

Photo above: Bill Hardy ’78, Hunter Cochran, Billy Hupp, Freddie Allner and Bland Massie having dinner at the Bistro in Augusta, Georgia, while there for the Master’s Gold Tournament. Photo at left: Four generations: Ken Perry ’53, Chis Perry and George Alexander Ross Hening, son of Ross Hening ’08, behind the camera.

be the last set Moe will write, because our class changes class agents at our reunions. This gives more of our BRs the opportunity to serve the class and VMI. It also assures that no one becomes burned out. There has already been a BR who has stepped up to serve until our next reunion. Moe will introduce the mystery man at our reunion and not before, so don’t ask. Wild horses couldn’t drag his name from Moe. Of course, some beautiful marsupials may be more persuasive. Hopefully, your summer has been a good one, and this fall will bring success on the gridiron, beautiful fall leaves and a great reunion. Moe looks forward to seeing you. Thanks for all the help with the preliminary reunion plans and in advance to those of you who will help in September. Rah, Rah, VMI, Whole Da*# Class!

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In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! Moe

’78

Tom Brown

Greetings to all, It is again my privilege to pass along to you the happenings from the class of ’78. Dave Gray sent along that Kilsun has completed her last round of chemo, and hopefully they will get good news in her follow-up tests. If so, they plan on heading to Korea for a few weeks in October. In addition to working for Pfizer, Dave is teaching part time for Averett University as an adjunct for their MBA program with their

Chesapeake office. Dave was preparing to head to Paraguay in April for a week to teach a leadership workshop and seminar for Regent University. He was surprised to find out a flight to South Korea is less expensive and faster than a flight to Paraguay. Joe Bright got married on 21 January in Tampa, FL, to the lady he had been dating for 10 years. Some met her a few years back at class reunion. The Brights are living in Salt Lake City. Joe is flying the Airbus 319/320 for Delta Air Lines out of Salt Lake City. Joe had moved to Salt Lake City in September 2009. Congratulations, Joe! Jim Simons sent his semi-annual update on the VMI Cadet Fishing Club’s activities. On March 24th, the first annual VMI-W&L Flyfishing tournament took place at Escatawba

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Farms. This is a privately-owned stretch of prime trout water along Dunlap Creek near Covington, VA. The farm’s owners were kind enough to open the facility to the cadets and students from the W&L Outing Club, and with additional support provided by Trout Unlimited, a good time was had by all. Rather than pit the schools against one another, the tournament was structured around two-man teams comprised of one cadet and one W&L student. Although the weather was miserable and for several cadets, this was their first fly-fishing experience, most of the teams managed to catch some presentable trout. The fly-fishing tournament was followed a week later by the Corps of Cadets’ annual FTX on March 30th. The Cadet Fishing Club, reinforced by “volunteers” drawn from the ranks, descended upon nearby Simpsons Creek, where they continued the clean-up effort begun by the club last year. Tires, construction debris, litter and even a gas range were removed from the area, significantly improving the appearance of this beautiful trout stream in George Washington National Forest. Thanks for the update, Jim. Tim Pishdad finished his time in Afghanistan and is back home helping a friend with his senate campaign in Florida. Tim celebrated his 10th anniversary with Cynthia. He says it has been a great ride, and he’s looking forward to the next 10-plus years. Rob Parker sent a brief update. His highlight these days is watching his daughter, Eva Grace Parker, grow into a young girl. She will be five years old this summer. She is definitely the apple of Rob’s eye. Rob is still working with Bechtel, coming up on 30 years tenure. He just started a new gig in the Civil Business Development Group trying to land new projects. Rob says this is a bit of a change from actually working the project for so many years, but it is all good. He is wondering when golfing with prospective clients will come into the picture. Joe Tulskie and Rob get together often in Philadelphia. Rob says Joe has been a good BR. They are still crying in their beers since the Flyers lost to the NJ Devils. He says, no worries; there’s always next year. Otherwise, life is good as it gets! Mike McCarthy reports it has been a busy couple of months. His recovery from surgery last Thanksgiving has gone very well. His diabetes has been in remission now for almost three months. All the labs are saying he is back to normal. Also gone is the reflux and 75 pounds. He was down to the same weight he was at the beginning of our third class year. Mike tried on his coatee, and it fits better than it did at graduation. He says work has been interesting. He earned 33,000 frequent flier miles in 18 days and was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to get off the airplanes. His trips

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included Korea, London, Atlanta and Boston; he’s still trying to decide what time zone his body is in. As soon as he got back, they rolled into a major exercise that will run 24x7 for almost a month. Stan Walchock says not a whole lot to report from his side of the Atlantic. No kids, no grandkids, no promotions and no demotions to report either. Spring in Heidelberg and the summer temperatures have arrived. There is very little air-conditioning there, but the beer is cold (OK, cool). It is spargel (white asparagus) season which goes well with the wines or beer. Stan has done a little bit of local traveling, and you may have seen a post or two on Facebook that they went to Italy in March. They visited Rome, Venice and Pisa and enjoyed good meals and great wines. Stan says it looks like any weight loss will be that much harder over there. Leland Horn says not much new to report. Between his day job and his third career (teaching), he has little time to do many other things. He is hoping this is the last year of the heavy loading, and things will even out (day job) to more stability. Bob Simpson says he and Antonija are doing well. The big news is that Bob was recalled to active duty from retirement. He is working a special project related to the transition of the Army over the next eight years. Bob will stay at Fort Eustis. He says you know time is flying when even the other colonels look young! Bob Fricke checked in and is working on a contract in Fredericksburg. He says that, hopefully, it will last through the summer. He has been enjoying being back in Old Virginny! That concludes this installment of “As ’78 Turns,” short and sweet. If you have not realized it, we will be having our 35th reunion next fall, and I will need your assistance to make it a great event. If you would be able and willing to assist with the coordination or conduct of the event, please let me know. If you have not been getting the notices for notes input, please send me an up-to-date e-mail address so you may receive them. And as usual, as you read this, it is time to send your happenings to include in the next issue. Thanks for all your support.

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope this finds all of you and yours well. Notes from the class: Tom Bright reports that he has transitioned back from Afghanistan last October and now

intends to focus more on domestic and Caribbean opportunities with his business. Since October, Tom has been participating with six other Second Chance Prison Ministry volunteers, leading Bible study two nights a week at the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in northeastern PA. Tom has indicated that this is perhaps the most significant and fulfilling endeavor in his adult life. Tom and his 13-year-old son will be participating in the Penn State Father-Son Basketball Camp during the first weekend of June, and anyone who has been around Tom knows that he and a round ball do not mix well. John Kailey has been back stateside for about 8 months. John says that “mundane things like baseball games, mowing the lawn and fixing stuff around the house” occupy his spare time. He retired from the Army Reserve last October. It was kind of a sad day for him, but it has been fun since. John remembers, “I particularly will not soon forget the brave young men and women who I saw on a daily basis, doing some rather significant things, in Iraq. Memorial Day has a very special meaning for me, given those seven young men that we lost.” Glad to have you back safe and sound, BR, and thanks for all you have done. Ben Bauman is still working for SAIC and managing to survive all the contract reductions and downsizing. Looks like Ben may be finally settling down again. He is looking to get serious with a lady, Aurora. If it gets really serious, he says he will announce on Facebook when the date is. Date! Did he just say, “date”? Ben is still in Peachtree City, GA, but who knows where he will be in a year. His daughter, Alana, will be a senior at Kennesaw State University this fall and is doing well maintaining her academic scholarship. Christina will be a junior at Georgia State University this fall and is doing the same – good grades and maintaining her academic scholarship. Son Ben has a new wife, Becky. They were married last September in Nashville where they live. The dog, Lola, and three cats (Katy, Tiger and Leo) are fine, and Ben is still their babysitter while the girls are in college. Such a kewl dad! Peel McLean writes, “I recently attended the VMI Football Reunion in Lexington and was treated to a close-up view of the workings of the Keydet football team. Tours of the locker room, weight room and coaches offices were part of it, along with meeting with coaches and former VMI football players all the way back to the 40s and 50s. BRs in attendance were Al Soltis, Tom Trumps and Joe Benda. Got a chance to visit with Eric Hutchings ’77 and Chris Nash ’77. Jeb Burton and I met up at his house on Saturday night; he had just returned from the Matthews area, getting ready for his annual fishing tournament. Jeb tells me his

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CLASS NOTES youngest son will be a Rat at VMI along with youngest, Addison, just ordered his class ring other family. Unfortunately, our son, Michael, Doug’s and Dank’s sons. THREE Burtons in and will be a rising second classman this year. will almost certainly not make the wedding, the Rat class; wish we were on the RDC!!!” One down, one more to go! as he is on a two-month patrol off the coast Peel says son Shelton graduates this year from Newly promoted Brother Rat Maj. Gen. Mark of South America with the U.S. Coast Guard. high school and had considered VMI and even W. Perrin has been assigned as deputy direcThere is a chance that he will be able to catch Fork Union for a year, but it looks like he will tor, Signals Intelligence Directorate, National a last minute flight, so we are praying that all attend University of North Florida to be part of Security Agency, Fort Meade, MD. I do believe works out. Two weeks after we get home, we their track team. Shelton was the Florida State Uncle Stosh may really have something to will have a large ‘welcome home’ reception Champion this year in the pole vault. Shelton worry about now. I mean, the NSA! Mark most for friends and family. You really want to have will be joining his sister at UNF. She will be a recently served as director, J-2, U.S. Forcesgood friends like we do – a couple that we have senior and is a member of the UNF soccer team Iraq, Operation New Dawn, Iraq. Congrats, known for almost 30 years (from the Army at in which she plays defender. Peel’s wife was Mark! Fort Benning, GA) offered their house and yard laid off at the space center with the end of the Bob Suthard retired this past March. He to host the party. He is a West Pointer (’79) who shuttle program. She worked 26 years for Unitsees Phil Gallahan every now and then. Bob loves to throw massive parties several times a ed Space Alliance as an engineer. She enjoyed says, “Phil and Dana are doing great but not too year – their Oktoberfest party lasts three days! some time off, but is now back They are thrilled to add a wedding working for A I Solutions, Inc. reception to their party ‘resume.’ We on a contract and has done some are sticking with an obvious theme, proposals on other contracts. Peel and the food will be catered by our continues, “Speaking of soccer, neighborhood Greek restaurant, GiorI had a nice phone conversation gio’s. The name of this restaurant has with Doc Bates. I had called appeared in the class notes several him to try and meet up for lunch times before. We see Doug and Corduring my trip, since I was flying rine Doerr there almost weekly, and in and out of Richmond. Doc tells Doug uses it as one of his rally points me his two sons are on soccer when staging mini reunions with scholarships. One plays at UVA his roommates and other wandering and the other at VCU. His oldest classmates who pass through the son was the NCAA Freshman northern Virginia/Dumfries/Quantico of the Year and was the leading area. scorer as a freshman on the Eric continues, “Besides Doug, I UVA team that won the national have heard from two of my first class championship.” Us soccer guys roommates in the recent past. Bill REALLY like hearing about this Tulloh is still living and working stuff! Is it asking too much for in Richmond, and John Carty is some of these great players to in Leesburg, VA, but works in the Class of 1979: Retired Col. Bob Morris, left, who founded the global campaign against IEDs, is with Representative consider attending VMI and play Pentagon supporting an Army orgaElton Gallegly (R-CA). Morris is holding the congressiofor the “I”? I think not! nization. John has gotten involved nal letter to President Obama on IEDs and in support of Asa and Karen Page attended in Civil War reenacting. He said veterans, prior to sending it to the president. our former Rat boxing instructhat he is learning to ride a horse (it tor’s retirement from the Navy. isn’t his) and wonders if this is the Captain Pete Van Hooser ’71 retired at the much else to report. Nancy and I are currently 19th century equivalent to a motorcycle or a SEAL Heritage Center at Joint Expeditionin Europe for a few weeks just relaxing.” Bob’s convertible as a mid life vehicle of choice. John ary Base Little Creek, VA, after completing son-in law, Andrew Timpner ’07, and daughter and Maria support their youngest son, Patrick’s, 30 years of service in Naval Special Warfare. Christin were in the ’07 class notes with a picinvolvement on his high school varsity baseball Among many of the guests in attendance who ture of his second granddaughter (Gwendolyn). team. Their oldest, James, is seeking his fortune elected to come forward and make a few reBob’s son also has a daughter (Victoria) that is in NYC. John also reports that he maintains marks at the podium was retired Sgt. Maj. Alvin just three weeks older. Bob reports, “Grandchilcontact through Facebook with Bill Tulloh and Hockaday, who recounted several humorous dren are great!!” our third roommate, Pour Samani Dariush Ahstories of their early days together in Okinawa Eric Schwarz checks in, writing, “We are mad. He said he would seek Dariush’s e-mail prior to Pete’s return to VMI in the mid 70s. making our final preparations for our daughter’s address, so he can be added to the class roster.” Following his retirement, Pete returned to VMI wedding in mid June. Becky and I, Heather Mitcheal Bottoms is enjoying life and retireand participated in the Institute’s Leadershipand her fiancé, Josh Prible ’07, and about 15 ment in the backwoods of Arkansas. He says in-Residence Program, providing two weeks of other people will travel to the beautiful Greek there is really not much going on. He still is his own personal time to cadets in Barracks, on island of Santorini. The ceremony will be in a thinking about future plans and what to do with the sports field and in the classroom, sharing his church yard overlooking the caldera (mouth of himself while helping his wife get her college leadership experiences with the Corps. Asa also the now water-filled volcano). Then, we will degree. She wants to be an accountant and writes that his oldest son, Brandon, graduated move to the reception at a cliff-side restaurant make a lot of money. “Starting with my pension from VMI in May. He and Karen will still have to enjoy the sunset and the local food, drink of course,” says Mitcheal. several opportunities to host tail gate events and music. Josh’s brothers, Billy (’01) and Jon Dolphin Overton dropped me a most during the upcoming fall football season, as his (’05), and their wives will be there, as well as welcomed note: “Hey, Mike. It is a little out of

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CLASS NOTES character for me to write in. I feel a little like my good friend, John Colonna, ha ha. At any rate, one of my 26-year-old twin daughters, Malory, is getting married to her high school sweetheart on May 19th in Beaufort, NC. She recently graduated from ECU with a master’s degree in social work and is now applying for law school. Her twin, Kathryn, attended the Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump school of Culinary Arts) and is now a chocolatier in Raleigh. My son, the Dolphin the IV, graduated a while back from the Art Institute of Colorado and now works as the head of the warranty division for Wheatridge Cyclery in Denver. He is engaged to be married. Of course, my 5-year-old son, Dolphin Thomas, is wide open and loves guns just like his dad, and my 3-year-old daughter, Elena Catherine, is more wide open and is smarter than the rest of the family put together. I recently separated from my former practice that I helped start in 1993 and started a solo cardiology practice, Wilson Heart, which opened on Jan. 9. My former practice merged with Rex/UNC Healthcare, which is a common thing for cardiology practices to do – that is, merge with hospitals. Personally, I wanted no part of it. My wife, Melissa, is doing great, and my father, VMI class of ’49B, is 83 and in excellent physical and mental health.” During a recently held National Technical Nuclear Forensics Conference at Oak Ridge National Lab, John Arthur and Travis Calloway both were in attendance. Travis works for the FBI in the Nuclear Forensics arena and John works the same for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Also in attendance was Jim Blankenship ’92. The Arthur clan recently took a family vacation to Kruger National

Park, South Africa … one of those “bucket list” events. This was the first time John and Jessie, their two children (John VI ’08 and Allison) and their spouses spent more than two days together … a “family bonding opportunity.” Jim Elliott says he sees Meade Spotts more than anyone should have to. They go to lunch at this all-you-can-eat buffet in Richmond called Super King. They make money on Jim evidently, but they lose their --- on Spotts every time they go. Jim doubts they’ll be in business much longer! Jim also writes, “I saw Brad and Maria Jones as well as Meade and Cheryl Spotts at a Wild Game Feast a few weeks back. Brad is still busy with his newest endeavor, Buckingham Slate. When he’s not mining slate, he’s at the farm planting and tending to something for his pets, aka deer, turkey, ducks, doves and geese. Of course, Mark and Kathy Powell were at the feast, too. Their oldest daughter, Maria, is following in her dad’s footsteps as a sea captain with Sail Caribbean. Their youngest daughter, Sarah, graduated with a degree in engineering from UVA. She’s got a job lined up, so they’ll be true empty nesters! My son, Sam, as you may recall is technically a 3rd classman. I say ‘technically,’ because he was allowed to study economics in Prague this semester! Beth, my youngest son, Buck, and I got to visit him over Easter. In true VMI fashion, he is burning the candle at both ends but still managing to get his school work done. He takes after his mother! Anyway, back to reality at the Institute for his 2nd class year this fall, but he’s very excited about getting his class ring and catching up with his BRs.” Thanks

for checking in, Jim, and looking forward to hopefully seeing you and others this fall. Speaking of Spotts … his turn. Meade writes, “Ran into Brad Jones, Jim Elliott and Mark Powell at a Wild Game Supper. All were reasonably well behaved, as their wives were close at hand and watching them like prison guards with an unruly road gang. Saw Robby Patterson at a Boy Scout event in Richmond – he’s been with one troop for years and is the go-to guy for getting kids involved. If nothing else, they should know how to box and run the block like champs – does that qualify for a merit badge? Asa Page, Jim Leavitt, Randy Pekarik and Mike Thomas are about to embark on a worldwide diving tour for the next year, so that work will no longer intrude on their time off. As of yet, I don’t think the spouses have been advised, but knowing the BRs involved, the wives will probably be glad to get rid of them.” Larry Adams writes that his son, David, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May in Colorado Springs, CO, with an EE degree. David earned a Draper Fellowship to MIT for a master’s in … something Larry does not understand yet … after which he will go to pilot school in Pensacola. (That’s the U.S. Navy Fight School, for those NOT paying attention! So, he will be a far more qualified naval aviator versus just a blah, blah Air Force pilot, pipes in the Marine Harrier pilot class agent!) Larry’s wife, daughter and parents will fly home after graduation, but about 53 hours later and 1400

Class of 1979: Photo above: The Arthurs on safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa. From left: John Arthur ’08 and Kathryn, Jessie and John Arthur ’79, and Allison Arthur Harris and Brent Harris. Class of 1979: Photo at right: The two John Arthurs in their tent tree house accommodations at Kruger National Park, South Africa.

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CLASS NOTES driving miles, David and Larry will attend daughter Maggie’s high school baccalaureate service in Atlanta, followed 15 hours later by her graduation! Busy time, Brother Rat! Congrats! An always entertaining e-mail from Bob “Stosh” Morris: “I really do not have much to report. (“Yeah, right!” opines the class agent.) Most of my time has been spent in Washington trying to convince members of Congress to sign a letter to President Obama saying improvised explosive devices are bad, and we should take care of our veterans who are victims of them. In the end, I did get 69 of them to sign up, owing in no small part to efforts by our BRs who contacted their Congressional representatives to push them toward doing the right thing. Honestly, I think I would have received a lot more, except I suspect some marplot staffer dug out a copy of the ’79 Bomb and started circulating the fact that the LAST TIME I convinced people significantly above me in the food chain to put their name to anything, Foster, Johannsen, Norris, Rogers, Rudolph, Smith, Stocker, Thomas and I sucked down a “’2 and 10’ for ‘disrespect to the football team.’ As I understand it, some members of Congress just did not want to risk standing in front of Trumps to explain it … ‘With all due respect Col. Trumps … we have no clear recollection of any involvement ... ’ Of note, however, was the great hospitality shown by BR Tom Trumps in all his help for the event that a military group I joined conducted in JM Hall. He and the staff really squared me away, from the Color Guard to pipers, a bugler and more. It really made the event for everyone who attended, and they are still talking about it ... since Tom was out partying with the cadet leadership for next year, we couldn’t get him to attend, but when we played his recorded message of ‘LOOK TO YOUR LEFT, MAGGOT … LOOK TO YOUR RIGHT …,’ it was definitely an attention getter. I never actually saw a 98-year-old woman lock up and ‘strain’ before … pretty impressive. I think she was the waitress from Hooters who got that old waiting for Spotts to convene the next ‘Code Orange’ he’s been promising.” Jeff Curtis and Betsy bought a house just outside of Lexington! It is about a mile and a half from the old ruins at W/L. Sounds like a great place to “run the block” and party at!! Paul Lachmanek updates us about his wife, Amy’s, battle with cancer: “Well, everything that’s happening with us revolves around Amy’s cancer treatments. The surgeries were last fall. She has completed her chemotherapy and is halfway through her radiation treatments. She has started taking medication to block her body’s production of estrogen and will remain on it for five years.” We are sending all the hope

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in the world for Amy, Paul and family as they continue to battle this dreaded disease. All is well on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Youngest Matt finished up at ODU, earning his degree in psychology, and got married and moved to Canada where my new daughter-inlaw, Dani, is a most successful professional working for the Ministry of Defense. Now, by Canada, I do not mean Montreal, Toronto and Halifax kinda Canada. I mean C-A-N-A-D-A, as in all the frickin’ way out west in Medicine Hat, Alberta! Look it up! A hundred miles north from the middle of the Montana/Canadian border. Brrrrr! Eldest James has been hard at work at the II MEF Simulation Center, finishing his degree and participating in these Spartan races you may have heard about, raising money and attention for Wounded Wear. He has done some truly remarkable things that have made us all proud. Just Google his name and Spartan, and take a look. Really amazing stuff. Renee is still managing the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, juggling more meetings and events than one person should have to deal with, but all for the common good. We are both looking forward to seeing a bunch of you this fall! Next reunion is in two years – fall 2014. I will be starting to plan this fall, so start thinkin’ and scheming.’ Stay well.

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats: These notes cover the period Feb. 16, 2012, through May 15, 2012. The period began with e-mail messages following the passing of our BR, George “Ralph” Snyder, who lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 13th. Dusty Boyd, Hugh Fain, Tollar Nolley and Josh Priest shared their thoughts on Ralph’s perspective on life and on VMI. Our BRs in attendance at Ralph’s memorial service were Doug Burton, Rick Gilbert, Chal Glenn, Bill M’Coy, Mark McLean, Allen Ramer and Bill Wallace. Andy and Sharon Brown sent their annual holiday card with family photos and a note from their home in Germany. Andy is a rear admiral in the Navy who received his second star in August 2011. They have three sons. Joseph (27) is a lieutenant in the Navy stationed in Japan. Casey (25) is in his third year of medical school. Christian (17) is a junior in high school. They are scheduled to return to the U.S. in the summer of 2012. Aaron Bush sent an e-mail saying that he

and Ben Judge had lunch near their respective homes in Hershey, PA. Tom Kelly sent an e-mail in response to a birthday card. Tom lives in the D.C. area and works at the Navy Federal Credit Union. His daughter was married last fall. Tom also planned to attend a VMI career networking conference in the spring. Walt Wood sent an e-mail from his home in Peru. Walt and Mary Lynne are again planning a so-called “mini reunion” in Ashland, VA, in August. Walt also wrote that he completed a YouTube video that recaps one of the trips he takes in connection with the work that he and Mary Lynne do in Peru. This was followed by a second e-mail containing Walt’s 14th adventure story. I will forward the story upon request. Allen Ramer sent an e-mail with an updated e-mail address. He also wrote that Chal Glenn and Mark McLean told “Ralph” stories at the memorial service. Allen’s oldest son, Curt (21), attends ODU. Reid (20) is in community college. Mitch (18) is a high school senior awaiting college acceptance letters. February closed with an e-mail from Frank Leech. Frank, Elma and their daughters, Francine and Marie, live in Abu Dhabi where they have been for almost 10 years. The family was able to visit Frank’s parents in Albuquerque over Christmas. During that time, Francine learned that she was accepted at Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia. Frank closed by writing that he keeps up with Tom Gelles and Ali Mahan. March began with an e-mail exchange with

Class of 1980: Dave Madden after receiving the 2012 Aviation Week Laureate Award in March 2012.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Tom Johnston. Tom and Tammy spent a week in Lexington, taking in a couple of basketball games. Matt Griffin sent an e-mail after receiving his birthday card. Matt wrote that he shared an apartment in Huntsville with George Snyder many years ago. Matt described George as a great guy. Pat McCarthy also sent an e-mail after receiving his birthday card. Wade and Lannie Stinnette visited NYC for a weekend in connection with a business trip. Patti and I had dinner with them in a pub in our neighborhood before they took in a Broadway show. Rob Quarles and Mike Lunning are planning their annual visit to VMI for a football game. They selected the weekend of Oct. 20th. Their trip includes a Friday golf outing and tailgating on the lawn in front of Gary Levenson’s quarters on Post. Phil Altizer and Lisa, Don Bradshaw, Larry and Vera Hupertz, Jay McConnell, Dixon Tucker, and Preston and Shari Vock replied with their intention to attend. Rich Zott sent an e-mail from his home in St. Louis where he is in charge of the DoD’s criminal investigations for the Midwest. Rich has two sons, one in college and the other in high school. Don Bradshaw is currently attending the U.S. Army War College. Upon graduation this summer, he will become the deputy to the garrison

commander at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. Don and Karyn are looking forward to becoming NYers. Ed Bower responded to his birthday card by noting that married life couldn’t be better. Ed and Cindy celebrated Ed’s birthday at Virginia Beach. They plan to visit me and Patti in the Poconos over Memorial Day. Jack Keane sent an e-mail with an attachment announcing that Rear Admiral Andy Brown will be assigned to Scott Air Force Base, IL. Dave Madden sent an e-mail with a photo and a link to an interview conducted by milstatmagazine.com. Dave and his team won the 2012 Aviation Week Laureate Award for rescuing the U.S. Air Force’s $2 billion AEHF satellite after its propulsion system failed. At the end of March, Patti and I traveled to D.C. for the annual Enrolled Actuaries Meeting. Joe and Sue Brown opened their home and invited us and many of our D.C. BRs to a Sunday afternoon of food and drink. Joe is a major general in the Air Force, and their home is general’s quarters on the Potomac with an incredible view of D.C. The group photo accompanying these notes was taken behind their home. Thanks to Don Bradshaw, Dan Conn and Marge, Dave Gleason, Jack Keane, Tom Kelly, Walt and Carrie Kreitler, and Tracy Wilson for taking time on a Sunday to visit with us. April began with an e-mail from Matthew Keys. Matthew was planning an eight-day trip

Class of 1980: Maj. Gen. Joseph Brown and his wife Sue (center) hosted Joe’s BRs at their home on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in March 2012. Front row: Tom Kelly, Jack Keane, Carrie and Walt Kreitler, Joe and Sue Brown, Dave Gleason, Patti and John Gibney, and Don Bradshaw. Back row: Tracy Wilson, Dan Conn and Marge MacDougall.

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to visit Tanya in Singapore where she is on a three-month work assignment for her company. Tom Bersson sent an e-mail with a photo taken at the Society of American Military Engineers’ Golden Eagle Dinner. Tom is a fellow in the society. Ray Joinson sent an e-mail in response to receiving his birthday card. Ray, a retired Air Force colonel, wrote that he and Carla are doing well in Tennessee. I spoke with John Alerding on his birthday. John is retired from the Air Force and is also retiring from teaching in Buena Vista. His wife, Anne, teaches biology at VMI. His son, Johnny, was named valedictorian of the class of 2012. Upon graduation, Johnny will be commissioned in the Air Force and attend flight school. John also sent an e-mail noting that Tom Bersson has earned his Ph.D. Congrats, Tom. I visited VMI in April for the Foundation Board meeting. Also in attendance was Bob Evans. I stayed with Gary Levenson. Gary and I had dinner at the rebuilt Southern Inn with John Alerding. Jay and Trudy Melvin attempted to organize a lunch with our Lexington BRs, but schedules did not work. I also visited with Robby Jones. Robby and Beth are also planning to visit me and Patti in the Poconos over Memorial Day. Matthew Keys and I had dinner in the city and celebrated the drafting of RGIII by the football team he roots for. Matthew had a great trip to Singapore. The North Jersey Chapter of the Alumni Association is having a golf outing in June. I extended the invitation to Hugh Fain, Tolar Nolley, Allen Ramer and Craig “Wiennie” Wilson, all of whom have expressed interest in traveling north to play golf. I then spoke at length with Wiennie. He is doing very well

Class of 1980: Tom Bersson and Bill Bersson ’79 at the Society of American Military Engineers’ Golden Eagle Dinner in Bethesda, Maryland, April 2012. Both are fellows in the society.

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CLASS NOTES in the VA Beach area where he runs his own construction company. Steve Andrews sent an e-mail with an update. Steve and Cathy live in CT with their youngest daughter, Caroline. They both work in the chemical industry. Their oldest daughter, Virginia, is a double major at VCU and an “A” student. Caroline is a junior in high school, also an “A” student and looking at colleges. Pat Griffin called. Pat and Beth and their sons, Michael and John, were at VMI in April as Michael, a junior in high school, is considering attending VMI. Pat serves as the president of the New England Chapter of the Alumni Association. That’s all, folks! Thanks for your continuing support, and Let’s Go Rangers!

’81

Trip Lloyd

Dear Brother Rats and Families, Summer is winding down, the Rats are spinning up and the Institute is preparing for another year. For me, things are going well with USAID as I steer the agency through another budget year. I was just promoted to cub master of my son, Liam’s, pack, and one of my officemates suggested that this experience will come in handy at USAID. My bride, Anne, is now working as a professional actress, and our 12-year-old daughter, Amanda, is working hard to follow in Anne’s footsteps. Jerry Manley reports his nephew, Miles (son of Jack Manley ’83), called to share the excitement of receiving his acceptance letter from VMI. He is going to be a member of the “Mass of ’81+35!” Jerry and Anne look forward to being there on his Matriculation Day! The Class of ’81 Breakfast Bunch met Saturday, April 14, at the IHOP in Chantilly, VA. Included in the gathering were: Joe Provenzano, John Cawthorne, Ken “Piggy” Herbert, Jeff Adler, Jerry Manley, Jim and Melissa Langan, and Trip Lloyd. Also in attendance was Trip’s daughter, Amanda. Mark Olson reported he ran into Tom Stent at Camp Pendleton. Bogey Bogart is traveling for a while. He reports that he arrived safely and is leading a team in Governance Support and Economic Development. Jim Frishkorn retired the end of March from civil service and is now living/working in Charlottesville, VA.

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In a page from our collective history, George Depaoli recounted a phone call from home to the dean’s office that he had to make after final exams (in front of his parents and grandparents). “Cadet Depaoli, your name is not on the list of those cadets not graduating.”... “That means I’m graduating,” said George. ... “Again, Cadet Depaoli, your name is not on the list of those cadets not graduating.”... And George said, “Thank you, sir.” Gunny Olson chimed in that Col. Weede had him sign for two sets of orders the beginning of second semester, 1st class year. Set 1: Candidate Olson reports to Officer Candidate School at Quantico, and Set 2: Recruit Olson reports to recruit training at Parris Island. Gunny reported he needed a 3.0 that last semester to graduate. (Note: Gunny volunteered that he had never had over a 2.5 in the previous seven semesters.) On graduation day, Gunny says he had to go to the Registrar’s Office to see if he was going to Quantico or Parris Island. His 3.5 8th-semester GPA got the job done, and the comment from Col. Weede was, “So, you could have been doing this the previous seven semesters, Mr. Olson?” Mike Denton reported that Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves, Bill Grigg and others got together in early May to attend a Fork Union reunion. Gary Morgan writes that all is well. He had a few things to share: Under the title of time flies, he received an invitation to the retirement ceremony of one of his former Army ROTC cadets, Jon Milner ’91. Gary could not believe that 20 years had passed since he

was an assistant professor of military science at VMI. The ceremony was well attended, to include Col. Dave Shutt ’82 and retired Lt. Col. Lance Thompson who were his colleagues, and also Jon’s ROTC instructors at the “I.” Gary also ran into Bruce Gottwald at the funeral of Macko Tabb ’82. Macko was a soccer teammate and a huge supporter of the VMI soccer programs. He left us way too early and will be truly missed. On a happier note, Bill Stamm and Gary are both competing in the Golf Channel Amateur Tour in the Senior Palmer Flight (over 50 with a USGA handicap between 4.0 and 7.9) – Bill out of the Washington, D.C., Chapter and Gary with the Richmond Chapter. They have played in two of the same tournaments. Bill bested Gary in the first one, but Gary prevailed in the rematch. He also won a tournament for the first time at the Golf Channel event held at Hunting Hawk Golf Club, outside of Richmond, shooting a personal tournament best of 74. Hopefully, Bill and Gary will be able to qualify for the National Championships held at the TPC Sawgrass in September. C.P. Davis reports his oldest son, Tyler, graduated with a degree in business admin/ finance from NC State and will be working for Norfolk Southern Railroad in their Operations group out of Atlanta. Bill Grigg reported in from Charlotte, NC. He missed the 30th due to baseball commitments with his oldest son but went to his 35th high school reunion and must admit Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves is quite the expert on various forms of great adult beverages, some of which he graciously shared. His

Class of 1981: On April 14, 2012, Brother Rats from the class gathered for an IHOP breakfast in Chantilly, Virginia. From left: Jim and Melissa Langan, Jeff Adler, Ken Herbert, Joe Provenzano, John Cawthorne, Jerry Manley and Trip Lloyd.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES oldest, Will, is going to Fork Union for PG Reserve since 1995 and is a chief engineer on known). Plaz and his wife, Lynn, are doing football this fall. Carl Showalter ’82 and Army watercraft. He is married to the lovely fine and are getting ready for the summer’s Bill regularly run into each other at the local Robin Bee Owens, has three daughters, two events. high school games. Their sons have played granddaughters and a grandson. Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves is still in NYC, against each other for a few years. Bill says Rob Costello says the only news he has this having started a small boutique wine and liBojangles ownership in Hampton has been time is that his son, Ian Costello ’09, received quor import company called “Esoteric Brands interesting, to say the least, and has provided his naval aviator wings on March 9, 2012. Cos International, LLC.” He is excited about the opportunities to see many BRs in Tidewater. and his wife, Jen, along with Ian’s BR Justin opportunity to create a few cool brands, and He is looking to expand to other areas of the Tammelin ’09 went down to NAS Whiting then there is always the challenge of tasting state (northern VA and Charlottesville), if Field, FL, to partake in the event. Ian’s wife, the product. He saw Bill Grigg at his 35th anyone is interested. He will be celebrating Michelle, pounded his wings on, while Cos Fork Union alumni weekend and was lucky to 22 years in two weeks. supported him. meet up with Mike Denton on the way to the Dave Taylor hosts a Friday morning “Men’s Ray Lawson and his son finished their reunion for a night out of doing some market Fraternity” that crosses denominational lines first-ever college class together, Nuclear Fuel research of a few of the watering holes ... at his Richmond, VA, Nazarene church, Living Cycles. Ray went into the final exam with an down on the James River. Water. A few BRs participate weekly, includA, his son went in with a B. They both got Dan Gallagher has been politically debating Rich Wagner and Tim Hesson, as well 95 on the final, and both ended up with A’s, ing Jim Hanratty and Joe Moan (they left, as Duane Ray ’83. Mike Denton is another although Ray’s was still a few points higher. Dan right), but states, despite their leanings, periodic drop-in. Pastor Dave would love for As Ray said, “At the end of the day an A is an they’re great guys. He visited the “I” in Febother BRs in the West End to join the group A.” When Ray’s son picked up his exam, the ruary and had a pleasant discussion with Briand keep digging into what God’s word has to professor offered him a recommendation for an Quisenberry. He also had an interchange say specifically to men. a nuclear scholarship. Ray was not made the with Paul Boulden, Bogey Bogart and John John Dixon writes that he recently celsame offer. Kostisin. Dan joined Prudential Life & Pruco ebrated the engagement of his daughter, Mary Karl Betz reports that not much changes Securities in their Experienced Advisor Katherine Dixon! John and Patti hope to see in Jacksonville, FL. He still works for the Program on May 21 and is in the process many BRs and their families this summer Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as the primary of recruiting VMI grad Stewart Wilkinson down in the Tidewater area. So, he says, keeper of the Komodo Dragons and the Afri’12 in building his team. Dan and his wife, “Give us a call, or send us an e-mail if you can reptile house. He says it’s nice to get paid Laura, celebrated their 24th anniversary. are going to be in town.” to work with venomous snakes after all these Their daughter, Kristen, finished her third Greg Wolven sent me a message saying years of doing it for free. year at Meredith College with straight A’s in his wife, Ann, finished her third master’s Mike Placzek’s daughter, Rachel, graduated museum studies. His other daughter, Erin, degree in spring 2011, and Greg strongly from York College of Pennsylvania with a got all A’s but one B in her major, anthropolencouraged her to go for her Ph.D. With his BS in music education. She can teach from ogy, first year at UNC-Wilmington. His son, encouragement, she started working on her K through 12th grade and will be getting Matthew, has brought his HS junior grades doctorate last August. During the summer, married on Friday, Aug. 24. Rachel and her back to excellence from a brief goof-off and Greg built an office for her, so she could future husband, Erik, are trying to squeeze in will be applying to VMI shortly. His youngest separate her class work from her teaching the marriage between Erik’s graduation from son, Joseph, continues to improve from his work. Their daughter, Katie, is a rising senior Army AIT (Corpsmen School) and his report disabilities and shortly moves into 5th grade at Saint Joseph’s College. She is still playing date to his first assignment (which is not yet as a Tenderfoot Scout. volleyball and is looking into Rich Bartholomew says grad school. Their son, Chris, the family is doing OK in San graduated this past spring with Antonio, TX. Rich retired from an AS in biomedical technology the Air Force back in 2007 and and is doing an internship at a has since been working in San hospital in Evansville, IN. Greg Antonio for AMEC Environment is still working for a rural electric & Infrastructure as the office power cooperative. He recently manager for SA operations. His caught up with Jeff Adler at VMI wife, Nancy, is doing great, while he was assisting the ECE staying busy taking care of their department with ABET accreditahome and family – also lots of tion. Greg says he still travels a volunteer work at church. Rich’s lot for national committees and son, Matthew, is married and otherwise keeps busy with Ann working as an architect for Jacobs and the kids. in San Antonio. His daughter, John Owen contacted me. He Melanie, graduated from Abilene was in our class but only finished Christian University in May his Rat year. He is a CW4 currently “with highest honors” and a BS in Class of 1981: Rob Costello was there to support his assigned to the 949th Trans Co in interior design. Rich expects she son, Ian Costello ’09, when Ian received his naval aviaBaltimore, MD, having joined the will probably get a job in San Antor wings. From left: Jen Costello, Justin Tammelin ’09, Michelle Costello, Ian and Rob. Army Reserve on May 15, 1981. tonio, as well, so it looks like he He has been an AGR with the Army and Nancy will be in San Antonio

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CLASS NOTES for a while, since this is where the kids are going to be. Rich bumped into Keith Baron up in Abilene back in February. Keith was in town for a family celebration. He and Nancy had dinner with Keith and his wife, Deb, and reports Keith seems to be doing great.

’82

Charles Kause

But at my back I always hear Time’s winged chariot hurrying near; And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity. Andrew Marvell, “To His Coy Mistress” I usually start my quarterly missives with seasonal poetry and launch into a riff on life in the Kause House. Spring has sprung, my tomatoes and peppers are fighting to germinate, and I am fighting my annual losing battle with oak pollen and maple seeds. Things are fine with the Clown Prince, currently serving in Okinawa as a radio operator in a Marine artillery battalion. I am employed doing strategic planning for a member of the intelligence community. The Daughter of Darkness is occupying space, ingesting nutrients and excreting. Other than that, she drives Mrs. Kause into tirades, which I title “girl on girl violence,” when the DD pushes her buttons. Instead of visions of daffodils and butterflies, Andrew Marvell’s poetry has been on my mind this season. I think about his poems, not because I am attempting to seduce, but because I am attempting to remember. While this season’s newsletter should have been full of fun notes from our 30th Reunion, it has to be tempered with the sad news that we lost three Brother Rats in the span of a month. Lou Rossie was the first to report on Phil Dederer’s passing. Lou had spoken with Phil’s former wife, Sally, who passed the news on the class’s Facebook site. I then received an e-mail from Phil’s companion, Stephanie Mitchell. Phil suffered a massive heart attack on 25 March and died in Gaithersburg, MD. During his memorial service, I was struck by the many different people from Phil’s work life and private life that came to mourn and remember. He retired from the Army and slided into a government job where he was working to align Department of Defense medical records with Department of Veterans Affairs records. It is very thankless and detailed work. But all of Phil’s colleagues mentioned his dedication to this enormous task. Brother Rats in attendance at Phil’s memorial service were Ron Mecredy, Ted Clarkson, Jeff Modisett, Bill Towler and

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your gentle correspondent. I took the opportunity to speak in remembrance of Phil during the service. Besides the Spartacus story, which most people in the church seemed to know, I wanted to tell everyone that Phil knew no fear. We never saw him admit defeat, never saw him panic, never saw him depressed because of his situation. Phil will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future. Once we know the date of his military funeral, we will get the word out to all the BRs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phil’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. John Macko Tabb died of a heart attack on Thursday, 29 March, in Richmond. Word of his death originally spread via the VMI soccer team, of which Macko was a huge fan and major supporter. Many BRs came out for his memorial service and funeral. BRs included Maureen and Jim Hickey, Emmett and Lynn Heltzel, Bill Jennings, Bill Towler, Bob Louthan, Van Noah, Larry Williams, Dave Loy, Todd Minnix, Chip Buehler, Chris Schrichte, Kendall Avery, Jeff Modisett and Billy Vickers. In a fitting tribute to their benefactor and friend, the VMI soccer team was also present at Macko’s burial. They sang the “Doxology” at his grave site. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Soccer Team at VMI, c/o The VMI Keydet Club, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. Because of Phil’s and Macko’s deaths, the 30th Reunion Committee hastily added a memorial service to the list of activities on Saturday morning. It was a bright day, and the Parapet and Memorial Garden were sparkling when the class of ’82 assembled for a service under the direction of the post chaplain, Col. James Park. Here is the roll call of our departed Brother Rats that was read during the service: Andrew Scott Burris, John Joseph Carvil III, Forrest “Al” Conner, Philip Christian Dederer, David C. Fritz, Jay E. Jenkins, Anthony K. Odrick, Mark John Sophia, John Mackenzie Tabb, Leonard Dale Wagner, Jerome Eugene Williams and Charles R. Yarbrough. Unfortunately, while we were still basking in the glow of the memories and good times the reunion engendered, we lost our third BR. Perry Laustsen was looking forward to returning to Lexington to show the school off to his family and be with his classmates. But he had to withdraw at the last minute, as he was in the final stages of fighting colon-rectal cancer. Perry had been battling the disease bravely for two years but finally succumbed on 1 May. Perry was the guy we all aspire to be: strong, steady and a leader in his community. His funeral service in Cranberry, NJ, was packed with family, friends and neighbors who were touched by his pres-

ence in their lives. He was the good friend and neighbor you could count on in a small town, and you could see his legacy live on in his children. Mark Ciarrocca, Ron Mecredy and I were able to make it to his service. Contributions may be made in Perry’s memory to a college fund being established for his children, in care of Susan Laustsen, 4 Greenbrook Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512. Just as we mourned our losses and remembered the presence of our departed Brother Rats, our 30th Reunion Weekend was also a time to renew friendships, talk of life in the Old Corps and catch up with guys we had not seen nor heard from since graduation. The weekend’s success was all due to the remarkable planning skill and taste of Sister Rat Lynn Heltzel. Lynn worked with the Alumni Association and local vendors to ensure we had the best venues possible (with inclement weather plans built into all events). If the Reunion Committee was left up to its own devices, the weekend would have been one soggy mess, full of warm beer and potato chips. But Lynn’s careful and thoughtful planning ensured all participants, including wives and girlfriends, felt at home and included. Major events included a cocktail party at Moody Hall on Friday night, a picnic lunch forced into Moody Hall by rain on Saturday afternoon and a buffet dinner with dancing at the Sheridan Livery Inn in downtown Lexington. Some BRs took advantage of a beautiful Friday by golfing or shooting clay pigeons. Others, such as myself, had to work a full day and race down through rush hour traffic in order to get to Moody Hall in time for a drink. The Moody Hall reception set the pace for the rest of the weekend. By my gimlet-eyed count, we had over 60 BRs show up for some or all of the events during the weekend. Mark Shifflette was one of the first BRs I met, who gladly handed me a beer for the bus ride over to Moody. Floyd Allen was working the floor and balcony, as it had been too many years since his last visit. Floyd is working in personnel and physical security when not serving with his local fire and rescue squad. Also, the Twin Titanic Towers of Power from the basketball team, Bill Nivison and Jim O’Book, were in Lexington for the first time since graduation. Bill served a full career in the Navy and is now a civilian out in California. Jim works for General Dynamics in the Boston area. David Gallalee won the award for having travelled the farthest to reach Lexington. He is in Kabul, Afghanistan, working for the State Department supporting foreign aid policies. Baron Tyminski, looking rather rakish in seersucker blazer and pink button down, made the rounds. He is preparing to retire from the Massachusetts Guard, where he was a helicopter pilot and staff officer. Eric

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Class of 1982: Those who attended their 30th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: Grafton D. Addison III, Mr. Floyd P. Allen, James B. Bailey III, Harry T. Bitzberger, John M. Boyd, Douglas N. Burdett, Michael R. Burt, Mark P. Ciarrocca, James C. Cosby, Willis A. Council Jr., W. Scott Crumpler, Daryl L. Deke, Robert A. Dorsey, Anderson W. Douthat IV, R. Holt Evans Jr., Michael R. Ewing, Charles W. Fanshaw, Neal E. Fortney, Peter L. Foster, John H. Friend III, David Gallalee, Jeffrey A. Goodwin, Gordon R. Hammock, Mitchell V. Heishman, Emmett R. Heltzel, James B. Hickey, Thomas J. Ingram IV, Thomas K. Jarvis, William R. Jennings Jr., A. Shepherd Jordan, Eric J. Karell, Charles W. Kause, Joseph W. Keyes Jr., Perry L. Knight, David P. Kohler, Alexander E. Kuchnia, Robert P. Louthan, G. Dewey Martin III, George F. Mayforth Jr., Patrick D. McClave, Joseph J. McConnell, Ronald C. Mecredy, W. Todd Minnix, Jeffrey A. Modisett, Richard M. Moore II, Elliot Morales Sr., Jon Mott, Richard Mustakos, William Nivison, Van W. Noah, James A. O’Book, Thomas M. O’Sullivan III, Richard A. Reisch, Jon A. Roach Jr., Cornelius T. Rogers, Nicholas J. Roper, Jeffrey T. Roseme, Francis J. Rosenthal III, Christopher Kolbet Schrichte, Mark J. Shifflette, David L. Shutt, Russell G. Stewart III, Ralph J. Taber, George L. Thompson, James R. Thrasher, William A. Towler, Thomas G. Trobridge, W. Baron Tyminski, William E. Vickers, David T. Wagner, John W. Wainwright III, Jerry A. Walker, William B. Walker, Larry R. Williams Jr., Allen M. Wilson, Richard R. Wilson, W. Scott Wooddell and Joseph B. Yodzis.

CLASS NOTES

30th Reunion — April 27-28, 2012

Class of 1982

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CLASS NOTES Karell was brave and brought his fiancée to the meet his classmates, in order for her to get a better idea of the man she is about to marry. He may be still angry with me for kissing her hand in the French fashion. Eric is in the Pittsburgh area, working as a nuclear engineer for Bechtel-Bettis, Inc. George Mayforth came in with his young family. They had just completed climbing House Mountain and were basking in their achievement. George’s family lives the Jacksonville, FL, area, and the most elevation they experience is from highway overpasses. The night got hazy as the drinks flowed faster. Many a BR was felled by the heavy pours originating out of Moody Hall that evening. If you see Dicky Moore, ask him where he ended up spending the night. The sunlight proved a mean taskmaster to the assembled BRs for the official class portrait. It felt like I was standing in the oven outside Old Barracks after marching up the hill from a zesty lunch in Crozet Hall. The BRs had to be reminded on several occasions to take off their sunglasses. One of the best highlights of the weekend was seeing BRs and their Keydet progeny pose for a picture at the library. More than anything else that weekend, that moment crystalized the passage of time for many of us. Present at the formation were proud parents J.J. McConnell, Shep Jordan, Duke Addison, Neal Rogers, Tom Trobridge, Neal Fortney, Scott Crumpler, Bob Louthan and Richard Wilson. The traditional parade followed by the honored alumni marching into the Barracks was cancelled, due to a thunder and lightning squall rolling out of the Allegheny Mountains right about parade time. But the reunited classes had to do an Old Yell. So, the Corps assembled on the stoops, and we braved the cold and wet to cheer for our class lustily. While dodging the storm and hurrying into the Barracks, I chatted up Jim Bailey, whom I could not recall seeing since graduation. He has taken over the family stockyard business outside of Bluefield, VA. When it was ’82’s turn to perform, President for Life Harry Bitzburger and Jeff Modisett rallied the class to assemble around the guard box. Sheltered from the drizzle on the first stoop, we were tardy in complying. But Bob Louthan motivated the class, showing off his class spirit by spurning the use of the ladder to get to the top of the box and instead climbed the walls using his strength and a boost from his BRs. Bob, though, received a very important lesson in the art of aging gracefully. Gravity, it seems, is still very much a law to be obeyed and laughs at middle age men attempting to demonstrate feats of strength. The Corps got a good laugh, too, and Bob recovered everything but his dignity. The rain ended our plans for a bucolic picnic, but Lynn planned wisely and well. Our picnic

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became a buffet lunch in Moody Hall. Given the excesses of the previous evening, the mood was still festive but much quieter. More water and soda was consumed. Jon Mott is wrapping up his affairs in Washington. He is being promoted to brigadier general at the end of May and is assuming command of the Connecticut Air National Guard. Eliot Morales is supporting the military and is living in Fayetteville, NC. Tom O’Sullivan has switched professions. He is no longer an action/adventure haberdasher but is now senior director, International Business, for North American Rescue, which is dedicated to decreasing preventable death by providing the most effective and highest quality mission-critical medical products to our military, federal agencies, civilian law enforcement, EMS and pre-hospital life savers. Jerry Walker was back after a long career away. He has now taken over the family land in Linden, VA. Some of the biggest laughs of the weekend were BRs telling stories of their first experiences in the Ratline, standing next to hirsute guys like Jerry, Van Noah and Doug Deaton. Their hairstyles instantly attracted the wrath of the cadre, which then cascaded down to the innocent bystanders. Speaking of hair, Jim Hickey is sporting a shock of silver mane. He seems to be enjoying his work as a business development executive for Acedemi, previously known as Xe Services and Blackwater Worldwide, but the travel is beginning to be burdensome. One hopes he takes Maureen on the trip of her dreams, given all the frequent flier miles he racks up traveling to the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. Tying Jim for most elegant Brother Rat was Alan Wilson. No one could miss Alan with his dreadlocks and finely tailored suit. Al has remained a true Washington, D.C., native by working for the Navy as a civilian at the Navy Yard. I realized, after the fact, that I avoided talking to BRs who sport beards and moustaches. It must be because I can’t grow them and am envious of those who can. So, let me apologize to Larry Williams, Jeff Goodwin, Bob Dorsey, Russ Stewart and Mike Frailer for failing to talk to them for any significant period of time during the reunion. Pete Foster, however, sports a mean Van Dyke, but I talked to him during the picnic lunch. Pete is still managing his vast dental supply empire form Charlotte and is happy to stay there, so he can be with his family. I was surprised to discover Pete has a 27-year-old son serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. Everybody got their second wind for the final event of the weekend, our dinner dance at the Livery Inn. I believe there are several photos of BRs and wives taking turns wearing the red, white and yellow feather boa brought by Michael and Kimbel Burt straight off of

Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I was caught in an interesting conversation on hydraulic fracturing of hydrocarbons in America between Mrs. Kause (of the ExxonMobil Corporation) and Dave Kohler (of Dominion Resources). Dave is also infamous for bringing two dates to the weekend events (because he can, ladies and gentlemen; because he can). Nick Roper, who I call the Most Important Man in Northern Virginia, because he is in charge of all the bridges in the region, was in good spirits. We saw him again on local TV after the weekend, as he was explaining VDOT maintenance policies for signs and light fixtures along roads in the region. Ralph Taber came back for the first time to play in an alumni versus Keydet rugby match, along with Chris Schrichte. We heard the alumni won, but we could not get the straight story from the BRs, who seemed to enjoy the after game party at Zollman’s Pavillion. I had snippets of conversation with Holt Evans, Dewey Martin, Dave Shutt and Joe McConnell before being dragged on to the dance floor by Mrs. Kause. Best performances for the night were awarded to Duke Addison, Perry Knight and John Friend, who regaled the crowd with a stirring rendition of his famous moves to the instrumental song “Machine Gun” from our Keydet days. Duke and Penny, along with the Modisetts and Louthans, had a great plan for the weekend. Instead of staying in hotel rooms, they rented cabins along the Maury River, so they could enjoy their families and friends without the confines of small rooms. Gordy Hammock made it in for the second half of the festivities. He is in charge of all Air Force judges within the USAF’s JAG Corps. His boss is Darren McDew, Air Force District of Washington commander, who was one of nine outstanding alumni inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America Alumni Hall of Fame May 2 in San Diego, CA. BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization’s national conference to celebrate the accomplishments of former BGCA members. The event honors alumni who have gone on to make major contributions in their fields to include sports, entertainment, business, medicine, politics, justice, art and education. Inducted this year into the Alumni Hall of Fame alongside McDew were: Olympic swimmer Anthony Lee Ervin, actors Powers Boothe and Cuba Gooding Jr., ballet dancer Misty Copeland, playwright and lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire, New York Yankee’s pitcher CC Sabathia, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association Ernest Stevens Jr., and singer Ne-Yo. Some BRs with excused absences from the reunion were Ted Clarkson, in Norway on J-35 business; George Seiferth, closing out his Army career in Germany; Curtis Johnston was

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CLASS NOTES in Afghanistan on business; Joe Bouchelle was attending graduation services at his college, Southern Virginia University (old Southern Sem) in Buena Vista; and Chris Cramer was preparing for running a half-marathon. Foxtrot Company guys will remember Chris as a heavy smoker. But he has reformed his lifestyle and now is setting his goal to complete a marathon. I have volunteered to be your class agent for another five years. This job forces me to come out of my shell and interact with you guys and gals. Learning of BRs deaths and writing about their funerals saddens me greatly. What is worse is learning of a BR’s death, like Dave Fritz, long after the fact. We are mortal and only have a short amount of time to be with our friends and families. Let us live life to our fullest and look out for one another. Keep in contact with me and through sites like LinkedIn and our class’s Facebook page. Let me know how you are doing, so I can share your status with our BRs. As Andrew Marvell advised his coy mistress: Thus, though we cannot make our sun Stand still, yet we will make him run.

’83

Jim Outland

What little snow we received this year is long gone, spring is well underway and graduation is in the air. In fact, as I write these notes, I’m receiving near real-time updates from BRs who will soon be fathers of VMI alumni. The report from Calvin Murray: “The Lucks, Goodwillies, Murrays and surrogate parents Lynn and Cele Seldon once again find themselves at the Mother ‘I’ enjoying their boys’ escapades! But unlike previous trips, it is time to play the final song for their lads who checked in four years ago.” I know I’ve enjoyed the updates through-

out their cadetship and wish these young men the best as they go out to take on the world. Back in February, our Keydet basketball team made a strong showing in the CAA. Once it was clear we would go on to the final game against Drexel, John Dodge, Owen Dunlap, Hugh Daughtry and Bunny Hewitt answered the call by acquiring short-notice tickets to watch the action live at UNC Asheville. Asheville gave us more than we could handle, but our team fought hard, dealt with the loss and resolved to return again. Keydet Club VP Robert Crumpler ’07 observed, “Those are the Keydets I want in our program for the next few years! Everyone keep their heads up, wear your VMI gear proudly and remember … the WHOLE DAMN TEAM NEVER SAYS DIE!” Thanks to all of you in ’83 who continue to support VMI’s athletic teams and enable the Spirit to endure. As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I appreciate a good hunting or fishing story whenever there is one to be told. Scott Horan provided the report this spring after a successful turkey hunt in SC with BR Jim Henry, Joe Irby ’85 and Joe’s cousin, Everett Irby ’55. As Scott recounted the tale, “Jim called in a beautiful bird for me on opening day, and for once, I didn’t screw it up.” Scott even included a photo of him clutching his gobbler, so he had no need to include the word “certified” on the e-mail to me. Scott also shared that he learned a lot of his “bird-handling skills” during our cadetship, which I can also appreciate. Col. Jamie MacDonald is still at the Pentagon and sent me an interesting fact about Jostens and our class rings. While serving in Afghanistan, he learned that they can produce a silver-colored “combat” version of our rings which is made of a less costly substance called lustrium. As an attractive alternative to gold, this may be something to consider for those replacing missing rings in time for our

Class of 1983: Joe Irby ’85, Scott Horan, Jim Henry and Everett Irby ’55 celebrated a successful South Carolina Turkey hunt.

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30th. Feel free to call or e-mail me if you need specific contacts at Jostens. They can also resize rings for those who are experiencing “shrinking ring syndrome,” but Billy Akers suggests that if this is your problem, then hitting a local version of the Chessie Trail may be a better alternative. There was sad news this February with the passing of Col. Harold “Buz” Snyder ’57 who served as VMI’s commandant as well as commander of the Army ROTC detachment. I’m sure we all distinctly recall Col. Snyder’s presence during our daily lives at the Institute. Looking back with the benefit of middle age, I can see how fortunate we are to have had a man of his character and experience to guide our cadetship. Of course, like many great things, I’m also sure, as cadets, we under-appreciated how fortunate we were. After Col. Snyder’s 28-year military career, he served as the president of the VMI Club of Richmond and also established a Canoe-A-Thon to raise money for state blindness prevention programs, seeing-eye dogs, eye exams and glasses for the needy. In May, the Varina, VA, Lions Club hosted the Buz Snyder Memorial Paddling for Sight Fundraiser in his honor. Mark Roltsch has accepted a position as the executive director for Research and Sponsored Programs St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. The Roltsch family has lived in metro D.C. for many years while he has worked at the National Institutes of Health, and they are looking forward to the new opportunity which starts in August. Mark’s position will involve promoting research and scholarly activities across campus, as well as working with the faculty to submit grants and find funding. Besides several ’83 BRs already living in the San Antonio area, Mark’s brother, Tom Roltsch ’85 is also there, having recently served a tour in Afghanistan as

Class of 1983: In April 2012, Diane and Jim Johnston showed their class of ’83 colors at the Great Wall of China.

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CLASS NOTES chaplain of a San Antonio Army Reserve unit. Will Creekmur checked in from Hawaii to say he is on the hunt for mainland job opportunities, ideally in California, which will allow him to leverage his considerable financial planning expertise. Will’s profile is also available at LinkedIn. Also related to employment, I wanted to give a shout-out to Mark Pappas and Skip Goodwillie for collaborating on ways to hire new VMI grads. Skip participated in the Career Networking Forum at VMI this spring, and Mark’s firm was looking to hire. So, I’m hoping you all are able to make some magic happen for our new graduates. On March 16th, Joe Leonard reminded me and a number of other ’83 BRs that it was time to wish our dykes in the class of ’86 a Happy 29th Birthday. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to let Clint Hubbard ’86, class agent, know we were thinking of them on that special breakoutanniversary. Along with warmest and highest regards to each member of his class, I also included our collective admonition for ’86 to get their chins IN! Also in March, I received fantastic news from Jerry Manley ’81 concerning the acceptance of his nephew, Miles Manley, to VMI. Jerry said Jack’s son had called him the night before to share the excitement of receiving his acceptance letter. The Manleys are all very appreciative of the ’83 BR support they have received, and I’m sure VMI has gained a top-notch candidate in accepting Miles Manley. As I’ve said before, with the exception of his uncle in 83-2, Miles will be carrying on a very Manley line at VMI. And speaking of Jack’s brother, Jerry, our family was enjoying a delightful carriage ride through historic Charleston over spring break when our driver noted the VMI shirt on my youngest son. After confirming I was an alumnus, he asked if I knew “Lt. Manley” whom he had served under as a sonar technician in the Navy’s submarine force. Rather than denying all knowledge of Jerry, I ’fessed up and received the glowing feedback of a prior service member with fond memories of his lieutenant and the life “down under.” Jim Johnston sent me a terrific picture of wife Diane and Jim on the Great Wall of China. Making the picture especially sweet is the VMI83 comforter from one of our prior reunions that “Jowls” and his bride are proudly displaying. In looking at the photo, it strikes me that the red and yellow colors of the comforter seem to match the colors of the flag of the “People’s Republic.” I guess this is not a coincidence, since most of the stuff we get at reunions is made there anyway. Sister Rat Mary Amato supported the VMI cause this spring by volunteering to make a t-shirt

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quilt for the Keydet Club online auction. She worked with coaches and others to get various t-shirts that reference VMI sports, such as swimming, soccer and football, to cut up for inclusion in the quilt. I had a moment of concern when Mary also asked for donations of VMI shirts other than sports-themed ones for inclusion in the quilt but then thankfully realized BR Dunlap would never part with his vintage Wet Beaver shirt collection. In December 2011, Brig. Gen. Scott “Rock” Donahue returned from the Iraq draw-down, having spent two of the last four years over there. In January, the Donahues PCSd from California to Ft. Bragg which is the family’s 19th move since Rock commissioned in May 1983. Their son and daughter-in-law are both captains in the Army – son is an infantry officer on his third tour in Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment, and daughter-in-law is a UH-60 pilot planning to deploy her company to Afghanistan later this year. Their oldest daughter and son-in-law are both Army nurses serving at Ft. Sam Houston, and twin daughters are now 17 and finishing up their junior year of high school in Fayetteville. Many thanks to you and your clan, Rock, for everyone’s considerable service and sacrifice. As you ’83 BRs read these notes, we are well into my sixth year as your class agent, and time is approaching for another reunion – my, how time flies! Our 30th will be a spring reunion and will be held April 26-27, 2013. So, mark your calendars now, because it will be here before you know it. Reunion headquarters will be at Best Western Col Alto. This is a prime spot in downtown Lexington. So, whoever spent Saturday night of our 25th out on the lawn at the Hunt Ridge Hotel should probably plan on getting a room reservation this time around. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there. WDT!

Class of 1983: Scott Horan had success during a South Carolina hunt with Jim Henry, Joe Irby ’85 and Everett Irby ’55.

’84

Barry Coceano

Gents: I’m hoping these notes find everyone taking full advantage of all the fun things that go along with the warmer weather, like cutting your grass, weeding the flower beds, cleaning the windows, etc. The same type of energy gets expended doing those fun things as was expended preparing for weekly inspections at VMI. The big difference between now and then is that now, when you don’t do the things you need to be doing around the house, putting them off in favor of going fishing or golfing, you end up in the wife’s doghouse, which is much worse than getting a few measly demerits. Oh well; I guess the Ratline never really ends. I know, I know … get to the notes. I received the following update from Steve Reardon after sending out my e-mail to you all about the “Above and Beyond” Keydet Club Challenge: “Barry: Looking for sympathy, as I will have four in college next year – VMI, Radford, UVA and JMU. Donations to the Reardon scholarship fund gratefully accepted. Still have one at home. My son is a 3rd (class of ’14), so we will be looking for him at reunions before too long. Problem is, his first will be our 30th! My brother, Kevin Reardon ’87, has twins in that class, too. Went to a Runnin’ Roos game to visit my son and saw Bob Chapman in the front row with Cav. I understand Bob was asked to consider having the place renamed “Chapman – Cameron Hall.” You can do it, Bob! See lots of BRs here in Richmond, too many to list, but just recently had breakfast with Dave Adams, Bill Janis and Tom Anthony. Tom reports that Dan Gettings was in the office in Afghanistan where a U.S. Army officer was slain by an irate Afghani soldier earlier this year – a tragedy indeed, but we are grateful Dan is safe. Thanks to all you guys, ’84 and otherwise, out there serving us.” Steve, appreciate the update and ditto the thanks to those VMI men and women serving today. On a lighter note, I guess you’re on a first name basis with the Student Loan and Parent Plus Loan officer! Speaking of Bob Chapman, I have to give him a big plug here. For those who are unaware, Bob is the president and CEO of Bank of the James in Lynchburg. Recently, I was in the market to refinance my house (wanted to take advantage of the historically low rates) and decided to give Bobby a call to get a quote from Bank of the James. Long story short, he beat all the competition … hands down. He has a great

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CLASS NOTES Agostinelli who was the co-pilot on the Delta gle Bother Rat Anthony Agostinelli (a pilot for group of folks at Bank of the James who reflect flight. We spent a whole week in Paris and had Delta Airlines) into hooking them up with first the ethics and values that Bob has instilled into a blast. Gus only had a two-day layover before class cabin seats on a flight Gus was piloting to his bank. It was the nicest experience I have flying back to the U.S., but we made the most Paris. I’ve heard of incredible boondoggles, but ever had negotiating a loan. Bob, I hope you this takes the cake! Tom, I hope you and Boni at of the time we all had together. I recently talked won’t mind this unsolicited advertisement for to Phil Schied who just received his doctorate. least picked up the bill for dinner that evening Bank of the James; keep up the great work, I will catch up with him in Wilmington soon for in Paris and didn’t have Gus use his per diem to brother. a beer to celebrate.” Tom, I was extremely sorry cover the tab! Rick Russell checked in with the following to hear about your dad passing away. I rememTom Carboni validated Tom Anthony’s update: “I wanted to send in this picture of me ber meeting him a couple times, and he truly above story with the following update: “We are riding in a B-17G down here in Jacksonville, was a gentleman and a wonderful role model. doing well, though I lost my father on Feb.28th. FL. Go figure; after 22 years in the military, After Carboni sent me his update, Phil Shied He would have been 90 years old in August and the Air Force finally provides a ride in style! I came out of exile with the following: “Barry, was a WWII Navy veteran who served in the retired from the Navy as a commander back in I hope you and your family are well. I have North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea on a deJune ’07. Ironically, my last year in the Navy not spoken to you for years. Life is good for stroyer escort named U.S.S. William T. Powell. was spent in the Army as a brigade current He was very proud of me for going to VMI, and me and my family in Ellicott City, MD. A few operations officer in Baghdad (2006). Man, he loved meeting my classmates and my dyke you Army guys sure know how to show a fella weeks ago, I had dinner with Tom Anthony, Gabe Mastrobuono ’81, whenever he had the a good time. After retiring in Millington, TN, and he told me of his recent trip to Paris with opportunity. Special thanks to Tom Anthony I worked at FedEx as a project manager and Tom Carboni and Anthony Agostinelli. Frank and Keith Belcher who drove up to Philly for senior business systems analyst for several Kollmansperger and Dave Pastorius send me his funeral. In late March, Debbie and I flew years and am now employed by CSX as an updates every now and then, and I should do to Paris with Tom Anthony and Quido “Gus” applications project manager here in Jacksona better job of returning messages. But the big ville. My wife, Che’, and I are enjoying the news is that on May 12, 2012, I was awarded a Florida sunshine. Our daughter, Tia, is now doctor of philosophy in civil engineering from married to an Army second lieutenant, and they The Catholic University of America in Washare stationed in Germany. We knew she was ington, D.C. [I’ve sent you a photo of] yours fated to marry a military man when she uttered truly, ‘Dr. Phil,’ with my wife, Carol, daughter, these prophetic words as a teenager: ‘I’ll never Hannah, and son, Jack. After years of long marry anyone in the military (complete with nights and boring weekends, it is finally over! required teenage eye rolling)!’ Doomed her. Take care, and I’ll talk to you soon.” Phil… Well, it does provide an excellent opportunity awesome! Congrats on the PhD. I’m taking you to go visit Europe. No grandchildren yet, but out of my closing paragraph call-out since you we’re hoping soon. Now that I’m back on the surfaced with this update. East Coast, I’d like to get back up to the ‘I’ and Kevin Sample sent me a note a few weeks re-connect.” Rick, glad to hear from you. I was back. He, John Karafa and Chris Davidson Class of 1984: Rick Russell had the flight of his life, pictured here in the wondering where you disappeared to back in were able to meet up with Roland Staiano gunner’s seat of a B-17 while flying 2006. One day we were running into each other while Roland was in Sarasota, FL, back in over Florida. almost weekly in the Pentagon while both of us February. They enjoyed the lively atmosphere were on the Joint Staff; then the next of a local tiki bar that happened day you were gone. Now I know the to be showing the Big South rest of the story … hijacked by the Championship basketball game Army! You and Tom Anthony need between VMI and UNC Ashville. to swap. Tom is in the Army Reserve, Even though it was a bummer and two years ago, he volunteered that the Keydets fell short, Kevin and deployed to the Horn of Africa. reported that he and the guys had The irony was that he deployed with a great time enticing the locals the Navy … go figure. My belated to cheer on VMI. Kevin, always congratulations go to you and Che’ the one to keep you laughing and on your retirement from the Navy (23 thinking, also sent me the followyears of service). ing Jeopardy style quiz: In the Recently, I was sitting in a meeting, “did ya know?” category ... for and I got a text message on my phone 100 points … Answer: The coach from Tom Anthony. I opened the of the lacrosse club at Morehouse text message to find a picture of Tom College (they have a Facebook with a blank-eating grin on his face, page and are on Twitter, @Moresitting in a first class airline seat and houseLAX). Question: Who is toasting to the camera with a glass Tom Hesson? And for 200 points Class of 1984: John Karafa, Kevin Sample, Roland Staiano of wine. As Paul Harvey used to … in the same category of “did and Chris Davidson (not pictured) met in Sarasota, Florida. say, “Now, for the rest of the story.” ya know?” Answer: A walk-on Together, they watched and cheered forthe Big Red team during the Big South Championship basketball game. Seems Brother Rats Tom Anthony football player at Clemson. Quesand Tom Carboni were able to fination: Who is Scott Wilson’s son?

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CLASS NOTES For those who hadn’t heard, our commandant while at VMI – Col. Harold “Buz” Snyder ’57 – passed away over the winter. I’m sure all will agree, Col. Snyder was a fair and well respected commandant. He set high standards and held everyone in Barracks to those standards. To me, Col. Snyder was the consummate leader – he was professional, respectful, stoic and strong of character. And he looked and sounded every bit a soldier – uniform always impeccably kept, shoes always shined and a stern, commanding voice. What I respected most, he applied common sense when dealing with Barracks life and frequently allowed himself to smile and laugh when around cadets. He will be missed by the VMI community. Frank Kollmansperger was able to attend Col. Snyder’s memorial service and passed along the following: “It was a very nice and well attended event. Present were Jeff Modisett ’82, Bob Louthan ’82, Keith Mangum, Dave Pastorius, Andy Anderson (in town from Dubai), Steve Barsamian and myself from the Great Class, as well as Clint Hubbard and Jake Spivey ’85. One of Dave’s cartoons showing Col. Snyder in a Jeep, à la Patton, was included on the memorial table. As we talked about Col. Snyder, we were reminded about what a great guy he was. He was serious and tough, but he could and did smile and had a great sense of humor.” Well, guys, sorry the notes were short this time, but that’s all I have for updates. Please, send me some more material … the more the better. Until next time, goodnight Toby Jones, Ron Lewonski and Charlie Walker, wherever you guys are.

’85

Matt Daniel

Lots of participation this period. Some good information to pass, but first let me tell you about one of the most touching and powerful displays of respect, love and loyalty I have been a witness to. On Feb. 28th of this year, we lost a beloved Brother Rat, a friend, a colleague, a great example of a man. Lamont Toliver died on Feb. 28th while at work. He was the director of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He was like no other. He was loud, funny, generous, loving, smart, strong, driven, righteous (but not TOO righteous) and did I say it already…smile-provokingly loud. He left a loving family which included not only his kin, but also the students whose lives he touched

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and improved; the faculty and staff at UMBC whom he consistently impressed, and us, his Brother Rats. A ceremony for Lamont’s life was held in early March. His wife, Lisa, his four sons, Jacquet, Julian, Jordan and Tristan, were comforted by an amazing outflow of love and support. I did not count heads at the ceremony, but I’d say there were north of 1,500 friends there. Among those present and giving their respects were Byron Ross, Moe Gissendanner, Cedric Wins, Hugh Hill, Quintin Elliott, Jeff Young, Davis Estes, Darren Sawyer, John Henry Jordan, Sylvester Davis, Henry Sanchez, Jeff Lane, Jim Utterback, Dave Tingley, Tom Greenspon, Father Cubby Fimian and myself (Matt Daniel). Several of Lamont’s friends from later classes were also there: Bobby Blackwell ’87, Terry Fortune ’87 and so many others that I am drawing a blank on at this point. I do remember that Frank Ladson ’86 called right before the ceremony and asked to be remembered there and to pass his respects along. It was like a scene from “Remember the Titans.” Lamont, we are all humbled in light of your accomplishments and the effects you have had on those lives around you. Godspeed, amigo. Tom Anthony ’84 sent me an update on our deceased and dear BR, Larry Thomas’ family. His daughter, Elizabeth Thomas, was accepted to USMA. CONGRATULATIONS, Elizabeth Thomas. Your father is smiling right now, I am certain. In early May, I was driving near Leesburg, VA. I came to a traffic signal, and right in front of me was a vehicle (SUV, if I recall correctly) with a Virginia license plate: “VMI l985.” I flashed my lights and honked and yelled my

head off. The offending BR just looked in the rear view mirror and never even turned around. Disappointed, I was. Who ARE you, VMI l985? You owe me an apology. I received a nice note from Stash Adamus the day after I sent in the previous notes. He told me: “Matt, I promise to get back on the radar scope. Here are my basic details: I work in Falls Church – skyline complex – project management support to health affairs. I always get lost in that building with the extra wall, so I avoid the Pentagon. I live in Annandale. I got a full frontal tattoo of Sponge Bob Square Pants on my chest, and these days I sport a pony tail and a nose ring. Not much has changed.” That’s the way to rock it, Stash! (I was kidding about the nose ring.) Random name drop (RND): Woo Kirtley, what’s happening? I received another good note from Roy Creasey who tells me that he is currently working as a manager and senior analyst at Patricio Enterprises, Inc. in Stafford (just outside of the back gate of Quantico). In this role, Roy supports the program manager of Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command. Oorah infantry. Most of his work involves statistical analysis, modeling and simulation, and cost estimation. Keeping the warfighter well armed and well-informed. Good and important work, Roy. RND: Artie Massaro, how are you doing, brother? Hugh Hill got married. WTH! He got married in Italy! Italy in April! His new wife, Kathryn, is beautiful and obviously tolerant. Way to go, Huge. Way to go, Kathryn. My son got engaged. Just thought I’d throw that in here.

Class of 1985: Aboard the U.S.S. Blue Ridge in Busan, South Korea, were from left, Cmdr. John Shimotsu, Rear Adm. Matt Carter and Cmdr. Paul Grgas.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES RND: Steve Heflin. Mike Lamore. Hey, fellas. I saw Chris Welch in the Pentagon. We had a cup of coffee and a good discussion. He looks great. Air Force life becomes him. Paul Grgas sent me a note: “Matt: We had a reception on the U.S.S. Blue Ridge this afternoon in Busan, Korea, and met up with John Shimotsu who is now the SEVENTHFLT chaplain. Matt Carter was also on board, as he prepares to take over CTF 72. We had a photo taken, and I will forward it once I have a chance to Photoshop it. (See the results.) Thanks for the note, Paul – love the aquaflage. Hey – speaking of camouflage, where is Jim Chartier? I received a manuscript from Shoeless Paul Shoemaker, as well. It went something like this: “Last summer, my expat assignment to Paris, France, ended along with the project that I was working on. However, since I fell in love with France and the European lifestyle, I wasn’t going to give up without a fight. So, with the help of my boss and some helpful colleagues, I found a local position within my company and hired on directly. So, one day I am a U.S.-based employee, and the next I am earning Euros, getting the famed five weeks vacation, plus the little known compensation for not enjoying the 35hour French work week called RTT, which is another four weeks of vacation, plus 11 holidays! So, I guess I am semi-retired, or at least 1/4 retired! In addition to discovering all sorts of new wine, cheese, good Belgian beers, ancient villas and beautiful vistas while in France and traveling/vacationing throughout Europe, I also discovered a new passion. Or perhaps it is just my mid-life crisis, as I am a late bloomer. That passion is triathlon. I started running in Paris, after a 20-plus year hiatus, and then biking, and so it was a natural transition to put on the swim cap and head down the Seine. I did my first triathlon in Paris in 2010. I believe my picture got in the Review at the time, and then my second in 2011. It was after the second, when I actually enjoyed myself as opposed to just surviving the first one, that I decided to take it up a notch. So, I joined up with a local triathlon [group], Expatries Triathlon Club, and I am starting to get serious. I have at least five tri’s planned for this year and maybe upwards of eight (Class agent note: Shoe, get a second job. You are going to hurt yourself!) In addition, I am putting some of that time off to good use and attending a week-long tri training camp (les-stables.com) in May. Plus, I am planning on running my first marathon, Paris Marathon, this April. Brent Harder (Another class agent note: Isn’t it

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funny how Harder always seems to make it into the notes?! What the heck. How does that happen!?) ran it last year, but unfortunately I was out of town that weekend and missed him. I say ‘unfortunately,’ but it was somewhat fortunate, in that he is in another league than I. So, I fit back into my Navy uniforms from 20-plus years ago, I am enjoying the camaraderie of the club and I get half decent results. On the family front, my oldest daughter stayed behind in the states when we came over on assignment to continue her second year at William and Mary. She is the one fluent in French! After a year of that, she said ‘enough’ and transferred to the American Business School of Paris to finish her BS in marketing. She will be done this May and will likely head to a French graduate school. My second daughter is on her way to university and just got accepted to a unique program at the St. Georges University of London, School of Medicine. That’s right – right out of high school she will be headed to medical school and will start at the tender age of 17. The med. school runs five years, and then she goes to residency. Not a bad fast track, but Mom and Dad are going to be poor for a while! My son, 14, is being a 14-yearold boy … enuff said. But I envy him when he becomes a young man in the big city of Paris. I missed that boat. Lastly, now that we have decided to stay, my wife plans on finding a job, as well. Or at least as soon as we get the visas, work permits, etc straight. There is a great quote about living abroad; it goes something like, ‘Every day is a lesson in humility when living abroad.’ This is even more so in France, where the system beguiles even the French. So, navigating the bureaucracy is a whole different ball game, even more so with my less than perfect French accent. On the VMI front, I was lucky enough to host the VMI rugby team for dinner during their trip to Paris the spring of 2011. The price of the dinner was a rousing Ole Yell for ’85 from the team, which I think woke up the dead in the Paris catacombs. Also, when I go to the pub, I can see the signed rugby ball the team donated, proudly displayed at the bar. I had to bring a bit of ‘Mother I’ to Paris. Also, I had the chance to meet a young man in Paris, a French-American citizen, who had lived in France all his life and dreamed of becoming ... wait for this, Matt … a U.S. Marine officer and going to VMI. (Class agent note: Oorah, devil neck! Leather dog!) I managed to retain my honor while writing the letter of recommendation, despite his obvious lack of judgment in joining the Navy’s sister service. But the Navy needs more Marines to guard the gates, so I guess it

is OK. Any who, he managed to get an offer and will soon matriculate at the beloved ‘I’ for the class of 2016. (P.S. His parents paid me off with an excellent dinner in the shadow of the Invalides, so all is not lost.) So, if any BRs are passing through Paris, I am always up for a drink or dinner, or bring the running shoes, and we can jog through the Bois de Boulonge and see some strange sights … (One last class agent note: Yes, the Marine Corps is part of the Department of the Navy. The Men’s Department! Chuckle! Thanks for the note, Shoe!) RND: Dave Brennan, wussup? Jeff Young says that although it took him over 20 years to do it, he finally won a national championship. As a coach, he did just that. Charmaine Roberts, one of his masters runners, won the 400m at the Masters National Championships in 59.69sec. She ran this at 44 years old. Jeff, that is just awesome. I now know of at least four of our BRs who have gotten pretty serious about coaching: Young, Davis, Greenspon and Daniel, but it looks like Jeff is out-kicking all of us. Tommy Manning. Where are you? How about you, Doug McGowen? Steve Hagan dresses like a debutante when no one else is home. Rich Williams owns four dogs. Does anyone else tell people that we have a classmate named Karl Marks? Did I mention that Scottie Pearson is a kungfu master? I think I did. And a master salesman? He is. Kyle Winter sends a note about a photo, which includes himself and Greg Enterline: “Greg runs a couple of landfills for Waste Management (WM), and … he’s darned good at it. I am the deputy director of one of the Department of Environmental Quality’s regional offices, and I get to sign off on WM’s construction and operation permits in my region. Greg’s a pleasure to work with on the occasions that our paths cross. (Agent note: Greg still barks like a Marine. A lot!) Yeah, I weigh roughly twice what I did on Matriculation Day in ’81, but it’s not for lack of trying. My biggest hobby outside of work and family is weight lifting. I was benching, squatting and dead lifting over 300 pounds before shredding the meniscus in my left knee during a session last November, probably complicated by several attempts to ‘work things loose’ with interval training in the weeks that followed. After getting my knee ’scoped in January, it’s been a slog getting back to where I was, but I’m optimistic that I’ll have recovered completely by summer’s end. On the family front, Dee and I homeschooled our five kids before they started taking courses at John Tyler Community College in their respective

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CLASS NOTES junior years. Our son actually started JTCC as a freshman at age 14. He then spent a couple of years at Hampden-Sydney before finishing up at VCU’s engineering school. He’s married to an EE (my grandchildren are doomed to geekdom), and he works for IBM in the Hudson Valley. After graduating from ODU, our oldest daughter spent a year in South Korea teaching English – the earthquake in Japan and the NORKs’ shelling of the South Korean ship occurred while she was over there, so we had to learn to not watch the news. She’s getting married to a newly minted ensign whose nuclear power school assignment starts [soon]. Our younger three are still in school of some sort. Our second daughter graduated from Liberty a couple of years back and is going back to JTCC to become a registered nurse. Our third daughter is going to Bluefield this fall and will split her time between coursework in elementary education, singing for one of their ensembles and playing volleyball. Our youngest has no idea what she wants to do but is hoping that she can get a volleyball scholarship to pay for it.” Great add, Kyle! Thanks for the update. RND: Greg Bond. Speaking of Jarheads. The Matt and Cathy Daniel family: #1 son is a USMC second lieutenant in U.S. Naval Flight School. #2 just graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in philosophy and cognitive science. Too smart for me. #3 is at UR as a rising junior, and #4 will be a freshman at Robinson HS in Fairfax, VA. Cathy and the boys are doing very well. I make beer. Cathy makes bread. Davis Estes keeps changing his beard styles. Last time I checked, he’s got this Egyptian beard-column thing going. Lastly, Cadet Sterling Taylor (class of 2015), Stuart Taylor’s son, is the recipient of the 201213 Class of 1985 Memorial Scholarship. Nicely done, Sterling! Hey. Where the heck is Benny Hill? Semper fi, all, and RVM. MD

’86

Clint Hubbard

Here it is on New Market Day, and I will apologize in advance for the brevity of these notes. Not much news or updates have come across the wires, and I’ve been busier than Karl Sjolund signing confinement checks lately. So, I haven’t drummed up too much commentary, either. I have had a few BR sightings across the quarter; here’s the update on them.

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There is a developmental lacrosse league in the Richmond area called Geronimo Lacrosse, and it is for youngsters from kindergarten through grade 6 – think of it as little league for lacrosse. There are a number of VMI connections to the league, and I always saw some VMI guys at the games, including Jon Moody, Roy Woolwine, Hunter Elliott ’85, Jake Spivey ’85, Dave Hope ’88, Tom Spivey ’89 and Mike Locher ’84. Anyway, one Saturday morning, BR Woolwine announces he will have a house guest that evening, and we should stop by to see the one and only Kurt Hedberg. BR Hedberg recently retired from the U.S. Navy as a demolition diver – he got to blow things up for 20+ years. He looked fit as a fiddle and was the same irreverent Kurt Hedberg we all know and love. I forgot what his bride does, but they are living in the D.C. area, as Kurt has a job with the federal government maintaining some of the archives at Arlington National Cemetery. Let me go on record that BR Woolwine knows how to throw a shin-dig. In addition to plenty of cold beverages, he also whipped a few things off the grill. In attendance besides the BRs mentioned above were Mike Colletti, Al Comer, Hank Selman ’84, Todd Williamson ’87, Dave Brown ’89 and Gordy Fox ’89. The highlight of the evening was just as we departed when Roy showed us into his dining room and proudly noted that his place was a bachelor pad for him and his two boys (Frank and Robert). He then switched on the light and showed us his Christmas tree was still up! I checked with him just before submitting these notes in early May, and BR Woolwine still has his Christmas tree up. You gotta love it – Woolwine, RF, is a man among men. Facebook is a good place to catch up with a few of the boys – notably, where in the world Tim Perez might be hoisting a cold one or where Chuck Steenburgh might be observing SRC, as well as some spirited political debates between Jeff Smiley and Sean Poremba. The dialogues are very spirited, but I’m happy to report they always seem to part as friends. Last issue, I mentioned some members of the class whose progeny may be spending their college days at Annapolis or West Point – a reminder came from the west to offer equal time to the young men and ladies of 1986 who are serving at the United States Air Force Academy. Father Troy Lanier’s daughter, Taylor, joined her brother at the USAF Academy in June. Taylor was appointed by Senator Mike Lee of Utah and is flying high according to her proud dad. Troy noted that Senator Lee personally called each of these service academy appointees to inform them of their appointments, and he invited all cadets and parents to a dinner. BR Lanier said the senator ate with the appointees and had them laughing with story after story. Troy said he could overhear

some of the conversation, and the stories would always start with, “OK, you have to promise you won’t Twitter this, but when ….” The appointees also received flags flown over the Capital. BR Lanier mentioned that there was not any fanfare like that when he marched off to VMI in 1982. Troy did recount our cadre’s fascination with him as the Hawaiian Rat and how they said he was lower than whale droppings which sit at the bottom of the ocean. So, therefore, there is nothing lower on earth. Troy noted there were a few occasions when that was actually an understatement. Well done to BR Lanier on having two cadets at the USAFA. What’s not to like about free tuition and guaranteed employment? Let me throw out an assist to the ’85 class agent, Matt Daniel ’85, with his RND for John Whitty ’85. John and his family attend the same church as my family. Also attending River Road Baptist Church are: Charlie Early ’87, Andy McAllister ’88, Austin Clark ’95, Richard Wood ’68 and our senior cadet, Stuart Seaton ’41. John’s bride, Cathy, was his girlfriend when he was at VMI, and they have three great kids: J.T., Emily and Michael. Well, that’s a wrap – got to get this sent in for submission to the fabulous Alumni Review team who puts together the best alumni magazine on earth. Take care, BRs, and someone send me some news.

’87

Ernie Edgar

Brother Rats: By the time these notes go to press and reach you in the Alumni Review, we will be just weeks away from our 25th Reunion, 14-16 September 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, Al Pantano and Greg Otey, to deployment in Afghanistan (where, hopefully, they can get together for a mini reunion), I look forward to seeing everyone else there! Over the past couple of months, I got back into LinkedIn and heard from many classmates. Mark Current is planning on making it back for our reunion. He wrote, “I haven’t been back to the ‘I’ since they were recruiting my son for football. (He ended up going to Western Illinois but thought hard about VMI.) My other son is being considered by the Air Force Academy and West Point. My kids are 20, 18 and 16 – two boys and a girl. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.” Stu Wharton will be there, too. He works for “a small defense contractor” supporting Navy contracts in the cyber warfare

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES area and continues to serve as a captain in the getting into the business side of the performing his first year of law school in Charlottesville. Naval Reserve in the Information Dominance arts and possibly performing, as well. Aaron is By the time we see him in September, he’ll Corps and is the senior information professional turning 17 and is a rising senior at Rockbridge have finished a summer working for the Fairfax officer in charge of all community issues for County High School. He’s active in cross County Public Defender’s Office. Reserve information professionals. In his spare country, track, scouting and anything outdoors. In early March, Sean Miller, Warren Mitime (!!), he works part time as a consultant and We’ve started the college search, with VMI and chelsen, Steve Baird and Bill Wanovich got research assistant at George Mason University’s Hampden Sydney on the list of top schools.” together in the Pacific Northwest while Bill was C4I center and will start his Ph.D. in the fall in Jimmy Mallis is a senior marketing repreat Fort Lewis (now called Joint Base Lewis Mccyber security. He and Cheryl have a 12-yearsentative with CAN Surety. Brad Chandler Chord) reconning this summer’s Army ROTC old daughter and a 7-year-old son. So, when is a Principal with Yardi Systems. And Matt Advanced Camp. There were lots of BR and Stu is not doing all of the above, he coaches his Howard has put a new spin on his old gig as a post-graduation war stories and photographic daughter’s softball team. So will Dave Smith, Marine aviator – he is both an aviation consulevidence of parachute jumps from back then. who lives in Fairfield, VA. Dave sent along tant and a yacht broker. On the recruiting side, I Steve sent along photos of the four behaving an article featuring our own Col. Lapthe Chau was able to lure away to Tampa a fine young atthemselves, so hopefully we’ll hear more of Flora on the front page of the Stars and Stripes. torney from Doug Messner’s ATK operation in what really went on at Reunion! Radford. And finally, Eddie Ledford has traded Finally, in the last class notes, I wrote the fol(Editor’s Note: The Stars and Stripes was not in Army green for UVa blue and is finishing lowing: “Lastly, dear readers, by the time you able to grant reprint permission for the article have this in hard copy, it really will or photo.) Dave is vice president of have been 25 years since our graduPrograms and Business Developation! For the past five, it has been ment in the Night Vision business my honor and privilege (as well as segment for ITT Exelis. He wrote, great fun) to be our class’s agent. “I’ve been working in Roanoke at This job requires the occasional the Night Vision facility for almost travel to Lexington (never a bad 13 years, alongside Lapthe. Vicki thing) and a few hours of creative and I continue to reside in Fairfield, writing every quarter and carries where we’ve been for the past 19 with it the joy of staying in touch years. We will celebrate our 25th with all of you, as well as insights wedding anniversary this August. into today’s cadets and how the Our children are healthy and happy Institute’s leadership carries out its and eager for what the future has in special trust of educating honorable store for them. Ashleigh turns 22 men and women. As we come up Class of 1987: At a March mini-reunion outside Joint this summer and is graduating from on our next reunion, I’m reminded Base Lewis McChord were, from left, Steve Baird, Bill George Mason University with a by my old track running days that Wanovich, Warren Michelsen and Sean Miller. BFA in dance. She’s excited about it is time to pass the baton to a new class agent. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with whoever takes up the next leg. Operators are standing by to take your nominations!” Over the next couple of weeks as you make your way back to Lexington, I hope you’ll consider taking on this joyful task or nominating your roommate to do the same. Amidst the beverages and the camaraderie, I look forward to supporting our next Brother Rat class agent! As always, thanks for letting me know what you are up to, and please keep all the e-mails, photos and news coming! Ernie Postscript: Brother Rats, shortly after I submitted our class notes to the Alumni Review, I learned of the passing of Col. Kenny Walters, after his long and valiant struggle against cancer. He beat back that insidious disease long enough to watch his son, Ryan, graduate from high school. Kenny’s wife, Amy, posted this last message on their CaringBridge site: “With a heart that is broken into a million tiny pieces, Class of 1987: The Little Rock Alumni Association Chapter honored the late I am writing to say that my love and best friend Ken Walters at their spring picnic. They were all holding a photo of Ken (taken of 27 years has finally lost his brave battle. at their last baseball game outing) and his famous corndog. Kenny passed away yesterday at eight in the

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CLASS NOTES morning. It happened the way I had hoped – I slept beside him and held his hand all night. He went peacefully without a struggle and with no pain.” Our old TAC officer, Jim Dittrich ’76, who now lives in Little Rock and had come to know Kenny and Amy very well over their last several years there, wrote: “A sad day for us in Arkansas … I never met a better fighter than Ken nor a better friend and lover of the Institute. He knew the end was coming and wanted to see his son, Ryan’s, high school graduation. He literally dragged himself, but he saw him graduate. Ken hoped to have attended our annual picnic this past Saturday … we met and remembered him this way (see photo accompanying these notes). The photo we are holding is of him attending our last baseball game with his famous corndog.” As we gather for our 25th, we will be sorely missing Kenny and our other classmates who have left us since our 20th Reunion – Charlie Schwarz, Pete Carty and Matt Rowe. In addition, the Institute family is smaller and sadder from the loss this past March of our first commandant, Col. Buzz Snyder ’57. Though time has thinned our ranks, the memories of each of these fine men will continue to live strong in our class. And the world is certainly a better place for having known them.

’88

Drew McKone

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1988 for this issue.

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

Gents, hope this finds you well. As I write this, the early spring rains are falling, and the Corps has just started exams. When you read it, the summer will be wrapping up, and anxious Rats will be awaiting their first dealings with Cadre. Before I start the updates, I’m going to take the next paragraph to jump on my soapbox and do a little preaching. I hope you will indulge me. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to reconnect with BRs at three events in two days. The common thread that ran through all of them was how good it was to reconnect. We all live busy lives and have more to do than time allows. However, so does your BR, and if he (we) helped each other through VMI, can’t we help each other through life? How many times

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have you thought, “It would be nice to catch up with ____?” Well, do it! Pick up the phone and call that guy, plan to meet someplace with the family, whatever. My bottom line is, don’t wait four years for a reunion; you will be happy that you did. OK, enough preaching from me. By now, Dave Clement is comfortable on his throne and wants to know what the class of ’89 is up to. So, let’s start with some e-mails that have come through in the last three months. Tom “Buzzard” Spivey wrote in: “Got some down time at 3:30 am, so here’s my update: Graduated 56th Basic Police Academy in September and got through 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.” What Tom doesn’t write about is his tally of road kill working the back roads of Chesterfield County. Seems his Crown Vic is on the possum’s most wanted list! Tom, I think I’ll take you up on the tour. I used that as a marketing paper while at VCU and got an A on it, but you have put it to work; great job. Sticking with Chesterfield County or, more correctly, the booming metropolis of Chester, Bob Bradford writes in:” I am a contracted program manager for the U.S. Army Sustainment Battle Lab at Fort Lee. I’ve been working there since last March and ran into Scott Stables and Phil Raiford who are both working at Fort Lee. Scott is teaching at Army Logistics University, and Phil is an analyst for the U.S. Army. Also talked to Wayne Jones about a certain Marine recruit who was going through basic training. Shane Wilkinson ’11 enlisted in the Marines this past year and was graduated at the top of his class. Wayne ensured that he remembered the inscription on the Parapet!” Bob, thanks for the update. Because Bob is a humble man, what he didn’t report on was his wife, Tracy, who is now running the U.S. Army’s Museum of Women in the Army at Fort Lee. OK, so I’m not sure what her responsibilities are, but for these notes, she runs the whole place and reports directly to the Sec. of the Army. So, anyone who gives us a hard time for going to a single sex school can now reference Mrs. Bradford. I believe now is also a good time to remind you that these notes are not certified. Speaking of certified, we did get a J.C. Gregory siting from Gary Sibayan. Gary said he was at the WAWA in Fredericksburg and saw “that walk” and knew it was J.C. Found out he is still posted at the Pentagon and finishing up his Ph.D. J.C., that’s outstanding!

Excuse me, Dr. J.C., that’s outstanding. Got a great update from Andy Tunnard: “I’ve started a new job as the director of Operation’s Support at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. I am responsible for statewide operations which include winter weather ops, road maintenance, signage and emergency response. It is a great job with a lot of challenges. On a personal note, my oldest daughter started college and is attending the University of San Diego where she is studying biology. My younger daughter is a junior in high school and recently completed a two-week mission to China with ‘Operation Smile’ where she assisted [medical personnel] in operating on children with cleft lips and other facial deformities. My wife and I purchased our first boat [in summer 2011] and are looking forward to our second season fishing and cruising the Jersey shore this summer. In early December, Bill Miller and Steve Warren came up to Brooklyn where Buddy Schmeling and I met them for dinner at Peter Lugar’s steak house. Raphie Barsamian made a cameo appearance at dinner, as he was traveling from Boston back out to the West Coast. After dinner I departed but heard that Steve Warren delivered a little sample of his boxing prowess to Buddy ... who is still recovering. In February, I met up with Bill Miller, John Osborn, Dave Brown, Gary Sibayan, John Adametz, George Armbruster and Rich Sparks for a mini reunion dinner in Baltimore. Everyone was doing great, and we had a great time. I also speak with Mike Mezzacca and Gordy Fox regularly. Mike is an attorney in NJ, and Gordy is continuing to grow his business in Richmond.” Andy, thanks for the great update, and best of luck with the new job. From Erick Ames, “I took my family up to VMI for Legacy Day. The event was very well done, and my kids had a good time. We toured Barracks, including the relatively new Third Barracks. The facilities looked great, and the cadets did a great job interacting with the kids. While I was up there, I ran into Mike Murray. He had been to Roanoke to pick up a puppy. He stopped by Lexington to do a quick lap around Post to show his kids VMI, and we just happened to run into each other. He looked good and said he’s working up at the Pentagon.” So, I mentioned the three get-togethers earlier. The first is a monthly breakfast in the Richmond area that Ned Cox has started. It is held the first Friday of the month, so if you are close, come on by. Since the stories flowed at both of the gatherings I attended, I will not share all. However, a happenstance naval reunion in the drunk tank in the Philippines and something about fungus on toes stuck in my mind. You have to attend to hear the rest! I was also fortunate enough to attend Capt.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Marty Malloy’s Wetting Down in D.C. He headed to Miami this May where he is chief of Prevention for Coast Guard District 5 which covers Charleston, SC, to the Caribbean. I’m sure we can find a reason to head to Miami during the next couple of winters! To let you know that I am taking my own advice, Lori and I had dinner with Steve and Amy Stafford. Steve and I live a little more than an hour away and rarely see each other. So, we pulled the calendar out, found an available date and picked a restaurant halfway in between. It was great catching up with them. Steve’s engineering company based in Williamsburg is doing well, and he has talked with a couple of BRs on some different projects. The whole Stafford family is traveling to Africa this summer to do construction work at an orphanage! Great job, guys; looking forward to those stories and pictures. Lastly, who was watching the Weather Channel when Bob Speildenner made a guest appearance? Bob was on, talking about hurricane preparedness and the steps that Virginia has taken to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Bob, it’s great seeing you on TV when there is no disaster! Keep the updates coming, guys, and don’t forget to stay in touch. Hope to see you soon.

’90

Robert

Greetings, from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where I’m trying to spend my time skiing on all of them …! Hope your summer has been going well and glad to pass on the following updates from our Brother Rats. As we enter our 22nd year from graduation, I’m pleased to relay that a number of our Brother Rats are being promoted to senior ranks in our military. It’s not surprising for VMI men to rise to these ranks, but it’s definitely great to see our BRs extending the legacy and leading our country’s military! Mike Manning checked in to say he has returned from the NATO Defense College and is now at Quantico, VA, working at Marine Corps Systems Command as the product manager for Infantry Combat Equipment. Mike ran

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into Andy Tate there and saw Chris Dixon prior to leaving Camp Lejeune. Mike’s son graduates from high school this year and will be headed to Old Dominion University. Mike was selected for colonel this year and expects to pin on next spring. In the interim, he will be finishing his master’s degree from Florida Institute in Technology. Congratulations are also in order for Pete Mantz. Pete’s wife, JoAnne, passed along that he was recently promoted to captain in the Navy and was selected for major command. Pete’s next assignment will be as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Essex in San Diego. The U.S.S. Essex is an amphibious assault ship. On March 30, 2012, Ley Havird pinned on the rank of colonel at the Naval War College at Naval Station Newport, RI. The emcee for the event was Donnie Holloway ’93, who was Ley’s Rat and who also happens to be attending the War College at Naval Station Newport, RI. Paul Maini ’66, Ley and Donnie’s baseball coach at the “I,” was on hand to issue the oath of office and conduct the pinning ceremony. Donnie will pin-on colonel later this summer, as well, so Ley’s happy to out-rank him for at least a little while! (Looks like Donnie still has his chin in on some of the photos I saw … so, at least he hasn’t forgotten the real pecking order.) After graduation in June, Ley heads off to the UAE for a year-long assignment as commander of a maintenance group in the country – an exciting assignment that Ley is really looking forward to. Ley’s wife and girls will remain in Newport and so would welcome any visi-

tors to the area to check in. Thanks to Jenn Havird for passing on this great news on Ley and the photo nearby! Sal Bora is on the move again. After a year of living in Italy and running Jabil’s Western Europe Operations, Sal took a promotion to senior director of Global Solar Operations and is moving back to the U.S. this fall to St. Petersburg, FL. Sal also recently retired from the Arizona Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel. If you’re in the Tampa area this fall, give Sal a call. Brett Turner is beginning his second year in Korea as the deputy for Training and Exercises for United States Forces Korea. Brett and his wife, Cyndi, celebrated 20 years this July with two lovely daughters (15 and 16). They seem to be enjoying Korea and had the opportunity meet up with Sean Carty recently, who was in Seoul on business. Brett also recently ran into Bob Cunningham who was in Seoul via Fort Bragg for an exercise planning conference. Bill “Gator” Ator checked in from Belgium where he, Susie, and their family are still in the Air Force. The Ator’s will have been in Belgium more than one year this summer, where Bill is working for NATO on the staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). Bill leads a team of officers from six NATO nations charged Clark with developing the NATO Ballistic Missile Defense Program. Bill indicates that while work is extremely hectic – it’s one of NATO’s top two programs – his team is making great progress. The Ators have been exploring many European locations, and Bill is coaching the SHAPE American high school football team. According to Bill, “The great part is that I am able to coach my sons again. My oldest, Taylor, a high school sophomore, earned all-conference and team MVP honors this past season. Not bad for the 6-foot, 240-pound 16-year-old. His goal is to play for the mighty Keydets in a couple of years.” Awesome – can he play next year? We obviously need him! Bill passed along that Tom Bailey is also assigned to SHAPE and that Mark Cheadle appears to be heading to Belgium this summer, as well. Perhaps a Class of 1990: On March 30, 2012, Ley Havird (center) was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force at the class of ’90 reunion in Europe is Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. On hand to in order …? help officiate the ceremony were his dyke, Air Force Lt. Taylor Farmer checked in from Col. (colonel-select) Donnie Holloway ’93 (not pictured) Oklahoma where he is leading the and Col. Paul Maini ’66, left, who was Havird’s and HolOklahoma VMIAA chapter. The loway’s baseball coach while they were at VMI and who group recently conducted their is a former head of The VMI Alumni Association. annual New Market Day event in

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CLASS NOTES Oklahoma City. Classes from 1976 to 2011 were represented, and Taylor passed on that they are doing a great job of turning young men and women onto VMI. Hunter Trumbo passed on a great update on what he’s been up to and his frequent run-ins with our BRs. Hunter has been spending the past two years completing his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He graduates this summer. Stacy Trumbo has been holding down the fort for the family while Hunter’s been buried in the books. Hunter passed on that his boys – Jacob (10) and Jackson (6) – are happy that the “daddy has homework to do” excuse is over, and the Trumbo clan is looking forward to a busy summer of baseball, campouts and trips to the beach. Hunter recently connected with John Hahn, who’s still in the Coast Guard and working half a block from Hunter’s office. John’s family is living in Smith Mountain Lake, VA, while he spends four days a week in Arlington, VA. Jim Hynes and Sean Carty are in town frequently on business, and they have teamed up to grab a beer (or two…). Hunter also sees Garrett Peck on occasion, who, as we reported in our last notes, recently published a book on the Potomac River. One quick correction note … In our last class notes, I mistakenly indicated that Andy Kvasnicka is in northern Virginia and patrolling part time for the Prince George’s County, Maryland, police department. Andy is actually with Virginia Power and lives in Prince George’s County, Virginia, near Petersburg. My age is showing … and sorry for the mix up! Speaking of feeling old, Ramil Ibanez recently attended the 18th Annual Legacy Day at VMI with his family. While touring Barracks, his first class cadet tour guide let him know that he was BORN in 1990 … More importantly, Ramil’s two boys are 8 and 10 and “can’t wait to go to VMI!” Ramil remains in King William, VA, and works for Edelman Financial in Richmond. And one final awesome note from Terence Kerner … Terence was pleased to pass along that his son, Murphy, will matriculate this fall at VMI. We believe Murphy may be the first of our sons and daughters to matriculate at the Institute. (Let me know if there are others!) It’s great to see this come full circle and the legacy continue for our class! We wish Murphy all the best as he takes on the challenge and the reward that comes with being a VMI graduate! Interestingly, Murphy is one of 12 graduates of Benedictine High School in Richmond who will attend VMI in the fall. Terence has also connected with

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a number of our BRs over the past several months. He played golf with Sam Stocks recently. Terence’s construction company does work with Sam’s company. He also sees Tony Baker fairly often. Tony is working for Philip Morris in Richmond, and Terence’s construction company does a lot of work for Philip Morris. Terence talked to Mark Cunningham recently. Mark is doing well working for Dominion VA Power and raising his two daughters. Buddy Garbett and Todd Washington are also seen regularly, as their kids go to elementary school together. Terence also recently heard from Tony Zang, who sent an e-mail announcing he has accepted a new position at HBE Corporation as the VP of Sales for the Southeast Region. Have a great summer and fall, folks, and keep the cards, e-mails and letters coming! Rob

’91

George Petty III

First, I think I need to clarify a sentence last time about Matt Gaddis. His roommates did indeed visit him about two weeks before he died. This visit brought a great deal of comfort and joy to Matt. The friendships forged at the Institute truly transcend time. A group was going to meet at VMI in April to hold a memorial flag raising in Matt’s honor. This was rescheduled to 18 May since Chris Buckland’s mother succumbed to cancer herself. Please join me in offering Chris condolence and support. I will include next time a picture and coverage of the ceremony and shenanigans that spring forth from this Lex Vegas gathering. Frank Louthan sent a note back in January which I promptly forgot to include in the May edition. Frank and his son were on a class trip to D.C. when they took a side trip to Arlington. They visited the 9-11-11 Pentagon memorial. Frank noted that the civilians on the plane were included, indicated by a diamond beside their name. Frank’s grandfather, Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41, became the 12th recipient of the New Market Medal on 15 May 2012. The Louthans gathered in Lexington for the event. Steve Costello went to Liberia “from Jan. 21-Feb. 6 on a mission trip through the United Methodist Church – Volunteers in Mission Team. I went to Camphor Mission Site located about 12 miles outside of Buchanan, Liberia. Buchanan is in Grand Bassa County and is about a two-hour drive south of Monrovia, the capital.” The mission serves

as a school and hospital. This was the site of much brutality when rebels took over the area in 2004. Dead bodies contaminated many of the local wells. Steve’s group has helped fund and/or construct 10 new wells. Also, they “provide many Malaria prevention ‘mosquito’ nets. One net cost just $10 and can be purchased through www.nothingbutnets.net or through www.umc.org (to purchase nets and provide other support through the United Methodist Church).” To see the very large number of pictures from his trip, visit http:// imageevent.com/camphor_liberia/steves1100pics. This will take you to one album. Use the pull down menu to view other albums of pictures taken in Liberia. OK, now that mea culpa is complete, I get to brag about myself or rather my lovely and amazing wife, Lorraine. On 14 May 2012, she gave birth to our third child, a son, John Matthias. John was born into good health at 0015,

Class of 1991: Lt. Col. Wai-Kin Tong and niece Paige at the farewell ceremony for the 411th Engineer Brigade at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. The 411th was leaving for Afghanistan to begin a 9-month deployment.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES just missing Mother’s Day by 16 minutes. John, like Emmett and Carmen, was born at home in Waynesboro. Also welcoming a third child into the world are Scott and Amy Day. Cooper St. Clair arrived on 3/30/2012 at 23:02. Will turned two years old 58 minutes later on 3/31, and the oldest, Owen, turned 4 on 5/27/12. Scott has worked at eBay for three years and is currently serving as senior director, Human Resources, for the PayPal division of the company. Chuck Thompson has converted the Ratline and Breakout VCR tapes into digital format. They can be viewed online at http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=S1dcY0zWr6A&fe ature=channel&list=UL. Otherwise, go to YouTube, and search for VMI 1991. Thanks, Chuck! That should bring back some nightmares; I mean memories. Kyle Bryan has moved on from the Pentagon and is now in Hawaii with COMPACFLT, N401. Lt. Col. Chip McLean, USMC, was recently assigned to the Pentagon as the USMC lead in the Air-Sea Battle Office. Don Cribbs was one of many in the class to be shocked (pleasantly) with the discovery that he, too, was on the O-6 list. Captain, USN, shall be his title early next year. In April, Steve Rusher and his son, Brennan, spent a weekend camping at the Maidens, VA, Cub Scout Adventure Camp. Also

there for the weekend were Ed Arnaldo and his son, Josh. Steve said it was an altogether pleasant weekend, except for the rain. The following info was provided by William Tong ’97: “A promotion ceremony was held for Wai-kin Tong, Technical Headquarters, on the grenade range at RTC-E, Fort Dix, NJ. Maj. Gen. Glenn J. Lesniak, commanding general of the 88th Regional Support Command, and Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, commanding general of the 411th Engineer Brigade (Task Force Empire), pinned on the lieutenant colonel oak leaf. Congratulations and well deserved!” On 19 April, our BR became the latest of those to deploy to Afghanistan. His unit will be there for nine months. They will “assume full responsibility for combat engineering and tactical construction across the entire country of Afghanistan, including managing all military construction operations in the country in support of the ISAF Joint Command’s efforts to improve security, development and governance for the people and government of Afghanistan.” Steve Dudar is transferring to NAVSEA headquarters in July. This means Shannon and he will be in D.C. for one more year. Their son, Stephen, had a recent scare. He was bitten by a bug on his neck which caused cellulitis. Stephen had to be hospitalized for 48 hours to receive IV antibiotics to fight the infection. Fortunately, he is recovering nicely. Brace yourselves, gentlemen! What follows is a collision with reality. Pat Krug announc-

Class of 1991: Steve Costello, village chief, chief’s wife and a family member of the chief near Buchanan, Liberia, in January 2012.

2012-Issue 3

es that his son, Jarod, will matriculate this fall. Yes, we are now that old. On the other hand, we can sit on the balcony of Moody Hall, drink beer and laugh at the cadets marching PTs. Hmm … not so bad. Anyhow, Dan and Chris Joseph will be his host family. We know that Jarod will be in capable and upstanding hands there. Jarod will be on Army scholarship and major in international studies. Chris Eubank writes that he is also on the select list for colonel. He also has been selected for O-6 level garrison command. He will pin on the bird this October or November. Woot! Currently, Chris serves at the U.S. Special Operations Command where he sees Chris Gideons frequently. George Inge contacted me. He is in medical sales and will perhaps soon stop in to see me when he comes to my hospital. George asked about resizing our class ring, so I include the current steps here. Re-sizing of your ring is covered free for lifetime: 1. Go to a jeweler, and size your finger. 2. Make a detailed note of why you are sending the ring to Balfour. Include your name, return mailing address and telephone number. 3. Include a check for $14.95 made to Balfour Company (return shipping fee). 4. Put all of the above into a padded envelope and ship UPS/FedEx to Balfour Company, ATT: Repairs, 7211 Circle S Rd., Austin, TX 78745. 5. I would highly suggest inquiring about extra insurance. Ring replacement for 10kt gold is now around $3,000. 6. If you need to speak with someone, call 1-800/531-5055, option 3 and ask for Martha Noriega in the college special ring section. 7. You should receive your ring back in 2-4 weeks. From Tom Austin: “I’m mobilized and deployed to ISAF HQ in Kabul. Had dinner with BRs Omar Land and Chris Gideons a few weeks back, and I’m looking forward to seeing Captain (USN) Stan Chien out here pretty soon. Before I got here, I was on active duty at NAVEUR in Naples, Italy, and had a fantastic time expanding my cultural horizons, seeing great works of classical art and architecture, and consuming vast quantities of pasta and red vino Italiano. I’ll be home (Huntsville, AL) in the fall.” For the second year in a row, Fred Lehman has been named in Barron’s top 1,000 financial advisors in the country. Way to go, Fred! Rob Johnson has returned from his Bahrain/Iraq mobilization and is currently on active duty at Pensacola, instructing. I hope

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CLASS NOTES it’s not instruction on dressing properly to Presbyterian Church. Will, now 11, is getting manager for the SHAW Group in Hopewell. I walk to the sinks for a shower. Brings tears to ready for middle school and Confirmation am very fortunate, in that I stay busy building my eyes every time I recall that story. next year. He is active in Boy Scouts, and it things with other people’s money. I am on the Gordon Lee retired recently from the gives us some great outdoor adventures. Will Property Ministry at church for another seven Taiwanese Marine Corps and is currently and I went to the Pumpkin Chunkin back in months. Joe Sokolowski and I manage to get looking for civilian employment. There’s a November. A town forms for the weekend together every few months. Joe and Stephanie lot of that over here, too, Gordon. in Delaware, and the sky is filled for three moved to Lexington a couple of years back. Brian Stone begins terminal leave in July. days with flying pumpkins. He also enjoys We have done a ski trip to Wintergreen, Valerie and he will be returning to viewed the Picasso Art Exhibit, Athens, GA, then. seen ‘Wicked’ (we are still trying I will put another plug in for to find our artistic side), went your e-mail address and the VMI to the VMI/UR game, and spent company with which you wish New Year’s together this year to be associated. If you haven’t with Joe and Margaret Rioux and received an e-mail from me since the rest of their family. I talk with May, I don’t have your correct Andy Kvasnicka ’90 about every one. six months. Joe, Jamie Tavenner, The remainder will be a cutRob Sayegh and I played in the paste from Wacky Davis. Traci VMI Coaches Tournament at encouraged him to write it up, Independence and had an enjoyand she sent it to me. Thanks, able day catching up. Last year, Traci! Wacky did such a fine Rich McMinn carried us to a job, I include it in entirety: “On respectful 15 under, but we were Feb. 28th, Traci and I celebrated not even close to the 20 under our 20th wedding anniversary. that won. So, there is 20 years in Class of 1991: Brad Davis and Joe Sokolowski at “AppleBehind every good man there is 200 words or less. (I didn’t really palooza” in Covington, Virginia. a better woman … glad I found count, but it sounds good.) James mine a long time ago. We started ‘Wacky’ Davis.” in Covington and then moved to Winchester, VA, for seven years. Whitt and paintball. So, I can continue my yearly trip to Lisa Boswell were our neighbors, until we SKIRMISH and play paintball with a couple moved to Midlothian and the Boswells back thousand of my other friends. Traci has been to Colorado. We are closing in on seven years very active with the PTAs at Makenzi’s and in Midlothian. Makenzi is now 16 and in the Will’s schools. Not to mention she is the Humanities Program at Monacan High School chairperson for hospitality with our youth and active in field hockey. She is also active program at church. Now, many others enjoy with the Upward Cheer program at Crestwood her cooking as much as I do. I am a project

Class of 1991: The Pettys, Emmett, Lorraine, John Matthias, George and Carmen, on May 14, 2012, at their home in Waynesboro, Virginia, after the birth of John earlier that morning.

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Class of 1991: Joe Gionti and Chris Cruz in Memphis, Tennessee, April 2012. Gionti was on a business trip, and Chris is stationed nearby with the Navy.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Class of 1992: Those who attended their 20th Reunion are listed in alphabetical order, as follows: William S. Alewine, James L. Allen, Jr., Andrew J. Andrews, Karl E. Bostwick, William A. Buckner, Robert B. Burgess III, J.W. Whiting Chisman III, Jonathan A. Collins, Douglas S. Council, Michael C. Dalton, John L. Darby III, A. Craig Davis, Edgar L. Davis III, Fitzgerald E. Drummond, Richard J. Falcone Jr., Robert W. Fowler, Thomas A. Gregory, Noelle K. Gring, Walter H. Hale, Richard M. Hardee, William P. Harris, Neil L. Hennigan, Miles T. Holt III, Alexander S. Jackson, Timothy H.A. Jordan, James A. King, William J. Leimkuhler, Marvin K. Lipes, Matthew B. Lough, Mark C. Loving, Alexander R. Luther, Daniel J. Lyle, James P. Maiocco, Erik D. Marechal, Alan G. McKinnon, Robert V. Mizelle Jr., Joel D. Moody, James M. Morris, Franco Neto, C. Richard V. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Quinn, Douglas A. Olson, Albert M. Orgain V, Louis M. Ormond, Todd A. Pegg, Keith A. Peloquin, Michael S. Perfetti, J. Wesley Poff, Timothy L. Rodriguez, E. Alan Saunders, J. Bryan Saunders, Clinton C. Seybold, William R. Sharp Jr., Daniel L. Shipley, Michael C. Starling, Harold A. Stills Jr., James B. Stone IV, Matthew N. Swanson Sr., Marshall C. Taylor Jr., Shannon D. Terhune, Jason F. Troxell, James R. Vaughan, Marcus L. Waehler, John A. Ward, Todd L. Washington, William H. Waters, Charles L. Weatherman, David S. Weisenberger, John B. Williamson Jr., David B. Womack, William O. Woodward and Douglas A. Yeabower.

CLASS NOTES

20th Reunion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; April 27-28, 2012

Class of 1992

2012-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES Adam Gregory

’92

Andy Tate

Gentlemen, if you were unable to attend and haven’t heard, the 20th Reunion was awesome (see previous page for photo), thanks to Woody (reunion chair) and Leslie Woodward, as well as their very capable staff.

Our reunion weekend commenced with a golf tournament at Lexington Country Club on Friday morning. Tourney winners included Woody Woodward, Bob Burgess, Rob Mizelle, Todd Washington and Billy Waters for the various closest-to-the-pins and longest drives. The winning foursome at 5 under was Billy Waters, Rob Mizelle, Tim Jordan and Scott Council. I’m sorry I missed it – work … Son of a! After the reunion, I asked Woody to identify his supporting cast for recognition in these notes, and he kindly reports: “First and foremost, could not have pulled it off without my wife, Leslie. A big word of thanks needs to be mentioned to Bill Sharp for creat-

ing, ordering and delivering the wonderful reunion shirts and hats. He even went so far as to make a separate order for the later registrants, and brought those shirts with him on the plane from Atlanta.” The shirts are sweet, indeed. Nice work. Woody continues: “Bill Sharp and Matt Lough also helped during the actual reunion weekend by collecting money from those who showed up at the last minute without registering. Thanks to them, the class of 1992 is officially back in the black. It may only be by a couple of $100 by the time all the bills are paid, but considering we started out $1,000 in debt, they made the difference. We also really appreciated the Starlings and

Class of 1992 20th Reunion April 2012 Photos clockwise from top, left: -A group of BRs gathered in the early morning for the Reunion Weekend Golf Tourney. -BRs together at McKethan Park on Friday night of the reunion weekend. -Some of the U.S. Marines from the class with the class scholarship recipient, Cadet John Delekto ’14, who also plans to be a Marine. -Classmates in Barracks before the class “Old Yells “in the Barracks courtyard.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Hennigans who stayed behind to straighten Bill Cox McKethan Park after the party was over [Friday evening]. Neil also deserves thanks for picking up Cadet John Delekto ’14 from VMI, so Leslie and I could focus on getting the club ready for Saturday night.” Simply Another three months have come, and gone stated, Woody and his team were outstanding. and it is almost summer here in Virginia. Many thanks to all of you! I have been terrible these last few months At the reunion dinner, I had the pleasure of gathering news, so I am sure the notes will meeting Cadet Delekto, deserving recipient suffer. My early apologies, but part of it isn’t of the VMI Class of 1992 Memorial Scholarmy fault, since I have had trouble sending ship for the 2011-12 academic year. The out e-mails from the VMI website asking for courteous thank you note he sent me is worth news. Probably my issue not the website, but quoting in full: such is life. Anyhow, send me news the same “I am writing to thank you for the generous night you read these, and it will get included. support that you have provided the past two That part, at least, I am good at! semesters. It was extremely helpful to my I did get a couple of good updates right afparents and me in paying for my tuition to ter last issue went to press, and I will include VMI. This year, the infamous 3rd class year, those now, even though the news is somewhat I have been extremely active in the Corps of dated. Cadets. I am a corporal in Golf Company and Wes Bosiger spent some time in Istanbul, helped train the Rats during Hell Week. I am Turkey, (presumably with work) in March. also a platoon sergeant in the NROTC BattalWhen our class turned 22 years old (oh, my ion at VMI, in which I also received a Marine Corps scholarship. This was exciting, because god, we are old), Wes chimed in from across the big pond to continue the harassment not only did it lighten the financial burden of started by Paul Meadows and continued by attending VMI for my parents, but it allowed all the locals in the peanut gallery. me to secure a slot to attend OCS next sumI ran into Gerry Bingeman downtown in mer and work toward my aspiration of being Roanoke. It was a brief run-in, but it was a lot an officer in the United States Marine Corps. of fun. Gerry probably didn’t feel great the I am studying mechanical engineering and next morning, I’m guessing. have been fortunate enough to earn academic Brent Hailes (makes you just want to yell stars but not without a few late nights spent HAILES at the top of your lungs, doesn’t it?) in Nichols Engineering Building. In terms of called me, and we had a good talk. Brent is extracurricular activities, I joined the VMI still in Richmond, hounding BRs for money. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club at the beginning of He is doing well, and it was good catching the fall semester and have worked my way up. up to ‘assistant cadet in charge’ of the club. I tried to get in touch with Tom Kent the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a type of martial art other week when I saw a TR6 for sale in Roafocusing on ground fighting and grappling noke that I thought he would be interested in. and has been providing me with not only a hobby but an effective way to physically train in my free time. I have been busy these past two semesters, and I would like you to know that it was due to your generosity that allowed me to have yet another successful year here at VMI. Once again, I thank you for your support for my education and hope to meet you in April at the [scholarship] luncheon that VMI will be holding. I hope, too, that someday I can help support a future cadet.” It appears to me our class scholarship committee chose wisely once again. That’s it for now. Please stay in touch with updates. Class of 1992: Wil Current and Jake Kight in Best regards, unknown. Adam

’93

2012-Issue 3

He never got back to me … Come on, Tom; you live like a mile away! I served on a panel at VMI for career networking the other month. Clifford Foster was a fellow panelist, and we caught up briefly before it started. Clifford looked well and successful. He is still in Richmond, too, I believe. Steve Grim wrote in. The reaper was overseas and plans to return this summer before taking his family to Europe during the summer. Steve ran into Kevin Morris in D.C. where Kevin was still living somewhat of a bachelor life, waiting for his bride to join him in the District. I got the following from Erik Nilsson: “This month finds us wrapping up one command tour here at BMU 1 in San Diego and rolling into another command tour as the first CO of Naval Beach Unit SEVEN out in Sasebo, Japan. So, we are packing up the family and moving to Japan in June. It is an 18-month gig – and then it is up to the Navy where I go next, but it will probably be D.C. We will certainly miss San Diego. I had lunch with Dom Ford a few months ago up at Camp Pendleton and had a great time catching up with him. I have run into a few alumni out here, including Capt. Wint Smith who is the CO of the naval base. He is both an old shipmate and an alum. We go back a bit, and it has been fun to see him and his family and catch up. I am hoping to be able to link up with Kenji Iwai while we are in Japan. Alison, Jake and Chase are getting excited about the move – we all think the experience is going to be a great one! If anyone gets out that way, please look us up, and we will put back some sushi, ramen and saki!” Also got a great update from William Bono which I include too: “Things have been tough for me the last few months but got better. I work as a police detective in NJ, and if you Google ‘detective bono,’ you will find a case I handled that involved a homeless man being beaten and videotaped. That story got national attention. Sadly, it got more attention than a more serious case. If you Google ‘detective bono Arthur Morgan,’ you will hit a case that haunted me for some time. Arthur was angry at his girlfriend who he had a 2-year-8month-old girl with. He decided that she was not being raised properly, so he would send her to Jesus. While strapped in her parts child seat, he weighted the seat down, and threw her into a creek

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CLASS NOTES about 20 feet below a bridge. The autopsy said she was still alive when she hit the water. While in the trusting arms of her father, after playing on some swings at the park, the man she trusted threw her into the darkness to land in ice cold water where she died alone and panicked, probably wishing Daddy would save her. Just typing this, I have tears coming to my eyes. I worked countless hours on that case. The first three days, I was only home to sleep. I couldn’t even talk to my three girls without beginning to break down. He was caught within a week of the murder, and I flew out to San Diego, CA, to interview him and bring him back. I was not alone - there were four of us – but it was a whirlwind trip; we were there and back in three days. Another detective and I interviewed Arthur for nearly three hours, and he confessed. We are putting the final touches on the case for trial now, but it was awful. I was at the bridge when they found her body about 20 hours after being thrown in. To watch that little girl’s body be carried out of the water and brought to the road side – I can still see her face, peaceful and calm, still strapped into her seat. He actually told me that before he threw her off the bridge, he kissed her and said that he loved her. What an animal! Anyway, the good news: I applied for sergeant and out of 16 candidates, I was #1. I will be promoted in March. I will have to leave the Detective Bureau; junior sergeants go to patrol. Hello, midnight shift.” I think the piece written by Bill shows us all what VMI prepared us for in terms of things we may encounter in the outside world. Kudos to you, Bill, and congrats on your promotion. Pat Schuler wrote in from Sri Lanka, where he is assigned to the U.S. Embassy as the defense attaché. Pat wanted me to share that any BRs should know they’re always welcome at his house if they’re in that part of the world. Brian Chamberlain sent a note saying, “I hope you and your family are well. I was wondering if you could add to the class notes that my son, Bradley Chamberlain, is set to graduate in May from VMI. He was his company’s RDC rep, an S5 on the regimental staff and the CIC of VMI’s Frisbee team (yes, VMI has one). After graduation, he plans to marry his fiancée who is a member of the VWIL corps at Mary Baldwin.” Another legacy in the making. Congrats to your boy, Brian. That’s about all the news I have to share. Will try to do better with the next edition. It comes due on Aug. 15th, and I finish my MBA on Aug. 7th. So, I should have more time to dedicate to it. I am ready to get out of school and get on with it. Things are well,

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and Lauren and I are going strong. She has to be an amazing woman to put up with me and my VMI friends. Right now, we are very happy together and both taking life one day at a time. She recently started grad school as I am finishing up. I think we are destined for one of us to always be in school. I’m proud of her for doing it but know how challenging it is to work full time and go back to school. 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

Hello, Brother Rats. I am sad to announce a Brother Rat has passed away. Dewayne Lee Witt died late last year. I only recently received word of his passing from the Alumni Association. He was living in Augusta, GA, and had previously lived in Rockbridge County. He is survived by his parents and wife, Colleen. Derek Kovacsy and his wife, Carlie, welcomed a set of twins on Nov, 17, 2011 – Elek Tristan Kovacsy (7 lbs. and 19 inches) and Imre Aiden (7 lbs., 15 oz. and 21 inches). The

boys were welcomed by their older brothers, Béla Christian (2) and Andor Braeden (3). Derek is working as a program manager for the Army at Fort Rucker, AL. He and his wife opened a wine and gourmet shop (Bel Vino) in 2003, which Derek says has been a lot of fun. They have also spent much free time restoring their 1899 home, as well as a few other properties. Rob Brumley’s company won a large contract to build an uninhabited town in New Mexico. The town will have highways, houses and the buildings of a normal city. The project will be used by groups to conduct scientific experiments without interrupting the everyday life of a city’s population. Brian Jones graduated from the Army War College in July. Shortly after, he and his family moved to Brussels, where Brian is working on International Staff at NATO. The Joneses are enjoying the assignment so far and are having a good time traveling around Europe. Kirk Deason is living in Colorado and his dyke, John Edelblute ’97, lives just down the street. They see each other often. Kirk enjoys working on racing karts and is the team manager for a local team. Kirk recently got together with Jason Nicholls when he was in town. Dave Dacosta, his wife, Mallory, and their two-year-old daughter, Amelia, moved from Boston, MA, to Bend, OR, last November. Dave works for Good 2 Go Oregon, a private company that provides daily rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. He

Class of 1995: Erik Reynolds with wife Shelby, holding 7-week-old daughter Kai Isabella, 2-year old Tatum Loren and 15-year-old Justice Emon.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES serves as the organization’s lead trainer and quality assurance manager. The Dacostas have also started their own theater company. They are producing three shows this year: “Oleanna” by David Mamet, “Richard the Third” and “Assassins” by Stephen Sondheim. Dave is doing some acting and directing. They were able to stop in Lexington on their drive out to Oregon. Good to hear from you, Dave! Brian Kochanowski is living in Massachusetts, just outside Boston. He is working as a training and development specialist at Waters Corporation. Aaron Scruggs and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed a baby boy, Lachlan Aaron Scruggs, on Nov. 21, 2011. Congratulations to Aaron, Stephanie, and Lachlan’s three big sisters. Aaron recently did some house hunting with Sean Lanier, who will be moving to D.C. this summer. Stay well, and please share your good news with me.

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

Dan Williams

Brother Rats!! Hope each and every one of you is enjoying or has enjoyed a wonderful summer and had the time to get out and about with your families. Jill, Alanah, Blake and I are doing well but in the midst of trying to relocate. Selling a house is not fun, that’s for sure. We’re not moving far … just need a bigger house for the expanded family. Speaking of moving, Co-class agent Dan Williams and his family are back on the East Coast near Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Dan made the move within his current company and is excited to be back on the East Coast after a sabbatical of sorts out in Nebraska. Heard from Erik Reynolds awhile back. Erik is doing very well down in Florida as the owner and president of his own company and as the director of the Healthcare Division for Matern Professional Engineering, Inc. He and his wife, Shelby, are the proud parents of three children: Kai Isabella, Tatum Loren and Justice Emon. I told Erik that he needs to get back up this way and check out the latest version of the Keydet football team … I know that he and all of the other BRs who were

2012-Issue 3

football players would be proud. This team should do great things this season. Also heard from Brad Coleman who is headed back to Lexington as director of the John Adams Center for Military History & Strategic Analysis and George Collins Chair in Military History there at VMI. He’s making the 1,000-mile move from Miami to Lexington with three kids (2, 4 and 6 years old) and is excited about his new opportunity. That makes two Brother Rats working at the Institute: Brad and Marlin Ikenberry. Matt Reiner and his wife, Vicky, along with daughter Emelyn, completed their move out west of D.C. and now reside 1.6 miles from my current residence. Fauquier County better watch out with the two us living close to each other … shades of the first party we had out at McKethan Park first class year! Also, trying to get together with all of the BRs in the NOVA area … Benji Bird and I thought an afternoon out at a Nationals baseball game might not be a bad idea. (Hopefully, this occurred before these notes get published.) There are quite a few up in this area, that’s for sure. As always, I strongly encourage each of you to e-mail me with any pertinent updates you’d like to see included in these notes. I also hope that if you’re in Lexington this fall for a football game, please stop by the press box, and say hello.

’96

Peter Segersten

Good evening, Brother Rats, Here is another edition of the class notes [May 2012]. Lee “Pokey” Freeman e-mailed me and is on the move again with his Army career. He and his family are leaving Fort Polk, LA, and headed to Tampa Bay, FL. He will be stationed at the USCENTCOM surgeon’s office for a year-long internship. In December 2011, he had returned from the Maristan/Helmand province in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). While deployed he ran into Jim Zepko and another ’94 graduate. His camp was also commanded by a VMI graduate, Col. Furness ’87. Colin Boynton has left Jacksonville, FL, and has been stationed at NAS Patuxent, MD, with VX-1. At VX-1, he will be doing operational and evaluation testing on some new Navy helo platforms for the fleet. His wife and children will be joining him shortly when the school year finishes. He has already run into Bryan Smith at Patuxent and a few other VMI folks. He is happy that he can still suit up in the flight suit and fly the variants of the MH-60. This May, Pete Ehlers took command of the

Class of 1996: USAF Lt. Col. John McElroy and his crew on the VMI parade deck for a combat search and rescue demonstration.

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CLASS NOTES U.S.S. Bradley (FFG-49) in Jacksonville, FL. Congratulations, Pete! Wes Parmer has survived the harsh winter in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is looking forward to the return home this summer. He runs into alumni and Brother Rats here and there, such as Corrie Brice. John “Mudd” McElroy decided to fly over Lexington this spring and make a short pit stop at VMI with his Air Force Combat Search and Rescue crew. They did a briefing and a demonstration on the parade deck of things such as fast roping, rappelling and hoisting. The pilot of the HH-60 was alumnus Capt. Justin Wolfe ’98. They also provided basic SERE training to the Keydets. Christopher Noe and family are in Germany with the U.S. Army. In June, they are headed to Fort Knox, where he will be working at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in the Casualty and Mortuary Operations Center. Chris just returned from a year in Afghanistan where he was the support operations officer for an infantry brigade. While over there, he ran into Shannon Hume who was gracious to put up Chris for the night, saving Chris from a

“Lord of the Flies”-like transient tent. Turner Perrow has been busy with family and his job as councilman on the Lynchburg City Council. He and his wife are expecting their third child. It will be their first provisional appointment! On July 1st, he also takes on additional responsibilities as 1st vice president of the Alumni Association. Good luck, Turner! Dave Lawson was in Lexington in late March to run a half-marathon with Greg Harris. While he was down there, he ran into Kevin Faust who was supervising the cadets that were working the half marathon. Marshall Pinkard ’72 checked in to say that Gary Mackey ’69 and Carter Mackey attended the Kentucky Derby. They had some great box seats, and it was a great time had by the whole Mackey family. Matt Howell’s wife, Astrid, dropped a line to say they celebrated Matt’s birthday in downtown Richmond at Sam Millers. Matt and Astrid have been married now for seven years with three beautiful children. I have been keeping myself busy with work and family. My family and I attended the wedding of Rusty McGuire in April in Charlottesville. We had a great time, and it was great to see Rusty and to catch up with Sean Callahan and his wife. I was also able to see Van Halen with Bill Steinbach ’99. It was a great show with Diamond Dave once again as lead singer. Curt Bourn also saw them in Jacksonville

Class of 1997: Jason Middough on a business trip in Kazakhstan.

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and was equally impressed with the show. Thank you for all the inputs for the class notes. Just as a reminder, our Facebook page is the VMI 1996 Official Facebook Page, and our twitter feed is vmialum1996. Please keep them up! Hope all is well! ... Pete

’97

David Zirkle

The leaves have come, flowers are in bloom and yet another May 15th has arrived. Facebook is alive today with reprints of New Market paintings, and your Brother Rat Fix even quoted a poem on the subject. Despite today’s customary place in the calendar, the notes snuck up on me this time, so I missed my opportunity to spam the last quarter of the class. Y’all will have to just wait until August. I did hear from a few people after the last deadline. Speaking of which, Lyle Peters says, “Nothing too exciting with us. My wife, Jill, daughter, Jenna (5), and son, Jackson (2), and I still live in Bel Air, MD. I’ve been here working as a DA civilian for the Chemical and Biological Defense Program for almost the past six years now. Luckily, I picked up a promotion to GS-14 back in 2010 and have been busier than ever since then, I think. I’ve also managed to keep my Air Force Reserve officer career alive, too, somehow but still have to tend to it. All in all, it’s all good, but I do get together with Jason St Clair at least once a year and run into a random alum across the National Capital Region. Hoping to maybe get back to the panhandle of Florida on vacation this year! I’m looking forward to the 15-year reunion; it’s really great to see everyone when we get together.”

Class of 1997: Mike Moody’s daughters, Lizzy and Suzy.

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CLASS NOTES Matt Perry reports that “Richard Dixon is happy, healthy and still in the Army. He is currently stationed in Hawaii with his wife and four kids. I got together with Phil Starling ’94 and Clay “Pig” Campbell ’94 in Lexington a few weeks back to pay our respects to the sudden and unexpected passing of Laura Schnetzler. Laura was the wife of Erich Schnetzler, VMI’s rugby coach while we were there.” Mike Moody says that he’s “still an engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding, living in Chesapeake, coming up on 13 years there. I finished up my MBA from William and Mary in 2007. I have two daughters now: Lizzie, age 9, and Suzy, age 1. Blair Gregory’s dad is the pediatrician for both of them. The BR I talk to the most is Gary Compton, and I know you get together with your daughter and him and have play dates.” Eric Patterson is doing “well in Atlanta. Renee, my wife, Emma Grace and Annalee, my girls, and I moved to Atlanta two summers ago to take a job with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a construction inspector. I recently completed a welding inspection on one of the first U.S. licensed nuclear reactor containment vessels in over 20 years at the Vogtle Plant in Augusta, GA. We are enjoying Atlanta and hope to make some VMI connections with the local VMI chapter once I get some time.” Jeffery Matthew had a busy 2011, “as my wife, Heather, and I celebrated our daughter, Talia’s, first birthday in July 2011. Several friends attended, including J.J. Rivera ’96. J.J. is a pilot for the flight medics and occasionally runs into my wife at HUP (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania). In September, Heather, Talia and I moved from Wayne, PA, into a new home in King of Prussia, PA. The new house is great! I still work for Skanska, which is a large construction manager, and I am currently assigned to the Wilmington Hospital Project in Wilmington, DE. I am also still in the Air Force Reserve, and I am the Reserve KC-10 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander at McGuire Air Force Base. I go in for two weekends each month, and both jobs keep me busy. In May 2011, our unit was activated, and I deployed on the November rotation, so I missed both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. I came home on 1 Feb., and I am back to work with Skanska.” Well, gentlemen, that is all I have to report. I hope you all find some place peaceful this summer to kick back with the Alumni Review and relax – but only after you have made your reservations for our 15th Reunion – Oct. 5th and 6th. P.S. As I was about to send this off to Moody Hall, I noticed that Brad Pickelsimer had a son born today – Jase Ryan. Seems like a fine end to New Market Day 2012!

2012-Issue 3

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1998 for this issue.

’99

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, I hope this edition finds everyone doing well. I got a long e-mail from John Bolt literally the day after the notes were due for the past issue. I include it here in its entirety: “Bill! I hope this finds you well! This is a long overdue update; it has been a few years (fall of ’08, I believe, was the last one) since my last update to the class notes. To cover that gap as briefly as possible for class note purposes: Left active duty Marine Corps in ’08; I think this was mentioned in my last notes. We have stayed in California and now live in Orange County. I work for Lucas Group, placing military veterans in corporate roles. I returned to the Marines in Feb. ’11 and drill with a unit in Pasadena, CA – 2d Battalion, 23d Marines (2/23). My wife, Sacha, and I have two beautiful girls: Elisabeth (2 1/2) and Charlotte (1 month old!). I have become recently active with VMI alums in the SoCal area and am now president of the SoCal Chapter (Los Angeles and Orange County) – any BRs in California need to get in touch! Seems everyone is on Facebook these days, but sometimes you find people unexpectedly that you hadn’t heard from in some time. BRs I have run into as of late: Micah Wei – spoke to him two weeks ago. He is in San Diego, and I have roped him into getting involved in the San Diego alumni chapter! Jeremy Obenchain – who is in the Coast Guard. I spoke to him in January, and he is doing very well. I will try and do a better job with some updates as things come up, as well as put a plug in for alumni events in SoCal. We are holding a New Market Day picnic in May. Col. Tom Davis ’64 (now retired from VMI) will be in attendance. Again, I hope this finds you well. If there is anything I can do to help you out here on the West Coast, let me know!” Thanks for the update, John. Keep us posted on what is going on out there. I saw Cornell Lewis last week. I was passing through Atlanta again, and he was gracious enough to put me up for the night and take me

out on the town. Much like my last trip, it was a great time. Anyone going through Atlanta needs to hit T-Bird up, but be warned – he goes hard! Thanks again for the hospitality, man. I apparently missed hooking up with Alex Marrone when I was at Fort Benning. He is attending Intermediate Leader Education at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC, which is a mouth full – need to go back to School of the Americas for brevity sake). I did not find out he was there until the day I left. I also heard from Mike Wilson. He tells me we are gaining some momentum with Cliff Flournoy’s memorial scholarship, but we have a ways to go before it can fund a full scholarship each year. We have discussed a golf outing as a fundraiser. Be on the lookout for something in the fall. Jake Britt also told me via text message that he won some award with the fire department, but he never e-mailed me the details. Hopefully, I will have more for the next edition. Last but not least, my old roommate, Rob Hardee, and his wife, Emily, welcomed baby Calvin Joseph into the world on Feb. 24th. I had the chance to see them a few weeks ago, and everyone is well. Calvin likes to sleep a lot, which he got from Rob. So far, it does not seem like he inherited Rob’s snoring. Let’s hope he did not. That is all for this round. Please be sure to update your information with the Alumni Association. I cannot do it for you. Thanks for the support to me and to the Institute. If anyone feels inclined, please make a donation in Cliff’s name. We really need to get that fully funded. Expect a more formal letter from me in the near future on this. In the Bonds ... Bill

Class of 2001: Derek Bogdon’s second daughter, Kendall Marie Bogdon, was born on Feb. 24, 2012, in Providence, Rhode Island.

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CLASS NOTES

’00

Matthew McComas

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2000 for this issue.

’01

Brandon Farris

In February, a number of BRs made it down to a soccer tournament organized for Tony Conway, to assist his family in the future. Chris Simpson, Chris Catanzaro, Justin Harber, Nate Charles, Matt Keck ’03, Parker Reeves, Jarek Dyhouse, Jason Whitaker and John Koubaroulis played six games and, unfortunately, won none of them but according to Jason, had a fun time. Tony played in one game with them and was the leading scorer in the game with two goals. Afterward, everyone went to Salerno’s for some drinks and pizza and then proceeded over to The Palms. Kelly Sullivan also stopped by to watch the games and visit Tony, too. Everyone said they were all happy to be there to support Tony and his family. Derek Bogdon’s second daughter, Kendall Marie Bogdon, was born on Feb. 24, 2012, in Providence, RI. Seth Ford is still in Cleveland, TN, where his ophthalmology practice is keeping him very

busy. He said his two beautiful girls also make home life better (and more hectic) than he could have ever hoped for. He’s representing the Institute well, through his community leadership as the president of the governing body of the local outpatient surgery center and secretary of the local medical society. He’s also running a successful practice/ business and serving as one of only 15 eye surgeons in the state on the executive board of the Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology. Charlie Benbow recently got home from a 10.5-month deployment as a company commander with the 22D MEU in February. In April, Charlie was frocked to major and moved up to battalion executive officer for 2d Battalion, 2d Marines. In June, he and his wife are moving to northern NJ, where he will be the inspector-instructor for a Marine Reserve unit at Picatinny Arsenal for the next three years. He hopes this new position will give him more time for hobbies again and hopefully more involvement in the Alumni Association. John Niederhaus wrote in with the following update: “I don’t know what the chances

Class of 2001: Seth Ford’s daughters.

Class of 2001: From left: Chris Simpson, Chris Catanzaro, Justin Harber, Nate Charles, Tony Conway, Matt Keck ’02, Parker Reeves, Jarek Dyhouse (kneeling), Jason Whitaker and John Koubaroulis at a tournament for Conway’s family.

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are of something like this happening (very small!), but I ran into Dan Stock randomly in the Minneapolis airport earlier this spring on my way to Albuquerque. Turns out the Navy has stationed him at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. I travel there very frequently for work, and Erin Claunch-Pettyjohn lives nearby, too. So, this spring, the three of us have gotten together several times in ABQ after Dan and I exchanged contact info in the airport. I got to meet Erin’s daughter, Kayla, and Dan’s wife, Jenn (whom he calls ‘Commander, Submarine Forces, Albuquerque – COMSUBABQ,’ in true Dan Stock style). Dan told us some hilarious stories from his adventures in the submarine fleet. Erin showed us around her lab at the Air Force Research Laboratory, and a very spooky tour of what used to be the weapons storage site underground in the Manzano Mountains outside Albuquerque. Fun times, but we forgot to take any photos!” Price Lykins just moved to Los Angeles and started a job as an account manager with Hilti, a power tool and fastener company based out of Liechtenstein. He said he loves both the job and the company and is doing great. He also said it is good to be back to work. Matt Frye is still in the Navy, finishing his Ph.D. at MIT, which he says is going along so, so. If he had the regular Ph.D. student timeline, life would be good. Matt said he regrets that he doesn’t talk to nearly enough of our BRs, although he did visit Greg Martin in Paris last September. Brady Daniels has taken a national accounts position in Norfolk Southern’s marketing department. He will be traveling more frequently and may be calling on some BRs when he is in their towns. He remains based in Atlanta, but Jessica and Brady are retreating to the suburbs, building a new home in Kennesaw, GA. Brady and Jessica said they had a wonderful dinner with Cannon and McKenzie Moss in Norfolk, VA, over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. And they enjoyed a great evening at the lovely home of David and Heidi Nagel ’02 a few weeks back in Atlanta. Brady had dinner in Atlanta with Cabell Brockman last month. Cabell still lives in Chicago, IL, working for Norfolk Southern, and is enjoying the city very much. Howard Ni also joined the ranks of Norfolk Southern, taking a management trainee position based in Chicago earlier this year. Adam Stanley-Smith is working as the regional director (EMEA) for the Ackerman Group, though he is also working on finding some side projects. Adam is hoping to get into some part time consulting, particularly if he can find anything energy (especially renewables) related. Other than that, he is just trying to pay off his school debts and enjoy Paris. Adam

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES full time for the Guard, and he, wife Tonya and son Nicholas are moving to Powhatan, VA, soon. Cy dropped me a line to let me know he keeps in touch with a number of other BRs who are mentioned in these notes and just cleared his house of termites! Capt. Matt Hylton, USAF, and his wife, Kelli, welcomed their first child, Zachary Lawrence Hylton, to the world on Saturday, 7 April at 0200. Zachary was a healthy 8 lbs., 1 oz. at birth and is progressing well. Matt is moving along well in the Air Force and will be promoted to major in July. He will then PCS from Los Angeles AFB, CA, to Gunter AFB in Montgomery, AL, at the end of September, just in time to be back on the East Coast for our reunion. He’ll be moving out Salmaan Khawaja of his position as deputy chief of the SBIRS Systems Engineering Branch to a program manager spot on one of the Air Force’s information programs at the AF Enterprise Information Directorate that falls under AF Material Command. In all of his spare time, Brother Rats, he’s also hoping to complete his MBA by the I hope that this edition of the middle of next year. Alumni Review finds you and Capt. Gordon Powers is yours doing well. Ten years seem still with Operations Group at to have gone by so quickly! FaceNational Training Center (NTC) book has been a great way to keep located at Fort Irwin, CA, in the in touch, and it is amazing for Mojave Desert. Gordon and his me to see all the pictures of our wife, Jessica, have two children Brother Rats and their families (Grant, age 3, and Victoria, age and all the adventures you all are 6). Gordon mentioned that Vichaving. Laura and I are looking toria is finally giving Mom some forward to seeing you and yours rest as she starts sleeping through at the reunion this fall. On to the the night. He has been selected notes! for promotion to major. He still Eric Baines got married to has the same Jeep and is currently Meredith Bryk on April 27, 2012. doing a frame off rebuild and The happy couple eloped and got modifications to it. married at the old court house in Matt Thompson is engaged! Lexington, VA. Meredith graduMatt Thompson and Laura Levated from Washington and Lee enhagen were recently engaged in 2001, and she is on faculty at atop House Mountain in LexingVCU’s School of Dentistry where ton, one of Matt’s favorite places. she is director of Curriculum Matt met Laura in Los Angeles Advancement. Eric and Meredith on a blind date set up by one of have a home together in Chesterhis co-workers at Goldman Sachs, field, VA. On May 5, 2012, Eric and the two have been insepagraduated from the T.C. Williams rable since they first met. Laura School of Law. He will be arduis a graduate of Culver Academy ously preparing for the bar exam and Indiana University. She is and hopes to sit for the Virginia running a start-up called The TLC Bar in Roanoke at the end of July. Kitchen, which provides online Eric will be clerking for Judge meal delivery for major life Cavedo and Judge Hughes in the events. Matt is running TroopCity of Richmond Circuit Court Swap.com, the first e-commerce starting Aug. 20th. Class of 2002: Matt and Kelli Hylton with their son, Zach- platform exclusively for members Dave Debruyn graduated from ary Lawrence, born April 7, 2012. of the military community. Catholic University, Columbus

finished recent Africa travels for work (barring an emergency). Now he is working his way through the countries in Europe and the Middle East and hoping to get out to some of the former Soviet Bloc soon. Adam saw Jim Bourrie awhile back and said Jim is living like a king in the south of France. “He actually looked like Jeremiah Johnson from the movie of said name; very impressive.” Finally, I recently passed the bar in Maryland. I’m still working as a lobbyist in D.C. but will probably make the jump to the legal world sometime soon. I appreciate all the updates I got from everyone this month. Keep them coming. Brandon

’02

2012-Issue 3

School of Law, in 2012 and is looking at clerking for a federal district court judge in Philadelphia in fall 2013 – a job his former employer and friend, former Senator Arlen Specter, set him up with. In addition, David has been coerced by Shawn Joyce to become director of Public-Private Partnerships for Shawn’s new biotech firm, Discovery Care Group, based in San Diego, CA. Shawn and his business partner are excited about providing low cost viral load testing equipment to developing countries to help deal with the worldwide AIDS epidemic. David, for his part, is honored and excited to be working with an exceptional group of men and women who are devoted to helping the less fortunate world wide. Additionally, David and Ed Skarda have determined to continue with their non-exclusive 14-year partnership that started in the summer of 1998 at STP. Although Ed has a lady-friend whom he regularly calls upon, David continues in his steadfast commitment to Ed, his hetero lifemate. Capt. Charles DeKeyser is still working

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CLASS NOTES That’s it for the notes this time. In the Spirit ... Salmaan

William Talley

’03

Phil Kerns

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2003 for this issue.

C. Justin Roberts

’04

Ryan Shealy

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2004 for this issue.

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the notes finds you well and enjoying the last month of summer. I apologize for not giving you any reading material back in May, but due to an extremely low volume of notes and a sizeable paper I had to write, I failed you in my duties and could not get the notes compiled in time. I hope you find this latest set of notes as an acceptable offering of my most humble repentance and gratitude for allowing me to serve you as class agent. And away we go … Ryan Clemens checks in and reports that he is currently still living in Marion, AL, teaching at the Marion Military Institute (MMI). He just recently accepted a job to teach chemistry at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, and will be moving there this summer. He and his wife, Alana, are very excited about the opportunity. Recently, Col. Vernon

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Beitzel ’72, director of VMI Admissions, stopped by MMI to visit the school, and he had the chance to sit in on Ryan’s class and the class of another alumnus, Mark Doyle ’88, Ph.D., who teaches English. The three of them were able to get a picture together in front of the MMI Chapel, and it marked the first time Ryan has been able to use his VMI flag. Ryan hopes that everything is going well for the class and said that once he gets settled in Rochester, he’ll send another update. Ryan invites anyone coming through the Marion or Rochester area to drop him a line, and feel free to stop by. Colleen Wall writes that she is a graduate student now at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, where she is working toward as master of science in ocean ecology and biochemistry. She is in the Navy Reserve now and works for the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command in San Diego, CA. Matt and Lynn Hendricks are doing well in Alexandria, VA. Their son, Sean, just turned one year old. Both Matt and Lynn are still teaching high school in Alexandria at Bishop Ireton High School. Matt teaches English, and Lynn is a marketing teacher and cheerleading coach. Matt met up with Tim Riemann and Mark Lenzi to watch the Steelers and Broncos playoff game this year at a local sports bar. Both are well and still working as instructors in Quantico. Mark is with IOC, and Tim is still an SPC with TBS. Both are waiting on duty assignments that they will hear about at some point soon. Tim now has two kiddos. Matt Noreus can’t recall having had the time to write since graduating. A lot has happened since 2005, but for the sake of brevity, he stuck to the high points. He married the former Miss Jennifer Fortin in October 2010. The two met after his first deployment, dated through his second and had a son, Steven, right before he left on the latest deployment, which is his first trip to Afghanistan. He is stationed in Germany with the 172nd Infantry Brigade. He wishes the class well and hopes everyone is enjoying the year. Chris Muller completed the Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course at Fort Huachuca, AZ, in early February with orders to 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located in Stuttgart, Germany. While in Arizona, he proposed to Caitlin Elaine Haney, and the two will be wed on June 23, 2012, in Nashville, TN. Chris is back in Afghanistan for his fourth overseas tour. He will be allowed to return to the states for the wedding, of course, but is scheduled to return to Afghanistan in mid-July until sometime in the fall/winter.

Dan Schreiber and his wife, Andrea, will be leaving Germany to return to Wichita Falls, TX, for a pilot training instructor assignment flying T-38s in October 2012. The two are also expecting their first child, a boy, on July 9, 2012. Congratulations, Schreibers, and welcome back to the states! Mark Conley was up at VMI at the time I submitted the notes to watch his sister, Bridget Conley ’12, graduate. In addition to graduation, Mark commissioned her into the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant. Sam Johnson sends the following report: “John Streetman is still living in Las Vegas but recently returned to GA for a visit. He is in the security business, looking to make a transition possibly to Utah in the near future. He is big in the Crossfit Community, and I would challenge any of our BRs to beat some of his posted times on Facebook. Andrew Stone was up a few weeks ago to visit. We went to a Cubs versus Phillies game in which the Cubs took care of business, much to my dismay. It was a great trip, and we even got a chance to visit the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, PA. I think we all hold a special place in our heart for Yuengling, as it was the beverage of choice from City Subs. Andrew is still with Towne Bank and living with his dog, Rambo, in the Tidewater area. He is big in the Young Alumni Chapter in the area. Jonathan Johnson and his lovely wife, Lauren, are expecting their second child who is due Sept. 9th. I haven’t talked to Johnny in a while, but I just saw they had a big trip to Disney World. Tom Hardinge and his beautiful bride, Missy, just gave birth to their FOURTH daughter, Lola Margaret Hardinge, born on May 1st. [Class agent’s note: I apologize to Tom Hardinge in advance for the next statement. No man should ever wish his daughter dates a VMI guy while he’s at VMI.] If Johnny has a boy, we will have enough boys to cover all of Tom’s daughters come Ring Figure time. Congratulations also go out to Tom for passing his professional engineering exam earlier in the year. Lyndsay and I are following suit, as we are expecting our second son on July 2nd. We turn right around and move from Allentown, PA, to Quantico, VA, where I will be attending Expeditionary Warfare School with several of our BRs. I look forward to being back in VA and catching up with all the next time you’re either in D.C. or I’m down at the ‘I.’” Erin and Conor Heely are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Finn Louis Heely. He was born March 6, 2012, weighing 8 lbs., 20.5 inches. He already has his Provisional Appointment to VMI for the class

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES nity to attend the VMI Leadership Conference the week is how strong our court is and how of 2031+3! The Heelys will be moving from proud I am to be in your company. on Honor in March. I attended on a teacher’s Arlington in September to go to Bremerton, In October, several class of 2005 members grant, and Will was a panel speaker for the WA, where Conor will report for duty on the headed down to Charleston for the renewing event. The Honor Court put on a first-class U.S.S. Reagan. of the Military Classic of the South – VMI vs. event, drawing students, teachers and profesAt the time of notes submission, Andrew The Citadel. Several of us rented a house on sors from colleges all over the nation. One Stribling was preparing for his wedding the Isle of Palms which is a barrier isle just impression that will remain with me from to Miss Mallory K. Doyle on June 9, 2012. north of downtown Charleston. The wedding will take place at Also joining me that weekend Jackson Memorial Hall with a were: Chris Johnson; Greg Van reception to follow in Moody Pelt; Alex and Kat Correll; Hall. At the wedding, there will Ian Dunlap and his girlfriend, be three generations of Keydets Kourtney; Jason Downs and and nine Brother Rats from the his girlfriend, Catherine; Ben class. Andrew and Mallory are Melton; Colin Alstad; Seth also fixing up and moving into Parker; and Will Correll ’10. his family home, Mountain View, The city of Charleston did not fail at Stribling Orchard right before to disappoint. The Keydet Club the wedding, and Andy doesn’t organized a pre-game tailgate at recommend fixing up a 200-yearthe Charleston Riverdogs baseball old home the month before your stadium which was three blocks wedding. Stay tuned for the from Johnson-Hagood stadium. fourth edition of the notes in 2012 A great spread of food and beer for a full report on the Striblingwas provided – so much so, that Doyle wedding. due to some sweet talk and beer Dan Spanu dropped a quick tech prowess by Colin Alstad, note on New Market Day, saying we extended the tailgate until an he was marking the hallowed ochour after kick off. Once we had casion in Afghanistan where he is our fill, we marched down to the deployed with the Marine Corps stadium with hopes of a Keydet in the same unit as Lt. Sheehan victory made even stronger by ’10. the absolute dismantling of the As for your class agents, Will Ray continues to live in Chapel Citadel rugby team at the hands Class of 2005: Capt. Mark Conley, left, administered Hill, NC, where he works for the of our beloved Keydet rugby boys the oath of office to his sister, Bridget Conley ’12, right, NC Department of Emergency in a score of 45-6. However, our and commissioned her into the United States Air Force Management. His wife, Emily, confidence and esprit de Corps on May 15, 2012, at VMI. is preparing to enter her fourth was cut short, as we walked into year of medical school at the Johnson Hagood to see the good University of North Carolinaguys were down by an insurChapel Hill. She appears to be mountable number. I wish I could headed into the oncology field. tell you the Keydets rallied, but Much remains to be seen for the not on this fateful day. However, Ray’s future, as Emily will be I did walk away being thankful I applying for residency next year. am a Keydet. Despite their beautiKeep up with notes to find out if ful surroundings, VMI is the Will and Emily will be headed to superior military college. I was a Southeastern town near you. not impressed by The Citadel’s As for me, I continue to live cadets, and I’d put our lousiest in the Richmond area. I recently privates against many of their completed my first year of gradurankers. ate school, as I am pursuing a A quick report on some of the master of education degree attendees: Greg Van Pelt conthrough Regent University’s ontinues to live in Richmond and line master’s program. While not works for UPS Freight as a sales nearly as rigorous as the Institute, rep. Alex and Kat Correll continthe training has given me enough ue to live in Charlotte, NC, where education coursework that I will Alex works as a lawyer and Kat be eligible for a teaching license works for Gardner-Webb Univerwith endorsements in secondary sity. Ian Dunlap deployed with Class of 2005: Erin, Conor and Finn Heely at their home social studies, English and busiMARSOC to places unknown in in Alexandria, Virginia, on Easter Sunday 2012. ness. Will and I had the opportuAfghanistan and will return some

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CLASS NOTES Alstad, Seth Parker and wife Lou, and Jason Bay. Andrew works for Booz Allen Hamilton, time in fall 2012. Jason Downs separated Downs and girlfriend Catherine. As usual, and Addy works for the town of Havre de from the Marine Corps in September 2011 it was a great weekend filled with plenty Grace. and is living in the Warrenton, VA, area. He of drinks, great weather and great Brother In January, I made my annual pilgrimage helps with the family construction business Rat bonding time. I really encourage you all to the Second Holy City of Charleston, SC, while he looks for work in the Richmond and to join us next year. It is a great time and a for the Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Joining northern Virginia / DC areas with a defense wonderful way to relax and get away from me in the weekend’s festivities were Sean contractor. Ben Melton is in Clarksville, TN, the cold winters further north. Moore, Chris Johnson, Greg Van Pelt, Colin at Fort Campbell, KY, with the 5th Special In April, I had the honor of serving as an Forces Group. He, too, deployed to places usher in Brian Duncan’s wedding. Brian unknown in Afghanistan and will return in married Miss Emily Haynes of Stafford, VA, fall 2012. Colin Alstad works for the Medical on April 7, 2012, in Remington, VA, at the University of South Carolina in Charleston, Inn at Kelly’s Ford. Jeremy Ward served as SC. So, if you are ever in the area, drop him a line. Seth Parker is at Fort Bragg in Faya groomsman, and Robert Oaks served as an etteville, NC, attending the Q-Course for U.S. usher. Also in attendance were Matt Dowler Army Special Forces. When he completes his and his wife, Jen; Sean Moore and his fiantraining, he will rejoin his unit, 19th Special cée, Danielle Harrison; Amy Ward, Jeremy’s Forces, which is part of the West Virginia wife, and his son Xzavier; and Jason Downs National Guard. and his girlfriend, Catherine Crist. Needless In November, I took great joy in being part to say, it was quite a large gathering, (I know of Josh Sullivan’s wedding. He married Miss – stupid joke.) After an evening of fun and Anna Smith of Colliersville, VA, in Roanoke, comraderie, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan parted for VA, on Nov. 5, 2012. The ceremony took the evening. The couple will reside in Reva, place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, and VA, where Dunc works for the school system the reception followed at the Corinthian Ballas a case manager for at-risk students. Emily room in downtown Roanoke. Jason Downs, recently graduated from Mary Washington Greg Van Pelt and I served as groomsmen in University with a master of education degree the wedding. Ben Melton and his girlfriend, and hopes to teach middle school social Courtney; Alex and Kat Correll; Sean Moore studies or language arts at one of the local Class of 2005: A son, Finn Louis and his fiancée, Danielle; Andrew and Adrean schools. Heely, born to Erin and Conor Heely Troy; and Chris Johnson were also in atJeremy Ward seems to be quite the figure on March 6, 2012, received his provitendance at the wedding. Josh and Anna will these days in Grundy. He continues to teach sional appointment to join the class of 2031+3. See photo on previous page. reside in Richmond, VA, where Josh works high school biology and coach the football as a territory manager for Tyler Union. In team and was recently elected to the Town March, they bought a home Council. I hope by the next set in the Westwood Club area of of notes, I can report that he is Richmond in the near West End. Mayor Ward. It was great to see The whole weekend, much like his wife, Amy, again and to finally any weekend involving Josh meet his son, Xzavier – a great Sullivan, was a blast, and I look kid who not only helped me beat forward to many more years some tricky levels on Angry Birds of friendship and fun with the during the reception but also plans Sullivans. on becoming a football player at A report on aforementioned VMI someday. Matt Dowler is Brother Rats: Sean Moore and still living in the Richmond area his fiancée, Danielle, were enworking for Hanover Insurance. gaged over the 2011 Christmas He and his wife are expecting twin holiday. The two live in the boys this summer. Needless to Martinsburg, WV, area where say, I will make sure Provisional Sean continues to work for Appointments are secured and that Quarles Petroleum, and DaniCoach Woods sends game tape to elle works full-time cleaning up the Dowler house, so the boys can after Sean and all the destrucstart preparing for their arrival at tion he leaves in his wake. By the Institute for football camp in the time you read these notes, August 2030. Sean and Danielle will be Mr. In May, I had the privilege of and Mrs. Moore, as the two are going down to Augusta, GA, to set to exchange nuptials on June see Chris Johnson graduate from Class of 2005: Mark Doyle ’88, Ph.D., Col. Vernon Beitzel 23, 2012. Andrew Troy resides the Medical College of Georgia ’72 and Ryan Clemens posed for a picture during Beitzel’s with his wife, Addy, in Havre de with his doctor of medicine degree. visit to the Marion Military Institute. Grace, MD, on the Chesapeake Chris was attending the school

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CLASS NOTES through the Army medical program and was commissioned as a captain following graduation. Brad Miller and I had the honor of pinning on his captain’s bars at the commissioning ceremony. It was a great source of pride for Chris to have his BRs pin on his rank, and it was a great source of frustration to Brad who proved he truly was a private for four years, as he struggled to put on the rank in the proper fashion. After graduation, Chris will remain in GA stationed at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon where he will practice Orthopedic Surgery. Brad Miller is still working in the pharmaceutical sales industry and living in Charlottesville, VA. After seven years of dating the Miss Joy Giglio, he finally got the courage to propose and the two are engaged. They are planning on getting married in spring of 2013. I apologize for the length of the report of my personal travels, but due to some deadline issues, the last time I gave a report in the notes, it was in October 2011, and quite a bit has transpired since that time. If you want it to stop, just send me updates, so I don’t have to write about myself. As always, if we haven’t heard from you in a while or ever, for that matter, please check back in. We’d love to hear what you’re up to and the great things you are doing. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call. Until next time … In the Bonds, Tim Johnson

’06

Clark Dudley

Fellow BRs, By the time you read this Review, summer will be almost over, and we will have had fellow classmates married and children born to hopefully add to the future VMI ranks. As I write these notes, it is the eve of New Market day. I can’t help but think of our rich history, famous alumni, leaders of business, alumni who have served and who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and family and friends who are no longer with us. We salute you and appreciate what you have done to keep our love of the Institute strong. So, next time you see a fellow BR, let the rings clack and fight over the tab. Cheers. Speaking of our classmates serving, here are the most recent updates I have received. Jared Sheets is currently down at Fort Ben-

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ning attending maneuver captain’s career course. He is also working for the Fishers, IN, Police Department on the civilian side and recently bought his first house. Back in January, Quentin Rohlfs was flying his UH-1N (Huey) during a cross country trip

Class of 2006: Anthony Tolomeo in Washington, D.C., after a 215-mile bike ride in support of charities. from Cherry Point, NC, to F.E. Warren AFB, WY, and was able to snap some great pictures of VMI. He also was married on June 11, 2011, in NOVA to Nancy M. Glaser. Alumni in attendance were Justin Guy ’05, Tim Fairchild, Brent Timmer, Stu Miner, Taylor Thompson and Ben Chovanec. Ben and John Diehl are down at Fort Bragg, currently in the last stages of SFQC, and we hope to have more info over the summer from their training and updates. Boyd Worley is still at Parris Island, SC, as a prosecutor, and he let me know that John Anderson is still stationed in Goldsboro, NC, along with Rob Lydon – they are roommates … roommates in college just wasn’t enough, I guess. John might be deployed by the time you read this. Chris Stolle is currently stationed in Memphis, TN, with the Naval Personnel Command but will be heading to the Naval Post Graduate School in June. He also recently took a road trip to Nashville a couple months ago to meet up with Mark Searles. I also received some good updates from BRs serving abroad, as well. I got an email from Andrew Upshaw, and he is still stationed in Seoul, Korea, working with the 8th Army. He was recently selected as the aide-de-camp to the 8th Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Johnson ’77. Wilson Nance is at AFG right now, and Skvortsov and Yerger are on the same base. They are being

visited by the chief of staff of the Marines this spring – we hope to add a VMI picture to the Review with a lot of brass at some point. Phil Lundberg is currently with Riverine Squadron Three out of Yorktown, VA, and will be heading to Bahrain for six months starting in May. So, all fellow Keydets, hit up Phil if you want a night out on the town. I hear that the Middle East is nice in midsummer. It’s a dry heat, so I’m told. Nathan Parsons is currently living in Fort Collins, CO, and stationed in WY flying C-130s. He was deployed to Afghanistan this past winter and is presently in Kuwait for a few months. He is going to aircraft commander upgrade in August at Little Rock AFB. He also recently went to Curt Ivins’ wedding in Augusta, GA, where he ran into Wes Dockery ’07, Jeff Buttwell and Scott Bartholomew. In addition, a lot has been going on in the Collins household. He took command of the 557th Medical Company in Wiesbaden, Germany, in December 2011, and he and his wife, Jenny (SBC class of 2006), recently had their first child, William Thomas Collins, on April 5, 2012. Besides that, Jenny and Tom have been doing a lot of traveling between Germany, France and Italy. If any BRs make their way to Germany, they always have a place to stay at “Haus Collins.” Onto our fellow cadets living the civilian life: They have had a busy couple of months as well. Weddings, babies and school seem to really keep topping the to-do list of ’06. I got a note from Brian McGill, and he let me know that he, Jeff Gilmore, Jeff’s wife, Elizabeth, and Steve Bechtel all attended a wine tasting hosted by Jeff’s dad in honor of Jeff’s and Elizabeth’s 5-year anniversary. Following the wine tasting, Nathaniel Moreira and Chris Chase joined them all to watch game seven of the Capitals and Rangers, and Chris Chase is still in denial from the loss. Tim Fairchild is still working with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue as a paramedic and firefighter, and most importantly, he and his wife will have had a baby boy in June named Jack Royal Fairchild. Royal is a family middle name, and Tim is excited to pass along the Fairchild name. Anthony Oliver is currently finishing up his sixth year of teaching high school math and coaching football and basketball. This fall, Anthony will be going to Harvard to get his master’s in school leadership and will be looking to link up with some fellow alumni in the Boston area. Harvard … high-five, man! Please reach out to him if you are up there in the Boston area. John Kelton is also going back to school in 2012. Earlier this year, he separated from the Army as a captain, after

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CLASS NOTES ning on running with the bulls in Spain this hell of a rush. I highly suggest it to all. Good completing four deployments to Afghanistan summer and hopes to get a shot of a VMI flag luck, Eaton. and serving for the last three years in 2nd with the bulls. This is something that Kevin Jason Long has had a big 2012 so far ... Ranger Bn. Since that, he has moved to NYC Aldridge and I did back in 2006, and it is a new job, finished a half marathon, bought a and will be attending the New York Universinew house and his wife, Stephaty Stern School of Business benie, gave birth to their first son, ginning in July. Steel Nardozzi Caleb James Long, on March 24, recently received his master’s 2012. He has kept up with Charlie in criminal justice from the Brennan (down at MCB Lejeune University of South Florida and is engaged. – Jason thinks he’s a communicaI received an IM from Brenton tions officer; has two girls now) Underwood, and he and his wife and Jon Everiss (working as an are in Houston. He is currently air marshal and is a Civil Affairs working for Exxon Mobil as officer in the reserve; wrote a short an engineer. Jeff Sale-Boat is book; and is getting married when working as a web developer he comes back from deployment). contractor for the Department Brad Steidle got married March 24, of Homeland Security and is 2012, to Julia Kolanda-Lewis in computer-geeking it up in his Lexington, VA. The ceremony was spare time. Mike Hiltner, our in Lee Chapel, and the reception international man of mystery, was held in Moody Hall. Alumni is living in Guangzhou, China, in attendance were Barry McCord, and will be married this August Thomas Wilson, Jackson Todd and to his fiancée, Amber. We look Mark Lloyd ’05. forward to the wedding picture Anthony Tolomeo participated in with all of the Keydets in attenthe first annual Law Enforcement dance. Jim Woodard and Justin United (LEU) ride from Reading, Woulfe started WPI Services PA, to Washington, D.C., during and have begun contracting National Police Week. They rode back to the armed services. approximately 215 miles in support They attended the Joint Warfof Concerns of Police Survivors, ighting Conference in May in Inc. and the Officer Down MemoVA Beach. rial Page. These charities provide I heard from Christopher resources to assist in rebuilding Eaton, and he has been back the lives of surviving families and and forth from the states doing affected co-workers of law enforceClass of 2006: Tony Cavalero acting in Los Angeles, contract work after he got out of ment officers killed in the line of California. the Army in 2010. He is planduty. Member of these causes and this ride raised $230,000 in support of a great cause. I threw a 30th birthday party for my fiancée, Kate Walter (by the time you read this, Kate Dudley), in April, and Mike and Lauren Carney and Mike and Jenn Werner were all in attendance. It was a great time and even included a head shaving. I also met up with Adam Rosenbaum down in Tampa for the DISA Tech Conference. He happily told me that he and his wife, Katie, are expecting in the fall. Robyn Chatwood (formerly Schaperjahn) was married to John Chatwood ’05 in 2011, and they are expecting their first son this summer. Congrats, Robyn and John. Amber Viehweg (formerly Blain) is Class of 2006: At Fairfax County Fire Station 40 in Fairfax Center, Virginia, on March married to Cordell Viehweg, and 31, 2012, were Master Technician Matthew Tamillow, class of 2012 and 2013 cadets, they had a baby boy on Dec. 4, and Technician Tim Fairchild. 2011. His name is Cordell David

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CLASS NOTES Viehweg. Congrats to all new and expecting parents! I heard from Tony Cavalero out on the West Coast. For those in our class who don’t know, Tony moved out to LA post-graduation and has been working in the acting world. He has had some recent success that is especially special for all us Keydets. Tony did a guest star spot on the Disney show “Kickin It” and had dinner with Dabney Coleman ’53 … very cool stuff. He was also recently added to the main company of the World Famous Groundlings sketch comedy company. Some company alums of note are: Will Class of 2006: Tom Collins, his wife, Farrell, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Maya Jenny, and their son, William. Rudolph, Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz and many more. Congrats, Tony! effort to make this a truly memorable event Thanks for all the phone calls, e-mails, for us all. Jamaal Walton, Tabitha Pinter, Jen and Facebook messages to help me complete Farkas, Ed Mills, Maury Denton and Anthis edition of notes. Keep them coming, drew Timpner have volunteered some time guys. Cheers, and RAH VA MIL! to help plan the festivities, and I, for one, greatly appreciate their assistance. Thanks for Sally Bushore your hard work so far, guys! Other than that, this edition of notes will be short and sweet for us. Thank you to everyone who sent me an update; I look forward to each and every story from y’all. In addition to helping on the reunion comBrother Rats, mittee, Maury Denton has had a busy year. I imagine everyone is eagerly looking forNot only has he been accepted to UVa’s ward to our reunion this fall, and I can assure Darden Business School, but Maury has reyou that you have a dedicated reunion comcently become engaged! He proposed in late mittee that has hit the ground running in an April to his Ring Figure date, Ms. Rachael

’07

Class of 2006: An areal view of VMI Barracks taken by Quentin Rohlfs.

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Harrell. Congratulations, you two! Maury also says that he is the president of the VMI Club of Richmond’s alumni chapter and is settled in Richmond, VA. Elizabeth Gauthier wrote that she had recently received a promotion within the Department of Homeland Security and that she and Josh are both doing well and still live in Virginia. Rhys Williams has moved back to New Orleans. He spent a year living and working in Fort Worth, TX, but has just transitioned to a new company, Johnson Rice and Co., which is an energy investment banking firm located in New Orleans. He is working in the equity research department. In addition to the career change, Rhys says that he is planning on building a house and is enjoying his time in the Big Easy. Jose Lopez sent me an interesting story along with his update. First of all, he is newly engaged! Congratulations to Jose and his new fiancée, Ms. Maria Laura Lopez Gonzalez! The future Mrs. Lopez hails from Lima, Peru, and they are planning a July 14 wedding. After the wedding in Lima, they will return to Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA. Jose shared that when he proposed to his fiancée, he presented her with his combat ring as they were hiking Mount Rainier. As they were descending, the ring slipped off her finger, and they were certain it was lost. Awhile later, Jose received an e-mail from John Devlin ’95, who wrote saying his medical school roommate, Maj. Travis Frazier, found the ring on a hike. The two of them called around and discovered the ring belonged to Jose, and his ring was returned. Jose says it’s great to know that even though we equal few in number, the bonds of VMI run deep. He would also like to give a shout out to Lt. Col. Anthony Meador ’95, his last boss while stationed in Alaska. Ryan Marsh wrote to say that he has relocated to Whitefish, MT. Stefan Dietrich is at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and is flying refueling missions into Afghanistan. He says that he is deployed with Dave Sullivan ’08 and that they are both in the same squadron back at Fairchild AFB in the states. Rob Payne is close to finishing a year in Afghanistan. He will be headed through Manas on his way out and will eventually PCS to Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Rich Meredith is currently working for Accenture doing logistics for the State Department, and he shared that his VMI roommate,

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CLASS NOTES Ryan Young, is working for the U.S. Agency for International Development. That’s all I’ve got this time around. Good luck and stay safe to everyone overseas. I look forward to seeing the class at our upcoming reunion!

’08

Robert Hill

Greetings to you all! I trust by now you’ve enjoyed a good summer. First off, congratulations to the former Ms. Amanda Lee Hill and Ryan Corcoran on their marriage last Oct. 22nd. Ryan and Amanda had numerous VMI guests at the wedding, including his best man, Seth Berkowitz, and groomsmen, Nate Brown, Glyn Phillips, Jed Messina and Christian Green. Other alumni included Dr. Charles Bryan ’69, John Andrews ’68, Jim Mawyer ’70, Paul Boulden ’04, Stanley Cheng, Chris DarConte, Pete Levrant, Paul Childrey, Thomas Gottwald ’09, Robbie Saunders ’11 and Matthew Talbott ’11. Both Ryan and his new wife are working in the Rich-

mond area. Shortly after the wedding, Amanda and Ryan visited NC to watch Stan graduate from F-15E WSO school, along with Stan’s mom and Paul Childrey and wife Alyson. This past March, Amanda and Ryan travelled with Seth and Lauren Connor to the wedding of the former Ms. Rachel Tuohy and A.J. Fortier. Also in attendance at the Tuohy-Fortier wedding was Chris DarConte, Teddy Davis and Adam Barr. Congrats to the Fortiers. A special thank you to Ryan for all the pictures! Philip Jones recently graduated from law school and public affairs school at the University of Ohio State. In addition, Phil passed his bar exam in Ohio. Congrats on your accomplishments! Stephen Donaldson checked in from Afghanistan as he’s winding down the deployment. He’s leading a Police Community Advising Team (PCAT) in the Logar Province in RC-E. This is his third year as a platoon leader. Stephen’s platoon has combined with two embedded police mentors and one law enforcement professional to make up the PCAT. Together, they are partnered with 50 members of the Afghan National Police. Stephen noted their courage and toughness on a daily basis. While in Logar, Stephen heard from Alec Gray who is finishing

up a deployment to Iraq in Kuwait. Alec and his wife, Grace, are planning a trip to Europe on his mid-tour leave. Andrew Gay also just arrived at Kabul. Dan Boyd reached out to Stephen, as he’ll be stationed at Fort Bliss for his career course, and the two are hoping to be neighbors in El Paso upon Stephen’s return to the states. When he returns, he’ll be headed to Fort Leonard Wood for his career course in November. Finally, Stephen and his platoon repaired several blast holes around their combat outpost, and he dedicated a hole repair to the Institute. This picture is included in the front portion of this Alumni Review (OEF/OIF section). Thanks for checking in, Stephen! Garrett Smith and his wife, Ashlyn, had their first child, Adalyn Grace, on Oct. 1, 2011. Garrett started leave from the Army out of Fort Eustis, where Jacob Vishneski, Ryan Clark ’09 and Dan Hosey ’09 are stationed. Garrett accepted a job with TAMKO Building Products as a Six Sigma Black Belt in Joplin, MO, and the family moved to Webb City, MO. Ashlyn graduated from nursing school last year and is to begin as an R.N. shortly. Congrats to the Smiths on the new addition to the family and recent accomplishments! Andrew Vezza and wife Lauren welcomed

Class of 2006: At the wedding of Amanda Lee Hill and Ryan Corcoran in October 2011 were best man Seth Berkowitz; groomsmen Nate Brown, Glyn Phillips, Jed Messina and Christian Green; Charles Bryan ’69; John Andrews ’68; Jim Mawyer ’70; Paul Boulden ’04; Stanley Cheng; Chris DarConte; Pete Levrant; Paul Childrey; Thomas Gottwald ’09; Robbie Saunders ’11; and Matthew Talbott ’11. (Not shown in order of appearance.)

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CLASS NOTES their first child to the family. Emma Mary was Course in Fort Benning, GA. Dan McGraw has born on March 8, 2012, at 4:19 p.m., weighing already been selected out of SFAS and is in the in at 6 lbs., 7oz. and 18 inches long. Andrew is Special Forces Qualification Course right now. currently in the Captain’s Career Course at Fort Roger Leonhart is serving with the Second Sill, OK. Congrats to the Vezza family! Brigade Combat Team (2BCT), 82D Airborne I’ve got a secret source giving me informaDivision. Devin Millson briefly stopped at Fort tion about Scott Sanders. Scott is deployed Bragg before being deployed with the 1BCT, 82D to Afghanistan on 3/24 with the 1st Battalion, Airborne Division, to Afghanistan. I would like to 7th Marines out of 29 Palms. Currently, Scott say thank you, Mike, for the updates. It was good is deployed to the Sangin Helmand Province. to hear from you! Scott is working as a collections officer doing Rob Kelly reported in from Kuwait before his intelligence work with the 1/7. Tyler Anthony brigade returns to Fort Hood, TX, in June. Rob was living with Scott until Scott deployed. is serving as the battalion fire direction officer, Tyler is heading to Quantico to start a new asand they’ve fired over 3,000 artillery rounds in signment with the USMC prior to his wedding the last five months and conducted joint trainings in September. Nick Orzechowski sent a picture with the Kuwaiti Army, along with fixed and from Afghanistan where he met up with Jesse rotary aviation. After five months, Rob is tired of Class of 2008: Andrew Vezza with Burnette and Jason Webb. the desert. The artillery battalion that’s replacing 2-month-old Emma Mary, born Mike Karlson checked in from Fort Bragg, NC, them is the 1-10 FA, of which Mike Werle is a March 8, 2012. where he is stationed with the 82D Combat Aviapart. Check out some of the pictures in the front tion Brigade. He attended the Civil of the Review (OEF/OIF section) Affairs Assessment and Selection this submitted by Rob! past September and was selected for Well, it’s been a few hectic months follow-on training. In July, he starts in the Hill house. Lauren and I were with a six-month Engineer Captain married on March 31st. At the beCareer Course in Fort Leonard Wood, ginning of the month, I was upset to MO. Afterward, he’ll return to Fort hear my roommate, Matt Mitchell, Bragg for language school, learning wouldn’t be able to come. Matt was Korean and the Civil Affairs Qualisupposed to be a groomsman. The fication Course. Evan Rodenberry wedding went off without a hitch and Chris Haviley are there and have until my brother “lost the rings.” At been selected for follow-on training that moment, I felt like the world Class of 2008: Chris DarConte, Teddy Davis, A.J. Fortier, out of Special Forces Assessment stopped, and Matt came marching Seth Berkowitz, Ryan Corcoran and Adam Barr. and Selection (SFAS). They are now down the aisle in his dress blues at the Maneuver Captains Career and rings in hand. Only my parents, Lauren’s parents and our siblings knew of the surprise. There was not a dry eye in the house, and Matt made our special day even better. Matt’s uniform and charm hit it off with many of the ladies. In addition to Matt, my dyke, Preston McFaddin ’05, and my other roommate, Mark Miller ’07, travelled to Hershey to be a part of the wedding. We had a great time together. Lauren and I travelled to Jamaica for our honeymoon and had perfect weather. I’m staying busy, and Lauren is substituting, as she attempts to locate a full time PE teaching position. As some of you may realize, our reunion will be next fall, just a little more than 12 months away. If you are interested in helping plan the reunion, I am looking for about four or five individuals to help with the planning. Please send me an e-mail, or give Class of 2008: Alumni attending the wedding of Lauren and Robert Hill were Matt me a call. I look forward to hearing Mitchell; Preston McFaddin ’05, second from left; Mark Miller ’07, third from left, and from you all. Lauren and Robert Hill, center. God bless and Rah Virginia Mil!

2012-Issue 3

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CLASS NOTES

’09

Ian Williams

Well, it finally happened! Our Rats have graduated and have officially become members of the “Old Corps.” Now they can sit back and tell future cadets about how hard VMI was when they were there. And we can still tell them that they had it easy compared to us! I just wanted to give a quick mention to my two Rats, Bruce Leuthold ’12 and Ray Delgado ’12. I just want to say congratulations, and welcome to the club, guys. And congratulations to the entire class of 2012! I speak for everyone in the class of 2009 when I say we are proud of every one of you. Now it’s time to get down to business. There is some big news coming from across the pond. Greg Lippiatt will be marrying Sophie Caldecott on Oct. 20th. The wedding will take place overseas at the Oratory of St. Aloysius in Oxford. Congratulations to both Greg and Sophie. Alex Kari is still stationed up in Fort Drum, NY. He has been very busy with training, but he did find time to squeeze in Pathfinder School. He was excited and exhausted when he made it back to post. Then in late March, Alex and some of the men from his platoon participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March in New Mexico. He said it was hotter than what he expected, and it was longer than what he expected, but he was just grateful that he and his men could participate in it. Thomas Duncan is also still stationed at Fort Drum with his wife, Kathleen, and their young-atheart dog, Molly. I just wanted to say that Molly just turned 100, and that is simply impressive! Tom also completed Pathfinder School around the same time as Alex. John Collier has deployed for a second time to Afghanistan. He is still at Fort Drum with the 7th Engineers. I haven’t heard too much from him, but from all accounts, he is doing well. At the end of April, Chris Brown made his triumphant return to the United States. He completed his first deployment with the 10th Mountain Division and is doing well. He did a lot of travel on his block leave and came back to Fort Drum looking more tired than when he came back from deployment! Trent Blackman made it back from his first deployment to Iraq some time ago. He is currently with the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, NC. Trent has a young family of his own. He was married to Sarah Ziegenfus in May 2011. They now have their first child, Avigail Mercy Blackman. The class is with me when I say congratulations on this new chapter of your life! My old roommate, Daniel Brewer, completed

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his first deployment with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Where he went and what he did are classified, but he made it back home, and is doing great. When he was back at Fort Lewis, he did forget about one thing: drinking the proper amount of milk. During a training jump, Daniel came down a bit too hard and broke his leg. After surgery and some time to recover, he will be just fine. But he says that he now will no longer underestimate the importance of milk in a well balanced diet. And lastly, Reza Eftekhar is working hard to complete his medical degree in chiropractics. He was voted in as his class president (sorry, Finney) and, since then, has really made a difference. He works with a team of fellow students to coordinate student needs and develop and monitor scholarship funds, and he reports to his school’s board of directors on a variety of topics. Well done, Reza! That is all I have for now, but keep them coming! If I don’t get back to you within a day or two, just shoot me another message. My job has me traveling a fair amount, so sometimes I will miss one. Until next time … Rah Va Mil! Ian Williams

’10

Matthew Allen

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 2010 for this isue.

’11

Allen McCown

Brother Rats: As these notes are e-mailed in, the clock has struck one year since our departure from the Institute. More has changed in the past year than I think any of us could have imagined. We have departed across the United States, not to mention the globe. We have entered the world and taken it by storm. I am eagerly awaiting what great changes the next year has in store. It is with a heavy heart that I write these notes, for our number has become smaller by one, with the passing of Zach Freitag. Zach was living in Mechanicsville, VA, at the time with his family. I attended the funeral in Mechanicsville, and a large number of the class made it; I thank everyone who came. I know this was comforting to the Freitag family. The obituary is in the Taps section of this Alumni Review. If there is ever any good from death, there is the

reminder that life is precious, and it is meant to be enjoyed with those you keep closest. My visit to Richmond landed me on Matt Talbott’s couch, which he generously offered to me. Matt is doing well, working in the Richmond area and living in the city. He has stayed busy and has continued to serve on the rescue squad in the area, which has led him to some all-nighters before heading back to work. The day I was heading back from Richmond, Matt was headed to the Richmond speedway for a race day with Matt Piazza and Brian Skiff. Judging from Facebook, it was a successful race weekend for them all. Around the same time as Zach’s death, I discovered that Sam Pace had been in a serious car accident. After being in a coma state briefly, Sam was confined to the ICU and then in the hospital for another few days. Sam has since been discharged from the hospital and is going through therapy. He has kept a good spirit throughout, though. His first post to Facebook after being allowed Internet was, “THANK GOD I’M ALIVE!” Sam continued to inquire a few days later about who would come work out with him, arguing that he should be granted the privilege of walking, since he had been at the hospital for so long. Sam also commented that he was sick of questions regarding his current location, the date and the current president. Here’s to a speedy recovery, and I know we are all glad you are on the other side of your injuries. While I was in Richmond, I also got to catch up with Jeremy Lucier. Jeremy is working for a private security company in the area. His position may end up leading to some travel. Keep up the good work, Jeremy. We know you’ve become quite a gym rat, and it’s paying off. I also saw Ashley Camper, who has recently been training for skeleton. Skeleton is as she described, “the headfirst luge you see in the winter Olympics.” Ashley has been very busy, and I wish her best of luck in her winter sport endeavors. Shayn Tierney came down for the funeral, as well, and it was great catching up with him. Shayn is studying law at American University and very much enjoying it. He reported that living in D.C. is great and is excited for his upcoming courses in law. Thankfully, we were able to reach Zach’s roommate, Robbie Saunders, and alert him about the funeral. Robbie was in the middle of a through hike of the Appalachian Trail and was “off the grid” at the time. About a week prior, Robbie had passed through Lexington and was moving quite quickly. He reported he was averaging between 20 and 30 miles a day! Robbie actually hitch-hiked part of the way to make it to Richmond. Thankfully, Zach’s Dyke, Ryan Kennedy ’08, made it as well. Perhaps the most exciting news of this whole Review is the birth of our first 2011 baby. Korey and Emma Tighe’s daughter, Saralainn Therese Tighe, was born April 9th at 1:13 p.m., weighing

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES 7 lbs., 9oz. Congratulations to Emma and Korey and best of luck. I got a great note from my Rat roommate, Caleb Gibson, recently, and I am happy to report he is working for Johns Hopkins University in their applied physics laboratory. Caleb said he is enjoying his job, and it has him traveling a good amount. Recently, his job took him to Georgia Tech for some course work, and while he was there, he caught up with Noah and Hannah Gibson, Casey McElligott and John Razack. They are all doing quite well, just living the Army life. Congratulations are in order for Joey Keese and Patrick Sweeney, who both just had their “Nickel” rides on May 4th. Patrick informed me that the “Nickel” ride is a term for your first flight as a pilot. He also said that flying is “pretty damn cool.” Two of our BRs are now over in Japan with the Navy. Sean McAbee and Alex Crow are there, and as I write this, Sean’s ship has just headed to sea and Alex is in Tokyo finishing up some classes for SWO … Alex stayed with Sean in Tokyo and said they had a good time before Sean headed out to sea. Adam Kruithof sent me an e-mail recently, and he is doing really well. Adam is working for Bloomberg and living in Princeton, NJ. He spends most of his time working in Princeton but makes it up to New York City a few times a month for work. He is working as a mutual fund and private equity analyst. Adam is working alongside Jarrod Imatani ’10 in Princeton. Currently, Adam is working on his CFA Level I. He has been studying intensely for the grueling CFA test that he will take in June. Good luck, Adam! The most exciting news for Adam, however, is his recent engagement to Brittany Moss. Brittany is a 4th grade teacher at a local Christian private school. She is originally from Augusta, GA, and came to Princeton to earn a master’s in Christian education at Princeton Theological Seminary before obtaining the teaching position at the Wilberforce School. The two will be getting married on June 29, 2013, in Greenville, SC. Congratulations on all these great things, Adam!

I would also like to congratulate Brian Blincoe and Kat Mackin on their engagement, as well. Best wishes to you both as you begin your lives together. I’d like to wish safe travels and Godspeed to Jack Folger and Cory Hendley who just deployed to Afghanistan. See you guys soon, and stay in touch. Lastly, I would like to report a correction from

BIRTHS

the previous Review: Bryan Mayberry was listed as 2012, a travesty in my opinion, but Bryan is indeed our BR. I look forward to hearing from every one of you. I can only report what news I hear from the class, so the more, the better. If I missed anything in this Review, it’s never too late to let me know. Stay in touch, Rah VA Mil!

SULLIVAN – Anna Smith to Joshua C. Sullivan ’05 on Nov. 5, 2012.

PETTY – A son, John Matthias, to Lorraine and George E. Petty III ’91 on May 14, 2012. HARDINGE – A daughter, Lola Margaret, to Missy and Thomas C. Hardinge ’05 on May 1, 2012. HEELY – A son, Finn Louis, to Erin and Conor L. Heely ’05 on March 6, 2012. NOREUS – A son, Steven Thomas, to Jennifer and Matthew G. Noreus ’05 on June 7, 2011. SMITH – A daughter, Adalyn Grace, to Ashlyn and Garrett R. Smith ’08 on Oct. 1, 2011. VEZZA – A daughter, Emma Mary, to Lauren and Andrew M. Vezza ’08 on March 8, 2012.

MARRIAGES

CORCORAN – Amanda Lee Hill to Ryan W. Corcoran ’08 on Oct. 22, 2011. FLATHERS – Sara Freeman to G. William Flathers III ’08 on Feb. 10, 2012. FORTIER – Rachel Tuohy to Allan J. Fortier ’08 on March 10, 2012. GEDE – Michaela Vaporis to Nathan J. Gede ’08 on June 10, 2012. HILL – Lauren Elizabeth Montague to Robert P. Hill Jr. ’08 on March 31, 2012. WATTS – Jessica Lea Bogacik to A. Drake Watts II ’08 on Oct. 1, 2011.

DEGREES

MARTIN – Laura Anderson to William R. Martin ’97 on Feb. 4, 2012.

R. Hunter Trumbo ’90 M.B.A. Business, Darden School of Business University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

GORSKI – Janelle Christine Baldwin to Thomas W. Gorski ’03 on June 23, 2012.

P. Christian Johnson ’05 M.D. Medicine, Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA

DUNCAN – Emily Jean Haynes to Brian E. Duncan ’05 on April 7, 2012. NOREUS – Jennifer Fortin to Matthew G. Noreus ’05 on Oct. 9, 2010.

Nathan J. Gede ’08 J.D. Law, University of Baltimore Law School Baltimore, MD

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 3

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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“Put the Boys In…

and may God forgive me for the order.”

General John C. Breckinridge New Market, May 15, 1864

“Put the Boys In” by Don Troiani On a drizzly May 15th in 1864, a small Confederate force risked being overwhelmed by a larger Federal unit commanded by Franz Sigel near New Market, Virginia, in the Shenandoah. Suffering the combined effects of Union muskets and artillery canister rounds, the center of the Confederate line evaporated. Confederate Gen. John C. Breckinridge quickly realized his options: repair the gap in the line or fall back. With the young cadets from VMI as his only reserve, he hesitated, but then commanded, “Put the boys in,” he stated, “and may God forgive me for the order.” The young cadets advanced, cheering loudly, with many losing their shoes in the muddy field. The cadets engaged the Federals of Von Klieser’s Battery who attempted to defend their position. Moments later, Cadet Oliver Evans jumped up on a captured cannon, madly waving the VMI flag as the cadets cheered wildly, having helped rout the Union force. Afterward, Gen. Breckinridge rode up to the young men stating, “Well done, Virginians. Well done, men.” Don Troiani, one the finest military artists of this century, has created a beautiful and arguably the most historically accurate portrayal of the VMI cadets at the Battle of New Market in his latest work, “Put the Boys In.” The original oil is an 80”x 50” masterpiece which hangs in Moody Hall. Print Size: 19 x 29 inches. Including white border, the size is 23-1/2 x 32 inches.

The Cross of Honor

Order Your Copy of Troiani’s “Put the Boys In” Today! To Order: Call the VMI Alumni Association at 800/444-1839 or send check to Lisla Danas, VMI Alumni Association, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. Make checks payable to: VMI Alumni Association UNFRAMED PRINT: $250 + $20 Shipping & Handling = $270.00 (VA & CT residents add $16.20) = $286.20 FRAMED PRINT: $545 + $100 Shipping & Handling = $645.00 (VA & CT residents add $38.70) = $683.70 160

“CROSS of HONOR” VMI SPECIAL EDITIONS: There are only 400 “VMI Special Edition” prints of the total 950 produced. These prints, uniquely, have the “Cross of Honor” (shown above). In 1904, The VMI Alumni Association presented to each member of the New Market Corps or his descendant a bronze “Cross of Honor.” Description: Suspended from a bar bearing the words “For Valor,” is a cross which appears around the seal of the state of Virginia, “VMI Cadet Battalion, New Market, May 15, 1864.” On the reverse is engraved the name of the battle veteran. Please Note: Print numbers may vary from 1 to 950. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS TAPS James A. List ’36 James Albert List ’36 of Easton, Maryland, died on Nov. 28, 2011. He was 96. A Distinguished Graduate, List matriculated from Miami, Florida, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sister, Helen List Athens of Jacksonville, Florida; stepsons, Thomas Hammond (Janice) of Kent, Washington, James Hammond (Jeri) of Davenport, Florida, William Hammond (Barbara) of Sammamish, Washington, Geoffrey Hammond of Danville, California, and Robert Hammond of Georgetown, Maryland; 11 grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; nieces and nephews, James Athens (Stephanie), William Athens, Robert Athens (Tia), Julie Athens Read (Bill), William List, Ann List Heck, and Barbara List Metzger (Mike) and their families. He was predeceased by his wife, Bette Hobbs List, and a brother, William C. List ’35, who died on June 26, 1992.

Alexander H. Morrison ’39 Professor Emeritus and Former Chairman of the Economics Department

Virginia, died on March 14, 2012. He was 93. James A. Demmler ’43 Cowart matriculated from Lake, Virginia, James Alvin Demmler ’43 of Loudon, and earned a bachelor of science degree in Tennessee, died on Feb. 23, 2012. He civil engineering from VMI. was 90. He is survived by his three sons, William Demmler matriculated from Ben Avon J. Cowart III ’67 of McLean, Virginia, Rich- Heights, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachard Harding Cowart of Calais, Vermont, elor of science degree in civil engineering and Robert Denton Cowart of Berkeley, from VMI. California; four grandchildren; three He is survived by his sister, Margaret D. great-grandchildren; sister, Knapp of Tellico Village, TenMary P. Cockrell of Ophelia, nessee; sister-in-law, Marilyn Virginia; sister-in-law, Jane Best Demmler; nieces, Elaine Cowart of Lake; aunt, Virginia D. Soderlund and Deborah K. Tubman of Irvington, Virginia; Long; and nephews Mark Dembrother-in-law, Robert Coles of mler and Douglas D. Knapp. Montpelier, Virginia; and many He was preceded in death nieces and nephews. by his wife, Dorothy Hewitt He was preceded in death by Demmler. his wife, Geraldine “Jean” Coles Cowart; brother, Andrew H. Charles W. Parker Jr. ’44 Cowart ’40 Cowart ’42, who died on Sept. 6, Charles Walter Parker Jr. ’44 1983; and great-uncle, Octavius of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died H. Cox ’856, who died on Oct. 9, ’914. on Jan. 23, 2012. He was 89.

Irving B. Pierce Jr. ’42 Irving Bowen “Skip” Pierce Jr. ’42 died on May 8, 2011. He was 90. Pierce matriculated from Lexington, Massachusetts, and was a Distinguished Graduate of VMI, earning a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He is survived by his wife, Ann Nelson Pierce; son, Richard D. Pierce; two granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters. Pierce was predeceased by a son, John B. Pierce ’69, who died in 1968.

Col. Alexander Henderson Morrison ’39 of Buena Vista, Virginia, died on April 8, 2012. He was 95. A Distinguished Graduate, Morrison matriculated from Luray, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Charles L. Board ’43 Josephine Witherspoon Rogers Charles Luther “Box” Board Morrison, and his sister, Anne ’43 of Hockessin, Delaware, Morton Morrison of Luray. died on April 19, 2012. He He was predeceased by his was 90. great-grandfather, Francis H. A Distinguished Graduate, he Smith, who served as VMI’s first matriculated from Point Marsuperintendent from 1839-89 ion, Pennsylvania, and earned and died on March 21, 1890; Morrison ’39 a bachelor of science degree in grandfather, James H. Morchemistry from VMI. rison ’860, who died on March He is survived by his daughter, Anne 20, ’910; great-uncle, Francis H. Smith Jr. ’869, who died on Nov. 7, ’917; uncle, Taylor Board of New York City; his son, Francis H.S. Morrison ’884, who died on Charles Luther Board Jr. ’72 (Robin) of March 6, ’929; and nephew, Alexander H. Danville, California; granddaughter, Sarah Morrison II ’66, who died on Dec. 6, 1983. Board; second cousin, Rosa Lee Board Phillips of Stuart, Florida; and sister-inlaw, Lucille Jeffrey Board of Front Royal, W. John Cowart ’40 William John Cowart ’40 of Kilmarnock, Virginia.

2012-Issue 3

Parker matriculated from Ahoskie, North Carolina, and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sophie Riddick Parker; daughters, Porter Hutto (Randolph) and Caroline Robertson (Jay); sons, Thomas Parker (Elizabeth) and Charles W. Parker III; grandchildren, Lee Hutto, Charlie Hutto, Jared Robertson (Zuzana), John Robertson, Dana Robertson, Hatton Parker and Ian Parker; and gr e a t-gr a ndc hil dren, Molly and Ella Parker Jr. ’44 Robertson. He was preceded in death by a cousin, Reverdy H. Jones Jr. ’934, who died on June 2, 1980.

Robert S. Buford ’45 Robert Strother Buford ’45 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Feb. 2, 2012. He was 88. Buford matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for two years. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is survived by his wife, Jane Guthrie Valentine Buford; daughter, Molly P.

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TAPS Buford; sons, A. Sidney Buford, Lewis B. Buford (Sandy) and Robert S. Buford Jr. (Barbara); grandchildren, Christopher Buford, Lucy and Rob Ricca, Will Buford, Lindsay and Mark Wheeler, and Emily Buford and fiancé David Levesque; one greatgrandchild, Kevin Ricca; two stepchildren, Beth Conley and Wilson Valentine and their spouses; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Pollard Buford; father, A. Sidney Buford Jr. ’900, who died on Nov. 29, 1951; and brothers, A. Sidney Buford III ’934, who died on May 16, 2002, and Lanier D. Buford ’938, who died on Oct. 23, 2001.

Jack M. Burnett ’45 Jack Montgomery Burnett ’45 of Roanoke, Virginia, died on April 1, 2012. He was 89. Burnett matriculated from Roanoke and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Connie Q. Burnett of Roanoke, Virginia, and Cathy B. Raulerson (Ron) of Tampa, Florida; son, Jack “Jay” M. Burnett Jr. of Roanoke; and grandson, Ryan M. Burnett of Roanoke. Burnett was preceded in death by his wife, Nina Burnett; grandson, Nelson L. Sutton IV; brother, Bruce Burnett ’42, who died on June 17, 1968; brother-in-law, Frank L. Gregory ’41, who died on Oct. 26, 1970; and uncle, William I. Whitefield ’911, who died on Dec. 27, 1981.

William E. Watson ’46 William Edward Watson ’46 of Scranton, Pennsylvania, died on Feb. 3, 2012. He was 87. Watson matriculated from Scranton and attended VMI for two years. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Davis Watson; sons, Neil Watson (Judy) of Katonah, New York, and Jeffrey Watson (Christina) of Barrington, Rhode Island; grandsons, Matthew and Tucker; granddaughter, Cleo; brother, Henry Kacik of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; sisters, Mary Ann Stelma of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, and Barbara Reade of Effort, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

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William M. Atkins ’48B William Marshall Atkins ’48B, M.D., of Englewood, Florida, died on April 5, 2012. He was 85. Atkins matriculated from South Hill, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Charron Atkins; sons, William M. Atkins Jr. and Charles G. Atkins; and grandchildren, Will, Charles and Meagan.

Allan M. Casey Jr. ’49B Allan Mark Casey Jr. ’49B of Novi, Michigan, died on April 12, 2012. He was 83. Casey matriculated from Houston, Texas, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Helen Partogian Casey; sons, Allan Mark Casey III (Shirley) of Evergreen, Colorado, and John Scott Casey (Terry) of Dallas, Texas; and two grandchildren, Scott Eugene Casey and Amy Margaret Casey, both of Dallas.

Ira C. Crytzer Jr. ’49C Ira Clair “Fritz” Crytzer Jr. ’49C of Williamsburg, Virginia, died on March 7, 2012. He was 87. Crytzer matriculated fro Manorville, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mildred E. Crytzer; son, Ira Dale Crytzer (Linda); daughter, Deborah E. McKinnell (Kent); and grandchildren, Kathryn McKinnell, Kimberly Villajuana, and Aurlie and Rozalyn Crytzer.

and Jeremiah; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Lynn Davis, and two brothers, Richard and Charles Davis.

Richey S. Dickson ’50B Richey Stall Dickson ’50B of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died on March 2, 2012. He was 83. Dickson matriculated from Mount Pleasant and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sister, Diane Hawes, and daughter, Susan DeWulf, both of New York City, and twin grandchildren, Emilie and Nicolas DeWulf.

Frederick W. Schaumburg Jr. ’50B Retired Lt. Col. Frederick William Schaumburg Jr. ’50B, USAF, of Troy, Virginia, died on Feb. 11, 2011. He was 84. Schaumburg matriculated from Upper Montclair, New Jersey, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Indiana. He is survived by his sister, Betty May Greenwood of Tampa, Florida; two nieces; and two nephews.

Lewis H. Beazlie Jr. ’51

John G. Davis ’50B

Lewis Henry Beazlie Jr. ’51 of Yorktown, Virginia, died on Feb. 13, 2012. He was 83. Beazlie matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Baker Beazlie; daughter, Judy Beazlie Johnson of Bass Lake, California; and son, L. Henry Beazlie III (Brenda) of Akron, Ohio.

John Gilmore Davis ’50B of Charles Town, West Virginia, died on Feb. 22, 2012. He was 83. A Distinguished Graduate, Davis matriculated from Martinsville, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a master’s in business administration from Georgia State. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Weathers Davis; daughter, Beth Davis Cantrell (Ben) of Cleveland, Georgia; son, Charles Davis (Linda) of Harpers Ferry, Virginia; grandchildren, Becky, Heather

Retired Col. James Patrick Connolly ’51, USMC, of Fairfax, Virginia, died on Dec. 11, 2011. He was 83. Connolly matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a master of science degree from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Connolly; daughters, Mary Ryan Connolly of Alexandria, Virginia, and Ann Wullschleger (Don) of Lafayette, Califor-

James P. Connolly ’51

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS nia; and grandsons, Daniel and Kenneth Wullschleger.

John A. Herring ’51 John Augustus Herring ’51 of Richmond, Virginia, died on April 20, 2012. He was 82. Herring matriculated from St. Petersburg, Florida, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his nephew, John Harman (Patricia) of Bluefield, West Virginia, and their daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by a twin sister, Jane, and sister, Evelyn Herring Harman.

Charles C.M. Woodward ’51 Charles Carroll McCubbin Woodward ’51 of Tyler, Texas, died on March 20, 2012. He was 83. Woodward matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Karin W. Dalton, of Poteet, Texas, and Anne W. Lang of Monroe, Louisiana; grandsons, James R. Dalton (Jacqueline) of San Antonio, Texas, Michael J. Dalton (Kristin) of San Antonio, and Christopher N. Lang of Monroe, Louisiana; great-grandson, Dorian R. Dalton of San Antonio; and sister-in-law, Joyce R. Moser of Morris, Connecticut. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Robinson Woodward.

John V. Thompson ’53 John Vincent Thompson ’53 of Danville, Kentucky, died on Feb. 18, 2012. He was 79. Thompson matriculated from Altavista, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Neva King Thompson; children, Carey and Maggie; grandchildren, Sarah, John and Mary; and his brothers, Randolph and Bill. He was preceded in death by an uncle, Frederick L. Thompson ’924, whose date of death could not be verified.

William W. Berry ’54 William Willis Berry ’54 died on April 4, 2012. He was 79. His obituary appears in the front section of this issue.

2012-Issue 3

Wallace T. McKeel ’57

George W. Squires ’68

Wallace Tyree McKeel Jr. ’57 of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Feb. 13, 2012. He was 76. McKeel matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He held a master of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Diantha Holt McKeel; son, Thomas McKeel of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Megan Armstrong (Bradley) of Alexandria, Virginia; and sister, Linda Royster (Ed) of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

George Warner Squires ’68 of Henrico, Virginia, died on March 25, 2012. He was 65. Squires matriculated from Richmond, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI and a doctor of chiropractic degree from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic. He is survived by his wife, Kitty Sue Boddie Squires; sister, Donna Bower (Richard); nieces, Sarah and Emily; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57 Former VMI Commandant of Cadets Retired Army Col. Harold Berlin “Buz” Snyder Jr. ’57 died on Feb. 14, 2011. He was 78. His obituary appears in the front section of this issue.

William H. Dabney ’61 Former Commandant of Cadets Retired Marine Col. William H. Dabney ’61 died on Feb. 15, 2012. He was 77. His obituary appears in the front section of this issue.

Andrew J. Thacker ’61 Andrew Jackson Thacker ’61 of Seabrook, Texas, died on March 31, 2012. He was 72. Thacker matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned both his master’s in business administration and doctor of education degrees from the University of Houston.

Richard D. Plogger ’62 Richard Donald Plogger ’62 of Lexington, Virginia, died on April 15, 2012. He was 73. Plogger matriculated from Lexington and attended VMI for two years. He is survived by his daughter, Felicia Plogger Thompson; son, Donnie Plogger; brothers, Oscar, Clarence and Emmett Plogger, all of Lexington, and Melvin Plogger of New Market, Virginia; sister, Ethel Henricks, of Lexington; and grandson, Thad Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Jane Plogger.

Wayne E. Worman ’74 Wayne Edward Worman ’74 of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, died on March 16, 2012. He was 60. Worman matriculated from Middletown, New Jersey, and graduated from VMI With Distinction, earning a bachelor of science degree in physics. He is survived by his wife, Linda Butler Worman; sons, Lionel M. Worman of Springfield, Ohio, and Aaron J. Worman of Woodbury Heights; mother, Irene C. Worman of Brick, New Jersey; brother, Bruce J. Worman of Jackson; sister, Dale A. Barry of Indianapolis, Indiana; in-laws, Robert. W. Butler of Sacramento, California, Shirley A. Gudge of Greeley, Colorado, Bruce E. Butler of Daytona Beach, Florida, Gary W. and Curtis N. Butler, both of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and Mildred W. Boothe of Waukegan, Illinois; and 21 nieces and nephews.

Edward B. Glackin ’77 Edward Bernard Glackin ’77 of Broomall, Pennsylvania, died on June 26, 2010. He was 56. Glackin matriculated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. Editor’s Note: A formal obituary was not provided.

Thomas B. Hazard ’79 Thomas Bibb Hazard ’79 of Alexandria, Virginia, died on April 8, 2012. He was 55. Hazard matriculated from Lorton, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years, four months and 15 days. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ohio Northern University.

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TAPS He is survived by his wife, Maria Arriola Hazard, and four children by his first wife, Patricia: Margaret Anne Hazard of New Orleans, Louisiana; Kathryn Charlotte Hazard of Fairfax, Virginia; Perry Stevens Hazard of Salisbury, Maryland; and Mary Elizabeth Hazard of Richmond, Virginia.

George W. Snyder ’80 George Walker Snyder ’80 of Owens Crossroads, Alabama, died on Feb. 13, 2012. He was 53. Snyder matriculated from Mount Jackson, Virginia, and graduated from VMI With Distinction, earning a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He held post-graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Coury Snyder; sons, Walker Stephens Snyder and Hunter Thomas Snyder; brothers, Thomas L. Snyder Jr. (Christine) and Timothy B. Snyder ’77 (Glenda); nephews, Stuart Snyder (Abby) and Stephen Snyder; great-nephews, Clark and Shepard Snyder; and great-niece, Sara Kate Snyder.

Philip C. Dederer ’82 Philip Christian Dederer ’82 of Gaithersburg, Maryland, died on March 25, 2012. He was 51. Dederer matriculated from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from VMI. He also held two master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his mother, Susan K. Dederer; son, Stuart Gordon Dederer; brother, Stephen D. Dederer; sister, Suzanne M. Dederer; former spouse, Sally Davidson Rhodes; and companion, Stephanie J. Mitchell. He was predeceased by his father, John D. Dederer, and brother, Richard R. Dederer.

John M. Tabb Jr. ’82 John MacKenzie Tabb Jr. ’82 of Richmond, Virginia, died on March 29, 2012. He was 52. Tabb matriculated from Richmond and graduated from VMI With Distinction,

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earning a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Vigil Tabb; daughters, Ashley Monroe Tabb and Angela Godwin Tabb; sister, Nina Myers (Frank); sisters-in-law and brothers-inlaw, Rebecca and Alex Gubert, Elizabeth Vigil and James Vigil Jr.; father-in-law, James Vigil; niece, Sara Myers; and nephews, William Myers and Kenneth Gubert. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Monroe Tabb, and father, John MacKenzie Tabb ’39, who died on Dec. 20. 1998.

Charles R. Yarbrough Jr. ’82 Charles Robert “Bob” Yarbrough Jr. ’82 of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on Nov. 9, 2011. He was 51. Yarbrough matriculated from Fredericksburg and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Hilosky; his fiancée, Brenda Campbell; four children, Jenny Stamm (William), Benjamin Yarbrough (Allie), Sarah Wilder (Jim) and Shannon Yarbrough; two sisters, Mary Beth Chittum (Mary Maynard) and Gail Ford (Dan); and three grandchildren, Ethan Roques, William Stamm Jr. and Kyleigh Yarbrough.

LaMont F. Toliver ’85 LaMont Fernal Toliver ’85 of Silver Spring, Maryland, died on Feb. 28, 2012. He was 48. Toliver matriculated from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Redd Toliver; four children, Jaquet, Julian, Jordan and Tristan; and grandchild, Kamry. Editor’s Note: More about Mr. Toliver is included in the class of ’85 class notes.

John Boniface III ’88 John Boniface III ’88 of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on Feb. 21, 2012. He was 46. Boniface matriculated from Galax, Virginia, and attended VMI for five years. He is survived by his wife, Tamara Lynn Boniface of Nags Head, North Carolina; daughter, Abbe Boniface of Austin, Texas; sons, John “Beau” Boniface IV and Brooks Boniface, both of Austin; father, John Boniface Jr., M.D., and his wife,

Billie, of King George County, Virginia; mother, Carole H. Boniface of Spotsylvania County, Virginia; and sisters, Blaire Morris of Fredericksburg, Beth Boniface of Morristown, Tennessee, and Barbara Harvey of Spotsylvania. He was predeceased by a sister, Rebecca Boniface.

Matthew P. Gaddis ’91 Matthew Paul Gaddis ’91 of Somerset, Wisconsin, died on Feb. 3, 2012. He was 44. Gaddis matriculated from Ocala, Florida, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jill Boschma Gaddis; sons, Evan and Mitch Gaddis; mother, Heloise Lee; sisters, Angela Miller and Christine Sipes (Paul); niece, Camryn Sipes; and nephew, Ryan Sipes.

Dewayne L. Witt ’94 Dewayne Lee Witt ’94 of Augusta, Georgia, formerly of Fairfield, Virginia, died on July 31, 2011. He was 38. Witt matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and attended VMI for three months. In addition to his parents, Luther L. and Judith Dooley Witt, he is survived by his wife, Colleen R. Witt; son, Wyatt L. Witt; father- and mother-in-law, Howard and Barbara Greer; uncle, W. Wayne Witt (Eleanor); and cousins, Ginny W. Thurman and Leland A. Witt Jr.

Zachary A. Freitag ’11 Zachary Andrew Freitag ’11 of Mechanicsville, Virginia, died on April 21, 2012. He was 22. He is survived by his parents, Jeffrey and Margaret Freitag; sisters, Katrina Wilton and Molly Freitag; brothers, Chris Freitag (Wendy) and Isaac Freitag (Keri); maternal grandfather, Paul Petry; and maternal grandmother, Margaret Petry. Correction: In the obituary of John M. Camp Jr. ’40 that appeared on page 16 of the 2012-Issue 1 Alumni Review, his father’s name was inaccurately stated as “James M. Camp ’905.” Mr. Camp’s father was John M. Camp, class of 1905. We sincerely apologize to Mr. Camp’s family, Brother Rats and friends for this error.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

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

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

First Vice President

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 PO Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@wwassociates.net

Second Vice President Robert P. Louthan ’82 809 Lindsay Ct. Richmond, VA 23229-6823 rlouthan1@gmail.com

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

Immediate Past President

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

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc. President

William A. Paulette ’69

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2013 Terms Expire June 30, 2014 Jamel Lynch Jr. ’94 region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Michael Soares ’75 mLodington@gmail.com Dallas Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Directors at Large

Terms Expire June 30, 2015 Jessica J. Schmaus ‘04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Matthew Hemenez‘90 mhemenez@surefire.com

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 Micah T. Wei ’99 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 mwei100@yahoo.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 Trent L. Boggs ’83 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 Robert L. Manteuffel ’77 Alexander E. Woelper ’80 Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83 J. Micah North ’00 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 rlmanteuffel@sbcglobal.com alexw@enconinternational.com Joseph.J.Leonard@uscg.mil j.micah.north@gmail.com 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

C. Pat Haddock ’00 vmitranspo@ hotmail.com

2012-Issue 3

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

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

Chapter Representative

Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Hugh R. Hill ’85 M. Douglass Payne ’73 David R. Yockel Jr. ’90

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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 J.C. Nagle IV ’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 jay.nagle@parsons.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

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

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

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

wcharlet@investdavenport.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

Walter Chalkley ’72

waltchalkley@aol.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Bland Massie ’77

super77@vmialumni.org

Region IX Shenandoah Valley

Thomas K. Jarvis ’82 jarvistk@vmi.edu

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 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John Nagle ’87 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

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

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

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Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS E. Cabell Brand ’44, chairman of the poverty, promoting the environment, and located in Parkville, Missouri. Cabell Brand Center, and center president, advancing peace and justice. Stallings matriculated from Suffolk, David Crawford, have announced the 2012 Brand is the author of the book: If Not Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a winners of the annual Cabell Brand Cen- Me, Then Who? How You Can Help with bachelor’s degree in English. He earned ter’s Scholarship Awards. Jessica Mowles Poverty, Economic Opportunity, Educa- both his master’s and doctorate degrees of Salem, Virginia, who is currently at- tion, Healthcare, Environment, Racial from the University of South Carolina. tending the Wagner Graduate School of Justice and Peace Issues in America. Public Service at New York A Distinguished VMI graduGen. John P. Jumper ’66, USAF (Ret), University, was the first place ate, Brand matriculated from has been named chief executive officer of winner of the $5,000 Glenna Salem, Virginia, and earned a SAIC, a scientific and technical services and Jack Burress Scholarship bachelor’s degree in electrical company headquartered in McLean, Virby the Cabell Brand Center to engineering from the Institute. ginia. Promote the Common Good. He holds three doctorate deJumper, who joined SAIC’s board as Rachal Crum of Roanoke, grees awarded by Washington director in June 2007, was chief of staff of Virginia, who is attending Roaand Lee University, Ferrum the U.S. Air Force from September 2001 noke College, was the second College and Virginia until November 2005, when he place winner of the $2,000 Dr. Western Commuretired from the Air Force after Brand ’44 Charles “Hap” Fisher award by nity College. nearly 40 years of service. As Brand’s center. a member of the Joint Chiefs The Cabell Brand Center for Global At its January 2012 meeting, of Staff, Jumper served as Poverty and Resource Sustainability Stud- the Park University Board of military advisor to the secretary ies, a non-profit organization founded in Trustees granted tenure to of defense, National Security 1987, has been providing fellowships and Walton D. Stallings Jr. ’65, Council and the president of scholarships for 25 years. This scholar- Ph.D., an assistant profesthe United States. ship program encourages young people sor of English and modern Jumper matriculated from to accept the challenges of diminishing languages at Park University, Stallings ’65 Hampton, Virginia, and gradu-

McBride Helps Recover National Parks in War-torn Congo Wilderness Michael P. McBride ’65 and fellow members of an international team of experts have been tasked with creating a master plan for the recovery of the Upemba and Kundelungu National Parks, spanning l2,000 square miles of Congo wilderness. About this undertaking, McBride wrote, “With a $5 million grant from the European Union, which is administered by the Frankfort Zoological Society, our team is attempting to restore these war-torn parks to their previous animal rich status in the hopes of attracting visitors. Where once there were lions and leopards, cheetah and zebra, elephants and kudu, the years of lawlessness have left the land without the previous dense populations. [Recently], 30 people were killed in the nearby settlement of Mitwaba ... The Mai-Mai burned this remote outpost, and it is feared this could happen again. (“Mai” in the local dialect means water, referring to the belief by [the Mai-Mai] that they will shed bullets like water.) The parks lie in a rich mineral area called The Copper Belt, estimated to be worth $24 trillion. These are the world’s poorest people in the world’s richest country.” 2012-Issue 3

Armed with Kalashnikovs (AK-47s), a detachment of “conservators” lined up for an April 2012 morning review at the ridge top ranger station in the Congo’s Upemba National Park. Michael P. McBride ’65, front, has been a leader in international conservation for many years. He is a former member of the Smithsonian National Board, Nature Conservancy Trustee, is an African Game Ranger and is founder of The Bateleurs, “Volunteer Pilots Flying for Conservation in Africa.” He lives in Alaska and is a lodge owner and bush pilot there.

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ALUMNI NEWS Samuel H. Kirby Jr. ’71, president of more than 4,600 flying hours, primarily Froehling & Robertson, Inc., received the in the F-15 A/B/C/D and F-16 C/D. He first Richmond Joint Engineers’ Council flew combat missions in Iraq, where he (RJEC) Career Achievement enforced no-fly zones during operations Award. Kirby was honored for Northern and Southern Watch. In 2003, John L.C. Goode ’67 is his dedication to the engineer- Darnell was senior director of the Comthe managing member in ing profession in the Richmond, bined Air Operations Center at Prince INVENCO Senior Housing, Virginia, area during a 40-plus Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during LLC, which has recently year career that included hold- the opening weeks of Operation Iraqi negotiated a development ing several positions with the Freedom. program with the U.S. GovAmerican Council of EngiHis awards include the Defense Distinernment’s Veterans Adminneering Companies, Virginia, guished Service Medal, Defense Superior istration and Housing and and numerous leadership roles Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, DeJumper ’66 Urban Development to prowith the American Council of fense Meritorious Service Medal and an vide an assisted living facilIndependent Laboratories and Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. ity (ALF) for veterans. According to an the Construction Specifications Institute. A Distinguished graduate, Darnell article in Florida Today, the facility will Kirby matriculated from Wytheville, matriculated from Vinton, Virginia, and give U.S. military veterans priority and Virginia, and graduated from VMI with earned a bachelor’s degree in history rental discounts, and plans are underway a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. from the Institute. He holds a master’s to build an ALF in Viera, Florida. A $12 He earned a master of science degree degree from the National War College. million project, Viera Manor will house from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and more than 100 residents and is scheduled State University. On March 26, 2012, Gary J. Taylor to open in April 2013, the article states. ’75, group president of utility operations Goode matriculated from Hamburg, Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Darnell ’75, deputy at Entergy Corporation, was featured on New York, and graduated from VMI with commander, U.S. Pacific Command in NBC’s Today show discussing Entergy’s a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, retired on national campaign to connect military March 1, 2012, after 36 years of distin- veterans with job opportunities. The camOn March 31, 2012, S. Waite Rawls guished service. paign targets all unemployed veterans but III ’70, president and CEO of the MuDarnell served as division chief in the focuses on individuals who served in Iraq seum of the Confederacy (MOC) in Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff and Afghanistan. Richmond, Virginia, hosted the grand and was director of Legislative Liaison, In an interview with Tom Brokaw, opening of the museum’s new Appomat- in charge of Headquarters Air Force Taylor said the jobless rate for veterans tox facility. The Appomattox museum is congressional efforts. between the ages of 18 and 24 is roughly the first element of a planned system of A career fighter pilot, Darnell logged double the rate of their nonmilitary peers. museums that will share the “Not only is it the right thing MOC’s trove of Confederto do, it also makes good ate artifacts, documents and business sense to recruit these battle flags. Other facilities are highly trained and motivated planned for the Fredericksburg individuals.” area and Hampton Roads. A With more than 50% of the noteworthy attraction at the utility industry’s workforce Appomattox museum is the in the 45 and older category, sword that Confederate Gen. Taylor said Entergy and other Robert E. Lee wore when he companies face a growing met the Union’s Gen. Ulysses challenge as Baby BoomS. Grant in Appomattox, efers head toward retirement. fectively ending the Civil War. Entergy is a top-level ChairA Distinguished VMI graduman’s Circle sponsor of the ate, Rawls matriculated from U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Richmond, Virginia, and Hiring Our Heroes campaign. earned a bachelor’s degree in Taylor matriculated from English from the Institute. In Basking Ridge, New Jersey, S. Waite Rawls III ’70, president and CEO of the Museum addition, he holds a master of and graduated With Distincof the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia, hosted the business administration and tion from VMI with a bachgrand opening of the museum’s new Appomattox facility juris doctor degree from the elor’s degree in physics. He on March 31, 2012. University of Virginia. earned a master of science ated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He earned a master of business administration degree from Golden Gate University.

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ALUMNI NEWS degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. James E. Brown III ’78, Lockheed chief test pilot, recently became the first test pilot to reach 1,000 hours in an F-22 Raptor. Over the years, Brown has flown 8,800 hours in 124 different aircraft. Brown, who spent 16 years in the U.S. Air Force, has worked as a United Airlines pilot and chief test pilot for the F-117 Nighthawk. During his career, he has helped develop and test improvements to weapons systems used in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Allied Force. He is a fellow and past president of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Brown matriculated from Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated With Distinction from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned a master of science degree from Troy State University. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Anthony U. Moore ’78

has been promoted to deputy secretary of Natural Resources. Prior to joining the McDonnell administration, Moore served as senior policy advisor for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water, where he helped develop innovative and sustainable market-based programs to protect environmental resources. From 2000-02, Moore was director of policy for the Virginia Department of Environmental Resources, managing legislative, regulatory, public affairs and constituent service activities for the department. He also worked as a chemist for Dominion Power for 15 years. Moore matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Thomas C. Sliwoski ’78, a Public Works director in Staunton, Virginia, was recently designated a national Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association (APWA). In this role, Sliwoski will spend a year mentoring public works professionals enrolled in the APWA Donald C. Stone

Center for Leadership Excellence in Public Works, which provides credentialing, training and professional development opportunities. “I would like to help make a difference for future upcoming leaders in the public works field,” said Sliwoski, whose areas of expertise include emergency operations and planning; long range planning and budgeting; leadership; and management. Sliwoski matriculated from Garden City, New York, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned a master of science degree from Golden Gate University. Col. Robert C. Morris Jr. ’79 has started a grass roots movement to reduce the proliferation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the world through his non-profit organization, Partnerships International Foundation. Morris said that an average of 119 IED incidents occurred each month in 2011 – not including Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information, see www. partners-international.org.

Alumni Provide World-class Instruction

The Virginia Army National Guard’s 183rd Regional Training Institute (RTI) provides world-class instruction and training facilities to the military. Located at Fort Pickett in Blackstone, Virginia, the RTI employs an efficient, highly-trained staff and state-of-the-art technology to meet the Army’s training needs. Soldiers from the Army National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve and the active component receive intensive combat arms training, military occupational specialty qualification training, and noncommissioned officer education. The RTI also trains and commissions officers and warrant officers through its Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer Candidate School programs. Pictured above, from left, at the RTI: Staff Sgt. Kyle Francis ’05, instructor; Lt. Col. Ned Cox ’89, 1st Battalion commander; Maj. Mike Martin ’91, S-1/adjutant; Lt. Col. Jimmy Kilbourne ’86, 2nd Battalion commander; Col. Doug Messner ’87, regiment commander; and Lt. Col. J.J. Wranek ’85, regiment deputy commander.

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ALUMNI NEWS Morris matriculated from Newtown, Connecticut, and graduated With Distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned a master of science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

planning efforts and is a volunteer for Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area in the financial literacy programs for local schools. He is a former adjunct professor for Virginia Commonwealth University’s CFP® certificate program. Robinson matriculated from Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in economics. In addition, he earned a master of science degree in finance from Georgia State University.

Michael P. Luning ’80 has been promoted to chief engineer of Gannett Fleming’s Hampton Roads, Virginia, office. Luning began his career with the firm 13 years ago, most recently serving as a senior project manager and the manager of the office’s Water Practice. Luning’s responsibilities include overChristopher N. Edmonston ’91, Boat sight of all quality assurance and quality U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and control project elements for the Hampton Clean Water president, has received Roads office. He also serves as several appointments to presthe senior project management tigious boating and fishing resource within the office to organizations. Edmonston assure compliance with all has accepted the position of corporate policies and procevice chair of the National Safe dures for project execution Boating Council, and he was and completion. In addition, appointed to the National AsLuning retains his project sociation of State Boating Law management responsibilities. Administrators’ Education Luning matriculated from Standards Panel. He also was Virginia Beach, Virginia, and named to the board of directors Luning ’80 graduated from VMI with of the Recreational Boating a bachelor’s degree in civil and Fishing Foundation. engineering. Edmonston matriculated from Edgewater, Maryland, and graduated from VMI Kenneth C. Robinson ’90 has joined with a bachelor’s degree in history. the Bernhardt Wealth Management investment advisory team as senior At a March 9, 2012, change of comfinancial advisor. In his new position, mand ceremony, Cmdr. Albert M. Robinson is working with clients in all Orgain ’92, USN, relieved the former aspects of wealth management, includ- commander of Training Squadron 27 at ing investment management, retirement Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. planning, tax planning, philanthropic Orgain matriculated from Richmond, giving, estate planning and Virginia. He graduated from other financial issues. VMI with a bachelor’s degree With more than 15 years of in economics and business, experience in the financial at which time he was comservices industry, Robinson missioned as an ensign in the joins the firm from The MoniNavy. He was designated a nator Group, Inc. where he was a val aviator in December 1994. senior planner and, previously, Orgain has logged over director of operations. 4,000 flight hours in various He serves on the Board of military aircraft, including the Financial Planning Asso- Robinson ’90 over 1,500 hours in the Tciation of the National Capital 34C and over 1,500 hours in Area (FPANCA) as pro bono director, the SH-60F and HH-60H. His personal having previously served as the director awards include the Meritorious Service of Public Relations. Award (three awards), Air Medal (six Robinson is active in pro bono financial strike flight / one single action award with 170

combat V), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and numerous service and campaign medals. Training Squadron 27 conducts primary flight training for future naval aviators in the Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor. Students fly approximately 100 hours that include instrument flying, precision aerobatics and formation. Matthew W. Van Wie ’03 has been hired by Newby, Sartip, Masel & Casper, LLC, a law firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which handles litigation and real estate. In his new position, Van Wie represents clients in corporate litigation, real estate, personal injury and contract disputes, among other areas. Van Wie matriculated from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. John B. Puvogel ’04, a Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic electrical engineer, received the 2011 Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Tudor Medal at a ceremony held on May 23, 2012, in St. Louis, Missouri. Puvogel, who was the SAME Hampton Roads Post “Young Engineer of the Year,” was chosen from a nationwide pool of candidates as the top honoree for his engineering leadership as a young civilian member. As the lead electrical engineer at Public Works Department Oceana, Puvogel provided facilities engineering support to the multiple aviation squadrons and training commands located on board Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex. He was the driving force behind $50 million in plans to improve F/A-18 flight line power distribution and upgrades to energy efficient airfield lighting. Puvogel, who is LEED certified, recently completed a voluntary six-month individual augmentee deployment to Afghanistan, serving as lead electrical engineer within Afghanistan Engineer District-North. He matriculated from Gainesville, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Cavalry Officer: The War Years, 1942-1945 by Harry Siebert ’42. WorldComm®, March 9, 2012. ISBN (trade paper): 978-1566642842 or ISBN (hardback): 978-1566642859. Available via Amazon.com or by calling WorldComm® at 800/472-0438. In Cavalry Officer: The War Years, 1942-1945, author Harry Siebert ’42 recounts his experiences beginning with his graduation from VMI, as he wrote: “Graduation Day for the class of 1942 was scheduled for June 14, but the date was moved up to May 15. There would be no formal exams; all cadets with passing grades would graduate. There was a dire and immediate need for second lieutenants in the Army and Marine Corps to build up our combat capabilities to fight the Axis powers.” So begins his story, and he takes the reader with him as he joined the 1st Cavalry Division – one of the most famous and decorated combat divisions in the Army – then later, as he crossed the Atlantic and entered combat at Normandy. Through colorful accounts and photos, Siebert describes World War II from his unique vantage point as a cavalry officer. About the Author: Siebert matriculated from Richmond, Virginia. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1942-45, he joined Neptune Meter Company as a sales engineer and stayed with that company for 38 years, retiring as Mid-Atlantic Sales manager. With his wife, Joan, he lives in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and spends summer months in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Siebert is donating proceeds from the sale of this book to the VMI Museum. 2012-Issue 3

The Potomac River: A History and Guide by Garret Peck ’92. The History Press, March 6, 2012. ISBN: 9781609496005. Available via Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. The great Potomac River begins in the Alleghenies and flows 383 miles through some of America’s most historic lands before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. The course of the river drove the development of the region and the path of a young republic. Maryland’s first Catholic settlers came to its banks in 1634, and George Washington helped settle the new capital on its shores. During the Civil War, the river divided North and South, and it witnessed John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and the bloody Battle of Antietam. The Potomac River: A History & Guide leads readers on a journey down the Potomac, from its first fount at Fairfax Stone in West Virginia to its mouth at Point Lookout in Maryland. Combining history with recreation, Peck uses anecdotes to recount the histories of the sites and cities along the river. About the Author: Peck is a literary journalist who is the author of two previous books: The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet and Prohibition in Washington, D.C.: How Dry We Weren’t. Peck’s Temperance Tour of Prohibition sites in the nation’s capital has been featured on C-Span Book TV and Maryland Public Television’s “Artworks This Week.” His

work has appeared in The Washington Post, Beverage Media and other publications. Peck has also contributed to The Civil War Battlefield Guide, second edition, and Alcohol in Popular Culture: An Encyclopedia. The House or the Grave by D. Graham Vincent ’92. Kindle Publishing, Oct. 8, 2011. ASIN: B0062PJF6C. Available via Amazon Kindle Store and Barnes and Noble Nook Bookstores. The House or the Grave weaves a tragic tale of love, hate, destiny and life, all set against the beautiful, remote backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan. When young Quasim’s father dies, he is sent from the metropolitan city of Kabul to live in a distant valley with his uncle, deep in the mountains of Afghanistan. There he meets Aryana, an orphan living in the house of a sworn enemy and, as he immediately realizes, his fated “one, true love.” What follows is the story of two people, bound by an undying love, fighting a 20-year struggle to be united against the turmoil of war, fate, culture and a memorable enemy who embodies purest evil. This tale is a sweeping epic novel of love, war and the enduring, unconquerable nature of the human spirit. About the Author: A graduate of VMI, Douglas Graham Vincent was commissioned in the U.S. Army infantry and is a lieutenant colonel serving at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana. The House or the Grave is his first of several novels and was inspired by numerous tours in Afghanistan and discussions with a tribal elder about the role of women in the Afghan culture. He, his wife, Irene, and son, Alex, live in Louisiana as of this writing and are planning a move to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in summer 2012. 171

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE VMI Presents Award to Secretary of State Clinton

ecretary of State Hillary Clinton received the Distinguished Diplomat Award from VMI on April 3, 2012, in Cameron Hall. In his introductory remarks, VMI’s superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, called her “one of the most wellknown and influential women in the world community.” Gen. Peay went on to say, “ … we have seen her occupied with the important work of halting proliferation and reducing the production and stockpiles of weaponsgrade nuclear materials in the world, and in attempting to resolve the growing problem over Korea’s and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. She has tirelessly worked the serious challenges of the Middle East and Gulf … while concerning herself with challenges close to home with border disputes, immigration and drug operations, to name just a few. And, as a member of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee and as Secretary of State, she has been a strong supporter of our nation’s military. “This afternoon,” he continued, “the Institute makes this presentation as a sign of our respect and deep appreciation to Secretary Clinton for her many years of service to

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the Corps of Cadets and local community in Cameron Hall on April 3, 2012. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

our nation and to the world’s community.” International studies professor Col. Jim Hentz presented the award to Secretary Clinton. Hentz remarked on her “incisive” mind and observed that “few have been better prepared [than she] to confront the complexity of the current international system.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton On Jan. 21, 2009, Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States. Clinton joined the State Department after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady and senator. She was elected U.S. senator for the state of New York in 2000 and re-elected to that post in 2006, serving on the budget and armed services committees, committees on health, education, labor and pensions, environment and public works, aging, and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, she was a strong advocate for funding the rebuilding of New York and the health concerns of the first responders who risked their lives working at Ground Zero. She also championed the cause of the military and fought for better health care and benefits for wounded service members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve. As the wife of former President Bill Clinton, she was First Lady of the United States from 1992-2000. In that role, she advocated health-care reform and issues related to children and families and traveled to more than 80 countries to champion human rights and democracy.

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Established in 1996 by the board of advisers for VMI’s Department of International Studies and Political Science, the Distinguished Diplomat Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement in advancing U.S. interests abroad through diplomacy. Clinton joins an impressive list of Distinguished Diplomat Award recipients, including former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton; James Lilley, former ambassador to South Korea and China; Jean Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; James Woolsey, former director of central intelligence and head of the Central Intelligence Agency; and foreign affairs strategist Susan Eisenhower. Editor’s Note: See accompanying article titled “New Generation to Make Case for Smart Power” to learn more about Clinton’s remarks to the Corps of Cadets. 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. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE al-Shabab in Somalia, the massive and immediate aid response after the tsunami in Japan, and efforts to reduce malnutrition and disease in the horn of Africa – all instances of the intersection of development, diplomacy and defense. “We have worked hand in hand with our military colleagues to build a foreign policy based on smart power in the 21st century,” said Clinton, “a foreign policy that produces results for global peace, prosperity and progress, all of which are profoundly in America’s interest.” Clinton drew wide spontaneous applause from the audience when she noted specifically the role of women, saying, “Experience and … piles of evidence show that if we want to expand opportunity and growth, improve national health and education, and provoke responsible governance and democracy, we need to involve women at every step. “And here at VMI,” she continued, “in the 15 years since female cadets joined the Ratline, … you have seen how women have made unique contributions to strengthen and honor this institution.” Clinton returned to the future role of current cadets to conclude her talk. “It took a great citizen-soldier, a VMI cadet, to make the case for smart power then [following World War II]. I think it will take your generation of citizen-soldiers to make the case for smart power in the 21st century. “Our American values of honor, duty, sacrifice, freedom, compassion, humility are a great source of global strength and pride. We look to each of you as you live these values and continue in your careers to make your contribution to our country and to help show the American people why our national security depends on human security, to prove that, once again, American leadership makes us all safer, when we promote dignity and opportunity everywhere.”

New Generation to Make Case for Smart Power, Says Clinton

A graduate of VMI led the United States to a position of leadership in the last century, and young people like the VMI cadets of today will be [called upon] for similar leadership in this century. That was the message delivered by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in VMI’s Cameron Hall on April 3, 2012. She addressed an audience of more than 2,100, including the entire Corps of Cadets, after receiving the Institute’s Distinguished Diplomat Award. “Each of you represents VMI’s commitment to the common good,” she said. “You build on a long tradition of service.” Clinton traced the implementation during her term in office of what she calls the “three Ds” of foreign policy – diplomacy, development and defense – starting with the approach of VMI alumnus General of the Army George C. Marshall, class of 1901, whom she called “the original three-D guy.” Clinton noted the doubtful beginning made by the famous Army general from World War II and the post-war secretary of state, who, when he arrived at VMI, was shy, scared, awkward and a mediocre scholar. The urge to succeed that brought Marshall success – “that urge to channel our doubts and uncertainty into a call to be better and stronger” said Clinton – can be applied to our institutions and society. After World War II, she said, “George Marshall knew … the world’s most powerful military was not sufficient to ensure our security on its own.” And, she pointed out, war-weary American taxpayers didn’t necessarily embrace his vision, just as tight budgets now once more tempt the American people to pull back. “There is a dangerous impulse to withdraw from our responsibilities,” she said, noting that some of the greatest threats to security come from lack of opportunity and human rights, as well as strains on the supply of water, fuel and energy. “We must recognize that strengthening America’s global leadership is the best investment we can make in our own future.” Clinton went on to outline the fighttalk-build strategy of U.S. policy in Afghanistan, the Iraqi-led partnership Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked with cadets, from left, Carrie Wortham, for a free and democratic government Jenna Pickett (not shown), Gabrielle McCarron and Matthew Brock prior to her in Iraq, the work to undermine the address. VMI photo by Kevin Remington. extremist messages of groups like 2012-Issue 3

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INSTITUTE Saunders Fields Dedicated

Mrs. Ann Lee Saunders Brown joined Thomas Slater ’66, former president of the VMI Board of Visitors, left, and Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 in cutting the ribbon to dedicate the Saunders Fields at North Post. Below: One of the plaques located at the entrance to North Post.

The dedication of Saunders Fields on May 9, 2012, honored Edmund Saunders III ’906, and recognized the generosity of his daughters, Mrs. Ann Lee Saunders Brown and the late Jane Quinn Saunders. Their gift made possible the full build-out of the North Post Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. “This gift allowed us to do things that we would not otherwise have been able to do,” said Lt. Col. Dallas Clark ’99, Institute planning officer. “There were some key pieces that weren’t funded, and this donation allowed us to complete the master plan.” Those key pieces included artificial turf and sports lighting on drill field No. 2, four tennis courts, entry gates with landscaping, a pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek, and repairs to the Anderson Drive bridge. The gift also funds maintenance of the area and further improvements. The full construction came at a total cost of over $17 million and included three drill fields, a fully baffled rifle range, state-of-the-art obstacle courses and a high water-entry platform on the Maury River. All of these elements have improved the accessibility and usability of the area for the entire VMI community. Joining Mrs. Brown and friends of the Institute for the dedication was Thomas Slater ’66, former president of the VMI Board of Visitors. Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of museum operations, told the history of North Post, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, made remarks. The dedication included a formal unveiling of two plaques located at the entrances to North Post and a tour of North Post facilities. (continued) 174

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INSTITUTE The ceremony took place at the Jordan’s Point entrance. Since the facilities opened in fall 2010, they have been in constant use for NCAA athletics, club sports, ROTC training and Corps activities. Lt. Col. Bill Bither, marksmanship director, said the facilities offer many new opportunities for training the Corps of Cadets. “The Rat Challenge has been around for years, but the new facilities here have really added to it and have taken it to the next level,” said Bither. “There are several new programs we’ve started this year, including the third class marksmanship program.”

State-of-the-art obstacle courses are part of the full build-out of the North Post Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds, as shown above and at left.

Governor McDonnell Visits VMI

Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell took review of a parade of the Corps of Cadets in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Virginia Militia during a brief visit to the VMI Post on March 23, 2012. In remarks to the Corps and parade spectators, McDonnell praised the men and women serving the country in the armed forces. VMI photo by John Robertson IV.

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Environment Virginia Symposium Opens with Tribute to Founder Gen J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendant, introduced the 23rd annual Environment Virginia Symposium by honoring the contributions of the late Capt. Ronald Erchul to the nation, to the state of Virginia and to VMI. More than 760 registrants came to Lexington to participate in the symposium held at VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics on April 10-12, 2012. Capt. Erchul’s daughter, Maria B. Erchul, was on hand to receive a Virginia General Assembly memorial proclamation. Capt. Erchul was a VMI professor of civil and environmental engineering for more than 25 years. He organized and chaired the first Environment Virginia Symposium in 1990 and coordinated the event in succeeding years until his retirement. The Erchul Environmental Leadership Award, given at the symposium banquet, also honors his contributions. Erchul spoke of the passion that her father had for life, and she sees that same passion in symposium participants. “Today, as I stand among colleagues and friends, it is evident that you, too, have experienced this passion,” said Erchul. “You are carrying out what you believe to be true for the good of the community and the state and to lead our nation to become a smarter and wiser country through our talented citizen-students.” This year’s theme – “Collaboration. Innovation. Results.” – focused on the need to bring experts together to look at issues in a new light. “Until we ask the right questions, we cannot find the right solutions,” said Peay. “I think this symposium helps us to ask the right questions.” Following the welcoming ceremonies, a panel of four former Virginia secretaries of natural resources, hosted by Doug Domenech, the current Virginia secretary of natural resources, took part in a discussion, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge on solving environmental challenges. Tayloe Murphy, who was secretary from 2002-06, described the progress that had been made through bipartisan cooperation in the past. He emphasized the fact that this type of cooperation is now being stifled by the political climate.“The threat that I see is in the increased polarization among our citizens and our public officials along partisan lines,” said Murphy. “We must hold our elected officials accountable when they fail to govern in a bipartisan manner.” Members of the panel emphasized the importance of water conservation and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. Bringing Virginians together to explore challenges like these is an essential component of the symposium. “The commonwealth is filled with wonderful people who care about our natural resources and our environment,” said Becky Norton Dunlop, vice president for external relations for the Heritage Foundation, who was secretary of natural resources from 199498. “People are indeed our most precious and valuable resource.”

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Erchul Environmental Leadership Award Presented to Brand ’44 and Hayes Two winners were selected to receive the 2012 Captain Ronald A. Erchul Environmental Leadership Award: E. Cabell Brand ’44 and Timothy G. Hayes. The winners share the opportunity of donating $1,500 to the non-profit of their choice(s). Brand is chairman of the Cabell Brand Center, founder of Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) and author of the book, If Not Me, Then Who? Among its many undertakings, the Brand Center is focusing on environmental sustainability, including fresh water preservation (www.cabellbrandcenter.org). Hayes is a senior counsel at Hunton & Williams LLP. His practice is primarily involved with the environment and natural resources, including enforcement, permitting, litigation, regulatory counseling, appellate advocacy, project development and land use. The Erchul Environmental Leadership Award recognizes a Virginian who has made significant individual efforts to better the environment. Nominees are judged on the basis of vision, expertise, commitment, integrity, communication skills, accomplishments and diplomacy. Nominees may come from any field or endeavor. The award is named for retired U.S. Navy Capt. Ronald A. Erchul, Ph.D., who served as a professor of civil and environmental engineering at VMI for 27 years. Erchul was the founder and coordinator of the Environment Virginia Symposium until his retirement. He passed away in October 2011. 24th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium: Call for Papers The Center for Leadership and Ethics is pleased to announce its call for papers for the 24th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium, hosted by VMI in Lexington, Virginia, April 9-11, 2013. Abstracts will be accepted online from Aug. 1-Oct. 16, 2012, at www.vmi.edu/environmentva. We invite submissions from professionals and undergraduates for 5-minute or 15-minute presentations. Visit the website for more details and to submit your abstract! 24th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium April 9-11, 2013 Marshall Hall, Center for Leadership and Ethics Virginia Military Institute www.vmi.edu/environmentva

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INSTITUTE Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Conference Oct. 1-3, 2012 Center for Leadership and Ethics Virginia Military Institute

This is a critical time for our nation in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Without essential math skills and mentors, the rising generation will not be prepared to take the lead in scientific and technological advances. The problem is exacerbated by increasing demand for workers who do have these skills. In fact, demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate of all other occupations. Further contributing to the problem is a decline in student and teacher abilities and a misalignment of classroom training with workforce requirements. Leaders in business, academia and government have launched initiatives to bolster STEM education from kindergarten through college. Harnessing technology and innovation will be a key component of transforming the U.S. economy. As the first of a three-year conference series, the 2012 STEM Education Conference will focus on math as a gateway to STEM success. Planned speakers are: • • • •

Laura Fornash, Virginia Secretary of Education John A. Luke Jr., Chairman and CEO of MeadWestvaco Corp. Dr. Neil deGrasse, Director, Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History Dr. Patricia Wright, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction

Join policy makers, administrators and faculty (K-12 and higher ed) and students to explore educational strategies and set a course for the future. Visit the registration page at www.vmi.edu/stem for more info and to register! You may also contact conference coordinators at stem@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7361. 2012-Issue 3

Civil War Sesquicentennial Conference Former VMI superintendent, Lt. Gen. (Va.) John W. Knapp ’54, right, talked with Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell during “Leadership & Generalship in the Civil War,” the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission’s fourth annual Signature Conference, held March 23, 2012, in Marshall Hall. Knapp, the Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43 Visiting Professor in Leadership and Ethics, was chair of the conference, and Howell is chair of the commission. More than 400 attended the conference. Photo by John Robertson IV courtesy of the commission.

Class of 2012 Graduation Gift

In early May 2012, the class of 2012 presented the Institute with the class’s Graduation Gift. The total included a record-setting Graduation Campaign amount of $18,024.32, and these Brother Rats set a new participation mark of more than 27%. Shown here with the superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, are from left, Troy Warcewicz ’12, class historian; Joseph Munno ’12, class president; Richard Luck ’12, class vice president; and Class Agent Bruce Howard ’12. An article on this superb effort will appear in Issue 4 of the 2012 VMI Alumni Review. Photo by Kevin Remington.

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INSTITUTE The Department of Mechanical Engineering: Then and Now Part I: Early History by Richard S. Trandel ’59, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Mechanical Engineering, P.E. (Emeritus)

Editor’s Note: The following is the first of three parts in an historical account of VMI’s Mechanical Engineering Department, written by Richard Trandel ’59, Ph.D., professor emeritus. The remaining two parts will be included in the next two issues of the Alumni Review.

where and how mechanical engineering subjects are taught would be dispelled. At the present time, there are cadets who do not realize that mechanical engineering subjects are taught at VMI.” Col. Anderson’s words marked the early beginnings of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Institute. In fall 1935, the Department of Electrical Engineering changed its name to the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. At that time, all engineering courses and related laboratories were taught in the new Edward West Nichols Engineering Hall, which was com-

In the early part of the 20th century, all VMI cadets took a “Curriculum Course,” consisting of general classes, for the first two years (fourth class freshmen and third class sophomores) and selected an “Elective Course” for the last two years in one of the following areas of study: chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering and liberal arts. The general classes were mathematics, history, English, chemistry, physics, elementary engineering, drawing and a choice of one language – French, German, Latin or Spanish. In 1939, the requirement for two years of general classes was reduced to one year, and elementary engineering and drawing were eliminated from the list. Also, the Elective Course classes were applied to the last three years of study, instead of two, previously. Today, all curricula of the Institute follow a similar pattern with a “core curriculum” – courses in English, mathematics, science, history, physical education, one in aerospace studies, military science or naval The Department of Mechanical Engineering. Seated: Capt. Daniel C. Brittigan ’55, Col. science – and possibly liberal arts Arthur C. Taylor ’44 (department head) and Capt. Tate. Standing: Mr. Beach, Guy B. (depending on curriculum) taken Agnor Jr. ’51 and retired USN Capt. Sturges. Photo from the 1959 Bomb. in the fourth class year. The major difference is that all cadets select one of the 14 majors offered by the Institute when they matriculate. pleted in April 1931. A museum and the offices of the superintendent These 14 majors allow the selection of 17 degrees and 23 minors. and his staff occupied the parade ground floor (fifth floor). On the Early in the 20th century, it was recognized that a number of sixth floor were engineering classrooms, offices and an engineering courses taught in the Department of Electrical Engineering were re- library. The seventh floor was devoted to classrooms, offices and ally mechanical engineering in nature. Then, on May 18, 1935, Col. drawing rooms with skylights for good visibility. The lower levels Stewart W. Anderson ’908, professor and head of the Department of the building housed laboratories and the mechanical equipment of Electrical Engineering, wrote in his annual department report to related to the building. Again, in May 1942, then-Brig. Gen. Anderson, who became dean of the superintendent, Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune, “Courses in heat engineering are now given by this department. Actually, the work the faculty, proposed in his yearly department report to the superintenis handled by Lt. Col. Trinkle ’914, and the importance of the work dent that “a Department of Mechanical Engineering be made and that for all engineering students appears to justify its being placed in a Col. [Robert J.] Trinkle [’914] be put in charge of it.” In September separate department.” Further on in the report, he wrote, “With the 1942, the Department of Mechanical Engineering was separated from term ‘mechanical engineering’ appearing in the catalog, doubt as to the Department of Electrical Engineering and designated as a service

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INSTITUTE department. The new service department was chartered to teach three mechanical engineering classes (two thermodynamic classes and one mechanism class) for the Departments of Civil and Electrical Engineering and Physics. In fall 1953, Col. Trinkle suffered a heart attack while attending a VMI vs. UVa football game in Charlottesville, Virginia, and died the next day. After Trinkle’s death, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Mechanics and Drawing were reorganized and merged to create the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Anderson was named acting head of the new department on June 9, 1955. He remained head until 1957 when he was succeeded by Lt. Col. Arthur C. Taylor Jr. ’44. For the next few years, the Department of Mechanical Engineering had its main office on the parade ground level of Nichols Engineering Hall, just right of the main door entrance. In those days, the offices were much larger than they are today and housed Lt. Col. Taylor and two other professors. Another large office was located on the seventh floor next to an even larger drawing classroom. In early 1960, the Department of Mechanical Engineering moved from its small quarters in Nichols Engineering Hall to the then-new Engineering Annex (recently named James M. Morgan Hall). In the Engineering Annex, the department’s main office and classrooms were located on the fourth level. The annex has only four occupied levels, and its ground level is one floor below the ground level of Nichols Engineering Hall. Both buildings were and still are connected at the three upper levels by wide hallways. The third level contained offices, a blueprinting machine room and two large drawing-laboratories. The Department of Civil Engineering housed its sanitary and materials (concrete) laboratories on the second level, and the ground level was occupied by VMI’s Department of Buildings and Grounds (B&G). When Kilbourne Hall (present ROTC Building) was completed in 1967, B&G moved from the Engineering Annex to the old ROTC Building (previously the cavalry and field artillery stables). Following this move, the Department of Civil Engineering moved its survey classes and equipment to the ground level. After the degree-granting Department of Mechanical Engineering was approved by the state (in 1982), the entire ground floor of the Engineering Annex was allocated to the department for offices and classrooms. One large room located next to the boiler room was used as a cadet study area and was frequently referred to as “The Cave” or “Dungeon” by the cadets. The department remained in the Engineering Annex for 44 years. In 2004, Nichols Engineering Hall and the annex underwent total renovation, and in 2006, the Department of Mechanical Engineering moved to the seventh floor of Nichols Engineering Hall, where it remains today. The Department of Civil Engineering is located on the sixth floor, and the Department of Electrical Engineering on the fifth floor (parade ground level). Laboratories and classrooms remain on the lower levels, along with building mechanical equipment. On Oct. 24, 1962, Col. Taylor sent a proposal entitled, “A Proposed Curriculum in Mechanical Engineering,” to then-Superintendent Maj. Gen. George Richard Edwin Shell ’931. The proposal outlined, in detail, the entire curricula, including courses necessary to establish a four-year bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. Again, in 1965, a request for a degree-granting department was sent forward to no avail. Finally, in 1969, the VMI administration acted upon requests for a third degree-granting department and an engineering divisional organization. Each engineering department was directed to select two

2012-Issue 3

Lt. Col. Robert J. Trinkle ’914, left, and Col. Stewart W. Anderson ’908, right. Photo from the 1937 Bomb.

outside consultants who were to visit the Institute and make recommendations on how an Engineering Division should be organized. In their report, four of the six consultants recommended, as their first choice, “A single engineering degree with area options.” The other two did not consider the overall engineering organization question in their reports. The mechanical engineering consultants recommended, in order of preference: • “A single program leading to a bachelor of science degree in engineering, with area options in the last two years.” • “Three degree programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and general engineering or engineering science, with at least two years in common.” In concert with the outside consultant visits, Brig. Gen. James M. Morgan Jr. ’45 (for whom the previously mentioned James M. Morgan Hall was named), dean of the faculty, appointed an ad hoc committee to study the “Structure of the Engineering Division.” The committee consisted of Colonels J.W. Knapp ’54, L.L. Nichols Jr. ’44 and A.C. Taylor Jr. ’44, heads, respectively, of the Departments of Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Interestingly, each proposed a different structuring, but no one proposed a degree-granting Department of Mechanical Engineering. Two of the committee members stated that creation of such a department should be considered in the future. Soon after receiving both reports, Maj. Gen. Shell replied to the Engineering Division, saying, “As the report reaches no conclusion in which there is unanimity, no action is contemplated at this time to implement any of the three programs offered.” Again, in 1972, then superintendent Maj. Gen. Richard Logan Irby ’39, considering the question of a degree-granting Department of Mechanical Engineering, wrote to Col. Taylor and said, “The time is not propitious for offering new degree programs in any academic area.” Irby’s response made it clear that a degree-granting Department of Mechanical Engineering was not in VMI’s immediate future. To be continued with Part II in the next issue of the Alumni Review, Institute section.

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ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Keydets Earn Slot in Big South Championship

The VMI basketball team and fans celebrated during the final seconds of the win over Winthrop which earned them a berth in the Big South Conference Championship game in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dinning Notches Trio of USATF Junior National Qualification Times One story of the VMI outdoor track and field season has been the emergence of freshman Emily Dinning, this past season’s Big South Women’s Cross Country Freshman of the Year. Dinning not only earned two all-conference honors at the Big South Outdoor Championships (April 19-21, 2012), but also during the season, she became the first VMI woman to ever register multiple qualifying marks for the U.S.A. Track & Field (USATF) Junior National Championships. The Keydet freshman got things started with a 10:09.17 clocking in the 3,000-meters on March 31 in Richmond, 180

a mark that stood as a school record and the first of the three qualifiers. One week later, Dinning did it again, this time in the 5,000-meters. Her personal best time of 17:41.67 made her the first VMI woman to post two Junior National qualifying times, but she was not done yet. On the final day of the Big South Championships (April 21), Dinning placed third in the 1,500-meters, clocking in at 4:34.55. It was another school record and the third of her qualification marks. To view Dinning’s results at the USATF Junior National Championships (June 1517), go to VMIKeydets.com.

Emily Dinning ’15 was named Big South Women’s Cross Country Freshman of the Year.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS VMI Football Wraps Up Busy Spring Practice

H.L. Temoney ’12 and Shawn Chapman ’13 received the Iron Keydet Award for top marks in strength and conditioning during off-season and spring football workouts.

Weather brought a premature end to the New VMI Defensive Coordinator Jeff Farrington is shown above giving direcVMI football final spring scrimmage of tions during spring football workouts. 2012, but Head Coach Sparky Woods used the occasion to set the tone and focus of the campaign this fall. Despite the rain and lightning that limited the April 28 scrimmage to 17 plays, the Keydets were able to get almost a full complement of drills in the final session, including a pass skeleton period and some one-on-one with both defensive and offensive lines. “I thought it was a really good spring,” Woods summarized. “They came in every day, focused. We didn’t have one day where we had to challenge them to work. I think our leadership was outstanding, and I was really happy about the improvement of our defense.” The Keydets open the 2012 season on Sept. 1, 2012, at Delaware State. The first home game is Sept. 8 versus Chowan. Head Coach Sparky Woods set the tone and focus of the campaign this fall. Go to VMIKeydets.com for a complete schedule. 2012-Issue 3

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ATHLETICS Lacrosse Season Recap Robarge is First VMI Player to Be Drafted by Major League After a rocky start to the 2012 lacrosse season, VMI bought into the adage that “it’s not how you start, but how you finish.” And finish strong the Keydets did, winning three of their last four games of the season, including a stunning 8-7 win over Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) preseason favorite University of Detroit Mercy. Not only was it VMI’s first home finale win since 2006, but it was also the program’s first back-to-back home win since 2008. In recognition of the program’s strides in the right direction, the league’s coaches voted three VMI players to All-MAAC honors, including seniors Keith Long, who was named first team, and second

Senior Stephen Robarge was drafted the Denver Outlaws.

teamers, Stephen Robarge and Kyle Hofstetter. The three seniors, all of whom played in all 56 games of their VMI careers, represent the most Keydets to earn all-conference honors since VMI joined the league in 2003. Long was VMI’s first player to earn first-team honors since Tim Moran ’10 in 2010. Robarge, who was drafted by Major League Lacrosse’s (MLL) Denver Outlaws in January, became the first two-time MAAC Face-off Specialist of the Year, earning his second straight, second-team plaudits. Hofstetter helped anchor a defense that allowed only 162 goals this year, a 20-goal drop from last season. Not only did VMI allow fewer goals, but it also shored up its man-down defense that went from just 50.3 percent in 2011 – last in the country – to a respectable 70.8, ranking VMI 20th in Division I. Robarge, who was the first VMI player

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to be drafted by the MLL, will leave a long legacy at VMI, graduating as the program’s all-time wins leader in face-offs won (669) and face-offs attempted (1,065) and collecting 415 groundballs in his four years on Post. His groundball totals rank him seventh all-time in NCAA history. When Robarge arrives in Denver to join the Outlaws, he will have a connection to Lexington in Head Coach Jim Stagnitta, who coached at Washington & Lee from 1990-2001. Jumping in goal after the first quarter against Siena College, junior Matt Lindemann finished with one of the best seasons in program history, logging a 59.9 save percentage – the best for a starter since Jeff Neal ’00 in 2000. Lindemann, who uses all 6 feet-5 inches of his frame to fill the goal, tallied 100 saves in his seven appearances, finishing 2012 with a 9.54 goals against average. Not only did Lindemann make a tremendous amount of saves – just over 14 per outing – but he tallied an assist as well, becoming the first VMI goalie to post a point in a MAAC game. The junior’s helper came after Lindemann made a save in the first by minute of VMI’s April 7 game at Manhattan, when he found sophomore Mickey Hofmeister wide open, deep down field. Hofmeister converted the pass, helping VMI earn its first MAAC win since late 2009. Under the tutelage of second-year Head Coach Brian Anken, the Keydets doubled their win total from last season, capping 2012 at 4-10 with a 2-4 mark in the conference. Despite its record, VMI hung in all of its conference games. VMI’s goal differential of -5 in league play was the program’s best in nearly five seasons. Six of VMI’s games were decided by two goals or less, including three in conference games. VMI’s first win of this season came on March 13, as the Keydets needed overtime to down former MAAC foe Wagner College 12-11, giving Anken his first extra-time winner at VMI. Just four games later, Anken would record his first MAAC win at the Institute in the Manhattan victory.

Men’s Swimming and Diving Recap The VMI men’s swimming and diving team concluded its 2011-12 season on Feb. 18, 2012, wrapping up the year with a fourth-place finish at the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA) Championships, which was held on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. All told, the Keydets finished with Shafer 338.5 points, ahead of Howard’s 235. College of Charleston squeaked by Davidson – 890.5 to 884.5 – to win the CCSA title, with Gardner-Webb placing third at 717.5 markers. During the year, five varsity records and nine freshman records fell to the Keydets, including banner performances from senior Dallas Disbro, freshman Jake Shafer and several others. Disbro broke both the one- and three-meter diving school records and would go on to earn All-CCSA honors in three-meter diving at the conference championships. Shafer finished ninth in the 200-yard fly at the conference championships, breaking a 15-yearold school record in the process. He also posted a new freshman record in the 200 individual medley, along with his role in four record-breaking relays. Freshman Stephen Lloyd broke the other individual varsity record, posting a 59.86 clocking in the 100 breast and was the only swimmer to take part in all five record-breaking relays. Finally, sophomore Nate Myers earned all-conference honors in the one-meter diving discipline at the CCSA meet. The season brought to a close the careers of a strong senior class, including James Goodwillie, Disbro and several others.

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ATHLETICS Joining Andoe in the weekly honors category was fellow West Coaster Chelsea Nugent, who was the first Keydet to earn plaudits from the conference. Nugent was tabbed Rookie of the Week on Feb. 28 after a seven-goal performance in the Keydets’ first-ever game. Her seven goals, along with Perkins,’ still stand as the program’s single game goals record. Nugent finished the year tied for fourth in scoring with Heather Magill, each tucking away 11 goals. Co-captain Sam Farr tallied 14 goals in her final season on Post, putting together Year one is on the books, and as the year for the program, scoring VMI’s first-ever a mid-year streak of three games with progressed, the women’s water polo team goal. Andoe cashed in her first goal for multiple goals in a four-game span. continued to improve. After collecting the Red and Gold just 13 seconds into the Between the pipes, senior Amanda their first win in program history, knock- first game of the season. Maintaining her Berrios, who was a standout field player ing off Salem International and goalkeeper for the VMI University 22-6, VMI travwomen’s soccer team prior to eled west to California, facing playing water polo, finished the some of the best competition year with 186 saves, hitting the in the nation. The Keydets 22 stop mark twice, including hung tough as they headed the program’s first-ever game. into Metro Atlantic Athletic Berrios had her chance in the Conference (MAAC) games, field, as well, while rookie where they faced teams such keeper Tatiana Wabrek stepped as Siena College, Villanova in goal. The 5-foot, 10-inch University and eventual conferWabrek had a distinct advanence champion, Iona College. tage, as the goalies are the only VMI is still looking for its first players in water polo who are MAAC water polo win, but allowed to touch the bottom of under the tutelage of first-year the pool. When VMI had the Head Coach Anna Phelps, the chance to play in pools with Head Women’s Water Polo Coach Anna Phelps with some Keydets went undefeated at a shallow end, Wabrek often of the team. home this season, once against subbed in the goal, allowing her best Salem International 20-10. to utilize her height. Individually, team captain Molly Andoe momentum, Andoe once again landed in With the first year under their belts, the became the first VMI water polo player the record books, striking just 10 seconds members of the VMI women’s water polo to be named All-MAAC, landing on the into VMI’s second game against Salem In- team are looking forward to the 2013 seaconference’s second team. The Garden ternational. On April 10, 2012, the team’s son, when the Keydets host a weekend of Grove, California, native also made her second leading scorer for the season was MAAC games for the first time. mark in what is sure to be a storied history named MAAC Rookie of the Week. Just edging out Andoe’s 61 goals was Mackenzie Perkins, who made the transition earlier in the year from center defense to a utility player. Perkins, who played for Phelps in high school, tallied 64 goals on the season, including a career-high and program record, tying seven markers against Salem International on April 9. Perkins ended the 2012 season on an eight-game scoring streak while Mackenzie Perkins tallied 64 goals Team captain Molly Andoe is the first tallying at least one goal in 21 of the this season. to be named All-MAAC. 25 games this year.

Women’s Water Polo First Year Wrap Up

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ATHLETICS Hall and Jimenez to Serve as Women’s Soccer Captains Seniors Kacey Hall and Simone Jimenez have been named captains of the upcoming season’s women’s soccer team, according to information released by the program in late March 2012. Hall, a chemistry major from Fredericksburg, is a three-year letter winner for the program. She has seen action in 46 career games, including all 20 as a true freshman in 2009. That year, she scored on the final penalty kick in the first round of the Big South Championship, sending VMI to the semifinals with a win over Coastal Carolina. Hall has been a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree, Big South Presidential Honor Roll recipient and has held academic stars during her time at the Institute. Jimenez, an economics and business major from Richmond, is also a three-year letter winner for the team. She has played virtually every position on the field during her time at VMI, from the back line to the forward position. Last year, she accumulated five goals and four assists, totaling 14 points. All of those figures were career-

highs for the multiple-time Dean’s List honoree, who also received recognition for her strong academic efforts.

Jimenez ’13

Hall ’13

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Athletics section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Sports Information Office.

The 2011-12 men’s and women’s rifle team is shown above.

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VMI INC. VMIFOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, INC. Points of Pride by Brian Scott Crockett, CEO, VMI Foundation

Here on Post, a new academic year has begun, albeit somewhat quietly. Cadet-athletes have returned for fall sports, for example, and under the August sun, the cadre is beginning its preparations for the great responsibility of training a new class of cadets. In a few weeks, Matriculation Day will occur, the Old Corps will return and classes will begin. Over the summer, of course, the work of the VMI Foundation continued. We closed out Fiscal Year 2012 on June 30th, receiving 10’s of millions of dollars in gifts and commitments from thousands of members of the VMI family. The Foundation Fund – that source of invaluable unrestricted support for VMI’s academic and co-curricular programs – enjoyed immense success. The VMI Keydet Club enjoyed similar success with thousands of alumni and friends providing gifts to the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund and the Athletic Operations Fund. We celebrated the successes of the class of 1986’s 25th Reunion Fund and the class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Fund which raised $2.1 million and $20 million, respectively. As splendid as these fundraising numbers were, as great as it is to receive congratulations and praise for a successful effort, and as satisfying as it is to thank people for their generosity, I ask members of the VMI family not to focus on the fundraising figures for FY 2012. Instead, I ask you to consider the widespread and positive effects that private support has on Post. This is not as demanding a task as it may seem at first, because quite simply, money from our donors, whether given a few months or many decades in the past, has a role in every success that the Institute celebrates. Look at any of what could be called the “points of pride” in the last academic year at VMI – the Center for Leadership and Ethics’ conference on cheating, the opening of new training facilities on North Post and our basketball

team’s impressive performance in the Big South tournament, for example – and you’ll see the positive effect of donors’ generosity. Whether they have given to academic departments or intercollegiate athletics, the VMI Museum or Preston Library, our donors give because they value the way that the Institute educates young men and women, preparing them for professional success, active citizenship, and selfless service in an environment that inculcates honor and integrity. Truly, without the generosity and foresight of these people, VMI would not have enjoyed many of last year’s successes and made the progress that it has in the past decade and a half. Just as surely, without the willingness of the VMI family to give in support of VMI, the Institute’s leaders would not have the confidence to chart as bold a direction for VMI as they now have. All of these people, therefore, richly deserve appropriate thanks and recognition for their gifts and commitments. That is why one of the top priorities at the VMI Foundation always has been to provide receipts and appropriate letters of thanks to our donors in a timely fashion. It also is why we work hard to ensure that all those who deserve recognition through our Brick Program are properly acknowledged in front of the heart of VMI: the Barracks. It also is why, every year, we, along with our partners at the VMI Keydet Club and The VMI Alumni Association, go to such lengths to produce the VMI Alumni Agencies Annual Report that lists all donors to VMI. Some might say that being recognized publicly is not why these people make often painful financial sacrifices to help VMI. All of us at the VMI Alumni Agencies understand that, but we also are utterly convinced that these people all have earned a share in VMI’s successes, and therefore, they deserve to be part of any celebration of them.

Class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Fund Hits $20 Million Mark Rain forced the cancellation of the traditional Reunion Weekend Parade on April 28, 2012. However, it probably would have taken something along the lines of a hurricane to dampen the spirits of the Brother Rats of the class of 1962 that morning. The reason being that, in a ceremony in Old Barracks, they presented the initial proceeds of their 50th Reunion Campaign to the Institute: the truly magnificent sum of $20 million. Photo at right: At the check presentation ceremony, the class of 1962 was represented by Walter C. Perrin II ’62, member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees and immediate past president of the VMI Foundation, Inc., second from left; Class Agent and Chairman of the Class of 1962 Reunion Committee Gerald C. Burnett ’62, M.D., third from left; John Duke Anthony ’62, Ph.D., fourth from left; and Chairman of the Class of 1962 Reunion Campaign George J. Collins, far right. The superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, second from right, accepted the initial gift on behalf of the VMI Alumni Agencies. Photo by Kevin Remington. Institute from his Brother Rats. President of The VMI Alumni Association A detailed article on the class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Randolph M. Blanks ’67, far left, thanked the class of 1962 on behalf of the Campaign will appear in the 2012-Issue 4 Alumni Review.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI Foundation to Present its Distinguished Service Award to Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 On May 1, 2012, Walton M. Jeffress Jr. He joined the Richmond-based law firm, ’68, president of the VMI Foundation, Hunton & Williams, in 1969 and spent his announced that, by unanimous vote, the entire career with that firm. He became a VMI Foundation Board of Trustees had partner in 1976 and is currently the group agreed to present the Foundation’s highest head emeritus of the Litigation, Intellectuhonor, the Distinguished Service Award al Property, Competition and Labor Group. (DSA), to Thomas G. His practice focuses on Slater Jr. ’66. First precomplex litigation matsented in 1969, the DSA ters with emphasis on recognizes alumni and antitrust and intellectual friends of the Institute property. He has been whose dedication to the listed in Best Lawyers Institute and to the misin America for more sion of the VMI Founthan 10 years and as a dation is exceptionally “trial ace” on the Top commendable. 500 Litigators list pubMatriculating from lished by the legal news Upperville, Virginia, site, Lawdragon. He is a Slater comes from a fammember of the bar in the ily with a strong VMI District of Columbia and tradition. His father, Virginia, and he is admitThomas G. Slater, graduted to practice before the ated from VMI in 1932. Fourth, Fifth and District Slater Jr. ’66 Another ancestor, John of Columbia U.S. Circuit F. Fletcher, graduated Courts of Appeal and the in 1859 and was killed in action during U.S. Supreme Court. the Civil War while serving with the 75th Slater is a fellow of the American ColVirginia Cavalry. Slater’s son, Tom III, is lege of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar a 1990 graduate of VMI and a former head Foundation and the Virginia Law Founbaseball coach at VMI. dation. He is a past president of the Bar Like his father, Slater was a talented Association of the City of Richmond and athlete as a cadet. He played football all served on the Executive Committee of the four years at VMI – at linebacker and Virginia State Bar from 1996-98. fullback positions – and he was a letterSlater has been active in civic affairs as man in 1963, 1964 and 1965. During his well, serving as a trustee and chairman of first class year, he was co-captain of the the Virginia Historical Society, a director of football team. He also received Honorable the Virginia 4-H Foundation and president Mention All-Southern Conference and of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society. All-State Football in 1965. In addition, Since his graduation, Slater has been an Slater participated in track as a sprinter active supporter of VMI. A member of the during his cadetship. He was a member Richmond, Virginia, chapter of The VMI of the Athletic Council and the Monogram Alumni Association, Inc., since 1969, he Club and served as the Monogram Club’s was its president from 1978-79. He also president during his first class year. was a member of The VMI Alumni AssoAs a cadet, Slater excelled academically ciation Board from 1975-87 and served as and was a regular on the Dean’s List his the association’s president from 1985-87. last two years. He graduated with a degree Elected to the VMI Foundation Board of in history in 1966, and afterward, he at- Trustees in 1991, he was president of the tended the University of Virginia’s law Foundation from 1996-98. He was a memschool, receiving his LLB in 1969. ber of the Executive Committee of VMI’s 186

most recent capital campaign, Reveille: A Call to Excel. In 2003, he joined the Institute’s Board of Visitors (BOV), and he served as president of the BOV from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2011. Slater is married to the former Martha (Scottie) Newell. He has three children (Thomas G. Slater III ’90, Andrew F. Slater and Tacy Slater Norris), two stepchildren (Martha Brent Reeve and Andrew Mason Brent) and seven grandchildren. He and Scottie live in Richmond but continue to own and operate Rose Hill Farm in Upperville, a property that has been in Slater’s family since the 1840s. Commenting on the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Slater, Foundation President Jeffress said, “This is a richly deserved award. Tom has tirelessly and selflessly served the VMI Foundation, The VMI Alumni Association and the Institute for decades. In his many leadership roles, including that as president of the board of visitors, he has been known for his sound wisdom and reliable judgment. The entire board of trustees, therefore, was delighted to select him as the most recent recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. I am looking forward to presenting Tom with the DSA and, by doing so, bringing him into company with some of VMI’s most illustrious alumni.” Of his reaction to receiving the news that the Foundation had decided to present him with the Distinguished Service Award, Slater said, “When Walt Jeffress called to tell me of the board’s decision, I was highly honored and humbled. I had to also say that there is a long line of alums who deserve this award more than I do.” Slater will receive the DSA on Nov. 9th at the 2012 Founders Day Convocation in VMI’s Cameron Hall. Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Foundation.

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 Feb. 1, 2012, through April 30, 2012.

Mr. Denver F. Aleshire Jr. ’43 Col. Walter L. Chalkley ’72 and Mrs. Chalkley Lt. Col. Anthony McB. Curtis ’62, USAR (Ret) Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60 William L. Hendry III ’75, D.M.D. Mr. Carl J. LeBourdais ’57 and Mrs. LeBourdais Brig. Gen. Robert L. Morris Jr. ’56 and Mrs. Morris

Mrs. Denver F. Aleshire Jr. Col. Walter L. Chalkley ’72 and Mrs. Chalkley Lt. Col. Anthony McB. Curtis ’62, USAR (Ret) Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60 William L. Hendry III ’75, D.M.D. Mr. Carl J. LeBourdais ’57 and Mrs. LeBourdais Brig. Gen. Robert L. Morris Jr. ’56 and Mrs. Morris

Capt. R.T. Arnest Jr. ’46, USN Mrs. Richard T. Arnest Jr.

Col. David T. Aston ’42, USA Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42

Mr. Harry H. Augustine Jr. ’46 Mr. Kendall D. Avery ’82 Mr. G. Gray Garland Jr. ’46 Dr. J. Thomas Meadows Mr. Tremaine Sauder Dr. and Mrs. Richard Whitehill Woodfin Company

Mr. William W. Berry ’54 Mr. Robert B. Barnes Jr. ’54 and Mrs. Barnes Col. D. Rae Carpenter Jr. Mr. Louis C. Drake ’54 Mrs. Claiborne W. Fitchett Ms. Claudette O. French Mr. Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54 Mr. Billy W. Kingery ’54 and Mrs. Kingery Mr. Charles S. Luck III ’55 and Mrs. Luck Mr. William T. Nolley ’55 Mr. and Mrs. David M. Northen Mr. Albert M. Orgain IV ’65 and Mrs. Orgain Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Col. J.B. Phillips ’51, USA (Ret) Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68 Mr. P. Lee Starkey Mr. Claiborne Terry ’54

2012-Issue 3

Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas Mr. John K. Tiller Jr. ’54 Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Jock R. Wheeler ’54, M.D. Henry G. White Jr. ’54, M.D., and Mrs. White

Mr. Thomas C. Bethune Jr. ’65 Mr. Henry H. Brant ’65

Capt. Thomas G. Blair Jr. ’69, USA Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret)

Mr. Charles L. Board ’43 Ms. Margaret H. Perkins

Col. George M. Brooke Jr. ’36 Mr. Eugene K. Wilson III ’62

Hagerman and Maria Brown Mr. Peyton G. Brown ’69

Mr. Howard H. Bundy II ’55 Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, M.D., and Mrs. Bowden Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55

Mr. Jack M. Burnett ’45

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Airheart Mrs. Fancher T. Turner

Mr. John M. Camp Jr. ’40 Mrs. Lawrence M. Johnson Mr. George Purrington

Mr. Peter R. Candler ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. A. Mark Casey Jr. ’49B

Col. B.F. Harmon III ’49B, USA (Ret) Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland

Mr. James E. Cheatham ’42 Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42

Mr. Adrian A. Cmerek ’06 Mr. and Mrs. Patrick R. Rios

Col. James P. Connolly II ’51, USMC Mr. Homer Ambrose Jr. ’51 Mr. George L. Cohen ’51 Mrs. Johanna M. Foveaux Ms. Barbarene Kelly Col. G.S. Meader Jr. ’51, USA (Ret) Lorraine Meuleners and Russell Fujii Ms. Nancy E. Scott

Mr. Arthur J. Crockett Mr. David Parr

Mr. C. Tabor Cronk ’62 Mr. John W. Hobbs ’62

Mr. William E. Crumpler ’53 Mr. W. Scott Crumpler ’82

Mr. John A. Cummings ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Col. William H. Dabney ’61, USMC Brig. Gen. Lee D. Badgett ’61, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Badgett Mr. Douglas P. Bartlett Lt. Col. James R. Berger ’61, USAF (Ret), and Mrs. Berger Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, M.D., and Mrs. Bowden Mr. James F. Dittrich ’76 Ms. Susan W. Durham Mr. Tazewell Ellett III ’44 and Mrs. Ellett Lt. Cmdr. John K. Hahn ’90, USNG Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Hall Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond Col. David V. Harbach ’61, USA (Ret) Col. Willard M. Hays ’51, USA (Ret) Mr. Willard D. Hoskins III ’61 W. Reed Johnson ’53, Eng.D. Mr. Paul J. Johnston ’61 Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Jones Jr. Mr. Ronald K. Jones ’89 Kids’ Haven: A Center for Grieving Children Mr. Maurice D. Leach Mr. and Mrs. S. William Livingston Mr. James S. Needham ’61 Mrs. William W. Old III Mr. George E. Penn Jr. ’56 Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Satterfield Ms. Renee Serrao Col. William L. Spicuzza ’60, USA (Ret) Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Tait Mrs. Louise B. Tardy Col. Spencer C. Tucker ’59, USA (Ret) Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Maj. Gen. William F. Willoughby

Capt. Philip C. Dederer ’82 Ms. Cathy G. Chambers

Mr. Richey S. Dickson ’50B Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Peter M. Meredith ’50B Mr. Macon W. Michaux ’48B Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Nurney Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Mrs. William C. Overman Jr. Dick Woodman ’50B and Julia Woodman

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’934 Mr. R. Marshall Pinkard Jr. ’72

Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz ’00, ANG Mr. Matthew K. McQueen ’03 Capt. David D. Troxell ’02, USAF

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. William H. Emory Jr. ’43 Mr. William H. Emory

Mr. William B. Ferrell ’35 Mrs. William B. Ferrell

Mr. Gordon L. Fox Mr. and Mrs. T. Glenn Wilson

Mr. Douglas C. France III ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Thomas J. Frazier ’71 Mr. Thomas Strohm

Lt. Col. G.C. Freeman ’35, USA Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Mr. and Mrs. Norman C. Venzke

The Honorable Michael E. Gersten ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Mrs. A.J. Graham Jr. Mr. George W. Inge ’91 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mr. John M. Goldsmith Jr. ’62 Mr. John W. Hobbs ’62

Mr. Steven Wayne Good ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

The Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 Mr. and Mrs. Greg R. Bosiack Mr. Jim Sam Gillespie Jr. ’59 Mr. and Mrs. James T. Rhodes

Eugene R. Griffith ’55, M.D. Mr. John P. Griffith

Col. Leroy D. Hammond ’57 Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond

The Reverend James E. Hayes Jr. ’67 Mrs. Dorothy Lindsey

B. Richard Hill ’68, D.D.S. Mr. Terence L. Bowers ’68

Mr. James R. Hutcheson ’69 Mr. George W. Lester ’69

Col. Kurt W. Iversen ’85 Mr. Matthew K. McQueen ’03

Mr. Larry R. Jefferson ’72 Col. Douglas R. Huthwaite ’73, USA (Ret)

Lt. Col. George L. Jones III ’55, USAF Mr. Gwynne H. Jones Jr. ’50B

Col. Ronald J. Kaye ’57, USMC Ms. Ruth H. Smith

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Mr. Kerry W. Keach ’77

Mr. Michael W. Newton ’03

Mr. W.B. Kuykendall Jr. ’50B

Capt. Thomas T. Oliver ’63, USA

Maj. Gen. John D. Johnson ’77, USA (Ret) Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Mrs. William C. Overman Jr.

Capt. Stanley E. Leck ’79, USAR Mr. Gregory M. Leck ’77

Mrs. Sara M. Lewane

Col. and Mrs. Malcolm H. Livick

Cmdr. H.M. Lloyd ’923, USN Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Col. Dennis H. Long ’68, USA

Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret)

Mr. Charles E. Maddox Jr. ’68 Mr. Terence L. Bowers ’68

Mr. C. Edward May Jr. ’51

Col. G.S. Meader Jr. ’51, USA (Ret)

Mrs. Gladys McCary Anonymous

Mr. Matthew K. McQueen ’03 Mr. Howard I. Reynolds ’63

Mr. Charles W. Parker Jr. ’44

Ms. Emily T. Burgwyn Ms. Gay S. Colyer Mr. William E. Eastham Mr. N.W. Garrett Steve and Beverly Hope and Family Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Thomas C. Jones ’69, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Lansing Kimmey III Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence N. Mauck Jr. Mr. John F. Monroe Jr. ’47 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Peroutka Ms. Kimberly G. Roshow Ms. Lydia L. Smith Mr. Robert Turner III Mr. Robert G. Woodward

Mr. E. William Parkins Jr.

Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Ms. Polly B. Case and The Family of Bill Parkins Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor

Mr. Michael A. McCrory ’69

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Sr. ’35

Mr. Andrew L. McDowell

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Jr. ’68

Mrs. Dorothy L. McDowell

Mr. John B. Pipkin II ’57

Mrs. Clare B. McFarlin

Merrill F. Prugh ’65, M.D.

Mr. Paul A. Curs ’69

Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68 Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68 Mr. Henry L. Baxley Jr. ’51 Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51 and Mrs. Wamsley

Mr. Wallace T. McKeel Jr. ’57 Jack and Mary Hodge Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57 Mr. Malcolm T. Kerley ’71 Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Philpott Foundation Inc. Philpott Foundation Inc. Mrs. John B. Pipkin II Mrs. Merrill F. Prugh

The Reverend G. William Ralph ’54

Mr. G. Marshall Mundy ’56 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Tait

Mr. Robert Rubino ’84

Maj. Robert M. Carpenter ’84, USAF

Mrs. Marion W. Meader

Mr. Melvin P. Rucker ’83

Mr. A. Roger Milio ’42

Mr. Eugene R. Rushton IV ’83

Maj. Joseph G. Mixson ’57, USMC

Mr. Temple S. Ryland ’35

Col. A.H. Morrison ’39

Mr. Charles C. Schoen III ’56

Mr. Henry L. Baxley Jr. ’51 Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42 Mrs. Joseph G. Mixson

Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller

Mr. John R. Murray Valley Forge Educational Services

The Reverend James H. Newsom Jr. ’47 Mrs. James H. Newsom Jr.

Mr. Thomas W. Throckmorton Mr. Thomas W. Throckmorton Mr. Ray A. Jackson

Mr. Robert L. Brickner ’56

Mrs. Mary Beth Schuder Mrs. Pat Browning Mrs. Cecilia Repair

Mr. Paul Schultz Mr. David Parr

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Jay R. Sculley ’62, Ph.D. Mr. Walter H. Hylton III ’62 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mr. W. Drakeford Slay ’72 Mr. Joseph L. O’Brien Jr. ’72 Lt. Col. Douglas L. Powell (Ret) Mr. Brooke Robertson Col. J.W. Peyton Robertson ’50B, USMC (Ret)

Mr. Frederick M. Smith ’69 Mr. Jim Sam Gillespie Jr. ’59 Mr. Gary W. Mackey ’69 Mr. Thomas B. Thompson Jr. ’69

Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57, USA Ms. Arlene Augenbraun Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Buchwald Mrs. Charles C. Chewning Class of 1957 Dr. Mike Spencer, Dr. Chris Belk, Radiologists and Staff and Danville Radiologists Inc. Mrs. James L. Doherty Ms. Doris Engel Mrs. James M. Glave Mr. and Mrs. William T.M. Grigg Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond Col. William H. Huffcut II ’57, USMC (Ret) Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57 Mr. Paul Krasnoff Mr. Charles S. Luck III ’55 and Mrs. Luck Mr. Raymond G. MacKay Jr. ’57 Mr. Tucker M. Maloney ’85 Reverend and Mrs. George L. Maxwell Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. John A. Paganelli ’57 Sen. John T. Poffenbarger ’57 Ms. Kristina R. Rithman Dr. and Mrs. John R. Rowell Jr. Ms. Marie Scott Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Seidenberg Mrs. Carol W. Sherman Mr. Joseph M. Spivey III ’57 Mr. and Mrs. John M. Steele Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Tait Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Hal B. Sorell Mr. David Parr

Mr. Wortham A. Spilman Jr. ’42 Mrs. Samuel W. Newell

Mr. George W. Squires ’68 Class of 1968 Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret) Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68

Mrs. Samuel R. Sutphin Dillon & Company

2012-Issue 3

Maj. Paul R. Syverson III ’93, USA Mr. Bowlman T. Bowles III ’87

Mr. John M. Tabb Jr. ’82 Mr. Carter D. Augustine ’81 Ms. Sandra Ball Mr. John A. Bowman ’78 Mr. Jeremy C. Clement ’08 Ms. Patricia Drudge Ms. Pamela G. Farrar Col. Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76, USANG (Ret) Mr. James M. Forsythe Mr. Benjamin C. Freakley Mrs. Rebecca V. Gubert Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Guza Col. Richard B. Minnix Mr. William Phifer Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Pugh Quad-C Management Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Redmond Mr. Donald S. Ross ’74 S B Cox Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Schmidt Ms. Bonnie N. Shelton Dr. and Mrs. Talman Mr. and Mrs. James W. Theobald Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Williams Jr. Mrs. Doris Willing Bridget Zoltek, Terri Ford, Kere Tanner and Katherine Kelly

Mr. Robert J. Thalman Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. Gregory A. Arnett ’78 Mr. and Mrs. Brawner Cates Col. Walter L. Chalkley ’72 and Mrs. Chalkley Mr. John S. Cockey Jr. ’63 Mr. William L. Ginder ’71 Mr. Chalmers L. Glenn IV ’80 Maj. Gen. Joseph G. Gray ’58, USAR (Ret) Mr. Robert W. Jenvey II ’78 Col. Christopher R. Jones ’72, USCGR (Ret) Mr. Bruce R. Kitchen ’81 Mr. Joseph Henry Knick ’72 Mr. Chip Lazarus ’55 Mr. Charles H. Norris ’80 Col. Eric M. Radford ’77, USA (Ret) Mr. Donald S. Ross ’74 Col. Perry W. Sarver Jr. ’85, USAR Mr. Thomas W. Throckmorton Mr. Scott D. Vaughn ’85 Mr. Armand W. Wagner ’57 Mr. Kyle J. Weidlich ’82

Mr. Herbert M. Thornton ’42 Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42

Mr. Richard W. Thurman Buddy & Bobbie Garrett

Mrs. Betty M. Turner William O. Turner Jr. ’54, Ph.D.

Col. Godfrey W. Updike Jr. ’69, USA Anonymous

Mr. Ralph A. Warren Jr. ’50B Mr. Charles W. Bragg Jr. ’50B Mr. and Mrs. Les Mitchell

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 Mrs. Douglas R. Webb

Mr. Joshua C. Whetzel Jr. ’43 Mr. G. Gray Garland Jr. ’46

Mr. William L. Willard

William Bradley Willard Foundation

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN Cmdr. Andrew H. Collier ’91, USN Mr. Thomas V. Heffern ’91 Mr. Hans C. Peeders ’91

Col. Ronald W. Williams ’64, USAF Mr. William H. Crone IV ’64

Mr. William A. Willis ’41 Class of 1941

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN Mrs. Carol A. Holt

Mr. Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42 Mr. Harry J. Siebert ’42

Mr. Charles C.M. Woodward ’51

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

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Mr. Edward W. Artiglia ’71 Mr. J. Mason Ayers ’99 Mr. Michael E. Dunn ’02 Richard H. Moore ’77, M.D. Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. Nicholas J. Tarzia Sr. ’76 Mr. Edward B. Willis ’66 Dr. Stewart S. Worrell

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Mr. Thomas Citrano

Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber ’02, USA Mr. Matthew K. McQueen ’03 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Trant

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mrs. Alice C. Wykoff Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Dr. and Mrs. Charles F. Phillips Jr. Col. and Mrs. Hart Slater Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Mr. John W. Trumbo ’48 and Mrs. Trumbo

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 Feb. 1, 2011, through April 30, 2012.

Aetna Foundation Inc. Mr. William T. Nebraska ’59 Col. Douglas A. Stephens ’65, USAR (Ret)

Alcoa Foundation Mr. Robert A. Cheatham ’53

Altria Group Inc. Mr. William K. Bhatta ’76 Mr. John R. Munno ’84

American Electric Power Mr. James R. Thrasher ’82

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mr. Reverdy H. Jones III ’68

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Mr. William R. Favier ’76 Lt. Col. William E. Wray Jr. ’63, USAR (Ret)

Capital One Mr. Jason W. Ancarrow ’97

CHEP Charitable Foundation Mr. Derrick E. Lapp ’92

ChevronTexaco Corporation Mr. Curtis C. Humphris Jr.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation Mr. Paul J. McCusker ’83

Clark-Nexsen Foundation Mr. Erik H. Dupilka ’07

Dominion Foundation Mr. Kevin M. Cordray ’80 Mr. F. Brian McNeil ’65 Mr. John S. Thornton Jr. ’64

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. Kenneth R. Jordan ’65

190

Ernst & Young Foundation Mr. James S.C. Phlegar Jr. ’67

ExxonMobil Foundation

Mr. Charles H. Beckham ’43 Mr. William D. Dermott ’66 Mr. Charles W. Kause ’82 Mr. Thomas F. Lemons Jr. ’66 Mr. Horace L. Rose III ’82 Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Mr. Michael L. Soares ’75 Mr. Brenton L. Underwood ’06 Mr. James L. Whitehurst Jr. ’66

Farmers Insurance Group Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Gannett Foundation Ms. Karen I. White

Google

Mr. Jackson S. Castleberry ’02

The Medtronic Foundation Mr. Robert E. Clark ’90

Mellon Financial Corporation Fund Mr. Timothy H.H. Janeway ’91

The Merck Company Foundation Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C

Microsoft Corporation Mrs. Lynn J. Gasch

MMC

Mr. Thomas R. Buckner ’69 Mr. Douglas Lawrence Rowe ’71

Mutual of America

Mr. Matthew Wright Atkinson ’80

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Harvey H. Bradley ’49B Mr. O. Raymond Martin V ’71 Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. John R. Savage ’74 Mr. Lawrence E. Wetsel Jr. ’61

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.

Mr. J. Daniel Coogan Jr. ’59

Package Pavement Company Inc. Mr. William M. Fleshood ’67

PepsiCo Foundation

Col. Peter L. Philp ’51, USA (Ret)

Pfizer Foundation Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C Mr. G. Chandler Williams ’68

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

Russell and Eleanor Horn Foundation Mr. Karl R. Swartz ’79

Sanofi-Aventis Mr. Timothy I. Macaulay ’86

SCANA Corporation Mr. John M. Cobb ’72

Science Applications International Corporation Mr. Ben M. Bauman II ’79 Mr. Jeffrey C. Carver ’71 Lt. Col. Alan S. Fojt ’72, USA (Ret) Gen. John P. Jumper ’66, USAF (Ret) Cmdr. Jeffrey T. Millican ’90, USNR Col. Stephen E. Wilson ’68, USA (Ret)

Scitor Corporation Richard N. Brooke Jr. ’67, Ph.D.

St. Jude Medical Inc. Mr. Donald R. Craighead ’84

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. H. Lee Barnes Jr. ’69 Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60

SunTrust Foundation Ms. Barbara J. Coursey Mr. Vincent A. Wood III ’81

Symantec Mr. Donald M. O’Sullivan ’00

Texas Instruments Foundation Mr. Michael J. Freeman ’77

UBS Mr. Andrew C. Zolper ’87

United Technologies Corporation Mr. James R. Greene ’87

Verizon Foundation Mr. William D. Almy ’54 Mr. Wayne D. Chiles ’65 Mr. George A. Farry ’75 Mr. George C. Hutter ’52 Mr. Eugene Scott Jr. ’80 Mr. Eugene Williams ’74 Mr. Michael C. Zirkle ’97

Wells Fargo Foundation Mr. Scott F. McInnis ’00 Mr. Brian D. Tate ’90

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB VMI Football Hosts First-ever Football Alumni Reunion Football Head Coach Sparky Woods and his coaching staff opened the doors to Clarkson-McKenna Hall to welcome back former football players for the first annual VMI Football Alumni Reunion on April 20, 2012. Coach Woods teamed with the VMI Keydet Club in starting a new tradition to celebrate the careers and achievements of past players. Hosted by former national championship and Super Bowl Head Coach Bobby Ross ’59 and former National Football League (NFL) player Mark Stock ’88, the reunion was attended by former players representing class decades that spanned from the 1950s through the 2010s. The event drew over 65 alumni to Clarkson-McKenna Hall from across the country. Two special prizes were given to the most senior alumnus in attendance and the alumnus who traveled the farthest. Malachi Mills ’48B and Paul Applin ’48B both received the honor of being the most senior alumni in attendance, and John Engels ’59 was awarded the prize for the alumnus who traveled the farthest– from Aspen, Colorado. Former football letterman and VMI Assistant Coach Wayne Hepler ’71 said of the evening, “The Keydet Club did an excellent job of organizing this event. I think it was a great idea! It provided an opportunity for several generations of former football players and coaches to see each other again. I hope the event will continue each year.” The evening started with socializing and reminiscing through cocktails and dinner with the entire VMI coaching staff. The football staff then welcomed all alumni into the team meeting/ film room for a special presentation. Each coach stood before the group and discussed the returning players and incoming signees, as well as some of the strategy they will use with their personnel.

Coach Winston October discussed this year’s team and strategy with former football letterman Rick Kastelberg ’74.

Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach and 10-year NFL player Matt Campbell said, “I thought, as a coach, the event was great! To have the opportunity to speak with past lettermen about their experiences and to give them the opportunity to meet and speak with the current staff in a relaxed environment about the program and what we are trying to do can only help develop a better relationship between all those with a love and passion for VMI football.” Donnie Ross ’74, vice president in the Keydet Club, summed up the event by saying, “We had a better-than-expected turnout for our inaugural Football Reunion. We plan to make each of these reunions bigger and better. We are reaching out to all former players and hope they become active participants at our annual reunions. What a treat it is to see so many gridiron greats from so many generations of VMI football!” The football reunion was part of a big weekend in support of VMI football known as the Spring Football Weekend. Over 350 supporters from the VMI community – including football lettermen, Gridiron Club supporters and staff – were in attendance on a beautiful day at Foster Stadium. All members were treated to an exciting practice and scrimmage on Alumni Memorial Field, and over 300 members of the Gridiron Club attended a post-game cookout with the current players, coaching staff and recent signees for next year’s football team. It turned out to be a great weekend for all involved, and Coach Woods is excited about the potential for growth each year!

Former lettermen Erich Diehl ’88 and Lee Barnes ’69 shared stories with Assistant Coach Greg Shockley during the Football Reunion in April 2012.

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 3

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KEYDET CLUB

Gridiron Club Shatters Expectations

This new attitude and enthusiasm have provided an astounding amount of support for the VMI football program. At the time of this writing, AOF-Football has received $244,000 in support, which was a year-to-date increase of $184,000 from the previous year. This total has already shattered the previous record of $174,000 in the 2009 fiscal year. The year-end total is projected to be around $275,000-$300,000 in support of AOF-Football which could be a 100% increase from the 2011 fiscal year! To celebrate the football program and club achievements and to thank the Gridiron Club charter members, a gathering was held for them, the football team and a group of alumni – former football players – after the scrimmage on April 21, 2012. Over 325 people attended the event, and over 400 people attended the scrimmage that day. It was a great occasion to meet and socialize with the team, the incoming football signees and members of the Gridiron Club. The 2012 version of the Gridiron Club is starting soon, and like all things related to VMI, we want to do it bigger and better than before. The membership renewal/new membership drive will start a few weeks into the preseason, so look for communication about the club in mid-August. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to join the new movement in support of VMI football!

When the Keydet Club kicked off a new booster organization – the Gridiron Club – to provide the VMI football team with extra resources for the Athletic Operations Fund-Football (AOF-Football), the concept was to bring in a large volume of small gifts ($50 minimum) in support of Coach Sparky Woods and the direction he is taking the football program. Originally, the goal was to recruit 200-250 club members in the first year, with the hope of increasing membership each year. What resulted was a huge outpouring of support to the VMI football program. Before the first game on Sept. 3, 2011, the Gridiron Club had reached 500 members in just three weeks of operation. By the end of the season, membership had grown to approximately 600, and as of this writing, the club has more than 640 members. These members not only provided an increase in gifts to AOF-Football, but they also provided an enthusiasm and a new sense of involvement that the program hasn’t experienced in years. Our famous handcrafted Virginia “Keeping Box”, similar to English keeping boxes found in colonial Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro homes, is now available in solid walnut or cherry ’84 said, “It has been absolutely with the VMI spider or seal with the graduate’s name/class year laser engraved into the wood. amazing to witness how the GridThis can serve a variety of purposes in the home iron Club has taken off in its first or office and makes an ideal gift for graduates year, as evidenced by the meaningthat will be seen and used for many years. ful engagement and interest it has As shown solid walnut received from alumni, parents and $239.95 + S&H See website for more options fans everywhere. Kudos to Robert Crumpler ’07 of the Keydet Club Box actual size: 15 1/2” X 10 1/2” X 7 1/2” deep staff for his outstanding efforts. Obviously, a growing number of We now offer, an award plaque with VMI football enthusiasts apprecithe VMI seal, name and graduation year laser engraved. This VMI alumni ate his passion and dedication to plaque really looks magnificent VMI football and all of VMI!” displayed proudly in the office or

The Deluxe VMI Alumni “Keeping Box”

The e VMI Al Alumni “Plaque”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review are provided by the Keydet Club.

home! A portion of the sale proceeds of each VMI plaque will be donated to the VMI Alumni Association.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW