Alumni Review 2012 Issue 4 by VMI Alumni Agencies

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2012-Issue 4

Contents IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes and news covering the period of May 16 to Aug. 15, 2012.

FEATURES 9

In Memory: Echols ’46 and Patterson ’49C

11 Tucker ’37: Armored Command 14 Jackson ’56: World Class 15 Gilmore ’57: Renaissance Man 16 Alder ’89: Fighting Crime 18 Williams ’03: Caring for Troops 24 Old Corps: Dubuisson, 1887

141

NEWS AND UPDATES 3

OEF/OIF: An Update

Our Alumni Serving

Association/Chapter News

Class Notes

133 Births, Marriages, Degrees 135 Most Senior Alumni 136 Taps 141 Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS 2

President’s Letter

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2012-Issue 4

Volume 88, No. 3

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Editor: Hope Hennessey Assistant Editor: Traci Mierzwa Editorial Assistant: Brenda Stoner PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., Alumni Review Office VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription. 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:

139 Association Directory

WEBSITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu

145 The Institute

ON OUR COVER

153 VMI Athletics 156 The Foundation 166 The Keydet Club

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

Front Cover: The class of 2016 lined up on the third stoop of Barracks during Matriculation week in August 2012. Inside Front and Inside Back Covers: More Matriculation week photos, with Cadre and VMI staff providing direction to the fourth class matriculates. All cover photos by John Robertson IV, VMI.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings from the Institute! As you read this issue, we celebrate the founding of our revered alma mater, again taking stock of the unique educational experience created in 1839. In reading this issue, you will see the relevance of VMI today, as our alumni are involved in a broad array of activities and are, indeed, “objects of honest pride.” In the “In Memory” section, we say farewell to the late Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C, a New Market Medal recipient, former president of the VMI Board of Visitors and The VMI Alumni Association, and VMI’s chief legal counsel during the 1990s. We also bid farewell to M. Patton Echols Jr. ’46, a prominent attorney and devoted supporter of VMI. This issue of the Alumni Review also includes feature articles about the following alumni: • There is a fascinating historical article titled “Across Europe with the ‘Spearhead’,” about then-Maj. J. Randolph Tucker ’37, commander of the 83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion of the 3rd Armored “Spearhead” Division Heely ‘69 and wife Lush Heely during World War II. This article was written by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, who regularly contributes his excellent work to this publication. • Read about Alan T. Jackson ’56, who, at the age of 77, cycled 460 miles across the Rocky Mountains in only six days with his son, Mark W. Jackson ’85. About his father, Mark says, “I tell people he’s the original Iron Man.” • W. Franklin “Frank” Gilmore ’57 is referred to as a modern day Renaissance man in an article chronicling his life, starting from humble beginnings on his childhood home farm, through his successful battle against cancer, to his current position as president of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. • Then, there is an interesting account about Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Robert W. Alder ’89, who spent 14 years as a homicide detective during a particularly violent time in the city’s history. He now serves as acting captain and commander of the homicide branch. • Finally, don’t miss the article about U.S. Army Capt. Alicia M. Williams ’03, M.D., who is completing her final year of residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. About her patients – wounded warriors – Williams says, “They’re the best patients you could ever have.” In this issue, we have included a new section titled “Our Alumni Serving,” which pays tribute to citizen-soldiers who are serving others in their communities, country or the world in a non-combat capacity. We will continue to highlight alumni serving in combat in our Alumni in Theater section, as well. Both the Foundation and Keydet Club sections in this Review include announcements about their newly elected board members. Also, in the Association News section, check out the article about Lloyd R. Stallings ’42 who attended his class’s 70th Reunion via Skype, thanks to the efforts of his family – including sons Bill Stallings ’71 and John Stallings ’80. I’m very proud to serve you and our alumni as president and challenge you to remain involved with our beloved Institute. I encourage everyone to get active in your local VMI chapter. We have New Cadet Recruiting events coming your way this fall, and other opportunities exist to connect with VMI’s greatest treasure – her alumni. Best wishes to the greatest alumni in the world!

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

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Lt. Col. Eugene T. “Guy” Gormley ’88, USA; Maj. Gen. Abner Coy “A.C.” Blalock Jr. ’70, USA; and Lt. Col. Michael J. Leeney ’88, USA, in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan.

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

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 The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2012-Issue 3 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after Aug. 15, 2012. Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is re-deployed at a later date. Not all of the alumni listed are currently serving in Theater, but they all have served at one time. Names and photographs are e-mailed to us almost every week.

Because we have to have a cut-off date for each issue, your name and picture may have arrived past that date and therefore are not published in this issue; they will be published in the next issue. Please send additions, corrections and photographs to the Alumni Review staff at: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 (e-mail: review@vmiaa.org). For a complete list of names that we have received, go to http:// www.vmialumni.org and click on the link titled “OEF/OIF,” or go directly to http://www.vmialumni.org/oifoef.

Class of 2003

Class of 2008

Monteleone, Adam K. 1st Lt., USA

Gay, Andrew J. 1st Lt., USMC

VMI Seeks Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 In order to more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through

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an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means

other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ’89, assistant chief of staff, by email at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104. 3

Wins ’85

Oversees Police Force Development in Afghanistan Editor’s Note: The following article about Brig. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, USA, was written by his aide-de-camp, Lt. Kelly Sloan, USMC, and is published with Gen. Wins’ approval. Brig. Gen. Cedric T. Wins [’85] assumed responsibility as the assistant commanding general of the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) Advisory Group (AAG), NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan on March 11, 2012. In August 2010, Afghan President Hamid Karzai ordered all private security companies to be disbanded, identifying the APPF as the sole responsible security source for protection within Afghanistan and requiring the assistance of a mentorship team to assist the newly formed state owned enterprise with the difficult transition. Wins assumed control on the transition deadline of March 20, 2012. Under his command, the AAG oversaw the licensing process of risk management companies and provided oversight for the contract review and the training, growth and sustainment of the guard force, expected to grow to around 29,000, along with other functional areas. The APPF served as the first-ever, state owned enterprise business model in Afghanistan. On May 29, 2012, he was named assistant commanding general for Police Development, broadening his scope of responsibilities. Regularly meeting with the minister of the interior, the minister’s staff and their coalition mentors to discuss and resolve ongoing issues, Wins has overseen the building, training and professional development of a 157,000-strong police force. He has co-chaired the Organization and Functions Steering Group and attended the Institutional Police Policy Development Executive Council meetings, providing executive oversight and cohesion with 10 development bodies to include a counter-narcotics policy steering group, international police coordination board, professional reform working group and the Ministerial Development Board. On Aug. 12, 2012, Wins became the deputy commander for Police Development. Stepping into his new role, he has directed and synchronized the efforts of multiple coalition generals within the international community, along with a team of advisors and staff, in order to support the Afghan Interior Ministry. His deployment period has been challenged by a revitalized, aggressive and violent insurgency, unprecedented international and national interests, and the ongoing efforts to embark upon a significant draw-down leading to the 2014 withdrawl from Afghanistan.

With approximately six months remaining in his tenure as Police Development deputy commander, Wins intends to continue training the Afghanistan National Police, professionalizing its ranks of patrolmen, non-commissioned officers and officers, and educating them on actions necessary to maintain their equipment and facilities, while sustaining the force capability, as the coalition continues its transition to an Afghan-led security environment.

Photo above: Brig. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, USA, deputy commander, Police Development, second from left, with USMC Gen. John Allen, far left, and Afghanistan Minister of Interior Bismullah Khan Mohammadi, far right. The man in the center is an interpreter. Photo below: Wins, center, with Afghan generals who are responsible for logistics and sustainment within the Ministry of Interior for the Afghan National Police.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Nance ’06

Has Unique Family Reunion in Afghanistan Editor’s Note: The following article was written in July 2012 by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Hudson – a Public Affairs NCO at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan – about Capt. T. Wilson Nance ’06, USMC. Hudson wrote, “[Recently], I met up with an alum of VMI who is a Marine at Camp Leatherneck. I wound up writing a story [about] him and his mom [who are] deployed here together.” Mom and Son Reunite at Kandahar Airfield by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Hudson, USAF For those brief moments of embrace, they weren’t serving in a land far from home. It’s just a mother and her son. Never mind the hospital setting where she works, the scrubs or his fatigues, because right now, it’s just a mother and her son. U.S. Army Maj. Elizabeth Nance cherished the moment with her son, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Wilson Nance [’06]. Official business brought him to Kandahar Airfield, where his mother is deployed, but seeing her was high on his things-to-do list. “There are a lot of reasons to come here, but she is an important one,” Capt. Nance said of visiting his mother. “Most people do a double-take when I tell them that my mom is deployed out here. In fact, one person said, ‘What does that mean?’ … the individual thought I was talking in some kind of slang, because it doesn’t register in peoples’ minds that a mother and son [could] deploy at the same time.” At ROLE 3, Kandahar Airfield, the two shared a few moments together and caught up. Maj. Nance is a dental officer assigned here, and Capt. Nance came in from Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province where he is deployed with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) as an intelligence officer. “It feels really weird to say my mom is in Afghanistan,” Capt. Nance said. Maj. Nance is a member of the Virginia Army National Guard which she joined in 2009 in the midst of a successful career as a dentist. She saw the need and wanted to serve. Military service runs deep in their family. Capt. Nance received his commission in 2006 after his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. His service inspired his family to follow in his footsteps, including his mother, a younger brother who is a Marine pilot currently training in Florida and a brother-in-law in the Virginia Army National Guard. Capt. Nance said his mother has always had a soft spot for military members. He relayed a story [about] a time when, at an airport traveling for vacation, she hugged soldiers passing through who had just completed basic training. “I love being here,” Maj. Nance said of her deployment. “These soldiers are amazing kids full of class and maturity.” She deployed here the day after Mother’s Day, while her son has been in Afghanistan since the end of February [2012]. This is her first deployment and his second to Afghanistan. Like any mother, her heart goes out to the soldiers here. “I treat these soldiers the way I want someone to treat my son,” she said. This visit will be the last time [they see] each other before their next reunion at home in Virginia. She will redeploy Aug. 1, and he leaves three weeks later. [For now], they have the

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memories of those few short hours together in Kandahar to [hold onto].

A group of 43 alumni got together to celebrate New Market Day at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on May 15, 2012. Holding the flag were Jason Trubenbach ’99 and Blake Traina ’03. Trubenbach, who submitted this photo, and Lt. Col. Chris Whitaker ’90 arranged this gathering of military and civilian citizen-soldiers.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World In addition to recognizing those who have served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (as shown on the previous pages), the Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to other citizen-soliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in everytime of deepest peril ... .” Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving in non-combat capacities anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, doctors offering their

services to those less fortunate, alumni volunteering at food pantries or serving as Boy or Girl Scout leaders. If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve. Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa.org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, PO Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Editor. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

Are you or someone you know serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Photo at left: Artur Taryan ’08, USA, left, is shown with a Tajikistan solider. Taryan is working at the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, helping to coordinate training for Tajikistan soldiers through the Virginia National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). According to the Guard’s website, “The SPP links U.S. states and partner nations in support of mutual interests. The goal of the program is to establish broad reaching, friendly ties between partner states and partner countries at all levels of society, utilizing the National Guard as the catalyzing force and means of support.”

Photo at left: In his submission for class notes, Will Tong ’97, left, wrote, “My brother, Lt. Col. Wai-Kin Tong, class of ’91 [right], was deployed to Afghanistan on April 19, 2012. His unit, the 411th Engineer Brigade, is based out of New Windsor, New York, and has been in Afghanistan since May 15, 2012. The 411th assumed control of all engineer units throughout Afghanistan on June 4th and will be there until February 2013. Their primary mission will be combat, tactical construction and route clearance.” The photo was taken at the 411th Engineer Brigade’s farewell ceremony prior to deployment.

Photo at left: Class of ’96 Brother Rats Brady Crone, left, and Eric Michalski at Crone’s swearing-in as a reserve deputy for the Hanover County (Virginia) Sheriff’s office. According to the Hanover Sheriff’s website, “[Reserve deputies] are specially trained and dedicated to provide service” to the community and the sheriff’s office.

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Photo at left: Gathering at U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) Headquarters on New Market Day in May 2012 were, from left, Lt. Col. Andy Mergens ’90, battalion commander, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB); Lt. Col. George Ross ’92, USARAK G1; Maj. Donna Johnson ’02, USARAK G4 Transportation OIC; Capt. Mike Pasquale ’06, commander, HHC 17th CSSB; 1st Lt. Dayton Blume ’09, USAF Alaska; and Lt. Col. Mark Nadig ’93, brigade S3, 2nd EN Brigade. Photo courtesy Mergens.

Photo at right: Enrolled in the U.S. Army War College (Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania) Department of Distance Education (DDE) program, class of 2013, are, from left, Col. Jerry Tertychny ’87, Col. Brent Hashimoto ’88, Col. Jim Ring ’88 and Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ‘89. About the photo, Bissell, who submitted the picture, explained that it was taken during the group’s first year residence phase. The DDE program allows participants to work a full-time job and still have time for a War College degree. According to the DDE website, participants devote 15 hours per week to the program, which is delivered via the Internet.

Photo at left: From left, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Agent Don Spears ’93, current VMI lacrosse Head Coach Brian Anken, former VMI lacrosse Head Coach Doug Bartlett and ATF Agent Darin Ramsey ’93. According to Bartlett, who submitted this photo, the ATF SWAT Team was training at VMI in August 2012.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

In Memory M. Patton Echols Jr. ’46 by Scott E. Belliveau ’83 Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

A prominent attorney who represented Arlington County in the Senate of Virginia, M. Patton Echols Jr. ’46, died on July 26, 2012. He was 86. Born at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where his father, M. Patton Echols ’19, was serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, Patton Echols also was the grandson of a New Market cadet, Joseph R. Echols. His father, who served on the staff of Gen. Douglas MacArthur during World War II and the Occupation of Japan, also was VMI’s athletic director. Matriculating in 1942, Echols studied civil engineering and was a distinguished graduate. He was a member of the Honor Court and the General Committee, and he served as a cadet captain, commanding Alpha Company. He has the distinction of being one of the two members of the class of 1946, which matriculated 242 strong, who graduated on time in May 1945. Echols was awarded the First Jackson-Hope Medal upon graduation, and he was valedictorian that year. Echols ’46 After graduation, he worked for York Corporation as an engineer. When the Korean War began in 1950, he attained a commission through Officer Candidate School and was assigned to the Corps of Engineers. After leaving active duty in 1953, Echols remained in the Army Reserve and attained the grade of lieutenant colonel before his retirement in 1979. Returning to work for the York Corporation after the war, he was transferred to the Washington, D.C., area. There, he began to attend night classes at the George Washington University School of Law. He received his juris doctorate in 1958 and began legal practice in Arlington County. Echols became active in Republican politics in Arlington County in the early 1960s, serving as a precinct captain and, later, the chairman of the Arlington County Republican Party. In 1963, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the House of Delegates. In March 1969, he ran to represent the 32nd Senatorial District in a special election made necessary by the death of the seat’s long-time incumbent. He won that election but lost when he ran for a full term in November 1971. An unsuccessful run for the office of Attorney General two years later led him to retire from active politics. He stayed active in the Republican Party, however, and was an informal adviser to many Republican candidates. A long-time participant in civic affairs in Arlington County, Echols served the Arlington County Civic Federation, Arlington Committee of 100, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Optimist Club of Arlington. A musician and singer, Echols was president of The Washington Savoyards, an amateur group that produces the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and he served on the board of the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia. Echols is survived by his second wife, Beth McLaren Echols, who he married in September 2005, as well as four children from his first marriage, three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a sister.

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In Memory Boys and the Commonwealth Club and was a member of the State Board of Education. He also was active in the Republican Party. Patterson was an ardent supporter of his alma matter, once saying that by Scott E. Belliveau ’83 VMI “has meant everything to me.” In 2001, the late Senator Elmon T. Director of Communications, VMI Foundation Gray ’46 said of Patterson’s devotion to VMI, “Bob Patterson has a depth of feeling about VMI – what its mission has been On July 12, 2012, New Market Medal recipient and should be – and a degree of loyalty to VMI, his and a leading figure in Virginia’s legal community, Brother Rats and his other VMI friends that very few Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C, died in Richmond, people can match.” It is not a surprise, therefore, that Virginia. He was 85. Patterson compiled a commendable record of service Patterson grew up in Richmond’s Church Hill to it. He served as president of The VMI Alumni Asneighborhood and matriculated from there in 1944. sociation, Inc., from 1963-66 and was a member of In his senior year at John Marshall High School, he the VMI Board of Visitors from 1968-77, serving at was the first captain of that school’s renowned corps its president in 1976 and 1977 –during which time he of cadets. He left the Institute in 1945 and served was an ex-officio member of the VMI Foundation’s in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46. At the end of his Board of Trustees. naval service, he was offered an appointment to the He is perhaps best known for his role as VMI’s chief U.S. Naval Academy but turned it down in order counsel during the six-year legal battle concerning to return to VMI. VMI’s status as a single-sex institution that took place As a cadet before and after the war, Patterson in the 1990s. Although Patterson and his team were participated in many activities. He played football successful in U.S. District Court and in the 4th U.S. and polo, ran track and was a staff member of The Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court Cadet. He also was a member of the Honor Court, decided in the favor of the U.S. Justice Department. Patterson ’49C the Officer of the Guard Association, the InternaOf Patterson’s leadership during the court case, VMI’s tional Relations Club and the Lectern Club. An superintendent at the time, Josiah Bunting III ’63, said, indication of the often topsy-turvy nature of VMI “Bob Patterson gave everything he had, because he immediately after World War II can be found in the fact that Patterson believed in VMI. He conducted himself like an honorable man, in accord served as vice president of the class of 1948A and as historian of the with the highest standards of the Institute.” class of 1949C, although not concurrently. In 1983, the VMI Foundation awarded Patterson its Distinguished After he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history, Patterson Service Award. Nine years later, the VMI Board of Visitors recognized attended the University of Virginia’s School of Law. There, he made the his devotion to the Institute by awarding him the Institute’s highest honor, Law Review, was elected president of his class and graduated in 1952. the New Market Medal. The accompanying citation praised him for his In July 1952, he joined the Richmond, Virginia, law firm, McGuire, “national leadership in the profession of law and in his community and Eggleston, Bocock & Woods, as its ninth lawyer and third associate, among VMI men; for his devotion to country, the commonwealth of Virworking from a desk in the firm’s law library. He would spend his ginia and to Virginia Military Institute; for his sense of honor, fair play and entire legal career of almost 50 years with the firm – now known as justice to all with whom he has been associated; and for his outstanding McGuireWoods LLP. performance of duty to his fellow citizens as a distinguished attorney.” Patterson was renowned as a formidable courtroom advocate and After his retirement, Patterson involved himself in charitable activities tough negotiator and played prominent roles in many high profile and continued his avid pursuit of hunting and fishing. cases, including a 1970s case about anticompetitive practices, for He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Whittemore, a McGuireWoods which the $45 million settlement was then the largest such settle- partner who was involved in the VMI defense. He also is survived by his ment in U.S. history. He also is credited with transforming his firm son, Robert H. Patterson III; two daughters, India Gregory and Margaret McGuireWoods LLP from a small regional firm to a nationally Mansfield; a stepson, Robert P. Whittemore; seven grandchildren; and recognized firm with offices in eight states, the District of Columbia a step-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, and three foreign countries, employing more than 900 attorneys. He Luise Wyatt Patterson. served as the firm’s chairman from 1979-89, and he retired from Patterson is being honored at VMI through the Robert H. Patterson Jr. the firm and law on Dec. 31, 1999. He received many professional ’49C Scholarship. To date, the VMI Foundation has received an extraordihonors, including his election as president of the Bar Association nary number of gifts to this scholarship’s endowment, a sure indication of of the City of Richmond and the Virginia State Bar, as well being the high esteem in which he was – and is – held by his colleagues, fellow named a fellow of the American Bar Association and the American alumni and friends throughout Virginia and the country. College of Trial Lawyers. Active in civic affairs, he served as president of the Virginia Home for

Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Across Europe with the “Spearhead” by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Contributing Writer

man occupation, and while Tucker appreciated their gratitude, he recalled the long journey that brought him to this point and was wary of the tough fighting that he knew lay ahead.

Going Ashore Six days after the invasion of Normandy in June 1944, Tucker, then the executive officer of the 83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, brought ashore an advance party of his battalion. The mission of this unit, which would follow ashore over the next several days, was to scout ahead or screen the flanks of the 3rd Armored Division. Because speed and mobility were essential, they were lightly equipped with jeeps, motorcycles, armored cars and light tanks. The parent unit had the heavy weapons needed to engage the enemy; the job of the 83rd was to find them. The Americans found themselves bogged down following the invasion. Tucker recalled how the picturesque farms of the French countryside were made to order for the German defenders: “The fields were bordered by hedgerows which they used instead of fences, and the Germans would dig in behind them. They were so thick that our tanks had a hard time busting through – we’d finally get over one, and there would be another 100 yards or so away.”

Massive Air Strike

Maj. J. Randolph Tucker ’37, USA.

aising binoculars to his eyes, Maj. J. Randolph Tucker ’37, commanding the 83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion of the 3rd Armored “Spearhead” Division, scanned the scene before him: a large column of German troops and equipment was moving up the valley below his position. “The tanks from our division opened up on the column and decimated it,” he recalled. They were on the outskirts of Mons, Belgium, and Tucker’s unit, an armored reconnaissance battalion moving in advance of the 3rd Armored Division, had raced across France during the previous couple of weeks, put itself ahead of the Germans and were about to cut off their line of retreat. Working with elements of the 1st Infantry Division, the 3rd Armored Division killed or captured more than 30,000 Germans over a three-day period, preventing them from getting back to Germany to take up defensive positions behind the Siegfried Line. “The fighting was fierce. There were no front lines. Battles were going on everywhere,” Tucker recounted. Shortly afterward, on Sept. 2, 1944, the Americans entered Mons, and a light tank named “Fish ‘N Chips” from Tucker’s battalion was the first vehicle to enter the city. The residents were overjoyed to be finally liberated after four years of Ger2012-Issue 4

Finally, the Allied command called on its air power to carpetbomb an area of about two by five miles in order to blast a path so that that the troops could advance. “We had been ordered to be ready to move out and break through the enemy defenses as soon as the strike ended,” recalled Tucker. “Thus, we had front-row seats for the most massive air strike in history: more than 3,000 planes pounded the area. As far back toward England as the eye could see, the sky was black with fighters and bombers, and they kept coming for more than an hour. Some of the bombers were hit by German anti-aircraft guns and spiraled down, their crews parachuting out. It was like watching an epic movie.” As soon as the bombing ended, Tucker and his men moved forward over the cratered countryside ahead of their division. While moving across France, Tucker was given command of the unit: “As we approached Paris, we felt that, having spearheaded the march from the south, we would be chosen to help liberate Paris and be besieged with hugs and kisses from pretty girls, but it was not to be.” A French unit was given that honor instead.

“Stay on His Tail …” “Another lesson we learned as we moved across France,” Tucker remembered, “was when you get the enemy moving, stay on his tail. This can be exhausting, but it saves lives not to let the 11

enemy stop and get in defensive positions.” The 83rd followed this maxim, becoming the first unit to occupy a German town, then punching through the stout defenses of the Siegfried Line. In December, while Tucker’s unit was getting a much-needed break from combat to perform maintenance and build up supplies in preparation for crossing the Rhine River, the Germans made a surprise attack in the Ardennes Forest – massing crack armored and infantry units in a desperate, last-ditch effort to break through the Allied lines. The attack caused mass confusion, and contributing to the chaotic conditions was the fact that some English-speaking German troops wore American uniforms and drove captured American equipment.

advance toward Berlin was resumed. Subsequent months saw more hard fighting. On one occasion, Tucker’s unit was bogged down outside of a German town, and he went forward to ascertain the nature of the enemy defenses. His Silver Star citation noted that he “… commandeered a platoon of infantrymen and led the attack against a fiercely resisting enemy pocket.” Although wounded, he “continued to spur and inspire the attack until it succeeded, and the battalion advanced and secured the town.”

The Battle of the Bulge

On another occasion, Tucker advanced to the outskirts of a German town and positioned his tanks around the perimeter. Then, easing into the town and down a street in a jeep with his driver, “… we captured a German major who was apparently the commander of the troops in the town. He had set their headquarters on fire to destroy records and was somewhat inebriated. I put him up on the hood of the jeep, so that if we came under fire, he would be the primary target.” Tucker convinced the major and the town’s burgomeister that the American firepower was overwhelming. It was a somewhat exaggerated threat; nevertheless, the Germans announced on a loudspeaker that if there was any resistance, the Americans would reduce the town to rubble. He recalled that “… in a few minutes, some of the citizens began to hang sheets out of the windows signifying surrender.” The town, along with the German troops, was taken without firing a shot, and Tucker received an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Silver

A disaster was unfolding, and Tucker recalled it clearly: “We received orders to pack up and move out immediately, and back to Belgium we went. The night march was a nightmare. It was black, the weather was bitter cold … we were traveling without lights … tanks and other vehicles became mired on the road shoulders … “The Ardennes was a worst-case scenario, particularly for tank warfare. The terrain was hilly, the roads were narrow and many had a high bank on one side with a drop off on the other … It was freezing cold, snow and ice on the roads, and the vehicles were constantly sliding off.” “After marching all night, we were put into battle almost immediately. The equipment assigned to my task force was in no way adequate to fight heavy German tanks. Nevertheless, it wasn’t long before my lead elements encountered many enemy tanks and a large infantry force. As darkness approached, a thick fog settled in and visibility was almost zero. During the night, a lieutenant with me reported that German infantry had bypassed us on our right flank. We couldn’t see them to shoot, but he had heard them speaking German.” In addition to the fact that the Germans were pulling out all the stops, this was the coldest winter in more than a century, and the Americans had been issued little winter clothing. It would be the worst Christmas the men would ever experience.

Capturing a Town and the Troops Without Firing a Shot

First Silver Star In January, the enemy’s advance was contained, and the clearing weather conditions permitted the full might of American air power to be brought to bear on the Germans. The Allied 12

The above photo, from the 3rd Armored Division website (http://3ad.com), was taken during the winter of 1944-45. The tank on the right was the type that then-Maj. J. Randolph Tucker ’37 had in his battalion.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Star (the equivalent of a second award) for entering the town alone and taking it without any bloodshed. Later that evening, Tucker was leading his column in a jeep, straining to read his map in the dark with a blackout flashlight. Suddenly his driver uttered a cry and bolted out of the vehicle. Tucker looked up and found himself face to face with an 88 mm gun on a German “Tiger” tank. Diving into a ditch, he lay there for several minutes but heard no one talking. After summoning up his courage, he approached the tank and found that it had been abandoned. He disabled the gun with a thermite grenade and the column moved on.

A Light in the Window In the spring of 1945, a number of the 83rd’s vehicles were sent to a maintenance facility which had been established far back in the rear in a town in Belgium, and Tucker went back there to check on the status of some of the equipment. It was dusk when he approached the town; blackout requirements had been lifted in this part of Belgium, and he saw a light in a window for the first time in about two years. A wave of nostalgia swept over him: “It was the most beautiful sight I’d seen in a long time,” he remembered. “I had to return to the combat area, and I hoped I would make it to the end of the war when I would see lights in windows as a normal occurrence.” When the war ended in May, Tucker had led troops in combat almost continuously for twelve months. He had been awarded two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars (one with a “V” for valor), a Purple Heart, and a medal recognizing his participation in all five of the campaigns in the Northern European Theater. He was also promoted to lieutenant colonel.

The Rest of the Story … The people of Mons, Belgium, wanted to commemorate their liberation from the Germans and looked for a way to memorialize the event. One of the town’s officials had happened to record the registration number of that first American tank, and after the end of the war in 1945, a letter was sent to the headquarters of the 3rd Armored Division requesting that the tank “with registration number 3047787” be donated to them for their museum. There was no response. Then, late one evening in 1946, an armored vehicle carrier rumbled into Mons, paused briefly, and then left. The next morning, members of the fire brigade woke up to find that the street across from their station house was blocked by a tank. It bore registration number 3047787, and with great difficulty, it was pushed up to the city hall where it was put on public display. In 1984, a group of citizens decided to restore the tank to running condition, a challenge which included locating two Cadillac engines and new tracks, and removing numerous layers of paint which had been applied over the years. Original markings were uncovered – and there was the name, “Fish ‘N Chips.” An inquiry was made to the 3rd Armored Division Association about the location of “a Major Tucker.” Now a

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retired judge living in Richmond, he was surprised one day to read in the Association’s newsletter that someone in Mons wanted to contact him.

Return to Mons In September 1989, Tucker and his wife accepted an invitation to visit Mons, where they participated in the 45th anniversary of the town’s liberation. Entering the town square, he was stunned to see a large banner which read, “After 45 years, our liberator returns.” He hoped that no one from the other units would also be there: “There were two divisions involved in this,” he told his wife. “Do you suppose they would be surprised to learn that I did it alone?” The Tuckers were feted for four days and, riding on the restored tank, retraced part of the route that the troops had taken. For several years thereafter, he received invitations to return but declined, citing his age. Finally, the town officials said that if Tucker couldn’t come back, they would come to him, and in July 2000, 58 Belgians visited Richmond. They brought with them 20 restored WWII vehicles, including “Fish ‘N Chips.” After ceremonies in Richmond, the group proceeded to Washington, D.C., where they had been invited to participate in the Fourth of July parade. “They asked me to ride on the tank with them,” said Tucker, “but I told them that if I rode on the tank in that heat, they might as well plan on continuing to Arlington Cemetery and dropping me off there.” “The amazing thing about this,” he continued, “is that these are the children of the people we liberated, some of them born after the war ended. Their parents instilled in them a strong sense of gratitude.”

A True Citizen-Soldier Following his release from active duty, Tucker pursued a successful law career, served in the Virginia House of Delegates and retired as a circuit judge. A loyal supporter of the Institute, he served on the VMI Board of Visitors from 1960-68 and as president from 1966-68. His untiring service to his nation, his community and his alma mater epitomizes the concept of citizen-soldier. He recently celebrated his 75th VMI reunion. Sources: • Personal recollections and interview: J. Randolph Tucker. • “Fish ‘N Chips” www.tanksintown.be/En/historique website. • “Over Here, To Say Thanks,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 2, 2000. Author’s Note: The assistance provided by Sam Witt ’58 in the preparation of this article is gratefully acknowledged.

Jackson ’56, World-Class Athlete by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

hen most people hit their late 70s, they normally take time to It was brutal. I’ve never wanted to quit something so much in my life slow down and smell the roses. But Alan T. Jackson ’56 isn’t – though, we never do.” When they returned from the ride, Mark jumped straight into the hot most people. In summer 2011, at the age of 77, Jackson cycled 460 miles on the tub fully clothed. Mark recalls that his father didn’t complain once. “It didn’t really bother my dad,” says Mark. “He’s as tough as they Rocky Mountains in just six days. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg come. I tell people he’s the original Iron Man.” in terms of his physical fitness. The father-and-son team joined for another ride in December 2011, His father was the first naval attaché to Pakistan, where Jackson spent the majority of his teenage years. He had a hard time making the transi- cycling 100 miles in one day from Key Largo to Key West. Paul tion to VMI but figured out that if he made the cross-country team he Marsenison ’85 rode with them. Mark recalls visiting his father once and stumbling upon medals for wouldn’t be harassed by upperclassmen as often. “It was at VMI that I developed an interest in physical fitness that lasted mountain biking and triathlon in his age group from the Huntsman World the rest of my life,” says Jackson. To stay in shape – and receive better Senior Games in Utah. Mark didn’t even know his father had competed. food – Jackson joined the swimming and outdoor track teams as well. “He never, ever talks about this stuff,” says Mark. “He’s not one of After attaining a bachelor’s in civil engineering, Jackson joined the these cocky, arrogant guys. He just likes doing it.” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His military Jackson doesn’t mind going it alone either. career sent him to far-off locales like Japan In July, at the age of 78, he went on a hikeand Turkey and included two tours in Vietnam. ski trip with friends to the “Great Northern It was during his time in the military that he Couloir” on Sacagawea Peak (9,665 feet) became a member of the U.S. Modern Pentathnear Bozeman. He’s currently gearing up for lon Team. He participated internationally in a triathlon with Mark in December. He still two world championships for the sport, which works out every day, though not as rigorously combined riding cross-country on horseback, as he once did. He normally does some sit-ups, fencing, pistol shooting, a 300-meter swim and modified push-ups and rides at least a mile on a 4,000-meter cross-country run. “In Modern his bicycle every day. Pentathlon,” Jackson explained, “horses are “You’re going to age no matter how much assigned to racers through a random drawing, you work out,” Jackson says. “You can remain and contestants are allowed only a 15-minute more active in your older ages if you emphasize warm-up on an unfamiliar horse before startfitness while you’re still young and stay with it. ing the course.” VMI did this for me.” Back stateside, Jackson began his teaching career as a professor of military science at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. After 20 years, Jackson retired from the military and took a position teaching civil engineering at Montana State University. He Mark Jackson ’85 standing in front of retired from MSU in 1996 but has kept physi- a 20-foot snow bank at 12,183 feet. cally fit the entire time and weighs the same that he did as an incoming freshman at VMI. Jackson has also taken up other physical activities through the years, including Judo, mountain and road biking, mountain climbing (including Denali, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro and Ararat), tennis, racquetball, and Nordic, downhill and backcountry skiing. He didn’t always have the highest opinion of cycling but now thoroughly enjoys it. Last year, Jackson undertook a challenging 460-mile cycling tour through the Rockies with his son, Mark W. Jackson ’85. Mark says the second day of the tour was the roughest, climbing to an altitude of 12,183 feet in a snowstorm near Estes Park, Colorado. Out of the 1,500 people cycling in the group, only about 15 percent would finish the ride that day. Mark recalls looking up at the mountain at the beginning of the ride and being intimidated. “It was like you were looking up at Everest,” says Mark. The group that went first up the mountain turned back before finishing, because they were concerned about freezing to death in nothing but Alan T. Jackson ’56, right, and his son, Mark W. Jackson windbreakers and gloves. The road was covered in two inches of running ’85, at Loveland Pass – elevation 11,990 feet above sea water from melting snow, and whiteouts plagued the riders’ visibility. level – in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado. “It was like a blizzard,” Mark says. “You could hardly see at times.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Gilmore ’57: Strength in Humility Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

illiam Franklin “Frank” Gilmore ’57, Ph.D., is a tutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, then spent a year at Florida modern day Renaissance man – though he’d probably State University pursuing postdoctoral work in biochemistry. never call himself one. In 1964, Gilmore moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to work for From his humble beginnings on farms near Meridian, MisMidwest Research. sissippi, to chancellor of a university, the modest 77-year-old After retiring from the Army Reserve as a captain, Gilmore epitomizes the idea of a polymath. completed a semester of law school at night and took courses A strong work ethic took root early for Gilmore. After workin pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Missouriing on farms as a child, Gilmore got a job as a delivery boy for Kansas City. a pharmacy at the age of 11. In high school, he was a paperboy, rising at 2 a.m. to stuff and dis“If there’s anyone who’s a quintessential VMI tribute 700 newspapers before class. After school, he’d return man, it’s certainly Frank.” to put out the afternoon paper. ~Howard Lawrence ’57 Gilmore didn’t get a lot of sleep, but the job paid off, earning him $100 a week. “I was making a whole lot more money than my father made,” Gilmore says. He saved his earnings, which eventually helped him pay his tuition at VMI. Gilmore joined the Marine Corps Reserve at 17 and hoped to make a career as a leatherneck, but his 2200 vision hindered him. Instead, he attempted to receive a Marine Corps commission by attending VMI, becoming the first in his family to attend college. Friend and roommate Howard Lawrence ’57 remembers Gilmore as an exemplary student who didn’t flaunt his abilities. “He’s a very humble person,” Lawrence says. “In that humility, he has incredible strength.” Lawrence says he struggled as a student, but Gilmore was always willing to help him with his studies. In addition to his academic excellence, Lawrence points out that Gilmore is skilled with his hands. In high school, Gilmore erected a garage to tinker with his motor scooters. He later purchased a totaled ’55 Chevy and welded a new body onto the vehicle with his brother’s help. Gilmore used the car through graduate school. After attaining a degree in chemistry from VMI, Gilmore took a commission with the Army Reserve instead of the Marines because of his eyesight. He then attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a doctorate in organic chemistry and minoring in industrial management. He took a job at Allied Chemical in Syracuse, New York, before being called to active duty in 1961. Gilmore eventually talked his way into a posting at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. It was there that he met his wife, Ann, who was interning to complete her certification as a dietician. The couple has been married for 49 years, and W. Franklin “Frank” Gilmore ’57, Ph.D., and his wife, Gilmore says that the two have been partners in everything Ann, when Gilmore was chancellor of Montana Tech of the University of Montana. This photo also appeared in they have achieved since. the Alumni Review 2011-Issue 3, Alumni News section. After Walter Reed, Gilmore took courses at the National Insti2012-Issue 4

Spending so much time in the classroom seemed to rub off on him. Gilmore accepted a teaching position at the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy in 1967. For the next 26 years, Gilmore chased grants, wrote papers, and educated graduate and postdoc students. His specialty was medicinal chemistry, mostly with using peptides and modified amino acids as drugs. Gilmore says that teaching and working with students was one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career. After more than two and a half decades of instructing others, Gilmore decided to try the administrative side of academia for a change, taking a job as vice president of academic affairs at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. Five years later, he was tapped as chancellor of Montana Tech of the University of Montana. Following 13 years of service, Gilmore retired in 2011. In 2010, Gilmore was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began treatment for the cancer. His cancer has been in remission for more than a year and a half. Never one to sit idle, Gilmore accepted a position in summer 2012 as president of The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Established by Congress in 1986, the foundation awards approximately 300 scholarships a year to exemplary college students in the fields of math, science and engineering. “I feel very strongly about the mission of the Goldwater Foundation,” Gilmore says. “We must educate more scientists and engineers if we want a strong economy in this country.” In October 2012, Montana Tech honored the Gilmores by naming its new student commons building after the couple. But with all of his experiences, Gilmore still commends VMI for helping shape him as an individual.

“I’ve always appreciated what VMI gave me,” Gilmore says. “I got so much in terms of how one should live their life from VMI. I’ve always felt strongly about our institution.” While most would consider slowing down at 77, it doesn’t seem to interest Gilmore. In addition to running the foundation, he’s also renovating a house in Mississippi and building a cabin in Montana by himself. “He hopes to finish those projects in his free time, whenever that is,” says Lawrence with a laugh. “If there’s anyone who’s a quintessential VMI man, it’s certainly Frank.”

The cover of Montana Tech’s MNews 2011 Chancellor’s Edition. This edition highlighted Frank Gilmore’s accomplishments and contributions over the previous 13 years, as Gilmore prepared to retire from his chancellor position.

Alder ’89 Commands D.C. Homicide Branch by George Abry, Contributing Writer

uring his 22-year career with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, Lt. Robert W. Alder ’89 has been at the scene of well over a thousand deaths. In the face of so much violence, does he ever wonder if he can get out of bed and face the day? “No, I never feel that way,” Alder said. “I think you try to focus on getting to the truth, think about investigating the case more than feeling sorry for the

Robert Alder ’89, far left, with his homicide squad. At the time, Alder was a sergeant with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

victim or the victim’s family. You try to push that aside and focus your efforts on the investigation.” Alder spent 14 years as a homicide detective during some of the bloodiest years in D.C. history, when gang violence and crack cocaine devastated the city’s neighborhoods throughout the 1990s. Back then, Alder said, it wasn’t uncommon for one detective to investigate a dozen or more cases each year. “When I went to homicide, we were probably in the 450 or 470 (homicide) range each year. Last year, we had 108,” Alder said. “This year, we could potentially wind up with 20% of the murders we had 20 years ago.” It’s hard to attribute the reduction in violence to a single factor, but Alder said improved departmental resources and advancements in technology have made it easier for detectives to analyze trends and make arrests more quickly. In 2010, Alder was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, supervising a platoon of homicide detectives and a squad of detectives who investigate all suicides, accidental and natural deaths in the city. Alder also oversees the Special Victims Unit which investigates all child fatalities. Since March of 2012, Alder has served as acting captain and branch commander of the homicide branch, where he supervises the detectives, sergeants and lieutenants who investigate all homicides, suicides, accidental and undetermined deaths, as well as non-physician-attended deaths throughout the District of Columbia. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Alder has an 8 a.m. conference call with the assistant chief of police and officials of the Criminal Investigations Division. At 10

a.m., he heads to a crime briefing with the chief of police at downtown headquarters. In addition to managing piles of paperwork and dozens and dozens of e-mails, Alder spends much of his day talking to detectives and hearing about cases. He often reviews as many as 30 cases each week; it’s usually something he does after five or on weekends. “We put in a lot of long hours when there’s a murder, and sometimes, you may not go home for a day or two, depending on circumstances,” he said. To be successful at this job, Alder says you have to enjoy interacting with people, since the job requires fielding constant calls from the media, distraught family members and police department officials. “You have to want to provide assistance to the community; you have to want to help out. If you’re somebody who doesn’t like to talk to people, if you’re introverted, it isn’t going to work out, because you’re constantly interacting with the public,” he said. Alder said he appreciates the satisfaction of telling a family that the person responsible for murdering their loved one has been caught and will be held accountable. One of the hardest things to do is tell a grieving family member that an arrest hasn’t been made in a case. A math major at VMI, Alder said his experiences in the Ratline shaped him in more ways than one. “Your ethics and integrity as a police officer are very important, and when you testify in court, you want to be confident,” Alder said. It’s also important to stay in good shape, which helps him to function and stay awake during long work hours. For this, the Ratline’s physical demands were good preparation, he said. “A lot of pressure comes with each new homicide case, but certainly the ethics and the integrity I learned at VMI are there to guide me.” Would Alder encourage cadets to consider work as a homicide detective? “I would, because I have truly enjoyed it, and I feel lucky that I get to go to work every day and do something I truly enjoy doing. “I certainly don’t wake up in the morning and dread going to work.”

Washington, D.C., Police Lt. Robert W. Alder ’89, far right, at the podium during a press conference about a murder case featured on the television program “America’s Most Wanted.” Pictured in the front, far left, is the host of that show, John Walsh.

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Williams ’03 Has Hands-on Role in Helping Our Troops by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

hile many people support our troops, Alicia Williams dedication.” ’03, M.D., wanted a more hands-on role. Williams was a member of the Virginia Army National Guard’s A captain in the Army, Williams is completing her final, sixth ROTC-SMP program and transferred to active duty when she year of residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Cen- graduated. (The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) ter, part of the National Capital Consortium. Once she finishes allows college students to participate in both the Guard and the her residency and is board certified, Williams will be one of the college’s ROTC program.) She then attended medical school Army’s roughly 100 deployable surgeons. at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of “I had to do something in life to help the most people,” says Virginia in Richmond. She says she felt ahead of everyone else Williams of her decision to become a doctor. “As a surgeon, you because of her time at VMI. save people’s lives. It doesn’t get much better than that.” “It definitely helped me in where I wanted to go and prepared As a chief resident, Williams is spending this year going me to do the work,” Williams says. “I’m not sure if I had gone between Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, to a normal college that I would have gotten into medical school. working with soldiers and their families. VMI just builds a lot of character.” “The men and women in the military are the best patients,” Williams graduated from VCU in 2007 and came to the National Williams says. “They come back with these significant injuries, Capital Consortium for her internship and residency, assisting in and they want to go right back out there and get back to work. the care of thousands of troops. You realize that life is much bigger than you are.” “Alicia’s a phenomenal resident,” says Col. Craig Shriver, When it came time for college, the Liberian-born Williams M.D., program director and chief of the general surgery program chose VMI because of its small class sizes and proximity to her at Walter Reed. “She’s one of the residents most favorably comhometown of Woodbridge, Virginia. She also appreciated that mented on by the faculty. In all of these outside rotations, she going to class at VMI wasn’t optional. gets the highest commendations. “I knew if I went someplace where there was a choice of going “Patients love her. She’s very attentive and empathetic. She has to class, I probably wouldn’t,” Williams says. “I needed some- really good people skills in terms of working with her patients.” thing to keep me in check.” Eventually, Williams wants to end up back at Walter Reed, Williams said she liked the structure of VMI but notes that teaching students and caring for her favorite patients, our nation’s being a woman in the third-ever coed matriculating class at the wounded warriors. Institute had its share of challenges. “I love being there,” Williams says. “They’re the best patients “Everything you said and did was [scrutinized],” says Williams. you could ever have.” “Really, you were just trying not to embarrass yourself. I think it definitely gave me a unique perspective.” Williams says she formed a special bond with the women at the Institute, including Col. Rose Mary Sheldon, professor and former head of the history department. “Women are a minority at VMI,” Sheldon points out, adding that dropout rates are twice as high for women at VMI as they are for their male counterparts. “She was in one of the early classes coming in, and it was harder for women back then.” Sheldon remembers Williams as a model student. “She was a wonderful student, very lively, very intelligent,” Sheldon says. “She’s very positive and astute. I couldn’t have asked for a better person with U.S. Army Capt. Alicia Williams ’03, M.D., is in her final year of residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Evan Hume. more drive or with that kind of 18

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS Stallings ’42 Takes Part in 70th Reunion – Virtually It was a combination of technology, a son’s devotion to his father, whose technician hand-built a 25-foot cable to make the connection a helpful family and a cadet’s generosity that allowed Lloyd Robert reliable. Once this was done, the plan was back on track. Stallings ’42, who is unable to travel, to be present for his class’s 70th Meanwhile, Cadet Hardey was busy at the VMI end, hooking up speakReunion in April 2012 at VMI. ers, microphone and computer to the 46-inch screen. He also acquired Stallings’ son – William L. “Bill” Stallings ’71 – and Cadet James a large easel to hold a poster containing photos of Lloyd Stallings and Hardey ’12 worked together to his wife, Evelyn, from the 1942 connect the elder Stallings to his Bomb. The title on the poster said, Brother Rats via Skype and the “Talk live, online to your Brother Internet. “My mother first made Rat Lloyd Stallings.” me aware of Dad’s strong desire “As people came into the to attend his 70th Reunion, but Moody Hall lounge for cocktails at 92, it’s hard for him to travel,” and dinner,” Bill said, “they said Bill Stallings. “Knowing saw the poster, came over to the this, we tried to think of how to Skype area and there, on this make it happen. My wife, Gail, huge screen, was my dad, talking said, ‘What about Skype?’” The with them as if he were there in couple talks long distance with person!” Those from the class their daughter using the Skype who attended the reunion were application, which allows users Charlie Miller; Harry and Joan to make voice and video calls over Siebert and their daughter, Kim the Internet by using voice over Millican; Charlie Purdum; Ernie Lloyd Stallings ’42 is shown on the 46-inch monitor used Internet Protocol (VoIP) technoland Tish Keppel; Jack Patton; to connect him with his Brother Rats at their 70th Reogy. Using Skype, both callers can Jed Wilson and Libby Schmidt, union, April 23, 2012. From left were Charlie Miller, Harry see each other on their computer along with Jed’s son, Paul; and Siebert, Jack Patton, Ernie Keppel and Charlie Purdum. screens by way of webcams at Tommy Wilson’s widow, MargaJed Wilson was also present but is not pictured. both locations. ret, with daughters Becky Wilson “Our first call was to Carole and Carter Hailey. According to Green [VMI Alumni Association vice presiCharlie Miller, everyone had a chance to dent, Alumni Activities] to find out about the talk with Lloyd. It was a huge success reunion events,” said Bill. “We decided that by any measure, and the Stallings family the class dinner in Moody Hall would be the was thrilled. best time to schedule the call. Then, we called Despite that, though, Bill said his father Monika Dickens [VMI Cadet Life office mancould not fully give in to the revelry, beager], who put us in touch with Cadet James cause his wife, Evelyn, was under Hospice Hardey, Regimental S7.” Hardey found out care at the time. “He was worried and that there is a 46-inch monitor in the Moody preoccupied about her,” said Bill. Sadly, Hall lounge where the class dinner would be the next day, Evelyn passed away. In the background, Lloyd Stallings, and in the foreground, from left, Caheld, which would make it much easier for During a recent phone conversion with det James Hardey ’12, Charlie Miller Lloyd and his Brother Rats to see each other. Bill, he talked about his parents, the and Harry Siebert. “My wife was instrumental in resolving reunion and how much he appreciated some of the technical aspects, helping us work the help provided by everyone he came through a few bugs,” Bill said. “My parents in contact with at VMI. “Everybody was didn’t have a computer or Internet connection, so, from my home in extremely helpful and supportive. I spoke with David Prasnicki [VMI Baldwinsville, New York, I made all the arrangements with an Internet Foundation chief financial officer], who remembered Dad and offered provider in Florida.” More members of the Stallings family helped, as to boost the Internet signal, if necessary. And Cadet Hardey did so well, including Bill’s older brother, Bob, who helped obtain the modem much more on his end than we asked him to do or even considered.” and younger brother (John T. Stallings ’80) who provided his laptop for He continued, “When we dropped off the poster at VMI, I got to testing at their parents’ Florida home. meet Cadet Hardey and thank him in person. Carole Green invited “We wanted to test out everything before we told Dad that he could [Hardey] to the class of ’42 dinner, so he got a good meal out of it.” be a part of his reunion,” said Bill. “Once we tested it and it worked, All in all, it was a great experience, Bill said. “I’m really glad that we broke the good news to our parents.” we were able to do this for our dad. It meant so much to him.” There was a glitch in the process, though. It worked one day, and the next, it didn’t, Bill explained. The family brought in the Internet provider,

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Announcing 2013 Class Reunion Dates at VMI April 22-23 – Early Week Spring Reunion for the classes of 1943, 1948A, 1948B, 1953 and 1958 April 26-27 – Spring Reunion Weekend for the classes of 1963, 1973, 1983 and 1993 Sept. 6-7 – First Fall Reunion for the classes of 1968, 1978 and 1988 Sept. 27-28 – Second Fall Reunion for the classes of 1998, 2003 and 2008

Alumni Celebrate Army Birthday Photo above, at right: Celebrating the U.S. Army’s 237th birthday were, from left, Paul Bark ’56, Al Allison ’56, Tim Pishdad ’78 and Bob Spurrier ’58. About the event, retired CW3 Amir Pishdad wrote, “My son, Timothy (USA major, retired), his wife Cynthia Watkins (USA lieutenant colonel, retired), my wife, Josephine, and I were having dinner at the Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) in Melbourne, Florida, to celebrate the Army’s birthday with about 150 other military retirees and their spouses. … Looking up, I said, ‘There is a Brother Rat!’ referring to Al Allison, retired USAF colonel with 30 years of service, walking by. [I then found] out that Bob Spurrier, retired USA colonel with 30 years of service, and Paul Bark, retired USA major who was wounded in Vietnam, were also attending with their spouses. All three live in the IRCC and get together frequently. Needless to say, the Institute was well represented.”

The Eastern Shore Chapter held a “Summer Blast Pig Cookin,’” hosted by Chapter President Michael Ogden ’79 and his wife, Renee. The event served as a chapter get-together, a gathering of other Tidewater-area alumni and friends of VMI, and a Rat send-off for Brandon Fleming and Ryan Scott.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS The North Jersey Chapter hosted its first VMI Alumni Invitational Golf Tourney at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, on June 26, 2012. Pictured, from left, were Stephen Checca ’82, Kevin Sincavage ’87, Mike Mezzacca ’89, Gordon Williams ’70, Rob Munno ’80 plus 1, Terry McKnight ’78, John Gibney ’80, Bill Hardy ’78, David Prasnicki (chief financial officer, VMI Alumni Agencies), Walt Jeffress ’68 (president, VMI Foundation) and Rick Wolffe ’78, chapter president. Kneeling in front were Jack Checca (UR ’13) and Andrew Checca (UR ’15). Present at the event but not pictured was Bill Hupp ’77. Wolffe, who submitted this photo, wrote, “The competition was friendly and the conviviality was grand. Stephen Checca won low net. Bob Munno and Bill Hupp finished in second and third place, respectively. The best ball match between foursomes ended in a three-way tie. However, a scoring controversy on whether Mezzacca really made a 3-net-1 on the par 3 ninth hole resulted in the filing of a protest and recount demand by Team Gibney – the protest and demand were ignored.” Photo at right: The North Jersey Chapter held a New Market Family Dinner at the Beacon Hill Club on May 18, 2012. From left: John Lane ’68, Ed Seager ’64, Kevin Sincavage ’87, Chapter President Rick Wolffe ’78, Bob Magnan ’78, Col. Keith Gibson ’77 (executive director of executive director of the VMI museum system and the evening’s guest speaker), John Weeda ’93, Preston Beverly ’05 and Andy Tunnard ’89. Greg Reynolds ’97 attended but is not pictured. About the event, Wolffe wrote, “Our guest speaker, Col. Keith Gibson ’77, gave a very special presentation on the Battle of New Market and the importance of VMI to the nation. He shared many fascinating life connections of cadets who were called to duty on that fateful day at New Market.”

Following the North Jersey Chapter’s May event, Rick Wolffe wrote to Col. Gibson, “Your New Market presentation to our chapter was very special. It has left me thinking of the many alumni connections that you shared with us.” With his note, Wolffe sent to Gibson the above two photos of a Vietnam memorial at Millburn High School in Millburn, New Jersey. One of those pictured in the memorial is VMI alumnus Bill Huyler ’66, photo above, right. Wolffe wrote, “I graduated from Millburn High School in 1974 and never knew Huyler, but on the few occasions when I find myself [there], I make a point to visit his memorial.” Photos by Wolffe’s son.

2012-Issue 4

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Photo above, left: In March 2012, Doug Bartlett, right, a vice president in the Keydet Club, visited The Honorable Bruce B. Cameron Jr. ’38, left, at Cameron’s home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Photo above, right: During Bartlett’s visit, Cameron showed Bartlett part of his hunting decoy collection. As Bartlett wrote, “This is just a small portion of Judge Cameron’s decoy collection, but this gives you an idea of how vast [it is] … floor to ceiling and all four walls!” According to Bartlett, the collection dates back to 1860 and was once on display in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Alumni Get Together in Korea Lt. Gen. John Johnson ’77, USA, 8th Army commander, hosted a gathering of alumni in Korea. Attending the event were, from left, Capt. Steve Raveia ’04, Capt. Andrew Upshaw ’06, Cindy Turner, Lt. Col. Brett Turner ’90, Capt. Alex Litz ’07, Cheryl Johnson, Lt. Gen. Johnson, Taeseung Kwon ’12, 1st Lt. Emily Neumann ’10, 2nd Lt. Lawrence Hill ’11 and Maj. Ki Hwan Kim ’97.

Tennessee Valley Chapter Gathers in Alabama The Tennessee Valley Chapter had a gathering on July 21, 2012, in Huntsville, Alabama. From left, front row: Bill Benson ’57, Paul Wagner ’66, Jim Schaaf ’60 and Earl Talley ’58. Back row: Steve Brouse ’81, Ben Summers ’97, Tim Catalano ’00, Kurt Weidenthal ’77, Bernie Groome ’71, John Caldwell ’74, Chris Simpson ’01 and Max Swoboda ’93.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Westminster-Canterbury Group in Richmond Greets Louthans 15 1 8

16 10 3

11 4

On July 17, 2012, the VMI family at Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond, Virginia, welcomed Marilyn and Frank Louthan ’41 with cocktails and dinner. The Louthan’s live at the Hermitage at Cedarfield Retirement Community in Richmond. According to photographer Jo Ann O’Hara, widow of the late Robert O’Hara ’35, “[The Louthans] had such fun seeing all of their old buddies.” Photo 1: Elizabeth and Harry Lee ’47 Photo 2: Theda Royall ( widow, Archer ’37) with Dee and Buddy Metz ’45 Photo 3: Marguerite and Taz Ellett ’44 Photo 4: Marilyn Louthan, Charlie Miller ’42 and Anne Miller Photo 5: Juliet Goode-Hupp (widow, Tommy ’44) and Lucy Phillips (widow, Keith ’47) Photo 6: Ann Mill22 er, Marilyn Louthan and Jo Ann O’Hara Photo 7: Russell and Anne Scott (widow, Fred Addison ’44) 23 Captions continued on page 24.

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The Old Corps Remembering Edward Benjamin Dubuisson, Class of 1887 Ann Dubuisson Sturgill, granddaughter of Edward Benjamin Dubuisson, class of 1887, sent in photos and a story about her grandfather that she wished to share with Alumni Review readers, as follows: “My grandfather, Edward Benjamin Dubuisson of Opelousas, Louisiana, graduated first in his class at VMI in 1887. “He was born in Washington, Louisiana, on Feb. 20, 1865, and died in Opelousas on Oct. 14, 1943. He entered St. Charles College, a Jesuit high school in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, when he was 14 and graduated first in his class. “After graduating from VMI with a degree in civil engineering, he earned a law degree from Tulane University in New Orleans and then became a lawyer and bank president in Opelousas. He also owned a large cotton plantation and cotton gin there. “Edward and his wife, Rosa Dupre Dubuisson, had 11 children. He was a man of honor and was held in the highest [regard] by the community. “[Here is] a favorite family story: While at St. Charles College, Edward had a disagreement with the Jesuits. He left the school and followed the railroad tracks about 20 miles back to his father’s plana-

tion near Washington, Louisiana. His father demanded that he return and apologize, or he would refuse to pay for Edward’s education. Edward refused to apologize and arranged to borrow the funds for his college education from a banker friend who recognized Edward’s abilities. His father predicted a sad future for such an obstinate son but agreed to pay for a portion of his education while Edward borrowed the rest. The relations were very strained between father and son, but Edward’s pride and faith in his own abilities is reflected in the three word announcement [in his telegram]: ‘I Stand First’ (shown in the Western Union Telegraph photo accompanying this article).”

Captions continued from page 23: Photo 8: Audrey and Morton Eggleston ’59 Photo 9: Maggie Belle Moore (father, Prof. George Wilshire) and Juliet Goode-Hupp Photo 10: John Halsey ’43, Jean Salley (widow, John ’47) and Lucy Phillips Photo 11: Mary and George Hutter ’52 Photo 12: Mary Hutter and Buddy Metz Photo 13: Marilyn Louthan and Maggie Bell Moore Photo 14: Maggie Belle Moore and Jo Ann O’Hara Photo 15: Theda Royall Photo 16: Janet Dennis (widow, O.D. ’43) Photo 17: Frank Louthan ’41 Photo 18: Ben Harmon ’49B Photo 19: Janet Dennis and John Halsey Photo 20: Maya and R.B. Barnes ’54 Photo 21: Jean Salley and John Halsey Photo 22: Ann Artz (widow, Edwin ’53) Photo 23: Morton Eggleston Photo 24: The Millers Photo 25: Sarah and Ed Smith ’50B Photo 26: Marguerite Ellett, Lucy Phillips and the Louthans

From left, three of Edward Dubuisson’s medals, inscribed, “The Jackson-Hope Medal, The Gift of English Gentlemen;” “VA Military Institute, Virginia Fidem Praesto” (Latin for Faithful to Virginia); and “Debaters Medal, Prestare Et Perstare” (Latin for Preserve and Surpass).

Edward B. Dubuisson, Class of 1887

Above is a copy of the telegram that Edward Dubuisson sent to his father announcing, “I stand first,” meaning, he graduated first in his class. Dubuisson’s granddaughter, Ann Dubuisson Sturgill, who submitted the photos on this page, said that the telegraph operator mistakenly wrote “Lexington, Kentucky” on the telegram instead of Lexington, Virginia.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS a familiar name or learning something. For example, in that same issue, Frank Forsyth ’37 wrote that the VMI Museum’s Colt rifle and revolver collection was the gift of Bro’ Rat Henry Stewart. Mr. Forsyth added: “Many pieces are one-of-akind or the only known surviving example. Greetings to the great class of 1935! The collection is reputed to be the finest June 30 was my lucky day. I started the of its kind in the USA and maybe the day by meeting Eddie Arnold and his world!” I have seen the collection, but now son, Dr. Tom Arnold, at a Cracker BarI want to see it again. And Bill Hallett ’47 rel Restaurant in northern Albuquerque. wrote that hot water was not introduced Afterward, I drove to the Albuquerque in Barracks until 1936 (page 57), which airport to pick up my older daughter, who unquestionably solidifies ’35’s reputation was joining me on a tour of New Mexico’s as the “last of the Old Corps.” pueblos. While waiting for her plane to I did not hear from Sen. Harry F. Byrd land, Jim Sherman called me on my cell Jr., this news cycle, but I will make sure phone. And, just as we were hanging up, that he is cut in on plans for the 80th my daughter walked down the concourse. Reunion. A new book, Atlantic Fever, by Eddie Arnold talked about his early days Joe Jackson (not “Shoeless Joe”), was in the Old Dominion, cadet life during the published this year to positive reviews. Great Depression and military service durIt tells the story of the scramble to be the ing World War II. The conversation turned first pilot to fly solo across the Atlanto VMI. Eddie expressed his pride in his tic Ocean. The book does not focus on alma mater and his confidence in the curCharles Lindberg. Instead, it features rent leadership. Eddie also had high praise the other contestants in the race, most for the Alumni Review. prominently Harry’s distinguished uncle, Eddie looked remarkably fit, and there Admiral Richard E. Byrd Jr. ’908. isn’t any doubt that he could still wear his My father graduated from cadet uniform. In fact, he will Annapolis, and I was recently get the chance, as Tom and he approached by his class to disare already making plans to cuss the possibility of writing attend Eddie’s 80th Reunion, their class notes. While I deeply now just two and one-half years appreciate the opportunity, I poaway. Gentlemen, I will see you litely demurred. After all, those there. men are only 90 and should Jim Sherman of Southern know how to use a “smart” Pines, NC, called to check in. phone and a laptop computer! He and Peggy are doing fine. Dee White called me to let They live in a superb retireme know that her mother and ment center, and everything father, Dorothy (“Dottie”) you would want is right there. Nicholson and Edward D. Jim uses a walker from time to (“Ned”) Nicholson, were totime, but he exercises regularly gether again. Dottie, a resident and is mobile. I asked him if of Richmond’s WestminsterPeggy and he were planning to Canterbury, reunited with Ned attend his 80th Reunion, and he on February 11. said they would if they could Ned graduated from Ports“get a ride.” That shouldn’t be a mouth’s Woodrow Wilson H.S. problem. Thank you, Jim. in 1931 and entered VMI that The Alumni Review’s sumfall. His father, a career naval mer issue (Issue 3) was one of officer, was assigned to Samoa the best that I can recall. The and later to Bremerton, WA, article, “Bomber Command,” during Ned’s cadetship. At the beginning on page 15 of that issue, tells the story of Thomas S. Class of 1935: Eddie Arnold with Dick Knight ’70 in end of his second class year, Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 30, 2012. Ned transferred to the U of Jeffrey Jr. ’38 and his combat

’35

Richard H. Knight ’70

2012-Issue 4

experience over Germany. It is compelling reading. It makes me wonder whether the classic movie Command Decision (1948) was patterned in part on Gen. Jeffrey’s experience, with Clark Gable portraying Gen. Jeffrey. This is an excellent movie, and it is available at Netflix. Perhaps some of you remember seeing “Cadet” Jeffrey during his Rat year (1934-35). For years, the Review has published outstanding individual accounts of military service during the Second World War. These accounts are in leading articles (e.g., “Bomber Command,” above), memorials and class notes. Perhaps a cadet will collect and consolidate these accounts as part of an honors program, one day. The article, “Legacy Day,” beginning on page 32 of that same issue, features a new generation of youngsters getting their first exposure to VMI. And don’t they look enthusiastic! The photo of the two “junior” keydets getting a haircut (page 34) is priceless. This is an outstanding (advance) recruitment program and a tip of the kepi to all concerned. A benefit of reading class notes from other classes is the possibility of seeing

CLASS NOTES Washington to be near his parents, whom he had not seen in years. Ned enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1935 and was honorably discharged, four years later, in 1939. Ned was back in uniform two years later, after Pearl Harbor, and remained on active duty for the duration of the War. Ned was initially assigned to drill instructor duty but later he saw action in the Pacific and was stationed in Japan after the surrender. Dee told me that her father was “always a Marine.” (I have heard that about Marines.) Ned met Dottie in 1937 and they married in 1938. They eventually settled in Richmond, where they raised two sons and two daughters. Ned spent most of his career with the Federal Reserve. During their leisure time, Dottie painted in watercolors and Ned framed the canvasses. Ned and Dottie also enjoyed travel, especially to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where the family often vacationed. Ned and Dottie were married 58 years. Thank you, Dee, for supplying this information to us, and please accept our condolences on the loss of your mother. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Please write, e-mail, or call me to let me know what your plans are. That invitation includes the Sister Rats.

Until next time, here is wishing you and yours the very best. Dick

’37

Frank Forsyth

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1937 for this issue.

’38

Glenn Foust

I have been appointed as class agent for the class of 1938 by Patrick Webb. I have not been able to locate Bruce Cameron, George Fosque, Ray Long, Monk Lyon or Bob Mathews. If anyone has had contact with any one of these BRs, please help me with their location and telephone number. Best regards, Jim Foust

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

in Izmir Turkey during the Cold War and how he was responsible for targets on the Black Sea. It is amazing how the world has changed since WWII. Marcy and I just returned from a vacation with some of our grandkids. We ended up at Bennett Springs, MO, not far from Springfield. It is a great old CCC park and the trout fishing is spectacular. They have their own trout hatchery and release some every night. Even my 6-year-old granddaughter caught one. I dug through my father’s (Frank M. Parker Jr. ’39) famous joke book, looking for something from ’39’s time at the Institute that was decent enough to print. I don’t know who wrote the following, but it sure is right on, especially this year in Texas. I hope you enjoy it. Texas – You Can Have It ‘Twas once that I was happy, My life was filled with cheer; I never had seen Texas, ’Til the Army brought me here. I’ve heard songs of her beauty, Pretty girls and big strong men; Rolling plains and majestic mountains, Just Heaven from end to end. The one thing that is certain,

Not much news. It has been so hot that I think everyone has found a cool place to hide. I know we have. Ira Saxe let me know that he is still doing OK even though his leg with the new hip is slowing him down a little. As soon as the weather cools a little he’s ready to get back on the golf course for his normal two, nine-hole rounds a week. John Chiles’ son sent me an e-mail saying that his mother, Elizabeth “Libby,” is doing well and still living at Kendal in Lexington. Col. Howard Golladay is doing fine in San Diego although he says it’s getting hot (80s). His granddaughter is still living with him and keeping him straight. He reminisced about his two years when stationed with NATO Class of 1935: Photo at left: Ned Nicholson during his Rat year, 1931-32. Photo at right: Dottie and Ned Nicholson in 1937.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Of this there is no denying; The guy that started that noise, Did a hell of a lot of lying. Deep in the heart of Texas, There is sand in all we eat; The girls are all bowlegged, The boys all have flat feet. That’s why they have to send us here, To sit in sad dejection; Out in this lonely desert, For this damn state’s protection. No longer are we religious, We drink, we fight, we curse; No worry about going to hell, It can’t be any worse. Down here the sun is hotter, Down here the rain is wetter; They think it’s the best state, But there are 47 better. Still there is no one to blame but me, The Army never forgot it; I asked for foreign duty, and Believe me, BY GOD I GOT IT!

’40

Robert Smith

Not until we began writing this report in August did we received news that Jim Cheek died on June 2. It is fortuitous that in the 2012 Issue 1 of this magazine, Dick Knight ’70 had provided us with a fine report of a visit with Jim in which many details of Jim’s life and career were summarized. His obit is to be in the Taps section of this issue. A few additional details distinguish him in our memories. After VMI, Jim went to MIT, as did Dan Flowers, and Jim undertook further electrical engineering studies. From our Bomb we are reminded that Jim wore academic stars: 3, 2 and 1. Considerable details about his WW II military career are in our Fifty Years On book. He had a very successful business career and was a leading citizen of Nashville with many civic accomplishments and outstanding service to his church. While the death of 2012-Issue 4

any old friend is tragic, perhaps others feel thankful as I do that Jim lived so long and contributed so much. In July came a call from John Augustine IV ’68 with the distressing news of the death of his father, our Brother Rat, on July 25. Our John had always seemed to be among our most active and thereby our most youthful members. Just before his death John and June had taken their tour in June of the Richmond Civil War battlefields and had an enjoyable time. John IV escorted them on that trip and reports that his father had no health problems then. John’s brief obituary should also be found in the Taps section of this issue. It includes some information about his military service, but John did not insert his story in our 50 Years On book. Nevertheless, from information he gave me over the years and other sources, we have a general idea of his service. He started out in flying school at Langley in April of 1941 and the 22nd Bomber Group, 5th Army Air Force was his first assignment. After some design problems had been corrected they flew Martin B-26 Marauders for two to three years. His unit was called “The Red Raiders” and it was first active in the Pacific based in Queensland in northeast Australia and then advanced to Dobodura, New Guinea, on Oct. 15, 1943. We see that after WW II, John continued to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years. He and June most faithfully attended the yearly reunions of his 22nd Bomber Group. We knew that upon retiring he worked for John Hancock Life Insurance for the next 15 years and that they made their home in St. Petersburg, but I don’t recall his ever mentioning that his avocation, shared with June, was scuba diving and that they were master swimmers. The previous AR report sent last May 15th came only a few days after Gene Phillippi died, and his obituary was not yet available. It was published in the memorial service program at Gene’s Messiah Lutheran Church in Knoxville and says that “Ulys Eugene ‘Gene’ Phillippi passed away, May 8, 2012 at home in Knoxville. He was a native of Rural Retreat, VA, but has lived in Knoxville since 1950. He was the previous owner of Tempo Forms Co., and prior to that was with Hamilton Register Co. Gene was a proud graduate of the

Virginia Military Institute Class of 1940, a lifelong learner and he loved to read. Gene was an Army veteran of World War II in the South Pacific.” Later, his daughter Carolyn Raatz wrote these moving words: “Daddy loved family, friends, Rural Retreat, VA, and VMI. I was so lucky to have the best father and mother. I think about all they saw – the Depression, WW II and rebuilding half the world. I know you were the “Greatest Generation.” We loved to read your letters together and I’d like to receive a few more. To his dear VMI friends, thank you.” With that sweet remark, she really tugs at our heartstrings and of course she will be on my mailing list. Sol Rawls and I talk frequently about matters pertaining to VMI and our lives, but he usually doesn’t have much to report about his own activities and trials – just those of his wonderful son, Waite. His life seems serene now that he has leased his croplands to neighbors and doesn’t have to worry about draught and pestilence. But he still looks at the money crops of cotton and peanuts and takes pleasure from seeing that they look good and have gotten plenty of rain. In the previous of these reports it was noted that our class was thankful to John Cowart down thru the years for his great work in promoting our very successful Class of 1940 Scholarship Fund. And because of the importance of our keeping on with this scholarship activity, Sol and I agreed that should inquire into its status. As a result, a summary has just been received from Buddy Bryan ’71, vice president, Major Gifts, VMI Foundation that provides a list of our scholarship recipients for 2012-13. All are legacies and three are descendants of members of the Class of 1940. These three are Anthony J. Augustine ’13, an economics and business major from Sarasota, FL; Ryan T. Spencer ’14, a civil engineering major from Cape Charles, VA; and Daniel F. Flowers ’16, a mechanical engineering major from Houston, TX. Except for Miles Manley ’16, the other eight are descendants of members of the classes other than ours between 1937 and 1943. They are: John I. Williamson ’13, a history major from Carrollton, VA; Edward P. Gottwald ’14, an applied mathematics major from Richmond, VA; 27

CLASS NOTES Samuel J. Guidry ’14, an international studies major from Leesburg, VA: Christopher B. Louthan ’14, a history major from Richmond, VA; Sterling H. Taylor ’14, an economics and business major from Virginia Beach, VA; Paul O. Dugger ’15, a mechanical engineering major from Lynchburg, VA; Miles E. Manley ’16, an English major from Coppell, TX; and Charles H. Vaughan ’16, a mechanical engineering major from Richmond, VA. Manley’s father was class of 1983 and he recently died while on active duty. The total awarded for this upcoming year is $21,280. You may recall that in the past our students numbered five or six, as contrasted with the present 12. In regard to the increased number, Buddy advises that the Financial Aid office felt this increase was the most effective way to award the available income, based on the preferences of our scholarship and the need of the cadets. Also, Sol asked what the future of the fund may be when our class members are no longer active and the reassuring answer came from Buddy that it should go on as it is for the foreseeable future. In other sad news, the death of Sister Rat Helen Louise Dean English, wife of our Gordon B. English, on June 18 was sent to me by her son John English ’68. She was from Oklahoma originally, but she lived in Richmond for many years. It was interesting that she was known for assisting generations of students from Union Theological Seminary and University of Richmond with their graduate and doctorial theses. Such a life of giving of one’s talents and spirit is so admirable. A phone call to Jerry Totten’s retirement home in New Braunfels, TX, gave the reassuring news that he is well and that his son Bill frequently comes to see and have dinner with him. The name of the facility is changed from McKenna Village to Rio Terra and they are at 2294 E. Common St. with a zip of 78310. Bud Irwin and Ruth were going through a spell when I called in early August, but they were receiving strong support from their daughter, Kathy, who resides in the German Village section of Columbus, OH, which is only about 15 28

miles away. At my last call before closing this report, Ruth had returned home after recovering from a fall, while Bud remained in hospital getting his heart stabilized. Ruth had lots of company visiting her. My phone visit in mid-August with Jacqueline and Matt Friedlander was most enjoyable because they provided such interesting news about their lives and plans. At the time we talked they were in Atlanta closing out their home there which they had occupied for about 40 years. It is sold for occupancy in October. They have been actively involved in the High Museum of Art and other great Atlanta cultural institutions for many years and so it is an emotional departure for them. Next they were to go back to their Highlands, NC, place to spend the rest of the summer. They have a son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters in the Jupiter, FL, vicinity where they usually spend five months in a condo there during the winter. They have two other children, one in Jerusalem in the Holy Land and another in Ann Arbor, MI. Both Jacqueline and Matt are enjoying good health. She says he is a good driver still and they will be comfortable with his driving them up to North Carolina from Atlanta. My next call was to Ben Hardaway who was at his summer place in Cashiers, NC. That area of the North Carolina Mountains must have a special affinity for the class of ’40 because it is only about 11 miles from Highlands where the Friedlander’s place is. Ben said he was so thankful to be away from the over 100 degree temperatures in Columbus. He has a shooting range on his place and enjoys using it about twice a week – especially when members of his family visit and join in. He is also very interested in attending country music performances and following, perhaps helping to promote a young couple in that business. One of them is musician Woody Platt, whose band, Steep Canyon Rangers, frequently performs with the well-known comedian and banjo player Steve Martin. The Steep Canyon Rangers are an American bluegrass band from Brevard, NC, and have achieved success performing on “A Prairie Home

Companion” hosted by Garrison Keillor, and doing gigs at many other places around the country. Woody is married to musician and Bluegrass singer Shannon Whitworth. Ben particularly enjoys the performances of Shannon who in September, according to her web site, is booked for gigs in Lake Toxaway, NC; Hot Springs, NC; and Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC. These places are all near Ben’s place in Cashiers. Ben joked that his doctor told him that going to see and hear the performances of this beautiful young singer could be good for his health. Something must be contributing to his zest for life because he sounded great when we talked. Betty Jane and I are enjoying our lazy irresponsible lives in this beautiful retirement facility where our declining activities are so easily and hospitably accommodated. Most mornings BJ gets on her treadmill, and I swim at the spa next door to our cottage. The big event of the day is usually getting dressed for dinner and the long drive up to the clubhouse which is not quite a half mile away. There we meet our appointed friends to get reinforced with cocktails and dinner to prepare us for the long journey home. The sport at dinner is to try to encourage conversations about ideas as opposed to events and people, but that is getting harder and harder to do! Doubtless all of you saw the recent news that Robert A. Heely ’69 is now president of The VMI Alumni Association. Our class sends congratulations to Robert and takes great pleasure in the fact that the son of our great class vice president, Dale Heely, now heads this important organization that is so much responsible for the Institute that we love. A little sidelight is that years ago the wonderful Beau Heely, Dale’s wife, kindly sent me a cassette of folk and sea chanty music performed by a 60’s group called Tanner’s Creek Whalers – On the Spray. The cassette’s jacket tells us that the new alumni president played guitar and did vocals while his brother, Jim, and sister Susan sang and played other instruments. I’ve treasured this cassette for years and will bet that Bob will be surprised to learn that his youthful activity is still celebrated. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’41

Alfred Rooklin

The following info was sent to me by Joe Sosbee’s widow, Lilyann Sosbee Brannon who lives in San José, CA. She and Joe lived there from 1959 to 1986, and where I used to live in the San Francisco Bay area. I never met her but thanks to letter, to her from me, in regards to giving, she called me. After a long talk to me concerning her time with him until his death in 1943 in Alaska, I asked her to tell me about him. The following is about Joe. He received his civilian pilot’s license in 1941 and was responsible for mapping the coastal depths around the USA. After Pearl Harbor, Joe was the only pilot doing this. He was assigned to MacDill Field in Tampa where he got his wings as a naval aviator. He piloted PBYs and his first duty at the Seattle office was to map the coastal waters of southeastern Alaska. He was then sent to D.C. and spent the winter mapping the Atlantic Coastal waters. By this time a nine-lens camera was developed … the only one known in the world. He was responsible for it, as it made it possible for deep water ships to navigate harbors. Next, Joe was in a Adak, AK, to map Admiral Moffett Mountain at 6,000 feet. His flight had almost reached the top and crashed 600 feet below. There were two survivors. Joe was not one of them. The funeral for him was conducted by Admiral Nimitz, as was done in WWII. He was buried with his father in Little Rock, AK. This was on Sept. 13, 1948. Also, the nine-lens camera was repaired and put back into service. It was housed at the entrance to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum for many years. It was the precursor for all the outer space photography on the vast array of satellites in our sky (think weather, etc.) and naturally had its role in developing our space program. Joe was introduced to Admiral Colbert and convinced the admiral the coastal survey needs its own pilot. Joe was hired on the spot as deck officer. 2012-Issue 4

Lilyann is 90 years of age plus the sum of our remaining Brother Rats, and she is welcome. I left Joe Sosbee on our list of Brother Rats lost during WWII because it was not on any list I had, so now that I do, you can add it to yours. Also, would you believe that Stuart Seaton and he were roommates all four years. Joe named his son, Stuart, after Seaton. On May 15, 2012, Frank Louthan was the recipient of the New Market Medal. He is the 13th to be awarded that honor. The previous one was awarded in 2006. He also received the Distinguished Service Award in 1992. He brings honor to our class of 1941. We are proud of you, Frank! Stuart Seaton, our class president, was the class representative at the New Market Award ceremony honoring Frank. Thank you, Stuart. In the spirit of VMI and ’41, Al

’42

Charles B. Miller

There was a photo in the last issue of the Alumni Review that showed five Brother Rats at our 70th Reunion. Five people, but there were six names in the caption. To set the record straight: the picture shows, left to right, Jack Patton, Charlie Miller, Harry Siebert, Ernie Keppel and Charlie Purdum. The picture was taken on the upstairs porch of Alumni Hall on the first night of the reunion. Jed Wilson showed up the next day. We were given a tour of the Post and saw the many improvements in the valley behind Barracks. The old railroad tracks are gone. I was reminded of the time we got Pete, the taxi driver, to bring us some old motor oil. One night we climbed down the hill and greased the C&O railroad tracks. The trains had a hard time going up the steep grade normally. When the next train hit the greased rails, the wheels spun and the engineer probably dumped sand on the rails to try to get traction. The special sand may have come from Charlie Purdum’s father’s quarry. After the war, Charlie worked at the quarry and furnished sand to

the B&O and C&O railroads. At the time, my dad was the chief special agent for C&O, head of the railroad cops. I thought later, what would have happened to him or to me if I had been caught. Dot Cabell writes from her antique shop in Albia, IA, that she is still about the oldest antique in the shop. Paul’s obituary in the local paper in 2007 noted that, while in high school, he was a page in the U.S. Senate. He was appointed by Senator Carter Glass of Virginia who, like Paul, came from Lynchburg. Dot mentioned that when Paul finished VMI, he found out that Senator Glass had paid for his tuition. You do not find senators like that anymore. Gordon Moore says not much news, but he is still going strong at 92 in Chico, (northern) California. He is enjoying life in an active retirement home, Sycamore Glen, with 126 others. He says he is 100 percent deaf but gets around on foot pretty well. His goal is to get to 104! His daughter, Alice, and her husband are excellent managers of anything he needs. Saw Alice Spilman and Geline Williams at a 90th birthday party at Cedarfield, which is a retirement community in Richmond, very similar to Westminster Canterbury where Anne and I live. Both places are very fine, but I believe I like ours better because it has a nice cocktail lounge, where we often meet friends for drinks before dinner. Geline’s daughter, whom I think of as young Geline, lives in Boston and on the day of that party retired from her job as executive director of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. Young Geline also has a daughter named Geline, the sixth in a line of Gelines. Our Geline also reports that son Jay is updating for publication, his college history thesis on the building of the Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond. Frank Lee writes from Wichita Falls, TX, where the temperature was 110 degrees. Lots of other things were bad, he said: glaucoma, loss of balance, no longer driving. His only vice is reading. His daughter and her husband drove with Frank to California in June. They got to see his son’s daughter graduate from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a beautiful place not far from Pebble Beach. Jack Patton spent a week in Pagoso Springs, CO, with his grandson and wife 29

CLASS NOTES and their three little girls. They are three of his 27 great-grandchildren! I have one. Jack Whitmore says that he cannot drive anymore and is giving up his car and his special Virginia license plate “VMI 42.” He asked if I knew anybody who would like to have that number. I did not want to change from the license plate number “3347,” the number my father got when he bought his first car, a Terraplane, in 1933. After he died, I took over the 3347 plate, and that’s still the plate on my car today. As a C&O employee, my father and his family could ride for free. I took my last free train ride to active duty at Fort Monroe, VA, in May 1942, a few days after our graduation. Several of the Brother Rats have sent me their e-mail addresses. If you do not have e-mail, perhaps you have a child or grandchild who does and could pass on information the rest of think might be important. If so, please let me have their address.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

We are deep into the dog days of what is so typical of much of Virginia east of the mountains … unceasingly hot and humid. Having said that, it is where we have chosen to live and I daresay that few would have chosen otherwise. Not much to report in this issue, but my very meager pickings follow … Circa June 14, 2012, the Dick Catletts were flooded out of their residence. They headed for a (perhaps early as a result?) vacation in Maine. Maine would be ideal for me as I peck away at my keyboard. Dick also reported (Jun. 14) that the phone service to Norfolk was out. His usual steady golf game has been disturbed by some spells of vertigo … no fun. Dick went on to write that, sadly, Shirley Van Landingham is now a nursing home resident. I spoke with John in early August. Wish it were otherwise, but no change for the better now and foreseen since Shirley broke her leg last March. She continues to rely on a wheelchair, has severe memory problems and lives near the Van Landingham home. Johnny visits Shirley every day. 30

A.B. Bill Nunn sent a lengthy e-mail about a lady in his church who writes a small piece about a member of the congregation when they age 90. That’s us! She’d learned that Bill had served (WW II) in the 135th Engr. Cons. Bn. Shortly after her piece had been published she received an e-mail from a man in Texas saying that his grandfather had served in that battalion – and a telephone call from Spring, TX, resulted in Bill and the grandson speaking on the telephone. After a bit of mind searching on Bill’s part, Bill remembered the man. He had been a staff sergeant and was in B Company. Bill also had stashed away some old records pertinent to the time. He bundled those up and sent them to the grandson’s family. A tip of the hat to you, Bill … helpful and gracious. Bill Winter sent his “congratulations” on my retaining the sight of my left eye. His ophthalmologist son said I was fortunate in retaining sight in one eye and that my excellent physical condition could have very well made the difference. My day was cheered by a call from Jim Tapley early in August. Jim seems in tip-top shape despite, mind you, having survived three by-pass heart operations 48 to 50 years ago. Martha is annoyed by “essential tremors” which are fortunately not as severe as actor Michael J, Fox endures. Had a `nice note from Helen and Chuck Beckham commiserating with me about my eyes. I also received some very interesting information on illustrious men with one eye only. They included our Superintendent, Maj. Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne ’894. I doubt that any of us who were cadets at that time were aware of that. Mind you, our Gen. Kilbourne was a rarity for not only being a one-eyed general but in our cadet days for having been awarded the Army’s then very top awards: the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Distinguished Service Medal. Having been an Army brat, son of a Regular Army officer, I was likely more aware of General Kilbourne’s achievements and their significance than most in our class. Our class president (elected for life when we were still in our Rat Year) announced we should show our solidarity in objecting to the suspension of a Brother Rat (who had been reported by a member

of the commandant’s staff for drinking whiskey in full view of visitors strolling by his first stoop room on the Southwest corner of Barracks). As you might recall, Bill McClure said all in our class should boycott the Kilbournes’ reception for our class and our parents. My father’s reaction to a class snub (after all, he too, had been invited; my mother had recently died) was simply, “Nonsense. Where and when shall we meet to pay our call on the superintendent?” Sadly, too many of our class adhered to the lowest common denominator and did not attend. It was not one of our class’s finer moments. Our graduation speaker, having been cautioned regarding the attitude of some of our class made what (to me) were embarrassing (for VMI) comments. The concerns of the class of 1943 at graduation time were, of course, unique but seemed more major in contrast than any that existed in the classes of 1940, 1941 and 1942. The Sneads (George M., that is) have set several class records for progeny. They have nine great-grandchildren, seven from their oldest son. I seem to have lost track/ count of just who begat whom. Let’s just say the Sneads seem to win no matter how you do the begatting. Both Kitty and George admit they are slowing in their physical activities and range of interests. Understandably for George who has congestive heart failure. Fortunately, his knees continue to cause no pain. George played catch up with me to report a late night fall he had last January. No visible injury but a few things in his head were knocked out of place still causing or aggravating such unpleasant things as atrial fibrillation and vertigo. The Sneads suspect that the doctors might be telling their children more than they tell George and Kitty, because their children visit more often. That is a blessing in that the elder Sneads are increasingly confined to activities in their Westminster Canterbury retirement residence. Bill Gottwald “found” John Halsey, whom I had reported as “lost.” He is, as it turns out, still in the Westminster Canterbury retirement residence, specifically, 1600 Westbrook Court, Apt. 239, Richmond, VA 23227. My distant “cousin,” Gordon Smith, and I exchanged pleasantries and concerns on VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES August 20. Among them the surprising information to me was that Gordon’s stroke of well over a year ago left him unable to walk in a straight line. He can drive but occasionally worries what would happen were he to be pulled over by a traffic cop and ordered to walk “in a straight line.” Gordon’s attitude and outlook on life are an example for us all. His doctor changed one of his Rx’s the other day which had been causing him to be sleepy. Otherwise, he is quite, quite well despite that straight line problem. If strong voice and positive outlook were the governing criteria, Vince Thomas would be king of the world. It is always a pleasure for me to talk to him, which I just did this 21st day of August. He takes being confined to a wheelchair as a matter of course and instead is trying to determine how best he can help with a major civic effort to improve transportation in the Tidewater region. Betty, his ever helpful life’s companion, is fortunately well and able to give a lot of help to Vince. Vince and Frank Bilisoly are both residents of the same healthcare facility in their retirement residence while their respective wives occupy traditional apartments in the same all-encompassing facility. Vince reports no change in Frank Bilisoly’s health, meaning no worse but really no better for the skin cancers in Frank’s scalp. No fun, that. We all hope for your improvement, Frank. Meanwhile, Vince and Frank keep up with one another by sharing two meals each day in the heath facility. They meet their wives for dinner for the third meal of the day. The class of 1943 was credited with donating $361,971 during the 2012 VMI Fiscal Year. It will surprise no one that the class of 1943 has such impressive numbers thanks to our Brother Rat, super generous Bill Gottwald. Of the classes graduating in the decade of the ’40s, our class was near the top in percentage of giving – 65.75 percent – and all things considered, was tops in my view. The wide variances in numbers of Brother Rats that graduated in the ’40s decade make statistical comparisons awkward and sometimes meaningless. Not only that, but bequests from deceased alumni can cause unexpected spikes in the data. Although I will 2012-Issue 4

dutifully report some comparisons of data by class (for a while, anyway), I believe that as classes age, the less those stats will show us. Those, such as Jane and me, who were unable to attend Bill Gottwald’s 90th birthday party missed a gala bash from all accounts. If then my eyesight were fully restored, Jane and I would throw the bash of this young century, but realistically we will settle for a gathering of our close friends when (and if) the improvement predicted by my eye doctors is fully implemented. In closing my class notes in the preceding issue, I promised more news. I don’t believe I can keep that promise, at least for now. I cannot blame that on my eyesight however. It is simply difficult to obtain information. A trifling amount is provided me without my calling and asking. Accordingly, I ask why dear Brother Rats can’t you take the simple steps of marking your calendars with a prompt reminding you to call me every quarter no later than Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1? In terms of fundamentals my eyesight problem has only added slightly to my burden, although I considered resigning when my eyesight problem first occurred. These beastly days of late August will soon fade with the advent of often delightful autumn weather. It will give my morale a needed lift which will, I hope, make the next quarter’s class notes more newsworthy.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

As always this time of year I kinda welcome the need to stay inside and figure out what I’m going to write for the “due in August” class notes. As you can tell from my recent post cards some of my sources are leaving us. One thing you may or may not have noticed is the change in obituaries now published in the Alumni Review. As of Jan. 1, 2012, they no longer contain a brief biography of the deceased individual. I would guess the reasons probably are that this information is also contained in many

class agents’ notes. With most classes now far larger than they were in our days much more space is now needed not only for class notes but also for the much larger volume of Institute news that is generated by the far greater number of alumni that are out there making news. This step helps to control the size and therefore the cost of printing and publishing the Alumni Review. I will try to keep a file of newspaper obituaries on hand to furnish to those of you who would like to see one. I need to add that your requests need to be timely (to make my job easier) let’s say within two weeks of your receiving one of our “bad news” postcards. Back in late May I talked to Juliet Hupp. She had sold her house at Virginia Beach. This caused her to move the beach furniture to her cottage at Richmond’s Westminster Canterbury. Tom Hupp’s family took their furniture away that was in that cottage. I think Juliet also told me that she and Rose Tucker were taking balance classes together, and I think most of us have gone that route or should. She further noted that Tom and Margaret’s son, Steve, will have his son, Stephen, start his Rat year at VMI in August. Time does forever fly. In spite of computer problems Hotdog Helmen managed to get his to print a note to me. That makes his thoughts readable. He and Miriam were headed for their farm in Monterey, VA, on June 30th. At that time there had been so much rain there that his caretaker had been unable to make hay. I think that changed in July. The Helmens were looking forward to lunch this summer at the Greenbrier Hotel with the Lexington folks. I don’t think Ezra Trice or Bob Sherrard are going to make that trip to Lexington this year. Long drives are not things that they and most of us are doing nowadays. Bob and Ruth Sherrard are doing fine. They attended the Naval Academy graduation ceremonies in June, and Bob had the great pleasure of pinning the bars on their older daughter who graduated and received her commission as a Navy ensign. I’ve chatted with Ezra a couple of times in the last three months. He’s still a little weak but doing well and tolerating the pain in his knees. I can’t remember whether he had both or just one knee replaced. Lucy Sommers, his companion, who does most of their long-distance driving, has a knee 31

CLASS NOTES replacement on her schedule. As Jim Doss approached that 90 milepost he had to renew his Virginia driver’s license. When he found out that he could renew it for eight years instead of the usual five for a small additional fee, he naturally took advantage of it and is now licensed to drive until he is 98. I won’t comment further except to forewarn you if you plan to drive thru Lexington. His daughter, Mary Ellen, and some friends in Lexington arranged a very nice birthday party for him in July which he really enjoyed. Jim has a little trouble with the steps to his apartment. He reported that Sam Dobyns ’41 and his lady friend were helpful with the ups and downs he had to manage for the party. Jim also reports that Sam is 93 going on 70. He added an aside that Scottie Haley is going on 47. I would not dare to fill in those blanks. I haven’t heard from Art Taylor but Jim reported that Art and Bonnie were in one of his Lexington residences recently, so Art could visit his audiologist in Roanoke to get his hearing aids checked out. Tom Peyton still visits Joe Beam to continue the annual reunion he and his roommates have held for many years. At the time of his visit, Tom and Joe were the only two left. I had given Tom a copy of Bill Smith’s obituary since Bill had roomed with Joe his Rat year. Joe appreciated that. As you will probably know by the time you read this, Joe died on Aug. 9th. Joe had been in poor health for the last four or five years and will really be missed. Again I send our sincerest sympathy to Judy and their family. Writing to thank me for his birthday card, Ding Dong Bell also expressed his appreciation for my class agent efforts and added a little news. He and Ginny still live in the house they bought 40 years ago and have no plans to relocate into a retirement community. They have a large family of 36 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including husbands and wives. They are also fortunate and lucky to see all these folks more than once a year and to be able to remember all their names and faces. Introducing me to her latest grandchild, Edwina Ragland said he was a huge baby boy at seven pounds. She was aghast at the medical news on Betty Bond Nichols I had published in my May class notes. Edwina asked me to tell Betty Bond how much she 32

and Stu had enjoyed the visit the Nichols had made to St. Croix so many years ago and especially enjoyed Betty Bond’s great piano playing. I did that and she reminisced a bit on how many fun things she and Lee enjoyed doing with the Raglands when they were on that trip. While talking to Betty Bond I found she had been able to ditch her cane and is still improving. On stairs she still has to finish each step with both feet before going to the next one. Nell Watt wrote me a very nice note of thanks for sending her a birthday card. She said that the VMI pictures on the cards she gets from VMI folks are really appreciated, as they bring back so many fond memories. Her note was upbeat and sounded as though her world was becoming a lot more enjoyable even though missing Bob is still a large part of it. Cynthia Cabaniss called to say that recent postcards from me make her sad to fully realize how old members of our class have become and the resulting increase in the class of 1944 deceased list. Cynthia is really homebound by two painful knees. She says her son in the U.S. Marine Corps with six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan is two years from retirement which their whole family will be glad to see. It seems just a few months ago that I was writing about his enlistment. That’s about all for now. Take care of yourselves wherever you are. God bless all of you and God bless America and VMI. Egypt

’45

Richard A. Matheis

Another three months and another deadline. Talk about “time flies! My call for help last month was more urgent than usual. Fortunately, there was enough information received to keep me from walking west until my hat floated. The deadline for this issue is only three days away and I still need more. Hopefully, a few phone calls will take care of the shortfall. As I contemplate the number of calls I

may have to make, the thought occurred, that if this were 20 or 30 years ago, how expensive that path of action that could be. We are talking of before flat rates for long distance service. I can still remember one call in particular. It was made to a rural residence 40 miles west of town. How about 75 cents a minute? Wow! What else can you think of that has decreased in cost so dramatically? So much for day dreaming … One of the respondents to my call for help was John Williams, who, as our class agent for five years, fully sensed my needs. His e-mail covered current events in the Williams household. Mary had a physical problem recently, which she quickly overcame. So much so that they decided to utilize a bunch of flier miles they had accumulated (and almost forgotten) and to just go somewhere. So, in late August they are flying to Quebec City and Toronto for a few days. Then on to Niagara Falls (they must think they are in their 20s and newlyweds!). John is now involved in a major writing project. He decided to put together a book covering the history of his family going back five generations. Good luck on that one, John. He also mentioned they had a conversation with Anne Addington recently. She was preparing for her departure to Colorado for her oldest son’s (Joseph Clarke) wedding festivities. A very nice e-mail was received from Jim Lewter. He did list a few physical difficulties he is experiencing, but he was still upbeat. Keep swinging, Jim. Due to my having difficulties with Doug Quarles’ e-mail address, I made a call to him and ended up talking mainly to Kitty. I learned much about their family of which they are justifiably proud. We spoke mainly about their grandson, Bill who was in the class of ’09. He is presently in Washington and employed by the Colorado Flat Iron Contracting and Engineering Co. (Love that name.) Doug advised me his company, Quarles Petroleum, is controlled by all five of their children with Doug. Jr. running the show. All he has to do now is open an envelope once a month. Sweet duty, Doug. I had a great talk with Bob Allen down in Ardmore, OK, as another result of VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES He said nothing about the events occurLuckily, I am one of those ex P-51 jockmy “help” letter. As usual, we covered a ring during the war years, for whatever eys, although it took a weird route. Gradunumber of subjects. I started the conversareason. I do believe he departed VMI in ated from single engine flying school in tion by telling him we just sold our home March 1943, when all of us in the Air Spence Field, GA. First assignment was in Naples to a guy from Oklahoma, who I Corps Reserve were called up and reported thought might impress him. The buyer was right back there as an instructor. to a Richmond facility. He later flew P-47s After a fender-bender with a pair of their Johnny Bench of baseball fame. Didn’t in the Southwest Pacific theatre. He was pet AT-6s, I was shipped out to Europe as impress him at all. He just fired back that switched to P-51s in the latter stages of a replacement pilot (no transitions schoolhe knew Johnny and, as a matter of fact, no gunnery training – proficient only in the the war. his daughter, Catherine, was a classmate He writes, “When I returned home after AT-6 training planes). of his. my adventure in the Pacific after WWII, I reported to the 9th Air Force base near Bob then turned my attention to the it was in July of 1946. amount of print given I had checked out and to the class of ’45 Warflew the P-80, the first birds. Further, while operational jet fighter. the “birds” were flying around, the GIs like My squadron comhimself were down on mander wanted me the ground winning the to stay in the service, war. All in jest, but it go to jet school in the was a fun conversation. states and return to He did relate that he the squadron as a jet was a sergeant with instructor. I declined the 138th Engineering because the scuttlebutt Battalion. After the at the time was that war his unit was all unless you had two over Western Germany years of college, you Adams ’45 Quarles ’45 Williams ’45 during which time he couldn’t retain your met three Brother Rats commission. Nancy, France, and was expected to fly the “I couldn’t get into the fall semester at – Serge Wise, who was a tech sergeant high performance P-47. This was at the the Institute and had to wait until February with the infantry in Kassel, Germany; Bill time of the Battle of the Bulge. Strangely, ’47. I finally graduated in January1950. Russell, but he could not recall where, I was rejected as “not qualified.” They I figure September 1941 to January 1950 and Bill Johnson. He sent me a picture of must have set a record for our class. himself and Johnson taken after the war in shipped me off to a replacement center in Paris and I was then assigned to the “After graduation I went to work for Garmish, a ski resort in the German Alps. 359th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force East Stone and Webster Engineering CorporaHe did have one item for me regarding Wrotham, England (fortunately. they were tion in Richmond, got married and octhe Warbirds. A roommate of his, Layne Rogers, was killed when his plane crashed a little short on replacements at the time). I cupied an apartment on the Boulevard. In soloed in the 51 in January 1945, and then October 1951 Ann delivered our first born, in April ’44. completed 23 combat missions escorting Hugh Charles Jr. – nine months and two Lastly, he informed me that he and his B-17s and B-24s before the war ended.” weeks after our wedding. wife were going to New York and, while One more item on the subject of WWII. “In February of ’52 I took advantage there, would be having dinner with the Russ Newton sent me a book covering of an opportunity to go into the private Chaneys. the service experiences of the veterans in practice of civil engineering with another Another Warbird checked in with an the Jacksonville, FL, area during WWII. engineer 17 years my senior. I had secured e-mail last month – Doug Lindsey, also He suggested a similar book be written my professional engineers license in June a P-51 pilot! We must have had enough involving all members of our class. A great 1950, then passed an exam to be licensed of those hotshots to have won the war all idea, but a very daunting task for anyone as a land surveyor in June 1953. by themselves. His note is intriguing and “Our firm’s office was then located in somewhat humorous, to the point I decided who is so inclined. Any suggestion that would put this program in motion would Newport News and later moved to Hampto give it to you in its entirety. be greatly appreciated by Russ and me. ton. My partner died, and I moved the “Add a couple of “Bro Rats” to your In keeping with the program of requestoffice to a location near Yorktown. I turned growing Army Air Corps list. My rooming former class agents to relate the events the firm over to two partners and retired mate, Jim MacLean was a bombardier/ in their lives since departure from the in 1994. navigator riding B-24s out of Italy. His Institute, we have the info provided to us “In the 42 years of our practice we conplane failed to return from a mission in by Hugh Dischinger, who served from centrated on land development, design of Jan. ’45 and was later reported as down in 1995 til 2005. water and sewage systems, roadways and the Adriatic Sea. 2012-Issue 4

CLASS NOTES land surveys. Brother Rat, Jim Morgan, was an indispensable consultant on much of our water and sewage work. I have lived in Gloucester during most of those many working years. My Ann died in April, 2004 of cancer. I live alone in our house in ‘downtown metropolitan Gloucester Court House.’ “We have four children. They live with their families in Huntsville, AL, Richmond, Denver and Winona, MN.” I received a note from a member of Jean Pates’ family a while back reporting she is doing very well these days. But for the life of me, I can’t find it. That must be a sign of something I would prefer to not consider. Sorry about that, Jean. Jimmy Adams checked in by phone two weeks ago from his home in Shreveport, LA. He is still very active in his company, Adams Institute of Marketing, which we discussed at length. It was fun listening to him. One would think he was recruiting me as a student! I did slip in a Readers Digest true story I read many years ago about a family that had moved to Shreveport from Chicago. The first winter they were there, the town was hit by a very rare and freak snow storm. The mother, with her northern background, took her two children out to their front lawn and showed them how to make a snowman. When they were finished she brought them inside to eat their lunch, in spite of their protests. As soon as they were finished eating, they raced out to be back with their snowman only to quickly return with tears in their eyes. Someone had stolen their snowman! Thank you for reading all of this, if you are still with me, and always remember – God bless VMI and the class of ’45!

’46

William A. Eliason

As I sit here composing these class notes in the middle of August, I am suddenly aware that in just a few weeks it will be the 70th Anniversary of 242 young men dropping their suitcases in front of J.M. Hall and entering to sign the VMI 34

matriculation book, unwittingly surrendering their bodies and souls to the Class of 1945. Ten months before, Japanese planes had sunk most of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor; 10 months later, just 37 of us became 3rd classmen. Virtually all of the other 207 Brother Rats were off to war. By the time the class graduated in May of 1945, we were down to two and almost prophetically, another 35 graduated with later classes. We lost three of our class to the war in Europe and one to a stateside Army accident; W.C. Campbell at Anzio, A.H. Ewell at Normandy, J.K. Jones shot down over Germany and J.R. Bush from a pistol accident in Philadelphia. These were our first four Brother Rats to die. Since then another 182 of us have gone on and 56 are hanging in there. As ol’ Ben Franklin said as they signed the Declaration of Independence, “Let us all hang together or most assuredly we will be hanged separately!” If you are wondering why I am reminiscing about those war years, it is because we were the only VMI academic class to have entered the Institute after WWII started and graduated before it had ended. It is also because the surviving member of our on-time graduates, Pat Echols left us last month. His fellow graduate, Frank Dresser died in 2008. We also lost Web Chandler in July who was the fourth Brother Rat to graduate (with 1949B). All three of these men were awarded the Jackson-Hope Medal for academic excellence. (Just to clear the record, your class agent was graduate number three in February of 1947. I was duly awarded the “JacksonGave Up” medal for my academic record.) This also seems to be an appropriate time to congratulate the class for their response to the funding of the Institute during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. Our participation level went from just over 40 percent to well over 60 percent and the total class contribution was over $200K. One of the best years we have ever had in total and way off the chart on per capita. Those of you who received and read my July letter are also aware that I lost my Nancy Carol in July. She succumbed to a massive stroke, the embolism shutting off the blood to that part of the brain that controls, among other vital functions, the ability to swallow liquids or solids of any

kind. I am indebted to the Williamsburg Hospice House for making her last days comfortable and pain free for the first time in five years. Jule Spach wrote me a fine note of condolence and advised me that Jim Breckinridge is living in the retirement complex that Jule built after he came back from his ministry in Brazil. Jule lives there as well and sees Breck almost every day. Breck is wheelchair bound due to advanced Parkinson’s, but Jule says he still sits up and takes notice when anyone mentions VMI. Breck serves 33 years in the Marines retiring as a bird colonel and, yes, like Brig. Gen. Mike Ashley, USMC (Ret), he’s got a solid leather neck. Joan and Paul Marks wrote a wonderful letter. As I reported earlier they have left there country estate and moved into retirement quarters in the city of Franklin. They are very comfortable and happy to have the workload of a big place as a fond memory. Paul still steers a lot of camp foundation scholarship money to VMI, as well as significant personal contributions. When I review the generosity of our class, especially the BRs (like Paul) who were there for only a year or less, I am literally awe struck. I am also humbled to be your class agent – we are indeed a unique class and we live up to it. Jim Price reports that his wonderful wife, Midge, is in poor health and that he has had to bring in daycare people to help him with his chores. Believe me, I know what he means only it’s got to be worse for him; at least I’m a good cook. Jim, if you are reading this, please know that, tough as it is to be the caregiver, I’m sure that you would never want it to be the other way around. Zack Dameron checked in and from the way he tells it, doing the shopping is killing him and in the kitchen he doesn’t know how to boil water. Ann has had to go into assisted living at WestminsterCanterbury in Richmond and I’ll tell you, we old goats don’t make good bachelors! Also, heard from Waldo Forster. He and Binky reminisced over the camaraderie at the May reunion last year where they got to know Beth and Pat Echols. Gray Carrington lost his Peggy about six years ago and his recommendation to me was to get a dog. He still has two law offices VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES open and also works out of his big home in Pittsburgh. How he has time to tend to his golden retriever, I don’t know, but he says it sure gets him up early in the morning. Along with the rest of my summer melancholy and considering that I have not been a very good note producer, I figure the Alumni Review can grant me some editorial space. One of the tricks I have picked up to keep my sanity these past five years has been to anthologize some of my thoughts about what I have learned in these 70 years since becoming a Rat, and especially, the past five years or so. I put this at the end so you can toss it aside or move to another class. Very little of it is knowingly plagiarized and credit is given where I am aware of it: The worst Brother Rat is better than any best friend. You don’t know what love is until you need it. We don’t appreciate good health until we lose it. Don’t worry about going to hell; we may already be there. Ride the horse in the direction that it is going. (est) Don’t vote on the ceiling; you did that before you entered the room. (est) VMI is sure not like it used to be, and it never was. (“Egypt” Jones ’44) You never know how much you love her until she really needs you. You never know how much she loves you until you really need her. Bed-sheets that are almost square have a tag on the length dimension. Don’t try to fold a fitted sheet. Everything at VMI works better when VMI grads are in command. Never pick a fight you can’t win. The left inside of all upper body garments has a tag so you don’t put it on backwards. Cherish your children – you never know how long you will have them – or they will have you. Expect the worst and work for the best. Plan FOR everything but don’t plan ON anything. Make and keep agreements. Don’t waste your time on understandings – they are the booby prize. (est) Don’t expect God (or anyone else) to carry out your responsibilities. 2012-Issue 4

If you can only believe in one person; be sure that it is you. Don’t hide your emotions; you’re just hiding from yourself. If you want life without risk, pray for Armageddon. Don’t worry about the future; spend your time creating it. Love is not an emotion; it is a way of life. Most voters equate our elections to the Super Bowl, only less fun. Life is not about fault and blame; it is about taking responsibility for fixing what’s wrong. Public approval is no indication of decency. Either buy more clothes or wash more frequently. (The same with dishes.) Put a splash of Pine-Sol in your garbage pail; you’ll be glad you did (so will your trash man). Public opinion is usually uninformed. Medicine is not a science; it is educated guess work. Don’t TRY to do anything. If you know how to do it – do it. If you don’t know how to do it, find someone who does and learn. This world is a mess from a lot of well-intentioned people TRYING to do things they don’t know how to do. It is very difficult to build something out of 8-ft. 2 x 4’s without help. Help is next door – that’s America. And, finally, from my Amish friends in the Pennsylvania Dutch country,“Ve ged too soon oldt und too late schmart!” I’ll be back in three months. Don’t forget, hang in there!

’47

Gus Robbins

Greetings, Brother Rats of the class of ’47! It is hard to believe half of 2012 is gone already! The first order of business is to extend to Brother Rat Bill Hallett thanks from the class of ’47 for the outstanding job he has done for us as class agent these past seven years. His wit and dedication will be a very tough act to follow. Please help me out now and let me hear from you with

any news of our Brothers and Sisters we can convey to others. The next report to you is sad news that the bugler has returned to active duty to sound Taps for four Brother Rats. Nasor John Mansour Jr. passed away on May 30, 2012. Nasor completed three semesters at the Institute before leaving to accept an appointment to West Point. He returned to his hometown of LaGrange, GA, and became head of the family mercantile business. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn. Howard J. Simpson, U.S. Army, Lt. Col. (Ret), passed away July 13, 2012, after an extended illness. He was a native of Norfolk, VA, and graduated from Maury High. He matriculated with the VMI class of ’47, completed two academic years before leaving to serve in Army Air Corps during WWII. He then returned to VMI where he graduated in 1948. His Army service included tours with the 82nd Airborne, I Corps Artillery in Korea, 4th Armored Division in Germany and with European Headquarters in Germany. He also served a tour at the VMI Military Science Dept. before retiring at Fort Monroe, VA. Upon his return to Norfolk, he became active in various business enterprises including banking, oil, tug boating and the family construction business. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy, as well as four sons and eight grandchildren. Nancy’s new address is: 7320 Glenroie Ave., Apt. 9-F, Norfolk, VA 23505. Marty Katcher died of sudden heart failure on June 23, 2012. He was buried at Miramar National Cemetery, and the services included a two plane Navy flyover as Taps were played. Marty served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, many as a Navy pilot and retired as a USN captain. Marty and Florence enjoyed the sea and boating in his retirement. Florence’s new address is: 9255 North Magnolia Ave., #342, Santee, CA 92071. Richard “Dick” Marion White died at his home in Jacksonville, FL, on June 28, 2012, from complications arising from a stroke. He came to VMI from Norfolk, VA, in 1943 with our matriculating class of ’47. He was one of two tailbacks for the VMI football team. He joined that team for their 40th Reunion. After three academic semesters at VMI, he entered the U.S. 35

CLASS NOTES Navy and became a lieutenant j.g. subsequently serving two years. After the war, he obtained an engineering degree from Duke University and a law degree from UVa. He moved to Miami, FL, where he practiced law as a managing partner of two different law firms. His first wife, Beverly, predeceased him in 2007 after a lengthy illness. Dick is survived by his wife, Carol; a daughter; five sons; 15 grandsons; a sister; and two brothers. On a brighter note, it is nice to know of our Brother Rats who are still able to “hit the road!” Jim and Mary Ann Sizer had a great driving trip from Michigan to Virginia this spring enjoying Lexington and then going on to D.C. for a visit with his nephew, who is a Navy master chief. He gave them a grand tour of the Washington sites. Following that trip they managed a quick trip to Earlham College in Richmond, IN, for a niece’s graduation. Gavin and Lucie Jones also reported a good motor trip to New England visiting family and friends. South Carolina to Maine and back covered almost 3000 miles … my back hurts just thinking about that mileage! A note from Fred LaBlanc Jr. gives us a new address for him: 9351 Siegen Lane, Suite 202A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. He loves the ice cream available at this location! A phone call from Lucius Dabney expressed his regret at having missed the 65th Reunion. Health permitting, they plan to attend a family reunion in Norton, VA, in August. His maternal roots lie in Virginia and they often visit for reunions. Hopefully, he will find time to visit some Virginia Brother Rats while here. Rives and Mary Fleming say that they have decided retirement living suits them now in their new place. They have moved to Cedarfield Retirement Home and their new address is: 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Apt. 368, Richmond, VA 23233. Roger and Lynn Rosenfield had a great cruise all around the Black Sea from Istanbul to Istanbul on the sailing ship, Silver Wind. They returned home with only four days to pack before moving to their new home in North Carolina where they will be closer to their daughter. Their new address is: 882 Cypress Lakes Dr., Villa C-402, Raleigh, NC 27615 and phone 919-8966665. Roger reports that maybe they will find their way through the boxes and be 36

unpacked in a few weeks. Lou Hundley continues keeping the doctors and medical facilities in Lexington busy as he enjoys retirement living in Kendal, a retirement complex in Lexington. He particularly enjoys the good food there including his three favorite flavors of ice cream! I had a great letter from Jorge Sarmiento in July. He continues to be really busy in the dynamic environment of Peru, a country growing at a rate of 6% per month. He is still working and last June made an “inspection” of a new city built for 5,000 people in the hills of Central Peru. His son, Pancho, is quite active in a new mining project which will open in January of 2013. He and Delia send their regards to all. Ending these class notes on a positive note, I am happy to report the following news from Brother Bill Hallett: “Over the years, and due to Bill Phillips’ event planning skills and conservative way of pricing, a small Class of ’47 Reunion Fund was created. Some of that fund was used during our 65th Reunion. Facing the reality that any future reunion will of necessity be a much smaller affair, Hallett, Phillips and Robbins agreed that all of the remaining fund ($2,644.22) be contributed to the Cavedo Band Fund at VMI in the name of the Class of ’47 in our Brother Rat Buck Cavedo’s memory. Buck was a very active and generous supporter of the VMI Marching Band. My thanks to all of you who have responded to my requests for new address updates and new e-mail updates. If any of you are interested in e-mail updates, please let me know at gusrobbinsVMI47@aol. com. Our next deadline for the quarterly Review is just three months away so keep in touch …

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

I am in the midst of moving to a retirement home in Asheville, NC, and regret that I am unable, at this time, to submit a proper report for 1948A. I will inform all the Brother Rats when I know my new address, etc. Dale

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

I received a rather nice and comprehensive note from our Brother Rat, Howard Smith. He reviews his volatile history at VMI. Of all things, I think they caught Smitty hazing and he suffered the ultimate penalty but managed to return the next semester with flying colors. How the Institute can hand out such severe disciplines for a case in progress, so to speak, which is one of the essential ingredients of the VMI experience, I will never know. I received a call recently from Sonny Laine. Unfortunately, Sonny now has macular degeneration and he reports that his wife will travel to Brooklyn, NY, to serve as a babysitter for his daughter. As Sonny had a career in the Marine Corps, it reminds me of when I was a senior in high school and graduating in June of 1944. I wanted to enlist in the Marine Corps but my father wouldn’t sign for me. Instead, I went down to VMI for seven months and went into the infantry. The war ended and I spent a year in Japan. However, if my Marine Corps wish had been granted, I would have been at Paris Island in July of 1944. In those days, Marines were in the Pacific within three or four months after their training started; and God knows, I would never have had the opportunity to be the class agent. However, to be honest with you, I will go to my grave still wishing that I’d had the opportunity to serve as a U.S. Marine. Our 65th Reunion will be held on April 22-23, 2013. On Monday night, April 22nd, we will be at a dinner attended for all returning classes at the Leadership Center hosted by the VMI Alumni Association. General Peay ’62 will be our guest speaker. This is not a fundraiser. On the evening of April 23rd, like the last meeting, we will have dinner at the VMI Museum. I am working on a few lost souls including Bell, Blackwell, Cortright and Weaver. Time is running out. This may be the last reunion for some of us and hopefully we will have a good response. I have reports that Doug Hamner had a heart attack and is scheduled for bypass surgery, and I am also advised that Mo VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Michaux has pancreatic cancer. I received a note from Louis Schwartz who advised that his wife passed away on March 21, 2012, after a long illness. He is now living in an assisted living facility.

’49A

James Harrington

Bill May represented us at the Class Agents Meeting earlier this year. His report was too late to be included in my last notes, so here it is: “On my visit to VMI for the Class Agent Meeting I was astounded at the many improvements in all categories that The Institute has made since 1949-A. Never have I been as proud to be a graduate of VMI as I am now. For whatever success my life has been I contribute it to those four years at VMI. I recommend to all my BRs a visit and tour of the Post. It will be a great experience!” More recently, Bill has reported on his summer adventures: “Been a busy summer for Dolores and me. Got interested in all the Civil War happenings around Richmond in 1862. Between the many lectures and battle reenactments at National Parks in Virginia we have been traveling close to home. Coming up soon we will head west to Civil War sites in Tennessee and along the Mississippi. Will use the new Queen of the Mississippi sternwheeler as our transportation and board. All is well.” Allen Penniman’s letter finds “ … the Pennimans are in good health and still in love after 37 years of a happy marriage. I do notice we spend more of our time at home and our circle of activity and travel is getting smaller. That’s not all bad and I suppose it’s a reflection of where we are in life. But then we do have a wonderful family and that continues to be a work in process. A high school graduation here and a college graduation there. With 23 grandchildren, there is always something exciting and different going on. Without an up to date calendar to remind me of birthdays, the e-mail to keep us all in touch and skype to take a look, I would be completely lost. And we continue to add limbs to our family tree. We now have the second great-grandchild in Denver 2012-Issue 4

so we go on and we are thrilled by our family. This is a great thing to keep Joanie and me very busy. Indeed, we are truly blessed. On another note, I came across a scrapbook of pictures taken while we were at the Institute. They were great fun to look at and reflect on as well. We were so young and the one I have of Bill May and James Harrington in front of the library is perfect. Two real VMI men. This took me back to our days together there. If you can handle the Rat year, you can handle anything which might come along in life. I know this to be true. The Honor Code forms the way you will live your life and the Class System makes us humble and accepting of all people. There are no better experiences than these. And I hand this all to VMI.” This from Joe Fil: “Sue and I celebrated our 60th Anniversary on June 17th. The picture was taken on our front patio, and shows the entire Fil clan. We were so pleased to have all the boys together with their wives and our 10 grandchildren. It’s the first time that we were all there together. Having the boys in the military made it difficult over the years. We had a gathering at a local German restaurant for about 100 of our neighbors, old friends and family so it was a busy day. As you can see Sue and I are a little beat. Our family stayed for about a week and were quartered at our

tent and in the homes of two of our sons living in the peninsula area. After everyone left, Sue and I spent a week at the lake house. There always is a lot of catch up work to do there. The winter storms took out my irrigation system. I had another immersion pump, electrical and connecting pipes installed, so hopefully lawns will turn green again. Sue and I have both been spending time with our old age problems annoying our doctors and complaining to one another. Our internist has always been very kind and helpful over the years. He is a dog enthusiast so that little pooch on my lap is a product of an office visit. I am trying to get as far away from work as I can. We are trying to sell our last little industrial building without much success, and may just lease it again. I spoke with Charlie Tiller and Nancy a while back. It’s always a pleasure to talk to them. I also spoke with that great patriot Stan Millimet and Sonny. He is as clever as ever.” It’s good to hear that Tiller and Millimet are still around, ‘tho they don’t write. Herb Johnston was at the beach, but managed to hack into someone’s e-mail and got my plea for news: “Glad we just found a way to get our e-mail and saw your most recent message. We are in Nags Head and our rental property does not have Wi-Fi. Still not any exciting news. I did have an ER run a month ago because of a

Class of 1949A: The entire Fil clan joined Joe and Sue Fil for their 60th wedding anniversary on June 17, 2012.

CLASS NOTES heart problem – A-Fib. My first experience with this and I had my open heart surgery 13 years ago. Still in the process of getting warfarin adjusted, including a visit to hospital at Nags Head. We plan to stop at Lexington on the way home at the end of August. Looking forward to an interesting football season at OSU with the team on probation and a new coach, Urban Meyer, formerly at U of FL. Hope everything is good with you and you have a good fall and winter.” As with many of us, I am more and more appreciative of our VMI experience. Often, as I’m standing at the ferry landing here on our island, wearing my VMI ball cap, I’m approached by another alumnus. It’s always a pleasure to grasp their extended hand and respond with my class numbers. The “A’s” and “B’s” sometimes invoke a question, but the tradition holds across many years. Anyway, the Harrington’s are still on the island, still entertaining numerous children and grandchildren, and still standing tall … so far.

’49B

Dan Smaw

These are the class notes for Aug. 15, 2012, covering the period from May to August. Vernon Patterson died peacefully on June 29 in Spartanburg, SC. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia; two sons; three grandchildren; a twin brother; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vernon served in the 100th Division in World War II and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in combat in France. He later was a POW in Stalag 7A in Germany. He had written me in early June that he had a setback in his health and had gone from the hospital to a nursing home. Vernon was originally a ’46, but decided he wanted to be a ’49B since he spent most of his time at VMI in classes with us. We have been better off having Vernon as a member of our class. Our sincerest condolences go to Sylvia and her family on their great loss. Tommy Bowers called in early May about computer viruses, which I had and he was concerned about opening something from me. He and Pam had just gotten 38

home after three weeks on the road. Hotz Lardon called in mid-May to inquire about Sally and then told me about his chess playing. He is an excellent player but gave it up while at VMI. He plays in computer matches and other settings and enjoys it. I talked with Ronnie Gault in May – first time in a long time. Ronnie is suffering from two or three things which make it hard for him to function, but it doesn’t limit him from keeping up with all things VMI, primarily sports. It was good to hear from Ronnie after the long layoff. Beth Myers wrote about the West Point service where Danny’s ashes were emplaced in the Columbarium on May 16. The service was conducted by a classmate who had served as chief of chaplains. Others from the class of ’51 spoke about various aspects of their relationship with Danny. Beth and family had made all the arrangements for accommodations, Tuesday dinner and Wednesday lunch at the Hotel Thayer. The affair will leave many fond memories for the Myers family. On May 19, a service was held in Tannersville, VA, in remembrance of Danny Myers. George and Jane Dooley, Greg Nelson and Ding Patton represented the class with Ding giving a short eulogy on behalf of the class and VMI. Following the service a luncheon of good food was held for all attendees. Both Ding and Greg wrote about the days’ events – thanks to you both. They said Beth looked good and was handling things well, as was Dan’s family. In talking with Ding Patton in early June he informed me that they had some grandchildren graduations to attend in northern Virginia in June. A biopsy he had earlier turned out to be OK, which is always good news. Their granddaughter, Meredith, received a master’s degree in the architectural field from Columbia University in May. Greg and Kitty Nelson celebrated their wedding anniversary with a week at Myrtle Beach, SC, at the end of April and had a grand time. Bill Stribling wrote in late May that he and Ann were doing fine and enjoying spring. Ann’s garden was producing lots of green veggies. The raspberry crop was booming and the blueberries were about to

ripen. Country living at its best, as long as you can tend it! Margaret Lee Overton wrote in June that she had recently seen Nux Enochs at the funeral of a mutual friend. A week later the Challoners stopped by to see her after attending his sister-in-law’s funeral. Margaret Lee and her daughter are going on a 21-day cruise in late July and early August – New York through the Panama Canal and on to Los Angeles. They will then go to Fresno for a few days to visit her son. Sounds like fun. As always, Margaret Lee sent an article from the paper. This concerned Kayla Johnson, a VMI Marine ROTC cadet and her Marine grandfather who is a retired master sergeant. She told him to escort her to Ring Figure last November and present her with her class ring. The problem for this veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam was his dress blues no longer fit. He had to go to Quantico and be refitted. The Johnsons live on a farm in Amherst, VA. Kayla heard all these stories from her grandfather which helped her choose a military career. VMI was the only place she ever wanted to go to school. While there, she contracted thyroid cancer and missed most of a year of school and is now cancer free, as is her mother who also had thyroid cancer. As an aside, she wears academic stars – quite an interesting story. Thanks, Margaret Lee. Mack Van Hook wrote in June that he and Inge were back from Germany and nearly recovered from jet lag. They had a great time with Inge’s family and revisited a number of places that have been very dear to their hearts for 60 years. I talked with Mack later and found he had macular degeneration in one eye but found he now had it in both eyes. He is being treated and we hope for good results. Tom Cooke wrote on the Fourth of July that he got up on 6/25 at 0530 with a positive attitude – “This was going to be a cool one.” Before the day was done the storm came in with 80 mph winds, rain, hail, lightning and thunder. Two large trees came down within five feet of his neighbor’s house – fallen branches everywhere. Another storm came in adding to a bad situation. His dog wouldn’t stop barking and his tomato plants were blown across the street. Bottom line – he thinks he will VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES stop getting up at 0530 – it is not a “cool” time. We went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina the first week in July for our annual family reunion. Present were our daughter, Sally, and husband Andy; our grandson, Andrew’07, his wife, Christin; and our great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn; our granddaughter, Ashley, and husband Kurt ’08; and my niece, her husband and their three daughters. The weather was a bit hotter than usual but not as bad as in other parts of the country. Everyone had a fine time, so we hope to do it again next year. Sally and I walked two miles each morning; we started early. While there, we called Tommy Bowers who had been the officiant at Sally and Andy’s wedding 34 years ago. Tommy and Sally had a good catch-up conversation. Tommy had mentioned to me earlier that he was included in one chapter of the book Growing Up Patton written by Patton’s grandson, Ben. The younger George Patton and his family had attended Tommy’s church in Washington in the 60s and they had become friends, thus his inclusion in the book. Sally and my niece, Kate, gave me a copy. In the chapter about Tommy, it includes the story of Tommy and Beanie Branch in Korea, which all the BRs have heard, as well as other Korean ventures – very interesting. Greg and Kitty Nelson were on the Outer Banks the same week we were, but the distance from them to us was a bit too far for a meeting since Louise doesn’t get around too well. We heard later that Nux Enochs was in his house in Hatteras that same week – too bad we didn’t know, as Hatteras is close to where we stay in Avon. Charlie Upshaw and I had a long conversation in mid-July. Charlie had a call from one of the cadet callers that we all get from time to time. When the cadet asked if there was anything Charlie would like to know about at the Institute, Charlie asked him if cadets still saluted when they passed Lee Chapel. The cadet said he had not heard of that, and no, they did not salute. In talking to my grandson, Andrew ’07, he said for them it was optional, and he chose to salute. Betty Lu Stephens sent a long e-mail in mid-July. She had helped with the celebration for Clint and Rose Anne Hurd’s 50th wedding anniversary on June 24 in Ope2012-Issue 4

lika, AL. Rose Anne sent a picture which shows Clint and her with their “hats” – his was made with the cardboard from a Natural Lite box and hers was cardboard from a boxed wine container. Both looked like they were enjoying the festivities. Betty Lu said her daughter-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in late May. It was caught early and she is responding well to the every two-week chemo treatments, which so far have not made her sick. She has a good outlook. We wish her well. Betty Lu’s arthritis put her on a drug regimen that has precluded her drinking any adult beverage since March 9. She is looking forward to a little libation in about a month. Greg Nelson sent a long e-mail in late July. He, Mack Van Hook and Beanie Branch had lunch in Charlottesville recently and had a good meal and a pleasant time. He and Kitty were on Nantucket for two weeks in June getting the place ready for tenants. They will be back in September to close the place down for the winter. He had talked to Ronnie Gault a week or so ago and also to George Wolfe. I talked with Vaughn and Izzey Maxwell in late July and found that Vaughn had another setback in his recovery. He had been walking with a cane but sprained his left ankle, the same side his stroke was on, which put him back on a walker, so he is not getting much exercise or walking. He sounded good and says he has come to terms with the stroke and the setbacks, so they do not get him down. As a break from taking care of Vaughn, Izzey still finds time for a little bridge which I am sure she needs. In early August I talked with Lon and Doris Walter and learned they will be moving to the Army Community Residences in San Antonio in November. They have been in their home in Austin for 30 years. I hate to think of all the “stuff” you can accumulate in that length of time – good luck in getting it sorted out. Grover Outland called in August to tell me of the deaths of several VMI friends in the Norfolk area in about a nine-day period. His brother-in-law, Webb Chandler ’46, died suddenly. Our condolences to Nancy and their family. Bob Patterson ’49C, had a stroke earlier, so I am guessing that was the cause. Howard Simpson

’47 had been hospitalized for a while and Grover did not know exactly for what. Howard and I served together at Fort Sill and Fort Monroe. Grover had his appendix removed in June and said it took a long time to recover – he is OK now. He and his family went to the Eastern Shore as they do from time to time. This time his boat was broken, the fish were not biting, it was extremely hot and he was grumpy. He and Teancy are doing fine – in fact, Teancy was out playing bridge while we were talking. Boyd Guttery called after reading about Sally in the Alumni Review class notes. His son had a similar cancer about two years ago and is now clear, but still on a drug. He said to tell all the BRs that he was around and doing OK. It is always good to hear from Boyd; it had been quite a while. I called Leo Soucek Aug. 7 only to learn that he had been in Walter Reed for three weeks, including three days in ICU. He has severe COPD, as well as atrial fibrillation. After talking with Evelyn, who filled me in on what had gone on, I did speak with Leo for a short period of time. He said the last two days had seen a lot of improvement and to tell all the BRs he was better. Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual Giving. God Bless America, VMI and ’49B

’49C

Haywood France

By the time you read these notes, the 2012-13 session at the Institute will be well under way and cooler weather will be arriving over House Mountain. The class of 49C lost another Brother Rat with the passing of Robert H. Patterson Jr. on July 12, 2012. He was a great friend to all and a staunch supporter of VMI. I attended the funeral at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA, along with several hundred others. The eulogy was very impressive mentioning some significant incidents in his life along with several of his many accomplishments. I received comments from Stock Flemming, Stew Snoddy and Max Lamont concerning their surprise and mine also on seeing the notice of the death of E. J. 39

CLASS NOTES Williams Jr. in the last quarterly Review. It happened again in the latest Review when I saw the notice of Ira C. (Fritz) Crytzer’s death on March 31, 2012. Our numbers are getting smaller, and we don’t cover much territory. Please, if you see or hear of any information of interest to the class, contact me so that I can forward it to all of us. This drops our number to 16. Georgia Hening informed me that Caroline Robertson is in assisted living at Spring Arbor. Her address is 14001 Turnbury Ln., Midlothian, VA, 23113. We are working on updating our roster, so any changes you want to make should be mailed to me ASAP. This job is becoming a little depressing. I would appreciate if you would send any news I can relay to the class other than the loss of one of our Brother Rats. Possibly your dog has learned a new trick. In the final accounting for FY-12 as of June 30, 2012, 49C had an alumni participation rate of 77.8% which is better than FY-11. We are getting there; keep up the good effort.

’50A

Bill Moore

Your scribe has been “under the knife” recently. Some of you know but not all, I had an aortic valve replacement. Oink! Oink! No bypasses – just the valve. My Anne is not doing well at all. Some dementia, etc. Gene Witcher is facing the same operation I’ve just had. Apparently, he’s going to try the new Trans Arterial Valve Replacement (TAVR) technique. I considered it but decided on the more conventional open-heart technique instead. All went well. I had not pain or trouble and am just being careful. All the girl’s I’ve been able to contact, Barbara (Hugh) Barnes, Mary (Joe) Ripley and Joanne (Ed) Miller are all doing well and are still having fun with their children and grandchildren. Joanne swears that she and one of her daughters will come visit me this summer. I’ll believe it when I see the whites of their eyes. She has a grandchild at UVa. B.J. and Kenny Stagg report that the real 40

estate market in Richmond is picking up and that B.J. is once again as busy as the proverbial “one-armed paper hanger with the itch.” Our flying Eskimos, Beverly and Syd Stealey have just returned from a visit to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields. It is huge. Syd got his Piper 150 flying. Nan and Elliott Hudgins are still plugging on in New Bern. Nan tells me Elliott is much better and becoming his old rascally self again. Jennings Bunch has apparently had some small ailment which I didn’t really understand but will find out further details. Richard Mandt tells me that Dick is doing well. I spoke with Dick himself for a few minutes, and he seems to fit Richard’s description. Since news is a little scarce this time because of my hospital stay – just got out last Tuesday. I’m going to include the story of “The Great Gasoline ‘Step-off’ of 1946.” You guys know it; your wives probably don’t and neither do most of the Old Corps. Our class of ’50A matriculated in March of 1946. This was the first class to matriculate since the end of World War II in 1945. We were one of the smallest classes since the Civil War – 43 to be exact. There was still a contingent of Army Special Training Cadets (ASTP) in Barracks. They were not part of the Corps but were there for training and education and wore Army uniforms. The order was, “No step-offs while they (ASTPs) were in Barracks.” One day the ASTP cadets left and the thirds (’49B) called a “step-off.” We had no idea what to do. We ran for the fourth stoop (deserted in the spring of 1946), knocked out a few light bulbs and generally got our butts beaten by the leather belts of the first class (’44) as was the custom. We nursed our sore rear ends and vowed revenge. Next time the thirds gave us a little warning. The older guys like Bill Collier, “Jap” Dinwiddie, Harold “Loggie” Logsdon, Jim “Big Push” Mallard, Syd Stealey, Bill “Wee Willie” Warwick and Jim Duke were already at work. The young, freshfaced virgins like Hugh Barnes, Walt Dresser, Dick Mandt, Joe Ripley, Kenny Stagg and I were willing pawns. I can’t remember where Gene Witcher stood in all this (probably in the middle) … I’ll ask

him sometime. Somebody had a dyke or friend (probably a second) in Room 122. The night before the “step-off” our Rat leaders, Jap Dinwiddie, et al, marshaled the whole Rat mass (nobody used that term then – much worse) to form an “outline” between the windows of Room 122 (perfect location) and Bowling’s Esso down on Main Street. We “ran the block” all night long. We posted sentries at critical points and never saw a TAC or guard team member. We brought back bottles, gasoline, motor oil and rags. Stored them in a vacant NW corner room on the fourth stoop which was empty in the spring of 1946. That night the thirds yelled, “Step off you Rats!” After Taps and “step-off” we did. Some of the older Bro Rats already had the stairs to the fourth stoop ablaze. I particularly remember Harry Easterly ’44, first class president, charging up one set of stairs with his BRs, belts in hand, to break up the insurrection. Stairs ablaze, “Loggie” at the top with a gallon of “Molotov cocktail” …Singed eyebrows, hasty retreat. The older guys held the corners, the rest of us stayed around throwing normal-sized Molotov cocktails into the courtyard. Grass got burned up. Sentry was routed, nobody stuck their heads into the courtyard for fear we idiots would burn them up. Never saw the OC. We came back to our rooms on the third stoop (remember – no cadets on the fourth stoop in spring of 1946). No ringleaders got identified. A very satisfying evening all around. Next day Harry Easterly held us Rats in the mess hall after BRC and said “You Rats, that was one hell of a step-off, but if gasoline is ever used again, I’ll have the whole bunch of you shipped.” Yes Sir! That night I learned what a “true” Molotov cocktail was. I’ve ever since been amused by the description “gasoline bomb” in law and courts alike. Taint so. A true Molotov cocktail consists of one glass bottle, one-half filled with motor oil or some heavier petroleum product, soaked rags taped to the bottle and one match. During WWII the heavier liquid added “body” and longer burning time when used against armored vehicles. I hope I haven’t given any ideas to you incendiaries out there. Thanks, Sid; it was your idea, and I hope I did it justice. Bill Moore VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’50B

Robert White

This job of class agent brings home a few facts of life, some of which are so pleasant to contemplate and some others which are reminders of just how short life is. As to the first, not a day goes by but what I am reminded of the friendship of Brother Rats, and others, who have been and are such an important part of my life. I am constantly amazed at how I can go for years not seeing a Brother Rat who was once close and then being together again find that the friendship is strong and fresh as though the absence never happened. On the other hand, at this age, few days go by without learning of the death or illness of a classmate. This, I think, is especially true of our class because we had so many veterans who were considerably older than most of us. Most of the Vets are gone and we have also lost many others. Let me encourage you to do two things – both important. Write to me, or call, to let me know what you are doing and how you are. Your Brother Rats really do want to hear about you. And so do I. The other thing is that you might pick up the phone and call a Brother Rat. You will be surprised at what a pleasant thing that will be, for both of you. And then let me hear about it so that I can tell the rest of the class. Red Bragg graciously gave me a subscription to Wonderful West Virginia. I had almost forgotten just how beautiful that state is. Long ago, when Alice lived in Louisville, KY, I would drive all the way across West Virginia on Route 60, and it was clear just how lovely it is. Virginia and North Carolina are the states most people think of when they consider beautiful mountains, but really, neither can top West Virginia. Places such as New River, Blister Swamp and Blackwater River and falls are the equivalent of anything else in the Appalachians and of course, there is no resort anywhere more beautiful than the Greenbriar. And remember, in addition to everything else, coal keeps the lights on. As you may already know, Tom Kelly recently had a mild stroke, to the extent 2012-Issue 4

that any stroke can be characterized as “mild.” I choose to call it mild because Tom’s strong mental faculties are all just fine. The main problem for the moment is that Tom’s arthritis makes exercise very difficult and exercise is what the doctors want to help fix all of the effects of the stroke. You may remember my recent report on Tom, Norma and the rest of the family. Everybody is healthy and doing well. We only wish for Tom the same status. I had a nice telephone chat with Moe Michaux recently. You know, of course, that Moe is not our Brother Rat (he was in the class of 1948), but he has always been so close to members of our class that he might as well be one. Unfortunately, Moe has some pretty serious health problems which are the cause of his having to sell his fishing camp, so you know that it is serious. His attitude and outlook are bright; however, he would love to hear from you – 919/735-0553. I have a picture hanging on my wall of a party of cadets and dates sometime during our first class year. All cadets are 1950-B but one – Moe Michaux. I have a note from Russell Morton. He and Genene are enjoying retirement. They live in a retirement community with none of the usual house owners’ obligations – no cutting the grass, repairing whatever. Russ plays golf twice a week or more if he wants to. Their health is good and they are enjoying life. Russell’s brother, Paul, who is 92, lives in Pinehurst, NC, and Russell hopes that his genes treat him just as well. I talked to Peyton Robertson in June. He and Edie had just moved to Virginia Beach for two weeks. Ordinarily they stay at the beach all summer but they are cutting it short this year because when they return to Norfolk they will be moving into an assisted living facility close by where they now live. Several months back Peyton suffered a pulmonary embolism, which is a dangerous ailment to have. Peyton tells me that many of those who have such a problem do not survive. Good for you, Peyton. When I talked to Peyton and Edie, they were helping Lola Shepherd with DD’s funeral preparations in Norfolk. DD is Edie’s cousin and he introduced her to Peyton. She and Peyton celebrated their 60th anniversary on the 20th of June. It

seems that congratulations are in order on a number of counts. Alice and I had a delightful lunch with George and Nell Oliver in Highlands, NC, on the first of July. Both of them are in good spirits and good health. We did note that Nell now does all of the driving. You may remember that when we were in school, George was one of our track stars. For four years, he ran the high hurdles and jumped the high jump. He also played Rat football for two years (I did not know that you could play Rat football for two years). He scored two touchdowns against VPI. In our second class year, George went out for varsity football, made the team, and suited up for every game. But, he says (in all good humor) that he was never put in any game for a single down. George says all of this as a point of honor because his name is on the track locker and also on the football locker. In case you have not picked up on this, George and Nell are one of the most delightful Brother Rat couples. Alice and I were glad to hear that all tractors and chickens are doing fine. I am sorry to tell you that my brother, Richard M. White ’47, died on June 28, 2012. It is sad for me to tell you this but on the other hand, he had a full rich life. He had a fine family with six great children and he was a distinguished south Florida lawyer. When people ask me (as they do all of us) why I went to VMI, I tell them because my brother did. They then ask why he did and I answer because our older brother, Warren White ’41, also went there. I then say that I have no idea why Warren went there, but I do know that my younger brother, David, when it came time for him to choose a college, said “I am not going there.” And he did not. He went to the University of Virginia, to college and medical school and thinks that he got a better education than I did. Maybe he did, but for sure I got some things that he did not – Brother Rats. He went on to a first rate career as an ophthalmologist, as I think I did as a lawyer; but during all these years, I have had the friendship of the members of my class which were turned out as Brothers, and he did not. You choose. 41

CLASS NOTES

’51

John Ross

I failed to reach Henry Pitot in Madison, WI, but left birthday greetings on his voicemail. A few days later Henry called to thank me, and we had a nice visit. Julie is recovering from knee surgery, and Henry has a leg problem about which he will have a consult at Mayo. He reports they recently spent considerable time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast settling the estates of family members. Bob Nolley called from his beach place in North Carolina to report that all is well with him but that Jeanne is still considering knee surgery. I had a long telephone call from my Alexandria neighbor, Jim Close. He and Alice are doing well and were preparing to travel to Santa Barbara, CA, for a family wedding and a subsequent tour of the state. I failed to reach Claud Eley in St. Louis in mid-May to extend birthday wishes or even to leave a message, as his mailbox was full. I reached Gene Held in Shavano Park, TX, with birthday greetings. Gene, a retired pedodontist, is in fairly good shape but is not too mobile. He does some gardening and keeps busy trying to keep track of his 15 or 19 grandchildren. Gene inquired about his roommates Lou Beazlie, Lang Sheffield, Doc Laville and Clyde Green. I brought him up-to-date to the extent of my info. I left birthday wishes for Don Baldwin, who was with us for one year, with his wife, Jody. She informed me that Don was playing cards with his poker group. On the next day, when Don called, he said that he had lost at poker but a win at the Preakness made up for it. I failed to reach Brom Nichol on his birthday but subsequently connected. We had a nice visit and Brom hopes to make the next reunion. He has survived seven metastatic cancers but now his mild cognitive problems. Otherwise, he is in great shape. I was unable to extend birthday wishes to Mrs. Ewing, as I do not have a current phone number. 42

I left birthday greetings for Venetia Friend in Montrose, AL, on her voicemail. She subsequently called to thank me and said she had been lunching with relatives in Mobile. We had a nice chat and she reports that she is doing well. I failed to reach Audrey Wick in Arlington, TX, but left birthday wishes on her voicemail. I called to check on Pat Gray and her recovery from an ankle injury. Marie and I then visited with Pat and Johnny. They were preparing to drive to New Orleans and board a boat for a trip up the Mississippi River. I wished Sam Scott a happy birthday. He had visited George Cohen in Hilton Head and said George looks great. He inquired about his roommate, Jack Lowden. On May 25 I received an e-mail and telephone call from Joe Tom Howard informing me that he roommate, Richard Owen, had died the previous night. Dick was survived by his wife, Jane, and three daughters. I reached Jane on the next day to offer condolences. She informed me that Dick, who had been ill for some time, was in hospice care for a few days before his death. I learned that interment was to be in the family cemetery in Jarrett, VA. I made a contribution to VMI in Dick’s memory and wrote a note of condolence to Jane on behalf of the class. I failed to reach Mrs. Perry with birthday wishes. I checked with Pete Philp in Dallas, TX, and learned his is doing very well after his second knee replacement to the same knee. He is at home and able to drive. On the last day of May I wished Charlotte Marr in Atlanta, GA, a happy birthday. She was busy preparing her own birthday meal for a family celebration. We reminisced about Tom and his well-prepared presentations at our reunions. I started June with a birthday call to Mrs. Joseph Dougherty in Harrisburg, PA. Joe was with us for two years before he was admitted to the Temple University Dental School. After receiving his dental degree, he pursued and received a degree from MCV in dental surgery and practiced for many years before his death in 2002. We reminisced about the time we sat together at our 40th Reunion, along with the Jor-

dans and Bennetts. It turns out that Jane, a Georgetown University nursing graduate, knows Kay Bennett and completing the “small world” is Marie, who was a Georgetown nurse from 1948 to 1952. I failed to reach Beano Graf in Stuart, FL, as his number was reassigned. I reached Bill Hairston in Hickory, NC, to wish him a happy birthday. I received an e-mail from Dick McFarlin in which he reports a visit to VMI for the award of the New Market Medal to Frank Louthan ’41. He then proceeded south for the graduation of a grandson from Wake Forest, a visit with his younger daughter in Cary, NC, and then a stay with another daughter on the Outer Banks, NC. I had a nice phone visit with Barbara Ann Guthans in Mobile, AL. She is still busy sorting through Bobby’s files. I wished Lain Peck in Meriden, CT, a happy birthday. He reports he is in good health but has no news for the class. I received a letter from Bill “Country” Lauerman ’49B informing me of the death of Richey Dixon ’50B, who graduated with us and enclosing an obituary plus a very nice eulogy of our BR Jack Lauerman. Richey, who attended our 60th, sent me a very nice note congratulating the class on a great reunion … very thoughtful. Marie has regular contact with Sally Carstens in Alexandria, LA. I failed to reach Mrs. Agnor in Charlottesville, VA, with birthday wishes. I wished George Cohen in Hilton Head, SC, a happy birthday. He is doing well and was looking forward to a family visit. On the last weekend in June the Washington, D.C., area was devastated by a derecho (a new word for me that is not in my old dictionary – it is defined as a severe rain and wind storm without any warning). We lost our power for a few days and our phone for a week. The first call I received was from the Grays, who reported on their great riverboat trip up the Mississippi River from New Orleans. I left a belated birthday message for Patty Blackwell in Abingdon, VA, and likewise wished Ellen Nelson in Accomack, VA, a belated happy birthday. I checked in with Mary Ellen Connolly and she is keeping very busy – bridge and VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES travel. She inquired about Johnny Gray and the Egg. I learned from the Grays that Willard Hays is not doing too well after his back surgery – severe discomfort. I tried to contact Peggy but was not successful. I finally was able to contact George Maxwell in Savannah, GA, and we had a nice visit. He is fully retired and in good health, although he complains he can only fit one round of golf a week and yet he walks a couple of miles every morning. I told George that I hoped to see him sometime in the near future. I was unable to extend birthday greetings to Jane Catlin – no answer to the current telephone listing. In mid-July I received a short note from Jim Marshall in Melbourne, FL, reporting on successful surgery for spinal stenosis, and that he was now learning to walk again at home with Cindy’s help. I wished Dick Cole in Minneapolis a happy birthday, which he and Louise intended to celebrate on the following day with a cookout. They then intended to travel to Colorado Springs. I failed to reach Ellen Johns – no telephone number, but I was able to leave birthday greetings for Willard Hays at his home and vacation numbers. Gerry Eggleston reports he walks at least three times a week and is doing well thanks to the care of his two daughters, who live in Roanoke. I wished Lang Sheffield in Americus, GA, belated happy birthday, which he celebrated with Kathy and his two sons and families. He reports that he is not very mobile and was sorry to have missed the 60th. I was unable to reach Dick Lawrence in Austin, TX … no working telephone number. However, I was able to reach Bland Wilson’s daughter, Chrissy, with a birthday greeting for him. Bland was hospitalized for the 11th time but is much improved. At the end of July I reached Rose Anson, who reported that Fred is about the same and then I visited with Fred. Pat Gray called to report that Johnny has had a relapse with his bleeding. Marie learned in a telephone call with Nancy Hill that she and Jack are doing well. 2012-Issue 4

Jigger Baxley in an e-mail reported that Ann Penner had a second seizure and had moved to a retirement community. Robbin Jordan called to thank me for my birthday greetings. She is doing well and enjoyed a visit from three sons. I call your attention to the “Superintendent’s Update,” which you should have received with the current issue of the Alumni Review. This is a great 16-page summary of the status of VMI – academics, athletics, policies, clubs and organizations and more. As you know, I try to reach each of you at least once a year. Many of you often inquire about your roommates or other Brother Rats, and I supply what information I have. It has occurred to me that each of you should consider contacting your roommates directly. I would suggest you do this promptly and periodically, as we all (at our age) must recognize our mortality. I have already lost my roommates, Herb Bell and Tom Brown, and we have lost eight Brother Rats since our 60th. If you need contact info, call me. Just prior to concluding this note I called Duane Holloway to check on his health status. Since mid-June, he has been fighting a serious cancer and is now recovering from the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. I also checked on Johnny Gray and was glad to hear that he was greatly improved and that his bleeding had ceased. However, I was unable to contact the Hays for a status report on Willard. Keep the news coming – let me hear from you. Marie and I wish you a joyous holiday season. Stay healthy and keep the “Spirit.” Semper Fi – Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

These notes were started in May immediately after I sent in the notes that would be in the Alumni Review 2012 Issue 3. I lost these notes when my computer had to be repaired, so now I am starting over. 38 BRs plus wives and guests for a total of 79 at our 60th. We had an excellent dinner on Monday night in alumni hall

followed by an entertaining talk by Joe McCarthy. We also presented Nutz Navas and Barbara with a scrapbook containing letters from 52 of our class with particular remembrances of times with Nutz. Many of the letters were accompanied with pictures where we had them. We also presented Barbara with a red, white and yellow bouquet of flowers. Bookie Bookman called me on June 8 to ask if I had heard from Warren Meola, as Bookie got a discontinued service message when he tried calling Warren. I tried and got the same message, so I sent an e-mail and got a reply. Warren has replaced his home phone with a cell phone – 770/7228028. I talked to Warren and learned he is doing well and the phone change was for economy reasons. He gave me permission to list his number here. He said he would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially if someone wanted to send him money! I received a call from Barbara Navas asking for Root Hopkins’ phone number. I did not have it, as I believe Root is in a nursing home. He has diabetes. In attempting to answer Barbara, I discovered that in my computer update (a necessary evil) all of my records on the health and welfare of the members of ’52 have been lost. I would appreciate any updates you might have, ranging from “hale and hardy” to “flat on my back.” This helps me keep up when any of you ask me about a Brother Rat. Later I ask several Brother Rats for information about Root. Nutz did a lot of detective work and found that Root is in Mallard Bay Nursing Home in Cambridge, MD. The address is 520 Glenburn Avenue, Cambridge, MD 21613 and the phone number is (410) 228-9191. I talked to Root and while he says he is still flat on his back, he sounds good. Give him a call. He would like to talk to any of you. Bud Becker wrote me that they are moving on June 20 to a retirement community. Their new address is: 521 W. Second Ave, Apt 2012, Lititz, PA 17543. Telephone is: (717) 625-6186. Red Austermann sent me a photo which he found on the inside cover of his Hausman Slack Physics textbook. The picture was taken of C1 (Civil Section) during a field trip to a local cement plant, sometime during our first class year. Unfortunately, the photo was not clear enough to copy 43

CLASS NOTES into the class notes. The people in the picture included: Dave Brown, Bob Caudle, Mitch Mays, Don Clingempeel, Sleepy Carter, Bill Cooper, Joe Craven, Red Austermann, Cam Barr, Steve Carlon, Booky Bookman and Abie Bickerstaff. Jimmie Thurmond ’56 wrote me about Dan Conoly’s death on June 6, 2012. While Dan was our Brother Rat, he graduated with the class of ’53. Jimmie Thurmond was Dan’s dyke in ’52-’53 and has stayed in touch with Dan all succeeding years. Jimmie wrote that Dan provided a lot of cover, protection, encouragement and guidance during that first year. Jimmie sent me the obituary notice and order of service at Dan’s funeral. I have passed these on to VMI to include in the Taps section of the Alumni Review. I will only highlight a few of the major elements of Dan’s life here. Dan was a lifelong Texan. After VMI he received a pharmacy degree from the University of Texas and was owner of Conoly Drugs with stores located throughout Texas. Dan is survived by his wife, Debra; seven children; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Dan was an avid hunter and fisherman. Henry Nanninga called to let me know that Bob Tripp died July 7. After graduating from VMI, Bob served in Korea as a second lieutenant and continued in the Army Reserve until 1962. He graduated from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1960 and like his father practiced dentistry in the Detroit area until retirement. He married Anne Huber in 1963. Anne was a professor of history at Oakland University. After retirement, they moved to The Landings of Skidaway Island, SC. They continued an active life of sports, bridge, reading and many friendships. Anne died in 2008 and Bob moved to the Marshes of Skidaway Island in 2009. Walt Ames called me to check on Army Wellford’s phone number. It turns out that Walt had the correct number but some glitch in the phone system causes a wrong number recording unless you dial very distinctly and carefully. Walt eventually got Army’s number but he was not at home. Walt attended a memorial service for Webster Chandler ’46. The memorial service was overflowing as Webster had so many friends especially from VMI. Walt says 44

he is in good health except for occasional problems with sore knees and ankles which is relieved with pain medication. Nutz Navas and Barbara are doing well. They have now been in their smaller house for almost two years. I asked if everything was out of boxes and Barbara said not. The detective work Nutz did to find Root Hopkins qualified Nutz as a master detective. Zeke Finney did not answer when I called him, so I left a message. Later he called me back and told me that he was out playing golf with Andy Dickinson, Bill Ruffin, Johnny Mapp ’54 and Jock Wheeler ’54. Zeke and Andy started this “old corp” golf at least 15 years ago. They have eight members and play golf every month from April to November. Each month Zeke assigns on person to be in charge, so they go to different courses each time. The members from ’52 are Dickinson, Ruffin and sometimes Wiley. Other members are: Mapp ’54, Wheeler ’54, Lamb ’54, Beale’55 and Vaughn ’56. Last week they played at Andy Dickinson’s home place in Cape Charles. Zeke tells me that he and Sarah are building a new house near where they currently live in order to have a house which requires less maintenance and care. I just heard from Barbara Buskirk (Jack’s caregiver) that Jack Frankeberger died on July 24. Jack had an aneurism in his

Class of 1952: John Greenwood was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2012.

leg on April 25 and an operation on May 1 to have his leg removed above the knee. Jack had been on dialysis for two and onehalf years. After the operation his health continued downhill and he was transferred to hospice on July 23rd and died on the 24th. There will be a service on the 28th in Tampa Bay, and he will be buried in Richmond, VA, where his wife is buried. Nutz Navas sent me an e-mail about Jack’s death, which I think is worth including in these class notes. “Barbara Buskirk called us earlier today with the news of Jack’s passing. She was relieved that his suffering is over after several weeks of extreme pain and meds. As we all know we keep our loved ones alive and they suffer so much more. He passed quietly. His severe pain is gone and he is with our Lord. We had a long chat in spite of the sadness and Barb’s busy schedule to proceed with Jack’s funeral. I also talked with Jay Grumbling in New Hampshire. We were on the Rat team and were all very close friends. Hell, all our Brother Rats are very close friends. When one is called home we are with each other and their families. God Bless Big Jack, Barbara and their families. In His name, Nutz” Clarence Brauner lives a few blocks from Jack, so I called Clarence to let him know of Jack’s death. Clarence attended the service and wrote me a note that Jack had a very nice simple and respectful service with a closed casket. Approximately 45 people attended a reception lunch at the funeral home. I knew that Clarence has been scheduled for cataract surgery. Some complications developed which required some additional surgery. At this point Clarence is expecting completion of the lens replacement with no further complications. Scurvy Patton could not be reached by phone. His number has been changed. I have talked to him in the past at the number in my file, but now I receive wrong number messages. Chuck Haley answered an e-mail I sent asking for information about Scurvy. Chuck lives near Scurvy and gave me his current phone number. Scurvy answered my call saying that he was doing well for a crippled old man. He is afflicted with a stroke paralyzing his left side and a right hip replacement enables him to hobble around. It turns out that I had an old number from the time Scurvy lived in VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Florida before his move to Frisco, TX, to live near his son. Chuck Haley is living a very active life visiting people in nursing homes, supporting the local high school football team encouraging our Brother Rats to participate in the bricks program and sending care boxes to solders overseas. Any accumulation of $2,500 donations to VMI entitles us to request a brick. If you have ordered your own brick and have accumulated more beyond $2,500 in VMI giving you are entitled to request additional bricks for other Brother Rats or members of other classes. Chuck is particularly interested in soliciting requests for deceased Brother Rats. I personally have requested a brick for my father, Class of 1906. In sending out e-mails I noticed that Weir Goodwin is not picking up e-mails, so I gave him a call. He has a new computer and he says he doesn’t know how to make it work. I have had the same problem, but I am gradually learning to deal with the changes. Weir appears to be in good health. He says he does not do very much other than doing a lot of walking. Joe McCarthy tells me that he is doing well. He has some minor back problems and an occasional irregular heartbeat that keep him from doing some of the things he used to do. Back in June a major storm that went through Virginia where Joe lost the tops of two large oak trees. Fortunately, they did not do any damage to the house, but he did have to pay someone to cut them up because they were too large for a normal chain saw. I heard from Natalie Long (Bob Long’s widow). She has sold her house in Edisto, SC, and moved to Melbourne, FL, where she can be near family – both Bob’s and hers. Her address is 3663 Carambola Cir., Melbourne, FL 32940. John Greenwood has been awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the FAA on 6-09-12 at the private Military Aviation Museum of Gerry Yeagin at Virginia Beach, VA. There were about 200 people present. This was in recognition of 50 years of flying. There have only been 2162 recipients of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. At the same function he was inducted into the UFO Organization (United Flying Octogenarians). John flew B25s, B26s and B29s during WWII. 2012-Issue 4

After the war he performed aerobatics in almost 500 air shows and he continues flying today. A photograph of John receiving the awards is included with these class notes. With blessings from your Brother Rat, Jim

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

This quarter seems to be my shortest class notes in a long time, since I have not heard much from many of you recently. You should note the change of e-mail address above, which I did send out to all last month. In case you all have not really been paying attention to schedules recently, this is to remind you that our 60th will be in Lexington on April 22-23, so make sure you put it on your schedule, if you have not done so already. Warren Koontz is heading up the Reunion Committee, with members Ed Brown, John Evans, Jim Morris (golf), Ken Perry (tennis) and your class agent. Parker Cross and Ted Mariani are ex officio members. The Reunion Headquarters will be at the new Holiday Inn Express, which has a very nice hospitality room. There will be an early arrival dinner on Sunday in town, preceded by a cocktail gathering at our house. Dinner Monday night will be in the Leadership building by the Alumni Association, which will include classes having their 65th and 70th. Then we will have our own class dinner at the Lexington Country Club on Tuesday night, and hopefully the VMI Commanders for dancing. Other things are in the works, like golf, tennis, a memorial service/taps for our deceased BRs, tours and video update of the Institute. Official information from the Alumni Office will most likely come out in the mail about November, or soon thereafter, including the motel reservation information; however, as far as the Alumni Office is concerned, the reunion starts officially on Monday the 22nd. Just before we left to come back to Tennessee and the lake, we had a very enjoyable “social hour” plus with John and Doris Gilbert at their home out Route 11 outside Lexington, toward Fairfield. Doris has a great garden, including a very productive

fig tree – she uses figs in with some of her hors d’oeuvres, and she is very active in one of the Lexington garden clubs. John no longer has his own cattle on his land and has leased the pasture out, but the cattle still come right up to the fence around his house to visit. Both are in good health, have aches and pains that go with us older people like lot of us … one gives John a great deal of problems sleeping at night. They still have their place at Collington Harbor near Nags Head. Russ and Helen Horne are still having their share of medical problems but seem to be hanging in there. In regard to Russ’s back problems, he thinks the worst right now is trying to turn around to back his car. But he says, “Guys, eat healthy, stay alive and wake up every morning, the alternative is not good.” I had a letter from Terry Davis after he read about Lou Hundley ’47 in my class notes. He and Terry were both from Charlottesville but did not know each other until VMI, where he was Lou’s dyke. Terry said that “Lou insisted upon a drink before SRC each evening. He said it was the way civilized persons live.” Lou had a record cabinet with a false back, which went to Terry and the others at the end of the year. I am sure there were many such cabinets in Barracks … know that Pete and I had one all four years. A note from Bill Atwill said he has a grandson who is a sophomore at St. Christopher’s and seems interested in VMI. Bill had asked me to send him some of the information on admissions that I had presented at the Richmond lunch. Speaking of the Richmond lunch group, there will not be another one until April 2014 due to the 60th. It will be under the class of ’52 notes, but Dan Conley, who graduated with us, died in June. His first class year with us, he roomed with Paul Carlton, Bob Cheatham and Windy Shay. Speaking of Windy, Bob had tried to contact him and visit with him several times when Bob was in the Philadelphia area, but Windy was never agreeable for a get together, and I have never heard from him in the 23 years that I have been class agent. I had received a nice letter from Jimmie Thurmond ’56, who was Dan’s dyke, giving some of the details about Dan, as they were both from Texas, which is why Dan selected Thurman as a dyke. 45

CLASS NOTES I forgot to mention in the last class notes including one for Judy. We have read all You will note the picture of John Lund, his books in the past (except his first one, Warren Koontz and Parker Cross in these that Judy and I attended a lecture at VMI The Boo, which is not available) and have notes, where they attended their Medical by Pat Conroy (Citadel ’67), which was just reread several of his books. I wonder School Reunion at UVa in Charlottesville. excellent. After his publicized hour talk if there are many people that have read as They left for it right after our Richmond we were able, with some of the honor many books as he has (see My Reading group lunch on that Thursday in April. students, to go into a small group (about Life). Pat said this was his first time back The picture did not arrive soon enough to 20) and have a one on one with Pat for be in the last class notes. Bob and Bebe about two hours after lunch. This was very to VMI since he played VMI in the ’60s in Cheatham spent a week at Kiawah with enjoyable, and Pat was refreshing and talk- basketball. So, of course, he was given a grand tour of the Institute after his talks. their children, grandchildren and their first ative about anything you asked. Judy said Well, as usual we are at Norris Lake for great-granddaughter. Bebe is still taking that she was thrilled with the experience. treatment for her lymphoma but holding Pat also signed copies of his books that the the summer … the day school was out in Lexington, we, along with the Beacham her own. Received a very nice e-mail from cadets and others brought to the session, family came to the lake; they stayed Gayle Shorter saying Jack and Peachy for three weeks then left for California Trigg are still making a visit down and Texas (Dad’s business trips) with to her place every couple of months the three older grandchildren, leaving and that Peachy really enjoys being the one and one-half-year-old, Mary there, the gardens, and the music; it Jude, with us for 14 days. We survived has become a very rewarding connecand also had a great time; at her early tion for both Gayle and Peachy. Jack age, she already loves the lake and reported to her that his golf these days boating. is fantastic – shoots below his age but Class History – The Hall of Valor: has gone to the senior tees, yet had six I have no idea how many BRs have birdies the other day. Gayle belongs not had a chance to see the VMI to a very beautiful old rural Episcopal Hall of Valor in the new Leadership church in her area, which regretfully is building, but it is very impressive. I down to about 15 members, without a Class of 1953: Attending the University of sent our letters years ago soliciting regular rector. Therefore, she does a lot Virginia Medical Reunion in April 2012 were from left, John Lund, Warren Koontz and BRs for submitting their qualificaof the service – gospel, homily, creed Parker Cross, Charlottesville, Virginia. tions and medals. In regard to this, we and music. Gayle also says she will not currently have 10 Brother Rats with be able to make the 60th. their medals in gold frames on the walls of the Hall in the ’53 section. They are: Col. Paul E. Fortin, USAF; Maj. Robert G. Frank, USAF; Col. Robert E. Joseph Jr., USA; Col. James M, Keel Jr., USAF; Lt. Col. Henry P. LaForce Jr., USA; Col. John F. Lisella, USAF; Capt. Walter R. McCarthy Jr., USA; Col. Joseph R. Morrison, USAF; Maj. Gen. John P. Prillaman, USA; and Lt. Col. Thomas E. Whitesel Jr., USA. If you should be in the Hall, or know someone that should, and need to know the qualifications, you should contact Col. Keith E. Gibson ’77, director of the Museum at VMI gibsonke@vmi.edu. The only one that I can think of that is not there and probably should be is: Col. Thomas E. Colvin, USAF, Class of 1953: The photo above, showing Doc Carroll with the class of ’53 pre-med but both Tom and Barbara are group, was provided to Bill Noell by Dale Wykoff ‘48A. deceased. 46

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’54

Bill Turner

“I have no desire to monopolize all the fame there is, but to give others a chance.” (Bill Turner on Searching for a Class Agent Replacement) This one’s for you, Tommy. Short and pithy. Enjoy. Greetings from the Holy City. I told you in my last column that I had finally found our long lost BR John “Jack” Daniels. Well, my Tennessee confidential informant recently sent me his mailing address, which I share with you now. It is: Lt. Col. Jack Daniels, USA, (Ret), Ben Atchley State Veterans Hospital, One Veterans Way, Knoxville, TN 37931. Jack’s a hero and a patriot, paying a heavy price in the defense of a country he obviously loves very much. I hope you will take the time to drop him a line or better still, go by the VA Hospital and spend a little time with him if you are ever in the area. I am sure he would appreciate that. As some of you know, BR Otto Naumann lost his wife of many years, Chris, recently. As customary, I sent him a sympathy card on behalf of our class. As a result, he sent me a very nice “Thank You” note, the contents of which I’d like to share with you here. After all, his comments are as much for you as they are for me. Otto wrote: “Bill, Thank you for your thoughts which covered the situation here exactly. Chris loved everybody and everything, even me. She was a gift from God. And I was fortunate to have her with me for a time. “Chris would have selected her grave site. It is a perfect and beautiful view near the WW II folks. See. Even the Army can do some things right. May the Lord be with you and yours, Otto.” The brief note was a simple but beautiful tribute to one who must have been a beautiful woman. It isn’t often that a man can express himself with such feeling about one he has lost. Otto, as I said in my sympathy card, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 2012-Issue 4

during this hour of grief. As one who has been there, I can only say “Keep looking up. The sun will shine again, perhaps not quite the same, but it will shine.” With the untimely death of so many spouses occurring with such alarming rapidity, I turned to the poet for some explanation, reassurance, and perhaps, comfort. I discovered the following words, written by poet-philosopher Robert Morris in 1858: “There is no relation on this side of the grave more sacred, more dignified, or more elevated, than that of husband and wife. The parties might be, and should be, to each other, perpetual sources of consolation and pleasure. There should be no distrust, no suspicion, no equivocation between beings so circumstanced. They should live as much as possible as if animated by one soul and aiming at one destiny.” With marriages today having about a 50-50 chance of survival, with second and third marriages having an even worse probability of success, to me it is nothing short of a miracle that we have classmates among us who have “stayed the course,” through the good times and the bad, the joys and the sorrows, the triumphs and the tragedies. Yet one more reason for being so very proud and lucky to have been a part of such a “band of brothers.” Got a nice e-mail from BR Wendle Snapp telling me that he had seen the Keydet nine play the South Carolina

Gamecocks, last year’s national champions a three game set. He says they didn’t win but in two of the three games VMI “scared the pants off of them” (Note: Although the Institute football teams of recent years have had its problems, the so-called “minor” sports. i.e., baseball and basketball have done well. Witness last year’s basketball win over legendary Kentucky, in Lexington, and the baseball team’s big win over the UVa Cavaliers, which at the time was ranked nationally.) One would have to say that given its size and budget, sports at VMI is still “alive and well.” So, not to despair, the football team will win again, perhaps as early as this fall. “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 Continue to get 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 had a great call from Kaye Henderson today. He called to thank me for his Christmas and birthday cards and to tell me how much he appreciated what I was doing as class agent. That’s what it’s all about, all the reward I need. Thanks, Kaye; means a lot. Having lost my baby sister a couple of weeks ago suddenly and unexpectedly, your call came at a good time.

Class of 1954: From left, Bill Turner, his grandson, Andrew McKay Turner, and his son, William O. Turner III.

CLASS NOTES Kaye, too, is having a hard time these days, trying to support a wife of almost 60 years experiencing more health issues than she deserves. Yet, Kaye spent most of his time telling me how grateful he is for all the good things that have happened to him in his life. Absolutely no complaints. Kaye, my friend, you are in my prayers. I only wish I could be as much at peace as you seem to be. Yours is a grace under pressure which I can only envy. God bless you and your beautiful wife. Got a very nice card and note from Barbara Bramlet. Came at a good time since I had just lost my younger (and only) sister, Deloris Ann Turner Markey, or simply “Sissie,” suddenly and unexpectedly. A very hard loss. Sis loved VMI and helped me through one of the toughest years of my life, the Ratline. (I think she had an ulterior motive, my Brother Rats, several of whom she dated during my tour of duty at the Institute.) Sis was one of my favorite people. I loved her dearly and will miss her “effervescence,” her joire de vivre, more than I can say. She was my head cheerleader and president of my Fan Club; there were only two members. Some scars never heal, not completely. Anyway, Barbara, one of my all-time favorite people, much too good for her late husband and my dear friend, Jim, had nice things to say about my column, i.e., class notes. Appreciate that, Barb, really do. I don’t get many compliments like that anymore. She says she was able to “mellow” Jim over the years. “Fatherhood can do this – thankfully.” I know what you’re talking about, Barbara. Barbara and her two beautiful twin daughters still live in Miramar Beach, Florida. Staying busy. Knowing Barbara as I do, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Love and appreciate you too, Barb, perhaps more than you know. “I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.” Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray. Saw Bill Schubmehl yesterday. He looked good, said he felt good. Bill’s 48

spending much of August vacationing with family – children and grandchildren … I believe he said in Colorado. He also gave me some disturbing news about Hugh White. Hugh, a retired attorney, has been fighting a long war against a blood disorder, and is not doing well at the moment. Hugh’s a good man. Sad to see what’s happening. I know you join me in lifting up prayers on behalf of Hugh, his wife, Mary, and the rest of the family. Jack Tiller called to say that his wife, Betty, is going into the hospital for an ICD implant (pacemaker/defibrillator). Been there and done that, Jack, and although it’s kind of “scary,” they work. I’m on my fourth iteration now and this one is supposed to be good for five years or five thousand miles, whichever comes first. Seriously, know that you are in our prayers. Got a thoughtful e-mail from Perry Archer. He sent me a poem by his favorite poet, A.E. Hausman; he said he was moved to send the poem by the passing of so many BRs. I’d like to share it with you. It goes: With rue my heart is laden. For golden friends I had. For many a rose-lipt maiden. And many a lightfoot lad. By brooks too broad for leaping, the lightfoot lads are laid. The rose-lipt maids are sleeping in fields where roses fade. Some of you may be repelled by the seeming morbidity of these beautiful words, but in the face of loss, both felt and inevitable, I find them comforting and even strangely inspirational. Thanks, Perry, for sharing. Just concluded a long, informative conversation with Tommy Williamson. He told me he had seen or talked with Claiborne Terry, Byrd LaPrade and Bill Wood recently and all looked or sounded good. Byrd’s still living in Vermont, still doing whatever it is that Vermonters do besides make wonderful maple syrup. Richmonders Claiborne and Bill are recovering from medical issues and getting on with their lives. Hang in there, guys. We’re pulling for you. Just had a nice telephone conversation with George Ford. He told me

about a luncheon he and his wife, Casey, hosted for Bill and Susan Almy, Bob and Jackie Bare and Tom and Robin Wallace. George said he’d been doing this for some time and that he felt blessed that he could still say that. George opined that they all looked good and that Tom was having some health issues but for the most part, everyone looked and felt fine. Talked with Peggy Trumbo. She said Dick had had a “small” stroke in June, but that it had left no major lasting damage. She also said Dick had fallen and broken a vertebrae in his back, was in a cast for a while, but is doing nicely now. Apparently, he fell out of bed; Peggy didn’t say what had caused his fall. She concluded by saying that, on balance, they were both doing well, and grateful for every day. Peggy is one of those delightful “glass half full” people. (Wish I could learn how to do that.) Incidentally, know the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? Well, a pessimist believes all girls are bad; an optimist hopes so. BR Roy Alexander is a “cool operator.” Ever notice? Roy is still practicing law – full time; still swimming laps two to three times a week and still as interesting as ever. Have just concluded a long telephone conversation with him and now feel so much better. We talked about lots of things, and about lots of friends no longer with us. We talked about Lois Windle, how much she loved VMI, about Bill Ralph, what a gifted athlete and all-round great guy he was, and about what we should do about the simmering immigration problem in our country. Roy agreed that having co-class agents, to halve the burden and double the reward might not be a bad idea, especially in light of the difficulty in finding one willing to serve. Enjoyed talking with Roy. He’s a pretty neat person. Correction: In a recent column, I mentioned that the next reunion would be in the spring of ’14. Ain’t gonna happen. It’ll be in the fall of ’13. So, set your calendars. Well, guess that’s another “wrap;” only six more to go. As they say in some parts of the country, “Vaya con dios, mi amigos. Hasta luego.” VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’55

Read Hanmer

As I compose these notes, I am listening to a Washington Nationals baseball game. A little history is in order. While my father was stationed in the Philippines at the end of WWII my mother and I lived with my grandparents in Denver, CO. My grandmother was a big baseball fan and often took me to see the Denver Bears (a Class A minor league team). When my father returned from the Pacific after WWII, he was stationed in Washington, D.C., and I saw my first big league baseball game, featuring the Washington Senators. I began a life-long attachment to the Senators. You may recall that the Senators were not a very good team (sportswriters would refer to “Washington, first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.”). Ultimately, the Senators went elsewhere (twice) and I was left with only memories. Then, after thirty-plus years came a new baseball franchise to Washington, the Nationals. It was fun having a big league team to watch, but, alas, the new team was even worse than the old Senators, losing over 100 games in 2009 and 2010. However, perseverance, and shrewd drafting and trading have resulted in a spectacular season for the Nationals. They are presently (mid-August) leading all of Major League Baseball, and well on their way to at least a playoff spot. By the time you read this, their fate will have been determined for the year, but it’s finally fun to watch a winning team! 1955 continues to stand tall! The latest Alumni Association giving totals (as of 6-30-12) are out: the class of 1955 stands first among the decade of the 1950s in total dollar giving, and trails only slightly the classes of the early-mid 1960s. We had a jump in participation, from 56.67 percent in FY 2011 to 68.13 percent in FY 2012 (the Alumni Association fiscal year ended on June 30, 2012). Nice going, guys and gals! In the same vein, ’55 participated in the Keydet Club’s Class Challenge fund drive, finishing ninth with 29 Brother Rats donating, and the class again contributed $400 to the MOAA Wounded Warrior Golf 2012-Issue 4

Tournament, held in Lexington in early August. More about that next time. Another great event – Liz Barker has checked in (I had lost contact for a while) with the information that she is ensconced in Summit Square, a retirement community in Waynesboro, VA. Liz writes “I’m loving it here and feel like a queen. I’m as lazy or as busy as I want to be. We’ve had several couples move in recently, and they seem to love it, as well.” You can contact Liz through the Summit, at 540-941-3100. Pete Haake sent in the following: “As I write this the summer is a hot and dry one. We have however had some rain and the corn is going to survive in upper New York State. Corn is a big crop here and most goes for ethanol (for cars). The St. Lawrence River is lower than I have ever seen it in July and by year end I am sure that it will be dry in many Marinas; however, it is still fishable and swimmable. The big problem is keeping the depth at Montreal so the freighters from worldwide can get through to the mid-west and Chicago and return with mid-western goods. The golf season is really the best in years and the play continues daily. I don’t think I have seen rain on the course any of the days I’ve played and that is usually three times a week. Often in years past we would lose at least a day a week. I enjoy the e-mails from Read and from Bill Wainwright, Joe Brenner and Dave Woolwine and all who send an occasional one. E-mail is such a great way to keep in touch. I can’t remember how hard it was before, what with pen paper, envelope, stamp and a trip to the post office. Have a great summer and fall. Pete.” Dick Martin writes from the Westlake area of Austin, TX. He and Ring Figure date Mary have taken on the many challenges of native Texas gardening, including prolonged draught, blazing summer temperatures, mid-winter freezes and rock-like clay soil, to name a few. Dick says, “It makes one appreciate what the early pioneers accomplished.” The Martins’ other activities include hiking with their chocolate Labrador in the green space surrounding Austin and swimming in their pool that was built with native Texas limestone. Dick concluded his message to me, noting that he had recently met, by chance, Cadet Joey Bishop ’14, who is

looking forward to his second class year and a commission in the Marine Corps. More from Texas – Leon Cock, “aspiring meteorologist,” provided a summer weather forecast – “from late July until Labor Day: clear, highs of 100, lows of 80, isolated thunderstorms, relative humidity of 40 percent and barometer steady, winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.” Are you going into the business, Leon? A long note from Gail and Frank Newman: “Thanks for keeping in touch over the years. Here is what happened to me after our Rat year. I transferred to the University of Florida, became a Gator and got involved in student activities, including Battalion Commander of the ROTC unit. Actually, I was sworn into the Army at VMI during ’55’s graduation. I had orders to Korea, but I was already in law school so was deferred. I stayed in the Reserve for a while after my active duty. When things got hot in Vietnam in 1967 I quit the practice of law and joined the Infantry. My MOS was ‘Captain, Special Forces’ so I went to Fort Bragg and then to RVN. The adjutant at Special Forces Headquarters told me that if I’d take HQ Company for a couple of months I could have any job I wanted (except his). So, I selected Long Vei, the northern-most Special Forces ATeam in RVN. However, during Tet, Long Vei was overrun by Russian tanks during the siege of Khe Sanh, so I took the next northernmost camp, Thuong Duc, north of DaNang. Things were pretty hot. I was one of the few that walked out. During the siege of our camp by the NVA a mortar round knocked me down but killed the Vietnamese Special Forces officer standing next to me. Lt. Qui had been the hero of Long Vei, being credited with saving Frank Willoughby and 11 others from the camp when it was overrun. Eventually, I was promoted out of my captain’s job at Thuong Duc and became the Ops Officer of the B Team in DaNang. After returning, I became a lawyer again and practiced law in Miami until 2001 when I was hit with colon cancer. I had the operation, took chemo for a year and have been clear since. We moved to Tennessee in 2002 where I am still practicing law and loving it here in Elizabethton (near Johnson City). My wife of 40 years and I have seven children between us and are blessed with plenty 49

CLASS NOTES of grandchildren. One of my grandsons, Schafer Newman, graduated from the Naval Academy in May.” Thank you, Frank, for that interesting update. Marty Fisher reports that it has been six months since his proton treatments have ended. He’s had two PSA tests since then, and both read 0.8 – down from 9.1. Marty says “Needless to say, I’m a proponent for proton treatments for cancer. I see Bill Wainwright frequently and drink senior coffee at McDonalds with Jack Owen on occasion. We’re all slowing down but still busy.” Aren’t we all Marty? But that beats the alternative every time! Continuing on the medical front, Dusty Rhodes will have hip-replacement surgery on his right hip on October 17th. His hip has degenerated to the point of bone-on-bone contact. Ouch! A nice note from Nanalou Sauder: “In the ‘small world’ department – Several years ago, I met a really nice woman, Catherine Harcus, at church. She had recently moved to town with her physician husband. When I moved to Kendal, I learned that my next door neighbor, Sis Harcus, was her mother-in-law, and I have seen Catherine off and on here, as well as at church. One Sunday afternoon, they were all on Sis’s patio, and I stopped to chat. Someone asked a question – like how long I had lived in Lexington or something. I responded, ‘Ever since William graduated from VMI and we got married – 1955.’ Catherine looked at me and said, “My dad was in the class of ’55.” Turns out she is Sam Hill’s daughter! So it really is a small world.” Not so good news from Boots Price: “Just wanted to let you know that yesterday morning (in August) Larry had surgery on his lower back. He had been going to a chiropractor but that was not taking care of the problem. The pain was increasing. He went to the neurosurgeon last week and was able to get surgery scheduled for yesterday. He had a cyst on his spine which was putting increasing pressure on mainly his sciatic nerve. The surgery was to remove the cyst. He went to the hospital early yesterday morning and returned home around 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon.” Keep us posted on your progress, Larry. Dave and Barbara Woolwine have been traveling and sent the following report: “We visited our granddaughter at LSU 50

in Baton Rouge during the second week in July. We also were able to have a very enjoyable visit with Russ Kleinpeter while there. We shared some war stories and some fond BR memories (some BRs ears were probably burning). Russ lives on a huge quarter-horse farm about 30-45 miles north-west of Baton Rouge, in St. Francisville, LA. Russ doesn’t actively farm anymore but is in good health and spirit. We discussed our forthcoming 60th Reunion in 2015 and both are looking forward to being there (or being anywhere, for that matter). Dave sends his best to all you BRs! Knute Lawson sent in a generous check to the Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund, along with the following note: “I live in the Air Force Village II in San Antonio. It’s a nice place for the ‘retired airman.’ Rather expensive, but not too bad when you consider that the monthly fee includes quarters and medical provisions. The ages here are from 65 to 93.” Thanks, Knute, for the update and the check. Tom Williamson, after watching the Atlanta Braves whip the Washington Nationals in the first two games of a four-game series in mid-July, was on the verge of sending me a “gotcha” note. But then the Nats won the last two games of the series (hah). Tom noted that he has followed the Braves for many years and watches most of the televised games. Tom acknowledged that the Nationals have gotten very good very quickly. Tom played golf with Ray Collins in July; they get together a couple of times a year. Ray is well, and they had a good time, but Tom had to report that Ray beat him soundly! Jud Leech filled me in: “Mary and I still live in New Mexico. This was to be only one more station while in the Air Force. When personnel said they were sending me to the Pentagon, I had 21 years in the service and decided to retire. I had two jobs after that and did not actually retire until 1998. New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, but it is really the Land of Entrapment. Nevertheless, we love it here. I never thought that I would live anywhere other than Lexington, but here we are. However, we would appreciate any rain anyone could send. We are doing OK, but we both suffer from chronic age, which makes it difficult to travel with

ease. If the airlines and airports were as they were in the 70s, it may be easier. Our son graduated from VMI in 1980, and after a brief stint in the Marine Corps, has been working overseas for a Japanese construction company. His assignments include Nigeria, Indonesia, Nepal, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Oman and finally Abu Dhabi. He has one daughter who is entering Bryn Mawr this fall. His other daughter will be a freshman in high school in Abu Dhabi. Our daughter has a daughter who just finished her freshman year at New Mexico State University. All three do very well in school. Our daughter lives in Malibu but says she is moving back to Albuquerque early in 2013. I guess she thinks the old folks need someone to keep an eye on us.” Jud concluded with an invitation to anyone traveling his way, “Please look us up! The last person to stop by was Dick Trumbo ’54.” From Carroll Thackston: “I have entered into another four-year term as mayor of South Boston, VA, and this will definitely be my last term. There are many projects that have not been completed, and I wanted to stay to see them fulfilled. Also, I have considered moving my birthday back six to seven years but too many people know my real age.” Chuck Ritchey writes: “I am still working here in Dallas in the Region 6 office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to my other duties, the big thing that I am working on right now is a Quality Assurance Conference to be held here in October.” Leon Cock sent the following note: “Zella and I just returned from a few days in southern California, where we had lived for decades. It sure was fun to reminisce for a while. However, gasoline was a dollar higher than Texas, they have state income taxes and Stockton, Mammoth Lakes and San Bernardino are bankrupt. Roads are in disrepair and the economy is in shambles. However, 69 degrees Fahrenheit along interstate five in early August at high noon was nice!” And, finally, this missive from Don Kulp: “A few words about our seven grandchildren. No. 1 is licensed athletic trainer. The other six play soccer. Whenever they get a ‘ding,’ they call their cousin. She tells them the same thing … VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ‘Put ice on it!’ No. 2 is a senior at Illinois Tech on soccer scholarship and studies architecture. No. 3 is on soccer scholarship at Valdosta State University in Georgia preparing for law school. No. 4 is headed to Miami U. (Ohio) to prep to become a veterinarian. No. 5 is a high school senior and was named ‘All State’ in soccer in Georgia. No. 6 is a junior in high school was the leading scorer for his soccer club team and plays on the high school varsity with his brother. Both are also kickers for the football team. No. 7 is a sophomore and will play varsity soccer. She is also a gold medal winner in ballet competitions. All seven are National Honor Society members and all have jobs! When asked to explain their abilities, we say ‘it’s simple … it just skips a generation!’ Harryette and I just returned from a trip to Dakota Territory. We visited the usual sites as well as Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. We drove 3,579 miles. We hope to go to France next year to visit with No. 2 grandchild who will be studying in Paris. Hope you and Lois are doing well. We are, so far! Take care and God bless.” That’s all for now. Keep those e-mails and cards and letters coming!

’56

Richard M. Smith

Ken McDonald writes that he was in touch with a former BR John L. “Jack” Davis who was only there one year before transferring to West Point. Jack later became a Presbyterian minister and lives in Tennessee. They were attending a funeral of a former neighbor, Dr. Sale. At his request I will include Jack in my list of former BRs so he can receive class notes. A late obituary was received from Donna Pointer, John Pointer’s widow. I want to include this in these notes so everyone will know how accomplished he was. I sent a check in his memory his requested charity. Fred and Mary Jo Farthing spent a most enjoyable morning with Bill and Else Tolley on the Fourth of July. They had breakfast at the Chamberlin Hotel and watched the Parade of Tall Ships from their window. Bill was in good spirits and happy talking with them. Since he tires easily he had to take a nap but lots of us do that now days! Fred was in Wytheville for his 60th high school reunion and enjoyed seeing Edmond Pendleton and Gaylord Williams. He and Mary Jo will be working with the Lions Club when the LPGA golf tournament returns to Williamsburg this year. He hopes to get a number of Chits allowing them to play later at minimal cost. He talked recently with Ken McDonald who told him of the narrow miss of one block away from their home the recent damaging storm came to them.

Ken and Sandra were in Kansas for her father’s 100th birthday, although she was still recovering from recent surgery. I talked with Spider Allison wishing him a happy Fourth of July. He and Ann had been with several hundred retired military couples in golf carts at the main entrance gate singing patriotic songs for passersby. This is a tradition at their community. Ann is still managing to keep things on a calm and constructive course with the Board of Directors. I had a great conversation with George Brower who still resides in Isle of Palms, SC, just outside Charleston. George retired from the Marine Corps some years ago and has been working part-time as a security guard. He is still into golf, but not playing very often these days. He gave me a detailed lesson on putting over the phone and I plan to put his suggestions to work this week. Since he doesn’t live too far away I gave him the information on Fritz Firing’s death back in April. He was at a VMI/Charleston Southern football game last year and the two met

Class of 1956: Photo at left: Having lunch with Bill and Else Tolley, center, were Jane Roach, Motsy Foster, Betsy Gottwald and Betty Mann. Photo above: Bill and Else Tolley.

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CLASS NOTES for first time in many years. Fritz also retired from Marine Corps. A call from Bob Morris, let me know he planned to be back in Virginia later this year presiding over his church on Northern Neck. He was confused over the date of the mini reunion, but after it was cleared up he said he and Jackie will plan to attend. Our most decorated “senior athlete” Bob Brickner called to express his thanks for including the write-up on last year’s exploits in the Chicago senior events. He is already practicing for the upcoming events for this year. His recall of our matriculation at VMI coming up in September for our 60th anniversary is worthy of notice. I will try to send out a little information as a reminder to the class. Marshall Mundy sent me a nice note after we talked earlier. He included several articles regarding successful occupations for his two daughters. The oldest, Liza was interviewed on TV and featured on front of Time magazine for her new book The Richer Sex. The younger daughter Natalie is with the Peace Corps specializing in international development in Madagascar. She has pioneered a globe-spanning business for a mountainous village in prized, hand-woven silk scarves. After getting their products into the Santa Fe, NM, International Folk Art Market, a filmmaker did a documentary in Sandrandahy. They are called the “Silkies of Madagascar.” In 2012 year end tally ’56 alumni had 50 percent supporting the Institute. That is the best we have done in a while and I compliment you. However, we should do better as we are still on the bottom of the totem pole for all classes in the 1950’s. Thanks to the generosity of Sonny Schoen’s estate gift, we had a 90 percent gain from last year. For those who did not see the superintendent’s letter update there will be approximately 1700 cadets this fall with the Rat class around 500. The renovation of the Post hospital will be complete when the Corps returns this fall. By the time you read this we will have had our fall mini reunion, and I hope to see many of you in Lexington. Yours in the Spirit, Dick 52

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

During the last two weeks, I have been glued to the television watching the 30th Olympiad in London. I don’t know which I enjoyed more, the beautiful historic London scenes, or the many marvelous events. We can certainly take pride in our athletes amassing so many medals. Lets’s hear it for the USA! A little national pride is a good thing. Since returning from our 55th Reunion, I have been sending birthday cards to Brother Rats and widows – a total of 63. Also, I have mailed a copy of the 55th Reunion Booklet to those Brother Rats and widows who did not attend our reunion – a total of 163 mailed or handed out. All 40 widows have received a copy. Because our car was fully packed, Martin Andersen volunteered to take a box of booklets back to Valrico, FL, on the West Coast. I will need these booklets so every Brother Rat has his copy. Three days ago, we received the VMI Alumni Review 2012 – Issue 3. With my class notes is a photo of Bill Huffcut and me on top of the sentinel box, leading the “Old Yell.” As I came down the ladder, Charlie Jeckell told me that I looked anxious. I wasn’t anxious, I was terrified! The giving summary for Annual Giving as of June 30, 2012, arrived Aug. 13th. The class of 1957 had 104 donors, 94 Brother Rats and 10 widows. Only the classes of 1944 and 1951 had more widows with 13. We came in third out of 86 classes. Not too shabby! Let’s hear it for our ladies! The average donor participation for FY 12 was 33.27 percent. Our class exceeded that with 63.95 percent. Way to go! Of the 86 classes, we came in ninth. Our total giving for FY 12 was $268,373 which ranked 10th, a most respectable figure. Since our reunion, we have heard from many Brother and Sister Rats. Martin Andersen clocked his trip to and from Lexington, using his GPS data. The trip up took 12 hours and 38 minutes which is “flying low.” His next note told us that he will spend a week in Aruba. We will see Martin soon to pick up the last box of reunion booklets.

Joan Atkeson thanked us for sending her the 55th Reunion Booklet. Her antique shop is going well in Monterey, VA. Items she thought would sit and grow mold have gone out of the door quickly. Now her greatest concern is that the building is up for sale, and she may be forced out. We wish her luck. Nancy Bain in Amherst, VA, thanked us for sending her the reunion booklet and wonders if there ever has been a class as great as 1957. For turning out reunion booklets, we may be the best. We asked Nancy if she ever heard the story of Saint Jude and the lost car keys. Someday we will tell her since only Dawn and I know the story, unless Wally McKeel told Diantha, as the lost keys were his. We received a newsy letter from Martha Batten in Simpsonville, SC. They missed the reunion as they had last minute house guests from overseas. Martha will have knee replacement and then she and her sister will go to England. She will leave Bill at home, caring for their five dogs. Archie Burnham reports that his McDonough, GA, address is his office. Several years ago, Pat and he moved to their new home in the western mountains of Franklin, NC. Archie retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation as chief traffic safety engineer. Don and Judy Coombs from Kerrville, TX, claim that the eight of them, the four roomies and four wives, had a great time at the reunion. Afterwards, they went to New York and froze. The reunion was super, and Don wrote George Sydnor expressing his appreciation. He and Judy are looking forward to the 60th! Charlie Jeckell has moved to Alcoa, TN, and enjoyed the reunion booklet for reading, used the booklet to contact some of our BRs, visited John Quillen in Crossville, TN, and gave John his reunion booklet. “Therefore, I ask that you send me another booklet, if you have any left.” Since Charlie made such good use of his first booklet, I am delighted to send him another copy. J.J. Kirchmier in Portsmouth, VA, will not return to Florida any more. His health is not good. He will remain in Tidewater, and thanks us for the reunion booklet. John Kling in Myrtle Beach, SC, enjoyed his booklet, and read it with pride from cover to cover. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES We heard from Lucy McCormack four times. She even sent Dawn a set of coatee buttons to sew on a blazer for me. Being a cat lover, she sent four pictures of cats as proof. She also greatly enjoyed her copy of the reunion booklet. Curly Mason sent us a program of Buzzy Snyder’s memorial service at Osborne Boat Landing in Richmond on May 5, 2012. Harry Warner participated. Besides Curly and Darrel Mason, Van Sessoms also attended. T.K. Massey wrote from Houston, TX, with information on BRs who held rank 1957-58. Ron McManus commanded Band Company, T.K. Massey commanded A Company, Walt Kidwell commanded C Company, Bob Burns was S-1 Second Battalion and Fred Newcomb was S-3, Second Battalion. Mac and Rose Marie McCrary sent a generous check to cover the mailing cost of their reunion booklet and many others. We have four Brother Rats living in Nevada, counting Wiley Clapp in Minden; Harry Huneycutt in Verdi; Mac McCrary in Henderson; and Dick Moore in Incline Village. In northern Virginia – Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax we have none. Go figure!

Debbie Michelsen in Verona, NJ, wrote twice. She and John had a wonderful time five years ago at the 50th Reunion, and they loved visiting the Institute on their trips south. Patti Hammond and Nancy Lincoln wrote Debbie and encouraged her to attend the 55th. She was greatly touched. “What a great class you all have!” Bill Moore in Smithfield, VA, sent some pictures taken in April at our 55th Reunion. In old courtyard, Florine took the pictures by evading the guard team and climbed to the second stoop. There she took the pictures of the sentinel box, using her left hand with the camera held upside down as she had recent surgery on her right shoulder. The ladies in our class are truly amazing. Randy Pendleton thought Dawn did a great job on the reunion booklet. He was sorry he didn’t make the 55th but promises to show up for the 60th. Pete and Irene Riddle are back in New Jersey after a wonderful winter in Naples, FL. They go back September-October and January-April. They sent a check to make a contribution towards the reunion booklet. Pat Saunders from Petersburg, VA, had been on vacation and returned home to find the reunion booklet and our note. We hope

Pat continues to keep in touch with the class. She taught us to put ice cubes in the water dish of Ms. Mosby, our 19-yr-old cat. Betsy and Charlie Smith in Bassett, VA, were sorry to miss the reunion. They were busy doing furniture restoration up and down the East Coast. They also keep busy visiting grandchildren in Baltimore and Raleigh. Ruth Helene Smith, Ron Kaye’s caregiver keeps in touch with Ron’s two sons who consider her a second mom. We sent her a reunion booklet and include her on the birthday and Christmas card list. She is the only Navy Commander, Nursing Corps, (Ret), we have in our class. Joe Spivey sent the artillery photo from Fort Sill which appeared in the Alumni Review 2012 Issue 3. He and Ann are working up a more relaxing reunion schedule with ample time to visit with all our Brother Rats. Doug Talbot had attended all 10 of the reunions but missed our last one because family and grandkids came first. Doug also plays golf two to three times a week and claims his golf game is coming back. Beth Wharton in Earlysville, VA, will have two grandsons at VMI with the second one entering the Rat class next week. The next time she gets to VMI she will look for Bill’s brick. Larry Wise did not attend the 55th because Barbara was caring for a daughter who fell from a horse and broke several bones. They also plan for a trip to Alaska in July.

Wes Roberts

’58 Class of 1958: Maurice Menefee, representing the Richmond Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Hearts, presented to Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, the Purple Heart Distinguished Leadership Award for his exemplary military service and his leadership in sustaining an exceptional education environment for the next generation of military leaders. From left: Mark Atkinson, commander; Peay; Menefee, senior vice commander; and Jim Cuthbertson, adjutant.

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Hello, BRs! I wish to begin these notes with a touch of admonishment as well as an example of a response to class notes. BR Lenny Rubin not only sent class notes, but sent them neatly written, as would have been accepted by those of us who were English majors. I have to add that, to my recollection, these were the first notes ever from Lenny since I have been your 53

CLASS NOTES class agent. I set this forth as a challenge and an example to those of you who usually leave my mail bag empty. Way to go, Lenny! In short, Lenny reports that he and Melanie still live in the house they bought in 1966. To quote Lenny, “Ooopps, called Art Carnevale a few weeks back because we were checking out The Villages in Florida and saw his picture taken there.”(Boy, a great investment for resale profit … and taxes!) Lenny says that their three children have all married and now have their own kids. “They periodically come back as life presents its peaks and valleys.” When their RV is out of the shop, the Rubins travel “far and wide and get to see the real USA. We hope our health allows us to do it for many more years.” Lenny’s contact with “The I” is helping with recruitments on Long Island. “When possible, I attend VMI get-togethers in NYC.” He saw Stirling Williamson in Virginia a few months back. He reports that Stirling looks great. Lenny found it especially nice to see “our president.” He also talks with Frank Boeggemann once in a while. Speaking of “the Boeggie,” I have a current letter from him, also hand written, wherein he spoke of the VMI Alumni College “Civil War Series” of seminars attended by Frank and Earl Talley in the early 2000s. Frank enclosed a photograph of himself, Earl Talley, Jim Beamer and your scribe. Please note that Beamer and I were not attendees of the seminars but met Frank and Earl for dinner, accompanied by our wives, Ruth and Annemarie. The attendees were complimentary of the series and were sorry when they came to a close. Boeggie said that he and Elaine are joining the Sykes and the Menefees at George and Harriet Shrieves’ beautiful home on the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, “for a few days of fishing, story-telling (and libations) and staying awake all night. George has apparently recovered from his mini-stroke several months ago and is up to having company.” Boeggie ends with, “Rah Virginia Mil! Rah! Rah! Rah!” “Joe Max” Parker’s correspondence is the next item on my list. Joe said he “would really enjoy an update of all surviving Brother Rats.” Boy! Is that all? Joe, I have been asking the BRs for the same thing for 14+ years now. I guess you’re just going to have to glean what you can from the quarterly submission of class notes. Joe proffered 54

some doctorly advice about keeping fit in our senior years – things like engaging in regular mental and physical activity and having relationships with our grandchildren – good suggestions all, if we can follow them. He has the benefits of hearing aids and prosthetic lenses to augment his advancement into the “golden years.” The following was submitted by Sandy Yon. Sandy is a traveling girl! She reports that she visited Dubai and the UAE in November, which she evaluated as “over the top.” She also spent some time in Oman and Qatar. In January, she went to Namibia and the Skeleton Coast. The itch to travel has Sandy visiting Great Britain and Ireland this summer, followed by a coastal Norway cruise out of Bergen to Russia and back. Sandy closed with the phrase, “In the Spirit,” questioning whether she can say that. Of course you can, Sandy. God bless you in your travels. Bob Spurrier is next on the agenda. He reports that he recently had two total knee replacements, one in May and the other in June. He was up and walking without devices within 10 days. “My girlfriend, Tim, and I are leaving for Idaho on a 10-day visit to see friends. We are planning another trip to Wisconsin (up in the north woods) to see the fall colors in late September.” The following was sent by Cynthia Cox, long time companion of our late BR Paul

Johnson. Through Paul, Cynthia came to know our BR Jim Poteet and wife Peggy and thought this information would be of interest. We all know Jim Poteet to be a connoisseur of the arts and in all ways to be cultured and refined. That having been said, the following is of no surprise. The article, from the Walton Sun, deals with a party thrown by Jim and Peggy at The Studio Gallery at the Shops of Grayton (FL) unveiling the newest of Jim’s hand-painted chairs. The party is a “harkening back” to the days when Jim and Peggy opened this shop in 1998. To quote the article, “For the years they owned and operated the eclectic little shop, the Poteets often would use any excuse to bring friends together for a good time.” After retiring from his medical practice (Family Physician), Jim decided he wanted to use his hands to create something “eye-pleasing and fun” … hence, “funky chairs and beachy furniture.” The chairs have a Caribbean flavor and actually received the People’s Choice Award in the Grayton Fine Arts Festival and an earned an article in Southern Living. What would Old Doc Carroll say about all of this? “Well, I’ll be d----d! Where’s that d--n cuspidor, anyway … ptooey!” BR Gene Grayson noted that Jack Boze had stopped by on his way to Wytheville, VA, for his granddaughter’s graduation. Their meeting brought up all kinds of funny,

Class of 1958: Wes Roberts, Jim Beamer, Frank Boeggeman and Earl Talley on June 29, 2000, during a mini reunion. Boeggeman wrote of the photo, “Do we look 12 years older now? Not us!”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES goings-on at the Institute when we were Rats. Gene related that Jack was one of his closest friends at VMI, and he had his first airplane ride with Jack at “the I” … illegal, since Jack was not certified to take passengers. Said Gene, “Seeing a Brother Rat after so many years makes one realize what VMI is all about.” Roy Palmer checked in and noted our having mentioned Jack Boze taking Gene Grayson on an airplane ride from a “dirt field’ in Lexington (AR 2011-Issue 2 Roy related, “That airplane was a 1946 Aeronca, and that ‘dirt field’ was actually the Lexington Airport grass runway. Our Rat year, several of us chipped in $25.00 each and bought that airplane. That was my introduction to flying. An upperclassman had his instructor’s license and taught us how to fly.” Roy noted that he, on occasion, plays golf with BR Dave Pitkethly. Dave has a summer cabin at a small lake near Seattle and has large groups in for barbecue a couple of times a year. This coming weekend (August 2012), Roy is putting on an aerobatic show for them in his biplane during the party. He noted that he is still doing flight tests in his spare time and, this fall, he has a job in Japan, followed by a job in Austria. Safe flying, Roy! Gene Martin reports from “On the Road.” He is currently in Colorado for the summer. Truth be known, the gasoline prices have become so costly, that Gene and Peggy can’t afford to drive that behemoth of a camper home and they are staying in Colorado. They began their trip attending the Change of Command ceremony in which his son, Michael, assumed command of a new, Special Operations Command at Pope AFB in June. The Martins really will try to head home in September. Hope you make it, BR. Colorado gets mighty cold! From the fire-ravaged southwest, BR Guy Hence checked in and offered the following: “June and I survived the fires out here in New Mexico. We were blessed, as it came within 20 yards of our house. It’s a mess out here, with all the forests burned.” Guy said that because of environmental issues, the fire was not contained early enough, and the State of New Mexico is considering a possible law suit vs. the U.S. Forest Service. Meanwhile, home and business values have plummeted. We’re just glad to hear that the Hences are OK. BR Tom Nance wrote in that he and Ru 2012-Issue 4

haven’t done as much traveling this year. Tom speaks of their considering a trip to Vietnam. He says that Ru isn’t too interested in this; however, Tom said he would like to see the sights after 40+ years have passed. We’ll see. Ted Henry spoke of his just having started reading Glover Johns ’931 book, The Clay Pigeons of St. Lo. Ted graded the book as “pretty good,” saying he can picture Col. Johns as “the major;” but he felt that after talking with him socially, while Ted was on the faculty after our graduation, his attitude about him changed considerably for the better. Ted recommends the book. Our BR Bill Kump sets forth the following rendition of his recollection of an unusual encounter. Here it is, in Bill’s words: “Spring 1956, third class year, parade time. I came up the stairs at the Sally-port to my room in Old Barracks at the junction, which had a great view of the parade ground. I could see into the room at an angle toward the clothes rack. There stood Gary A. Harris in his ducks with dress blouse open. He just stood there. He would normally have wrecked the room by now. Then I saw Warren S. Wines beside him with blouse off. He would by now have helped Gary wreck the room. I was somewhat stunned. I ‘hit the door’ and saw two men standing over at the window. One was Superintendent Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Milton ’920, with two stars. With him was a slightly taller man in a grey suit. I hesitated for a moment, and the man in recall. The man in the suit was in charge. It was immediately obvious the man was an extremely courteous and sensitive man. He talked to me, as I had room rank. I had no idea who that man was, but his presence has remained with me to this day. A week or two later, I found out he was George C. Marshall ’901, which did not greatly impress me; just another VMI graduate. Over time I have become increasingly, immeasurably, favorably impressed by the presence of the man, the man who was in charge of Eisenhower, MacArthur and every other man in WWII. It has become a deep honor to have known him.” Charlie Hayes reported that the New Market Day golf tournament organized by Jerry Paull was successfully attended by the following players: Jerry Paull, “Moon” Menefee, Bill Walker and his son, Bill Walker ’89, Joe Gray, Bill Dunn, Brooke Doggett and Charlie. It sounds to have been

like a bit of an attempt at a reenactment. The group was joined for supper by Jack Cunningham. I’ll close this now empty mail bag with my last submission from Lee McCown. Lee writes that he and Laura just got back from a great 10 days in Stockholm visiting and sight-seeing with his cousin, Larry and his very lovely Swedish wife. They live in Arlington for most of the year but spend a couple of months each summer in their apartment just north of Stockholm. Theirs is a great city with comfortable temps – in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s (in the summertime, Lee!). We walked a lot, but they have an excellent transportation system when you poop out. Guard mount at the palace was a trip, with the new guard and the band all arriving on horseback. Can’t wait to tell Paul (Royer) about the guys (and gals) playing their trumpets with one hand on the reins and the other on the horn! Just as a reminder, the reunion dates are April 22-23, 2013, headquartered at Hampton Inn Col Alto in Lexington. Don’t forget to make your reservations. Looking forward to seeing you ALL. That’s it, guys and gals. The mail bag is officially empty. I have writer’s cramp and the ink well is dry, so I’m shutting down this operation until next time. Keep those cards, letters, pictures and e-mails coming! In the Spirit, God’s blessings, Wes

’59

Shep Shepard

This quarter we had a few VMI stalwarts who need your prayers; Jim True, Mary Lew Edmunds and Ann Shepard. Jim had cardiac surgery and although the primary surgery went well Jim had problems with post op; including kidney problems and AFib. He was released from the hospital but soon returned with congestive heart failure. After some pretty anxious moments Sarah reports that Jim is on the mend but needs to regain his strength. Mary Lew was in the hospital with severe stomach pain that they couldn’t find the source. This was in addition to her blood transfusions that she gets every few weeks 55

CLASS NOTES for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and platelets every so often for ITP. Mary Lew is still recovering from successful radiation earlier this year for lung cancer. Jim reports that she is doing better and improving each day. Ann went through a few anxious and painful weeks due to some post op problems. Ann has had AFib for years and had heart ablation surgery to correct it. The operation went well but due to excessive seepage from the catheterization wound she had pooling of blood in her legs which resulted in a great deal of pain. She was in the hospital for two weeks but all is well now and she continues to be bright eyed and bushy tailed. Jim, Mary Lew and Ann thank BRs and their families for their thoughtfulness, as well as their many prayers, cards, letters and calls. They are appreciated more than you will ever know and it truly made a difference. Thanks to all. When John and Vel Engels heard about Jim’s heart problems they were amazed. John recollects that Jim’s heart was always the strongest part of his DNA. He couldn’t remember a task or a challenge that Jim faced without giving his heart and soul to the effort. As his VMI roommate and teammate John learned very quickly that you wanted Jim on your side when the go-

ing got tough. John encouraged the True family to have faith in Jim’s mental toughness and drive to win every tough situation he has ever confronted. John and Vel will be cheering Jim on and praying for a fast recovery. I received a nice e-mail from Dick Irons. Dick and Judith have recently moved back to Palm Beach County, FL, so they can be close to Judith’s two daughters. Judith is suffering from Ataxia and has balance problems but a walker helps as does a loving arm from Dick. Dick is still playing a lot of golf and as I recall from the last time I played with him some 10 years ago, for a “squat butt” from C Company, he gets behind a golf ball. Dick is doing fine but seems to think everyone in the class keeps looking older each year. Bob and Lois Hobson welcomed their 10th great-grandchild and first Hobson boy; the legacy continues. Quinn was born to grandson, Todd, and wife Chelsea. Whereas they had 15 grandsons and six granddaughters, the new generation is evening things out. Of the 10 greats, seven are girls. Lois recently celebrated her 75th birthday and thanks to many BRs who sent endearing notes of her past indiscretions; she was thrilled with the results. The highlight was opening over a hundred

notes from friends and family. Lois and Bob laughed and cried as they recalled events long forgotten. Without a doubt the best were from BRs and/or wives dealing with trips from VMI to D.C. Their kids were intrigued with the note from Jim and Mary Lew Edmunds. Jim and Mary Lew thought there was some sinister sinful thing going on until Bob and Lois told them that the day they got married they went to the Ice Capades together. Mary Lew swore there was something different and she was right; it was the start of 54 years, so far, of joy for Bob and Lois. Despite recent storms and the heat wave in Virginia Ivan and Oksana Galysh are surviving and recently welcomed their seventh grandchild, a boy. Last fall Ivan and Oksana made a road trip across Canada to Jasper and Banff National Parks where they enjoyed the fantastic scenery on the Edith Cavell Glacier. They visited Glacier National Park in Montana, as well as Idaho, Nevada and California where they visited their youngest son, Adrian, and his wife in Los Angeles. Robert and Priscilla Martin recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Robert can’t believe that Priscilla has stuck with him through nine civilian church pastorates, 13 years active duty

Class of 1959 Photo below: Jim Edmunds’ brother, Leigh ’68, recently moved and found this pennant in a box that his mother had saved. It brough back good memories for Jim and Mary Lew. Photo at right: Ivan and Oksana Galysh on a road trip across Canada, while they were visiting Jasper National Park and the Edith Cavell Glacier.

Photos on opposit page: Pg. 57 bottom, left: The Cotton family got together for a family reunion in New Jersey. Pg. 57 bottom, right: After over 60 years of playing golf, Shep Shepard finally got his first hole in one. Pg. 57 top, right: According to Class Agent Shepard, Tex Carr is taking his retirement seriously.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as an Army chaplain, two denominations (Presbyterian and Episcopalian), five theological seminaries, countless church dinners and thousands of sermon preps. Priscilla deserves a medal, Robert; or at least a night out on the town. Congratulations are in order for Peggy Smith Colville who recently remarried. She married Al and is sure Kenneth would approve. Peggy, we are all anxious to meet Al and welcome him to the Stonewall Class. Look forward to meeting him at our 55th Reunion. Jim and Mary Lew Edmunds canceled a vacation to Santa Barbara because of Mary Lew’s medical problems but they hope that a new medication will fill the bill and they will be able to try it again next month. Unfortunately, three previous tries on meds did not work. Thank goodness Jim is in good health and is able to care for Mary Lew. We pray Mary Lew has a speedy recovery. Jim’s brother Leigh ’68 recently found a VMI pennant in a box that he got from his mother after she passed away. Amazing what mothers save. The pennant brought back a flood of very good memories for Jim and Mary Lew. Jack and Joy Angolia seem to be slowing down these days, not that the Globetrotter Award is in jeopardy, but they have not done anything really exciting this year. They will visit the Institute in August to attend Jack’s oldest granddaughter’s wedding. Despite the fact that she is a VPI graduate, she wants to get married at VMI; go figure. Afterwards Jack and Joy will take a three-week vacation in New

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England in search of lobster rolls and clam chowder. Jack’s history of the WWII U.S. Airborne Forces has grown to three volumes, each about 500 pages with the first volume estimated to be out soon. Each subsequent volume will follow in four months of the other. Jack just keeps rolling along. Tex Carr actually did retire from Auburn University after 23 years teaching in the College of Business. Appropriately, Tex retired on New Market Day. He had spent the previous five years on the faculty at UGA, after having retired from General Dynamics. Now he is trying to “farm” on 1/100 acre in rocky soil at Lake Martin, AL. Lee Southard was in Camp Lejeune, NC, visiting family when I last heard from him as he roamed the country checking in with all the members of his family. He was on his way back to Sanibel, FL, after a two-month absence. He visited Indiana to see his grandson, Chase, play in the Indiana Basketball Academy. From there he went to a remote location in Canada for a six-day fishing trip with some colleagues from Lilly. Lee didn’t have any fish stories but he says they averaged 50 to 75 Walleye and/or Northern Pike each per day which means they caught and released over 2000 fish. That, I believe is a fish story, Lee. He certifies that the story is correct. From Canada he rounded up four of his grandchildren and took them on an historic tour of the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, outside Dayton, OH; the Gettysburg battle field, Valley Forge, Independence

Hall and the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Vietnam Memorial in D.C., and finally to Nautica in Norfolk, VA. Lee feels he has to teach the grandchildren their heritage because they do not seem to get it in school. They learned a lot and had a great time. Lee and Marilyn used to do a trip like this every two years and this year the grandchildren requested a trip with Lee. This was followed by a family reunion on

CLASS NOTES the Outer Banks, the last they will have there since Lee sold the house on Corolla last year. Bill and Connie Nebraska are off to Germany for a riverboat cruise from Hamburg to Prague. There they will continue on to Krakow and Warsaw. Bill plans to go on two fishing trips this fall; Canada for salmon and Ohio for steelhead trout. This fall the Kaskos and Nebraskas plan to vacation together in Alabama or Georgia. Both Connie and Bill are doing well; which is the main reason they are getting in as much travel as possible. Who knows how long their mobility will last? Christmas will find Bill and Connie on another Christmas cruise. They enjoyed the one so much last year they have decided to do it again. It’s been a fast paced spring for John and Teddi Martin; they just returned from a great Mediterranean cruise. They visited Spain, France, five cities in Italy and finished up with three cities in Greece and Turkey. They traveled with a great group from Teddi’s alma mater, Denison in OH, whose school colors happen to be red and white. Whenever possible, John snuck in a little yellow here and there to brighten their days. It was great fun and historically educational. Best of all with the Euro crisis they got to participate in the riots everywhere they went! Actually, John and Teddi kept a low profile and stayed in name tag defilade. Friends were visiting recently and gave John a set of VMI golf head covers. Their friends tried for two years to buy a set from the VMI book store and just before their visit, they received a phone call from Lexington letting them know that their order was in. John says that if you are looking for a neat gift, here’s your chance. They look great but they come with no absolute guarantee that they will improve your game. Bill Kirkland has been diagnosed with lumbar stenos, basically a bulged disc in the back. Bill has tried therapy but to no avail; now he’s going the steroid shots route. If that doesn’t work he is looking at back surgery; something he had hoped to avoid. Bill had a hip replacement years ago and beginning to experience some problems that might be related to his back. Good luck Bill, our hopes for a quick solution to your pain problem. 58

Rusty Loth endured the stifling heat this summer as did the rest of the LAME Brigade (Loth, Addison, Myers, Eggleston) as they continue to resolve world problems. They also compare ailments when they meet for lunch. Snowbird Dave Goode has joined the Brigade since he got back from FL and Harlee Pate sometimes makes a rare, special guest appearance ever so often. The group used to look forward to football season but VMI seldom wins, and they don’t make as many road trips as they once did, some of the excitement has diminished. So the main thing they do is reflect on the good old days. Mike and Julie Vargosko are looking forward to their upcoming visit with the Trandels, Messners and Patanes. Both Don and Carol Messner can severely punish Mike on the golf course but he is practicing hard to be able to come within a few strokes of John. Chuck and Margo Cotton spent a week with their favorite people, their family, in New Jersey at the home of their daughter, Martha. They enjoyed the week fishing in a recently stocked pond, ensuring anyone who grabbed a pole could catch a fish. There was also canoeing, zip lining, badminton games, a tree house, swimming, fireworks and plenty of eating. There were a number of live performances by the kids in the barn where son-in-law, Scott, has transformed it into an art studio with a stage, music, lighting, etc. Ron and Mary Alice Marley enjoyed a serendipitous occasion. They were invited to a change of command at Jacksonville NAS where Commodore Wheeler was turning over his command and leaving for a new assignment. They were invited because Ron knew his son, Billy Joe, who he had written a very strong recommendation for appointment to VMI. He was accepted and will be in the Ratline next year, class of ’16. Ron knew Billy Joe was Bobby Ross’s grandson but was surprised when they arrived at the ceremony and there was Bobby and Alice sitting right in front of them. They had a most enjoyable visit before Bobby and Alice had to depart to spend time with some more grandkids. Larry Wood, as you will recall, was involved in a very serious bicycle accident last year and the doctor told him that he

would not be able to ride for six months. That was a crushing blow for Larry because he is an avid bicycle rider. But good things do happen; after his CAT scan early this year his doctor released him to resume all physical activity. Larry jumped right on this and competed in the Tour de Summerlin bike ride in April completing the 30-mile ride in reasonable time. Larry met a friend on the ride and she was kind enough to slow her pace down so that they could talk. Come to find out her niece taught school with Larry for several years. It’s a small, small world! God is good, the miracle of healing continues and Larry will next participate in a 75-mile ride in September; one that starts on the Vegas strip and takes him across the Hoover Dam. While relaxing in a hot tub in Ouray, CO, Bob and Anne Baillio struck up a conversation with the folks in the next tub. When they left the facility their new found friends noticed Bob’s license plate and wrote in the dust on the back of his car; VMI ’90 and ’59. Come to find out Tim and Susanna Haynie are proud members of the VMI family; Tim graduated in 1990. What a small world we live in! Bob and Anne will take their family to Costa Rica for their 50th wedding anniversary during the Christmas holidays and Anne promises to send us a picture from there. Nowell and Sallie Loop have enjoyed two memorable events this summer. First, while visiting Phoenix they had dinner with Joe and Bonnie Monroe and enjoyed a wonderful evening recounting old stories, drinking good scotch and catching up on the children and grandchildren. Second, speaking of grandchildren, Nowell and Sallie took their seven ranging in age from 7 to 16, on a Disney cruise to AK. Nowell says Disney knows how to make you feel young at heart even if the body tells you different. The weather was a bit cool but that did not stop them from participating in any activities both on and off the ship. They saw Orca whales, sea lions, seal pups, dolphins, eagles, mountain goats, a black bear and salmon. Nowell and Sallie took the helicopter ride to the glacier and rode the dog sled around on some 20-plus feet of snow on top of the glacial ice. Nowell suggests that if you have not been on a cruise to AK; put VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES it on your bucket list immediately. Spence Tucker wrote that the great derecho this summer wrought considerable damage in Lexington, principally trees, which flattened a few cars. Spence and Beverly lost more than a dozen some with trunks two feet or more in diameter. VMI seems to have fared well, although W&L lost a lot of trees on their more extensive property. Spence and Beverley were among the last to get electrical power restored. The worst part was they were without electricity for a week; fortunately, they had a back-up generator that ran the essentials, although, not the A/C. Thank goodness there was no loss of life. Royall and Geri Geise spent a good portion of their summer on the road. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Geri’s sister’s home on the Jersey Shore. While there they attended a luncheon for Royall’s Greenwich High School class of ’55 and had a wonderful time seeing old high school friends. A few days later they boarded a Holland America Cruise Line ship and headed for Bermuda. A day and a half later they were docked in Hamilton where they stepped off the boat right onto Front Street, a mile of high end stores; the ladies would love it. They revisited The Reefs where they spent their honeymoon a half century ago and presented the owner with a copy of their menu they picked up 50 years ago when a cup of coffee was 15 cents. Soon after returning, they flew to San Francisco to visit their 11-yr-old grandson, Parker, who graduated from the 5th grade and of course their daughter, Stacey, and the rest of her family. After washing their dirty clothes they boarded the auto train from the old Virginia Lorton Prison to Orlando, FL. The train ride was uneventful except for the fact that the beds are not designed for 6’ 2” tall people. They made their way to Jacksonville to attend the Vietnam Combat Helicopter “Popasmoke” reunion which included Army, Navy and Marine Corps helicopter drivers. Next stop was Clearwater, to visit Geri’s sister, followed by Naples just to look around and then to Palm Harbor to visit a son-in-law. They left FL and made their way to Charleston, SC, to stay with former Virginia friends and then on to Chocowinity, NC, to visit other friends, ending up back in Clifton after a whirlwind trip of 2012-Issue 4

the South. Next adventure will be out West when Stacey and her family meet them at Jackson Hole, WY. Royall and Geri are doing fine and still in love after all these years. Skip and Linda White spent their annual family beach vacation at Hilton Head Isle, SC. While there they participated in their own version of the “Amazing Race.” The whole group, 25 in all, jammed into three vans with organizers strategically placed along the route with cameras in hand. They had great fun driving all over Sea Pines Island following not so clear clues and instructions. Life is good for the Whites. It’s never too early to start planning; our 55th Class Reunion is right around the corner; 21-22 April 2014. These dates fall on Monday and Tuesday, two days following Easter. Not the best dates but we have reached that time as alumni where we must contend with large print Alumni Reviews and other inconvenient things. When six classes are meeting on the same weekend facilities are limited. Reunion Coordinator Carole Green has been running reunions forever and assures me that it will work. Our reunion committee will be headed by our most experienced Class Reunion organizer, Billy Kornegay. He will begin contacting BRs soon to pull together his team. Tex Carr has graciously agreed to head up a committee to put together a Reunion Book. He will be contacting you for some input so please cooperate and give him timely feedback. Because of demands on Gen. Peay ’62 to speak to each reunion class the Alumni Association will host a dinner on Monday night in the Ethics building with the superintendent as the guest speaker. All other alumni classes will be included. We will have a separate event on Tuesday night. To all our BRs who have had a bone to pick with the Institute, let me remind you that it has been 55 years and time should heal all wounds. Many of our BRs who have never before attended a reunion were at the 50th and have since said that they wished they had returned sooner and will never miss another. Your BRs would love to see you and talk about the “bad young days.” Mark this as a Red Letter day on your calendars. After 60 years of playing golf, I finally got a hole in one on the third hole at Harmony Preserves outside of St. Cloud, FL.

What a thrill. Although with my cataracts I didn’t see the ball go into the hole, I did get a play by play from the group I was playing with. I started playing golf seriously in 1950 while my dad was assigned to Berlin, Germany. As you will recall Berlin was a divided city at that time consisting of the U.S., British, Russian and French Sectors. On a number of the holes if you sliced or hooked a ball it would end up in the Russian Sector; you never crossed the fence to retrieve your balls. Life is interesting. Ann and I are doing great; we continue to be amazed at the accomplishments of our grandchildren. They never cease to amaze us. We are very fortunate to have such a great bunch of kids. Thanks for all your support but keep those cards, e-mails and letters coming in. Yours in the Spirit, Shep

’60

L. Edward Tolley

I got a nice letter from Nancy Marston who expressed her appreciation for the class donation to the VMI Foundation in remembrance of our Brother Rat, Dan Marston. Nancy said that Super Dan had warm memories of those “peaceful and rewarding days” and would remark every so often his admiration for his BRs and the VMI. She is doing “OK” but misses Dan every day. Unfortunately, Nancy has not been receiving the Alumni Review since Dan’s passing. That issue has been resolved. For any widow who may have a similar circumstance, and if you want to receive, or stop receiving, the Review, please contact me or Brenda Stoner, Alumni Review Office, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, review@ vmiaa.org, phone number 540/464-7221. Thanks, Nancy, for keeping in touch since Dan was a big man and a dear friend to all Brother Rats. Since the reunion, I have enjoyed many e-mails back and forth with Bob and Jane Graves and it has been thought provoking and self-searching for me. Bob, having retired from the ministry, evidently has time to dissect my ramblings and differently slanted philosophy on numerous subjects and to give me different points of view that make me sit 59

CLASS NOTES up straight and ponder. I love it. The man is a deep thinker and much more in command of human basics than am I. While I am cutting the grass, he is cultivating the root system. You may want to reconnect. If so, the experience will be interesting and rewarding. I mentioned in an e-mail to several BRs six months ago that I had purchased a little Chrysler Crossfire Roadster convertible from a fellow in Natural Bridge. It was a beauty, yellow w/black top, 2005, 15,200 miles on its odometer, stick shift, ran with the wind and not a scratch on it. Well, a guy driving a dodge 10 passenger van turned across in front of me as I approached a gas station. We momentarily matched headlights then he mounted the hood of my car. Air bags deployed, seat belt did its thing, and my elbow took out the windshield. I was jerked but suffered no cuts, nor bruises. As my face hit the air bag on the left side, I glanced over to the other deployed air bag to see Dixie, my miniature schnauzer, in a standing position against the air bag. It deflated and she slid back into the seat and gave me a “what the heck was that” look. She didn’t bark nor yelp. It was kinda comical. I did go to the emergency room for x-rays, and they showed nothing out of line. USAA took care of me from then on. Now they will go to Progressive for their reimbursement (The other guy got a ticket for improper turning). Those guys are great! Hap Miller sent a bunch of us (all e-mail addresses) a note on the 52nd anniversary of our freedom from the Institute, graduation, June 14, 1960! He then related having been relaxing in the library where a stack of VMI Turnout copies lay, he sorted out the copy that included a copy of the letter from the VMI Corps of Cadets to the Alumni, Spring, 1957, explaining how the decision to dissolve the Ratline and class systems came about. There were several colorful remembrances offered by responders to the e-mail with little variation in the facts. Somehow the interesting follow up conversations spilled over into a Jud Strunk ’59 episode I had not heard. Jerry Brittingham remembered the title “Biggest Parakeets in Town” as one of Jud’s tunes. No sooner than he e-mailed, Henry Brown and Hap Miller attached a recording to all. Guy 60

Smith, Ray Crickenberger and Jim Pittman soon chimed in with uncertified statements. I read and listened and did it ever bring back memories! The political season also has provided ample opportunity to slam opinions and jokes at each other. Joe Sisler says he still intends to write in Ross Perot. I’m looking for an ad with George Salaita throwing me off a cliff. Bob Graves has tried to put some civility into the conversation with questionable results. Hambone Hammonds has an open invitation for your visit to Marietta, GA. He and Lynn are chugging along at an even pace. Sons Joe and Chris are back from the war zone. Joe is retired but Chris is now S-3 of a parachute company. Daughter Amy is doing well. Kaintuck relayed a story about preparing to burn an undecorated Christmas tree down around room 116 our first class year. He and his roomies had procured petrol, after Taps, to accelerate and amplify the event. As he was ready to light the fire, Jim Unger called out, “Hammonds, what are you doing out there? I smell gasoline!” Immediately a mental picture of the confinement sheet, penalty tour roster, and possible third-degree burns flashed in his mind. His name having been loudly proclaimed, he decided against the whole idea and to this day marvels at his wisdom of that moment. He informed me that Mike Moss winters over in Sierra Vista, CA, and that some time back, John Moore stopped in for a visit. John is still working for NASA in their procurement division as a consultant. Brad Lampshire called regarding the swim team and programs. You will remember Brad as a breast stroke and fly Southern Conference perennial champion and record holder and now a VMI Sports Hall of Famer. Like so many Brother Rats, he now has some motoring problems but is still actively working although on a limited scale. I put him in touch with the swim coach, Bill Nicholson, who provided details on the current program. In addition to all the usual swimming events, the water polo team has garnered much interest and enthusiasm. Brad has some chilling stories about his tour in Vietnam as an advisor to the Vietnam military. One story involved his delivery of a child during a fire fight!

You’d like to hear some of his stories. He had high regards for the support the C-130 gunships provided on more than one occasion. Attempts have been made to talk to John Hester, Jerry Herrmann and Bill Giles with no success. Bill Giles number is now no good, so I called Don Duncan on the chance he may have a good one. Dunk couldn’t help me but he gave me a good report on Liz, Kevin, Christie and Heather. Dunk’s report on his own situation was not good which has caused his golf game to go kaput. And since I talked to roomie Duncan, I called another, Ashby Chamberlin, and got a really upbeat report of his latest biking tours. He is still peddling to somewhere. The hills are getting higher and steeper and that funny seat takes its toll after an hour or so. He keeps a monitor on the ole ticker and backs off when the heart rate hits 175! The Chamberlin crew just enjoyed a week together; the children plus some 12 or more grandchildren were there. Then checking in on Frank Bruce, yet another roomie, his number is no longer good. Bah! Hap Miller just returned from a trip to visit a cousin who is in bad health. It was a good trip absent the real reason for the visit. I had a good chat with Pete Houck who has had some medical problems but seems to be weathering them. He is still working full time and has kept up his exercise routine faithfully. Pete sounded cheerful on the phone even as another phone rang in the background. I’m sure he has very little quiet time now that all the electronic gadgets seem to be able to track him down. Peanuts Elliott is at the lake in upper Michigan and weathering a 90-degree day; tomorrow’s forecast is for 85. Peanuts says that Bob and Lucy Clay will be stopping by on their way to Oregon around Labor Day. I’d like to have an open microphone for their conversations! Peanuts says everyone in the Elliott household is well and happy. Phil Hamric was in exceptionally good spirits with the prospects for another banner year for Boise State, Paul Ryan’s selection as the vice presidential candidate and mood of the electorate for a big change in Washington. Carol is doing OK in spite of VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES some nagging vertigo ailments. We chatted at length about numerous issues, neither of us able to name the person(s) making the headlines. Oh well, maybe we’ll remember them tomorrow. This morning I got a package in the mail from W.H. “Rusty” Atkinson III ’69. Rusty and I worked together on the South Texas Nuclear Power Plant construction project in 1979-88. We car pooled some 20 miles back and forth for most of that period and went through many trials and tribulations of that very difficult project. The package contained many copies of documents and artifacts that he had squirreled away and just recently unearthed that brought on many war stories, names from the past and events of interest. One funny story: A man dropped a pack of cigarettes into the forms of a critical concrete placement and due to the dense maze of reinforcement steel, the only person able to retrieve the pack was a tiny Vietnamese man who slipped into the steel and returned with the cigarettes. But, a quality control inspector noted the event documenting that the man went into the forms but he didn’t note that he came back out! As luck (which we had none at the STP) would have it, a Nuclear Regulatory Commission person reviewing STP documentation found the inspectors report and in a big hearing in Houston demanded that Brown & Root, our employer and constructor of the STP, produce evidence that the Vietnamese man “was not buried in the concrete placement!” It took a month until the issue was resolved, but the NRC did its job! A side gag someone played on the concrete superintendent was that they went to the area of the wall that was now hard concrete, forms removed and plastered the soles of two old shoes on it as though they had been there when the concrete was placed. As I said, that was a very difficult project but like the Ratline, young men can find a way to inject humor into any situation. Our two-hour chat ended up on the current political situation. He kept bugging me about basking in 90-degree heat with a gentle breeze while he sweats it out in 99 degrees and 99 percent relative humidity and not a breath of air movement. So long BRs. Good luck, good health and God bless. 2012-Issue 4

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

It never ceases to amaze me how Brother Rats who have been silent for years finally let their presence be known. What a pleasant surprise it was to hear from Edgar Ambrose a C Company Rat who was with us for only his Rat year. Edgar retired as a school principal and administrator in Front Royal, VA, school system, is married and his daughter works as a water specialist for Fairfax County (an old client of mine). Edgar said he will make a concerted effort to join us at VMI functions. Hopefully, more of those who have been away will come home. Also coming home from South Africa is Paul Thompson. By the time you read this Paul should be in the USA and we hope to get together. If you are looking to see bear, deer and turkeys you need to visit Bob Reitz at his home in the Georgia Mountains near Talking Rock. Bob and Sue Ellen entertained two turkeys, Dick Huneycutt and Dickey Stone (pre-heart problems) for several days along with their wives. They did see a bear in the front yard and sent a picture to prove it. Dick Huneycutt has had a few health issues but seems to have rebounded very well. Bears, deer and turkeys are also a common sight for Bob Coltrane in Woolworth, PA. Bob has had visits by a mother bear and cub, turkeys doing their courting ritual and for the first time a mother turkey came through a few times with 12 small chicks. However four to five deer visit Bob every day because he feeds them shelled corn. Private roads require maintenance and Bob, an English major and PhD, is now earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering specializing in maintenance of gravel roads especially pot holes. Hill Browning has been in contact with Frank and Marion Oley. From what I hear Frank will have retired again and is looking at the possibly of settling in Lexington. While visiting Lexington, the Oleys had lunch with Mike and Suzanne Carmichael. Finally Hill celebrated his birthday as a guest on Jack Bell’s boat. I’ll bet that was a hoot. Ray and Sally Hanlein have

the golf bug. I hear Sally is now an active member in a ladies golf league and has an official handicap. She has to give Ray two strokes a hole. Ray has continued to raise money for cancer as a continuing tribute to his deceased daughter, SaraH. Ray’s daughter, Amy, was this year’s event chair, so Ray is doing a little bragging about the excellent job she did! This year’s relay was a huge success with nearly $165,000 raised. There were lots of luminaries and Wall of Hope banners in memory of SaraH and this made the Hanlein family feel so grateful for all the support BRs and others have given them over the past seven years. Congratulations to Dick Linguist who took one of his earned bricks to remember Mrs. Ruth Cormack, the long serving secretary to the CE department and the wife of Maj. Walter Cormack, legendary track/cross-country coach and geology professor during our time. Mrs. Cormack was a delightful lady and always willing to help a cadet. Honey and Marilynne Tarrell had a really fun dinner in Colorado with some VMI youngsters, Amy and Jim Maiocco ’92 and Becky and Dan Lyle ’92. I guess the “Old Corps” stories were so good that there are plans for this dinner NOT to be just a one-time event. Harbert Alexander has a new book, Autumn Memories, that came out in September. The book is a partnership of Alex’s stories of hunting and Ralph McDonald’s illustrations and paintings. McDonald has been the artist of the year for Ducks Unlimited. Gaylia Hudgins is on the move again. She was in Kalispell, MT; hiked in Glacier National Park with two friends; and then off to Jackson Hole where she volunteers until October. No grass growing her feel. Mitch and Jennifer Kot were back in America for a few weeks to do taxes; a years’ worth of mail; visit families etc. Mitch and Jennifer announced that they would retire after this current class of 33 Vietnamese business owners ends in December 2013. Mitch says their time there continues to be the most rewarding time of their lives even though you work seven days a week. To leave Da Nang and hide out you have to escape to Saigon, Bangkok or Hanoi. Should you want to contact Mitch please only use the mrkot@pmbx.net e-mail address. Larry and Jerri Wetsel are not 61

CLASS NOTES in Virginia Beach very often. It seems that every time we hear from them they are out of the area. Recently, they took the VMI Alumni Cruise and visited the nations on the Baltic Sea. The weather proved to be sunshine and blue skies and they were accompanied by fellow alumni with whom they shared many a meal and downed many a glass of wine. The group consisted of Carol and Nathaniel Wilson ’46, Sue and Jim Whitehurst ’66 and Sue and Jim Reid ’63. I received a one-line e-mail from Gerry Eubank, “Charlene and I moved from Salem, NC, to Conway, SC.” Also brief was Dick Parker, “Doing as well as I can; trying to stay busy, getting over tennis injuries from trying to stay busy!” Also very brief e-mails from Haeberlein “very hot in Louisiana” and Caples “have also managed to stay out of jail regardless of numerous knot headed stunts.” Some news is better than no news. (Smile) Larry and Joann Respess were back in Newport News for Larry’s ’55 high school reunion. Respess is thinking about relocating back east to D.C. where his children live or maybe Williamsburg. Severe weather across the country has had me concerned about some of our Brother Rats. The fires in Colorado were not near Badgett but were near his son in Fort Collins. I talked to Lee and Betsey and they were in North Carolina during that time. The severe July thunderstorm that hit Roanoke missed George and Edna Henning who live on top of a mountain but did shut down the lights in downtown Roanoke and George’s 95-year-old mother’s home. George’s mother refused to leave her home, so her son brought her ice every day to keep her cool. George did house another elderly friend from a nearby hospital for several days until her power came back on. That same storm moved to Richmond and Dick and Judy Youngblood were without power for a few days. In Virginia Beach the storms were hit and miss. If it is not storms in the news then it is a shooting in a movie theater in Aurora, CO. Paul and Rae Goldman live about three miles from the theater and heard the sirens about 2 a.m. bringing the injured to the hospitals near them. Paul had retired twice but he is on the job again and supervises the security at the Kinder 62

Morgan Lakewood CO Headquarters. Paul plans to retire next year and take another trip to Paris before all his parts wear out. Bill Hala completed the required Canada VHF Marine Radio Operators course, so he can call for help in the approved manner. Bill spent most of his summer in New York recovering from some minor surgery, has his power boat up for sale and confines his boating to his daysailer and dinghy. Bill says he and ring figure date Monica (Angiuli) are, as she says, “on the same page” and it still amazes Bill that they found each other after 48 years. Retired but still very active is Barry Orndorff. Barry and Betty are deeply involved with the grandkids in football and basketball and with their oldest son and son-in-law coaching; Barry helps at practices, as well as games. Some of these kids are now looking at college and Betty and Barry enjoy taking them to VMI for parades, games and lunch in the mess hall. They also have been making an annual trip to New Market with these future cadets and the New Market story has a profound impact on them especially when they learn the cadets were their age. It is not easy encouraging kids to enter VMI as Holmes Smith found out. Holmes is very proud to of his grandson Holmes Garrett Steele Smith. Garrett is an outstanding athlete (awarded 10 athletic letters during his high school career) and a very learned scholar. He is one of the best athletes in the Commonwealth of Virginia as reported by several newspapers and you guessed it – he chose to attend VPI and major in civil engineering. I received a good picture of the BRs gathering at Joe’s Inn for breakfast. Apparently they finally gave the waitress an exceptional tip and she took a good picture. Bill Nelms, George Van Orden who just got his driving license back, Dick Jarvis, Dennis Curtis, Bill Daniels, Dick Youngblood and Wyatt Durrette attended. Missing at this breakfast were regulars Farleigh, Phillips, Stone and Clarkson whose whereabouts were unknown. It was nice to have Dennis Curtis back with the BRs and hopefully George will be seizure free so he can continue to drive. Wyatt says the gathering for breakfast is doing well and one of these mornings I am going to show up. Roommate Floyd Roberts is a gutsy person. He and Mary Jane took a

trip to Alaska notwithstanding Floyd’s current health and physical limitations. Floyd said his town of Springfield, Vermont, is always doing something interesting. They set up a temporary Vietnam Wall, a replica of the wall in D.C., at the middle school football field. All the names on the wall were recessed so that people could make rubbings. Skip McDannald has retired from his volunteer teaching of high school students and I sense he would have like to continue but a new school administration did not want to continue with the volunteer program. What a shame. Other than that, Skip and Harriotte are doing fine. Battle Haslam has been busy as usual. He was in Lexington for the funeral of Chase Prasnicki, the 24-year-old son and West Point graduate of the VMI Foundation’s CFO, David Prasnicki. Chase had deployed to Afghanistan, and had only been there five days when his vehicle was destroyed by an IED. Very sad! Battle has three more years on the Foundation and was in Richmond with the Foundation CEO Brian Crockett and Hugh Fain ’80, who will succeed Battle as VP-Development. Battle’s son Bryan Haslam ’90, is finally out of training, and is a full-fledged practicing nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Grandson Wynn starts his high school senior year and had his official VMI Post visit last April. Battle has his fingers crossed that Wynn will attend VMI. Bill Maurer has managed to stay busy after his retirement as a park ranger at the Statue of Liberty. He currently volunteers at the Tappan Reformed Church which was founded 1694. Bill’s assignment is correcting and updating the German Masonic Home burial records for the plot in the church’s cemetery. A second assignment is to update and verify the names of the 100 hastily buried soldiers that were buried at the church after the Brits drove the new Americans out of New York (1776). It seems that Gen. George Washington sent the wounded troops to Orangetown (Tappan, NY) for treatment at the church and some didn’t make it. The church was also one of the only locations known where George Washington assembled all of his generals together in one room at the same time. As you may recall Bill researched the 3rd Dragoons for his book Dragoon Diary VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and the 3rd Dragoons were also treated and some buried at the Church in 1778. As for the Vitales we have been very busy. Since the last Review Sue and I attended a picnic at Dick and Judy Youngblood’s home in Richmond. It was a beautiful day and well attended by Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Dick Jarvis, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Booty Farleigh, Russ Stone, Wyatt Durrette, Bill Nelms, Oscar and Caroline Mabry. Dick Youngblood took several of us on a boat ride on the James River to see the beautiful houses on the shoreline. Then Sue and I were off to Normandy and Ireland. The trip was our present to each other for 50 years of marriage. In Normandy we stayed at our guide’s home for five wonderful days of sightseeing, food, drink and conversation. Our guide John Flaherty is a historian and a wine coinsurer and his wife, Ellen, a gourmet cook. Should you want a Normandy experience you will never forget, contact John at john.in.france@wanadoo. fr. I never saw so many American Flags flying in a foreign country. There must have been several thousand flags flying over monuments all over the Normandy countryside. This is a great place and the people here have never forgotten D-Day and being LIBERATED not invaded. For those of you who are from the same VMI era as I am, for your pleasure I am repeating the information I sent to my BRs about my trip to St. Lo and Col. Glover Johns Jr.’931. We all remember Col. Johns and his book, Clay Pigeons of St Lo. Well, I visited St. Lo and was surprised that my tour guide, John, had not heard of him. There was a small local museum which contained a good history of St. Lo, but was only open on Sunday. Being Wednesday and me an optimists, I asked to be brought there. Well, it was open, and the 85-year-old curator -- a life-long resident of St. Lo -- knew the then-Major Johns. The curator escorted me to the part of the museum containing Major Johns information and said Major Johns liberated his city. What a treat! I also visited the cemetery site where Major Johns had set up his HQ in a family crypt. You can still see the bullet holes that Col. Johns talked about in his book. VMI furnished me with the locations of those VMI Alumni who died on D-Day and are buried 2012-Issue 4

at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Sue placed a rose at each VMI Alumni grave to include Maj. Alexander C. Newton ’931, Capt. Harold C. Sheffey ’37, 1st Lt. Freeling T. Colt ’38, Capt. Sydney A. Vincent Jr.’40, Capt. Dan J. Morton ’41 and 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Kearfott ’43. Being there was very sobering. Since we are limited to five photos I am not including any from St. Lo or the cemetery. Should anyone want to see the Col. Johns memorabilia or the alumni graves at Normandy, e-mail me and I will send them to you. From Normandy we flew to Ireland and Sue had an opportunity to see where her family came from. Yes a pint or two of Guinness and a few shots of Jamison whiskey were had by this Italian. Ireland was beautiful and very expensive. We arrived home in time for the Shuba pig roast. It was earlier this year and the weather was great. It was nice to see Jon Quinn ’60 and his son. After 20 years in South America Jon is back and living with his son. As usual Lou and Pris did a great job in feeding the Brother Rats which included Ken and Sue Patrick and Bill and Sandra Fout. Bill is looking real good after his stroke and therapy has helped. Pris’s shoulder operation was a real success and Pris is a very happy lady. Patrick’s kidney is holding up fine. Lou’s shoulder is somewhat improved. What a bunch (Smile)! July Fourth week Tom and Barbara Phlegar spent an evening with us on their way to Williamsburg. The Phlegar’s were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and Williamsburg is where they had their honey moon. Tom said they had a good time in spite of the 100-degree plus weather. Next year will be the last for the old time music festival at Tom’s farm at New River. After 25 years someone else needs to take it over. Tom said that this year the weather turned perfect, low 80s and low humidity it was one of the best ever with all the music, dancing, eating, etc. Maybe next year we can have a bunch of BRs show up and maybe even have George Van Orden’s grandson come play the banjo. “JC” Tharrington finally made it back to Virginia Beach to visit his birthplace. Unfortunately, the homestead structure is gone and the land so highly developed that any clues to where it was vanished. We did however have a great time

talking to the “old” residents in the area in order to locate the exact place where he lived. It was fun having John stay with us and we talked to the wee hours of the morning. John also attended the Gibbings Friday beer and cookies get together and we surprised John with a birthday cake. All were happy to see Charlie and Ann Stevens. This was the first time Charlie was out on the town after three months and a week in a hospital bed. Charlie is still weak and has to use a walker, but he was OK enough to enjoy one small beer. Several other Brother Rats came over to Bill’s and included Larry and Jeri Wetsel, Charlie Fuller, Garland Payne, Don Kern and Ken Patrick. Charlie Fuller is still in the electrical power consumption consulting business and advises shopping center clients on how to save money on energy. Garland Payne is still with his insurance company and Don Kern is still working part time and recently made me a crown. Summer still means grandkids visit and this year we only had a few. The older they get the harder it is to have them here. Grandson Mark Muckelbauer, my political daughter Cathy’s son attended a wrestling training camp at VMI. When we went to pick him up he wanted to know how we could sleep on the cots (hays to those of us who loved them). Victoria, our dancer, visited with us until she left to study with the Joffery Ballet in New York for a month. We went to New York to see her perform, and we are really very proud of her. Her mom is Lynn Cross who is a researcher at NIH thanks to Kenner Rice. Jackson Cross spent his first time alone with us and he did enjoy beer and cookies at uncle Bills. The next trip for Sue and I will be playing golf with the BRs at Old Mill. Next issue I will provide details for what is touted to be a great turn out of BRs. I continue to be a believer in the power of prayer and again I ask you to consider including in your prayers the Brother Rats mentioned below (as of August 14, 2012). Henry Huntsberry who is still not in remission of chronic myelogenous leukemia; Anne Ayala, Ann Woodfin, Jim Harrison, Sleepy Hollowell, John Moore, Floyd Roberts, Roy Schall who recently spent three weeks in the hospital where he got a pacemaker and is still weaning himself off of oxygen; Jepp Housley (Haslam’s Rat 63

CLASS NOTES roommate) who had kidney surgery for a growth on the lower half; Gerry Eubank, Nelle Gouldthorpe and Charlie Stevens. Dickey Stone went in for an exploratory surgery to look at the arteries to his heart and was immediately hospitalized, for a triple bypass open-heart surgery. According to John Gangemi and Kent and Bert Modine who visited Dick in the hospital, he was a

model patient. I hope to see Dick at the end of August at the Old Mill Golf outing. For those in remission we need to continue to pray for them to make sure their condition stays that way and includes Carl Hirsch (no longer glows) Sue Wells, Bill Daniels, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Bill Keech and “JD” Jack Miller. And finally those pesky operations like

Photo above: At the annual Shuba Pig Roast on June 23, 2012, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, were, from left, seated, Ken Patrick, Pris Shuba, Jon Quinn ’60 and Bill Fout. Standing: Sue Patrick, Lou Shuba, Sue and Sal Vitale, and Sandra Fout.

joint replacements stents or medications like Coumadin, etc., we pray for the continued recovery for Joyce Gibbings who had her hip replaced in August; Danni Redd knee replacement; Charles Manly, Connie Nelms, George Ward, Stu Woodcock who is still having hip and knee problems after surgery; Bob Huddle, Len Martin, Ken Patrick, Mike Payne, Anne Rishell,

Photo above: Meeting on June 12, 2012, at Joe’s Inn, Richmond Virginia, for a monthly Brother Rat breakfast were, from left, Bill Nelms, George VanOrden, Dick Jarvis, Dennis Curtis, Wyatt Durrette, Dick Youngblood and Bill Daniels.

Photo above: At the home of Dick Youngblood in Richmond, Virginia, on May 19, 2012, for an annual picnic were, from left, Bill Gibbings, Dick Jarvis, Youngblood, Rhett Clarkson, Booty Farleigh, Russ Stone, Wyatt Durrette, Bill Nelms, Oscar Mabry and Sal Vitale.

Class of 1961 Photo above: At Bob Reitz’s home in Table Rock, Georgia, on July 4, 2012, were Bob Reitz, Dick Huneycutt and Dickey Stone. Photo at left: Having “Beer and Cookies” at the home of Bill Gibbings in Virginia Beach, Virginia, July 13, 2012, were, from left, seated, Charlie and Ann Stevens, Sue Vitale, Joyce Gibbings and Jeri Wetsel. Standing: Sal Vitale, Charlie Fuller, Larry Wetsel, Ken Patrick, Garland Payne, John Tharrington, Don Kern and Gibbings.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Virginia Dabney and Bill Fout. I know from the comments made by those who have received cards and e-mails that their spirits were lifted. So please keep up the good work or even better call or visit them. An updated BR list was e-mailed in August, so if you deleted it or don’t have e-mail let me know and I will snail mail it. I do not have e-mails for the following BRs or know their current status. Should you have information please send it to me. They are: Wayne Andrews, Al Barger, John Booth, Bob Copeland, Charlie Duke, Bill Eubank, Dick Gravely, Bob Keim, Tom Lento, Al Massengill, Curtis McDowell, Dick McMurry, Bob Stoy, and David Yerger. E-mail is the quickest way I have to announce events. To those who may not know, in June, Sister Rat Sheila McLester lost her two-year battle with colon cancer. Those who knew her said Shelia fought one hell of a fight. Paul Johnston, Dude and Cathy Copenhaver, Dick and Dianne Stone, Don and Anne Rishell attended the service. It would be nice if those of you who have experienced the loss of a spouse give Jud a call, 910/295-4592 or e-mail jmclester@nc.rr.com. Archie Witt (or it may have been Paul Powers) once said, “I need some good news, this hangover is killing me!” I have some great news. Our Alumni Giving for FY2012 is 78.9 percent and we are the leader of the 60-era classes. Should I have forgotten something let me

know and I will include it next time? Till we see each other again stay well and may God bless the USA, our troops, The Institute and the class. Call a BR. I know you will enjoy the experience.

Tony Curtis

’62

Jerry Burnett

During our 50th Reunion, a very large card for Jay Bierman was signed by just about everyone and then hand delivered to Jay at the Memory Center in VA Beach by Bill Bryant, Mott Robertson and Bowles Pender the day after Memorial Day. Carol put the card up on the wall in his room. They sang patriotic songs and gave an “Old Yell” for Jay. The staff said they had not seen Jay so animated for some time, so they plan on going back soon. After losing BRs Richard Plogger, April 15, 2012; Richard Bartlett, May 22, 2012; and Clyde Glover, May 26, 2012; right around our 50th Reunion, we hoped for no more this semester! We almost made it! But, BRs Clyde Bryant and Bill Hope died on August 10th!

Both Clyde and Bill had been battling illnesses for a long time. After your 40th Reunion, you are officially considered “Old Corp!” Like it or not, we are all now in our “Senior Phase” of life and need to program our futures with more gusto and love! Please get off your assets and get out there to see and love more things and people! And don’t forget to tell me and Jerry all about it! Earl and Joan Severo do this very well! After the Reunion, they went to Ithaca, NY, for grandson Michael’s graduation from Ithaca College- Magnum Cum Laude! Then off to Maui, HI, for their 50th Anniversary with family! They enjoyed it the way we all should – swimming, snorkeling, bogie boarding, golfing and soaking up the sun! In October, they’re off to Greenwich for Mom’s 99th birthday! Neil O’Conner missed the Reunion because of a botched surgery in 2011 and his youngest son’s wedding on a cruise just before the reunion- couldn’t do both. However, a critical review of his body concluded the only thing that hadn’t changed since graduation was his inseam! Many BRs are recovering from surgery or battling an illness, please keep them in your thoughts, prayers and occasional phone calls. Pat Lang – Bell’s palsy; Danny Kiser and Monty Williams – shoulder surgeries; John Spence – heart surgery; Tom Bandy – atrial flutter (too fast); Byrd Rawlings – broken ankle; and John Anthony – severe neck problem. Now some good news! Wayne Pacine wrote that BR Charlie Crowder brought his grandson, Chad

Class of 1962 Photo above, left: Margie and Ed Strickler with Sharon and Skip Davis. Photo above, right: Ed Strickler preparing for flight and giving the thumbs-up. Photo at right: Ed and Joan Severo with Margie and Ed Strickler, sharing some California wine.

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CLASS NOTES Nowakowski, and his son-in-law, Sam Holland, for a visit and luncheon at the Federal Reserve Board. Charlie looked great and had 10 minutes of advice for the chairman on how to straighten out our current economy. (Is this inside trading?) Wayne asked Charlie to seriously consider coming to his first reunion at the 55th! They plan to attend a ballgame at the Institute this fall! Our congratulations to all our Brother Rats that are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries this year; I would appreciate a confirmation from all that made it this far in addition to those listed in the reunion yearbook. I will formally acknowledge you later. Gary Kaylor made it again to the National Senior Basketball (three-man teams) Games and won a silver medal again. Don Arey couldn’t make the reunion because he was competing in perhaps his last “Senior Olympics” in which he placed first in his age group (110th out of 200 + entries!). Ed and Margie Strickler continue to travel, stopping by to enjoy lunch and wine with Ed and Joan Severo at the Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, CA. Then on to Spokane, WA, to visit Skip and Sharon Davis and fly in a vintage airplane; it was hard to tell who was older, the pilot or the plane! If you really like old planes, Google Addison Pemberton (the pilot) website! Bob Yearout still plans to work until 2016! At a recent surprise birthday party for a Marine widow, here in The Villages, FL; who should show up but Cal and Ann Lloyd from Tampa, FL.

Class of 1962: Gary Kaylor won a silver medal at the National Senior Basketball Games.

Seems that Cal and her husband had gone through flight school together and she had known Cal and Ann since “Nam” time! One of the jobs as a class agent is doing research for Brother Rats. I was asked to look up the three Brother Rats we went on pledge for. They no longer pledge at VMI because it was too much a strain on the honor system. What I found most interesting was the fact that, the same girls that Tom Coulbourn and Spencer Elmore were dating that weekend (1961, Carpie and Patsy respectively), they are still married to! We did it again for Buck Houston in 1962 and he recently sent out a very meaningful “thank you message” including photos of the can of beer and his graduating diploma saying “Thank You Class of 1962 – Without 100% of you, this beer can would have prevented me from receiving this diploma.” Did anyone count the acts of brotherly love mentioned above? That’s what makes VMI and especially our class different and better! Please keep those cards and letters coming! In the Spirit! Tony & Jerry

’63

Michael J. Curley

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the class of 1963 for this issue.

’64

John R. Cavedo

Our Brother Rat Lee Fleshood died during a workout at his gym, late in the evening of July 31st. Dozens of your BRs sent condolences to Roxane and Lee’s family. Plus many gifts were made to VMI in Lee’s name. Don & Margaret Carson joined Sherrel and me at Lee’s Memorial Service. We’ll miss Lee a lot! By the time this issue of the Alumni Review reaches your mailbox, there will be less than 18 months until our 50th! On the same day the previous class notes were due, May 15th, Kerry and Marianne Hines came by our home. They had been with his sister at a timeshare on Hilton Head. We asked them over to our home. We had an

hors d’eourve and wine snack at a picnic table overlooking Port Royal Sound then went back to the house for dinner. It turns out Kerry and I not only had an Army career in common but many of our assignments were in the same place, but not at the same time. We had a very enjoyable evening catching up. Kerry volunteered to help on the Hospitality Committee for the 50th Reunion. He’s since been in touch with Leo Roach, the committee chariman. Bill McVey sent a nice write-up of their get-together with several BRs which they are calling the Northern Neck Reunion. “The mini reunion, organized by Walt Sykes and John Thornton, included Walt and Karen, John and Ronnie, Dick and Susan Atkinson, Bill and Marion Garber, Bill and Betsy Taylor, Bill and Millie McVey and our two ‘bachelors-forthe-weekend’ (and former Southern Conference track stars) Hank Cronin and Harvey Sargent. Jane Nelson, who is a childhood friend of Millie’s and John’s from Culpeper, also joined in for the weekend. Her dad was a VMI ’29 graduate. “The fun began on Friday afternoon with a golf outing in Warsaw that included bigswingers Walt, Bill G, and Dick all using their monster drivers for show (good thing they weren’t playing for dough), all doing their best to intimidate little swinger five-iron Bill M. The best parts of the entire game were listening to all of the banter and distracting comments going on during the tee shots, and then watching certain unnamed players going straight into the woods in search of their balls! “Not sure what the other BRs did while the golfers golfed, but when they arrived for dinner they were already in mighty high spirits! “That evening Walt and Karen, ably assisted by the Atkinsons, Garbers and Taylors, prepared a beautiful chargrilled tenderloin dinner at their cottage. Many events at VMI years earlier were recalled, and often enhanced, and several stories from the day’s golf outing were barely recognizable. The meal was complimented with wonderful appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Oh yes, and a few adult beverages. “On Saturday morning, the fearsome foursome once again took to the links, this time at a course in Kilmarnock. Thanks to having been through the Ratline back when, these players had learned to endure hardship and humiliation, and willingly subjected themselves to this second round of BR abuse. Refer to the notes on Friday’s game for the results of this one! While the golfing was going on, John launched his boat and took non-golfers Hank, Harvey and Bill T on a tour of the mid Rappahannock River region. The ladies, under the guidance of Betsy, enjoyed a great tour of Stratford Hall,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the childhood home of Robert E. Lee. “Millie and Jane passed on this opportunity in order to prepare the evening’s hors-d’oevres and Millie’s secret recipe for her delicious MRE barbeque dinner being hosted by the McVeys at their rented home near Kilmarnock. Bill T. and Betsy pitched in with beverages and dessert. It was another laughter filled evening, no doubt spurred on by Bill Taylor’s organizing and emceeing his fun-filled wine tasting competition, as well as by the great dinner. Oh yes, and a few adult beverages. “Early Sunday afternoon, back in Warsaw, John and Ronnie, aided and abetted by Hank and Harvey, held a wonderful crab feast with a bushel of sweet steamed blue crabs. At least six different methods of attacking those feisty

crustaceans were noted, but they all yielded equal results of delicious but small quantities of nutrition, so when all had reached the point of near-exhaustion, Ronnie served a very nice lunch of steamed corn, slaw, Italian bread and various desserts. Once again there was continuous banter, laughter and even a few exaggerations. Oh yes, and a few adult beverages! “Can’t wait to do it again next year … hopefully with an even larger collection of BRs and their lovely ladies!” John Thornton added, “On Friday while the fearless foursome were playing golf, Harvey and Hank helped me launch my boat and go for a spin on Totusky Creek, past the Sykes cottage to the Rappahannock Rivah. We came back and met Bill Taylor at my dock. Told a

few lies, had a few adult beverages and later we all dined at the Sykes. The boaters, Bill T, Hank C, Harvey S (ex Navy), spent the remainder of the boating weekend teaching Hank anchor drill, knot 101 and 201 and the difference in a rope and a line.” Bill McVey, in a separate e-mail said, “Several suggestions came up about decent engraved/etched highball type glasses, and there also was a suggestion about those quality clear acrylic insulated glasses with “the spider” sealed inside the inner/outer walls. Didn’t know if you had received any similar suggestions? The inference on quality in all suggestions was obvious.” I passed his comments on to Jim Brittingham, the gift committee chairman. Don Jones wrote, “Just wanted to give you an update on our move to Virginia. While we have purchased a house in Concord, VA, we have now undertaken some major work in it that has precluded our move-in. That work is progressing nicely and soon will be completed

Class of 1964

Photos clockwise from top, right: -Dan and Sandy DeForrest with Warren and Courtenay Budd at the DeForrests’ lakefront home in New York, June 2012. -Don Jones in his new VMI marching band kilt at his new Virginia home, June 2012. -Hank Cronin with his new grandson, Lorton, in July 2012. -From left, Edmond Hoy, Tom Davis, Gary ’65 (last name unknown) and Edward Hoy at a VMI chapter picnic in California, July 2012. -Attending the Northern Neck Reunion in June 2012 were, from left, seated, Susan Atkinson, Ronnie Thornton, Millie McVey, Karen Sykes and Betsy Taylor. Standing: Harvey Sargent, Dick Atkinson, Bill and Marion Garber, John Thornton, Walt Sykes, Hank Cronin, Bill Taylor and Bill McVey.

2012-Issue 4

CLASS NOTES and by that time we will have hoped to have sold the condo in Bethlehem and make the break that we are ready to make from here. In the meantime we continue to run back and forth and begin our integration into the local community there. One of our first steps was to join the Museum of the Confederacy and express interest in volunteering at the Appomattox site. As soon as we are there and settled we will be doing just that. We have also joined the local AACA Region out of Lynchburg and will become active there too. I have started to move my vehicles with my truck already being there and the 63 GT Hawk to follow within the next few weeks. That means there will be two there and two here for a while. “Earlier this year we attended the Memorial Day service at Colonial Williamsburg and as always enjoyed this very moving ceremony. On that day I wore my VMI New Market Battle Kilt for the very first time and had lots of comments on it. It was really a bit warm to wear the Prince Charlie Coat with it. Of course, this is the same kilt worn by the VMI Pipe Band. The Pipe Band will be wearing new kilts this fall, as the ones currently worn are the original outfits. Yes, they will be identical to the one I have. “Hopefully soon we will bein a position to host guests at our new home in Virginia that we will becalling and do call ‘Whispering Woods.’” Marty Stango wrote, “Hilda and I are settling down back in Jacksonville where she grew up and lived before I married her and moved her to 11 houses in seven different cities in four different states. Due to some arcane leasing regulations we were not able to find a realtor based home for rent based on the fact that we have German shepards. Just before we had to pursue the only alternative of accessing a vacation rental we lucked out and friends of our daughter who owned a waterfront home that their daughter was living in but not taking care of. So we ended up renting a million dollar house while we looked for a home. So we opted to build as apparently many other Brother Rats have done. “So we are building our fourth new home. This is the second one that we have built from scratch, the other two were in the final stages of completion with only finishing touches that could be made. Having the experience of building from plans to completion has greatly aided in development of the final product. Our new home is only one and one-half miles from our rental so we are able to be there at least once a day. While that may sound extreme, for those who have not had that experience, it is most beneficial in catching problems and errors early while they can easily be corrected.

We are looking to a late September to early October completion based upon weather. When we are done, one and all are invited to come over when you are in the area.” Ed Telfair e-mailed, “Since moving to south Alabama from the Washington, D.C., area, Carla and I have been busy working on our home which is in the historic district of Troy. Even though we moved here in 2005 we are still unpacking, actually throwing out accumulated junk. In addition I’ve got a condo on the Gulf of Mexico at Orange Beach which keeps me moving between here and Pensacola, FL. My son and daughter have both chosen to relocate to Alabama which cuts out the need for most descretionary travel to see family; thus giving me ample time to be with my grandson who just turned 5. Since my mother died in 2009 I’ve not had an excuse to travel North by way of Virginia. However, I do plan to make our 50th. In closing, I would welcome any Brother Rat who would like to come visit the Redneck Riviera.” Michael Carlson (originally Degman – changed his name) sent an interesting letter. I’ll have to shorten it quite a bit, “I normally send in my class notes through the Class of ’65, although I am a BR of ’64. During my third class year I changed majors from math to history and that set me back almost a full year, necessitating my graduating in June 1965. The reality is that I know far more members of ’64 than I ever knew of ’65, but I have to make far fewer explanations to non-VMI people by being listed with ’65. “Since my graduation, I have visited VMI only once. It was the year I got married and my wife’s family was from upstate New York. We were on our honeymoon, traveling down to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. One day, it suddenly occurred to me that while I was driving down a highway in the back hills of Virginia, if I turned right at the next intersection, I would be on VMI property and would be driving by Crozet Hall. It was the morning that the Old Corps cadre was returning to get their act together so they could meet the incoming Rat class the following week. Every door in the entire post was unlocked. I took my bride on a tour that outmatched anything that would have been normally allowed. As we were leaving the VMI property after our tour, my bride turned to me and said, ‘Our sons will go to VMI over my dead body!’ She was a graduate of a woman’s college and was very much in favor of single gender education, but VMI, even its unoccupied state, was too much for her. In the end, we didn’t have any children in our marriage, which saved the two of us from a ‘Civil War.’ “I served with the USMC and was sent to

Da Nang. I was assigned to a most unusual billet for a Marine. I was a chaplain’s assistant with the 3rd MAF, but in reality I was the bodyguard for the chief of chaplains of I Corps area. Capt. Knox, USN, refused to wear any form of a weapon in Vietnam, but I and the other chaplain’s assistants went around heavily armed. We lost no chaplains on my watch. “In later years I eventually retired as a teacher and a vice principal of a K-12 school. I am currently taking coursework at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and plan to return to teaching in the years ahead after I finish my Alaskan coursework.” Bob Warren sent a nice long note, “I was at VMI for the Environment Virginia Conference in April and had dinner with Tom Davis, Buzz Birzenieks, Pete Mazik, Floyd Duncan and George Warren at the Sheridan Livery on Main St. That is a great restaurant to take in when you are in Lexington. We had a free ranging discussion about the upcoming reunion. Buzz offered that he and Jane are willing to host another get-together at their beautiful spread. The last event at Buzz and Jane’s was so spectacular that all agreed it should be on the agenda. Floyd Duncan had to leave early to go home and grade papers. He is still working as the head of the Economics Department at VMI. Floyd and Tom Davis have truly represented the class of ’64 well in their work for the Institute. “Cathy and I were in Key West in May for what has become an annual visit and tried to look up Tom Murtha who has been living and working in Key West for many years. Never reached Tom but I talked with his wife who told me they have never been back to VMI for a reunion. I reminded her that we have the 50th coming up and that they should plan to attend. If Tom’s roommates are in touch with him it might be nice to give him a call and see if we can coax him back for the 50th. “Finally, I was in Cocoa Beach, FL, a few weeks ago for a meeting at Patrick Air Force Base and I stopped by Andy Tucker’s ranch in Rockledge, FL. I had a great opportunity to visit with Andy and Callie and to later have dinner and talk about the reunion and catch up on some of the BRs. I also had a chance to meet Andy’s charming daughter. “Cathy and I are taking the train out to Lake Tahoe to visit our son, David, in late August. Should be a great chance to see the country by train again and spend a few days with David. I am planning to take my grandson, Trey (RLW3) to VMI for a football game on September 15th, and Cathy and I are taking the train to Lynchburg for the Citadel game and Institute Society Dinner in November. Looking forward to seeing a nice group of Brother Rats at these events.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Finally, Dick Atkinson wrote, “In May, Susan and I attended the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France. Then we took a week to tour southern France. We stayed in Aix en Provence and in Avignon, both of which were lovely and packed with interesting Roman ruins and nice scenery. It wasn’t the wine season but we managed to have a few glasses. Perhaps the most impressive thing we saw was the Pont du Gard aqueduct. It is over 30 miles long and descends only 56 ft. during that time. The precision that the Roman engineers were able to achieve with those 2000 year old instruments was astounding. “Not too long after we got back I had to go to Aruba to speak at a conference on childhood obesity. Sounds great but they kept us busy the whole five days. In late June-early July we went to Woods Hole for two weeks. Our daughter, Barbi (and her husband Duke), who many of our BRs met on the Normandy trip a couple of years ago, were there, and it was a great time visiting her four children and their friends. Susan has a number of relatives in Woods Hole and the cousins all play together. A highlight was taking my grandson and his cousin to play golf for the first time. They looked better than I did on my first golf outing! My final bit of news is that I have been invited to speak at the Stock Conference sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Obesity in Prague, Czech Republic, in October. That will be a very nice trip and Susan may go along for a few extra days seeing the countryside.” In closing, as always, thanks to those who responded to my request for class note input. I even have some left over for the next notes. But, I never have too many photos. If they aren’t large enough for the Alumni Review, they’ll be posted on our private class of 1964 Facebook page, which now has nearly 60 members and over 100 photos.

’65

Mickey Finn

As these notes are being assembled the results of our giving arrived and we finished third in the decade of the ’60s with 52.85 percent participation, up 3.18 percent over last year! We were bested by ’60 with 58.99 percent and ’62 with 62.06 percent. The giving year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 of each year. Outstanding job! Thanks to everyone who was able to participate and an encouragement to increase participation during this new giving year. For you who are working on your individual memorial giving recogni-

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tion brick and are wondering where you stand, please e-mail or call me as I now have current information. Karl Zeller writes, “I visited old BR bachelor (never married) William Swindell Jr. just before the VMI Army game in 2010. Bill had talked me into riding the VMI chartered boat from Manhattan to West Point. Required travel from Denver to Newark on my part, Bill picks me up and puts me up in his house – pack rat haven, no place to sleep and so on. Anyway, we get back from barely loosing to Army and I introduce Bill to Carol Kullman, a spinster from the class behind me in high school, who does light housekeeping. She called me later and exclaimed “light housekeeping! Good grief, Karl, I’d hate to see your house!” Anyway, she cleaned Bill’s house (and clock apparently) so clean that Bill fell in love, and they were married last fall. “Militarily, I just attended my Air Force Weather 75th anniversary in Omaha, NE. The Army Air Corps started military weather service in 1937. I also attended our 50th held in St. Louis in 1987. I wore my mess dress then and was on active duty as a reservist at the time. I wore casual wear at the 75th and was the only one without a tie – can’t help it. I plan to make the 100th in 2037, then probably call it quits.” JJ O’Keefe reports, “I was very pleased and fortunate to be invited to young Rich Timmons promotion ceremony. Rich is now bird Colonel Timmons. Richard and Margo Timmons were there, both of them looked great; of course she looked a lot better than he. I really enjoyed

Class of 1965: Bill Swindell Jr. with Karl Zeller at Swindell’s home in Chatham, New Jersy, June 2012. Photo by Carol Swindell.

talking to them both. I didn’t realize until then that they dated most of our cadetship, as did Jane and I. Richard was very proud of Rich and his wife, Gretchen, and the ceremony was handled very well. Rich shared some great things about his parents and wife in his thankyou that impressed everyone present. Rich and Gretchen are now (August 2012) at the Army War College, then off to Fort Benning where he is taking over a brigade. Richard is working in D.C. as the head of the ‘American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association,’ sounds like a good job. I’m still practicing law and probably will for a few more years. If I haven’t mentioned it, my son, Sills O’Keefe ’93, and his lovely wife, Adele, have been very nice and given Jane and I our first grandchild, Jack. Needless to say both Jane and I think he is pretty great (and we are right). See you at 50th if not before!” Vince Cable sent a nice update on his retirement. “In October ’11, I retired from active, everyday consulting. My company, Salt River Consultants, continues to remain active for a couple of clients who need help from time to time. I had a very gratifying time and worked with some of the most talented folks who are senior leaders in major cities and states’ efforts in the homeland security business. We served for 10 years following 9/11 as a team with expertise in every major functional area from policy and law enforcement to public health. “Erin and I took a land and sea visit to Alaska last year. We had four days in/around Denali, taking in the beauty and doing some white water rafting and other outdoor activities. We then boarded the cruise ship and did the glaciers and the towns/cities along the coast ending at Vancouver. Very nice. “During early spring this year, we boarded a cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale and did a western Caribbean route to and through the Panama Canal followed by a leisurely trip up the west coast of Central America and into the U.S. at San Francisco and LA. We then stopped at Victoria, British Columbia, and finally to Vancouver. Twenty days at sea and an additional two days in Vancouver left us whipped but happy. It was my first vacation in years that I hadn’t been tied to my computer or cell phone and actually relaxed. “The summer in Northwest Florida (a.k.a. Redneck Riviera) has been as usual: hot and humid. The upside is we have had lots of much-needed rain and temperatures much lower than our Midwest and East Coast friends. “The attached picture is with our wonderful dog and super personality, Gabby. She’s a miniature Australian Shepherd and she loves hard work (herding and chasing anything) and is a great pool puppy; never getting enough outdoor activity.

CLASS NOTES the VMI Museum lately, it is really worth a stop. week with my twin great-nephews, Kevin and “I am in touch routinely with Speed Thomas No comparison with what we knew as cadets. Nathan Marshall. It’s been a VMI month for us, and Alex Shultes. I live in the heart of Special On a personal note, we went on to D.C. where I to say the least. Ops schools (USAF, Army Special Forces “This past weekend I was in Connecticut to was elected to the Council of The International Group, Joint EOD School, etc. Also any Naval Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi (can’t participate in the consecration of a new bishop Aviator begins their serious training/flying seem to stop being a lawyer, right?). On the way who will be taking up residence in Georgia. here. Lots of VMI grads come through here.” Lou Lahendro has moved: “After 29 years in back, we had a chance for a great visit with Joan The clerical world never sleeps, either. Peace Southern California Ruth and I have relocated to and Lou Siegel in Williamsburg and then lunch and blessings to all.” Bob Walker writes from Memphis, “I am Aiken, SC. We are fortunate in that we were able with Cathy and Andy Protogyrou ’84. His son, to sell our home this past March without too much Anthony, is going to be matriculating later this still practicing law in Memphis with the same firm, Baker Donelson, that has trouble. We, along with ‘Buddy’ tolerated me for 41 years. While I the cat as the back seat driver, then am at work daily, basically I have drove two old cars across country slowed down some the last five in five days and arrived in Aiken years and now it is rare to have mid-March. to work nights or weekends. My “We enjoyed much about Southern wife, Emily, and I were occupied California, but for a long time felt earlier this year with the marriage that when we finished our working of our daughter, Emily, who lives years we wanted to move someplace and works in Memphis. Our son, less congested. Over the years we Robert, is married and lives in have looked for a retirement spot in Durham, NC. No grandchildren many areas of the country and read yet, but Emily would like to be a various retirement-related books, grandmother. Both son Robert and magazines, attended seminars, etc. daughter Emily are lawyers, and In the course of doing these things our son is married to a law graduwe learned of Aiken – probably 10 Class of 1965: Photo above: Retired Brig. Gen. John ate but not practicing. We need a years or so ago. We have visited here Mountcastle is pointing to key terrain features during doctor in the family. Emily and I four or five times over those years a leadership exercise conducted at Gettysburg on May plan to be able to travel more, and and in 2010 bought a lot in the very 7th for West Point cadets in the class of 2012. About Lexington is on that list, also a trip nice development of Cedar Creek. this photo, Mountcastle wrote, “For the past eight years, to Alaska to see McBride’s island We are currently living in a rental I have assisted retired Gen. Fred Franks Jr. (USMA ’59) during a special event he conducts at Gettysburg Naand try the fishing up there.” in Cedar Creek and will be starting tional Battlefield. Just prior to their graduation, a select From Irwin McCumber comes construction on our home by the group of West Point cadets joins us at Gettysburg for a the news we all have been waiting end of August. The house build is review of that historic battle and a study of ‘Leadership for! “Linda and I have finally moved projected to take six to seven months. ... When Lives are on the Line.’” The general’s field serto our new home in Rockbridge “We moved here in the ‘blind’ vice in armored units, his teaching assignment at West County. Address is 150 Koogler in the sense that we know no one Point and his assignment as the Army’s chief of military Trail, Raphine VA 24472, about 15 here, have no connections here and history provided the background for this role. “The fact are not from the general area. So, minutes north of Lexington. Land that I am very proud to be a VMI graduate is obvious to it really is an adventure of sorts. line is 540/377-2312 and my cell is each of the West Pointers,” he concluded. Photo below: So far we are very pleased with 540/471-2318. We have plenty of Mountcastle wrote, “This is our group at the base of the memorial honoring Maj. Gen. John Reynolds, the most the decision.” Thanks Lou, and room and all BRs are welcome to senior officer to die at Gettysburg. Gen. Franks and I welcome back! stay with us if they are in the area. are flanking the group of cadets and faculty members Johnny Mac Marshall replied to All the best – Go Keydets!” from West Point.” my quarterly call for input with: “Of Bill Ryan took my request to course, we have something to report. provide an update on what he has Jamie and I have just returned from been up to and replied, “Mickey a short visit to Lexington during – OK, you shamed me into it. As which we met with Col. Keith GibI look back – boy we are/have son ’77, executive director of the been busy! In February we went VMI Museum. Part of the purpose to Memphis to visit grandkids for of our trip was to deliver to him the two weeks and had a great time. In original audio tapes of the two GE March, we went on a cruise out of College Bowl appearances of our Charleston, SC, for a week; it was team from Autumn 1964. These had great. In April we went to Quantico been made by an alumnus, R.C. Calto visit our daughter and son-in-law fee ’931, and given to me for safeand both grandkids (son-in-law keeping when I was on the faculty. is a captain in USMC – Yeah!) – I felt that the time had come to pass Both grandkids are awaiting a new them on to the Institute. I must say member of their family in January. that for those who may not have seen Our daughter is expecting. In May,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES we went to Memphis again. In June, we had our usual “Beach Week” at Emerald Isle. We have all kids (three) plus spouses and grandkids (12) to the beach at some huge house we rent for a chance for all the cousins to get together since they live in different parts of the country. In July, I gave Carol (my wife) a ‘surprise party’ and I flew to Phoenix, AZ, to start driving a WWII vet back East – it took over a week. In August, we are going to Bethany/Rehobeth Beach to visit our old neighbors. In September, another cruise but to Bermuda this time and starting a visit to Yellowstone Park and Utah with my sister and brother-in-law. In October, we finish the 10-day trip to Yellowstone, etc. In November, we are going to our usual place in Curacao to SCUBA dive. In December we finish up our Curacao trip, spend some time visiting grandkids over Christmas and take a break before next year starts again. Guys, ain’t retirement great?! Come on, guys, and send Mickey something! Let us know what you are doing!” Let’s close with an old yell! ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

I received a copy of an e-mail sent to Band Company BRs by Randolph Williams that Bill Gehr’s wife, Blythe, had passed away after a gallant battle with cancer. Randolph was trying to contact several whose addresses were unknown. He wrote, “About June 18, Bill called me to tell me that he had a serious development on the home front. Blythe was in the hospital with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was going to bring her home on June 19th following a four day stay at the local hospital. She had gone the route w/breast cancer about a year ago and thought it was cured. In October, they attended the 45th Reunion, and I didn’t even know she was a recovering cancer patient. Unfortunately, around early January she started feeling lethargic and had a few tests conducted. She was subsequently diagnosed with spots on both lungs, liver, stomach and the pancreas.” Randolph added, “I am sure Bill will appreciate a card or call from his BRs.” “Blythe was Bill’s high school prom date, Ring Figure date – I served with them two tours in Germany, one at Fort Knox and we visited twice in Vietnam.” In response to my e-report, Bill wrote: “I am saddened to report that my wife, Blythe, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on June 30, 2012. She passed peacefully due to metastasis in the lungs. We met in 1954, dated occasionally in high school and dated steadily beginning in 1963. She was my Ring

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Figure date and had an abiding love for VMI. She never attended her reunions but came to all of ours and enjoyed them immensely. I am grateful to Randy Williams for his support and getting the word to members of Band Company. I also appreciate the expressions of sympathy from so many of our Brother Rats and to Bob and Nancy Watson for traveling to Kentucky for Blythe’s celebration of life service and reception. Regards, Bill.” We are diminished by every loss in our class and I’m sure we all wish Bill God’s grace and loving care and protection as he grieves. Only those who have experienced a similar loss can sadly appreciate his situation. For those that didn’t receive my Aug. 13, 2012 e-mail, here’s our Annual Giving summary for FY12. Our giving percentage was 52.59 percent with 132 BRs and one SR contributing a total of $263,574 in unrestricted funds to VMI academic, athletic and military excellence! This generous amount does not count restricted funds (such as to specific scholarships or programs) in which our class also excels. Some 38 BRs gave at the leadership level (above $1,500) and another six gave $1,000-$1,499) – all spectacular. So, I want to thank each and every one who gave during what has to be acknowledged as another tough year economically. I also can add that we have given at a much higher percentage than the alumni average for all classes for longer than I can remember. As we’re already into the next year (FY13) of Annual Giving, I hope all will plan to give whatever you can in this new giving year before June 30, 2013. Keep in mind that the percentage of Alumni Giving is a measure used in evaluating colleges in national rankings; so, by giving (anything) we can all add to VMI’s nationally high ratings. I’d like to thank those who responded to my last class notes comments specifically on my health. Your words of encouragement and prayer support, as always, out-weigh any chemo treatment and I deeply appreciate the cards, notes and telephone calls. I didn’t mean to overstate my situation, which was a bit unresolved at the time (test results only) those notes were written. I didn’t intend to leave the impression they had slapped me on a table and were desperately pumping in toxic substances. My oncologist has just moved me to another chemo regimen – meaning, I’m taking a different pill daily. Success or failure, as always, will be decided in Supreme Headquarters. Heard from Mark Mount on the above. I then asked him for an update on his severe struggles. Here’s what he provided: “Al, I finished my treatment on April 23rd of last year and then went through a tough 12-week-acute recovery phase. Thankfully, my PET/CT scan on July 23rd was clear. No surgery or additional treat-

ment required at that time. Released to return to work after Labor Day. Have been seeing my head and neck surgeon every six weeks (thorough examination of the treated areas to include a ‘scope’ look at my tongue and throat tissues) and my oncologist every three months (detailed blood work). Am now some 15 months into the post-treatment phase and so far everything is OK. Have severe dry mouth and have lost much of my sense of taste (side effects of the chemo and radiation treatment), but otherwise am doing OK, all things considered. On the lighter side: regarding my sense of taste, some might say I never had any to begin with.” Another scrappy survivor testifies, and I’m sure all wish Mark continued success. Also heard from John and Judi Robertson who sent a kind and thoughtful card with a very encouraging spiritual poem. They are living in Winterville, NC. I wasn’t sure on the geography, so responded with questions on their home and health. I received a reply from Judi, who added some important news: “John has been very ill himself.” Revealing their spirit, she added, “We’re thinking of writing a book: Life Between Doctor’s Visits!” Darn, I wish I had thought of that title. By the way, Winterville is just south of Greenville, NC, home of East Carolina University. The Robertsons have one daughter who lives there and another daughter who lives in Southern Pines, near Fort Bragg (always close to my heart). Speaking of survivors, I also heard from X Parsons, who wrote, “We are getting ready to make a big move – to Southern California, of all places! Ironically, we will be less than an hour from my old roomie John Beck who is still practicing orthopedics in that region. I hope we’ll be able to see each other often.” I mentioned that Jay Wegrzyn and Bill Hawfield were living in that neck of the woods, so you guys and other California BRs be in touch with X. Charlie Ramsburg wrote an interesting update on his activities for VMIAA: “My role as a regional director of the VMI Alumni Association, one year after being elected, is now getting more fully fleshed out. There are seven (7) alumni chapters in Region VI – North Carolina and South Carolina. I have now achieved communications with every chapter and been able to assess the status of each chapter’s activity level/leadership. The two chapters who have been relatively inactive are looking for ‘new/succession leadership.’ Because of normal happenings (physical moves, desire to give up leadership positions, etc.) three chapters are currently in some stage of ‘transition’ in leadership. The other two chapters are ‘rocking along.’” They’re very lucky to have you, BR. There

CLASS NOTES are several others who have played very active roles in chapters and regions over the years. It makes me even prouder to be in ’66. Tommy Harrel wrote and reported that his health problems have diminished and he is wisely getting periodic tests and scans to keep our old friend Mr. C at bay. Way to go, BR! Phil Meisel wrote that he had been fighting an uphill battle against prostrate cancer. He adds, “I am upbeat like I have been all my life.” Please keep him and all our Brother Rats facing this disease and other health struggles in your prayers. Bill McClure wrote and mentioned how a scholarship he initiated in memory of his parents (Bill’s Dad was the president of the great class of 1943) had become “my thing.” I’m sure all the scholarship donors would agree that contributing to the future of some cadet is a very rewarding experience indeed. I forgot to include in my last notes a nice phone call conversation I had with my predecessor class agent, Al Carr of Lexington. Al told me a great story about helping three mechanical engineering cadets with an undergraduate research project. The project and cadets had come from the ME Department through Woody Sadler. The cadets needed Al’s expertise with model aircraft flying. They used Cliff Martin’s air strip (?) and, after a crash due to data interference (overload), apparently another plane to complete the work. I think it shows that alumni will assist cadets in any way possible. Terry Crump reported on the ’66 alumni sub-chapter now forming. He writes: “After the last reunion the Atlanta ’66 Alumni decided not to just see each other every five years (Frank Louthan, GP Michael, Spence Wilkinson, Bob Fowler, Richard Hines, Paul Robblee and me) and are getting together ‘periodically.’ So far we’ve done breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I guess our next event will be brunch. There has been a little golf as well. GP and Richard still are gainfully employed but the rest of us are fully retired and happy. If we have missed anybody in the Atlanta area, please contact me.” In an interesting microcosm of ’66 in 2012, he wasn’t sure if he had told me this before. Well, I wasn’t sure either: “Ah, the golden years,” as Granddad used to say (laughingly). I know that these notes have been heavy in sorrow and suffering. Such accounts are no easier to write than to read, believe me. But, we’re all in this leaky boat together, and I try to share everything that’s going on, whether good or bad. The great part is we can sustain and support one another – if we stay in touch. Our longest-serving class agent, John Walters, told me that a class agent from the class of 1927

once cautioned his BRs to “check-in before you check-out.” That could apply equally to Annual Giving and keeping a handle on our BRs. I guess the moral of this story, once again, is to reach out to those you love and make every effort to connect now. As BR Jim Guy puts it, “It’s not how much time you have left; it’s what you do with it.” Let’s follow the lead of our Atlanta BRs and get together as often as possible. Otherwise all’s well here in old Stafford and Post Number 3. My dear girl, Jane, took a tumble down the stairs five weeks ago. She broke her clavicle and racked up a minor concussion while I was waiting in the car, engine and AC running as Jane “checked on an unplugged hair curler.” (Of course, somehow I was blamed for “being impatient” and causing the whole thing.) She’s OK now and healing from the inside, happy to be driving and shopping again. (Of course, my not enthusiastically going shopping with her during her disability was also mentioned in dispatches.) Take care, dear BRs and SRs, may the wind be always at your back, may the road rise up to meet you, and may God hold you in the palm of His hand. That is the latest prayer of your proud class agent.

’67

Jan Abernathy

Wow! What a great time we will have enjoyed in Lexington when you read this. I will have a lot to say in the next issue or so about our reunion as this issue gets “put to bed” by Aug. 15. First, I need to make a correction. Bob and Janet Nablo do not live in Lynchburg. Last November I tried to reach them by phone but the ring went 20 times with no answer or message. After a couple of tries I gave up and asked a Lexington BR (who shall remain anonymous) if they knew how to reach Bob. I was told they had changed all phones to cells and moved to Lynchburg. Well, they do have only cell phones but live in the same Lexington home. Apologies to all concerned. As I write this I am aware of several BRs who may not be with us for the reunion. The most interesting possible “excuse” is from Jim Massie. Jim raises coon dogs as his retirement hobby on his 68 acres near Madison Heights, VA, and our weekend conflicts with “The United Kennel Club World Coon Hound Championships” in Louisiana. He said he would join us if he could find a fellow dog handler to take his dogs to Shreveport and hunt them for him. Was Jim in Lexington? Did you see him? Ed Jones: “I received your birthday card, right on schedule! Thank you for it. Linda and I

are looking forward to the 45th Reunion. I cannot believe it has been five years since Natural Bridge. I, unlike other Brother Rats, am still working with my law practice. Four years ago I was fortunate to get a suite of offices on Duke of Gloucester Street, over the Cheese Shop and Fat Canary Restaurant. It has been fantastic being in the heart of Williamsburg. If you get to Williamsburg, look me up. If I am not in the office, I’ll be in the Cheese Shop. See you in September!” Wayne Marshall sent me a long article about the Ping golf folks and their support in teaching severely wounded soldiers how to golf with handicaps. They also give them custom fitted clubs and a bag. Dan Wells sent a similar article about the Jeep division of the Chrysler folks and their special program for veterans. I am not a golfer (and don’t think Wayne has time to fit golf in with his fishing) but I know Dan has a new Jeep. Supporting these companies helps our veterans but they are very quiet about their work. Last issue I mentioned I had heard Pete Wells had been born in the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington and I asked Pete about it. “Yes, that is true – I was born in Stonewall Jackson’s House on Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving Day), 1945. As you face the building from the front, I was born in the front right room on the second floor. During WWII the building served as a hospital. When my dad returned from North Africa, Sicily and Italy he was assigned to teach in a Special Services School housed at W&L. In spite of the fact that he did not have a college degree, he was teaching geopolitics (and actually taught with Flash Fuller from VMI who taught until he passed away our third class year). A couple of good things came out of all that. First, my mom had me in Stonewall Jackson’s house and second, one of Dad’s students was in the admissions department at Harvard and was impressed enough by this non-college graduate’s teaching to get him admitted to Harvard on the GI Bill.” A great family story Pete. Pete also suggests that Unbroken is an excellent read about the life and capture of a B-24 pilot in the Pacific. Barrett Graham sends this VMI chance encounter: “Here’s one for the archives. Last week, I was returning from the courthouse and visited a local ‘stop ’n rob’ to refuel and grab a soda. When I pulled into the station, I spotted a gorgeous red (what else, really) Ferrari parked at a pump with the driver talking on a cell phone. He seemed pretty involved in the conversation, so I didn’t go over to talk to him about his car. I proceeded to fill up and then strolled across the apron of the station to get my soda. He was still talking on the phone. When I came out, he was still there, so I strolled over at a discrete distance and admired his wheels,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES then got in my car (which has a big VMI spider on the back window) and started to leave. The weather was nice, so I had my windows down, and as I passed him, he pulled the phone away from his face and bellowed ‘Class of ’64!’ I immediately yelled back ‘Class of ’67!’ At that point, there followed a frantic attempt on my part to stop, back up, and find a non-handicap parking spot, all without either running over the usual collection of tourists and regular denizens of the ‘stop ’n rob’ wandering aimlessly around the apron or getting clipped by any one of a half-dozen oversized pickups filled with construction workers hunting a beer for the ride home. I completed the maneuver safely and encountered Bill Garber ’64, formerly the CO of Fox Company. I remembered him because those guys were pretty laid back and they took great delight in messing with the short Rats in Charlie Company. He lives in Emerald Isle, at the other end of the county from me and seems to be enjoying himself. The Ferrari is a 2003 and stunning, like most of them, and he told me that I could get a used one for ‘well under six figures.’ He’s not in the phone book, so one of these days I’ll try to find him and share a couple of beers. Barrett” Barrett also sent me some great photos of the Vietnam Memorial in Jacksonville, NC (Camp LeJeune). Lots of travel notes from retired BRs so read on and be envious. I have been after Joe Stafford for a photo of a trip – not certain which trip it is: “Hi Jan, I know I am late, but thought I would give you

a brief update of this year’s happenings. Joyce and I started off the year enjoying two weeks in Florida with friends visiting Fort Meyers, Siesta Key and Tallahassee. The weather was in the 80s and the sun was shinning the whole trip. In February, we headed to Duxbury, MA, to visit our grandkids. A trip we always enjoy. In March, we returned to Florida for our annual trip to Phillies spring training. The guys stay in Clearwater next to the Phillies’ Brighthouse Field. The wives stay out on Clearwater Beach with all of the spring breakers. Joyce says the spring breakers don’t bother them because they are on a different time schedule. At the end of week we headed to Tallahassee and met up with our friends, the Scotts. They went with us to New Orleans and Natchez. This time of year Natchez has its tour of the antebellum homes. It was definitely worth seeing. We hit New Orleans on the basketball Final Four Tournament weekend. We only stayed one day. It was a great party no matter who you were backing. Johnny Vaughan asked me to stop on our way back home. However, when I called him Margaret was ill, so we did not stop. We will spend most of our summer in Bethany Beach with a family trip to Maine at the end of June. Right after the reunion, Joyce and I head to Ireland and Scotland. My brother’s daughter is marrying a guy from Dublin. After the wedding, we are heading to Scotland for a five day tour. Joyce also wants to see her family’s ancestral castle (Guthrie). Looking forward to seeing everyone in September. Warmest Regards, Joe”

Class of 1967: Bill Hughes passed through the Straights of Gibraltar on the 72-foot Southern Wind S/V Venturous during his 5,000-mile cruise to Rhode Island by way of the Canary Islands and Bermuda.

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From Don Brown: “The aircraft that I have been crewing for the last four and one-half years for an insurance company in Charlottesville, VA. (National Group Protection) was sold to a vineyard operation in Australia. Well, we were asked to take the Citation II (CE-550) to Sydney, Australia. (Are you kidding me?) Then the new owner asked to join us with his wife and two boys on this trek to Sydney. He also brought his future pilot with him so he could receive some up front training, since I do train pilots for types in a number of Cessna jets. I’m not authorized to instruct in Australia but still had him work radios. He has been a very good crew member and learns fast. Well, here we are in Bali on the Pacific Rim 14 days into the trip. (The new owner wasn’t kidding.) The itinerary goes like this: Lynchburg, VA, New York, Gander, Goose Bay, Sondrestrom, Greenland, Keflavic, Iceland, London, Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Amman, Jordan, Dubai, UAE, Mumbai, India (Old Bombay), Kolkata, (former Calcutta), Singapore and as of this writing I am in Bali. On the 11th of June we fly to Darwin, then to Ayres Rock and Hope Estate Vineyards (near Sydney). An absolutely unbelievable trip and I just thought some of you BRs might want to know what the hell I’ve been doing. Regards to all and see you at the reunion.” Don added later that he and Pam will become grandparents for the first time in September around our reunion weekend. Linda Hughes sent the following info on Bill from Annapolis along with the photo in these notes: “Bill is doing a transatlantic passage on a 72’ Southern Wind S/V Venturous from Gibraltar to Newport, RI, via the Canary Islands and Bermuda. This approximate 5,000 mile adventure has been on his ‘Bucket List’ for some time now. He’ll be gone six to seven weeks and back by mid-July. He is thrilled beyond words and is pleased to serve as navigator and communications dude. [See photo at left of] him at the helm going through the Straits of Gibraltar underway to the Canaries. Via con Dios! Warmest regards, Linda” Bruce Weiner: “Hollace and [I went on a] bike trip through Austria. In most of the [photos] of the two of us with our bikes, we’re wearing bike helmets, and they look rather goofy. So, I selected ones that show my bald head instead. The one of the two of us by a mansion on a lake is actually a photo of the Von Trapp home in Salzburg where ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed. The one of me in my Texas shirt was taken at Zell Am See after a 43-mile ride. I’ll try to get a picture of my original ’67 Mustang convertible to you (Texas License Plate VMI 67) as well.” (The photo of the Mustang and VMI plate did not come through.)

CLASS NOTES Wayne Marshall sent this in June when he finally was released from the hospital for the last time this past spring (fourth time!): “Well, after three off and on weeks in the hospital, more or less, I have been home now for a week and am starting to feel more like my old self. (Jan’s note: I recall Wayne as my 150-pound roommate, but I saw him in April and he was edging up to 240 so not certain as to which “old self” he meant.) Between the various infections vying for supremacy in my body and the lack of physical activity, it took a lot out of me, but I am starting to get physically active again and bringing my muscles back into tone while catching up on everything that took place while I was out of the loop. Once again I appear to be God’s poster child for catch-and-release with me being tossed back for some as yet unspecified future event. Been a hell of a ride so far. Wonder what the next level is going to be like? Wayne” Several of you sent me video of Apache gunships engaging a Taliban platoon at night. If anyone wants to see it, but has not yet, let me know and I will forward to you. “Death from above” is an apt statement. Phil Gioia sent me a photo of the Confederate national flag with a New Market battle streamer that he flies in his California yard each May 15th. John Chiles sent in sample answers students had posted on their GED tests. The first one was in response to “What are the four seasons?” The answer was, “salt, pepper, mustard and ketchup.” The answers went downhill from there. Hunter Taylor sent me an article about Sir Moses Ezekiel from the Richmond paper. Bob Randolph sent me a photo of the Ezekiel Confederate Memorial statue on Memorial Drive in Richmond. Bob Poland sent me a piece on the most important military equipment item ever produced … the P-38. Not the WWII airplane, the can opener so many of us knew and loved. It was a screwdriver, a fingernail cleaner, in short it was a virtually indestructible wonder tool and you could open C-rations with it too. By the way, I have a full unopened case of 1964 vintage C-rations in the garage and a “Charlie Rations” cookbook too. Not sure why I saved it but Bob’s message has me thinking it might sell on E-bay, unless one of you is interested. If you open the case to see which 12 meals are there I would like to have one of the P-38s inside. Beenie-weenies anyone? Bert Burckard: “Phil Gioia and I at a minireunion. This edifice is the only memorial in the South to honor the service of AfricanAmerican soldiers who fought for the Union. The two of us are flanked appropriately by Civil War Dahlgren Gun shells of the type fired by the C.S.S. Virginia March 9, 1862

at the invading U.S. Navy’s infamous U.S.S. Monitor. Constructed on the burned hulk of the steam frigate U.S.S. Merrimack, the Virginia was the world’s first truly successful ironclad warship. On March 8, 1862, she inflicted on the meddlesome U.S. Navy their worst defeat up to the Pearl Harbor attack Dec. 7 1941. Designed in part by John Mercer Brooke, the great-grandfather of our Brother Rat Chip Brooke, J.M. Brooke also invented the notable “Brooke Rifles” used in the fore and aft batteries of the C.S.S. Virginia. The two ’67 graduates pictured swap incoherent war stories before proceeding to dine together at Norfolk’s famous Freemason Abby, a wonderful and historic stone church transformed into a locally well-known restaurant recommended by Rush Limbaugh. Bert’s wife, Claudia, graciously accompanied the two alumni, endured endless reminiscences and also took the pictures shown. Allen Gwaltney has moved to Locust Grove, VA: “Our heads are still spinning after 90 days of buying and selling homes, packing and unpacking. We lived in the same home in PA for nearly 40 years and accumulated so much ‘stuff’ and downsizing was painful at times. But Wendy and I are still married and we didn’t kill each other. We will not be able to be at the ’67 Reunion so pass our ‘hello’ and the above information on to other BRs. If anyone lives in the area or is passing through we would love to catch up on happenings. Thanks again for being so good about e-mailing and keeping in touch. Hope you and Joan are having a great summer. If you need a place to stay when in the area we have plenty of room. Just bring you fishing gear and golf clubs.” Gretchen Fox Stein sends her regrets for

the reunion: “I am so sorry I will be unable to attend as I will be in London during that time. I will miss seeing so many old friends and look forward to hearing all about it in Jan’s next class agent report. Have a great time!” Marie Wertz and Debbie Touchstone are our widows committee and Gretchen was their first contact. Larry and Jane Adams will be in Singapore but send their best wishes. John and Mary Rose Gupton have a new grandchild, Liam Salmon. Sam and Rosemary Whitehouse have three grandchildren and one on the way. Sam is retired from the printing business. John Burgess also sent me a note saying he would send me a “long overdue” update … still waiting John. Eva Jones sent a beautiful note in her even more beautiful script. I hope she and Bruce are able to join us at the reunion. Here follows a longish letter from Capers Dixon. I cannot ever recall speaking with him but once in my 25 years as CA and it was recently while trying to catch up with lost or mostly silent BRs. He responded (from Brevard, NC) to his birthday card with the following after explaining why they have four cats, inviting us to visit and outlining their fall travel schedule through November: “As I write to you, events and images of VMI flash through my mind. Often I regret having not finished my undergraduate degree at VMI. Then I remember walking penalty tours during most of my free time. On the other hand my brother got out of walking a lot of tours because there were two Dixons, R.M. in our Rat class. The innocent Dixon would report to the O.D. (or commandant) that he had not committed the offense and have it expunged from the record. It wasn’t until the end of the Rat year that this

Class of 1967: Wayne and Dot Marshall, left, with Jan and Joan Abernathy at Lake Sinclair, Georgia, in April 2012.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES little escapade was recognized. While my twin brother, R. Marshall Dixon, escaped a lot of tours by having the same initials as Richard M. Dixon, he suffered for having the same last name and appearance as his twin – me. Once when he was pounding up the steps to his room, he was mistakenly identified by an upperclassman as me. His flight up the steps was suddenly interrupted by, “Whoa Rat, I’ve been looking for you.” It seems I had not reported to this particular upperclassman’s room for disciplinary action at a previously arranged time. As a result, Marshall received an unmerciful straining session. It wasn’t until after the straining when all the yelling in his ear subsided and while making a hasty retreat to his room did his head clear enough to realize he had been the victim of my misbehavior. He did an about face on the stoop and shortly thereafter I heard a rapping on my door. It was my brother who was covered in sweat with his little chin dragged in … looking somewhat like a frog. When the door opened he mumbled, ‘What the hell did you do to that upperclassman?’ I only thanked him for his efforts to clear my reputation and tried to sooth his hostility by saying, ‘Sometimes life just isn’t fair.’ “When I went home for the holidays during our Rat year, my friends attending other colleges and universities, reported having gone to numerous parties with females and having fun. I compared notes and soon realized that my sweaty VMI parties were not nearly as much fun as theirs. Although I did value the straining parties that allowed me to build character, Marshall and I transferred at the end of our Rat year. He went to Clemson and obtained an undergraduate degree in geology and a master’s in engineering. I went to Erskine for a degree in biology and then to East Tennessee State for a master’s in environmental health. “I recently visited VMI with my roommate from Erskine College on a trip with our wives as we were returning from Pennsylvania. As I looked across the Parade Ground at Barracks with the new addition I felt somewhat intimidated by its massive size and appearance. I told my friend how three U.S. Presidents and General Omar Bradley were there to help dedicate the Gen. George C. Marshall ’901 Library the year I attended. That was an awesome day. Well, I have rambled enough but I have numerous other stories. Capers” Jan’s note: I look forward to hearing more stories from Capers and from any of you. I have been collecting them for 25 years and will edit and put them in a booklet some day for all to have. Send me your favorite. I look forward to sharing all of the reunion stories in our next Alumni Review. Jan Abernathy

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Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

Wes Padgett (Montgomery, AL): Ruth and I still live in Montgomery, Al. Although we talk a lot about retiring, we both still work full time. Ruth is the Academic Department Head at Prince Institute; a fully accredited school for court reporters. She teaches all the medical courses and also the basic academic courses both in the classroom and on-line. I have been with the same IT company for eleven years; DSD Laboratories, Inc. I recently changed positions from direct support to Air Force Logistics IT to become the Director of Business Development for the Enterprise Operations Division. Our children and grandchildren are located in Dallas, San Antonio, and New York City. We don’t see them in person as often as we might wish but regularly talk via computer thanks to Skype. We’re both still playing awful golf but enjoying it. Rick Eades (Ridgeland, MS): I am still doing home inspections, energy audits (Energy Star, LEED,etc.), new home construction plan reviews, inspecting for mold, lead in paint, asbestos, radon gas, and what ever else is needed. I will probably never retire and die with my boots on. My two daughters, their families, a granddaughter, my wife (former Suzanne Peters, sister of Jeff Peters’71) and I are still here in the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan area. I am still doing all the fun things when I can, bike rides, running, swimming, canoeing, etc. Suzanne and I went on our first cruise down the east coast of Mexico and Honduras. We did the typical snorkeling, scuba diving, and tourist shopping. It was a fun break for a week. Craig Smith (Roswell, GA): Things are going well here in Atlanta. Retired in Jan., after 40 years in the construction business. My wife and I were travelling in Virginia in April and stopped by VMI for a visit. Enjoyed seeing the new facilities, took a cadet led tour and watched a parade at the end of the Marshall ROTC conference, even sat in the VIP section as a guest of a West Point professor we met! Am planning a return trip in Jan. to Vietnam and SE Asia with my brother and wives. Will end up in Bangkok, so hope to catch-up with BR Krita Kritakara (Bangkok). Dave Avery (Lyme, NH): I did my best to convince my son that VMI offered him his best

college experience as an ME, but once he made the varsity alpine ski team at Clarkson it was all over. With the confidence of an eighteen year old, he figures taking engineering calculus, engineering chemistry and skiing twenty hours a week will leave him time on weekends to check out the girls at neighboring St Lawrence. Meanwhile my daughter will be starting prep school at Choate Rosemary in CT as a threesport athlete in soccer, ice hockey and crew. She says she will consider VMI if they grow a varsity women’s ice hockey program in the next four years. But she’s just humoring her dad. Her dreams are in Division 1 ice hockey. I’m only 67 and about to become an empty nester! With the tuition bills the two will run up, I sure can’t retire. Jim Burg (Prescott, AZ): Sharon and I just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Instead of doing something really expensive, we went to our favorite Japanese restaurant in Prescott. Japanese food is our favorite, next is Texas roadhouse ribs. Following our Japanese delight we returned home to watch our Netflix movie on our 56” blue screen TV. Household repairs and maintenance have taken center stage since we’re both medically retired but happy. Bob Macpherson (Charlotte, NC) (excerpted from Facebook): When Ad Hagan (Lexington, VA) and I were both shot up in Vietnam. We received letters from Col. Wilson asking what “he could do to help us to get our lives “straight.” I know we were too young to understand what was coming at us in life after that mess. Col. Wilson never let us alone for decades as we tried to integrate back into some normalcy. I did not know Col Wilson died and I’m pissed at my self over this. He really stepped up to the plate for Hagan and me. I’ll miss him. Anyone of my Class who reads this has to accept one salient fact – with all the years that have passed since we graduated, I have never known a better group of men than you. Clay Thompson (Salisbury, MD): Doing okay on the very hot Eastern Shore. Jim Fleming (Corpus Christi, TX): Since we’ve settled in Corpus Christi (Pader Island), I don’t think I’ll be able to make many functions at the Institute. There isn’t enough fishing time as it is. I am looking forward to getting with Di Johnson (Humble, TX), just up the road in Houston. Jim Polley (Stafford, VA): Been a busy summer - and year- son deployed and returned safely from Afghanistan; then this May we promoted him to Captain. In July we went on our first cruise - to Alaska-for 35th anniversary. In July attended a high school reunion for the Berlin American HS in Berlin, Germany. In between all that, have made numerous trips to Guantanamo Bay for the trials

CLASS NOTES of alleged al Queda war criminals. John Chapla (Alexandria, VA): Breezed through 65 with a passing thought about how that birthday might never have come, but remain enthusiastic and optimistic about life, family and meeting future challenges. I continue to work military personnel issues for the House Armed Services Committee. It’s hard to believe I now have been on the committee longer than I was in the Army. I am still very much enjoying the challenges of the job, and at my level the politics of issues intrude far less than one might expect. Maren, our first child, is now a mother of three (ages three and under), with the most recent addition, Lauren, just two and a half months into the world. Marie, our other daughter, is a marine biologist, based in Hawaii, but for the last month or so has been working out of Guam and Saipan doing small boat surveys of marine mammals off those islands. My most recent endeavor was to do something I had been urging the men of the company I served with in Vietnam to do: write down for their families what they experienced in Vietnam. My rationale was born out of several things: My father and uncles, all WWII vets, hardly said anything about their service to me and I regret never having pushed them to talk about those experience before they died. I did not want my children to have the same questions after I am gone. Also, my experience in using the letters of Civil War soldiers to write three Confederate regimental histories repeatedly reinforced the importance of such letters to fully understand the challenges they faced as men and soldiers. Unless we write our experiences down, whether we did something noteworthy or not, after we are gone, few will ever recall or even be aware of the courage, service and sacrifice of the soldiers of an American war that America has tried to forget. Recently I published my recollections: The Men of Alpha Company: Combat with the 173d Airborne Brigade, Vietnam, 1969-1970. The first chapter is about how VMI and Ranger School shaped me for that combat duty. In that section I talk about Drudik and Dickinson’57, my experiences with Fred Downey’69 (who whipped my butt in a hand-to-hand contest), Tom Jeffrey (Glen Allen, VA). There are pictures also of Mike Giles’69, Dave O’Connor (Hartfield, VA) and others. It’s available in soft-cover and e-book formats from LuLu Press.com. Ken Pennington (Amelia Island, FL): I took Barb on a 10 day cruise through the Greek Isles for her 60th on Oceania. First class and scenery was fantastic. We recently visited my daughter and my grandchildren on Kiawah Island, SC. Her husband, Vic Dewyea’91, and his brother Kirk Dewyea’88 were also there for the week. Skip Anders (Mesa, AZ): We have bought a

home in Mesa, AZ, and plan to stay here. For good. No PCS. This is it. We’ve got a pool and a guest room. ML Buchanan (Salisbury, NC) (from Facebook): Valerie and I will be settling in Salisbury, NC about 20 minutes from my birthplace in Concord, NC. I will truly be going home! We will close on the new house sometime in midJune (hopefully). We can’t pack-out and move until early to mid October. I am guessing that we will be ready to start hosting family (that especially includes BRs!), friends, and vagabonds sometime in late November. Les Martin (Hanover, PA): I am still not counting birthdays but I am trying not to miss any. Only news is we have a granddaughter and my wife is in seventh heaven with her. She is really cute, but don’t tell any one I think so, it’s a sign of weakness and Veemees can’t be weak. Paul Quillen (Cartersville, GA): Paul & Lydia celebrated their 21st anniversary with Bill & Dawn Cloyd (Lynchburg, VA) in Chattanooga, TN on July 19th. Pete Farmer (Edmonds, WA) (excerpted from Facebook): My son Kyle Farmer’13 is currently at Warrior Forge LDAC at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. I’ll go to graduation parade for his regiment. I was just browsing through commemorative book (you DID keep yours, right?). Dick Wallach (Middleburg, VA) and I were in 2nd Brigade India Co 4th platoon. Guy Wilson (Charlotte, NC) was 1st Brigade staff and Dean Kershaw (Fairfield, VA) 3rd Battalion staff. About only thing I remember is the low crawl. Later, Pete wrote: Patty and I will be traveling to VMI in September for son’s soccer tournament and again November for soccer Senior Day. Son Kyle is President of OGA and member of EC. We also going on VMIAA Caribbean Cruise in March. Patty and I are having dinner with Bob and Lissa McDowell (Friday Harbor, WA) at their Seattle area home. Phil Lanier (Lakeway, TX): Becky and I recently had a visit from Creigh Kelley (Centennial, CO). Still looking slim and trim, he was in Austin announcing a triathlon. Says he still enjoys the very crowded travel schedule. Ben Hedrick (Bethlehem, PA): In my continuing effort to come out of my shell (I’ve been trying real hard), I had planned to finally attend one of John Crim’s (New Market, VA) Rat Parade but we will be backpacking in the Czech Republic and Slovakia during this time. I am getting tickets to the Navy game on 9/22 but I doubt I will recognize most BRs (I have stayed the same but you guy have really aged). Terry Bowers (Martinez, GA): I visited Summerville Cemetery in Augusta after work and did a little New Market Day observance at Cadet Bransford’s ’867 grave. It was just me, Bransford and the VMI Spirit.

Terry Emerson (Alconbury, UK): Turned 66 last month, but still getting younger though the hair is lighter. I am off to Alconbury, UK, for what is likely to be the last two years of my career with the DoDEA serving US military families and kids. My daughter Kendra is due to be married this July in Wilmington NC. We had a Mother’s Day lunch in Amsterdam, and will head to Paris this weekend (May) with my faculty to celebrate the closure of Geilenkirchen Elementary School in June. It was a great 7 years living in a castle and now we will look for a manor or cottage in the UK. Our health is good and we still enjoy the fine dining and travel opportunities Europe has to offer. Now we’ll do it on the other side of the road in the UK! Read with sadness about George ‘World Egg’ Squires passing on to the celestial environs. He was one of a kind. He sent me a picture a long time ago of the general he ‘drove around’ at one of the ReforGer military exercises. Plus, he stopped by on leave to share new teas he had found in his quest for nirvana. I woke up one morning to find him in the lotus position almost naked in the sunshine streaming in from the window. Fondly recall the days at 109 Myers Street after the ‘68 graduation. Still recall many unusual and fun memories from those days. Later, Terry wrote: Herbie Brasington (Portland, OR) was in town (Wilmington, NC) to help celebrate at my daughter Kendra’s wedding last month. George Sebren (Niceville, FL): We’ll be celebrating my BD this year on a windjammer cruise out of Camden, ME. Guess it will be lobster instead of ice cream and cake. Complained to AD (Donny White’65) about no home football game that weekend and it all comes down to $$. Was in Norfolk last weekend for my mother’s #90 - hope I got the gene. Rev Jones (Prosper, TX): Having a great time with grand kids, golf and volunteering around Prosper. We just finished trip back to Virginia for Dottie’s mother’s 90th birthday and her family reunion. Then week later went back to WVA for mother’s 93rd. Dave O’Connor: Still in Middlesex County and working down in Suffolk as a contractor for DoD. Traveling regularly to Germany and Italy. Our son Ryan O’Connor’96 just selected below the zone for LTC. They have three children with another on the way. Gordon Van Hoose (Vivian, LA): Billie Vic and I have been doing well. I am still working and am able to keep up with the necessary things on the farm. Billie Vic has a daughter and son in law in Tampa and she goes there a few times a year and I usually go once. Christmas in FL is a lot different than here, but a lot of fun. Rode by the Institute in the spring of ’11. I have two girls and four granddaughters,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and one grandson. We spend football season going to LSU games and have a blast doing it. Have seen no BRs since the last reunion. There are a couple around and I need to just look them up and go see them. I still feel young but the mirror tells me different. Get my first SS deposit on the third Wednesday of the month, very excited! George Walton (Richmond, VA) (succinctly): We’re doing fine. Howard Chapman (Mount Pleasant, SC): I can`t believe I have been retired for over a year. Still on the Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission and the Charleston County Transportation Committee. I helped on Mayor Riley`s campaign last fall. He was nice enough to convince Charleston City Council to name a building after me at the Visitor Reception and Transportation Center downtown. It is on the National Register and I worked with Mayor Riley to get it revitalized almost twenty years ago. Just got back from Cleveland, OH, where they are holding the USGA Women`s Amateur Open golf Tournament this week. I am on the steering committee for the event which will be at The Country Club of Charleston next year. Lots of work and no pay! My oldest daughter and her family will be here this Saturday for a two week vacation. That includes four of five of my grand children. I am still trying to stay young with tennis, full court basketball, walking, running, bike riding, and some golf. Don`t think I can keep up with the RATS, but I can still hit three pointers and play 4.0 tennis. Not bad for a “good to me” that just turned “box cars”. Saw the Keydets play their opening baseball game this year against South Carolina. The Keydets played well against the runner-up in the NCAA College World Series. Jack Bareford (Swainsboro, GA): I ran the Georgia Rural Economic Development Center that I started at East Georgia College for twelve years. When the state budget got bad in 2009, the funding went away, and so did our rural center. I was vested so I took the thirteen years of retirement and was unemployed for six months. In May of 2010, our local joint city and county development authority’s President quit on short notice and the board asked me to come in and help them until they found a replacement. At the time, I was not interested in the job permanently as I was going to sell my house and move to Baton Rouge, LA, where my middle son Lee and my only grandchild, Sam, live. However, the job-hunting in Baton Rouge has not gone well, so I am still in the job after two years plus. Jack Jr. is still with Best Buy and manages a store in Charleston, SC. They move him frequently when they need help with particular stores as he is really good with people and has a great reputation with corporate

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Best Buy. My middle son Lee and his wife are in Baton Rouge. Up until four months ago, Lee was a store manager for one of two Barnes and Noble stores in Baton Rouge but four months ago was called by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Atlanta and asked to develop and teach on line courses for them as he was doing for a while when he first moved to Baton Rouge. He now does that full time and stays at home with Sam. My youngest son, Taylor, was teaching full time at the Atlanta Art Institute until the corporation did a nation wide down size. A month after he was released, they called and asked if he wanted to teach an on line course, so he took that. Then they called and asked if he wanted a second one, and he took that. Then they called and asked if he would teach too regular classes as an adjunct, and he took those. Not to mention, he had already agreed to teach a course for another private college in Atlanta. So he is loaded down, but no guarantees after this quarter. And, he is getting married in September. Both Lee and Taylor have MFAs from SCAD in Savannah so at least they are working in their area of expertise. Cary Cook (Campbell, CA) (my roommate for two semesters), on the day after his 67th birthday, began a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles as a fund raiser in the AIDS/Lifecycle 11 event. About his trip he wrote: As a social worker serving others, I have worked with persons for over 25 years from varied backgrounds and especially veterans at VA medical centers. I understand the need to end this disease having seen first hand its horror, which no one deserves.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and friends of the winning class of the recent Keydet Club Challenge! We will get our class year worn by the Kangaroo mascot for the next year and accept a lot of praise from various alumni groups this fall. June 1 was day with two gatherings of BRs. One group headed to Arlington Cemetery for Fred Smith’s interment with military honors. The other headed to Lexington for the annual Keydet Club Leadership Outing for golf and storm watching. Gary Mackey reported on Fred Smith’s day. “We had 10 BRs: B.A. (Ted) Rennolds, Bob Ladd, Bob Sparks, Bobby Watts, Spunky Butler, myself, Lee Swats, Knox Hubard and Bob Biddle. Lou Sidney made it for the ceremony but did not get into the photo at Arlington. It

was a beautiful day and a perfect service for a fallen friend. Peggy also posted other photos on my Facebook account that you can see. It was wonderful spending time with these BRs and Linda and her sons Shane and Jeremy.” Spunky Butler sent his version of Fred’s ceremony: “Fred’s interment was well attended by BRs, family and friends. His Bn CO from 30 years ago in Germany was even there; they had kept up ever since. Gary Mackey was Fred’s roommate at the “I” and was instrumental in helping Linda pull this together. He and his wife Peggy did a great job all around, Peggy especially for talking pictures they have shared on Gary’s Facebook page. Fred was in Alpha Company, and it was well represented by Gary, Bobby Ladd, Bob Sparks and myself. The BR contingent was rounded out by Bobby Watts, Lou Sidney, Ted Rennolds, Knox Hubard and Bob Biddle. It took me a couple minutes to recognize some of them. The old joke is true: ‘Who are all these old folks and why are they at my class reunion?’ I just wanted to get a quick note off to let you know the notification efforts do make a difference: Gary was expecting five or six BRs beside himself, and nine others showed up.” On the same day down in Lexington, Tom Jones, TB Thompson , Tom Morris, Bunny Paulette, John Sebrell and I ate breakfast together in Nikko’s of Lexington and then Tom and I slipped by the football locker room to view Fred’s memorial plaque on his locker. We were all together in spirit that day. At the golf outing Tom Jones, TB Thompson, and John Sebrell played golf with head football Coach Sparky Woods’ brother Don; Art and Becky Bushey played with Jim and Beth Long and did very well; KC President Bunny Paulette teamed with other friends; and neighbors Tom Morris and Walt Judd drove together from Williamsburg to play as a two-some for most of the day. Tom and I started with one of two ’74 grads scheduled to play and then ended up a two-some when a balky back caused our teammate to drop out. As we had to, we played on! The day started in a light mist and ended in a downpour but for most of the day, the rain passed us by and made conditions just fine for being outdoors. Later at the Moody Hall dinner, everything moved indoors as more storm clouds dumped their loads and caused a bit of noise. Ron and Betsy Wall, Dave and Susan Prugh and Sallie Sebrell came for the dinner and got to talk with all the others there. There was a lot of excitement in May and June concerning the VMI Keydet Club Challenge. Sometime in May our class surged into the lead and started pushing pressure on other classes to keep up. A couple of reminders from various sources and the battle heated up. We

CLASS NOTES had 35 or so contributors in May and then almost overnight we had 56. By the end of the contest 73 BRs had made the challenge gift and earned for us the opportunity to start and name a scholarship for the class. The $50,000 Class of ’69 Athletic Scholarship was born in the generosity of members of our class who caught the spirit of the challenge and responded with their donations. Marvin Fayman in Australia gets the prize for sending his donation the farthest distance. In addition to the new scholarship, we will see Moe the Mascot wearing number “69” for the next school year. Weasel and Bunny are very proud of our work. If you did not see Bunny’s e-mail that went to the class, please send me your e-mail address and I will forward it. His passion for helping VMI scholar athletes is clear. One other very important message about activities in Lexington came from John and Sallie Sebrell. “I would like for you to pass along to BRs that they now have a 1969 ‘B&B’ at 5 Sheridan Row in downtown Lexington, only two blocks from the foot of Letcher Avenue. For reservations call 540-463-0944, or e-mail jsebrell@centurylink.net.” On any given day I can go to Facebook and see what BRs are placing for public scrutiny. It is a hoot to read the various messages and the pictures that show up there. When Lee Barnes places a photo of himself playing guitar left handed, he got many comments about his playing and offers for singing gigs. Not only Bob Heely, his sometimes rock and roll partner, but several others as well. I think there are 50 or so BRs connected via that social media site. LinkedIn is the other site used by many folks. This one is more work oriented but also is a way to stay connected with BRs. Hugh Hopkins and Mike McCrary contribute regularly. Mike retired from government service and moved to CA to be near grandkids. Who knew he was a connoisseur of fine Hawaiian music? And plays it as often as he gets the opportunity? We are indeed a talented group. On May 22 I became a granddad for the first time. Not so little (almost 10 pounds), Rowan Glossy was born to my daughter and her husband. My wife and I timed it well and were in his hospital room in Austin, TX, within 15 hours of his birth. I passed the word to the world on Facebook and then got all sorts of responses. Glenn Hammond sent me a picture of his new grandson Austin Scott Hammond born on May 4. Chris Brothers also told me he was about to become a granddad near the end of the year. Doug Marks is anticipating the arrival of number six; Tom Morris number three. And Paul Curs is expecting three new little ones in his expanding family this fall. I am not sure

who is leading this statistic but I can safely say Frank Novakowski’s 11 certainly set the pace. I can only say I am enjoying every moment of grandparenthood and enjoy getting to use the latest technology to see and hear my grandson. We marvel over text messages with photos attached and adore the small videos which arrive via text or e-mail messages. Shy of being there in person, the Skype technologies are the best. Dr. Novakowski is now called associate dean as a first name in his job at Iowa’s Davenport University and he enjoys the rigors of his summers: “This past June, I took my seventh group of college students (mostly MBAs) on a three+ week study abroad in Germany and surrounding countries in the EU. The itinerary [he sent] gives you an idea of the six-country, 11-city, 17-site visit adventure. The focus of the study was operations management and international business. We did the cultural and historical sites too … It’s amazing when some have little idea about the significance of Checkpoint Charlie, etc. I lucked out and brought back the 18 that I took over … yes, there were even the same people! Well, actually the experiences likely changed them forever.” In July after the famous end-of-June storm which affected communities all across VA, I wrote to Mel Adams when I had heard his wife might have lost a car to a tree in the storm. “We’re OK. Kathy went down to Lexington Sunday a week following the storm to visit her mother and sister who lost both cars to fallen trees. The cars are now in for body work and trees are being removed this week. On the topic of storms, I’ve been working for the Town of Killington since TS Irene last August as project manager for their flood recovery operations and doing the contractor and FEMA coordination. I am going back into the regular workforce in August though, as I have decided to return to Randolph, VT, as town manager. Just not ready for retiring yet, I guess.” Mel Adams, the man who refused to quit. And good thing he was available as these smaller New England towns need his experience and skill. Good luck in Randolph! When I spoke with Bob and Susan Alexander at church after the storm, I heard of power outages for several days which affected Lexington and other areas across VA. David and Gail Bush reported outages and storm reactions via their Facebook page and got all sorts of responses from others in Richmond and Roanoke areas. In eastern Tidewater we got a big blast during the June 29 evening and noted several big branches down the next morning. Fortunately we lost no power and had no hits on the house. Sailor Bob Alexander had an interesting Caribbean sail to Bermuda and back this sum-

mer. He volunteered his time and expertise to a sailboat owner and then sailed for a couple of weeks to faraway places. This year’s trip was another adventure of avoiding storms and learning to live without all the facilities I have come to expect when traveling. I was also talking with Knox Hubard later about keeping busy as a retiree and heard the Deltaville Maritime Museum, and the boat (a 12-foot wooded Wright Skiff) Knox was building with his grandson, had burned down. I reminded Knox of Bob’s restoration work and almost got it right. Dr. Bob had to correct me: “It was a complete restoration (primarily fiberglass) of the MARINER lll, a 42’ wooden Chesapeake deadrise workboat built 25 years ago at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News … the boot stripe just above the waterline is none other than red, white, and yellow (imagine that). Reeves Potts ’71 is also part owner of one of these craft (another story in itself).” Bob still claims Seaford, VA, as home while Knox is splitting his time between Richmond and Deltaville area. I checked later with Glenn White and Spunky Butler about the annual canoe trip. The guys were smart as usual and went the weekend before the big storm. This was the 27th annual trip and Spunky, Skinny Baker, Glenn White, John Robins and Thornton Newlon all traversed the wicked waters of the James River once again. In early July I heard from Don Mercer that he and Ted Mervosh ’67 with wives had shared dinner. Apparently Ted and Carol introduced the Mercers “way back when.” In late July I got a nice note from Bob Clingenpeel with two pictures of him and his wife visiting Tim and Rosemary Rahm in Iowa. Bob said he and Sandy were on a three-week, 16-state, 5700-mile road trip which included their daughter’s wedding in Michigan. Wow! That comes close to the travel records Brant and Betsy Collins on their “let’s see the world” tours. See evidence of Brant’s travels on his Facebook page. As the excitement of the Keydet Club Challenge really started building, I exchanged words with BR Phil Rightler. Phil sent the following update on his activities since leaving VMI after our Rat year. “Briefly, after departing VMI in fall 1966: September 1968-April 1972, enlisted in U.S. Navy as a communications technician. Naval Intelligence stationed in Norfolk, VA; Subic Bay, Philippines; Phu Bai, RVN; Okinawa, Japan; and San Diego, CA. Honorable discharge as disabled veteran. ’70s - worked for Weyerhaeuser Co. (NJ and Indiana) for several years as a Quality Control Manager; Cummins Engine Company (foreman for diesel engine manufacturer) and eventually with U.S. Postal Service. ’80s – two daughters. ’90s – started MICR Tech business and flourished

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES to a world-wide manufacturer of value-added laser printer products and service to produce negotiable documents (checks, prescription scripts) on a global scale. 2000s – girls graduate college (University of Tennessee and Kent State); older now has two daughters of her own living in Florida, younger getting her doctorate at Tennessee and planning on adopting a girl. 2010s – business slow due to economy but steady. Cannot or will not retire; love working too much. Empty nest takes its toll. Still love football.” Via e-mail I have talked with Bob Waldo, Roy “Dana” Swatts, Tom Morris, Harold Fleischer, Val Southall, Don Mercer, Bruce Sharp, Fred “Jade” Ford, Win Winfree, Jamie Totten, Bob Heely, Al Kaliski, Steve Northup, Tom Reynolds along with many of you via e-mail this quarter for all sorts of reasons. It is hard to get too behind on news with all the chatter going back and forth. Gary Braswell agreed to help with next reunion and added his name to Ron Wall’s work team. And Win and I are already talking about how to raise our 50th Reunion gift. We still have plenty of room for volunteers to put together the next reunion weekend Sept. 18-21, 2014. In May I noted that a team of hot air balloon experts were coming to the Yorktown area and mentioned the names of the team to our own balloon pilot Amo Judd. He responded: “I know Kevin Knapp quite well. He and I would see each other all across the United States at hot air balloon events. He flew the Army hot air balloon and used local recruiters as crew, to promote the Army and encourage looking into careers in the Army. It is quite a production to get a gas balloon launched and quite a ride, sometimes days in length, when they do free fly. While making excellent observation platforms, they also made ideal targets! Big and stationary. I am still living in Cleveland, OH, doing executive jet travel and managing several Air Ambulance Lear jets. No current retirement plans. Any of our Brother Rats that are accustomed to travel by private jet – and I am sure that is most of our class – are welcome to give me a call.” John DuBose reported: “I will start back teaching chemistry in late August at the College of Charleston and am still shuffling papers in the State Defense Force. Everything is being re-organized and we are switching uniforms later this year. I am also collecting stories of our pleasant days with Col. Ritchey in organic chemistry so would like to hear from anyone who had the pleasure of going to the board and answering a question in his organic recitations. Anyone who was a chemistry or biology major can probably contribute something, so please e-mail me at VMee@aol.com.” Scott Rhodes is staying busy in his new

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retirement status: “Just a note to let you know all is well here at the Rhodes household in Hickory. Amy and I are doing OK for a couple of old retirees. So far I’m still playing racquetball three or four times a week. (I do enjoy that game.) I’ve also started playing with the New Horizons band here in Hickory. It is made up mostly of folks who used to play earlier in life (e.g. high school or college) and for a variety of reasons put their instruments aside. It had been at least 10-12 years since I had played either my clarinet or saxophone. New Horizons is a nation-wide organization that encourages old geezers like us to take up music again. The closest I have come to coming out of retirement is agreeing to supervise chemistry labs for a group of five home-schoolers twice a month for this school year. Amy and I spent most of June in Montana helping son Jeremy and crew move to a different house in Great Falls. He is still a civilian civil engineer on Malmstrom. His wife is a full time stay-at-home, home-schooling mom. We will go back out there for Christmas this year.” Doug Marks wrote in Aug: “Janet and I are doing great. She’s staying busy with her job as director of music at St. Joseph Church in Columbia. Janet is an excellent musician, and she loves working with the choir. I’m trying to keep my golf game appropriately tuned for the upcoming Two Bellies Tourney. Janet and I had our entire family with us at Garden City Beach for the last week of July for our annual ‘beach week.’ There were 17 of us under one roof, and the entire week was a blast! It has become one of the highlights of our year. Sending a photo of Janet and me with our five grandchildren. (Janet’s son, Carter, and his wife, Daniela, are expecting their first ... a daughter ... on Dec. 18, so next year will be even more fun!)” Reb Anderson checked in from New Braunfels, TX, (between San Antonio and Austin): “Thanks for the card and thoughts. I’m still going at it, but am happy to report that my youngest son is joining the dermatology practice. That will give me a little more time off to farm and hopefully travel.” Roy Dana Swatts wrote in June of his recent trip from Florida to Big Sky Country, MT: “We got to our mountain retreat safe and sound. Arrived in Missoula at about 5:20 p.m., stopped for dinner and then came on in. Still a lot of snow on the upper peaks, streams and creeks are running good from snow melt. Low 50s earlier this a.m. and has already warmed into the low 70s by noon and supposed to get into the low 80s today and thru the weekend. Took some time to visit some other sights on this trip. Spent a day at the Chickamauga Civil War battlefield in Tennessee, an extra day at the Bad Lands in South Dakota (had several buffalo

come within 15 feet of the truck while I was out taking photos), then on to Wyoming to the Devil’s Tower. Drive thru Iowa, the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana was absolutely beautiful. Saw more buffalo; lots of prairie dog towns; antelope; white tail and mule deer; and a variety of other small game and birds. Everyone should take the time and see the west before it is all developed. Spent restful night here: no sirens, loud cars or motorcycles racing around; no boom boxes rattling windows; and no choppers circling overhead. Why do we ever leave this place?” The end-of-year giving statistics just came out and we did great! Almost 49 percent of the BRs and widows of our class made a gift in fiscal year 2012. Thanks again for supporting the VMI programs and cadets. And, especially, for supporting Bunny and me in the KC Challenge. In the Spirit ... Walt

’70

Warren Grasty

Unfortunately, this set of class notes begins on three very sad notes with the passings of Peel Dillard’s wife, June, on June 13th; our Brother Rat Jack Kern on July 3rd; and Nancy Cabaniss Mastin’s husband, Lee, on May 17th. The funeral service for June in Tappahannock was very nice and was attended by Herb and Susan Braun, Bobby Brown, Jud Collier, Tom and Jill Cooke, Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Bill and Paula O’Connor, Carl and Julie Strock with son Christopher ’97 and Donnie Wheatley. Herb and Carl served as pallbearers. I am sorry that I didn’t know June, as she was clearly a wonderful person. As many of you know, June suffered from the effects of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for years and was unfailingly supported during this difficult time by Peel and the rest of her family. Jack Kern was the epitome of a VMI man. Calm, cool, collected, incredibly capable at everything that he attempted and yet a very humble guy. He told me that he had no indications of any problems with his heart until a few weeks before his emergency double bypass surgery. His passing is still a shock, and he will be missed. Our deepest sympathies go to Jack’s widow Melanie and his sister and brother-inlaw Kathy and Bob Candido. The funeral and burial services at Arlington National Cemetery will be held on Thursday, October 18th. Nancy Cabaniss and Lee Mastin were married in Lexington on May 16th, and he passed away the very next day. Although Lee had previously been diagnosed with cancer, his

CLASS NOTES quick passing was a shock. Don McQueen is Godfather to Nancy’s daughter, Courtney May, so he and Tucker spent a night with Nancy in Lexington, Tucker’s hometown, on their trip to PA in August. Please keep Nancy and Courtney May in your thoughts and prayers. The same week Jack underwent his surgery, Bill O’Connor underwent two heart procedures that lasted eight hours. I am happy to report that Bill is recovering nicely. From the Small World Department, Bill Heflin e-mailed me saying that his daughter was Bill’s nurse. No wonder he did so well! With his repaired heart and slimmed down physique, he should be ready once again for the rigors of golf by the time you read this. Which is sure to please all of those who play with him regularly, since their lifestyles have suffered due to lost income from bets with Bill. As part of his recuperation process, Bill and Paula joined Lee and Connie Moon and Lew and Judy Reynolds for a long weekend in August at Ralph and Marsha Costen’s home at Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Lee continues to lead the development of athletics at the University of North Florida as Athletic Director. Lew is a physics professor at North Carolina State University and Judy is a physics researcher. They have a new granddaughter, Margaret, in sunny London. In early May, Kent and Judy Schlussel traveled to Ecuador, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. New Market Day was celebrated VMI hat and all, in the Sacred Valley, which lies in the Andes below Machu Picchu. They also enjoyed three days of snorkeling amongst the seal lions around the Galapagos Islands. Other world travelers included Gray and Nancy Chandler and Gary and Lynn Weishaar, who joined Nancy’s sister, Gayle, and her son on a group tour of Ireland.

Also in May, Don and Tucker McQueen took time away from visiting their 8-year-old grandson in Rockville, MD, for their annual lunch with Paul and Lynn Munch at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub in Old Town Alexandria. Further proof that old habits die hard, particularly those involving massive amounts of alcoholic refreshments. They also met up with Phil and Carolyn Anderson while traveling through Jasper, GA. Coming out of the woodwork for the Keydet Club’s Leadership Outing in Lexington the first weekend in June were Ralph Costen, Steve Craddock, John and Carole Flemming, Bill Gearhart, Al Kirk, Bill O’Connor, Dixie Walker and yours truly. As is usually the case, the quality of the dinner buffet greatly exceeded the quality of the golf. At the Keydet Club board meeting the following morning, Steve was elected to his second term on the Keydet Club Board. It was refreshing to converse with a real golfer, Gordon Williams, who manages to keep his single-digit handicap while heading up Elam Company near Chicago. In early June he traveled to Richmond for the wedding of his cousin’s daughter, whose father is Terrell Williams ’74 and grandfather was the late Judge Williams ’35. Later in the month he played in the New Jersey Alumni Chapter’s golf outing at Baltusrol Golf Club, which was organized by Rick Wolffe ’78. In mid-June I had the pleasure of meeting up with Don and Lois Crawford for a nice dinner in Reston during their synchronized business trips to northern Virginia. Don raised $2,250 on his MS Society Tour de Vine Bike Ride this spring, and he thanks the many Brother Rats who contributed to the cause. Don stays busy traveling the mid-Atlantic for Shickel Corpo-

Class of 1970: From left, Lee Moon, Ralph Costen, Bill O’Connor and Lew Reynolds at the Costen’s Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, home in August 2012.

ration in Bridgewater, VA, identifying and supporting metal fabrication opportunities. Lois is editor-in-chief at the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery, an organization funded in part by the U.S. State Department and operated at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Among other things, the CISR works with countries to identify and clear land mines and provide assistance to victims of land mines. In August, Don had dinner with Father Fred Werth whose calling includes two churches in Western North Carolina, one in Mars Hill and the other in Burnsville. After hours of comparing notes, Don says he came out on top with the highest number of drug prescriptions, while Fred was the clear winner in number of doctors regularly visited. Sadly, they are both considered relatively healthy people. Welcome to our world. In that vein, John Flemming is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery performed by Dr. Scott Wooddell ’82. Keeping it all in the family, so to speak, his next stop is dentist, Dr. Ben Wiggins ’57. John and Carole attended the VMI Western Tidewater Chapter Back to School Party at Sleepy Hole Golf Course for returning and new cadets. June also witnessed the graduation of Reed and Carol Heddleston’s son, Dr. Tom Heddleston, from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Being the last of their three children to complete their education, Reed seems to smile much more than he used to. Also working on his doctorate this summer was Ned Haley’s son, Adam. He successfully defended his thesis in English literature in June and will graduate from Penn State in December. Fricka’s son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law Jennifer now live in Doha, Qatar, where he’s a pilot for Qatar Airlines. Like us, Ned and Fricka have come to appreciate the magic of Skype, and they plan to visit Qatar this fall. In July they once again donated a gourmet dinner in their church’s auction. This year’s theme was Bastille Day featuring a five-course, winepairing gourmet French meal for eleven. One wouldn’t think that the bar would be set very high for feeding inmates coming straight from prison, but who am I to say? In any case, they were able to recuperate on vacations to Topsail Island and to Duck on the North Carolina coast. Big Jim Gillespie writes that he and Susie have retired, he after 32 years with Raytheon and she after 24 years teaching elementary school in Spotsylvania County. When not visiting Susie’s family in Texas and looking after their bird and five dogs, they enjoy the fresh air of Shenandoah National Park. So much so that Jim is planning to volunteer with the U.S. Park Service there.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Jon Vordermark checked in saying that he is also pretty much retirement ready, citing the pace of work, frustrations with increasing oversight and regulation and simply getting tired at the end of the day. As I say, if you’re going to get worn out, you might as well get worn out doing something you like. Having been recognized as a “Top Surgeon” and in “Best Doctors” for years for his work in pediatric urology, and having received the “Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award” from the faculty and “Physician Mentor of the Year” from the residents, he will definitely be going out on top. Notwithstanding the recent liberalization of liquor laws in Lubbock County, he and Sherri don’t want to retire there. They are considering somewhere near Jon’s old hometown of Albuquerque, NM, or southern Colorado, where he can see mountains, fly fish and oil paint. Sounds like a good plan to me. Also preparing for retirement is Steve Waters. In anticipation, Shelley has been trying to bring him kicking and screaming into the 21st century, to wit, “Believe it or not, Steve actually has his own e-mail address now. I wouldn’t say that he checks it on a regular basis, but he is retiring at the end of the year, and I have taken some proactive steps in this transition. He now has an iPhone with Siri, his own personal e-mail and I taught him how to use the fax. Baby steps … ” Meanwhile, even farther down the antitechnology spectrum resides none other than Julian Smith, who recently called in via crank telephone from Birmingham, AL, where he is

well into the retirement thing. Since computers are a long-standing no-no for Juju, any bits and bytes intended for him have to be fielded by Donna. No baby steps here. Not even a good crawl. As you Facebook types may already know, Bill Scherer is in the process of raising funds for the completion of his new psychological thriller movie, “House on Rodeo Gulch.” He is using the crowd-sourcing website Kickstarter. com, which was rated, as Steve and Julian are probably unaware, one of the top five technology inventions of 2010 by Time magazine. If this film is a success, rumor has it that it will be followed up by what is guaranteed to be the mother of all psychological thrillers, “Room on the Fifth Stoop” starring Jack Nicholson as Tuck Worsham. Another Left Coaster, Joe Girlando, writes that he has accepted a contractor position supporting NATO in Brussels. He and Patricia are keeping their home on Bainbridge Island, WA, where she plans to return for a few months each year while Joe sorts out NATO. Dick and Linda Knight spent about five weeks touring Indian pueblos in New Mexico, Northern Arizona and Colorado. I honestly didn’t realize the housing market was so bad. Anyway, Dick said that the highlight of the trip was Acoma, a pueblo built 300 feet above ground level. The name of the pueblo is derived from the condition that residents developed shortly after moving in, i.e., a coma. During their trip they endured 115-degree heat and had their way barred several days by the

Class of 1970: Kent and Judy Schlussel in Peru, at a site overlooking the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu in May 2012.

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massive wild fires in Colorado Springs. While at the Hoover Dam, he said that after mentioning to their tour guide that he had visited in 1956, they were given a VIP tour. Actually, Dick, it was the old-folks tour. They were afraid you might wander off. Dick reminisced that he and Linda took a month-long vacation in 1973 between the end of his military stint in Colorado and the start of law school. Linda opined that it would be 40 years before they had another long vacation. She was off by a year. Dick, you might want to think about taking Linda to Vegas. But, alas, that will have to wait until after a trip to Maine to attend yet another wedding. Former summer school compatriot Chip Humphrey reports that he is on the board at Randolph-Macon Academy and that his hip is pretty much back to 100 percent, so he is ready for some golf. He also relates that a friend in Harrisonburg, whose father taught engineering at VMI during WWII, found a VMI Blue Book of regulations dated 1938 while cleaning out his parents’ attic. He also came across a VMI Register from 1941-42 that included at least nine of the professors from our years in Barracks. I am sure that you will be as amused as I was to hear that, according to the Blue Book Para. 173, “Fagging of new cadets is prohibited. By fagging is meant the unauthorized exaction of any form of service of a new cadet by an old cadet.” Lucky for us they got that all sorted out. Speaking of relics, here’s an update from Ben Dick on the Stonewall Jackson belt buckle project: “We are about to view Professor James I. Robertson Jr.’s research at VPI. General Jackson wrote his sister a letter, which Robertson found, bragging about bringing home Mexican War relics. We hope to view it soon. The belt buckle saga is getting very interesting. Waite Rawls has been a huge help.” As you history buffs know, Dr. Robinson is a renowned American Civil War historian who wrote possibly the most definitive biography of Stonewall Jackson. Another former roomie, George Ritko, checked in from Goldsboro, NC. George’s plans include overdue knee surgery in September followed by retirement from the insurance claims business, hopefully next spring. This will allow him to spend even more time volunteering with the United Way. From much farther up the East Coast in Old Greenwich, CT, Rob Perelli-Minetti relates that he had lunch with his old roommate, Terry Chewning during a trip to the Orlando area earlier in the year. He also speaks occasionally with another I-almost-live-in-Orlando BR, Tom Love. And Tom’s old roommate, Tom Morehouse, took his kids and grandkids, from Texas and Louisiana,

CLASS NOTES on a tour of the Historic Triangle (made up we opted to cancel golf and headed to the Maof Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown). rine Corps Museum in Quantico with resident Much better than the Bermuda Triangle, by Jar Head John Bailey. Let the record show that the way (made up of Bermuda). Anyway, I was the only one of this group who eschewed Jamestown National Park was celebrating the heading to the bar before completing the tour of 319th birthday of the Virginia General Assemthis impressive facility. It is definitely worth an bly, the oldest continuous elected governing body in the world, including the English Parliament. Among the historical interpreters was none other than our own Dick Cheatham in full period regalia. Meanwhile, in Glen Allen, VA, when Bob Hawthorne isn’t herding his four grandchildren, he toils away at Martinair, helping schlep politicians and body parts around the country. Here’s an idea, Hayroll. Why don’t you guys take some of the hearts and insert them into the politicians? It should be pretty easy, as most of them are empty suits anyway. Hey, I’m just sayin.’ Class of 1970: David Schmidt on vacation in The last week of July brought Lagoon, Micronesia, July 2012. the annual week at the Walker’s beach house at Corolla Beach on the Outer Banks. Joining Charlie and Margaret Walker were John and June Bailey, Gray and Nancy Chandler, Jim and Judy Mawyer, Dave Schmidt and Liz and me. Also coming and going at various times were offspring Waite Walker, John Bailey Jr., Peyton Mawyer and newlyweds Todd and Meredith Mawyer. Next to the man cave on the beach we proudly displayed a brand new class of 1970 flag that was donated by Todd via his business, TK Promotions, which supplied the goodies for our last reunion. One of the highlights of the week was the annual Half Rubber competition. As some of you who were raised on the Southeast Atlantic Coast already know, Half Rubber is a game invented by cretins and played by morons. Basically, a “pitcher” takes a rubber ball that has been cut in half and throws it between two “batters,” each standing on opposite sides of “home plate,” using broom handles for bats. Please do not try this at home. Or when sober. A few weeks before this event, Stix Chandler was in northern Virginia for a few days. Since it was over one hundred degrees outside,

afternoon if you are in the area. Speaking of Jar Heads, David Schmidt went on a two-week scuba diving trip in July to Truck Lagoon, which is north of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. At least that’s where he thinks he went. According to Wikipedia, truck is a mispronunciation of ruk, but that doesn’t matter because its real name since 1990 is Chuuk, which means “mountain.” Say what? Anyway, the Ruk/Truck/Chuuk Atoll encloses a natural harbor of 820 square miles and 49 square miles of islands. During World War II, the Japanese military turned this into their major base in the South Pacific, deeming it impregnable. “Not so fast,” said the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who in 1944 turned this into the world’s largest ship graveyard. After the oil and gasoline diluted somewhat, the lagoon turned into a world-renowned underwater fish Chuuk habitat and diving venue. Ergo, Dave’s trip. With bated breaths we awaited regular e-mail reports and were not disappointed. Surprisingly, a few of the attached pictures didn’t include Dave. Unfortunately, our week at the Outer Banks didn’t coincide with A.C. and Beth Arnn’s week this year. A.C. stays busy training young engineers the art of job estimation for M.B. Kahn in Columbia, SC. Beth recently retired from teaching and looks forward to spending her time on more relaxing activities. Son Patrick is in Kandahar until yearend when he will return to Aviano, Italy. Daughter Sara and husband Michael are in the process of buying four acres near Burlington, where Sara teaches. They have already sold their old home and plan to build a new one this fall. No class notes would be complete without at least one instance of golf envy. The culprits this time are none other than Ned and Florence Perrow, who attended the PGA Championship, the last major golf tournament of the year, while vacationing on Kiawah Island, SC. Grrrrrrr. That’s all for now. Here’s to a great Thanksgiving holiday for Class of 1970: Gary and Lynn Weishaar, left, with Gray and you and your loved ones. Nancy Chandler at Kylemore Abbey, Ireland in May 2012. In the Spirit!

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’71

James Kelly

These notes will cover the period between May 15, ’12 and Aug. 15, ’12. There are about six weeks of official summertime left as I begin these notes but, quite frankly, it is time we all got a break. Half of the country is on fire and about two thirds of us have a severe drought in progress. The end of June brought us a huge wind event … a derecho … which even the weather men couldn’t spell, explain or predict. That was followed by even more storms to highlight the hottest July on record. An awful lot of people were without power and/or water in their homes or businesses for extended periods of time and just about every motel in our part of the world reported being booked solid. Hopefully, we can have another mild winter and we can afford to pay the power companies that will be busy trying to “recover their losses.” Once again I have some sad news concerning members of the ’71 family. Bob McEwan’s wife, Liz, passed away June 28, 2012, at the Stella Morris Hospice in Towson, MD. Funeral services were held July 3, 2012, in Fallston, MD. Bob has expressed his sincere thanks for the support of his Brother Rats during Liz’s illness. In a recent e-mail he shared that Liz had survived the bombing of London in WWII and true to her British nature “she never gave up and never gave in.” In July, Ross Jernigan died suddenly at his home in Big Canoe, GA (outside of Atlanta). As of this date I have not located an obituary. Ross matriculated from Newport News, VA, and left VMI during our second class year to join the Marine Corps. On behalf of the class of 1971, I extend our condolences to Bob and to Ross’s family for their losses. Shortly after the May notes deadline I got a message from Jim Adams who was trying to determine the whereabouts of one Steve Ballowe. Jim is going to accompany a group of cadets on a trip to Vietnam during Spring Break of 2013. As far as I know, “Cat” is still in Ho Chi Minh City. Jim has extended an invitation to anyone who would like to visit Vietnam and “not get shot at.” According to information received from Steve Price, the June issue of Virginia Living features Rives Potts in an article about his distinguished sailing career and his planned participation in the Newport to Bermuda race. We seem to have quite a few sailors in the ranks of ’71 who may one day conduct their own race down the Maury River during a reunion weekend.

2012-Issue 4

Pay close attention to this … Carl Biersack who retired after 27 years as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill has now retired from Balch and Bingham LLP … but won’t really be retired since he is now going to be DBA Biersack Government Relations Team LLC working with the same clients he had before, as well as any new ones he can drum up on his own. If you want to make any sense out of this please contact Carl and he will tell us in plain “Washington, D.C. speak” exactly what he is now doing. Carl told me that one should always “keep shaking things up with new adventures and new challenges.” Speaking of shaking things up, Larry Brubeck has reinvented his body and is a semi finalist in the Vesalius Body by Vi Fitness Championship. The results of the contest will be revealed later this year. You can see the new Larry on his Facebook page … but realize that most of these products will show you a spokesperson whose results are “not typical.” New Kent County (VA) recently presented its Small Business of the Year award to none other than Dr. Ken Yorgey, D.D.S. At the awards event the keynote speaker was Tommy Norment ’68. Ken says he does not remember Tommy from ’68, unlike many others from our dyke’s class that we all remember only too well. Congratulations to Ken and Carol. See their photo on the class of 1971 Facebook page. From time to time I see Buzz and Jan Booker at church here in Pulaski. Buzz tells me that his family is doing well and that they have enjoyed time at the beach and having children home for visits. Newlywed son Armistead is in NYC and younger son Captain David is stationed at Fort Riley serving as a company commander. Jan took what Buzz says will be her “last” graduate course in order to renew her teaching credentials. Sounds like a retirement party may not be too far in the future. Buzz is also serving as the activities director for the SWVA Chapter of ’71 alumni and is working on plans for our next outing. A local watering hole served as the venue for a get together of Lanny Gault and Dave Kennedy. Dave has retired (Martha has not) and is adjusting to freedom quite well. They mentioned that Ned Mikula’s son is getting married in November to a Wahoo and (according to Lanny) Ned is undergoing sensitivity training in preparation for the event. Ned and Bookie Barksdale were recently together in traffic court … no, I don’t know why … and it was reported that Bookie is spending as much time as possible fishing at his cabin in the “wild.” Things are going well for Speed and Edie Patterson up in Richmond, VA. The couple did a lot of traveling and visiting friends this summer with stops in the Adirondacks, Maine and Newport.

Speed says his new business is doing well and that he has had some quality help from some of our Brother Rats. He has also done some consulting work for the Virginia Wounded Warrior program. Edie has finished working with the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Virginia and is looking for something new to occupy her time. Daughter Isabel is employed in Alexandria and son Rob is in his fourth year at UVa. One never knows where Jerry Acuff will appear, but this summer he spent five weeks at his home in Rockbridge Baths while occupying himself with a lot of VMI related activities and some fun stuff as well. At the Keydet Club Leadership outing he joined Mike Strickler, John Wall, Jim Gearhart, Buddy Bryan and Lanny Gault … who BTW is now on the board of governors for the Keydet Club. “Cuffer” and Tommy Lawson spent an evening at the car races in Natural Bridge and “pretended not to be rednecks.” On the Fourth of July a small party was held at the Acuff home and among the guests were Ken and Marie Coleman and VMI Head Football Coach “Sparky” Woods. On top of everything else, Jerry went to Orlando, FL, with basketball coaches Duggar Baucom and Jason Allison on a scouting trip at an AAU tournament. Jerry has been an inspiration for several current and prospective VMI athletes. He and our BRs at the Keydet Club Leadership level truly believe that our teams will “Never Say Die.” When Bill and Margaret Ginder tried to escape from the heat in Texas things only got hotter. They went to Florida along with Jim Adams and attended the outdoor wedding of Art and Janice Shelfer’s son. Bill says it was like a “thousand degrees” during the wedding and reception. Art is raising chickens and mules and the Ginder’s got a “real education.” Following that trip, they headed off to Italy for two weeks and it also turned out to be a “thousand degrees” over there. Bill says that he can now order a large beer in at least three different languages and is confident that no matter where he goes he will be able to fight the heat. He and Margaret have plans to be in Lexington for the Institute Society Dinner and the Citadel football game in November. There are several VMI alumni in the Lone Star state and nearby areas as well. These gentlemen are making a real effort to have alumni functions at different locations … which is a challenge given the size of Texas. I have sent the names of our BRs who live out there to some of the chapter reps to facilitate communications. Bernie Groome is in Huntsville, AL, and attended a gathering of the Central Texas Alumni Chapter. The group had invited prospective VMI cadets in order to encourage them and give them the benefit of some “Old Corps”

CLASS NOTES wisdom. Bernie sent a picture which you can view on the class of 1971 Facebook page. On the border between Virginia and North Carolina is beautiful Gaston Lake. Pat and Alan Tashima recently purchased a get away home down there and they have cordially (and bravely) invited one and all to drop in for a visit. Alan says if the VMI flag is flying then he is open for business. Oddly, Alan’s invitation did not list an address, so I guess we will just have to cruise around the lake looking for a VMI flag and hope that it is the Tashima hideaway. It is rumored that the home may have its own satellite for security purposes since Alan knows a little about the spy business. Plans, however, are in the making to have Dave Honeywell divert a drone to locate Alan on or about Dec. 7, 2012. Tashima can move but he cannot hide … besides, we don’t want him to forget all of the fun filled anniversaries we had in Barracks to mark the day which “will live in infamy.” Congratulations are in order for Buddy and Carol Bryan who were presented with their seventh granddaughter on Aug. 13, 2012. Proud parents are Paul Bryan ’05 and wife Dana. Even though Dana is a Hokie, Buddy is fast at work getting a Provisional Appointment for Anna Marie Bryan to the VMI Class of ’34. John and Laura Metzger attended the Fourth of July fireworks at VMI along with Zeke and Jane Ellington. Other classmates were slated to be in the crowd but no sightings were reported. Big John gave me a call around the first week in August to let me know about the upcoming fall gathering/mini reunion at the Lodge in Vesuvius. This year the event will be held on the last weekend in October just prior to the upcoming elections … right on time for one last great debate on what direction our country needs to be moving toward. Perhaps they will sip some cider and enjoy the fall foliage as well. Paton, Van Hooser, Dunlap and Ronayne have all visited during the summer but Metzger says the lodge will be “packed” in October. Big John will also be packed because he is spending the month of November in Alberta in search of trophy game animals. Kathryn and I have had an interesting summer as well. We spent the first part of June at Hilton Head Island, SC, along with my brother Mike ’73 and his wife, Pat. We thought early in the summer that HHI would surely not be very crowded but we were wrong. We almost always run in to VMI Alumni whenever we travel. This year it took about four days, but we did see a few VMI people, some of whom were on the island for a big wedding. We finally got most of our remodel done on the house … overtime and over budget of course … and we got to spend some time with our grandchildren Lauren ’26 and Ryan ’27. The big news, however, is that,

after nearly 40 years with the same law firm in Pulaski, Kathryn is easing in to retirement slowly (diminishing part time work) at the end of August. She has worked long and hard and more than deserves some time to call her own. Now both of us will be on the dreaded “fixed income” that older citizens seem to always be talking about, but I hope that we will be free to do some traveling and other stuff that we have been putting off for a while. I hope that everyone has a great holiday season and that Santa Claus still comes to see you. As always, I appreciate everyone that has supported VMI Annual Giving and I continue to have faith that the number of contributors from the class of ’71 will grow as time goes along. I assure you that all of us can find something to be proud of that is happening at VMI right now. Today’s Corps is composed of high quality young people who want what VMI has to offer and are willing to make a commitment to the process that is so unlike what most of their peers are doing elsewhere. Private donations are essential to maintaining our alma mater. That is all for this issue. Let me hear from you and I hope to see you at numerous VMI games and activities this fall. God bless our team and VMI ... Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

BRs, Sister Rats, offspring, families, friends and observers –

These notes cover mid-May through midAugust. Today’s bright, sunny and dry (for the jungle that’s D.C. in August) – the first in a long time with the balcony door and windows wide open. I don’t need to tell you that this summer’s been a damned respectable, and seemingly perpetual, replica of Aug. 22, 1968. Just two days before the deadline for this issue, I received our class’ Alumni Giving Totals for FY 2012. All I can say is … Well Done, ’72! You got the message, you gave in response and the Institute is over $100K healthier for ’72s collective answer to its needs for the year. I may sound like a broken record, but, while our individual total contributions are increasingly important as time passes, my mantra is – participate – regardless of the amount. And you got it – our participation rate was a full 25 percent above the all-class average (33.27 percent). For us LA’s, that translates to a giving percentage of just under 41 percent! And what was particularly heartening was to see those of you giving for the first time. This is never a issue of competition among classes … it’s a matter of all VMI alumni/ae taking a deep personal look at what the Institute has meant to them throughout their lives and stepping up, in whatever amount, to express their appreciation. But, personally, I am just so damned proud! Let’s keep it up as we drive on to our 50th! Recently, my phone buzzed as son Mike and I negotiated the crowd at Orioles Park … seeing an unknown Woodland, CA, number, I punched the message button and it was (as God is my witness) Maj. Pat Moore, USMC (Ret). We traded callbacks and I got a great note and picture. He said, “Hope everyone had fun at our 40th … all’s well out here in NORCAL. While

Class of 1972: Pat Moore vacationing at Yosemite National Park with his family: Ryan, 18, Nathan, 9, and Kaitlin and Kristin, 12.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES you guys were in Lexington reunioning, my kids and I were spring-breaking and hiking my old *ss all over Yosemite. My oldest just graduated and is headed to UC-San Diego to study structural engineering. The youngest is 9, so I reckon that retirement won’t be any time soon. Had skin cancer and a chunk of my elbow cut out in February, but other than that little bump in the road, life is good.” Pat says it’s hard to believe how rapidly the past four decades flew by and he’s hopeful he can make it to the 45th. And a side note; Pat, make the 45th and you and G.T. Lahmers can compare notes on your kids’ new drivers licenses – make the 50th and it’ll be freshman orientation! (Anybody else

able to claim a stake in this studly assemblage, BRs – ?). Rah, ’72! For you Facebook-ers – check out BR Jim Yolda’s photography. He has an Ansel Adamslike gift … his work is absolutely breathtaking! Sandy Edens wrote of his and Diane’s excellent adventure. “Hey Larry! Great to hear from you … I should have sent this to you earlier but Diane and I went to Egypt in June to scuba dive the Red Sea (I didn’t find any chariot tracks from those who chased Moses across the parted Sea) and then traveled through Egypt to Luxor, Aswan and Cairo. No difficulties and the Egyptian people were excited to see Americans there. We were there 6/20 to 7/6 which of course

Class of 1972 Edens’ Egyptian Travels Sandy Edens and his wife, Diane, traveled to Egypt in June 2012 to scuba dive in the Red Sea. He wrote, “I had a friend take my picture ... about 65 feet down [photo at left]. You might recognize the flag!” Class Agent Larry Houseworth said, jokingly, that Edens was searching for Moses’ pursuers, and Edens wrote, “I didn’t find any chariot tracks ...” See more about Edens’ trip in the class notes.

2012-Issue 4

included our Independence Day, 7/4. Many Egyptians on July 4 wanted to compare our independence to their ‘revolution’ and they were really excited. They were not excited about Morsi, the elected Muslim Brotherhood guy, but excited about the elections to come in four years when they say the revolution will have time to gel and they will elect a mainstream Egyptian guy who represents all Egyptians, not just the Muslims. But, we had no problems and no worries about security. Having said that it was great to get back to the states! I had a friend take my picture in the Red Sea, about 65 ft. down. I will try to attach it here. You might recognize the flag! In the Bonds! Sandy” Me, I want to be just like Sandy when I grow up. Communication with Tom Moncure has had a nice “summer bookends” touch – while texting one afternoon over reunion closeout, he told me he was at future son-in-law Stephen Sargent’s ’12 graduation. Then, in what seemed like only days, up popped Facebook pictures of daughter Kelly’s and Stephen’s wedding … beautiful – and congratulations to the bride and groom! Ted Bremer’s been keeping me posted on the going’s-on at Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Program – his professional home. The irony doesn’t escape me, Ted – the C-130, just like us old workhorses, is still logging millions of flight hours a year around the world; while younger workhorse “wannabe’s” have loped off into the aviation sunset – thanks, BR Bill Reed (maybe a third member of the next reunion’s “Kid Story” Club?) checks in periodically on the progress of his kids and Legacy Day visits. I salute your resiliency, Bill. I so appreciate the notes and pictures that have filtered in since the reunion – as they have, I’ve tried to forward them to George Kosovic for posting. And, remember, pictures are available on the VMI website … Now, please indulge a bit of author’s license. There’s no question of the palpability of our bond – among us whenever and wherever we gather, in whatever number or location. We hold this bond with us always – often not consciously aware of its presence – but sensing it strongly. We’re so blessed to have this that’s denied to so many others. And, as your humble scribe can personally assert from the weeks surrounding our reunion, it is such a blessing as we negotiate times of life’s difficult twists, turns, challenges and lessons. Thank you … So – our stalwart, exceedingly benevolent and astoundingly patient staff (the lovely Ms.’ Hennessey, Mierzwa and Stoner) sound “Assembly” … gotta scoot – May God bless each of you, your families and all you hold dear – In the Spirit BRs, Larry

CLASS NOTES

’73

Mike Kelly

Hope this summer has been good to all of you, and you’ve had some time to relax and enjoy the good life! It seems that more of us are retired these days. Even though most are staying busy, it is nice to pick up and take off when the urge hits! When I started these notes, Pat and I were sitting by the pool at my son’s house in Atlanta, keeping the grandkids for a few days, and as I’m finishing them up, we are in Pulaski, VA, staying with my mother for a few days as Dad is in the hospital this week. So, it has been an interesting summer for us and promises to be an interesting fall. Pat and I are going to be grandparents again, as my youngest daughter, Ashley, who lives in Greensboro, is expecting a young Keydet on Dec. 16. We’re all excited about that. I continue to do some environmental consulting work, which I do enjoy. However, it seems that every time Pat and I think we have a few days with “nothing planned,” I get a call asking about doing a job! But it keeps food on the table! We are planning a trip after Labor Day to Banff National Park in Canada, Lake Louise, Jasper Glacier and then down to Glacier National Park in Montana. Looking forward to that – but Pat has told me, “No phone or laptop!” Although I shared this information earlier this summer with my web mail, I’m sure that some of you may not have heard and I wanted to mention it again. Milt Salter sent me a note in early June saying that T.O. Smith’s son, Riley, was killed in an automobile accident in Birmingham, AL, on June 9. Please keep T.O. and his family in your thoughts and prayers! Riley was only 23. We are all very saddened by your tragic loss. Many of you have remained in touch during the summer, and I enjoy hearing from you. It has been a tough summer for many of you but also very enjoyable for others. I guess one of the biggest pieces of news for ’73 was Scott Lingamfelter’s announcement to run for lieutenant governor next year in Virginia. Scott has been very active in politics since retiring from the Army and has served northern Virginia well as a top delegate to the State House. Scott told me that he and Shelly were doing great but traveling the state from end to end and getting his campaign rolling. Earlier this year, he had his “other hip” replaced and said he was doing “super.” Their son, John ’08, is a USAF first lieutenant (p) and just got engaged to his girlfriend, Erika, who is also a first lieutenant in

the Air Force. Their other son, Paul, graduated from VMI this past May and is looking for work in the D.C. area. Good luck with your race, Scott, and we’ll be following closely this next year. Tom and Bonnie Clark kept us posted about their activities during the summer, especially as the wildfires burned nearby. Tom said they were fortunate to be on the east side of I-25 and were not in danger themselves. However, several of their friends were in the burned areas and some stayed with the Clarks while they were evacuated. Tom said the destruction of homes and forests sure gives you a new respect for Mother Nature (as well as the firefighters!). The drought and high temperatures in Colorado this summer have also added to the problems with the fires. He and Bonnie were getting ready for their trip to France in September and also had an opportunity to spend some time with Dave and Susan Northcraft who were back in Colorado in July visiting their son, Daniel ’01, and his family. Dave and Tom attended the VMI Rocky Mountain Chapter’s picnic, and Dave was giving everyone a rundown on the recruiting efforts in the Kansas City area. Dave continues to do well, so we’re all very pleased to hear that. Tom said Bonnie had finished her work with the Colorado College Summer Music Festival and that they were continuing to do some fishing and camping. Mike Smith said he runs into several of our BRs in the Richmond area from time to time. He sees R.B. and Becky Newman frequently poolside at the Hermitage Country Club, and he regularly sees George Tisdale for lunch who keeps them entertained with his writer’s blog online and Facebook postings. Mike said George and Jeff Minch certainly keep the dialog interesting and entertaining. Mike plays golf regularly with Roger Hart ’72 and attends church with Ralph Costen ’70. I hear from a lot of folks who keep regular postings on Facebook. George Tisdale and Jeff Minch are frequently putting up some excellent words of wisdom, and George continues his blogging. P.X. English wrote in July that Jim Davidson had dropped by his office for a surprise visit and then took him to supper where they spent the evening swapping lots of stories! Mac Kirkpatrick took another road trip on his BMW motorcycle this summer, traveling through Colorado. He did a lot of on-and-off road traveling and said that Tom’s comments about Colorado being so pretty were absolutely true. Mac indicated that the state was probably one of the best in the country for bike riding. He sent me a picture of himself on a road, dwarfed by snow drifts on each side! Sounds like lots of fun! Bob Poynor also has a BMW motorcycle, and

Bob said he just put it in the shop for some serious overhaul work and is now ready to hit the road, too! (Although he did question when our toys became so expensive?) Bob is still working at Maxwell AFB, and his unit has managed to survive some of the cuts being experienced by other sections. Last year, he finished an overhaul of the Air Force’s doctrine pubs and now will begin working on a new database that will be “searchable” and available for a wider range of electronic devices, such as Kindles, e-book readers, etc. Though he is looking forward to this new project, a number of folks are scheduled to rotate out of his unit, and he’ll be faced with training another set of “newbies!” Klaus Worrell said he and his wife, Sue, have a new grandson, born March 26, and that he was working on getting him an appointment for the class of ’34! Klaus said he was still having fun working at his job of nearly 40 years and thinks he might retire – in maybe 22 years? He wants to keep his mind active and likes what he’s doing! Klaus also said he was looking forward to our 40th Reunion next April 26-27, so please don’t forget to put that date on your calendar. Tom Clark not only has it on his calendar, but he has a “count-down” clock that at any moment can tell you exactly how much time until the reunion – in minutes, hours, seconds, days, weeks, any way you want it! Pete Walters reported that he had just gotten back from a vacation in Portoroz, Slovenia, and Venice, Italy. Slovenia is a former part of Yugoslavia at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, just east of Italy. Pete said it is a beautiful part of the world, and they had a great time. His daughter, Anne, is still working for the German Press Agency in D.C. and most recently covered the G-8 conference at Camp David and the NATO summit in Chicago. She will also be attending the Republican convention in Tampa. Pete’s son, Bob, just completed the Aviation Captains Career Course (advanced course) at Fort Rucker, AL, and will move to a black hawk helicopter unit in Savannah for deployment in December. Don Reisch told me he also had just returned from vacation in Duck, NC, at the northern end of the Outer Banks. They were joined there by their daughter, Emily, and her husband, and their son, Jake ’04, his wife and grandson, and enjoyed a lot of family time at the beach! Don’s still with DuPont in the Nashville area. He continues to do well health wise, and recently spoke with Dave Northcraft to share success stories. We’re so thankful things are going well for you guys! I had a couple of notes from Roland Tiso, who is enjoying being back from Afghanistan. He and Judie went to Pittsburgh to watch their daughters perform in a professional ballet there.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES C.J., who is in Chicago, was the guest choreographer for the company that Allie dances with. Needless to say, Roland and Judie were some kind of proud! Roland has also stayed busy this summer in various bodybuilding championships. He won the Masters 60s Class in the Florida District and will be competing in the Florida state championships later this month. Ro spent some time at Fort Carson, CO, this summer as well, but he and Judie took off to St. Pete beach for a few days when he got back. Unfortunately, it looks like Roland may have to go back to Afghanistan in January. We also have another award-winning Brother Rat. You may recall that several years ago, Charles Havasy decided to follow a long-lost dream to become a deputy sheriff in Stafford County, VA. During his career, he has excelled in a number of things, including leading the way in PT. Recently, however, Charlie and his partner were recognized with a Meritorious Service Medal and were named by the Sheriff and Fredericksburg Elks Lodge as the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year for 2011-12. Charlie said he was very humbled and proud by the recognition. Way to go, Charlie! Doug Huthwaite reported that he and Pat have now put their house on the market in Fayetteville, NC, and Pat plans to join him in retirement this October. They are headed to their place in Kure Beach, NC. Can’t wait to come and visit you guys! Milt Salter said he was still plugging along in Mobile, AL, and that the financial business was holding its own. Milt plans to be at the Navy game in September. Corey Regelin sent me a note to say he plans to be there as well, and in fact has a parking pass in the stadium lot and would be glad to host some tailgating before and after the game. I’m looking forward to that. Michael Smith said he spent Father’s Day taking his dad over to Lexington to show him the additions to the Post. He commented on how nice all the new athletic fields and buildings were and was impressed with the baseball complex. I agree with Michael, and if you haven’t been there in a while, you’ll likewise be impressed! M.B. Adelson is enjoying being out of school! And he likewise has enjoyed the Facebook page and keeping up with folks, specifically mentioning Thomas Burke, Jeff Minch and Klaus Worrell’s latest posts and those of some of our “lost BRs,” such as Hugh White. M.B. said he is staying pretty busy these days as the economy is still tough, but he is actually using a lot of his LL.M. degree and dissertation in a riparian rights issue. He is looking down the road and thinks that he may want to get away from some of the litigation and perhaps spend a semester as a “visiting professor” somewhere. M.B. continues to frequently talk

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with Buck Harrison and Dave Northcraft and keeps me posted on their activities. And he talks to Roland Tiso occasionally, and Ro is planning a visit to Tallahassee this October. Roland is working on a book about his years of experience abroad with so many different countries and their militaries and is getting close to a final manuscript. M.B. said he is somewhat amused by the postings from some of Roland’s friends – including Steve Chadwick – who tease Roland about his bodybuilding contests and his walking around in “speedo” but compliment Roland, as he is winning or placing in every contest! Heck, I have to wear a baggy bathing suit and T-shirt at the pool myself. I got a last minute note from Jeff Minch who said he just had a great visit with one of his roommates for three years, Paul Jalbert. Paul was helping to take Emily’s children to the University of Texas for undergraduate and graduate school. Jeff says that at least one of them is a future Navy SEAL! They had a lot of fun at the Minch pool reminiscing about old times and reliving some VMI traditions. Jeff said that Paul mentioned his son was still serving in the U.S. Special Forces, having just completed 10 years of service. Thanks for the note, Jeff, and I’m glad you all had a wonderful get-together. I love having the “lost Brother Rat” of the quarter! So far, I have not had an issue where I was not able to identify a BR who I had lost contact with over the years. This summer, I had a great letter from Jim Ackley. I cannot remember when I last heard from Jim. He and I, along with Mark Camper and Randy Marshall, were in IOBC together at Fort Benning in 1974. We used to hang out with him and his wife, Susan, and I’ll never forget that Jim was absolutely crazy about Arby’s roast beef sandwiches! To him, they were the best things since sliced bread. We also would often travel to Atlanta or Florida together. Hard to believe that was nearly 40 years ago! Jim said he has been meaning to write for a long time, but like many of us, he would get distracted and off on another project. He recently retired as the director of drama at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. After leaving VMI, he was a reporter and editor for three years with the Winchester Evening Star, then taught drama in Richmond for a few years before moving back to Lynchburg where he worked for the next 32 years in the drama program at E.C. Glass. During his tenure, Jim said they represented the USA at the Edinburgh International Arts Festival Fringe on six different occasions, won the national high school theatre championships twice and were state champions six times. Jim is really proud of the fact that, for the past 19 years, he has had at least one alumnus on Broadway, in a motion picture and featured on a television show each

year. I would say that is a great accomplishment! Jim and Susan just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. Susan is a CPA and tax director with a regional accounting firm, and their son, James Jr., is an intelligence analyst with the Department of Defense and plans to get married in October. Their daughter, Meg, is a pharmacist in Charlotte. It was great hearing from you, Jim, and thanks for catching us up. Don’t be a stranger. Well, that is about it for now. When you get these notes, it will almost be Thanksgiving, and Pat and I wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday season. Hopefully, I will have a chance to see many of you this fall as the Keydets get into a big football season. Don’t forget that your tax deductible donations for 2012 need to be in by the end of December, and VMI certainly appreciates all of your support! And most importantly, be planning for our 40th Reunion to be held April 26-27, 2013. Our host hotel will be the Holiday Inn, and I’ll be sending out more information later this fall. Take care, and be safe out there. In the bonds, Mike

’74

Snookie Parker

Aug. 15, 2012, Class Notes: Greetings, Brother Rats. As I write these notes, Marla and I are two days from empty-nesting. We deliver our daughter, Olivia, to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill as she starts her freshman year – an emotional moment for all. Speaking of UNC-CH – I understand Arnie Leonard’s daughter, Sarah, graduated in May with a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She’s going to teach a couple of summer school lab sections, and then she is off to Atlanta to begin working for Emory University Hospital. Congrats, Arnie, on your proud papa moment!! Once again, BR Rich Forbes provides a poignant insight to the unique bond that has been forged by our experience at VMI. Here is the passage in its entirety: “Do You Know These Guys? A few weeks ago, I sent an e-mail to Charles Banning, the man who serves as the focal point for communications within my college class. My son had been asked to accompany the senior management of his company on a mission trip to Guatemala and, unlike the older men who could financially afford to pay their own expenses, he was young and was instead forced to seek donations through the charity that

CLASS NOTES was coordinating the trip. He needed to raise BR informing me that a contribution had been “Chris: ‘Wow, VMI and 1974 are really lead$2,500. The e-mail I sent Charles was simple in made. Almost an hour had passed when Chris ing the way.’ its content … ‘Here is a copy of Chris’ request; sent me a text message … “Me: ‘Yep, that’s who we are, and you are in it is a good cause, tax deductible, can you help.’ “Chris: ‘Someone donated to me; do you the fold.’ Charles sent the request to my classmates, the think he is VMI?’ (He gave me a name.) “Chris: ‘Unbelievable!’ class of 1974 of The Virginia Military Institute. “Me: ‘He is one of my Brother Rats’. “This went on for a few days, and donations To this point, Chris had only managed to raise “Chris: ‘Do you think he saw my post on broke the $1,000 mark. It was then that Chris’ $250 dollars, and much of that had come from LinkedIn?’ boss told him about an anonymous donor there his own VMI classmates who graduated in “Me: ‘No, an e-mail with your LinkedIn post at work who had donated the remaining money 2011. They had seen his fundraising message on went out to my classmates.’ for his trip. My guess is that it was the CEO, his Facebook page or LinkedIn. Most of them “Chris: ‘Cool! VMI is really kicking butt!’ but who knows. When Chris called and relayed were in the same shape Chris was in … just “Chris had made this a competition between the news, I suggested that he lower his donation starting a career, tight budgets and struggling to family, friends and his VMI counterparts. As for target on the website so that it would show he begin a life. Well, I sent the e-mail to Charles me, I was just glad someone had felt the cause had reached his goal. Another donation arrived, and put it out of my mind. I had already decided worthy of their hard earned money. In the case even though his goal showed met. In the course that I would contribute whatever Chris wasn’t of my BR, it was probably as much about our of these few days, Chris learned something, and able to raise. On the evening of May 23rd, the friendship – our bond. The next morning, I was I had it reinforced in dramatic fashion. There is e-mail bell sounded on my computer, and I saw driving to work, and Chris sent me another text little in life more dependable, or dear, than the that Charles had forwarded the request to our message … Brother Rats bound to us while at VMI. Albeit class. I smiled to myself and wondered if any“Chris: ‘Donations from guys named X, Y my class (1974) was at a point in their lives one would respond … after all, we get requests and Z. Do you know these guys?’ when donations were much easier to make, for donations almost every day, and this was “Me: ‘They are my Brother Rats.’ Chris’ BRs were the first to arrive and came to just one more. Besides, Memorial the front in bold fashion. Prior to Day Weekend is only a couple of the anonymous gift made at Chris’ days away and many would be out workplace, 78% of the donors were of town. Regardless, I held out VMI alumni, and 71% of those dohope that someone would see this nors came from the class of 1974, as a worthy cause and give him a with the remainder from 2011. few bucks. The next morning, I Looking back on Chris’ question checked my e-mails before heading regarding my classmates, ‘Do you to work, and one of my Brother know these guys?’ I respond, ‘Yes, Rats (BRs) had already donated. I do; they are the best of the best. Rising early in the morning is a They are my brothers in the bond.’” trait that most VMI men have in Well said, Rich! Class of 1974: Attendees at the July 2012 Tidewater common. It was barely 5:30 in the Lane Toomey writes to say he Breakfast were, from left, Al Rasper, Chip Beaman, Mic morning, and Chris had almost and Karin are homesteading in Ernzen, Sam Turner, Paul Van Doren, Bill Pennypacker doubled the money he had raised. Southern Pines, NC. Lane is also in and Steve Ham. I smiled at the e-mail from my touch with several BRs. Lane and

Class of 1974: Attendees at the Potomac Area Breakfast in May 2012 were, from left, Jim Huddle, Steve Orr, Mike Andriani, Clint Anderson, Bill Minor and Charley Banning.

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CLASS NOTES Ron Stelmasczyk continue to work in support of XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. In fact, they see each other nearly every day during the duty week, and Lane reports that Ron and Marilyn are doing well. Ron is a liaison with the Army staff for equipping units at Fort Bragg. Lane also mentioned that John and Anita White attended the last local VMI alumni gathering hosted by the Toomeys, and all is well with the Whites. Lane continues to represent XVIII Airborne Corps in the Army futures study and, in connection with that, ran into Dan Williamson ’73 at an event at Carlisle, PA. They enjoyed strolling down a VMI Bravo company memory lane. Lane is also in contact with Susan (Su) Dennett, Ken’s widow. Su still lives in Dublin, OH, and Lane, Karin and I are hoping to entice Su to our next reunion in 2014. Thanks for the note, Lane. In June, Red Undercoffer returned from Afghanistan and reported that there are a lot of VMI folks out there in all of the services, not just Marines, but FBI, DEA, State, etc. Red was there for the attacks in mid-April and early May against the U.S. Embassy. Fortunately, in the first attack, Red was out of the Embassy while it was taking fire but close enough to report on where the bad guys were and the effect of fires. The good news was that Red was able to get home to attend the H.S. graduation of his number three son. However, Red returned to the pointy end of the spear in July for another tour. While home in Lexington, Red ran into Russ Harlow. Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow have moved to Lexington and have set up a B&B on South Main Street. Red says it is a pretty nice place. Russ says they are busier than they had anticipated. Anyway, Red says it is good to have another BR close at hand. Good luck, Russ and Mary Stuart. Stay safe, Red! Phil Parker was checking on BR Tom Parker in June as the Colorado fires were burning out of control. Phil’s son, Brian, is serving in Afghanistan while his wife, family and home are in Colorado. I understand that there was lots of ash and smoke but no real danger to either household. Tom said the fire was 20 miles north of his home, and the winds were not blowing in his direction. Glad no serious calamity in Colorado for the Parkers. Chuck and Louise Ward were able to attended BR Wayne Worman’s interment in Lakewood, NJ, on July 6th. Chuck provided the following: “There was an excellent military honor guard from McGuire AFB, and the bugler was perfect in his delivery. We had a good time at the luncheon afterward, telling stories to Lionel and Aaron, his sons, about their dad and the crazy times at VMI. Wayne was my roommate for three years in rooms 319, 219 and finally 119, next to the walkway to Lejeune

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Hall. I can’t remember how we decided to room together – him being in C Company and me in F Company – but I’m pretty sure it was a survival tactic as physics majors! Jim Huddle was with us awhile, and then Karl Liebrich joined us! Wayne made us laugh, in spite of the adversity VMI brings! He was a very good roommate – each tolerant of each other’s habits. We had shared hobbies, such as keeping our cars running (he had his 1956 VW “Alfred”). When weekends arrived, he would go off spelunking, and upon his return, we insisted he clean up before entering the room with his gear! Wayne was a meticulous artist when it came to drawing a highly detailed steam locomotive on one of the chalkboards in the basement of the Physics Department. It was still there, untouched, at the five-year reunion! When Wayne wanted to blow off steam, our section of Barracks would usually be greeted with early WW2 German marching songs, to the disgust of several, usually including the TAC officers! Our room was busy with LAs needing help with their physics electives. He had great command of the German language, which saved this BR so he could graduate on time! After graduation, Wayne and I saw see each other a couple more times – our careers complimented each other. Wayne attended Air Force Institute of Technology, a very difficult school, and obtained his master’s in nuclear engineering. Wayne was involved with the Air Force’s B-1 nuclear weapons survivability program out at Kirtland, to include the nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) simulator called ‘Trestle.’ Talking with Linda, it’s clear Wayne finished strong. He was working hard, using his skills and expertise and leaves a family which misses him dearly, as do his BRs.” Chuck, thank you for the note and for representing the class at Wayne’s interment. There were three club events during this reporting period – one Potomac Area and two Tidewater Area. See pics of the two breakfasts! Attendees at the Potomac Area Breakfast were Jim Huddle, Steve Orr, Mike Andriani, Clint Anderson, Bill Minor and Charley Banning. Attendees at the 5 May Tidewater Dinner were Bill Pennypacker, Paul Van Doren, Chip Beaman and Al Rasper. Attendees at the July Tidewater Breakfast were Al Rasper, Chip Beaman, Mic Ernzen, Sam Turner, Paul Van Doren, Bill Pennypacker and Steve Ham. A tip of the hat and thanks to Charley Banning and Paul Van Doren, the Grand PooBahs of the respective breakfast clubs, for keeping the clubs going strong. That is all for now. 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 concern-

ing 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 at snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning at cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) at nettrour@ accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Doo! Warm Regards, Snookie

’75

Art Nunn III

Well, another summer has come and gone (or will be by the time these notes are published). It’s a good thing these rapidly passing years have nothing whatsoever to do with us getting older. That would be downright scary. When I sent out my e-mail blast requesting information, I specifically mentioned that I rarely hear from any of our Brother Rats named John. Well, that sad tradition has continued, but there were three notable exceptions. John Williamson sent a link to a book on Amazon. I wasn’t sure why he had sent the link until I actually opened my eyes and saw that the book, The Secret of the Alcazar, was actually written by John. Way to go, BR! John Young also checked in with an interesting story about how he saw pictures of the new underclass belt worn by cadets these days. He was so impressed by the belt and buckle that he went out and found someone who could make the buckle and someone else who could provide the belt, and he made himself his own personal underclass belt. John’s son, John IV, as of this writing, has completed the Benning phase of Ranger School and is moving on to mountain training. The final John to check in was John Maples. John and Cathy enjoyed a recent vacation trip to Venice and Croatia. They probably needed to get away after spending a weekend with Dan Schultz and his family. Golf was allegedly played and fish were allegedly caught, but I am not sure if it was at the same time. Dick Sadler sent a note saying that he is still practicing vascular surgery and paying attention to his family. Daughter Charlotte is now a senior resident in Emergency Medicine at UCSD. For Dick, recreation consists of teaching and working on a public safety dive team and practicing underwater and diving medicine. He does that, along with being the deputy medical examiner for the county. Elsewhere, Chip Louthan enjoyed attending New Market Day and parade in Lexington. Chip made the observation that

CLASS NOTES the older we get, the more he appreciates and understands the school that VMI is. Oliver Way should soon have a story to tell. Plans are for Oliver and his sons Lawton’ 05 and Barrett’ 08 to attend the Ohio/Penn State game at PSU … should be interesting. Later on, Oliver and Bonnie are planning to visit Barrett in Michigan where he has been transferred, and they have tickets for the University of Michigan homecoming game. Should be pretty cool. David Miller has been promoted to vice president and trust tax officer of the Chevy Chase Trust Company in Bethesda, MD. Congratulations on the promotion! Doug Baird writes that he and Norma are still in the Mount Vernon area of northern Virginia. Norma says it will take dynamite to get her out of this house, now that, after 25 years, they are finally getting it fixed up the way they want it. Doug retired from the Institute for Defense Analyses (after 16 years) early in 2012. Doug and Norma hosted Teresa and Mike Mulligan at their house for dinner recently. Teresa and Mike have been married a bit more than two years and are doing great. Maj. Gen. Bo Temple has indeed retired, having last served as acting commanding general of the Corps of Engineers. Bo and his wife are reported to be doing well. Congratulations on your retirement, Bo! When not doing his National Guard dentist thing, Glenn Garland apparently likes to talk about cars. Apparently, he made the “Best of Car Talk” show. Back in February of 2008, Glenn was interviewed on the NPR talk show “Car Talk.” Earlier this summer (7 July), he was driving toward Greensboro, NC, and heard his interview again. It was re-broadcast on 7 July as show # 1227, for any BRs who are fans of the show (or of Glenn himself – yeah, right). Apparently, you can do a search and go to that show # and download the show for a small fee. We received a very nice note from Jay Newcomer. Jay and his family are continuing to struggle to recover from the tragic loss of their son, Brian. As Jay put it, some days good, some weeks bad. The main hospital where Jay has been working for the last 25 years very graciously decided to erect a plaque in their meditation garden as a memorial to Brian. From a professional perspective, Jay was asked/ elected by the medical staff to be chief of staff, so his next two years are going to be busy. In closing, Jay expressed sincere appreciation for all of our Brother Rats who contacted him since the death of his son. Now, I am not making this next one up. Harry McKnight recently had an urge to find out why Miller found a need to put an extra hole in a Lite can, so the beer would come out easier. In his quest for knowledge, who else should

he call but Rick (Dawg) Law? Being one who has little or no trouble getting beer out of a can, Harry just could not see the point. Rick was kind enough to explain that it was so that the beer would pour easier. To Harry, though, it is a waste of time pouring beer into a glass and then drinking it. Why not just pour it down your throat first, and save a step? In addition, using the McKnight approach, you do not have to wash the glass. I am sure we are all glad to know that Harry is still focusing his intellectual energy on such deep and poignant issues. Such thoughts do have benefits, though, because when Harry called Dawg to get his expert opinion, who should be sitting in Dawg’s office but Paul Blair? They had a nice conversation, and Paul apparently promised to stay in touch. In a later e-mail, Harry reported that he felt like drinking a cocktail one evening (is there a trend here?), and he didn’t want to drink alone, so he called Ben Vanderberry. It turns out that Ben was at a gathering welcoming Oscar Richardson back from Oman. They were joined by Robert Mills and Rob Slaughter. Ben also wrote to fill us in on that meeting. As Ben put it, they were to gather for a few beers, but Oscar rode in on his Harley and ordered some kind of girlie drink. Oscar has been serving as a minister at a church in Oman. Contrast that with Robert talking about his dating exploits. At one point, Oscar had his eyes closed and his fingers in his ears. That must have been quite a get together. On a slightly different front, Bill Overton has been re-elected without opposition for six more years as a judge in Florida. He is going into his 25th year on the bench. More importantly, on May 2nd, Bill became a grandfather for the first time. His son, Bill, and Bill’s wife, Alison, are proud parents of Adelynn Marie Overton born in Asheville, NC. Rod Low and Rusty Rahm both checked in from Africa, where they were in Senegal, training the staff of the Senegalese National Simulation Center on how to organize and conduct simulation supported training for military school students, battalion staffs and brigade staffs. Rusty also let us know that he left San Francisco and his “dotcom” start-up mayhem in 2000. For the last 12 years, he has been mostly retired living in Reno, NV. Every once in a while, he flies to Africa to enjoy some rewarding work with Rod. Speaking of Africa, Charlie Kaune writes that he and Kevin Wright continue their efforts to make a difference in Africa, but it is a daunting task. Charlie said that if you spend anytime at all reading about events in Somalia, Mali, Nigeria or the DRC, you will conclude that things aren’t getting any better. Aside from that, life is good in Germany. Charlie and his wife became

grandparents earlier this summer, and that may hasten their return to the states. Charlie still owns a nice house in Pensacola, and they plan to retire there in a few years. Congratulations to Frank Hillson on receiving his Ph.D. in English from Morgan State University in May 2012 after four years of full-time study. His dissertation (318 pages), which took about 16 months to write, was successfully defended, and he hopes to later turn it into a scholarly book. “Dr.” Frank is looking for a college teaching job in the Delaware Valley area. Dean Armstrong wrote, after having just returned from a 12-day Orient trip where he was in and out of Japan and Honolulu. Dean was able to make a side trip to Nagasaki, and it was very moving, to say the least, to stand at ground zero. If he gets another one of those trips, Dean plans to go to Hiroshima. Dean also made a trip to the Palau Islands where he visited the island of Pelelieu that was heavily fought for and where one of our more illustrious alumni, then-Col. “Chesty” Puller ’921, did not have one of his better clashes with the Japanese. He was also planning to be in Normandy again in September doing site surveys with a fellow historian. Vern Conner sent a note to say that, if I am really hard up for information, I should report that he is still in central Florida where he is a regional personnel administrator with a government agency. He said that if it hasn’t been the most exciting job he has ever had, it has certainly been a challenging one. Every few years, Vern gets together with his old roommate, Bob Winfree. Bob is still living in Ohio and doing well. He discovered IT a few years back and really took to it. Although he is the “same old Bob,” he seems to have become quite an IT guru in his professional life. Tad MacGowan checked in from Annapolis. Tad is still working in Manassas, and his wife, Bev, is selling real estate in southern Maryland, where there are 500 miles of waterfront in the counties that comprise this area (Calvert, St Mary’s and Charles). At some point, if all goes well, Tad and Bev may make a move to the area. As reported in the last set of notes, Dan Darnell retired from the Air Force and is now working for Raytheon Space and Missile Systems as their VP for Strategic Initiatives. Vickie and Dan moved into their home in Leesburg and had a great time hosting their kids and grandchildren on the 4th of July. Sounds like the beginning of a great and well-earned postactive duty period of their lives. I was not able to make it to the annual Keydet Club Leadership Outing this year, but Allen Morgan and Tom Mason sent notes to fill us in on the happenings. In addition to Allen and Tom, the ’75 group attending the Keydet

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CLASS NOTES Club Outing included Jelly Bear Taylor, Mike Hunter, Billy Hunter, Mark Hall, Tom Baur and Kimo Wong. Mark Hall experienced eating a soft shell crab for the first time. Tom and Jelly Bear filled Mark in on the mating habits of crabs, and that convinced Mark to go for it, go figure. Tom then turned his attention to a young tattooed lady helping with the food service. Allen also reported that Mike Hunter and Andy Dearman have been fishing from the gulf coast to Canada this spring and summer. They say they are catching fish, but does it matter? Robert Mills has done some traveling with his son, Edward ’07, and daughter, Valerie, which began when he met Valerie in Oxford, UK, where she is doing graduate work. The two of them took the train to Paris for three days. Then, they went on to Prague to meet Edward and imbibe substantial quantities of what he says is the best beer in the world, before taking the train to Vienna for some schnitzel and opera and then on to Budapest before flying home through Amsterdam. Does this guy ever work? Anyway, Robert closed his note by saying, “Agashegedra,” which he claims means “cheers” in Hungarian. I have no way of knowing if that is true. For all I know, he just called me the south end of a north-bound Hungarian mountain goat! Bill and Edith Robson are enjoying the retired life. They recently purchased a retirement villa in Florida in the retirement community of The Villages to use as a vacation home. While down there this past spring, Bill used the new VMIAA app to see if any BRs were close to the area. Sure enough, Larry (Lurch) Hendry lives about five miles away. In late June, Bill and Edith had dinner with Frank and Melody Cole. Rick Law sent a couple of notes from Colorado. He confirmed the information provided earlier by Harry McKnight, including the fact that Paul and Mary Blair and their daughter, Katie, visited Rick and Pario Law for several days, in part because of the raging Colorado wildfires. While there, Rick and Paul called Reggie Webb. Later on, Rick and Pario Law visited with Rob and Sandy Taylor at their home near Richmond and had a great time. Len Riedel sent a quick note stating that he is looking forward to attending several football games this fall. He is particularly looking forward to getting together with old friends, including Bob O’Connor and Charlie Freeman during the Citadel weekend. Our esteemed class vice president, Ronnie Norman, visited VMI in July to speak to the College Orientation Workshop students and attend their graduation. I hope the sound of snoring didn’t prevent Ron from completing his stimulating speech. He did, however, have a special treat when he ran into our BR Tom

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Baur coming from the mess hall. I thought about calling Tom to see if it was a treat for him as well, but I decided to pass on that. Andy Andisheh wants to let everybody know that he has moved into a new house on the outskirts of Calgary, Alberta. It is fairly close to the airport, and Andy has offered any BRs to come by for a visit. Of course, he may not be there, because Andy met a nice girl on a trip to Manila, Philippines, so I suspect he will be returning there from time to time. Our thoughts go out to Guy Conte. His son, Christopher VMI ’11, has recently deployed to Afghanistan. Chris is serving as an artillery officer with an air defense artillery battery from Fort Hood, TX. I know that all of us who have or have had our sons or daughters serving in a combat zone can identify with how Guy is feeling. Stewart Fleming reports that he sees Scott Risser at Rotary on a regular basis. He seems to be enjoying retirement by volunteering for those organizations that need help. Stewart spoke with Preston Sloane one evening around 7:30, and he was on his way home from work. He’s in charge of getting the new Wise County power plant up and running and is working long hours to get it done. Stewart also spoke with Paul Bernard, and he seems to be doing well. Paul said things might be picking up slightly, as far as the economy goes, and that hopefully will have a positive effect on his workload. From the Holy Cow files, one of our longlost Brother Rats has surfaced. My fellow chemistry major, Harry Broaddus, sent me a note marking his first communication since our graduation. Harry and his wife, Carol, live in Richmond, where Harry works at the Defense Supply Center Richmond as a chemist. Should a cloud of smoke appear over the DSC, I think we will all know why. Unfortunately, Harry has had some difficult health challenges in recent years, with Type II diabetes and a stroke in 2010, so we should all keep him in our thoughts and prayers. To use Harry’s words, he is still alive, just not kicking too much. A temporarily lost BR also just checked in. Doug Dunlap went to ground for a little while when he thought he was headed to Kabul to train Afghan officers, but it didn’t work out. He is now teaching again at a small, private, Baptist academy in Patrick County – Trinity Christian School. Doug’s wife, Linda, is still teaching kindergarten at Woolwine Elementary School. Their eldest son, Matthew, got out of the Army after returning from Iraq and is now a conductor on the CSX Railroad. Son Ian, captain, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC), VMI ’05, is currently in command of a MARSOC team in western Afghanistan. This is his fourth combat tour in

seven years. Doug’s youngest son, Colin-Michael, is a senior at Hampden-Sydney College and just returned from a study abroad program. Last, but certainly not least, daughter Megan had a great senior year in high school. Doug has not talked with many BRs lately, but he does communicate occasionally with Guy Conte. I also got an actual letter (you know – on paper) from Bink Rush. Bink is still in the education business in Haysi, VA, and welcomes any BRs traveling through southwest Virginia to stop by. Someone else who often gets lost but seems to manage to stay found lately is former roomie Randy Frank. Randy takes great joy in sending me messages when he is on one adventure or another, all the while knowing that I am slaving away at work. His latest is a great trip to Alaska, but I’m not jealous. Nope, not a bit. Speaking of me, even though Ronnie Norman keeps telling me that nobody cares, all is well in the Nunn household. Judy had a significant medical scare recently, following otherwise routine surgery, but she is doing well now, and we and all of our kids are healthy. Judy and I are enjoying visiting and being visited by our two new granddaughters. This grandparent gig is pretty cool. One exciting note before closing is that R.B. Lane took the initiative and set up his very own VMI Class of ’75 Facebook page / group / whatever. It is a great thing and a wonderful way for all of us to stay in touch. If you have a Facebook account, please join the group. The more the merrier. If you don’t have a Facebook account, consider setting one up. Even if you only set it up for access to the VMI-75 group, it will be worth your time. If you are like me, in that nobody likes you and you have no friends, no problem. You can still join the group and not connect with anybody else. Many thanks to R.B. for setting this up. Thanks so very much to all of our Brothers who chimed in this quarter. It was great, not only because of the number of people heard from, but also because of the people who are rarely (never before) heard from. Once again, I will issue my plea for all of you to send me an e-mail with your e-mail address, so you can be added to the class e-mail list. When something happens to someone in our class, good or bad, this class email list is a great way to get the word out. I hope that by the time these notes are published, I will have seen a bunch of you at various football games. Of course, seeing you does not mean that I will remember it when I sit down to write the next set of class notes, but there is always a chance. In the interim, please stay safe, stay healthy and stay in touch. In the Spirit, Art

CLASS NOTES

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats, These notes were written on 15 Aug. Another cycle of VMI life is about to begin: the Rat class matriculates on 18 Aug., the Old Corps returns on 26 Aug. and the class of 2013 rules Barracks. By the time you read these notes, the class of 2014 will be in the middle of Ring Figure celebration, fall sports will be winding down and winter sports will be starting up. May update: Mike Conley retired from NASA after 33 years. He is currently working as a part time consultant with Davidson Technologies in Huntsville, AL. There are two award recognitions to announce; congratulations to both BRs! Keith Dickson’s book – Sustaining Southern Identity: Douglas Southall Freeman and Memory in the Modern South – was selected by the Virginia Historical Society for the Richard Slatten Award for Excellence in Virginia Biography for 2011. Keith subsequently received a cash prize for his “splendid account of Freeman and his place in southern history.” Grigg Mullen was named the Benjamin H. Hardaway Jr. ’13 Institute Professor in Engineering. The award “recognizes outstanding accomplishments by those members of the VMI faculty whose achievements in the classroom, in curriculum and course development, in published scholarly research, and in service to the college and the community, set them apart from their colleagues.” The number of BRs is growing in the Lexington area. Evan Haberman is building a house right below J.R. Mott’s home in Buckland (west of Lexington). Maury Gatewood hosted John Strock for a short visit. Maury said John arrived on his 3-wheeled Can-Am Spyder motorcycle; he is doing well and looks great. John is currently involved in volunteer work with the Wounded Warrior project. June update: Mike Hillsgrove asked me not to remind him about his 60th birthday. He hopes if no one reminds him, it will not happen. (I need to try this approach.) Mike said he “married that Japanese girl I met on a bus our senior year and am still married with three (now adult) children to show for it. Mike published his first novel a few months ago, Child of Shadow, available on Amazon. It is the first of six books, two of which he is preparing: Three Yorisada and The Daimyo. Check out Yorisada Publishing on the Internet for more details.

Bill Brown traveled to Andrews AFB, MD, to promote his son, Carter Lee Brown ’10, to first lieutenant. Carter is a logistics officer in the U.S. Air Force. While I watched the forest fires on CNN whipping around Colorado Springs, CO, I decided to check in with Ares Koumis. Ares said I-25 divides Colorado Springs down the middle and acted like a firebreak. Everyone (like Ares) east of I-25 was relatively safe. But the west side suffered. He said several of his friends and co-workers (including Paul Andrus ’81) had to vacate and find other places to live. At the time of our conversation, everything west of Colorado Springs, from Garden of the Gods north to Monument, CO, had to be evacuated. July update: Down in Orlando, FL, Jim Joustra hosted Rats from the 4th stoop. Only this time, the 4th stoop was the attic, and the Rats were the four-legged kind. Jim ended up paying lots of money to have them removed; get the attic cleaned, reinsulated and hardened for the next invasion. Mark Sculley spent his birthday in Switzerland with his wife and four children. All had a great time. Julian Sculley ’09 is about a year away from his Ph.D., and Mark’s younger boys promise to keep him tailgating on the parade ground until he’s 70. Check out www.hotrod.com, and read the article about Mark Swank’s ’78 Chevy Corvette. August update: Unfortunately, Jim Brown was demoted to the class of 1978 in the last issue of the Alumni Review (Issue 3, page 169). Hope you did not overlook the article. It’s about Jim becoming the first test pilot to reach 1000 hours in an F-22. (Editor’s Note: Please accept our apologies for this error! We have printed a correction in the Alumni News section, page 142 of this Review.) J.R. and Mei Mott hosted a unique Chinese cadet in their home until matriculation. Kai is the first Chinese female to be accepted at VMI. Class trivia #1: Based on available records, three BRs reached 60 years old this summer: Jack McAteer, Luis DeBayle and then Mark Sculley. The youngest BRs are Rory Walsh, Stephen Allen and then Rodney Hayes. Class trivia #2: The cadet captains during our 2nd class Ring Figure parade were: Mark Swank (regimental commander), Bob Keneally (regimental XO), Doug Ashton (2nd battalion commander), Bob Cox (1st battalion commander), J.C. Coleman (A Company commander), Tad Dodge (B Company commander), Mike Tate (C Company commander), Ron LaGrone (D Company commander), Dave Fielder (E Company commander), Cliff Tuday (F Company commander), Jim Laningham (Band Company commander), Curtis

Butterworth (regimental S-1), Ken Williams (regimental S-3), Jim Martin (regimental S-4) and Scott Custer (regimental S-5). Since I have some extra white space and Ring Figure 2012 is danger-close, I am ending these notes with Wayne Eastham’s Nov. 22, 1974, article describing our ring in The VMI Cadet newspaper: “Nov. 15th marked a milestone for the class of 1976. On that day, our class rings arrived. The most tangible sign of our being a class was in our possession. The ring symbolizes quite a bit – it is the second of the three major steps of our cadetship, the first being our becoming a class after getting out of the Ratline, and the third being our graduation. “Last fall, the ring was little more than an idea in our minds. The design committee went to work, and numerous designs were voted on by the class, until finally one was chosen. Then, Josten’s, the company which would make our rings, took over. During Finals 1974, the ring display was here, and we ordered our rings. “The design of the ring symbolizes many aspects of our VMI career, especially the class spirit and school heritage. Blazoning one side are four large numerals, 1976, representing our class’s graduation year as well as our time here. Enclosing these numerals are two flags and sabres which stand for the military system here at VMI, under which we carry out our daily routine. Under the numerals are a New Market cadet and the motto, ‘The Institute Will Be Heard From Today,’ a saying which is as applicable today and to our hopes for the future as it was in its original context. The other side of the ring portrays Sir Moses Ezekiel’s ‘Virginia Mourning Her Head,’ a tribute to the cadets who distinguished themselves at the Battle of New Market in 1864. With this, is our school crest, the symbol of the Institute. “The aforementioned symbols represent specifics, but the ring itself has a much broader meaning, the Brother Rat spirit being the most obvious. For almost two and a half years now, we have lived together, forging friendships that will last a lifetime. There is unity and sameness, but these can not overshadow the individuality of each cadet. This feeling prompted the class to elect to have individual stones in their rings. Each man contributes in his own way – whether socially, athletically, academically or militarily – to make ours a ‘whole class,’ and this kind of unity allows every man to pursue his own goals while lending unity to the class. In keeping with this idea, a class stone, garnet, was chosen for those wishing to hold with tradition. “Today is Nov. 22, 1974, and we as second classmen of the Virginia Military Institute are experiencing the same feeling as those before

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES us when, with the ring presentation ceremony, we formally receive the most tangible symbol of our VMI career. With this, we pledge ourselves to the honorable fraternity of VMI men everywhere. May our class uphold and add to this fraternity.” Until next time, keep the VMI spirit alive!

’77

Bland Massie

Editor’s Note: After this set of class notes, Bland Massie turned over the class agent reins to Steve Neas. His contact information is: 800 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27408-8208; phone: 336/209-8072; and e-mail: sneas@ ecslimited.com. Rah Super ’77, Rah Rah Rah … Well, the 35th Reunion has come and gone. These notes were written in August, but Moe knows it was fun for all who attended. (Let’s keep it positive.) It always seems difficult writing about something that happened in June, July and August knowing it won’t be read until November and trying to make it sound like breaking news. Speaking of breaking news, by now many of you know that BR Steve Neas is our new Super ’77 Class Agent. Congratulations to Steve, and thank you for being willing to step up and serve our class. Steve will be writing the notes about our reunion which were due the first of November. Unfortunately, they will not appear until February 2013. Hey, a great way to brighten up the “dark ages” next winter. Another BR has decided to improve his “dark ages” next year by going on the VMI alumni sailing cruise in March 2013. Moe was glad to hear that BR Steve Heinrich will be joining BR Chris Perry and Moe to boost the Super ’77 crowd. By the time you read this, there may not be any slots left, but you could call the VMI Alumni Office at 1-800/444-1839, and see if you can slide in as the last bugle note sounds (great Christmas gift and surprise for your special lady). Moe would like to take a few lines to list and thank all the previous BRs who have served as our class agents. In the earlier years, they usually served for two years, but later most served for five years or more. (Five years started in 1987.) Our class agents are listed in order with the years served. 1978-79 Wesley Naff; 1980-81 Bert Deacon; 1982-83 Joe Brown; 1984-86 Randy Darden; 1987-92 Buster Pace; 1993-95 Gus Robbins; 1996-2002 John Marshall; 2003-07 Mike Davis; 2007-12 Moe; and 2012 – ? Steve Neas. Moe will also say it has been an honor and privilege to serve Super ’77 and VMI. It’s

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also a relief to pass it along. As many say it’s easier being the immediate past class agent than the current class agent. Now, as for the next five years, Moe encourages all of the Super ’77ers to make Steve’s job easier by sending him information and pictures to be used in our notes. And as for you past class agents, you all have a lot of improving to do. Moe was never that good at sending information to his predecessors, and he found out what goes around comes back around and pay back is tough. The best news of all for Super ’77 is you won’t have to see so many pictures of Moe’s mug each issue. Of course, you wouldn’t have had to if the cameras taking your pictures hadn’t exploded upon exposure. This must be the reason for so few pictures being sent from BRs to Moe. The only other excuse is all the others were too self-incriminating. The last thing Moe would like to remind you all of is that Steve is the new “class agent” not the “class secretary.” Please send notes, cards, pictures and e-mails and don’t expect him to remember all the details you are telling him in between the athletic plays or at the VMI tailgates. Most class agents don’t have photographic memories nor are they proficient at shorthand. Besides sometimes there maybe alcohol involved. Enough said! Moe would like to give a “high five” to Denise and Steve Neas for hosting our Thursday night cookout for early arrivals in their new home in Lexington. Also “kudos” to all the BRs who helped with the reunion events to make it go smoothly. The 2012 Keydet Club leadership outing was held in early June as usual. ’77 was there in force. BR Will Bynum, BR Chris Perry, BR Scott Snow and Moe played in the golf outing and BR Eric Hutchings attended the seafood extravaganza that evening. Will Bynum, Patti and Chris Perry got out before the picture of the ’77 bunch was taken. Trying to get guys together for a picture at a VMI event is harder than trying to herd cats! Unfortunately, June also brought some sad news of the death of Chase Prasnicki. David Prasnicki (Chase’s father) is chief financial officer for the VMI Foundation Inc. and has been for many years. Moe got to know Chase during his four years at West Point. Moe went to the Army/ Navy games with David and sometimes his daughter, Lauren (a junior at Longwood College) and his son, Tyler “T-Man” #15, who is a third at VMI. These road trips gave Moe a chance to know the Prasnickis and how much they all admired and looked up to Chase. On Saturdays and Sundays after the game, we would hang out with Chase and some of his teammates. Chase was the type of son any of us would be proud to have as our own. One quality among many of his good qualities was patriotism. After being in Afghanistan for just three days, Chase’s Humvee

was hit by an IED. His funeral was well-attended by residents of Lexington, the VMI family and some of his friends from West Point. Super ’77 was also represented by BR Bert Deacon, BR Keith Gibson, BR Billy Hupp, BR Eric Hutchings, BR John Marshall and Moe. Our prayers continue to go out to the Prasnicki family including Mrs. Emily Prasnicki, his wife, of only seven months. BR Bob Hartzell e-mailed to say that his son, James, graduated from VMI in May. Hart’s roommates made it to the graduation. BR Jim Anderson, BR Bill Cross, BR Paul Farrell and BR Paul Seufer were part of the celebration. Hopefully, Bob sent a picture to VMI because Moe hasn’t seen one. (It is a wonder that VMI could handle those five back at the ‘I’ at the same time!) BR John “Shankapotamus” Marshall sent a picture of Bustachop from their trip to Costa Rica. The news with the picture was unprintable due to its graphic nature! Not to mention the picture was pretty graphic too! BR Rick Greene e-mailed to say he was sorry for not being able to attend the reunion. A family member had some health issues which prevented his being with us. He did say to wish everyone well and our prayers go out to him and his family. At least this way we won’t get such an ear full from Rick and Buster concerning the contest on the golf links. Rick, you were missed. In August, the Lynchburg, VA, Alumni Chapter had its annual “Rat Send Off.” This is a cookout to honor the incoming Rats and their parents before the Rats matriculate the following Saturday. Twelve Rats left for Lexington from the Lynchburg area. Moe’s dyke, Dennis Jacobs ’80, was there from Sacramento, CA. His parents live in Hurt, VA, and he was home for a visit. Dennis also saw two of his BRs at the event. Dan Sweeney ’80 and his son, Bradley ’13, and Dennis Hackemeyer ’80. Moe talked to BR Paul Seufer at the event. Paul was there to put the fear of God in the Rats. He was always such a hard a#*! A nice evening for the Rats before the Institute gets hold of them. Kind of like the marching song we sang during Cadre called “A Yellow Bird.” Well, Moe is worn out from all the reunion plans and these notes. This is his last term paper before graduation. It’s been a pleasure serving most of you of Super ’77 as class agent. Moe would like to thank the Alumni Review staff, Hope, Traci and Brenda, for putting up with me and my tardiness. At least Moe is consistent, and this time was no exception. Thanks are also in order to Pat Webb and Norma in the foundation office who work directly with the class agents providing information, putting on Class Agent Conferences and providing needed support. A shout out also to Carole Green in the alumni office with the reunion help and organization.

CLASS NOTES All of these and others have made this task easier. After these notes are turned in, Moe and his daughter, Belle, are taking an eight-day hiking and backpacking trip to Glacier National Forest in Montana. Hopefully, by the time you read these notes, we will be back home safely without any grizzly bear claw or bite marks or moose tracks up and down our backs. Hopefully, VMI football had a winning season, and Super ’77 had a Super 35th Reunion. Have a great Thanksgiving, best ever Christmas and good luck, Steve, for the next five years. Super ’77, step up and help our regimental first captain out! Rah, Rah, VMI, Whole da#* class, In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! Moe

’78

Tom Brown

Time, once again, to update you on the news from around the class. Bill Morris reports that he had much needed hip surgery back in May, left hip replacement. He had been limping for about three years and had been having chiropractic therapy. Bill said that helped, and he was going to the gym. But that hip had serious arthritis, so those efforts were just holding off the eventual need for surgery. He has since reported that the surgery and physical therapy were successful, and he is doing fine again. Bruce Kay sent along a picture of New Market Day at the Pentagon. The class of ’78 was well represented by Tim McGreer, Ivan Moore and Bruce, and then there were guys from other classes, too. Rob Parker said watching the Olympics swimming and water polo events brought back memories of times at the pool. Rob tells me he is still working Bechtel projects and living weekends at home in Philadelphia. Big news is his daughter turned 5 years young in August. Every day, Rob thinks about how lucky he is having someone so precious to keep him young at heart. Although he never latched onto the idea of women at the Institute, he thinks class of 2029; hum? Tom Tanner sent the report of the fourth annual VMI ’78 Room 161 Reunion at Tom’s house at Smith Mountain Lake. Great fun was had skiing, drinking, eating and just telling stories. Tom sends special thanks to his neighbor, Terry and Dee Chisholm, for putting up some of the gang, as his house is not large

enough for everyone. In attendance were Tom and Ginger Tanner, Greg and Judy Gearhart, Dave and Ellen Lucado, Mark and Ann Ashby McKissick, and honorary member of room 161, Allen and Susan Moore. Allen tells that they had Dave Wrenn over to their house in Leesburg back in July for dinner and drinks. All had a great time remembering. Dave is doing well and is doing some serious music with his Booz Allen Hamilton band. Between his numerous saxes and bass guitars, Allen thinks Dave has his spare time all mapped out. Allen is still working for the Air Force in the Pentagon. The Moores spend their spare time travelling, especially visiting their son and grandchildren in Huntsville, AL, and daughter in Georgetown, CO. Their church activities keep them busy, as well. Another ’78 event was the first annual “Rick Wolffe VMI Baltusrol Open” in July. Allen Moore sent along his comment on the event, as well, saying what a wonderful time it was. Terry McKnight said he had the great opportunity to join Bill Hardy and a few others there. Rick was a great host, and they were at one of the top golf courses in the world. Rick has written several books on the world renowned golf architect A.W. Tillinghast and is currently working on another book on the history of Baltusrol. Terry says Rick has really grown up since his days of running the VMI sidelines as Moe. Ronnie Milligan sent along a Gino, Mark Gentile, update. Gino’s battle with MS is a hard one. The support from the class has been helpful to Mark and his family. Please keep Gino in your prayers as his illness progresses. Danny Thornton says not much news, except to say he ran into BRs Jay Hutt and Mark Lowe at a Lynchburg Hillcats game. Danny reports both are doing well and busy as ever. Danny had lunch with BR Bert Loflin to catch up … all well in Bert’s world, as well. Danny does make it back to Lexington rather often, as he serves on the board of CornerStone Bank there. He says he saw the folks in Admissions at VMI recently, and it sounds like VMI is more popular than ever, with admissions up to record levels. Danny also played in the Keydet Club Leadership Outing golf event in June … a fine and fun event. Danny heartily encourages all our BRs to step up their support of the Keydet Club and involve themselves with the “I.” Jimmy Leech says that he is very active in his church: “I am the organist and keyboardist and guitarist, etc.” They also are starting a day school at the church, and Jimmy doesn’t think he’s perspired so much since he was a Rat. Lots of work, inside and outside! He hopes one of these days he’ll be back in Lexington, which is where he plans to retire (finally). Another Jim, Mackin, reports he went down to Grand Cay-

man in April with his girlfriend, Regina, and they came back engaged! They spent a great week beaching and doing some open water scuba diving. Jim and Regina met in November 2010 and are planning a fall 2013 wedding. Jim tells that Tony and Monica Pileggi held a Fourth of July cookout at their house on 8 July. Tim Berkhimer and his friend, Deb, came up from Virginia Beach and spent the weekend with Jim, and they went to the cookout. Bill McCampbell and his wife, Anne, were there, as well as Mike Bragale. Jim says the Pileggis were fantastic hosts, as always, and they all had a great time. Congratulations, Jim; you could always do the wedding at the reunion. Joe Mounts says that things are going well in Florida. He was waiting for the outcome of the election to hopefully solidify the direction of our space program, but Joe can’t complain. He is fortunately still there, while many of his colleagues have been laid off after the last mission. Joe tells that Boeing was one of the three companies selected by NASA for the Commercial Crew Program, so that is good news, and Joe will likely transition there around the first of the year. He says it will be good to be working on a flight vehicle again. Joe reports the family is doing well, and their grandson just turned 1 in July. Their first and only grandchild, so far, and he is of course the light of their lives. His son is getting married in September, and his two youngest daughters are heading to Scotland for a year-long master’s program, so things are pretty busy right now. Alec Earle sends along that there is big news from the D.C. area. He has decided to go on an extended sabbatical from work with the Air Force (a.k.a. retire). Alec started 1 May and has been busy ever since. He says quality of life has improved tremendously, as they now have time to plan and organize activities. Craig Wallen sent along that he retired from USMCR as O-6 in October 2008. He is working for BAE Systems in Chesapeake, VA, as a PM doing communications support for the military. His wife, Diane, teaches kindergarten. Craig said he couldn’t get any of the kids interested in VMI. His oldest, Andria, graduated from VT and started med school in August. His daughter, Jenni, is at ODU and Tidewater Community College. Son Hunter graduated HS and is headed to Tech, doing computer science. Craig says, for fun, he has been coaching and refereeing soccer for the last eight years. He stops in Lexington when he is going back and forth to Tech. Said it is great to see how it’s changed. Some sad news to report, Tim DeSalvo passed away Aug. 8, 2012, peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. His beloved wife, Laurie, was by his side.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES He was a warm and loving Brother Rat and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to Laurie and the rest of the DeSalvo family. Thanks to all of you who sent along wishes to the family. That sadly concludes the news from around the class.

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope everyone had a great summer and that this finds everyone well. While shopping in the commissary on base at Oceana, I ran into Don Starbuck and wife Carole Lynn in the checkout line! I, of course, bugged him about class notes, Carole took up the chorus (love you wives!) and, as promised, Don delivers: “After graduation from the ‘I,’ I was commissioned in the Navy and, after enjoying the beaches of Pensacola, went Surface

Navy where I served as DCA, chief engineer and DCA on U.S.S. John F. Kennedy during Desert Shield/Storm. Met and married Carole Lynn in October 1984 while going through the worst overhaul ever in Philadelphia. (She was the good thing that happened during the one year overhaul which went 18 months.) We have two children: Jason – Lynchburg College ’08 – and Allie – Randolph College ’12. After retirement, in 1995, I became a Navy contractor in D.C. supporting the design efforts for the DDG 51, LPD 17, CVN 78 and LCS classes. I’m currently the live fire test and evaluation lead contractor for the LHA (R) Flight 0 and Flight 1. I now live in Stafford, VA (outside of Quantico), but have been spending most weekends in Virginia Beach fixing up my parents’ house. After a 20-year break, I have gotten the diving bug again and most recently dove the Chesapeake Light Tower (48-foot with 35-foot visibility; super for the bay) and will be diving St. Marteens in October while on a Disney cruise.” Thanks, Don. Great seeing you, even if

it was while grocery shopping! Jeff Vordermark checks in: “Susan and I continue to enjoy life and good health here in ‘Middle Earth,’ otherwise known as Kansas. Despite the summer heat wave and serious drought, we continue to do our best to support the ‘I.’ As I write this missive, we are 24 hours out from hosting a Rat send-off for one of the three area students who will matriculate 18 August this year. It is nice to be able to stay connected, and we’ve been able to meet virtually all the recent matriculates from the Kansas and Missouri area since 2007. The biggest life change for us this past year has been the ‘empty nest’ adjustment, now that our youngest is off in the real world. Seth is now a PFC in the infantry (the other artillerymen in my family have yet to forgive me for this!) and stationed at Fort Carson, CO. He had a front row seat for the massive fires that swept through there recently. At any rate, our home offers plenty of room should anyone just happen to be cruising along I-70 and need lodging. If any of you have harbored dreams

Class of 1979: VMI graduates that work at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps for Combat Development and Integration, Quantico, Virginia. From left: Doug Ashton ’76, Doug Doerr ’79, Rob Gearhart ’80, Col. Gregg Brinegar ’83, Tom Heffern ’91, Lt. Col. Nathan Rush ’94, Lt. Col. Brian Kellner ’95 and Chris Boyls-White ’08. Lt. Col. Lew Sigmon’88 and Maj. Jesse Janay ’96 were not present but are part of the VMI group at this location.

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CLASS NOTES and having fun, and his youngest son, Walker, is going to be a senior in high school this year. Dave Riedel and wife Marie celebrated their 30th anniversary in May and spent several nights in a cabin at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. Congratulations! On their first night, they met with Ray and Debbie Whitner for dinner in downtown Marion and compared notes about where all of us are in life. Dave says, “Ray and Deb’s three kids are all graduated from college and into their careers – some married but all three living in Charlotte, NC. Marie and I have two kids who are on their own – David Jr. ’07 and Kevin, VT ’10 – a daughter, Annelise, who is a junior at Mary Washington, and two more kids at home, Nick and John Paul, who are both at Rappahannock High School. Oh, while in southwest VA, Marie and I rented bikes in Damascus and took a ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail from White Top to Damascus. It is a wonderful way to spend many hours – load up a picnic and make a day of it. Hey, we are easily amused, I guess. Also, in the middle of July, we went cabin camping up in Vermont for a week. After enduring the blistering heat of Virginia during the beginning of July, a few Vermont mornings in the 40s and 50s were darn nice.” Dave has 31 years with the federal government as the facilities manager for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute just outside of Front Royal, VA. KEWL job! It is one of the few jobs with the Smithsonian

Institution that is not within the D.C. area, and Dave’s “lovin’ it!” Dave says, “If you are into Przwalski horses, cheetahs, clouded leopards, red pandas, scimitar Oryxes or Black Footed Ferrets, you would like it here. But sorry, we aren’t open to the public. It is a ‘tol’able’ existence.” Ray Insley packed up after 32 years in Charlotte and relocated to the Savannah, GA, area ... talk about life changing! Ray says that if any BRs have projects upcoming where they need serious scaffolding, give him a shout at Sunbelt Rentals Industrial Scaffold Group. Randy Atkins is getting ready for his 37th year of being statistician for VMI Football Radio Network. Yup, 37th! His family spent a week in early August at Ocean Isle Beach, NC, where he and his wife, Robin, went parasailing. “What an experience, being 300 feet up in the air, just floating. The only sound I heard was my wife expressing her excitement. I would do it again and highly recommend it.” Not for me, BR. I am deathly afraid of heights! (Yes, that’s right; the Marine Harrier pilot is afraid of heights. As I often reminded my mother, I am NOT going to fall out of a Harrier!) Randy experienced a little chest pain back in June but avoided the heart attack. They discovered a 99% blockage in one artery, resulting in two stents being installed. He now has a modified diet and has re-started active exercise, dropping 33 pounds in the past two months. Randy says, “It was a wake-up call. Portion control and exercise are key. If I can lose another 30 pounds, I can be down to my VMI weight of the late 70s. That is my year-end goal.” Best of luck, Randy! So, how are our annual physicals coming, BRs?!!! Tom Wilson just took over as the shipyard superintendent at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard now known as Mare Island Shipyard. He currently (August ’12) has the U.S.S. Hoga in for tow prep, and when done, she will go to North Little Rock as a floating museum. The U.S.S. Hoga is the last surviving ship that was at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1944. Tom sees Dale Drury from time to time. He reports that his family is fine, living in Russian River wine country with Korbel two minutes away. He offers that there is good champagne, wine and brandy, so please swing by if you are up his way. Tom Bright will be with his entire Class of 1979: John Arthur ran into Tom Baltazar at Muscatatuck Urban Training extended family with all their chilCenter (MUTC), Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in April 2012. Both were there supporting dren on an Alaskan Inland Passage training for organizations that are deploying into Afghanistan and Iraq. Cruise in August 2012. That includes

about launching a second career as a faculty member at the ‘Intellectual Center of the Army,’ a.k.a. Fort Leavenworth and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College … don’t bother now. Something about a massive Army draw-down and commensurate hiring freeze. They are actually cutting back on civilian faculty, but I have managed to dodge that bullet and remain gainfully employed here. However, I’m hedging my bets. I’m now a ‘freelance writer’ for a local outdoor magazine and am discovering it is possible to turn my passion for hunting and fishing into income. Guess all that time at L.A. Beach might pay off after all! So, here’s the offer – if you have a neat story (especially regarding youth mentoring in the outdoors), contact me and we’ll see if it can be immortalized on the pages of a reputable publication. In the meantime, I’ll be teaching and watching the Kansas City Chiefs while remaining ever hopeful that this could be their year (if you’ve never considered it, being a Chiefs fan from VMI is easy – no drain on the pocket book, since the colors match!).” William “Smitty” Smithson just retired from the USAR as a lieutenant colonel with 28 years active and reserve service. He evidently did get a call from the National Guard saying he could come join them as a physician assistant captain, and they would pay off his student loans. Smitty sees that as a potential option. His oldest son, Corbett, is in Charleston, SC, in culinary school

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES David Bright ’76, Joe Bright ’77 and Col. James “Jim” Bright ’87. Tom’s brother, Col. James Bright, last of the Bright brothers on active duty, was just recently selected to command the U.S. Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment in Yorktown, VA. While conducting exercise coordination at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC), Camp Atterbury, IN, in April, John Arthur ran into Tom Baltazar. Tom is supporting training at MUTC for organizations that are deploying into Afghanistan and Iraq. John and wife Jessie completed the Bike Virginia ride again this year. This year, it was centered in/around Berryville and Winchester, VA, then into Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry, WVA, rural areas. They rode over 200 miles during the five-day ride. Asa Page checks in, looking forward to the end of a long, hot summer and reports he’s been traveling quite a bit with his job. However, he and Karen are anxious for the fall football season to finally get here, so they can get back to the Institute and get back into some serious tailgating. If any BRs made it back to the Institute this fall for any of the home games, I hope you found Asa, who advised that he would have a burger along with a bowl of “kick butt” chili waiting for BRs. Asa’s oldest son graduated from VMI this past May, and his youngest will be a “Rat with a Ring” this November, as he starts back for his second class year. Asa reports seeing BRs Frank Jester, Pete Underwood and Jim Harrington at a recent Tidewater VMIAA function honoring local high school students and their families, as they headed off to matriculate into the Ratline. John Colonna scribes, “At the risk of being teased by my BR, though NOT a fellow graduate, Dolphin Overton, I am happy to announce that my son, John, got married July 21st to a lovely girl he met in Harrisonburg. I’m taking my whole family plus spouses, fiancées, etc. to Orlando over Christmas. It will be our first family vacation in over 15 years. The family certainly deserves it, having put up with me all these years.” Jim Elliot writes that there is not much going on since the last time he wrote, then goes on to say …. (Have a sit. This will take a bit.) … “I did run into several BRs and a lot of VMI men at the funeral of Robert H. “Bob” Patterson Jr. ’49C. As most everyone knows, Mr. Patterson was a distinguished VMI graduate and WWII Navy veteran, attorney, outdoorsman, business leader in the commonwealth and friend to ALL. Most notably, Mr. Patterson lead the charge to defend the ‘all male’ status of VMI’s enrollment and won, only to be overturned by the Supreme Court. Equally and most important in my mind, Mr. Patterson is/was the father of my good friend and our Brother Rat, Rob Patterson. I

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say that because if it weren’t for my friendship with Rob, I probably would have never had the opportunity to have met and known his dad. He was so kind to me and countless others. He will truly be missed. I firmly believe that the last gift of the departed to those left behind is, in fact, the very essence of the funeral. It’s a time to remember, a time to reflect, a time to be happy, a time to be not so happy, a time to celebrate a wonderful life and a time to see friends that you might not have seen if it weren’t for the passing of a loved one. In some ways, it was like a mini reunion. My wife, Beth, and I had the pleasure of seeing and spending some time with Brad and Maria Jones and their daughter, Ellie, a rising sophomore across the Parade Field at W&L (says she’s nice to VMI boys but has no intention of dating one … must think they’re all like Brad!) and Rob’s brother-in-law and our BR, Jeb Burton, and his wife (sorry, but her name escapes me … that’s the second thing that goes with age). Rob is married to Jeb’s sister, Stephanie, and they have three beautiful children, two girls and a boy. There were tons of VMI people there, way too many to mention, but a few stand out in my mind. I saw Bob Louthan ’82 and his wife, Kathy, as well as his mom and dad, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Louthan ’41. Hugh Fain ’80, Meade Spotts’ partner and the guy who does most of the work for Spotts Fain PC, was involved in the service, as he and his wife, Renee, were longtime family friends of the Pattersons. I hadn’t seen Mory Wood and his wife, Kriss (sp), in a long while, but they were there and doing well. I gotta say, I didn’t recognize Mory, because he looked like he’d lost a ‘whole’ person … must be the swimming, but then again, maybe he’s turned VEEGAN! Say it ain’t so, MAN! Anyway, he looks great and says at 50+ he’s decided to start hunting, so guess who his HERO and mentor is … that’s right … JONES! Saw Toler ‘Redemptive Savior of the Beloved Oyster’ Nolley ’80, I think, but it’s getting late (keep it clean now). Toler intends to make sure that we eat oysters for Thanksgiving and [forget] turkey or something like that! He really is doing a fantastic job working with the Chesapeake Bay folks to bring back the oyster. It really is something that needs to be done, and he’s truly committed! Anyway, if I left anyone out, and I’m sure I did, SORRY!!!! Oh, yeah, Gen. Peay ’62 was in attendance, and my wife made sure he knew that we had a son, Sam, that was a rising 2nd classman. When she told Sam about this later that night, he completely lost it – hurled all over the couch. (OK, I’m having a little fun now, but she really did introduce herself to the SUPE! Some things never change! Anyway, it’s Friday night, and it’s been a very long week! Time to refill my glass! Hope you have a great weekend, and I look forward to

seeing everyone this fall at a ball game!” Good thing Jim did not have much to report, ‘cause I am only allotted so many pages for class notes each issue! Thanks, BR! Not to be outdone, Bob Sievert writes, “Not sure my contributions for class notes will be all that interesting to our BRs, but here it goes. This summer has been all about us hitting the ‘empty nest’ stage! Our youngest, Andrew, graduated from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire in May, and in June we did a road trip to take him to Denver where he has his first job working for a web development company. As seems to be common with kids these days, we’ve hardly heard anything from him since he settled in out there, but from what we can glean from his few e-mails and fewer calls, he is doing well, and, best part, he isn’t having to ask Mom and Dad for money! Our oldest son, Matthew, is still at Ohio State pursuing his Ph.D. in nuclear physics. His summer has been loaded with excitement. He and his sponsor completed research on ‘transverse spin asymmetry,’ and he has been sent on trips to Seattle, Paris, New York City and Washington, D.C., to present their results. Best of all, their research has been accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review D (a journal covering particle physics, field theory, gravitation and cosmology). So, he is flying high and on a career track that I cannot even imagine where it will go. For Angela and me, it’s all been about travel again this year. Last year, we ‘practiced’ with a couple of extra vacation trips, but this year we got serious. Staring with a week in Las Vegas in March with my parents (our first trip with them ever) and then a trip to Playa Del Carmen in June where we made friends with a wild group from Texas and discovered a new drink shot called a ‘Bumblebee’ that added an amazing dimension to pool fun at the pool bar! For the rest of the year, first we are lined up for a trip to Fort Lauderdale at the end of this month for a beach stay, followed by a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas. Then, in November, we are wrapping up the year’s events with another trip to Cancun where we have a timeshare. So much fun as we watch our savings account groan and moan … but we are in training with this ‘empty nest’ situation, and of course I need to get warmed up for my coming ‘mid-life crisis’ which hasn’t been scheduled yet, but I can definitely feel it coming on!!! As for our times around the ‘I,’ though we spend many weekends in Buena Vista seeing our daughters and their families and dealing with some rental property we have there, we don’t get to the ‘I’ often. However, our favorite ‘haunt’ for eating out is Macado’s on Main St. in Lexington, and we always get to hang out with cadets at the bar. In one of our last visits before the cadets went on summer

CLASS NOTES break, I wore my class of ’79 reunion t-shirt that says on the back, “VMI, where the fun goes to die,” and I was a huge celebrity. I can’t tell you how many of the cadets had to take pictures of the shirt and wanted to know where they could buy one. Hey, there’s a way for our class to make some bucks!!! Anyway, tons of fun hanging with cadets every visit during the school year. Alright, that’s enough from me.” Yup, that about does it for Bob! He really needs to get over that shyness issue! Bill Albro mentions going to the VMI Club of Richmond picnic at Mead’s house recently. From our class, it was Meade Spotts and “Stosh” Morris, and Bro. Stosh brought his usual fine cigars that he rolled special for the occasion (the real Artero Fuente of our class). They all went to dinner after the event, and it was a grand weekend outing. Tom Manley sends, “I have a nephew starting at VMI this year, Miles Manley … he just moved up from Texas into the Richmond, VA, area. He’s the son of my late brother, Jack (John) Manley ’83. So, I plan to be down for his matriculation next weekend (17-18 Aug) with my son, Tom ’05, and my younger brother, Jerry ’81. We are all very proud of Miles. He is hoping to play rugby at the ‘I,’ and we wish him a very good year of growth as our newest ‘Rat’ in the family. Additionally, my first grandson, Mateo Manley, was born on 3 June 2012. He’s a tough little guy and a good candidate for the Rat class of 2030! I need to check into the provisional appointment process. Doug Doerr and I were hanging out a bit last weekend. On Saturday morning, we went for a 14+-mile bike ride at Quantico. Doug has a very fast and light road bike … I have a good, rugged and heavy hybrid. Both of us made the ride in good form, and we finished together (Never Say Die!). But Doug was much faster with the lighter bike and nine more gears! Doug and I had a good breakfast afterward, and we are already planning many more rides. I’m definitely thinking about picking up a faster road bike … I feel the need for speed, as Doug rode circles around me!” Larry Adams tells us, “Saw my son, David, graduate from the Air Force Academy as #1 EE major in his class. Consequently, he earned a Draper Fellowship to MIT where he will get a master’s in EE. Living the nerd’s dream! But you wouldn’t know he’s a nerd if you met him! Three days later, my daughter, Maggie, graduated from high school and will be starting at Belmont University in August! Yes, proud Papa here – sorry. I know all of my BR’s kids are awesome, too! Vacations in Daytona and Destin – on the cheap but good!” John Kailey checks in with, “It has been a busy but comparatively uneventful summer, at least compared to where I was last year at this

time. I will retire from the Army Reserve on 1 Oct. – sadly, after 30 years of service between the Marine Corps and the Army – one of the saddest feelings I’ve had when I received my retirement orders. Beyond that, I am readjusting to family life and fighting with the VA. I even referee football games now. Meant to say I spent a couple of hours with Al Soltis a few months ago, as he was down to Atlanta for Coach Thalman’s funeral.” Renee and I are doing well. We just hosted our first VMIAA Eastern Shore of Virginia Chapter cookout and had an absolute BLAST. More about that in the next Review (they call that a “tease”), as we are outta room! Stay well!

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of May 16, 2012, through Aug. 15, 2012, and include a long weekend spent with a woman who doesn’t like big wieners. Coincidently, these are the shortest set of notes I’ve written in 12 years as your class agent. The period began with an e-mail from

Craig “Wiennie” Wilson. Wiennie was seriously considering traveling from his home in the Norfolk area to NYC to play golf in the North Jersey Chapter’s golf outing at Baltusrol. Wiennie also reported that business was picking up and that, as the owner, he may be unable to make the trip. Paul Burkholder responded to a birthday card with an e-mail from the Caribbean where he was sailing with his son and three other Wahoos and their dads. Rich Zott sent an e-mail. Rich has worked at the Department of Defense in St. Louis for 25 years. He is about to retire and will become the chief of security and enforcement for the St. Louis Metro system. Rich’s wife is an accountant. One of his sons is a junior at Truman State University. His other son is in high school. Rich closed by noting that he’s been in contact with Scott Sayre and by welcoming our BRs traveling to or through St. Louis to give him a call. John Alerding sent an e-mail following VMI’s graduation ceremonies. John’s son, Johnny, was the valedictorian of the class of 2012. John credited our BRs for their influence on Johnny. Specifically, John referenced Johnny’s witnessing the times Gary Levenson hosted groups of our BRs at his home on Post as some of Johnny’s fondest memories. Patti and I traveled to Asheville, NC, for the Foundation Board’s off-site meeting. Also attending were Bob Evans and Hugh Fain.

Class of 1980: From left, Ed and Cindy Bower, John and Patti Gibney, and Robby and Beth Jones on the beach at Lake Naomi in the Poconos over Memorial Day weekend.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Over Memorial Day weekend, Ed and Cindy Bower and Beth and Robby Jones visited me and Patti at our house in the Poconos. The weekend included golf, time on the beach and at the pool, too much to eat, and way too much to drink. One of our lunches was a simple meal of hot dogs on the grill. In an attempt to complement the grill master, Cindy, who calls hot dogs wieners, commented that the hot dog fit perfectly on the bun. She then said, innocently but within earshot of your class agent, that she

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does not like hot dogs that extend beyond the ends of the bun. Her term was that she does not like big wieners! We all had such a good time that we hope to make this an annual event. Dan Conn sent an e-mail saying that he and Marge have completed their move to their new home in Woodbridge, VA. Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ives mailed a card after receiving his birthday card. Jonathan is completing a one-year tour in Kuwait. He and Whitney now live in Alexandria, VA.

May ended with snail mail from Walt and Mary Lynne Wood. Their note contained a four-color brochure describing the work they do in Peru. They also announced their plans for a gathering of our BRs in the Richmond area in August. June began with an e-mail from Larry Hupertz in response to the end-of-fiscal-year letter sent by each class agent to their BRs. Larry wrote that he and Vera planned to visit VMI in October â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the annual get-together arranged by

CLASS NOTES Mike Luning and Rob Quarles. Their daughter, Monica, just finished her first year at Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Alex, their other daughter, started her first year in a master of fine arts program. I spoke with Jay Melvin shortly after he and Trudy returned to Lexington from their family home on the Rappahannock River. Their son, Jason, was home from Colorado where he works in the commercial insurance industry. Their daughter, Sarah, lives in Richmond and works at the Virginia Eye Institute. Tom Kelly sent an e-mail with a photo of Joe Brown, Dan Conn, Rob D’Alessandro, Mike Harper, Jack Keane, Tom, Tuck Masker, Mike Knapp and Tracy Wilson gathered together in Old Town Alexandria. Phil Munisteri sent an e-mail with an invitation to attend a party at his home on Long Island in July. Due to a conflict, we had to decline. Matthew and Tonya Keys were also invited but had to decline, as Tonya was in Singapore on a temporary work assignment. Pat Griffin and his family were scheduled to attend Pat Griffin called. He had dinner with Andy Ludlum in Providence. Pat, who lives in the Boston area, has a summer home in Rhode Island. Andy, who is pilot for Southwest, was in Providence on a layover. Pat also said that he spoke with Dennis Maguire. Craig Jones sent an e-mail saying that Jack Bellamy has joined the Board of Trustees at Massanutten Military Academy where Craig is head of school. Jack Keane sent an e-mail over his concern for our BRs in Colorado who may have been impacted by the wildfires there. He tried to reach out to Brian Hub and Steve Wagner but had no success. June ended with a card from Teresa Snyder, George’s widow. Addressed, “Brother Rats,” the card thanks Ralf’s BRs for their thoughtfulness, flowers, VMI ’80 banner and visits during Ralf’s illness. She specifically thanked Doug Burton, Rick Gilbert, Chal Glenn, Mark McLean, Bill M’Coy and Allen Ramer. She closed by thanking everyone for staying in touch with her family. July began with an e-mail from Walt Wood to our BRs inviting all to attend a get-together in Ashland, VA, on Aug. 11th. Andy Ludlum called and sent an e-mail saying that he saw Pat Griffin during a layover in Providence and also saw Mike Kelly in Boise, ID. Andy and Nicki planned to attend Walt’s get-together and also planned to attend a new cadet send-off in Columbia, MD. Craig Jones sent a follow-up e-mail inviting our BRs to stop by MMA and review the cadet battalion. Craig also wrote that the MMA football team is 3-0 against rival Fishburne Military

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Academy during Craig’s first three years as head of school. I was copied on e-mail between the Alumni Review and Dave Madden. Dave will be featured for receiving the 2012 Aviation Week Laureate Award (scheduled to appear in the next Review, 2013-Issue 1). At the end of July, I saw Elliott Wolffe. Elliott and Amy live in New Orleans and return to New Jersey to see their families. Elliott invited me to play a round of golf at Baltusrol. He said that his three children are doing very well. August began with an e-mail from Ed Baker. Ed wrote that he and Dianna were planning to attend Walt’s get-together with Dennis Loba and to visit VMI in October. Their 22-year-old daughter, Katie, graduated with a double major and a minor. Their son, Charlie, is a rising high school senior. Finally, Walt Wood sent a reminder about his get-together and an e-mail with a photo immediately thereafter. Attendees included Ed Baker, John Blankenship, Dan Conn, Kevin Cordray, Rick Fowler, John Lillard, Dennis Loba, Andy Ludlum, Mike Luning, Louis McBride, Jay McConnell, Scott Sayre, Dan Sweeney and Dixon Tucker. Thanks, as always, for your support. I look forward to seeing and/or hearing from you this fall.

’81

Trip Lloyd

Dear Brother Rats and Families, We’re thinking about holiday turkey in the Lloyd house, and we’re hoping for a better ski season on the East Coast. I’m doing the one-man show of “Will Roger’s USA” (the one made famous by James Whitmore) with a professional company and just finished playing Henry Higgins with one of our local theaters. According to Brian Quisenberry, the new class of Rats matriculated on Saturday, Aug. 16. Mat Merriman is still working in Richmond with Paul Boulden, and Mat and Robin are jetsetting between their Richmond apartment and their house in Georgia. From his battle position, our serving BR reports, “The campaign is very strong. Our focused efforts continue to be successful. I see it every day. You simply could not be prouder of what our nation can do – we are the finest country the world has ever seen, from our business leaders, to our statesmen, warriors, U.S. Government officials and officers, just everyday Americans – no finer around, none. Our military might has won and holds the

field, our statesmen have put government on its feet and pointed it in the right direction, our developers have moved along Afghan villages and cities alike on the road to a better way of life, and we see patriots, Afghan patriots standing up for their families, tribes and villages. There is a determination here, at the provincial seat, in the valleys and villages, which I saw in Iraq, and once that momentum gained, it never wanes. The enemy, though, remains lethal. My heart still hurts from our soldiers we lost at the end of April. Great men these three were, great Americans.” Dave Richards writes that his middle son recently graduated from Hofstra University with a political sciences degree and a minor in international studies. Dave has returned to Massachusetts for work in Biotech, trying to use his old chemistry degree. Ken Herbert is gaining momentum on getting his business off the ground. He has partnered with another company doing forward force management solutions and is working with such clients as: ODNI, USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, JSOCs, HQDA, G-3, 3rd Army and others. Jerry Manley shared that he and BRs Adler, Alexander, Herbert, Langan, Loving and Olson attended the monthly IHOP breakfast. Jerry and Mike Shupp met up on June 29, when Mike brought nine summer interns from Van Scoyoc Associates, to include Cadet Samantha Amenn ’13, to the headquarters of the Navy Installations Command in the Navy Yard where Jerry works. Mike and Jerry shared their insights on career opportunities within the federal government with those aspiring young leaders. Unfortunately, the young interns had to put up with Mike and Jerry regaling themselves over their VMI and military experiences. Most of the interns were able to stay awake during that tedious phase, but Mike and Jerry continue to attest that all were simply riveted. Mike Shupp added that Pete and Barbara Tranchik visited Annapolis and spent the weekend on the Chesapeake Bay with Mike and Sherrye. Mike said it was great fun watching Pete get his sea legs and added it was a good thing Pete went in the Army. The Shupps are looking forward to bringing Miss Chesapeake down for the VMI-Navy football game. He advised everyone to look for the VMI flag at “Ego Alley.” The Wolvens report that they have been a bit busy. Greg is on the Electrical Engineering Department Advisory Committee at the Institute. Prior to that, he and Ann went to San Diego for the Tech Advantage conference in March. Their biggest news came April 28, 2012, when their son, Chris, graduated from Vincennes University with a biomedical electronics degree. On a sadder note, Ann’s brother, Rex, was diagnosed

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES with T-cell lymphoma in May and has been in and out of Johns Hopkins for treatment since then; any prayers his way would be greatly appreciated. Gary Moore qualified for the Golf Channel amateur tour’s national championship that was held the first week of September at the TPC Sawgrass. He also won the Fredericksburg Amateur Senior Division championship in late July. Jim Hart shared that it was another great year at the 33rd SkiBash 2012 at his family home over the Fourth of July weekend. Good times were had by all! Ed Boylan writes that he took his youngest daughter back to the University of Texas at Austin to begin her junior year. He and his wife, Linda, had the opportunity to visit with Tom and Sandy Savage in June. Tom and Sandy moved from Dallas to Atlanta. Ed and Linda traveled through Atlanta to attend their nephew’s high school graduation in Chattanooga. Linda and Ed, along with Tom and Sandy, are trying to coordinate a mini reunion with Jim and Brenda Migliarese after the new year. Pastor Dave Taylor is leading a crossdenominational Christian men’s group from his new church in the West End of Richmond. They meet at 0645 every Friday, and among the regulars that attend weekly are BRs Rich

Wagner and Tim Hesson. Dave is also keeping tabs on Tim Nitz who also completed a study his church sponsored. Since the previous issue, Dave reconnected with Butch Burgess over lunch in Dahlgren, VA, and with Ray Lawson over a dinner in Augusta, GA. Both confirmed stories about how they, along with fellow EE Ken Pohlig, managed to pull off the Dixie sound-off during the ’81 graduation parade. Grover Outland had a lot to share. He reports that all is going well in the Annapolis/BWI area. He does get to Rockbridge County/Lexington from time to time. The last weekend in July he went to pick up his youngest daughter from Nature Camp in the mountains in NE Rockbridge County just outside of Vesuvius. There, a couple of times in recent years, he has run into Scot Marsh, who decades ago was a Nature Camp camper and counselor – “Doc” Reeves, the chair of VMI’s Biology Department when we were cadets, was Nature Camp director when Scot was a camper, and the camp’s chapel is named in Doc Reeves’ memory. Scot’s son, Ben, is a current Nature Camp camper. In a recent camp session, Ben received the soughtafter “Best All-Round Camper” award. It has been great to see Scot from time to time on the last day of Nature Camp sessions, to meet his son, Ben, and even to chat some with Scot’s father, John O. Marsh, who was in great spirits

Class of 1981: Greg Wolven and his son, Chris, upon Chris’ graduation from Vincennes University.

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there last summer for the pick-up of Ben, as the Marsh clan was headed from the mountains for a family vacation near the Chesapeake Bay. Those ’81 BRs who commissioned in the Army will recall that Secretary Marsh was Secretary of the Army when ’81 received its commissions. Other events that bring him back to Lexington are the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forums. Over the years, more than a dozen ’81s (and over 100 alumni from various classes) have volunteered to attend these forums and mentor non-commissioning cadets on their career options. Two recent alumni volunteers from ’81 include Glenn Alexander who is a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Task Force – Glenn has also helped several young alumni currently in law school evaluate opportunities to serve as attorneys with the government – and Mike Shupp, who was the keynote speaker to the assembled cadets and alumni volunteers at the most recent forum held at VMI last semester. Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Mike has joined D.C. government relations firm Von Scoyoc Associates (VSA) as a vice president, and he and VSA have been putting together a summer internship program that will enable cadets to have internships on Capitol Hill. This summer, Grover has enjoyed reconnecting with BR Reg Ridgely, who is a principal information systems engineer with MITRE in northern Virginia. Reg’s son, Sam, attended summer school at VMI this summer and is class of ’14. Turns out that Reg’s father is ’55 (and a VMI Hall of Fame swimmer), and his grandfather (’22) played on VMI’s famed “Flying Squadron” football team in the early 1920s. Four consecutive generations of Keydets is quite a family tradition! Speaking of the “Old Corps,” my uncle, Webster M. Chandler ’46, passed away unexpectedly three weeks ago, and I was greatly moved that BRs Mike Denton and John Ferry drove all the way down to Norfolk for the funeral and reception afterward. An EE graduate (and First Jackson Hope Medalist) at VMI, Uncle Web earned his master’s from MIT and served in the Army in both World War II and the Korean War. He exemplified the VMI citizen soldier and was a consummate professional in his chosen career field as a consulting electrical engineer, while embodying those attributes of civic service, lay leadership in the church, humility and quiet service to others, so characteristic of members of the “GI Generation.” Clay Wommack regretted missing our 30th Reunion. However, he promises he will make all efforts to make our 35th. Clay laments, “The older I get, it seems harder and harder to venture out of Florida.” He did get over to Costa Rica this past summer which he calls a slice of

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CLASS NOTES natural heaven courtesy Bruce Gottwald. Clay, his wife and his daughter spent a beautiful week in Bruce’s magnificent home on peninsula Papagayo. Fishing there was spot on, and Bruce’s new boat at Marina Papagayo really was an eye catcher with its beautiful light blue hull. Clay had great success raising two pacific sailfish, one of them a real trophy, coming in at about 160 pounds. He was grateful the captain of the boat really knew how to back the boat down during the chase. His daughter is a high school senior this year so the journey of college tours begins soon. He shared that he had a call from Ken Driscoll from Brussels back in June. Clay shared that he really enjoys connecting with BRs on Facebook and seeing their family pictures, graduations, etc. He encourages more to join the fun and goes so far as to say that reading Catman’s daily adventures is better than the daily comics. Stephen Seitz checked in and is living in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters – one attending Virginia Tech (he tried to have her consider VMI) and the other in high school, looking to stay in the Northeast for college. Stephen and his wife own, and she manages, a local business called Coast Gourmet. They started the business 20 years ago. Stephen works with AREVA where he is the vice president of AREVA NP Canada, Ltd. in Toronto, Ontario. Since VMI, he attended Penn State (chemical engineering) and University of Connecticut (business). His former employment has included eight years with the U.S. Navy-Fast Attack Submarines in Connecticut; eight years with Assa Brown Boveri (ABB) in Windsor, CT; two years with Stone & Webster in Boston; and the past 12 years with AREVA. Hal Scott wrote to say his youngest son, Ryan, matriculated to start his Rat year (class of ’81 + 35). Hal and Kathy are still living in Virginia Beach, and Hal is keeping busy working for the Navy at Dam Neck, providing synthetic war games to all the Atlantic Fleet deployers. He is looking forward to making a lot of trips to Lexington this fall during football season.

’82

Charles Kause

Bend low again, night of summer stars. So near you are, sky of summer stars, So near, a long-arm man can pick off stars, Pick off what he wants in the sky bowl, So near you are, summer stars, So near, strumming, strumming, So lazy and hum-strumming. Carl Sandburg, “Summer Stars”

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And so near are we to our own summer of stars. First, a new star has risen over the state of Connecticut. Jon Mott was promoted to brigadier general and has taken over command of the Connecticut Air National Guard. His specific title is assistant adjutant general-Air, Connecticut National Guard, because some Army Guard dude is Connecticut’s AG. Jon’s promotion ceremony took place in the atrium at the Air National Guard Readiness Center aboard Joint Base Andrews AFB outside of Washington, D.C., at the end of May. Jon also received the Legion of Merit, first oak leaf cluster, awarded for his performance as special assistant to the commander, Air National Guard Readiness Center, as well as his tour as commanding officer, 201st Mission Support Group. Present at the ceremony were Brother Rats Dewey Martin, Dave Shutt, Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, the Honorable Mark Ciarrocca and your gentle correspondent. Dave wore his Army blues for the final time, as he just retired from the Army. Jon also invited all attendees to attend his “wetting down” party at the American Legion Hall in Old Town Alexandria. What Jon failed to pass on to his BRs was the fact that the party was beach casual. Thus, suits and blazers were stained with stale beer and barbeque, except for Shutt’s uniform. Dave was not going to be uncomfortable in a basement bar during a heat wave and was smart enough to bring a change of clothes. On the morning of July 26th, Darren McDew relinquished command of the Air Force District of Washington at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The ceremony included the Air Force Band and a pass in review by the Air Force Honor Guard, because, well, Darren used to be their boss and had something to do with their fitness reports. Later in the afternoon, Darren was promoted to lieutenant general at the Bolling Club by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. One thing the secretary brought up during his speech at the promotion ceremony was that Darren had the toughest command in the Air Force when he commanded AFDW. It is no small task to run a diverse command like the AFDW, but it is also made harder by the fact that every Air Force general officer and senior government official in the region is watching what the command does. Darren must have done a great job, because he is now commanding the 18th Air Force out of Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. He assumed command on 6 Aug. The 18th AF is the largest numbered air force in the USAF and is the air component of United States Transportation Command. Darren is now in charge of 34,000 airmen and civilians. Several BRs came out to witness the change of command and promotion, including Ted Clarkson, Bob Louthan, Darryl

Horne, Dicky Moore, Alan Wilson, Ron Mecredy and your gentle correspondent. Darren may be a rising star in the Air Force universe, but he still remembers his roots. It seems he shocked the attendees at his reception when he led the gang in a rousing Old Yell in the middle of the dance floor. After the reception, some BRs found their way down to the bar in the club and whetted their whistles while waiting for traffic to subside. Ted Clarkson regaled us with details of his trip to Norway, as part of his responsibilities advising the J-35 Joint Program Office. Of course, he took plenty of vacation time after boring conferences to see the sights and Northern Lights. When he is not flying though fjords, he is studying for a master’s degree in systems engineering at my old alma mater, Johns Hopkins University. Ted mentioned that his old roomies seem to be permanently assigned to Southwest Asia. Curtis Johnston can never leave Afghanistan, as he and his engineering company are considered vital national assets to U.S. forces over there. John Bangert is an FBI agent currently assigned somewhere in Pakistan. Alan Wilson revealed he is a black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido and is entertaining visions of opening his own dojo when he retires from his civilian job in the Navy. Besides his duties as president of the Sterling, VA, Rescue Squad, Ron Mecredy is staying busy traveling throughout the Commonwealth (former British colonies, not our beloved state) in his duties as a contractor supporting the Defense Intelligence Agency and its efforts in information technology collaboration with our English-speaking allies. Bob Louthan stays active running his own corporate finance consulting firm out of Richmond and querying me on the misadventures of the Clown Prince and Daughter of Darkness (more on them below). Phil Dederer’s star finally set on 17 July, when his ashes were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. As you will recall, Phil passed away from a massive heart attack at the end of March. Because so many veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam are passing away, there is a wait list for burial at the cemetery. Active duty troops who die in combat or on duty get head of the line status. All others must wait their turn, no matter the rank. Phil’s day finally arrived on a blisteringly hot day in July. The mood was solemn, not sad, as Phil’s family, friends and colleagues gathered to say farewell. Instead of being inurned in the cemetery’s columbarium, Phil chose to have his ashes buried the same way a soldier would be, with a casket and tombstone. The Army’s Old Guard was as solemn, dignified and deliberate

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as ever, and the burial ceremony was fitting for a soldier who served his nation for over 20 years. Maureen and Jim Hickey were present, along with local BRs Mike Ewing, Larry Williams and your gentle correspondent. Lou Rossie flew in from Charlotte, NC, to honor Phil. Tom McCune shocked us all by showing up in Army blues and bearing the rank of colonel. Many of us could not understand Tom’s cryptic note on Facebook about attempting to attend Phil’s funeral but having to get permission to go on leave in order to show up. It turns out Tom was on active duty orders from his reserve unit, attending the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. During a happy hour at a bar in Arlington after the ceremony, Tom mentioned he could not tarry over drinks, much as they were welcome, as he had a dinner date with his son. Noticing our confused looks, Tom explained his son is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is now a line cook at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. Tom was checking up on his investment. Joe McConnell invited me out to dinner on a starry evening in July when he was up from Roanoke/Salem on business. Joe is a consulting engineer with clients supporting installations and logistics on the Army staff. We spent a good deal of time commiserating on the consulting life, clients and their issues and the state of the economy, political discourse and the fate of Western Civilization. After depressing ourselves thoroughly, we promised to link up during a football weekend or during one of Joe’s intermittent swings through northern Virginia. It is difficult to get a spot on Joe’s dance card, though, as he has a full rolodex of dykes, friends, former colleagues and acquaintances to keep him occupied when traveling through the choked up highways and byways. Eric Karell has stars in his eyes. As reported by Dave Kohler, Eric finally married his fiancée, Cindy, on 3 Aug. up in Pittsburgh, PA. Dave said the wedding was done up first class with fancy vittles, a sit down dinner and, in the finest VMI tradition, an open bar! Apparently, the wedding was an All Cold Steel Charlie celebration, as the Best Man was Greg Picklesimer, with Cookie Jarvis and Dave shouting encouragement from the pews. Fortunately for Eric, Greg’s family was in tow to keep him in check. That must have meant Cookie and Dave led the charge to the bar and ruled the dance floor (with all the available females, of course). Cindy Karell knew what she was getting into, as Eric wisely acculturated her into the VMI family by bringing her down to Lexington and having her meet all the BRs during the 30th Reunion. If that did not scare her off, nothing will. President For Life Harry Bitzberger must be seeing stars. He wrote to inform me he is

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suffering a mid-life crisis. Most guys would go out and buy a red sports car. But Harry decided to buy and wear the red shirt of a State Farm agent. He is opening up his own State Farm Insurance Agency in West Chester, PA, starting 1 Oct. His daughters, Samantha (27) and Casey (24), are living and working in Manhattan. Son Harrison (12) is entering 7th grade and thinks exclusively about sports and food. Daughter Morgan (10) is in 5th grade and is the next Taylor Swift. Harry signed off “All’s well in the Bitzhood.” My most prolific and star correspondent, Will Council, has been in communication with some BRs, mainly through scouting channels. Will messaged with Garth Franz, living in Orange Park, FL, working for CSX Railroad. Will connected with Garth through Boy Scouts, as both Garth’s sons are Eagles. Garth’s oldest is a now senior at St. Leo University and the youngest was completing training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. Bryan Glynn has retired from the Air Force, is living in Georgia and is keeping himself busy looking for a second job. Will caught up with Randy Parker via phone, while attending scout camp in Ohio. Will tried to rendezvous with Randy, since his scouts were visiting Wright Patterson AFB where Randy works. Unfortunately, Randy has just taken a new job which requires more travel to inspect other Air Force bases and was in between airport trips at the time of the call. Will’s son, Hayden, was awarded his Eagle this past May and now has his first Palm. Daughter Dana is the area Venture president and is heading off to college with the hopes of becoming an FBI agent in the future. Will requests any FBI BR to drop helpful tips, so he can pass them on to his daughter. Will was recognized by the local scouters and presented with the Silver Beaver award this past spring. Next summer, Will and wife Susan will be leading a Venture contingent to Scouting National Jamboree in West Virginia, and he hopes to see some other BR scouters there. Finally, Will’s Venture Crew got SCUBA certified and now has more options for adventure. Mrs. Kause has kept me occupied all summer by maintaining and upgrading La Casa del Rio en La Playa Colonial, as well as feeding and entertaining the hordes of her relatives that invaded us from the North. To escape her withering gaze, I have taken up kayak fishing in the Potomac. My fileting skills require much more practice; Mrs. Kause is not amused when she is choking on croaker bones. I took the Daughter of Darkness on her first father/ daughter road trip to Cleveland, in order to attend a party for a great aunt. I had to take her to the Rock and Roll Museum as payment but got revenge by forcing her to eat soul food

(brats, kraut, schnitzel, pickled beets) and accompany me to various Eastern European butchers for sausages. Upon return, the Double D declared she preferred my relatives over Mrs. Kause’s Italian clan. Mrs. Kause, again, was not amused. The Clown Prince continues with his profligate ways overseas. He boasted to a friend, via texting, about his ecdysiastic adventures abroad. The only problem was his friend was sitting next to Mrs. Kause at time of receipt, and he promptly shared the update with her. Now Mrs. Kause knows the ways of young Marines on liberty in foreign ports. She did not get upset with where The Clown Prince was exercising foreign exchange. She got upset with the fact that the Clown Prince was reaching the limit of his overdraft account financing scantily clad foreign female flirtations. So, Mrs. Kause lowered the boom and declared to the Clown Prince that if he wanted to come home for the Holidays, it was not going to be on her (our) dime. So, now the Clown Prince needs to tighten up his OPSEC, as well as his finances. After hearing this story in all of its deliciously vulgar details from me at McDew’s promotion, Bob Louthan opined the Clown Prince could profit from a session or two at Bill Jenning’s Dyke School in Lynchburg. I now call the Clown Prince “Grasshopper,” referring to Aesop’s fable of the Ant and Grasshopper. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” Keep reaching for the stars, wherever you find them. And keep calling, writing, texting and Facebooking me with news of your striving, whatever your results.

’83

Jim Outland

Greetings, BRs – As I write these notes, a new crop of Rats will soon matriculate at the ‘Mother I’. Just the thought of matriculation brings back the sights, sounds and smells of being introduced to our own Ratline back in August ’79. This year, the Institute will see the arrival of at least two more “Sons of ’83:” Jack Manley’s son, Miles, and Phil Shepard’s son, Connor. If there are other BRs with new Keydets in the ranks please let me know. Gen. Peay’s ’62 letter, which was included in the last issue of the Alumni Review, highlights the current matriculates as outstanding young people who were selected from a record pool of VMI applications. Back in late May, I had an update from John “Stoney” Preston who figured after almost 30 years that he might want to start writing

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CLASS NOTES something to the class agent. For beginners, John shared that he and BR Doug Wainwright carried on a tradition of crashing other classes reunions when they attended the class of 82’s 30th which was held in April 2012. Stoney says other class reunions are actually a good place to see people you may not have seen in a REALLY long time, and our BRs’ “drop-in” on ’82 sounded like no exception. Where else can you meet, under one roof, fellow English majors such as Mark Ciarrocca ’82, Russ Stewart ’82, Duke Addison ’82, Chuck Kause ’82, Dave Gallalee ’82, “Pearl” Evans ’82 and John Friend ’82? Stoney wrote, “It was great seeing so many folks that I literally had not seen since they left the ‘I’. Also, ran into Capt. Hall ’72 and Col. King. It was Hall’s 40th. It was quite fun. As for myself, I’m working for General Dynamics now, still doing the Gov’t computer contracting thing.” Thanks for the update, John, and hope we can see some members of other classes during our own 30th on April 26-27, 2013. Unfortunately, I have already received a “NOGO” notice for that date from BR Col. Tracey Jones who will be deployed on his second tour to Afghanistan by that time. Although Jones’ absence from our reunion will be greatly felt, it will also likely free up considerable resources at the Lexington PD, so all should be reminded to be on their best behavior during our reunion weekend. WT has kindly offered to host a mini reunion in his current hometown of Las Vegas before he ships out again, which I’m sure will present numerous possibilities to meet a wide variety of new and interesting Vegas people … Speaking of our 30th, the class of ’83 Reunion HQ will be at the Hampton Inn Col Alto which is located in downtown Lexington. BR Bobby Edwards has proposed “buckling on boots and spurs” for a pre-reunion face-to-face “planning meeting” at VMI this fall during the Chowan home game weekend on 7 Sept. I hope to be able to provide an after-action report of this affair in the next issue of class notes, since I’m sure there will be something worthwhile coming out of THAT meet-up. Also, if any BRs are not currently subscribed to the VMI83 group on Yahoo that I set up in 2007, then please e-mail me so I can hook you up. Some of you all may have had address changes since then and may no longer be receiving group e-mails. As we get closer to our reunion, I’ll be sending out near real-time logistics updates by way of VMI83, so you will be getting the latest scoop on what is going on. In June, John Dodge checked in with an update from his perch as chairman of the Leukemia Cup Sailing Race, an event which combines racing and fundraising to support blood-related cancer research and cures. In

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John’s words, “Hard work with a dedicated committee has allowed us to set new attendance records for the Summer Gala Auction and Leukemia Cup Regatta. I am truly humbled by the generosity of many of you who appreciate our desire to find a cure and who have contributed, so our research can continue. This is my last year as chairman, and I will say one of the more rewarding events I have ever been a part of is having 12 kids, all with cancer at Johns Hopkins, sailing with us – like no other race I have ever been involved with. Time is so precious to them, because they know some will not survive, and yet their tenacity for life makes us adults look small.” Thanks, John, for the update and your efforts. Learn more about this worthwhile event at leukemiacup.org/blog/. Another BR update was provided by our local paper, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, and concerned BR Ray Johnston’s work with the Virginia Department of Transportation. Ray’s current task is project manager for construction of the replacement Huguenot Bridge that crosses the James River and connects Chesterfield County to Henrico and Richmond to the west of downtown. The old Huguenot Bridge will be dismantled to make room for the completion of the new bridge which is expected in 2013. Ray has worked on a number of bridges and spans in the Richmond area, and the old bridge, which was built in 1949, is way past due for replacement. If construction completes on time, I’m hoping Vicki will insure Ray’s attendance at the next VMI Club of Richmond Summer Picnic which is held just downstream and in sight of the new structure. This would be a great venue to take in the scope of the new facility and offer a suitable toast or two. Another accomplishment of note concerns Mark Benvenuto’s award of the American Chemical Society’s “Salute to Excellence” for his work as chairman of the ACS Central Region Meeting. Mark has also edited a volume within the Symposium Series for the ACS and has donated a copy of his work to VMI’s Chemistry Department library. As someone who barely survived Rat chemistry, I must say I’m greatly impressed with BR Benvenuto’s excellence in this field. (Editor’s Note: Announcements about Benvenuto’s award and his new book are included in the Alumni News section, pages 142 and 144 of this Review.) Col. Hugh Daughtry, North Carolina Air National Guard (ANG), checked in with a great picture from the promotion ceremony of Col. Brent McManis ’86 as McManis assumed command of the NCANG’s 145th Combat Operations Group. Hugh currently serves as commander, 145th Mission Support Group. Thus, two of the five total ANG Groups in North Carolina are now commanded by VMI graduates. In Hugh’s words, “Not bad down

here in what’s usually Citadel country.” Steve Amato reminded me about The VMI Alumni Association’s sponsorship of the 2013 Alumni Cruise to the Caribbean. Steve and Mary are veterans of a prior Alumni Association cruise to Italy and plan to sail again on this one in March. They highly recommend the trip, and Steve says more class of ’83 alums should be represented on board. Lynn Seldon reports his novel about VMI is slowly progressing to the finish line. Look for the tentatively titled Of Rats and Rings to be published soon. I ran into Warren Groseclose after the induction ceremony of his son, David, into the National Honor Society, and our BR was quick to inform me of another error I’ve made in prior class notes concerning his service to the Corps during our cadetship. It all started three Alumni Review issues ago with a misstatement by me about his role as the guidon bearer for Alpha Company. This was followed by an attempt at correction in a subsequent issue when I stated he had actually “carried his pole” for FierceFighting Foxtrot. Well, now I’m told I screwed that one up also, and I’m hoping this third time Warren has finally straightened me out. So many thanks, BR, for clarifying your role as our Regimental Commander during 1st class year, and I can’t wait to reminisce with you and Melitz in more detail at the reunion. That’s it for now and look forward to seeing you all soon. Until then, please remember those three words every girl likes to hear you whisper in her ear “Rah Virginia Mil!”

’84

Barry Coceano

Normally, I look forward to spending time putting together our class notes and providing updated information about BR sightings, BR accomplishments, BR family news – generally good news. Unfortunately, this time that’s not the case as our ranks thinned over the past couple months. For those who were unaware, on 11 June 2012, BR Roland Staiano passed away in Bradenton, FL. As many knew, Roland had courageously battled cancer over the past few years. I will always remember Roland as a tough and vocal kid from New York who was extremely smart, had an infectious smile and was the master of the oneliners. Then, on 12 July 2012, Judy Melton, wife of BR Mike Melton, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. I felt it would be appropriate to celebrate the lives of Roland and Judy in these notes through the words of some

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Curtis Hinton had the following memories: and decide to major in EE at VMI. I believe of our BRs who knew them best. “I remember the first time I saw Roland about Roland and I developed an unspoken bond Alex Weinstein passed me the following 32 years ago. He had blond hair, a tan and a that transcended the typical friendship that so words about Judy Melton. “Mike Melton’s distinct swagger, and though he wore the same many people have with one another. Being in wife, Judy, passed away suddenly and unexuniform and strained in the same Ratline, there Charlie Company made us competitive, and we pectedly on 12 July. It is a complete shocker to was something palpably different about him. At wanted to excel and establish our place in the everyone that knew her. We were first classmen first, I thought it was just a cocky air and that it Corps. While roommates, Roland, Kevin and I during spring break when Mike and I went to a had to be some sort of act. This brash kid from were closer than any friendship I had ever had. party at Judy’s house in Fredericksburg, where Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, NY, wasn’t Roland was hilarious, spontaneous and loyal … Mike first met her, and they starting dating like anyone I had ever met. Time would prove he always had your back. He made you laugh a week later. They had a great marriage and that it was no act; Roland was cocky! But that all the time; nothing ever really fazed him. He were married 28 years. Those of you who met was not the only part of his personality that was would dog you, given any chance, and you Judy know that she was a wonderful person, unwavering. Roland was always open, honest, could never get mad at him. Even after the time always positive and upbeat. She loved her role giving and very protective of his friends. He he rigged my rack one late night so that I would as a mother, was a tireless giver to her friends was the type of person that always held your infall completely through while he took a picture and family, and was always a ray of sunshine. terest – because he was so unique – and the type of me and my Oreos and milk flying in the air. They have two children, Jessica and Christoof friend that you were always very proud to be We had many fond memories together that I pher. Jessica is going into her senior year at associated with. Roland was brave in the way Longwood, where she is studying education and will cherish. Roland was dealt a hand that no one deserves. With his indomitable determinawill be student teaching in Richmond after her that he lived his life. He was true to himself in tion, tremendous willpower and unyielding first semester is finished. Christopher will be a all things, whether it was the opinions that he strength, he fought a courageous battle. His high school senior. He runs track and is on the openly shared or the shorts, sandals and puka wonderful wife, Laura, was by his side providgolf team and shoots in the low 70s. Both are shell necklace he typically wore for reunion ing him 100% care, love and support. My heart excellent students and great kids.” Our sincere photos instead of khakis and a button-down and thoughts are with Roland’s children and condolences go out to Mike and his children, … he danced to his own music. Roland said family, as well. Roland was a truly good and Jessica and Christopher. it best with his choice of a Robert Frost quote loving father, a mentor and protector. He will be accompanying his picture in the 1984 Bomb: ‘I After hearing of Roland’s passing, I asked missed by all who ever came to know him. He some of our BRs and former roommates of shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages is with our Lord, and he is with all of us today, Roland to provide me some thoughts/memories and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, they had of him. The following thoughts/memo- tomorrow and every day for the rest of our and I took the one less traveled by, and that has lives. I miss you, my friend.” ries are from John Karafa, Kevin Sample, Curt made all the difference.’ The last few years of Hinton and T.J. Palmer. Roland’s life brought him some John Karafa provided the folof his greatest joys and largest challowing: “Day 1 as a Rat, you blend lenges. He met, fell in love with in or at least you try to … Roland and married Laura, a diminutive never cared about that. You see, he girl from Bucaramanga Santander, was bigger than life. Being a New Columbia, who shared his sense of Yorker and in a foreign country humor, quick wit and passion for (i.e., Virginia), Roland and I were life. He spoke very lovingly of her, both out of place … heck, we never and having had the opportunity to even tasted grits before we went to meet her at Roland’s surprise birthVMI. Soon, I found out that Roland day party in Seattle last December, grew up only 10 miles from me I can see why. He was also very on Long Island and went to my thankful to have her as a partner rival high school. Roland and I imthrough his courageous struggles in mediately clicked, because we had dealing with colon cancer the last two things in common – we were three years of his life. Roland was from Long Island, and we didn’t fit larger than life … consequently his in. We didn’t know anyone from passing has left a huge void in the the South. Then, we met Kevin lives of the people who knew and Sample. Roland and I would laugh loved him. It goes without saying about Kevin’s ‘accent,’ and Kevin that he will be sorely missed, but thought we were speaking Martian. Roland will not be forgotten for the I couldn’t understand a word Kevin gifts of bravery, kindness, friendsaid in those first few months, and ship and love that he shared with I know Kevin thought we were us all!” mental midgets … but Roland and Kevin Sample shared the followClass of 1984: On May 12, 2012, Phil Schied was I could understand each other just ing on Roland: “On a warm August awarded a doctor of philosophy in civil engineering fine, and as for Kevin, he was brilafternoon 32 years ago, while degree from The Catholic University of America in liant … only person I know who suffering from a wicked hangover, Washington, D.C. Pictured above is “Dr. Phil” with wife had straight A’s in all his English I found myself standing toe-to-toe Carol, daughter Hannah and son Jack. classes, maxed his verbal SAT with a blank wall, with questions

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CLASS NOTES Laura, a week ago when we had a small gathering of BRs, hosted by John Karafa and Curt Hinton, in Richmond to celebrate Roland’s life. Laura eloquently spoke about Roland and summed him up best in one sentence during her tribute. In Laura’s words, “I was so lucky to have such an honest man who never lied to me or anybody else; who always took care of his responsibilities; and who was very smart, loyal, faithful, neat and full of skills that I wish I had.” I think the above reflections are how we will all remember Roland. Now, for a couple updates I received recently … Jerome Brinkley e-mailed me the following: “I got the Review today which was my reminder to send you a note! Turning 50 makes you think about what you really want to accomplish in life, especially as you lose friends. I heard from Roland’s wife immediately after he passed and was devastated. I had spoken with him over the phone the week before, and I could tell he was worn out but still putting up a good fight. We will miss his presence. On the home front, I was fighting gallstones earlier this year but averted the dreaded surgery by altering my diet with more fruits and protein. I returned to cross country racing three years ago and am back down to my cadet weight and putting in miles around the 5:30-6:00 pace in some of the 5K races down in Charleston – it is easy on such flat courses! I attended a basketball awards ceremony today for my youngest son, Zane, age 7, and he won the ‘Best Attitude’ award, which was very gratifying! My wife’s law firm has really taken off, and I recently opened my own retirement company to help people over the age of 50. It will be very rewarding. I often get entertaining LinkedIn postings from John Minehan. I saw that Sammy Lowman’s company is doing very well … good for Sammy! I was kidding Greg Michigan recently, as he likes to frequent the beach area where seals and great whites have been mingling in Massachusetts. This week, a shark apparently mistook a body surfer for a seal and spit him back out after a test bite! I am currently working with alumni from other military schools in the Charleston region, arranging a Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament. Also, I am still active in the SC Coastal Chapter and alert the local chapter on VMI sporting events in our region. Well, the clock is ticking away. See you later, and have a great Class of 1984: On Aug. 4, 2012, members of the class gathered in Richmond, Virgina, day! And don’t stop moving, RAT!” to celebrate the life of BR Roland Staiano. Thanks for the update, Jerome. Glad

being shouted from every angle, beside a pretty boy who was apparently also a Yankee. He had longish blonde hair, he wore a pair of designer jeans (nothing comes between me and my Calvin Klein’s) and he wore a snap-front western shirt with gold thread in it. I rolled my eyes. It was obvious from some of his shouted answers that he was cocky, too. He was from some place called ‘Lon Guyland,’ and he considered it to be the center of the known universe – the center of any universe worth knowing, anyway. I wasn’t sure about this guy. Well, I was sure, but not in a very positive way. We chose to room together all four years at VMI, plus one summer school session. He could be abrasive sometimes, and occasionally the question was asked, ‘How can you be friends?’ We had some wild and crazy times, but to me, it was simple – he was an exceptionally loyal and generous friend. He never let me down, and he always had my back, no matter what. That didn’t change in all the years I knew him. Fast-forward about 25 years; imagine my surprise when I called to tell him I had found my way to Jesus and discovered that my Brother Rat was now my brother in Christ. Amazing! I do and will miss my friend, Roland Staiano.” T.J. Palmer reflected on Roland with the following: Roland was one of those guys in Charlie Company that always had a fired-up attitude and was ready to have fun. I didn’t appreciate

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that during my time at VMI, except for the one time that I felt like I could relax – heading home to New York on the famed NY/NJ bus for Christmas break. On those trips, Roland would blast his tape recorder, and he introduced me to the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack and one of my favorite bands, Squeeze. He was the life of that way-too-long but celebratory bus trip home from VMI for me. I got closest to him for the briefest of moments right after we broke out of the Ratline, and after we graduated, we talked some then, and I got to appreciate who he really was for the first time. We both arrived at Lackland AFB, TX, for initial flight screening before attending USAF pilot training and were joined by John Munno, R.G. McManus, Zane Johnson, George Woltz, Mark Draper and Carter Jordan. We all got a little more serious about things then. Our careers were just beginning, and pilot training was going to be the biggest challenge most of us ever faced, and we knew it. I have a picture of all of us at flight screening at my desk and on the wall at home; I look at it often, and think of all those guys. I believe it’s made the rounds in Facebook-land, too, after I got it passed to Roland through John Karafa a couple of years back. I saw Roland a couple of times at reunions and enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm for ‘everything’ during those occasions. I will miss seeing him.” I had the opportunity to meet Roland’s wife,

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CLASS NOTES all is well down in Charleston – home of the AAA baseball River Dogs (owned by the actor, Bill Murray). Remind me, and I will tell you my Bill Murray story sometime! Kevin Sample recently received a visit from BR Keith Belcher and provided this update: “There was a Belcher sighting in late July, just north of Atlanta. I’ve attached photographic proof. He was lulled into complacency with a lunch of fish ‘n chips. No animals were harmed during the taking of this photograph. As you can see, Keith looks remarkably good! He was making the rounds before returning to Rome, Italy, where he resides with his wife and two daughters. NOTE: No animals were harmed during the taking of this photograph.” Kevin, please fill me in on the “no animals were harmed”… Keith is a gentle giant! On Saturday, 4 Aug., John Karafa and Curt Hinton hosted a “Remembering Roland” get together in Richmond. It was a wonderful evening. In attendance were BRs John Karafa, Curt Hinton, Jaime Clark, Mike Kay, Bill Seaver, Steve Reardon, Zane Johnson, Glenn Omans, Phil Schied, Frank Kollmansperger, Sam Browne, TJ Palmer, George Woltz, Al Meade, Alex Weinstein, Bill Janis and myself. Bill gave a wonderful toast to Roland, and each of us enjoyed a cigar from Roland’s favorite humidor – courtesy of his lovely wife, Laura. It was a very nice gathering, and the evening afforded us the opportunity to catch up and share some stories from the Old Corps days … yes, I think we now fall into the Old Corps category. Well, that’s it for now. Until next time, good night Dave Parker, John Ringenbach, Tim Stanley and Cubby Zendt, wherever you are.

’85

Matt Daniel

Well, gents, this Alumni Review period has been very well-supported with your comments. However, since one of my primary motivations in taking this post was to find my long-lost running pal, Thomas Bruce “Benny” Hill, I press on – yet to be satisfied. (That counts as a RND: random name drop.) The SAFARI, the Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari (ACCGS): This is a function that was started … 15? 17? years ago by true Charlie Co members from ’85 like Kerry “Fester” Kirk, Rich “Fleacon” Williams and Steve “I Wear Knee-Hi Socks” Hagan. Since those first few years, these unselfish and visionary Brother Rats have expanded the scale and scope of this event. Now, it is the envy of all alumni classes at VMI. No kidding. Ask Greg Cavallaro

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’84. Every summer, usually during the eighth month, these august Augustans re-join with BRs of all sizes, shapes and persuasions to celebrate one thing: the joy of seeing Mother I in the rear view mirror. “A great place to be from, a very painful place to be,” is what I once heard our own Tayloe Dameron say. Ashley Cooper: RND. Thanks to perennial ACCGS engine, organizer, leader and enthusiast, Jake Spivey, this year’s Safari was simply fantastic. Thanks, Jake! Where else can you chew, eat, drink, try to golf, spit, shoot, swim, drink, lie* (please don’t tell Andy Valenzuela, Jack Emerson or Bart Williams!), drink, eat more, shoot more and laugh your rear ends off at the stupid things you may or may not have ever done and may have or may have not gotten caught and did time for? We had about 60 Safarians this year. Every company (even Band Co!) was represented and just about every permit and every club. It seems that the festivities attract an abundance of the football and lacrosse players. We need to Promaji Club love to make this thing whole. Hint. Hint. Help me out, Sly, Davis and Youngster. Mike Milligan, we missed you there! You are an integral part of this event! Dave Tingley produced a fantastic piece of woodwork for the hostess of our Saturday lunch: Cindy “Wife of Beef” Irby. I submitted a photo of Cindy being presented with the plaque that Dave made. Of interest is Kevin Jenkins’ photo-bombing effort. Sneaky Jarhead. Danks Burton, Cary Westin, Mike Steen: RND. Fall away jumper: If you can make the Safari next year, do it. You will not be disappointed. On to what you have sent me, mostly. Some of this stuff I sort of fabricated; it’s up to you to figure out what’s real and what’s not. John Smart, Bert Saunders, Greg Williams: RND. A quickie note from Monsieur Paul Shoemaker: “Still in Paris. I love French toast, French fries and French … This year, I joined the Expat Triathlon Club de Paris and embarked on my first season of triathlons. I have five races under my belt, including a strong performance (2:15:52) at the Paris Triathlon. As I write this, I have just finished a week-long tri-camp, and I am a week away from racing my first half iron distance, Challenge Vichy. Needless to say, I’m in freakishly great shape and so far winning the battle against aging!” (Agent’s Note: I think that Vichy reference has something to do with “cold potato soup”… I don’t know.) Paul further relays that Big Bill Bowman came through Paris in May and the BRs had a

great dinner. Bill took the safe route with steak and fries, but once he saw Shoeless’ planche de charcuterie (fancy froggie food?), Bill was like, “Brother Rat, let me try that.” Afterward, they went to a few watering holes and drank too much wine. (Agent’s Note: Bill tells a different story, where they pounded ’Merican-made Miller after Miller, followed by Paul skipping home singing, “God Bless the USA,” as he cried for a Waffle House Big Bubba Breakfast in a high pitched voice with a French accent.) Dave White, Todd Thornes, Marty Sargeant: RND. A note from Steve Barcik: “A WARNING TO ALL TEXANS: Steve Patton is dropping by Austin, TX (August ’12) and will hang out and catch dinner with Steve Barcik and family. ALL ELSE: Hide your whiskey.” Steve sends that he will be in the D.C. area in September and October. He has an LED lighting demo going at Langley (spook lighting?) and will have time to catch up with BRs in the area. He is also making plans for the Formula One Race in Austin this November. Any fans should plan on coming on down and joining him for the race. For any of you who remember, Steve Barcik’s dad, Steve Barcik ’59, moved to Austin to be near family. Steve ’59 had some epic parade deck parties back in the 80s. (Agent’s Note: The Barciks are renowned liberty risks. God bless them all.) Darren Sawyer, H, Mule and Son of Norb: RND. A note from Pete Sniffin: “Matt, very good seeing you in the courtyard the other day! I’ve been riding home on VRE of late with fellow Foxtrot Company BR P.W. Sarver and have enjoyed catching up with him. I occasionally see the bearded Brad Gerstbrein (Agent’s Note: We just call him “BBG” these days) on VRE, too, when he gets on after work at the Marine Corps University in Quantico. I also run into Pete Mangerian and Tom Rahe about weekly here in the five-sided building. The good news for Team Sniffin is I was selected for colonel on the list that was released yesterday. That will probably result in a change of assignment in the months ahead. God bless, Pete.” Tucker Maloney, Jeff Golembiewski, Steve Wynn: RND. A note from Matt “Brick Pizza Oven” Henderson: “Life is good in western Pennsylvania. I now have two boys at Moody Bible Institute, one at the Spokane campus and one at the main campus in Chicago. My daughter is about to turn 16! Oh, boy! I started a geotextile business 20 years ago, and God has blessed me through that ever since. My wife and I have been doing mission work in the Dominican Republic for 13 years, during the winter months, and started

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CLASS NOTES a non-profit organization called Hope for Hispaniola. Always an adventure. So, that’s my update. Thanks for listening. Matt H. P.S. I also have been blessed with a wonderful (smoking hot) wife. She has been helping me in my business for eight years and recently decided to go back to nursing, doing home care visits. – MH.” (Agent’s Note: Referencing the smoking hot wife: yup. What the heck is “geo-textile”?) Tate Young, Bob Neal, Kelly Raber: RND. Jeff Young adds: “Matty D, as you know, Charmaine Roberts (my champion masters

runner) won the world indoor 400m (40-44 age group) championships in early April. She and her teammates (Athena Track Club) went on to win their age group 4x400m and place second in the 4x100m at Penn Relays. Finally, she and another of my athletes, Gabby Grilsky, were invited to participate in an exhibition 400m at the Olympic trials, where they placed 2nd and 6th, respectively. As for my age group kids, we recently participated in the USATF Junior Olympics. From this meet, we produced nine All-Americans (boys 4x800m (age 11/12),

girls 4x100m (age 7/8)) and boys javelin (age 13/14). On the whole, every one of our athletes placed in the top 25 in their events. It’s been a busy year. I’m now planning on being in a new position (associate head coach) at Saint John’s Catholic High School in Washington, D.C. No rest for the weary. And enjoying every minute of it. “(Agent’s Note: Great news, Youngster! We are proud of you, Coach!) And a quickie from Jerry “Mel” Brooks: “I saw your notes, and here is the update. I am currently stationed at Fort McNair. I am the

Class of 1985: 2012 Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari (ACCGS) Photos clockwise from top, left: -The 2012 ACCGS event artwork. “What will next year bring for this innovative class of 1985 event?” asked Class Agent Matt Daniel. -Bill Wieners held court at the Lexington Golf and Country Club after, as Daniel put it, “[Wieners’] hilarious round of golf.” -At the home of Joe and Cindy Irby were, in front, from left, Dave Tingley, the Irbys and Matt Daniel. Tingley and Daniel presented a plaque (their combined work) to Cindy for her support of the ACCGS. Behind the front row were, from left, Rats Golembiewski, Enterline, Jenkins, McCarthy and Bowman. -All ACCGS attendees paused for a group shot.

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CLASS NOTES head of Military Programs for the Center of of a EUCOM exercise. Bryan Augsburger We will send out photos when we get them. Military History. Rob Dalessandro ’80 is the will soon return to the states, as his five-year Jeff Saunders, Tommy Underwood, Mike director, and Mike Knapp ’80 is also here. I assignment in Rota, Spain, is almost complete. Wooten: RND. will be here until April 2013 when I will head I’m hopeful I can have a beer with Mick Chang Shane Sullivan was the BRF who never out to Afghanistan. I will be the command and Chuck Baker when I go to Hawaii for three waved back at the ridiculously enthusiastic Rat historian for ISAF/USFOR-A. My oldest boy is weeks. I will be working on a project for the Daniel, MF, who was frantically trying to get now 2-1/2, the youngest son turns 1 this month Joint Staff (I’m a DoDO contractor working for his attention. Here is the lame excuse he sends: and Kristin is pregnant with our third child. I the JS) at USPACOM HQ.” “Matt, that is my license plate! ... But ... I’m a talk to Jim Chartier every so often. He and his And yes, still from Jake: “The Western Wildcats little confused, as I do not think my vehicle was wife are still living in Italy. He’s been doing (the youth football league my son plays in) anywhere near Leesburg, VA, in early May. I some contract work for the gov’t. They were on have started. I expect to see Hunter Elliott and was in Lexington around April 19th, maybe you the Cape in June, prepping their daughter to go Spencer Williamson and their young sons. Roy saw me in Richmond or Staunton? If my memooff to college in the fall. – Jerry B.” (Agent’s Woolwine ’86 is on the board of the W. Wildry fades, and I can no longer remember where Note: Jim Chartier? I think I recognize that cats, so I know I’ll run into him as the season I have been or, worse, where I am going, will name.) plays out. Shane Sullivan, Jim Spellman and you help me, Brother Rat?” – Shane” (Agent’s Neal Felty, Jay Adelmann, Barry Brockway: Meade King are all very regretful they missed Note: I told him that there are support groups RND. the ACCGS, withdrawing at the last minute. for sleep walkers.) A note from Neil Lowenstein: “Lowenstein Sad! Kudos to Neb Neblett, our own Tiger I had to mention: Greg “Mikimoto” Enterline checking in. Life in Sandbridge, VA, is great. Woods, for his performance on the golf course is thinking about the pearl-making business? Still doing the law thing, and it’s keeping me at the ACCGS. Jake out.” Here is a funny one (verbatim): “This is Mike busy. Wasn’t able to make the C-Company Temisha: RND. (You double-fisting devil!) Collins … 85. Currently am living in Richweekend, as you know, but I did get the chance Jerry “G-Man” Bessette sends: “I was named mond, VA. Work Status: Classified. Friends: to see Mark Bornhorst the week before, when assistant special agent in charge of violent Robert Bass, Brian Cole, Charles Chappell. Is his family was in Sandbridge for vacation. crime/drugs in the San Francisco division. I it possible for me to receive John Shimotsu’s I had a great time, but the family t-shirts of will actually sit in our Oakland Office, which e-mail address ? Please reply, JM Collins” the Mark Bornhorst / Ann Stevenson family was just voted top 10 most violent cities. So, (Agent’s Note: I ROFL’d with that one. Thanks, were a bit much. Also had the chance to see business is good!! If you know of any BRs out Mike! Can I be your friend?) Mark Carroll and his family last week when there, let me know! I’d love to catch up and And from our very supportive BR, Hugh they separately came to Sandbridge. Traded practice my handcuffing skills on any willing Hill: “Hola, Señor Boomage. Just returning texts with Dan Murphy and talked to Bill volunteers. – Jerry B.” (Agent’s Note: THAT from a wee little PAC Rim trip following the “The Judge” Wieners. Both seem great. Matt didn’t sound quite right. Where are Steve mighty Safari. Caught up with Jeff Norris via Carter also checked in by e-mail yesterday Medeiros and John Powers when you need telephone. He is still living in Omaha, still from Japan where he’s stationed for his first them?!) flying for Continental/United and still climbone-star command. Will try and be a better Ken Walus: RND. What’s happening? ing mountains. He is checking out soon on the correspondent. Head this way to the beach CONGRATULATIONS to Jim Begley! Jim is 777, continuing his international excursions. sometime. – Neil” slated to pin on his first star on Sept. 15, 2012. Jim He misses us all incredibly and vows to try Greg Bond, Todd Wood, Chris Balderson: currently commands the 261st Theater Tactical and make the ’13 Safari. We sure did miss RND. Signal Brigade in the Delaware National Guard. Mike Milligan this Safari. He is normally a From Jake Spivey: “I looked regular. Please remind him of this over some old notes, etc., and I in the notes. Lastly, don’t mention really don’t have much beyond the how some of the BRs cheated at ACCGS. ACCGS ’12 – Most ‘sucgolf to snatch the trophy from cessful ever,’ if the MOE (measure Owen “Bush” McIntyre, Hook of effectiveness) is number of Hagan, Bulldog Hamilton and BRs who attended. I mean, name myself. Travesty doesn’t even another class who can ANNUbegin to describe it! Thanks, BR. ALLY get 10% + of their class to You are the best! VRS, HUGE.” get together with no agenda or a Brig. Gen. Cedric Wins sent in football game? ‘Nuff said! Beyond some great shots and Afghanistan that simple boast ... Mike Ceroli notes that are included in the (colonel, USA) has transferred to Alumni in Theater section of this Fort Bragg. Most likely, his last publication. Thanks, Cedric! assignment. I can’t remember his And lastly but not leastly, from actual job, but he is a PSYOPS, my fellow Jarhead flyer, Brent er, MIL INFO OPS guy. I traded Hearn: “Just read the class notes e-mails with Jim Chartier. Jim from latest Alumni Review – well is doing well in Naples, Italy, and done and thank you! Can’t say that hopefully he and I can get together my ‘exploits’ measure up to those Class of 1985: From left, Jerry Bessette, Joe Irby and Col. when I head over to Aviano, Italy, of our other classmates, but since Jim Begley shared a chuckle and a beer at the Global Military Intelligence Convention in Paducah, Kentucky. in September for my annual trainyou asked, here’s what we’ve been ing supporting the SOCOM portion up to. Last August, Sandra and I

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CLASS NOTES moved half the family up to southern Maryland (St. Mary’s county). I would’ve happily stayed in the Hampton Roads area, but since she outranks me, I have to follow orders. She’s now the director of nursing services at NAS Patuxent River Medical Clinic. Our youngest two, Olivia and Isabel, were also forcibly relocated and attend St. Mary’s Ryken High School here. Isabel keeps telling me that she’d consider VMI, if only they had a girls lax team?! We left two of our sons, Parris and Brent III, in Norfolk, where one is a professional auto mechanic, and the other is studying to be a photographer. My oldest son, Rhys, graduated from West Point last year and is currently serving as a combat engineer at Fort Bragg. He should be off to Afghanistan in the next few months. Speaking of West Point, Tracy Burke also had a son there, and we joined forces to root for the ‘whole damn team’ at the last two USMA-VMI football games. As for me, after an extensive background check that included glowing character references provided by Greg Bond and Kelley Dillenberger, I was finally cleared to fly helicopters for the Maryland State Police. It’s been busy but satisfying work so far – already helped capture a criminal and flew a few medevacs to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore and Children’s Hospital in D.C. We recently had a great visit with Linda and Kurt Minne. Kurt is temporarily in D.C. working with the Air Force IG. Tried to get Rich Williams over to the house this summer, since we’re practically neighbors, but couldn’t work it out due to his heavy travel schedule. I’m only about an hour out of Washington and would look forward to seeing any classmates who are passing through or are ‘permanently assigned’ close by. RAH VA MIL and S/F, Brent” (Agent’s Note: Great update, Brent. I will look you up in/around Pax soon! Ryken has a great lacrosse program.) Thanks for the great notes, gents. We are a fun bunch; others are jealous. Until next time, Semper Fi, Matty D ’85

’86

Clint Hubbard

August always reminds me of that fateful day when we matriculated at VMI – August 18, 1982. Here’s a sobering thought to hit you right between the eyes: the Rats matriculating this August were likely born around 1994 or so. Dang; you boys are getting on in years! Our lead-off batter this quarter is a blast from the past: it’s from Rob Johnson. Rob noted it was his first “check in” in 25 years.

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Nonetheless, it’s good to hear from a BR missing for so long. The Tim Perez-Reader’s Digest version is BR Johnson spent 20 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2006. Rob offers that most of his career was spent in the “space-related intelligence field.” After retiring in 2006, BR Johnson joined the Office of the Director of National Intelligence doing Congressional Affairs Work. Recently, he changed jobs and was selected to be the Deputy Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, and ultimately promoted to SNIS (senior national intelligence service) in July 2012. Rob works out of a secure location in Langley, Virginia and says he’s really enjoying the work and new position. On the personal front, BR Johnson got married in 1988 to his high school sweetheart, Sharon, who is a graduate of UVa and they live in the Mount Vernon area of northern Virginia. Rob says he was fortunate in that he didn’t have to move too much while in the USAF and given that he grew up in the DC area he feels right at home. Now that all of our beltway bandits know he is in the area, be on the lookout for him. Rob and I shared a good laugh about BR Johnson having had the dream vehicle for a VMI first classman – remember he had a van! As Rob noted, the sofa in the back was not secured and like many of us, he wonders sometimes how he ever reached the ripe old age of 30 even. Rob closed with two great tales – one about him and Keith McKenzie doing a post graduation roadtrip in Texas with a keg of beer and wearing their VMI coatees with shorts. That was funny to imagine. Then Rob got serious and noted that he is “alive and well, but very much misses his friends from VMI; no more so than Gary Yap.” BR Johnson noted that he and Gary went to Aircraft Munitions Maintenance School together after graduation where they became very good friends. Rob continued that “In fact, Gary and I were both on leave in northern Virginia over the holidays in 1987, when I got engaged and Gary and I went out celebrating. He and I found the band that ended up playing at the wedding reception while stumbling around the bars in Old Town, Alexandria. He was a great guy.” Well said, BR Johnson and thanks for a great update; it’s nice to have you back. Speaking of Keith McKenzie, are you out there, Keith? Rob mentioned that Keith was an Aircraft Maintenance Officer and may have gotten married in 1992. After that, he must have taken to hiding out with Jim Urie and Roman Malavet. C’mon, fill in the blanks, BR. Briefly, here are a couple of quick profes-

sional updates from the web courtesy of LinkedIn. Henry Tabur is now Sales Operations Manager at ExaGrid Systems. Perhaps the big man will write in and fill in the blanks for us. It should also be noted that Henry’s son is attending the VMI of the North on the shores of the Hudson River in New York. Glen Ralston (the last time I saw him was on page 245 in the 1986 Bomb) is now the Regional Maintenance Manager for Machining Operations at Texas Machining Operations. The word is he’s in or near San Antonio and looking for BR Jeff Ax to take him to the wonderful restaurant with the owl motif symbol. How ‘bout some details, guys? The web is also the source of great entertainment and political debate. Usually it starts on Facebook with Sean Poremba on the left and Jeff Smiley on the right – one of them lobs a bomb at the other and the games are on. Playing the role of rabble-rouser is Chuck Steenburgh who relishes the opportunity to swim upstream and stir the pot. Chuck will take a contrary position just to be contrary. From their posts, BR Poremba appears to oppose motherhood, baseball and the American way, while BR Smiley seems to embrace fascism, the Taliban and totalitarianism in any form. The best part of all is that they seem to have a good time with one another, as well as those others who chime in. For the record, I think both of them cheered for the Team USA in the Olympics. If things ever get to a point that they need a reconciliation, a good suggestion would be that they could have a kiss-in at Moore’s Country Store followed by buying each other a couple of # 1 hot dogs all the way. I’ll probably be in deep # 2 if I don’t advise that they go easy on BR Moore’s chili. To borrow that oft-repeated phrase from Dave Grimm, “I’m just sayin’.” Conspicuous in his absence from the political discourse is John Hart. BR Hart, along with Ben Walker and Jon Aycock are undoubtedly gearing up for football season with the Redskins and RGIII. When the Olympics were on TV, we were watching the wrestling one night and my wife was a bit in awe of the wrestlers as she’d never seen a wrestling match before. (They don’t show wrestling on the Food Network or Home & Garden TV.) Anyway, I told her to let me know if one of the wrestlers ever picked the other one up over his head and slammed him down like we saw Benny Walker do a few times in Cocke Hall. Remember the famous match between Ben and Tony Gentile from JMU? (Ben won.) I’ll go on record as saying that Benny Walker is one of the greatest natural athletes I’ve ever seen in any sport. Of late, BR Walker has been coaching his youngest son’s baseball team and tells

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES me that young Aramis Walker is the real deal and can play the game of baseball despite the inadequacies of his coach. An event of monumental proportions occurred this summer: Smith, M.B. has returned from China to the CONUS. Best of all, he found a new job in the Richmond area and is a full-time Virginia resident again. Botts hosted a great cookout earlier this summer where I had the chance to catch up with Brett Hayes and enjoy a good prim. BR Smith can surely manage his way around a grill and BR Hayes keeps his liver in good shape with good practice. Spending time with Smith, M.B. is always a good time. Speaking of Troy Lanier; actually no one was speaking of him except Scott Wagner one time when he stubbed his toe and took Troy’s name in vain. Seriously, Father Troy is now the proud father of not one but two cadets at the US Air Force Academy. With all the money he is saving from tuition, BR Lanier said he’d be willing to host his BRs on one of his famous excursions on Lake Powell. Well, actually, he never said that; I did, but we should all give him a call and set it up. After all, he’ll need some new footage for his 30th Reunion video. (Note: We still have a few of the 25th Reunion videos left – shoot me an e-mail if you’d like one and we’ll make arrangements to get you a copy.) Speaking of great videos, remember Jim Jenkins’ bachelor party video? Me neither, as I wasn’t there; kind of similar to how we have reunions and BR Jenkins is never there. (Jim, you didn’t think I would forget and leave you out of the notes, did you?) Of course, the other obligatory remark in the notes is about Stew Barnes and speculating where and how often he may be playing golf these days. Surely the summer weather has enabled BR Barnes to hit the links with regularity. Over the years, I’ve noted the achievements of some of our BRs and in particular the roles they assumed that we never could have imagined when we were cadets. Not that we’re surprised by their success mind you, just surprised at the way in which they found success. Coming to mind are Carl Gitchell being an Army Ranger, Glenn Newcomb serving a stint as a missionary, Darryl Agee as a midget boxing promoter, and Terry McCartney becoming an attorney in NYC. Did you get that last one? That is a long way to connect the dots from Grafton, Virginia good ol’ boy to New York City attorney. Well, our friends in the class of ’85 have some, too. I had heard about it but then picked up the last issue of Alumni Review and there was photographic proof. Rear Adm. Matt

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Carter ’85. When I saw the picture, I nearly spit out my drink across the room and my wife asked, “What in the world?” I answered that I’m sure Rear Adm. Carter is well-rested because he slept through enough classes at VMI that he was only actually there for three and one-half years. Just kidding, Matt – well done and congratulations – in nautical parlance we wish you fair winds and following seas. The class of 1985 also claims the brigadier general with probably the sweetest jump shot in the US Army – Cedric Wins ’85. I doubt that career path was pitched to Cedric when he was being recruited to come to VMI to play hoops. I’m not sure which of those gents pinned on their star first but regardless, well done, men, and congratulations. And flag rank or not, ’85 will always be Thirds to us! Of course, we have our own General Officer in the person of one, each, Hicks, J.M. Yes, our BR Mark Hicks is Brig. Gen. J.M. Hicks, USAF. BR Hicks is the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Cyber for U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, HI. Sounds to me like if we make a roadtrip to Hawaii, there is a well-placed gentleman with enough pull to scare up a place to stay for some middle-aged oldsters who still fancy themselves as ‘players’. Are you ready? Let’s go! Speaking of middle aged oldsters who still fancy themselves as players … well, we could go almost anywhere with that segue, but let’s save it for another time. If the thought of matriculants being born in 1994 doesn’t give you pause, consider this: Jeff Morgan has a son who is already an alumnus and another who is a cadet. I’m fairly sure Bill Anderson’s and Eric Whiteman’s sons are still in the Corps. Mike Corwin’s son is a 2nd this year and counting down the days until he gets his ring. Don’t worry; BR Corwin has already laid down the law to his son that while Cadet Corwin may get his ring in November, Ring Figure was in 1984. Again, to borrow from Papa Grimm, “I’m just sayin.’” Let’s close with an all-call out to: Tim Armstrong, Tom Buckley, Charles Cook, Ralph Frye, Chris Kolditz, Jim McDonald, J.B. Morrison, John Rapacki, Joe Ruf, Paul Simroth and Dave Wallace. I haven’t seen any news on you boys in quite a while; shoot me an update sometime … your Brother Rats want to know what you’re up to. Enjoy the fall and winter BRs; soon the snows will melt and the leaves will return and the grass will become green again ... and we’ll still be Brother Rats. So, reach out to a BR and say “hey.” Regards to you and your families.

’87

Ernie Edgar

Brother Rats, as I write these class notes, we are only a couple of weeks from our 25th Reunion in Lexington. We have a great weekend planned and a good turnout coming. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there! In anticipation of that, I want to thank Mike Maxwell and Bill Wanovich for leading the fundraising portion of our reunion activities, to Bill again for volunteering his home at 416 VMI Parade for our reunion tailgate and to Renny Renshaw for organizing our Friday morning golf outing. Gerry Tertychny checked in with this great photo of him with his roommate, Cmdr. Gray Wooten, at Gray’s retirement ceremony in Norfolk in April. Gerry is still living in Yorktown and assigned to the Joint Staff in Suffolk and has kept in touch with Bill Berneski, John Ficarro and Andy Korol. Gerry also ran into Col. Dave Cochran at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO in May and they were able to get together one evening. Greg Otey was officially promoted to brigadier general by the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. Phil M. Breedlove, on July 5 at the Pentagon. Unfortunately, Greg will miss our reunion as he will be deployed to Afghanistan, along with Col. Al Pantano and Lt. Col. John Ferguson. Ashley Abernathy checked in from Richmond. He and Scott Jackson spent a week together at Cub Scout camp with their boys. “We are not in the same pack but it was cool seeing him at camp.” Ashley gets to see Mark Bartholf every once in a while, as well, since Mark lives in the west end of Richmond and their daughters have played softball together for a couple seasons. As part of Reunion planning, I’ve also heard from Craig Walker, who has opened his own restaurant in Charlotte called Karma Kafe, which is on North Cedar Street. He says he’s having a blast with it and that business is good! Finally, on a personal note, this is my last class notes as our class’ agent. It has been an honor once again to serve our class and I am grateful for that opportunity and for the many kind words you all have sent over the past five years. It has also been great fun and a great way to keep connected with you all, and with our Institute. There are a lot of great folks at the Alumni Association, the Foundation and the Keydet Club who make the job of the class agents easier and they, in return, rely heavily on the class agents to keep their classmates in

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CLASS NOTES touch with all that is going on at VMI. Now, as much as ever, the Institute and the Corps of Cadets need the support and the active engagement of all VMI alumni to execute the Institute’s very special mission. As we move from our 25th Reunion into the next five years, I know that the Institute and our next class agent can count on us for all those things. Thanks again. In the Spirit, Ernie

’88

Drew McKone

Greetings Brother Rats! As I write this in mid-August, a new Rat mass is forming-up in Barracks … all three of them! In case you didn’t know, a third barracks has been built to accommodate the ever-growing crowds of honorable youths wanting to take on the challenge of VMI. Standby to standby for the naming of the new arch. I was finishing-up graduate school when the last set of notes were due. So, I apologize for not getting anything in before the deadline. I just returned from a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado with my son and some of his friends. Reminded me of times spent at Goshen except we had rafts instead of tubes, Maker’s Mark instead of Natty Bo and rapids instead of rocks. Other than that … very similar! Organization for the 25-year reunion is starting to heat up. Adam and I are planning for maximum participation and hope to see all of you there next in the fall of 2013. To that end, we are planning some mini reunions in a few key areas to get Brother Rats together and rekindle some of that VMI Spirit. We are also planning for reunion rehearsal at a football game this fall. Details of these events will be sent separately. Ted Cusick checked-in to get Bill Cronenberg’s contact info to assist an officer interested in a tour in Estonia. Ted provided the following update: I work and live in the Baltimore, MD, area. I’ve maintained contact with fellow F Troop roommates Don Calder, Dave Carter, and Mike Pannell. We try to get together with our families for weekend visits, VMI football games/tailgating, and camping. Mike Pannell was able to get together with our fellow F Troop roommate Rusty Sloane recently in the northern VA area. I’m on LinkedIn and haven’t ventured into Facebook. If any Brother Rats are interested in the Knights of Columbus or Ancient Order of Hibernians [Irish] (both Catholic Fraternal Organizations) please drop me a line at tjcusick@msn.com. Best Regards, Ted

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John Williams checked-in with the following: I recently departed JHU/APL and now have a new position with the Institute for the Study of War. My updated contact information is belowI hope you take a moment to review our website to see the nature of work we do to support the warfighter. If I can support your mission in any way, don’t hesitate to let me know. Best regards, John. Chief Operating Officer, Institute for the Study of War, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 515, Washington, D.C. 20036. 202-2935550, ext. 210. Mike Leeney took pen to paper to provide an update on his whereabouts: I saw your note about the pacemaker in the last Alumni Review and wanted to make sure I finally established some commo with you and sent along my best wishes, as well. Tough thing to go through for you and your family, but I remember how stubborn you could be so I have no worries about you meeting that goal! Had been meaning to contact you sooner, and especially after we lost Scott McCumber a couple of years ago. You know, Scott had just made contact with my wife through Facebook about two weeks beforehand and I had his phone number on my desk, meaning to call, but did not get around to it until it was too late. Makes you think about old times and good friends, so here I am writing this ... Things with me are going OK. I joined the CAARNG after getting off Active Duty, then became an AGR after a few years. Have deployed three times now since 9-11 and am now in my BN Command up in Walnut Creek, CA (see below). Married for 18 years now to Bettina and have two great kids, Elsa (8) and Gordon (6). Both are balls of energy, but it has been difficult being away for chunks of time while they are growing up. Met up with Guy Gormley while in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, a couple of years ago. He was traveling with MG Blalock, the TAG of the Alabama Guard at the time and a VMI Class of 1970 guy, so we took the attached photo on FOB Wright (don’t ask me where we got the banner - Absconded with it from the PRT XO who was class of 95). Small world. Also linked up with Rob Gowan in Bagram for a few hours going out on Mid-Tour leave ... Nothing like bumping into a bunch of VMI guys out in the middle of nowhere! Anyway, that is about it for any kind of update on me. Feel free to write back and/or pass along my contact info to anybody searching for the lost one. Mark Doyle wrote: Well, this is my first update in about 20 years. I am married to the former Jeanne Winters for almost 20 years. I have five kids. I am on my third career. After a tour in the Marine Corps I earned my MBA and worked for General Electric for several years.

I quite GE and earned my PhD. in English and am working as an English Instructor at the Marion Military Institute. If any BRs stop by Tuscaloosa, AL they can look me up. Best: Mark Doyle Mike McGraw checked-in from Brussels: Greetings from Brussels! Just back to work from vacation in Cyprus, it was GREAT. Before that, Arm (Kultawat Vaijai) was at my house with his wife for a couple of days. He was on his way to Pretoria South Africa to be the Defense Attache for Thailand there. I work here in Brussels as the Special Agent in Charge of the Military Liaison Office for Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg Intelligence and Security Services. Just had the opportunity two weeks ago to work jointly on a case with Brian Hatheway, who is now in New Orleans as a special agent with Diplomatic Security. It was great to see Arm again and show him and his lovely wife (Miu) around Belgium. My son has expressed great interest in going to VMI and then into the Army … I am prepping him as needed (he will be a senior next year); may even be going with Danny King as classmates together (Joe King’s son). That would be pretty cool. All well here. Hope you are doing well, and enjoy the spring! Thanks again, Michael. Rob Taylor sent the following from Danville, VA: Thanks for the Birthday Card. I have a few things to update. I am not sure if I have already stated this in the past but I finished getting my MBA from Averett University back in 2010. My daughter, Adrianne, will be a senior at VT next year. She plans on graduating with a degree in Accounting and in Finance. She has also been accepted to VT’s master’s program, where she will be focusing on Accounting so she can sit for her CPA exam upon graduating. My son, Kyle graduated HS this year and was accepted to VT and VMI. He has decided to take the “road less traveled” and is going to VMI in the fall to be a member of 2013 +3. He is currently at VMI for the month of July. He is participating in their Summer Transition Program (STP) which allows incoming Keydets (future Rats) to take one college class in the morning and then participate in physical conditioning in the afternoon. During the four weeks of STP, they get their low quarters and boots to break-in. Also, they get familiarized to Post in a more relaxed environment than what they will experience after matriculating. Therefore, I plan on spending much more time at VMI this next year and have already bought my season football tickets. Finally, I would like to share with all my BRs how impressive VMI has become, especially in the eyes of a New Keydet Parent. I am looking forwarded to learning vicariously

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES through my son what things have changed at VMI and what remains the same there. I would encourage everyone who has not been to VMI in the last few years to plan on attending our upcoming class reunion so they can see firsthand some of the physical changes that have taken place under General Peay’s ’62 leadership. Drew, thanks for being our class agent. I appreciate all the work and time you put into it. Take care and hopefully I will see you around Post one football weekend. Rob Taylor I connected (through channels) with Todd Freiwald who provides the following update: I received your card with your e-mail address and it finally hit me that it has been a quarter century since you and I have connected. Time does fly. I pray this e-mail finds you and yours well. Over the past years I have maintained regular contact with Wayne Sinclair and that’s about it. Within the past year or so I have managed to hook up with Stachelek, Keppeler, Goff, Owens and Bordelon and have had great fun seeing how each of them has grown and prospered. As for me, I’m not sure where to begin. Been married for 23 years, four kids (oldest two want to go to VMI). My career has been Marines/Secret Service/DOJ-OIG (for 11 months) and ATF - since 1999. Now, as I look back, I realize that all the e-mails HQ sends me about retirement eligibility might mean something – age is catching up with me. In fact, next week I get my third knee operation. Fortunately it is not a replacement. Anyway, that is about all I can think of. Take care ... Todd. Hopefully, I’ll link-up with Todd Freiwald and Todd Oakes as we prepare for a Spartan Race in Leesburg, VA later in August. Todd Freiwald is fresh off of knee surgery and may not be able to run but his two older sons will be participating, and I’m sure we can count on some “Old Corps” motivation from the senior Freiwald! Other team members running will be Kirk, Mark and Victor Dewyea, Charles Cayce and Scott Stachelek. I’ll be sure to get “before and after” photos of the big race! Drew

’89

line, keep the updates coming! Before I share those updates with you, I do need to let you know that we are getting better at reconnecting with each other. The Richmond first Friday of the month breakfast has been rolling for 6 months and plans are underway for another NOVA mini reunion this spring. If you live in a town/state with another BR that’s enough reason for a party…make it happen! The next reunion I am looking for will be in Vicenza, Italy, because both Bill Crone and Paul Pardew are living there. “The Crone family is doing well. My wife, Mo, and I are currently living in Vicenza, Italy where I am managing construction for Naval Facilities Engineering Command. I have two awesome girls, Amity (10) and Haven (8). My wife is a freelance artist. I haven’t been to any reunions because I’ve been living overseas for most of my career; however, I hope to make it to the 25th reunion.” I also got a great update from Paul Mele: “I’m still in the Army and we’ve recently moved to Carlisle, PA and are living on a small Army outpost here called Carlisle Barracks. Julie and I now have 2 kids (Virginia 12 and Jake 7). We’re living in some old barracks converted into apartments – all built in 1836 with concrete, transoms over the doors, pipe railings all around, sound familiar? It’s Army school for one year and then next summer off to Joint Base Lewis McChord out in Washington State between Seattle and Tacoma. We’ve never been anywhere near the Northwest and fear there’s no Sweet Tea or Grits or white gravy,

but we’re up for the adventure. “Out running on Friday and bumped into BR Rob White, (the white Rob White), and his family who will also be here at Carlisle for the next year – they’ve just moved here from Germany. “No surprise, the BRs I most keep in touch with are Tom Hernandez and Jim Masella – roommates of three years. We see each other as frequently as deployments and geography allow and recently held our first annual “Pony Palooza,” as all three of us are now driving Mustangs. Cold beer, red meat, and some friendly side by side drag racing against your friends at the local strip always make for a good weekend. “Tom is living in Chesapeake and still working in Norfolk for the Department of Navy. He’s also still serving in the Virginia National Guard as an aviator – so when you see a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter go over it could be Tom or my dyke Carl Engstrom ’92 as he also flies in the Virginia Guard. “Jim is living in Augusta, GA but is looking for ways to get back to the great Commonwealth of Virginia. He’s with RLM Communications and through all their government contracts he spends almost as much time with Soldiers as I do.” Well, we are all getting older, but when Al Versoza called to check in and we started discussing heart surgeries and procedures …REALLY, are we that old? Anyway, Al is attending the Industrial College of Armed Forces with Joe Grealish. The school is in D.C. and lasts for a year. Al is living in Alexandria, so I hope to

Nathaniel L. Cross

So, I just read the latest notes that I wrote, and we have this down to a science! When you get this edition, I should be working on the next one in a matter of weeks. So, that means when you think about it, get off your fourth point of contact, (that’s airborne talk for your legs) and send me an update. Now, after saying that, the November edition will run early, so the staff can have some time off for Christmas. Bottom-

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Class of 1989: Members of the Class of ’89 Rod and Gun Club had a great day fishing off of Hatteras, North Carolina, in June 2012. Pictured, from left, were Harrison Bresee, Mitch Fridley and Ken Cobb.

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CLASS NOTES see him soon. I saw some pictures on Facebook from Joe during his change of command but would love an update. Spoke to John Piedmont who had an Ed Harrington sighting at the Pentagon. We all know how big a building and halls are there, seems like John saw Ed in the distance and knew who he was because he hasn’t changed since 1989. Ed it must be nice, keep up the good work. As far as I know, as of this writing we do not have anyone deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Matt Ans was the last to come back and I know that he is out of country. If someone is still there or going soon please let me know. The class would like to thank you for your service. Got an email from Sean Raborn. He is still living in Colorado but the Forest fires and bad weather put a kink in his mountain biking. As a result he has stayed out of the ER. This is a good thing as he is leaving in the fall to travel to Australia for his wedding to Natatlie, an Australian native and his mountain biking buddy. Natalie welcome on board and best of luck to both of you. That’s all I have for now, keep the updates coming. Be sure to check out the great picture of Andy Tunnard from his retirement. Billy Miller, Matt Tederick, and Keith Sykes, were able to meet for the day. Andy’s Brother Pete was also able to make the day.

’90

Robert Clark

As we close out another wonderful summer – though hopefully not too drought stricken where you are – I’m pleased to pass along some updates from our Brother Rats. I’m particularly pleased to hear from some folks we haven’t heard from in a while! I’m continually struck by the consistent themes in your correspondence to me as I prepare for these notes each quarter – commitment to our country and our communities; strong and wonderful families; and endearing respect and love for the Institute. It’s truly great to hear from you, so keep the cards, letters, emails and calls coming! It’s still true that we have many Brother Rats scattered around the world and we have a number who are in Afghanistan or recently returned. Paul Kricorian and his wife Mary Jo checked in to pass along that Paul recently deployed to Paktika, Afghanistan, with the Navy. Paul is doing well but will be away from us until next winter. Mary Joe and their sons are in Staunton, VA, and would welcome connecting with anyone in the area in the VMI family. Ricky Kimmel recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan and has taken command of the 271st Brigade Support Battalion in Oklahoma. Weedon Gallagher also returned this summer from his third tour and is now in the War College. He and his family are doing well. Weedon’s son is a high school junior and he’s considering VMI among his college choices. Weedon also passed along that Larry Farrell recently retired from the Army and will be going to work for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Class of 1990: Paul Hartigan recently hosted a 1990 mini reunion in Colorado. Attending were, from left, Scott Smith, Mike Kimberly, Tim Haynie, Paul Hartigan and Dave West. Their children made the most of this summer get-together.

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Kelly Musick also returned from Afghanistan recently and is at the Joint Advanced Warfare School in Norfolk for the next year. Lt. Col. Craig Price ’93 is in his class and his roommate from Afghanistan is also going through the school with him. Kelly mentioned that Chris and Beth Schinstock recently added another girl to the Schinstock clan. Tim Bosetti wrote from Shaw AFB, S.C., where he is with the 3rd Army / USARCENT. Tim was recently promoted to colonel and was selected for command. He is waiting on his full assignment but congratulations to Tim on the exciting milestone! Tim also connected me to Doug Harper, who recently retired from the Air Force after 22 years. Doug is relocating from San Antonio to Charlotte, where he will start a new career with an architecture company. He is looking forward to taking his sons up to VMI and returning to the east coast. Doug then connected me to Brian Albro. As you will recall, I reported, misreported and then reported again that Brian actually did retire from the Navy in July after 22 years. He’s living in the upper northwest and is networking across the VMI family as he begins his new career on the outside. I also heard from Daren Payne, who is commanding the 1-345th Engineer Battalion at Camp Atterbury, IN. His group trains soldiers via exercises and pre-deployment programs. Darren also passed along that he recently stayed at a cabin between Lexington and Natural Bridges owned by Fred Minnigerode’s brother. He’s not passing along all of the secrets but suggests the place is bordered by a fantastic fishing stream. For you fishermen, Darren snagged a few small mouths, breams, red eyes and rainbows. Get in line for our next reunion. Paul Hartigan recently hosted a mini-reunion for our Colorado-based BRs (picture nearby!). Tim Haynie, Dave West, Scott Smith, and Mike Kimberly brought all or a portion of their families to the gathering. The kids were treated to VMI stories and hopefully they all got signed up with provisional appointments! Mike Lythgoe is also in Colorado but was unable to join. I understand Dave West may host a follow up over the holidays. Sounds like all of the families are enjoying Colorado. I was pleased to hear from David Walsh who wrote from Arkansas. David is a lieutenant colonel in the Arkansas National Guard, where he teaches young officers how to fly C-130s. David also runs his own real estate business on the side and his three boys (16, 12, and 8) keep him hopping. David is active in the local alumni chapter and it sounds like they have a great group in their area. Damon Williams reports that Ramon Williams is now an assistant basketball coach

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES recently went to the Richmond alumni picnic at Costello. A flag that had been flown over the with Virginia Tech. Ramon had an exciting Meade Spotts’ ’79 home on the James River. pentagon was hoisted to the truck and then lowseason last year coaching with Ohio University Andy’s description is too good not to pass ered to half-staff. Everyone had an opportunity who lost in the Sweet 16 to North Carolina in along: “Meade has hay rides for the kids behind to reflect on their memories of Matt. The flag overtime. his tractor. My son mentioned that a hay ride in was then lowered and folded in a surprisingly As I was watching the Olympics and Usain a deuce and a half would be more appropriate. orderly military manner. All but Charlie then Bolt, I was telling my kids about VMI’s own Well a friend of a friend was selling one so my regrouped at the Southern Inn for supper and Bolt – Greg Hatchett. And lo and behold, Greg son and I bought it last week. He’s been driving more than a few rounds. It was a very good dropped me an e-mail soon thereafter! Greg it around our house since. It’s really cool to see gathering, even if for a sad event. recently retired after 20 years with the federal the grin on a 12 year olds’ face when he’s toolI heard from Blasch that Marion and he made government and is now with Applied Science ing around in a deuce!” a July visit to Somerset, WI. There they spent and Technology. Greg is helping to form their And finally, Dave Osborne checked into to some time with Matt’s widow, Jill. The Blasch new Nuclear Services Division. say that not much is up with him other than children had fun riding one of Jill’s horses. Jeff Rawes recently connected with his room“It’s football season!” A great reminder to Go Afterwards, everyone got some ice cream and mate, David Gillette, this summer. David is Keydets and to support the Keydet Club! Hopecheese curds. Cheese curds? Steve says that working in Charlotte with the North Carolina fully a number of BRs can connect at a game is what one does in Wisconsin. Matt’s oldest Department of Transportation and Jeff is with this year. If you do, pass along a photo! son, Evan, is entering Bethel College this fall. Hill PHOENIX near Richmond. Have a great fall and continued safety to our If any of you are in that part of cheese-land, do Thing are still going well for Paul Holland BRs serving in the military! consider visiting the Gaddis clan. and his family in Atlanta. They recently joined God bless, Speaking of starting college, another BR has a up with John King and his family for a MemoRob son as a Rat this year. James Tavenner wrote that rial Day houseboat excursion. Paul also runs Jamie II would be attending the Institute on a fourinto Andy Sewell quite a bit at their church. year-AFROTC scholarship unless he was selected I also had the opportunity to connect with my George Petty III from the US Naval Academy wait-list. Since I roommate, Steve Linder, who is also in the didn’t hear otherwise, I guess Rat Tavenner is Atlanta area. Steve is a software consultant and getting to know Pat Krug’s son in the Ratline. travels extensively supporting clients around Mike Milner was promoted to the Federal the country. He is loving Atlanta and connects Senior Executive Service (SES) as the Assistant occasionally with some of our other BRs in The 18 May memorial flag raising ceremony Inspector General for Investigations at the U.S. the area. Chris Huff, another Room 112er, also Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector checked in and continues to practice dentistry in in honor of Matt Gaddis was organized by Steve Blasch. It was well attended and very General (OIG) in Washington, DC. Mike says Blacksburg. moving. Joining Steve and me were Dan that the SES is the highest level of the civil Congratulations to Mike Herbaugh who Robinson, Chris Buckland, Dan Joseph, Joe service, aside from Presidential-appointed posirecently moved into a new home in Springfield, tions, and he’ll play a key role in overseeing VA, with his wife Cheryl. They are expecting Sokolowski, Charlie Schindler and Steve the OIG’s investigations of fraud, their first child, a boy, on Thankspublic corruption, and cyber crime giving. affecting the Energy Department. Mark Cumbee, who I’ve not Way to go Brother Rat! Congrats. heard from in awhile, reports that Tom Heffern got the guys in Mahe and his family are doing quite rine Corps Combat Development well in Canton, GA, just outside Command HQ together to take a Atlanta. Mark continues to serve in picture. Unfortunately, it was too the Air Force Reserve. low in resolution to be used in the Rick Neff and his wife Deb are Review. Those in attendance were now in Roanoke, VA, after moving Doug Ashton ’76, Doug Doerr there from Milwaukee. Rick is ’79, Rob Gearhart ’80, Col. Gregg happy to be in the warmer climate Brinegar ’83, Lt. Col. Kellner and he continues to do a great job ’95 and Lt. Col. Lew Sigmon ’88, managing our 1990 website! among others. (Editor’s Note: See Karl Powers continues to run page 95 for another version of PaPa Bear Adventures in Alaska, this photo.) Tom is planning an 11 where he flies folks on interesting November birthday party for VMI trips around the most beautiful and the USMC. Since you will be country in the world. Ask John reading this about one week before King for a reference! He passed the event, please contact either along some photos I’ll post on Tom or myself for more informaour Facebook site of a group of Class of 1990: On a vacation in Ouray, Colorado, Tim tion. This would be at his place in folks in the Wounded Warrior Haynie and his wife, Susanna, left, spotted a VMI license Stafford, VA. Project. Karl’s company hosts four plate in the hotel parking lot. This chance encounter led Michael Ferrell just finished a wounded warriors each summer for to a great lunch, reminiscing about days at the Institute fellowship in orthopedic sports media fishing float trip. with Robert Baillio ’59 and his wife, Anne, right. cine and shoulder and elbow surgery Andy Kvasnicka and his son

’91

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CLASS NOTES in Charlotte, NC. His family moved the last week of July to Bloomington, IN. There he joined a private practice affiliated with Indiana University. He will be one of the team physicians for IU as well as Bloomington South HS. Go Hoosiers and go Panthers! His wife Adrienne is expecting their fourth child in November. (Founder’s Day baby perhaps?) Their others are Jack (8), Max (4), and Halle (2). Lorraine and I are doing well. I began a new position in July. I am now practicing the radiographic arts at the Veteran’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. That is a fancy way of saying I am still doing MRIs, but now for a very deserving and appreciative population- our veterans. For the foreseeable future, I will work in Richmond while Lorraine performs the heavy lifting of maintaining our home in Waynesboro. In the month I have been in Richmond, I have spoken with Coung Nguyen and a couple of others. If you know you will be in the Richmond area during the work-week, please give me a shout on the phone or by e-mail. Weekends I will mostly spend in Waynesboro. Keep in touch. And remember, if you can’t be good, be good at it.

Adam Gregory

’92

Andy Tate

Gentlemen, it’s hard to believe as I write these notes that yet another summer is passing us by, just like a coveted two days and a ‘weekend;’ time flies when you’re middle-aged, I guess. But hey, if Ernie Els can win a major at 42, I

expect we can still accomplish similarly great things. We don’t need no steenkeen’ belly putters! (Actually, I just got one and it’s awesome.) Anyway, several BRs generously took time to share their updates. Steve Arnold reports: “I hated to miss the reunion. I’m sure it was a blast. It is tough to get back to the ‘I’ from way out here in Arkansas, but I just found out that I will be coming in October to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) conference that VMI is hosting. I think I might come a day early to look around.” Steve adds that professionally, “I am serving as a high school assistant principal in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I got into education after separating from the Air Force about 15 years ago. Personally: I’m married to Christie, my Ring Figure date. We have two boys, 9 and 7. They keep me pretty busy.” Trent Dudley recently caught up with Wil Current who told him that he’s retiring at the end of this year from the Navy, where he’s been a Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer for the past 20 years. Trent also heard from Jason Kight, who is currently stationed in Pakistan with the State Department’s diplomatic security service (DSS). Trent is still a banker living in Virginia Beach with his wife, Sally, and their children, Sydney (13) and Mason (10). Keith Peloquin writes: “I recently (June) moved from Tampa, FL to Birmingham, AL, where my company’s (Walter Energy) new headquarters is. I’m still the Director of Aviation for the company, so the only thing that really changed is where we fly out of now. If there are any BRs in the B-ham area, it’d be good to link up

Class of 1992: Ben Piper, Dave Bradley and Jeff Galon got together in San Jose, California, before Pipers’ wedding. Bradley served as the best man.

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and tell Old Corps stories. On the personal front, today (8/7/12) is my 1st anniversary with my wife, Kelly. Helluva good year and lots of changes, including selling two houses and a beach condo, before buying this current house in Birmingham.” Keith continues: “Kelly and I linked up with Rob Ritchie and his girlfriend, Janneke, a month or so ago when he was up here (in BHM) from New Orleans. We had lunch at PF Changs, I think, and I remember it took us about two hours, with all the laughter and funny stories we were telling. I hadn’t met Janneke before and Rob hadn’t met Kelly yet either. Janneke’s terrific and I’m super happy for Rob. Kelly and I are looking forward to visiting New Orleans sometime soon and spending more time with them.” Tim Rodriguez updates that he just “got back to the states; family and I had a nice trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Last June, I was in Afghanistan for work and met up with Ryan Young ’07 (at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan). Ryan is currently working in Kandahar as a program manager for USAID. I first met Ryan a few years back, after he returned from the Peace Corps; he was a volunteer in Ecuador. After meeting him, we realized that we had some similar experiences. Below are some of the things we have in common: VMI – we were both F troopers and he’s in our dyke line; Peace Corps – we both served in Ecuador; and

Class of 1992: Lt. Col. Jim Myers, right, in his home office with Doug Bartlett, a Keydet Club vice president, on July 18, 2012. The photo was taken following a battalion change of command ceremony at Fort Meade, Maryland, and the two men are holding an award presented to Myers by those who served under him. Bartlett, former VMI lacrosse team head coach, submitted this photo and wrote, “Jim played on arguably one of [VMI’s] most successful teams in 1992 when we got national ranking in the top 25 poll.” Myers was a huge part of the team’s success, Bartlett said, and was one of many outstanding players on the team that year.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Afghanistan – both doing work there for the US Government.” Jeff Galon e-mails: “Thanks to Facebook, I found out Dave Bradley was coming to my neck of the woods (San Jose, CA) to attend Ben Piper’s wedding as best man. We met up Friday 8/10 and had a great couple of hours to catch up - haven’t seen either BR since 16 May 1992.” Doug Vincent shares: “Just recently arrived at the War College in Carlisle, PA. Great area, a nice break and my family is doing well. BR Race Yu just moved to D.C. as the Military Attaché for the Taiwanese Consulate. Talked to Jon Jefferies and he is doing well in D.C. also, and after two Iraq deployments has become a gun nut. Need to get him in touch with Pegg.” Carl Engstrom posts on our class Facebook page that “Dick Richardson has started a second career as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff in Hanover County. The streets are safer and criminals are beaten mercilessly two nights a week when a VMI Lawman is on patrol. Mark Baush returned from a deployment to Afghanistan and is now attempting to become a “Storage War Junk Magnate”. Picture Fred Sanford with a cigarette and bourbon. Dave Weisenberger is kicking a#& as an insurance dude for James River (I think). Iron Ed Van Duren is in Dallas, TX kicking ass. He just started a new job and his wife Jodie and 3 kids are enjoying it. Not sure if Ed is wearing cowboy boots and a big hat yet. I returned from Iraq in December and

Class of 1992: Neil Hennigan enjoyed a cigar with a familiar moniker.

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am leaving Richmond and moving to northern VA to take a job at the National Guard Bureau as the Counterdrug Training Officer. It pulls me from the cockpit and into D.C. suburban hell but it is way too good an opportunity to pass up.” Carl continues: “I will Geo-bachelor for a few months and live with Rob Schonberger who is teaching math in German to Americans in Alexandria - our educational system is warped. James ‘UB’ Cherry is towering over nervous Japanese citizens in Okinawa. He got promoted to lieutenant colonel a couple years ago and is driving a convertible Mercedes far too fast on a small Asian island and doing Marine stuff. I saw Al Saunders at Dick’s house a few months ago. He drank a lot and talked more. He’s still working for VDOT and is largely unchanged.” With no more a#&-kickings to forward, I’m afraid that’s it for these notes. Please stay in touch, keep your heads down and powder dry. Best regards, Adam

’93

Bill Cox

I hope this edition of the class notes finds everyone in good health and good company. I have a good bit of news to share this time so I will jump right into it. Thanks to all those who sent information in. Adam Galton sent news. He lives in Strasburg, Va. and is a State Trooper with 10 years under his belt. He is qualified as a state police diver and a tactical team officer. Rounding out his skills, Adam is also a paramedic and the tactical medic coordinator for the state. He says he loves working for the Virginia State Police. He and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters, Kendall and Madison, as well as a one damn good dog, Brock. I thought I would include contact information in the notes if people want to reach out to one another. Adam’s is adamgalton@hotmail.com. Lincoln Swineford wrote a lengthy update as well. He and his wife, April, and their girls caught up with Vic and Susan Kane at a Toad the Wet Sprocket concert in Richmond earlier this summer. They were also in Key West in June and saw Cameron Briody briefly while there. Lincoln has been in touch with Brandon Freel and Kevin Morris as well. Kevin is in the process of moving from Miami to the DC area. They are all trying to get together for a triathlon in September in the DC area. Freel, Kevin Roop, Dan Crawford, and Brian Piccioni all did the Big Walker Century Charity Ride in June. A 100 mile ride they did in honor

of Roop’s mother. Apparently Roop is a mad man on a bike and made it look easy while the rest of the group struggled somewhat. Swineford stays in touch with Rusty Smith and they have a lunch about once a month together at various banker functions in Richmond. Lincoln, Rusty, and Ben Lilly played together in the VMI Richmond Club Golf Tournament and had a blast although there was no mention of any medals! Lincoln and family are doing well overall and staying very busy from the sound of it. His e-mail is swinefordlk@gmail.com. Andrew Poteate got in touch and I am not sure if I included in the last notes so I will include again. He was planning a trip to the Keys and was trying to catch up with Cameron as well. After Andrew and his wife, Jen, had their two children, they relocated from Florida to NH. Andrew (like many of us) has since suffered through a divorce and his “ex” lives in Alabama with his kids. He is with Exide battery again and is their Director of Cores – Transportation which keeps him traveling a bunch. Poteate recently travelled to Kiev and had a blast there taking advantage of fine lager and some Vodka called Beluga. Apparently he is part Russki because here in Virginia we drink Bourbon. It was great update from Poteate. His e-mail is vmiphoenix22@yahoo.com. Gerry Bingeman sent a note sharing a brief story which I include here: So here I was, minding my own business, going into a Richmond Wawa to pay for my gas and get a sandwich when an older gentleman yelled at me and motioned for me to come over to him. He asks, “You’re a VMI guy?” To which I promptly popped to attention and responded with “Yes, sir!’ He introduces himself as Mr. Dave Goode ’59. He locked his keys in his car, and his only spare was at home. He felt comfortable enough asking me for help because of the VMI spider. I drove him home, got his keys and returned him to his vehicle. It was a good reminder for me on just what weight this degree carries and how significant it is. Not for a title of who we are or where we come from...but for the brotherhood and the relationships. Thanks for the Jeep cover...it served its purpose well today. Somehow Gerry manages to avoid me at all costs, even though I travel to his cities all the time. He did look me up in downtown Roanoke one night but I am not sure he recalls it that much. Gerry is still pretty much of a lightweight. Sadly, Gerry also reported to me the passing of Granville Higgins mother back in June. I was unable to make the service sadly. Many of us are that age now where our parents are not spring chickens. Mike Zamalis touched base. He is relocating to Verona and going back to work for McQuay. He is planning to settle

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CLASS NOTES the family in the Staunton Waynesboro area and detailed as a liaison officer from the Army to axes. I got some photos of the scrape marks is excited about bringing the family home to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. It was a on the wall. It was very humid when I was Virginia. great experience working with Corps HQ with there and there was water dripping off the Erik Nilsson sent the following: In June I the Marines. Most of the Marines in the exerceiling of the tunnel. With a few hundred guys finished up my command tour of Beachmaster cise were reservists like myself and we learned crammed in there it must have been horrible. Unit ONE (BMU 1) in Coronado, CA. It was a lot about each other. Of course there was I was able to buy some literature written in a fantastic tour and we loved living in San some time off, so I did some history excurEnglish. It said the tunnels were meant only as Diego. On 06 JUN 12 we held the change of sions. I also learned to eat with chop sticks and bomb shelters, not permanent quarters. When command ceremony on the beach and I had drive on the other side of the road. The other the Japanese saw the massive invasion, they the opportunity to present the Combat Medical photo is a Christmas in July program at the retreated to the tunnels where, after realizBadge and the Bronze Star to Normandy Vet children’s center at the local hospital. I started ing they could not beat back the Americans, and Navy Corpsman, Frank Walden. Frank and it when I was the police union president. When they all killed themselves. There is shrapnel 80 other Navy Corpsmen stormed the beach I finished my term the new executive board marks on a room that was a HQ section. The as members of the 6th Naval Beach Battalion was more concerned with their own agendas literature said that is where the HQ staff set off (precursors to my Beachmasters) assigned to that the kids were forgotten about. I run the grenades to kill themselves. The travel was the the Army’s First Infantry Division on Omaha program on my own using donated toys and worst part of the trip; between planes, buses, Beach - theirs was designated Easy Red. We officers that volunteer their time. The dog is and just sitting around the airport it took 30 are working to distribute the rest of the Medals a therapy dog that is actually owned by the hours to get home. I wasn’t paid for that either. and Badges to the surviving members of the officer holding him. It is not a police dog. This I left Japan on a Friday, traveled 30 hours, and Corpsmen from the Battalion and their next was just a guy who wanted to do something to came home on Friday because I crossed the of kin. It was a fantastic honor and one I, and help others and had his dog trained for therapy. International dateline. My orders ended on the crowd in attendance, will never forget. The two girls are my two youngest; my oldest that day, even though for me it was Saturday. We followed that up with tacos and Cervezas got sick and I didn’t want to bring her to the So technically I travelled back in time, like on the beach! Now Alison, Jake, Chase, and hospital. On the left is Samantha Bono, 9, and Doctor Who. I did re-unite with my Rat Harri I are stationed in Sasebo, Japan where on 01 Hannah Bono, 12. I’m back home. That was Humaloja ’96 recently. He works for the UN AUG 2012 we stood up, and I took command only a training assignment that was a month. now. I took a train to Madison Square Garden of Naval Beach Unit SEVEN (NBU 7). NBU All those tunnels were built by hand with pick and we watched a hockey game, then shared a 7 is a one-of-a-kind command few drinks till about 1 am. I took the that consolidated the elements of train back and I have to say there are various amphibious assault units some very strange people that ride home ported in San Diego who had the train from the city at that hour. forward deployed detachments. In I have a bunch of pictures I am the command I have an element submitting with these notes. Hopeof Beachmasters, 4 Landing Craft fully, they are good enough quality Utility and their crew, and 7 Landto get in. I finished my MBA last ing Craft Air Cushion and their week and am currently trying to associated crews and maintenance figure whats next for me. A couple teams. We will eventually move into BRs have sent e-mails asking when a brand new facility constructed we can take over the world. I am not by the Government of Japan about sure when, but I am certainly ready. 5 miles south of the Main Base My daughter Addison is doing well which will house all the elements. and school is about to start again for We are very excited to be here and her. We just returned from Emerald looking forward to what Japan Isle after a wonderful week with my has to offer. If anyone is swinging girlfriend and best friend, Lauren, through Sasebo, drop me a line at: and her beautiful daughter Skylar. We erik.nilsson@fe.navy.mil. William have had a busy summer but it has Bono sent some great updates which been a great one. Hopefully things I misplace but he resent me so I will be less hectic with me finishing wanted to make sure that they got in grad school and can now focus on this time. Sorry for any confusion. other more important things. Some of this news is dated now. I To those serving, I offer my now saw that the 93 section of the latest old compliments; I can’t say it News was sparse and your comenough how much we all appreciate ments that we need to send you info. the sacrifices you make and have So, it is our own fault. Well here are made in the past. We are all better a couple of bits about the Bonos. people for knowing you. To all those The photo of me stooping with my serving here and abroad, thanks. I VMI ball cap is in an old WW 2 don’t know what else to say. God Class of 1993: Kevin Smith, Bryan Van Deun and Japanese tunnel. I was in Okinawa, bless the Armed Forces, VMI, and future Keydets on Memorial Day 2012 in Maryland. Japan on a training exercise. I was the class of 1993.

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CLASS NOTES

’94

Christopher L. Doyle

On the 22nd anniversary of our matriculation, I am writing from Seoul, South Korea. There have been numerous posts on Facebook recalling memories of that day, and the days that followed it. Of particular note was Jason Nichols’ post of his #1 received on Sept. 3, 1990, from, RDC Vice President John Childs ’91. Great job, Jason! That index card is definitely a keeper. As we get more seasoned, certain memories don’t fade. I think that day is one of them. Congratulations to Gary Gulliksen and his new bride Carmen. They were married on July 6th with approximately 50 friends in attendance. Gary also graduated from Norwich University with a master’s of science in organizational leadership. In June, he started a new job at VCU, as the assistant director of purchasing services. He works with Ben Miller. It has been a busy few months for Gary. Rich Clark wrote from Charlotte, NC where he and his wife Elizabeth have been living for just over a year. The have three sons McLean, Grey, and Blair. This past April, Rich took over as the logistics division branch manager at BirdDog Solutions. Rich tries to get together with Mike Grippo (also living in Charlotte) as much as possible. They are planning to go to the Citadel Game in Lexington this November. Sean Lanier just reported into the pentagon, where he will be working on the Army’s Operational Energy program. The program is one of the Secretary of the Army’s top 7 programs, so Sean will have an opportunity to excel. Aaron Scruggs helped Sean buy his first home in Alexandria. Sean said it was a great experience and made his transition back from Afghanistan—and subsequently moving—go real smoothly. Paul and Christina Whitmore welcomed a son, Jackson Alexander Whitmore, on June 11, 2012. Paul reports everything is going well and he can’t wait until Jackson in up and around. Congratulations Paul and Christina. Sean and Autumn Small welcomed twin boys on July 25th. Zern Deyerle Small was born first at 4:10 PM and weighed in at 5 lbs. 5 oz. and was 19 inches. “Little” brother Zander Weil Small was born one minute later and tipped the scales at 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 20 ½ inches. The boys—and Autumn—are related to Capt. Charles Deyerle (Zern’s middle name) who was a member of VMI’s first class of 1843. Congratulations, Sean and Autumn! Mike Eason recently reported to a new assignment in the Office of Defense Cooperation

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in Ankara, Turkey. Mike wrote that he and his family are having a great time. Mike is working with Jim Pugel ’91, who arrived in Ankara about six weeks before Mike did. Mike’s wife, Tamara, started an accountant job at the Embassy’s Community Liaison Office. Congratulations to John Lauder, who assumed command of the Marine Corps’ 2nd Tank Battalion. John previously served with the Iron Horses during the liberation of Baghdad. Way to go John! Congratulations, for a successful Command tour, goes out to George Schreffler. He relinquished Command of the Marine Corps’ 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on July 20th. Travis and Jennifer McDaniel welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 31st. Kinley Kim McDaniel was born 21 3/8 long and weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. Travis reports she is healthy and doing well. Congratulations to the McDaniel family! It is (God willing) a little early to be thinking about this, but I wanted to notify you of a program the VMI Foundation recently implemented. The ‘Memorial Ring Program’ (from the VMI Foundation website): “Through the program, alumni and families donate class rings to the VMI Foundation, which sends them to a firm that recovers precious metals. After the firm establishes the value of the ring’s gold and precious and semi-precious stones, it pays the Foundation that amount. The Foundation then deposits that money into the Memorial Ring Fund, dedicated solely to defraying the cost of cadets’ class rings, and distributes it in coordination with the Office of Cadet Life.” I believe this is a program worthy of consideration. One alumnus at the Class Agents Conference said, he didn’t want his ring ending up on his “hippie son-in-law’s finger.” I don’t know what to think of that. As always, thanks to those who wrote with updates. If I haven’t mentioned your name in a while, please call or write, so I will know what and how you are doing. Please stay safe and well!

Class of 1994: After being pressed by their parents to pick their colleges, Zern (left) and Zander (right) Small, sons of Sean and Autumn Small, decided to sleep on it.

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

Dan Williams

Brother Rats! To all the members (and their families) of our great class … the hope is that these notes reach you and your families doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather the fall season usually brings. As I write these notes we have just passed the 21st anniversary of our matriculation and I actually had to take pause because it seems as though we all took those fateful steps into Jackson Arch just yesterday. What that also means is that our 20-year Reunion is coming ever closer. Still a bit of a ways out, but Dan Williams and I are beginning to focus on getting things together for this momentous occasion. Many thanks to those Brother Rats and spouses who have supported one of our own as he and his family deal with a medical situation involving their young child. The amount of support is indicative of and a great testament to the Brother Rat spirit. Not much communication from the class over the past few months, but I have kept in touch with the regular suspects. I had the opportunity to link up with Marlin Ikenberry here in NoVa not too long ago as he was recruiting yet another fantastic arm for his Keydet baseball team. He, Shannon and Owen are doing well. During a recent business trip to Fort Bragg, I poked my head in to Brad Moses’ office, but was unsuccessful in linking up. Brad is currently in battalion command there and by all accounts doing very well. Not long ago as I was sitting at FedEx field enjoying a great Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney concert I ran into Benji Bird in, of all places, the snack bar line. Benji was ecstatic as his wife Amy had just returned from a recent deployment. Seeing as how he lives less than a mile away, I do see Matt Reiner quite often. He, his wife Vicky and daughter Emelyn have adjusted to life well out here in the “country” of Fauquier County, Virginia. This fall will hopefully be an exciting one at the Institute as this football team looks to turn the tide of 30+ straight seasons without a winning record. As always, I strongly encourage each of you to email me with any updates you’d

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CLASS NOTES like to see included in these notes. I also hope that if you’re in Lexington this fall for a football game or this winter for a basketball game, please stop by the press box and say hello.

Class of 1995: Thom Brashears, left, and Ben Bird at a summer concert at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

’96

Peter Segersten

Brother Rats, I hope you all are enjoying the summer. I’m actually writing these notes on the 20th anniversary of our matriculation to our beloved Institute. Time does sure fly! First off, I would like to congratulate all of our Brother Rats who were recently promoted to lieutenant colonel in their respective services. Congratulations to Christopher Noe, Josh Keesal, Keith Kruelski, Shannon Hume, Christopher Lowe, and Ryan O’Connor. Congratulations to Paul Dickinson who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the USAFR and JJ Rivera who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the USMCR. Thank you, Chris Noe, for the list of people. If I missed anyone, I apologize. Chris Noe wrote in to give an update. Chris and family have moved to Elizabethtown, KY, after four years in Germany. Before leaving Germany he talked with Sean Murray who is stationed at Kaiserlautern for the European Regional Medical Command. He also ran into Ryan O’Connor. Ryan is a Majors assignments officer for the infantry branch in the US Army.

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It’s been a busy summer for me to say the least. After some planes, trains, and automobiles, I was able to attend none other than Harri Humaloja’s wedding in Jämsä Finland for a Finnish adventure. As always there was a VMI presence there. Max Casteleyn and family were there to attend the wedding. They were also traveling around Scandinavia and the Baltic countries on vacation. It was great to catch up with him and to meet the family. Also in attendance was Harri Jahkola ’01. He brought back memories of picking him up at the airport in DC and driving him down for matriculation where there where the dozens of media satellite trucks around the parade deck waiting for the first matriculants of women at the Institute. As an added bonus Harri’s wedding was during ‘midsommars’ where the sun is out past midnight and the country is one big party to celebrate the holiday. We did the traditional sauna, cooked out at his lake house, and had a great time. Speaking of foreign adventures, Doug Bartlett checked in from Israel. After five years in Colorado, his company acquired an Israeli company and he has been tasked to lead the integration process. So, he and the family packed up and are all settled in the Middle East. The kids are fascinated with the “Saferoom” (as required by Israeli law) consisting of steel doors, bullet proof glass, and NBC ventilation. Hopefully that will never have to be used! Tom Danielsen dropped a line from Beantown for an update. JJ Rivera was in town for

USMC reserve duty orders and stopped by to visit Tom. JJ is doing really well. In addition to his USMC service, he is flying for the University of Pennsylvania Life flight. They traded many a sea story of their days at Camp Lejeune with John Pearce. Tom also made a trip with his wife Leanne to visit Stephen Johnson in Providence, RI. Steve was at the Naval War College in Newport for a few weeks for training for his new command in San Diego. Corrie Brice checked in from Fort Sill. Corrie has returned from Iraq in July and started as a battalion executive officer of the 1st BN 79th Field Artillery at Fort Sill. His wife has been holding down the fort while he is away. Corrie’s children, Victoria and Alexander, have started up school again. Corrie received the Bronze Star Medal for service in Iraq. I talked to Darren Braylo via Facebook. Darren says, “As I’m sure you’re aware from FB, it’s been a rough year in terms of my Crohn’s disease and I appreciate all the prayer and support our BRs have shared with me. God has blessed me to be part of three strong families; His, my biological family and the VMI family. I did get to spend a few days with BR Simonds, his wife PJ and their brood when they came to VA for VMI’s Honor conference back in March. I also recently got to spend a good afternoon with BR John Dwyer at the Museum of Valor a couple weeks ago. Good times.” Hang in there Brother Rat! John “Mudd” McElroy is making a move

Class of 1996: Harri Humlaloja was married in Jyväskylä, Finland. Attending were Max Castelyn, Peter Segersten, Humlaloja and Harri Jahkola ’01.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES ed in the affirmative to the e-mail from Blair Gregory and Matt Linderman. Unfortunately a few won’t be joining us because of deployments. Of the ones I heard from: Garrett Field will be in Germany, Chris Coats will be underway with the Navy, Joe Klapatch will be in London, James Pridgen will be in Iraq, Justin Chezem, Donnie Hasseltine, and Joel Harding will be in Afghanistan. We will be missing others I haven’t heard from as well. I know in the grand scheme of things being absent from your 15th class reunion pales in comparison to the other milestones viewed from afar. You gentlemen will be missed. Among those missed milestones Donnie and Valerie welcomed Kinsey Elizabeth Hasseltine on July 26th. Along those lines Will Tong wrote “my brother, Lt. Col. Wai-Kin Tong ’91, was deployed to Afghanistan on April 19, 2012. His David Zirkle unit, the 411th Engineer Brigade is based out of New Windsor, NY has been in Afghanistan since May 15, 2012 (ironically New Market Day). The 411th assumed control of all engineer The heat of August has arrived, and as I units throughout Afghanistan on June 4th and write, a mass of young men and women are will be there until February 2013. Their primary contemplating their matriculation day this mission will be combat and tactical construcSaturday. Since these notes will likely arrive tion, and route clearance.” See photo on page 7. after the fact, I will resist the urge to remind Jason St Clair wrote me a note last week. He you that our 15th Reunion is October 5th and is “living in Lynchburg, VA, with my wife Chel6th. Quite a few of our Brother Rats respondsea Eichelberger St Clair (Hollins ’97) and my daughter Amelie, 7 and my son Bryce, 4. As most of us are, we are in the full swing of family life, transitioning from diaper changes to running our kids all over town for various extracurricular activities. Maybe the next phase is more relaxing? Right now I’m a Project Manager for Areva, a nuclear fuel supply company. My customer is Duke Energy, and my responsibility on a basic level is to ensure timely delivery of high quality nuclear fuel to Oconee Nuclear Plant. I am also in charge of managing several engineering services projects for Oconee. It is exciting and challenging and I love working with the customer (when there are no problems of course). It’s a good career path and my training is helpful for other opportunities. I was fortunate enough to get a Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification and earn other Project Manager type credentials during my time at Areva (Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt). I have found my niche, so hopefully I can Class of 1997: The crew of the 2SUM in Baltimore Harbor were, from left, Cory Mccontinue to progress here. It is cool to Callum ’94, Rudy Johnson ’94, Derek Fix, Matt Camfield ’94, Jeff Henderson, Jimmy be working with many VMI folks at Smythers, Mike Smythers ’68 and Chips McCallum ’68. Areva. Our Oconee fuel reload team

from his current assignment as 103rd Rescue Squadron commander to the active duty Air Force at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA) in Fort Belvoir, Va. John looks forward to getting back to Virginia and going to the “I” on weekends with the VMI family. Paul Dickinson is also making a move in his career. He still works at PriceWaterHouseCoopers and will be moving to Bangalore, India, for three years at the end of August. If anyone is in the Bangalore area, Paul says to definitely look him up. Mike Arendt wrote from Charleston, SC. Mike is in his 13th year working for the SC Marine Resources division of the department of natural resources. He is busy writing manuscripts and research grants and says he is overdue for a great surf trip. He recently made a trip to northern Virginia for his grandmother’s memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery. While he was there, he visited Jamie Edge’s gravesite and was glad he visited his site. Wallace Inge and family are doing quite well down in Richmond. Wallace is starting his 15th year at The Steward School teaching and coaching. His daughter, Grace, is in fourth grade and his son, Tommy, is in pre-kindergarten. Both attend The Steward School. Wallace ran into Sterling Sweeney at a swim meet and hears that Matt Howell competed in the Bath

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County triathlon. He hung out at the pool with Brady Crone, Joe Brockman, and Wyndham Buerlein. He has also spent some more family summer vacation time with John Buchanan and Dan Hoover. Speaking of Brady Crone, Eric Michalski e-mailed me letting me know that Brady is now a voluntary deputy for Hanover County. Congrats, Brady! (See photo on page 7.) Eric says that Brady is a computer geek at night and a stealth rat by night. This concludes another edition of the class notes. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedules to drop me a line for the class notes, photos, announcements, etc. Please keep them coming! In the bonds, Pete Segersten

’97

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CLASS NOTES consists of Jason Price ’94 and Jason Lanz ’96. Three Jasons in a fuel reload meeting, all from the same school … kind of rare. Outside of work and family, I have seen a couple of BRs in recent years. I still see Lyle Peters fairly often (once or twice a year) and we keep in touch despite our crazy lives. Also, very recently I have seen Dan Roach, Ian Brooks and their families. It was cool meeting up with Ian and Dan while Ian was hiking the Appalachian Trail for the Wounded Warrior Project. Then we saw them again in Charlottesville along with Lyle Camblos ’99 to welcome Dan back to Virginia. Other than that, what else? I’m working out like crazy (combination of impending midlife crisis and gym right across the street at work). Competed in a sprint triathlon. Trying to be human again by seeing some concerts … and really looking forward to the reunion! Take care and I wish you and all my BRs the best!” Derek Fix wrote about the same time that “Jeff Henderson, Jimmy Smythers and I went sailing for four days on the Chesapeake Bay with our dykes from the class of ’94 and Room 139 roommates Cory McCallum, Rudy Johnson and Matt Camfield ’94, as well as Cory’s and Jimmy’s dads -- Brother Rats Chips McCallum ’68 and Mike Smythers ’68. Cory organized the trip and chartered the boat; we sailed from Kent Narrows to Annapolis to Baltimore and then back.” I have a little news of my own this time around. About the time Derek and Jason e-mailed me, I was getting married at a vineyard in Virginia. I had wanted to include a picture of everyone, but our photographer used a wide-angle lens to fit everyone in. The results were not flattering to those

to me for an earlier edition and I somehow let it slip. Hunter Phelps moved to Portsmouth NH, taking a job as a program manager with Hansa Consult of North America doing Aviation Fueling Automation and Leak Detection. He says it is nice to be living in the country now instead of DC. Mike McDermott’s wife Jeanine gave birth to a son, Liam Michael. That brings them to a 6-year-old daughter, Mia, and a 4-month-old boy, Liam. In June he moved from Fort Leavenworth, where Hamel Reinmiller they spent a year, back to Fort Bragg. He is currently the 82nd ABN Division Chief of Operations (CHOPS), but will be moving down into a Battalion position by the end of the year. Mike says Dave Kaczmarek and his family are there as well. Dave took command Editor’s Note: We did not receive class notes of a Civil Affairs Company in July. Ralph from the class of 1998 for this issue. “Woody” Cromley is also at Bragg, although they haven’t linked up yet. Wes Barrow is graduating with a Masters in Management and William Steinbach Leadership from Liberty University in Aug 2012. He also just got accepted into the MBA program at Liberty and will start in Aug 2012. He plans on finishing that degree around the Brother Rats, spring of 2014. Wes is still with Ernst and Summer is here and Matriculation is just Young recruiting. He joined the board of a around the corner. Time for the latest update nonprofit in Richmond called North Star Acadfrom the class of 1999! emy. North Star is a K - 12 school that helps The first update comes from Jason Henchildren with challenges such as autism. He nigan. He married his wife, Susie, back in reports he is really enjoying the non-profit enApril of 2011. In attendance were MG (Ret) vironment. Wes also visited Danny Hughes’ Phillip Anderson ’70, Court Whitman, Stan grave in Las Vegas, NV this summer. Wes Midy, Aaron Bush, Frazier Orgain, Isaac met with Danny’s father for dinner and gave Moore, Travis Powroznik and Matt Erwin him a VMI baseball hat signed on behalf of ’02. My apologies to Jason as he had sent this the class of 1999. Cliff Ford sent me the following update from the West Coast: “I’ve been living in San Diego since 2002 bouncing between Camp Pendleton and Miramar. I returned last September from a deployment with the 13th MEU. I flew the CH-46 for almost a decade but got selected for MV-22 last December and started training in January of this year. I was out in North Carolina in March and April for the flying part of training. I attempted to overfly the ‘I’ at end of April but had to divert to Lynchburg with an aircraft issue. I was able to see Charles Faulkner and Carl Trask while on the East Coast. Carl just took over as the XO of the U.S.S. Seawolf and Charles is lobbying in DC. My wife is expecting our second child in September and we Class of 1997: The VMI crew at Class Agent David Zirkle’s wedding in August were, just bought a new house close to the from left, Kevin Thomas ’98, Kevin Zirkle ’02, Christian Arllen ’00, Gary Compton, beach in Carlsbad. In June I attended Beth and David Zirkle, Lee Nelson ’00, Joey Klapatch and Jeff Henderson. Attending the wedding of a good friend Andy but not pictured were Jim Nelson ’70 and Annie Talman. Alissandratos ’03. We deployed to

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on the ends, so rather than face angry e-mails, I just went with the alumni. As best as I could tell, a good time was had by all. Sadly, the groom didn’t get to eat much of the food, drink much of the wine or talk much with his Brother Rats. That’s all I have to report. Hope to see everyone on Post in a few months. Do your best to make it if you can! If Uncle Sam is keeping you away, stay safe and we’ll save a seat for you at the 20th.

’98

’99

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Iraq together in 2008. Eric Marshall and family Army and is currently a Contracting Officer are now enjoying life in Hawaii.” as well. Paul Wills reports that he is married Ricco Espinoza is still in the Marine Corps, to the same girl (Kerri) for going on 12 years, stationed in Okinawa. He hopes to get back to and that Josh Cazadd and Mike Fritz owe the States by next summer. Kevin Henderson him $500 each since they made a bet our 1st reports that Tom Hanifen had his 2nd baby class year that he wouldn’t stay married over girl back in October-- Lauren Elizabeth. Tom 10 years. Good luck collecting, Paul. Patrick has been in Kandahar, Afghanistan, since this Geoghegan and his wife Virginia are doing past April, where he’s been serving as the S3 well and living outside of Boston. Patrick is for an Infantry Battalion in 3rd ID out of Ft looking for a new job in Operations ManageStewart. He expects to return home the end of ment / Business Analyst type roles. If anyone December/ beginning of January. Van Carson knows of anything, let me know and I will is still in Italy and expects to be coming home get you in touch with Patrick. Jason Berg just next summer. Jeff Sprague sent me the follow- graduated from the School of Advanced Warfing email, “I haven’t sent an update in a while, ighting and is now the Plans Officer for 1st as it seemed as if things were pretty much Marine Logistics Group in Camp Pendleton, the same for me. However, in not sending an CA. Jason says Josh Kling lives down the update, I neglected to report that I got married street and just got back from Afghanistan. last October. Anyway, I married the former Jeff Holder sent me the following email, Kathleen Keck on October 8th of last year, and “Jamie Meyer and I have caught up a few our BR Joel Christenson was my best man. times. We went out for his birthday downWe took a two week tour of France this past town with Will Romm and others. Jamie and June as our honeymoon (a bit delayed since I have played golf a couple of times and last my wife is a first grade teacher). We bought a week took our kids to play. Unfortunately the house in Severna Park, MD, and things on the kids seemed to grasp the sport much better domestic front are great. I essentially live right than us! outside of Annapolis, and am planning to go I’m still working with the developers of to the VMI-Navy game in September. Hope to Rocketts Landing and we’re doing a new see some folks there. I still work as an attorney project downtown along the Canal Walk, with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in DC, although I was promoted from Associate Counsel to Counsel last October. Essentially, I handle the appeals of vets for disability benefits claims. It is satisfying work, and I’ve now been at it about six years. Counting my time in the Air Force, I now have 10 years of federal service. I guess we’re all getting older. Just to throw it out there: From someone who is intimately familiar with VA, I encourage all of our BRs leaving military service to file their claims as early as possible after separation.” Thanks, Jeff. That is most definitely good advice. Barry Williams tells me that after graduate school he relocated (PCSd) to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He is currently a Contingency Contracting Officer Team Leader and is scheduled for another deployment (#4) to Afghanistan this fall. He has been in touch with Claxton Fallen. Claxton and his family are doing fine, and he is currently attending graduate school at Auburn Class of 1999: The grave of BR Danny Hughes. University. Claxon is still in the

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renovating the old Reynolds Aluminum Plant into apartments. I’ve also started a contracting company with my Rat, Tommy Settle ’02, and Mike Brown ’97. We’re doing site work and government contracts throughout the region, but it’s been very busy because I’m still consulting with the development company and starting this new business. Anyway, it’s good to work with those guys again and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership. I see Jake Abell fairly often and we team up on projects sometimes. Usually ends up talking things over with a couple of beers! That’s the best way to do business!” Dallas Clark and his wife, Amber, have recently been joined by their daughter Gabriella born in April 2011. She has been a great addition to the family and suddenly nothing in life is the same for them anymore. Jason Trubenbach tells me that he and Lt. Col. Chris Whittaker ’90 put together a New Market Memorial gathering at the Pentagon. Jason says they had about 43 alumni in attendance. (See photo on page 6.) Jake Britt has been awarded the Chesterfield County Firefighter Medal of Valor for personally rescuing a fellow Firefighter from another department and two other citizens when they became trapped in flood waters in Westmoreland County during Tropical Storm Lee. Congratulations to Jake on the award. It took a lot of prying on my part to get the details of the act. I got this last second update via Leroy Trent’s Facebook page, “Lindsey Rose Trent arrived earlier today, slightly earlier than expected! Nicole and baby are healthy and doing very well, looking forward to her meeting her big brother! On a final note, I just recently learned of the passing of Christopher Hatchell in 2011. Christopher matriculated with us and left VMI during our Rat year. He went on to obtain the rank of Sergeant as a Deputy Sheriff in the city of Norfolk. That wraps it up for this edition. Congratulations to all of our Brother Rats who have had children recently. On the admin side, if you have not received a notification for class notes from me, that means I do not have a good e-mail address for you! Please e-mail me at the above address. In the Bonds ... Bill

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CLASS NOTES

’00

Matthew McComas

Brother Rats, I hope everyone has been enjoying 2012! As I write this update, we are finally starting to get some relief from the oppressively hot summer here in Virginia and the combination of earlier nights and NFL preseason on TV are hints that fall is right around the corner. Of note this fall, the Keydet football team takes on the Citadel at home in Lexington on November 10th. Speaking of the Military Classic of the South, Meredith and I traveled to the game in Charleston last October where we got to spend some time at the game with Suzie and Matt Keller, Caroline and Tony Esteve and Chuck Minski. I also ran into Pat Haddock and John Archer during halftime and caught a glimpse of Frank Jackson as he walked back to his seat in another section. It was great to see such a turnout from the class for a road game and I hope to see many more this year in Lexington. Now to the notes: In June, Shawn Segreti, Chris Lucas, Tony Esteve, and I visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay our respects to Brother Rat Sgt. Ryan Doltz. Several of us in the northern Virginia area try to visit every year to honor Ryan’s memory, reflect on the great times we shared with Ryan, and enjoy some fellowship. This year we ended up at Tony’s house in Alexandria for beers, burgers, brats, and cigars. If you are ever in the area and want to join us, just drop any of us a line. Shawn Segreti has had several joyous changes in his life recently. In April he was promoted to Principal at GHT Ltd in Arlington where he has been managing electrical engineering design for about the past four years. Several of us have had the pleasure of working with Shawn on projects over the years and I can attest that he is truly deserving of this great honor. Congratulations, Shawn! On the home front, Shawn, wife Erin, and daughter Margaret May found out that the family will soon be expanding as they are expecting #2 in October. Shawn reports that he is looking forward to another couple months of no sleep! In order to prepare for this expansion, the Segretis recently upgraded to a new home on the across town in Arlington. I had the pleasure of touring the house and it looks like a great place for Margaret May and her sibling to grow up. Tony Esteve has been busy as president of the Potomac River Chapter of the Alumni Association, but his post ends in November. I am

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not sure what he will do to stay busy after that! As a new school year approaches, BJ Arvin is getting ready for his 5th year at Donovan High School where he teaches and coaches. BJ reports that recently he made a trip to Florida and was able to catch up with Brian Skusa and his family. Brian is working in Tampa with Kforce and at the time of his update was on track to finish up his MBA program from University of South Florida. Brian recently hosted Chris Abbott at his house and reports that Chris is doing well. Last class notes submission I reported that Chris had recently gotten married and I received photographic evidence shortly after the notes had been submitted. Chris Gamble, Craig Giorgis and Adam Priest were in attendance at the Key West beach wedding in August 2011. In February, Meredith and I hosted the 11th Annual Groundhog’s Day Party at our house in Berryville, Virginia. Keydets in attendance were Jon Palmer, Brian Hay, and Ben Inyama. Ben was excited to report that he had passed the exam to be licensed as a Professional Engineer. Congratulations, Ben! I am sure he is glad to have that eight hour exam behind him. Checking in from down under, Tony Cerella is nearing the end of his exchange assignment in Canberra, Australia in March 2013. Wife Bethany is doing well and teaching yoga and twins Tony and Sophie turn four in September. If you want to see pictures of the Cerella clan’s adventures in the land of Fosters and kangaroos, check out their blog … I am not about to post that here, but hit Tony up for the address if you are interested. Tony wanted to pass on a reminder that it has been over two years since we lost Patrick Coyle. If willing, please donate to Hayleigh Coyle’s education fund via http://hncedufund. com/. In June, Meredith and I helped celebrate Max Keller’s first birthday. Max was the youngest attendee of our wedding last year, so it was an honor to join him for a wonderful day of barbeque and cupcakes in the park in Alexandria. Parents Suzie and Matt Keller put on a wonderful party as usual. Also in attendance were Caroline and Tony Esteve. Matt recently started up a business-related Yahoo group for the class. The purpose of the new group is to provide a friendly forum for posting networking, employment, and businessrelated information. If you are interested in subscribing and joining the conversation contact Matt Keller. Brad Allen checked in with several bits of news. Brad will soon be leaving his home of the past three years, Little Rock AFB, to begin his next duty station in Osan AB, Korea. While

in Korea, Brad’s new wife, Natalie will be holding down the fort (or base in this case) in Arkansas. The happy couple was engaged on Founder’s day, married on Dec. 17, 2011, and are planning a formal ceremony in the fall. Congratulations and good luck in Korea. If anyone else is currently in Korea, give Brad a shout and show him around! Recently departing active duty with the Navy, Conrad Bicknell reports that he and the family moved from Panama City, Florida to San Mateo, California where he is taking care of the kids and flying part time for the Navy Reserve. Recently, Conrad had lunch with Miten Bhavsar and the two of them were able to catch up for the first time since graduation. Conrad reports that Miten is now sporting a massive beard along with his “Rat cut” hairdo. Miten … if you are reading this, it is great to hear news about you … drop me a line sometime so we can get a better update than your grooming habits! Conrad stopped off in Jackson, Mississippi where he caught up and shared some laughs with Nick Castleberry. Conrad reports that he talks regularly with Micah North and Chuck Minski and I heard from Micah who reports that everything in the North family is going well with Sophie and Jackson four and two respectively. They are still in Dayton, Ohio and Micah is continuing to develop the small business. Micah keeps in regular contact with John Archer, Matt Vordermark, Pat Haddock, Mac Semler, Bill Sjem, Nick Castleberry and Kenny Myers. Chuck Minski recently changed assignments with the Navy, leaving his job as a flight instructor at NAS Whiting Field to move on to the Naval Personnel Command outside of Memphis, Tennessee where he is in charge of all Naval Graduate education through Naval Post Graduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. It is Chuck’s first non-flying assignment in the Navy, but it sounds like a lot of responsibility to ensure everyone gets a good assignment while advancing in their careers with the Navy. Good luck with the change, Chuck! Checking in from Richmond is Don Ferguson. Don reports that he sees Paul Keeton pretty frequently since they only live about a mile apart and Paul is doing well. Don recently received a random phone call from Kenny Myers checking in from Jacksonville, Florida. Rich Baltimore and wife Mana welcomed their first child, Cyrus, to the world in June. According to Facebook, the whole family, including Gus the dog, is enjoying the recent expansion and Cyrus continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Congratulations, Rich and Mana!

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES J.R. Mahala checked in from Phoenix where he is taking classes full-time at Fuller Theological Seminary working on his Master’s of Divinity with the ultimate goal of becoming an Army Chaplain. I look forward to hearing more from J.R. as at the time of his update he and wife Rebecca were expecting their first child. Also welcoming their first child were Don and Krysta O’Sullivan. Son Conel Francis was born early in the morning on February 24th. Don recently caught up with Chris Abbott in New York City and has been e-mailing back and forth with Sam McClure who is living in Nashville. Back on Halloween 2011, Bobby Kennedy, Eric Schnabel, and Mike McDaniel got together for a costume party in Chantilly, VA. Bobby passed on a photo where he is wearing a toga and Eric appears to be Captain America, but I am not sure what Mike went as … That will do it for this round of notes. I wish everyone well and look forward to more updates to come!

’01

Brandon Farris

Greetings to all. Hope everyone had a good and restful summer. I wanted to start off with all the new additions to the VMI family. Several BRs recently had their first child: Steve Kolenich and his wife, Maddie, had their son, James Stephen Kolenich, on June 7. Dave and Annie Jones had their first daughter, Reagan Amber Jones, on August 7. Adam Burton and his wife, Adrienne, had their first child, Jacob Tyler Burton, this past March 26. Also, Cannon Moss and his wife, Macken-

2012-Issue 4

zie, had a baby girl on July 29th. Her name is Carter Leith Moss. Cannon is still the president of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad in Norfolk and couldn’t be happier. Cannon will send a picture of Carter for the next review, he also said, “when we had Carter’s baby pictures taken, I had her shot with a VMI hat. I’m not saying she has to go to VMI, I’m just not going to pay for anywhere else.” In addition to the births, we also had quite a few weddings to celebrate over the past couple months: Mark Nemeth got married on Oct. 1, 2011. His wife, Mary Schneider Nemeth, teaches music and drama to 5th-8th grade students at a private school in Corona Del Mar, CA. Mark is currently a Media Program Manager for Panasonic Avionics and volunteers as a mediator with the California Superior Courts.

Jeff Kuehne got married on May 26, 2012, to Stephanie Bowen (now Stephanie Kuehne) in Sonora, CA. Jeff was fortunate enough to have Will Alley as their officiant! Jon Mazur was also there as one of the groomsmen. Brandon Lambaiso got married on July 9th to Shannon Marie Horton and will be deploying to Afghanistan for 8 month starting in September. Brad Leigh is still fighting in the “war” on illegal immigration and drugs in the Sonoran

Class of 2001 Photo top right: Mark Nemeth with his wife, Mary Schneider Nemeth. Photo middle right: Jeff Kuehne; his wife, the former Stephanie Bowen; Jon Mazur; and Will Alley. Photo bottom right: Brad Leigh and his wife, Derra Diane Davis. Photo below: At John Parson’s wedding on July 6, 2012, were, from left, the Hurleys, bride Christina, Parson and Jason Whitaker.

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CLASS NOTES Desert of Arizona, five years running now. He got married this year to Derra Diane Davis from Sarasota, Florida. He wishes he could have made the 10 year, but had to keep our borders safe and couldn’t get away. Kim Herbert visited with Kyle Kramer at his new house in Fredericksburg, VA on May 20th. Brad Hildebrand ’03, Justin Prior and John Parson were also there. Kim mentioned that Brad and his wife Amber are moving in mid- June to Alabama and John Parson is considering renting their house. John is working as a lawyer in Spotsylvania and got married in July in Charleston, SC. Justin was in town from Ohio taking a class for work. According to Kim, Kyle and his wife Amy were gracious hosts and were happy to open up their new home to us. Kenny Carmichael wrote in to honor Charles Ransom, as April 27, 2012, marks the one year anniversary of his passing. May we never forget his spirit. “He was a warrior for us all.” Wilson Mustian is currently in Charlottesville at the Army JAG school and mentioned that John Parson will also become an Army JAG sometime next year. Nate Charles wrote in to brag about Brady Daniels a bit. “Not only has he been promoted to National Accounts Manager for NS Intermodal but the guy is buying/building a new house. All this since the reunion, quite a feat in and of itself, why wait and pace yourself Brady, just knock it all out at once.” John Niederhaus and his wife Silke moved to Baltimore in July. They are living within walking distance of the Inner Harbor and said “if anybody is in the area, stop by!” Chris Simpson is still supporting the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, AL, serving in the Tennessee Air National Guard out of Knoxville, TN, and enjoying family time whenever possible. Kacie, Connor (3), and Cole (1) and Chris were lucky enough to plan a vacation in Charleston, SC at the same time that Jason Whitaker, Dawn, Kendall, and Ainsley (2) were there. They got to spend a day at the beach with them and had a great time. Chris also reported that someone he met at church, Ben Summers ’97, organized a gathering of Tennessee Valley Chapter in July and had a turnout of about 15-20 alumni. “It was a great time sharing stories and listening to some of the guys from the ‘Older Corps.’” Jason Whitaker told me he and his family have kept a busy schedule this summer and spent the week of July 4th in Folly Beach, SC near enemy territory (i.e. The Citadel) for John Parson’s wedding. John married his beautiful bride, Christina, on July 6th near Charleston, SC. Jason had the pleasure to talk with Josh Hurley’s parents who also attended

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the wedding and they send their regards to the entire class. Chris Simpson and his wife Kacie and their boys Connor and Cole met up with Jason and family at the beach and they said they had a blast watching the kids play. Jim Bourie returned from France where he finished school and is trying to find a job with his new found French cultural skills. Greg Martin and his family are finishing their time in France and will be back in the U.S. by mid-October. Greg and his wife Caren will be welcoming the birth of a daughter later this year. Josh Berk is engaged and will get married in December with DS9000 in attendance and Fred Hair will be starting his second year of graduate school at the University of Georgia this fall. I had a great response for these class notes, and got so many photographs from everyone that I had to hold some of them until the next review. Thanks to everyone and please keep the updates coming ... Brandon

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Editor’s Note: We did not receive class notes from the class of 2002 for this issue.

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

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

C. Justin Roberts

’04

Ryan Shealy

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

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

Brother Rats, I hope this set of notes finds you all well and enjoying college football season. I always find it rather odd to be providing updates and writing the notes three months before they are published. I have many great events I wish to share, football tailgates to schedule and mini reunions to plan with you, but by the time you receive the notes, football season will be nearing its end. However, I will take the opportunity to predict that our beloved Keydets will have their first winning season since 1984 and finish a respectable 6-5. In a show of early excitement for the football season, I hope I have not jinxed the team into another losing season; so, rather than continue with bold football predictions; I’ll get in the notes. On a somewhat related Keydet football team, Matt and Jen Dowler welcomed their twin boys into the world on May 24, 2012. They were eight weeks early and spent 30 days in the NICU but are doing great now. Their names are Garrett and Peyton. Congratulations, Dowler family! Lt. Col. Wiggers (Hon. ’05) and his family have gotten settled in Ithaca, NY, where he is currently serving as the XO of the Cornell University NROTC Unit. He will be taking over as the commanding officer on Sept. 21st and looks forward to developing the leaders for tomorrow’s Navy and Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Wiggers and his wife sent their son, Patrick, off this fall to start his freshman year of college at SUNY Binghamton University and their daughter, Marie is beginning high school. Matthew Dussia is an IMA AF Reserve chaplain at Langley AFB, VA. His son, Luke Alden Dussia, is almost 1 year old and has the characteristics of a VMI Keydet – marching from place to place and regularly doing push-ups (as he falls over often while learning to walk. Matthew was promoted to captain on July 22, 2012. Alex Boykin dropped a shot note that he is out in Albuquerque, NM, until mid-September doing some more training. Afterwards, he is heading to the end of the earth, otherwise known as Clovis, NM, to Cannon AFB for a new AFSOC airplane. Anthony Cochet wanted to send a public congrats to his Rat, Nate Brown ’08, who married Becky Aiman this past June. Unfortunately, Anthony wasn’t able to attend as he was in the process of PCS’ing from San Antonio, where he just finished residency, to Osan Air Base, Korea.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES He is serving a remote tour here with the 51st Medical Group as the chief of internal medicine. Our Greek friend, John Sakaleros, reports that he has been working long hours in the family business trying to combat the financial crisis in Greece. John was able to see Nick Taran a couple of times: once in November, when Nick visited Athens to compete in the original marathon, and once in Nurermberg, Germany, where he came to visit me at a trade fair where I was presenting my products. Joe Pruce and his wife, Breanna, came to visit Sak in June. Sakaleros said, “It was great seeing them and hearing that Joe is going to be a father pretty soon.” Matt Noreus, his wife, Jen, and their 1-year-old son, Steven, also vacationed in Athens in late July, and they had dinner downtown Athens. Officer Anthony Iliadis also stayed with John for a few days in August as he was vacationing with his family in Greece. If you’re ever headed out towards the Mediterranean drop John a line – he loves hearing from you guys. Conor Heely and his family will be moving to San Diego in August 2012. Conor will be a “shooter” on the Aircraft Carrier, U.S.S. Ronald Reagan up in Bremerton, WA. The ship will homeport shift in February to San Diego. Conor requests any BRs passing through sunny San Diego, please give him a call! As for your class agents, not much news to report. Will Ray is still in Chapel Hill, NC, where he “eagerly” awaits the fourth year of medical school for his wife, Emily, and all the traveling and interviews the residency application process entails. Of some consolation to Will is the thought that he is one year closer to starting his professional/amateur golf career. As for myself, I endured another busy summer with work but did receive good news that I will be teaching English full-time at Midlothian High School for the 2012-13 academic year. Outside of that, I have had limited travels this summer, but I did have the opportunity of being in Sean Moore’s wedding to Miss Danielle Harrison at Historic Jordan Springs, VA. Joining in the festivities were fellow groomsmen, Andrew Troy, Chris Johnson and Jason Downs. Chris Perry served as the officiant of the wedding. Other Keydet greats also in attendance were Josh Sullivan and his wife, Anna; Brad Miller and his fiancée, Joy Giglio; Rob Oaks; Greg Van Pelt; Ron Sebeck ’02; and Darian Lafferty ’02. With such a collection of handsome, fighting men, the wedding was a smashing success and everyone had a great a time free from anyone trying to do things in an unlawful manner. Rather than provide updates on everyone in attendance, I’ll spare you the many details and refer you to the third edition of the Alumni Review. As for the newlyweds, they enjoyed a honeymoon camping out on the Shenandoah River near Luray, VA. Following the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Moore may be found at

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their residence near Martinsburg, WV. That just about does it for the updates, but seeing as I get five pages worth of space in this old magazine, I’m going to give you guys your money’s worth. As I went through my flash drive, I dug up this old piece of scribbling I once submitted for publication in The Cadet. Hope you enjoy it or, at the very least, that your significant other starts to understand why you’re so messed up: “Commenting on the continuing banging of the radiators one night that sounded as if an artillery

Class of 2005

exchange were occurring in the room, my Brother Rat proclaimed, ‘I really wonder if we’re just part of some big psychological experiment?’ Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but one thing is for sure, Barracks defines life at VMI for every cadet who has walked through Jackson Arch and donned the Cadet grey. “When you first drive on to Post, Barracks rises into the sky serving as the centerpiece of Post. It appears many things to many people. To the everyday visitors, it is a beautiful work of

Photo 1: Twin boys, Garret and Peyton, were born to Jenn and Matt Dowler on May 24, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. Photo 2: The VMI Alumni contingent at Sean and Danielle Moore’s wedding on June 23, 2012, at Historic Jordan S p r i n g s , Vi rg i n i a , were. from left: Josh Sullivan, Robert Oaks, Greg VanPelt, Brad Miller, Ron Sebeck ’02, Chris Johnson, Sean Moore, Danielle Moore, Levi Johnson, Darian Lafferty ’02, Tim Johnson, Jason Downs, Andrew Troy and Chris Perry. Photo 3: The bride and groom, Miss Danielle Harrison and Sean Moore, on June 23,2012, at Historic Jordan Springs, Virginia. Photo 4: On June 22, 2012, several Keydets celebrated together at Will Paulette’s bachelor party. The party was held in Boston at Fenway Park, atop the “Green Monster.” From left: Bill Kastelberg ’04, Bill Paulette ’69, Will Paulette, Tom Innes, Henry Lynch, Jeff Smith and Jimmer Kingsley.

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CLASS NOTES transforming me into something great. the code. It is the reason the alumni look back architecture that captures the very essence of a “Another year had past, and I found myself still on this place with fondness and cadets return Spartan military setting. To the Alumnus, Barsick and fearful of returning, but appreciative of to make that dreadful drive towards Barracks. racks strikes a strange mixing of emotions as he VMI. I walked into my room, put my things down It is the honor of the Corps that has created a reminisces of the highs and lows of life as a cadet and took a moment to just sit and take things in. Brother Rat spirit so strong that every cadet past – the endless inspections, the camaraderie, the For some strange reason unbeknownst to me, a and present feels connected to one another. It is challenge and the Brother Rat spirit. To the Cadet, part of me had missed this little circle of Hell. The the reason I return to these walls of grey year feelings of illness and dread swell up as the car year heightened my appreciation for this place, her after year. inches closer to Jackson Arch and the impending traditions, her ideals, her goals. I grew closer to “A psychological experiment? Maybe, but ‘doom’ that is coming. my Brother Rats and had the greatest time of my Barracks life defines VMI. It serves as an “When I think of Barracks, two quotes come to life at Ring Figure. With great pride and gratitude, environment that allows the many different mind from one of my favorite movies – ‘Shawideals and traditions of this great Institute to be shank Redemption:’ ‘The first night’s the toughest, I along with the finest collection of young men and women I have ever had the privilege of asembedded in the Corps and to last for generano doubt about it. They march you in naked as sociating myself with put that VMI ring on my tions. In the same breath, I will bless and curse the day you were born … they put you in that cell finger. It was a watershed moment in my life as this cold castle of stone because it is unforgiv... and those bars slam home … that’s when you a cadet in which I experienced firsthand what ing and harsh, it is changing me, but soon this know it’s for real. A whole life blown away in the VMI truly was about – Honor that manifests itself will pass and I will emerge from Jackson Arch blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the through the Brother Rat spirit. a better man than I was when I came.” world to think about it.’ “As I am writing, I look out my window into the ‘These walls are kind of funny. First you hate Until next time … courtyard. I see these walls of grey – they are not ’em, then you get used to ’em. Enough time In the Bonds, beautiful, but cold and unforgiving. They reflect passes, gets so you depend on them.’ Tim Johnson harshness and simplicity. But, from within these “I hope I am not misleading you by calling VMI walls permeates a history of greatness. Many great a prison, but I think the quotes in some weird way Clark Dudley men lived in these Barracks. They have walked remind me of my own experiences at VMI – my the line, they have worn the grey, they have life in these Barracks. I think back to my first marched the lonely Post on the darkest of nights, night here, fresh off ‘Meet Your Cadre’ night. but more importantly, they have upheld the Honor They lined our company up, ran us through the of the Corps. Honor at VMI drives this place – it shower and then sent us to bed. I remember just is what continues to produce the greatest alumni lying there for what seemed like an eternity thinkin the world. Honor is the foundation upon which ing. Why am I here? What did I get myself into? This session of notes is being compiled durall things are built here – the class system, the Can I do this? Do I want to do this? Who are these ing this very hot East Coast summer. Summers regimental system, the academic system. The code away from VMI were always a very welcomed people sleeping around me? I don’t even know of the Corps while simple demands absolute comtheir names; will we get along? The world I found sight for all of us. It gave us all a chance to repliance. It too is unforgiving yet just; harsh yet myself in and the world I had come from were lax, earn jump wings, improve the GPA during simple. Each cadet knows what is expected of him a laid back summer school (all three years for polar opposites – it was at that point I realized my and the ones that survive embrace it from the molife will never be the same. me), hang with family, party with friends, make ment they sign the Matriculation book. The Honor “During the Ratline, a mass of cocky, arrogant, some money and just get away from Lexington Code creates an environment in which a bond of selfish teenagers quickly grew close, setting aside for a little bit. As I write this set of notes it’s on trust that is necessary for the Brother Rat Spirit to personal differences and desires for the good of the eve of when Cadre, Rat Challenge and the survive is created. In the words of Col. Hameach other. We didn’t know who did what in high Rats bring back life to Barracks. There are a mond ’57, ‘It is a society of virtue.’ The oldest school, how rich they were, how they dressed, or lot of emotions that we have all felt with going who they knew – the only thing we knew was that alumni to the youngest Rat feel that Brother Rat back to VMI in August and most of which rewe were here and we were in this together and we volve around, “man I wish I had a couple more spirit, that bond, because they know and uphold were going to finish this together. weeks of summer.” “Third class year came around and A constant theme of the notes with much dread and sickness, I made thus far has been weddings, births, that long drive along Letcher to Bardeployments and a lot of fun when racks. I remember walking through Brother Rats get together. So keepWashington Arch with my belongings ing with that theme here we go … wishing I were back in Richmond, Colleen Barton (formerly Logan) smoking a cigar and enjoying a drink got married on May 14th in Bermuda with my brother on a nice summer and received acceptance into Drexel evening. I struggled constantly third University’s Women’s Health Nurse class year to find a reason for being Practitioner’s program. She will be here. I poured over it. I struggled starting this fall and we wish her the with it. My trials that year consumed best in Philadelphia with the new me to the point that I had a draft of a husband. I heard from Todd Baldwin resignation letter prepared. I looked at and he will be married by the time these grey walls and I hated it. In my this Review hits your mail. We look Class of 2006: The former Colleen Logan married Eric immaturity and weakness, I loathed forward to seeing pictures of the big Barton on May 14, 2012. this Institute that, unknown to me, was day and hearing all the Keydets who

’06

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CLASS NOTES attended. Furthermore, Tom Bradford ran into Todd, as he recently moved to Little Rock, AK. Tom is still a NAV of C-130s and is looking for other BRs to hang out in Little Rock; so, if you are in the area hit him up on Facebook. Steven Parsons and Kurt Ivins linked up at Kurt’s wedding reception in Augusta, GA, back on March

Class of 2006: Wilson Nance’s son, 8-month-old Jaxon Thomas Nance, was born in spring 2012.

I got an e-mail from John Diehl letting me know that he and Ben Chovanec just graduated from SFQC and are officially Green Berets. He stated that they had some “good times.” Not sure exactly what that means but congratulations and well done boys. Speaking of good times, I heard from Andrew Walton and he is stationed in Fort Campbell now and is living in the Nashville area. He wanted me to let everyone know that they should come and visit but its BYOB and he will provide the fun. I have an odd feeling that he is hanging out around Vanderbilt a little too much. Chris Brandriff reached out to me and said he is grinding it out in New York. Clark Moncure informed me that he is currently deployed and that Chris Stone and Gabi Canceran are deployed with him as well. Clark is getting married in October and we look forward to hearing about the big day. Jimmy Angerman is currently living in Naples and got a nice visit from Chris Gathmann and his wife, Lindsay, back in March. Jimmy’s wife, Jessica, and him have been staying busy traveling all over Europe. They have been to Tuscany, and he is taking a class in Germany. While they are there, they plan on visiting France, Belgium and the Netherlands. If you are heading to Italy please hit him up for a visit. Darren Wellner is doing well back stateside working for Clark Builders Group

doing construction management, and Michael Floyd is still down at VMI with ROTC and he is hearing all the good bits at the Institute that we miss so much. David Bhatta forwarded me a link of a great story of how Wilson Nance was on official business in Kandahar and was able to briefly run into his mother, Maj. Elizabeth Nance. She is a dental officer and is currently assigned to the ROLE 3 at Kandahar Airfield. They were only able to see each other for a short time, but I’m sure it was a welcomed sight. For further reading please see page 5 of this Review and also reference: http:// vaguard.dodlive.mil/2012/07/30/1779/. Thanks everyone for the notes, pictures, e-mails and Facebook messages. Keep them coming. Cheers, and Rah VA Mil!

’07

Sally Bushore

Brother Rats, 24th. Congrats Kurt. Chris Pettit reached out to I hope this issue finds everyone well. Things me and let me know that he got married in June have been hectic on my end this summer as your and is currently an analyst for the State DepartReunion Committee has been working hard to ment’s Diplomatic Security Service. try and ensure a wonderful reunion Congrats to Chris, as well. I was experience for all of us this coming also married this May 26th to Kate October. By the time you start receivWalter Dudley. Alumni in attendance ing this copy of the notes, however, were as follows; Adam Rosenbaum, our reunion weekend will most likely Kyle Rosch, Tyler Monger, Dan be a thing of the past, and I hope that Wilmoth, Mike Carney, Seth Enwe all have fond memories of a great terline, Jon Kelton, Mike Werner, time spent catching up with BRs we Mark Searles and Reid Dudley ’71. haven’t seen in a long while. It was a lot of fun and a hot one. Also on my end, in July I gave birth to my daughter, Brooklynn I received an exciting e-mail from Marie Bushore, who was born July happy new dad Joey Zyra. He and 19, 2012. My husband and I have his wife, Susan, had their first child, already started arguing about whether Virginia Brooke Zyra on June 7, 2012. she’s going to be a VMI cadet or if I also got a Facebook note back on May she’ll take the easy way out and go 17th that Will Davis was in the hospital to the academy, but I think that if she waiting for their first child to be born. has any sense whatsoever, then the Annalee McKenzie Davis was born decision will be simple. 7 lbs., 5.8 oz., 20 inches. Congrats to Russ Henriet and his wife, Stephathe new parents. Wilson Nance also nie, also welcomed a new baby this reached out to me with a picture of year! Russ writes that he and his wife his 8-month-old son, Jaxon Thomas had a new baby girl, Charlotte Erika Nance. Wilson’s son and wife are back Henriet, on July 2, 2012, at 2:58 p.m. home while he is with the Marine ExShe was 6 lbs. 5 oz., 18 inches long peditionary Force Chief of Staff, and and was born in Tacoma, WA. Russ he is looking forward to getting back says that he got to deliver his daughto them soon. While over there, Gunny ter and so far she is doing great! Driver the assistant Marine officer Mira Veis is adding to her family, instructor from 2009-11 organized a as well. She gave birth to a new get-together with the XO and Wilson, daughter, Aralyn, and says that her Gunny, Col. Tim Fitzgerald ’83 and Class of 2007: Josh and Heather Prible at their wedding 2-year-old son, Aiden, loves her to various other years of alumni were in in Santorini, Greece. death. She has lived in Falls Church, attendance.

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CLASS NOTES from around the world. As the truck is still being built, Whitney was unable to provide a photo, but is very excited about it. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Stay safe and God bless.

’08

Robert Hill

I want to apologize for the timing of the e-mail I sent out for this round of notes. I dropped the ball and only remembered thanks to our BR Christoph Lohr. Speaking of Christoph, a round of applause is due for completing his PE exam. He passed back in April and is anxiously awaiting his registration and stamp. Christoph and wife Katherine live in Phoenix, AZ, these days. Over the summer, his roommate from VMI, Dan McKeegan, spent some time with Christoph and Katherine at their home, and they took in a Diamondbacks game Class of 2007: Mira Veis and Paul Marseilles with their children, Aralyn and Aiden. with Tom Hamlin ’11. At the time, Tom and Dan were stationed at Fort Huachuca in southeast also stationed at Norfolk at the Fleet Meteorology Arizona. Christoph has also become active with VA, for three years now and works for Booz Allen Center there and the two of them just welcomed the Arizona Chapter of the VMIAA, becoming Hamilton. She writes that she is looking forward a new daughter, Isabella Elena Caballero, on July good friends with Matt Wilson ’89 roommate to the reunion and can’t wait to bring her children 3rd. Also according to Dustin, Rob Russman of Lt. Col. Fridley ’89. On New Market Day, to some VMI games and tailgates. moved to Maryland and works for the Department Christoph, Katherine and Matt, along with Skip Tying the knot this year was Josh Prible who of State as a civil engineer. He has already travAnders ’68 and Bob Clingenpeel ’69, members wed Heather Schwarz on June 22, 2012, in eled to Germany and other neat places to head up of the Arizona Chapter climbed Phoenix MounSantorini, Greece. Josh’s brothers Will Prible ’01 Department of State building and rehab projects tain Preserve to symbolize the cadets charged and Jon Prible ’05 were in attendance, as well as worldwide. and at the summit. In true VMI tradition, they his new father-in-law Eric Schwarz ’79. Their Last but not least, Whitney Matthews lives in held a small roll call for the cadets killed. Thanks wedding sounds quite beautiful and Josh says they for the update, Christoph, and best of luck with had the ceremony at sunset on a cliff overlooking San Antonio, TX. She has recently become a your recruiting efforts out west. a volcano. Currently the newlyweds live in Fredbusiness owner! She bought a food truck, the AJ Fortier checked in from Whidbey Island, ericksburg, VA. Heather is teaching special educaSpiceSea Gourmet, which will debut in early WA, where he is stationed with the Navy. As I tion at Stafford High School and Josh is working September and will feature seafood and dishes reported in the last notes, AJ married for a network engineering company wife Rachel on March 10th with in Springfield. Josh also says that he Seth Berkowitz, Chris DarConte, ran into Justin Trowbridge in the Adam Barr, Ryan Corcoran and San Diego airport recently. Dustin Schultz took the time to Ted Davis in attendance. Matt send me a note when he was in Payne said hello from Afghanistan. port one day. He writes that he and When he returns from his deployhis wife had their second daughment, he plans on leaving the Army ter, Taylor Elizabeth Schultz, on and moving back to Virginia. Chris Sept. 10, 2011. Dustin is currently Malta and wife Christina have deployed in support of Southern moved from San Diego to ArlingSeas 2012 from April until October ton, VA. Chris is now working at of this year. The U.S.S. Underwood Military Sealift Command at the will be decommissioned in March Navy Yard in D.C. 2013 and after that Dustin will Artur Taryan is working at the head to Monterey, CA, to the Naval U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan helping Postgraduate School to study for a coordinate training for Tajikistan master’s in operations analysis. He soldiers through the Virginia Class of 2008: Katherine and Christoph Lohr, Tom says that Manuel Caballero is now National Guard State Partnership Hamlin ’11, and Dan McKeegan at a Diamondbacks stationed at Norfolk as an operational Program. (See photo on page 7.) game, summer 2012. test director. Manuel’s wife, Erica, is Jake Jackson is living in Texas with

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CLASS NOTES wife Kristina. Jake and Kristina married on May 6, 2011. Jake moved to Texas after returning from Iraq in 2010 and has started a new life with his wife. Jake and Kristina are active at Fellowship Church. By the time you read this, Jake will be deployed in Afghanistan, as he was leaving in August with the Texas Guard. Jake is quick to remind his fellow soldiers that he comes from a better corps then those Aggies at Texas A&M. Erin Cipperly is back at Fort Campbell after a deployment in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, with the 561st MP Company. Since returning, Erin has visited with Nohelia Martin in Lexington as she works with the VMI Civil Engineering Department. She’s also visited with Erin Squires and Heidi Beemer ’11, who are both stationed at Fort Campbell, as well. Erin reports that Brittany Ray just graduated from the MP Captains Career Course and will be deploying in the near future as well. Pat Clark was selected to be a Weapon Systems Officer on either the F/A-1F Super Hornet or the EA-18G Growler. Congrats to Pat on the selection! Pat is training with Paul Bowman ’10, at VT-86. Adam Barr has been selected by the Air Force to cross-train from Maintenance to Intel. Adam and family have moved from Hill AFB in Utah to Goodfellow AFB in Texas. They’ll be in Texas through next March. The move has allowed Adam to reconnect with his Rat, Chase Bailey ’11 who is stationed at Goodfellow AFB, as well. Ty Anthony is now stationed on the East Coast out of Quantico with the USMC. Ty will be there for three years and hopes to start working on a master’s program in the fall. Over the past few months, Ty trekked over the northern US,

camping in the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and stopped at numerous landmarks such as Mt. Rushmore. In addition, Ty made a trip to the country of Peru and volunteered in a rain forest animal shelter. Ty commented that he had the time of his life feeding monkeys, building animal cages and fishing in the Amazon River. To finish up leave, Ty stopped in the Keys to see Dustin McCabe, who as always, is living the dream. Look for Ty at VMI this fall! As for me, I’m enjoying married life with wife Lauren. Since returning from our honeymoon, we had dinner with Matt Harrison. He was staying in Harrisburg for a meeting the next morning and we visited a local water hole to watch the Penguins pile quite a few goals on the Flyers and catch up. I also visited Lexington to see my dyke, Preston McFaddin ’05, and his family as we celebrated his son, Preston’s, first birthday. We’ve also spent some time with some incoming Rats, as well as leadership members of the class of 2013. I’m happy to report that the Reg. CO is Sean Noll ’13, from Pennsylvania, as well as the S1 Capt. Nate Black ’13 and an Honor Court prosecutor, Harry (Kip) Zechman ’13. He is also team captain for the soccer team. A special thank you to Kip’s parents, Harry and Kathleen, for hosting a small gathering for local alumni, local cadets and incoming Rats over the summer. As I mentioned in the last Review, I’ll need help planning the reunion for 2013. I’ve only heard from one individual; please contact me directly if interested. Also, as many of you know class notes are submitted on Feb. 15, May,

August and November. However, there is now a slight change. The November notes are due November 1. Please keep that in mind, as that effects the next round of notes. Rah Virginia Mil!

’09

Ian Williams

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

’10

Matthew Allen

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

Class of 2008 Ty Anthony volunteered in Peru to help a rainforest animal shelter. Photos clockwise from top, right: -Anthony with a monkey after a tumor was removed from the monkey. -A view of Lima, Peru, that Anthony photographed. -Anthony’s fishing spot, along the Amazon River.

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CLASS NOTES

’11

Allen McCown

As these words print, our Rats’ rings are being finalized and prepared for shipment to VMI, for our Rats Ring Figure. It gives me pause to think these gold rings have adorned our fingers now for three years. For the third and final time, “2011” will circle the bezel of a VMI ring. One of the hardest parts of my job is taking bad news, it’s hard to put into words the feeling in my stomach when I received a note from Hunter Davis ’80 stating our Hunter Davis ’11, was holding on for life in Austin, Texas after being involved in a skydiving accident. Hunters family is with him and he has now been stabilized. During his jump, his main chute failed to open and his reserve became entangled around his leg resulting in a free fall. His family has asked the class to keep him in your thoughts and prayers, and to donate blood. Hunter has needed multiple blood transfusions and with the already lacking blood supply, every donation helps our nations soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen. Please stay updated on the class Facebook page for news about Hunter. I hope it was a good summer for everyone, I would like to start off with a congratulations to Lizanne Carlos who finished her masters at Carnegie Melon in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in water quality. The program is normally two years, but Lizanne decided that was too long and finished it a year early. Jake Hentges was in attendance at the graduation ceremony, Jake is currently in flight training in Pensacola. I ended up heading to Lexington on July 4th with Tom Louderback. It was great to be back and we enjoyed the alumni function at Moody. I got lucky enough to run into Bryan McDonald who came up for the evening with his fiancé, Mary Prinzinger. Alex Crow just returned from being underway for a number of months in the Pacific. After Alex returned, he was able to climb Mt. Fuji and enjoy some other site seeing in Japan. Glad you’re enjoying being abroad, Alex! Another Navy guy, James Clayton, dropped me an e-mail last week and reported he’d been doing well and enjoying his ship, the U.S.S. RUSHMORE out of San Diego. James is the head of a division of Fire Controlman as well as in charge of five major weapons on the ship. RUSHMORE recently demonstrated the use of a FWD RAM launcher, firing a 600 lb. missle over MACH 2 to intercept an air projectile. James said he and his shipmates are some of a handful to have witnessed such a demonstra-

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tion. Soon James heads out for a deployment, taking 450 combat Marines to the Middle East. In addition to his role as FCO, James continues to work towards his SWO qualification. Vinnie Do is at Fort Riley with E FSC, 299th BSB, 2nd HBCT, 1st Infantry Division as the Maintenance Platoon leader. Vinnie said the army is keeping him busy and he’s glad that the weather has finally started to cool off. Vinnie is attached to Charlie Gerkin’s unit and has got to see him quite a bit. During the long hot month of July, Vinnie said he was “grateful if it only got to 99.” Try to stay cool Vinnie! Brian Skiff just made the move out to Kansas as well. Brian is in the same battalion as Chris Newcomb, Vinnies sister battalion. Based on Facebook and his offer to chip in for a visitors plane ticket, Brian is missing the East quite a bit. I encourage anyone driving across the country to stop in to Kansas and catch up. Matt Lowe had some great news to share this issue, he is now married to the former Kylie Turner ’12. In addition to the Air Force and family representation, Keydets made an appearance as well. Matt declared the next time they’re all together, Kara Noble, Jon Stumpf, and Matt Jones all owe him a round. Matt’s dyke Jeremiah Sexton ’08 was also able to make the ceremony. Matt has been in the same squadron as Hunter Davis since they left the “I.” The two ran into Carter Kunz ’10 while in Clovis, NM where they are all stationed. Matts wife Kylie is plugging away at the New Mexico State Police Academy. This past summer, Andrew Tunnell decided he wanted a change, so he went to Alaska. Andrew is working for a wilderness Hunting and Fishing outfitter. He’s enjoyed Alaska and seeing a very unique part of our beautiful country. In the middle of October Andrew will be back and continue his pursuit to become a Virginia State Police officer. He is also working on his rescue level SCUBA certification. Chris Moser has been busy in Korea, he recently qualified as one of the two best medics in the 65th Medical Brigade. He will head to San Antonio in October to compete with his teammate, Sgt. Hernandez at Fort Sam Houston. Good luck, Chris! He also informed me that his roommate, Leo Walker, had just deployed to Afghanistan, very soon after receiving his Ranger tab. Stay safe Leo. Will Truscott was kind enough to update me on how some of our Marine BRs are doing. Eleven from our class graduated The Basic School in May. Will now heads to Camp Lejeune, NC; he is currently waiting to head to Camp Pendleton, CA for Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Officers Course. Another Marine, Cash Register dropped me a note and let me know he was in Marine

Corps Engineer School (MCES) at Camp Lejeune. After he graduates, Cash will be headed to Okinawa, Japan with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Shane Wilkinson is currently in California studying Levantine, at the Defense Language Institute for the Marine Corps. He informed me that Levantine is a mixture of Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Palestinian Arabic. Shane is definitely enjoying California, he reported that he can see the beach from his window and whenever the waves are good he’s out there surfing. He’ll be in school for 64 weeks until he is a linguist. Although he was too humble to bring it up himself, I got out of Shane that he was the honor graduate from his recruit class as well as his Marine Combat Training (MCT) class. Curt Herron dropped me a line recently and informed me he had been in attendance for some of our Rats graduation from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Curt continued that his Rat, Colin Curt, spent the summer working as the climbing director at a Boy Scout camp in the tidewater area. In November Curt heads to Parris Island. He plans to spend the rest of the summer traveling. Stephen Rhodes sent me an update from Texas. He is currently stationed at Ft. Dyess AFB. Since getting stationed he has run into a few VMI Alum. He works daily with Barry Mines ’84 and frequently sees Capt. Nick Saccone ’06. Nick is the officer in-charge for the Red Horse troop training project (TTP) preengineered building (PEB) at Dyess. Cash Register dropped me a note and let me know he was in Marine Corps Engineer School (MCES) at Camp Lejeune. After he graduates, Cash will be headed to Okinawa, Japan with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Chris Conte sent me a quick e-mail from Afghanistan and let me know he was doing alright. Chris also said that Jack Folger is deployed to a much smaller FOB nearby, and through a conicindence, Chris is Jack’s supply officer. Chris said he’s doing his best to keep Jack and his troops supplied with all of what they need. Chris and Jack, keep each other safe and come home soon. In the past week, two of our BRs have graduated from basic training. Kelson Hurley recently finished Army Basic and heads to Airborne school very soon. After Airborne Kelson heads to Bragg for more training. Chelsea Nugent recently finished Navy Basic and is now stationed in Charleston, SC. Chelsea is loving the Navy and Charleston. I recently caught up with Laura Resetar, Laura is living in New York City and loving it. She is working as a financial writer for a company called Mergermarket. In NYC,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES she’d run into some fellow alumni. Justin Topping was in NYC for an internship this past summer but has since returned to school in VA. Laura also said David Staab ’09 and Nate Salatin ’09 are in the city as well. If I missed anything for this Review, it’s never too late to let me know. Stay in touch, Rah VA Mil!

’12

Bruce Howard

BRs, It’s hard to believe that three months ago we experienced one of the greatest moments of our lives. Although graduation marked the end of our time as members of the Corps our legacy as VMI alumni has just begun. Now that we’ve left the Institute, many of our lives have already changed. There have been several marriages recently. Congratulations to Matt Dickinson and his new wife, Tivoli Lark Lanham. The two were wed on June 22nd at Disneyworld. Also, Bradley Chamberlain and his new wife, Kandi Vaughn, were wed on June 24th and are now living in Petersburg, VA. Joseph Fleshman married Megan Conrad on May 17th in Washington, D.C. (thanks for the pics). Congratulations to all of you, and I wish you the best. I know there were more members

of our class that were married this summer, but unfortunately, these were the only ones who sent me information. If you had your wedding this summer or are getting married in the near future, please let me know before the next edition, so I can keep track. Two of our own will be running in the Marine Corps Marathon this year in honor of Andrew Reavis. Ben Denton and Mark Schumacher will be running the race in memory of Andrew and are working to raise the $1,000 for a donation in his name. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Ben at dentonbd@gmail. com. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Most of you have probably heard about the new start-up BlueBaggs. Created by our very own Chase Worthington and James Goodwillie, BlueBaggs “simplifies, organizes and socializes your online shopping.” It’s a new way to do your online shopping by connecting with friends via social media. Let your friends know what you’re buying, ask for recommendations and see what other people think. If you see either Chase or James, congratulate them on turning their idea into a real business. Check them out at http://www.bluebaggs.com. Good luck, guys! Now that we’re done with school, the next step for most of us is the military or facing the job market. Congrats to all those who finished their training this summer and just recently accepted a commission. A few of our BRs in this category include Spencer Wackelin, Ben

Denton, Alex Stalnaker, and T.J. Talley. Kippur Taylor, who has been working at TroopSwap, which is a start-up that promotes discount opportunities for military personnel, was recently joined by a new co-worker, Karter Rivera. Good luck to both of you in D.C. Also, shout out to Stewart Wilkinson and Andrew Deal for their new positions working for VMI. Both are doing a great job representing our class and helping ensure the future at VMI is a good one. Congrats. Thanks again to all those who sent information to be included in the class notes. Please keep me up to date on everything that goes on. This way, I will have more material to include in the next edition, and everyone in our class will know who’s doing what. Remember our VMI e-mail accounts are permanent, so continue to use them. If you’re having any problems, let me know as soon as possible. Congrats to everyone for making it through graduation. We are officially VMI alumni. Also, good luck to all our BRs finishing up either this fall or next spring.

’13

Charles P. Jones

Editor’s Note: Welcome, class of 2013! If you have any news updates, please send them to your class agent, shown above.

MARRIAGES

BIRTHS BALTIMORE – A son, Cyrus Behbin, to Mana Behbin and Richard E. Baltimore Jr. ’00 on June 5, 2012.

ZYRA – A daughter, Virginia Brooke, to Susan and Joseph K. Zyra Jr. ’06 on June 7, 2012.

O’SULLIVAN – A son, Conel Francis, to Krysta and Donald M. O’Sullivan ’00 on Feb. 24, 2012.

COFFMAN – A daughter, Brooklynn Marie, to Sally Coffman Bushore ’07 and Adam Bushore on July 19, 2012.

ADAMS – A son, Isaac Adams, to Bree Adams Guiterman ’04 and Justin Guiterman on July 30, 2012.

CABALLERO – A daughter, Isabella Elena, to Erica and Manuel R. Caballero III ’07 on July 3, 2012.

DOWLER – Twin sons, Garrett and Peyton, to Jen and Matthew P. Dowler ’05 on May 24, 2012.

HENRIET – A daughter, Charlotte Erika, to Stephanie and Russ P. Henriet ’07 on July 2, 2012.

MOORE – Danielle Harrison to Sean T. Moore ’05 on June 23, 2012. PRIBLE – Heather Schwarz to Joshua T. Prible ’07 on June 22, 2012.

DEGREES William J. Eger Jr. ’95 Military History Norwich University Northfield, VT December 2011

M.A.

DAVIS – A daughter, Annalee McKenzie, to Ashley and M. William Davis Jr. ’06 on May 17, 2012.

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PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2016 Michael John Dunn

Godfather

Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 John R. Wilson ’53

Father Grandfather

Timothy M. Chester Sr. ’87 Benjamin A. Parks ’69 Richard L. Burton ’68 Peter H. Mangerian ’85 James A. Maxey ’03 Mark D. Grigsby ’02 George F. Seiferth III ’82 William O. Seiferth ’87 Henry J. Siebert ’42

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

Nicholas James Alexander Holly Freeman Joy E. Johnson Vincent Thomas Munno

William E. Calfee ’68 Robert C. Calfee ’931 Donald P. Dreelin ’59 Craig Freeman ’94 Kavanaugh Y. Thrift Jr. ’76 Douglas B. Thrift ’36 John P. Thrift ’40 John P. Thrift Jr. ’68 Kavanaugh Y. Thrift Sr. ’45 Charles W. Walker ’70

Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Uncle Uncle Cousin Grandfather Cousin

2027

2018 Caroline H. Chester Alexander Christian Conway Alexander P. Mangerian Taylor Aaron Patterson Anna F. Seiferth Walter B. Taylor III

Patrick Alexander Dreelin II Emily Freeman Richard Kavanaugh Thrift

John M. Byram ’95 Michael K. Murphy ’64

Father Grandfather

L. Jan Abernathy ’67

Grandfather

2021 Ashley L. Abernathy

2022 Elizabeth C. Chester Adam Weldon Dreelin Hugh Edwin Augustus Edwards Emma Faust Christian Mangerian Nicholas Mangerian Andrew Redden Mottley

Timothy M. Chester Sr. ’87 Donald P. Dreelin ’59 Robert E. Edwards ’91 Kevin Faust ’96 Peter H. Mangerian ’85 Peter H. Mangerian ’85 Arthelius A. Phaup Jr. ’63

Father Grandfather Father Father Father Father Grandfather

L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Michael W. Martin ’91 Robert V. Mizelle Jr. ’92 John R. Munno ’84 Joseph I. Munno ’12 Michael A. Munno ’91 Robert A. Munno ’81 Thomas S. Munno ’88 John T. Cunningham III ’58

Grandfather Father Father Uncle Cousin Uncle Uncle Father Grandfather

2023 Stephen A. Abernathy Tyler Michael Martin Robert Vance Mizelle III Samuel Louis Munno

Charles McGrath Shapiro

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Ryan David Cochran Charles L. Downs III John Robert Edwards John Ian Evans Cody Faust

Steven Nezas ’89 Charles L. Downs Jr. ’94 Robert E. Edwards ’91 Charles H. Story Jr. ’91 Kevin Faust ’96

Godfather Father Father Step-father Father

Christopher M. Peta ’83 Craig Freeman ’94 Oliver R. Johnson Jr. ’97 John R. Munno ’84 Joseph I. Munno ’12 Michael A. Munno ’91 Robert A. Munno ’81 Thomas S. Munno ’88 John T. Cunningham III ’58 Reginald O. Smith ’84

Cousin Father Father Uncle Cousin Uncle Uncle Father Grandfather Father

Edward Scott Shapiro Amanda Grace Smith

Audrey Claire Grimm Carolann Emily Roberts Jordan Thomas Withers

Davis K. Grimm ’86 Joseph B. Roberts Jr. ’62 Brian Withers ’99

Uncle Grandfather Father

M. Bradley Brickhouse ’02 Charles L. Downs Jr. ’94 Donald P. Dreelin ’59 Oliver R. Johnson Jr. ’97

Father Father Grandfather Father

James D. Boggs ’69 Charles S. Faulkner IV ’99 Davin D. Ruohomaki ’89 John T. Cunningham III ’58

Grandfather Father Father Grandfather

Brian D. Ferguson ’01 David K. Grimm ’86 Christopher J. Hatchell ’99 George T. Hughey ’73 Joseph B. Roberts Jr. ’62

Father Uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather

Timothy M. Chester Sr. ’87 George H. Cushman V ’04 Charles S. Faulkner IV ’99 Oliver R. Johnson Jr. ’97

Father Father Father Father

Irwin H. McCumber ’65 Christopher J. Hatchell ’99 George T. Hughey ’73 Charles A. Leggett ’93 Jennings W. McGraw ’99 Thomas A. Smith ’98 Howard L. Smith ’48B

Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Father Father Grandfather

2028 Maury Brandon Edward Brickhouse Arthur Thomas Downs Hannah Grace Dreelin Sara C. Johnson

2029

2020 James Morgan Byram Lena Sarah Herman

RELATIONSHIP

2026

2019 Samuel Robert Bolig

ALUMNUS-CLASS

2025 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73

2017 Mary Katherine Altizer Timothy Gouin

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Robert J. Bacha Hayden E. Faulkner Isabella Donna Ruohomaki Thomas Michael Shapiro

2030 Tyler Reed Ferguson William Brennan Grimm Alexander William Hatchell Dillon Joseph Roberts

2031 Brady M. Chester George H. Cushman VI Charles Stephen Faulkner V Ella R. Johnson

2032 Conner Aaron Burton Nicolas Sawyer Hatchell Caleb James Kekoanui Leggett Emmett Jennings McGraw Thomas Jackson Smith

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2034 (Cont.)

2032 (Cont.) Kegan Lane Wamsley

Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82 Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Grandfather Great-grandfather

James D. Boggs ’69 John C. Coleman II ’05 John C. Coleman ’76 Owen J. Curley ’87 John L. Graef ’98 William G. Mangus III ’98 James D. Gearhart ’71 G. William Gearhart Jr. ’70 Dave Northcraft ’73 Donald C. Seay ’70 Charles A. Brown ’73 Robert S. Sherrard ’44 Joseph X. Bell ’38 William M. Seay ’36 Joseph B. Seay ’932 George C. Seay ’929 Joseph G. Seay ’892

Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Father Father Grandfather Great-uncle Grandfather Grandfather Cousin Cousin Cousin Great-great-uncle Great-grandfather Great-great-uncle Great-greatgrandfather

William C. Alley ’01 Bruce Noel ’69 Vincent Wood ’81 Richard E. Baltimore Jr. ’00 T. Bryan Barton ’68 James E. Bean ’87 M.L. Buchanan Jr. ’68 Scott E. Campbell ’04 Paul Campbell ’78 James J. Berny ’75, M.D. David V. Harbach ’61 William C. Collier ’06 Lee Anthony Cook III ’06 Charles R. Cooper ’66 Matthew R. Cooper ’97 John V. Cooper ’74

Father Great-uncle Great-uncle Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Godfather Father Grandfather Father Great-uncle

2033 Dylan M. Bacha John Carlton Coleman III Ronan Samuel Curley Grant Wilder Graef William Gordon Mangus IV Rosemary Sara Moore Evelyn Nicole Northcraft Joseph Cameron Shomo

2034 Henry W. Alley Cyrus Behbin Baltimore Thomas Whaley Barton Michael James Bean Matas Jonas Buchanan Anya Z. Campbell Mason George Campopiano Samuel David Chahoc Lee Anthony Cook IV Hunter Matthew Cooper

Charles E. Smith ’65 Joseph V. Arthur III ’75 Anthony J. Schmaus ’03 Jessica J. Remick Schmaus ’04 Jonathan W. Fredericks ’07 Greyson Ward Fredericks Ray E. Irvine ’67 Ethan Emitt Gordon Edmund Augustus Guy IV Edmund A. Guy III ’03 Richard C. Guy ’07 Robert C. Hardee Jr. ’99 Calvin Joseph Hardee Shelby Rebekah Harrington Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82 Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51 Conor L. Heely ’05 Finn Louis Heely Robert A. Heely Jr. ’98 Robert A. Heely ’69 Robert W. Klink ’67 Winfield Lake Klink Russell S. Takata ’74 Ian Russell Young Lee Marty R. Stango ’64 Ava Carol McLaughlin Marty R. Stango ’64 Milla Hilda McLaughlin Michael R. Meads ’94 Leia Anna Marion Meads Harry P. Montoro ’02 Hank Philip Montoro Donald M. O’Sullivan Jr. ’00 Conal Francis O’Sullivan Ryan N. Peay ’02 Nora June Peay J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 James H.B. Peay IV ’98 James H.B. Peay Jr. ’929 Dwight C. Rowland ’72 Brandon Scott Rowland Joseph P. Royer Jr. ’58 Avery Grace Royer Mackenzie Aylin Schlussel Neil Schlussel ’67 Kent Schlussel ’70 Jeremy Schlussel ’94 Neil Schlussel ’67 Mason Grant Schlussel Kent Schlussel ’70 Jeremy Schlussel ’94 Duncan Edwawrd Stewart Edward M. Seager ’64 Edmund R. Strickler ’62 Archer Pilson Suttle Andrew M. D. Thom ’05 Wyatt Thom Addison Kristina Wamsley Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82 Jacobs H. Wamsley II ’51 Dalton Tyler Cornwell Braden David Crenshaw William Braddox Daigle

Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Aunt Father Grandfather Father Uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather Father Cousin Cousin Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Father Father Grandfather Uncle Great-grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Grandfather Great-uncle Father Father Grandfather

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 4

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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TAPS TAPS John A. Augustine III ’40 Retired Col. John Anthony Augustine III ’40, USAF, of St. Petersburg, Florida, died on July 25, 2012. He was 93. Augustine matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree from VMI. He is survived by his wife, June Hilton Augustine; children, John A. Augustine IV ’68, Katherine Johnson, Jean H. Augustine and William F. Augustine; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

James H. Cheek Jr. ’40 James Howe Cheek Jr. ’40 of Nashville, Tennessee, died on June 2, 2012. He was 94. Cheek matriculated from Los Angeles, California, and was a Distinguished Graduate of VMI, earning a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He is survived by his son, James H. Cheek III; three grandsons, James H. IV (Lisa), Dr. Daniel W. (Anne Gilliland) and Matthew H. (Jessica); and three great-grandchildren, James H. V, Nancy Baker and Avery Woods. He is also survived by a stepbrother, Maj. Gen. Stephen H. Sewell Jr. ’60, USAR (Ret). Anne Huddleston Cheek preceded her husband in death.

Richard W. Moncure ’40 Richard Wallace Moncure ’40 of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, died on May 10, 2012. He was 93. Moncure matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Watson (Tom) and their children, Chris Watson, Kelly Watson Cunliffe and Morgan Moncure Watson. He was predeceased by his wife, Jellis Kirkpatrick Moncure; father, William A. Moncure ’884, who died on Jan. 12, 1947; grandfather, Thomas J. Moncure ’853, who died on Aug. 28, ’912; uncle, Robinson Moncure ’901, who died on Dec. 27, 1949; and cousin, Thomas M. Moncure ’40, who died on Aug. 4, 1990.

U. Eugene Phillippi ’40 Ulys Eugene Phillippi ’40 of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on May 8, 2012. He was 93. Phillippi matriculated from Rural Retreat, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Phillippi Raatz; nephews, Dan and Bob Phillippi; nieces, Karen Howick and Martha Kennedy; great-nieces, Paige Phillippi Chick and Elizabeth Howick; great-nephews, Travis and Adam Phillippi; two great-great-nieces and one great-great-nephew.

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He was predeceased by his wife, June Carroll Phillippi.

Francis C. Baldwin ’41 Francis Couper Baldwin ’41 of Richmond, Virginia, died on May 27, 2012. He was 93. Baldwin matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his son, Francis B.C. Baldwin Jr. (Linda); daughter, Katherine Baldwin Burnett (Mike); sister, Marjorie Roughton; grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor, Molly Massey and Frances Toone; and great-grandchildren, Jamie and Ethan Massey and Stuart Taylor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Winifred Hayes Baldwin; brothers, John D. Baldwin ’934, who died on Dec. 26, 1984, and Rufus Guy Baldwin Jr. ’934, who died on Sept. 4, 2005; and uncle, William Couper ’904, who died on Feb. 15, 1964.

John H. McClung ’44 John Houston McClung ’44, M.D., of Lexington, Virginia, died on July 8, 2012. He was 88. McClung matriculated from Lexington and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his daughters, Patricia, Susan Culpepper, Nancy, Marney and Barbara Call; son, John (Jay) Houston McClung Jr.; 15 grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Mann McClung.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Furgeson Smith; his two children, Sharon Johnson (Steve) and Steven D. Smith (Amelia); and 10 grandchildren, Jacob Breedlove, Reid Johnson, Paul Johnson, Allison Laws (Kyle), Joseph Smith, Samuel Smith, Luke Smith, Austin Childs (Brittany), Ashley Childs and Anthony Childs; and two great-grandchildren, Story Childs and Madison Laws. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Travis L. Smith.

George J. Tompkins Jr. ’44 George Johnson Tompkins Jr. ’44 of Glasgow, Virginia, died on July 15, 2012. He was 89. Tompkins matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for four months. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Cheek Massie Tompkins; daughter, Sallie T. Thielecke (Tim); son, The Reverend Dr. George J. Tompkins III; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; niece, Elizabeth Weiland; and nephew, John M. Robeson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne Campbell Tompkins.

Webster M. Chandler Jr. ’46

Webster Monroe “Web” Chandler Jr. ’46 of Norfolk, Virginia, died on July 14, 2012. He was 87. Chandler matriculated from Norfolk and was a Distinguished Graduate of VMI, earning a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He was awarded the Jackson-Hope Medal. Chandler also earned a master of science degree in electrical James M. Renton ’44 Chandler Jr. ’46 engineering from MIT. James Menardi Renton ’44 of VanHe is survived by his wife, couver, Washington, died on June Nancy Outland Chandler; daugh25, 2012. He was 90. Renton matriculated from Portland, Oregon, ter, Nancy Deal Chandler (Paul Pomplun); sons, and attended VMI for one year and eight months. Webster Monroe Chandler III (Lisa) and John He is survived by his wife, Nancy Buell Maddox Chandler ’82 (Charlotte); and grandRenton; two sons, James (Candee) and Richard daughters, Whitney Deal Chandler, Brynn Chan(Roxanna); two grandchildren, Wendy Peterson dler Noel (Will), Jane Carter Chandler, Virginia (Alan) and Wes Renton (Dani); three great- Maddox Chandler and Nancy Webb Chandler; and granddaughters; Sierra, Aspen and Stella; and brother-in-law, Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49 (Teancy). He was preceded in death by his brother, sister, Margaret. Richard; sister, Nancy; and son, William Outland He was preceded in death by his son, John. Chandler.

William J. Smith ’44 The Reverend William Joseph Smith ’44 of Columbus, Georgia, died on Dec. 23, 2010. He was 88. Rev. Smith matriculated from Ashland, Kentucky, and attended VMI for one year before transferring to Marshall University for his bachelor of arts degree. He earned a master of divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Guy W. Gilleland ’46 Guy Wynne Gilleland ’46 of Winter Park, Florida, died on May 23, 2012. He was 88. Gilleland matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from MIT and a master of business administration degree from Harvard University.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS He is survived by his wife, Betty Elmore Gilleland; daughters, Gay Erwin (Phil) and Lynn Hawkins (John); son, Stuart Ashburn Gilleland; grandchildren, Jennifer Gray Wills, Alecia Marie Gilleland, Crystal Gay Gilleland, Leana Lynn Gilleland, Timothy Kim Hawkins, Matthew MacLeod Hawkins and Andrew Matheson Hawkins; and two great-grandchildren.

Nasor J. Mansour Jr. ’47 Nasor John Mansour Jr. ’47 of LaGrange, Georgia, died on May 30, 2012. He was 86. Mansour matriculated from LaGrange and attended VMI for one year, two months and 18 days. He earned a bachelor of science degree from West Point in 1948. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn.

Howard J. Simpson ’47 Retired Lt. Col. Howard Johnson Simpson ’47, USA, of Norfolk, Virginia, died on July 13, 2012. He was 86. Simpson matriculated from Norfolk and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Egleston Bonney Simpson; sons, Howard J. Simpson (MaryDolph), Frederick B. Simpson (Blair), John P. Simpson IV (Carina) and Thomas M. Simpson (Angela); grandchildren, William E. Simpson II, Kristen Bonney Simpson, Katherine Rayn Simpson, John Tyler Simpson, Jonathan Page Simpson, Noah Frederick Simpson, Thomas Peyton Simpson and William Coburn Simpson; two nieces; and a nephew.

Richard M. White ’47 Richard Marion White ’47 of Jacksonville, Florida, died on June 28, 2012. He was 86. White matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year and three months. He is survived by his wife, Carol Slaughter White; sons, Richard M. White Jr., John Mackenzie White, Wesley Forrest White, Walter Mitchell White and Wilton Larsen White; daughter, Wendelin White Feinberg; stepsons, Sam Riley and John Knott; brother, Robert A. White ’50B; nephew, Charles S. White ’80; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Anne Mackenzie White, and a brother, Warren T. White Jr. ’41, who died April 6, 2002.

Robert H. Crocker ’49B Robert Herndon Crocker ’49B of Hayesville, North Carolina, died on Jan. 11, 2012. He was 83. Crocker matriculated from Emporia, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years. He is survived by his wife, Judy Weltmer Crocker; daughters, Bridget Fleming (Dave),

2012-Issue 2

Robin Crocker and Krista Crocker; stepdaughter, Janet Childress (Keith); sister, Amerylis Epps (Robert); two grandchildren; one stepgrandson; and one great-stepgrandson.

Vernon W. Patterson Jr. ’49B Vernon Williams Patterson Jr. ’49B of Spartanburg, South Carolina, died on June 29, 2012. He was 87. Patterson matriculated from Charlotte, North Carolina, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Turner Patterson; sons, Vernon W. Patterson III and Perry Turner Patterson ’85, wife Denise and their children, Anna Catherine, Perry Jr. and William; a twin brother, Virgil (Liz); brothers-in-law, John Q. Marshall and Richard Perry Turner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a cousin, Ernest Hunter Smith ’38, who died on Jan. 20, 2000.

Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C Robert Hobson Patterson Jr. ’49C died on July 12, 2012. He was 85. His obituary appears in the front section of this issue.

Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B

and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jane Royal Owen; daughters, Elizabeth S. Falgout (Roy), Lynda Owen and Katheryn O. Fluta (Mark); grandchildren, Michelle Elizabeth Smith and Owen Smith; and sister, Mary Anne O. Cole (Miller).

Dan B. Conoly Jr. ’52 Dan Bartlett Conoly Jr. ’52 of Floresville, Texas, died on June 6, 2012. He was 81. Conoly matriculated from Beeville, Texas, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Texas. He is survived by his wife, Debra Richardson Conoly; his son, Bart Conoly Koontz (Doré); daughter, Shell Koontz Somoza; stepson, Clay C. Conoly ’80; stepdaughters, Bitsy Neuser (Bob), Judy Caddell (Derrick) and Gina Short; stepson, David Hohertz; eight grandchildren; and one great-stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack M. Conoly; son, Patrick Conoly; and grandson, Augustus Cummings Koontz.

John R. Frankeberger ’52 Retired Lt. Col. John Robert Frankeberger ’52, USA, of Seminole, Florida, died on July 24, 2012. He was 83. Frankeberger matriculated from Silver Spring, Maryland, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Robert W. and Stephen A. Frankeberger; daughters, Cheryl F. Neff and Carolyn J. Frankeberger; brother, Joseph A. Frankeberger; and two grandchildren.

Wilson Eliot Driver Shepherd ’50B of Lexington, Virginia, died on May 7, 2012. He was 83. Shepherd matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI and a bachelor of science degree from the University of San Diego. He is survived by his wife, Lola Steele Shepherd; daughters, Sallie and Virginia Shepherd; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, General Lemuel C. Shepherd Fritz Firing ’56 Jr. ’917, who headed the U.S. Marine Shepherd ’50B Fritz Firing ’56 of Summerville, Corps from 1952-55 and who died South Carolina, died on April 2, on Aug. 6, 1990. 2011. He was 77. Firing matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history Richard T. Woodman ’50B Richard Tolford Woodman ’50B of Atlanta, from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen FirGeorgia, died on July 30, 2012. He was 83. Woodman matriculated from Milford, New ing; daughter, Susan Strohm (Steven); sons, Hampshire, and earned a bachelor of arts degree Eric Firing (Jennifer) and Fritz Jr.; grandsons, Bryan, Michael and John Strohm; and sister, in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Julia Rackley Wood- Sonja Purkey. man; daughter, Ann Blair (Glen); son, Charlie Woodman (Kim); and four grandchildren. George P. Cobb ’60 George Pinckney Cobb ’60 of Greenville, South Carolina, died on July 29, 2010. Richard L. Owen ’51 Cobb matriculated from Fairview, PennsylvaRichard Lacy Owen ’51 of Wilson, North Caronia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in lina, died on May 24, 2012. He was 83. Owen matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, chemistry from VMI.

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TAPS He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gardner Cobb; son, George Jr. (Peney); brother, Charlie (Joan); and grandchildren, Benjamin and James Cobb.

Richard B. Bartlett ’62 Richard Barrett Bartlett ’62 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died on May 22, 2012. He was 72. Bartlett matriculated from Portsmouth and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He also held a bachelor of laws degree from Washington and Lee University. He is survived by his wife, Jan Bartlett; children, Richard Jr. (Kim), Margarette B. Garner (Chris), Jenny B. Strain (Chad) and Jaime Bartlett; brother, Charles Albert Bartlett (Betty); eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Clyde M. Glover Jr.’62

He is survived by his wife, Roxane Spitzer; daughters, Ginna O’Connor, Suzy Pukys and Jolin Fleshood; stepsons, Michael McNamara and David McNamara; stepdaughter, Deborah Spitzer; brother, William M. Fleshood ’67; four grandchildren; and six stepgrandchildren.

John H. Kern ’70

Retired Brig. Gen. John Hunter Kern ’70, USA, of Alexandria, Virginia, died on July 3, 2012. He was 64. Kern matriculated from Alexandria and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Melanie Hughes Kern; children, John H. Kern Jr. and Bonnie S. Kern; grandchildren, Hayden and Ty Miller and Madeleine and Jack Kern; his sisters, Anne K. Branson (Ira) and Katharine K. Candido (Robert H. Candido’70); and brothKern ’70 er, William H. Kern ’75 (Elizabeth).

Clyde Merritt Glover Jr. ’62 of Richmond, Virginia, died on May 26, 2012. He was 71. Glover matriculated from Clifton Forge, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Branch Glover; daughters, Michelle Molnar and Diana Phillips; and four grandchildren.

Harold L. Fleshood ’64 Harold Lee Fleshood ’64 of Stuart, Florida, died on July 31, 2012. He was 70. Fleshood matriculated from Colonial Heights, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his master of public administration degree from Tennessee State University and a doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Michael J. Maher ’76 Michael John Maher ’76 of Terryville, Connecticut, died on Jan. 14, 2012. He was 57. Maher matriculated from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Donna Pauliscsak Maher; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Gina Maher; daughter, Eileen Maher; sister, Marie Allen; granddaughter, Hazel Mae Maher; and several nieces and nephews.

Perry R. Laustsen ’82 Perry Robert Laustsen ’82 of East Windsor, New Jersey, died on May 1, 2012. He was 52. Laustsen matriculated from Piscataway, New

Jersey, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics from VMI. He also earned a master’s degree in business education from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. He is survived by his wife, Susan Voelker Laustsen; children, son Brian Thomas, daughter Christa Elizabeth and son Michael; his parents, Paul and Lee; brothers, David and Alan, and their families.

Kenneth A. Walters ’87 Col. Kenneth Allen Walters ’87, USAF, of Cabot, Arkansas, died on May 19, 2012. He was 46. Walters matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned a Walters ’87 bachelor of arts degree in economics from VMI and a master of business administration degree from Webster University. He is survived by his wife, Amy Yelverton Walters; son, Ryan; daughter, Paige; mother, Mary Walters; and brother, Randy Walters. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl.

Christopher J. Hatchell ’99 Christopher Jason Hatchell ’99 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on June 21, 2011. He was 35. He matriculated from Fork Union, Virginia, and attended VMI for a short time. He is survived by his wife, Kristin; sons, Alex and Cole; mother and father, Kerri and Tim Hughey; brothers, David Hughey and Hank and Brett Hatchell; sister, Celeste Hatchell; and grandmother, Margaret DeLoach.

Death in the VMI Family William L. Stewart Former Head Football Coach William L. Stewart, best known as Coach Stew, of Morgantown, West Virginia, died on May 21, 2012. He was 59. In 1994, Stewart was named head football coach at VMI and remained in this role for three seasons. His 1995 team was the highest scoring (24.5 points per game) squad in VMI history. Under his leadership, Keydet running back Thomas Haskins ’97 set a 1-AA rushing record with 5,349 yards.

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Stewart resigned his coaching position on Dec. 12, 1996. He is survived by his wife, Karen Kacor Stewart; son, William Blaine Stewart; brother, Ted Stewart (Debby); father and mother-in-law, Ted and Gretchen Kacor; additional in-laws, Becky and Gerald Kooser, Debbie and Percy Talkington, John and Mindy Kacor, Gretchen and Rob Fauber, and Tom Kacor; and several nieces and nephews.

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

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 President

William A. Paulette ’69

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

President

Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68

Keydet Club, Inc. 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 4

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 douglas@ artillerymarketing.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 racers who can claim repeat wins. Potts attributes his success to his crew, which included his two sons, Allen and Walker, who sailed each race and much of the 40,000-mile circumnavigation. Managing partner at Brewer Yacht Yard Group, Potts graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and also holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Virginia. (Article and photo provided by Cmdr. Chip Barber, USN (Ret).)

Joe Tom Howard ’51 is a radio announcer for WFHA 94.1 FM in Melbourne, Florida. Howard – who, as a cadet, worked for a local radio station in Norton, Virginia, during a summer furlough – was impressed with the programming at WFHA, so he visited the studio and met the station manager. Shortly thereafter, he was offered a job announcing local cultural events and has continued his on-air role for more than three years, recently taking on all local events and news. The station can be received on I-95, for those who happen to be travelling in the vicinity.

A. Rives Potts Jr. ’71 made history in June 2012 by winning his second consecutive Newport (Rhode Island) to Bermuda Yacht Race. This effort culminated a frenetic and successful 12-month offshore racing campaign for Potts and his crew aboard his 48-foot sloop, Carina. Starting from Annapolis, Maryland, in June 2011, Potts raced to Newport – placing 2nd in class – and then transatlantic to Cowes, UK – again placing 2nd in class – followed by the famous Fastnet Race, earning best overall performance by a small boat and 1st in class. From the UK, Potts and crew sailed the Carina through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific to Australia, with just enough time to prepare for the Sydney to Hobart (Tasmania) Race in late December. From Hobart, they sailed the Carina across the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and back to homeport in Westbrook, Connecticut. By winning the June 2012 Bermuda race, which he also won in 2010, Potts and his crew joined less than a handful of superior ocean

2012-Issue 4

Alan I. Tashima ’71 is vice president of account management at NJVC, an information technology solutions provider supporting the federal government and the U.S. Department of Defense. Tashima is responsible for strategy development and oversight of the company’s market accounts. Previously, he served as NJVC’s vice president of intelligence community programs. Before joining NJVC, Tashima was a senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led efforts to support engineering systems at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s acquisition directorate and focused on delivering components of the national geospatial intelligence system. He also led a customer support team at Space Command and was responsible for managing critical production programs supporting Defense Department national mapping and targeting requirements. Tashima matriculated from Honolulu,

A. Rives Potts ’71 with his two sons, Allen and Walker, sailing the Carina in Australia.

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ALUMNI NEWS Hawaii. He graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in biology and also holds a master’s degree in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. Correction: In the previous Alumni Review, 2012-Issue 3, we included an article about James E. Brown III ’76 in the Alumni News section, incorrectly listing his class year as 1978 instead of 1976. Please see page 169 in the last issue for details about the announcement that Brown – Lockheed chief test pilot – recently became the first test pilot to reach 1,000 hours in an F-22 Raptor.

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 Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. McDew matriculated from Hampton and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from VMI. In addition, he holds a master’s degree from Embry-Riddle University.

sents professionals at all levels and in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry. Benvenuto matriculated from Henrietta, New York, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He earned his doctorate degree from the University of Virginia. Editor’s Note: Mark Benvenuto has also published a book recently. See the Book Announcements in this section of the Review.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has awarded a Salute to Excellence to Mark A. Benvenuto ’83, Ph.D., professor and Col. James P. Begley III ’85, DE ARNG, department chair, Department of Chemistry was promoted to brigadier general on Sept. and Biochemistry at the University of Detroit 15, 2012. The Delaware National Guard adMaj. Gen. Darren W. McDew ’82, USAF, Mercy in Detroit, Michigan. jutant general officiated the ceremony, which was promoted to lieutenant genBenvenuto received the Salute was held at the Smyrna Readiness Center in eral in July 2012 by Secretary of in recognition of his service as Smyrna, Delaware. the Air Force Michael Donley. general chairman of the ACS Begley is the commander of the 261st TheIn his new position, McDew is Central Regional Meeting in ater Tactical Signal Brigade in the Delaware heading the 18th Air Force, Air 2012. Only two such awards can National Guard. Mobility Command at Scott Air be presented by an ACS section He matriculated from Wilmington, DelaForce Base, Illinois. As 18th Air per year. Each section consists ware, graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s Force commander, he leads Air of 1,300 members, and it was the degree in history. He also earned a master’s Mobility Command’s sole warfACS Detroit section that initiated degree from American Intercontinental Uniighting numbered air force and this acknowledgement. versity. (See photo of Begley below.) is responsible for the command’s The ACS is a congressionally worldwide operational mission, chartered, independent memberCharles J. Steenburgh Jr. ’86 has been McDew ’82 according to Air Force District of ship organization which repre- promoted to vice president of communications Washington (AFDW). With more than 39,000 active-duty airmen, reservists and civilians and approximately 1,300 airlift and air refueling aircraft, the 18th Air Force manages an organization that focuses the air mobility warfighting capability through the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), 11 wings and two stand-alone groups. Prior to his current assignment, McDew was the AFDW commander at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. In May 2012, he was among nine people inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) Alumni Hall of Fame in San Diego, California. McDew and his three brothers attended the Hampton (Virginia) Boys Club for five years while their father was stationed at Langley Air Force Base. Every year, the BGCA recognizes distinguished alumni during its national conference, according to a In July 2012, Col. Douglas R. Messner ’87, VA ARNG, above left, graduated press release. The event honors alumni who from the U.S. Army War College (AWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was one of 349 graduates in the 2012 class. Attending the ceremony and shown have made major contributions in their fields. with Messner above was then-Col. Jim Begley ’85, DE ARNG, a former AWC According to an article in the Air Force Times graduate. Messner is commander of the 183rd Regional Training Institute at Flightlines, McDew “got to rub elbows” with Fort Pickett, Virginia, and Begley is commander of the 261st Signal Brigade some celebrities at the BGCA Hall of Fame which is headquartered in Smyrna, Delaware. In September 2012, Begley ceremony, including fellow inductees Olympic was promoted to brigadier general. (See Alumni News entry above.) Both men swimmer Anthony Lee Ervin, actors Powers have served in the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Boothe and Cuba Gooding Jr., ballet dancer Freedom.

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ALUMNI NEWS at National College. Founded in 1886, the degree in civil engineering. He also holds a college serves 12,000 students in 30 commu- master’s degree from the Naval War College. nities with campuses in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, Edward D. Wagner ’88 was one of the according to its website. lecturers delivering a course on cyber security Steenburgh has served as director of com- at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology munications for the college since 2004, as (MIT) in June 2012. The course, titled “Apstated in a press release. During that time, plied Cyber Security,” included information he oversaw the development of the college’s on securing computers, applications, netaward-winning weekly newsletter which works, digital forensics, and the ethical and has grown to a distribution of more than legal practices affecting all computer users. 100,000. He also established the college’s In addition, it included the strategies, implecommunity relations program, mentation and management of which sponsors more than 300 a business information continuprojects annually at the college’s ity plan; mitigation of cyber 30 campuses. vulnerabilities; and incident Steenburgh matriculated from response and analysis. Content Virginia Beach, Virginia. A was geared toward ensuring the Distinguished Graduate, he privacy, reliability and integrity earned a bachelor’s degree in of information systems, accordmathematics from VMI and a ing to the course description. master of public administration Wagner is the Cyber Security degree from the University of Operation Center manager for Oklahoma. Steenburgh ’86 TASC, which was founded in 1966 as The Analytic Sciences Col. Gregory S. Otey ’87, Corporation. In this role, he USAF, was promoted to brigadier general on oversees the monitoring and incident reJuly 5, 2012. The ceremony was hosted by sponse for all security events on the corporate Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Phil network. Breedlove and was held in the Airman’s Hall As a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. he is a division chief information officer. According to an article in the Air Force He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics Times, Otey’s new position is director, U.S. from VMI and a master’s degree in economForces-Afghanistan liaison to the U.S. Em- ics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and bassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is senior State University. executive officer to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Michael S. Milner ’91 has been promoted Otey matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, to the Federal Senior Executive Service as the and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s assistant inspector general for investigations

with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General. In his new position, he oversees a nationwide staff of special agents and support professionals who conduct criminal investigations of fraud, public corruption and cyber crimes affecting the Energy Department. Milner matriculated from Newport News, Virginia. A Distinguished Graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from VMI. Shawn T. Segreti ’00, PE, has been promoted to principal with GHT Limited, a leading Washington, D.C., metro-area mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firm. During his career, Segreti has provided electrical engineering design services for a variety of commercial, educational, hospitality and government facilities. He has 12 years of experience in power supply and distribution system design for base building systems and tenant interiors, as well as mission critical emergency power systems. He also has a strong background in project management and contract documents. In his current role, Segreti focuses on sustainable design. He advises project teams on energy efficient solutions and contributes to ENERGY STAR® Benchmarking and LEED® certification initiatives for his projects. A LEED accredited professional and a professional engineer who is registered in three states and the District of Columbia, Segreti matriculated from Walkersville, Maryland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from VMI and a master of business administration degree from George Mason University.

... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia by Rear Adm. Terry McKnight ’78, USN (Ret) and Michael Hirsh. Naval Institute Press, Oct. 15, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-61251-134-4. Available via www.usni.org, amazon.com or order wherever books are sold. With piracy on the rise and fast becoming a serious global security issue, Adm. Terry McKnight ’78 took command of a new multi-national task force in 2009 to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden. As task force commander, he directed op2012-Issue 4

erations that disrupted several hijackings and resulted in the capture of 16 Somali pirates. After running head-on into a U.S. policy of catch-and-release, he realized that there was more to fighting piracy than just catching youngsters armed with AK-47s and RPGs. McKnight retired from the Navy and began researching the problem. This book, co-written with journalist Michael Hirsh, is a very readable yet authoritative introduction to the subject. The authors explore every aspect of Somali piracy, from how the pirates operate to how their actions

have impacted the world economy. They examine various attempts to solve the problem, including placing armed guards aboard merchant ships, and highlight the best ways to outfit the ships for travel through high risk areas. But they warn that a consequence of successfully protecting such targets as container ships and crude oil carriers may be that pirates turn to crime on land, such as the kidnapping of foreigners. In addressing the worldwide economic impact of piracy, they note that piracy costs as much as $13 billion a year and, in 143

ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... 2011, took 1,000 seafarers into captivity. One shipping company argues, however, that over-reaching shipping regulations have a greater negative effect on the economy. The book concludes that in the interest of justice and to protect the free flow of commerce throughout the world, the U.S. government needs to take additional measures to stop the flow of U.S. dollars for ransom payments that serves as the only reason for piracy in the region.

population of the planet has grown rapidly. Perhaps only air is more important to life on Earth than water, but even this point may be argued. The analysis of water, specifically fresh and salt water bodies upon which humans depend for daily drinking water, food, transportation, industrial feedstock, resources and livelihood, becomes more important each year as these bodies are stressed by hu-

About the Authors: Rear Adm. Terry McKnight ’78, USN (Ret), is a 31-year Navy veteran who rose to command the amphibious assault ship, U.S.S. Kearsarge, and served as the first commander of Combined Task Force 151. He lives in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Michael Hirsh, an Army combat correspondent during the Vietnam War, is an awardwinning journalist who has produced documentaries and specials for PBS, CBS, ABC and HBO. The author of six other books, including None Braver – U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen in the War on Terror, he lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. It’s All in the Water: Studies of Materials and Conditions in Fresh and Salt Water Bodies Edited by Mark Benvenuto ’83, Elizabeth Roberts-Kirchhoff, Meghann Murray and Danielle Garshott. Oxford University Press, June 2012. ISBN-10: 0841226342 and ISBN-13: 9780841226340. Available via amazon.com. While the problem of the degradation and pollution of our planet’s salt waters has existed for millennia, indeed for all the time mankind has lived by water, it has become a matter of great concern within the past 50 years, as the human

man interactions, use and depletion. The quality of fresh water, littoral waters and even deep ocean waters has thus drawn increasing attention in the recent past from academia, industry, government and the general public, and this makes it a timely symposium subject, despite an established history of research into the substance, a number of well-written issues of vari-

ous laymen’s journals and even growing coverage of the subject in the news media. To perform the analyses of various waters and to determine the relative purity of waters and a diverse array of possible contaminants requires numerous analytical techniques and forms of instrumentation. Researchers who engage in such work often must use the talents of those with expertise in fields including: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry, microbiology and botany, as well as chemical and mechanical engineering, to name a few. The purpose of this volume, based on the symposium of the same name presented at the spring 2011 meeting of the American Chemical Society (sponsored by the Environmental Chemistry Division), is to gather into one place the results and findings of current researchers from widely separated laboratories and centers in different areas. Because of the different aims of these researchers’ individual studies, the results gathered here would normally be published in a broadly spread out and diversified series. There is definitely a value in presenting these results in a single volume. About the Editors: Mark A. Benvenuto ’83, Ph.D., is a professor of chemistry and department chairman at the University of Detroit Mercy. Elizabeth RobertsKirchhoff is associate professor, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy. Meghann Murray is treasurer and chair of the Younger Chemists Committee of the Detroit Local Section of the American Chemical Society and has been conducting research at the University of Detroit Mercy. Danielle Garshott is an undergraduate student at the same university.

... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... 144

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE New Members Named to VMI Board of Visitors

hree new members have taken their seats on the VMI Board of Visitors as of July 2012. Named to the board were Brig. Gen. Janice G. Igou, VaNG, of Montpelier, Virginia; H. George White Jr. ’54, M.D., of Winchester, Virginia; and George J. Collins ’62 of Miami Beach, Florida.

Brig. Gen. Janice G. Igou, VaNG

Igou

White ’54

Collins ’62

2012-Issue 4

Igou graduated from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, in 1984, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She received her commission through ROTC as a quartermaster officer and subsequently began active duty, which included training and assignments at Fort Lee, Fort Hood, Fort Leavenworth and an overseas tour at Torii Station in Okinawa, Japan. She left active duty, returned home to the Richmond area and joined the Virginia National Guard in 1991. She has served in numerous leadership positions, including commander, 429th Support Battalion (Forward), Staunton; assistant chief of staff, G4-Logistics, 29th Infantry Division (Light), Fort Belvoir; commander, 329th Regional Support Group, Virginia Beach; G4-Logistics, Virginia Army National Guard, Fort Pickett; and J8-Resource Management, Joint Forces Headquarters, Sandston. Igou is presently serving as assistant adjutant general-Army, Virginia National Guard, and director of Interagency Operations. As the director of Interagency Operations, she provides oversight for all programs, policies and procedures regarding Defense Support to Civil Authority. She serves as the lead general officer for outreach to state and local leaders, organizations and communities, as well as officials at the National Guard Bureau, the Virginia Secretary of Public Safety, the Virginia Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Igou received a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War

College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, in 2005. She lives in Montpelier, Virginia, with her husband, Col. Damon Igou. They have two children attending college and three cats to keep them company at home.

H. George White Jr. ’54, M.D. White is a retired orthopaedic surgeon. He was a founder of Winchester Orthopaedic Associates and practiced orthopaedic surgery in Winchester, Virginia, from 1968 until his retirement in 1994. From 1996-2007, he served part time as an orthopaedic surgery faculty member in the Out Patient Division of the University of Virginia (UVa) Medical School. He retired from the UVa faculty in 2007 as an associate professor. At present, he is a part-time attending orthopaedist in the Winchester Free Clinic. White graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond in 1962. From 1962-67, his orthopaedic surgery training included an orthopaedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery/New York Hospital/Cornell Medical School in New York City. In 1968, he became active in local, state and national organized medicine. He has served as president of the VA Orthopaedic Society, chair of the VA Medical Political Action Committee and as a four-year member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Councilors. On the Winchester City Council from 1980-87 and the Handley Board of Trustees (Public School and Library Trust) from 1997-2002, White was also a member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors from 1995-99. He was vice rector from 1996-99 and rector from June-November 1999. He also was a member of the MCV Hospital Authority (now called VCU Health Systems Authority) from 1997-2002 and was a member of the authority’s executive committee from 1999-2002. (Continued on next page) 145

INSTITUTE White was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and graduated from VMI in 1954. During his four years at the Institute, he was on the track and swimming teams and sang in the Glee Club. He was VMI Athletic Trainer Herb Patchin’s assistant athletic trainer for two years and held the military rank of private for four years. After graduating from VMI, he served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an artillery officer. White and Frances Zollinger White (Randolph Macon Women’s College) were married in 1959. Both of their children, Susan (Eric Warren) and George III (Anne Barton) have two sons. All four grandsons have provisional appointments to VMI.

George J. Collins ’62 Collins is the managing partner of Collins Capital Investors Trust LL, LP, located in Florida. Previously, he served from 1984-97 as chairman, president and CEO of T. Rowe Price Associates. Before ascending to the role of CEO, he was a director within the firm and created the fixed-income division in 1971. Prior to joining T. Rowe Price, he was a senior security analyst for United States Fidelity & Guaranty.

Collins was raised in West Haven, Connecticut, where he attended Notre Dame High School. While attending VMI, Collins was a renowned athlete and was later inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame for his significant achievements in NCAA swimming. Graduating from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history, Collins was then commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, where he remained until 1967, serving as a squadron commander at the rank of captain and earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. In addition to his VMI degree, he holds a master of business administration degree from American University, from which he graduated with distinction in 1970. He also completed the Stanford University Executive Program in 1982. Collins serves on the Baltimore National Seaport Advisory Board and is a past trustee of VMI Investment Holdings, LLC. He has served as chairman of the board of The American University and chairman of the World Trade Center Institute. He also has been on the boards of Loyola College, Living Classrooms Foundation, Stanford University School of Business, Morgan State Business

School and the Maryland Academy of Sciences. His community involvement includes the YMCA of Greater Baltimore, Associated Catholic Charities, South Baltimore Learning Center (1998), Annapolis Hospice Cup (1998) and Stadium Place (2000-01). Additionally, he has served as the honorary chairman for the Leukemia Cup (1995-97) and chairman of the Baltimore City Task Force on Homelessness (1999-2000). His awards include the Catholic Charities Distinguished Service Award, American University Alumni Achievement Award, International YMCA Distinguished Service Award, medallion of honor from the Virginians in Maryland, Business Leader of the Year-Loyola College (Baltimore), SAMA Medal-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a number of other awards, trophies and accolades that he has received as a yachtsman. Collins is the founder, skipper and syndicate head of Chessie Racing with the Whitbread 60 Yacht Racing Team and participated in the 1997-98 Whitbread Round the World Race. Collins and his wife, Maureen, live in Miami Beach, Florida. They have three children.

Alumni Mission Trip to Peru Summer 2013 The VMI Chaplain’s Office will be sponsoring an alumni mission trip to Peru in summer 2013. Chaplain Jim Park has teamed with Walt Wood ’80 and his wife, Mary Lynne, to guide and lead VMI alumni on a 10-day mission experience intended to challenge your faith and deepen your relationship with God. Walt, who is the class of 1980 president, has been a missionary with his wife in Peru for more than 12 years. If you are interested in taking this trip, learning more or making a donation to the Chaplain’s Office to help defray the costs, please e-mail Chaplain Park at parkjs@vmi.edu. Addition information will appear in the next Alumni Review, 2013-Issue 1. Photo at right, top: Walt Wood ’80 and wife Mary Lynne with Ayacucho, Peru, in the background. Photo at right, bottom: Walt Wood ’80 and his wife, Mary Lynne Wood, Chaplain Jim Park, and Eric Hunter ’08 at their first alumni mission trip planning meeting in Ashland, Virginia.

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INSTITUTE Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award Call for Nominations At its December 1997 meeting, the VMI Board of Visitors voted to establish the Jonathan M. Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award – only the second time in the Institute’s history that the board has initiated an award to honor selfless service. The award emphasizes the virtue of humanitarian public service and recognizes individuals who have made significant personal sacrifices to protect or improve the lives of others. Nominees are sought on a national level with widespread notice through appropriate channels. The inaugural award was presented to former President Jimmy Carter on March 29, 2001. The second award was presented to Ambassador Andrew Young on March 23, 2006, and on March 30, 2011, Paul V. Hebert ’68, Ph.D., received the third award. In March 2004, the Daniels Courtyard and Arch connecting Old Barracks and Richardson Hall were dedicated in honor of Jonathan Daniels. Daniels, a native of Keene, New Hampshire, was valedictorian of the class of 1961. He was a seminarian at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1965 when he answered the call of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for clergy to assist with civil rights and voter registration efforts in the South. On Aug. 20, 1965, he gave the ultimate sacrifice – his life – for that of another. He was killed when he took a shotgun blast intended for a black teenage girl, Ruby Sales. In summer 1994, the Episcopal Church added the date of his death to its Calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts, an honor bordering on sainthood or martyrdom. In England’s Canterbury Cathedral, there is a Chapel of Martyrs in which 15 modern day martyrs are honored. The only two from the United States are Jonathan Daniels and Dr. King. “One of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry and career was performed by Jonathan Daniels. Certainly there are no incidents more beautiful in the annals of church history, and though we are grieved at this time, our grief should give way to a sense of Christian honor and nobility.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nominations and supporting material should be sent to: W. Gregory Robertson ’65 Chairman, External Relations Committee VMI Board of Visitors c/o Superintendent’s Office Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA. 24450

2012-Issue 4

VMI Still Among Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges Virginia Military Institute retained its standing among the best national public liberal arts colleges and in the top tier of all liberal arts colleges, private as well as public, as ranked in U.S. News and World Report. VMI was ranked fourth in the list of public liberal arts colleges, behind the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. VMI held the No. 1 position in this category for six years before the federal service academies were reclassified in 2007. Among all public and private liberal arts colleges, VMI was ranked No. 70, up from the No. 71 spot it held last year. “VMI remains solidly in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges,” said Brig. Gen. R. Wane Schneiter, deputy superintendent and dean of the faculty. “Our approach, which offers a relatively small number of excellent majors, a rigorous core curriculum, and complementary academic enrichment programs like honors and undergraduate research, allows our faculty and staff to ensure our cadets an outstanding education.” The rankings are based on such factors as a college’s reputation as rated by academic leaders nationally; the retention of students; class size; the quality of the faculty; the quality of students; financial resources; graduation rate performance; and the alumni giving rate. Among engineering schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s degree, VMI was ranked No. 25, down from the No. 21 spot it held last year. The rankings in the engineering category are based exclusively on the reputation of the program. The Institute was also included in the unranked list of A-Plus Schools for B Students among national liberal arts colleges. The listing evaluates the quality of the school’s academic program and the academic profile of admitted students. Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, Last month, Forbes the articles and photos in the Institute magazine ranked VMI section of the Alumni Review are proamong the top tier of vided by VMI Communications and colleges and universiMarketing. ties nationally. 147

INSTITUTE

509 Matriculate in Class of 2016

“Y

ou nervous? Excited? Scared?” The questions, posed by Cadet Justin Smet ’14 to many of the 509 students stepping onto VMI’s Cameron Hall floor to matriculate, elicited many nods. Smet, a color sergeant who stood at a microphone calling cadets and their families onto the floor in groups of 10, was one of many of the Old Corps hard at work since early morning on Aug. 18, 2012, to assure the orderly processing of one of the largest entering classes in VMI history. Of the 509, 47 percent are from outside Virginia, 46 cadets are female and 37 are transfer students. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia and seven countries are represented. The class includes an unusually high number of international students from an interesting mix of countries, said Capt. Cindy Irby, international programs coordinator, who stood with Col. David Miller, international programs director, answering questions from new cadets and their parents in Crozet Hall during the Matriculation Fair. Entering VMI were 14 international students on visas, in addition to several other international students who are permanent residents of the United States. VMI 148

averages around eight international students a year, she said. Four in the class of 2016 are from the People’s Republic of China.“They all [speak English well],” said Miller. “They’re all very excited about being here. And they’ve gotten to know their Brother Rats from Taiwan.” Each year four cadets matriculate at VMI from the Republic of China military academies in Taiwan. In the class of 2016, the four are joined by one private student. “This becomes one of those bridge-building things,” said Miller. Only one other cadet in the Old Corps is from the People’s Republic, and in the past 10 years, only four have come to VMI from China. Several of the four in the class of 2016 have been in the United States for at least six months. “They’re interested in military training. They’re interested in learning about the U.S. system. What they see in America is opportunity,” said Miller. “They all came knowing that VMI is a school with a lot of tradition and a lot of history and a great education.” Also matriculating were students from Canada, Italy, Malaysia, France and Thailand. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Photos by Julie Rivera and John Robertson IV, courtesy VMI.

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INSTITUTE Museum Director Gibson ’77 Honored by Governor Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI museum system, received a Governor’s Star Award in July 2012 during a ceremony at the executive mansion. The award recognizes outstanding state employees. Gibson began his career as a cadet assistant in the VMI Museum in 1976 and now manages the operations and development of the VMI Museum and the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington, as well as the New Market Battlefield and Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market. He is honored for overseeing the refurbishment of the VMI museum and updating the image of the New Market museum. In 2011, he was instrumental in an effort that brought the Stonewall Jackson House into the VMI museum system, which preserved both the historic house and an extensive community volunteer program. And as VMI’s architectural preservation officer, Gibson developed a comprehensive preservation plan and consults with architectural and engineering firms on the design, construction and renovation of structures across the VMI Post, a registered National Historic District. An accomplished speaker and writer, Gibson speaks to every entering class of new cadets before they travel to the New Market Battlefield and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, making history fascinating and relevant to the cadets with his insight and personal stories. “Keith Gibson reflects the pride and achievement of the Virginia Military Institute and is truly an ambassador for the institution,” said VMI superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. As a speaker, he is in constant demand from alumni chapters, Civil War round-table groups and historical groups across the country. Gibson has worked as a consultant on historical documentary films, made for television films and feature films including “Field of Lost Shoes” (winner of two PBS Emmy awards), “Gods and Generals,” “Sommersby” and “Gettysburg.” In addition to numerous book reviews and articles on the Civil War era and VMI, Gibson is author or co-author of several books, including Virginia Military Institute (a pictorial history); Moses Ezekiel: Civil War Soldier, Renowned Sculptor; and The VMI Spirit: A Portrait of VMI.

Creating an Honor System That Works

Above: VMI Honor Court members addressed attendees of the 2012 Leadership Conference, “Cheating, Lying and Honor in America’s High Schools, Colleges and Universities.” On March 4-5, 2013, the Center for Leadership and Ethics will host a follow-up workshop.

The 2012 Biennial Leadership Conference “Cheating, Lying and Honor in America’s High Schools, Colleges and Universities,” held on March 5-6, brought together hundreds of students, faculty and administrators from across the country. The response to attend was overwhelming and so was the desire for a follow-up conference. On March 4-5, 2013, the Center for Leadership and Ethics will host a workshop geared toward creating an honor system that works. VMI Honor Court members and other VMI representatives will help attendees learn specifically about the nuts and bolts of creating, implementing or enhancing honor systems at their respective schools. Visit www.vmi.edu/leadershipconference to learn more and to register. About the Conference

Col. Keith Gibson ’77 on Founders Day, Nov. 11, 2012, speaking at the Crozet Point Dedication Ceremony.

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The topic of honor was brought to the Center for Leadership and Ethics staff by VMI Honor Court members and was eventually developed into the theme for the 2012 conference. The Biennial Leadership Conference, designed to explore themes related to ethical leadership, is a top-tier event held every other year.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE The Department of Mechanical Engineering:Then and Now Part II: Establishing a Degree-Granting Department of Mechanical Engineering by Richard S. Trandel ’59, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Mechanical Engineering, P.E. (Emeritus)

Editor’s Note: The following is the second of three parts in an historical account of VMI’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, written by Richard Trandel, Ph.D., professor emeritus. The first part appeared in the last issue of the Review, 2012-Issue 3, and the final part will be included in the next Review.

forwarded the plan to the Virginia Council of Higher Education. In August 1980, Col. Richard S. Trandel ’59 was appointed department head and was asked to develop the new degree-granting department. On Nov. 5, 1980, the Virginia Council of Higher Education approved the proposal for a degree-granting Department of Mechanical Engineering. The new department marked the first addition to VMI’s engineering In March 1936, the newly formed Engineers’ Council for Profes- curricula since 1898 when the VMI Board of Visitors established the sional Development (ECPD) sent a letter to Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune, Electrical Engineering Course which later became the Department of then-superintendent, asking VMI to join the council by having its two Electrical Engineering. The mechanical engineering curriculum was engineering programs accredited. The reason for this accreditation was designed to be similar to engineering curricula offered at other colleges stated in the letter, as follows: “The Engineers’ Council for Profes- in the United States. It contained courses in science, mathematics, sional Development has been constituted by seven national societies humanities and social sciences, and engineering sciences. In addition, representing the engineering profession, engineering education and the department required one-half year of instruction in mechanical the licensure of engineers as their joint agency for the accrediting of engineering design. The overall program followed recommendations engineering colleges. Accrediting is necessary at the present time for a of the ABET, which required two main engineering areas of study: number of reasons, the most urgent of which is the fact that a majority courses related to energy and courses related to structures and motion of the states have enacted laws for the licensing of engineers and that in mechanical systems. Cadets could study both areas in their junior and the licensing procedure requires a list of accredited colleges whose senior years and could continue studies in one or both areas by selecting graduates may submit evidence of their graduation in partial fulfillment engineering electives. The program also contained professional compoof the requirements of licensure.” The ECPD was established in 1932, nents and the formation of a student chapter of the American Society and on Jan. 1, 1980, the ECPD changed its name to the Accreditation of Mechanical Engineers. In its beginning, the Department of Mechanical Engineering offered 10 Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In 1976, while the Civil and Electrical Engineering Departments were service courses: two in drawing, two in thermodynamics, and one each undergoing a re-accreditation visit by the ECPD, I. Russell Berkness, in statics, dynamics, science of materials, heat transfer, solar energy and P.E., national director of the National Society of Professional Engineers, vibrations. The department had two energy laboratories, shared a mateasked why VMI had no degree-granting mechanical engineering depart- rials laboratory with the Department of Civil Engineering, and shared ment. Lt. Gen. Richard L. Irby ’39, then-superintendent, replied that a small metal and wood shop with the civil and electrical engineering a new mechanical engineering program would be too costly for the departments. At that time, the department employed four professors and Institute. The discussion of a new engineering department continued two instructors, including Colonels Trandel and Taylor, Maj. Daniel C. between Brig. Gen. James M. Morgan Jr. ’45, dean of the faculty, Brittigan, Lt. Timothy M. Hodges ’80 and Benjamin S. Clark Jr. ’931. In August 1982, the new department matriculated two classes, a small Irby and Berkness, and in early 1979, all VMI cadets were required to class of 23 transfer students from the complete a poll entitled, “Survey Departments of Civil and Electrical of Cadets for Possible Interest in Engineering and a Rat class of 72. In Mechanical Engineering.” The May 1985, 17 cadets of the transfer cadets were asked to pick “Yes” class graduated, and in May 1986, or “No” to the following question: 39 cadets of the first four-year class “If mechanical engineering had were graduated. been offered at the time of your In the fall of 1984, the Department matriculation, would it have been of Mechanical Engineering wrote your first choice?” Twenty-four the Virginia State Board of Archipercent (24.4%) answered, “Yes.” tects, Professional Engineers, Land After seeing the results, Irby and Surveyors and Certified Landscape Morgan asked the Academic Architects for permission to allow Board to consider the question of their transfer class, class of 1985, to a new degree-granting program sit for the Engineer-In-Training Exam in mechanical engineering. The (E.I.T.) before they graduated. A letter Academic Board responded posifrom the state board dated Jan. 25, tively, and Irby then asked Col. 1985, stated, “The Section concluded Arthur C. Taylor ’44 to head a Mechanical Engineering Program Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1980. From that VMI students that participate in Development Committee. The left, Col. Arthur C. Taylor ’44, Maj. Daniel C. Brittigan, this program should be allowed to sit committee completed its proposal Benjamin S. Clark Jr. ’931, Lt. Timothy M. Hodges ’80 for the E.I.T. exam. However, they must obtain two years of verified for a bachelor of science degree and Col. Richard S. Trandel ’59, department head. professional experience after in mechanical engineering and

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INSTITUTE graduation before being certified as an engineer-in-training and must acquire a total of six years of verified professional experience after graduation to be eligible for the professional engineer exam.” Immediately following the graduation of the transfer class, the department arranged for a two-day, in-depth review of its program by J.B. Jones, Ph.D., of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Leroy Fletcher, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University. Both professors were past ABET evaluators. After receiving their report, recommendations were discussed by the mechanical engineering faculty. Those which were beneficial were implemented into the program. At this time, Col. Lee L. Nichols ’44, engineering coordinator, suggested that the Department of Mechanical Engineering wait until 1989 to undergo the ABET process, when the re-accreditation of the Departments of Civil and Electrical was scheduled to occur. The mechanical engineering faculty considered this suggestion but knew that waiting would cause their graduates great difficulty in terms of advancement in the work place, and graduates would fail to qualify for various state and federal positions and educational grants. It would also add many years of additional engineering training before graduates would be allowed to take the professional engineering examination and become licensed professional engineers. ABET states, “In states where non-ABET graduates are permitted to be licensed, an additional four to eight years of work experience may be required.” Therefore, following graduation of the first full class in 1986, the department applied for and, after an in-depth review, received full accreditation by ABET. The ABET required a full four year class be graduated before accreditation could be requested. On Nov. 24, 1987, immediately after receiving full accreditation from ABET, Trandel, department head, sent to all class of 1985 graduates the following letter: “After receiving notice from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) of accreditation, the Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Certified Landscape Architects were requested to re-evaluate their position taken in regard to the class of 1985 in their letter dated Jan. 25, 1985. “On Nov. 23, 1987, the department was notified by the Virginia state board that they have reconsidered the matter and are extending accredited status to the class of 1985. A copy of the board’s letter is enclosed for your review and file. “We hope this will meet with your approval, and we wish you all the success possible in your profession.” Accreditation by ABET is proof that the program’s graduates meet standards which qualify them to enter their profession. At the time of this writing, ABET accredits over 3,100 applied science, computing engineering and technology programs. Proudly, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has remained accredited by this prestigious board. In 1986, when the department became accredited, it offered 25 courses and used five laboratories. One laboratory was shared with the Department of Civil Engineering, and four were mechanical engineering laboratories. A number of mechanical engineering courses were still offered to the Departments of Civil and Electrical Engineering as service courses. The department had grown to six professors and two instructors: Taylor, Trandel, retired Col. Snider, Cmdr. Sexton, Brittigan, then-Maj. Hodges, Maj. Malherin and Lt. Terrace B. Thompson ’85. To be continued with Part III in the next issue of the Alumni Review, Institute section.

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Photo above, top: Drawing class, Col. Robert J. Trinkle ’914, far right, in the Nichols Engineering Building, 7th floor, circa 1940. Photo above, bottom: Mechanical Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting and Engineering Laboratory, 7th floor, Nichols Engineering Building, 2012. This is the same drawing laboratory used by Col. Trinkle in 1940, and this is also the same drawing laboratory in which Trandel began his teaching career in 1959. In 1960, when the department moved from the front of Nichols Engineering Hall to the Engineering Annex, a large room on the third floor became the main drawing lab. A mechanical drafting machine was fitted to the vertical green chalk board in the drawing laboratory and was used mostly for graphical presentations. The drafting machine was in service until the early eighties, when the degree-granting department was approved and the drafting machine was removed. The student drafting tables and parallel rulers on them were also removed, and the laboratory became a computer-aided-drawing (CAD) and engineering design lab. The laboratory was equipped with 24 IBM personal computers, and the professors started using computer programs to teach a number of topics, besides drawing, in engineering courses. Many of the department’s professors, including the beloved Maj. Brittigan, carried a yard stick to class, and some also carried a box of colored chalk for use in their presentations. Cadets thought this was odd, but those teaching drawing and other courses knew how important the yard stick was in order to present subject matter clearly and concisely.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Wortham ’12 Named Big South Woman of the Year

In addition, she served as president of the VMI TriBeta Biological Honor Society. During her time at VMI, Wortham was inducted into six honor society organizations, including the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society. The NCAA Woman of the Year Selection Committee will determine the top 10 and top three honorees in each division using specific guidelines. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics will use the same guidelines when selecting the 2012 award winner. All honorees receive an NCAA certificate and are included in press announcements. The top 10 honorees and the nine finalists from Divisions I, II and III will be honored and the 2012 NCAA Woman of the Year winner will be announced at a dinner in Indianapolis on Oct. 14, 2012.

Costen Court Gets New Look at Cameron Hall

Carrie Wortham ’12 after receiving her diploma on graduation day, May 2012. Wortham was named Big South Woman of the Year, a first for VMI.

In May 2012, track and field athlete Carrie Wortham ’12 was named the Big South Woman of the Year, as announced by the conference at its annual Award and Hall of Fame Dinner in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Wortham is VMI’s first recipient of the Big South honor and now becomes a candidate for the national honor of the same name. In addition, she was named to the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America third team. Wortham, a 3.92 student who majored in biology, competed in the pole vault all four years at VMI and equaled her personal best with a 3.30 meter jump at the VMI Collegiate Invitational in February. As a junior, she finished seventh at the Big South Outdoor Championships with a jump of 3.25 meters to mark her first career scoring effort at the conference meet. Other career highlights include a seventh-place finish at the Military Track & Field Championships in 2010. Wortham also ran cross country during her 2008 freshman season in addition to her time on the track team. A three-time Big South Presidential Honor Roll member, Wortham received the VMI Faculty Merit Scholarship during her last two years, which is awarded to rising junior and senior cadets who are displaying excellence in scholarship, extracurricular activities and high military standing. Off the track, Wortham made mission trips to Haiti twice and Honduras once, working with orphanages in both countries. She volunteered with the Midwives for Haiti and was involved in the VMI Engineers Without Borders Chapter. Wortham was also a part of VMI’s Recycling Club and, as a captain, was a Regimental S-2 in the Corps of Cadets. (continued) 2012-Issue 4

The high scoring, up-and-down VMI basketball teams have certainly traveled many hard-charging miles across the Cameron Hall playing surface – Costen Court –in recent years, and so the makeover of the hardwood floor, which was completed over the summer, is a welcomed upgrade. The floor was originally dedicated during the 2007-08 season. Under the direction of Costen Floors, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, the floor’s paint and stain were removed, and a new treatment and paint design were applied. In the new design, the old 3-point line was removed, and “VMI Keydets” was added along the baselines. Also, the red perimeter border was expanded from 3 to 4 feet, and a two-toned wood effect was added within and outside the three-point line. The project began on July 13, 2012, and was completed before the end of that month. Special thanks and gratitude go to Ralph Costen ’70 and Tripp Costen ’97 for the service provided by Costen Floors, Inc. on this project.

The revamping of Costen Court in Cameron Hall was completed by Costen Floors, Inc. in July 2012.

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ATHLETICS Cowart ’08

Finishes Fourth at Olympic Trials

Donnie Cowart ’08 placed fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Olympic Trials in June 2012.

Donnie Cowart ’08 finished fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Olympic Trials event final on June 28, 2012, in Eugene, Oregon. Cowart, who trains with Ragged Mountain Racing (RMR) out of Charlottesville, Virginia, finished at 8:27.49, 10 seconds behind overall winner Evan Jager (8:17.40) and five seconds behind Kyle Alcorn, the third and final U.S. team qualifier in 8:22.17. Both Jager and Alcorn are sponsored by Nike, according to an article in The News & Advance (Lynchburg, Virginia). As stated on the RMR website, Cowart went into the trials final ranked 11th out of 14th from the preliminary round. His goal going into the final was to mix it up with the leaders and be competitive. He started mid-pack and slowly moved his way to the front during the race. At the bell, he was right where he wanted to be – with the leaders. The RMR site stated that he fought all the way to the end, passing another runner with less than 100 meters to go to capture fourth place. Although Cowart’s finish time did not earn one of the alternate Olympic qualification spots, it did cap a season in which he posted his top time on American soil, an 8:26 in Indiana, and it also drew the attention of several media groups, including the USATF public relations team, who mentioned him on Twitter as the happiest fourth-place finisher of the meet. For Cowart, who was ecstatic about his race, placing fourth at the Olympic Trials was unthinkable just a few years ago. Since then, he has improved by leaps and bounds due to his hard work, discipline and tenacity, RMR said. Looking ahead, Cowart sees the big picture and is very excited about his future. According to the News & Advance article, he plans to be in peak form for the Olympic Trials in 2016, when he’ll turn 30 and make a strong charge to join the U.S. team that will compete in Brazil. “I’m a bit of a late bloomer,” Cowart was quoted as saying. “I’m really going to be hard to beat in 2016.”

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Two Keydets Drafted by Major League Baseball

Photo above: Former VMI pitcher Adam Lopez ’12 was drafted by the Chicago White Sox.

The June 2012 amateur draft conducted by Major League Baseball (MLB) selected two VMI baseball pitchers and continued a string of Keydet players picked in the annual event. Former VMI right-handed pitcher Adam Lopez ’12 was taken by the Chicago White Sox in the 21st round, while junior righty Coby Cowgill ’13 was picked by the Texas Rangers in the 23rd round. Lopez’ best year at the Institute came in 2010, when he ranked fourth in the Big South in strikeouts (continued)

Photo above: Coby Cowgill ’13 was picked by the Texas Rangers during the June 2012 amateur draft.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW Photo right:

ATHLETICS Two Keydets Drafted (continued) with 89. His strikeouts per nine inning rate of 11.13 was the third-best in VMI history, and it was also the school’s fourth-most strikeouts in a single season. His 11-strikeout record against Maryland-Eastern Shore on March 5th of that year still stands as VMI’s last double-digit strikeout game. Early in the 2011 season, Lopez suffered an arm injury that would eventually lead to elbow surgery, but he returned in 2012 and was the winning pitcher in VMI’s season-ending win at VCU on May 18th. Lopez is the first player in Keydet history to be chosen by the White Sox. Cowgill emerged as a weekend force for the Keydets in 2011, when he ranked 10th in the Big South in ERA and fourth in batting average against. This season, he hurled 17 straight innings without an earned run to start the year, including seven innings during VMI’s narrow 2-1 loss against the two-time defending College World Series Champion, South Carolina Gamecocks, to open the year. He also posted nine strikeouts against Hartford on March 3rd, tied for the most by a Keydet hurler this year, and combined on VMI’s lone shutout of the campaign, a blanking of Lafayette on Feb. 24th. This is the first time since 2009 that two players have been selected in the MLB draft. It marks the seventh time overall that multiple Keydets have been chosen, and Cowgill is the second Keydet to be tabbed by the Rangers, joining Ryan Glynn ’96, who was selected in 1995 and remains the only VMI player to reach the major leagues. Both Lopez and Cowgill made their professional minor league debuts in June 2012.

2012-Issue 4

Lyles ’02 Honored at College World Series Championships

U.S. Army Capt. Will Lyles ’02, center, flanked by, from left, Arizona Coach Andy Lopez, Navy Cmdr. John Lindsey, Navy Capt. Michael McCarten and South Carolina Coach Ray Tanner before the first game of the College World Series championship series. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The World-Herald.

U.S. Army Capt. Will Lyles ’02 was honored at the opening game of the College World Series Championship held on June 24, 2012, at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. Lyles, who was a four-year baseball letter-winner at the Institute from 1999-2002, served multiple, overseas tours of duty after graduating from VMI. According to an article in the Omaha World-Herald, he was the leader of a Special Forces team which had served two tours in Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan. On Aug. 28, 2010, he stepped on a bomb during a firefight with insurgents. As a result, he had to have both legs amputated above the knee. The ceremony recognizing Lyles’ sacrifice and courage was part of Joining Forces Day – the NCAA’s salute to the military.

It included a presentation of colors by the Offutt Air Force Base honor guard, a performance of the national anthem by Offutt’s Heartland of America Band and a military flyover. Lyles received a standing ovation from the crowd. Lyles lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and four children. According to the World-Herald article, he said his recovery has been tough at times, but he’s determined to lead a normal life. At the time of this writing, Lyle is scheduled to take the MCAT, a medical school admissions exam, in fall 2012. His doctors helped inspire him to take this path. “You can still set high expectations for yourself,” Lyles was quoted as saying in the World-Herald article. “And if I can help guys like me someday, that’s all worth it.”

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

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VMI INC. VMIFOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, INC. Message from the Foundation CEO by Brian Scott Crockett

On Nov.11, 2012, members of the VMI family will gather in places around the world to commemorate and celebrate Founders Day. This year, they will celebrate VMI’s 173-year record of educating young people in a truly extraordinary manner and serving the country and the commonwealth. Of course, the biggest celebration will be here on Post. With Nov.11th falling on a Sunday, three major events will take place on Nov. 9: the Founders Day Convocation, the Founder Day Parade and the VMI Foundation’s annual Institute Society Dinner, honoring hundreds of leaders in support to VMI. On Nov. 10th, VMI will play The Citadel in another edition of the Military Classic of the South. At this year’s Founders Day Convocation, the VMI Foundation will present its Distinguished Service Award to Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66. As you have read in this magazine and elsewhere, as well as seen on the VMI Foundation and VMI websites, Mr. Slater has a record of outstanding service to the VMI family. He has served as the president of three alumni organizations – the VMI Club of Richmond, the VMI Alumni Association and the VMI Foundation –as well as the president of the Institute’s Board of Visitors. He also was involved in VMI’s most recent major fundraising campaign, Reveille: A Call to Excel, as a member of its Executive Committee. Making this all the more remarkable is that he was able to do this while establishing a record of exceptional professional accomplishment in the legal field. Of course, Mr. Slater is not alone in serving VMI in such an exemplary manner. Many other alumni and many friends of the Institute have devoted themselves to helping VMI become a stronger school as it preserves those elements that make the education it offers extraordinary and effective. Just as there is no single path to having a good cadetship (ask any alumnus or the parents of any cadet or alumnus), there is no single manner in which to serve VMI. However, what those who do so offer can be summed up in three words: time, talent and treasure. Think about it. Whenever anyone is helping VMI, he or she is giving a certain measure of all three things. Class agents spend hours contacting their Brother Rats, asking them to send in class notes, attend a reunion or make a gift in support of VMI. Successful entrepreneurs provide advice and guidance to cadets who aspire to careers in business and finance. Alumni serve their chapters of The VMI Alumni Association or participate as volunteer lead-

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ers for one of the VMI Alumni Agencies, devoting hours of their time. Parents of cadets become members of the Parents Council. In all these cases, these people are giving something of their time and talents. Which bring us to treasure. The fact is that not everyone can take the time out of their lives to serve the VMI family. Younger people are raising families and establishing themselves in their careers. Those alumni serving overseas have no way of being actively involved in supporting VMI. Middle-aged alumni often have the responsibility of dealing with aging parents or running a business. Finally, a good many alumni are separated from VMI by too much time and distance to perform any service to it. While most of those who do give of their time and talents also give of their treasure, for many members of the VMI family, making a donation is the only way they can give something of themselves to VMI. Anyone who, for a variety of reasons, finds himself or herself restricted to supporting VMI through donations should never be made to feel that he or she is somehow letting VMI down. They most certainly are not. Instead, they are providing something that is utterly critical to the Institute’s continuing success: private financial support. This year, in fact, 23% of VMI’s operating budget of $72 million comes from alumni and friends. That’s one of out of every four dollars. Furthermore, private donors are responsible for the more than $8.4 million of financial aid to cadets. The people who provide that kind of support deserve only one possible response: our profound thanks. VMI’s history shows that gifts of time, talent, and treasure from alumni and friends have been of immense benefit to VMI and its cadets. I ask, therefore, that you seriously consider what you can do for VMI. Whatever options for service that you come up with for yourself, I ask that you keep in mind the astoundingly positive impact that private financial support has had on VMI, especially in the past decade and a half, and the critical importance it will have on the Institute’s future – and make giving to VMI your top priority. The direction of your gift won’t matter, but your financial support most certainly will.

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

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Two New Trustees Join VMI Foundation Board On July 1, 2012, the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees welcomed two new members: M. David Gibbons ’68, M.D., and Hugh M. Fain III ’80. Dr. Gibbons matriculated in 1964 from Stamford, Connecticut. As a cadet, he participated in intercollegiate wrestling as well as intramural wrestling and football. He held rank in his third-, second- and first-class years and was cadet lieutenant in his first-class year. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Gibbons ’68 biology, Gibbons attended the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), from which he graduated in 1972. His residency in surgery and urology at MCV and a fellowship in pediatric urology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were completed in 1977 and 1978, respectively. He served in the U. S. Army Medical Corps from 1978-81, entering the Army with the rank of major. For the past 29 years, he has practiced as an attending pediatric urologist at the Children’s National Medical Center, the Fairfax Hospital for Children and the Georgetown University Fain ’80 Hospital. He is a professor of urology and pediatrics at both George Washington University and the Georgetown University Schools of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He serves as director of urology at Georgetown University Hospital and head of pediatric urology at the Fairfax Hospital for Children. His areas of clinical expertise include antenatal evaluation and postnatal management of infants with complex urological anomalies, the surgical management of infants with disorders of sexual differentiation, and complex reconstruction of a variety of congenital anomalies of the genitalia and urinary tract in children. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Urology. His work has earned him acknowledgement in Washingtonian magazine’s “Top Doctors” edition nine times and three times in Northern Virginia magazine’s Top Doctors” edition. He has lectured extensively in his specialty locally, regionally and nationally. He lives in northwest Washington, D.C., with his wife of 35 years, Dr. Martha Blechar Gibbons, who is a Ph.D. nurse psychotherapist in private practice. Gibbons is not entirely new to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and its work. He served as an alternate in the last fiscal year and attended all of the board’s meetings during that time. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Hugh Fain is the son of the late Hugh M. Fain Jr. ’49C. As a cadet, he was a prosecutor on the Honor Court and the vice president of his class. He was also a member of the VMI Lacrosse Club and the international economics honor society, Omicron Delta Epsilon. He graduated with Distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. After graduation, he earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Journal of Natural Resources Law and was a member of the Raven

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Society, the University’s oldest and most prestigious honorary society. In 1988, he co-founded Spotts Fain, a law firm focused on advising, counseling and representing businesses with interests in Virginia and beyond. He is the firm’s managing director. Fain’s practice emphasizes commercial and business litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, employment law, intellectual property, construction litigation, and shareholder and partnership disputes. Fain is a past president of the Richmond Bar Association, and he currently serves as president of the Virginia Bar Association. He has been named by his peers in two categories in Best Lawyers in America, Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation. The magazine, Virginia Business, has placed him on its “Legal Elite” list each year since 2003, and the Virginia Super Lawyers list has included his name each year since its inception. Fain’s service to VMI is extensive. He is a past president of the VMI Club of Richmond and was the president of The VMI Alumni Association from July 2000 to July 2002. This appointment to the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees is his second; he served previously from July 2005 to June 2011. His colleagues voted him to be the Foundation’s vice president-fundraising. In this position, he succeeds J. Battle Haslam II ’61. He and his wife, Renee, live with their three children in Richmond. On the Foundation Board, Gibbons will be a member of the Finance Committee and the Annual and Reunion Giving Subcommittee of the Development Committee. Fain will serve on the board’s Executive Committee and as the chairman of its Development Committee, as well as an ex-officio member of the Strategic Planning Committee. “It is such an honor to welcome these two accomplished alumni to our board,” said VMI Foundation President Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68. “Hugh and Dave bring decades of experience in their respective professions and a deep-seated commitment to ensuring the long-term success of the Foundation in its critical work on behalf of the Institute and its cadets.”

VMI Foundation Board of Trustees The volunteer leaders of the VMI Foundation are dedicated to the advancement of VMI and to improving the already extraordinary education that VMI provides its cadets. Giving selflessly of their talents and time, they contribute immensely to the VMI Foundation’s work and, therefore, to the Institute’s many successes. The following people are on the board for Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013): Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68, President Hugh M. Fain III ’80, Vice President-Fundraising Stephen H. Sewell Jr. ’60, Vice President-Administration T. Bryan Barton ’68 Charles F. Bryan Jr. ’69 Kathleen D. Bulger-Barnett** Kim Y. “Danny” Chu ’83 Richard E. Collier ’57 Luther C. “Dan” Daniels Jr. ’75 Darryl L. Deke ’82** Robert Evans ’80 Paul D. Fraim ’71** John F. Fick III ’72 M. David Gibbons ’68 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 * ex-officio member

Richard L. Goodall ’66 Conrad M. Hall ’65 Robert A. Heely ’69** Richard K. Hines V ’66 James R. Hobbs ’75 Stephen E. Hupp ’84 Graham O. King ’61 Scot W. Marsh ’81 John C. Miller ’61 P. William Moore Jr. ’63 William A. Paulette ’69* J.H. Binford Peay III ’62** Walter C. Perrin ’62 George M. Rapport ’64 C.M.A. Rogers IV ’83 Robert C. Troxler ’63 William E. Welsh ’64 Thomas H. Zarges ’70

**ex-officio member, non-voting

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Campaign Sets New Record: $20 Million The time-honored way that journalists and commentators attempt to explain a statistic presented in the news – for example, the federal budget or a certain stock index – is to ask the rhetorical question, “What’s in a number?,” and then break down the facts behind it. In the case of the class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Campaign, the question would need to be, “What are in two numbers?” That phrasing would be required because, when the class closed its effort on June 30, 2012, it reported two extremely impressive numbers. The first was a grand total of $20,000,000 – a new record for 50th Reunion Campaigns. The second was a participation rate of 95.63%. To discover what are in these numbers, we went to some of the leaders of the campaign. The first thing they said was that both numbers were the product of exceptionally ambitious goals that were set by the Reunion Fund Committee in

2011: $17 million in gifts and commitments and 95% participation. The former number represented a new record for 50th Reunion Campaigns; the previous record had been $16.1 million set by the class of 1958. One of the members of the Reunion Campaign Committee, Danny Kiser, described one reason the committee set them so high. “In short, we believed we had ‘The Spirit.’ In 1958, we realized that we were the largest class that had ever been admitted to the Institute. We wanted to show that we still were a special class.” Another key reason for the ambitious goal was that their Brother Rat is VMI’s superintendent. “We wanted to support our Brother Rat, Binnie Peay. We were impressed by how he had gotten the Institute back on track, and we have been thrilled with the capital improvements at VMI, as well as with the excellent

spirit of the Corps,” said George Collins, chairman of the Reunion Fund Campaign. Kiser agreed, saying, “We deeply wanted to show our respect for the leadership and success of our Brother Rat and superintendent, Binnie Peay.” According to committee member and former president of the VMI Foundation, Walt Perrin, the confidence that the class could meet this record goal was quite high. “In fact,” he recalled, “we had some people who wanted to set the goal higher.” As it is with all the numbers associated with all successful 50th Reunion Campaigns, behind the class of 1962’s is a sustained effort by many people. With a Reunion Fund Committee of more than 30 Brother Rats, the nuts-and-bolts work of the campaign began not long after the committee met on Post in fall 2011. According to Perrin, the committee members were assigned 10 contacts apiece, but At the check presentation ceremony for the class of 1962 were, from left, thenpresident of The VMI Alumni Association, Randolph M. Blanks ’67; Walter C. Perrin II ’62, member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees and immediate past president of the VMI Foundation; Class Agent and Chairman of the Class of 1962 Reunion Committee Gerald C. Burnett ’62; John Duke Anthony ’62; the superintendent, Gen. J. H. Binford Peay III ’62; and Chairman of the Class of 1962 Reunion Campaign George J. Collins ’62. Gen. Peay accepted the gift on behalf of the Institute from his Brother Rats. (This photo also appeared in the 2012-Issue 3 Alumni Review.)

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. they were instructed not to ask for money initially. “Our initial focus was on getting their commitments to attend the reunion, and follow-up calls would ensure they were registered for the reunion.” When the committee members began asking for gifts and commitments, Kiser said, “the reactions, as you’d expect, ran a full spectrum from, ‘I hated that place. I still do, and I will not contribute’ to ‘I am glad you called. After hearing all that is happening at VMI, I’ll mail a check in the next couple of days.’ Thankfully, there were very few of the first type and a good number of the second type.” George Collins ticked off the characteristics that made the committee so effective. “We were organized early. We made the calls. The committee worked very hard at running down BRs and getting their commitments. We had very constructive meetings. All told, we responded as a well-equipped team.” He admits, however, that the class

had something of a secret weapon in Gen. Peay. “The superintendent, our Brother Rat, was a big plus. In fact, we raised more than $1 million based on the briefing he gave us about recent developments at VMI during Reunion Weekend.” The class received a good number of relatively large gifts and commitments that helped ensure success in terms of the money goal. However, the smaller gifts from Brother Rats were highly prized as well. Collins said, “To those whose finances had not recovered from the effects of the recession, we said that any and all gifts would help the class and provide a strong example to the classes in Barracks and subsequent 50th Reunion Classes.” Although the final participation rate did not set a record, it still stands as one of the top five ever delivered by a 50th Reunion Class in the past 15 years. Clearly, the committee’s hard work,

early start and consistent message paid off. However, as with any VMI class, the intangibles mean a lot. “Simply put, the participation rate was driven by the spirit of the class,” said Collins. “The class of ’62 is a great class.” Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68, president of the VMI Foundation, praised the class of 1962 for its record-setting campaign. “From the beginning, it was obvious that this class would do something special for its 50th Reunion Campaign. I thank George Collins; the class agent, Jerry Burnett; campaign committee members, such as Walt Perrin, Danny Kiser and John Duke Anthony; and, for his inspirational leadership, Gen. Peay. More important, however, thanks must go to the Brother Rats of the class of 1962 who made the gifts and commitments in support of VMI and the Corps, money that will help maintain VMI’s special place in American higher education and, in doing so, set a new giving record.”

Donors Give $26.5 Million in FY 2012 In Fiscal Year 2012, which closed on June 30, 2012, members of the VMI family entrusted the VMI Foundation with a grand total of $26.5 million in gifts and commitments. Fifty-eight percent or $15.4 million was received in the form of commitments, including pledges to the Foundation Fund. Planned giving vehicles, such as bequests and trusts, again proved very popular with donors to the VMI Foundation. In fact, the vast majority of commitments were made using them, a total of $13.2 million. Immediate gifts and pledge payments constituted $11.1 million or 42% of what donors gave to the Institute through the VMI Foundation. The Foundation Fund, which is the means by which alumni and friends provide unrestricted funds to VMI’s academic and co-curricular program, enjoyed strong support. From more than 4,100 donors, who included more than 2,700 alumni, the Foundation Fund received $2,690,564 in FY 2012. This figure marks an increase of approximately $148,000 or 5.8% over last year’s figure of more than $2.42 million. During this academic year, VMI will use this money for many important purposes, including support of its dedicated faculty and staff and financial aid to cadets.

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Also related to the Foundation Fund, in FY 2012, membership in The Institute Society – the organization that honors alumni and friends who are the most generous donors to the Foundation Fund – increased as well. Last year, its membership was 1,119; this year, it rose to 1,237, an increase of 118 members. As has been customary since the mid 1970s, these alumni and friends will be recognized at the annual Institute Society Dinner held every November on Post. “The generosity of all of our donors in FY 2012 means that, in the short- and long-term, VMI will have the resources it needs to maintain the progress it has enjoyed over the past decade and a half,” said Brian Scott Crockett, CEO of the VMI Foundation. “These resources also will allow the Institute to pursue new opportunities to develop excellence throughout the entire range of its academic and co-curricular programs. “All donors to VMI, no matter where they directed their gifts in Fiscal Year 2012, therefore, deserve the thanks of the entire VMI family for their generosity and foresight. I thank them, as well, for providing a superb example of leadership in support of VMI and the exceptional young men and women who make up the Corps of Cadets,” Crockett concluded.

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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 May 1, 2012, through July 31, 2012.

Mrs. Donna M. Adams Mr. William L. Ginder ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Alfred S. Aldrich Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. Carter R. Anderson Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. Harry H. Augustine Jr. ’46 Mr. Roger A. Godin

Mr. Robert Emerson Balch ’71 Mr. John G. Balch ’68 Mr. Richard E. Randolph ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Francis C. Baldwin ’41 Class of 1941 Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47

Capt. Paul D. Barnes II ’92, USMC Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mr. Richard B. Bartlett ’62 Mr. Robert T. Mitchell Jr. ’62 and Mrs. Mitchell

Mr. Michael J. Baxter ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Nathaniel Beaman III ’46 Mr. Nathaniel Beaman IV ’74

Mr. Alexander A. Bearov ’71 Mr. William L. Ginder ’71

Robert W. Bedinger ’46, M.D. Mr. Paul B. Mitchell ’78

1st. Lt. William B. Bell ’67, USA Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. William W. Berry ’54 Mr. Douglas P. Bartlett Mr. and Mrs. Ted Broecker Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Darling Maj. Gen. L.H. Ginn III Mr. Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54 Mr. Paul H. Lamb III ’54 Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. William P. Schubmehl ’54 Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. Hugh V. White Jr. ’54 and Mrs. White

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Mr. Thomas C. Bethune Jr. ’65 Mr. Russell C. Proctor III ’65

Mr. W.R. Blandford Jr. ’69 Mrs. W.R. Blandford Jr. Mr. Joseph B. Farrar Jr. ’69 Mr. Paul J. Mascot ’69 Mr. Thomas B. Thompson Jr. ’69

Mr. Charles L. Board ’43 The Bromfield Family Ms. Elizabeth G. Mikell Mr. and Mrs. William M.D. Roe Mr. and Mrs. R. Wallace Wertsch

Mr. Edwin H. Bodenheim II ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mrs. Celia Branch Mr. Ronald L. Gault ’49B

Mr. Charles M. Brister Jr. ’911 Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Maj. Daniel C. Brittigan ’55, USA Col. and Mrs. Charles D. Morgan

Kitty McKenna Brothers D. Christy Brothers ’69, M.D.

Mr. Charles E. Brown Jr. ’69 Mrs. Charles E. Brown Jr.

Mr. Joseph C. Brown ’51 Mrs. Joseph C. Brown

Mr. Lindsay U. Bruce Jr. Mr. David B. Bruce ’94 Mr. James D. Holden Jr. ’95 Mr. Paul B. Mitchell ’78

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

Dr. Chester F. Burgess Jr. Mr. Robert R. Sparks Jr. ’69

Mr. Jack M. Burnett ’45 Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Ms. Catherine B. Raulerson

Maj. Richard L. Butt ’64, USAF Col. William B. Garber Jr. ’64, USA (Ret)

Mr. William B. Bynum ’65 Mr. Russell C. Proctor III ’65

Mr. John M. Camp Jr. ’40 Mr. Walter A. Edens Jr. ’72

Mr. Peter R. Candler ’71 Mr. William L. Ginder ’71 Mrs. Margaret C. Reed Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. A. Mark Casey Jr. ’49B Col. George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B, USAF (Ret) Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Smaw

Brig. Gen. John E. Catlin Jr. ’51, USAF Mr. John L. Nichols ’51

Mr. Webster M. Chandler Jr. ’46 Dr. and Mrs. J.E. Adamson Mr. Robert L. Ash Mr. W.C. Coupland Jr. ’57 Judge James H. Flippen Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Flippen Mrs. James G. Martin IV The Pomplun Family Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Newell Jr. Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Mr.and Mrs. Dickinson B. Phillips Ms. Patricia P. Rawls Mrs. Martha B. Ruggles Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas

Mr. I. Lee Chapman III ’65 Mr. Russell C. Proctor III ’65

Mr. James E. Cheatham ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret)

Col. James P. Connolly II ’51, USMC Mrs. Harry E. Atkinson

Mr. W. Mark Conway ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

CW2 Howard J. Cook III ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Cook Jr.

Mr. W. John Cowart ’40 Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63

Mr. Edwin Cox III ’53 Mr. William H. Cox ’93

Mrs. Edwin Cox III Mr. William H. Cox ’93

Alfred B. Cramer III ’54, M.D. Mr. Alfred B. Cramer IV ’79

Col. William H. Dabney ’61, USMC Anonymous Mr. Gerard J. Cullity

Col. Charles H. Dayhuff Jr. ’931, USA Lt. Col. Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59, USAR (Ret)

Deceased Brother Rats Class of 1969 Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Deceased Brother Rats of 1967

Col. George M. Brooke III ’67, USMC (Ret)

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Deceased Members of 1966 Mr. John A. Walters ’66

Mr. Richey S. Dickson ’50B

Mr. H. Braxton Green ’50B Mr. William D. Lauerman Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Lauerman

Mrs. Elizabeth F. Dillard

Mrs. Celestia Dillard Forepaugh

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’934 Mrs. Celestia Dillard Forepaugh

Mrs. June B. Dillard

Mr. Donnie E. Wheatley ’70

Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz ’00, ANG Mr. Matthew S. McComas ’00 Mr. William F. Steinbach II ’99 Mr. David D. Troxell ’02

Mr. Charles E. Early ’47 Mr. Thomas R. Culler Jr.

Arline R. Ehrlich E. Theodore Ehrlich

The Reverend T. Nelson Elliott Jr. ’62 Mr. Robert R. Evans ’62

Mrs. Lillian W. Enochs Mr. Ronald L. Gault ’49B

Capt. Ronald A. Erchul

Ms. Shirley K. McIvor Ms. Trudy E. Norfleet Diana Phillips and Family Mr. F. Gregory Pitts

Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mr. George Walter Farr ’69 Class of 1969

John Fenton Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Fritz Firing Sr. ’56 Mrs. Fritz Firing

Mr. Daniel H. Forsyth ’49C Mr. W. Marshall Brittain ’49C

Mr. Douglas C. France III ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Lt. Arthur L. Galloway Jr. ’69, USA Mr. Russell S. Evans Jr. ’65 Mr. J.H. Van Landingham IV ’68

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. John C. Reed ’59

Mr. Clyde M. Glover Jr. ’62 Mr. Matthew D. Greene

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Mr. John T. Baker ’69

Mr. Gregory C. Lee ’68 Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA (Ret)

Mr. Steven Wayne Good ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Dennis W. Graves ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

The Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan Mr. Paul B. Mitchell ’78 Mr. John R. Pritchard III ’69

Mr. Robert H. Gregory Jr. ’932 Mr. R. Bruce Gregory ’69

Mr. R.A. Guthans ’51 Mrs. R.A. Guthans

Lt. Col. Carroll B. Guthrie III ’67, USA Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

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

Mrs. Mary F. Harrison Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67

The Reverend James E. Hayes Jr. ’67 Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67

Col. and Mrs. Charles D. Morgan

Lt. Mark J. Eyre ’90, USN

Mr. Walter C. Laundon ’69

Mr. Robert E. Lee ’65 Mrs. Robert E. Lee

Mr. Robert Y. Leung ’59 Col. Pearson D. McWane ’59, USAR (Ret)

Liviv Librescu Mr. Alan S. Baumgartner ’57

Lt. Joseph M. Lingle Jr. ’65, USA Mr. James R. Porterfield Jr. ’65

Lt. Col. John S. Manley ’83, USAF Mr. John D. Dodge II ’83 Mrs. John S. Manley

Mrs. Doloris Turner Markey William O. Turner Jr. ’54, Ph.D.

Gen. George C. Marshall ’901 Robert B. Sigafoes, M.D.

Mr. Daniel H. Marston ’60 Class of 1960

Mr. Joseph E. Martin Jr. ’72 Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Upshaw III

Mr. Michael W. Maupin ’59 Mr. John C. Reed ’59

Mr. John A. Herring ’51 Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 and Mrs. Howard Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51 and Mrs. Wamsley

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

Mr. John W. Hill III ’65 Mr. Russell C. Proctor III ’65

Mr. James R. Hutcheson ’69 Mr. Joseph B. Farrar Jr. ’69

Mr. Thomas B. Inge Jr. ’59

Mr. James H. Mavor ’90 Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mr. Michael A. McCrory ’69 Mr. Paul A. Curs ’69

John W. McDowell Jr. ’55, Ph.D. Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Tait

Mrs. Elizabeth M. McEwan Mr. William L. Ginder ’71

Mrs. Clare B. McFarlin

Mr. Mark W. Williams ’85

Mr. Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 and Mrs. Louthan

Mr. Albert H. Jacoby Jr. ’71

Mr. Thomas F. McGraw Jr. ’43

Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Dan L. Jordan ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. David N. Kaliski ’64 Mrs. David N. Kaliski

Mr. William B. Kuykendall Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mrs. John W. Askew

Lt. Col. William McKee Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN (Ret)

Mr. Wallace T. McKeel Jr. ’57 Mr. Jose P. Gomez ’79

Mr. John McKenna Mr. Paul J. Johnston ’61

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. A. Roger Milio ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Robert R. Mitchell Jr. ’68 Mr. Paul J. Mascot ’69

Mrs. Richard W. Moncure Col. Thomas B. Moncure ’72, USAF (Ret), and Mrs. Moncure

Mr. Richard W. Moncure ’40 Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert E. Butler Jr.

Mr. Jeffrey J. Morgan ’80 Mr. Richard Y. AtLee ’66 Mr. Thomas A. Brashears ’95 Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Darnell ’75, USAF (Ret) Mr. William R. Davidson ’55 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Mr. Michael T. Fellows ’95 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Mr. Chalmers L. Glenn IV ’80 Mr. Roger A. Godin Brig. Gen. Robert L. Green ’67 and Mrs. Green Mr. W. Brett Hayes ’86 Mr. Donald B. Heslep ’56 Pat Hickerson, BOV and Dennis Fogarty Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57 Mr. Robert R. Jones ’80 Thomas C. Jones ’69, M.D. Gen. John P. Jumper ’66, USAF (Ret) Mr. William E. Loughridge ’65 Mr. John J. Marshall ’77 Mr. Mark V. McLean ’80 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. Richard M. Moore II ’82 Lt. Col. Gary A. Morgan ’81, USA (Ret) Mrs. Claude H. Patton Reed D. Prugh ’69, D.D.S. Gary S. Ross ’65, D.V.M. Mr. William H. Stephens Jr. ’73 Mrs. William P. Talbott Sr. Mr. Lawrence E. Wetsel Jr. ’61 Mrs. DeWitt S. Worrell

Col. A.H. Morrison ’39 Mrs. Celestia Dillard Forepaugh

Mr. Daniel J. Myers ’49B Mr. James L. Patton ’49B

Mr. H. Albert Nance Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. E. Marshall Newton III ’54 Mrs. Edward M. Newton III

Mr. Daniel J. Ogle ’63 Mrs. Frances W. Arehart

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Capt. Thomas T. Oliver ’63, USA Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63 Mr. Howard I. Reynolds ’63

Mr. Richard L. Owen ’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. Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C Mr. John D. Adams ’96 Ms. Deborah J. Agnor Mr. and Mrs. William Allcott Mr. Arthur E. Anderson II Mr. James Anderson Mr. Terrence M. Bagley Ms. Jonna T. Barber Mrs. Mary Baril Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms LLC Mr. John S. Barr Dennis I. Belcher, Esquire Mr. Robert P. Black Ms. Candace Blydenburgh J. William Boland ’73, Esquire BP Corporation North America Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie C. Britt Mr. and Mrs. William G. Broaddus Mr. Thomas C. Brown Jr. ’67 Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Mr. Robert L. Burrus Jr. Mrs. J.E. Burton III Mr. Stephen D. Busch Mr. Thomas E. Cabaniss Mr. and Mrs. R. Harvey Chappell Jr. Ms. Tennille J. Checkovich Class of 1949C Mr. Mark W. Claud Mr. and Mrs. William R. Cogar Mr. John V. Cogbill III Mr. and Mrs. Clarke H. Crenshaw Mrs. Martha Crowley Richard and Aggie Cullen Ms. Anne Marie Cushmac Mr. Clifford A. Cutchins IV Mr. Michael Daglio Ms. Kristian Dahl Mr. Patrick A. De Ridder Mr. Birch Douglass Ms. Elizabeth F. Edwards Mr. J. Morton Eggleston Jr. ’59 and Mrs. Eggleston Mr. Tazewell Ellett III ’44 and Mrs. Ellett Mr. James D. Elliott Jr. ’79 Mr. and Mrs. William F. Etherington Mr. and Mrs. C. Taylor Everett Mr. Howard Feller Mr. William G. Fendley IV Mr. David Finkelson Mr. P. Stockton Fleming ’49C Mr. Rives Fleming Jr. ’47 Mr. Charles D. Fox IV Mr. Haywood G. France ’49C

Mrs. Gloria L. Freye Mrs. Joy Fuhr Mr. G. Wayne Fuller Jr. ’86 Lynn, Elizabeth and Jack Garrett Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Gilchrist Jr. Thomas and Missy Goode Mr. and Mrs. William H. Goodwin Jr. Allen C. Goolsby, Esquire Ms. Katherine Lowden Goolsby Noruth D. Graham Mr. Bruce B. Gray Mr. Garland Gray III ’10 Ms. Katharine T. Gray Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. and Mrs. Brenton S. Halsey Mr. and Mrs. James C. Hamilton Jr. Fifth Floor Litigation Associates Mr. Jonathan Harmon Mr. Dion W. Hayes Dr. Christian Henneke Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hernandez Mr. Ewen J. Hill ’51 and Mrs. Hill Mr. Patrick T. Horne Mr. Bryce Jewett Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie W. Johnson Jr. Mr. Ronald K. Jones ’89 Mr. and Mrs. William C. Jones Mr. J. Brent Justus Ms. Joanne Katsantonis Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kay Jr. Mr. Donnie Keene Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. King Mr. and Mrs. Luke Kissam Mr. Daniel R. Kitchen Mr. Nathan Kottkamp Mr. John M. Lain Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret) Mr. Frank E. Laughon Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Francis V. Lowden III Mr. John Maddock Mr. George K. Martin Mr. Eugene Mathews Mature Options Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mays Mr. and Mrs. J. Burke McCormick Mrs. Anne McCray Mr. and Mrs. James P. McElligott Mr. Randolph W. McElroy Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. McIntyre Jr. Mr. J.P. McMenamin Mr. Bernard L. McNamee Mr. David Melson Mr. Charles Menges Mr. Perry Miles Mr. and Mrs. James Mohs Mr. P. William Moore Jr. ’63 Ms. Karen G. Narwold Mr. William M. Noftsinger ’49A and Mrs. Noftsinger Mr. John B. O’Grady Mr. Scott C. Oostdyk Mr. Albert M. Orgain IV ’65 and Mrs. Orgain

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Mrs. Nelson T.Overton Mr. Rosewell Page III The Honorable Lewis F. Payne Jr. ’67 Ms. Janet Peyton Brian E. Pumphrey Mr. Russell L. Rabb Jr. ’63 and Mrs. Rabb Mr. Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 Mr. Joseph K. Reid III Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Reynolds III Mr. R. Coleman Rice Jr. ’49 and Mrs. Rice Richard S. Reynolds Foundation Mr. Martin B. Richards Mr. David L. Richardson Ms. Carol A. Rifenberrick Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Rigsby Mr. Brian Riopelle Mr. and Mrs. James C. Roberts Mr. John W. Roberts Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Robertson III Mr. David W. Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Rosenberg Jr. Deborah M. Russell, Esquire Mr. Rodney A. Satterwhite Mr. and Mrs. Conrad F. Sauer IV Mr. Michael Schewel Mr. Gilbert E. Schill Jr. Mrs. Elizabeth R. Shannon Mr. and Mrs. T. Randolph Shannon 2nd Lt. William R. Shannon ’10 Mr. John Sherman Jr. Mr. William F. Shumadine Jr. Ms. Nancy S. Siverd Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. Dan Slone R. Gordon Smith, Esquire Ms. Karen L. Southall Mr. Thomas E. Spahn Mr. Joseph M. Spivey III ’57 Mr. Thomas J. Stalling Jacquelyn E. Stone Esq. Mr. W.J. Strickland Mr. Charles Swartz Mr. Samuel L. Tarry Jr. Mr. R. Trent Taylor Mr. W. Bruce Taylor ’49C Mr. James E. Thomas Mrs. Lizanne Thomas Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Matthew G. Thompson Mr. James Thornhill Mr. and Mrs. J. Kenneth Timmons Ms. Teri A. Tingen Mr. Christopher E. Trible The Honorable J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37 Mr. and Mrs. F. Stuart Valentine Mr. Howard C. Vick Virginia State Bar Staff and Officers Mr. John T. Walker Mr. and Mrs. James H. Walsh Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Mr. Stephen H. Watts II

2012-Issue 4

Cabell and John West Mr. G. Harrison Whitten Jr. ’49A Ms. Barbara A. Williams Richard and Eugenia Williams and Family Mr. and Mrs. Fielding L. Williams Jr. John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams Mr. S.R. Williams Mrs. Thomas E. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Williamson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. E. Carlton Wilton Mr. David M. Word Mr. and Mrs. Landon R. Wyatt Jr. Mr. W. Carter Younger Mr. Warren E. Zirkle

Mr. Vernon W. Patterson Jr. ’49B Mrs. Mary S. Ellett Col. B.F. Harmon III ’49B, USA (Ret) Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret), and Mrs. Smaw

Mr. C.H. Patton ’50B Mr. Joshua P. Priest ’80

Mr. Robert N. Petrola ’71 Mr. Paul F. Gibson ’71 Mr. Richard E. Randolph ’71 Mr. David Lloyd Schrader ’71

Mr. Ulys E. Phillippi ’40 Mr. Richard E. Phillippi ’59

Mr. E. Keith Phillips Jr. ’43 Mrs. E. Keith Phillips Jr.

Mr. Irving B. Pierce Jr. ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Richard D. Plogger ’62 Class of 1962

Lt. Terry L. Plunk ’88, USA Mr. C. Michael Thacker ’68

Cheryl Portman Edward M. Portman ’63, M.D.

Mrs. Dawn W. Powell Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Vance D. Powell Jr. ’67, D.O.

Mr. O. Hume Powers Jr. ’52 Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

1st Lt. Chase Prasnicki, USA Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. Douglas P. Bartlett Mr. Robert D. Bradley ’62 Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 Cliffwater LLC Mr. Brian S. Crockett Davidson Kempner Capital Management LLC

Mr. Daryl L. Deke ’82 Mr. Bruce C. Gottwald Jr. ’81 Mr. Conrad M. Hall ’65 J. Battle Haslam II ’61, M.D. Mr. Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Mr. W.M. Jeffress Jr. ’68, Esq. Mr. Thomas D. Kelly ’50B and Mrs. Kelly Mr. P. William Moore Jr. ’63 Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN (Ret) Gen. J.H.B. Peay III ’62 Mr. Walter C. Perrin II ’62 and Mrs. Perrin Mr. Kurt A. Polk ’95 Mr. George M. Rapport ’64 Mr. George H. Roberts Jr. ’68 Mr. Alan G. Soltis ’79 Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor Col. Patrick F. Webb, USA (Ret) Mr. Clifford M. Yonce

Mr. Lewis B. Puller ’921 Mr. Bruce L. Downs

J.C. Rasmussen Jr. ’65, Ph.D. Mr. Russell C. Proctor III ’65

Cadet Andrew L. Reavis ’12 Mr. Jordan M. Iida ’12 Mr. Kyle O. Reese ’12

Mr. James M. Renton ’44 Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Mrs. James M. Renton

Jerry Rhein Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Leo Ricard Sgt. Sean Ricard

Col. Herbert E. Ritchey J.J. Kleinschuster ’64, Ph.D.

Mrs. Helen Ritko Mr. George H. Ritko ’70

Mr. James W. Rountree Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mrs. Dorothy B. Sandwick Mr. Lorin A. Wiseman

Col. William C. Sauder ’55, USAF Mrs. William C. Sauder

T.J. Schermerhorn ’53, M.D. Mrs. T.J. Schermerhorn Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Frank W. Scroggins ’54 Mrs. Gloria B. Scroggins

Jay R. Sculley ’62, Ph.D. Mr. J.W. McCoskrie Jr. ’74

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. John E. Woodward III ’78

Mr. Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B Mrs. William J. Buchanan Col. H.S.G.T. Carmichael III ’61, USA (Ret) Mr. H. Braxton Green ’50B Mrs. Thomas P. Harwood Jr. Mr. Thomas D. Kelly ’50B and Mrs. Kelly Col. R.S. Morton ’50B, USAR (Ret) Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Nurney Mr. Edward L. Oast Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Oast Ms. Sallie G. Shepherd Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57

Lt. Col. Howard J. Simpson ’47, USA Mr. W.C. Coupland Jr. ’57 Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Grover C. Outland Jr. ’49B and Mrs. Outland Mrs. Martha B. Ruggles Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas

Mr. Gerald E. Smallwood ’50B Mrs. Gerald E. Smallwood Mrs. Luda B. Sowell

Mr. Frederick M. Smith ’69 Mr. Joseph B. Farrar Jr. ’69

The Reverend William J. Smith ’44 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57, USA Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ketchum Mr. Guy E. Murray Jr. ’57 Mrs. Sherrie Pollack Mr. Martin Rivlin Mr. Michael E. Sobota Ms. Martha S. Tom

Mr. Wortham A. Spilman Jr. ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret) Mr. Charles P. Wilson ’42

Mrs. Evelyn Williams Stallings Mr. Charles B. Miller ’42

Mr. William L. Stagg III ’44 Col. Paul W. Stagg ’48A, USA (Ret)

Mrs. Marion Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Atchue

Mr. John M. Tabb Jr. ’82

Mr. Robert J. Thalman Mr. Paul B. Mitchell ’78 Mr. Gregory M. Weaver ’79

Mr. Samuel H. Thornton Jr. ’51 Mr. Homer Ambrose Jr. ’51

Mr. Richard W. Thurman Mr. and Mrs. Albert K. Atkinson Mrs. Susan Pettus Mr. Robert L. Thurman

Mr. Eugene N. Touchstone ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mrs. Mary Salle Tyler Lt. Col. Fielding L. Tyler ’55, USA (Ret)

Mr. Bruce W. Undercoffer ’76 Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Charles Undercoffer Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. John L. Undercoffer Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Lt. Col. J. Thomas Undercoffer ’56, USA Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Allan S. Wagner Jr. ’50B Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

Col. J.E. Wales III ’35, USA Ms. Rebecca W. Andersen

Mr. Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Ralph A. Warren Jr. ’50B Mrs. Thomas P. Harwood Jr. Mr. Edward L. Oast Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Oast Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Robert L. Watson ’64 Buzz Birzenieks ’64 and Jane Birzenieks

Mr. Franklin W. Webb ’69 Mr. Joseph B. Farrar Jr. ’69

Mr. Larry W. Wertz ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Kevin E. Wheeler Mrs. Kevin E. Wheeler

Mr. William Bradley Willard William Bradley Willard Foundation

Mr. Douglas P. Bartlett Mr. W. Todd Minnix ’82 Ms. Ann A. Myers

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN

Mr. Robert L. Tannen ’67

Col. E.J. Williams Jr. ’49C, USA

Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

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Mr. Hans C. Peeders ‘91

Mr. W. Marshall Brittain ’49C

Mr. P. Stockton Fleming ’49C Mr. Haywood G. France ’49C Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret) Mr. R. Coleman Rice Jr. ’49 and Mrs. Rice

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

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Pendergast

Mr. Donald G. Wise ’61 C. Alison Drescher ’61, D.D.S.

Mr. Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Col. John M. Patton ’42, USAF (Ret)

Mr. John H. Woodfin Sr. ’61 Mrs. Anne C. Woodfin

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Mr. J. Mason Ayers ’99 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

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

Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber ’02, USA Mr. David A. Baber Jr. ’02 Mr. Jackson S. Castleberry ’02 Mr. Michael K. Entsminger ’02 Lt. David M. Ross ’02 Mr. Reuben F. Trant II ’02

Mrs. Alice C. Wykoff Col. Paul W. Stagg ’48A, USA (Ret)

Mr. Andrew M. Yurchak ’71 Mr. Craig A. Biegel ’71

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 May 1, 2012, through July 31, 2012.

Abbott Laboratories Fund Mr. Clinton T. Glover ’57

Alaska Airline Lt. Col. Thomas D. McGinnis ’86, USMC (Ret)

Allianz Asset Management LP Mr. Adam C. Rouse ’05

Altria Group Inc.

Mr. John R. Munno ’84

American International Group Inc. Mr. Peter H. Segersten ’96

Ameriprise Financial Advisor Mr. Richard Lee Clary ’71

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. James C. Cosby ’82 Mr. Alfred B. Cramer IV ’79 Mr. Willard D. Hoskins III ’61 Lt. Col. F.W. Shirley ’62, USA (Ret) Mr. Conrad K. Wharton ’84

BASF Corporation Stephen M. Andrews ’80, Ph.D.

The Boeing Company Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret) Mr. Jeff Hanna ’52

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Mr. Eric S. Plogger ’93

Capital One Mr. Jason W. Ancarrow ’97 Mr. Alexander G. Blanton Jr. ’98

ChevronTexaco Corporation Mr. Gary E. Pittman Sr. ’52

CITGO Petroleum Corporation Mr. Paul J. McCusker ’83

CNA Foundation Mr. John K. Whitmer ’78

Coca-Cola Company Col. Joseph P. Moan ’81, USAF (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Taylor Mr. Daniel F. Wells ’67

DirecTV Mr. Raphael S. Barsamian ’89

Dominion Foundation Mr. H.A. Curle Jr. ’76 Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Mr. Roderick W. Kallgren ’48B

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. Stuart N. Heishman ’86

El Paso Corporate Foundation Mr. E.D. Woomer Jr. ’73

Entergy Corporation Mr. S.M. Henry Brown Jr. ’60

ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. Robert A. Sommers ’59

2012-Issue 4

The Fluor Foundation Lt. Gen. Richard A. Hack ’72, USA (Ret)

Fulton Financial Corporation Mrs. Karen G. Yates-Whitesell

Geico Philanthropic Foundation Mr. William J. Walker III ’89

The General Electric Foundation Mr. Jennings B. Bunch Jr. ’50A Mr. Daniel J. DeForrest III ’64 Mr. Paul A. Kuhne Jr. ’54 Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B, USAR (Ret) Mr. John D. Shorter ’91

IBM Corporation Mr. Thomas G. Allen ’64 Mr. T. Bryan Barton ’68 Mr. Joseph R. Brenner ’55 Mr. Richard G. Condit ’72 Col. Louis C. Delisio ’52, USAF (Ret) Mr. G.T. Durvin Jr. ’70 Mr. John Goode ’81 Mr. James A. Griffin ’63 Mr. James P. Hart III ’55 Mr. Harry T. Jones ’63 James C. Kyle Jr. ’57, Ph.D. Mr. Ira N. Saxe ’39 Mr. Frank H. White ’59

Ingersoll-Rand Charitable Foundation Mr. Warren W. Michelsen ’87

Johnson & Johnson Company Mr. John M. Reilly Jr. ’93

Liquidnet Mr. Troy Mosby ’97

Lockheed Martin Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Preston Bach Lt. Col. Marc L. Fielder ’72, USAF (Ret) Mr. John F. Forsyth IV ’67 Mr. Joseph W. Keyes Jr.’82 Lt. Col. David A. Lawrence ’70, USAF (Ret) Mr. David L. Lawson Jr. ’96 Mr. Roy I. Siegel ’77

Macy’s Foundation Mr. William M. Bragg ’68

Masco Ms. Toni D. White

MassMutual Mr. Langhorne H. Meem II ’76

Nationwide Foundation Mr. Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54 Mr. Erik D. Marechal ’92

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Jake E. Bilthuis ’00 Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71 Mr. J. Coleman Lawrence ’89 Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. William M. Westerman ’56

Pfizer Foundation Mr. William R. Haeberlein ’61

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

Public Service Electric & Gas Company Mr. James J. Schaffer III ’77

Raytheon Company Col. Paul G. Munch ’70, USA (Ret)

Regions Financial Corporation Mr. J. Clifford Foster IV ’93

Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. Kenneth K. Kauffman

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60

SunTrust Foundation Mrs. Anne N. Howard

T Rowe Price Associates Foundation Inc. Mr. J. Alfred Broaddus Jr.

Temple-Inland Foundation Col. David R. Elliott ’61, USA (Ret)

UBS Mr. W. Bogart Holland ’68

Verizon Foundation Ms. Pamela F. Blair Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58 Mr. I. Thomas Orrell ’77 Mr. Ben W.L. Semmes Jr. ’55 Mr. David T. Wagner ’82 Mr. David F. West ’76 Mr. Michael C. Zirkle ’97

Yancey Bros. Co. Mr. Mark A. Kincer ’95

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KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club Welcomes New Board Members The Keydet Club Board of Governors welcomed five new members on July 1, 2012. The new board members are Charles C. Carr, Steven C. Craddock ’70, Daniel J. Darnell ’75, W. Marshall Simpson ’90 and John F. Harper. They will serve two, consecutive three-year terms. The new members join board officers who are continuing their service in 2013, including U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64, 1st vice president; Joseph W. Keyes Jr. ’82, 2nd vice president; Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71, secretary and treasurer; and Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70, historian. Following are brief biographies of most of the new board members:

manager, he retired in 2005 to start his own business. Beginning in 2005, Carr owned and expanded Carr Insurance Agency, a property, casualty and commercial insurance company that he sold in 2011. Since then, he has served as the vice president of Carilion Health System and the CEO of Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, Virginia. Carr has been a member of the boards of directors for Carilion Health Systems, the Lexington Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce and The First Tee of Rockbridge. An avid golfer, he is a longtime member of the Lexington Golf & Country Club.

pleted numerous engineering and computer science study programs sponsored by AT&T. During his career, Craddock rose up the ranks through numerous engineering, operations and marketing assignments. He was a member of the team that formed the company’s video services subsidiary, Bell Atlantic Video Service, of which he was a vice president and founding board member. Craddock was Bell Atlantic’s representative on the joint venture team (along with TCI and Time Warner) that founded Sky Television in New Zealand. He supervised the building of the Washington, D.C., cable TV system and worked on the predecessor to Verizon’s Charles E. Carr current FiOS service offering. (FiOS Steven C. Craddock ’70 is a bundled Internet access, telephone Charles E. “Chuck” Carr is a native and television service which operates of Rockbridge County, Virginia. He A Distinguished Military Graduate over a fiber-optic communications graduated from Parry McClure High and member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, network.) He was part of the Bell AtSchool in Buena Vista, VirSteven C. Craddock ’70 lantic team that attempted to buy TCI, ginia, and received a bachmatriculated from Alexan- the largest cable TV multiple system elor’s degree in counseling dria, Virginia, and earned a operator in North America at the time. and business administration bachelor’s degree in civil In 1994, Craddock was recruited to from James Madison Uniengineering from VMI, join Comcast, where he ran the first versity in 1973. having minored in electri- residential cable modem trial in North Carr has held a variety of cal engineering. During his America and started Comcast’s Internet management positions durcadetship, he participated in business. In later years, Craddock led ing his nearly 40-year cafootball for one year, was a the development on many of Comreer. In 1978, he was hired member of the cast’s technical services, inas the Human Resources judo team and cluding video-on-demand, Carr manager for Reeves Bros. Glee Club and, streaming internet protoInc. and was later promoted in his first class col (IP) video, voice-overto plant superintendent. He remained in year, was a platoon leader IP, home networking, and that position until 1986, at which time in C Company. home security and automahe was promoted to plant manager. Following graduation, tion. He became senior vice In 1988, Carr was hired as the Human Craddock joined C&P Telepresident of technology and Resources manager for Modine Manu- phone which later became helped form the office of facturing Co. in Buena Vista, a 250-em- Bell Atlantic. While with the chief technology officer ployee facility that manufactured gas, Bell Atlantic, he undertook (CTO) at Comcast, where electric and hydronic commercial and graduate work in finance he was the interim CTO industrial heating products. Promoted and economics at Iowa before retiring in 2008. Craddock ’70 to production manager and then to plant State University and comDuring his employment 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. 166

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB with Comcast, Craddock served on a number of technical advisory boards for some of Silicon Valley’s elite technology companies, including Cisco, Broadcom, Arris, Nortel and Motorola. At the time of this writing, he is president of the Del Ray Group, LLC, an independent consulting firm that provides services to high technology and financial clients focused on the media and telecommunications market segments. He is an alumnus of the Board of Directors College Program at Stanford University Law School and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Audit Committee Effectiveness Program. He has 16 years of experience in corporate governance, serving as the independent director on boards of directors for both public and private companies. Craddock holds an Advanced Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors – a director education and credentialing organization – and is a member of the Corporate Directors Group. He is a licensed professional engineer and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Society of Cable Television Engineers and IEEE. He was a high school and college level football official for 17 years and is a member of the National Association of Sports Officials. Craddock and his wife, Sherrie, live in Radnor, Pennsylvania. They have two sons, David and Bill, who live in the Philadelphia area, and a daughter, Lori, who lives in Lorton, Virginia.

leader specializing in defense, homeland played football during his Rat year. security and other government markets He was a member of the Honor Court. throughout the world. Darnell brings a Darnell holds a master’s degree in wealth of leadership and management National Security Strategy from the Naexperience gained during his 36-year tional War College and is a graduate of career in the U.S. Air Force. senior executive programs at Harvard Before joining SAS in March 2012, University and George Washington Darnell was senior advisor to the com- University. mander of the United States Pacific He completed his Air Force flying caCommand. In this role, he provided reer as a command pilot with more than command oversight for a workforce 4,600 flying hours in 12 types of fighter of 330,000 from all services involved and training aircraft. Darnell is a former in operations, defense and execution F-15 weapons school instructor and comof national policy in the Pacific region. mander of the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Prior to that, Darnell was the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. Force chief of Operations, Plans and He and his wife, Vickie, live in LeesRequirements at the Pentagon. There, burg, Virginia. he planned directed and supervised Air Force air, space, cyber and weather W. Marshall Simpson ’90 operations. He was responsible for training, equipping and preparing for With more than 20 years of experience combat more than 200,000 service in the health care industry, W. Marshall members and an accompanying fleet Simpson ’90 is the chief executive of nearly 6,000 aircraft, 300 satellites officer of Dominions Medical, a comand the nation’s nuclear ballistic mis- pany that sells medical devices in the sile force. cardiovascular and electrophysiology He has also served as director, Air healthcare marketplace. Force Legislative Liaison for the SecPrior to co-founding Dominions retary of the Air Force. Medical, Simpson served as a corporate Before that, he commanded officer as well as a senior the only F16 Wild Weasel executive with Owens & Wing in Air Combat ComMinor, Inc., a Fortune 500 mand, led the largest and company that is the leadmost diverse combat training ing national distributor wing in the Air Force and of brand name medical commanded the only NATO and surgical supplies and combat fighter wing in southa healthcare supply chain ern Europe. He is a former management company. commander of the Space Simpson graduated from Warfare Center and served VMI with a bachelor’s Simpson ’90 as senior director degree in English. He of the Combined was also an All Southern Air Operations Conference/All State first Center at Prince Sultan baseman for the Keydets baseball team. Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Air Base, Saudi Arabia, Darnell ’75, USAF (Ret) He lives in Richmond, Virginia, with during the opening weeks his wife, Ann Macon, and three children: and months of Operation Madeline, 14, Liam, 11, and Hayden, 8. Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Darnell Iraqi Freedom. ’75, USAF (Ret), is vice Darnell earned a bachpresident of Strategic InitiaEditor’s Note: John F. Harper’s biogelor’s degree in history raphy was not available at press time. tives for Raytheon’s Space from VMI and received and Airborne Systems (SAS) his Air Force commisbusiness. Editor’s Note: Unless stated othersion after being named Raytheon Company, with Darnell ’75 wise, all articles in the Keydet Club a distinguished ROTC 2011 sales of $25 billion and section of the Alumni Review are graduate. He played on the 71,000 employees worldprovided by the Keydet Club. wide, is a technology and innovation VMI baseball team for four years and 2012-Issue 4

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KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club’s “Above & Beyond” $100 Class Funding Challenge is a Huge Success! Class of 1969 Wins Challenge ... Dudley Price ’57 Wins “The Keydet Club Member of the Year”

For the final quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Keydet Club rolled out a challenge to all alumni and classes, and the response to the challenge was overwhelming. A total of 1,297 alumni made contributions to the Keydet Club for at least $100 “above and beyond” what they gave in fiscal year 2011. As a result, VMI’s percentage of alumni participation rate rose to 33.3%, Keydet Club donors increased by 18% and the Keydet Club closed out a $3.18 million year in support of athletic scholarships and operations. A $50,000 need-based, athletic scholarship within the Keydet Club will be named for the challenge winner – the class of 1969 – meaning that a cadet-athlete will be recognized on an annual basis as the recipient of the Class of ’69 Scholarship. In addition, “Moe” – the VMI mascot – will wear the number “69” for the 2012-13 academic year, recognizing the class for its efforts. We extend a special thanks to the class of ’69 for its enthusiastic support and to all classes that got engaged in the fun and meaningful initiative

Top Ten Classes Place

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

Class

Number of Donors

’69 ’62 ’68 ’65 ’70 and ’86 ’77 ’66 ’67 and ’79 ’55 ’64 and ’71

73 Donors 52 Donors 51 Donors 48 Donors 46 Donors 38 Donors 37 Donors 32 Donors 29 Donors 28 Donors

Leaders of the class of 1969 were recognized during the University of Richmond vs. VMI football game on Sept. 15, 2012. From left: Athletic Director Donny White ’65, Alumni Association President Bob Heely ’69, Class Agent Walt Judd ’69, Keydet Club President Bill Paulette ’69, Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84 and VMI mascot “Moe” who will wear # 69 for this academic year.

to support VMI athletics. Bill Paulette ’69, president of the Keydet Club Board of Governors, commented, “The power of the VMI class and all that each class can accomplish never ceases to amaze me, such as at reunion time and when there is a need to support the Institute or other Brother Rats. This was a lot of fun, and I hope we can make it an annual effort, because as we know, the small numbers can add up. I am honored that my class responded the way it did to win this challenge.” All alumni who participated with a gift of at least $100 more than last fiscal year were eligible for the drawing and honor of being recognized as “The Keydet Club Member of the Year.” Dudley Price ’57, M.D., of Punta Gorda, Florida, was that lucky winner and will receive complimentary football, basketball and baseball tickets for the coming seasons; Leadership Parking on the parade ground or behind the stadium for football season; and invitations to attend the Keydet Club’s Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet and Leadership Outing. Congratulations, Dr. Price!

Deal ’12 Joins Keydet Club Staff On Aug. 1, 2012, Andrew Deal ’12 joined the Keydet Club staff as a development officer. Deal attended L.C. Bird High School in Chester, Virginia, and graduated from VMI in May 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business. A beneficiary of the Senator Elmon T. Gray ’46 Annual Scholarship, he was a member of the baseball team for four years at VMI and a team captain his first class year. He was also a cadet liaison to 168

the Athletic Department and was a 2012 class campaign fundraiser. “We are excited to add Andrew to the Keydet Club team,” said Keydet Club CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84. “His engaging personality, passion for athletics and confidence should enable him to become an effective development officer. Initially, his primary focus will be to engage young alumni and educate current cadets on behalf of the Keydet Club and in support of VMI athletics,” Cavallaro concluded. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW