Alumni Review 2015 Issue 4 by VMI Alumni Agencies

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2015-Issue 4

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2015-Issue 4

In This Issue . . . This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of May 15, 2015, to Aug. 15, 2015.

Features 7

2015 Jonathan Daniels ’61 Pilgrimage

The Institute Goes to War

Campaign Message from Donald Wilkinson ’61

Legacy Programs at VMI

Kaminsky Collection Comes to VMI

Managing Editor: Jordan Moore Editorial Assistant: Elaine Wood ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview 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

26 VMI Alumni Agencies Report

The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

News and Updates

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

16 Matthews ’07 Brings SpiceSea Food Truck

Our Alumni Serving

Association/Chapter News

Class Notes

149 Births, Marriages, Degrees 150 Provisional Appointments 152 Taps 159 Alumni News

Departments 2

President’s Letter

157 Association Directory 164 The Institute

2015-Issue 4

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

14 Chaney ’45: A Legacy of Helping Others to Virginia

165

Volume 92, No. 3

168 Keydet Athletics 171 The Foundation 174 The Keydet Club

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. MISSION OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni and old cadets of VMI into one general body to keep alive the memories of Institute life and, by their united efforts, promote the general welfare of the Institute and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes. VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation: The VMI Keydet Club:

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

WEBSITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu ON OUR COVER Outside Front Cover: Cadet Bryce Teague ’16. Inside Front Cover: New cadets march by company formation to barracks to meet cadre. Inside Back Cover: At a ceremony in Cameron Hall, new cadets form up by company for the first time. All cover photos by Micalyn Miller.

A Message From the President Dear Alumni, As I write this letter, the 2015-16 academic year is well underway, the Class of 2019 has matriculated and football season is coming to a close. In September and October, two successful fall reunion weekends were held on post. Hundreds of alumni, family and friends returned to post to spend time with their brother rats, and photos from those weekends will appear in the next issue of the Review. Of special interest on the following pages is an article titled, “The Institute Goes to War,” written by Lisa Tracy, granddaughter of Gen. Charles Kilbourne ’894, VMI’s sixth superintendent. This well-researched piece tells the stories of many alumni during the early 1940s and paints a picture of what life at the Institute was like around that time. This issue of the Review also provides an update of the Campaign for VMI one year after its launch. In his update, Don Wilkinson ’61, campaign chairman, encourages alumni to continue to donate to ensure the future of the Institute remains bright.

Perrow ’96

Several alumni are featured on the following pages, including Verne Chaney ’45, who dedicated his life to serving the medical needs of those less fortunate, and Whitney Matthews ’07, who pursued her culinary dream by successfully establishing a popular food truck in San Antonio, Texas, and now Charlottesville, Virginia. The Foundation section highlights the Class of 1965’s successful Reunion Campaign, as well as the generosity of Libby and Mark Nunn, parents of Cadet Vaughn Nunn ’17. The Keydet Club announces a record-breaking 2015 Fiscal Year, as well as introduces three newly established athletic scholarships. The Athletics section provides many sports updates, including the lacrosse and women’s soccer team staff changes, two recent alumni drafted in the MLB, and the 2015-16 basketball schedule. Also of interest is an article detailing the donation of The Kaminsky Gun Collection – boasting dozens of mid-19th century firearms – to the VMI Museum System. The article features an in-depth Q&A with Marty Kaminsky, who explains why he chose VMI as the recipient of this impressive collection of Civil War-era firearms. By the time you receive this magazine, we will be preparing to head into the holiday season. As Thanksgiving nears, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of VMI and to wish you and your family a wonderful and joyous holiday season. In the bonds,

E.J. Turner Perrow Jr. ’96 President, VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

Vmi Alumni Review

On April 18, 2015, command of the 2nd Battalion 224th Aviation Regiment, Virginia Army National Guard, passed from Lt. Col. Kevin Warfield ’94 to Lt. Col. Thomas L. Hernandez ’89. The 2-224th is based in Richmond, Virginia, on the grounds of the Richmond International Airport. The unit consists of approximately 450 soldiers and 20 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, along with support equipment and vehicles. Passing the unit guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander was Col. Marti Bissell, commander of the 91st Troop Command, Virginia Army National Guard. Also in attendance were Col. John Wranek ’85, Col. Jim Ring ’88 (former 2-224th commander), Col. Paul Mele ’89, Capt. Dave Clement ’89, Col. Garry Bissell ’89, Maj. James Masella ’89 and Lt. Col. Carl Engstrom ’92.

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 citizensoliders, 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 every time 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, P.O. 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 Are you orand someone you serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a doing, where for whom. See know instructions above. description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above. 2015-Issue 4

Supporting an Afghan National Defense Force Operation in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, in May 2015 were, from left, U.S. Army Majs. Ryan Davis ’02 and Christopher Bluhm ’03.

Pictured at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in May 2015 were, from left, U.S. Army Capts. John Nikiforakis ’08 and Chris Czupryna ’10; Shannon Smith ’09; U.S. Army 1st Lts. Sean Eberle ’12 and Michael T. Gwinn ’12; and U.S. Army Majs. Trey Guy ’03 and Christopher Bluhm ’03.

Vmi Alumni Review

VMI alumni in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 116th Brigade Combat Team, also known as the “Stonewall Brigade,” who attended the BCT Staff Ride at the Battle of Chancellorsville Aug. 2, 2015, were, from left, Maj. Chuck Reinhold ’99, Maj. Beau Mason ’00, Maj. Wilson Mustian ’01, Lt. Col. Dave Jones ’91, Maj. Corey Stavinoha ’02, Lt. Col. Mike Martin ’91 and Lt. Col. Rusty McGuire ’96.

Air Force Lt. Col. Oliver “O.J.” Johnson ’97 trained and administered the final mission checkride for retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Russ Early ’80 in the T-1 Jayhawk Pilot Instructor Training course. Johnson is the current commander of the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Early now flies T-1 Jayhawks as a GS instructor pilot at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

Conor Powell ’99, center, was nominated and later selected for the U.S. Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program. He traveled from Jerusalem, where he works as a foreign news correspondent for Fox News, to participate in the program. Col. Gerry Tertychny ’87, left, serves as an instructor for the Army War College and provides instruction on strategic affairs and special operations. Col. Adam Volant ’88, right, was a student in the program.

2015-Issue 4

Top: Captain Robert Kelly â&#x20AC;&#x2122;08 and his battalion command sergeant major with Afghan children in a local village outside Kabul. Above Left: Kelly with the Afghan army general in charge of the Kabul Recruitment Facility. Right: Kelly standing in front of the old fortress of Bala Hassir in Kabul.

Vmi Alumni Review

2015 Annual Daniels ’61 Pilgrimage

On Aug. 15, 2015, alumni from many areas gathered in Hayneville, Alabama, to take part of the 50th anniversary and pilgrimage that recognized the death of Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61. On the previous evening, alumni held a reception in Montgomery and were able to join together in fellowship. The pilgrimage is an annual event established by the Episcopal Church, and the 2015 event drew record crowds. Several years ago, Dr. Tom Jones ’69 and a smaller group of alumni made their commitment to participate in the event each year. As part of the recognition, Col. James Inman ’86, VMI chief of staff, spoke to a standing room only crowd inside the courthouse. Inman remarked that Daniels’ service and sacrifice are a meaningful

2015-Issue 4

part of the VMI experience today. Daniels was murdered outside a small grocery store in Hayneville in 1965 in the peak of the civil rights movement. Today, he is recognized as a Christian martyr by the Episcopal Church and was one of many who died in Alabama during the movement. Alumni walked together through the small town following the footsteps of Daniels, including a stop at the jail where he was incarcerated. Moving as a group, the alumni went back to the courthouse, where a service was held. Turner Perrow ’96, VMI Alumni Association president, made the trip along with Anthony Moore ’78 and Sean Lanier ’94, two other members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The Institute Goes to War by Lisa Tracy, Contributing Writer

U.S. Army Lt. George B.J. Handy ’40. Handy was the first VMI alumnus to die during World War II. He was killed in action in the Philippines Jan 23, 1942. Photo courtesy VMI Archives. The year was 1939. On the world stage, events were anything but usual. Germany had invaded Poland in the pre-dawn hours of Sept. 1, and Britain and France – honoring a treaty with Poland – had declared war. At VMI, plans were underway for a major event of a very different order: the Nov. 11 celebration of the Institute’s centennial. The president of the United States had accepted an invitation to attend. A new library was to be unveiled. In the superintendent’s quarters, special accommodations were being prepared on the ground floor for President Roosevelt. But by late October, Germany had sunk a ship of the British Royal Navy, killing 800 sailors, and had captured a U.S. freighter bound for England. On Oct. 24, citing pressing business, the White House sent word FDR would not be attending Founders Day. The 4th Class cadets of that year, the Class of ’43, arrived Sept. 15, 1939, with no idea – for most – that they would be swept up in a war within four short years. Their superintendent, Maj. Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne ’894, however, had been watching events from China to the Sudetenland with mounting concern. Kilbourne himself had gone to Tientsin, China, in 1935 in what The New York Times speculated was a U.S.

effort to curb Japan’s mainland ambitions. In late 1937 – shortly after his arrival at the Institute – he told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “The way the world looks now, the boys who are here now will all see active service.” They would, he said, be among the first to go. The next two years would find the U.S. War Department quietly gearing up for what most felt was inevitable. The Manhattan Project, which many VMI men would gratefully credit with having saved their lives, was secretly underway. At VMI and nationally, there was talk of crisis. In October 1940, Gen. Kilbourne wrote to The Cadet, decrying “rumors [that] have reached me that some cadets are impressed by the efficiency of the totalitarian governments ...” In November, Gen. George Marshall ’901, in a national CBS broadcast honoring VMI’s 101st Founders Day, spoke of “parlous times” and of VMI’s traditions and standards. In 1939, Robert P. Smith ’40 and roommates, concerned that the military science curriculum was “teaching us how to take care of horses while Hitler was invading Poland,” had mounted a world map on a wall, updating it weekly from The New York Times. Yet barracks life proceeded as normal. Smith pleaded for a roommate threatened with expulsion after a shirttail parade. Stuart Seaton ’41 recalled the entire class losing graduation-week 1st Class privileges after Col. Henry B. Holmes ’916, commandant, ordered a midnight inspection, and two beds in Seaton’s room were found empty. VMI life as usual. Then came Dec. 7, 1941. Charles Bruce “Charlie” Miller ’42 recently recalled that when the news came over CBS, interrupting a Los Angeles Dodgers versus the San Francisco Giants baseball game broadcast, the question was, “Where’s Pearl Harbor?” Just a month later, the Corps would mourn its first casualty, George Ben Johnson Handy ’40, killed in combat in the Philippines. By early 1942, VMI was practicing blackouts. Graduation was moved up a month, but cadet life for most was unchanged. But as Gen. Jim Morgan ’45 noted in “Cadet Life at VMI During the War Years,” 1942-43 would see the end of that: The last class to graduate on something resembling a regular schedule would be the Class of ’43, and May 17, 1943, The Cadet published its last edition for the war years, pronouncing “the closing phase of the old Institute.”

If times were perilous for the Institute, they were infinitely more so for the men who had just left their familiar, if Spartan, barracks to serve their country. By late 1944, the military would call up virtually all eligible members of the Corps of Cadets – bringing deadly combat for some and frustrating months of hurry-up-and-wait training for others, who would in the end never see the combat for which they had resolutely readied themselves. The VMI At War archives hold dozens of folders labeled KIA for the Classes of 1940-46. And there were prisoners of war: Robert “Egypt” Jones ’44 shot down over Japan; Richard “Dick” Matheis ’45 and Paul Louis ’45, captured by the Germans; Jule Spach ’46 in Italy. VMI men of these years have said family and friends urge them to tell their stories. Some wartime snapshots from recent interviews and the archives follow. 1941: Holmes was called to active duty immediately after Pearl Harbor. At the Institute, the cavalry trained on horses and the field artillery with horse-drawn caissons. Kilbourne urged cadets to sign up for the Enlisted Reserve Command, which he hoped would keep them in school with a better chance of commissions. 1942: The Class of ’42 graduated on New Market Day and most were called up almost immediately. Miller transferred from cavalry to Air Corps. He would fly 25 B-17 missions over Europe and 23 B-29 raids over Japan. VMI turned to 1903 Springfield rifles for training – its better arms requisitioned for the war effort. June 1943: All eligible members of the Class of ’44 were called up. The Institute began a yearround schedule as the first Army Specialized Training Program cadets arrived. John Irby ’44 was among many to go through basic training elsewhere, only to return to VMI’s ASTP to study English, math and public speaking while waiting to enter overcrowded OCS programs. April: Seaton sailed to North Africa with the 82nd Airborne, 456th Parachute FAB, arriving May 8, “the day Africa was decided.” In July, he would be wounded in the Battle of Sicily. February 1944: Joseph D. “Pat” Harris ’40 was killed in shelling at Anzio. The Allies pushed on to disastrous Monte Cassino, then Rome. J.R. “Bunny” Tucker ’37 was among tens of thousands arriving in England to train for an invasion; date unspecified.

Vmi Alumni Review

D-Day 1944: A glider unit which included R.J. Manning ’32 flew over St. Mere Eglise to drop men, jeeps and 75 mm. guns. George Tompkins ’44, writing for VAW, recalled: “After great losses and heavy fighting, the infantry moved inland. We were protected [by] the bluff in front of us, provided the infantry could hold their gains. The beach was a devastated sight, with bodies and equipment wrecked by enemy fire.” Tompkins served in the 1st Signal Co. in the 1st Infantry Division. Two days after D-Day: A First Army tank unit that included Harry Siebert ’42 landed at Omaha. Some of his men were on landing craft dumped in too deep, which sunk with all aboard: “It was terrible. I had to tell my men, ‘Don’t go back.’” Six days after D-Day: Tucker’s tank squadron headed into dense Norman hedgerows, raked by German Tiger tanks. Siebert and Tucker would soon witness the largest single airstrike in history, as 2,000-plus Liberators and Flying Fortresses blasted a path through hedgerow country. August 1944: Seaton’s unit parachuted into Southern France to fight its way north with Operation Dragoon. Spach, a B-24 pilot, was flying bombing raids from Italy when his plane went down in the Mediterranean. September 1944: In the Pacific Theater of Operations, at Peleliu, Joe Johnston ’44, Stuart Bolling ’44 and Rice “Mac” Youell ’43 waded ashore with the 3rd 155 Howitzer Battalion in the company of Class of 1921 Lewis “Chesty” Puller’s First Marines and Class of 1936 Bob Boyd’s Fifth Marines under what Johnston referred to in the VAW as a “murderous enfilade.”

Gen. George S. Patton Jr. ’907 in Sicily during World War II. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

2015-Issue 4

A cadet in Normandy salutes the grave of Maj. Alexander Newton ’931 in March 2006. Photo courtesy VMI Communications & Marketing. October 1944: In the Burma Theater, the 124th Cavalry-Special – with Jeffrey Smith ’43, Bill “Floyd” Gottwald ’43, Tom “Gabe” Jones ’43, and Ned Brantly ’43 – fought its way south from Myitkyina to break Japanese control of the crucial Burma Road. Joe Gantt ’45 in the 89th Fighter Squadron began flying missions there and over the Hump, which would total 50 by the end. Winter 1944: Back in France, Cabell Brand ’44, with the Seventh Army’s 70th Infantry, patched telephone lines to keep three divisions in communication. Tucker made it to the Rhine, only to be told to turn around. The Germans mounted a last-ditch effort remembered as the Battle of the Bulge, and his tank squadron crawled through the night to get there. December: Bad weather kept flights from relieving beleaguered Bastogne, where Irby’s first assignment was to haul dead bodies frozen in the 14-degree weather. Dec. 22, Gen. Anthony Clement McAuliffe replied to a German ultimatum: “Nuts!” Seaton summed up the crucial struggle: “Once we were in position [Dec. 19], we fired 360 degrees around the perimeter. To this day, I thank goodness for Dec. 23. The planes were able to get in ... we had expended all but nine rounds of high-explosive ammunition, and the ration supply was exhausted. If the weather hadn’t broken, I don’t know what would have happened.” 1945: The drive to Berlin and VE day was on,

but not without heavy cost. Pushing toward Austria, Bruce Suter’s 163rd Combat Engineer Battalion reached Dachau: Bodies piled on train cars, furnaces loaded, the stares of those still living. Spach, liberated by Patton’s Third Army after a killing march from prison camp to Munich, remembered them, too – the remnants of Dachau wandering the streets like ghosts. Tens of thousands prepared to join those already in the Pacific. Gus Robbins ’47 remembered recently: “The U.S. had just finished at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Of 3,000 Japanese, fewer than 1,000 surrendered, which gave us a pretty good idea of what invading the mainland was going to mean. They had forecast a half million casualties for our side. “We were training for the invasion when Harry Truman had the guts to drop the atom bomb; God rest his soul, he saved our lives.” Still ahead would be the often exasperating task of re-entry for men who’d fought in battle. For those returning to VMI, it would mean married men being required to live in barracks and battle-hardened soldiers drilling on the Parade Ground. The Institute would never be quite the same. But it had survived, and brother rats would gather in years ahead to remember. Some would go on to new battlefields; others would gain their first real taste of adult civilian life as the citizen soldiers for which the Institute is renowned. But that, as Jim Morgan says, is another story.

A Message from Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, Campaign Chairman O

ne year ago, VMI’s crucial fundraising effort, An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, kicked off its public phase at the Institute Society Dinner. That evening, I announced that the campaign’s goal was $225 million. With the economy still tentatively emerging from recession, $225 million seemed ambitious but achievable. By the end of Fiscal Year 2015 – less than eight months after that evening – almost 13,000 members of the VMI family had heeded the call, and the campaign raised a grand total of more than $226.5 million in gifts and commitments. In the months since, our alumni and friends have not slackened in their support of the Institute, and by their generosity, they are taking this very special effort forward at a rapid pace. I have been humbled by the many sacrifices made on behalf of VMI over the past year. I also have been heartened by this overwhelming response. It demonstrates that those who understand the exceptional nature of the Institute and its mission also understand the significance of private support to it. It means the Institute has additional resources to pursue its critically important work of educating men and women of strong character who are prepared to lead and committed to serve. It also means that VMI’s overall financial health is sounder than it was several years ago. As proud as we may be of the campaign’s success so far, the hard reality is that there is still a lot of work ahead of

us, and this campaign must continue. The Institute must become financially self-sustaining to ensure its long-term vitality. In order to be competitive in terms of programs, faculty and facilities with other great institutions, it must be competitive with them in terms of private resources. To achieve all this and be true to its uncommon purpose, VMI needs a vastly expanded endowment and requires generous annual support. The Institute did not launch this campaign only to reach a certain number. It did so because those who think – seriously think – about the future of this country realize it needs VMI and all it stands for, not just for the next couple of decades but deep into this century. This campaign already has done much to secure the Institute’s future. We are not done yet, however, and so many opportunities remain for those who care about VMI’s place in this nation to provide support of a truly transformational nature. Few places are more deserving of your support and fewer investments will yield a richer return.

Total Gifts and Commitments: $231,256,177

$240

million

$235 $230

• 13,055 Donors • 263 gifts of $100,000 + • 44 gifts of $1,000,000 +

$225 $220 $215 $210 $205 $200 $195 $0

Vmi Alumni Review

“Touching and Eloquent Voices:” Legacy Programs at VMI by Col. Keith E. Gibson ’77, Executive Director, VMI Museum System

The July 4 graduation of the Class of 1856 marked the arrival of a accredited sites present the unparalleled story of VMI and its alumni to package addressed to Gen. Francis Smith, first VMI superintendent. more than 65,000 visitors annually. Those who come learn of the legacy of duty and achievement, hallmarks of VMI alumni. The accompanying letter stated that it contained a “plain, old fashLegacy, by definition, must be passed from one generation to the ioned rifle” which had been carried by Capt. John Paxton when he next. Smith understood this was a distinguishing element of his grand was mortally wounded at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse March 15, 1781. “I commit them, as a sacred trust, to the cadets of Virginia educational experiment: a prospective cadet commits to the VMI lifestyle after learning about achievements of his cadet predecessors; Military Institute,” explained the donor, James Baldwin, “in the fullest confidence that they will preserve them, for many generations, as a current cadet refocuses her commitment to the demands of cadet interesting relics of our revolutionary struggle, and that, if need be, life after reflecting on those who came before her; an alumnus takes they will imitate the conduct of my ancestor, who left his farm, wife pride in his place in the unbroken chain of legacy. Legacy, heritage and tradition require the deliberate actions of viand children to fight and die for the liberties of his country.” Smith replied, “I am sure that the Corps of Cadets will look upon sionaries like Smith to create a place from which the touching and eloquent voices can be heard. these mementos of the past as The American flag, made by I do – as touching and eloquent Lt. Col. Jim Berger ’61 out voices to them, to emulate the of a pillowcase, red shirt and virtues and patriotism of him patch of blue cloth while he who used them in his country’s was held as a prisoner of war cause ... I design to have them in North Vietnam, speaks of properly cased and deposited boundless determination and in our public library, where I patriotism. The 1st Class cadet know they will be examined cape of Jonathan Daniels ’61 with admiration by all who documents this civil rights frequent our public halls.” martyr’s life. A sign stating With this exchange of cor“Long and Foster Realtor” respondence, Smith created embodies the successful career the VMI Museum, the first of Wes Foster ’56. A hard hat public museum in Virginia. He decorated with a scribbled understood the role of legacy VMI logo and words, “Never and emulation at an institution Say Die,” capture the emotions like VMI. He saw the fledgling and actions of Jim Spellman museum, with its collection Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System director, leading a tour of the New ’85 who wore it Sept. 11, 2001, of “one plain, old fashioned Market battlefield for 4th Class cadets. when he rushed into ground rifle,” as a laboratory where subtle lessons are taught by the “touching and eloquent voices” of artifacts, zero. The coatee worn by John Steenbergen ’848 reminds us of our shared experiences as cadets and our responsibilities as alumni. These bits of the tangible witnesses to historic events. In those days, the library and museum were in the barracks where the legacy require preservation, interpretation and reflection to ensure that cadet guard room is located today. On June 12, 1864, the barracks, along their lessons remain relevant to the future. They require the commitment with the library, museum and all else the building held, was destroyed by of those who have benefited from the VMI legacy of duty and achievement. Smith did not envision a commitment to our museums as a luxury. Federal forces. Smith’s determination to reopen the Institute after the war earned him the title, “Builder and Rebuilder of VMI.” He was equally Clearly, he saw them as vital to VMI’s distinct education. Today the VMI determined to re-establish the museum. The touching and eloquent voices museums are integrated into every cadet’s education to a greater degree than in any other time in VMI history. This does not happen without the of the past must be heard; lessons must be taught. Today the legacy of the Institute – cadet and alumni – can be found support of alumni and friends. Our museum’s mission is to inspire cadets and enrich their education. in the 30,000 artifacts exhibited and preserved at three sites: The VMI Museum in Jackson Memorial Hall; The Stonewall Jackson House in This is accomplished by collecting, preserving and interpreting our rich Lexington; and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market history. This is our legacy. The historic places and artifacts speak to us in the words of Stonewall Jackson: “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” Battlefield in New Market, Virginia. Collectively, these professionally

“I commit them as a sacred trust to the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute in the fullest confidence that they will preserve them for many generations ...” 2015-Issue 4

Kaminsky Collection Comes to VMI by Scott E. Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

In fall 2015, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at the New Market Battlefield planned to open a new exhibit of more than 100 firearms from the mid19th century. More than half of these arms were donated by Marty Kaminsky, a longtime collector from Kaminsky Long Island, New York. The process began in early March 2014, when Joe Reeder, an attorney in Washington and former under secretary of the Army, contacted Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, about the possibility of the Kaminsky Collection coming to VMI. Peay asked Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System director, to review the collection and recommend any actions that VMI should take in relation to it. “I was impressed by the breadth and quality of this collection and how it dovetailed well with our existing collection of weapons from the Civil War era. To my surprise and delight, there were very few duplicates,” recalled Gibson. “Moreover, there were some truly extraordinary pieces in the collection, including a Le Faucheaux revolver of the type which General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson carried and a rare Le Mat revolver, a weapon that was prized by the Confederate cavalry commander, General J.E.B. Stuart.” Gibson recommended VMI should accept Kaminsky’s offer, and it should become the nucleus of a comprehensive firearms exhibit at the Virginia

Museum of the Civil War in New Market. Four days after receiving Gibson’s recommendation, Peay sent a letter to Kaminsky formally expressing VMI’s interest in the collection. On March 28, during a conference call with Peay, Gibson and Reeder, Kaminsky committed to donate the Kaminsky Gun Collection to the Institute. In mid-April, Gibson and Maj. Troy Marshall of the New Market Battlefield Park traveled to Kaminsky’s home in Muttontown, New York, to examine the collection firsthand and discuss the arrangements for transporting the collection to Virginia. “It was immediately evident that Marty Kaminsky was a serious student of the Civil War and had a deep appreciation of the potential importance of his collection to VMI,” said Gibson. In June, Gibson and Marshall returned to Kaminsky’s home, packed the collection for transportation and moved it to New Market. The planning of the exhibit to display the Kaminsky Gun Collection began in March 2015. We asked Kaminsky a few questions about the Kaminsky Gun Collection and his decision to donate it to the Institute.

Q: When did you begin collecting firearms? A: I began in the 1980s, somewhat by chance. After a day of skiing in Aspen, Colorado, I walked into a shop in town called Curious George, which sold old guns, among other Western items. On the spur of the moment, I bought

a carbine and a pistol to put above my fireplace in the den of my house. From there, I began to read about Civil War and Indian War guns. I became interested in the development of weapons in that period and began to seek out ones of interest. Before long, I was buying guns on a regular basis. Virtually all of them found their way onto the walls of my den, finally totaling more than 50.

Q: What drew you to collecting firearms? A: I have always been interested in history, including military history. As I read more after buying those first two guns in Colorado, I became intrigued about the differences in weapons during the 19th century and how they had affected tactics and the outcome of battles. I also enjoyed shooting in my younger days and had done some very modest hunting. So, I knew a bit about guns, am comfortable with them and had no hesitancy about them.

Q: Why did you focus your collecting on the 19th century and, more specifically, the Civil War? A: I agree with historians who see the Civil War as a watershed event in American history. Also, my father had gone to Staunton Military Academy in the 1920s – when the Civil War was still relatively “recent” for the country – and his experiences there also piqued my interest in

Vmi Alumni Review

Q: In the end, what were the deciding factors in favor of donating the collection to VMI? A: My respect for VMI, what it does, the role it serves for our country, its history and tradition, and what VMI stands for.

The Le Mat the Civil War and the South. I have also read a fair amount about American Indians and view the Indian Wars and the opening of the West as important to the country’s history. I saw the nature and differences of firearms as critical in those major historical events. I became fascinated by the significant differences in the design of weapons in mid-19th century and the patent issues that went with them and interested to see how different gun-makers chose to improve and distinguish their weapons.

Q: You dedicated your book, “The Kaminsky Gun Collection,” to your late wife, Nancy. What role did she play in the collection’s development? A: Nancy was a great partner and supporter in general. Consistent with that, Nancy soon recognized my interest in the guns and encouraged me – at the expense of her den walls – to pursue the collection. Nancy even sometimes secretly sought out and bought guns she heard me talk about or mustered a group with my brother or friends to do so on birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. She also went with me to almost every major Civil War battlefield, over several years, throughout the South. Q: Why did you decide to donate your collection to “a museum, battlefield or university?” A: I wanted the collection to be an educational tool, not only as to the different guns themselves but also the period of history they represented and affected. I felt I had put together an unusually broad selection of guns which captured most of the differences in design during the mid-1800s, especially 1840-80. Believing my collection somewhat unique in its scope, I felt it might be of value to an institution that was exhibiting or teaching about the period and the development of guns during it. Q: What made you consider VMI as a possible destination for your collection? 2015-Issue 4

I felt that a military college would probably be an interested recipient of a collection like mine. I had received interest from some battlefields, and I liked the idea of the guns being on display. But, as I mentioned, I hoped the collection could also be an educational resource, which seemed most likely to happen at a military institution. That didn’t leave many choices, since there are only five military colleges. VMI is the school I most associate with the Civil War. Of course, [the U.S. Military Academy at] West Point produced most of the officers on both sides, and VMI was in truth a source for the South. But VMI was in the center of the events themselves, including the New Market battle, and of course, Stonewall Jackson had taught there. Therefore, I felt VMI had a special relationship with the history and traditions of the Civil War. Also, a state-supported school rather than a federal academy, like West Point, it seemed to me that VMI might have special appreciation for the gift.

Q: What role did Joe Reeder, your friend and member of the VMI Board of Visitors, play in this process? A: Joe was instrumental in making this happen, and actually, it would not have happened without him. I had sent him, as a friend, the book on the collection. I mentioned that I was going to donate the collection since I was selling my house as a result of Nancy’s death. On hearing that, he raised the prospect of giving the collection to VMI, emphasizing why he felt it would be a perfect recipient. Respecting Joe as I do,

his view as to the right place for the collection was important, and feeling as I do about VMI, I was happy he thought VMI might want it. Joe’s timing couldn’t have been more critical [nor] his suggestion more important. I don’t recall if he was aware, but I was on the cusp of giving the collection to another institution that had expressed interest in it. His membership on the VMI Board of Visitors makes the gift all the more pleasurable for me.

Q: Is there anything that you would like to add that I did not touch on in my questions? A: I am sincerely honored to be able to give something of value to VMI. I am very grateful to Gen. Peay and Col. Gibson for the way that they responded to the offer of this gift and then dealt with it. They have made me feel like a part of VMI, comfortable coming there. I am proud to say that I have an association, however small and indirect, with VMI. A 1962 graduate of Yale University and a 1965 graduate of Harvard Law School, Kaminsky currently is the General Counsel of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, an international law firm headquartered in New York City. Kaminsky is admitted to practice in New York state, numerous federal district and appellate courts, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Bar Association, and has served as Village Justice in Muttontown, New York.

Photo, previous page: A close-up of the workings of a Le Mat revolver from the Kaminsky Gun Collection. The Le Mat: The Le Mat was prized by Confederate soldiers, including Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. The Le Faucheaux: Although primarily used by Union forces, a few Confederates, including Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, carried the Le Faucheaux.

The Le Faucheaux

Photos by Chad Phillips from “The Kaminsky Gun Collection.”

Chaney ’45: A Legacy of Helping Others by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer To understand the story of Verne Chaney ’45, M.D. – war hero and crusader for the health of the less fortunate – you must first understand the story of Thomas Dooley. Voted by Americans as the third most esteemed man in the world at the time of his death in 1961, Dooley established clinics and hospitals in thirdworld countries, raising money and awareness for those who were suffering. It was at the height of Dooley’s celebrity that he met Chaney while at a speaking engagement in San Francisco, California. Dooley convinced the Virginia Military Institute alumnus to embark on medical missions in Southeast Asia. “I was inspired by him. He was a remarkable person,” said Chaney, now 91 years old. Chaney worked alongside Dooley in Laos and Vietnam through Dooley’s charity, Medical International Cooperation. “He was a very charismatic guy – a

great speaker – and he raised a lot of money for his programs.” When Dooley died suddenly of cancer at the age of 34, MEDICO asked Chaney to take over Dooley’s work, and he accepted. Chaney later founded the Dooley Foundation – now Dooley Intermed International – to continue the mission of providing medical services to third-world countries. But before any of this, Chaney enlisted in the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War II. After serving at Fort Meade, Maryland, Chaney attended the Virginia Military Institute, graduating at the top of the Class of ’45. Following graduation, Chaney enrolled in Johns Hopkins Medical School. One day after the Korean War broke out, June 25, 1950, Chaney resigned his position as resident in surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital to volunteer with the Army Medical Corps. He was assigned to a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Korea, 2nd Infantry Division, 23rd Regiment. During the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, Chaney,

Verne Chaney ’45, M.D., left, with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, in 1963.

Chaney ’45 a captain, inched through a minefield by poking the ground with a bayonet to save a wounded corpsman. Another mine exploded, wounding Chaney and the corpsman. “Another medic was trapped by a mine, and I was trying to get him out of it,” Chaney explained. “I was wounded in doing it, but that’s all right.” For his heroic actions, Chaney received the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre, making him one of the highest decorated doctors in the Korean War. After the war, Chaney volunteered to work as chief of surgery at Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti. At the time Haiti was in the midst of a revolution, and Chaney was awarded a commendation for his humanitarian work from the State Department and by the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. “I was very impressed with Dr. Schweitzer, as you might expect,” said Chaney, who later traveled with Schweitzer in Africa. Following his work in Haiti, Chaney began a lucrative private practice in Monterey, California, but he gave it up to conduct humanitarian work in third-world countries. “I liked traveling,” explained Chaney, who often didn’t take a salary so that more money could help the needy. “I liked working in undeveloped countries, and I liked starting programs in countries that don’t have facilities or staff. We trained people locally; I did some surgery myself, and we brought in medical technicians.” His work with the Dooley Foundation – of which he served as president for 52 years – took

Vmi Alumni Review

Chaney, right, with Danny Kaye, left, and Shirley MacLaine in the early 1960s. At the time, MacLaine was a member of the Dooley Intermed International Board of Directors.

Chaney, left, with Tony Bennett, center, and Zero Mostel at a Splendid American Award Dinner in the early 1960s.

2015-Issue 4

All photos courtesy Dooley Intermed International.

him to Laos, Nepal, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Niger, Pakistan and Mongolia. When the Tibetans were driven out of China, the Dooley Foundation was the first foreign nonprofit to visit them in India, summoned at the request of the Dalai Lama. In addition to direct medical assistance, the Dooley Foundation trained local nurses and physical therapists in medical techniques. The foundation also helped modernize medical facilities overseas and brought in supplies and medicine. The efforts of Dooley Intermed have been the subject of two documentaries, and a third is planned to film in Nepal. Now retired, Chaney’s work is continued by Dooley Intermed. For 54 years, the nonprofit has provided aid to the sick and helped prevent illness in those who are well. In recognition of Chaney’s more than half a century of helping improve the lives of underprivileged people around the globe, the Explorers Club awarded Chaney the first-ever Sir Edmund Hillary Humanitarian Award in 2009. Scott Hamilton, Explorer Club member and current president of Dooley Intermed International, said Chaney is an American hero, referencing his exploits in Korea. “It’s like out of a John Wayne movie, working his way through a minefield with a bayonet trying to rescue three of his medics,” stated Hamilton. Even later in his career, Hamilton expressed that Chaney was still willing to sacrifice himself for others, recalling a story about

a child who was drowning in Central America. “Verne, without a moment’s hesitation, dove into this river and hauled the kid out,” Hamilton explained. “I’m sure there [are] other stories like that. He’s just a modest guy and doesn’t talk about it.” Presently, Dooley Intermed is supporting a clinic between Honduras and Nicaragua, teaching illiterate women crafts in Thailand so they can support themselves. They recently helped build an orphanage in Nepal and continue to go to remote areas of the world performing eye surgeries and distributing glasses. The nonprofit also has plans to visit Nepal in the future to treat between 1,500 and 1,800 people. For a man who has devoted his life to helping tens of thousands of people live healthier lives, this is the perfect legacy. “Verne always wanted to go to the most distant places, to the poorest people, to the most oppressed – to go to places where other people can’t go or won’t go to provide care,” explained Hamilton. “I think that’s what made him different, and what made Dooley different.”

Matthews ’07 Brings SpiceSea Food Truck to Virginia

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

wning a food truck wasn’t always in the cards for Whitney Matthews ’07, but now, she doesn’t envision leaving the business any time soon. With a long line of family history involved with the sea, creating dishes of delicious seafood never seemed that far-fetched to her. “My father is from the Eastern shore of Virginia, and my grandfather was a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay and came from a long line of sea captains, so it just seemed natural for me to move in that direction,” Matthews said. After graduating from VMI, Matthews began her culinary career in November 2007 at the Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park, New York. She attended the school until September 2009. Even though the transition from a military institute to a culinary college seems like a big jump, Matthews explained that her experience at VMI is what guided her throughout her culinary schooling. “You would look at VMI in a culinary world and say there really are not a lot of parallels,” stated Matthews, “but that’s very wrong. The kitchen is run in a very militaristic manner, and there is a hierarchy. You have to answer to your superiors. So, in that regard, it was very easy for me to fall into.” Matthews also explained that the process of waking up and getting ready in 10 minutes for breakfast roll call at VMI each morning allowed her to learn the value of time management and prioritizing her to-do list. With

the culinary world being a male-dominated atmosphere, Matthews stated the Institute also equipped her with the ability to handle being a woman in such circumstances. In the kitchens of the Culinary Institute of America, less than a third of the students were female. If it weren’t for her ability to present herself with confidence, Matthews thinks moving through would have been far more difficult. These values also attributed to her heightened success in such a short amount of time when she entered into the food truck world of San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 1, 2012. Matthews’ independent attitude has also played a large role in her success. Most days, she is the only person working in the SpiceSea

food truck. That means she is the one taking the orders, cooking and serving the customers. Her duties also extend to gathering the produce and seafood needed, propane for the stove’s propane tanks and any other various needs for the truck itself. With such a hands-on system and attention to detail, it comes as no surprise that Matthews enjoys a personal atmosphere with her customers. “There’s not a division between the kitchen and the front of the house, as [there] would be at a traditional restaurant. I’m there talking to you; I’m the one who got the fish. You can ask me any questions you want. You can come in the truck and watch me if you want,” said Matthews. With a mobile business, it isn’t common for a food truck to sit still. The location can change as much as a few blocks, or in Matthews’ case, even a few states. After experiencing much success in Texas, she relocated her food truck to Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2015. Discussing where she decides to park her truck and serve food for the day, Matthews

Vmi Alumni Review

bringing back the [Chesapeake] Bay,” she said. As far as SpiceSea’s future in Charlottesville, Matthews stated she is starting to venture into the catering business, as well. Aside from the festivals SpiceSea has been invited to, Matthews has brought the truck to several weddings or larger events where she works with event coordinators to establish a set limit of food guests can freely take advantage of. Catering allows Matthews to get creative and inventive with her food, whereas sometimes with a food truck, certain items are just expected to be permanent. “I really like doing off-menu things for people. I was really proud to serve in San Antonio my Virginia style crab cakes, because I felt that that is very true to who I was and the chef that I was always

reaching for, and a lot of people were really blown away because I didn’t put any filler in my crab cakes – it was pure crab.” Authentic ingredients and recipes resonate with the kind of business Matthews runs. Her future plans are to see the growth of her food truck in its new location of Charlottesville. “I’m up for the new adventure,” she stated, continuing, “The food truck has actually brought me a lot closer to VMI people. On my very first day of opening [in San Antonio], I had a little ribbon cutting ceremony, and a guy stopped because he saw a VMI spider that I had. He turned out to be an alumnus. The VMI community is very strong, I found out, out there. So I’m hoping a lot of VMI people come out and support me here.”

explained that a lot of it comes down to cold calls. These entail Matthews simply calling a local business such as a winery or brewery and asking if they’ve ever considered letting a food truck park in front of their establishment. “Charlottesville is opening breweries and cideries, and a lot tend to be coming from younger generations who see the value in pairing food with wine, beer or cider. I think it’s almost a natural pairing now,” stated Matthews. Social media also plays a huge role in SpiceSea’s travels. Matthews stated she has received invitations to join festivals through Facebook and Twitter. A lot of her fan following through various social networks stems from her appearance on the nationally broadcast television show, “Eat Street,” on the Cooking Channel. Although SpiceSea was filmed for the show in December 2013, the episode in which Matthews’ truck was featured did not air until February 2015. “Timing wasn’t great on [the channel’s] part, but I saw a huge Facebook increase of traffic and actually received calls asking me where I was.” She even received emails from people asking for her recipes. When asked how her menu items came into being, Matthews safeguarded her recipe secrets. “Some are family recipes that I can’t give out because they are close to my heart, but some are just a play on what I’ve seen or thought of. A lot of my food [in San Antonio] was fried ... I plan on changing the menu so that I can be more Virginia local and more Virginia supportive and take on the initiative of

2015-Issue 4

Association News Arkansas Chapter Hosts Picnic Present at the May 16, 2015, Arkansas Chapter picnic were Al and Caroline Robinson ’77; Scott and Denise Falls ’81; Dave and April Creech ’75; Herb and Laurie Guyton ’66; Gordon and Pat Bailey ’69; Chuck and Michelle Beale ’64; Dave and Lori Walsh ’90, and their sons; Andrea Riddle, wife of Jeff Riddle ’85; and Jim Dittrich ’76, chapter president, and wife Tish.

Central North Carolina Chapter Gathers for Multiple Events

Top: The Central North Carolina Chapter held a meeting July 10, 2015, at which Lynn Seldon ’83 discussed his book, “Virginia’s Ring.”

Right: At the Central North Carolina Chapter’s first monthly senior alumni breakfast May 19, 2015, were, from left, Charlie Ramsburg ’66, Roger Rosenfield ’47, John Irby ’44, Hank Shirley ’60, Dixie Walker ’70, Don Brown ’71, John Kuchnia ’57, Mike Kelly ’73, Forrest Getzen ’50B, Larry Wilson ’62, Larry Parker ’59, Bill Gibson ’65, Ron Wall ’69, Dick Hurley ’61 and John Butler ’61.

Vmi Alumni Review

Association News

Hawaii Chapter Hosts Dinner for New Market Day The VMI Hawaii Chapter held a dinner meeting May 3, 2015, at the Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu to recognize New Market Day and send off two incoming 4th Class cadets, Sarah Preston and Nathan Kirk. This is the first time in 44 years that Hawaii will have more than one student matriculating at VMI at once. In 1970, incoming 4th Class cadets for the Class of 1974 included John McLaren, Russ Takata, Dennis Keegan and Ken Dennett. At the dinner were, from left, first row, Preston, Kirk, Will Soldow (prospective cadet), Joe Grealish ’89, David Soldow ’92 and Kristen Kirk (Nathan’s mom). Second row: David and Anne Preston (Sarah’s parents), Tom Smyth ’58, Dick Rankin ’68, Cynthia Rankin, Cheryl Takata, Russ Takata ’74 and Jennifer Soldow.

Oklahoma Chapter Hosts New Market Event At the Oklahoma Chapter New Market event at the Chickasaw Bricktown ballpark in Oklahoma City were, from left, Roy Daniels ’14, Sibina Montgomery ’14, Mike Andriani ’13, Taylor Farmer ’90, Edmund Preisser ’10, Jay Foertsch ’76, Luis Cuellar ’77, Kathleen Cuellar, Bricks (team mascot) and Garry Varney ’76.

Pacific Northwest Chapter Hosts New Market Luncheon Pictured during a New Market luncheon May 16, 2015, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord were, from left, U.S. Army Capt. Chad Truslow ’08; U.S. Navy Lt. Jorge Tellez ’10; U.S. Army Capt. Dan McKeegan ’08; U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ben Bird ’95; Pete Farmer ’68, Pacific Northwest Chapter president; U.S. Army Maj. Josh Powers ’04; and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kyle Farmer ’13.

2015-Issue 4

Association News

Rappahannock Chapter Hosts Dinner with Guest Speaker Members and guests of the VMI Rappahannock Chapter met and enjoyed supper at the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club June 28, 2015. The speaker was VMI’s chaplain for the past 21 years, retired U.S. Army Reserve Col. James S. “Chap” Park. Pictured were, from left, Richard Knight; John Karafa ’84, Williamsburg Chapter president; “Chap” Park; and Retired U.S. Army Col. Steve Wilson ’68, Rappahannock Chapter president.

Tampa Chapter Celebrates New Market

Tampa Chapter members gathered at the Hula Bay restaurant to celebrate New Market heritage and welcome Ro Mercado ’01 and family to the chapter. Norval Marr ’46, M.D., was recognized for his 91st birthday and being the second most senior chapter member. New Market trivia, stories of cadetship and good food highlighted the evening. Pictured at the event were, from left, seated, Phil Valenti ’66 and his wife, Betty. Standing: Dan Hill ’93 and fiancée, Josie; Ro Mercado ’01 with his wife, Jessica, and daughters, Tori and Violet; Jim Bean ’87; Bob Bailey ’72 and his wife, Grace; and H.B. Byrne ’87. Seated: Eric Huggard ’05 and Dr. Norval Marr ’46 with his friend, Ardith Rutland.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Wilmington Chapter Meets for Dinner Dick Stone ’61 organized a dinner for the Wilmington Chapter at the Dead End Saloon in Southport, North Carolina, June 4, 2015. In attendance were Dick and Di Stone ’61, Kent and Bert Modine ’61, Doug and Pat Huthwaite ’73, Lynn and Cele Seldon ’83, Jim and Ann Phlegar ’67, Bill and Kathy Todd ’68, Mead King ’85, and John Gangemi ’61.

New Cadet Recruiting Off to a Great Start for 2015-16 Academic Year by Matthew Clausen ’15, Program Outreach Coordinator The beginning of the school year has come, and the 2nd Class cadets are preparing for Ring Figure, one of the largest milestones in their cadetship. As the Class of 2017 prepares to receive their rings, the recruiting process for the rat mass of 2017+3 is well underway. New Cadet Recruiting has taken to the road, with over 25 events nationwide to promote awareness of VMI and encourage high school students to consider the Institute. This season, the program season reaches from coast to coast, including events stretching as far west as Los Angeles, California. As I geared up for our recruiting events, I gained a greater appreciation for the efforts of the alumni in chapters across the country who are willing to help support us in our efforts to reach these new prospects. Such an outreach wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of generous, selfless and involved alumni within their respective spheres of influence. If you would like to help in any way, please feel free to contact me at mclausen@vmiaa.org.

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

2015-Issue 4

Announcing Graduate School Partnerships Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with some of the best graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the United States. These agreements offer a range of opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions. Partnership institutions include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of

Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of William & Mary, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State and the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields. If interested in learning more about the available partnerships, please contact Atin Basu at basuchoudharya@vmi.edu.

Association News

New England Networking Dinner by Eric Hunter ’08, Placement Officer

For the second year, the New England Networking Dinner was held in Framingham, Massachusetts, and this year more than 40 were in attendance. The event consisted of alumni from VMI, The Citadel and Norwich University. Between the three schools, alumni present represented classes from 1949 to 2012. The keynote speaker for the event was Col. Jim Park, VMI’s institute chaplain. Park is in his 22nd year of service at VMI, and he shared some heart-felt stories from his time at VMI during his speech. He shared that what he found to be true at VMI is the bond created between brother rats comes from the love they have for each other, and that love is what makes the alumni bond so great. Thank you to Park, the alumni who attended and the event sponsors: Dennis Maguire ’80 (Maguire Company); Scott Sutter, The Citadel ’01 (Strategic Risk Transfers); and the Norwich Alumni Association. At the event were, from left, Pat Griffin ’80, Chaplain Park and Eric Hunter ’08.

Save the Date: Upcoming Networking Breakfasts Date: March 19, 2016 Locations: Hampton Roads Chapters Potomac River & George C. Marshall Chapters Richmond Chapter For the third year in a row, networking breakfasts will be held throughout Virginia on the first Saturday of VMI’s spring furlough, March 19, 2016. This is a great opportunity for alumni to network with each other and assist current cadets in internship or job searches. If you would like to sponsor one of the events in your area, please contact Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@ vmiaa.org.

From left: Dick Donohue ’02, Ben Kaler ’00 and Kim Herbert ’01.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

LinkedIn and the VMI Network Found Beneficial in Recent Graduate Career Transition by Eric Hunter ’08, Placement Officer A few weeks before graduation, I met with Kristen Voss ’15, who was still looking for a full-time position. Little did we know that the combination of LinkedIn and the VMI network were going to open doors for a job offer. At the beginning of our career transition session, it was clear that Voss had a passion for writing and editing, and that is what she wanted to pursue as a career. We discussed a few people to contact and both left with some homework. During a later session, one company Voss mentioned a few times was the National Rifle Association, which was brought to her attention with the help of her mother. With a quick search on LinkedIn, we found that an alumnus of the Class of 2010 was connected to an editor at the NRA. We contacted the alumnus, and he said he would gladly make an introduction for us. Over the next couple of weeks, we communicated with the editor at the NRA about Voss’ applications for a couple of positions and what steps were necessary to take in the application process. At one point, an email was received from the contact at the NRA. She stated she spoke directly to the editor-in-chief over one of the divisions about Voss’ resume and application. Voss was later invited to interview for a position as editorial assistant. Before the interview, Voss was able to speak with and receive guidance from the point of contact at the NRA and an alumnus from the Class of 2004 who worked at the NRA and was introduced to Voss by her rifle coach. The first interview went well, and she was asked to come back for a second. While at her second interview, one gentleman Voss met with was the father of a brother rat. He had a couple of issues of the Alumni Review on the table, Kristen Voss ’15 at her desk at the National Rifle Association, knowing from her resume that Voss worked in the Alumni Review office during where she works as the editorial assistant for Shooting Ilher cadetship. lustrated, Shooting Sports USA and NRA Family InSights. A short time after her second interview, I received an email from Voss stating she received the job offer and was going to accept it. From brainstorming in my office to accepting a job offer, both Voss and I saw the power of LinkedIn and the VMI network in her transition. Voss is currently a few months into her new position and discovered there are other alumni she is working with who are contributing writers for the NRA. Rah Virginia Mil!

VMI Band to Perform at the 2016 Rose Parade

2015-Issue 4

Each New Year’s Day, the world focuses its attention on Pasadena, California, home of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. It’s a celebration more than a century old – a festival of flowers, music and sports unequaled anywhere else in the world. It’s America’s New Year Celebration: A greeting to the world on the first day of the year and a salute to the community spirit and love of pageantry that have thrived in Pasadena for more than 100 years. In January 2016, the VMI Regimental Band and Pipe Band will perform at the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. The cadets will prepare in the fall to make their second appearance in six years. “It is a great honor to be invited back; we were one of 12 bands selected from over 115 bands from the U.S. and abroad,” said Col. John Brodie, VMI’s music director. The unit will be playing in front of a crowd of over one million people live and a projected one billion on TV, as China will be watching this year. The cadets performed in 2008, and this will be their biggest audience to date in the 67 year history. The cadets will depart Dec. 28 and return Jan. 2, 2016.

Moody Hall Renovations

In August 2015, Moody Hall underwent a significant transformation. As a continuation of the renovations made possible by the Institute to the exterior of the building in 2014 – to include a new awning and stonework replacement – Lisla Cowles, VMI Alumni Association director of alumni activities and reunions, along with the Alumni Association House Committee, investigated how the renovations could extend to include the interior of Moody Hall. It was during this planning phase that Cowles targeted the beautiful parquet floors installed decades before that was hidden underneath carpet. Originally manufactured by Kentucky Wood Floors, the gothic oak that covers the Moody Hall lobby was installed in July 1966 by none other than an alumnus, Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70. Alongside his father, Ralph L. Costen Sr., he assisted the family business of Costen Floors in laying the brilliant smoked oak parquet by spreading the adhesive before it was installed. Costen Jr. – who has continued his career in the family business – expressed that his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the flooring was realized when he was able to attend the dedication of Moody Hall. He stated, “The pride I had in helping with the floors really never hit me until after I graduated and realized that I still have that 1966 pride even today ... It was a privilege to work on Moody Hall and so many other homes, businesses and schools over the last 50 years. I am proud of what Costen Floors has done and the large part VMI had in making both me and my son leaders.” Today, after resanding and refinishing, the unique flooring is again on display. Cowles then endeavored who should be responsible for outfitting the lobby with

furniture and decorations to match the brilliance of the floors. Susan Moffett and her mother, Janice Moffett, of Southern Girls – an interior design firm and shop located in Lexington, Virginia – were chosen because of their unique, traditional and elegant designs, as well as the fact that they offered a tremendous amount of work for a price that was more than reasonable. After the completion of the renovation, Cowles remarked, “Southern Girls quickly stood out to the Alumni Association as the best fit for the renovations because of their high esteem for the Institute, as well as their one of a kind and beautiful furnishings. We are so pleased with the way the renovations have turned out and are appreciative of all the hard work and detail that Susan and Janice put into revitalizing Moody Hall.” E.J. Turner Perrow Jr. ’96, president of the VMI Alumni Association stated, “With the exterior waterproofing work on Moody Hall that the Institute completed this spring, we were able to renovate some of our interior finishes. The improved reception hall provides a brighter ambiance and optimizes the seating arrangement. All alumni will be able to appreciate the improvements to our patio – which the Class of ’80 enjoyed at their 35th Reunion – and the refreshing of the interior finishes. I am so thankful for the exterior work performed by the Institute and interior renovations planned by our House Committee, chaired by retired U.S. Navy Asa Page ’79, and implemented by the Alumni Association staff.” Costen Floors and Southern Girls have contributed greatly to make Moody Hall a visually impressive building that is fully representative of the incredible VMI alumni base. We hope that the renewal of Moody Hall invites alumni back into our halls.

Sitting in the newly renovated lobby were, from front, Susan Moffett, Janice Moffett and Lisla Cowles.

Vmi Alumni Review

The Danube

by River Ship

MAY 25 – JUNE 03, 2016

To reserve, call 866-639-0079 or reserve online at http://vmi.orbridge.com

Discover, as is only possible aboard a river ship, the treasures of a river distinguished with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other in Europe. Prague Nuremberg

Regensburg

CZECH REPUBLIC

Passau Linz

GERMANY

Danube River

Melk

Vienna

AUSTRI A

Budapest HUNGARY

Program Highlights

Your 10–Day Itinerary (subject to change) Days 1-2: En Route from U.S. / Arrive Prague, Czech Republic (R)

•

Travel with fellow VMI alumni on an exclusive VMI departure.

•

Discover Vienna, “Capital of Classical Music,” with a memorable concert, historic sightseeing, and a cultural tour of Schönbrunn Palace—included exclusively for our sailing.

Day 3:

Prague / Nuremberg (Embarkation) (B,D)

Day 4:

Nuremberg (B,L,D)

View Kaiserburg Imperial Castle and its quaint town center, or visit the Nuremberg Rally Grounds and grandstands.

Day 5:

Regensburg (B,L,D)

Day 6:

Passau / Linz (B,L,D)

• • •

Explore Regensburg’s many Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic structures, making it one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. See glorious Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites— its library holding countless medieval manuscripts.

•

In Budapest, watch for the Heroes’ Square, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and the 13th-century Matthias Church, which you will visit with a local guide.

•

Enjoy the luxurious comforts and on-board amenities, including a fitness center, spa, whirlpool, salon, library, panorama bistro, and more.

What’s Included A 7-night cruise aboard the Avalon Vista. Full assistance of a dedicated Orbridge Travel Director as well as expert local guides. Sightseeing and activities, including special Orbridge-exclusive opportunities. All port charges, included excursion transportation, entrance fees to included sites, and gratuities to ship crew, cruise director, local guides, drivers, and porters. Airport transfers for guests on suggested flights. 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners served with wine and beer.

2015-Issue 4

Day 7:

Melk / Vienna (B,L,D)

Day 8:

Vienna (B,L,D)

Day 9:

Budapest (B,L,D)

Day 10:

Budapest (Disembarkation) (B)

Cabin Category

Standard Rate

Discounted Rate*

Category F

$3,999

$3,495

Category E

$4,399

$3,995

Category D

$4,799

$4,395

Category B

$5,399

$5,095

Category A

$5,699

$5,395

Category P

$5,999

$5,695

Suite

$6,999

$6,695

Double Occupancy

VMI Alumni Agencies In Fiscal Year 2015, the VMI Alumni Association, VMI Foundation and VMI Keydet Club continued to serve the Institute and the VMI family.

Meeting Needs

Generous Donors

A steady increase in private support is needed to offset reduced state support and hold down the cost of attendance. State Support

Tuition & Fees

– As a percentage of VMI’s revenues.

Planned Gifts: $13,918,368 (25%)

51.9% 44.2% 40.9% 33.5%

Pledges: $10,199,711 (18%)

31.4% 24.3% 19.9%

2000

2005

2010

Private support, once a luxury, now is essential to maintaining excellence at VMI.

31.1% of 14,150 graduates made a gift in FY 2015

2015

Revenues Other 6% Private Support 26%

Cash Gifts: $32,123,828 (57%)

17.8%

Aid to the Institute

A Necessity, Not a Luxury

The history of private support at VMI began in the 1850s.

6,900 alumni and friends gave $56.2 million. Their generosity means a stronger VMI.

State Funds 17%

Tuition & Fees 51%

Financial Aid ........................$9,263,814

Instructional Support .............$4,935,167

Intercollegiate Athletics .........$1,188,974

Cadet Services ......................... $921,287

Leadership Programs ............... $487,765

VMI Museums ........................ $359,673

Faculty Support ....................... $281,720

Preston Library........................ $120,679

We Serve the VMI Family By . . . •

Supporting alumni activities, e.g., reunions

•

Publishing the VMI Alumni Review

•

Advancing the academic program

•

Delivering scholarship assistance

•

Strengthening Corps life

•

Assisting New Cadet Recruiting

•

Supporting NCAA, club, and intramural sports

•

Providing career services

•

Improving facilities

•

Preserving VMI’s legacy

Vmi Alumni Review

Endowment Support

The Campaign for VMI

Thanks to donors’ generosity and a sound investment strategy, the endowments that support VMI and the George C. Marshall Foundation have grown in value. This means stronger academics, a more effective co-curriculum, increasingly competitive athletics and expanded scholarship aid.

VMI’s comprehensive fundraising effort — An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI — raised $226.4 million by June 30, 2015. Get more information on its priorities and progress at www.vmi.edu/campaign.

Endowment Value (In Millions of $)

400

$379.9

Total Gifts and Commitments: $226,472,951

• 12,978 Donors

350

• 261 Gifts of $100,000 +

$328.6

300

million

$230 $225

$371.1

$315.8

$235

• 43 Gifts of $1,000,000 +

$300.4

$220 $215 $210 $205 $200 $195 $190

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Providing Opportunity

497

234

Supporting Our Faculty •

Nineteen chairs and professorships generated $725,000 that supported our professors and brought notable scholars to post.

•

$1.2 million from the Jackson-Hope Fund funded faculty positions, undergraduate research and faculty development.

Recognizing Support Cadets Received Need-Based Scholarships

2015-Issue 4

Cadets Received Merit-Based Scholarships

Cadet-Athletes Received Scholarships

The alumni and friends who gave to VMI in FY 2015 are recognized in our Honor Roll of Donors. See it at www.vmi.edu/foundation/honor_roll.

Contact Cheryl Cathcart to place an order.

1-800-444-1839 • ccathcart@vmiaa.org Shako Pendant

$34.99 plus $6 shipping ($15.00 if overnight) Includes an 18 inch gold-filled chain

VMI New Market Battlefield Tartan Scarf : $45.00 plus $5 shipping Necktie : $40.00 plus $5 shipping

“Put the Boys In …” $250.00 unframed art plus $20 shipping (VA & CT residents add $16.20 for tax)

VMI Mailbox

Original VMI mailboxes available to purchase as a single door or have it incorporated into a wooden coin box. Wood used will be red oak and you can choose walnut or oak stain.

VMI Stemless Wine Glasses

Single 9 oz. glass - $10.00 plus $5 shipping Set of 2 - $18.39 plus $8 shipping Set of 4 - $35.00 plus $10 shipping

Wooden Coin Box - $65.00 plus $12 shipping Single Door - $35.00 plus $7 shipping *Price includes customized number on glass.

Vmi Alumni Review

CLASS NOTES Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

’35

Greetings from the Class of 1935! We wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas. I am completing my fifth year as class scribe. This is my 20th set of class notes. I am grateful to Col. Pat Webb, The Citadel ’69, for the opportunity. Pat was working for the Foundation when he called for volunteers. I answered the call. I am also grateful to the Class of 1935. I have never met better men. When the Class of 1935 graduated 80 years ago, it faced a very uncertain future. The nation was mired in the Great Depression. World War II, which jump-started the nation’s economic recovery, was still years away. Despite the Depression, Jim Sherman was resolute. Jim’s entry in the 1935 Bomb tells all: “Gentlemen, when bigger and better ships are built, the N. N. S. & D. will build them.” And so it did, with the indispensable help of a freshly-minted civil engineer. Decades later, Jim recalls those halcyon days at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock. Eddie Arnold was “born to the blue,” as they used to say about the cavalry. After

graduation, Lt. Arnold enjoyed his assignments, which included a tour at VMI and a tour with the famous “Black Horse” Troop of the Illinois National Guard (a unit that my grandfather, a West Point graduate, helped to organize in the early 1920s). Undoubtedly, many brother rats struggled during the Depression. Fewer than half of the class graduated, as many returned home early to help make ends meet. Having vacated the barracks, the class would have less time to focus on the nation’s most popular professional sports (baseball, prizefighting and horse racing, in that order). Still, the class would have known that, within days of its graduation, Omaha captured the Triple Crown, Jimmy Braddock upset Max Baer and that fall, the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. In a more serious vein, what happened to nicknames? Today, if you peruse a Bomb of recent vintage, you see very few nicknames, and those that you do see are monosyllabic and uninspired (with a few exceptions). Back in the day, nicknames were a hallmark of advanced civilizations. Consider this small sampler from the 1935 Bomb: Jim Sherman’s nickname was “Drooly.” George Freeman had two nicknames: “Citronella” and “Buonso.” Likewise, Andy Harris had two: “Bweeze” and “Skeeter.” (You have to wonder if George and Andy got along, what with one called

Class of 1935: Eddie Arnold and his grandson, Austin, on their New Mexico property. Eddie is testing a 9 mm Glock. 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1935: Eddie Arnold – ex-cavalryman – is pleased with his marksmanship.

Class of 1935: Peggy and Jim Sherman.

“Citronella” and the other called “Skeeter.”) Jim Humphreys, who would one day be both a general officer and one of the nation’s most distinguished physicians, had two aliases: “Humpy” and “Schnozzola.” (I wonder if his selection boards knew.) Lew Knight was “Big Stud;” a fitting nickname for a gentleman bearing such a noble surname. If the origins of these nicknames were known, they would undoubtedly bring clarity to VMI’s rich heritage. I started calling Jim and Peggy Sherman a few days before the deadline for these notes, but I never reached them. However, I did speak to their concierge and was told they are hard to reach because they spend most of their free time in the gym! (Jim, I will speak with you soon.) I had a nice message from Dr. Tom Arnold, Eddie (“Deadeye”) Arnold’s eldest son. Tom reported that Eddie recently “field-tested” a 9mm Glock and was a crack shot. Tom also reported that his eldest son, Aaron (Eddie’s grandson), was recently commissioned in the U.S. Army and is an Army chaplain. (We will run a photo in the next issue.) Thanks to Tom for the news and the photos, and my heartiest congratulations and a tip of the kepi to Eddie, Tom and Aaron, and to the entire Arnold family. Well done, gentlemen! Please allow me to add my holiday greetings 29

Class Notes to each and every member of the VMI family. And remember that you are from Old Virginia! Until next time, the very best to you and yours. Dick Knight ’70 (Editor’s Note: In the 2015-Issue 3 Review, we mistakenly referred to Gilbert Simrall Meem as a member of the Class of 1886; however, he was not a VMI alumnus. His son was alumnus Hugh Garland Meem ’886.)

’36

Paul E. Munson ’87

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1936.

’37

John Forsyth ’67

On a quiet mid-July morning, my phone rang. Much to my surprise, it was none other than Judge J. Randolph ‘Bunny’ Tucker on the other end of the line, calling from his accommodations at the WestminsterCanterbury, Richmond community. Judge Tucker wanted to thank the Class of ’37 for the beautiful red, white and yellow flower arrangement he received in celebration of his 101st birthday. Judge Tucker said that, although he finds himself relegated to a wheelchair, he wanted everyone (and the Institute) to know that he was still alive and kicking. Despite having to exchange the shank’s mare for spoked wheels, the judge continues to be active and engaged in community activities! He said this year’s birthday celebration was just as he wished: A low key affair consisting of an evening’s picnic on the lawn with six or seven friends, including his two sons. The judge related that Westminster-Canterbury’s staff continues to be very attentive to his needs. Since his legs don’t work well anymore, he related that he is unable to get to Lexington as he has in the past. I told him we would talk about getting him to his 80th Reunion if he’s feeling fit in 2017 and he desires to go! I asked Judge Tucker about a news article 30

I read regarding him being honored for his World War II service in the liberation of Mons, Belgium. Mons citizens celebrate their city’s liberation annually; so in 1989, when the 45th anniversary was approaching, the city officials invited Judge Tucker and his wife to attend as their guests. A U.S. Army major and battalion commander at the time, Judge Tucker’s unit was the tip of the spear when U.S. forces wrenched control of that city from the Germans. His command tank was the first U.S. forces vehicle to enter Mons in September 1944. Judge Tucker’s World War II actions were captured so eloquently by J. Bolling Williamson ’60 in the 2012-Issue 4 Alumni Review. The 2012 AR article also discussed his unit’s actions in that winter’s extreme weather conditions during the Battle of the Bulge and Judge Tucker’s valor under fire. Comparing his two Mons visits, Judge Tucker said he enjoyed the German Wehrmacht’s reception much less than that offered by Mons citizens in 1989! Although as unassuming and discreet today as he has been during his first 100 years, Judge Tucker continues to project the very best ideal of the citizen-soldier. He remains a surprise, delight and a positive image for the entire VMI family!

’38

Class of 1938: Barracks under construction in fall 1937. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

Class of 1938: Cadets marching to the train station in Lexington for the Corps furlough in fall 1937. Henry Johnson was a 1st Class cadet. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

Class of 1938: Parade at VMI. Cadet Infantry battalion formed in a pershing square has just passed in review at a Garrison Review, artillery and cavalry following, May 1938. Class Agent Cody Hennelly said of this photo, “Some things never change!” Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

Cody Hennelly ’10

To the “Old Corps,” I am pleased to report that I spoke with Henry Johnson on the phone. After assuring him

I wasn’t selling anything, we had a pleasant conversation about his life and VMI. Henry celebrated his 100th birthday Aug. 9, and he said he got some nice coffee mugs with the VMI spider on them as gifts! Henry had some really nice things to say about the Review notes I wrote for the last issue. He went on to tell me that he was drafted in World War II and spent two-and-a-half VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes years in New Zealand in the Navy Supply Corps. After that, he came stateside to Seattle, Washington, for one more year before being discharged. Henry also told me that he golfs three times a week and really loves it. I think the best comment he made was, “VMI is a really great place, isn’t it?” I have to agree, Henry, it really is a great place! ’Til next time.

’39

Frank Parker III ’64 (

I recently spoke with Ira Saxe. He is doing well and sounds better than the last time I spoke to him. He goes to the gym several times a week and his new hip is doing fine; actually better that his other one. He has a daytime assistant and his son lives nearby – both great help. Roberta Bigler sent me a nice note indicating she is still doing well in Virginia and reads these notes every time. I received the following note from Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 who is also the class agent for ’35: “Frank, when Linda and I and our children moved to Nashville in 1980, Jerry Eggleston ’51 (then executive vice president of the Alumni Association) asked me to reorganize the Nashville Chapter, which had not held a meeting in 10 years. Jerry had confidence in me because I had reorganized the Birmingham Chapter in 1975, which had also not met in 10 years. In response to Jerry, I called an inaugural meeting in Nashville in 1981. I vividly recall that three members from the Class of ’39 attended, namely Charlie Nelson, Cy Fraser and Jack Peebles. “Charlie was a distinguished banker, Cy was an executive with DuPont and Jack was a successful businessman. These three gentlemen provided much of the leadership in Nashville for the next decade. When they invited their brother rat, Maj. Gen. Irby, to attend one of our meetings, the chapter had its largest attendance. “Because the ’39’ers were in barracks 2015-Issue 4

during the Great Depression, it is unusual that all three of these stalwarts graduated, but they did. The Depression took a heavy toll on all classes. We will always remember the contribution that Charlie, Cy and Jack made to our success here in Nashville. What a privilege it was to know them.” Thanks for your remarks. The members of Class of ’39 were truly amazing in the breadth and depth of their careers and their support of the Institute. Marcy and I just got back from Panama, where we vacationed with our 12-year-old grandson, Garrett. We had a great time and did things because of Garrett that we probably would not have done by ourselves, including whitewater rafting (class 2 and 3 rapids) and zip lining (down a 7,500 foot mountain with runs over 500 meters)! We were the youngest and oldest of every adventure group. Panama was impressive. They have not wasted their one great asset, the Panama Canal, like many other developing countries have done. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with all our children and grandchildren. A fun time was had by all. It’s amazing how time flies when you have a great wife and family and live in this great country of ours.

’40

Robert Smith

Fate and some inspired doctoring have managed things so that I have recovered sufficiently from the recent inconvenient heart aberrations and repairs as to be able to get on with the preparation and submittal of this here report. Let me begin by acknowledging and extending my thanks to the Alumni Review staff for whipping up the Class of ’40 report in the previous issue of the Alumni Review. It was due just about as my troubles began, but I did manage to submit a little bit of informal info by email. They used that information to make up a report which I have not yet seen. Others tell me that it is nicely done. As for my frailties, I am hoping they have tinkered

enough with my insides so that I may be able to proceed with an uneventful rehab. So far, so good. I’m relearning one of life’s primary lessons, which is that exercise is one of the necessities. It has been added to my former rather short list that probably only included food and drink, love, chocolate and good conversation. It will be amazing to discover a new truth at such an advanced age. So, now I know that even an old endomorph cannot really ever feel as good as possible without exercise, and therefore I must now use that treadmill in the garage every day! With that update, let’s get on with the report. There are only the three of us BRs in touch. Still, we feel it very important to talk and share with each other what our current concerns are, even if the significance of what we may do about them has passed us by. Sol Rawls was inspiring and engaging as usual when we talked recently. He observed that not many events occur to stir up the pace of life in Franklin, Virginia, but he stays in touch by telephone with locals and the members of his family in Norfolk and Richmond. He really enjoys hearing about their many activities. Also, like many of us ancients, he seeks out and reads selections from significant new books on his Kindle. All that keeps him feeling broadly connected and engaged. Then, I was fortunate to chat briefly with Ben Hardaway and his assistant, Beverley, early in August just before he was about to go off and get a kidney stone removed. If I had called just a little later, I would have missed him. He was having a quiet time awaiting his repair. His news was that his protégé, the singer and entertainer Shannon Whitworth, and her husband, Woody, are expecting a family addition soon. That means that Ben’s social entertainment schedule is curtailed for now, because Shannon so often provides the entertainment for his parties. In spite of everything, Ben seemed in good spirits. I received a great heartwarming letter from Brad Walters and his mother advising of generous contributions they were making to the “Scholarship Fund, Class of 1940” in honor of Brad’s father – our BR Lou. In my reply to Brad, I recalled that his 31

Class Notes father was such a treasured and respected member of the class and that I remembered him particularly for his “innate presence.” Since writing that, I have looked at the little bio about Lou that was in our Bomb and was surprised to find him portrayed as what might be called an obstreperous cadet. I had forgotten all about his peccadillos (if any) and only remembered that he was brilliant, cheerful, well liked and fortunate to be so secure in his choice of pre-med for his studies! Adelaide Simpson thoughtfully sent me a note recently forwarding clippings from the Roanoke and Lexington News-Gazette with great pictures of the VMI graduation ceremony in Cameron Hall. Somehow I found them as interesting as they would be if I were seeing the ceremony live for the first time. Thanks, Adelaide. I’ll close with rumination. One of the frequently heard phrases of our lifetime is the bidding: “May you live in interesting times.” That phrase just has a way of intruding itself into our consciousness from time to time. So, now I’ve been wondering if all our contemporary VMI classes have also experienced comparable enforced awareness of interestingly momentous changes through every decade, just as we have. Or, is it only us that is always being hit over the head with changes? In brief, is the Class of 1940 extremely unique or only just unique? Goodness gracious what a feckless rumination! I’ll now quit this and go take another nap!

’41

Stuart Seaton

In my last Alumni Review report for ’41, I mentioned that our reunion would be our 75th. With this in mind, I am focused on contacting as many of our brother rats as I can to keep them up to date on the planning. In my contacts, one of the first questions I get is, “How many are still with us?” According to my listing, the number is now 11. Actually, the Alumni Office carries Preston Syme ’40 in our class listing. Through my calls, I did get a bit of information. As one could expect, some was good 32

and some otherwise. One of my first calls was to locate Trent Ragland. In so doing, I learned that Trent died March 1, 2015. After his first year at VMI, he transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy and later had numerous accomplishments in a successful business career. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Ragland’s Taps entry appeared on page 160 of the 2015-Issue 3 Review.) Through a call to Hot Springs, Virginia, I got in touch with Jack Williams. Jack was with us until about the middle of March 1938 when he went to the University of Virginia for a few years and entered the Medical College of Virginia’s School of Pharmacy. After graduating from pharmacy school, he worked a year in Richmond and then returned to Hot Springs to work in a local pharmacy, which he later bought. Thus, after 59-and-a-half years in pharmacy, he retired in 2002. He has two children and a grandson who was in the Class of 2010 at VMI and later enrolled at Ohio State. In the evening of April 14, 2011, the grandson met an untimely death in a motorcycle accident. Jack still resides in Hot Springs. His mailing address is P.O. Box 658 Hot Springs, VA, 24445-0658. Telephone number: 540-839-3104. Following up on previous reports, I recently talked with Frank Louthan. He is still on the road to recovery from his broken hip and is doing OK. Getting back to our 75th Reunion, I have just gotten information that the reunion dates will be Monday and Tuesday, April 18-19, 2016. Hopefully as many of the brother rats as can will be there. As more information is available from the Institute, I will let you know more of the details. Please make note of the dates and do your best to be with us. Seaton ’41

’42

Charles B. Miller

Brigadier Gen. Gabe Horne died July 20, 2015. He was a great brother rat and a wonderful class agent. I believe there is an

obituary in the Taps section of the Review. (Editor’s Note: Please see page 152 of this issue for Mr. Horne’s Taps entry.) John Irby ’44 sent me a clipping from the Blackstone, Virginia, Courier Record, dated Aug. 4, 2001, about the King twins, written by Doug Coleburn. The article quoted Irby as saying, “In about November 1942, when I was a second classman at VMI, one of my classmates, Jack King of Columbus, Georgia, asked me to do him a favor. He wanted to go to Blackstone with me so he could visit his twin brothers, Everett and Edwin King, who were about to be shipped to England and were passing through the Army airfield at Camp Pickett. Both had graduated from VMI in June 1942 and were second lieutenants training to become P-47 pilots. Jack and I went to Blackstone on a Friday afternoon, spent the night at my parents’ home, and he went out to the airfield Saturday and spent the day with his brother, Everett. The two King brothers left for a base in England about two months later. They were both to be based in Normandy, France, soon after the invasion. On Aug. 15, 1944, the King twins were involved in a dog fight with German fighter planes. During the fight, Everett radioed to his fellow pilots: ‘Hey fellows – I’ve got about a dozen Messerschmitts over here. You want to join the fun?’ About a minute later, one of his fellow pilots radioed him, ‘King, there are two krauts coming in on your tail.’ Everett King’s P-47 was shot down and he bailed-out, but his parachute was damaged and never opened. He hit the ground in a small French village, and the people there ran out and recovered his body and buried him in the village square. They defied the Germans occupying the village and erected a nice tombstone with flowers around it. His twin brother survived the war, made the Air Force a career and retired a colonel. He is also deceased now. Fast forward about 65 years. My wife and I moved into a retirement home in Raleigh, North Carolina. I met a lady here who, on learning I went to VMI, wanted to know if I knew the King twins. “When I told her I did, she overwhelmed me with pictures, letters and write-ups about Everett King, who she had met while she was attending Farmville S.T.C. (Longwood VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to it. There were 92 attendees College). She was very much in who danced and listened to the love with him and has kept in “Frank Sinatra Band.” touch with his family over the Gordon bemoans (as well he years, although she later married might) the after-effects of the and has a son and daughter. Sevstroke he had a few years ago. eral years ago, she and her chilHe walks – the best exercise we dren went to the village in France nonagenarians ought to do, so where Everett died, and the peosay many medical providers. ple put on a ceremony for them. The more the better, but Gordon Although the King family has says he can walk for “only 300 had his remains returned to Coto 400” yards which – between lumbus, Georgia, the French still rests – seems pretty good for a maintain their grave marker. This 95-year-old man. He also is unlady, who is a widow, still makes der medical watch for macular contributions to VMI in honor of Everett King’s honor.” Class of 1942: Bob Byrd ’63, Tom Williamson ’55, Harry Siebert and degeneration – the dry kind – After so many years in Colora- William Haake ’55 sang the “VMI Spirit” at an open mic event at the and can’t drive at night. Howdo, Jack Patton says Cumming, Wolf Laurel Country Club in Mars Hill, North Carolina, June 17, 2015. ever, lest you readers get wrong impressions, such as that GorGeorgia, is just too hot. He is don is falling apart, he is in great shape for working on moving to Bridgewater RetireJeffrey G. Smith a 95 year oldster. He has a thrice per week, ment Community in Bridgeport, Virginia, two-hour workout, which I doubt any of in the fall. That is about two hours from our brother rats can equal. Each workout Richmond, so maybe we can get together. includes an astounding 150 sit-ups. And I visited Jed Wilson at the Hermitage, his voice is that of a young man. just a mile away, and showed him my new“Just fine!” was the reply when I asked to-me walker. As usual, he was with shirt Greetings to my brother rats and to all and tie; I in my tennis shorts. I have given those non-classmates who choose to read Vince Thomas how he was recently. But up tennis but go to the fitness center every my class notes for various and assorted that, as I have learned over the years, is Vince’s standard response. That transmorning in the tennis attire. He had been to reasons. lates to: “no change of consequence.” his twice-a-week swim. The very good news: To the best of my As I am preparing these notes Aug. 14, knowledge, I have no deaths to report He remains as cheerful as ever in the 2015, I recall that day 70 years ago – VJ since my previous notes were submitted. Heath Care Center where Betty and Day. I, as the pilot of an 11-man-crew B29 We continue to hold at 23 survivors. That Vince have a waterfront apartment in Norfolk. His grandson completed his bomber, “City of Virginia Beach,” of the rates an Old Yell! 39th Bomb Group, Guam, was headed to Sally Hodgkin sent me several of Jim 4th Class year with flying colors and has Japan, along with the rest of the 20th Air Hodgkin’s watercolor sketches. Many started his 3rd Class year with undiminForce from Saipan and Tinian, to bomb readers (especially our brother rats) recall ished enthusiasm for all things at VMI. their islands again – several hundred planes that Jim provided several of them to in- I envy both him and Vince. I am doing all together. clude in class reunion booklets and also my best to interest some grandsons in atThe U.S. had dropped an atomic bomb sent them as Christmas cards. You’ll see tending the big “I.” I believe it was Vince who remarked over Hiroshima and Japan did not give that my notes in this issue of the Alumni to me that he’d heard Dick Catlett was up. The 20th Air Force bombed Japan Review are enhanced by the two Sally still playing golf. Great to hear, and more again, conventional bombs, and Japan did sent me. not give up. A second atomic bomb was I wrote in my last notes that big things power to Dick. His balance must be undropped and they did not surrender. That were in store for Gordon Smith’s 95th usually good. I wish that I had the balis why we were going to bomb them again birthday. The VMI Register of Former ance to golf, but I don’t anymore. Rather, on the 14th. Before we reached their main- Cadets for some very obscure reason has I’m a staunch member of the “carry a land, they announced their surrender. We absolutely no dates of birth! Well, Gor- cane club” simply to insure against the dropped our bombs in the Pacific and don’s was June 10, 1920. Gordon was consequences of an all too conceivable headed back to our bases. The war was determined to make his 95th a genuine tumble. Speaking with Bill Winter is always a over and the worry about the anticipated bash. Accordingly, it required mucho, loss of millions of lives – on both sides – mucho time to prepare – and the bash treat. And I did so Aug. 11, 2015. He enwith an invasion, was gone. wasn’t exactly on his birthday, but close dures the (Austin) Texas heat and takes

’43

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes the occasional 100-degree temperatures in stride. Bill has retired from practicing medicine, but he still knows a heck of a lot about it and what is good and not good for us all. I took comfort in his observation that each of our surviving brother rats by simply being alive have “done the right things,” such as eating well but wisely – and exercising. Bill admits to an occasional memory lapse (should not we all?) and an occasional lurch in his stride – but all-in-all, Dr. Winter practices what he preaches and stays healthy. Debonair has long been the adjective that I associate with Gerry Asch. And debonair I’m sure he will ever be with the lilt of his slight New Yorkers’ accent sounding just as it has since our cadet years. The Aschs sold their Boca Raton condo, and eight months ago, they moved to a very comfortable retiree community in Princeton, New Jersey. One supposes it is much the same in which many of us now live. When I called Gerry, he was in the midst of celebrating his 93rd birthday (Aug. 12, 2015). Literally. Lots of family present, including a daughter from California. As might be expected, it was a wee bit noisy in the background during our conversation. Gerry’s wife broke her leg (but not on his birthday). I forgot to ask whether it was before or after the move, but the important matter is that she is recovering thanks to rehab specialists. Gerry and I discussed the old age

loss of balance problems most all of us have in one degree or other. The quarterly fiscal reports regarding our Annual Giving arrived. In sum and at this point – the end of the third quarter of the VMI 2015 Fiscal Year, March 31, 2015 – the percentage of our class who has contributed has declined in contrast to last year at this point. In 2014 at this point, 39.13 percent of our class had contributed. In 2015, only 26.2 percent have contributed so far. Thanks, as usual, goes to Bill Gottwald for the robust showing of our class as a whole. Our class’ end-ofthird quarter total giving was a whopping $565,050. Adios for now. When you read this ‘twill be November, and perhaps, depending on where you live, there will be some frost on the local pumpkins.

’44

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

Bob and Faye Jones have completed their move from cottage to apartment at their retirement community. Their new address is 955 Harpersville Road, Apartment 2047, Newport News, VA 23601. Their telephone number remains the same. In anticipation of your questions, Bob still rejects the concept of using a computer or other textual devices to communicate. Too much spam, he says.

They seem to be settled in at their new digs, but I did hear some grumbling about missing some objects in the process. Perhaps these will turn up when they get around to exploring what was put in their storage compartment. As a result of this move and divestiture of many years of “stuff,” I inherited six very fat photo albums of Faye’s pictures of Class of 1944 activities. There must be a thousand or more photos in the collection. As one might imagine, it is very entertaining to look through the albums. Although quite a few individuals remain recognizable over the passage of time, it is a real challenge to identify many others. After several hours of turning the pages, I discovered that Faye had carefully written the names of the individuals shown on the back of each photo in pencil. I understand this is what one is supposed to do, but I wonder how many actually follow through on this practice. Jim Doss has moved from Lexington, his home for many years, to live with his daughter at 9010 George Washington Memorial Highway (US17) Gloucester, VA 23061. His new mailing address is P.O. Box 538, Ark, VA 23003. His telephone number remains (540) 462-7082. In a recent phone conversation, he didn’t say much about having a difficult move, but I would have to believe it wasn’t very easy. I think he would be pleased to hear from his brother rats. I know where Gloucester is located. Some of my family members lived there many years ago, but I had never heard of Ark. Jim reports that it is

Class of 1943: Watercolors painted by deceased Brother Rat Jim Hodgkin. 34

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a crossroad stop on US17 and just across the York River from Yorktown. In a follow-up note from my phone call, Jim wrote, “Time and many other things bring changes for us, and I will miss Lexington. Fortunately, there are a number of things I can hang on to. Scottie Haley is good at keeping me informed of things of interest in Lexington. Was at the Institute a couple of days ago ... Am still pleased with myself for making it from matriculation to graduation. Looking back, I could have been a real gung-ho cadet. Will work on improvement.” I regret to report the death of Audre Lawson, 92, widow of our Brother Rat Bill Lawson, who died in Newport News, Virginia, May 29, 2015. She was a lifelong resident of the area, having spent her entire professional career with the U.S. Naval Weapons Systems. She retired in 1986 as the civilian personnel director. Audre was first married to William R. Atkins and later to Bill Lawson. Bill had also been previously married. In addition to her son, W. Reed Atkins Jr., she is survived by her step-son and daughter, William E. Lawson III and Debra Lawson. Audre and Bill attended our class mini reunion at Virginia Beach, and according to Bob Jones, she was an enthusiastic booster for VMI. At the end of July, while at Judy Beam’s cottage on Oak Island, North Carolina, we were visited by Porter Parker Hutto and her husband, Randy. The Huttos, who are from Atlanta, were vacationing at a nearby North Carolina beach. The visit afforded an opportunity to talk about the Class of 1944 and cadet days with Porter’s late father, Charlie Parker. I think that I was able to fill in some information gaps about Charlie’s VMI days and our initial Army experiences at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Randy is a Washington and Lee University graduate, so he wasn’t left entirely on the conversation sidelines. Those attending our 65th Reunion in 2009 will remember that Porter accompanied Charlie and Sophie, greatly facilitating their trip. The Oak Island visit also brought me up to date on Sophie and her life in the Milwaukee area. I hasten to add that Sophie is one of my better correspondents, so I haven’t been entirely without news from her. Porter showed me 2015-Issue 4

some photos of Sophie’s splendid artworks. I know that some of you are aware of her impressive talent. Every now and then I hear about grandchildren’s weddings and the births of greatgrandchildren. Always great news, which I am pleased to report, but unfortunately without any details. Here are two that don’t require assistance. In late August, Judy Beam and I went to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to attend the wedding of Matthew Beam and Rebecca Reardon. Matthew is the grandson of our late Brother Rat Joe Beam. Later, in September, we were in Millwood to attend the wedding of my granddaughter, Christina, to Ryan Brady. Ryan is a W&L law school grad. They will live in Alexandria, not far from Peyton Street! Our always-on-the-move Brother Rat Bob Smothers has recently visited Europe with his friend, Mei Kitchen, sending back some great photos from Spain and England. Just before posting these notes, he sent me a video of the two of them performing the Tango before an enthusiastic audience in San Diego, California. I note that he sent copies to Meade Bell and M.C. Wilhelm. If anyone else would like to view this, contact Bob at: bosmoz@me.com. In the photo accompanying these notes, Dick Niess is shown being interviewed by an ABC7 Tampa sports news reporter. The interview came about when the reporter, covering another news event at Dick’s exercise center, became aware of his dedication to the fitness routine he was pursuing. Part of her story that later aired on TV in the Tampa area related to Dick’s inspiration from the exercise routines that he and his late wife, Ann, had developed and performed together. Now his performance in continuing them is being dedicated to her memory. A great story. Kudos to you, Dick. The VMI Foundation’s fiscal year closed June 30, 2015. Participation by our class fell off a bit to not quite half of our members making a donation. As we are now starting in a new FY, I hope we can do much better. Unlike several of the classes in the 1940-50s era with major donors, I think our class can be initially satisfied if we could just have every member of our class making a donation.

Class of 1944: Richard C. Niess, age 92, was interviewed by Victoria Lea, a sports writer for ABC7 Tampa, about his commitment to physical fitness for seniors through organized athletic exercise. Niess stated he was inspired to this current effort by continuing a program he and his late wife, Ann, had performed together. The interview aired on TV in the Tampa, Florida, area July 14, 2015.

’45

William Quarles

We’re still enjoying our spring reunion – in retrospect now. It was great to see those who attended, and we’re hoping to hear from everyone as your time permits, so please send your news. As we were preparing these class notes, an interesting coincidence came to light. John D. Williams had given the Preston Library a copy of his book, “Five Generations,” which he told us was written primarily for future generations of the Williams clan. The book describes a family odyssey that started when two brothers – John Robert Williams and Evan Robert Williams, who were our John Williams’ great uncle and grandfather – came to Virginia to work in the slate mining business. 35

Class Notes

Class of 1945: Douglas Quarles Jr., left, at Route 1 gas station with the manager in 1949. Class of 1945: The class anticipated the reunion parade on a beautiful April afternoon.

Class of 1945: The class strolled from the parade to barracks for the Old Yell.

Class of 1945: From atop the sentinel box, John Williams led the Old Yell. All 1945 reunion photos by Henry Eichelberger. 36

Class of 1945: The cover of “Founders and Keepers: The Story of a Family Oil Business,” by Douglas E. Quarles Jr.

John’s book brought another to mind. Here’s John’s story, in brief: Over the course of three generations, the family came to own several slate-mining properties, and John’s book describes his family’s trials and triumphs as his widowed mother raised three sons during the Depression, only to see them go to war but then return safely to successfully run the family business. The book is a rich picture of life in Virginia from shortly after the Civil War almost up to the present. VMI (of course) plays an important role in this family’s life and adventures, as does the slate business, fascinating in itself. John and his brothers, as the book relates, eventually shifted into the engineering business – another quite interesting tale – with Williams Crane and Rigging specializing in hydroelectric and nuclear plant construction. A family-owned business is also central to “Founders and Keepers,” written by Doug Quarles in 2008. It tells how Ray Taylor ’39, Doug’s uncle, persuaded Doug’s father to purchase a heating oil company that, over seven decades, became Quarles Petroleum Inc. Along the way, the family owned and managed not only fuel distribution but also truck stops, car washes, convenience stores, a mobile home park, and a beer and wine distributorship as the business grew like Topsy. While in high school, young Doug worked

after school and weekends making deliveries. He followed in Uncle Ray’s footsteps through Washington Arch, then served in the Army (1942-46), and returned to get his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Virginia and rejoin the family business. “Founders and Keepers: The Story of a Family Business” can be found on Amazon. By way of further coincidence, as we were going to press, Doug and family were celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. What started as a one-truck business in 1940 now reaches across seven states as a fuel oil distributor, propane supplier, service station supplier and fleet fuel service provider. Final coincidence: John tells us that his daughter, Teresa, was the “driving force” in getting “Five Generations” written, while Doug credits his niece, Holly Lewis Maddux, as his co-writer. Great stories, guys! And on that note, we’ll just add this: Families, if you are reading over our classmates’ shoulders and they haven’t yet put their history down on paper or into the computer, please get them started – and meanwhile, dear brother rats, send us some news, as well.

’46

William A. Eliason

As these notes are written, it is a beautiful sunny day here. It is mid-August and smack dab in the middle of our summer. Personally, I am having a difficult time VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes holding on to my liberal concern for “global warming” with the temperature outside and inside (with all windows and doors open) in the high 60s. The air conditioner hasn’t been on since the end of July. Happy KWH to all not enjoying this “Valhalla of America!” First, let’s deal with the 70th Reunion poll results. I’ve received responses from a little over half of the class, and the count is only two brother rats and wives who think they can make it, “God willin’ and the crick don’t rise.” My end of the year letter and greeting should carry the final estimate and a request for a go or no-go decision. The reply cards on the reunion did spark some comments from many of you, and I thank you for the response. The majority of your news has been age and family – those of you who held age as the principal reason for not traveling seem to believe I have not shared in the aging process. I suppose that false phenomenon stems from the fact that I logged 11 academic semesters at dear old Vamilinst when our class average was a little over one. The first two respondents were by telephone. Mort Mumma was first, and although the old fighter pilot has had at least one hip replacement, he and family have about a half dozen cruises planned for next year. His love of the sea rather suggests he should have gone to the U.S. Naval Academy instead of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. But then he would be a captain and not a colonel. Norval Marr and I had a wonderful chat. He and Ardith are going west to Montana to meet up with family and then cruise together to Alaska for some king salmon fishing. I wish I were small enough to fit in his creel! Ted Holt checked in to say that old age was catching up on him (Where’s he been?) and that he was having a hard time remembering how old he is. He darn well remembers where he went to school and learned how to become a leatherneck colonel. Unable to attend the reunion because he keeps his travel close to home, Nat Wilson and Carole are cruising from New Orleans to Memphis this fall on the American Eagle. Nat, just how much farther is Lexington from New Orleans and Memphis? 2015-Issue 4

Brigadier Gen. Mike Ashley wrote from Florida that, like a good gyrene writes, “he’s still alive, but pretty,” then adds, “well stove up.” Mike, I think “stove up” means knocked out of shape, but “pretty” ... uh, uh, that’s not you – that’s Gabby! Really wish you could make it. We’ll miss you. Phil Temko noted that he is another Californian who stays on the West Coast. He’s got a great reason: He has his whole family there – wife, three kids and their spouses, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren – and they are doing well and in driving distance all on the coast. He sends best wishes to all of his brother rats. Judge Warren Stephens and his wife, Mary Montague, have decided that with four alma maters, it’s just too much “motoring.” (Don’t you love these Virginny gals who use their entire name – remember, my love’s name was Nancy Carol, and she used all of it.) Had a reply from either a friend or a relative (I’m not sure which) that Bill Ratliff has some health problems that will prevent him for reuniting. I’m sure we all understand. John Naill and Sally came in with, “has to be a definite maybe,” but they’d both love to see “beautiful Lexington” in the spring. I’ve visited West Point, but Lexington is prettier! Right, John? Phil Reitz wrote that his Parkinson’s keeps him close to home, and “it hurts” that he and Joanne won’t be making the trip. As best as I can tell, Phil has pretty much made all of our reunions up to now. He is my second longest lifetime friend and former roommate. I will miss him, but we’ll continue our frequent phone chats. This is my 11th year as your class agent, and I believe this is the first time I have heard from Billy Williams, who lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on the Main Line out of Philly. In honor of that, I reprint in its entirety. “Sorry – but! I only attended VMI for four months. I was called to duty as a member of the U.S Navy Reserve Corps. Later was assigned to Villanova University, where I obtained my commission – served in the South Pacific and Okinawa. Aside: Also was lucky enough to become captain of the (Villanova) 1944 football team.” Thanks for checking

in, Billy, but remember, once you sign in and walk through that Jackson Arch, you are a ’46 brother rat forever, whether four months or four years. Ed Powers sent regrets but no message. Let us hear from you, Ed. Mac Lacy, who served as our class president, plans to attend and advised he has just turned 91. (Hey, guys, I know to the day how old each of us is – it’s in the annals. I ratify that I was only six when I matriculated.) Mac was feeling so good about 91 that he gave himself a birthday present of a time share at the Homestead. He said the cool mountain air will preserve him a few more years. I have a time share in Tanqueray which preserves me, and it’s cheaper! Tom Layman returned my card with nothing on it. George Coleman wrote from the Los Angeles slum of Pacific Palisades that his advanced age has convinced him it’s best he stay on the West Coast. Can’t really blame him – as I recall, the last time he tried it, they canceled his flight. That’s all I have for this trip – keep those cards and letters coming, especially those of you who haven’t told me your decision on the reunion. I really need to know. In the bonds, Bill

’47

Gus Robbins

Unfortunately, dear BRs, the obituaries continue to arrive in my mail.....BR John D. Velte died June 6, 2015, at his home in Sarasota, Florida. He completed one semester at the Institute before leaving to enlist in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he then served as an aerial photographer. After the war, he went on to Princeton University, where he graduated in 1950 with a mechanical engineering degree. Some of you ’47 BRs will remember John’s father, Dr. F.M. Velte, who taught 4th Class English at VMI during the war years. John worked for a number of auto industry firms before retiring from the Ford Motor Co. as a chief chassis engineer. He lost his 37

Class Notes first wife, Evangeline, to cancer in 1991, and he and his second wife, Mary Louise Bell, split their time between Sarasota and a summer home at Silver Bay, Lake George, New York. Survivors include his wife; two sisters; a son, John Velte of Evergreen, Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews and seven grandchildren. In the early ’90s, while on a motor trip to Florida, Jane and I were visiting BR Charlie and Bonnie Early, and we all paid a brief visit to John but missed meeting Mary Louise. John’s family requested donations in his memory to the Salvation Army, the Nature Conservancy or Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota. Shocking news on my homefront this past week was that H. Curtis Butterwoth ’76, son of our BR Harold “Bully” Butterworth, died of a sudden and massive heart attack while tending to the family property on the Rappahannock River near Carter’s Creek in Irvington, Virginia. Curtis received a law degree from the University of Richmond after graduating from VMI and practiced in his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia, for 20 years before turning to the ministry. He is survived by his wife, Donna; two children, Brandon and Brooke; and his sister, Barbara. Our sister rat, Sarah Newsom (BR Jim Newsom), enjoyed a vacation with her Colorado family and attended the wedding of one of their Colorado grandchildren. Sarah says that snow covered the peaks of 9,000 to 12,000 feet, which was a refreshing sight after our Virginia days of 90-plus degrees and 85 percent humidity. It has been a hot, hot summer in our parts of the world. For those of you who still find time in your retirement to read, I highly recommend a book by Charles F. Bryan Jr. ’69, Ph.D, titled, “Imperfect Past, History in a New Light.” Charlie was the director of the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond for many years and contributed many essays and letters to the Richmond TimesDispatch. This book is a collection of many of these. News is pretty scarce this time around ... maybe you all can send some interesting sidelights from your comings and goings this year for the next issue? Please. Best regards, Gus III 38

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

Irene Sadler has moved to an assisted living facility and may be reached through her son, John Sadler, at 319 Nottingham Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Mike Calhoun has likewise moved into a retirement village at Bay Oaks, 435 NE 34th St., Miami, FL 33137. Sarah Stagg has moved to a new home, the address of which I will be pleased to share with you. On July 20, Charlie Ramsburg ’66 arranged a meeting of local Asheville VMI alumni at our Atlanta Bread Company. It was well attended by perhaps 30 members with the hope that a VMI alumni group may be established here in western North Carolina.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

After seven years, this will be my last report to our sister and brother rats for the VMI Review. I want to let you know how I went to VMI. The story is rather short. When I was a senior in high school, graduating in June 1944, I wanted to enlist in the Marine Corps. I was 17. My father would not sign for me. My father heard of VMI through a friend of his, Arthur Burchill, an attorney. Arthur was stationed at VMI during some part of World War I. Next thing I knew, in June 1944, I found myself on a train to Buena Vista, Virginia. Although the Rat Line was at times rather traumatic, I nevertheless received the VMI message of integrity and perseverance. I left VMI in January 1945. In March 1945, I was sent by the U.S. Army to an Infantry Replacement Training Center at Camp Blanding, Florida. Upon completion of my training, the war ended, and I spent a year in Tokyo. On the sidewalks of San Francisco, California, before leaving for Japan, I ran into our Brother Rat Hal Read. Hal was in the Navy. His suggestion was we exchange uniforms for the day, and

we did so. Hal was on the football team at VMI during his 4th Class year. While in Japan, I ran into Zeke Scher ’47 in Tokyo and Charlie Butterworth ’47 in Kyoto. In September 1945, I returned stateside on a C54. This was my first experience flying. In October 1945, I returned to VMI for a visit and shared the room with our Brother Rat Bobby Pagliaro, who died in a tragic accident shortly thereafter. About seven years ago, George Ramsey reached out to me and requested that I do the notes for the Class of 1948B for the VMI Review. Some of my VMI memories include returning on a Corps trip from Lynchburg, Virginia, when I sat next to Col. Fay; visiting Southern Seminary; serving as a dyke for Gus Reardon ’47 when he was the officer of the day; having an academic furlough on Labor Day weekend 1944; and Bloody Sunday. The Rat Line was a form of isolation, and by serving as class agent, I reached out to many of our brother rats I had little or no contact with while at the Institute. Looking back, I think one of the more enjoyable experiences was accelerating the class reunions to have them every two and a half years instead of five years. We had two reunions during the time that I was class agent. Our Brother Rat Lionel Wolford will take over as class agent. Although the task was at times difficult, I nevertheless enjoyed every minute of it. As one old-timer said, “Thanks for the memories.”

’49A

James Harrington

An update from the Harrington family: The Fourth of July week this year was special! Our great-grandson, Henry, came to visit. He brought with him his parents and grandparents, so we enjoyed a four-generation holiday week. Extraordinary! Other grandchildren have shared our “Camp Chaos” this summer, and with any luck, we’ll have some more before the summer VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes ends. My VMI cap emblem attracted the attention of a young visitor who approached me on the boat trip from the mainland to the island. I couldn’t hear very well over the boat’s engine noise, but I think he was a 3rd Class cadet and a member of the lacrosse team. I invited him to visit, but he was obviously too busy with his girlfriend – I don’t blame him. We are well and hoping for more visitors. Allen Penniman knows how difficult it is to get updates from our few remaining brother rats and their families. Allen wrote: “Another quarter has passed, and I find myself cobbling a bit of information together for the Alumni Review. We always start with health, and Joanie and I are doing fine. It is sad to report, however, that one of my prized possessions, a golden retriever named Daisy, is a bit under the weather. We are taking her to Louisiana State University this afternoon, and maybe they can tell me her problem. At her age, it is the same thing I have, as we are both getting older. She has been a great part of my life, and I hope she will return to good health. All else is fine. “It is not often that I run across something that deserves to be passed on. A good friend of mine, Paul Merrill, is my neighbor down the street. He is quite a distinguished man, having served on many boards of national companies. He was an outstanding chancellor of LSU. Under his leadership, the university grew and prospered. I will extract the following from a note I got from Dr. Merrill. “‘Different aspects of intelligence tend to peak at different stages of our lives. Processing speed – how fast we can process numbers, names and facts – peaks around age 18. How much we can remember peaks in our mid-20s. Our emotional intelligence peaks about age 40. Vocabularies continue to grow and peak about age 70. All this is very encouraging, except for the fact that, for an octogenarian such as I, researchers say that everything has peaked and everything is in decline. I really do not need any researcher to confirm that for me; I experience it every day! And I still thank God every day for life itself!’ “I think that is a perfect explanation as 2015-Issue 4

to what is happening to each of us octogenarians.” That’s probably why we don’t hear much from the few brother rats we have remaining. Here’s a note from Herb Johnston: “Hi, Jim. I hope you and your family have had a good summer. We are happy to say we are still living in the same house we have been in for the last 50 years. We are about the same health-wise. Jeanne still has a difficult time. I’m doing OK and help Jeanne in living a pretty normal life. We celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary in June. Both of our children came home to help us celebrate, and we had a very happy time. Columbus is getting ready for the 2015-16 football season. We all have high hopes after last year’s exciting finish. We have had season tickets for 60 years but doubt if we will use them – lots of people want them. Weather, early and late starts, etc. make it easy to choose TV. We didn’t go to Nags Head this year, and we really miss it. Maybe next year!” And Joe Fil has found a way to overcome his computer problems: “Due to some network issues, I’m typing this on my son’s smartphone. We have some very sad news. Our beautiful daughter-in-law just died from a brain tumor. It was discovered by chance, but was already beyond control. The boys all rallied around their brother, came immediately from all over the United States and were very supportive. All-in-all, it was sad – she was well-loved by her family, the community, and many friends and associates. The Greek ritual was a powerful ceremony. “On a happier note, our granddaughter, Rebecca, married her boyfriend of five years. He, Alex, is finishing up his residency and intends to set up his practice in Huntsville, Alabama. We missed the wedding, as Sue was unable to travel. We finally sold our lake property. It was hard to leave after 30-plus years of fun and pleasure. I may buy another place on the water with all the same amenities but less work and more time to fish, swim and boat. “I have had a number of replacements this year. My right hip twice (a second of foolish behavior), my right knee and today, I talked with the surgeon about a shoulder.

I hope that this gets to you on time. I’m sorry it’s so late, but I just wasn’t connected to my machine for a few weeks. Stuff happens when senility sets in.” Old age, I suppose, can be blamed for the lack of communication from the rest of the class, but we’re happy to share what we have. In the spirit!

’49B

Dan Smaw

These notes cover the period late May to early August 2015. Tom Cooke wrote that he and Virginia celebrated their 50th anniversary in Lynchburg, Virginia, with family and had a great get-together. He said that Rockbridge Baths had zero degree weather March 14 that froze his water pipes, so they had no water, no heat and no toilet. He is still replacing 50 year old pipes, but they are in “great shape.” Rose Anne Hurd wrote in late May that, by reading the class notes, it is fun to relive the ’49B class reunions she and Clint attended with Selden and Betty Lu Stephens. She was planning to take her children and 12-year-old granddaughter to Williamsburg in mid-July for an educational vacation. Rose Anne stays busy trying to get rid of 50-plus years of accumulated “stuff,” as well as trying to keep up the yard and pool. She hopes to downsize, but the thought is overwhelming. In mid-July, I received a copy of the obituary for our Brother Rat Donald E. Wilson, who died July 6, 2015, with his wife, Mary, and their two children at his side. He lived in New Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and had four grandchildren, two sisters, a brother and other relatives. During the Korean War, he served there in the 7th Infantry Division Artillery. Our profound condolences go to his wife, Mary, and all the family on their great loss. Greg Nelson and his Reunion Committee of Ding Patton, George Wolfe and Benny Harmon met in late July and decided on Lexington for a mini reunion in fall 2016. Greg will go to Lexington to meet with the new Alumni Association rep to firm 39

Class Notes up dates, motel and hospitality suite arrangements. The setup we had for the 65th worked real well. Nux Enochs wrote a long, newsy letter, in which he said he was recently described as a “borderline but serviceable geezer.” I imagine that describes a lot of us. He had recently talked with Vaughn and Izzy Maxwell and said Izzy sounded strong and healthy. Vaughn is wheelchair bound but still has a sense of humor and a sharp mind. His address is: Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, 1101 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Phone: 706-721-2765. Tommy Bowers calls him from time to time and always prays with him. I am sure Vaughn would appreciate hearing from any BR. Louise and I talk with Ding and Nobbie Patton fairly often – not usually anything world shaking. Neither of us hear much from other BRs, and I really need to in order to make this column worth reading. Grover Outland called in late July to say he has another grandson, Benjamin, who entered VMI this fall. Grover and family will be spending two weeks on the Eastern Shore and hope the fishing will be good. He was planning to call Jack Hayes, who has been having some back problems. I talked with Boyd Guttery recently, since it had been awhile since we had talked. He had a remembrance ceremony at his church for the two-year anniversary of his son’s death from brain cancer. Our daughter, Sally, had the same type of brain cancer with the same result. Boyd has communication infrequently with Tommy Altizer. George Dooley called and said he and Jane go to a rehab, physical therapy and exercise place a couple of times a week. You can see I did not take good notes, since I am not sure what the place really is. I did get it from George that they enjoy it, and it gives them some exercise they would otherwise not get. He said he, Bill Sweeney, Max Fineman and Bob Massie still get together once a month for lunch, and among other things, mentioned the aches and pains each has. I called Lon and Doris Walter and was reminded that the weather there is 100 degrees most days. That dictates that Doris has to tend her flower bed early before it 40

becomes too hot to work outside. They are doing OK and enjoy living in the Army Residence Community, since everything they need is right there. I talked with Izzy Maxwell the day after the first Republican debate, and we exchanged views on how various ones had done or not done. She said Vaughn’s spirits are OK and his mind is sharp, even though he can only get around in a wheelchair. She usually takes him something for lunch each day and has someone bring him home on Sundays until around 4 in the afternoon. He can relax and be away from the nursing home routine for a while. God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

The Class of 1949C will no longer be submitting notes. Haywood France remains the point of contact for the class.

’50A

Bill Moore

B.J. and Kenny Stagg left Vancouver Aug. 23 for a week’s cruise up the coast of Alaska to Anchorage. They also planned a land trip around the state. While they’re there, they hope to see Beverly and Syd Stealey in Fairbanks. Some of the details of B.J. and Kenny’s trip were still up in the air as of this writing. I expect to have more next time. Beverly and Syd are looking forward to their visit. They have recently moved into a smaller home in Fairbanks. They are still doing well but want to cut down on maintenance chores. When I talked with Barbara (Hugh) Barnes, most of her family was visiting in New York. Of course, she misses them, but she is doing well in her independent living home. She is still active and volunteering at a local hospital. Mary (Joe) Ripley sounded great, as usual. Her garden and other activities keep her busy.

And, of course, she and her daughter have always been very close. Otherwise, Mary said her life has been calm this summer. Jackie (Dick) Martin said this was a relatively quiet summer for her. No vacation this summer. She told me she spent her vacation money on expensive dental work! I know that’s a bummer for her. She’s usually up and about in the summertime. Apparently, the weather in Spokane, Washington, area has been much hotter and drier than usual. She’s even had some smoke from forest fires to the west. She’s been in no danger, though. Her grandson is in the third year of his internship. He hopes to teach a little and then go for an advanced degree in oncology. I know Jackie is proud of him, and rightly so. At first, I wasn’t able to make contact with Dick Mandt through his son, Richard, so I called the Summit Place in Mooresville, North Carolina, where he lives. Of course, they weren’t able to give me any detailed information on Dick. However, when I introduced myself and my purpose, a nice lady told me he was well and getting around without any trouble. Dick is in a very nice assisted living facility. We were impressed with it when Debra and I visited him in the spring. Later, Richard returned my call and gave me a few more details. I also got to talk with Dick himself, and he assured me he was well and happy and to give all of you his love. I had hoped to see him this past weekend, as Debra and I made a quick trip to the Charlotte area to visit my brother, Herman. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and had to get back to Lynchburg before too late, as Debra is still a working girl. Nan and Elliott Hudgins are still in their home in New Bern, North Carolina. They are both well, although Elliott is not able to comfortably travel long distances. Debra and I will be going to our beach house in South Carolina in the fall and will make every effort to visit them when we go. Nan and Elliott’s son, Reed ’90, is overseas for a tour of duty with the Army. Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon suffered through a very hot summer in the Dallas, Texas, area. She is seriously considering downsizing her living quarters but has not found what she wants, and she hates VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to leave her present home. She visited her daughter, Cheryl, and a grandson in the northern Virginia area not too long ago and has planned a trip to Colombia to visit her family there. She’s doing well and, as you can see, stays on the go. Jennings Bunch had a fall recently. There were no broken bones, and he is recovering nicely. I’m glad it’s not more serious and hope to have more details later. Harriet is doing well with no repercussions from her little spell at our reunion. She and Jennings now have five great-grandchildren between them. Nancy (Hank) McWane was busy on her farm, cutting grass and all the stuff associated with owning one. The weather in Lynchburg has been very conducive for grass growing this summer, and she cuts a lot of it. Nancy’s daughters are in California and Oregon, and of course, she’s concerned about the rash of forest fires out there. I had trouble reaching Joanne (Ed) Miller and in desperation finally reached her daughter, Adrienne. Adrienne says they have been having trouble with Joanne’s phone and assured me that Joanne was well. Debra and I are doing well and having a lot of fun together. As the saying goes, “There’s no fool like an old fool.” In May, I bought a 2008 Pontiac Solstice sports car. Never thought I’d ever do that. Several years ago, I was riding with my son, David, when a beautiful little sports car passed us. I asked him what it was and he told me. I thought it was one of the prettiest post World War II American cars I’d ever seen and forgot about it. Years later, this May, I was driving on US 460 just east of my house, when I saw a beautiful black one for sale. I stopped, looked at it and called David, as I knew Jennifer, his wife, had always wanted a Porsche. I told him he ought to buy the Solstice for her and save $100,000. The car was in perfect shape with 49,000 miles on it. Also, it was much prettier than any Porsche I’ve ever seen. It’s a true sports car – not just a sporty car like a Mustang or Thunderbird. It has 240 turbocharged horsepower and it drives like a race car – steering, suspension, brakes and the works. Zero to 60 in five seconds! Of course, I’ll never drive it like that, but it is fun. David 2015-Issue 4

said he didn’t want to buy a sports car just now, so I bought it. He said, “Do it, and have fun.” Like Jackie, buying expensive dental work with her vacation money, I bought the Solstice with my hearing aid money! Let the good times roll.

’50B

Robert White

The only thing that could have made our 65th Reunion better would have been to have more brother rats there, but on the other hand, considering the ages of the members of the class, we are probably lucky we had as many as we did. One very nice thing happened during the reunion. Hoge Sutherland and I met and sat down with Bradley Lynn Coleman ’95 who is on the faculty at VMI and is the director of the John Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis. Brad is obviously a brilliant historian and an accomplished scholar. Bradley is studying the transformation of the Virginia Military Institute during the 20th century. In doing so, he has developed a special interest in the class of 1950B and changes at the school after World War II. Braxton Green, Hoge Sutherland and I met with Professor Coleman at different times earlier this year. I know he would be interested in hearing from others, too. He can be reached at colemanbl@vmi.edu, by phone at 540-464-7447 or mail at 541 Scott Shipp Hall, Department of History, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450. The gist of Bradley’s conclusions about the transformation of VMI is that VMI’s status in the years before the end of World War II was that of a small southern military college which provided talented military officers and other military personnel for the benefit of Virginia and the United States but which was otherwise without any notable national standing. Following World War II, George C. Marshall ’901, a graduate of VMI and whose fame was worldwide because of his wartime accomplishments, began and continued to pay attention to the Institute.

In 1951 the George Catlett Marshall Arch was dedicated. President Harry S. Truman wrote the following: “On this meaningful day in the history and traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia (New Market Day), I feel it is particularly fitting that the most illustrious graduate of the Virginia Military Institute should be honored by the dedication of the George Catlett Marshall Arch. No American today is more deserving of recognition from his fellow citizens than this patriotic soldier-statesman.” At that ceremony, famed financier and presidential adviser Bernard Baruch delivered the keynote address surrounded by

Class of 1950B: The cover of David Kovarik’s book, “A Head of Lettuce.”

microphones in the presence of reporters from across the country. Baruch praised George C. Marshall as “symbolic of the new union of Americans” who “has banished forever the disunity” of the Civil War. He talked, too, about Marshall’s role in the making of American global power. General Marshall served on the Board of Visitors from July 1946-54. On at least one occasion, he ate a meal with the Corps of Cadets, and he gave the commencement address to our class on its graduation in 1950. In addition to the great influence of George Marshall on the transformation of VMI, our class played a major role in 41

Class Notes the changes in the Institute. Starting with our matriculation in 1946, things became different. Ed Oast and Bud Fisher were the editors of our yearbook. They wrote in it: “We saw a new era of VMI history open before us. We knew that we would leave the Institute in much better condition than what we found it.” The theme of the entire yearbook was, of course, “The Changing VMI.” That was the theme of the 1950 Bomb. In addition to the entering of the class of 1950B being different from any other class, it was much larger. The Class of 50B had about 355 matriculants, and this emphasized all of the differences within the Corps. For all of that, however, all was not well with the Corps, and our class, early in 1950, was presented with a problem – the grave problem that had arisen at the Institute since the war. We were informed that the rat system, the key strength of VMI, was opposed in its existing form by the military staff, the alumni and popular opinion in the state. It was up to the 1st Class to revise the system, eliminating its abuses, or to watch it pass out of existence. Responding immediately, the class nominated a committee to examine the old system and recommend any desirable changes. Each night for a week, these 1st Class cadets met, and with the aid of Col. Bucher and alumni officers, produced a remarkable piece of work. Not only were the major defects of the Rat Line corrected, but the entire class system was revamped. Additional recommendations were made to aid the enforcement of this new program. Showing their wholehearted approval of the committee’s work, our class, the Corps and the superintendent accepted all the changes. Indeed, the Institute, as a whole, owes a debt of gratitude to these brother rats, the magnitude of which has been realized in the years since. Most of the cadets who were at VMI after the war did not want to be professional military personnel. They wanted to be doctors, lawyers, teachers and other civilian professionals. This produced diverse elements in the Corps which contributed in a large way to the transformation of the school. All of that, plus the enormous influence of 42

George Marshall, has produced a college of national stature, better today, made better all the time but still with traditions of which we can be proud. We have an author. David Kovarik has written a book the title of which is, “A Head of Lettuce.” It has been published and a picture of the cover is shown. The content is a series of humorous stories about the military which you will enjoy. If you want a copy, call David and ask where you can get one. His phone number is 540-972-7866. (Editor’s Note: A book announcement for “A Head of Lettuce” appeared in the 2015-Issue 3 Alumni Review, page 173.)

’51

John Ross

This note covers the period May 12 to Aug. 12, 2015, and is basically in sequential order. I start with good news. Barbara Ann Guthans, in a phone call, informed me that her grandson, Michael, had been accepted for admission by VMI. It amazes me that so many residents of Mobile, Alabama, make it up to the Institute – in our class alone: Jack Friend, George Costello, Johnny Lyden, Tom Twitty and Bobby Guthans. Barabara Ann is doing well and is very complimentary of Buddy Bryan ’71. I wished Henry Pitot in Madison, Wisconsin, a happy birthday and learned that both he and Julie had serious health problems, requiring hospitalization. Both are recovering – Julie in a nursing home and Henry at home. I wished Claud Eley in Saint Louis, Missouri, a happy birthday. Claud reported he has a heart condition that limits his activities but is very grateful for his wife’s support. At his request, I furnished him Gerry Eggleston’s contact info. I left birthday greetings for Jim Close and Gene Held on their voicemails. I wished for Don Baldwin, who was with us for one year, a happy birthday. Don reports that Jody and he are hanging in there, and he recently had lunch with his rat roommate, Rav Marshall.

I reached Sam Scott at his home in Hollywood, South Carolina, to wish him a happy birthday, which he was celebrating with a family visit. Sam was delighted with the Institute’s win of the U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association title at Michigan University, and I agreed that it was a great and rather unexpected win. Homer Ambrose called to wish me a happy Memorial Day. He is on continuous bed rest and appreciates any contact. He expressed thanks for a visit by Coach Bartlett, Keydet Club vice president. I told him that Sam Scott had recently asked about him. I had a nice visit with Jo Jac Lazzell in Florida, who visits Rufus, who is in a nursing home regularly. She reported his condition is the same. Marie called Nancy Hill but first visited with Sookie. She learned from both of them that Sookie is doing well in a new physio program but that it is very tiring. I left birthday greetings for Bill Hairston in Hickory, North Carolina, with his wife, Shirley. She reported they are both doing well. I have no contact info on Lain Peck. His telephone number is “not in service.” I trust he received my birthday card. I learned the sad news that Billye Henson, Buck’s widow, died May 27. Bounce Carstens called to report that Sally, his wife, was in the hospital. She and Marie often visit by telephone. I checked with Shirley Dawson to see how Bill was doing. She reported that he is not doing very well – still in bed and can’t walk. I wished Pete Philip in Dallas, Texas, a happy birthday and was glad to hear he is doing very well in his treatment for Prostate cancer. He is still very active in his Serra Club. I wished George Cohen a happy birthday, which he was celebrating with Marty and his family. Marty and he are both doing well, and he reports that a grandson, a recent graduate of Auburn University, is now in naval flight training at Pensacola, Florida. Pat Parker Gray called to report that the Richmond Times-Dispatch carried an obituary for Eday Wamsley listing June 27 as the date of death. I failed to reach Jake with my condolences on his loss but did leave VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes word with a grandson. Marie and I also sent to Jake a written expression of sympathy. Pat Parker Gray called to report on the graveside service for Eday, which was in Farmville, Virginia. She also drove Nancy and Sookie Hill to the service. Sam Bass noted Jake Wamsley’s loss and sent him an email. Sam is doing well, and Dew is the same. Bounce Carstens has kept Marie and me informed as to Sally’s condition. She is presently out of the hospital and in a nursing facility slowly recovering in rehab. I finally caught up with Gene Held in Shivano Park, Texas, to wish him a very belated birthday. Gene, a retired pedodontist, keeps busy with his many grandchildren and reports he is in good health. I had a nice visit with Rose Marie Anson when I checked on Fred’s status. She reported he is not doing well. He is unable to walk – hip problem and Parkinson’s disease complications. I had a chat with Tom Wornham in La Jolla, California. He reported that Pinkey and he are very active, but he is not allowed to drive. I had a fairly long visit with Polly Shrader in Pensacola, Florida. They are both doing well in their recovery from their automobile accident – Paul is back to golfing three times a week. Polly was very complimentary of their insurance carrier’s handling of their accident. I wished Dick Cole in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a happy birthday. He and Louise intend to make the 65th Reunion. Dick is doing well, but his golf is not – bad shoulder. They are doing some traveling. He inquired about Gloria Cowherd, his roommate’s widow, whom he described as “a great lady.” I concur. I had a nice visit with Jake Wamsley. He is doing as well as can be expected in adjusting to the loss of Eday. I received a message from the son of Jim Evers informing me that our brother rat has passed on. I am trying to learn any details. I did inform VMI and made a contribution in Jim’s memory. I left a belated birthday message for Willard Hays. I reached Lang Sheffield in Americus, 2015-Issue 4

Georgia, to wish him a happy birthday. He is hoping to make our 65th but expresses some doubt. Sam Scott called and we had a nice visit. He talks to George Cohen on a regular basis and is hoping to visit Country Lauerman ’49B in Amelia Island, Florida, who has some health problems, in the near future. Sam is raring to go for the 65th. I talked with Cindy Marshall in Melbourne, Florida, and learned that Jim is now in hospice care. She has moved to a new address. I received a nice note from Jake Wamsley thanking Marie and me for our expression of condolence. Jake noted that when you lose a spouse, “life goes on but it will never be the same.” I reached Mary Batsakis in Houston, where she had just returned from Michigan. She is fighting a rare lung infection which requires close monitoring. I again recognized her donation of John’s history collection to VMI. I have just finished my review of the June VMI Institute Report. I find this publication, which is issued eight times an academic year, to be extremely informative. I noted that the Class of 2015 is the largest graduating class in the history of VMI and that 52 percent commissioned. I further noted that the current fundraising campaign is closing in on its goal of $225 million with gifts and commitments presently of $215.5 million. I ran into Don Baldwin at Sunday brunch. He and Jody are hanging in there. Jake Wamsley requested that I organize our 65th Reunion, as he, understandably, does not feel up to it. Once again, you are reminded that it is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, April 18-19, 2016. Further details will be forthcoming when finalized. Jim Close checked in upon his return from Florida. Alice and he are doing well and visited with Ann and John Evans in Greenville, South Carolina, on their return trip to Alexandria, Virginia. Jim also reported that he ran into Dale Wykoff ’48A during his South Carolina stop, and that Alice and he intend to visit Cape Cod in the near future. I reached Laverne Davis in Southern

Pines, North Carolina, and learned that Jack is in a nursing home and not doing well. Laverne, herself, is not doing so well. I asked her to pass on my best wishes to Jack and wished her the best. Shirley Dawson reported that Bill still has problems. He has been released from the rehab center and is now eating, but he has mobility problems. I asked Shirley to pass on my best wishes to Bill. I failed to reach a number of our sister rats but did leave messages for: Mila Bernich, Kay Bennett, Patty Blackwell, Jane Catlin and Helen Adeeb. I was unable to reach Beverly Beazlie, as the number provided by VMI is not in service. I finally reached Gerry Eggleston on his cellphone. He is living with a daughter in Roanoke. He sounds great and is keeping active while looking forward to his 90th birthday this Sept. 9. He reported the treatment for his condition was not successful, but he remains very positive. We had a long telephone visit reminiscing about our VMI days. I must apologize for placing Bob Martin in Henderson, West Virginia, rather than Henderson, Nevada – sorry Bob. I still need current contact info for Ken Crisp, Pete Ames, Richard Lawrence and Robert Travers. Once again, our 65th Reunion is schedules for April 18-19 – mark your calendars and plan to come. Marie and I wish you a great fall and holiday season. Semper Fi, Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

These class notes start out with some good news. Margaret Burton, widow of Ed Burton, wrote thanking me for the birthday card. She has a grandson who was on the VMI football team for four years, one on the team for three years and one who is a manager. Last year, she had five Keydets at VMI, and in 2015-16, she will have four. She is very proud of her boys and knows that Ed 43

Class Notes would be also. That is quite a record. Ann Carman (Lee Rogers’ widow) wrote that she and her husband, John, are moving into a retirement community. She is wondering, as we all are, about where the time went. They continue to support VMI and ’52. Lucette and I are having an unusually busy summer. We recently had a visit from our grandson, Josiah; Sarah; and two great-grandchildren, Rachel and James. In June our granddaughter, Jerusha; Eric; and two more greatgrandchildren, Kenny and Jonathan, will be visiting us. In August, we will fly to Minnesota to be with our son, David Mecredy ’78; Susan; and grandchildren, Branson and Filicity. Branson will be receiving an Eagle Scout honor while we are there. That seems to be a lot of activity for two people past 85! Bill Ruffin called me several times while I was out of town. We finally made contact, and Bill filled me in on his recent adventures. He and Andy Dickinson joined with Bill Massie in Lynchburg for fishing and dinner with Joe McCarthy, Skip Nay and Mitch Mays. Bill Massie treated them to a catered dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed. Nancy Bookman called from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with the news that Bookie is fading. Andy Dickinson and Bill Ruffin took the opportunity to drive to Lancaster to see Bookie. They found that Bookie could not immediately recall their names, but he was aware that Andy is a doctor. It was a meaningful trip. Bill also spoke with Bud Becker, who said he has an appointment with his eye doctor to check and set a date to remove at least one cataract. He still is able to drive. Joyce and Bud have an apartment in Moravian Manor, a retirement facility. Moravian Manor is a full-care facility. More recently, Bud informed me that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which also led to stage 4 of chronic kidney disease. Although this has curtailed many of his activities, as his wonderful care-giving wife, Joyce, has said, his condition is stable. His doctors agree with Joyce’s assessment. Bud has an excellent oncologist who has prescribed a 44

chemo capsule that Bud will take the remainder of his life. It seems that Dick Valack is getting settled on the Eastern Shore and, among other activities, is leading bird watching tours. I called Dick to confirm news that Bill Ruffin had given me. Dick is recovering from the broken femur and should be completely healed long before you read this in the fall issue of the Alumni Review. In fact, he will be healed by the time you receive the summer issue of the Alumni Review, which I turned in May 15. Bill Ruffin and others have asked me about Joe Craven, so I called Joe to learn that he is in good health learning to walk with a prosthesis. He is coaching five kids in diving, even though he is unable to demonstrate diving on one leg. He also takes part in a home talent show, singing and playing guitar. This reminds him of his glee club days. Finally, Joe said that he is holding out to live long enough to make the 25 Oldest Alumni List. I had not heard from Rich Falwell or Gary Pittman for a while, so I was reminded to call them as they both have birthdays at this time. Rich was not at home, so I left a message. Gary said he and Sandra are doing fine after he has recovered from a recent bout. Gary told me that Walt Ames has been in a nursing home recently, so I am calling Walt. Rich Falwell wrote to me, as he had lost my email address. I have sent an email to give him my address. The reason he missed my call was that he and Nancy were away on a trip celebrating his birthday. Also they celebrated their 60th anniversary April 2. Rich reported they are both well except for some minor problems with diabetes. They are healthy enough to plan a trip to Chicago in July to visit their son. I called Wilson Gaillard and John Carson because I have not heard from either of them for a while. I had to leave messages to both, hoping for return calls. I received a return call from Wilson the next day. He and his wife of 61 years, Mildred, are in good health living in Mobile, Alabama. He and Toulmin Greer, who also lives in Mobile, see each other

fairly often. John Carson has yet to call back, and I discovered I have the wrong address for him. I got a fairly recent cellphone number for John, but have not heard from him. I called Joe Duff and left a message, but I haven’t heard from him. Lou Delisio wrote that he and Ella are doing well with many aches and pains, but he plays golf two or three times a week depending on weather. I guess the aches and pains are not too bad if he can play golf every week. I did not ask if he walks or rides a cart. Bud Becker wrote asking about the various means of contributing to VMI. I realized that I did not know much beyond the general alternatives of contributing to the Foundation, the Keydet Club and the Endowment Fund. I called John Wranek ’85, VMI Foundation vice president, Annual and Reunion Giving, to get a description of all of the options. In summary, we have options of giving to: The Annual Foundation Fund, The Endowment Fund – including the 1952 Endowment Fund which currently amounts to $207,194.58 – The Athletic Operations Fund and a variety of select funds tailored to individual desires. Bill Kearney called to say he is not too bad, except he cannot drive because he is nearly blind. He can still see well enough to mow the lawn and hit golf balls on the practice range he set up in his garage. He uses special rubber golf balls so as not to break the windows. He had to stop golfing on golf courses, because beyond 50 feet, he cannot see where the ball is going. I did not know that now golf balls contain chips to help you find where they land, but Bill tells me that is not good enough, so he is limited to the practice range in the garage. Clark Britton called to ask a question about a picture of his father, who was in the Class of 1925. This picture showed his father in parade uniform with a sash, sword and feathered plume but without officer stripes on his sleeve. I was unable to answer, so I suggested that Clark call Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of the VMI Museum System. It turns out that a frequent practice at the time was to take a picture of Keydets with sword and sash. That practice VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Avon, in July after a few years away, with the Beacham family and Beacham in-laws from Birmingham to make a houseful with 11 of us. Judy and I were able to have great soft-shell crabs three different days at our favorite restaurant in Avon, the Mad Crabber. We also made our normal one day trip to Ocracoke Island to shop and eat at Howard’s Pub, where my VMI ’53 Tennessee 2000 license plate is still on display – you have to walk right under it when you go into the main dining area. Kind of nice when there must be well over 500 personalized plates on display throughout the restaurant – on walls, beams, and anywhere they can find to place them. While at the Outer Banks, the family climbed to the top of Hatteras Lighthouse Class of 1953: Bill and Judy Noell with once again. This 84-year-old made it fairWilliam C. Noell Jr. grandchildren Jackson, Addie Jay, ly easily up the 268 steps, along with my Mary Jude and Judson at the Hatteras 4-year-old granddaughter, who kind of Lighthouse at the Outer Banks. breezed up those steps. This might have the quiet of our “tree house” cabin, and pic- been the first time I have climbed it since tures of them in the hay have appeared in it was moved in 1999. We were there part Brother Rats, of that time, and observed it being moved – This is probably my shortest class notes in the notes over the years. Warren Koontz and his family spend a quite an engineering undertaking and with many years – if not ever – but the nice thing to report is that, as far as I know, we have not lot of their summer at their lake house on no damages. Fall football practice is in progress at the lost a BR or a BR’s wife over this past quar- Smith Mountain Lake just outside of Roater. Of course, this is very good not to have noke, Virginia. It is probably about three Institute as I write these notes, and our to report such. Also, I have received no news hours from their home, whereas ours is five adopted “rat” from West Virginia, Jack Wilkins ’16, who is now a mechanical engifrom any of you or seen any of you during hours. This year we returned to the Outer Banks, neering senior, just had his first scrimmage. the past quarter, thus nothing to report along He was a walk-on his 4th Class these lines. So, these notes will be year and is still on the team. He kind of short and boring. Howevgets in a lot of practice but very er, to fill up some space, I will fill in limited playing time. He hopes with some of our happenings over to do better with the new coach. the summer. Susan and Art Moncrief’s As usual for summer, we headed great-nephew from Houston, for our lake house north of KnoxWeston Glover, spent a month ville, Tennessee, as soon as school at the Institute in July in one of was out in Lexington, with daughthe summer transition programs ter and grandchildren with us in to prepare for his entrance as June and the first part of July. At a 4th Class cadet. We were in one point, we had six grandkids town one of the weekends he plus a guest, and two parents – fun, was there and took him to dinbut hectic. A first for this summer, ner that Saturday night at the our four-year-old granddaughter, Country Club. He was still Mary Jude, took over sleeping on looking forward to matriculatmy old VMI hay, displacing sevening into the Institute Aug. 22 in year-old Judson. She makes the Cameron Hall at 7:30 a.m. third grandchild who has slept on Class of 1953: Bill and Judy Noell in Avon, North Carolina, at the I do get a fairly regular flow of it for their summer stays. The first Outer Banks. emails from Bob Cheatham on was Jackson, 17, who now prefers must have been discontinued by the time we arrived at VMI. Clark mentioned in passing that he participated in the design of our class ring. However, he transferred to Auburn University at the end of two years because he wanted to major in art. Since then, he has had a lifelong career in art. That is all the news I have at this time, and I have not recently received any pictures to share with you. Call me, send me emails, write me and send me pictures, because I am writing another round of class notes as you read this. These notes are being sent with a prayer for God’s blessing on each one of you. Your brother rat, Jim

’53

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes

Class of 1953: Mary Jude Beacham, 4 years old, the third grandchild to sleep in Bill Noell’s VMI hay at the lake.

the subject of various political subjects, and then there are some pretty good joke type emails thrown in periodically. Also, a few from Russ Horne. That’s about all I have to say for this past quarter; how about some news for the next one? We expect to be at three VMI home football games this year and seven University of Tennessee home games. But right now, we are getting ready for our second end of the summer music gathering in our yard overlooking the lake. Last year we had over 50 and expect even more this time, with our friends, a six piece music group, playing “our kind” of music off our front deck – sorry all of you are so far away!

’54

J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings, Brother Rats, First off, lots of calls about the great stepoff date, which was actually in 1951. Sorry. Whenever I am positive about my memory without confirming its accuracy – well, you all get the picture. Ollie Hux let me know first. Failed to mention last time Wendle Snapp’s news he sent in last February. He has a most interesting hobby of making and displaying toy soldiers – lead ones. Colorful parade scenes, riding to the hounds, officer clubs, even Battle of Waterloo scenes and other such. For 23 years, his toy soldier club has had an annual Toy Soldier Show at the South Carolina Museum. Wendle headed 46

Class of 1954: Byrd LaPrade with Tommy Williamson’s wife, Camilla.

Class of 1954: Byrd LaPrade, left, and Tommy Williamson at the 35th Reunion.

up that for 11 years. He is also staying in shape working out at Gold’s Gym. Bob Hanson could have a couple of articles sometime soon (he hopes soon) in Air & Space magazine in a special edition. One of them may feature his rescue of a brother rat in Korea. These articles will be about Vietnam and his medevac rescue experience by Gooney Bird in Korea. Here’s Bob’s rendition for us: “My copilot and I were sitting near the far end of the bar, having been the last in. We had just taken a long, refreshing drink of a cool beer when our squadron commander showed up at the head end of the bar. He had a few words with each of the pilots as he worked his way down the bar, getting negative shakes of heads or verbal responses from each one. Finally he got to us: ‘How many beers have you had?’ was the question. ‘This is our first,’ I responded, nodding at our half-empty glasses. ‘Good, you’re flying.’ It seems that someone had suffered a heart attack on a small island 110 miles off the west coast of Korea, where we had a radar site to keep tabs on North Korean activity. Bad timing for us! We had just returned from our second four-hour flight, orbiting just east of that island so ‘spookie’ guys in the back of our Gooney Bird could monitor and tape North Korean radio activity. “The commanding officer said, ‘They’re refueling your bird so get rolling, and try to make it back before dark. There’ll be a doctor and a couple of medics with you to take care of the patient.’ “Once airborne, it took just over an hour

to get to the island, where we would land on the beach, which was an excellent landing site; except at high-tide, when the runway turned into a dog-leg turn. “Challenging, but fun! Taking off from the dog-leg runway was even more fun! A cluster of airmen and Korean Marines surrounded the patient, who was a tall, blond young lieutenant. As it turned out, he had not had a heart attack but did have a collapsed lung. “And, the biggest surprise was that he was a brother rat (classmate) from VMI! To this day, I can still see him there, taller than the group of attendees, but I cannot, to save my life, remember his name! I knew it then on that fall evening in 1956. He was quite impressed that a brother rat had come to the rescue! “We flew back to Kimpo at 500 feet so our patient would be able to breathe easier. We crossed the shore line about eight or 10 miles from the runway. I made a long sweeping turn and could see the runway straight ahead, bathed in the orange rays of diminishing light from the setting sun. Emergency vehicles, with flashing lights, lined the runway! (Normal procedure for a medevac flight.) What wasn’t normal was the very large crowd lining the runway to watch our arrival. Everybody from the wing commander on down to the bartender was there – including my fellow pilots! Many had drinks in their hands! (We didn’t get much excitement around the base those days!) “With the long low final approach, I had plenty of time to set up for a perfect landing. That would impress my brother rat! VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Twilight is one of the more difficult times to land an airplane because of the subtle changes in the diminishing light. But, no sweat! I got this one wired! We crossed the end of the runway, right on speed, and hit the runway like a ton of bricks! I just never rounded out! We bounced way high! I added a bit of power and got the nose down just in time to collide with the runway again. Yahoo! Once more in the air, finally with enough energy depleted, we settled to the runway. Naturally, I threw a couple of sickening swerves in just to add to the thrill! What the hell! If you’re going to make a mess of it, make it a good mess! “As my brother rat deplaned to the cheering crowd, he thanked me for the rescue and said he actually thought he was going to die in an airplane crash rather than from a collapsed lung! That, without a doubt, was the worst landing I made in my entire 57 year career, and it was in front of the largest audience I ever had.” Mud White expounded on the great step-off, as did Bill Schubmehl. Those guys have excellent memories of it. Here’s Mud’s recollection: “My take on the notorious stepoff in 1951: Occurred sometime in 1951 (I think in late winter); Class of 1955 was in the Rat Line; stepoff began in the mess hall when it was announced that peanut butter could no longer be purchased in the officer’s commissary; stepoff continued into the barracks; P.X. step-well was filled with hay rolls, along with a lot of physical damage to the barracks, i.e., ruined down spouts, hinges off doors, etc.; S.S. Wilson was on the Corps S List; Colonel Pancake ’38 was the commandant; Corps was assembled outside of barracks; Corps was marched into J.M. Hall; 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1954: From left, Bill Schubmehl, Byrd LaPrade, Claiborne Terry and Tommy Williamson in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2013.

Class of 1954: Tommy Williamson, Fred Barrett, Claiborne Terry and Byrd LaPrade in fall 1950.

Class of 1954: At the 35th Reunion dinner were, from left, Carolyn and Tommy Martenstein, Camilla Williamson, Pete Lyons, Byrd and Fay LaPrade, and Margaret Lyons.

When commandant entered J.M. Hall, Corps called to attention; a few low volume hisses and boos accompanied Colonel Pancake’s march to the stage; stand off on the stage between Colonel Pancake and ‘T’ shirted Stu Felvey ’52; Colonel Pancake assembled Corps outside of barracks in lab dress jackets, commanded left face and marched Corps to Rt. 11 across the river and on to penalty tour road toward Goshen; Corps returned sometime after midnight; (Did we bear arms?) A pair of still unnamed cadets made their way to Steve’s Diner (having broken ranks) while the Corps was on its way toward Goshen; A report appeared in The New York Times subsequent to the step-off. I recall the march as a not unpleasant camaraderie experience; each member of the Corps was assessed a not insignificant fine for step-off damage repair. After transfer from VMI, Colonel Pancake did not make general. After leaving the Air Force, he moved to Staunton where he became town mayor and faculty at Mary Baldwin. Some may recall Colonel Pancake was made an honorary member of our class. He attended one of our reunions, where he graciously accepted honorary membership in our class.” We did bear arms, as I recall. (Note: Bill Schubmehl says the step-off was caused also by “S.S. Wilson’s having had a stick check done during Class of 1952 Ring Figure night.”) More from Mud: Another interesting Col. Pancake tale: “Of note, after graduation and completion of Air Force ROTC, I had two military options: Apply to flight school (eight year obligation) or enter the Air Force as a sergeant. Instead, I elected to apply for commissioning in the U.S. Marine Corps. I was successful, 47

Class Notes but the application process required a recommendation from Colonel Pancake. I consumed a large amount of humble pie when Colonel Pancake graciously interviewed me in his home. (Mapp went with me.) He reviewed our (Pancake/White) contentious VMI relationship. He advised that I had not been a model cadet. His recommendation was complimentary enough for me to be commissioned into the regular Marine Corps. I will forever be grateful. Yours in the spirit, Mud.” Alvah Mattox is recovering from bypass surgery he had May 22 at the University of Virginia Hospital and is doing very well. Claiborne Terry is recovering well from broken bones – hip and elbow – suffered in a fall on ice. (Ouch!) Tommy Williamson sent photos of a get-together with Byrd LaPrade, Clairborne Terry and Bill Schubmehl back in 2013, and a LaPrade story: “More on Byrd LaPrade our rat year: Byrd was taking calculus under Colonel B.D. Mayo ’909. He got very upset with Byrd and said, ‘Your father taught me math when I was in school – now, what happened to you?’ Turns out Byrd’s father graduated in 1904 and then taught two years. Colonel Mayo took a class under him.” General information: Something you all may or may not know or want to know. Veterans and active duty military not in uniform may render the military hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law enacted in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009. For trivia or nostalgic pastimes: Google dumb.com, get links and one can listen to all the old radio programs and also see many old-time full-length movies. Google “playbackfm” for free songs. For 1954, Google “playbackfm/songsof1954,” for instance. The navigation on this site was, for me, somewhat difficult at first, because it appeared to ask me to buy, but then it worked and I got free listening. Please send stories, news of your activities and anything of interest. We can send up to five pages of news and comment per issue. Have not been receiving as much as we can use. Thanks for all submissions. We can also place up to five photographs. Let me know, too, of any suggestions for improvements you would like. 48

’55

Read Hanmer

As I draft these notes in mid-August, sitting in my artificially cooled family room, I think about those who may not be as fortunate as Lois and I are. Many of our classmates are living in areas where the weather has not been kind, with floods in some areas and severe draught and forest fires in others that present major challenges. I hope you are as fortunate as we are and your weather, if not benign, has been at least tolerable. When these notes are published, it will be November, and the weather will have a much different character, perhaps presenting other challenges to our equanimity. Lois’ and my big event occurred in June, when our daughter, Susan Alexander, and our granddaughter, Jennifer Orr, orchestrated a wonderful 60th anniversary surprise party. We arrived home after a lunch out to find a houseful of friends and relatives from all sides of the family. We are truly blessed with wonderful family and friends, acquired over many years. Flash! If you haven’t been getting an occasional email from me, it means that I do not have your current email address! I don’t send much, but there are items of interest that I’d like to share. My email address is at the top of these notes. Please make sure I have your current address. I have had a rich variety of responses to my “call for papers” for these fall notes, so here goes: I received a nice note from Marty Fisher, who wrote: “First, I would like to thank all those involved with the 60th Reunion! At our age, I know it tired out more than one of those involved with putting it on. The latest news from the Fisher clan is that my eldest grandchild, Lieutenant Commander Kristi Melendez, will be coming back from Rota, Spain, to a fellowship assignment in congress in October. It will be just my luck that she will be the military adviser to a democrat. She also is getting married in April to a fellow U.S. Naval Academy graduate. He is a demolition adviser to Navy Seal teams. Kristi will

need to pray hourly for his safety! I still have coffee with BR Jack Owen and see BR Bill Wainwright often. Bill and Boots have two sons that graduated from VMI, a grandson in the Class of 2016 and another who will be in the Class of 2020. This after having sworn during our rat year that I would never send a son to VMI. (I ultimately sent two.)” Ken and Becky Carstens have been active, as usual. On a recent trip, they flew into London, where they were picked up by Crystal Cruises and bussed to Dover, where they boarded a cruise ship. They then cruised up the Irish Sea, stopping at various towns in Ireland and the United Kingdom. They went to Foley, Chester, Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast and then on to Iceland. They found Iceland to be interesting and unique. They spent three days there and still could not see all they wanted to see. Later, they went to an event in Louisiana that was raising funds for a World War II museum in Louisiana. The museum is in Pineville at the National Guard Headquarters. At the museum, they met the grandson of General George Patton [’907]. They reminisced over Patton’s year at VMI.” From Travis Russell: “Sorry about not making it to the reunion, but we had signed on for a bike and barge trip from Paris to Bruges, Belgium. We have been doing a lot of bicycle traveling. So far, we have cycled 18 countries in Europe and 42 of the U.S. states. This keeps us active and on the go with the planning and mapping. Most of these trips are all self-contained; that means we carry our clothes and personal items on the bike. Probably about 30 pounds, more or less. We have found that less is more when it comes to packing for a trip. One of our most recent adventures was the tour from St. Petersburg, Russia, through the Baltic States to Warsaw, Poland. Croatia and Bosnia were also in our travels. In Bosnia, many buildings still had not been repaired from the 1992 war, showing bullet and artillery holes. If we are not on a bike tour, we are in our garden or taking care of our two grandsons, ages 10 and seven. Our local VMI chapter generally has a summer picnic with about 30-49 alums attending. Of course, I have been the oldest, with one alumnus from the Class of 1956. He claims I picked on him in the Rat Line – just joking. We have several women who attend VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the gathering, and it is interesting talking with them about their VMI experience. We generally get a few active duty alums from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma. It is fun to see all of these bright young people making their way in the world, and it brings back many fond memories.” Leon Cock sent, “...greetings from Texas. I have been reflecting on the past 60 years, and I am now realizing that I have not done much. (Class agent note: You are too modest, Leon.) Doing nothing has however been fun. Just the other day, I was out in the Texas wind flying my kite. Suddenly it rotated, soared upward and dove downward into the ground. Zella was watching out of the kitchen window. She opened it and yelled, ‘Leon, what you need is more tail!’ I immediately replied, ‘Zella, I wish you would make up your mind. Last night you told me to go fly a kite!’ I’m sorry we missed the 60th Reunion, as recovery from a triple bypass was in order. I have one scheduled for every 80 years. Thinking back, I am still trying to forget the sack we slept in, the lack of phones and TVs, no air conditioning, being treated like a rat the first year, MEIs, SMIs, big toot, little toot and marching to class. I miss all of these, but not very much. Zella and I have been fortunate to visit all 50 states and their capitals, all of the provinces of Canada and all of the continents except five. Our new recent rule is: no flights, no cruises and only wander away from Denton, Texas, within a 200 mile radius. Best of all, Zella has been my queen for 57 years.” A quick note from Ray and Kim Collins noted that they had a great trip to the national parks in the West, especially Yellowstone National Park. They report having seen elk, eagles and moose, but no grizzlies. Ray said things went smoothly until the Salt Lake City airport, where he got a “good patting down.” (Class agent note: You do look awfully suspicious, Ray.) Mort and Jean Bregman checked in from San Antonio, Texas, with the following: “Our great-grandson, six, is turning into quite the athlete. He just finished playing tee-ball and is now into flag football. Soon will go into basketball, which I think he likes best. His sister is a pistol. I think she dreams of ways to aggravate her big brother, 2015-Issue 4

but the two of them are an absolute joy to Jean and me. She has just been diagnosed as having only 30 percent hearing in one ear and is scheduled to get a hearing aid next week. We can only hope she will wear it, because school starts soon and she will definitely need the help the aid will provide. Our granddaughter (the children’s mother) has just sold her house and is in the process of buying another. Jean is helping in the process and loving every moment. Jean and I are doing all right. I have had some old age health problems, as I’m sure most of our brother rats are also having, but even though I don’t score well, I am able to get on the golf course twice a week. Wishing all a happy New Year.” Sam Marshall and Joe Brenner kindly called my attention to the mid-August Perseid meteor shower, an event that occurs yearly about this time. Unfortunately, the skies over Falls Church, Virginia, are too light-polluted, and it was not possible to see any but the (scarce) brightest of the Perseids. Sam went on to say: “I talked with Jerry Bourke, and he said he was doing fine. His daughter teaches fourth and fifth grades in Detroit’s inner city, and he and other adults occasionally spend a day in her classes’ reading lessons and other items of interest and discuss them with the students. He says it’s a real kick, and the children enjoy it and are respectful. Also, I talked with Bob Bancroft. Governor John Kasich regularly goes to the same church as Bob, and they are congenial. Last Sunday, they enjoyed discussing the first Republican debate. Bob said that the governor won’t be so regular for the next 14 months or so (he hopes). Besides Jerry, Bob keeps up with Dave Woolwine, since, as a dentist, he knew Sam Woolwine ’58. Since Ginny is housebound with bad knees, I am, too, except for part-day absences – mainly racing my sailboat. Our fall season begins on Labor Day weekend. The only non-geriatric member of my crew is 55. But, we don’t let youth beat experience and wisdom. (At least sometimes!) Our family visits at least twice a year. Grandson Kevin Marshall ’16 returns Aug. 15 from a two-month internship in London and will make a pit stop in White Stone to collect his belongings before returning to VMI the next day.”

As Porky Pig used to say, Th-, th-, th-, that’s all for now folks. Please begin now to store up input for the next class notes. Responses will be due in November, so mark your calendars and store up items for future publication. Yours in the bonds, Read Hanmer

’56

Richard M. Smith

I had a nice phone call from Ina Gee Pittman filling me in on her and Jack’s activities. They had just spent a weekend with their daughter and family from Atlanta. Their son and his family also came for the reunion. Jack was reclining in his favorite spot on the deck, so I didn’t get to talk with him. They had talked with Les Belsha recently, who roomed with Jack. I had another call from Bob Brickner, giving me the latest on his finalizing of legal paperwork to set up a trust for a number of worthy causes, including VMI. He is still looking after his health and prepares all his meals with great care. Bob completed a 7-8 month learning program in preparation to be admitted to the Catholic Church last Easter. He is enjoying his life in Tulsa and was looking forward to attending a concert the night we talked. Pete Jennette sent me a note saying he and Sue had attended the Rappahannock River VMI Alumni Chapter meeting and enjoyed

Class of 1956: Paul Gronroos, left, and Dick Smith cooling off after golf at Pineapple Pete’s bar in Fort Pierce, Florida, in March 2015. 49

Class Notes the main speaker, the chaplain from VMI. our indebtedness to VMI since he graduated season because of the cooler weather it They recently returned from a river cruise to from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State brings. We received two letters from Frank Netherlands and Belgium. One of the high- University, as did his wife. He says many of lights was a visit to the cemetery popularized the qualities instilled in him by VMI have Holmes in Memphis, Tennessee. Frank in “A Bridge Too Far.” They are trying to contributed to his success in life. He has dif- corrected me on his birthdate, which is ficulty in getting around, but with the help Dec. 7 (Pearl Harbor Day), and not July keep cool in this summer heat. After receiving the card concerning the of Betty Jo, he still can navigate fairly well. 12. I have corrected the birthday list and upcoming 60th Reunion, I received a call He looks forward to being present since he will send him a card in December. I will also send Anne a list of the eight battlefrom J.P. Moore. Our “small of stature hasn’t been to VMI since our 50th. I received an email from Larry Miller with ships sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor but always strong of support for VMI BR” from Louisiana was anxious to respond to a suggestion for a reunion gift to the BRs. I and ask her that she not give him any ice cream and cake until he correctly me his most recent concerns about names all eight of them. decisions made to rejoin the SouthOn a trip to Scotland in 2003, ern Conference for sports. J.P. has Frank sent a picture of five VMI believed for many years that VMI alumni on a boat. While returning should admit we cannot participate to the dock, The Sir Walter Raleigh at the level we have tried to maintain got stuck on some rocks, but Bob and ever expect to have a chance to Wagner saved the day. He directed win. He feels – as do a lot of those all the tourists (about 25) to the of our vintage – that we need to rear, raising the bow and freeing the drop down to the level of schools boat. Way to go, brother rat! like Hampden-Sydney College and Dawn received a newsy letter with Randolph-Macon College so our pictures from Lucy McCormack in players have the opportunity to comVirginia Beach. Lucy also sent me pete and be winners. He recognizes we have had some success in minor Class of 1956: Honey Rector’s granddaughter, Isabelle, by a 1999 Civil War commemorative Dick Smith’s pier on Lake Gaston. Smith was pulling her coin and also a New Market badge, sports programs but hates to see our on a tube with his fishing boat July 19, 2015. which Rod had collected. She keeps athletes get their “brains beat out” by schools like the University of Richmond am pursuing his suggestion to see if it is fea- busy with her granddaughter, Rachel, and and the College of William and Mary every sible. He said they were having a heat wave a houseful of cats, visiting or otherwise. this summer in Washington state, with tem- Lucy seems to be well and happy. year. He plans to attend our 60th. We sadly report the passing of three An email from Bob Morecock informed peratures in the 90s. I’m sure they don’t have brother rats, whose obits will appear in me that he and Betty Jo plan on attend- the high humidity we have here. Other suggestions coming in regarding gifts this issue of the Alumni Review. ing the 60th. He says a disc jockey should Clifford Cox Dowdy Jr. 80, of Greensbe used, since there probably aren’t many for those attending our reunion are engraved bands left playing our kind of music. He key rings showing VMI, stemless VMI wine- boro, North Carolina, died April 9, 2015. prefers to let other BRs debate the issue of glasses and VMI engraved Christmas orna- Cliff is survived by his three children, 14 ments. A way to give back to VMI would be grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. James G. Bryant Sr., 79, of Bear, Delaa small endowment by the class of a $100 per BR. Most respondents to our music question ware, died July 14, 2015. He is survived by feel a DJ who can play 50s songs would be his wife, Bette; a son and daughter; three the best. More information on plans for the grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 60th will be forthcoming. Archie C. Burnham Jr., 80, of McYours in the spirit, Donough, Georgia, died July 12, 2015. Dick He is survived by his wife, Pat; a son and Clayton M. Thomas III daughter; and four grandchildren. I have yet to receive the final figures from Annual Giving. I take great joy in writing the thank you notes to our brother rats and Class of 1956: Al Allison, left, and Dick This was one of the warmest summers widows. Hopefully Annual Giving will Smith cooking dinner on Al’s patio in since we have been here. We never thought mail me this information soon. Melbourne, Florida, in March 2015. Finally, Dawn and I are looking forward we would be glad to embrace our stormy

’57

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes came back to me, and we made new friends and found relations! The friendly, really, really loyal northern Greece! “Met a nun in the Greek Orthodox Church nunnery at Serres who was from Texas and whose deceased father was VMI ’66! My girls [daughter Chambliss Stevens was also

Class of 1957: During a lake tour on Sir Walter Raleigh during an alumni trip to Scotland in 2003 were, from left, Ken Carstens ’55, Bob Wagner, Frank Holmes, Ray McCay and Dan Payne ’49B.

to our next trip in spring 2016 for the twoday Class Agent Conference. Also, we look forward to another great class reunion in 2017. This will be our 60th Reunion, and everyone please stay healthy and well.

’58

Lee McCown

Our summer in our new house has rocketed by with so much still to be unpacked, repacked, disposed of (yes, this is after the move), put together or put in place. No time for travel this season, other than to a wonderful wedding on Long Island, which was performed to perfection by our chaplain at our 55th Reunion, Alane Cameron Miles. Right now, we are really enjoying the circus in the fig-filled tree of our neighbor: Birds by the dozens and squirrels that walk a high wire to get to the feast. Charlie Hayes wants all of us to know that he and Howard Savage don’t hang out with just any riffraff. About a nearby picture, Charlie said, “You know the two handsome guys on the left. The fellow third from the left is Captain Thomas Fleming, U.S. Naval Academy ’58, who retired after 24 years and became involved in sonar work that is so secret that if he tells me about it, he will have to kill me. The fellow on the extreme right is Dr. Jerry South, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ’57, who retired 2015-Issue 4

as chief scientist at NASA Langley. He is an aeronautical engineer who was involved in the first moon landing. As you can see, we only hang out with intelligent, successful riffraff. Of course, Howard and I call them Tommy and Jerry. They were classmates of mine at Granby High School back before the Civil War.” The story behind another adjacent photo comes from Drew Troxler. “We sure had a good time in Greece, as you can see by this photo of daughter Mallory [Troxler] and me. Of course, there was a lot of ground and sea covered! Contrary to an old saying, you can go home again! I did! A fantastic trip from Athens-LycabettusKifissia-Psychiko-Delphi-Korinthos-Epidaurus-Argos-Nauplio by car, then to Thessaloniki and on up northwest to Serres near the Bulgarian border by rail! Viewing my dad’s old job on the Kerkini River parallel to the border, at the weir of Kerkini (still successful at retaining water!), then back to Athens by air, then by hydrofoil boat, overnight at each one, via the beautiful, charming Isles of Poros, Hydra and Spetses. Back to Athens, then to Sounion to the Acropolis dedicated to Poseidon there for a gorgeous sunset Friday night, May 29, then home to Savannah late Saturday. “We could not find the old 1948-49 homeplace in Kifissia, but we found the house site in Serres (1933?-38), now gone, very sadly. Mom and Dad got to see it in 1972, though. My old practical but ungrammatical Greek

Class of 1958: Kaylyn Sawyer, the granddaughter of Kay and Jim Stillwell, spent the summer with her grandparents in Harrisonburg while interning at the New Market Museum.

Class of 1958: Class Agent Lee McCown said of this photo, “Playing croquet with his dog is a lot safer than a lot of chapters in the life of Gary Harris.” 51

Class Notes on the trip] and I would have been happy to stay longer in Greece, but we really missed JoAnn.” Drew, you and JoAnn raised some great women. Sounds like a fabulous trip through a lot of beautiful country and down a lot of memory lanes. It was a big summer for Drew, who also attended the 46th reunion of his reserve company for their “’Comin’ Home!’ anniversary from Vietnam.” The Harshaws, Bill and Carolyn, attended the Hampton Roads New Cadet Dinner and sent another of the adjacent photos. Their gathering included incoming cadets Abbi Schlemmer of Seattle and Christiaan Potgiter of Chicago. Abbi was visiting her grandmother Mary Welton Meredith (whose father was Richard Edward Hawks ’924 and her brother-in-law was Robert Wentz ’54). Christiaan was staying with Mrs. Meredith’s son. Betty and John St. George ’57 were also at the dinner. The incoming cadets from these faraway cities had just spent four weeks in Lexington at VMI’s Summer Transition Program. Bill provided this description of the program from John Rowe ’66: “VMI has had the STP since before 1991, and about 50 percent of incoming cadets attend each year. The STP has several goals: “Expose the new cadets to the layout of the VMI post. They get the opportunity to learn the layout of the campus, the names of the buildings, what departments are in the buildings, etc. “It gives the new student the opportunity to meet about 50 percent of his or her future brother rats. “The program has a very good ‘PT’ component with a great amount of running and exercise; therefore, it helps the incoming rat to get in shape. “Most importantly, it gives the 52

Class of 1958: From left, Howard Savage and Charlie Hayes with old friends, Capt. Thomas Fleming (U.S. Naval Academy ’58) and Dr. Jerry South (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ’57), high school classmates of Charlie’s.

Class of 1958: Carolyn and Bill Harshaw enjoyed the Hampton Roads New Cadet dinner. At the dinner were, from left, front row, Abbi Schlemmer, incoming cadet; Mary Welton Meredith (Abbi’s grandmother, whose father was a VMI grad); Betty St. George; and Carolyn Harshaw. Back row: John St. George ’57; Christiaan Potgiter, incoming cadet; and Bill Harshaw.

Class of 1958: Drew Troxler with daughter Mallory Troxler on a long vacation in Greece, during which they visited places where Drew lived while growing up.

new student the opportunity to take two academic courses; therefore, the STP cadet can opt to have a somewhat lighter academic load the first semester of his or her rat year. “STP runs for approximately six weeks, and it is a very good program. VMI does not require all incoming cadets to attend, but everyone there (including me) highly recommends that a new cadet attend if at all possible.” Bill also sent news that he and Carolyn celebrated his birthday with Shelby and Staff Balderson. Staff also had a birthday. Thanks to Bill, also, for the YouTube video of what he says is his next dog, a long-legged robotic one. Understood, Bill. A number of our friends have recently said that their current (real) dog will be their last. Here’s a report from Dave Pai on some recent travel: “We took our family on a ‘roots’ trip to the U.K. and Ireland. Both of our daughters-in-law have roots in Scotland, England and Ireland. We spent four days each in London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Had a great time.” Dave says the trip included a stop at St. Andrews before the British Open. I’ll bet the daughters-in-law are glad they married into this family. Jim Stillwell’s granddaughter, Kaylyn Sawyer, a rising junior at Gettysburg College, was an intern at the New Market Museum this summer. “She is majoring in history and minoring in Civil War era studies, public history and political science. She really enjoyed her experience there, and we loved having her stay with us,” Jim said. Jim and his wife, Kay, live in Harrisonburg, Virginia, so this was a great opportunity for all. Roy Palmer and Dave Pitkethly shared a great experience in June at the 2015 United States Open Championship at Chambers Bay VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in University Place, Washington, southwest of Tacoma on the shore of Puget Sound. It was one of Roy’s first outings after the tragic and unexpected death of his wife, Joyce. He has a lot of trips planned and said, “I decided to continue with my consulting and am flying to Santiago, Chile, Aug. 9 for some Airbus testing. After that, I am going to Maine to visit some friends and also do a windjammer cruise on the Mary Day schooner from Camden, Maine. Jimmy Moore recommended this cruise but declined to join me. In September, I am visiting Peggy and Jim Poteet in Fairhope, Alabama, for a couple of days and then attending my Vietnam War Skyraider pilots’ reunion in Destin, Florida. I can then start planning my trip to the October mini reunion in Lexington to enjoy some good times with my brother rats.” We look forward to seeing you, Roy. It was good to hear from Annemarie and Wes Roberts. Wes continues fighting the good fight, trying to get stronger with rehab and sometimes hospitalization. Annemarie has suffered some setbacks herself but said her lower back is now holding its own. She said the Florida summer has been blisteringly hot and dry. They would like to come to the mini but have to take a wait and see approach. From Gene Martin in Bradenton, Florida: “Had a doctor’s appointment today and hoped to be released for travel. I didn’t get that. Instead, he recommended two more procedures on my back. It appears it will be after the first of the year before I can expect to travel. I really had hoped to attend the mini reunion. I am really disappointed that I will not be able to attend. I will be thinking of the brother rats that do attend.” Thank you, Gene. We will be thinking of you, too. Lorna and Ken Godfrey have enjoyed time in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and Carlsbad, California, visiting Lorna’s children and grandchildren. They will have to miss the mini, as they already have scheduled more time in Mexico – this time in Cabo San Lucas. Joe Gray’s grandson and Jack Sullivan’s grandson are 4th Class cadets this year and were roommates for the Summer Transition Program mentioned above by Bill Harshaw. Joe’s grandson is Stas Szczpanski. Stas has 2015-Issue 4

joined the rugby team, which has been doing very well in recent years. Joe has two sons who went to VMI, Steven ’86 and Jason ’89. Jack’s grandson is Fallon (John F. Sullivan IV), son of John III ’83, and will be the fourth generation at VMI (all started with John ’929) and the first not to be a civil engineer. “He has had Tommy John surgery, as he was a left-handed pitcher and threw too hard – 80 plus mph as a 14-year-old. He is still in therapy for it.” Joe is buying a brick in memory of Chris Criswell to be placed in the ’58 section on the west side of barracks. If you have donated at least $2,500 to VMI, based on an accumulation of gifts made since July 1, 1998, to any fund, you are qualified for a brick. To check on your brick status or for additional info, contact Sam Sorrells, associate director of Alumni and Reunion Giving, at ssorrells@ vmiaa.org or 800-444-1839, ext. 250. Bricks can be designated to honor deceased alumni or a family member or friend. I purchased one for Bob Greathead several years ago. Ernie Edgar shared an interesting article from Civil Engineering Magazine on Panama Canal construction leaders that contained mention of one of Stirling Williamson’s ancestors, Sydney Bacon Williamson ’884, who entered VMI at age 15 and graduated in 1884. The following is from David McCullough’s book, “The Path Between the Seas,” about the building of the canal: “Most notably, Williamson served as division engineer of the Pacific Division of the Panama Canal from 1907-14. Williamson was responsible for wet and dry excavation of the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks; he also helped design and oversaw construction of the Pacific Terminal docks; and the water supply, sewers, roads and streets for the towns of the division including the city of Panama.” Except for the mosquitoes, this sounds like the job of a lifetime to me. Sydney’s papers are in the VMI archives. Never a shortage of interesting news about our BRs’ ancestors. Send them if you have them. Jerry Paull sent a Washington Post article about Joe Bocek ’03, who just set a new record for pullups – 5,801in 24 hours. People gathered in Bocek’s gym to drink beer and eat pizza while watching this record-making event. Bocek reported that pullups became

his “thing” while he was at VMI. Just writing this makes my shoulders hurt. As one of our few physics majors, Tony Lash was happy to report that he has recently learned that the incoming class has 25 interested in the major, which would bring the Institute total to 45. Tony thinks this could be a record. Some years ago, Tony established a scholarship for physics majors and still challenges our other remaining BRs who chose that difficult path – Alex Clarke and Jim Cowan – to support it. The late Dick Culver and Bob Hickerson were also physics majors. “I don’t know how I got through those courses or some of the math,” Tony said. “I did like the Newtonian physics classes and the labs. Oh, well. If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t do it differently. And I never saw VMI before I matriculated. Talk about not knowing what was in store! But, they were and led to the great experiences of my life. It’s sad that so few ’58 physics majors are still around. “I still like to read Alex Clarke’s reminiscences in the ’58 50th Reunion booklet: ‘Brewing beer in Mallory Hall with Hickerson, Culver, Cowan and Lash.’” I prompted Garry Harris to update us on what he has been doing in the years since VMI, and here are some highlights from that report. What a life! Gary is on his third attempt at retirement. His projects as an international construction director moved him “over most of the oil and gas and geothermal producing countries of the world,” including Persia (now Iran), Libya, Venezuela, Italy, Indonesia and the Philippines, plus smaller projects in Alaska, Idaho, Illinois and finally Boston. Gary served in the U.S. Air Force in weapons intelligence and says that while at Walker Air Force Base (Roswell, New Mexico), “on occasions, I drove in the middle of the night to investigate and record an entry into the newly created U.S. Air Force UFO ‘Blue Book.’” While there, Gary remembers seeing Jim Beamer, Bruce Haldeman and Tony Williams and takes credit for at some point introducing Bruce and Jim to their wives, Barbara and Ruth. He got to know Don Swihart ’59 (son of a VMI bugler during 53

Class Notes our class time), too, and he became a close friend and fellow spelunker. Together, they explored caves all over New Mexico. Gary said Don contracted bubonic plague and is one of the few natural survivors without medical treatment as “they couldn’t administer treatment without determining what the hell he had! We almost lost him, and he did claim to have had a ‘near-death experience.’ He survived! A good man and a great officer, as well as a good friend and fellow spelunker!” Gary’s most recent adventures in nature have included six days of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and a month watching The Great Migration in East Africa, the greatest mammal migration on earth. Gary and his wife of 25 years, E.J. (Emma Jeanne), have seven grandchildren and divide their time between homes on a lake at White Bluff, Texas, and another on the ski slopes at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico (at the 10,238 feet elevation). Gary says both have VMI guest rooms (call 626.695.4257, but he says they will run you off after the third week.) If any of you would like to see Gary’s full, fascinating report, just let me know, and I will forward it to you. Thanks to all of you for supplying such interesting notes for this issue. Cheers! Lee

’59

Shep Shepard

This quarter began with some bad news from Joe Simpson. Joe lost his wife, Ingrid. Joe and Ingrid had been married for almost 50 years, and after her death, it was tough going through stuff they thought they could not live without. Some was still carefully packed from his many Air Force moves, as well as moves made during his dental profession. The quarter ended with equally bad news from Sonny Eskridge, who lost his wife, Nancy. Nancy had been suffering from heart disease for many years and died with her family present in Prattville, Alabama. As you know, Nancy was Tommy Inge’s sister, but what you might not have known she was 54

Class of 1959: Cheering on Shep’s granddaughter, Megan, at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, California, were, from left, Conner ’16, Isabelle, Collin, Megan, Phil ’83, Ann and Shep.

Betty Sellers’ sorority sister at Longwood. Larry Johnson, who lives in Birmingham, was able to attend Nancy Eskridge’s funeral. Larry arrived early and was the second person to sign the memorial book, which he signed as the “VMI 59” representative. That drew attention, and in a moment Sonny was there. He said how much he appreciated Larry being there as our class representative. Larry talked with Sonny, and of course, he was devastated with the loss of his wife of 52 years. But, he has a strong local support system at his church, childhood friends and community. Tom and Agnes Inges’ three sons, Thomas, George and Wallace – all VMI graduates – were pallbearers. Following the service, Larry met Sonny’s high school class president who grew up with Sonny in Prattville, and from their conversation, it was apparent that Sonny’s personality and reputation was well developed before matriculating at VMI. Larry will save those sorted stories for a future happier occasion. When the funeral procession left for the cemetery, Larry was standing on the curb and made eye contact with Sonny. He gave him a sharp salute, which Sonny returned. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and Sonny as they are with their respective families. More bad news came from Harry MacGregor, who informed me that Italo

Americo Cosentino died. Cos went through the Rat Line with our class but graduated with the Class of 1958 because he had a year of college previously. Unfortunately, I thought he was being carried in the Class of 1958, and the class agent for 1958 thought he was with us. As a result, Cos fell through the cracks, and I am sorry to say no one kept in contact with him. Harry learned that Cos died June 24, 2015, after wrestling with lymphoma for many years. Cos married Harry’s sister, Barbara, and she died of heart failure shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Tracy, in 1959. It was through this connection that Harry found out about Cos’s death. Our prayers are with Tracy and the Cosentino family. Hal and Barbara Dayhuff got together with one of Hal’s oldest and dearest Army buddies, James Carberry (Texas A&M University ’59), when they celebrated Memorial Day together in Marietta, Georgia. They first met at Fort Benning, where they were roommates in 1965-66, and Jim was his best man when Hal married Barbara in 1966. They served together in the 81st ARCOM in Atlanta, both are retired U.S. Army Vietnam combat veterans and both have been in the Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association for a long time. They reunited at the Memorial Day celebration in Marietta, Georgia, VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes where over 1,000 community visitors in the Marietta National Cemetery observed the presentation and wreath laying by over 100 societies. The cemetery has representatives from every war we have fought from the Revolutionary War to the present. There are over 18,000 graves, and 3,000 Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies placed an American flag on each grave. The AVVBA was the honor association, and those members present received a neck medal from the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia honoring their service. Congratulations, Hal and Jim, and thank you both for your service. Joe Simpson and Bill Kessler attended high school together and not long ago got together at their Montgomery, Alabama, Lanier High School class of ’55 reunion. They had a wonderful time reminiscing about the good ole days in Montgomery, as well as the rat year at VMI. Bob Haines’ granddaughter, Tiffany A. Haines ’15, graduated from VMI this year with a bunch of honors. Bob had the honor of swearing her into the U.S. Air Force. Bob said halfway through the ceremony, he began to listen to the words he was reciting and at the same time was looking into Tiffany’s eyes, and it really got to him. He got overly emotional with tears running down his face. That got her weeping, but they both regained control and finished up strong. Tiffany was married in July to a VMI graduate, Class of ’13, serving in the Navy. She is at pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi. Jim McFalls has the misconception that we Florida-ites sit around all day sipping gin and tonics, so he decided that I needed appropriate attire to enhance the occasion. 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1959: From left, Cos Cosentino, Bill Traylor, Mort Eggleston, Rusty Loth and Ned Addison. Class Agent Shep Shepard said of this photo, “Bill Traylor found this old picture of ’59ers attending the October 2006 VMI versus the U.S. Military Academy at West Point game when Bobby Ross was coaching at West Point.”

Class of 1959: Two old Army buddies, Hal Dayhuff, left, and Jim Carberry, met at Marietta National Cemetery to celebrate Memorial Day.

Class of 1959: Visiting Crisfield, Maryland, on a Road Scholar Tour were, from left, Bob Haines, Monique Harnetty, Jean Anderson and Mel Anderson.

He sent me a beautiful tie covered with gin and tonic glasses, which I will cherish forever. That was followed up with a beautiful rugby shirt from Virginia Tech. Jim happened upon a huge sale, and with a mother with a maiden name of Markovitz and a father born in Scotland, he just had to purchase an armful. Thanks, Jim. As you suggested, the “Hokey” shirt will be useful when working on a clogged toilet or spreading manure on the lawn. Jim says he is 100 percent better. He regained all the weight and then some. One of his sons asked how his first near-death experience felt. Jim admitted that this was, in fact, his fourth experience, which shocked them all. Jim explained that his first near-death encounter was in 1955 when he faced off with the great Sam Huff; the second was 1956 across from Henry Jorden and the next was in 1957 across from Carroll Dale. Jim said it was cold in Washington, D.C., this past winter. Ron and Mary Alice Marley had an exciting time in Massachusetts, where Mary Alice had her annual reunion with her sorority sisters – this year on Nantucket Island. Since their oldest grandson, Alex, lives in Boston, Ron went with her. Ron and Alex took Mary Alice to Hyannis and ferried to Nantucket, after which they returned to Boston and proceeded to have several memorable days of living like bachelors. Ron contacted Jim Wood and made his way to Lexington, Massachusetts, to spend an afternoon with him. During the afternoon, Ron says they talked about everyone in the class, and he learned so much about tree farming and the American walnut blight. He’s not sure he can handle any more information. Jim was nice enough to take Ron on a tour of Lexington, and they visited the spot 55

Class Notes where the first bunch of farmers shot the first shot of the Revolution: “The shot heard ’round the world.” Ron was so impressed with the site that the hair on his neck stood up. A bunch of farmers just said we have had enough. Wow! Returning to Boston, he did Boston Harbor and Fenway Park with Alex and Mary Alice and enjoyed a lunch consisting of one Boston baked beans, two Boston cream pies, three lobsters and four cups of Boston clam chowder. It took Ron a week to get enough courage to step on the scales again. Lee and Nancy Southard reported it was a long, hot summer in Fort Myers. They were able to get all five grandchildren down for a week and had a great time, but the kids wore them out. Downside was they left a case of the flu in Fort Myers. Lee says it has been 20 years since he last had the flu, and it didn’t bring back any fond memories. After recovering, they took a trip out West, visiting Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota. Lee took Nancy to some of his old stomping grounds since she had not spent much time in that part of the country. Lee sent me his notes from Moab, Utah. Ann and I know Moab well; it was our first stopping place on return trips from Salt Lake City. They serve the best cheese soup in the world in a little restaurant next to a babbling brook. Next they picked up son Tom and went on their annual float fly fishing trip down the North Platte up in Casper, Wyoming. Jack and Joy Angolia have been busier than a one armed paper hanger. This summer, they embarked on a “bucket list” of world travels, beginning in South Africa with a full-day photo safari. Jack took many photos of the obligatory rhinos, elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, etc., but the very best photos were of two prides of lions that he was able to shoot photos of up close and way too personal. One pride consisted of a male, his younger brother, two females and five cubs. He took a great photo of the dominant male from 5 feet, and later, the two females on the hunt. They came so close to the vehicle that they could have, but didn’t, reach out to pet the closest one. Sometimes a good education pays off. A few days later, a woman leaned out of her vehicle to take a better photo and was immediately attacked 56

and killed. They traveled up the west coast of Africa into Spain, Portugal and France and ended up in London, where they were able to see the royal carriages rehearsing for the queen’s birthday. The most exciting in the Angolia family is that Jack and Joy will soon become great-grandparents; their very first. Jack continues to write books and will soon have his 43rd book released later this summer. Good luck, kids. John and Chris Patane spent a few weeks with Buzz and Virginia Nowlin at the lake this summer, frolicking in the water and spending hours enjoying the beautiful mountains. Bill and Susie Kirkland reported that not too much new is happening in their lives. Bill had his annual physical and got an, “Oh, crap,” from the doctor. When asked why, the doctor said he thought he heard a heart murmur. Bill had an echogram and found he had a heart valve not functioning properly. The cardiologist has not yet advised Bill on what they must do, but we pray it can be fixed easily. Susie is about the same; very depressed and has no energy. She wants to travel, but just going to the grocery store wears her out. The feeding tube presents a problem and is scary, because if it comes out and there is not a hospital nearby, she has no way to take nourishment. Time will tell; hope things work out. When I sent out an email about our granddaughter, Megan, participating in the Los Angeles Special Olympics, John and Vel Engles dropped a note saying that they have nine grandchildren who all play lacrosse and field hockey, but not one has become an Olympic player yet. They wished us well in Los Angeles, and as it turned out, Megan won two gold medals. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson spent a couple of evenings with Buzz and Virginia Nowlin while they were at their timeshare at the Homestead. They put on the Ritz and dined at a French restaurant in Clifton Forge, where they talked about days of yore. Ralph says that Buzz and Virginia are superstars in Bath County, and everybody knows and loves them. Mel and Jean Anderson’s summer excursion included a return trip to their old stomping grounds on the Eastern Shore of

Maryland. Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty went with them and they had a ball. They visited the Baltimore Inner Harbor and took a tour of the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Bob and Monique spent two nights in the Distinguished Visitors Quarters there and found them to be great facilities for traveling retired military personnel. They then went to Crisfield, Maryland, for a five day Road Scholar Tour. They spent one day on Smith Island (Maryland) and a day on Tangier Island (Virginia). Watermen and their families have lived on these islands since the 1600s. They heard several good talks about the lives of the watermen and, of course, much about blue crabs and oysters. They enjoyed delicious seafood every day and highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to know more about this part of the Chesapeake. Don and Carol Messner reported that lately not much is happening in their lives. Don was out of sorts for some time back in the first half of the year with kidney stones and spent four days in CCU due to a severe infection that got into his blood stream. From what the doctors told Carol, it was pretty serious, but thanks to modern medicine, he is back to normal and doing his three mile walks each day. Complicating his situation was the fact that Carol slipped as they were leaving a restaurant and, while fortunately not breaking a hip, suffered from a deep bruise which made walking barely tolerable. Unfortunately, she did not receive the loving care she deserved. Instead, she ended up hobbling back and forth to the hospital to visit a semi-coherent patient. Don’s brother, Bill, and his wife were visiting with them at the time of her fall, and they ended up in the waiting room of the Punta Gorda hospital while she was processed. After a couple of hours, Bill said he was pretty bored; had it been the same situation in Hartford, there would have been several gunshot wounds and maybe a stabbing or two to liven things up. The one bright spot for Don and Carol was discovering that Bruce and Norma MacKenzie have moved to Venice, Florida, a couple of miles north of them in Port Charlotte. They were able to meet for lunch just before Don and Carol headed to Pittsburgh. Their lunch was enhanced when Bruce complimented their waitress on a stained glass VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes necklace she was wearing. Turned out to be a creation of hers. Bruce has been in the glass jewelry business for some time, so they both treated the rest of the group to a mini course on the fine art of stained glass. John Reed spent a good portion of his summer “vacationing” in Haiti, where their 12-person medical team went to three remote locations and set up clinics. They treated 370 Haitians, mostly children. In addition, they performed 272 eye examinations and dispensed 140 pairs of glasses. They took 1,200 pounds of supplies, including $46,000 in medicines and 9 musical instruments for their orchestra. The two VMI pre-med cadets who accompanied them performed exceptionally well under difficult conditions and were, indeed, a credit to our beloved Institute. Anne and Jack are doing well. Anne continues to prosecute bad people in Staunton, and Jack is perfecting his Karate skills or whatever sport is in season. John and Anne are getting calluses where they didn’t want them from sitting in bleachers. Both John and Anne do so much for their fellow man it makes me feel a little selfish. Keep up the good work; you are a credit to our class and the Institute. Bud and Denyse Kramer are having a quiet summer so far. They spent a week at New Smyrna Beach followed by a cruise to the Caribbean, where they relaxed and did nothing. Jim Edmunds has been on the road again. He drove to Eugene, Oregon, in May to visit his granddaughter, who was a senior at the University of Oregon and graduated the following month. In July, Jim went on a three week trip, driving to Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. On the way, he stopped in Orem, Utah, to visit Bob and Lois Hobson. They had a great time reliving their days at VMI, especially the many trips between Lexington and Washington with Art Pomponio, Walt Ferony, Mark Smith and Mel Anderson. Lois and Jim’s wife, Mary Lew, were good friends and took many drives in the opposite direction for weekends and dances. Bob and Lois have a lovely home in a beautiful location; quite different from the brown, drought-stricken San Francisco area familiar to Jim. They went to a Brazilian restaurant and feasted on endless skewers of beef and chicken and fish. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jim visited his sister and 2015-Issue 4

two of his brothers. They went river rafting, horseback riding and even spent an evening at the opera. He stuck around for 10 days before heading to Phoenix, Arizona, by way of the Grand Canyon, where he hiked about a mile down into the canyon. Phoenix was hot, but it was good to see his son and family. Jim is looking forward to next June and the French Riverboat Cruise and the opportunity to relive more VMI memories. Bill and Connie Nebraska feel that they must live a pretty dull life, but Bill did go to Canada for what has been an annual salmon fishing trip that he has been doing for the past 25 years. He had a great time, but there were not a lot of fish, so it was more fishing and very little catching. Bill and Connie went north in July to visit his sister in Pennsylvania since they have not visited in over four years. While there, they spent a couple of days in Pittsburgh, where they toured and attended their beloved Pirates baseball game. From there, they made their way to Rhode Island to visit their son, Todd, and his family, who just happened to be vacationing at the shore. Bill and Connie are looking forward to the Florida mini reunion at Sebastian and the Mel Anderson sponsored cruise out of Tampa next February. Ann and I have had a busy quarter. We began by spending three weeks in the United Kingdom, traveling from London to Edinburgh and all points in between. We were at

Class of 1959: Ann and Shep Shepard visited Stonehenge in the United Kingdom the day before the summer solstice.

Stonehenge the day before the summer solstice; the day the druids come out in mass to celebrate the coming of summer. We ran into quite a few, but most seemed to be there to just have a good time. We also visited the Holy Grail of Golf, St. Andrews, and it was quite a moving experience for an old golfer like me. It was somewhat dampened by the fact that the British Open was coming up the next week, and the area was completely covered with bleachers, TV towers and the like, but it was still St. Andrews, and it brought back a flood of memories of the many great golfers who have played so many memorable rounds there. To be able to actually see the Swilcan Burn Bridge that spans the creek between the first and 18th fairways on the Old Course was indeed a thrill. Unfortunately, they had it roped off, and I could not walk across it. I also did not get to play the course but did play a round in Inverness just to say I played a round in Scotland. I expect in the years to come my memories will fade, and my story will hint that I played St. Andrews. Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace and home of Shakespeare, was interesting. Oxford was a delight, as was Portmeirion, a small village developed by architect Williams-Ellis to show how beautiful sites could be developed without spoiling the beauty of the area. Chester, York, Edinburgh and Glasgow all had their own beauty, and we were blessed with beautiful weather the entire three weeks that we were there. We met a host of wonderful people on our tour to include a couple from Wytheville, Virginia. The young man, Dennis, went to school and grew up with Dick and Linda Phillippi’s boys. No sooner had we returned from the United Kingdom when we hopped a plane and flew to Los Angeles, California, to attend the Special Olympics World Games to cheer on our granddaughter, Megan Shepard, a swimmer. What a wonderful time we had, and the word I heard the whole time that we were there was “inspirational,” and indeed it was. From the athletes to the officials to the volunteers to the big-time entertainers, I have never seen such dedication to making the games a success. Of course, we are very proud of our Megan, who won two gold medals at the games – one for the 100 meter butterfly and the other as part of a 57

Class Notes medley team. The athletes were spectacular and so excited about all the attention they were given. ESPN was particularly good to Megan and had several pieces about her each evening on their broadcast. We became quite friendly with the ESPN crew, and they were so good and so respectful – nothing like the thing you see about reporter pushing and shoving and trying to get the story. My hat is off to ESPN and the professional work that they did. Keep those cards, emails and letters coming in. Yours in the spirit, Shep

’60

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James Plantation, North Carolina. Since our last set of notes, I’ve had the opportunity to wish Bob Graves, The Rev. L. Robert Graves, a happy birthday May 11. He was not home, so he got an email birthday wish. Sad news came by way of email from Hap Miller regarding the passing of Jim Pittman’s wife, Nancy, Saturday, May 9. Her illness was totally unexpected and passing was rapid, presumably due to some

Class of 1960: Jimbo and Ruth Smith in St. Petersburg, Russia. 58

sort of cardiovascular event. Jim and Nancy were at our 55th Reunion. She seemed in perfect health. A memorial service was held at Greenwich Presbyterian Church, Greenwich (Nokesville), Virginia. The family requested memorials to be sent to the Greenwich Presbyterian Church Building Fund, or the DC Salvation Army. I spoke with Jim Monday, May 11. He was saddened, as expected, by his loss. Jim and Nancy were married 57 years. I reassured him we ached with him and were with him and his family in spirit during those difficult times and times to come. Our class has sent a memorial. On May 12, I spoke with Bolling Williamson to wish him happy birthday. He was sitting on his deck overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying the beginning of his day. Bolling, as you may remember wrote our class history in our Bomb, even though Jimmy Savage was our class historian. Over the years, he has written the history and documented the military accomplishments of many of the Institute’s alumni. His articles have appeared in issues of the Alumni Review. He is responsible for the memorial in Kilbourne Hall of VMI’s distinguished decorated alumni. He has plans to record their accomplishments in a book. He has great passion for remembering and honoring the Institute’s distinguished military heroes, and we are grateful for his efforts. On May 13, I called Joe Stewart to wish him a happy birthday. I didn’t get to speak to him but did get to talk with his wife, Yvonne. Joe wrote the following: “Great to hear from you, and thank you for the birthday wishes. At our age, we need to be happy with every one we get! I know I am. I thought I had ‘retired-retired’ back in 2000 but then got into a construction business with a couple of other partners, and when the housing and financial market fell apart in 2008, we had a fight on our hand to keep the doors open and the lights on. We survived, but I’ve been far more engaged in keeping a business going than I ever intended at this stage in my life. Things continue to look up, but it still takes time and attention I’d rather spend hunting, fishing or playing golf.

Class of 1960: Jimbo and Ruth Smith, left, with Henry and Linda Brown at the rat send-off party in Wilmington, North Carolina, Aug. 13, 2015.

“I’ve survived a couple of cancer bouts over the past 10 years, and while it is always back there, things are under control, and the outlook is good. All things considered, Yvonne and I are doing well. “We’ve been in Brentwood, Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville, since ’94 and love it here. It is a great town and a great place to live. Tell all the BRs that if they make a swing through here, we’d love to see them. Cheers! Joe.” This is the kind of note I want to get. Also May 13, Ruth and I held The 2015 Jimbo and Ruth Smith Golf Classic at St. James Plantation in North Carolina. The funds raised go toward the purchase of equipment used on our medical and surgical projects in the Dominican Republic. This year, we had 192 golfers participate and raised over $20,000. Needless to say, Ruth and I are grateful for the support we have received over the years. On May 23, Ruth and I attended the graduation of my oldest grandson from Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. It brought back memories of our finals, June 14, 1960. We had a great time, didn’t we? Who can forget the “Chevies” in the basement of the Kappa Sigma fraternity house as our class picnic was rained out? Thank you, Jimmy Savage, for the memories. There were more notable and lofty events during our final weekend, but I shall not forget the “Chevies” and “Shout.” We’ve come a long way since June 14, 1960. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Later that same day, Ruth and I drove to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to a surprise birthday celebration for John Whittle ’57. The treat for me was that Howard Lawrence ’57, his brother rat, (and in whose room I dyked, along with George Ax and Kitti Xaivaividhya) was there with his wife, Pat. It was great to catch up after such a long time. On May 24, I had a birthday conversation with John “Seagull” Coughlin. He missed the 55th due to his need to keep the Norfolk medical community in practice. He reported he was doing fine now. He knows we missed him. On Memorial Day, I, like all of us, remembered and honored our nation’s fallen heroes, anyone who has given his or her life in an effort to protect and sustain our way of life. We remember our lost brother rats again and are grateful and have been blessed that they were in our lives. We also remember and are grateful for those folks who have served, and are serving, to protect our freedom. I spoke on the phone with Carol and Phil Hamric in Boise, Idaho. Phil and Carol were planning to come to the 55th, but Phil developed an illness preventing their coming. He had some infections but subsequently underwent surgery requiring removal of a kidney and adjacent adrenal gland for a malignant tumor. I spoke with Phil one week post op, and he sounded great. His family has set up a CaringBridge Journal. It will keep us posted as to his course as well as gives us an opportunity to send Phil our well wishes. Go to CaringBridge website “philhamric” to communicate with Phil. Brother Rat Ed Roney, Phil’s roommate our 4th Class year, visited Phil and reported Phil is in great spirits and remembers his VMI days well. I also got a birthday message to him July 7. As of July 31, his medical reports indicate no malignant disease remains. Great news. Phil is aware that the Class of ’60 is cheering for him and is with him in spirit. Ruth and I recently returned home from a Baltic Sea cruise to 95-100 degree weather here in St. James, North Carolina. We left Stockholm with 55 degree days. Quite a shock. 2015-Issue 4

While away, I kept up with brother rats having birthdays. Jim O’Dell, June 3, 2015, and I communicated by email. I called Bob Clay on an Internet phone June 8, 2015, from Oslo, Norway, for a birthday wish only to find out I was a month too soon. I could not get Glen Brangan June 9, 2015. We have no email address. After I returned, I contacted Tom Beavers, whose birthday was June 12, 1937. He is living in The Plains, Virginia, after having been in Texas for most of his working life. Tom said he was an engineer with 10 different companies, has been married to Judith for 53 years and has stable health. He and Judith moved to be close to a daughter. I tried to catch up with Gary Kramer, birthdate June 18, 1938, after I returned home. I could only leave a voice mail “happy birthday” message. He responded with an email saying, “We are old, but still kicking.” I spoke with Bill King in Texas for his birthday, June 22, 1938. He is healthy but wishes he could putt better. Phil Shiner and Bill share the same birthday. Phil is still working as a cardiologist and obviously loves taking care of the sick hearts in Roanoke, Virginia. In late June, I got a call from John MacLeod, who was with us our rat year. As many of you know, Johnny is an accomplished artist, having done portraits, wildlife and Chesapeake Bay scenes to name just some of his subjects. He is currently doing some Stonewall Jackson battle scenes. I’m sure they will be spectacular. I got an email from Ray Crickenberger. He and his wife, Terri, just returned from a New England and Canadian cruise. Ray and Terri are still in Greenville, North Carolina, but have been house hunting for a potential move to Hilton Head Island. He will keep us posted if they move. He wrote that all is fine in his world. He relates that he and Terri take no medications, only multi-vitamins, and their health is good. (No telling when they will catch up with the rest of us.) Ray plays golf three days a week and goes to the gym three other days. Life is good. George Uhlig called from Utah. He made

Class of 1960: Jimbo Smith and his granddaughter, Laney Smith, in Sabana Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic.

our 50th Reunion, but due to his wife’s infirmities, could not make our 55th. His own health is good. He followed up his phone call with a wonderful letter describing his interest in teaching at VMI, but circumstances didn’t work out. He sent a contribution that will be forwarded to the Alumni Office for the Bayliss Scholarship. He sees Walt Witschard in Oregon on the occasion that he visits his daughter in the area. A phone call to John Olsen June 28 was met with a voice mail message only. John has not given us his email. He caught

Class of 1960: Jimbo and Ruth Smith in Copenhagen, Denmark. 59

Class Notes When Ed called Reed Myrick he was at his up with me by phone and left a message on having our 17-year-old granddaughter along my voice mail. John sounded well. I’m sorry for the experience. I had limited computer “fitness center,” as his wife, Valerie, advised. and phone opportunities but was able to play Ed has called Reed 10 times over the years, I missed his call. He called me later. I left a birthday message for Gerry Her- phone tag with John Moore in Naples, Flor- and he was always fishing, hunting or exerrman on his day, July 3, as well as an email. ida, on his birthday, July 17, and Andy Wise cising. Since Val is a political junkie, Ed and Lo and behold, Gerry called July 8, and we in Watertown, New York, on his birthday, Val had a lot of laughs and fusses. Evidently had a terrific conversation catching up. He July 23. Andy, G.G. and I roomed together Reed is hitting on all four. Ed writes that he will keep repeating any says he’s healthy; a bit overweight, like many for three-and-a-half years. It’s always good to news he receives, since friendships conof us. He lives alone, as he has lost two wives, talk to Andy. He is working hard. Ed Tolley has spoken to several BRs since I tinue even though he’s ... out of the tight but has a lady friend and three pets, one of loop ... You are never out of the loop, Ed which is a 27-year-old Amazon parrot that he took over the class agent job. Pat Hughes and Ed had developed a friend- Tolley. You’ve meant so much to so many says talks all the time. So “things” are good ship as a result of his wife, Kay’s, Alzheimer’s for so long. with Gerry. Roy McLeod sent a nice note with his We all got Fourth of July wishes from Hap diagnosis. She continues to decline, but Pat is contribution to our Class Flower Miller. He was headed to VMI for Fund. He and Sewell just rean alumni cookout on post. turned from a nice trip to Malta I had a great telephone conversaand a Tauck tour of Sicily. He tion with Jon Parnell. He was very said Malta is a gem. interested, and we discussed how to I spoke on the phone with Toot fund The Paul Bayliss Scholarship Barr for a birthday call July 31. with his annual giving. Jon takes He had spent much of his day reno prescription meds and wears his pairing the roof of his barn. Not 78 years proudly. He would have bad for a 77 year old. He had a been at our 55th but it conflicted son and grandchild, along with with his 60th high school reunion. Cecile, and together they were goOh, the choices we have to make in ing to Lubbock, Texas, to see the our later years! Buddy Holly Story. A good day I got a wonderful note from Toot Class of 1960: At Mike and Betty Pitt’s home in Portsmouth, Barr, along with a contribution to Virginia, in July were, from left, Mike Pitt, Dave Bissett, Bob Clay, was had by all. I caught up with Ed Smith our the Class Flower Fund. He related Howard Moss Bill Knowles, Tom Leary and Mike Shoemaker. class valedictorian, the day after how our time flies and would love to hear how to get more time. John Moore sent still very alert and in good health. Ed visited his birthday, Aug. 1. After graduation, Ed a short note along with a contribution to the him back when he first started as CA, and went on to John’s Hopkins Medical School. Class Flower Fund, as well as a donation to his Nance and Kay had so much in common He did his residency in internal medicine, that they were on first name basis. Kay was a specializing in rheumatology. In 1990, he beThe Paul Bayliss Scholarship. On July 6, I had the pleasure of catching up big Mary Kay cosmetics sales lady and drove came dissatisfied with traditional medicine. He had become familiar with transcendenwith Doc Mallory on his birthday. Doc was a pink Cadillac. Jay Jarrett’s wife, Sandy, a school teacher, tal meditation, so he devoted his practice to driving back to Virginia after having spent time with his 103-year-old mother as well as passed as a result of the same disease three it and ultimately began teaching in the field. his daughter in Dothan, Alabama. To track years ago. Sandy was Jay’s second wife, we In 2005, after being a journeyman in his new him down, I had a nice conversation with his think. Nance and Ed, along with Judy and practice, as a practitioner and teacher of George Miller, attended Jay and Sandy’s TM, he retired from all things medical as a wife, Dorcas. On July 8, I finally got Bob Clay’s birthday wedding in Huntington Beach, California, professional and has concentrated his time correct. We had a good phone call. He and back in ’96. Jay sounded in good spirits and is on teaching TM technique and his woodworking. He moved to Williston, Vermont, in good health. Lucy are fine. Jon Quinn called Ed to report that his first three years ago. He is a self-taught fine woodBolling Williamson wrote that Bill Spicuzza and wife have just moved to Charlot- hip replacement went very well, and he is worker and does beautiful work. His website, on track to have the other one done. Jon www.edwardssmithfinewoodworking.com, tesville. I was in the Dominican Republic in Sabana was one of Ed’s success stories of find- displays several such examples of his work. Grande de Boya on a surgical project from ing lost BRs back several years ago. He is There is also a photograph of Ed showing July 11-24. We had a successful project, but it in Springfield, Illinois. He said he’s back that he doesn’t look a day older than when he is always good to get back home to air condi- in the fold and reads the Alumni Review was with us in 1960. He has peace of mind and is literally wearing his 77 years well. tioning and hot showers. I had the pleasure of cover to cover to catch up on the Institute. 60

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I tried to contact Sterling Lewis Aug. 3 by phone but was unsuccessful. I left messages on his voice mail. He has no contact email address. Also I had no luck contacting Bill Ennis Aug. 5 on his birthday in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bill got an email birthday wish. Frank Fox, Aug. 6, has no phone or email. If someone knows how to catch up with him, please do so and wish him well. I caught up with Mike Pitt Aug. 7 at his office. He congratulated me on being the second person to wish him “happy birthday” that morning. He related that he and Betty had just gotten a puppy; a move that he said questions the sanity of a 75 and 77 year old. In July, Mike and Betty hosted a get-together at their home in Portsmouth with Bob Clay, Tom Leary, Dave Bissett, Mike Shoemaker, Bill Knowles, Howard Moss and wives. I spoke with Ginny and Henry Shirley Aug. 11. We had a wonderful conversation, and he thanked me for the birthday wishes. Henry’s son, Graham Shirley ’85, is to be appointed by the governor of North Carolina to be a superior court judge in Wake County, North Carolina. The swearing in ceremony was scheduled for Sept. 4, 2015, in Raleigh. Henry and Ginny are so proud of Graham and delighted to see his work in the legal system has been recognized in his selection to be a judge. Graham has been practicing law in Raleigh since the early ’90s. Before that, he was in the Army JAG Corp with tours at Fort Hood, Texas, and the Pentagon. He was Class of ’85 at VMI and the fourth Shirley to graduate from the Institute. (Henry G. ’896, Augustus G. ’931, Henry G. II ’60, A. Graham ’85.) He attended law school at the College of William & Mary, graduating in 1988. On Aug. 12, I caught up with birthday boy Walt Witschard way out in Oregon. Walt is planning on attending our 60th, 65th and 70th. An Old Yell to Walt! Jeep Goodwillie sent a nice email regarding class notes. He plans to make a contribution to The Eagle Bayliss Scholarship as well as the Class Flower Fund. In addition to his activities listed in our last class notes, he said he and Linda have started a company called G3 Property Group, LLC. He said they are busy flipping houses. Ruth and I attended a cocktail/heavy hors-d’oeuvres party Aug. 13 to send off 2015-Issue 4

new cadets to VMI from the Wilmington, North Carolina, area sponsored by the Wilmington Alumni Chapter. Henry and Linda Brown were there, as well. So many young folks. The parents of those new cadets are younger than our children. We’ll still buy those green bananas, however! My last email for this set of class notes came from Guy Smith. He and Phillipa are renovating their house in Chester, Virginia, to make life easier. They have been to Lexington twice since our reunion antique shopping. The clock on the wall says it’s time to close down these notes. I would be remiss if I didn’t fulfill my fundraising duties as your class agent. In the recent fourth quarter, only 48.02 percent of our class has given to VMI. We are trailing ’59 and ’61. Our percentage will increase with donations to The Capt. Paul Bayliss Class of ’60 Scholarship Fund. I noted in a letter earlier this year that, as of April 24, 2015, the market value of the scholarship was $159,442. I spoke with Buddy Bryan ’71 at the Foundation regarding recommendations for an amount for which we should realistically shoot. The “restricted” fund balance that we have created should aim for an endowment of $250,000. The award from the scholarship is calculated by taking 4.8 percent of the average of three years of the market value of the fund. This would provide a wonderful scholarship and an enduring legacy from the Class of 1960. The scholarship can be funded by unlimited gifts, redirected pledges to VMI or annual donations to the Foundation, directing those donations for annual giving to the scholarship fund. Please join us toward reaching the above goal. Our Class Flower Fund for our memorials for those brother rats we lose is in great shape thanks to the generosity of many. We now have $3,297. Let’s hope we don’t use it often! I cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed speaking to those brother rats I’ve been able to get to on the phone. Please stay in touch – not only with me, but also with each other. We are blessed to have had each other in our lives. Until next time, I remain In the spirit, Jimbo

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

Our 55th Reunion is only five months from the time you receive this issue of the Alumni Review. So, in case you did not remember, our 55th Reunion will take place Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Our 55th Reunion headquarters will be at the newly remodeled Natural Bridge Hotel so please mark your calendars “busy” from Sunday, April 17, 2016 (for those who want to arrive early and play golf), through breakfast Wednesday, April 20, 2016, or later if you like. Should you not have received the registration forms, call me and I will get one to you. Since my May report to you, the class has been very busy. Mid-May, Sue and I attended the annual Richmond picnic at the Youngblood residence. It was a beautiful day, the food was great and the conversation interesting. Those in attendance were: Dennis and Jerri Curtis, Bill and Sue Daniels, Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Wyatt Durrette, Russell Stone, Rand “Booty” Farleigh, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Bill and Norma Philips, Dick and Betty Jarvis, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Bill Nelms, and Sue and Sal Vitale. Bill Daniels is getting around slowly and carefully, and his attitude is very positive. The Danielses are downsizing and building a new home in the same area. Oscar Mabry is busy fishing, and Caroline is playing a lot of bridge. Wyatt Durrette is still working as an attorney and has no plans to retire any time soon. Our brother rat widowers, Stone and Farleigh, are doing just fine, and I hear they both may be doing some dating. “Booty” is very involved with a project that provides high-tech security for schools, and from what I hear and read, it is a real success. Bill Phillips, Dick Jarvis and Dick Youngblood are in good health. Judy Youngblood is very happy with her remodeled kitchen. Dick Youngblood still travels to Wilmington, North Carolina, for his condo board meeting. Bill Nelms is spending several days a week helping in his son’s business and left before the picture was taken. Rhett Clarkson is 61

Class Notes traveling and fishing. Rhett teamed up with John J.C. Miller, Battle Haslam and Don Wilkinson for a Missouri River Ranch trip in Craig, Montana. Fly fishing on the Missouri river at the end of July is wonderful. However, Graham King was supposed to come but had to cancel at the last minute. Memorial Day came and went, and soon after, I attended an alumni function at the Norfolk Yacht Club for Gen. Peay ’62. The event was very well attended, and the class was represented by: Jim and Blair Bickford, Larry and Jeri Wetsel, Ben and Diane Lynch, Sal Vitale, and Ashby and Sandra Taylor. Before I knew it, June came to an end with Sue and I attending the annual Shuba pig roast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On picnic day, it rained very hard and many of the streams in both Pennsylvania and Maryland were overflowing. I called Shuba, and Lou said the pig was on the spit and the party was on. We did not know what to wear to stay dry, so in addition to raingear, we took umbrellas and extra clothes and shoes. Lou, being a wonderful host, had arranged for a very large white tent with chairs, tables and hence a lot of dry smiling faces, to include Ken Legum, Sue and Sal Vitale, Kent and Bert Modine, Dave Harbach, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Dick and Diane Stone, Harry and Dana Shepard ’58 (Lou’s dyke).

Ken Legum looks great, and I am pleased to say has been attending many class functions. Kent Modine is getting back in shape and hopes to play more golf. Dave Harbach loves retirement, and if Dave could only get Charlotte to retire, they could travel. (Smile.) The Hanleins and Stones were excited about their planned trip to Scotland and Ireland and hope to play golf in Scotland. In July, Lou and Pris Shuba had a wonderful week of joy, laughter and happiness when they attended the wedding of their son, Louis, and his lovely bride, Marsha, in the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado. We had the pleasure of meeting the bride and groom at Shuba’s pig roast. The wedding pictures I saw on Facebook are very nice. I have been trying to encourage our widows to attend our functions. Several are within a short drive from Williamsburg, and with several brother rats also living close by, we could have an event, and we did. We had a wonderful lunch at the Waypoint Seafood and Grill in Williamsburg. Seeing two widows, Barbara Jean LeFon and Kim Wise, made my day, and I only hope more widows and widowers will come to our 55th Reunion. We had such a good time that it was suggested we do lunch every few months somewhere. Those attending were: Kenny Legum, Bev Scott, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock (who arranged the lunch),

Larry Williams, Bill Gibbings, Ken and Sue Patrick, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Bud Alligood and Peggy Hayes, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Oscar Mabry, Sue and Sal Vitale, Jim Bickford, Alison Drescher, Dennis and Jerry Curtis, Russell Stone, Irv and Sue Wells, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Wyatt Durrette, and Bill Daniels. We did hear from Gaylia Hudgins, who was still working in Wyoming, and Anne Woodfin, who sent her regrets. Anne is not as mobile as she used to be. Snail mail, email and telephone are still in vogue, and I will take your news any way that you want to provide it. Jim “Doc” Mowery is living in Southern Pines, South Carolina, and had not seen any BRs. Jim lives in golf paradise but does not play golf. Bob Reitz had the honor of participating in a commissioning ceremony at Columbus State University for Lt. Angela May Dimattia. Angie (an Ironman competitor) is the daughter of Bob’s Ranger advisory team senior noncommissioned officer. At dinner, Bob met Angie’s boyfriend, Capt. Alan M. Coones ’05, who is currently executive officer, 1st Battalion, 507 Airborne Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Infantry School. Tom and Barbara Phlegar are off again with their entire family on a Caribbean cruise, where Tom plans to swim with the sharks. I

Class of 1961: At the annual Richmond get-together in Midlothian, Virginia, at the Youngbloods’ home May 16, 2015, were, from left, Dennis Curtis, Bill Daniels, Oscar Mabry, Wyatt Durrette, Russell Stone, Bill Gibbings, Bill Philips, Dick Jarvis, Sal Vitale, Dick Youngblood, Rhett Clarkson and “Booty” Farleigh. 62

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes The Wilmington, North Carolina, Chap- closed on a home there and also plans to keep also learned that on Tom’s trip to Austria, he went to the top of one of the Alps (9,000 ter of the Alumni Association is doing very the house in Colorado for now. VMI “senior” feet) and after a 10 yard running start with well under the leadership of John Gangemi. folks, always look for an opportunity to get his glider, he was airborne for 30 minutes rid- At the June dinner meeting in Southport at together, and the Raleigh, North Carolina, ing thermals; another activity checked off on the Dead End Saloon were Dick and Diane Alumni Chapter senior guys did. They held Stone and Kent and Bert Modine. The Vil- their first “senior” breakfast at Brigg’s RestauTom’s bucket list. Did you know that Fred Ayers is the old- lages Alumni Chapter is also growing, and 22 rant in Raleigh, and it was such a success they est ski guide still skiing at the Vail ski area? people met at the home of Debbie and Walt plan to do it again monthly. At the breakfast Maybe that is a slight over exaggeration, Chalkley ’72 to watch the movie, “Field of were: Larry Wilson ’62, Dennis Marchsince Fred led two skiers from the original Lost Shoes,” and then went to the Glenview ant ’63, Hank Shirley ’60, Parky Parkman ’66, Charlie Ramsburg ’66, Dixie World War II 10th Mountain DiviWalker ’70, Pete Shelley ’74, Bill sion – Jimmy Nasser, 92, and Dick Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston, Al Dirkes, 94 – on “Riva Ridge,” a Davis ’71 and Don Brown ’71. I black diamond slope named after wonder where Brother Rats Dick their major battle in Italy during Hurley and John Butler were? World War II. The West Coast Naples, Florida, Dick and Kim Lindquist were in brother rats, Jack Bell, Hill BrownMichigan at Wayne State Universiing and Pete Roberts, manage to ty to witness their youngest granddine often. Heather Browning prodaughter, Mirabelle Lindquist, vided a great picture of the three receive her “white coat,” as she when the BRs and wives had lunch was admitted to the WSU School together. Everyone is doing well of Medicine. Dick has been a great and enjoying not having the snow help to me in figuring out who the birds take up all the highways and original 1961 matriculants were, eating establishments. See you all and at the 55th, I will provide you next winter. (Smile.) the final certified list. Class of 1961: Fly fishing at the Missouri River Ranch in Craig, Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe Bob VonHellens is still provid- Montana, July 28, 2015, were, from left, Rhett Clarkson, J.C. and Larry and Jerri Wetsel had ing legal services in the field of Miller, Battle Haslam and Don Wilkinson. a great two-and-a-half weeks in patent, trademark and copyright England and Ireland. They hiked when he is not flying. Recently, 50 miles in England with the Wayhe was at a national glider contest, farers Company and highly recknown as the 1-26 Championship, ommended them. In Ireland, they held in Minden, Nevada, which is enjoyed Jameson’s, Waterford and the Mecca for gliders with 18,000lots of other places and pubs. Nelle plus foot cloud bases and 500 to posted their pictures on Facebook 1,000-plus feet per minute therusing her Facebook name, Nelle mals. On the last day, Bob landed Pender, and the pictures are worth in a sparsely populated valley and looking at. Gates and Margaret could not reach his crew or airport by radio, and there was no cell Class of 1961: After attending Ken Templeton’s funeral service at Richards joined Buddy and Carol coverage. Then it occurred to Bob Charley’s restaurant in Lynchburg, Virginia, June 18, 2015, were, Bryan ’71 in Cincinnati, Ohio, for from left, Sal Vitale, Barbara Steadman, Lou Kiger, Sue Vitale lunch. Buddy was there to attend that airliners monitor an emergen- and Tom Phlegar. a dinner for the first woman on cy frequency, so he tried several transmissions. A Southwest pilot responded Country Club for dinner. From the “poor” the Parents Council who had just turned 100 to his mayday. After a lot of confusion and quality picture sent to me, I could only iden- years old. Did you know that Bill Maurer’s no responses to Southwest from the airport, tify the following: George and Edna Hen- father was the first president of the Parents the pilot called the airport using a landline, ning, Warren and Cathy Copenhaver, Bob Council? I called Tom Rutledge after the problems and two hours later, Bob’s crew showed up and Carole Green ’67, Bernie Groome ’71 to save him from a cold, wet night. The very and Don Holmes ’66, the president of The in Charleston, South Carolina. He said he good news is Bob won first place in the in- Villages Chapter. George Henning called was doing fine, “But it has been a trying time dividual category. I hear Bob is living in The recently and said he is getting used to retire- for the entire city of Charleston. However, I ment. He confirmed that Lee Badgett finally think we came through very well.” Villages until the weather cools in Arizona. 2015-Issue 4

Class Notes Ken Ayala went on one of his bucket list trips: the Grand Canyon. Then, in May, he moved to a new apartment in Asheville, North Carolina, because it got terminally dull at the retirement hotel he was previously in. Ken’s son, Steven, continues to prosper in the hot Asheville house market, and Ken’s granddaughter, Eva Claire, earns nothing but As in school and accolades on the soccer field. (A future VMI cadet, maybe?) As for Ken, he is in excellent health, and is looking forward to being with the BRs at Olde Oak in late August. Don Rishell emailed me a picture of a BR we have not seen for some time, Jim DiBella. Don had a very nice conversation with Jim and wondered why he has been so distant. Jim said he felt that since he had only finished 4th Class year, nobody would remember him. Jim agreed to pass on his telephone number, 609-266-9489, and would like to hear from anyone who remembers him. Jim and his wife, Joanne, have had a very rough time battling cancer. I am pleased to tell you that Joanne is clear, but Jim is still struggling. Prayers would be greatly appreciated. Jim Needham finally told me he had a great time in St. Maarten and even visited several of the places I recommended. However, he and Johanna “didn’t buy any jewelry, just looked.” It is a place they would return to, and I agree, six days is too short. Larry and Joann Respess are feeling the pains of rehabilitation of a home. The contractor seems to not be on schedule, and their move-in date is maybe early winter. Mike and Jan Bissell have finally moved into their new home in Haymarket, Virginia. Mike understands contracting slippage. Ashby Taylor has undertaken a major restoration of his historic home. Working with tradesmen on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is not easy, and staying on schedule is not in their vocabulary or DNA. Ashby is the general contractor and many times is the laborer. We see Ashby and Sandra when they venture across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for doctor visits and shopping. I can only hope that this work of love will come to completion in enough time that they can enjoy it. Bud Alligood and his lady friend, Peggy Hayes, visited our home when our daughter, Lynn, was here. “Uncle Bud” was very 64

helpful to Lynn and her husband when they were considering relocation to Greensboro, North Carolina. Bud had never met our grandchildren, and since they were here in Virginia Beach visiting, Bud and Peggy came over and joined us for dinner. They had a wonderful time fussing over Uncle Bud. When Sue and I were in Lynchburg, we stopped by to see Virginia Dabney. We missed seeing Virginia by a few minutes. I can tell you that everybody at the Westminster Canterbury facility knew her. Virginia is driving again, so she gets out and about and loves being there and near the grandchildren. On the first day of August, Sue and I attended the wedding of the son of David Gibbings ’88, Jonathan, to Emma Lutz. When you see the children of your brother rats’ children marry, you know you’re getting old. I was surfing Facebook when I saw a picture posted by Ann Miner of a beautiful young lady, Brianna Robinson. Turns out that beauty is “Peaches,” Miner’s 18-year-old step-granddaughter, and she was chosen as Miss Hopkins County. My bet is she will go to state and then to Miss America. Also on Facebook was a great picture of John Moorcones, and he is looking so good we expect to see him at the 55th. I only hope John has not been Photoshopped. (Smile.) As I was preparing the budget for our 55th Reunion, I looked at the list of those who

attended the 50th and guessed who may be coming for the 55th. It is very difficult to figure out who may be unable to attend due to an ailment or disability. Of the 147 brother rats who attended last time, I am guessing that we should have at least 100, provided that the gim list stays small. I am always asked about Anne Woodfin. Her daughter, Suzanne, told me that Anne is about the same; can’t hear well and still can’t move around well. Anne does not want to go out much, but her mind is still very sharp and she reads the paper every day and keeps up with all the latest news on TV. Anne can have visitors, and short visits are best. Maria Anjier learned that her cancer is in remission, and she started her two-year immunotherapy infusions. Roger Suiter came thru a mild stroke and prostate removal via surgery to deal with cancer and is doing well. George Ward finished a round of ultrasound and got a clean bill of health and no clotting evident. George’s respiratory tests for COPD or emphysema showed normal, which is all good. Then, while waiting for his wife to pick him up at the hospital entrance after the tests, George managed to drop one wheel of his transport chair over the curb and fell into the street. When George’s wife, Laura, drove up, she saw him lying in the street with people running toward him. The incident caused a major

Class of 1961: At a meet the widows lunch at the Waypoint Seafood and Grill in Williamsburg, Virginia, July 17, 2015, were, from left, sitting, Jerry Curtis, Sue Wells, Peggy Hayes, Barbara Jean LeFon, Sylvia Woodcock and Jerri Wetsel. Standing, first row: Sal Vitale, Russell Stone, Judy and Dick Youngblood, Kim Wise, Alison Drescher, Irv Wells, Dennis Curtis, Sue Vitale, Sue and Ken Patrick, Pat and Willard Hoskins, Stu Woodcock, and Larry Wetsel. Back row, as heads appear: Bill Daniels, Wyatt Durrette, Kenny Legum, Bud Alligood, Bill Gibbings, Bev Scott, Jim Bickford, Oscar Mabry and Larry Williams. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes calamity at the hospital entrance, as people were scrambling to help him. George banged his hard head, shoulder, and knee, twisted his neck and jammed his lower back. Other than that, George’s health remains remarkably good for his age and what happened, while annoying, isn’t any big deal. Laura and George enjoyed their 27th year of their honeymoon. Gates Richards is hobbling around after his knee replacement. Ken Patrick returned from the Cleveland Clinic, and they said his transplanted kidney is doing very well. Ken’s second stroke has been a set-back, but I guess the “Hamptonians” are right, you really “can’t crush a crab.” Like many of us, Ken is having balance issues, still using his walker when no one is looking. I saw him at the Williamsburg lunch and at the Gibbings’ beer and cookies, and he looks great. I checked in with Bill Keech and Walter Stokes, and both seem reasonably OK. Walter had a PET scan, and the tumor has shrunk and there is no new cancer. He lost about 25 pounds but has leveled out. Walter will meet with a thoracic surgeon to discuss removal of the tumor. Sue Wells is healing slowly. Her balance and her gait have improved, yet, she still gets debilitated quickly. When we saw her at the Williamsburg luncheon, she looked great and was having a good time. Bob Coltrane has been regaining his strength, but his stamina is still in the dog house. Bob cannot do very much physically without becoming tired. His PSA level is creeping up but not yet in the danger zone. Sometime around September, he will do another PSA blood test, and if it has continued to go up, Bob will have to figure out what to do next. Bob Reitz had his second stint surgery, and this time his recovery is a little slower. Bob wrote it off as old age and becoming bionic – surgery on ears, both eyes, nose twice, carotids, shoulders, 4 bypass, 2 stints, left elbow and both knees replaced. What else is left? Sue Vitale has had her problems with her feet and had bones removed to ease her walking. Then she developed a plantar wart, which is a virus, I learned, and it was deep. Two more surgeries, and she is almost back to normal. I cannot repeat this enough times: Thanks 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1961: At the annual pig roast at the Shuba’s home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, June 27, 2015, were, from left, sitting, Lou Shuba, Bert Modine, Pris Shuba, Sally Hanlein, Diane Stone and Dana Shepard. Standing: Sal Vitale, Ken Legum, Sue Vitale, Kent Modine, Dave Harbach, Ray Hanlein, Dick Stone and Harry Shepard ’58 (Lou’s dyke).

Ashby Taylor and Battle Haslam for taking the time to talk to the BRs and help them understand their options. We lost another wonderful brother rat, Kenneth Shelor Templeton Sr., June 11, 2015, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Several weeks before Ken’s death, he called me. Ken wanted to know if I could make sure the obituary he prepared for himself was published in the Alumni Review. Needless to say, I was shocked, so a few days later, I visited with Ken and Dot in Lynchburg. Ken had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and there was no cure. Ken was in good spirits during our five hour visit, and it appeared to me that he had prepared himself for the inevitable; which, unfortunately, was approaching very fast. We talked about VMI, Professor Col. Sam Dobyns ’41, Capt. Leweane ’50B, M-41 tanks we drove at Whites Farm and, of course, Mitch Kot with John Purner’s bent M-1 rifle and lots more. I had a wonderful day, and Ken signed the class flag. From Ken’s obituary, I have chosen the following details for you. Ken had two careers. For 25 years, he was the vice president of Marvin V. Templeton and Sons, a family owned paving contractor, and was past president of the Virginia Asphalt Association. Then Ken started his second career as a paramedic and then an emergency medicine instructor. He was one of the first paramedics in Virginia. Ken spent 35 years with the Campbell County Rescue Squad and assumed leadership roles as well as earning life member status. I think every member of the squad, both active

and retired, showed up at the funeral home. Ken’s true calling and passion was as an emergency medicine instructor, and it was during an EMI conference in Virginia Beach just before our 45th Reunion that we were reunited. Ken called me, and I remembered the sound of his voice, and we immediately got together. Ken had many paramedic students, and his EMI work will live on through those he taught. Ken said, “My greatest pleasure was seeing them become paramedics, nurses, physician’s assistants and leaders in their respective rescue squads.” Ken had to give up his paramedic license and stop teaching, which he really enjoyed. Before I left, he did remind me, “When in trouble, call 911.” Tom Phlegar, Lou Kiger, Barbara Steadman, Frank and Missy Deaner, and Sue and I visited with Dot at the funeral parlor. The next day, Lou and Jane Kiger, Barbara Steadman, Barry and Betty Orndorff, and Sue and I attended the internment. A letter from Ken’s four year roommate, Roy Whitehouse, was read, and it was very beautiful. A portion of the letter said, “I believed that you are a man of God with faith in Jesus. I remembered your uplifting spirit that had always been a lift to me (Roy) in hard times at VMI.” Ken touched many of his brother rats. May he rest in peace. A special thanks to the Kigers for inviting Sue and me to stay with them during this time. I cannot say this enough times. I am hoping the class widows will make it back to our 55th Reunion. I heard from Pete McCormick’s wife, Ann, and Charlie LeFon’s wife, 65

Class Notes Barbara Jean, and they are planning to be there. Hannelore Garrison, Gaylia Hudgins and Anne Woodfin made our 50th, and hopefully they will be there again. I know they will be welcomed by all. I try to write all the widows at least once a year, and I know it is appreciated. It would be nice if more of you would contact them. My roommates’ widows, Nina Grazulis and Mary Jane Roberts, are doing OK, and I hope they will also return. (Hint.) A brother rat, “How are you doing,” call may encourage a widow to return. Summer is almost over, and our granddaughter, Victoria Cross, will be returning to James Madison University. The last time we had an 18-year-old at home was her mother. We really enjoyed having her and hope she can work at the beach next summer. These notes are due before we attend the day of remembrance service for Jonathan Myrick Daniels, so you will have to wait to see who attended. Jon is a martyr in the Episcopal Church and his celebration day is Aug. 14. Finally, I received seven wonderful pictures, but I am only allowed to use five. Picking those to use is always difficult. Till the next time we meet, stay well and safe and don’t forget to register for the 55th. God bless our brother rats, spouses, all those in service of our country, VMI and the USA. Tony Curtis

’62

Jerry Burnett

Brother and Sister Rats, I’m sorry to open with this sad news, but we’ve lost BRs Dick Carlisle and Ed Clarke since our last class notes. Statistically, we’re going to start losing BRs faster as the years go by, so please make every effort to make this 55th Reunion April 24-25, 2017! Buffet supper at Carolyn Worrell’s Sunday, April 23, 2017, for early arrivals! Buck Bradley: “Louise and I traveled to Europe this fall, and our final stop was Berlin, 66

where I served with the 40th Armor as a tank platoon leader soon after graduation. I was involved with a number of the military events that took place with the Russians and the Berlin Wall. [The year] 2014 was the 25th anniversary of the downfall of “the Wall,” freeing the East Berliners from communism. The first picture is of Louise and I standing in front of a section of the Wall that remains, doctored up for tourists 51 years later, and the other is a shot of me standing at a section of the border in West Berlin on the South side where my platoon was stationed at the time. This was a very memorable trip and a lot of fun.” Sam Samuels: “Linda and I visited our youngest granddaughter in Flagstaff, Arizona, this May. Oh, by the way, we saw our younger daughter and her husband. While there, my daughter and her husband took us on some guided tours around the area; including the Grand Canyon, where he is considered an expert on the geology and topography of the canyon. Here is a shot of Linda and me above the gorge of the Little Colorado. On our way back to Albuquerque, we even got to stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. We stayed a few days in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where my daughter got her Ph.D. in planetary and earth sciences from the University of New Mexico (the focus of our trip). We are busting our buttons proud of her and her accomplishments – three Bachelor of Arts degrees, two Master of Science degrees and one Ph.D. Remember I took four years to pass rat chemistry? Long story – I’ll tell you at the reunion.” Monty Williams: “On our recent road trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I was stationed in the Air Force, we came across a surprise gem with ties to the ‘I.’ We like to visit lighthouses on our trips, so we did a mini tour of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, Superior and Michigan) to see some of the lighthouses on the lakes on the way to the UP. On our stop on Lake Erie, we came across a Confederate Officers Prison Cemetery located on Johnson’s Island in Sandusky Bay south of Marblehead, Ohio. There are 206 graves there, all marked with Georgia marble headstones and a bronze Confederate monument, a bronze statue sculpted by Sir Moses Ezekiel ’866. The statue is named, ‘The Lookout,’ and stands

Class of 1962: Kate and Rosser Bobbitt.

watch over the remains of the soldiers interred there. Attached is a picture of me by the monument. “On June 5, 2015, Carol and I went to Yorktown, Virginia, to watch the French Frigate Hermione arrive on its first visit to the United States. The ship is an authentic replica of the ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to the U.S. in 1780 to aide in the revolution and resulted in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis in 1781. It was quite impressive. While standing there listening to the speakers, I saw a person with a VMI 1962 ball cap on who turned out to be Carl Jordan. He and Ellen had come up from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to see the arrival, also. We had a nice chat before we headed back to Suffolk. This was taken June 6, 2015, at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, where our BR Binnie talked about the Institute. Pictured are Bill Mizell, Fred Consolvo, Dick Willard, Monty Williams, Bruce Ballard and the general. Allan Bamforth was also present but not in the picture. The event was well attended and was very informative.” Bill White: “I’m recommissioning my 46 foot sail, ‘NANSEA,’ to sail from Naval

Class of 1962: Ed Strickler, right, with Ken Spitzer ’66. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1962: Doug Marechal, along with Cadets Eric Byrd ’18 and Brandon Barberry ’18, shot skeet in McDowell, Virginia, in summer 2015.

Air Station Pensacola to Key West around Thanksgiving, with plans to have family join us for Christmas. Nancy is making plans, and my daughters, Beth and Chrissy, both experienced sailors, are planning to be part of the sail trip. This will be the first time since sailing the NANSEA back from the East Caribbean over a year ago. Nancy tells me I’m getting too old for this, but I ain’t finished yet. I’m sure BR George Collins will agree; it gets into your blood.” Ed Strickler: “Margie and I had initially visited Death Valley in 1996 but hadn’t been back since. We are currently in Pahrump, Nevada, which is 65 miles away. I had always wanted to visit in the summer just to say I did. I know that is a dumb idea. Well, today the temperature here is 102 degrees, so a friend and I drove out there. Margie had some sense and stayed in Pahrump. Attached is a picture of me at 282 feet below sea level, and the temp was 115 degrees, but that was at 11 a.m., so by three or four this afternoon, it should be about 120. Also attached is a panorama from Dante’s View, which is over 5,000 feet higher and looks right down on the floor. In a couple of days, we are heading for cooler elevations. This is interesting country.” Tom Bandy: “Wanted to give you a heads up on Donna and me with travels this year. I am going to Malawi June 22-July 5. Then in August, we are going to Alaska. Following this, I will conduct a theology seminar in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, before we leave for Australia and New Zealand in January. 2015-Issue 4

We will rest up for 55th after that.” Bill Mizell: “Here’s a nice photo of my roommates, Monty Williams and Jerry Burnett, 50-plus years later June 19, 2015. Jerry and I played in a member/guest tournament at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach. We won our flight and were in a shoot off elimination round for the overall championship. We did not make it to the final. Jerry got a hole-in-one on the seventh hole, hitting it into the cup on the fly from 141 yards. Monty and Carol joined Jerry and Joy and my date and me for dinner on the Friday night before the last golf round Saturday.” Marc Muth: “Yes, it’s time to take my confederate flag decal down, or rather, take it off. After all these years, I still felt it was part of me. Sure, there were and are people around here who see it and sneer, but I have always been man enough to stand up for it and give a lecture or two of my own to point out what it represents. Of course, some folks would have none of it. So, I will take it down and hopefully find something new, fresh and worthy of the bumper on the old Gator. I will scrape off the old ‘I heart New York’ sticker and ask my New Yorker brother to send me another. The others will darn well stay where they are!” Ed Strickler updates: “When I was 12 years old and living in Oceana, Virginia, right around the corner from Columbus Cartwright, we had another kid who ran around with us even though he was four years younger, Ken Spitzer ’66. We remained friends, and Ken came with my parents on a couple of occasions to visit me at VMI. He said that I had some influence on him as to his decision to attend the Institute. Ken graduated in 1966 and went on to receive his master’s and Ph.D. and is now the chair of the Department of Physiology at the University of Utah School Of Medicine. Not bad for a little kid from Oceana who Columbus and I picked on! When we were in Ogden, Utah, I contacted Ken, and we had lunch after not seeing each other for at least 53 years. It was a great visit and hope it won’t be another 53 years!” Skip Davis: “A couple of weeks ago, you sent an email suggesting we all ‘advertise’ VMI as much as possible. Here is a picture of my car with appropriate advertising. I have a friend who has a sarcastic sense of humor, and he says he can find my car in

any parking lot because it looks like it belongs to a VMI recruiter. I agree and told him that at least it doesn’t look like it belongs to a William and Mary wussie!” John Anthony: “The attached pictures of my granddaughter, Sarah Rain Anthony, and son Jamie (James), father of my 14-year-old grandson, Lucius Jordan Anthony, who is presently in a marine science summer camp in the Florida Keys and coming to visit me this Friday. It would be hard to find a more strikingly handsome and beautiful twosome. John is still President and chief executive officer of the National Council on U.S. – Arab Relations and sitting on two Secretary of State committees, including the Subcommittee on Sanctions (Iran). In addition to 25 full-time university student summer interns in the council’s flagship 10-week program on ‘Arabia and the Gulf,’ in which John is the lead resource specialist and lecturer, the council has been continuously planting one emerging leadership seed after another in its Model Arab League/Youth Leadership Development Programs – now 20 nationally and eight internationally. One new MAL for high school students in 2015-16 will be in Tampa, Florida, headquarters of the U.S. Central Command; America’s lead forward deployed armed services commitment to Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond. (This was BR Binnie’s last active duty command!) This past year, the council launched a university Model Arab League there, with Central Command officers John had just taken to Oman participating as speakers and advisors. John also reported that Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal AlSa’ud, who recently announced he will donate his entire $23 billion fortune to charity upon his death, appointed John chairman of his North American Bridge Network, a

Class of 1962: Sarah Anthony and James Anthony. 67

Class Notes coalition of six American nongovernmen- keep busy with the outside and firewood (100 whose son is a longtime employee of BR Al tal organizations including John’s National year old oak taken down before it fell on the Bamforth. In July, we returned to Roswell, Council that Prince Alwaleed has, for some house). I do have help from Tori, my grand- Georgia, where we welcomed a new granddaughter, and, on occasion, Duncan, my son, Sean Lloyd Nichols, who is thriving. years, been supporting.” Don DeLuca: “As for news or lack thereof grandson. That is about it. I am active, feeling While there, we were able to also attend some – I donated a number of items to both the good and taking care of myself and the two baseball games where our other grandson VMI and the New Market Museums this dogs. I have obtained a carry permit and open was playing in the nine-and-under Tennessee year. I have been a New Market and Civil carry a Smith & Wesson 9mm all of the time.” World Series near Nashville. Life is good.” Skip Davis: “We just returned from our terWar collector for many years. My donated George Meredith: “Am putting finishing items are now on display. Collecting has been touches on my new e-book, ‘On Improving rific 45th anniversary trip through the U.K., Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery.’ It’ll go to Scotland and Ireland. Sharon and I have alone of the great passions of my life.” Wayne Pacine: “I continue to work at the press Sept. 1 as a Kindle read. Contents in- ways enjoyed London; the Cotswold’s were Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve clude: partial resection of the inferior turbi- uniquely British, with quaint stone cottages in System here in Washington. While I thor- nate, rapid maxillary expansion in the young a bucolic setting. Edinburg is classic, and the oughly enjoy the work that I do, the ‘r’ word adult, salvage of the failed UPPP and the Scots are rebellious and fun! Missed ‘Nessie’ at Inverness but had an amazing cruise is constantly on my mind. Most of over the top of Scotland into Ireland. my time is spent on addressing cyber We really enjoyed great scenery, hissecurity issues, and I still do the fortory and good whiskey (Irish and eign travel routine, but, ‘it ain’t what Scotch). Glad for the opportunity! it used to be.’ My four legged son, We are doing well and continue to Bullet, is constantly at my side, and enjoy our Sandpoint cottage. Really he continues to excel in competidry though and severe fire danger tive agility trials. Every weekend, I here in the west. Praying for a wet shoot skeet/trap and enjoy watchwinter!” ing the guys who are at least 40 years Bill Harris: “Only news we have younger than me wonder how that is the weird way our government old geezer cleans their clocks! Jolin works. Our son, Mike, who was and I are looking forward to the stationed in Germany, was recentbig 55th Reunion (or is it really just ly transferred to Fort Hood (as a our 25th). When they say that ‘time government civilian), only to find marches on,’ I guess they know out he is being sent to Kuwait for what they are talking about.” Class of 1962: From left, Kris, Rob, Bob and Nancy Miller. six months in September. We have John Cooke: “Gene Bunn, whom I coached at Kellam High School in Virginia same team to insure safety in the operating to go down to pick up his vehicle to store in Beach, has been named the 10th best football room. It’ll target primarily commercial truck- our garage for six months! Dumb!” Doug Marechal: “Jim Vest, Chris Cartplayer in the history of Virginia Tech football. ers and airline pilots.” Cal Lloyd: “Ann and I have been having a wright, Lewis Graybill and I had breakfast He was a defensive back there in the ’70s and still holds the career record there for most in- busy summer. We celebrated our 50th wed- in Lexington today. We talked about our terceptions (19). His son, Brandon Bunn ’09, ding anniversary June 10. The celebration 55th Reunion and upcoming football season played at VMI for one year. He was a wide started in mid-May when we had a family at VMI. Several of us are going to The Citareceiver but transferred to Catawba College gathering in Milton, Georgia, with our two del game Nov. 7 in Charleston; any brother because VMI didn’t pass a lot. He set records children, Cal III ’90 and Erin, and their rats interested in joining us, call me at (540) at Catawba for receiving. VMI lost a good re- families. We next flew to Paris in June and 942-4300. Binnie’s report to parents of new enjoyed a river cruise on the Seine to visit cadets was really well done. Many nice ceiver when they lost him.” Jim Woods: “Per request for news: Only the Normandy American Cemetery and projects are underway, especially the new the usual. I am slowly moving ‘stuff’ out of beaches. Many members of our cruise were all-purpose athletic facility on Rt. 11 next the house. Not a small job, considering that veterans – two actually participated in the Nor- to Cameron Hall. Great things continue to the house contains/contained four house- mandy campaign. While touring the Pointe happen during our BR Peay’s energetic and holds (Anne and I; Anne’s mother’s; Anne’s du Hoc Ranger Monument, we encountered dedicated leadership.” Jerry Burnett: “In September 2014, I had grandmother’s; my parents’; and my sister’s). three VMI’ers from the Class of ’70 traveling A lot is being donated – AKS (they pick up), together. We celebrated our anniversary on the both knees partially replaced (my golf game Goodwill, dog pound, etc. – and the rest is trip back up river to Paris. One of the couples was suffering, as well as my work). Joy’s boxed and waiting for the estate sale. I also helping us celebrate was Bill and Ellie Clark, 98-year-old mother died in April in Auburn, 68

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Alabama. Bill Mizell and I finally won our flight at the Princess Anne member/guest golf tournament and made it to the Championship Shootout, which we did not win. Monty and Carol Williams, Bill Mizell and Lisa, Joy and I enjoyed dinner together, with some good roommate and VMI stories. Due to good knees (now), I have enjoyed a successful golf season: hole-in-one at Princess Anne; runner-up in the Kinderton Country Club Invitational Golf Tourney (Senior Division); and last but not least, I scored a one over par (72) on my 74th birthday last week. Joy and I are going to Greece in September for a visit and an international golf tourney. In October, we go to Florida for another visit and national golf tourney. We are both healthy. I am working full time in my dermatology practice, as well as timber farming, wildlife, real estate, commander of our local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, visiting and playing with six grandchildren, and playing golf in my spare time.” Ron Wagner: “It is most enjoyable to learn of the activities of our BRs. A couple of months ago, Cammy’s M.D. gave her an ‘allclear’ on her breast cancer, which was found in December 2013. After radiation treatment, we learned that she had a condition called HER2, which required infusion every three weeks for a year in addition to chemo. Through the grace of God, she’s had a minimum of side effects. Tomorrow, we are off for a trip through New England in celebration of our 41st anniversary. A very good thing! Will get to 2015 Stellafane Convention (amateur telescope makers) in Vermont and see a lot of scopes. Earlier this year, we spent time in Germany with Munich friends and then took our second Viking River cruise (down the Danube). When we can, we travel! Cammy follows BRs Jerry and Candy Wagner and Bill and Christa Harris on Facebook, and we keep procrastinating on get-togethers.” Fred Mangino: I think I told you last time I had an operation (May 13) to remove a kidney infected with cancer. I’m recovering nicely and am ready to return to normal life, which includes playing racquetball several times a week and bowling in the fall league. Also, plan to play racquetball (and bowl) in the New Jersey Senior Olympics in September. Unfortunately, I was not recovered 2015-Issue 4

significantly enough to attend the wedding of Maj. Steve Raveia ’04. I became friends with Steve while he was the last company commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. As you know, I was the chief of the Installation Safety Office when Fort Monmouth closed because of the 2006 Base Realignment & Closure.” William Clarke: “A brief resume on my younger brother, Edward Lee Clarke, Born Aug. 2, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. He attended John Marshall High School in Richmond. He was co-captain of his football team and was chosen as an all-state and allsouthern player. He held the school record in the shot-put for several decades. He attended VMI on a football scholarship and played linebacker for John McKenna for three years. He and his wife decided to marry after his junior year, so he left school. He immediately became employed by Johnson Service Co., which resulted in a job transfer to Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Rita, and two of his eventual four daughters. (They lost one daughter tragically to leukemia.) Ed finished college with a degree in engineering and a master’s degree from the University of Texas. In Dallas, he met two other manufacturers’ representatives in the same industry, and they formed a new enterprise which became Flow Design Inc. The company was back integrated over a brief time to become a complete manufacturer of control valves for industrial and monumental heating and air conditioning systems with distribution in the USA, Europe and the Mideast. Ed was president and held several patents crucial to Flow Design success. The company was sold in 2000 to a British concern. Ed was the consummate outdoorsman and hunter. He hunted all over the globe but was most interested in waterfowl. He joined Delta Waterfowl and served as an officer on its board of directors for a number of years. Ed died quietly June 26, 2015, unable to survive an aortic heart valve procedure. He is sorely missed by many loved ones.” Sam Clement: I saw Bill Mizell a couple of weeks ago at a funeral in Norfolk, and we talked about the fine job you’re doing. I’m sorry that I’m not a sender of news and don’t keep much in touch with classmates at a distance, but I’m just not as outgoing as I should be. However, Dolores and I had

supper a week ago in Fredericksburg with Syd Bradbury. He seems to be doing fine – still working and regularly playing in a softball league. Not bad for a 75-year-old with a history of heart problems.” Rosser Bobbitt: “All is going well with Kate and me. Kate’s term as interim rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church will come to an end soon. Below is a picture of Kate and me. I’m still working, but only halftime. Picture shows me at a Javelin missile test at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.” Jerry Wagner: “I finally retired from the financial world in January after 27 years. Candy and I are enjoying the freedom. Seeing the grandchildren, being deeply involved in the Episcopal Church and riding my motorcycle are first priorities. I also just completed a 5,000 mile trip out west on my Harley. I spent a week at Sturgis bike week. There were over a million motorcycles in the Sturgis, South Dakota, area. Sturgis bike week is the largest gathering in the world of motorcycles. Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Devils Tower, and so many of great landmarks out there. I got all the way up into Montana. I’m looking forward to another great long distance ride next year. I post my pictures on Facebook. I am inviting my BRs to friend me on Facebook. Tony, please let the class know that VMI is doing a river cruise next spring from Nuremburg to Prague. Cartwrights and Wagners are going. Hopefully more classmates will join us. Info on cruise is on VMI website.” Bob Miller: “In June, we went to Orlando, Florida, (as you know) to watch our oldest granddaughter play in the AAU national volleyball championships. It was fun! A couple of weeks after returning home, we headed to Atlantis in the Bahamas for a week. Went with our daughter, Kris, and her son, Rob (hopefully Class of 2027). Then at the end of June, I marshaled at the Quicken Loans National golf tournament. Got my YouTube moment when Ryo Ishikawa got a hole-inone. I was working on the tee box and the Japanese TV crew was shooting from the green, so I’m shown behind Ryo. First holein-one I’ve seen in person. In November, we head to Germany for a cruise down the Rhine visiting the Christmas Markets.” Think 55th Reunion in only 90 weeks! Tony and Jerry 69

Class Notes

’63

Michael J. Curley

And so, here I sit in front of my computer on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Aug. 15 to be exact, writing my quarterly term paper otherwise known as “the notes,” and I am wishing I was anywhere but here. But, I have a task to perform! So, after collecting all the photos presented me, examining them for size, etc., editing them for quality and legibility, selecting the best five and captioning them, I’m finally ready to start writing “the notes.” Procrastination may be the primary reason for my tardiness in beginning this task, but subconsciously, I believe it’s the sad way that I must begin too many of these articles lately ... and that is with announcements of death within our close brotherhood. So, suddenly I don’t feel so bad about this chore, since I am still here to actually do it. Very grateful for my own good pulse and respiration; I guess that’s the secret, huh? So, since I’m still able to write, and you’re still able to read, then we must be God’s chosen children to remain here on earth as our departed brethren are chosen to pass on to their reward. May they rest in peace. We are all still the Class of 1963, aren’t we? James G. Todd III From John Mills: “Mike, Jim grew up in Portsmouth and Judy knew him – also

Class of 1963: Jim Ellis showing off his beer stein collection to Billy Wray while Billy and Buff DeLeo were visiting Jim and Tik Ellis in Temple, Texas. 70

some of his close friends – apparently he got a very fast acting brain tumor about three weeks ago and died from that. His first wife died some time ago, and he remarried last year. Don’t know anything further about him, but his funeral is today. We’re in Portsmouth fairly often; shame we didn’t get him involved ... or maybe he didn’t want to get involved, like a number of BRs who spent four years with us!” (mjc: Jean’s address and phone number are online at www.vmi73.net) From Fred McBride: “Dang, we were on the rat football and judo teams together. Thanks for forwarding the obituary. Fred.” You may read Jim’s obituary at http:// www.legacy.com/obituaries/pilotonline/ obituary.aspx?pid=175444204 Carlos A. Loop Jr. From Mike Curley: “I was having dinner last night at a local Pub with Brother Rat Pat Kelly, visiting from Hamilton, Texas, when we received a call from Billy Wray relaying a message from Buff DeLeo (also from Greenville) that Carlos had died. I sent out a notice to the class this morning and received this email back from Denny Marchant that I am sure you will enjoy.” “Jean, please accept the condolences from the Class of ’63 on your loss. I remember Carlos as a gentle and sincere young man from those many years ago at the Institute and can be sure that he was a good husband to you, father to your daughter and especially a good grandfather. Seems that’s a common goal among our class, to be great granddads!” You may read Carl’s obituary at http:// www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsobserver/obituary.aspx?pid=175411789 James Reginald Davis From Linda Crowley: “C and Reg were roommates three of your four years at VMI. Reg was C’s best man, and C was Reg’s best man, so we were very glad to have gotten the information so we could go to the burial.” From Frank Drake: “I am very sorry to hear of the death of Reggie. He and I were both in C Company and Armor, so I knew and liked him very much. Frank.” From Pat Kelly: “Thanks for the notice, Mike. I did not know Reggie was sick, so this came as a surprise. Reggie was one of my rat roommates. I always admired Reggie

and marveled at his attention to detail and quiet, contemplative personality; so different from my ready, fire, aim attitude. I guess that is why he was such a success at Fork Union. I am sorry that I am in Ireland right now and unable to attend his funeral, but I hope some of our BRs will make the trip and give him a proper VMI send-off. George Delk and wife Judy were there, and George brought a picture of Jackson’s burial detail at VMI to display near the burial site. C and George saluted Reg’s casket by tapping the class ring on the casket, as you all have done for other BRs. Jackie was touched by the tradition and was glad we were able to come to wish Reg farewell. Reg had been dealing with Parkinson’s for several years, and this had been a very difficult year. Jackie broke her hip in November and had some complications following that, so with that and Reg’s illness, it was hard on them and the family. Reg is now at peace, and his pain and other difficulties are past. May all his BRs remember his laugh and any other special qualities and special memories they have of Reg at VMI or in the Army. He will be missed by all. You may read Reggie’s obituary at http:// www.dailyprogress.com/obituaries/davisjames-reginald/article_dc19eacd-2b285997-ab43-3d95c23194f9.html (mjc: On the next to last day of Pat’s visit, Gwen Kelly had a heart event, spent two days in the hospital in Texas. Scared the hell out of us but was released with a clean bill of health the next day. Time for a happy dance, maybe?) And, here is the email news (mjc: not exactly breaking!) chronologically from May 15 to the present (Aug. 15) ... trying something new today since there has been a scarcity of news from the troops this quarter! Mike Smither, May 17: “Mike, I arrived safely just before noon yesterday at Beau Walker’s house. Went to dinner last night with Judy and John Mills. Good times. Thanks much to Peg and you for your wonderful accommodations and for rescuing your BR. (mjc: I found him wandering the streets of Henrico County, lost, alone and hungry.) I feel so good about my stay at VMI and with you and at Beau’s and also seeing the Mills. I am blessed. Hope the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes class notes were completed and hope you had/are having a nice time with family. I also hope to see you again soon. Rah Virginia Mil! Mike.” Billy Wray, May 18: “Dear Carl (Colonna): This picture was taken last Friday in Colquitt, Georgia. John and Veryl Cockey are happily married and living here. Buff DeLeo and I left their home at 6 p.m. Friday evening and arrived at Buff DeLeo’s home at 6 a.m. Saturday. We are a praying for you, BR! Best! Bill.” (mjc: This was the first of a number of installments of Bill and Buff summer cross country trip.) Bonnie Reeder, May 19: “Just had some time this morning to read your class notes. I am so impressed with how you write, how you cover so much for so many, all for our enjoyment. You write well. (mjc: Aw, shucks ... thanks!) It’s fun and interesting to see what all Ken’s classmates are doing. Love the Chuck stories; that party was the best-ever! We know it helped tremendously with healing. We were so glad Kenny was able to speak with so many in attendance. What a gift that party was! We are so prayerful and hopeful Chuck will come through his treatments and emerge victorious. (mjc: We pray!) He and Christi are doing all possible. We think it is wonderful BRs continue to visit him. Buffy was just there with Billy Wray and others. Wish we could partake more, take some trips, but we can’t. We are always there in spirit, trust me. You will never know what a gift our VMI friends are ... we don’t take any of it for granted. So special. So glad to know ‘Field of Lost Shoes’ is available. Will give to Ken for Father’s Day. Michael, I hope you enjoy a fine Father’s Day with Peg and your family.” Artie Phaup, May 24: “Mike, 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1963: Dennis and Linda Crowley joined Pat Kelly, right, in Appomattox, Virginia.

Class of 1963: Pat Kelly, right, visiting Chuck Weddington at the ranch.

Class of 1963: At Roger Craddock’s place in Kingwood, Texas, were, from left, Roger, Billy Wray and Buff DeLeo. Billy and Buff were on their recent swing through all places South and East. Class Agent Mike Curley said of this photo, “Billy, I want those pants for auction at the 55th!”

happy Memorial Day! When you have a moment, take a look at our mobile site at m.vmi63.net. I’ve optimized it for the smartphone screen in the portrait view. It plays well on my iPhone 6. How does it look on your phone? It’s a scaled down version of the full site, offering class notes, roster search and listing of those who entered and have passed. Let me know what you think. Art.” (mjc: Art has given us a marvelous tool that we can use to access our brother rats’ contact information, anywhere and anytime. Try it out! Nice job and thanks, Art!) Billy Wray, May 26: “Gentlemen, Our BR Jim Ellis now lives in Temple, Texas, with wife Tik; Buff DeLeo and I were their house guests recently. The following day we drove to Mount Calm, Texas, to visit Chuck and Christi Weddington; then to Colquitt, Georgia, to visit Veryl and John Cockey; then on to Greenville, North Carolina, where I left Buff for my three hour trip to Richmond. About 4,500 miles in six days! Best! Bill.” Jan Lacy, June 6: “Mike, I sent the ring after we spoke. It’s shipping via UPS and is to arrive Thursday. Please let me know when it arrives. I insured it for $500 – have no idea of its worth. I will also make arrangements to have my miniature sent to the same program when I reach the end of the runway. Hugs, J.” (mjc: Thanks much, Jan, for your gift and for the wonderful reminder of our legacy program.) Bromby Earle, June 10: “Good news about my recent eye problem. The retina may take up to three months for this to reattach. Three years ago, the left eye did the same thing, and it is fine now. Hoping for the same with the right eye. I have been cleared for 71

Class Notes golf! B.” (mjc: Now that’s the really impor- well both academically and militarily, hav- Hopefully you and Peg can come for a visit. ing been offered command of a battalion, Of course, anytime you guys want a break tant news, isn’t it, Brom?) From Jack Parks, June 11: “I planned a which she declined in favor of staying with for surf, sand and a bedroom overlooking the seafood spree for BRs Saturday, Sept. 26, Bravo Company. Sharp young lady and a Atlantic, just give a call. Oh, before I forget: rain or shine. I will need a count of those good investment for ’63. Hope this finds you did Teak’s feature on the nuns ever get there? coming and maybes by Aug. 15 so I can or- doing well. Best to you and Peg, and warm- (mjc: Tes, great read ... should’ve been given the damned Pulitzer.) Slightly embarrassing. der the seafood. The menu will be Chesa- est regards from Bonnie.” From Denny Marchant, July 13: “Good Twice retuned for the same ZIP code error. peake blue crab, oysters, shrimp and clams; all you can eat. I plan to charge about $10-15 Afternoon, Mike. Just got this picture Good thing I hadn’t done something like per person. Wives or friends are welcome. It from Harry Redd when the Redds and the build bridges. Love to Peg. Tom and Teak.” will be at my house near Melfa, Virginia. Marchants spent a week in the Berkshire (mjc: My daughter, Britt, says their place on Abe Patterson, Charlie Watson, Gary Her- Hills. (mjc: No picture attached, Denny ... Daytona Beach is spectacular in every way, mon and I get together every year for several newlyweds!) Had a great time. Mair and and Peg and I are definitely planning on a days, and I thought that it would be nice for I have now been married four-and-a-half visit, you guys! For your information, Tom other BRs to join us on the Saturday for a months, and we still are enjoying life togeth- broke the caps lock key on his Radio Shack seafood spree. I will provide directions to my er. We spent 12 days in Pensacola, Florida, TRS-80 years ago!) Bromby Earle, Aug. 14: “Today this adorhouse later. Can you put out the announce- with some friends; then with the Redds in able baby alpaca (cria) was born ment for me and help coordinate at Gibby’s funny farm. Do not it? I don’t have the BR email adknow if it is a boy or girl. Momma dresses. Jack.” (mjc: Please reis Trinket, a black. Not sure about spond to Jack at saxis@gmail. daddy – either Charlie Brown or com) Nitro. The cria had a lot of brown. From Ken Reeder: “Attended Always lots going on at the farm. the greater New Jersey/New We love babies.” (mjc: Note to the York City/Delaware Valley sumclass, please send all your spare bamer alumni dinner June 15 at the bies to Bromby and Bob!) Baltusrol Golf Club with Bonnie Final note from Bob Gregory, and our oldest daughter, Amy. EnAug. 15: “St. Michael’s Episcojoyable occasion. Met and talked to the new football coach, Coach Class of 1963: Mike Curley, left, and Pat Kelly, right, bearing pal Church in Bon Air invites the VMI community to join them Wach. Seems like a good person valuable gifts for Bob Earle, center, on his 75th birthday. Sunday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m. and fits the VMI mold. Liked his approach regarding plans for the VMI MA; then at a Timeshare with Mair’s family as they celebrate the themes of justice, rafootball program. All wished him well. He in Hilton Head Island; and the last 11 days cial reconciliation and healing in a service seems to understand that the alumni are in Lexington, Virginia, with Kent and Mary honoring Jonathan Daniels ’61 and the looking for a return to winning! When asked Wilson. Now it is downtime until Aug. 23, 50th anniversary of his martyrdom durabout the football program budget, athletic when Mair’s granddaughter gets married in ing the Civil Rights Movement. Daniels, a director Diles stood up and announced the Charleston, South Carolina. Latest news. 1961 graduate of VMI, was an Episcopal seminarian who answered Rev. Dr. Martin football budget falls short of their needs by Have a blessed week. Love to all.” From Tom Whitford, July 19: “Hey, Cur- Luther King Jr.’s plea to help register Afabout $400,000. Having this money would greatly help obtain scholarship athletes, leyrat: Hope the super-busy times are slow- rican-American voters in Alabama. Danespecially in the football program! In addi- ing down a bit. About a year ago, I men- iels joined in the voting rights march from tion, met Chris Brandriff ’06, the son of Art tioned the thunderbirds were in Daytona for Selma to Montgomery in March 1965 and Brandriff ’59 who was a ‘McKenna’ man a ‘wings and waves’ program that was pretty continued to register voters in Alabama and in Jim Sam Gillespie’s ’59 class you neat. In fact, they were flying close enough during summer 1965. On Aug. 20, 1965, may remember. Chris is taller than his father to our balcony that I thought about inviting Daniels was shot and killed as he protected and me, as well. Nice guy and nice represen- one in for a cup of coffee. The next day, I a young African-American woman who tative of VMI!” (mjc: Ken, don’t forget we’re watched from the ocean, and it might’ve was a fellow civil rights activist. “St. Michael’s joins many Episcopal been even more spectacular. I thought it was shrinking!) Bunny Reynolds, June 28: “In case you an annual event, but Teak (ever the reporter) churches throughout Virginia who are remissed it in the Institute Report, Morgan called Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Univer- membering the Aug. 20 death of Jonathan Robinson ’15 was one of ‘our’ cadets; a sity and learned it’s every other year. When Daniels. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church pretty successful one. She apparently did the date for ’16 is announced, I’ll give a call. is located at 8706 Quaker Lane, Bon Air, 72

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes now; maybe I can get together in the future.” John Thornton. “Am leaving tomorrow (Thursday, June 4) to attend Keydet Club Leadership Outing in Lexington. Walt Sykes and ‘Road Warrior’ Bob Warren are also attending. We were all graciously invited to stay at Buzz and Jane Birzeniek’s. John R. Cavedo “Next week, I am joining the Garbers and Dick and Susan Atkinson, who will be staying with Walt Sykes for a mini at the rivah. Bill and Millie McVey, who will also be in the area, have invited Jenny Cummings Don’t know how many of you read all Agnor to stay with them. The McVeys have the way through the Alumni Review, but rented a cottage for a month or so. I am sure on page 186 of the 2015-Issue 3 Review is you will be receiving an extended narrative an article honoring the farewell of memof lies about golf and other frivolity after bers from the board of the VMI Foundathe weekend and hopefully pictures you can tion. George Rapport, who continues use.” to exemplify service and honor, was one The last week of May, Tom and Yvonne of the departing members. He had been Myers dropped by our condo in Holly Hill, chairman of that board for five years. Florida, and spent the night. They were beJust a few pages further on – page 190 – is ginning a three month driving tour an article about the new Keydet with plans to go to the West Coast, Club Board of Governors memthen north and then back home bers. Our Buzz Birzenieks was through Colorado. All while pullnamed the vice president. Buzz ing their fifth wheel, camping has been an active and supportand visiting friends and family. ive member of that board for “Camping” might not be descripmany years now. tive, since their fifth wheel is about The Class of ’64 thanks both of as luxurious as you can get. these outstanding brother rats! On May 31, Sherrel and I joined Al Fiorini provided some inW.J. and Lauranne Kitchen on formation on his most recent a two week trip to Japan. They comings and goings. “I am still flew from San Diego through San working, I guess. I did purchase a Francisco to Narita International home in Naples Quail West Golf Class of 1964: At their family reunion in Virginia in May 2015, were, outside of Tokyo. We took sepacommunity last June. Has over from left, Shannon Nunnally Pomp, Noel Nunnally Schulz, Joan rate flights through Los Angeles, 2,700 square feet of covered and and Butch Nunnally, and Charles Ward Nunnally. finally meeting at our hotel in screened outdoor living, which we really enjoyed. We spent most of the winter back, and I was down for a few more months. downtown Tokyo late at night. Then it was a whirlwind tour of Japan; there, except when we were traveling. Com- Thought I was OK and then had a stroke pany grew 25 percent again in 2014 for the and lost vision in left eye this spring. Doctors several days in four different cities. Traveled third year in a row. I am on the waitlist for the have been treating me, and I have some vi- by slow train, the bullet train (speeds exceedATT Pebble Beach Pro Am for 2016. When sion back, but doctors don’t think I will ever ing 200 miles per hour) and bus. Lots of bus not working, I play a lot of golf. Hope to trav- get it all back. I am getting along better now rides. In each city, we toured the highlights el with the VMI group in the next couple of but am slow to recover. I did get a chance to and also were taken to various cultural places years so we can rekindle relationships with talk to Danny DeForrest for a little bit and within bus rides of the various cities. Lots my roommate, Richard Chebatoris, on the of shrines, temples, parks and restaurants. the class. I truly enjoyed our 50th.” Many of you know that Leo Roach has phone after reunion. They were doing well While Lauranne and W.J. (west coasters) enbeen diagnosed with severe dementia. Tom at that time. Since I am limited in travel, joyed all the sushi and other Asian dishes, Myers, a close friend of Leo’s, sent the fol- I don’t go far. Also, am helping with my those culinary delights weren’t high on my lowing: “I spoke with Leo’s brother, Jon, youngest son’s children, as he is in the personal list. But I didn’t go hungry. We who gave me an address and phone number North Carolina National Guard and on did thoroughly enjoy seeing the people and for Leo – (434) 812-3059; 330 Claremont his fourth overseas deployment. Have to go their culture up close and personal. Lots of

VA. For more information, please contact St. Michael’s at 804-272-0992 or visit their website: www.stmichaelsbonair.org.” May God bless us all! Please remember our brother rats on the gim in your prayers!

’64

2015-Issue 4

Lane, Apt. 209, Crozet, VA 22932. Leo was recently – don’t know how long ago – moved to a section of the development where others with Alzheimer’s live. Ginny is in the same condo she and Leo moved to early in 2014, about 100 yards from Leo. Ginny walks to Leo’s and brings him to her place and then returns him. Neither of them drive anymore. Brother Jon, age 80-plus, and his wife, Jane, live in Richmond and know Butch and Joan Nunnally well. Leo’s son, Dan, lives about 20 minutes from his mom and dad, and Leo has a daughter in northern Virginia.” Ancher Madison has had tough medical times recently. He did, however, bring me up to date, “Sorry I missed 50th. Was in prep for surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from my kidneys. I made it through that, and a couple of months later, they removed a class 2 melanoma from my back. The additional surgery put many staples and stiches in my

Class Notes May, and we managed to get a shower tiled ... that is the last major bathroom renovation we have to undertake. After four or five weeks, we headed back to Florida. On the way here, we spent nearly two weeks at son Matt’s, where we helped him finish painting his house. I thought I was doing a good job of staying hydrated, but on the day we were leaving, I had a kidney stone attack. I wasn’t sure what in Hades was going on, but the local emergency room had me in and out in about five hours. The stone was small (I never Class of 1964: John Cavedo and Tom want a big one) and apparently passed. The Myers at the Cavedo condo in Holly Hill, Florida, May 2015. good news was with the meds; Sandy had to drive home from North Carolina. It was like having a chauffeur! interaction, and we went many places not on “Wow. It is great being back in Florida any normal tourist list. We spent a mornwith no hard physical labor to do ... at least ing in a home of a local liquor store owner for a while. whose wife owned 50 expensive “The twins, parents and grandkimonos. Both Lauranne and parents are all doing quite well. Sherrel were formally “dressed.” Miles has a cleft lip and will be Apparently it’s much too complioperated on when he weighs 10 cated a process to do by oneself. pounds, has a hemoglobin count We did make several new friends of 10 and is at least 10 weeks old. who were on the same trip. That’s The cleft does not go into the palone of the best things about travelate but does affect the dental ridge. ing with a group; meeting others He is able to feed just fine (a probwith the same interests but comlem sometimes with cleft palates), pletely varying backgrounds. so that is a blessing. Things could We all came home exhausted. have been much worse. (For us, it was a 38 hour day “I signed up for another six week without sleep due to the two long course in ‘location lighting’ at the flights and the 13 hour time difference) Somehow it takes longer for Class of 1964: At the Rappahannock River in June 2015 were, local art center. The instructor this old body to recover from such from left, Bill McVey, Walt Sykes, Bill Garber and Dick Atkinson. brings in a different model each week and coaches us on setting up trips than it did two decades ago. Dick Atkinson continues to provide good this writing where those particular bricks will lighting (something I will never invest in). as information. “Here is a picture of the four be placed, but the decision will come before well as coaching how to work with models ... etiquette, posing etc. It is good practice and golfers from our mini reunion at Walt this fall when bricks are realigned. Dan DeForrest sent an email: “It has forces me to think about what I am doing.” Sykes’ place. Jenny Agnor Cummings took the photo. Unfortunately, all of the other been a busy few months for us. We spent pictures I have so far didn’t turn out (and three-plus weeks at son Dan’s in Indy helpthis one looks like it distorts Bill McVey and ing get his house ready to put on the marme – but maybe that is just what we look ket. You wouldn’t believe all the work we like). I will write up a report for you. Great did. My brother, Pat, and Jason also came time was had by all, except just before we to help. We gutted one bathroom, painted left, Walt fell in the river and then got home the house (inside and out), replaced garage door openers, tore down vine incrusted and his electricity was out.” Michael Degman wrote with all of his fences, etc. He got the house on the market information for me to add to my roster. At about five weeks ago. One semi-serious ofClass of 1964: At the Brittingham home in August 2015, were, from left, Jim present, he is listed by VMI with the Class fer thus far. He and his ‘friend,’ Kate, will and Joyce Brittingham and Laura and of ’65, but he’s our brother rat. He roomed move to St. Pete sometime soon. Mark Nelson. “We go to camp in the Adirondacks in late with a few of us all four years but graduated with ’65. I’ve instructed him to contact VMI directly to make changes. (Just as the rest of you need to do when anything changes in your contact information.) After making 72 moves during his lifetime, he thinks his current address in Alaska might last awhile. Over the past three months, there has been a project regarding the VMI brick program. With Cliff Crittsinger’s initiative, several of our brother rats have donated one of their spare bricks in order to provide a brick for each of the cadets killed at New Market. Additionally, virtually every deceased brother rat now has a brick; again donated by living brother rats with spare bricks. The only down side is that nearly half of those of us still living have no brick. There’s nothing more to be done in this regard. VMI wasn’t certain as of

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Warren Budd and I had a nice long teleBill Garber sent an update” “It’s been a Mickey Finn busy spring and summer. Marion and I vis- phone conversation. He’s still working in the ited our son, who is commanding an aviation insurance industry, even though he limits battalion at Fort Irwin, California. We then himself to only a few hours each day. One went to the mini reunion on the Northern of his sons has joined the business. Warren Neck of Virginia with Sykes, Atkinsons, said he never plans to retire; he loves what he Lots of input, so let’s get started! McVeys, Thorntons and others. Principally a does. Several of his grandchildren joined him Michael Sexton wrote, “To pick one out golf outing, the quality of play suffered from this summer for a wonderful 18 days of frolic, of all the memories that I will cherish forVirginia’s summer heat and humidity, our adventures and excitement. I also had a nice conversation with Hank ever is tough, but I will say that to see all diminishing skills and McVey’s insistence on carrying only four clubs. We’ve also visited Cronin. Elizabeth has had a lot of issues my BRs, most of whom I hadn’t seen since graduation, would be my choice. with the Bob Warrens on their To think that I was not going to trips up and down the coast. Bob make it till my daughter, Christine, was in eastern North Carolina on convinced me that we had to go business recently, sporting a new on the 19th of April is remarkable! business card. Then I saw he reJust thinking about it rekindles tired (again) from, I suppose, his my spirit for VMI, my BRs and previous post. Bob is the Enerthe wonderful traditions that the gizer Bunny – an inspiration to Institute embodies. What Bennie us all! Two more grandsons are Peay [’62], et al., have done since headed to college – one to Belour graduation is impressive; the mont University in Nashville and post never looked better, and VMI the other to Virginia Tech. Finally, continues to gain in its reputation we celebrated in mid-August with our daughter, Terri, upon comple- Class of 1964: On a safari in Tanzania in August 2015 were, from throughout the world as a ‘special’ tion of her Ph.D. requirements at left, Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen, the Andersons (Mary Jo’s brother place – a place whose graduates and sister-in-law), Mary Jo Jordan, Bill Bandy, Penny Kaliski, and are leaders in their chosen fields, Arizona State University. She will Susan and Dick Atkinson. Unidentified guides in front row. with that ‘can-do’ attitude that be a postdoctoral fellow at UNC’s with non-melanoma skin cancers and hasn’t do not have to take a backseat to anyone. School of Nursing in Chapel Hill this fall.” Cliff is still working the New Market Leg- been feeling well. But, they both are hoping Thanks to you and everyone involved who made the weekend so memorable.” acy Award – almost daily, certainly monthly. to move to Lexington in the near future. Dickey Hightower missed the reunion Tom Davis recently headed south. “A numHe and King VonSchilling are meeting with the officers of the Classes of ’16, ’17 and ’18 ber of VMI alumni are heading to Selma, but responded with, “First thanks for the in the next couple of months. The dean will Alabama, as I write this note, to observe the birthday card, and happy birthday to you. be joining them. The purpose of this upcom- 50th anniversary of the death of Jonathan [Class agent note: we share the same birthing get-together is to attempt to make the Daniels ’61 in August 1965. I have several day] Sorry I didn’t make the reunion, but I procedures and selection virtually automatic, keen memories of him, especially his valedic- heard there was a good turnout and it was a requiring less and less active participation by tory address delivered to the Corps in June good time. I will try to make the 55th. Fall the Class of ’64 until the entire process is in- 1961, which brought to an end our rat year is better time for me with my work schedand marked the beginning of our first VMI ule. Also, I might be able to retire by then. grained at VMI. Richard Morning: “Needed more time Dan DeForrest and Bob Warren have both ‘summer break.’ for a decision. My favorite memory was “Two statements about Daniels stand out stepped up and agreed to be responsible for various activities and observances in the event in my mind: 1. Words spoken to the Corps, Ted Goodloe on the stoop of the Best of the death of one of us. Thanks to them from his valedictory address: ‘I wish you Western in the cold rain, dressed in a ski both. A tough job. Please discuss this subject the decency and the nobility of which you jacket and stocking cap, shivering and dewith your families. In the terrible event of one are capable,’ which many of us remember claring he was never warm the whole time of us passing, please have someone contact hearing from him in Cocke Hall; and 2. he was at VMI. Sadly, the reunion was too From Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘One of the short. Not enough time to visit with many me, Dan or Bob. Also, after several years of handling the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have I wished to do so and also participate in birthday cards, Tom Sebrell is handing off heard in my entire ministry was performed planned activities.” Frank Crawley’s thoughts on the rethe responsibility to Bill Garber. Thanks, by Jonathan Daniels.’” Again, in closing, thanks to those who union past: “Yes, I agree that our 50th ReTom. And thank you, Bill, for handling union was a resounding success, thanks to provided inputs to these notes. this task for the class.

’65

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes the hard work, great planning and attention to detail of everyone involved. I was deeply moved by the memorial service in J.M. Hall and appreciate so much the fact that we always remember our brother rats who have died. We who have the good fortune to be alive and healthy enough to attend our 50th Reunion could feel the presence of many of the ones who have passed on. Thanks to you, too, Mickey, for all you do to keep the Class of 1965 connected and informed. I am interested in any information about informal Class of 1965 get-togethers this coming year; particularly home or away football games. So, any information you receive about class gatherings in Lexington, please pass it on to me.” Johnny Mac Marshall did such a fine job with the memorial service and was so often recognized by those in attendance that he was moved to reply. “Dear brother rats, First of all, let me say what an honor it was to be with you in Lexington last month for our reunion ... even more to have been part of the memorial service. Please allow me a moment to help you recall the inscription on the plaques at Washington Arch. It reads: ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.’ This is from a rather famous poem from the time of World War I. What is interesting are the two lines that precede this, which read: ‘They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.’ My prayer for each of us, and for those of us who have already fallen, is that we, too, remain staunch and fall facing the foe so that the years will not condemn.” Thank you, Johnny Mac! David Hillquist reminisced of his journey to the reunion. “I send my thanks to all those who made the reunion what it was, a great success. Kitty and I enjoyed it immensely. It was somewhat taxing for us because of our medical problems; primarily the lack of eyes fit for driving. The unavoidable subsequent tour of the ancestral homelands almost stretched our endurance too far, but we are now well recovered. I’m back to my long forest walks, which keep my neurologically impaired muscles working. Kitty’s preaching on Sundays and administering the church minimally in the waning days of her career. “I hope you will all feel encouraged to visit with us any time you pass through southeast Missouri, as if anyone ever passes through southeast Missouri. Take the invitation seriously,

though. David Hillquist: email hillquistkd@centurytel.net; 121 Riverside Drive, Arcadia, MO 63621; phone 573-546-3828; cellphone 573-3302374.” Don Cummings also wrote upon his arrival at home. “Karolyn and I arrived home in Arizona following our six-week road trip to the reunion and to visit family east of the Mississippi. My vest was waiting for me in the 18-wheeler full of mail that accumulated while we were gone. The medium size was exactly right. Although too late for your May 14 deadline, my most important memory is that I had the opportunity to see everyone again. Also, Karolyn and I had the chance to have dinner with Dave and Charlynne Kovach April 23 in Bluefield, Virginia. Dave, as you recall, was sidelined with health issues at the time. He is much improved now. We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and all who served on the committees could not have done anything more to make it perfect.” From Bill Cather came this wonderful recital of what he has been doing in Birmingham, Alabama, all these years. “I enjoyed our 50th more than any of the others and appreciated so much the people who organized it. My only regret was that there was not enough time to speak with everyone, as there were so many there. I am willing to volunteer to help organize an interim reunion away from the Institute. I think most of us come to see old friends and not a sporting event or to walk the hallowed grounds. “One of the things I am very involved in is saving and preserving the oldest baseball park in the country (see rickwood.com). It was built in 1910 as the home of the double A Birmingham Barons and everyone from Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth to Willie Mays and Regie Jackson played there. When the Barons moved to a suburban field about 30 years ago, it fell into disrepair. Myself and three others met for coffee one morning and decided we would jump in and save it. Now 23 years and $3 million later, it is a jewel. We host about 180 games a year with high schools, college and travel teams, but the highlight is the Rickwood Classic with the Barons and another double A team in period uniforms and former major leaguers signing free autographs. It has also been the setting for several movies, with the latest being 42. Being president of the group has allowed me to mingle and chat with the likes of Roger Clemons, Willie Mays, Dale Murphy, Harmon Killebrew, Jimmy Piersall, Gaylord

Perry, etc. and this year, Darryl Strawberry. “As you can tell, baseball has been one of the loves of my life. If you are a baseball fan, look at the website and join me for next year’s Rickwood Classic. (Sports Illustrated lists it as the fourth best baseball attraction in the nation.)” Carr Hyatt said, “I, as you, had a great time at our 50th. I do not have one single moment that I enjoyed more than another, but I very much enjoyed talking with several BRs I had not seen in many years. It was a time I will always remember, and I am already looking forward to football season and our mini reunion in February when we hang out, relive our fun times and see a basketball game. Thanks again for all you have done and continue to do for our class.” Chuck Hough – in response to an email titled, “50 Years Ago Today VMI ’65 Graduated,” from Bob Wilkinson – wrote, “Thanks, Bob. Funny how I remember that day. First of all, standing there on the Parade Ground in the middle of all those empty folding chairs, I had this feeling of loneliness. After four years of this being my ‘home,’ all my brother rats and I were leaving. The other memory is that I was the last one to leave barracks. I had not packed my car and went out to eat with family. I came back and the officer of the day was locking the gate

Class of 1965: Darryl Strawberry, left, who has four World Series rings with the Mets and Yankees, stood in the gift shop of Rockwood Field with Bill Cather and his grandson, William, May 27, 2015, during the Rockwood Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to Jackson Arch. I had to run back and forth again thanks to Lou and Harry and the commit- was mailed to every soul we knew how to conto room 129 to get my things out. I guess I just tee for a perfectly orchestrated event. A special tact. We were a bit late in getting it sent, and if didn’t want to leave!” highlight for us was that Mary Chapman and you have not received one or know of someone Skip Aldous also responded with a great sum- Jean Chambers were at the reunion, bringing who did not get one, we have some left over for mation. “Great memories and friends. Some back memories of roommate Lee and of Owen. this situation. Let Mickey or me know. A special thank you to the social committee, the behindchallenging times to be remembered.” Skip, about (Jean was my wife Susie’s roommate at Sem.)” Lou Siegel reflected on our 50th Reunion. the-scenes group that got it done. First, Vicki that custom Honda dream paint job ... thanks for “Well, we sure had a 50th! All of us who came Gausepohl, for the work she did in arranging your forgiveness of my bone-head move. the Thursday, Friday and Saturday Harry Bartosik thanked his Reoff campus events that many took union Campaign Committee for a job part in – thank you, Vicki. Then well done. “Attached is the final sumthere’s Gen. Granville Amos, Mike mary report to include our reunion Friski and Wayne Chiles, who funds. In summary, our class raised handled the hospitality room issues. $13,241,919.65, and when you add in I never knew all that they did – early the raffle results of $2,565, the grand morning and late-in-the-day visits to total is $13,244.484.65. More imporstores and Crozet Hall for supplies. tantly, our class participation rate was Chuck Hough did the work on the an amazing 90.34 percent, with 215 first and second DVDs and the elecof 238 our brother rats participating. That is among the top 5 participation tronic call-in (and other things too rates since 1955. Since our reunion numerous to mention). Carr Hyatt at the end of April, contributions and Charlie Price handled the Satof about $27,000 were added to the Class of 1965: Rita and Granny Amos celebrated their 50th wed- urday night dinner and ABC license. campaign, as well as the contribu- ding anniversary June 22, 2015. The party was great and filled (And Jamie Hyatt reminded us of with lifetime friends and family at a country club near their several things we had overlooked tion of several individuals who had Fredericksburg, Virginia, home. for Saturday night. Like trash cans.) not yet participated in our reunion To Easley Moore, who was the ofcampaign. Each of you is to be congratulated for a job very well done. If ficial treasurer but who got involved you had not been faithful in our quest in many other small details that, to urge as many as possible to come were they not handled, the results and be part of our 50th Reunion and would have been noticeable. To participate in the Reunion Campaign Donny White and Joe Bush for the commensurate with their financial golf event. Richard and Mimi Morsituation, our reunion nor the caming got the band effort started and worked with Easley, who put it in paign would have not been a success. place. Johnny Mac Marshall (assistThank you for allowing me to be your chairman. ’65, ’65, ’65! Harry.” ed by Jamie Marshall) put together a Floyd Taylor wrote, “We have had thoughtful memorial service. Danny one daughter and family consisting Hogan made a great suggestion of of a husband, two rambunctious sending emails regularly to keep all boys and a girl visiting from the chilly Class of 1965: From left, Frazer Orgain ’99, Jan Orgain and Marc appraised of what was going on, and Orgain ’92 at Sabot Hill for the dedication of the road leading Pacific northwest enjoying the 83 dethen managed them. Norm Radford to the airport, named in honor of Al Orgain. The runway there contacted all living professors and gree water in the ocean and 90 degree is now named the Albert Orgain Runway. administrators in the area from our summer heat here in Georgia – the ocean never gets above 53 degrees there, hence back – there was time for talking and renewing era and brought in a tableful. Cliff Fleet worked the fog. Although we skipped the birthday cake, our relationships and eating too much rich food. to be sure that any typical medical requirements It was a wonderful get-together. Let’s not forget, we might have could be accessed quickly. PeI did sustain a calorie assault with my dinner of fried chicken and pie – three kinds, I may add! however, those who did not come back physical- ter Trible ably handled the on-the-ground bus Wasn’t the 50th grand? We should have one ev- ly. I’ve gotten letters and emails from some, and transportation. Buddy Dalton and Skip Stirling I know that the members of the two committees made good suggestions and followed through ery year. ’65! ’65! ’65! Best, Floyd.” Dees Stallings shared, “Thanks to Mickey and many of you talked with classmates who on skeet shooting and the post tour, respecand classmates for the vivid reflections on our did not return but are part of us and just could tively. Phil Shu and Greg Robertson provided 50th Reunion in the previous class letter, and not make it back. The DVD of the reunion guidance when asked. And Charlie Russell and

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes catching-up a bit with the BRs. I had previous contact with almost all, but it was especially good to talk with Pete. He had recently retired from VDOT, was coming to grips with ramifications of retirement and was living in Salem. He occasionally goes to Lexington on family matters. Ollie mentioned that he had been to a recent event (a joint Richmond-Tidewater send-off to new cadets, I believe) with John Albert Conner Rowe. Ollie related that he had served in the reserve with Jamie (who, if you recall, retired as a major general). Doma spoke to us of her hope to attend our 50th Reunion next April. I hope she’ll be there. I sent an email to our reunion leaders, Woody Once again, it is my sad duty to report the Sadler, Rich Hines, Frank Louthan and Charloss of a brother rat. John Saint Clair Robertlie Ramsburg, to see if we had any late inning son Jr., Ph.D., died Aug. 3, 2015, after a long issues or inquiries. Apparently all is well, and health struggle with liver failure and ending with a massive heart attack. John and wife we’re definitely on track for April 2016. Thanks Judi were living in North Carolina and had again to all the BRs (listed in my last class notes) previously lived in Michigan. They were high who have aided their efforts. school sweethearts and had been married for An update on our 50th yearbook project. As 49 years at the time of John’s passing. John previously described, I’m being assisted by Reyn matriculated with us from Norfolk, Virginia, Young, Hugh Adams, Nick Hoskot and Ken and was a member of Company B. He was a Petrie. Reyn and Hugh met with me for a lunch distinguished academic student after our third meeting – at an undisclosed location somewhere class year and participated in track (two years), on the I-95 corridor (OK, the El Charro restauthe American Chemical Society rant) – to coordinate on finalizing the (four years) and the Glee Club (one individual BR pages. You’ll be receivyear). After graduation, he served ing an email, letter, questionnaire and in the U.S. Army, Infantry branch, sample individual page with instrucfrom 1968-70 and achieved the rank tions and more about the project. The of captain. His family also included “book” will be disseminated electrondaughters Rebecca and Ruth and ically, and if there is further demand, his brother is William D. Robertson we’ll have it printed by subscription. ’68. John received his Ph.D. from Along with an individual summary Florida State University and worked page for each BR, it will include for TRW/Vehicle Safety Systems, photos, artwork and “then and now” Inc. We send our condolences to cartoons. All questionnaires will his family and to roommates Parky eventually be turned over to the VMI Parkman (who alerted me to John’s Archives for inclusion in our class file. passing) and Ronnie Ayres and We are especially dependent on your pray that their grieving will turn as participation and repaid response on quickly as possible to only happy the yearbook project. memories. I will always remember a Ray Saunders is completing the series of email exchanges beginning Class of 1966: The class was well represented at the Virginia De- 50th Reunion documentary DVD this three years ago, mainly with Judi, partment of Transportation ceremony honoring their departed summer, which will be sent out as a brother rat, Retired U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen. James Gibbs who sent prayers to me with such combination invitation, memoir and “Jamie” Browder. A bridge was named in Jamie’s memory, and great faith and humor. (They were he was praised by speaker William J. Howell of the Virginia House “keepsake” to all BRs we’ve located. contemplating writing a book to be of Delegates – who also commented on Jamie’s VMI pride and Al Carr and Bob Odom visited the the presence of his brother rats. Pictured were, from left, Pete National Museum of the Marine titled, “Life Between Doctor’s VisSensabaugh, Hugh Adams, Carl Rhodes, Doma Browder, Jim Corps and met with my middle son, its.”) Ironically, given our approachSmith, Ollie Creekmore and Al Conner. Owen, who is curator for uniforms ing reunion, John is the 50th brother Mickey Finn provided their experience over the years when I asked for it, which was frequently. And last to Joan, my wife, for her patience and forbearance during this year-and-a-half process. She provided a quiet support. Love you guys and hope to see you all soon! Brother rats: How about an Old Yell for VMI and ’65!, ’65!, ’65!”

’66

rat to be added to our Book of Memory. Jane and I were honored to participate in a Virginia Department of Transportation ceremony honoring our late BR James Gibbs “Jamie” Browder by naming a bridge for him in our Stafford County Aug. 7, 2015. Jamie’s family was there, and wife Doma and lookalike son Jim (with look-alike grandson present, as well) were there and spoke beautifully of Jamie’s life. VDOT officials who had served under him spoke of his character, competence and humility. Delegate William J. Howell, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, spoke of his friendship with and admiration for Jamie. He also commented on Jamie’s pride as a VMI man and how wonderful it was to see such a good representation from the Class of ’66. That included Pete Sensabaugh, Ollie Creekmore, Carl Rhodes, Jim Smith, Hugh Adams and the Conner couple. Dave Gehr ’68, brother of our own BR Bill and a major force in Virginia transportation in his own right (he had led an earlier effort which resulted in a resolution honoring Jamie after his passing in 2013) was also present. All in all, it was a very moving and uplifting event. It was also nice, within the limits of the crowded auditorium,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and heraldry – flags, medals, etc. Owen showed them some special interest stuff, and Bob showed him some great stuff for the Vietnam and Marine aviation collections he was donating. Speaking of Marines, Clark Reifsnider, our vice president, has been “on-the-case” in tracking down BRs from whom we’ve not heard much in recent years. Clark located Tom Tauskey and acquired some better contact information. He really struck gold, however, in reconnecting with Visarn Chanaratna, one of our two outstanding brother rats from Thailand. Visarn is now Gen. Dr. Vasu Chanarat. He attained a doctorate in engineering, retired from the Thai army about 12 years ago, and is working on a highly significant humanitarian project in the effort to rid or reduce the landmines left in Southeast Asia and around the world after various conflicts. They are trying to establish a master’s program in interdisciplinary landmine management at Ramphai Barni Rajabbat University in Chantaburi Province, Thailand, along the border with Cambodia. They hope to attract students from the other Southeast Asian nations and other countries around the globe where landmines have caused extensive loss of life and injury. Clark also learned that BR Joe Gesker was being recognized by Fairfax City Aug. 5 as the Knights of Columbus Volunteer of the Year. When Joe visited Jane and me, he had just come from assisting in a communion service and mentioned some of his other volunteer church activities. In a phone call with Al Carr, he mentioned his involvement in a variety of model aviation activities which had brought him in touch with Herb Chittum, Cliff Martin, Larry DeMeo, Dave Whitt, Ray Melton and Jim Pauls. I’m not quite sure if all of these involved flying, but at least you know that they connected somehow. Speaking of Cliff Martin, he has continued to do a spectacular job keeping us informed on all VMI sports events and personnel changes. And, through his dogged determination, we have finally seen the actual Noah’s Arc. (In action!) And Cliff even managed a video interview with the new head basketball coach, as well. While they were talking, the coach impressively dropped-in about five or six shots in a row on his own while explaining how the machine helped them. In some VMI materials, I spotted that VMI was establishing a new minor in exercise science. As

2015-Issue 4

cadets, I used to tease my roomie Charlie Woodward that he was VMI’s first and only “physical education major” due to his combination of his weightlifting and other physical education activities. When I emailed Charlie, I suggested he was a half-century ahead of his time. He proved he hasn’t missed a beat when he agreed with my praise and responded, “Sound body. Sound mind. Take your pick.” Well, BRs and SRs, that’s it for this installment. I hope to see you all “on the bricks” come next April, and I pray that, whether we’re there or not, our heavenly Father will watch over and protect each of you and your loved ones. You and yours are definitely among our loved ones. Please reach out to one another, and remember that we are all doubly blessed to be part of the great family of VMI alumni and the great Class of 1966.

’67

Jan Abernathy

It is that time of year, and next week, as I write this section of notes in August, a little more than 500 young men and women will enter the Old Courtyard as rats. This year, I am going to be on post to watch matriculation and will report back to you on the day. I have been trying to catch up with BRs who seldom send in any news. John Shea left at Christmas in 1966. He went on to a 31-year military career and retired as a colonel in the National Guard. His service included being a combat engineer and explosive ordnance disposal officer in Vietnam. He and Peggy are retired and live in Massachusetts. John May left at the same time. He operates a wholesale food business in Maryland. The last of the May children just graduated from high school and is on the way to Towson University this fall. I’m pretty certain that Hank Ratrie is still a professor at Towson. And I know Hank is still exploring caves, as I just saw photos of him on Facebook climbing out of a muddy hole somewhere. Michael Mears was with us through our 4th Class year. He and Pat live in Vienna, Virginia. When I reached their home, their daughter, Alissa, answered, as she was visiting with at least one of the grandchildren. Mike was out, but I had a nice chat with Pat. Between Alissa and her brother, Alexander, there

are three grandchildren under the age of three. Mike is retired but still does a lot of consulting work ... and apparently, baby-sitting. Jay Topping: “Not much by way of news. Son Ian is a lieutenant in the Navy, currently doing a shore duty stint in Washington, D.C., and taking courses at the War College. Daughter Alice is finishing a master’s in Public Health Admin at Columbia in New York City. Pat and I are trying to figure out if we have any retirement plans. Yes, I’m still working at lawyering – 41-plus years now. Pat is still teaching (she’s ‘only’ 59) but looking at getting out of the high school teaching thing and just doing the college stuff. But, she wants to go sailing in the winter in warmer climes, sooner rather than later, so we’ll see how things work out.” In August, I had a nice phone visit with Linda Rountree. She had called wishing to know how to get her grandson – son of her daughter, Karen, and son-in-law Cecil – into the listing of future cadets with a provisional appointment. I assured her that Mr. Gage Warren Benningfield, born Oct. 15, 2014, would soon receive his certificate. Jimmy would be justly proud. And not to be outdone, Don and Pam Brown also wanted to have their grandson added to the provisional appointment roles ... Trevor Allen Warrington, born Sept. 24, 2012. The Browns have finally sold their home in Forest, Virginia, and are now permanent residents in Coppell, Texas. I tried to reach both of our twin Brother Rats Dixon, R. Capers and R. Marshall, on their birthday, but only one of the twins could be reached, and he did give me new info on the other. Capers is in Brevard, North Carolina, and Marshall is now in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. Speaking of twins, two of the Toch triplets shine on their respective schools’ rowing teams. The Orrisons visited with Max and TerryAnn when The American Collegiate Rowing Association held their national championship at the Olympic rowing venue on Lake Lanier, Georgia, this summer. Charlie Toch rows for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Max and Terry Ann came to watch the event. Charlie’s team captured the gold medal for their event. Brother Leo rows for Princeton University on scholarship but was not at this event. John Carnes contacted me to find one of his old roommates, Dave Veazey. John has been

Class Notes sort of lost for a long time, but he and Terri live in Georgetown, Texas. Their connection prompted Dave to say they had roomed with Robert C. Green but had no contact with him, so I made that connection, as well. Robert was still on his pilgrimage in Japan but was glad to hear from his old roomies. Memorial Day brought many emails about the sacrifices so many of our parents made during World War II on the battlefronts and homefront. John Forsyth sent a story about a dentist who was drafted and ended up on the front lines on an island in the Solomons. He volunteered to fill a position at an aid station when the senior doctor was wounded. The station was overrun by the Japanese, but he manned a machine gun after a soldier was killed and fired and maneuvered until his staff and the wounded were evacuated. He died from two dozen wounds, but his actions killed 98 enemy soldiers. His posthumous Medal of Honor was not awarded until 2002, because he was a “medic” and not considered a combatant. Bill Teveri sent photos of the Japanese delegation (and the planes they flew in) that set up the protocol that led to the surrender signing in Tokyo Bay. The planes were battle scarred “Betty” bombers painted white with all traces of the red sun painted out. Jim Cain and Bert Burckard sent stories along, also – as did others. And some sent in remembrances of Brent Bell; many of which I sent to the class in emails. The stories and information on Steve McElroy were condensed and sent to all with email, and though much of the history on “Beak” was funny, it is too lengthy to recount in these notes. But if you missed it, I can pull it out of my archives; just let me know. Phil Gioia corrected my information on Brent: “Brent was not a pilot. He was aboard a Huey that was either on the way back from an insertion or on the way to an extraction of a First Air Cavalry Division Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol team when the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. The date of loss was March 27, 1969. Brent was assigned to 75th Rangers, HHC First Cavalry Division, which ran the division’s Long Range Reconnaissance patrols.” Jim Goodgion: “Tinker always struck me as a guy who was committed to doing his duty – even in the face of combat and despite his prior service as a Marine. That would have been enough sacrifice already for many people.

He wasn’t the first or last alumnus lost in Vietnam that I knew well (my dyke, U.S. Air Force Capt. Dickie Butt ’64, F-4 pilot, went MIA/ KIA November 1966), but Tinker’s death was the hardest.” Hunter Taylor’s memory of Brent bears repeating here: “I didn’t know Brent very well during our cadetship but will always remember – I think – that during the Spring Hike (Old Corps for FTX) our 3rd Class year, Brent and Denny Graves were deuce-and-a-half drivers. After nightfall, Brent and maybe Denny backed a truck up to a restaurant in town – maybe the CI – and loaded a few cases of beer and delivered them to our camp at White’s Farm. I recall that the beer and empty cans somehow disappeared rather quickly. Maybe other BRs can recall this caper better than I. In the early ’80s, I found Larry’s name on the Wall. Great guy in barracks.” Memories for Larry Scanlan were fewer, as he was not with us very long. Pat O’Brien: “Just a couple of fuzzy memories about Larry Scanlan. If memory serves me, I believe he was an electrical engineering major. As we left our last exam at the end of first semester our 2nd Class year, he said something to the effect that he was done and headed over to Smith Hall to resign. I also seem to remember that he worked as a teacher for a year-and-a-half (it was Appalachia in the ’60s – two years of college was good enough) until he got his ‘Greeting’ letter. What I remember most, though, was that in June 1967, Larry came by the Institute to congratulate us as we were lined up waiting to go into the graduation ceremony. A real class act! (He may have been at Zollman’s the night before, but there’s no way I could have remembered anything about that.)” Ruben Terry added: “I read your note on Memorial Day, and Brent was one of my roommates our rat year. Brent was from Essex Fells, New Jersey. I remember him telling me that Connie Frances grew up just down the street from him. He was a very serious guy and was very much into the VMI way of looking his best at all times. He would spend hours shining his shoes and polishing brass.” Ruben added that he and his lady friend were on their way to a 12-day cruise on the Danube. Fred and Judy Smith sent this as they were continuing part of their See America in their RV: “We passed through Idaho today and yesterday and got to see some young bucks free BASE jumping off a bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho. Today we passed

Class of 1967: Chuck and Ginny Keblusek in St. Thomas on a Royal Princess cruise.

Class of 1967: George and Suzanne Elmore’s grandchildren pictured at Disney in 2015 were, from left, front row, Owen Smith, Maggie Smith and Ann Haden Payne. Second row: Drew Smith and Carter Payne.

Class of 1967: Dave and Beverly Hobgood on vacation in St. Kitts in the Caribbean. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Janice and Jim Clarke: “Hi, Jan, thought I’d by Mountain Home Air Force Base, Mountain Home, Idaho, where I had my first assignment in let you know that Jim and I are proud grandthe Air Force. I was the fuels management officer parents again. Our daughter, Amy, had her third there for eight months before I managed a transfer child Friday, June 19; a baby girl (they opted to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, not to know the gender ahead of time), Hannah where I got to do chemical research for my re- Jean, 7 pounds, 13 ounces. (Jean was my mom’s maining three-and-a-half years before I went to middle name.) She is healthy, just perfect and so dental school. My, how time flies! Tomorrow sweet. Breonna is just thrilled by her baby sister, we are headed for the Columbia River Gorge but Zeke seems puzzled about the need for this in Oregon and plan to spend a few days sight- little creature. Breonna was three in February, and Zeke turns two on the 28th of this month, seeing. The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in the world to wind surf or kite so Amy and Greg have their hands full, but they surf, and I wish I could still wind surf on the are pretty pleased with their family. I’m just glad river, but those days are long gone.” Chuck and they are all happy and healthy.” Dabney Pasco: “Jan, while I would be proud to Mya Krebs have interrupted their See America trip long enough for Chuck to have some eye be a swine and goat herder in Clifton Forge, my wife has requested that I correct the information work completed before they head out again. Frank Oliver’s untimely passing was another that appeared in the class notes recently. I do have some hogs, but no goats! I live in Hot Springs, shock to the class. Dixie Walker, Mike BagVirginia, and am primarily a cattle and sheep nulo, Brenda and J.I. Orrison, Wil Plentl, and Class of 1967: Joe and Joyce Stafford Joan and I were able to attend his service. The farmer, but no correction is requested. I hope with granddaughter Chandley at her Class of 1967 flower and relief fund provided a you and your family are enjoying the summer.” high school graduation. I made the correction here because your wife, beautiful red, white and yellow floral arrangement. Thanks to those who continue to support District Judge Mrs. Laura Dascher, requested it. I extraordinarily clean no matter where you go, the efforts to remember our brother rats. Several would not want to be known to be the spouse of a and the Guinness and whiskeys are so good!” The photos of Bland Guthrie that Phil Gioia BRs sent memories about Frank. Tom Rhodes: goat herder, either – my apologies to all. Jack Sheeran: “Patty; our daughter, Amy; sent and I forwarded from our fall FTX in 1966 “Frank was a fun guy to be around. Neither of and I spent two weeks on an extensive tour drew some comments. Lew Read: “Thank Phil us had dates for Ring Figure, so I went home with Frank. We went to the Georgia versus of both parts of the Emerald Isle and visited for me. It was great seeing the ole roomie one many of the well-known sites. Part of the tour more time.” I did thank him and forwarded Georgia Tech game. He was a great guy and had the photos to Bland’s daughter, Anne. Bob C. touched on the Titanic disaster, as we visited a great sense of humor. I am very sorry to hear of his struggle.” Dan Wells: “So sorry to hear both the location of the ship yard where it was Green said he was in the photos and asked if I about Frank. I have fond memories of Frank in built in Belfast as well the last port of call, recalled one of our BRs used poison ivy as toilet Cobh. There, incidentally, the victims as well paper that weekend. He named the possible BR, calculus class and him challenging the instructor. Time is short for all of us and there is so as the survivors of the Lusitania were brought and I asked for clarification, but I was told it did in 1915. The people are friendly, the country is not happen –to him, anyway. No names used much to do.” to protect the innocent here, but if Joe and Joyce Stafford: “I had my you have further info on this possible knee replacement May 18. My oldstory, I would like to hear it. est grandchild, Chandley, graduated Mike Holloman sent me an obitufrom Duxbury High School in Masary for a fellow ’67 matriculant. sachusetts June 6. Since the surgery Belin Watson was a cadet for just was on my driving leg, Joyce, for the a short while – eight months in the first time, had to drive the 10 hours VMI records. to get us there. She did great, and we Ray Gosney’s granddaughter, Haiall had a good time.” ley, age 6, is a participant in junior Bruce Weiner was in Chicago on a triathlons. At junior level (6-10 years business trip and met with Frank Kuold) it consists of a 100 yard swim churis. I sent Bruce’s photo on email (done in the Massachusetts Institute of the Company B commander and of Technology pool), a 3 mile bike his executive officer, as it was not of ride (around Cambridge, Massachua quality to be in the Alumni Review. Class of 1967: Jack and Patty Sheeran with their daughter, Amy, setts) and a half mile run. Senior levBruce reminded me they earned the at the Ring of Kerry, Ireland. el (11-15 years) doubles all distances. Garnett Andrews award in 1967.

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes Lynn Beaulieu: “Hello, from Colorado! AnnMarie and I are the proud parents of a Princeton graduate and a ‘returned to home’ millennial. He is employable but hasn’t gotten a ‘dream’ job and is not ready to take just any employment in computer science. We’ll see how long that lasts.” I add that there are still some among ’67 that are looking for their dream vocation. I have one, and while there is no cash involved in being a class agent, the dividends are more than sufficient. Wayne McDermott (sent to ’67 by email originally): “The past 17 months, I have been on a thought-provoking multiple myeloma journey. Engineers hate uncertainty and want to be in control. I have learned that God and friends represent ‘certainty’ and that God is in control. Tricare for Life approved the second stem cell transplant, so I checked back into MCV (in Richmond) yesterday, had chemo yesterday and am scheduled for the SCT tomorrow. Then I walk the halls, sleep and watch all the news, weather and Sports Center that I can tolerate. I will probably get really bored again, so if my name shows up on your cellphone...” I have spoken to Wayne a couple of times as he is recovering, and he is expecting to go home to Barbara and Hayes, Virginia, by the end of August. Dave Wilkinson has been to visit him several times as his office is in the MCV complex. Dave also had the opportunity to visit with John Horner, whose brother died last summer from an unusual infection he contracted after being stuck by a fish fin in the Rappahannock River. Pete Wells is recovering very well from his brain surgery to remove a nonmalignant tumor. These two BRs let me know of their health challenges and received a lot of support and encouragement. Some BRs choose to not share their circumstances. A couple of you have asked me why I did not publish info on someone’s illness before their death. I can only share what I receive when it comes to me. I do think positive support from brother rats is a good thing, but I respect personal privacy. Even if you let me know of a BR in a health crisis, I do not publish it without clearing it with him. Also, as we reach a “certain” age and see the friends of our youth leave us, I encourage you to plan early for our 50th Reunion the last weekend of April 2017. Chuck Keblusek: “At last, I grabbed up some

time to figure out how to email you a picture of Ginny and me in St. Thomas during our cruise on the Royal Princess for seven days in April 2015. We met with members of her high school class and spouses during that time – had a wonderful time! Let me know if this doesn’t get to you. Thanks, Chuck.” Mike Bagnulo and Phil Gioia are already working on a musical memory soundtrack of our songs from the 1960s. Terry Moore is investigating a commercial company that specializes in college reunion yearbooks. It looks very promising. If you have thoughts for class gifts as part of our reunion – beyond just a nice shirt like last time – now is the time to voice your ideas while there is plenty of planning and lead time. Albert Burckard (a letter to the editor of the local Norfolk newspaper, The Virginian Pilot): ‘Dear Sir, Several years ago, I donated four Civil War cannonballs from my personal collection to help restore the ‘Sergeant Carney’ Monument to Union soldiers in Norfolk’s historic West Point Cemetery. If the city council determines to remove its commemorative Civil War monuments, I want my cannonballs back!’” The article in the Richmond Times on the part of Gen. Marshall ’901 in developing the atomic bomb was written by a former VMI professor. Dr. Frank Settle’s name in the piece drew comments: Tom Coughenour: “Do I remember the good Doctor Frank Settle and instrumental analysis? One of the better teachers in the chemistry department. Hell, all of them were good.” Dave Wilkinson: “Frank Settle taught rat chemistry to many of us and for us chemistry majors was a major influence on our careers.” Tom Rhodes: “Jan, We were in Taos three weeks ago and attended a two day seminar on Los Alamos and the building of the atomic bomb. As the article says, very little attention was given to General George C. Marshall and his involvement in the project. I wish I had had this article with me when we were there. I would have reminded our class that General Marshall was the true leader behind the Manhattan Project and the building of the atomic bomb and, by the way, he attended VMI.” Lynn Beaulieu: “Doctor Frank Settle was my senior research adviser. (I got to play in a glove box with Lithium and organic solvents!) Anyway, I lost touch with him after our 5th. Now I know where he went. Interestingly, he was here in Colorado Springs when I first

moved here and before he went to Washington and Lee University. Apparently, he was also in Albuquerque when I went there for a nuke weapons course early in my Sierra Army Depot tenure as clinic commander. Bet you can’t guess what our 300-plus MPs were guarding! The post was BRAC’d in late 90s and has since nearly closed down except for outside storage of general military hardware. Only gets 0.5-1 inch rain annually on average. So now I will look up Frank at W&L. Thanks to Hunter.” As often as I can, I will remind us of our reunion dates of the last week of April 2017. I expect to see you there.

’68

Tom Hickey

I got a nice note from Patricia Martinez, the widow of Rick Martinez. She wrote, “I have closed on the Middleburg, Virginia, home and stored my household goods. I am staying at Oakwood ExecuStay in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in a furnished apartment with a 30-day renewable lease, which will allow me to have the time I will need to decide if I want to buy a home versus a condo and where. If I buy, I am considering the Bethesda/Kensington area, as I receive my health care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, however real estate prices and taxes are high. I am part of the VMI Friends and Family.” John Andrews (Yorktown, Virginia): “All is going well with Diane and me. Down at our condo in North Myrtle Beach! Staying busy with our grandson!” Joe Petitta (Safety Harbor, Florida): “Other than having ongoing sorrow for the passing of my roommate Paul Simmons, all is well. I continue to have ongoing correspondence with Peggy, and she will be joining Diane and me to attend future reunions. In the meantime, Diane and I continue to venture twice a year to Atlantis in the Bahamas for a little fun, sun and gaming.” Steve Powers (Malvern, Pennsylvania): “I retired from a career in engineering and sales three years ago. My wife, Susie, and I spend wonderful time with our nine grandchildren. We are renovating our home in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and will have our grandchildren with us in Sun Valley, Idaho, again this summer. I also keep busy with hiking, biking, fly-fishing, cross-country

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes “My six grandchildren are fun to be with when skiing and volunteer work. I had a special lunch help with some of the arrangements for a prayer vigil and funerals afterward. Also, was involved I get a chance. My only niece was married in June with our regimental commander/basketball teamin Senator Reverend Pinckney’s funeral that Presin Dahlonega, Georgia, in June, and all four of my mate/civil engineering classmate/Vietnam combat vet, J.O. Smith (Annapolis, Maryland), several ident Obama attended. Worked in the Municipal children and all six grandchildren were there. We had a fun time. My sister arranged a great destinaweeks ago. We met at the Bulle Rock Golf Club Emergency Operations Center, as well. The comin Havre de Grace, Maryland, and told stories for munity really came together after that event. tion wedding. I wouldn’t want to pay that bill!” three hours. I like his stories better than mine! We “Mayor Riley asked me to attend the ConfederClay Thompson (Salisbury, Maryland): “After all had busy lives at VMI and then it was off to ate flag lowering in Columbia with him that was fighting sepsis and septic shock in the hospital for the military, then our civilian careers and taking broadcast nationwide. He was next to the governor eight days in late March, I am almost fully recovcare of our families over the last 50 years. Geton the steps for the event. It was one of the hottest ered. Lost 10 pounds and had no energy for over ting three hours one-on-one with an old friend is days this year in Columbia. Governor Haley was two months – of course, over 70, did not have nice enough to include me on the front steps of much energy to begin with. Nurse Donna took a real blessing. Time marches on, and each meetthe Capitol, too. After the lowering ceremony, the care of me and still does; she has to, because I am ing with our brother rats is always very special.” Bob Mills (Orange Park, Florida): “I retired mayor stayed out in front of the State House and the cook of the family.” Les Martin (Hanover, Pennsylvania): “Saw from CSX Corp in January 2015 after 31 years. accepted interviews for almost three hours! He was really in demand. My job was to screen the our BR Jim Lambert (Columbia, Missouri) this Great job and great company. Will stay in Orange Park, Florida, for a while. My wife, Rita, media (and the mayor) and schedule which media month. He and his brother, Mike Lambert ’66, outlet was next. I don’t know how he remained as were back in Maryland for their niece’s wedding. has property in Little Rock and Hot Springs, ArMike looks like he just graduated; it kansas. We will travel between those really is irritating. They both must places.” have had fun from the pictures they Tom Coffey (aka 塞翁) (Wyposted on Facebook of the wedding. theville, Virginia): “One more year Mike has his 50th reunion this year; and I can run in the 70-plus age group he says he’s looking forward to it.” in road races, assuming the knees and Ken Pennington (Amelia Island, other moving parts hold up! As usual, Florida): “Barb and I are doing not much news about me or Ilona well. Enjoying the occasional visits – most of the action has to do with with our daughters and spending our offspring. Ethan has continued time with friends here on Amelia. his running success – winning the Our next big adventure will be April Charleston, South Carolina, mara2016 when we take a 16-day cruise thon in January and then the Knoxon Oceania Regatta-Miami through ville, Tennessee, marathon in March. the Panama Canal to San Francisco. He also apparently still reports to It will also celebrate our 40th anniwork at the Oak Ridge National Lab from time to time. Kelly, son-in-law Class of 1968: From left, John Ivy, Jimmy Underwood and Hal versary. Any classmate is welcome Travis and two grandchildren are Hostetler at the class of 1964 Craddock High School 50th reunion to join us. One other quick note. For in Portsmouth, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2014. Hal was in the class of moving to Malaysia next month, 1961 at Craddock. the first time since our Ring Figure, where Kelly has accepted a science I dropped my ring and broke the teaching position in an international Christian cool and collected as he was, but I was dripping stone. Hope to have it back from Jostens soon, high school. It seems that unprepared students wet and ruined a good white shirt! You might have because I miss having it remind me of our VMI and their helicopter parents have become too seen him on the CBS Evening News that night. experience together.” “I had planned and helped execute the Mayor’s much. We have not been back to Asia since It’s a short set of notes this time, so I’ll add departing Japan in 1992, so this will give us a March to Columbia to help convince the legislasome of my own. In winter 2015, my daughter chance to re-experience the jetlag phenomenon ture to remove the flag off the State House back and son-in-law decided their house was too small sometime during the coming year.” for the two of them and their two girls. They dein 2000. It was successful back then, as the legAfter the tragic murders in a Charleston, South islature finally voted to remove it and put it at cided to sell their house then look for a new one Carolina, church, the mayor of Charleston called the Confederate Memorial in front of the State so they wouldn’t have to make a contingent offer. on Howard Chapman (Mount Pleasant, South House. Everyone thought that was the end of the At the end of March 2015, they were able to close Carolina) to help in the city’s response. Howard controversy. Obviously not. So it has taken 15 on the sale of their house in Silver Spring, Marydescribed his contributions in an email. “I have years and, unfortunately, the killing of nine innoland. So where did they move? You guessed it! been busy recently helping Mayor Riley with cent people to bring things to a head. The goverThe two adults; their two children, Harper (then some of the requirements with the Emmanuel nor was very decisive, and the legislature came to aged 2-and-a-half), Kennedy (then aged six AME Nine crisis. I was asked to come in and agreement that it was the right thing to do. months); and their dog, Merlin (then aged 13

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes years) moved in with Rosemary and me. Unfortunately, the hunt for a new house took longer than they hoped, and it wasn’t until the end of July that they were able to complete the purchase of a new house in Gaithersburg, Maryland – about 35 minutes (without traffic) from my house. Having watched many of the cable TV home improvement shows like “Love it or List It” and “The Property Brothers,” they decided that the house (which was built in 1988) was hopelessly outdated and a remodel of the kitchen had to be done along with other changes. As anyone who has done a remodel knows, this never goes as fast as you would like – or as quickly as is shown on the cable shows. We are now four weeks into the remodel with another four weeks – or more – to go. Just as is often the case on the TV shows, problems have been found. Problems like water damage to the floor in the kitchen from an old leak in the refrigerator, forcing them to have to replace the oak flooring. Problems like existing pipes in a kitchen soffit (from when the polybutylene plumbing was replaced) interfering with their new, already purchased, kitchen cabinets. Harper is a ball of energy but has the temperament of those in the “terrible twos.” And while Harper is in day care, Kennedy is not. So someone in the house – usually her mother, who works from home, but often her grandmother and sometimes me – needs to keep an eagle eye on her all day long. Kennedy is a fearless explorer of the house. She loves to “walk” around the house with someone holding her hands to steady her. It doesn’t take long for this grandparent’s back to start hurting. She also wants to climb the stairs to the second floor several times a day, so she absolutely cannot be left alone in the middle of a room for more than 20 seconds. Sleeping has also become a precious commodity in the house. The girls go to bed early and get up early, and Kennedy still does not sleep through the night. The result is that the adults in the house have all collapsed into bed by 10:30 p.m. Of course, there is a wonderful upside to their moving in with us. We get to enjoy the company of our two precious granddaughters every day. It has been a delight to watch both of them grow and mature over the last four months (as of August 2015). But this is a young person’s sport, and while I’ll miss them when they’re gone, I’ll also get more sleep. Best wishes to all VMI men and women everywhere and especially to each and every one of you.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the great Class of 1969. Headlining this edition are the announcement of the passing of Don Hinshelwood in mid-July and welcoming joy in arrivals of first grandsons in several families. Don Hinshelwood’s son, Scott, sent me word in mid-July that his dad died July 14. Scott mentioned his dad loved attending the class reunion in September 2014 but said his dad was not stable on his feet for months before. In January 2015, Don fell down some stairs at his house and hit his head. From then on until his death, Don was a different person with serious dementia. Don was a lifetime Boy Scout, and his obit mentioned he had mentored over 80 scouts to earn the Eagle award. Pat Branch recalled that he and Don had hiked Philmont back when they were teenagers. As Don was a member of the canoe trip group from our class, he made many journeys from his home in Tennessee to the headwaters of the James River for days of fun and good times. One memory I had of Don with his son, Scott, was their managing to get their canoe turned around at the wrong time and the two shooting the rapids backward! Don was a Vietnam veteran in the Army. The class gave a gift to VMI in his memory. With BR Bob Heely and several other notable friends in the VMI family having been blessed with many granddaughters, Dave and Gail Bush’s announcement of the arrival of a grandson brought hope and joy to their family. And then, three weeks later, another grandson showed up. I am sure those young men will receive all the care and love their older female sibs and cousins have received. John and Sallie Sebrell showed several pictures of their twin grandsons, James and John, and one good one of son, Tom, with one twin asleep in the rocking chair. (Likely very late at night!) John and Sally went to England in July for the christening of the twins. Sallie said all went well with the service and posted a picture of granddaddy John sleeping in the chair with grandson John. Being a grandparent is really cool stuff! And then later still, in August, there was a picture on

Facebook of Bill Bailey in South Carolina with new grandson James Allen. More tales follow. In late May, near Memorial Day, I started hearing uncomfortable news from the Bryan household. First, Charlie had to have kidney stones surgically removed. Then he reported that Cammy had fallen and broken her leg near the ankle while taking him to the hospital. She was admitted for surgery on her leg and ankle (which went well) and then was retained when tests showed what Charlie described as “red flags.” The tests indicated ovarian cancer. In the days that followed, Charlie and Cammy met with the MCV experts and then flew to Houston to meet with specialists at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. After more tests and few more encouraging words, they flew home and decided to begin a chemotherapy regimen. For the record, Charlie’s two kids (Alethea and Charles III) and a whole host of friends rallied behind them and pitched in to help for the weeks that followed. I heard that Bunny had a ramp built to help Cammy get her scooter up into their house from the front sidewalk, and others brought food and friendship. The kids established a Caringbridge site for Cammy so the family could keep the requests for information to a minimum. We will all continue to help any way we can. Susan Alexander told me later about the gals of Lexington High School (Cammy’s high school buds) still staying close. Speaking of the Alexanders brings about a good story. Susan and Bob’s daughter, Sarah, presented them with a healthy grandson earlier this year, and Jackson Alexander Barrett was presented for baptism in late June in Yorktown. Bob and Susan entertained a houseful of relations and friends from all over that afternoon, and soon after, Bob sent me the picture posted in this section of the Alumni Review. Later, Susan received recognition for beginning and leading the shawl and knitted blanket ministry of the church – ongoing for nearly 10 years. She was pleased for the recognition and for the job the ladies in our community do each week. We were represented by several BRs and wives the first Friday in June at the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in Lexington. Gary and Peggy Mackey joined Ron and Betsy Wall, Dave and Susan Prugh, John and Sallie Sebrell, Jimmy and Beth Long, Bunny Paulette, Tom Morris, Tommy “T.B.” Thompson, and me for dinner on the Moody Hall patio. Art and Becky

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1969: Bob Alexander with his new grandson, Jackson Alexander Barrett, a day or two after Jackson’s June 28, 2015, baptism in Yorktown, Virginia. Jackson is the son of Bob and Susan’s daughter, Sarah. Bushey played golf (tying for second with partners Jimmy and Beth) and then headed back to Charlottesville. Tom, Bunny, John, T.B., Jimmy, Beth and I played golf on a hot but dry afternoon at the rolling hills of the Lexington Golf and Country Club, but only the Long – Bushey team won any prize money. Facebook sightings over last few months: Brant Collins was shown on the water with new boat and then dog-sitting his daughter’s dog, Rocky. Chris Brothers and John Robins had fun making comments about many topics. Skip Steiner passed on his love of running and support of several college teams. In one photo, he was busy working on a mission trip with four teenage girls installing sub-floor at a house in Seabright, New Jersey, and later was pictured with his wife, Carolyn, relaxing after a run. Gary Mackey showed pictures of his dog visiting VMI. Bob and Lush Heely showing the safe return of Navy son Bobby from a west coast cruise. Amo Judd still enjoys Cleveland. Several BRs showed wedding pictures from long ago. Thornton Newlon switched from stories about old railroad engines to sailing ships. The last story was right after a reproduction large sailing vessel from France visited Yorktown. One of original ships named L’Hermione brought Lafayette to the fledgling USA in early 1780s and the latest edition sailed to U.S. shores this summer. Sailor Bob Alexander got up early June 5 with full intention to

2015-Issue 4

sail out into Chesapeake Bay to greet the ship and follow it into the port of Yorktown, but the ship had been escorted by the Navy earlier into the dock area. Father’s Day offered a lot of pictures of BRs with their own fathers or as fathers and grandfathers, including Bob Heely and son Teddy, Buddy Mawyer and daughter, and Biker Bob Ladd with his daughter. Summer activities: Rudy Segaar took his reenacting gig to Belgium to a place called Waterloo. I think he had to be French this time. Cal Churn’s wife, Pam, showed a picture of herself with a beautiful show-dog in competition. John and Nancy Scott asked Brant and Betsy Collins if they wanted to go with the Scotts to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Chile Islands, Iguassu Falls and Straits of Magellan in October. Brant replied, ‘Love to, but we’re going sailing in Croatia at the time.’ And then came the kicker: ‘Weddings and babies are complicating things after October.’ BR Brant is a traveling nut! And his daughter is smart. Michele Collins completed her Master of Science and Technology Intelligence at the National Intelligence University. Congrats to her. David Reid posted a picture of his whole family down in warm coastal Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. There was a mighty fine gathering of grown up kids (two) with spouses, grandkids (five) and one sweet girlfriend. David also shared that his son, Chris, had just moved to Pawley’s Island from Houston, Texas, and the parents were thrilled. Cammy Bryan sent a photo of her and Charlie all dressed up at a wedding for all to see. They do clean up well. Poor John Sebrell had to leave his grand-twins in London as Sallie got him on a steam train to visit the home of Agatha Christie in Devon (after their super visit to son Tom and the young ones in late July). Tom and Elizabeth Jones were shown with full medical regalia (one stethoscope each) after volunteering their professional time in their community. And then a smiling Ken Parris was shown in a Richmond restaurant with seven other family members in early August. On a warm summer day in mid-July, I joined Tom Morris, Bob Heely and Glenn White for golf at the Kingsmill Woods Golf Course. We battled around the course, with Heely winning honors and the rest of us close behind. That event was conducted a couple of weeks after the Williamsburg VMI Alumni Chapter sponsored a tournament on the Kingsmill River Course. Our team of Heely, Judd, Morris and Dr. Skinny

Baker shot a 69 in the event but did not finish in the money. For some strange reason, all the participants got the opportunity to play the course “from the tips,” and our games were not used to those conditions. The annual fundraiser is held to raise money for a new scholarship for a prospective cadet from the Williamsburg area. Glenn told me about this year’s version of the James River canoe trip and mentioned five BRs gathered in early July for a couple of days on the water. Glenn White, Spunky Butler, Thornton Newlon, John Robins and Brant Collins enjoyed fishing and canoeing but did not have much luck in the fishing department. Glenn also mentioned Tommy “Bomber” Hudson had broken a leg in an accident while camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains this summer. Hazardous stuff, this camping and canoeing! Doug Marks wrote to me in mid-July to report he had “severed his left distal bicep tendon” and was set for surgery to reattach it. Doug said the bad timing of his accident did not keep him from a planned golfing trip to western North Carolina and a round at the Mount Mitchell Golf Course. I won’t bother to relate that Doug thought he had lost his class ring for a couple of weeks and was on the path to getting a new one. Then, as he prepared for a weekend trip, Doug started to pack his Dopp kit and noted it felt a bit heavier. You guessed it: His ring and watch were exactly where he had stored them on a previous trip!

Class of 1969: A painting of Bob Alexander, the dentist at work. 85

Class Notes Two BRs have moved recently to new homes in Virginia. Bob and Lynda Flowers moved to Williamsburg and have a nice home out Route 5 on the way to Jamestown. Thank heaven for Google Earth software. I found the house location and got a satellite view of the house. Also, Tom and Bonnie Ruffin moved to Palmyra, Virginia, from Tennessee. My wife and I arranged to meet Tom and Bonnie at Pippin Hill Winery south of Charlottesville Aug. 2 and ate a light lunch while getting caught up for a few missed years (more than 45?!). Tom is a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson and is active in the association of similar persons. He said he has visited the area for many years for annual meetings and finally agreed to move to the area. He and his group have a say in maintaining the cemetery located near Monticello and determining who is allowed to be buried there. Tom retired from the Fort Walton Beach, Florida, police department

Class of 1969: Dr. Charlie Bryan and his new vanity license plates in Short Pump, Virginia, Aug. 10, 2015. 86

several years ago and has been living recently in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. I have had several requests for guys to show off their VMI license vanity plates, so here goes. Send me a photo of your car license plate (preferably with you in it) and we will start posting them in the notes area. Charlie Bryan gets us started with his specially designed plate showing both of his college ties. The orange “T” is a homemade addition! Since he does have connections still to the University of Tennessee and Knoxville, Charlie and Cammy plan to return this fall to Knoxville for the UT versus Arkansas football game with a small crowd of others: Marty and Cathy Parks, John and Sallie Sebrell and possibly others wanting to see Southeastern Conference football. On Monday, Aug. 3, I traveled to Lexington and met BR Joe Lynch at the local country club golf course around noon. We had agreed earlier to play in the Rockbridge area Military Officer Association of America-sponsored Wounded Warrior golf tournament. The money raised by the organizers went to the Virginia state department of veteran services especially for wounded warriors. Joe and I played with a local pastor and the rep for the vets program in Lynchburg. We met the state leader of vet services and a couple of her area coordinators and were pleased to hear the local chapter (the George Marshall Chapter!) had donated over $100,000 to the program in the past five or six years. While Joe and I did not win the tourney (retired coach and Army Gen. Mike Bozeman and his team were much better!), we played well and had fun. Mav, we even made an eagle on hole No. 3. Gary Mackey and Drew Brantley met BRs at the Norfolk Tides baseball game Thursday, Aug. 6. Bob Heely, Gary Mackey, Lee Barnes, John “Chalk” Hardy, T.O. Palmer III and T.O. Palmer IV ’01, Drew Brantley and I showed up. Leo’s news: His son, Bryce, is Company E commander when the Corps returns for the fall semester at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; his daughter, Macie, married; and both parents passed on this spring. Gary was grateful that Leo knows insurance – especially flood insurance. Gary posted a picture on Facebook of him and T.O. taken the week before down at the beach. There were several VMI insignia in the image. Saint Arlene also posted a photo of Gary and T.O. with Chalk to include all the BRs who live in the Outer Banks full time. (As

opposed to that desert rat, Chris Brothers, who only spends a month in late summer or regular visitors Glenn White, Tom Morris and Skinny Baker.) And then, close to that one, Gary posted images from his church mission trip to Weston, West Virginia, and included a picture of true West Virginia folks – Cyrus Kerr and Susie Kump ’68, who live in Elkins. Ward Carr continues to coordinate World War II tales from the German perspective. In helping write the story of American football in Europe, he told of an interview with a Wehrmacht paratrooper who jumped into Crete and was later captured in 1943 by U.S. troops. Richard Statetzney was interned in California and played football then for the Kiernan’s Krushers against another German prisoner of war football team, the Barager Bears. Ward said to look for the complete story soon. Ward also passed the word about football coach Ed Henry dying July 1. Many of the football players in our class had tales to tell about him. Coach Henry was also remembered as a real-life coach in the film, “Remember the Titans.” Ward’s message helped me gather some email addresses for BRs. Thanks, Ward. One message heard from the football stories floating around was the news that Frank Easterly had moved to Beverly Hills, California, and remarried. If words that the bride is pregnant are true, Frank takes over title as oldest father in the class from Tommy Thompson. Wow, what an honor! T.O. Palmer asked me to tell about the new ring return program. From the VMI Foundation website: “Established in early 2012 at the urging of alumni in the Class of 1963, the Memorial Ring Program enables alumni and their families to support cadets as they hit this milestone [Ring Figure] in their time in barracks. 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.” Those of you who have attended the November Institute Society dinners are aware of the 2nd Class projects to raise money for Ring Figure. At that event, the cadets park cars and escort the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes attendees to Marshall Hall and the dinner. This Lt. Ryan Wilson ’15 won the Jack Kennedy ’69 Perelli-Minetti, who lives in Connecticut, kept ring return program is a similar effort. Award for the past year. Wilson is undergoing in fairly regular contact with him. Rob said Terry While catching a quick lunch in early August, training to be an Air Force Air battle manager; was in good spirits up to the end, and he appreciCharlie Bryan and I talked about his newly pubexactly the same career path Lloyd McGrady, ated the many calls he received from brother rats. lished book, “Imperfect Past: History in a New Bobby Watts and I followed. We wish him well! In true Class of 1970 spirit, both celebrations did Light,” and then talked about our 50th Reunion Take care of your health and attend an event Steve and Terry proud. Please keep Shelley Waters and Mary Chewning in your thoughts and prayers. and several activities coming along to highlight or two connected with VMI. You will enjoy getOn a brighter note, Joe Jenkins wrote in to say that event. Both John Ishon and Joe Lynch had ting together with your old buds and help us preoffered ideas on how we might celebrate the anpare for our big weekend in Lexington in 2019. that, in May, Al Johnson was awarded his Ph.D. niversary of our own matriculation and perhaps Send me address info for any BRs you have not in environmental science and public policy from plan some activities with the new rat mass (started seen noted in these notes for a while. I will be George Mason University. Unfortunately, the picture he sent in of Al in his full regalia, bonnet sure to contact them and get them some press! in August 2015) who – if my math serves me corincluded, wasn’t of high enough quality for pubIn the spirit, rectly – will be 1st Class cadets and Corps leaders Walt when we show up in the spring 2019 for our 50th. lication, but I posted it to the VMI’70 Facebook Charlie also pointed out the value of our 25th page. Al certainly qualifies as a “Renaissance Warren Grasty Reunion project – the Class of 1969 Memorial Man” by earning a Ph.D. at this stage in life. In Room in Preston Library. That room is a reading Joe’s words, “I can say without hyperbole that all room with periodicals and current books now and the ‘character building,’ late nights studying, and serves as a study room for various cadets, who can personal challenges Al experienced while at VMI look at the paintings of our brother rats who did served as a launching pad for his successful career not return from action in the Republic of VietIt has been a sad time since the last class notes in the federal government, building his own connam. It is time for us to determine what we want with the losses of Brother Rats Steve Waters in sulting business and now achieving the highest to do for our next act of charity toward the Insti- Tallahassee, Florida, in May and Terry Chewning academic degree.” Hear, hear! tute. Expect a survey from Charlie at some point in Oviedo, Florida, in July. Tom Love was able to A most hearty congratulations also go out to represent our class at both memorial celebrations. Dave Miller for his appointment to the VMI about our VMI experiences and more talk about Gray Chandler and Bill Scherer also made it to Board of Visitors in June. As you may not know, our class gift in 2019. Dave is president and chief operating officer of Last fall, I communicated via email with our Steve’s celebration, and Frank Cleaton also atClass of 1969 scholarship holder, then 3rd Class tended Terry’s. Steve died unexpectedly, while Community Health Systems, which is the largest Cadet Zachary P. Chase ’17, a cross-country and Terry had suffered with failing kidneys for quite operator of hospitals in the United States with track athlete and Army ROTC student. When some time. Terry’s former roommate, Rob 199 hospitals in 29 states. He and Helen are also I mentioned to him of two places I wanted him to go on post to better meet the Class of 1969 members, he replied he had already been to the classroom in the library and would go soon to the Hall of Valor to see the ways our BRs responded to times of conflict and pain. Cadet Chase is just one of several members of the Corps to receive money from scholarships endowed by members of our class. They are proof that our money donated is doing exactly what it was given to do. Cadet Chase was fortunate to meet and sit between BRs Catlett and Bryan at the Annual Benefactors Luncheon in April and learn more about the “Old Corps.” Despite what the Class of 1970: Class Agent AR said about Mr. Catlett in the last Warren Grasty said of this photo, “Stix Chandler actually edition on page 187, Tommy Dog was Class of 1970: Aboard the Viking Forseti in Bordeaux, France, picking up a tab on our Boralive and well in August when we last May 30, 2015, were, from left, Mike Hannum, Warren Grasty, deaux River cruise with the checked in on him! Steve Craddock, Gray Chandler and Gary Weishaar. Craddocks and Weishaars.” I also am pleased to tell you that

’70

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes major benefactors of Boys’ Home in Covington, Virginia, where Donnie Wheatley is executive director. In a feeble attempt to also garner congratulations, A.C. Arnn reported that he and Tom Massey won their match at the VMI versus The Citadel golf outing at Firethorne Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June. Unfortunately, the talent level from the other VMI classes wasn’t as strong, so the overall match ended in a tie. A.C. also said he and Beth would not be able to make it to reunion this year due to the planned arrival of granddaughter No. 2, Adelaide Joy Arnn, in early September in Alaska. Also sending in regrets about the reunion were Diehl Jones and Jon Vordermark. Diehl and Pat had committed to a mid-September trip to Italy over a year ago. He promises to raise a toast to the class during reunion weekend. Jon is having an addition to his home built to add a guest bedroom, so he extends an open invitation to all brother rats to visit him in Taos, New Mexico. Although he doesn’t ski, the skiing there is reportedly very good and features many black diamond trails. From experience he says that the fly fishing is great. Russ Marshall checked in to say that he retired at the end of June, and his and Elaine’s home in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, will hereafter be their world headquarters. Don Crawford wrote to say Lois has retired from James Madison University and is now 100 percent focused on their website/blog RecipeIdeaShop.com, which offers up all sorts of goodies. Don also mentioned that he had a great time reconnecting with Ashley Butler at a Fourth of July picnic in Harrisonburg, Virgina. Ashley and Louise live in the nearby Massanutten Resort area. In another BR sighting, Bobby Brown said that he and Betty ran into Mike and Lonnette Sisler while they were schlepping around The Homestead in July.

Class of 1970: At the Walker’s beach home in Corolla, North Carolina, were, from left, John Bailey, Warren Grasty, Gray and Nancy Chandler, Margaret Walker, June Bailey, Liz Grasty, Charlie Walker, and Bogie the wonder dog.

Class of 1970: Gathering for Sunday brunch Aug. 1 in Orange Park, Florida, were, from left, Jimmie Seeley ’60, Don Robey ’78, Martha Robey, Gray Chandler, Nancy Chandler, Dennis Witt ’69, Ann Witt, Adrianne Hopkins, Hugh Hopkins ’69, Mary Alice Marley, Ron Marley ’59, Bill Spencer ’73 and Linda Spencer.

Class of 1970: Atop Mount Brundage, Idaho, overlooking Lake McCall were, from left, Warren Grasty; Jennifer Handford; Liz Grasty; and Kevin Handford ’90 and his daughters, Natalie, Briana and Gabriella.

As part of his strategy to ease into retirement, Chips and Lynn Lanier have finally left Yankeeland and now reside in Huntsville, Alabama. Although they have downsized, he says they still have room for any brother rats who would like to pay a visit. Totally eschewing retirement for the time being is Phil Jornlin, who wrote in from Suriname that he has a fiveweek assignment this fall in Bishkek, with a possible longer-term assignment in Tel Aviv beginning before the end of the year. As I am sure you all know, Bishkek, formerly Pishpek and Frunze, is the capital and the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, formerly Kirghizia and officially the Kyrgyz Republic, a country located in Central Asia. And I thought going to the beach was a great adventure. Actually, Liz and I did have quite the adventure in early June, visiting France with Gray and Nancy Chandler, Steve and Sherry Craddock and Gary and Lynn Weishaar. The first week was spent on a Viking River cruise of the Bordeaux region, and the second week in Paris, where we rented an apartment two blocks from the Louvre. From Paris, we took day trips to Normandy, including Omaha Beach and Versailles, which included, by my crude estimate, half the population of Japan, complete with selfie sticks. The evening before the river cruise began, we met up with Mike and Beth Hannum, who had just arrived in Bordeaux from Barcelona on their own European junket. The tales from our time in barracks, which got taller by the minute, all seemed to revolve around either the Rat Disciplinary Committee or the Good-to-Me’s. In fact, we got Mike and Beth so wound up, they promised to make it to the reunion in order to continue the merriment. It turns out Mike’s aunt is one of the local Bordeaux tour guides used by Viking, and we crossed paths with them again in St. Emilion. The first week went by without any significant gaffes or fiascos. Unfortunately, we

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes made up ground the second week. Upon arriving in Paris via train and hauling two weeks’ worth of luggage up five flights of a steep circular stairway, we were in desperate need of refreshment. Fortunately, just down the street from the apartment was a Japanese bar/restaurant. I think it was between the second and third beers when Gary, trying to adjust his position on his bar stool, fell off. Backward. It was a small bar, so even though he was sitting at the end, the rest of us couldn’t distance ourselves from this fiasco. But wait! There’s more! After a decent interval, we paid the tab and headed for the door. Partially blocking the doorway was a cardboard box, which Stix, assuming it was a mail parcel, nudged to the side with his foot. As the owner leapt from behind the bar spewing forth some choice Japanese phrases, we all four simultaneously noticed smoke escaping around the tips of skewers extending from three holes in two opposite sides of the box. God knows what animal was being cooked in there. After apologizing profusely, we staggered back to the apartment to try to come to grips with this mind-numbing experience. This was only slightly more exciting than the scene that unfolded after our first dinner when the waiter brought the check, and Stix found out he owed 6 euros for two pats of butter. Wah wah wah. On Sunday night, while sitting around listening to music from Gary’s i-Thingy plugged into the apartment’s sound system, Gary realized that, back in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, it was time for Johnny Draper’s Sunday afternoon beach music call-in radio show on WTRG (aka The Great 98). So he dialed them up and, lo and behold, got connected. “This is Gaaaary and Lynn. We usually call in from Buggs Iiiisland but today we are in Paris, Fraaance, with some VMI friends and would like to make two requests.” (For the record, pun intended, “Nine Times a Man,” by Wilson Picket and Don Covay, and, “Cry to Me,” by Solomon Burke.) Johnny Draper, being suitably impressed, not only granted this extraordinary request for two songs, but he played them back-toback right after the obligatory commercials. Ah, the miracles of modern technology. Late in the week after the France trip, the Craddocks invited the same motley crew to spend a long weekend at their condo in Rohobeth, Delaware, whereupon we picked right back up on the mirth and glee. Following that, the Chandlers spent a week with us in northern Virginia, where he helped me power wash and stain our deck and

2015-Issue 4

repair some broken fence posts and rails. I must say, he has picked up some valuable skills from all his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. As a bribe, I took him to several local Civil War battlefields, and we all went to see “Million Dollar Quartet” at Wolf Trap. Liz and I had seen it before, but this was the last night of a four-year tour, so the cast went all-out. We all also had dinner with Gray’s cousin, Randolph Williams ’66, and his bride, Priscilla, who live in nearby Gainesville, Virginia. On the way back from Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, we had a late lunch at Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg, Virginia. The building used to house People’s National Bank and features some great architectural features. After chatting up the manager, he invited us to check out the four meeting rooms on the mezzanine level overlooking the main restaurant. One room was dedicated to General George C. Marshall ’901, who lived in Leesburg and included the letter he received informing him he had won the 1953 Nobel Peace Prize. What a pleasant surprise. In June, John and June Bailey’s eldest son, Wes, had a low country crawfish boil at the home he and younger brother, John Jr., rent in Arlington, Virginia. He is quite the chef! Liz and I were among the 50 or so guests who helped consume over 200 pounds of crawfish. This event had been scheduled for the previous day, but a storm came through the night before and blew away several of the awnings, chairs and other items that had been set up. Luckily, the crawfish, sausage, corn and potatoes made it through the next night, and the party was a wild success. The third week of July brought with it the annual week at Charlie and Margaret Walker’s beach home at Corolla on the North Carolina Outer Banks. Joining us this year were John and June Bailey; Gray and Nancy Chandler; their daughter, Tara; Tara’s husband, Josh Volpe; and Tara and Josh’s 2-and-a-half-year-old, Ryker, who was quite a hoot. Jim and Judy Mawyer were only able to make it down for a day as they awaited the birth of their new granddaughter, Georgia Lynn Mawyer – the first child of son Todd and his wife, Meredith, who finally arrived June 28 in Richmond. As usual, there were some interesting moments during the week. The most memorable happened to one of the wives who shall remain nameless, not because I have any scruples, but because she knows where I live. Anyway, early one morning, wife No. 1 walked to the beach with

wife No. 2 (no process of elimination trap here for me!) and, upon removing her cover up, discovered that she had put her bathing suit on inside out! Fortunately, there were no impressionable little munchkins around, so she did the obvious thing, i.e., went into the water, removed her suit and put it back on correctly. Honestly, even I can’t make up stuff like this. As a result, breakfast mimosas have henceforth been stricken from the menu at Chez Walker. Recently, using the lame excuse of reunion planning, Herb Braun, John Bailey, Jim Mawyer and I met up in Lexington and played a round of golf at Vista Links Golf Club in beautiful Buena Vista. At $22 including cart, it’s about the best deal I have had in quite a while. As I write this, Don and Tucker McQueen are on a cruise that takes them to Olympic, Mount Ranier, Danali and Glacier Bay National Parks. That would appear to be a good way to escape the southern summer heat and humidity. Certainly much better than a vacation in Bishkek, formerly Pishpek and Frunze. Meanwhile, Liz and I are in McCall, Idaho, which is a two hour drive north from Boise, visiting with Kevin Handford ’90 and his lovely family at their vacation home. This is definitely a special place – one which we had never seen before. The views from atop nearby Brundage Mountain of Lake Payette, Lake Cascade and the surrounding mountains and valleys are amazing. They don’t know it yet, but the Handfords have just made our permanent mooch list. On Saturday night, they took us to the local county fair and the related rodeo, along with everyone else within 100 miles. While watching grown men falling from bucking broncos and brahma bulls all evening, I kept having flashbacks to that Japanese bar in Paris. In doing so, I think I have stumbled across a relatively unknown medical condition: PESD, or Post-Embarrassment Stress Disorder. Oh well. I’m sure this will ease up in due time. That’s all for now. Be sure to check out the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures that either exceeded my five-picture limit or were not of high enough resolution to include, as well as pictures and comments posted by BRs. Also, if you are not on the brother rat email list, just send me an email at ClassAgent1970@aol.com so you can keep up with BR and Institute related news between issues of the Alumni Review. In the spirit!

Class Notes

’71

Jim Kelly

These notes cover the period from May 15, 2015, through Aug. 15, 2015. A look at the calendar as I begin this set of class notes (Aug. 12, 2015) tells me that it is actually mid-summer and there should be much more time for leisurely things to be taking place. Some of us have not even been on vacation yet while waiting for better rental rates, less traffic and smaller crowds. Shorter days, much cooler nights and the return of school buses to the neighborhood signal something other than “midsummer.” Up in Lexington, things are bustling as VMI gears up for its 176th year. The campus has undergone some sprucing up and construction continues on the Corps Physical Training Facilities and other building projects. Our football team is already hard at work, and a new rat mass matriculated Aug. 22, 2015. General Peay ’62 stated in his annual letter to parents that “we will see another large and outstanding matriculating rat class” and that “it is an exciting time to be around the very best of America’s young people.” Unofficially, I have heard estimates of a Corps of around 1,700 cadets to begin the year. I only know of one at this point with ties to ’71. Steve Price’s great-nephew, Jackson Price, will join the rat mass forming up on the 22nd. Once again, it is my sad duty to report that our class recently lost another brother rat. Bill Beckner died May 26, 2015, in Rockville, Maryland. Bill matriculated from Hagerstown, Maryland, and was a physics major and executive officer of Band Company while at VMI. After graduation from VMI, Bill earned a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Virginia and then reported for duty in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bill had a long and distinguished career in the field of nuclear physics. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Suzanne; his mother; and four siblings. On behalf of the Class of 1971, I extend our sincere condolences to Bill’s family. (Editor’s Note: See page 155 for Mr. Beckner’s Taps entry.) I mentioned in the last set of class notes that Brad Burrus ’96 has taken the leadership role in reviving the New River Valley Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association. The first official event was held in Pulaski’s historic Calfee Park

Class of 1971: Before his retirement from VMI, Col. Tim Golden visited Stonewall Jackson with his two oldest grandchildren, Harrison and Libby Golden. at a Yankees (rookie league) baseball game. On hand were roughly 40 alumni and guests. Classes represented ranged from ’63 to ’03, which is a pretty good showing for an opening event. Kathryn and I attended, along with Buz and Jan Booker and “Bear” O’Donnell from ’71, with Rick Littleton as a no show due to Beverly being on the gim. My brother, Steve Kelly ’77, and his wife, Debbie, were with the group, as well. In the small world of Pulaski (and to some degree VMI alumni), Jim “Wildcat” Kelly ’64 and his wife, Sharon, were also there. Jim is a solid supporter of VMI and the proud father of two sons that are VMI alumni. Speaking of Littleton, his contracting firm has been working at a frantic pace retooling one of Pulaski County’s elementary schools. Rick is down this way fairly often, but so far, we have not “done lunch.” A Hokie engineer works with Rick and usually ends up with him at lunchtime. Rick and the rest of the 139 crew: Gault, Lockridge, and Wall made a trip together to visit J.D. Morefield’s gravesite near Abingdon, Virginia, shortly after J.D.’s headstone was installed. The group paid their respects with a toast of J.D.’s favorite beverage. Many of our brother rats are retiring and looking forward to “the good life.” I know of at least four more as of this writing, and they are highlighted in the paragraphs that follow.

Mike North retired from the general contracting company Myers & Chapman, which he owned for many years. Mike is still working on developing some commercial property that he owns in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and is doing volunteer work with young children’s reading programs. “Big Tim” Golden announced his retirement from VMI effective December 2015. Tim has been with VMI for 38 years and has been the director of financial aid for 28 years. I am sure Tim has faced many tough decisions but has helped many, many cadets find ways to afford a VMI education. Kathryn and I, along with grandchildren Lauren and Ryan, stopped in to see Tim in his Carroll Hall office just a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately though, Tim was unable to encumber any funds for the children to attend VMI ... even for a brother rat roomie. We had taken our grandchildren to see Natural Bridge, VMI and Washington and Lee University. I am almost ashamed to admit it, but I think it was the first time I had ever seen the Natural Bridge ... in spite of the Rat Bible reminder that it was “well worth a visit by every cadet.” Tim spent some time with two of his own grandchildren recently and had a photo taken in front of Stonewall Jackson’s statue. Concerning that photo, Tim remarked that, even after 44 years, he still cannot salute properly. His plan for the first part of his retirement has already been directed by Leah. They are going to “de-clutter” the house ... which Tim says translates to getting rid of a lot of his “stuff.” John Ronayne retired effective June 30, 2015, after 28 years with Ronayne, Turner, Brown and Associates, PC. John is an original founding

Class of 1971: Members of the Class of 1971 sponsored a hole at the Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament at the Lexington Golf & Country Club Aug. 3, 2015, in honor of brother rats who died while in the service. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Cincinnati, Ohio, on VMI business and had lunch partner of RTB, a structural engineering compa- Class of ’71 or VMI in general, you can occupy as ny. John has been recognized over the years by much time as you want looking through the post- with Kirk Murray. A recent daytime baseball game of the Richhis peers as one of the best engineers in his field. ings. Spotted this quarter were: Pearman, Oakley, Lanny Gault retired effective June 1, 2015. He Carver, Ginder, Kirby, Martenstein, Clary, Youell, mond Flying Squirrels (Giants’ farm club) was shared in a recent email that retirement is “awe- Kreamer, Murray, Aldous, Rose, Ashman, Guffey, attended by Kirby, Gault, Westbrook and some,” and he wonders how he used to find time Staley, Padgett, Lloyd, Groome, Neikirk, Mikula, Kennedy. Newsmax magazine named Steve Sanetti No. to work. Lanny has joined a hiking club and Caulfield, Brumback, Bryan, Gearhart, Genplays pickle ball a couple of times each week. try, Billings, Caul, O’Loughlin, Dudley, Turner, 58 on the top 100 list of “Most Influential Gun He still remains active in the working world by Roder, Robbins, Hanke, Coleman, Kelly, Acuff, Rights Advocates” in America. John Kreamer’s situation in Singacontinuing to serve as treasurer for a business association. Lanny is also pore “suddenly changed,” and he has quite active in the Keydet Club. He no immediate plans to return there. will spend some time traveling and John currently lives in Black Mounkeeping up with children and grandtain, North Carolina, in a home that features “exceptional” views of the children. This fall, he will cross off Blue Ridge Mountains. at least one item on his bucket list Buz and Jan Booker recently spent by attending the University of Geora couple of weeks in Germany visitgia versus the University of South Carolina football game between the ing their son, Capt. David Booker, hedges in Athens, Georgia. and his new bride. During the last weekend of June, I have just received the Fiscal Year John Metzger hosted a “guys only/ 2015 Annual Giving results. The brother rats only” gathering at the Class of ’71 ended the year with 96 lodge in Vesuvius, Virginia, which alumni donors (37.5 percent). That featured great food, shooting sports, total kept us in second place behind golfing and hiking. Those making ’70 for the classes in our decade, so Class of 1971: Members of room 139 visited the burial site of the weekend outing were Fogleman, roommate J.D. Morefield near Abingdon, Virginia, after the place- we have our work cut out for us in Piernick, Biersack, Haywood, Pa- ment of J.D.’s headstone. Pictured in front was Bob Lockridge. FY16. I am always proud of ’71 and ton, Lindsey, Schelhorn, Littleton, From left, back row: Lanny Gault, John Wall and Rick Littleton. the support that so many continue to provide VMI. Private giving is crucial Hanke, Golden, Rose, Jolissaint, to maintaining the quality of the acaKennedy and Davis. The annual fall mini reunion will take place over the demics, athletics and facilities at VMI. weekend of Oct. 24, 2015, and a full If you have not been on campus for report should appear in the February a while, I encourage you to make it a edition of the Alumni Review. point to stop by. The place is in many The George C. Marshall Chapter ways just like it was it 1967, but it is of the Military Officers Association amazing what it is like now. of America recently sponsored a golf If you are on the email list for ’71, tournament at the Lexington Golf and you are aware that the official dates Country Club to raise monies in supof our 45th Reunion have been esport of the Wounded Warriors Projtablished as Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016. I will begin working right away on ect. Buddy Bryan took the lead, and some of the details, but the bulk of the 17th hole (71 backward) was sponthe pre-reunion activity will take sored by donations from our brother rats. Over $650 was collected, and the Class of 1971: While in Dover, Delaware, for a NASCAR race, place after the first of the New Year. three couples were spotted outside the Dover Downs Casino. 17th featured a sign in memory of our Pictured were, from left, Sam and Spring Kirby, Steve and Betty In the meantime, if you have ideas about any aspect of the reunion that brother rats who died while in service Jane Turner, and E.J. and Brenda Patrick. you would like to bring up for conto our country: “Bodie” Bodenhiem, Haywood, Wall, Biggs, Walton, Patterson and sideration, please feel free to let me know. This Scott Pardee and Bob Petrola. Facebook news featuring trips, great scenery, Yorgey. will be the ninth time we have been through this Some “odds and ends” since the last notes: grandchildren and recipes continues to grow process, but we can always keep trying to make each time I check my page. Believe me, if you Buddy and Carol Bryan celebrated their 44th an- things better. I am very much looking forward to “friend” everybody with some connection to the niversary in May 2015. Buddy was also recently in the 45th and have every reason to believe it will

2015-Issue 4

Class Notes be the most well attended reunion we have ever had. Consider it a “check formation.” Kathryn and I hope that we will have several opportunities to spend some time with many of you during the fall sports activities and that everyone will have a safe and happy holiday season. God bless our team and VMI. Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, Families, Friends and those curious, I assemble this latest epistle on a brilliant blue mid-August Sunday, patching together news since New Market Day. Hopefully, they’ll brighten some mid-November evening’s gray. Though it’s trite to say, summer has blasted past once again, and as I write this, we’re three weeks from football – optimistic, as always. This past quarter has been hard on us with the sudden loss of two of our throng. Your remembrances and thoughts for the families of Mike Oglesby and Jim McLeod were heartfelt and compassionate. Mike’s service was a moving – and joyful – testament of his service to his community, church, friends and family. Jim’s was just as moving and reflected his quiet, behind the scenes service to his students and family and his love for tinkering, music, old Porsches and the healthiest tomatoes on the block. You’ll be with us always, BRs. Tributes from you for both have been heartening and reinforce what I’ve seen growing over the years – the acknowledgement of our bond and the singular place it holds in each of our lives. All right, I’ll dispense with the usual giving numbers – we show our appreciation well for the benefits of our unique opportunity, and while we’re modest of our support, it has become quite significant. Thank you, my BRs. To the news. Marie and I joined three generations of the Wilkersons at the Fojt’s for the preseason Redskins/Browns dust-up and a healthy quantity of Karen’s (Fojt) incredible jambalaya and the usual recanting of “Old Corps” tales. The results are so comfortingly familiar – many many laughs, a few sighs and the shaking heads of our increasingly indulgent ladies. I can’t say it enough, gentlemen – we are blessed with ladies

from well above our station ... proof positive of the existence of a supreme being. Dave Condon sent a newsy note from his and Ann’s mountain home in the booming metropolis of Eagle Rock (“speed trap”), Virginia. He spoke of the thrill of living through 7 feet of snow and a tractor and truck stuck on each side of their driveway. He also spoke of the joys of grandfather-hood with grandsons who share his love of model trains and VMI hats. Great to hear from you, BR. Rick Hack wanted to dispel any grandiose illusions of his and Walt Chalkley’s prowess on the links. He said he and Walt were headed to Tampa, Florida, for a buffet lunch with Bob Bailey and no wives. He also took note of how many of our BRs are actively involved in Institute organizations and activities. I can attest to that observation, Rick. And from Bob Bailey came this: “Rick Hack, Walt Chalkley and (I) report celebrating the 43rd anniversary of our graduation by meeting for lunch at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida. Waistlines were increased after several trips to the buffet line. On the other hand, wallets (retirement paychecks) were decreased by the slots and poker tables. Also in the area and still working, thus not able to attend, were Denny Sullivan and John Freiermuth.” Ahh yes – even a 2.0 English major knows that for every action (gains from buffets), there’s an equal and opposite reaction (losses from slots and poker). Thanks for keeping the universe so well balanced, BRs. Sandy Edens wrote: “...it is hard to believe we are in the Medicare years! We could do anything when we matriculated; now we try to do anything and have to think three times about it! But as they say, today’s 65 is yesterday’s 45 ... I hope! You know I am fully retired, and Diane retired last year, so we have been crazy busy traveling. You have seen some pictures of us scuba diving, and we go again this November to Fiji to dive. Besides that, we just got back from 30 days on Highway 1 in California and Oregon, where we rode our bikes and did the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Muir Woods. Of course we had the obligatory cloudy and rainy days. Then we went off to Moab, Utah, to raft the Colorado/ Green down through Cataract Canyon, camping for four days in the canyons. We refuse to give in to Old Man Time!” He wrote of his and Diane’s plans to bicycle from Denver, Colorado, through Lexington to Arlington National Cemetery. Oh,

man, Sandy – sometimes I’m feeling the 5-block walk from my office to my customer... Later he sent a quick note (from his “shoe phone,” I certify) telling of watching Gen. Ray Odierno’s retirement speech in which he talked about entering West Point in ’72 and suffering through “beast barracks.” Sandy said it “made (him) proud to be part of our VMI ’72 family and proud to be associated with ... a military institution that made us stand tall!” Amen, BR. Chris Jones wrote thanking me for the reminder of the Mary Martha Ball Scholarship. He said, “I hope that our brother rats take notice and contribute. I also wanted to suggest that everyone read the article about the organization set up by the veteran from Class of ’02. (“Veterans and Athletes United,” 2015-Issue 3 Alumni Review, page 12.) It is the type of organization that I like to contribute to, because all of the money goes to good works. If you did not read it, check it out.” Suggested (strongly). Thanks, Chris. Buzzy Chacey, ever the modest one, sent along news of the energy savings performance contract he manages for Ameresco in support of DOE’s Savannah River Site. Curious, I Googled Ameresco and discovered this: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/news/42822-wood-to-power-savannahriver-operations?rss=0. It’s amazing! He also said, “...I’m also working on a solar project that could be good for the state of South Carolina,” and he’s “...trying to stay in good condition, even though I’ve got plantar fasciitis (tendon in my foot that keeps me from running too much) that I’m dealing with. I started to swim more, and I just swam in the Savannah River ‘gator fest’ and came in second in my age group. It was 1.2 mile swim.” Well done, Buzz – we’re proud of you! That’s all for now, BRs – stay strong, be there for yours and us, and may God bless you all. Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

Summer is winding down as I write these notes, and you’ll be getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas when you read them. I hope all of you are doing well and had a wonderful and relaxing summer. Overall it has been fairly nice here in the Raleigh area.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes It is always difficult to relay bad news, but unfortunately, we lost a brother rat this summer. Thomas Stockbrand died July 12 after being struck by an automobile. Tom was leaving his grandson’s baseball game and was hit while crossing the road at a crosswalk near the ball field. Tom and his wife, Donna, were living in West Jordan, Utah, where he worked as an industrial engineer and operations manager. They have three children together –Daniel, Matthew and Susan – and 10 grandchildren. Please keep Tom’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Today, Aug. 14, would have been Tom’s birthday. Pat and I have been home most of the summer, lounging at the pool and occasionally going to Pulaski to mow the grass and take care of the ranch. We had a nice Fourth of July celebration, and a lot of the family came in. Mom and Dad came up from Florida, where they now live in an assisted living facility. We had our usual festivities – skeet shooting, target practice, food and more food, homemade ice cream and, of course, fireworks! And I think, for the first time, all four of my children and all of their kids were present! My brother, Steve ’77, spent several weeks with us from the end of June through the first of August. His wife, Debbie, had a bone-marrow transplant at Duke, and he lived with us while she was in the hospital. He has now moved to an apartment in Durham, where they will have to stay close to the hospital for 60 days before going home to Lynchburg, Virginia. Debbie seems to be doing well, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her recovery. Chris and Nancy McGreer came through Raleigh in June and spent the night with us. Chris officiated at a wedding in Richmond and came by to visit on their way to Lynchburg. We had a nice dinner at our local watering hole and watched “Field of Lost Shoes,” which they had not seen. They left here, stopped by Lynchburg where they had sold their house and headed west where they plan to live. Chris sent me a note to say they were in Colorado Springs staying with Nancy’s parents. Nancy’s dad, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Rob Woodruff, has been diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, so they are going to stay there for a while. We will keep Col. Woodruff and the rest of the family in our thoughts and prayers. Chris may eventually move to Oklahoma, as he is working with a group to start a Christian military college there. It is an exciting adventure, and I look forward to

2015-Issue 4

hearing more about the school and sharing with the VMI folks. The Central North Carolina/Raleigh Alumni Chapter continues to grow and has become more active, thanks to a lot of local folks, but especially Larry Wilson ’62, who has taken on the leadership role for us. We have had an “Old Corps” breakfast each month (Classes 1975 and below) and a nice dinner meeting in July where Lynn Seldon ’83, author of “Virginia’s Ring,” was the guest speaker. Pat and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Lynn and his wife, Cele, and sat with them during dinner. It was a very delightful evening. This month, the chapter sponsored a rat send-off at the Carolina Mudcats baseball game. Four of the nine families from the Raleigh area who have prospective cadets attended the event, along with several alumni and current cadets. Although the Mudcats lost the game, everyone really had a great time, and I think the new rats enjoyed the camaraderie with the cadets. Pat and I are getting ready to host an international high school student from Sweden. He will be a junior. We are going to provide him a home for a few weeks as he gets settled in Raleigh and a host family is found for him for the school year. We’ve been empty nesters for quite a while, so this may take some getting used to! But we are excited, and hopefully he will enjoy his stay here. In spite of the summer vacations, I have heard from a number of you about your travels and activities. Jim Ackley posted on Facebook that he continues to improve from the hemorrhagic stroke he suffered last December. As I write these notes Aug. 14, he is actually at the University of Virginia hospital today having his second round of eye surgery, which hopefully will correct some of the double vision problems that have caused him to have bouts of dizziness and nausea. Since he had to go to Charlottesville, Jim and Susan went up early and stayed at the Boars Head Inn, an item on their “bucket list.” So far, I have not heard how it went, but please keep Jim in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover. Mike Burke posted on Jim’s Facebook notice and sent me a note to say he had just had cataract surgery on both of his eyes this summer. He said that getting used to “this much vision” was a new experience for him. Mike’s daughter, Emily, has returned for her second year at Missouri State University and took his VMI desk chair with her. She has had fun explaining the “Burke,

M.A.” written on the back of the chair! Mike is still recruiting for VMI and the local alumni chapter and said the chapter had two new cadets matriculating. Mike also said he was proud to have received the Emerson Award for Excellence in Teaching from the community college where he teaches. It is an annual award sponsored by the Emerson Corporation headquartered in St. Louis. He loves teaching, and I don’t think has any plans to retire! John and Ann Pinner have spent a lot of the summer in Maine hanging out and relaxing. He said it was just too “danged hot” down here, and they were going to a cooler climate. Ann posts pictures and notes of their travels frequently on Facebook. Good to hear from you guys and glad you’re having a great summer. Tim McConnell was roommates with Jim Ackley for three years and was pleased to hear about his continued progress. Tim said he had been active in the efforts to resurrect the VMI Palmetto Chapter in the “midlands” of South Carolina. He and his wife hosted a small (but vocal) group of folks at the country club where they ate and drank and watched “Field of Lost Shoes.” Tim said there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and his 24-year-old history major daughter was impressed! Bob Maling had a visit from Paul Jalbert and Emily Dickinson. Paul and Emily traveled to

Class of 1973: Paul Jalbert and Emily Dickinson visited with Bob and Kristi Maling in Joshua Tree, California, this past summer. Paul and Bob were roommates at VMI and had not seen each other in nearly 40 years. Pictured were, from left, Bob Maling, Kristi Maling and Paul Jalbert. 93

Class Notes Joshua Tree, California, and stayed with Bob and University May 6. He was asked to come back to Tom also pointed out a mistake I apparently made in the last set of notes (Oh My!). He said his wife, Kristi, at their cabin. Bob said they had his hometown, Pelham, New York, as the keyhe and his wife got a kick out of reading about been roommates but had not seen each other in note speaker for the town’s Memorial Day obserBob Poynor and that Bob is probably wondermore than 40 years! They had a great time, and vance May 25. all enjoyed the visit. They reminisced about their Mac Kirkpatrick’s son, Clark ’15, graduated ing who the kids and grandkids are! Somehow VMI days when they attended the rat hop in from VMI this spring and plans to teach English my notes got jumbled together and Tom’s name 1969, got overly excited and ran the block, which as a second language in an Arabic speaking counwas left out, but his family’s information was resulted in becoming the first members of our try, and their daughter, Julia, is entering her third put in the middle of Bob’s comments. Anyway, class to get to visit Gen. Shell ’931! Bob said Paul year at Temple University, where she is majoring Tom and Lois’ granddaughter, Wesley, is startwas doing well after having the surgery, which in kinesiology. Julia also competes in CrossFit ing school at Longwood College this month, provided relief from some of the symptoms of his and can lift up to 250 pounds (not bad for a lady and the youngest granddaughter, Lana, will be Parkinson’s disease. That is great news, and I’m of 5 feet 4 inches tall!) Mac and his wife, Melaa junior in high school and plays on the girls’ glad you all got together after all these years. nie, continue riding their motorcycles and have soccer team. Tom’s daughter, Cameron, is a Bill Stephens sent me a note to share with everybeen to California, Arizona, and then traveled up nurse practitioner at McGuire Veterans Affairs one. He was recently diagnosed with early stage to New England. On their most recent trip they hospital near Richmond, and his son, Jarrett, lives and works in Centreville, Virginia. Thanks Prostate cancer and is planning surgery in Sepwere in Billings, Montana, for a BMW Motorfor straightening me out, Tom! Sorry for the tember. Bill is not the first of our BRs to receive cycle Owner’s national rally. mistake. And Bob, now you know the this diagnosis, and he encourages evrest of the story! eryone to get regular health check-ups, I had a short note from Jim Davidas early detection is extremely imporson to say he is doing well. He lives tant! We wish the best, Bill, and will in Greenville, Delaware, not far from keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that by Christmas you are Wilmington, and owns his own comswinging those clubs again! Misto pany, Davidson Associates, which said he had recently played golf with specializes in fire protection engineerRich Lykins, Tim Gundlach, and ing and code consultants. Good to Tom Napier and came in second at hear from you, Jim! Sorry you didn’t the Keydet Club’s annual Jeff Mormake it down here this summer as you had hoped. gan “Pup Cup” Leadership Outing M.B. Adelson stays in touch with Golf Tournament. “Gunner” Gunme and a number of other BRs on lach had the “shot of the day,” as Class of 1973: Chris McGreer and his wife, Nancy, stopped in Raleigh, North Carolina, in June to visit with Pat and Mike a regular basis. M.B. said his wife’s he chipped in on the No. 1 handicap Kelly. Chris and Mike are holding the VMI colors, which Mike mother died recently at the age of 93 hole and helped beat a team from Suhad flying in front of his house. after a bout with cancer. He also has per 77. Great playing, guys, and I’ll John Digiovani said he is doing well, and his a close friend who has just had a cancerous spot be sure to let my brother, Steve ’77, know! removed from his lung, which the doctor noRoland Tiso said he and Judie were returning wife, Patti, had just retired after a 45-year nursback to normal after the big wedding this spring; ing career! Their oldest son, John Jr., has finished ticed on an X-ray during a recent physical. This however, he was facing the possibility of being his medical residency in the Army and has been reminds us of the importance of taking care of unemployed at the end of August. The company stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the past three ourselves, getting frequent check-ups and living he has been working with doing contract work for years. John said they had been fortunate enough each day to its fullest! the government has lost its contract, and Roland to visit with him three times, and he may get to M.B. has been doing some teaching and resays it may be time to move on. He isn’t ready stay there a couple of more years! I can think of cently completed an eight-hour national webcast to retire and has been contacted by a number of worse places to be stationed! Their middle son, for the National Business Institute that focused companies who are interested in his unique “talMichael, is taking flying lessons in Los Angeon the Second Amendment and covered the ents overseas” and all of the valuable experience les and just completed his first solo flight. Their Supreme Court firearms rulings of the past few he has. So, I doubt he will be in the unemployyoungest son graduated from Catholic University years, as well as state and federal firearms laws ment line! Bad news is he may have to go back last December with a double master’s degree in and regulations. He was pleased with the reviews he received and said it felt good to “give someoverseas. Best of luck, Roland, but I know things architecture and sustainable design and is workwill fall into place for you! Roland said the family ing for a firm in Georgetown. John said he and thing back” by teaching the “young ones” comwas doing well, and his “Pop” had returned home Patti were very blessed and to say hello to all. ing up. And he’s completed his continuing eduto New York and was holding up well. Roland is Tom Jennings sent a note saying he is still cation requirements for the year and feels like it still doing his bodybuilding competitions and was working with the Virginia Department of Enmay be time to go fishing or spend some time on the commissioning speaker at Washington State vironmental Quality and staying pretty busy. the firing range! M.B. said he had recently been

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in contact with Buck Harrison and is in contact with Buck’s daughter, Becky, who is in Germany and was recently given a company command in an aviation battalion. M.B. also hears from Hugh White, Dave Northcraft, Mike Burke and Steve Chadwick occasionally. And, of course, he and Roland Tiso stay in close communication. He also reminded me that Pat and I had promised to come and visit him and Mary – haven’t forgotten! Hope to do it soon. M.B. mentioned that he follows Facebook a lot, and it is a good way to stay in touch with folks and to see what others are doing. He has commented on some of my postings with the grandkids and my activities. We have 63 or more BRs registered on our Facebook page. Tom Clark is the gate-keeper, so get in touch with him if you haven’t joined the club! Neil Carlson, Klaus Worrell, P.X. English, John Digiovani, Jeff Minch and many others are frequent users of the page. There are also lots of pictures posted. Wes Carr posted a beautiful shot in front of barracks looking across Jackson’s statue and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which he took in May as he was traveling through. And Scott Lingamfelter keeps us apprised of his dealings with the state Legislature, and we appreciate all he does to support the Institute. Sign up today! I don’t hear from Jim Wrenn very often, even though he lives in Whitakers, North Carolina, about 50 miles northeast of Raleigh. However, Jim sent me a note recently to remind me that August marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Jonathan Daniels ’61. Jonathan, the class valedictorian, attended Harvard University after graduating from VMI, but then decided in 1963 to leave Harvard and studied at the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Heeding a call from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jonathan went to Selma, Alabama, to work for racial equality and stayed in Alabama doing social justice work. He was murdered in August 1965. There was an article on page 10 of the 2015-Issue 3 Review about Jonathan Daniels, and I encourage you to go back and read it if you haven’t already done so. Jim told me he entered VMI following the footsteps of Stonewall Jackson and left VMI following the footsteps of Jonathan Daniels, and it was a thrill to visit VMI to see Daniels’ Arch and courtyard, and of course, Jackson Arch. Thanks for the reminder, Jim! That is about it for now. I really appreciate hearing from everyone and ask that you keep me up

2015-Issue 4

to date on your activities. Don’t forget that if you move, change your email or phone number, etc., let me know, and also go online to the VMI Ranks and update your profile. I also encourage you to download the VMI Alumni Association’s mobile app on your phone. With this application, you can search the location wherever you are and pull up the alumni in the area. The app provides their address, class and pertinent information. You might be surprised who lives in your neighborhood or the town you are visiting! I also want to thank everyone for your financial support to the Institute this past year. Our class set a record for the amount given this past fiscal year, which ended June 30 (at least since I’ve been class agent), and I’m sure a lot was in response to the VMI Campaign. We also had an increase in the percentage of folks giving to the school, up from 34 percent to 36 percent, but we can still do better. Don’t you think that three-fourths of the class giving sounds better than one-third? Just a reminder that as you read these notes, the calendar year is drawing to a close and you still have time to get those tax deductible donations in! Thanks to all who give regularly, and thanks to everyone who plans to give – especially for the first time! I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I hope to see many of you this fall at some of the games. Take care, and be safe out there. In the bonds, Mike

’74

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, Family, and Friends of the illustrious VMI Class of 1974! I trust these notes find one and all happy, healthy and in good spirits. As for me, I am composing these notes while enduring the oppressive heat of a Phoenix, Arizona, summer – highs ranging between 105 and 120 degrees during the day and lows in the upper 80s to the mid-90s at night. As you may recall in my last set of notes, I blathered on about how nice it was to be in Phoenix. February-May was as pleasant as could be, however, since the end of May, it has been brutal – very little outdoor anything with these temperatures. I’m told more than 50 percent of the

Class of 1974: Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, “Rich and Ann Forbes – king and queen of putt-putt.”

Class of 1974: Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, “Dave Hickey survives – Ram tough – note the tag.”

Class of 1974: Snookie Parker, third from the right, as part of the 7th Cavalry in the Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn annual re-enactment. 95

Class Notes residents (lots of snowbirds) leave for the summer. are already in the swing of things socially! It is gentleman and a credit to his Corps!” Lieutenant Col. Drew Hodges was an Air Force liaison officer I can hardly blame them. I do have to report that great to have a BR in close proximity! Charlie Gardner recounted the following – a on the Coalition Forces Land Component ComMarla and daughter Olivia did visit for several days the last week in July. Saw the John Cougar Mel- great small world story: “The other day, I had an mand staff in Kuwait right after Sept. 11, where lencamp/Carlene Carter Concert; ate at the Tilted interesting thing happen. I received a package at we served together. I understand Dave Hickey has confirmed that Kilt; shopped in Old Town Scottsdale; slummed the office, and inside was my cover that was taken “country western style” at Cave Creek’s Buffalo from me during the halftime brawl at the last VMI Dodge Ram trucks are truly Ram tough, as they Chip Saloon; and took an eventful road trip to versus VPI turkey day game in Roanoke. About say. Dave apparently ran into a Peter-Built tractor the much more pleasant environment both scenic eight years ago, Snookie was approached at an air- trailer – a show-stopping stop with timely air bag and temperature wise in Sedona, Cottonwood, Je- port by a fellow colonel who recognized his VMI deployment. Dave was banged up with bumps and rome and Old Town Prescott. Marla and Olivia hat and got to talking with him. He shared that he bruises but fundamentally escaped unharmed. I believe someone up above was looking agreed that the heat was too oppressive over your shoulder, Dave. Glad you for another summer visit. In fact, my are still with us. I did note that even commitment in Phoenix is coming to though there was major damage to the an end, and I’m headed back to North truck, the vanity plate was still intact. Carolina in a week! Enough about that The Tidewater Breakfast Club met ... notes in the fall tend to be thin, and twice during this reporting period. Atthis fall is no exception, so here goes! Received an announcement for tendees for the May gathering: John George and Anna Van Laethem: and Diane McLaren, Chip Beaman, A proud parent moment: May 16, Sam Turner, Bill and Debra-Renee 2015, daughter Ashley graduated Pennypacker, Ann and Steve Ham, from the Charlotte School of Law Anne and George Van Laethem, and with a Juris Doctor degree. Con- Class of 1974: Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, Rose and Paul Van Doren. I’m told “Tom Parker, masked man on the Continental Divide.” the conversation topics were wide gratulations, Ashley! and varied, with the most memorable Mike Mahoney and Patty were being Ann Ham’s fascinating explaheaded to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a couple of weeks in August. nation of successful and the not so (Ah, Myrtle Beach – a place that has successful techniques for dealing with more golf courses than gas stations special needs children in school. and where beach music and the shag The July 18 breakfast was organized is still king.) I understand Mike is playat the last minute, so the numbers were short of the usual participation. The ing in the World Amateur Golf Tourgroup gathered at Dennis’ Spaghetti nament – playing in his age bracket and Steak House. Attendees: George (60-69). Mike came in eighth a couple Van Laethem, Bill Pennypacker, of years ago. Mike is still working for Frank Richardson, Al Rasper, Paul Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Van Doren and John Crawley. Underand is assigned as one of the four EMS supervisors. As I understand that situ- Class of 1974: At the Tidewater Area Breakfast Club May 2015 stand Henry Moncure canceled at the last minute due to a hard workweek. ation, there is only one supervisor per soiree were, from left, George VanLaethem, Bill and DebraRenee Pennypacker, Paul and Rose Van Doren, Sam Turner, Thanks for keeping us posted, Paul! shift, working 24 hours per day when Chip Beaman, Steve and Ann Ham, Diane and John McLaren, Ted Zajac related the following working and only working eight days and Anne Van Laethem. on his dad’s birthday: “My dad is a month. Eight on and 20-plus days off per month explains the well-honed golf game. had graduated from Tech’s Corps and wondered 97 today. When he was born World War I still Good luck on the golf tournament, BR! if he knew a Charles Gardner, because he had raged, there was a flu pandemic and Mississippi David and Susan Sheppard have retired/retired his hat and related the story. Obviously Snookie became the first state to ratify the 18th Amendand left the crowds of Tidewater for the tranquil replied in the affirmative and put him in touch ment (prohibition) of the U.S. Constitution. He pace of small town Wilson, North Carolina. Da- with me. We have corresponded down through served in Chemical Warfare as a major during vid and Susan have settled into their new home the years trying to affect a link up. Unable to do so, World War II, got a Bachelor of Science degree with all the amenities ... including a shop and he finally mailed it to me with a wonderful note. in electrical engineering from Ohio State Uniworld class man cave with a surround sound I am impressed that he took such good care of it versity, founded two successful companies and that it looks as good as the day I lost it 44 years ago. helped many others. While he enjoyed financial theater and pool table felted in VMI colors. They have only been in Wilson a couple of months and My hat is off to VPI Cadet Drew Hodges, a true success, I believe that his true love was solving

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes problems that others could not and ‘making things happen.’ He still walks on his own and loves to talk design and manufacturing.” A tribute to a resilient member of the greatest generation who is still contributing. Thanks, Ted! Early in July, Robert Cunningham, who is working in the Office of Cyber Security for the Department of Veterans Affairs, was in an exchange with one of his cyber security colleagues, a former Navy officer who had served on the Numnuts (Nimitz). This colleague was running down the “chair force” while longing for the return of the coveted CinC Cup – and wanted to know the name of the VMI commander of the Chicken Hawk (Kitty Hawk) ... of course, it was none other than our illustrious BR Tom Parker. Interestingly enough, I had just received a photo of Tom at the Continental Divide while on his Harley. Clearly a Rocky Mountain high. I had just finished an eight-day trip riding with the 7th Cavalry in the Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Big Horn annual re-enactment. I died honorably on the field of battle during Friday and Saturday’s re-enactments. We camped on the banks of Little Big Horn on the Crow Reservation and spent 4-6 hours a day in the saddle riding the battlefield – riding in authentic costume and on 1870 vintage McClellan saddles. It provided a unique perspective to the events of history. Robert Cunningham, Tom Parker and I exchanged brief assessments on the blunders of Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Another small world story – unbeknownst to me, a high school girlfriend/classmate was on a monthlong RV trip out west with her husband and attended Saturday’s Battle of Little Big Horn re-enactment. We connected after the re-enactment – she took the picture. I’m third from the left in the photo. I just finished our ‘Annual Baseball Weekend Soiree.’ This year, we visited four stadiums in a weekend: Cincinnati Reds versus Arizona Diamondbacks in D-Back Stadium in Phoenix and dined at the Phoenix City Grill; Philadelphia Phillies versus San Diego Padres in Petco Stadium in San Diego, where we stayed at the Hilton Bayfront and dined at Lou and Mickey’s in the Gaslight District; Baltimore Orioles versus Los Angeles Angels at the Big A (Anaheim Stadium) and Washington Nationals versus Los Angeles Dodgers in Dodger Stadium, and we stayed and dined on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Twenty-nine stadiums down; five left to visit: Miller Park in Milwaukee, PNC Park in Pittsburg, Progressive Field in Cleveland, Target

2015-Issue 4

Field in Minnesota and Rogers Centre in Toronto ... seems like it never ends ’cause they keep building new ones. We are on the cusp of this year’s football season. By the time you read these notes, we will be close to finishing the collegiate season. A late entry for these notes: Pat Flynn and Walt Wilson, along with two others, are on a major league salmon fishing trip in the Northwest. Latest count – caught about 100-plus, kept 80-plus. On a side note, here is an interesting piece of minutia I ran across recently: A recent survey asked the question – if there was one thing you could not live without, what would it be? Any guesses? Over 50 percent of the men responded with their TV. Over 50 percent of the women responded with their toothbrush. Go figure! I can understand the men’s response; however, I would have thought the women’s response, especially if younger women were included, would have been the cellphone. I think that is what my daughter would have said. Sign of the times. Until then, in the bonds! Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/or careers. Brother rats are interested and do care. I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated email address to me snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo! Warm regards, Snookie

’75

Robert Keller

BRs, I have pulled out my ‘shoebox’ and will attempt my second set of class notes for our illustrious class. To those who have sent in updates – I thank you. It is super hot and humid here in Tampa, Florida, and I find it hard to believe that we will be reading this edition in mid-November when it will be starting to get cold, football season will be

over for the most part and we will be entering the dark ages. (Remember them?) Ben and Anne Vanderberry returned to the Institute the weekend after our reunion to witness the commissioning and graduation of their son, Ben. Ensign Claude B. Vanderberry ’15 was ordered to Pensacola May 29 and reported to Dad that flight school is going well. They are planning a trip in early September to see him. Harry McKnight was so moved by this event that he went to Lexington to see at least one Vanderberry graduate with distinction. Ben also reported that after hearing so much about knee surgery from Al Morgan and Art Nunn, he just had to have one. It seems that a treacherous encounter on the stairs, turning a corner, did his good right knee in. Heal well. It is also reported the Billy and Lee Hunter’s son, William Hunter ’15, graduated at the same time. Congratulations to all. Bill Robson let me know that he and Edith met up with Yulee and Karen Richardson in late May and were able to catch up with each other over a fine Italian meal. The Robson’s are now at their place in The Villages, Florida, and later this month, I will be headed up to The Villages for a mini with them and Larry Hendry. Should be fun. Charlie Hoon wrote me to let me know that he and his wife are in the great state of Montana until the end of this year and extends his invitation to all BRs to come and visit. Guy Conte had a mandatory meeting with his new grandson, Brody, here in Tampa in early June. He reported that his daughter, Holly, and son-in-law, Brent, are doing fine. As would be expected, Brody will be receiving a provisional cadetship from his grandfather and probably his Uncle Chris Conte ’11 in the near future. Guy was doing the math (a lot for a history major) and tells me that Brody should be in the Class of 2036. This would be 100 years from the class of Guy’s father, Daniel R. Conte ’36. Obviously a very proud grandpa. While Guy was here, he, Bill Overton and I were able to meet up and have lunch together. We convened at the courthouse that serves as OV’s office and had a great visit. Bill was telling us how he and Dolores are looking forward to his retirement sometime next year. Of course, there were many war stories told over lunch, and later OV gave Guy and me a tour of his courtroom and his chambers. Bobo Kobus gave me a call to let me know he planned to get married in the first couple of weeks in October here in Tampa. He still has a

Class Notes place in Florida but business has him spending a each other in their upgraded first class seats on a annual July fishing extravaganza into the northern Saskatchewan Wilderness. One of the chief adgreat deal of time in New York City. He sends his flight from Washington to Cleveland. After orbest to all BRs and said how great it was to catch dering drinks, they then proceeded to convene a vantages of that location is the fishing stories become incredibly difficult to verify (or refute). Sufup with everybody at the reunion. Hopefully I company commander’s meeting to review the rewill have more news in the next Review. cent 40th Reunion. They promptly promoted Guy fice it to say that whatever size Northern Pike you can imagine, both Bernie and Dan caught a bigger I heard from Harley Myler that he spent some Conte from class president to commander in chief time in the Jefferson County, Texas, one. Amazingly, both were recorded at jail in July. Fortunately it was not hard 75 feet long. Dan and Bernie extend time, but just a tour. He did make the an invitation to all BRs to join them for comment to the group that he was the 2016 Canadian saga and land their with that the place reminded him of own largest fish (story) ever. his alma mater. I am sure that must Frank Hillson is starting his fourth have generated some interesting stares. year at the University of Delaware, Rich McFarland tells me that he is where he teaches three sections of still plagued with that age-old quesfirst-year composition. He lovingly refers to it as his rat English classes. tion, “What do I do when I grow up?” He also reports that Don Bernardini It seems he has set a tentative retireis in charge of an “Opera on Wheels” ment date of mid-November 2016 program, which takes shortened verwith the primary goal of relocating out of the D.C. metro area. His target sions (about 20 minutes) of famous area is the Shenandoah Valley, but he operas on the road to schools, grades is not sure of where exactly he wants K-8 in Ohio and Michigan. to land. As far as what Maco will do Artie Nunn has a big year coming Class of 1975: From left, Bob Keller, Bill Overton and Guy Conte to keep himself occupied, he has got up, as his family is growing. He and in Judge Overton’s court room in Pinellas County, Florida, June that figured out. He can see himself Judy are getting ready for grandchil9, 2015. They met for lunch when Guy Conte was in the Tampa area to celebrate the birth of his grandson, Brody. Note the driving one of the old beat up school dren Nos. 4 and 5. No. 4 will be born section of baseball bat that Judge Overton uses for a gavel. busses that are used to shuttle people in Raleigh in September, and No. 5 Class Agent Robert Keller said of this photo, “The judge, the back and forth from the put in to the will be born in New Orleans in Depresident and the court jester.” takeout locations for one of the river cember or January. In addition, their rafting outfitters. He figures that the daughter, Alison, is getting married in tips he gets will carry him through the Richmond in April, while their other winter. I just hope you don’t have to daughter, Pammy, is getting married get a background check for that kind in June or July at an as-of-yet undeof work. But until then, his company termined location. Art is requesting will be sending him to El Paso, Texas, that if you see him wondering around to start up a new account. Maco is post in a fog at any of the VMI footlooking forward to this, as his son is ball games, please offer assistance and finishing up a master’s program at get him pointed in the right direction. University of Texas at El Paso and He also advises that your portfolios will give them some time together. may take a leap in the right direction Mac also sent me a picture of his by investing in the adult beverage secindustrial-sized smoker, and said he tor, as his rate of consumption will be Class of 1975: At an Italian restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, July 29, 2015, were, from left, Doug Baird, Jim Mesis putting out some killer ribs, butts increasing. At least your daughters are nard, Chris Ingelido, Mike Mulligan and Barry Lineback. Class and briskets. We may have found the giving you a little bit of time between Agent Robert Keller said of this photo, “A mini reunion of sorts caterer for our next reunion. each event. That VMI chair is going to with Barry Lineback, who was unable to attend the 40th. He Ollie and Bonnie Way will be be a very handy item for you and Judy. committed to this group that he will be there for the 45th.” headed overseas to spend a couple of Congratulations, brother rat. weeks in Italy and France at the end of August. ’75 in perpetuity. Alan Morgan and Scott Risser The month of May found Mike Mulligan in But they are really looking forward to their third were raised to brother rat superiors for their outLas Vegas, participating in the Desert Grey Matgrandbaby in December. He reported that all of standing organization of the reunion. All of the ters 5K Run. The proceeds from this event go to the Ways are doing fine. other company commanders were boned in abbrain tumor research through the Muselle FounOn June 25, Greg Stultz and Dan Brooks, by sentia for failing to attend the mandatory meeting. dation. This event raised $16,000, and Mike’s amazing coincidence, wound up sitting next to Dan then joined up with Bernie Cobb for their team, VMI 75, raised over $1,500 for the effort.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes There were many members of our class that pledged for Mike on his run that made this a big success. Our Brother Rat Todd Sain, who is battling brain cancer, was the driving force behind the organization of this event. He has shouldered the cause for brain cancer research and awareness and has become the advocate in southern Nevada. As Mike says, so typical of Todd. Todd is continuing to fight this cancer and his mantra is, “Never give up.” Mike was also able to take a trip to Gulfport to visit with his daughter and grandchild. After that he made his way to Alexandria Virginia to participate in a mini reunion with Doug Baird, Jim Mesnard, Chris Ingelido and Barry Lineback. Mike reported that while they were there, they also called Larry Lineback in California, making this a multi-state mini reunion. Barry and Larry weren’t able to attend the 40th but have committed to being at the 45th. Sounds like a fruitful mini. Rick Henning had a very busy summer. He, Suzanne and Sam (their University of North Carolina - Greensboro grad) traveled to Georgia in mid-July for a family reunion. The following weekend, he and Sam went to the Outer Banks for a guy’s daytrip and took in a baseball game between the Wilmington Sharks and the Edenton Steamers at the historic Hicks Stadium in Edenton, North Carolina. Next on the itinerary was hip replacement Aug. 11, to be followed by three months of rehab and therapy. In mid-September, he planned to attend the wedding of his eldest son, Andrew, in Powhatan, Virginia, at the homeplace where his grandfather, the late Clark M. ‘Rooster’ Henning ’49C, was raised and where his grandmother, Georgia E. Henning, lives today. Rick really hopes that his therapy goes well enough so he can attend some of the Keydet football and soccer games. As always, he invites any BR passing through Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to give him a call to say hello or meet for lunch. Got a quick note from Steve Chapin saying all is OK in Tennessee and that with his birthday in July, he thinks that it is great to be another year older. I hear you, BR. Tad MacGowan wrote that his summer was filled with a lot of travel. May found him and Bev in New York City on business. After many years of not getting to the city, he now is there about two times a year. His client is located a few blocks from Wall Street and the Brooklyn Bridge. The weather was good, and they both

2015-Issue 4

had a great time. After that Tad and Bev, with daughters Calee and Ginny, drove to a rural airstrip on the Eastern Shore, where Ginny hopped on a small Cessna and proceeded to do a tandem skydive from 8,000 feet. Tad reported that it was awesome to watch, but this activity is not going on his bucket list. Several weeks later, he had a rare business trip to the West Coast. It started in San Francisco and found Tad doing the touristy things like driving the streets that Steve McQueen drove in “Bullet,” took a cruise to the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz, and ridding the running board of a trolley. When it came time to move on to Los Angeles, he opted to do something that was on his bucket list, and that was to drive the coastal highway from Monterrey to Los Angeles. The weather was perfect and the views were as spectacular as the pictures in the National Geographic magazines that he remembered looking at as a kid. In mid-July, Tad and his third daughter, Kathryn, took an overnight kayak trip on the Shenandoah from Charlestown, West Virginia, to Point of Rocks, Maryland. Turned out to be quite an exhausting trip, as they encountered seven rapid sections, with one being a 10-foot spillway on the first day. The second day was in calmer waters that allowed time for a more relaxed trip. Bill and Ann Turpin had the great pleasure of seeing their son, Philip, graduate from Babson College in Boston shortly after our 40th. Philip has been offered a merit partial scholarship to Tulane University, where he plans to pursue a Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degree combo. Bill is still consulting startup companies in health care products and services in growth strategies. He also did a Canadian fishing junket and had a great time catching and eating walleye and catching pike on northern trophy lakes. Bill has been doing this for the past 20 years and stated it is the perfect combo of location, weather, nature, food, cocktails and stories for six days ... totally unplugged. There seems to be a common thread in these Canadian Fishing trips. Bill is hoping that Charlie Kaune will accompany the U.S. Military Academy at West Point when they come to Houston Oct. 24 to play Rice University. Bill is ready to rally the Houston area BRs in that event. After our reunion was over, Tom and Peggy Jones headed to Baltimore to visit with their 3-year-old granddaughter. If you remember your short-term history, that was the same time of the Baltimore meltdown. Tom reported he had

nothing to do with the riots that occurred, and in fact, a fieldtrip to the Inner Harbor with his granddaughter’s day care group was canceled. Tom’s son, Steve, went to an Oriole’s game shortly thereafter and had no problem getting a $5 ticket. Tom and Peg gave me the good news that Steve and his wife are expecting their second child, and they will be traveling back to Baltimore in August or September to visit their new grandchild. Hope all is quiet this time. Just received a note from David Miller, and it seems that he, too, had a busy summer, but not necessarily doing those things one would consider as being fun. In mid-July, he underwent major lumbar back surgery. The first several weeks postsurgery were not pleasant pain-wise but is getting better thanks to meds. Now the work comes to wean off the meds. If that weren’t enough, next on the medical agenda is knee replacement surgery – both sides. A tough summer for sure, but hopefully David’s quality of life will be far better. Hang in there, BR, you are not alone. It seems that our class has entered the orthopedic phase of our lives. I, too, am looking at the possibility of my second shoulder surgery. As the old saying goes, I would rather wear out then rust out. Well, brother rats, the shoebox is empty, and those are all the updates for now. Maybe see you at the Institute for a game. Take care and keep in touch.

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats, these notes were written Aug. 14, 2015. By the time you read them, our 40th Reunion will be five months away! While Bart White was opening a new jar of peanut butter, he felt compelled to write me. He said, “You and other class agents have been so faithfully persistent through the years that I am somewhat apologetic for my lack of contact with VMI.” Bart withdrew from VMI at Christmas of our 1st Class year. Bart said, “Colonel Dillard ’34, rest his soul, gave me cover with my parents by explaining to them that I had come down with intellectual mononucleosis and would surely return.” Bart tried to re-enroll at VMI the first semester of the ’76-’77 academic year, but space was not available. Eventually, he returned the second semester of the ’77-’78 academic

Class Notes year. Bart roomed with Kurt Weidenthal ’77 stayed in Aberfoyle, close to the Highlands, and is also a Gideon, so he was busy handing out and Dave Wallenborn ’77, who had just lost visited Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh; toured Bibles – approximately 11,000 – at high school graduations this summer. another roommate – John Strock. Bart said, “I Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and DunnotBy the time you read these notes, Maj. Gen. will be forever thankful to the Class of ’77...” tar Castle; sampled single malts at Glengoyne Razz Waff will be retired from the U. S. Army. After graduation, he completed his U.S. Army Distillery; had tea at Callendar House (a house Razz gets The Class of 1976 Last Man Standing active duty obligation at Fort Lee, Virginia, took dating back to the 14th century); enjoyed Holyin Uniform Award! Razz said, “After 39 years of the LSAT, applied for law school and attended rood Palace, Glasgow Cathedral and Rosslyn the University of Richmond T.C. Williams law Chapel; refought the Battle of Bannockburn; and active and reserve service, I will head off to the front porch.” Razz finished two years school in 1978. Bart said, “I had many of active duty as the Army’s Deputy a meal there that first year with BR G-1 and chairman of the Army ReEvan Haberman, who was a third year student on his way out as I was serve Forces Policy Committee and coming in.” Bart passed the Virginia headed back to Gurnee, Illinois. Afand North Carolina Bar and returned ter his daughter, Meaghan, graduates home to Raleigh, North Carolina, from Rhodes College in Memphis, where he has been ever since. Bart Tennessee, Razz and Kathleen plan works at Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP, to retire in Asheville, North Carolina. doing general civil litigation. He has Razz said, “Nothing on the horizon been married for 30 years and has two post-retirement, although I would grown daughters. Bart said, “I am putlike to get back into medical ethics and health care chaplaincy again.” ting the 40th Reunion date on my calDexter Gilliam checked-in and endar but will only attend if BR Ares said things have been pretty quiet. Koumis will sound off for me in his Dexter and his wife, Sevanne, live finest southern drawl: ‘Koumis, A.G.; Class of 1976: J.R. Mott hiking through the Alps July 4, 2015. in Halifax, Virginia; they grew up Bergenfield, New Jersey, Suh.’” Class Agent Bill Bhatta said of this photo, “His oldest daughter, Evan and Margaret Haberman Yvonne (on his back), is enjoying the ride; his youngest daughter, there together. Their son, Sam, works moved to Lexington in January 2014, Renne (sitting on the ground), not so much. She is waiting for at the Longwood University Police Department as an investigator and and they are still settling in. Their Mei (J.R.’s wife) to carry her, too!” lives down the street from them. daughter, Melissa, is engaged to be The Gilliams spent a nice weekend married, so planning and paying bills with Dyke and Bobbi Davies at their now occupies much of their time. house on Smith Mountain Lake in Evan has been serving on the board June. The Davies are doing well and of directors of the Judge Advocates have two granddaughters. Wayne Association in Washington D.C. He Eastham’s son, Mathew, spent a does volunteer work at the George night with them in July as he traveled C. Marshall House in Leesburg, Virthrough to Atlanta. Mathew and his ginia, as well as the Marshall Library wife, Anne, had their first child, Sawat VMI. In the latter capacity, he is a proof reader for the final volume of yer Lawrence Eastham, born July 17, the Marshall papers, which should be 2015. Dexter said, “...[Sawyer] came out in print in the next year. During a early, which as we all know, is totally recent trip to northern Virginia, Evan Class of 1976: Mack and Paula Curle, left, and Clyde and Mary out of character for Wayne.” Dexter and Margaret had dinner with Pete Furr, right, at Cross Keys Pub in Kippen, Scotland. Class Agent is looking forward to seeing everyone Bill Bhatta said, “After sampling several single malts, Mack and Mary Friesen. Before moving at our 40th Reunion. He said, “I am and Clyde refought the Battle of Bannockburn. The final score: to Lexington, they lived in the same Scots 1, English 0.” trying to stay in good enough shape neighborhood with the Friesens and to scale the sentinel box without steps hope to persuade them to move to Lexington ate lots and lots of good food. Mack and Paula ... I am going to rely upon all of you for a safety when they retire. net!” To that, I say, “We don’t need no stinking stay active in their church. Paula is the moderaMack Curle thanked me for his birthday card. tor of the board of deacons and oversees a wide safety net!” Well ... maybe. He said, “It is nice to be considered officially old variety of capital projects, maintenance projects, John Dorsey and his wife, Theresa, recently by the federal government. Social Security starts fellowship activities, etc. Mack is on the governmoved to Bristow, Virginia. John is still working in June.” Mack and Paula took a trip to Scoting body, which controls the church purse strings in the Public Works Department at Quantico land with Clyde and Mary Furr in June. They and funds all the projects Paula oversees. Mack Marine Base, managing/programming facilities

100

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes maintenance and repair projects. John said he is starting to think seriously about retirement. When is the last time you ran into a BR unexpectedly? John and I seem to do it. Years ago, he sat right across from my wife and me while we were eating ice cream in a mall outside of Hampton, Virginia. Several years later, I ran into him at a minor league baseball game in Richmond. Tom Moody is still working part-time, two to three days a week, after retiring in 2010. Over the past several years, Tom and Paula took responsibility to care for four elder relatives. Tom said, “It put a cramp in our golf game, but I guess this was why we didn’t have any children.” Unfortunately, since last July, three have died, and the fourth is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Tom said, “Other than that, we are trying to stay positive, given the fact that we are now going into our 60s versus just 60.” D.B. Johnson sent me an update. Doug retired from Hewlett-Packard May 31, 2015. Unfortunately, he had sad news to report: Joan, his wife of 28 years, succumbed to cancer Jan. 21, 2015. It was 10 years since the initial diagnosis and three years since the family knew it was metastatic. To be with Doug and Joan, their two daughters moved home in October 2014; one from Washington, D.C. and the other from Tucson, Arizona. Doug said, “Our kids grew up here in our Granite Bay home, and there is some solace in knowing that Joan was able to pass here.” This summer, one daughter returned home; the other remained in the Sacramento, California, area. Doug said, “I feel I’m doing fine emotionally; I have a good support system and am focused on moving forward ... The first few months of this year are kind of a blur, but I’m doing well now, and I’m focused on making the most of life, including backpacking in the Sierras, seeing if I can start a small tech business, volunteering, etc. So now I’ve got a 3,000 square foot house with a pool in a nice area for just me and the dog. If any BRs are headed out to [northern California], they’d be welcome to crash here and use it as a base for tours of Tahoe, Napa, San Francisco, etc.” And now, the BR minute: Dick Williams’ son in the Class of 2016 will graduate from VMI exactly 40 years after him, shortly after our 40th Reunion (April 22-23, 2016)! Rocky Glass retired from SLAIT Consulting May 29. Shortly thereafter, Rocky and Betsy – along with Ray Brooks and Doug Hines – celebrated the marriage of Hannah Glass to Matthew Radi ’11 June 20.

2015-Issue 4

Jake Berberich is plugging away in Ralph Lauren Global Information Technology in Greensboro, North Carolina, and says “Life is good!” These notes end with sad news: Curtis Butterworth died July 23, 2015. He was 61 years old. Wayne and Caren Eastham, Dexter and Sevanne Gilliam, Rocky Glass, Tom Hawthorne, Jim Mallon, and Allen McCarthy attended his viewing, and Maury and Libby Gatewood and I attended the funeral. Curtis’ preaching and Gospel teachings had a tremendous impact on people in the Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell, Virginia, areas. Please read his obituary in this Alumni Review. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Butterworth’s Taps entry appears on page 155.) Here are several BR memories of Curtis: Ares Koumis: “H.C.’s bio reads like a storied Southern gentleman, something out of the 19th century. A vanishing breed in an age where the crying need for his kind of man is not recognized by a sadly declining culture. I suspect he’s sitting in the light, having a beer with Dennis Puckett and Pelham Felder and waiting for the rest of us to breakout...” Brian Puse: “This news was received last night. My heart sank with grief for Donna and his family. The first memory that came to mind was riding to Virginia Commonwealth University summer classes together. There were many other memories that followed, and all are good ones – from high school to present. He will be sorely missed by many, but we know where we’ll see him again. With deep sadness at losing one of the good guys.” Jim Mallon: “I was in B Company with Curtis and knew him well at VMI. We roomed together junior year and the seven weeks I attended VMI our 1st Class year. I was a ranker 3rd and 2nd Class years and so can say this. Curtis was teased unmercifully his 3rd Class year for shining up and buying Corfram shoes. However, he was strack and looked good in the uniform and was in the color guard that year. He dated Donna Rigney throughout high school and VMI and was in love with her the whole time; no other possibilities. He was an English major and did well academically (academic stars, as I recall). He would talk about writers and the reading he had to do for his major and was into it. As an engineering major, I was either jealous or disgusted. Unfortunately, we didn’t see each other much once I moved to Richmond in 1983, but I saw him a few times. We had lunch after he left the law. When he showed up for lunch, he had on a big white beard, which he

wore until he died. He was a good man and was good to people his whole life.” Jim Martin: “I received the sad news about Curtis Sunday when I phoned my mother in Richmond. She had seen the obituary. From the obituary, I can see that Curtis had lived a full and good life, and he ensured the Institute and its values were heard from throughout his life. Rest in peace, brother rat.” Mark Rinnan: “I shall always remember Curtis as a brother rat who had strong leadership skills and exceptionally good moral and personal character. As a grub private, I certainly looked up to him.” Mark Sculley: “Curtis certainly understood the meaning of service in the very best sense of the word. During the Rat Line, Curtis quickly emerged as a steady and level-headed leader; usually with a straight face and calm attitude, yet he could quickly shift into his great sense of humor. He was one of those BRs during the early days to help keep us together and remain hopeful throughout the pain and suffering of the cadre period. Even as far back as August of ’72, he was giving other people hope and strength from his deeply rooted Christian convictions. Clearly he brought his family values to the fore, and they shined through his character while providing us the strength and reasons to emulate attributes of a true and honorable Southern gentlemen. May God bless him and his family.” Razz Waff: “Indeed, we are diminished. And while with us, we were certainly enriched. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.”

’77

Steve Neas

Brother Rats, When I woke up this morning, I let my dog, Bishop, out, as is my custom. He immediately ran to the corner of the fence and started baying. Bishop does not usually bay, therefore it could mean only one thing: Dogs were in the woods, and the 2015 bear chase season had begun. For those not in the know, bear hunters use dogs for their sport. Around here, they will release their dogs and track them with radios. When the dog trees a bear, the hunter will track it down and shoot the bear out of the tree. Think

101

Class Notes

Class of 1977: Dr. Yanyong Phataralaoha delivered the commencement address at the 2015 graduation of the Asian Institute of Technology. Dr. Yanyong’s company, Thai Pipe, has sponsored a scholarship at the AIT for VMI graduates. Also in the photo, on the second row, is retired Air Force Col. Thanakorn. what you will; that is what happens. Hunters are allowed to “train” their dogs before the hunt season, and that is called “bear chase season.” It lasts from early August to late September. I have learned that bear hunters typically value their dogs not by how good they are or how old they are but how much they paid the vet to put their dog back together after it was mauled by a bear. Denise and I live next to a Virginia State Forest. It is quiet; very quiet. So quiet that we get up to look if we hear a truck. When a truck does come down our road, they are most likely lost, they are looking for their dog or, very rarely, looking for us. Then there is bear chase season. Pickup trucks, slamming doors, loud talking and dogs barking. It is almost like living in the city. I will suffer on in silence and bring you the

glad tidings of our brother rats! Our progeny continues to expand. More and more, you bring me news of grandchildren. Patricia and Tim Liles are expecting their third grandchild in November. Tim is a captain with the Henrico Division of Fire. He is looking at working for a year more. Tim turned 60 last April and his Naval Reserve retirement checks started showing up in the mail. Ain’t life great! Kip Hamilton reported in. He and Beth will not be able to make it to the mini reunion because Beth’s sorority is having their reunion that weekend. I will coordinate better next time. Sept. 11, Kip and Beth planned to drive up to attend the graduation of his step-son, Mark, from Navy boot camp at Great Lakes. Mark will be a master at arms and is doing well there, Kip reported. One of their other sons is now a nationally registered paramedic. Kip is the only estimator for the company he moved to about a year ago. They build water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, etc. Mark Hunt retired May 30, 2015, following 38 years of Federal service with the U.S. Air Force. His service included five years active; 11 years reserve duty; and 33 years in civil service ... all with the Air Force. Mark’s wife, Mary Lou; two children; and seven grandchildren attended the ceremony at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He received the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award and the gift of a shadow box with his VMI sabre. Mark has literally “hung up his sabre!” Mark added his roommate, Dan Streett, also retired May 30, 2015, (ironically the same date

Class of 1977: Several members of the class attended the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson’s retirement at Fort Myer. Pictured at the ceremony were, from left, Tim Mitchell, Steve Neas, Mike Dick, Bob Hartzell, Don Browder, Steve Billingsly, John Johnson, Eric Hutchings, Terry Wolfe, Mike Parish, Jim Anderson, Bob Gutjahr, Mark Bryant and Bob Houser. 102

as Mark). Dan worked many years as the chief financial officer for Cobb County, Georgia. On Aug. 8, Newby Muck sent a very informative email: “As of last Friday, I am officially retired.” End of message. Randy Gates and his son recently bought a landscaping company in the Atlanta area. Randy and his son are the entire staff. Randy reported that he enjoys his daily dose of 11 hours in the 98 degree Atlanta heat. He didn’t mention the humidity, but I guess that is implied. Mike Parish’s wife, Kate, ran in to Phil Camper in Buchanan, Virginia, this summer. While I have received no news from Phil, it is nice to know he is still alive! Time to report in, Phil. Mike, Kate and their son, Mark, attended a local venue for a bit of outdoor music. As they arrived, they pulled in right next to Wanda and Scott Snow. Scott and Mike had a chance to catch up on what’s been going on. Scott’s enjoying retirement from the railroad. He recently got back from an 8,500-mile motorcycle trip around the country with friends. Scott reported having played “only” five rounds of golf the week of their meeting, as well as lamenting that his handicap has gone all the way up to 13. Rough life! Speaking of golf, Buzzy Northern sent me a photo from the annual spring COW golf tournament. As you may remember, if anyone reads these notes, (Anyone listening out there?) COW is the College Oriented Workshop that invited minority young men to VMI to help put them on the college track. The program was conceived and is run by Mean Gene Williams ’74. Buzzy, Steve Billingsly, Shelton Rhodes, Chris Nash, Kerry Mullin and Tommy Cole all played in the tourney. Buzzy didn’t indicate how well they played but all are smiling in the photo, so it is your guess. Dan Streett confirmed Mark Hunt’s previous notification of Dan’s retirement. Dan worked for Cobb County (Atlanta area) since December 1991 after getting his Master of Business Administration – Finance degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Dan served on active duty U.S. Army, infantry, for 11 years prior. Dan’s wife, Hildegard, also works for Cobb County but has not yet decided to retire. Dan reported that Dr. Steve Heinrich will continue working in the New Orleans area at Tulane University; at least until his youngest daughter completes school. Rod Lynn is still working for Orange County, Florida, in public works. Dan thinks Steve and Rod are a little jealous that Dan

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes is bailing out of the workforce to have fun. Rod and Irene Lynn are thinking of moving to north Georgia from Florida after he retires. Steve Heinrich is thinking of moving from New Orleans to Key West, Florida, after he retires. Dan predicts Mark and Mary Lou Hunt are going to stay in the Yorktown, Virginia, area because of grandkids. Hildegard and Dan will probably stay in the Marietta area for a few more years but plan to travel to Germany a lot to see Hildegard’s family. Bill Nay sent a quick update that he is feeling real good and is back to work! He gives thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes during his illness. This is a good time to put in a plug for the ’77 Prayer Circle. There are 42 of us that form the ’77 Prayer Circle. We pray for those in sickness, distress or anything that someone may request. If you would like to have this group pray for you or anyone, just send me an email, and I will send it on to the group. If you would like to be part of the prayer circle, let me know, and I will add you to the list. There is power in prayer. Debbie and Mike Davis traveled to northern Virginia before Bill Nay’s surgery and visited with him in the hospital. Bill had a great attitude, and Mike expressed gratefulness that the surgery went well and Bill is recovering. Mike spoke to Bill later. At that time, Bill was back working a full day and was positive, as he has lost some weight and was exercising regularly. Debbie and Mike have four grandchildren; two girls and two boys. Both boys already have provisional appointments for the Class of 2036, and even more amazing is their birthdays are only one day apart. Perhaps the cousins will be in the same company and room together. Mike’s son, Will Davis ’06, completed his eighth year in the Air Force and PCS’d from Tyndall Air Force Base (June 2015) to Robins Air Force Base. Debbie and Mike continue to make the trips south to

2015-Issue 4

Class of 1977: Chris Manno and Rob Brown, along with their wives, met up over dinner during a recent trip to Memphis, Tennessee.

Class of 1977: Several members of the class participated in the 2015 COW fundraiser golf tournament in Richmond, Virginia. COW is the College Oriented Workshop that Gene Williams puts on at VMI for male minority high school juniors and seniors. Pictured were, from left, Buzzy Northern, Tommy Cole, Chris Nash, Steve Billingsly, Shelton Rhodes and Kerry Mullin.

Class of 1977: Mark Hunt received his VMI saber mounted in a shadow box during his retirement ceremony.

visit the grandkids. While visiting Will in Florida, Ed Anderson flew to Montgomery, Alabama, and Will and Mike flew up to meet him. The group had dinner at Dreamland BBQ. Mike recommends the Dreamland barbecue ribs. During his trip to Florida, Mike stopped in Ringgold, Georgia, and spent the night with Ed Anderson. Ed gave Mike a tour of the Civil War battlefields at Chattanooga. Continuing on his journey north, Mike visited Tommy Cole. Tommy put Mike up, also, and provided a grilling demo. The two had planned on playing golf the following morning but were rained out, so the golf bets will have to wait for the “mini.” Tommy is doing well and golfing as many days as the course manager will allow. It is great to have BRs who open up their homes and make us feel so welcome. As the saying goes, Super ’77 produced the best class the barracks have ever seen. Debbie and Mike are now both retired in New Market and spend time visiting the grandkids. Finally, a great event took place July 21 at Fort Myer. Our highest ranking BR, Lt. Gen. J.D. Johnson, retired after 38 years of service in the U.S. Army. The event occurred in Conmy Hall. The Old Guard marched in, and the “VMI Spirit” was played during the inspection of the troops. General Vincent Brooks addressed the gathering and then J.D. took the floor. In his very humble and statesmen-like manner, he took the opportunity to express gratitude for those important in his life and career. J.D. publically stated the VMI Class of 1977 is the best class to ever be in barracks. A reception was held afterward in the officers’ club. In attendance were Tim Mitchell, Terry Wolfe, Don Browder, Jim Anderson, Eric Hutchings, Bob Houser, Steve Billingsly, Bob Hartzell, Bob Gutjahr, Mike Dick, Mike Parish, Mark Bryant and

103

Class Notes your humble class agent. An Old Yell was given in J.D.’s honor. Colonel Jamie Inman ’86, the VMI chief of staff, was also in attendance. Oh, how grateful I am to be associated with you awesome group of men. Until the next time, Steve

’78

Tom Brown

Greetings, Brother Rats and all of the ’78 Family and Friends, As I compose these notes, it is another hot August and just a week before the new rats matriculate. By the way, we did that 41 years ago. As you read these, I hope you are enjoying a pleasant fall and maybe made it to a football game or two. Now I bring you the news from around the class. Ronnie Milligan sent news in May that he had just returned from Virginia Beach where he had attended Jeff Yates’ daughter’s wedding. Ronnie passed along that Jeff’s daughter, Samantha, was beautiful, and “Yitz” did a wonderful job at the wedding. “Sam” is a physician assistant in Virginia Beach, and her husband, Rob, works at Norfolk Southern. In addition to Ronnie and Laurie, in attendance from ’78 were Bill and Barbara Groove, Bill and Kim Way, and Steve and Audrey Oddi. Alec Earle sent along that all is well. Team Earle’s big news is that they sold their home and are now living full time on their motor coach. That’s right, they are now road warriors. Since the Earles like to travel and want to see all corners or the U.S., they thought, “Why not?” So they are giving it a try for a year or two and will then decide if they need a brick and mortar home. They spent May and June prepping the house, sorting through things and downsizing. They sold the home June 19 and immediately drove to California. They purchased 20 acres in the Central San Joaquin Valley with Sheila’s sister and husband. For the rest of this year, they are working on the farm and expect to plant almonds in the September/October time frame. Alec says there is a lot to do between now and then. It’s not all work and no play, though. They are planning some short trips to Pismo Beach, California; Reno, Nevada; and maybe San Francisco, plus a few others. In 2016, they plan to start their travels, which will include 45 days in Arizona (January-February).

104

April-October will be consumed with a long trip up through the Canadian Maritime Provinces with a group of RVers they met last year during their Alaska trip. Bob Longwell sent along that he and Denton Ensminger ’15 went out for a round of golf before Denton went back for football. Denton is a senior and plays defensive end. Bob said they had a great time! Bob really enjoyed talking to Denton about VMI. Bob had to hustle and trash talk, but ’78 won! Rick Wolfe chimed in that all is good in New Jersey. Rick’s alumni chapter had a successful rat send-off and can report that New Jersey is sending a bunch of rats to VMI. He thinks their numbers are double from last year and close to the numbers they sent back in our day. There are 16 inbound rats from New Jersey and another 13 from this tristate area of nearby New York and Connecticut. On the homefront, Rick’s daughter, Rachel, graduated in May from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology and is looking for a job in and around Lexington. His son Matthew is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill majoring in music and computer science. Don Robey sent along that he and Martha celebrated their 37th anniversary in August. They spent a couple of days at Panama City Beach, celebrating at night and working during the day. Don did get one afternoon on the beach. He said the sunblock did not work too well – got burnt. Don and Martha also made it over to Lynchburg during a trip to Lexington. Pat and I enjoyed a pleasant time with them reminiscing. Jim Simons checked in with an update on the VMI Fishing Club. Jim is very active with the club. Here is his update. As was the case last year, the Cadet Fishing Club, Col. Lee Dewald commanding, spent a portion of its annual Spring FTX engaged in a community service project at the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries’ trout hatchery in Montebello, Virginia, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County. The club was reinforced by cadets drawn from Company G and two members of the Skyline Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Critical to the success of the operation was the support of several of Jim’s friends, including Paul Hillmann of Cowanesque, Pennsylvania; Paul’s son, Henry Hillmann of Washington, D.C.; and Rich Illes of Rockbridge County, Virginia, all of whom

volunteered after only a small dose of gentle persuasion. Jim, along with his friends, took an advance party of eight cadets up to Montebello that Friday afternoon for an overnight bivouac in order to provide for an early start on the club’s assigned tasks the following morning. Once the tents were pitched and the camp organized, dinner was prepared on camp stoves and an open fire. The cadets dined on venison steaks, corn on the cob and boiled potatoes. Although temperatures dropped to 20 degrees and winds were gusting to 20 knots – which made for a long, cold night – there was no grumbling in the ranks. The male cadets bunked in Jim’s 10-man Army arctic tent and Paul, Henry, Rich, the one female cadet and Jim roughed it in individual shelter-halves. Paul, a skilled carpenter, and his son, Henry, led the team assigned to reroofing the facility’s picnic pavilion, as ambitious a project as one could conceive of for a bunch of VMI cadets, completely devoid of vocational skills and faced with working in bitter cold temperatures and wind-driven snow. Rich Illes supervised brush clearing operations along the hatchery’s perimeter. Several cadets accompanied VDGIF personnel on their routine trout-stocking rounds of nearby streams, as well. An additional 16 cadets arrived on-site around 8 a.m. and were put to work on a variety of maintenance projects such as cleaning tanks, installing aerators, repairing fences and other tasks. To the absolute amazement of many, all of the project work was completed by 4 p.m., at which point all hands pitched in to support a post-event barbecue for those that participated in the project. Tony and Monica Pileggi hosted a VMI barbecue June 6 for D.C./Maryland area ’78 friends. Many BRs were in attendance, including Bruce Kay, Tim Moriarty, Bill McCampbell, David Wrenn, Jim Mackin, Tony Pileggi, Bob Longwell, Allen Moore, Mark Engle and Michael Bragale. Facebook comments were that everyone had a great time, and Tony and Monica were great hosts. Kevin Callanan checked in. He is still working at Valley Health System in Winchester, Virginia, and overseeing their fundraising operations. Kevin said running three capital campaigns for the system and trying to raise $12 million (hit $10.6 million so far) is pretty puny compared to the Institute’s Campaign. He has just started back on his master’s. Kevin says he is a late bloomer on all things.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Bob Fricke sent along that his son, Bobby, will matriculate at VMI Aug. 22, 2015, and be in the rat mass of 2019. Mike McCarthy reported it has been a very busy couple of months. In May, Mike graduated from the Air War College and completed his second master’s degree in national security theory and operations. After a few weeks back home, he launched off to Fort Belvoir for the next phase of the Defense Senior Leader Development Program. Mike is working at the Center for Army Analysis, part of the Army staff G-8. He will be there until mid-December then back to Fort Bliss. Mike will complete the DSLDP next April, and the Army and/or Department of Defense will decide what is next for him. Ron Dolan sent along that he has been doing a fair amount of motorcycle riding in various parts of the country. His latest trip was the Big Island. Next trip: Blue Ridge Mountains and taking in a Keydet football game. Ron is expecting his fifth grandchild later this year. He has been spending a lot of time in D.C. with work and working with DOD on various initiatives. Ron said the most fun has been working with companies on commercial space travel. Ron and Linda celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary July 25. Paul and Janice Mitchell were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Gwendolyn Eva Mitchell, Aug. 6, 2015. Included among the lullabies Paul sings to her are, “The Spirit of VMI” and “The VMI Doxology.” Bob Gansauer thought it was about time he checked in. Bob and wife have been living in Evergreen, Colorado, for the past 22 years. Bob manages roads projects for the National Park Service, and their daughter just got married this summer to a real fine fellow (though not an Institute type). Bob converted to Judaism two years ago and had a very nice visit to Israel in June. Jay Hutt sent news of the three generations of Hutt boys’ 2015 baseball trip. It was all minor league, so they could drive to Richmond, Durham, Raleigh and Norfolk – four games and three rounds of golf. Jay said son John smoked them, as always, and has a lot of natural golf talent; unlike his father, who has none. That is the latest and greatest from around the class. Please send along your happenings either through the email route or post on the class Facebook page, VMI 78. Thanks to all of you for making our class notes great!

2015-Issue 4

’79

Michael Ogden

Greetings from the Eastern Shore of Virginia! It has been a summer busy with improvements to the homestead (part of the joy of an 1895 house). I screamed for notes, and I got notes! Thanks, BRs. We’ll start out with an email from Travis Callaway, who is violating his “35-year abstinence” of not providing anything for the class notes: “’79 will be represented once again in barracks with the matriculation of my son, Coleman, Aug. 22. Figured I had a grand welcome planned for the boy until Curtis and Trumps up and retired on me. Leaves any special attention from the administration up to Jeff Smith, who I hope will stop by his room for an unexpected visit and put the fear of God into him and his roommates ... ‘Holy crap! What’s a brigadier general doing in our room? Who’d you piss off now, Callaway?’ Had a great time at my 40th high school reunion last night and trust some of you have done the same this past year. Can’t believe we are getting that old. Other than that, nothing else much worth commenting on. All’s well in Richmond. Contemplating my own retirement before we hit our 40th Reunion, as I’m sure are many of our BRs. Until then, God bless and take care.” Thanks, Travis; really great hearing from you! Mike Thomas wrote, “Asa Page, Don Starbuck and I attended our 40th high school reunion in Virginia Beach the evening of July 25. The interesting part of the story is that there were seven of us from the Frank W. Cox class of 1975 that attended VMI. John Brown, Don Wells and Bill Lamb did not make the reunion. Taps has sounded for Joe Simas. Virginia Beach in the early ’70s was a great place to spend your teenage years. Plenty of sand, surf, cold beer and pretty girls on the beach.” I gathered some more local intel (Asa), and to elaborate: Mike Thomas journeyed down from Richmond to spend the weekend with Karen and Asa Page to attend their 40 year reunion together. Had it not have been for Mike (always a bad influence on Asa), Asa would have been contented to just cut the lawn and relax by the TV for the weekend. Upon Mike’s arrival, while bearing gifts of only the best top shelf rum for Asa, Mike was overwhelmed and visibly moved by Asa and Karen’s hospitality

as they presented him with a hospitality basket consisting of “Sailor Jerry’s Rum,” Skittles and a bag of pork rinds. At Asa, Don and Mike’s high school reunion, over 150 former classmates attended. Despite the past 40 years, the multiple face lifts, the plastic surgeries and dyed hair of many present, the three VMI guys were by far the best looking with the best stories among the gathered crowd and could be found toward the evening’s end by the bar telling Old Corps stories with many listening in. Eventually the three BRs, joined by their wives, found themselves at Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant on the Lynnhaven River, dining on the outdoor deck under a full moon until midnight – you guessed it, telling Old Corps stories. So I am told... John Kailey checked in that he is now “being paid for staying alive” (drawing his retirement). His oldest son graduated from high school and now goes to college. John is refereeing football this fall again, and his wife, Lisa, just had her hip replaced. Enjoy the “retirement,” John, and our best to Lisa on rehab! Rich McGruder will, unfortunately, be traveling to Hamburg, Germany, and Lyon, France, and will not be able to attend the Northern Virginia Class of 1979 40th Reunion of our Matriculation dinner arranged by Doug Doerr. Rich thinks Dawn will be accompanying Gleb Taran as his date. (Snake!) Rich passed on that Gelb started working as a contractor, as is Rich, at the state department’s overseas buildings office where they are again reunited. They worked there together for some of the ’80s, ’90s and some of the ’00s. Speaking of Doug Doerr! He penned, “The northern Virginia ‘Cold Steel Charlie and a few others’ gathered together for breakfast July 11 and had a nice time at Cracker Barrel in Manassas. Everyone who attended braved angry spouses to arise at the crack of dawn in order to make a 0730 time on target. Unfortunately, none of us brought a camera, and we know cellphone pictures do not have high enough resolution for what is required for the Alumni Review. Maybe next time! Attendees included (from memory): Bill Albro, Tim Bridges, John Carty, Doug Doerr, Randy Hawkins, Tom Manley, Rich McGruder, Curt McCabe, Anthony Pais, Eric Schwarz, Mike Staso, Gleb Taran and Brian Tollie. Special guest appearance: Part of my ‘show and tell’ contribution was to invite Doug Ashton and J.W. Swain from the Class of ’76. Randy Hawkins, Farshad

105

Class Notes Majidian and I were Doug Ashton’s dykes. It was a good opportunity for Randy Hawkins to see Doug Ashton after many years. I am most fortunate to be able to see Doug every day, as he works on the other end of my building. We talked about getting together to celebrate our matriculation Aug. 20, and we are hosting an event Thursday, Aug. 20, at Giorgio’s Family Restaurant in Montclair. Looks like we will have a group of 20 (including spouses) attending.” Great idea on the matriculation “celebration” ... we joined a group at the Minnix’s Aug. 22! Steve Heatwole dropped in with, “In May, our BRs Nick Collins, Dave Choplinski and Tee Whitlow attended a surprise party my family had arranged for me. Great to see my old classmates, in addition to many other friends and almost all living relatives. Very fun and humbling event. Last week, Beth and I crossed the Mason Dixon to visit Dave (Chops) and Laurie Choplinski in Ridgefield, Connecticut, for a fun-packed long weekend. Our tour took us by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where I had attended 40 years earlier before transferring to a much better school in Lexington! (I did not know this!) We attended an exciting Mets game the previous night. Chops also gave Beth and me a tour of Prospector Theater, which is a beautiful, very artsy theatre that he oversaw the construction of. The mission statement for the theater is that all employees have a disability. Very commendable of the owners, as well as Chops, who sits on the board. After spending the rest of the week in New York City at Times Square catching a Yankees game – whipping up on the Red Sox – and a somber day at the 9/11 Memorial, we stopped by Baltimore on the way back to Virginia and had a great two hour lunch with my favorite attorney, Jay Gede. Very enjoyable time catching up with a dear friend. Other news for me is that three of my daughters were pregnant this summer, so by the end of November, I will have seven (that’s seven!) grandchildren, all which live within a half-hour of us. Life has been very good!” Ben Bauman wrote, “My daughter, Alana, is now serving on active duty and attending language school at the Presidio. She is learning Mandarin Chinese for her next assignment in the Air Force. She was an honor graduate at Air Force basic this past May. Tracy Carmichael accepted my proposal for marriage May 9 (Congratulations, BR! Sorry, Tracy...) while we were in San Antonio. Many of you probably met her

106

at the reunion. We plan on marrying next summer with an exact date to be announced. We are looking at many options, with one being at VMI in the chapel and the other extreme possibility being an Elvis wedding in Las Vegas. (Just kidding, but would probably be easier to schedule and more people would attend!) The rest of the family is doing well. My son, Ben III; Becky, his wife; and the two grandsons, Ben IV and Pierce, are in Nashville enjoying life. Christina is managing an Alice + Olivia women’s high-end boutique store in Atlanta. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June, but when all the testing was completed this past week (August), the tumor was not there. I credit the Lord for that. I will have some follow up testing in a few months to make sure all is well.” Thanks, Ben, and good to hear about the tumor “departing the pattern.” Jay and Phyllis Higginbotham wrote in (OK, really ... we know Phyllis is writing this): “No pictures (We had a wedding! But, alas, the photos aren’t available yet) but lots of news. Our oldest child, Hunter, was married to Charity Spanski in late July! The wedding ceremony was especially lovely and the reception lots of fun. We are crazy about Charity and so very happy that they are settling into their house in Lynchburg, which is only 35 minutes from us! All of our other children (Meg, Win and Sumner) were part of the wedding party, and Jay was Hunter’s best man. Following summer coursework for her master’s degree, Meg flew in from Santa Fe for the wedding, and Win ’14 flew in from his duty station in Anchorage, Alaska. Sumner, our youngest, was mostly at home for the summer, although working two jobs, and he leaves shortly for his senior year at William & Mary. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together with all the kids, which doesn’t happen as often as we would like since they are all grown or nearly grown. Back in late May, Sumner and I had a nice visit with Win in Anchorage! We hadn’t seen him since he left to report there late last November, so we jumped at the opportunity to spend some time with him. While there, we logged many miles hiking in the vast state and national parks in the area, took a glacier watch cruise on Prince William Sound and ventured down to Seward on the train. The long daylight hours took some adjustment but worked out well when we found ourselves starting the descent on one trail at about 9:30 p.m., but we knew that we wouldn’t have to worry about being caught on the trail at nightfall since we still had nearly

three hours of daylight left! It is really beautiful in Alaska – huge mountains and many glaciers at every turn. So happy to have had that special time with my two youngest boys!” Thank you, Phyllis. Say, “Hey,” to Jay for us! (Snicker.) David Van Wagoner spent part of the summer at Bashore Boy Scout camp as an assistant scoutmaster for the troop of his son (Demmy ’25) teaching them some of the gentler terms used at VMI, such as “strack” and “cool-breeze.” Teachin’ ’em right! John “J.J.” Carty is the Commander of American Legion Post 34 in Leesburg, Virginia. This year and next, they have the responsibility to host the American Legion Baseball Senior Division (17-19 year olds) Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament. The winner moves on to the Legion World Series, played in Shelby, North Carolina. J.J. leads the teams in the American Legion Code of Sportsmanship at the beginning of each game the Post 34 Leesburg Rangers played before the national anthem. J.J. said, “We had other legionnaires do the other games. This year, our team did pretty well, grinding our way into the final four championship round only to be eliminated by the reigning World Series champs who went on to win the event again. The tournament ran from Aug. 5-9 and was played at Fireman’s Field in Purcellville, Virginia. It will be held there next year, also; generally at the same time in August but dates are yet to be announced.” Dave Taylor sent, “Carrie and I met up with Dave and Cindy Jeter for the marriage of Cindy’s oldest son, Tom. Also there was Dave’s brother, Jim, who is a former engineering professor at VMI during our time there. The wedding was held on Folly Beach Aug. 8. Nice and warm, to say the least! The shirts (And you know what shirts he is talking about!) were worn after the wedding and reception ... didn’t want to risk spilling anything on them!” Dave did include a picture, but as a reminder, the Review needs high resolution pictures, so please check the settings on your smartphones and email setting when sending pictures! Russell Zech: “Took pity on your recent plea for material; sending notes and a picture.” Russell wrote, “Here is the shirt in front of the Indonesian Embassy in D.C. for no particular reason except that it was the only embassy with statuary out front as amazing as our reunion shirt. We were in the area for Heidi’s godfather’s internment at Arlington. Retired U.S. Navy

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Commander Russell F. Wilson (U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1949) was a Destroyer driver in Korea and Vietnam. The ceremony at Arlington was perfect, of course. We even squeezed in a beautiful memorial service at the Fort Myer Chapel before the graveside service. Heidi’s dad was a career Corps of Engineers mustang who served overseas with Commander Wilson and then did the beltway shuffle with him until they both finally retired to Lake Monticello, near Charlottesville. I’m the only one in the photo, because Heidi was holding down a parking spot while Commander Wilson’s daughter, Valarie, took the picture. Valarie had always wanted to visit embassy row, so we did. Roland Zech ’13 was promoted to first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in July. Roxanne just finished her first year in deaf education at the University of Texas at Austin, and Micah is on the mend in Houston. I am still with Huntsman Chemical here in Port Arthur, Texas. The cycling bug has bitten me again, and I just completed a 100 miler out of Katy, Texas, in preparation for the Hotter ’N Hell Hundred out of Wichita Falls, Texas, in August. I wish I was as trim and fast as Doug Doerr, but I am working on it. Heidi splits her time between her girlfriends (who are a bad influence), a weekly Bible study and the church resale shop. We have a couple of spare rooms now, so if any BRs are in the neighborhood they should drive on by the homestead; cocktails at 17:30.” John Hash emailed, “We recently watched ‘Field of Lost Shoes’ on Netflix. It was very well done and is a must see for all Keydets. We recently returned from Las Vegas. Lost my shirt but not my pants. We visited the Grand Canyon while we were out there. It is spectacular and cannot be appreciated looking at pictures. Unfortunately, I have not had much contact with BRs in the last few months. Ben and I spent time together a month or so ago. He is doing well and is still in northern Virginia. We must be getting old; we didn’t do any war gaming on his last visit. Liz has been having some difficulties with her health; nothing major, but the doctors have not been much help. I’m at Timmons Group. I split my time between our Charlottesville and Staunton offices. Late last year, I was appointed office manager of the Charlottesville office. It is hard to believe that time is slipping away so fast. We have a little garden that has been producing quite well this summer. Nothing like a fresh tomato off the

2015-Issue 4

vine. I hope to attend a couple of football games this year.” Thanks, BR! Jay Virtue said, “Not much here. Still married to ‘She who does not age,’ aka Debbie. (Seriously, she looks the same as she did our 3rd Class year ... no joke!) Continuing to backpack whenever I can. Five trips to the Appalachian Trail within the last 12 months, 40 miler in the Sierras last year and a trip up Mount Whitney. Was the oldest and fattest guy at the top. I find ways to bring that up in any conversation, so might have mentioned before. If so, forgive me. Looking for a 12-step program to help with my compulsion. Attended a Braggarts Annoying meeting. Everyone fights for the microphone to speak. Expecting second grandchild in October. Little girl. Will be ‘She who can do no wrong.’” Thanks, Jay ... that’s a lot of walking and climbing! Tom Bright reported that Katie has finally let him out of the doghouse after five years of living with a “kitchen under construction.” They completed the kitchen and dining room renovation project at their country home in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is so clean; there are fewer mice, and only one bat has flown in the house since ... yes, Tom was awakened in the middle of night and forced to swat a bat out of midair with a pillow and dispose of it. The bat wasn’t grotesque, but Tom was in his nakedness! Country living! Eric Schwarz wrote, “Becky and I just returned from a three week vacation. Our trip included four days in Ireland and a Princess cruise with stops in England, Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Paris. The weather was cool with periodic rain showers (until Paris, when it was 95 and humid). We took the entire trip with our daughter’s in-laws (parents of three VMI grads). Our daughter, Heather, and son-in-law, Josh Prible ’07, joined us for the cruise portion. Becky and I celebrated our 34th anniversary on the cruise (Congrats!), as well as both Heather’s and Becky’s birthdays. I wore a VMI logo hat and/or raincoat everywhere but was never randomly accosted by anyone claiming an affiliation. However, we did see our chiropractor (Scott Stachelek ’88) in Edinburgh, Scotland, when we were all there the same day for the Military Tattoo. This is a massive event held for three weeks every August. Bleachers are erected outside of Edinburgh Castle for a display of military and civilian marching bands, singers, dancers, etc. In addition to Scottish participants, there were representatives of several other countries. These

included the U.S. Air Force drill team (awesome) and the band from a ‘military’ college in Charleston, South Carolina. It was hard for me to clap, but The Citadel band, including kilted bagpipers, also did a good job. Citadel apparently has an established relationship, but I thought VMI’s band could have done at least as well. Now we are safely back home and unfortunately back at work. After going to the quarterly northern Virginia BR’s breakfast, we plan to attend the Doug Doerr-coordinated matriculation reunion Aug. 20 at our local restaurant.” Rat roomie Eddie Semler is retiring from Saint Gobain Feb. 29, 2016, after 21 years. He said, “No job going forward, so I will just be officiating lacrosse during the spring/summer 2016 then try to find something to do to keep busy. Got turned down for the VMI head lacrosse job this past May, so I am looking for other college coaching opportunities. I rented a house on Folly Beach in Charleston and will have all four of my children and all four of my grandchildren with me for an entire week next week starting Aug. 15. I run into Tom Trumps every now and then, and we plan to get out and get some golf in when the weather cools down a bit here at the club in Lexington.” Howard Adams scribed, “Not much going on here. Marcie and I went to Hawaii this summer. It was fantastic. I had been before, but Marcie had not. Many great things to see and do. We had a couple of excursions over to Pearl Harbor – went on the Arizona Memorial, and the Missouri. The jet lag coming back was a killer! Great times. I see Chip Humphrey, Mory Wood and their lovely wives from time to time. I heard from Steve Lyon the other day. He is in Charlotte; we caught up through some emails. He is coming to Richmond in the fall, and we will have a drink together. Talked with Meade Spotts on the phone a few weeks back; he is doing great, as always. Working, playing golf, getting ready to take my step-daughter to James Madison University.” “Team” Vordermark checked in with: “You can add me to the list of BRs who have published a book. My collection of short stories titled, ‘Wilderness Reflections,’ came out in June. It was destined for best-seller status until I ran out of friends in the Kansas City area. I also was allowed to renew my teaching contract with the U.S. Army so have secured employment for at least a couple more years. This is very important – it means my hunting and fishing activities are funded for another two years! After that, all bets concerning

107

Class Notes my association with the U.S. Army are off! I still have youngest son Seth in uniform at Fort Carson, but the bloom may be off the rose for him, as well, as he has no plans to re-enlist. Finally, I have managed to become a member of the landed gentry, having made a nice property purchase this year on which to pursue deer and turkey. My local kids have had a difficult time getting used to calling me Laird Vordermark – keeps coming out Lord Voldemort... I’m beginning to suspect they do it on purpose. (Yathink?) Otherwise enjoying life in the Midwest and always have room for BRs passing through.” Oh! Angela and Bob Sievert are grandparents! Congratulations, and all please welcome Perrin Alexander Sievert. Bob wrote, “Way cool. They are in Long Island. Angela has been up there for two weeks in Grandma heaven.” As always, keep safe and stay well. –M

he and Tanya were attending a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden that evening with Phil and Kathy Munisteri. Josh and Karen Priest sent an email with a reunion-related question that I forwarded to Pat Griffin. Also, congratulations to Josh and their daughter, Taylor, who graduated together in December 2014 with master’s degrees in civil engineering from Old Dominion University. Their graduation party was attended by John Blankenship, Tolar Nolley, Al Ramer and Bud Zirkle. The email also contained a back-and-forth between Josh and Kirk Deadrick regarding the reunion. I believe Kirk plans to attend. I spoke with Chal Glenn on his birthday. Chal said he celebrated by doing extra reps in the gym. Chal speaks often with Jody Morgan. Jody and Pup’s children are all doing well. Jake is studying architecture in graduate school. Hannah is getting married. Cameron is living and working in North Carolina. Chal also said that Robin and their children are doing well. McKenzie is a teacher in Nashville and is relocating to Charlotte. Jennifer is a nurse in Nashville. Josh is working for State Farm in Spartanburg. May ended with an email from Jack Keane. Jack wrote that he had dinner in Crystal City with Joe Belkowski, Dan Conn, V. Dunn, Mike Harper, Tuck Masker and Tracy Wilson. He also wrote that Bruno Loefstedt will not be attending the reunion, as he will be attending the wedding of Rob D’Alessandro’s son. Finally, Jack wrote that he plans to attend a Sept. 15 VMI, Citadel and Norwich get-together that Pat Griffin hosts.

Class of 1980: John Priest and his daughter, Taylor, after receiving their master’s degrees from Old Dominion University in December 2014.

June began with a call from Elliott Wolffe. His daughter, Mary Parker, is attending the University of Massachusetts. His twin boys, Turner and WesJohn Gibney Jr. ley, are going into ninth grade. Elliott and Amy are now grandparents, as Amy’s daughter had a girl. Finally, Elliott said that Tolar Nolley and Al Ramer were planning to travel from Virginia to New Jersey to participate in the VMI golf outing at Baltusrol. I received a text message from Steve Letts, Russ Hello, Brother Rats, Long and Robby Wheeler, from Dallas, with an These notes cover the period May 16, 2015, attached photo and a comment that they planned through Aug. 15, 2015, and are being written one to attend the reunion. month before we convene for our 35th Reunion. I regularly visit the VMI website. In June, VMI The period began with snail-mail from Peru posted a message announcing the appointment from Walt and Mary Lynne Wood. They sent the of four new members of the Board of Visitors. May 2015 edition of their newsletter, which highIncluded was our BR, Gene Scott. Congrats, lighted their activities since January. Gene! John Caplice sent an email in reI spoke with Hugh Fain shortly sponse to the May class agent fundbefore the wedding of his daughter, raising letter. John noted some confuJoyce. The wedding took place outsion in the wording that I will fix in doors on a James River plantation. the December letter. John and Margie I believe several of our BRs were in plan to attend our reunion. When not attendance. at home in Richmond, they spend Scott Sayre sent a brief message after time in Lake Tahoe, Wintergreen and receiving his birthday card. Scott reon the Chesapeake Bay. Their Chesaported that all was well in Lexington. peake Bay home is near the homes of Bert Schneider sent an email after Ken Baybutt, Hugh Fain, Jay Melvin receiving his reunion package. Bert and Tolar Nolley. lives in Arizona and will not be attendMatthew and Tanya Keys, who ing the reunion due to the scheduled live in New York City, sent an email to schedule a dinner with me and Class of 1980: VMI alumni pictured at the wedding reception of birth of his first grandchild at the end Patti. We scheduled for late August. Boyd and Donna Gaines in Norfolk in May 2015 were, from left, of August. As June ended, I was copied on a However, in July, I met Matthew on John Lillard, Eli Alford, Mike Lunning, George Williams ’72, Bob the street as we were emerging from White, Boyd Gaines, Dixon Tucker, Tom Bersson and Douglas message that Ivan Pupulidy sent to the Burdett ’82. Alumni Review staff. The message Dunkin’ Donuts. Matthew said that

’80

108

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes noted Ivan’s recent promotion and his he was fortunate to be a part of a golf accomplishments with the U.S. Forpilgrimage to St. Andrews, Scotland, est Service. (Editor’s Note: Please see hosted by Matt Adams, New York page 160 of this issue for more on Mr. Times best-selling author and host of Pupulidy.) Sirus/XM radio’s “Fairways of Life” July was quiet until I was copied on show on the PGA channel. Twenty email messages between Andy Brown listeners from all over the country and Jack Keane. Andy is a vice admiconverged on St. Andrews and North Berwick for 10 rounds of golf in 10 ral (three stars) currently stationed in days, playing some of the most storied St. Louis. Andy will be relocating to links in the world. He played three Washington, D.C., in October. Open Championship venues: The Old Boyd Gaines sent an email with an Course (St. Andrews), Carnoustie and attached photo. Boyd remarried in Muirfield, and three Scottish Open May on St. John, Virgin Islands. The venues: Gullane, the West Course next week, Boyd and Donna hosted a (North Berwick) and the Torrance. reception in Norfolk. In attendance Additionally, he played Kingsbarns, were Eli Alford, Tom Bersson, John Class of 1980: In Dallas, Texas, in May 2015 were, from left, Steve Crail Balcomie, the Castle Course and Lillard, Mike Lunning, Dixon Tuck- Letts, Russ Long and Robby Wheeler. the Kittocks. A great time was had by er and Bob White. Dominion. The holidays are coming. all! This was his second trip to the Home of Golf, August brought an email message from CharMike Plazcek decided to retire from Spectra having gone in 2008 for his 50th birthday. Gary lie Hansrote. Charlie and Jill live in Illinois, but Charlie is attending to his father in Lynchburg. Energy effective Aug. 1, 2015, after 25 years. shared, “I was fortunate to have good weather – by Scottish standards – both times I played the Charlie retired from the Army in January and He accepted a job with Ark Engineering, specializing in AC mitigation and cathodic protection Old Course. As they say in Scotland, ‘Nea wind, planned to attend our reunion. Steve Boyer sent an email with an update. Steve of underground pipelines. He will be working Nea rain, Nea golf!’” out of his house. The company’s main office is Jerry Manley checked in, saying he had a great attended VMI from 1976-78, including Ring Figin Braintree, Massachusetts. Plaz is really excited ure. He then enlisted in the Navy. Steve’s roommates included Larry Avery, Tom Cook, Mike about this new opportunity. He has a plan. The Demers and Steve Ikenberry. Steve is retired “I’m working because I want to” phase won’t be happening for about four or five years. That’s how from the Navy and has two children. He is a systems analyst with the City of Lynchburg. He lives long he predicts it is going to take to get completeon a small hobby farm in Appomattox County, ly out of debt. In 2019, most of us turn 60, and Plaz, as many of us, is expecting his first reserve Virginia, and plans to attend the reunion. retirement check to show up. At that point, he will As the period closed, Pat Griffin hosted a conference call with our BRs who helped organize finally know what the amount of that check will the reunion. Thanks to John Alerding, John be and the cost of the retiree health care plan (TriBlankenship, Paul Burkholder, Hugh Fain, care something) – if there even is a retiree health Class of 1981: George Chung and son plan. Also at that time, he should be mostly out of Dave Gleason, Frank Hilton, Tim Hodges, RobRobert in front of Bancroft Hall at the all debt (maybe including the house, too), and he by Jones, Jack Keane, Gary Levenson, Pat McU.S. Naval Academy following the oath can determine whether he and his wife, Lynn, can Carthy, Jay Melvin, Phil Munisteri, Rob Quarof office ceremony. live off the retirement check. les, Scott Sayre, Dan Sweeney and Bill Wallace. George Chung wrote that he is still working Almost 100 BRs have registered for the reunion. with Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant, the same I look forward to seeing those who attended. place since graduating from VMI. (His profile Thank you for your continuing support. is located on LinkedIn under “George Chung, Trip Lloyd seasoned nuclear utility worker.”) George shared some good news about his sons. His older son, Michael, is going to be an electrical engineer sophomore at the University of Toledo and is on a full Army ROTC scholarship. His younger son, Robert, has just started plebe year at the U.S. NaDear Brother Rats and Families, val Academy. Autumn has come and gone, and the finClass of 1981: Ed Boylan and Bart Price. Gary Morgan shared that from May 25-June 5, gers of winter have already touched the Old

’81

2015-Issue 4

109

Class Notes time at Jim Hart’s Ski Bash at Smith Mountain Lake this year and at the July mini reunion. Jim Frishkorn shared that he relocated to Panama City, Florida, in February 2015, where he accepted a position to assist the Air Force in the execution of their BUILDER facility condition assessment program. He wrote that it’s great being under the same roof with Mei-Ling again and shared that she did a great job overseeing the care for her father over the last 5-plus years. Ray Lawson wrote to say work and his granddaughter, Claudia, have been occupying his time. He got together with Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Saburn ’04 for dinner while Jonathan was in Camp McCrady, South Carolina, for some specialized training. Jonathan found out just how hot and steamy South Carolina is in July! Jonathan grew up in Ray’s neighborhood when they lived in Forest, Virginia. Ray asks that we keep Jonathan and his family in our prayers as he looks to deploy on a special assignment later this year. Instead of water, he will be dealing with sand. Hal Scott shared that Gen. Peay ’62 was the guest speaker at the July VMI gathering at the Norfolk Yacht Club. Jim Waring was there with his wife, Catherine, and they met up with Robert “Coke” Savage’s family,

including his wife, Glynnis; mom; and sister. Bill Grigg wrote that the Charlotte, North Carolina, folks seem to all be doing fairly well. That includes Butch H., Carl Show ’82 and Bill Cornett ’82, just to name a few. He sees Sammy Woolwine in Roanoke/Salem, Virginia, occasionally. Facebook seems to keep us all informed at some level. Bill and his wife, Lisa, celebrated their 25th anniversary this past May 24 in Charlotte. Bill wrote, “One out of college, one going to college (hope he goes to the “I”) and one high school senior year at home.” Bill reminded me that the reunion is only short time Class of 1981: At a VMI gathering at the Norfolk Yacht Club were, from left, Hal Scott; Robert “Coke” Savage’s mother; Coke’s away and that Tim Nitz needs to book wife, Glynnis; Jim Waring; Catherine Waring; and Coke’s sister. Zolloman’s. Bill is hoping to visit twin falls or ride tubes up at Goshen Pass. He also advises everyone to see John Reed’s artwork, which is really good. He hopes to be up in the fall around high school football schedules. Ed Boylan wrote that he and Bart Price had a chance to get together. Bart and his wife, Patty, stopped by for a visit on their way down to Florida to visit Bart’s parents in July. Patty and Ed’s wife, Linda, were roommates at Radford. Ed and Linda took a quick trip back to Texas at the end of August to help their daughter move into her new apartment. It also gave them a chance Class of 1981: Bill Grigg and family in New York City. to see their son, Chris, and his wife, Tasha, along with good friends back in Texas. Congratulation to Dave Loduca, who got married this past August in Hawaii! The Lloyd family took a cruise to the western Caribbean in August, and I was surprised to discover that ships were not painted gray on the inside and the outside. Happy holidays!

’82 Class of 1981: The VMI contingent at a VMI and The Citadel gathering held at O’Charley’s restaurant in Panama City, Florida, July 23, 2015, were Wayland Patterson ’80, Jim Frishkorn, John Alerding ’12 and Kara Noble ’11. 110

Will Council

Hello Brother Rats, I hope everyone has had a great summer of fun. Mine was busy, and I did not get to pester you all much for class notes news. So, this session will be

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes short. What did you do this summer? I got to work at a Boy Scout summer camp as the shooting sports director! My wife decided the best way to get rid of me for the summer was to recommend me for the job of teaching scouts to shoot rifles, shotguns and archery at summer camp. As a bonus, I got to spend seven weeks at camp with my son and daughter; probably something that I will not get to do too many more times before they go their separate ways in life. My daughter Dana was the COPE/climbing director, and Hayden worked in the Outdoor Skills program. All total, I taught the three shooting sports merit badge programs for over 600 boys. (With assistants!) Best yet, nobody got shot, and nobody died! Have you ever won something you did not even know you were competing in? I was surprised by some friends in the local Boy Scouts program who nominated me for recognition for all the volunteering hours that I have done in the program. I was selected for the Chattanooga Channel 12 News “Do the Right Thing” for May. I was set up at a meeting and “ambushed” by the news journalist and her cameraman, who came barging into the meeting and shoved a microphone in my face ... along with a neat little thank you envelope containing some cold hard cash! Hey, first time I have ever been paid for the volunteering. I used the money to pay my pledge for Friends of Scouting, so it did not go very far. If you are on Facebook, you can see my “deer in the headlights” look on my face if you go look for our VMI ’82 page. I did take the first week off from camp because of the prior commitment of taking my Venture Crew to its own summer camp. We spent a week of fun on the waters in northwest Georgia near Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. Canoeing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, water tubing and water skiing. While standing on the dock waiting our turn for water skiing, I was regaling the kids with some of our wild stories from our cadetship, and my phone rang! It was Alex Kuchnia calling for help in replacing his long lost class ring. Short conversation after I guided him to the Alumni Association site to do so. Then I find out via Facebook that Joe Bouchelle has just experienced a miracle in getting his own ring back. Joe contacted me that he received a strange phone call back in June. The caller said, “Is this Joe Bouchelle?” “Yes.” “Did you go to VMI?” “Yes.”

2015-Issue 4

“Did you used to work at Fork Union Military Academy?” “Yes...” (Joe is just starting thinking this is getting a little creepy). The caller said, “Did you lose your VMI ring?” He said, “YES!” The caller was a John Justice, and he had been using a metal detector in the front yard of the house the Bouchelles lived in at Fork Union and found Joe’s ring! It’s been almost 20 years! Joe has now been reunited with his ring and is pleased to say it still fits, although on the other hand. He had recently been thinking about getting it replaced, but the $3,000 price was out of the question. Incredible story. Jose and Fran Suarez are doing well in Montreal, Canada. They relocated, I believe, from Ontario. They are settling in well into their new home, and were enjoying the spring when his note came in. They were very much looking forward to the many upcoming events in Montreal (i.e., Grand Prix, Women’s soccer World Cup and the Jazz Festival, etc.) I did not get to travel up there to watch the Women’s World Cup as planned. Maybe some other time, Jose. Work wise, things are going well at SNC-Lavalin, as Jose was promoted in April to lead the mining and metallurgy business sector globally, as well as all of operations in Latin America. And by following his updates on social media, Jose has been the world traveler, indeed. As I had hoped for in our last set of class notes, I never did get any photos from the cruise that Daryl Deke and Richard Woolwine (and spouses) went on this summer, but I did see that they made it back inland – all the way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The first trip was family and friends, but the second looked like all business and pleasure on the golf course. These two guys are always working and having a great time. Mory Wood ’79 emailed a report in a Duke Addison dyke sighting. This past July, and every July possibly for decades, (but only Mory’s second year), the Addison clan, et al, descends upon Virginia Beach like locusts in a cornfield. There are well more than 100 of them representing four generations, to include Kathy ‘Addison’ Denton and Mike Denton ’81. They rent out the entire Belvidere hotel on 36th Street, and on the beach, they are recognized by a conspicuously positioned VMI tent that can be seen by the Hubble telescope. What a wonderful annual family experience and tradition! Thanks, Mory. I never would have heard from our former class agent, Addison, about this.

Class of 1982: Joe Bouchelle and John Justice of Fork Union, Virginia, who found Joe’s class ring – which had been missing for 19 years – and contacted Joe.

Class of 1982: Joe Bouchelle’s ring on the metal detector right after being found.

Class of 1982: Class Agent Will Council said of this photo, “It still fits!” 111

Class Notes Keith Jarvis has taken up a great hobby. While many of our classmates are touring wine country, Keith has chosen the bourbon trail to follow. Apparently a distillery has opened in Lexington (I need one to open in my garage) and while taking the tour, Keith came across Army 2nd Lt. Nicholas Hassell ’15 wearing a VMI ball cap. Keith has been keeping us up to date on the building progress on the VMI campus. If you want to see where most of your alumni giving is going, just check out his Facebook page. You will see how Keith has to deal with unruly BRs like Larry Williams and Tom Farmer regarding steel erections. Enough said. Our very own living history presenter, Robert Rambo, was at the Atlanta Bread Company in Asheville, North Carolina, for a lunch gathering of area VMI alumni in July. He received a photo taken by Charlie Ramsburg ’66, who organized the event. In the photo, Rob is trying a new impersonation of Merle Haggard/Johnny Cash, along with cadets Wynn Haslam ’17 and Anthony Wilson ’17. The picture was too blurry to make it past my editing, but you can see him on his Facebook page, along with all his other historical impersonations. Joe Poteralski slid in just under the deadline for notes. He reported that Robin is doing well after going through what was a cancer in a kidney. She’ll need to be screened every six months to see if it did spread. Alexmarie is settled into law school. The four hour convoy to Rhode Island brought back those military memories of convoys and heavily trafficked highways. Matt doesn’t know what he wants to do or where he wants to go. Papa Joe is ready to pack him off to a certain institute of higher learning in Lexington, Virginia. I’m with you, Joe. In my annual pilgrimage to Richmond, Virginia, I keep threatening the VMI ’82 crowd with inviting them all to an event and then me not actually showing up. This time, I almost did it for real. I was late arriving after having dinner with my parents and family. Almost missed the party, as everyone left shortly after I finally got there. Sorry, but my old crappy smartphone picture was too dark and in a busy barroom in the west end that proved I need to be better prepared next time. With me were: Jeff and Tara Modisett, Bob and Kathy Louthan, Bill and Kate Towler, Neal Rogers, Jim Cosby, John Reese with Cheri Alexander, and Dave Kohler. Noticeably absent and missing formation were Emmitt and Lynn

112

Heltzel, who were off on vacation, and Scott Crumpler, who was unable to work his schedule around to be in Richmond. So, how about the rest of the Richmond crowd? You guys and ladies, I would love to see you next time, too. One beer; that’s all the time I had to gather intel on this group. I promise to drink more next time. The Modisetts were getting ready for a short trip to Boston to see their youngest son, Alex. Their daughter, Burke, is working as an emergency room nurse in New York City, and their oldest son, Jeff, is in northern Virginia. Yep, all are out of the house and working! Bill Towler says we need to utilize Bob Louthan’s capital funding business to get into the solar power business. I’m in! Oh, and everyone please thank Bill for our alcohol subsidy at our last reunion. (Shhhhh!) Bob and his dad are looking forward to attending his dad’s 75th Reunion for the Class of ’41 next year. Dave Kohler was just getting ready to flee Richmond before those crazy people in spandex (bicycle racers) flooded his streets. He has some long awaited vacation coming his way, and he is looking forward to fishing in the Gulf and going south to Mexico. Neal Rogers’ son is getting ready for his second year at Annapolis and is doing great. Neal brought up my video story about the scouting honor, which led to an off-color discussion of another award, the Silver Beaver. Which led to more stories about Zollman’s parties, called Wet Beaver. Yeah,

everyone remember those? Unfortunately, yes. John Reese has got to figure out which direction his education is heading, as nursing school is not cutting it. But he and Cheri may find themselves on a cruise if they get their plans together. Jim Cosby says that everything is going great for him and Joelle. Scott Crumpler did get back to me since he missed the gathering. Not much new news except that both sons have moved out! The nest is officially empty, for now. Adjusting to it. Scott said he had a fun day of golf with Danny Clymore, Todd Minnix and Nick Roper in the spring. What, no pictures of that, either?! Unlike me, Scott has been able to step back from some of his Boy Scouting adventures, so he has been following my scouting adventures on Facebook. He is mostly helping Eagles get to the finish line and then working with their families to set up and execute their Courts of Honor. OK, that is it. Too much about me and my family and not enough about you and yours. It was a busy summer for me, so I know you guys and gals have just as much to tell as the rest of us. Please share the news. I promise to try to keep it interesting, but I was running on little news this time. Drop me an email, a personal message on Facebook, share on the Class page, or call me! Sincerely, Willis Council

’83

Class of 1982: At a recent family reunion at Hermitage Country Club in Richmond, Virginia, were, from left, Christian Addison ’14, Dane Addison ’11, Duke Addison, Mike Denton ’81 and Maury Denton ’07.

Hugh Daughtry

These notes are submitted as summer draws to a close and a bunch of young men and women prepare to enter the Rat Line. Soon the days will cool, the leaves will turn golden brown and the rats will still be in the Rat Line. The snows will come ... you get my drift. The Daughtrys had a good summer. Our daughter, Cameron, is in Charlotte as a buyer for Belk Stores, and our son, Zachary, interned in Charlotte with Bank of America as he readies for his final semester at North Carolina State University. I think he spent most of his time getting coffee for Ivan Marcotte. While we were able to get to the beach, it was also nice staying around the house when the kids were here. Scott Horan got an update in just past the cutoff for the last update. That’s just so unlike

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Scott. He, Pam, and Jim and Cheryl Henry take a sports-themed trip each year. This year, their destination was Chicago, and they took along Jim and Audrey Tribble ’85. They were able to see the Cubs in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and the Bears the next day. Scott reported that in between, they were able to sample plenty of the Windy City night life. That, too, is somewhat unlike, Scott. As those of you on our Yahoo Group have learned, no trip to the left coast is complete without dropping in on Will Creekmur in La Jolla. For this update, Will was able to meet up with his 2nd and 1st Class year roomie, MRay Johnston. MRay was in California on business and took up Will on the standing offer to all BRs. Will takes great pride in showing that the south has not cornered the market on hospitality. A beachside meal of fish tacos and quesadillas sounds pretty nice. Will also reported a Merlo Pile sighting. Merlo and I dyked in the same room and attended Space Operations School together when we went on active duty in the Air Force. Merlo, Kathy and Anthony were in San Diego visiting Mission Beach, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND. Will said the reason for the visit was to celebrate Kathy’s birthday, but the picture he sent along shows Merlo and Anthony on the Manta roller coaster, and Kathy is nowhere to be seen. Lynn and Cele Seldon also took the opportunity to dine with Will. They came south from Napa to visit and partake of lunch with Will and Rick Hall ’79. Lynn reported that the audiobook version of “Virginia’s Ring” was released this summer to rave reviews, and he says Class of ’83 BRs remain the book’s biggest supporters. Lynn also sent along a great picture of him and Cal Murray relaxing during a recent visit by Cal to Oak Island. The picture from the hot tub looked like it was very conducive to story-telling! Eddie Murphy’s James Brown would be envious. Lynn and Cele’s next project is a writing and photography assignment for Tailgater magazine about the VMI tailgate scene on the Parade Ground. Of course, they plan to feature the Class of 1983, as they know being the best class to ever enter Jackson Arch, we will have the best stories to tell and the best tailgate. They planned to target the Sept. 12 game against Morehead State University. Answering the call were Brother Rats Warren Groseclose,

2015-Issue 4

Jim Outland, Scott Belliveau, Skip Goodwillie, John Dodge and Cal Murray. I expect a great update on this event. I picked up an update from John Dodge from the Yahoo Group. He had to miss the Keydet Club Leadership Weekend to participate in the Annapolis to Newport yacht race. Sounds like the Institute was heard from, as Rives Potts ’71 and George Collins ’62 were also participants. Steve and Mary Amato had an adventurous summer, as well. They spent a week in South Dakota and Wyoming in June. A former airman in one of Steve’s commands asked him to be the presiding officer for his retirement from the Air Force. He retired Master Sgt. David Duncan from the Air Force at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, then he and Mary and drove to Devil’s Monument, Wyoming, en route to Yellowstone National Park. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary there, then headed on to Rapid City, South Dakota, to visit to Little Bighorn National Monument and Mount Rushmore. Steve also attended the Potomac River and George. C. Marshall Alumni Chapters’ event at the home of Gen. Marshall ’901 in Leesburg Aug. 7. Brother rats attending the event included Jamie McDonald, Mark Sykes and Lynn Seldon. Also attending was Tuck Masker ’80. Much like many of my nightmares, Steve said they all immediately began to strain before Mr. Masker (he will always be Mr. Masker to me) let them out of the Rat Line for the evening. Steve Hodak checked in from Fredericksburg, Virginia, where it sounds like the summer has been busy. It’s always fun to lose power on a Sunday when its 95 degrees, which is what happened to the Hodaks for 17 hours. Steve and family spent Memorial Day at Massanutten, and in August, they got down to Sevierville, Tennessee, to celebrate his and Crystal’s 25th anniversary. Later that month, they made it down to Lake Marion, South Carolina, for a birthday celebration. Steve continues to work at the Quantico office for the Tactical Service Oriented Architecture Program Office. He loves working with the Marines and continues to keep a good, close haircut to fit in. Steve said, “I do it on purpose, because I have inherited widows peaks up front from my mom’s Scottish brothers and my dad’s ‘tonsure’ back aft, and I refuse to do a ‘comb over!’” Unlike Donald Trump. Tony Arnold checked in from the Outer

Class of 1983: Tony “Snake” Arnold enjoying the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in July 2015.

Class of 1983: Steve and Mary Amato at Yellowstone National Park in June 2015.

Class of 1983: Merlo and Anthony Pile at Sea World, San Diego, in summer 2015.

113

Class Notes Banks with a great picture and upacross the bay at Annapolis. date. He just missed Bill Cornett Ritch Seymour checked in and let and his clan, who had vacationed me know has been working at the there the week before. Bill, there is Washington Navy Yard and ran into apparently a story there that you his Dyke Jeff Johnson ’80. He is the need to share. It was a tough month N6 (information technology departfor Snake as he mourned the loss of ment head) for Navy District WashKenny Stabler, but he’s getting over it. ington. Also, one of the other contracThe job takes him to Richmond often, tors he works with is Steve Hall ’86. but he says he’s still not getting any Three generations of classes – ’80, love from Bubba Hazelgrove. ’83 and ’86 – at the Navy Yard. Ritch John Manning checked in from also reported that Drew Smith is fast Ashburn, Virginia, to let me know Class of 1983: From left, Cal Murray and Lynn Seldon relaxing approaching his Ph.D. and his oldhe is a grandfather again. Grandson and telling Ring Figure stories in the hot tub while in Oak Island, est graduated from the University Luke Alexander Sheriff was born North Carolina, in May 2015. of North Carolina - Wilmington in May 1 in Raleigh. John has already May. While down on the Cape Fear, obtained the provisional appointment to the and son, Connor Shepard ’16. While in Califorhe was able to meet up with Lynn Seldon for Class of 2037. John’s oldest went to VMI, but nia, Phil was able to visit with Pete and Kim Hahn lunch and a good visit. his youngest son wised up and is a sophomore for dinner and a lot of war stories. (Editor’s Note: Andy Protogyrou at James Madison University. See page 54 for a photo of the Shepard family with I got a great update from Phil Shepard. His Megan in Los Angeles.) daughter, Megan, was one of 34 on the Team Quick update from Mark Benvenuto. He was USA Swim Team competing in the 2015 Special awarded the American Chemical Society’s Fellow Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Megan Award. This is a great honor for Mark! took the gold in the 100 butterfly and was interDateline Mykonos, Greece: Alan Toler continues to shine as a marksman. Brother Rats, viewed on ESPN. Megan was also a member of He attended the largest regional bullseye pisThis set of class notes comes to you from this the 4x100 medley relay team, which captured the tol match. This is the conventional pistol which gold medal, also. Team USA was behind by two Alan describes as “the toughest pistol shooting on beautiful island in the middle of the Aegean lengths, and Megan swam her fly so fast that she earth.” After three days of shooting, Alan placed Sea. After an evening of party, ouzo, Greek shortened the gap to one length. A lot of excitesecond in the master class. Alan also finds time beer and a day of luxury pool, beach and riding ment for the Shepards, as the whole family was to sponsor and shoot on a two-man team under around on a 4x4, I have decided to sit down and send you greetings and catch you up on some there, including Phil’s father, Shep Shepard ’59, customsightpicture.com. His team won each of the three-gun and aggregate competitions. At the of our BRs happenings. Kathy and I dropped nationals, Alan placed second in the master class off our daughter, Demetra, at VMI about a and 27th overall. The other sponsored team he week and a half ago to play women’s soccer as participates on placed second the first day, third part of the Class of 2016+3. She will matriculate Aug. 22 with a class of approximately 510 the second day and ended third in the 3-gun agBRs, of which approximately 53 are women. gregate. Pretty impressive! She will major in math (not from my genes) Ivan Marcotte caught up with Tony Thompson in Charlotte recently. Tony will be moving and join her brother, Tony, a member of the to Charlotte with his U.K. wife (that’s England, Class of 2016. From what we understand, the Bunny Hewitt, not Kentucky) sometime around present rat mass is very athletic and smart. The competitive nature of today’s VMI – in admisOctober. Tony has been busy divesting Bank of America/Merrill Lynch international wealth sions and in the classroom – would make it difmanagement operations. After one more trip to ficult for any of us to be accepted today. I recently heard from Barry Coceano. Barry India, Tony will be coming home, and Ivan, Bill got together with our class’ northern Virginia Cornett and my quarterly mini reunions are going to get a new participant. Tony has a son in Denver, social director, none other than the wonderful and illustrious Tom Anthony. Tom pulled Colorado, and is a brand new grandfather. Ivan has been, as he says, “proving fat floats” together an impromptu BR gathering at a waClass of 1983: Will Creekmur, left, and tering hole in NOVA. At the gathering were this summer. He has completed three open waMRay Johnston in La Jolla, California, Barry, Tom, Keith Belcher, Bill Seaver, Mark ter swims ranging from two to five miles. The in June 2015. toughest was the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim Krajewski, Anthony Agostinelli and Mike

’84

114

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Locher. Gus was in town taking a safety course for Delta Airlines. Mike was in town trying to wade through bureaucratic regulations associated with building a facility in Fairfax County. No one knew Locher was in town. Mike walked in with some business associates, while the rest of them were downing cold beers. I’m sure Mike needed to explain to his business party that his BRs were not just a bunch of drunks hanging around a NOVA watering hole while he was trying to make a living. Once Mike finished his meeting, he joined the rest of the group and caught up with everyone telling Class of ’84 barracks stories. As they were leaving, Tom Anthony summed it up best: “Funny how we can remember everything that happened in barracks 35 years ago, but we can’t remember what we had for breakfast this morning!” So true. I guess the best memories in life are never forgotten. Barry is a group leader at Navy Analytics Group Applied Research Associates in Arlington, Virginia. He recently built a beautiful home in Lexington on the golf course and commutes to and from NOVA, spending as much time in Lexington as he can. Barry, thank you so much for forwarding me the information on what appears to be a great night. I recently heard from Frank Kollmansperger

Class of 1984: Andy Protogyrou’s daughter, Demetra, center, at a 2016+3 Rat Sendoff put on by the Portsmouth VMI Alumni Chapter, which they have traditionally done for decades. It is the same Rat Sendoff attended by Andy 35 years ago.

2015-Issue 4

out of Richmond that Hank Selman has recently joined Frank’s Bible study group. Hank brings that old-time religion with fire and brimstone from his Georgia roots. Frank also saw Mary Beth and Mark Morgan for dinner recently and a good time was had by all. A fishing trip is being planned in the near future with Skipper Jamie Shoemaker and BRs Locher, Hauck, Thompson and Pruitt. Please let me know, Frank, how that trip goes. Frank also did some painting recently with Chris Bruch, and he said he really enjoys spending time with him. Frank, you are the best! On another note, VMI had a strong fourth quarter Fiscal Year 2015. Our class performed well, with 3 percent more giving as donors over the year before for a total of 85 out 297. From all appearances, our class seems to be top of the decade for the ’80s in total giving. We all know much of the thanks goes to Greg “The Cav” Cavallaro for all of his hard work. Please continue to update everyone on our class Facebook page with all doings, but please don’t forget to send me class notes, as well. Until we meet again, I remain yours in the spirit.

’85

Matt Daniel

Help received: From Cadet Spivey, Jake the Snake ’85, and Cadet McGuire, Patrick Mags ’85. (1 each.) The Safari (VMI ’85 Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari) dominates these notes, gents. For all of you who attended, it was great to see you for the short period that I was there (Friday and Friday night only). For those of you who were not able to be there: Please try to make this event. It is a great testament to the spirit of the class and the men who have kept this tradition alive over the years. The safari exudes the best aspects of a formal reunion without the restricting fanfare and formality that comes with it. This event is about the brotherhood that we have as a class. That sounds kind of hokey, I suppose, but it’s true. There is no other class I am aware of that does what the Class of 1985 does. Please make time for this event. As a matter of fact, as I continue to reflect on the challenge Russ Stewart ’82 posed to us during our 30th Reunion (“Do something great”),

I think we are doing just that. We are a providing a great example of generosity and cohesiveness for the other classes – both in barracks and post-barracks. I hope we continue this in-force. I hope we also continue our legacy of generous giving to “Mother I” for all she has somehow given to us. Even though, at times, it felt like she was a mean-spirited, stiletto-heeled, whipyielding Helga. As we scan what we have done with our lives and what our BRs have accomplished, I am not certain it all could have been accomplished without her weird, tough but legitimate love. Hugfest complete. Below are the Spivey/McGuire contributions. (The pictures are from them, too.) I will add in only a little bit of editing, just so everyone thinks I actually did some work here. That mitigates some of the guilt I will feel for letting Jake and Mags do so much heavy lifting. Safari Thursday The weekend got started Thursday afternoon with Rich “Fleacon” Williams arriving in town and playing a practice round of golf at the Buena Vista Vista Links. He noticed, nearing the end of his round, that he had been joined by a group of deer who were completely uninterested in his putting. At VMI, Rich was joined by Snakey Spivey, Matt “Cueball” Hamilton, Joe “Beef ” Irby, Steve ”Hook” Hagan, Hugh “Hap” Hill, Mags McGuire, Dave “Woodie” Tingley, Tab “Gunsmith” Warlitner and Bush McIntyre. Bush was giddy with his recent purchase of live crickets and sandwiches from Wal-Mart! (Agent: when you get a chance, ask Mr. McIntyre what and who he saw at the WalMart, where the tooth-to-tattoo ratio hovers somewhere around 1:1) After a few libations, hunger pangs took over, and Spivey, Williams, Hagan, Tingley and McGuire choked down some pub grub at the Palms before retiring back to the balcony at Moody Hall. Around midnight, a young, inexperienced member of the Institute’s post police visited the merry group stating their laughter was disturbing the peace and quiet of post. Rather than enter into an argument about how laughter has been shown to have healthful benefits versus the deleterious and unhealthful effects from harassment by youthful law enforcement officers, the giggling hooligans retired inside Moody Hall and continued their merriment. The abstract fishing twins (Bush and Hill) turned out the lights around 0130 hours Friday morning.

115

Class Notes even further complicated their identity issues. spirits and couldn’t wait to float on (over or unSafari Friday Friday began with a delicious breakfast at der) the river. We pointed them in the correct Yes – your agent striped his face. One of my Niko’s Grille in Lexington. Steve Hagan’s Aridirection and sent them to post. Upon return to more embarrassing moments.) Despite his prior worries about the weather, zona dry brand of humor and poor sense of Moody Hall, Capt. (“Look at me now”) Jake direction inspired owner Niko to literally bark Spivey began gathering his flotilla, directing Barry Brockway’s storm clouds never fully the inflation of the aforementioned floaties, materialized, though we were prepared to directions and point Steve in the proper direction. Joining Hook at the morning repast were rafts and inner tubes; icing down the beer and give Barry a shower cap so he wouldn’t get his Rich, Jake, Matt H., Dave T., Mags, Beef Irby water; and observing the safety management head wet while lying on his inner tube floatand Dave “Professor” Wood. Tab ing in the river. The largest group Warlitner skipped breakfast and of participants on a Safari Friday went for a run instead to show the (28) showed up, putting Ken Hirlgroup how young and spry he was. inger, Todd Thornes, Matt Daniel, The abstract fishing twins headed Mark Bornhorst, J.J. Wranek, Jeff off to go fishing. Lane, Meade King, Kurt Minne, Since the safari is an annual event, Mark Carroll, John Henry Jordan, it has established one or two traits WG Rowlett, Ralph Tremaglio essential to the weekend. Saturday and Brent Hearn on the river with golf followed by lunch at Joe and the rest of the brigands. Once on Cindy Irby’s humble adobe have bethe water, relaxation took over, and the gang let the current do its work. come two integral components. NatCheech Adkins kept pace, only urally, the simple camaraderie being Class of 1985: Hugh “Hap” Hill sinking a putt Aug. 8, 2015, while once portaging. (Agent: Not sure among one’s brother rats is another. Rich Williams celebrates for his brother rat. Class Agent Matt what that means, but he’s on a roll.) A lesser known occasion is the FriDaniel said of this photo, “This is all staged, of course.” Photo At the takeout point, Jordan’s day morning stroll through the Lexby Jake Spivey. Point Park, Jim Spellman commentington Wal-Mart. (Agent: I was not ed the motley crew and its assorted aware that this was an annual thing craft – a collection of old truck tire – the Wal-Mart stroll, that is. Again, ask them who they saw. Hint: he inner tubes, oversized rafts, pool had a buddy named “Lurch.”) Here floats and kayaks –resembled a weekend essentials (beer and chips) group of wayward immigrants comwere purchased. These staples were ing ashore rather than a gathering (hopefully) supplemented with of old friends, titans of industry and bottled water and other food stuffs. world-class athletes. Joining Jim at Over the past several years, the purthe park were Rob McIntire, Kerry Kirk, Neb Neblett, George Halages chase of “floaties” for Friday afterand Brig. Gen. Jim Begley. After noons spent on the Maury River drying off and retrieving the vehihave been stacked into the grocery cart. These floaties have included cles left at Bean’s Bottom, the group all manner of pool toys, from squirt assembled on the balcony at Moody Class of 1985: On Aug. 8, 2015, were, from left, Rob McIntire guns to pirate ships. This year was Hall. Waiting there, up from South (facing away from the camera), Mark Carroll, Brent Hearn, Bush no different, as Greg Enterline Carolina, was Tucker Maloney, McIntyre, unknown, Rich Williams, Kerry Kirk, Pat McGuire, decided his best bet for making it who was headed to Richmond on Palmer Pham Hamilton, Mike Chong Johnson, Terry Ormsby, BigGen Jim Begley and Hook Hagan. Class Agent Matt Daniel said down the mighty “Maw-Ree Rivah” some personal business. Later, guys of this photo, “After shooting at leaves and paper plates, Rob was to use an inflatable lobster, either headed into town for dinner McIntire is so embarrassed that he won’t show his face. What complete with claws and stalk eyes. or remained on the balcony dining a great bunch of guys.” Photo by Jake Spivey. (Agent: You should have seen this. on Domino’s pizza. After dinner, If you thought the Enterline striptease durof small children by making sure Stephe “Yes the traditional BOOBR SATSA (Pro: boo-ber, sah-tis-ah/Bunch of Old Brother Rats, Sitting ing the 30th Reunion was hard to un-see, this I was a Marine O-6” Medeiros had his own floating lobster love affair on the river hit with safety float, complete with sunshade. (Another Around Telling Stories Again) ran late into Agent add: In Wal-Mart, Hap Hill found some early Saturday morning. a similar Richter scale-like effect.) Safari Saturday Now, this year, as we were leaving Wal-Mart, cheerleader eye black that was actually not With the clouds gone and the sun rising, we were met by Mike “Cheech” Adkins and black but striped red and yellow. (RVM!) He Mike “Chong” Johnson. They were in high and some of his fellow floaters applied it and the duffers headed over to the Vista Links

116

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Saturday while the non-hacking crew slept in. Arriving early at the links, Tom Greenspon, Jerry Brooks, Palmer Hamilton, Scott Vaughan, Greg Renner and Steve Wynn were dressed in their finest golfing duds and were ready to go, though no one sported the Payne Stewart look. Ralph Tremaglio was the long baller (longest drive on No. 9) and Hugh Hill the dart thrower (closest to the pin on No. 5) – “Outstanding, young man!” Closing out the morning, everyone convened at Joe Irby’s house for his magnificent barbecue, slaw and iced tea. Terry Ormsby and his family met us there, along with Neil Lowenstein and Bill Tilling. After lunch, Jake Spivey presented J.J. Wranek (recently retired from the Army) with an American flag flown on post and an accompanying certificate of appreciation signed by Gen. Peay ’62. Joe Irby then brought out a retirement cake that J.J.’s wife, Cathy, had made. After the huzzahs for J.J. and the (again) traditional group photograph, the attendees separated. Some guys enjoyed Joe’s pool, some put lead in the air at Joe’s shooting range and a few others retired back to the Maury River for a short float. Once again, the gang assembled back at Moody Hall, went to dinner and later, on the balcony, attempted to answer some of the world’s thorniest problems (Where are Hillary’s emails? Was Hammie really frightened when he went past the rope swing? Are there any fish larger than 3 inches in the Maury River? When and where

will Fester put his next tattoo? Why does he take so many selfies? etc.) ... all while Cheech and Chong were enjoying some smokes and playing cornhole? Safari Sunday Sunday was quickly disposed of. There was breakfast at the Lexington Diner, KP (Agent: Cleaning brigade, it was sorely needed. Just like Capt. ‘Weird Harold’ Willcockson impressed upon us: “Leave it better than you found it; that’ll be a 5, 1 and 5, Mr. Daniel.”) on Moody Hall’s balcony and upstairs and then back on the road headed for home. 2015’s list of Ooh-Rah Safarians: Mike Adkins, Jim Begley, Mark Bornhorst, Barry Brockway, Jerry Brooks, Mark Carroll, Matt Daniel, Greg Enterline, Tom Greenspon, Steve Hagan, George Halages, Matt Hamilton, Palmer Hamilton, Brent Hearn, Hugh Hill, Ken Hirlinger, Joe Irby, Meade King, Kerry Kirk, Jeff Lane, Neil Lowenstein, Pat McGuire, Tucker Maloney, Rob McIntire, Owen “Bush” McIntyre, Steve Medeiros, Kurt Minne, Neb Neblett, Terry Ormsby, Greg Renner, W.G. Rowlett, Jim Spellman, Jake Spivey, Todd Thornes, Billy Tilling, Ralph Tremaglio, Scott Vaughan, Tab Warlitner, Rich Williams, Dave Wood, J.J. Wranek and Steve Wynn. In other news, Kyle Winter dropped me a note in April, but somehow I think I forgot to add it in the Alumni Review last go-around. Sorry, Kyle. Here is some news: Kyle and Dee

renewed their wedding vows in May for their 30th anniversary. They kept the location a secret so BRs Shoemaker, Burke, Hadley and McMann couldn’t vandalize their car this time. Kyle said, “I am grateful that I married a woman who was willing to wait for me to grow up.” So are we, Kyle! Aside from that, Kyle is enjoying being a grandfather; his oldest daughter, Nicole, is living the dream in Norfolk as a submariner’s wife and gave birth to a little girl in January 2014. Nicole started running after the birth and challenged her dad to run a half-marathon with her. Unfortunately, Nicole got sick the night before the race and bailed on him. Mr. Winter finished the Shamrock Half in just under two-and-a-half hours. Not a time a Kenyan would proud of perhaps, but at 255 pounds, it’ll do! Two days later, Kyle was on the squat rack banging out reps. His goal was to squat, deadlift and bench 400 pounds each before he turned 50 in June. Didja git ’er done, Kyle? Colonel Pete “Too Tall” Sniffin took command of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School Aug. 21 in Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulations, Pete! Todd Thornes is in the middle of pursuing yet another career. This endeavor is a vocation as a life coach with a specialty in transition. Todd was inspired by our 30th Reunion speaker, Jerry Acuff ’71. Todd shared, “at our 30th Reunion and through his dinner speech, Mr.

Class of 1985: On Aug. 8, 2015, Cindy and Joe Irby hosted Safari Saturday at their home for the Class of ’85 Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari food consumption event. Class Agent Matt Daniel said of this photo, “Although, the ‘Charlie Co.’ requirement got dropped two decades ago!” Photo by Jake Spivey. 2015-Issue 4

117

Class Notes Acuff challenged us ’85ers to accomplish great things with our lives, and if need be, get that second (or even third) career underway. Afterward, I talked with quite a few of you who happen to be in transition such as retiring from the military or considering a different job or career, just as Jerry was describing.” This has been an inspiration to him. Congratulations, Todd! I recently got an urgent email from Joe “Beef ” Irby. Although I changed the email address, the email I received looked exactly like this; syntax, punctuation and all (Beef, I know that Col. Gentry taught you better than this): “From: Joe Irby joeirbyABC123@whoknows.com “To: joeirby85 joeirbyABC123@whoknows.com “Sent: Wed, May 13, 2015, 10:22 a.m. “Subject: Terrible Situation (HELP)!!!..Joe Irby “Hello, “I’m sorry for not informing you about our trip to Manila Philippines. We had to visit a resort in Manila Philippines,Unfortunately we got mugged at gunpoint by some muggers,all cash,credit card and phone were stolen away.It was a scary experience but glad we still have our lives and passports. We’ve been to the Embassy but they are not been 100 percent supportive. Our Return flight leaves in few hours but having troubles sorting out the hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t allow us to leave until we settle the bill. “I’m seeking and urgent loan of 2,000 USD or anything you can afford right now.which I promise to refund immediately i get back “Let me know if you can help..” Poor Beef! I sent all my money to the Ethiopian princess just the previous week, otherwise I would have helped out! ’85 Dartboard *Greg Enterline: what is the gestation period for a lobster? Cannot wait to see the horror picture that ensues: “Freak lobster-boy terrorizes waste management sites nationwide! News at 11.” *Gentle Gen. Jim (Begley), with a stogie in one hand and a bourbon in the other, issued a mud-wrestling challenge to all the FOGOs from ’85. “Bring it on, Cedric! Bring it on, Sanka!” is what was recently heard from the balcony of Moody Hall. *Maj. McGlamerous is now teaching at Loyola University in Baltimore. Mike Milligan has recently enrolled in English literature at LU. Coincidence?

118

*Real estate wanted: For several Class of ’85ers who just want to move to Lexington and hang out together, contact your class agent with offers. *In search of work: To support above. Will scrub stoops! Contact your class agent. *Facilities management apprenticeships available with L+HH Stoopmasters Inc. And finally: A) Please send me your adds and adjuncts, send me your life happenings. B) Please send me any favorite stories and/or vignettes from our days at the prison on the hill that you’d like to see again somehow. You know, ones that can be shared. I have an idea that may or may not actually turn into something real. C) RVM! Yours in the spirit, Matt Daniel

’86

Clint Hubbard

In a few short days from the time I wrote these notes, it will be the anniversary of the date that changed most of our lives – the anniversary of our matriculation day at VMI. It’s been 33 years; that doesn’t even seem possible, does it? Who can remember sitting in J.M. Hall listening to the address from Col. Buzz Snyder ’57 when he told us about reaching out for the bottom rung of the ladder. God bless Col. Snyder; he was a good man. The mailbag is light this quarter, so we may have to resort to quibbling and/or half-truths in order to fill out this column. Here’s an all-call for news – even if you have to resort to quibbling and/or half-truths; I’ll work it into a good tale. And we won’t tell Tom FitzPatrick about it – wink. The biggest news of ’86 this quarter is that the new inspector general at VMI is our BR Jeff Boobar. Jeff retired from the Drug Enforcement Administration after 20-plus years and had been working in corporate security before he assumed his new position at VMI in July. The good news is that even if Moody Hall rooms are booked, with BRs Boobar and Jamie Inman on staff – as well as Chuck Steenburgh living uptown in Lexington – we should have adequate places to crash if you’re in Lex Vegas and need overnight accommodations. As for

Class of 1986: Rick Chambers landed a shark while fishing earlier this year. Class Agent Clint Hubbard said of this photo, “The shark was reported to have been heard saying, ‘Hey, Chambers, how about a little professional courtesy and throw me back in the water?’”

Class of 1986: Rick Chambers, left, and his dyke, Lloyd Bell ’89, recently met up at an Atlanta area alumni function. Class Agent Clint Hubbard said of this photo, “Chambers reportedly brought back the ‘dyke PX check’ for Lloyd to fetch his beers. Hey, it’s a good system.” BR Boobar’s new gig, he should be well-suited for the job – what with his DEA experience and the fact he lived with Mike Grochowski, Tom McGinnis, Joe Ruf and Dave Whittaker.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Having been a roommate to that band of miscreants, BR Boobar should be well-prepared for any misdeeds that may occur on his watch as VMI IG. With almost anything that comes across his desk, he’ll probably reminisce about the time that Groucho and Whittaker did ___________. Just kidding, but perhaps that will coerce Groucho or Whittaker to write in with an update. I know Dave Whittaker is in Suffolk, Virginia, but am not sure of the whereabouts of one, each, Grochowski, E.M. Speaking of Suffolk, Virginia, one of our BRs who is a native of Suffolk, Brian Crowson, is alive and well in the Big Apple, New York City. BR Crowson is a budding artist and often has his work (paintings) displayed at various galleries around the NYC area. Brian’s day job is a church administrator/business manager for the Madison Avenue Baptist Church. The church has a sign somewhere out in front of their property with a weekly motivational/inspirational saying; Brian will often post a picture on his Facebook page of the weekly gem. Mike Lakos checked in with a hotlink to a news clip about his sons and their adventure this summer at the beach. In case you haven’t seen it on the news, there have been a plethora of shark sightings and attacks along the East Coast this summer and apparently also on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Lakos boys were in Destin, Florida, and spotted a hammerhead shark in shallow water. The shark was about 4 to 5 feet long, and they could see something hanging from its mouth, so as good Samaritans, they pulled it into ankle deep water and proceeded to pull several hooks from its mouth. After doing their good deed, they pulled the shark back out into deeper water and sent it on the way. Our hero and BR, Michael, captured it on video, and the clip appeared on the local news. You can probably Google “Lakos brothers and shark” and find it. Pretty amazing tale, and perhaps the first time I’ve ever heard of someone doing a good deed for a shark. While the Lakos boys were rescuing a shark, Rick Chambers was reeling one in. BR Chambers’ delightful bride sent a picture of the Rickster with a shark he caught while on a fishing expedition earlier this year. She also included a picture of BR Chambers and one of his rats (Lloyd Bell ’89) taken at an Atlanta area alumni function. The pictures are nearby in this issue. The word from Manassas or Nokesville, Vir-

2015-Issue 4

ginia, is that Tom Russell has added on to his Silver Eagle Stables by purchasing some adjacent acreage and is becoming quite the gentleman farmer and horseman. Not sure if BR Russell’s future plans include horse racing, but if they do, a good tip would be helpful before the first weekend of May should one of his steeds ever make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. Speaking of BRs riding horses, Dion Scaglione spent his summer riding his iron horse – his Harley Davidson motorcycle – from his home near Chicago to the East Coast then did a bit of north to south riding before heading back home. BR Scaglione is, of course, retired from active duty in the U.S. Air Force but is teaching JAFROTC at a high school in the Chicago area. That gives him some extra time in the summer to hit the open road and visit family and friends. If you’re impressed by horseback and motorcycle riding, then try this one on for size. Paul Jarvis rode a bicycle – the kind you pedal, mind you – from Seattle, Washington, to Vancouver, Canada. It is apparently an approximate 214 mile ride, according to the posts from Facebook. Way to go, BR Jarvis! Apparently, Paul has the same problem as Larry Watson and Ed Talbott – he never got the memo that he is on the north side of 50 years old. The important thing is for all of us to stay on the north side of the grass and remain at 98.6 degrees versus room temperature. Speaking of horsing around, we had a little get-together among several BRs recently. BRs Paul Burch, Wayne Fuller, Jeff Morgan, Scott Wagner and your dedicated class agent got together for a few cocktails. We were also joined by Charlie Early ’87, who lives in the same neighborhood as me. It was a good time. Well, that’s about it. It was only 33 years ago that we all had short haircuts (by a barber; not by a receding hairline), were nattily attired in olive trousers with a white shirt and black tie, and could easily crank out 23 pushups on demand. On second thought, not sure those haircuts were done by a barber – it depended on which chair you got in, right? Maybe one issue we’ll retell the tale of Todd McCullough and the barbershop war. Hope you are well, BRs. Shoot me an update on what you’re up to – I need some material! And don’t forget our 30th Reunion coming up in spring 2016. More details will be forthcoming.

’87

Gerry Tertychny

Brother Rats, Doug Messner reported that Col. Lapthe Flora recently took command of the 91st Troop Command in a ceremony at the Virginia National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston, Virginia. Taking the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer, the Virginia National Guard’s assistant adjutant general – Army, Lapthe assumed responsibility for several subordinate units throughout Virginia. Lapthe’s command includes the unit headquarters in Bowling Green; the 276th Engineer Battalion in Petersburg; the 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment in Sandston; the Data Processing Unit and the Information Operations Support Center (both in Fairfax); and the Norfolk-based Joint National Guard Augmentation Unit. Earlier, Lapthe had served as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment; the executive officer of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; the 29th Infantry Division’s director of operations; and the director of strategic plans at the Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia. In addition, he has deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Congratulations on your new position, Lapthe, and best of luck to you! John Eubank recently changed jobs. After five years with Niitek as the quality engineer

Class of 1987: Colonel Lapthe Flora assuming command of the 91st Troop Command. 119

Class Notes on the Husky Mounted Mine DetecJoshua Riley, Riley Neary and Cetion System program, John accepted celia Keppeler. Look them up when a position as the quality manager you next visit VMI. Congratulations with Virginia Panel Corporation, loto the rats and their parents. cated in Waynesboro, Virginia. John Dave and Susan Pitts just celebrated gets together with Jeff Temple fairly their sons’ Eagle Awards with their Court of Honor. This is the highregularly, as Jeff stops by now and then to “blast away with the rifles and est Boy Scout award given, and both pistols.” Not sure I like the idea of of their sons, Brandon and Chaz, John and Jeff being both armed and achieved this rank June 2, 2015! The unsupervised. oldest is a member of Venture Crew 1 After 28 years in the U.S. Army, and the younger is with Troop 1. They I retired from active service back in Class of 1988: Shelton Davis and Mike Wood, third and fourth are very proud parents. August in a ceremony at Carlisle Bar- from the right, at the Maryland Rat Send-off. Keeping with the theme of honracks, Pennsylvania. The Institute oring our BRs and their families, was represented by my roommates, Romelia Keith wrote the following Gray Wooten and John Ficarro, as on the notification of a class donor well as Mark Bartholf, Andy Korol, honoring Brian Keith with a VMI Bill Wanovich and John Fischer. ’88 brick: “Thank you so much. In addition, my dyke, Jim Hoy ’84, Now I have another reason to visit and my uncle dyke, Chris Hively ’84, VMI. This is a great gesture from the were there, along with Paul Iaderosa class. I am very touched and moved ’84, Bill Faistenhammer ’74 and to tears. Please give my thanks to the Paul Jussel ’79. Lynn and I will be class on behalf of my husband and staying in the Newport News/Yorkme. Brian was proud of his class and would have been honored. I don’t town area for the time being until I know how to repay all your support figure out what I want to do when I and attention to the memory of my grow up. husband. It is an honor to have beLast, I’d like to offer a belated thank you to Brad Chandler, as this month come a small part of a great institumarks the 30th anniversary of our tion by marriage. Hoping you are all Ring Figure. I recall Brad receiving Class of 1988: Dave Pitts with his sons, Brandon, left, and Chaz, right. well and continue to be blessed.” the rat saber in a ceremony at the be- Both Brandon and Chaz earned their Eagle Awards June 2, 2015. In other milestones, Charles Nelson married his new bride Michelle ginning of our 3rd Class year. With May 24. (“She refused to change plans to make characteristic humility, Brad told us, “We all de- Gen. Steve Neary on his promotion on behalf serve something, and I’m going to give you one of the entire class. Congratulations, Steve and it May 15!”) They went diving in Belize for their hell of a Ring Figure.” True to his word, Brad Tracy. On the other end of the spectrum, we honeymoon. Charles also changed careers and orchestrated a super weekend for all of us; one have four legacy rats that started “Don’t Do is now a software developer. Jim Mumma wrote that “after disembarking that I am reminded of every time I look at my Ordinary” this past August: Sam Coleman, ring. I’m sorry it’s taken me 30 years to say this, Brad, but thank you for your efforts on our behalf all those years ago. I trust you’re doing well. In the spirit, Gerry

’88

Sam Tate

Brother Rats, First, even though most of you already know, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate Brig.

120

Class of 1988: John Bordelon, left, and Chris Hannum enjoyed their annual baseball outing in Philadelphia.

Class of 1988: Jim Mumma, left, and John Wilcox ’99 after a long flight to Seoul, Korea. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes named after him in the future.” from my 11-plus hour Delta Air Lines “When is the party?” flight from Seattle to Seoul-Incheon, I “I believe you owe us all a drink!” saw one of the passengers wearing the “The party is when?” telltale VMI spider on a polo shirt. I “Congrats!” leaned over and asked, ‘What class?’ “Awesome, now you really can’t We spent about 30 minutes chatting screw up!” waiting for the tram and walking to “Looking for the invite to a party customs. John Wilcox ’99 is transfernow...” ring to 2nd Infantry Division for a one “When is the ceremony?” year unaccompanied. Another VMI “Congrats, BR!” grad out on the tip of the spear!” “Wow!” All of us continue to serve in one “You need to host a party for us all fashion or another, like Bob Clay, now.” who checked in to let us know that he “You owe us beer!” is on a 90-day detail to the Veterans “Congratulations!” Affairs Regional Office in Philadel“When is the party?” (This seems phia. Thanks for your continued ser- Class of 1988: From left, Mike Wood, John Keppeler, Mike Owen, Drew McKone, A.J. Williams, Scott Stachelek and Lew Sigmon to be the recurring theme.) vice to our veterans, Bob! Anonymous sources say that upon Many BRs are keeping the VMI celebrating Drew’s birthday. hearing the news, Paul immediately ’88 spirit alive with small gatherings Brother rats, it was a pleasure compiling these credited his BRs; his class agents past, present around the country. Ted Wagner, Bill Burns and Ron Maas all enjoyed great fellowship, beer and notes. I hope they inspire you to keep in touch. and future; and his roommates for laying the food in Boston recently. John (A.J.) Williams Keep sending me your notes and recollections so foundation for his success. He then said to all hosted a birthday celebration in Maryland for that we can keep the spirit of ’88 alive. As always, present, “I need to host a party for my BRs!” SeriDrew McKone that included Mike Wood, John you can reach me at the following: ously, though, on behalf of the entire class, Paul, VMI 88 Facebook page (join 251 BRs and famKeppeler, Mike Owen, Scott Stachelek and Lew congratulations! So ... when is the party, general? Sigmon. Charles Cayce was also able to make a ily and growing) Another potential future general officer, Brian 571-659-0904 (home) last minute connection with John Keppeler and Duffy, dropped a line, noting he recently finished 703-772-0854 (cell) Lew Sigmon for some BR bonding in Virginia. up a tour as commander, Joint Base Elmendorfsamtate88va@gmail.com Chris Hannum and John Bordelon enjoyed their Richardson and the 673rd Air Base Wing, after annual trip to a minor league baseball game in which he assumed duties as the vice commander, Steve Chiles Philadelphia. Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center, The monthly northern Virginia luncheon hosthelping to establish that new organization. Then, a la Gen. MacArthur, made a triumphant return ed by John Keppeler continues to draw a great to ... Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where Brian is the sample contingent of usual suspects. The most chief of staff for Air Force Central Command. We recent outing was attended by Ed Wetherell, David A. Martin seem to recall Brain in Qatar 10 years ago ... some Sam Tate, Mike McGraw, Hugh Brien, Mike people just can’t get enough of the place. Brain Coleman, Mike Beyer, Mike Owen and special and Mary Duffy have two boys: Austin graduguest John Bordelon. John, a first officer for Delta Airways took the time to visit on his way from ated from North Carolina State University in May Atlanta to Paris. The Pentagon coffee bunch re2014, and Connor is a junior at Falls Church High By the time you read this, it may well be Acadcently connected Guy Gormley, Lew Sigmon School. Brian wrote, “Mary’s got the unenviable and Sam Tate for a few moments of stress relief. emy Awards season, so we have some Class of job of keeping us three and our two dogs on the Unfortunately, Dan Shrimpton was not able to ’89 awards to give out, but before we do that ... right path.” Thanks for the great update, Brian, big news first! “General” orders! Congratulations and continued success in the U.S. Air Force! join since he was on vacation in Ireland. The “Where Have You Been Lately Award” Finally, other brother rats who briefly checked to Paul Pardew who June 23, 2015, was conin via phone, email, Linked-In or Facebook firmed as brigadier general select on the Army goes to Steve Joern, who recently returned from included Kris Beck, Carlos Lofstrom, John Competitive Category Promotion Selection List. a two-week motorcycle trip. “Melissa and I just Scarpino, John (A.J.) Williams, Greg Gooch, Some of the comments, as posted on Facebook, returned from our annual two-week motorcycle vacation. This year, we pointed the bikes south Jim Teumler, Thorpe Whitehead and John are as follows: “The first but not the last general officer seand went from New York to Georgia to Kentucky Wright. Additionally, Wayne Sinclair just relected from ’89!” then back to New York. All in all, we hit 11 states located to Quantico, Virginia, so we look for“The first ’89 guy to have a VMI building and logged 4,200 miles.” One of the highlights ward to seeing more of him soon.

’89

2015-Issue 4

121

Class Notes of the trip was a stop in Goshen – old habits Black Knights instead of VMI, but he will also even co-officiated a recent game. Pretty cool! “I be an Army officer – it took a little getting used also bumped into BR Justin Shepard at one of die hard. As of this writing (which is mere minutes away from the Alumni Review deadline ... to, but dad is very proud. Wayne is still running those lax games.” Some may remember Justin, procrastination – yet another old habit dying triathlons and has been spending time on the who was with us all rat year. Ashley’s son “mahard), Steve is competing in a 24-hour off-road bike with (BG select) Paul Pardew and his son triculated” at Hampden-Sydney College Aug. motorcycle race in the Iron Man Division: One Josh ’18, as well as Randolph Lowery Wood. 21, 2015. Pop quiz: Does that date ring a bell Man, One Bike. Impressive! Coupled with all He sees John Giltz and John Piedmont in his to anyone? If it does, you may keep reading. you Tough Mudders out there, we have some travels and works for Brig. Gen. Dave Furness If it doesn’t, keep reading anyway ... we are hard “corps” BRs! Steve also recently had a ’87. Wayne will be heading off to the United grading on a curve here. Yes, 30 years to the mini roommate reunion in Lexington with Arab Emirates in October for a year to train day we all matriculated at VMI. Ashley contintheir military. He is very happy to be trading in ued: “ With August coming quickly, I am sure Mike Biliunas and Jason Gray. Honorable mention for “Unsolicited Entry” a suit for a set of cammies. Thank you, Christhat smell of hot, sweet, freshly mowed grass and winner of the “What Ever Happened To... tine, for a great update! and such creates a very nostalgic feeling from Award” goes to John Fisher, who without Neil Heimer wins the “Go West Young 30 years ago.” This is great material, Ashley; prompting, coercion or malice aforethought Man Award.” He said, “Our big news is our you have future class agent potential ... we are sent an update completely out of the blue: move from North Carolina to Washington accepting applications forthwith. BRs may re“I am still basking in the warm afterglow of state. I will be working at Naval Hospital member Ashley as a great mentor. Old habits the reunion last fall and volunteer to lead any Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. It will be a die hard, and he is mentoring one of his son’s and all future reunion committees!” friends joining the rat mass this year. Well, actually, he did not say that. “I still feel obligated to ‘coach’ this (See what happens when you authoyoung guy on the secrets that will help him to make it through and rize the agent-use of poetic license, become a VMI man.” Ashley also John?) Seriously, John still keeps ran into Gil Minor ’63 (namesake up with “all my old roommates of the baseball field) at a function, (Kramer Reeves, Cliff Porter, Bob and instead of baseball, they talked Davis and Harrison Bresee) at least VMI football. semiannually.” John has three kids, ages 18, 16 and 12. “My son, Rand The “Silver Shako Award” goes (technically John Randolph Jr.), will to Derek “D.W.” Harris and his be a freshman at Wake Forest this wife, Patti. Silver is what Derek is Class of 1989: Steve Joern, right, recently had a mini roommate fall. I tried to get him interested in supposed to give Patti for 25 years reunion in Lexington, Virginia, with Mike Biliunas, center, and VMI, but it didn’t take; he really Jason Gray. of marriage ... would that be 25 liked Washington and Lee Univerpounds of silver now? D.W. and long, glorious drive across the continent.” Patti reached/achieved easily and without any sity though!” John’s 16-year-old daughter, Lineffort at all made it to the 25 year milestone den, is a great athlete and thinks VMI is really The “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade Award” goes to Joe Hurley. In and renewed their vows in J.M. Hall Sept. 1. cool ... to which John had no comment. “My 12-year-old daughter, Leah, is sarcastic, funny, between fusion surgery and a house fire, Joe Some of us were at the wedding 25 years ago smart and won’t listen to a thing anyone tells found the time to send a very uplifting note, in the same location ... how could we forget her, just like her dad.” John is a financial adreporting that Sheri, Allison, Luke, Jake and a groomsman/BR who shall remain nameless viser at UBS around Wake Forest and runs into Patches all escaped the house unscathed and forgetting his shoes for that ceremony? So here Jay Lawson from time to time. are healthy. The trials and tribulations they is hoping everyone is properly attired this time have experienced (the lemonade part of the sto- around Derek ... congrats! In the “My Wife Made Me Do It Award” Timeout for this public service announcecategory, I got a note from Wayne Jones in ry for those following along) have all brought northern Virginia ... well, truth be told, it was the family closer together. Literally. “We are ment! Have you noticed that many BRs last actually from Christine Jones. Wayne is the living in a condo until the house is repaired.” name F-J wrote in this quarter? Quite a coindirector of the Senate liaison for the Marine Yes, there was sarcasm there, but on a serious cidence ... wonder who will write in next quarCorps and over the past two years has traveled note, on behalf of the class, best of luck to the ter? all over the world with senators and their staffs. Hurley family! Winning the “Best for Last” category is not The highlight of his tour was meeting Bono Ashley Fairchild again wins the “You Can easy. This coveted award is based on originalfrom U2 in Liberia last year. Wayne’s oldest Always Count on me for an Update Award.” ity, volume, readability, volume, breadth, volson, Nate, went over to the dark side and maTom “Buzz” Spivey and Kent Doane are laume and pure luck. The following paragraphs triculated at the U.S. Military Academy this crosse refs for Ashley’s son’s high school games are reserved for this quarter’s winner ... ruffles summer. Not only will he play lacrosse for the in the Richmond area. Dave Hope ’88 and Tom and flourishes please ... Tom Hernandez! Tom

122

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Hernandez wins a one-year exemption from class agent badgering over notes. The award also carries with it a one month exemption from solicitation for volunteering for class agent additional duties such as socials, trips, fundraising and a veritable plethora of other duties which keep the ’89 engine humming. Take it away, Tom: “The update on me goes like this. I still live and work in the Tidewater area. My wife and I and our 8-year-old son live in Chesapeake. I’m going on 25 years as a Department of Defense civilian. Also, I am still in the Army, specifically the Virginia Army National Guard, now going on 24 years. I recently took command of the 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment based at the Richmond International Airport. We fly UH60 Blackhawk helicopters; it’s been a very rewarding experience. That takes up most of my free time, along with doing things with my son to include scouting, Tae Kwon Do and just generally goofing off. My wife, Therin, teaches math and social studies at a nearby middle school.” I have seen several of our brother rats recently: Dave Clement lives in Virginia Beach with Jen and the four kids. He is still in the Navy and is the commanding officer of a group on Little Creek Amphibious Base. He and I ran the Rock-n-Roll half-marathon last fall; I nearly died, he hardly broke a sweat. Paul Mele recently finished a tour as the commanding officer of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Seattle, Washington. He, Julie and the kids recently moved to Fort Hood, Texas, where he is the Chief of Staff of the 1st Cavalry Division. He still loves being in the Army and is doing very well. Jim Masella, along with his wife, Ruth, and their two boys, moved from Evans, Georgia, back to northern Virginia last summer after 18 years. Their oldest son, Alec, is attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, so Jim is loving being a dad visiting his son on football game weekends. Ruth is a professional educator for the Loudon County public school system. They make regular trips to many of the nearby wineries. Jim rejoined the Virginia National Guard and recently completed a one year tour working in cyber security. Chris Menia still lives and works as a DOD civilian in Virginia Beach. He is the supervisory

2015-Issue 4

engineer at a construction office. The VMI swim team has shown interest in his oldest son. Robert Lewis White is the supervisory engineer of the Capital Improvements branch on the Hampton Roads Integrated Product Team, Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He, Charlene and the two boys live in Suffolk. With bills for his doctoral program at George Washington University piling up, Dave Martin took a new job as a peacekeeping analyst for the Army’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute at the Army War College, where he sits next to Col. Deacon Maddox ’90. Deacon recently took command of Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania. Dave power commutes to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, from northern Virginia. Dave is still an instructor in the Army Reserve and recently co-instructed 16 captains and majors with Lt. Col. Bill Donahue ’90 for three weeks at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. That’s it for this quarter’s notes. We hope you enjoyed this edition almost as much as we enjoyed writing it ... um ... not. Seriously, thank you for all your inputs and updates. The traffic on the Facebook page is great. If it has been awhile since you checked in, please do so – you will be glad you did. By the time you read this, the Christmas season should be fast approaching. Wishing you all the best for the holidays.

’90

Robert Clark

Brother Rats, I’m pleased to offer up my last version of our class notes as I pass the baton to another BR to serve as our class agent. By the time this insertion is published, we will have had our 25th Reunion in Lexington. At this writing, 145 of our brother rats are registered for the reunion – a spectacular turnout! I am confident we had a wonderful time reconnecting in Lexington. In advance of our reunion, there was a deadline for class notes, so I will not be able to provide a reunion summary in this version. However, I did hear from a number of you and am happy to pass along these updates. Quill Healey checked in from Atlanta where we have an active group of BRs. Quill continues

to run a real estate investment and improvement company and has now added a restaurant operating company to his repertoire, as well. Quill recently celebrated his 18th anniversary (Congratulations!), and his two kids (boy and girl) are making their way into their teen years. Quill recently played golf with Cal Lloyd, who lives in Chattanooga. He connects often with Stephen Yarbrough, Tom Bailey, Andy Sewell and Brian Tate. He sees Tony Zang and Paul Holland often, as well. Mint Ralston checked in from New Orleans, Louisiana, where he continues to serve in the Marine Corps. He reports that he recently requested to retire, which he will do in October 2016, and he is already beginning to prepare for his life after the corps. Fritz Schrichte sent a great update from Lake Tahoe, California, where he lives an active life with his wife, Sara, and two boys. Fritz and his oldest son, Gus (10), just completed a grueling hike at the Benson Hut at 8,400 feet on top of Anderson Peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 14-mile round-trip hike included three summits and a few thousand feet elevation gain. The Schrichtes are often on surfboards and take advantage of the snow in Tahoe, though it sounds like the drought in California isn’t helping with that. Fritz runs a global recruiting company, and he’s pleased that they are picking up new business in the Washington, D.C., area, which is where he is from. The company recently opened an office in Brazil, so he is spending time there, as well. Fritz hears from Garrett Thompson and John King often. Mark Hennigan wrote from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he now lives. Mark was pleased to pass on that he is a chapter representative for the VMI Alumni Association Western Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh chapter. Tom Gelles ’80 is the new chapter president. The chapter recently held its first event with a rat send-off, where they honored four incoming cadets who headed to the “I” in fall 2015. In May 2015, Mark was appointed brigade commander of the 77th BDE of the West Virginia National Guard, as well as the full time J5 (Strategic Plans) for the WVNG. Congratulations to Mark, who pinned on the rank of colonel in October 2015! Chuck Smith is a proud father – his son matriculated Aug. 22, 2015, with the Class of 2019 at

123

Class Notes VMI. Chuck’s son completed the Summer Transition Program in July and is off this fall to begin his VMI journey. Chuck recently saw Pete Wick and sees Tim McLaughlin occasionally, as well. Dave Walsh checked in from Little Rock, Arkansas. Unfortunately, Dave was unable to get to the reunion but, at this writing, was working on a mini reunion in D.C. at the end of August. He is hopeful that Barry Johnson, Hal Jones and Mike Doczi will all be able to make it. We’ll look forward to a picture in a future edition of class notes! Terrence Kerner wrote in from Richmond, where they continue to have an active Class of ’90 monthly breakfast. They are averaging five to 10 BRs a month, and Jim Cox is to be commended for being the driving force in keeping this going. Sam Stocks, Charles Plageman, Andy Kvasnicka, Dusty Crone and Glenn Thompson are among the regulars. Terrence also recently connected with Tony Baker and Tim Edwards, and he passes on that all are well with these BRs. In closing, let me pass along how honored I’ve been to be the class agent for the past five years. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from all of you as our lives and careers have moved along. Hopefully, I have done the position justice. I’ve been particularly inspired to hear from our BRs serving in the military around the world over the past several years. I’m awed by your commitment and service to our country and am exceedingly proud of your accomplishments and how you’ve represented VMI and the Class of 1990 so well in your careers. We are all honored by and grateful for your service – thank you! I look forward to staying involved and connected with all of you and look forward to the years and reunions ahead as a class. All my best – ’90, ’90, ’90! Rob

’91

George Petty III

Matt Childs sent a picture of Joe Casey ’94 and himself, taken at the U.N. General Assembly that was previously discussed. Thanks to all who responded to the last minute (literally) request for support of the Class of 1991/Dave Williams Memorial Fund. On June 30, 2015, no fewer than 23 of you made a

124

Class of 1991: Matt Childs, right, and Joe Casey ’94 at the United Nations General Assembly in fall 2014. contribution to the fund. We still need support to fully fund this. Which brings me to the point of the 25th Reunion next fall. Tom Heffern and Dave McSorely will be heading up the social group. I spoke with a number of you about helping with the giving group. Thanks to all those who replied, either affirmative or declining. Contact me about assisting either group. That’s all, folks. All the contact I’ve had the past three months dealt with the above.

William Woodward

’92

Michaela has been traveling all over the West Coast with her volleyball, and Chaney has been competing on the figure skating circuit in the Intermountain West. I am sad to report that Michaela will not be attending VMI as a member of the Class of 2021. She wants to study either physical therapy or athletic training, and neither of those is offered at VMI. We plan on being in Staunton for Christmas visiting my wife, Teresa’s, parents. No official travel dates have been decided. Hopefully I will run into a BR or two while we are in Virginia.” I hope everyone has been getting my emails updating the medical status of Stephen Morris. I get updates from his wife, Stephanie, every few weeks. For those who have not seen my last email, here is the most recent update on Stephen. Stephanie reported that Stephen is stable as of late August. He is fever and infection free but still taking his daily litany of medications to battle any possible infection which could further weaken his immune system. Stephen has decided not to pursue further aggressive clinical trials at National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, or MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, because of their high toxicity rates. Right now his local trial is on hold; he is on the waitlist for the next round, which should have begun by the time you all read this.

Andy Tate

BRs, Here are the latest updates from our classmates. I received an update from Mike Kirkmire, in which he wrote, “I finally have some news to report: I finished my first full Ironman triathlon this year. I have done five half-Ironman races in the past seven years, including the Boise 70.3 two weeks before my full Ironman. I did the Coeur d’Alene Ironman June 28. My finish time was 14:17:25 (see enclosed picture). Temperatures in the race climbed to 104 degrees by the time I got off the bike. Don’t really have any updates on any of our classmates since there are not many of us out in Idaho. I have seen a few VMI window stickers in Boise but was unable to catch up to the drivers. Our kids, Michaela and Chaney, are keeping us busy.

Class of 1992: Mike Kirkmire crossing the finish line of his first full-length Ironman triathlon. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes He remains on supportive care and is doing as which allows him to work from home in his sprouted up in the fast-developing downtown and Bay-front areas, as well as all the festivals, well as can be expected, given his body cannot underwear – I don’t see him ever giving that endure further rounds of chemotherapy. His job up. Rob’s summer job is working for Port concerts and other events there. Any BRs visitblood counts have started to rise, indicating the City Brewery – can’t beat that. He is a fulltime ing the area are encouraged to give me a shout, leukemia cells are increasing and will at some teacher who teaches math in German to Koreand if you need a crash pad for a visit, I’ve point begin to attack his organs. Please continue an students who speak Spanish ... I think. The got two spare bedrooms you can choose from. to keep Stephen and his family in your thoughts Navy has seen fit to bestow command of Naval What a difference a year makes! Life’s treating and prayers as they battle this disease. If anyone Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, to Capt. me grand again, and I’m enjoying every day. would like to send a card or email, they can be Chris Bergen. He is returning to his home state All my best to our BRs near and far!” reached at: themorrises@cox.net or: 5270 ElliMarine Corps Lt. Col. Andy Tate retired from and I am sure will use his ‘family’ connections cott Dr. Centreville, VA 20120-1760. (Editor’s to settle all labor disputes. I am still working in the U.S. Marine Corps after 23-plus years July Note: Before going to press, we learned the sad counterdrug at the National Guard Bureau and 17. Our class and VMI was well represented live in Purcellville, Virginia, where I attempt to at the retirement ceremony, as Mike Starling, news that Stephen Morris died Sept. 16, 2015.) Charles Petzold reports that he is still in visit its four breweries as often as my two great Dave Soldow, Jon Sachrison ’87, Sam Tate ’88, John Keppler ’88, Scott Leonard ’89 and the D.C. suburbs with three children who are kids and wonderful wife, Joy, will allow.” Keith Peloquin provided an update to his Lee Clark ’93 attended. Andy will post some growing up fast. He ran into Tom Gnecco by last report. After he got hired to fly a gorgeous pictures from the retirement ceremony and rechance in Rockville, Maryland, and they had a Gulfstream G550 for a wealthy family in the ception on the class Facebook page. Andy will good time catching up. Tampa Bay area, he has been lucky to travel to be staying in Stafford, Virginia, working a conReceived a great update from my 4th Class lots of fun places in the U.S. and is especially tractor gig at Quantico for the short term until year roommate, Carl Engstrom. Carl wrote: “I enjoying his time hiking in the mountains outrecently spent an evening damaging my liver something bigger and better comes up. and playing bad poker with Dick Todd Pegg emailed that he is still Richardson, Dave Weisenberger at the “I” and will have welcomed and James Cherry in Richmond. in a new rat mass by the time we are Dave is still tearing up the insurance reading this. In addition to his reguworld and living in a palatial estate lar VMI duties, he is also a TAC. in the West End. He spends most He has been promoted to lieutenof his spare time irritating his wife, ant colonel in the Virginia National Allison, and attending his kids’ athGuard. Congrats to Todd! Honorary BR and band director, letic events. It seems that his son, Col. John Brodie (Hon.), reported Scott, is a baseball prodigy. Lieutenthat he is starting his 28th year at ant Colonel Cherry is still a Marine VMI and still loving it. His big news is working for the Norfolk Expeditionthat he had a scary cancer operation ary Warfare Collaborative Team, a year ago in July 2014. He is feeling Marine Corps Futures Division. lucky to still be alive. He got married He recently spent nine days on the Class of 1992: William Woodward Jr. ’18 and Woody Woodward Appalachian Trail, where he found at the George C. Marshall ’901 European Center for Security and is happy to report that Antoine Nguyen’s son, Donald, will be a 4th a better focus on life and a case of Studies in Garmisch, Germany. Class cadet in the VMI band this fall! Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. He Got an update from Allan Lunsford. Luns has since recovered, and the numbers of unsubside of Kalispell, Montana, where they spend stantiated Sasquatch sightings in Virginia have parts of the summer. He reported, “The people wanted to let our BRs know that he has introduced a new vodka, Belle, to the Virginia market. dropped by 700 percent. Dick is back to selling I work with and for are terrific, and I’m enjoyindustrial HVAC and is an auxiliary Hanover ing all of it. The job gives me plenty of free Belle Vodka started out as a special order vodka, time, both at home and on the road, so I started but as sales have been going very well, VABC seCounty deputy sheriff part-time, where he enforces his own brand of law every other weeklected it to be shelf-listed in the stores. Belle will volunteering at a local no-kill animal shelter, end. I saw Scott Price, Derrick Lapp and Rob and I’m enjoying that a lot, too. After a long initially be available in Richmond, FredericksSchonberger over the Fourth of July weekend. house-hunt, I’m about to close on a house in burg and then throughout northern Virginia, the Scott is working with Theo Androus helping Saint Petersburg, Florida. Took me a while to Piedmont area and, of course, Lexington. It is him manage his vast real estate empire. Scott find the right one, but I did it. St. Pete has just also available for special order via VABC stores really come into its own in the last few years anywhere in the state. Luns reported that he has also helped Theo get a grant for Urban Bee Keeping. I don’t know why I think Scott in a and is turning into one hell of a cool place to three children, ages 13, 11 and 10. He has two bee suit is funny, but I do. Lappy still works live. Now I’ll just be a short bike ride from all the boys, and the youngest is a girl. Luns is still sellin the exciting field of pallet management, great entertainment and dining options that have ing corporate jets and lives in the Warrenton area.

2015-Issue 4

125

Class Notes My family and I had a fairly busy end of June and beginning of July. In late June, my wife Leslie; daughter, Catherine; and I flew to Paris to link up with my son, Will ’18, who had just completed a five week study abroad program through VMI. We then flew to Munich and spent a week touring through Bavaria. While there, we stayed at the U.S. Army base at Garmisch and took the enclosed picture at the George C. Marshall ’901 European Center for Security Studies. We arrived back in northern Virginia in early July in time for my promotion ceremony at the Pentagon, where I was promoted to captain in the Navy Reserve. Please continue to send me any updates and pictures for inclusion in future class notes. Additionally, please let me know of any major life events such as marriages, births, deaths and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and I know so that we can continue to make sure you get all VMI and class correspondence. Best regards, Woody

’93

Jim Sharp

I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits. As typical, I will start off with one of our

Class of 1993: Rich Goodman, left, with Tim Pishdad ’78. 126

overseas BRs. Matt Williams dropped a line. He shared a photo of Donnie Holloway, Dave Graves and Matt at Resolute Support Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. Donnie is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and is the lead adviser to the Afghan National Defense Security Forces in Helmand Province. Dave is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and works with Donnie as the lead logistics adviser for the ANDSF in Helmand Province. Matt is working as a Department of Defense civilian serving as a liaison officer with the ANDSF. Erik Nilsson had a quick chance to link up with Rod and Vicky Turbak for dinner and a coffee. Erik said he had a great time with them meeting up in the town of Speyer! Erik, welcome back to the states. While in Afghanistan last fall Rich Goodman, deputy commander of the 466th Air Expeditionary Group, ran into several brother rats. Rich wrote, “I ran into Kevin Smith who was working at International Security Assistance Force Headquarters in Kabul. We got together, had a meal and enjoyed a cigar while getting caught up on things. I ran into Jim Romaz at Bagram Air Base while he was redeploying back to the states. We got together, had a meal and caught up on things before he caught his flight home. I ran into Matt Bowers at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he was the deputy commander of the 379th Operations Group. Matt and I got to enjoy Easter sunrise service in the cargo area of a C-17 Aircraft. Later, on New Market Day, Matt got us access to the flight line, and we flew the VMI spider in front of a B-1 bomber, continuing the legacy of ‘Cadets in Action!’ I was lucky enough to have Kevin and Matt with me when I was notified I made colonel. It meant the world to me that my BRs were there with me for that special event.” On May 1, 2015, Rich Goodman was promoted to colonel in the Air Force in a ceremony at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Good job, Rich! Brother rats Matt Bowers and Steve Thrasher attended the ceremony. Matt and Rich were roommates 4th Class year, and Steve and Rich were roommates from 3rd Class year until graduation. Following the singing of the Air Force song, there was a loud and thunderous Old Yell for the Class of 1993. At the reception at the Marina Tiki Bar, the guys got to relax and reminisce about all the good times at the Institute. Rich is the director of the Air Force’s

Class of 1993: Kevin Roop, left, and Sean Farley.

Class of 1993: Rodney Turbak, left, and Erik Nilsson.

Class of 1993: From left, Stephen Thrasher, Rich Goodman and Matthew Bowers. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Paul Medows made contact with Dallas to “pin-on” in a year or so. Congratulations, only nuclear radiochemistry laboratory and is Grubbs, and it sounds like he is doing very Dom. On a side note, in the last class notes I putting his VMI physics degree to good use. sent out to the class, I mistakenly wrote “Don” On June 26, 2015, Rich Goodman and Tim well. Paul is hoping he and Craig Currie and Pishdad ’78 proudly represented VMI at the can make it up to Wyoming this year to do a lit- Ford. I was quickly reprimanded by Brian DaPatrick Air Force Base Marina weekly dedica- tle hunting with Dallas. Paul also mentioned, Rin, who was roommates with Dom for three tion to service members. Tim presented a “to- “I had the opportunity to take my family on a years. I acknowledge my mistake! Regardless, day in history” speech honoring VMI’s long Yellowstone vacation in June, and I fell in love it was a good opportunity to hear from Brian, legacy of honor. A loud and thunderous Old with Wyoming and Montana! Incredible coun- who is still with the state department. Brian Yell for VMI followed the speech. Rich said, “I try out there. I passed right through Gillette told me he was trying to get his next posting in could not have been more proud to be a VMI without realizing Dallas was there. It will be Cuba – just kidding. Brian Jordan submitted some notes. “I am man listening to Tim’s speech.” good to catch up with him. I’ve also been seeliving in Hollywood, Maryland, testing airMatt Eads wrote in. “Rebecca and I recently ing Tray Petty fairly often recently, as my comcelebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. The pany has been doing some work for his com- planes for the Navy as a contractor. I am still in children are growing too fast. Nathan (14) is pany as well as his house. Tray is very loyal to the Navy Reserve. My oldest, Harold, is lookentering ninth grade, loves playing the French the VMI spirit of taking care of each other, and ing to matriculate in fall 2016 as Class of 2020. horn in band and is a Star Scout. He is a true I appreciate that about him. Things are going I lost several digits on my left hand a few years gentleman and aspires to attend ago. The positive side is I started a VMI or the U.S. Air Force Acadnonprofit where we build prosthetemy. Caroline (11) is an academic ics for those who have amputations, star, a tennis star and an all-around as well as help raise awareness. It’s great athlete. She is starting middle called the Robiotech Corporation, school. Anna (9) loves animals and www.robiotech.net. We have put wants to own a farm and be a vet! together a team to help with our She is in fourth grade. I continue endeavors. I am looking to do this work with our company, www.Eadfull time. “In working with our nonprofit, I sHeald.com, and am in my 22nd spoke with Mike Wysong. He is doyear at the firm. I came down with a nearly deadly staph infection in late ing well with his wife kids. He is the January that put me out of commischief executive officer of Care Pharsion for the entire spring. It was a macies in Linthicum, Maryland.” miserable experience that included Heath Bono checked in at the last two weeks in the hospital, months minute. “As we get older, I send my of IV therapy, months of pill thera- Class of 1993: From left, Matthew Williams, Donnie Holloway and first child off to college. Does that make us older or just that they are py and some physical rehab. I tried David Graves in Kabul, Afghanistan. growing up? Anyway, she is going not to complain too much, because I know everyone has their own struggles in life, well at ITG. Working a lot to try to get things to to Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachuand my challenge paled in comparison to the a point where I can take some time off for my setts, and is very happy with the school. Wendy sacrifices made by our brothers and sisters in favorite season – bow season!” and I are taking one last family vacation and I received a short note from Brian Chamuniform in harm’s way. I have managed to ease then bringing her to school the first weekend my way back into running and tennis. Rebecca berlain. Brian’s son, Jonathan, matricu- in September. works part-time as a teacher at a local church/ “On the civilian side, I still work for the lated at VMI Aug. 22, 2015 – the same day school preschool program. She leads a Girl we did, 26 years later. Brian’s oldest son police, but after 20 years of service, I finally Scout troop for our daughters and is tireless graduated from COM in 2012. Thanks for landed a desk job. I’m the training and acin her motherly efforts to raise wonderful chil- the note, Brian. I am in a little different creditation sergeant. I am an office of one. No dren. We see Rob and Mary Peterson several stage – my son is going into TK this year. squad to worry about, no nights or weekends times a year (in person, not just on Facebook). Dom Ford also dropped a quick note. The of rotating shifts. I was running our honor We are always busy with three children, but Ford family is still living in Oceanside, Califor- guard that I started from scratch and got dowe wouldn’t have it any other way. As always, nia. Dom gave up command of Marine Wing nated equipment (because the department we welcome BRs to stop by if they are ever in Communications Squadron 38 in June 2015 didn’t want to spend money on gear), but the Atlanta. We miss the class and are always up and will be staying in the SoCal area for the unit was recently disbanded. The chief didn’t for any size mini reunions/trips! We hope to next year and working as the G-6 for the 3rd want to give the guys any compensation time be in Lexington Oct. 9-11 for homecoming if Marine Aircraft Wing. This past Christmas, for doing events on their days off. Time is valuwe can find a place to stay.” Dom was selected for colonel and expected able, and although I think Saint Patrick is a

2015-Issue 4

127

Class Notes all of us were young and dumb and really had great guy and I’m glad he chased the snakes out of Ireland, I’m not marching for hours in not grasped the significance of the journey we were to embark on. Now as I think about the the snow for nothing. bonds we have forged together I laugh, because “On the military side, I run a training battalnow most of us are just old and dumb; nothing ion for the state National Guard. I sent my officer candidates to Maryland for the National really changes. The same old jokes are dusted Guard regional phase three course for OCS. off and retold, the same nicknames have reLow and behold, the Maryland OCS compamained after 25 years and the same VMI huny commander is Major Oldfield, aka Corky. mor that no other person on the planet would Small world. We said that there are too many ever understand still exists. For all of this, I VMI ’93 guys within only a few hours’ drive of would not change a single day of my last 25 each other. We need to find some time and get years, for you are my brothers, and our history together.” and our brief time together at the Institute is Also, a big thanks to all of our BRs who gave to Kevin Roop’s fundraiser for his bike ride. Kevin has been a great host to many of us out West, and I know I am happy to return the favor any way I can. As for myself, you may have noticed I opened a personal Facebook page. I realized that I could not stay in the ’90s, no matter how hard I tried. Of course my nieces comment to me when I asked her help to set up a Facebook page was, “Who does Facebook? You are so old!” I took that as a compliment. I do appreciate Lincoln Swineford for Class of 1994: Jeff Guild’s retirement ceremony. his efforts on the VMI 1993 Group page. That has been very helpful in keeping evwhat has made each and every one of us the person we are today. eryone up to date. I heard from Mike Eason. He and the family Let’s all stay in touch, and I am looking forward to the VMI football season this year. Not are living at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Mike is for the actual football but for the tailgating and the regional chief for G-5 plans shop for Army South. He reports directly to Col. John Hale getting everyone together. Thank you to our BRs who are serving our country. We appreciate your efforts. Yours in the bonds, Jim

’94

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, Time is flying by, and as I write these notes in August, next week a new group of young men and women will sign the matriculation book and become the mass of ’94+25. As I get ready to submit these notes, I reflect back on our matriculation 25 years ago to the day. Most if not

128

’91. Mike has two daughters, Victoria and Isebella, and he says they are both doing great. He lives three doors down from Mike Peacock and stated that they get together quite often. He also reported that he stays in touch with Andy Blair and says Andy is still teaching in Korea. Jon Lauder graduated from the National War College as a distinguished graduate; his next station from intel I have gathered will be Korea. Good luck, Jon, Pam and family, on your next adventure. Jeremy Schlussel dropped a note to let me know that he has been active this summer. In June, he hiked 80 miles in Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. According to Jeremy, that was on top of the 50-plus miles he put in getting ready for the trip. He also reported that they went white water rafting on the Arkansas River and had the raft flipped in some class V rapids. Stay safe, Jeremy; we aren’t as young as we once were. Tim Lyon wrote from Germany, where he is finishing a three year command tour for Tactical Air Control Party in Hohenfels – he says home to the Oktoberfest. He and the family are moving to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. He will become the chief of command post and said he may be retiring in approximately three years. His son, Parker, is going into the 10th grade, and his daughter, Emily, will be entering seventh grade. He met up with his rat, Jim Rodgers ’97, who is currently in the Army Reserve. They stopped to grab a bite in an Italian,

Class of 1994: Tim Lyon and Jim Rodgers ’97 in Germany.

Class of 1994: Jeremy Schlussel at Philmont Scout Ranch. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes each of you and your families were able to do Thai, Indian, German restaurant, or as I would Thomas A. Brashears the same. call it, the Jim Britina grab and go. This issue should include a few photos that I recently met up with Ramon Williams ’90. were sent to me over the past few months. Most We grabbed a bite to eat at the Cracker Barrel of them came in just after the deadline for the in Manassas when he was in the area. Ramon is last batch of notes, so I apologize if they are working with the Foundation on annual giving. not as timely as they probably should be. Jeff Guild recently had a retirement ceremoBrother Rats, I heard from Fred Werth, who said he got to ny from the Navy in Virginia Beach. The class It is extremely hard to believe that, as I write made a pretty good showing. In attendance these notes in August, the summer has wound catch up recently with his dyke, Thomas Smith were Rusty Stein, John Campbell , Ro Brown- down, a large number of cadets have returned to ’98, who happens to be a pilot for Ameriing, Charles Downs, Joe Casey, Clay Mount- post and matriculation for the Class of 2016+3 can Eagle. Fred also mentioned that he talks castle, Stu Copenhaver, Dyke Taylor, John is only a few short days away. I’m not sure about to Mark Lacy fairly often. Fred mentioned Mark’s role on the Fox News program, “LegKokolis and others. Great job, Jeff, and look you, but I’m trying to figure out where the sumforward to seeing you and Kathy at a home mer went. My wife, Jill, and our kids were able ends & Lies,” playing Black Bart. I was able to see that show, and Mark did a great job. If I am game this year. to get away a couple of times and enjoyed some John Paul Goode wrote to say he had taken great vacation with our extended family. I hope not mistaken, I believe that Mark and his famia position with his dad, John Goode ly recently moved to North Dakota, ’67, and his company, Senior Living but don’t quote me on that. Management Group, as the vice presiAs for Fred, he is still working at Buckeye International and travels dent of operations in Florida. He statquite a bit. His kids are 15, 13 and ed he stays in contact with Ben Miller, 11 and all are doing well. who is the director of purchasing at I also heard from Rob Davis a few the Virginia Department of Aviation. times. He mentioned that he and Chris Coolidge sent out invites for some of the other BRs who were not any BRs who would like to get toable to make the reunion were plangether for a home game at the Institute this year. He is looking forward ning an informal get together before to coming up and reconnecting. the VMI football game here at home Matthew Camfield let me know Sept. 12. By the time you read these that he caught up with Sean Murnotes, that will have occurred, and I ray and family while he was in New am sure it was an awesome time! Rob mentioned that John Byram, Jeff York City. He reported that a great Ryan, Chris Wills and Lloyd Taliatime was had by all. Class of 1995: Thomas Smith ’98, left, and Fred Werth caught Always, ferro were all planning to come. up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pig Well, hopefully as many of you as

’95

Class of 1995: Together at a course at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, were, from left, Lt. Col. Weedon Gallagher ’90, Col. Gary Bissell ’89 and Lt. Col. Rob Davis. 2015-Issue 4

Class of 1995: Sean Burke, far left, and Brian Kellner, far right, with their children at Six Flags in the Chicago area this past June. 129

Class Notes

Class of 1995: Mark Lacy on the set of the Fox News program, “Legends & Lies,” where he starred as “Black Bart.” possible have a chance to get down here this fall for a football game … it is a different brand of VMI football and should provide a lot of excitement. Basketball season is just around the corner, and the new coaching staff has some great things in store. As always, please stay in touch. Keep up with BRs on social media and do not hesitate to let me know if there is something I can do for you. ’95, ’95, ’95. #WeAreVMI

’96

Peter Segersten

Brother Rats, Good Evening from South Carolina after a seven-and-a-half hour trip that turned into 12 hours! We made it for the vacation, though! I spent the Fourth of July weekend in Lex Vegas. These days, Lexington has some great restaurants, in addition to fantastic balloon rides, food vendors and music on the Parade Ground for Independence Day. We had a great time watching the fireworks. I ran into Col. Pat Mayerchak during the festivities. We spoke briefly, and he keeps in contact with Harri Humaloja. The fireworks, I would have to say, were slightly better than our fireworks for our Ring Figure. While in town, I met up with Curt Bourn and Kevin Faust at “Spanky’s part deux,” Macado’s. Curt, a pilot for Delta, had a layover in Roanoke and decided to roll on up to Lexington for Independence Day. Curt, while flying for Delta, also ran into a kid with a VMI shirt.

130

He asked him what class he was, and he replied 2016. Yes, that is when you begin to realize you are getting old. Kevin currently works at VMI in the administration. It was a good time catching up with them for a bit before getting back to family duties. David Hall checked in about his recent family adventure. The Hall family did a cross country trip across the United States. They traveled 9,000 total miles from Virginia to San Francisco, California. Then they went north to Glacier and then south to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Then, to end the trip, they headed back to the East Coast through Alabama and back on up to the Old Dominion. David said, “God bless the U.S., and what a beautiful country!” Thanks for the update, David! I chatted via email with Stephen ‘Superman’ Johnson. Steve recently had a change of command at the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Wildcards in San Diego. His next duty station will be in Belgium at NATO. He’s kind of scratching his head as to who made the mistake on his orders, but he’ll definitely take it. Enjoy some mussels in Brussels, Steve, and learn some French! Steve, of course, has been

Class of 1996: Col. Gerry Tertychny ’87, left, with Lt. Col. Brandon Smith at the Army War College in Pennsylvania.

kicking some butt in the running world. He placed fifth in the San Diego marathon. I’m sure he will bring it on the European continent, also. Chris ‘Jonesy’ Jones gave me a ring the other day. He’s had a busy summer with a five week stint in the Middle East as a KC-135 pilot. Then, upon his return, the Jones family visited Portugal to visit old friends of his wife. They had a great time, and they hope to do it again. Jamal Thomas ventured into Lexington in July. While out and about in Lexington, he ran into none other than Gen. Bissell ’61! Jamal said the colonel is still going strong. I have such great memories of Gen. Bissell. Such a great man. Well, that is it for this round of the class notes. Thanks for the updates and hope to see some of you guys soon! Rah Virginia Mil! Pete Segersten

Tim O. Moore

’97

David M. Hudock

Hello, VMI Class of 1997 and my Brother Rats! It’s been awhile since we have connected here through the Alumni Review. Recently, David Zirkle, having done a great job as our class agent, handed the reigns over to David Hudock and me. We are excited for the position and intend to do our very best to revive class notes and, effectively, class comradery through better communication. The Facebook site is buzzing lately with news, and I am hopeful that using the many forms of communication we have, we can inspire more conversations that let everyone know how we and our growing families are doing. It has been a long time since I have heard from many of you, but I am certainly enjoying all of the communication, and I am certain that further communication will not only reinvigorate your bond with your brother rats but also with the Institute, which we all love so dearly and have such “fond” memories of. Also, as a reminder, Tom Wagner, David and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I are planning our 20th Reunion, coming up in April 2017. We will be disseminating information about that through social media channels, so keep a sharp ear out and we hope to see you there! So, without further ado, here is what I have heard from our BRs. Donnie Hasseltine took command of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton. He mentioned that, at 38 years old, he had to go to airborne school. He had a son last September and his daughter turned three this year. But, that’s not all. His wife received her Ph.D., and he and Andrew Staich are doing a rewrite of the original 1930s VMI screenplay of “Brother Rat.” The play is intended to update the old Ronald Reagan version to be more reminiscent of our days as young cadets. Also, due to his experience, Donnie is expected to come to Lexington soon to speak with my VMI Keydets Without Borders students regarding leadership and service – something I am looking forward to. Cooper Reid wrote to say he spent a rainy winter evening with Nick Elliott at his 40th birthday party, which Mark Baltz and Dave Hudock attended. Apparently, Dave kept everyone up until four in the morning (pretty good for an old guy). According to Cooper,

Nick and his family moved back to the Richmond area after a long stint in Dallas. Nick still works for K-Line. Cooper mentioned that he also gets together with Rick Hezel, Phil Zoffuto and Tim Rigney every month or so for beers in Midlothian, Virginia. All are doing well. Also worth mentioning, Cooper played in an adult soccer league with Nick, Mark, Eddie Hidalgo ’98 and Jake Stenner ’94. All he could really say about it was that it hurt, and the only thing that eased the pain was to have a few postgame cold beers. Lastly, Cooper ran into Jerry White after the “Monstercross” bike race in Chesterfield County, he was doing well. Dan Owens is living in Minnesota with his wife. They have a dog. Dan manages many of the West Coast states for Wells Fargo home mortgage. Outside of work, Dan has been keeping up with Andrew Staich and Donnie Hasseltine. Dan also mentioned that in about five weeks, he and his wife will be expecting ... a 200 pound batch of homemade sauerkraut. Congratulations, Dano! Oliver “O.J.” Johnson is the current commander of the 99th Flying Training Squadron (the original Tuskegee Airmen “Red Tails” squadron) at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He mentioned that he had the

honor of training and administering the final “mission check ride” for retired Navy Cmdr. Russell Early ’80. He and Russell shared a number of great VMI stories during a 3-anda-half month T-1 Jayhawk Pilot Instructor Training course. O.J. took command during summer 2012 and expects to maintain command through spring 2016. O.J. also wanted to mention that “you can teach old dogs (and Keydets) new tricks!” And, Russ taught him some great “tricks,” too. O.J. said it was an honor to fly with Russ. Jason Middough wrote to say he was on his final term on the board of the Northern Virginia Community College, and he recently expanded his cocoa farming initiative that he is a part of in Ghana, Africa. Jason also mentioned that if you want to go to Ghana or South Africa, he has some first class accommodations for you there. Jason St. Clair is still a project manager for Areva, a nuclear fuel supply and engineering company in Lynchburg, Virginia. He and his wife, Chelsea; daughter, Amelie, 10; and son Bryce, 7, are in full swing of the second phase of family life, which is more active than ever. He mentioned that he is a huge fan of music and hopes to explore that more now that the

Class of 1997: Tim Moore, Paul Ackerman ’93 and their civil engineering cadets with the community of Pampoyo, Bolivia, following a successful water and sanitation implementation in summer 2015 with Keydets Without Borders. 2015-Issue 4

131

Class Notes kids are older. Jason and his wife saw Mumford twins July 1 of this year. Their names are Brock he runs into Joel Harding frequently and not too long ago had dinner with Joel, Donnie and and Sons in June, and as a family, they have and Brooklynn. Daniel Rippy was sworn in as a Circuit Court John Duckworth in Washington, D.C. seen many musical festivals in the past. AmeMaurice Spencer is currently residing in Cary, lie is involved in gymnastics, and Jason is very judge in the 12th Judicial District of Illinois in involved in the Lynchburg community. He was December 2014. He is currently serving in the North Carolina. He recently had a daughter named Piper Jilene Hope-Spencer, who was recently part of a project called “Art on Main,” chancery division handling civil cases. Dan has born April 15, 2014. He celebrated five years of where he put up art in vacant buildings. It was a wife and a 12-year-old daughter. Congratulamarriage April 15 of this year and is the team a huge success! As a result, Jason was elected to tions, Dan! leader for the Collaboration Voice the board of the James River Council team with Cisco Systems. He is curfor the Arts and Humanities. Jason also mentioned that Dan Roach and rently in his 14th year there. He also his wife, Holly, attended his “40 and mentioned that he spoke with Franunder party” in May and stayed the co Martin recently, who is leading night with their kids, Alex and Jane. the MHC Bengals youth football They are doing very well. team in Martinsville, Virginia. Ron Ferguson chimed in to let me Michael Belenky left northern know that he is doing well and still livVirginia in May 2015 and now lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He took ing in Miami, Florida. He was able to command of the Dunham U.S. visit Lexington this summer with his Army Health Clinic June 16, 2015. wife, Jamie, and two children, Jocelyn The clinic supports the U.S. Army and Dylan. War College in Carlisle Barracks, Steve Jones returned from Iraq Pennsylvania, and the larger retiree with his National Guard unit, community within the area. Dave 2-224th Aviation Battalion, two Hudock and Daniel Belzer ’04 were years ago and now lives in WaynesClass of 1997: Jack Polce, left, and Tim Moore spent time together able to attend the change of comboro, Virginia, with his wife and with their families in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. mand ceremony. He anticipates that two daughters. He works for Mche will be in command there for two Cormick Taylor as a transportation years; however, he was also just sedesigner. He continues to live the lected for senior service college and double life of a citizen soldier and may be able to turn it into three splits time between his helicopter pilot duties in Richmond and his ciyears at Carlisle. He wanted his BRs vilian life in the Shenandoah Valley. to know that anyone coming up for a car show should let him know; he He regrets not getting to Lexington would love to grab dinner or a drink. more often based on his proximity, His wife, Blythe, and the kids are but did visit for the Class of ’94’s doing very well. 20th anniversary parade. Kevin Vallerie is still in ConnectiMark Turner is moving from Muscat, Oman, to Beijing, China, with cut with his wife, Laurie, and daughthe State Department. According to ters, Kaitlyn, 8, and Brooke, 6. He Mark, VMI 1997 is well represented Class of 1997: Ron Ferguson and his daughter, Jocelyn, enjoyed left his job in New York City back a nostalgic day at VMI this summer. at state; he ran into Jim Smythers, in 2010 to start Untangled, a techBrian Bagwan and Joel Harding at nology and audio/video company Brad Davis is currently stationed in Quanone point or another in the last year, and all four focused on residential, corporate and commerare doing very well. cial automation and tech (smart homes, board tico working for the U.S. Marine Corps OpBilly Edmunds took command of the 14th Air erational Test and Evaluation Activity doing rooms, home theaters, surveillance systems, Support Operations Squadron at Pope Army Aircybersecurity test and evaluation on all new etc.). Now he gets paid to play with toys every field. The squadron supports the 82nd Airborne acquisitions being introduced to the fleet. He day at work. He mentioned that Eric Woolley so, much like Donnie Hasseltine, he had to go mentioned that it is a far departure from flying, stopped by for a visit with his kids on his way through jump school in February 2015 as an old but a great experience. His wife, Nikki, just got back to Virginia from Maine. He’s doing great, man. He wanted me to be sure and say that he a job in sales for Bozzuto, so they are currently and his engineering firm is taking off. Jack Polce and I hung out in Rehoboth Beach, “never thought he would jump out of airplanes.” moving from southern Maryland to Bethesda Dale Burdette and his wife, Sabrina, had so they can meet in the middle. Brad also said Delaware, this summer with our wives, Shanin

132

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1997: Steve Jones with his two daughters at VMI for the Class of 1994’s 20th Reunion parade. and Elizabeth, and the kids. Jack recently had a baby girl, Juliana, born May 7, 2014. She and my son, Timothy, born Nov. 23, 2014, hit it off well at the beach. Jack is living in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and still works with Arcadis. According to Jack, he has to travel a lot for work since he is now at the corporate level and has multiple troubleshooting meetings with clients per month. Congratulations, Jack! Nick Elliot is still with K-Line (16 years now), which is a Japanese container ship line

Class of 1997: Dan Rippy after being sworn in as a circuit court judge in the 12th Judicial District of Illinois. 2015-Issue 4

based in Richmond, Virginia. He did a five year stint in Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by Dallas, Texas, for five years, as well. In 2012, he moved back to Richmond. He has been enjoying playing soccer again with Mark Baltz, Eddie Hidalgo ’98 and Jake Stenner ’94. His son, Truitt, turns 16 this year, which is apparently doing wonders for his car insurance bill. His daughter, Annie, 14, started high school in September, and his youngest, Tucker, will be 10 very soon. And the best news of all: His wife, Stephanie, has made a full recovery from stage 3 cancer which was diagnosed while in Dallas. Nick said she showed inspiring strength through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and the latest diagnosis reports that it is all over. So glad to hear this great news and glad Stephanie is well and on her way to full recovery! Brett Thompson is living in Virginia Beach with his wife, Tiffany; daughter, Briana, 10; and son, Brock, 7. He currently owns the Thompson Law Group PLLC and practices real estate law. According to his posts on Facebook, he is known as the closing ninja. He also continues to teach Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Linxx Academy of Martial Arts. He and Tiffany celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary Aug. 14. Trey Porter wrote to say he is living in Oxford, Maryland, (Eastern Shore, near St. Michaels) with his wife, Laurie, and their two children. They have been there almost four years after five years in New Hampshire. They are currently doing a lot of fishing and boating all along the mid-Chesapeake Bay. Trey is working as a county public works engineer after spending eight years as a stay-at-home dad. He and the family just got back from a great family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where they did zip-lining, backpacking among bears, horseback riding and tubing. He is planning a visit to Lexington Oct. 9-12 and hopes to run into a few BRs. Andy Nguyen and his family, Holland; Alexandria, 8; Cameron, 7; and Vivien, 1, have recently moved from being assigned at the military postal service agency in Arlington, Virginia, to United States Forces Korea, Yongsan U.S. Army Garrison, Republic of Korea. He is currently serving as the J63, Communications Operations and Plans Division chief. He is responsible for planning, directing and implementing communications systems, information

assurance/computer network defense and frequency management requirements supporting the Commander – U.S. Forces Korea and the Combined Forces Command with operational plans, contingency plans, theater exercises and daily operations. Andy plans, monitors, controls and reports network operations across the Korea Information Grid. He also represents the command daily and acts as their interface with the Republic of Korea, joint components, U.S. Pacific Command and CJCS staff. Some pretty serious stuff. Congratulations on the new assignment Andy and good luck! Joe Howard and his wife, Cris, are still living in Chandler, Arizona. He is currently managing the aircraft engine performance group at Honeywell. He and Cris spend most of their weekends skydiving and will be taking their skydiving team to nationals this year. Maybe they will rival Andrew Staich and his skydiving prowess. Nate Shepperson and his wife, Wendy, started a wedding venue, The Green Hill House, in Salem, Virginia, in 2014, and it is doing very well. You can check it out on the Internet at www.thegreenhillhouse.com. Sadly, it was announced in January 2015 that his employer in Roanoke for the last 18 years, Norfolk Southern Corporation, was closing its doors in Roanoke, Virginia, and relocating 500 employees to Atlanta and Norfolk. So far, Nate has been unable to find commensurate employment in Roanoke to avoid relocation, so he is moving solo to Norfolk, Virginia, in September 2015 and will commute back to Roanoke on the weekends. He mentioned that he was able to grab a beer with Dale Moore this past spring on his way through town, and he also met up with Gerald Escobar ’94 in Roanoke before he moved to Richmond in June. According to our social media resources, Kevin Ash and Chris Hobbs have been busy traveling with M.C. Hammer as backup dancers for his 2015 Tour De Mexico, where they are also working on opening a rock opera roller disco themed restaurant. It is rumored that Gordon Ramsey is considering backing the idea. Kevin and Nate Shepperson have also become avid vodka connoisseurs. In other news, Carey Michael has been fishing a lot and spending time with his wife and baby girl. Brett Ogletree has been taking very good care of his wife, Catherine, and has been attending a lot of swim meets for his sons. Aaron

133

Class Notes Burden got kissed by two girls at once. Adam Letts has a son who is a pitching machine. Francis Buser is the man now at Hazen and Sawyer. Chooch Ayers vacations a lot. Dan Evilsizer has full sleeve tats. Drace Clevenger has a couple of new babies, and Rick Hezel has a jammin’ pad in the Outer Banks. This is what I can glean from Facebook, anyway. David Hudock has been in D.C. for two years now working at the Pentagon for OPNAV, budgeting for naval aviation sustainment. He mentioned that he will likely be promoted in September and then prepare for a possible move in 2016. He doesn’t know yet where he will end up but mentioned that this is where the “needs of the Marine Corps” tend to make decisions for him! David said it has been great to be near home for the first time in almost 20 years; he has had more time to spend time with his folks, reconnect with old friends and catch up with a lot of BRs in the area. At one point, Mike Belenky, Steve Strain, Craig Himmel, Derek Stephenson and he all worked in the building at the same time. In the short term, David is really looking forward to resurrecting the class agent duties with me and working on behalf of the class to represent us well in the alumni network. He is also stoked about helping prepare for what will almost certainly be a fantastic 20th Reunion! As for me, I have been here at the Institute now for almost six years. It is a wonderful job, and the Institute is an amazing place. There is a lot going on here, and so many new and exciting changes are happening around the post with new construction and remodeling of some of the older buildings. Even Cocke Hall is getting a facelift this year, so this place is going to be completely different when you make it back to check things out. My family is well, and we have all been enjoying summer here in Lexington. My wife, Elizabeth, and my four children, Lily, Genevieve, Olive and Timothy, really love it here. Contrary to popular belief, there is a lot of stuff to do in this area during the summer months. Classes are going well, and cadets really have not changed; they still love to complain about administration, and they still fall asleep in class. Some things never change. Many of you may have noticed through alumni correspondence that I started a new program here at VMI known as Keydets Without Borders in 2010. The club has been very successful and

134

has been an awesome introduction to field level, hands-on construction of water and sanitation improvements in developing countries and austere regions of the world for cadets. As a matter of fact, many people, including myself, have likened it to being deployed in the military, which is an amazing experience for the average cadet. Collectively, the cadets have constructed more than 30 shower/latrine facilities and installed more than 20 miles of water pipeline in Bolivia, Haiti and Uganda to more than 3,000 people. It is an alumni supported effort, and I am very thankful for all of your continued support of the program over the years. Finally, be sure to begin your preparations now for the 20th Reunion. I would love to see all of you there.

John A. Strock

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Where has this year gone? I have been fortunate to be able to connect with several folks from our class since our last submission. I’m always impressed by the news you all relay to me, as well as happy and proud for all that you’re doing.

Class of 1998: Matt Guise, Roger Hart ’99 and Mike Moorman ’07 enjoyed dinner out in Athens, Greece, while on their executive Master of Business Administration international trip through Virginia Commonwealth University. Thanks as always to those who have and continue to serve, as well as all of us who carry the torch as citizen soldiers. Dan Smith, Adam Werner and Mike Violette had a surprise reunion in Williamsburg, Virginia, at Blue Talon Bistro thanks to stealth planning by their wives. Adam and his wife, Stephanie, were celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. Werner couldn’t get married fast enough post-graduation. Stephanie coordinated the black ops FTX with Courtney Violette and Anna Smith. The boys were all surprised

Class of 1998: Class Agent John Strock said of this photo, “Dewey, Taylor and Mundy getting the band back together.” VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1998: New baby Doucette. and happy to reconvene together. Needless to say, the laughs were hearty and plenty. Smith still lacks military bearing, and his stylist clearly is unfamiliar with the Blue Book. The Navy working uniform is still Violette’s go-to gear. The gang is planning to form up again at the University of Richmond versus VMI game in Richmond Sept. 19, 2015. On June 25, Jason and Amy Doucette welcomed Autumn Dawn Doucette to the family and report that mom and baby are doing well. Dane and Colson are both excited about having a baby sister, though they wish she

Class of 1998: John and Betsy Strock with Lang White and his fiancée, Amy. wouldn’t cry so much. Jason admits that Autumn already has him wrapped around her pinky finger. Folks worry about protective fathers in rocking chairs with shotguns ... how about Douce dropping from a tree and forcing an arm bar submission? No thanks. Jason also reported his new student, James Ojeda, has been dishing good “stoop poop” info on co-worker Joe Bowen and Officer Basic Course buddy Jim Peay, who I’m excited to call my (almost) neighbor. John Dewey celebrated his 39-and-a-half birthday June 27 with his barracks roommates,

Jeff Taylor and Gardner “Flash Master Funk” Mundy, in Florida. I would love to have been a fly on that wall! Thanks to Isabel Dewey for the update! Brook and Mary Katherine Barbour are moving to Westchester, New York, so it seemed like a good excuse to have a party. The event was attended by Lang White, Trey Ashman, Keith Lawhorn, Alex Blanton and Chris Strock ’97 at Keith’s farm in Markham, Virginia. Brook and M.K. will be missed by the northern Virginia contingent. Speaking of Lang, he got engaged June 28 in Washington, D.C. He and his fiancée, Amy, are excited about the upcoming wedding in spring 2016. Lang and I have remained close, and Amy is a great addition to the VMI family. I got a great note from Bob Heely. He and his family have been out in Hawaii for about a year now, although ship life has kept him out to sea quite a bit. Bob is stationed on the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) out of Pearl Harbor, and the ship just returned from a Western Pacific deployment in May. He’s excited to be back home with Johanna and the girls.

’99 Class of 1998: Barbour; Ashman; Blanton; Strock, C.M. ’97; Lawhorn; and White at Keith Lawhorn’s farm in Markham, Virginia.

2015-Issue 4

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Summer is coming to an end and matriculation is right around the corner as I write these notes. Things are about to heat up at the “Mother I.”

135

Class Notes

Class of 1999: Matt Hartand Mark Simonds ’96 after Matt completed the Great Allegheny Passage bike ride last year. Steve Lucas passed along some tragic news to our class via our Facebook page. Our Brother Rat Moabi Lesole was struck by a car in Florida back in July and died. Many of you commented with fond memories and prayers for Mo’s family. Mo will truly be missed. For those of you who are on Facebook but not members of our class page, search Virginia Military Institute – Class of 1999 and request to join. Jeff Golden had some sad news to report, as well. “Life threw a curve ball this summer. June 12, my wife was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer – adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. The best place

(and one of the only places) in the world to get treatment for this is MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, so we’ve been there a lot lately. She had a successful surgery removing the tumor July 24. We’re headed back to Houston Aug. 30 through mid-October for radiation treatment. I’ve gotten in touch with our local BRs, Weyler and Kratt, who both live in the Houston area. I have plans to meet up with both of them while down there. Just asking everyone to keep my wife in their thoughts and prayers.” Prayers to you and your wife, Jeff. I had the honor of attending Eric Marshall’s change of command at Quantico back in June.

Class of 1999: Ryan Bogese, Billy Gage and Jake Abell on Lake Gaston. 136

Class of 1999: At Eric Marshall’s change of command ceremony at Quantico Marine Corps Base were, from left, Brian Long, Bill Steinbach, Eric Marshall and Jeff Etheridge ’82. It was great to see Eric and his family. Also in attendance was our long lost BR Brian Long and Cmdr. Jeff Ethridge ’82, chaplain. Brian works as a civilian at the Marine Corps Infantry Weapons Directorate. The Pentagon seems to be a good place to run into brother rats these days. Mike McDermott was in processing to the Army G-3 when I bumped into him. I also came across John Holmes wandering the halls. He works the night shift down in the bowels of the building. Jason Trubenbach and Charles Faulkner also ran into Mike and John at the Pentagon. While not physically at the Pentagon, Barry Williams is in the area. He sent me this note: “Quite a few changes since I’ve emailed you last. I recently moved from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to Fort Belvoir. I am currently assigned to the United States Army Acquisition Support Center. I am serving as the proponency officer. I just got here, so I am still learning the ropes, as well as how to navigate myself around the Pentagon. I am living in Alexandria, Virginia (Hayfield area), so if you are ever in this area, look me up! I got to have lunch with Mike McDermott and Travis Queensberry a few weeks ago.” Glad to have Barry a little closer. We plan on getting together soon. Jeff Morrison and his wife, Erin, welcomed Creighton Worth Morrison, their first child, July 10. A little late, but Cornell Lewis had a little girl back in February. Congratulations on new kids! That sums it up for this go around. Take care, and I hope to see any and all of you at a football game this year. In the bonds, Bill

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes August. Unfortunately, the week after the ride, she broke her foot and has been sidelined for the summer. Not to worry, as Kim has been able to enjoy the time off from training and hang out with Jarrod Cronin and Dic Donohue ’02 on different occasions. She keeps in touch with Nick Richardson, as well, but they haven’t been able to connect yet! Hopefully soon. Charlie Benbow and Stephanie welcomed their first child into the world this past January. Her name is Elodie Anne, and she’s had Charlie wrapped around her little finger since minute one. Charlie and Stephanie recently moved to Camp Pendleton, California, where he is the assistant operations officer for the 1st Marine Regiment. Shortly before leaving New Jersey, Charlie completed his Master of Science in Leadership degree through Norwich University. He proudly wore his VMI class ring all

week, which confused many of the Norwich folks. He had one Norwich cadet come over and say, “That’s some nice hardware you’ve got there,” and he shot back, “Yep, it’s even better than a Norwich ring.” Brian Frank is still in Washington, D.C., working at the Air and Space Museum. They Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from are currently fixing up our house while raising the Class of 2000. their 2 year old, Gretchen. Brandon Farris David Khalek’s daughter, Layla Marie Khalek, was born June 30, 2015. This is Dave’s fourth child, joining Jeffrey David (15 and with driver’s permit, so watch out), Annabelle Inez (10) and Adrian Isaac (22 months). Kenneth R. Carmichael was promoted to lieuGreetings, Brother Rats, I hope everyone is having a great summer. tenant colonel and is currently working in GerWe had many submissions this time, but I’m many at U.S. European Command. His wife has not sure how to feel about it. I didn’t hear much an internship with American Forces Network in the first call for notes, then after threatening Radio and is currently the military spouse voice to run three pages of what my threeof Stuttgart. month-old is doing in great detail, Chris Gaddy: The dude abides. everyone wrote in! I’m not sure if it Angela (Winters) Scott was one of is because people forgot, or people 26 females to take part in the second really, really don’t want to read three Ranger Training Assessment Course pages on my daughter! Either way, to accept women. The Alumni Rehere we go. view did an article on her in this isWilson Mustian and his wife, sue, so I highly encourage everyone Margaret (Miggie), had a baby, to check it out if you haven’t already. Ruth Love Mustian, born June 4, (Editor’s Note: Please see page 161 2015. of this Review for more about Maj. Melissa Williams is home in VirScott.) Oscar Alfaro is heading out to ginia after two-and-a-half years living in India working at the U.S. Em- Class of 2001: Drew Dickinson and his wife, Erin, with their boys San Diego in September to see Jared Kuhnhenn. Oscar said, “Another one bassy in New Delhi. She is slowly at VMI for July 4. bites the dust, Jared is getting married getting used to the bureaucracy of soon.” He is currently living in North working in Washington, D.C., but Carolina. loving the clean water and superOscar’s team had a successful outmarkets. Drew Carbone, Kristi and the come at the AAU Taekwondo Nationals, with three out of four taking boys are doing great. Drew has his home a medal (two golds and one silown photography studio and is doing some terrific work. Check him ver). Two of them qualified for team out at www.drewcarbonephotogtrials in September. Oscar had six go raphy.com for any of your profesto the USA Taekwondo National sional photography needs. Championship, with four of them Kim Herbert is still living in Bosbringing home more hardware (three silvers and one bronze). Next year, ton and remains active in endurance the USA Taekwondo National chamraces. In June, she completed a oneday 142 mile bike ride from Bedford, pionship will be held in Virginia, and Massachusetts, to Okemo Mountain, Oscar is really excited about that. Vermont. This ride was a training As Oscar mentioned above, Jared ride, as she was hoping to compete in Class of 2001: Kelly Sullivan, left, and Melissa Williams in Florida. Kuhnhenn is getting married to her second half ironman triathlon in Christine Chang (Army captain) in

’00

Matthew McComas

’01

2015-Issue 4

137

Class Notes

Class of 2001: Melissa Williams in India. San Diego Sept. 5. Jared took the position of general manager at TruGreen, in Greenville, North Carolina, and has been working there for about three months now. Jared is currently the battalion S3 for the 5/80th BN (OD) and waiting on the list for promotion to major. Seth Ford is president-elect of Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology. Seth’s three daughters are now six years, four years and nine months old. His ophthalmology practice is doing very well in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sarah and Seth just celebrated 10 years of marriage.

Class of 2001: Kim Herbert. Steve Kolenich and Maddie looked forward to visiting Italy in September. John McGrady just got stationed in Suffolk, Virginia. John is glad to be back in the Commonwealth! He hopes to be here for three years. Justin Harber married Ms. Dawn Johnson June 13, 2015, in Kent Island, Maryland. They had a great VMI turnout and Dawn and Justin were grateful to be surrounded by so many brother rats. Josh Berk was Justin’s best man, and Nate

Class of 2001: At Justin Harber’s wedding were, from left, Peter Norton ’65, Jon Mazur, Nate Charles, Jason Whitaker, Chris Simpson, Justin, Ms. Dawn Johnson, Landon Winkelvoss ’04, Parker Reeves, Josh Berk, Fred Hair and Jim Bourie. 138

Charles, Jason Whitaker, Parker Reeves and Landon Winkelvoss ’04 were all in the wedding party. Peter Norton ’65, Jon Mazur, Chris Simpson, Fred Hair, and Jim Bourie were also brother rats in attendance. Dawn and Justin honeymooned in Thailand and are settling back into life in D.C. Melissa (Graham) Adamski is an Army lieutenant colonel and just took command of an Intelligence detachment in the D.C. area. Grace, 5, is starting kindergarten this year and Madeline, 18 months, is starting pre-school. Melissa’s husband, Mike, also an Army lieutenant colonel, assigned to the Pentagon and was selected to be the G2 of the 82nd Airborne Division next year. They’ll be moving to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Kevin Fromm left Army Forces Command last February and moved across post to 1st Special Forces Command (new organizational merger of special forces groups with psyops and civil affairs groups) to serve in the G-8 as chief of Force Modernization. Kevin said the learning curve has been steep, but he is working with some great professionals and some interesting programs in development of new special operations equipment. Adam Stanley-Smith is still based in Munich, Germany, and working as the regional director EMEA for the Ackerman Group. In his spare time, Adam is starting a company focused on executing energy savings performance contracts in Eastern Europe to renovate the thousands of old communist apartment blocks out there. He just started working on this in June, but things seem to be moving ahead. Other than that, he is usually in Munich when not traveling for work. Anyone in the area should drop by for a beer or two! Drew Dickinson and his wife, Erin, are still in Lynchburg, Virginia, with their two sons. They had a blast at VMI for the Fourth of July; great time, and a great show. Drew said it was nice to see the Parade Ground used for something enjoyable and not mandatory. Drew got a chance to catch up with Parker Reeves and his wife, Jenny, just a few months ago. He’s doing great; still in Roanoke, and they have two great kids. Drew is also still in contact with Brian Ferguson, although he’s a tough one to catch up with. He claims he’s always working, but Drew suspects he’s got one of his famous “wood-chopping permits” with his current boss. Drew works with Brandon Garrett at Carter Machinery and gets to speak with him often. Maria Vasile graduated from Air University, Air Command and Staff College, with a Master

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes of Military Operational Art and Science April 26, 2015. Tony Gelormine left active duty to move back to work in Virginia but found a house in North Carolina. Tony is working as a business analyst for the Port of Virginia (aka Virginia Port Authority) and happy to finally be back on the East Coast and within an hour’s drive of the beach – either Sandbridge or OBX! Tony has linked up with John Koubaroulis and his rat, Adam Halstead ’04, and hopes to see more Keydets now that he is back “home.” Thanks for all the submissions! Remember, we are getting older. We have our 15th Reunion sometime next year. I will be following up with more details as they are developing. Take care, Brandon

Salmaan Khawaja

’02

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2002.

William Talley V

’03

Nichole Kramer

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2003.

’04

Class of 2004: Members of the class present at a Centex Chapter alumni gathering in August 2015 were Andrew Hardin, Andy Harris, Stacy Rosterfor and Clarence Smith. we’ve been as busy as ever! Will Simmons and his wife, Danielle, welcomed their firstborn June 12, 2015. Tyler Aden and the family are doing well, just sleep deprived. Cyrus Kump and his wife, Amy, welcomed their third daughter to the world. Hazel Ann was born April 8, and joins her big sisters, Milly, 4, and Jane, 2, with the family in Winchester, Virginia. Michael Coakley started a new career with Booz Allen Hamilton as of Aug. 10. Andrew Hardin wrote from Austin, Texas, of the summer’s adventures. He’s finished two triathlons, and he is prepping for another in October, along with John Ginder. Andrew hosted the Central Texas (CENTEX) Chapter alumni gathering in early August. Andy Harris, Stacy Rosterfor and Clarence Smith were there to make it a mini ’04 reunion.

Scott E. Campbell

C. Justin Roberts

This summer has flown by, and it seems like most of the class is still pushing it out of the door. I’ve only heard from a few of us, but

2015-Issue 4

’06

Shawn Driver

Brother Rats, Though I hope to be reading this issue at home in Savannah, Georgia, we’ll probably be snowed in at the seaport in Germany trying to

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2005.

Class of 2006: Capt. Heather M. Guidry (née Miras) is currently stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. She recently had her second child, Gabriel J. Guidry, future Class of 2036. Colette E. Guidry, right, is a future member of the Class of 2033. 139

Class Notes get our aircraft on the cargo ship. Either way, I hope this finds everyone well. Will Davis left Mexico Beach, Florida, (Tyndall Air Force Base) in June to move to Warner Robins (Robins Air Force Base), after instructing as an air battle manager for three years. He also recently changed platforms from the E-3 Sentry (Airborne Warning and Control System) to the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System – two incredibly dynamic airframes. Last May, he and his wife, Ashley, had their second child, Michael William Davis III (VMI Class of 2036). Hopefully we’ll see you on the radio now that you’re a JSTARS guy, Will. John Diehl got married to Mary Boyce Hicks June 27, 2015, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He works for his family’s lumber company in Charlottesville while still managing to be a team leader in 19th Special Forces Group with the West Virginia Army National Guard. Scott Bartholemew has been an Army Ordnance Basic Officer Leadership Course instructor in Fort Lee, Virginia, since December 2012. He’s taught VMI grads from the Classes of 2013-15 and feels pretty old doing it. The struggle is real, Scott. My platoon leaders commissioned in 2013. Scott and his wife, Cara, were married Dec. 13, 2014. BRs present were: Chris Chin, Chris Stone, Tim Papenfuse, Dan Rogers, Genya Skvortsov, Dave Raser, Alex Bruster, Tommy Upton, Darren Wellner and Trip Pumphery. John Kennedy and his wife had their third child, Finley Kennedy, May 16, 2015, VMI graduation day. He might have an awesome birthday 22 years or so from now in Lexington. So far, that’s three future brother rats from these notes alone who will graduate in the Class of 2036. His brigade executive officer, Lt.

140

Class of 2006: At Red Leg Brewing, Todd Baldwin’s brewery, following a hike through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were, from left, Bill Bhatta ’76, Todd and David Bhatta.

Class of 2006: Scott and Cara Bartholomew, center.

Class of 2006: Shawn Driver helocasting from a UH-60M Blackhawk into the Black Sea in July.

Col. Ed Gosline ’94, agreed that the little dude picked a great day to be born. John also ran into his rat, Andrew Krumm ’09, during his change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Andrew took command of Field Artillery HHC with the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Life is good down here in Romania. My UH-60 Blackhawk company keeps conducting incredible training with all services. Last month, our SEAL brothers let me borrow some equipment and jump (helocast) into the Black Sea with them from one of my aircraft. In June, I ran into an old friend of John Sheckells and mine at a barbecue. Remember Csaba Kalmar, John? He was our Hungarian liaison when we studied abroad at the Hungarian National Defense University. Not only is he an American citizen now, he’s a staff sergeant in 10th Special Forces Group. Good thing it’s a small world, because he owed me beer money. I also ran into a Marine Corps major who still wears his first class private belt in and out of uniform. Though I haven’t met them yet, he said there are three other VMI grads in their unit. I also heard that my ring rat is on the SEAL team that’s out here. I keep saying it, but I’m amazed each quarter at the accomplishments of such a small school. Andrew Upshaw can correct me if I’m wrong, but the job he holds at the George C. Marshall Center in Garmische, Germany, accepts one Army captain a year. That’s something to be proud of. Thanks to everyone who sent in updates; in the age of social media, writing something in August for you to read in November seems antiquated. As we get older and spread further across the country and the world, these notes are our way of doing something as a class, four times a year.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2007: Dixie Sloane Crumpler, daughter of Robert and Erica Crumpler, born April 23, 2015.

Class of 2006: At John Diehl’s wedding were Adam Diehl ’15, Andrew Upshaw, Troy Nold ’07, Wes Haynes ’07, John Diehl, Mary Boyce Hicks (the bride), Brad Bascope, John Shillingburg and Marc Castillo. Not pictured and MIA is John Kite ’05. With that, I hope everyone has a good Christmas furlough and a happy New Year. Drop a line if you’re ever in Savannah; maybe I’ll be there, too. Otherwise, I hope to see you all for our 10 year. Rah Virginia Mil, Shawn

’07

Sally Bushore

Wayne Huggins has been living quite the life. I’m a little jealous of his travels, not going to lie. He was transferred to Paris, France, last year, along with his wife and child. Nine months after that, they were transferred to London, England. Now, Wayne lives in Cambridge, England, with his family, and they are expecting their second child, a girl. Congratulations, Wayne and family! Mike Golike returned from deployment not too long ago. He was deployed to the Pacific in May. He was assigned to VMFA(AW)-533, where he ran into Brett Skoog ’08. He said Brett was assigned there as

2015-Issue 4

a weapons systems officer flying F/A-18s, and he was there as a pilot. He just recently moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he is serving as the Air Officer for the 2nd Tank Battalion. He says any classmates stationed nearby are welcome to give him a shout. Eri McMullen (Kamura) and her husband, Rob McMullen ’10, are expecting their first child in mid-August. To surprise her, Mira Veis and her husband, Paul, along with their two children; Karen (Bill) Thomas and Wes Thomas; and Tab Davenport (Pinter) and her husband, Matt, and their son all traveled

Class of 2007: From left, Eri McMullen, Mira Veis, Karen Bill and Tabitha Davenport during their visit in Massachusetts.

Class of 2007: At Eri McMullen’s baby shower were, from left, Eri, Karen Bill, Mira Veis, Tabitha Davenport, Robert McMullen ’10 and Wes Thomas.

to Massachusetts to help give Eri and Rob a memorable baby shower. Mira wrote that Karen is working as an engineer at HDR, and Wes is an engineer at Arcadis US. Tab is working for Booz Allen Hamilton in Michigan, and Mira is working for the same company, albeit at the Pentagon. Karen Bill also sent in an update on two other BRs. Wes Thomas was able to visit his old roommate, Dan Strasser, at his home in El Paso, Texas. Dan is married to Johanna and they have two children, Olivia and Connor. Wes and Karen were also able to catch up with Brandon Price; his wife, Bethany; and their kids, Chloe

141

Class Notes Army. Congrats to Philip. Nohelia also got together with Laura Hash ’07, Quincy Washa ’07, Donte Brown ’09 and Josh Byrant ’09 to celebrate the 30th birthday of Laura Hash. Robert Kelly is nearly halfway through his deployment in Kabul as a battery commander. Rob commented that he has a great group of

soldiers, noncommissioned officers and fellow officers. They have been working with British and Australian troops, and his battalion commander is a British lieutenant colonel. Upon arriving back in the states, Rob and wife Amanda (Moore) Kelly ’09 are looking forward to a honeymoon before potentially transferring to a new

Class of 2007: From left, Karen Bill, Wes Thomas and Brandon Price on New Market Day. and Jacob, on New Market day. Robert Crumpler wrote to say that his family welcomed a daughter, Dixie Sloane Crumpler, April 23. Congratulations, Robert! Dr. Russ Henriet and his wife celebrated the first birthday of their second child, Opal, this July. Russ also graduated from his four year residency program at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and will be a staff neurologist from this July on at Fort Bliss, Texas. Congratulations on your achievement, Russ!

’08

Robert Hill

It’s hard to believe the summer is already over. With that said, it also meant the former Ms. Nikki Held is now married to John Sollock. The two exchanged their vows in Brandon, Oregon, Aug. 8, 2015. They were joined by Jared Siebenaler; Bobby Hawley; Jeremy Clement; Steve Phillips; Dennis Dunaway ’09; Henry Ellis, former VMI assistant soccer coach; and Roger Thompson, former VMI professor. Congrats to Nikki and John! Noehelia Martin’s brother, Philip Martin ’15, graduated from VMI in May. In addition to graduating, he also commissioned in the

142

Class of 2008: Alumni civil engineering cadets at a conference in Wintergreen, Virginia, in July were, from left, Jarrett Moran, Matt Harrison and Phill Yi.

Class of 2008: The Martin family at the graduation of Philip ’15. Nohelia Martin, left, welcomed her brother to the alumni ranks in May. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in Charlottesville. Congrats to Seth assignment as an instructor in Oklaand Lauren! homa at Fort Sill. While deployed, I almost forgot about A.J. Fortier he had a chance to talk with Stan and wife Rachael. On July 26, they Cheng, who recently transferred to were joined by son Charlie at 11:45 Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in p.m. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 North Carolina as part of an F-15 ounces and was 21 inches long. wing. He also mentioned Dan Boyd Not to be outdone, Brandon Haris working on his master’s and possirington and wife Jessica welcomed bly pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering. baby Lucas to the family in late (Good luck, Dan ... I had enough of school after my master’s!) Chris June. Congrats to Brandon, Jess and Graff is now living in D.C. as he daughter Aurora. works on his master’s at George Matt Kokal married the former Washington University. Rob wanted Ms. Rachel Haring June 14. The to also mention that Drew Wade two were married in San Diego and ’07 and his wife have opened a res- Class of 2008: Phill Yi and wife Esther with Elias Caleb, born on were joined by Chris Haviley to celebrate their big day. Also getting taurant in Lynchburg called Jimmy New Market Day 2015. hitched recently was Kyle Adams on the James. Rob and Amanda and the former Ms. Ashley Homer highly recommended it to anyone in Aug. 1 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. the area! Thanks again, Rob, for the The Adamses were joined by Peter updates, and stay safe in Kabul! Brookes and wife Megan. Congrats Phill Yi and wife Esther added a to both the Kokals and Adamses on boy, Elias Caleb, to their family May their weddings. 16, 2015. He tipped the scales at 6 Lauren and I have successfully pounds, 3 ounces. Congrats, Phill navigated a busy summer between and Esther. Recently, Phill had a work, graduate school for Lauren chance to get together with Jarrett and a few mini trips. We also had Moran and Matt Harrison at the the pleasure of hosting a rat sendVirginia Water Environment Association’s Operations Education Class of 2008: From left, Sean Ruppert, Frank Marinaro ’09 and off for the Central Keystone Alumni Chapter in early August. The event Conference in Wintergreen, Virgin- Nick Cutting in New York City in June. was well attended, including five of ia, in mid-July. The three rememthe six incoming 4th Class cadets. ber late nights at Nichols Engineering on the Thank you to those of you who submitted sixth floor. Jarrett is working at CH2M, Matt notes. You make this job worthwhile! Until at Sherwood-Logan and Phill at Hazen and next time... Swayer – all in the environmental engineering field. And if you missed it, Matt made his Bradley Simpson debut recently on ESPN as they reported from Redskins camp. Sean Ruppert was able to have a beer with Nick Cutting and Frank Marinaro ’09 this past June in New York City. Sean was in town Brother Rats: for business and “resumed some poor cadet I hope this edition of the Review finds you and behavior” in his free time. John Lingamfelter your families well. It has been a crazy summer left his active-duty Air Force position for a job catching up with everyone. I hope everyone has in Richmond this past May. He and his wife, had a chance to enjoy these summer months. Erika, added their son, Issac, to the family Feb. In the middle of May, my wife and I met up 11. Congrats to John and Erika! with Matt and Roxanne Hyatt, Michael and Another oh-eight family grew in June, as well. wife Erin Harvey, Chris and wife Claudia Ford, Seth Berkowitz and wife Lauren were blessed Class of 2008: Seth Berkowitz and wife and Kyle Johnson and fiancée Courtney Blowwith Joseph Harrison, “Harris,” a few weeks Lauren with their newborn, Joseph early, June 16, 2015. Seth continues to prosper as ers in Nags Head and spent a week together “Harris” Harrison. the general sales manager for Specialty Beverages at the beach. It was a great week catching up

’09

2015-Issue 4

143

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Chris Ford and Kyle Johnson spent hours digging a hole at the beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, for all the brother rats and children to take this picture for the Review. Pictured in the hole were Kyle Johnson, Bradley Simpson, Roxanne Hyatt with son Camden, Chris Ford with Weston Hyatt, and Michael Harvey with son Christopher. and chasing all of the kids and dogs around the house. We have a lot of congratulations in order for this round of the Review. Thomas Duncan and wife Kathleen welcomed their second child to their wonderful family in the middle of June. Campbell McCollum Duncan was born June 14, 2015, weighing in at 9 pounds and was 22-and-three— fourths inches long. Michael Porter also welcomed another little one to their family. Piper Georgiana Porter was born July 27, 2015. Randy Cunningham and his fiancée, Allison Hamilton, welcomed a child to their family as well. Natalie stole her dad’s birthday, arriving July 9, 2015. Isaac and Corie Putnam welcomed baby No. 2 to their family. Mason Arthur Putnam was born Aug. 10, 2015, weighing in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long. Kelsey Sale sent me notes that were in the last issue about her and her husband Jeff expecting their first

144

Class of 2009: Class Agent Bradley Simpson said of this photo, “All of the crew in front of our beach house in the Outer Banks before we left to go back to the real world.” Pictured from top left: Michael Harvey with daughter Claire; Bradley Simpson with wife Ashley and their dog, Beaux; Chris Ford and wife Claudia; Erin Harvey with son Christopher; Kyle Johnson with Courtney Blowers; and Roxy and Matt Hyatt with sons Weston and Camden.

Class of 2009: Kelsey and Jeff Sale are expecting their first child.

Class of 2009: Randy Cunningham and his fiancée, Allison Hamilton, with their newborn, Natalie.

child. Kelsey sent me a picture for the last issue but was past deadline, so it is in this issue. By the time you are reading this, Kelsey and Jeff will be new parents, so congrats to you both. Shane Keys recently got married to VeVe Prieur. Also tying the knot was A.J. Yoder. He and his wife, Mary Kate, were married May 30, 2015. From looking at the pictures, it looks like it was well attended by the class. J.B. Bradshaw, recently got engaged to Claire Fiedler, and Andrew Rice also got engaged late this summer to Kristen Traxler. I mentioned in the last edition of the notes that Justin Tammelin married Megan Pitts at Wolftrap Farm in Gordonsville, Virginia. Justin sent me a photo after the notes were sent in, so one of the pictures from the wedding is below. In career news, Patrick Pillow took over the associate pastor job at Chester United Methodist Church in Chester, Virginia. Laurens Delpech has moved to

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Justin and Meg Tammelin at their wedding with the Keydets who were there to celebrate their day.

Class of 2010: VMI alumni at the wedding of Jason and Anne Morgan were, from left, T.J. Guthrie, Kayla Johnson ’13, Jason, Shawn Riley ’13, Paul “Old Corps” Bailey, Chien Lin and Matthew Musick.

San Francisco, California. He told me he would love to get together with anyone who is in the area. Well, that about does it for this round of notes. Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent me notes. It was great hearing from everyone. Hope everyone is doing well and out doing amazing things. As always, stay classy.

’10

Cody Hennelly

Hey, hey! It’s your friendly class agent here! As ya’ll read this, our 5th Reunion will have just happened, and we will all probably still be recovering! As I sit here and write this column, it is August, and I am actually just finishing up planning the reunion weekend. (Which will be amazing.) I must say that I have not been able to keep up with as many BRs these last few months as I would have hoped, but again, I’ll see y’all in a month, so I am not upset ... at all! For the guys I have kept up with, here are a few updates. Tanner Sewell shot me an email saying he took the head coaching job at Fairfax High School and really seems to love it! Jason Morgan also hit me up and explained he got married to his lovely longtime sweetheart, Anne, this past May. Jason also took a job with the Roanoke County Circuit Court and sat for the bar exam this past July! So exciting, dude, keep crushing it! Davis Garrett was recently engaged to his

2015-Issue 4

Class of 2010: Jason and Anne Morgan with their wedding party.

Class of 2010: The Class of 2010 after Breakout. 145

Class Notes beautiful girlfriend, Courtney! Hunter and Tiffany Cantrell are doing well out here at Fort Riley. I had the chance to catch up with Hunter at his change of command. He and the family are happy and enjoying Kansas. (As much as one could, I suppose.) Ray Starsman finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of doing something with his life ... Laugh out loud. Ray dropped me a line from overseas and was bummed he would be unable to make the reunion, but I assured him we will drink a few in his name! That’s all I have this time around; sorry it’s not much! Take a knee and drink water!

’11

summer, they ventured to California just before Hannah starting her first full year of teaching. To top it all off, this fall the two are finally living in the same city full time. Congratulations to you both, and I can’t wait for the tailgates together this season! Another wedding with photos to make anyone jealous was Justin Simmons to the former Kelli-Rose Hooser. The two got married on the north shore of Oahu in a beautiful ceremony

Allen McCown

It is hard to believe that a week from emailing this submission, the Class of 2016+3 will be matriculating. What is equally incredible is that when you read this, we will begin to plan our five year reunion. With that said, if you have any ideas or preferences, please email me. I’m already looking forward to it, although I’m sure the commandant’s staff is less than excited to see some of us again. I was lucky to have two brother rats visit recently, Tom Louderback and Jeremy Lucier. Tom has been traveling the northeast with work. Luckily, his territory takes him through the Staunton area, and we have been able to meet up a few times. Although the occasion was just a weekend off from work, we were able to celebrate Jeremy’s engagement to Madison Wilbur the Friday before. Madison returned from a work trip abroad and Jeremy proposed shortly after she got off the plane. We spent the weekend enjoying vineyards and cideries outside of Charlottesville. Congratulations to them! Along with the engagement wishes, I am happy to announce Matt Radi’s marriage to the former Hannah Glass. The two had a beautiful ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland, June 20. Tyler Pumphrey served as Matt’s best man, and Justin Topping was a groomsmen. The list of Keydets at the ceremony was quite extensive. Hannah’s father, Rocky Glass ’76, along with Rudy Glass ’71, were present, as well as

146

a number of Rocky’s brother rats from ’76: Doug Hines ’76, Ray Brooks ’76, John Swain ’76 and John Coleman ’76. Not to leave out another decade, the ’80s were well represented with Gene Scott ’80 and Bob Louthan ’82 in attendance. Nicole Blixt ’15 was the most junior Keydet at the ceremony. Matt and Hannah went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for their honeymoon. The pictures were enough to make anyone jealous of their trip. Later in the

Class of 2011: Hannah, center, with her arm around husband Matt Radi, surrounded by alumni at their wedding.

Class of 2011: Roommates at the Radi wedding were, from left, Justin Topping, Matt Radi and Tyler Pumphrey. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

’12

Class of 2011: Kelli-Rose and Justin Simmons along with their dog at their wedding in Oahu. Aug. 14. Woody Hall and Chris Fukui both served as groomsmen (and drinking partners) for the weekend. Justin is definitely enjoying the island life. Congratulations to him and Kelli-Rose! The Emerys have some exciting news: They are now parents to a beautiful baby girl. Daniel will be deployed in Korea until next year; he has yet to cross paths with any VMI folks, though. I caught up with Ryan Buell recently who is down in Louisiana with the 10th Mountain at Fort Polk. Ryan is preparing for a deployment and is currently serving as the gunner for his LTs vehicle. Small world: Geoff Ranowsky ’11 (U.S. Military Academy ’12), is in his battalion and will be on the same deployment. In Ryan’s own words, he has “no kids or wife yet; enjoying the single life.” Best of luck to Daniel and Ryan on their respective deployments. I hope this finds everyone well and having had a wonderful fall. I am already looking forward to planning our five year reunion and hearing updates from everyone. The ’11 section will only be as long as the updates I get, and it’s never too late to submit a picture or story. Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

2015-Issue 4

Bruce Howard

It’s hard to believe that our rats have officially graduated and left Lexington to pursue their professional careers. As the new school year begins, no longer will you see the familiar faces wandering around campus. Although you may not recognize many cadets, we can still make an impact on the current Corps. I urge you all to take advantage of this opportunity and continue to visit and show your support for VMI. Now let’s get to the updates! Joseph Fleshman and his wife, Meg, had their first child May 17 of last year, Curran Joseph Fleshman. The couple recently celebrated his first birthday. Joseph and his family are currently living in Keyport, Washington, at Naval Base Kitsap. However, in the near future, they will be moving to Monterey, California, for Naval Post Graduate School to pursue a master’s in operations analysis. Congratulations to the entire Fleshman family, and I wish you the best. Benjamin Howard has been promoted to first lieutenant in the Army and is currently stationed at Fort Drum in New York. He is the commander of an Unmanned Aerial Systems Platoon and will be deploying to Iraq in September 2015. Stay safe, Ben, and good luck. Andrew Yancey recently got engaged to Megan Bennett this past summer. Congrats on the engagement, and I hope to get some great wedding pics for future class notes. Also, congratulations to one of my best friends, Drew Stahling, on his engagement this summer. Drew got engaged to Sarah Kathryn Atkinson in August, just in time to be included in these notes. Thanks for giving me some more material, bud. Wishing both of you the best of luck in the future. Shaun Ruark and his wife are expecting their first child in September. By the time this Review is published, I hope the couple have given birth to their healthy baby boy. I appreciate everyone who sent in updates. If there was anything I missed, be sure to call me out on it, and I’ll put it in the next edition.

Also, thank you to everyone who has sent me his or her new address and personal information. I have updated all of the contact info sent my way into the Alumni Association database. Thanks again. Until next time, Bruce

’13

Charles P. Jones

2013, Another couple months have passed, and it’s great to hear how well everyone in the class is doing. I try to keep these short and simple, and there’s too many recent graduations and major life events to list everything going on in here. As always, if you specifically want something included in the notes, don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. That being said, there are a few highlights I wanted to cover. First are all the engagements/ marriages. Congratulations to everyone who was recently engaged or married. I know it’s an extremely exciting time for everyone. Robert Kanter is now engaged to Danielle Mahler, Thomas Hulcher to Katie Cerow and Cam Sayer to Jenny Ortega. I know that’s only a handful of those recently engaged, but congratulations! Shout-out to Jeff Sexton and Sean Rogers. Jeff is currently in the language portion of the Army Special Forces Qualification Course, and Sean was recently selected and will begin training in the “Q-Course” in the upcoming weeks. Good luck to both of you, and keep getting after it. Over the next few months, I will be finalizing my review of the class roster. This roster includes a good mailing address, phone number and email address. In an effort to expedite the process, if you are reading this and I have not recently contacted you to confirm your information, please send me an e-mail or give me a call to confirm your record. This edition is a short one, but we are always looking for more content to include in the Review. If you have any pictures you’d like to submit, don’t hesitate to send them; the same goes for any written contributions to the class notes.

147

Class Notes Samuel Guidry

’14

Taylor Floyd

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2014.

’15

Johnny McDonald

Brother Rats, I hope everyone is settling into their new lives

148

and all the excitement that comes after graduation. I know the first year after graduation is a big change, and everyone is very busy. I have not heard from many people in the class, but those I have heard from seem to be doing well. Henry Meredith recently emailed me and we had a good conversation. Henry is living the dream and informed me that work is going swimmingly. “I’m doing some design as well as business development for a little software company in Norfolk. No joke, making video games. That’s right, like ‘Grandma’s Boy.’” He was really proud of that last point. Henry also informed me that Ben Vanderberry and Kevin Kneisler just recently had their first solo flights. I was not able to reach out to them for any further details, but congratulations to them! Also, I recently spoke with Frank Hargrove, who was spending a weekend on the river with Will Claytor, where they were both doing their part to keep the brother rat spirit alive.

That is all for updates for this copy of the Alumni Review, but I would love to have more to publish for future editions. John Richards is helping start a VMI Class of 2015 Alumni page on Facebook so that you all can post pictures, comments and questions. Please be on the lookout for that and follow the page. Additionally, Mitchell White has also volunteered his time to help with any class agent duties. Thanks to both of these guys for their time. Finally, I am sure that there have been a number of you getting married, starting grad school, making great strides in the military and other things of that nature; I would love to hear from you. Feel free to email or call me at any time to send some good news or just catch up and chat. Please spread the word about the Alumni Review to your group of friends – I would love some pictures in the future editions! Whole damn team, Johnny

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Baby Keydets

KUMP – A daughter, Hazel Ann, to Amy and Cyrus S. Kump ’04, April 8, 2015.

YI – A son, Elias Caleb, to Esther and Phill H. Yi ’08, May 16, 2015.

SIMMONS – A son, Tyler Aden, to Danielle and William A. Simmons ’04, June 12, 2015. CRUMPLER – A daughter, Dixie Sloane, to Erica and J. Robert Crumpler ’07, April 23, 2015.

Marriages

BERKOWITZ – A son, Joseph Harrison, to Lauren and Seth J. Berkowitz ’08, June 16, 2015.

McCOWN – Dr. Anuradha Naidu to Derek R. McCown ’89, June 7, 2015.

FORTIER – A son, Charlie, to Rachel and Allan J. Fortier ’08, July 26, 2015.

ADAMS – Ashley Homer to Kyle S. Adams ’08, Aug. 1, 2015.

HARRINGTON – A son, Lucas, to Jessica and Brandon S. Harrington ’08, June 20, 2015. LINGAMFELTER – A son, Issac, to Erika and John S. Lingamfelter ’08, Feb. 11, 2015.

KOKAL – Rachel Haring to Matthew V. Kokal ’08, June 14, 2015. SOLLOCK – Nikki Held to John M. Sollock ’08, Aug. 8, 2015. GIFT – Crystal Sotomayor to Matthew L. Gift ’09, May 9, 2015.

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

William E. Cantrell ’926

Oct. 17, 1905

John H. Divine III ’36

Nov. 13, 1914

Richard D. Schmitz ’931

Feb. 24, 1908

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Ernest C. Johnson ’929

May 19, 1908

Floyd S. Smith ’41

Sept. 7, 1916

Thomas M. Zeledon ’930

Dec. 21, 1908

William R. Landrum ’934

Dec. 3, 1910

Raymond W. Parks ’37

Oct. 6, 1916

Emmett J. Heerdt ’934

Feb. 27, 1912

James M. Witt ’39

Dec. 23, 1916

Richard H. McCormick ’934

Dec. 4, 1912

Ira N. Saxe ’39

Feb. 9, 1918

George W. Meador ’35

Jan. 1, 1913

James L. Lennox ’40

March 23, 1918

James E. Kirk ’36

Oct. 25, 1913

David R. Gaitskill ’40

April 9, 1918

Edwin T. Arnold ’35

Feb. 7, 1914

Preston T. Syme ’41

April 13, 1918

James C. Sherman ’35

March 31, 1914

Donald E. Hillman ’40

Aug. 24, 1918

J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37

June 29, 1914

B. Anthony Fisher ’40

Sept. 14, 1918

John A. Gialanella ’36

Aug. 28, 1914

William W. Middleton Jr. ’39

Sept. 20, 1918

2015-Issue 4

149

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2020 Andrew J. Halmrast Benjamin S. Mathews 2021 Curtis J. Russell II

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Joshua D. Visconti ’12 Katherine L. Visconti ’13

Brother Sister-in-law

Richard T. Greene ’77

Uncle

2030 Shane M. Tyrrell

Curtis J. Russell ’97

Father

Michael E. Diehl ’86 Scott A. Diehl ’86 Marc R. Diehl ’92 Noah W. Diehl ’04 Eric L. Friese ’16

Father Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin

Peter M. McCrary ’88 James K. McCrary ’82 Peter K. McCrary ’56 Samuel E. McCrary ’30

Father Uncle Grandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

James J. Tyrrell ’94 Matthew J. Tyrrell ’96

Father Uncle

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

Avery G. Glidewell

Kim E. Glidewell ’77

Grandfather

Thomas A. Morris

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

Donovan M. Tyrrell

James J. Tyrrell ’94 Matthew J. Tyrrell ’96

Father Uncle

Beau H. Best

Raymond G. Best ’03 Hugh H. Hopkins ’69 Whitney T. Collins ’08

Father Grandfather Cousin

Cole R. Ferlis

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

Joshua R. Lohmeyer

John C. Coleman ’76

Grandfather

John C. Coleman ’76

Grandfather

Camille J. Cochet

Anthony Cochet Jr. ’05

Father

Emma C. Glidewell

Kim E. Glidewell ’77

Grandfather

Larson B. Jones

Victor G. Barnes ’66 Benjamin F. Barnes ’55 Michael A. Barnes ’80 Charles E. Barnes ’07

Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Cousin

Virginia Ann F. Reyes

Kim E. Glidewell ’77

Grandfather

Cameron J. Wall

Ronald R. Wall ’69 Alva C. Hartsfield ’866

Grandfather Greatgreat-uncle

Colin R. Burns ’07 James C. Burns ’68 Sloan C. Burns ’10 Jack W. Wright ’10

Father Grandfather Uncle Uncle

Charles J. Dano

Jonathan M. Dano ’96

Father

Cody P. Ferlis

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

Laughton E. Mikula

Matthew T. Mikula ’04 Ned M. Mikula ’71 James B. Bradshaw ’77 James B. Bradshaw Jr. ’09 Thomas A. Bradshaw II ’13

Father Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Cousin

2032 Lindsey Morris

2023 Donovan M. Diehl

APPOINTEE’S NAME

2033

2034 Samuel J. McCrary

John A. McCrary ’34 2024 Miles A. Cole

Justin V. Cole ’00 Jason A. Cole ’00

Father Uncle

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

2035 Jackson T. Doty

Heaven L. Sullivan

2036 2025 Emma M. Morris

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Father

2026 Andrew O. Fewell

Anthony Cochet Jr. ’05

Stepfather

Maximus M. McCrary

Peter M. McCrary ’88 James K. McCrary ’82 Peter K. McCrary ’56 Samuel E. McCrary ’930 John A. McCrary ’934

Father Uncle Grandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle

Noah M. Fewell

Anthony A. Cochet Jr. ’05

Stepfather

Andrew Sullivan

Frederick C. Sullivan ’62 John F. Sullivan Jr. ’58 John F. Sullivan ’929

Grandfather Great-uncle Greatgrandfather Uncle Father

2028

John F. Sullivan III ’83 David C. Sullivan ’88 Tyler Sullivan

Frederick C. Sullivan ’62 John F. Sullivan Jr. ’58 John F. Sullivan ’929 John F. Sullivan III ’83 David C. Sullivan ’88

150

Grandfather Great-uncle Greatgrandfather Uncle Father

2037 Connor L. Burns

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2037 (cont.)

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2037 (cont.)

Cormac Morris

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Uncle

William T. Sullivan

Joshua C. Sullivan ’05

Father

Henry M. Murphy

Chris M. Henry ’74

Grandfather

Jackson R. Tyrrell

James J. Tyrrell ’94 Matthew J. Tyrrell ’96

Father Uncle

Alice O. Sampson

Ernesto V. Sampson Jr. ’98

Father

John C. Manning ’83 Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

Grandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Uncle

Noah A. Visconti

Luke A. Sheriff

Joshua D. Visconti ’12 Katherine L. Visconti ’13

Father Mother

Wymer W. Manning III ’79 James A. Manning ’90 John C. Manning Jr. ’11

2015-Issue 4

vmialumni

/vmialumni

@vmialumni

vmialumni

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

151

Taps E.L. Whitley ’34

John D.M. Velte ’47

Retired U.S. Army Col. E. Lane John Davis Mowbray Velte ’47 Whitley ’34 of Roanoke, Virginia, of Sarasota, Florida, died June 6, died May 1, 2015. He was 104. 2015. He was 89. Whitley matriculated from GaVelte matriculated from Lexinglax, Virginia, and earned his Bachton, Virginia, and attended VMI elor of Science degree in electrical for less than one year. He earned engineering from VMI. his Bachelor of Science degree He is survived by his daughter, from Princeton University. Margaret Anne Allen (Robert); son, He is survived by his second Whitley ’34 wife, Ernest Lane Whitley (Kathryn); Mary Louise Bell, and her grandchildren Kristen Helms (Joe), Evan daughter, Lynda Mettee (Mike); daughLandon Whitley, Margaret V. Barkett (Er- ter, Carolyn Berthelsen; son, John Velte ryn) and Robert Whitley Allen (Kathleen); (Sherri); grandchildren, Jonathan Leifer, nine great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Andrew Berthelsen, Megan Grant, Noelle Norma Busic. Mettee, Michael Grant, Hannah Velte and He was preceded in death by his first wife, Davis Velte; and sisters, Lois Carstens and Margaret Ann Hudgins Whitley, and his Marguerite Hasbrouck. second wife, Janice B. Whitley. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evangeline, and daughters, Barbara Richard C. Horne III ’42 Leifer and Alison Grant. Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Richard C. John K. Spencer Jr. ’48A “Gabe” Horne III ’42 died July 20, 2015. John Kerr Spencer Jr. ’48A of WinstonHe was 94. Horne matriculated from West Falls Salem, North Carolina, died July 10, 1988. Church, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor He was 60. Spencer matriculated from Winston-Salem of Science degree in electrical engineering and attended VMI for less than one year. from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further inforHe is survived by his sons, Richard (Kathleen), James (Barbara) and John mation on Mr. Spencer.) (Susan); five grandchildren; and two greatFrank J. Lawson III ’48B grandchildren. Frank Jarvis “Judd” Lawson III ’48B of He was preceded in death by his wife, Boca Raton, Florida, died June 22, 2015. Mitzi, and brother, Boyd. He was 88. Ford B. Ford ’46 Lawson matriculated from Newburgh, Ford Barney Ford ’46 of Woodbridge, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Virginia, died May 17, 2015. He was 92. Arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. Ford matriculated from Norton, VirHe is survived by his wife, Helen; chilginia, and attended VMI for less than one dren, Dr. Charles Lawson (Mary), Cynthia year. He earned his Bachelor of Science LoCastro and Nancy Lawson-Birk; and degree from the University of California. grandchildren, Allison Alt, Andrew Alt, He is survived by his son, Robert (Gae); Blake Lawson, Brooks Lawson, Sophia daughter-in-law, Maria; grandchildren, Birk and Simon Birk. Sunnybrook Wilson (David), Autumn Donald E. Wilson ’49B Culbreth (Jeremy), Breeze Hayden (Mark), Donald Earl Wilson ’49B of New SeMeadow Ford, Robby Ford and Lianna Bianco (Matthew); great-granddaughters, wickley Township, Pennsylvania, died July Danielle, Skyla, Michayla, Ava, River and 6, 2015. He was 87. Wilson matriculated from Pittsburgh, Cadence; and great-grandsons, Jagger and Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Savino. He was preceded in death by his wife, Science degree in civil engineering from Norma Lentz Ford; son, Jack Thomas VMI. He earned his Master of Science Ford; brother, Willian Ford; and sister, degree from Yale University. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Knaze) Annis Elizabeth Godbey. 152

Wilson; children, Donna M. Cheswick (David) and Donald E. Wilson Jr. (Mary Grace); grandchildren, Michael Cheswick, Steven Cheswick, Mark Wilson and Natalie Wilson; and siblings, Betty Lee Mueller, Marjorie Fellendorf (Fred) and William Wilson. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Wilson (Joan).

Douglas W. McLoney Sr. ’50B Douglas Windsor McLoney Sr. ’50B of Morehead, Kentucky, died June 30, 2015. He was 86. McLoney matriculated from Cynthiana, Kentucky, and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is survived by his wife, Jean McHugh McLoney; sons, Doug (Effie), James (Suthanya) and Greg (Kathy) McLoney; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sibling, Thorne C. McLoney.

Charles E. Tewes Jr. ’50B Charles Edward Tewes Jr. ’50B of San Antonio, Texas, died May 19, 2015. He was 86. Tewes matriculated from San Antonio and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his nephew, David S. Webster; nieces, Karen W. Chapman and Katherine W. Upton; and step-sister, Serena Louise Abbey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geanne Parker Tewes, and sister, Frances Tewes Webster.

Otis P. Johnson III ’55 Otis Patrick “Pat” Johnson III ’55 of Little Rock, Arkansas, died May 14, 2015. He was 81. Johnson matriculated from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Katibel Carton Johnson; son, Benton Johnson (Leslie); granddaughter, Kathleen; and sister, Patricia Allen. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Benton Johnson. VMI Alumni Review

Taps Robert B. Wilson II ’55 Robert Booker Wilson II ’55 of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, died July 23, 2015. He was 83. Wilson matriculated from Sanford, North Carolina, and attended VMI for three years. He is survived by his wife, Vickie Ferry Wilson; children, Eric Wilson (Dina), Wendy Cravener (Lloyd), Kayla Dando (Mike), Trista Wilson, Julia Vitale (Robert) and Janna Wilson; grandchildren, Colin, Evan, Christian, Gabrielle, Tyler, Jason and Addisyn; and sister, Elizabeth Humphreys (Levi).

Kenneth E. Halloway Jr. ’56 Retired U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Edward “Ken” Halloway Jr. ’56 of Temple Terrace, Florida, died Nov. 18, 2014. He was 81. Halloway matriculated from Fairbanks, Arkansas, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Tampa and the U.S. Military Academy. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; sons, Kenneth III, John and Bill; step-son, Rahn; step-daughter, Renee; granddaughters, Morgan and Teri; and grandson, Kenneth IV.

Robert C. Irby Jr. ’56

Arizona, died May 24, 2015. He was 79. Allen matriculated from Hollywood, California, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Marie; children, Brad (Linda), Mimi and Kelly Allen (Therese DeVoe); granddaughters, Thrace, Megan, Melanie, Beatrice and Claire; and sisters, Jo Anne Curtice and Virginia Tisinger.

James G. Bryant ’57 James Gilmore “Jim” Bryant ’57 of Bear, Delaware, died July 14, 2015. He was 79. Bryant matriculated from Bryant, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is survived by his wife, Bettye Henderson; children, James G. Bryant Jr. and Anne B. Peoples; grandchildren, James G. Bryant III (Kristy), Chauntelle E. Lieske (Ray) and Brittany A. Peoples; and four great-grandchildren.

Archie C. Burnham Jr. ’57 Archie Chisholm “Arch” Burnham Jr. ’57 of McDonough, Georgia, died July 12, 2015. He was 80. Burnham matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Pool Burnham; son, Archie C. Burnham III (Gwen); daughter, Trisha Burnham Harville (Jeff); grandchildren, Brittany Burnham, Jacob Harville (Jennifer Bailey), Levi Harville (Shali McCampbell) and Caitlyn Harville; and sister, Laura Forrester (Ben).

Robert Cannon Irby Jr. ’56 of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, died July 16, 2015. He was 79. Irby matriculated from Blackstone, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sara W. Clifton C. Dowdy Jr. ’57 Irby; sons, Robert Cannon Irby III Clifton Cox “Cliff ” Dowdy Jr. (Joan Broomell Irby), Stuart Dun’57 of Greensboro, North Carolican Irby (Lynn Woodward Irby) and na, died April 9, 2015. He was 80. Bruce Watson Irby (Frieda Adams Dowdy matriculated from NorIrby); grandchildren, Melissa Ann folk, Virginia, and earned his Irby, Jenna Rolfe Irby McCord, Irby ’56 Bachelor of Arts degree in history Virginia Randolph Irby, Lindsey Woodward Irby, Barbara Katherine Irby from VMI. He is survived by his children, Virginia and Brett Watson Irby; step-granddaughters, Pamala Riley Thaxton and Tamara Michelle “Ginny” Beach (Richard), Spence Dowdy Riley; great-grandson, Lucas Cannon Mc- (Joan) and Hugh Dowdy (Karen); 14 Cord; and brother, William Irby ’72 (Linda). grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Susan Spence Dowdy, and sister, George E. Allen II ’57 George Earl Allen II ’57 of Scottsdale, Virginia Newbell Dowdy. 2015-Issue 4

Italo A. Cosentino ’58 Italo Americo “Cos” Cosentino ’58 of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, died June 25, 2015. He was 79. Cosentino matriculated from Seneca Falls, New York, and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Tracy Caruso, Suzanne Woodington and Melissa Winter; and grandchildren, Lauren Caruso, Amanda Caruso, Melanie Woodington, Tyler Woodington and Chase Winter.

Robert B. Archer Jr. ’60 Robert Bridgforth Archer Jr. ’60 of Naples, Florida, died Dec. 12, 2014. He was 76. Archer matriculated from Frankfort, Kentucky, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rollins Archer; children, Robert Archer III (Melissa) and Jane Zureich (Daniel); and grandchildren, Mary Margaret Archer, Clare Zureich, Elizabeth Archer and Archer Zureich.

Kenneth S. Templeton ’61 Kenneth Shelor “Ken” Templeton ’61 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died June 11, 2015. He was 76. Templeton matriculated from Lynchburg and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Kenneth S. Templeton Jr. (Krista), Stephen B. Templeton (Christine) and Susan T. Noon (John); grandchildren, Ryan Marsh, Devon Zimney and Lindsay Stoddard; brother, Harold (Wanda); and sister, Marjorie Quigg (Paul). He was preceded in death by his brothers, Orion, Frank and Randolph, and sister, Virginia T. White.

Edward L. Clarke ’62 Edward Lee “Ed” Clarke ’62 of Dallas, Texas, died June 26, 2015. He was 74. 153

Taps Clarke matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than three years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas. He is survived by his wife, Rita Wells Clarke; daughters, Amanda Diane Clarke, Jessica Lenora Clarke McMillen and Georgia Lee Clarke Youngs; sons-in-law, Bryan Coley, Steve McMillen and Lance Youngs; grandchildren, Callahan Glabman, Sarah Clarke, Colin McMillen and Ruthie McMillen; step-grandchildren, Rachel Coley and David Coley; and brother, William Benjamin “Whitey” Clarke (Mary Lou). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Caroline Wells Clarke.

James R. Davis ’63 James Reginald “Reggie” Davis ’63 of Palmyra, Virginia, died May 27, 2015. He was 74. Davis matriculated from Farmville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Lee Davis; daughter, Heather Shiflett (Walter Ray); and grandchildren, Dalton, Madelyn and Anna Shiflett.

Robert C. Heath ’63 Robert Carroll Heath ’63 of The Villages, Florida, died March 23, 2015. He was 73. Heath matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Elise Heath, and sister, Joan Heath.

Vincent L. Cable ’65 Retired U.S. Army National Guard Col. Vincent Lawrence “Vince” Cable ’65 of Navarre, Florida, died March 14, 2015. He was 72. Cable matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York.

154

He is survived by his wife, Erin; children, Jennifer Blair Cable Huneycutt, Laura Cable Celosse, J. Lawrence Cable II, Heather Anne Cable-Warren, Tara Denise Washburn Cox and Craig Christopher Washburn; grandchildren, Andrew, Maelyn, Brooke, Morgan, Logan, Abigail, Michael Jr., Lillian, Aydan, Zachary, Jonathon and Avery; and brother, Donald Hale Cable (Joan).

Joseph L. Scorsone Jr. ’66 Joseph L. Scorsone Jr. ’66 of Saginaw, Michigan, died July 18, 2015. He was 71. Scorsone matriculated from Saginaw and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Detroit. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Scorsone (Lisa).

Frank E. Oliver ’67 Frank Elery Oliver ’67, M.D., of Anderson, South Carolina, died June 4, 2015. He was 69. Oliver matriculated from College Park, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wake Forest University. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Coffman Oliver; children, Elizabeth Oliver Wilson (Andrew Michael) and William Kenton Durham Oliver (Safiya Elise); grandchildren, Barett Andrew Wilson, Ayden Alexander Wilson and Julia Mae Moran-Oliver; siblings, Elizabeth Oliver Schwartz (Gary), Judi Oliver Williams and Thomas McWhorter Oliver (Melissa); and mother, Julia Lowe Durham Oliver.

John B. Watson Jr. ’67 John Belin Watson Jr. ’67 of Franklin, Virginia, died June 30, 2015. He was 72. Watson matriculated from Franklin and attended VMI for less than one year. He is survived by his former wife, Cable ’65 Jane Beale Watson; sons, John Belin “Jack” Watson III (Sheri), Michael

Beale Watson (Christine) and Stephen Wade Watson (Genny); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister-inlaw, Patsy Watson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joane W. Belote, and brothers, George Wade Watson Sr. and Franklin Gill Watson.

Paul W. Simmons ’68 Paul Wiseman Simmons ’68 of Courtland, Virginia, died March 9, 2015. He was 69. Simmons matriculated from Courtland and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Simmons; son, David Paul Simmons (Heather); daughter, Kimberly Simmons Pope (Mark); and grandchildren, Meghan Simmons, Madeline Simmons, Anne Jackson and Tripp Pope.

Donald H. Hinshelwood Jr. ’69 Donald Haig “Don” Hinshelwood Jr. ’69 of Germantown, Tennessee, died July 14, 2015. He was 68. Hinshelwood matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is survived by his wife, Laura; children, Scott (Leigh) and Donna Stines (Jeremy); grandchildren, Caroline Hinshelwood, Ashlyn Hinshelwood, Kevin Hinshelwood, Drew Stines and Hailey Stines; sisters, Joan McMinn, Keith Lilly and Lou McKinney; and brother, Geoff.

John S. Waters ’70 John Stephen “Steve” Waters ’70, M.D., of Gainesville, Florida, died May 14, 2015. He was 67. Waters matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida. Waters is survived by his wife, Shelley Waters; children, Kelly Lee, Art Waters

VMI Alumni Review

Taps (Tina), Stephanie Waters and Brandy Waters; grandchildren, Aubrey and Chase; and sister, Sandy Waters (Kerry Buckey).

Oglesby; brother, William Geddy Oglesby (Marcia); and sisters, Cameron Mathilde Oglesby and Christine Elizabeth Oglesby.

Bryan (Tom) and Sandra Cody (Wayne). He was predeceased by his brother, Tim.

William D. Beckner ’71

Thomas A. Stockebrand ’73

William Douglas “Bill” Beckner ’71, Ph.D., of North Bethesda, Maryland, died May 26, 2015. He was 66. Beckner matriculated from Hagerstown, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Krepp Beckner; mother, Wanda Beckner; sisters, Beth Beckner Mills (Doug), Marsha Beckner Yarbrough (James) and Jane Beckner Mauk (Greg); brother, Richard Beckner; and sisters-in-law, Joanne Krepp Morgan, Marianne Krepp Hess (Brian) and Dianne Krepp Brunner (Dale).

Thomas Aaron “Tom” Stockebrand ’73 of West Jordan, Utah, died July 12, 2015. He was 63. Stockebrand matriculated from Somerville, New Jersey, and attended VMI for four years. He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Daniel (Carrie) and Matthew (Samantha); daughter, Susan Davis (Jesse); grandchildren, Jayden, Trinadee, Jasmin, Darius, Omar, Rhoyah, Zerrik, Meirah, Zahra and Suri; brother, Todd (Terrie); and sisters, Linda

Howard Curtis Butterworth ’76 of Hopewell, Virginia, died July 23, 2015. He was 61. Butterworth matriculated from Hopewell and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Donna Rigney Butterworth; children, Brandon Payton Butterworth (Jessica) and Brooke Ashley Butterworth; grandchildren, Carter Renoldson Butterworth and Grayson Davis Butterworth; and sister, Barbara Butterworth Batts (Phil).

James A. McLeod ’72 James Anderson “Jim” McLeod ’72 of Vienna, Virginia, died July 15, 2015. He was 65. McLeod matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from George Mason University. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ellen McLeod; children, Katie McLeod Pratt (John), James Anderson McLeod Jr. (Talia) and Kimberly Miriam McLeod; seven grandchildren; brother, Thomas C. McLeod; step-brother, James Gulick; and step-sister, Diana Watson.

Michael J. Oglesby ’72 Michael Jackson “Mike” Oglesby ’72 of Richmond, Virginia, died May 18, 2015. He was 64. Oglesby matriculated from Richmond and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond. Oglesby is survived by his wife, Randy Siegfried Oglesby; daughters, Melanie Oglesby Soscia (Rob) and Pamela Michelle

2015-Issue 4

Howard C. Butterworth ’76

VMI Family Lise P. Liddell Lise Martin Putnam Liddell of Houston, Texas, died May 2, 2015. She was 79. Liddell was a longtime supporter of VMI, funding the restoration of Stonewall Jackson’s horse, “Little Sorrel,” one of the VMI Museum’s attractions, as well as the restoration and preservation of the flag Jackson carried at the battle of First Manassas. She donated Citizen Solider, an 1890 bronze statue by French sculptor Georges Colin, which stands watch over the Liddell Room in the Preston Library. In 1985, she established the Lise P. Liddell Endowment in support of the VMI Museum and its programs. In 2014, the Museum named its reference library in her honor. She is survived by her children, Lise Marie Liddell, Frank Austin Liddell III (Lea Ann) and Robert Bruce Liddell; grandchildren, Anna Lise Liddell and Aubrie Lee Sellers; brothers, Emmet Perkins Putnam III (Marilyn “Mellie” Fisch Putnam) and George Argue Putnam (Sylvia Brown Putnam); and sister, Ruth Putnam Carter (Dr. R. Edward Carter Jr.).

Myrtle V. Moore Myrtle Virginia Rose Moore of Buena Vista, Virginia, died May 26, 2015. She was 104. Moore retired from the laundry department at VMI after more than 25 years of service. She is survived by her son, Carl Edward Moore (Linda); daughter-in-law, Carol Moore; sons-in-law, Russell Clark and Emmett Plogger; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Carl Moore; sons, Dorse Thurman Moore and Walton D. Moore; and daughters, Helen Clark and Ruby Plogger.

155

After Taps 1970s

Steve Waters ’70 by Dick Knight ’70 Steve and I first met in 1961 when our families moved to Winchester, Massachusetts. Steve’s father was career Coast Guard, and my father was career Navy, and both were stationed in the Boston area. However, it was pure coincidence that brought us to Winchester. For Steve and for me, it was just another move. After all, we were both “service brats,” and moving every two years was a part of growing up. Winchester was a sleepy burg back then, but in 1961 it was bursting with pride. The previous fall, its favorite son, Joe Bellino (U.S. Naval Academy ’61), had won the Heisman Trophy, and all during the summer of ’61, a banner was draped from one side of Main Street to the other: “Welcome to Winchester – Home of Joe Bellino.” Steve and I enrolled in rival junior high schools, but we attended the same church, and it was in the church youth group that we connected. He was the nicest guy. And it was obvious that he was destined for success: He was a superb student and a gifted athlete. Steve was the star running back on his ninth grade football team. I remember suiting up against Steve (and his team) when our rival schools faced each other, and I remember that Steve ran so low to the ground and with such power that my team was happy that it was the last game of the season. After being banged up by Steve, we were in no shape to play another game. In 1963, my family was again on the move, and Steve and I lost track of one another. So, you can imagine our surprise our rat year when we looked up one Sunday morning in J.M. Hall and saw each other! That was quite a reunion. And you can imagine our further surprise when we learned that just 10 miles separated our high schools. Always moving, Steve landed in Arlington, Virginia, and I landed in Springfield, Virginia. Who knew? Not us. Steve was a man of sterling qualities. What a privilege it was to know him.

156

his section provides you with the opportunity to share a memory or information about a deceased member of the VMI family. Submit remembrances in writing to your class agent, who will coordinate input and forward it to the Alumni Review staff. After Taps input submitted by classes that graduated in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s will appear in this section in the first and third issues of the Review each year. Those who graduated in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s will have access to this space in the second and fourth issues of the Review each year. In this edition, we are including input from the 1970s through the 2000s.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

First Vice President

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@wwassociates.net

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Executive Vice President

Immediate Past President

Adam C. Volant ’88 avolant@vmiaa.org

Directors at Large

Robert A. Heely ’69 bobheely@yahoo.com

The VMI Foundation, Inc. President

Second Vice President

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Chief Executive Officer

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2016

Terms Expire June 30, 2017

Terms Expire June 30, 2018

Anthony U. Moore ’78 amor_78@comcast.net E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com

Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Chapter Alaska Arizona Greater Los Angeles Hawaii Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain San Diego

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Trent L. Boggs ’93 Kevin Black ’99 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Russell Shun Takata ’74 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89 Brian K. Andrew ’03 James R. Farmer ’68 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 William V. Trumpore ’89 Miach T. Wei ’99

President’s Email tboggs@gci.com kblack@executivecommand.com tdegray@gmail.com russell.takata@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil brian.k.andrew@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vmiman@comcast.net vailkeydet@gmail.com mwei100@yahoo.com

Director: James F. Dittrich ’76

Region II – Midwest Arkansas Bluegrass Centex

James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory McDearmon ’99 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85

jfdinarkansas@aol.com ggmcd34@earthlink.net steve.barcik@htds2.com

Chicago

Daniel C. Young ’88 Molly M. Hastings ’13 Brian D. Skusa ’00 David C. Hagemann ’80 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 R. Conor Evans ’02 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98

dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu BSkusa@kforce.com dhag80@aol.com vordermark@juno.com conorevans@hotmail.com HBRvmi98@vmialumni.org

Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Stephen P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 David P. Loduca ’81 Murray F. Hudson ’82

Daniel.Fitzgerald@hdrinc.com Steve.Weiss@LibertyIU.com j.micah.north@gmail.com loduca@pbworld.com murfh@urbaneng.com

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma Rio Grande San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Region III – Northeast New England New York City – Long Island North Jersey

Maryland Central Keystone Western PA – Pittsburgh Southeastern PA

Region V – Southeast

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80

John W. Wainwright III ’82 Christopher J. Brandriff ’06 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

Region IV – Mid Atlantic

2015-Issue 4

President

William A. Paulette ’69

Joel W. Andrus ’04 jandrus@kemperconsult.com A. Damon Williams ’90 damonwilliams@msn.com

Region I – Far West

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

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

jwainwright38@comcast.net christopher.brandriff@jpmorgan.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: Peter R. Charrington ’66

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Robert P. Hill ’08 Thomas N. Gelles ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95

twirth@mragta.com rphill48@gmail.com tng317@verizon.et rickkillmeyer@gmail.com

Director: C. Patrick Haddock ’00 Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 David R. Nagel ’01 Mark P. Parton ’08 Christopher R. Jones ’96 William E. Kirby III ’96 Robert P. Quarles III ’80

terrybowers@vmialumni.org tomdaniel60@charter.net nageldr78@hotmail.com partonmp@gmail.com crj2112@gmail.com ktkirby@comcast.net rpquarles@buckman.com

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net Chapter Representative Trent L. Boggs ’93 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Russell Shun Takata ’74 John D. Christie ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Hershel H. Lackey ’07 William V. Trumpore ’89

Email: jfdinarkansas@aol.com Hugh R. Hill ’85 Christopher J. Whittaker ’90 J. Andrew Hardin ’04 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Stephen M. Chiles ’89 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 Garry C. Varney ’76 Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Email: anchors80@comcast.net John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Kevin P. Sincavage ’87

Email: pcharrin@comcast.net Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 J. Mark Hennigan ’90 John T. Pace IV ’77

Email: vmitranspo@hotmail.com Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 Kevin L. Snell ’82 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80

157

VMI Alumni Association Directory Region VI – Carolinas Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast Cape Fear Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal Carolina/South Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Wilmington, North Carolina

Director: Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 Paul M. Webber ’00 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 T. Matthew Creech ’96 N. Aric Southworth ’94 Carl B. Hammond ’00 John P. Gangemi ’61

Region VII – Deep South Birmingham Central Florida Greater New Orleans Mississippi Mobile Northeast Florida – Jacksonville Northwest Florida Southern Florida Southwest Florida – Fort Meyer Tennessee Valley The Villages – Florida Treasure Coast West Coast Florida – Tampa

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

Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 James D. Friskhorn ’81 Scott A. Houser ’98 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Don L. Holmes ’66 Donald D. Carson ’64 Robert M. Bailey ’72

max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org jmgoldstein@mactec.com vmi81@comcast.net housersa@yahoo.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com huf2000@aol.com donlholmes@aol.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com

John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net

Director: Douglas B. Warner ’03 Director: G. Anthony Esteve ’00 John D. Kearney Jr. ’00 A. James MacDonald ’83

kearney.jay@gmail.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

Director: Hilbert S. Wilkinson III ’94 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

M. Keenan Entsminger ’02 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

Region XIII – Rappahannock Fredericksburg – Quantico Rappahannock Southside Williamsburg

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtllt@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu jasongruse@hotmail.com

Director: Michael S. Ogden ’79 Director: Sean P. Hingley ’07

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

Region XII – Central VA Richmond Tri Cities

shduerson@gmail.com bradburrus@yahoo.com reeldadx2@gmail.com

Director: T. Keith Jarvis ’82

T. Troy Barbour ’89 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 James E. Duncan ’98 W. Douglas Thomas ’65 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 Jason K. Gruse ’97

Region XI – Metro D.C. George C. Marshall Potomac River

Director: Bland Massie ’77

Samuel H. Duerson III ’87 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

Region X – Hampton Roads Eastern Shore

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com

billcather@bellsouth.net jay.nagle@parsons.com rhys.david.williams@gmail.com

Region IX – Shenandoah Valley Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville North Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Stonewall Jackson Valley

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72

Paul M. Webber ’00 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 Charles H. Alligood ’61 Eric L. Duncan ’99 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John C. Nagle IV ’87 Rhys D. Williams ’07

Region VIII – Southwest VA Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

webberpm@gmail.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com tmatthewcreech@gmail.com aric.southworth@yahoo.com hammondcb@yahoo.com jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Email: clramsburg@gmail.com

keenan_entsminger@ccpsnet.net samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Director: Richard A. Duke ’90

Brett R. Martin ’00 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Don Holmes ’66 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Email: super77@vmialumni.org Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

Email: jarvistk@vmi.edu Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 R. Edward Duncan ’60 Mark H. Bryant ’77 Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Lewis V. Graybill ’62 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Email: vmi79classagent@aol.com Email: sean.p.hingley@wfadvisors.com Thomas F. Wilson ’80 James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

Email: douglas.warner1@vmialumni.org Email: anthonyesteve@gmail.com Stephen B.Traina ’03 Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76

Email: bretwilkinson@gmail.com Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Marc L. Antonelli ’06 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Email: rduke517@gmail.com

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Stephen E. Wilson ’68

carl.debernard@dhs.gov sewilson68@verizon.net

R.C. Thompson III ’74 William F. Brent ’67

John E. Karafa ’84

john.karafa@leebcorservices.com

Jim E. Henry ’68

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XIV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

158

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News The Virginia War Memorial Educational and the Civil War, including the best-seller, The Prescott Daily Courier featured James Foundation was established in 1999 and is “Eye of the Storm, a Civil War Odyssey,” and C. Burg ’68 in an article in July 2015. Burg, who served in the U.S. Army and reached the its follow-up volume, “Images of the Storm,” the private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation which is based on the diary of a that finances all of the educational outreach, rank of captain, has donated over Union soldier. Bryan is a founding patriotic events, historical programs, exhibits 25,000 hours of his time over the partner of Bryan & Jordan Consult- and documentary films of the Virginia War past 22 years at his local Veterans ing LLC, which specializes in stra- Memorial. Its mission is to honor veterans, Affairs hospital. tegic planning, fundraising, board preserve history, educate youth and instill Burg’s volunteer effort stems from and staff relations, and executive patriotism in all. his own military service, during Santoro matriculated from South Plainfield, searches for nonprofit institutions which he was injured after tripping New Jersey, and graduated from VMI with and higher education. a mine in August 1970. He was told Bryan was also recently elected distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science he would be unable to walk or talk to the board of directors of the Vir- degree in civil engineering. He earned his again. However, after undergoing intensive physical and occupational Bryan ’69 ginia War Memorial Educational Master of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy and his Master Foundation. The VWMEF was therapy for severe head, leg and arm established in 1999 and is a private nonprofit in Business Administration degree from the injuries, Burg was able to complete a total of University of Virginia. 501(c)(3) corporation that finances all of 12 years in the Army. the educational outreach, patriotic He was also one of 128 volunteers recogClarke, Dolph, Rapaport, Hull events, historical programs, exhibits nized by the Northern Arizona Veterans & Brunick, PC, in Virginia Beach, Health Care System at a special banquet for and documentary films of the VirVirginia, chose Cyrus A. Dolph IV ginia War Memorial. The foundagiving over 100 hours of service. ’70 as a 2015 Virginia Super Lawyer. Burg matriculated from Clark, New Jersey, tion is dependent on support from Dolph is AV® Preeminent™ peer reand earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in individuals, corporations, military view rated and has been recognized and civic organizations and grants history from VMI. He earned his Master in the Best Lawyers of America© for its funding. Its mission is to honor of Science degree from the University of in trusts and estates. Dolph advises veterans, preserve history, educate Central Texas. clients in business transactions and youth and instill patriotism in all. planning and administration of Bryan matriculated from McMinThe University of Tennessee named Charles Dolph ’70 the estates, foundations and trusts. F. Bryan Jr. ’69, Ph.D., Outstanding Alum- nville, Tennessee, and earned his He matriculated from Virginia and earned nus for 2015. This award was presented at Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. the department’s honors ceremony April 22, He earned his Master of Arts degree from his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Georgia and his VMI. He earned his Master of Laws degree 2015, and is the first of its kind, Doctor of Philosophy degree from from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at with the award set to become an the College of William & Mary and his Juris the University of Tennessee. annual event. Doctor degree from the T.C. Williams School Bryan is one of the nation’s preMichael L. Santoro Jr. ’69 was of Law at the University of Richmond. eminent public historians. He preappointed treasurer of the Virginia viously served as assistant editor of Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy K. War Memorial Educational FoundaPapers of Andrew Jackson, execuBridges ’79 was promoted within the Senior tion after having joined the VWMEF tive director of the East Tennessee Board of Directors in January 2014. Executive Service to a uniform Air Force Historical Society and executive three star general equivalency as the assistant As treasurer, Santoro volunteers director of the St. Louis Mercantile chief of staff for Logistics, Engineerhis time to oversee the finances of Library Association. He was apSantoro ’69 the nonprofit, which funds the edu- deputy ing and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. pointed chief executive officer of the Virginia Historical Society in 1988 and raised cational and patriotic programs, films, and Air Force, Washington, D.C. In this role, Bridges is responsible historic exhibits of the Virginia War more than $110 million for the society, allowto the chief of staff for leadership, ing their headquarters and programs to grow Memorial in Richmond. management and integration of Air Santoro spent 36 years with Meadand expand greatly during his tenure. After Force civil engineering, force proteche retired from the VHS, its new education Westvaco Corporation, last serving tion, logistics readiness, supply transas director of finance and strategy wing was named in his honor. portation, and aircraft and missile of the Envelope Products Group, Bryan also served as president of the Amerimaintenance. Bridges also sets policy can Association for State and Local History Consumer and Officer Products and prepares budget estimates that Division, before he retired in 2010. and was president of the Independent Rereflect enhancements to productivity, During his career, he was located search Libraries Association. He is a member combat readiness and quality of life of the board of the Smithsonian’s National on assignments in Virginia, South for Air Force members. Museum of American History and has mul- Carolina, Massachusetts, Austria Bridges ’79 Bridges has fulfilled several previous tiple publications on museum management and Eastern Europe.

2015-Issue 4

159

Alumni News reliability organizing. Most recently, where he teaches cyber topics. He is he was the keynote speaker for the a guest lecturer at the Massachusetts New Zealand and Australian Forest Institute of Technology and serves Safety Council. as an advisory board member to Pupulidy matriculated from Kinthe Geospatial Data Center. He is nelon, New Jersey, and attended published in the Strategic Studies VMI for two years. He earned BachInstitute’s book, “Cyber Infrastrucelor of Science degrees from both ture Protection.” New Mexico State University and Wagner matriculated from New Pennsylvania State University. He Canaan, Connecticut, and earned earned a Master of Science degree Wagner ’88 his Bachelor of Arts degree in ecoin human factors and systems safety nomics from VMI. He earned his at Lund University, Sweden, and completed Master of Arts degree from Virginia Polytechhis Doctor of Philosophy degree at Tilburg nic Institute and State University. University, Netherlands. Nathan A. Smith ’03 celebrated his 5 year U.S. Army Reserve Col. Edward D. Wagner anniversary with Hire Heroes USA in May, ’88 was appointed the chief information secuwhere he serves as the chief operating ofrity officer for SAP National Security Services ficer. Hire Heroes USA is a national veteran in March 2015. SAP is the world’s leading nonprofit organization. Smith joined the provider of business software solu- organization as the deputy director in 2010 Ivan A. Pupulidy ’80, Ph.D., was tions and National Security Services after serving seven years as a Marine Corps recently promoted to director of the and provides industry focused serU.S. Forest Service, Office of Innoinfantry officer. He was promoted to execuvices for the U.S. Department of vation and Organizational Learning, tive director in 2011 and assumed his current Defense, intelligence community position as chief operating officer in 2012. where he builds communities of and civilian departments/agencies. practice focused on sensemaking, Hire Heroes USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit In this role, he is responsible for the innovation and relationship buildthat empowers transitioning service memsecurity and compliance of the cor- bers, veterans and their spouses by building ing. This position emerged from porate network, sharing best practice the confidence and skills necessary to secure the Learning Review which Pupuwith customers and supporting civilian employment through free, individuallidy developed as a human-centric process to replace traditional ac- Pupulidy ’80 NS2’s FedRAMP Cloud initiative. ized programs delivered via online/telephone Wagner was previously the chief cident investigation. Since the LR’s career coaching and transition workshops. adoption in 2013, its use has expanded into information security officer for TASC. He Hire Heroes USA differentiates itself with supported the Army’s Computer Emergency a laser focus on a narrow mission through a framework for organizational learning and Response Team for nine years as a project consistently effective, personalized service cultural change. Pupulidy’s ability to integrate academic manager for Northrop Grumman. In this role, delivery at a national level and through the he was responsible for the incident response, development and maintenance of endurresearch with real world application comes forensic and malware Analysis support to ing relationships with some of the most from his varied life pursuits, which have included work as a mine geologist, exploration Army Cyber Command and 1st respected businesses and nonprofits geophysicist, and a U.S. Coast Guard pilot for Information Operations Command. in the country. Headquartered in Wagner has led cyber teams emrescue and law enforcement missions. He also Alpharetta, Georgia, Hire Heroes ploying tactical to strategic capaserved in the U.S. Air Guard and Air Force USA has built a national reputation bilities. His experience includes Reserves, where he flew the C-130 Hercules of excellence for helping veterans completing the certification and as a Modular Airborne Firefighting System find jobs – now at the rate of more accreditation process for agency level tanker pilot on wildland fires and during acthan 50 veterans confirmed hired programs. He developed curriculum tive military combat and humanitarian aid every week. In the first half of 2015, for the Computer Network Operaoperations in Iraq, Afghanistan and central Hire Heroes USA confirmed 1,510 tions planner course and established Africa. veterans hired, with a conversion a team validation process for deployPupulidy is an international speaker and from “helped” to “hired” of Smith ’03 rate organizational coach on topics related to ing cyber teams. He has presented at 44 percent. national and international conferences. human factors, the “new view” of human erSmith matriculated from Cumberland CenWagner serves in the U.S. Army Reserve ter, Maine, and graduated with distinction ror, real-time risk perspectives, holistic safety, learning from events (both pre and post- and holds the rank of colonel. He is currently from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree the deputy chief of staff, G6, 80th Training in international studies and political science. accident), organizational dialogue, developCommand and an adjunct professor at the He earned his Master of Public Administrament of high-leverage learning products, and the connection between resilience and high University of Maryland University College, tion degree from the University of Georgia. roles at the base level, including design, planning, contract management, operations and RED HORSE. Most recently, he fulfilled the role of deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations. Past positions include serving as a base civil engineer squadron commander twice and as an installation commander. Bridges also served as an Air Force ROTC assistant professor and held various staff positions at the major command and Air Force levels in the readiness, environmental and resources arenas. Bridges matriculated from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Social Service degree from the Air War College and his Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

160

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News

Scott ’01 Challenges Self Through the U.S. Army Ranger Training and Assessment Course by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant United States Army Maj. Angela L. Scott ’01 didn’t hesitate for a second before replying to the question of why she decided to enter into the second class of the U.S. Army Ranger Training and Assessment Course to ever admit and allow a female presence. “My kids,” she responded. Aged 3 and 5 years old, Scott insisted that the fact that one currently wants to be a ninja turtle and the other a pop star when they grow up doesn’t matter. “You know, I really could[n’t] care less, as long as they get that choice and have the ability and don’t have to worry or feel bad or wrong about that,” said Scott. Being a brother rat of the first class of women to matriculate at VMI, Scott is no stranger to the attention that being a female in a rather male-dominated career brings. Admittedly, Scott was unaware of this attention as she entered VMI. Her draw to VMI had little to do with the national attention on the Institute for its integration of women and everything to do with the atmosphere it promised. “I went [to VMI] because of the brochures that I got that had certain buzz words in them that really drew me in – honor, service – those things drew me,” said Scott. She continued, “And the video that said, ‘Do you want to be challenged? This will be the biggest challenge of your life.’ It was about those things.” Elaborating on her time at VMI, Scott shed light on the most powerful memory she has from her experience. It involved the toughest challenge of the Institute – the Rat Line. “I remember being a rat going into the barracks, and on my way, stopping, because I saw some people getting worked out by upperclassmen. I froze. And then I remember a female brother rat came up behind me, and I heard her whisper under her breath something to the extent of, ‘Don’t stop. It’s a waste of time to fear what’s going to happen. You might as well just face things and keep pushing forward.’ I thought it was just the most profound, philosophical thing I had ever heard,” said Scott. So Scott did just that. She progressed through

2015-Issue 4

VMI, commissioned into the Army and joined the Chemical Corps, until eventually, she was granted permission to be a part of the RTAC that was instrumental in breaking gender barriers in the military. She found out in November 2014 that she would be reporting to the RTAC in February 2015. However, due to having to be away for work during the month of December, Scott’s training time was limited to just the month of January. Even though her training time was restricted, Scott doesn’t want others to have the impression that she didn’t take the RTAC seriously. She put her mind to the challenge and completed all the necessary physical, technical and survival tests and training exercises. “It was extremely, amazingly intense,” said Scott. She recalled going out in the Maryland January weather and completing a four hour ruck march in a blizzard, with the temperature dropping to negative 3 degrees thinking, “Wow, I’ve never done this before,” and being thrilled by that. Scott made it past the halfway point of the RTAC – making it through day nine out of a total of 14 days. “My body literally crushed ... [but] it was incredible. I surpassed more mental and physical barriers than I’ve ever had to in my life ... knowing I couldn’t make it anymore and continuing anyway. I did that so many times.” She continued, “I got my butt handed to me. But as far as going in with physical and mental challenges ... emotionally, I’m not saying I’m Wonder Woman, but I can take a lot, and I’ve been through a lot of life; starting with going to VMI, which was an incredible mental and emotional journey and is growth everywhere.” Scott stated the hardest part of the entire process was causing her family to make so many sacrifices as she trained for hours on end each day preparing to the best of her ability. She explained that focusing on the training and maintaining her role as a wife and mom, while also fulfilling her professional career role, was very trying. “Yeah ... it was kinda hard,” Scott joked. The core values of teamwork, drive and a

Major Angela Scott ’01 and her husband at the School of Advanced Military Studies Ball in 2014. never-quit attitude she learned at VMI are what Scott said led her to having such a successful military career. Her current role in the military is as a Chemical Corps officer who helps advise military organizations, other federal agencies and even countries on threats and hazards, such as weapons of mass destruction. Scott stated she knew the second she was put into the Chemical Corps that she loved it. “I have been fortunate to do a lot of different things, both in my technical field – getting to do biological, nuclear and chemical stuff – but I’ve also gotten to go off and experience so many other things,” she said. She has served two deployments, both in Iraq – one alongside her husband, who is also a chemical officer. Despite the difficulty the RTAC presented, Scott encouraged all young female cadets who feel they are up for the difficult challenge to pursue it. The biggest lesson learned for Scott was that “life is what you make it, and what you make it is entirely up to you.” Although in the beginning of her career, Scott felt she had to present an extra-tough exterior to combat the stereotypes held toward women in the military, she eventually came to the realization that gender was truly irrelevant. “If you work really hard, you prove yourself,” said Scott. Her advice to female and male cadets alike is to adopt such an attitude and to “be really proud of who you are and the uniqueness that makes you, you. Somebody [who is] proud of who they are and what they bring brings so much more to the table.”

161

Alumni News

John Duffy ’10 Continues to Give Back After Peace Corps Service by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant A year after his graduation from VMI, John Duffy ’10 was applying for work at several fire departments and other service-related jobs. It was during this time that his brother rat, Justin Ferrell ’10, was midway through a two-year placement in the Peace Corps. “I thought it was very cool and that I might apply just as a backup, but I had heard the process takes a while – six months to a year,” stated Duffy. The further Duffy progressed into the application process with the Peace Corps, however, the more he realized it was something he wanted to do. As he recalled, the process consisted of a lot of paperwork and medical clearance. Duffy insisted that was the hardest part – getting cleared by optometrists, dentists and doctors. After eight months of receiving packets of information in the mail that he had to complete, send back and wait a couple of months to hear back from, Duffy got his invitation. Duffy said at the time he was invited to join the Peace Corps, he wasallowed to offer suggestions for his placement. “They asked me if I had any preference, and I told them anywhere except Morocco, because I had studied abroad there previously. And I also told them I would love Eastern Europe,” said Duffy. He was placed in Armenia. Before joining the service-related organization, Duffy traveled to Taiwan and lived there with his VMI roommate, Chien Lin ’10, for

about a month. He also traveled to Ireland and Spain. “Really, travel is something I kind of got addicted to. I definitely like being in a place for a long time, because you really get to know it. There’s the expression, ‘be a traveler, not a tourist,’ so that idea of going to a place for two years was something that really appealed to me,” he said. After a 36-hour trip from the U.S. to Armenia – which included a 15-hour layover in Austria – the first thing Duffy experienced was a few days in a “rickety” hotel before being sent to live with a temporary host family for a couple of months. To this day, Duffy remains in touch with the family. During the first few months, Duffy went through volunteer and language training 4-5 hours every day except Sundays. “It was pretty difficult for me, in particular,” stated Duffy. “Staying still for four hours; that’s pretty tough.” After this training, Duffy officially became a Peace Corps volunteer and began his term of service by moving to his official site of service and in with another host family before being able to move out on his own. Duffy served as an English teacher and initially taught grades 3-12 with two Armenian teacher counterparts. After the academic school year, he took part in several youth development, gender development and environmental awareness projects, such as Border 2 Border. “That

During his time in the Peace Corps, Duffy served as a counselor at Girls Leading Our World camp. The GLOW counselors, pictured, were Peace Corps volunteers and host country nationals.

162

was my crowning achievement in the Peace Corps ... I inherited it from a volunteer before me.” With this project, two groups of about six Peace Corps volunteers would start at either the northern or southern border of Armenia, and together, they walked the entire distance of the country, meeting in the middle. “On the way, we stopped in 18 different towns, villages and cities, and we gave children’s health and environmental awareness seminars. We ended up reaching I think over 750 children, which is great. With these communities [of] only a couple hundred people ... they really didn’t get things like that,” said Duffy. Some of the topics that they taught covered issues such as anti-drinking and smoking, as well as proper waste management for their communities. Another project Duffy participated in was Girls Leading Our World Camp. This camp included the country’s brightest young girls who had to apply to be allowed to participate in the competitive weeklong camp. At the camp, young girls are taught empowerment and sexual education, which, as Duffy admitted, is not something they are taught in their schools. “I did it in my last month, and to me, it was the most rewarding thing that I had done,” said Duffy. After his two years with the Peace Corps, Duffy returned to the U.S. and continued with his dedication to serving others. He started an AmeriCorps term in New Orleans through which he helped families rebuild after they had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. “Granted, [Katrina] happened nine – almost 10 – years ago, but they still find that so many people haven’t gotten back to their homes,” Duffy stated. After his service in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Duffy accepted a job with a private ambulance company as an EMT. The theme of giving back to others is something Duffy notices in his career path. “It is important to me to feel good about what I do, and I’d like to have careers that, in general, help other people. Particularly with the AmeriCorps and the EMS I’m doing now. ... In the Peace Corps, as a teacher, if you’re making a difference, you don’t necessarily see or feel it because the results are intangible. So, having a finished project of a house or helping a patient in need; that has filled a hole for me.”

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... House Mountain Affair – A Personal Journal and Pictorial Study of the Signature Landmark of Lexington, Virginia by Harry Hathaway Warner ’57. Lone Mill Media. August 2015. ISBN: 9780983075226. Available via the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council: 540/463-2330, racc@ rockbridge.net or rockbridgeconservation.org. The VMI Corps of Cadets has marched on the Parade Ground under the watchful eye of the iconic House Mountain for 176 years. In recent decades, the 4th Class cadets have climbed its Lexington “face” to the overlook on its northeast end as part of their training. As a 4th Class cadet in 1953, Harry Warner, when forming up in front of Jackson Arch, cut his eyes to the mountain as a focal point to avoid turning his head in ranks and getting berated by a 3rd Class cadet. That started his affinity with House Mountain, which was enhanced when he returned to Lexington and became full blown when he retired to a farm, which had magnificent views of it. The Rockbridge Area Conservation Council noted, “Vividly written and handsomely illustrated, ‘House Mountain Affair’ deserves a place on the book shelves and coffee tables of all ... who value and desire a lasting reminder of the exceptional beauty and distinctive character of Rockbridge County, and House Mountain in particular. The author’s personal story and accompanying illustrations help us understand why local residents, students and graduates of VMI and Washington and Lee University, and even visitors to the area become attached to the iconic landmark.” About the Author: Harry H. Warner matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and graduated from Episcopal High School and VMI as class valedictorian. He served seven years in the U.S. Army Reserve, from which he was discharged as a captain. He worked in the banking and financial services business in Richmond for 16 years and Ohio for six years before returning to Lexington to manage the VMI Foundation, Inc. from 1978-90. Prior to his retirement in 2000, he was self-employed in Lexington through service as a director on the boards of four listed companies, financial and management consulting and real estate development. He has been married to his wife, Sis, for 55 years and has four adult children and six grandchildren, the oldest of whom is currently a 4th Class cadet.

2015-Issue 4

Imperfect Past: History in a New Light by Charles F. Bryan Jr. ’69. Dementi Milestone Publishing. July 2015. ISBN: 9780990961345. Available at www.DementiBooks.com. History occupies a paradoxical and problematic place in contemporary American culture. Numerous commentators argue that we face a growing crisis of historical amnesia and that Americans do not value and support history as much as previous generations. They worry that history is not being properly taught. Historian Charles Bryan disagrees. Since 1992, Bryan has published nearly 80 essays on a variety of topics, but mostly history. Read a few of them and it becomes obvious the history we learn today is different from what our grandparents were taught. A once simple story has become more complex. More provocative. More compelling. “Imperfect Past: History in a New Light” is a compilation of all of his essays organized in nine sections that demonstrate history is, indeed, more compelling. Bryan is a specialist in Civil War history, and nearly 20 percent of his essays cover that crucial event in the American experience; from the role of slavery in causing the war to its horrendous cost in lives. Other essays cover a wide range of topics and are organized under headings such as “Virginia and the American South,” “The Way Things Were,” “Heroes and Villains,” “The Living and the Dead,” and include a dozen insightful essays derived from his long and distinguished career as a public historian. Readers will learn how air conditioning transformed the South; how winter was once a matter of life and death; why people live longer now; how one of our nation’s most infamous villains captured and burned Richmond; how 10 books changed the course of American history; why a former Olympic athlete was called “the man who saved Christmas;” what makes great teachers great; why George Washington was one of our best military commanders; and numerous other subjects that will help readers see the past and the present in a new light. About the Author: Charles F. Bryan Jr. is a distinguished military graduate

of the VMI Class of 1969. He majored in history and received his Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in history from the University of Tennessee. He served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army. He then worked as a public historian in Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri. The last 20 years of his career were spent as the president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, Virginia. His wife, Cammy, is the daughter of Col. Joseph E. Martin, longtime professor of mathematics at VMI. Walt Whitman in Washington, D.C. by Garrett Peck ’90. Arcadia Publishing. March 2015. ISBN: 9781626199736. Available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Politics & Prose and The History Press. Walt Whitman was already famous for “Leaves of Grass” when he journeyed to the nation’s capital at the height of the Civil War to find his brother, George, a Union officer wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Whitman eventually served as a volunteer hospital missionary, making more than 600 hospital visits and serving over 80,000 sick and wounded soldiers in the next three years. With the 1865 publication of “Drum-Taps,” Whitman became poet laureate of the Civil War, aligning his legacy with that of Abraham Lincoln. He remained in Washington until 1873 as a federal clerk, engaging in a dazzling literary circle. Author Garrett Peck details the definitive account of Walt Whitman’s decade in the nation’s capital. About the Author: Garrett Peck is an author, historian and tour guide. “Walt Whitman in Washington, D.C.” is his sixth book. Peck was involved with the D.C. Craft Bartenders Guild in lobbying the D.C. City Council to have the rickey declared Washington’s native cocktail and is particularly proud that Green Hat Gin is named after a character – congressional bootlegger George Cassiday – that Peck wrote about in “Prohibition in Washington, D.C.” A native Californian and graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and George Washington University, Peck lives in Arlington, Virginia.

163

The Institute The Center for Leadership and Ethics 2015-16 Overview of Events

Each year, VMI selects a distinguished scholar as the Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43 Visiting Professor in Leadership and Ethics to work in one of VMI’s academic departments. Sponsored by the Center for Leadership and Ethics, this scholar concludes their visit with a class presentation providing perspectives on leadership and ethics from their field of expertise. The visiting professor for academic year 2014-15 was Dr. Andrew Young. Young, a research physiologist, gave his talk on “Human Performance Challenges in Extreme Environments: How Leaders Can Make a Difference.” A booklet of his lecture is

Center for Leadership and Ethics Upcoming Events Academic Year 2015-2016 Theme: “Living in the Age of Machines”

Dec. 11-12, 2015

Biennial Seiziémistes of the Mid-Atlantic Conference

Mar. 7-8, 2016

6th Annual Leadership Conference: “Ethical Dilemmas in the Age of Machines”

Apr. 5-7, 2016

27th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium “Virginia’s Environment: Change, Challenge & Opportunity”

May 28, 2016

6th Biennial Stonewall Jackson Symposium

June 5-7, 2016

Mathematics Conference: “Inverse Problems”

164

available for download from the center’s website, along with resources from past lectures: (http://www.vmi.edu/Leadership_and_Ethics/Cadet_Experience/Class_Lecture_Series) As a more thematic approach is implemented, the 2015-16 academic year will see a few advancements in programming for the center, linking together the conferences, speaker series and programs going forward. Additionally, the Leadership Book Program, Gottwald Visiting Professor and Leader in Residence programs will help continue the center’s examination of leadership and ethical issues throughout the year. The overarching theme, “Living in the Age of Machines,” will explore all aspects of the impact of technology on society. Finally, cadet opportunities will be expanded with the formal addition of an ethics competition program. The year will begin with the annual STEM conference Oct.6-7, 2015. In this, the center’s fourth year, the center presents, “Hands-On STEM: Technology and Project Based Learning.” Content and plenary sessions will focus on the ‘T’ for technology, as well as other topics from across the STEM curriculum spectrum for teachers, staff and administrators in grades 3-8. Speakers include Dr. Jeff Goldstein, director for the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (keynote); Dayna Laur, educator, speaker and expert on classroom technology integration; and Dr. Arthur Benjamin, “mathemagician” and noted human calculator with over 10 million views of his TED talks. The conference will also feature a Technology Petting Zoo, where participants can familiarize themselves with popular technology for the classroom. In the spring, the center will host the sixth annual Leadership Conference March 7-8. Programming will focus on discussion topics that explore the tension between security and privacy. The theme, “Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age,” will frame out views – both pro and con – on “Big Brother” surveillance and a social media-crazed society. Cadets will have opportunities to participate in events and discussion panels, including an all-Corps attendance on day two where they will intermingle with outside guests in sessions meant

to challenge everyone’s thoughts on this topic from a leadership and ethical perspective. The 2016 Environment Virginia Symposium, “Virginia’s Environment: Change, Challenge & Opportunity,” will continue its course as a nexus of public, private and nongovernmental organization workshop opportunities, training, information sharing, policy updates and networking. This conference, to be held April 5-7, 2016, will take place in various locations across the VMI post. It will host breakout sessions, plenary speakers and exhibitor booths, as well as facilitate business opportunities and even cadet recruitment. On its heels, the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair will be held April 8-9, featuring regional winners of science fairs from across the commonwealth competing for prize money and spots in the International Science and Engineering Fair. Lastly, the center piloted a program in spring 2015 to take a team of cadets to participate in the second Military Ethics Competition sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy. Teams competing were the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Merchant Marine Academy, VMI and the Naval Academy and sponsored by the Department of Ethics and Law at the Naval Academy. The center’s director, Col. Gray, along with Cadets Thomas Nanartowich ’16 (Navy ROTC), Michael Piemonte ’16 (Army ROTC), Tim Hostler ’15 (USAF ROTC) and Andrew Fry ’16 (Army ROTC), represented VMI for the first time. Teams were given a scenario based on an actual event in 2006-07 in Iraq to evaluate from a moral, ethical and legal standard. Teams were given 15 minutes before the judges to present their case, with 15 minutes of questions about their presentation from the judges. Thanks to the strong performance of the cadets, the program will be continued and expanded in 2015-16. Pictures from the events can be viewed on the CLE Facebook page. Follow the Center for Leadership and Ethics on social media outlets to read updates, news and information about events as they happen throughout the year. Links are provided on the center’s website at vmi.edu/cle.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Association.

Matriculation: Aug. 22, 2015

Matriculation Numbers Total Matriculants .........495 In-State..........................302 Out-of-State...................193 Males............................442 Females.........................53 STEM Majors................63.4% Liberal Arts Majors.......36.6% States Represented..........31 Foreign Countries..........5

2015-Issue 4

165

The Institute

Remembering “Doc” Carroll 50 Years Later by Jan Abernathy ’67

Carroll

he year 2015 marks 50 years since Col. Robert P. “Doc” Carroll officially retired from his 50 years of service to VMI. His “boys,” friends and family tell of him in a manner you may not recognize. Carroll was an unlikely professor for a military college. As a teenager, he worked in a sawmill to earn money to attend the University of Virginia and lost his right arm in an accident. He did not speak about his loss and left generations of cadets to ponder over it. His rank of colonel came from the Virginia Militia. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from UVa. Warren Koontz ’53 recalled about Carroll, “He had a sign above his desk that read: ‘I have won the honor of honors, I graduated from the University of Virginia.’ He was not a medical doctor and never obtained a doctorate degree. What he was, beneath an apparent gruff and blustery exterior, was a gentle soul with a tremendous work ethic and a true understanding of and compassion for his fellow man and children. He was just ‘Doc’ to thousands of cadets.” He became a noted botanist and ornithologist. His collection of flora and fauna is cataloged and preserved at VMI. He had a huge collection of Native American artifacts. His daughter, Ann Carroll Weaver, said, “One of my favorite memories is of walking through plowed corn fields in Rockbridge County and picking up arrowheads

166

with Dad. When I was a young girl, Dad took on a project to help the McCollum-Pratt Institute of Johns Hopkins University with their study of luciferin and luciferase and how they might explain living things use and store energy. He paid me and my crew of friends to catch lightning bugs on the Parade Ground. I would store them in the freezer, and when I had enough, I packed them in dry ice and mailed them to Baltimore – 14,500, as I recall.” There are more of his legendary tobacco stories than I can relate here. He constantly chewed tobacco, saying it kept his mouth free from decay and would often show his detractors a fine full set of teeth. He spit whenever he needed to – often in just the general direction of his target. It was a good idea to not sit on the front row in his classroom, especially when white duck trousers were the uniform. Mel Wright ’67 specifically mentioned that it was also not a good idea to introduce your date to Doc if she was wearing white shoes. Jim Burns ’68 remembered, “He motivated us rats by promising he would make the rat with the lowest GPA at the end of the year clean the window sill and spittoon from a year’s accumulation.” Warren Koonz ’53 recalled that “his lectures were well prepared and laced with actions that made you learn and not just memorize.” Lisa Tracy, the granddaughter of Gen. Kilbourne ’894, grew up in Lexington. “There’s a small group of us who have childhood memories of Doc. As a little girl, I admired him as a one-armed giant who towered over us – both physically and intellectually – but who deigned to gruffly teach us children about plants and micro invertebrates (of course, they were just hellgrammites and stoneflies to me) and more. He actually gave us mimeographed sheets that we were clearly expected to master, and we did. In the process, Doc Carroll also taught us self-respect. Because if we were important enough to warrant his attention, we knew – in a child’s way that wasn’t articulated until adulthood – that we had some worth ... more than perhaps we knew.” Nanalou Sauder’s husband, William Sauder ’55, was one of Doc’s “boys” and later taught physics on post. Nanalou spoke tenderly of Doc’s lifelong habit of filling and then delivering Christmas baskets to Rockbridge residents who otherwise might not have much for Christmas. She remembered “Doc’s wisdom and compassion in tailoring each visit to its circumstance

and staying on the level of those with whom he was talking.” It has been said that a letter from Doc would get you into graduate school. Dozens of physicians, dentists, pharmacists and others confirmed this. John Van Landingham’68 said, “He was a real rat daddy and always watched out for and protected his boys. It was well known that his word was enough to get you into a Virginia med school.” Rudi Ansbacher ’55 echoed these sentiments. “He personally drove me to the University of Virginia on Memorial Day of my senior year, where I interviewed and received an appointment to attend their medical school.” Once, he took a cadet to the medical school dean of admissions and, without stopping at the receptionist’s desk, marched himself and the surprised cadet into the office and said, “I want this boy admitted into your school.” That cadet, Max Feinman ’49B, became a medical doctor. James V. Johnson ’59 recalled, “He thought that doctors spent too much time in science classes and were ill-educated, so he required us all to get [Bachelor of Arts] – not [Bachelor of Science] – degrees and required us to take lots of English and history classes. His recommendation would punch your ticket. He placed great value on non-cognitive character strengths such as work ethic, honesty and integrity.” Daeden Nelms ’62 fondly recalled, “I think he thought that all of us (biology majors) were kind of like his children – always treating us with honor and respect and expecting the best of us all.” Dave Pitkethly ’58 remembered, “Our main task in botany was to do field trips and find plants that had never been cataloged in Rockbridge. This task became much more difficult as the years rolled by. Doc kept meticulous records and specimens of all of these plants.” There was much humor and sentiment in Doc’s often outward brusqueness. There is no doubt he was a true character. Along with his sincere interest in both the education of his students and their careers, he will live on in the memories of his former cadets for generations. Editor’s Note: The CLE events article was submitted by the Center for Leadership and Ethics. The Board of Visitors article was first published by the Office of Communications and Marketing, as were the matriculation numbers.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

New VMI Board of Visitors Members Appointed On June 23, 2015, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the appointment of four new members of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors. Beginning their four-year terms in summer 2015 are Lara Tyler Chambers ’03 of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia; Brian Detter of McLean, Virginia; David Miller ’70 of Brentwood, Tennessee; and Gene Scott ’80 of Richmond, Virginia. Chambers holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. In the 12 years since graduating from the Institute, she has built a construction and land development company, Tyler Development Group, of which she is co-owner and financial manager. Detter currently serves as executive vice president of Artis LLC, a research and development company based in Herndon, Virginia. Previously, he was deputy assistant secretary of the Navy, worked as a senior congressional staff member in both the House and Senate, and is a former member of the Army Science Board. After graduating from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics

2015-Issue 4

in 1970, Miller earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Miller has worked in the health care industry for over 40 years and is currently the president and chief operating officer of Community Health Systems in Franklin, Tennessee. Scott currently serves as the president of the Central Virginia Track and Field Club of Richmond, a nonprofit that provides coaching and athletic scholarship support to area student athletes. He is retired from a 34-year career in information technology, where he worked with private and public sector customers and is also a retired U.S. Army Reserve officer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI in 1980, in addition to Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees from University of Maryland. Leaving after four years of service to the Board are John C. Allen ’62 of Coalton, West Virginia; Paul Galanti of Richmond; and Ernesto V. Sampson ’98 of Glen Allen, Virginia. P. Wesley Foster ’56 of McLean is leaving after eight years of service to the board.

167

Keydet Athletics Baseball Recap

Tarsovich ’14 dives for a ball during the 2015 tournament.

The VMI 2015 baseball season ended May 22 with a loss to The Citadel in the conference tournament, but overall, it was a successful season under Jonathan Hadra ’04, first year head coach. The Keydets won their first main draw conference tournament game since 2003 and had a pair of players selected in the MLB draft – Matt Winn ’14 and Jordan Tarsovich ’14. Winn earned Third Team All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball, becoming the first Keydet to ever make an upperclass AA team outright. He was also a Johnny Bench Award finalist.

Winn ’14 and Tarsovich ’14 Chosen in MLB Draft In mid-June 2015, two VMI alumni, Matt Winn ’14 and Jordan Tarsovich ’14, were chosen in the MLB draft. Winn was chosen in the 14th round by the San Francisco Giants, becoming the first VMI player to be selected by San Francisco. It was also the highest Keydet draft pick since Michael Bowman ’09 was chosen in the eighth round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008. Winn closed out his VMI baseball career with a bang, finishing with 14 home runs in his 1st Class season – tied for the third-most in Keydet history. He was not only a First Team All-SoCon honoree, but he became the first VMI player to make an All-American team outright when he was named a Third Team selection by Collegiate Baseball. He was a Johnny Bench Award finalist, as well. Tarsovich, picked in the 22nd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers, became the first middle infielder drafted out of VMI since Chad Rice ’07 in 2007. Tarsovich finished his Keydet career hitting .337 with a SoCon-best of 24 stolen bases while playing both second base and shortstop. He finished in the top 10 in VMI career history in seven different categories – doubles, triples, stolen bases, on-base percentage, hit by pitches, walks and runs scored.

168

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics

Nine Keydets Named to 2015 Spring Academic All-Southern Conference Team N

ine VMI Keydets were named to the 2015 Spring Academic All-Southern Conference team, according to information released in mid-June by the SoCon. Honorees included Cadets David Geary ’16 and T.J. Lighton ’15 of the baseball program, Cadets Pat Hine ’16 and Domenick Stumpo ’16 from lacrosse, and Cadets Blake Condrey ’16, Daniel DeNijs ’16, Luke Phillips ’17, Hannah Dickinson ’15 and Renee Reives ’15 from the two outdoor track and field programs. To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, student athletes must carry at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA entering the spring season and, with few exceptions, were required to compete in at least one-half of their teams’ competitions during the recently concluded campaign. In addition, the student athletes must have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours in the previous two semesters.

Birsner Named Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach On June 22, 2015, Dr. Dave Diles, VMI director of intercollegiate athletics, announced Jon Birsner as VMI’s next head men’s lacrosse coach. Birsner, a native of Levittown, New York, spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Southern Conference opponent FurBirsner man University. In addition to serving as Furman’s offensive coordinator, Birsner also served as the program’s recruiting, travel, film, compliance and academic coordinator. He becomes the sixth head coach of the VMI lacrosse program, which was reinstituted in 1983. “Coach Birsner immediately moved to the top of a talented pool of candidates,” Diles said. “He distinguished himself throughout the process as someone with the values, leadership skills and personal characteristics to lead this historically important program. In addition, his lacrosse background – both as a player and coach – is tremendously impressive. I am certain that he will connect exceptionally well with our passionate lacrosse community and be an outstanding coach, mentor and educator for our lacrosse cadet athletes. VMI lacrosse has an exceedingly bright future with a gifted coach that understands our unique mission and the high

2015-Issue 4

expectations associated with any leadership post at the Institute.” Under the direction of head coach Richie Meade, Birsner helped the Paladins to a 4-9 record in 2015, its second year of existence following a 1-12 inaugural campaign in 2014. Before falling to SoCon runner-up University of Richmond by an 8-7 score in the tournament semifinals, the Paladins topped the Keydets with a score of 13-5 April 11. They clinched a tournament spot with a big win over Jacksonville University April 25. Birsner played an important role in developing 2015 first team All-Conference recipient Kenny Meinsen (midfielder) and SoCon Freshman of the Year Reilly McDermott (goalie). Before arriving at Furman, Birsner spent 2009-13 as a coach at the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island. He spent his last three seasons there as head coach, where he compiled a 31-9 overall record, including a program-best 15-3 record and post graduate school championship in 2013. Birsner has coached, developed and mentored nine Division 1 All-Conference players, one All-American and one Patriot League Rookie of the Year. “I would like to thank General Peay and Doctor Diles for giving me the opportunity and honor to lead the lacrosse program at the Virginia Military Institute,” Birsner said. “It is a privilege to be a part of a great institution renowned for developing

young men and women into leaders on and off the battlefield. I am proud to join the current family of cadets, graduates and faculty that display so much pride and passion; my family and I could not be more excited to get started.” While playing under Meade at the U.S. Naval Academy (2003-06), Birsner was twice named an All-American while guiding Navy to three top 10 finishes, including advancing to the NCAA Final Four and championship game in 2004. He finished his senior year by being named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and the Patriot League tournament MVP, as well as being selected to try out for Team USA in 2006. Birsner ranks eighth on Navy’s all-time points list (154), fourth all-time in assists (105) and was voted team captain his senior season. Birsner spent seven years (2006-13) as an officer in the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer, serving in numerous division officer and company commander positions. His personal awards include the Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and Iraqi Campaign Medal, as well as being a Fleet Marine Force Qualified officer. A 2006 graduate of the Naval Academy, Birsner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He is married to the former Elizabeth Dierdorff of Annapolis, Maryland. The couple had their first child, a daughter, in August 2015.

169

Keydet Athletics

Women’s Soccer Staff Changes VMI women’s soccer promoted Lt. Kristen Laraway, longtime volunteer assistant coach, to assistant coach and added Kelly Bergmann as the program’s new volunteer assistant, according to information released by head coach Chris Bergmann July 8. Laraway spent the past two seasons as the program’s volunteer assistant, and with her new title, she will continue to aid with team conditioning and general program administration. She was a four-year letter winner at the U.S. Naval Academy. During her time at sea, she played at the Conseil International du Sport Militaire 8th World Military Women’s Football Championship in Warendorf, Germany. Kelly will work with husband Chris once again after doing so for several seasons at Lake Forest College. Kelly spent six seasons on the Lake Forest staff working with the men’s soccer program in 2009 and from 2011-14. Lake Forest posted a combined 55-35-5 record in Kelly’s time on staff. The 2013 team finished with a 14-7-0 overall record and claimed its second straight Midwest Conference championship with a mark of 9-1-0 in league play. The Foresters also won the MWC Tournament and earned

the program’s first berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament since 1981. Kelly served as the head women’s soccer coach at Hope International University in Fullerton, California, where she was named NCCAA West Region Coach of the Year in 2005. She was also an assistant women’s soccer coach and head softball coach at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for two years and led the softball team to the 2007 NCCAA National Tournament. The Chesterfield, Missouri, native was a dual-sport collegiate student athlete, playing soccer and softball at Wheaton College in Illinois. She graduated with bachelor’s degrees in communications and educational formation. She was a part of the 2001 NCAA DIII National Championship Final Four soccer team and co-captained the 2001 Wheaton softball team. While a graduate student at Wheaton, she stayed on as an assistant softball coach and earned a master’s degree in educational formation in 2003. Kelly has played and coached internationally with the Chicago Eagles Soccer Club and Southern California Seahorses in Brazil, Holland, Sweden and Mexico.

2015-16 Basketball Schedule Nov. 14 Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Nov. 24 Nov. 30 Dec. 2 Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Dec. 21 Dec. 30 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 18 Feb. 20 Feb. 25 Feb. 27 March 3-7

170

vs. Penn State vs. Tusculum College vs. Virginia Tech vs. Presbyterian College vs. Campbell University vs. Central Penn vs. Ohio State vs. Butler University vs. Naval Academy vs. Gardner-Webb University vs. Bridgewater College vs. Furman vs. Wofford vs. Western Carolina vs. ETSU vs. UNCG vs. Samford vs. UTC vs. Furman vs. Mercer vs. Citadel vs. ETSU vs. Western Carolina vs. Wofford vs. UNCG vs. UTC vs. Samford vs. Mercer vs. Citadel SoCon Tournament

University Park, PA Lexington, VA Blacksburg, VA Lexington, VA Buies Creek, NC Lexington, VA Columbus, OH Indianapolis, IN Lexington, VA Boiling Springs, NC Lexington, VA Greenville, SC Lexington, VA Cullowhee, NC Johnson City, TN Greensboro, NC Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Macon, GA Charleston, SC Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Spartanburg, SC Lexington, VA Chattanooga, TN Birmingham, AL Lexington, VA Lexington, VA

TBD 7:30 p.m. TBD 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. TBD TBD 1:00 p.m. TBD 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

Cowart ’08 Finishes Fourth in the Pan-American Games VMI alumnus Donnie Cowart ’08 finished fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Pan-American Games, July 21, 2015, in Toronto, Canada. Cowart crossed the line with a time of 8:49.00. He also finished fourth at the 2011 version of the games. Matt Hughes of Canada, a longtime opponent of Cowart, won the race with a time of 8:32.18. Alexandre Genest came in second in 8:33.83, and Cory Leslie of the U.S. was third at 8:36.83.

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

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Message from the VMI Foundation President by Hugh M. Fain III ’80

I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the Institute’s alumni and friends through the pages of this always superb publication about the importance of the work of the VMI Foundation to the Institute’s future. This time of the year is always an exciting one on post. The academic year is in full stride. Second Class cadets are looking forward to Ring Figure, and Thanksgiving furlough no longer seems all that far off. On Nov. 11, thousands of alumni and friends come to VMI to commemorate the opening of the Institute and celebrate the many contributions that the Institute has made to Virginia and the country. On Founders Day, as the current president of the VMI Foundation, I will have the privilege of doing two things: The first is to present James E. Rogers ’67 with the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. Rogers is an accomplished businessman and dedicated civic leader. He also is a dedicated servant of the Institute, serving on the VMI Foundation board of trustees from 1997-2004 and as its president from 2000-02. In July 2004, he joined the VMI Board of Visitors and served two four-year terms. From 2007-12, Rogers was the board’s vice president. He now holds the position of vice chairman of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI. He also is a member of the board of overseers of VMI’s Jackson-Hope Fund and was a board member of VMI’s previous campaign, Reveille: A Call to Excel. Jim Rogers epitomizes VMI alumni – purposeful, accomplished and honorable. He is a deserving recipient of the Foundation’s most prestigious award.

2015-Issue 4

Second, on the evening of Founders Day, the VMI Foundation will host the Institute Society Dinner, an annual event at which we acknowledge those who have been leaders in support of VMI. At last year’s event, the focus was on the launch of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI and the announcement of its initial goal of $225 million. As I write this letter, I am pleased to say that contributions now exceed $226 million. But, the campaign is still underway, and we are excited to see what the total contributions to this effort will be. I am proud of the many important contributions the Foundation’s officers, staff members and volunteer leaders have made throughout this effort, and I am sure that they will continue to do so as long as the Institute has needs that can only be met through private support. The VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees will also meet around Founders Day, during which we will welcome our four new trustees: Richard W. Flowers ’72, George Piegari (Hon.), W. Gregory Robertson ’65 and Carl A. Strock ’70. Flowers and Robertson are returning trustees. These four men will bring a combination of talents and experiences to the board which, coupled with a commitment to the Institute and its cadets that all trustees share, will ensure superb contributions to the work of the VMI Foundation. For almost eight decades, the VMI Foundation has been at the center of the ongoing effort to raise, steward and manage the private money that is necessary to provide an education of unquestioned excellence to the young people who take on the challenges of being VMI cadets. The VMI Alumni Agencies have raised and distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the Institute. The Foundation has done so under the motto, “Excellentia in Servitio” – Excellence in Service – and it will continue to do so in decades to come.

171

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Class of 1965 50th Reunion Campaign The presentation of the proceeds from a reunion campaign is a deceptively short and simple ceremony. Class representatives present a large facsimile check to the superintendent. One of them makes a few remarks. The superintendent thanks the class for the gift. In a few minutes, it’s over. This brevity and simplicity masks the many months – years, actually – of hard work by dozens of alumni, including those who present the check. A good example is the Class of 1965’s 50th Reunion campaign, which concluded June 30, 2015, and raised $13,244,484.65 in gifts and commitments from more than 90 percent of the class. It began more than two years before, when Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Harry J. Bartosik ’65, the newly appointed campaign chairman, visited the VMI Foundation. There, he met with Patrick Webb, then vice president of annual and reunion giving; John Wranek ’85, then Webb’s deputy and later, successor; and Terrie Conrad, the director of planned giving. They described a reunion campaign’s trajectory and many lessons gleaned from previous efforts. “This visit gave me an initial feel of my duties and how the campaign would unfold,” recalled Bartosik. Bartosik learned that his first step was the formation of a reunion Campaign Committee. These are the brother rats who call and visit other class members in order to explain the campaign and solicit gifts and commitments. Bartosik changed it up a bit, however, and first formed what he initially called “an executive advisory group” – and later the Executive Committee – consisting of himself and four of his brother rats: Thomas A. “Mickey” Finn, class agent; W. Gregory Robertson; Conrad M. Hall; and Charles L. “Lou” Siegel, class president and chairman of the Reunion Committee responsible for organizing the reunion. “I included Lou, because I wanted to ensure that the [reunion] committee was aware of what the Campaign Committee was up to and vice versa and, thus, prevent confusion within the class,” explained Bartosik.

172

Next, they recruited Campaign Committee members. “We ended up with 33 members,” Bartosik recalled. “Although we didn’t start trying to get a cross section of the class, it just happened that way, and that gave us a broad perspective.” The committee met on post in November 2013 in order to set the campaign’s goals in terms of money raised and participation, the establishment of any new funds and an overall approach. “At this meeting, we made some decisions that proved critical to our success,”

the case of the Class of 1965, when they met in November 2013, 70 percent of the class had made $8.4 million in gifts and commitments. According to Bartosik, “Given that starting point, we set our goals at $12.5 million and 80 percent participation.” The committee also endorsed three funds that reflected the class’ interests. The Class of 1965 Unrestricted Endowment and the Class of 1965 Athletic Endowment had been previously established. The third, the Class of 1965 Leadership & Ethics Endowment, was established at Siegel’s urging. Later, the campaign incorporated an independent effort to create a scholarship honoring Donny White ’65, longtime athletic director at VMI. Realizing that the full committee would meet only more time and that effective communication would be a key ingredient to the effort’s success,

As chairmen of the Class of 1965’s reunion Campaign Committee and Reunion Committee, Harry J. Bartosik ’65, left, and Charles L. “Lou” Siegel ’65, right, were instrumental in the success of the class’ reunion and its fundraising. Photo by Jess Sorensen.

Bartosik explained. “The most important was to hold off fundraising until about a year before the reunion and initially concentrate on urging brother rats to attend the reunion.” Next came the task of assigning brother rats to each committee member. “Many members requested specific contacts, and therefore, everyone was assigned six to 10 people they knew well or very well.” The next step was establishing goals. The “counting” for reunion campaigns covers five fiscal years – the one in which a class presents its gift to VMI and the four previous to that. In

Bartosik established a system of monthly conference calls. “Besides sharing important information, it kept everyone engaged and prompted a very valuable free exchange of ideas. It also helped Lou and I ensure that our respective committees had the facts needed to answer questions about both the campaign and the reunion.” Contact with the class began in January 2014. According to Bartosik, the results were “extremely positive,” and by the spring, it was apparent that there would be a good turnout at the reunion. When fundraising began a couple of months later, the committee remained careful. “It was not ‘a hard sell.’ We were aiming at a high participation rate and did not want to put anyone off. So, the message was, ‘Give whatever amount is commensurate with your financial situation, but give something.’” Bartosik believes the

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc. committee’s initial focus on attendance helped fundraising efforts. “By being positive from the beginning, we helped our brother rats realize the special nature of this reunion and that VMI is a very special place that deserved their help.” In November 2014, the Campaign Committee met to review its progress. “Based on the strong support we had enjoyed so far,” Bartosik said, “we adjusted the goals to $13.5 million and 90 percent participation.” At the reunion parade April 25, 2015, the class presented a check for more than $13.21 million and posted a participation rate of 88 percent. “I wasn’t too upset about missing the money goal, but I really wanted to hit 90 percent participation,” said Bartosik. Therefore, June 1, the committee went back to work contacting brother rats who hadn’t yet participated. This last effort paid off, and by June 30, the participation rate stood at 90.34 percent. When asked if anyone deserved special credit for this success, Bartosik replied, “Yes, everybody: The Executive Committee who gave sage advice, the Reunion and Campaign Committees who ensured the campaign’s success and made this our best-attended reunion, and of course, the brother rats who returned to VMI and gave. If this was the Army, the Class of 1965 would richly deserve a unit commendation.”

Correction In the article, “VMI Foundation Hosts Annual Benefactors Luncheon,” which appeared in the 2015-Issue 3 VMI Alumni Review (pages 187-188), Mrs. Nancy Catlett is misidentified in a caption as “the widow of Charles T. Catlett ’69.” As we go to press, Mr. Catlett is very much alive. We regret this error and extend our apologies to the Catletts for it.

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

2015-Issue 4

There’s a Purpose Here: A Conversation with Elizabeth Nunn Elizabeth Nunn is the mother of Cadet Vaughan Nunn ’17, an economics and business major who is a member of the rifle team and pursuing a commission into the Army. She also is a member of the Parents Council, which she describes as “a great way to engage with VMI and to give back,” and, with her husband, Mark, donates to VMI. Her experience with VMI began when their son started the process of determining the best college for him. Growing up in Virginia and attending Hargrave Military Academy, he was familiar with VMI. However, he considered and visited many other schools, including the U.S. Naval Academy and his father’s alma mater, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In the end, Nunn believes Vaughan chose VMI because “it was a good fit for him. Vaughan leads through example, and that’s the role that the Institute plays; it sets a strong example for others to follow.” “We had a strong sense of pride when he chose VMI, because he was accepting a challenge, and he recognized for himself what VMI has to offer,” she recalled. When asked what her initial impressions of the Institute were, she replied, “It really is an impressive place. It is not all about history and tradition, however. There’s a purpose here. VMI develops graduates with strong intellect, strong character and stamina, and that’s what the world needs. VMI educates the whole person. It prepares its graduates to meet challenges and then gives them the stamina to face them successfully.” With their son now halfway through his cadetship, her admiration for VMI has not wavered. Living in Southside Virginia, she said, tends to make her think in agricultural terms. “I think of cadets as seeds being planted. If you nourish them properly, they will emerge from the surface, grow and then flourish. Then you begin to watch their branches strengthen and reach. It has been a great process for us to observe our son’s progress and to know that it’s the right place for him.” Overall, Nunn sees enormous value in the education VMI offers. “VMI recognizes what success is and that it doesn’t come by accident but through consistent effort. At VMI, too, the focus is on individual and group success. You just don’t think about yourself but also your squad, your company and, ultimately, the Institute. That’s a huge difference in perspective from our often self-centered culture, and it creates true leaders.”

The Nunns give to VMI through the Foundation Fund and the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund. Asked why she and her husband began to give, Nunn replied, “It’s the difference that you see VMI make in cadets’ lives – the impact it has on their lives. There are so many places you can give, but when you see what VMI does, you want to be part of it.” As far as the direction of their philanthropy is concerned, Nunn explained, “Earlier, I said that the whole person is what VMI develops, and sports are an integral part of it. So, we give to the Keydet Club.” She explained their decision to give to the Foundation Fund and stated, “VMI has a vision, and it knows where the resources are most needed.” When asked what she would say to those people who have not yet given to VMI, she answered, “Education is the best gift you can give to a child. My husband and I have long believed that. If you think that a VMI education is a wonderful thing for a young person to experience then you have a responsibility to care for VMI and make sure it grows. You also have a responsibility to see it stay ahead of the game, to make sure that it’s not always trying to catch up.” She continued, “There also is the element of being a part of something bigger than yourself. When you’re at VMI and watch the flags come down and see the Corps of Cadets formed up and saluting, you immediately realize that this is done in so few places in this country. That’s when you know just what VMI stands for and why we need it so much.”

From left, Elizabeth and Mark Nunn with their son, Vaughan Nunn ’17.

173

The Keydet Club Thoughts from the Club House by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer

Keydet Club Team Scholarship Funds Instilling Excitement, Ensuring Donor Confidence and Increasing Funding After 16 years, the Athletic Operations Fund – Team Funds, which raised money that could be used to support operational and scholarship cost for VMI’s NCAA teams, will be eliminated. Effective July 1, 2015 (Fiscal Year 2016), it was replaced with Team Scholarship Funds for each NCAA scholarship team at VMI. The Keydet Club Board of Governors believes that by making this change, donors will know that their gifts – given to support a specific team – will be used 100 percent for scholarship aid. Over the years since the AOF’s inception in 1999, more and more donors to the Keydet Club earmarked annual gifts restricted to the AOF of specific teams. Many of these donors thought that their gifts would be used above and beyond what was already budgeted for operations and scholarship to that program. In reality, most all money raised for the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, the unrestricted AOF’s and the team AOF’s were needed and used to cover the budgeted cost of maintaining VMI’s intercollegiate athletic teams. Without this continuous funding, dramatic cuts would have been required to a number of our teams. The Keydet Club wants donors to be excited about VMI athletics, engaged and interested in teams of their choice and confident that their gifts support those teams. The need for unrestricted scholarship and athletic operations support

174

will always be a critical athletic annual fundraising need, but now, when a donor gives to a team scholarship fund, they know that money will only be used for scholarship for that sport. As the number of donors and contributions to the Team Scholarship Fund grows, future scholarship increases will follow. In short, the Keydet Club is going to refocus its fundraising priority on increasing scholarship support for all of VMI’s 18 NCAA Division I teams. Money needed to support the operations of the athletic department will come from VMI revenue sources, the Keydet Club Unrestricted Athletic Operations Fund and from athletic endowments that provide for operational support.

Sources of Keydet Club Funding for Athletics Keydet Club Scholarship Fund – Provides annual unrestricted scholarship support. Keydet Club Athletic Operations Fund – Provides annual unrestricted operations support. Team Scholarship Fund – Provides restricted annual scholarship for a specific team. VMI needs all former Keydet Club members, all former cadet-athletes, alumni, parents and friends to consider a gift and multiyear pledge to VMI so the Keydet Club membership can grow from its current membership of 2,800 (FY16) to over 5,000 in years to come! Together, we can provide the increased funding to enable our coaches to recruit, develop and retain cadet-athletes and build a winning, successful athletic program at VMI. For more information on how you can help, please call the Keydet Club at 1-800-444-1839.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club

Keydet Club Members’ Benevolence Leads to Record Year for Athletic Fundraising

Class of 1985 Establishes Athletic Scholarship

The excitement, confidence and appreciation Keydet Club members have for the current state of the Institute and its athletic program led the way to a historic fundraising year in support of VMI athletics in Fiscal Year 2015, which ended June 30, 2015. More than 2,800 donors gave gifts totaling $13,503,104 for athletic endowment and annual support. These gifts more than doubled the record support realized in Fiscal Year 2014.

As part of their 30th Reunion, Steve Hagan ’85 and Jessie Waltz ’85 have established The Class of 1985 Athletic Scholarship. It will provide grant-in-aid to a cadet-athlete who participates in a VMI Division I athletic program. The scholarship was established to recognize the Class of 1985’s love for the Institute, their appreciation for the excellent education each brother rat received, their love for VMI intercollegiate athletics, and the VMI spirit which helped to bond the class during their cadetships and continues to bond the class as alumni. The scholarship will be represented by Matt Daniel ’85, class agent, and the generous donors whose initial gifts kick-started the funding for the scholarship: Steve Hagan ’85 and Jessie Waltz ’85. “Some wonderfully delivered remarks by guest speaker Jerry Acuff ’71 at the Friday night reunion dinner inspired Steve to take action. He immediately turned to Jessie, who agreed, without hesitation, to match Steve’s commitment. “I was in the right place at the right time and played a small part in helping those guys do something significant for VMI and our class. The rest of us will enjoy adding to what Steve and Jessie have started,” commented Meade King ’85, who serves as a major gifts officer with the VMI Foundation and was instrumental in coordinating the gifts and scholarship. The scholarship will be recognized at the Keydet Club’s 2015 Scholarship Athletes Recognition Banquet. Cadet Dalton Henderson ’17, a wrestler from Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been named the first recipient. “The Class of ’85 has always been a close and fiercely loyal VMI class,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, chief executive officer of the Keydet Club. “They are the last class to witness a winning football season. Steve Hagan and other ’85 brother rats played on the 6-3-1 team which notched upsets over the U.S. Military Academy and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the fall of their 1981 rat year. Jessie Waltz was a member of the Southern Conference wrestling championship team that same year. So, they know what it takes to win and are obviously very appreciative of the impact VMI has had in their lives. Both men have enjoyed extremely successful careers following graduation from VMI,” concluded Cavallaro. If any members of the Class of ’85 would like to support this new endowed athletic scholarship, they may do so by sending their contributions to the Keydet Club at P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450.

FY 2014 Annual Gifts: Endowment: Total:

$3,135,117 $3,061,145 $6,196,522

FY 2015 $3,652,364 $9,850,740 $13,503,104

“I believe the VMI alumni, parents and friends who are close to the Institute and tracking all that is going on today truly appreciate the extraordinary transformation and all that our superintendent [Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62], has accomplished during his tenure. During The Campaign for VMI, people have stepped up big in support of his vision for all of VMI, and today that vision includes having a successful, winning athletic program of which the VMI family can be proud,” commented Bill Paulette ’69, Keydet Club Board of Governors president. Support for VMI athletics will be significantly impacted due to the growth in the athletic endowments at VMI; specifically the Keydet Club’s endowment, which has grown by nearly $11 million since May 2014, when the Keydet Club endowment totaled approximately $19,500,000. This increase will generate more than $600,000 per year in additional athletic scholarship. “The snowball started in June 2014 with a first ever cash gift of $1 million to the Keydet Club. Soon after that, numerous alumni stepped up and made incredible campaign gifts and pledges, to include one challenge gift of another $1 million cash gift that was soon followed by a gift of more than $4 million from one donor and an estate gift of more than $3 million to the Keydet Club,” reflected Greg Cavallaro ’84, chief executive officer of the Keydet Club. “Not only is this generosity unprecedented and transformational, but the impact of these gifts will be everlasting,” he added. Peay recently told the Keydet Club, “We need to get through today to get to where we want to be tomorrow. I am certain we have many of the right pieces in place to improve, but we need to give our athletic director and our coaches the financial resources it takes to compete at the Division I level. We need to recruit smarter, develop our cadet-athletes and most importantly, retain and graduate them from VMI. If we can do that, I know we can win and win the VMI way; no short cuts – hard work, excitement and enthusiasm.” Paulette concluded, “We need to get everyone involved – doing what they can on an annual basis. If all of VMI’s former athletes or all of the 9,000 or so people who have been a member of the Keydet Club at some point in time in the past will renew their support and membership, the Keydet Club could ensure that all of our athletic teams have the financial resources they need to win. General Peay is right; at the end of the day, it takes hard work and money to win. I can tell you our coaches and cadets are working hard both in the classroom and on the field. But the only place VMI can get more money for athletics is through the private sector; that means all of us, as alumni, parents and friends.”

2015-Issue 4

175

The Keydet Club

Bryan Family Athletic Scholarship, Classes of 1943, 1955, 1971 and 2005 Created Ronald “Ron” M. Bryan ’55, Keydet Club a longtime leadership member of the VMI Southern Railway System as a director and head board member, created and endowed the Bryan Keydet Club and the VMI Foundation’s Institute chemist. He died in 1985. Family Athletic Scholarship, Classes of 1943, Society. Since 1978, he has never missed a year Ron’s nephew, Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan 1955, 1971 and 2005 out of his enduring love for of leadership membership in the Keydet Club, ’71, matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and VMI and to ensure the legacy of all the Bryans making him one of the all-time, most consistent, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology who attended and will attend VMI in from VMI. As a cadet, Buddy rose to the future. This scholarship recognizes the rank of sergeant major for the 2nd R. Scott Bryan Jr. ’43, Ronald M. Bryan Battalion, was a cheerleader for two ’55, Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Paul T. years, a member of the glee Club for Bryan ’05. one year and served on The Cadet Ron matriculated from Roanoke, Virnewspaper staff for three years. ginia, as part of the VMI Class of 1955 Following his cadetship, Buddy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science served on active duty in the Air Force degree in civil engineering. As a cadet, from 1972-76. In 1976, he began his Ron was a four-year private in Charlie career with the VMI Foundation, and at Company, a member of the VMI wresthe time the scholarship was created, he tling team, a member of the monogram had been employed by the Foundation club and served as a cadet waiter. for more than 39 years. Following his cadetship, Ron served Buddy’s son, Paul T. Bryan ’05, maon active duty in the Army for two-andtriculated from Lexington, Virginia. a-half years and remained in the Army Buddy Bryan ’71, Paul Bryan ’05 and Ron Bryan ’55 during He rose to the rank of regimental S-5 Reserve for 30 years, rising to the rank Ron’s 50th Reunion weekend in April 2005. captain and graduated from VMI with of colonel. He worked for the Virginia a Bachelor of Science degree in civil Department of Transportation for nine years engineering. He was a member of VMI’s last loyal and generous members of the Keydet Club. and General Crushed Stone for over 30 years. Ron’s cousin, R. “Scott” Bryan Jr. ’43, ma- NCAA golf team. Following graduation, he Ron began his support of VMI the summer triculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned went to work for Froehling & Robertson and following his graduation and has never missed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry is currently the business development manager a year of support to the Institute. He has been from VMI. Scott spent his career with Norfolk with F&R in Roanoke, Virginia.

David L. Wallenborn ’77 Athletic Scholarship Established The Keydet Club is pleased to recognize one of its newest scholarships to be established, the David L. Wallenborn ’77 Athletic Scholarship. The scholarship was created last winter through the generosity of David L. Wallenborn ’77, who matriculated at VMI from Roanoke, Virginia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. As a cadet, Wallenborn served as a sergeant in his 2nd Class year, an athletic trainer for two years, a member of the English Speaking

176

Union for three years and a member of the English Society for two years. Following graduation in 1977, David completed the Army Armor Officer course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served 11 years as a captain in the Army Reserve. His civilian professional career began in the banking industry, where he worked in management positions for retail and commercial services for eight years with former First Virginia and Dominion banks. He earned a Master of Business

Administration degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and began working at Plastics One, Inc. in 1986. Wallenburg currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of Plastics One, Inc., a Roanoke, Virginia, based medical component and cable manufacturer which employs over 300 people. The privately held company offers custom injection molding, medical cables and connectors, and preclinical research components.

VMI Alumni Review