2018-Issue 1 Alumni Review

VMI 2018 - Issue 1

Alumni Review

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2018-Issue 1

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Aug. 15, 2017, to Nov. 1, 2017.

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Features

ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview

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Wright ’95: Valor in the CIA

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2017 Institute Society Dinner

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

12 First Fall Reunion 15 Second Fall Reunion 19 Chealsea “Gatling Gun” Sias ’17 Takes National Boxing Title

News and Updates 3

Our Alumni Serving

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

142 Births, Marriages, Degrees 143 Provisional Appointments 145 Taps 152 Alumni News

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PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Whitman Assistant Editor: Elaine Wood

10 178th Founders Day

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Volume 94, No. 4

Departments 2

Message from the Agencies CEO

150 Association Directory 155 The Institute

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer

by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

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

159 Keydet Athletics

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162 The Foundation

ON OUR COVER

165 The Keydet Club

Front Cover: Moody Hall, home of VMI’s alumni.

Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA. Inside Front and Back Covers: Founders Day 2017.

VMI photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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Message from the Agencies CEO

by CDR Stephen M. Maconi

The VMI family. It’s a term I started hearing when I applied for this post. A lot. I was assured by many people that I would be struck by its members’ devotion to VMI. Since I arrived on post in March 2017, it has gone from a mere concept to a highly respected reality.

The first thing I learned about the VMI family was that it is not restricted to alumni. It encompasses the Institute’s faculty, staff and coaches; the parents and other relatives of cadets; the young men and women of the Corps of Cadets; and those people who admire VMI’s values and the many contributions its alumni have made to the commonwealth and the country.

Each part of the VMI family has its own responsibilities. For example, our faculty provides the best academic environment possible for our cadets, and the staff at Physical Plant ensures that everyone on post lives and works in a healthy, pleasant and safe environment. No matter how they are classified, however, every member of the VMI family shares one attribute: Whether directly or indirectly, he or she is an advocate of the Institute.

Think of our cadets. Who comes away from meeting with them without a favorable impression of their maturity, intelligence and civility? Who doesn’t watch them speak at a conference or meet Maconi them at a social function and think, “Cadets certainly are our best ambassadors?”

Our faculty, coaches and staff members are also superb advocates for VMI. Everyone knows of a faculty member or a coach who has served for decades on post and has touched hundreds of lives. He or she proudly tell their colleagues, family and friends where they work and talk about the high quality of the cadets. Their words and, even more so, their devotion are forms of advocacy, too.

Aren’t our parents and other relatives among our most effective advocates? Often, they understand the benefits of the VMI education and see its transformative effects well before their cadets do. They express an immense pride that their children took the harder path as well as a deep gratitude for what VMI has done for them.

Our friends, too, are exceptional advocates for VMI. Be it someone who has lived in Lexington his entire life, someone who knew VMI alumni in her job or, as just happened again in January 2017, people who saw the Corps on television march in the presidential inaugural parade, they appreciate the values the Institute stands for and inculcates in its cadets, and they are impressed by the outsized contributions VMI alumni have made to our great country.

Finally, there are our alumni. Before I came to VMI, I worked at the U.S. Naval Academy. I was well aware of the reputation VMI alumni had for intense loyalty to their alma mater. Since I came to post, I have seen quite clearly this reputation is one grounded in fact. Alumni are deeply interested in the Institute’s current state and its future. They care for the Corps of Cadets, understanding the strong links they have with them, and they’re always looking for ways to help VMI, whether by recruiting new cadets or providing the private financial support that is vital to it.

Like our parents and friends, they are not reluctant to extol the Institute’s many virtues and tell of its proud history. But, much like cadets, they are at their most influential as informed advocates in their daily lives, in how they conduct themselves at work and with their neighbors. One alumnus told me he decided to become a cadet after hearing people he respected speak highly of the alumni they knew. “If they were that impressed,” he said, “I figured that was the school for me.”

For me, it’s been a great pleasure and an even greater privilege to get to know hundreds of members of the VMI family since last March. I look forward to ensuring that the VMI Alumni Agencies provide the best support possible to all of them and to make sure that all of us are the most informed advocates we can be of the Institute.

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 in Occoquan, Virginia, held a National Prisoner of War Missing in Action Recognition Day Sept. 15, 2017. At the POW/MIA table, there was a special tribute and remembrance specifically for Capt. John “Jack” Kennedy ’69, an Air Force forward air controller pilot who was shot down in an Cessna O-2A in 1971. Kennedy was declared MIA until 1993 when his remains were recovered and positively identified. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Kennedy was a member of VFW Post 7916. In attendance for the recognition day and special tribute to Kennedy was Nick Roper ’82, who provided the VMI coatee for the POW/ MIA table, and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Steve Amato ’83, a member of VFW Post 7916.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World The Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to our 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 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.

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United States Air Force Capt. Vincent Abruzzese ’09 served as the contract and fiscal law JAG officer for Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa while deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in summer 2017. He is active duty Air Force, currently stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Task Force Strike” deployed in the fight against ISIS from May 2016 to January 2017. VMI alumni advised and assisted Iraqi forces through the clearance of Ramadi and Fallujah, conducted a contested river crossing across the Tigris River, reseized the Qayyarah West Airfield, and isolated and then cleared eastern Mosul. Within TF Strike, Maj. Aaron Childers ’05 was the brigade operations officer, Capt. Steve Nicholas ’09 was the brigade assistant intelligence officer, Capt. Nathan Goldsmith ’09 is a company commander in 2-502 Infantry, Capt. Rob Pospisil ’13 is a company commander in 2-502 Infantry, Capt. T.J. Green ’11 is a company commander in 526 Brigade Support Battalion, and 1st Lt. Frank Kelly is a platoon leader in 2-502 Infantry. During the deployment, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Schultheis ’09 was in a special operations team that worked closely with the brigade. Major Chris White ’05 joined the brigade with his Air Force unit as the brigade moved to occupy the Qayyarah West Airfield. Majors Harley Jennings ’04 and Jason Quash ’04 were both in the division headquarters over TF Strike while deployed.

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“The Americans commemorated by these stars came from all walks of life. They heard the call to duty and chose to serve in an agency unlike any other.”

-Michael Hayden, CIA director

Wright ’95: Valor in the CIA

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Alumni Association Historian

The Memorial Wall of the Central Intelligence Agency, located in the lobby of the Old Headquarters Building in Langley, Virginia, recognizes those employees who “gave their lives in the service to their country.” Each of them is represented by a star carved into the marble wall, and each was approved by the Honors and Merit Awards Board of the Agency, which must concur that the death of the employee was “of an inspirational or heroic character while in the performance of duty.”

Currently, there are 117 stars on the wall, and one of them represents Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95, who was killed in 2005.

Wright matriculated from Virginia Beach and, after graduation, went to Officer Candidate School at Quantico. He was commissioned in the Marines, where he served as an infantry platoon commander and intelligence officer. He also attended Scout Sniper School.

After leaving the Marines in 2000, he launched a new career as a special security services officer, traveling around the world protecting key individuals, including former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and George Tenet, then-director of Central Intelligence.

In December 2005, Wright was in Iraq escorting several CIA officers back to their base when their vehicle was ambushed.

Wright took evasive action and a 40-kilometer chase ensued, during which the Americans’ vehicle was hit by hundreds Wright ’95 of rounds. Eventually the engine stalled and caught fire, forcing the four occupants to evacuate. They took up defensive positions and were attempting to move to a safer location when one agency officer was shot. Wright shielded him in order to give him an opportunity to bandage his wound, and in the process, he was hit in the leg. Help arrived shortly thereafter, and the enemy withdrew. The wounded were taken to a nearby clinic and treated, but Wright died at the scene.

A statement issued by the CIA noted that Wright “died while demonstrating extraordinary valor. His courage and sound judgment under direct fire very likely saved the lives of the other officers.” At the memorial ceremony when Wright’s star was dedicated, Michael Hayden, CIA director, commented on Wright’s actions: “At the wheel of the car, he was as calm and professional as ever, despite the growing chaos and confusion all around him.” Continuing, he added, “Greg made friends very easily. He listened. He laughed. He led his friends to see the good in every situation.

His broad smile and abundant charisma made an immediate impression on everyone who met him.”

The officer whom Wright protected that day survived and later said that Wright would “give you the shirt off his back. Kind and caring, he always put the needs of others above his own.”

(Editor’s Note: Primary source for information was a CIA press release posted Dec. 10, 2015.)

Above photo: The CIA Memorial Wall, pictured in 2011 with 103 stars. As of May 2017, there were 125 stars on the Memorial Wall.

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Campaign Success Celebrated at 2017 Institute Society Dinner On Nov. 10, 2017, a celebration of the success of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI was at the center of the annual Institute Society Dinner, again held at Marshall Hall. The evening’s main speakers – Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, campaign chairman, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent – recognized the members of the VMI family who made the campaign such a success and ranks of which included many of the people who made leadership gifts to An Uncommon

Purpose and described the many positive effects that the campaign will have on all aspects of VMI. Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan ’71, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, said of this event marking the end of the campaign, “The Institute Society Dinner is always one of the highlights of VMI’s calendar. This time, it was even more special, because we celebrated the campaign’s success and had General Peay and Mr. Wilkinson thank those whose generosity made it possible.”

Institute Society Dinner Remarks by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, Superintendent Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is hard to believe that it has been a little more than seven years since we were contemplating this major fundraising effort. Truth be told, I probably was not the most enthusiastic member at those early meetings. Thinking about such an investment in time and effort for a campaign to truly succeed, along with keeping the Institute thriving was, frankly, daunting and really not at the top of my priorities at the turn of the last decade. I have learned a lot since that time.

First: Excellence costs.

Second: Campaigns are hard work.

Third: As state support for all public higher education continues to decline, VMI will always need private support to sustain its excellence.

Fourth: VMI alumni and friends of the Institute are caring, remarkably generous people.

Let me reflect on the hard work of this campaign. Campaigns require a well-conceived plan and discipline. However, they also require you to be nimble and to listen. I believe a large part of our, and thus your, success was truly paying attention to you, our donors, and offering opportunities that matched your philanthropic desires and especially your passionate

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desires for VMI. Sometimes, I did not always hear what I wanted to hear in the process, but I always respected it, and now, in retrospect, I treasure the passion you expressed.

Campaigns also require leadership, and the level and value of dedicated and collaborative leadership of this campaign cannot be overstated. I am absolutely certain a large part of our success was due to: (1) the extraordinary campaign cabinet we assembled, superbly led

by Don Wilkinson ’61; (2) the critical support in resources and encouragement of our honorary cabinet, many here this evening; and (3) the enthusiastic and strategic thinking and incredible hard work of Brian Crockett and the thoughtful VMI Foundation Board’s engagement led by Hugh Fain ’80. In the midst of these leaders, and always available on a moment’s notice, was Dr. Pat House, senior vice president of Graham Pelton, who so professionally and competently guided the effort and forever became a steadfast, respected member of the VMI family. And, of course, the day-in, day-out, “get-it-done” mentality that so many Foundation, Keydet Club and Alumni Association staff and administrators exhibited was vital.

The next reflection is the important role

private support plays in the longterm outlook for VMI. My many trips to Richmond and, in particular, the state Legislature confirmed that view, and now I certainly have a greater respect for what campaigns do in building a culture of philanthropy that ensures the future in the face of so many unknowns and unplanned circumstances. While the Legislature has been most generous in supporting the capital and bricks-and-mortar requirements of our Vision 2039 Strategic Master Plan, we simply cannot rely on the commonwealth to fund VMI’s advancement and operational needs. More than ever, I am convinced of the need to grow our endowment to levels that will provide consistent, substantial budgetary support that ensures excellence resulting in the best of graduates and a national reputation. I know that you, our closest advocates, realize that major funding needs will exist even with this enormous $344 million boost.

VMI, in 2039 at its 200th birthday, and with its unique form of education, will continue to have a high price tag, and this campaign is a certain step in that direction. It also will require a much broader fundraising reach, and the Alumni Agencies and their new leadership will be called

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upon to collaborate and build engagement with parents, corporations, younger classes and friends of VMI more than ever before.

But, I want us to focus tonight on what this campaign has accomplished – what you have done – for VMI! Your expanded support of our faculty will mean that our academic program will remain strong, and our cadets will continue to receive a first-class education.

Gifts to our athletic program will benefit our cadet-athletes who give so much to represent VMI in intercollegiate sports and the men and women who coach, support and mentor them.

Our Cadet Life programs – centered on our military system, which provides a matchless school of leadership – will be strengthened.

Support also will improve our museum system through which VMI tells the remarkable and colorful story of its more than 175 years of dedicated service to the commonwealth and the United States.

The unrestricted support given during the campaign will give VMI’s leadership the flexibility to address the Institute’s most critical needs as well as seize every opportunity to improve all aspects of the VMI education.

Finally, the gifts and commitments made to establish new scholarships and expand the endowments of existing ones will help perpetuate one of our noblest traditions: ensuring that financial considerations never come between a deserving young person and VMI’s remarkable education.

Specific examples are: • More than $221 million raised in cash and cash pledges, with the balance to be realized through estate gifts.

• 187 new academic and athletic scholarships will be funded.

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• $58 million has been committed to funding academic operations and innovation.

• More than $73 million is now committed to support NCAA athletics.

• Seven new chairs and/or professorships will be endowed.

• Increased support to the Jackson-Hope Fund, a critical source of innovation, faculty development, recruiting and undergraduate research.

• Capital improvements and legacy priorities such as: Saunders Fields and Leadership Valley on North Post; football, lacrosse and drill fields; and the Stonewall Jackson House and endowment for the Museum Operations will be funded with $15 million.

• An endowment to fully support our Chaplain’s Office and its operation is now in place, to include administrative support and a new associate chaplain position that interfaces daily with members of the Corps.

• Funding for our nationally recognized Center for Leadership and Ethics, and much more.

Perhaps the most compelling testimony that a donor can offer to his or her deep belief in VMI’s mission is to make an unrestricted gift.

The Campaign for VMI has raised $57 million in unrestricted dollars, a transformative amount that ensures all cadets will benefit from this uncommon education.

Finally, this campaign has given me the opportunity to get to know VMI alumni and friends that I had not met before and to learn even more about those I knew well. While I have always felt that the passion of the VMI family for its Institute is unmatched by other colleges and universities, I have witnessed in this campaign a level of commitment that has inspired and humbled me.

I have had occasions in the past to express my

gratitude to many of you here this evening for your support of the Institute and love of VMI and, frankly, for your support of me. However, as I look at those who are here – and am cognizant of those who were invited and could not join us this evening – I find myself feeling as if my thanks will never be enough for all you have done for the Institute.

For all the VMI families whose support has never wavered, for all the individuals who stretched unselfishly to give their largest gifts to this campaign, for all those over these many years who asked again and again, “What else can I do for VMI?” – for all of you, the thanks can never be enough for how you have advanced the Institute and its Corps of Cadets.

You have sacrificed time with family, sacrificed resources and even sacrificed health – all in service to this special place. My sincere hope is that while the gratitude may pale in the face of your incredible generosity that your sense of fulfillment will be great in knowing and witnessing that your support of this campaign, with its theme, An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future, The Campaign for VMI, has advanced the Institute and changed countless lives in the process. I know you have changed mine. For that, I am deeply indebted to you.

Stonewall Jackson proclaimed, “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” Thanks to the collective resolve of so many in the VMI family – and especially those of you here tonight – VMI’s brilliant future is in front of us.

I look forward to seeing it unfold with all of you in the days and months ahead. Thank you so very much! God bless the Virginia Military Institute, and the very best wishes and thanks to all of you here this evening.

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Remarks by Donald M. Wilkinson Jr. ’61, Campaign Chairman On June 30, 2017, An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI came to an end. It was a wonderful journey of important work carried out by many of you here tonight on behalf of the Institute for our cadets, their parents, the faculty, the staff, our alumni and the commonwealth of Virginia. In my position as chairman, I’ve had much time to dwell on the glorious past of this extraordinary institution; one which has reflected honorably on our nation for 178 years, and one that generates such proud loyalty from her alumni and friends. The campaign itself was all about ensuring the brilliant future we all wish for this national treasure.

Over the life of the campaign, members of the VMI family showed great resolve by seizing the opportunities that An Uncommon Purpose represented: The opportunity to ensure that VMI sustains its academic position among the leading colleges and universities throughout the country and the opportunity to support VMI in its unique time-honored mission of educating capable, honorable, and active citizen-soldiers ready in times of peace and war to defend and lead our nation. It is this dimension of building character that sets the Institute apart. It is what enables us to say without fear of contradiction that VMI is no ordinary college.

When we started planning for An Uncommon Purpose, some advisers cautioned that the uncertainty about the extent and progress of the economic recovery and the general pressures on higher education might make our goals too ambitious. It was a sound, sober argument. But the campaign cabinet – and tonight, I speak on behalf of its eight members – decided we must press on. Six years later, after much hard work and after passing many milestones, The Campaign for VMI raised a staggering $344 million from 15,000 donors.

Serving on this campaign cabinet has been an honor for all eight of us, because we’ve experienced firsthand, at all levels of giving, the VMI family’s generosity, principled idealism, lack of ego and love of the Institute. We’ve had the pleasure of engaging with so many wonderful graduates from all classes. Uniformly, no matter what year they left this great Institute, our alumni are marked with the same ideals and principles.

Often, the members of the cabinet, our great staff at the VMI

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Foundation and our distinguished 14th superintendent were awed by the generous response to VMI’s needs. More than once, I asked, “Where does this loyalty come from?” Finally, it dawned on me: What we have experienced throughout the campaign and the core reason for its success has been an outpouring of what we have long called “the VMI spirit.”

Before exploring that idea further, however, let me recognize a number of people who have been instrumental in making An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI a success. Execution is everything.

Leadership starts at the top, and VMI is blessed to have at its helm a remarkable superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. Binnie brought all of his energy, his wisdom, his foresight and his aspirations for the Institute to bear on this effort. He showed patience when necessary and, more frequently, warmth, charm, and creativity. His long-range plan for VMI – Vision 2039 – informed and inspired the campaign’s more immediate mission. I speak from my heart when I say that the cabinet will be forever grateful to have worked closely with Binnie on this noble venture.

To state the obvious, without his magnificent leadership, this campaign would never have been as successful as it was. God bless you, my friend.

VMI is a complex and, to some, mysterious institution. To best represent her, you need people who have led many of her supporting organizations.

In that context, let me share with you a few facts about the cabinet. The eight members brought to the campaign 56 years of service on the VMI Board of Visitors, and two of them have served as its president. They had a combined 84 years of service as trustees of the VMI Foundation, and four of them have served it as the president. One of them is a past president of the VMI Alumni Association, and these men have given a combined 20 years of service on its board. They also included a former president of the VMI Keydet Club and have a combined 52 years of service to the Jackson-Hope Fund, two of whom were founding overseers.

No matter how generous our family might be, we could not have achieved success without these alumni who thoroughly understand VMI’s donors and VMI itself. Our vice chairmen – Conrad Hall ’65 and

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Jim Rogers ’67 – and Walt Perrin ’62, John Jumper ’66, Tom Slater ’66 and Bill Paulette ’69 all lent their considerable prestige and applied their equally considerable talents to the campaign. Teamwork, consistent civility and good judgement typified this group. We all owe them our gratitude for a job well done.

Let me also thank two past presidents of the VMI Foundation, Walt Jeffress ’68 and Hugh Fain ’80, who gave wise advice and sound counsel and enthusiastically supported the cabinet’s efforts.

Now, let me return to the idea of the VMI spirit. What is it? Where does it come from? Why is it important? What is its relevance to An Uncommon Purpose? Each of us might have a different explanation of what is meant by VMI spirit. To me, the VMI spirit refers to the elements of character that are imbued in every cadet and, thus, every alumnus, by the VMI education.

Inexplicably, the classical idea that a person’s character can be cultivated is one that has fallen out of favor within higher education. At VMI, however, we celebrate concepts of personal conduct that seem to us immutable. Can you imagine a VMI without an honor system? Can you imagine a society that once again understood honor and widely respected it? Can you imagine VMI without a sense of teamwork or demands for personal responsibility? Can you imagine our society embracing teamwork and personal responsibility?

Can you imagine VMI without patriotism and love of country?

To me, therefore, the spirit of VMI is shaped by these elements of character that we hold dear and work hard to inculcate in our cadets. VMI, from its inception, was intended to form the character of every cadet in such a way as to prepare them to be resolute, purposeful and honorable leaders. In the sweep of history, these have been the qualities of civic virtue and the values that have been central to western civilization. They are what the VMI spirit actually is all about. They are what make VMI graduates stand out among their peers. They are what have given VMI its national reputation.

And, they are what drove this campaign to success.

Tonight, we celebrate. This is a well-earned moment. But, it can be only a moment, because there is much work to be done. When you wake up tomorrow, I ask you to start thinking about the larger, long-term goals that we must reach in order to preserve the Institute’s ability to train our graduates to lead the country. I want you to do so with a full understanding of where VMI stands today. We are in an intense competition with other schools for the best applicants, faculty, coaches and staff.

All good things must to come to an end. And, tonight, we mark the recent completion of this historic campaign. As we do so, we issue a challenge to those in the classes from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s: It’s your turn. It’s now your responsibility to come forward and to secure VMI’s future and provide leadership for future efforts. In this task, we wish you all the best, and we will do whatever we can to help you.

Thank you to everyone for all you did for this campaign and for all you will do for the Institute in the future. God bless you, and God bless VMI.

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178th Founders Day Parade Nov. 10, 2017

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First Fall Reunion Sept. 8-9, 2017

Classes of 1972, 1982 & the Honored Class of 1992

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Second Fall Reunion Oct. 21-22, 2017

Classes of 2002, 2012, 2016 & the Honored Class of 2007

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Chealsea “Gatling Gun” Sias ’17 Takes National Boxing Title

by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor

Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a boxing ring, the crowd around you cheering so loudly you can feel the floor vibrating and the ropes shaking. You’re hyperaware of each shout toward you: “Cha-Cha! Keep hitting!”

But taking in each of these chants uses the few seconds you have after the bell rings, and your opponent advances to size you up – the competition. What you find staring back at you is somebody twice your size, and all you can think is, “I have no idea what I’m doing.” Do you catch yourself turning defensive or offensive? “Everybody – coaches, my friends, brother rats – were telling me I needed to go for body shots,” explained Chealsea Sias ’17, “but I was sure [my opponent] was going to expect that. So, I realized it was really going to hurt, but I had to get hit.”

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efore Chealsea Sias ’17 found herself in the middle of a three-day winning streak at the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships – making history by earning the first national title of any female cadet at VMI – she explained that her beginning in the sport was unintentional. Her roommate, a power lifter, kept mentioning a desire to join the team but was hesitant to attend practice. “I went down to the gym with her and met the coaches, and they didn’t really talk to me at first ... I’m guessing a lot of cadets show up down there, but once they get hit in the face, they leave,” stated Sias. “I did get hit in the face, but that just made me want to go back more.” Major Christopher Perry ’05 and Col. Gary Levenson ’80, both of the commandant staff at VMI, also encouraged her to join the boxing team. “I’m kind of a problem child. I’m always lost in the sauce,” she joked, “... and Major Perry kept telling me since my 3rd Class year to box. But I just thought he was trying to give me a hint that I had anger problems – which I know.” However, when Sias discovered she owed thousands of dollars in tuition just two weeks shy of the start of the school year, she quickly sought out their help. “I called Colonel Levenson on his cellphone and Major Perry, too, and told them that I couldn’t come back and that I needed help.” Together, both men helped Sias find loans, helped her with co-signers and allowed her the ability to approach her final year at VMI without the worry of financial stress. “After that happened, Major Perry told me, ‘You know, I really want you to join the boxing team.’ He didn’t force me to do it ... but I picked up what he was putting down,” stated Sias.

Although she did join the team, Sias admitted her initial commitment wavered. Handling personal life struggles and getting into trouble frequently at VMI, she came to the conclusion that boxing was the factor that changed everything. “When I was consistently boxing, I was too tired to worry about my weekends or get into trouble. I went to class, I boxed and that was it. It was a good set up,” Sias elaborated.

Not to mention, she enjoyed the atmosphere that practice provided, feeling that the coaches related to and encouraged everyone on the team.

“I’d spar with the guys, and I would just get such a high, and I would walk out of practice with a dented eye and slight concussion and just be smiling from ear to ear,” Sias quipped. Once her coaches deemed her “Cha-Cha,” due to a spirited childhood mispronunciation of her name Chealsea, she knew she was seen as an integral part of the team.

Leading up to the USIBA National Championships, Sias couldn’t shake her hesitation to

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Top photo: Chealsea Sias ’17 before the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships in March 2017.

Bottom photo: Sias during a boxing competition.

VMI photos courtesy Stephen Hanes. compete in front of a crowd for the first time.

She described obsessing over her preparation.

“At practice, we would do this thing – I don’t even know if it’s really allowed – but we’d do corner sparring. Basically, we get into the ring at practice and you get into the corner and the other teammates get in a line, and one by one, they just come up to you and wail on you for 20 seconds. Then coaches call time. Immediately, a brand-new, freshly-breathed person goes in on you,” Sias elaborated. She explained that, although intense, it taught her endurance, because once the line was complete, somebody new would be in the corner, and you become the aggressor. “It also taught you to focus, because you’d try and find a way to get out of getting hit for a split second while you’re in the corner and score a hit back that’s effective enough that

the person backs off for a second. It got to the point where I was able to take the hits and not even feel them,” she said.

Aside from building on physical strength and endurance, Sias described that boosting the morale of the team was at the top of the preparation list. “Every interviewer has always asked about winning or losing. But, as a team, we don’t talk about that. Coach always said before Nationals, it was 6 trillion, 100 percent, give it your all, at all times.” And the motivation to make her team proud is what fueled Sias to complete her class work, march her PTs and focus as much as she could on building her competitive confidence. But she soon hit a snag when she realized that, only four days out, she weighed 9 pounds above her weight class. “I had a lot of anger that I was shifting onto Major Perry

Vmi Alumni Review

and the coaches at that point, because I never wanted to do Nationals. They all told me I was doing Nationals and put me on the poster, and the school knew and everyone was hyping it up ... and I was petrified,” Sias divulged.

Sias filtered that worry through extreme dedication to dropping the extra weight. “All I could control was what I could fix,” she stated, “which was weight loss, and let me tell you, I think that was the biggest challenge of the whole entire season.” Sias ingeniously would wake up at 5 a.m. to have an empty bathroom, turn the heat up, duct tape shower curtains and lock the door – which, she admitted, she knew she wasn’t supposed to do. But she needed a sauna.

After 30 minutes of sweating, she’d go for a run and eat two bowls of eggs for breakfast while drinking 1-2 gallons of water a day. “I had to learn how to work with water weight and how to manipulate staying hydrated while losing that water weight,” she discussed. The inability to eat was difficult, and she recalled having only nine pieces of spinach and two spoonfuls of sweet and sour tuna one particular day. “On top of all of this, I bought the biggest pack of jolly ranchers, and at all times, I had a jolly rancher in my mouth and a water bottle in my hand.”

She continued, “I’d spit everything out, because the jolly ranchers get your saliva glands going, and I was forcing all of the liquid I could out of my body.”

To further build up her spirit, Sias would go down to Cocke Hall every day and watch the assembly of the boxing ring. “It sounds like something out of a movie,” she teased. “I’d go up to the cardio room after practice, and I would stare down at the ring as I was on either the treadmill or stairmaster, and I would be there for 30-40 minutes, go back to the sauna, study at night, sleep, repeat, until Thursday hit.” That day, the team arose and was ready at 6:15 a.m. at the ring, and if they were overweight, they quickly grabbed a jump rope or sledgehammer and got to work. Around 6:45 a.m., they assembled on a bus and headed to a local hotel for the official weigh-ins. “It was nerve-wracking to be separated from the guys on the team, as weird as it sounds,” Sias explained, “and we were shuffled around like cows, carrying around a little booklet that has all our information in it and having the doctor visit.” Then, breakfast was provided. But Sias couldn’t risk gaining any weight or throwing her body into shock after deliberate starvation, so she vividly recalled

watching her opponents devour food as her stomach growled and the thought reiterated in her mind that in 4-5 hours, it was game time.

Sias was one of only a few from her team slotted for a match the first night. She internalized more and more just how anxious she felt.

“Major Perry walked me into the gym and was telling me what I should do when fighting, and I don’t know what made me do it, but I decided not to be like everyone else air sparring and jumping around ... I needed to [lie] down,” Sias argued. So that’s exactly what she did, with every opponent watching. She put her feet up on a chair and stayed that way for an hour. Quick to notice this behavior was a female opponent Sias described as “huge.” When Sias took note of her, she joked to her coach that her bad luck meant this giant was in her weight class, but the coach disagreed. Sias waited quietly until it was finally time to approach the ring.

She entered her first match unable to shake the thought that she’d only had experience fighting men. Sias convinced herself that her punches didn’t hurt. “Coach was in my ear telling me to strike first, but I went in there with my hands up,” Sias disclosed. “I had that tactic in that fight, and it was horrible.” But Sias actually won that fight,

Sias earned a hard-fought win in the competition. VMI photo courtesy Stephen Hanes.

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Title page photo and photo at left by Robert Alexander Williams.

despite severely underestimating her strength. As the crowd witnessed, whenever her opponent hit her, Sias made an avid point to square up, steady herself and take the hit. Referees in boxing pay more attention to the aggression and advancement of a fighter than they do the amount of hits landed. “Every time I would hit her, she would move, and I’d take a step forward and hit her again, and it was that way the whole time,” she stated. Unanimously, they called the fight in Sias’ favor. “The only thing that allowed me to know I was doing well was that every time I hit her, I heard the volume of the crowd raise up. So I listened to the crowd.”

Friday came, and it was Day Two of Nationals. With a boost in confidence, Sias entered her second fight feeling prepared, albeit sore. “Now that I knew I was sticking my hits and realizing that on the first night I wasn’t even trying my hardest, I went into the second fight telling myself to hit as hard as I could ... and that fight ... my opponent quit.” Her good fortune was only increasing, until her coach approached her with a bombshell. Her final opponent was the giant she commented on earlier in the competition.

Sias’s friends, coaches and supporters immediately started hyping her up for the fight that was to take place Saturday. “She was huge, and I was kind of kicking myself for doing so well up to that point, because how was I going to live up to that?” she questioned. Grappling with the idea of researching her opponent’s previous fights or not, Sias decided she’d go into the match blindly.

That way, she wouldn’t overthink it.

The morning of the match, it quickly became apparent just how invested everybody else was in Sias’ victory. “Major Perry came up to me before the fight, and I’ve never seen him so upset,” she stated. While Sias was calming her nerves through her ritual of relaxing, eyes shut and headphones in, her opponent had been deliberately strutting around the gym, flexing her muscles and putting on a show of intimidation. “Everybody was so bothered by it, and I knew she was trying to get a rise out of people ... and so I’m getting my hands wrapped and everyone is asking what my plan was – what my tactic was – and how I needed to attack her,” Sias explained. But because Sias took notice of her opponent’s long limbs and extremely built, athletic body overall – to include a six-pack – she knew this opponent wasn’t the type to let somebody advance on her. In fact, taking the intimidation factor even higher, when it came time to knock gloves at the start of the competition, Sias was taken aback when she refused.

“Even the girl who quit while fighting me the night before hugged me after the competition,” elaborated Sias, “VMI always teaches us to have

good sportsmanship ... so I didn’t know how to react to her not knocking gloves with me.”

Drowning out the chaos around her, Sias approached her final fight understanding that it was definitely going to hurt, but she had to get hit. “I blacked out a little bit with every punch,” she explained. “One hit took my whole cheek with it, but I kept focusing and soon realized she was a technical fighter, and I was able to start counting her hits. The first few times I counted, I would let her throw a punch, move my head back – which is dangerous to do, because my chin is up and open and I’m unbalanced – but I’d fade one hit, lean forward, take my left hand and throw it out of the way, which would throw off her flow and open her up from her stance, and I’d follow through and connect to her chin.

You could tell she wasn’t used to getting hit. It freaked her out.” Feeling the rush of seeing her larger-than-life opponent falter, Sias aggressively continued, in sync with the booming crowd praising her, until eventually, her opponent fell to the ground. “Everyone lost it,” Sias joked.

She endured six exhausting, thrilling minutes in the ring, but after all the time elapsed, she truly believed she had lost. With tears in her eyes, she apologized to her coach. “There was no part of my mind that thought I won. I went

back from my corner to the referee at the center of the ring, and when he grabbed our hands and said, ‘The fighter with the majority decision,’ I knew she had won. But then ... they raised my hand,” Sias emphasized. Her tears of failure quickly turned to tears of joy.

Sias reflected on the tumultuous journey to Nationals feeling an incredible appreciation for all she learned. “I never thought I had talent. I was so emotional after winning, because up until that point, I had had a difficult time at VMI – mostly by my own making,” she admitted. “But you know, I’d had financial problems, family problems. I came from a very poverty-stricken area in the bottom of Texas, had moved around my whole life with my dad being in the military.” All these things equated to a lack of her understanding the underlying purpose at VMI. But seeing the comradery among her supporters – to include young local girls who created signs of encouragement and attended every match she fought in Nationals – Sias finally felt solidified in her accomplishments at VMI. And her heart and effort certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

“After the competition, an alumnus told one of the coaches that my name should be Chealsea ‘Gatling Gun’ Sias. For somebody to see me like that because of what I did – that was amazing.”

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Association News A Message From the President Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends of VMI, The year 2018 marks my 13th year on the board of the VMI Alumni Association – a labor of love, but one with many blessings that I will forever cherish. During this time, the Institute has undergone a significant transformation, and I have observed – both firsthand and through the cadetships of two sons – the value of the VMI experience as it is today. I am truly proud to be “from VMI.” I believe it is imperative for all of us to become informed advocates for VMI. The VMI experience stands upon the Three-Legged Stool of academics, military and athletics. Academic standards have never been higher; commissioning is at its highest level in decades; and more than half of the Corps participates in competitive athletics (NCAA and club level) in an already physically demanding regimen. Yet many in our ranks are frustrated with our inability to win on a consistent basis, so I want to share my observations and issue a challenge to everyone reading this letter.

When you set out to solve a problem, you examine the symptoms, but you treat the root causes. Our football team struggled this season; wins have been hard to come by for a very long time. No one wants to win at football more than the superintendent, the Board of Visitors, our athletic director, head football coach Scott Wachenheim, and our coaching staff, our team, our Corps and the alumni. Our football team fought long and hard after many others would have thrown in the towel. We are and always will be a passionate bunch, and we never quit.

Louthan ’82 There are few events that draw alumni, family and friends to post like a football Saturday; these events are strategic to the success of the Foundation and the Keydet Club fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, many are frustrated by lack of football success, and think that nothing is being done to address our failure to win.

However, in my 13 years, VMI has very methodically built a firm foundation for athletics. Rather than retreating to an easier battlefield, we have been attacking the issue and the root causes head on through Vision 2039. We returned to the Southern Conference – a welcomed homecoming – with enhanced facilities like Foster Stadium, Gray-Minor Stadium and Saunders Fields. We built the Luck Family Football Weight Room, Fiorini Field and Paulette Hall. Cocke Hall and Cormack Hall were overhauled for the first time in many decades, we now enjoy the finest indoor track and field facility on the East Coast in the Corps Physical Training Facility, and we have plans for a massive new aquatics center.

We have recruited coaches of the highest caliber across all sports, as well as high-character athletes who perform in the classroom and on the bricks as well as on the playing field. They graduate with a VMI diploma and all of the academic rigor and military discipline it demands. The athletic programs are financially sound so coaches can plan for the four-year cycle, and our Keydet Club fundraising totals are the envy of everyone in the Southern Conference.

Were we to offer our fans a winning game day experience, I sincerely believe our fans would return in record numbers, affording the Alumni Agencies unprecedented opportunities to engage our alumni, parents and friends in a very meaningful way. Meaningful engagement leads to increased engagement, and increased engagement leads to increased philanthropic opportunities. All boats would rise with the rising tide of a winning football program.

But the VMI family needs to do the hard things it takes to win. Right now, only 11 percent of alumni contribute annually to the athletic funds, while over 28 percent provide funding to the Foundation. It is essential that we have one Corps, united, imbued with the disciplines of cadet life and bound by the strongest Honor System at any school anywhere in America. And that one Corps includes our alumni renewing those bonds every time we climb the sentinel box, join in the Old Yell and sing the “Doxology.”

Now is the opportunity for all of us to be part of the solution. Recognizing the firm foundation that has been set, and knowing how passionate you are about winning in a way consistent with the core values of VMI, I challenge you to become informed advocates for VMI athletics and to make your contributions to athletics at VMI unrestricted. This allows our administration and coaches the greatest flexibility in using funds where they are most needed. Our focus will be targeted at gaining maximum allowable NCAA scholarships in all sports and achieving a 50/50 balance between in-state and out-of-state scholarships. National recruiting is more expensive, so unrestricted funds will support this effort. Imagine what we might accomplish if we all got behind the team.

Please join me. Let’s get to work.

Yours in the Spirit of VMI,

Robert P. Louthan ’82 President, VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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Vmi Alumni Review

Association News

VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M and Norwich University Alumni Gather

On Sept. 14, 2017, alumni from VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M University and Norwich University gathered at The Shrimp Boat Restaurant in Panama City, Florida. The theme for the event was focused on military schools’ participation in World War II, with a presentation by Ted Roberts, historian (Texas A&M ’86).

Tampa Chapter Hosts Watch Party

Tampa Chapter President Reunites with Rat Send-off Cadets

The Tampa Chapter held a VMI versus The Citadel football game watch party in October 2017. Pictured at the event were, from left, Bob Bailey ’72, Hannah Harley ’16, Denny and Pam Sullivan ’72, and Josh Goewey ’82.

During the fall reunion weekend, Bob Bailey ’72, Tampa Chapter president, gathered Tampa-area cadets for a picture and a brief moment of camaraderie. Several of the cadets were previous attendees of the chapter’s rat send-offs. Pictured were, from left, Cadets Clay Radford ’20, Hunter Jacob ’20, Michael Dunleavy ’21, Bailey, Daniel Hulsebosch ’21, Ben Wagner ’19 and Bryson Kelly ’18.

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Association News

Alumni Association Chapters Host 32 Rat Send-offs In summer 2017, VMI alumni, family and friends were out to ensure the latest group of incoming cadets felt welcomed to the VMI family before they got a taste of the Rat Line. Alumni chapters across the country hosted 32 rat send-offs, in which 42 chapters were represented. These events served as a great opportunity for more than 210 incoming cadets to meet their soon-to-be brother rats and more than 300 alumni who volunteered their time to answer questions, share stories and offer words of encouragement to the young men and women.

The VMI Alumni Agencies provided various levels of support to many of the chapters involved, and there was an Agencies representative at 20 of the 32 events. “The rat send-offs were really great to be a part of. They varied in size, location and formality, but there was a common theme at each one: VMI spirit. Alumni, family and friends went above and beyond to share their experiences with the incoming cadets and their families, and it was truly special to see everyone so eager to make sure that they and their parents felt supported as they entered the first chapter of their VMI experience. The alumni chapters did an excellent job, and I look forward to another successful round of rat send-offs in summer 2018,” stated T.J. Lighton ’15, program outreach coordinator.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship Doctor G. Lee Southard ’59 and his family established the Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship in 1985. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist VMI graduates pursuing an advanced degree leading to Protestant Christian ministry. The scholarship is named in honor of Jonathan M. Daniels ’61, who, after graduating from VMI, followed a call to ministry and entered seminary.

For more information, applications and instructions, please contact Mary Cannon, administrative assistant in the VMI Chaplains’ Office, at cannonml@vmi.edu. The degree pursued must lead to service as a pastor or military chaplain in Protestant ministry. The deadline for submitting the application is July 15 of each year.

Scholarships are awarded in August.

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Post-Graduate Scholarships Available Graduates from VMI may apply for post-graduate scholarships to support their graduate and professional study. These scholarships are for those pursuing a graduate degree in any field, including law, business or engineering. Application materials and instructions are available from Lt. Col. Meagan Herald, chair of the Graduate Education Subcommittee (heraldmc@vmi.edu). The deadline for the receipt of all application materials is March 15, 2018.

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Association News

Newly-formed Middle East Chapter Gathers On Nov. 16, 2017, the newly-formed Middle East Chapter gathered at the Sportsman’s Arms in Abu Dhabi, in which those present discussed chapter business as well as enjoyed time together. Pictured at the event were, from left, Mark Lineberry ’00, Matthew Sinkez ’10, John Tempone Jr. ’01 and Aaron Thatcher ’05.

VMI Seeks Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 In order to more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a

VMI Veterans Transition Program

sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations, by email at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104.

Save the Date: Legacy Day

April 14, 2018

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 Eric Hunter ’08, career networking officer, at ehunter@vmiaa. org, and discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

Please visit www.vmialumni.org/legacy to register by April 12, 2018.

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CLASS NOTES

1935

Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

Hearty greetings and Happy New Year from the Class of ’35!

The Institute’s “senior man,” Jim Sherman, is doing fine, and as this is being written (late October 2017), a VMI delegation is making plans to drive to North Carolina to visit Jim in the next three weeks.

Jim is bearing down on 104 (March 31). If you would like to send Jim birthday greetings or thank him for his gallant service during the Big War, please drop me a line, and I’ll send you his mailing address. Don’t think twice about this. Do it now.

We lost Jane Warren McIntyre Ferrell Oct. 17. Jane and William (“Nip”) Barksdale Ferrell were married for 63 years. They moved to Florida in the 1960s and enjoyed their time there.

Jane was certainly a sister rat, if there ever was one. She embraced the VMI family. When I began writing this column eight years ago, Jane wrote me a series of letters that were invaluable to me. She described in detail what it was like living in hard scrabble Virginia during the Great Depression, and I

Class of 1935: Jim Sherman, VMI’s senior man.

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passed that information along in this column.

And she always wanted me to know that she was still driving on the Interstate highways, even though she was well into her 90s. I never knew if that was a challenge or a warning.

What a lovely lady she was. Thank you, Jane.

If you have been reading this column, you know that we like to look back at some of the classic nicknames assigned to members of the Old Corps. The 1907 Bomb is a useful source. We note that Cadet Monroe F. Cockrell of Dallas, Texas, was at various times, “Biscuit,” “Biscotchie,” “Cocky,” “Greaser,” “Cicero,” “Demosthenes” and “Venus.”

I attended the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy game in Colorado Springs in September 2017, and during the tailgate party, at least two alumni asked me if I wrote ’35’s class notes. That question is very gratifying to me. It tells me that the senior classes, even classes that graduated more than 80 years ago, still have an audience. As more classes, especially the World War II classes, move into super senior status, I hope that younger alumni will continue to tell their story. On behalf of Jim Sherman, thank you for your support.

Until next time, Rah Virginia Mil! Dick Knight ’70

1938

Cody Hennelly ’10

Greetings from 1938, Mr. Johnson and I hope all of you are doing well and were able to enjoy the holidays.

This spring marks the Class of 1938’s 80th graduation anniversary, and if that is not incredible enough, Henry was named the second-oldest living alumnus by the Alumni Association this past fall! Henry is in good spirits and wishes everyone the very best through the rest of the winter.

The Old Corps lives on, Cody and Henry (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, we learned of the death of Henry Johnson Dec. 8, 2017. His Taps entry will appear in the 2018-Issue 2 Alumni Review.)

Class of 1938: Henry Johnson and several of his brother rats during their rat year, from the 1935 Bomb. Pictured were, top row, Thomas Jeffrey Jr., Henry Johnson and Harold Johnson Jr. Bottom row: Kenneth King and Yancy Knowles.

1939

Frank Parker III ’64

Lisa Tracy has been interviewing alumni, focusing on those from the World War II era, for several years. She was kind enough to provide her interview with Ira Saxe. I encourage other relatives or friends with stories concerning the Class of ’39 to send them to me.

Ira Saxe remembers coming to VMI from the town of West Hurley, New York, by himself on a train with a single suitcase.

He’d entered high school at age 12; then, he said, he did an extra year. “So, I was young,” he said. But he’d met a rising VMI 3rd Class cadet, a young man by the name of John Fogg Twombly ’38, whose family would come up to the Catskills in the summer to escape the heat of the New York City suburbs. Twombly’s tales of this military school in Virginia fascinated young Saxe enough that he persuaded his family to send him there.

(Colonel John Twombly would go on to serve with distinction in the U.S. State Department, according to the VMI Register of Former Cadets.)

Surprisingly, many of Ira’s classmates came some distance to go to VMI; besides VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the majority of Virginians and a good number of Texans, there were men from as far away as upstate New York, like Ira, but also Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Wyoming and even San Francisco – as well as the number you’d expect from the South.

Ira recalled he knew nothing about VMI except what Twombly had told him but quickly found himself walking the Rat Line.

He recalled a pair of 2nd Class cadets who took note of him – he was 6 feet 4 inches tall, so he didn’t exactly blend into the woodwork – and had him doing endless squats for about the first six months.

But he found his niche in sports. Here’s how he remembers it: “I went out for track; I was a high jumper and 120-yard hurdles runner. I was 6 foot 4, and sports [were] my whole life. Basketball and track ... I loved sports. As a kid growing up, after school, we’d meet at the field and play baseball and touch football. I lived on a farm, and we had a converted barn to store hay, and in high school, I put up a basket in the barn.

“So at VMI, I took electrical engineering, because I had heard it was difficult, and I thought it would be a good challenge. I was always good at putting things together; I was the youngest in the family, with three older sisters ... and at one point, they’d taken me to see a track meet. When we got home, I made my own high jump out of two posts and a fishing pole. So, that was how I got started on track.

“I was the tallest man in F Company; I think I was probably the tallest in the whole school. I was in the field artillery. And in those days, if you were in field artillery, you had to learn to ride horses, and I wanted to learn.

“The biggest excitement was that there were a couple of low jumps, one right after the other. They didn’t want you to pull on the reins, so you had to let go of the reins altogether, and you were riding bareback. One time I was slipping off – we had canvas leggings – and one of the horse’s hooves came close enough to knock a buckle right off my leggings. I just missed getting a broken ankle, but I didn’t even get a bruise.

“Well, I used to rent a horse and go riding after school, so that gives you some idea.

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And in those days, we had summer camp, and for field artillery training, the field artillery equipment was pulled by three teams of horses, and you had a team pulling the cannon and a team pulling the caisson that carried the ammunition. For each team, you had a rider on the left horse, and he controlled both the left and the right horse. So, I controlled the left horse with my left hand and the right horse with my right hand.”

His 1st Class year, Ira won the Virginia state high-jump championship, which he says was the athletic high point of his sports career. Here’s how he tells it: “I jumped just short of 6 feet. It was raining, and a lot of those who could jump higher couldn’t do it in the rain. At that point, the Fosbury Flop hadn’t been invented. You go over with your back to the bar and land on your shoulders on a big, soft mat. But that hadn’t been invented. There were no mats; you had to land in the sand. You would have killed yourself going over the way they do today. So we’d do a scissors jump – go up, throw the right leg over, lift up the left leg and roll away. You’re in a kind of sitting position, and that made it difficult to go very high, but over the years, I had developed a habit of, instead of the sitting position, I laid out flat on my back going over. I did my own innovation; I’d flatten out, and it gave me a few more inches, and that was what gave me the edge, especially that particular day. And so, I was able to get almost 6 feet high, and that was enough to win the state meet in ’39.”

One of the Class of ’39 went on to be named to the Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

But there was sadness and loss, as well. Ira recalls that one of his roommates died from a bad fall during a boxing match in their 1st Class year, which resulted in boxing being dropped as a sport at the Institute.

A number of the class found themselves called up to serve as World War II started.

Two landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Several were killed in action in campaigns ranging from Italy to New Guinea and China. Two were prisoners of war in Germany. Several died in plane crashes before ever leaving the States. One – Frank Parker – died serving in the Korean War. Of his own fortunes in World War II, Ira

said his electrical engineering training at VMI may have saved him. “The reason I’m here today is – well, in those days, a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery became the forward observer. He would direct his battery by telephone, so they could home in on the target. The forward observer lasted about two weeks. What happened was that the Signal Corps was short of officers. I, being [an electrical engineer], ended up in the Signal Corps. I was in administrative posts for a couple of years. Then I was sent to the Philippines in supply operations for two years. The Japs heard I was coming and they surrendered. No, actually, my service time was up, and they quietly sent me home.”

Ira and his wife married in 1941, just as he was being called up. Their honeymoon, he recalled, was a cross-country drive from Indiana, where he’d been working, to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. After the war, he settled in to work on his family’s dairy farm, but his electrical engineering training from the Institute again intervened.

He was recruited by then-fledgling IBM to work on what turned out to be the United States’ distant early warning system during the Cold War. Ira then went on to work on virtually every space venture from the Mercury and the Gemini to the Apollo and the space shuttle. He recalled, “I saw the entire space program unfold. I met John Glenn, first man to circle the earth; at the time, my team had developed the program to test the radar sites throughout the world to track incoming flights. I was at Cape Canaveral to check out the sites before we put it in operation, and we were on the network listening to John Glenn in flight. After his return, that was when I met him; he was often at Control Center. He just strolled in one day, really nice guy, very modest, very personable, and he just said, ‘Hi, I’m John Glenn.’

Alan Shepard was just the other way. Buddy and I were in the hotel restaurant eating, and he was at the hotel – had a table two away from us, and he was all alone. So we said, ‘Do you want to join us?’ He said, ‘No, thanks; we’re close enough!’”

And of those years 1935-39, Ira said, “Ah, well. I enjoyed all of it. I was never disappointed in my choice.”

Thanks, Lisa.

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Class Notes

1940

Robert Smith

Endowment funding for the Col. Robert A. Merchant Jr. Class of 1940 Memorial Scholarship was completed in 2017 by his daughter, Virginia. Bob Merchant was president of the class and entered the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation. He became an aviator (jets and helicopters), achieved the rank of colonel and retired in 1967 after 27 years of distinguished service. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to cadets based upon need with preference given to those pursuing a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, we learned that Bob Smith, class agent, died Nov. 10, 2017. His Taps entry will appear in the 2018-Issue 2 Alumni Review.)

1941

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

Since the publication of the last Alumni Review, the ranks of VMI ’41 remains at three surviving brother rats.

Charles “Chuck” Abbitt of Richardson, Texas, stated that his biggest concern at 97 years of age is understanding just how his cellphone volume control works. Other than that, he enjoys his routine daily activities while continuing to have to deal with glaucoma issues.

Jack Williams of Hot Springs, Virginia, stated that he stays busy volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program. Recently, he ran into Mark Weiss ’73 at one of the local banks and spent a few minutes catching up. At 97 years of age, Williams is in good health and likes getting out and enjoying the Virginia fall weather.

Robert “Bob” Maling of San Antonio, Texas, recently had to place his beloved 32

wife of 45 years, Mila, in hospice due to her advanced Alzheimer’s condition. At 98 years of age, he enjoys his daily parade walks and stays active in various activities at the senior living facility where he resides.

I wish each of these three gentlemen the best as we enter the holiday season and look forward to staying in touch in 2018.

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

1942

Charles B. Miller

I was going to write that one-third of the six surviving members of the Class of 1942 live in Florida, a third in Texas and a third in Virginia, but last fall, Jack Patton moved from Bridgewater, Virginia, to Overland Park, Kansas, to be closer to his family. Jack’s move adds about 733 miles to the road trip I’ve been thinking about to visit all five of my brother rats. With the help of MapQuest, I’ve worked out the itinerary: Start at Richmond, Virginia, to Fred Love in Delray Beach, Florida: 13 hours, 24 minutes, 895 miles. To: Harry Siebert in New Smyrna Beach, Florida: Three hours, 15 minutes, 197 miles. To: Bob Goodman in Austin, Texas: 17 hours, 48 minutes, 1,124 miles. To Lloyd Leech in San Antonio, Texas: One hour, 21 minutes, 68 miles. To Jack Patton in Overland Park, Kansas: 11 hours 31 minutes, 733 miles. Back to Richmond: 16 hours 55 minutes, 1,058.06 miles. The total trip, not counting stops, would take 64 hours and 15 minutes to cover 4,077 miles. Now, I don’t think Mary or I are up to this, but it was fun to think about.

Before leaving Virginia, Jack did come see me in Richmond, accompanied by Chip Parkins, son of Charlie Parkins ’43.

After World War II, Parkins and Patton both taught at VMI for a while. Jack has known Charlie’s son, Chip, since he was a kid, and they have maintained a friendship.

Bob Goodman was enjoying a visit from

his son, David, when we talked in October. It was a special visit, because David lives in Costa Rica.

Fred Love also appreciated a visit from his daughter, Mary Jo, who helped him through Hurricane Irma. As the storm reached Category 5, I had sent Fred and Harry Siebert an email asking, “Your status?”

“Snug as a bug in a rug,” Fred responded.

“A daughter has come down, so I am well cared for. Just hope Irma quiets a little or moves, because we are on dead center as of now.” That was Sept. 7. A week later, Fred wrote, “We had no power for two days but fortunate, as some neighbors still don’t. I missed my CPAP and slept poorly but ate well with Mary Jo using the grill and Sterno handily. Being a native Floridian growing up before air conditioning, I designed my house when built in 1966 to avail the breeze, etc., thus we did not suffer from heat as much.

Minimal damage. Swimming pool filled with palmetto fronds and assorted debris. Top winds were about 95.”

Harry and Jody Siebert spent last summer as usual in their vacation home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. As they were about to leave, they heard about Irma and stayed an extra 10 days in Mars Hill. When they did get back to Florida, they found only minimal damage to their apartment building.

The day we talked, Harry and Jody had spent the morning with their attorney, William T. Preston, whom they met a few

Class of 1942: Jack Patton; Chip Parkins, son of Charlie Parkins ’43; and Charlie Miller at lunch at Charlie’s retirement facility in Richmond a few days before Jack moved back West.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes years ago because of the license plate on Harry’s car: VMI42. Harry says, “I was driving along, and this guy in a jeep kept waving and blowing his horn. I finally pulled over and asked, ‘What the hell is wrong?’ Lo and behold, he said he just wanted me to know his great-great-grandfather was Col. J.T.L. Preston” – one of the founders of VMI and the namesake of Preston Library.

He’s been their lawyer ever since.

Perhaps I will do better in the next issue.

For those who wondered, my health is rather good. I celebrated my 96th birthday Oct. 14 with our six children and our surviving 15 grandchildren. It was a lively occasion.

Until the future class notes, Jeff

1944

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

1943

Jeffrey G. Smith

genjeffrey@aol.com

My class notes are very brief. First and foremost, I am saddened to report the death of John Halsey May 23, 2017. John was living at the Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond.

John was 94 years old; one of the youngest in our class – if not the youngest. Four children and six grandchildren survive him.

John and I were among those relatively few who were commissioned in the Cavalry. Not only that, we were in the final class trained at the Cavalry School (Fort Riley, Kansas) as HORSE Cavalry. The commandant of the U.S. Army Cavalry School specifically decreed such training – sort of a last hurrah for the horses.

Bill Gottwald sent me a potpourri of old clippings pertaining to our class and VMI. It will take me a while to go through them.

I will pass anything of general interest along in my class notes. Not so incidentally, Bill Gottwald was very much part and parcel of all I write of the Cavalry school.

Way back in August of this year, Dick Catlett and I had a lively chat about how he pines for the good old days when he was both an active practicing lawyer and a more than fair golfer. Dick misses the golf. And I mean that Dick misses golf (which he apparently has had to give up playing) in a big way. I wish I could help and join Dick for a round on the golf course. My balance is not what it once was. And balance, as most of you know, is a necessity for golf.

True to my word, my notes are brief. Sorry.

2018-Issue 1

News flash! The Institute and the Alumni Association have established the 75th Reunion date for the Class of 1944: April 1516, 2019 (Monday and Tuesday).

Among the current 10 members of our class, I am hopeful that several or more will assemble in Lexington to celebrate the occasion. I count myself among the hopeful to be present. It is recognized that all of us have physical and perhaps other limitations that would make coming to Lexington a real task; nonetheless, I am reminded that, in the past, we have had brother rats attend our reunions with the aid of canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc., and the help of family members or friends. Where there was a will, a way was found. Please let that inspire each of us to find a way to be there in 2019. Now is the time to start giving this serious consideration, including any special arrangements each of us may require to make the trip and visit in Lexington possible.

Our late BR Tom Williams’ son, Evan, sent me the obituary for his mother, Sally, who died July 30, 2017, at her home in Richmond. She was 91. Sally was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1926, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Orren Smith. She was a graduate of Sweet Briar College. She and Tom were married for 63 years. Three daughters; their son, Evan; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild survive. Sally was a former tour guide for the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau and the ROn-The James. She was generous in volunteering her time to several Richmond area activities, including serving as a tour guide at Agecroft Hall, as a docent and member

of the council at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Children’s Theater and the Sheltering Arms Hospital. With Tom, Sally was an avid croquet player. They established the sport at the Country Club of Virginia, where they were members, and played croquet around the country. She was a member of Richmond’s First Presbyterian Church and was active in the church circle. Other activities and memberships included the Junior League of Richmond and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

A memorial service was held at the First Presbyterian Church Aug. 3. Over the years, Sally was a well-recognized member of the Class of 1944 family, as she accompanied and supported Tom in his dedication of extensive time and efforts associated with the alumni activities of our class.

Barbara Gil, daughter of our late Brother Rat retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Montague, contacted me to advise that her mother, Eleanor (Ellie) Massie Montague, 85, died in Thonotosassa, Florida, Sept. 29, 2017. Ellie and Jack had been married 62 years. Ellie was born in Christian County, Kentucky, in 1932. A brother survives, together with her three children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She traveled the world with her husband, living in many places over the 30 years of Jack’s military career, before settling in Tampa, Florida. She was an environmental activist for more than 47 years, dedicated to preserving the trees and waterways of her city. While she made many friends and allies in her local government, she also had many opponents, but all respected and admired her dedication to Tampa and its environment.

The city of Tampa held a dedication ceremony, naming the lake in front of her house on West Shore Boulevard Ellie’s Lake Kipling.

This was in part due to her, “You dump it or pump it,” slogan and to honor her lifelong efforts in preserving Tampa Bay’s natural beauty. She owned Ellie’s Decorating Services for 32 years and devoted much of her time and energies in benefiting a wide range of community services. Ellie was a member of the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church and a member of the choir. A memorial service was held there Oct. 7, 2017.

Linda Lonas, daughter of our late Brother 33

Class Notes Rat Leonard Lonas and his wife, Edna Jo, wrote that her mother died Jan.11, 2017, in Purcellville, Virginia, after a long illness. I have attempted without success to obtain a copy of her obituary and thus provide more details. If I can obtain more details, they will be included in a future Class of 1944 notes.

A brief note from Patricia Wen commented on the announcement of the death of Jim Doss, with whom she and her late husband, Patrick, were close friends. She recalled attending our 50th Reunion before their move from this country back to Taiwan, where Patrick was promoted to a three star rank. Patricia said that she is “doing fine,” with her daughter Lillian living next door and taking care of her.

In a note from Porter Hutto, daughter of our late Brother Rat Charlie Parker and his wife, Sophie, written from her home in Atlanta, she passed along a comment about her mother: “Sophie is doing wonderfully – she just had her birthday July 5 – spending time at the cottage she and Daddy bought long ago on Lake Michigan in the little town of Oostburg, Wisconsin, about an

Class of 1944: Bob Smothers, right, with his friend, Mei Kitchen, and Gen. David L. Goldfein, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, left, in October 2016 at the Air Force Air Rescue reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Goldfein was the keynote speaker and a supporter of Air Rescue because he was rescued by Air Rescue during the Vietnam War while serving as a fighter pilot.

34

hour north of Milwaukee. It is simply gorgeous; right on the lake. She is still painting! I have made two books of her work from past art shows.” I also received a note from Sophie with enclosed material about Charlie’s professional career. She said, “All is well here. I’m finishing up a volunteer job and will now have time to paint.”

In a conversation with Peggy Wilson, widow of our Brother Rat Taylor Wilson, Peggy told me what a laugh she and other family members had over learning about the firing range prank pulled by Taylor in 1943. They had not previously heard about the incident described in the Aug.15, 2017, class notes. It’s always nice to know that someone reads this material.

Miriam Helmen, wife of Brother Rat Dr. Robert Helmen, is one of my prime correspondents, keeping me up to date with the adventures that she shares with Bob. They had their usual stay at their farm at Monterey, Virginia, this summer and are now back in their new home at Wheaton, Illinois.

Miriam says that their apartment is very nice. “The best thing besides not having to cook the evening meal is having our daughter just seven minutes away.” They are planning to attend the wedding of a granddaughter in Ashburn, Virginia, in June 2018. We hope to see them during that visit.

Bob Smothers sent me a copy of a soft bound booklet that he has written/compiled about his friend and dance partner, Mei Kitchen. In this substantial work, he covers her amazing life story, how they met and their travels together. One fascinating journey took them to China, where he met a number of Mei’s family members. Writing this type of biographical document is nothing new for Bob. I have seen two others that he has done, viewing them with much envy of his energy and accomplishments.

Dick Niess of Naples, Florida, is a regular email correspondent with some of us, sending a mix of interesting commentary on a variety of social, political and geographical subjects. In his latest, on a serious note, he commented about the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma in Naples and Marco Island. Fortunately, there was no damage to his home, but a tree came down, smashing the windshield of his car. He spent two days

of the hurricane in a church ministry center with 30-plus others and felt very safe there.

He has since recovered from this tense experience, aided by the more normal Naples weather.

I don’t know the source of the following, but it seems very appropriate at age 94 or thereabouts: “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

Tom Peyton Jr.

1945

William Quarles

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1945.

1946

William A. Eliason

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1946.

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

Brother Rats, I hope you had a great fall and holiday season. Ann Wolford did attend the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game in Colorado Springs Sept.2, 2017, and reported that several hundred VMI alumni and friends were on hand. VMI did not win.

We hope and pray that next year will bring better results.

I received the annual report from the Alumni Office concerning contributions.

As usual, ’48B did well. On behalf of VMI, thanks to all of you.

I also received the sad news that Chris VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Hoeser (one of our top contributors) died Aug. 14, 2017. Chris was from Roanoke and played football for Roanoke Catholic School. Together with his good friend and fellow RCS graduate, Al Stupulsky, Chris came to VMI on a football scholarship. I remember Chris as a good, hardworking halfback on the 1944, 1945 and 1946 football teams. Chris’s obituary emphasizes his lifelong devotion to St. Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke and to Roanoke Catholic School where he served as a volunteer coach. Chris attended mass every day of his life. As a fellow Catholic, I should remember Chris, Al Stupulsky and other Catholic brother rats at VMI. Strangely, I don’t remember any Catholic brother rats. Possible other Catholic brother rats would include Chuck Alberto, J.R. Armore, Lou Castellano, Ed Laraja, Al Loth, R.X. Pagliaro and C.J. Schaefer. None of my close friends or roommates were Catholics. Apparently, I was a very indifferent Catholic at the time (but later on, Marion Wolford forced an attitude adjustment). I do remember that all Catholics (usually 10-20) would fall in shortly after breakfast Sunday. The ranking member, usually cadet 1st Capt. Jim Morgan ’45, would march the formation to the small Lexington Catholic Church.

There was no resident clergy; a priest would travel from Staunton to say Sunday Mass (in Latin). I do remember frequently asking Jim Morgan for permission to fall out of church formation in order to prepare my room for inspection. He always made me march to church. Like Jimbo Fitts and his roommates, Al Stupulsky, Tommy Tucker and Blandy Clarkson, Chris was one of the few ’48Bs who graduated in 1947. He returned to Roanoke and joined Norfolk and Western Railway System, ultimately retiring as general manager. Chris served in the Korean War as an artillery lieutenant. He was in an 8-inch howitzer battalion as an air forward observer. This meant flying together with a pilot in a small two-seater over enemy territory, sometimes receiving ground fire. The 8-inch howitzer was our largest artillery piece in Korea and was very popular with the generals because of the damage it could inflict upon the enemy. It had long range and great accuracy. There were only two 2018-Issue 1

8-inch howitzer artillery battalions in Korea. As reported in earlier class notes, Chris and I shared a meeting in Tokyo, Japan, in 1951. I received a message from a high school friend of Chris, Patricia Warner Bolander, of Kure Beach, North Carolina.

Pat, a Southern Seminary grad, reported that Chris arranged a date for her with Billy Guin to attend the ’48B Ring Figure dance. Pat’s dad, Fred Warner, was Chris’ high school football coach at RCS. Coach Warner helped Chris and Al Stupulsky secure their VMI football scholarships. Pat lives near Al Stupulsky in North Carolina and sees him often. Al shares his Alumni Review with her, and Pat enjoys reading about VMI people she knew. She had fond memories and great admiration for Chris.

She quoted an early VMI newspaper article where Chris is described as “the Keydet with the fighting heart.” Farewell to another great ’48B who loved VMI. In early September, a few days before Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida, I received a phone call from Nick Harris of Boynton Beach, Florida. Nick was Chi Mills’ roommate in 1944. I believe their room number was 203; it was adjacent to Washington Arch. Nick was from Mount Savage, Maryland, and attended VMI on a basketball scholarship. I met Nick at the same time that I met Chi Mills. Shortly afterward, I introduced my room 217 roommates, Henry Johnson and Cal Woodard, to Chi Mills, Clyde Grimenstein, Elmer Kozorra and Nick Harris. In that group of seven, there were five first-string football players. A rivalry developed between room 203 and room 217. The five big guys decided that it would be entertaining to have a boxing match between the two little guys, Nick and me. We were about the same size. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but the thought of backing out never entered my mind. Upper classmen Robert Patterson ’48A was recruited to be the referee. Nick and I put on the gloves and we had a three-round bout in room 203. We punched back and forth, and I remember having difficulty just holding my hands up in the third round. The fight was close, and the referee hesitated and bit his fingers before making a decision, but he raised Nick’s arm. Congratulations, Nick!

Seventy-three years later, both of us remember that boxing match. I don’t remember having a VMI basketball team in 1944-45, but Nick pointed out that we did and that Joe Daher was the coach. I am sure we all remember Joe Daher. Not only was he head basketball coach, he was an assistant football coach and taught physical education in a very vigorous manner to most of us. Joe Daher was adopted by the Class of 1947 as an honorary brother rat. Our 1944-45 basketball team had a 2-10 record. Their record in the Southern Conference was 1-4, the win coming over the University of Maryland. Nick was very proud of that. Nick left VMI after one year for military service (Navy). After the war, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration degree from CW Post (Long Island, New York). He joined Republic Aviation in Dayton, Ohio, and was involved with the manufacture of fighter airplanes. He eventually formed his own company which manufactured jet fighter planes and radar equipment. He sold out and retired to Florida in the early 1990s. Nick’s wife died a few years ago, so he now lives alone in his house. They had four daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Nick was resolved to riding out Hurricane Irma in his house. I called Nick in early October to see how he made out during Irma’s travel across Florida. Nick reported that he survived with moderate property damage. He was without power for three days, and it was very hot.

I received from honorary brother rat Tommy Smith ’98 two documents from his father’s (Howard Smith) file. One is a long handwritten letter to his parents from New York Nov. 30, 1946, when Howard was on honor guard duty for R.X. Pagilario. I plan to report and, if possible, include the entire letter in future class notes. The second is a copy of General Orders No. 15 dated Nov. 27, 1946, concerning the death of R.X. Pagilario. The four-man honor guard (Duke, Smith, Slayton and Cosby) is penciled in.

Jordan Whitman, Alumni Review editorin-chief, reports that special order 15 cannot be reproduced in the class notes in readable form. The document dated Nov. 27, 1946, 35

Class Notes orders that the remains will be escorted from the post, before the regiment standing at attention. Three volleys will be fired by a saluting detachment and that taps will be sounded. Four pall bearers will accompany the remains to his home in New York. If anyone would like a readable copy of General Orders No. 15, please contact me.

This information revealed some inaccurate statements in my previous reports. Let me try to correct now. Apparently, I missed an entire day, Nov. 27, 1946. The pep rally took place Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1946, and Pagilario’s death was Nov. 27. I incorrectly reported that the pep rally was Nov. 27 and that death Nov. 28. Nov. 27, 1946, is almost a complete blank to me. I do remember going to breakfast and learning of Pagilario’s death. Presumably, we went to class, but I don’t remember. Now, I do have a faint memory of the regiment standing at attention on the bricks and the three volley salute. Also, I now remember Bob Duke, who was my roommate, reporting on his honor guard duty and adding that he was able to have a brief visit with his parents who lived near New York City.

Brother rats, let me hear from you.

1949A

James Harrington

Old age has caught up with the Harringtons with a vengeance. Ann fell earlier this month and broke her hip and arm, and while in the hospital, she discovered that she needed some major abdominal surgery. She’s in what will be a lengthy and painful recovery. There’s little I can do except put one foot in front of the other, my neuropathy allowing, and take one day at a time. At times like this, we appreciate the love and best wishes of our family and brother rats.

Herb Johnston is one: “We were so sorry to hear that Ann is hospitalized. We hope she is improving and that she will be home by Nov. 1. We don’t have much 36

news from Columbus. Of course, football at Ohio State is the big interest right now.

There are high hopes that they will be one of the four teams in the playoffs. Jeanne and I are still living at home and hope that continues for a long time. We are thinking about some part time help from an in-home assistance organization. Haven’t reached the talking stage as of yet. Our church and others are providing this kind of service. Unlike your state, we have been having very nice fall weather and no dangerous problems except for a few windy days. Lots of flowers are still blooming.

We hope it stays this way at least through Halloween. Last year, we had more than 100 trick-or-treat kids and have candy to take care of that many or more. You know that you and Ann are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that everything goes well for you two.”

As is Allen Penniman: “You asked me to be early this quarter in writing you about my life and what Joanie and I have been doing. That will be easy this time, and so here we go. In our July letter, I told you about an exciting trip that the family and I were planning in celebration of my 90th birthday. This will happen on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 2017. A group of my children got together and decided we would all travel to the RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee, the last week in October. This will be a few days before my birthday, but this is the best time for us to go. We will leave Baton Rouge on the 26th, which is Thursday. I need to get packed and tie up all loose ends so I can arrive ahead of the group and be sure everything is in order.

“As of the last count, there will be 50 of us, all the way down to and including my 24 grandchildren. This will be a wonderful get-together for me and my family. The nice part about this is that I will tell you all about this birthday when I write next.

We have planned a wonderful time for everyone, and I am sure it will be. Listen in for breaking news. Joanie and I are both in good health, and if I survive this birthday party, I will be in good health, as well.”

In a brief note, Margaret Anne Noftsinger told us that she and Bill have moved.

Their new address is The Hermitage, 1600

Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23227.

Telephone 804-727-6211. No other news, and nothing else to report from ’49A.

1949B Dan Smaw

These notes cover the period from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1, 2017.

On Sept. 28, Louise, my wife of 62 years and six months, died. A memorial service was held Oct. 7. The readers for the service were my niece, daughter-in-law, a nephew and a longtime friend. Also in attendance were five of my VMI classmates, Ding and Nobbie Patton, Greg Nelson, George Wolfe, and Harv and Barbara Bradley, who came down from Virginia Friday. The service was very nice and would have pleased Louise. A reception was held following the service. The VMI people left after the reception, as they had to get back to Virginia. We appreciated the cards we received and thank everyone who sent one.

Nada Sweeney wrote and said that Bill has been in hospice care at WestminsterCanterbury for six months with a failing heart. That was a surprise – hope he will improve. When anyone has a serious problem, I would like to hear about it early on.

I have talked with Evelyn Soucek, Ronnie Gault and Boyd Guttery in the last month or so. My son, Danny, and I planned to go to the Institute Society Dinner in November. The Pattons invited us to stay with them, which we appreciate.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

1949C

Haywood France

Editor’s Note: Notes are no longer being submitted for the Class of 1949C. Haywood France remains the contact for the class.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1950A Bill Moore

Jennings Bunch and I have been talking about setting up a last-man-standing bottle of wine to be shared by the last two BRs. How about one for the ladies, too? Sounds morbid? No, practical and ceremonial. A fitting last shot by our class, which has given VMI so many traditions – the kangaroo mascot, Dick Mandt and Walt Dresser’s song, “The VMI Tribute,” and the House Mountain climb. It’s so fitting, because we have just lost two of our BRs, Dick Mandt and Elliott Hudgins. We are now down to five.

It’s not hard to imagine the dilemma I faced with both funerals on the same day, at the same hour and 150 miles apart. Elliott’s red, white and yellow roses were spectacular, and I imagine Dick’s were equally beautiful. I chose to represent the class at Elliott’s service for several reasons. I could express our sense of loss to Nan in person and to Jeanne only in prayer. Also, Elliott was the earlier to leave us.

Talked with Gene Witcher finally. He’s doing well and likes his new independent living digs. We’re back on for our long-postponed Key West trip next winter. We’ll have to get some idea how the reconstruction comes out. Stay tuned.

I had a much-appreciated call from Nan Hudgins. She wanted me to thank the class for the beautiful red, white and yellow roses.

She took them home with her and is still enjoying them.

Debra and I have canceled our engagement. The whole business was very stressful for both of us. We hope to remain good friends, and I’ll let you know how that progresses. We just agreed to this Saturday Oct. 14. We are both well and send all of you our love.

Syd Stealey tells me from Alaska that he and Beverly are doing well. They are moving to new quarters so that when/if they need more attention, it will be nearby. I’m 2018-Issue 1

enclosing a poem that Richard Mandt Jr. wrote about his dad, our Dick, many years ago. I’ve saved it for this occasion.

My Pop My father is as kind a man as I’ve ever known/I feel so fortunate for the kindness he’s shown.

Not only to me, for all of my days/But also for others, as an example of ways.

That the Father would have us to treat one another/This man I call “Pop” is like a friend or brother.

He taught me respect, without being strict, and to laugh at things that are funny/Now I am 58 years old, and he still calls me “honey.”

I love this man for what he stands for and for what he perceives as true/He always persevered a stubborn task until it was through.

He taught me to love the out of doors and to build things with my hands/He lives with a strong faith in the Savior that isn’t built on the sand.

He taught me to fish and enjoy the lakes/ We had some good times – even jumped the wakes.

Behind our two boats on a water ski/Pop towed us for miles – for years – for free!

We enjoyed peaceful moments on the water at dawn/I’m kind of sorry those days are gone.

Many nights were spent camping with friends by a blaze/My memories will always be fond of those days.

Pop spent 60 wonderful years with his wife/A gal named Jeanne; she was the love of his life.

From their hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, to here/Life’s travels couldn’t divide a marriage so dear.

He took pride in his VMI days because of the adversity/But he “stubborned it out” and got his degree from that university.

His class was small, and his brother rats kept in touch/Remaining friends for years must have meant so much.

He gave me some freedom and respect involving things of reserve/Advice and help were given freely, though sometimes I didn’t deserve.

Pop let us choose our own paths in life, supporting our endeavors/I would not forget this man if I lived forever!

1950B

Joseph B. Kohen Jr.

I received a nice note from Carol Sue Coupland, widow of Richard Coupland. She had attended the celebration of the life of Martha M. Michie, widow of Norwood Michie, Aug. 4, 2017, in Richmond, along with John Taylor and Sister Rats Mary Virginia Harwood and Ann Witt.

Tommy Phillip sent a wonderful letter informing us of his grandson’s, Luke, graduation from the Institute in 2017; he was third in his class and was the awarded the Medal of the Order of Cincinnati. Same as our Brother Rat Buck Buchanan. Tom’s son, John ’87, graduated from VMI in ’87 and received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq with his Army Reserve unit.

I have included the brief history of Tommy upon his graduation with the hopes others will do the same and send it in to me. Following graduation from VMI, Tommy attended the infantry basic officer course at Fort Benning. Afterward, he served as a platoon officer in the National Guard at both Camp Pickett and Augsburg, Germany. He married in 1951 in Abington, with Jones Felvey; Jack Lyons; and Jimmy Moore, his dyke, as ushers. He retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of colonel.

Tommy finished law school at the University of Virginia in 1955 and joined the law department of Sears Roebuck and Co. in Atlanta. He left his office in the Sears Tower with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan to return to Abington, where he served on the town council for nine years. He still maintains Christmas card contact with Ralston Brooke, Bill Moorman, Carl Galliher, Jones Felvey and George Oliver.

Eric Naschold of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2017. Norman Berlin of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 8, 2017.

I have also included an article I wrote for the newsletter of the condominium where I live about my voyage through the Northwest 37

Class Notes Passage. I might have been the first VMI graduate to make this voyage.

The Northwest Passage: A Rare Journey A journey through the Northwest Passage has long challenged the attempts of the bravest explorers. The first attempt by an Englishman in 1845 was John Franklin. He left home in the command of three vessels. All 129 in his party perished in the Canadian High Arctic. In 1906, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen successfully completed the trip in three years. His voyage was repeated in 1942. By the mid-1990s, three or four ships had made the journey. With the advent of global warming, four ships in 2006 and 16 vessels in 2013 were able to make the trip. In 2016, Crystal Cruises brought 800 tourists as an expedition on

Class of 1950B: Joseph Kohen pictured in the Canadian Arctic in 1956 and 61 years later in 2017.

this trip at the price of $52,000 per cabin.

Sixty-one years ago, after completing my medical internship, the U.S. Army ordered me to Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. This was part of the resupply of the Distant Early Warning Radar line across North America. My interest in the Northwest Passage was born!

When I discovered it was possible to see this area as a tourist, I jumped at the opportunity, even though I had to wait a year. To see this part of the world in the comfort of luxury accommodations was most appealing. During the 31-day ocean voyage, we were exposed to numerous lectures by archeologists, an astronaut, ornithologists, biologists, historians, transportation experts, scuba divers, geologists and diplomats. The grand hotel setting consisted of gourmet meals in several restaurants, fascinating entertainment and the additional educational opportunities of bridge lessons, computer lessons and even ballroom dance lessons. We visited local communities and witnessed how the people in this distant land lived. Their diet has recently consisted mostly of seal, walrus, fish, caribou, musk ox or polar bear. Now they have stores like our grocery stores but on a smaller scale. They have adjusted their lives to the harsh climate and the severe seasonal daylight changes. The land is treeless, almost barren of vegetation, and covered by rock and/or snow and ice.

There were huge ice fields. Snow and ice covered cliffs thousands of feet high. We sailed through spectacular scenic fjords as awesome as the rare views in Yosemite. The contrasting colors of deep blue water and sky against the stark white icebergs and ethereal mist-laced gray granite cliffs were unforgettable.

I feel privileged to have made this trip, and I brought back a professionally made movie to share some of my experiences with you.

1951

Jacob H. Wamsley II

Here I am, one stroke closer to shooting my age on the golf course – a goal I fear will never be reached but plan to keep on trying.

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Win Baber (known to most of us as Piggy) reached the tender age of 88 a day before my 87th. He is doing well, and when calling him, I thanked him profusely for all of the work he does with our email chain.

As mentioned earlier, he and his wife have downsized and are living in a retirement community. He says it takes a good bit of adjusting, but the end result is a good one.

Paul Shrader must be doing OK, since he is throwing out the first pitch for the Triple A baseball team at a home game in Pensacola, Florida. He admitted, however, that the ability to throw a baseball 60 feet required some practice.

Robin Jordan is making a trip to Athens, Georgia, to visit one of her and Johnny’s sons. Her oldest son is about to retire in the Virginia Beach area. She reminded me that she was a student at Longwood University when I was the business officer there – didn’t make me feel a bit younger.

As mentioned earlier, our class continues to rank well in the percentage of the classes that have made gifts to the Institute – at the end of the fourth quarter, 63 percent of us have contributed – that’s the third highest percentage of all the classes. Next year, let’s work toward a goal of 100 percent and perhaps increasing the size of each gift; we do not rank so high in that category. Interesting side note: Our sister rats gave 56 percent of the total for our class.

Bounce Carstens checked in after admiring his picture in the last issue of the Review. He says he and Jim Enochs have difficulty competing against those young whippersnappers of 70 years or so with whom they compete in various seniors’ tournaments.

For those of you who do not keep up with Piggy’s email chain, Ann Penner is moving to a new retirement community in The Woodlands, Texas. Her son and daughter live nearby.

Dick Cole reported in from Minneapolis expressing his concern about the destruction of various monuments across the country.

A note from Joyce Evans (Mrs. Jack Evans) said she is doing well, except for the problems of returning to single living. She mentioned the christening of the U.S. Navy’s newest carrier, the Gerald Ford, at Norfolk.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1951: Skip Parks’ gravestone with the VMI Spider prominently displayed on the back.

She wanted to attend the ceremony, but tickets were required, and she was not able to get one.

We have always said “VMI is everywhere,” and it was brought home to me last week. While attempting to jog around the premises at the retirement site while wearing some VMI shorts, I passed a lady out walking her dachshund. She stopped me to inquire about my relationship to VMI. It turns out that she is a sister rat of the Class of ’50B, Charlotte McManus. There is also a sister rat of the Class of ’49C who lives here, Anita Brittain.

Back in September, one of Jack Ross’ daughters provided an update on Jack’s situation. He continues to receive outpatient therapy. He will always need a cane but is walking in the neighborhood, although he tires easily. He also reads and keeps up with current events but is subject to serious relapses whenever some minor infection is incurred. She concludes: “All that being said, we do feel fortunate that there has been improvement.”

A more recent email from Dick Cole brings us more recent news from his roommate and our Brother Rat Bill Sacra, who is a victim of a form of bone cancer. He is now walking with a cane to help with his balance but is in no pain. Bill attended our 60th but could not make it to the 65th. If we and he are lucky, we will see him at the 70th.

In late August, Jack (Sookie) Hill spent a couple of days in the hospital with a high fever (bronchitis) but returned home to more physical therapy from his earlier surgery and his continuing bout with Parkinson’s. He says he is pretty much confined to a wheelchair but still gets around with 2018-Issue 1

his walker, as he did at the 65th.

A most-welcomed letter was received from Jim Close in mid-October. Like a lot of us, he and Alice have recently downsized and are now living in a condo in Alexandria.

They continue to move back and forth from Alexandria to Florida depending upon the season. He stops by frequently to see his old roommate, Steed Evans, at a retirement community in Greenville, South Carolina, while making the semiannual trips.

The Irma storm affected a number of our class who live in the southeast. George Cohen evacuated from Hilton Head to his son’s home in Duluth. While there, there was a power outage and some trees and branches were down. Marty was away from home.

(Wiser than our valedictorian!) Their home on Hilton Head was not damaged.

In a telephone call in mid-October, Gracelyn Parks related an interesting and humorous yet poignant story. When making arrangements for the setting of a marker at Skip’s (Vic Parks) grave, she asked that the inscription include the VMI monogram. To insure that the monogram was accurate, she provided the firm who was doing the work with one of the metal windshield stickers, visualizing a small carving in the stone besides his name. When the stone was set, the monogram, in livid color, was displayed prominently on the reverse side of the stone.

She says it is clearly visible from the access road to the old historic Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia. You can bet that Skip is enjoying this turn of events!

Here are some new statistics from the Institute. Current enrollment is 1,754 cadets – 12 percent of those are females, and 62 percent are Virginians. This fall, 504 rats

matriculated. Cost of attendance is $27,450 for in-state cadets and $53,138 for out-ofstate. Even allowing for inflation, these figures are staggering when compared with those figures in 1947-51. Academically, 98 percent of the fulltime faculty has the Ph.D. degree, and the cadet-faculty ratio is 11 to 1.

These academic figures are truly amazing.

For those of you who do not participate in Win Baber’s email chain, the official position of the Institute in the current situation about statues and confederate memorabilia is described in a newspaper article, which he forwarded. If you missed it, give me a call at 678-684-3521, and I’ll send you a copy.

The orders for the day are simple: Stay well, don’t fall and get ready for the 70th!

1952

James M. Mecredy

I am beginning another issue of class notes to submit to VMI in November, which you will see in February 2018. The first news is from Bill Gordon.

Estelle wrote, thanking me for the birthday card I sent to Bill Gordon. He turned 87 Aug. 27, 2017, and tells Estelle every day he plans to live another 10 years! He received a mountain of cards from friends and family and a few surprise gifts. The weekend before, he and Estelle celebrated dinner out with friends visiting from Ohio.

He likes most to read, spending hours with the daily newspaper. Estelle also sent a current photo of Bill, and he is looking good.

Unfortunately, VMI requires really sharp photos to include with class notes, so I can’t include this one.

In the wake of the hurricane that inundated Texas, I called Charlie McCrae to learn that he and his family came through the flood with only a few leaks in their roof.

Their daughter and her children spent three days with them, because her home was without electricity. The flood did not reach their house on Rocky Knoll Drive (the name of the street is a clue). Charlie told 39

Class Notes me that he gave up golf a couple of years ago because of a temporary illness and has not picked up his clubs since. He has a photo of his 7-year-old grandson playing golf much better than Charlie, so he will receive Charlie’s clubs when he gets taller.

Henry Nanninga called to tell us that they did not evacuate Savannah and came through Irma well. Their beach house was partly flooded, and their dock was washed away but no damage to their home. I had called Henry when Savannah was being evacuated to invite him to stay with us in Augusta if he had to leave.

By the time Irma hit Augusta, it was a tropical storm producing 3-4 inches of rain and 40 mph wind. I had to clean up some small limbs in the yard. We were without electricity overnight. Somehow, the storm caused three mounds of fire ants to pop up in our yard, which I immediately treated.

As you may know, VMI has announced that the statues will remain, especially Stonewall Jackson, although rats no longer have to salute him. I wonder if rats still have to salute Lee’s Chapel when they go uptown? Joe Webber sent me an article from the Richmond Times about the statues. This all took place in September.

Neal Petree sent me a note thanking me for the birthday card and recalling his memories of playing football with Jay Grumbling. He had made a trip to the Keys for fishing and lobster, which he still had in the freezer. I called Neal to learn how they came through Irma. They were not available, and Neal called me back later. They came through the storm well with no damage. No loss of power, so the fish and lobsters were safe.

I called Pat Barry in Austin, Texas. He had slight damage, and his family is fine, especially his son, grandson and daughters. Pat is helping remodel his kitchen. Even though he cannot see, he gets around amazingly well.

He uses an iPhone and an Echo to communicate. He can ask any question or ask to read the Bible and gets immediate responses. At our reunion in April, he had no chance to talk to Patricia McCarthy, so she sent him a VMI T-shirt and a bottle of wine. He is going to open the wine, put on his shako and send her a picture, which he is also sending to me, but I haven’t received it yet.

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I talked to Shirley Buchanan in Chesapeake, Virginia, to learn the storm missed them completely. The only difficulties are in Norfolk, which floods every time there is rain, because they paved over all of the creeks and the water has no place to go.

Shirley is well and in good spirits.

I tried to reach Ann Brown in Gainesville, Florida, but got a message that calls are not being accepted at this time.

Albereta Bryon’s phone was busy in Port St. Lucie, Florida. I called Bill Croswell in Melbourne, Florida, and left a message. I did reach Rob Gerdetz in Austin, Texas. He came through without flooding, although there was flooding in the area. Rob said the storm left a lot of dirty water, so they are not happy campers. Skip Goldacker in Tallahassee, Florida, would have made it fine if he had stayed home, but he left town to escape the storm and happened to trip over a chair while away and bruised his knee. Boyd Guttery in St. Augustine, Florida, lost trees in his yard, but the house was OK. They had to evacuate and were staying in several places to miss the storm. Ray Hart and Violet came through the storm without damage, although there was damage and power outage in the neighborhood. Charlie Hogge in Plano, Texas, is far enough inland to miss the storm. He is now old enough that he is counting birthdays by the month, so he is now 85 and 9/12.

Chuck Haley lives far enough inland in Texas that they were not affected by the flooding, even though they know people who had their houses destroyed. Mary Lane lucked out, and they missed the storm in Pensacola. They did suffer through the anticipation. Natalie Long in Melbourne had no problems. Some of the neighbors had roof damage. Natalie’s daughter had some damage that will be expensive, but they will get through it. Chris Holland in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, missed all of the weather almost completely. Russ McCarthy and Patricia in San Antonio came through the storm with only 2 to 3 inches of rain. They were anticipating up to 25 inches, but the storm mostly ended 30 miles east of them. Mary Shoaf escaped to Winston-Salem, where Charles’s relatives settled before the Revolutionary War. It turns out that her

condominium had very little damage. All in all, it seems that the Class of ’52 came through the flood and hurricane very well.

Bud Becker called to learn how well we came through the storms. Fortunately, Augusta is far enough inland to miss the major effect of hurricanes. We had some 40 mph winds and some trees down and some power outages, but these were minor problems.

David White’s son called Henry Nanninga to say that David is stable, and the son is buying a horse farm in Pennsylvania where David will have a house with a caregiver.

They are delighted with the arrangements.

I am sorry to report that Ray Hart called me Oct. 10 to tell me that his wife, Violet, died of unexpected complications after a successful replacement of a heart valve.

They both had been doing well until the unexpected outcome of the heart valve replacement.

That is all of the news for this time. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe until next time.

Your brother rat, Jim

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats, We lost a BR in August in Raleigh, North Carolina – Norman George. Norman was a BR but graduated with the Class of ’54.

Norman’s obit appears in this issue of the Review. Judy and I visited with Norman at his home in Raleigh years ago when I was receiving melanoma vaccines at Duke University Hospital.

As you all on the class email know, our BR Art Moncrief has been having medical problems this year and recently had to have radiation for an inoperative tumor (socalled Pancoast tumor) sitting on top of his lung, which has made it very hard for him to breathe. He cannot have chemo, so he has to go to Houston daily for radiation.

When I first talked to him, I told him he had to get well enough to make the 65th, VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1953: Susan and Art Moncrief on Art’s 86th birthday in Texas.

Class of 1953: Judy and Bill Noell during Halloween at Norris Lake, Tennessee.

and if necessary, we would find some type of lift to get him on top of the sentinel box, which got a chuckle out of him.

Webb Maddux was one of Art’s roommates and kept in touch over the years; they talk about once a month. Webb’s wife, Helen, is doing as well as can be expected.

She has problems speaking and breathing and is unable to walk very much.

Wes Gray writes that his dialysis is going well, and he is playing 18 holes of golf but does have to take a cart now in lieu of walking. He says that dialysis is very inconvenient and boring, but “we are still on the right side of the grass.” Wes says he will try to figure out how he can be at the 65th.

Parker and I have both advised him that he could certainly set up dialysis appointments in Lexington during the reunion time, and we would certainly be glad to help in any way needed.

Paul Fortin advised that he has already put the 65th on his schedule. In August, Paul was heading off for Japan for two weeks after the big solar eclipse, which happened to be on his 87th.

Betty Woodward advised me that she and her VMI family purchased a house in Lexington to use when visiting VMI as parttime residents of Lexington. It is on South Main Street (502) across from the old Mayflower Hotel, which I am sure most of you remember – now a retirement home. In May, Betty and family spent 11 great days touring the British Isles, and this fall she is so busy in “doing” in Richmond that she did not think she would make it to VMI

very often. Betty’s granddaughter rooms with a girl from Lexington, second year, that our grandson, Jackson, is dating these days at Virginia Tech. She is the daughter of Jay Willliams ’83, who my son, John Lee Noell ’84, played baseball with in high school in Portsmouth. Betty said that when she saw Ellen Hofheimer recently in Richmond, Ellen said her grandson, Jordan Chaulkin ’21, is a 4th Class cadet this year at the Institute and is in Company H. Betty said Ellen seems to be well these days.

As for BR grandkids at the Institute, Henry Atwill ’18 will be graduating May 16, as well as Betty Woodward’s grandson. Art Moncrief’s great-nephew, Weston Gloger ’19, went to Ring Figure in November. And of course, we will be having our 65th Reunion in Lexington April 23-24, 2018, with an early arrival social gathering at our house Sunday afternoon and dinner downtown.

By the time you read these notes, you should have received the first mailing on our 65th Reunion. I hope you put it on your schedule, as I did send out a preliminary notice by email Aug. 15.

Jack Trigg says he has already made his reservations for our 65th here in Lexington but will go to Lynchburg first, as they plan to visit with Elizabeth’s daughter, Holly, and her family before the reunion. Speaking of Jack, Judy and I went to Birmingham last month for the University of Tennessee versus Alabama football game – a lousy game as far as UT is concerned – but we had a great time with Jack. We spent three nights at Jack’s home and went to dinner Friday night at the

Class of 1953: Photos from Ring Figure 66 years ago, Nov. 23, 1951.

2018-Issue 1

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Class Notes from the seemingly endless series Birmingham Country Club with of tropical storms and hurricanes Jack and Elizabeth and a group this year. The Houston situation of five others – friends/associates is, as it is said, complicated. Lots of Jack. Saturday night, Jack and of surprising events, lack of or no Elizabeth joined us for dinner and warning, no adequate preparation talk at our in-laws, our daughter’s by governing bodies, and myriad husband’s family, and Sunday lawsuits already filed by citizens night, Jack, with some assistance – for those and other reasons. We from Elizabeth, grilled us a great landed in a lease house and do not filet dinner. We departed Monday expect to be back in a rebuilt home morning back to our lake house for for four to six months. Debris is in a few days to attend two Hallowyards all over the city, and pickup een parties before returning to Lexis spotty or nonexistent. Psychiaington for Halloween with family trists and other mental health and friends at our house – in the 20 professionals are, as reported in range – encompassing snacks, dinHouston’s one newspaper, doing ner and trick-or-treaters.

Class of 1953: Judy and Bill Noell downsizing at an older age. a brisk business. There were more Class trivia: Ring Figure 1951. I than 70 deaths known to have resulted from am sure all of you remember our Ring Fig- as the ones before us, had exactly the same ure weekend 66 years ago. Since we are get- stone in the ring for class unity. However, the Houston storm. There is the usual vanting ready for our 65th Reunion next April, nowadays, each cadet picks the stone that he dalism occurring. For some days, neighbors I thought I would review our best weekend or she wants in their ring, thus no class unity were patrolling with pistols, rifles and AK47s. at the Institute, other than graduation. If you now exists with the ring’s stone. Also, the Signs were and are up saying, “You loot, we recall, we started off that weekend by beating Ring Figure dance is now held in Marshall shoot.” The funniest, or oddest, happy story VPI (now Virginia Tech) in Roanoke 20 to 7 Hall in the Center for Leadership and Ethics came from an electrician who worked on our Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, after the Corps building, and decorations are very restricted – electrical panels. He and family have assorted marched from Roanoke to the stadium. We not like we had at Cocke Hall, and of course, pets, e.g., a llama, cats, dogs, pet snakes, birds did have a great pre-weekend by coming it is no longer held on Thanksgiving week- and inhabitants (countless) of a 2,000-gallon from behind to beat The Citadel in Charles- end, but still in November (in most cases). goldfish pond. When the floodwaters hit his ton 27-21. I enjoyed watching from the press That weekend was a great weekend for me, as yard and the water in the pond overflowed, box as Johnny Mapp ’54 ran 100 yards for I became engaged to my three boys’ mother. hundreds of goldfish were swimming around a touchdown. Our Ring Figure dance Friday She marched to the mess hall in my company in his backyard, and he and his family had night, Nov. 23, was from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Company B) in my roommate’s VMI uni- to rescue them in the dark with flashlights at Cocke Hall, but I got a penalty for “late form for breakfast roll call. It was noted by and buckets. It was a miraculous endeavor; returning from permit,” as Stoop Prilliman many that she did not keep in step very well. all but nine were rescued. (I didn’t ask him and I and our dates watched the sun come up Hope most of you have great memories of where the survivors were put while the waters receded over the next few days.) on the rocks at Goshen Pass. I do not remem- that Ring Figure weekend 66 years ago.

Jack Tiller sent a copy of an award he reber Stoop’s penalty, but ole Flapjack awarded ceived in 1995 from the VMI Board of Visime with 10-6-25 Monday morning. Saturday tors. Jack served as a largely unpaid consulnight’s Thanksgiving dance was from 9 p.m. tant, as the BOV put it, in a complex project until midnight, with Claude Thornhill and J.M. Perry Archer concerning the installation of a fiber-backhis orchestra again playing for the dance. We boned, Ethernet network across post to link danced to the “VMI Waltz,” which was recadets, faculty and staff together and with excorded by Johnny Long and his orchestra on ternal sources. Jack did yeoman service in his Decca Records (78rpm), which I have a copy. aiding of VMI in this regard and, in doing so, Of course, as in those days, we had Saturday Greetings, Brother Rats: morning classes, as well as those Friday. The This is being written, or begun, upon the cast particular honor upon the Class of 1954.

Roanoke Times had a great full-page spread heels – or dregs – of Hurricane Harvey. Shirley Thank you, Jack.

The resolution from the VMI Board of of our Ring Figure Sunday, of which I still and I lost two cars, the first floor of our house, have a copy. The hop cost us $10.00 for the one cat and innumerable personal items. For- Visitors states, “RESOLVED, that the Virtwo dances and $12.00 for the flowers the tunately, we did have flood insurance and the ginia Military Institute Board of Visitors dates carried, and the rings (mine and the requisite car insurance with USAA. I hope extends to Mr. John Kenneth Tiller Jr. its miniature 12K) cost only $105.00. Our class, none of you experienced damage of any kind hearty appreciation and commendation for

1954

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes his significant contributions to the development of an advanced computer network at the Institute. Recognizing the urgent need to keep abreast of the latest in computing technology in order to access emerging information resources available around the world, the Institute has undertaken to install a fiber­backboned, Ethernet network across the post to link cadets, faculty, staff together and with external sources. Without the expert knowledge and diligence of ‘Jack’ Tiller, who served as a largely unpaid consultant on this complex project, the Institute would be far from completing its new fiber network, its pathway to the Information Age. A graduate of the VMI Class of 1954, Jack Tiller has rendered an extremely important service for his alma mater. It is the board’s great privilege to recognize his enthusiastic and dedicated service to VMI. “RESOLVED FURTHER, That this expression of gratitude be presented to Mr. Tiller with the warm and sincere wishes of the board and with the trust that VMI will continue to have his valued counsel in the future.” It is signed by Harvey S. Snow, Board of Visitors president, May 18, 1995.

George Ford died Oct. 2, 2017. George lived in Columbia, Maryland, with wife Casey. He is survived by daughter Susan Elizabeth Zorn and son John R. Ford, as well as extended family. Ollie Hux wrote that he lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and George lived in Annapolis when they were both getting started in their careers after the military, and their families enjoyed many great evenings together.

Tom Kane wrote. He and his wife, Mercedes, are living in Massachusetts in a retirement facility. Tom fell off his bike a month ago and was hospitalized for a broken left hip.

He had to be in the hospital for a month for surgery and rehab. He is thankfully starting to walk again. I can relate, having broken my left hip and left femur in a bike wreck while I was training for the Sandman Triathlon in Virginia Beach in 1986. It happened in Baton Rouge when Shirley and I were on our way to the race and had gone out for a leisurely stay-loose ride. Tom continued riding longer than me; I quit about 10 years ago at the insistence of wife Shirley. Bet Mercedes won’t 2018-Issue 1

let Tom back on the bike now.

I heard from John Knapp after the Harvey floods, which was much appreciated. He writes that he and Beth are living at Kendal in Lexington, a continuing care retirement center on the edge of town, which includes independent living in cottages or apartments for fulltime residents, assisted living and a nursing facility, partially available for part-time local folks. John and Beth’s upstairs apartment is spacious and down the hall from the dining facility. It is also near the gym and pool. They love the easy and satisfying living, and their dog is pleased, too. (All of us who live with dogs know the importance of that.) There are about 2,000 people living there, with a good number of VMI and Washington and Lee University people included among the residents. John was involved in the original planning and dedication of the facilities. He is now attempting to retire from involvement in federal, state and local matters – trying, as he puts it. Once a leader, always a leader, obviously.

Some VMI facts and figures are interesting. As I recall without checking records (lost in flood anyway), when we matriculated at VMI in fall 1950, the total number of cadets was fewer than 1,000. The Institute now has grown to 1,754 cadets. Twelve percent are female. VMI has graduated 11 Rhodes Scholars, is still an NCAA Division I school (50 percent Corps participation), and has 21,500 living alumni. Ninety-eight percent of the faculty are Ph.Ds. Jack Tiller relates that he received a VMIrelated call from a cadet who told Jack he had just been on a trip to Wales. He remarked that he thought most of the women were ugly in Wales. Jack, who is of Welsh ancestry, said (paraphrased) to me that that must be why four Tiller brothers came to America in 1830 – to find women who were pretty.

From Bill Ralph: A young man and his son were in the back of an old church waiting for their mom when the little boy saw a plaque on the wall with a number of names on it. The little boy asked his dad what the names were for, and the dad said they were the names of the men who lost their lives in the service. The little boy then asked if it was the morning service or the evening service. ’Til next time.

1955

Read Hanmer

At this writing, we are experiencing a quiet fall in northern Virginia. The tree and lawn care folks have worked their magic, and we are hoping for a quiet glide into winter. On the sports front, the Redskins are three and four, with little relief on the horizon. The Keydets have had a disastrous football season so far, and the basketball season is just beginning. The Washington Nationals did it again – won the NL East pennant and then rolled over for the Dodgers in the first round of the post season. Sigh!

This will be a slim submission, because you folk’s word processors seem to have stopped working, with a few notable exceptions, as recounted below.

Bob Rennicks said his property was hit pretty hard by Hurricane Irma – over a foot of water in the lower level garage, shop and laundry. He is going to have to replace lots of walls and clean up piles of marsh grass, along with the washer, dryer and freezer.

Bob observed that “after all, that is just ‘stuff,’ which can be replaced.” Bob says he is really concerned about the VMI football team, and he hopes things can be turned around so the team can at least be competitive. Bob closed by expressing his concern about the attacks on VMI’s traditions.

Leon and Zella Cock send their love to all our brother rat family. Leon wrote: “Zella and I are deeply saddened by the atrocities in Las Vegas. Dozens killed and hundreds wounded. We have had a first or second home in Las Vegas since 1972. We fully retired there from 1990 until we moved to North Texas in 2004. While in Las Vegas, we watched the construction of the Excalibur, the Luxor and the Mandalay Bay. We enjoyed afternoon teas at the Four Seasons at the top of the Mandalay Bay, just above the shooter’s 32nd floor suite. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We wish for all of you a happy holiday season and a great 2018.”

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Class Notes Joe Brenner reported that, while at a friend’s daughter’s wedding in Williamsburg in October, he and Zelda were seated at a table with Mott Robertson ’62 and Tom Morris ’69 and their wives. Of course, Joe took the opportunity to brief these young whippersnappers about life in the Old Corps. Burning the Institute and the latenight hike down Penalty Tour Road were just the centerpiece of that history. The span of 14 years actually dissolved in a few moments as the threesome found much in common and an agreement that the Institute did, in fact, form us all pretty well. Altogether, it was a most pleasant evening. Zelda’s objective opinion was that the table was the best looking and best behaved table at the affair.

Moose Tyler sent in a report on the annual Bryan beach blast in Sandbridge, Virginia.

“This year, Nita and Ron Bryan hosted the annual Tidewater area-plus reunion at their cottage in the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach. It was the 14th year that our class has assembled, and great food and a wellstocked bar greeted us on arrival. Nita’s son, John Taylor, and her daughter-in-law, Lorraine, provided the catering again for the fourth year. They selected the menu and put it all together. The next evening, the crew went to Bob and Jane Bowden’s nearby cottage for another evening repast. Again, I admired Jane’s dining room table, which seats 16. Judy and Frank Brooke are looking well and are still in Jacksonville, Florida, with a lot of family. They still spend their summers at Lake Gaston in central Virginia. Clara and Bob Rennicks could not attend this year, as they had to board up their house for the storm in the Carolina low country. Jane and Doctor Bob Bowden added to the festivities in Sandbridge. He is still sporting his highlyshined brass oval VMI belt buckle. No blitz cloth for the doctor. It was good to see Bob Bowden III, who is living in Lynchburg. It was always great to see our Lexington contingent, Rody and Dusty Rhodes. Rody is still playing golf at the Lexington Country Club. They see Tom and Margaret Tait on occasion. Barbara and Jimmy Parker have moved from the Pungo area of south Virginia Beach and are living at the North End. Moving was tough, they said. Betsey and Moose Tyler arrived with the class guidon 44

and, Moose says they enjoyed the beach this summer. The children and grandchildren also enjoyed the surf and sand.”

Bob Bowden added, “We had a good time being together and missed those who couldn’t attend. We seem to be reaching the age of aches and pains and problems moving around (the bathroom has become a long trip).”

Casey Jones said, “Very little for Sarah and me to report this time without going into one of those ‘organ recitals’ which we all fall into very naturally at this age. Sarah and I just returned from a quick trip to Kinsale, Virginia, where we attended Curly Harris’s funeral. It was a beautiful, quite formal, full-bore Episcopal rite with music (Bob’s favorite, Hymn 287) and a completely full church. A reception followed at the lovely Harris home on the river. I was surprised that there were so many people there, with us being the only VMI representation.

Bob’s busy life in his VEPCO career, community activities and calm outlook on life had obviously drawn many people to him.

No surprise there! So I felt duty-bound to wave the red, white and yeller as we mingled at the reception and spread tales of Bob’s VMI accomplishments, mixed with some wild ones which probably didn’t happen, but I’ll claim poetic license. The charities listed in the obit you sent out are very deserving, and Bob’s family would greatly appreciate our support.”

Here is a short obituary on Curly Harris: Robert Alexander “Bob” Harris III of Kinsale, Virginia, formerly of Charlottesville, died Oct. 8, 2017. Bob graduated with honors from Randolph-Macon Academy in 1951 and from Virginia Military Institute in 1955, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. A lifelong baseball fan, he played second base for both schools. After brief service in the U.S. Army, he went to work for what was then the Virginia Electric and Power Company, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Cople Episcopal Parish, where he served on the vestry. He also served on the board of the Kinsale Foundation and was the longtime treasurer of the Cople District Volunteer Fire Department.

That’s all for now, folks.

1956

Richard M. Smith

I just received a note from Pete Jennette saying they were sailing up the bay and stopped over at Irvington and had lunch at their favorite hamburger joint with Tony Waring. He included a photo of them saying Tony looked fit as ever and still contributing to the History of Christ Church memoires. I also received a call from Bob Webster seeking the phone number of BR Peter McCrary which I provided him. Bob now lives outside Fort Benning, Georgia, and still tries to stay in good shape. He and Pete’s family lived next door to each other in Fairfax, Virginia. Both his mother and Pete’s attended Longwood College, as did my mother. Small world, isn’t it!

I called a number of BRs in Florida after the hurricane passed through to learn how they fared. I was only able to reach two, probably because power had not been restored to them.

I talked with Spider and Ann Allison, who were having a post-hurricane party for some of their neighbors in Melbourne.

They had power restored but were told to boil water before use. There was a lot of debris scattered around their property, but hurricane shutters prevented any window damage. Walt Tatum said he was staying with his daughter until power was restored to his place in Tampa, Florida. A lot of water damage occurred in his area, but he wasn’t sure about his home. He is still missing his wife and son, who died about a year ago. His other son has now retired from the Air Force and lives out west. After sending an email to Dave Blair, I finally heard from him. He said they dodged the bullet by missing the blunt force of Hurricane Irene, but it knocked out phone and computer service for some days. He updated me with his phone number.

Jim Dillard called to tell me he had received a phone call from Tiger Jackson recently asking him if he was related to the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes author of the article I sent out to the class titled, “Open Letter to Governor of Virginia.”

He assured Tiger he wasn’t. He questioned me on what was going on here in Virginia so he could enlighten Tiger, as well as himself. I gave him my opinion, for whatever it’s worth. In other matters, he informed me he had recently visited in Charleston, South Carolina, during the hurricane and enjoyed seeing the campus of The Citadel and enjoyed eating shrimp and grits at one of the fine restaurants there. Later, he traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia, to visit relatives. He apologized for not coming to stay with me, as I had offered.

He promised to come back to the East Coast early next year.

I finally talked with Scottie Boland and learned they only had minor damage from the latest hurricane. He did lose the cover on the motor of his fishing boat. He had filled it with water to sink in a shallow area next to shore, as the old timers used to do when hurricanes were coming. Some roof shingles and window screens were blown off, but they didn’t lose power. He says we will have to pay more for oranges and vegetables since major loss occurred in their Indian River crop area.

Larry Miller wrote that they were planning a Christmas family reunion at home for nine adults, two young ladies and three rambunctious dogs. Last year, their bucket list included a crossing of the Panama Canal on Christmas Day. Having the family get-together is this year’s bucket list as we get older.

Bill Lamb called to say he was sorry we couldn’t get together last month for lunch, but he was looking forward to our get-together in a couple of weeks at our favorite restaurant, Brios, in Richmond with some of the BRs and wives.

I received word from Dave Blair to use as “fodder” filler in the next alumni news.

They questioned whether to stay or flee from Irma. He contacted Bob Morris at The Villages 180 miles away first, then Scott Boland in Winter Haven, 90 miles away about coming to stay. They ended up staying and were lucky the storm reduced from a category 5 to 1 before it hit. He enjoyed talking with Bob and Scott and hoped to get 2018-Issue 1

together soon. He still owns his plane since the market isn’t good to sell now. He read about Mundy’s daughter’s latest book, titled “Code Girls,” in the local paper. It is about a group of young women in World War II who broke the Japanese code. His best wishes to the BRs. Seven of the ’56 group got together for lunch at Brios in Richmond recently. Included were Motsy Foster, Bill Lamb, Irene Myers, Jim and Betty Mann, and Honey Rector and I. We spent several hours reliving old memories and discussing present day topics such as opinions about the candidates for governor and VMI football woes. We plan to get together again soon with hopefully a larger group.

I talked on the phone with Fred Farthing to see if he had any news I could put into my notes this quarter. He had talked with Doug Gottwald recently, who was anxious to learn about any of the BRs. The subject of a get-together in Lexington by a group of us ’56ers was discussed. They think the idea would be good for next spring. I will try to generate some interest by the class in the meantime.

This concludes my latest information about our great Class of 1956! Take care of each other.

Yours in the spirit, Dick

1957

George Sydnor Jr. Howard Lawrence

By the time you receive this winter issue in February 2018, the year-end holidays will have passed once again, and the Class of 1957 will have begun its 65th year of life since that memorable day in September 1953 at J.M. Hall. We wish you all a wonderful and healthy New Year.

We reported to you by email announcement in early fall that the class had lost yet another brother rat with the passing of Lynn Meyer. His obituary is printed in this issue in the Taps section. Dick Collier, chairman of our Celebration of Life Committee (formerly the Bereavement Committee), has followed the Class of ’57 tradition of sending a memorial gift to The VMI Foundation in Lynn’s memory on behalf of the class.

In September, Lynn’s brother, Paul “Polo” Meyer ’54, reported that Lynn had developed a strange neurological problem involving both of his lower extremities, resulting in a progressive weakness and frequent falls, which necessitated a need for an assisted living environment. His daughter, Andrea, living with her family in Saratoga Springs, New York, found a wonderful facility close to her in South Glen Falls, New York. Lynn was there for the past two years. During that time, several acute illnesses followed that almost took his life then, but being a retired armor officer, Lynn had a lot of fight in him that kept him alive these past two years.

Bill “Tiger” Locke was Lynn’s four-year roommate and expressed his sense of loss at learning the news, writing, “This distresses me beyond imagination. As you may know, Lynn and I roomed together for four years, and although we were as different as night and day, I have always considered him to be one of maybe a dozen friends that I have ever had.”

Your class agents must correct our embarrassing mistake of failing to print and list BR Tommy Hunter’s name among those recognized as charter members of the Class of ’57 Catawba Club. We have written Tommy our apologies. Each of your financial contributions to VMI is very important and greatly appreciated.

We also apologize to Curly Mason and Ray MacKay for having misspelt their names in previous communications.

A recent phone talk with Carl LeBourdais found him “the same old Carl,” and we are happy to report that his health issues are now in the past. A second note from Carl to George indicated that he and Mary were settling down nicely in their new home in Evans, Georgia, and they invite all brother rats who may be in the area to drop in for a visit.

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Class Notes

Class of 1957: The Huffcuts and Gilmores at the 60th Reunion banquet.

Class of 1957: Jim Greathead ’60 and George Sydnor at Jim’s home in Crystal Springs, Colorado, Sept. 11. George was Jim’s dyke, and they had not seen each other for 57 years following Jim’s graduation in 1960.

Class of 1957: Paul “P.D.” and Ann Phillips during the 60th Reunion.

46

On the Roanoke scene, the Whittles, Sydnors and Lawrences enjoyed dinner with Bob and Alice Newbill, who, after living in the Middle East and northern Virginia for years, are retired on their farm near Smith Mountain Lake/Rocky Mount, Virginia. It is good having them close by.

One Saturday morning during the summer, Howard had an enjoyable phone conversation with Jay Woodward at his New England home. Jay, you may remember, was awarded VMI’s top award for academic achievement, the 1st Jackson Hope Medal (Dr. Walter O’Donohue Jr. was awarded the 2nd Jackson-Hope). Many civil engineers still credit Jay’s generous and effective coaching for their academic survival. Jay says his long distance travel is limited these days, thus his absence at our 60th Reunion.

Jay has a long heritage of family connections to the Institute, as witnessed in a later note from Jay to George that made mention of the fact that their fathers were BRs in the Class of 1923 and both were electrical engineers, whereas Jay and George were both civil engineers.

Don Coombs has been vigilant in keeping up with Joe and Toby Gilbert during the terrible storm and flooding in Houston. Joe, who is bedridden with Parkinson’s, had to be transported out of the Houston area during the worst of the flooding, adding great stress to Joe, Toby and his around-the-clock caregivers. Joe and Toby, our thoughts and prayers are with you every day.

The current mania revolving around Civil War statues has been felt at VMI and Washington and Lee University. General Peay ’62 and The VMI Board of Visitors published a policy letter recently stating firmly that our Stonewall Jackson statue and other Civil War honorees are part of our heritage, fabric and value system. They emphasized that VMI stands for tolerance and respect of all people, and the statues will stay. If you did not see VMI’s policy letter, we will email you a copy upon request.

Washington and Lee has formed a Policy Committee to study the statue issue there; the outcome of which is unknown at this time. But, we do know that, by a vote of its vestry, the R.E. Lee Episcopal Church has been renamed and has reverted to its

original name, Grace Episcopal.

We can send you a copy of Bill Huffcut’s very interesting J.M. Hall 60th Reunion address, “A Memoir of Barracks Days.” Also available upon request is a very interesting personal memoir by Randy Pendleton of his Florida newspaper reporter experiences focusing on VMI graduates he reported on; an interesting read!

We recently received a call from Dick Moore who was vacationing with wife Virginia for several weeks on Coronado Island, San Diego. As coincidence would have it, while in San Diego, they had cocktails Tuesday evenings with a lady by name of Ann and her U.S. Naval Academy husband, a retired Navy pilot. Well, it just so happens that Ann is a Roanoke native and one of Howard’s several dates in his formative years at VMI. She is also a College of William & Mary graduate and sorority sister of Dick’s sister, Nancy. It can be a small world.

Howard has enjoyed contact with Wiley Clapp, who lives in Minden, Nevada. We previously reported that Wiley is a widely acclaimed and highly respected handgun expert, designer and feature writer. He regularly consults with Colt, Smith-Wesson and Ruger, to name a few of the big manufacturers. Several handgun models have been named for him, e.g., Wiley has redesigned the famous 1911 Colt 45 Cal Auto. It is referred to as the Wiley Clapp, Government Model 01911WC. Wiley was thoughtful to email a poster that pictures his four redesigned WC1911 Colt 45 Models.

Bill Gay reported that he and Frances spent an enjoyable week at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Tough duty, Bill, but always good to hear from you. Roommate Drewry Fox later chimed in that he and brother Mike Fox ’62 had just returned from their annual trout fishing trip on the Bighorn River in Montana in search of elusive brown and rainbow trophies. More rough duty.

And, not to be outdone by his roommates, George Sydnor, accompanied by his first wife, Shirley, made an old-fashioned road trip to Colorado and back in September. Along the way, they visited Jim and Reba Greathead ’60 at their home in Crystal Springs, just south of Denver. Jim was George’s dyke our 1st Class year, and they had not seen VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes each other in the 57 (poignant number) years since Jim’s graduation in 1960. A great time was had, with memories and stories properly embellished.

The road trip continued on with George, not to be outdone by Drewry, flyfishing streams west of the Rocky Mountains and catching numbers of rainbow, brown, cutthroat and cutbow trout. The return trip took them through the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Rapid City, South Dakota, area where they visited Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and the Badlands.

Now back to regular business at hand. We are working to contact several BRs who have not reported in for too long. If you have any info about these guys, please copy us. If one of you low visibility BRs reads this, please let us know how you are doing by phone, email, or write George or Howard.

Our birthday greeting card to Ross Fraser was returned. And our Annual Fund letter to Khlai Navaphandh traveled from Fincastle to Bangkok and back for $.46, thanks to the USPS. So, where are Ross and Khlai? We also need to hear about/from Bob Rader, R.K. “Bob” Hall, Charlie Jenkins, Doug Talbot, Jerry Harden, Dave Davenport, Bill Benson and Ted Fletcher to name a few.

This will be an ongoing effort until we communicate with these BRs. So, please, send us any information that you may have.

Our financial support of VMI continues to be an absolute necessity for the success of its unique mission. This fall enrollment reached 1,754 cadets, to include the newest class, numbering 504 that matriculated with an average GPA of 3.66 and SAT score of 1194.

Keep in mind that in- state tuition is $27,450 and out-of-state tuition $53,138. Financial aid is awarded to more than 87 percent of our cadets. It is also interesting to note that there are now 14,000-plus living VMI graduates.

Treat yourselves to a splendid online album of VMI pictures. If you have not seen post in recent months, you will be astounded at the buildings/facilities – improvements galore. Just go to: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/vmiphotos/albums/. And for the VMI Corps of Cadets’ impressive passing in review at the 2017 inauguration parade, go to: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Vvz_ez-NBxM. 2018-Issue 1

If you would like to help us contact brother rats, please sign up now. We could use your help in staying up with our brother rats and their goings on. And give us your feedback, pro and con, about how we are doing as your class agents.

We would like to see more of all of you and more often; in the meantime though, keep those calls and emails coming; it is always good to hear from you.

Best wishes to you all.

In the bonds, George and Howard

1958

Lee McCown

Greetings to all! With fall in our part of Richmond’s Fan District come mountains of maple samaras (also known as maple keys, helicopters, whirlybirds or polynoses). This means sweeping the porch twice a day sometimes, but with the temperatures so pleasant, who cares?

This is also the season when I switch from gin and tonic to scotch, and with Virginia Commonwealth University students back by the thousands, it is a great time for porch sitting during cocktail time. Students on bicycles and skateboards are always fun to watch, and lately we’ve even seen a few on big scooters. And, of course, seeing what hair colors are in vogue is always interesting. Green and purple seem to be most prevalent this year.

In September, Laura and I took one of our best trips ever, to Venice (where a highlight was seeing an opera at La Fenice, the opulent opera house that took eight years to rebuild after a Mafia arson incident in 1996) and Friuli, the region north of Venice, famous for its Byzantine churches with their stunning mosaics and another unbelievable church in a cave.

Added to the scenery, churches and ancient civic spaces were visits to four private residences. In three of them, we had meals with the owners – all members of the same big family. Wealthy Italians are frequently

supplementing their incomes with tours and meals in their ancestral homes, and these properties were uniformly beautiful and in great condition, so the practice must be working. The gardens were simple but wonderful, and the food (in one place by the family cook) was always delicious. I hope we have other trips where we can enjoy great seafood twice a day. It was a real pleasure.

Our BR Bob King takes care of my eyes so I can enjoy these trips. He is still a practicing ophthalmologist and plans to continue working, so I made my appointment for 2018.

Bob is taking a nine-month online course in order to become a nutrition coach. He already knows a lot about this topic, and I look forward to learning more about it from him.

In response to my email about the death of William “Bill” Fleming Law Jr., who spent his first year of college at VMI, finishing at Georgia Tech, Joe Gray reported that he had kept up with Bill for years but had not spoken with him recently. Bill had a career in real estate sales and management in Atlanta.

He is survived by a daughter, a son and six grandchildren. Rest in peace, Bill.

Ken Godfrey checked in with this news: Lorna and I spent 24 days in Scandinavia, northern Europe and Russia at the end of August and part of September. Good time, but a little too long!” Sounds great, Ken, and I hope the trip included Sweden, which

Class of 1958: Cadet Michael Tomaso ’21, recipient of the Class of 1958 football scholarship, with Lee McCown and Laura Cameron at VMI. 47

Class Notes Laura and I want to visit again.

Ewing Best had changes to report. “I’ve been battling some health issues, and although I’ll recover (I hope), I’m also getting my house ready to sell. Too much yard for me these days! Our grandkids in Charlotte are growing like crazy, and I want more time to be with them, although I’m planning to find something small here in Virginia Beach for my home base.”

Sally and Sam Witt are also moving soon to a condo near their Richmond home of 20-plus years and say they are really looking forward to the big porch they will have facing a bustling streetscape. As mentioned earlier, Laura and I endorse that never dull way of living and wish them well.

Jack Payne has recently had his right shoulder replaced and said, “I am recovering very nicely. I am quickly becoming a bionic man with knee and hip replacements, too. I don’t have much else to replace. Helle and I will be moving from Pennsylvania to Naples Nov. 1. My regards to you and Laura, as well as all of our BRs.” Jack and Helle are at 4031 Gulf Shore Boulevard, North, #95, Naples, FL 34103, 908500-3344, johnbpayne3@gmail.com.

Another BR who has had a part replaced recently is Moon Menefee – his a knee.

Moon continues to be the organizing force behind lunches for ’58 BRs mostly from the Richmond area, but Jan Woodman comes from Lewes, Delaware, and we had Bill Dunn and Jerry Paull from northern Virginia at the last one.

Hull Negley plans to be at our reunion, despite a 2017 he calls his “annus horribilis.” He spent six weeks in two hospitals, followed by rehab. Treatment involved flying from his island home in Canada back to the U.S. We look forward to seeing you and Judy at the reunion, Hull.

Bill Harshaw was full of great news, starting with son Chip’s recent promotion to director of husbandry at the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach, responsible for all animal care. “He’s very modest,” Bill said, “but is charged with the successful operation of the entire aquarium, which is 48

nationally known, attracting nearly 700,000 visitors annually. As an aside, Sam Witt is his godfather and Shelby Balderson is his godmother.”

This article about Chip from The Virginian-Pilot is a great read: https://pilotonline. com/news/local/he-sketched-pictures-ofsharks-as-a-kid-now-he/article_7812a4e8fc3b-5082-8489-1fea44613836.html. Congratulations to Chip and his proud parents.

Bill also reported that he and Carolyn, along with Shelby and Staff Balderson, were attending a performance by superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma Nov. 7 in Norfolk. “It will

Class of 1958: Among the most amazing sites Lee McCown and Laura Cameron saw in Italy’s Friuli region was a church in a cave, the reward for a 100-stair climb.

be a special night,” Bill said, “especially for Staff, who founded The Virginia Beach Friends of Music in 1968. Staff invited the young cellist, then a 20-year-old college sophomore, to perform here. He performed four more times in Virginia Beach thanks to Staff, and for those of you who remember, he performed in J.M. Hall for the 10th anniversary of Colonel Dillard’s death. Over the years, the Baldersons, Witts and Harshaws have followed his career. He is wonderfully friendly and never forgets people like Staff who helped in his early career. On one occasion, backstage, he spied us and remarked, ‘The Ma-Heads are here!’ We have front row seats and hope to see him afterward.”

Bob Beale and his wife have been taking some interesting trips. “Diane and I spent three weeks in Europe this summer,” Bob said. “We spent a week in England with an English couple we have known for many years.

The four of us then flew to Budapest, where we boarded a boat on the Danube River. We visited cities, towns and villages in Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, ending the cruise with three days in Prague. Our English friends live in a small old village north of London called Wheathamstead.

It dates back to the 1200s. While there, we visited Cambridge University, where our friends’ two young grandsons are enrolled in a special elementary school for children who are musically gifted. The school is part of Cambridge University.

“Diane and I are now enjoying the fall weather in Denver. We have both just about completed books we are writing. Diane’s book, a novel called ‘Buried Light,’ is full of mystery and intrigue and is built around a collection of very ancient carved stones actually found in a small southern town in Peru called Ica. The Ica stones suggest that the world’s ancient history is much different from recorded over the centuries. The nature of her book is roughly along the style of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code.’ No similarities, however, in the stories.

“My book, ‘The Golden Path to Oneness: Robert’s Nine Stage Journey,’ is about a VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes highly unusual experience I had over a period of 15 months. This turned out to be a spiritual journey which occurred in the middle of the night three or four times a week. This process was called an initiation journey leading to the experience of oneness with all. As the title suggests, there were initially nine stages, each lasting a month. Later, there were another three stages, each also lasting a month. During this period, I ‘visited’ other dimensions, met many unusual teachers and picked up a talking white tiger as a guide! This, being my initial book about this experience, is based on the first nine stages. Another will follow based on the three subsequent stages, which are quite different than the first nine. So, as you can appreciate, this is all highly unusual. It is, however, what I experienced.” Bob has promised to let us know when these interesting books are published.

Jim Poteet enjoyed a recent reunion with Jack Boze and Roy Palmer at Jack’s house in Wimberley, Texas, that included Peggy Poteet and Lynne Boze. “We had great fun talking about days at the Institute,” Jim said, “touring the area with Jack as guide, and listening to country music at Luckenbach! Took over a week to recover! We stood up for the Class of ’58! What else could we do! All of us will be in Lexington in April, good Lord willing! Stay strong and God bless!” Look at all those exclamation points. Don’t you think when Jim gets over his crippling shyness, he’s really going to go places? Jim sent some great looking pictures, but they just weren’t large enough for publication the Alumni Review. Photos must be at least 1MB. We also heard from Jack Boze, who told us this: “Lynne and I are still enjoying the Texas hill country, which is far removed from the Houston area and the flood insurance debacle. Our city, Wimberley, encountered a severe flood two years ago, but we were not affected. The river through the town rose 50 feet, so you can imagine the damage, but the area has fully recovered.

“Last April, we spent a week touring Cuba. I recall that several of our BRs visited Cuba during a spring break, but our guide took us to other places! The old cars are in great shape, probably because Cuba 2018-Issue 1

has no auto insurance, so the drivers are careful. Looking forward to the 2018 reunion.” See you there, Jack and Lynne.

I recently learned that in the 1980s Tony Lash recruited two baseball players for VMI from Portland, Oregon. Colonel Charles Tujo ’90, M.D., who graduated with distinction, is now a radiologist in the Air Force, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, according to the most recent VMI Register of Former Cadets. His brother Christian ’94, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI, rose to major in the Air Force and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree.

He is now a financial adviser and lives in Sisters, Oregon. Looks like you have an eye for talent, Tony. Thanks for bringing these men to the Institute. (Tony also sent a good picture not big enough for publication in the Alumni Review, and it looked like the Tujo brothers could still get in their VMI baseball uniforms.)

Here’s Sully Griffin’s description of what the Texas hurricane brought to him and Fran: “We got killed. We are having to pick up our house and move it to a lot we have about a block away. It will not be the same view, but if things go as normal for down here, we will be beachfront again in a couple of years. We are on our way to Cabo, Mexico, for two weeks. This will be our 22nd trip. We love it there and have a lot of friends who come at the same time.”

I like Sully’s attitude: when life gets tough, take a vacation.

Laura and I had the pleasure of meeting Cadet Michael Tomaso ’21, recipient of the ’58 football scholarship, and his parents, Becky and Mike, at the annual VMI Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet. All of them are very nice people. You have seen Mrs. Tomaso’s heartfelt email thank you that I sent some time ago, where she said the scholarship made it possible for him to come to VMI. These are probably the last Alumni Review notes you will see before our reunion April 22-24, 2018. You will be receiving plenty of information about it before then.

Laura and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Cheers, Lee

1959

Shep Shepard

Larry and Nancy Wood got a surprise visit from Harry and Terry MacGregor, who were out west visiting their oldest son who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. No sooner had they unpacked their bags when Harry said, “OK, what projects do you have going on? Let’s get started.” It was just like the old times when they worked shoulderto-shoulder together in a saw mill in Dubois, Wyoming, the summer between our 3rd and 2nd Class years. Brad Willard, who had worked as a smokejumper in Missoula, Montana, the summer before, had wandered south and found work in John Hawk’s sawmill. One thing Brad taught them was never go into a local bar with him. We will have to wait until the 60th Reunion to find out why. The VMI Alumni Association asked Larry to organize a Las Vegas Chapter, so Brad Maak ’87 and Larry accepted the challenge. They found that they had two females who would matriculate in September, so their first official function was a rat send-off for one of them, Pamela Gandolfo ’21. The other rat had already left to participate in soccer camp. Larry and Brad broke out their Bombs and had a wonderful evening tripping down memory lane. After Harry and Terry left, and just before the terrible Vegas shooting, John and Pat Van Kesteren came to attend a solar convention. Larry picked them up at the airport and took them to their hotel and then to his favorite Mexican restaurant, Lindo Michoacan, to celebrate John’s 80th birthday. It was also Nancy’s birthday, but she wasn’t feeling well and didn’t join them. Larry told the hostess that it was John’s birthday, so they brought him a sombrero and sang happy birthday in Spanish. The conversation, as always, dealt with times spent ages ago. John and Pat took their granddaughter to visit VMI, after which she attended tennis camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado 49

Class Notes Springs, Colorado. Having experienced waking up to bugle calls every morning, John doesn’t think she’s very excited about attending either institution. John and Pat had dinner with Bill and Cary Fuqua not long ago. Bill and Cary had substantial water damage to their home due to a leaking water line to their refrigerator icemaker.

Billy and Sue Kornegay spent Labor Day weekend with their family visiting North Carolina to trace their ancestry. All of their children and grandchildren joined them on the trip. They began in New Bern, North Carolina, where the Kornegay family came to from Germany. It was an English colony headed up by a Swiss baron.

They next visited the area where the Tuscarora Native Americans killed all of the Kornegay family, including the husband, wife, two daughters and one son. They missed 9-year-old John George Konig, who went on to become the ward of Jacob Mueller of Switzerland until he was 21 and, along the way, changed his name to John George Kornegay. He did well in life, and when he died, he owned 10 slaves, 10 indentured servants, a ship, a big canoe, a little canoe, a whiskey still, a tar kiln and more than 2,000 acres of land. They then followed the Kornegay family inland to Mount Olive, North Carolina, where Billy’s father was born, and visited several Kornegay cemeteries and homes along the way. Naturally, they visited wineries along the way to compare their boldness to the Brother Rat Red from the Kornegay Winery.

Jim Edmunds had a quiet summer until September, when he began a two-month road trip around the southern half of the U.S. His plan was to drive to the Florida group mini in Punta Gorda, Florida, stopping along the way visiting relatives and friends. When 50

Class of 1959: Shep and Ann Shepard and Bud and Susan Mease outside their condo at Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Class of 1959: Harry MacGregor helped Larry Wood do some manual labor around his house while visiting the Woods in Las Vegas.

Class of 1959: John Van Kesteren with his daughter, son-in-law and grandson at the solar convention held in the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

in San Antonio, he got word that the mini reunion was postponed due to Hurricane Irma, but Jim kept on driving to New Jersey, where he visited his brother. He made it back to California in November. After driving 9,500, miles Jim plans to fly to the next Florida mini. Jim has a busy quarter coming up, including trips to Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and Colombia, South America, to visit a granddaughter who is teaching English there.

Bobby and Alice Ross are in good health, and although retired, they stay busy visiting their 18 grandchildren. Keeping up with them is far more difficult than they imagined. They make it to Lexington every once in a while to visit old haunts. They saw Eddie Barnes and Rusty Loth at one of the games and see Baldy Fall on a regular basis. Bobby is a member of the local ROMEO Club (retired old men eating out), and they get together every month. Three of the charter members are old friends of the Stonewall Class: Gen. Morgan, Col. Jamison ’57 and Gen. Tate. All the members are VMI grads, and it is fun to get together and compare notes. Bobby admits our football season is a little rough right now, but he reminds us that we are pretty young, and the schedule is pretty tough. The Stonewall Class scholarship player is Duncan Hodges ’20, a red shirt 4th Class cadet, who is the starting quarterback. Bobby sat with him at the scholarship dinner and said he is a fine young man with great potential as a football player. Bobby reminds us to earmark a little more of your annual VMI contribution to our scholarship program.

Eve Trumpore loves being kept in the VMI Stonewall Class loop.

She got to the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force game in September and felt so sorry for the “poor VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Keydets, they never had a chance.” She ran into Lee Southard at the VMI tailgate party but saw him for only a few minutes before being hauled off to the game by her son, Van Trumpore ’89. Eve reported that she is healthy, and all is well in Colorado. Pete’s oldest grandson, Michael, is a senior at the Colorado School of Mines. She is so proud of him and knows Pete would be, too.

Jimmy and Linda Johnson are doing great.

Jimmy recently visited his cardiologist, who is Puerto Rican and said he knew our BR Jake Garcia. He did not know that Jake had died but had many good memories working with Jake and respected his charitable work.

John and Chris Patane had a great summer filled with boating, visits to New York and friends and family and many rounds of terrible golf. John and Chris are in good health.

George and Marie O’Neill reported that they spoke with Lon and Pat Martin in San Antonio who weathered Hurricane Harvey with no problems at all. George says he also spoke to Ed and Carolyn Talley in Salem, Virginia, and they are doing extremely well.

Bill and Susie Kirkland are doing pretty well, considering Susie’s condition. Bill turned 80 this year, as did a lot of other brother rats. Since Bill’s family is spread around, he took his boys and their families out to dinner and back to their house for cake and ice cream. He then met his daughter the following week in Indiana for a belated birthday celebration. Bill was able to be with all of his kids and grandkids for the big one. It is the first trip he and Susie have been on for a long time; it is just too much to have to pack all her food and medicine for her feeding tube. It felt good to be out on the highway.

Noland and Mary Pipes finally got the opportunity to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The trip was planned two years ago but had to be put off due to Noland’s health issues. He has worked very hard to regain his strength and get strong enough for travel. He finally made it. With wheelchairs, a driver friend and help along the way, they had a wonderful trip. Noland’s health has improved, and they are very thankful for prayer from devoted friends. He has also found that the wonderful 50th Reunion cane is his best friend. Many folks comment on it, and he’s very proud to use it.

2018-Issue 1

Bud and Denyse Kramer recently returned from France, where they visited along with 30 members of their church. In addition to visiting many holy places, they visited historic Normandy. The number of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery reminded Bud of the sacrifices these brave men made for our country. He was amazed at Pointe du Hoc, the 100-foot vertical wall that our Rangers climbed in order to neutralize the machine gun pill box that was hindering the beach landing. Bud has a difficult time at cemeteries and memorials but does not regret doing it. The trip gave Bud two important lessons: The significant history of his church and the respect he has for the brave who gave their lives at Normandy.

This is a public service announcement of sorts brought to my attention by Mary Ann Wright, widow of Ralph Wright ’69. It has to do with Vietnam veteran widows and benefits they are due; things Mary Alice discovered after the death of her husband, who was a Vietnam veteran. Ralph attended VMI for two years, served in Vietnam as a military policeman and spent the rest of his career as a local policeman. Ralph died from a condition related to his service in Vietnam, contact with Agent Orange. As a Vietnam vet with conditions tied to Agent Orange, Ralph was due benefits from the Veteran’s Administration, and Mary Alice discovered what that meant and wants all Vietnam vet widows to know about the many benefits available to them.

The surviving spouse of a Vietnam veteran whose death can be linked to Agent Orange can apply for benefits under the Department of Indemnity Compensation program. The benefit consists of a monthly sum of income for the rest of the life of the surviving spouse.

What is needed is proof of service (DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and a link to the Agent Orange list of medical issues. The list is fairly widespread and includes heart and artery failure, diabetes, lung cancer and prostate cancer, just to mention a few. I suggest to widows of Vietnam vets, if you have not already done so, get in touch with your local VA representative and see what you are authorized. Those of you who are still kicking may want to do what I have done, which is put a statement on the first page of your instruction upon death

stating: “To Whom It May Concern: In the event of my death, ensure that the death certificate indicates that the death was entirely or in part due to diabetes (or one of the many Vietnam War Agent Orange related medical issues) if it was, in fact, the case. This fact will have significant impact on the benefits that my wife will receive from the Survival Benefit Program.” Must always take care of the ladies.

When Rusty Loth was growing up in Waynesboro, Virginia, his dad and uncles built, owned and operated the Wayne and Cavalier Theaters and the Cavalier Bowling Alley. These were the primary entertainment venues for this small town at the time. As television developed in the 50s, along with drivein-theaters, indoor theaters started to close all over the country. The Wayne Theater survived for a while but finally closed down for good in the late 60s. However, it was never torn completely down, and about five years ago, it underwent an expensive renovation and is now The Wayne Theatre and Ross Performing Arts Center, a beautiful facility and a real asset to downtown Waynesboro.

Although not in the Loth family any longer, Rusty felt he would honor his father and uncles with a family contribution. He was able to do this with the help of other family members, and they recently had a family plaque dedication, luncheon and tour of this beautiful facility. In fact, it inspired Rusty and Pat to return a few weeks later to see “The Four Freshmen.”

Kurt and Jane Gloeckner report that their family keeps growing; they are grandparents again with the arrival of twin girls. They recently spent time in and around Milwaukee visiting some of their children. Kurt is still working full time having designed four dams and one bridge just this summer. They are still hiking and are now up to 120 miles since the first of August. Never a dull moment. They send their best to all brother and sister rats.

Penn and Betty Whitescarver attended a reunion of U.S. Air Force pilots who trained at Moody Air Force Base in 1962.

The class gets together every other year, and this year, they met at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Florida. The class was composed of 26 students, 50 percent from the Air Force Academy. Three of the graduates 51

Class Notes made general officer. Penn mustered out af- and was not in great shape for a long time. of marketing, Harlee is sold out. If you did ter six years in the service, or there very likely Jack has completed Volume 4 of his book, not buy them, you missed out; they are great.

“Heroes in Our Midst.” It is in the final stag- Eddie and Carolyn also had a nice visit with would have been four generals in the class.

Bob Haines will be participating in the es of proofing and should go to press shortly. Jim Sam Gillispie. Jim Sam is busy making Navy’s Tiger Program. The Navy has a pro- Volume 5 is waiting in the wings. Jack is look- his annual fall sausage, as well as being a busy gram when some ships return from duty at ing forward to his two speaking engagements gentleman farmer. Eddie ran into John Reed sea in which they take on family members at Veteran’s Day memorial services, as well as and his young son, Jack, at a football game. and friends of crewmen for the last leg of two upcoming cruises scheduled for January John is still doing great thing in Haiti; more their cruise. Bob’s grandson, Cody, an F-18 and October. The October trip will take them than 30 years of this mission. Eddie said he is proud, as are all of us, for what jet engine mechanic, is aboard the John had accomplished over the USS Nimitz, a carrier, returning years, and we thank him for his from a six-month Pacific cruise service. John makes us all look heading to San Diego. Cody ingood. Eddie sees Ed Talley often, vited his father, Bob’s son, and and he continues to stay busy enBob to join them for their final joying the good life. four days. You have to be cleared While Bill Nebraska was in by the senior medical officer of the Canada for a week of fishing, Jean USS Nimitz to qualify for the Tiger Anderson and Monique Harnetty Program, so Bob filled out a bunch came to visit Connie for a few days. of paperwork. The SMO did not They had a great time socializing, approve Bob, questioning whether and Bill had a good salmon fishing an 80-year-old guy with two new trip, as well. Bill just returned from knees, three stents and a case of his third annual steelhead fishing COPD could climb three flights Class of 1959: Mel and Jean Anderson and Bob Haines and Moof steep stairs. Cody arranged a nique Harnetty visited Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island dur- trip to Ohio with his two sons. This year his oldest grandson, Mark, second chance, and after getting af- ing a cruise on the Great Lakes. joined them. fidavits from his doctor, the SMO Needless to say, they had a great approved the trip. Bob will join his time, and of course, they plan on son in Hawaii at the end of Nodoing it again next year. vember. The USS Nimitz will set Got a nice note from Dick and sail around the first of December Judith Irons from Palm Beach for the cruise to San Diego. Bob is Gardens, Florida. Considering bringing along sunglasses, suntan Judith’s condition, they are doing lotion, a chaise lounge chair and a well and wish all brother and sister tray table, where he intends to have rats their very best. mint juleps on the flight deck! Bob John Martin’s 80th birthday is excited and goes to the apartcelebration was a multiday affair, ment complex across the street beginning with a Friday night and climbs their stairs twice every neighborhood gathering followed morning in order to get into shape by a Saturday evening dinner with to handle the steep stairs on the daughter Sydney and her famUSS Nimitz. He promises to bring Class of 1959: Noland and Mary Pipes enjoyed a peaceful moback pictures and sea stories for the ment during their long-awaited trip to Grand Teton and Yel- ily. Sydney presented John with a framed scroll with 80 comments next issue of the AR. lowstone National Park. of appreciation written by relatives Jack and Joy Angolia recently returned from a two-week vacation cover- to the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, and close friends. Needless to say, a few tears ing the eastern part of Canada and New which has been on Jack’s bucket list for years. were shed. John’s son, Rod, surprised the Eddie and Carolyn Barnes had lunch with family by arriving the evening of the birthday England. The weather was beautiful and the foliage equally so, the adventures mem- Dick and Linda Philippi, who normally celebration. Rod flew 15 hours from his busiorable, and the overall trip very enjoyable. come from the hinterlands to Roanoke to ness base in Hong Kong to be part of the celThe short side of things was that they both shop, but this time they were there to pick up ebration. John and Teddi had not seen Rod caught colds which lingered for weeks after the VMI thermal drink glasses that Harlee since last July. It was a moving end to a perthe trip. Joy developed a severe sinus infection Pate got for our last reunion. After three years fect celebration. John wishes all the best for 52

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes his fellow octogenarian brother rats.

When I received input for the notes from Tex Carr and his significant other, Emily Hanzok, they were sitting in Mykonos, Greece, sipping wine and swigging beer.

They were on Day Nine of a 25-day cruise.

Their next stop was the wonderful country of Italy.

As you have heard by now, the Florida group mini reunion was canceled because of Hurricane Irma. Not unlike last year when our mini reunion at Mount Dora was cut short because Hurricane Matthew was bearing down on the East Coast, where many of our Florida brother rats live. We have rescheduled the mini reunion for April 17-19, 2018. Location will be the same – that is, the Fisherman’s Village Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida, located just north of Fort Myers.

The agenda will remain the same: Arrive Tuesday with drinks and conversation in the hospitality room followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Wednesday, tour of Punta Gorda military and fine arts museums and shops with lunch together at Harpoon Harry’s. A Vietnam Wall memorial ceremony, with everyone playing a part, will be held at the Vietnam Wall Memorial, where we will do a roll call of the dead for the 43 VMI alumni who died in Vietnam, followed by the traditional response, “Died on the field of honor,” just like the New Market ceremony at VMI. This will be followed by a dinner at Laishley Crab House. Thursday, we check out. The Fisherman’s Village Resort will not be accepting reservations until after the first of the year, but I will to keep you informed. We would like to see a big non-Floridians group come down.

What better way to shake the winter blues than a week in beautiful Florida?

Speaking of reunions, believe it or not, our 60th is just around the corner and has been scheduled for April 15-16, 2019. We will be the honored class. I have yet to get a definition from the Alumni Association as to what that means, but I think we get first choice on hotels and facilities on post to hold events. I told them that if it involved collecting money for a big donation, we did not want to be the honored class. Billy Kornegay has graciously agreed to once more be our reunion chairman. My wife, Ann, would not have it any other way. I plan to get together with Billy 2018-Issue 1

early next year to talk about what we will do.

If you have any suggestions as to our normal format, favors and places to hold events, etc., let me know soonest so I can get your wishes considered. Mark these dates in bright red letters: April 15-16, 2019. Please do not forget!

Ann and I are experiencing the normal aches and pains expected of our age group.

There is a conspiracy among my doctors to keep me off the golf course. As soon as I recover from one operation, another doctor comes along and says I need more surgery.

We recently returned from a week in Hilton Head. Bud and Susan (my sister) Mease drove over from Utah, and my brother and sister-in-law came over from Huntsville, Alabama, all to enjoy a mini family reunion. We had a week of golf, a boat cruise around the islands and far too much fine dining. We are preparing for the Christmas holiday when our daughter, Colleen, and her family from Springfield, Missouri, and Boston, Massachusetts, will gather at our house to celebrate. Keep those cards, emails and letters coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James Plantation, North Carolina.

We shall begin another class notes journey.

I always appreciate hearing from and about you. Since April 28, my lifestyle has been affected due to left foot surgery. No weight bearing for seven weeks. Life with a kneeling scooter was a thrill. I am currently in a walking boot and looking forward to an indefinite period of healing. I’ve had wonderful orthopedic care, but I have old feet. No golf and unwelcomed weight gain.

On Aug. 20, I spoke with Steve Sewell in the evening. Steve had good birthday celebrating his 80th. We wish him many more birthdays.

I tried to contact Lenny Carmine in McCordsville, Indiana, but no one answered the

phone. We have no email for Lennie. Lennie, please contact us if you get this message. A belated happy birthday wish.

On Aug. 21, the solar eclipse came and went uneventfully. I received a wonderful phone call from George Uhlig of Price, Utah, to say how much he enjoys reading our class notes and hearing about our brother rats.

George spends his spare time taking care and maintaining the Mormon church buildings in his area. He is another example of being of service to others in retirement. On Aug. 26, I called Tom Royster in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for his birthday wish, only to leave a message on the answering machine of his wife, Jennifer. Tom got an email birthday

Class of 1960: Howard Moss and Jim O’Dell.

Class of 1960: Jimbo and Ruth Smith with a friend at Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia.

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Class Notes wish. Later, Tom wrote: “Jimbo and Hap, appreciate the birthday greeting, Jimbo. Hope we all continue to have them for yet some time. Jennifer and I have just returned from hosting Virtuoso passengers on a week adventure cruise from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on Seabourn Sojourn. Lots of action – humpback and killer whales, sea otters, stellar sea lions, etc. from zodiacs (we found ourselves, on one such zodiac trip, in the middle of a large pod of dall porpoises which seemed to enjoy playing and dashing and zipping across our bow) and many bald eagles and black and brown bears on the hikes (watched a brown bear sow actually teaching her cubs how to fish for salmon). We returned to North Carolina in time to close on our new town home here in Bermuda Run. Our new address is, effective immediately: 125 Warwicke Place, Bermuda Run, NC 27006. Telephone is: 336-9419330 (remains the same). Email: dtroysterjr@gmail.com (remains the same). Tuesday we head out again, this time to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta. Hope both of you are doing well. Tom.” On Monday, Aug. 28, I called the Powell twins, Jim and John, for their birthday, again only to get an answering machine. I miss being able to get in touch. I spoke with Don Hammond a day after his birthday, Aug. 30. He allowed he was getting by and had a good day. He got wishes for more birthdays. On Aug. 31, I spoke with Jim Pittman. We enjoyed our time at Olde Mill Resort. He was having a pleasant day. He also got wishes for many more birthdays. On Sept. 2, I spoke with Joe Sisler to wish him a happy birthday. Joe still works but never misses a chance to hit the golf 54

Class of 1960: Joe Sisler, Henry Brown, Sam Horner, Ed Tolley and Jimbo Smith at the Jimbo & Ruth Smith Golf Classic

Class of 1960: Joe Sisler, Otis Pool, Joe Morabit, Jack Seamon and Henry Brown at the Robert Trent Jones golf trail in Alabama.

Class of 1960: Jimbo and Ruth Smith and Henry and Linda Brown in Charleston, South Carolina.

course. On Sept. 4, I spoke with Kenny Scott a day after his birthday. Ken was upbeat as he deals with some health issues, as we all are. I recommended the book, “Best Regrets,” about John McKenna to him, as he was on those great teams while we were at the Institute. Kenny got birthday wishes. On Sept. 6, we held The Jimbo & Ruth Smith Golf Classic here at St. James Plantation. The event is intended to raise funds for medical and surgical equipment on mission projects I go to in the Dominican Republic. Sam Horner and daughter Helen, Ed Tolley, Joe and Ella Sister, and Henry Brown were here. The golf event was rained out, but we had a successful dinner and silent and live auction. It looks like we raised more than $22,000 for equipment purchases. Our community was very generous. I was great to have Sam, Joe, Ed and Henry here.

VMI was heard from! On Sept.

10, I spoke with Bill Knowles and wished him happy birthday. He was enjoying a piece of coconut pie Suzanne always makes for his birthdays. His health is stable, and he sounded good. I could not get hold of Alex Dunlap, as his voicemail box was full. Alex is very active on Facebook. He got an email birthday wish. On Sept. 13, I tried to speak with John “Stump” Fulton only to be able to leave a message with his voicemail. Let us hear from and about you, John.

I received an email from Jim Greathead also with some interesting information Sept. 13. Jim wrote, “Jimbo, Reba and I had the pleasure of the company of George and Shirley Sydnor ’57.

George was my dyke our rat year, and I had not seen him or his lovely wife since our graduation in June 1960 – 56 years. Needless to say, we two had a lot to catch up on. And, as you might expect, the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes war stories, filled with BS, were traded over something that probably would have gotten us a No.1. But we ended before taps, as the Sydnors had driven (George is 82!) from Roanoke through us to go fishing in Meeker, Colorado. They were out to see some of the West, and we were lucky to offer a bed-andbreakfast on their way. I hope you and all the Florida BRs got through Irma OK. Regards, BR Jim Greathead.”

On Sept. 15, I was able to speak with Earl Marquette and give him birthday wishes.

Earl was convalescing from major surgery done at John Hopkins Hospital. Despite his early convalescence, he feels well and reports that his physicians are happy with the results and reports of his procedure. We wish him well and many more birthdays. Sam Horner called me Sept. 15 to check on the progress of my foot malady. I suspect the real reason for the call was to tell me he shot his age, a 79, earlier in the day. You da man, Sam! On Sept.

18, Brother Rats Barry Worst and Bill Driver had birthdays. I could not get them on the phone. Barry got an email, but Bill has not given us his email. Bill, send us an email address, please. On Sept. 24, Mike Shoemaker got an email for his birthday wish, to which he responded with an email. He related that he was doing well. I did speak with Tony DiCaprio on his day, Sept. 27, in Florida.

Tony had no hurricane damage and is doing well. On Sept. 20, Nick Delaplane got an email birthday wish, as did Jon Quinn Oct. 1. Folks just don’t answer their phone. Roy McLeod got a birthday wish Oct. 3, to which he responded with an email message. He and Sewell have just completed a trip to Croatia, et al., and are well. He remains active in his local Episcopal Church. As you all know, Roy solved the question regarding the rat PX on the 4th stoop. George Uhlig got an email Oct. 5, his birthday, to which he responded with a note of good health. On Oct. 6, Ed Duncan received an email for his birthday wish. I hope all are well, safe and healthy. I wish them all many more birthdays but only wish I could speak with them. On Oct. 12, I spoke on the phone with Seaborn “Seafus” Brown in Sarasota. Seafus proudly celebrated his birthday with Columbus. Other than some eye problems, Seafus and Pril are enjoying life. They did have some problems 2018-Issue 1

with Hurricane Maria, having been without electricity for eight days but minimal structural damage. I wished him many more birthdays. On Oct. 20, I spoke with Jack Willard. He and Annaliese celebrated by going to Maryland to a casino. He related that he only made some “deposits with no withdrawals.” His health is good, having recovered from his accident in the spring. Annaliese is also well. I also called Roy Quinn Oct. 20 and had the pleasure of speaking with his wife, Patty. Roy called me the next day, and we had a wonderful conversation.

Roy and Patty stay healthy with vigorous walking. Their health is good. Since Roy retired from DuPont in Camden, South Carolina, he and Patty moved to Summerville, South Carolina, just outside of Charleston.

He has become a consultant to companies on environmental issues. He has continued to be active in church work, as well. On Oct. 27, I spoke with Frank Ferrier. Frank was an outstanding, very successful cardiovascular thoracic surgeon in Atlanta and now has retired. He managed patients with venous disease later in his career. He was at his home in Sea Island, Georgia, when I caught up with him. He hasn’t decided what he plans to do in retirement. He says no golf!

Ruth and I went to Charleston with Henry and Linda Brown to see the VMI versus The Citadel football game. Our Friday and Saturday night dinners were wonderful, but the ballgame was a disappointment: The Citadel 21, VMI 3. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the Keydets are 0-8, and the future doesn’t look that great. On Oct. 29, I got a birthday call for my birthday from Bill King in Houston. A nice, unexpected surprise. Bill’s home survived Hurricane Harvey with water getting 3 feet from his front door. I’m so happy to report that my left foot seems to have healed, and I have no pain. What an ordeal that I will not go through again. Thank you all for your cheers. Now it’s back to golf!

It’s time to close this session on class notes.

Please remember the Institute in your donations. Also, continue to support The Paul Bayliss 1960 Memorial Scholarship. Howard Moss continues to successfully sell his book, “Kiss the Talisman,” with proceeds going to the scholarship. He has been most generous.

Thank you all for staying in touch. I love to

hear from and about you. Please continue to write, call and send photos. I wish you all safety and good health. God bless you all.

In the spirit, Jimbo

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

For the last three months, Sue and I were very busy. We attended the Lynchburg widows’ lunch arranged by Lou and Jane Kiger.

What a treat it was to be with Barbara Steadman, Janet Dance, Dot Templeton and Virginia Dabney. During lunch, each of the ladies told us how they met their spouses. Janet Dance met Kirk his 4th Class year, and they were married soon thereafter. In our 2nd Class year when Kirk filled out his ROTC information, he checked off married. As we all remember, being married was a no-no, and Kirk resigned. Janet Dance is an accomplished artist, and her work can be viewed online when you Google her name. Barbara Steadman and “My Jon” were together since grade school, and it was a fairy tale romance and life together. Dot Templeton met Ken when he was working as an EMT. Dot was an emergency room nurse, and after many dates in the emergency room, Ken and Dorothy tied the knot. Virginia Dabney remembers the first meeting between her father, Chesty Puller ’921, and Bill. Chesty invited him in the house for a drink. This shocked Virginia, because Chesty never invited her dates in the house. Then Virginia’s grandmother told Bill that he was very acceptable to the family and had to marry her granddaughter, Virginia. The rest is history. Chesty and Bill are buried side-by-side at the Christchurch Parish Cemetery, Christ Church, Virginia. A special thanks to Lou and Jane Kiger for having Sue and me as their houseguests.

Then it was off to Lexington to witness our grandson, Mark Jr., matriculate. The evening before matriculation, we invited brother rats who live in or near Lexington to have dinner with us and meet Mark. Dick and Ann Weede, Tom and Faye Bradshaw, and Ed 55

Class Notes and Phyllis Hollowell joined us. Unfortunately, Carole Berger, Mike Carmichael and Ron McNemar were under the weather. Matriculation day was very well organized, and we saw Mark sign the book and join Company D. I was allowed into barracks to witness, “Rats, meet your cadre,” and it was very professional. The next week, we managed to sneak in a few days at the Outer Banks with our daughter, Lynn, and her family and had a good time. Then it was off to New Market, Virginia, where we witnessed the rats “charge” up the hill, take their cadet oath and parade down New Market’s Main Street.

Several thousand people viewed the New Market ceremonies, and Gen. Peay ’62 delivered a very good speech. We returned home with just enough time to repack our bags and head to Hillsville, Virginia, for the class golf outing at Olde Mill. The group was smaller this year, but we had a great time and included Jim and Blair Bickford, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Robert and Pat Williamson, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Spike and Mary Callander, Jim Miner, John Miller, Bud and Peggy Alligood, and Sal and Sue Vitale. Dick Stone had some medical issues and had to cancel. We all missed seeing Dick and Diane.

The accommodations at Olde Mill have been updated; the course was in perfect condition and the clubhouse food was very good. Jim Bickford conducted his painting class, and it was wonderful. John Miller did a great job chairing this event, and I hope he does it again next year. The stress of all the driving finally caught up with me and Sue, and I

missed the R.E.L. Huddle gathering at Natural Bridge. Larry Williams, Bob Huddle, Barry and Elizabeth Orndorff, and Tom and Faye Bradshaw attended. They had dinner at Natural Bridge and attended the football game. Bill and Connie Nelms were in Virginia Beach during Labor Day week at their timeshare, and Sue and I had dinner with them. Their son’s nursing care business is growing and has over 200 employees. The next time our class came together was for Ken Patrick’s funeral. For those who may have missed my emails, we lost Brother Rat Kenton Branch Patrick Sept. 4, 2017. Those close to Ken loved him. He was “Rabbit” to our brother rats. Rabbit was the avatar for our class, indeed the spirit of ’61, and the gem of our class. Ken was a graduate of Hampton High School, a member of the winning 195960 VMI football team, a civil engineering major and earned advanced degrees at the University of Alaska. Ken served in the Army in Fairfax, Alaska, from 1962-64 and dedicated himself to work as a civil engineer on the peninsula for 46 years. Ken was a Rotary Club member and enjoyed serving as a deacon at the Virginia Beach Community Chapel. He loved his church, family and the Lord. One of our brother rats had this to say about Ken (which, in my view, sums Kenton up nicely): “We love you as one who always brought light into the darkest days. No matter how down we were, we could depend on you to lift us up. I can remember so many days when we were struggling to survive the Rat Line, and you would laugh it off and remind us

that the end was in sight and all we had to do was stick together. We love you as one who always cut through the pretense and told it as it was.” Sue was with Ken every step of the way as he dealt with many health issues, and he never complained, “Why me?” I will miss his loud, gregarious hand-crusher shake, bear hugs and smile. May his soul rest in peace, and may the Lord comfort Sue and Ken’s daughters, Susan, Donna and Kent. Everyone in the class had their impression of Ken, who was well loved and a happy man. I received several condolence emails from the brother rats and made Sue Patrick copies of all of them. On the day of the service, the minister said, “One-half of the chapel is filled with family and one-half with VMI brother rats and VMI friends and the remaining by parishioners.” Ken’s daughter, Donna, who gave him a kidney, talked about her dad, and it was beautiful. Larry Wetsel talked about his friendship with Ken. Wyatt Durrette presented Sue Patrick with an honorary membership to the “Blue Team” football club.

What a tribute to Ken and his family. After the service, we attended the reception, and at the request of Sue Patrick, took a picture of the brother rats. I learned that when Ken was a rat, he went to his dyke’s room and thumped his foot on the floor like Thumper the rabbit.

Hence, his dyke called him “Rabbit,” not Coach McKenna. Mystery solved. I hope you enjoyed the film strip I sent you that his children, Susan, Donna and Kent, created.

It brought back wonderful memories and tears. He truly was one of a kind. Those in

Class of 1961: Pictured at the funeral reception for Kenton Branch Patrick at the Virginia Beach Community Chapel Sept. 16, 2017, were Alison Drescher, Dick Youngblood, Fred Ayers, Harrison Fridley, Ray Hanlein, Lou Shuba, Jim Ring, Robert Williamson, Dave Harbach, Irv Wells, Don Kern, Bill Braithwaite, Dick Weede, Paul Johnston, Oscar Mabry, Sal Vitale, Willard Hoskins, Wyatt Durrette, Ben Lynch, Bill Daniels, Bob Polk, Bill Gibbings, Bud Alligood, Larry Wetsel, Stu Woodcock, Larry Respess, Larry Williams, Hershell Murray, Charlie Fuller, Ashby Taylor and John Tharrington. Present but not pictured were Rhett Clarkson, Floyd Farleigh, Dick Jarvis, Ken Legum and Dorsey Pender.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes attendance at the funeral service included: Fred Ayers, Bud and Peggy Alligood, Bill and Wendy Braithwaite, Rhett Clarkson, Bill Daniels, Alison Drescher, Wyatt Durrette, Floyd Farleigh, Harrison and Terry Fridley, Charlie Fuller, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Dick Jarvis, Paul and Deborah Johnston, Don and Ibis Kern, Ken Legum and daughter Beth Legum, Ben Lynch, Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Hershell Murray, Dorsey Pender, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Larry and Joann Respess, Jim and Frankie Ring, Lou and Pris Shuba, Ashby and Sandra Taylor, John Tharrington, Sal and Sue Vitale, Dick and Anne Weede, Irv Wells, Larry and Jeri Wetsel, Larry Williams, Robert and Pat Williamson, Kim Wise, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, and Dick and Judy Youngblood. From other classes: Jeremy Ingram ’95, Donald Calder ’88, Bob Walton ’63, Charles Amory ’63, Mike Shoemaker ’85, Rusty Evans ’65 and Gary Pittman ’85. Bill Braithwaite is still teaching, and he walks every day to keep his heart in great shape. Floyd Farleigh is still working with the school security project and says it is going well. Oscar Mabry’s knee surgery went well, and he is ready for tennis. Irv Wells was looking well, and his a-fib is under control. My next trip was to Arlington Cemetery for Robert von Hellen’s interment. I stayed with John “J.C.” Tharrington, and this spared me from having to drive back from Washington on a Friday night. Carl and Becky Hirsch joined J.C. and me for the funeral. Bob had full military honors and was placed in the columbarium a few niches away from my sister, Jean, and Brother Rat Paul Hill. We met Bob’s brother, daughters and nephews and nieces, as 2018-Issue 1

Class of 1961: At the annual fall dinner at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Paint Bank, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2017, were Sue Vitale, Connie Oliver, Jimmy Oliver, Sal Vitale, Dave Harbach, Terry Fridley, Harrison Fridley, Jennifer Kot, Mitch Kot, Tom Phlegar, Barbara Phlegar Barry Orndorff and Elizabeth Orndorff.

Class of 1961: Pictured at the widows of brother rats lunch at the Crown Sterling Restaurant in Lynchburg, Virginia, Aug. 17, 2017, were Janet Dance, Virginia Dabney, Sue Vitale, Sal Vitale, Dot Templeton, Barbara Steadman, Jane Kiger and Lou Kiger.

Class of 1961: Pictured at the monthly Richmond Breakfast Club at Joe’s Inn and Out in Midlothian, Virginia, Sept. 14, 2017, were Wyatt Durrette, Dick Youngblood, Russell Stone, Dick Jarvis, Bill Phillips, Rhett Clarkson, Roy Whitehouse, Bill Daniels and Dennis Curtis.

well as his current sweetheart, Nancy Sharret. The next weekend, Sue and I went to Lexington and bunked with Terry and Harrison Fridley so we could attend the annual Swinging Bridge dinner. For the past 10 years, Tom Phlegar has gathered the brother rats for dinner at The Swinging Bridge Restaurant, in Paint Bank, Virginia. This year, the group included Mitch and Jennifer Kot, Barry and Elizabeth Orndorff, Jimmy and Connie Oliver, Tom and Barbara Phlegar, Dave Harbach, and Harrison and Terry Fridley. Mitch Kot should be in Vietnam when you read this.

Mitch planned to do some skiing in Europe and visit Dubai on his way there. While in Virginia, Mitch and Jennifer teamed up with Larry and Jerri Wetsel and visited the World War II Memorial in Bedford. Jim Oliver looks great after recovering from 35 radiation doses. Jim was in Montana and visited with Dick Butler, who looks great. Harrison Fridley enjoyed his trip on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and traveled the Mississippi River in a steam paddle wheeler. Barry Orndorff stays busy following their grandson’s football escapades. Grandson was 1st Team All-State on a state championship team last year, and things are looking promising again this year. He wants to attend VMI. We will see how that works out. Dave Harbach has been doing a lot of walking, and my guess is he can fit into his cadet uniform. Tom Phlegar has taken 31 cruises and has several more planned, including one for the class. We are thinking about a cruise in 2019 from Baltimore along the Atlantic coast to Halifax, Canada, to see the fall foliage. Let me or Tom know if you are interested.

The two major hurricanes affected many of our brother rats in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and 57

Class Notes the Carolinas. I called all those BRs in the Texas storm area but only heard back from L.T. “Troy” Jones. Troy was not concerned, because he was about 200 miles west of the Houston storm and was buttoned up. The water rose in his area, and he saw several 5-acre lakes that were not there before. Troy also dodged the second storm bullet. Bill Haeberlein didn’t think that the storm would do much to the area where he lives in Louisiana. Bill’s house is a few blocks away from a river that overflowed, but Bill was spared.

Many of our Florida brother rats left the state for higher ground. Hill Browning and Pete Roberts were in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with Pete’s mother-in-law. Hill said there was no electricity, but it beats a motel! There was little damage to their Bonita Bay community, except for lots of trees down and no power.

The Bonita Springs area is in bad shape, and Heather has friends who are now homeless and were staying at their house. Dave Elliott went north, Hershel Murray went to New York, Clayton Smith went to Montana, Charlie Finnigan was in Washington state and Don Rishell moved inland. Hershel Murray lost roof tiles and all of his landscaping. Don Rishell lost all his landscaping and the water rose to within 3 inches of the first floor. Charlie Finnigan lives in Fernandina, Florida, (northeast) and lost bushes. In Venice, Florida, John and Linda Moore rode out Hurricane Irma at home. The eye passed about 30 miles east of them, and the wind shifted from the east to the west and blew all night. John said damage to the house was very little except trees and vegetation blown down, a few signs, roof flashing and their fence, and they had no power for a few days and no water for a few hours. Mike Payne, who is mostly housebound, rode out the storms, out as did Jack Bell. Jack Bell stayed in Naples to be there in case his mother-inlaw had to be vacated from a nearby assisted living facility. As it turned out, the assisted living facility had power and was not damaged.

Jack lost power, some shingles and the pool lanai was blown out, and he ran out of gas for his generator and could not refill because the gas station had no power. Dave McGee dodged the bullet with minor problems. Dick Hartman has hurricane-proof windows and storm shutters and slept through most of 58

the storm. They did receive an alert warning that there was a tornado in the area, but Dick hung up the phone and went back to sleep. The Villages had minimal storm problems. Dude Copenhaver lost some shingles.

Jim Cranford said all is well in Vero Beach, Florida, and had minimal storm problems.

Hugh Gouldthorpe had water intrusion at his beach house in South Carolina, requiring clean up. Gerry Eubank is back in South Carolina from his New York vacation home and is putting his Myrtle Beach home on the market. Too many hurricanes! He is looking for a new house in the western part of the state. And then we have the California fires!

Archie Ramirez was at a neurosurgery meeting in Boston when he learned that his condo in Napa, California, was spared. Archie said that all the houses on a hill 300 yards from the condo complex were destroyed by the firestorm. Archie is still working with the veterans. Dick Parker said the Orange County fires came within a few miles of his granddaughter’s place and disrupted the commute for her husband. The storms destroyed the Caribbean, and as a result of the storm activity, Hill Browning could not take his trip to St. Maarten, as the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort was closed due to Irma. Sue and I were supposed to be in St. Maarten in March 2018, and we have been notified that the hotel will not be repaired by then.

August seemed to be party month. Homes and Jeanette Smith hosted a party in August, and Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Kenner and Nancy Rice, J.C.

Tharrington, Spike Callander, and Mike and Jan Bissell were there. Roomies Dave Harbach, Ed Fox and Bill Fout enjoyed lunch at the Bavarian Inn in West Virginia. In October, Fout went back to Arizona, and Fox is getting his bed-and-breakfast inn ready for the ski season. John McDougal has been a silent participant of our class and looks forward to reading the Review. John enjoys golf, but some recent medical challenges have screwed up his golf game. The ’61 gang at The Villages has grown. Bob and Jeannie Burks moved in, and George and Edna Henning and Dude and Kathy Copenhaver had dinner with them to celebrate. Lee Badgett was scheduled to return to The Villages sometime in December or January. Jim Harrison visited his brother Richard, a The Villages resident, for several days, and the Copenhavers had dinner with them. Dude Copenhaver is very proud of his oldest grandchild, Meghan Copenhaver, who was at Fort Benning, Georgia. Meghan was one of 30 females who started their journey in Company A, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning and now is one of 12 left. Meghan Copenhaver is the Army’s first fourth-generation paratrooper; her paternal grandfather (Dude), father and uncle were also paratroopers. The Copenhavers like to dance, and they participated in the Tampa Bay Beach Boppers dance weekend in St. Pete’s Beach with 400 other people. John Butler relocated to Kiawah and gave up their house in Raleigh. When they are in Raleigh, they stay with Linda’s mother. Len Christie

Class of 1961: Pictured at The Olde Mill Golf Course Club House for the annual fall golf outing in Hillsville, Virginia, Sept. 7, 2017, were Sal Vitale, Jim Miner, Sue Vitale, John Miller, Robert Williamson, Pat Williamson, Blair Bickford, Jim Bickford, Peggy Alligood, Bud Alligood, Mary Calendar, Spike Calendar, Jan Clarkson, Rhett Clarkson, Ray Hanlein and Sally Hanlein.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes is now living in Orleans, Massachusetts, and might make his permanent residence there.

Doug and Mollie Popp took time to travel in Wisconsin. Doug found a 1965 Airstream 16foot trailer on the internet. A friend, who is a finishing carpenter, gutted it, rewired all the electrical systems and replumbed all of the applicable fluid systems so Doug could pull into standard campsites with full hookups and be comfortable. Doug traveled throughout Door County, Wisconsin, Iowa and northwestern Illinois. One of their stops was the Yogi Bear Campground in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and they even met Yogi. In July, Dave and Edwina Thomas went on a trip to Switzerland and Italy. Across from their hotel in St. Moritz was a café that had a number of outdoor tables. They were headed over that way for lunch, and of course, Dave was wearing his VMI ball cap when someone tapped him on his shoulder and introduced himself as Mike Hulyo ’85. He and his wife were also staying in St. Moritz. Mike’s claim to fame was rappelling down the barracks wall from the fourth stoop into the waiting arms of a TAC officer. Gaylia Hudgins had a fun week visiting, hiking and exploring with her children and grandchildren in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They were there for the total solar eclipse, and in a little over two minutes, the temperature dropped over 20 degrees.

Gaylia still volunteers at Grand Teton National Park at Laurence Rockefeller Preserve.

While she was working in the parking lot, a cow moose strolled up and stayed for 45 minutes. Jim and Johanna Needham attended his St. Johns High School reunion and, while in Washington, D.C., visited with Ray and Sally Hanlein. Bill and Shon Maurer were in Charleston, South Carolina, to visit Sam Larisey, Citadel graduate, who introduced Shon and Bill at Fort Knox back in 1962.This was the first time they were together in 50 years. According to Bill, Sam set up a blind date with a Hazard, Kentucky, schoolteacher (Shon) just after Bill returned from Christmas leave. However, the teacher had a new year’s eve date, so Bill had to wait until Jan. 1 to take her out. Bill drove her back home to Indiana, and the rest of the story we know. Recently, Bill Maurer published an article, “A Way of Life,” in the fall 2017 The Empire State Mason Magazine, on the history of the De Wint 2018-Issue 1

House during the American Revolution, which is now the Grand Lodge of New York and dedicated to Gen. Washington and the Masonic ideals he held so dear. Lou and Pris Shuba spent several weeks during the summer traveling to Germany to be with their son and then on a cruise to the Baltic area.

They enjoyed the people and food (if you like fish). Their trip to the Arctic was very interesting. Pris would recommend a Baltic cruise.

Harbert Alexander has written a new book, “Echoes and Footprints,” and it is available from Amazon. The book recounts the stories of west Tennessee history, stretching from pioneer days to more recent times. Bill Hala enjoyed his Canadian Thanksgiving/Columbus Day. Bill and his son, Wendell, participated in the annual Oliphant Regatta, the oldest, continuous regatta in Canada. There were well over 200 participants in various events, and Bill garnered nine medals. Bill and his grandson, Ethan, placed third in the open class sailboat race and finished in the medals on corrected time. Larry and Jerri Wetsel and Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe took a walking tour of Sicily. They started on the west coast from Palermo and walked a little over 43 miles along the coastline. Then they were on the east coast and walked again.

The food was fantastic and the weather in the mid-70s. Hugh said it is such a beautiful part of Italy. (Sicily, my family roots.) Jim and Blair Bickford were in France where they visited Paris and the French wine country. They had a great time, and maybe they found a chateau to set up permanent residence so Jim could paint. (Smile.) Dennis Curtis announced that the Richmond 1961 breakfast club added Roy Whitehouse as a regular and his name to the breakfast flag.

John Gangemi has cut back on his volunteer work at UNCW’s Business School, the adult scholars and the library but still participates in the Senior Men’s Club and, of course, the VMI Wilmington Chapter.

Bob Polk said, “I’m feeling so good, I can hardly stand it. The docs crushed the remaining kidney stone in September as a preemptive strike, and I’m already back on the golf course. Now, if after 40 years, I can only learn to putt.” John Miller and Bob Polk have been pairing as a golf team for local weekly tournaments. They fuss and fume but get through

it without embarrassment, and sometimes they even win. Jerry Coen is home from the hospital with a repaired bladder and a new pacemaker. He is feeling pretty good but tired! Kent and Bert Modine have had their ups and downs. At least they completed their play golf in all 50 quest before the medical crisis occurred. Kent’s problem was extensive internal bleeding caused by bleeding ulcers.

Kent has had many transfusions and is on the mend. He has enough strength back to tackle the honey-do list and is playing some golf.

Bert had another injection in her spine and is now feeling pretty good. Hershel Murray has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and remains in very good spirits. Hershel looked good at the Patrick funeral. Dick Hartman was bitten by a tick while in his cabin in Pennsylvania, and Lyme symptoms appeared a week after returning home. He has some fatigue and weakness in his legs, and it will take time for all the symptoms to go away.

Just ask Gerry Eubank! Dennis Curtis is doing well after a quadruple bypass and a valve replacement. (Sounds familiar!) Dennis and Jerry went to Huntington, West Virginia, for a dome train car ride to Hinton, West Virginia. Fred Stephenson relocated to Look Out Mountain, Georgia, and the move took a toll on his well-being. He survived and is feeling better now. Bill Redd has reason to celebrate; his cancer has been eliminated. Now if he could get rid of the hot flashes. Dani Redd is doing fair and has to wear compression hose (like me). All is OK, as long as they don’t have to rush. Mike Bissell had another stent after a stroke and is doing as well as can be expected. What a tough guy.

Notes are due before the Institute Society Dinner so you will have to wait until the Review in May 2018 for details.

Several years ago, I talked to a person from the greatest generation who was dying, and he said, “This is not my country anymore.”

I pray every day that he was not correct. His statement really bothered me and made me think. Every day I ask the Lord to take care of my family, the brother rats, the boys and girls that are in service of our country, VMI and the USA. May I suggest you take a few minutes and call a brother rat you have not heard from? I know it will brighten his day and yours. God bless America.

59

Class Notes

1962

Monty Williams Jerry Burnett

Thanks to all who have responded with their input to this edition of the class notes.

Keep up the good work.

We were all shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our Brother Rat “Skip” Davis. He was at our 55th and was the picture of good health. The notice of his passing is in the Taps section of this issue of the Alumni Review.

Doug Marechal reported that a memorial service for Jerry Wagner was conducted by Colonel Bob Phillips ’87, VMI chaplain, and held in J.M. Hall Aug. 9, 2017. Following the service, those in attendance moved to the Memorial Gardens where Candy, along with his son and daughter, Jerry Jr. and Carrie, spread some of his ashes in the gardens. A bagpiper played “Amazing Grace,” and a bugler played taps. It was a very moving service and nice tribute to Jerry. Brother rats in attendance were Doug Marechal, Lewis Graybill, Jim Vest, Joe Roberts, Dennis Merklinger, Dave Wagner, Jim Richards, Paul Rhodes, Columbus Cartwright, John Cummings, Joe Weakly and Ware Smith. The remainder of his ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Doug also reported that he and several other BRs have watched the Big Red football team trying hard to post a win. Those seen at the games are Mott Robertson, Howard Cobb, Bobby Mitchell, Dave Plageman, Ware Smith, Randy Campbell and Binnie Peay.

Doug has also spent some time with Steve Maconi, the new chief executive officer of the Alumni Agencies. Steve comes to VMI with an impressive background. He has a challenging but attainable mission of coordinating the relationships of the Alumni 60

Association, Keydet Club and Foundation.

Butch Armistead reported that life is generally good! In December, he and Mona celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

They still live in Los Altos Hills, about 35 miles from San Francisco. Butch retired about three years ago from Rapiscan Systems, a company that is active in the airport, border and seaport security business.

Business-wise, he serves on three boards.

For enjoyment, he plays golf a couple of times a week, does a fair amount of traveling and spends time with their children and grandchildren. Generally, they make several trips a year to Hawaii, and for the last couple of years, they have gone on golfing trips to Mexico. In March 2016, they spent a month traveling in Australia and New Zealand. This August, they spent a little over three weeks visiting the Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland) and also St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The Russian leg of the trip was the most beautiful and interesting, particularly with all the current focus on the relationship between Trump and Putin. Their family is still growing; all three of their sons are married and have children. They currently have eight grandchildren; the most recent one was born Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. Two of their sons and their families live nearby in California; their third son lives in Nashville, Tennessee. They regularly spend time with their local sons and visit Nashville a couple of times a year. They also rent a large house every year at a resort location to get all of the family together. However, due to the productivity of their sons (and wives), it is getting increasingly difficult finding a house large enough at some of the desirable locations.

Jim and Renee Vest moved to Lynchburg in October 2017. Their new address is 3547 Ridgecroft Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24503. They took a Viking River Cruise in summer 2017 from Avignon, France, to Lyon, France.

Before the cruise started, they spent three days in Nice, France, with a day trip to Monte Carlo.

Walt Perrin advises that he and his roommate, Gene Lazaroff, have both been dealing with health issues. Gene has a heart issue but is doing better. However, if he talks too

much, he loses his voice. He is back coaching basketball but talking less. Walt is having some lung issues and using oxygen regularly but feels pretty good.

Edmund Strickler and Margie recently took a river cruise on the Danube from Constanta, Romania, on the Black Sea to Budapest, Hungary. They visited various cities in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary. He stated it was an interesting experience, as these countries only recently (1989-90) got out from Soviet rule. Then there was the war in the Balkans in the ’90s. They are still recovering. It is a

Class of 1962: Rosser Bobbitt in combat gear.

Class of 1962: Dog in VMI colors.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes different world from Western Europe. One They visited VMI with a grandson en route considers him an alumnus, but it took him 53 of the highlights was Budapest at night. All to the College of William and Mary for an years to come to a class function. To come of the government buildings, palaces and interview. They also took him on a tour of and be among those men who stuck it out bridges are bathed in light. It was beautiful. his old hometown, Richmond. He and his for four years, it seemed to him that he would On another note: There is a lady in their brother, Neil Fisher ’66, attended a Stone- be an intruder. But after being there for our neighborhood who has a small white dog, wall Jackson Chapter dinner for four incom- 50th, he was treated as the brother rat he is.

Bob and Nancy Miller recently returned and one morning, while out for a walk, it was ing rats in Lewisburg, West Virginia. They from a bus tour through the western parks. drizzling rain and the dog was wearing her had to go 180 miles for the dinner.

They started in Las Vegas and finished in Bruce Ballard wrote that he and Cindy celraincoat. Attached is a picture – nice colors!

Rosser and Kate Bobbitt will celebrate their ebrated their 50th anniversary and his 77th Denver, with visits to Zion, Bryce, Grand 50th wedding anniversary in December. To birthday Aug. 25. They are both retired, but Teton and Yellowstone National Parks; the celebrate, they are taking their children and during the tax season, they both work for Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore Memospouses (no grandchildren yet) on a Viking H&R Block for a little beer money. She’s rials; and Little Big Horn. They also visited cruise of the Mediterranean. All are well and an enrolled agent and tax preparer, and he with his brother while in Denver. His brother healthy. He is cutting back on his work hours does a little of anything that Block needs. was a heavily recruited basketball player who but still has time to monitor testing of the This past tax season, Block entered into an tried to convince Weenie Miller to offer him Army’s new handgun at Fort Bragg. Includ- agreement with the Transportation Safety a scholarship (Weenie did not), so he ended up at the U.S. Naval Academy ed is a picture of him armored up where he injured his shoulder, and for his own time on the gun. Their that was the end of a sensational son, Max, has just started as a procareer. This coming May, they are gramme manager at the European off for a cruise along the NorweFoundation for Democracy in gian coast.

Brussels, Belgium.

Bill and Christa Harris spent a George Meredith published his few days at the Trump Estate winsecond e-book on Amazon. It conery near Charlottesville this past tains more than 400 pages with summer. He said it is a beautiful dozens of his own illustrations and place and peaceful. Just what an hundreds of his own photographs. old guy needs! The wine is not Rather than the traditional UPPP bad, either. On the way there, they (uvulopalatopharygoplasty), “On passed by VMI to see the rats beImproving Obstructive Sleep Aping taught the way to walk! What nea,” it concentrates on the role was so surprising was how the that nasal obstruction plays in place has grown! He did not recobstructive sleep apnea and cor- Class of 1962: Edmund and Marge Strickler on a river cruise. ognize many of the new buildings. rection of the same through rapid Pete and Jan Pettit recently celebrated maxillary expansion in children and younger Administration. He passed a security backteens and slow maxillary expansion in young ground check and became a trust agent of their 50th wedding anniversary. Their adults. Writing and literature research and the TSA, administering applications for daughter, Colleen, gave them a coffee cup gun dog training fills much of his days. Tho- truckers needing to get into restricted mili- with the inscription, “18,262 days together racic spinal cord compression secondary to tary and shipping facilities. They undergo a – but who’s counting” (note it ends in 62). rigorous background check, and upon suc- Also Nov. 11 is a double birthday for them: polio at age 12 is slowly catching up to him.

John and Barbara Spence welcomed their cess, they are given a security pass known VMI 1839, and wife, Jan, 19XX. Roberto Gorbea reported from Puerto great-grandson, Colton Lee Ringwald, who as a Transportation Worker Identification was born Aug. 24, 2017. They expect him to Certification card. Additionally, as a trust Rico that he and Nellie are doing OK folagent, they processed applications for TSA lowing Hurricane Maria. He said they lost attend VMI, Class of 2040. several trees in their yard due to the 100 After the reunion in April, Bill and Donna airline Pre-Check.

Over the past several years, he and Cindy mph winds. His house is constructed with Fisher went to visit his cousin in Colonial Beach, Virginia, and stayed for five days have been to Europe a number of times on reinforced concrete and did not move at all. enjoying more time in the commonwealth large cruise ships, as well as taking a river They have no tap water or electricity but have while gazing over the Potomac River. They cruise through the heart of Germany. He an emergency generator that he installed foltook two trips to Ohio; one to Sylvania to says that he is glad to be a member of the lowing a 1998 hurricane. He said it will take visit Donna’s brother and family, and one to Class of ’62, even though he did not gradu- months for the island’s infrastructure to be the Columbus area for a nephew’s wedding. ate. He knew that, once a cadet, the Institute repaired. As lines of communication and 2018-Issue 1

61

Class Notes electric power are restored, they will be back on social media.

Marcus Muth said he had a perfect place to observe the 2017 eclipse on his farm in Rockfield, Kentucky. There were thousands of people flooding the area to find a good spot, and he agreed to have several people watch it from his farm. As it turned out, the traffic was so heavy they couldn’t make it, and they had to settle for parking along the side of the road amid a gazillion other people. The only other folks around him were his two dogs and Charlie, the feral cat.

Mott Robertson’s step-daughter, Laura Fortsch, (and BR Paul Rhodes’ daughter), is now the director of development at Stratford Hall, the ancestral home of the Lee family of Virginia.

Ran and Allison Hamner continued their “catch up” world travel plans with another trip with Bob and Nancy Mitchell in September. They went to Spain last year with the Mitchells and John and Kristine Candler. The Candlers had a scheduling conflict this year and couldn’t go. Kristine is a renowned concert violinist with commitments as a soloist and concertmaster in North Carolina. She is in great demand in the fall. John had a conflict, as well. (He couldn’t find a sub for his paper route.) So, Bob, Nancy, Allison and Ron took on Paris and Provence. What a trip! Nancy and Bob are the best travel planners ever. The entire trip was seamless. Bob, always the quarterback, declared “wheels up” that kicked off each morning. Nancy scouted out the coolest cafes in every hamlet. They even had front row seats for the running of the bulls in one setting. Finally, Ron was awarded the French Legion of Reverse for backing up a mile-and- a-half on a one-lane cobble stone street through the heart of Avignon. His hands are still shaking. Other occupants of the car had to be hospitalized (just kidding).

They remain undeterred and are ready to hit the road again next fall. They all (Mitchells, Candlers and Hamners) went to Lexington to stay with Carolyn Worrell for the Furman University football game. What a great time that was.

Thanks again for all who responded to the call for info for the notes. Keep up the good work.

62

1963

Michael J. Curley

We all know that death among the relentlessly aging members of our class is inevitable, and we certainly don’t like accounts of it leading off this quarterly report; however, please remember that it may be the last opportunity for us as a class to pay tribute to our brother or sister and acknowledge their good acts! And so, we begin the painful process. Pete Wick, M.D., “was diagnosed with inoperable metastatic lung cancer Aug. 9. He died peacefully just after midnight Sept. 12,” according to Dianne. Pete, of course, was one of Doc Carroll’s boys and a private for four years except for 12 hours as a noncommissioned officer during his 1st Class year, the details to which I am not privy. He was an anesthesiologist in Huntsville, Alabama, for 40 years and married to his first love, Dianne, for 53 years.

Once known as the “go-to” guy for gadgets in barracks, his sense of humor continued into adult life as a great storyteller and possessor of a startlingly excessive flashlight collection!

May he rest in peace and lead us into the light of salvation. Kyle Kiesau’s wife, Ann, died Sept. 7, 2017. Ann was a graduate of Wake Forest University (Bachelor of Arts degree in English) and Converse College (Master of Education degree) and proud to have become a Life Master Bridge player in addition to her many other accomplishments. Both she and Kyle were from Kingsport, Tennessee, married in 1963 and lived and worked in Spartanburg, South Carolina, most of their lives before retiring to Adger, North Carolina, in 2013. Bill Cowardin also lost his wife, Connie, Oct. 12, 2017. Connie had two children, married Bill in June 1975 and dedicated her lifetime to teaching in the Middle Peninsula area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Christopher Newport University and her Master of Education degree from the College of William & Mary. Connie was a proud board member for the founders of the Peninsula School for Autism. We shall miss them and wish them all Godspeed! Kyle, Bill

and Diane, we are all very sorry for your loss.

I received a brief note from Kirke White that expresses my feelings very well about this sort of sad news: “I forgot to mention that I just returned from two weeks in Montana visiting friends, canoeing down the White Cliffs on the Missouri and seeing my second son for his 50th birthday. Too much sad news, including the death of Ann Kiesau. Catching up has not been pleasant this time. Kirke.” (mjc: Now doesn’t that about sum it up?)

Let’s talk a bit about our upcoming 55th Reunion in April 2018, people. Events begin Monday, April 23, and end Wednesday morning, April 25, after brunch with Steve and Peggy Riethmiller on Possum Hollow Drive – always a fun event. Many are even planning to arrive early in Natural Bridge Sunday! Your committee has worked diligently to pack as much fun into the event as time will permit yet hold down the costs to fit into everyone’s budget. Lodging will again be at Natural Bridge Hotel, as will our class cocktails, dinner and dancing Tuesday evening. Registration should begin shortly, so please put the dates on your calendar. We are expecting almost 200 people, including some of our sister rats, so please join us. We’re going to have a party!

Next: Pictures! Please notice that we have only one picture published in this issue – why? You guys are traveling, you’re visiting, getting together with other brother rats, you’re doing interesting stuff and simply, not sharing with us. It doesn’t need to be a major photo-op, so why not send a simple shot or two? Think about this: If each of you would send one good picture a year, I’d have about 200 pictures to choose from, and I don’t need but 20 for the entire year! Cellphone pictures are terrific; however, you must set the quality to high or file size close to 1MB for the pictures to be of sufficient quality to be published in the VMIAA Alumni Review. Small file size and low-quality shots that may look quite good on your cellphone equal little-ittybitty pictures in print! Please, help me, people!

Speaking of inadequate quality shots from a high interest subject, I talked with Bill Klobus a couple of weeks ago for the first time ever in my memory. He sent me a package by USPS Certified Mail earlier containing a four-page handwritten letter, a booklet entitled, “The VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Concise Illustrated History of the Civil War,” (mjc: I saw her, too!) Others were scared, tak- for an electrocardiogram. Same results there. (mjc: You know I’m gonna stay up late and ing it easy, etc. They will be having a couple Sent me home with instructions from the read that one, Bill!) along with numerous of interesting days soon. If you haven’t seen ‘heart’ doctor (can’t spell the big words) to get documents and color copies of FDNY’s the New Cadet Handbook, it’s pretty good. more tests the next day. Next day, the doctor’s office says the earliest they can possibly see 2015 Recognition Ceremony, during which Bunny.”

Stay tuned for the next installment of the me is the next Tuesday, midmorning. So ... I he received Inspector of the Year honors. Although I can scan the material, I can’t include “Matriculation goes on,” coming soon in guess it’s not an urgent thing, or maybe I just them in the VMIAA Alumni Review due to August 2018! Bunny also wrote to say, “We won’t be there for the appointment. Followthe low quality of the images. I do, however, don’t see or hear much of the ‘I’ in this part up on my previous health scare: After getting plan to publish them on our website, www. of the country, but John Brodie (Hon.) and told I might be dying, Gwen and I decided vmi63.net, with these notes, because when the VMI Commanders appeared a few days to visit all the friends and relatives in Ohio, one of our brother rats excels at anything at ago at the annual Oyster Festival in Norwalk, Kentucky, Tennessee, etc., then took off to our age, we must recognize and applaud him. Connecticut. This was the second local ap- visit the friends and relatives in Ireland. That By the way, that little toddler he introduced to pearance in the last year, and as always, it took up about two months. During that time, us at our 45th Reunion is now 12 years old! brings out a few alums from the area. They we found out I wasn’t that close to the end, are a big hit with the locals, and Judy and I as the last CT scan showed a clear chest. So, Congratulations, Brother Rat Klobus!

A topic we enjoy each year is that of ma- enjoyed the music again. I’m looking forward we came back and went up to Colorado and New Mexico for two weeks. Back triculation and Mike Smither’s home now and trying to catch fascination with the webcams that up on yard work and fixing my provide us with a glimpse into the HAM radio antennae. Gwen and I process and a way to keep Mike planned a trip a month for this year, off the streets for a while. Quoting and so far, we’re on course. Hope Mike: “Can’t keep my eyes off! But our health stays good so we can 58 years ago, nobody parked on finish out the year. Jim Ellis and the Parade Ground, and nobody Tik stay in touch from Temple. Jim ate dinner with his parents!” was by a few weeks ago and seems Richard Ballentine mused, “I in good health. He’s still working will never forget our Matriculation. on the ‘gentleman rancher’ stuff Seems like yesterday ... or maybe a just outside Hamilton. They took month ago. The long ‘sizing line’ their whole family to Thailand this on the Parade Ground, then eagerly stepping into the hurricane, Class of 1963: Early September found Bunny and Judy Reynolds spring – 20-plus people, I think. As enjoying music of the VMI Commanders at the Annual Oyster far as I know, they are planning on not to surface until the spring of Festival in Norwalk, Connecticut. coming to the 55th Reunion. We, 1960. Yet, I would do it again in a to Nov. 3. My grandson surprised me by ask- too, have reserved a room at Natural Bridge minute!”

Dave Dibbs cast a light of reality onto the ing me to take him to Lexington for a VMI and do plan on attending. Pat.” Continuing with the Texas news, Pete and event, saying, “Mike, I don’t remember our prospective cadet visit. It may still be a long first day as being in any way ‘similar’ to the shot, but I will certainly support him. Judy Dianna Brunel sent an email just this past welcome ceremony today. All I remember is and I also expect to attend the annual dinner weekend with a couple nice pictures of their on the 11th and look forward to seeing who- evening with Christi Weddington. Pat Kelly lots of yelling, running and straining.” had the flu and could not come. Just Diana, Jan Lacy wrote: “Mike, enjoyed watching ever is there. Best to you and Peg, Bunny.”

Pete, Christi, Jim and Tik Ellis. “Good times!

Pat Kelly wrote me way back in August just the Matriculation; interesting and informative. How many peeps in each company? as I had submitted last quarter’s copy. “Mike, I drove Chuck’s tractor all day shredding here are the notes I promised (b flat; f#) Need pastures, while Jim chain sawed limbs and Jan.” Finally, Bunny Reynolds weighed in with any more? Spent yesterday afternoon in the dead trees. Cannot believe Chuck denied this: “I watched every minute. Not quite like emergency room with a new ailment. Went me all that tractor fun for all those years. it was in the Old Corps. I still remember my to another doctor’s appointment, but when He was so possessive of his John Deere, but mother crying her eyes out when ‘they took his nurse took my vitals, she got a bit flustered Christi let me play with it! Best wishes to me away’ after signing the book – no looking and left the room. Came back with a second all of our brother rats. Pete.” (mjc: Sadly, back. I got a kick out of watching the faces as nurse who repeated the test. Yes! My pulse the pictures are too small for publication.) the rats lined up behind the corporals. One was between 30 and 32 beats per minute and I was thrilled to hear from another scarce girl was laughing and having a fine time – had irregular beats every few seconds. So, correspondent, Charlie Talbott! “Bet you I’m sure somebody made a note of her name. they sent Gwen and me to the Waco hospital are surprised to hear from me. (mjc: Ya got 2018-Issue 1

63

Class Notes that right, Charlie!) As you are aware, I am not a prolific writer. Sending a picture of retired Doctor Mac Lacy ’46, DDS, climbing the ladder at the 70th Reunion of his Class of 1946. Mac was 92 at the time and was determined to make to climb without assistance. Before he retired, Mac was my widow cousin’s dentist, and since Mac was also a widower, they began dating when Mac was 82 and my cousin was 65. Now with Mac at 93 and my cousin at 76, they are still going strong as a dating couple. They truly enjoy each other’s company, and it just doesn’t get any better than that. As a side note, both Mac and I shared the same professors at VMI in Doc Carroll (biology) and Colonel Richey (chemistry), even though we graduated 17 years apart. I find that to be a tribute to both Doc Carroll and Colonel Richey. My wife, Suzanne, and I left good ‘ole’ Virginia to live in Holden Beach, North Carolina. Felt the need to be a little closer to hurricanes, as being on the fringe of four in northern Virginia wasn’t good enough. Finally settled in and trying to catch up to Art Phaup’s four-mile a day walks. Got a way to go, as sand keeps getting in my shoes. My best to all and plan to see you at the 55th. Charlie Talbott.”

And from Mike Smither, we read: “In September, I visited with several BRs during a trip to Virginia. As we were mostly civil engineers, we spent a week designing engineering projects and critiquing others.

We took part in daily construction exercises, bike rides, and food and wine tastings, and enjoyed telling and listening to stories – mostly true and mostly about VMI, then and now. One highlight was watching an excellent hourlong video about George C. Marshall ’901, which followed SRC and all its attendant discussions. Meals were excellent and included fresh oysters, opened by the renowned ‘mother shuckers’ of 1963.

Passing through Pinehurst, North Carolina, I stopped at the Tufts Archives of the Given Memorial Library. I had just missed a George C. Marshall exhibit but read through the Marshall files. I stayed in Virginia Beach with Beau Walker for a few days, where we saw more VMI grads and some Norfolk Academy classmates and grads, as well. Beau’s usual wonderful hospitality was boosted by the hole-in-one he made earlier 64

at the Princess Anne Country Club. An interesting get-together was hosted by Ashby Taylor ’61 at his home on the Eastern Shore.

Ashby is a 1957 graduate of Norfolk Academy and one of my dykes at VMI (I dyked four 2nd Classmen). I did not suffer from the lack of seafood. Indeed, throughout my stay in Virginia, I enjoyed oysters and crab and shrimp, but it was the oysters I will not soon forget. Happy Founders Day! Mike.” (mjc: Suddenly, I’m hungry.)

And now, I’m getting really hungry!

“Mike, if of interest to be printed in the ’63 class notes, my new cookbook is out, titled, ‘More Camp Cooking: Grits to Gumbo.’

There’s a total of 32 recipes, including recipes and commentary for the likes of ‘Grits, Sausage and Shrimp,’ ‘Snowstorm Jambalaya,’ ‘Spaghetti alle Vongole,’ ‘Schweinsbraten,’ and ‘Allegheny Gumbo.’ Hope you all can enjoy. Will Crisp.”

Some random news from Pete Ippolito on the left coast: “Curley, you must have missed this email from me. Alex and I met in March and had dinner one night when he was in San Diego. I had not seen him since graduation and was surprised to learn he was at the 50th. I missed him somehow.

Recently, I had dinner with Dennis and Linda Crowley when they visited San Diego. I am lucky to count the Crows and Alex Scott as friends after all these years.

Mike, do not forget the Crowley’s visit. I rarely get to see a BR on the left coast, and to have two in the same year is like discovering gold in your backyard. Both visits were great for me. Alex told me he was at the 50th. In all of the hubbub, I never found him. He was in ‘psy-ops’ in Vietnam and has some remarkable stories about his time there and his professional life once he left the service. Mike, I am not sure you got this email since I just noticed your email address has changed. Since then, Dennis and Linda Crowley had dinner with me a few weeks ago while they were in town. It was nice to see them again. Unfortunately, no photos were taken. Too busy talking to think of photos. My visit with the Crows was great, too. Dennis and I were history majors and, so I saw lots of him at VMI. I certainly enjoyed our evening together.”

Finally, from Doug Sterrett, we have

an update on him and Rachel: “Hi, Mike.

Thought I should give you an update. On Sept. 27, I fell while working in the yard, hit the sidewalk and broke my left hip. This left me with no one to care for Rachel, who is in stage five or six of Alzheimer’s. My sister and her husband came down from Centreville and helped until the 12th. Had surgery Sept. 29 – put in rod, plate and screws. Was moved to our new Foley Rehabilitation Center in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Oct. 2 until moving home Oct. 11. Our church family has looked after us both, also. At present, I’ve switched to home health, so I can look out for Rachel. Keep us in your prayers, as I’ll be laid up for another month.” (mjc: You bet, Doug!)

Please pray for our departed, our missing and our brother rats who may be suffering in silence. curleyrat

1964

John R. Cavedo

Everyone should remember that by the time this Alumni Review reaches your mailbox, we’ll have barely a year until our 55th Reunion. For your planning purposes, the dates are: Arrive Sunday, April 14, 2019, and depart Wednesday, April 17. Mark it on your calendars today. As in the case of the past two reunions, we’ve reserved the Holiday Inn Express.

The first night will be held at Buzz and Jane Birzenieks’ home, the second night at Marshall Hall with a dinner hosted by the Alumni Association and the third night, a dinner being organized by a committee still being formed.

Activities during the days will be varied and are also being planned by a committee (also to be formed). No decision has been made on gifts, but we’ve had lots of input. If you’re interested in joining one of the committees, let either Buzz or me know. The best way to assure your input/recommendations on what and where to do it is considered is to be one of the decision makers. Buzz is VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes heading up a steering committee to handle all the details. If you haven’t already been in touch with him, do so quickly.

Following the recent nationwide news regarding the Civil War and various statues, VMI has issued a statement. Obviously, I will refrain from political comment in these notes or our private Facebook page. If you haven’t seen VMI’s official position, contact the Institute directly.

Sherrel and I left for a 32-day cruise circumnavigating Australia two weeks before these notes were due to VMI. Joining us was my sister, Phyllis Weisser, and W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen. I’ll include pertinent details in the next class notes. As a result of the early departure, coupled with the timing of the class notes being due, this will be one of the shortest contributions in my nearly 12 years as class agent. I promise to make up for it next time. With your help, of course.

In the meantime, W.J. and Lauranne, along with several others, just returned from a trip to Siberia, Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. Apparently, it was a unique adventure. See Mary Jo Jordan’s description later in the notes.

Bernie Hylton: “For the better part of this past June, Donna and I crossed the country on a road trip, primarily to retrace the route of old US 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. To my surprise, at least, we met two or three other couples doing the same thing. Lots of driving, but enjoyable. We stopped on the way back to visit my oldest brother and his wife near Kansas City. The enclosed photo was taken in the Les Bourgeoise Winery restaurant overlooking the Missouri River in Rocheport, Missouri. And there is a nice walking trail on the old KATY railroad bed down by the river.”

2018-Issue 1

Class of 1964: Butch and Joan Nunnally near Mount St. Helens, August 2017.

Class of 1964: Carol Allen, Bill Bandy and Mary Jo Jordan on their trip to Mongolia in September 2017.

Class of 1964: Sherrel and John Cavedo, Phyllis Weisser, and W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen aboard the ship Maasdam off the coast of Australia in October 2017.

Cliff Crittsinger: “It has been an incredibly busy last few months.

As of July 1, I officially became the director of the newly-created 12-state Northwest Region for the VMI Alumni Association consisting of Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming! I drove to the Seattle Chapter’s rat send-off picnic July 30 and returned in time to attend the combined Colorado rat send-off event Aug. 5. I am now busy getting ready for the VMI versus the Air Force Academy football game and all associated events Labor Day weekend – go Big Red. Once that is done, I will drive back to Lexington to attend the fall meeting of the VMIAA, followed by another round of meetings with the 2018, ’19 and ’20 class officers concerning preparations for the annually presented Cadet New Market Legacy Award. No moss growing under this BR’s feet; doing what I can when I can for Mother Institute! I am planning a trip to Hawaii to attend their Founders Day dinner in November at the Hale Koa and looking forward to greeting any BRs from the islands while I am there. One of my primary goals as director of the great NW Region is to have a cadet from each of the 12 states in attendance at VMI. Any BRs out there ready to assist?”

Jan Rudinoff: “Paula and I are in Venice August -September then on to France for a riverboat cruise up the Rhone from Arles to Parish with a seminary classmate and wife celebrating their 50th. While in Venice, we enjoyed the Venice International Film Festival and Biennale Art. We have grown to love the city. While one can visit for a few days and ride the Vaporettos on the Grande Canal, it is a different experience to live 65

Class Notes here for months. So much to experience, explore and become part of. Believe it or not, you can also get in shape. You walk everywhere.”

Butch Nunnally: “Joan and I had a nice visit to Mount Saint Helens and Mount Rainier Wednesday. Our daughter in Oviedo fared well in the storm. Hope your place had the same good fortune. We are in Washington until Sept. 18, then back to Virginia.”

Bill Crone: “Not sure you’re in communication with Tracy Hunter, but Dyan and I had dinner with him and Marilyn last night.

About six or more months ago, we ran into them at the movie theater in Kill Devil Hills.

Found out they had a condo in Corolla, and last night, we met for drinks and dinner, and they came to our home for a lot of VMI reminiscing – fun time. They reside in Richmond but get to the Outer Banks quite often, so looks like we have another VMI Outer Bank connection.

“Hope all is well with you and Sherrel, and you (and your home) are surviving all this nasty hurricane weather. So far, the Outer Banks has dodged a few bullets, so hope the ’canes continue to stay away from our coast.”

Bill Garber and his wife took two road trips in September and October – one to New England and the other to the Northwest. In New Hampshire, they visited with Bob and Cathy Warren at their estate, Stonehaven.

Chief among their activities were two rounds of golf at the Warren’s 9-hole course that Bob is building around their house. Bill suspects in a year or two they’ll be able to putt on those greens, given Bob’s determination to complete the bent grass development as well as several sand traps. The Garbers then flew

Class of 1964: Bernie and Donna Hylton at the Les Bourgeoise Winery, Missouri, July 2017.

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west for a road trip to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, with old Army friends.

They drove along the Canadian Rockies as far north as the Athabaskan Glacier and Columbia Icefields and then headed south to Montana for more beautiful scenery in Glacier National Park.

Mary Jo Jordan: “Our VMI travel group, including my husband, Bill Bandy; W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen; and Carol Allen just returned from an amazing trip to southern China, Mongolia and Siberia. We started in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, visiting the stone forest and learning about the Bai culture. From there, we flew to Ulaanbaatar, Khovsgol Lake and the Gobi Desert in Outer Mongolia. We met nomadic herding families, rode camels, saw the yak herds, rode on the bumpiest roads ever across the desert and stayed in three separate ger camps. We saw frequent reminders of Chinngis Khan and his ancient empire as we visited the remote nomadic cultures living much as their ancestors did, as well as the modern cultures living in thriving cities and villages. From Mongolia, we flew to southern Siberia to the cities of Irkutsk and Listvyanka. We visited beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, rode on the trans-Siberian Railway and took a boat ride on Lake Baikal, the largest, deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world. We learned about the political exiles beginning in the time of Tsar Nicholas I, who survived and settled this region of Russia. Like Mongolia, we saw a mix of the old and the new. We had perfect fall weather and learned so much about this region of the world.

“Hope everyone is doing well. Bill and I are finally beginning to get back on a more regular schedule after a week of slug-like existence. Fall is just starting here, and we are enjoying being back home again. “ Harvey Sargent: “I really find it hard to write about my ailments when there are other BRs who have much more serious physical problems than mine. Anyhow, about a year-and-a-half ago, I started having these extended bouts of sciatica in my right leg, which was both painful and disabling. Xrays and an MRI showed that my lower lumbar vertebrae were pretty well thrashed.

There were several nonsurgical options, and I gave them all a shot. Physical therapy,

Class of 1964: Sandy and Dan DeForrest watched the total eclipse from their balcony in St. Petersburg, Florida, in August 2017.

acupuncture, spinal injections and other treatments over the course of a year or so, and nothing worked. My situation continued to deteriorate, and the pain continued to intensify. I finally opted for a lumbarsacral spinal fusion. The pre-surgical MRI showed that my condition had gotten a lot worse, and I not only needed fusion but also a laminectomy on the two vertebrae above the three being fused. So, I had the surgery Sept. 21. The procedures took five-and-a half hours, and my neurosurgeon told me when I came down from the anesthesia, I’d be ready to go home in two more days. For reasons not yet determined, the pain that was supposed to dissipate didn’t. After a week, they turned me loose. Things seem to be getting better, but I’ll know more in about six weeks. I’m doing pretty well with my walker, and I am cutting down on the pain meds faster than anticipated. My right leg is pretty weak, but I have to believe that if I push the PT and keep the faith that I’ll be well on the road to recovery in six months or so. So, that’s the short version of what’s been happening over the past 16 months or so. I’ve got Dolores and my daughter-in-law (she’s a critical care nurse at the Denver Veterans Affairs Hospital) to make sure I stay on the straight and narrow.

Dolores is only too happy to keep me from being a pain. I have to believe that all’s going to turn out OK.” Andy Collier has been a frequent correspondent keeping me informed of many VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes things in the news related to VMI. For that, I’m really grateful.

Sherrel and I had the opportunity to visit with Jim Brittingham on our drive back from our son’s home in Michigan. His daughter, Laura, continues to live with him and take care of his needs. When we were there, he looked really good considering what he’s been through these last several years. Laura’s husband, an Ohio state trooper, commutes back and forth nearly daily; a trooper in the finest sense of the word.

In the photo on the cruise ship of Sherrel and John Cavedo, Phyllis Weisser, and W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, note the unusual shadows. It was taken as the sun was directly overhead. Extremely rare. The ship had to be in a very specific location at precisely noon.

Parker Duncan, John Manley and Matt Jablonka meet once a month for lunch in Nashville. In October, Don Stickles, who had flown in from San Jose, joined them.

They’re all committed to attending the 55th.

Tom Hill: “Just wanted to mention that I attended the VMI versus the Air Force Academy game along with my son and his family. The Keydets were beaten, but they fought the good fight. It was a terrific day, and we attended and enjoyed the VMI tailgate party. I spoke to Cliff Crittsinger and Dick Knight ’70, roommate of my brother, John ’70. We sat next to Howard Cobb ’63 and in front of Lee Badgett ’61 and his wife.”

Frank Parker: “Marcy and I attended the reunion of the retired U.S. Air Force bioenvironmental engineers in Philadelphia recently. There were some 40 BEEs and wives, including Darryl Markland ’60 and wife Louise. We toured historic Philadelphia and had a great time. The new Museum of the American Revolution was outstanding and deserves a visit.”

Don and Margaret Carson, as in past years, will host a mini reunion at their home in Jupiter, Florida. The dates are Friday, March 2, 2018, through Sunday, March 4.

More details will be made available to our current mini reunion list before these notes arriving in your Alumni Review. If you’re interested but aren’t on the mini reunion list, let me know immediately.

2018-Issue 1

1965

Mickey Finn

The weather this year in Wilmington has been wonderful. As the year draws to a close – only two months left as I send these notes in for the first issue of 2018 – Jane and I are making plans for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our granddaughter, Jessica, is no longer a Ms. Finn; she is now a Mrs. Webb.

She has invited us to visit them in their new home in Leesburg, Virginia, for Thanksgiving. No is a temptation, but not an option.

More next year!

Fred Bishopp has moved to a condo in Lansdowne in Loudoun County, Virginia.

He writes: “Hope all is going well with you.

We have a mini reunion planned in April 2018 with Lou Lahendro, Carl Ennis, Mac Cranford and Speed Thomas.”

Norman Land reports, “I recently self-published a book titled ‘Masters, Tricksters, Buffoons.’ It is an anthology of tales (in translation) by Renaissance authors about Italian Renaissance artists. Lyme Academy Press, 2017. Available on Amazon.com.” He closes with “Norman E. Land, professor emeritus, gentleman of leisure.” Gotta love it!

From Larry Rose: “Hello from New Jersey, the Garden State! It’s actually goodbye to New Jersey, as next week, Connie and I and Angus (our dog, a cairn terrier) are relocating to Delaware. All phones remain the same, but I’ll show our new address below. After 30 years here, we’re semi-retiring to Delaware, where I’ll teach part-time in the University of Delaware CIS department. We’re looking forward to the change and welcome any brother rat driving up I-95 between Baltimore and Philadelphia to consider dropping in for a visit! We’ll also enjoy being two hours closer to VMI.” Bill Ryan returned from Australia in time to file this report: “We (Carol and I) had a great time on our trip to see our daughter in Sydney, Australia. Son-in-law is a Marine assigned there to advise their Army and Navy for two years. First, we flew to Hawaii from

Raleigh, North Carolina, and stayed at the Disney Resort for two days and then sailed by ship for 19 days. We visited the islands of Tahiti then Moorea then Bora Bora then hit Wellington, New Zealand, and Picton, New Zealand, finally arriving in Australia. We went all over, never sat still. Daughter and family were wonderful. Grandkids (three) love going to school over there because they wear uniforms every day and take the city bus to classes daily for an hour one way. Sydney was very expensive but great! Beer and wine everywhere. Flew home via Tokyo then Dallas then Raleigh. I highly recommend a visit, but ugh on the long flight! The many side trips were terrific; unfortunately, the long flight is part of the deal.”

Bill Murphy is now dividing his time between his legal address, with one son in White Plains, New York, and his other son (and three grandchildren) in Acton, Massachusetts. Originally from Irvington, New York, (on the Hudson River, the river that flows both ways), and although still a legal resident of New York state, he spends more time “camping out” as George M. Cohan put it (describing a New Yorker out of town), in a small apartment. The apartment, complete with a library, in which will soon hang Don Troiani’s “Send the Boys In” New Market print (Bill was the VMI cadet first sergeant for the 1964 centennial re-enactment of the Battle of New Market) is above the carriage house. It is behind the “big house” (built in 1807; Jefferson was still in the White House) also owned by his son, complete with family and Wrigley, a large black lab working dog – whence the preferred (although “alternate”) postal address. Most of his books are still in boxes in the “new” horse barn (built in 1860 – Breckenridge and Lincoln were still campaigning for the presidency). Acton was the home of Isaac Davis, captain of the Acton Minutemen, who, sword in hand, April 19, 1775, told his men to not fire first and then led the assembled Minutemen against the Brits on the Old North Bridge of Concord.

Davis’ very sword is on display in the Acton Memorial Library Museum. The Brits fired first and three companies of Minutemen (analogous to today’s National Guard), in return, fired the shot heard ’round the world.”

William Murphy, 487R Main Street, Acton, 67

Class Notes they are available for a short visit. Jane and rat will be donated, in its entirety, to the JusMA 01720-3937. Phone: 914/619-0879.

Butch Hemphill reports: “There was an I would look forward to dropping by if con- tice and Mercy initiative I established at Bryan College to fight human trafficking.” unofficial meeting of some ’65 brother rats venient.”

Ron Petitte is involved in the book publishLou Lahendro reports: “Ruth and I went at the VMI versus the Air Force Academy game this September, when Bill Cather, ing business and can help BRs get their books down to Charleston for the weekend and to Geoff Gausepohl, Butch Hemphill and Karl published. “Based on the books Cambridge the game. Yet another loss for the Keydets.”

Michael McBride paints a picture with Zeller ran into each other. Many war stories Scholars Publishing released on my behalf, and memories were discussed. The VMI the ‘Civilization at Risk’ series, ‘Seeds of these words: “Greetings, brothers. No light is band was represented courtesy of the U.S. Strife’ and ‘Seeds of War,’ I was extended yet showing over the snowcapped mountains Air Force, and the Alumni Association gave an invitation to join one of CSP’s new above the estuary beside me. It would be fine a great summary of the life at the Institute for editorial advisory groups, i.e., the editorial indeed to share my living room and this view some potential candidates and their family. advisory group dealing with social and be- of wilderness with any one of you, as it is A good time was had by all, and the tailgate havioral sciences. The two areas in which very precious; majestic and subdued, powerparty was fantastic thanks to the VMI alum I will be involved as an editorial adviser, ful, yet calm (for the moment, at least). This who owns the Red Leg Brewery in Colorado are as follows: 1. Communication: Social northern land, surrounded by glaciers, is teminfluence and political communication peramental, to say the least, and sudden wild Springs!” storms can show the other side of Bob Whaley files this: “Report this tranquil dawn. A metaphor from Big Pine Key: Internet is spoperhaps in this conversation. radic, phone line is unintelligible, “I have carefully read each commy property damage is minor (hole ment in the string of emails conin boat, screen porch damaged, cerning Virginia’s gubernatorial palm trees down, some storm surge race and nominee and the comdamage), but we are lucky!” Bob is ments about statues and memonow at his home on Big Pine Key – rials. I’m comfortable with my an amazing report! middle ground here but turn to Bruce Herczogh is “still living history and poetry to shed light on in the northwest corner of South the broader subject. (A list of our Carolina, about 3 miles from VMI professors comes to mind Clemson University. Clemson had here.) First, a little levity in the some football success this year. Evform of a song for you from Emerybody says that when you retire, ily Franz and Andrew Marlin of you have to have a hobby. Mine is still teaching chemistry at a local Class of 1965: Jeff Gausepohl, Butch Hemphill and Bill Cather at the the folk musical duo Mandolin two-year college. Not the chemis- VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game. Class Agent Orange. This young couple from Mickey Finn said of this photo, “Karl Zeller must have taken the picChapel Hill speaks to our specific try of Colonel Richie and Buddy ture, as he rounded out the foursome!” dialogue with their song/poetry.

Dalton but more the chemistry of Colonel Pickerel. Anybody in this area, come and, 2. Political science: American politics (I was front and center for their recent soldand international relations. As an editorial out performance in Anchorage, a northern for a visit.”

Dave Arensdorf writes: “Believe you have advisory group member, I ‘will have the op- city only 30 minutes from Alaska.) The mesmy correct email and contact phone. I’m portunity to shape and guide the future pub- sage here? It doesn’t hurt us to love those with healthy and recovering from a laparoscopic lishing direction [of CSP].’ For my part, I will whom we disagree. https://www.youtube. right colectomy. Cancerous growth was re- be finalizing proposals for two more manu- com/watch?v=KuW4AdDClcQ. And now moved with no signs of cancerous cells in the scripts, the first of which treatments having another long jump cross time and space to lymph glands. Not a doctor, of course, and been affirmed by CSP, with an established the poet Shelly, who, in 1818 England, wrote hope I have spelled all the terms correctly. Op- date for proposal submission: ‘Stewardship, ‘Ozmandius.’ In my embrace of wilderness, eration was Oct. 18, and I was back to work Leadership, Service: Responsible Choices for (the ultimate guide, mentor and leveler) and in the garden a week later. Amazing how our the 21stCentury,’ to be followed by ‘Politics, with input from art, poetry, music and, yes, history, I find a certain calm in the midst of surgical techniques have progressed. Painful Philosophy & Economics.’ at first, but almost none at present. Jane and “Should any brother rats be searching for a the passions that surround me. That calmI are headed to Arizona and Nevada for the publisher, I can fast-track a proposal, so just ness comes full circle for me in this discussion winter. Expect to depart Nov. 15 and return get in touch with me at: petittro@bryan.edu. and takes me back to the entry gate of that next March. Any classmates in the area can And please note: Any financial remuneration citadel on the hill and our Parade Ground, contact me at keydet65mg@gmail.com if that I receive from CSP for helping a brother where we learned that ‘discretion is the better 68

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes began its run up through Florida, his wife experienced great difficulty getting her mother and brother to relocate to safer high ground due to the forecast storm surge. Finally, Rob contacted Jim, who notified a neighboring sheriff’s department, and they went over and directed the two of them to pack up and then drove them to safety at a friend’s home. So, from 1,000 miles away, the VMI connection worked to protect this family.

Nick Hoskot reported that he and his wife, Lair, have repurposed several acres on their ranch from hay growing to growing olives.

Mauka Mist Olive Grove, established in May 2017, will harvest the initial crop of olives from the 1,400 trees planted, in the 2020-21 time frames. The olives will then be picked and crushed and the oil bottled to provide an extra-virgin olive oil product to local and state markets.

Nick Hoskot Rick Kiernan sent in this interesting tidbit about his room in barracks: “We roomed in No. 211, which was Stonewall Jackson’s classroom May 15,1863 – one year before New Market Day. Cadets brought Jackson to lie in state before they carried him to LexJim Pauls provided the following inforington Cemetery. I have the print of cadets mation regarding activities by the George carrying him out Washington Arch May 16, C. Marshall MOAA chapter in Lexington, 1863.” which he helped get started before his retirePat Chang-Lo and his family live in northment from MOAA. The chapter hosts two ern California, and John Walters asked for fundraising events annually: A golf tournaPat for an update on their situation. “Edna ment and a clay shoot to support the Woundand I are OK. We are about 30-45 miles away ed Warrior program overseen by the Virginia from the Sonoma (including Santa Rosa city) Department of Veterans Services. One of and Napa counties’ wildfires. We had lots their fundraising techniques is the purchase of smoke and ashes for about a of tee-box signs for the golf tournaweek (reminded me of winter in ment. This year a large tee-box sign Beijing). I am still very concerned was purchased in memory of John about the people in those counLattin, by Al Carr, Cliff Martin, ties. The firefighters are exhausted.

Jim Pauls, Paul Robblee and John With all the disasters we’ve had in Sharkey. Related, Paul Robblee our country recently, it would be wrote: “In honor of Johnny Latgreat if we could set up a ’66 fund tin, Al, Cliff Martin, Jim Pauls, to help those individuals in need.

Buck Sharkey and I sponsored the Leaving for Washington, D.C., to15th hole at the Warrior Golf Tourmorrow for a family gathering. My nament of the George C. Marshall daughter, Jennifer, and her husMOAA Chapter at the Lexington band, Leland, live in D.C. while Golf & Country Club Sept. 29. Al Chris, my son, is going to his 10th and I merely sunned ourselves as Reunion at VMI and will join us the players came through. Didn’t see a bad tee shot off the tee all Class of 1966: From left, Clark Reifsnider, Hugh Adams, Woody Sunday.” Good news.

Clark Reifsnider and Marion afternoon. Johnny must have been Miller and Bill Gregory at a recent mini reunion of roommates, plus Hugh, in Richmond. joined Penny and Terry Crump making sure all went well.” Great part of valor,’ and that freedom is not free. So, it is that at least one of your fellows tries to draw on the calm inner reserves of strength and perhaps wisdom. I give thanks for our shared freedom to express our views openly, calmly and wisely with friends and the larger public surround. Never stop exploring! Do please come see me at Loonsong; I would like nothing better than to share the Alaskan wilderness with you and yours. Here is a photo gallery documenting my 50th accident free year of Alaskan Bush flying: www. lettersfromloonsong.com.”

As you read this, we are little more than two years from our 55th Reunion. Happy New Year to all! It’s time to pick up the pace, keep fit and join in an Old Yell! ’65! ’65! ’65!

1966

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work for a worthy cause gentlemen!

Jim also sent along an informational letter from Black Dog Salvage news and events.

This company had “acquired more than 80 doors that housed VMI’s cadets early on in its history. These doors were made and installed when the barracks were rebuilt post-Civil War. They were removed during remodeling during the 1970s and 80s.” So, it is likely that many of us had doors on our rooms from that era during our cadetships. Who knew?

Or, who even might have cared during those years?

Cliff Crittsinger was instrumental in arranging events for BRs attending the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game Sept. 2 in Colorado Springs. In addition to Cliff, attendees from ’66 at a pep rally held by the Alumni Association the night before the game included: Doug Adams, Fred Burks, John Jumper, G.P. Michaels, Dave Pinkus, Rob Ritchie and Bob Sleeker.

In early October, Jim Williams was recognized by the Greater Naples, Florida, Chamber of Commerce. Chief Williams, accompanied by his wife, Bonnie, received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual Distinguished Public Service breakfast.

Jim has been with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office since retiring from the Marine Corps in 1996. He assumed his current duties as chief of investigations in 2006. In a related story, Rob Ritchie provided a dramatic example of what he called the “VMI connection” when he disclosed that, as Hurricane Irma

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Class Notes for a football game at Clemson University in early October. The Crumps and Reifsniders, as well as the Blands, each have a son who is a Clemson grad. It was a great afternoon!

In late October, Woody Miller, Bill Gregory and Clark met at Bill’s house in Richmond for a weekend-long roommate mini reunion.

Hugh Adams joined that group for dinner Friday at Azzuro Restaurant. Shortly after being seated, Bill and Wyckie McClure walked in. Small world for ’66ers! Since Hugh also attended the VMI versus Western Carolina University game that Saturday, and he joined the group for dinner Saturday night. The Keydets are certainly not the Clemson Tigers, but it is always fun to return to Lexington, and they had a wonderful time.

The Corps looked good! While at the game, they also saw Dick Goodall, Jim Smith and Dan Phlegar. “Personally, I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend time with brother rats; it is very special!”

“Pete” Sensabaugh emailed that “keeping BRs in line must be like herding rabbits!” Or cats, Pete! It is an honor to be able to assist us as a class to keep in touch with each other. Thank you for your kind words!

Pete wanted to advise us that Ed and JoAnne Willis joined “the exclusive club of 50 years of marriage. They were celebrated in the finest of fashion Sept. 9 at the Lexington Golf & Country Club surrounded by their children, Annelliott and Harrison, grandchildren and a large crowd of family and friends. The Willis family really knows how to celebrate a special occasion. E.B. danced all night with the ladies to ’60s music and told quite an entertaining rendition of how he and JoAnne had their first date while he was at the Institute.

Joining the festivities were classmates Bob Odom, Dan Phlegar and Woody Sadler, along with roommates Don Barrett, Jerry Houston and Pete Sensabaugh.

At a reception and dinner at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, Jay Adams, Marshall Foundation chairman, presented the George C. Marshall Foundation Award to Dr. Henry Kissinger and the inaugural George C. Marshall Foundation Humanitarian Award to Michael R. Bloomberg. The VMI brass quintet played on the flight deck during the patriotic opening ceremonies. The event marked the 70

70th anniversary of the speech Marshall ’901 gave at Harvard in 1947 setting forth his vision to restore the economies of Western Europe leading to the Marshall Plan.

Mary Alice Wright, widow of a graduate of 1969, called the class agents of the 10 classes most likely to have Vietnam veterans to request that they alert their brother rats to benefits available to their widows from the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also mailed copies of pertinent information to each class agent. For example, a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 is required when filing any claim with the VA, whether it is for Agent Orange related illnesses or not. These benefits are available for any veteran’s widow, not just officers or career military, and are payable regardless of financial status. These are financial benefits, monthly payments, which can make a difference to the widow of any veteran. To receive more accurate and up-todate information, contact your local VA or a VA veteran service officer in your local area, via the internet at https://iris.va.gov or toll free at 1-800-827-1000.

Finally, I received a copy of the VMI Keydet Club Endowment Fund Report showing the progress the scholarship has made throughout the Fiscal Year 2017. The beginning principal July 1, 2016, was approximately $158,000.00 and as of June 30, 2017, it was approximately $190,000.00, reflecting contributions of about $32,400.00. Your contributions to all funds at the Institute make a significant difference and directly impact the lives of many honorable young men and women. Thank you.

Class of 1967: Class Agent Jan Abernathy said of this photo, “Neil Schlussel and a new friend at the Myrdalsjokull Glacier in Iceland. Neil is the one with the VMI cap.”

Class of 1967: Chuck and Ginny Keblusek during their train excursion through the Rockies and Canada.

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Jan Abernathy

There is much to share, and I will do my best to only send along good news and interesting stories. It seems many interim emails have many BRs with health challenges, but I do try to send along extra photos and an occasional funny story. The best hoots seem to come from Bob Poland; however, many of his messages contain humor not suitable to

Class of 1967: Jake DeSteiguer checking out an iceberg in Newfoundland.

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Class Notes share in these notes. I suspect Bob would add you to his distribution list if you are OK with some ribald humor and non-political correctness.

By now, we should all know Phil Gioia got his second new joint – an ankle after a hip – last summer. I sent a photo by email to all, but here is the rest of the story regarding a delay in the schedule. Phil Gioia: “The big day will be moved to Aug. 23, a Wednesday.

I was previously scheduled for 0730 on a Monday. When I was at business school at Stanford, I remember a ‘brown bag’ presentation by the former chief executive officers of one of the leading consumer products companies. He titled it the ‘Wednesday Toaster.’ He said in his company’s manufacturing plants, quality control errors in product manufacturing were most numerous on Mondays, as workers recovered from the weekend. These errors fell off to a midweek low Wednesday and rose again toward Friday, as workers evidently anticipated the weekend. The lesson, he said, was to always try to buy a ‘Wednesday toaster,’ as that was the day workers would be most focused on the job. So, I have a higher degree of confidence the procedure will go well, since I’ll be getting a ‘Wednesday ankle.’”

Jake DeSteiguer: “Hi, Jan and Joan. Bonnie and I just returned home after a trip across Canada to Newfoundland (attached picture from L’Anse aux Meadows, the Viking site at the northern tip of the island); 12,368 miles, 57 days, 10 Canadian provinces, 15 States, 25 Canadian and U.S. National Parks, sites, and monuments. We saw icebergs in Newfoundland; climbed cliffs in Acadia National Park, Maine; kayaked in the Bay of Fundy; and rafted the Snake River in Grand Teton. Ran into a couple of Class of ’03 alumni in Acadia National Park – both from Florida. We didn’t want to come home. I am off to see the eclipse in Oregon this weekend, and we are on Vancouver Island in October for my birthday. It’s a busy life.” (Sadly, they did not make the trip in the Range Rover “Sequoia” that rose from the ashes through Jake’s 100 percent overhaul and complete rebuild.)

Rob Gates: “Jan, after all of the emails this year about having rings resized and especially after the reunion, I sent my ring to Jostens.

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It required too big a change and had to be recast. It came Friday and looks great! I was on the Ring Committee that worked with Jostens on the design. At the time, I had a design proposal of my own. I dug through some stuff and found it. It’s attached. You can see why it got killed instantly!” (While Rob’s cartoon was interesting, I can see why a cadet with his blouse open and swinging a fifth did not get serious consideration.)

On behalf of 1967, we sent flowers from the class fund to the services of Tom Leggett and Vance Powell. As requested from Vance at our 50th, I was able to arrange a VMI piper to fly out and play “Shenandoah” and “Amazing Grace.” The expenses were paid for by Vance’s estate, and the young Cadet Jonathan Bibbe ’18, a Marine, was a hit in his coatee. Ray Irvine and Tom Hathaway ’75, coordinated rooming and meals and delivery to the church.

I hope you remember the set of old photos I forwarded from Barrett Graham in August. They were of things we baby boomers should remember well – $.05 Cokes, kids playing baseball in the street, $.20/gallon gas, gas stations that were machine shops, metal roller skates and more. One of the cars was a ’55 Chevy 210, which I would swear was the one my dad got for me to drive the summer of the year I made the dean’s list. Richard Stanard sent the following: “I totally understand this makes us dinosaurs – wouldn’t have believed these without seeing them. I still remember riding in car with

dad to the gas station: The bell rings, smiling attendant pops out with the inevitable rag cleaning his hands and dad asking for a dollar’s worth of regular. I remember thinking why not just fill it up, but then, a dollar came close to that anyway. Then the checking under the hood…the guy might say, “Quart low, Mr. Stanard,” and dad’s inevitable reply: “Give me a quart of your cheapest’ ...ne instantly – then pay the $1.25 and be back on our way again; no muss, no fuss. I remember once as a 4- or 5-year-old at the gas station, which was also always a mechanic shop, spotting an inviting open bottle of Coke and taking a swig; except it wasn’t Coke, it was used oil. Bad news; I spit it out pretty darn quick as much as could. Oh, brother – lesson learned about leaving open Coke bottles alone, no matter how inviting.”

Wiley McIlrath on his ongoing rehab, from August: “Thanks for asking. Yes, I have recovered and continue to get stronger every day. I can now walk a mile. Will find out next week about the results of my echocardiogram, which should tell me how much damage my heart sustained. Then I can know how much I can push to build stamina. Been on a low carb diet and am now down about 15 pounds. I started playing golf three weeks ago. I can only take easy swings. Been working with my 9-year-old grandson, and we are having a ball on the golf course. Last week, I hit a nice drive in the left center of the fairway about 150 yards out. My grandson teed it up and dropped the mail on me by 10 yards on

Class of 1967: Brother Rats posing for the 2017 Pinehurst golf photo were, from left, Dave Fink, George Sanborn, Kermit Quick, Dave Wilkinson, Barry Hedquist, Robert Klink, Ruben Terry, Carter Melton, Bruce Weiner, Tom Gillette, Kip Jones, Tex Young, Jim Phlegar, Ted Mervosh and Jim Joyner.

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Class Notes the right. Because it was cart path only, I sent ‘senior’ alumni have any advice. Our young- imbroglio; another example we feel of the Jake over to pick my ball up (too tired to walk est son, Brennan, who has Lyme disease, is way the simple is made complicated when that far) and told him to drop it by his. The in Aruba at this moment, where he intends the VMI blue book Roberts Rules of Order little buzzard walked 10 yards behind his ball to propose to his girlfriend. She has been so method is applied to life. You, Jan, are our and dropped mine. He said, ‘You need to hit helpful for him and Brenda and me.” (I has- man. We both think you have distinguished from here, Grandpa.’ It is amazing that I can ten to add that the subsequent wedding was yourselves (Joan included) in representing the Class of ’67 as class agent. You have earned be so tired that taking five steps is exhausting, a great event for the whole family.)

Robert Klink: “The 22nd annual BR golf the class agent chair until you decide to surbut I can still swing a golf club. This has been a humbling experience. But I am proud to say trip to Pinehurst is done once again. We had render it. As Doc Carroll used to say, ‘Thus a great time. However, we caved to Father endth the reading of the lesson.’” Tom, I that I shot a 49 from the ladies’ tees.”

John Lee, after breaking his kneecap dur- Time and only played 36 holes one day in- thank you and Jim. I received many nominaing our reunion: “The knee is much better, stead of the usual three rounds. Attending tions – not sure how many, as I was not told the doc has released me, the physical therapy this year were Ruben Terry, Dave Fink, since the election was called off – and more has ended and somebody leaked all this info Tex Young, Jim Joyner, Tom Gillette, Ker- than 45 emails and phone calls of congratulato Sandy. She has heartlessly put me back to mit Quick, Ted Mervosh, Kip Jones, Barry tions and appreciation for Joan and me. We work in the hot sun. Since I can now depress Hedquist, Tubby Wilkinson, Jim Phlegar, thank you.

Doug Day in August: “Thanks for contacta clutch, she has put me back on the riding Bruce Weiner, George Sanborn, Carter ing me to update your list. Right now, I am in mower, truck and tractor but does allow me Melton and yours truly.”

George Sanborn: “Jan; Mid Pines, the golf the third week in hospital and rehab facility to resume driving the ’Vette. Of course, this flurry of activity has resulted in my losing the resort where the 2017 photo was taken, has for a back operation. I’m sorry I missed the 8 pounds accumulated during my immobility agreed to frame the photo along with our reunion, but the back had gotten to the point over the two months of ‘living the good life.’ names and who we are. They will place it of no return. I appreciate Randy Blanks No more ‘Sandy, would you get me another in one of the corridors around the pro shop, making the effort to get in touch with me piece of pie, etc., or it hurts to get up and restaurant and bar. Those corridors are filled about the reunion. It sounds like the 50th was with multiple photos of famous golfers who a roaring success. Wishing all the ’67 brother walk, etc.’ No more sympathy!”

Bert Burckard comments on my BR health go back to the early 1900s in Pinehurst. The rats well with fair winds and following seas.”

I made another error in the “who is marupdates: “Jan, I used to call your notes ‘organ photo will say: ‘Virginia Military Institute recitals,’ but as my various body parts weaken Class of 1967 22nd Annual Golf Trip Nee- ried to whom department.” Barry Hedquist and begin to ‘talk back’ to me, I empathize dles/Mid Pines’ and list our names. Kermit pointed out that Donna would very much (and sympathize!) more and more. Keep up must have convinced them that we are the like to know just who ‘Marge’ Hedquist is, the great work! Bert.” I think I had exhausted U.S. 2016 Olympic golf team that competed as I said she was with Barry at the reunion.

Sorry. At least Donna has a good sense of the health updates by then in August, but in Rio de Janeiro last year. George.”

Tom Engelman: “I just parted company humor. My last victim was Taras Galysh. more are sure to come up.

Max Toch summed up our collective health with Brother Rat Jim Cain after his two- I hope Stephanie has forgiven me, as I am challenges: “Thanks for the updates, Jan. day visit here ... still good company after 50 pretty certain neither Taras nor I know a JenWe are lucky to live in this era of amazing years. We discussed briefly the class agent nifer Galysh.

Chuck Krebs: “Mya and I are medical advances, especially in the currently enjoying a camping heart, eye and orthopedic areas.” (I experience out at Frisco Woods certainly agree with Max and wish on Hatteras Island. Weather has all the best possible health.) been windy and cooler than usuTerry Fowler: “Jan, I know a al. We continue to keep up with lot of BRs would rather have my Hurricane Irma and begin to be problem. I had a partial left knee concerned with the Atlanta area – replacement May 25. Everything hope and pray that you all are not was fine until two months ago, badly affected. Best wishes, your when my left leg got stiff from sitBR, Chuck.” ting down. Getting up has been Fred Smith: “We started our painful since then. My doctor tour of the Great River Road says, ‘Time heals all wounds.’ He down the Mississippi. We started did say maybe he left a burr in my at Lake Itasca in northern Minneknee. I don’t do any pain meds exClass of 1967: Mike Bagnulo manning the table at a local Probe sota. I actually got to walk across cept Motrin. My email is vamili- college fair night in October with Joan and Jan Abernathy. the Mississippi River at its mouth. tary@gmail.com, if any of you 72

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Class Notes Looking forward to stopping at all the major cities along the Mississippi and learning about their significance and their history and development along the Mississippi River.

Will keep you posted as we go along.” Fred sent the following at the end of the trip. “We made it to the delta and took a float plane ride to view the expanse of the area where the river empties into the gulf. Impressive, and I understand the Mississippi much better. What a great trip.” Fred did not add how they were to get back to their RV in Minnesota.

The weather channel mentioned Castle Rock, Colorado, and snow Sept. 27, so I sent a message to John Forsyth. “Yes, this weekend saw snow come to the high country.

The peaks along the Front Range are sporting white caps, so winter cannot be too far behind. It usually rolls in with a vengeance when it comes. Makes me look forward to our trips to Cancun.” I also forwarded a message from John Forsyth about car batteries discharging while on extended parking in airport lots. The most interesting responses follow.

Capers Dixon: “If you have a Toyota and disconnect the battery, you will not be able to start the car. The lights may come on, indicating that you have properly reconnected the battery, but it may not start until you open and close the driver’s door twice. I am talking about the push-button start cars. Don’t rely on the dealership to tell you how to start it.

They said for me to call the tow truck. The driver of the tow truck told me how to start the car when he saw it was a late model Toyota. We drive Nissans now. Capers.”

John Lee: “I keep my 2002 Z06 on a charger, and I don’t go on vacations (don’t need ’em where we live). The three Toyota 4 Runners all have jumpers and are used every day – watch for corroded cables. My old 5-speed F-150 will start with a dead battery and a push or a roll downhill. The Kubota is another story. The horses usually start on a fart.

Seriously though, a jumpack is the best alternative, but you must remember to keep the damn thing charged up; they tend to bleed off, too.” (I add that Joan and I each drive 13-year-old Toyotas with combined mileage in excess of 349,000 and have never experienced this problem. Of course, like John, we don’t make many long-stay trips by air.)

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I recently enjoyed a long conversation with Mike Andrews. He was busy loading the car, so he and Linda could head from Chapel Hill to Roanoke for a family gathering to learn the sex of their first great-grandchild. And you thought you were feeling old? Mostly retired, he has a son operating his business that includes ownership of a half-dozen convenience stores in southwest Virginia. Between his two sons (each has four daughters – nine grandchildren all together) there will likely be more great-grandchildren in the relatively near future. Mike sent a greeting to his rat roommates Traywick, Neel and Hinkle.

The emails lit up in abundance last fall with comments – in no particular order of significance – on NFL football players and their commissioner, the Las Vegas shooting, our class election, fires in California, hurricanes all over the place and the Public Broadcasting Service special on Vietnam. Football kneeling was the most vehemently covered. Ken Burns got a lot of praise and anger for his show, but the coverage upset many of you.

Except for Phil Gioia’s couple of firsthand statements, some were angry at the reporting.

I do my best to respect and value all views and opinions without judgment, but it can be difficult. I have learned the hard way to not forward or share most of your opinions to everyone, whether I support them or not.

So, I will do my best to stick with pretty good news and leave controversy aside. I end this set of notes in October at Halloween, but you will see them in February. Let us trust we all maintain our health and enjoy a great 2018.

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Tom Hickey

Dean Kershaw (Fairfield, Virginia): “Finally coming up for air. It’s been a particularly busy summer, and with completion of faculty orientation Friday, I am now an adjunct instructor in civil engineering at the Institute. I’ll be team teaching CE109, introduction to civil engineering, with retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Woody Sadler ’66. Woody is an adjunct

in mechanical engineering and teaches the drawing portion of the class. And, yes, I am back in uniform – or I should say, in the new Army blue service uniform. Hooah!

“In addition, I’m still running my own consulting company, Kershaw Global LLC, advising companies on developing infrastructure projects from the Philippines to Africa and the Middle East. In my spare time, I’m a tour guide at the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, a docent-in-training at the Jackson House in Lexington, and the president of the Rockbridge County Community Emergency Response Team. I tried retiring, but Nancylee suggested that if I wasn’t working and she was working as a nurse, I should learn how to do housework.

So, I’m still working.

“By the way, I observed Matriculation yesterday. It brought back a flood of memories. Ran into a bunch of our dykes from ’71 celebrating the 50th anniversary of their matriculation. The conversation centered on how Larry Ryan (Crete) and Barry Archer (New Braunfels, Texas) would call out their window to girls in front of barracks telling them not to lean on the railings.

Luckily, I had a 3x5 card in my pocket.”

Roddy Delk (Smithfield, Virginia): “My wife said I should tell you what’s going on with us, so here goes. Of course, you know I am retired – who isn’t, except maybe Bogie Holland (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Kevin Henry (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) and a few others – and enjoying it. We’ve been traveling a lot – if we don’t, our kids surely will – to Europe (once with John and Susan Royster of Bermuda Run, North Carolina) including Normandy and the Rhine River, as well as Israel. At age 71, we’re all officially old men – some grumpy, some dirty and some nice (I try to reside in the latter category but, alas, from time to time find myself in one of the former ones).”

Tom Boyd (Washington, D.C.): “My practice continues to be interesting, so thoughts of eventual retirement are pitted against wondering what I would do if every day were Saturday! Both of our kids graduated with Master of Business Administration degrees this past year. Our son graduated from Columbia and our daughter from New York University, both while working full time 73

Class Notes and I have been living in a Rome and going to school from 8 a.m. to 6 apartment since January 2017. We p.m. every other Friday and Saturday for won’t return to states until April two straight years – no summers off. I’m 2018, just in time for the 50th! I did not at all sure I would have gone to law manage to plan an Alumni Assoschool had I had to do that.

“Carol and I, Skip and Kay Roberts ciation Pacific Northwest Chapter (Lexington, Virginia), and Johnny picnic held in August. We live in and Martha VanLandingham, (Euthe busy Trastevere neighborhood and are within walking distance of gene, Oregon), as well as Creigh Kelall the major sights and many lesser ley (Centennial, Colorado), gathered ones. We’ve traveled within Italy as in Eugene, Oregon, in June to see the well as Berlin, Vienna and Prague.

NCAA Track and Field Finals. And Going to Israel in December and what great fun it was! We tried to send other places, too. Have had numeryou pictures, but I guess they didn’t have enough resolution. Johnny and ous visitors. Hoping both sons can Martha were very patient and wondervisit at Christmas. Captain Kyle Class of 1968: In Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 28, 2017, were, Farmer ’13 is at Fort Bragg now.” ful hosts, and we saw the beautiful Orfrom left, clockwise, Dave Clark, Jean Clark, Joyce Yeouze, Lew Joe LeVine (Abingdon, Virginia): egon coastline before the late afternoon Yeouze, Gil Piddington, Tracey Piddington, Norma Buzzard, George Buzzard, Wayne Burton, Sylvia Zielinski, Donna Thomp“Donna and I just got home from races. Plus, we laughed all weekend!

10 days in Europe; my last business Once we set foot in the stadium, and even son and Clay Thompson. trip. I retire the end of this week. as we approached it, we were astounded Officially, Sept. 30. We still have that everyone, bar none, knew Creigh. our house in Florida and are still He was in his element, and it was a treat ‘Florida residents.’ We also have a to watch. house in Abingdon, Virginia. Our “Last month (August), Johnny and plan is to spend winters in Florida Martha visited us in Leland, Michigan, and summers in Abingdon as long and that was great fun too; Martha’s as our health allows. That being family are Michiganders, and they visit said, our first retirement task is to northern Michigan every summer, as sell our North Carolina house. We do we (my wife is from Cincinnati, and have been traveling to Europe one or when I met her, I soon learned that the two weeks each month; beginning entire Midwest heads for the Great Lakes in October, we will travel to North when the prairie begins to bake in sumCarolina each month until we get mer). It was the first time our visits there overlapped, and we hope they continue Class of 1968: At the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy the house sold. Selling the North to do so in future summers. football game in September 2017 were, from left, Terry Bowers, Carolina house will go a long way toward simplifying our lives and “And also in June, our son arranged for Paul Hebert, Dana Duthie, Frank Pinizzotto and Creigh Kelley. freeing up time for things like fishus to attend the America’s Cup races in Bermuda, and Doctors Dave and Martha Gibing, hiking and exploring southwest Virginia.

“We were planning to attend the rat parade, but bons (Washington, D.C.) joined us there. The Donna came down with a case of walking pneugroup was an interesting collection of my son’s monia. She’s on the mend, but it will take a while friends, my daughter’s friends and our friends, all for her to regain her strength. I made it to the Caof whom became everyone’s friends by the end of tawba game the next weekend without Donna. the long weekend. It was thrilling to watch the racDonna and I are planning to go to the Oct. 21 es – 9 knots of wind generated 30 knots of speed Western Carolina game and hoping to catch up – and to see so many beautiful boats and also see with several BRs that weekend. We are both lookand enjoy Dave and Martha. Doctor Martha, in ing forward to our 50th next year.” fact, saved the day when I was stung by a man o’ Mike Sartori (George West, Texas): “My wife war on the day of my departure, and she instantly administered a simple but effective treatment: Ice! and I just got back from a trip to Canada. When Class of 1968: Rick Eades after a 104-mile Totally worked, and I’ve since tried it on bee stings we were at Lake Louise, we were walking around ride in 6:50 over the rolling hills north of with equal effect. So, a great summer.” the lake and ran into two couples – one with a Gulfport, Mississippi, Oct. 1, 2017.

Pete Farmer (Edmonds, Washington): “Patty VMI cap on. Turns out it was Johnny Jumper ’66

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes (chief of staff of Air Force) and his roommate, Jim Whitehurst ’66. Had an enjoyable visit. As for me, the children are out of the nest. My oldest son went to and graduated from the Air Force Academy (class of 2003) and is now assigned to the 89th Air Force Wing and flies Air Force 2.

My next son followed in my footsteps and went to VMI, Class of 2010, and is now a construction supervisor with the Rand Corporation and lives in Austin, Texas. My daughter, who, after graduation from William Woods University with a degree in equine science and administration, is the administrator of an equine hospital in Kansas City.

“I am entering my 40th year of practicing law in George West, Texas. My wife, Leslie, has been teaching computers to 3- to 5-year-olds at the Methodist school in San Antonio for the past 15-plus years. I truly believe she enjoys those children more than me and the dogs and cats at home. At the insistence of Leslie, I am slowing down a little and now try to work only four days a week. Can’t see stopping; I think Leslie would toss me out of the house if I were there every day. Sad to hear about the passing of Bob Yurachek earlier this year. Kevin Henry and I had the opportunity to speak and remember Bob – truly one of the best of our class.”

John VanLandingham: “I’m still working as a legal aid lawyer in Oregon, mostly focused on legislative advocacy (state and local, not federal) regarding tenant rights and affordable housing.

And despite Bill Boyer’s (Dunkirk, Maryland) prediction in our 1st Class Bomb bios, it is my wife with a judgeship; she’s entering her 11th year on the Oregon Supreme Court.

“For classmate sightings in the past year: I celebrated my 70th birthday in October 2016, a month late, with a party in Richmond organized by my wife and our two kids. Had about 30 family members and friends, including BRs Boyer and Lewis White (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and the widows of Alfred Smith (Hallie) and George Squires (Kitty Sue).

“Then this past June, we hosted three VMI track team BRs for the annual NCAA Track and Field Championship at Oregon’s famed Hayward Field: Skip Roberts, Creigh Kelley and Tommy Boyd, along with Tommy’s wife, Carol, and Skip’s wife (and my high school classmate and nearby neighbor in Petersburg), Kay. We had a great four days together, and Creigh, USA Running Hall of Famer that he is, was in heaven with all the other track crazies; Creigh knows everyone!

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“Finally, during our annual Lake Michigan week in August, we were able to visit Tommy and Carol Boyd at their cottage on Lake Leelanau, north of Traverse City, for lunch and a boat ride.

Now we just need Pete Farmer to return from his year as an ex-pat in Italy to complete the Class of 1968 connection with Michigan women: Pete’s wife, Patty, went to high school with my wife in East Grand Rapids.”

Tim Underwood (Hampstead, North Carolina): “Retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1996 and Ford Motor Company in 2007. Built a home in Hampstead, North Carolina, in December 2007 with my wife, Denise. Really enjoying weather here in coastal Carolina. My two kids still live/ work in Detroit, Michigan. Health is still good.

Have attended some VMI events held in Wilmington, North Carolina, area.”

Nat “Sandy” Sanderson (Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina) was one of our brother rats for whom VMI and I had no contact information. However, it turns out that one of his roommates, J.B. Meadows (Fredericksburg, Virginia), had an email address that he shared with me. I can now remove Sandy from my “have you seen them?” list. Sandy provided me with the following update: “Looking back on 50 years, I would never imagine sitting with my roommates once again. Only one semester at VMI, but it was enough to instill a lasting memory. I spent five years in active duty Navy and another 30 as reservist. My civilian career was in public safety, having recently retired after 40 years – the last 22 as director of emergency management for Dare County, North Carolina. I’ve been married to Sharron for 38 years with two daughters.

I enjoy fixing up old homes and working as seasonal safety officer for a lifeguard service.”

I got text messages from Rick Eades (Ridgeland, Mississippi) which read: “(I rode) 104 miles in 6:50! This century ride was in the rolling hills north of Gulfport, Mississippi, Sunday, Oct. 1.”

Buzz Sprinkle (Greer, South Carolina): “I’m still involved in the Greenville Woodworkers Guild, currently as membership chairman. Nancy still teaches English at the Greer Literacy Center.

We had dinner with Lewis and Joyce Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia) in June when he was in town for a BMW driving adventure. We now have a local VMI alumni chapter thanks to the efforts of Paul English ’73. I’ve helped with a couple of college fairs. This year, we had two new cadets from the area, one from Asheville and one from Greer, so we’ve had some success! Next year will

be a big one: Our 50th Reunion, Nancy and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, and our oldest grandson will be graduating from high school. We look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.”

Bob Westbrook (Irvington, Virginia) began his note to me with a comment about his rat Bomb picture: “That picture is beyond the pale; too bad we were rats before they had Photoshop. I never liked that picture, because it looked too much like me at the time. Thank God I have lost most of my hair, have a turkey neck and gained too much weight.

“My wife, Fran, and I are living in a house that is more than 100 years old, and the floors creak in harmony with my bones sometimes. We will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year and have been enjoying life for the last 19 years in the scenic and historic Northern Neck of Virginia, which is the peninsula bounded by the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers and extending to the Chesapeake Bay. Between us, we have four grown children and eight grandchildren, with all adults being incredibly attractive and talented and the children displaying a maturity and wisdom beyond their years, if I may modestly observe as a completely unbiased person.

“This past June marked 40 years that I have been practicing dentistry, and Fran has been my office manager for much of that time. By the end of this year, we are hoping to pull the plug, get out of debt and move on to other things. Individually, we are both trying to be good citizens and do our part to have a positive impact on our wonderful town and county; she by continuing to serve on the Irvington Town Council, and I by serving out my term on the Lancaster County School Board after four years as chairman and turning my attention to running for election to the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors this November. So far, I am running unopposed on the ballot, and there have been no write-in candidates announced, so I am hopeful of a good result.”

Dee Biggs (Acton, Massachusetts): “All is well here, although fall is definitely in the air in New England. We are off to visit with our daughter and family soon in Portland, Oregon. We have three granddaughters, and they are all on the West Coast, which does not make grandma very happy. I am still working on the national program to put veterans back to work and at this point have successfully gotten more than a thousand hired. I am gearing up for youth basketball,

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Class Notes as I am in charge of the boys travel program in our community and also coach the fifth-graders.

It is great fun but also very time consuming in the winter, as it lasts from mid-October until mid-March. We had a chance to visit with Bill and Gail Bouck (Deerfield Beach, Florida) in July at their summer home in Cazenovia, New York. We had a great time visiting with them and they are both doing great. I am looking forward to our 50th Reunion.”

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings on Halloween – a crisp, fall day in eastern Virginia – from Yorktown, the site where America won its fight for independence. A few days ago, Oct. 19, this community celebrated the victory of Washington over Cornwallis (with a lot of help from our French allies) with a small parade and speeches at the Victory Monument. We move from that joyful ceremony to present day activities.

The focus this period is on brother rat interaction and start of official preparation for our 50th Reunion April 25-27, 2019.

In mid-October, Greg Cavallaro ’84 of the Keydet Club sent out the news that, at halftime of the football game Saturday, Oct. 21, Bunny Paulette would be receiving the Keydet Club’s highest honor – the Spirit of VMI Award. Bunny has served the Keydet Club long and faithfully and recently completed his second tour as president of the sports and scholarship fundraising arm of the VMI Alumni Agencies. I was unable to get a transcript of what Bunny said at the ceremony held in the middle of the football field, but all said it was short and sweet. Bunny deserves all the credit he gets these days, considering all the time and work he has done for all Keydet athletes.

Earlier that same week, Wednesday and Thursday, a small band of what will become the leaders of our 50th Reunion fundraising effort met in Lexington for the first time. Jamie Totten will be our chairman with able assistance from Charlie Bryan, Bunny Paulette and a host of others. While many on the list could not make it for the event, at a small dinner Wednesday evening, Jamie met with Bob Heely, Ron Stead, Joe Lynch, Chris Brothers and me for our beginning discussions

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and then Thursday morning we were joined by Bunny, Charlie and Bruce Gregory for briefings from Gen. Peay ’62 and representatives from many of the Institute and alumni organizations.

We received updates about the status of the Institute and heard the reasons why alumni support is so vital. Bunny presented the hardest question at one juncture and got a notable answer: More than 85 percent of any money given to any VMI activity goes to the activity itself. That is very favorable management of the charitable gifts sent to VMI. The next day, Oct. 20, was the Two Bellies Invitational golf tournament at the Petersburg Country Club was well attended by BRs and one team from the Class of ’70. Playing from our class were Jim Baker, Glenn White, Bob Flowers and Mike Santoro on one team; Dick Jeter, David Reid, Doug Marks and Doug’s neighbor, Jerry Goad, on another; Spunky Butler, Tommy Hudson, Pat Branch, and Knox Hubard on the next; winners Bob Heely, Lee Barnes, Gary Mackey and Tommy Thompson; Bruce Gregory, Larry Seekford, Tom Morris and Tom Catlett on a team; and lastly, Tom Jones with Bob Waldo, Ken Fleming and Walt Judd trying hard. Rovers Jim Chapman, Ned Caldwell, Chalk Hardy and T.O. Palmer joined the fun as on-course commentators and harassment experts. Herb Braun, Bill O’Connor, Tommy Cooke and Bill Huffman represented the Class of ’70. It was a great turnout for a terrific fall day with warm temps and dry conditions. Doug Marks brought his friend and business partner, Jerry Goad, with him from Columbia, South Carolina, and made a golf week out of the trip. They came up to Richmond and saw the senior professional golfers play at the Country Club of Virginia Thursday and then played in the VMI outing Friday. While Gary Mackey’s wife was quick to point out on Facebook that he won the use of the trophy for a year, she was also pleased that he did not bring it to their home that evening. Brother Rat Heely made room for it at his place and will see that new names are inscribed properly on the ever-growing art object.

As you can imagine, all the attention paid to statues in our nation raised the interest on many BRs in various parts of the country. I heard from Jay Hoenig in Arizona; Tony Gentile from his new home in Fairhope, Alabama; and Joe Flanz in northern Virginia. VMI has sent out several messages that say they honor the history of the various statues on the post and have no plans for changing any of them.

In the conversation with Joe Franz in midSeptember, he expressed concern about monuments at VMI and tenor of times. He made mention of the CSA sections of both Hollywood and Arlington Cemeteries and the fact they have separate shaped tombstones for CSA war-dead.

Joe said there were 18,000 CSA soldiers buried at Hollywood from the battles at Gettysburg, as the Union would not bury them on-site. Yet, he said, a family can now request a stone from the U.S. government for a grave whose old stone has given way, and the request will be honored. The CSA section at Arlington has the burial site of New Market cadet and world-famous artist Moses Ezekiel ’866 well marked.

Early September presented problems for our Texas and Florida residents, as hurricanes bothered the Houston and mostly west coast of Florida regions. Hugh Hopkins from Orange Park and Chunkie Neale further south reported strong winds and lots of rain but no damage. Hugh had to use his generator to keep power on for a time.

Dennis Witt did not even lose power. John Scott evacuated from his Clearwater home for a short time but found all fine when he returned. Jim Campbell from near Orlando had to evacuate for a time with a granddaughter recovering from surgery but also returned home when power was restored.

In early September, I made a trip to Colorado for several reasons. Aside from a tough football game to watch against the U.S. Air Force Academy, the trip was fun and eventful. I spent time first with my daughter and her family (grandsons!) in Denver and then moved down to Colorado Springs Thursday afternoon. I attended a new cadet recruiting event at the Broadmoor that evening and met several of the VMI staff and other alumni from the area. On Friday, several of us played golf at a fantastic golf course overlooking the Garden of the Gods and got to interact with other area alumni. I skipped the pep rally at a local brewery Friday night and wished later I had not. I missed seeing several friends at that event. At the pregame early lunch buffet Saturday morning, I talked with Tom and Carol Reynolds with their Air Force Academy-grad son, Tom; Paul and Kathy Curs with their four sons coming in for a special happy 70th birthday party for old dad; and Jim Woods, our only BR in the Colorado Springs area. The Curs bunch was notable as they surprised dad and showed up in bright red jerseys sporting the No. 70. Paul was elated and really pleased his

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes clan honored him that way. Tom and Carol came from Omaha and met son Tom, an aggressor pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, for the time together. Jim Woods, now retired and living near the mountains just out the south gate of the USAFA, came to the game and found me at halftime. He remains, to my knowledge, the only prairie dog expert in our class. Ask him about that sometime. It is a great story for a biology major and Army retiree.

After the Colorado weekend, I wrote to Tim Rahm in Iowa to tell him I had met Todd Baldwin ’06, another graduate from his city in that same great state. Tim replied a little later, “I remember Todd. I am still practicing law but have moved to a firm in downtown Des Moines where I will spend my reclining years; yes, my new desk chair is a Lazy Boy.” On to football and fall activities. Mike Santoro and I represented the class and several BRs at the 2017 scholarship banquet hosted by the VMI Keydet Club. We sat with three cadets and their parents and one girlfriend from Mary Baldwin College. John Sebrell sat with another group of parents and cadets with a scholarship sponsored by a BR. Right now, we have scholarships in the names of Lee Galloway, Bunny Paulette, the class (earned by winning the “Above & Beyond Challenge” by adding many small gifts to the Keydet Club in a short period of time), John Mitchell, Jack Kennedy, John Pool, Jim Chapman, Frank Webb, Tom Jones and Art Bushey. Mike and I also attended the football game against the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and sat with Jim and Beth Long, Tom and Nancy Catlett, Bunny Paulette, and John Sebrell. Ron and Betsy Wall sat above us in the shade, as it was a hot, sunny day. Dave and Susan Prugh were not there, as they were with family awaiting the imminent arrival of a grandchild that day. Jim Long also reported on the game a couple of weeks before when Longs, Walls, Sebrell and Catletts were there for the game.

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Class of 1969: Brother rats from the Classes of 1969 and 1970 at the conclusion of a golf tournament at the Petersburg Country Club Oct. 20, 2017.

Class of 1969: At Norfolk’s Harbor Park before a baseball game Aug. 17, 2017, were, standing, Gene Beale, T.O. Palmer, Bob Flowers, Lee Barnes and Gary Mackey. Sitting: Bob Heely. Drew Brantley organized the event and took the picture.

Class of 1969: Paul Curs, center, and his four sons, from left, Dave, Aaron, Dan and Nate, at the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game. His sons came from Virginia and Texas to surprise him with Big Red jerseys for the day to celebrate Paul’s 70th birthday, which occurred later in September.

I played golf later with Ken Fleming in Petersburg and heard that he and his wife, Judy, visited Acadia National Park and drove all the way up the East Coast to Maine from their home near Charlotte. He pointed out a lesson I had learned a long time ago: Our cities and regions are not close to each other, and one must agree to sit in a car for many hours to see them.

Similarly, Tom and Gail Morris joined other friends from Cape Cod and explored “down east” Canada.

Tom said the trip was interesting, but he was way too tired of sitting in a car after the journey. He also said GPS works but has to be checked by hard work poring over a paper map!

Joe Flanz again. “On Sept. 28, my wife, Michie, and I were at the Marine Corps PX at Henderson Hall near Arlington Cemetery. I came across a concessionaire selling carpets, including ones with the VMI logo. The owner of the company was there. He and his wife are military reservists who hire workers who use looms in Pakistan and specialize in service academy and military school logos. I’m supplying the company’s information in case you might think there would be an interest. I understand they can be personalized with class dates.” Joe did not volunteer to supplement his Army retired pay by becoming a rug merchant, so get the address and some pictures of the carpets from me instead.

Joe continued, “As Michie had to go to a funeral service at the Fort Meyer chapel later, I showed her how to get there and then we paid our respects at the Confederate section of the cemetery. I was delighted to see that they have recently cleaned Moses Ezekiel’s [’866] sculpture to its original bronze and, of course, had to say hello to VMI’s first and greatest Jewish cadet, Sir Moses himself.”

From Mike Maguigan in Atlanta area: “This February, I celebrated 70 years on the planet and my wife, Debbie, planned a great party. Sixty-four of my closest friends – including surprise

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Class Notes visits from Lloyd and Debbie McGrady and Rig and Wendy Burroughs – got to sing Led Zepplin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ with the band. Then, when we took a Disney Cruise in April (wife Debbie, our two kids and their spouses, and our five grandchildren), we all were treated like royalty. We then did an Alaska trip late May and early June: Awesome. And then beach trip with all the family to Amelia Island. You know you’re laid back when you can nap on the couch with five grandchildren running around and screaming like scalded dogs.

We are planning on visits with the McGradys and Burroughses at our lake house and plan to include going to the VMI versus Mercer University football game in late September.” I heard later that Mike, Lloyd and Rig did get to see Dr. Tom Jones at the Mercer game. Mike also sent photos of him finishing his 39th Peachtree Road Race (and his 15th with his daughter, Anneka) July 4 with 60,000 other folks. I am not sure if the big grin on his face was for relief or joy, but we must give him credit for a long-standing relationship with the race.

Scott Rhodes sent me a post card showing the village of Ullapool, Scotland, and later a picture of himself and his older brother, Carl ’66, standing at a gun turret at the Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 10, 2017. Scott visited Scotland with his brothers, Carl and Kent.

Bob Clingenpeel: “I know we traded messages about doing something with commemorative bracelets early in the summer. I found two online businesses which sell memorial bracelets similar to the MIA bracelets we saw near the end of the Vietnam era. The one which seems to have the most comprehensive and professional setup is called Memorial Bracelets. I purchased a bracelet from Memorial Bracelets and was able to obtain their address when it was shipped to me.

Their website seems to be very professionally set up, and I believe they have connections with a veterans group or a military organization. I base that on the fact that they have an alphabetical list of all service members KIA in Vietnam on their website. Click on a name and tell them what style and size bracelet you want to order, and you are just about done.” Bob and I are working on getting something for us to honor our BRs killed in action before our 50th.

Facebook survey: Brant Collins was traveling in Greece and mentioned the scene of sunset in Athens. Webb Hatch announced he was in his final year of college basketball coaching and would

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step down at the end of the coming season at Frostburg State University. On his Dec. 2 jaunt to our local university, several of us plan to see Webb and his team try to win his last game in this venue. Buddy Mawyer had a big cake and a big smile in his picture at his birthday party. Marvin Fayman, Chris Brothers and John Edenfield keep up with our class from afar.

In an effort to document the history of our class in the Vietnam War, I asked BRs to tell me about their service time. Jim Boggs replied with his info. “I deployed from Fort Hood to the Republic of Vietnam in February 1971 and was assigned to the 31st Combat Engineer Battalion in the III Corps region with headquarters at Long Binh. I started there as the leader of the Heavy Equipment Platoon in the Headquarters Company and ran many convoys to inventory platoon equipment and met men who were scattered throughout the III Corps region. After a month, I was given command of the 557th Engineer Company that was attached to the battalion. The 557th was a 278-man unit with three platoons of heavy construction equipment; a platoon of carpenters, plumbers and electricians; an airborne construction platoon of light construction equipment; a maintenance platoon with a machine shop; and a security platoon of two M48A3 tanks with mine rollers and three armored personnel carriers with ACAV kits. The year 1971 was a draw-down year, but we still cleared mines, built concrete highway bridges and airfields, an orphanage, and several fire bases. Our BR Allen Hawkins led one of my platoons for eight of the 11 months I commanded the unit. Brother Rat Harold Fleischer, who was assigned to 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), visited me when he passed through Long Binh. My last operation was building a fire support base for the 2nd/11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the intersection of two main supply routes used by the Viet Cong. The cavalry belatedly called it FSB Fiddler’s Green, but the engineers needed a name a month earlier for the construction drawings and called it FSB Linda (for the former Linda Williams I married in 1973).

The FSB Linda operation was more hotly contested than any other of my actions, to include forcing a river crossing to build a bypass for a destroyed bridge to keep an artillery battery from being cut off. When I left Vietnam, I transferred to military intelligence and specialized in technical intelligence, although I did serve with BR Jim

Hitchcock in the 3rd Brigade of the 101st at Fort Campbell. I also saw Harold there, as he was assigned to another brigade at the time. I left active duty after 11 years but had many interesting opportunities as an intelligence reservist for 16 more years, including Desert Shield/Desert Storm and working in the office of the Department of Defense inspector general. I retired as a lieutenant

Class of 1969: Mike Maguigan ran his 39th Peachtree Road Race and his 15th race with his daughter, Anneka, July 4, with 60,000 people. Photo courtesy MarathonFoto.

Class of 1969: L.R. “Rawls” Williams on the tennis court in Sun Valley, Idaho, with Rick Armstrong (W&L ’70) and Don McClure (W&L ’69), both former tennis players at Washington and Lee University.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes colonel in October 1996. I worked full time for defense contractors as a systems-engineer and later as an enterprise information architect supporting government agencies. Along the way, I picked up an engineering degree, a master’s in information architecture and a Ph.D. in information systems.

I retired from contract work in 2014 and have been teaching information technology courses at a community college since then. I still perform experiments on wireless networks in my spare time and take weekend and day trips in Virginia with my wife. On May 6, my wife and I met BR Paul Bross and his wife, Linda, in Williamsburg and celebrated their wedding anniversary. I plan to be with the class for our 50th in 2019.” Thanks, Jim, for your service as an Army officer and contractor and now as a savvy college professor.

Over the next 15 months, BRs, you will receive several communications from me and others in our class. Some will ask you to tell us more about your time after VMI, others may ask you to share your time and talents, while others will be requests for you to participate in our fundraising campaign. Listen to what is asked, and please respond in a positive way. We are already planning our reunion weekend, April 24-28, 2019, and hope to see you there for all or part of the weekend. The Friday night and Saturday morning times are all about us, and the VMI Alumni Association will feature a special dinner, pictures and the parade where we lead the alumni rabble into the Old Barracks for cheers and yells. Thursday and Saturday will present “meet and greet” opportunities and will likely feature time in the hospitality room of the hotel and in our big tent adjacent to the current Holiday Inn Express in east Lexington. Bob Waldo is leading our Social Committee and will be checking in with you, seeking help in doing all the neat things we have been asked to do. Please tell him “yes” if he asks you to lead or assist in some capacity.

Lastly, any gifts you make to the VMI alumni organizations now count for credit in our class’ 50th Reunion check. If you have not yet earned your brick on the sidewalk in front of barracks, send in $2,500 or more to VMI and be counted with the many already there. If you need more info about existing or planned scholarships, just ask me. We want to honor Tom Blair this time, so step up with any ides to do that. This is our time to shine!

In the spirit, Walt

2018-Issue 1

1970

Warren Grasty

The great thing about the fall is that there always seem to be many more opportunities to get together with brother rats than at other times of the year, as follows: I received several reports from brother rats after the September VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Harry Bare sent in a picture of himself with Ralph Costen, Peel Dillard and one of Peel’s fellow Marine Corps Aviators, Tom Blickensderfer, of no apparent (or at least admitted) relationship to our very own Justin “Lefty” Blickensderfer. Harry also saw his dyke, Mike Kelly ’73, for the first time since Harry graduated. Dick Knight wrote in that he met the aforementioned brother rats along with Tom Hill ’64 (John B.C. Hill’s brother), Dana Duthie ’68, Paul Curs ’69 and Lanny Gault ’71 at the tailgate. Dick surprised Dana by recalling that Dana had led a gaggle of Keydets onto the field at the football game with The Citadel in 1967. This wasn’t Dick’s first trip to the AFA, as he had been assigned to Fort Carson in the early 1970s, and he and Linda made it to quite a few football games back then. It turns out that the AFA head football coach in those days was Ben Martin, who was in Dick’s father’s class

and company at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Early in the fall, several of us got together to take advantage of the great weather with a couple of rounds of golf at Mattaponi Springs Golf Club, which is between Richmond and northern Virginia. Combatants included Herb Braun, Bill Huffman, Dick Marshall, Charlie Perry, John Solomon ’66 and yours truly. The golf usually disappoints, but the bratwursts and beer afterward never do. And in October, Herb Braun, Tommy Cooke, Bill Huffman and Bill O’Connor represented the Class of 1970 in the annual Two-Bellies Golf Tournament in Petersburg hosted by Hizzonor Tommy “Two-Bellies” Thompson ’69.

Early in October, a slew of brother rats and wives spent a nice weekend at the House Mountain Inn outside of Lexington. Enjoying the casual mountain atmosphere were Herb and Susan Braun, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Dick and Penny Marshall, Lee and Connie Moon, Bill and Paula O’Connor, Lew and Judy Reynolds, and Neil and Di Steverson.

Liz and I headed to Herb and Susan Braun’s home in Richmond in mid-October for the Richmond Alumni Chapter’s barbecue and oyster roast, hosted by Matt Mikula ’04, son of Ned Mikula ’71. Joining us were Tommy and Jill Cooke, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Lanny and Terry Sue Gault ’71, Dick Marshall, and Neil Steverson – a great evening with good friends, food and beer. To top it off, Susan gave us a copy of her family recipe for Brunswick stew, which we have enjoyed numerous times since then. Can we mooch or what?

Several weeks later we returned to Richmond on

Class of 1970: At a cookout at the Weishaars’ house to watch the VMI versus The Citadel football game were, from left, Bill Huffman, Charlie Perry, John Bailey, Chuck Wills, Gary Weishaar, Warren Grasty, Charlie Walker, Gray Chandler, Jim Mawyer and Neil Steverson.

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Class Notes the last Saturday in October for Gary and Lynn Weishaar’s VMI versus The Citadel football TV party and cookout. Joining Liz and me in the festivities were John and June Bailey, Gray Chandler, Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Jim and Judy Mawyer, Charlie and Peggy Perry, Neil and Di Steverson, Charlie and Margaret Walker, and Chuck and Penny Wills. Luckily, the heavy rain that hit Charleston during the game didn’t make it up our way until Sunday.

At some time during the afternoon, Charlie related a story from our 4th Class year that somehow had never been told before. I didn’t hear it directly but later that afternoon through several stunned brother rats. Although there may be some things lost in translation, here’s how I think events unfolded. Due to either previous sins or just bad luck, Charlie was assigned to post No. 2 either Friday or Saturday night of the Corps trip to Richmond.

He was dutifully pacing back and forth in the dark when, at some point, an unidentified cadet walked out of the arch and offered him a piece of cake.

Being a hungry rat, which is somewhat redundant, Charlie gratefully accepted, placing his rifle in the trash bin for smokers to free up his hands.

As you might expect, midway through said piece of cake, along came Capt.

Wood ’59, who asked, “What do you think you are doing, cadet?” “Eating cake, sir!” “Where is your rifle, cadet?”

“In the trash can, sir!” Needless to say, Charlie received a personal invitation to a confessional with Stacy Harris, during which appropriate punishment was meted out. Our collective minds were boggled that not one of us had heard this tale even once at some point during the past 51 years.

Who knew that mild mannered Charles Waite had such a hidden, dark past?

Returning to 2017, Dick Hamlet wrote that he finally decided to finish up his Doctor of Business Administration degree earlier this year with the

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Class of 1970: Enjoying an October weekend at House Mountain Inn near Lexington were the Steversons, O’Connors, Huffmans, Brauns, Costens, Marshalls, Reynolds and Moons.

Class of 1970: At the service for John Bailey’s brother, Carl, in Staunton, Virginia, were, from left, David Schmidt, Tommy Cooke, John, Russ Marshall, Mike Snead, Charlie Walker and Bob Wood.

Class of 1970: After the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game in September were Harry Bare; Ralph Costen; Peel Dillard; and Tom Blickensderfer, one of Peel’s fellow Marine Corps aviators.

publication of his dissertation that analyzed public-private partnerships in disaster response. A pretty timely topic, I would say. Congratulations, Dr. Hamlet! Dee started back at Old Dominion University to teach a class at the Art Institute, where she led a group of students on a 10-day venture to France for classes in design and couture. It sounds like all is well in Virginia Beach.

Italy seemed to be a popular destination this summer, with Tommy and Jill Cooke and Steve and Sherrie Craddock going there at different times.

Also in travel mode recently were Turner and Kathy Scott, who survived a four-day nature hike in the Peruvian Andes up 13,770 feet to Machu Picchu, which necessitated spending three nights in a two-person tent. Rumor has it that they are still married. And to think I feel like I have accomplished something when I can make it back home after walking the dog.

Russ and Elaine Marshall have been making tracks as well. Following their trip early in the year to Australia and New Zealand, they visited the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, in May. Then in October, they flew into Phoenix and visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West, the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Santa Fe, ending up in Albuquerque for the annual Balloon Fiesta.

Wells Fargo sponsored one of the hundreds of balloons, so Russ says he saw some of his money literally go up in flames.

Trying to keep pace, Liz and I did our fourth Road Scholar trip in August, which started in Jackson, Wyoming, and over 12 days took us to National Parks at Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Glacier, Canada’s Waterton Lakes, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

An amazing trip.

In early October, Randolph-Macon alum Chip Humphrey attended the Randolph-Macon Academy homecoming weekend, where he met up with Doug Huthwaite ’73, Jeff Guild’s dyke, and Mike Starling ’92,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes chairman of leadership and character at the acad- unexpectedly late this summer in Staunton. Not Schubert. He is indeed alive and well in Newport emy. Thanks to Chip, who recently secured a brick only was Carl, like John, an avid canoeist and fish- News running the kitchen design and installation dedicated to Jeff for inclusion in the display in erman, he was also quite a musician who played company that his dad started 30 years ago and front of barracks. multiple instruments and sang in several bands that Penn has owned for the past 15 years. Kathy Despite his best efforts, Kent Schlussel just can’t up and down the Shenandoah Valley. There was earned her master’s degree a while back and requite seem to retire from his adjunct teaching po- a nice gathering of family and friends in Staunton cently retired from full-time teaching. Their older sition at Piedmont Virginia Community College, a few weeks later, where John was joined by Beau daughter received her master’s degree from Old Caire, Tom Cooke, Don Crawford, Russ and Dominion University and has followed mom into where he has taught for 14 years. About a year ago, he informed them that he wanted to fully Elaine Marshall, David Schmidt, Cameron Seay, the teaching profession. She and her husband have retire, but this spring, they came back pleading Mike Snead, Charlie Walker, Gary Weishaar, two sons, Ben (8) and Adam (5), with Ben being the proud owner of a provisional appointment with him to return since they couldn’t find enough Bob and Marilyn Wood, and Liz and me.

Ned Haley reported that his son, Adam, was to VMI. Their younger daughter graduated from qualified teachers for college credit courses. So, he is back to teaching a five-credit-hour precalculus married to Sandi Richter Saturday, Oct. 14, in Marymount University with a degree in forensic course and has already winnowed the class down Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. After their honeymoon, psychology and is an analyst for the FBI in Charfrom 29 to 20 students (and counting). He says they will return Oregon State University in Corval- lotte, North Carolina. Penn says that he occasionit’s pretty appalling to find out how much they lis, Oregon, where they both work. Unfortunately, ally crosses paths with Tom Morehouse. Getting didn’t learn in high school. School or calls like Penn’s out of the blue is one no school, he and Judy plan to take off of the best things about being class in January to South America and the agent, so keep them coming, brother Easter Islands, and later to Columbia rats. with Kent’s brother, Neil ’67.

Things have been pretty busy for Another gainfully employed brother Gordon Williams lately. In Septemrat is Phil Jornlin, who reported that ber, he and son Chris attended the he transferred from Amman, Jordan, PGA Tour’s BMW Golf Championto Nicosia, Cyprus, in August, where ship, which was held in the Chicago he plans to stay for the next several area, where they were hole captains years until finally retiring. I wonder on the ninth hole. Gordon also reprewhat the over-under is on that retiresented VMI at the local high school’s college night and attended the Chiment happening?

At the other end of the spectrum, cago area Alumni Chapter’s rat sendDave Nuckols seems to be adjusting off and the Keydet Club’s scholarship well in his second year of retirement, Class of 1970: Turner Scott after a 4-day hike up to Machu Picchu, awardee banquet on post in October. thank you very much. He reports that Peru.

Gordon’s scholarship athlete this year he has become particularly adept at is 1st Class Cadet Jay Broom ’18, who finding free things to do, one of which is attend- Ned was advised that he needed three more ex- is captain of the track team and wears academic ing the monthly lecture series held at the Virginia ploratory skin cancer surgeries in November. For- stars. In early November, Gordon will be going to the 2017 Breeders Cup Horse Racing ChampiHistorical Society in Richmond. The September tunately, none are expected to be life threatening. lecture he attended was a review of a recent book Also reporting the ringing of wedding bells, onships, sort of the World Series of horse racing, written about Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s horse, Howie DeWolf checked in to say that their young- which will be held at Del Mar Race Track, San Little Sorrel. He noted that Waite Rawls was also est child, Allison, was to be married Nov. 4. With Diego, California. there, just in case the author presented any misinSpeaking of scholarships, the Class of 1970 has all the pre-wedding hoopla, he and Barbara only formation. Although Dave said it was a very good made it to Lexington for the Catawba football seven brother rats who have funded athletic schollecture, he left a little bummed out after realizing game, but they hope to catch several basketball arships (only the Class of 1966 has more at eight), games over the winter. that, with all of the military and business sucnamely Tom Campbell, Ralph Costen, Steve And from the left coast, Joe Girlando wrote that Craddock, Peel Dillard, Dave Miller, Gordon cesses achieved by our brother rats, there has not been one book written about them, yet we now he and Patricia have moved to another home on Williams and Tom Zarges. And as you know, we have one written about a VMI horse! He also said Bainbridge Island, Washington, and are now next- also have the Class of 1970 Athletic Scholarship, that ever since his daughter gave him a coffee table door neighbors with his former roomie, Chuck whose recipient this year is Cadet Tyren Cloyd book last Christmas written by Harry Warner and Jean Thompson. Funny, I thought most peo- ’21. A graduate of Benedictine High School in ’57 titled, “House Mountain Affair,” he has had ple moved away from Chuck. Oops. Cheap shot Richmond, Ty is a linebacker on the football team and is majoring in mechanical engineering. We ina strong desire to climb House Mountain. Get a alert. grip, Dave.

Moving right along, a while back I received a deed have a generous class.

On a sad note, John Bailey’s brother, Carl, died surprise phone call from none other than Penn Congratulations (I think) to George Ritko, who

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Class Notes was elected the proud representative for the new Eastern North Carolina Alumni Chapter, which sounds like another perfect excuse to schmooze.

And real congratulations to Don and Lois Crawford on the publication of the second edition of their book, “Secrets of the Softer Side of Selling,” which is available on Amazon in both Kindle and print-on-demand formats.

Congratulations, of a sort, also to John Flemming, who, in recognition of his being one of the first in our class to reach his 70th birthday, received from lovely wife Carole a pair of red, white and yellow VMI socks. So, the 70th birthday gift bar, low as it is, has been officially set.

A few months ago, I wore a VMI logo shirt to one of my tennis group outings. One of the players asked if I knew about Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61 who, as we all know, was murdered in Hayneville, Alabama, trying to save the life of a young black woman while he was working in the Civil Rights Movement. As it turns out, my friend sings in the Reston Chorale Society that performed the world premiere of “A Journey to Freedom, Honor and Glory,” a program honoring Jonathan Daniels, in 2004 with the Reston Orchestra. He offered to bring me a DVD of the performance, which I eagerly accepted. I also asked for a copy that I could pass along to Col. Keith Gibson ’77 at the VMI Museum. It turns out that he had attended a performance of this program in Jonathan Daniels’ hometown of Keene, New Hampshire, in 2005, and he hopes that it will eventually be performed in Lexington.

If anyone would like to watch this DVD, I will be happy to share it with you.

Last and surely least, from the out-of-left-field department, John McLemore sent in, via trusty sidekick Ed Trinkle, a picture of a plaque honoring Lt. Gen. John Archer Lejeune. It seems that Lt. Gen. Lejeune, superintendent of VMI from 1929-37, was born in Innis, Louisiana. According to Wikipedia, Innis is an unincorporated community in upper Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, and the home of, now defunct, Innis High School.

As seen on a map, Innis is smack (note the tiein here) in the middle of, well, nowhere. Smack stumbled across this treasure while on a weeklong schlep from Natchez, Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico, which took him through the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana and to, voila, Innis. At this point, one could reasonably be expected to ask, “Why?” But who cares?

That’s about all for now. Be sure to check out

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the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures and comments posted by our 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.

In the spirit!

1971

Jim Kelly

These notes cover the period from Aug. 15, 2017, to Nov. 1, 2017.

We rarely have a named storm or hurricane during the month of October, so I feel reasonably confident that we have that aspect of 2017 behind us. It was such a helpless feeling to watch the seemingly endless coverage of the storms knowing there was very little we could do to help those who were right in the midst of it all. I suspect quite a few of our brother rats or members of their families were affected and will continue to be in recovery mode for some time to come. Bill Ginder and Jim Neikirk are both in Houston. Bill has been there for some time, and Jim moved to Houston from The Plains about three months earlier. The Ginders were able to send out email status reports, and they made out pretty well considering they were cut off from the roadways by flooded bayous. I understand, however, that water did get up to Jim’s door but receded just in time. My sister and her husband, as well as both of my parents, live in the Tampa, Florida, area, but with the exception of the loss of power and a few downed limbs, they were fine. Kathryn and I had planned to vacation on Hilton Head in September, but our trip was canceled due to the threat of storms. The island was, for the most part, unaffected.

I am saddened to report that we recently lost two more brother rats. Frederick Milton Kay died Aug. 22, 2017, in Remington, Virginia, and David Garrett Allen died Sept. 21, 2017, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Both died peacefully in their sleep. On behalf of the Class of 1971, I extend our sincere condolences to both the Kay and Allen families.

Fred Kay matriculated at VMI from Richmond, Virginia, and left after our third class

year. He earned his degree at the University of Richmond in 1971. Fred is survived by one brother, three daughters, five grandchildren and one great grandson. A memorial service was held Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Remington. The interment will be held at a later date.

(See full obituary in this edition of the Review).

David Allen matriculated from Clarksburg, West Virginia, and was an economics major while at VMI. He participated in varsity lacrosse, was active with many student publications (primarily as a photographer) and was commissioned as an armor officer in the United States Army. David is survived by a brother and three nephews. A graveside service was held at Bridgeport Cemetery Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. (See full obituary in this edition of the Review). Carl Biersack wrote the following about David: “David Allen often looked past the temporal positions in life and considered how we may contribute to the lives of others.

He did this in the barracks and especially later in life, when an automobile accident confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. David was a humble, street-wise observer of cultural America who was fearless in calling out false and pretentious assertions, but he did it with grace and humor so that even the criticized shared in the laugh. He was a source of inspiration and encouragement and a tower of strength to many. From our first meetings in the barracks, when I took note of his intelligence and thoughtfulness, to my last email from him on the day of his death, he was my brother rat. I’ve heard it said that not many of us are lucky enough to find one golden acorn, but David found and cultivated three (a side business to highway construction, a cattle farm to a bank). To say he was a frequent contributor on politics and economics to a number of publications is like saying there are mountains in his beloved West Virginia where he lived for all the years of life, save the Lexington detour where his VMI footprint was as deep as his father’s and as wide as his brother’s. His writing was pithy, witty and drove many to a dictionary, but in the end, we understood his logic and agreed with his points. He was a generous man whose philanthropic interests were diverse and meaningful. David will be missed, but he believed that God will fill our void.”

On a rather hot and muggy Aug. 19, 2017, 504 new cadets matriculated at VMI. This particular

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes day marked the 50th Matriculation since our class entered VMI (we were the last class to matriculate after Labor Day) and the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the first female cadets. On hand for many of the day’s activities were Buddy Bryan, Dave Kennedy, Mike Strickler, Larry Wiese and myself. The order of business is quite a bit different from when we first crossed under Jackson Arch. A relatively quiet day passes with parents, family members and significant others all mingling together on post and participating in a nice lunch at the Club Crozet. The new cadets gather with their families in Cameron Hall and hear presentations from the superintendent and other staff members. The first captain delivers an address followed by each company commander, who calls their rats to report to the floor of Cameron Hall and form up behind their company guide-on. Once all of the new cadets are assembled, they march up to the barracks, and things are not as quiet after that. The rats form in the courtyard of what we called “New Barracks” and are introduced to their cadre and then it is game on. Many things are different, but trust me, my friends, entering the Rat Line still gets a young person’s attention rather quickly. I encourage each of you to visit on opening day sometime if the opportunity presents itself.

A class profile and other information concerning this year’s rat mass were presented to the Alumni Association board at the meeting in early September. A total of 985 applicants were accepted, and 504 of those matriculated.

One-hundred-ninety-six cadets attended the Summer Transition Program.

The average GPA was 3.66 and average SAT score was 1198. Sixty percent of those accepted are from Virginia, 59 are college transfers, 63 are females and 110 are recruited NCAA athletes.

All things considered, this appears to be an outstanding group of rats.

Barry O’Donnell has announced that he is “sort of ” retired at Virginia

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Class of 1971: Google Maps routed Mike Strickler around a traffic delay right to the front gate of Fort Indiantown Gap, formerly Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, where many enjoyed spending the summer.

Class of 1971: At the VMIAA tailgate prior to game against The Citadel were, from left, John Biggs, Rick Littleton, Jim Kelly, Lanny Gault, Bob Lockridge and John Wall. Photo by Kathryn Kelly.

Class of 1971: Taking the tour of Antietam, South Mountain and Harper’s Ferry were Robert Haywood, Van Jolisaint, John Metzger, Rick Littleton, Geoff Schelhorn, Steve Fogleman, Larry Wiese, Dave Kennedy and guide Mike Priest.

Tech. He will, however, continue teaching career strategy planning as an adjunct professor and will still serve as faculty adviser to the VT chapter of the national Society for Human Resource Management.

Barry says he won’t get rich, but he is able to keep the parts of his job that he truly enjoys. It doesn’t hurt that he teaches Monday and Wednesday for an hour and 15 minutes and “maybe” goes to the office to see students who have schedule conflicts. I guess we all need to do what we have to do.

If you travel I-81 very often, there is a very good chance you have experienced a traffic delay of some sort. If you are a user of a cellphone app that will reroute you around traffic jams and such, then you know that it is possible to end up in a place that is not where you expected to be.

This summer, while returning from a trip to upstate New York, Doris and Mike Strickler were rerouted right by the front gate of Indian Town Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania.

Many of us, including Mike, spent a lovely six weeks during the summer of 1970 or 1971 for ROTC training at IGMR and, since that time, have tried to forget the whole thing. I think I have previously related that the Army Reserve unit I served with pulled two summer camp tours at IGMR. I was an ambulance platoon leader at the time, along with Marty Parks ’69. Doris snapped a picture of Mike, which appears in this edition of the Review.

I mentioned in the last set of notes that a number of brother rats were planning a trip to Antietam. The group actually spent three days on their historic tour: Two days at Antietam and South Mountain and the third day at Harper’s Ferry. With the help of a guide, the tours lasted about eight hours a day. Making the trip were Haywood, Jolisaint, Metzger, Littleton, Schelhorn, Fogleman, Wiese and Kennedy.

The actual 50th anniversary of our Matriculation was, of course,

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Class Notes Sept. 7, 2017, and the occasion was our schedule. Lanny has been to most met with the usual flurry of emails of our games and reported that Wayne and exchange of “first day at VMI” and Nancy Hepler came up from Atstories. I think there were actually lanta for one home game. Emery Baya a couple of stories that had never and Angele Balthrop were also in town been published this year. As menfor a game. I learned from Emery that he and Angele have been together for tioned in August, the members of 16 years and are still “single,” and if room 112 – Steve Price, D. Walton it’s not broken, they are going to keep it and Dabney Oakley – organized that way. Those also seen on a regular a 50th anniversary dinner at the basis include Acuff, Bryan, Strickler, Commonwealth Club in Richmond Golden and Mikula.

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. Approximately The Richmond Chapter of the 28 brother rats attended, many with VMI Alumni Association held an spouses or dates, along with one cadet, oyster roast on a recent Saturday Jackson Price ’19. After opening remarks by D., a moment of silence was Class of 1971: Cameron Hall on the 50th anniversary of the Matricu- which was attended by about 150 lation of the Class of ’71 and the 20th anniversary of the arrival of alumni of all ages. Reports indicate held in honor of our deceased brother female cadets at VMI. that the food was great and a good rats followed by a shared invocation. time was had by all. Brother rats in attendance After the dinner, Steve presented a toast to VMI Pat Tashima, Larry and Sonia Truesdell, Steve and the Class of 1971. The evening was closed and BJ Turner, D. and Susan Walton, Larry Wi- included Kirby, Martenstein, Walton, Kenwith the VMI “Doxology.” Featured for viewing ese, and Danette Zirkle. nedy, Gault and Hanke. during the evening were copies of the pages from The Military Classic of the South was held on I would like nothing better than to chronicle an the official VMI Matriculation book, and it was outstanding football season, but so far this year, the weekend of Oct. 28, 2017. Headquarters for interesting to see who had signed in at any given it has been pretty tough sailing for the Keydets. the weekend were at the Charleston Marriott lotime. Attending the event were Jim and Pam AdWe have some fine young men who go out there cated very near The Citadel campus. The VMI ams, Fred Banister, Meredith Barkley and Mau- every week fully expecting to “yet win the day,” Alumni Agencies held a pep rally and dinner reen Jarrell, Bill and Carla Beattie, Bill Berkness, and we all hope the first “W” for this team is just Friday night at the hotel and hosted a pregame Buddy Bryan, Rich Clary and Linda Martin, Jim around the corner. The game with the Air Force tailgate at Ripley Park (Charleston River Dogs and Donna Cowardin, Bill and Margaret Ginder, Academy was the first time we have played against and The Citadel Bulldogs home field). At game Tim Golden, Bernie and Wanda Groome, John that team, and several VMI faithful made the trip, time, the weather was beautiful and remained so Heisler, Dave Kennedy, Mal and Sherry Kerley, including Lanny Gault and Steve Price. Lanny until the fourth quarter of the game when wind and rain began to rule the day. Our Keydets played Sam and Spring Kirby, Ron and Shirley Lewis, also provided some information about the level of John Nilon and Deborah Brown, Dabney Oakcompetition we have been up against this season. one of their better games of the season and gave ley, E.J. and Brenda Patrick, Steve and Dianna Looking at the FCS top 25 teams and those “re- the Bulldogs a run for their money. On hand from Price, Craig Rhodes, Mike Strickler, Alan and ceiving votes,” at least five of those teams are on ’71 were Lanny and T.S. Gault, Bob and Maureen Lockridge, John and Ollie Wall, John and Lynn Biggs, and Rick and Beverley Littleton, as well as Jim and Kathryn Kelly. On the shuttle bus to the stadium, we also ran into Mary Schriver ’14, the daughter of our BR Mike. Mary is currently working for VMI as an assistant admissions director with an emphasis on female applicants.

The numbers for the first quarter Fiscal Year 2018 for Annual Giving have just been released, and the Class of 1971 continues to be among the leaders in support of VMI. We had 29 donors for an alumni participation percentage of 9.58 percent. We trail the Class of ’75 by less than 1 percent. Average alumni participation for classes in our decade was 6.14 percent. My thanks to each of you for continuing to ensure Class of 1971: Brother rats on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their Matriculathat VMI remains one of the top colleges in the tion. The event was held at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond. nation, as determined by several publications

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VMI Alumni Review

Present at the reunion were: Frederick C. Allison, Christopher M. Arey, Gennaro A. Aveta, Robert M. Bailey, James H. Barnes Jr., Fredric L. Bauer, W.R. Beerbower, Vernon L. Beitzel, J.R. Bell Jr., Robert B. Benham, Robert A. Benson, Richard K. Bishop Jr., Theodore M. Bremer, Irving L. Brittle Jr., Richard S. Bryan, Geoffrey L. Bull, Kenneth A. Chacey, Walter L. Chalkley, Edward R. Channel, Philip E. Clayton, Kim Bryant Colls, Richard G. Condit, William K. Cooper, James F. Doyle, Robert E. Duncan, William H. Dunlap, John E. Durst, Stephen B. Dzialo, Thomas A. Edwards, John F. Fick III, Marc L. Fielder, Camden R. Fine, William M. Finney, William C. Fitzhugh, Richard W. Flowers, James P. Flynn, Alan S. Fojt, Frank L. Foley, John W. Freiermuth, Walter E. Galanty Jr., Harry W. Gore Jr., Robert M. Gore Paul A. Gorski, Gregory Mark Griffith, Richard A. Hack, David B. Hall, Lee R. Harrison, Roger O. Hart, Thomas C. Hathaway III, Zeno F. Henninger, Gerard W. Higgins, Carsten H. Hillson, Steve E. Hively, Lawrence E. Houseworth, Powell Hughes IV, Adolph H. Humphreys Jr., William Irby, Christopher R. Jones, James G. Kellam Jr., Richard M. Kennedy, Joseph Henry Knick, George Kosovic Jr., G.T. Lahmers, William H. Long, Robert M. MacMeccan Jr., John H. Martin Jr., Robert E. Maxfield, Edwin W. Mazzanti Jr., Alan W. McElroy, Kimberly N. McGrath, Thomas B. Moncure,F. Michael Mullen III, M. Edward Murphy, Robert A. Murray III, Douglas A. Nichols, Jack Riddick Palmer, G. Robert Patrick, Richard A. Patterson, J.C. Pettyjohn, R. Marshall Pinkard Jr., Harold W. Plott, John Timothy Pool, George P. Ramsey III, Ralph A. Redmond, Kurt Otto Renz, Edward M. Robbins, V.J. Sartini III, John Elton Sayers Jr., Robert C. Schwartz, Phillip N. Smith, William F. Smith, James M. Snead, Louis E. Solomon III, Gale F. Sommers, Salvatore Spada, Sterling R. Spencer, R.V. Stransky, W. Dennis Sullivan, Harry Topliss III, Dennis P. Traubert, Andrew L. Turner III, F.M. Turner III, R.E. Valentine Jr., J.P. Van Landingham, R. Lindley Vaughan Jr., Richard J. Vogel, Louis S. Welker, H. Baxter West III, Kenneth W. Wester, Phillip L. Wilkerson Jr., George B. Williams, T.W. Williamson Jr., Charles L. Winstead II, Raymond H. Woodall III, Norman John Worrell, Jacob Hiram Yost III and Wayne S. Young.

Class Notes

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Class Notes and organizations. I mentioned the credentials of the cadets who entered VMI this year. Alumni support is a major factor in being able to assist cadets with the cost of a VMI education. Currently, 89 percent of the Corps receives some form of financial aid, and alumni scholarship dollars support 50 percent of those recipients.

Some of you will have made year-end contributions for tax purposes by the time you receive this information, and I encourage everyone who can to make some monetary commitment to VMI this year.

Kathryn and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that good things happen for you in 2018. Our grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan, will be in Pulaski for Thanksgiving, and we will all gather in Richmond looking for Santa Claus. We will see some of you during basketball season, and I look forward to hearing from everyone in 2018. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and let VMI be heard from today.

Jim

1972

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, Families, and Friends, Greetings and hearty salutations to all. These notes span August through six weeks after our 45th Reunion. And what a spectacular series of events that was; mega-kudos again to our outstanding planners, providers, coordinators and hosts, Tom Moncure, George Kosovic, Hank Humphreys, Harold Plott, Vern Beitzel, Phil Clayton, Bob Patrick, Jerry Higgins, Chris Arey and John Fick!

More than a few BRs mentioned that it was the one-on-one contact from Chris and his team of callers that persuaded them to attend – the first time in decades for several. Our widows who joined us were heartened and very pleased with the welcome shown to them. And even while Hurricane Irma caused some Florida BRs to change plans and others to check home base anxiously, we still had the largest turnout since graduation. The 50th should be off the charts!

Just before the reunion, Chris Jones received several colorful remembrances to a happy 49th Matriculation Day greeting. Dick Valentine said, “I remember getting up that morning in a cabin in

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Natural Bridge having second thoughts about this VMI thing. I told my mom and dad that I changed my mind and wanted to go home and work in the shipyard in Newport News. Bracing for an argument, the first word I heard from them was, ‘OK.’ OK? No argument? Agreement? Oh, h#$% no! I’m not letting them off the hook that easy, I thought. I’ll show them. After all, how bad could it be? What the hell was I thinking?”

Tom Hathaway remembered this: “My most vivid memory was after lights out, lying in my rack that hot, humid night with my head shaved and my mind spinning and thinking what huge difference there was between that moment and where I had been just 24 hours previously – at the Virginia Beach Dome, watching a live concert of Jimi Hendrix.”

Chris added, “I recall about five minutes after taps in a pitch-black room 485. Joey Scott, Steve Valadez and I were huddled around the sink desperately starring into the completely opaque mirror, trying to see what our bald heads looked like.”

And, Roger Lodi, in “vintage Lodi for your enjoyment and pleasure,” reminisced with, “In the dark of room 439 on that first night, Foster, Fick, Morgan and ‘Tuffy’ Leemon are all commenting on how the whole first day was all BS, perpetrated

by AHs; all I could think about was that tomorrow I get my rifle!” Ah, those misty water colored memories.

Weddings kept two of our throng from joining us at the reunion; yet they – coincidently – were linked. Barry Bartley wrote, “I think I may have mentioned it before, but I will not be with you and our BRs this weekend, as I have to be in Colorado for the wedding of my nephew, Carrington. It will, however, be somewhat of a reunion, in that Carrington is the son of John W. Pinner III ’73, and a number of John’s BRs will be there, along with our brother-in-law, Phil Anderson ’70. I will miss being with you and the others, as this should be one h#$% of a reunion looking at the list of those already registered.

Please tell everyone there they have to come back in 2022 so we can do it all over for those of us who miss this one.” As fate would have it, Barry’s entourage, with Stu Seaton ’73, ran into Sandy Edens and his wife, where they were celebrating the wedding of their daughter that same weekend. Needless to say, a spontaneous mini reunion and attendant frivolity erupted.

Sandy communicated his concern for BRs in the path of Hurricane Irma and offered to go to

Florida to help rebuild, if necessary. Additionally, he sent a picture and said, “Here is a picture of me dancing with my daughter, who got married to an Army Iraqi vet in September when I couldn’t make the reunion. You can tell this was better than dancing with Jim Snead!” Let’s just leave that one for another time, shall we?

Rob Murray wrote expressing deep appreciation for the “care, concern and professional construction and execution of our Class’ 45th Reunion.

The Institute’s traditions were both respected and enjoyed by my bride (June).” And, in typical “rat summer school roomie” tradition, he told me, “We enjoyed your company, but truth be told, I liked Marie’s more.” Yeah, me too, BR. A.J. Fojt stepped down as the editor of the 2nd Infantry Division’s newsletter in August after a multiyear run. 2IDers (including Dave Hall, Chris Jones and Phil Wilkerson) will miss his unique style, insight and Dillard-like tone – second to none, BR. Clay Murray sent a delightful note filling me in on his reconnection with rat roommate Ted Bremer. (Ted and I graduated from Annandale High School with Norm Worrell, Kurt Renz and Billy Youell.) Seems BR Bremer earned himself a one-way ticket out of VMI after tooling around post in his car at finals our 4th Class year. A low draft lottery number incentivized him into the Air Force, and upon leaving the service, he had a long-distinguished career with Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Program. Oh, and the front of Clay’s card was his original watercolor of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John looking out on House Mountain – beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful Rockbridge County landscapes, Dave Condon sent along the winterscape of his and Ann’s “front yard.”

“Ironman” Buzz Chacey sent his results from September’s Ironman Augusta (70.3) – wow!

In case it’s escaped you, if this year is our VMI 45th, then next year is our respective high schools’ 50ths. One of us Annandale Atoms ’68 has our group picture, and Lee Harrison sent the Lexington High School ’68 (Scarlet Hurricane – bet you didn’t know I knew that, guys) shot.

J.R. Bell digitized his copy of our Rat Bible; I’ll bet he’ll share if you asked.

Chris Arey’s retirement is fueling Marie’s and my travel wishes. He wrote, “Like many, my only news relates to travel; in late September/ early October, I went to the U.K. to walk the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail that wanders through

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Gloucestershire from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Walked for seven days – wonderful countryside and local color (and ale)! It was my ‘trail and ale’ sojourn. Photo attached is of me in front of Bath Abbey – the end of the way.” You’re a role model, BR. George Williams wrote that he “misplaced my VMI reunion hat on my recent trip out West (it’s probably lying on the ground somewhere around Mount Rainier).”

So, before I go, while our times together or while bonding are filled with warmth, light and the rare, rich camaraderie of the VMI spirit, know, too, that there are those among us who are enduring loss, illness, infirmity and the travails of time. If, when and however you are able, keep them in your reflections and that light. Thank you.

Rah Virginia Mil, BRs! Larry

3.

2.

1.

5.

4.

7.

6.

8.

Class of 1972: 1. Chris Arey at Bath Abbey, England.

2. Ken Chacey competing in an Ironman competition.

3. Rat roommates Ed Murphy, Bob MacMeccan and Jim Flynn.

4. Greg Griffiths’ ’72-themed Mustang.

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5. The class guidon at the 45th Reunion parade.

6. Marching into barracks for Old Yells.

7. Dave and Ann Condon’s front yard.

8. Jim Barnes and Larry Houseworth giving an Old Yell for ’72.

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Class Notes cart trick-or-treating with the grandkids!

Many of the Alumni Association chapters are hosting events on a regular basis, to include Mike Kelly Founders Day dinners, monthly breakfast or luncheon get-togethers, and both NCR and college-fair nights, so please be on the lookout for events in your area and participate! I promise you’ll enjoy them. And be sure to check the schedules for sporting events in your area, as VMI has One of the hardest things about being class lots of sports teams like rugby, hockey, water polo agent is sharing the knowledge of the passing of a and boxing, which could use your support. brother rat. In August, we lost a beloved member I heard from a lot of folks this fall as I prepared of the class, Dale Kitchen, who died due to a brain for this issue of Review notes. Thanks for keepinjury after falling down a flight of steps. A month ing in touch. And thanks for sending me corrected later, we were again reminded of our immortality email addresses; if you don’t hear from me on a with the passing of Matt Tignor. Doctor Matthew regular basis, I probably don’t have your email – or Tignor died peacefully at home Sunday, Sept. 24, a correct one, anyway.

2017, surrounded by loving family, friends and Roland Tiso, who retired from a job and rebrother rats. Matt suffered with various forms of turned home last summer from the Middle East, cancer for a couple of years, and he fought courahas taken another job which requires travel back geously to keep his mind sharp while his body was to Iraq, Kurdistan, Kabul and then Afghanistan. wearing down. He kept seeing patients right up Instead of being head of security as he was preuntil the week before he died. His wife, Beth, was viously, he is now the director of overseas operaa nurse in his office and was there to support him tions for a passport and visa company and said he along the way. His VMI roommates, Larry Mays, would only be gone for a few weeks. He planned Sandy McNamara and Art Pendleton, were freto compete in the Tampa Iron Bay Bodybuilding quent visitors and were with Matt and Beth when Championships in September, but I did not hear he passed. A group of alumni, including several how that went. He and Judie came through the BRs, gathered around, told VMI stories and gave hurricane just fine, and Judie continues to enjoy an old yell. Ed Hall led a group in the VMI “Doxher retirement. ology” following the services.

John and Ann Pinner were at the Air Force Dale and Matt were truly two of the greatgame, but somehow, we never connectest guys one could be privileged to ed. Sorry to miss you guys! They were know. Please keep their families in in Colorado to attend the wedding of your thoughts and prayers. John Pintheir son, Carrington. He and Kristin ner said there were at least 15 BRs were married Sept. 9 on Vail Mounin attendance, and that the group all tain. Stuart Seaton was also present at saluted when taps was played. I had the wedding. John also said that they notes from Jimmy Parks and Barry were recently in Nags Head, North Robertson, and many others, who Carolina, for a beach weekend with sent their condolences for the loss of Tom Jones, Garland Gray and Glenn our brother rats.

Younes. They had a fun time together.

This has certainly been a busy time I follow Scott Lingamfelter on his for Pat and I as the summer ran into Facebook account and keep up with fall. We had a great vacation on the his politics. Scott continues to be very West Coast before Labor Day and involved with the legislature in Virginthen went to Colorado Springs for the ia. He has been active there for more weekend Alumni Association events than 16 years! Scott said his wife, Sheland U.S. Air Force Academy ballley, has retired from teaching school game. Tom and Bonnie Clark were their usual gracious hosts, and we had Class of 1973: A group of brother rats gathered at Tom and Betsy and they are enjoying their three a great weekend. Tom also “found” Jones’ Nags Head, North Carolina, cottage for a weekend in Octo- grandkids.

Steven Smith is getting active in my dyke, Harry Bare ’70, whom I had ber. Pictured were, from left, Tom Jones, G.G. Gray, Glenn Younes and John Pinner. some of the alumni events in the lost contact with over the years. As it

1973

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turned out, Harry lives in Tom’s neighborhood less than a quarter-mile away. We got together at some of the events and caught up on things. It was a great reunion.

I spent a couple of weeks in Florida to help my sister and parents and my son, Derek, in September following the hurricane and to help Derek pack up for the move from Orlando to Boca Raton. Pat and I have also attended several functions to include rat send-offs and new cadet recruiting events as part of my duties as the Region VI director. Included were the Furman University versus VMI events in Greenville, South Carolina, where P.X. and Caroline English were our wonderful hosts! P.X. is the local chapter president and helped organize the Alumni Association’s events.

E.D. Woomer and his wife, Janet, were there, as well. They live in the Asheville, North Carolina, area and help with alumni functions in the western part of the state.

Recently, we were in Charleston for The Citadel game and related events, to include a NCR night in The Citadel’s “backyard” and a big pep-rally and party hosted by the Alumni Association. P.X. and Caroline English were there, as were BRs Doug Payne and John Sykes. We also enjoyed some time with my brother, Jim ’71, and his wife, Kathryn.

We drove over to the Atlanta area from Charleston to visit my son, Scott, and his family for our annual pumpkin carving event and golf

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Columbia, South Carolina, area. He sent a note saying he would not be in Charleston but did plan to be at their local Founders Day event. Although I did not hear from him, the local chapter president told me Tim McConnell was helping with the Lexington, South Carolina, events.

Rick Gribling spent several weeks in Europe this summer studying the European battlefields of Waterloo, Bastogne and the Maginot Line in France as part of his work with the staff college. He and Rebekah were heading to Scotland for the holidays to visit their daughter and her husband.

Mac Kirkpatrick and his son finished their Mexican trip, and he and his wife, Melanie, rode across country on their bikes to a rally in Salt Lake City. They then went up to Michigan for a touring vacation. He said it was beautiful, and they had a wonderful time. They also like to travel off-road by four-wheel drive vehicle and recently discovered the Overland Bound organization which provides lots of required four-wheel drive roads across the country. They have overlanded in several states this year.

Mac sent me some information about Tom Linn that details a book Tom recently published. Tom’s book is titled “Think and Write for Your Life or be Replaced by a Robot,” and is available through Amazon. Mac said Tom was doing fine and admitted to being “off the grid” for a while, but it is always nice to hear from our lost BRs. Rob Bowman said he spent a weekend at VMI recently and had the opportunity to take his grandchildren for their first visit. The kids are Colby, age 7; Austin, age 3; and Aubrey, 10 months. They enjoyed the beautiful weather as they tailgated, went to the football game and viewed the parade.

He said the boys were ready to go back again.

John Sterrett and his wife made their annual visit to Lexington, as well with their children who are ages 9 and 10, and were very pleased with

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Class of 1973: Pictured at the VMI versus Furman University pregame event Oct. 14, 2017, were, from left, E.D. Woomer, Janet Woomer, P.X. English, Caroline English, Mike Kelly and Pat Kelly.

Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

Class of 1973: Brother rats gathered before the VMI versus The Citadel game in Charleston, South Carolina, in October 2017 were, from left, John Sykes, Paul “P.X.” English, Mike Kelly and Doug Payne.

Class of 1973: Pictured before the VMI versus Air Force game on Labor Day weekend were, from left, Harry Bare ’70, Mike Kelly and Tom Clark. Class Agent Mike Kelly said of this photo, “Harry was Mike’s dyke, and they had not been in contact for years, only to discover that Harry lived in the same neighborhood as Mike’s brother rat, Tom, in Colorado Springs. Great reunion.”

the way things are at the Institute. The kids loved being there. Ed Gibson, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and whom I have not heard from in a long time, also took his son up to VMI this fall. Ed said this was the first time in 15 years he had been back to Lexington! He was likewise amazed at all the changes. Tom Jennings said he and his wife, Lois, were enjoying retirement and planning a trip to VMI this fall including visits to the bookstore and museums. They plan to finish the day at Devils Backbone Brewery south of Afton Mountain on the way back to Richmond.

So far, I haven’t been able to catch Doug and Pat Huthwaite on my trips to the Wilmington, North Carolina, area where they live close by in Kure Beach. However, I did get a note from Doug telling me they have bought a cabin in Murphy, North Carolina, on the other end of the state. Wow, that is some traveling! Nice to have a beach house and a mountain home. Doug said he was recently elected to the board of trustees of Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, where he went to prep school. He has stayed involved with some of their activities, and remembers the commandant at RMA in 1968, Ron McManus ’57, who helped get him interested in and accepted to VMI. Randy Marshall told me he completed his contract with Veterans Affairs in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but was still doing some consulting work. They also built a pool in their backyard this past summer, and Randy said he really enjoyed a cool beverage and swim after coming home from work. He was especially amazed that his rat swimming suit still fit!

I had another note from Richard Bancke. Richard and his wife, Ann, moved to Papillion, Nebraska, and live close to John Ciriaco. He said John continues to recover from the aortic dissection he had last summer and that he and Sarah were doing well.

Richard and John grew up together on

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Class Notes Long Island, New York, both married ladies from Nebraska and now both live just a few miles from each other. Small world.

Jim Ackley retired a few years ago from teaching drama but has remained active with the various associations and helping with school plays. Jim has been the president for the past couple of years of the Virginia Theatre Association and just returned from the 37th annual conference. He posted several pictures on the Facebook page.

I also had notes from Bill Spencer, who lives in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, and Brent Shumate, who lives in Tampa, Florida. They both lost power following the September hurricane but did not receive any severe damage to their homes.

Brent said he and his wife, Mary Ellen, had been indoor camping at their office building, which did not lose power.

Ray Burton said he was staying busy with the Scotland County Highland Games in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and has been helping with other Celtic games across Virginia.

Danny Williamson contacted me about next year’s reunion and offered to help get it going since he now lives in Rockbridge County. In case you didn’t see my previous note, our 45th Reunion is set for Nov. 2-3, 2018. Please mark your calendars and plan to be there. John Pinner also wants to help and specifically seek out those BRs who have not been to a reunion. I heard from Tom Napier, who supplied me with his new email address, and Tom said he was really looking forward to the reunion, as well.

Pat and I hoped to see some more of you this fall, as we planned to attend various functions including the Institute Society Dinner in November.

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a Happy New Year! The new year will be here, along with winter, as you read these notes. Take care, and be safe out there.

In the bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, Family and Friends of the Class of 1974!

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As usual, the fall class notes are a little thin relative to other quarters. However, it has been an interesting couple of months since our last set of notes, highlighted by a series of category 5 hurricanes. There are many in the gulf region from Texas to Florida and the islands in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico in particular), that are recovering from these catastrophic storms. Our prayers go out to all and hope their recovery is swift. The good news: As far as I know, our BRs in harm’s way came through unscathed. I did get a call from Mel Clark regarding an immediate need in response to Hurricane Harvey. Mel and Vickie’s daughter, Brooke C. Ladner, was working with the chief operating officer for Regency Integrated Health Services (corporately located in Victoria, Texas) to address needs to health facilities at a time when communication was sketchy. Specifically, they were attempting to resource an immediately needed generator to a nursing home in Beaumont, Texas. Mel was calling for help to fill this critical need. It was not long before a 300KW generator was located in Houston and in route to the nursing home. Kudos to Laura and Mel for their timely response to this critical need. In a related situation, I had heard Rob “Kid” and Vivian Fulks rode out the storm in Houston and were stranded on their second floor due to floodwaters. Turned out to be a rumor. Rob and Vivian responded to the mandatory evacuation of the Houston area and moved to a location near San Antonio, Texas, to ride out Harvey. Rob and Vivian were able to move a lot of keepsakes up to the second floor before they departed. On Monday, Sept. 11, they were back in their home with no flooding and very little damage, and Rob was back on the job on a project near Bakersville, California.

As Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Florida, Gary Trinkle exchanged messages with Al Vicory. Al and Kathy were sheltering in their house in The Villages. Al said all the houses in The Villages are engineered for severe weather with underground cables/sewers/special glass and hurricane framing and roofs. Irma’s eye passed between The Villages and Crystal River (I saw multiple posts by our honorary sister rat, Becky Harris, and she and her house in Citrus Springs were all OK). Al reported that all was well, no damage – never lost power/water, just lots of wind and yard debris.

Pat and Sue Flynn evacuated to Tennessee to his brother’s house. They had plans to get back to

their house in St. Augustine, Florida, before they departed for Poland Sept. 15. They made it back just in time to fly out where they eventually met their daughter, Caitlin, and her husband, David, for a family vacation. Caitlin had been decisively engaged in Florida’s National Guard response to Harvey and Irma as the public affairs officer for the Florida National Guard working long days and nights with media out of Florida’s Emergency Operation Center in Tallahassee. A trip to Europe to relax after back-to-back hurricane responses is just what the doctor ordered.

Judge and Rhoda Nottingham left Atlantic Beach, Florida, for hotel accommodations on the Jacksonville’s west side (with power, water and internet). No problems for them.

Craig Smith stayed in a house at Pelican Point in Venice. Craig and company (Carol, the dog, her brother, Carol’s girlfriend and cat) survived the storm. Power stayed on and some limbs came down, but all was good. Craig went to check another house in South Venice where Carol lives and reported that was good there, as well – just some yard debris. Craig said they had prepared that house for the storm – all shuttered up because it was older and they were concerned about the older construction. Glad to hear all survived the storms stateside.

A proud moment for the VMI Class of 1974: Brother Rat Edgardo Vazquez-Bruno survived

Class of 1974: John Pate and Mike Mahoney on Shaftesbury Glen golf course near Myrtle Beach.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and explained that Puerto Rico is on the road to recovery. Of course, it has been and continues to be an extremely challenging recovery. Ed, a health care professional, contacted the class via Facebook to inform us of the desperate plight of 18 bedridden Puerto Rican senior citizens who live at Hogar Manantial de Vida, a home owned by retired Col. Margarita Aponte. Colonel Aponte is a former Army nurse and a veteran of the Gulf and Iraq Wars. Ed explained they are without electricity in the sweltering heat and are in desperate need of a 14KW dual fuel generator (at a cost of $4,100). On Wednesday, Oct. 25, Chip Beaman responded to Ed’s Facebook note by setting up a GoFundMe site with a goal of $5,000 to purchase the generator and have it delivered to Col. Aponte’s house ASAP. On Thursday morning, Chip called me to discuss options on how to proceed. At 1:55 p.m., Charley Banning, our class email roster guru, sent out notice to the class of Ed’s plight and the GoFundMe response. By 7 p.m., we had raised $3,000. As of this writing (two days later), we have raised $7,400. Chip worked with Amazon to ship the generator to Puerto Rico. Ed said that if there are funds remaining after purchase of the generator, there is a great need for male and female Depends in small, medium and large.

I am extremely proud of our class and the timely response to this desperate need. Well done, class!

Other news: Phil Parker wrote to say it was unique to have a VMI football game versus Robert Morris in his hometown of Pittsburgh.

Phil reflected, “The last Pittsburgh alumni club gathering I attended was during our 1st Class year.” Phil said it was a classic VMI game – a lot of heart but not enough depth and talent. Phil had lunch with Donnie Ross at Quaker Steak and Lube, a famous venue in the Pittsburgh area.

Jon Mounts was at the pregame.

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Class of 1974: Attending the Tidewater Breakfast Club meeting Sept. 23, 2017, were, from left, Al Rasper, Bill Pennypacker, Paul Van Doren, Chip Beaman, Frank Richardson, Steve Ham and John Williams.

Class of 1974: Attending the Samford versus VMI pregame gathering at Mike and Clay Morrissett’s house in Roanoke, Virginia, were Bruce Pence (kneeling), Randy Gleason, Mike Morrissett, Tom Mason ’75, Pat Flynn, Snookie Parker, Roland Lazenby and Mark Hall ’75. John Smithey was present but not pictured.

Class of 1974: At a meet-and-greet in honor of John Adams ’96, hosted by George and Anna Van Laetham at their home, were, from left, George Van Laetham, John Adams and Chip Beaman.

Jon, who lives in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Phil made plans to get together soon. Another surprise, Joe Santelli ’77 was there. Joe was Phil’s dyke who he had not seen since our 5th Reunion. According to Phil, “It is such a treat to connect with BRs; the bond is indescribable.” Amen, BR! Frank Richardson provided notes on the Sept. 23 Tidewater Breakfast Club meeting: The following Tidewater VMI ’74 contingent met for breakfast: Al Rasper, Bill Pennypacker, Paul Van Doren, Chip Beaman, Frank Richardson, Steve Ham and John Williams. Sam Turner could not attend due to his ongoing health issues. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam always. Frank says they did discuss the topics of the day to include the confederate statute issue across the nation. The group was in total agreement with the VMI Board of Visitors and the superintendent to keep the VMI statues in place. It was agreed that the VMI spirit and the lessons learned while attending VMI have been, and will continue to be, instrumental to freedom and democracy in the United States. Rah Virginia Mil! Rich Forbes related an unusual small world story from Franklin, Tennessee.

Rich was running a pickup truck load of brush and bush clippings from his yard to the County Convenience Center one Sunday afternoon and there was a Suburban-type vehicle at the dumpster ahead of him with a pile of large tree limbs tied to the top of it and the entire inside loaded with smaller limbs.

Rich put on his gloves, walked up to the guy, and said, “It looks like you could use some help!” Rich said he tried to say he didn’t need any help, but Rich insisted and the fellow agreed. The fellow looked over at Rich’s truck, saw the VMI sticker and asked if Rich went there. Of course, Rich said, “Yes, Class of ’74, and my son is Class of 2011.”

Hearing that, the fellow immediately responded, “Ian Sears ’86.” Rich said

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Class Notes this is the second VMI guy that he has met at his County Convenience Center while dumping yard trimmings. Rich has concluded that all VMI guys do their own yard work rather than hiring it out!

Well, maybe this is the case in Franklin, Tennessee. Thanks for the note, Rich.

I just received my signed copy of “The Memories of Butterflies,” the 11th book by Glen Greene’s wife, Grace. Well done, Grace.

Thanks!

Speaking of books, last February, Joe “Whit” McCoskrie mentioned his book on “The Civil War in Missouri” would be published soon. By the time you are reading these notes, the book will be available for all to read. When I think of Joe, I harken back to the antics of infantry Lt. McCoskrie at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the mid- to late-1970s.

Who would have thought this “work hard, play hard, fun loving” character would buckle down and publish this academic work? Well done, Joe; can’t wait to peruse the book!

In the “who would have guessed” category, who would have guessed that two five-year guys from room 152 would be role models for the new generation of VMI cadets? There is a VMI publication, “Leaders and Legends ... Their Stories,” that list roomies Roland Lazenby and Bruce Jones side-by-side. Bruce explains that he has not been this famous since Col. Buck visited their room after hop night to discuss Roland’s demerit situation while empty whiskey bottles, PX french fries and cig butts littered the room. Bruce concluded, “We have all led charmed lives in spite of our deeds and ourselves!” Kudos to Bruce and Roland. By the way, I’m still on the hunt for this publication.

A 2017 room 146 mini reunion was planned for the Samford University versus VMI football weekend. All roomies of 146 made an appearance except John Pate. John sent word early that he had a previous commitment and would not be able to attend. Kudos to Mike and Clay Morrissett for hosting a Friday night pregame gathering at their home in Roanoke, Virginia. Nice home, generous hosts and a plethora of choice adult beverages made for a great recipe for an entertaining evening. Over the years, I thought I had heard all the stories, but nay, nay. Brother Rat Roland Lazenby is an unending source of untold tales, which on this occasion included characters such as Billy Haught and Charlie Nichols. We all had a grand time and vowed to get together again soon. Attendees: Mike and Clay Morrissett, Roland and Karen Lazenby, Snookie and

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Marla Parker, Randy Gleason, Pat Flynn, Bruce Pence, John Smithey, Tom Mason ’75, and Mark and Bittsy Hall ’75. Game day: Kudos to T.J. and Kerri Wilson for hosting the tailgate before the game. Pat Flynn, Mike Morrissett, Marla and I were treated to some great weather, good eats and beverages on the VMI Parade Ground. Unfortunately, the game ended in a loss. We did run into Bill and Linda Faistenhammer in the stands toward the end of the game. Bill and Linda had just returned from a trip to Germany in time to attend the game. In addition, we saw Scott and Shelly Lingamfelter ’73 along with his son, John Lingamfelter ’08, and Scott’s grandson, Isaac.

We also ran into Bill and Wiser Gearhart ’70 while searching for our seats in the shade. It’s a small world. On the Tuesday after our room 146 mini reunion weekend, I received a text from Mike Mahoney. Mike was playing Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course near Myrtle Beach. I’m not sure, but the foursome in front of them may have been slowing things down. After finding out who was in the foursome, I’m not surprised, but Mike was. It was my roomie, John Pate, and some of his relatives getting their money’s worth with several extra strokes from all over this course. John is the only one I know who carries a machete and a chain saw in his bag. However, I have heard that a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work.

Talk about a small world.

I note that Andy and Pat Young are touring Spain as I compose these notes. Marla and I took a similar trip not long ago. I am looking for an opportunity to compare notes when they return.

Class of 1974: Chip Beaman’s daughter, Catherine, took this photo of Chip’s three grandchildren, Katie Lee Beaman, Connor Jackson and Grace Beaman, for Father’s Day 2017.

Andy, wishing you and Pat safe travels.

Marla and I traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, for the VMI versus The Citadel football game. We have been going to Charleston for this game for the last 14 years. This year was no exception. This is one weekend to which Marla really looks forward. I could be wrong, but I suspect that Marla would make the trip even if VMI forfeited. Even though we lost, the game was exciting in that VMI was in the game until the end, as The Citadel missed three “chip-shot” field goals wide right. Brother rats seen during the weekend: Bill and Linda Faistenhammer and Donnie and Barbara Ross, as well as George and Anna Van Laethem with their daughter, Ashley; her husband, Alan Hyman; and their grandson, Tripp, VMI Class of 2038. Speaking of the Van Laethams, George and Anna hosted a meet and greet in honor of John Adams ’96 Sept. 18. John was the Republican Party nominee for Virginia attorney general in the November election. They hosted over 60 folks including Chesapeake elected officials, GPO leaders from the 3rd and 4th Districts, several VMI graduates to include BR Chip Beaman and concerned citizens. You will know the outcome of the election by the time you read these notes.

In closing, a couple of timeless truths passed on by great Americans for your entertainment: 1) “In my many years, I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.” – John Adams 2) “If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed.” – Mark Twain and 3) “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself.”

– Mark Twain. 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

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1975

Robert Keller

The last time I did these notes, I was talking about the solar eclipse and whining about hot weather. What a difference a couple of months make. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate left a path of destruction from Houston, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana; the state of Florida; and all of Puerto Rico. These hurricanes all occurred in just the months of September and October, and as many as 40 of our BRs were effected. From what I have heard, most of the issues experienced were those of inconvenience like lost power for about a week and a lot of yard debris to clean up, but I believe that there were some of you with more major issues to deal with. Thankfully, I know of none in our class located in Puerto Rico, as conditions there are as bad as they can get. But nothing hit us as hard as the loss of our Brother Rat Devery Miller. Dev died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. Kevin Nettrour ’74 and Harry Gore ’72 both worked with Dev and attended the visitation. Kevin was the one who alerted me. Our most sincere condolences go to his wife, Bette, and son, Maj. Andrew Miller ’05. We miss you, BR. On to happier items. Tad and Bev MacGowan have had a busy summer by being with members of their families on both coasts of the U.S. They started their summer spending several days with Bev’s daughter, Bridget, and her family in Colorado Springs. They were able to celebrate both Bev’s and granddaughter Lia’s birthdays during this visit. Tad was also able to do some hiking on the Columbine Trail with Bridget’s husband, Brad, and to top off a great trip, Bev’s youngest daughter, Brittni, flew in from Portland to spend time with all of them. Tad said that there could be no better birthday for Bev. In June, they were on the road again, combining business and pleasure with a trip to Los Angeles and San Diego to visit Bev’s second daughter, Brianna, and her family. This was especially exciting, as Brianna was leaving her 9-to-5 job to open a new boutique pie bakery in Brentwood. They then headed to San Diego to spend several days with Tad’s daughters, Ginny and Kathryn. While there, they toured the World War II aircraft carrier, USS Midway; visited

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a hilltop memorial with a great view; and attend a concert at Balboa Park. In August, Tad was able to spend time with daughter Calee before she left for Tucson to begin her Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. Tad was also able to spend time with son Kyle both at home in Annapolis and in Newport News, where Kyle is attending the Apprentice School. Tad says the he is thriving in his studies there, and when not in school, he is busy working on the newest aircraft carrier the USS John F. Kennedy. Tad and Bev also celebrated their anniversary in May with a trip to St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore. While there, they enjoyed a wine festival and visited the excellent maritime museum located there. Finally, after 16 years with Dimension Data, Tad is looking at where the next phase of his life will lead him, and he says he would like to find something more low key in the Annapolis area. Good luck, Tad, and thanks for the update.

On Aug. 19, Scott Risser, Ellett Smith and Bill Terpeluk traveled to the National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, to pay their respects to our Brother Rat Mike Smith. Mike died Oct. 26, 2003. Mike was a major in the United States Army and had tours of duty in Lebanon and Grenada. While in Dayton, the three met up with Sun Hui and Mark Van Gurp, who live in Dayton and befriended Mike the last several years of his life as he underwent treatment at the Veterans’ Hospital in Dayton. Scott, Ellett and Bill all feel that Mark and Sun Hui went above and beyond to take care of our BR during the final days of his life. They had lunch with the Van Gurps, and they were able to provide information that filled in some gaps in what Scott, Ellett and Bill knew about Mike. Our BRs plan to do some more searching to learn more about the years when we all lost contact with him, and Scott hopes to draft a more detailed narrative of their visit and their research in the future. Scott said that, as he was looking at Mike’s tombstone, he promised himself that he would do whatever he could to reconnect with BRs who have fallen off the grid. He doesn’t want to look at another tombstone and feel that he could have tried harder to find them when they were alive.

On June 7, 2017, Greg and Melody Diamontopulos had the honor of attending the promotion ceremony of Greg’s son, Peter Diamontopulos ’13, to U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant junior grade in a ceremony at the USCG Station Portsmouth.

Greg and Melody had the honor of “pinning” the new insignia on Peter, though Greg said that they actually slid Peter’s ensign shoulder boards off

and slid the new boards on. Peter was one of six ensigns to be promoted that day, and Greg said it was impressive that, instead of one mass promotion, each officer was recognized individually with their promotion orders being read and “pinning” done separately. On another note, Greg said that Peter ran in the Reebok Virginia Spartan Sprint the Sunday (June 4, 2017) before his promotion with a time of 2:15:04, which was the top half of the men’s division, and I found out online that he also ran a second time in the Fayetteville Spartan Super Sept. 23, 2017, with a time of 3:15:40. Way to go, Peter, and thanks for sharing, Greg.

In August, Ellett Smith and wife Fran were in Portsmouth where Ellett was attending an engineering conference. While they were there, they were able to meet up with John Y. and Karen Richardson and enjoy a dinner together at one of Yulee’s favorite restaurants. They had a great time, and Ellett reports that Yulee and Karen are doing well. He noted that their son, John Richardson ’08, and his wife, Ashley, have moved back to northern Virginia, and Ellett said that Yulee and Karen both miss them a lot. Ellett also let me know that he and Fran were unable to attend the mini reunion this year, as they were on a long planned trip to Hawaii, during which they had a great time.

Fred Edwards wrote a note while he was on a layover in Seattle on a flight from British Columbia to Houston. For the last several years, Fred has been participating in a mission trip to a British Columbia First Nation Reserve where he and others run a young persons’ camp. Every year, members

Class of 1975: Denise and Dean Armstrong on the banks of the Neva River in St. Petersburg, Russia, in late October 2017.

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Class Notes of his church join a number of other churches around the U.S. and Canada to put on a camp for kids to get out of the pressure cooker conditions they often live in. They are able to provide some downtime of fun, prayer and discipleship for the kids. He says that it is not heavy duty, but it means a lot to the hundred or so kids that they were with this summer and that it was a blessing to both the kids and the volunteers.

He said that he was tired, unshaven and dirty – kind of like the FTX of old while he was sitting in the Seattle Airport – but very humbled by the experience.

As you all are aware, the month of September brought Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma to the Houston area and to the state of Florida. These two storms had an impact on better than 10 percent of our BRs. In the Houston area, an immense amount of rainfall (a record) had an effect on everyone in the area. From what I heard, most of our BRs were spared major damage, but there were some anxious moments as the floodwaters flowed downstream and put a great deal of pressure on the flood control systems in the Houston area. We had a lot of BRs who told me that their house was an island with their ability to get around greatly restricted. And most were affected by the massive power outages that in some cases lasted for weeks. Those living in the Houston area are Charlie Collins, Fred Edwards, Bill Turpin, Harley Myler, Chris Smart, Rick Davison, Dan Heiken, Bill Morris and Bill Creighton. In Florida, most of the issues were wind damage from the storm.

While property damage to homes was not as extensive as it could have been, there was a massive amount of damage to vegetation, which created a lot of yard waste and power outages.

With two major storms occurring one after the other, the recovery resources were spread thin and caused clean up to seem never-ending. As of this writing (Nov. 1), we in the Tampa area are

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Class of 1975: Scott Risser, Sun Hui Van Gurp, Mark Van Gurp, Ellett Smith and Bill Terpeluk on a trip to the National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, to pay their respects to Brother Rat Mike Smith, who died in October 2003.

Class of 1975: Greg and Melody Diamontopulos pinning on lieutenant junior grade rank for son Peter Diamontopulos ’13 at his promotion ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia, in June. United States Coast Guard Capt. Beauregard, Peter’s commanding officer, presided over the ceremony.

Class of 1975: At the trophy ceremony for the 2017 Auction Group Golf Tournament held in October 2017 were, from left, Stu Fleming, Al Morgan, Ben Vanderberry, Steve Chapin, Oliver Way, Art Nunn and Tom Baur. Present but not pictured was Tom Mason.

still in the cleanup mode with debris still being processed. Those affected

by Irma are Perry Stump, Reggie Strickland, Ron Bongiovanni, Rick Law, Bill Hendry, Dave Powers, Bob Holby, Harry Barksdale, Mike Joslyn, Gary Taylor, Brad Meyer, Bill Overton, Jay Newcomer, Rusty Rahm, John Westman, Guy Wills, Vern Conner and yours truly. Again, from what I have heard, the worst for everybody has been a massive yard cleanup and being without power for a week or so. Not sure how many more times I want to drag the storm shutters down from the attic. They seem to be getting heavier each year.

On a lighter note, our class was well represented on Labor Day weekend as the Keydets took on the Falcons in Colorado Springs. Being each team’s first game of the new season, there were a lot of high expectations. For the Air Force fans, it was a great day. For the Keydets, it was the “flameout” in Colorado Springs. Attending the weekend events from our class were Al and Sandy Morgan, Billy and Lee Hunter, Rick and Stella Davison, Danny and Vicki Darnell, and Chris and Bonnie Ingelido. Can’t help but wonder if Danny and Chris didn’t take a healthy ration of ribbing from their Air Force comrades on game day. Thanks to you all for representing us.

The weekend of Oct. 7 saw 38 members of the Class of ’75 accompanied by 23 family members meet in Lexington for a mini reunion. It was a relatively quiet weekend at the Institute, as there were no reunions, no hops and VMI’s Parents Weekend occurred several weeks before. This was a home football game for the Keydets, and it was also the “Ride to the I” weekend, which brought many Harley-riding alumni to post. Indecently, the ride this year was organized by our own Mike Mulligan, and Jim Seitz also participated. But things were hopping uptown, as it was Washington and Lee University’s parents’ weekend. Also it was the weekend for the annual golf

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes tournament several of our BRs have held for the past several years. All of these coincidences helped in having such a great turnout for the reunion.

The events started Friday when the golf tournament took place at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. There are two teams that battle it out for the prestigious bragging rights, honor and the coveted trophy. One team included Artie Nunn, Steve Chapin, Tom Baur and Oliver Way. The opposition consisted of Ben Vanderberry, Stu Fleming, Tom Mason and Allen Morgan. Also golfing with them but not competing were Billy and Mike Hunter. Later that evening, the tournament awards ceremony took place at the country club and was open to others that were up for the weekend. The outcome for the day ended in a tie, so the bragging rights and coveted trophy were retained by last year’s winning team of Ben, Stu, Tom and Allen. It was a great time and a super tradition that these guys have.

Now after the golf match and before the dinner, members of the class met at Moody Hall to observe the Friday afternoon parade from the balcony with snacks and beverages. Let me tell you, this is the way to watch the parade, and it was much better then marching in one. Attending were Dave Schuyler, Charlie Hoon, Randy Frank, Mike Fleenor, Rick and Stella Davison, Paul Bernard, Glenn and Carol Furr, Rich MacFarland, Harry McKnight, Scott and Barb Risser, Popeye Lewin,

Mike Mulligan, Jim Seitz, Jim McCriskin and myself.

On Saturday, we all gathered at the stadium to watch the mighty Keydets take on the Samford Bulldogs. The Keydets lost, but that didn’t deter the Class of ’75 from having a good time. In addition to those already listed, we were joined at the game by Guy Conte, Glenn Garland, Bill Turpin, Jeff and Feri Abravesh, Vic and Tricia Arthur, Harry Broaddus, Bo Temple, and Greg and Melody Diamontopulos, along with his son, Peter Diamontopulos ’13.

After the game we all (46 of us) traveled to Scott and Barb Risser’s house for what proved to be the signature event of the weekend. The after game party was a great affair that was catered by Aramark (Club Crozet), which laid out a fine assortment of food and drink. Needless to say, everyone had a great time, and by far, the overwhelming comments I heard were about how nice it was to meet, talk and catch up with each other. One of the accompanying pictures for this month’s notes is of the class members that attended. The only one not pictured is Billy Hunter.

Huge thanks to those who made all of this happen: Oliver Way for organizing the Friday events at the country club, Scott and Guy for making the arrangements for the Friday parade viewing from the balcony of Moody Hall, Guy for getting the football tickets for those of us who needed them

Class of 1975: Twenty-nine brother rats attended a mini reunion postgame party hosted by Scott and Barb Risser at their home in Lexington Oct. 7, 2017. Pictured at the event were Rick Davison, Rich “Maco” McFarland, Al Morgan, Stu Fleming, Dennis “Popeye” Lewin, Paul Bernard, Art Nunn, Bill Turpin, Mike Fleenor, Glenn Garland, “Uncle” Dave Schuyler, Charlie Hoon, Mike Hunter, Randy Frank, Harry Broaddus, Tom Baur, Bob Keller, Scott Risser, Jim Seitz, Doug Conte, Glenn Furr, Mike Mulligan, Vic Arthur, Bo Temple, Oliver Way, Jim Terpeluk, Lowery Tucker, Ben Vanderberry and Guy Conte.

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and a big round of applause for Barb and Scott Risser for the Saturday night party. Just fantastic! Also to those who were host homes over the weekend: Scott and Barb Risser, Al and Sandy Morgan, Stu and Maryann Fleming, Tom and Judy Baur, Mike Fleenor, and Dave and Tana Schuyler. My apologies if I have missed anybody.

And most important, to all of you who made the trip to be with your BRs and to all of the wives and companions for having to listen to those now 40-plus-year-old stories we guys can’t get enough of. Rah Virginia Mil! As many said, we need to do this more often.

I had several quick emails from several BRs. First, Bernie Cobb wrote and told me that one of the charities he contributes to, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, has a section where one could designate a donation in memory of or in honor of.

When he reflected back on his days at VMI, one name kept surfacing, and that was Gunny Hockaday. When he finished his donation, he Goggled Gunny Hockaday and found a great article that filled in the gaps on his history and especially his revered place at VMI. So revered by the Class of 1994 that they made Sgt. Maj. Hockaday (Hon.) an honorary BR. Nice.

I also received a note from Rod Low letting me know that he and Rusty Rahm were back in Botswana at the end of October. He is hoping to get us some pictures for the next Review.

Dean Armstrong texted to let me know that he and Denise were in Russia in October and visited the tomb of the unknown soldier outside the Kremlin Wall, along with many other sites. Earlier, he visited Normandy in September and paid tribute to Benjamin R. Kearfott ’43, who was killed in action June 6, 1944, on Omaha Beach.

Dino also let me know that he flew the last Delta fight out of Orlando to Detroit before they closed the airport for Hurricane Irma.

And finally I just want to remind everyone of the proposed Big Sky, Montana, mini reunion next mid-June at the residence of Charlie Hoon.

So stay tuned for further details.

Again, I want to thank everyone for staying in touch and sending me updates for the Review. One thing that became abundantly clear at the October gathering is that we need to stay in touch with one another and seek out our BRs who seem to have fallen off the grid. As Scott, Ellett and Bill said at the beginning of this report on their trip to pay respect to Mike Smith, we need to find one another before it is too late. We can never say, “Hey, BR,”

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Class Notes to Dev or Todd or Charles or Jim or any of the 20 we have lost again. We matriculated at 378 strong, graduated 205 and only reach about 197 in our communications. Let’s keep working at it and see if we can get in touch with more of our BRs and make the Big Sky mini reunion bigger and have a record for our 45th Reunion in 2020.

Take care, my brothers.

In the spirit, Bob

1976

William Bhatta

Class of 1976: Pictured at a mini reunion at VMI Oct. 7, 2017, were, from left, William Bhatta, John Swain, Jim Mallon, Doug Hines, Rocky Glass, Greg Lucado, Jim Delisio, Grigg Mullen, Ray Ramos, Steph Savage, John Strock, Charlie Keen, Jim Joustra, Kevin Pardus, Marshall Coyle, Hunt Ozmer, Evan Haberman, Ray Brooks and John Coleman. Present but not pictured was Charlie Archer.

a four-year term. Maybe he can get the bricks in front of barracks renamed to The Class of 1976 It is Oct. 31 as I write these notes. Happy HalPlaza. Bob Gleason left Richmond, Virginia, last loween! Warning: The class notes are not scary, August for Annapolis, Maryland, to work for the but some of the BR pictures might startle you. lieutenant governor as Maryland’s senior procureNorm Cole checked in. Norm retired from the ment executive. Bob said, “We’re camping out U.S. Air Force in 2000, then went back to work in an apartment for a year, three hours closer to in the Charleston, South Carolina, school sysgrandson. After that, we will look for any place tem. Nine months later, he entered the aerospace nice on the bay or saltwater with a dock and a lift. industry working for Boeing. After 15 years of Will catch my fish and crabs and grow my own challenging domestic and international assignoysters.” Greg Speaker retired after 17 years as a ments, Norm and Kim (his wife) retired again TAC officer at The Citadel. He plans to remain in 2016 and returned home to Charleston. Ever in the Mount Pleasant/Charleston, South Carosince, they have been busy remodeling their home lina, area. Grigg Mullen retired last May after 25 and visiting their kids and grandchildren in RaClass of 1976: Norm and Kim Cole strolling years with VMI’s Department of Civil Engineerleigh, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. along one of the Charleston, South Caroing. Cindy and family hosted a super retirement Last June, Norm and a good friend bicycled the lina, area wildlife sanctuaries last January. party last October at Lime Kiln Theater in LexingAllegheny Passage Trail and C&O Canal from ton; a beautiful venue! Friends, family, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washformer students and 20 BRs attended, ington, D.C. Norm said it was a great and everyone had a great time. After trip, but for me, that’s a lot of bicycle listening to several guests describe seat miles. Last August, Norm and different experiences with Grigg, it Kim joined friends at the 82nd Anwas evident he had a positive impact nual Fiddlers Convention in Galax, on VMI, his former students and the Virginia. Norm said, “It was amazing larger Lexington community over the to witness all the musical talent compast 25 years. Last October, Ares Kouing from all age groups and all walks mis was interviewed live on EWTN of life.” Last September, Norm and Global Catholic Network in BirmingKim visited Ireland with relatives. ham, Alabama. Father Mitch Pacwa Norm said, “While Kim and her sisinterviewed Koumis on his work with ter are doing some ancestry work in the Shroud of Turin – a fascinating the archives, my brother-in-law and I story, whether you are Catholic or not, have decided to do our own research religious or not. The interview was the in many of Ireland’s pubs.”

A special shoutout to six BRs: Class of 1976: Ray Brooks, Grigg Mullen and Marshall Coyle cele- last 30 minutes of a 60-minute show.

Tom Watjen was appointed to the brating Grigg’s retirement at the Oct. 7, 2017, mini reunion tailgate It would have been better if Koumis party at VMI. was interviewed during the entire 60 VMI Board of Visitors last July for

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1976: Pictured at the Richmond BRC gathering in August 2017 were, from left, Ed Crews; Alan Kunker; Jim Mallon, host and coordinator; Tom Hawthorn; Bill Danzeisen; Tom Moody; Lee Godsey; Bob Gleason; Rocky Glass; and Mack Curle.

Class of 1976: Colonel Grigg Mullen retired from the civil engineering department in May 2017. Class Agent Bill Bhatta said of this photo, “These are his boots worn on the job, displayed at his retirement party in October. VMI will have a hard time trying to fill these boots with a replacement.”

minutes; the other guests were not as interesting. Chuck direct via email or at the following address: that you all will not be reading them until dead of And finally, congratulations to Marshall Coyle for Safety Net Recovery, 576 Woodruff Road, Suite winter sometime a few months from now. Hope D., Greenville, SC 29607. losing 240 pounds in 2016! this edition finds you all doing well and that you Until the next time, WKB out.

Last, and sadly, many of you know John and have had a great holiday season.

Teri Coleman’s son, Robbie, sustained a seriI have seen a few events unfold here at VMI ous head injury last August and died as a result since our very successful reunion back in April. of his injuries several days later. I did not have a The graduating Class of ’17 went out of here with quite a few successful and memorable memperspective on Teri’s request for donations (in lieu Mark Bryant of flowers) to Safety Net Recovery, where Robbers. If you did not see their valedictorian’s adbie worked. At the funeral, it became very clear. dress at commencement, I recommend you go Robby was a director at Safety Net Recovery the back and find the remarks Borinstein ’17 gave to past several years. Based on many conversations his BRs. Good stuff.

Brother Rats, and discussions, I learned he made a tremendous Matriculation in August saw one of our own It is finally fall here in Lexington, and we have bring his son to matriculate at the “I.” Jerry difference in the lives of men who resided and participated in his programs. So, I will donate the had some beautiful days for football games and Haste was present, looking like he graduated money provided by BRs for our funeral flowers hanging out at fairs, breweries, wineries and himself only a few years ago, to see his son sign to Safety Net Recovery. When I spoke to Chuck such. It is a beautiful time of year, and the leaves the book. I really thought we had reached the are just now giving us some color. I try to rememTucker (chuck@safetynetrecovery.com​ age where most of us had college freshmen be) about making the donation on Robbie’s behalf, he said, ber as I write these notes just before the deadline hind us, but it is good to see one of us still pass“The donations in Greenville will be ing it on! used to create a scholarship in Robby’s I happen to have one other ’77 offname. With these funds, young men spring in my sights regularly, as Mike who normally would not be able to Meise’s son, David ’18, is one of my afford recovery residence/sober living students in my biology class. I told will now be able to do so. Robby’s pashim he could start with a grade of F and work his way up! I also have sion was working with young adults, one of his BRs in my class name of and that is where the money will be Henry Atwill ’18. used.​You can mail a check directly to We picked an early October weekthe Greenville office, payable to Safety Net Recovery. ​​ We will be working end to hold our mini reunion at the hard in the coming days to establish a home game against Samford Univer501(c)(3) so the donations can be nonsity. It turned out to be a pretty warm taxable and tax-deductible.​ ” If you Class of 1977: Brother rats gathered in Las Vegas to golf and en- Saturday but was a great morning want to sustain Robby’s work through gage in recreation in October 2017. Pictured during the gathering for tailgating and for the people on were Joe Santelli, Tommy Underhill, Jim Bentley, Hobie Andrews, others like him, this is a good opportu- J.J. Marshall, Billy Hupp, Buzzy Northen and Buster Pace. the golf course Friday. Football score was not in the win column, but it nity to do it. I recommend you contact

1977

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Class Notes was a good day overall. We had I still depend (more than ever) on quite a few folks show up – about 35 hearing from you all so I can put – for the tailgate and the game, and a some items of interest in these notes smaller group who all went out to dinand try to keep up with you all. Please ner together Saturday night. Many, take a minute – even if it has just to many thanks to our tailgate crew of say hello – and send it to me at the gmail address I have set up just for Steve Billingsley, Tastycakes Davidclass business (mhbryant77@gmail. son, Steve Kelly and all the help we com). The mass email tool that I use received from our nearby tailgating to get messages out to the whole class friends. Also to BR Tommy Cole for is not real easy to use (e.g., I cannot getting up the Friday golf game the put any attachment on such a mass day before. On Saturday, we were email). In addition to that, I do not among the first on the Parade Ground Class of 1977: Tailgating before the Samford University game in Octoactually have a list of everyone’s curbefore dawn, and it is good to know we can still do pre-reveille activities ber 2017 were Rich Howell, Ed Anderson and Mark Waldrop. rent email (the mass email tool just when we need to. has me punch a button that sends the We will continue to pick a home game weekemail to “Class of ’77 all”). For those of you who keep your information current on VMI end and designate it mini reunion next fall. It Ranks on the Alumni Association website, I can gets hard to pick a weekend that is not Parents look you up. Otherwise, feel free to drop me an Weekend or an alumni reunion weekend here email so I will have yours. I pledge that it will at the Institute. We picked one that was neither not get on any subscriber lists from me. this year, but it turned out to be parents’ weekSometime about early to mid-February 2018, end and a home game at Washington and Lee I will be drafting notes again to appear in the University. There may not be much we can do spring edition of the Alumni Review. Keep in to deconflict those. Lexington can be not such touch, and let me know if you are in Lexington a small town anymore, especially on some fall or on post! It would be great to see any and all weekends. of you here.

We had some funds leftover from reunion last Class of 1977: Class Agent Mark Bryant Mark spring, so it was easy to provide tailgate food and said of this photo, “Steve Billingsley at tickets for all those attending the mini reunion. the mini reunion tailgate in October 2017 I am considering using a little of those funds to telling some current 3rd Class cadets just how tough it was in the Old Corps.” purchase a tailgate tent with the class on it and/or Tom Brown an easy-to-spot flag for super ’77 to make it easier I have had a few BRs check in and lend some to locate us during the tailgate. (The boys from Vegas apparently know how to get us one.) It is notes. Las Vegas once again enjoyed the compaincredible how crowded and crazy such weekends ny of several ’77 BRs and apparently recruited a have become here in the fall. It is almost as if ev- new honorary member! It’s the least we can do since he’s put up with the likes of Santelli, Pace, Salutations, Brother Rats, ery home game has become a parents’ weekend.

Bentley, Northen, Marshall and so many othI hope all have had an unremarkable winter and ers for something like eight (or is it nine?) years a joyous Christmas and holiday season. It is hard now. Looks like we have many options for mini to believe that our 40th Reunion is just two months reunions out there, BRs! away. In case you have somehow missed it, the Tim Thompson sent an email to update me on dates are April 20-21, 2018. The reunion commithis continuing excellent work with his martial tee has been hard at work planning a great time. arts school in Virginia Beach. Sensei Thompson As these notes are written in November, the basic is still going strong (all that clean living) and has plan is for a dinner Friday at Moody Hall and an mentored and taught countless youngsters on to afternoon event and a dinner Saturday. The details what is sure to be a better future for them all. will have been sent to you by now. Registration Hats off to you, BR! and details are online at the VMI Alumni AssociaRalph George managed to ride out Hurtion website under the Reunion Central link. We ricane Irma in Atlanta instead of at home in are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Class of 1977: Kim Rose and Ed AnderSarasota, Florida. Luckily, though, he reported Here are the results of the latest status checks. son out West. no damage at home.

Blaine Vorgang: “Well, this is the first that I have

1978

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Tom Sliwosk: “All right. Not much to report little of interest, I’ll provide my customary upcommunicated with anyone from our class, aside from Dick Powell; time certainly passes quickly this time.” date on the Cadet Fishing Club. In anticipation Leland Horn: “All right here! No real substance of his upcoming retirement, Colonel Lee Dewald as we age. In short, I am doing well and living in Plainfield, Illinois, with Wendy, my wife of 37 to report this time. All are well.” stepped down as the club’s faculty adviser in May Joe Cafarella: “I am still in Ohio and now fully 2016. Unable to recruit a new faculty adviser, an years. I have retired from the Marine Corps and retired. Four grandsons, three in the last three 18-month administrative struggle ensued. Despite from teaching but still keep active working for Tarthe challenges, the Cadet Fishing Club continued get. I attended our 10th Reunion in ’88 and am months, keep us busy. Just went over 37 years of on without a faculty adviser, its suclooking forward to our 40th.”

Chris Stone: “Status is all right. In cess due in large part to an exceptional mid-October, and Cindy and I are still cadet-in-charge, Cadet Jake Novak enjoying the oceanfront at Virginia ’18. Thankfully, with the start of the Beach. Unseasonably warm this fall, fall semester, Colonel Keith Gibson which makes sitting on the beach and ’77 accepted the club’s invitation to watching the dolphins all that much take on the role of the club’s faculty better. Of course, an adult beverage adviser. Even better, Colonel Dave doesn’t hurt, either! I just turned 61.

Hall ’83 joined the club at the same What the hell happened? Now all my time as its deputy faculty adviser. mail comes from AARP and the SSA. With proper faculty leadership finally I recently took advantage of my first sein place, the Cadet Fishing Club emnior citizen discount. Still enjoy archibarked on what promises to be its most active year to date. The semestecture and engineering and the whole design profession. Hope all of my BRs ter kicked-off with the club’s annual are doing well.”

James River canoe trip, which set a Bruce Kay: “All is well here. We Class of 1978: Joseph Tulskie, Danny Thornton and Rick Wolffe record in terms of cadet participation. held our annual ‘day at the pool’ Aug. with the superintendent at the Western Carolina football game. Club advisors included Keith Gibson, 5, and joining Marcia and I for a fun Dave Hall, Jamie Joyner ’95, Will day of swimming, barbecue and beverShehan ’14 and me. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the smallages were Tony and Monica Pileggi, Bill and Ann McCampbell, Mark and mouth bass were reasonably cooperaKim Engle, and Tim Moriarty and tive. The club was joined on the trip Susan Lewis.” by 2nd Lieutenant Will Thomas ’17, Mark Lambert: “Everything here is the club’s former CIC, who was on libgoing well. Denise and I moved to St. erty from the Officers Basic Course at Charles, Illinois, 18 months ago, and Quantico Marine Base. In early Octogot engaged in May of this year. After ber, the club undertook its first service 10 years, it was about time! I am still in project of the 2017-18 academic year, the steel business. In October, it will be performing a roadside cleanup on its 39 years with AK Steel/Armco Steel. assigned section of VA-646 as part of Still hanging in there, but retirement is the Virginia Department of Transporcloser on the horizon with each passing tation’s Adopt-a-Highway program. month! My kids are doing great; none As I write these notes, the cadets and are married yet, but one is engaged to advisers of the Cadet Fishing Club are be married next May! Mike Freemen Class of 1978: Tom Brown’s oldest daughter, Emily, was married packing their gear for the club’s firstat the Foundry Gold Club in Richmond Sept. 30, 2017. In attenretired from the University of North dance from the class were, from left, Jay Kinnier, Jerry Harris, Billy ever saltwater fishing trip, an overCarolina at the end of January. So far, Way, Bill Hardy, Tom, Shady Grove, Steve Oddi and Bruce Wells. nighter to Kiptopeke State Park on he says it is working out, and he is busy Virginia’s Eastern Shore.” with lots of projects to keep him out of trouble. marriage. I’m planning to be at our 40th Reunion.

Rob Parker: “I am now in Riyadh working a We are trying to put a date together to get back to I am looking forward to seeing our classmates metro project – still with Bechtel. I spent a night again. I haven’t been back to VMI since our 25th.” the ‘I’ and see a football game and play some golf. in the desert under the stars. You can clearly see Jim Simons: “By now, you likely realize that the Milky Way. I now have my second grandchild, Looking forward to the reunion next spring.”

Bob Magnan: “All right. I am just continuing to my life is consumed with little more than ekJames Everett Parker; welcome to the world. Hope find an acceptable place as I plan my downsizing ing out a living and my ongoing support of the I can get to the reunion next year. All else is good.” to a condo and the end of mowing a big lot.”

Mike Eaton: “All OK in Augusta, Georgia.”

Cadet Fishing Club. As my personal life offers

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Class Notes Jim Mackin: “Everything is ‘all right’ here in Burke, Virginia. I met Mark Seely, Bill Pearson and Tim Berkhimer recently for dinner and drinks in Reston. We had a great time!”

Mike Oelrich: “All right from sunny Florida.”

Danny Thorton: “I spent time with Snare, Rick Wolfe and Yo Joe Tulskie at a football game. Joe has a nephew, Jim Tulskie ’20, in the Corps. I met him Saturday, and he seems like a fine young man. Tom Ferguson was also at the game, but I wasn’t able to catch up with him.”

Mark Bottomly: “Still kicking! Looking forward to the reunion.”

David Colonna: “All right!”

Mark Lowe: “All right.”

John Tucker: “All right here in Columbus, Ohio.”

Nelson Curtis: “All right.”

Paul Mitchell: “The following four in our class share the same birthday, Sept. 19. We are Anthony Moore, Bob Simpson, Courtney Ridley and me.

To celebrate our birthdays, Anthony, Bob and his wife, and Steve and Audrey Oddi joined me, along with my 2-year-old daughter, Eva, and great friend and distant cousin, Elizabeth Hounsel, at Capital Ale House in Midlothian, Virginia, for a little dinner party. Soon after ordering, our waiter set bottles of ketchup down at both ends of our table, and we fell into a stunned silence momentarily. On each big red ketchup bottle label was 78! That was the name of the brand. Someone said, ‘It’s a sign.’

We shared lots of news and stories about ourselves and brother rats. It was a very fun and uplifting evening. After the party, I jotted down all the names I could remember of BRs who had been brought up in our conversations. There were more than 30 names. Al, our waiter, informed us that our meals were on the house. He said it was the restaurant’s policy to not charge when three or more at one table were celebrating birthdays. I thought they were being overly generous, but I bought it.

Turns out Steve Oddi picked up the check for all of us and had convinced the waiter to say that. So, if you are having a dinner party, be sure to invite Steve. Let’s include 78 ketchup at the upcoming reunion. Eva and I took just our second vacation together. This time we went to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, a place I’d never been to before.

My eldest daughter, Bonnie, who resides in Wilmington, North Carolina, joined us. Bonnie’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington is in marine biology. It was perfect that the massive, beautiful and impressive North Carolina

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Aquarium was nearby, as it gave Bonnie the opportunity to introduce Eva to her field of interest.

We also visited the Aurora Fossil Museum and the Beaufort Maritime Museum and did lots of other activities which people normally do during beach vacations, such as swimming in the ocean and shell collecting. I think Eva is going to be a beach girl like her late mother, Janice, and her big sister, Bonnie. My two daughters call each other, ‘Sissy.’”

Ron Dolan: “All up, all right. On my last trip to Washington, D.C., I got the chance to have breakfast with BR Rear Admiral Terence McKnight.

We caught up on his contributions in the Navy and his family. I missed Terry Dorn, as he was in Huntsville. I will be back in November; I hope to catch up with other BRs next time.”

Kevin Callanan: “All right. Talk about being a late bloomer, but I just finished my master’s degree of philanthropy and development from LaGrange College in Georgia. It only took 39 years, so I should have my Ph.D. by the time I hit 101.

Still working at Valley Health System as their head fundraiser and our oldest (Emma) just headed off to her freshman year at Christopher Newport University (like I said earlier, late bloomer).”

Jay Hutt: “All good here. New job started sales with Epitome Networks, a Richmond business communications provider – local territory and no overnight travel, which is terrific for me. Paula says the jury is still out on that for her. Son John has taken a job with Quicken Loans and is moving to Cleveland; he starts Monday after Thanksgiving.

He has a downtown apartment a block from work, two blocks from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians and a little further to the Browns. He is excited about a new career and a big city adventure.

In my honest opinion, that southern boy has no idea what kind of cold he is getting into. I’m looking forward to seeing which high octave his voice reaches in February.”

Jimmy Leech: “Well, we did make it to Virginia and the parade and game on Parents Weekend.

We had a nice visit with my niece in Winchester and my sister and her husband (George Brooke ’67) and their son (Merce Brooke ’94, physics professor at VMI) in Lexington, and also had a chance to have lunch with my roommate, Chris Brock, and his wife, Pam, in Harrisonburg.”

Alec Earle: “All’s well with us. We’re currently visiting Big Bend National Park, Texas, in our motorhome. We’ll head to San Antonio and Dallas before driving to California for the holidays.”

Tom Tucker: “All OK here. I have been busy with

Edward Jones work and various music projects.”

Paul Campbell: “All right.”

Ronnie Milligan: “My oldest daughter, Emily, was married Sept. 30 here in Richmond at the Foundry Gold Club. In attendance from the Class of ’78 were Jay Kinnier, Jerry Harris, Billy Way, Bill Hardy, Shady Grove, Steve Oddi and Bruce Wells.”

That is the latest status from around the class.

Thanks to all who make our notes informative. Remember to stay up to date about reunion by checking the VMI Alumni Association website (http:// www.vmialumni.org) and click on Reunion Central link. Also, hook up with the class Facebook page VMI78. Hope to see all of you at the reunion.

In the spirit, Tom

1979

Michael Ogden

Sometimes you get lots of emails and sometimes lots of pictures. This was a pictures issue with many really great pictures. So, on with the sprinkling of emails I got.

Don Starbuck wrote, “It has been a few years since I have checked in, but the last year has been a year of firsts. First of all, in May 2017, we welcomed our first grandchild, Bennett Miles Starbuck, to the family. Last year, I finished my first marathon, the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, which I did finish, but was it a fluke, so I signed up again for the 42nd MCM. It was a tough day, but I finished and had a better time than the previous year. While waiting for another person to finish, I heard someone call out, ‘VMI.’ As I turn, I see our Brother Rat Dariush Alipanah, who had just finished his first MCM, running with another BR, Farshad Cy Majidian, who had finished No. 11.” Congratulations to all three! I don’t know about the rest of you, but I got light headed, really dehydrated and pulled a muscle just hearing about the BRs and their MCM exploits!

Asa Page recently checked in. At the time class notes were due, he was about to head down to Grand Cayman Island to meet up with BRs Meade Spotts, Mike Thomas, Jim Leavitt and a couple of former Navy friends at Jim’s “Cayman Castle” on the island for a week of diving and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes some serious swashbuckling. Considering Asa will be in the company of three BRs who are all attorneys, he’s not nearly as concerned about the sharks he’ll run across out in the ocean as much as he is poolside. Although he missed last year’s annual BR dive trip to Grand Cayman Island, at the time he and Karen were on a dive trip to Key Largo, Florida, when the weather turned bad. Asa was able to salvage the trip and catch up with Randy Pekarik in nearby Key West, Florida, whom he hadn’t seen in the past 41 years. They had a blast as Randy gave Asa and Karen a personally guided walking tour of the town of Key West. Randy is doing his best to convince Asa and Karen that Key West, Florida, with its yearround diving, great weather and Asa’s favorite five-star dining establishment, the Hog’s Breath Bar, along with Sloppy Joe’s, makes it the place for he and Karen to retire. Hurricane Irma, however, just tipped that argument in the opposite direction.

John Kailey continues with his quest of hiking a few more sections on the Appalachian Trail. He has crossed the Georgia border into North Carolina.

His oldest son is contemplating commissioning in the U.S. Marine Corps (heaven help us). John said, “I don’t miss officiating football, and I even managed to repair my back deck without falling through.” Life moves on!

Tim Bridges scribes, “On Sept. 30, Cassandra (Tony Hamilton’s wife) held a surprise birthday party for Tony’s 60th birthday out in St. Louis.

Greg Weaver, Carl Jackson and me and our wives attended, along with Tony’s parents, five kids and many local friends. He was truly surprised; he thought he was going to a party for one of her co-workers, so she made him dress up. Truly a clandestine operation by the family. Carl and Greg looked great, and we had a great time!”

Tony Hamilton added, “We did have some time to catch up on a few Class of 1979 stories between the Rat

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Class of 1979: Tony Hamilton was surprised by his wife, Cassandra, on his 60th birthday in September with a gathering of family and friends in St. Louis. Also at the event were Greg Weaver and wife Althea, Carl Jackson and wife Roxie, and Tim Bridges and wife Crystal.

Class of 1979: The class was well-represented at the VMI versus The Citadel football game in Charleston, South Carolina.

Pictured at the event were Kelly Lombard, George Marentic, Ed Johnson, Jim Harrington and Jeff Minnix.

Class of 1979: Vacationing at Jim Leavitt’s home on Grand Cayman Island after a day of diving off the nearby reef were, from left, Asa Page, Jim, Mike Thomas and Meade Spotts.

Line, football, track and general VMI life. I was totally shocked and surprised to walk into a banquet room of more than 70 people. My wife and family did all the major work, and I definitely enjoyed the fruits of their labor.”

Pete Underwood recently attended the Leadership and Ethics Conference at VMI and, that Sunday night, headed down to the Southern Inn for dinner. Pete was eating at the bar (duh, where else?) and who sits down three seats away but J.C. Coleman ’76. They ended up spending three hours at the bar shooting the breeze about the Marine Corps. Did J.C., uh, take it easy on you, or did you have to eat a “square meal?” Just asking.

Jeff and Betsy Curtis (finally!) bought a house in Governor’s Land in Williamsburg. They planned to move there in December. Jeff routinely runs into Dave Reidel and his wife when they are on post visiting their 4th Class cadet son. Jeff also sees Dave Crim and Carter McCrowell on football weekends.

J.G. Ozolins recently changed jobs and locations. He went from working in Indiana with a Spanish company, Isolux Corsan, which went bankrupt working on Section 5 of I-69, to working with a consultant firm for the New York/New Jersey Port Authority on their capital programs, specifically upgrades to the George Washington Bridge. Now he actually gets to go home every weekend rather than just on long holiday weekends. J.G. also reports that he finally became a grandfather in June when his son and his wife had their first child, a girl, Adeline. Congratulations!

Doug Doerr and Corinne recently took a Rhine River Cruise with a couple of former Marine Corps squadron mates. Doug wrote, “What a great time!” Thanks, Doug. Renee and I looking into a detailed after-action report on the cruise. We think is has great vacation appeal for us!

Roommate Jim Larose and wife

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John Gibney Jr.

Class of 1979: Don Starbuck, Dariush Alipanahand and Farshad Cy Majidian (not pictured) prove that you are never too old to complete the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon.

Kathie were recently in the Hampton Roads area attending Jim’s Churchland High School reunion. Renee and I were able to have a Sunday brunch with them at Free Mason Abby in Norfolk (highly recommended). Great time catching up, talking reunion and making plans for future gettogethers. Never enough time with these short visits but happy at the chance to visit while we could.

Congratulations to Brother Rat Gen. Surapong Suwana-adth, chief of defense forces for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, on his recent retirement. He was honored at a parade at VMI this fall attended by BRs Jeff Minnix, Jim Pigg, J.P. Harrington, John Poffenbarger, Mike Thomas, Jeff Curtis and Don Starbuck. Among other notable events that day, Surapong signed his uniform over to the VMI Museum, and it is now on display. Pretty cool! You would think the Institute Report would get Surapong’s class right. ’78, really?? Seventy-eight?! Suppose writing ’79 all the time gets old (Trumps, Curtis, Smith, Page...)

Anyway, proud of you, BR – to say the least.

My annual physical <hint> went well. Yours?

40th Reunion weekend: Friday-Sunday, April 26-28, 2019. Closer than you think.

Stay well, brother rats.

–M

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Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of Aug. 16, 2017, through Oct. 31, 2017.

The period began with the first of three post cards from Dwight Pearson, followed soon thereafter by postcard No. 2. You may recall that Dwight has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since March 31.

Each day his wife, Joanne, sent an email updating Dwight’s progress. Dwight also sent to me, ad hoc, text messages and post cards. The first August postcard was sent as Dwight crossed from Vermont into New Hampshire. The second postcard was sent from Mount Washington.

Chris Dombalis sent a text, and we then spoke.

Chris lives in New Jersey, and we were scheduled to meet for lunch in Manhattan, but Chris had to reschedule.

A housekeeping item: Please keep your contact information up-to-date either through the Alumni Association or through me. I occasionally receive requests to make a connection with one or more of our BRs. When this occurs, I reach out to our BRs for permission to share their contact information. A request in August resulted in my failure to connect with a BR due to addresses and phone numbers that were no longer accurate. Another request at the end of October is pending.

Most years, a group of our BRs gathers at VMI in the fall to attend a football game. The get-together is coordinated by Mike Luning and Rob Quarles, with a number of our BRs also assisting. In August, Rob Quarles copied me on an email that provided the weekend (Sept. 22-23) and contained hotel information. The planned activities included: A dinner Thursday evening for early arrivals, golf Friday, attending the parade Friday, a Friday evening dinner at Lexington Golf and Country Club, tailgating Saturday at Gary Levenson’s quarters on the Parade Ground, attendance at the football game, and dinner at Gary’s house Saturday evening. I understand that time is also allotted between the game and dinner Saturday for a long nap. See below for the list of attendees this year.

The end of the month brought an email from John Caplice. The message contained a photo

of our BRs who gather each year for a weekend getaway on the Chesapeake Bay. The “river rats” included: Ken Baybutt, John Blankenship, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, Hugh Fain, Dennis Hackemeyer, Steve Ikenberry, Jay Melvin, Tolar Nolley, Josh Priest and Craig “Weenie” Wilson.

September opened with a call with Robby Jones.

I needed his help with a wristwatch that stopped working. Robby is a jeweler in Lexington. In addition to helping me solve the watch problem, Robby said that he and Beth were doing well, as were their two daughters, Ginny and Katie, both nurses in Roanoke. Robby also said that business was good and that he was going to see Ed Bower at the upcoming VMI football game. Robby noted that Ed’s son graduated from high school.

I was copied on an email sent by Wayland Patterson that announced a gathering of alumni from VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M, and Norwich in Panama City, Florida. The theme was, “Military Schools’ Participation in World War II.” The final postcard from Dwight Pearson was postmarked Caratuk, Maine, and was sent as Dwight neared the end of his journey.

Three text messages arrived on the same day.

The first, from Rob Quarles, contained his new home address in Roanoke. Rob relocated from Tennessee. The second, from Ray Joinson, asked if Patti and I were planning to visit VMI. Finally, Andy Ludlum sent a text saying that he had dinner in Providence, Rhode Island, with Pat Griffin. Andy is a pilot with Southwest Airlines. Pat lives in Massachusetts but works in Rhode Island.

Andy said that he and Nicki were planning to attend a VMI football game in October.

Class of 1980: Dwight Pearson at the terminus of the Appalachian Trail, a hike he completed in September.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes holidays and likely pressing forward Three days later, Dwight Pearwell into February. I hope and pray son sent a text saying he was at the that everyone had a blessed, safe holisummit.

Gary Levenson sent an email conday and that each had the opportunity firming his visit to New York City at to have cherished time with family.

Thanksgiving. Gary and Karen and Such moments, and those spent with BRs, become more and more importheir grandson, Tyler, will stay in tant with each passing year. our apartment, as Patti and I spend Let me start this edition with a few the holiday in the Poconos. Gary also confirmed our dinner at Peter athletic highlights; we may even want Luger’s steakhouse in Brooklyn. to call this one the “sports edition!”

I spoke with Pat Griffin, who I have to first brag about my roomvisited VMI several times during mate, Johann Cooper. Johann comthe period as he serves in several pleted the United States Marine Corps volunteer capacities. Pat and Beth’s Marathon in October. This was Joson, Michael ’17, graduated in May hann’s first run of the Marine Corps and is a second lieutenant in the Air Class of 1980: The “river rats” pictured at a gathering on the Chesa- Marathon but his third marathon, peake in August were Josh Priest, John Blankenship, Dennis HackForce serving a three-year tour in emeyer, Craig Wilson, Ken Baybutt, Jay Melvin, John Caplice, Tolar overall. (Shaming all of his roomies!)

Hawaii.

Supporting Johann across the finish Nolley, Dusty Boyd, Steve Ikenberry and Hugh Fain.

Don Bradshaw and Dan Conn each line was his greatest fan (with Sloppy sent an email in response to receipt of their birthjoin Josh and Bud Zirkle for a tailgate at the VMI as a close second), his loving bride, Maureen. day cards. Each reported all well. football game Nov. 11 and a get-together at their Congratulations are also due to Maureen, as it was announced in September that she was appointed Gary Levenson sent an email with a list of our farm in Lexington afterward. Josh and Bud recogBRs who attended the get-together: John Alerdnize that most of us will turn the big 6-0 this year, to the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation (Auing, Tom Bersson, Boyd Gaines, Larry Hupertz, and they look forward to celebrating with as many rora Foundation) Board of Directors. The Aurora Mike Luning, Ali Mahan, Jay McConnell, Rob of our BRs as possible.

Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for posiQuarles, Dixon Tucker and Preston Vock. Gary Thank you to Frank Hilton, who immediately tive change in the lives of women and girls in the also said that he saw Ray Joinson at VMI. responded to my SOS text message and phone greater Hartford area. (Congratulations to you, JoWhile driving home from playing golf in the call. Frank lives in the Harrisonburg, Virginia, area hann, for completing the race and, even better, for Poconos, I received a call from Tolar Nolley. and agreed to assist the son of a friend of mine in winning the heart of Maureen so many years ago!)

Tolar was with a group of our BRs who were atI was fortunate to be able to join Jim Hart, Tom New York City who is a freshman at James MadiAlbro and Bill Stamm, as well as Bill’s daughter, tending the wedding of Dusty Boyd’s son. They son University. The BR network in action! were watching the Presidents Cup golf tournaThe final words on Dwight Pearson came in the ment, which was held in Jersey City, New Jersey, form of email messages from Joanne, who sent and called to see if I was in attendance. Tolar said before and after pictures of Dwight, followed by that the group would like to travel north next year a picture of Dwight with his feet in his new foot to play golf. massage bath.

At the end of September, I received The Institute In closing, a reminder: I only write about news Report. An article noted that Hugh Fain began a received firsthand. Therefore, information shared four-year term on the VMI Board of Visitors July via social media outlets is not included.

1. Congrats, Hugh!

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season.

October began with an email from Wayland Thank you for your support. Please keep in touch.

Patterson, who explained he has been working to keep viable an alumni chapter in the Panama City, Florida, area. He further explained that meetings are held quarterly and are expanded to include Jerry Manley other military school alumni. Wayland noted that his events have been recognized in recent issues of the Alumni Review.

Congrats to Dennis Hackemeyer for the article Class of 1981: Johann Cooper pictured that appeared in the Alumni Review explaining Brother Rats, with his No. 1 fan, Maureen Cooper, after his recent business venture.

By the time you read these notes, it will be well finishing the Marine Corps Marathon.

Karen Priest sent an email inviting our BRs to after the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year

1981

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Class Notes he and Linda found out that they are to be grandKatie, at the Wisconsin versus Maryland women’s volleyball match in October. Jim’s daughter, parents for the first time. He traveled to Dallas in Danielle, is a freshman at Wisconsin and has a early October for the big reveal party and is ecstatic tremendously bright future with the Wisconsin that he will have a granddaughter ... and that the team. We will definitely see a lot of her these next provisional appointment paperwork is ready to four years. It was a great night with the BRs and a be submitted! Linda and Ed also attended their joy to watch the game.

40th high school reunion. Ed graduated from high Louis “Big Lou” Rolan shared that his daughschool with our deceased BR Jody McCarthy, so he was able to honor him during a ceremony of ter, Jordanne, and her teammates from Glen Alfellow classmates who have gone before us. (You len High School competed in the sprint medley are a good man, Ed, and truly blessed.) relay at the New Balance High School National At time of this writing, Mark “Gunny” Olson outdoor track meet in Greensboro, North Caroreported he was in the early stages of creating a lina, in June. They placed sixth in the nation nonprofit, God Bless You, dedicated to BR Mike in the event and made it to the podium for the Denton’s father, Rear Adm. Jeremiah Denton. awards ceremony. Additionally, based on their GBU was the tap code sign off for the prisontop-6 finish, Jordanne and her teammates were recognized as 1st Team High School All-Amerers of war each night. Gunny is incorporated in Kansas but was still waiting on IRS official desicans. Lou boasted with pride that Jordanne is the first All-American in the family. Lou beignation as 501(c)(3). Board members of GBU are Gunny’s dyke, Henry Budzinski ’84, and BR lieves that officially makes him the second best Class of 1981: Jordanne Rolan with proud Steve Tennant. If things work out as planned, athlete in the family, but rumor has it that Darby father “Big Lou” Rolan.

Gunny hopes to work full time on the believes Lou’s standing may be “a bit nonprofit starting early 2018. (Should lower.” (OK, Lou, I took a few liberanyone desire more information on ties on that last sentence. Still, very this worthy cause, please contact the proud for you all!) one, the only, the “often imitated but Dave and Marian Taylor moved to never duplicated” Gunny.)

Stafford in summer 2017. Dave said Michael “Psycho” McLeod athe is still trying to stay fit, training with fellow veterans in Team Red, tended an event on the Navy Yard White and Blue, with the Army Tenin September. He was just finishing Miler having been his most recent up with a contract building model run. The Rev. Dave is now pastor aircraft for the Navy’s Cryptologic of a new church in Stafford, Grace Warfare Group, and one of the last and Peace Church of the Nazarene. Class of 1981: Pictured at a fundraising event for then-Lt. Gov. Ralph phases was the addition of a maritime He and Marian live just off Route 1, Northam were, from left, Ron Mislowski, Gregg Lynam, Dave Open- patrol aircraft case to honor the MPA south of Quantico, and he says drop- shaw, Greg White, Ralph Northam, Scott Marsh, Grover Outland, community. The models in one case Andrew Jackson, Mike Shupp, John Cawthorne, Bob Thompson in BRs are always welcome. (Team were 1/72 scale since they are larger and Ken Herbert.

RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives real aircraft, while the main big case of America’s veterans by connecting displayed models at 1/48 scale. All in them to their community through all, there were 62 models on display. physical and social activity. Kudos to Psycho’s work is phenomenal. He you, Dave!) draws very senior flags to his displays.

Adding on to the Rev. Dave’s input, Admiral Harris, commander, U.S. Rob Costello shared that he was able Pacific Command, specifically asked to meet up with two of his rat roomies, that Psycho be there to participate. A Brett Biesmeier and Tim Dean, in Oclot of other “heavies” were present.

It was a fitting ceremony, since one tober. Unfortunately, Dave Taylor was of the planes he just installed was a unable to make the mini reunion. Cos model of DEEP SEA 2, the EC-121 shared that he had not seen Brett since before Christmas 1977. (OK, nothing Class of 1981: Cheering on Wisconsin women’s volleyball with Daniel that was shot down by the North Kosports related with these three guys, Hart were, from left, Jim Hart; Katie Stamm; Chris Caras, a Hart fam- reans in April 1969 without provocaily friend; Daniel Hart; Bill Stamm; Jerry Manley; Bob Caras, a Hart tion. I was limited in pics that I could but they look studly enough!) family friend; and Tom Albro.

Ed Boylan reported wonderful news; share in the Review, but I have several

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes from Psycho I can forward should anyone be interested. I have seen his work and, again, it is phenomenal! (Very proud of you, Psycho, and regret the picture limitations.)

Trip Lloyd writes that he is doing well. He spent a week in the hospital this summer with a blocked intestine but was shocked back to health upon receiving the hospital bill. To further his recovery, he; his bride, Anne; and their children, Liam and Amanda, had a three-week summer vacation in Europe. They started in Barcelona; took a Mediterranean cruise to Nice, Rome, Athens and the Greek Isles; then five days in Paris; and an unexpected overnight in Dublin when Anne was selected for extensive screening by customs, and they missed their connection home. Upon arriving home, they found their heat pump had died and their roof had serious structural damage. Better these misfortunes happened after the cruise than before, or he wouldn’t have gone. His daughter, Amanda, is a high school senior and is checking out colleges. Trip has come to realize the real number that matters to colleges is not the student’s GPA or SAT score, but the size of the parents’ paychecks. His son, Liam, is now a high school freshman, so Trip calculated that it will be at least eight more years until he is finally able to retire. (Many of us feel your pain, Trip!)

On Oct. 25, brother rats rallied to support BR Ralph Northam in his campaign for governor

Class of 1981: Room 438 rat roommates Brett Biesmeier, Rob “Cos” Costello and Tim Dean.

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of Virginia. There was a fundraiser hosted at BR Mike Shupp’s office building in Washington, D.C. In attendance supporting Ralph were Ron Mislowski, Gregg Lynam, Dave Openshaw, Greg White, Ralph Northam, Scott Marsh, Grover Outland, Andrew Jackson, Mike Shupp, John Cawthorne, Bob Thompson and Ken Herbert. (As I write this, we are less than two weeks away from voting. By the time this write-up goes to print, we will know if BR Northam is the new governor.)

I also heard from Jim and Mei-Ling Frishkorn. They were planning to make the trip to Charleston to attend the VMI versus The Citadel football game in October. (Hope you guys made it!) Additionally, their Northwest Florida Chapter hosted an event Nov. 8 to award the World War II Remembrance Medallion to Ms. Maxine Mann, a Navy salvage technician.

The chapter lined up Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski to make the presentation, whose father was a member of the Class of ’49B and whose fatherin-law was Col. Gabby Gabreski, America’s top ace in World War II and later an ace during the Korean War. (Jim, I am looking forward to including an update of that event in the next call for inputs, around February.)

C.P. Davis also chimed in. He and his family attended the Furman University game and shared that even though we lost, our Keydets fought hard the whole way! While there, C.P. was able to go up to the broadcast booth and said hello to Wade Branner ’83, the manager of our baseball team in “years gone by.” C.P. will be starting the college tour process with his sophomore, Jackson, and will ensure a few “extra” visits to Lexington over the next few years.

In closing, I want to recognize the losses that have been reported in our extended class family during this writing period. There were three incredible men that passed: Mr. Ronald “Ron” Kitchen (father of BR Bruce Kitchen); Mr. Samuel “Sam” E. Saunders Jr. ’50B (father to BR Dave Saunders); and Mr. Jack B. Hall (father of Jennifer Hall Costello). Our hearts and prayers of comfort continue for these fathers, these BRs and Jennifer, and their respective families.

About all I have for now, BRs. Keep the inputs and emails coming. I look forward to seeing many of you over the holidays and into the spring!

In the bonds, Jerry

1982

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats, So, the reunion was a big success, thanks to a lot of hard work by Lynn Heltzel and our class officers. We had 91 BRs and 74 guests for 165 total at the main event. I did not get to speak with everyone there, although I tried really hard. We asked for class notes and put out cards and pens on the dinner tables to take away the excuses.

Thank you everyone who made the effort. Special thanks to Bill Jennings for playing the photographer. You can see the huge stockpile of the reunion images by looking at our class Facebook page – VMI ’82. There were several inspiring moments, like from Chaplain Caudill in the Memorial Gardens. And Bill Jennings, who wanted to thank the Rat Disciplinary Committee and Ed Bodling ’79 for trying their best make him leave, which only made him want to stay even more.

Retired Sgt. Maj. “Gunny” Holmes told us how great this school is and what it has done for us, and us for it. Here are the notes you submitted.

Jeff (Tracy) and Sheri Henderson live in Atlanta, Georgia. Tracy commutes every week between there and Boston, working as the vice president of a pharmaceuticals company. Sheri works as the director of operations for Pfizer.

They spend several weeks each year traveling out west to hike and enjoy the outdoors.

Becky and Joe McConnell went on a Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary. It was Becky’s first time overseas and Joe’s first time not for work. This past June, Joe’s son, Thomas ’13, called up and said, “Dad, lets climb House Mountain.” Joe is happy to report he made it up and down.

Jeff and Carole Goodwin are in northern Virginia. Carole works at Georgetown University. Jeff just started his 13th year teaching fourth grade at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Their daughter, Jesse, is a junior at the Georgetown.

Gordy and Susan Hammock were there.

Gordy has retired from the Air Force finally but

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Present at the reunion were: Grafton D. Addison III, Michael R. Albert, Kendall D. Avery, Austin B. Beckham, John B. Bieltz, Harry T. Bitzberger, Joseph Bouchelle III, John M. Boyd, Timothy J. Boylan, William N. Burnette, Michael R. Burt, Stuart E. Byrd, Mark P. Ciarrocca, James C. Cosby, Willis A. Council Jr., Scott Crumpler, Mark A. Dahlinger, Douglas W. Deaton, Daryl L. Deke, Robert A. Dorsey, Guy W. Dougherty, Michael C. Eden, R. Jeffrey Etheridge, R. Holt Evans Jr., Michael R. Ewing, Charles W. Fanshaw, Wade B. Foltz, Neal E. Fortney, Michael L. Frailer, David Gallalee, Jeffrey A. Goodwin, Gordon R. Hammock, Mark F. Harrington, Mitchell V. Heishman, Emmett R. Heltzel, Jefferson S. Henderson III, James B. Hickey, Edwin A. Howland Jr., Murray F. Hudson, David M. Janac, Thomas K. Jarvis, William R. Jennings Jr., Samuel C. Johnston, Charles W. Kause, Joseph W. Keyes Jr., David P. Kohler, Robert P. Louthan, Kevin M. Lundgren, G. Dewey Martin III, John A. Mathews Jr., George F. Mayforth Jr., Joseph J. McConnell, Thomas R. McCune, Ronald P. McGovern, W. Todd Minnix, Jeffrey A. Modisett, Richard M. Moore II, James J. Nau III, William C. Nichols, Van W. Noah, James A. O’Book, Thomas M. O’Sullivan III, Joseph R. Poteralski, John E. Reese, Richard A. Reisch, Jon A. Roach Jr., Cornelius T. Rogers, Nicholas J. Roper, Francis J. Rosenthal III, Charles S. Sanger, George F. Seiferth III, Mark J. Shifflette, James C. Showalter Jr., David L. Shutt, Russell G. Stewart III, José J. Suárez, George L. Thompson, James R. Thrasher, William A. Towler, Carl J. Tremaglio, David T. Wagner, John W. Wainwright III, Jerry A. Walker, Jacob H. Wamsley III, Paul H. Webb, Larry R. Williams Jr., Richard R. Wilson, W. Scott Wooddell and Richard Woolwine III.

Class Notes

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Class Notes is still working with JAG, just not sitting behind the bench any more.

The newlyweds, Mike and Sandy Eden, blessed us with their brief appearance at our reunion.

They had to leave midday Saturday to head to Italy for their honeymoon! Wow the pictures they posted afterward were incredible. I want to go next time, guys; where was my invite?

Russ Stewart is no longer traveling with Keller Williams Realty as a coach and trainer.

Instead, he is working with his wife, Stacy, with a real estate practice in San Antonio. Stacy and Russ welcomed their first grandchild, Russell V. J.J. Nau retired from the Federal Aviation Administration at the end of 2015 and moved back to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to be closer to their granddaughter, Ariana. J.J. is still trying to talk his daughter into letting him apply for the provisional appointment for Ariana. He also is pleased to see that Trey Phillips’ company is still advertising at the baseball field where Little League Baseball was founded in Williamsport.

José and Fran Suárez still call Canada home, although they have now moved to Montreal, Quebec. José continues to travel extensively in his job as president, mining and metallurgy for SNC – Lavalin. Fran gets to stay busy with their garden at their house, and they are blessed to take vacations in Barcelona, Spain, in December and Chile in April. Anyone heading northward is invited to drop by if in the neighborhood.

Bob and Kathy Louthan were at the reunion, of course. They have one last offspring in the Corps, Mason ’18. He is hoping to fly Navy (best choice) and will find out this October. Bob reported that he was glad to see Chuck Pace, David Gallalee and Bill Towler all at the reunion. And he says he found Dan Garcia in California! After the formal dinner party at Moody Hall, a few of us lost souls would up in the upstairs back room in Bob’s private suite. I must say it is quite the honor to have your bourbon served up by the president of the Alumni Association. He did not spill a drop of the golden liquid, but I forgot to put a tip in his jar, so I guess I will have to double it next time.

World traveler and all-around man of mystery, David Gallalee, will be in the D.C. area for the next six months working for the Department of Defense. Dave says his military leadership instructors would finally be so proud. I think Bob Louthan was trying to figure out exactly how many different government agencies David has worked with; we settled with all of them.

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Dave Kohler again surprised us with bringing a mystery date – this time, only one! This one was from South America, if I remember correctly, and the two were getting ready for a trip to Spain and Austria. Dave said he had earned vacation, as he had just finished a busy college student housing season. Remember, although Dave owns half of Richmond, or at least several Fan District housing units; he is trying not to be a slumlord.

Tom O’Sullivan sat at my table and claimed he had nothing to write a class note about. After I explained that it did not have to be about himself, he wrote a note about Kevin Sharp. Kevin, unfortunately, could not make the reunion, as his son was beginning school, and Michelle was recovering from surgery. Hope everything worked out for both of them. Tom wishes them well and is looking forward to getting updates on Facebook and reconnecting at our 40th. (See how easy this was, Tom?) Some people have a phenomenal memory. I am not one of them. Jay Wamsley’s dad does. Jay and Kelley brought the whole family to the reunion.

If you did not know it already, Jacob Wamsley ’51 is still very much with it. Jay introduced me to his dad, who promptly recalled meeting me at the VMI versus The Citadel game in Charlotte, North Carolina. Criminy! I can’t even remember the year I went to that game, let alone who I met there. Jay says they bring him along on the golf days, because he is the only one who can remember where anyone’s ball landed.

I got to spend some time talking with Mike and Heather Albert. Mike was in Company C with me and was an academic stud. He told me how he was such a straight arrow – until he met Heather.

She was the one who made him first “run the block.” That really opens one’s eye when reading the Christmas letter from the Albert household.

They are currently living in the Dallas, Texas, area and Mike is still teaching middle school math and treating the kids like a platoon of Marines.

Many happy returns at this reunion. Four out of five roommates were in attendance from Duke Addison’s room: Guy Dougherty, Jay Roach, Neal Fortney and Duke. Brad Walker was unable to attend due to his father’s memorial service.

Duke says that real estate is booming in Jacksonville, Florida. He opened his own brokerage firm 15 years ago this past summer. Many of you may be aware that the Addison name has been around the VMI campus a very long time. Duke did some counting and thinks there are about 20

who attended VMI, starting with his grandfather who was Class of 1921. Duke also said he was fearful he would be the first Addison not to make it in. The latest batch includes Grafton IV ’11 and Christian ’14. Christian just graduated from Washington and Lee University law and will be going into the U.S. Air Force as a JAG officer. This leaves Penny and Duke slowly getting used to being empty nesters. I don’t have Penny’s opinion on this, but Duke misses the turmoil. That being said, Duke and Penny are ready to enjoy life and travel.

Any BRs want to join them, call ’em and go!

Do you remember the story recently about Joe Bouchelle and his recovery of his class ring found in the ground of his former residence at Fort Union Academy? When I saw Joe at the football game with his ring, I asked to see it and also if he had any idea how it could have gotten lost in his yard. He laughed and told me that the truth came out with all the excitement of the ring return. His now teenage children confessed to having played the “buried treasure” game when they were younger. Makes you wonder what else might be missing. Joe added a note welcoming his first grandchild, Colette Virginia Crankston. Joe’s son, Granger, has finished his Eagle project and only needs to finish the hiking merit badge to complete all the requirements for Eagle. Congrats both of you.

Hizzoner Mark Ciarrocca and his wife, Janet, were in attendance. Some minor discrepancy has developed in that Mark was wearing a Tottenham Hotspur shirt, and I forgot to bring my Manchester City jersey (English Premier League Soccer to the rest of you football fans). The judge says I am not allowed to like more than one team. OK, Mark, I will concentrate on Mancity, and the loser at the end of the season buys the beer next time.

Jeff and Tara Modisett are empty nesters, and their kids are scattered far and wide. Tara informed me that two of them have landed in San Francisco after relocating from New York City and Boston.

They must be doing well, moving from one expensive city to another – although I think the daughter is sharing a house with nine others!

Doug Deaton, a rat roommate of mine, was my Uber driver this weekend. He is a very proud grandpa and claims to now have tendonitis elbow from always holding his grandson. Doug is a retired firefighter paramedic from the Norfolk area, now living in northern Virginia, and regaled us with stories of his experiences. For all you retired military who saw combat, consider this: He wore

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Class Notes body armor for two years while working in Nor- at Pennsylvania State University as a double major December. They ask that anyone traveling “in the area” let them know. folk, which at the time had a higher murder and in applied physics and mechanical engineering.

Austin Beckham says that he is enjoying life in The big Fanshaw family news is that Chuck shooting rate than Washington, D.C., Richmond and Hope are moving to Europe! Chuck has East Texas being a first time grandfather! and Detroit.

Kevin Lundgren has retired from the City of I got to spend some time talking with President been selected to be the management adviser to Chesapeake, Virginia, after 30 years as a civil Harry Bitzburger after we had moved the party to the U.S. ambassador to NATO. They will be movthe outdoor Col Alto log cabin behind the hotel. ing to Brussels, Belgium, for three years. Chuck engineer and project manager. He now works as I have been following his exploits as a volleyball left in October with Hope and Mia following in a project manager for MBP. He has four grandcoach on Facebook, and I shared my background children: Emeline (4), Harvey (3), Reese (2) and and love for the game. Turns out, Harry is a level Ruby (four months). Someday, he will retire and III coach and got his certification at the Richmond be Santa full time.

Volleyball Club, where I used to play many a lateWade and Bonnie Fultz were at the reunion. night match. It is his dream to establish a volleyball They came down from the Philadelphia area program at VMI and maybe coach there! Harry where Wade has been working in the paper inalso shared with us all at the dinner his remarkable dustry. story about trying to get into VMI. An incredible Paul and Lisa Webb carpooled a bunch of us story, and it left many of us dabbing our eyes. over to the dinner. Paul was doing double duty There was a running joke going along on this attending our reunion, as well as the track team, weekend that Harry was trying to be the twin of which was having a mini reunion across town.

Daryl Deke. It was really incredible how much Jeff Rosemen, Ed Daniel and Dee Shannon were they looked alike. Daryl has him in slightly bigable to attend, also. Sorry we could not see them Class of 1982: Class Agent Will Council at both. ger size, but the bald head and classic goatee said of this photo, “Me with the best women’s water polo fan for the upstate Joey Keyes did not have his house quite ready made several of us do a double take to make New York area, Papa Joe Poteralski.” for hosting our reunion, but he said the septic tank sure we were talking with the right BR. Check is in the ground, so that is a start. Joey them out in the class pictures if you has retired from Lockheed Martin afdon’t believe me.

At the memorial service for our ter 32 years and is enjoying life. He and classmates, Chaplain Caudill gave a Carol were heading to the Big Island wonderful story of his time here with in March to celebrate their own 35th us. Especially about his marriage and anniversary. family class and how to select the right Do you remember Ed Howland? He wife with big ankles! Perfect time for was here for the first time! Ed left us our reunion, as he had escaped from after rat year and went on to another Hurricane Irma as it was coming into Carolina school and got a surveyor Florida. Several of our BRs were more license. Many years later, he has been than worried about what they would working for Powhatan, Virginia, as the Class of 1982: Rat dykes from the Gold Coast, Will Council, Mark be returning to after the weekend. planning and zoning manager. I’m not Shifflette and Neal Rogers.

Which reminds me that we need to sure what made him finally decide to check in our friends and see how they come back to visit, but he was really fared. Shout to George Mayforth and loving the experience.

Dewey Martin, did you have a house Mike and Tierney Ewing are still in to return to?

Arlington, Virginia, both still working.

Rick and Debbie Wilson came to Mike could not compete with Joey the 30th Reunion when their son was and Carol, but he and Tierney are in his 4th Class year. Now they have celebrating 18 great years of marriage. made it a tradition by returning for the Mike was glad to see everyone at the 35th. They spent the last 27 years in reunion.

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, where DebJeff and Kumi Etheridge have been in Stafford, Virginia, since 2013 with bie is the music director of the LutherJeff now stationed at Quantico asan Church and Rick is in information technology business development. Son signed with the Wounded Warrior Ryan is an Air Force first lieutenant, Class of 1982: Duke Addison, Will Council and Chuck Kause.

Regiment as chaplain. They have and Tyler is in his last year (hopefully!) three children: Lauren, 23, graduated

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1982: Reunion special guest Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79, dean of faculty and deputy superintendent for academics at VMI, caught up with José Suárez. from Virginia Tech and is working in McLean, Virginia; Robert, 21, is a junior at Tech; and John, 18, is a high school senior and is at least considering VMI. Jeff says there is still hope! Unless anyone can tell us otherwise, Jeff and Darren McDew are our last active duty BRs. (Keith Jarvis is still wearing the uniform as a colonel in the Virginia Militia. Does that count?)

I am sorry if I have overlooked anyone in the notes. It was a fantastic event, and I know I was not alone in enjoying the opportunity to renew friendships and even make some new ones.

A final note: If you have not done so, please download the VMI Alumni app onto your smartphone. You can find all the contact information on everyone in our class. It’s the same that is available to me as the class agent. So you can reach out to those long lost roommates and re-establish that link. Then sit down and write a note to the class agent!

Have a great fall and winter.

Willis Council

1983

Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of mid-August through October 2017. Robin and I have settled in nicely in Knoxville. We are living downtown,

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which is very enjoyable. There is a lot of redevelopment going on and the “hipsters” are flocking to this part of town, so there is never a shortage of things to do. It seems as if every other building is or will be a brewery, a loft or a coffee shop. It’s a stone’s throw to the University of Tennessee campus, and you haven’t lived until you have joined 100,000 of your closest friends for a game at historic Neyland Stadium. Unfortunately, this year I think the Keydets could take the Vols, so the normal excitement is lacking, but you still see plenty of orange. As I write this, we prepare to move into our second operations center, so life is busy. If you are in eastern Tennessee, give us a call; we would love to show you the town.

It seems that, with increasing frequency, I must begin our notes with the news of the passing of another brother rat. Just before submission of these notes, we received word of the death of John Newland. John had been living in the Saint Paul, Minnesota, area with distinguished careers at Milliken, Mohawk Carpets and 3M. He had risen to the position of new product introduction systems manager and had been credited as inventor on three U.S. patents. He was an avid fisherman of Muskie and raised the Akita breed of dogs.

John graduated first in chemistry in our class. Our chemistry majors were a pretty close and peculiar lot. Some great remanences rolled in from Mark Benvenuto, Teddy Gottwald, Dan Martin, Alan McGreer and Brad Norwood. All remembered John as an extremely smart, driven student with an interesting sense of humor. Brad described him in that ubiquitous term – “ate up” – when it came to pursuing his studies. What I was reminded of was why I guess we never messed with chemistry majors. They had the ability to concoct potions that could dissolve any surface or blow doors off their hinges. Will Creekmur called and told me about John and his infatuation with Julie Newmar, the actress who played the Cat Woman on “Batman” – probably not an unusual fantasy for guys our age. All agreed John will be missed.

You should have seen an earlier email from me urging you to save the date of Nov. 2-3, 2018, for our 35th Reunion. That’s right, our 35th. We move back to the fall for our gathering, and we have already started the planning. Currently joining me on the committee to put on this event are Steve Amato, Bill Cornett, Jamie MacDonald, Joe Leonard, Owen Peery and Dave Warriner.

Our boots on the ground in Lexington are Scott Belliveau and Jay Williams. And, of course, our

Class of 1983: Steve Umberger and Bobby Humphrey when Steve was in Oakland to see Bobby’s son, Marlon, play for the Ravens against the Raiders in October 2017. Bobby was Steve’s arena football team coach. Bobby and Marlon were both first-round NFL draft picks and AllAmericans at Alabama.

Class of 1983: Steve Weiss ’86 and Joe Leonard at the Houston Marine Insurance Seminar. Joe was the keynote speaker and his dyke, Steve, was the seminar chairman.

Class of 1983: Bob Mednikov and Gene Warren met for breakfast in October 2017 when Bob was in Atlanta on business for the Virginia Banking Department.

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Class Notes Wagner, Dave Hall and Mark Hesadviser is Jim Outland, class agent emeritus. I am waiting on a couple lep. David’s son, David ’13, is now more to join the team, but with this a captain in the Army and headed to crew, it promises to be a great event.

Fort Campbell this December.

This is the perfect opportunity to get The weekend of the Warriner wedback to post and see your brother rats. ding was also the 5th Reunion for the Stay tuned for further details, but start Class of 2012. Not sure if anyone put working your travel! their head through the wall at their Speaking of Will Creekmur, he hotel, but Cal Murray led the celpassed along a good update that just ebration at the pregame with his son, shows what a small world we live in.

Cameron ’12; Richard Luck ’12; and In late September, Will was at the Mi- Class of 1983: VMI alumni at the wedding of Dave Warriner’s daugh- James Goodwillie ’12. There was also ramar Air Show at the Marine Corps ter, Martie, in October 2017 were, from left, Charlie Luck, Malachi a round of happy birthday in honor Mills, Richard Hewitt, Bob Louthan ’82, Jay Lasek, Gene Warren, Air Station San Diego or as he referred Steve Goddard, Dave Warriner, Bill Cornett, Clayton Wagner, Dave of Jay Williams. I trust that Cal mento it, Disney Warfare. He was hobnob- Hall, David Warriner ’13, Mark Heslep and Jeff Modisett ’82. tored those young alumni in the proper way to conduct a reunion. bing in the command tent when he One would expect a great update from a past came in contact with a gentleman whose name tag D.C., and is a photojournalist covering veterans, showed his last name was Zangas. Will asked him human rights and environmental issues. His work class agent, and Skip Goodwillie did not disapif he knew our BR John Zangas, and it turned out has been published by DC Media Group, Revolu- point. He had just returned from Lexington and it was John’s father. They enjoyed lunch together tion News and Vision Planet Media. Will contin- the Cadet-Alumni Networking Forum, where and caught up on our BR. John is in Washington, ues to live the dream on the left coast, and his offer he was a panelist in the information technology group along with Doug Wainwright. Skip reof lunch to visiting BRs stands.

Joe Leonard made it in with an update at shake- ported that our class has a firm grasp on Institute a-leg. He is in Houston and was at ground zero operations, with Wade Branner, Scott Belliveau, for Hurricane Harvey. He and Allison made it Dave Hall, Jay Williams and Doug Wainwright through without damage. Though retired as a all serving. Quite impressive showing for the class.

Skip and Staci recently ventured to British CoCoast Guard officer, he was called upon to assist as an Auxiliarist for five weeks serving as planning lumbia to see their son, James ’12, compete in the section chief and liaison officer, as well as deputy International Triathlon Union’s World Champiarea commander, in New Orleans for the potential onships. James brought home bronze and was the response to Hurricane Nate. Joe said that Uncle first American in his age group to get on the poSam got a commander at a 25 percent discount. dium. According to Skip, the greater competition Joe reports that Nate Turner and his wife, Chris, was probably getting their 15-month-old grandson did sustain damage and are rebuilding. Joe also through his first plane ride. Skip said, “It was four passed along information on Dave Powell. Dave adults against one 15-month-old, and he almost continues to be recognized for his books on the won. I believe we overcame his energy with bench Battle of Chickamauga. Dave was most recently strength and fresh legs.”

Another wedding was celebrated this past sumrecognized by the Milwaukee Civil War Roundtable with its Iron Brigade Award. Joe has a great mer, as Skip’s daughter was married. The groom idea for the 35th: A BR book signing by our au- is a Wahoo, but Skip says he’s OK, nonetheless. thors Lynn Seldon, Dave Powell, Mark Benve- Bride and groom both trace their roots back to nuto and Dan McGuire. I don’t think I have seen Scotland, and all the groomsmen were in kilts.

Skip thought it only fitting to have a bagpiper in another class do that!

It does not sound like Dave and Cindy Warri- full regalia close the ceremony as a surprise to the ner have enough going on. In addition to being newlyweds. Only Skip would find a piper who is a one of the regular hosts for our class’ football retired lieutenant commander and who presented game tailgates, they held the wedding of their the couple with challenge coins. Well done.

Skip has been with SLAIT Consulting now for daughter, Martie, in Staunton. She recently finished pharmacy school and is licensed in Ten- 11 years. He is in charge of sales for all their mannessee and Virginia. There were nine brother aged services and outsourcing solutions. How Class of 1983: Brent Dunahoe and Ivan rats in attendance, including Charlie Luck, Mal- would you have liked to walk into a classroom Marcotte representing at Brent’s preat Scott Shipp and had Skip as your professor? achi Mills, Richard Hewitt, Jay Lasek, Gene game tailgate at The Citadel.

Warren, Steve Goddard, Bill Cornett, Clayton Well he’s teaching a class called ethical, legal and

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes social/privacy issues in technology in the business school at Virginia Commonwealth University. It’s a mandatory class for juniors and seniors, so it’s rather diverse with all races, religions, nationalities and genders represented. Why do I have this image in my mind of Harold Ramis in “Stripes?” It’s obvious that Skip is as high energy as ever. Great update.

That is the update for now. As I said earlier, stay tuned for updates for reunion. If you have any ideas, do not hesitate to give me a call or drop me an email. As always, if possible, get back to Lexington. You will be impressed with what you see.

Also, remember the Institute in your giving.

That is all.

1984

Andy Protogyrou

Eleven-15. I tell a good friend of mine, Joe Migliozzi, Citadel class of ’87, I am continuing my client’s probation violation to Nov. 15. As I said, literally, “11-15,” Joe being one of the more clever ex-Knobs I have ever met, and a circuit judge, responds, “You mean 20 to three.” As I normally have to tell judges when they do not follow what I say, I told him, “No, 11-15.” He, in open court from the bench, says, “No, 20 to three.” Now, I changed the tone of my voice, (communicating, “What don’t you get?”) and again repeat the new date saying the word, “November,” before I realize he is spouting off the football score from the weekend. The score was The Citadel: 20, VMI: 3. Needless to say, I lost it, laughing out loud in court at how clever a Citadel guy could really be. I could only say touché!

Many of you may have heard that the Cav, Marlene, John Munno and Jaime traveled to the land of their forefathers for a nice couples’ vacation.

However, upon information unbeknownst to Cav, he tried to board the flight but was rejected at the gate. Cav, for all of his travel, did not know the ins and outs of passports and international travel. His passport was on the verge of expiring. A passport on the verge of expiring is, for all practical purposes, expired. The Cav had to scramble to Washington for an immediate passport turnaround that takes a day. After all that, he was finally taken off the no fly list. Leave it to the two of them to then

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fly to Barcelona in the middle of the Catalan revolt. Literally, they landed in a civil war, only to be met by Alex Weinstein. Alex is traveling around Europe for his year abroad after his college graduation; however, he is only 33 years too late.

Barry Coceano and Dawn are splitting time between Lexington and northern Virginia. Frank and Mary Kay Kollmansperger spent the weekend recently Chez Coceano so their son could visit barracks and get that true feel of VMI. Frank’s son is good to go and would be a great addition to our fraternity.

On another note, Jamie Shoemaker decided to have a fishing outing on his boat out into the Chesapeake Bay. Skipper Jamie’s crew consisted of Frank, Barry, Alex Thompson and Dave Pruitt. Like Gilligan’s Island, the crew and skipper suffered from a lack of annual maintenance and a smoking engine. They became stranded in the bay, requiring a tow back to civilization. Similar to the same core group’s hunting trips written about in past Reviews, nature survived unscathed.

Fish: 5, fisherman: 0. Guys, remember: Fish have brains the size of a peanut, at best.

I hear Jim Dixon and Leslie are in the Washington, D.C., area where Jim is the business manager of a large district law firm. God bless you, Jim. Lawyers’ egos must make that job like herding cats. Also, Bruce Houck has transitioned from running the New Jersey penal system to working in a high school. Not sure exactly what he is doing, but by God, if anyone can catch the kids

Class of 1984: Andy Protogyrou with his son, Tony ’16, upon Tony’s graduation from Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Tony is a first-year law student at West Virginia University and drills with the 1st Battalion 111th Field Artillery Virginia Army National Guard.

before they get in trouble, it will be Bruce on the front end now.

Tom Anthony recently downsized and bought a home near the Reston Town Center. Keith Belcher and Tom Carboni helped Tom move up three flights of stairs! Now that is real brother rat love! Yet another Citadel guy, Bob Lovett, The Citadel ’82, makes it to our pages by being promised gross amounts of alcohol to assist our brother rats in helping with the move.

Lastly, my son, Tony ’16, has returned from Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Sill and is enjoying law school at West Virginia University. He travels many weekends back home to drill with his unit, the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment. He tells me law school is nothing like VMI, and I tell him, “Don’t I know.” Hopefully a photograph of his graduation from Fort Sill makes it into these pages. My daughter, Demetra ’19, gets her ring in a few days, and I am blessed to escort her under the ring. I will let everyone know how it goes. God bless us all, and know I love each of you.

Andy

1985

Matt Daniel

Matt Daniel (help received by secret agent Jake Spivey.)

On a sad and sobering note, our Brother Rat Jay Malik lost his lovely wife, Eileen, in October. The service for Eileen was held in San Diego. Dave Tingley and Tayloe Dameron made the trip to be with Jay. Prayers and blessings for the Malik family and gratitude to Dave and Tayloe for being there with the Malik family. ’85 ambush: A small fireteam of brother rats, trained killers, all, slipped quietly (more like “tripped clumsily”) into the Pentagon Hall of Valor in September to watch with pride as Jina, lovely bride of Brig. Gen. Jim Begley, pinned another star on each of his shoulder boards to change his brigadier general status to major general in the National Guard and welcome aboard Maj. Gen. Jim Begley (one each). In attendance were proud BRs Kevin Holland, Tom Rahe, Jake Spivey, Pete Mangerian and your class agent. Well done, brother rat!

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Class Notes Classy Rockbridge: Lex Vegas got a little classier this fall, as Dave and Jennifer Tingley and Pat “Mags” and Lisa McGuire joined longtime Rockbridge County VMI Class of ’85 as permanent residents: Joe and Cindy Irby, Meade and Leslie King, Russ and Laura Orrison and Professor Todd Smith. Several other BRs – Ken and Charon Hirlinger, Bill Wieners, and William Tilling, to name a few – have secured convenient crash pads/party places, as well! Your shy and retiring class agent and his bride even snuck one in there. The intrepid Class of 1985 is well-represented in Lexington.

A little short (and true) story: Keystone Light beer is a staple for tailgates and other jolly get-togethers where beer is appropriate. It is sort of the new Natty-Bo for today’s Corps. It has been said that if you ever see a case of Keystone heavy, or regular Keystone beer, buy it, because it is one of those unicorns you won’t find easily. Red case, red cans. I recently caught wind of one of our esteemed classmates who was lucky enough to run across a case of red Keystone and bought the 30-pack suitcase for a cool $14.99 (chilled).

Said BR delivered it to an undisclosed tailgate for an undisclosed group of classmates at an undisclosed location before a football game between undisclosed opponents which one team lost, badly (though the score is not disclosed). The undisclosed Spivey and the undisclosed King were less than gracious in their reception of the cool new red suitcase of sudsy fun and now think it is appropriate to poke fun at the undisclosed red-Keystone provision-er.

Remember gents: “Keith Stone, he’s so smooth.”

A heroes story: When tragedy hit Oct.1 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kelly Raber’s wife and daughter, Deb Raber and Kierstin Gallerie, were there in person, psyched to watch and listen to the Harvest Music Festival. They had gotten physically separated at the concert when the gunfire opened up. Kierstin was about 30 feet from the stage.

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Class of 1985: After the promotion of Maj. Gen. Jim Begley, Pete Mangerian, Jake Spivey, Matt Daniel, Tom Rahe and Kevin Holland huddled proudly for a picture.

Class of 1985: Major Gen. Jim Begley strides out to receive congratulations from his friends, coworkers and brother rats.

Class of 1985: Major Gen. Jim Begley lists leftward as his bride, Jina, pins on his second star. Photo courtesy U.S. Army National Guard.

A man directly in front of Kierstin was hit in the chest with a bullet. He went down. Kierstin crawled forward to help the man. She knew she had to stop the bleeding, so she pressed her hands on his chest wound. She stayed with him, keeping him awake and alert, talking with him about his family and how excited they would be to see him again, safe and sound. During the confusion, Kierstin’s mother, Deb, made it to her. They clutched hands and watched over the man. When the shots ended and it was deemed safe to move, Kierstin and Deb were helped out of the venue, reluctantly leaving the wounded man with medical professionals. She was worried about the man and feared that, having lost so much blood, he may not survive. Later that week, Kierstin received a message from the man that he was safe and that she was a hero. Indeed, she is. Both your ladies are, brother rat!

Where’s Fester?: After another playoff failure by the Washington Nationals, Kerry Kirk has gone into hiding.

Please contact Jake or myself with any news or sightings. Please include GPS coordinates with any sightings and direction and speed of movement.

Chief executive officer roundtabler: Pete Delano (senior vice president and principal, Nobis Engineering) was accepted as member of the Society of American Military Engineers Federal Small Business Conference for the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industry CEO Roundtable, Nov. 15-17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Agent: That’s a mouthful!)

Says Pete: “I’m excited to have been accepted into the CEO Roundtable taking place at S.A.M.E.’s Small Business Conference in November.

In today’s world, high level engagement between the A/E/C industry and government is essential toward national security and to support our outstanding military. Look forward to seeing you all in Pittsburgh!”

Jacked: Jack Rose attended the Association of the U.S. Army Conference

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes this year in Washington, D.C. We did not get any information from him other than a super cool photo of him with an unknown Doughboy. Jack, you look great, but write back and let us know what is going on.

Elk Slayer: Andy Valenzuela sent Jake a note where he told of a tale of a week’s hunting trip in the back country of Montana. Though the weather was biting cold, Andy had a great hunt.

They humped 4 miles in and hunted another 1-2 miles further in. Andy was lucky enough to kill a beautiful 700-plus pound bull elk which he carried out on two horses. It was a great hunt. A friend brought two horses to help carry the meat out. I hear Andy will be having elk tacos for dinner for the next year.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print, gents.

In the spirit, ’85, ’85, ’85.

1986

Clint Hubbard Class of 1985: Jack Rose with a new friend at the AUSA conference in Washington, D.C., in September 2017.

Class of 1985: Kelly Raber’s wife, Deb, and daughter, Kierstin, at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas before the tragic shooting began.

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You know what passes faster than Thanksgiving furlough or faster than the hop privileges of a 3rd Class cadet? The time between the third and fourth quarter submissions for the class notes in the Alumni Review! These notes are being submitted on or about Nov. 1 and should appear in print in early 2018.

The biggest newsmakers in the Class of 1986 involve our favorite house band. That is, the artists formerly known as 83+3. They’ve had an identity change and are now known as The Strain featuring Sammy Shako. They’ve played a couple of paying gigs in the metro D.C. area, and by the time you read this in print, they will have played a few gigs for the VMI Alumni Association. They were the featured act for the alumni trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for The Citadel football game, and they were also scheduled to rock Moody Hall after the home football game on Founders Day weekend. Of course, the regulars include Dave Miller, Dave Grimm, Marty Mason, Rob Mason, Ralph Frye and Tony Hirtz with occasional guest appearances by such notables as Paul Boos, Mike Chapman and Steve Grzeszczak. It occurred to me that in his active duty career on the dark side of special ops, one of those BRs probably never

needed an alias, because his name was an alias enough, right? An after-action report will follow.

By all reports, Sammy and the boys rocked Charleston and are looking forward to their next gig in Lexington. We should take pride in the noise that The Strain and Sammy Shako are generating and also be honored that their inaugural gig was at our 30th Reunion!

In “The Institute was heard from” category, West End Eye Care, of which Bobby Rainer is the proprietor, was recently selected Best in Richmond (Virginia) by the local news media headlined by the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper. Brother Rat Rainer has built an impressive practice with multiple locations and has hired extra hands to help serve his large client base. As a client/patient as well as a BR, I highly recommend BR Rainer’s expertise and services.

On a similar note, here’s a shoutout to Kevin Reardon ’87, whose family business, Franco’s Fine Clothiers, was rated as the No. 1 men’s haberdashery in the same Best in Richmond survey/ranking. For anything from casual clothes to neckties to suits to shoes to tuxedoes, Kevin and his team can fix you up. They have two locations in the Richmond area and offer alterations for a custom fit.

According to our greatest oracle of the 21st century (Facebook), Joe DeKeyrel is about 75 percent done building his plane. That’s right, building his plane. Brother Rat DeKeyrel achieved his pilot’s license a few years ago and then decided to build his own plane. Don’t worry; we’ll all get to see it up close when Joe buzzes the Parade Ground during our 35th Reunion parade.

If something comes up to preclude BR DeKeyrel from giving us a fly-by, our fallback is a nod from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. J.M. Hicks to send scramble some of his boys from Special Operations Command – Africa. Brother Rat Hicks assumes command of SOCAFRICA in June 2017.

The news release said SOCAFRICA has more than 1,700 personnel taking part in missions and exercises in nearly 30 African countries. No doubt that BR Hicks’ experiences in managing concurrent operations at Mary Baldwin College, Sweet Briar College, Hollins College and RandyMac in 1985 were good training.

Jim Taggart is still “makin’ and runnin’ likker” across central Virginia. In addition to their flagship apple brandy, Woods Mill Distillery has started making gin and rye whiskey, too. Their

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Class Notes home and traveling dream. Caught products are available through the up with a lot of BRs this year. Among Virginia ABC system (stores); some them: I got to stay at Neal Naff’s and stores stock the products and all can orNate’s beautiful home in Maryland; der it for you. Brother Rat Frank Clark parked near Scott Jewell’s place and has been known to drive up from Durhad a great visit; hung out with Craig ham, North Carolina, to South Boston, Covert at his awesome mountain Virginia, to pick up some apple brandy home; and parked in front of Curt “for medicinal purposes.” You can Schoonmaker’s house, bringing the also pick some up from a black panel ambiance to a nice residential neightruck parked just off Route 29 south of Charlottesville, Virginia, on Thursdays borhood that only an RV can. As of that are odd days. Brother Rat Taggart October, I have driven the coach all says the latter service makes him feel across the U.S. and Canada for about closer to his ancestors. Wayne Fuller 20,000 miles. I am parked in southis burning up Route 29 on Thursdays west Arizona for the winter now. I do looking for a black panel van for the some volunteer work here and hang same reason.

Class of 1986: Gathered at Hampden-Sydney College for a out with the parents and neighbors.”

Speaking of Wayne Fuller, what do football weekend were, from left, Stew Barnes, Clint Hub- Kevin just bought a ’70s-era RV, avohe, Stew Barnes and George Sheild bard, Wayne Fuller and George Sheild. cado green with shag carpet, which all have in common? No; besides low he would love to park on your street, GPAs, lower military bearing and speculative pertoo. I’ve reserved May. Don’t wait for someone to call you, just sonal hygiene? They are all three sending a signifigather your local BRs and start your own mini cant portion of their income to Hampden-Sydney reunions. It’s a great way and time to catch up.

College in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, as all three Curt Schoonmaker If you’ll let me know, I’ll post and notify all of have sons who are students at HSC. In late Sepyour planned gatherings. Sam and Jackie Neltember, it was family weekend and all three were going to be there, so we coordinated, and I packed son hosted a blowout party at their Chesapeake up my two boys to go down for a look-see. HampBayfront home Sept. 9 for Paul Munson’s 35th The Class of ’87 still running barracks! We birthday. Gray Wooten, Bruce Bangley, Eric den-Sydney is an impressive school – a beautiful campus and a great football tailgate experience. had a relatively quiet summer, and now it’s Davis, Terry Sutherland, Gerry Tertychny and me, along with spouses and offspring, watched Brother Rat Sheild saved me a parking spot “in time to put the woolies back on. Daily class upas Paul easily dispatched the flames on his two the swamp,” and as soon as I was out of the car, he dates are on VMI 1987 30th Reunion at Facewas cracking eggs and making me a breakfast bisbook. This has been an excellent connection candles numbered 3 and 5.

A squad of fine and fit young men gathered cuit. If I can figure a way to get BR Sheild and BR method for many, and for the BRs who aren’t Dave “Papa G” Grimm together on a tailgate, my there yet, we miss you and would love to have deep in enemy territory at The Military Classic of the South in Charleston to watch a fine fight troubles are over, as those boys are tailgate studs. you join us on the stoop.

We have two more friends in high places now. near the end of October. Craig Covert posted, If you have a young man who might be looking “Ran into Eric Davis and Owen Curley at the Mark Johnson was promoted to U.S. Air Force at college, I’d highly recommend taking a look at game today while they were slumming for free Hampden-Sydney; it is an impressive school and major general in June and is currently staatmosphere. tioned in Washington, D.C., with the Defense beer. They got some! Found Ken Marsh and Bill Not much else to tell. The Keydets have strugLogistics Agency as director of operations at Wanovich in the beer tent. Bob Phillips stopped by briefly to say, ‘Hi.’ Also found my Ring Figgled on the gridiron this fall, but just wait ’til Fort Belvoir. Welcome home, BR! You’ve got lots of familiar neighbors around here. next year, right? ure dyke, Andy Tunnard ’89, and our former Bill Wanovich posted in early September, TAC officer and Naval ROTC Marine officer There are still a few games left where they may redeem their season. I still believe in Coach “Yesterday, I was told our own Colonel Bowlinstructor, Captain Kurt Overmohl ’81.”

Scott Wachenheim, and hopefully they will be man T. ‘Tripp’ Bowles was nominated for brigTom Peer found Keith Washington in early turning the corner for good in the future. adier general. Six flag officers and counting for October at a Steelers game. Keith is a NFL That’s it, boys; I hope the Dark Ages are not ’87!” Congratulations, Tripp. referee and wears the No. 7, so watch for him too dark for you and that 2018 comes in with a Travelin’ man Kevin Barker could well be the near you. If he knows you’re there, he’ll find bang for you and yours. Take a minute and send replacement for the guy looking for the Idaho you if you can get there early. Tom has some in some news; your BRs want to hear about you. potato truck. He writes, “Been retired from the great pictures. You can find Keith on FaceAlso, don’t forget to reach out to a BR or two to Air Force after 28-and-a-half years for over a book. Search Keith D. Washington. keep in touch. Take care, brother rats. year now, and it is grand. Living my motor No pictures this time around. Sorry. Online

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes postings don’t work. I need at least 300dpi resolution, so please send me the originals directly with a good description.

In the bonds my brothers, Schoon

1988

Sam Tate

Brother Rats, By the time you read these notes, you should be packing for your trip to the 30th Reunion.

We are excited that you can join all of us. For those of you who can’t for some reason or other, we understand, but you will be missed.

Updates from our brother rats: Frank DeVenoge, Brad Reed, David Hickey and Ted Wagner attended a Washington National’s game Aug. 30. Ted was able to take a picture of Ryan Zimmerman in the on-deck circle to illustrate their awesome seats thanks to Frank.

Tom O’Buckley arrived safely in Texas and was able to connect with other Texas BRs to include Rob (San Antonio) Gowan.

David Hope and his wife, Wendy, live in Richmond and recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Their eldest son, Talmadge, plays lacrosse at Collegiate School.

Dave hopes Talmadge makes the tough decision to follow in his footsteps at VMI as part of the Class of ’23.

Drew McKone visited with Jim Tuemler this past September in Charleston, South Carolina.

Ron Kindley speaks with Brian Egloff and Lance Gilman often. Brian has moved to Leesburg, Virginia, and he and his wife came down to Williamsburg in April to go to one of the Ducks Unlimited events Ron sponsors. Ron volunteers as a District Chairman for Ducks Unlimited and helps with their chapters in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Newport News, Hampton, Charles City and at the College of William & Mary. Ron recently returned from a great duck hunting trip in Saskatchewan with the Ducks Unlimited regional director. Ron wrote, “I didn’t do too much damage, so everyone can still expect a migration this year.”

T.C. Chau, in his role as president of the Vietnamese Community of Central Virginia, described his experience during the Vietnam War at a screening of the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary in Richmond. The full interview can be found on the class Facebook page.

The usual suspects gathered for the northern Virginia VMI 88 luncheon this past fall. Attendees included Hugh Brien, Scott Stachelek, Sam Tate, Bill Beyer, Ed Wetherell, Kirk Dewyea, Jim Florio, Wayne Sinclair, Derek McFarland, Lew Sigmon, John Wanat and John Keppeler.

We all continue to appreciate John Keppeler’s initiative in keeping this monthly event strong, and we certainly hope it continues well into the future. If you are in town, send us a note so we can include you in the next one.

BRs, see you at the reunion. Rah VMI ’88!

As always, you can reach me at the following: VMI 88 Facebook page (join 287 BRs and family and growing) 571-659-0904 (home) 703-772-0854 (cell)

Class of 1988: Northern Virginia alumni Hugh Brien, Scott Stachelek, Sam Tate, Bill Beyer, Ed Wetherell, Kirk Dewyea, Jim Florio, Wayne Sinclair, Derek McFarland, Lew Sigmon, John Wanat and John Keppeler.

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Class of 1988: VMI alumni at the Investiture and Annual Business Meeting of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem were, from left, Bill Janis ’84, Jim Florio and Steve Reardon ’84.

Class of 1988: Sam Tate and Bob Clay enjoyed happy hour in downtown Washington, D.C.

Class of 1988: Brad Reed, Ted Wagner, Frank DeVenoge and David Hickey at a Washington Nationals game.

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Class Notes comfort that we have a BR there in a leadership position leading our son and the rest of the Corps of Cadets.”

Billy is still doing residential mortgage loans in all 50 states (please help him spread the gospel) and has had the pleasure of hiring some young VMI alumni, which has worked out great for all parties. Thanks, Billy; great update!

Andy Tunnard also shared a great update this round, which follows in its entirety. “Yes, I turned 50 April 5. Little tiny trivia. My birthday is 4/5/67; the only time in the 60s that could happen. When I actually shared that with my closest

with United, and the oldest of his three kids will soon be looking at college.” Andy was also able to spend the Fourth of July with Pete, along with Steve Chiles Keith Sykes and Matt Tederick. Andy, Matt, Brian, Billy and Keith Sykes also took Steve Warren to a Nats game after he returned from a one-year David A. Martin deployment to Iraq. Glad to hear you made it back to the homeland safely!

Bringing up the rear, great news from Dave Martin. He finished the doctoral program at George Washington University in education in September. Now, Doc Martin or Dr. DAM. No, cannot prescribe meds. Spent my whole life being pissed off at “the system and ‘the man’” to include It’s Halloween eve on one of the early failed step-offs and BRFs who made me redays of fall here in Akron, Ohio. Hard to locate to high tax areas, turned a negative believe we’re in the final throes of 2017 as into a positive with the topic of: “DissenI write these notes – time flies! I hope this tion in the Ranks: Dissent within U.S. Civil Review finds everyone in a good place as we Military Relations During the Truman Adall move out of the holiday season. ministration, a study of the U.S. Army disBilly Miller gave a great update on a senting with Truman’s order to desegregate number of fronts. He reports, “Liam Miller the Army.” Turning it into a book about ’21, Kristen’s and my oldest son, is a rat at desegregation of the Army. BRFs get 0.89 VMI. He is in the honors program, God percent discount. bless him.” May there be many “ac” stars Took a job with the Air Force as an inin Liam’s future! structor at Defense Institute of Security CoBilly also heard that George and Sue operation Studies at Wright Patterson Air Armbruster’s son is also a 4th Class cadet, and rumor has it maybe Neil Heimer has a Class of 1989: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Panell, Mr. and Mrs. Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Oct. 30. Closed on a house with 2 acres of forest Dec. 1. son that is one and one of Harlan Carvey’s Andrew Tunnard, and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Tederick.

Ready for visitors Dec. 2. Form it up. nephews, too. You guys have some official Keep the updates coming, if nothing else, out of news for us? friends at VMI, that started the birthday beatings. pity for your class agents!

Steve Warren retired from the Army as an O-6, Good times!

Happy holidays! and is now on-air talent for CNN. Bob Alder re“Late last year, Janie and I also celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and she turned 50. We tired from the Washington, D.C., Police Department, where he was the deputy chief of police. He took a nice trip to San Francisco and the wine country. We are empty nesters now. Our youngis now an executive with the NFL. Daren Payne est, Nicole, graduated from West Chester UniverBilly reported that he sees Matt Tederick regularly. Matt, Billy and Randy Janey ’87 have a sity of Pennsylvania in May. She will be going to graduate school at Montclair University in New company called 1839 Capital, and they are doing, among other things, commercial real estate Jersey this fall. Our oldest, Andrea, is living and development in and around Budapest, Hungary. working in Charleston, South Carolina. She will Brother Rats, be starting graduate school at the University of the Sounds like the three of them enjoy working toI wanted to begin this set of notes with an upSciences of Philadelphia (online) this fall, as well. gether on the project. date on Sal Bora. For those who are not familiar, “I am still the assistant commissioner of operaWe’re not sure who ended up showing up for Brian Pannell’s 50th birthday near Frederick, tions at the New Jersey Department of Transpor- Sal was in a terrible motorcycle accident near his Maryland, in late August. Billy was looking fortation. It is a great job with endless challenges, home in California, and only the intervention of a ward to seeing a bunch of BRs, but we didn’t get fiand I hope I am allowed to stay on with the bystander who performed CPR saved his life. Sal nal post-op report. Happy belated birthday, Brian! change in governor come January. I have been is now in a long-term rehab facility in Torrance, Billy also shared that Mitch Fridley is still the very involved in the North Jersey VMI alumni California, and is gradually regaining many funcdeputy commandant at VMI, and Kristen and chapter, doing college recruiting and attending tions but still faces a long uphill road to recovery.

He and the family are so grateful for all the cards, he visited with Mitch on Matriculation Day. He other networking events. looks great and is keeping the Corps of Cadets “On the brother rat front, I stay in touch with letters, flowers, visits, messages on social media, in line. Billy commented that “it brings me great Bill Miller and Pete Catalano. Pete is still flying prayers and thoughts over the past three months.

1989

1990

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I traded several phone messages with Mark Once again, it’s been such a pleasure to see our a joint analyst trainer with Cubic – a large providclass mobilize and come together in support of er of training services for warfighting units – out Dick, who was calling to check on Sal Bora. Mark retired from the Army Medical Corps and is now one of our own. Do continue to pray for healing of Suffolk, Virginia. for Sal and comfort on his family, as Sal’s recovery I had a great phone call with Bill Ator back in living in Rappahannock, Virginia. A belated conwill be a marathon rather than a sprint.

September. Bill continues to work with Air Force grats, BR, on your new life outside the Army, and I met for lunch with Terrence Kerner and Barry JROTC in Sumter, South Carolina. He is interest- thanks for your service.

Johnson in August to discuss future construction ed in getting more involved with the Keydet Club I also got the following note from our very first opportunities on post. Terrence also put in a long- and getting back to VMI more often. This is some- class agent, Dave Yockel: “I have been here in lost BR request for John Draper to come out of thing I’d encourage all of you to think about. Serv- Oklahoma since 2003. Paula and I have been marhiding, while Barry is in search of BR Buxton. Bill ing the institute through these clubs, foundations, ried since then, as well, and we have one son, Cole, Madison has also become a frequent guest in our chapters and societies is a great way to network, who just turned 8 and is in second grade. He is office, as he is the project manager for the $15 mil- give back, meet new friends and help VMI, and very active in soccer and basketball. I am the dilion Preston Library renovation project. Bill is a you don’t have to be a full scholarship donor or rector of human resources for Shawnee Tubing professional engineer with WM Jordan construc- multimillion-dollar giver to participate. I’m more Solutions, a copper tube manufacturing company than willing to talk to anyone who is willing to here in central Oklahoma. I have been here for altion and works out of Richmond where he lives.

Terrence Kerner sent along an update on our serve in any capacity I can get you connected. most five years now and really enjoy what I do. president, Charlie Plageman: “Charles I see and speak with Taylor Farmer a Plageman tied the knot in October at few times a year. He and his family are a family service at his parents’ home. in Lawton, about 80 miles or so from Buddy Garbett (Charles’ bro-in-law), Oklahoma City, where we live. Other Mark Cunningham, Sam Stocks and than that, I haven’t kept up with or run I were honored to be a part of the postinto many BRs out here. I have not service reception. We, unfortunately, been back to the ‘I’ since I moved here didn’t take a picture together.” Conbut hope to take Cole back that way in the next year or so to let him see the grats from the class, Mr. President – we Institute.” wish you all nothing but the best in the Bill Gaspar checked in with the folyears ahead!

Lenny Carson contacted me early lowing neat report: “I designed and in the reporting period, as he spent the coordinated the installation of a new summer buying and selling a house repel tower at Fort Pickett with more and preparing for the start of yet anthan 20 stations, to include repel and fast rope. During the project, the reother school year. Ever-faithful Dave Kaulfers also contacted me to let me pel master asked if he were able to Class of 1990: Colonels Weedon Gallaghaer and Mark Hennigan know he’d found Pat O’Leary, who is find a UH-60, could I hang it for their at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s back working for VDOT, along with Leadership in Homeland Security Executive Education Series in training. Always up to challenge and Mike Doczi and several other BRs. September 2017. knowing he could not possibly find Dave also got me in contact with Mike one, I agreed. Five months later, I was Teu who, along with Paul Kricorian, stays busy measuring/weighing and working on methods on as a commercial airline pilot. Speaking of BR how to hang the Black Hawk. The beam you see O’Leary, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit below is for secondary bracing during high wind with him when he stopped by my office as he was events.” Looks like an awesome training facility passing through VMI after being at the Homestead you guys created there, as I’m sure all of our Air Resort for work in October (tough job). In addition Assault qualified BRs remember what we trained to working for VDOT, Pat continues to serve as an on wasn’t nearly as nice. engineer lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve Before the first football game, I was able to get working for Pacific Command (another tough together with local BRs Chris Larlee, Ramon duty station) in Hawaii.

Williams, Keith Kornegay and Greg Hatchett, Minter Ralston also reported in from Charwho had his son up for a visit to VMI. We met up for lunch at the new and improved VMI food lotte, North Carolina. He is now fully retired Class of 1990: Bill Gaspar aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk training mockup he court (no grilled cheese anymore). It was great from the U.S. Marine Corps and has a new job planned and built at Fort Pickett, Vircatching up with everyone, and Keith and I were with Duke Energy. Speaking of Marines, Col. ginia, where it will be used for rappelling humbled to dine with two Athletic Hall of Famers Chris Dixon is officially retired from the Marine and air assault training. and VMI’s last man to go through Ranger School Corps, as well, and embarked on a new career as

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Class Notes as a cadet. Greg is now back in northern Virginia working in nuclear material security, Keith works in Lexington for state office of water quality, Chris is involved in a number of business ventures and pursuits that involve the wearing of kilts and riding motorcycles (although I don’t think he wears a kilt while riding the motorcycle), while Ramon and I labor away to keep VMI funded and maintained each day. Ramon also had coffee in the new and improved food court with Jim Cox, who was in town before the admissions open house. On game day, I had Mike Mullori, Matt Hemenez and Glenn Dickenson join us at our tailgate. Also ran into Fred Minnegerode and family who were in town celebrating the 25th Reunion for the Class of 1992, the class of his late brother, Clark ’92.

Glenn is now working at Fort Belvoir and has two kids in the Corps. Mullori and Hemenez entertained us with stories from life in the sinks with their roommates and neighbors Finnan, Assimokapolus, Tom Pugh and Vic Sabino.

My old roommates – Rich Mehl all the way from Wilmington, North Carolina, and David Ratliff from nearby Roanoke – plus Chris Larlee riding in from Lexington on his motorcycle and John Hahn and sons from Smith Mountain Lake came up to tailgate with us for the Samford game. We also caught up with BRs Sam Stocks; Joe Pittman, who rode his motorcycle in from Fairfax; Don Bowers who was visiting his rat son from Harrisonburg; Fred Minnigeroode in town visiting his son, 1st Class Cadet Charlie; and John Gottwald, who came up from Richmond for the day. Chuck Smith was in town giving an air and missile defense briefing to the National Security class of his son, 2nd Class Cadet Tucker, and I also ran into Joey Jones at church, as he lives in nearby Raphine and spends his free time coaching Babe Ruth League baseball. Joey also stays very active serving as church ministry chairman and chairman of the board of deacons in the church.

At the Western Carolina University game, we were joined by BRs Dave Ratliff; Glenn Dickenson visiting both his kids in the Corps; Barry Johnson, who was visiting his son, Carter ’20; and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Bill Bowers, who had a weekend pass from his awesome wife to be at the game. I was also fortunate enough to bump into Doug Dillon and Crane, who had discovered the best kept secret at a VMI – the Keydet Club free beer and food tent on the hill. Doug is working as a teacher in Loudon County while BR Crane is in the construction business out of West Virginia.

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I also ran into Matt Schwarzmann Friday at the parade. Matt still lives in Lexington but works for a company in Ashburn, Virginia, and makes the commute there a couple of days a week.

I got some nice photos from Cols. Weedon Gallagher and Mark Hennigan, who spent some time at Harvard’s prestigious Kennedy School of Government for the Leadership in Homeland Security Executive Education Series. Both Mark and Weedon are brigade commanders on the National Guard side and are obviously excelling based on their selection for such a highly competitive program.

From John “J.P.” Lanzillotta, I got the following update: “In my travels, I caught up with Brian Albro out at Puget Sound for lunch. He is doing well – still active in old person rugby. He looks the same as always. I had possibly the worst meal in recent memory a few weeks back with Matt Hemenez at a Buffalo Wild Wings (his pick). He looks like the old man he has become. He was in D.C. this week for AUSA. Mullori and I tried to catch up with him, but his schedule was too compressed.

Of note, he picked another crappy bar food joint to meet. He must just like bad food. I had dinner not long ago with Kelly Musick and his wife down in Suffolk. They are doing well. I have been remiss lately in catching up with the crew in northern Virginia. I will need to fix that if I can stay in town for a few weeks in a row.”

From the West Coast, Dave Kaulfers checked in with the following: “There are a few VMI folks in the bay area. About a month ago, while walking the streets of San Francisco, Greg Rougeau ’89 came up to me and asked, ‘Did you go to VMI?’ Of course, I am 6 feet 6 inches and was wearing OCPs, so I sort of stick out in a city where not too many Army folks reside. This was the second time I have run into a VMI guy (person) in San Francisco in the 5-plus years I have lived here. The first time was June 2012 when I had just gotten my $5 haircut in Chinatown and was waiting on the bus, when out of the blue, I hear my name being shouted. It was one of my roommates, Bob Pedigo, from Hawaii. We proceeded to hang out for a few hours and got an Irish coffee from the Buena Vista (bucket list item), had a beer in the Salon (the oldest bar in San Francisco), hit Coit tower and had lunch at Calzones.” Dave also helped me track down Barry Maxon, who is residing out on the “left coast” in California.

Closer to home, I got to do some work with John Burleson of Burleson Engineering. John is

helping me with perc tests, drain field and site layout for some land we’re buying here to eventually build a permanent home on. The work was actually giving me flashbacks to things like surveying and geology with Commander Erchul.

I’ve got to put out a call for long-lost BRs. Where are you, Doug Robinson, Mark Cumbee, Mo Greene, Dennis Bundens and Mike Roman?

Please check in, and let your BRs know what you’ve been up to these past years.

In closing, I’d like to thank all of you for all your support for VMI and our class on a personal, professional and financial level. There are many ways to give back to VMI, and I see our class doing so much, such as giving presentations, donating financially, serving as host families, helping with recruiting and alumni functions, attending sports events, and the list goes on and on. Your efforts are not unappreciated, and they do make a difference. Finally, if you are not getting my weekly email updates, please send me a line at the above email address. By the time you read these, we’ll be approaching two years out from our 30th, and it’s important to be able to communicate with each other as that milestone approaches so we can blow it out of the water like we did with our 25th!

Take care, and God bless, Daren Payne

1991

Chuck Story

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1991.

1992

William Woodward

BRs, A great time was had by all who attended our 25th Reunion in September. Special thanks goes out to Jim Maiocco and his Social Committee, including: Chuck Weatherman, Dean Case, Scott Blackburn, Andy Tate, Tom Timmes and me. A special thank you also goes out to Jeff Zeigler and

VMI Alumni Review

Present at the reunion were: Lawrence R. Alexander, James L. Allen Jr., Alexander Alston III, Andrew J. Andrews, Gregory M. Andricos, Thomas T. Androus, Stephen C. Arnold, Mark A. Baush, William G. Berry, Jeffrey S. Blackburn, Kevin C. Bourke, David M. Bradley, Stephen V. Brandtner, Anthony L. Brinkley, David F. Brugger, Robert B. Burgess III, Dean J. Case II, J.W. Whiting Chisman III, John T. Christman, Jason A. Church, James H. Clotfelter, Douglas S. Council, Wilson J. Current, Michael C. Dalton, John L. Darby III, A. Craig Davis, Edgar L. Davis III, Charles W. Douglass, David E. Downs, W. Trent Dudley, Timothy M. Dzierzek, Jeffrey J. Eget, Richard J. Falcone Jr., Robert W. Fowler, Bryan P. Frazier, James W. Frey, John W. Fuller, Thomas J. Gnecco, Thomas A. Gregory, N. Kent Gring, Walter H. Hale, Richard M. Hardee, Frank W. Harrar, William P. Harris, Neil L. Hennigan, M. Taylor Holt III, Richard L. Horn, Alexander S. Jackson, Robert B. Johnson, Christopher R. Jones, Timothy H.A. Jordan, Christopher S. Keever, Brian W. Kelly, Garland D. Kelly, Jason R. Kight, James A. King, Laird J. Knights, Andrew J. Krug, Courtney C. Lambert, Derrick E. Lapp, William J. Leimkuhler, Joseph N. Lineberry, Matthew B. Lough, Mark C. Loving, Allan T. Lunsford Jr., Daniel J. Lyle, James P. Maiocco, Jonathan G. Manley, Erik D. Marechal, Robert S. Mason Jr., David T. Massie, Daniel E. Mazzei, Joseph A. McClung, Alan G. McKinnon, John H. Miller IV, Robert V. Mizelle Jr., Joel D. Moody, James M. Myers, Franco Neto, Lawrence J. Nevel, Anh-Tuan T. Nguyen, Douglas A. Olson, Albert M. Orgain V, Matthew N. Ott III, Richard F. Owens, Keith A. Peloquin, Charles P. Petzold, Christopher L. Phelps, Benjamin A. Piper, Robert J. Ritchie, Timothy L. Rodriguez, Patrick T. Rohan, J. Bryan Saunders, William R. Sharp Jr., Daniel L. Shipley, David S. Soldow, Michael C. Starling, Harold A. Stills Jr., James B. Stone IV, Andrew J. Tate, Marshall C. Taylor Jr., Shannon D. Terhune, Mark C. Thackston, Thomas C. Timmes, Jason F. Troxell, Conway L. Upshur, Douglas G. Vincent, Marcus L. Waehler, Richard E. Walker III, John A. Ward, Trent J. Warner, Todd L. Washington, William H. Waters, Charles L. Weatherman, David S. Weisenberger, Oliver W. Williams Jr., Ronald H. Williams Jr., John B. Williamson Jr., David B. Womack, William O. Woodward and Jeffrey A. Zeigler.

Class Notes

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Class Notes sent me a picture of his family with his dyke’s (Mike Banigan ’89) family from the courtyard after the Old Yells.

Finally, I included a picture of my family with Chuck Weatherman’s family from our Friday night class dinner in the Center for Leadership and Ethics.

The prize photo of the weekend goes to Bob Burgess, Jim Maiocco and Shannon Terhune. After the Old Yells, they ventured up to their rat room and took the mirror down off the wall, revealing where they had started the tradition of signing the mirror back the Class of 1992: From left, Maj. Josh Powers ’04, Dave Bradley night of Breakout. Not pictured, but and Ben Piper.

Craig Davis’ name is also on the mirror. Jim wrote, “After all these years, at least some things never change at VMI, like the mirror on the wall from 28 years ago! The mirror is older than the current residents.”

Here are the latest updates from our classmates. For those who did not know, BR Tom Timmes is back at VMI on the faculty teaching in the engineering department now that he has retired from the Army. Tom wants all of us to know that he is willing to help out the class in any way he can, given he is now our “man on the ground” at the “I,” along with John Brodie. One of our former “men on the ground,” Class of 1992: From left, Kevin Bourke, Steve Brandtner, Greg Todd Pegg, emailed to let me know Andricos, Marcus Waehler, Andy Andrews, Bill Leimkuhler and that he has taken command of the VirWill Current. ginia Army National Guard’s 1030th Transportation Battalion in Gate City, Virginia, Oct. 14. Congrats to Todd.

Speaking of class representation at VMI, Anthony Brinkley emailed to let me know that he has gotten approval from Follett to sell two products in the bookstore. The first is a VMI Spider and the second is a cookie cutter. Both are made with 3D printers. Both products should be in the bookstore soon, so be on the lookout for them when you are at VMI. The products are also available on Etsy, and Anthony has a Facebook page, as well.

Rick Walker reported in that the celebration did not end with our reunion. On Oct. 11, he and wife Tracie became proud grandparents to Kate Class of 1992: Clark Minnigerode’s chilClass of 1992: From left, Cindy Banigan, Adalia Warren. dren, Katie, Randy and Kippe, and wife, Cadet Jake Banigan ’18, Mike Banigan My rat roommate, Carl Engstrom, sent me Amy, with Coach Doug Bartlett, at a tail’89, Sharon Harris, Will Harris and Caa hilarious write-up, which I will reprint here: gate during the 25th Reunion. rissa Harris.

“I missed the reunion due to a deployment to

Al Lunsford for their donations of wine and vodka, respectively. Thanks also to Shannon Terhune and his wife, Melodi, for the work they did pulling off our memorial service Sunday. If you have any questions about Belle Vodka, do not hesitate to reach out to Luns. Maiocco can also assist with ordering swag from the reunion.

Following is a summary of pictures from the reunion: Coach Doug Bartlett sent in two photos from the reunion. One is of Clark Minnigerode’s family while tailgating. The second is in the Old Barracks courtyard following the Old Yells with members of the lacrosse team that was nationally ranked in the Division I NCAA poll while we were at VMI. Carney Taylor sent me a picture of he and Bill Berry after the class picture Saturday in front of Preston Library. Andy Andrews sent me a picture from Saturday night at the Holiday Inn of him, Kevin Bourke, Steve Brandtner, Greg Andricos, Marcus Waehler, Bill Leimkuhler and Will Current. Neal Lineberry sent me a picture in the courtyard following the Old Yells of him, Tommy Christman, Jon Manley, Mike Starling, Neil Hennigan and Bob Mason. Jim Maiocco sent me a picture of our rat Company F members from the Saturday night party at the Holiday Inn. Will Harris

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Class Notes 1.

2.

5.

6.

3.

Class of 1992: 1. From left, Cadet Will Woodward â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18, Leslie Woodward, Woody Woodward, Cadet Charles Weatherman â&#x20AC;&#x2122;21, Chuck Weatherman and Carroll Weatherman.

2. Bill Berry, left, and Carney Taylor.

4.

3. From left, Bob Burgess, Jim Maiocco and Shannon Terhune in their rat room looking at the mirror they signed the night of Breakout March 1, 1989.

4. From left, Neal Lineberry, Tommy Christman, Jon Manley, Mike Starling, Neil Hennigan and Bob Mason.

5. Former lacrosse players pictured with their coach were, from left, Bill Berry, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Pat Rohan, U.S. Army Col. Jim Myers, Coach Doug Bartlett, Dick Owens, Jeff Zeigler with son Henry, and John Williamson.

6. Company F brother rats at the reunion were, from left, back row, Jeff Eget, Jerry Allen, Adam Gregory, Trent Dudley, Tim Rodriquez, Jason Kight, Jim Clotfelter, Kent Gring. Front row: Bob Burgess, Pat Rohan, Steve Brandtner, Jim Maiocco. Present but not pictured were Doug Vincent and Shannon Terhune.

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Class Notes Afghanistan. I’m the chief of staff for the Special Mission Wing Special Operations Advisory Group. Our mission is to teach, advise and assist the Afghan special operations aviation unit. Our counterparts are good pilots and brave men dedicated to making Afghanistan a better place. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience. I really feel like we are making a positive impact. Plus, I get to fly MI-17s, which is cool, because I’m an awesome pilot, look cool in the cockpit with my sunglasses on and I’m modest – just ask me.

“Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel James Cherry has deployed to Jordan, where he is the lead coordinator for Marine efforts there. He recently received a visit from my rat, U.S. Air Force Colonel Chris ‘Fuji’ Fuller ’95. UB (RDC) once had Fuji’s Rat Bible bayoneted to his wall for about three weeks. I remember saying something like, ‘I agree, Fuji. Kicking Mr. Cherry’s door in and demanding your Rat Bible is a great idea. He will respect your bold and swift action and return it.’ I also remember that not working out, as my rat had planned at all. Not sure if Colonel Fuller discussed that with Lieutenant Colonel Cherry or not. James and I should both return home midsummer 2018 – James to Norfolk and me to Purcellville, Virginia.

“I text with Dick Richardson and Dave Weisenberger often, mainly to complain or gloat over football. Dave mainly complains about the NFL referees screwing over the Lions. Both are still in Richmond and largely unchanged.

“Scott Price is happily living in Harrisonburg, where he is running a weekly coupon magazine, singing with a barbershop quartet, volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Project and dabbling in acting. If you watch ‘Turn,’ he has a reoccurring role as one of Washington’s soldiers. He’s listed in the credits as ‘Scared Soldier No. 3.’

“Derrick Lapp and I took our kids to Hershey Park right before I deployed and had a great time.

Derrick is a regional manager for a company that makes pallets and lives outside Baltimore with his wife, Andrea, and daughter, Heather. They just put in a great pool, so Derrick no longer feels the need to shower.

“Navy Captain Chris Bergen finished up his tour as commander of Naval Air Station Lakehurst Nov. 5. He will rejoin his family in Colorado Springs and then move to his next command at United States Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska. Not sure that they will be able to deal with him after more than two years

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of New Jersey seeping back into him.”

Finally, I wanted to include a picture of Dave Bradley’s wedding from July in Hawaii. He introduced his wife, Flor Carina, to us at the reunion.

In the enclosed picture you can see Dave with Ben Piper, who served as his best man, and Maj. Josh Powers ’04, who presided over the ceremony.

That is all for now. 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 make sure you get all VMI correspondence.

In the bonds, Woody

1993

Jim Sharp

I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits.

Rich Goodman wrote a nice email: “In my new position as the chief scientist of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, we had the wonderful opportunity to travel up for the U.S. Air Force Academy versus VMI season opener. Even though the game was not up to our desired end, it proved to be a wonderful event with lots of catching up. Our dear friends, the academy commandant, General Kristen Goodwin, and her wife, Kelly, hosted us for the weekend.”

I did receive an email from one of our longlost BRs, Mark Schroeder. His update is as follows. “I guess I haven’t updated very often, but it’s hard when you don’t really think much has happened. Anyhow, I guess I should report that I have taken a new job. After 15 years working at the University of Toledo, I accepted the position of director of undergraduate admission at Madonna University just outside Detroit. I’ve been here since January 2016 and have been enjoying the small private school experience, which was a big change from the large public school I was at before. I’ve been lucky to have dinner and a night out with Andrew Poteate in the spring when he passed through Detroit serving his customers.

He’s living in New Hampshire now with his wife and child on some amazingly beautiful property.” I think the last time I saw Poteate was David Stokes’ wedding, which was a hazy memory.

I received a very nice letter from Lowell and Linda Miller, Tom Miller’s parents, upon receipt of the artist proof presented from our class. Their letter is as follows: “Greetings to VMI Class of ’93. Linda and I are humbled and grateful for your remembrance of us with the gift of Michael P. Solovey’s [’96] ‘Resolve’ proof 93. We received it in excellent condition and have added it to Tom’s memorial in our den. We will always cherish this print and the generous thought of you presenting it to us. At some point, all the items will be handed down to Tom’s daughters, Danielle Elizabeth Miller (23) and Alexandra Nicole Miller (19). Dani has graduated from Baker College with a degree in business management. Alex is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University pursuing a degree in anthropology. Linda and I are in good health and busy helping others and doing some traveling. Thank you again. VMI ’93 will always be family to us.”

I want to extend my thanks to the BRs who helped contribute to the costs of framing and shipping the print. I do appreciate the support when it is called upon.

As you know, our 25th Reunion is coming up in 2018! The date of the reunion will be Nov. 2-3, 2018. We have formed two committees for this event. The 1993 Reunion Campaign Committee is being co-chaired by Tom Ripley and Clifford Foster. Ironically, two BRs who did not attend VMI for all four years. The Social Committee is being co-chaired by David Hoy and John Barefoot. Since both own a microbrewery (Hoy in Charlotte and Barefoot in Richmond), I expect

Class of 1993: From left, Rich Goodman, Kelly and Gen. Kristen Goodwin, and MaryBeth Goodman.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes no one to go thirsty that weekend. You will be hearing from the committees mainly in our effort to help boost our attendance of the reunion.

We had a meeting in Lex Vegas, which allowed us to have an opportunity to catch up. Richard Barnes is doing well in northern Virginia and has taken a role leading an ROTC detachment at a local high school. As he puts it, “They pay me to work out twice a day.” I also caught up with John Weeda, who is living in New Jersey and continually kept us entertained with the same humor he possessed at VMI. In addition, we had attendance from Bill Cox, Raleigh Trumbo, P.J. Ackerman and Lee Clark.

As always, thank you to our BRs who are serving our country in uniform.

Jim

1994

Clay Campbell

Class of 1994: Clay Campbell ran into his cousin, Michael Dalton ’92, and a lot of other ’92 BRs at their 25th Reunion.

Class of 1994: Gregg Shultz and his son, Cadet Garret Shultz ’20. Garret is the first recipient of the VMI Class of ’94 scholarship.

through life still resonates with the tradition here at VMI. The ideas of selflessness, honor and integrity by which Captain Teal lived are still the Dear Brother Rats, three most important attributes of VMI cadets.

I wanted to start with a letter written by GarVMI cadets and alumni create the best network ret Schultz ’20, son of BR Gregg Shultz and in the country. That is because cadets and alumni first recipient of the VMI Class of ’94 Memorial look after one another, take care of one another Scholarship. and make sure that each and every BR is in high “Dear Teal family and the Class of ’94, first Class of 1994: Sean Lanier, Nimit Suwanspirits. Not to mention every graduate from VMI and foremost let me introduce myself. My name narat and Will Gorman got together can relish in the idea that they had the toughest is Garret Shultz. I am in Echo Company and in when Nimit visited Virginia.

Rat Line or that after they graduate the ‘Corps the Class of ’20. Currently, I am studyimmediately goes to hell.’ However, deing civil engineering and plan on pursuspite those quirks, take pride in knowing ing a career in that field. My father is that the tradition of VMI hasn’t missed Gregg Shultz, Class of ’94, and he was a beat, and your BR and son’s legacy is in India Company. He was also a civil still proudly displayed everyday here at engineering major and is a big part of VMI. I will strive to carry on the legacy why I chose to study civil engineering of the Class of ’94 and the memory of here at VMI. Next, I want to say that I Captain Teal by my thoughts, words am deeply honored and humbled that and deeds here at VMI. Rah Virginia I was able to receive this scholarship in Mil! Very Respectfully, Garret Shultz, Captain Teal’s and the Class of ’94’s Echo Company, Class of 2020.” names. I know that the Teal family lost It’s good to see that the scholarship is their son, and for the Class of ’94, they going back to help out one of our own. lost their brother rat. The most comIn August, I was able to meet up with mon phrase that describes a class’s uniKim and Nathan Rush down in Fredty at VMI is ‘without shared suffering, ericksburg to catch up and grab some there cannot be brotherhood.’ Captain dinner. Tim Bailey came to town for Teal gave his life for his country, and Class of 1994: Curt Crowder, Steve Ward and Mike Weaver a motorcycle club ride and was able to even though he has been missed tre- got together with all of their kids. spend a couple of hours catching up. I mendously, the way he carried himself

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Class Notes made it up to VMI for the Class of ’92 reunion weekend game and met up with Mike Weaver at John Campbell’s house Friday night. Weave was up and out the door in the middle of the night to get a parking spot on the Parade Ground. By the time we arrived, he had set up a nice spread and was busy working the grill. Curt Crowder, Steve Ward and Gregg Schultz were just a few of the BRs who showed up.

Everyone, hope all is well.

Always, Pig

Band Company members were there. He got to catch up with Ray Jaklitsch, Dave Mitchell, Lloyd Taliaferro, Scott Southall, Matt Russell, Tim Miller and Kurt Polk. Way to represent, brother rats!

Thom Brashears continues to represent our class well in his work for the Alumni Association. He stays busy traveling to local alumni chapters around the country and also taking care of business with all of the alumni functions on post. He was even the guest speaker for the Class of 2019 at their Ring Figure dinner.

I was attending a trade show in Nashville, Tennessee, last week with Shawn Callahan ’96.

I was lucky enough to get in touch with Mike Bernard, and we were able to meet up for dinner. Mike is doing great. Still working hard as an engineer, teaching Sunday school at his church and taking care of his wonderful family.

I speak with Bill Eger pretty regularly. He finished his Ph.D. back in May at Old Dominion University. He is now teaching classes at

1996

Tom Danielsen

Brother Rats, While I don’t have a lot to report for this edition of class notes, it’s an exciting time to be a member of the Class of 1996. At the time of writing this, John Adams is in the final week of his campaign to become the next Virginia attorney general.

Hopefully, when you read this, we are celebrating Joseph W. Doyle his election. Regardless of the outcome, there is no doubt all of us are incredibly proud of John and the campaign he’s run. Great job, John!

Wes Palmer recently reported on another BR who is representing our class at a national level.

Wes writes: “As everyone is probably aware, our Well, it’s that time again. School is in full BR Ryan McCarthy was confirmed in June as swing and the football team is having a rough the undersecretary of the Army, and year, but I see many improvements. has since been acting secretary of I was hoping to do a few more tailthe Army until a new appointment gates this year, but many family obis made and confirmed for that posiligations made that inconsistent this season. I hope to be able to have a tion. I’ve had the chance to see him class tailgate set up for every (or most twice with my role at the National every) home game next year.

Guard Bureau and around the PenI was able to be there when our tagon and managed to get a photo dykes had their 25th Reunion. It was op while attending a reception at the great seeing all of those who were in AUSA annual meeting. Really great attendance. I know some of the footto see a BR doing well and representing our class and the Institute at the ball games have been well-attended highest levels!” by our class this year.

Chris Wills sent me an email Wes is serving as the public afsaying that the room 106 crew of fairs adviser to the director of the himself, Lloyd Taliaferro and Will Army National Guard. His wife and Stann were at the Parents Weekend daughter are doing great, and he’s game in full force. Will’s oldest son is been staying in touch with Chris AnClass of 1995: From left, Mike Bernard, Col. Larry Burris and Tim tonelli and Christian Hoff, who are a 4th Class cadet this year. Are we reMiller on the occasion of Larry relinquishing command of the also doing well. ally old enough to have kids already 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division.

Big congratulations go out to Matt attending? Also attending that game were John Byram, Rob Davis and Randy Agee. Chowan University in North Carolina. He is Bogusky. On Oct. 10, Matt got married to his We had a great game against The Citadel living in Suffolk with his beautiful bride and beautiful wife, Kara. Matt’s clearly made a positive impression on Kara’s kids, having recently down in Charleston. The Silver Shako is still step-daughter.

Last, but definitely not least, I want to conbrought her oldest daughter, Alexis, to VMI for down there, but the Keydets put up a fight.

Hopefully, we will get it back in Lexington gratulate Sean Swineford and his wife, Hope, a visit. Alexis is currently a high school senior next year. Thom Brashears was there working on the birth of their baby boy, Elliott Stonewall and active in Navy JROTC; hopefully she’ll mahard for the Alumni Association. He was able Swineford! Welcome to the family, little man! triculate with the Class of 2022. Matt also reto meet up with a great group of BRs. He said Well, that’s all I have for now. I hope to hear ports that he and Kara are expecting a baby girl our class was the largest single class represented from more of you soon. next April. Very exciting news, and welcome to except for the Class of ’86, of which all of their Rah Virginia Mil! ’95, ’95, 95! the VMI family, Kara!

1995

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Class Notes at all about the Nats or the Caps making Congratulations also to Chris Noe, a special appearance here, however.) who is the latest BR to join the O-6 Let’s get things started in the lovely club. Chris was selected for colonel pastures of southern Maryland, where over the summer, bringing us to eight. your correspondent has spent the past Chris is currently enjoying his time in three months at a new job in the employ Newport, Rhode Island, attending the of the Naval Air Systems Command Navy War College. helping those loveable lugs in the Navy Eli Wahesh also had big news recently, keep Marine aircraft in the air. In what as his daughter, Gracie, was selected as little spare time is left after that, I do get one of the Greatest Kids of the South by to host the occasional visitor to the CraSouth Magazine. I know Eli and Carrie thank the many BRs who clicked the dle of Naval Aviation, most recently in link to help get Gracie in the running for the form of one Jeff Henderson, retired consideration. Congrats to Gracie and U.S. Navy, who was passing through to the Wahesh family! conduct some training for his new job Charles Schnurman reached out rein Pensacola, Florida, as a T-45 aircrew cently and sent the following: “Dina Class of 1996: Matt Bogusky and his bride, Kara, celebrat- oxygen systems engineering site lead for ing their marriage on the beach with their beloved jeep, the a small defense contractor. The new job and I are in our fourth year in Doha, “Dirty Rat.” keeps him close to aviation and closer Qatar, and have been thoroughly enjoybright future, and Jim and Leah are both very to the beach, so it’s a win-win. We had a couple ing the experience. Dina is the director of educabeers together in St. Mary’s County and toasted tion at a major hospital here, and I teach law at proud.

John Pearce recently called; he’s left PWC and the likes of “Spuds” Ellyson, the four-wire and, the National University. Our children both play is now a principal for Grant Thornton focused on of course, Slemp. Good to see ya, Jeff! ice hockey, and we have a blast traveling the reAnother visitor I unfortunately missed was gion for tournaments. We live very close to the cyber security. He’s enjoying the new challenge and still living the traffic nightmare that is northSteve Strain in early October. He departed the Al Udeid Air Base, so we’ve been fortunate to see some BRs.” Definitely look up Charles if you ern Virginia. In addition to his job, he reports that nether regions of Montgomery, Alabama, and everyone is doing great and he’s been “deadlifting the Air Force’s Air Command & Staff College find yourself in Qatar. to travel to humble Leonardtown, Maryland, in I’ve recently caught up with Pete Segersten and like a madman.”

Well, that’s all for this time. Please send your order to officiate a wedding for some close friends Jim Tingluey. Both are doing well and busy with updates as they happen. I hope to hear from more of his still in the area. Totally bummed I missed work and raising their kids. Jim’s daughter, Charyou and Holly that weekend, Squirrel, but look lotte, was recently recognized as part of a team BRs before the February submission.

All the best to you and your families, forward to catching up in the great state of Bama winning the national Next Club Challenge for the Tom Danielsen really soon!

Society of Women’s Engineers. She clearly has a From an undoubtedly better part of Maryland – the Eastern Shore – our Brother Rat Trey Porter checked in with some wild and exciting news. He has been presented an opportunity to go to Peru David M. Hudock soon to participate in anti-poaching patrols on the Amazon River. He writes the following: Timothy Moore “I will be working with EarthRace conducting surveillance and collecting evidence of illegal activity. EarthRace has been conducting patrols there for three weeks at the time of this writing.

Gentlemen of the Old Corps, We will be visiting fish markets, setting up obserGreetings and welcome to another edition of vation posts and patrolling the river. Samples will your Class of 1997 notes, this one brought to you be collected from the markets and DNA tested to from Washington, D.C., by “the Nats couldn’t determine if the species are listed as threatened or keep it together for yet another playoff season,” endangered. We will be presenting our findings to “I’m pretty sure the Caps haven’t even shown the minister of the environment and releasing meup this season” and “Kevin Ash.” Just kidding! dia content to raise awareness of the environmenClass of 1996: Ryan McCarthy, acting Kevin Ash is not sponsoring this bit, but he does tal impacts on the endangered pink dolphin and secretary of the Army, and Wes Palmer make an appearance in this here missive at some arapaima/paiche (fish) population. There is an catching up at the AUSA conference. later point, so be sure to stay tuned! (Don’t worry intervention component to our mission in Peru,

1997

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Class Notes another victory. Coop attended with but I’ll wait until I am back before I deJoe Harrell (who recently surfaced scribe that. Don’t want to jinx things. from Middle Earth where he teaches It will be an interesting three weeks. modern English to Hobbits), Wolfie We are operating out of a longboat/ Saunders, Tripp Costen, Joel “Rumpcanoe and hammock camping on the banks of the river. Our area of focus is shaker” Kusterer, Rob Worrell and, approximately 200-400 kilometers upaccording to some witnesses, the rare species known as an “Ayers” (of the stream from Iquitos, Peru.”

“Chuck” variety, in this case), but Trey has posted a few things on Facewe’re still awaiting confirmation of book about this and will post more in this sighting. Despite what was most the coming weeks. He will be in Peru likely the largest collection of 1997 with the director of EarthRace, Pete brothers in a single location since the Bethune of New Zealand, who also 20th Reunion, none of them could posts on Facebook if you’re interested in tracking his and Trey’s progress. Class of 1997: Addison Hagan submitted this screenshot of Steve muster a single cellphone selfie of the Thanks for sharing, Trey, and we wish Jones making preparations with his Virginia Army National Guard group to memorialize the occasion! you the best for a safe journey and a unit to deploy to Texas in support of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. In their defense, however, it is entirely likely they were distracted by Joe, Joel safe return! and Wolfie, each of whom brought their boys to You may have noticed in the news – in between the event, who were undoubtedly causing havoc all the political punditry – that some serious and and requiring close fatherly supervision. No time real news has actually occurred around the world for pics! Sounds like a good time, fellas; thanks for in the form of devastating natural disasters. As sharing! you might expect, the Institute was heard from The real story here is Bubba Braxton and what following at least one of these catastrophic events he has done with the Patriots in his inaugural year when Steve Jones and his Virginia Army National as head coach of the PHHS varsity football team.

Guard unit were alerted to deploy to Texas in supHe says he has managed to achieve a 5-4 season as port of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. His task of this writing and says that the experience so far force included fellow Keydets Chris Jackson ’99, has been “tremendous.” He is really proud to be a Jake Britt ’99 and Jimmy Sheldon ’00. When coach at PHHS and looks forward to many more Steve isn’t providing disaster relief to our fellow years there. The big game was coming up Friday, Americans, he lives the good life with his family Nov. 3, during the Tomato Bowl when Bubba and out in Waynesboro, Virginia. Thanks for checking his Patriots were set to face longtime rival Lee-Dain, Steve, and I’m sure thousands of Texans are Class of 1997: Jeff Henderson and Dave still thanking you! vis. We know you’ll crush them, Bubba, and you Hudock shared a drink and tall tales In other news, there was a recent gala event in have the full force of 1997 behind you! near Patuxent River Naval Air Station, D.C. at the beginning of October when its newest Imagine my surprise when I reached out to Tony Maryland. music venue, Anthem, opened on the SW waterBobb this week via the interwebs, fully expecting him to regale me with tales of exotic Guam, only front. Cooper Reid made the journey from Richto learn that he is in this very District of Colummond for the grand opening where the Foo Fighters were performing with a buddy of his. And who bia to visit family! We quickly made arrangements do you think Coop ran into at this august occato meet with brother rat Jason Middough, who is also nearby. Look for an account of this get-togethsion? None other than Mr. Kevin Ash (of Loudon County fame) and his lovely wife, Hannah! Not er in the next edition of the notes! included is a photo demonstrating Ash’s previousAnd in case you are wondering what is happenly unheard-of generosity; according to Coop, Ash ing in the Pentagon now that your agent has debought him a beer and a grilled cheese sandwich parted its confines, don’t ask Chris Hobbs; while and then provided area security for the sweet spot he still is assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s inspector they staked out on the floor of the concert hall! general’s office there, he spends most of his time Thanks for sharing, Coop, and thanks for taking “inspecting” the wares and selections of food in care of your brother, Ash! the Pentagon’s own Market Basket (known locally Class of 1997: Cooper Reid and Kevin Ash welcomed the Foo Fighters to WashingCooper continued to inform me that he recently as the “weigh and pay” or “buy and barf”). Hobbs ton, D.C.’s, newest music venue, Anthem, went to see Coach Bubba Braxton in action, leadsays, “I’ve never met a lunch I didn’t like,” in a clear in early October. admission that he is fully committed to his duties ing the Patrick Henry High School Patriots to yet

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Class Notes in pursuit of his nation’s defense! Thanks, Chris, and I look forward to seeing you soon somewhere in the Crystal City underground.

On that delicious note, I will sign off and wish you well until the next edition of tall tales and egregious exploits compiled from the Class of 1997. Your contributions in time and updates to this text are absolutely invaluable and greatly appreciated! Please keep them coming; write early, write often and then write some more; it can’t be done without you.

Best, Dave

1998

Joseph Bates Jr. Hamel Reinmiller

distracted and failed to submit, so after boning myself, I am now providing his update. Over Memorial Day weekend, Chris and his family were fortunate to hang out with Will Kump and his wife, Amy, in Virginia Beach, along with his entire family. Each of the Kump siblings has four children, so when they gather, it is a very large number of children. Chasity and Chris added their two to the mix and made a super day out of it! In attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Kump ’68; Cyrus Kump ’04 and his wife, Amy; along with Mike and Elizabeth Conlin. Thanks for the great update, Chris; unless things have changed, that sounds like a heaping good time of bourbon and dialects of the English language that you struggled to understand, but I could actually follow along with just fine.

Aaron Frazier reached out from Greenville, South Carolina. He is married with two kiddos.

Sadly, when prompted for more information, he did not reply to me, but being a good co-dyke, I will hit him up later this year when Harris Teeter opens a store in the marketplace and gets some more details for the class.

Demetri Poulos sent me a note on Facebook messenger and was proud to report that he and Mark Glancy drove up from Florida to the VMI versus The Citadel football game. They ran into Ryan Hughes and Mike Arnt ’96. He reported that the team played hard, but in the end, they came up short – which seems to be the status of the squad this year. He reports that all enjoyed catching up and a few cold beverages.

The end of 2017 finds BNSF Railway conductor Chad Novacek still chipping away at those pesky life-crippling student loans – sadly, his sole raison d’être at this juncture. But not to fear or pity! He brushes off the debilitating fatigue and work/ life imbalance that accompanies a 24/7 on-call

I am writing this review as the foliage is turning, Halloween season is upon us and the deer rut is getting ready to hit full swing – which is a great thing for those of us who like to sit in the woods versus working. I wish I had more to add for the Review, but the content is a bit lacking this submission. I encourage each of you to join Facebook and/or our group VMI Class of 1998 to get updates from several as they occur and some laughs throughout the year.

Some have asked about provisional appointments. This link is you can go to and submit a provisional appointment: http://www. vmialumni.org/provisionalappointment.

It is hard to believe, but when you read this, we will be staring directly at our 20th Reunion, April 20-21, 2018. I am sure more details will be forthcoming.

Hamel Reinmiller needs a few good men to assist and is taking names of anyone interested in helping out with the reunion planning. Please email him at HBRVMI98@vmialumni.org if you are interested in helping.

Chris Craft checked in (and offered to help Ham with the reunion) before Class of 1998: Demetri Poulos and Mark Glancy. the last submission, but sadly I was

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commitment with wildly unpredictable sleep and work schedules. A zombie; nevertheless, he persists. A maniac on a mission to break the chains of student loan debt slavery, a wooly web he willingly but obtusely waltzed into, which is now his responsibility, of course. $120,000 of principal and metastasizing interest he has proudly paid from hard work. Blood (yes, some of that, too), dirt, sweat and tears and yet has $85,000 to go. Chad sees the light at the end of the tunnel; He’s digging outta Shawshank and intends to break out within a year (if he leaves the gorgeous Black Hills for a better compensating Winslow), and he will be free for the first time since 1993! Catharsis and closure will commence, then life and maybe a new pick up! Rah Virginia Mil! Thanks for the entertaining read, Chad.

I wish I had more updates to provide this time, but stay tuned for more in a few months. If anyone wants to link up in Charlotte or is passing through Buena Vista and wants to see about getting a sauce burger, shoot me a note. ’98, ’98, ’98.

1999

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Notes are a little light this go-around, but that is my fault. I somehow missed the initial email notification, so I was very late sending it out to the class. I did, however, hear from a few people.

Robbie Trent has left Fort Campbell and moved the family back to Virginia for a training and doctrine command tour at Fort Eustis. He says he is very much looking forward to being a coffee maker and fetcher. He also says that he, Jochen Dunville, Jeff Holder and Chris Varner crashed the college going-away party for Paul Brown’s oldest daughter. I am sure she was thrilled by that. Jake Abell told me that he and Jeff Holder got together at Jeff’s new house on Halloween to drink beer and pass out candy. I just hope they didn’t get too fired up and start handing out beer and eating candy. Matt Stephens checked in to tell me he had a visit from his dyke, Sean McMurray ’96, and Rat Grey Wolfe ’18+3 over Parents Weekend. He

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Class Notes that (Big) Matt Williams and wife says Rat Wolfe had some good Rat Shannon recently welcomed a son, Line stories that he and Sean enjoyed Declan Day Williams. Congrats, Matt! immensely. Chris Colbow sent me Shawn Segreti sent a great picture the following: “I briefly ran into Berry from the Annual Ducks Unlimited Williams in the northern Virginia area Fundraiser at the Old Dominion Boat while looking at open houses one SunClub in Alexandria, Virginia, in Sepday afternoon over the summer. He tember. In attendance were Rich Balseems to be doing well. Haven’t seen timore, Scott Johnson, Jay Kearney, him since, but I’m about to close on a Ed Clarke and Shawn Segreti. While house in Woodbridge, Virginia. Hope at the event, they ran into Brant Priest he found something, too. I stay in regular contact with Shane Stille and Dan Class of 2000: At a Ducks Unlimited fundraiser in Alexandria, ’07, younger brother of our BR Adam Virginia, were, from left, Shawn Segreti, Rich Baltimore, Brant Priest. Rich and Scott won raffles and Wilbun. They’re doing very well for Priest ’07, Scott Johnson, Jay Kearney and Ed Clarke. took home a Beretta autoloader and a themselves. Otherwise, I still work at U.S. Agency for International Development (gothe new year will be here before we know it. I hope .300 Weatherby Magnum, respectively! They all ing on 10 years), and I was just recently promoted family, life and work are going well for everyone. enjoyed the event and are making plans to attend to lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve.” Please keep the updates coming. Please remem- next year. Shawn and Tony Esteve hosted a mini Congrats on the work anniversary and the recent ber you can send updates to classnotes2000vmi@ reunion in Arlington for BRs and their families. promotion, Chris. gmail.com. We only had a few updates for this set Chris Lucas was the guest of honor to celebrate I ran into Chris O’Toole back in August. We of notes, so please check in if you haven’t in the his relocation to San Francisco. Families were in both took battalion command in the same brigade past few editions. It is always great to get updates attendance, and a good time was had by all. Also in the Army Reserve back in July. We were at our from brother rats we haven’t heard from recently. in attendance were Matt McComas, Ed Clarke, division headquarters at Fort Dix for our yearly I want to continue to recognize our BRs who are Chad Welch, Kenny Denton, Matt Williams, Kenny Sykes, Rich Baltimore, Scott Kuebler, Jim training brief. It was great catching up with Tool celebrating 40th birthdays since our last set of Bag over dinner and drinks, reminiscing about the notes: Eric East, Steve Fern, Eric Walker, Matt White ’05 and Christian Arllen. Thanks for the “I” and spring break our 1st Class year in Panama Neely, Sam McClure, Matt Hernberger, Adam great updates and photos, Sean! That is all for this City, Florida. We talk regularly now to complain Pool, Kenny Sykes, Wes Whetstone, Shawn edition. I hope to hear from many of you for the about higher headquarters.

Fisher, Ryan Mahoney, Pat McDowell, James next edition.

Finally, to all our brother rats who have served In the bonds, Wallace, Joe Schulkens, Jason Miller, Ryan or are currently serving our great country, be safe, Bill Newman, Kevin Braun, Brian Skusa, Ron Allen, John Jackson, Mac Forsyth, Jimmy Sheldon, and thank you!

John Long, Nick Harding, Matt Martin, Steve McMenamin, Matt Kukla, Chris Abbott, Justin Jim Boatright Pusczykowski, Pete Miller, Will Moore and Jeremy Woodhouse. Happy birthday, guys; here is to Rich Groen 40 more great years.

I stay in touch regularly with Pat Haddock here in Atlanta, and he and Charlotte are proud to anBrother Rats, nounce the birth of their second child, Margaret Brother Rats of the Class of 2001, As I write this update, the leaves are changing Aleyda Haddock. Their oldest, Daniel, is 3 years It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since and the holiday season is almost here. College old and enjoying being a big brother. Congrats, football is halfway through another season, and Pat! Our class mayor, Chris Boswell, let me know our last reunion. I’m truly humbled by our class’

2000

2001

Class of 2000: At a party hosted by Sean Segreti and Tony Esteve were, from left, Matt McComas, Chris Lucas, Ed Clarke, Chad Welch, Shawn Segreti, Kenny Denton, Tony Esteve, Matt Williams, Kenny Sykes, Rich Baltimore, Scott Kuebler, Jim White ’05 and Christian Arllen.

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Class Notes continued success. From advancements to promotions to strengthening our families, our class continues to lead from the front.

Most notably, Andy Duncan was selected for Top 40 Under 40 for Hampton Roads, Virginia.

He is featured in Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Business Journal. What a huge honor!

Congrats, Andy!

On the military side of the hours, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Stew Curcio was selected to command 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, a reserve infantry battalion in Bridgeton, Missouri. Additionally, there were several promotions. Jake Williams and Scott Lowe were promoted to commander. Jake Class of 2001: Charlie Benbow and Nick writes, “Kathleen, the boys and I are finishing up Pomaro at Nick’s promotion ceremony to lieutenant colonel in September 2017. our Pentagon tour and moving to Virginia Beach in December. We are looking forward to reconnecting with friends in the Hampton Roads area and partaking in the next Navy adventure.” Congrats, guys! Well-deserved!

I was happy to hear that Nick Pomaro was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps.

What a huge honor. Congrats, Nick!

Just this past weekend, I was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. It was great to see family and friends, like Jeff Rhodes ’00 and Luke Beazley. Luke, who is attending the Information Operations Officer Course at Fort Leavenworth, is doing great and getting ready to PCS to Korea. Thanks for attending and great catching up with you!

It was great to hear from Justin Walskey, who wrote, “It has been a busy year for the Walskeys.

We relocated from North Carolina to Lafayette, Class of 2001: Lieutenant Col. Rich Groen’s promotion in October 2017.

Indiana, for a career change. I now work for ZF Corporation as a global market analysis.

Life is returning to normal now that the family has moved, but the three months up here without them was interesting.”

Congrats on the position, and I hope to see you when I go on exercise in Indiana in the spring!

Oscar Alfaro reached out, noting that he continues to recruit on behalf of VMI. He was amazed to see some of the recruits’ date of birth and felt a little old.

Don’t worry, Oscar! My wife says we aren’t old, we are vintage! Though, I do remember looking at lieutenant colonels and thinking they were old ... and now I am one!

Class of 2001: Commander Jake Williams’ promotion It’s amazing to see the strong bonds tember 2017. that our class displays despite distances.

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It was great to hear from all of you, and please stay connected! ’01, ’01, ’01!

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you and yours doing well. We had an excellent turnout to our 15th Reunion, and some photos are in the reunion section of the Review. I am sorry I could not make it this year but look forward to seeing you all at our next reunion. I wish everyone a happy holiday season!

As for the notes, there has been a lack of submissions lately. I am aware that most of you connect in person and online, so perhaps there is less need for submission of notes to the Alumni Review, but I would certainly appreciate it if you would take a moment and send me some updates! I am also seeking help in writing class notes, so if you are interested, please send me an email!

In the spirit. ’02! ’02! ’02!

Salmaan

2003

William Talley V

Well, brother rats, the clock is ticking, and by the time this set of notes hits your mailbox, we’ll have welcomed in 2018 already and will be just about seven months away from our 15th Reunion.

We’re getting old!

While I’ve not gotten many submissions, I know our class has been busy.

We’ve had several BRs grow their families. Phil and Kari Hampton welcomed their second child, Kathryn May Hampton, into their family June 6, 2017. By the looks of Facebook, Phil and Kari have adjusted well to life with two children, as their son, John, turned five in in SepOctober. Brandon and April Waltrip also welcomed their second child, Helen

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Present at the reunion were: Erik D. Baines, Brandon J. Bennett, Nathan W. Blythe, Jason W. Breeding, Matthew R. Brooks, Timothy J. Burke, Jackson S. Castleberry, Nicholas A. Compher, Jared M. Conrad, John P. Davitt IV, Frank H. Deerr III, John M. Eddy, David B. Ellington, Michael K. Entsminger, Donald E. Evans, Brendan T. Fitzpatrick, Sergio L. Giacchetti, Andrew L. Harrison, Ryan P. Hickey, Sean W. Hoover, James L. Howard, Christopher B. Lane, John W. Leon, Jose M. Leoncio, Jason R. Mounts, Heidi F. Nagel, Henry S. Papiano, Jacqueline B. Parks, Ryan N. Peay, Naomi E. Pike, Gordon E. Powers, Bryan J. Rodriguez, David M. Ross, David R. Rossi, Daniel E. Runion, Traci N. Schultz, John E. Sloan, Adam K. Soller, Caleb A. Sylvester, Tri B. Tang, John H. Trant II, Reuben F. Trant II, James E. Vik, Angela L. Vizzi, Scott A. Watts, William W. Wessling, Rachel A. Wigand, Nicholas J. Wilborn, Joseph M. Williams, Edward B. Witherell and Timothy B. Wolford.

Class Notes

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Class Notes Rebekah Waltrip, into their family Aug. 21, 2017. Helen joins her brother, Silas, in keeping Brandon and April busy. I’m sure there are more additions that have occurred that I’m not aware of at this point.

I happened to run into Darren Williams in late October at a Cub Scout camping trip in Goochland, Virginia. Darren and his son were out, there as were Billy and I. He is in the Richmond area and doing well. Steve Nakazawa is doing well and staying busy. He’s been located at many a sporting event in the metro D.C. area.

The same can be said for Chaz Wagner, as well. When not riding his customized

Harley, he could be seen going topless at Redskins tailgates.

I know that some of our BRs were affected by the weather in September/October. Both Kyle Haire’s and Andy Biesterveld’s families had to head north from their homes during Hurricane Irma. Neither family suffered any major damage from what I’ve heard. Both the Haires and Biestervelds have busy households with two energetic boys for each family.

So, making an unexpected move for a few days had to be an experience.

Class of 2003: Chaz Wagner, Drew Murphy, John Noonan Life continues to be busy on the Talley and Chris Drinkwater caught up for dinner in northern Virfront.

The realization that we now have a ginia in October 2017. teenage daughter and what comes with that, along with two energetic boys keep both Amie-Anne and I on full alert 24/7. I’m thankful for Facebook and the ability to keep up with many of you even though we may not talk, text or email. I know that each one of your lives, kids or no kids, is busy as well. While not very personal, the ability to pull up a BR’s page or see what’s been posted on a news feed gives us all a sense of connectivity.

Until the next set of notes, stay the course and keep the faith in this ever-changing world in which we all live. Rah Virginia Mil; ’03, ’03, ’03!

2004 Class of 2003: Phil and Kari Hampton welcomed Kathryn May Hampton into their family June 6, 2017. Kathryn May is protected by her brother, John, who turned 5 in October.

Class of 2003: Joe Darin with his daughters, Savannah and Paisley.

2018-Issue 1

Scott E. Campbell

Class of 2003: Brandon and April Waltrip welcomed a daughter, Helen Rebekah Waltrip, into the world Aug. 21, 2017.

Class of 2003: Adam Britt and Joe Vorhees caught up on the golf course to support the We Care Marines cause Oct. 27, 2017.

C. Justin Roberts

Tommy Walton and his wife, Amanda, welcomed their first daughter, Ava, to the world May 16.

Matthew Mikula and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their second child, a son, McKinley “Mac” James Mikula Sept. 16, 2017. Laughton loves helping and being a big sister!

The Mikulas hosted more than 170 fellow VMI alumni at their home Oct. 14 for what’s becoming a large VMI Club of Richmond gathering. The Club has hosted a barbecue and oyster roast for five years, and we hope to see more ’04

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Class Notes

Class of 2004: Laughton Mikula, left, with her new brother, Mac. Matthew Mikula and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their second child, McKinley “Mac” James Mikula, Sept. 16, 2017.

folks in the future. This was the first year Misia and I have made it.

Ryan Koniak is currently serving with the Special Operations Advisory Group in Camp Morehead Afghanistan. The acting secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy ’96, visited the camp in September.

John Ginder and Drew Hardin finished Ironman Texas Oct. 29, 2017.

I’ve been everywhere over the past year. I returned from an 8-month tour in Kuwait with the 29th Infantry Division July 25. It was the best birthday present the Army has ever given me. I was home for 58 days before heading out again, but this time to St. Croix for hurricane recovery duty. I’m back in Virginia, job hunting and finally spending some time at home with Misia and the kids!

Take care! Be safe and keep in touch!

Scott Campbell

2005

Class of 2005: Henry Wise, Henry Lynch, Jeff Smith, Duke Acors, Will Paulette and Tom Innes closed down the Parade Ground following a football game in October.

Tom Hardinge Timothy Johnson

Class of 2004: John Ginder and Drew Hardin after finishing Ironman Texas, Oct. 29, 2017.

Class of 2004: Ryan Koniak with Ryan McCarthy ’96, acting secretary of the U.S. Army, in Afghanistan.

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Brother Rats, I hope this edition finds you well. Another successful holiday season and another year in the books. Now, if only we can get through these last cold, dark days of winter unscathed, spring is just around the corner!

Paul Bryan and Jon Vaughn recently reconnected in Landover, Maryland, to take in the Redskins versus the Raiders Sept. 27. “We had not seen each other for a long time and what better way to reconnect than first row in the endzone! As it so happens, we also ran into Andrew Stone, Mike Tittermary and Brandon Fellers, who were also at the game. They were there to celebrate Brandon’s bachelor party.

“As for me, I continue to live with my wife and two daughters in Roanoke. I’m still working for Froehling & Robertson, an engineering firm with deep VMI roots, in the position of business development manager for our two offices in central

Class of 2005: Annie Laurie Ray, born Oct. 5, 2017.

Class of 2005: Jon Vaughn and Paul Bryan took in a Washington Redskins game together in September 2017.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and southwest Virginia. I had a brief stint as the interim office manager for the Roanoke branch this summer but am happy to be back in my business development position again now.”

Brandon Fellers married Kristin Sempeles Oct. 7. Mike, Andrew and Adam Rouse were all in attendance for the beautiful oceanside ceremony.

A sizable contingent of BRs, including Lawton Way, Henry Wise, Henry Lynch, Jeff Smith, Duke Acors, Will Paulette and Tom Innes, made it back to post for fall reunion weekend. Believe Class of 2005: Jim Driggs with his family last fall. it or not, our dykes’ Class of 2002 just celebrated the 15th anniversary of their graduasked that if you’re passing through their area, ation. Seriously, you guys, where does the time be sure to swing by for dinner. go? Asking for a friend.

Emily and Will Ray also added to their lovely Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur Sean family in October, as 7-pound, 8-ounce Annie Matson has recently started making waves Laurie arrived Oct. 5, 2017, at 12:43 a.m. throughout the energy drink industry. After coLesley and Derek Rankin welcomed their founding MATBOCK in 2010 (which provides son Oct. 23, 2017. Brooks Hamilton Rankin lighter and more efficient tactical equipment), arrived happy and healthy at 9:46 a.m. at 6 Sean collaborated with Bruce Schlee of Helical pounds, 11 ounces and was 19.1 inches long.

Robotics to create Strike Force Energy. Sean, That’s about all the news I have to report at together with Strike Force, has developed a this time. Please continue to pass along any beverage enhancer that delivers on-the-go enand all information you may have for the class. ergy and flavor in a small compact package.

I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that While Strike Force Energy has been available we all appreciate hearing from our fellow BRs. online since January 2016, convenience store In the meantime, I’m hoping that each of you chain 7-Eleven has recently started stockhave a wonderful new year. As always, stay safe ing the product in stores across the Virginia and be well.

Beach area. Sean adds that soon you will be Rah Virginia Mil, able to find Strike Force in Hampton Roads Tom Hardinge and across southern Florida. So, for those of you in the area: Next time you’re looking for a boost, skip the coffee or Redbull and support a brother rat by grabbing a Strike Force Energy Andrew Upshaw packet instead!

Finally, I have quite a few birth announcements to share with the class. Jim Driggs’ son, Landon Thomas, was born Aug. 22, 2017. Jim Hey, Brother Rats, reports that everyone is happy and healthy.

I hope you are all doing well! I’m still hang“Older brother Carson loves his new baby brothing out at the Command and General Staff er, and everyone else is just trying to survive.”

College with Dan Petronzio, who is also in my Conner Heely and his wife, Erin, have added small group. Also in our staff group is Stacy to their ranks with the birth of their daughter, Rostorfer ’04. Keep in touch, and let us know Beatrice Elizabeth, Sept. 26, 2017. Conner is if you make it out to Kansas City! stationed in Oklahoma as a department head Nate Parsons: “As of Oct. 25, I will have just in Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Four finished my training with Southwest Airlines. I (VQ-4, and yes, the Navy is in Oklahoma!) unhave my first trip Oct. 30 with an overnight in til October 2018. Erin and Conner both miss Kansas City, where I’ll meet up with Andrew all their Virginia friends and classmates and Upshaw for the first time since graduation.

“We had a baby boy, Liam Charles Parsons, July 29. I start drilling with my reserve unit in Colorado Springs in December and will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, January-March 2018 for C-130 requalification.”

John Diehl and Mary Boyce are enjoying their new baby daughter, who was born Oct. 1. While it may seem like the curse of an SF guy, John is excited to learn about raising girls and is already plotting how he’s going to give her suitors a hard time.

Parker Thurman is currently the area director for Suncoast Youth for Christ in

Class of 2006: Nate Parsons’ son, Liam Charles Parsons, born July 29, 2017.

2006

2018-Issue 1

Class of 2006: William Collier, son of Will Collier.

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Class Notes Sarasota County, where he lives with his wife, Caroline, and two daughters, Sophia (10) and Miriam (1). In addition to reaching out to students at nine local middle and high schools, Thurman recently opened The 180 House in Venice, Florida. The 180 House is an outreach center for surfers and skaters, as well as any students who want to be involved. The center is a half-mile from the beach and has a half pipe for skating, as well as a cafe, game room and music room.

Alex Ivins’ wife included the following for submission: “After graduating CGSC at Fort Leavenworth with top blocks, Major Curt Ivins is currently down range in Afghanistan serving as the Deputy G2 for the 3rd Infantry Division.

After this deployment, he will have spent over 1300 days in combat deployment in both Iraq and Afghanistan. What an accomplishment of service and a testament to the Institute. If only L Train could see him now – he’s come quite a ways from the No.1 Club. His wife, Alex, as well as their daughters, Susanna and Cornelia, are enjoying living in Savannah and can’t wait until he comes home! We are so proud of him!”

our goal of $207,000, and we had strong participation numbers with 35 percent of the class participating!”

Jon Fredericks sent in an update. He is leaving the Army and going to work for a company called NovaTech in Lynchburg, Virginia. He will be a project engineer and is hoping to visit Virginia in November.

That’s it for the updates. I guess everyone got completely caught up at the reunion!

2008

Robert Hill

Class of 2006: John Diehl and Mary Boyce with their daughter, born Oct. 1, 2017.

We are quickly approaching our 10th Reunion that will be held Sept. 14-15, 2018. I look forward to announcing greater detail in the coming months and hope you can join us for a fun weekend in Lexington.

John Lingamfelter and wife Erika welcomed their second child, Abigail, July 11, 2017. John and John Nikiforakis were able to catch up and head to the Virginia Tech versus West Virginia University football game over Labor Day weekend and watched the Hokies pull out a tough victory in Landover. Speaking of ACC football, (William) Sally Bushore Matt Russo is working on his Master of Business Administration degree at Clemson University while living in Greenville, South Carolina. Matt and his wife, Courtney, welcomed William Matthew Russo Jr. to their family in March 2017.

I want to give a huge thank you to everyone Derek Bryant and the former Ms. Lara Michelle who put work into our 10th Reunion. Elise Woodworth headed the FundraisDalton were married Oct. 14, 2017, ing Committee, and I know they in western Pennsylvania. Derek and put a lot of effort in to raise class Lara were joined at their wedding by Christian Lomicka and Kevin Funkey. participation. Also, Tab Davenport Thanks to Jeremiah Sexton for sending headed the committee that actuin the note. ally planned the daily happenings Phill Yi and Matt Harrison were of the reunion, and I hear it was a able to join 11 other alumni at the Wagreat time. I’m sure there were more people involved, so thank you all for ter Environment Federation Technical your efforts on behalf of the class.

Exhibition and Conference in Chicago Elise also wanted to give a shoutat the beginning of October. The group enjoyed breakfast together for the third out to the Fundraising Committee. consecutive year.

She wrote, “Thanks to the Reunion Ryan Rose and wife Ashley welCampaign Committee and all of our BRs who contributed to our comed Willow Ellora in late October Class of 2006: Andrew Upshaw, Stacy Rostorfer ’04 and Dan class’ achievement. We presented Petronzio at Command and General Staff College. to the family. Willow tipped the scale a check for $210,120.07! That beat at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured

2007

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VMI Alumni Review

Present at the reunion were: Robert B. Allan, Corey R. Bafford, Karen A. Bill, Justin A. Bishop, Justin A. Blanks, Eric A. Bruns, Manuel R. Caballero III, Michael D. Canning, Benjamin B. Carlson, Christopher P. Chang-Lo, Justin P. Chetney, Daniel J. Czupryna, Tabitha P. Davenport, Matthew S. Davis, Maury A. Denton, Stefan M.A. Dietrich, Deuntay T. Diggs, Erik H. Dupilka, Nicholas A. Engle, Byron E. Faidley, Mark A. Falcon, Charles T. Freeman, Ryan C. Gerald, Thomas R. Goehring, Richard C. Guy, Eric L. Hall, Evan T. Hanks, William E. Harley, Laura E. Hash, Russ P. Henriet, Sean P. Hingley, Matthew S. Hopchak, Wesley R. Hopkins, M. Wayne Huggins, Zachary K. Huson, Patrick A. Johnsen, Matthew A. Kania, Kathleen M. Krenzel, Eric S. Kupper, John M. Lento Jr., Shu-Chang Liu, Thomas E. Lloyd, D. Scott Lutterbie, Patrick T. Magno, Thomas W. Matthews, Whitney C. Matthews, Raymond D. Mattia, Eri McMullen, Kenneth K. McWilliams, David M. Metzler, Andrew B. Milford, Mark W. Miller, Liam T. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Michael L. Peranski, Adam Z. Peters, Grant H. Pfeiffer, Scott S. Pistochini, Daniel J. Plitnik, Jonathan P. Pool, Joshua T. Prible, Brant Matthew Priest, Samuel Nathan Rasnick II, Alexander J. Rawling, Brian P. Renaghan, Chad M. Rice, Paul M. Rice, David J. Riedel Jr., Victor A. Rosen II, Tyler J. Russell, Matthew Saccone, James G. Sandman, Erin L. Saucier, John B. Schluge, Jonathan T. Schmidt, Matthew J. Schreibfeder, Jonathan P. Schwerer, Ryan C. Smith, Kyle E. Snider, Bryan W. Stange, Ryan H. Steptoe, Neal O. Sutliff, Wesley A. Thomas, Matthew J. Treadwell, Mira A.Y. Veis, Kevin F. Vik, Christopher L. Waddell, Maitlin D. Wade, Jamaal O. Walton, Quincy M. Washa, James M. Watson, Robert G. Weatherford, Christopher L. Webb, Andrew B. Williams, Matthew A. Williams, Jacob F. Willis, Kyle A. Wills, Bradley C. Wilson, Jonathon M. Woloshuk, Elise G. Woodworth and Ryan R. Young.

Class Notes

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Class Notes teaching middle school. Matt had the pleasure of watching the girls before I came home from work, and the wives went shopping. Our little bug, Addyson, has grown from a NICU baby to blowing the growth charts out of the water. It’s hard for either of us to believe how much she’s grown in such a short time.

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the holiday season, and I look forward to talking with you in the near future about our celebration in early fall.

Class of 2008: The former Ms. Mary Lo and Jeremy Clement enjoyed a wonderful summer afternoon in New York City on their wedding day, July 21, 2017.

Class of 2008: The third annual VMI alumni breakfast at Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference in Chicago, Illinois, was held Oct. 3, 2017. Matt Harrison, second from left, and Phill Yi, fourth from left, were joined by 11 other alumni, including Mark Miller ’07, fourth from right.

Class of 2008: The Russo family, Courtney, Matthew Jr. and Matt, enjoying time in South Carolina. Matthew Jr. was born in March 2017.

Class of 2008: Christian Lomicka, right, and Kevin Funkey, left, joined Derek Bryant and his new bride, Lara, during their wedding weekend in mid-October 2017.

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21-and-a-half inches long. Joining the Rose family in expanding their family, Bert Williams and wife Stephanie welcomed Adeline Sarah Sept. 29, 2017. Miss Adeline measured 17-and-one-fourth inches and tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 9 ounces.

Steve Phillips, wife Maggie and their pup, Mia, added Stella Lynn to the family Sept. 4, 2017. All are doing well and adjusting to a lack of sleep. Deven Benkowitz and wife Jackie welcomed Charlotte Elizabeth Sept. 19 at 3:29 p.m. Miss Charlotte tipped the scales at 5 pounds, 13 ounces.

A future VMI football player was born Sept. 8, 2017. Robert Brown and wife Raqketa welcomed their son, Brennan, in Atlanta, Georgia, while visiting her parents. The future baller tipped the scale at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 20-and-ahalf inches. Also adding to the VMI family were Josh Wilson and wife Bronwyn, who welcomed Elizabeth Kay Sept. 12 at 12:17 p.m. Miss Elizabeth tipped the scales at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measured 19-and-a-half inches long.

We also added to the class family with Chewie Tolson and Andrew Calvo. Chewie and wife Amanda welcomed Rhett Hurshel to their family in early September, tipping the scales at 7 pounds and an even 20 inches. Andrew and wife Michele welcomed baby girl Aurora Jade Aug. 29, 2017, at 5:36 p.m. A big round of congratulations to all the families adding little ones and to the Bryants on their marriage. We’ll have plenty of little ones on the cusp of walking next year at the reunion!

Addyson, Lauren and I were able to spend some time relaxing at my parents’ pool with Matt Mitchell along with his wife, Arlene-Raquel, and their daughter, Ava, in late August before Lauren returned from her extended summer vacation to

2009

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had a great time catching up with all of you from the emails and messages I have gotten. From everything I have received, we are out doing amazing things across the country. This has been one of the most submitted issues of my tenure, so I greatly appreciate it.

Ricky Pfrogner and his wife, Randi, welcomed a daughter to their family in May 2017. Kyle Josephine and family are enjoying the Army life at Fort Stewart in Savannah, Georgia. Ricky recently accepted a second battery command position in the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart.

Michelle (Lukenbill) DeLeon and husband Nate recently relocated from Florida to northern Virginia, which makes Michelle very happy, so she can be back in horse country. Speaking of horses, the DeLeons attended The American Eventing Championships in Tryon, North Carolina.

Chelsie Kosecki reached out and told me she was the lead scientist working on the first immunotherapy drug for leukemia. Kymriah was approved in the United States Aug. 30, 2017, and it is considered groundbreaking and lifesaving. Kymriah is not a typical drug or pill; it is a personalized treatment that takes the patient’s own cells, reengineers them and then puts them back into the patient’s body to attack cancer cells. In Chelsie’s research, 83 percent of patients saw complete remission within three months. Chelsie also received the Vision Award in recognition for her achievements.

Chelsie resides in New York City and is currently working on many new potential cancer drugs.

Kurt Seidl recently became engaged to Katherine

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Miller. Katherine is a 2007 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, or the VMI of the west. They were engaged over the Labor Day weekend up in Colorado Springs when VMI played the Air Force Academy. Congrats to the both of you.

Vincent Abruzzese was deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as the attorney in charge of fiscal and contract law for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa in summer 2017. He ended up running into Nicholas Cooper while over there. Vincent is heading back to Barksdale Air Force Base through next summer.

Joe Taylor caught up to me the other day to let me know that Jose Andueza is currently working for the FBI stationed out of Puerto Rico. His department has transitioned from normal FBI operation (whatever that means) to helping the local population with distributing water and food after the recent hurricane.

I also want to congratulate Justin Tammelin and his wife, Meg, on the birth of their first child Oct. 24, 2017.

Justin and Meg named their little girl Charleston June Tammelin, and she Class of 2009: Michelle (Lukenbill) DeLeon and husband Nate at weighed in at 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Justhe American Eventing Championships. tin told me she is really little, but he loves her more than anything. Well, I guess that is it from me. I hope everyone else is doing well and doing big things. As always, please feel free to send me notes anytime. I am always around and would love to hear from everyone. Have a great next few months, and keep up the good fight.

2010

Cody Hennelly Garland Gray III

Class of 2009: Ricky Pfrogner and wife Randi with their new daughter.

Class of 2009: Justin Tammelin’s new baby girl, Charleston J. Tammelin.

2018-Issue 1

Brother Rats, Are. You. Ready?! I suppose y’all could say I am feeling reminiscent of our 5th Reunion! I hope you are all doing well. It has certainly been a crazy few months since I last wrote. But, as always, y’all continue to impress me every day we get the chance to talk! Let’s get into it.

First up on the roster is Dan Strausbaugh, who doesn’t know how to quit. Follow me on this journey for a minute: Dan was in Washington, D.C., visiting Rory Alfree (more on him in a minute) at a party, where he was introduced to a nice young woman. Seems honest enough, right? Well, fast forward to the next couple of days, when my wife gets a text from her college roommate asking if we know a guy from VMI named Dan. What are the chances a woman who knows nothing about VMI other than that I went there, but is best friends

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Class Notes with my wife, gets sniped by Strausbaugh!? I and Matt Sagar all made the trip, as well. A fielded questions about that encounter for the lot of beer was consumed! Those bums haven’t next several days. (If you know Dan, you get really changed their lives much since the last Bruce Howard why!) But seriously, Dan is doing very well. He time I wrote about them, so no need to bore tells me he is setting out on an epic cross couneveryone. try trip soon. My door is always open, brother!

I wish you all the very best, and please do Rory and I got to catch up, as well. He is livnot hesitate to reach out if y’all need anything!

Mizpah, ing in the D.C. area and just started working Brother Rats, Cody for Northrop Grumman as a project engineer.

I hope this edition of the Review Sounds awesome; good luck with finds you well. I want to take a mothe new gig, dude! Next up, Lucas Whitman is set to be married over ment to thank all of you who were Thanksgiving week this year. Jess able to attend the reunion. For those and I are heading back to the “I” of you who were unable to attend, I for the wedding and couldn’t be understand that life gets in the way, more excited. In true VMI Keydet but do not worry; there are many fashion, Lucas found a young lady more reunions to come, and I hope who is too pretty, smart and funny we can have an even better turn out for him ... but hey, do we fault him? for our 10th. Compared to classes Another fool I caught up with recentof the past, it seems as though we had an above average number of atly was none other than Adam Aikens.

Adam and his beautiful family are dotendees. I know many of you were unable to come to every event, but it ing well. He just recently decided he is going to end his service with the active was great seeing more than 60 BRs Class of 2010: Will Correll, Frank Keeney, Evan Aguirre, Matt U.S. Marine Corps and try his hand at Sagar, Cody Hennelly and Charlie Barnett posed for a picture on back at the Institute in one weekend.

If anyone is interested in some the regular world. By the looks of his the south rim of the Grand Canyon over Labor Day weekend. leftover gifts (tumblers, shirts or Facebook wall, he should just start his keychains), please let me know. I would be own hunting show! Laugh out loud. Couldn’t be happy to sell them at a discounted price to prouder of you, man. those of you who were either unable to attend I was ecstatic to hear from Josh Hughes. (It’s or just want more of the items. I hope everyone been a while!) Josh reached out from South has a great winter, and I look forward to gathKorea, where he is currently deployed. As you can imagine, we spoke mostly about his wife, ering more updates for the next Review.

Alli, and their son, Liam. Both are doing well, In the bonds, and are just ready for Josh to be home. Josh Bruce is currently an intelligence officer in the Army but is another Keydet thinking of transitioning to the civilian world. I will tell you, the grass is definitely greener on this side, bro! When you Class of 2010: Robert Stockman, Shawn John Wilson get back stateside, we need to grab a brew!

Fox and Owen Trotman got together in Last, but certainly not least, we come to Evan October to celebrate the birth of Vivian Grace Stockman. Also pictured is RobAquirre, another Keydet who found a young Charles Jones ert’s son, Noah. woman to marry him despite all his flaws!

Evan and Kim are set to be married on new year’s eve this year out in Washington state.

Unfortunately, Evan is currently deployed to Puerto Rico, so I haven’t been able to talk to Allen McCown him much over the last five weeks. I did get a random text from him saying he ran into Lance Hindle. Unfortunately, no real details, though.

2013, But before Evan left, we did get one heck of a By the time you read this, it’ll be early 2018. bachelor party weekend in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since our Charlie Barnett, Will Correll, Frank Keeney the Class of 2011.

1st Class year already! With that in mind, we’re

2012

2013

2011

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VMI Alumni Review

Present at the reunion were: Christopher Q. Adams, Sean M. Alexander, Douglas J. Alvey, Robert N. Bailey, Monica P. Bennett, Brandon L. Butler, Bradley A. Chamberlain, Pattanun Chanpiwat, Mark A. Christian Jr., Edward A. Coglio, Stephen F. Davis, Adrian A. Dominguez, Gabriel J. Dongieux, Boris Z. Duvnjak, Justin T. Dwight, Robert T. Earle, Samantha K. Farr, Daniel J. Fiasconaro, Collin C. Flaherty, Nicholas C. Gelles, William N. Gillogly, James G. Goodwillie V, Timothy M. Graziano, Michael T. Gwinn, Jacob K. Hooker, Bruce L. Howard Jr., Alex M. Hufnagel, Bruce T. Leuthold Jr., Paul S. Lingamfelter, Richard S. Luck III, Allen H. Lutz, Kelly F. Maggio, Robert L. Main III, Alexander K. Mason, Charles J. McDonald, Cameron R. Murray, David G. Neal II, Lindsey L. Parkman, Aaron M. Remai, Robert H. Rice, Kyle R. Richardson, James M. Rivas, Andy Y.S. Ruan, Mark A. Schumacher, Joshua R. Sneed, Ross S. Stolle, Sarah E. Strand, Lewedwyn K. Taylor, Daniel B. Vaden, Joshua D. Visconti, Spencer C. Wackelin, David T. Wagner Jr., M. Robert White Jr., Andrew P. Yancey, Maxwell L. Yates and Jacob T. Znachko.

Class Notes

2018-Issue 1

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Class Notes

Class of 2013: Jordan Starin and Clay Lewin on a recent deployment in the Middle East. deep into planning the reunion. The confirmed date is Sept.14, 2018. The most up-to-date information will be posted on the class Facebook page. If you’re still living in the 90s and don’t have Facebook, call/email/text me, and I will point you in the right direction. In a nutshell, you can expect a parade, tailgating, a football game that VMI is definitely going to win and maybe

even a class party out at Clark Irvine’s cabin.

We have a few updates on various military careers: Justin Dalton graduated Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, The Basic School, and is now headed to combat engineer school. Tim Quinn graduated Navy OCS and is headed to Pensacola, Florida, for flight school. Kevin Curran is officially a Navy SEAL. Patrick Leet just got back from a deployment in the Middle East and is currently at Twentynine Palms. Finally, Alex Brackmann transitioned out of the Marine Corps and is working in Richmond.

We also have two recent marriages in the class.

Hunter Colt married Tina Dunkum in September, and Boris Goli married Kelsey Correia in October. Congratulations to both couples!

As always, we appreciate any notes or photos you want to submit for the Alumni Review. You can send them to me or John Wilson. Keep a lookout for updates on the class reunion!

Brother Rats, Well, as it happens to all good Keydets at one time or another, I waited until the last minute to start my given assignment (class notes). Because of this, I was unable to reach out to the class to see what has been happening since the last set of published notes. Once the holidays pass and work gets back to normal, I will get back on top of things and make sure we make up for lost time.

I hope everyone is doing well, and as always, feel free to reach out to me if you ever need anything!

Whole damn team, Johnny

2014

2016

Taylor Floyd

Patrick Hine

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Johnny McDonald

Jacob Norris

Samuel Guidry

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

Class of 2013: Bradley Sweeney, Johnnie Godwin, Kelsey Correia, Boris Goli and Blaine Groat at Boris and Kelsey’s wedding.

2015

BRs, I hope those of you who attended the reunion

Class of 2013: Hunter Colt and his wife, Tina Dunkum, on their wedding day.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes enjoyed your time and got to see some familiar faces. I apologize for my absence; one year was a little too early for me, and I am still wrapped up in flight school. However, Hannah Harley was kind enough to jot down the following notes from the reunion: “Brother Rats, well, we have been out for a year, and our rats are about to have their own Ring Figure! (Even though Ring Figure was three years ago.)

“I had the pleasure of being able to attend our 1st Reunion. While it hasn’t been long, I was grateful to be in Virginia again and catch up with some of our class. Drinks were poured out for those who couldn’t attend, especially those with military obligations. Speaking of which, Matt Johnson extended his time in Korea. I saw Ginni Bigelow, who is about to be deployed to Kuwait for an entire year. I’ve also heard that T.J. Eddy made it back safe to Fort Bliss, Texas, where Christian Shaner (who is newly engaged) and Rachel Hall are currently stationed.

“Kyle Taylor was brave enough to get in the reunion photo with me. He finished Marine Corps Officer Candidate School this summer and will become a Marine JAG officer in the spring after he finishes up at the University of Richmond School of Law. Emily Bierut is the new director of operations for the Journal of International Service (American University’s School of International Service graduate publication, where she is pursuing her master’s).

Barry Matanic got engaged shortly after the reunion; congrats! Cole Spicer brought his fiancée, Stacy. Ian Westbrook brought his wife, Melissa. I am still single.

“Duncan Mahnken recently finished Basic Combat Training and will be on his way to OCS in late January for the Army National Guard. Jason Stafford is currently at BCT for

2018-Issue 1

the Army with an OCS slot. Jacob Hirtz will also be leaving for Army BCT. Proud of all y’all for deciding to become! Hooah. Rah ’16.”

Again, thank you for putting this together. If anyone else has stories or wants to jot down some thoughts, please feel free to send them my way. Additional notes and acknowledgments go out to Aidan O’Connor and his fiancée, Alyssa Kelly, on getting engaged. Their wedding is set for September 2018; congratulations to you both. Also, Keifer Valencia earned his Naval Flight Officer gold wings Oct. 27 and is headed to Naval Air Station Jacksonville for the Fleet Replacement Squadron, ultimately to fly the EP-3.

Dylan Davis is in his advanced course for the UH-60 Black Hawk and is getting ready to move out west with his wife, Jen, and dog, Milo.

I hope all is well, Class of 2016. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the class. It is always a good day to hear from a BR. Rah Virginia Mil.

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Brother Rats, I hope this message finds you all well. As I write these notes, it’s coming up on six months since graduation! Finally out in the real world, as expected, the Class of ’17 is causing a wake of success. I’ve heard from a few of you, and it seems as though things are going well. Below are a handful of those updates that were sent to me.

As always, stay safe and keep in touch!

Geoffrey Anderson and Hamp Beddoes worked as deckhands on Purse Seining Boats in Alaska this past summer. Geoffrey was out of Valdez on the Newfie Adventure, and Hamp was out of Cordova on the Alaska Girl. After about three months of commercial fishing in Alaska, they flew to San Francisco, where they bought motorcycles. They then rode across the country, stopping wherever “we felt like it, really.” Highlights were Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Nashville. Hamp said, “We camped in national forests (it’s free) most of the way. It was an absolute blast. Took us about two-and-a-half weeks from coast to coast.”

David Pody has moved to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, for 10 months while he attends the U.S. Army’s Cyber Basic Officer Leader Course.

He expects to graduate in April 2018. Follow-on duty location is unknown.

Andrew Bradshaw moved to northern Virginia and is working as a government contractor for The Office of Naval Research. Andrew has also been accepted into a master’s program for public administration at Norwich.

Sierra Sell has got a job working as a microbiologist in an independent laboratory.

Nate Whitmer moved to Fort Myers, Florida, and has begun working with the company Greeley and Hansen.

Lincoln Frawley, Scott Frazier and Eric Wicks graduated from Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course and are currently at the U.S. Army Ranger School in Fort Benning, Georgia, as of Oct. 25. Garrett Hendershott, Brad Ketterer, Sam Mueller, Matt Hill and Mike Gorski are heading to Ranger School Oct. 29 and also graduated from IBOLC. Matt Lloyd graduated IBOLC and is currently attending Airborne School as of Oct. 29.

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Class Notes

Baby Keydets MIKULA – a son, McKinley James, to Elizabeth and Matthew T. Mikula ’04, Sept. 16, 2017.

VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni

WALTON – a daughter, Ava, to Amanda and Thomas H. Walton Jr. ’04, May 16, 2017.

BENKOWITZ – a daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, to Jackie and Deven J. Benkowitz ’08, Sept. 19, 2017.

BROWN – a son, Brennan, to Raqketa and Robert U. Brown III ’08, Sept. 8, 2017.

According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

CALVO – a daughter, Aurora Jade, to Michelle and Andrew P. Calvo ’08, Aug. 29, 2017.

LINGAMFELTER – a daughter, Abigail, to Erika and John S.

James C. Sherman ’35 Lingamfelter ’08, July 11, 2017.

March 31, 1914

Robert C. Maling ’41

Aug. 16, 1919

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40

Oct. 25, 1919

Lloyd L. Leech Jr. ’42

Dec. 12, 1919

Harry J. Siebert ’42

Jan. 25, 1920

TOLSON – a son, Rhett Hurshel, to Amanda and Adam J. Tolson ’08, Sept. 2, 2017.

C.W. Abbitt ’41

May 25, 1920

Gordon A. Smith ’43

June 10, 1920

WILLIAMS – a daughter, Adeline Sarah, to Stephanie and Herbert T. Williams V ’08, Sept. 29, 2017.

John Y. Embrey ’42

June 17, 1920

B.W. Baker ’42

July 1, 1920

WILSON – a daughter, Elizabeth Kay, to Bronwyn and Joshua H.

Wilson ’08, Sept. 12, 2017.

George Eng ’43

July 6, 1920

PHILLIPS – a daughter, Stella Lynn, to Maggie and Steven M.

Phillips ’08, Sept. 4, 2017.

ROSE – a daughter, Willow Ellora, to Ashley and Ryan L. Rose ’08, Oct. 24, 2017.

Marriages BRYANT – Lara M. Dalton to Derek C.W. Bryant ’08, Oct. 14, 2017.

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VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME Grant D. Stone (cont.)

2022 Jeremiah Arnold

Teray M. Frost ’01

Cousin

Alexis B. Hall

Matthew P. Bogusky ’96

Step-father

2031

Jasmin Hall

Jordan M. Riley ’13

Brother

Charlotte Forde

Brandon M. Lawson

Sidney M. Toland II ’01

Uncle

Grant T. Harris ’06

Cousin

Zephaniah F. Anderson

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

2032

Lauren C. Harvey

I. Lionel Hancock III ’57

Grandfather

Emmaline Barlow

Connor Alan Smith

Thomas R. Essig ’64

Grandfather

Kalen Whaley

Teray M. Frost ’01

Uncle

Viankah Williams

Malcolm L. Thomas ’17

Cousin

Collin J. Bonne

John D. Bonner ’94

Father

Evan M. Caldwell

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

James O.P. Morris

William J. Morris ’84

Father

Conor B. Morrissey

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

2033

RELATIONSHIP

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96

Cousin

Stephen P. Adamson ’67

Cousin

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

John J. Burgess ’35

Greatgrandfather

Matthew W. Meyers ’01

Father

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

John J. Burgess ’35

Great-

Edgar L. Brown Jr. ’53

Great-

Steven L. Brown ’79

Grandfather

Weston G. Lemelin

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

John P. Vrazel

Timothy A. Tendall ’02

Uncle

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

John J. Burgess ’35

Great-

Jack W. Meyers

2023

ALUMNUS-CLASS

grandfather Brenon S. Field

grandfather

2024

Elliott Forde

2025 Finlay-Rose Anderson

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

Robert P. Gudz

Robert J. Gudz ’90

Father

Rodney P. Gudz ’92

Uncle

Derek J. Hart ’94

Father

Charles D. Walker ’64

Grandfather

James P. Hart Jr. ’926

Great-

Hannah R. Caldwell

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

James P. Hart III ’55

Grandfather

James B. Stone V

James B. Stone IV ’92

Father

James A. Hart ’81

Uncle

James B. Stone III ’63

Grandfather

William E. Inman ’17

Father

Edgar J.T. Perrow ’70

Cousin

James P. Inman ’86

Grandfather

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96

Cousin

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

Stephen P. Adamson ’67

Cousin

John J. Burgess ’35

Great-

Wyatt D. Walker

grandfather John Hart

grandfather

2026

Blake R. Inman Wesley McCawley

grandfather

2027 Iain A. Hodge

Richard Hodge ’01

Father

2028

2034 Ryan Burt

Alfred S. Aldrich Jr. ’67

Grandfather

Marion L. Caldwell Jr. ’63

Grandfather

Edgar L. Brown Jr. ’53

Great-

Robert J. Flynn ’67

Grandfather

Savanna-Lee Lemelin

Patrick J. Flynn ’74

Great-uncle

2035

Eric G. Erlendson ’82

Great-uncle

Lucas S. Field

Nicholas L. Worek ’07

Cousin

Robert J. Gudz ’90

Father

Rodney P. Gudz ’92

Uncle

Joshua J. Leon

Sheldon M. Crane

Edgar L. Brown Jr. ’53

Great-

2036

grandfather Shane W. Hodge

Richard D. Hodge ’01

Father

James B. Stone IV ’92

Father

James B. Stone III ’63

Grandfather

2037

Edgar J.T. Perrow ’70

Cousin

Madison C. Riley

Sean M. Flynn

Thomas J. Gudz

grandfather Steven L. Brown ’79

Grandfather

John W. Leon ’02

Father

John C. Leon ’73

Grandfather

Aubrey McCawley

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

Riley M. Pipkin

John J. Burgess ’35

Great-

Maurice E. Pipkin IV ’04

Father

Jordan M. Riley ’13

Father

2029

grandfather

2030 Grant D. Stone

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME James W. Burns (cont.)

2038 Ender D. Bushore

Salome E. (Coffman) Bushore ’07 Mother

Grayson R. Carrington

Edgar L. Brown Jr. ’53

Greatgrandfather

Jason Eberle

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Jonathan W. Wright ’10

Uncle

Sloan C. Burns ’10

Uncle

Sean A. Eberle ’12

Father

Brayden E. Galanty-Barbe Walter E. Galanty ’72

Grandfather

John J. Burgess Jr. ’67

Grandfather

Callum J. Hodge

Richard D. Hodge ’01

Father

John J. Burgess ’35

Great-

John Manning III

John C. Manning Jr. ’11

Father

John C. Manning Sr. ’83

Grandfather

Charlie M. Pipkin

Maurice E. Pipkin IV ’04

Father

Wymer W. Manning III ’79

Great-uncle

Mathis J. Ryan

James P. Smith ’79

Grandfather

James A. Manning ’90

Great-uncle

Joseph P. Wheeler

Carlos E. Chaves ’13

Uncle

Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

Great-

Colin R. Burns ’07

Father

Matthew W. Meyers ’01

Father

James C. Burns ’68

Grandfather

Gavin McCawley

grandfather

grandfather

2039 James W. Burns

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Lillian V. Meyers

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Benjamin H. Hardaway III ’40 Benjamin Hurt “Ben” Hardaway III ’40 of Columbus, Georgia, died Oct. 19, 2017. He was 98.

Hardaway matriculated from Midland, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Sarah Page Hardaway Flournoy, Mary Lucile Hardaway Lampton, Susannah Hardaway Rossi and Ann Vines Hardaway Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah M. Hardaway; and parents, to include his father, Benjamin H. Hardaway Jr. ’913, who died May 16, 1963.

James O. Lewter ’45 James Oliver “Jim” Lewter ’45 of Roswell, Georgia, died Sept. 10, 2017. He was 93.

Lewter matriculated from Chase City, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than three years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Lewter.)

Robert B. Williamson Jr. ’46

Miami, Florida, died April 28, 2017. He was 90.

Calhoun matriculated from Augusta, Georgia, and attended VMI for less than two years.

He is survived by his daughter, Gloriana Calhoun.

He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick, and sister, Anne Calhoun Field.

Christian A. Hoeser ’48B Christian Andrew Hoeser ’48B of Roanoke, Virginia, died Aug. 14, 2017. He was 89.

Hoeser matriculated from Roanoke and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his brother, Albert.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter, and sister, Elfrieda.

Arthur G. Pinkston Jr. ’48B Arthur Gorman Pinkston Jr. ’48B of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died July 9, 2017. He was 90.

Pinkston matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughters, Mary Pinkston and Suzanne Chaney; sons, David Pinkston and Robert Pinkston; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, A.G. “Buddy” Pinkston III.

Robert Burwell Williamson Jr. ’46 of Winter Park, Florida, died July 28, 2017. He was 91.

Williamson matriculated from Bluefield, West Virginia, and attended VMI for less than two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean; sons, Randolph L. Williamson (Carol) and Stephen H. Williamson (Linda); grandchildren, Lindsay Williamson, Matthew Williamson, Stacey Webb and Joshua Williamson; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Thomas Williamson and Nancy Kennedy.

Smith ’48B

Charles W. Peebles ’47 Charles Wesley Peebles ’47 of Reston, Virginia, died March 14, 2016. He was 89.

Peebles matriculated from Lawrenceville, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than two years.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; stepchildren, Suzanne LeClere Bailey (Patty) and Robert Oliver Bailey (Carmen); step-grandchildren, Maggie and Finn Bailey; and sister, Nan Wisniewski.

Francis A. Calhoun Jr. ’48A

Francis Augustus “Mike” Calhoun Jr. ’48A of

2018-Issue 1

Howard L. Smith ’48B

Howard Lee “H.L.” Smith ’48B, M.D., of Marlin, Texas, died Aug. 5, 2017. He was 89.

Smith matriculated from Marlin and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Johns Hopkins University.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Smith; sons, Michael Owen (Tina) and Thomas Albert ’98 (Andrea); and grandchildren, Cora Ashley, Cannon Lee, Xoe Beatrix, Thomas Jackson and Gus Ulysses.

Arthur D. Shackelford ’49A Arthur Daniel Shackelford ’49A of Greensboro, North Carolina, died Sept. 29, 2017. He was 89.

Shackelford matriculated from Kinston, North Carolina, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel H. Shackelford; children, Lisa Burney (Frank), Manina Reeves (Martin), Arthur D. Shackelford Jr. and John Shackelford (Suzi); grandchildren, Megan

and Chris Harris, Jillian and Matthew Angel, Lauren and Robert Shelton, Chris and Brandi Burney, Ian Burney, Michael Reeves, Grady Reeves, Thomas Shackelford and Alison Shackelford; great-grandchildren, William and Avery Harris, Madeline and Nathan Angel, and Liam and Hayes Shelton; and brother, Dr. Robert H. Shackelford (Evelyn).

Bartow H. Bridges Jr. ’49B Bartow Hughes “Pat” Bridges Jr. ’49B of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Oct. 18, 2017.

He was 89.

Bridges matriculated from Princess Anne County, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Lu Scearce Bridges; children, Bartow H. Bridges III (Sharon), Thomas Clayton Bridges (Danette); stepchildren, Deborah Bennett LeBlanc (Mark), Charles N. Bennett III (Jennifer) and Carol Bennett Anderson (Robert); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, P.J. Scearce.

William E. Wagoner ’49B William Eugene Wagoner ’49B of Sanford, North Carolina, died Oct. 26, 2017. He was 89.

Wagoner matriculated from Sanford and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Johnson Wagoner; children, Lisa Foushee (Ken) and William E. Wagoner Jr. (Rhonda); and grandchildren, Kevin Foushee (Whitney), Jennifer F. Conde (Jorge), Kristen Wagoner and Ryan Wagoner (Erica).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Holmes Marshall Wagoner Jr.

Elliot W. Hudgins III ’50A Elliot Worsham Hudgins III ’50A of New Bern, North Carolina, died Aug. 16, 2017. He was 90.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Reed Hudgins; daughter, Theresa Corey Hudgins; son, Col. Reed Elliot Hudgins; granddaughters, Elizabeth Black (Dereck Chewning) and Fraser Lee Hudgins; and great-grandson, Elliot Joseph Chewning.

Richard R. Mandt ’50A Richard Ruffner “Dick” Mandt ’50A of Mooresville, North Carolina, died Sept. 1, 2017. He was 89.

Mandt matriculated from Charleston, West

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Taps Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Richard “Rich” Ruffner Mandt Jr. and David William Mandt; daughter-in-law, Patricia Mandt Prather; sonsin-law, Jay Robert Greenwell and Osborn Clyde Prather III; and grandchildren, Jennifer Allene Mandt Merritt, David Ruffner Mandt, Sarah Margaret Mandt and Lillian Kate Prather.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Marie Auer Mandt; son, John Fredrick Mandt; and brother, Lt. Col. William Frederick Mandt.

Norman D. Berlin Jr. ’50B Norman Daniel Berlin Jr. ’50B of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 9, 2017. He was 89.

Berlin matriculated from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Metzger Berlin; sons, Scott Alan Berlin (Karen Rose) and Alan Daniel Berlin; and grandchildren, Allison Berlin Ohl (Peter), Luke Gene and Mark Berlin.

David W. Fleming ’50B David William “Dave” Fleming ’50B of Simsbury, Connecticut, died Aug. 24, 2017.

He was 88.

Fleming matriculated from Hamden, Connecticut, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Mark; daughter, Susan Thomson; grandchildren, Nicole Simmons, David Thomson, Graham Thomson and Craig Fleming; and two greatgrandchildren, Ryder and Rayna.

David F. Kovarik ’50B Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Frank Kovarik ’50B of Locust Grove, Virginia, died Aug. 15, 2017. He was 88.

Kovarik matriculated from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, William J. Kovarik, Daniel E. Kovarik and Kenneth D. Kovarik ’80; 13 grandchildren, including Anastasia Kovarik Hancock ’07 and Zachariah Scott Kovarik ’08; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgie Day Eley Kovarik.

Eric T. Naschold Jr. ’50B Eric Theodore Naschold Jr. ’50B of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2017. He was 89.

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Naschold matriculated from Erie, Pennsylvania, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Hoover Naschold; son, Rick Naschold (Sue); daughter, Marylyn Morgan (Greg); granddaughters, Jennifer Wolfe (Aaron), Anne Morgan, Laura Morgan and Katie Morgan; and great-grandchildren, Connor and Mackenzie Wolfe.

Samuel E. Saunders Jr. ’50B Samuel Edmund “Sam” Saunders Jr. ’50B, D.D.S., of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died Oct. 26, 2017. He was 87.

Saunders matriculated from Arrington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kennedy “Betty” Saunders; sons, Samuel E. Saunders ’78 (Mary), David J. Saunders ’81 (Barbara); daughter, Jennelle S. Williams; seven grandchildren, to include John M. Saunders ’09 and Thomas M. Saunders ’09; great-granddaughter; brother, Paul (Tatum); and sister, Rebecca Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Kennedy Saunders.

George C. McGee ’51 George Clifton McGee ’51 of Sandston, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2017. He was 88.

McGee matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Smith, and brother, Louis McGee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynd B. McGee; daughter, Catherine Barker; and brother, Russell McGee.

Norman L. George Jr. ’53 Norman Langford George Jr. ’53 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Aug. 28, 2017. He was 87.

George matriculated from Wilmington, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Norman George III (Susan) and Astrid George Turner (John); four step-children; seven grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Astrid Parmele George.

Glenn H. Van Eman ’53 Glenn Houston Van Eman ’53 of Houston, Texas, died July 25, 2017. He was 86.

Van Eman matriculated from Houston and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Ballard Van Eman; daughters Allison Van Eman Culver (Thomas Euclid Culver) and Laura Van Eman Schulz (Morgen Eric Schulz); granddaughters, Olivia Lee Schulz and Evelyn Tatum Schulz; and brother, Stuart Currin Van Eman (Marlene Genitempo Van Eman).

George A. Ford Jr. ’54 George Albert Ford Jr. ’54 of Columbia, Maryland, died Oct. 2, 2017. He was 84.

Ford matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from George Washington University.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Casey” Ford; children, Jon R. Ford and Susan Elizabeth Zorn (Gary); grandchild, Emma Richard; and brother, Leon Hopkins (Delores).

Robert A. Harris III ’55 Robert Alexander “Curly” Harris III ’55 of Kinsale, Virginia, died Oct. 8, 2017. He was 83.

Harris matriculated from Kinsale and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Harris Peale (Charles), and son, Robert IV (Scott Sabiston).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Johnson Harris.

Alan H. Shattuck ’55 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alan Hale “Al” Shattuck ’55 of Kamuela, Hawaii, died Aug. 2, 2017. He was 83.

Shattuck matriculated from Niagara Falls, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne “Mimi” Shattuck; sons, Michael (Suzanne) and Kelly (Linda); daughter, Kasey Shattuck; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps John S. Aldridge ’56 John Seth “Jack” Aldridge ’56 of Cumberland, Maryland, died Sept. 6, 2017. He was 83.

Aldridge matriculated from Ridgeley, West Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his children, John S. Aldridge Jr. (Barbara) and Tammy Aldridge Seeley (Rod); granddaughters, Sarah, Rachel and Adison; and sister, Carol Aldridge Newman (Jim).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann Aldridge, and sister, Daisy Aldridge Burns.

Bernard B. Bossard ’56

Caroline Ingram, Brooke Madison Ingram, Lindsey Blanche Cobb and Davis Edward Cobb.

Lynn D. Meyer ’57 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lynn David Meyer ’57 of South Glens Falls, New York, died Sept.

17, 2017. He was 82.

Meyer matriculated from Port Arthur, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his son, Lynn D. Meyer Jr. (Vikki); daughter, Andrea Meyer Meltzer; grandchildren, Merrin Alexander Meltzer, Brock David Meltzer and Marlee Reims Meltzer; and brother, Dr. Paul R. Meyer Jr. ’54.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne.

Bernard Bruce “Bernie” Bossard ’56 of Fort Mill, South Carolina, died Aug. 12, 2017. He was 82.

Bossard matriculated from Danielsville, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bossard ’56 William F. Law Jr. ’58 Bachelor of Science degree in electriWilliam Fleming “Bill” Law Jr. ’58 cal engineering from VMI. of Atlanta, Georgia, died Sept. 17, 2017. He (Editor’s Note: We have no further information was 80. on Mr. Bossard.)

Law matriculated from Augusta, Georgia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Richard M. Fencel ’56 Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Richard Monahan “Dick” Fencel ’56, M.D., Institute of Technology. of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 5, 2017.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Law He was 83.

Raley (Zak); son, Philip Fleming Law (Laura Fencel matriculated from Lancaster, PennSaffer Law); and grandchildren, Savanna May sylvania, and was a distinguished graduate of Raley, Sheridan Odessa Raley, Sawyer Ann VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree Raley, Soren Tyr Raley, Katherine O’Brien Law in biology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine and William Fleming Law II. degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; chilMay Law, and sister, Amy Law Banks. dren, Michael (Jami), Richard Jr., Joseph John “Jay” (Susan), Stephen (Carol), Christopher (Francine) and Mary Jo Dibianco (Richard); and grandchildren, Nicole, Jordan, Ryan, Troy, Robin, J.J., Thomas, Alexa, Christopher, Timmy, Matthew, Kathleen, Serena, Gracia, Giovanna and Alessandra.

He was preceded in death by his daughterin-law, Joa.

John D. Kling ’57 John David Kling ’57 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died July 24, 2017. He was 81.

Kling matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Doris Kelly Kling; daughters, Sandra Kling Willis, Lisa Kling Tidmore (Dean), Kathy Kling Ingram (Alan) and Kelly McLeod Cobb (Earl); and grandchildren, Sarah Jordan Willis, Margaret

2018-Issue 1

Manuel O. Seda ’60 Manuel Osvalda Seda ’60 of Phoenix, Arizona, died July 27, 2017. He was 83.

Seda matriculated from Baldrich, Puerto Rico, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughters, Stephanie and Tanya; sons, Michael and Jason; grandchildren, Isabella, Aria, Roscoe, Lucy, Jack, Dharma, Alma and Bodhi; and sisters, Hilda and Toto.

Kenton B. Patrick ’61 Kenton Branch Patrick ’61 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Sept. 4, 2017. He was 78.

Patrick matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the

University of Alaska.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Parrish Patrick; daughters, Susan Branch Patrick (Lee Erickson), Donna Patrick Stolle (Tony) and Kent Bunting Patrick; grandson, Oscar Patrick Erickson; and sisters, Cynthia Lawson-Otte (Ray) and Melissa Lerner (Louie).

He was preceded in death by his brother, A. Woodfin Patrick.

Ryland P. Davis Jr. ’62 Ryland Paul “Skip” Davis Jr. ’62 of Spokane, Washington, died Oct. 7, 2017. He was 77.

Davis matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Lindsay and Zach; grandchildren, Audrey and Chase; and sister, Pamela Davis.

Peter L. Wick ’63 Peter Lawrence “Pete” Wick ’63, M.D., of Huntsville, Alabama, died Sept. 12, 2017. He was 76.

Wick matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Peter Jr. ’90 (Valerie) and Thom (Lila); daughter, Elaine (Jerry); five granddaughters; and sister, Janice Cline.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Edward Wick Jr.

Edward D. Romm ’66 Edward Dunston Romm ’66 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2017. He was 72.

Romm matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Trout Romm, and sisters, Jean Atkinson and Nancy Curtis Howard.

Thomas W. Leggett Jr. ’67 Thomas William “Tom” Leggett Jr. ’67 of Danville, Virginia, died Sept. 4, 2017. He was 72.

Leggett matriculated from South Hill, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

147

Taps He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, Mark Wright Leggett and Thomas William Leggett III; and sister, Jeanne Leggett Dwyer.

James Langtry; and brother, William Jackson Kay.

Vance D. Powell Jr. ’67

William King Stephens III ’72 of Atlanta, Georgia, died Jan. 18, 2013. He was 62.

Stephens matriculated from Mechanicsville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Emory University.

He is survived by his children, Keiter Stephens and Kate Mayhew (Nathan); three granddaughters; brother, Chris Stephens; and sister, Janice Parker.

Vance Daly Powell Jr. ’67, D.O., of Dothan, Alabama, died Sept. 16, 2017. He was 72.

Powell matriculated from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He is survived by his children, Vance Daly Powell III (Karen) and Shannon Fritchley (Joe); step-children, Katie, Casey and Daylin; grandchildren, James Powell, Ethan Powell, Gideon Fritchley and Athan Fritchley; and brother, William Powell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn.

John F. English ’68 John Fredrick English ’68 of Richmond, Virginia, died Sept. 26, 2017. He was 69.

English matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for less than two years.

He is survived by his siblings, Jeryl English (Fran), Jimmy English (Trisha) and Jeanne Bedell (Dave).

David G. Allen ’71 David Garrett Allen ’71 of Clarksburg, West Virginia, died Sept. 21, 2017. He was 67.

Allen matriculated from Clarksburg and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He is survived by his brother, John C. Allen ’62.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James F. Allen ’933, who died Jan. 16, 1999, and Sara Crile Allen; and brother, James F. Allen Jr.

Frederick M. Kay ’71 Frederick Milton “Fred” Kay ’71 of Boca Raton, Florida, died Aug. 22, 2017. He was 68.

Kay matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Richmond.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Susan Kay Langtry, Patricia Anne Cooper and Deborah Kay Reece; grandchildren, Travis James Langtry, Logan Victor Langtry, Joseph William Cooper, Rachel Susanna Reece and Frederick Dean Reece; great-grandson, Caleb

148

William K. Stephens III ’72

James D. Kitchen ’73 James Dale Kitchen ’73 of Lexington, Virginia, died Aug. 7, 2017. He was 65.

Kitchen matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Taylor Kitchen; and children, Kaitlin Randolph Kitchen Kaskela (Philip Tsutomu Kaskela) and James Cody Kitchen.

Matthew M. Tignor Sr. ’73 Matthew Morgan “Matt” Tignor Sr. ’73, M.D., of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Sept.

24, 2017. He was 66.

Tignor matriculated from Virginia Beach and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; children, Sam, Jack, Jessie, Adele and Matt Jr.; sisters, Missy Shearer (Tom), Beth Kellam (Hank) and Becky Evans; brothers-in-law, Scott Myers and Michael Myers (Akren); sister-in-law, Travy Myers Sutton (Alex); and parents-inlaw, Penny and Don Myers.

Devery S. Miller ’75 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Devery Steven Miller ’75 of Swansea, Illinois, died Oct. 14, 2017. He was 64.

Miller matriculated from Hagerstown, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Aeronautical Science degree from EmbryRiddle University.

He is survived by his wife, Bette Miller; son, Maj.

Andrew Miller ’05 (Adriane); grandchildren, Lillia Miller, Lucienne Miller, Lorelei Miller and Lanette Miller; brother, Seth Miller; sisters, Susan Schnebly (William) and Rachel Covington (Glen); and sister-in-law, Sue Ellen Greenfield (Tom).

Jeffrey M. Worley ’82 Jeffrey Mason “Jeff ” Worley ’82 of Dickson, Tennessee, died Aug. 19, 2017. He was 58.

Worley matriculated from Greenville, Tennessee, and earned his Bachelor of Economics degree from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sonia Hafner Worley; children, Joshua Mason Worley, Jacob Morgan Worley and Jordan McKenna Worley; and brothers, Charles “Chuck” Worley II and Dennis Worley.

John C. Newland ’83 John Crawford Newland ’83 of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, died Oct. 14, 2017. He was 56.

Newland matriculated from Oakton, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.

He is survived by his brothers, Michael Preston Newland (Sarah) and William Trent Newland III (Tracy).

He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. William Trent Newland Jr., and niece, Rachel Ann Newland.

Curtis M. Price ’83 Curtis Mills Price ’83 of Bassett, Virginia, died Aug. 3, 2017. He was 56.

Price matriculated from Bassett and attended VMI for two years.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Price; daughters, Tabitha Ramey (Delano), Winona Hale and Raven Goodlow (Damari); grandchildren, Chad “C.J.” Copening Jr., Jada Goodlow, Alaina Ramey, Damari “M.J.” Goodlow Jr., Lilly Mitchell, Dominick “Mills” Goodlow and Tristan Mitchell; siblings, William Price Jr. (Kristina), Cynthia Stanley (Jacoby), Angelica Saunders (James) and Dontae Price; and parents, William and Virginia Price.

Bethany M. Franklin ’09 Bethany Marie Franklin ’09 of Troutville, Virginia, died July 16, 2017. She was 30.

She is survived by her partner, Nathan Campbell; parents, Chip and Brenda Franklin; brother, Travis; sister-in-law, Brittney; and grandparents, Clifford and Mary Joan Hoppe.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Andrew J. Olson ’10 Andrew James Olson ’10 of Macon, Georgia, died May 10, 2017. He was 28.

Olson matriculated from Stockbridge, Georgia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Olson.)

VMI Family Ralph M. Hostetter Ralph M. Hostetter of Lexington, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2017. He was 87.

Hostetter retired after 31 years of service to VMI’s buildings and grounds.

He is survived by his sister, Ethel Sweet Wright (Thurman); and sister-in-law, Sandi Shiplett.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Moore Hostetter; brothers, Ellis, Mason, Oscar, Herbert, Earnest and Preston; and sisters, Geneva Scott and Kathleen Clark.

Vincent P. McGinn Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Vincent P. McGinn of Dekalb, Illinois, died Aug. 15, 2017. He was 71.

McGinn formerly taught at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Nathan McGinn; daughter, Julie McGinn (Andrew Gross); and sister, Marianne Trale.

Donald R. Tait Donald Reid Tait of Austin, Texas, died Aug. 7, 2017. He was 70.

Tait formerly taught Spanish at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Judy Tait; daughters, Shannon Tait (Heath) and Kim Collins (Josh); and grandchildren, Ethan Smith, Caden Collins, Cameron Collins and Caroline Collins.

2018-Issue 1

149

VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer Stephen M. Maconi

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

First Vice President

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Chief Operating Officer Thomas A. Brashears ’95 tbrashears@vmiaa.org

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@woodardcurran.com

Region I – Southwest Chapter Arizona Greater Los Angeles Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Rio Grande San Diego

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri Southwest Ohio St. Louis

Region V – Southeast Augusta Atlanta Birmingham Coastal GA – South Carolina East TN – Knoxville Mobile Tennessee Valley

Region VI – Carolinas Crystal Coast/Jacksonville Cape Fear/Fayetteville Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal SC/Charleston Eastern North Carolina Midlands SC/Palmetto Upsate SC/Pisgah NC Wilmington, North Carolina

150

Meade B. King ’85

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net Chapter Representative

lohrc08@gmail.com stephen.breheny3131@gmail.com kenny@mpowermortgage.com Bradley.maak@yahoo.com brian.k.andrew@gmail.com

Christoph Lohr ’08 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Lawrence M. Wood ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87

Max H. Hopkins ’97

max.h.hopkins@gmail.com

William R. Creekmur ’83

Director: William D.R. Waff ’76 Daniel C. Young ’88 Molly M. Hastings ’13 Brian D. Skusa ’00 David C. Hagemann ’80 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 J. Micah North ’00 David P. Loduca ’81

dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu bskusa@kforce.com dhag80@aol.com vordermark@juno.com micah.north@resonantsciences.com loduca@pbworld.com

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80 A. Bruno Loefstedt III ’80 Donald M. O’Sullivan Jr. ’00 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

Region IV – Mid Atlantic Appalachian Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA – Delaware Valley Stonewall Jackson Western PA – Pittsburgh

President’s Email

Chief Operating Officer

Christoph Lohr ’08 Stephen A. Breheny ’89 Kenny T. Stigler ’00 Bradley J. Maak ’87 Brian K. Andrew ’03

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

President

U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Region II – Midwest Bluegrass Chicago

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

J. Bolling Williamson ’60 bollingwmson@gmail.com

Warren J. Bryan ’70

T. Bryan Barton ’68

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Immediate Past President

Chief Operating Officer

President

Second Vice President

bruno.a.loefstedt@saint-gobain.com donaldosullivan@hotmail.com rwolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73

Jason D. Hennigan ’99 Robert P. Hill ’08 David R. Gleason ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Jason K. Gruse ’97 Alan R. Berenbrok ’80

jdh7374@gmail.com rphill48@gmail.com gleason@umbc.edu rickkillmeyer@gmail.com jasongruse@hotmail.com aberenbrok@yahoo.com

Director: C. Patrick Haddock ’00 Terence L. Bowers ’68 David R. Nagel ’01 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Mark P. Parton ’08 Christopher R. Jones ’96 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77

terrybowers@vmialumni.org nageldr78@hotmail.com billcather@bellsouth.net partonmp@gmail.com crj2112@gmail.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org huf2000@aol.com

Director: Michael A. Kelly ’73 Ian G. Dunlap ’05 Michael A. Ceroli ’85 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Ray S. Brooks ’76 George Troy Mosby ’97 Robert M. Kirby ’78 Carl B. Hammond ’00 Paul X. English III ’73 John P. Gangemi ’61

dunlapian@hotmail.com mceroli@thekratosgroup.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com rsbr1111@gmail.com gmosby@liquidnet.com rmkirby@dekirby.com hammondcb@yahoo.com pxenglish@verizon.net jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Email: razz.waff@gmail.com Hugh R. Hill ’85 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Stephen M. Chiles ’89 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61

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

Email: hlarrymays@gmail.com Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 Thomas M. Wirth ’98 John T. Pace IV ’77 Phillip L. Harris ’03 J. Mark Hennigan ’90

Email: vmitranspo@hotmail.com Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Kevin L. Snell ’82 John H. Friend III ’82 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77

Email: kellyvmi73@gmail.com Stephen L. Skakandy ’01 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 T. Matthew Creech ’96 Eric L. Duncan ’99 George H. Ritko ’70 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Chapter Directory

Region VII – Florida Central Florida Northeast Florida – Jacksonville Northwest Florida Southern Florida Southwest Florida – Fort Meyer The Villages – Florida Treasure Coast West Coast Florida – Tampa

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72 John C. Nagle IV ’87 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 James D. Friskhorn ’81 Scott A. Houser ’98 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Blake W. Thomas ’73 Donald D. Carson ’64 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Region VIII – Southwest VA Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville North Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Valley

James F. Dittrich ’76 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 Michael M. Wallace ’93 William E. Kirby III ’96 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 S. Curtis Johnston ’82 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98 Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Murray F. Hudson ’82

Region XII – Central Virginia Richmond Tri Cities

Norfolk Peninsula Rappahannock Virginia Beach Western Tidewater Williamsburg

tboggs@gci.com russell.takata@yahoo.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net todd.baldwin1@gmail.com roo1999@gmail.com

twalton@general-assurance.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.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 Henry W. Moncure ’74 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 John J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV – Metro D.C. Fredericksburg - Quantico George C. Marshall Potomac River

jfdinarkansas@aol.com steve.barcik@htds2.com michaelmwallace@mac.com ktkirby@comcast.net paltizer@bellsouth.net Chewy.Johnston@hdrinc.com hbrvmi98@vmialumni.org daniel.fitzgerald@hdrinc.com spweiss@earthlink.net murfh@urbaneng.com

Director: Anthony U. Moore ’78 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

Thomas H. Walton ’04 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

Region XIII – Hampton Roads Eastern Shore

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtvmi65@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu mattdale@vmialumni.org

Director: Clifford A Crittsinger ’64/’66 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Todd M. Baldwin ’06 Jeffrey B. Morrison ’99

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com hwm74@msn.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net jjkokolis@cox.net

Director: Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 Director: John D. Kearney Jr. ’00

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Matthew R. Keller ’00 A. James MacDonald ’83

John C. Nagle IV ’87 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Wayland H. Patterson ’80 Brett R. Martin ’00 Alan H. Vicory Jr. ’74 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Email: dennis@nanoseptic.com Joseph W. Hutt III ’78 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Alan G. Soltis ’79

Email:

Director: Jeffrey L. Minch ’73

Region XI – Northwest Alaska Hawaii Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain

vordermarkmt@hotmail.com bradburrus@yahoo.com reeldadx2@gmail.com

Director:

T. Troy Barbour ’89 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 James E. Duncan ’98 W. Douglas Thomas ’65 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 Matthew J. Dale ’12

Region X – South Arkansas Centex Greater New Orleans Middle TN – Nashville Midsouth/Memphis North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Director: Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80

Matthew T. Vordermark ’00 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

Region IX – Shenandoah Valley

jay.nagle@hdrinc.com jason.goldstein@amecfw.com vmi81@comcast.net housersa@yahoo.com btherrell@basspro.com blaket606@aol.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com

Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 R. Edward Duncan ’60 James E. Duncan ’98 Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Lewis V. Graybill ’62

Email: jminch2011@gmail.com David W. Walsh ’90 Christopher J. Whittaker ’90 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Dakota W. Nicely ’15 Garry C. Varney ’76 Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Email: keydet6466@gmail.com Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Robert L. Fricke ’78 William V. Trumpore ’89

Email: amor_78@comcast.net Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Thomas H. Walton ’04 Augustus Robbins III ’47

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 Jim E. Henry ’68

Email: jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Email: kearneyjd00@gmail.com

carl.debernard@dhs.gov matthew.keller@ofplaw.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

R.C. Thompson III ’74 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

2018-Issue 1

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

151

Alumni News George H. “Skip” Roberts Jr. ’68 was Albert V. Carr Jr. ’66 was selected as the selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2018 Washington and Lee Law School 2017 ProBest Lawyers in America in August 2017. He fessor of the Year. The award is presented was named Lawyer of the Year for corporate annually by the Student Bar Association. Law law. Roberts serves as an attorney for Lenhart students nominate professors they believe deserving and then vote for the winner. Carr Pettit law firm based in Harrisonburg, Virginis the first non full-time law professor selected ia. Eleven other attorneys from the law firm were selected for inclusion to the list, as well. for the award.

Roberts matriculated from Petersburg, VirCarr previously worked for two federal government energy and regulatory agencies, ginia, and is a distinguished graduate of VMI, a private law firm, and with the legal depart- earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

He earned his Juris Doctor degree ment of the Duke Energy Corporafrom the University of Virginia tion, where he was responsible for School of Law. their federal regulatory affairs. He joined the W&L Law School facRobert G. “Bob” Tanner ’69 was ulty following his retirement from selected by his peers for inclusion in the Duke Energy Corporation as the 2018 Best Lawyers in America deputy general counsel and began in August 2017. Tanner serves as teaching a course in federal energy an attorney for Weinberg, Wheeler, regulation, which was eventually Hudgins, Gunn & Dial, a national triincorporated into the law school’s al firm. He was recognized on the list third-year program. In his current of best lawyers for his work in medirole as a visiting professor of law, Carr continues to teach that course, Tanner ’69 cal malpractice law – defendants, as well as commercial litigation. as well as a required first-year section Tanner matriculated from Malibu, Califorof a federal administrative law course.

Carr matriculated from Waterford, Virginia. nia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in degree from Wake Forest University.

English from VMI and his Juris Doctor degree from Washington and Lee Law School.

Cyrus A. Dolph IV ’70 was selected for inclusion in the 2018 Best Lawyers in America The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce awarded retired U.S. Marine Corps for his work in trusts and estates. Dolph serves Col. James R. “Jim” Williams ’66 a Distin- on the law firm of Clarke, Dolph, Hull & Brunick, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and guished Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2017 for his service as a represents companies and individuals with Collier County Sheriff ’s Office chief. He was the planning and administration of estates, presented with the award during the annual foundations and trusts. He is also recognized as both a Virginia Super Lawyer and as one of Distinguished Public Service breakfast.

Williams earned this award after service to Virginia’s Legal Elite by the Virginia Business CCSO since June 1996, when he joined after Magazine. Dolph is AV® Preeminent™ Peer a successful career in the Marine Corps from Review Rated, as well.

Dolph matriculated from North Post Office, which he retired at the rank of colonel. He served CCSO as inspector and captain and Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts oversaw the Professional Responsibility and degree in English from VMI. He earned his Master of Laws degree from Marshall-Wythe Training Division. He currently serves as the chief of investigations after earning that Law School and his Juris Doctor degree from position in 2006. He is involved in criminal the T.C. Williams School of Law. investigations, vice and narcotics, intelligence, Norman L. Paul Jr. ’77 was appointed and homeland security and acts as a liaison chairman of the 2017-18 board of directors with federal agencies.

Williams matriculated from Cherry Hill, for the National Association of Professional New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Sci- Employer Organizations.

Paul currently serves as chief executive ence degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from James officer of SWBC’s Professional Employer Organization, in which he oversees more Madison University.

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than 200 businesses and 8,200 shared employees in Texas and 26 other states. SWBC is a financial services company that provides insurance, mortgage and investment services, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. His responsibilities as CEO include payroll, employee benefits coverage and administration, workers’ compensation coverage, and human resources support. Paul also previously served as the chair of NAPEO’s Texas Leadership Council from 2011-15 and has been on the organization’s board since 2013.

Paul matriculated from San Antonio and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Saint Mary’s University.

Philip B. “Skip” Munisteri ’80 was featured in a news article by Southold Local for his work as a fourth-grade teacher. Munisteri implements a program each year, called Read to Ride, in which his students are expected to read 80 books in 80 days. He rewards them by agreeing to ride his bicycle from his home to the elementary school if they succeed – a trip which takes roughly two hours. Munisteri recently made the ride for the last time, as he retired from his teaching position at the end of the 2017 academic year.

Munisteri matriculated from Setauket, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree in education from Dowling College.

Brooks Running Company honored Neville A. Anderson ’84 by naming him as one of two 2017 Inspiring Coaches of the Year.

Brooks awards four coaches annually under its Inspiring Coaches program and awards the recipients with a trophy and $10,000 in Brooks performance running gear, as well as $2,500 to use toward team expenses. The company began this program in 2010 to honor coaches who inspire youth and positively impact their communities through their hard work and dedication to coaching.

Anderson matriculated from Washington, D.C., and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University.

Thanh C. Chau ’88 was interviewed by WCVE TV at a screening of “The Vietnam

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News War” film by Ken Burns at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, Virginia, in September 2017. In the interview, Chau discussed his experience after immigrating to the United States from the outskirts of Saigon when he was 15 years old.

The documentary is a 10-part series lasting about 18 hours describing a multitude of perspectives on the war.

Chau matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for three years.

where he serves as an overseer of engineering for water and wastewater projects and helps clients invest properly in their infrastructure systems. He also brings more than 25 years of experience into the new position, to include six years in the U.S. Army.

Hannum matriculated from Oley, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Villanova University.

Christopher M. Hannum ’88 accepted a position as principal on Entech’s Executive Leadership Team, Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 was making him the seventh member Hannum ’88 recently named president of Silynx of its team. This position comes to Communications. Hemenez served Hannum after joining the company in 2012, as the company’s senior vice president of

sales and marketing for two years. He has garnered more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications field with a focus on tactical communications.

Creating products for tactical operators, Silynx headsets are used by elite warfighters, law enforcement, and public safety and security forces. The company also designs and produces military-grade electronic hearing protection systems for hunters and industrial professionals.

Hemenez matriculated from Vista, California, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in modern languages. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma and his Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Fullerton.

... Book An n o u n c e m e nts ... Book Announcements . . . Bo o k An n o u ncem ent s ...

Announcements ... Book Announcemen Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Virginia License Plates 1906-1973 by Robert M. MacMeccan Jr. ’72. 2017. Available via the author at MacMeccan@verizon.net.

Robert M. MacMeccan Jr. began collecting license plates as an extension of his interest in antique automobiles when a neighbor, L.M. von Schilling ’926 introduced him to the hobby.

This book documents the history of motor vehicle license plates in Virginia from the first issue in 1906 through the transition to year/month sticker renewals in 1973, as well as vehicle registrations, titles, driver’s licenses, chauffeur badges and inspection stickers. It covers every type of license plate issued by the commonwealth of Virginia, including passenger, National Guard, motorcycle, dealer, truck, trailer, bus, well drill, drive away and public use plates. It also includes State Corporation Commission permits and Virginia Commission of Fisheries plates. The book features photographs of the author’s extensive collection and the Acts of Assembly, which authorized each type of license. Virginia is the only state which issued county, city and town license plates, and these plates are also covered in this work, as well as plates from Virginia colleges, hospitals,

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military installations and advertising license plate attachments. Included in the book are VMI license plate attachments sold in the PX, with one dated 1939.

About the author: Robert M. “Bob” MacMeccan Jr. is a native of Hampton, Virginia.

He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Army Reserve.

His 30-year career in the Army Reserve included command of 2nd Battalion, 311th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 78th Division at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, executive officer of 4th Brigade, 78th Division in Richmond, Virginia, and inspector general, U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk, Virginia. In his civilian career, after working in engineering and construction for 10 years, he began a 28-year career with Virginia Electric and Power Company (Dominion Virginia Power), initially as a construction engineer at the Bath County Pumped Storage

Project and then 25 years in nuclear engineering at Surry Power Station and the Innsbrook Technical Center in Glen Allen, Virginia.

MacMeccan owns a 1927 Rolls-Royce, 1955 MG-TF 1500 and a 1972 MGB. Simon V of Montfort & Baronial Government 1195-1218 by G.E.M. Lippiatt ’09. Oxford University Press, 2017. ISBN: 9780198805137. Available via the publisher at www.oup.com.

Simon of Montfort, dissenter from the Fourth Crusade, disseised earl of Leicester, leader of the Albigensian Crusade and prince of southern France, led a remarkable career of ascent from midlevel French baron to semi-independent count before his violent death in Toulouse, France, in 1218. This book, the first biographical study of Simon’s life to appear in English, explores how the crusader cultivated autonomous power amid competing royal lordships in southern France in order to build his own principality, however short-lived. Using contemporary narrative, scholastic and documentary evidence – including a wealth of unpublished archival material – Lippiatt

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Alumni News examines the ways in which Simon succeeded and failed in developing this independence in France, England and the Midi and on campaign to Jerusalem. He argues that Simon’s career demonstrates the vitality of baronial political life in the High Middle Ages, despite the emergence of centralized royal bureaucracies in France, England and Aragon. More importantly, Simon’s experience shows that barons themselves adopted methods of government that reflected a concern for accountability, public order and contemporary

reform ideals. While bearing a deserved reputation for brutality, Simon of Montfort, Lippiatt insists, must also be considered not only as a persecutor but also as a reformer, seeking to implement Christian ideals in the government of his church-sanctioned conquests. This study therefore marks an important entry in the debate about baronial responsibility in medieval political development, as well as providing the most complete modern account of the life of this important but oft-overlooked crusader.

About the author: Gregory Lippiatt was born in 1986 and matriculated at the Institute from York, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and English, with a concentration in military history. Having been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, he then attended the University of Oxford, where he earned a Master of Studies degree in medieval history and a doctorate degree in history. He is currently a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of East Anglia and lives with his wife and daughter in Norwich, England.

ook A nnou n c e m en ts ... Book Announcements . . . Bo o k An n o u n cem ent s ... B ook Announcements ... Book Announcements ... uncements ... Book Announcements ... Book

Northam ’81 Elected Governor of Virginia

Photo by John Robertson IV, VMI Communications & Marketing.

On Jan. 13, 2018, Ralph Northam ’81 assumed the position of governor of Virginia. His inauguration was held in Richmond, Virginia, with the Corps of Cadets marching in the ceremony. Coverage of this event will appear in the next issue of the Alumni Review.

"To think, with my background and being from the Eastern Shore, that the Virginians have put their trust in me for the next four years to be governor is just a tremendous honor, and it is such a privilege to be able to serve." – Ralph Northam ’81 154

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute Senior Military Colleges Conference T

he Senior Military Colleges Conference was held Oct. 8-9, 2017, at VMI. Participants included administrators and cadets from VMI, the University of North Georgia, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, The Citadel, Virginia Tech and Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College. Administrators took review with Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, during a parade that afternoon. The annual conference’s location rotates among the senior military colleges and gives participants a chance to discuss common concerns, including commissioning programs, Department of Defense and service initiatives, and Title IX issues. VMI photos by Kelly Nye.

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The Institute

VMI Climbs in U.S. News Rankings Virginia Military Institute climbed seven places among national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings released Sept. 12, 2017. This year, VMI claimed the 65th spot, up from 72nd in 2016.

Among schools in Virginia, only Washington and Lee University and the University of Richmond were ranked higher. Those institutions claimed the 10th and 23rd spots, respectively.

The Institute retained its national fourth place ranking among public universities, coming in only behind the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The rankings are based on such factors as a college’s reputation as rated by academic leaders nationally, retention of students, class size, quality of the faculty, quality of students, financial

resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving rate.

In the engineering category for colleges where the highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s, VMI was ranked 26th. The only other Virginia school included in the engineering rankings was James Madison University, 38th. The rankings in the engineering category are based exclusively on the reputation of the program.

For the second year in a row, VMI is included on the unranked list “A+ Schools for B Students.” This listing evaluates the quality of a school’s academic program and the academic program of admitted students.

VMI was also listed in 47th place in the category, “High School Counselor’s Top Picks.”

This is a new category for U.S. News, one which

strives to give voice to the experience of high school guidance counselors, whose work gives them a unique insight into the reputations of colleges and universities.

Earlier this year, VMI ranked 24th among public colleges across the country and 41st out of 711 public and private colleges nationwide in Money magazine’s annual college rankings. In addition, Forbes ranked VMI 11th on its list of “Top 25 Public Colleges with the Highest Earning Graduates.”

Editor's Note: With the exception of the CLE article, all articles in the Institute section were originally published by Communications and Marketing.

Intercollegiate Ethics Team In its fourth year of existence, the Center for Leadership and Ethicssponsored intercollegiate ethics team continues to draw cadet interest and involvement. Cadet Anthony Tarnowski ’18, a longtime member, headed the 2017-18 team as the cadet-in-charge. Doctor Duncan Richter, the Charles S. Luck III ’55 Institute Professor of the English, rhetoric and humanistic studies department, provides cadets the required expertise in moral and ethical theory. This year, Richter is assisted by U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Rori Stubbs ’17, former cadet-in-charge and now a CLE intern while he awaits his Army branch assignment and Basic Officer Leader Course date.

The team spent the fall semester preparing for the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competition to be held at the University of North Georgia’s Dahlonega campus the weekend of Nov. 18.

The competition is a one-day, multi-institutional collegiate competition held in partnership with the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Teams compete in a debate-style competition around 15 regional cases that were published in fall 2017. There are four rounds, a semifinal round and a final round within the competition to determine the top teams that will advance to the national competition sponsored by the APPE. The APPE is an international ethics association serving educators and business professionals throughout the world.

This is the second year the team competed in this event, and the team will benefit from Stubb’s mentoring and experience gained during last year’s competition. Competing this year were Cadets Tiernan Keast ’20, Carter Johnson ’20, Zachary Shaffer ’20, Madeline Barret ’20 and Rush Earman IV ’18. The competition falls on both the start of Thanksgiving furlough and Ring Figure, which made it a challenge to identify interested cadets who were willing to delay their furlough in order to compete.

The spring focus of effort for the team will be on the U.S. Naval Academy

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At the 2016 West Point Leadership Conference were Rori Stubbs ’17 (current CLE intern second lieutenant awaiting orders) and Cadets Noah Baker ’18, Regan Goulla ’18 and Kennedy Smith ’18.

Military Ethics Case Competition. The emphasis of this competition is the ethical/moral implications of an event or policy that is to be implemented in a purely military related scenario. The case specifics will not be available until the February timeframe. Colonels Gray and Looney will assist Richter in the spring by mentoring the team through this competition, typically held in April.

As part of the team preparation for both competitions, the ethics team members, assisted by fellow cadets, served as facilitators for the 8th Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference held Oct. 30-31. Additionally, Cadets Tarnowksi, Nicholas Rublen ’18 and Joel Thomas ’19 attended the Ethics of Peace and War Conference hosted by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Oct. 26-28.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Statement on VMI’s Place in America’s Future J

ohn William Boland ’73, president of the VMI Board of Visitors, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, issued a statement Sept.

12, 2017, regarding the Institute’s history and its place in the nation’s future.

The statement coincided with the Board of Visitors’ first meeting since the violence among competing protesters in Charlottesville Aug. 12 took the national spotlight and ignited vigorous debate on the suitability of Confederate monuments in cities and college campuses across the country.

Peay’s and Boland’s statement established their intent to recognize all those who are part of VMI’s history – including those memorialized in bronze.

“We choose not to honor their weaknesses but to recognize their strengths. We will continue to learn and not to repeat divisions. We strongly encourage all to move forward together in the defense and advancement of our nation.”

The full statement reads as follows: “VMI’s mission is to produce educated, honorable cadets and graduates imbued with characteristics and traits long admired by our great nation.

We produce leaders of character who are prepared and ready to serve our communities, our states and our nation in times of peace and in times of war. That is our singular objective. As the oldest state-supported military college in the nation and a national historic landmark, VMI has produced leaders that fought in the Civil War, Mexican-American War, Spanish-American War, World War I, defeated fascism in World War II, marched for civil rights in the ’60s, fought in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf, and has seen its alumni as the best of leaders across the spectrum of industry, medicine, the law, politics, religion and business. Like the United States itself, who we were in the past only defines in part who we are today. Hate, bigotry and discrimination are wrong, do not represent the values of the Virginia Military Institute and will always be addressed decisively.

“We will learn from the past and take the best from our predecessors in shaping our cadet citizen-soldiers for today and tomorrow. We achieve this objective through the Institute’s challenging and demandingly unique education structured in a military environment that has served the nation well for more than 178 years.

“We will continue to learn from our history, yet be ultimately guided by our best judgment in how to achieve our mission. The safety of our cadets, faculty and staff, our post and our community is always present in our mind. That is why, today, the VMI Board of Visitors endorses continuing to acknowledge all those who are part of the history of the Institute. We choose not to honor their weaknesses but to recognize their strengths. We will continue to learn and not to repeat divisions. We strongly encourage all to move forward together in the defense and advancement of our nation.”

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The Institute

2017-18 CLE Programming Focuses on Principled and Civil Discourse The Center for Leadership and Ethic’s programmatic theme for 2017-18 is “Principled and Civil Discourse.” This theme encourages conversation and discourse around policy issues that affect communities and the nation.

Programs, discussions and exercises are designed to equip cadets with the skills to conduct civil rhetorical arguments between opposing sides of an issue now and in the future.

Highlighting this theme, the CLE hosted the Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference titled, “Speaking Truth to Power: Candid and Courageous Civil Discourse” Oct. 30-31, 2017.

“The 2016 presidential campaign exposed deep ideological divides within the American public,” explained Col. David Gray, Ph.D., CLE director. “The aim of the conference was to explore how we can agree to disagree with one another on contentious issues but do so in a civil and principled manner. We wanted participants to gain greater awareness and appreciation for others’ viewpoints without using excessive persuasion or becoming hostile.”

Over the course of two days, audience members gained a greater understanding of the constraints of speaking truth to power between the military and its civilian leadership, became more informed and discerning consumers of media, and explored freedom of speech issues on college campuses. The keynote speaker was Judge Andrew Napolitano, New Jersey’s youngest Supreme Court justice and now senior Fox News judicial analyst. The diverse slate of featured speakers and panelists included David Blankenhorn, founder of Better

Angels, an organization that helps heal deeply divided communities through civil discourse; the civil-military relations discussion included Dr. Eliot Cohen, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregory Newold and Leonard Wong; the media panel included Aly Colón, Matt Gerts and Seth Mandel; and Allison Stanger, Ph.D., of Middlebury College was the featured speaker for the Higher Education discussion.

The conference closed with Sharyl Attkisson, five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting, adding her perspective on the media and civil discourse.

In attendance were 150 VMI cadets, 30 of whom acted as small group facilitators. Additionally, outside participants included students from Norwich University, the University of North Georgia, Texas A&M University, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, The Citadel, Hampton University, Bridgewater College, East Tennessee State University, as well as other attendees, including 19 students and faculty from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, local residents and alumni.

Cadet facilitators led three small group exercises during the conference. Table groups of nine were a mix of cadets, students and faculty from other colleges, and the other attendees.

There were two best argument exercises, covering contentious social justice and military issues respectively, and the featured event, the Ethical Leadership Challenge. The ELC scenario came straight from recent headlines

Cadets facilitated three small-group discussions during the annual leadership conference.

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addressing a real-world scenario: Free speech on college campuses. Participants grappled with issues involving professional ethics, moral courage and moral dilemmas.

Cadets prepared for their roles as facilitators by attending three in-depth trainings on relevant historical and legal background topics, ethical paradigms and decision-making, strategies for managing small group (team) dynamics, and skills in remaining objective despite passionate debate. “The facilitator training was very valuable, and I will use this skill going forward,” said one of the cadets. “I now understand the difference between participating in a discussion and facilitating one so that you aren’t drawn into the conversation itself – how to remain objective. It was the most memorable aspect of the conference for me.”

Speakers and panel discussions sparked lively question-and-answer sessions, and discussions continued into breaks and during meals. Cadets appreciated the opportunity to network with their peers from the other federal academies, universities and leadership programs. VMI news and social media covered the event, and additional posts may be found by searching the conference hashtag #VMILeaderConf. Videos from the event are posted on the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics YouTube channel. To learn more about the conference theme, topics covered or review the lineup of speakers and to follow the CLE on social media, please visit the new conference website at http://conferences.vmi. edu/leadership.

Judge Andrew Napolitano, keynote speaker.

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics Sanders ’18 Named Defender of the Nation Award Recipient Cadet Greg Sanders ’18, safety, was named the 2017 Defender of the Nation Award recipient in an announcement released by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

The award, which is presented by the Independence Fund, honors a defensive football player from the nation’s service academies and senior military colleges including the U.S. Air Force Academy, The Citadel, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, Norwich Texas A&M University, Virginia Sanders ’18 University, Tech, VMI and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The recipient was selected based on academic, athletic and community achievements, but most importantly on exceptional leadership qualities on the football field, in the classroom and in the community. The recipient selected must also exhibit a high standard of integrity by leading through example.

Sanders, a 1st Class economics and business major from Cordova, Tennessee, who plans to commission in the Air Force after graduation, was presented the award at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet Dec. 4, 2017, at the Charlotte Convention Center.

A three-year starter at safety for the Keydets, Sanders served as one of six team captains in 2017 and posted 79 tackles in 2017 for the third highest mark on the team. He also leads the Keydets in pass breakups – five – despite playing six games with a club on his right hand that was fractured in the season opener against Air Force Sept. 2.

Through games of Oct. 28, Sanders was fifth in the SoCon in tackles

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per game in conference contests (9.8) and posted four double-digit tackle games in 2017, including a career-high 16 tackles at Furman University Oct. 14. Other double-digit tackle games include Mercer University (13), No. 19 Western Carolina University (12) and Catawba College (11).

Sanders was voted 2017 All-SoCon second team preseason at defensive back and was previously named 2016 second team All-SoCon (media team) and named 2016 second team All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association. His career stats through Oct. 28, 2017, include 43 games, 266 total tackles, 155 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss (32 yards), five interceptions, 21 passes defended, one fumble recovery and four forced fumbles. In 2015, Sanders returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Wofford College at Foster Stadium/Alumni Memorial Field – the second longest in facility history.

Sanders has earned SoCon Academic Honor Roll honors for three consecutive years.

“Greg Sanders is the leader of the VMI football team in the classroom, on the military drill field and on the football field,” said Scott Wachenheim, head football coach. “We have a helmet star reward system that recognizes outstanding academic, military, strength, conditioning and leadership performance. Greg is one of the few student-athletes in the history of our program to earn all 5 stars. Greg leads by example. He is a hard worker and has played exceptionally this season despite a broken hand that has been wrapped in a club. His leadership was recognized by our coaching staff and Greg was selected a permanent team captain for the 2017 VMI football team.”

For more information on the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet, visit www.touchdownclub.com.

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Keydet Athletics

Track and Field Schedule Announced Four home meets, including the SoCon Indoor Championships, highlight the 2018 VMI track and field schedule that was announced by the program Oct. 1, 2017.

The indoor schedule begins with three straight home meets, beginning with the Keydet Invitational Jan. 19-20, 2018. Twenty-one teams are currently scheduled to compete, including 16 Division I schools. That list will include such schools as the College of William & Mary, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, George Mason University, as well as the distance runners from Virginia Tech and other outstanding programs.

The home schedule then moves to Jan. 27 and the VMI Team Challenge. The team challenge will see eight schools from multiple conferences divided into teams to compete, team against team, in a uniquely scored competition.

VMI hosts the Winter Relays Feb. 9-10, a

meet that will have the full slate of events. The competition currently has 13 Division I (and 20 total) teams slated to come to the Corps Physical Training Facility. The name of the meet harkens back to the former home of VMI track and field, Cormack Field House (aka the Pit), where the team hosted an annual relay meet by the same name for several decades.

The Keydets then go to a meet at Kent State University Feb. 17 before hosting the SoCon Indoor Championships, for the first time since 2000, Feb. 24-25. It will be the 35th time in school history that this meet will take place in VMI’s home arena, after 34 were held from 1954-2000 in Cormack Field House.

The indoor schedule wraps up with the IC4A/ ECAC Championships March 2-4 in Boston, Massachusetts, and the NCAA Championships March 9-10 in College Station, Texas.

The outdoor slate begins March 15-17 in

Charlotte, with the Charlotte 49er Classic. The Keydets then travel to Williamsburg for the Colonial Relays (April 5-7) and to Bucknell University for the Bison Invitational (April 13-14), before returning to North Carolina – in this case, Duke University – for the Duke Invite April 20-21.

VMI’s slate includes two meets the following weekend, as select Keydets are scheduled to enter the Penn Relays April 26-28, while others travel to the Appalachian State Last Chance Meet in Boone, North Carolina, which takes place the 27th and 28th of the month.

The regular season wraps up May 2 with the Liberty Twilight Qualifier, and the SoCon outdoor meet will be held May 10-11 in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

The NCAA East Preliminary Round is slated for May 24-26 in Tampa, Florida, and the final round of the NCAA Championships will be June 6-9 in Eugene, Oregon.

2018 VMI Baseball Schedule Announced The 2018 VMI baseball schedule is below and is subject to change. For game times and more information, please visit VMIKeydets.com.

Feb. 16-18 – at South Carolina – Columbia, SC Feb. 20 – at Virginia – Charlottesville, VA Feb. 23-25 – vs. Lafayette – Lexington, VA Feb. 27 – at Virginia – Charlottesville, VA March 2-4 – vs. Oakland – Lexington, VA March 6 – at Richmond – Richmond, VA March 9-11 – vs. UMass-Lowell – Lexington, VA March 14 – at Old Dominion – Norfolk, VA March 16-18 – at George Washington – Arlington, VA March 20 – vs. Radford – Lexington, VA March 21 – vs. VCU – Lexington, VA March 23-25 – at UNCG – Greensboro, NC March 27 – at Radford – Radford, VA March 28 – vs. JMU – Lexington, VA March 30-April 1 – vs. The Citadel – Lexington, VA

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April 3 – at Longwood – Farmville, VA April 4 – at JMU – Harrisonburg, VA April 6-8 – at ETSU – Johnson City, TN April 10 – vs. Longwood – Lexington, VA April 11 – at VCU – Richmond, VA April 13-15 – vs. Western Carolina – Lexington, VA April 20-22 – vs. Furman – Lexington, VA April 25 – vs. Virginia Tech – Lexington, VA April 27-29 – at Mercer – Macon, GA May 1 – at Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA May 2 – vs. Old Dominion – Lexington, VA May 11-13 – vs. Wofford – Lexington, VA May 17-19 – at Samford – Birmingham, AL May 22-27 – Southern Conference Championship – Greenville, SC

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics

Women’s Soccer Recap I

n the quarterfinals of the 2017 SoCon Women’s Soccer Championship, Emily Threatt of Western Carolina University scored just 4:01 into the game for the only goal of the contest, as No. 4 Western Carolina edged No. 5 VMI 1-0 Oct. 29 in Cullowhee, North Carolina. VMI’s season ended with a 7-11-1 mark, tied for the third-most wins in program history.

The Keydets also equaled their second-highest postseason seed in program history, tying the 2009 team’s fifth seed in the Big South, and finished at .500 or better in conference play for the first time since 2009. It was also the first time since joining the SoCon prior to the 2014 season that VMI did not play in the tournament first round but rather earned a bye to the quarterfinals as a top-six seed.

Two days after the loss, Amy Horney ’18 – who set school records for career games played and started – was named Second Team All-SoCon when the league announced its post-season awards. Horney became the first Keydet to earn all-conference honors since 2011 (Sarah Strand ’12).

Slater ’90 Named Assistant Hitting Coach for Mets Tom Slater ’90 has been named the assistant hitting coach for the New York Mets, according to information released by the team in November 2017. It is the first major league coaching job for the former Keydet head coach and multi-year letterwinner, and he will be the first VMI alumnus

to ever coach at the major league baseball level.

Slater, a four-year letterwinner for the Keydets at third base, was the head coach for his alma mater from 2001-03. That included a 25-win 2003 season that was, at the time, the most victories in the school’s history. Slater also

Tom Slater ’90, right, during his time as head coach for the Keydet baseball team. Photo courtesy Chuck Steenburgh.

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spent 10 years as a collegiate assistant coach, including two seasons at VMI (1993-94) and six years at Auburn (1995-2000).

Slater spent four seasons as the head coach at Auburn before entering the professional ranks in 2009 as the manager of the Gulf Coast League Yankees. He worked there for two seasons before moving up to the New York-Penn League, where he skippered the Staten Island Yankees to a title in 2011.

Slater then worked in various coaching jobs throughout the Yankee organization for several years, including time as the team’s roving minorleague hitting instructor and two seasons with the Double-A Trenton Thunder, before being hired by the Mets on Wednesday.

The Mets – and their new-look coaching staff, including Slater – will open their 2018 season March 29 when they play host to the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.

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

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VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the Chief Operating Officer

by Warren J. Bryan ’71, VMI Foundation

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fter being deeply involved with the recently completed An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, all of us at the VMI Foundation are still getting used to the normal order of things. That may strike you as strange, considering that the campaign concluded at the end of June 2017. But it was not until Founders Day weekend that we completed the celebration aspects of the campaign and some recognition projects.

Furthermore, as successful as the campaign was, we are well aware that there is always room for improvement. That’s why, over the past several months, we have thoroughly reviewed the Foundation’s performance during the campaign in order to evaluate our practices and now are looking how to apply what we learned to our work on behalf of VMI. Improving how we serve the VMI family is of course why the VMI Foundation has – along with the VMI Alumni Association and the VMI Keydet Club – made some changes in our structure and is examining how the agencies, by themselves and together, can become more efficient and more effective. As you know, we implemented some changes in 2017 and are considering some more. You’ll be hearing about them in the weeks ahead.

One of the post-campaign decisions that the Foundation made was to renew our focus on the Foundation Fund, our part of the VMI Annual Giving triad. The Foundation Fund is vital to VMI because, Bryan ’71 along with the numerous unrestricted endowments established by alumni and friends, it provides the Institute with unrestricted money which it then uses to address the most critical needs in the academic and co-curricular programs and to make the most of every opportunity to improve them. In this academic year, the Institute is using this money to supplement faculty salaries and provide scholarship support to cadets.

The importance of the money that comes from the Foundation Fund is underlined by the fact that if the Institute depended solely on endowments for unrestricted money, it would need to raise $40 million immediately to enjoy the same level of support. The same holds true with the support that VMI’s intercollegiate sports program and our cadet-athletes receive from the Annual Giving efforts of the VMI Keydet Club.

Thank you for your generous support of a great American institution, which is an incredible asset for our country.

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

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

Memorial Ring Program Along with Matriculation and commencement, Ring Figure is one of the major events in the life of every cadet. Classes put an immense amount of effort into designing their rings and planning and executing the events of their Ring Figure weekends. More so than in times past, cadets’ families come to share the proud moment with their sons and daughters.

The class ring is one of any alumnus’ most prized possessions, and those who lose their rings are often heartbroken. Alumni proudly wear their class rings for the rest of their lives and rarely remove them, as the wear seen on many VMI rings attests.

Of course, with any item so personal, a ring’s disposition after its owner’s death often poses problems. For the spouses and immediate families of many alumni, a class ring will be a cherished keepsake. Yet, as time progresses and the ring passes to succeeding generations, it may lose significance to an alumnus’s descendants. It might be that alumni realize no one in their families will be interested in keeping their rings.

In order to provide alumni and their families with a way to solve any such problems, the VMI Foundation established the Memorial Ring Program in 2012. This program assists cadets with the purchase of their class rings through the gift of class rings from alumni or their families.

Under its program, alumni and family

members donate class rings to the VMI Foundation. Once a ring is received the following steps are taken: The Foundation will have the ring appraised for value.

The VMI Museum is asked if it needs the ring because, according to Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of the VMI Museum System, “The VMI Museum wishes to have at least two rings of every class year. One ring represents the class in the very popular VMI class ring exhibit, while the other ring is available to the cadets for close examination as they design their ring. Accordingly, we want to have at least one ring which retains as much of the original design as possible. When a ring is donated to the VMI Foundation, the museum has a chance to compare it to examples already in the collection to determine if it is in better condition that the example already in the collection. In this way, we can assure that future cadets have excellent examples of their predecessors’ designs.”

If the VMI Museum doesn’t need the ring, the Foundation will sell the ring, and the monies will be deposited in a Foundationmanaged account that the Institute uses to help cadets defray the costs of their rings.

“Through this program,” explained Buddy Bryan ’71, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, “alumni can utilize something very

precious to them to benefit cadets. Cadets will receive a tangible benefit in the form of material support to defray the cost of their rings.

Moreover, in its own way, this program has the intangible benefit of further strengthening the bonds between cadets and alumni and reinforcing the idea that alumni consider it important to give back to VMI in some way.”

According to Denise Koch, VMI Foundation assistant director of annual and reunion giving, who is administering this program, the Memorial Ring Program complements the Foundation’s current program of allocating $100 toward each cadet’s purchase of his or her class ring. “Our current program has been popular with cadets for many years. Both of these programs demonstrate the depth and breadth of the support that the Corps receives from the Foundation and the Institute’s alumni and friends.”

For more information on the Memorial Ring Program, please contact Denise Koch at 1.800.444.1839 or dkoch@vmiaa.org.

Honor Roll of Donors Now Available The thousands of donors who made gifts and commitments in support of VMI during Fiscal Year 2017 are now recognized in the VMI Alumni Agencies Honor Roll of Donors. Available exclusively online at vmi.edu/honorroll, the document lists all individual and organizational donors and includes additional information about private support at VMI during FY 2017, which was the final year of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI.

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

Fall Reunion Campaigns Net Millions for VMI

Class of 1992: Presenting the proceeds of the Reunion Campaign for the Class of 1992 were Andy Tate ’92, chairman of the 1992 Reunion Campaign Committee; Woody Woodward ’92, class agent; Bill Sharp ’92, class regimental commander; and Marc Orgain ’92, class president. Robert P. Louthan ’82, president of the VMI Alumni Association, accepted the gift on behalf the VMI Alumni Agencies, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, accepted for the Institute.

Class of 2007: Presenting the proceeds of the Reunion Campaign for the Class of 2007 were Elise Woodworth ’07, Reunion Campaign Committee chairwoman and trustee of the VMI Foundation; Jamaal Walton ’07, class president; and Tabitha Davenport ’07 and Chase Perry ’07, Reunion Campaign Committee members. Louthan, far left, accepted the check on behalf of the Alumni Agencies, and Peay accepted on behalf of the Institute. Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

The fall colors ablaze in the trees on post and on the hills around Lexington is a sure sign of fall at VMI. So, too, is the presentation of the initial proceeds of the Reunion Campaigns of the 10th and 25th Reunion classes. This year, the two classes that celebrated these milestone reunions and conducted reunion campaigns were the Classes of 1992 and 2007.

“The Class of 1992 faced an interesting challenge in that its reunion was scheduled for the very first home football weekend, which was the one immediately following Labor Day,” said John J. Wranek III ’85, vice president for annual and reunion giving at the VMI Foundation. “Some on the Reunion Campaign Committee were a little concerned that the campaign might get lost in the whirl of late summer, when many families have children returning to school and are otherwise readjusting to a more ‘normal’ schedule.” These brother rats didn’t miss a step, however, donating $1,800,419.92 through the campaign – most of which came in the form of immediate gifts and short-term pledges. The effort drew support from 153 of 297 brother rats, which gave the class an excellent 52 percent participation rate.

This year’s 10th Reunion class, the Class of 2007, also turned in an excellent result for its Reunion Campaign. With 35 percent of the class – or 119 brother rats – participating, it raised $210,120.07. As is the usual custom with 10th Reunion Campaigns, most of the participants made immediate gifts and/or short-term pledges in support of the Institute.

The keys to success for any Reunion Campaign is simple in concept, according to Wranek. “Strong leadership, straightforward goals that resonate with the class and active engagement by the Reunion Campaign Committee are what marks any successful campaign,” he explained. “In these cases, both classes had all three, as is demonstrated by their respective successes.”

Wranek also noted that what was presented during the reunions represents each campaign’s initial result. “The campaigns will continue to work until Dec. 31, 2017, connecting with those brother rats who often return from the reunion feeling better about VMI and thus are more willing to make a gift. Everyone in the VMI family owes the Class of 1992 and the Class of 2007 thanks for their willingness to support VMI at this important time in its history.”

New Campaign Website Launched A new version of the website for An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI has been posted. The revamped website is at the same address as the original version – www.vmi. edu/campaign – however, it now offers information on the campaign’s many successes and the future effects they will have on VMI. Visitors

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to the site also will find messages from Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, and Donald MacLean Wilkinson ’61, chairman of An Uncommon Purpose, as well as profiles of some campaign donors and a few of those on post who benefit from the generosity of the campaign’s 15,340 donors. The site also hosts a full list of the campaign’s donors.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club Thoughts from the Club House

by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Chief Operating Officer

The last of the golden autumn leaves dropping from the trees is an annual reminder of the constant change of seasons and the constant changes in life. I would like to share a decision and change that Marlene, my wife of 27-and-a-half years, and I have made.

Those who know me well can recall that I started to work at VMI following graduation in May 1984. I am completing my 34th year here at the Institute – two years with Col. Bill Buchanan ’50B in admissions, 14 years under Harry Warner ’57 and Skip Roberts ’68 in the VMI Foundation and 18 years in the Keydet Club. To this day, it’s still Cavallaro ’84 hard to fathom how a guy who graduated last (certified) in the Class of ’84 could be so fortunate to spend his entire professional career at a place we all love so much!

Being a part of the Keydet Club these past 18 years has truly been the highlight of my nearly 38 year relationship with the Institute – second only to the bonds I share with brother rats and the wonderful relationships I have developed across the globe with so many VMI alumni and friends.

I’ve been truly blessed.

Something tells me that my predecessor, the late Jeff Morgan ’80, continues to look down upon us and remains in awe of all that the Keydet Club has evolved into over the nearly 18 years since his passing. This is something all those associated with the Keydet Club should be very proud of. Together, we have grown from $1 million a year in annual donations to a high of $3.5 million, while facilitating the growth of the Keydet Club endowment from $7 million to over $46 million, and the number of endowed scholarships from 49 in Fiscal Year 2000 to 174 in Fiscal Year 2017. Our Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet has grown from 100 or so cadets and donors in Moody Hall in the late 90s to upward of 800 cadetathletes, parents, donors and fund representatives in the VMI Mess Hall.

Our popular Annual Leadership Outing continues to bring back record numbers of generous annual donors who love and support VMI athletics.

And, of course, over the years we have held so many events – extremely successful auctions, countless pre- and postgame parties, new year’s eve collaborations surrounding athletic events – all to engage the excitement and support of our members. Fun times with great people, all in support of

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our mission: “To contribute to the spirit and development of a successful Division I athletic program that benefits the whole of VMI.” I have been very fortunate and am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of one of the truly outstanding athletic fundraising organizations – certainly the best of the Big South and Southern Conferences.

What the Keydet Club and its members have done over the years is an amazing testimonial to those alumni and friends who love their alma mater and recognize the opportunities the Keydet Club continues to afford so many young men and women who otherwise may not have been afforded the chance to compete at the Division I level and pursue a world class education.

In spring 2000, following a national search, I was honored to have been selected and hired to head the Keydet Club. Now, nearly 17-and-a-half years later, while I am not ready to retire, I have decided that this is a good time for me to step away from the day-to-day oversight of the operations of the Keydet Club and continue to focus entirely on maintaining and developing critical relationships as a major gifts officer for the Keydet Club. Running any organization for 17-and-a-half years is a long time!

Knowing when to transition and being given the opportunity to do so, while continuing to support the mission of the Keydet Club, is a wonderful way to ultimately move into the final phase of my professional career.

Marlene and I always hoped that, when the time came, we could transition from this role on a high note, ensuring that the final few years were as positive and meaningful as the previous 38 years. We are thankful for Buzz Birzenieks ’64, Foundation board president, and the entire executive committee of the Keydet Club for their understanding and support of my transition request. Like everyone else, the leadership of the Keydet Club was surprised, yet supportive, of our desire to transition at this time.

I am so lucky to be a part of a great organization. Donnie Ross ’74, Doug Bartlett, Andrew Deal ’12, Avis Slagle and Erica Putney ’15 are consummate teammates. Their passion for and commitment to all the Keydet Club does in support of the Institute and especially its cadet-athletes have made our collective efforts impactful and extremely rewarding.

Steve Maconi has done an outstanding job as the new chief executive officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies, and I am very appreciative for his understanding and support to allow me to transition, on my own terms, in this very positive way. He is absolutely the right person for the job and should be commended for all he has so effectively accomplished in such a short period of time. I look forward to my continued relationship

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The Keydet Club with Steve and the staffs of the Keydet Club, Foundation, and Alumni Association in the years ahead.

I am happy to share that Steve Maconi has selected and that the leadership of the Keydet Club has approved Meade King ’85 to follow me as the chief operating officer of the Keydet Club. Meade is extremely qualified and will ensure a seamless transition with the staff and board of the Keydet Club. Meade began working at VMI following graduation as a sub-professor teaching Spanish. From there, he served in the VMI Office of Admissions, the VMI Alumni Association and two tenures with the VMI Foundation as the director of Annual Giving, staff director of the Reveille Campaign and, currently, as a major gifts officer. His career has also taken him to three other schools and colleges where he worked with governing boards, managed staff and raised mission-supporting dollars. Donnie, Doug, Andrew, Erica and Avis are supportive of Meade, and I anticipate a smooth transition of COO responsibilities in the months ahead.

To those of you who are or have been members of the Keydet Club over the years, I thank you for your generosity and the countless lives you have impacted every day. To the hundreds who have served on

the Keydet Club Board of Governors, please know that it has been an honor to work with you. Your dedicated service and support is greatly appreciated. But know that our work – the work of the Keydet Club – continues, as the ongoing need for ever-increasing annual support will never end, while we continue to build our endowment coffers with current and deferred gifts.

I look forward to seeing and visiting with alumni and friends in my travels for the betterment of our beloved VMI in the years ahead! I hope you will continue to welcome me and the Keydet Club staff into your homes, offices, favorite restaurants, coffee shops and onto your golf courses.

As autumn turns to winter, we are constantly reminded that the seasons do change, but with change comes a time of hopeful optimism for the blossom of spring and the promise of a new year ahead. Please know that I am ready and welcome the change! I have been so blessed to have the privilege to serve VMI and all of you since May 1984. I look forward to sharing new, exciting and memorable times in the years ahead with the Keydet Club and its generous and caring members.

Rah Virginia Mil, and go Big Red!

Cavallaro with his wife, Marlene, at the 2017 Keydet Club Annual Scholarship Banquet.

“The Keydet Club has prospered handsomely under the direction of my friend, Greg Cavallaro ’84. A simple salute to you, Cav, is inadequate. Big shoes to fill notwithstanding, I am honored to do my part by working with our dedicated donors, staff and the volunteers on the Board of Governors to promote opportunity for VMI’s cadet-athletes.” – Meade King ’85

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The Keydet Club

Keydet Club Hosts Annual Scholarship Banquet The Keydet Club Annual Scholarship Banquet was held Sept. 23, 2017, with over 750 people in attendance.

This Parents Weekend tradition allows scholarship cadetathletes and their parents to spend the evening with many of the generous donors and fund representatives who support cadet-athletes at VMI. The evening’s program included the presentation of the Keydet Club’s ThreeLegged Stool Award. The term three-legged stool was coined by the late Mr. Giles S. Miller Jr. ’924, one of the Institute’s most beloved alumni and ardent Keydet fans, and refers to the Institute’s whole-person educational emphasis on academics, military/leadership development and athletics. Since its founding, VMI has endeavored to ensure that all three legs of the stool remain balanced in its mission of educating tomorrow’s leaders. Buzz Birzenieks ’64, Keydet Club Board of Governors president, and Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief operating officer, were proud to recognize Cadets Emma Quirk ’18, women’s soccer, and McKenzie Raber ’18, women’s swim and dive, who excelled throughout their cadetship in the three legs of a VMI education and exemplified the VMI citizen-soldier.

Special thanks to Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, for acknowledging the efforts of over 15,300 donors who helped to make An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI an unprecedented success. The campaign reached $344.1 million in cash and commitments, and of that total, $75 million was designated in support of VMI’s Division I athletic program. Peay also had the pleasure of introducing the evening’s keynote speaker, Keith Gabriel ’12. The former VMI basketball player relayed his personal journey both pre- and post-VMI, and shared an emotional and humorous account of the challenges and rewards he encountered along the way.

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Danny Thornton ’78, fund representative, with scholarship recipient Cadet Peyton Maddox ’18 and his parents, Doug and Dede.

General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, with the 2017 Three-Legged Stool Award recipients, Cadets McKenzie Raber ’18 and Emma Quirk ’19.

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The Keydet Club

Borden ’65 Scholarship for Swimming Endowed In August 2017, the Keydet Club was delighted to receive an anonymous donation creating the Jim and Kristina Borden ’65 Scholarship. The endowment will provide grant-in-aid for a cadetathlete who is a member of VMI’s Division I swim team and, in so doing, honor the memory of a proud VMI alumnus and backstroke specialist, Jim Borden ’65.

Borden matriculated to VMI from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and was a proud member of the VMI swim team all four years of his cadetship. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He died in April 2017. Kristina lives in California

and has been advised of the creation of the scholarship and of the lasting impact it will have on cadets representing VMI on its swim team.

“I greatly appreciate this gift and especially admire the generosity and thoughtfulness with which this scholarship is established. The Board of Governors and I send our abiding thanks to the donor,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief operating officer.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the endowment for this scholarship may do so by mailing a gift to the VMI Keydet Club, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450.

Suellen and Walt Jeffress Jr. ’68 and the Class of 1969

by Erica Putney ’15, Development Officer Walt Jeffress Jr. ’68, a Fairfax native and former VMI Foundation Board of Trustees president, has been an annual full scholarship donor in the Keydet Club since 2006 and an Institute Society member since the early 1990s. For the past three years, Cadet Amy Horney ’18 has been the recipient of the Suellen and Walt Jeffress Jr. ’68 Annual Scholarship. She stated, “I am not sure where I would be without Mr. and Mrs. Jeffress.

Walt is much more than a scholarship donor to me. By fulfilling the roles of mentor, supporter, fan and friend, he has allowed me to succeed on and off the field. I will come away from VMI knowing that, through my athletic career, I have created a special bond with someone I idolize and appreciate very much.”

Horney matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and is a computer science major. She is a dean’s list student and plans to commission into the Marines. Closing out her soccer career at VMI, she set new VMI records for career games played (78) and career games started (78). She was named team captain the last three years and was named Second Team All-Southern Conference Oct. 31, 2017. The last women’s soccer player to earn all-conference recognition was Sarah Strand ’12 in 2011.

Jeffress said, “It has been an awesome experience to witness the steady progression of this truly outstanding cadet-athlete who has been so successful in her career on the VMI women’s

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soccer team. The spirit which she displays in athletics and as a cadet at VMI is a truly remarkable example to all who know her achievements.

She is purposeful, resolute and honorable, and is prepared for a life of service to others. My wife and I count ourselves very fortunate to know this young lady. The success she has achieved at VMI will continue into the future as she serves our nation.”

The Class of 1969 Athletic Scholarship was established in 2012 after the class won the VMI Keydet Club’s first-ever VMI alumni Above and Beyond Challenge. For the past four years, Cadet Greg Sanders ’18 was the recipient. He said, “I am very grateful for receiving a scholarship to VMI and am thankful to the members of the Class of ’69. This scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to build and showcase my leadership skills and persistent work ethic geared toward success.”

Sanders is an economics and business major and has been on the dean’s list and the Athletic Directors Academic Honor Roll since 2015. After graduation, he plans to commission into the Air Force. On the football team, he is a three-year starter at safety and was named a captain for the 2017 season. On Nov. 1, 2017, Sanders was named the 2017 Defender of the Nation award recipient, presented by the Independence Fund in Charlotte, North Carolina. This award honors a player from the nation’s service academies and

senior military colleges. The award is based on exceptional leadership qualities on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The recipient must also exhibit a high standard of integrity by leading through example.

Walt Judd ’69, class agent for the Class of 1969, responded by saying, “The Class of 1969 is pleased and excited that our scholarship athlete, Greg Sanders, has received this well-deserved recognition on the national level. Many class members have seen Greg in action on the football field and admire his tenacity and willingness to play hard even with a nagging injury. Mike Santoro ’69 and I have both represented the class at the two most recent Keydet Club scholarship banquets and enjoyed meeting Greg’s parents from Tennessee. Both have military backgrounds and agree their son has done well at VMI – both on and off the athletic fields. We salute Greg and wish him well in his next endeavors.”

The Keydet Club would like to congratulate both Horney and Sanders on their success and also thank Suellen and Walt Jeffress and the Class of 1969 for their support to make these scholarships possible.

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

VMI Alumni Review