2022-2 VMI Alumni Review

VMI

2022 - Issue 2

Alumni Review

Superintendent’s Institute Update As we approach the important milestones of commissioning and graduation for the 1st Class cadets and participate in the shared experience of honoring all VMI alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the Memorial Parade, we can also celebrate the strength of the VMI program, as there is so much to be proud of.

VMI continues to be a highly ranked institution on the national stage. I will share a few key points of where we are and where we are going: • #3 – Best small college in America (Money Magazine) • #3 – Public liberal arts colleges (Wall Street Journal) • #4 – Top public liberal arts colleges, only behind the service academies (U.S. News & World Report) • #25 – Best value in the country (Wall Street Journal) VMI continues to prepare its graduates for the future, as shown in SCHEV’s Virginia Post-College Outcomes Survey • 79% of VMI graduates are satisfied with their long-term career goal progress since graduating (#1 in Virginia) • 68% of VMI graduates say their undergraduate education was worth the cost (#1 in Virginia) • 86% of VMI graduates say their VMI education prepared them for the workplace (#1 in Virginia) • 78% of VMI graduates are satisfied with their life (#2 in Virginia) • VMI’s post-employment survey showed 98% of graduates are employed six months after graduation. This is a consistent trend over almost 20 years and is reflective of VMI graduate preparedness Academics are VMI’s primary mission • VMI offers 14 robust majors in critical areas for the military and civilian sectors • To the benefit of cadets, VMI maintains a small faculty-to-student ratio—currently 11:1 • The Institute continues to invest in enrichment programs such as the Math Resource Center, Writing Center, international programs, and academic clubs, for experiential learning.

• VMI offers cadets myriad undergraduate research opportunities; cadets compete and place with top programs at conferences, to include many graduate schools • The Center for Leadership and Ethics enhances the VMI leader journey through curricular offerings, as well as extracurricular conferences, speakers, and events Military programs and cadet governance structures remain foundational to the VMI experience • The Rat Line and class and regimental systems are at peak performance, led by the Corps of Cadets • More than 50% of the Corps continues to commission in the armed forces, with others serving the nation by joining such organizations as the Secret Service, FBI, and CIA • The U.S. Coast Guard held its first official spring VMI FTX program earlier this semester; the Institute is exploring the creation of a Coast Guard University Auxiliary Program, similar to a ROTC detachment • The Class of 2022 will graduate two of Army Cadet Command’s top 10 ranked cadets in the country NCAA Division I athletics continue to be a critical part of the VMI experience and leadership development • Several NCAA Division I athletic programs enjoyed success in the past year. Football was the SoCon champion in spring 2021 and just a few points shy of another FCS playoff bid this past fall. Basketball put together strong back-to-back seasons including a first-team and two third-team All-SoCon selections. Men’s and women’s cross-country sent four cadet-athletes to the NCAA Southeast qualifier.

• The state-of-the-art Aquatic Center, with an infrastructure using sustainable engineering and design, will be complete this fall.

• Coach retention continues to be a concern, as witnessed with our

basketball and football programs recently. With the departure of Dan Earl after seven seasons as head basketball coach to Chattanooga, we were able to respond quickly with an excellent hire in Andrew Wilson, a top assistant coach and defensive specialist from JMU. Superintendent’s vision for the Institute • Our leadership team’s One Corps – One VMI: A Unifying Action Plan emphasizes five key outcomes: • Honor. The VMI Honor Code must continue to be a way of life for each and every cadet and alumnus.

• Diversity and inclusion. VMI must ensure that every cadet, regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality, feels a part of the VMI legacy.

• The VMI brand. The outward face of VMI should be built around young leaders of character who exemplify honor, civility, and service above self.

• Competing and winning. VMI cadets must compete to win in the classroom, on the hill through their cadet life in barracks, and on the field of competition.

• One VMI. VMI’s strength is in its diversity of experiences, thought, abilities, and backgrounds. No single cadet’s challenge is greater than another’s. It is through the reliance on their fellow cadets that the Corps succeeds.

• At the recent VMI Board of Visitors meeting, I discussed the process by which VMI will begin a strategic plan update. The accomplishments achieved under Vision 2039 positioned VMI for a great deal of success.

A revised strategic plan is necessary to adapt to meet the education and training needs for today’s military and economy to produce young men and women of character who can help meet the needs of the nation.

Ongoing priorities • My first and foremost objective is to ensure a safe, healthy, and secure post for all cadets.

• When faced with the state’s investigation, the Board of Visitors drew a line in the sand to protect principles that make VMI unique— a single-sanction Honor Code, the Rat Line, and the class and regimental systems. These principles have not and will not be compromised during my tenure.

• Maintaining VMI core values and the Code of a Cadet: One instance of racist or sexist behavior is unacceptable.

• From time to time, a review of the VMI operating systems is necessary.

This ensures they are working properly, fairly, and efficiently. The adjustments to the honor system operating procedures come from a cadet-inclusive cohort who presented them to me for review and approval. In some cases, we returned to previous practices. In every case, the single-sanction system was protected.

How alumni, family, and friends can help • Return to post and see for yourself all that instills in me great optimism.

When I speak to alumni who have not visited recently, I encourage them to come to post to talk to me, our leadership team, and our cadets to witness the current state of affairs for themselves. Whenever they do so, they discover that the spirit of VMI is indeed alive and well and the future is truly bright.

• We could not continue to strive for excellence in all things without the private support of our alumni and friends. Thank you for your loyalty and generosity.

There is much to say about VMI and its very bright future ahead.

Thank you for all you do.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 Superintendent

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2022-Issue 2

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Nov. 15, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2022.

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In Memory 6

Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43

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Features

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8 Cadets March in 2022 Inaugural Parade 10 Kirk ’50B: VMI’s Most Decorated Living Graduate 12 Slay ’69: “Funny ER Doc” Has Strong VMI Foundation 14 Partin ’14: “A Degree from VMI Does Speak Volumes” 15 Partin ’17 Focuses on Environment, Local Community 16 Scholarship Bonds Berry Sisters: “The Best Decision Ever” 18 Just the Facts: Inclusive Excellence April 2022 20 Just the Facts: Setting the Record Straight March 2022 21 Just the Facts: Setting the Record Straight February 2022 ..................................................................................

News and Updates

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2 3 22 27 32 40 45 48 157 159 165 166 167

Message from the Alumni Agencies Board Chairman and Alumni Association President Our Alumni Serving On Post Athletics Events Progress Staff News Class Notes Provisional Appointments Taps After Taps Alumni News Book Announcements

Volume 99, No. 1

PUBLISHER VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer: David Prasnicki Chief Communications Officer: Amy Goetz Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Whitman Associate Editor: Mary Price Editorial Specialist: Molly Rolon ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumni.org/alumnireview

PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Agencies Alumni Review Office VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring, and summer by The VMI Alumni Agencies, 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. 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

Outside Cover: The statue of Gen. George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, on post in front of Marshall Arch. Regarding VMI, Marshall once stated, “This institution gave me not only a standard for my daily conduct among men, but it endowed me with a military heritage of honor and self-sacrifice.”—Photo by Christian Heilman, VMI Alumni Agenices.

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Message from the VMI Alumni Agencies Board Chairman and Alumni Association President Samuel N. Stocks ’90

A lot is happening on post as the academic year comes to an end. The graduating class is preparing to march in its last parade, the Institute will honor the sacrifices of all alumni who died on the field of honor in service to our country since 1842, and those graduates who will serve their country in uniform will receive their commissions—often sworn in by parents or other family members. Finally, the members of the graduating class will receive their diplomas.

This is the time when 1st Class cadets can’t wait to begin their next chapter in life, but at the same time, they realize they will miss their friends, faculty members, and mentors at VMI. Of course, it won’t be long until the VMI Alumni Association reaches out to them to plan their trips back to post for a variety of activities and, before they know it, their first reunion.

We just completed an exciting reunion season when all current reunion classes plus those from the past year whose reunions were canceled due to COVID-19 could come back to post, reconnect with old friends, reengage with the Institute, and celebrate the Corps of Cadets. It’s wonderful to see alumni, from our youngest to our most senior, return. There is nothing like reunion classes gathering in the Old Barracks courtyard with their leaders on the sentinel box for their Old Yells as the Corps joins them.

Stocks ’90 I am fortunate to have a close view of many of these events and celebrations, and I am immensely confident in the Institute and its future. Looking at the graduating class, I see young men and women transformed by a demanding education that ensures intellectual, physical, and spiritual development; instills self-discipline and self-confidence; encourages life-long learning and fitness; and establishes a commitment to honor and service. As they leave post ready to take up life’s challenges, they demonstrate unquestionable evidence that VMI continues to fulfill the mission its founders laid out almost 185 years ago. This is what I can assure you: The Institute continues to graduate young people who are honorable, determined, and selfless leaders in their chosen professions as well as active citizens wherever they live.

Furthermore, VMI continues to accomplish this mission in its own tried and true way. Through four years at VMI, cadets still experience a rigorous and rich academic program, a demanding co-curriculum centered on the barracks and the regimental system, and for some, a wide array of athletic opportunities from NCAA Division I sports to club sports to intramurals. And every element sits on a solid foundation of honor. VMI continues to prepare cadets to meet the complex challenges of the future, and VMI remains steadfast in its adherence to the basic tenets of the cadet experience familiar to all alumni.

It takes a great number of people to ensure the Institute continues its mission and advances every aspect of its remarkable education.

Not only are there those on post—the faculty, staff, and coaches—whose work enhances and enriches the cadet experience, but their efforts would not be as effective and enduring without the incredible support from VMI alumni, family, and friends.

Every year, thousands of people contribute to the life of the Institute in many ways. Some organize events around the country that bring people together in support of VMI. Others urge young people to consider attending VMI. There are those who volunteer to review cadet and alumni resumes to support their career paths. And alumni, with the VMI Alumni Association’s help, organize milestone reunions and the fundraising efforts that accompany them. Others tell their friends and neighbors about the contributions VMI alumni have made and are making to our country’s prosperity and security. Thousands more step up to the plate to offer financial support to the Institute through the VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club, and no matter their size, these gifts and commitments are critically important. Then, there are the alumni and staff who steward the endowment that ensures support for the Institute for generations to come.

While none of this could happen without the dedicated and talented team at the VMI Alumni Agencies, I am constantly amazed by the men and women who are the volunteer leaders of these three organizations. They give selflessly of their wide range of talents and so much of that irreplaceable commodity: Their time. This commitment—while working toward the mission to help and support other VMI alumni, the Corps of Cadets, and the Institute—can repeatedly take them away from their friends and families. The last two years have been especially taxing, but these volunteers stay committed. For that, I am grateful.

So, what does VMI mean to you? What does VMI mean in the lives of its cadets, current and future? What does VMI mean to our country? Based on your answers to those questions, I ask you to consider what you might do on the Institute’s behalf this year and into the future. Reaching out to brother rats to check in, helping mentor a prospective cadet, supporting the work of a reunion, engaging with your local chapter, and last—but certainly not least—determining to financially support the things that make VMI, VMI. Whether it be your time, talent, or treasure, whatever you do, it will be important because it will advance a truly extraordinary American institution and make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of young people for generations to come.

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VMI Alumni Review

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country, and the World Are you or someone you know serving the community, country, or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re doing, where, and for whom. See instructions below.

The VMI Alumni Agencies would like to pay tribute to our citizen-soliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in 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, legislators, doctors offering their services to those less fortunate, or alumni volunteering at food pantries.

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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: Alumni Review. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

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Chapman ’68 Receives Promotion

Howard Chapman ’68 was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the South Carolina State Guard in December 2021. Chapman serves as the liaison between the South Carolina State Guard Professional Services Command, Engineering Detachment, and National Guard 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Chapman is the recipient of the South Carolina State Guard Meritorious Service Award for his work as a member of the four-person Spartan 6 Team during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Grads Serve at Naval Station Rota, Spain

Chris Clark ’20 (left) and Carisa Kunkle ’20 are both ensigns in the U.S. Navy, currently serving at Naval Station Rota in Rota, Spain.

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Alumni Celebrate Founders Day at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Alumni at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, pose with the VMI flag to celebrate Founders Day in November 2021. Pictured are (front row, from left) Col. Sean Davis ’95, 1st Lt. Joel Hutchens ’12, 1st Lt. Joseph Choi ’18, Maj. John Parson ’01, (back row) 1st Sgt. Robert Smolar ’84, Capt. Josh Kinder ’11, Lt. Col. Wilson Mustian ’01, Lt. Col. Corey Stanvinoha ’02, Maj. Scott Bartholomew ’05, Col. Benjamin Venning ’96, Lt. Col. John Roche ’03, Lt. Col. Danee Cook ’01, and Maj. Randy Hager ’01.

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In Memory: Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43

By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

A pillar of the Virginia business community, active citizen, Gottwald was a director of numerous other corporations, inphilanthropist, and loyal alumnus who selflessly served the cluding CSX and Reid-Provident Laboratories, and of several Institute as well as gave generously in its support, Floyd D. professional organizations such as the American Petroleum Gottwald Jr. ’43 died Jan. 27, 2022. He was 99.

Institute, the Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the As a cadet—known as “Billy” to his brother rats—Gottwald National Association of Manufacturers. He was a member was a member of the staff of The Cadet and the American of The Conference Board and the Virginia Business Council Chemical Society. He also was a keen equestrian who was a and the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. member of both VMI’s Hunt Club and Horse Show Team.

An active citizen, Gottwald served on the boards of the After graduating from VMI with a Bachelor of Science University of Richmond and the College of William & Mary degree in chemistry, he attended the Army’s Officer Candias well as the Council for Financial Aid to Education. He date School at Fort Riley, Kansas, and was commissioned also was a member of the board of the George C. Marshall in the cavalry. Along with his Brother Rat Jeffrey G. Smith, Research Foundation and Downtown Development UnlimGottwald joined the 124th Cavalry Regiment, the last Army Gottwald Jr. ’43 ited of Richmond and served as the president of the Virginia unit to retain horses, in early 1944. The regiment soon moved Museum of Fine Arts. to Fort Riley, was officially “unhorsed” in July 1944, and shipped to India, Gottwald received wide recognition for his accomplishments and leaderarriving in August 1944. ship in business and his civic involvement. The graduate school of business After being joined by a field artillery battalion and receiving extensive at the College of William & Mary presented him its Medallion Award, training in jungle warfare and long-range penetration operations, the regi- and the University of Richmond named him a Doctor of Commercial ment became part of the 5332nd Brigade (Provisional), also known as the Science. He received honorary doctorates from Virginia Commonwealth Mars Task Force. The brigade’s other units included the 475th Infantry University, Virginia Union University, and the College of William & Mary.

Regiment, the successor to Merrill’s Marauders, and the elite 1st Chinese In 1996, the University of Richmond presented him with its Trustees’ Regiment (Separate).

Distinguished Service Award, and the Science Museum of Virginia named Given the mission of clearing northern Burma of Japanese forces and him its Outstanding Industrialist. He was elected to the Greater Richmond reopening the Burma Road to China, the task force moved more than 300 Business Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly miles behind Japanese lines. Resupplied only by air, its march was made honored his many contributions to the Commonwealth by presenting him over steep, jungle-covered mountains veined by swift streams and in weather with the Outstanding Virginian Award. characterized by steamy hot days, cold nights, and heavy rains. In mid-JanThomas G. Slater Jr. ’66, a prominent attorney and former president of uary, near Nampakka, Burma, the task force met Japanese forces in battle. the VMI Board of Visitors, served on the board of the Tredegar CorporaOn Feb. 2, 1945, Gottwald’s Troop F assaulted a Japanese position near tion for more than 10 years. Slater remembers Gottwald as “low key and Loi Kang. The troop commander, 1st Lt. Jack L. Knight, singlehandedly understated, but when he spoke, people always listened.” Slater attributed knocked out five Japanese pill boxes, despite being wounded twice by Japa- that to “his [Gottwald’s] record as a highly successful leader of Ethyl nese grenades. Leading his men forward after his second wound, Knight was Corporation, which he and his brother built into a multibillion-dollar shot and soon died in the arms of Gottwald, himself wounded later in the conglomerate. It earned him the highest respect and credibility.” action. For his valor, Knight received the Medal of Honor, the only member Charles F. Bryan Jr. ’69, Ph.D., who was the chief executive officer and of the Army Ground Forces in the China-Burma-India theatre to do so. president of the Virginia Historical Society from 1988 to 2008, rememGottwald left service in 1946 in the grade of first lieutenant and received bered Gottwald as “a great supporter of the arts and culture, especially the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and the Purple Heart. the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.” Bryan recounted an example of After the war, Gottwald joined Albemarle Paper Manufacturing Company Gottwald’s interest in art and history. “In the 1990s, a man contacted us as a chemist. In 1951, he received a Master of Science degree in chemistry about a collection of Civil War drawings in three large-format books. They from the University of Richmond. were the most amazing watercolors, executed by the man’s ancestor who After the merger of Ethyl Corporation and Albemarle in 1962, Gottwald was a Union soldier who served in Virginia.” became Ethyl’s executive vice president. Two years later, he became the vice The man offered the collection for sale, and he and Bryan arrived at a chairman of the board of Ethyl Corporation, serving in that capacity until six-figure price. One problem: The Society had just concluded a fundraising 1968. In 1970, he became the corporation’s chief executive officer and held campaign, and all its major donors had participated. Knowing Gottwald’s that position until 1992. philanthropic interests, Bryan asked him to examine the art and, perhaps, After a reorganization of Ethyl, Gottwald was the chairman and chief fund the purchase. executive officer of Albemarle Corporation, a chemical production com“Mr. Gottwald was a very quiet man, a man of few words. He was pany now headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, from 1994 to 2001 never cold to people, but he wasn’t talkative,” remembered Bryan. As and its chief executive officer from 2001 to 2002. From October 2002 until he examined the books, he remained true to character. “He was so quiet April 2007, Gottwald was Albemarle’s vice chairman. From 2007 until I thought, ‘This is not going well.’” Then, he paused on a certain page his death, Gottwald was chairman emeritus. He served on the board of and, pointing to a house in the image, said, “See this? That’s my greatTredegar Corporation from 1989-2005. grandfather’s house.” He then asked Bryan, “How much?” Bryan quoted

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VMI Alumni Review

Floyd Gottwald Jr. ’43 with cadets at the 2016 VMI Foundation Benefactors Luncheon. Gottwald, who died in January 2022, was a dedicated supporter of VMI who saved the many letters of thanks he received from grateful cadets.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies. him the six-figure price. Gottwald simply replied, “Let’s get ’em.”

His love of the Institute was deep and abiding, and his service to it was extensive. He served as a trustee of the VMI Foundation for many years and was its president from 1980 to 1984. He also was an informal adviser to many Institute leaders.

Although this service was valuable, Gottwald made a bigger mark on the Institute through his philanthropy—the vast majority of which he provided anonymously. He supported the Institute’s academic and cocurricular programs through the Foundation Fund. He gave generously to the Center for Leadership and Ethics, establishing the Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43 Visiting Chair in Leadership and Ethics in 2006. He was a keen supporter of the academic program through gifts to the chemistry department and the Class of 1943 Academic Excellence Endowment.

He also had, according to Slater, “a special interest in making sure VMI remained competitive in the salaries paid to its faculty, especially those in the STEM fields.”

Another focus of his giving was scholarships. He gave to the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, and he established a merit-based scholarship that supports numerous cadets. That his support of scholarships was at the core of his giving was made plain during an interview Gottwald gave in 2015. Asked why he supported VMI, he produced a thick file folder in which were the letters cadets had written him in thanks for his support. In the letters, there were numerous places where Gottwald had underlined words and phrases, indicating he did not casually examine the letters, but carefully read them. “This is why I do it,” Gottwald said. “I get this batch of letters every year. I always read them and file

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them. I just hate to throw them away.”

For Gottwald, the letters expressed the “purpose of a VMI education and the belief cadets have in the Institute’s mission. So many colleges and universities now resemble mass mob scenes; there’s no focus, no purpose.

The students seem to be left to drift.”

“That’s not what VMI does,” he continued. “Its education doesn’t begin and end at the classroom door. Its leaders are determined to form the character of each cadet. And, through these letters, you can see what VMI is doing and what it is turning out in the way of graduates.”

Asked to describe the effects of Gottwald’s philanthropy on the Institute, Bryan replied, “In everything in which he was involved—be it in business, civic affairs, or charity—Mr. Gottwald made a significant difference. And, by becoming a major donor in support of the Institute, that’s what he did at VMI. Along with his brother, Bruce, he made the Institute a much better school. Through his generosity and his example—which encouraged many others to join him—he did more for VMI than almost anyone I know.”

In recognition of his achievements and his service to the Institute, the VMI Foundation presented him its Distinguished Service Award in 1991 and the VMI Keydet Club presented him its Spirit of VMI Award in 2004.

Gottwald’s wife, Helga Koch Gottwald, survives him. He is survived by three sons, William M. Gottwald, James T. Gottwald, and John D. Gottwald, as well as eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three step-children; eight step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54, and several nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews. His first wife, Elisabeth Shelton Gottwald, predeceased him in 2002.

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Cadets March in 2022 Inaugural Parade

By Maj. Michelle Ellwood, VMI Communications & Marketing

O

n Jan. 15, 2022, the VMI Corps of Cadets proudly participated in the inaugural ceremony for Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia’s 74th governor, which is a tradition at VMI for nearly every class. In order to prepare, the Corps returned a few days earlier than originally planned for spring semester. The typical planning took place, including visits to the barber shop, weapon distribution, uniform inspections, and practice parades, but first, each member of the Corps was tested for COVID-19 and given new face coverings. The return and inaugural ceremonies took place as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was reaching peak levels and impacting all aspects of life after the holiday season.

When the buses loaded before sunrise the morning of Saturday, Jan. 15, just over 950 cadets left for Richmond. Approximately 50 cadets were assigned as ushers for the various ceremonies, and the remaining cadets marched in the parade, second in line behind the Virginia National Guard. More than 20 groups and organizations

were represented on the chilly afternoon, with temperatures barely reaching the low 30s. Luckily, the snowstorm predicted for the state held off for another day.

The Regimental and Pipe Bands were led by Col. John Brodie (Hon). This was his eighth gubernatorial parade with VMI. “It’s in the cadets’ blood to do something like this,” said Cadet Kasey Meredith ’22, regimental commander, just after the cadets practiced on Friday afternoon before the parade. “I’m not nervous at all, because watching the battalion commanders work today made me very proud. This is the leadership we have, and they’re able to execute so successfully. This is why VMI makes great leaders.”

Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, a semester into his leadership as commandant, was excited for the day. “We are very thankful for this opportunity,” he said. “We take great pride in saluting the commanderin-chief [for the Corps of Cadets] as we pass in review.”

VMI cadets approach the Capitol building in Richmond at the start of the governor’s inaugural parade.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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Photos by Kelly Nye, VMI Communications & Marketing.

Kirk ’50B: VMI’s Most Decorated Living Graduate

By Jim Dittrich ’76, Alumni Association Historian

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas H. Kirk Jr. ’50B flew in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

During his 67th mission, targeting the Paul Doumer Bridge in Hanoi, his aircraft was damaged. He was captured by North Vietnamese forces and spent the next five-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war.—Photos courtesy Jim Dittrich ’76, Alumni Association historian.

On Oct. 28, 1967, 38-year-old Thomas H. Kirk Jr. ’50B left Takhli Air Base in Thailand flying an F-105 Thunderchief aircraft. He was heading for Hanoi, the most heavily defended city in the world. Kirk led 48 bombers, plus supporting aircraft, in the largest air attack on Hanoi during the Vietnam War. His target: The Paul Doumer Bridge (now called Long Bien Bridge). A seasoned pilot, Kirk had flown 50 missions in the Korean War. In Vietnam, the heavy flak, enemy fighters, and Russian-made surface-to-air missiles were, in his words, “terrifying.” The mission was his 67th.

Over the target at 14,000 feet, he called, “Roll-in,” and all planes dove for the bridge.

Approximately halfway down on his dive bomb run, he felt an explosion in the rear of his aircraft. His fire warning light was on, but he stayed on task and dropped two 3,000-pound bombs on target. The bombs knocked down the bridge’s span—but Kirk’s aircraft was damaged severely, and he was losing his hydraulics. He needed to get to the jungle 40 miles south of Hanoi to be rescued by helicopter. He made it to around 27 miles.

Raising his armrests, he pulled the ejection trigger. The 600 knots per hour ejection knocked him out and yanked off his helmet.

When he came to, he was blind from the wind blast and had a massive head cut. He wanted

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to die by suicide, so he pulled out his weapon but lost consciousness again. When he regained consciousness the second time, Vietnamese villagers were beating him. Another five minutes of this, he thought, and he would be dead—but North Vietnamese soldiers showed up, and the beating stopped. At about this time, his sight returned. The soldiers bound, gagged, and blindfolded him. They tossed him into a metal truck and took him to the Hoa Lo Prison—also called the Hanoi Hilton.

Kirk was placed in a small room, bound and blindfolded, where he was kept for two to three days (he’s not sure which) without food—just water. The first night, he was carried to a small medical space where a French-trained doctor known as “the Cat” looked him over and commented, “You are badly injured and will probably die.” After his captors moved him to a cell, he noted that from his knees to his waist, his body was burgundy from tumbling during the ejection. He could not walk for the next two months.

Next, he was taken to the interrogation room, where two North Vietnamese officers waited.

The first stated, “Kirk, you are not a prisoner of war. You are a war criminal and will be tried and shot. What is your unit, and what tactics did you use?”

Kirk followed the U.S. military’s Code of

Conduct and gave only his name, rank, and serial number. After refusing to answer any further questions, the senior North Vietnamese officer said, “Kirk, you are very stupid, and it will be difficult for you here.” At that point, the officers turned him over to an expert torturer.

Under his direction, Kirk was tied up and brutally tortured for three days. The third day, in intense pain, he broke down and confessed, but he had no idea what he said to his captors.

Everyone reached a breaking point under torture, and Kirk was not ashamed; he did his best. After the war, the Code of Conduct wording was changed. It now reads, “I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability.”

Kirk’s worst period came after his captors placed him in a cell by himself. He had zero contact with any other prisoner. After a few weeks, he became so discouraged he again thought of suicide; he had never felt so low.

Kirk prayed to God to help him. After his prayers, he felt at peace and like he could handle whatever the enemy threw at him. Soon, he was placed in a cell with three other prisoners for 14 months. His companionship ended when a guard hit him in the head with a heavy set of keys. This was incredibly painful, and he punched the guard, leading to 10 days of severe torture while he sat on a stool and two solitary years in a cell by himself.

In total, Kirk spent five-and-a-half years as a POW with two years in solitary confinement.

How did he occupy his mind while totally alone?

He walked 4 miles a day in his 8-foot-long cell and did physical exercises as much as his starved body would allow (POWs survived on 600-800 calories a day and were always hungry). Kirk was 175 pounds when he was captured; his weight dropped to 90 pounds while a POW. He said he pretended to play the flute, doing scales and fingering for hours. He also recalled “books, stories, and even poetry” from his youth. He calculated things like mortgages in his head. Finally, he thought about faith and spiritual things, making plans for the future and how he would live his life. Then, there was the tap code. He tapped on the wall using a 25-letter alphabet and communicated with men in adjacent cells. They passed news from new POW arrivals to guidance from the senior officers. Prisoners caught tapping were

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tortured, but Kirk was never caught.

The Hanoi experience gave him many close friends, especially Bill Lawrence (later a vice admiral and superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy). He also became close to John McCain (senator and presidential candidate). In 1973, Kirk was released and visited VMI soon after. He was driven around the Parade Ground and spoke to the Corps. He was a colonel and one of the country’s most decorated, with an Air Force Cross (second highest for valor), four Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for valor), seven Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. As of this writing, Kirk is VMI’s most decorated living graduate and the most decorated VMI graduate of the Vietnam War. Kirk was born in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in Portsmouth. He was an only child, and his father worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His dad was also a musician, and Kirk started playing the saxophone when he was 5 years old. Music was a large part of his life, and he played one-and-a-half hours a day until he couldn’t—only in recent years. At 14, he played in a band and became a “call guy,” filling in whenever a band needed a sax player.

Kirk played with both Dorsey brothers and with Jack Teagarden, among others.

When it was time to think about college, Kirk’s dad suggested VMI’s discipline would be good for him. His mom wanted him to be a doctor, so he studied pre-med and joined Band Company. Rank was part of his VMI life, as was the 17-piece VMI Commanders band.

One of Kirk’s best memories from his time at the Institute was going uptown for the first time on a Wednesday. He bought a Popsicle and ate it on the street as he walked back to barracks. A cadet captain from the regimental staff caught him and put him in “a brace” (strained him).

Kirk was ordered to visit the upper-class cadet’s room after SRC. They gave him a strenuous workout and sent him to the Keydet Disciplinary Board, which gave him 30 penalty tours.

That occupied his Wednesday and Saturday afternoons for the rest of the semester.

Kirk jokes that VMI was the best preparation for a POW camp. While at VMI, he was especially influenced by “Doc” Carroll, who headed the biology department. “He was old school but knew his business,” Kirk remembered. Although he was accepted to medical school, Kirk was also a Distinguished Military Graduate, and he wanted to fly. He graduated in 1950 and headed to flight school.

The Korean War had started, but he was sent to train on the B-25 and B-29 bombers before entering the war. When Kirk arrived in Korea,

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Kirk ’50B he served in combat as a forward air controller on an A-T6, marking targets for the fast movers and assessing the damage after missions.

He begged for fighters and was transferred to fly F-86 fighter jets. He flew to the Yalu River along the Chinese border but never fired at the enemy.

After returning to the States, he often deployed to Europe, where he flew F-84 and F-100 fighter jets. Over the years, Kirk flew 22 different types of aircraft. His assignments included England Air Force Base, Louisiana; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina; Japan; and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Kirk

wanted to fly in Vietnam and took two weeks’ leave to go to Vietnam, where he flew 25 missions. He knew the base commander and flew up to three times a day.

In January 1967, he volunteered for and received an assignment to fly F-105s, the workhorse dive bomber of the Vietnam War. Kirk commanded the 357th Fighter Squadron in Thailand, flying over North Vietnam. Kirk recalls that there were 19,000 guns within 30 miles of Hanoi, the most heavily defended airspace in the history of air warfare. The Vietnam War was the first combat where SAMs were employed.

Kirk’s POW experiece is not the end of his story. He is, by his own admittance, a type-A personality. While in the military, flying was his total focus. After his time as a POW, he went back to flying and was wing commander of the 29th Flying Training Wing in Selma, Alabama. His last duty assignment was Stuttgart, Germany, where he was vice commander of NATO Special Operations. After retirement, he stayed in Europe and became a financial planner. He was very successful with offices in Italy, including in Sicily. Kirk followed this by becoming an entrepreneur; he opened pizza restaurants in Spain and operated a sailboat charter business. Music continued to be part of his life, and he played in bands and small combos. He married, returned to the U.S., continued financial planning, became a ski instructor, and built 18 houses as an investment in Vail, Colorado.

These days, Kirk is retired in Arizona. He golfs three to four times a week with happy hour on Fridays. He was inducted into the Arizona Military Hall of Fame for civic accomplishments. The nonagenarian Keydet is very proud of the Institute and how VMI prepared him for his military and business careers.

Two things guide Kirk: “Every day above ground is a great day” and “Use every day of your life to learn, work hard, and perform well whatever the situation.”

VMI is proud of this exceptional graduate for his military and business successes.

Editor’s Note: The author, Jim Dittrich ’76, is a retired U.S. Army officer, senior corporate executive, and adjunct professor. He currently serves as the VMI Alumni Association historian. Article sources include online interviews; Veterans History Project, Nov. 29, 2011; Veterans AZ, March 27, 2021; and emails with retired U.S. Air Force Col. Tom Kirk ’50B.

Kirk continued his Air Force career after his release from North Vietnamese captivity. In all, he flew 22 different types of aircraft. Following his Air Force retirement, he had a successful business career.

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Photo courtesy Bob Slay ’69.

Slay ’69: “Funny ER Doc” Has Strong VMI Foundation

By Mary Price, Associate Editor Doctor, Army veteran, stand-up comic, reality TV star, and author all rolled into one, retired U.S. Army Col. Robert “Bob” Slay ’69, M.D., is a Renaissance man of many talents. He’s happy to tell you, though, that the foundation of those talents was laid at VMI, even if no one would have predicted that in fall 1965 when he matriculated as “the French rat.”

Now 75 and still practicing medicine in Southern California, Slay grew up in a military family, the son of Marine Corps Col. R.D. Slay.

As young Slay was nearing high school graduation, his thoughts turned to two well-known mid-Atlantic schools, and VMI was not among them. Unbeknownst to him, though, the elder Slay was taking counsel from his good friend, Marine Corps Col. J.W.P. “Alligator” Robertson ’50B, who knew of just the place for a wide-eyed youngster with long hair in the 1960s.

When Robertson dropped Slay off on Matriculation Day, his advice was succinct: “Just do what you are told, and don’t give up.”

That advice served him well, even after he wrote, “R.D. Slay, Villefranche, France,” when instructed to put his name and hometown on

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the back of his rat room chair—a bad choice that Slay recalled drew him an unwelcome amount of “special attention” from the cadre.

“In between pushups, crab crawls, burpees, and racking it in, they asked me to speak French,” he recounted. Slay, though, had an advantage few rats had: He’d already met his dyke before matriculating.

That summer, he’d been enjoying the renowned beaches of the French Riviera when he happened upon a group of American boys playing volleyball. A conversation ensued, and that’s when Slay met John Turner ’66, a member of the Keydet football team who would go on to be elected to the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.

“John was amazed that I was going to be a rat when I had other choices,” recalled Slay. “But as he stated, ‘If you’re that dumb, you will need some help, so you will be my dyke.’ I didn’t have a clue what that meant but agreed.”

With the help of Turner and Slay’s roommates—K.C. Woodroof ’69, Joe Naselli ’69, Jamie Patton Totten ’69, and Bill Blandford ’69—Slay not only made it through the Rat Line but his entire cadetship, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and ranking near the

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top of his class within the major. A Distinguished Military Graduate, Slay was also awarded the superintendent’s cup for his activities while a member of the Cadet Publications Board.

Strong in both quantitative and qualitative skills, the future Army doctor finished his cadetship with enough English courses to graduate with a minor in that discipline. During his 1st Class year, he was even the chief editor of the Institute’s newspaper, The Cadet, a turn of events that Slay said “irritated the English majors, having a biology major get the job.”

The love of storytelling is often inborn, of course, but in Slay’s case, there was one individual who propelled him toward honing his craft.

While living in Beaufort, South Carolina, during his high school years, Slay encountered a great teacher, Gene “Cooter” Norris. Norris taught both Slay and a young man who would go on to become one of the giants of 20th century Southern fiction: Pat Conroy, author of “The Great Santini,” “The Water is Wide,” and other well-known novels.

Under Norris’ guidance, his students read the works of Thomas Wolfe, Joseph Conrad, and J.D. Salinger, among others.

“He would always sneak us books that South Carolina parents didn’t approve of,” Slay commented. “Cooter was the first guy who told me, my own parents didn’t necessarily say this, but Cooter was the first guy who said, ‘You know, Bob, you can do whatever you want to do if you’re willing to work for it and go for it and keep smiling and always be optimistic.’”

It was that never say die spirit, instilled even before matriculation and deepened during his cadetship, that would lay the foundation for success in multiple endeavors.

“I am forever indebted to VMI for giving me the discipline and tenacity to accomplish major goals in my career,” Slay noted.

Near the end of his cadetship, the lure of the world of words was so strong that Slay applied and was accepted to the highly prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Taking the oftenrepeated advice that the best way to learn the craft of writing is to write, though, Slay declined to attend.

Besides, the Army had offered him a full-ride scholarship to medical school, and Col. Robert “Doc” Carroll, the Institute’s legendary biology professor, had steered Slay and several other graduating biology majors to the Medical College of Virginia.

Carroll, in fact, was so well respected that just coming out of the VMI biology department was often enough to guarantee admission to MCV, as Slay quickly learned when he went to Richmond for an interview with the dean and was granted a place in the incoming class on the spot, while applicants from Ivy League schools were held in suspense.

At MCV, Slay deepened his bonds with the five brother rats who’d likewise chosen MCV. “We always studied together,” he noted. “We clicked. So, it was a great thing to have that VMI connection. There’s no question about it; the brotherhood is strong.”

But it wasn’t just study-buddy BRs who got Slay through medical school.

It was the discipline and focus instilled during his years in barracks.

“The only way to get through life is to have that discipline and selfcare,” Slay stated. “VMI really teaches you that. They teach you that you’ve got to put the time in, and you’ve got to be willing to make the sacrifices to succeed and go after your goals.”

During his 20-year career in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Slay had many assignments and adventures, but one was at the forefront of the nation’s consciousness in the late 1970s. He served as a senior medical officer in the anti-terrorist Delta Force during Operation Eagle Claw, the April 24, 1980, failed attempt to rescue the hostages trapped in

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the American embassy and other areas in and around Tehran, Iran.

The rescue effort went awry and resulted in the deaths of eight service members; the mood on the flight home was somber. Slay recalled the event as “one of the saddest days of my life,” and to this day, he has a clear memory of tears streaming down the camouflaged faces of battle-hardened Delta Force members as they flew home, forced to leave their dead comrades behind.

But Slay has much happier memories of the Middle East, as well.

During the 1980s, he spent time in Israel and Jordan as a consultant.

While in Jordan, he played tennis with King Hussein, who Slay recalls as “just a nice guy” but a heavy tobacco user, to the point that the king “chain-smoked cigarettes while we played” and kept ashtrays at the ends of the tennis court nets.

After his 1989 retirement from the Army, Slay took his passion for emergency medicine to the civilian world, working primarily in hospitals in San Pedro and Marina del Ray, California. In interviews and comedy routines, Slay calls the ER “the Trailways station of medicine, where there’s something for everybody. ... If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t seen it all.”

That constantly changing variety of patients and situations has provided endless fodder for stories, and as a natural storyteller, Slay was drawn years ago to National Public Radio’s The Moth StorySLAMs, which are open-microphone storytelling contests held worldwide.

From there, he launched into more stand-up comedy routines, featuring humorous and sometimes almost wildly unbelievable outtakes from his day job, and he’s also on YouTube as “The Funny ER Doc.” Eventually, Slay took his talents to the small screen with 18 appearances on the reality-based TV show “Untold Stories of the ER.” Not surprisingly, he wrote most of the episodes and plays himself on the show.

With many of the storylines on “Untold Stories,” the old adage, “Truth is stranger than fiction,” comes to mind. There’s an episode with fraternity brothers coming to the ER because all of them have been passing blue urine and another in which a fisherman comes in with an alligator snapping turtle attached to the carotid artery area of his neck. Moments later, a game warden tells Slay that it will be illegal to kill the turtle in the process of helping his patient, so his only option is to paralyze the reptile with drugs so its muscles will relax.

“When I woke up that morning, I had no idea I’d be intubating a snapping turtle,” he comments on the show.

With his fast-paced life and family commitments—he and his physician wife, Dr. Gayle Brenneman, are the parents of two children, and now, two grandchildren—Slay didn’t make his own health a priority until he got a wake-up call. At 55, weighing 228 pounds and with a body mass index of 35, Slay was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and high blood pressure. He and Gayle, his battle buddy, decided at that time to radically change their diets and begin exercising. Their success with losing weight and keeping it off inspired Slay to write his book, “The Battle Buddy Diet.” He never expected the small volume to become an Amazon bestseller, but that’s exactly what happened, as the market was ready for a book about how spouses can lose weight together.

Today, Slay is still working in emergency medicine with no immediate plans to retire, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he switched from working in the ER to urgent care.

“I still get to see patients, and that’s my love,” he stated. “I love seeing patients. I love taking care of them. I give every one of them my cellphone number to text me if anything changes. I just love people. And I’ve always thought it was a privilege to take care of them.”

Spoken like a true citizen-soldier.

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Partin ’14: “A Degree from VMI Does Speak Volumes” Hopewell’s Second Youngest Vice Mayor & Environmental Leader

By Mary Price, Associate Editor Just eight years out from VMI graduation, Johnny Partin ’14 is giving back to his state and local communities in significant ways.

A civil and environmental engineering major and distinguished graduate with Institute Honors, Partin has put his degree and leadership skills to use both in the civilian and military worlds. His day job is with chemical manufacturer AdvanSix in Hopewell, Virginia, and he also serves as vice mayor of Hopewell, chairman of the Hopewell Water Renewal Commission, and a captain in the Virginia Army National Guard.

With a passion for environmental stewardship, Partin has also taken a leading role in creating the Tri-Cities Environmental Endowment, which provides funds for several Richmond-area

Johnny Partin ’14 joined the National Guard his 2nd Class year. After graduation, he was elected to Hopewell City Council and became vice mayor at age 28.—Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

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localities seeking to improve their community’s environmental health and that of the Chesapeake Bay. Growing up in the Enon area of Chesterfield County, just across the Appomattox River from Hopewell, Partin and his sister, Allison Partin ’17, heard about VMI from their grandfather, who ran the family’s heating oil business. The elder Partin hadn’t had a chance to complete his college education, but he encouraged his grandchildren to do so and singled out VMI as an ideal college.

“He was a firm believer in what [VMI] stood for: A good military education and developing citizen soldiers,” Partin recalled.

Thanks to that guidance, three of the six Partin

grandchildren became VMI alumni: Johnny; Allison; and their cousin, Stephen Partin ’07.

As a cadet, Partin immersed himself in many activities and didn’t shrink back from challenges.

He served as vice president of the Honor Court and was president of the VMI chapter of Engineers Without Borders his 1st Class year. All four years, his education was supported by the Col. William H. Dabney USMC Class of 1961 Merit Scholarship, which was established in 2010 in honor of Dabney, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who served as head of VMI’s NROTC unit from 1987-90 and was commandant of cadets during the 1989-90 academic year.

Partin began his own military service before graduation when he enlisted in the National Guard halfway through his 2nd Class year.

“I liked the flexibility that it provided and being able to still maintain a full-time civilian job, but still being able to serve in the military in a reserve status,” said Partin.

After graduation, while getting his civilian and military careers underway, Partin became involved in Hopewell, an independent city of just over 23,000 very near where he and Allison grew up.

“After VMI, I wanted to get involved in my community,” he explained. “And so, I started participating in city council meetings, attending school board meetings, and planning commission meetings. And I saw some things that I didn’t like and didn’t agree with. I thought that I could do a much better job.”

Now 29, Partin was elected to Hopewell City Council at 26 and was the youngest person to be nominated to serve as the city’s mayor. When he became vice mayor at the age of 28, he was the second-youngest person elected to serve as vice mayor.

Running for office meant selling himself to people several decades his senior, but this didn’t faze Partin. “The vast majority of folks had open ears, and they were willing to listen because I attended so many city council meetings, and I knew what was going on in the community,” he stated. “I had a good work ethic and professional experience—and a degree from VMI does speak volumes.”

Right away, Partin got to work on the critical issues facing Hopewell, a locality that’s long been known for its chemical industry and for the environmental crisis that took place there

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when employees of Allied Signal Corp. illegally dumped a toxic insecticide, Kepone, into storm drains leading to the James River during the 1970s. The river has since recovered, but Hopewell, like many other small communities, has struggled to pay for essential services and keep its infrastructure updated.

With that background in mind, Partin lists several items as his “biggest and proudest” accomplishments as a member of city council: Expanding the police and restructuring their pay for the largest pay increase in the city’s history; strengthening the city’s stormwater management program; completing multiple creek, stream, and ravine environmental restorations; and upgrading and rebuilding the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Since graduating from VMI, Partin’s tenacious work ethic and passion for environmental restoration and remediation have earned him a reputation as an emerging environmental leader.

And when the COVID-19 crisis hit, Partin was ready to serve as a member of the National Guard. In March 2020, Partin was a company commander, and his unit was called up on active duty federal orders to help with the nation’s pandemic response.

“In the first several months, we primarily did all testing missions, where we would go out to jails, nursing homes, communities, different settings and test people in order to determine if they had COVID-19,” he explained.

Once vaccines were developed and authorized, Partin’s National Guard unit switched its focus to getting shots in arms. Working alongside the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Partin and others crisscrossed the state, setting up mobile vaccine clinics to reach people in underserved areas. On these missions, Partin estimates that he visited 85-90% of the Old Dominion’s cities and counties.

For Partin, his National Guard and public service activities are a natural outgrowth of the “great foundational blocks,” such as honor, character, and discipline that the Institute imparts to its graduates.

“VMI instilled a greater sense of service above self,” Partin noted. “And I think what it also did for me was it set me up for success. It provided me with the tools and the resources in order to go out into the community and actually bring about positive change. It taught me leadership skills. It also taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds and different lifestyles. And truly, I believe it laid a great foundation for myself, in order for me to build upon out in the public and private sectors.”

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Partin ’17 Focuses on Environment, Local Community

By Mary Price, Associate Editor “I was always trying to help the community in some way, shape, or form.” That’s what Allison Partin ’17 had to say about her cadetship—four years that were filled with service projects done in conjunction with the VMI chapter of Engineers Without Borders, including a trip to Bolivia to improve water quality for villagers there, as well as involvement with the American Society of Civil Engineers and serving as the S5 in charge of public relations her 1st Class year.

In addition, her can-do spirit led her to complete an internship that many cadets might not have undertaken: One at the Buena Vista, Virginia, Wastewater Treatment Plant, where she ran water quality tests and inspected sludge daily.

Graduating as one of only four women in a class of 59 civil engineering majors, Partin didn’t let gender—or anything else—stop her from seizing opportunities to learn and serve.

“I was always trying to get off post and trying to do other things, like meet other people, do other things outside of Partin ’17 VMI activities,” she recalled. “You know, I was always just trying to be extroverted and meet other people and make that connection.”

Now, five years out from graduation, Partin is working in the energy and utilities branch at Fort Lee in Prince George County, Virginia, where she’s continuing her commitment to environmental stewardship and putting her Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech to good use.

Away from work, she’s involved with the James River Ball Patrons Committee. Since 1964, the committee has provided over $300,000 in funding to enrich the arts and cultural education of students in Hopewell City Public Schools, a school district that serves a large population of minority and low-income students.

On a day-to-day basis, Partin often joins her brother, Johnny Partin ’14, on his “trash walks.” Using a hand-held grabber, the Partin siblings and others walk through the Tri-Cities of Virginia area— Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. In 2021, those “trash walks” resulted in the collection of approximately 20,000 pounds of debris.

The walks are proof that giving back to one’s community doesn’t necessarily involve large amounts of money or specialized resources. “We just walk the streets, and we just pick up trash,” Partin commented. “You get your exercise. I walk my dog at the same time and make a difference for the community.”

Going forward, Partin would like to become a certified energy manager, which would recognize her as capable of optimizing a building’s energy performance and give her more leeway in seeking federal jobs. She’d also like to make more scholarships available to students in her area who are interested in community service and to make sure those scholarships are open to high schoolers who are headed for a two-year college or trade school, not just a four-year college.

For Partin, these goals tie back to the lessons she learned as a cadet: It’s not just about you—it’s about the job.

She hadn’t been on post long, Partin said, before she learned, “Don’t take things too seriously or too personally ... You are a part of a bigger organization or a bigger thing than just yourself.”

And because of that, it’s possible to make a big impact on the world, even from a small corner of it. “[The Institute] really prepares you for life outside of VMI,” she noted. “You’re always going to have those difficult people; you’re always going to have those sticky situations. You’re always going to be answering to somebody in some form or capacity. It really teaches you how to deal with those situations ... and that you do have a place in this world. You just have to figure it out and how [it] is going to impact others and what kind of mark you want to make in the big picture.”

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Scholarship Bonds Berry Sisters: “The Best Decision Ever”

By Mary Price, Associate Editor

with a biology major and Spanish minor.

“VMI is the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Maddie. “I’ve had so many different opportunities that people I know from back home could never have had.”

As a rat, far from home and without her parents and siblings, Maddie drew comfort from the fact that even if people didn’t know her, they knew her sister and remembered her with respect and fondness.

“When I got to VMI, everyone was very supportive of me,” said Maddie. “Because they knew that I was Catie’s little sister—they could take one look at me. And they’re like—you’re a Berry. And it made me feel so much better because I knew that someone was looking out for me.”

As her cadetship advanced, Maddie found her footing and forged a path of her own. She’d thought about becoming a member of the S5 staff like her sister, but in the end, she found her place as a cadet EMT. “I’m going to make my own route, and I’m going to do my own thing,” said Maddie of her decision to become an EMT. “And [Catie] was completely supportive the entire time.

She always was in my corner.”

If it hadn’t been for water polo, a sport only available to high schoolers in some states, the Berry sisters might have lived their entire lives without ever having heard of VMI, much less have matriculated there. That awareness began when their older sister, Maggie, was recruited to play the sport at VMI. She ultimately chose a different school, but suddenly, a small college on the East Coast was on the family’s radar.

Next up was Catie, the middle sister. At first, VMI didn’t seem a likely choice—she’d told her parents she wasn’t interested in a military school. Without Catie’s knowledge, though, Mark Berry, her father, had sent the Institute’s water polo coach a video of his daughter in the pool. That video turned into an invitation to come East and visit.

“And I said, all right, I’ll come because I just want a free trip to Virginia,” said Catie. She arrived on post just in time to see a rat workout in progress, with cadre yelling and rats doing pushups. The first thoughts of “what on Earth have I gotten myself into,” though, were quickly replaced by an appreciation of the bond that VMI women in particular share.

“But as I got to know the women specifically at VMI, [there] was this bond and this union, and they’re all well accomplished,” Catie stated. “They’re all smart.

They’re all driven. And that is what I wanted out of myself. That was the end result I wanted to feel after college. I wanted to feel that camaraderie. … I found Cadet Madeleine “Maddie” Berry ’22, a biology major minoring in Spanish, plans to commy tribe with the water polo team.” mission in the Army upon graduating from VMI in 2022.—Photo courtesy Madeleine Berry.

The youngest Berry sister has likewise felt that

You’d never pick them as the typical VMI family. They’re from Northern California, and no one in their family had attended the Institute before the current generation.

But on post—especially in the area of water sports—the name “Berry” has come to mean something.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Catherine “Catie” Berry ’18 double majored in international studies and history at VMI. She was a member of both the women’s water polo team and the women’s swimming team, as well as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Newman Club, an organization supporting Catholic cadets. During her 1st Class year, she was captain of the S5 staff, public relations, and was captain of the water polo team, as well.

Just after Catie graduated, her younger sister, Cadet Madeleine “Maddie” Berry ’22, matriculated. Like her sister, Maddie plays water polo, and she’s serving as the S4 EMS chief this year, overseeing all 73 of this year’s cadet EMTs. In May 2022, she plans to follow in her sister’s footsteps and commission into the Army as she graduates

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VMI Alumni Review

camaraderie while learning how to stretch out of her comfort zone at the same time.

“VMI has shown me how much I am truly capable of,” Maddie commented. “When I first came to VMI, my plan was to get my degree, play water polo, and roll with all the school gave me. I never imagined that I’d be in this kind of leadership position today. But that is what VMI does—it forces us to reach our potential even if we don’t see it.”

And even with the youngest Berry set to graduate this spring, the family’s legacy will live on.

A future water polo player will have an enhanced opportunity to reach her potential and play her sport on the Division I level, thanks to the Catherine Berry ’18 & Madeline Berry ’22 Women’s Water Polo Scholarship, recently established by the girls’ parents, Mark and Jennifer Berry.

It’s only the second scholarship endowment for a water polo player in the Keydet Club’s history.

“It was a pleasure working with the Berry family to establish this scholarship,” said Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club chief operating officer. “Catie and Maddie are both very impressive and represent the Institute well. This scholarship will have an everlasting impact on the women’s water polo program. The scholarship will increase the resources needed to recruit and retain competitive young women who are needed to ‘compete to win.’”

For the Berrys, it’s only natural to give back to an institution dedicated to preparing young people for lives of leadership and service. The Berry girls attended Catholic schools before VMI, and their parents were glad to see them choose colleges with more than a career focus. “[VMI] is a unique place, given the times in which we live, which still puts a priority on country and honor,” said Mark of his and his wife’s decision to support future cadets.

Catherine “Catie” Berry ’18, now a U.S. Army first lieutenant, double majored in interna“We just feel passionate that [VMI] is such a great option tional studies and history at VMI. During her 1st Class year, she was captain of the S5 staff, for young people out there,” Jennifer added. “It puts them public relations, and captain of the water polo team.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. on the path to be productive and give back.” and Qatar under her belt, the high schooler who once didn’t want to Because most Virginia high schools don’t offer water polo, players on attend a military school is now a confident and proud VMI alumna the VMI team usually come from out-of-state schools, which means who’d like to see other young alumni and their families give back. higher tuition bills—or the possibility of a star player choosing a “I’m a big, big supporter of the VMI family,” said Catie. “I love more affordable, in-state school. The scholarship is intended to help the Keydet Club. I hope more younger alums get involved because offset that cost. it’s fun. It’s fun to know that you’re part of something bigger than “That out-of-state tuition is painful,” said Jennifer. “We felt that yourself. And the second thing is that we all talk about how grateful this was a way to help some of those kids manage that burden a we are for the Institute, and one of the ways you can show that is make little bit more.” sure that someone else can have that same experience that you had.”

Catie, now serving in human resources with the Army in Columbia, As of mid-February, Catie was making travel plans for March.

South Carolina, confesses she “bawled and cried” with happiness at She’ll head north to Lexington to watch her sister play in one of her Christmas when she and her sisters opened envelopes and learned of final home meets. They’ve shared what most siblings share—toys, the scholarships—as Maggie also now has a scholarship in her name books, and memories, to name a few—but in the case of Catie and at Gonzaga University, where she rowed Division I crew. “That was Maddie, it’s an even deeper bond, one forged by the Rat Line, crossthe best Christmas gift,” said Catie. “That’s something that’s going country plane trips, and hours and hours spent treading chlorinated to be hard to top.” water.

Giving back had been on Catie’s mind for some time.

“It’s not just my name on a scholarship,” Catie noted. “It’s my little “I wanted to eventually be able to afford to do something like that,” sister’s name. There’s history between the two of us.” she noted. “I was very fortunate that my parents went ahead and did it For Catie, the scholarship is but one expression of her gratitude. for me. ... Maddie and I are the first water polo players whose families “I don’t think I could ever repay VMI for what [it] provided for me, have given back. That was also an incredibly emotional moment.” how [it] developed me, how [it] pushed me.”

Four years out from graduation, with Army tours in South Korea

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Inclusive Excellence April 2022

In the interest of setting the record straight, the following Just the Facts emails were sent to VMI alumni, family, and friends.

On multiple occasions, VMI Board of Visitors leadership and Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, superintendent, defended VMI against charges of systemic racism. The VMI Alumni Agencies sponsored the development of a comprehensive report on the strength of the VMI program which was released on the same day as report on the investigation. This report went to the VMI family and news agencies throughout the Commonwealth.

The report can be viewed at vmialumni.org/vmiaareport.

From Virginia Business Magazine, March 2022: “VMI is a microcosm of society and is not immune to challenges of racism and sexual misconduct which occur on college campuses across the nation ... Racism and sexual misconduct in any form will never be tolerated at VMI.” “Charges of institutional racism at VMI are not supported by the facts.”

VMI Definitions Related to Inclusive Excellence • Diversity and inclusion: Diversity and inclusion efforts at VMI support mission readiness for the Corps of Cadets. They are principles that prepare our cadets for the world which they will enter after graduation. VMI’s efforts in this area closely mirror those of the Department of Defense and corporate America. Diversity and inclusion at VMI means integrating qualified cadets, faculty, and staff of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, nationality, and socioeconomic status. It means understanding, respecting, and appreciating differences to strengthen the Corps of Cadets as a singular unit preparing for a life as a citizen-soldier.

• Equity: At VMI, equity means that we ensure each qualified cadet has the tools necessary in order to potentially (and hopefully) succeed in our rigorous academic, military, and athletic environment. Equity means equal opportunity. What it does not mean is that we lower our standards or our definition of success. At VMI, equity-related initiatives have been in place for many years and are available to all cadets, regardless of background. These tools include the Miller Academic Center, the Mathematics Education and Resource Center, the Writing Center, and the Office of Disabilities Services, to name a few.

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Inclusive Excellence Training To better understand VMI’s Inclusive Excellence training, which addresses diversity and inclusion and was taken by cadets in either a single hour or two one-hour sessions over the entire 2021-22 academic year, a series of meetings occurred between the VMI Alumni Agencies and Institute leadership, including a meeting with David Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer, and Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, VMI’s 15th superintendent.

The following is a summary of those meetings: • Maj. Gen. Wins and Lt. Col. Jamica Love, Ed.D., chief diversity officer, have and will continue to work directly with Gov. Youngkin’s administration to evaluate VMI’s programs and work toward a training model consistent with public colleges in Virginia.

• All cadet diversity training is complete for this academic year.

• The first-year training was modeled after DEI training taught at other colleges.

• 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class cadets received 1 hour or less (normally 50 minutes) of training over the entire academic year.

• Since they were new to the demands of VMI, 4th Class cadets received 60 minutes of training in the fall and 50 minutes in the spring.

• Although attendance has been required, cadets are not required or compelled to participate. Any reports counter to this expectation were swiftly reviewed and addressed.

• Early in fall 2021 and prior to the training, Lt. Col. Love met with cadet trainers/facilitators to review and discuss the training, guidelines, and questions. Cadet leaders reviewed the final list of questions and were empowered to remove those they disagreed with.

No questions related to cheating or about potential violations of the Honor Code were included in the sessions.

VMI Alumni Review

• In April, VMI faculty and staff participated in the diversity, equitable opportunity, and inclusion overview training developed

by Gov. Youngkin’s office of Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion.

• Many schools were already moving away from requiring standardized testing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as research shows that it is a poor predictor of college success.

• VMI is focused on cadet mission readiness and looks to the Department of Defense as a model for training.

• The term under-represented populations has been mentioned on several platforms and is often misunderstood. URP as defined by the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia often uses the terms “underrepresented and first-generation populations” together. The definition for URP by SCHEV includes traditionally under-represented populations of students as defined by the following characteristics. o Pell: Students receiving Pell Grants at any time during the last five years o Race: Non-white U.S. citizen and permanent residents o Students from Virginia localities in the lowest quintile of associate and baccalaureate attainment rates o Age: Non-traditional students: Age 25 or older at entry

Building a More Diverse VMI • For decades, VMI leadership has wanted to expand the diversity of the Corps of Cadets to more closely reflect that of the Commonwealth and the nation. From 2006-14, thousands of dollars were spent on an integrated marketing plan to build recruitment inquiries, using a diverse spectrum of potential cadets.

• Maj. Gen. Wins stated on numerous occasions that he will not compromise VMI’s rigorous academic, physical, and leadership requirements for admission.

• From a VMI Board of Visitors statement dated March 15, 2022: “Diversity and inclusion at VMI does not lower standards to meet a quota. It also is not intolerance toward any particular group of cadets, faculty, or staff.”

• VMI Admissions adjusted its criteria for standardized tests at the beginning of 2020, moving to a test-optional model, reflecting a move made by 11 of 15 public colleges in the Commonwealth. This was borne out of complications with controlled testing and preparation during the COVID-19 outbreak and has now become the model for most in higher education. VMI considers admissions guidelines for tests and other criteria on an annual basis.

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• In 2018, URP enrollment in Virginia public institutions of higher education equaled 55% of the total enrollment. VMI was at 34% for URP and will continue to strive for a broad spectrum of qualified candidates interested in the VMI experience.

• As mentioned in the March 2022 Just the Facts email, discussions of “casting a wider net” were underway over a decade ago, corresponding to URP population projections for high school students entering college admissions pools. Those interested can review an article related to this subject at nbcnews.to/3JH7cvG.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 Superintendent

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March 2022 There is a flurry of misinformation, in most cases on social media, that we need to set straight; therefore, we submit the following to all VMI alumni, family, and friends.

GIVING Thanks to loyal donors and in recognition of continued private support for the Corps of Cadets, as of Feb. 28, 2022: • Cash gifts are up by 418 donors and more than $6 million compared to Fiscal Year 2021.

• Cash gifts and new pledge commitments are up by 524 donors and more than $14 million compared to FY 2021.

• Annual Giving, a component of the previous two bullet points, is up by more than $250,000 and 350 donors.* • Thus far, giving in Fiscal Year 2022 is at $31 million, the second highest in the last five years, with four months to go.

These figures are without the benefit of the VMIssion Endures Days of Giving planned for April 4-7, 2022. The continuation of this tremendous generosity will be critical to ensure VMI competes and wins in the future.

THE HONOR CODE • VMI’s Honor Code has not changed. It is and will remain single-sanction.

• The Honor Code Standard Operating Procedures were adjusted by leadership many times in the 20th century, to include moving from no jury to a jury of peers.

• The Honor Court has benefited from faculty and staff advisors in past decades who served in various capacities, including as defense advocates. Only cadets serve as members of the jury.

• Defendant legal representation has also been part of the honor system in the past and is now being restored.

MATRICULATION NUMBERS Fall 2021 matriculation numbers were down by four cadets from the VMI budgeted number (496 versus 500).

RETENTION There are many variables at play in addition to the recent reports about VMI in the media, including transitioning from COVID-19 protocols and the fact that incoming first-year students across the nation had very little in-class preparation for college expectations. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind an entire class and prospect pool had reduced opportunity to visit VMI and understand the VMI experience firsthand. We are also seeing noted growth in less expensive online college educational opportunities. The demographic shift expected for more than a decade is impacting recruiting and retention in higher education across our nation.

Those interested can review an article related to this subject at nbcnews.to/3JH7cvG. Institute leaders are watching admissions trends closely to best determine how to secure the deepest pool of candidates who will thrive at VMI and beyond.

We are wholeheartedly committed to VMI’s mission of producing leaders of character for our nation and our world. We sincerely appreciate your direct support in making this happen.

David L. Prasnicki VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer

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*These numbers were inadvertently underreported; the actual counts as of Feb. 28, 2022, are $365,000 and 369 donors.

VMI Alumni Review

Just the Facts: Setting the Record Straight February 2022 The Virginia Military Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies take issue with recent reporting in the national media, causing confusion and misunderstanding among our most loyal supporters. To set the record straight, we can assure you of the following: The VMI Honor System • The VMI Honor Code remains single-sanction. There is no consideration of changing the single-sanction system.

• The Honor Court Standard Operating Procedures are reviewed and updated regularly, consistent with VMI’s other policies and procedures.

• The jury will be expanded by four positions, from seven to 11.

• Guilty verdicts will now require nine of 11 votes rather than five of seven votes.

• Education and training will continue to be a part of the mission of the Honor Court.

• Current members of the Honor Court will educate the Corps of Cadets about these new adjustments in preparation of implementation in fall 2022.

Regarding VMI’s One Corps, One VMI Legislative Budget Request: • VMI’s request is comprehensive and covers a series of Institute priorities outlined in the Unifying Action Plan and initiatives from the state-initiated equity audit.

• Funding support includes the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Office of the Title IX coordinator; the Miller Academic Center; the Math Education Resource Center; legal counsel for the Institute; updated marketing and admissions materials; and staffing for the Office of the Commandant. These services are intended to meet the needs of all cadets.

• 16% of the $6.1 million request is for staffing the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

• Specific positions will support increased recruiting to more areas of the state.

• The suggestion that CRT is now an official part of the VMI curriculum is categorically false.

The Feb. 9, 2022, editorial titled, “Opinion: The Virginia Military Institute reinforces its female cadets’ fears,” is incorrect.

VMI has a clear position when instances of sexual assault occur. Any reported incident will be investigated, and the violators will be punished. Maj. Gen. Wins worked in good faith to offer a compromise with the patron of the bill referenced in the Post’s editorial. VMI supports efforts to eliminate barriers to reporting sexual assaults. However, the superintendent believes he should maintain discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to recommend or require treatment or services if a cadet needs substance abuse help. This discretion is solely intended to offer a cadet help and should be clearly spelled out in legislation stating such action is necessary but non-punitive.

Col. Bill Wyatt, VMI Communications and Marketing director, sent the following request for correction to The Washington Post Editorial Board: Members of the Editorial Board, Below are inaccurate Washington Post claims followed by the actual facts: 1. “Elsewhere, victims who report assaults, nearly always women, are shielded from punishment for drug or alcohol violations. At VMI, there is no such assurance.”

Since at least 2014, VMI’s General Order 16 has included a provision allowing the Institute to grant amnesty (GO 16, section 15) to any “cadet who reports an incident in violation of this [sexual assault] policy, directed toward that cadet or another cadet, for disciplinary infractions, occurring

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at the time of the incident.” This policy also applies to witnesses in an investigation. In practice, no cadet who has reported a sexual assault has ever been disciplined for illegal drug or alcohol use.

2. “But at the U.S. Military Academy, where cadets also face rigorous training in preparation for becoming Army officers, victims of sexual assault are granted amnesty from minor infractions such as drinking—and have been since 2019. The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis has a similar position.”

This statement suggests that VMI’s policy is at odds with the service academies’ policy when, in fact, it is not. Both the USMA and USNA are subject to the Department of Defense’s Safe-to-Report Policy. The Safe-to-Report Policy prohibits commanders from punishing sexual assault victims for “minor collateral misconduct.” Commanders, however, retain discretion to determine whether the misconduct is “minor” or “non-minor” based on an analysis of aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Both the documents linked in the online version of the editorial grant immunity for “minor collateral misconduct.” (USMA Collateral Misconduct Memo, paragraph 2b. and USNA Instruction 1752.2H, paragraph 4g.)

Both policies, in accordance with the DoD’s Safe-to-Report policy, give commanders discretion in deciding whether an offense is a minor offense.

This policy is very much in line with VMI’s current (and historical) policy and reflects VMI’s position on legislation proposed by Del. Helmer.

Honoring Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 We also want to ensure you are aware that the BOV has assigned a committee to begin planning events to honor Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 and Mrs. Peay for their distinguished service to the Institute. On Friday, Jan. 29, the VMI Board of Visitors made the following announcement: As announced today by Tom Watjen ’76, VMI Board of Visitors president, the Virginia Military Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies have formed a planning committee to finalize plans to honor and recognize the long tenure of Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 as VMI superintendent.

The committee, which will be chaired by Bill Boland ’73, former VMI Board of Visitors president, will consist of representatives from the Institute, Alumni Agencies, and the Board of Visitors, past and present. The committee will periodically report on its progress to the superintendent and presidents of the VMI Board of Visitors and VMI Alumni Agencies Board of Directors.

Members of the committee are as follows: • Bill Boland ’73, former VMI Board of Visitors president • Lara Chambers ’03, VMI Board of Visitors vice president • Dallas Clark ’99, VMI deputy superintendent for finance, administration and support • John Jumper ’66, former VMI Board of Visitors president • Thom Brashears ’95, VMI Alumni Association chief operations officer I am available if you have any questions pertaining to these issues or others.

David L. Prasnicki VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer

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On Post Class of 2025 Breakout

Members of the Rat Mass of 2022+3 were awakened Saturday, Feb. 5, at 5 a.m. to begin breaking out of the Rat Line. This year, Breakout was held entirely on post, as rats did physical challenges in the Corps Physical Training Facility and Cocke Hall. They also participated in two rucksack marches around post. The rats then crawled across the Parade Ground to barracks where they removed sandbags blocking Marshall Arch. After one last sweat party in barracks, they received their name plates from their dykes. That evening, the Class of 2025 had dinner in Crozet Hall with Reggie Webb ’75, guest speaker. The class then joined together in barracks for its first Old Yell.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin and Kelly Nye.

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VMI Alumni Review

On Post

VMI Celebrates December Graduates

By Maj. Michelle Ellwood, VMI Communications & Marketing Just shy of 40 cadets crossed the stage in Memorial Hall during the commencement ceremony Dec. 21, 2021.

The fall semester graduates and their guests heard from Lara Tyler Chambers ’03, VMI Board of Visitors vice president. Chambers is the founder and co-owner of Tyler Development Group, LLC, an engineering and real estate development group in Richmond, Virginia.

She graduated with a degree in civil engineering. During her cadetship, she achieved the rank of regimental cadet captain, serving as the Institute’s first S7 staff, responsible for cadet life and Corps morale.

She is a third-generation graduate of VMI. Chambers offered the graduates tips and recommendations she has learned along the way, including telling them to drink water, have respect for others, and to have a life outside of work: “Keep your day job your day job.” She also encouraged them to never to stop learning.

“Learning gets a little easier once you’re away from school because it’s easier to see the relevance.”

Chambers wrapped up her advice with something they’d heard a lot through their cadetships: Never give up. But she also told them

to make life fun. “I hope you make lots and lots of goals; just make having fun one of them.”

The evening before was a time to recognize the seven commissionees who were graduating. Three commissioned into the Army, three into the Marine Corps, and one into the Air Force. Offering remarks and administering the oath of office was Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, the 15th commanding general of the U.S Army Cadet Command in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Davis emphasized the intelligence and strength of those commissioning this year across the nation, including more than 800 in December 2021 alone. “We’re in really good hands,” he said. He reminded the seven commissionees to always be positive regardless of circumstances, always love their service and those who serve beside them, invest in the soldiers assigned to them, and stay humble.

Graduates were excited to have loved ones in attendance, as those the year before weren’t as lucky. The December ceremony in 2020 was a virtual event, also recognizing May graduates since they were not able to have a graduation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cadets toss their gloves in the air after receiving their degrees during the commencement ceremony Dec. 21 in Memorial Hall. Lara Tyler Chambers ’03 was the graduation speaker. During her commencement address, she encouraged the cadets to be lifelong learners.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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On Post

VMI’s Support Resources Offer Path to Success

By Eric Moore, VMI Communications & Marketing

“When I was a junior in high school, my eldest brother decided on attending VMI, [and] I distinctly remember I had told myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake of losing my college experience as he had. I’m currently a 2nd Class cadet at VMI—strange how that one worked out.”

Cadet Gabriel Fanjul ’23 is a biology major from Franklin, Virginia. After graduation, he will commission into the Army. Fanjul grew up in a family that valued faith, discipline, and character, and he attended a very small high school.

Though Fanjul initially had no desire to attend VMI, his perspective changed after attending an open house and staying with his older brother.

“Watching him interact with his brother rats, who he had only known for several months, in a fashion that was closer than he did with any of his friends back home was something I wanted,” Fanjul said.

“I decided I wanted to leave college with something more than just a degree—I wanted to see growth in my leadership and resilience,” Fanjul continued.

“Growth is not something that takes place in comfort, but instead under tension. It

Cadet Gabriel Fanjul ’23 in Memorial Garden.—VMI Photo by Eric Moore.

because I was following that mentality.”

Fanjul decided to reach out to one of the VMI chaplains, and they started meeting once a week.

“After that, I realized just how helpful using a resource here at VMI was, and I started plugging myself into every opportunity I could to help with my mental health, religion, and academics,” Fanjul said. “It wasn’t long until I started watching my grades lift as I started attending group study sessions. I learned how to restore my relationship with God. Finally, my mental health returned to normal as I realized I didn’t have to try and figure things out by myself with places like the Cadet Counseling Center on [post] present if I ever wanted to just talk or if I needed help.

“There were resources here at VMI to ensure that I would succeed, but it wasn’t till I started utilizing them that I saw changes in my circumstances,” Fanjul added.

Now, Fanjul is a leader in the Cadet Equity Association and an active member in Ranger Challenge and the club powerlifting team.

Fanjul hopes future cadets will accept the challenge of VMI and be aware of resources of support on post.

“I decided I wanted to leave college with something more than just a degree—I wanted to see growth in my leadership and resilience.” slowly became more and more clear to me that no normal college experience would be able to place me under the tension that VMI would.”

Fanjul faced the rigors of the Rat Line, the high academic workload, and the physical challenges of the VMI experience. The pressures wore on him, and during his 3rd Class year, he realized he

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needed support to succeed at VMI. “A challenge I overcame here at VMI was being strong enough to ask for help,” Fanjul said. “I created this image and felt like it would get damaged if I asked for help or wasn’t succeeding in all aspects of my cadetship. In my 3rd Class year, I fell into a place of depression, saw my grades plummet, and strayed farther from God than ever, all

“VMI should not be mistaken for a place that magically changes you or a college that promises success,” Fanjul said. “VMI is a place that presents an opportunity for change and a secure future, but it is also the type of place to question you with each of the challenges it presents [and pushes you] to work your butt off for that opportunity.”

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

Bissell Brings Powerful Message for Women’s History Month

By Maj. Michelle Ellwood, VMI Communications & Marketing

Sharing lessons learned from her experiences from what she called “the family business,” Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Marti Bissell, deputy commanding general assigned to the U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, spoke to cadets, faculty, staff, and other guests in Marshall Hall March 7. She came to VMI during Women’s History Month as part of the VMI Gender Diversity and Inclusion Program.

Bissell began by describing the influence her family has had on her career. Not only have her grandfather, father, brother, husband, and son served in the U.S. Army, but also her father-in-law and several brothers-in-law. She credits her supportive family and “battle buddy,” husband Col. Gary Bissell ’89, VMI deputy chief of staff and operations, for helping her achieve her professional success.

She went on to describe her nearly 34-year journey in the Army as more like a maze than a straight path while emphasizing a maze offers many more learning opportunities than she might have otherwise had. In addition to her multiple assignments in the military, she’s also held roles at VMI, including protocol officer and Title IX officer, as well as assistant chief of staff.

Much of Bissell’s talk focused on the idea of the various powers that leaders may have and how misused or mismanaged power can turn someone from a leader to a dictator. Using stories from throughout her career, Bissell discussed how a leader can help, inspire, mentor, and react to their own mistakes and the mistakes of those under them, and how a leader chooses to use power makes the difference between a good leader or a poor one. “Lead, don’t dictate,” she said, emphasizing the power of building relationships. “People will want to follow you.”

“What stood out to me was that she found power in not only your own mistakes but also in how you respond to others’ mistakes,” said Cadet Jillian Maher ’24. “Mistakes are inevitable, but how you react to them and recover from them is what’s important.”

Bissell emphasized that people in a leadership role often have the power to “move mountains” and make significant change, but change should only be made when it’s actually needed. “People will bend over backward to do what they think you need or you want,” she said.

Leaders should not change things just because they have the power to do so, and those helping make change should always understand the why behind it. She also emphasized that leaders should work to leave things better than they were when they arrived and be a coach rather than a cheerleader.

Bissell recalled moments in her career when she faced challenges, including difficult language barriers as a NATO officer, soldiers affected by domestic abuse, and lost opportunities, highlighting how empathy, strong listening skills, and avoiding shortcuts have helped her along the way.

Bissell credited many people who acted as mentors and champions for her but emphasized that while mentors are nice, champions are better. She encouraged her audience to gravitate toward people with similar visions and values and find champions who are genuinely

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willing to help and want to see them succeed.

As she wrapped up, she opened the floor to questions and reminded the cadets who are about to pave their own paths that “you define your success” and that challenges are only “data points; they do not define you.” When asked to define failure, she stated, “failure only happens when you stop trying.” She often went back to the quality all leaders or aspiring leaders should have: Integrity. Her strict way of defining integrity is, “Would you still do the right thing if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?”

Cadet Madison Cappellano ’24 took Bissell’s advice to mean that “life challenges you, and it is the way you redefine your goals that will make you successful,” she said. “Being confident and believing in yourself will earn the respect of your followers in any career path you may choose.”

The VMI Gender Diversity and Inclusion Program seeks to promote gender diversity, inclusion, and respect; foster dialogue about diversity and shared values; and facilitate the development of strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership.

Maj. Gen. Marti Bissell laughs with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, during her visit to post during Women’s History Month.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

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On Post

Scott Shipp Hall Renovations Celebrated

By Maj. Michelle Ellwood, VMI Communications & Marketing The Scott Shipp Hall ribbon cutting was Jan. 29, 2022, in collaboration with the VMI Board of Visitors meetings. The event celebrated a five-year planning, design, and construction effort totaling $43 million. The project included a 28,000-square foot expansion and a complete renovation of the previously existing 68,000-square foot space. Progress could be seen from just about every area of post over the years, including from the home team seats in Foster Stadium. A beloved giant crane in place from fall 2019 until summer 2020 across from Crozet Hall practically became a part of the Corps through frequent social media posts from cadets.

The wrap-up of the most recent expansion and renovations of Scott Shipp Hall came at a time when materials were hard to come by or delayed due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Ironically, when the facility’s groundbreaking took place in summer 1918, material shortages were a problem for the

workers then as well due to the impacts of World War I. In addition to being the home to multiple departments’ classrooms and offices, including history; economics; international studies; and English, rhetoric, and humanistic studies, the building has a photography lab, an art studio, a 70-seat auditorium, and courtyards for outdoor study. In addition, it now holds a 3,600-square foot space for the John Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis.

Cadet needs were top of mind in the design, and the benefits are already apparent. “In the [international studies] space, our offices surround a central study area where cadets congregate,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Rhamey, Ph.D., associate professor of international studies.

“This significantly improves the frequency and quality of cadet interactions. When cadets have a question or concern, they can quickly ask their professors, and the new arrangement has been conducive to a lot of great, constructive

discussions outside the classroom.”

Originally named Smith-Shipp Hall, the building, costing about $138,000, was renamed Scott Shipp Hall in June 1921. It was the home to all academic departments except engineering, chemistry, biology, and physics for many years.

The building was gutted in 1955 with a two-story wing addition, and a three-story annex was added in 1958. Major updates took a halt until 1996 when the interior space was renovated.

Scott Shipp, VMI Class of 1859, was born in 1839, the same year as VMI. He became a professor, the longest-serving commandant, and then the Institute’s second superintendent. During his time as superintendent, the first electric light was switched on at VMI, the Blue Book was adopted, and he initiated the construction of the first purpose-built library at VMI. He died in 1917.

Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Shipp’s great-granddaughter, Julia Littlefield; her husband, Mo; and their son, named after his great-great-grandfather, Scott Shipp Littlefield.

Scott Shipp Hall was recently renovated and expanded to better serve the needs of the 21st century. The $43 million project spanned five years, including planning, design, and construction efforts. The project included a 28,000-square foot expansion and a complete renovation of the previously existing 68,000-square foot space.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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VMI Alumni Review

Athletics VMI Basketball Posts Back-to-Back Winning Seasons The 2021-22 campaign proved to be another great one for VMI basketball, as the team earned back-to-back winning marks in the regular season for the first time since 2011-12.

The team capped off the great season with an invitation to play in the College Basketball Invitational Tournament, the program’s first postseason tournament since participating in the CIT Tournament following the 2013-14 season.

The Keydets finished 16-15 for the regular season and 9-9 in the Southern Conference. The nine conference wins were the most in SoCon play since the 1998-99 season.

Outside of many notable victories within Southern Conference play, the Keydets earned an exciting victory over Gardner-Webb, went 2-0 on a West Coast trip with big wins over Portland and Seattle, and came within seven points of defeating ACC foe Wake Forest on the road Dec. 14.

VMI started 2-0 in conference action with a win over Wofford Dec. 29 and followed it up with a victory over Furman new year’s day.

Four Keydets were honored by the Southern Conference with postseason recognition, including Jake Stephens ’22 being named First Team All-Conference (coaches and media), Kamdyn Curfman ’23 to the Second Team (media) and Third Team (coaches), Trey Bonham ’24 to the Third Team (coaches and media), and Honor

Huff ’25 to the SoCon All-Freshman Team (coaches and media).

Heading into the Southern Conference Tournament, Stephens ranked second in the SoCon in scoring at 19.3 points per game and second in rebounding at 9.2 rebounds per game. The fourtime SoCon Player of the Week and December Player of the Month also ranked first in the league in field goal percentage at .559 and three-point field percentage (.489) in addition to second in the conference in blocks at 2.0 blocks per outing.

The Bunker Hill, West Virginia, native logged 15 20-plus point games during the season, including 15 of the last 20 contests he played in, and earned a career-high 39 versus Samford Feb. 17. He registered a career-high 21 rebounds at The Citadel Jan. 15, the most for a single game in the league this year. He became the 43rd Keydet in program history to join the 1,000 career points club.

Curfman ranked sixth in the Southern Conference in scoring at 15.8 points per game heading into the league tournament and hit a three-pointer in 31 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the conference. He tied for first in the SoCon in threes made at 3.7 per game, and his 11 from beyond the arc on the season were the most in the league and third most in program history for a single season. He earned a career-high six threes in a game three times during the year and became

the 44th Keydet in program history to join the 1,000 career points club. The North Bethesda, Maryland, native scored in double figures in 28 of 30 games during the regular season, including six 20-plus point games. He hit five-plus threes in seven separate contests during the season.

Bonham scored in double figures in 17 of the last 18 games of the regular season, including a career-high 31 points at Samford Feb. 17. Named the SoCon Player of the Week Feb. 21, he tied for third in the SoCon in assists per game at 4.0 and tied for fourth in assist-turnover ratio at 1.9.

Ranked sixth in the SoCon in free-throw percentage (.822) after the regular season, the Mobile, Alabama, native earned a career-high eight assists versus Samford Jan. 20 and logged a career-best nine boards against The Citadel Feb. 12.

Huff showed his potential for a bright future with the program after averaging 15.6 points per game over the final 13 games of the regular season. He scored in double figures in 11 of those 13 games and had four 20-plus point games for the year. He set new scoring highs in three consecutive games in January: 15 versus The Citadel Jan. 15, 21 against Samford Jan. 20, and 23 against Chattanooga Jan. 22.

The Brooklyn, New York, native started 16 games during the regular season and scored five threes versus Samford Jan. 20.

Kamdyn Curfman ’23, guard, reaches for the ball during the SoCon quarterfinals game against Wofford March 5.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

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Athletics

Stephens ’22 Leads by Example: “Don’t Change a Thing”

By Maj. Michelle Ellwood, VMI Communications & Marketing Standing tall as a VMI cadet isn’t a problem for Jake Stephens ’22. The computer science major from Bunker Hill, West Virginia, measures in at 6 feet, 11 inches—currently the tallest cadet in the Corps, after growing approximately 4 inches during his college years. That’s after growing 4 inches during his years at Musselman High School. This captain of the Keydet basketball team was named the Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the fourth time during the 2021-22 season in mid-February and scored his 1,000th point at the home game Dec. 11, 2021. He is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

After graduating from VMI, Stephens hopes to continue playing basketball in some capacity.

Each NCAA fall and winter athlete in all three division levels was given an additional year of eligibility due to the season-altering COVID-19 pandemic, whether the team competed or not.

“I plan on playing basketball as long as I can,” said Stephens. “When I’m not playing, watching, or thinking [about] basketball, I usually like to listen to sports podcasts.”

Dan Earl, head coach of the VMI basketball team from 2015-22, has always been impressed

by Stephens’ character and work ethic, even down to the snacks Stephens chooses on road trips. “In the summer, I’ll be on my porch, and I see Jake running sprints on the track at night.

He’s a self-made player,” Earl said. He also hopes Stephens will continue playing the sport. “The stats speak for themselves. He’ll be able to play for a while if that’s what he wants to do. The door is open for him.”

Positive relationships have guided Stephens during his cadetship. The Piegari and Coleman families gave him homes away from home as host families. “I’m just so thankful that they came into my life because I am not sure I could’ve made it without them. I really can’t thank them enough,” he said.

He hopes anyone arriving to VMI could have a similar support system. “The more you put yourself out there and get involved, the more fun you will have here. If I could go back in time, I think a younger me would greatly benefit from that.

Make friends, join clubs, put yourself out there, and in the end, it will all be worth it because of those friendships you’ve made.”

Besides being well-known on the court, and

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Jake Stephens ’22 takes a shot against Gardner-Webb during the Dec. 11, 2021, game in Cameron Hall. During his four years at the Institute, the team captain has made big impacts on and off the court.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. maybe giving the VMI tailor shop a bit of a challenge, Stephens carries himself well in all aspects of VMI life and is frequently described as humble, kind, and sincere. In class, he’s often quiet but gains the respect of both faculty members and his classmates. “He leads by example,” said Col. Holly Richardson, Ph.D., professor of physical education. “Nobody wants to jump in the swimming pool at [8 a.m.] every Monday morning for 15 weeks. Jake was the one to lead the pack into the pool. He gives his best.”

A professor within Stephens’ computer and information sciences major, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79, Ph.D., has seen Stephens develop through his cadetship, starting in spring semester 2019. Stephens sat in the corner of Smith’s classroom in a fashion described by Smith as “leisurely extending the longest legs of any computer science major on record.” But it didn’t take long for his dynamic leadership capabilities to shine. Stephens wasn’t loud or overpowering, simply “speaking sparingly, but with uncommon and unassuming clarity,” Smith said.

Smith recalls a time when he asked cadets to provide feedback on his course, and Stephens provided a list of recommendations on a yellow piece of paper after several other classmates shared their feedback verbally. While Stephens had provided guidance on how the course could be better, he reminded Smith not to take out the parts that make it all worthwhile. The written list wrapped up with “don’t change a thing.”

“His teachers, coaches, and classmates would tell Jake to heed his own advice,” said Smith.

“When it comes to things like character, courage, humor, effort, and empathy, ‘don’t change a thing.’”

Earl wants to make sure he says “thank you” to Stephens. “He’s got a great way about him.

He represents VMI the right way. He’s a phenomenal young man, and I’m honored to have coached him.”

“This is only the beginning for Jake,” Richardson expressed. “He is sure to have a successful future. No doubt Jake will touch people’s lives for the good. He impacted mine.”

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

Rifle Team Fifth at SoCon Championships The VMI rifle teams enjoyed another successful season at the range that featured broken school records and multiple personal best scores.

The VMI mixed rifle team finished fifth at the Southern Conference Championships with 4,537 points, and the VMI women placed sixth overall with 4,411 aggregate points.

Christopher Hicks ’24 earned Second Team All-Conference honors in the air rifle for his scores for the category throughout the regular season. In November, Hicks broke the VMI school record in the air rifle in a dual against Nebraska in which he shot a 587, breaking the former record of 582 held by Andrew Hickey ’17 and Hunter Jacob ’20 from the 2017-18 season. He also shot in the finals segment of the smallbore competition on the first day of the SoCon Rifle Championships in early March.

At the SoCon Championships, Hicks led the team in the smallbore category with a 566 and was followed by Jessica Hankin ’22 at 564.

Simon Krauthamer ’22 finished third on the team with 559 points, and Stephen Garner ’23 logged a 533 for the event.

On the women’s side of the smallbore segment, Maxine Gray-Barth ’24 led the team with 544 points, and Katie Grochalski ’24 and Claire Lee ’22 tied for second on the team with a 533.

In the air rifle competition at the SoCon Championships, Samantha Reid ’22 finished second on the VMI mixed team with a 14th-place mark of 579 air rifle points, followed by Hankin’s 568 for 23rd place.

Claire Lee led the VMI women with a 21st-place finish with 570 air rifle points, followed by Gray-Barth’s score of 569 for 22nd place.

Christopher Hicks ’24 competes in the smallbore competition at the SoCon Rifle Championships. He led VMI in smallbore and set a new school record in air rifle in November 2021.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

Swimming and Diving Teams Set New School Records

Members of the men’s swimming and diving team broke three school records this season. The women’s team erased six old freshman and varsity records this season.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

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The VMI men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams had a very successful 2021-22 season, recording many personal bests along with toppling several school records.

The men’s team broke three school records this season. Chase Lane ’24 set a new top mark in the 100 breaststroke, while Chino Vera ’24, Lane, Tyler Blackwell ’24, and Dalton Cosner ’24 teamed up to break both the 200- and 400-medley relay records.

The women’s team erased six old freshman and varsity records this season. Rachel Greathouse ’25 snapped the 500 freestyle top mark and also swam new freshman top times in the 200, 500, and 1,650 freestyle and the 200 butterfly. Anne Bowles ’24 broke the program record in the 100 breaststroke.

Greathouse and London Yerasimides ’23 were named the America East Conference’s women’s swimmer and diver of the week, respectively, Jan. 18. Yerasimides won both the 1-meter (208.12) and 3-meter (204.53) diving events against American University.

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Athletics

Track and Field Indoor Season Ends with Top Placings by finishing as the runner-up in 48.44 seconds for All-Conference honors.

Keyandre Midgett ’24 came in third in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.27 seconds to stand at the podium as a bronze medalist with All-Conference honors.

On the women’s side, Eleyah Armstrong ’25 and Ahliyah Williams ’22 qualified for the IC4A/ECAC Championships and represented the program well. Armstrong came in 19th overall in the 60-meter dash in 7.81 seconds and showed well in the long jump competition, finishing 23rd overall at 5.04 meters. Williams competed in the 400-meter dash and placed 22nd overall in 57.57 seconds to conclude her final indoor campaign.

The women’s team finished in sixth place at the SoCon Championships Trent Whittaker ’23 comes from behind to win the 800-meter run in a personal-best time of 1:51.02 at with 20.5 points. the Southern Conference Championships Feb. 27.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

Ingrid Joseph ’22 finished the 60-meter dash in eighth place overall The VMI track and field teams capped an exciting 2022 indoor season with a personal-best time of 7.79 seconds. The Washington, D.C., with top finishes at the Southern Conference Championships and a native would later complete the 200-meter dash in fifth place in a 14th-place finish for the men’s team at the IC4A/ECAC Champion- personal-best 25.44 seconds. ships in Boston.

The 4x400 relay team of Marissa Linkous ’22, Joseph, Gretal Shank Jordin Poindexter ’22, sprinter, was named the Most Outstanding ’25, and Williams came in fifth place overall with a time of 4:02.07 to Male Athlete at the SoCon Championships after earning individual represent the program well. titles in both the 60-meter and 200-meter with personal-best times and helping the 4x400 relay squad to a first-place finish. As a team, the men’s squad finished third overall at the SoCon Indoor Championships held at the VMI Corps Physical Training Facility.

At the IC4A Championships, the distance medley relay team paced the squad with a second-place finish in 9:52.15. The team was comprised of Andre Jordan ’22, Johnnie Walker ’22, Trent Whittaker ’23, and Gavin Jenkins ’22. Whittaker also competed in the 800-meter finals and logged a third-place finish in 1:49.59, a new personal record for the event.

Poindexter also finished the IC4A Championships strong in both the 60-meter and 200-meter events. He came in sixth place in the 60-meter with a time of 6.94 seconds and followed it up with an eighth-place mark in the 200-meter in 21.41 seconds.

At the SoCon Championships, Whittaker came from behind on the final lap to take first in the 800-meter run in a personal-best 1:51.02 for All-Conference marks and VMI’s third individual title for the day.

The 4x400 relay team of Jeremiah Wilks ’25, Poindexter, Richard Ahliyah Williams ’22 helps lead the VMI women to a sixth-place Edwards ’25, and Walker also earned a SoCon championship title by finish at the SoCon Championships Feb. 26-27.—Photo courtesy finishing first in 3:17.13, VMI’s fourth title event.

VMI Keydets.

Walker nearly earned a title in the 400-meter at the SoCon Championships

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VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

Keydets Conclude Wrestling Season The young Keydet wrestling team had several top moments in the 2021-22 season. The campaign opened with five VMI grapplers placing at the Southeast Open, including Zach Brown ’23 in second at 184 pounds in the open competition. Isaac Dolph ’24 took third in the 285 freshman/sophomore field, and Blake Showers ’24 was fourth at 157.

Tyler Mousaw ’24 placed fourth at 197 pounds at the Navy Classic Nov. 20, while Brown took sixth. The Keydets started the dual season with a 24-22 win over Long Island University and also bested Bellarmine (29-10), and Presbyterian (28-18) in Southern Conference matches.

Mousaw finished fourth at the SoCon Championship meet and finished the year 14-9 with five pins.

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Tyler Mousaw ’24 competes at the SoCon championship meet.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

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Events Arizona Chapter Holds Holiday Party

The Arizona Chapter gathers for a holiday party Dec. 7, 2021, at Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ in Tempe, Arizona. Attending are (from left) Charlie Hemphill ’65, Joe Howard ’97, Christine Howard, Diane Hemphill, Kate Farley, Sean Farley ’93, Kyle Farley, Skip Anders ’68, Ned Harris ’68, Polly Fromm, Bob Clingenpeel ’69, Jim Fromm ’67, Bert Schneider ’80, Frank Mulcahy ’91, Thom Brashears ’95, Karen Wheeler ’03, and Marta St. John-Anders. Photo by Eve O’Hannigan.

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Holds November Breakfast

Senior alumni of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gather for breakfast, Nov. 16, 2021. Seated at the lefthand table are Jane Walker, Dixie Walker ’70, Parky Parkman ’66, Bill Gibson ’65, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Laurie Turner, Drew Turner ’72, Glenn Garland ’75, Bill Murchison ’70, Paul Johnston ’61, Larry Wilson ’62, Pete Shelley ’74, and Susan Shelley. Seated at the righthand table are Barbara Hood, Ed Roney ’60, Susan Parker, Larry Parker ’59, Sam Hening, and Rick Hening ’75.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Celebrates Founders Day

Several parents of current or former cadets attend the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Founders Day gathering Nov. 11, 2021. Pictured are (from left) Jennifer and Lee Hamrick, Danks Burton ’85, Tina and Michael Ruffin, Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, Josh Mayfield, Doug Burton ’80, Heather Mayfield, Julie McIntosh, and Connie and Charles Upshaw.

Members and guests of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gather Nov. 11, 2021, to celebrate Founders Day. Present are (seated, from left) Dorris Gibson, Jennifer Hamrick, Pat Kelly, Tina Ruffin, Mary Fran Parkman, Allyson Ishihare, Julie McIntosh, Heather Mayfield, Connie Upshaw, (standing) Lee Hamrick, Larry Wilson ’62, Don Brown ’71, Taylor Holt ’92, Bill Gibson ’65, Chris Demmons ’88, Thom Brashears ’95, Mike Kelly ’73, Michael Ruffin, Doug Burton ’80, Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, Doug Burton Jr. ’14, Rick Hening ’75, Luke Hale ’00, Parky Parkman ’66, Paul Johnston ’61, Doug Burton ’80, Josh Mayfield, Graham Shirley ’85, Charlie Upshaw, and (not pictured) Dixie and Jane Walker ’70, and Drew and Laurie Turner ’72.

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Events

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Holds December Breakfast

At a December 2021 breakfast gathering for senior alumni of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter are (front row, from left) Roger Rosenfield ’47, Rick Hening ’75, Sam Hening, Mike Kelly ’73, Pete Shelley ’74, (back row, from left) Bill Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston ’61, Bill Murchison ’70, Dixie Walker ’70, Larry Wilson ’62, and Kent Wheeless ’74.

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Holds January Breakfast

Attending the January 2022 breakfast gathering for senior alumni of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter are Dixie Walker ’70, Barton Pasco ’77, Drew Turner ’72, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Paul Johnston ’61, Bill Murchison ’70, Bill Gibson ’65, Sam Hening, Parky Parkman ’66, Glenn Garland ’75, and Rick Hening ’75.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Hawaii Chapter Honors Takata ’74

The Hawaii Chapter holds a social Aug. 27, 2021, honoring 20-plus years of service for Russ Takata ’74 as the Hawaii Chapter president. The event was hosted by Ian Brooks ’97 at his Ko’Olau Distillery in Kailua, Hawaii. Present are (from left) Chris Hoskins ’95, Russ Takata ’74, Gary Rose ’91, and Ian Brooks ’97.

Hawaii Chapter Holds Founders Day Gathering

The Hawaii Chapter gathers for a Founders Day 2021 celebration hosted by Dave Bhatta ’06 and his wife, Emily, at their beach home in Kailua, Hawaii. Pictured are Bhatta, Chris Hoskins ’95, Gary Rose ’91, Chris Chang-Lo ’07, Josh Strickler ’95, Alexandra Hill Gibbs ’18, Mike McGraw ’88, Aaron Gibbs ’16, James Vik ’02, Weldon Eddins ’62, Don Bradshaw ’80, Paul Keel ’80, and Ian Brooks ’97.

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Events

Midlands South Carolina – Palmetto Chapter Holds Founders Day Gathering

The Midlands South Carolina – Palmetto Chapter holds a Founders Day gathering Nov. 13, 2021. Pictured are (from left) Wendle Snapp ’54, Hall Brodie ’74, Carl Hammond ’00, Ann Snapp (seated), Steve Smith ’73, Wade Stinnette ’80, and Grey Farthing ’79. The event was held at the home of Tim McConnell ’73.

Taiwan Chapter Celebrates Founders Day

Members of the Taiwan Chapter celebrate Founders Day, Nov. 11, 2021. Present are (second row, from left) Li Hsing Lai ’21, Ching Wen Yang ’21, Yu Wei Chang ’10, Kuo Ruey Liang ’03, Shu Hsiang Hsu ’02, Ming Ching Jou ’02, Pang Tu ’03, Lieh Hao Wu ’10, Chung Yu Liu ’14, Kuo En Cheng ’18, Meng Yu Wang ’19, (front row, from left) Wun Hoa Jai ’97, Jung Chun Lai ’96, Kung Cho Chao ’95, Cheng Hsiang Ho ’92, Ching Pu Chen ’85, John Kao ’91, Hsiao Wen Yu ’98, and Chin Chia Fan ’99.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Virginia Beach Chapter Holds Topgolf Event

Thirty-two alumni attend a Topgolf event organized by the Virginia Beach Chapter Nov. 4, 2021, where they are welcomed by Al Cuellar ’88, chapter president, and Christopher McCallum ’96, vice president. The most senior class present is represented by John Arthur ’79 and the youngest by Noah Smith ’21.

Graduate School Partnerships The Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the U.S. These agreements offer opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions.

Partnerships include Virginia Commonwealth University,

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the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs include law, medicine, business, engineering, and communications.

Contact Ashley Clarke at clarkean@vmi.edu for more information.

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Events

Tampa Chapter Remembers Pearl Harbor

To remember and honor the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, Roland Tiso ’73 joins neighbor Bob Bailey ’72 and fellow retired Army veteran David Miller of North Carolina State at the First Watch restaurant.

Tampa Chapter Gathers on Founders Day

Three former New York state matriculants come together under the auspices of the West Coast Florida – Tampa Chapter on Founders Day, Nov. 11, 2021.

Pictured are (from left) Jim Heine ’73, Bob Bailey ’72, and Chris Copeland ’15.

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship Dr. 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.

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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 June 15 of each year. Scholarships are awarded in July.

VMI Alumni Review

Events

Wilmington Chapter Holds Old Corps Breakfast

The Wilmington Chapter holds its Old Corps breakfast Dec. 7, 2021, at the Boat House in Wilmington, North Carolina. Attending are Tom Tolbert ’66, Henry Brown ’60, Harley Myler ’75, Gregory Weaver ’79, and John Gangemi ’61.

Alumnae Attend National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, poses with alumnae who returned to post for the National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration Jan. 29, 2022, coordinated by VMI athletics and the VMI Alumni Agencies. Pictured are Mary Schriver ’14, Emily Fulton ’18, Tasha Lowery ’02, Rachel McGraw Wigand ’02, Rebecca Serrano ’18, Jackie Briski ’09, Mildred Cooper ’05, Jackie Parks ’02, Naomi Pike ’02, Gussie Lord ’01, Angela Vizzi ’02, and Traci Schultz ’02.—Photo courtesy Bridget Shanks, VMI Alumni Association program outreach officer.

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39

Progress

Cadets conduct studies in the altitude chamber, which simulates the effect of the low oxygen found at high altitudes. The purchase of the chamber was made possible through a Jackson-Hope Grant.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Jackson-Hope: A Chance to Excel

By Mary Price, Associate Editor Established over 20 years ago to encourage and sustain educational excellence and innovation, the Jackson-Hope Fund is a prominent example of visionary generosity directed toward the Institute.

As the 1990s ended and the 21st century was about to dawn, the VMI Alumni Agencies began planning a major capital campaign. Reveille: A Call to Excel would go on to raise $207 million, and, as part of that campaign, a group of alumni led by George C. Phillips Jr. ’60 and Lt. Gen. Josiah Bunting III ’63, then-superintendent, pondered how best to strengthen the Institute’s already rigorous academic program. Picking up on a trend in higher education that donors often like to help steward their funds, the Jackson-Hope Fund came into existence.

Part donor advised fund and part venture capital fund, the Jackson-Hope Fund has attracted gifts of more than $50 million since its inception and has supported a host of initiatives, all oriented toward cadet success and faculty development. The Jackson-Hope Board of Overseers, composed primarily of alumni, oversees the distribution of grants from the fund each year.

Thanks to the Jackson-Hope Fund, cadet support services such as Mathematics Education Resource Center and the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research first came into being, along with key programming at the Center for Leadership and Ethics, which advances the understanding, practice, and integration of leadership and character development at the Institute.

For cadets, the Jackson-Hope Fund is a vital source of support for independent research projects and off-post travel, both to present at conferences and to conduct research in places such as the National Archives, presidential libraries, and more.

“VCUR relies heavily on Jackson-Hope as well as other donations to

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private support,” noted Col. Scott Frein, Ph.D., director of VCUR. For approximately two decades, that funding has supplied a stipend for select cadets who’ve chosen to stay in Lexington during the summer months and participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute. SURI, which drew approximately 30 cadets in summer 2021, enables cadets to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Information gleaned during summer research often becomes the start of a cadet’s Institute Honors thesis.

The five- to 10-week summer sessions are times of challenge, learning, and growth, many times helping cadets to realize that they are far more capable than they’d thought.

“I never thought I’d be able to write like that,” commented Cadet Noah Cady ’23, a psychology major who worked with Maj. Jillian Stuart, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, last summer to explore how Twitter messages influence individuals’ decisions about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

As a culmination of his project, Cady wrote a 50-page paper—the longest he’d written in his life.

Before that, Cady had never had an independent research experience.

As a high schooler, he’d concentrated on football more than academics, and he’d never thought of himself as particularly academically inclined.

SURI changed that. Cady pushed past challenges, such as learning APA style for a paper, and he wrestled with IBM SPSS Statistics, which is software used for statistical analysis of data. He turned in drafts of his papers, got them back covered with red ink, and turned them back in for another round of editing.

“Research is really building a product,” he noted. “You have to do things

VMI Alumni Review

Progress very detailed and do them correctly to come up with a paper at the end.”

Now, Cady is pondering his career options, with an eye toward public health, and considering graduate school.

“It was a huge eye-opener to see that this is what I’d be doing in grad school,” Cady stated.

The ability to stay on post was a blessing, as well, as Cady roomed in barracks and used the psychology department’s computer lab. “Being in an academic environment is nice for doing academic work,” he said.

Over the past few years, SURI projects have spanned the gamut from studying why women get involved in terrorist cells to determining what factors help migrants to Europe integrate well into their new homes. In the science labs, cadets have undertaken projects relating to sustainable fuels under the guidance of Lt. Col. Dan Harrison ’05, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and studied the effects of early environmental exposures on rat brains with mentorship from Maj. Molly Kent, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

Sometimes, a SURI cadet uses their Jackson-Hope funding to venture far afield—much farther afield than anyone might imagine. In summer 2019, Cameron McNeil ’20 traveled to Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, to interview veterans of that nation’s civil war in preparation for writing his Institute Honors thesis, “A Zimbabwean Society Forged by War.” The next spring, McNeil was the recipient of the Wilbur S. Hinman Jr. ’26 Research Award in the arts and humanities, which recognizes superior research performance by cadets. In his nomination of McNeil, Col. Mark F. Wilkinson, Ph.D., then-head of the history department, noted that McNeil was “operating at the graduate student level, not the undergraduate,” having already given multiple presentations at conferences aimed at professional historians and scholars of African studies.

A sub-program of SURI, the Applied and Industrial Mathematics program, also runs in the summer under the guidance of Col. John A. David, Ph.D., professor of applied mathematics. Cadets in the AIM program use their mathematical and data analysis skills to help solve a real-world problem for an area business or nonprofit agency, and their work culminates with both an oral presentation and a written report to leaders of that organization.

Of course, independent research is not confined to the summer months, nor is funding.

Each April, many cadets present their research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. At the URS, cadets present posters showing research highlights while interested faculty members and fellow cadets walk by and ask questions. This year, there were approximately 75 cadet presenters from a wide variety of academic disciplines.

And one VMI invention with Jackson-Hope funding is on the cusp of being commercialized. The tick rover, which was developed by Col. Jim Squire, Ph.D., professor of electrical engineering, and Col. Jay Sullivan, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering, is now in the process of being brought to market. The device, which was invented to slow the spread of Lyme disease and other parasitic illnesses, is a robot that combs through grass, picks up ticks, and kills them. Over the past 15 years, dozens of cadets have contributed to the tick rover’s success, taking part in everything from conceptual planning to field testing to fine-tuning the device’s ability to stay within set boundaries.

This past fall, another Jackson-Hope-funded project got underway in the lab of Maj. Dan Baur, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical education.

Baur, who teaches courses for the exercise science minor, used a JacksonHope grant to purchase an altitude chamber, which simulates the effect of the low oxygen found at high altitudes. He’s now using it in his military

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physiology course to study the effects of carrying heavy loads, as soldiers often do, at high altitudes.

Getting nearly $100,000 of funding for the equipment to carry out such an initiative is “nearly unheard of” at a school as small as VMI, Baur noted. “If you need equipment in a given year, we can almost certainly get it. ... We’re providing cadets with something that’s unique, maybe, in the country.”

Cadet Andrew Broecker ’22, a biology major and exercise science minor, took Baur’s exercise physiology course in the fall and has been working with Baur in the lab this spring. What’s more, he’s experienced the altitude chamber firsthand.

“It’s pretty brutal,” he commented, “but it’s definitely interesting to see how the altitude affects your body and how you adapt to it.”

Broecker is commissioning into the Army, but he hopes to pursue his interests in physiology by attending graduate school down the road, and he’s currently working on an Institute Honors thesis measuring internal versus external motivation to stay on a pullup bar.

Earlier in his cadetship, Broecker did a SURI project with Col. Anne Alerding, Ph.D., professor of biology, learning about what factors influence the growth of soybeans. In less than four years, he’s done things he couldn’t have imagined when he was graduating from high school in his native Indiana.

“Coming to VMI, I honestly didn’t know much about the academic side of things, especially with the biology and exercise science department, but it’s definitely been a blessing. It’s definitely opened my eyes and it’s been awesome to really fulfill and reach my potential because of all the tools that I’ve been given.”

On a broader scale, cadets from a wide variety of academic disciplines regularly travel to conferences such as the Southern Conference Undergraduate Research Forum to present their research to a wider audience and learn from peers. In fall 2021, 11 cadets and two faculty members made the trip to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to present at SURF. Jackson-Hope funding is also a boon to the Institute’s faculty members.

Jackson-Hope New Direction and Research Grants allow faculty to purchase equipment, redesign curricula, and keep up with cutting-edge research within their disciplines. Today, the fund provides more than 75% of the funds that the Institute commits to faculty development.

Thanks to the fund’s support, VMI faculty have developed e-textbooks for cadet use, studied the potential use of lasers for broadband signaling, and established a structures testing laboratory in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, among many other endeavors.

In addition to this, the Jackson-Hope Fund supports five chaired faculty positions, one in each of the Institute’s five divisions: Humanities, social sciences, life sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The funds that would otherwise be spent on those faculty members’ salaries are reallocated across the entire faculty, providing a salary boost that would otherwise not be possible. Thanks to Jackson-Hope funding and other private support, approximately 16% of each faculty member’s salary now comes from private funds.

“For the VMI academic program, the Jackson-Hope Fund is truly transformational,” said Brig. Gen. Robert “Bob” Moreschi, Ph.D., deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. “From chaired faculty positions to faculty and cadet development, in 20-plus years, the Fund has provided more than $20 million in total academic support. Without the vision and generosity of alumni and friends, academics at VMI would simply not be able to maintain its level of excellence, year in and year out.”

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Progress

Irvine: “It’s Our Obligation to Give Back”

By Christian Heilman, Digital Content Manager, and Mary Price, Associate Editor

Even though he’s not an alumnus himself, Carson Irvine sings academic excellence, serving as a citizen-soldier, and playing VMI’s praises whenever he’s given a chance. After all, it’s easy football as a cadet-athlete. The younger Irvine achieved all three. to do when his alumnus son has racked up an eye-popping list He ended his time at the Institute as a distinguished graduate of achievements less than a decade after graduation. with Institute Honors, double majoring in international studies “VMI is an institution of higher education that will always and modern languages and cultures (Spanish), receiving the give back to your son or daughter should they need help,” said George C. Marshall award as a 1st Class cadet, and playing Irvine. “They always have, and they always will. So, if [VMI] football for the Keydets as a long snapper after coming to the keeps giving to him ... it’s our obligation to give back. ... And if team as a walk-on. the parents can afford to do it even if they have to stretch a little Even away from post, Clark was busy: During his cadetship, bit, it’s a place you should give back because we’ve certainly he completed internships with the office of U.S. Senator Mark gotten a lot from VMI.” Warner, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Heritage FoundaIrvine, a Roanoke, Virginia, businessman, has supported VMI tion—all possible because of the connections forged at VMI, ever since his son, Clark Irvine ’13, matriculated in 2009. according to his father.

Irvine ’13 Neither Irvine nor his wife, Virginia, had any connection to the Institute or At graduation, Clark commissioned into the U.S. Army and served for to the military, but as graduation from Hidden Valley High School neared six years with the 82nd Airborne Division, completing his service with a for Clark, his father suggested that he take a look at VMI. Ranger tab and the rank of captain. He’s also volunteered with nonprofits Irvine recalls telling his son, “You want to put VMI on your list just to in Bolivia and Ecuador, and closer to home with Boys Home of Virginia check it off ... you might see something there that you like.” in Covington, Virginia.

The younger Irvine looked—and liked what he saw. “Clark had some “He’s had a roadmap, and he’s been on that roadmap ever since [VMI spirit in him that said, ‘This is the school for me,’” his father recounted. graduation],” said Irvine.

That initial look turned into an application, which quickly turned into an After completing his Army career, Clark returned to school and received a acceptance. “He had his application in on a Thursday and was accepted master’s degree from Oxford University in Russian and European Studies. on a Saturday,” Irvine said. “I think he saw VMI as an opportunity to do He’s currently getting a Master of Business Administration degree from the something unique and different than what other schools might offer. And highly prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, while once he got there, he never looked back.” concurrently attending the Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard Irvine said his son had three main goals while attending VMI: Achieving University for a master’s degree in public administration.

The ability to attend those schools is no small feat—and one Clark’s father attributes to the fundamentals learned at VMI. “VMI had prepared him very well, in terms of time management and work ethic,” he said. “Getting up every morning, being the first one up and the last one to bed, and keeping yourself in shape both mentally and physically [was important].

“His resume is set up in a way that he’ll be successful for him and his family for the rest of his life. And for the rest of his life, he will be able to make that connection to VMI.” Irvine and his wife have been ardent supporters of VMI during and after their son’s time at the Institute. As he explained, “We have the opportunity to give money to other schools of higher education, and frankly, we choose not to.”

Irvine is also giving his time by serving on the Keydet Club Board of Governors.

While VMI started as a checkmark on a list, giving to the Institute is far more than that to Irvine. It is an emotional connection that is paying dividends in his son’s life.

“And my mother always told me, she said, ‘Judge your success by the success of your children.’ So if that’s the case, with my son, I’m pretty successful,” Irvine said with a laugh.

Success, it turns out, begets success: At the end of January 2022, Clark Carson Irvine, a Roanoke, Virginia, businessman, has supported VMI accepted a position with McKinsey & Company, a global management ever since his son, Clark Irvine ’13, matriculated in 2009. consulting firm.

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VMI Alumni Review

Progress

Green ’18: “Find a Way to Pay it Forward”

By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

Lt. Col. Linda Green

just as thrilled and over the moon.”

She also offered some guidance. “Her main advice to me was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, learn to deal with situations when they don’t go your way, keep your head on a swivel, and just do the right thing—plain and simple.”

Judging from Green’s recounting of the lessons he learned as a cadet, he heeded his aunt’s advice.

“Probably more than anything, I learned how to deal with adversity on all levels—physically, academically, emotionally—especially during the Rat Line. I also learned the meaning of true loyalty and brotherhood; my best friends to this day are still from VMI. And then lastly, to never be content with where you’re at and to keep pushing yourself for new challenges.”

Green certainly is no stranger to taking on new challenges. After working for Bloomberg LP’s data analytics department for three years, he recently became an associate for JPMorgan

in nature. However, “her pride and joy was being able to trace our family’s genealogical history back to the Civil War and beyond and use what she uncovered to publish a book, ‘First, For the Duration: The Story of the Eighth (8th) Alabama Infantry.’”

Linda died in late 2020 and left Andrew an inheritance: The royalties from her books. Not long after learning what she had left him, Green decided to direct those royalties exclusively to VMI. When asked what drove this decision, he replied, “Since my matriculation, my aunt regularly donated to VMI. After learning about her consistent support—with her only connection to VMI really being me—I felt it would be proper to continue some sort of donation to VMI in her honor.”

Green decided to direct whatever money is generated by the royalties to scholarship support of the Corps of Cadets. “Pretty much every alumnus I’ve met has said the same thing: ‘Find

“Her main advice to me was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, learn to deal with situations when they don’t go your way ... and just do the right thing—plain and simple.”

For many alumni, there is a person in their life who extolls the many virtues of a VMI education and encourages them to at least consider applying to the Institute. They can be friends, neighbors, or relatives, and often they are not among the Institute’s alumni.

When Andrew Green ’18 was considering colleges, he had one relative who urged him to consider a military education: His aunt, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Linda L. Green. But Linda wanted Green, her only nephew, to attend the U.S. Military Academy. “She was a career Army logistics officer, and she actually taught U.S. history there for several years,” he said. “For as long as I can remember, her goal was for me to attend West Point.”

Green, however, had other plans when it came to college. “After touring several colleges and after spending overnight in barracks at an open house,” he recalled, “I knew I wanted to attend VMI. I was attracted by the history, tradition, academics, and truly unordinary lifestyle of the Corps.”

His aunt’s reaction to his decision? “As soon as I received my acceptance letter from VMI, she was

2022-Issue 2

Chase & Co. Asset Management in New York City. In that role, he helps manage day-to-day cash flows, portfolio rebalancing, performance reporting, and other tasks for more than $150 billion in assets under management for the company’s U.S. equities division.

In May 2018, Green’s aunt, then age 70, drove from her home in Alabama to Lexington for his graduation. “Over the course of my four years at VMI, she worked tirelessly to be able to fit into a brand-new set of dress blues to wear on post and during the ceremony.” She was successful in her effort, and wearing the uniform provided her with a wonderful experience. “I distinctly remember her sheer amazement at the respect she was shown by everyone on post, notably by the cadets, saluting as they would walk by her.”

After her Army career, Linda devoted much of her time to writing. Besides textbooks about logistics, she produced books that were the product of her genealogical research. “Her way of documenting and archiving her research was through writing books,” said Green. Many of them were historical references or genealogical

a way to pay it forward.’ As a cadet, I was able to benefit from some scholarships—which means the generosity of alumni and friends. ... If it helps some cadets in any way at all, I know my aunt would be proud.”

Green ’18 43

THE GEORGE C. MARSHALL 1901 ORDER Recognizing significant cumulative philanthropy in support of VMI

Named for citizen-soldier George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, the philanthropic momentum provided by these donors is evident throughout the Institute and its historic post in endowed professorships and chairs, in the scholarships and fellowships awarded to cadets, enhanced library and museum collections, and the leader development of all cadets. They have likewise provided unrestricted funds to help VMI meet unexpected needs today and in the future.

We are grateful to these champions of the VMI Mission—those who create significant impact in the lives of cadets and the future of the Institute.

Contact Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, at 800-444-1839, ext. 235, to learn more about this valued philanthropic recognition.

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VMI Alumni Review

Staff News Prasnicki Named VMI Alumni Agencies CEO Samuel N. Stocks ’90, VMI Alumni Agencies’ “The contributions he has made toward inboard of directors chairman, announced Jan. 10, creasing the effectiveness of the VMI Alumni 2022, that the board named David L. Prasnicki, Agencies are innumerable and important, esVMI Alumni Agencies interim chief executive pecially in the past several years as the Agencies officer, the permanent CEO. reorganized in pursuit of their shared goal of adPrasnicki is among the VMI Alumni Agencies’ vancing the Institute,” continued Stocks. “Finally, longest-serving employees, beginning his career hundreds of volunteer leaders associated with the with the VMI Foundation in February 1986. In VMI Alumni Association, the VMI Foundation, his more than three-and-a-half decades serving the and the VMI Keydet Club have relied on David VMI family, Prasnicki has taken on positions of for valuable insights and advice. increasing responsibility. In 1996, he became the “My colleagues on the Agencies’ board are VMI Foundation’s chief financial officer; in 1998, pleased David has accepted this position after he received the title and responsibilities of vice serving as the interim CEO since last fall. We president and chief financial officer. In those polook forward to many years of energetic and efsitions, Prasnicki supervised a staff that provided fective leadership.” accounting, personnel management, financial Prasnicki reacted to his appointment by saying, management, and information technology ser“I have been privileged to have a front-row seat vices to the VMI Foundation, VMI Keydet Club, as VMI has gone through many changes, such as former VMI Development Board, VMI Alumni stepping back from mandatory commissioning, Association, VMI Alumni Agencies, and George ending Saturday classes, and transitioning to coC. Marshall Research Foundation. education. Throughout that time, however, VMI For several years, he has been responsible for has remained steadfastly committed to its mission the day-to-day management of VMI Investment and has always worked to be a stronger version of Prasnicki Holdings, LLC, the organization responsible for itself. It is an honor to serve the Agencies and the managing the endowments of the VMI Alumni Agencies, VMI, and Institute in this new role, and I look forward to working with the entire the George C. Marshall Research Foundation. Prasnicki is a graduate VMI family to ensure the Institute enjoys an ever-brighter future.” of Roanoke College, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Prasnicki assumed his duties as the permanent CEO effective Mondegree in 1985. He worked for the VMI treasurer from June 1985 until day, Jan. 10. Prasnicki is the father of two sons—the late Stephen he joined the VMI Foundation.

Chase Prasnicki, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012, “Anyone involved with the VMI Alumni Agencies in the past 36 and Tyler L. Prasnicki ’15, a captain in the U.S. Army with the 173rd years knows David as a consummate professional,” said Stocks. “In Airborne Brigade in Germany—and a daughter, Lauren, who holds every position he has held, he has demonstrated strong leadership, a master’s degree in occupational therapy from James Madison Unisound judgment, and an unshakable devotion to the Institute and versity and currently works as an occupational therapist at the Walter VMI Alumni Agencies.

Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Elliott Named VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Financial Officer Crissy Elliott was named chief financial officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies in January 2022. She began working for the VMI Foundation in 2000 and served as financial controller of the Alumni Agencies. In that capacity, she was responsible for financial accounting, internal/external reporting, supervision of accounting staff, and information technology. She has also served as the secretary of VMI Investment Holdings, LLC. A native of Buena Vista, Virginia, Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Lynchburg College and has passed the CPA exam.

2022-Issue 2

Elliott

Before coming to work for the Agencies, she served as director of finance for Rockbridge County Public Schools and worked for the public accounting firm Brown, Edwards, and Company LLC. She and her husband, Randy Elliott ’94, have a daughter, Josie, a junior at Oklahoma State University.

“Crissy Elliott’s promotion bolsters the strength of our fiscal program at VMI,” said David Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer. “Her experience, talent, and enthusiasm for VMI is demonstrated in everything she does. We are lucky to have her on our team and in this new role.”

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Staff News

Meet Alumni Agencies Volunteer Leaders: Board Presidents W. Gregory Robertson ’65 Chairman VMI Investment Holdings, LLC W. Gregory “Greg” Robertson ’65 is a senior adviser of TM Capital Corp.

After leading the formation of TM Capital Corp. in 1989, he served as the firm’s president from 1989-2008 and chairman from 2008-21.

Before founding TM Capital, he was an executive vice president and director of Thomson McKinnon Securities Inc., where he headed the Robertson ’65 firm’s investment banking and public finance activities. Previously, Robertson served as a vice president in the investment banking division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. Robertson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI and served as a U.S. Army air defense artillery officer before returning to graduate school. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Darden Graduate Business School at the University of Virginia.

“The generous donors to the endowments related to VMI are entitled to know that their funds are invested prudently and in accordance with the highest fiduciary standards to ensure that the current and future Corps of Cadets benefits from their largess,” Robertson said. “The responsibility for this undertaking falls upon the seven members of the board of directors of VMI Investment Holdings, LLC. As chairman of this board, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with this group, the devoted staff of the Alumni Agencies, and our consultants in striving to meet these objectives.”

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 President VMI Alumni Agencies Board and VMI Alumni Association Samuel N. “Sam” Stocks ’90 is the vice president of operations and partner of KBS, a large commercial construction firm in Richmond, Virginia. He joined the company in 2000 and has served in various roles.

A distinguished graduate, Stocks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He then served in U.S. Navy Stocks ’90 Civil Engineer Corps. While stationed in Hawaii, he earned a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Stocks began his service to VMI through the VMI Chapter of Richmond, where he served as chapter president. He then joined the Alumni Association board of directors and served as regional director and vice president before assuming his current role. He is married to the former Rita Morgan. They have three children: Mason, Bo, and Kate.

“When I left the Navy, the VMI network worked very well for me and was instrumental in me joining KBS, Inc. Since that time, I have wanted to pay it forward by starting my volunteer service to VMI,” Stocks said, explaining why he feels strongly about service to VMI. “As president of the Alumni Association and chairman of the VMI Alumni Agencies, I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with and getting to know other volunteers as well as our alumni. The last two years have brought challenges, but I have appreciated getting to work with board members and the incredible VMI Alumni Agencies staff.”

Center for Leadership and Ethics Explores Moral Courage in 2022-23

By Maj. Catherine M. Roy, Center for Leadership and Ethics

During academic year 2022-23, programming for the Center for Leadership and Ethics will focus on the attribute of moral courage with the leadership theme titled “The Courage of Convictions.”

To further highlight this leadership theme, VMI’s Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference will explore “Principled Dissent: Navigating Moral Challenges” from Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2022.

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Other programs and events sponsored by the CLE will enhance and facilitate these discussions, such as the VMI Leader Journey podcast and the Courageous Leadership Speaker series.

Please visit vmi.edu/cle to read more about upcoming events, join the email list, or follow the CLE on social media to receive timely news and announcements.

VMI Alumni Review

Staff News Bland Massie Jr. ’77, D.M.D. President VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors Bland Massie Jr. ’77, D.M.D., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. In 1989, Massie earned a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree at the Medical College of Georgia.

He currently practices dentistry in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his cadetship, he was on the football Massie ’77 team 2nd and 1st Class years and was “basketball Moe” during the 1976-77 season when VMI went to the Sweet 16.

Massie has demonstrated his love of VMI through many volunteer activities over the years. He served on the Keydet Club Board of Governors for 18 years and was part of the Executive Committee for 16 of those years. He also kept the brother rat bonds strong for his class, serving as the 1977 class agent between the 30th and 35th Reunions. In addition, he held the positions of Lynchburg Chapter president and regional director for the Alumni Association. Massie also served on the VMI Research Laboratories board for nine years.

His love for Keydet athletics is evidenced by his 13-year commitment to the VMI football chain gang at home games, and he has filled in at the VMI scorers’ tables at basketball for three years.

“It has been my privilege to be involved with VMI since moving back to Virginia in the early 1990s. I view the scholarship money that is raised through the Keydet Club donations as helping cadets who happen to be athletes get a chance to get a great education, to play a sport that they love and then graduate and go out and make the world better,” Massie said.

Thomas H. Zarges ’70 President VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Thomas H. Zarges ’70 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. He then moved on to large-scale, high technology engineering projects all over the U.S. and the world, dealing with many different aspects of construction, including power generation, bridges, highways, subways and mass transit, hydroelectric dams, oil and gas, and Zarges ’70 industrial production plants. He worked on assignments throughout the globe in 42 countries, often in hostile and hazardous conditions. Some assignments include decommissioning nuclear weapons production sites and decommissioning and destroying Soviet intercontinental missiles. He also worked on projects in Iraq and Afghanistan. His career culminated as president in a $20 billion publicly traded company.

Zarges and his wife, Janet—his high school sweetheart and Ring Figure date—have three children and five grandchildren.

“I was raw and entirely unfinished when I matriculated, but the VMI system prevailed, and I knew its merits immediately,” Zarges said. “The values the Institute demanded turned out to be the keys to success and accomplishment in my life. It was clear these values were distinct and appreciated throughout my career and personal relationships. I have tried to instill these values into my children with, I trust, some success.

“The point now is to ensure we continue giving young matriculants the same opportunity. VMI provides that wonderful sense of self-discipline, humility, and purpose that sticks with you and is needed in a society that craves honest and genuine behavior. I trust all our alumni feel this obligation deep in their hearts and act on it to keep this great institution enduring and vital.”

Stann ’21 Joins Alumni Association as Program Outreach Officer

Stann '21 2022-Issue 2

Jack Stann ’21 joined the VMI Alumni Association in January 2022 as a program outreach officer.

He matriculated from Reston, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with concentrations in literary studies and rhetoric and writing.

As a cadet, Stann was an active member of the Model United Nations Club and served as company staff for the Rat Challenge program. He also held rank within the Corps as a Company B platoon lieutenant.

The brotherhood and camaraderie within the

Corps are what initially drew Stann to VMI. As a program outreach officer, he is most excited about helping alumni and being able to support them and the Institute.

“Jack is a great addition to our team,” said Thom Brashears ’95, Alumni Association chief operating officer. “His fresh perspective on the cadets and the fact that he is a part of a legacy family here at VMI will provide immense value as we look for meaningful engagement for our alumni with each other and with the Institute in general.”

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CLASS NOTES

1941

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1941 is no longer submitting class notes. Stewart Seaton ’73 remains the point of contact for the class.

1942

Brittany Szczepanik ’20

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1942.

1943 William B. Garber ’64

Greetings, all. These will be the final class notes I plan to write for the Class of ’43. The last active class member passed away in January. I will attempt to provide an appropriate tribute to both Bill Gottwald and to the class.

The latter effort will rely on newspaper articles and data excerpted from the class’s 40th, 50th, and 60th Reunion booklets that were kindly provided by Maj. Jeff Kozak of the VMI Archives.

Floyd “Bill” Gottwald died in Richmond Thursday, Jan. 27, six months short of his 100th birthday. He was the last remaining of the 247 men who entered VMI in 1939. I did not know Bill personally, but my mentor and the class’ previous class agent, Jeff Smith, often spoke warmly of their friendship and of Bill’s generosity to VMI. Bill had a distinguished career that is undoubtedly covered elsewhere in this issue. From his obituary in brief, after graduating, he served in the Army in World War II in the China-BurmaIndia Theater and was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” device for valor and a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat.

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After the war, Bill was the first chairman and chief executive officer of Ethyl Corporation, Richmond, Virginia, serving from 1970-92.

In 1994, Ethyl spun off its specialty chemical business as Albemarle Corp., and Bill served as chairman and chief executive officer of the new company until 2002.

Bill was a hunter and avid fisherman and was active in civic and professional organizations.

Among his many activities, he served as president of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees.

In 2017, he was honored with the Outstanding Virginian Award for his exceptional contributions to the Commonwealth. He is survived by his wife, Helga; three sons; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With his passing, the Class of ’43 enters the history books. Having matriculated nine days after Hitler’s armies invaded Poland, it was the last class to graduate from VMI until after World War II. Until the war ended in 1945, VMI operated on an accelerated year-round schedule as cadets were drafted into military service.

Most (93%) of the 153 brother rats in the class who graduated May 22, 1943—a month earlier than usual—merely changed uniforms and entered military service. They served in all principal theaters of operations: Europe, the Pacific, and China-Burma-India. Most went into the Army, with smaller numbers serving with the Army Air Corps, the Navy, and the Marine Corps. In the Army, 29% were in the field artillery, 23% in the infantry, and 17% in the Corps of Engineers.

Fourteen percent of the class was killed in action, most in the European Theater, and 21% were wounded.

For the Korean War, 34 men from the class were recalled to active duty for tours of various lengths, joining the few who had remained as career officers after World War II. By the time the Vietnam War rolled around, only those who had remained on active duty were involved, and those few served with distinction.

Three brother rats received the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary valor during World War II, an award second only to the Medal of Honor. Across all three wars, two received Distinguished Service Medals, 13 were awarded Silver Stars, 14 the Legion of Merit, and 40 the Purple Heart.

Following World War II, 64 of the 153 graduates attended graduate school. They subsequently

went to work in a wide range of companies and professions. Thirty-seven percent joined general industry, 25% went into engineering, 8% became lawyers, and a similar percentage became physicians.

A few, such as Bill Gottwald, Keith Phillips, and O.D. Davis, became CEOs and board chairmen. The highest-ranking military officer in the class was Jeff Smith, who retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant general.

Four ’43 brother rats are in the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.

Joe Muha (charter member) was captain of the football team in 1942 and was the firstround draft choice (second overall) of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1943. Instead, he went directly into the Marine Corps. After the war, he signed with the Eagles, and in his five years with the team, he was twice selected All-Pro. Emil Sotnyk (charter member) earned rat numerals and varsity letters in three sports: Football, basketball, and baseball. He captained the 1939-40 basketball team and was First Team All-Southern Conference in 1940-41 and Second Team in 1941-42.

Julius Minton (inducted in 1974) was allstate in football and also lettered in track. He participated in the North-South football all-star game in his 1st Class year. Clyde “Duke” Ellington (inducted in 1976) earned three varsity letters in both football and baseball and one in track. He captained the baseball team his 1st Class year and was named All-Southern Conference.

As a final note, reflecting the spirit of VMI, the class average for children was nearly three per household—well above national averages.

Thirty sons of ’43 subsequently attended VMI. And so closes this chapter in the long and proud history of the Institute. It has been my privilege to serve as class agent for the Class of ’43, and I offer my best wishes to the widows and children of this distinguished cohort of the greatest generation.

1944 Jonathan Safrit ’10

The Class of 1944 wishes to congratulate the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1944: Bob Smothers and friends celebrating his 99th birthday at Peohe’s in Coronado, California.

Class of 1944: Bob Smothers still proudly wearing his VMI ring before a Christmas party in December 2021.

Class of 1944: Bob Smothers and Mei Kitchen prior to a dance.

2022-Issue 2

Class of 1944: Roommates (from left) Bob Smothers, Gus Whitehurst, Meade Bell, and M.C. Wilhelm, some wearing ’44 sweaters.

Class of 2022 on their graduation. Truly a milestone reached by few but envied by many.

We must begin these notes by wishing Fred H. Lockwood a happy 100th birthday! A true Texan, he has been described as a hard worker; a very disciplined man; and perhaps most importantly, a great father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. I would personally like to thank Fred’s son and daughter for helping keep me in contact and up to date with their father over the past couple of years. I hope these notes find him healthy and looking forward to No. 101!

Bob Smothers is next in line to reach 100, but not until the end of the year. We have had occasion to communicate several times during this notes period, and I can report that Bob is doing well and staying active. Between celebrating his 99th birthday and attending Christmas-related functions, he had an eventful close to 2021.

Unfortunately, we did hear that Sophie R. Parker, wife of the late Charles W. Parker, peacefully passed away last January. She embodied the image of a “VMI wife” and was long active with her husband in the VMI community.

Even through the 65th Reunion of 1944, they

were always thrilled to be back in Lexington and on post, according to their daughters, who have been in contact with me. Getting to know Sophie through her daughters, I can honestly say her passing will leave a void in the heart of anyone who knew her.

I would also like to personally thank Mrs. Barbara Blakey, formerly of the VMI Museum, for her recent efforts on behalf of the Class of 1944.

She went above and beyond in assisting us and deserves our deepest gratitude.

Wishing the 1944 family my best for a pleasant and safe spring and summer.

1945 Jonathan Safrit ’10

The Class of 1945 welcomes the Class of 2022 into the circle of VMI alumni. Their graduation also marks the 80th anniversary of 1945’s dyke Class of 1942.

Class of 1945: The memorial bench dedicated to 2nd Lt. Charles H. Augustine located at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

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Class Notes There is nothing new to report from 1945 during this notes period, so I decided to share a story about one of its members who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. 2nd Lt. Charles H. Augustine matriculated with 1945 in the midst of World War II and, after one year, left to join the Army Air Corps. While on a bombing mission over Berlin Dec. 5, 1944, his plane was hit by enemy flak as they were heading to the target.

Fires broke out in several places on the ship, but they kept in the formation until dropping the bombs. Fires continued to rage on the plane in various spots, and the order to bail out was given. Only Lt. Augustine remained aboard when the plane went into a spin.

Lt. Augustine’s remains were never recovered, but he is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery.

As always, I’m here for any members, family, or friends of 1945. Wishing you all the best in the coming months.

1946

David M. Hudock ’97

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

1947 Paul Munson ’87

I had the great pleasure to talk with Lucius Dabney. Mr. Dabney was kind enough to share some time with me. Mr. Dabney is 96 years old and still works in his law office. His office works on wills and estates, loan closings, and several other areas. He still gets around well, he says.

The front of the law office building is based on a photograph his father took of a building in France. The picture was taken in 1918 while Mr. Dabney’s father was serving in World War I. Mr. Dabney was drafted after his rat year and went to Signal Corps School. He was assigned

50

to the signal battalion of the 94th Army Headquarters. Mr. Dabney served in both Holland and Germany.

Mr. Dabney was called back to service in the Korean War. He served as an engineering officer in the 24th Infantry Division, 3rd Engineers.

Col. Harvey ’40 was the battalion commander.

Mr. Dabney has a wife, two sons, three daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. It was great talking to him. It felt like I was walking in the shadow of a giant.

1948A

Dale E. Wykoff

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1948A is no longer submitting class notes. Dale Wykoff remains the point of contact for the class.

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

Brother Rats, I hope you had a great Christmas season.

George Ramsey of Lynchburg, Virginia, and I talked several times. George reported that he and Harriet were in good health. He said Harriet was as sassy as ever. They had not visited Lexington recently. George contacted Lou Castellano of Bayshore, New York, and with George’s help, I also contacted Lou and Sherrie. They both sounded great.

Lou reported that he no longer drives and has retired from his law practice. He is being treated for macular degeneration. He also has hearing problems and has a hearing aid from the VA. Lou celebrated his 95th birthday Nov. 26, 2021, and is probably the oldest surviving ’48B. Lou said he did not want to hear any VMI news.

I recently talked with Charles Brown of Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1944, I roomed with Charles in Room 209 of Old Barracks. I believe I had 11 other roommates at VMI, but Charles was the best roommate I ever had. Charles reported a continued strong recovery from the fall he had six or

more months ago. He visited the heart doctor and was told that everything was good. Likewise, his eye doctor said everything was great. He drives to work at the Bayou State Oil Co. every day.

He really likes the current price of crude oil. He drives to church every Sunday and has lunch with his son and family afterward. He has six grandchildren. A grandson is a Marine lieutenant colonel, and a granddaughter is assistant dean of the Tulane Law School. He has one great-grandchild and more on the way.

I talked with Rod Kallgren of Dearborn, Michigan. Rod still lives in his assisted living facility and continues to have good health. He reported the arrival of two new great-grandchildren. Three of his six sons have retired. He also reported that the lease on his rental car expired, so he bought the car. He said that he would be over 100 years old when he finishes paying off the note. We usually trade Korean War stories. My story about my service as an artillery forward observer with Company K of the 24th Infantry Regiment was so long that Rod didn’t have a chance to tell his story. He listened patiently and replied that my story was very interesting. I hope that in three months, I can call back and listen to one of Rod’s war stories.

I talked with Angus Crook of Nashville, Tennessee. He was in good health, and we discussed our walking and mobility. We both use a cane.

He sounds more mobile than I am. We were discussing our attendance at the ’48B 40th and 50th Reunions when our phones disconnected. I tried several times to call back but was unsuccessful.

I received an email from Al Loth of Richmond, Virginia. Al was in good spirits but had nothing new to report. He expressed concern about the investigation at VMI. I tried to contact Nick Harris without success.

John Boyd of Amarillo, Texas, passed away Nov. 23, 2021. He was 94 years old. John came to VMI from Plainview, Texas, in June 1944. He was accompanied by his close friend, also from Plainview, Jay Walker. John and Jay roomed with T.M. Watson of Dallas, Texas, and Harwood Taylor of Houston, Texas, in the southeast tower room of Old Barracks. I believe it was room 211. I roomed in 217, only a few doors away, and knew them all well. John is in our class picture, front row, center, behind the kneeling Jack Keith. In the picture, to John’s left, is T.M. Watson. To Watson’s left is Harwood Taylor. John left VMI after one year when he was called into the Army. He saw service in the Aleutian Islands. After separation from

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the Army, he went to Baylor University, where he earned an undergraduate degree and a law degree.

He met Bonnie Lamb there, and they were married in fall 1950. John returned to Plainview and practiced law until he was appointed 64th District judge in 1969. He was appointed to the Seventh Court of Appeals in 1981 and later was elected chief justice of that court. He remained in that position until he retired in 2002. John served on the Baylor Board of Regents for nine years. He was highly supportive of the Baylor athletic program, especially the Lady Bears basketball team and their coach, Kim Mulkey. Kim paid him a visit on his 90th birthday. John attended the VMI ’48B 40th, 50th, and 60th Reunions in Lexington. He may have attended more that I don’t know about.

I believe Bonnie accompanied him to the 40th and 50th ’48B Reunions. At the ’48B 60th reunion, he and I talked about the Baylor Lady Bears and their coach, Kim Mulkey. I have reported this in previous class notes. John is survived by his wife, Bonnie; son, Tom; daughter, Rebecca; one grandson; five granddaughters; and eight great-grandchildren. Farewell to another great ’48B. Ed Hartman of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away Jan. 15, 2022. He was 95 years old. Ed came to VMI from Baltimore, Maryland, in June 1944.

Likely, I had classes with him, but I don’t remember any specific encounters. Ed is in our class picture, front row, extreme right. I do remember early in our 3rd Class year that we had a class election to replace Jack Keith, who left VMI for World War II military service. For a reason I can’t remember, I was not able to vote. Later, I asked a roommate who was elected. He told me it was Ed Hartman. I remember remarking to my roommate that we made a good choice. Ed went on to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering.

He wore academic stars and was a cadet captain, commanding Company B. Ed was one of the 24 ’48Bs who graduated in June 1947.

A short time later, Ed entered Harvard Law School and graduated in 1950. He joined his father’s law firm in Baltimore. He married Patricia McHenry in 1952, and they had four children. A daughter, Marie, was killed in a sailing accident.

Ed was a highly regarded lawyer, but he preferred sailing. He moved to Annapolis and lived on his small sailboat at Arnie Gay’s yacht yard on Spa Creek. In addition to his law practice, Ed owned and operated three maritime companies, including Chesapeake Marine Tours. He owned a 51foot ketch, Saphaedra. He sailed from Newport

2022-Issue 2

to Bermuda to the keys and throughout the Caribbean to South America. Ed married Deb in 1986.

Ed and I both attended the ’48B 50th Reunion, where we met and talked. Recently, Ed and I corresponded about the VMI situation. Ed is survived by his wife, Deb; his son; two daughters; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Farewell to another great ’48B. I remember an incident that occurred in summer 1944. Soon after academic classes started, I heard of the four Texans (Boyd, Walker, Watson, Taylor) who lived in Room 211. One morning, I made my way to 211. I found the four Texans seated around a makeshift table playing bridge.

They greeted me cordially but continued playing bridge. Some more people came into the room.

We jumped to attention, because one of them was Jean Edens ’45, cadet first captain. The bugle blew announcing a change in classes. Two of the Texans and everybody else except myself and Edens left. Edens looked at me and said, “Rat, do you play bridge?” I really didn’t, but my mother had taught me a little bit, so I replied, “Yes, sir.” Edens said, “Sit down, rat, you’re my partner.” Amazingly, I did all right, and this incident sparked a lifelong interest in bridge for me. Later, I developed a strong partnership with Walter Dorsey. We played for money and took in all comers. When Dorsey left VMI for World War II military service, I partnered with Jimmy Williams ’46 (Battle of the Bulge veteran) and Tommy Tucker. Tommy credited me with teaching him how to play bridge.

Brother rats, have a great spring.

1949A Paul Munson ’87

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1949A.

1949B

Ding Patton

These notes cover the period from Nov. 15,

2021, to Feb. 15, 2022.

Just after I had submitted the previous class notes, Jim Morgan called and said that his macular degeneration had advanced to the point where he had to stop driving. He also reported that Hester’s memory is still slowly getting worse, but they live near their daughter, who helps out a lot. I look forward to Jim’s phone calls.

As I informed you in an earlier email, Pelham Smith died May 25. His wife, Sophie, wrote that Pelham had been ailing for several years with a cancer in his ear which took his hearing and eventually his life. She said that, in their travels, they would stop in Lexington, and he would reflect and share with her tales of his years at VMI which meant a great deal to him. After VMI, Pelham attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry and then spent two years in the Air Force. He practiced his profession in Newport News, where he worked until his move to Cobbs Creek in Mathews, Virginia. There, he spent 15 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as commander of Flotilla 66 for two years.

In December, I got an email from a neurosurgeon in New York asking what the letter “B” meant in 1949B. He was writing a biographical sketch for the neurosurgery journal of our Brother Rat Phanor Perot. I replied, and he answered back that Phanor had taught his father and a Phanortrained doctor had taught him in medical school.

From his emails, I learned that Phanor was widely known and highly regarded in his medical field. I also learned that he was a cousin of Ross Perot, former candidate for president. He has agreed to send me a copy of his final document to be placed in Phanor’s file in the VMI Archives.

Mack and Inga Van Hook wrote that they are still healthy and as active as a 93-year-old couple can be at their University Village community in Charlottesville. They overcome the challenges that “advanced age” presents with the help of their four daughters and dedicated health caregivers. They had visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina and enjoyed the sea air and especially the wonderful seafood.

I spoke with Boyd Guttery. His health has improved since our last conversation. He sent a picture of him in beautiful downtown St. Augustine with Christmas lights and decorations.

Max Feinman called and reported that he is doing well but has some mobility problems with balance. His daughter lives with him and helps with daily chores.

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Class Notes Tommy Altizer checked in from Florida. He says that he plays golf and tennis and is enjoying the warm temperatures. He spends winters there and will be back in Staunton in the spring. I envy him.

Nobbie’s birthday was in December, and we celebrated with the family at the Clarity Restaurant in Vienna, Virginia. Four of us, including me, developed COVID-19 two days later. I had a mild case as a result of having had the vaccines and boosters.

All who developed the disease were males. I guess women really are the tougher gender.

Greg and Kitty Nelson wrote that they really love living at the Westminster Canterbury home in Richmond and sent a picture of a garden area at sunset. They are faithful in providing information for the class notes on a regular basis, for which I am thankful.

Mary Haggerty wrote that she is doing fine and was looking forward to being with family at Christmas.

It is good to periodically hear from Virginia Cooke, who lives in nearby Rockbridge County but never seems to get to Staunton. I appreciate her keeping me informed with information about the Institute.

Thanks to all who sent Christmas cards and included information for these notes.

God bless America, VMI, and ’49B. Yours in the Bonds of VMI, Ding

1949C

Haywood France

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1949C is no longer submitting class notes. Haywood France remains the point of contact for the class.

1950A

Garrett Smith ’20

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1950A.

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1950B Robert F. Lynd

This issue marks the one-year anniversary since I took over from Joe Kohen as your class agent. When he handed it to me, Joe said it would be rewarding and sometimes frustrating. He was right! There are times when I send out a call for news, and I feel it has sunk into a black hole but then an interesting phone call or email arrives, and I’m happy to have news to pass on to you all.

When you read this, it’s the “old” news I submitted to the Alumni Review in February to meet the deadline for the May issue you’re reading now. Before you read the issue in your hand, I will have been dunning you again for news and comments for the next quarterly issue. You see, there’s a three-month lag between the time I submit an article and the time you see it.

We bonded during our rat year, and we’ve maintained that bond over a good many years.

COVID-19 and aging take their tolls, but we can use this means to remain close in hearts and minds, even if there are no more class reunions. By sharing our thoughts and memories, we encourage each other to remember our bond and strengthen it.

I know many of you don’t have or use email, but there’s always the reliable telephone and good old U.S. mail. So, please take advantage of any means of communication to bring me and your brother rats up to date on you.

I did receive comments from a few of our brother rats. You’ll recall that Davey Jones’ death notice went out in mid-November. This elicited a response from Braxton Green, which I quote here. “I indirectly introduced Dave and Lucile. My memory is a little dim, but I do remember dating Lucile when I was a cadet and she attended St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. She came to Lexington to attend a dance weekend.

The first social gathering was a dinner at the very popular restaurant upstairs across from the State Theater (given by the Varsity Club). I got an allergic reaction to a cocktail sauce and

ended up in the infirmary. I asked my roommates Jack Parrott and Tom Phillips to escort her to the dance where she was met exuberantly by the stag line. Lucile visited me at the infirmary and said she had a wonderful time at the hop. Little did I know! I spent the entire weekend flat on my back. Years later, I saw Dave and Lucile at a class reunion and congratulated them at making a good choice.” I sent a condolence card to Lucile Jones, but I thought this note from Braxton might help brighten her day, so I sent her the quote. In response, she sent a note saying she met Dave when he was in medical school at Duke. Apparently, he was impressed that she knew about VMI, and they spent 68 wonderful years together and enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grands.

I’m keeping Lucile on my sister rat email list.

Back in December, a friend of mine sent me a link to a video about our prisoners of war who were held captive in North Vietnam. It had to do with a gathering of many of those men at the Richard Nixon library 40 years after President Nixon, in 1973, had held the largest dinner ever hosted at the White House for about 200 of these ex-POWs and their wives. When I saw this, I immediately thought of Tom Kirk and sent him the link to the video. Tom responded, saying, “Bob, thanks for sending the pix for the reunion at the White House in 1973. My wife and I were there for that one, but not the one at Nixon’s California home in 2013. It was one helluva night—unforgettable! We got a wonderful picture with President Nixon, my wife, and I. Lots of other great pix with notables. ... we are getting to be fewer every day but enjoying life.”

Speaking of Tom, in late January, Jim Dittrich ’76, VMI Alumni Association Board of

Class of 1950B: Randy Trappey’s 93rd birthday.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Directors historian, produced a video about our Brother Rat Tom Kirk. It tells the story of Tom’s capture and incarceration at the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison in Vietnam.

This video about VMI’s most decorated living alumnus was made available through the Alumni Association, and many of you saw it.

As a result, I received a brief note from Nancy Mitchell, Ajax’s widow, saying thanks for the info. It’s so good to hear from the distaff side of the house. I wish more of the distaff would write.

Fred Kniesler called after getting my message about the video about Tom Kirk. Fred, who only attended VMI for a year, recalled seeing Tom again at our 50th Reunion. Fred was pleased that several folks he had known remembered him, and he said, “Boy, I’m really glad I’m here.” Tom replied, “Nobody’s more glad than I am!” Also at the reunion, Fred was surprised when Tom Handy walked up to him and said, “Frederick Cornelius Kniesler.”

How on earth did Tom remember his middle name? Fred recalled that Tom’s brother was reported to be the first casualty of World War II and that Tom’s dad was a well-known general. Fred was 92 on Groundhog Day. He has four great-grandchildren and a grandson who graduated from VMI in 2013.

Fred remembered that, as a rat, he was on “window closing detail.” Some 1st Class cadet ordered him to come into his room before reveille to close the windows so the room would warm up. Apparently, the folks in that room slept with the windows open—even during winter. With all the hays down, the room was crowded, and Fred had to sneak in and squeeze around the table in the dark. One of the roomies slept right next to the window, and Fred had to practically crawl over him to get to the window. Does anyone else remember having to do that?

Fred also remembers the post band bugler, the fellow who played all our bugle calls from Washington Arch. When a cadet was coming back from a date and almost late checking in and taps was starting, he’d yell, “Hold it ...” and the bugler would drag out that last note of taps so the cadet could dash up the stairs to his room.

It amazes me that Fred, who was only at VMI for a year, has so many memories of that time.

He also, like one or two others I’m aware of, continues to be a staunch VMI supporter and

2022-Issue 2

enthusiast. Why can’t those who spent four or more years at the Institute tell stories they remember? Please, please use email, telephone, or U.S. mail—whatever—but talk to me!

Speaking of communicating, has anyone heard from or know anything about Hoge Sutherland, Paul Palmer, Tom Eva, Herb Harris, Bill Lewis, or B. Rhees, to name a few folks I have never heard from, been able to contact, or not heard from recently. Because we haven’t seen an obituary, I assume they are still with us. So, if anyone knows or hears anything from any of these folks, let me know, please.

One who does respond is Randy Trappey, who lives in Lafayette, Louisiana. He sent a long message announcing his 93rd birthday. He included: “I was disappointed to see the article in The Cadet that Joe Kohen had died. Joe and Margot and their two children spent around six months here in Lafayette while undergoing his residency at our local Charity Hospital. Teeny and I really enjoyed their stay in Lafayette, and Joe even offered me to come into the operating room to see him perform a section on a patient.

This was a little out of line for me, as my experience was taking care of my cattle on our farm.

Joe understood, but the offer was left open.

“Well, I did make it up to my 93rd birthday.

A small party was held, and my well-wishers stopped in after working hours to offer their best wishes on my reaching the almost impossible age. Not easy, but you know how I feel. I did receive a surprise from the purchasers of our canning plant, which I ran for more than 30 years after my father died, that it was just accepted to be included on the state of Louisiana National Review of Buildings. Plans for the new owners will be to develop a theme park along the Vermilion River along with three adjacent areas that will work in well with what they intend to do. Will keep you informed a little more as they get started on the project. Attached is a birthday photo with me as the chief honcho, my younger sister and her husband, and my No. 2 son with his wife. Randy.”

We have lost two brother rats since the last issue of the Alumni Review. Tom Handy died Nov. 23, 2021. Who can forget that big broad smile of his? Ralston Brooke passed Dec. 9, 2021. He surely did attract the beauties. We send our condolences to those they left behind.

Steve Talley ’70 tipped me off that Braxton Green was in the hospital. They know each

other and live in Staunton. I was able to phone Brax and found out both he and Judith were in the hospital for different reasons, but both had COVID-19 and were quarantined in different rooms for a longer stay. Braxton reminded me of the trip when the Glee Club went to New York to make a record album. I think that was our 2nd Class year. During those few days there, Brax and a couple of us were able to see “South Pacific,” which had only been playing for a couple of months. We reminisced about how great Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza were. Also, we were very lucky to see “Mister Roberts” with Henry Fonda. A truly great trip.

When I checked on them later, Brax was out and about and Judith still recovering from a hip issue at home. Both had been fully “vaxxed” (all three shots), and neither showed any COVID-19 symptoms, just had tested positive.

Had a telephone call with my roomie, Jack Lyons. (Yes, a good old-fashioned landline telephone! Wish more of you would use it.) He’s way up in Vermont near Norwich with snow on the ground and has experienced subzero temps.

One night it was 25 degrees below zero! Of course, I had to tell him we were having a cool day here—only 61 degrees. Living in Vermont, Jack is interested in Norwich University, and he told me it was founded as a military school in 1819—20 years before VMI. It was initially located in Norwich, but a fire caused it to be reestablished in Northfield, Vermont. The university claims to be the nation’s oldest private military college and the birthplace of ROTC. It has a fullblown corps of cadets. Why do I even mention this? Well, VMI is about to celebrate integrating females into the Corps. Remember the furor surrounding such integration at VMI and The Citadel at that time? To ease into the integration, VMI solicited Norwich female cadets, in addition to female cadets from other senior military colleges, to come to VMI and be integrated into the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Classes academically to help mentor the young 4th Class girls.

John Taylor told me he had been to Tom Handy’s funeral. John, whose memory seems to be quite good, recalled the time the Corps went to Washington, D.C., in 1948 to be in Harry Truman’s inaugural parade. He said we loaded on a nearby train at night and sometime early the next morning stopped somewhere at about 4 a.m. for a scrambled egg breakfast alongside the train.

Finally, we got to D.C. and formed in regimental

53

Class Notes mass on a small rise near some Texans mounted on horseback. They preceded us in the parade.

So, we all started off marching behind the capitol. A reviewing stand, not the president’s, had been set up with people watching the parade as it started. John was near the left flank of the formation which would be on the side near the reviewing stand. In John’s words, “When a horse has been standing around for some time and then gets back in action, he takes a dump.” So, here came the Corps of Cadets marching behind the Texans’ horses; the right and left flanks of the formation tried to keep marching straight but those in the middle danced around, trying to avoid stepping in the horse droppings! Not a very auspicious beginning!

It turns out that, as Air Force ROTC cadets, he and Red Patton were never called to active duty following graduation. Nobody knew where their records were. So, John went home and got a job with a power company in Alexandria, Virginia.

Eventually, their records were found in northern Michigan. One day, John got a notice from the draft board that he was about to be drafted.

Panicked, he went to nearby Bolling Field and explained his predicament. They cut orders activating him as a brand-new second lieutenant and assigned him to Air Installations Section at Bolling Field, in what amounts to the post engineers.

There was a ceremonial detachment there, and John soon found out that his “expertise” having come from VMI would be put to use.

One day, a major told John to get out onto the ramp. There were some enlisted men milling around and John, the skinny second lieutenant, not knowing what else to do, had them fall in, dress right, and then line up according to their height.

Then, a quiet voice behind him said, “Aren’t you going to have them remove their caps?” John turned around, and there was the colonel! The base commander! John said, “Yes, sir,” and turned back. What’s the command to remove caps? He couldn’t remember, so he commanded, “Remove caps—remove!” That tickled the Ems, and they started laughing and punching each other. John finally got them quieted down and went through the lineup according to height again. Still, being watched by the colonel, he nervously wondered, what’s the command to put the caps back on? Not knowing, he commanded, “Replace caps—replace!” Once again, the group broke up laughing, some even rolling on the ground. Here was the VMI expertise in action!

54

John says he’s well, still driving around, and has a daughter and some grands and great-grands nearby. The daughter of a woman John and Ruth used to live near also has taken John under her wing. She and her husband took John out for Thanksgiving dinner, so he is rather well set up.

He did visit his roommate, Bill Tuxhorn, in Ohio, whom he hadn’t seen since graduation. Found out that Bill, who was an Air Force pilot, became involved in a Navy exchange program where he learned how to make carrier landings and then spent some time on an aircraft carrier.

By the way, some of you are wondering how many of us are still “active.” At the time of this writing (mid-February 2022) we have a total of 42 brother rats, 28 of whom spent four or more years at VMI, and 14 spent anywhere from six months to two years. Remember, if you signed the Matriculation Book, you are a brother rat. How about ages? Well, we range from 90 to 95. As you would suspect, the overwhelming number of us are in the 92 and 93 age group.

Received an email from Tom Kirk: “Bob, just a quick note to catch up. Life is slow and somewhat plodding here in Phoenix for Ann and me.

We went to Cancun for nine days at Christmas, which turned into a disaster. First day, on the way to lunch, I tripped on a corner en route to the dining room for lunch. Really took a terrific fall— fractured a bone in my cheek, 10-plus stitches in my bottom lip, stitches in my hand, right eye puffed up like a balloon, and my upper denture broke right down the middle so I could barely eat anything for the time we were there. Ambulance to hospital, kept overnight to see if any brain damage. In any case, we simply stayed there and lounged around for nine days, then returned home as planned. All in all, a miserable trip, but we are back and recovering; both Ann and I caught COVID-19 Jan. 15, beat that, and are generally back in business. So much for bad news.

“Nothing new to report, but you noted having seen Jim Dittrich’s article on me. Am very happy and proud of that. Just another story of the bad times in Vietnam. Will close with a positive thought. I believe that our training and life at the Institute taught us all more about how to handle life—the good and the bad— than many of us realize. The Institute was a place that forged and trained us in how to deal with and win in bad situations. Can think of a number of cases in our class alone. God bless

the Institute! I believe we are all better men for having chosen the old red, white, and yellow.

Sincerely, Tommy.”

I saved this message for the last to emphasize what Tom said at the conclusion of his email.

To requote, “I believe that our training and life at the Institute taught us all more about how to handle life—the good and the bad—than many of us realize. The Institute was a place that forged and trained us in how to deal with and win in bad situations. ... God bless the Institute! I believe we are all better men for having chosen the old red, white, and yellow.”

Let those words sink in! At the time, we probably didn’t realize how fortunate we were to have gone through the rigors of the Institute.

Remembering the years we spent at VMI—the good times and the bad times—we may even have moments of nostalgia. Regardless, as Tom said, “We are all better men for having chosen the old red, white, and yellow.” And we can take pride in knowing, as the “Doxology” says, it still “floats on high.”

Rah Virginia Mil. ¡Hasta próximo vez!

1951

Ursula Baxley

Editor’s Note: Please note the new class agent for the Class of 1951.

1952

James M. Mecredy

I have started writing the new class notes Nov. 9, 2021, for inclusion in Alumni Review 2022-Issue 2 published in May 2022. Our 70th Reunion will be recent history. My hope and prayers are that our nation will have recovered from all the turmoil we are experiencing presently.

I received Christmas cards from a number of brother rats. Cecil Puckette thanked me for the work I do for our class.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes snowman saluting the flag.

John Taylor sent a photo card with his entire Ella Delisio writes that she always looks forfamily including grandchildren.

Charlie Hogge sent a photo of the entire fam- ward to the VMI Alumni Review.

MaryAnne Chamberlain moved to Marietta, ily; I count 17.

Georgia, after Richard died to be near family Boyd Guttery sent his photo sitting in a garand is adjusting to independent living and new den walk with flowered hedges on both sides. surroundings.

Jim Miller writes: “May the blessing of the Lord Sugar Holland sends her warmest thoughts be with you and your family in the new year.” with love.

This has not been a memorable year for Peggy Stallings wished us a Christmas filled Zeke and Sarah Finney with the death of their with love and happiness. granddaughter, Ashley, and lack of freedom Nancy Bookman thanked me for faithfulness from COVID-19. They did make it to Florida and are hoping to get to Florida again this year. in keeping the news of ’52 there for all.

Mary Shoaf wrote that books and music are Ed Wilbarger wrote wishing us old-fashcarrying her through. She has a quiet, protected ioned pleasures, happy memories, and every life amid the Florida turmoil. joy of the season.

Sharon Piper says she doesn’t know where Cecil Welsh thanked me for the ’52 news the time goes! Hard to adjust to 80-degree from the Alumni Review. weather at Christmastime. She lives in Florida.

Henry Nanninga hopes I will attend our Virginia Haley writes from McKinney, Texas.

70th, and he is very sorry he will not be there.

Barbara Wellford writes: “Words cannot Russ McCarty is planning to make it to our express my thoughts and feelings this year. It reunion, even though last spring he woke up is another year of firsts. I was blessed to see and found he lost his sense of balance. After several falls and seven months of physical Armstead to his 90th birthday before God weltherapy, he is now able to walk using an up- comed him home.”

Ann Carman (Lee Rogers) remains encourright walker and a cane. The balance problem severely reduced his Fitbit exercise. Russ and aged and hopeful in spite of everything in the news, even if it takes time.

Patricia live in a retirement community in San Sandra Pittman sent a Christmas card of joy Antonio where, starting last March for about five months, they were not allowed to associate and peace.

Hal Berke died Nov. 4 after a long bout with with other residents. All meetings were canceled, and meals were delivered to their rooms. dementia. I have no further information.

Austin Bridgforth III was born Feb. 15, The result was they had the lowest number of 1930, and died Jan. 14 at Old Jefferson ComCOVID-19 deaths and patients on ventilators. munity Care where he had been since last fall.

Vann Boudreaux wrote that damage from Ida was minimal compared to New Orleans.

There are only 40 brother rats remaining, and maybe 15 will be able to attend our reunion. Although there are not many of us left, I received Christmas cards from many wives of deceased brother rats to fill the vacancy.

Harriet Redman writes to share good cheer during Christmas.

Martha Allen wished me and my family a beautiful Christmas and healthy new year.

Margaret Burton writes that she always reads Class of ’52 first, then ’12, ’14, ’16, ’18, and soon ’22.

Estelle Gordon sent a card picturing Class of 1952: John Taylor’s Christmas card.

Santa in front of an American flag with a

2022-Issue 2

A native of Kenbridge, Virginia, he graduated from Kenbridge High School, where he participated in all sports. He was a proud graduate of Virginia Military Institute, where he majored in civil engineering and was a registered engineer. While there, he participated in intramural collegiate sports. It is written in the yearbook, “Austin has made a lasting impression on the Institute,” and, “We appreciated his humor and his gracious attitude toward the rest of his brother rats.” In the ’50s, he established the VMI South Side Social Club. Upon graduation from VMI, he was employed as a civil engineer at the North Carolina Department of Highways and later for the city of Danville, Virginia. In 1958, he moved to Louisiana to work with his family. He was assistant manager of Bulk Transport in Port Allen, where he oversaw the purchase and maintenance of a fleet of 160 18-wheelers. He developed and implemented the safety program and purchase of the land and buildings for the construction of five terminals. While there, he designed a soil-cement spreader for the trucks used in the construction of our present interstate highways. In 1973, he became the owner of Ditchwitch of South Louisiana. He was awarded the prestigious single dealership international award of excellence in 1988. Austin was an avid sportsman. He loved golf, hunting, and fishing. He was proud of his five holes-in-one on the various golf courses he played. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service was delayed to a later date. I called Ernestine in February to learn that she is well and truly blessed by her friends and Austin’s friends.

Andy Dickinson wrote that there was no one in our class who emerged as more of a “country gentleman” than did Austin, and he married the perfect Baton Rouge debutante, Teenie!

On Feb. 9, I received an email from Anita Phillips that her father, our Brother Rat Bill Austermann, passed Jan. 4, 2022. She writes: “Please know he was proud to be a graduate of VMI and gave us quite a store of anecdotes about his years there. Thank you for keeping him current on VMI news.”

As I go to press, sending these notes to VMI for publication in the summer issue of the Alumni Review, I am looking forward to our 70th Reunion April 25 and 26. It appears we will have a small

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Class Notes number, both because of deaths and the current health conditions of the nation. We will be holding forth for one more reunion.

Your Brother Rat and Class Agent, Jim

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats and Our Widows, As I write these notes here in Lexington this February, starting my 35th year as your class agent, it is hovering at the freezing point. There is still snow here from the 7-plus inches Jan. 16—of course, it is here only in piles and in the shady areas, but it is here. Thus, there have been no parades on the Parade Ground, to the delight of the Corps. The last parade, so far, was the inaugural parade in Richmond Jan. 15. The Corps was first in the parade and looked very good. At least by the time you read these notes, spring will be here, thank goodness. Speaking of spring, we are planning on resuming our ’53 “Richmond and beyond” lunch at the Country Club of Virginia in April. A notice will be sent out as soon as roommate Bill Atwill finalizes the details, but it should be the second or third Thursday.

Regretfully, we lost our Brother Rat John “Whip” Wilson in January. He roomed with our class vice president, Ted Mariani, all four years. Ted says he has now lost all of his roommates, but there was a great bond between the four of them their whole lives since coming together at the Institute as roommates. For this, he will be forever thankful. I hope many of you had the same with roommates. I know I did, and still so, as Bill Atwill is thankfully still with us. John had been in declining health for a couple of years and was at home with family when he passed on. There will be a celebration of life at a later date, but I have not heard yet. I expect it will be in Northern Virginia, and I certainly hope Judy and I will be able to attend. I wrote Ada a note on behalf of the class.

Our BR John “Spider” Evans lost his wife, Bruce, at the end of January. Her medical problems developed in early December, and she passed on suddenly and unexpectedly. Bruce was an avid gardener, among many other talents, and placed beautiful flower arrangements at our ’53

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Class of 1953: Lt. Col. Frank E. Spencer holds a poster signed by members of the Keydet water polo team.

Class of 1953: Cadet Ridge Clark ’23 and Bill Noell showing off their class rings.

Class of 1953: The VMI rings of Cadet Ridge Clark ’23 and Bill Noell.

Richmond April lunches—all her own arrangements from her garden. Judy and I attended the memorial services in Richmond at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. It was a beautiful and impressive service. Their children’s readings were excellent and impressive—a great tribute to Bruce. The last time I attended services at St. Stephen’s was many years ago for roommate Pete Cox’s services. At the Country Club of Virginia reception for Bruce, which was very crowded, we did get to visit with Spider a couple of times. We also had a very nice visit with Ann Goddard and saw roommate Bill Atwill for a short visit. Otherwise, we did not see anyone else from our class, nor anyone else we knew. Thus, we did not stay very long.

We stayed Saturday night with Warren and Win Koontz at their home in Cedarfield. We went to dinner with Win and Warren and Carol and Jim Wiley ’52 at a local Italian restaurant for an excellent meal. Jim and Carol have an apartment at Cedarfield, and Jim has a house on the river in Reedville on the Northern Neck. I go back a long way with Jim, as I roomed over him our rat year, and he used to summon us periodically with his broom handle banging on his ceiling.

Reed and Vivien Johnson live only a block or so from Warren and Win in Cedarfield, but they were not able to join us for dinner due to Vivien’s vision health. We had planned to stop by for a visit after we left Warren and Win’s Sunday, but since it had started snowing, we decided against it, and got on the road, as we had no idea as to the weather on Afton Mountain and Lexington. Of course, we did not leave until after a nice brunch from Win. Warren fell a month or so ago on a trail near his house, and after having a hip replacement a few months before that, he is now having to use a walker. However, he can still drive; it just takes some adjusting to get in and into position.

A photo of BR Frank Spencer was sent to me by his daughter. At the last thirsty Thursday Rockbridge alumni gathering, she checked to make sure I received the photo.

If you need a workout or some additional exercise, try our BR Charles Williams’ routine, which I am now quoting: “My workouts are six minutes on an elliptical trainer, followed by 15 minutes aerobic, followed by one minute of anerobic on a stationary exercise bike with a vertical back rest, followed by back presses of 6-pound barbell hand weights on a modified (slanted back) bench rest, followed by 10-minute

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes walk/slow runs around an indoor track. I do two sessions a week and am still improving.”

I recently received a very nice note from Rhoda Bigner in Louisiana saying how much she enjoyed receiving the info, photos, etc., and looks at them periodically. She also included a couple of various quotes for the new year. I will send her a personal note in the near future.

Our adopted cadet, Weston Gloger ’19, has returned to the Institute to finish his 1st Class year as of January. He had a warm reception at his return here from Texas with 7-plus inches of snow and ice on the day he signed into barracks. He did spend the weekend with us after his drive from Texas before returning to barracks after such a long absence due to family problems. If you recall, I recruited Weston back at our 60th Reunion

Class of 1953: Bill and Judy Noell’s Lexington yard in the snow.

Class of 1953: Cadet Weston Gloger ’19 and Hannah Sue Wilson on her visit to VMI from Texas in February 2022.

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when he flew up to Lexington with BR Art Moncrief and Susan in Art’s chartered plane. Weston is Art and Susan’s great-nephew. This past weekend, Weston had his serious girlfriend fly up from Texas for the Valentine’s Day weekend—her first visit to Lexington and Virginia. Weston and Hannah Sue Wilson stayed at our house for her visit, which we enjoyed very much, as she is a delightful person. Of course, we only saw her Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, since we were in Richmond Saturday. She graduated from the Dallas Baptist College in December after having taken a year off for a mission trip to India and flew home via way of Russia. The serious girlfriend of our adopted 2nd Class cadet, Ridge Clark ’23, Ansley Tuck (also from the Knoxville area), has stayed with us when she has been here for a VMI hop with Ridge. Ansley’s parents have also visited with us as they came to check out Lexington and VMI to see if it was “safe” for their daughter to be here alone. We really enjoyed her parents, as well as Ansley. These are some of the nice benefits of living in Lexington and having relationships with cadets. It is interesting that when we adopt cadets as rats, some we have only for the rat year, while others stay with us for the four years and after.

Our four-year adopted cadet, Jack Wilkins ’16 from West Virginia, completed graduate school at VCU in Richmond and is now in his first year as an instructor at the Institute in mechanical engineering.

And, of course, this fall we continued to attend University of Tennessee home football games and made it to a couple of VMI games.

As for Tennessee, this year we moved from the fourth row on the 50-yard line to the 15th row on the 45-yard line, the reason being it was getting very hard to walk up all those steps without a handrail present. Now there are only three rows up to the concourse entrance; it is much better for us older fans. We do have our usual season tickets to VMI basketball, but at times we have a conflict with Rockbridge County High School, as our junior grandson is on the basketball team. At the Rockbridge Chapter Christmas party, we met a new alumnus resident from Wilmington, North Carolina, Dr. Jimbo Smith ’60. Jimbo is originally from Birmingham and knows Jack Trigg, and Jimbo’s father, also a doctor, knew Dr. Jack very well. As it turns out, Jimbo and his wife live only a few blocks from us.

A little class trivia: According to the Register of Former Cadets, our class matriculated 258 and graduated 158. However, this would include some ’52s who graduated with us, but not some BRs who graduated in ’54. According to my records, we have now lost 138 BRs as of this writing—this figure only includes those that at least completed the rat year. I have not yet totaled the BRs who are still with us, but based on the figures above of those graduated, it would be in the range of 20-25. I will try to come up with exact data by the time of the next class notes.

1954

J.M. Perry Archer

This comes from COVID-19 country—Houston, Texas. My wife and I got it, in spite of shots, of course. Finally over. We hope none of you has the virus or will get it. If you have—my condolences.

We begin with two stories from BRs. From BR Ollie Hux: “A non-rent paying resident. A few weeks ago, I saw a raccoon on our patio. Raccoons are fairly common here, but I don’t want them around the house because they can be destructive. Ellie was upset and wanted that raccoon gone! I knew a friend with a trap because we have, at one time or another, had too many squirrels, foxes, or rabbits. I set the trap on the patio, baited it with a leftover meatball, and sat in the sunroom (Florida room to some of you) to watch. I was sure the raccoon was denned up in the sunroom. There’s about 2 feet in the corner where the garden meets the sunroom that is dirt with concrete around the rest of the perimeter. I knew rabbits previously used that place to get under the sunroom. The raccoon came out and sniffed all around the trap twice, then went in the trap, picked up the meatball, and backed out of the trap. Then it sat there in front of us and ate the meatball. I went through the whole scenario with a second meatball. It was reaching over the pressure plate to pick up the meatball.

“I changed tactics. I bought some chicken wings and took picture wire and wired the wing to the cage in such a way that pulling on the

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Class Notes chicken wing would put pressure on the pressure plate. That worked, and business picked up considerably! She (I didn’t know it was a ‘she’ at that time) made the bone and wire disappear.

Planning to take the raccoon out to the woods and release it, I picked up the trap with the raccoon but had second thoughts. If the raccoon got out of the trap in the trunk of my car, I would be very unhappy. Just as I set the trap on the ground and turned around to go into the house, the raccoon turned around in the trap and was gone! She had worked enough slack in the chain holding the pin in the release gate that she had opened the gate to the trap.

“I knew the city animal control wouldn’t come out and help, but I called for advice, and they put me in touch with a professional trapper who only does catch and release trapping. He told me it was likely a female with a litter of kits. Normally, kits are born in the spring, but if a boar coon can get to the kits, he will kill them so he can mate again. Apparently, that’s what happened here. The pro also told me that raccoons never bring food to their den.

As soon as the kits are old enough to travel, she will take them away and will not return to the old den. With this information, Ellie changed into the ‘mother mode’ and wanted to feed and take care of the raccoon. I explained that, in addition to it being against the law, it wasn’t a good idea.

“I saw a kit last night when mama raccoon came out just before dark for her nightly visit. She made the baby go back into the den before she left the area. I don’t know how many kits there are in the den. I’m so glad she got out of the trap, or I would have had dead raccoons in a space too small to crawl into. My plans are all made to seal the entrance as soon as I’m sure the raccoons have headed for greener pastures.”

From BR Ray Helmer: “As I told you, I had an experience while I was in the military that I would like to share with you and the class. Around 1956 or ’57, I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the Big Red One, which is the First Infantry Division.

I was a first lieutenant. The entire division went out on maneuvers into the hilly area outside of the post. When the units go to the field, they all go, because that’s what happens in wartime. There was an incident when a pole trailer was being driven into the field with other vehicles in a convoy. The pole trailer went hurtling down a steep hill and crashed.

“I was asked to investigate the incident. I interviewed the driver of the vehicle. He said he

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could not stop the vehicle on the hill because the brakes failed. He showed me his right leg, which pushed on the brake pedal, and told me that his foreleg had been streaked with vertical bruises due to the pressure he had applied, trying unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle.

“As part of my report, I went to the motor pool and requested to see the maintenance records for that vehicle. That is when I learned, as I had suspected, the maintenance had not been performed as it should have been. My report reflected badly on our engineering battalion, including the officers who were responsible for seeing to it that maintenance had been performed. The report reflected badly on four officers particularly, namely two first lieutenants and two warrant officers.

“I was in my office early one morning when the four junior officers burst in and requested forcibly that I change my report so it would not reflect on the unit and on themselves personally.

I told them that I could not change my report because those were the facts that I learned during my investigation. They were visibly upset. The senior officers of the battalion were also very upset about my findings.

“The battalion’s executive officer, Major Hansen, soon had me standing in front of his desk while he chewed me out because of my findings, which indicated that the vehicle’s maintenance had not been performed adequately. Because the battalion’s executive officer could not get me to change my findings, the battalion’s commander gave it a second try. I gave him the same answer, that I could not do that because those were the facts.”

Ray stuck to his guns. This, to us, is typical of a VMI-trained and educated person. Others of you have told me similar stories. It is one reason we revere VMI and are thankful for it.

BR Milt Novak died Nov. 25, 2021, in Milltown, New Jersey, where he and his beloved wife, Ruthie, lived together for 65 years. He was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife and extended family members. Milt was an environmental engineer. When he retired, it was from the Schering Plough Company. He also worked for Mobile Chemical and Dupont. Milt enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and also limitededition carousel horses.

BR Don Walden wrote. Like me, he bemoaned the loss by the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. We hope for a return to greatness by

America’s team (as some still call it). Don has had a rough year—three accidents, including the totaling of his 15-year-old car, but mercifully no injuries. His newly purchased newer car is still something to be learned, what with all the modern bells and whistles. Don limits his travel lately, but his wife, Maureen, had an interesting domestic group trip, visiting nine western national parks in 10 days. Maureen, who is from Australia, will soon have visited and seen more of the United States than Don. Don is a horticulturist gardener, as we have previously mentioned. He goes to the community garden three times a week. Last August, he planted some clover, which he just finished turning under about six inches for soil improvement next year. He also has access to an excellent library and reads extensively. His current book is “George Marshall, Defender of the Republic” by David Roll. Don’s comment is certainly right; we need more leaders like Marshall ’901 today. My question: Would George Marshall, upstanding, honest, honorable, and a patriot, even fit? Are there any like him today—largely unaffected by political considerations—being given first place?

I received a nice note from BR Bob MacGregor. Bob was an acquaintance of Sen. Bob Dole and a good friend of Sen. Hubert Humphrey. He also sent a photo of him and Sen. Dole from the Wall Street Journal of Dec. 6, 2021.

Next are portions of the Christmas letter from Bob. We normally would not include a complete copy of such a letter, but we think it advisable in this case at this time in America. Bob is a splendid representative of our class and the Virginia Military Institute internationally.

“I look forward to a few more international service assignments—first, as a former chairman, the anniversary celebration in Caux, Switzerland, where Caux Round Table Principles for Moral Capitalism began. The principles are now the most widely circulated in the business and academic world! We developed the idea from a service assignment in the marvelous island country of Mauritius.

“We continue our driving trips to Hillsdale College in Michigan for inspiring and educational seminars. We believe strongly that seniors have a responsibility to stay informed and speak out ... especially with so many crises today; we are the link to the past and a bridge to the future.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1955

Barney Lawless Read Hanmer

This will be a rather abbreviated set of class notes due to a limited response for copy. I certainly hope everyone is safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that by the time you read this, we will have gathered a representative group of the Class for our 67th Reunion April 24-26 in Lexington. I’ve heard from a number of the class living far away that they cannot make it, but I hope the close brother rats will make our presence known.

First: Attention in barracks! You all turn and face the turnout. On Friday, May 13, 2022, our Brother Rat Maj. Gen. Tom Tait will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony will be at 1 p.m. at the Post Chapel, and after the burial, there will be a reception following at the Fort Myer Officers Club. Margaret Tait, our most faithful class member, asked me to remind you all of the ceremony. If you can come to honor Tom and Margaret, please do so. Remember, Joint Base Myer is an active military installation, and it will take time to clear your way onto the post—screening, etc.—so be sure to be early enough to clear entry.

Jimmy Howell has been residing on the gim for a while. He writes, “There’s not much news from my neck of the woods. I had major surgery Oct. 6. Due to the positioning of my body after they put me to sleep, they damaged my sciatic nerve. The surgery went well, but due to the nerve damage, I had to go to the spine center to get three epidurals in my spine to alleviate the extreme pain I was experiencing in my left leg—no more running on the stoop for me. I have had to use a walker or cane to navigate around. No fun. I hope to get better than I am now feeling. Hope the rest of you guys are doing well! I am disappointed in what is happening at the Institute. ... Jimmy.” (Class

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agent note: Get well, Jimmy; we’re all pulling for you.)

Bill Nolley says that all is quiet in the Holy City (on the banks of the James). Bill Cridlin keeps finding good funny stuff on the web.

Staige is very much “homebound” with medical issues, but son Tolar Nolley ’80 plans to accompany Bill to the April class reunion—God willing, and the creek don’t rise! Plans seem to be shaping up well, and I hope to see a lot of “young” BRs. Take care, stay in touch, and stay safe in the kitchen.

Ben Semmes said that he and his son, Ben Semmes III ’88, plan to attend the ’55 reunion.

He said my Christmas message was used as a small amount of leverage and volunteered. One of Ben III’s daughters, Lindsay, loves attending VPI. Another daughter, Michaela, seriously considered VMI but chose a Connecticut nursing college instead. Both girls are attending different classes in different cities in Spain this semester. As it turns out, there is a current VMI cadet attending the same school as Michaela.

They have met and talked about Lexington and VMI. Ben III felt relieved that Michaela— and, if necessary, Lindsay—were protected if there were any need. Great! In two contexts, assistance if needed and confidence that a cadet would be there if needed. Connie and Ben continue to live in Atria assisted living home, and she has been working against Parkinson’s.

He’s looking forward to seeing our brother rats and us at the Institute.

Bob Bowden notes that “as we mature,” he will have his son drive him to the reunion. Bob says Charlie Echols will probably come up to the reunion from Fincastle.

Helen and I continue to plod along as old folks. We transferred to another church where the priest-in-charge announced that her father and uncle had both attended VMI in the Classes of ’45 and ’47, which led me to tell her we were practically related.

Bill Nolley’s remark about our kitchen referred to a fire we had in our kitchen on Thanksgiving morning with a 21-pound turkey in the oven and nine guests due that afternoon!

Well, the fire is out, but I am now in a continual battle with my insurance company and contractor to repair the smoke damage.

We look forward to our “off-year” reunion with as many of you as can attend.

Barney

1956

Randolph S. Knipp

’56 Brother Rats, Families, and Friends of ’56 Brother Rats, This has been a tough year for me, as many of you know and have expressed. Julie Ford, my life companion and love, died Jan. 2, 2022. Many of you expressed condolences and understanding, sympathy borne out of personal experiences for many of us at this point in our lives. Sandra McDonald (Ken McDonald’s widow), Jack Prizzi, Pete McCrary, Walter and Charlotte Donovan, Bob Morris, Price and Mary Wingate, and Elsie Marangi (Joe Marangi’s widow) sent me nice cards with words of hope and encouragement, all very much appreciated. Ed Thompson also wrote a nice note expressing sympathy and also reports he has nothing to add, other than he talks to Jimmie Thurmond on occasion, and he is well.

Linda Brophy (Jim Brophy’s widow) took the time to write me a very nice letter, also remembering the good times that her marriage brought and regretting that her spouse (as mine) could not share enough time. Linda also pointed out that I failed to put the address and email for your updates, perhaps explaining why I do not have a huge report! (I trust you all will be able to get it from this note’s byline.)

Tom Frost also wrote a brief letter acknowledging the fact that my birthday cards are a job that sadly requires less and less time as time takes its toll! He is quite correct!

Sometimes a note comes in from others unexpected. One such came from George Sydnor ’57, who took a thermo class I taught as a sub in 1957!

George referred to it as having “had the pleasure of taking the class!” His recollection is at odds with mine. George is not far from me, in Fincastle, Virginia, quite a lovely area of the country directly on the road from Lewisburg to Roanoke; I travel it often.

Price Wingate and his wife, Mary, are in Roanoke. Price did three years in the Air Force and then worked 36 years with ExxonMobil. Mary worked for MetLife, and both are now retired.

(Not really a surprise!) Between the two of them,

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Class Notes and Dayle Salsgiver (who has a condo in Mara- means I shall slowly lose my forward vision. The there are six kids and numerous grandchildren. joys of age!”

He recalls his roommates, Bernie Bossard, Larry thon, nearby).

Fred has obviously had a busy life and kept Russ Wiltshire wrote that he and Margarete Frase, and Al Schwan, as do I. All good men, quite active until later than most. I trust I have not were in the hospital most of December and early great friends. lost too much in my “synopsis,” but if so, I will try Don Nyman expressed appreciation that I had January. I thought at first that they had COVID-19, to get it corrected next go-around. taken over the job of class agent and even more but it was bad bouts with pneumonia and bronJim Dillard moved into an independent living appreciation for the job that Dick Smith did for so chitis. It was serious, but fortunately, they were able to share a room! They are now back home section of a retirement development just before long. Believe me, I share that appreciation even undergoing therapy for what apparently was a re- the start of COVID-19. He said that meeting peomore with just a small bit of this effort under my belt! Don attended the last reunion and had a great ally debilitating experience. Russ mentioned that ple for the first year was interesting because two the cultural season (operas, plays, etc.) is on them people couldn’t eat dinner at the same table unless time, pointing out that Pete McCrary and Rocky they were married. It was hard to get to know peoStone did marvelous jobs (as did quite a number in Sarasota, and they will take in as much of it as ple when your companion is seated at a table 12 of others who attended the memorial service, as is possible. Hopes for a great recovery for both feet away. Things are getting better now for everyof you. well as those who got electronic copies). Don has Fred Stevenson wrote an interesting synopsis of one. Jim has been trying to locate his roommate, retired to Mars Hill, North Carolina, and is still active writing technical books. A review of his his life post-VMI, which rather than paraphrase, Al Jackson. Al was in a retirement community I will copy in parts as follows: “... from VMI, I this past summer but moved. Jim finally located book is planned for the May Alumni Review.

Al with the help of Betsy Gottwald, the wife of went to work for DuPont as a nuclear physicist Don’s wife, Barbara, passed away in 2019. They a roommate (Doug Gottwald). Inciproduced a large family of four childentally, Betsy and Doug are both in dren, 10 grandchildren, and 10 greata retirement community in Richmond. grandchildren!

She remembered that her son was in Jack Prizzi copied me on corresponthe class above Alan’s son. Six months dence he had with Pete McCrary. after starting, Jim located Alan living Thank you, Jack, for an interesting and in a skilled nursing facility about a retrospective letter! mile from his son in Florida. While Betty (“BBall,” she was called) living in his retirement community in Mann wrote a nice note to me and Montana, it appears that Alan took a mentioned that Jimmy Dillard and bike ride one evening going too fast Joan (John Tipton’s widow) had around a curve and crashed into a given her a lift to the reunion—much fence. This caused some damage both appreciated. Betty assured me that to the fence and to himself. The owner everyone who went to the reunion thought it was fabulous, their treat- Class of 1956: Pete and Sue Jennette having lunch with Bill and Day- of the bike wasn’t happy, the fence owner wasn’t happy, and the management was considerate and helpful, and le Salsgiver at the Lazy Days Restaurant in Marathon, Florida. ment of the retirement community that in particular, the ceremony that McCrary conducted was appropriate and emo- at the Savannah River. ... Janis Jordan and I were wasn’t very happy, either. Maybe that’s why they weren’t too helpful to him. I did talk briefly to married in 1958. ... I enrolled in Case Institute of tional.

Betsy Gottwald, and she told me she and Jim were Technology ... got a degree in electrical engineerEd Thompson dropped me a brief note stating ing. ... [In] 1963, I went to work for Numerical able to talk briefly to Alan in the last two weeks, he has seen no one since the reunion, but he does Control & Computer Services as a mathemati- but I got a call on Super Bowl Sunday that Al had talk to Jimmie Thurmond, who is well.

Bill Stokes wrote to thank me for the birthday cal consultant and computer programmer. ... [In] passed away.

I received a nice note from Paul Groonroos in card and noted it is something like being put on 1968, I moved to England until 1971. ... I returned which he expressed his appreciation for the work to Cleveland as a vice president of NCCS ... unreport (I was there too often). He also expressed that Dick Smith did for the class, an expression some disappointment in the changes we are all til 1986 when I left MDSI. ... In 1988, I was divorced from Janis. ... I went to work for EDS. ... that many have made. (And that I deeply apseeing at the Institute. This is a concern I have [In] 1990. I married Judy Shewach. ... In 1996, I preciate!) He, Spider Allison, Scotty Bowland, seen expressed a number of times by brother rats.

Charlie Lavery, and others have golfed on occaconverted to Judaism. ... [In] 1999, I retired from Bill expressed his love for BRs but also that his EDS. ... [In] 2016, Judy and I fully retired. ... [In] sion in the past, and Paul is hopeful of starting it love of VMI fades as it changes.

2020, we bought a condo in West Bloomfield, up again. Paul had to have a replacement for his A very nice note came from Pete Jennette. Pete and Sue spent time in the Florida Keys at Duck Michigan, our third ‘last move.’ We are both rela- left knee Jan. 11; it got to be bone on bone, bad!

Paul reports, “It’s been five weeks of therapy with tively healthy. I no longer drive, but Judy, who is Key, 60 miles from Key West, in a condo there. nine years younger, does. I have age-related mac- very good progress. My golf buddies are trying to Pete sent a picture of lunch at the Lazy Days Resular degeneration with geometric atrophy, which get into my pocket. I tell them I’ll be back soon taurant in Marathon that he and Sue had with Bill

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes enough. At this life stage, the more exciting stuff happens with grandkids. I’ve five in Del Mar and Solana Beach, California. The fourth graduates USC in May, and we’ll be there. He’s accepted a job with a hedge fund. We’re excited for him.

It’s less than two hours up the I-5 to Los Angeles.

Amanda, 16 years old, will rule the roost for three years and then she’s off to college. We are generally healthy. My wife has had issues for a few years which have not been adequately diagnosed.

As with some BRs and other friends, when you reach the late 80s, you can’t assume continued good health.”

I appreciate the help you have all given to me in this task. I really never expected to be in this position, but your help is required. Please stay in touch.

Randolph Knipp

1957

George Sydnor Jr. Howard Lawrence

The Virginia Military Institute. An Uncommon Purpose!

This issue is somewhat a landmark for George—the 20th set of class notes he has crafted.

Five years of a civil engineer valiantly striving to match a slide rule with an English thesis. So, here we go yet one more time, reporting on the latest brother rat call-a-thon results from the Ben Elmore teams, each feverishly getting their reports in so as not to incur the wrath of Ben and the almost certain curtailment of any bonus payment in the form of a generous 2 oz. portion of Jack Daniels Old No. 7. However, according to Ben, some volunteered due to his “overwhelming, irresistible power of persuasion, charm, and personality.” His wife, Damaris, has been known to say, “As long as Ben gets his way, he can get along with anybody!” Enough said, on with the reports.

Team 1: John “Saint” St. George reported in quickly, not wishing to incur the wrath of Ben and possible loss of the 2 oz. of Jack Daniels but note to Ben that the Saint would prefer Virginia Gentleman rather than Jack. Saint got down to business and contacted Martin Andersen, Drummond Ayres, Sam Barker, Bill Batten, Al Baumgartner, Bill Benson, Bob Blocker, and Bill Boice. Martin was in good spirits and is in good health, other than numbness in his left leg stemming from past exposure to Agent Orange.

Still firing his pistols; life is good. Drummy advised he and wife Claire reside in the Ayres family home in the Eastern Shore town of Accomac, to which they had moved following his retirement from The New York Times. Upon receiving the notice of the passing of Ted Fletcher Nov. 15, B.D. wrote: “Alas, and the beat goes on. His family roots trace back to my Eastern Shore hometown of Accomac and, in fact, to what is known there as the Fletcher House—a colonial-style gem on the town’s much-admired Back Street, tracing

back more than two centuries. That said, the town also is known, historically, as Drummond Town, the name of its first full-time settler. I grew up in a 1930s house on Back Street just a few hundred yards down from the Fletcher House. I’m not sure exactly how Ted’s roots trace to VMI.” Sam could not be reached and apparently does not use voicemail or has yet to set one up. Bill Ba says he fondly recalls his days as a cheerleader alongside BRs Carter Fox and Jay Long, but he says he now enjoys watching TV more than exercise: “What the heck, I’m 86.” Al says he sees very few “outsiders” other than the assisted living community in which he and Carolyn reside. The main theme of life every day is: “Keep your sense of humor.” He still plays the tuba with the Roswell New Horizons Band, gets his daily exercise, and still laughs when he recalls the time he fired his muzzleloader out of his barracks window, scaring the daylights out of a squirrel foraging for nuts to stock its winter cache. Bill Be could not be reached. Where are you, “Ensign?” Bob, still single and living in his adobe hacienda in Markham “hot, hot” Texas, is doing well enough and still visits his sister and daughter in Europe periodically. He, like so many of us, laments the bias so prevalent in the national news media, devoid of giving “balanced opinions.” Bill Bo was his usual pleasant self, appreciating the BR calls even though he only spent one year at the “I.” Once a BR, always a BR. Team 2: G.E. Murray went right to work on his list to call Bob “Mad Dog” Bolling, Bob Christopher, Wiley Clapp, Dick Collier, Bill Colvin, Don Coombs, Clay Coupland, Dave Davenport, and Tony DiCesare. G.E. reported that he contacted Mad Dog, Bob, Dick, Don, Clay, and

Class of 1957: George Sydnor, class agent, said of this photo, “ID this reunion photo: Which reunion was this? The winner wins a reunion cap.”

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Class Notes Tony. They did not have anything to report for the Alumni Review, and like most of us during COVID-19, they have not gone anywhere or done anything! Messages were left with Wiley, Bill, and Dave with greetings from their BRs and the hope that all is well with them.

Team 3: Kirk Hubbard jumped in with his list of Lew Diuguid, K.K. Dickinson, Mark Doty, Ben Elmore, and Carter Fox. Lew lives in an assisted living facility in Baltimore. He has two daughters living in Richmond. K.K. indicated he was having a few health issues that have slowed him down and limited his desire to travel. (Class agent’s note: But we have great news, Kenny; we have just been advised that that the recently published Webster abridged edition of the Dickinson English dialect has been accepted by the Library of Congress, albeit with a number of redactions.

Congratulations, Kenny; the class knew it could count on you.) Mark is still in Bishopville, South Carolina, and still teaches six hours a day at the local private school. Interestingly enough, it turns out that Mark has roots all around the Farmville area: his father, Mark Hanahan Doty ’924, and his grandfather, Marcus Walker Doty ’886. So, now we know why Mark never considered going to The Citadel. Ben continues being Ben, keeping his good sense of humor all the while battling neuropathy. Carter, whom I went to high school with in Roanoke, sounded “happy as a clam.” South Carolina is his adopted state, where he is in an assisted living facility in Mount Pleasant, just across the river from Charleston.

Team 4: John “Stud” Whittle went about his list with gusto, buoyed by the support of wife Carole. Contacts were Bob Garrett, Bill Gay, Clint Glover, Lionel Hancock, Milt Hargrave, Kirk Hubbard, and Bill Huffcut. Bob was recovering from a broken ankle but was being well taken care of by his five children. His wife, Alice, is currently in a nursing home in Roanoke. John had a nice talk with Bill G., who reminisced on his career as a preeminent heart surgeon and professorship at Washington University in St. Louis, better known as “Wash U.” Clint has been suffering from an advancing case of dementia, per wife Belkis. Our thoughts and prayers, Clint. Lionel and wife Carole Lee are doing well—in pretty good shape, all things considered. Milt and wife Nancy continue to “hang tough” down in Dinwiddie land, with issues and obstacles (seemingly always) to overcome, which they do with good humor. A good conversation with Kirk, who first advised us of the

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resolution presented to John Poffenbarger for his service for/to his native state of West Virginia. Bill H., aka “The Huffer,” and wife Betty were so busy they had no time for a call until chief snoop Ben finally ran them down—seems as though John had been relentlessly using an incorrect number.

Sorry about that, Bill and Betty; you are hereby declared innocent of all charges.

Team 5: Clay Coupland enjoyed going about calling his assigned BRs to contact: Tommy

Class of 1957: Jim Kyle in the U.S. Air Force.

Class of 1957: Ted Fletcher, son of Edgar L. Fletcher ’921, with a VMI cadet doll in parade dyke with shako.

Hunter, Nick Kallelis, John Kilday, Frank Kline, and John Kuchnia. Tommy is recovering from some melanoma issues but is in good spirits as he travels around the country in his RV “rolling palace.” Nick, aka “The Greek,” is doing well and leads a very active life. He keeps in touch with Carl Kasko ’59 and remembers well that fall day in 1957 when he watched Carl and the undefeated Keydets play Holy Cross. Nick and Carl also worked together in New Jersey, and the two families had a long-lasting friendship over the years when they lived near Pittsburgh and attended Pirates games together—even the spring training ones in Florida for several years.

They still get together, “reminiscing and telling the same stories over and over, as though it was the first time we are hearing them ... much like the fishing story about how the fish gets bigger every time its story is told or my 6-foot putt on the 18th to tie a match is now over 30 feet. Maybe not my real recollection, but hey, how can I dispute it if I can’t remember it?” Nick closed by saying he also stays in touch with Ernie Edgar ’58, first sergeant of Company D our 1st Class year while Nick was its captain. John Ki said he was pretty much homebound due to several health issues but appreciated the call. Frank was most upbeat but no longer riding the horses. As a retired Franciscan priest, he lives in an abbey in St. Louis. John Ku, our central North Carolina class ambassador, said that when he mentions his ’57 class year in his travels around North Carolina and attendance at several VMI chapter functions, the name Don Jamison invariably comes up. Everyone had nothing but good things to say about him, whether it was teaching, coaching, or counseling. Don was greatly admired by many cadets during his tenure.

John stays close to home now taking care of wife Loretta, who has experienced some major health issues; our class prayers are with them for her recovery. Nick Kallelis sent the following bit of information: “Few things on post are as powerful as hearing the roar of the Cadet Battery, a group of guns fired by a team of cadets of the same name.

The Cadet Battery has existed since 1848, except for a small period between the end of the Civil War and 1875, making it the oldest operating organization at VMI beyond the Corps itself. The original Cadet Battery consisted of six guns made especially for VMI in 1848, four 6-pounders (the ‘Four Gospels’) and two 12-pounders,” Cadet Charles Telford ’22 explained. “The equipment has evolved quite a bit, but the original guns can

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes still be seen on post in front of Old Barracks. Today, the Cadet Battery does not participate in real fire drills or tactics. Instead, it is used for retreat firings at the end of the day to salute the colors, in salute parades, and to support Breakout. The guns fired today are M2A1 (later M101A1) 105mm howitzers,” Cadet Nicholas Campbell ’22, cadet in charge of the Battery, stated. “We have five of them, four named after the original Cadet Battery guns (Matthew II, Mark II, Luke II, and John II), and our evening gun, nicknamed Paul.”

Team 6: Jay Musser, the “rainmaker,” was responsible for calling Carl LeBourdais, Mo Levine, Tiger Locke, Carroll Mason, Ron McManus, Joe Moody, and Bill Moore. Jay was unable to reach Carl and the Tiger, but Ben tried again later and ended up having nice chats with both. Stories of VMI were swapped between the three of them, much to everyone’s amusement.

An earlier card from Tiger related an amusing story about the time he was investigated by the FBI for being a communist and how he got the name “Tiger.” Both stories are too long to relate in these notes but are probably best told in a tavern over a beer or two or more. Somehow, Tiger had a penchant for staying in trouble a good deal of the time. Mo and Joe have a few lingering health issues which prevent them from any longdistance travel but otherwise seem to be OK, all things considered. Carroll and wife Darrel are “fit as a fiddle” and had quite a laugh from his birthday card that had been misunderstood by one BR (as of yet unnamed) to the effect that Carroll had passed on and sent a card of condolence to Darrel.

Carroll wryly noted, “The report of my passing was greatly exaggerated.” Ron is doing well, very attentive to his wife, Patty, who has been in a nursing home for quite a while in Lexington. Bill has been diagnosed with a mild case of dementia but is otherwise doing well and benefits “mightily” from wife Florine’s attention and support.

Team 7: Tony DiCesare went to work on his assignment to call Paul Muldowney, G.E. Murray, Jay Musser, Dick Newman, George Niedermayer, John Paganelli, and Randy Pendleton. “Contacted seven, spoke with seven, not a bad average, and happy to say, in a nutshell, all are doing well and in good health.” Paul is a real “rip,” always great to speak with, fun, optimistic, accomplished, has a huge family, a loving wife Harriet, and makes it all seem easy. Paul sold his business in 2004, which has enabled him to do a lot of charitable work, Goodwill, etc., now only

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doing what Harriet wants to. G.E. has a bit of glaucoma, a minor health issue he says. Stays at home, escaping and evading COVID-19, enjoying his kids and grandkids, and he occasionally visits their daughter in Cape May, New Jersey.

His wife, Rosalie, is a “pip” and a great support.

Jay and wife Sonja are doing well, and he stays in good shape playing an “excessive” amount of golf—shot an 85 and ready to take on all comers, including the intrepid St. George and gorilla Coombs. When asked about his moniker, “the rainmaker,” he said to avoid Monday and Friday

Class of 1957: 1st Class officers during the 1956-57 academic year: Russell L. Davis, president; John J. Turley, vice president; and Walter J. O’Donohue, historian.

Class of 1957: Keydet basketball team 1956-57. Pictured are (from left) Clay Coupland, captain; Jack Null, coach; and Jim Kyle, co-captain.

parades, he said he took it upon himself to do a rain dance in the courtyard, taking advantage of the valley’s contribution of heat and humidity. As we all know, it worked. Wife Sonja had breast cancer but successful proton therapy. They are very grateful. Dick has had an incredible career in academics, starting with teaching chemistry two years at VMI, then moving on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree, a Ph.D., to more classroom instruction, and finally a high-level administrator. He is now living his retirement years in the Arizona oasis of Green Valley, where he has become the virtual town mayor, having been chairman of the local water board for more than a decade, for, as Dick says: “Out West, he who controls the water supply rules with impunity.”

(Class agent’s note: We will have more on Dick’s wild West activities in the next issue). George, sharp as a tack always, is a retired medical doctor in Philadelphia, loving the city of brotherly love, having gone there for his medical residency.

Practiced for over 40 years and as we all remember, played a great trumpet on the “Commanders.” Said he had to sell the trumpet for money while in med school and hasn’t played since. He leads a low-key life, enjoying his three children and five grandchildren. Tony noted that he and “Pags” have always been great friends. John had a successful career in the insurance industry and was pleased to report that his success “rubbed off” onto his offspring, all three of whom had measurable success. Pags and wife Diane live on the west coast of Florida during the winter, mainly to escape the Rochester winters and not to have to play their daily golf with orange balls. Randy, retired from the newspaper business, moved to Charlottesville to be near his daughter. Believe it or not, he still plays in senior baseball, travels, and runs into many VMI people wherever he goes. Tony closed his report with: “It was my distinct impression that all the men contacted herein still have ‘all their beans;’ enjoy good health; are very active; have contributed a lot to society; and still manage to stay interested and productive, enjoy the comfort of families, have a decent financial status and, most important, warm marriages and supportive wives.” (To which your class agents can only say, “Amen.”)

And lastly, Tony commented: “I believe the BRs of the Class of ’57, individually, were made of clay before VMI and molded in that sometimes horrible and sometimes wonderful experience that is VMI. I, for one, had absolutely no idea

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Class Notes what I was in for, but it was one of the greatest experiences of my/our lives.”

Team 8: Bob “Mad Dog” Bolling had Paul P.D. Phillips, Jim Piggott, John Poffenbarger, Ed Powell, Dudley Price, Skip Richardson, and Pete Riddle on his assigned list of BRs to contact. Unfortunately, his efforts resulted in a “water haul,” as he was unable to get in touch with P.D., Ed, Dudley, Skip, nor Pete. Jim was hard at work finalizing our 65th Reunion slated for late April and felt as though shake-a-leg would soon reverberate in his every moment.

The Hon. “Poff” was well, taking care of wife Susan and tending to his recalcitrant back issue.

(Class agent’s note: An email from Kirk Hubbard alerted George to an award and resolution of appreciation presented to John Poffenbarger Jan. 20. To wit: “Resolution Honoring John Poffenbarger” from the Kanawha County Commission. This resolution affirmed the deep appreciation for his service of many years to Kanawha County, the City of Charleston, and the citizens of West Virginia, having served for eight years as a state senator, 12 years as vice chairman of the West Virginia Investment Management Board, and six years as general counsel to the West Virginia Department of Administration, five years as a member of the West Virginia Racing Commission, and several years as the city attorney for the Town of Dunbar. One of his most vital roles was that as chief bond counsel to the Kanawha County Building Commission. In recognition of which the commission has been renamed “The John Poffenbarger Kanawha County Building Commission.” Wow! Poff, you make us proud. Any chance of a bronze plaque emblazoned with our class shako logo?)

Due to allocated space limitations, the reports from team No. 9, Mo Levine (assigned to contact Fritz Scholz, Van Sessoms, Joe Spivey, John St. George, Garland Sullivan, George Sydnor, and Dixie Thomas), and team No. 10, Ron McManus (assigned to contact Jack Trant, Harry Warner, John Whittle, Joe Wickes, Vic Wolf, and Jay Woodward), will be included in the next edition of these class notes.

Several brother rats, for personal reasons, have requested that they not be called or contacted. We respect their wishes and wish them well as we remember BRs Waverly Dickens, Bruce Dunseth, Carl Hellstrom, Dick Hunt, Bob Newbill, Fred Newcomb, and Armand Wagner. We hope you guys are well and in good spirits and send you

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greetings from your ’57 BRs. The gim: Don Coombs stays in touch with Billy Elmore, Bob Fravel, Bill Haas, Phil Miller, John Quillen, Jim Rust, and Jim Snead. Billy could not be reached, but Don left him a message sending best wishes from our class. Bob, we regret to report, is now in hospice per his wife Connie. We keep them in our prayers. Don had a lengthy conversation with Bill; he and his wife still live at home where he has a caregiver who comes on a regular basis.

Bill remains in good spirits and jokes about the “I” like most of us: Glad he went there but wouldn’t want to do it again.” Phil was not in, but Don talked with his daughter, Betsy Lamb, who said he was doing as well as can be expected. Then, there was Big John who continues to say: “Can’t walk, can’t see, but the good Lord, for whatever reason, still wants me around. Keep the calls coming; they are much appreciated.” John added that he and wife Judy were expecting their first great-grandchild and closed with: “Give our best to the class; I think a lot about the times at school.” Don had a lengthy talk with Jim R.’s wife, Bobbie.

Regretfully, she reported that Jim was steadily going downhill, and she does her best to take care of him as his caregiver. The class sends its prayers to them both. (Class agent’s note: Howard has always been amazed that Jim Rust arrived at VMI at age 16. Did he start elementary school early or maybe skipped a grade or maybe went to a high school that ended with the 11th grade, as did many rural high schools were structured in the early ’50s?) Jim S. is in a memory care facility, per wife Janice; he, unfortunately, does not remember anyone at this point of his steady decline. Our prayers to them both, as well.

The widow’s corner: G.E. Murray sent George a note advising of the passing of Nancy Bain, wife of deceased BR Walter “Bubba” Bain, Jan. 31. They were lifelong sweethearts.

We then had a note from Kathy Espey thanking us for keeping her informed on the passing of brother rats and the remembrances of birthdays and the holiday greetings. A note from Evelyn Fletcher, wife of BR Ted Fletcher who passed from our ranks Nov. 15, 2021, to Dick Collier: “Thank you very much for your kind gift to VMI in Ted’s honor. He was so very proud of VMI and the way it influenced his whole life. Ted was much loved and respected in his community. He

is sorely missed. Sincerely, Evelyn.” Patti Hammond faithfully sends us periodic notes, attends our reunions, and continues to enjoy her annual trips to Colorado to visit family and frequent visits to her condo in Myrtle Beach: “Staying active and healthy; no COVID-19 for me!” Evelyn Fletcher sent a very nice letter outlining several events and milestones in the life of Ted. She sent a picture of him on his first birthday when he received a VMI doll and an AT&T telephone truck, which foretold his future—he went to VMI and worked for AT&T for 35 years. Evelyn still has both the doll and the truck—a little worse for wear, she said. Laura Kyle, daughter of BR Jim, sent us a nice note thanking us for our class communication on his passing. And Don Coombs has stayed in touch with Edie Fiske, Dianna Kyle, and Martha MacKay with periodic calls, which they all appreciate. Martha MacKay sent a nice note reminiscing about the many antics of Ray and his roommates, Don Coombs, Nick Kallelis, and Carl Schladitz, aka “the Kraut,” whose wife, Joyce, sent us an appreciative note on “hearing news on people I no longer see.” Her favorite remembrance was Ring Figure weekend in November 1955, plus the good news that her newest grandson is named Carl. Then, there was a note from Dot Wood: “Dear gentlemen of the Class of 1957, you were so nice to remember Bob with a donation to VMI. I had friends in college, but the closeness of VMI’s brother rats is like nothing I’ve seen elsewhere. Robert told many VMI stories, most of them with a twinkle, and followed the fate of the sports teams and changes such as women in the Corps with interest. Thank you for your gift. Go VMI!” Before signing off on this edition of our ’57 class notes, we continue our honored tradition of remembering our brother rats who have “crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the trees.”

Our seventh list of “those gone but not forgotten,” Class of ’57: John Gardner, July 23, 2000; Bill Blackwell, Oct. 02, 2000; Ed Donner, Nov. 03, 2001; Joe Yon, Dec. 06, 2001; and Stuart Nichols, June 06, 2002. And since the last edition of these notes, we have lost Ted Fletcher.

Rest in peace, brother rats, until at last we are all reunited. There are 85 of us still standing! And although the Class of ’57 is showing its “model and mileage,” we are still marching, heads up, into whatever the future may bring.

Proud to be your class agents, George and Howard

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes enforcement-themed restaurant.” And indeed, it is loaded with military and police memorabilia. A trip to the bathroom might keep you away from Lee McCown your table for a while because there’s so much to see. The ceiling of one room is completely covered with sheriffs’ badges! Jerry says it’s popular with Marine Corps veterans like him, and the food was very good. Bill has recovered from his leg and foot injury, the result of an ill-advised roof Greetings from the house where the Christmas excursion he says he won’t be repeating. tree is still up on Valentine’s Day. Don’t fret over Drew Troxler’s Dec. 30 service was at St. my brain damage. My mother died with her mind John’s Church Savannah, an Episcopal Church functioning at 95, and by then, the Christmas dewhere their motto is, “The truth of the Bible in cor was up all year. the beauty of the Anglican tradition.” The The majority of our notes this time will 1853 church is magnificent. It was the first describe how our late BRs have been mechurch where, about a decade ago, Laura morialized. Our trips to all of these cerand I saw a sign saying the church was emonies were soul stirring. the recipient of a grant from the National Let’s begin with Joe Gray’s burial at Fund for Sacred Places, a subsidiary of Quantico National Cemetery Nov. 17. the National Trust for Historic PreservaLaura and I went with our chauffeur, Paul tion. We’ve since seen an NFSP sign at Royer, whose interstate driving precision Temple Beth Ahabah in Richmond, built we highly commend. Bill Dunn and Jerry in 1904, a few blocks from us. It’s underPaull also attended. gone a great renovation, too.

Betty Gray and their children, Steven The NFSP website says, “The program Gray ’86, Jason Gray ’89, and Lauren, is designed to help congregations successmade a wise decision in their choice of fully navigate the capital project process someone to conduct the graveside serthrough training, technical assistance, vice—the VMI Corps chaplain, Col. planning support, and matching capital Bob Phillips ’87, had frequent telephone grants.” These grants are a real blessing discussions with Joe, who was very conbecause few congregations have membercerned about the absence of victories in Class of 1958: Bill Holt’s family made sure his love for the Instiship large enough or wealthy enough to VMI sports. Col. Phillips said his con- tute was reflected in the flowers at his funeral. take care of big old properties alone. The versations with Joe always ended with, 1908 Unity Temple Unitarian Universal“What can I do for you?” Mine as class ist in Oak Park, Illinois, has a small conagent often ended that way, too. Joe was a gregation. It is considered a Frank Lloyd true servant leader in the Army and in his Wright masterpiece and recently underchurch. The following remarks by retired went a $25 million restoration, supported U.S. Army Col. Phil Bernstein were postin part by the NFSP. ed under Joe’s obituary on the Virginia Drew definitely made his exit in surGazette website. roundings of the highest aesthetic level, “I was Major General Gray’s S-5 (civil and the service itself was beautiful, too. affairs officer) when he was [commandHis daughter, Chambliss Stevens, and her ing general], 220th Military Police Brifamily live in Savannah and are members gade, and later as deputy assistant chief of of St. John’s, while daughter Mallory personnel, 97th Army Reserve Command.

Lehn and her family live in Knoxville.

Despite never having served in combat or As most of us know, Drew was a true in a combat zone, he demonstrated a dyVietnam War hero. His U.S. Army Renamic, command presence, earning the serve 319th Transportation Company respect, confidence, and admiration of all based in Augusta, Georgia—which came his subordinates as if he had done so.

“He assembled and commanded a Class of 1958: Ernie Edgar’s reunion of first cousins included to name themselves “Troxler’s Trucktwo VMI men and their wives: Elizabeth and Ernie with Terry ers”—was called up as a unit in 1968, unique brigade staff of Vietnam War-expe- Moore ’67, cousin, and his wife, Beth. so their ages vary considerably. Around rienced combat veterans, including West

1958

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Point, VMI, and The Citadel graduates second to none in the Army. He was demanding but very fair and had a keen knowledge of and respect for military history. I will mourn his passing. He was a good and decent man and commander whom I was honored and privileged to serve.”

Rest in peace, Joe. Betty seemed well and said she still spends time with their daughter in Williamsburg, where they lived for years before their move to Austin because of Joe’s condition.

After Joe’s service, Laura, Paul, Bill, Jerry, and I had lunch at the nearby Globe & Laurel, described on its website as a “military and law

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Class Notes a dozen of them came to his service bearing the 319th guidon with their insignia. A wreath honoring Drew (and them) was placed at the entrance to the church parish house, the Green-Meldrim House, where the reception was held. This grand house is where Gen. Sherman wrote his famous “I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah” letter to President Lincoln. Drew and his beloved JoAnn, who died last year Jan. 5, once took us on a tour of it.

I’ve sent some of the following 319th tributes to Drew by email—these men trucked a million miles together, earning three Purple Hearts and 16 Bronze Stars—but here are a few for the record: “He took 130 of us to Vietnam as boys and brought back responsible men. A true leader. RIP, Captain Troxler! ... He protected our unit, supplied us with great leadership and knowledge. Even after Vietnam, he was there for us in every way possible. A true hero, he will be greatly missed ... Captain Troxler was more than our [commanding officer]. He was our friend. He was always there for us. We were his boys. Rest in peace, good friend. ... He could serve as an example to all Army commanders. He looked after his men and was loyal to his mission. A fine human being. ... Our captain was so profoundly influential in the direction of all of our lives, not only that time from May 1968 through August 1969, but from that time forward.

Captain Troxler performed his duties as a leader, as a friend, and as a father to all in our unit during our time under his command, a responsibility he accepted, and in my opinion, excelled. After this part of our lives, what we did with our memories, our ambitions, our friendships, and our very lives is the responsibility of each of us.”

Rest in peace, Drew. Drew and JoAnn will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery March 3.

Bob Spurrier, another ’58 Vietnam War veteran, will also be buried at Arlington May 20.

On Feb. 11, Brooke Doggett, Moon Menefee, Paul Royer, Laura, and I went to BR Bill Holt’s service at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Powhatan, Virginia. Bill died as he wished to, at home with his family. We know that can be a challenge for any family, but it was met unfailingly

by Landa and the children—daughters Leslie Jefferson and Karen Clark and son Tony Holt ’97.

Bill’s Mass of Christian burial was exceptionally beautiful, with more music than Laura and I ever remember hearing at a funeral service. It was a reminder of Bill’s love of music, as he was a trumpeter and, we found out, also a singer. That

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might explain his strong voice when we made a visit not long before his death. His obituary suggested contributions honoring his memory to the VMI Band. Bill also played in the John Marshall High School Alumni Band for years.

All six pages of the program had bars of music on them—some sung only by the choir and/or the cantor, some with the congregation. We were unfamiliar with the position of cantor in a Roman Catholic Church, having only heard the term in synagogues, where it is a ministerial position. It is a very important lay position in the Roman Catholic Church, handled beautifully on this occasion.

Landa had decided before Bill’s death to move to Roanoke, where both of their daughters live.

Class of 1958: Lee McCown represented the class at Drew Troxler’s service and toasted him afterward in a Savannah whiskey bar.

Class of 1958: Men who served in Vietnam with Drew Troxler’s beloved 319th Transportation Company— “Troxler’s Truckers”—brought this wreath to his funeral.

She will be doing so after an interval. Of course, I was happy because I’m a Roanoke native who knows it’s a great place to live. Bill and Landa will be interred in the columbarium at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Roanoke, which I never went to growing up, but Laura and my Methodist mother talked about incessantly after they visited once just after it had undergone a renovation. Laura declared it to be perfect. The church just had another renovation, and their website shows it immediately with “moving pictures” you won’t have to search for: www.standrewsva.org.

Rest in peace, Bill Holt.

In late 2021, Elizabeth and Ernie Edgar enjoyed a reunion of his first cousins in Atlanta, including Terry Moore III ’67. Terry said, “My son and his wife hosted the reunion of his more elderly—or should I say mature?—cousins. It included dinner at Pricci’s, an excellent Italian restaurant in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, plus a second evening at their home. Of course, it involved lots of gossip, catching up, and libation for motivation, as we had not all gathered together for several years. To be fair, we did have a Naval Academy grad (Leland Moore ’68), one of the first cousins, in attendance, among other veterans, too.”

Ernie added, “Elizabeth and I are more than several years older than all who were present, but good times were had by all.”

Robbie Robertson’s wife, Pat, had this to say in their Christmas letter: “What a year this had been!

And what joy it was when many events were allowed to return to semi-normal. How good it was to see smiles and experience hugs once again, gather in groups, worship in church, and eat in restaurants! It is amazing how much in life we take for granted until it’s taken away.

“We are so grateful that none of our family has gotten COVID-19 so far and that we have been blessed to be in relatively good health for two people in their 80s. [Pat] had a pacemaker put in in September, and all seems to be going well. Richard will probably be scheduled for a [Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement] procedure to replace his aortic heart valve next year. They test him every three months and feel it will be time in the near future. I stay busy at First Presbyterian leading a Life Group and participating in several Bible studies. Richard also attends a Bible study and is active in the El Paso County Highway Advisory Commission and the Pikes Peak Rural Transit Authority.” Best of luck to both of you, Pat and Robbie.

Also from a Christmas letter I received is this

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes from the communicator, Janice, and Gates Sykes: “With the coronavirus coming to visit and refusing to leave, I hope you and your family have been well. We both received our shots for the virus, but Gates still became sick, and we were worried he might have pneumonia or had contracted the virus. When he was tested, they said he had bronchitis. With medication, he recovered quickly, but he still has not regained all his strength and stamina.

“I’m still fighting with arthritis, and I think it’s winning! Otherwise, we are doing well. We don’t go out much. We have been going to church and have gone to a couple of restaurants, but now our precious dog, Troubles, has become very sick, so we’ve been staying home with him. We don’t expect him to make it until Christmas, but who knows? Every now and again, he will get a little energy spurt and chase a squirrel, but not very far.” Janice, best to you, Gates, and Troubles.

Another engaging Christmas letter came from Sandy Yon. “I hope that everyone had an enjoyable year even while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems hard to believe that it has been almost two years since we started with this dramatic change in our lifestyles, and I will be so glad when I can quit wearing a mask. ... I am happy to be back to volunteering at the hospital at least two days a week. I still have not returned to the aquarium; however, I am hoping to be doing so very soon if they ever receive my new uniform shirt and jacket.” (Sandy, I hope your uniform jacket comes back with some service stripes on it, given all the years you’ve dedicated to the organization.)

“It has been difficult with not being able to travel; however, my travel days are probably over anyway because I am suffering from advanced COPD that would make it difficult to fly very far and to be able to take part in all the tour activities that I found myself being unable to do during the past few years. So, I have been traveling through retaking all the trips I’ve been writing about for my book. I only have about five more trips to complete and then what? I have no idea.”

It was so great to see Sandy at the funeral service for BR Ken Godfrey. Best to you, Sandy, and keep up your indomitable spirit. It’s an inspiration.

Sam Witt has moved into the full care area of Westminster Canterbury, and Brooke Doggett, who is in the independent living area, has remained a faithful visitor when COVID-19 protocols don’t prevent it. Sally Witt is in the beautiful house on the property that she and Sam had

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hoped to live in together. She visits him every day with their dog, Sassy, who’s a delightful little gal.

Laura and I see Sally and Sassy often.

Since we last saw him at Ken Godfrey’s funeral, BR Hunter Clarke has been through some rough times, starting with five-and-a-half weeks in the hospital with pneumonia. I’m sad to report that he got down to 119 pounds. Wife Betty Jean now calls herself “Nurse Fuzzie Wuzzie” and hopes that in the future someone else will be on hand to connect IV tubes. Obviously, humor has not left the Clarke household, and Hunter is gaining strength and weight.

Hunter has spoken with Bill Gee, who is getting back to the gym three times a week. I am very glad to hear this, as we need Bill to put together the booklet for our 65th Reunion, which will take place April 24-25, 2023.

BRs and SRs, please put this date on your calendar. It’s a beautiful time of year in Lexington.

Transportation will be reliable, but if you’re feeling a bit iffy about getting around, please consider inviting a child or grandchild to come with you.

We always make them welcome, and they always report having enjoyed their time on post.

It’s been great to live long enough to see football and basketball victories at our alma mater. We are strong in both of those sports now, and prospects are bright for the coming years. I am sorry Joe Gray is not here to enjoy these successes.

Rah Virginia Mil, Lee

1959

five years ago, Howard began responding to my emails and cards, and we began to communicate on a regular basis.

Not long after Howard passed, I received word that John Reed died. We will miss John; he was always such a big part of the VMI Class of 1959 and lived a life filled with energy and service to others. We will always remember John and his charitable work in Haiti.

Just before submitting these notes, I received word from Harlee Pate that Jim Castaldo had passed away. I called the family and spoke with his son, Paul, to whom I offered condolences from the Class of 1959. Although Jim was not an active member of the class, Harlee tells me that he kept informed and enjoyed reading the Alumni Review and the class notes. Please keep all of our sister rats, Marie, Cindy, Anne, and Irene, and their respective families in your thoughts and prayers as they adjust to these frightening, life-changing events.

I also received disturbing news from Jim Vermillion, who said that his beloved wife, Bet, has been struggling with dementia for the past eight years. Jim resisted moving from Williamsburg and tried to maintain a normal lifestyle, but circumstances and for the sake of Bet, he must pick up stakes and move. They are building a home in Gainesville, Virginia, where they will be close to their children and grandchildren.

Just as I was about to submit the class notes, I received a message from John Tompson that Betty Ann, his wife of 63 years, passed away Jan.

Shep Shepard

The worst part of this job as class agent is learning of the passing of our BRs, and this quarter is no different. We unexpectedly lost four stalwarts: George O’Neill, Howard Sprinkle, John Reed, and Jim Castaldo. George suffered with lymphoma and had been in hospice, where he was well taken care of for the past few months of his life.

George will be greatly missed; both he and Marie had a sense of humor that exceeds all others, and they were such a pleasure to be around.

About a month after George passed, we lost our first captain, Howard Sprinkle, who passed away from heart disease. I was delighted when,

Class of 1959: Billy Kornegay enjoying the day with his daughter, Kimberly Houser, and his great-grandson, Crossen Biscarner.

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Class Notes If you ever thought that those cards, 1, 2022. John said that about three years emails, and letters you send to grieving ago, Betty Ann’s health began to fail. That family members do not make a difference, was the primary reason she and John curlet me tell you about a letter I recently retailed their travels. She was feeling especeived. To mark the first anniversary of the cially bad the last day of December, so passing of Jim and Susan McFall’s son, John insisted that she go to the emergency Brady, they gathered for a family dinner room immediately. He was not allowed to where they enjoyed all of Brady’s favorite remain at the hospital, but that evening she foods. After the meal, they adjourned to died of a heart attack. Our thoughts and the lake, where they set afloat LED lumiprayers are with John and his family. naries while they all sang “Silent Night.”

Billy and Sue Kornegay wish all BRs Afterward, Jim brought out a box of symand their families lots of joy and good pathy cards from his BRs and read them health in the coming year coupled with lots aloud. Susan said that the reading of the of love and hugs. So far, Billy and Sue are cards and letters added so much to their doing fine; they got the COVID-19 shots, and although recently exposed to a neigh- Class of 1959: Ann and Shep Shepard attend the graduation celebration in a very meaningful way. bor who tested positive for COVID-19, of their grandson, Avery, from the University of Central Flor- They are an important show of our supida in Orlando, Florida. port, faith, and love for Jim and his family. they had no reaction. Their grandson, Lt. The McFalls appreciated the kind words Col. Alex Houser ’10, an Army doctor even a year later. So, you see, your kindwith a special operations unit, returned ness does make a difference. from Afghanistan several weeks before Ted and Ginny Harcke continue to be the U.S.’s abortive withdrawal, and they extremely careful and maintain a restricted are delighted that he is now safely back lifestyle for the most part. Ted ventured home in Colorado. Welcome home, Alex. out for some carefully regulated activiRogers and Susan McCall are attemptties including professional activities and ing to keep everyone in their family safe attending the 50th class reunion of his and healthy. Susan spends much of her medical school, class of ’71, the first class time sequestered in her studio, where she to graduate from the College of Medicine prepares for exhibits at several different of the PSU. He also took a trip to Edingalleries in the area. They have just about burgh to fulfill a commitment to speak at finished the VOQ over the garage and the British Society of Pediatric Radiology. look forward to BRs breaking it in. No. 1 While there, he spent a week with his son, daughter, Taylor, lives in Boston and is the editor of a medieval arts publication. Her Class of 1959: The MacGregor legacy lives on: Harry Mac- Tom, and his family who works in Scothusband, John, teaches but, after getting Gregor, Lee MacGregor ’92, and Cadet Brock MacGregor ’23. land. Their two girls visit them periodically, JoAnne from North Carolina and Maj. his MBA and law degree, expects to be Susan from Florida. Their other son, Leif, lives in working for a software company. No. 2 daughter, Albuquerque and works for Sandia Lab. They are Laura, a fashion designer, is doing woman’s golf looking forward to a family reunion in Edinburgh shoes but expects to move to Milwaukee soon in the spring. All the grandkids are doing well, but with her fiancé, Hill. Rogers still practices elder none have reached college age yet. Their plans do law, estates, etc. but is trying to cut back. Othernot include any relocation from the Wilmington wise, all is good. area, since both are heavily involved in the local Mary Alice Marley is doing just fine. At one community. time or another during the Christmas season, each Harry and Terry MacGregor are still trying to family member came to visit, and the big game get used to the many changes at VMI. They think for the early arrivals was find the tree, lights, and that perhaps some may have been appropriate, but decorations and put it all together. I can’t imagine the conditions and circumstances that caused it that crew working it out without Ron’s firm hand all did not sit well with them. They are proud of of guidance, which we all miss terribly. Christine their grandson, Brock, who is a 2nd Class cadet in and her family got there early, followed a few days the civil engineering program and wearing stars. later by Alex and his family. Tracy and Sam got Class of 1959: Tex and Emily Carr aboard Harry was always proud of the fact that he never there after the first of the year because Wayne is the Celebrity Equinox in the Caribbean. had to pay to have academic stars sewn on his not doing well, and someone needs to be with him.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes blessed with a wonderful family. Her future plans Jimmy and Linda Johnson are both doing as uniform. Both he and Terry went through a bout well as can be expected for a couple of old fogies. call for remaining in their house until it gets to be of COVID-19, but it was mild, probably because they were vaccinated. They were recently blessed Well, at least one old fogy. Linda turned 71, looks too much for her to handle.

It was such a pleasant surprise when I received a with two more great-grandchildren, twin girls, like she is 31, and acts like she is 21. Jimmy, on the bringing their total to 13, with two more expected other hand, is 84, looks like 94, and acts like he is note from Jenny (Maupin) McGehee, the former Virginia Powell, Mike Maupin’s widow. I have in 2022. Never would they have thought that they 104, but he continues to hang in there.

There have been a lot of ups and downs for Max not heard from Jenny in years. She still lives in would have six children, 20 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. They all got together on the and Lee Ann Blanchard this past year, but as they Richmond, and five years ago, she married Read farm Thanksgiving and had a great time. They are approach the holidays, they have great apprecia- McGehee, a retired physician. Jenny says she looking forward to grandchildren’s weddings and tion. They came close to losing Max in August loves to read about the antics of Mike’s BRs. She when his health deteriorated, and he was admitted has been playing quite a bit of golf, and one memgraduations in the coming spring and summer.

Bob and Anne Baillio are well in Houston and to an at-home hospice program. The whole fam- ber of the group is Brooke Doggett ’58, who knew continue to be amazed at their grandchildrens’ ac- ily gathered together to add their love and support Mike while at VMI. Contacts do endure.

John and Pat Van Kesteren hope everyone complishments. Avery Culp is 21 and a junior at during a scary time. Max has recovered, and he USC and loves living in California. Wiley Melcher was doing great as they prepared for the holiday has remained healthy during the past COVID-19 season. Thanks to special caretakers and their kids, years. Sometimes they feel that all their blessis 18 and a freshman at UT studying mechanical ings, happiness, and contentment engineering. Callaghan O’Hare with each other, especially in these is 28 and traveling the world as a past two years, is more than they photojournalist, while Shamblin deserve, but nonetheless, they conMelcher, 14, is in the eighth grade. tinue to be forever grateful as they Robert O’Hare is 26 and an actor mosey into their 63rd year of marby day and a yoga instructor by riage. They celebrated Christmas night in Los Angeles; MacSwain in Charlottesville with Katrina and Melcher is 16 and a sophomore in her family. Chelsea and her famhigh school, where he excels in laily continue to be quarantined in crosse; and Leo Culp, 22, is a senior Australia, and they will miss being at UNC and a writer par excellence. with Logan and his family this year Bob and Anne have at least seven in Albuquerque. Their health is so reasons to be so proud. good that John participated in the Betty Whitescarver says the past Charlottesville 5K Turkey Trot not year has been one of many challong ago. lengers. Learning to live without Ann and I continue to trek along, Penn after 58 years happily married has been lonely but thanks to Class of 1959: Bob and Anne Baillio with their grandchildren, Wiley, Avery, negotiating the high and low spots of which Ann has had too many. their sons, J.P. and David, life has MacSwain, Bob and Anne, Robert, Leo, Shamblin, and Callaghan.

She had some vascular work been good. She appreciated all the thoughtful phone calls, emails, and sympathy Lee Ann was able to attend the high school gradu- done, and like so many other minor surgeries, cards she received from Penn’s BRs. His National ation of their grandson in Minnesota. He is now she has had post-op problems that laid her up for a few weeks. For the most part, we enjoyed the enjoying his freshman year at Purdue majoring in Stormwater Business, of which he was so proud, is still busy and being managed by his business di- data science. They have once again been blessed Christmas holidays. Our granddaughter, Lilly, with a second great-grandchild. Life goes on for came home from Montana State but tested posirector and a wonderful, dedicated staff. tive for COVID-19, and we only got to visit her Max and Lee Ann with the help of their children, Carl Kasko is doing well, although he is slowing down a little bit. Fortunately, he still has his inde- grandchildren, friends, and their 2-and-a-half- at a distance. She graduates from grad school in May, so we will have some time with her before pendence; however, he does not feel comfortable year-old Boxer puppy. she sets out on her own. Our daughter, Colleen, I received a nice note from Gail Christie, who traveling by himself and prefers to have one of his children with him. Carl and his son purchased a has had a tough first year without Jack. She says it and her husband came over from Missouri af1955 Super 88 Oldsmobile—two doors, hardtop. is so hard to believe that Jack was gone a year Feb. ter the holidays, and we spent a great week on It is a blast to drive, but he did not remember how 1. It’s been a learning experience for her. When the golf course and visiting family in the area. hard it was to maneuver without power steering Jack retired, he took care of the bills, taxes, all the Our youngest daughter, Christine, took us all to and brakes. The old cars were not for the weak. paperwork. But she is so thankful that her brain an Orlando Magic basketball game, something Carl will be attending the Florida group mini re- still works. She is doing OK; although she misses Ann and I have not done in 20 years. We also got to attend the graduation of our grandson, Jack terribly, she knows he is at peace and out of union with the help of his daughter, Cindy, who pain. But life goes on, and she feels incredibly Avery, from UCF. Unfortunately, COVID-19 will accompany him to Florida.

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Class Notes reason other than a “senior moment,” I missed his birthday Nov. 21. When I caught up with him, I found him well and active. He also retold a story regarding an experience he had in the service. Phil was in Thailand flying transport in the ’60s. One day, he was transporting the dead in body bags from Thailand to Saigon. He happened to notice a tag on one of the body bags labeled Capt. Bayliss.

When he told the other pilot with him that he had had a brother rat named Bayliss, he was told that that particular deceased was from VMI, as he had a VMI class ring on. So, Eagle was cared for by his brother rat on his journey home.

Class of 1960: John and Patricia Moore at On Dec. 21, Bo Bowles celebrated another birththe reunion. day. I spoke with him, and he was well. Still working! On Dec. 29, I spoke with “Robbie” Robertson on his birthday. He was well.

I never spoke with Art Grafton Dec. 30, but he got birthday wishes through voicemail.

Bill Giles celebrates another birthday Jan. 3, but James A. Smith III I finally caught up with him Jan. 5. Bill is getting along. Jim Bagby and Tom Kurkoski also had birthdays Jan. 5. Both were well.

I gratefully received Christmas cards from the following brother rats: Bobby Graves, Darryl Markland, Bill Knowles, Bill King, Jack WilGreetings from 12 Evergreen Tree Drive, Lexlard, Ray Crickenberger, Mike Shoemaker, ington, VA 24450.

George Uhlig, “Eva” Gillespie, Jon Quinn, Tom Since our last edition, there have been two Kurkoski, Al “Denny” Zay, Ed Tolley, George birthdays: Nov. 16, Jim Gibson and Jim Schaaf.

Miller, Reed Myrick, Vaughan Foxwell, Jimmie I left a voicemail for Jim Gibson but was able Seeley, Reba Bayliss, Sam Miller, Jeep Goodwilto speak with Jim Schaaf in Birmingham. He is lie, Wayne LeBlang, Jay Jarrett, Jim Schaaf, Jim well and active.

Pittman, John Hilliard, Ed Davis, George Ax, On Nov. 19, Herb Vaughan celebrated his Bill “Peanuts” Elliott, Joe Morabit, Roy Manext birthday; he was going to dinner with his Class of 1960: Joe Sisler and Otis Pool on a Florida golf course. cleod, Don Hammond, G.G. Phillips, Seaborn daughters to celebrate. He looks younger than Brown, Henry Shirley, and Ed Martin. I’m sorry any of us. Very well preserved! if I left someone out, but again, I’m On Nov. 27, Henry Brown celgrateful for your thoughts. ebrated another birthday. He was On Jan. 3, Ruth and I had a enjoying his family. rude welcome to snow in LexingOn Dec. 1, I spoke with George ton—4-6 inches. I’ve not seen this Miller in Arizona and Jim French much in over 20 years, necessitatin Lexington. They were appreing a snow shovel purchase. I don’t ciative of their birthday calls. know where you are, but at the moThey got wishes for many more ment, it’s cold. birthdays.

On Jan. 6, Nick Hester and Ed On Dec. 14, G.G. Phillips celDavis celebrated birthdays. I spoke ebrated yet another in a long line with both, sending birthday wishes of birthdays. I missed calling him and wishes for more. but did catch up with him later. He On Jan. 14, Pete McGue celeClass of 1960: Golfing memories from 2017, some playing in heaven was grateful for another birthday.

While addressing Christmas today. Pictured are (from left) Jack and Nancy Horgan, Sam Horner, brated another birthday. He is well.

Herb and Terry Vaughan, Henry Brown, Joe Sisler, Jim O’Dell, and Jack It was good to see Pete at our recards, I came across Phil Spivey, Seamon. union after such a long time. among others. For some unknown prevented everyone from attending this prestigious affair, but we were there, and that’s what counted. Ann has been painting a little, and I’ve been getting in a round of golf every week. We are looking forward to the Florida group mini reunion in April, and our family reunion in Gatlinburg in August. Keep those cards and letters coming in.

Right after I submitted the class notes, I received a message from Lee Ann that Max Blanchard passed away peacefully Feb. 10, 2022. Lee Ann said that her prayer for many years has been that she would be able to care for him until the end and that he would have a peaceful passing. She did, and he did. Keep Lee Ann, Max Jr., and Mellanie in your thoughts and prayers.

Yours in the Spirit, Shep

1960

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes On Jan. 16, Ray Crickenbeger from Hilton Head, South Carolina, had another big birthday and got voicemail wishes. On Jan. 17, I spoke with Ed Tolley in Buchanan, Virginia. He had breakfast with his son and is doing well. Ed is still working.

On Jan. 22, Dave Lennon celebrated another birthday. I caught up with Dave Jan. 25. He is well. On Jan. 24, George Ax celebrated his next birthday. On Jan. 27, I spoke with Buddy Frith in Colorado, wishing him birthday wishes. On Jan. 29, Al “Denny” Zay had another birthday.

On Feb. 3, I caught up with Howard Moss. He had been out walking his dog. When he returned, he got birthday wishes.

On Feb. 9, I received the very sad news of the passing of our Brother Rat 1st Capt. Jim Tumlinson. Jim was also the recipient of the Cincinnati Medal. More information regarding

Class of 1960: Joe Stewart at the reunion.

arrangements will be forthcoming. Jim was not only an outstanding brother rat but went on to have a distinguished academic career in the field of entomology. Please Google Dr. James Tumlinson. He was a dear friend to so many of us.

He will be missed!

On Feb. 10, I spoke with Joe Morabit, who at the time, was well. He suddenly had an episode of atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalization and monitoring. We wish him well. He should do well.

On Feb. 11, Hap Miller and I had a “power” lunch, reconnecting face to face after so many years. Hap does an amazing job of keeping us all connected.

On Feb. 12, I had a wonderful birthday conversation with Jon Parnell. Jon sounded well. We hashed out the status of the Institute.

I was unable to speak with Ed Martin Feb. 12, but he got a birthday email wish. I later spoke with Ed. He was enjoying his birthday.

On Feb. 15, I sent voicemail wishes to Bill Keens and Jeep Goodwilie. We hope they are healthy and safe and wish them many more birthdays.

This brings this short edition of class notes to a close. I hope you all remain safe, healthy, and in touch. It seems the longer I’m away from our class experience and the Institute, the more it all means to me. I hope the same for you all. Please remember VMI with your donations, as well as our Bayliss Class Scholarship. As always, it is a privilege to serve as our class agent.

In the Spirit, Jimbo

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

Class of 1960: Buddy and Jeanne Frith at the reunion.

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The Vitales have so many COVID-19 puncture holes in them that we leak. When will it end? My back surgery went well, and I can walk without pain. Balance is still a challenge. Thanksgiving and Christmas, we were in Maryland with the family. Those four-hour drives seem to take longer. Grandson Mark Jr. got engaged, and we are all happy for the couple. On new year’s eve, we had a beef tenderloin dinner at the Gibbingses’ home and were joined by Larry and Jo Ann Respess; Jerri and Larry Wetsel; Larry Williams;

Irv Wells; David Harbach and his old high school sweetheart, Sandra Coleman; and Warren Copenhaver. We all managed to stay awake until midnight and toasted in the new year with very good Champagne. Bill Gibbings’ health is improving enough that he can do a little walking.

Joyce looks very tired. The Respesses are doing well, as are the Wetsels.

Larry Wetsel is still in a traveling mode, while Jerri is making their new residence comfortable.

Irv Wells has been in and out of the hospital. On Jan. 3, he went back to have his neck repaired and then to convalescing at Norfolk General while doctors try to determine the origin of an infection around his heart valve. Larry Williams looks and feels great. Harbach is planning to move to an assisted living facility in the spring. Warren “Dude” Copenhaver traveled from Florida, where he spent some time with Hill and Heather Browning (who are trying to “fix” him up), and then he traveled east to see his boys and brother and then to Virginia Beach to be with us. We had three widowers and one widow present for new years, and they all look great. Sue and I have been staying close to home and hope we will be in St. Martin in March.

As you may have read in your emails, Larry Respess and I have been trying to convince the VMI Board of Visitors to act on the resolution the class passed at our 60th Reunion which petitioned the BOV to award Gen. Peay ’62 the New Market Medal. I was told by the BOV president that a committee was formed to look into how to honor Gen. Peay. I told them they needed to act quickly before we were all dead.

Nancy and Ben Birindelli celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and frequently travel between the Outer Banks and their place in North Carolina.

Fred and Sheila Kressierer celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary and were very happy that their entire family came to Aurora, Ohio, to celebrate Thanksgiving with them.

Mitch and Jennifer Kot had their Vietnamese teenagers again and had a wonderful time with them.

Tim and Sandy Bryant are fine and busier than normal in spite of the fact that COVID-19 keeps keeping them off balance. The benefit from the virus is they have spent a lot more time with family than may ever have done before. Amen.

Lou and Jane Kiger are celebrating the arrival of the new grandson and a great-granddaughter.

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Class Notes Jane is still recovering from the car accident and is somewhat limited in what she can do.

Paul Johnston is enjoying his new home. Debbie remains besieged with diverse elements, and they are blessed that their daughter lives next door to them, or else Paul would be hard-pressed to help his wife.

Joe and MaryAnn Lisiecki posted wonderful pictures of their granddaughter’s wedding on Facebook. I wish I was there celebrating with my rat roommate, Joe, at what looked like a great oldfashioned Polish wedding.

Frank and Marion Oley undertook a move into a new one-level home about 3 miles from their current residence. Packing and moving at this age is a real chore.

Spike and Mary Callander are in OK health.

Spike fell and broke his right femur, and it required surgery. Now, Spike expects to get strokes from the other golfers. (Smile). Mary said they are seriously considering moving to a continuing care community near them.

Connie and Bill Nelms are fine.

Tom and Annette Jones lost their basset hound, and they dearly miss him. Tom has health issues, some serious, but they are taking life one day at a time.

Jim and Nancy Gabbert are doing fine except for an unfortunate fall where Nancy broke her leg and is now in a wheelchair.

Jude Elliott enjoyed Christmas with her three sons who came to Florida. Dave Elliott is in an assisted living facility, and Jude visits him daily. Dave is physically OK, but his memory is failing.

Andy and Peg Myruski headed off on the Auto Train for Florida, and we hope to see them sometime in April. They enjoyed watching the big snow in Fredericksburg. Andy’s Virginia house has a generator. However, his Wi-Fi provider didn’t have backup power, so he lost their security cameras. Peggy enjoys crafts, and this year she is focusing on driftwood.

Mollie Popp greatly misses Doug. She is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her great-granddaughters.

Judy Christie said they had a wonderful memorial service for Len Christie. It was on a beautiful sunny August day, and the whole family gathered.

Judy said she is sure Len would have approved of the low-key service. Judy manages to stay busy with attending gymnastics meets, dance recitals, and soccer games.

Bob and Jeanne Burks are two old folks trying

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to help each other. Jeanne had a knee replacement, and the last time I talked to them, she was not doing very well.

David and Edwina Thomas had an interesting Christmas letter. Edwina had a car accident, and while the seat belt saved her life, it fractured her sternum and caused internal bleeding. David said she’s a tough bird and is nearly totally recovered.

After a year of attending Zoom swim meets, David and Edwina, the honorary grandparents of all the men and women swimmers at the University of Texas at Austin, started attending real swim meets in chlorine odor-filled natatoriums all over

Class of 1961: Joe and Mary Ann Lisiecki at the wedding of their granddaughter, Teresa.

the country. David attended a new pool dedication at UT and managed to get a quick dip in the water following the event.

Ed and Phyllis Hollowell said the year has gone by, and they seem to be in the same box. They remain COVID-19 free and in decent health. They did get to attend the graduation of one granddaughter from East Carolina University School of Nursing and attended their other granddaughter’s graduation from Christopher Newport University.

The family was saddened by the death of their little Mia, which was the last of the Hollowell’s toy poodles.

Bob and Suellen Reitz highlighted this past year with Bob struggling with a low red blood count.

He had to have two infusions. Suellen had several bouts of dizziness and passing out, which resulted in a multitude of tests revealing nothing. Suellen continues volunteering at the church thrift store and has volunteered to be the special events coordinator for the church.

A bit of “Old Corps” trivia: Bill Maurer purchased a replica of a bomb at Christmas vacation our 1st Class year in New York City for a couple of dollars and brought it down to VMI. He had a permit to keep “a bomb” in the room, and it was used in the Company C 1st Class private picture in the Bomb. When he graduated, Bill gave it to the next class.

John and Linda Moore are doing OK. John is

Class of 1961: Attending a new year’s eve gathering at the home of Bill and Joyce Gibbings are (seated, from left) Sue Vitale, Bill Gibbings, Joyce Gibbings, Irv Wells, (standing) Sal Vitale, Dude Copenhaver, Jeri Wetsel, Larry Williams, JoAnn Respess, Larry Wetsel, Sandra Coleman, and Dave Harbach.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Gaylia Hudgins had Thanksgiving with her Colin Powell in Arlington Cemetery; so amazing. carving “pocket” crosses from wood, and they are daughters in Harrisonburg. Then, in January, Dad would have loved to see this, so I am thinking beautiful. she got caught in a snowstorm returning to Harof him all the time!”

Lynn Hartford has a brain disorder called proKen and Bert Modine spent Thanksgiving with risonburg and waited eight hours for fallen trees to gressive supra neurological palsy. He is now in the their daughter in Fairfax County and then the en- be removed from the roadway. hospital on and off life support. Unfortunately, this Archie Ramirez is doing relatively well and tire family had Christmas with the Modines at is not good news, as there is no treatment or cure.

Ben Cleveland had a heart attack, and the doc- their home. Ken and Bert celebrated their 60th convalescing from his left hip surgery. He said it was better than his right knee arthroplasty. Archie tors fixed five blockages and inserted three stents. wedding anniversary. said, “Daily exercises have been key to my recovThen he had total kidney failure, so he is on diery.” Take note! alysis.

Bill Hala did not go to The Villages. Irene came Bob Coltrane celebrated another birthday by down from Toronto for two weeks, and they encharcoal grilling a Kansas City strip steak and joyed Thanksgiving with one of Bill’s sons. She washing it down with a bottle of Jacob’s Creek is back, and the border is closed. Hala came down shiraz cabernet wine from Australia. “It don’t get with COVID-19. no better than that.”

Hill and Heather Browning came down with I love to see old pictures of us at VMI, and one COVID-19 even though they both had three shots. brightened up the day for Hannelore Garrison.

John Rudibaugh’s grandson, John Perez, apIone Garrison, Hannelore’s daughter, said mom plied to VMI, and John is pleased because he did is doing well, all things considering her memory his own research on military schools. He is a top loss. Ione showed her a picture from the ’60s, and student; excellent in soccer; and just a good, clean she had no problem picking out Haley Garrison. kid. Norwich offered him a scholarship, and the Skip McDannald missed his trip to Virginia family needs to see what VMI will do.

Beach for seafood because he was not physically Jim and Renate Mowery have been under a lot up to it. He thinks he will be well enough for a of stress and missed Christmas cards this year. trip in the spring (this is not with his son’s liking).

Their daughter had deep brain surgeries at Duke I heard from Ann (Sleepy) Hollowell. Ann loves Class of 1961: Having breakfast at the and, thank God, is feeling better. Jim’s PSP has reading the class news in the Review, and this home of Sal and Sue Vitale are Dave progressed, and Renate has arranged help for him. keeps Sleepy and VMI alive for her.

Harbach, Sandra Coleman, and Dude Jim has difficulty talking but enjoys reading.

Charlene “Cricket” Witt says she enjoys eating Copenhaver.

You can’t keep Lou Shuba down. His doctors good chocolate and is active at her senior center. were amazed. They have seen many cases Tom Phlegar’s wife, Barbara, has been of stenosis, and Lou’s, along with a few in the hospital with congestive heart failure others, were extreme cases. The good since October. She flatlined three times, news is all indications are that Lou is doing and the doctors brought her back. Fortumuch better than most in his situation. Lou nately, she had no brain damage. Barbara soon faces neck surgery, and after rehabilineeds a pacemaker and valve repairs and tation, he will again be digging in the garhas a long way to go to get healthy enough den. I hear that the pig roast may happen for these procedures to take place. As of in the spring, and Ashby Taylor offered to these notes, Barbara is finally home. Don help him with the event. and Ann Rishell moved again. This is the It was nice to hear from Ed Ambrose. second time in four years, and at the same Ed’s wife passed away five years ago, and time. They moved back to Fort Myers very he lives alone in his home and is doing near their daughter, which is good for Ann. OK. Lt. Col. Meghan V. Ederle, Ken EdPeggy Alligood Hayes is hanging in. erle’s daughter, is the first female deputy Peggy said, “I have been blessed with a commanding officer of the 3rd U.S. Infanfabulous marriage to a VMI man and gettry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the first ting to know and meeting all the brother commander of troops for a general officer rats and wives.” Amen! She has recovered retirement ceremony at Fort Myer. She from her knee surgery and is driving again. wore Ken’s VMI tie tack, so a bit of VMI Charlie Finnigan and his wife are both ’61was there with her. Meghan said, “I Class of 1961: Roommates in New Barracks, 1958. Pictured are (seated) Pete McCormick, Dick Hartman, Tom Jones, cancer survivors. They have to be super was honored to be able to shadow my boss (standing) Paul Goldman, Haley Garrison, and Mike Payne. cautious and have limited their travel. as he led the funeral service for General

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Class Notes Charlie said he will be at our 65th Reunion.

Clayton Smith is not having much fun trying to get his strength back in a rehab facility but is making progress. Clayton fell from his attic while getting Christmas decorations out. Fortunately, he did not have any fractures or paralysis but has an issue at the C3-C4 junction and was put into a neck brace. At this writing, Clayton may not need surgery but needs to wear the brace for several more months.

Bob Winslow recently published a book of poetry, “Proof I Was Here,” available through Amazon.

I didn’t know he was a poet.

Dick Hartman planned to make the reunion, but his son’s retirement ceremony from the Air Force (30 years) was the same weekend. Healthwise, Dick is doing OK except for a severe case of vertigo. Recently, the doc said it was not vertigo, so after staggering around for six months for some unknown reasons, Dick is going to start having two double Beefeater martinis every day. “At least then I will know what is making me stagger.”

Russell Stone has been in the Veterans Affairs hospital for several weeks. First it was COVID-19, and then he went into pneumonia. He will be there another couple of weeks and then it is off to rehabilitation.

Jim Needham says hello from the very cold Connecticut. All is well, and they are staying close to home. No virus, and they have all the shots.

Dick Youngblood’s recent tests show great results, so the Youngbloods believe that the prayers must be doing some good. Dick still takes pills, pills, and more pills. In early January, Judy fell and cracked her pelvis. Off to the hospital, but when the emergency room checked Judy for COVID-19, she was positive and put in a special ward and no visitors. As of this writing, she is in rehab and has a long way to go.

Elaine Wilkinson is going through a very quiet time with her Lab (Rockbridge) and Netflix. Don was finally laid to rest in August at the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. His family wanted only the immediate family to be there, and he had no church service. His headstone was laid in December, and thanks to VMI with help from Amy Goetz, a VMI bronze emblem will be placed onto the gravestone. As many of you know, Don was writing a book about his ancestor, the Confederate Navy block runner. At the time of his death, only a few chapters were finished, and 40 years of research remained. Thanks to the VHS in Richmond, they took all the research and gave it to

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Austin Brockenbrough, an archivist who will finish writing the book.

Ken Ayala is comfortable in his independent living center and in good health for an 82-year-old guy. Family lives close, and COVID-19 has not been a problem thanks to three Moderna shots.

Kenner and Nancy Rice are OK so far; they are fully vaxxed and boosted and just staying in as much as possible.

Beverly Austin Hanlin’s son had COVID-19 and was pretty sick. He still has not gotten his taste or smell back completely. Beverly’s daughter-in-law and granddaughter had it, but the symptoms were not too bad.

After our reunion, John Tharrington worked with Col. Gibson ’77 to add to the Hall of Valor two brother rats, who earned the right to be there: Retired U.S. Air Force Capt. James William Daniels Jr. and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gilbert M. Payne Jr. (deceased). Until 2018, Daniels’ mission was classified, and that was why his medals were not known. Mission accomplished thanks to John and Col. Gibson.

People tell me we are at the age when we should expect to lose friends. That doesn’t make me feel any better, and the last few months have been very sad.

Anne Metta Weede passed away peacefully Nov. 23, 2021, at her home on Final Hill Farm in Kerrs Creek, Virginia. Dick and Anne Weede were married 58 years. Several of our brother rats’ wives who attended college with Anne at Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia, knew Anne as a very talented artist. Dick said, “That beautiful lady who created such beautiful art is now living in one of her paintings in our house.” Over the years, Anne exhibited her paintings in shows throughout Rockbridge County and loved her artist friends, the Natural Bridge Garden Club, and the U.S. Marine Corps. At a time in the future, her ashes will be scattered in the wind at Final Hill Farm.

Brother Rat George Garland Payne passed Dec. 28, 2021. I had the opportunity to talk to Garland Christmas week, and we planned a gettogether for lunch after the holiday. It was a total shock. Garland fell and cracked his head, which resulted in pressure on and damage to the brain.

After a good fight, the Lord took him. The entire family was with him when he passed. Garland matriculated with us, and early in our 2nd Class year, Garland had to leave to help with the family business. Garland or as he was known locally, “G Man,” was very active in Virginia Beach,

especially when activities were related to sports.

He also was a great golfer, and after family, that was his first love. A memorial service was held Jan. 4, 2022, at the Spring Branch Community Church, and Ashby and Sandra Taylor, Larry Wetsel, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, and Sue and I attended the funeral.

Geraldine Claiborne Nicholas Moore passed away Jan. 18, 2022, from complications due to a stroke. Many of you remember her when she and her daughter, Karen (Dennis’s daughter), attended our 55th and 60th Reunions. Geraldine always made time to be with the class, and we enjoyed her company on our class cruise and at lunches in Williamsburg. Gerry kept friendships for life. She corresponded with friends (including me) and family around the world through her treasured, handwritten letters. A graveside service was held on a very, very cold and windy day in January at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg next to Dennis.

Larry Respess, Bill Daniels, Sue and I, and about 75 other friends attended the service.

I want to thank all of the brother rats, widows, and VMI friends who took the time to remember Sue and me at Christmas with letters, emails, and family pictures. Unfortunately, some of our regulars are missing this year. I post the names so you will know who is still alive and kicking. Al Ambrose, Peggy Alligood Hayes, Bella, Bryant, Browning, Jan Bissell, Burks, Birindelli, Callander, Judy Christie, Coen, Coltrane, Jerry Curtis, Daniels, Doleman, Durrette, Drescher, Elliott, Bill Eubank,

Class of 1961: Lt. Col. Meghan V. Ederle, daughter of Ken Ederle, is the first female deputy commanding officer of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and the first commander of troops for a general officer retirement ceremony at Fort Myer.—U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Nicholas Holmes.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Gerry Eubank, Fox, Fridley, Gabbert, Gangemi, Gibbings, Nina Grazulis, Goldman, Gouldthorpe, Hanlein, Harbach, Dick Hartman, Hartford, Henning, Bill Hill, Gaylia Hudgins, Hirsch, Ed Hollowell, W. Hoskins, Jarvis, Paul Johnston, Tom Jones, Troy “LT” Jones, Kiger, Brenda Kasel, Kot, Kressierer, Lisiecki, Barbara Jean LeFon, Maurer, Miner, Mary Martin, Modine, Moore, Carole Magee, Murray, Myruski, Moore, Nelms, Oley, Orndorff, Gloria Payne, Bill Phillips, Phlegar, Mollie Popp, Nancy Preston, Puette, Reitz, Rishell, Rice, Rutledge, Beverley Scott, Wash, Wetsel, Whalen, Whitehouse, Woodcock, Thomas, Geraldine Nicholas Moore, Clayton Smith, Keech, Respess, Kim Wise, Elfriede Winiker, and Elaine Wilkinson. From VMI friends: My dyke’s wife, Gerry Madison (Madison ’64); Tori Lewane (Lewane ’50B); and Pat Webb. A special thanks to all the widows who stayed in touch.

I received a wonderful note from Jud McLester in which he talked about not returning to VMI our 1st Class year and thought he was now an outsider, so he stayed away. As he now reflects on all the birthday and holiday cards he’s received for the past 60 years, he realizes he is still a 1961 BR and that never changed. Jud plans to join us for the 65th Reunion, and I hope you do, too. We still have a few BRs who have been silent, and maybe Jud’s comment will help them reconnect before it is too late.

Be safe and call a brother rat you have not heard from. Maybe they are distressed, and your call may help them. God bless you, VMI, our troops, our Virginia governor, and the USA.

We lost three brother rats in November and December 2021. Dr. Thomas Layne passed away Nov. 4, 2021, in Killen, Alabama. Thomas was with us for three years. After leaving VMI, he attended Lynchburg College and then received his Doctor of Mathematics degree at Vanderbilt University. He was a professor of mathematics at Shenandoah University for 40 years. He received his ham radio certification in 2021. He enjoyed antique cars and model cars, cooking, and baking.

George “Derby” Huger passed Nov. 26, 2021.

Derby was born and raised in Lexington. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1964

Class of 1962: Derby Huger and Edmund Strickler.

1962

Monty Williams Jerry Burnett

I hope all who attended our 60th Reunion in April had a great time. I have enjoyed being your class agent for the second time and appreciate your support and perseverance in my communications about the situation and actions at VMI.

2022-Issue 2

Class of 1962: Gary Kaylor receiving his MVP ring.

and started working and growing the family business. Derby’s businesses included Huger Davidson Sales Corp. (Staunton), Huger Davidson Sale Co. trading as Institution Foods–Huger Distributing Co., and Sealtest Dairy. Through Derby’s leadership, Institution Foods joined the national independent distributors’ organization, Pocahontas Foods USA, where he served on the advisory board. He was responsible for starting the MidAtlantic Share Group, a buying group within Pocahontas. The company celebrated 100 years in business in 2001, and Derby retired in 2002.

He was a past president of the Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce and the Rockbridge Hunt Club.

Following retirement, Derby lived in Fort Myers, Florida, and Smith Mountain Lake with his wife, Jackie. They enjoyed traveling the country and visiting with friends and family. Derby’s sense of humor and dance moves were unforgettable to those who knew and loved him, and everyone appreciated his fondness for flavored moonshine, a cold can of Old Milwaukee beer, and his endless supply and generosity with both.

John McWane left us Dec. 22, 2021. John graduated with a degree in physics and held leadership positions within the VMI Corps of Cadets.

One of his highlights at VMI was marching in President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade. He did not become a soldier, as he was too blind for battle. John was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Holland, an adventure he remembered fondly. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned a Ph.D. in physics. After graduating, John worked at MIT establishing technical schools in Iran (before the revolution).

He then went to work at Hewlett-Packard for the next 30-plus years. He served on the HamiltonWenham School Committee for 15 years and was instrumental in the funding and construction of the new middle school and rehab of the high school. He also worked tirelessly for his community in various organizations.

Bill Ritchie responded to my birthday greeting, saying it was a great 81st birthday. He sat in son Chris’ Jacuzzi and was fed sirloin and peel ’um and eat ’um shrimp. Four of his grandkids, two sons, and their wives, as well as his wife, Terry, sang happy birthday to him. He’s still teaching Spanish at St. Petersburg College, and Terry is still painting. He recently acquired a Hunter 28 sailboat and is currently bringing it into the 21st century. He recently had four new stents in his heart to help the ticker along.

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Class Notes spring for their grandchild’s wedding.

Bob Gesner reports that he is well; Cal Seybold and his whole family however, his wife, Frankie, is not dotook a river cruise along the Columing well. She had a total knee replacebia River, which divides the states of ment, and between her Alzheimer’s Oregon and Washington, Oct. 24-28, and the surgery, it has become more 2021, for his 81st birthday in October. complicated than expected. She is curThe trip was very interesting, esperently in a rehab facility and making cially to him, as the trip historian disprogress toward coming home. cussed the history and development of Edmund Strickler sent a picture of this part of the United States and how him and Derby Huger that was taken it related to the famous Lewis and in 2003. They were RVing in Helena, Clark Expedition throughout the trip.

Montana, and he saw someone lookThe fall season in that part of the U.S. ing at his VMI sticker. It was Derby. was rainy, and the weather cooperated He was about three sites down from fully. They took a mid-December holitheir site, and they were able to visit Class of 1962: Sonny Robbins, Nick Nicholson, and Betsy Robbins at day trip to the Gaylord Opryland Hofor a short time. a North Florida VMI alumni party. tel in Nashville, Tennessee, to see the Stinson Jones says things are going Oak Ridge Boys’ Christmas in Tennessee dinner very well for him and Julie. They were able to show and were impressed with the hotel’s very travel to Italy in September and spent 11 days in famous display of lights, sounds, and Christmas Tuscany enjoying the beautiful countryside, food, decorations. and wine. They also traveled to Raleigh, North In January, Nick Nicholson and Sonny and Carolina, for the funeral of his oldest brother, DaBetsy Robbins attended the North Florida VMI vid Jones ’50B. He was 92. alumni party. The event was hosted by Duke Dan Prall sent some pages of Mel Brooks’ justand Penny Addison ’82. The VMI head football published autobiography. Mel spent some time at coach was scheduled to speak to the group but VMI in 1944. If you want to find out more about was canceled due to the weather. his time at VMI, buy the book, “All About Me.” Bill Mizell reports that he started having several Gary Kaylor says that his wife, Sheila, passed periods of energy loss in May 2020 that were very away in 2018 from something like COVID-19. similar to heart symptoms he had experienced beShe developed a fungus in her lungs that the docClass of 1962: Rosser Bobbitt with George fore having open heart surgery in 2010. After four tors had no cure for and passed six weeks later.

Meredith. months of tests, it was determined that his heart This past year, he has been busy trying to stay in would slow down, stop beating for a few seconds, top shape and is usually doing something physiand start up again. That led to having pacemaker cal like basketball, tennis, pickleball, biking, or surgery in September 2020. He had hoped that running every day. He played in the five-on-five procedure would be the solution to his problems, Masters National Championship in Coral Springs, but that was not to be. Shortly after that surgery, Florida, in May 2021. His team won the gold medhis heart developed atrial fibrillation with a flutal in the 80-plus-year-old division. He was chosen ter, which resulted in a lot of fluid retention and as MVP and received a beautiful gold ring. He has energy loss combined. He was being monitored been chosen as MVP before in tournaments, with all that time; however, there was no progress or the most recent being the 2019 World Championsolution being offered by his cardiology group ships in Helsinki, Finland, after he had scored 25 at the time. His energy level was at such a low points in the championship game against the Ruslevel that his activity level had dropped to doing sians, but this was the first time that he received a basically nothing. On advice from a retired cardiring. He says he hasn’t been to a reunion in many, ologist golfing friend, he decided to get a second many years but plans to attend the 60th. opinion, which was the best thing he could have Don and Sandy Kane took a trip to Maine in done. In a period of four months, he had a carSeptember and had perfect weather. They spent dioversion (electric shock treatment) in July 2021, most of the time in the Camden, Maine, area.

Class of 1962: John and Cynthia Anthony which worked for three months, only to have the They visited Acadia National Park and said it was at the centennial gala of The American A-fib kick back in again mid-October 2021. After very windy on top of the Cadillac Mountain. He University in Cairo at the Metropolitan another six weeks, he had a heart catheterization had to hold on to Sandy so she wouldn’t get blown Museum in New York. procedure in December, which discovered a 75% off. They will be in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes blockage in his LAD artery. That was fixed with a stent during the procedure. On Dec. 29, he had ablation surgery. So far, that surgery corrected what they call an electrical short circuit in the heart that determines the heartbeat rhythm in the upper and lower chambers, and now his heartbeat is back to normal. His current progress is heart rehabilitation for three months to rebuild the heart muscle back to a normal efficiency level of 60-65%, versus the 34% rate that his heart was functioning before the procedure. His advice to anyone who may be experiencing similar symptoms or any other medical symptoms that do not feel right in your body is to be your own medical advocate for your medical condition. You are the one who knows more about your body than anyone, and if you feel you are not getting the best advice available, seek another opinion! For him, that is a mandatory requirement. So far, it is proving to be the best course of action he could possibly have taken without a doubt, and he highly recommends it to anyone and everyone.

George Collins took to the sea again in January 2022 for a race from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. After finishing second in a very tough upwind race from Miami to Nassau in November and in the Race to the Buffet in the Miami-Palm Beach Race, another upwind with a lot of tacking, they damaged the collar at the foot of their rigmast. So, 15 nautical miles into the race, after the start in first place just off Bal Harbour, they had to retire and limp back to Fort Lauderdale. The boat is now in the Cracker Boy Boat Works yard in Rivera Beach, awaiting infra ray testing to see if there is damage to the mast. A collar fix is relatively easy. There are a couple of potential races on the schedule—Canaveral and Charlestown— but the boat won’t be ready for one, and the other is during our reunion. Because of injuries and physical limitations, he is considering donating the boat to either the United States Merchant Marine Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy, where he has donated race boats in the past. He is going to talk to VMI, but he really wants the boat sailed in either the Long Island Sound or the Chesapeake Bay. It won’t work on the Nile behind barracks.

He still has his Farr 400, Invicta, that he races on the Long Island Sound near his Connecticut home. He is planning a ski trip to Aspen in March with his family, but given his injured knees, he’s not sure he can get on skis. He’s still swimming but not as fast as when he was at Southern Conference championship level.

2022-Issue 2

John Eger, who is professor emeritus at the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University, recently published an opinion on how Congress can hold Facebook accountable for the harm it does. The link for the article is: sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2021-10-25/facebook-social-mediacommunications-decency-congress John says he hates retirement, but he has rediscovered painting.

John Anthony writes that before and since he was hospitalized in December 2020, he has participated in a total of 133 protests in front of the White House and the Supreme Court in support of racial justice and human rights. An octogenarian like the rest of us, that he has been disabled and on crutches for more than a decade has not stopped him. John acknowledges that his views and actions might not sit well with some of our classmates. That said, he says that among the numerous frames of reference throughout his demonstrations have been two VMI-related sources.

One has been his father, James Anthony ’925.

As director of public safety in Richmond in the 1940s, he was the first to integrate the city’s police and fire departments. Informed by some of his superiors and peers that the city was not ready for such change, he did so anyway. John also cites the influence of Jon Daniels ’61, the civil rights martyr. John also has been invited to join “The Wisemen,” a group of elite distinguished Arabists who author analyses on topics relative to the Arab world. This is due to his long experience with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its six member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. John and Cynthia attended the 100th anniversary gala of the American University in Cairo at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. John is an alum of the Arabic program of AUC. Cynthia has worked for AUC for the last 25 years as the director of their Washington, D.C., office. After he and Cynthia attended the most recent Institute Society Dinner, John met privately the next day with Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, superintendent. John says he is impressed with the general’s vision and mission statement—in particular his emphasis on educating and training as they relate to strengthening and developing a cadet’s character and leadership skills. John said the superintendent could not have been more candid and forthcoming in outlining how his “administration has the requisite

science, conviction, and commitment to do this.

Indeed, this is what we seek to accomplish. The Corps is the laboratory for the cadets’ effectively practicing and becoming proficient in the tactics.”

Tom Henriksen’s book, “America’s Wars: Interventions, Regime Change, and Insurgencies After the Cold War,” has been published by Cambridge University Press. The book covers a lot of ground in 230 pages (without notes), but he did manage to mention Binnie Peay’s role in the Persian Gulf War. He also mentioned VMI once in connection with Gen. George Marshall ’901 and the Marshall Plan.

John Shelhorse reports that he and Bonnie are doing well. They both celebrated birthdays Valentine’s week. John also walked 18 holes of golf twice that week, so he can’t complain too much.

They made their fourth (him) and fifth (Bonnie) trips to visit with daughter Kelley and her two boys in Africa last year and did the requisite Disney World trip with them when they were here over Christmas. They also visited the other three offspring last fall in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Missouri. The pandemic is not holding them back, and so far, no one has tested positive.

John Allen reports that he has prostate cancer.

He had his prostate organ removed in early 2004.

He has been treating his condition all these years with different medicines. He is holding his own with no complaints.

Rosser Bobbitt says he sees George Meredith at church frequently.

It has been a pleasure to serve as your class agent for the past five years. I hope I have kept you informed of information about our brother rats and all the issues facing VMI today.

1963

Michael J. Curley

The big news first, OK? We now have a date for our 60th Reunion: April 24-25, 2023! The Reunion Committee is having its first meeting next week. Admittedly, our first meeting will be a Zoom meeting learning experience for all of us; then, hopefully, later meetings will concentrate on plans for us all to enjoy this momentous event.

Emphasis will be concentrated on fellowship opportunities. OK, so let’s call it what it really is,

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Class Notes “swapping lies” that get better with time! Tentatively, we will follow the pattern set for our 50th and 55th events. That is, early arrival and possibly a dinner somewhere Sunday evening, followed by Institute events including a dinner Monday, pictures Tuesday followed by our class dinner, and a special treat before we depart Wednesday morning. Nothing’s carved in stone, so my best advice to all is to expect the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to offer suggestions.

A recent polling of our class showed 79 brother rats plan to attend! That’s of a total number of 137 people including our ladies—let’s hope we can hold strong on that number or even surpass it. All responses were followed by the requisite quote “... if we’re still alive!”

“Mike, I continue to stay off the Oro Valley police blotter by spending my time writing the next book,” contributes Pres Holtry from his studio in Oklahoma near Tucson. “The result is the first book of another Roman-era novel series. The ‘Unwilling Legionnaire’ was published in early December. The background is Julius Caesar’s Gallic wars fought over an eightyear period. I sometimes think if I was smart enough to do the NY Times crossword puzzles, I might try it instead of working on a five-book series. The operative word in the latter sentence is working; I can’t utter the word or my face begins to twitch, and I break out in hives. Writing is fun—at least, I do my best to think it is! All quiet here on the arid western front; I hope the eastern front and the other lands where our BRs live are similarly calm and safe. Pres.” Sure, Pres, we’re in the middle of a sweltering heat wave here on the East Coast this January and February! LOL. I was surprised and delighted to hear from Carol Baldwin, Bob’s widow. Now living in her new home in Fernandina Beach, Florida, she says she is unable to travel or stay active due to her wrestling with vertigo and other maladies.

I’ve included a picture of Old Irish Rose wine in our online copy of these notes. This delectable fruit of the wine is similar to Ripple of old and was a gift of our BR Chuck Weddington (God rest his soul) to Pete Brunel for some important occasion. When asked about it, Pete responded, “gracious gift, been aging it,” and Pat Kelly commented, “Give it another hundred years. By then, it should be safe to flush down the drain.”

A wee tidbit from The Crow, aka Dennis

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Crowley, regarding an ancient note (circa 1959!) pictured on our website: “Mike, found this the other day. Instructions we were given by our 1st Class dykes when we were rats. They were apparently quite efficient—and particular!

Crow.” Dennis, today that might be referred to as OCD! Thanks for sending.

Even though I chickened out of a face-off with COVID-19 and its many relatives in January by canceling the RVA rats lunch, the swamp rats met in December at the Hampton Yacht Club and are due to meet again in February. Bob Walton sent along a picture of his motley crew and said, “Mike, this is the best of the pictures.

Luncheon chatter was mostly about you—the good, the bad, and the real ugly. Jan Gray, newly married eight days now, looked better than he has for years. Lightly fried oysters were super good. Missed you, Bob.” In attendance were Bob Walton, Bill Bell, Fred Lanier, Lee Spessard, Bob Powell, Jan Gray, John Mills, Jim Key, and Tony Holtry.

On the gim: From downtown Windsor, Virginia, Bill Bell says, “Had left knee replaced today. Everything went well. Follow up with surgeon is Jan. 26,” to which Hobbs Goodwin responded, “What did you do with the old knee, Billy?” Do I hear a bid, Hobbs? And, how did it go, Billy?

Always enjoy hearing from Tom Snyder, who wrote, “Hey, Mike, I’m glad Peg let us know about your newest adventure. Hope you’re feeling better by now, and you’re no longer hot stuff with a high temperature. Then again, if you lived in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, you could just go outside at negative 19 degrees, and it would cool you off in a hurry. In any case, thinking of you and Peg and praying for a full recovery as a welcome Christmas present in your household.

In the Spirit, Tom.” So that you all know, Peg wrote a note to the class excusing me from military duty, and it worked! She wrote, “It’s Peg here. Mike has asked me to let you know that he was hospitalized for a couple of days with ‘atypical community-acquired pneumonia in the right lower lobe.’ He was perfectly fine Wednesday but was so ill Thursday morning that he had to be taken to the Veterans Affairs hospital emergency room by ambulance. They admitted him that evening, and I retrieved him Saturday. Unfortunately, they are not allowing any visitors on the fourth floor, which is where he was incarcerated. It

was very frustrating for all of us! He’s home recuperating now, but recovery is slower than I expected/hoped. Second bout with pneumonia in the last 10 years.” Please remember to keep our other brother rats that are on the gim in your thoughts and prayers; there are many out there.

Randy Williams reports from Florida, “Just recently spoke with Roy Evans and his partner, Pam Sutko. Roy became quite ill in August and was hospitalized for over two months. The illness was reportedly due to medications and had symptoms of Bell’s palsy and shingles. It appears that Roy is not yet fully back to normal.

He gets around with a walker but has not yet been able to go upstairs. He is not doing email.

It’s best to contact him through Pam’s email, which is posted on our class website, vmi63. net.”

Taps. Mike Schwartz reports that “today (Dec. 7, 2021), Bo Savage, Gary Eifried, Lee Spessard, and I are at Arlington Cemetery. Joe Liberti is being interred. Listen to the doctors, take care, he says!

“As usual, it was a solemn and impressive ceremony. Wardlee and her children, grandchildren, and close friends were in attendance.

Gary, Bo, Lee, and I represented ’63. Joe loved the Army and gave it many years of dedicated selfless service. He got the send-off he earned and deserved!” Your presence is acknowledged and much appreciated by the class, Mike.

Carolyn Thompson Jones, 77, of Richmond, who was born Nov. 20, 1944, in Richmond and grew up in Victoria, Virginia, slipped away peacefully Dec. 13, 2021, after a brief illness.

She leaves behind her husband and best friend of 55 years, W.O. “Bill” Jones III, and son, Scott, who graduated from The Collegiate School in 1986, served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and currently lives in South Carolina. Carolyn graduated from Victoria High School in 1963 at the top of her class and chose to “go out on her own” rather than pursue a college degree, a decision that changed the lives of two people. In October 1964, Bill, a “newly minted” U.S. Army second lieutenant en route to a 14-month tour in South Korea, was passing through Fort Lee, Virginia, to attend a school where Carolyn happened to be working. Through a funny chain of events, he asked Carolyn for a date just two weeks before departure; that first evening was so wonderful he asked her to reserve every evening until his departure for him (she did!), and the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes his ultra-wideband radar topics—seriously deep rest is history. They managed to stay together in radar! Farewell, brother rat.” spirit and long letters during his tours in Korea “A funny thing happened a few years ago,” reading considering my low ranking in the elecand Fort Lewis, Washington, and were married writes Mike Curley. “Thank you, Frank. Loved trical engineering curriculum! All was not lost, in 1967. His brother rats kidded him, “So, you this guy because I can remember when he nearly however, my first job was with the Federal Aviafinally found the perfect girl, congratulations!” killed himself years back, falling off his horse tion Administration as a radar engineer!” May A stroke in 1971 left Carolyn with a weakened while reenacting! I’ll post my favorite picture he rest in peace.

Mickey Williamson, Bob Byrd’s rat year left side and permanently blind on that side, as of him if I can find it ... can’t find it! Jim also well; however, she persevered and was active in responded to my request for one of his books study partner, died in January. Bob says, “A many organizations in Richmond while man- before I realized it was a textbook for one of brother rat of ours, he finished his rat year but did not return after that. Mickey and I aging the household and their son, studied together the entire second seScott, all without being able to drive! mester. He was Crellin’s first cousin, The couple started sailing together as which I only found out later when I part of her therapy to recover from met her. He was a great guy! His fathe stroke and ultimately spent 35 ther, Bill, was a graduate of VMI.” years sailing the Chesapeake Bay. From his obituary: “William Garnett Though not a trained rider, Carolyn Williamson III, known as Mickey by was fearless in the saddle, riding those who knew and loved him, passed with cowboys in Colorado on cattle away Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at home roundups for several years and with after a short but quick battle with vasGauchos on a trip to Patagonia. cular dementia. We rejoice knowing he Mid-day canters along Bermuda and is smiling down on us from heaven.

Costa Rican beaches stayed a pleaMickey was survived by his wife, surable memory for years. She and Beverly Spry Williamson of 38 years; Bill were “joined-at-the-hip” in all son and daughter-in-law, William G. things except fly fishing, which she Class of 1963: Attending the Charlotte Old Corps lunch are (from Williamson IV (Bill) and Christina decided early on was not worth the left) John Macrae, Leland Caldwell, Mike Stockdell, and (seated) of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law, effort to learn, “and besides, Bill, Harry Tatum.

Ashley and C.J. Mock of Valdosta; we don’t need to do everything together!” Further health issues resulted in a final move to The Garden at Westminster-Canterbury Richmond in August 2021. As with all things, Bill and Carolyn talked about a memorial service and decided not to have one for either. “Just think about her from time to time as a life welllived!” Godspeed, Carolyn!

Surprised to hear this sad news and surprisingly rapid follow-up from Frank Drake: “I just found out three days ago that Jim Taylor had a bad stroke in August and is now in hospice, which I guess means his docs think there is no hope of recovery. He has a little use of his hands and can breathe and talk on his own and is mentally his old self—a sad state. Susan and I drove up to see him, and he wanted us to let Bill Wray know and you about his condition. I talked to Bill. Jim does not have a phone or computer (can’t use his hands well enough) but would welcome a card or note from you and any other BR.” From Pat Kelly, “Incredibly distressed over Jim’s death Jan. 11, 2022. Was planning a trip Class of 1963: The ’63 swamp rats, through rain, snow, sleet, and COVID-19, held their final to visit him at end of month. A very interesting 2021 meeting at the Hampton Yacht Club. Pictured are (from left) Bob Walton, Bill Bell, man with a keen sense of loyalty to VMI. Now he Fred Lanier, Lee Spessard, Bob Powell, Jan Gray, John Mills, Jim Key, and Tony Holtry. knows all there is to know about ultra-wideband

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Class Notes and two beloved grandchildren, Addison and Annabelle. He was preceded in death by his parents, William G. Williamson Jr. [’935] and Mary Harris Williamson. Mickey was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sept. 9, 1939. He attended Virginia Military Institute and began a 40plus year career in IT and telecommunications. He loved his family and friends and helping others.

He loved volunteering with the Valdosta Police Department, Valdosta Fire Department, and the Lowndes County Board of Elections. Mickey was regularly found cheering on his two granddaughters or the Valdosta State Blazers!” Bob Nussey contributes, “Mickey’s dad and my dad, Harry Byrd ’935, were both in the same class; his father lived in Lexington after he retired. I met Mickey in Lexington at his parents’ home before we matriculated. Did not know Bob Byrd’s wife and Mickey were related. Hope you are doing well, Bob.” Ed Patnesky’s beloved wife, Gerry, passed away of cancer Dec. 18, 2021, per a post from Alex, their granddaughter. Alex wrote, “My sweet best friend went to be with Jesus this morning, and I will never be the same. It’s hard for me to grasp the reality that she is gone. I don’t think it’s actually hit me yet. I’ve been numb since I got the news this morning. While I am comforted knowing she is no longer in pain and was reunited with her sister, Emily, I can’t help but feel selfish and angry, wishing she was still physically here with me. She won’t be waiting for me in that driveway on Crescent Drive with big open arms ever again.

Or running her fingers down her cheeks to symbolize tears as I pull away and head home. What hurts most is the reality that she won’t get to see me married or meet my children. That hits me like a ton of bricks. Na, I already miss you, and I know it will only get harder. Please find ways to show me you’re still near as I navigate life without you. I love you thiiiis much, my best friend.”

Stay well, stay safe and we’ll see you in April 2023!

Curleyrat

November class notes. Please see above. Additionally, we will be moving again. Our new house is being built here in Cape Coral. That new address will be shown the notes you’ll receive this coming August.

We have lost two more brother rats since the last class notes, John Thornton and Gardner Simpkins.

Cliff Crittsinger received an email which he passed to me. It was from Rich Hines ’66 (a current VMI Board of Visitors member). In the email, Rich had found an image from The New York Times that his mother secured through the Chattanooga Times. Rich still has the 8x10 glossy. It’s a picture of Bill Rimm reviewing the Corps with President Johnson and Maj. Gen. Shell ’931. Rich is the lance corporal.

Bob Warren, Bill Garber, and Tom visited together in Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Bob Warren, upon hearing of Gardner’s death, wrote, “Gardner was a dear friend of mine and fellow civil engineering major. He didn’t graduate because his girlfriend got pregnant, and he did the honorable thing and dropped out to get married.

“He didn’t come back to reunions to my knowledge. I stopped to visit him in Bedford many years ago. Do we know if his wife is deceased? How did we learn of his death?”

The answer to that is that Gardner’s daughter, upon finding my Christmas card to her father, sent me a nice letter. Gardner had a stroke last July that

resulted in his not being able to speak. Then Gardner’s wife was killed in an automobile accident just two weeks later. Gardner had a second stroke in November. He died Nov. 4, 2021.

This serves to remind me of how important it is to keep your family informed of any request you may have with regard to notifying the class of serious illness or death.

Richard Beatty: “John, I’ve been going through my emails and found your reply. Mickey is improving dramatically and is able to stand up from her wheelchair by herself. I still have a good hold of her safety belt but don’t have to put any pressure on it. I’m learning to be a better cook since I have to do it all. Fortunately, we are both late sleepers, so I only have to work on two meals a

Class of 1964: John and Sherrel Cavedo visiting the North Carolina mountains in October 2021.

1964

John R. Cavedo

Quite a few of you hadn’t noted the change of mailing address I mentioned in the August and

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Class of 1964: Tom Essig (far right) with his family at VMI homecoming in fall 2021.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes In my search for missing brother rats, I was able day. Based on Mickey’s progress, we expect to be Sykes calmed down every night of the 20-day trip in Montana through spring. Hopefully, we will be by tasting beer and listening to Irish bands in the to find Tom Makov. He left after rat year, attended West Point, served in Vietnam, and then went able to return to Tacoma for a couple of late spring local pubs. to law school. He still practices in south Florida. I Tom Essig sent a family photo. Responding to months and then return to Montana for the summer. Summer in Montana is absolutely beautiful. me, he wrote, “Certainly, I’m super blessed! Two was able to get him in touch with Bill Tornabene, his roommate.

We’re having snow again today, Ed and Janice Seager moved and someone sent me a video.” after spending most of their lives Ronnie Thornton indicated in New Jersey. They sold their that John had been suffering for house and now have a monthquite a spell but had been his to-month rental in Apex, North usual stoic self. As have several Carolina. Like most of us, they brother rats, John was involved felt they needed to live closer to heavily supporting the Institute. one of their kids. They still plan You probably know of his keen to visit Barbados every year. interest and support of the KeyDick Atkinson: “After 45 years det Club. in the same house, our move was Bob O’Hara: “John Thorna monumental change for us. ton, ‘Thorny,’ was a warm and “I looked back and my last kind friend ... incapable of havemail to you was Nov. 22, just ing an enemy. He’ll be fondly as we were leaving for Vero remembered by all who knew and stopping overnight in Yuhim.” lee, Florida. I began to feel reW.J. Kitchen: “Really sorry Class of 1964: Bill Rimm, Maj. Gen. George R.E. Shell ’931, and President Lynally lousy on the trip (had been to hear about Thornton’s pass- don B. Johnson reviewing the Corps in May 1964. coughing a couple of days) and ing. We will always remember tested strongly positive for COour infamous trip in Ireland with VID-19 when we stopped. Susan John to find the bridge from the drove the next day, and I spent ‘Quiet Man’ movie. The famous the day in bed. She came down fight between John Wayne and with a positive test two days Victor McLaglen, Maureen later. So, our first 10 days or so O’Hara’s brother. The indentions in Vero will be in quarantine. No caused by John’s fingers in the serious symptoms for either of us metal dashboard of our rental car except really, really tired. Some are certainly not reflective of the mild cough for both of us, and fun we all had that day.” my balance problem has gotten To clarify W.J.’s note, he, Lauworse again. I feel pretty good ranne, Sherrel, John, and I detoday and am very thankful I no cided to rent a car in Ireland and longer need to lick someone with take a side trip to see the sights. a mild case of COVID-19 so I But, the car was tiny. I drove. get it, and I no longer need the W.J. rode shotgun. Lauranne and booster shot.”

John Thornton were on either Buster Woodruff: “I finally side of Sherrel in the back. Narretired after 50 years in October row, scary roads going the wrong 2018. But since then, there have way. At our first stop, W.J. kindly been a whole series of medical gave up shotgun so John T. could Class of 1964: Denny and Edna Vaughan and family celebrating Denny’s 80th setbacks. For the record, I had see better from the front. After birthday in Lexington, South Carolina, in November 2021. blood clots from the right leg that about five minutes, John Thornton asked me to stop the car. He wanted to get in of his, Thomas and Seth, are Nicaraguan mission- laid me up in the hospital for seven days. They aries. All nine grandchildren are home-schooled had never seen so many clots in the lungs. I now the back. Seeing cars and trucks hurtling toward him on the wrong side of the road unnerved him. with great results. Both VMI cadets now wear take Coumadin daily. That, and support stockings.

“My latest adventure was blacking out in my One of the toughest guys I know simply didn’t stars; Ben finished with a 3.9 GPA in electrical doc’s parking lot and knocking myself out. I knew trust my driving. But the three of us and Walt engineering and computer science.”

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Class Notes I needed a pacemaker. Then I wore a Holter monitor for a month. After another series of setbacks, I finally received the pacemaker. I also had brain surgery. Finally, I just had a bladder checkup yesterday. Basically good results.”

I had a nice long talk with Denny Vaughan.

They are comfortable and happy near family in Lexington, South Carolina. His health is good.

The family got together to celebrate his 80th birthday. In our conversation, he told me they lived in St. Croix for two years as he took an early retirement. But since returning to the lower 48, he’s resumed work. This time, as an M.D., he screens applicants for medical insurance. We also reminisced about all our recently fallen brother rats.

Michael Degman: “My current email address is 2chillylizard@gmail.com. I’m not tougher than you. Just somewhat acclimated and a different set of expectations. A few days ago, the nighttime temperature got down to -20 again. Winter doesn’t release its grip up here until May. An early year may see it happening in April, but 2022 doesn’t seem to be that year. The coldest it got last winter that I know of has only been -30oF. That was back in February 2021.

“We also get snow this time of year. Our latest snowfall was about 15 inches, and it happened about a week ago Sunday. The snowplows have been through again to clear the main streets. Snow piles lining the sides of the streets are now about 12 feet high, with the higher ones about 15 feet.

Fairbanks is in a double rain shadow between the Brooks Range to the north and the Alaska Range to the south. In an average year, we get only about 6 feet of snow for the winter season. Cold is normal for Alaska. I drive a Subaru. It is AWD. It was 7 years old when I drove it up here. It is now 18 years old, and I plan to keep it longer. Why fix something that works? I use Hakkapeliitta tires, which are Japan’s answer to Blizzak Tires for the winter.

“My current address is P.O. Box 80946, Fairbanks, AK 99708. We use P.O. boxes up here a lot. No use expecting the mail carrier to go around in -40-degree weather for a daytime that lasts only about four to six hours. Better to just stop by the post office and check your P.O. box. If you go at the right time, you can even send packages or receive them at the package counter. Despite about 150 years of American residency, Alaska is still a frontier state. Things get done somewhat differently up here.”

Edmund Hoy sent a nice Christmas letter. They

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have found their Mountain Island Lake home in North Carolina to be everything they hoped for.

More good news is their daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter are leaving Mexico and moving to the Charlotte area.

Also received a nice Christmas letter from Tony Munera. He and Barb have had to delay several trips due to COVID-19 but hope to get back to traveling this year. In the meantime, their son was promoted to major general in the Army and commands the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Support Command.

Another Christmas letter came from Jake Kleinschuster. Among other things, they spent a long weekend on the Piankatank River in Virginia. One of his sons owns a house with breathtaking views.

The house sleeps 17 people (apparently a very successful son). Additionally, they will have two grandsons at VMI next year. Jake finished up by saying they were downsizing to live in Waynesboro, near one of their sons.

I’ve had several phone calls with Cliff Crittsinger, W.J. Kitchen, Hank Cronin, Bill Crone, Bill Garber, Dick Atkinson, Bill Taylor, Buzz Birzenieks, Walt Sykes, Mike Murphy, Pete Mitchko, Warren Budd, and Ed Seager. It’s always a nice surprise whenever I receive a call from a brother rat. Please don’t hesitate to call anytime between 0630 and 2300. I’m awake and get a real boost whenever I hear from any of you.

If I left anyone out, chalk it up to dementia.

It’s getting to be quite a chore to fill out these class notes and to obtain photographs. Please give me a hand.

me make it 100%. My email is chuck.hough@ gmail.com. By the way, this is the directory Lou is using for the emails he sends to our class.”

Lou Siegel: I’ve talked with Conrad Hall and Greg Robertson several times. Both are well, and Dotty is, well, Dotty. Terrific. Greg and Dotty are in Florida for the winter, near Bill Ryan. Conrad is doing a good job spoiling a granddaughter in Norfolk.

Gene Marshall had one of the best weekends of his life watching his grandson, Charlie Broder ’21, graduate from VMI and commission into the

Class of 1965: Gene Marshall’s grandson, Charlie Broder ’21, graduated from VMI and commissioned into the Army.

1965

C. Lou Siegel

Chuck Hough, who is doing great work in keeping contact information current, has this request: “As part of getting together the material for the 55th Reunion, I worked with Mickey to develop an up-to-date class directory. Now that we have it, my goal is to keep it current and send updates to all brother rats every three months. If you are not getting the directory, just let me know your email address or send me the USPS mailing address if you prefer. At this point, I have valid email addresses for 186 of 215 BRs in the directory. Please help

Class of 1965: Jane and Dave Arensdorf at a December 2021 holiday lights show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Irwin and Linda at the games. Saw anArmy. He is also enjoying his retireother come-from-behind basketball ment with wife, Nan, in Savannah. He win 76-69. VMI is now 14-10. At says most of his time is spent on the halftime, a masked alumnus stopped golf course. He and Floyd Taylor are me to say hello. To my delight (only still best of friends and visit each other after he pulled down his mask), it was regularly.

BR and teammate John Prosser. TypiPeter Norton sent in a short note to cal John—upbeat, strong, smiling, and let me know he is alive and well. He shared that he was feeling great. A included several Reagan-era jokes. new chemo regimen had much better Pretty good ones. Address Pete directresults. Super news—a feel-good moly, please, for this entertainment. ment. We were both looking forward Mike McBride: “Pleased I am hitto attending The Citadel game Feb. ting on all cylinders and, like you, doing volunteer work with kids here in Class of 1965: Irwin McCumber, Jeff Gausepohl, and John Prosser at 12 at home. Also looking forward to the Class of ’65 annual Donny White Winter Camp in the Zion Canyon— the Western Carolina basketball game at VMI Feb. 4, 2022. memorial basketball game gathering coming down in November and reFeb. 23. Irwin and I—weather permitturning north in April. Any bro’ rats in ting—find time to golf. Irwin plays, I this area get a free room, mint on the hack! John (he plays) promises to join pillow, and room service.” us in a round of golf.”

Duane Conques: “Lou, this is I love Bob Whaley’s note; I’ve had Duane. Regarding class agent, I think days like this. “Lou, I can’t really think I was the second one. VMI called me of anything to report. I’m disappointat my apartment in Hampton, Virginia, ed in myself for missing the reunion. while I was stationed at Langley Air Only my second failure to show up Force Base to ask if I would do it. I since our 5th, when I was overseas. I probably did it from 1967 till my detalk to Pete Rondiak fairly regularly. parture to SEA in June 1970. I am He’s dealing with some health issues pretty sure I asked Mickey to replace but hanging in there. Other than that, I me. If so, he was class agent from feel like I get lazier every day. I admire 1970 until present, much more than 26 you guys who stay active.” years. Thanks for all you do.”

Karl Zeller sent a sweet note about Joe Straub says, “I am pleased that Class of 1965: Carol Swindell, Karl Zeller, and Bill Swindell at a 2012 a visit he had with Bill Swindell. Bill there is going to be an event recogniz- high school reunion. married late to a woman Karl knew in ing the accomplishments of General high school. She died recently. Karl sent a lovely Binnie Peay [’62]. I feel honored to have been picture of the three of them. Upon being quesattending VMI when he was present as a battaltioned, Karl said he was the handsome one in the ion commander. His many projects will be hard picture. to match.

Dave Arensdorf: “Jane and I thoroughly en“And current—the last home basketball game is joyed the 56th (rescheduled 55th) Reunion. All against Wofford, and as is the custom, a group of who worked on the reunion did a fine job. Remius will be getting together. It looks like some 20 niscing with our classmates was the highlight for of us will be in attendance. We feel like this tradime. The golf outing was small but most enjoytion should have a name and think that it should able. Look forward to our next reunion and more be called the ‘Donnie White Annual Memorial participation by our classmates as COVID-19 reBasketball Game.’ Give us your opinion and plan strictions lessen. Jane and I have been vaxxed and your February sports event next year around the boosted, but the real plus is traveling in a 37-foot last home basketball game.” motorhome. This essentially allows us to live as Jeff Gausepohl is now a townie living in Lexa couple without continually sharing hotel rooms. ington. At the recent Western Carolina basketball Class of 1965: Lou Siegel, class agent, said Jane and I have been traveling since Nov. 12 and game he attended with Irwin McCumber, he ran of this photo, “Mike McBride and dinner visited Flagstaff, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, into John Prosser. Here’s what he said: “Being a guest at Loonsong Mountain Lake Lodge to visit family and friends. Talked to Don Cum‘townie’ has its benefits—attending home football in Alaska in 2019.” mings, and we updated each other on the reunion and basketball games. Vicki Kruse and I often join

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Class Notes and other events. Plan to visit Don and his wife later this month.” Note: Then Dave makes some comments about the Washington football team (who’s that). Finally: “We have been playing golf on this trip at Flagstaff, Arizona; at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Weather has been variable.

Still, it has been better than Rock Island, Illinois.

No snow!”

Godwin Jones is trying to replicate a Tidewater luncheon with Chuck Hough’s model in the Northern Virginia area. Here’s his note: Godwin is checking to see if there is interest within Tidewater brother rats getting together for lunch two to three times a year, much like the group from Northern Virginia has been doing. If you are interested, please send an email to gsjones@va.metrocast.net.

Probably would get together in Newport News, Norfolk, or maybe even the Williamsburg area and would switch around. Group could also include Richmond area and anyone else who is interested.

Spouses are always invited.

Marshall Henry: “We are in Bend, Oregon, for two weeks taking care of our grandkids while son and wife on vacation for a week. Fifty-one degrees here for next two weeks—what a blessing for Oregon in January.”

Cliff Fleet: “Not much happening in Richmond.

Our latest storm gave only a dusting of snow in Richmond. My eldest son, Cliff—who is the godson of our Brother Rats Conrad Hall and Bob Law and is the current CEO/president of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as well as on the board of William and Mary, chairman of the Jamestown Foundation and the Yorktown Foundation, and teaches a class at W&M—brought Christmas Eve supper at our house for 13 family members. It was a nice evening. I hope all is well in Nellysford, and you got through the latest wintery blast OK. I frequently hear from Irwin and Linda McCumber in Raphine.”

Phil Taylor: “Our son, Marshall, will graduate from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond this June.”

Gordon Eubank: “Thanks for sending this obit (Bill Wilburn). Even though I was only at VMI for two years, Billy and I were good friends. Hope you are well.”

John Gibbons was planning to come to the October reunion. We corresponded, and I hoped he would. This is his last email to me: “Second thought. It is probably way too late for me to be coming back. I leaked to my family what I was

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doing, and you would have thought the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor again. They think I am too old to take such a solo trip, and none will come with me.” Hey, John, next time, for sure. Ship yourself via Amazon.

Johnny Mac Marshall: “On a happy note, Jamie and I decided that the new year should be brought in in style, particularly as to warmer weather. We went to Galveston for the holiday and to enjoy good seafood and the beach. As you can see from the photo (sorry, JMac, it was too small), it was a very successful holiday celebration. We got back to Dallas just as the weather was getting colder, and it has been that way pretty much ever since.

That said, we are looking forward to 2022 being much better than 2021.

“Well, it has been a rather interesting time since last autumn, to say the least. Shortly after our visit to VMI, I had been assigned to a special court that is responsible for dealing with the illegal aliens who cross the border, some of whom are then smuggled into the interior of Texas. My job is to hear the case, arraign the defendants (‘read them their rights’), and set a bond. These are people who are caught by the Texas state troopers or local police, not the federal authorities, and few of them speak English. That means that there is an interpreter, since my Spanish is not polite enough.

Also, these hearings are all done remotely because the defendants are all in border counties, not Dallas. Once the hearing is over, they are jailed until they can post a bond or their case is heard. In many respects, it is quite sad, since many of these people are semi-literate at best even in their own languages, and they have been swindled out of a lot of money by the coyotes to get this far, only to be jailed. For my part, at least I know that their constitutional rights are being properly observed.

“We hope that everyone in your part of the country is doing OK with the weather situations.”

Have a great springtime!

1966

Nick Hoskot

Brother Rats of ’66! Welcome to the late winter edition of your notes about your “doings” since before Thanksgiving. Before I get into the notes, do me a favor: Let your family/next of kin know to

include your specific desires for any donations in your obituary. Finally, as usual, should your contact information change, notify me or the Alumni Agencies. Thanks, and on to the “good” stuff!

Woody Sadler and a group including Al Carr, Paul Robblee, Cliff Martin, “The” Eddie Willis, and Bob Odom managed to get together for lunch in mid-December at Beam Me Up BBQ, the same business that catered our reunion dinner.

Cliff Martin and a group which included the visiting Jim Szymanski, Al Carr, Paul Robblee, and Eddie Willis, got together for an extended brunch just before the new year. According to Cliff: “The lawyers used big words, and the rest nodded in unknowing approval.”

The VMI versus UNC-Greensboro (score 5672) basketball game in early January was an occasion for Hugh Jones, Dan Phlegar, John Turner, Paul Robblee, Eddie Willis, and Cliff Martin to hold a mini reunion in the stands.

John “Skip” Aldous ’65, my roomie our 1st Class year (along with Steve Doles), and I correspond frequently, and after he completed active U.S. Air Force in ’72, he purchased a motorcycle dealership through his wife’s father. After Skip retired (1994) from the service, he ran the business full time. Today, Skip is mostly retired and their youngest—“Hell, he’s 49 and not so young anymore!”—is in charge, and John is available as a supervisor.

Jim and Kay Whitehurst hosted Hayward France ’49C and Jim Stillwell ’58 for supper at the Sunnyside Resort in Harrisonburg last fall.

Hugh “Gomez” Adams visited the National Museum of the U.S. Army (Fort Belvoir) in late January with a group of Republic of Vietnam aviators, missing our own docent, Miguel Monteverde. Hugh did see our class plaque, and “it looks at home with the many others there.” He recommends a visit and cautions to leave plenty of time, as there is a lot to see. The concept is oriented toward the individual soldier with lots of personal stories and a multitude of electronic gadgets for audio and video. Hugh also saw his roomie, Mike Bache, but only long enough to confirm that he’s still upright and breathing!

Peggie Sonstein wrote to the class: “I want to thank Larry’s BRs for their kind invitation and warm welcome to join the 55th Class of 1966 reunion members and guests for such a special celebration. I had the chance to visit and renew friendships with BRs who dyked in the same room Larry was assigned to and band members who shared the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1966: Having dinner at the Sunnyside Resort in Harrisonburg Virginia, last fall are (from left) Jim Stillwell ’58, Haywood France ’49C, and Jim Whitehurst.

Parade Ground as Larry varied the VMI bass drum for parades and renewed acquaintance with a BR who shared a picture of Larry with him when they met while I was shopping in port at Cartagena, Colombia, during a Southern Caribbean cruise in November 2016. I renewed friendships with BRs and wives with whom Larry and I shared special events and Army assignments. I shared a luncheon at Crozet Hall with fellow widows Jane (Al) Conner and Dorcas (Spencer) Wilkinson. The ‘blessing of friendship’ memorial service was beautifully done. Thanks for these terrific memories.

Congratulations to the reunion committee for this awesome event!” Thank you, Peggie, for sharing your thoughts with the class.

And here’s Cliff, our “on the spot” sports reporter, who attended the VMI versus The Citadel game: “A great turnout for the game, but a loss.”

He had lunch with Ray Melton and Dan Phlegar before the game and noted that Hugh Adams, Joe Gesker, and “The” Eddie Willis were spotted in the stands.

That’s all for now, brother rats. Thanks, and please note that photos and notes should be sent to me no later than Wednesday, May 11.

Warm Regards to All, Nick

1967

Lonnie Jan Abernathy

I begin with hoping that our reunion was all

2022-Issue 2

Class of 1966: Hugh Jones, John Turner, Cliff Martin, Dan Phlegar, Eddie Willis, and Paul Robblee attend the VMI versus UNC Greensboro basketball game.

you expected it would be, even with reduced numbers of BRs and COVID-19 adjustments. A tremendous vote of thanks to our committee and their volunteer leaders, Carole and Bob Green.

They are once again recognized for outstanding patience and leadership.

You will read these notes in May, but I am writing in January and February and will include some information received in Christmas cards.

First, I can say that this was the year for glitter on cards. On some days, we had to get out the small battery-operated vacuum to neaten up the sofa after opening cards. Even the cat needed a good brushing, as she likes to get in the middle of things. But thanks to all who sent them, as I find asking for your updates just after Christmas—especially this time with COVID-19 restrictions still in place in many parts of the country—is hard to pry out of you.

Jim and Janice Clarke: “Daughter Amy and family moved to Staunton, Virginia; Amy’s husband, Greg, was transferred with Dominion Energy. She took the grandchildren to VMI to walk the grounds, eat at the PX, and tour the museum.

They had a fun day.”

John and Leslie Forsyth had planned a trip to Sandals in Jamaica for their 50th anniversary celebration in 2020, but COVID-19 shut down their travel. They finally got to make the delayed trip in 2021. They said the COVID-19 lockdown played havoc with their psyches and sensibilities, yet they survived social isolation, medical misdiagnoses, and life-impacting decisions. Leslie’s mom was shut into her senior living facility, so instead of leaving her there isolated, they expanded their home and moved her in with them as quickly as

possible. They had many wonderful days and experiences with her through the year and Christmas 2020 just before she took a turn in 2021. They lost her May 21, just shy of her 95th birthday. She was laid to rest with her husband, Don, at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Barry Green sent the following updates: “On Aug. 13, we celebrated our 50th anniversary, which was initially planned to be celebrated in Greece and did not happen due to COVID-19.

So, we ordered electric bikes instead to keep us on the move. We had a fall getaway in the Shenandoah visiting a multitude of wineries and breweries with friends.” As Barry reflects on retirement, he realizes his extraordinary blessings: VMI college, Pitt dental, UNC grad educations,

Class of 1967: James Massie with daughter Paige Getz and grandson Everett.

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Class Notes eight years active Air Force, 40 years as a PT teacher at dental school, and 50 years in the scouting program. His office building has now been sold to the local hospital.

Joe Stafford: “Joyce and I had a great summer at our beach place in Bethany Beach. There were only minor COVID-19 inconveniences this year compared to last year. They are putting up homes everywhere down there. Our county, Kiplinger, has named Delaware/Sussex County the best (cheapest) place to retire in the U.S. High cost of living states like New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, as well as others, are sending thousands of Boomer retirees our way. For the holidays, Joyce and I will be visiting her brother’s place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His farmhouse was built in 1690 and is close to Washington’s Crossing, where Washington crossed the Delaware and surprised the Hessians in New Jersey. Our daughter’s family, including the four grandkids, will be at our house for Christmas 2021. Hoping local attractions like the Udvar-Hazy will be open. After the new year, we are looking forward to traveling again. In midJanuary, we are heading to Hilton Head to stay with friends for a week. The next week, we are off to Cape Coral, Florida, for a week in a VRBO rental. We will be visiting several snowbird friends in the area. In March, we are heading to The Players Championship and then on to Phillies spring training for a week, finishing up in Tallahassee for a week. In June, we are planning a trip with friends out West to visit the three northwestern U.S. national parks. In late August, we are taking a cruise with friends that goes from Boston to Quebec.”

Mike and Ann Hall sent a Christmas letter with photos with these updates: “So far, the Hall clan has remained masked, semi-distanced, and COVID-19 free. They had a great year with many family coming to celebrate the colonel’s 76th and said all that was missing were the 76 trombones.”

Mike and Jo Hollomon moved to Williamsburg and sent the following updates: “Jo retired, and we moved to a 55-plus community in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage. We sold our house in Franklin.

Jo had her left hip replaced, and her son, Brad, got married. Mike joined the model train club in his new community. Jo was contacted by a former employer and has gone back to work part time.”

They said they love Williamsburg and its history museums and cultural activities.

Doug and Carol Ann Mills: “We spent time with daughter Shannon and family this summer and helped them move from Lexington,

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Class of 1967: Jim Rogers with greatnephews Waller and Fleet McCracken, ages 2 years and 7 months.

Class of 1967: Jim Wilson and his wife, Liep, take a winter cruise break on the way to Belize.

Massachusetts, to Hingham, south of Boston on the coast. Carol Ann stayed with them to help out.

We spent Christmas in Hingham, where son Steven and family joined us.”

Jamie and Kathy Tate said he saw Tex Young just before Christmas and discovered they both share the same office cleaning establishment in Roanoke.

Ski Waskiewicz said in spite of COVID-19, he and Carol Ann managed to get in a little travel and celebrated his birthday by going to a favorite Ohio state park. Then they celebrated their 46th anniversary at Lake Hope, Ohio.

On Jan. 6, BR Mike Sanford, who was with us two years, was lost to our ranks.

On Feb. 6, BR Bob Kyle was also lost to our ranks. The prior three years, he had a great quality of life in spite of the pandemic, according to his wife, Kelly. He flew to France to visit with his daughter; he and Kelly went to Nova Scotia to stay in a little cabin that had importance in their lives; they went to Annapolis to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August; and, of course, were at the Institute Society Dinner again in November.

Bob will be missed by many.

John Chiles: “2020 ended with a sad event but also a blessing. My mother, Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Talman Chiles, died Dec. 23, 2020, just three and a half weeks shy of her 104th birthday. We couldn’t be anything but grateful for mom, for the woman she was, and all the time we had with her. When our nuclear family, including Lisa, David, Gavin, and Samantha from Arizona, were at the Outer

Class of 1967: Members of the class attending the service for Sam Heltzel in Orange, Virginia, are (from left) John “Jack” W. Frazier Jr. ’65, Ann Frazier Heltzel’s brother; Ann F. Heltzel; David Wilkinson; Rick Irby III; John Lee; George Sanborn; (second row) Ed Ernouf III; John Horner; Carter Melton Jr.; Randy Heneberger; Allen Gwaltney; Tom Gritzmacher; and John Gupton III. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Banks in August, we held a memorial service for mom at sunset on the sound. She would have loved it.”

I called and asked Dave Bristow last fall about the fires near his home in Colorado. “For 25 years, I lived up on Lookout Mountain west of Denver, and every time the wind rose over 70 miles an hour, I had anxiety and found an office place in downtown Denver to look to see if there was smoke close to where I lived. I would see a couple patients and then have a look. Every couple of years, there was a fire up there, but my house was always OK. Allison was often out of town with her family or friends, so I was on my own to get back to the house and save the cats, dogs, kids, and some family heirlooms. Her attitude was, ‘So what if the house burns; with insurance, we can build a new one.’ This recent fire has pulled back all those memories. The community I am in is no different from those areas that burned, so when the wind gets over 100 miles an hour, I get anxious. I do have one of the oldest medical diplomas issued in the USA dated to 1818, which is in a sealed frame, from my grandmother’s side of the family. I don’t know what it’s worth, but it is in good condition, and I don’t want to lose it. I most likely will move back to Virginia.” (Since this writing, Dave has purchased a place in Virginia.)

Rick Brooke: “Thanks for your message. I have been home about five weeks from my 19-day stay in local hospitals, and I am progressing quite well.

I am in the second week of cardiac rehabilitation in a local facility, so I feel very confident that Lexington is definitely in my April travel plans! Nancy has done a great job getting me to the right physician or test lab or other site and administering a complicated daily pill agenda.”

Tom Tomlinson visited Rick several times early on and said, “I dropped by today; Rick is recovering nicely with Nancy by his side. He’s been through a lot the last two weeks. Still in stepdown but targeting the weekend for going home. (Fingers crossed.) He was able to walk some yesterday.

Has maintained his great sense of humor. They want to thank everyone for their thoughts and wish all a happy holiday. Any correspondence can be sent to their home address. I’ll try to monitor from this end. Best to you and family. Tom.” Ann Plentl: “Mom (103) is still with us—slowing down a lot. I have a caregiver who comes Monday-Friday from 9-5. So far, so good. With extended hours, it gives me more time to schedule appointments. My family is still taking care

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of me when I feel blue. So blessed and thankful for them. Will’s assistant, Julie, a West Point grad, was his assistant at Wilmington International Airport. She sent me a note the other day that while playing golf, she found a golf ball that said “VMI 67.” She felt it was a sign from Will and has been playing better golf since the find!”

Recently, I had a discussion with Barrett Graham about favorite quick lunch breaks from our childhood. Barrett: “I usually decorate the vienna sausages with some type of mustard and eat ’em cold. We collected drink bottles and cashed them in, too. However, our preferred cashing depot was a now long-gone gas station called The Rockpile, wherein there also existed a long-running and thoroughly illegal poker parlor, so we sometimes received a less-than-friendly greeting when we showed up unannounced to cash the bottles. Eventually, the place got raided and changed owners.

“My mom also liked vienna sausages, but I eventually learned that, while cold was OK, they were better if you added pork and beans. Later, when microwave ovens came along, I also grated in some cheddar cheese and nuked the whole bowl. Great memories.” Barrett also added: “Sharyne and I are moving along. We’ve both had a brush with the plague but appear to be none the worse for the experience. Our part of eastern North Carolina is caught in a weekend cycle of ice storms (we’re now staring at our third one in a row), and that really sucks; she can’t get warm, I can’t get out and work in the yard, and the English Premier League is on hiatus while all the players are off playing for their respective national teams. Presently, I’ve got to leave the office on some business, so that trip will include a visit to Books-a-Million so I’ll have something to read this weekend.”

Class of 1967: Fred and Judy Smith on a bike ride around Lake Okeechobee during their stay in Florida.

Jim Wilson: “Picture of Liep and me at Mayan ruins in Belize when on our mid-December 2021 ‘sanity escape’ cruise out of Fort Lauderdale!

Anything for fresh towels twice a day and someone else’s cooking! Mayan tour was an eight-hour bus-boat-hike round trip affair. Figured to be safer in Belize than amid the then-recent drug gang gunfights up in Mexico. Belize also had a $600 fine for being without a mask anywhere except when outside on something like the hiking portion at the ruins. Apparently very heavily enforced by police et al., as we were always being warned by our tour guides. Ship was 40% filled—best cruise ever for onboard treatment! Pretty much stayed on ship most of the cruise, as the original itinerary was changed to reflect evolving cruise ship-related issues in Key West and the Caymans that cut those stops out. Also escaped any bad outcomes from crowded ‘biohazard’ airports and spam-ina-can flights. So, we beat the December omicron bug surge—almost everywhere. Now we rehunker for a while. Inshallah! Hope pics have enough data density for their use. If not, oh well.”

Phil Gioia: “I feel it necessary to send you a little explanation as to my decision not to ‘go East’ for the reunion. Part of it is the journey required to just get there. All of the TSA BS and the lines at San Francisco International Airport, then a long flight cross-country, renting a car at Dulles, arrival time usually at 5 p.m. at Dulles—never convenient and always requiring an overnight stay somewhere nearby—then a three- or four-hour drive down to Lexington the next day. Reverse all of that to get home again. I hope I don’t sound like a curmudgeon, but if so, well, I guess I own up to it. I will miss you and our BRs. All the very best, and again, thanks for what you and Joan have done for ’67 all these years. Phil.”

John Forsyth, still recovering from his latest back surgery, sent me a lovely photo of Leslie shoveling another 8 inches of snow from their deck. I suggested he needed to pay a local teen to do the work, but his reply was, “The one thing this neighborhood lacks are teenagers willing to make [extra money] in the winter. It’s not a restricted community, but the covenants don’t allow trampolines, swing sets, or basketball hoops, and that alone discourages families with kids. The neighbors across the street ripped out their sidewalk and driveway and installed a heated one. God tells me not to covet my neighbor’s anything, but it sure looks nice and dry after a big snowstorm!

Had another 8 inches Tuesday, so it’s beginning to

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Class Notes pile up. The neighbors came by with their snow thrower and cleared the driveway for us. It’s all good.” (My condolences were sent back for Leslie.)

Jimmy Massie remains in the Veterans Affairs hospital in Salem, Virginia, where he has been following a massive stroke several years ago. His prognosis is not the best, but he is holding his own with the great care that they are giving him. We thank his cousin, Walter Massie ’70, who dyked with F.O. Moore, for taking him cards and greetings on a regular basis since his daughter, Paige Getz, and her family live in Connecticut. If any BRs want to stop by the VA hospital, they will allow them to visit.

I hoped to get an answer to this nagging question that has been recently brought to mind. Barrett Graham says he had a strong memory that during our Breakout, Bob Nablo and Bill Teveri somehow managed to hide in Memorial Hall during our charge up to the fourth stoop. “That one made the rounds of Charlie Company (where we all were), but not much farther. I remember sitting in our room across the table from Charlie Ash when someone burst into the room with the news.

Charlie seemed to be enjoying the then-ongoing resurrection, and I was getting tired of it.” I sent emails to Bob and Bill seeking the truth, but each denied any recollection of such an event. If anyone has a further opinion or contribution, please let me know. Barrett also sent the following about Bob Kyle: “Bob was one of my rat roomies.

There were five of us rooming above the main arch—Bob, Charlie Ash, Tuck Worsham, Jim Wojick, and me. A couple of our BRs have remarked that it was a miracle that we five, with such different personalities, made it through our rat year intact.” Several other memories from BRs about Bob were forwarded to Kelly.

How many of you enjoyed Bob Poland’s public service announcement? I cannot publish it here or in a group ’67 email, as it would be censored for visual content. But if you ask, I can probably find it in my archives to share on an individual basis.

I wish to thank the BRs who feed me VMI data that is printed in The Washington Post, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Bacon’s Rebellion.

Hunter Taylor, Neil Schlussel, Bert Burckard, Bo Traywick, and others never fail to inform me, and I try to pass along things that are not too political or controversial but are not suitable for the AR. I report and give you the contact info, and you decide whether to read it. Just want to

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recognize those who offer us all some perspective and a chance to vent. I add that the last couple of months have provided a wealth of venting!

In closing, I am sad when reflecting on our thinning ranks in the last year. Some stand out in our individual memories, and some were remembered only after checking our Bomb. Some loud and boisterous, some quiet and reserved, some left soon, most graduated, but brother rats, all. Bob Kyle, Tom Engleman, Taras Galysh, Sam Heltzel, Marty Bandy, Harley Duane, Don Brown, Steve Sboray, and Mike Sanford join all other remembered 1967 brother rats. Bless them all.

1968

Tom Hickey

David Wagner (Columbine Valley, Colorado): “Last year was my 75th birthday, which we had to celebrate virtually. This year will be low key, but the big news is that we are going to begin traveling. In two days, we leave for several weeks in Maui. In March, we are going on a Caribbean cruise, and in April, I am going to Scottsdale for golf. I am definitely looking forward to all of it. During this pandemic, thankfully not much changed other than being homebound because of COVID-19. I still practice law part time. I played over 100 rounds of golf last year. I continue to enjoy a community of friends and neighbors. Fortunately, last year we were spared the impact of our state’s wildfires.”

George Buzzard (Waynesboro, Virginia): “Norma and I have been enjoying our retirement. We love to travel, but COVID-19 has put a damper on some of that. I had my ankle replaced in September 2020, so I had to retire from officiating high school football. I am still involved with high school wrestling. I have retired from working on the mat; now, I just assign and train new officials.

We did get to Lexington this fall for a couple of home football games. We went to Charleston for The Citadel game and met up with Wayne Burton and Sylvia and Lew Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia), and Joyce. Since both Wayne and Lew live in Georgia, we also met up again in Macon for the Mercer game. The three couples are planning to get together in Lexington this November for The Citadel game.”

Terry Bowers (Martinez, Georgia): “Joyce and I and our family have stayed virus free; well, Matt, with his flying for Delta, has managed to get mild cases of COVID-19 twice, giving his wife even milder cases, and curtailing our visit with them at Christmas this year. Anyway, except for visiting our children the past two years, we have spent most of our time at home, making for a boring retirement. Oh, I do have two sons retired from the military now.”

George Woodbury (Lillington, North Carolina) sent me a wonderful update that I distributed previously. Here are some edited highlights: “I went to VMI for a year and then transitioned to West Point. I spent 26 years in the Army Corps of Engineers. I met my wife at Fort Belvoir at the Engineer Officer Basic Course and, after just a month-and-a-half, asked her to marry me. We will celebrate 52 years this coming April. I served in Vietnam, where I earned three Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. I rose to the rank of colonel and decided to retire at 48 years old and begin a civilian career. I was director of public works for the town of Lexington, Massachusetts (1995-2000), where I wrote the first law in the country allowing cities and towns to take over their street lighting. My youngest son, Brian, became my partner in 2014, and we have helped over 120 communities in Massachusetts and 27 communities in Rhode Island and a smattering of cities and towns in other parts of the country. My oldest son is a lieutenant colonel in the Army and is stationed in the Norfolk, Virginia, area. He has four children; his son, the oldest, is 31 and just graduated from nursing school. His oldest daughter just graduated from the University of Alabama magna cum laude; the middle daughter just started at Purdue in their aerospace engineering program; and the youngest is in high school. My wife and I live outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, on a 15-acre property, including a 5-acre pond and a 3,800-square-foot pole barn for my woodshop, the boat, and fifth-wheel travel trailer, and assorted equipment and toys. I plan to retire finally this year, but my wife will tell you I have been saying that for five years, so she will believe it when it actually happens. We carry treats for four dogs along our walk route, and they look forward to our coming every day. After our evening walk, we sit on the front porch with a glass of wine and watch the beautiful North Carolina sunsets.”

Di Johnson (Humble, Texas): “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Archer’s (New

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes on ‘hold’ until we figure out the impact of the new Barry and I served in I Corps with the 5th SpeBraunfels, Texas) wife, Iris. Keeping in touch seems easier than ever. I’m on the ’68 Facebook cial Forces Group on A-Teams close to the border COVID-19 variant on range operations. Marta and Cornelia see each other regularly in an art with Laos (1970). In early December, Marta and page and try to keep up with Institute news. Oc(painting) class they both attend, and they frecasionally, I catch a BR Zoom with some Army I attended the Christmas party sponsored by the types, mostly engineers, who let the token Air local alumni chapter. Ned Harris (Phoenix, Ari- quently go ‘Goodwill-ing’ together. My hobbies zona) and I represented the Class of 1968. I was have finally outgrown the spare bedroom we both Force guy in, just to break the monotony of grunt have been using as a craft room; I’m war stories. Thwarted by a deer moving operations to the garage. strike to my truck which took six Marta and I get to revive our teachweeks to repair, we were delayed ing skills in mid-February by giving making our semiannual fall return a class to the local Daughters of the to Texas from the Finger Lakes of American Revolution chapter on rewestern New York. So, Suzie and I searching Revolutionary War ancesjust missed attending the Houston tors, using one of Marta’s ancestors alumni soiree at Rich Andrassy’s as an example. Should be interest(Houston, Texas) home in Noveming, as the ancestor Marta selected ber. The holidays were low key but fought in several of the early battles COVID-19-free for us.” and briefly served under Benedict Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, Virginia): Arnold before he switched sides. I “My ProAm team took second Class of 1968: Members of the class hold a mini reunion at the Skull had an email from my VMI roomie, place at the 2022 Mitsubishi ElecCreek Boathouse in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2021. Pictured tric Championship ProAm at Hua- are (seated) Gil Piddington, Chandler Williams, (standing) Frank Piniz- Ed Anderson (Lynchburg, Virlalai Four Seasons Resort on the zotto, Howard Chapman, Mike Gompf, Richard Wallach, Guy Wilson, ginia), this week. He and his wife, Pat, recently tested positive for COBig Island of Hawaii. Bernhard Marv Thews, and Bill Wanovich ’87.

VID-19 and are self-isolating with Langer and Hale Irwin presented only mild symptoms thus far.” the awards. Our PGA Tour ChampiTayo LeDuc (Hiawassee, Georons Pro was Stephen Dodd. David gia) (from his Christmas card): “I Marr announced twice to the crowd am alive and well! We are still stayat the awards dinner that I had just ing active with our church and that completed 75 ProAms and that I keeps us busy. We went to Massawas 75 years old.” chusetts in September to celebrate a Chuck Avery (Midland, Texas): good friend’s 75th birthday. Stopped “I’m trying to quietly ignore my in Salisbury, Maryland, to see our birthday, so don’t spread the word former choir director before going around. I guess my big birthday to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, present this year is a shiny new tito visit a former church member.” tanium dental implant and fake moHoward Chapman (Mount Pleaslar tooth to go with it. After paying ant, South Carolina) (from his for my tooth, we can’t even afford Christmas card): “This has been a a Hallmark greeting card. I might, busy year for me with town council however, luck out and get a cake! and the state guard. Two surgeries We do nothing exciting around this summer set me back some, but here that anyone would care to all is good now.” hear about. We have avoided catchLes Ridout (Westerville, Ohio): ing the plague—so far—so that’s a Class of 1968: Attending an award dinner following the PGA Tour Champions Pro-Am at the Hualalai Country Club, Hawaii, are Hale Irwin, PGA “During 2021, we downsized by plus.” professional; Don Elenbaas, amateur Pro-Am partner; Walt Jeffress; selling our Florida condo and our Here is an edited version of an and Bernhard Langer, PGA professional. Present but not pictured is Lee family home of 37 years in Westerupdate from Skip Anders (Mesa, Jansen, pro partner. ville and moved to a patio home this Arizona): “Marta and I attended the past week just 5 miles away. We are blessed to live Special Forces Association Convention in Las gratified to see a couple of even older alumni at just 5 and 15 miles from our sons and their famiVegas in late October. We got to see the Archers the function, as well. Marta and I celebrated a late lies, including our four wonderful grandchildren.

(New Braunfels, Texas) for the first time since our new year at a local Black Angus restaurant with Fran and I are doing fine given our advancing age.

50th, as well as many Special Forces vets from Ned and Cornelia Harris. Ned and I made plans She has had COVID-19 twice, and I have avoided my times in Southeast Asia and Latin America. to go shooting in the near future. Those plans are

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Class Notes it (two injections and a booster), thankfully. When she came down with COVID-19 three weeks ago, she was lucky enough to receive monoclonal antibody infusion at The Ohio State University Medical Center within 24 hours and was really ill for only three days. Still weak and recovering but able to get back to the mall for shopping.”

Here are some excerpts from Hal Hostetler’s (Portsmouth, Virginia) annual Christmas letter, “Christmas Song:” “Brenda and I have had a good year in spite of all that has been going on. We’ve not been touched by COVID-19 and have been able to carry on a good degree of normalcy. Brenda has continued running our home and beautifying the yard. While supporting me in all I do, she is also the secretary of our Women’s Missionary Union and keyboardist in the church orchestra.

The Tidewater Concert Band is an ongoing major part of my life—rehearsing every Tuesday evening for two hours and performing in a wide range of locations and activities. My personal mission to merchant seamen increased this year, as I was the only member of our local team who felt comfortable visiting foreign ships in port. The crews were isolated on board for months with no freedom to go ashore, and captains kept a close rein on health onboard the ship.”

Dick Wise (Richmond, Virginia): “My big thing these days is being involved with and promoting my Purple Heart chapter. BR Norment’s (Williamsburg, Virginia) help was huge in our quest to get Virginia to declare itself a Purple Heart State in 2016. There was a ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, under the guidance of Clay Mountcastle ’94, to commemorate that resolution, and you can see a sign making that declaration at 12 different entry points to the state. With the help of another VMI alum, Brad Cooper ’09, I am turning into a beer salesman, which seems to be a suitable and enjoyable calling, although it’s a little strange being on the sales rather than the purchase side of the product. Brad’s company, Steam Bell Beer Works, introduced Merit Beer.

The name was inspired by the Badge of Military Merit, the original name of the Purple Heart, on Veterans Day to support our Purple Heart chapter. It’s distributed in NOVA, Richmond, and the Tidewater area, and it’s off to a good start, saleswise. I make sure to let all the bar owners with whom I come in contact know about it. I can see BR Holland (Virginia Beach, Virginia) going bonkers in Virginia Beach! Speaking of Bogie, we rode together to the WCU game. Boys were

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tired after a couple of very tough losses, plus two of their three biggest offensive threats were out.

Family’s fine. Daughter in Portland, son in San Antonio, and another one here. Joyce continues to keep me straight.”

I heard from Mary Lynn Hicks (Locust Grove, Virginia), the widow of Benny Hicks, our U.S. Naval Academy graduate, in mid-December. She wrote, “We are celebrating Ben’s memory by taking Panera lunch to the ICU team at INOVA Loudoun Hospital. They provided care, support, and love to Ben and to our family during our most difficult times. During the four months Ben suffered with lung cancer and chemotherapy side effects, we spent a total of 45 days and nights there. These doctors, nurses, therapists, techs, and housekeepers remain close friends, and we cherish this honor. Guess who I ran into, well, not literally, at the Hallmark store in Fredericksburg two weeks ago? Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia)! He hasn’t changed a bit! It was so much fun seeing him, remembering our good times in San Francisco and Coronado, and catching up on family news. We are planning to get together for dinner after the holidays.”

Greg Wall (Keswick, Virginia): “We continue to travel with our Airstream while we can do it. We hope to go to several places in Florida in February/March. Martha is planning to walk part of the El Camino de Santiago Trail with several friends in June. Then we plan to explore America’s Southwest for four or more months. I have a one-week float trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in July for a week. I write a blog of our travels and am editor of a newsletter for the Virginia Airstream Club. One day, God willing, I hope to finish a book on the woman who taught me and so many others to ride horses in Charlottesville.”

Berry Wright (Ashland, Virginia): “This year has been an interesting and difficult one. The pandemic has caused everyone in my circle of friends and relatives to withdraw to preserve our health and to prevent becoming an element of contamination. My roommates from VMI had planned a mini reunion this past October in Nags Head on the Outer Banks. We all agreed to cancel it because of the high contamination rate reported in that area at the time. I had hoped to get up to VMI to see what changes have been made but decided to postpone till a time when I know the danger of the virus is diminished. I love to attend football games in the fall at the Institute; however, I was

not sure at any point in time whether VMI was even playing or having classes on campus. Maybe next year will allow all of these missed opportunities to be revisited and I can get to see everyone and give an Old Yell.”

Jim DiFrank (Sarasota, Florida): “Not really much has changed in my life other than turning 75 and having a son who flies for American Airlines and a grandson flying for Delta. I’m still married and have now worked for Best Buy as an advanced repair agent for just over 20 years. It gives me something to get up for in the morning. All my kids are now eligible to be AARP members and refuse to join with my wife and me. I read the VMI Review every time it arrives but only really read about our classmates and those I knew in the classes before us and Taps. I guess my wife and I are enjoying watching our kids and our grandkids mature and achieve their goals in life. We traveled a lot during our working years and, after 55 years of marriage, are content to be home each night.”

John Warburton (Sarasota, Florida): “Anne and I have had a great year. It started with our grandson, Ben, and his fiancée asking me to officiate at their wedding in February 2021. It was both a joy and a humbling experience! Now we await the birth of their first child in February 2022.

I can’t be old enough to be a great-grandfather!

Other than that, we enjoyed our annual family trip to the OBX in June and find fulfillment through our many church activities. Life is good!”

Bob MacPherson (Charlotte, North Carolina): “It’s been an exciting year. Finally, my book was published and enjoyed a period as an Amazon bestseller. Although there is a side of me that was gratified by the recognition, my fundamental feeling of accomplishment is bringing attention to people who deserve acknowledgment for their remarkable deeds. Additionally, even as a cadet, if someone could see inside my dreams of what ‘I really wanted to do in my life,’ they would have found, ‘be a writer.’ It’s nice to be there. I hope you and all our brother rats are well and still immersed in the spirit, bonds, and brotherhood of ‘the good to me’s.’ Semper fi.”

Dave Gehr (Williamsburg, Virginia): “We were looking forward to the Institute Society event and are sorry that we had to miss seeing my brother rats who attended. Bobbi and I get together with Steve and Linda Wilson (Williamsburg, Virginia) for bridge on a regular basis. In September, we spent a few days with them in Nags Head (they had never been) and had a very enjoyable time.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes In October, my brother, Bill ’66, and his wife visited with us after his 55th Reunion at VMI. Memorial Day, we hosted a VMI ’68 get-together with Val and Connie Sledd (Poquoson, Virginia), Rob and Terri Steele (Chesapeake, Virginia), and Steve and Linda Wilson. This Christmas, we are looking forward to a visit with our son, Charles, and his wife. They will be coming from Oregon, and our daughter and granddaughters who live in Newport News will also be with us. We are very much looking forward to an enjoyable holiday with the family. Our son, Charles, is completing the second year of owning his own business. In January, he bought Anderson Custom Rods from Gary Anderson, who started the company over 40 years ago. If any of our BRs would like a firstclass custom fly-fishing rod, Charles would be happy to make one for you. Our daughter, Kim, continues as the office manager for Williamsburg Baptist Church. Oldest granddaughter, Autumn, is a senior music theater major at Christopher Newport University, and our youngest granddaughter, Alex, is a freshman at Thomas Nelson Community College. We were supposed to get together with Clay and Donna Thompson (Salisbury, Virginia) during their recent visit to Williamsburg but had to cancel. If any of our BRs get to the Williamsburg area, Bobbi and I would love to get together with you.”

Gil Piddington (Mechanicsburg, Pennyslvania): “We now spend most of the year on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. In recent years, we have met with Chandler and Robbie Williams (Midlothian, Virginia), usually during the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament the week after The Masters. This year, Chandler shifted to the fall for a brother rat week of golf with Mike Gompf (North Chesterfield, Virginia), Marv Thews (Roanoke, Virginia), and Richard Wallach (The Plains, Virginia). When Chandler told me his plans, I contacted Frank Pinizzotto (Pawley’s Island, South Carolina), to invite him down, and Frank called the rest of the South Carolina brother rats, Guy Wilson (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina) and Howard Chapman (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina). They came down and joined me for a golf day, while the Richmond gang played another course. After golf, we all met outside at the Skull Creek Boat House for dinner and were joined by my neighbor here, Bill Wanovich ’87, who recently retired after seven years as VMI commandant. A great evening of Class of 1968 fellowship! The following day, the Richmond gang

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then played the Country Club of Hilton Head, and I joined them for lunch beforehand. Tracey and I also stopped on our drive south Oct. 2 and visited with Dave and Jean Clark (Doswell, Virginia).

And last April, driving back from Key West, we had a nice lunch in Delray Beach, Florida, with Dixon and Linda McElwee (Boca Raton, Florida). Earlier in the summer, Dean and Nancylee Kershaw (Fairfield, Virginia) stopped for lunch with us in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, on their way north to visit Dion and Suzie Johnson (Humble, Texas). A week or so later, Tracey and I were exploring wineries with friends in the Finger Lakes Region of New York state, and we spent a day with Dion and Suzie at their beautiful new home on Keuka Lake. We visited another terrific winery, and they took us to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, where we saw a display of several outboard motors that Dion had beautifully restored. And on his way back from visiting his sister in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Steve Powers (Malvern, Pennsylvania) and I had lunch and swapped stories. Steve has an unending supply of them and is a great storyteller. Later this week, we plan to play golf with Jim Henry (Williamsburg, Virginia) here on the Island.”

Rick Eades (Ridgeland, Mississippi): “After a gap of 17 years, I was finally able to run my 44th marathon. I had helped at several of the Blues Marathons in Jackson, Mississippi, even ran a half marathon there, but never was in the right place at the right time to do the full marathon. On Nov. 13, 2021, I finally ran the Blues, as they say here in Jackson. It was a beautiful day, 41 degrees at the start, with a high of 55. Perfect temperatures. My youngest daughter, her daughter (my only granddaughter), and son-in-law cycled along beside me for the last 16 miles. The course was a double loop with part going past their house in the Belhaven area of Jackson. Several other runners and myself grouped up and made the last 10 miles pass by quickly with my kids riding along cheering for everyone. It was a fun day. Gave out an Old Yell at the finish line. I found out later that there were quite a few no-shows and that I was the oldest runner in the marathon. Placing first in a 75-plus age division in any race has not been easy. The boomers are still healthy and running good times.

Everyone in my family has stayed healthy, and we got by the COVID-19 safely.”

Wayne Burton (Saint Marys, Georgia): “I am on the ’68 email blog daily. Most contact I have had since graduating. I would have been at the

Institute Society Dinner, but my wife had knee replacement surgery Oct. 29. She is recovering well.

Went to The Citadel and Mercer games and watch on ESPN+. We had a great time at the winter gathering of the Jacksonville, Florida, alumni chapter hosted by Duke and Jenny Addison ’82 watching basketball games on ESPN+.”

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the VMI Class of 1969, After a mild winter in December, the weather turned cold and snowy here in eastern Virginia in January and February. And that dadgum groundhog Phil just predicted more winter. My yard says differently, however, as early flowers are already poking up and camellia buds are showing some color.

At Thanksgiving, I heard about Pat Branch having bilateral lung transplants and double bypass surgery at Duke University. Tricia and I talked several times, and I was able to monitor Pat’s progress. Then in January, I talked with Pat himself and heard a strong voice on the phone. By his admission, he had a way to go in rehab and was already on the bike.

Then, just this week in February, I heard that Ron Wall has also been at Duke with a bad case of COVID-19. His story is complicated, but he first discovered around new year’s day that he was positive for the condition. His impact was pneumonia, and that has affected him for the last few weeks. He spent over two weeks in the hospital and then has been recovering slowly since. Ron also told Jim Long and others that he is now a candidate for a CAR T-cell transplant to treat his bone marrow cancer issues. Once his lung (and some other heart) issues are cleared up, he expects to move closer to Duke and begin his new phase of treatment. His prognosis is good once the transplant procedures are completed, and he is looking forward to getting on with them. We all will think good thoughts for Ron and Betsy. One note of a better kind is the fact that Ron and Betsy were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary last year on a trip to Hawaii.

On a warm fall day in early December at the

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Class Notes Williamsburg Kingsmill Woods course, Bob Heely, Glenn White, and I joined Tom Morris for golf and conversation. It is truly amazing how quickly and easily the jokes and banter flow with old friends.

Also in early December, I heard from Steve “Buck” Talley ’70 that Russ Quay ’70, famous VMI quarterback, had died. Russ was a school principal after finishing school elsewhere and was a recognized leader on that 1967 football team that beat Virginia Tech and several others. Buck was assembling an article from former players about that strong team and contacted me in search of stalwarts like Gary Mackey, Bob Biddle, and Lee Barnes. Buck was a lineman. Can you tell?

Speaking of Lee Barnes, I had fun before Thanksgiving with his son, Bryce. Bryce, a West Pointer completing his Army duty and heading to law school, was planning a surprise trip for his dad to Lexington and a football game. With the help of others, we helped fill the time and laid out the good places to be the night before and the day of a game. Jim Long was there for the game and saw Bunny Paulette, John Sebrell, Bruce Gregory, Randy Crocker, Tommy and Nancy Catlett, and Bobby and Elizabeth Watts. Even though we lost several games at the end of the year, the team completed winning seasons both in spring and fall football.

On Monday, Dec. 13, I mailed over 250 Christmas cards to BRs and widows. I got several back.

I am still looking for good addresses for Larry Smith, Connie Tompkins, and short-time BR Richard Roberts, so speak up if you can help. It was a labor of love to get those ready on time and one that took several weeks to finish.

On Dec. 17, I spent another unusually warm day on the golf course with Glenn White and Skinny Baker at their Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk, Virginia. The country club remodeled the clubhouse, pool, and golf course and is thriving now with many new members.

On Dec. 17, I also received a weekly update email from Thom Brashears ’95 of the VMI Alumni Agencies that mentioned a new hire as a program outreach officer. Our BR John Stann’s grandson, Jack Stann ’21, was hired. “Jack is a legacy VMI alumnus, as his father and grandfather are both graduates. He has two brothers who are current cadets, and another brother is strongly considering matriculating next fall.”

Thom knew his dad as a ’95 grad. I love the connections going back so far!

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On Dec. 21, Drew Brantley hosted a Class of 1969 lunch at the Orapax Restaurant in Norfolk.

Attending were Ned Caldwell, WIP Priest, Bob Flowers, Gary Mackey, Glenn White, Drew, Lee Barnes, Webb Hatch, T.O. Palmer (with son Top), and Bob Heely. Already out of town for holidays were Bob Watts (to Hawaii to be with his active-duty Navy son and his family), Bob Alexander (to San Diego to spend time with his daughter’s family and his grandson, Jackson), and Walt Judd (to Denver for time with daughter’s family and two grandsons). John Ishon, Skinny Baker, and Bruce Gregory had other commitments that day.

Receiving Christmas cards from you all is an interesting activity. This year, I heard from Gail Brown in Wilmington, North Carolina; John and Marie Mitchell (still winning golf tournaments) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Larry and Katherine Brydon in Richmond, Virginia, these days; Lou and Tanya Sidney (who rated a visit from Doug Marks before Christmas) in Alexandria, Virginia; Clint and Catherine Spencer of Gainesville, Georgia; Harold and Jane Fleischer in San Antonio, Texas; Frank and Shelly Novakowski in Hudsonville, Michigan; Lloyd and Debbie McGrady in Navarre, Florida (card shows cool trees decorated on the beach with shells and starfish); Spunky and Linda Butler in Doswell, Virginia (“still marching in place to COVID-19’s tune ...”); Sam Hoffman in Goochland, Virginia; and Art Wilson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, who remembered that Dec. 17 was a big date. (When, in his memory, the admin at VMI changed the start of Christmas break one year. Anyone else remember the details?)

Also Tom and Karen Buckner in Memphis, Tennessee, who added two granddaughters this year to get to nine grandchildren(!); Bill Kirkpatrick of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Laura Hinshelwood in Germantown, Tennessee; Jay Jennings of Woodbridge, Virginia (with Santa in a sailboat); my Ring Figure date and still good friend, Susan Campbell Stutts of Austin, Texas; Gary Vitt in Alexandria, Virginia (who was—in his card—in a crowd at Mount Vernon having fun in the snow); Bob and Polly Flint in Lynchburg, Virginia; T.O. and Arlene Palmer at the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina; Don and Noreen Mercer of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Art and Becky Bushey near Gordonsville, Virginia (with five kid faces and two dog faces on their card); Col. Glenn Hammond in Troutville, Virginia, who became the senior colonel in his family when

he helped promote his son to 0-5 in the Air Force; Rusty and Kathy Chamberlain in Durango, Colorado; Mike and Mary Giles in Somerville, Massachusetts, where Mike continues working out at the local YMCA swimming and biking; Joe and Michie Flanz in Alexandria, Virginia, whose card included a lovely holiday painting by Michie; and Jim and Beth Long, who also included a card painted by Beth of a country church in winter.

(With a cardinal to brighten things up!)

To continue: Mike and Leigh Harper in Bowling Green, Kentucky, added nurturing wild turkeys to their list of accomplishments last year; Webb Hatch in Sandbridge, Virginia (Virginia Beach), sent a classy shell wreath motif card; Mike and Martha Santoro of Midlothian, Virginia, enjoyed many opportunities to visit with their two grandchildren nearby; Tom and Carol Reynolds from Papillion, Nebraska, who defied the pandemic last summer and spent time in Europe with family members seeing the sights in France, Germany, and Belgium and even got to ride a bullet train; V.J. and Margi Petrella of Mount Airy, Maryland; John Edenfield of Stockton, California; Gordon and Pat Bailey in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; Jack Robb (with Mary Jo) of Rochester/ Hilton, New York, who sets up regular calls with his roommates from VMI and plans for a mini reunion this spring; Brant and Betsy Collins, wintering in Merida, Mexico, (near Brownsville, Texas) with their daughter; Larry Riegner in Port Orange, Florida; Pat and Tricia Branch in Durham, North Carolina, for Pat’s recovery and rehab time; Joe and Betty Oliver in Midlothian, Virginia, who sent many photos of family members; Roy and Kaye Swatts in Orlando, Florida, who have had a tough year health-wise; and Bob and Sandy Clingenpeel in Glendale, Arizona, who visited friends and family—meeting outdoors—at a lake in Minnesota in July.

Travel has just been hard recently. Mike Santoro and I planned for months to go to Lexington in January for a basketball game and banquet matching athletic scholarship winners with their donor funds’ representatives. Then the omicron variant kicked up, and many friends caught it. The Corps came back to school to prepare for marching in the new governor’s inaugural parade. The Corps did march in Richmond, but the banquet was postponed. Mike and I did not go to Lexington, but Tom and Elizabeth Jones did go to the game.

Then upon returning home, they both tested positive for COVID-19. What a letdown! Bruce

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Gregory reported that Ron Wall, a frequent visitor to Lexington, had been slowed the past few months with COVID-19 symptoms.

Jim and Beth Long got to several basketball games, and they saw the Joneses and Mary Alice Wright on a snowy day in January. Jim reported seeing John Sebrell and Tommy and Nancy Catlett at another. While most of us are not venturing to the games in person, we still listen or watch the games from home. Bruce Gregory and Mike Santoro both have paid their fees and watch the games on ESPN+. Hopefully, many more of you do, as well.

Rawls Williams fussed before Christmas with VMI Alumni Review staff about the terseness of current obits now published (especially when compared to earlier write-ups about famous persons). We talked about the After Taps section of the AR and discussed how someone could say more about a person than the short vital information now printed. We agreed that we as friends and BRs could do a better job of giving a couple of accomplishments or remembrances in the After Taps section. L.R. then talked about his last few months. “We spent six months in Green Valley (20 miles south of Tucson), Arizona. If there is a gathering in the Phoenix area, let us know, as we are only two hours at most from the city. Had another great summer in Sun Valley, Idaho—caught a new record of 1,800 rainbow trout. With less snow than usual over the winter of 2020-21, the rivers were flowing with less water, allowing fishing six weeks earlier than normal. Still hitting the little white ball three to four times weekly and the larger yellow ball only weekly. Happy holidays.”

Mike Santoro dropped me a quick text Feb. 2: “VMI 76-65.” The basketball team visited UNCG midweek and evened their season record with that team. We still have a winning record and high hopes for a good end to this year’s fun. Mike and I frequently talk about UVA and VMI sports. Then Feb. 4, it was my turn to text Mike, “Go Keydets,” as the team scored the last 11 points and won what had been a tight game.

In early February, my local newspaper had another article about changes at VMI discussed in The Washington Post over the weekend. One truly needs a scorecard to keep up with all the info (or misinformation) flowing. This one talked about changes to the Honor Court and how it is run.

Any time the WP likes something, I look for the downsides or wonder what the next step will be.

I suggest in this article there was 10% news and

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90% bias and repeated ideas from earlier so-called news. The VMI Alumni Agencies spokespersons were quick to point out officially many incorrect assumptions in the article. I will be happier when VMI does not appear in the WP for anything other than winning sports championships or high ratings in the parade of best-valued colleges and universities.

On a brighter note, several BRs have been trying to get a 75th birthday party going for some time this year. With all the pandemic variants still going around, we have held off scheduling anything yet, but there is enough interest to get us together later this year. Watch for news as soon as the pandemic numbers look a bit less troublesome. The fact the Alumni Agencies is trying to schedule banquets to get scholarship holders with the donors and administrators of the funds at the end of the school year is good news to me. As soon as all feel safer, the fun will resume in earnest.

I heard from Charlie Bryan in early February about a new project in the VMI Archives. Recorded in 2021 was an oral history project completed by members of the VMI Class of 1966. More than 30 members of the class who fought in the war in Vietnam were interviewed by another member of their class about their wartime experiences. As each of the interviews is more than an hourlong (and many two hours plus), I recommend spending a little time on different days to fully appreciate the stories related: digitalcollections.vmi.edu/ digital/collection/p15821coll22 As the introduction to the archive says, “Over 100 members of the class served in Vietnam, with 11 paying the ultimate price.” We knew these young men back when and can more fully understand what they talk about, as we have our own experiences on the topic. In records established for our 50th Reunion, we noted that at least 36 of our BRs (and at least one wife) served in that war.

Just a reminder: Our class sponsors scholarships for both scholars and athletes. Those funds can accept funds at any time from anyone. If you have an interest, there is a fund for you to support!

In a letter from Steve Craddock ’70, my former neighbor after graduation from VMI, I read that VMI Keydet Club funds now support over 285 cadet-athletes in 18 different programs. There is a lot of optimism in the Keydet Club Board of Governors after recent successes in football, track, and basketball. Like Bunny Paulette, Jim Long, Jim Chapman, and John Sebrell in past years, the current KC leadership wants to raise enough

funds to help both the athletes and the coaches working with them.

Here is one yarn to show you the value of your scholarship donations. At the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June 2009, I heard from the wrestling coaches that my neighbor, Josh Phillips ’14, a recent York High grad, had been accepted to VMI as a scholarship wrestler. Josh was one of the last athletes selected that year and was raring to go that fall. After a couple of years at school, young Josh discovered the Ranger Challenge and put his efforts toward that. He left his scholarship for sports behind and focused on new things.

After graduating in 2014, he began active duty in the Army. Today as a captain on active duty, Josh is still enjoying the challenges. Roughly 11 years later, another Joshua came along from York High and accepted a wrestling scholarship to VMI. This young man, Josh Evans ’25, is happy today to say he just completed the Rat Line and earned the right to compete as a heavyweight for the wrestling team. A tall kid in high school, he is gaining weight gradually and will be able to better match up with those big dudes next year. This story is about two kids named Josh becoming better athletes and better citizens because of donors to VMI sports. Knowing both sets of parents, I can say they are doing their “thing” the right way and making many people proud. Thanks to you who contribute to VMI wrestling.

Stay healthy, BRs. Keep in contact with your buds from long ago and enjoy a laugh or two every day. It may not keep you alive any longer, but you will certainly enjoy life more!

In the Spirit, Walt

1970

Steve Talley

Russ Quay (June 9, 1946-Nov. 30, 2021).

On Dec. 4, 2021, Carol Quay laid her husband, Isaac “Russ” Quay II, to rest in Cookeville, Tennessee. Russ was the 26th BR to sign the 1970 class matriculation record. He came to VMI from Hargrave Military Academy, a school known for producing hard-nosed footballers. In the After Taps section of this edition of this Review, read our tribute to Russ. Meanwhile, read a few Russ

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Class Notes Quay pearls below. Many thanks for the folks on the VMI Alumni Agencies communications team for helping me get it there.

Dick Knight and Russ were in Company F together. Dick remembers him as one of the most unpretentious guys he knew. “He was humble ansd self-effacing, quite the regular guy.” Over the years, Dick visited with Russ, the last visit being at Russ’ celebration of life, where he met with Carol and daughter Lisa and extended condolences from our class. Russ Marshall sent flowers—a bouquet of red, white, and yellow blooms. The two Russes were summer school roommates in 1967. Russ M. did not mention the actual academic course they were taking that summer, but I bet Russ Q. put more time into watching football films with Coach Vito Ragazzo than he did studying anything else.

Bill O’Connor reminded me that he roomed with Russ in our 3rd Class year. Both had boxed a little before coming to VMI and jokingly talked about having a match. They never got around to it.

A lucky thing for Bill, who would still be paying off the dental bills. “Russ was a good guy and a tough guy. He will be missed by many.”

The biggest highlight of Russ’ football career at VMI came in the season finale with Virginia Tech Nov. 23, 1967. Tech was leading 10-6, and there were two-and-a-half minutes left. The ball was on the six-yard line. Coach Ragazzo sent in a running play. Quay saw that the Tech defensive line was stacking up in the middle. In the huddle, he scratched out a pass play in the Victory Stadium mud, a play that would win the game. Quay hit John Hince ’68, big tight end, in the end zone. All pandemonium broke out. VMI 12, Virginia Tech 10. In 2000, Russ made a paper copy of the play, the immaculate reception 2.0, for his friend, Paul Bouis ’67. Paul has kept it all these years.

I spoke to Gary Mackey ’69, Bob Hockley, and Mike Sisler recently, three guys who were in the huddle for that play. They described vintage Quay. In charge, confident, focused, laying out the plan to win. Always gesticulating, cheerleading, intent on winning. “It was not unusual for Russ to draw out a play in the turf, direct traffic, and instruct his offensive team just what to do, where to be.” Jim Berg ’68 decoys his defender away from the play. Frank Easterly ’69 takes his guy deep into the end zone corner, away from the seam. The offensive line slides right to protect Quay. Big Chuck Marks and Bob Habasevich ’69 step up to form a pocket. Quay jitterbugs

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into the arms of the pocket and unloads a pass to Hince, who masterfully finds the seam. Bob Hockley remembers one this for sure. The entire VMI squad dancing in the end zone to a roaring crowd after that reception.

I have been having a time going to VMI basketball games in Cameron Hall. Recently, the Keydets whipped East Tennessee State 83-79 in a thriller. The Corps turned out in force, dressed

Class of 1970: Russ Quay suited up for action.

Class of 1970: Russ Quay, “Gridiron General,” circa 1967.—Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

in field fatigues. I visited with Peel Dillard and Dave Miller at the game. Thom Brashears ’95, Alumni Association chief operating officer, does the courtside game play by play. Thom makes the Energizer Bunny look lazy. At halftime during the VMI versus ETSU game, he welcomed back to VMI Mildred Cooper ’05, who dominated women’s shotput throughout her career, winning five individual crowns. The league named her to the Big South 25th Anniversary Indoor Track and Field Team. She finished her VMI career with five school records. She is the first female athlete inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame. Not bad, not bad at all. I encourage brother rats who are close by to get to a basketball game and any other sports event, for that matter. Someone has to be there to calm Peel Dillard down. His enthusiasm for VMI athletics is a remarkable sight.

Nobody cares more about VMI than Peel Dillard.

For you warm-weather guys, there is always baseball in the spring. Since writing this set of notes, the Keydet basketballers have gone 4-2, with a heartbreaking 100-99 loss to Samford and a big time win against the league-leading Chattanooga Mocs. Who names their team after a snake? The Keydets are serious contenders for winning the SoCon title and advancing to the NCAA tournament.

Often a gaggle of VMI guys gathers at the Palms restaurant to have lunch before basketball games.

Guys like Tommy Cook; Herb Braun; Ralph Costen and his lovely wife, Marsha; Tom Catlett ’69 and his lovely wife, Nancy; Andrew Deal ’12; Lanny Gault ’71; and me. BR Dick Cheatham informed me recently that the Palms is located in a building that replaced the original building there, which the Franklin Society owned. J.T.L. Preston and fellow society members met there to debate issues of the day and plan to turn the local state arsenal into a military school. The first VMI Board of Visitors met there. The Franklin Society rented out the first floor and used the second floor as their meeting room and library, the largest library in Virginia west of the Blue Ridge Mountains at that time. The Franklin Society does not exist today, but the gaggle of ghetto rats having lunch there these days might morph into something akin to it.

Consider signing the online petition I created that calls for Dick to do his portrayal of J.T.L. Preston for incoming classes and other audiences.

Now more than ever we need to get the story of VMI’s core values highlighted and to remind the citizens of Virginia that those values have never

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes changed and will not. Dick’s Preston portrayal is rascal was still in bed at 0930 hours. Obviously, natural beauty and bathed in warm weather and one way to underscore that fact. Sign the petition he is taking this retirement thing seriously. A trip quiet in Bahia. He wrote to me recently, “Stay well, and have a great fall!” What? It’s 4 degrees at ipetitions.com/petition/dick-cheatham-as-jtl- out west with J.C. Hanks and Taz Taylor to stalk this morning in Staunton, and I have to negotiate the wily Montana cut-throat trout should get him preston an icefall to get to the car, while Matt and Lynne On Dec. 10, 2021, I traveled with Don Craw- moving. Good luck, Donnie and Bonnie.

I received news from fellow biology major Matt bait up to snatch another snapper, grouper, or marford to Covington, Virginia, to help celebrate tin from the clear Sea of Cortez waters. I guess I Donnie Wheatley’s retirement from Boys Home Curtis. He and his wife, Lynne, aka the Admiral, of Virginia, a school Donnie attended and led as and Bailey, their fourth Dalmatian, live in Bahia will go ice fishing.

Another defector, Don Crawford, and his wife, its executive director. When we arrived, Brother De Kino, Sonora, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez Rats Ned Haley, Larry Thompson, Taz Taylor, for eight to nine months of the year and the rest in Lois, escaped Virginia just ahead of a big snowAmado, Arizona, population 275. This happy trio storm to embark on an adventure to Costa Rica. and Donnie met us there.

The day Donnie graduated from VMI, he re- spends most of their time fishing, surrounded by By now, they have finished a Spanish language immersion school, which Don turned to Covington to wed Mary, describes as “like drinking from a his childhood sweetheart. After firehose. Every day is intense, as a brief time at Virginia Tech, he all the classes are in Spanish. Engspent three years in the Marine lish is only used when a total unCorps, then came back to Virginderstanding impasse is reached,” ia. He had always wanted to give which for me would be often. Lois, back to Boys Home, and when the a foodie at heart, watches Jeanette, executive director position became their host, cook local Tico meals available, he jumped on it. For 35 using fresh vegetables and fruits. years, he made sure that disadvanDon says the Costa Ricans take the taged young men have the same pandemic seriously. Hand sanitizchance at success that Boys Home ing and temperature stations guard had afforded him. entry into most stores. Everyone “All successful men were once wears a mask when appropriate. boys. But not all boys become successful men. Whether it’s due Class of 1970: Attending the retirement celebration for Donnie Wheatley Don got to assess the medical systo a lack of positive role models, at Boys Home in Covington, Virginia, Dec. 10, 2021, are (from left) Paul Eng- tem recently. An English-speaking lish ’73, Steve Talley, Don Crawford, Wheatley, Taz Taylor, J.C. Hanks, Larry doctor saw him quickly at a local quality living circumstances, or a Thompson, and Ned Haley. clinic, confirmed a sinus infection, welcoming school environment. wrote a prescription, and sent Don on his way.

We [at Boys Home] provide [that security] so The bill? $35. He was expecting to pay $200. they can go on to be ... men who will take care of After Spanish lessons, Don and Lois will spend their families, men who will contribute their gifts, winter splitting time between Lake Arenal in the and men who will be role models for the next genmountains and a bungalow at Pacific Beach. The eration.” That is the Boys Home mantra. A pretty weather is warm in Costa Rica, 12 hours of dayadmirable undertaking, I would say. light. I guess I should feel lucky. The temperature There are lots of stories one can tell about Donin Staunton went up to 6 degrees this morning. nie. The one I like the most is when he embarked A.C. Arnn checked in from Blythewood, South on a 100-day, 1,450-mile Walk Across Virginia Carolina. He and wife Elizabeth made a trip to from the Eastern Shore of Virginia to the CumberEurope in November, but COVID-19 paperwork land Gap to honor Mary, who passed away from and testing were inconvenient, he reports. A.C. cancer in February 2003. “I walk for the kids. If still puts in 50-plus hours a week at construction even one boy who needs a change in environment firm MB Kahn in Columbia, South Carolina. He finds out about Boys Home, the 100 days will reports that he is slowly phasing out and hopes to be worth it.” On that walk, Donnie raised over be living in or around Burlington, North Caro$115,000 to support the religious life program at lina, in late 2022-early 2023 where their daughter, Boys Home.

Sarah, and her family reside. Dave Schmidt lives Donnie positively influenced hundreds of resijust down the road in Bowman, South Carolina, dents at Boys Home. His legacy is the stuff of Class of 1970: Donnie Wheatley enjoys a and A.C. hopes to spend time with him on the golf heroes. For now, he and Bonnie, his second wife lighthearted moment with Brother Rat course with him in 2022. Mike Sheu is in Blyand now his primary boss, are living in the West Ned Haley. thewood with A.C. and has just retired from the Virginia wilderness. I called him recently, and the

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Class Notes City of Columbia. Take a lesson from this guy, A.C. Get that retirement plan going.

Stix Chandler hosted an oyster roast in November for the Northeast Florida VMI Alumni Chapter. Members of VMI Classes from 1955-2018, all professional oyster slurpers no doubt, gulped down a bushel or more of the succulent bivalves. I suspect they had plenty of beer and bourbon with which to wash them down. I’m sure Stix had his share of those buttery mollusks, but how does he get them past that crazy mustache?

On Thanksgiving, Stix’ cousin, Dan Williams ’95, and his three children stopped overnight to enjoy some good Florida southern hospitality, then they headed down to Disney World. In December 2021, Stix took his three grandsons, Keller Volpe, Ryker Volpe, and Gavin Chandler, and his son, Brandon Chandler, to a Wreaths Across America celebration at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

“It was a wonderful day for my grandsons to see the sacrifices that our veterans made to protect the freedoms we enjoy.” The VMI spirit in real time.

Go, Stix.

Chad “Whip” Lash reports that he has been getting together with small groups of vaccinated friends and family to celebrate surviving the odious COVID-19 scourge. Each gathering ends with a hoist of glasses to toast to a better future. Chad is quite the musician and did get to perform at neighbor gatherings a few times in 2021. On one occasion, he used his mighty Harmony 12-string guitar to play a couple of tunes, a guitar that he has had since his days at VMI. Chad serves as a substitute

teacher at his old high school in Fairfax and reads and cooks. What better way to live a life than to tutor our children, create fine cuisine, and entertain his fellow man with good music. A life well lived, methinks. Of course, he reports that most of all he gets to enjoy the expert cooking of his wife, Caryn. Chad, once we have assigned COVID-19 to a home in hell, we will meet at the Blackfriars in Staunton and share a fine meal.

Artie Pates is up to bat next. After VMI and a stint in the Army, Brother Rat Pates pursued a career in corporate retail management and enjoyed his real passion, good old fashion rock ’n roll.

He turned that passion into a hobby and became somewhat of a musicologist. Not, mind you, formally trained. No, Artie did it the hard knocks way, going to concerts, meeting and befriending musicians, and taking up the art of writing reviews of bands. Eventually, some of his reviews made it into prestigious music publications, like Goldmine Magazine. His reputation grew. He met members of the band Pink Floyd, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Alice Cooper, to name a few. In 1982, a producer commissioned him to write the liner notes for the 1982 Jimi Hendrix “Concerts” double album. Those were the vinyl days.

He got hooked up with the band Spirit, which hit the scene in 1967, and became good friends with band members and leader Randy California. Unwittingly, Brother Rat Dick Knight played a role in cultivating Artie’s interest in Spirit. On a sultry Saturday night in 1968, Artie was cruising the second stoop and happened by Dick’s room where a

Class of 1970: Gathering at the home of Gray “Stix” Chandler in Orange Park, Florida, are (first row, from left) Charlie Finnigan ’61, Hugh Hopkins ’69, David Schmidt, (second row) George Robbins ’62, Chandler, (third row) Jack Hanks ’17, Lauren Hanks, Ben Fields ’18, Kayla Fields, Jonathan Saburn ’04, and Frank Brooke ’55.

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Spirit song, “Fresh Garbage,” was blaring out for all the VMI world to hear. That hooked Artie. Who couldn’t love a song entitled “Fresh Garbage?”

Artie says that soon, he will be appearing in a Randy California documentary. The producer shot five hours of video of him talking about Randy and the band. He hopes it will appear on Netflix, AXS Music, or some other outlet that does rock docs.

Just to put a fine point on a delightful story, Artie, my new hero, supplied lots of unreleased photos for the upcoming remastered and expanded reissue of Spirit’s most famous album, “Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus” (1970). Producers plan to release it Feb. 25 of this year. Look for it: cherryred. co.uk/product/spirit-twelve-dreams-of-dr-sardonicus-remastered-expanded-2cd-edition/. Spirit’s most famous song is “I Got a Line on You,” which was a hit while we were at VMI. Randy California drowned in the Pacific Ocean off Hawaii in 1997. A riptide current washed him and his 12-year-old son, Quinn, out to sea. Randy managed to push Quinn through big waves toward the shore. Quinn made the beach and survived.

Randy did not. What greater love is there than that!

Artie says he is triple vaccinated and hoping COVID-19 is over soon!

I will close with a note about a remarkable VMI alumnus, U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Henry Kirk Jr. ’50B. Col. Kirk flew over 73 combat missions in Korea and 17 in Vietnam. On Oct. 28, 1967, he was leading 48 F-105 Thunderchiefs against a railroad and highway bridge just outside Hanoi, North Vietnam, when anti-aircraft guns shot him down.

His flight controls were inoperable, so he ejected from the plane traveling at 500 miles per hour.

He suffered significant injuries from the tumbling and wind blast. But the worst was yet to come.

His parachute deployed, and he landed in a field about 20 miles outside of Hanoi. Vietnamese peasants immediately captured, beat, kicked, bruised, and stoned him without mercy. “Most assuredly, I would have died had not some North Vietnamese soldiers arrived to arrest me.” The soldiers took him to the Hoa Lo Prison (the Hanoi Hilton), where he spent the next five years, four months, and 14 days—two years of that in isolation. The Vietnamese released him March 14, 1973.

For his bravery and courage, the Air Force awarded Col. Kirk the Silver Star and three subsequent Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters for separate actions in which he had displayed exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty. That amounted to three more Silver Stars. The president also

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Bruce left VMI after the unexpected death of his father in order to manage the family business. He finished his chemistry degree at Lynchburg College and became the owner and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Oil in Lynchburg. After retirement, Bruce lived on a farm in Scottsville, Virginia, surrounded by horses and dogs. A memorial service was scheduled for April 2, 2022, in Keswick, Virginia. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his two sons, two grandchildren, a niece, and special friend Martha Settle.

Steve Kern died Jan. 10, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina. He matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and participated in cross-country and track while at VMI. Steve left VMI and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April 1969 and was discharged in 1979. Of note, he worked the air operation at Korat Radar in the last operation of the Vietnam War to recover the crew of the captured ship, the Mayaguez. His civilian career was spent as an air traffic controller. Steve held many leadership positions in his church, community, and the Greenville Woodworker’s Guild. A memorial service was held Jan. 19, 2022, in Greer, South Carolina, with burial to follow in Staunton. Steve is survived by his wife, Jonnie; daughter, Ginger; Jim Kelly a brother and sister; and three grandchildren.

Kathryn and I look forward each Christmas season to the array of cards we receive from BRs across the country. Each card is placed on display somewhere in our home and remains there until Class of 1971: Ken and Marie Coleman were recognized at the VMI basketball the “takedown” around the 12th night. This past These notes will cover the period between Nov. game against Chattanooga Jan. 22. The year, we were all encouraged to send cards early 15, 2021, and Feb. 15, 2022.

Colemans have established an endowed due to slowdowns anticipated by the USPS. Some This set of our class notes catches me at a time basketball scholarship. started arriving very early and some still floated in when we are anxiously awaiting our second sometime in January. If you sent a chance at our 50th Reunion as I am card and don’t find your name listed writing and, as you are reading, the here, I apologize. In no particular orreunion will be two months in the der, we received cards from Jones, past. About all that I can say now Haywood, Czuypryna, Berkness, is that I hope that we will be able Sedwick, Dancigers, Roder, Hanto have the event and that we will ke, O’Donnell (Gloria), Neville, remember it as having been wellKirby, Wadsworth, Biggs, Flanaattended and enjoyed by our BRs gan, Gearhart, Tuxford, Ellingand guests. ton, Turner, Truesdell, Stallings, Our class has lost three more brothGinder, Robbins, Ballowe, Bryan, er rats since my last report. John PaPrice, Golden, Hannum, Guffey, ton, Bruce Harvey, and Steve Kern Friend, Kern, Good (Joann), Honall passed away since December. On behalf of the VMI Class of 1971, I Class of 1971: BRs and spouses from ’71 gathered in Key West, Florida, eywell, and Allum.

Gail and Bill Stallings have alextend our sincere condolences to in December. Pictured are (front row, left) T.S. Gault, Becky Neale, Ann Ohle, Alis Sefick, (back row) Lanny Gault, Jim Neale, Jim Sefick, and ways been among those who send each of these families.

Dave Schrader. out a newsletter along with their John Paton died Dec. 7, 2021, awarded him the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for additional separate actions.

But wait, there is more. Next came a Distinguished Flying Cross and another Bronze Oak Cluster. And then a Bronze Star and another set of Bronze Oak Leaf clusters. Just to put an exclamation point on a brilliant military career, the president awarded Col. Kirk the Prisoner of War Medal.

Col. Kirk is the most decorated living VMI alumnus. He is alive and well and living in Arizona. He goes to the gym most days, plays golf three times a week, and visits Vail regularly to ski.

His brother rat, Braxton Green ’50B, lives here in Staunton, Virginia. Kirk said, “I look back upon my experience with no bitterness and no hatred for the Vietnamese. The rigors, the hardships, and the discipline I experienced at [VMI] helped me greatly to endure the stay in the prison camp. ...

Lonely, afraid, isolated, and deprived of even the most fundamental rights, I came to really know and appreciate the heritage that you and I enjoy as free men.”

VMI must never die. See to it.

while hospitalized in Alexandria. John matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and majored in biology while at VMI. He was a valued member of the wrestling team and was a co-captain during our 1st Class year. John operated his own construction business and was well-respected for his skill and integrity. As of this writing, a memorial service will be held in Alexandria March 4 of this year. Plans are also being made to have a portion of his ashes scattered near the Metzger lodge in Vesuvius Saturday, March 26, during our reunion weekend. John is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Blair; daughters, Ginny and Courtney; and two grandchildren.

Bruce Harvey died Dec. 13, 2021, at his home in Scottsville, Virginia. He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and was a chemistry major.

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Class Notes card. They reported that they had avoided CO- pledges in support of our 50th Reunion Cam- an extra second semester weekend. It’s no wonder VID-19 by getting vaccinated early and spending paign, as well as those who continue to partici- the Corps (and administration) hold Col. Bogart time on their island, which has a high vaccination pate regularly in Annual Giving. Your support in such high regard; he knows when to lean on rate. Some of their travels were canceled in the is vital to the mission of VMI. I won’t have the cadets and when to lighten up—an outstanding past year, but they have plans for trips to Alaska, campaign totals for these notes, but I am confident leader who pairs up well with Maj. Gen. Wins Scandinavia, and the Elba River. This was the we achieved our goal. If you have not yet made ’85 and his staff.

Maj. Gen. Wins and Col. Bill Wyatt, VMI’s year when they sold their beloved boat, the Mys- a pledge and wish to do so, please let me know, Communications and Marketing director, contic Unicorn, and now someone else gets to take or you can contact the VMI Alumni Association.

That is about it for now. I look forward to seeing tinue to masterfully correct, clarify, and contexcare of it. In August ’21, they celebrated their 49th tualize the barrage of misinformation aimed at the wedding anniversary by traveling on and around you in Lexington in March. Be safe out there.

Institute from certain constituencies within the In the Bonds, some of the islands off the Georgia coast. Bill national media. The Institute’s information is sucJim joined a growing group of our brother rats by havcinct, clearly sourced, fact-based, respectful, and ing a total knee replacement in September. All is open. Regardless of your opinions concerning well after a good bit of physical therapy. specific issues and remedies at VMI, I feel they Skull Turner sent a beachfront photo of his finedo us proud with their professionalism, civility, looking family along with his announcement of Larry Houseworth and reasoned discourse. retiring after more than 50 years in aviation. ConSeveral of you commented on The Cadet issue gratulations to Steve on a remarkable career. covering the address by Gov. Ralph Northam Bill and Margaret Ginder had a busy year de’81 to the Corps. Given the circumstances and spite the pandemic. They spent some long weekthe fact that the last-minute check formation was Brothers and Sisters, Families, and Friends, ends with their fishing club, a tour of West Texas, These notes cover mid-November ’21 to mid- scheduled in evening study time during Ring and almost three weeks in Alaska. Bill reported that they made some great new friends while in February ’22. But printing and distribution sched- Figure week, I felt the administration and Corps Alaska and that some of the sites in Texas ranked ules dictate that you won’t see these until 3-4 displayed the civility due a state’s chief executive.

However, the fact-check section proved enlightamong the most “physically impressive” they had weeks after our 50th Reunion. So, sit back and ever seen. Margaret and Bill report being in good transport yourselves back to the times of pre-plan- ening.

It’s important to note that The Cadet differs health and are looking forward to crossing some ning, scheduling, reservations, and anticipation. significantly from the publication it was during There’s still much to cover. more items off their bucket list. our cadetship. Now, it’s an independent 501(c) The Corps did us proud at Gov. Youngkin’s Early last December, a good-sized group of our brother rats spent some time together in Florida. inauguration! After leaving VMI at the crack of (3) nonprofit corporation run by a board of diLanny and T.S. Gault, Jim and Alis Sefick, and dawn, they traveled three hours to Richmond, rectors with funding from private donations and Jim and Becky Neale, along with Dave Schrader assembled, marched before a cheering crowd, sponsored advertising. As such, neither VMI nor and fiancée Anne Ohle, all had a great time vis- and returned to Lexington just ahead of a major the Alumni Association provides any publishiting and enjoying the warm December weather. blizzard. The next day, the commandant (Col. ing support to nor has any editorial control over The Gaults were joined by Ned and Ann Mikula Adrian Bogart ’81) directed a Corps snowball its contents. The articles and opinions expressed fight where the 1st Class-rat team seriously put are those of the writers only. I mention this only for a cruise the following week.

During a timeout at the VMI versus the Uni- it to the 3rd-2nd Class team, securing themselves because some well-intentioned alumni have expressed displeasure over what appear versity of Tennessee – Chattanooga to be attempts by the administration to basketball game Jan. 22, 2022, Ken stifle dissemination of the publication and Marie Coleman were recognized at school and Alumni Associationfor their support of VMI basketball. sponsored events. Just thought I’d Ken has supported the Keydet Club clear the air a bit. for 30-plus years and has had season Our news is sourced from the holibasketball tickets for 40 years. Those days and the everyday. Betty and Jim two benchmarks are noteworthy, but Barnes stated a common concern there was one more announcement. saying “Let’s hope COVID-19 will Ken and Marie have established an allow us to get together (50th Reendowed basketball scholarship as union).” Their Christmas letter spoke part of the Class of 1971’s campaign of catching their grandkids’ theater for its 50th Reunion. Thanks to the performances online and of son-inColemans for their commitment to Class of 1972: Joe Knick and Ken Chacey visiting John Durst’s sister, law Brian’s award-winning work with VMI athletics and the Class of 1971.

Jean Hill. the Federal Emergency Management Thanks to all of you who made

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Agency during the pandemic. They stay busy with church activities: Betty with the board of trustees, choir, and child care center committee, while Jim teaches Sunday school, keeps an eye on the church’s finances, and grooms the grounds.

They lost all power and water during the Texas ice storm but were taken in (cat and all) by neighbors.

Good begets good, BR. Lou Welker wrote, “Ellen and I were driving to Lexington this past week to check on her farm outside of town and we stopped off at New Market to see old Stonewall Jackson out in front of the museum. He’s as majestic as ever in his new home as he looks over the New Market Battlefield and brings back a lot of memories of our cadetship and BR experiences, now and over the past half-century.” Isn’t it amazing how one statue, no matter of whom, can inspire so much impassioned response?

Chris Jones shared humorous remembrances of two of our departed BRs. “[Karen Fojt] always enjoyed when A.J. (Fojt), Dave (Hall), and I got together trading war stories about VMI, particularly our rat year. I explained to her how A.J.’s tenure as a rat was particularly colorful being an academic 3rd Classman and being in Band Company. I explained that being a ‘beater and blower,’ you always had it tougher than my experiences in Echo Company. You remember that our rat year, you guys were adjacent to Echo in New Barracks. One of my fondest memories about Andy Davis was when we returned as cadre sergeants 2nd Class year. Andy was fixated on kicking in his squad’s doors that first morning. He remembered our doors being kicked in at 0400 hours our first morning. When he kicked in his first door, he found his rats fully dressed and standing at parade rest. He went to the rest of the doors and found the same thing. He was furious that Band Company cadre had started at 0345 hours and tipped off the Echo Company rats. You guys always had to go a step better than line companies. Needless to say, the next morning, he was up on the 4th stoop at 0330 hours.” You know, even after 50 years, that story’s really funny—now.

Bob Schwartz shared a picture and this: “My wife, Diana, and I have started playing the game of pickleball at our gym in Richmond this year. Two of our competitors are also dads and big VMI supporters. While I’m on the left, in the center is Roy Roper, whose son is Preston ’17, and next to him is Steve Bass, whose son is Jason ’17.” Looks like it’s doing you

2022-Issue 2

Class of 1972: Bob Schwartz and pickleball VMI dads. (and them) some good, BR. Jim Snead sent this along: “I’m hoping for a kidney transplant either late February or early March. Recovery time is said to be eight weeks.

I’m hoping to be able to attend our 50th. I closed on the sale of my Ford dealership Thursday (Jan. 27) and joined the ranks of the unemployed and retired. Great seeing you in Lexington. (John) Zunka ’69 had a great time reconnecting with his BRs, and I hope to drag him over again next year.”

You have a lot of prayers backing you up, BR. John Pittenger sent along an old note comparing then/now costs of VMI: “Wow, times have changed! I saved this page from our class notes several years ago; I’m not sure exactly when it was published. In-state costs for our four years were $6,620 and out-of-state (mine) were $10,405. My roommate, Joe Martin, paid something like $600 a year because his father taught mathematics at VMI. Now out-of-state is pushing $60,000 per year. Of course, it’s almost impossible to really know what someone pays with aid, etc. I bought my first new car in spring 1972, and the delivered cost was just over $2,900. Of course, if you wanted the windows down, you manually cranked them down. If you wanted to adjust the outside mirror, you cranked down the window and reached outside. You could listen to any radio station as long as it was AM. Now cars almost drive themselves. When we graduated, my first real job (after the Army) was $7,500 per annum.

Since my goal was $7,200, I thought I was doing well.” Yes, that second lieutenant’s $600 per month went a long way back then, BR. Buzzy Chacey sent this along: “Hope all is well.

I can’t remember if I said anything or not, but I broke my collarbone on a bike ride over at Fort Gordon getting ready for an event in Wilmington, North Carolina, Oct. 23. Needless to say, I did not get a chance to participate Oct. 23 and had my shoulder operated on in early October. I’ve been out of my sling for three weeks and in physical therapy for the last couple of weeks. I’ll find out Dec. 20 if I can start using some small weights and build strength back in my left arm/shoulder.

I’m still working and having fun. Joe Knick and I are going to see John Durst’s sister this weekend.” Ever the athlete, BR. Then Joe Knick shared this: “After three tries, (Jean got COVID-19, and Ken Chacey broke his collarbone), Ken and I had lunch with John Durst’s sister (Jean) and her husband, Kevin, yesterday. We drove from Augusta, Georgia, down to Lyson, Georgia. Ken returned John’s engineering economics book he borrowed back in 1971.

We had lunch and a celebration of John’s life.

John was quite a hero there in Lyson, and Jean shared a few stories. She remembers coming to VMI during one of the hop weekends, and John set her up with Mike Woloshuk. Denny Sullivan still stays in touch with her. I called Denny on the way home, and we shared a few stories about the Georgia Department of Transportation, as John, Denny, and I started there in 1972.” Thanks, BR; that’s a beautiful thing you guys did.

John Sayers shared a humorous story about our long-lost BR Bob Depew. “He came by this summer for a visit. We went to high school together. He was with us three semesters” and “... went on to Delaware and became an academic All-American. He’s retired in Pennsylvania near Philadelphia after a college coaching career and high school athletic director. ... He’s a great guy.

Super smart. Would have been in contention as a Jackson-Hope medalist.” I love these stories; thanks, BR. G.T. Lahmers is the father of our youngest legacies. His Christmas letter reported that son Kyle is majoring in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Son Kurt is still in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and splits his time between the Los Alamos National Lab and his company’s headquarters in Albuquerque. Wife Poh-Chan is a teacher’s assistant and has amassed a stash of over 1,000 COVID-19 masks; he says, “The girl loves to shop!” He also says he “just can’t seem to let go of work. I had a good year in that I won two range contracts (Fort Rucker Aerial Gunnery Range

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Class Notes contract, Cannon Air Force Base Range for Air Force Special Operations Command).” He’s still traveling: “Clovis, New Mexico; Killeen, Texas; Fairbanks, Alaska.” At Eielsen Air Force Base in Fairbanks and ranges, it never got above 0 degrees, and at his 0200 departure time, it was -23 degrees. You’re a far tougher man than I am, BR. I got a beautiful portrait card from Chris Tompkins and his family at the Virginia Home here in Richmond. You’re looking terrific, BR, and you’re an inspiration!

Fred Bauer’s note modestly reminded us of his clan’s prolific gene pool. Thirteen grandkids; I may be wrong, but I think that’s first place for our class. Bravo, BR! Pat Moore’s great note said, “My kids always enjoy the VMI pics and remark how prison-like it appears; a point that’s hard to argue. ... Was in Richmond recently visiting my sister and saw Tim Pool and did a lot of catching up. They’re renovating their Church Hill property; it will look awesome when it’s done. All’s well out here.” Always great to hear from you, BR! Zeno and Jo-Ann Henninger’s card said, “So, we endure another year with lots of retirement fun, unusual absurd politics, taxes, continuing education of all forms, happy news, sad news, and somehow it is all supposed to mean something.

As an economics professor said to me, ‘Henninger, you have no idea!’ Therefore, I’ll work on it!” I think you do, BR. Herb and Penny McCulloch’s note bemoaned the fact that COVID-19 limited their annual travels to the U.S. (apologies to their Zambia-based kids and grandchild). Penny’s active with their church’s flower guild, and after recovery from two foot surgeries, she is looking forward to “cute” sandals by summer. Herb is a dedicated yard warrior and walker (five miles/day). He’s active in the church vestry, and he’s a junior warden. On the side, he remains “a beer brewer par excellence” cranking out 5 gallons per batch.

Life’s treating you well, McCullochs.

George and Mary Jane Williams also wrote of COVID-19 travel challenges. But son Phil’s family is in the Richmond area with the grandkids in preschool and first grade. Phil is with Richmond advertising giant Arts and Letters Creative Company, and daughter-in-law Lauren runs her own online clothing shop, Dottir. Son Clayton and daughter-in-law Brooke accepted a job in Sydney, Australia. With no long-distance RV’ing, George

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and Mary Jane devoted their time to quiet morning kayaking (M.J.) and checking off the last of lower-48 National Park visits (G). I’m exhausted just reading this.

Chris and Betsy Foster are staying current with their vaccines, and they gained two new additions to their family, now giving them three granddaughters and five grandsons (look out, Bauers).

Betsy says that Chris’ idea of post-retirement parttime work (Fridays off and an occasional long weekend) allows more time in Frisco on Hatteras Island. So, his golf game is improving. Also, the two of them were able to get to his Martinsville High School reunion. Another bucket list checkoff was a birding tour to the Guajire Peninsula of Colombia, the home of more native bird species than any other country in the world. Chris had to miss their tour of Iceland (with daughter and sonin-law), but they plan a redo next summer. After Iceland, Betsy got to go whale watch in Rudee Inlet with daughter Anne and grands. Nothing keeps the Fosters down.

The family portrait cards were positively sparkling: Roger and Linda Hart’s world travels and painfully photogenic clan, Tim and Gina Pool’s magazine cover-like entourage, Jim and Joan Pagones with their new granddaughter, Phil and Barbara Smith’s throng against a beach sunset, Emily Griffith and her flannelled kids and grands, and Dave and Ann Condon with their mountaintop bevy of black labs and a cow-chasing cocker spaniel.

It’s always wonderful to hear from each and every one of you, BRs. That’s it for now. Stay safe, stay close, and Rah Virginia Mil. ’72, ’72, ’72!

Larry

Atlanta for a couple of days with all of my kids and six of the grandkids. We had a really nice time hanging out. After Christmas, Pat and I spent a week in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We were on top of the mountain and watched it snow, put together puzzles, and read books. Great week of R&R, and it was nice to relax for a change.

Pat still works three days a week, and my environmental consulting work has been almost full time for the past year, so we were ready for some time off.

In the last issue of the Review, I mentioned that our BR Doug Baumgardner was not doing well, and unfortunately, I now have to report that he passed away Nov. 30. Doug had been fighting Parkinson’s disease for several years and was diagnosed with throat cancer. He lived in Washington, Virginia, with his wife, Margaret. Several BRs were able to attend his service in December. Please keep Margaret in your thoughts and prayers. I also was informed

by Tom Clark that Steve Lane’s brother, Robert “R.B.” Lane ’75 passed away Feb. 2, 2022.

Please keep Steve and their family in your thoughts and prayers, as well.

I mentioned in the first volume of the Review this year that we were having a number of health issues within the ranks. Let me urge you to regularly see your doctor and get checkups and blood work done. Do not just “pass off” some symptoms you may be having, as they could be a sign of a problem. I recently mentioned to my doctor that I was having some moments of being out of breath and tired; he sent me for a stress test, and I learned while there that I have A-fib. Never knew it or had any chest pains indicating heart

1973

Mike Kelly

Hello, Brother Rats!

I hope all of you are surviving the winter, and I hope spring will be here when you get this set of notes. Raleigh has had snow this year and several weeks of cold weather.

It was great hearing from so many of you over the holidays and especially to hear that families were able to get together again. Pat and I went to

Class of 1973: Milt Salter representing the class at this year’s Super Bowl.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes problems. So please get a checkup regularly, and don’t always blow off those aches and pains as getting old.

It was interesting to follow the travels of Tom and Bonnie Clark recently, as they were vacationing in Hawaii for two weeks with beautiful warm weather and arrived back to Colorado Springs to zero-degree weather and lots of snow! In their Christmas letter, Tom said they had enjoyed traveling to the East Coast to visit with relatives in October.

They stopped by Lexington to visit and linked up with Bonnie’s roommates from James Madison while in the area.

Blake and Sandy Thomas did some traveling during the past year.

They often would take trips in their own planes and attend air shows across the country. They visited with friends and relatives in Texas, California, and Missouri, and hosted a VMI alumni event in their “airport hangar” near their home for the local Villages VMI Alumni Chapter. Blake is the director for the Alumni Association in Florida.

John and Michaela Sykes sent a nice Christmas card and recently posted pictures of an oyster roast they held at their home in Bluffton, South Carolina. The event was for VMI alumni and friends, and John said they had a great turnout, including BRs John Pinner and Stuart Seaton. John told me that he and Jeff Minch met for lunch in January when Jeff was in the area visiting his daughter’s family. He said they had a good time catching up on things.

I play Words with Friends with Art Pendleton, and before Christmas, he just “fell off the grid.” Did not know what happened to him until one day he sent me a note and said he and Susannah Urlik had gotten married and were away on their honeymoon.

Art said they were each selling their houses and moving into a new one together. Congratulations to Art and Susannah! Art said he had not moved

2022-Issue 2

Class of 1973: Members of the class enjoy a day watching the VMI versus Furman football game last fall. Pictured are (from left) John Pinner, Ed Woomer, and P.X. English.

Class of 1973: Mac and Melanie Kirkpatrick (at left) were introduced to Maleeka, center, by their son, Clark Kirkpatrick ’15. Maleeka was a struggling homeless teenager. Clark worked with his parents to find a way to help her, and she recently graduated from college thanks to the support of the Kirkpatricks and is pictured with her family.

Class of 1973: Members of the class hold a monthly breakfast at the IHOP at Lee Hi Truck Stop near Lexington. Pictured are (from left) Tom Linn, Steve Lane, Danny Williamson, and Willie Wells.

in 20 years and isn’t sure where he got or will put all his stuff.

I had a note from Dave Schwab that said he was getting settled in the Melbourne, Florida, area and trying to get used to being stateside after spending so much time in Europe. M.B. Adelson is also settling in with his semi-retirement in Tallahassee, Florida. M.B. said that they had their share of health issues last year and purchased a few new cars for the local doctors, but this year is off to a good start. They enjoyed having the family in, as they have grown with the grandkids getting married and graduating from college or getting ready to go. Seems to be a little competition between Florida State and the University of Florida, however. Mary is enjoying being able to get in the garden and work with her flowers, and M.B. is enjoying his mobility with knee replacements and weight loss.

Milt Salter said he went to Maryland to visit with his family and attend their annual shrimp feast around Christmas. He returned to Mobile and organized a family reunion for 50-plus folks which went really well.

Most recently, Milt posted his picture in California attending the Super Bowl. He said he represented the class well.

Pete and Karen Walters have been busy with their grandkids, but since Pete got his Bush-Cat plane kit, he has been steadily working to get it built. They went to Wisconsin to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association’s convention. Karen said there were lots of different airplanes there and that more than 600,000 people attended.

Jack and Sally Hayes have settled in Crozet, Virginia. They moved there last year to be closer to the kids and grandkids. The most recent granddaughter was born last June.

They hope to take a couple of trips this year—one through the Canadian Rockies and the other to New England

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Class Notes for the fall colors. Jack said they had had some health issues in 2021, as they both had two surgeries but are recovering well. They are getting more involved with their new church and have taken some classes at the local learning institute which is part of the UVA system. Jack has also volunteered to be on our 50th Reunion Committee.

I had a nice note from Dave Sutherland. Dave lives in the Brownsburg, Indiana, area. He is starting to wind down his law practice and is looking forward to traveling more. He attended some of the VMI football games last year and was very proud of the success the program was having. He also has gotten active with the local Alumni Association chapter and attended their rat send-off last summer and follows up with the cadets from his area.

John and Carol Leon told me they really felt fortunate that their health has been good, and they and their family have not had any serious problems with COVID-19. Their son, John ’02, is a civilian contractor in Northern Virginia supporting the Army National Guard and is a major in the Army Reserve. They stay busy with their two children.

John’s son, Michael, is also a civilian contractor, and he and his wife just added twins to the family in December. Their daughter Elizabeth is in Jefferson, Missouri, and has two children. John said he was now fully retired and enjoys riding his bike.

Dave and Susan Northcraft had an extended trip to the East Coast last fall to visit with Susan’s family in Maryland. Susan recently had cataract surgery and is recovering well. They visited with their son, Daniel ’04, in Colorado, and included with their Christmas card a lovely picture of their three granddaughters, now ages 10, 7, and 4. Daniel has his own home construction company and is doing very well. I remember when Daniel was born and Dave and I both lived in Greensboro, North Carolina; it was two days before Christmas!

That was 40 years ago.

I had a nice card and family picture from R.B. Newman at Christmas. I have talked to R.B. on the phone a few times during the past year, but he sent me a note recently to let me know that he had been working at Quantico for the past few months helping to relocate Afghan evacuees. Bob has worked with homeland security since 2018 in their security science and technology directorate and collaborating on the development of homeland security technology. He was not sure about going to Quantico; however, he said that although it was one of the toughest jobs he has ever had, it was one

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of the most rewarding. He and Becky are still in Richmond and “loving life.”

I had an update from “Boots” McNeely. In the last issue of the Review, I mentioned that Boots was recovering from prostate cancer. He reported to me that the treatments continue to be effective, and he and Debbie were doing well. Boots said he met up with Jim Dittrich ’76 (Warren Richards’ dyke), as they live close to each other. Boots said Jim had reminded him of his times with him when at the RDC and Boots was the vice president. They have lunch together frequently and enjoy telling “Lee McNeely stories.” Jim is the historian for the VMI Alumni Association and gives a brief at each of the association meetings on an historic alum.

In the last edition of the Alumni Review, I gave an account of the activities involving Jim Parks and his work with the removal of the twin towers in New York City after 9/11. In this edition, I want to highlight another outstanding example of work done by one of our BRs and his son. Clark Kirkpatrick ’15, son of our BR Mac Kirkpatrick and his wife, Melanie, recently met a Black teenage girl named Maleeka, who was homeless.

She worked at a local McDonald’s and was trying to get by, as her family was not in a position to support her. Clark was impressed by Maleeka’s values and desire to succeed and introduced her to his parents. After assessing the situation and having a long discussion, Mac and Melanie decided to let Maleeka move in with them. Mac told her there was to be no lying or stealing, and that she could discuss any problems with them. They promised her food, a place to sleep, and that she would have her needs taken care of. She agreed, and Clark showed her to her room. Maleeka completed high

school and went to college. After her first year of college, she moved in with her family to help them.

She graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in psychology and wants to get her master’s and a Ph.D. She has a new boyfriend, and things are looking great for her. Mac said it was truly a very merry Christmas! Thanks to Mac, Melanie, and Clark for sharing such a wonderful story!

John and Kathy Riding sent their wishes for a wonderful holiday season. They live in Charles City, Virginia. Hank Weatherford sent a card and said he fully retired last September. His wife, Leisa, said he was looking for things to do. They still reside in the Richmond area. Dave and Happy McCown sent a nice picture of their family with their son, Allen, and his wife, Claire. They are in Leesburg, Virginia.

Roland and Judie Tiso are doing well in the Tampa area. Bill Stoner wishes a happy new year to all from Trophy, Texas. Tom and Suzi Napier wish everyone the best in 2022 to keep us happy and blessed; the Napiers live in Moseley, Virginia.

Tom and Lois Jennings, Chesterfield, Virginia, sent wishes for heartfelt joys, happy memories, and heavenly blessings for all this year. Sparkling nights and merry days for all is the wish from Tim and Ruth Hassell, Springfield, Virginia.

Pat and Doug Huthwaite are enjoying the mountains and hope that peace and happiness are ours this year. They had a nice visit from Dave and Susan Northcraft. Pat regularly posts pictures from their home in Murphy, North Carolina. Ralph and Becky Littreal filled the air with holiday magic.

They live in San Jose, California; however, Ralph is now traveling wherever the NASCAR circuit is traveling. If I were a betting man, I would say he is

Class of 1973: John and Michaela Sykes hosted an oyster roast at their home in South Carolina for VMI alumni and friends Feb. 12. John Pinner and Stuart Seaton also represented the class.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in Daytona Beach this week as I write these notes!

Ralph recently posted a picture of him celebrating 20 years since he retired from the Air Force.

We see Scott McCarthy often and enjoy his company. Scott lives in Bethesda, Maryland, and enjoys coming to Lexington to visit the Institute.

Sharon and Bob Bushnell sent a nice Christmas picture of them with their three grandchildren.

They are still in Collinsville, Virginia. (Ralph, that is near the Martinsville Speedway.)

Paula and Joe Wyatt still live in Lynchburg, Virginia. Joe said Paula had recovered from her back surgery last year and was now able to walk a couple of miles each day. Joe said he is planning to retire this summer. He is involved with inspection of commercial nuclear power plants and has one more nuclear submarine to inspect this spring in New Hampshire. Then he will take it easy for a while.

John Kearney and his wife, Helen, are in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. They are both retired and are enjoying their time relaxing and doing some traveling. John wishes everyone a healthy and happy year.

I also heard from Bob and Melanie Luther, who live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are doing well and send their best wishes.

Stuart Seaton and Debbie Fitzgerald sent a nice card and holiday wishes. They are in Williamsburg, Virginia, and enjoy traveling around visiting with other BRs. Stuart keeps me informed of the class activities in the Richmond/Tidewater area.

Klaus Worrell and Laura Loper send their greetings from Moseley, Virginia.

George and Renee Goodwin live in Mineral, Virginia. When George isn’t painting, he is out hiking somewhere. They had a great visit with Malon and Barbara Updike last fall, attended a football game at VMI, and went to the Richmond, Virginia, Chapter’s oyster roast.

Tom Burke is still in Lamont, Illinois, and wished that the holidays would be full of wonderful surprises for everyone. Larry and Laurel Cerruti wish all to have a blessed holiday and prosperous new year. They still reside in Arlington, Virginia. P.X. and Caroline English are doing well in Greenville, South Carolina. P.X. is the local chapter president, and they have held several VMI events this year. Thanks for working with the alumni in the area!

Danny Williamson sent me a picture of their monthly lunch meeting in the Lexington area. He had lunch with Steve Lane, Tom Linn, and Willie

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Wells in January at the IHOP at the LeeHi Truck Stop. I am sure a lot of you have visited that place in the past! Willie sent me a Christmas card he described as a “fashion statement.” He was wearing a suit and a tie, along with a Santa hat. He recently turned 70 and wanted to be sure he still could be humorous. Willie said he was doing well, staying healthy, and was getting proficient at Sudoku.

And I had a big “ho, ho, ho” from Dean Smith, along with two pages of his jokes. (Willie, I will send them to you!) Dean is in Florida and enjoys working with the church and keeping smiles on people’s faces. Dean said: “I went to buy a candle holder, but they didn’t have any, so I bought a birthday cake!” And one of my favorites, “Always knock on the fridge door before opening, just in case there’s a salad dressing!”

The “lost BR” award this quarter goes to Phillip Coulter. In all the years I’ve been the class agent, I can’t remember hearing from Phil. That all changed in February! Phil sent me a really nice note saying that he has his own firm and works as an attorney in Roanoke, Virginia. He is beginning to pull back with the hope of retiring in the near future, and he is filling his time with some “terrific grandchildren” and watching them grow up. Phil does some estate planning and has been supportive of the National D-Day Foundation in Bedford, Virginia, and is really proud to see it going strong.

He said he occasionally sees Fred Hall and Don Caldwell, who also live in the Roanoke Valley.

Phil was interested in reaching out to Gerry Macalouso, one of his rat roommates, as he may have been involved in the D-Day Foundation. (Gerry and Don are two folks I haven’t heard from!) Phil, great hearing from you. Please stay connected and best wishes on the retirement.

Larry Mays and I have been in communication some. He and Debbie sent us a Christmas card with wishes that the Christmas spirit and riches follow us throughout the year! Larry is chair of our 50th Reunion Committee, and we are getting geared up for that big event. The dates have been set for April 14-15, 2023. Put it on your calendar!

More to come. Please let Larry and me know if you are available to help the committee.

Well, that is about it for now. Great hearing from so many of you. I hope that spring finds you happy and well and that summer has a lot of wonderful things to offer for you.

In the Bonds, Mike

1974 Snookie Parker

As always, Christmas cards contain a plethora of reportable news for class notes. Given the volume of news and the five-page limit, tough choices must be made, so the notes will be somewhat cryptic to get as much in as possible. By all means, keep those cards and letters coming.

Heads up! Believe it or not, our 50th Reunion is on the horizon—a four-day event slated for April 2024, exact dates to be determined. Committees have been formed and are busy planning. The Attendance Committee has already located all but two of the 380 Class of 1974 matriculants. BRs will be calling to encourage all to attend. It is not too early for you to start contacting with roommates for plans to attend. Good time for all to gather and stroll down memory lane!

Several BRs were able to say farewell to BR Bill Faistenhammer at his funeral service in Waynesboro, Virginia. The service was well attended by family and friends. Those present: Gary Trinkle, Mike Coleman, Bruce Pence, Bill Shumate, Charley Banning, Dan Barr, Glenn and Grace Greene, Donnie and Barbara Ross, Snookie and Marla Parker, Craig Carlock, Red Undercoffer, Bob Cunningham, and Pat Flynn. Continued prayers for Linda and family.

I got a lengthy summary of the year for Hall and Martha (Hersey) Brodie. Hall sold his home of 20 years in Atlanta, married Martha in May, and then honeymooned in Florida. Lots of traveling this year—a lengthy tour out West highlighted by “the best burger of the trip at the hole-in-thewall Chuckwagon restaurant on Route 66 near McClean, Texas.” They did make it to the Outer Banks in October to visit Pete and Susan Shelley, along with Bob and Vickie Benninger. Pete and Bob told Martha stories of how Hall managed to stay on confinement most of his cadetship! The true highlight—grandparenting. Life is good— birthdays and visits. So blessed!

Received a Christmas note from Al and Judy Rasper. Highlights for the Raspers: Trips to the Great Smokey Mountains and to the Native American territories around Arizona/New

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Class Notes Mexico/Colorado, Grandparent duties with Genevieve (30 months), and visits by family. Good news: Italy reopened their ski slopes, so Al and Judy were off to the Dolomites in December.

Graham and Shelley Undercoffer have hunkered down in Lexington, Virginia. All the kids are out of the house and doing well. Red is swimming a mile a day and walking the dog for two. Shelley is playing golf at least once a week. Life is not nearly as dangerous/exciting for Red as days gone by, when Red was on the pointy end of the spear. A good day when no one is shooting at you.

Even though John and Tracey Crawley have retired (Department of Defense and Genesis Counseling Center, respectively), they are as busy as ever with their Family Life Ministry (marriage workshops) and recreational activity. Biking: The Alleghany Passage Trail (Pennsylvania), the Yorktown Battlefield, Jamestown Island, and the Virginia Capital Trail. They’ve been skiing at several resorts in Colorado, highlighted by a day skiing with the 10th Mountain Division at Vail.

Tom “Dooley” Womack, a long-lost Band Company BR, has checked in from Goode, Virginia.

An interesting career started with GE Electronics in Lynchburg and includes things like editor of a business magazine, work in hospitals and nursing facilities, teaching computer classes, and owning/ running a photo studio. He is a very active member of the Sports Car Club of America, running/winning events all over that include Charlotte Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina; Bulgaria; and Germany. Hopefully, we will see Tom and Veska at our 50th, if not sooner!

As we all remember, we matriculated Aug. 20, 1970. If I asked who were the OCs from Aug. 25Sept. 3, 1970, one for each day, could you name them? One could up with some names like Capt.

Shirley, Capt. Donsbach, Maj. Sculley, or Capt.

Herczogh, but could you know which day they served? Well, Tom Parker could answer that question. He happened to run across the Aug. 25, 1970, Corps of Cadets Daily Bulletin No. 1 which lists the names by day. That was an interesting stroll down memory lane!

Ed and Jaime Blake have been traveling out West this year. They encountered absolutely beautiful weather, traveled in 20 states, and had a great time. Highlights included researching some family history in Idaho and a stop in Hamilton, Missouri—a paradise for quilters to purchase material and notions. Thanks for the note, Ed! Retired U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Col. Joel

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Jenkins published his book: “These Honored Dead: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.” He was at the Baptist Church in Marla’s rural community, Momeyer, North Carolina, at a book signing. Marla’s dad built the church. That was Joel’s first church after seminary. Joel married us in this church when he was a captain, and I was a major. He resides in Charlottesville now and has been a proud member of the

Class of 1974: Arnie Leonard on top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa—19,341 feet above sea level.

Class of 1974: Attending the Wilson Cotillion Winter Ball Jan. 29, 2022, are (from left) Marla Parker, Snookie Parker, Susan Sheppard, and David Sheppard.

29th Infantry Division. We got to talking about the 29th, and names John McLaren and Mike Coleman came up. Small world, getting smaller every day.

Speaking of small world stories, Pat Flynn sent a recent article recounting the national security strategy of containment of the USSR that guided America’s foreign policy for 40-plus years, arguing it might be worth revisiting with regard to China. I sent the article to my friend Mick Rankin, local resident and retired Navy running for state legislature, who has argued that activity and circumstance indicate we are on course for a “hot” confrontation with China. It turns out Mick was one of the watch officers on Tom Parker’s carrier, the Kittyhawk. He and Tom are still in contact. One of Mick’s points concerns Chinese manpower—the numbers. The challenge with the big Chinese numbers: They have to speak the same language, which they do not, and they have to eat.

The age-old adage: Kinetics win battles; logistics wins wars. Mike Cole can attest to that, an Army logistician par excellence!

In their Christmas note, Lane Toomey confirmed that Karin did, in fact, retire and is loving all the newfound free time! Lane still feels the need to keep XVIII Airborne Corps straight for a while!

Thomas Walton hosted a 50th Reunion Attendance Committee meeting at the Virginia Crossing Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, Dec. 9.

Committee chair: Gary Trinkle. Attendees: Mike Coleman, Tom Puskas, Henry Moncure, Mike Morrissette, Tommy Anderson, Terrell Williams, Charley Banning, and David Lester. Gene Williams called in by phone. Some superb volunteer work by this committee. Kudos to Thomas Walton for finding such a great venue!

In mid-January, Charlie Toler and Ted Telle had birthdays. Ted and Susan Telle were snowbirding in Florida and got together with Charlie and Tommie Toler to celebrate, and they invited Bert and Jane Zinkand to join in. A good time was had by all. What a motley crew!

How about a Glenn Greene proud papa moment: U.S. Air Force Col. Marc E. Greene, commander, Joint Base Charleston, was named 2021 Charleston Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential and Hall of Fame. Now that is something for which to be proud!

After 20 years in Washington state, John and Jayme Kaniss picked up and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, with stops in Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky along the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes way. Their early retirement trips: Cabo San Lucas, after 37 years and then celebrated their 47th wed- choices. I don’t know how he does it. So hard to ding anniversary. Marla and I are excited to travel choose, why not do both? So, he does! It’s a tough New England, Hilton Head, and Houston. life, Tom! Eric Munro ’21 was one of 23 U.S. candidates with them to Europe in August!

George and Anna Van Laethem curtailed travel Tom and Patti Mascot had dinner with roomselected as a Gates Cambridge Scholar 2022. Eric is pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering (next-genera- mate Mick Ernzen and his wife, Debbie, who in 2021 but expect to be in Charlotte, North Carolina, with grandkids this next year since tion miniaturized spectrometers using Anna and George are now retired. nano materials). Eric’s first call was They take their grandparenting duties to his parents. Second contact was a seriously. They claim it’s a tough job, text to Don Kilcullen, who made him but someone has to do it. I think they aware of the scholarship and coached love it! him through the process. Kudos, Don! Mike and Janet Stark continue to Bill and Judy Candler are doing lead a Connect Group for their church well in Port Byron, Illinois. Bill comand continue to volunteer in various pleted another section of the Appalaways with the Rock of KC, a church chian Trail—90 miles from Maine to without walls. You don’t go to church; New Hampshire. His new theme song: you are the church! What a concept! It “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” by Toby is a great calling!

Keith. I like, “I Ain’t Good as I Once Another edition of the Banning Was, But I’m Good Once as I Ever Christmas gazette was received. InWas!” stead of spending their 40th anniverJim and Robin Garten celebrated their 39th anniversary this year in a Class of 1974: Gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina, to hear Maj. sary on a cruise anchored in Monte five-star mountain view resort. G-Man Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, are (from left) John White, Carlo, Charley “Buff Daddy” and Pete Shelley, Snookie Parker, and Sam Powell.

Debra “SWMBO” Banning found Jim tried to retire but got an offer he themselves having dinner with No. 1 could not refuse and got sucked right and only son, Will. Between a “deadback in! mouse-ectomy” on the old family warSteve and Carol Weaver have left wagon and a Buff Daddy blue ribbon Alaska for the Lower 48: Monroe, win in barrels at the Tumbling River Washington. The pull of kids, grandDude Ranch rodeo, life has been full kids, and great-grandkids was too of surprises! strong for the retired Weavers.

Andy and Pat Young have made Mike and Lera Andriani are proud a couple trips this year to Cape Cod of Capt. Mike Andriani III, Army Speduring the pandemic to see family cial Operations Command company and friends. Andy has taken up pistol commander. Mike Jr. is finishing up shooting while Pat plays golf four or his four-year reign as president of the five times a week!

Constantinian Order of St. George.

Bob and Pam Johnson have both Lera works from home as a Medicare retired from government as of Dec. claims educator.

31, 2021 (USDA Office of Inspector As COVID-19, restrictions ease up, General and Department of State, reKent Wheeless’ girls’ volleyball and spectively) and have landed in Henbasketball coaching challenges have dersonville, North Carolina. They rang picked up. Brenda is in her 26th month in the new year in New Orleans with of trying to retire; they just keep calling their three boys (Spencer, Jeremiah, her back. They did mention they were Class of 1974: Celebrating their birthdays with a boat outing are and Martin) and their families. Bob is headed to Disney soon, followed by a Tommie Toler, Jane Zinkand, Susan Telle, Ted Telle, Bert Zinkand, building a rental house which should trip to Arkansas to see George Strait. and Charlie Toler. be ready in May! Great project!

Bob and Jeanne Slupik have been Rob and Joan Bacon report all is well with their wrestling with recovery from the February deep had traveled from North Carolina to visit family freeze. Power outages and loss of water, followed in Arizona and possibly find a winter retreat. Tom family. Joan retired after 46 years in teaching. by fix, repair, replace activity! Just what you need struggles between golf and fishing—red snapper They did spend a week in the Keys learning to snorkel and catch lobster, then were off to Kenin the Gulf, brown and rainbow trout in Idaho and at this age. Glad Bob was fully retired!

Bruce and Sue Jones have cleaned out their attic Utah, or time on the links. These are some tough tucky for the marriage of their niece. I think they

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Class Notes are enjoying their retirement!

Wilson and Anne Johnson have survived the pandemic without catching the virus. Anne did convince church leadership to have an in-person vacation Bible school. Wilson’s theater credits this year: “Twelfth Night” and the “Addams Family Musical.”

Arnie and Maria Leonard enjoyed good health throughout the year. Highlight for Arnie: After climbing Mount Elbert (highest mountain in Colorado at 14,433 feet), he and his daughter, Sarah, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa (seven-day climb, 19,433 feet).

Bert and Cherryl Graham enjoyed a family vacation (nine total) in Nassau. Bert got a new knee, and Cherryl is still working three days per week but easing back on the hours.

An eventful year for Pete and Susan Shelley: Not one but two granddaughters arrived this year.

That makes a total of three for the Shelleys. Pete is contemplating getting a new knee, and Susan just finished her 40th year of jazzercise with no end in sight. I foresee some time management challenges with those two grandbabies added to the mix!

Don and Barb Whitten have purchased land near Beaufort with a marsh/river view and started the process to build their retirement home. Don still had to work on site, but Barb got to work from home, so the basement was remodeled for Barb’s home office—a woman cave.

On March 18, Craig and Debbie MacFarlane welcomed their 10th grandchild into the clan. By the time you are reading these notes, Craig will

have retired from his second career after 25 years with SAIC. They have renovated their kitchen— taken out a wall which doubled the size of the kitchen—to accommodate the entire family, who all seem to want to be in this space at the same time. All are doing well and get together often for Sunday dinners.

Mark and Michelle Prentice were able to have their annual family get-together this year in Virginia Beach. A delayed 50th high school reunion in LA and a get-away trip to Carolina Beach were highlights this year. Granddaughter Addison finished preschool and is now in kindergarten.

Paul and Rose Van Doren, having moved into their forever home in Winchester, Virginia, in 2020, are in the middle of making a good home even better. Renovations are about 50% complete.

Regarding the move, the grandkids are close—45 minutes and two hours away. Hoorah!

Christmas cards received: Ted and Susan Telle (Crossville, Tennessee), Ike and Sue Mushall (Columbus, New Jersey), Bruce and Peggy Pence (Roanoke, Virginia), Mike and Sarah Fisher (Rochelle, Virginia), Page and Ricky Kastelberg (Richmond, Virginia), Tom and Susan Eberly (Raphine, Virginia), John and Suzanne Pate (Chesapeake, Virginia), Shelly Newton (Kevin) (Dale, Texas), Charlie and Tommie Toler (Hernando Beach, Florida), Terrell and Sarah Williams (Richmond, Virginia), Randy and Martha Gleason (Salem, Virginia), Larry and Jo-Ann Schaudies (Poolesville, Maryland), Roland and Karen Lazenby (Salem, Virginia), Andy and

Marcie Eason (Moore, Oklahoma), Steve and Pat Orr (Ijamsville, Maryland), Ted Zajac and Deb (Clembara Avon Lake, Ohio), Pat and Sue Flynn (St. Augustine Beach, Florida), Mike Cole (Carlisle, Pennsylvania), Donnie and Barbara Ross (Glen Allen, Virginia), Alan and Trixie Beaty (Franklin, Tennessee), Don and Pattie Kilcullen (Richmond, Virginia), Pete and Penny Meredith (Norfolk, Virginia), Lucy Davis (Mike) (Roswell, Georgia), John Smithey (Roanoke, Virginia), Buck and Loretta Buchanan (Newman, Georgia), Ed and Jamie Blake (Kilmarnock, Virginia), Craig and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, Virginia), “J.W.” and Pam Simms (Midlothian, Virginia), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, Virginia), Kevin and Cindy Nettrour (Mascoutah, Illinois), Rich and Ann Forbes (Nashville, Tennessee), Tom and Patricia Puskas (Oakton, Virginia), Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow (Lexington, Virginia), Bill and Deb McDonald (Arlington, Virginia), Chuck Collins and Carol Dikeman (Lenexa, Kansas), Chip and Cathy Beaman (Chesapeake, Virginia), Bill and Pam Shumate (Stafford, Virginia), David and Jan Lester (Midlothian, Virginia), John and Lenora Hunter (Birmingham, Alabama), Mel and Vicki Clark (Ferrum, Virginia), Clarke and Brenda Peele (Glendale, Arizona), John and Irene McLaren (Chesapeake, Virginia), Russ and Cheryl Takata (Waipahu, Hawaii), Sam and Colleen Mattocks (Fairview Park, Ohio), Gary and Alison Trinkle (Yorktown, Virginia), T.J. and Kerri Wilson (Harrisonburg, Virginia), and Chuck and Louise Ward (Charlottesville, Virginia).

Thanks for the cards. Reminder: The 50th Reunion is just around the corner. BRs will be in contact! Spread the word. Call a roommate. Bring a wingman!

Class contacts: Snookie Parker, snookieparker1974@earthlink.net. Charley Banning, cbanning@cox.net Send me a note.

Yada, yada, yada, and yaba daba dooooo!

In the Bonds, Snookie

1975

Thomas Mason

Class of 1974: Brother rats honor Bill Faistenhammer at his celebration of life ceremony.

Pictured are (from left) Bobby Cunningham, Grace Greene, Donnie Ross, Glenn Greene, Charley Banning, Bruce Pence, David Lape ’75, Red Undercoffer, Bill Shumate, Dan Barr, Craig Carlock, Gary Trinkle, Mike Coleman, Pat Flynn, and Snookie Parker.

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Brothers, Sisters and Casual Readers, All right, mates, I’m off on the bike again,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes making an effort to give you the robust, richly satisfying stone soup promised three months ago!

This column, which you will receive around mid-May 2022, covers your news from midNovember 2021 through mid-February 2022.

First, in the spirit of the new year, I won’t discuss COVID-19 again. It’s vapid at this point.

Good riddance to 2021! Second, if I have one more medical screener inquire as to whether I have a “temperature,” I resolve to sit them down and explain that yes, I do have a temperature; everyone who walks into this clinic has a temperature! For Pete’s sake, if they want to know if I have a “fever,” then take my temperature or ask if I have a fever!

On Dec. 11, Guy Conte, Ron Norman, Art Nunn, Dan Schultz, and Scott Risser introduced a new concept entitled Pass in Review to the Rat Mass before they started exams and departed for the holiday break. I was privileged to be included among these speakers. We met in Memorial Hall, and each of us spoke for around seven minutes about the PIR concept: Milestones during their cadetships such as Breakout, electing officers, Ring Figure, choice of military branch and specialty, academic majors, mentoring, and networking, culminating in their graduation as we return for our 50th Reunion in 2025. Collectively, we stressed the idea of their achieving, succeeding, and reveling in their time together as cadets because the four years flies by quickly, and the last time they will ever all be together as a class will be in May 2025.

Another visit to Crozet Hall Feb. 5, 2022, for the 4th Class celebratory Breakout supper by Reggie Webb, Art Nunn, and me to mark the milestone of Breakout as part of the PIR program. After a long day in which the rats were awakened at 0500 hours and spent the next 10 hours undergoing rigorous physical exercise, squad and team-building drills, and an 8-mile march with teams carrying telephone poles, Reggie gave an inspiring 8-minute talk in which he addressed the Rat Mass and then the 1st Class, exhorting both groups to future success and achievement as they make their way into the world and the Corps. VIPs in attendance included the superintendent, commandant, the academic dean, and select faculty and ROTC advisors to the two classes present. We witnessed the birth of the Class of 2025.

We will all hear more about Pass in Review over the next months as milestones are achieved

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and representation from us is desired.

Shortly into the new year, a note arrived from Ken Gerard, who had made a road trip from Cincinnati to Dallas with his son to attend the Cotton Bowl game. Ken’s son is a soon-to-be graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and it seems the entire family is connected to UC. VMI was present at the Cotton Bowl that day in the form of Ken’s hat. This chapeau then sparked conversation with a nearby family, who averred their daughter would be attending VMI in the fall on a soccer scholarship and that the young woman was considering a career in the military. This gave Ken a chance to speak positively about VMI and talk about lifelong relationships and to advise the girl to work on upper body strength in the form of plenty of pushups.

On Dec. 27, Bill Kobus, Guy Conte, and Bob Keller got together for lunch in St. Petersburg, Florida, at a pleasant outdoor sidewalk bistro.

Bill Overton was unable to join this trio due to a “germ.” The weather was perfect and the food, wine, and company a refreshing delight.

Dean and Denise Armstrong have been traveling virtually for almost two years now. They finally got a real trip in to Cancun in early January and plan more real travel in 2022.

The annual Christmas letter from Scott and Barbara Risser covered many topics. Among the many activities they enjoyed were Scott’s 50th Hershey High School reunion in Choclatetown, Pennsylvania; travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a World War II conference; and an upcoming trip to Williamsburg for a Revolutionary War conference.

Rich (Maco) McFarland has freed up a little time as his babysitting hours were cut. It seems baby Virginia has started day care and is now a “diplotot” at the State Department where Virginia’s mother works. By the time this report comes out in May, Mac, Nard-dog, Vic, and I will have had our long overdue (two years) lunch meeting at a non-disclosed location in the Shenandoah Valley.

Paul Bernard remains in and continues to work as an engineer for the Town of Warrenton, which he wants to continue for two more years.

Paul hopes to see former BRs Mark Anderson, who left us to play football for Rutgers, and Jim Iverson, who left us to go to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, at his Langley High School reunion in April.

Back home in Wilmington, Delaware, Frank

Hillson has returned after an extended adventure out West visiting and homeschooling grandkids. Frank is back teaching an honors English class at the University of Delaware.

Frank mentioned having talked to Don Bernardini, who spent two weeks in Switzerland with his kids and grandkids. Don continues to teach voice at Radford University.

It’s always a pleasure to hear from one of you for the first time. An email from Richard Mines revealed he and his wife, Beth, will be retiring in June. Rich has been a professor at Mercer University for the last 24 years, teaching environmental and civil engineering. His wife has been a school counselor in the Jones County, Georgia, school system. The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers has named Rich the Outstanding Engineer of the Year for 2022. Rich has not been back to VMI since returning for a ceremony honoring Col. Don Jamison ’57 in 2010. I hope to see him in three years at our 50th Reunion.

This year many holiday greeting cards came in; many were chock full of news, and all were appreciated! After going through them all again, you come away with glitter all over you! Marty Matlaga sent a nice note. Bill Puttmann had all three of his children home for the first time in years. Best holiday wishes came in from Rick and Suzanne Hening. And from Memphis, Tennessee, Charlie Freeman sent glad tidings. A nice family card with photos from 2021 from Jim Schmitt. Tad MacGowan sent kind greetings from the new address in Portland, Oregon. A creative postcard from Glenn Garland arrived—not with a Forever stamp, but a never stamp! Kevin Wright’s classy card and note stressed how hard his wife, Kathy, is working to regain mobility after an injury last year.

I got a spirited card from Charlie Hoon in early December. A broken computer spurred a long, handwritten letter unveiling the many differences in Montana versus California and a desire to find a new state for winter living. Mike Garten wrote in from the high mountains of New Mexico with a hearty greeting. Allen and Sandy Morgan sent in a picture Christmas card loaded with photos of their entire family. Merry Christmas from those Georgia hikers, Rick and Stella Davison.

Still basking in the afterglow of the reunion in September, Tom and Peggy Jones were in high spirits. A very cheerful and gracious card came in from Judy Baur. A beautiful card from Ellett

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Class Notes Bob O’Conner. Bob is a gifted storyteller, and Smith indicated teamwork with his wife, as and informed me that new wife Kathleen’s the delicately addressed envelope didn’t match immigration to the USA from Canada is only his and wife Jan’s lengthy end-of-year letter the content handwriting. Phil Dove sent a nice one step away from completion. Bill Terpeluk left me smiling and grateful for my classmates’ note of thanks and greeting. A classy card came sent merry greetings from Horsham, Pennsyl- and friends’ many talents. Jim and Nancy McCriskin sent happy second pandemic greetings from Ken Miller in Rancho Cucamonga, (love vania. Oliver and Bonnie Way are always fun from Southport, North Carolina. Merry wishes and interesting friends. Much of the news in saying that) California! came in from Lexington by way of Scott and Two more entries came in from Room 122. their annual letter has been written about preBarbara Risser’s annual missive. Many of you viously. They plan on trips in 2022 to Egypt, John and Karen Richardson sent a card and don’t know that Scott spent time in some 30 pictures of all their children and wives and Israel, South Africa, and Europe, which have foreign countries during his career in the U.S. been deferred for two years now. grandchildren taken in June 2021. In Bob and Best penmanship award on a holiday card Army. A warm and unexpected card came from Paulette Keller’s card was a photo of their two pups. Their new addition, Dani, has been and envelope came in from the always amiable my many supportive friends in the VMI Alumni Agencies. Thom Brashears ’95, joined by her daughter, Sprite, Patti Cook, Norma Robinson, Corri who remains in the Rat Line reSensabaugh, and Natalie Carpenceiving specialized training. ter ’21 expressed sweet sentiments.

Greg and Melody DiamonAn amusing offering came from topulos checked in; Greg’s vision Art Sigsbury in which he recontinues to improve. Randy and marked that his Christmas card Terry Frank have relocated from production facility turned out one Waikoloa, Hawaii, to Bellingham, card—and how he could literally Washington, and live around two see the clouds of industrial producmiles from the Canadian border. tion rising from the smokestacks of Randy remains in frequent contact the card factory here in Roanoke with Mike Fleenor, Davis Schuyfrom the West Coast! Dan (and ler, and Art Nunn.

Laura) Schultz reported in from Most interesting was hearing from Doug Dunlap, who held this Class of 1975: Attending the VMI versus Chattanooga basketball Williamsburg that he has played position from 2000-04. He sent a game Jan. 22 are (front row, from left) Oliver Way, Steven Chapin, some pretty good golf this past fall, Stewart Fleming, (back row) Allen Morgan, Scott Risser, Art Nunn, and he gets into John Maples’ walvery special keepsake VMI Christ- and Tom Mason. let whenever possible. Dan also mas card he had left over from his days as class agent and a lengthy letter laying out the current whereabouts the immediate family is scattered. In October 1974, Doug escorted Miss Linda Griffith, princess of Patrick County, Virginia, in the Tobacco Bowl. They married and remain happily in Patrick County today. That special event evoked many happy memories of our 1974 football season and that weekend in Richmond for the Tobacco Bowl!

Some of you pack a lot of useful information into a tiny envelope. Barry and Tigger Hughes thoroughly enjoyed the September reunion, had a quiet year, and bought motorcycles as a “hog-wild” midlife crisis. Harley and Nancy Myler continue to enjoy exploring Wilmington, North Carolina, and had family visit from Manhattan over the holidays. Bill and Barbara Fowlkes sent greetings to all from WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Tony and Teresa Farry included their family newsletter in their card and filled the reader in on their two sons, their Class of 1975: William and Lee Hunter host their son’s wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana, sons’ wife and girlfriend, and their sons’ canine Jan. 8, 2022. children. Greg Stultz exulted over the reunion

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Class Notes stays fit and agile playing pickleball. Dan and Guy Conte had a chance to visit and take a tour of the commandant’s quarters on their visit to VMI in December. Col. Adrian Bogart ’81 is an imposing and impressive man and very supportive of the PIR program.

Writing these notes is a soothing aloe. I see folks clearly and seem to have a sharper focus and have many fond memories of our four years together. As a rather marginal former football athlete, and after a forgettable rat year first semester, I was welcomed into the VMI rugby family. I retain many fond memories of VMI rugby and vividly recall the spring season of our 1st Class year. Jay Newcomer, Dan Schultz, and John Maples were a terrifying and potent cocktail of size, strength, power, and field intelligence. Coming out for rugby after having had a strong senior fall ’74 in football, Jay gave us an added dimension among the backs we had never had before. John Maples, Jim Davis, Scott Lloyd ’76, Mike Woodward, Ted Swenson, Jim Bentley ’77, Wes Naff ’77, and Charlie Aycock ’76 at No. 8 (lock) anchored the forward pack while Dan, Jay, and Bill Meier ’76 in the backfield along with Jim Seitz (fullback), who defended deep and kept us out of trouble by kicking for distance and touch.

Our own Dr. William Hunter and lovely wife Lee hosted a wedding on Bourbon Street the weekend of Jan. 8, 2022. Billy and Lee’s son, Will Hunter Jr. ’16, married Miss Taylor Nicole Creasy. Classmates present at this august occasion included Steve Chapin, Mike Hunter, Allen Morgan, Oliver Way, Ron Bongiovanni, Art Nunn, Robert Taylor, and Judy Baur making the trip to NOLA. An accompanying photograph displayed this group along with the bride, Budge Hunter ’10, Miles Manley ’16, and Ryan Poffenbarger ’16.

On Jan. 22, a number of class stalwarts converged on Lexington to watch the Keydets take on the SoCon leader UTC Mocs on the hardwood. A photo showed that group in the lobby of Cameron Hall. The Citadel visited Cameron Hall Feb. 12, and a large ’75 contingent was expected to attend.

While Dan and Sandy Brooks had to miss the reunion last September, they were impressed by the quality of the swag and have enjoyed the shirt, socks, and cuff links. Dan and Sandy will again winter in Bluffton and Beaufort, South Carolina, during February and March. There

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will be fishing involved during this layover.

A late entry from Robert Mills read like a Fodor’s international travelogue. After our early fall reunion, Robert and Babs traveled to the Republic of Georgia to meet friends and see the country from Bat’umi (on the Black Sea) to T’bilisi (at the foot of the bucolic Caucasus Mountains). The couple then traveled to Montego Bay to catch up with his kids and grandkids. Then it was back to Europe in early December for two weeks of golf and post-Montego Bay recuperation in Malaga, a port city on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. His lengthy missive also included abbreviated reviews of many of the toothsome delights this couple enjoyed along the way. After this recovery therapy, it was up to Paris where he met Babs for the Christmas break, a family tradition, I’m told.

Robert has been back home in Norfolk for the entirety of January before darting off to Aspen and then to the Napa Valley.

A just-in-the-nick-of-time report came in from John Whitworth. He and Mary have spent the majority of the winter at their Connecticut home awaiting the birth of another grandchild. A boy arrived Jan. 18, giving John yet one more potential recruit to the future Corps of Cadets. A shivering John and Mary will head back down to the Florida home for March and April.

Oh, by the way, Greg Seldon reported he had nothing to report.

I’m quite certain at this point that, like my predecessors, I’ve caused a measured amount of editorial chaos with some of the content I submit. I’ve succumbed to the editor’s scalpel since the beginning!

I’ll end with a request for help. I had only two of the 270 holiday cards I sent in December returned as “undeliverable.” If anyone can assist me in finding Kevin Widner and Gerald Irissari, I would be grateful. I have no telephone contact info for either, and I did send Gerry an email but received no reply. Then there’s the mysterious disappearance of Craig E. Erickson.

With access to a lot of data, I have absolutely no info on Craig, but I have learned he shared Room 103 with Sosthenes Behn. Any leads would be appreciated.

Humbly, I remain, Never above you, never below you, always beside you ...

Your Friend, BR, and Scribe, Tom Mason

1976 William Bhatta

These notes were written during dreary February. At least there were plenty of VMI sports, the Olympics, and Super Bowl Sunday to liven things up.

Kurt and Cindy Luckenbill celebrated their 45th anniversary in Alaska last May. They said, “One of the highlights was traveling on the Dalton Highway all the way to the Arctic Circle. It was a oncein-a-lifetime adventure!” The Luckenbills have 11 grandchildren—might be a class record—6 to 15 years old, and all are doing well. They said, “We miss the baby stage for cuddling, but it is so exciting to watch each one develop their own personality.”

Kevin Pardus is still volunteering his time supporting a variety of STEM-based robotics programs. His youngest daughter, living and working in Singapore, was recently engaged.

Marshall Coyle reported in. Marshall is an associate professor of engineering at Penn State University’s York, Pennsylvania, campus. He said, “I am presently teaching mask-to-mask, which is an improvement from remote teaching. However, the campus atmosphere is rather subdued.” Marshall

Class of 1976: Billy Karnes with his eighth grandchild, Archer Paul Peckman, born Sept. 28, 2021.

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Class Notes drop a buck into air machine, and finally had the opportunity to visit Tom and Lou are on our way with no more incidents.

Brooks last Christmas in Fayetteville, Turns out had a nail and slow leak; fixed North Carolina. Tom maintains his famit the next day. That all being said, it was ily farm there. Marshall said, “If anyone marvelous seeing folks after 45 years. is looking for a venue for a wedding or Made connections with Curt Reppart some other large event, the farm has a and Mark Swank who live near me in new beautiful, large barn.”

Austin and renewed friendships with so Razz and Kathleen Waff are doing many more of my BRs!” well. Razz said, “It is hard to believe Jim and Tish Dittrich had a great 2021! that we are going through another Tish still works as the chief financial ofChristmas and new year’s still under ficer for her medical company, and Jim the shadow of the pandemic; however, has been writing historical articles about we certainly are doing the best we can distinguished VMI alumni for the VMI looking for signs of a thaw in both the weather and the pandemic.” Razz Class of 1976: Marshall Coyle visiting Lou and Tom Brooks at their Alumni Agencies. He is also working family farm near Fayetteville, North Carolina, in December 2021. on a book about Vietnam. They both encontinues to work with the Military joyed visiting family last year: Jim travChaplains Association as its executive eled with his dad and brothers to Glacier director and as the chairperson of the National Park, Montana, where Taylor, board of visitors of the Army’s Comtheir second son, worked as an executive mand and General Staff College at chef. They visited their two daughters, Fort Leavenworth. Kathleen is workAddison and Johanna, out in Aurora, ing on English as a second language Colorado, and they recently returned skills so she can work with Afghan reffrom seeing Chelsea (their daughter) and ugees being relocated to the Asheville, North Carolina, area through local Joaquin (son-in-law) in Fort Lauderdale, Catholic and Lutheran church social Florida. As you may know, Jim and Tish services. Their daughter, Meaghan, always have good animal stories. Here is was recently hired by a national secuanother one. They said, “As you know, we always see the humor in our lives, rity/artificial intelligence think tank in and Bear dog, who is nearly 13, provides Arlington, Virginia, supported by Eric much of it. He sleeps next to us and was Schmidt, former chief operating ofrunning in his sleep not too long ago ficer of Google, and Henry Kissinger. and yelping, so Tish reached down to Razz said, “To say she is living large is putting it mildly. ... She is now planted Class of 1976: Kurt and Cindy Luckenbill celebrate their 45th an- tap him and wake him. When she did, in Alexandria, Virginia, and walks niversary by dog mushing through the snow in Alaska.

Bear jumped up and took off running across the street to take the Metro to into the darkness. We expected to hear her office in Arlington, and her Metro stop at her and found one leaving at 6 a.m. They put us up crashing, but he returned a minute later lookoffice is under her office.” in a hotel. Up at 4 a.m., get over to airport. Crud, ing dazed and very confused. Leaving sleeping We might not see Stephen Joyce at another re- that flight is canceled. Go to counter, they find us a dogs lie makes sense.”

When I hear from Ted and Melanie Mouras, union after his trip back to Texas following the flight leaving for Dallas in a couple of hours with 45th! Here is his story: “Sunday, getting ready a connection to San Antonio. Sitting in terminal, they typically talk about their international travto depart the hotel, and the rental would not start. waiting, I see they change the departure time back els. Unfortunately, COVID-19 interfered with Andy Stewart tries to jump us—no go. So, the an hour-and-a-half, so I run up to counter ahead of that a little bit last year. They said, “On the home tow truck arrives with that huge crank amp battery, everyone else and get them to play around. Luck- front, Ted continues to volunteer, and Melanie and we are running. Told not to turn car off. We get ily, there was another flight to San Antonio leav- continues her Skyping in French. Not much vait to the [car rental] agency in Richmond, telling ing a couple of hours later than first. Finally make riety for either of us. We have high transmission them of trouble and why we couldn’t refuel. They it to Dallas. Lucky us, San Antonio flight still on. rates and low vaccination rates, so there’s still were great and said no problem, car was going to Lucky again, we finally land in San Antonio, go very little eating out, still unwillingness to go shop and no charge. Super—into the terminal we find the car ... took a bit because I was looking in to a movie theater, still not wanting to go anygo, look at [airline schedule] board. Our flight is middle instead of nearer the end. Constantly press- where with large crowds of the unmasked. We canceled. We go to American Airlines counter, and ing the key fob did the trick. In the car, off we are branching out in our home cooking experithey tell us they rebooked us on a flight leaving go, and the warning light flashes about low tire ments with low-salt and low-sugar recipes, as the next evening. We didn’t like it, so they hunted pressure. So, we get to I-35, pull into gas station, much for health reasons as for variety.” They

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Well, I must conclude these notes so I can did manage to explore the northwestern part of the U.S. Last September, “we uploaded our move out the door to go skiing out in Breckenvaccine cards, got tested twice, and took off ridge, Colorado. Then it is on to Hawaii to visit for Spokane, Washington, where we boarded my son and his family. On the itinerary is a visit a small cruise ship and traveled in a CO- to a local Hawaiian distillery owned by a VMI VID-19 ‘bubble’ from Clarkston, Washing- alumnus! Aloha! ton, to Portland, Oregon. We made our way through ever-changing scenery and some spectacular autumn foliage.” They also were Mark Bryant able to visit Mount Rainer, Ted said, “where we didn’t see the mountain but did see every form of weather known to man in about a four-hour timeframe. We know how to ‘dress in layers,’ but at one point, Melanie was wearGreetings, Brother Rats. ing all six of the layers she’d packed and looked I am looking out the window at snow here a bit stuffed.”

Last but not least, the most unique BR up- in February on Super Bowl Sunday, trying to Class of 1977: Mo Slagle thanks everyone date I ever received from Steph Borows (aka remember that you will see these notes in the for his new blanket.

Stephen Borowski): “I have experienced a Alumni Review delivered in May! We’ve had a few events and updates to share. lifetime of learning (Master of Arts and vetted philosopher); social experimentation (raised Here on post, the VMI Class of ’25 broke out of eight step-children, buried a German wife, a the Rat Line and joined the Corps. Especially Cuban wife, and currently married to an Okla- interesting for all of us are two members of homan and survivor of breast cancer); and tested this new class. Cadet William Lauerman ’25 is the limits of a career (dismissed from USMA named for someone we all remember well—our West Point, forced into retirement at U.S. De- BR and his uncle, Dewey Lauerman. This capartment of Agriculture, and resigned from a det didn’t get to know our BR, but he is proud middle school teaching position). No one bet- to be at VMI, and he is doing well. He has his ter understands the world than one who has not sights set on law school and the Marine Corps. spent time in its jails (incarcerated four times It is a pleasure to see him in my classroom.

Cadet Frederick Allner ’25 also bears a name and still counting); worked in its fine dining restaurants (sous-chef and bartender); attended we all know and love, and we will just let Fredseveral colleges (VMI distinguished with aca- die explain to all of us later how he has a son demic stars, University of Louisville and Uni- in the rat class. Good for him. Young Allner is versity of Maryland graduate schools, National also off to a good start and reminds me of his Defense University, PMP); served in its military; dad every time I have to wake him up during class! luxuriated in its resorts (ski instructor in the BaWe had a heartfelt and wonderful chance to varian Alps); and lived in its paradise (Garmisch Class of 1977: Cadet William Lauerman ’25. and Berchtesgaden, Germany) and its hell (invol- talk with BR Mo Slagle in February. Mo was so happy to be remembered and untarily removed by the police from have over 30 BRs able to parmy home four times as a result of ticipate in a conference call with marriage breakups and/or false achim. We shared stories, jokes, and cusations). I know things, have seen prayers. To say it was an emotional things—amazing things that most event is an understatement, for sure. people would believe are not true.

It was a rare opportunity to talk with I survived five near-fatal traffic aca BR who we know can’t be with us cidents! When speaking the truth, much longer, and the Class of ’77 many told me to stop; when I continshone. Special thanks to BR Larry ued, they simply walked away. I eat Martin for being the aide on the spot too much, drink too much, I am too much. So be it! I am resolved to be, Class of 1977: Brother Rats Tom Underhill, John “Buster” Pace, Bruce and helping Mo use the phone and to what all VMI alumni should want to Cann, and John Marshall with their much better halves gathered in BR Steve Neas for setting up the call Costa Rica. for all of us and making it happen. be—favorably and fortunately bold.”

1977

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Class Notes

Class of 1977: Cadet Frederick Allner ’25.

Class of 1977: Chris Manno doing his bit to prepare us for our upcoming reunion.

Got a quick note from Mike Meise in Roanoke to let us know he is enjoying retirement and regularly gets together there with Bob Atkinson. They get to Lexington for some basketball games and have been able to check in with Bland Massie at events.

Tom Orrell also sent us a note from Winchester and reports he has joined the club of those who’ve had a knee replaced. Tom reflected that although VMI has, of course, changed over the years, he is grateful to have been there when we were. It was indeed a special place.

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Steve Kelly also completed his knee replacement surgery and quickly followed it with some more surgery on a foot. Good thing he wasn’t planning any long hikes! Steve is recovering well, though, and is looking forward to getting out for some biking and swimming soon.

Buster Pace sent in the great photo below, including Tommy Underhill, Bruce Cann, and J.J. Marshall, along with all of their lovely wives, while vacationing in Costa Rica. Apparently, this has become a regular sojourn with these folks and looks great!

Chris Manno says he’s happy to leave the hassle of the airline industry behind and enjoys being free to pursue his happily retired life.

Chris is anything but not busy, though, with teaching college English, writing and drawing for publication, and staying fit. He shared some VMI cartoons for us, and I think he’s trying to help us prep for reunion this fall.

Speaking of reunion: By now, you all have hopefully received some more detailed information on reunion plans. Hotels were booked last year (I hope!) or early January. You all should see a reunion registration site coming up on the Alumni Association website quite soon now. Probably June or July.

Be sure to register and also sign up for any of the extra events or optional reunion mementos/ clothing that you might wish to purchase.

We will have an informal get-together Thursday for early arrivals. (Early arrivals should be able to check in for reunion with the Alumni Association Thursday, too). Friday will be regular check in for reunion, and we will have a golf event (generously organized by Tommy Cole) at the Lexington Golf & Country Club, as well as a bike ride (generously organized by Rich Howell). Friday evening will include some sort of “official” reunion dinner or event. Saturday will start early on post with a memorial handshake, followed by our reunion class photo, the reunion parade, and march into barracks for Old Yells.

Saturday is home football, followed by our “official” reunion event Saturday night.

Just for your information, I will be out of the country a few weeks from late May to mid-June.

Not unreachable by any means, but a time difference, and maybe a phone call will be impractical. Try email; I should be able to get that easily enough.

RVM, Mark B.

1978

Tom Brown

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends!

This writing is in the depths of the Dark Ages, and most have been enduring a not-so-pleasant winter. As you read these notes, it is finally spring, and the weather most certainly has warmed up. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and had the opportunity to be with your loved ones. Time spent with family and friends, including brother rats, is a precious thing. In this phase of our lives, reminiscing and savoring the joys of life is a most fulfilling pastime. Hearing from and about you brings great joy!

Speaking of hearing from you, thanks for the Christmas greetings and cards, Glen Jones, Tim McGreer, Ron Dolan, Paul Mitchell, Don McGinnis, Alec Earle, and Len Logan. I also greatly appreciate all the birthday greetings from those who dare to brave Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, if you have not found our class page, please join us: VMI 78. It is a closed group, so you will have to request to join.

It is my sad duty to pass along the news of the passing of Robby Burke. He was our unofficial class chaplain and a kind soul. He ministered to all and provided us with an example of how to serve others. The class conducted a memorial gathering on Zoom, and many wonderful stories and memories were shared. Twenty-seven brother rats participated in the gathering, along with Karen, Robby’s wife. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. A special thank you to Jay Hutt and Ron Dolan for coordinating the event.

And now for the status reports from around the class. Bob Simpson reports from Williamsburg that he is finally fully retired and looks forward to being able to get over to Lexington. Jay Branscome checked in with an “all right.” Rick Wetherill is “all right.”

Steve Powers: “‘All right’ in the tundra of New Hampshire! And here I used to complain how frigging cold it was walking on the Parade Ground going from Old Barracks to Preston Library! Still working my retirement job at Manchester Boston Regional Airport as a ‘rent-a-cop’ to keep me out of trouble. Spending quality time

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes this retirement thing and loving it! Doing some deploying instead of my son. with our grandson, so life is good! Not at all happy “I connected with Bob Beaver and a few others consulting in the disaster response preparedness with what’s going on with VMI these days. Howduring prayer meetings and will be attending those industry and have a part-time gig at a local hardever, too old to get upset anymore. What will be, ware store down near the oceanfront. That and my again when I can. Still working for the Municipaliwill be!” ty of Anchorage in Alaska and am looking forward ‘honey-do list’ keep me busy. We have room at Joe Cafarella: “All OK from Ohio.” the house should any BRs find themselves at the to retirement soon.”

Vagel Keller: “All right.” beach and need a place to crash or hang out, either Leland Horn: “All good here. So far, we are winAndy Faulconer: “Celya and I are doing well one. Come on by.” here in Lynchburg. Spending a lot of time with ning in the COVID-19 dodgeball world series!”

Dave Mecredy: “I am all right indeed. I just Pete Manoso: “All right in Newport News, Virgrandkids and waiting on more favorable weather made reservations to fly to Augusta, Georgia, ginia. Robby Burke’s passing motivated me to refor golf. I talk often with my dyke, Tony Farry where I will meet up with my dad, Jim Mecredy connect with BRs who rode the bus and attended ’75, who just became a grandad.” ’52, to escort him to his 70th Reunion at VMI in Jay Hutt: “Spent a productive couple of hours the Lexington Baptist Church with Robby and I with Brother Rat Jimmie Cure a couple of weeks during our cadetship. They included Ed Little, Bill April. I continue to work three-fourths of the time as a technical writer, which suits me just fine. ago—productive in that after 20-plus years in Leavenworth, Clyde Long, Will Tilley, and Jack On Fridays, my wife, Susan, and I are part of the Lynchburg, we finally cleared the last of our stuff Wright. Those are the ones I remember. If I worship team in a startup church in from his attic and created a bit of free Montgomery, Minnesota. She plays floor space. I considered hitting him violin, and I play guitar. I have also up for a free back exam afterward— taken up target shooting with a Croscould have been a house call at his man pellet pistol—ammunition is a house. Also had a really good visit little cheaper and not as loud.” with Kenny Blythe over in Franklin.

Steve Craig: “All is well here in I was home visiting my dad, the one San Antonio. I completed my Ph.D. and only See Joe, VPI ’52, and Kenin the history of medicine. Now fony joined us for a libation Saturday cusing on becoming a challenging evening. Always a pleasure to spend pickleball player!” time with one of Southampton CounBill Hardy: “Heading to The Citaty’s finest. And I recently caught up del basketball game this weekend with Brion Smith, Tim Frederikson and to see my godson, Frederick and Paul Mitchell via phone and am Allner IV, who just got out of the Rat up to speed with the current happenings in their lives. Really good hear- Class of 1978: Gathering in Mount Dora, Florida, are (from left) Cynthia Line.”

Ron and Linda Dolan and Tim and ing all their voices. Glenn Dallinger and Tim Pishdad, Ron and Linda Dolan, and Tom and Pat Brown.

Cynthia Pishdad paid Pat and me a checked in from sunny Florida; he threatens to appear in Lynchburg soon—some- forgot anybody, please let me know. Our LBC bus visit for a lovely lunch gathering in Mount Dora.

Ron was on a business trip through Florida, and thing about a BR’s wedding. But that is not my drivers were Barney Odend’hal ’58 and Wayne the Pishdads journeyed up from Melbourne. We story to tell. Finally, it’s about time for the local ’78 Johnston. Our Sunday School teacher was George had a wonderful time reminiscing and storytell’burg boys to gather for a happy hour. Stay tuned.” Warden ’70. The LBC pastor at the time was Reving. Tim told us about how he and Cynthia got Bob Fricke: “All right in Colorado Springs. Sur- erend Robert Leonard. Sadly, Reverend Leonard connected in the first place. Interestingly, their passed away some years ago. However, Barney, vived COVID-19, attended my son’s Navy winging ceremony, and busy working still. My second Wayne, and George are still alive and well. Barney story was published in a Valentine’s column in the Melbourne paper. Ron asked us what our son graduated from University of Colorado/Boul- turns 85 in April and lives in Buena Vista. George favorite place was to have visited and made the is now a full-time minister and the pastor of the der in December. Now, if he can only find a job.”

Jim Mackin: “All good here in coastal North Bible Church at Rockbridge in Lexington. Wayne point that it was about the people more than the place—kind of like our experience at VMI. I Carolina. Waiting for the north winds to abate and is a member of George’s church. Both still live in hope you all have the opportunity in the near fuLexington.” the temps to rise!” ture to gather with BRs and remember the experiMark McKissick: “All right.”

John Tucker: “‘All right’ in Columbus, Ohio.”

Mike Oelrich: “All right’ from the Florida pan- ences you have had.

Steve Burns: “I am doing fine in Alaska. It has As always, time to send your status for the next been an early and cold winter this year, but I was handle! Everyone is doing well.”

Bruce Kay: “All is well here. Very good news: set of notes. Please join us for the 78 Prayer Call able to visit family in Kansas and Kentucky for Our daughter, Jennifer, got married in December, the third Tuesday of the month. Watch for the Thanksgiving and family in Seattle for Christmas. email link. and we could not be happier!”

That made it a much nicer 2021. I have a son deIn the Spirit, Paul Campbell: “All right.” ployed to Iraq I am asking for continued prayers Tom/EZ Bear Tim Berkhimer: “All right, sir. Settling into for. It was so much easier when I was the one

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Class Notes service, the class did Old Yells for Tony and ’79. Additionally, The Cadet newspaper wrote a fabulous tribute to Tony that was printed in time Michael Ogden to be handed out at the service. (Thanks again, Stosh!) All in all, a most impressive send-off.

Cassandra and family were very, very appreciative of all VMI provided and were very touched by the large turnout from the class. You will be missed, brother rat.

Brother Rats, The class has established an endowment/ Hope this finds everyone safe and well. scholarship fund in Tony’s name. You should As I am sure most, if not all, of you know Tony have received information on its specifics and Hamilton passed away of a sudden heart attack how to contribute should you desire to do so. If Jan. 26. The family held services in St. Louis, not, drop me a note, please.

Missouri, where Tony and Cassandra were livOn to notes. ing at the time. Jay Virtue and Tim Bridges Class of 1979: Ralph Briggs and Travis CalDan Kornacki writes: “I have just retired were able to attend, representing ’79. Services laway ring in the new year in Savannah, from Delta Air Lines after 32 years. I flew B727, were also held in Staunton, Virginia, and I am Georgia, on a dinner cruise with their B737, B757, B767, and A330 during my time proud to say that over 60 brother rats were able wives (not pictured). there. Annie was able to fly with me on my last to attend. Thanks to Nick Collins and Rich flight from Salt Lake City to AtlanMcDonough, the class was able ta, and a couple of days before, she to use the church’s activities room went with me to Amsterdam. So, as a gathering place. The class was for the first time since we gradufeatured in the celebration, as they ated, I am unemployed! J.R. Pigg had us both file in as a class at the and I share a hangar in Peachtree beginning and out at the conclusion City. He was instrumental in findof the service. Even with Breakout ing my plane and is getting me occurring the same day as the serreacclimated to formation flying. vice, with thanks to Col. Bogart So, I’ll be picking that up shortly. ’81, Col. Brodie (Hon), and Sgt. He flies in a formation demonstraMaj. Sowers, the Corps provided tion team called Full Throttle, and I the VMI color guard, a bagpiper, hope to join them as I become more and a bugler accompanied by Col. proficient.”

Brodie. With the color guard standTravis Callaway checks in with: ing proudly in the background at “Sending a pic of Ralph Briggs and the front of the church, the bagpipmyself ringing in the new year in er played “Amazing Grace” to start Class of 1979: J.R. Pigg and Dan Kornacki outside the hangar they share Savannah, Georgia. Ralph lives in the service, followed by Col. Bro- with their airplanes in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Orlando, and with me in Richmond, die playing his trumpet and leading the class in the “Doxology.” Greg Weaver, Tim Bridges, and Jose Gomez were asked by the family to speak and gave very stirring tributes to Tony. At the graveside, the bugler played taps, followed by the color guard formally folding the U.S. flag draped across Tony’s coffin and the regimental color sergeant presenting the flag to Cassandra. Col. Brodie then presented Cassandra with a folded Virginia state flag that flew over the capitol (thanks to Stosh for obtaining the flag) and folded U.S. flag flown over VMI. The Virginia state flag had a signed certificate Class of 1979: Attending the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for Lt. Gen. Jeffrey G.

by Virginia state Sen. McDougle, and the VMI Smith ’43 Nov. 3, 2021, are (from left) Brian Tollie, John Arthur, Ed Johnson, Jeff Smith, John flag came with a certificate signed by the current Colonna, Bob Morris, Ray Duffett, Tom Manley, and Chappy Lucas.

VMI class presidents. Following the graveside

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Class Notes outside of reunions, we don’t see each other often.

Ralph reached out and suggested we get together with our wives, LuAnn and Terri, and celebrate the new year. Long story short, we wound up on a dinner cruise in Savannah, watching the fireworks from the boat, and having a great time catching up.

“Ralph is still working hard for Lockheed Martin and says he’s not ready for retirement yet. LuAnn is spending most of her time at home and thoroughly enjoying being grandma to their grandson, Jackson.

“After 22 years with the Army and 20 with the FBI, I decided I had given Uncle Sam his fair share and retired Dec. 31, 2021. I’m proud to say I’m now a ‘kept man,’ with Terri still working as an architect and principal of Baskerville here in Richmond. We are currently the proud grandparents of three grandsons and will add a fourth this April. We downsized to a smaller home on the other side of town back in July and are in the process of building our retirement home on the bay. We hope to move in there sometime this spring. Life is good; we consider ourselves blessed and look forward to the next reunion—hard to believe it will be the 45th!

God bless and stay safe.”

Bill Albro sends: “So as to keep it short as I am certain there will be plenty of material regarding the loss of a great one in our BR Tony Hamilton. I was fortunate enough to attend the ceremonies in Staunton. It was an emotional celebration of his life event. Cassandra and family were poised and full of grace. BRs Weaver, Bridges, Salmond, and Gomez represented us well. Our class is really amazing. Not much else to report here; I am staying in touch with Dan Sheehan regarding a future dive trip in the fall.

He may also visit in May but will see when he gets better dates. Other than that, staying healthy while planning trips for the spring, summer, and fall. That is all; return to what you were doing.”

Phyllis Higginbotham pens: “We are very happy to announce the safe arrival of our first grandchild in December! A granddaughter! Especially nice is that Kate lives only 35 minutes from us, so we get to see her a lot! She is a cutie!

Proud parents are our oldest son, Hunter, and his wife, Charity. Kate is the first grandchild on both sides of the family.”

Jeff Goldhardt reports that, in December, their son moved to their house! “His two cats were reunited with our Virginia seven. They loved patrolling outside after being cooped up in a VA subdivision. Eleven cats, all temporary under this roof! He quickly found a job (Goodwill), church (Eagle Mountain KCM), and house in Saginaw. After adjusting to just a wife in the house after retirement, it has been a new experience for me adding another family member to my talking ration. Another real estate learning curve addition: Fort Worth has a lot of foundation issues. And it is snowing sideways.

We were in a drought and burn ban. Appreciate the wet stuff. You all stay healthy and thankful.”

Marc Withers sent in: “Not much to relate from me. Life continues on. Lambing season on our farm is upon us, and that is our major farm focus. I’m starting to seriously think about retiring from my work at MITRE. Take care.”

Chappy Lucas dropped me a note: “Suzanne and I are well and enjoying Richmond while trying to overcome the challenges of reengaging with folks in a COVID-19 environment after 16 years in Saudi Arabia. I have been fortunate to attend several events with BRs, including Al

Soltis’ VMI FCA anniversary brunch and Jeff Smith’s father’s funeral.”

Bob Sievert “says” he finally “bit the bullet” and is in partial retirement mode. He writes: “On March 30, I will finish up my role as CIO of the NASPO organization and transition to just working with state procurement offices on their efforts to automate their business practices. I’m expecting to go from my 50- to 60-hour weeks to 30-hour weeks. To help entice me to follow through, Angela and I just bought a used 37-foot motor home that we’ll use starting this summer to start exploring all of the western states. Other than this, things haven’t really changed for us.

I’ve been traveling on average once a month throughout the COVID-19 excitement, with the good news that we haven’t had any problems.”

On the homefront, I had surgery on my right wrist and elbow (easiest explanation is carpal tunnel syndrome) just before Tony’s services, and my annual physical is scheduled for next week. Yes, that’s a “hint,” BRs. Renee and I are starting to remodel the laundry room, putting my new, very much beginner woodworking and home remodel skills to the test, and we are both looking forward to seriously getting started on the yard soon. She is probably moving to part-time work, while with me being retired, we are looking to have a permanent “yard of the month” sign in the yard! (We live in the “sticks,” so there is no real sign, but you get the idea!)

Evidently, if you ask for notes early, it’s slim pickings; ask late, and it just pours notes!

Stay in touch, take care and be safe, BRs. —M These Class of ’79 Notes were reviewed, proofed, corrected (I got a C- on the first draft), and eventually approved by Renee.

Class of 1979: Brother rats gather at the funeral for Tony Hamilton, class president, in Staunton, Virginia, Jan. 29, 2022.

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Class Notes birthday. Walt wrote that to celebrate turning 64, he swam for 64 minutes. John Lillard responded that he recalled swimming with Walt John Gibney Jr. at the base pool in Pensacola when they were in flight school.

I spoke with Phil Munisteri on his birthday. Phil is retired from teaching, but Kathy has returned to work as a school principal. Their son, Connor, is a fourth grade teacher. Their daughter, Meghan, Hello, Brother Rats! is a medical doctor and a captain in the Army and These notes cover the period of Nov. 15, 2021, is getting married on Long Island in August. Phil through Feb. 15, 2022, and include the sad news also told me about the surprise visit he was planof the passing of John Hall Feb. 1. Ave atque vale. ning with Bruno Loefstedt and Jay McCauley to The period began with a phone call with Jay John Hughes in December—see below.

Melvin on his birthday. Jay said that all was well Patti and I share a November wedding anniin Lexington with his family and his business. versary with John and Anne Alerding, which He also said that he attended the Institute Society prompts an exchange of text messages and a Dinner and saw Hugh Fain, Pat Griffin, Jack Kephone call. John is retired from the Air Force and ane, Wade Stinnette, and Dan Sweeney.

Class of 1980: Roni Briggs, Mary Lynne from teaching but works full-time remotely from Dwight Pearson sent a text with a picture of Wood, Walt Wood, and Don Briggs in Dallas in November 2021. his home in Lexington and on occasion in OklaTolar Nolley holding a tray of oysters. He then homa City. Anne is a biology professor at VMI. provided detail—Rob Robinson hosted a gathThey are expecting to be grandparents in March. ering at his home which was attended by Paul December began with an exchange of emails and Ann Burkholder, Hoss and Maria Eshaghi, with Frank Leech on his birthday. Frank wrote Tim Hodges, Steve Klinar, Gary Levenson, Joe that at age 63, it is only 10 more years until he Paustenbaugh, and Rob and Elizabeth Quarles. hopes to retire. Frank is still in Manila working on I exchanged texts and then spoke with Andy a rail project. Rob Gearhart and Tom Gelles also Ludlum. Andy is fully retired from Southwest sent birthday wishes.

Airlines and had his knee replaced. Sadly, his dad I finally caught up with Steve Andrews, who passed away. had been hunting and had limited cell service.

Paul Keel sent an email with a photo and a Steve and Cathy are retired and live in Richmond. change of address. Paul and Angela live in Hawaii Their daughter, Virginia, lives in Alexandria. and moved into a new rental home. They were Their daughter, Caroline, is in graduate school at visited by Jeff and Renee Washington, who were Tufts. Steve also said that Bruno Loefstedt is revacationing in Honolulu. tiring to Greenville, North Carolina.

I sent an email to Joe Belkoski on his birthday.

I spoke with Tim Hodges on his birthday. Tim Well-wishers responding to the email were Tom is retired from VMI, and he and Vicki live in Bersson, Ray Joinson, Jack Keane, and Tom Class of 1980: Tolar Nolley with John Lexington and have two grandchildren. Tim said Kelly. Joe eventually responded—from the hosBlankenship at the christening of John’s that he attended the gathering at Rob Robinson’s pital after having bypass surgery to address blockgrandson, John Blackwell Mejia, in Richhouse and saw Ray Joinson, Tolar Nolley, and ages. He did not have a heart attack, and they mond in June 2021.

Joe Paustenbaugh. installed a pacemaker. In a follow-up message to Tom Gelles sent a text and then we 21 of our BRs, Joe wrote that he is doing spoke. Tom’s son, Nick, lives in Charvery well. lottesville with his wife, who is from Tracy Wilson sent an email scheduling Brooklyn. Tom was looking online for a Zoom happy hour Nov. 27 to celebrate places in New York City that would ship Thanksgiving and Joe’s birthday. Parbagels, and he asked for my input (Barticipants included Marty Bernet, Dan ney Greengrass). Tom also reminded me Conn, Rob Gearhart, Pat Griffin, that we shared a VMI post office box; I Mike Hall, Tom Kelly, and Ray Joinhad no recollection that VMI P.O. boxes son. were shared.

I called Steve Andrews on his birthJack Keane sent an email to 77 of day and exchanged emails with George Class of 1980: Peggy, Elizabeth, and Bert Schneider at Bert’s home in Arizona at Christmas 2021. our BRs containing an update on Ray Condyles and Walt Kreitler on their

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Class Notes children, Michael and John; John and Marlene Joinson’s battle with cancer (all updates written Mount Airy, Maryland; Bert and Peggy Schneiwith Ray’s permission). Responses in support der with a note that Bert attended a VMI holiday Hughes with photos taken in December durwere sent by Tom Bersson, Rick Fowler, Tom dinner in Tempe, Arizona; and Robby and Mary- ing the surprise visit from Bruno Loefstedt, Jay McCauley, and Phil Munisteri; Dicky and Judy Gelles, Pat McCarthy, Jim O’Connor, and Jeff Anna Wheeler with an enclosed Christmas sugar Lockridge with a family photo; Phil and Kathy Washington. cookie recipe and a note saying they were looking Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent a Christmas forward to our 45th Reunion. A card also arrived Munisteri with photos of their children, Connor email with several attached photographs. They from Lynn and Larry Avery, noting that Larry, a and Meghan; Lannie and Wade Stinnette with live in Peru but are in the U.S. on sabbatical. Since retired Air Force colonel, has been fully retired photos of their children and grandchildren; and June, they have been traveling the U.S. They for two years and they have settled in Niceville, Terry and Kelly Stoneman with a series of photos spent Christmas in Florida, their first Christmas in Florida, with travel to Texas to visit their daughter dating back to 1980+1.

John and Anne Alerding’s card included two the U.S. since 1999. and 3- and 5-year-old grandchildren. They were pages of photos, including their new dog, John Hughes sent an email with a vidOtter, and notes about the wedding of eo of the surprise visit he received from John’s son, Johnny ’12. Ed and Dianna Bruno Loefstedt, Jay McCauley, and Baker’s card included a page of notes Phil Munisteri. They surprised him in outlining their fly fishing trips to Mona mall; John’s wife, Marlene, was a cotana and a photo taken at their home on conspirator. John has been having some the Outer Banks during a Thanksgiving health issues that include spinal surgervisit from their children, Katie and Charies related to injuries he suffered while lie. Donna and Dennis Milsten’s card deployed to Iraq in 2005-06. Bruno, Jay, contained an update on another eventful and Phil have been keeping in touch with year that included spending time with John and decided to fly from their respectheir children and grandchildren and tive East Coast homes for the visit. John wrote that all agreed, “This is what BRs Class of 1980: Jeff and Renee Washington and Paul and An- downsizing to an end-unit townhouse in gela Keel in Hawaii in November 2021.

Waynesboro, Virginia. They also have a do for one another.” house on the Silver Coast of Portugal Gary Levenson called. Gary is fully rewhere they spend a few months. Dentired from his deputy commandant posinis retired in 2020, and Donna retired tion at VMI, moved to Staunton, and was in 2021. Brian and Kim O’Neill’s card hired as a civilian at VMI working in the included a photograph of their grandArmy ROTC department. He also said children (I counted nine) and an update that his grandson, Tyler, will attend VMI on their activities and travels of their as a rat in August. family. Brian is a retired Navy captain One of a class agent’s responsibilities is employed as a civilian with the Navy. to send each BR a Christmas card. Many They wrote that it was sad that our 40th of our BRs send cards to me and Patti, was canceled. some with photos, others with notes writMark and Darleen Sobota’s card inten in the card, and several with inserts cluded a page of photos and an update containing a recap of the past year. Only noting that Mark has now been fully Kevin Cordray’s card was returned as retired for a full year and loves it after undeliverable. Cards arrived from Steve and Cathy Andrews; John and Debbie Class of 1980: BRs Jay McCauley, John Hughes, Bruno Loef- 40 years of Air Force and civilian military service. They were able to travel Blasser, who wrote that their family is stedt, and Phil Munisteri at Hughes’ home in December 2021. in 2021 despite COVID-19 and plan to going to grow from two to five grandkids travel to Europe post-COVID-19. in 2022; Aaron and Nancy Bush, who included visited by Mark and Carol Markwood and DarTracy and Jennifer Wilson’s card contained a an invite to visit to anyone passing through Her- leen (Larry’s sister) and Mark Sobota. page of notes and printed photos looking back shey, Pennsylvania; Vince and Sheila CopenCards with photos were sent by Gary, Mindy, on the highlights of 2021 that included travel haver from their home in Rocky Mount, Virginia; and Nicole Fellowes and their dog, Oreo; Dave around the country. Their daughter, Sienna, is Mickey and Jo Cole, who wrote that their daugh- and Diana Hagemann; Tim and Becky Mecredy in 11th grade and looking at colleges. Ellie is ter, Lainie, moved back to Richmond from NYC with photos of their children and grandchildren during the pandemic; Paul and Angela Keel from and notes about selling their house in Augusta, in ninth grade at boarding school. Jennifer is Hawaii; Ed, Madina, and Toma Kopsick from Georgia, and building a new one and their re- still working at the IMF, and Tracy still runs his Dover, Pennsylvania; Gary and Karen Levenson spective medical careers—not quite ready to home-based consulting business.

Thanks to all who sent cards. from Richmond; Andy and Nikki Ludlum from retire; Pat and Beth Griffin with photos of their

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Class Notes I communicated with Mike Knapp on his birthday. Tom Bersson, Jack Keane, and Tom Kelly also sent birthday wishes.

December ended with a happy new year email from Bert Schneider with an attached photo taken at his home in Arizona. Bert has retired but will be consulting part-time.

January began with an exchange of email messages with Ed Kopsick and John Runyon on their birthday.

I spoke with Wade Stinnette on his birthday. He celebrated with a meatloaf dinner and then bought a new pickup truck. Wade and Lannie are expecting their fifth grandchild March 15.

Jack Keane sent an email with photos from Vermont where he was skiing with Dennis Jacobs and Rob Robinson. They connected with Dennis Maguire in Boston on their way to Logan Airport.

I called Tim Hodges after receiving the 2022 tournament schedule for my golf club in the Poconos. Tim was my member/guest partner in August 2021, and I invited him back in 2022.

Pat Griffin called to discuss a gathering he was planning with Jack Keane and Rob Robinson. We then had a Zoom call. Pat and Beth live in Lynchburg a few houses from Dan Sweeney.

Their son, John ’22, will graduate VMI in May 2022 and commission in the Army. Their son, Michael ’17, is a captain in the Air Force stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. Pat also said that he saw Dennis Hackemeyer.

Jack Keane sent an email to a large group of our BRs containing a text message from Ray Joinson with the results of Ray’s CT scans. Ray is pursuing alternative treatments to fight his cancer. Responses with best wishes for Ray were sent by Jeff Basilotta, Tom Bersson, Don Bradshaw, Rob D’Alessandro, Kirk Deadrick, Mike Flinn, Tom Gelles, Dennis Hackemeyer, Mike Harper, Bruno Loefstedt, Ali Mahan, and Jeff Washington.

Rob Gearhart sent an email to a large group of our BRs with a picture attached of a framed RDC (1976-77) poster that he was given as a gift from his father. Rob noted that the 45th anniversary of our breaking out of the Rat Line was approaching, and he thought the picture would bring back memories (good and bad). Responses with comments were sent by Jeff Basilotta, Tom Bersson, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, George Condyles, Dan Conn, Mike Flinn, Tom Gelles, Dave Gleason, Chal Glenn, Mike Harper, Tim Hodges, Frank Hilton, Tom Kelly, Ali Mahan, Tuck Masker, and Tracy Wilson. Tom Kelly’s

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response contained an attached article from The Washington Post from May 1980. The article had pictures of several of our BRs taken during our graduation.

On Jan. 28, during a snowstorm in NYC, I exchanged email messages with Brian O’Neill on his birthday. Brian wrote that he is living the dream and enjoying the second week of actual snow in Virginia Beach. I then received happy birthday text messages from Hugh Fain and Scott Sayre as it was the 45th anniversary of our breaking out of the Rat Line (our class birthday). Robby Wheeler then called, as he wanted to connect with Jack Keane and Tolar Nolley. I connected them via text with a reminder of the significance of the date, which resulted in reminders of how cold it was 45 years ago. Robby is still a pilot with Southwest and was promoted to flying the Dreamliner.

Robby reported being healthy, happily married, and looking forward to our 45th Reunion. Dave Hagemann sent a text with a concern for the amount of snow we received.

I exchanged email messages and then spoke with Larry Hupertz on his birthday. Larry and Vera vacationed in Disney and welcomed a grandson, Owen. Tom Bersson, Mike Luning, and Tony Zoetis sent birthday wishes.

I spoke with Dennis Maguire in Boston and then with Chris Dombalis in New Jersey on their shared birthday. Dennis said that his contracting business was good and that his daughter, Hannah, who lives in NYC, may attend the Alumni Association dinner in New York in March where the guest speaker will be the commandant. Chris said that his wife, Jen, and their daughters, Taylor and Alexis, are all well. Taylor is on the tennis team at Drew University, and Alexis is a junior in high school.

I sent a message to John Blankenship, Hugh Fain, and Tolar Nolley inviting them to visit the Poconos for a weekend of golf. We are still working on the dates. The invite goes out to all—please feel free to invite yourself to the Poconos to play golf. Maybe make it a home-and-home.

On Feb. 7, I received an email from the Alumni Association with an attached link to the obituary of John Hall stating that he passed away Feb. 1 and that funeral services were private. John’s contact information consisted of his home address but only his work phone numbers and office email address. After trying to contact his family, I reached out to his office, confirmed his death, and asked them to forward my contact information to John’s

wife, Sandrina. I did not receive a response, but I did send a sympathy card. I also asked the Alumni Association to send a blast email and a postcard to our class. Condolences in response to the email were sent from Dusty Boyd, Hugh Fain, Tolar Nolley, and Tracy Wilson. Don Bradshaw wrote that John was a great BR and that he crossed paths with John when Don was working in Brooklyn; John lived in a northern suburb of NYC. I sent an email to Walt Wood, and we arranged a call. We never spoke, but Mary Lynne sent an email explaining that Walt began walking the Appalachian Trail. They live in Peru but are in the U.S. on sabbatical. Mary Lynne wrote that throughout their time here, they saw David and Lisa Humphrey in Colorado, Don and Roni Briggs in Dallas, and Matt and Diane Griffin in Meridian, Mississippi. They also made reservations to join the group gathering in Natural Bridge at the end of April.

I received an email from the VMI lacrosse coach with the team’s 2022 schedule. In March, they play at Cleveland State, so I sent the link to Larry Hupertz, who replied that he plans to attend the game.

I exchanged email messages with Ted Helmick on his birthday. Ted lives in Virginia but is working in Florida building houses. He also wrote that he was shocked and saddened to hear about John Hall, who he described as one of the nicest people he’d known at VMI. At the close of the period, I sent an email to Walt Wood on his birthday and received a text, then spoke with Ed Baker. Ed and Dianna were enjoying a warm February weekend at their home on the Outer Banks and making plans for travel in 2022, primarily to Montana for fly fishing.

Thank you for your continuing support and for keeping me in the loop via phone calls, text messages, and email. Note: I have a limit of five photos with each set of class notes. Extras are carried over to the next set of notes.

Please stay safe.

1981

Jerry Manley

BRs and Sisters, I am writing these notes in mid-February, just

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes enough for their hospitality. Huge thanks also go one month away from our 40th+1 Reunion. Just Mike and Katherine Denton graciously hosted to those who contributed to the event with food, a wonderful Christmas and holiday gathering in for your awareness, pictures and the write-up of desserts, laughter, and camaraderie. (Well done their new Manakin-Sabot home Dec. 9. It was our reunion will not be submitted to the VMI nothing short of magnificent; the only thing that and Bravo Zulu to BR Denton and the lovely Alumni Review until May (about the time you Katherine! Huge thanks also to their daughter, Alare reading this) and published in the August edi- rivaled the food and venue was the brotherhood! lison, for her photography support!) tion. I am certain our reunion was a tremendous In attendance were Dickie and Winburn AugusOn new year’s, I received a great call from BR success, and it is all attributable to the BRs (and tine, Rob “Cos” Costello, Mike and Katherine sisters) that were actively participating on our Re- Denton (of course!), Jeff Davies, Jeff and Cindy Mike Duval. We spent nearly an hour just catching up and sharing personal stories. The stories Gill, Bruce and Trish Kitchen, John and Jody union Committee. I am sure you will have heard shared by BRs of life experiences, challenges, this from me many times before, but I will share Locher, Jerry Manley, Harry and Donna Moore, again, those deserving of our gratitude for their Catman and Karen Morris, Tim and Kim Nitz, successes, and family never cease to amaze me.

Conversation with Mike was no different—humtime and efforts included the following: Jamie Lou and Darby Rolan (with daughter Jordanne), Dave and Barbara Saunders, Bob “Gator” Un- bling and awe-inspiring, from my perspective.

Byron, Deb Baron, John Cawthorne, Rob “Cos” (You are a great man, Mike!) derwood, Greg and Ann Wolven, and Vince Costello, Jeff Davies, Jim Frishkorn, Mark and I also received a happy new year communica“V” Wood. We can’t thank Mike and Katherine Maria Gonsalves, Bill Grigg, Trip Lloyd, Gary tion from BR Reg Ridgley, another impressive Morgan, Ken “Catman” Morris, Grover OutBR. In his note, Reg shared a bit of humor. He land, Ken Pierro, Steve Tennant, and Greg and wrote: “I stopped by the liquor store in KilmarAnn Wolven. These committee members were nock this afternoon and was wearing my very old critical to the success of our overall planning VMI sweatshirt. The clerk asked me if there was process. BRs who supported in other capacities a VMI event going on today. Seems like I was the included Adrian Bogart, Paul Brier, John Ferry, third VMI sweatshirt he’d seen within the hour— John Holloway, Bruce Kitchen, Ray Lawson, simply told him it was getting close to 5 o’clock.”

John Reed, and Dave Taylor. To everyone listed, (All too characteristic of VMI alumni, Reg!) you have my sincere gratitude and appreciation.

On to inputs from the class.

On to other updates from the class: Jeff Adler shared that he and Bill Bird are stayThere were not many inputs received for this ing in regular contact. In January, they met Mrs. edition, so I will start with a couple quick updates Gudrun Pere at 3 G’s Gourmet Deli in Delray in my immediate world: On Nov. 18, Shannon Beach, Florida. Gudrun, beloved mother of our and I had the pleasure of joining Ken and Karen BR Dan Pere, extended a warm hello and gratiMorris for dinner in Midlothian. We shared good Class of 1981: Jeff Adler and Bill Bird with tude to the class, which Dan loved so much. Jeff food and plenty of laughs! I am always impressed Mrs. Gudrun Pere, mother of brother rat Dan Pere, at 3 G’s Gourmet Deli, Delray and Bill met up again in early February at Bogey’s with Karen’s travels, and even more impressed Beach, Florida.

Sports Pub in Venice, Florida. (Any relation to our over how Catman can hold on to such a wonderBogey, Bogey?) ful woman! (Yeah, I said it.) On Dec. 8, Trip Lloyd shared that he continues to Shannon opened her Rise & Grind Café deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, runcoffee and pastry shop in Powhatan, Virning the multi-billion-dollar implementaginia. The following BRs and sisters were tion side of the U.S. Agency for Internain attendance for the grand opening: Rob tional Development Bureau for Global “Cos” and Jen Costello, Ken “Catman” Health. Due to the omicron variant, his Morris, Lou and Darby Rolan, Gator hopes for a less stressful holiday were Underwood, and Greg and Ann Wolven. dashed, and their late February cruise was In the following months, we had visits canceled. He and his bride, Anne, will be from Bruce and Trish Kitchen, Tim Hescelebrating their 25th wedding anniverson, and a repeat drive-by from Catman sary with a cruise to Bermuda in late May. and Karen Morris. All in all, tremendous Pete Nauta shared news of his retiresupport from the BRs! Throughout the folment last summer after 40 years of serlowing months, I have seen many VMI vice; nine on active duty with the Navy alumni and military veterans grace the cofand 31 with the Agency, retiring from the fee counter and quite a few are “regulars.”

Shannon is doing an incredible job, has be- Class of 1981: Greg Wolven, Rob “Cos” Costello, Jerry Man- latter as an SIS-4. Of additional note, Pete come very well-known in Powhatan, and ley, and Ken “Catman” Morris at the grand opening of the was able to retire in 2001 as a commander Rise & Grind Cafe in Powhatan, Virginia. Not pictured but from the Naval Reserve. Pete reflected on has made that shop a tremendous success. present later in the day was Lou Rolan. how he was blessed to have had two great Speaking of tremendous successes,

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Class Notes careers. He and Elaine are now looking forward to their next adventures.

I had a great phone call with Pete Tranchik.

Pete has also retired from federal government employment and has started his trek to hike the Appalachian Trail. Pete’s hiking venture will begin in Georgia this month (February), and he plans to be in or just outside Virginia by the time of our

reunion so he can rent a car, join us in Lexington, and regale us with stories of his hiking adventures! As we will have undoubtedly learned from Pete at the reunion, the full length of the AT is approximately 2,200 miles that extends between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy describes the AT as the longest hiking-only

Class of 1981: Dave Hinchee with grandson and provisional appointee, James Gardner Meek, Class of 2039.

Class of 1981: Dave Hinchee with granddaughter and provisional appointee, Elizabeth Helen Meek, Class of 2041.

Class of 1981: BRs and their brides celebrate Christmas and the holidays at the home of Mike and Katherine Denton in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia.

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trail in the world. Less than 1,000 people a year attempt to “thru-hike” the trail like our BR will do. (Impressive, Pete. Very impressive. Proud of you, BR.) Another impressive feat is that of our BR Gene Loving. In June—my apologies to Gene for not including in earlier notes—Gene passed a twoand-a-half-hour test to earn his yellow belt in Krav Maga. Per Gene, that test “made Breakout look like cake.” Gene and his adoring son, Lucas, are both involved in that military self-defense and fighting system. In an earlier phone call with Gene, he shared his respect and devotion for the training, even though he was questioning whether his body would hold up battling younger men at our ripe old age of 62. Undaunted and perhaps even more motivated, Gene continued his progress and earned his orange belt in Krav Maga Dec. 11! Future pics will be posted as Gene and Lucas continue to rise in their training and belt ranks.

(Outstanding, Gene!)

Joe Provenzano sent a quick note. He retired from government service where he was supporting installation management on Marine Corps Base Quantico. Joe shared that he has left Manassas, Virginia, and moved to Beaufort, North Carolina. (Not quite the Keys, Joey, but maybe you can still find an iguana.) (Private joke for the lad.)

In a quick note from Dave Hinchee, he shared that both of his grandchildren received provisional appointments to VMI for Christmas. Those appointments are James Gardner Meek IV for the Class of 2039 and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Helen Meek for the Class of 2041. (Great looking grandchildren, Dave. You have just reason to be proud!)

Sadly, we suffered loss in our extended VMI Class of ’81 family with the passing of the lovely and adored Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” Gitchell, Nov. 28, 2021. Jackie was the mother to our BR Bruce “Repeat” Gitchell. Representing our class at Jacqueline’s service Dec. 16 were John Locher, Corky Mitchell, and Ken “Catman” Morris. Jacqueline was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Nov. 4, 1934, and grew up in the Shenandoah Valley.

As a young girl, she attended and graduated from the Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia.

She was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and volunteered on many committees, including the altar guild, youth choir, Christmas pageant, and the schoolhouse thrift shop on Rio Road. (Bruce, our hearts and prayers remain with you and Jo, sir.)

As a special note, the loss of ’79’s beloved BR

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and class president, Tony Hamilton ’79, affected many in our class. Several in our class were fortunate enough to attend services in Tony’s memory and honor. Dave Loduca attended the celebration of life for Tony that was held at the Cross Keys Baptist Church in Florissant, Missouri. Dave was able to speak with Tony’s wife, Cassandra, and meet Tony’s mother, daughter, and four boys.

Grover Outland shared that he, Corky Mitchell, and Lou Rolan attended the celebration of life held in Tony’s hometown of Staunton, Virginia.

Our BR Lou Rolan, a football teammate of Tony’s, was one of six pallbearers. From Grover, the celebration of life was very moving with the VMI color guard, a VMI bagpiper, Col. Brodie (Hon) bugling the “Doxology,” and three engaging speakers from the Class of ’79 (Jose Gomez ’79, Tim Bridges ’79, and Greg Weaver ’79). My brother, Tom Manley ’79, was also in attendance to honor his beloved BR. Tony Hamilton was a tremendous man who will be loved forever and never forgotten.

With that, BRs, nothing further to report this go around. We will be certain to have much more to share after the reunion. Stay healthy and well, my brothers. Just as important, stay connected!

In the Bonds of VMI and the Class of ’81, Jerry

1982

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats, Well, winter is here, and we are not far away from our 40th Reunion as I write these notes. You will be reading these shortly after many of us will have gathered in Lexington to celebrate that occasion. I am assuming everyone is just holding back all their stories to be shared at the reunion, as I don’t have much to go on for the class notes.

I am happy to share the news that the long line of Louthans attending VMI has been extended yet again. Bob and Kathy Louthan had an early Christmas present when young Tolson Wright Louthan arrived in December. Yes, he has a provisional appointment to join VMI in the Class of 2044. Blake ’14 and Camden Louthan are the proud parents, and I assume are doing well.

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I believe that this is the first for the new grandparents. Bob also reported that their other son, Mason ’18, has been stationed closer to home in Oceania. Bob is still working doing merger and acquisition advisory work for veteran-owned businesses. Katherine loves teaching elementary kids in one-on-one sessions. Both enjoy spending as much time down on the river as possible.

Chris Ronan submitted a note about his latest addition to his family. Following Chris on Facebook, I knew that his dog, Leta, recently passed away in September 2021. She lived a wonderful

Class of 1982: John Reese, Dave Kohler, and Will Council are hoping to return with honor from Mission BBQ over the Christmas holidays.

Class of 1982: Tolson Louthan, grandson of Bob and Kathy Louthan.

life of 13-and-a-half years. In December 2021, Chris adopted Burdock, a 4-year-old male. He was running the mean streets of Calexico, California, and was very underweight. At the initial vet visit, he was 31-and-a-half pounds and is now up to 34 pounds. DNA indicates he is true mutt: 19 breeds detected and Chihuahua at 13% is dominant. What an awesome dog!

In my annual trip to Richmond over Christmas, I was able to catch up with John Reese and Dave Kohler for a few beers before heading over to Ginter Park to see the amazing Christmas light show with my family. Dave is still managing his real estate empire in Richmond, while John has somewhat retired from being a paramedic and has been practicing his skills with the stock market.

I have been out of the Richmond area for over 30 years, and this trip allowed me to return as a tourist with my adult kids and see lots of things in Richmond that have changed since I lived there.

On the homefront in Chattanooga, I am in my final weeks working as a logistics contractor at VW. Truth: I was downsized for a younger engineer. I cannot afford to retire like some of you, but I am going to try something different. You should recall that I have been very active with Boy Scouts for the past 20 years as a volunteer leader. I have held just about every position available, and now I have been offered the opportunity to be a professional scouter. I am a little concerned going into the position as a district executive, as I have seen lots of others get chewed up and spit out after just a few years. Do not get too excited about the job title. It is the lowest level of professional scouting, and I am supposed to be “commissioned” by the national office. What do you know? First a commission in the Navy and now in Scouts. I want to continue as the scoutmaster and Venture Crew adviser, so time management will be critical. Recently, my troop spent the night underground and completed a four-hour wild caving experience followed by a 5-mile hike to Fall Creek Falls.

Oh, I also had my first female Eagle Scout in my Venture Crew. Think what you want, but I have nothing but admiration for these young women pushing the levels of scouting higher. So, as long as I can keep up with the Scouts, I will keep at it.

Wish me luck.

The next set of notes will have a lot more news from those of you who attended the reunion. So, stay tuned.

Sincerely, Will Council

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Class Notes These freshmen just went at it in a slightly different way. Still, I’m pretty geeked at what they were able to do. Hope you and yours are doing OK. Steve Amato It’s cold in Michigan, but we missed that January storm that seems to have pounded the East Coast.

Wow, talk about neat, weird coincidences. I just saw your most recent request for updates about the same time my editor sent me hard copies of ‘Chemistry and Energy: From Conventional to Hi, BRs, Renewable.’ This was a fun one to write, which is These class notes cover the period from Nov. very geeky to say, I know. But hey, I gotta be true 15, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2022. Hopefully, you all had to my inner geek. Goes all the way back to Brad a wonderful holiday season and not a tough winNorwood and me trying to extract the silver from ter. Mary and I received many Christmas cards a silver nitrate solution back in our rat chemistry and letters from numerous BRs, and we thank you lab, I guess. Really, we tried that. Stay safe, stay for sharing a merry Christmas to us. News alert: healthy.” Mark, thanks for the interesting link, and Our 40th Reunion will be April 14-16, 2023! So, congrats in your quest to instruct those chemistry save the dates, and let’s have a spectacular turnout students! with many BRs in attendance.

Tony “Snake” Arnold said in his update, “I Will Creekmur called me in November 2021, went to RVA (Richmond, Virginia) in November and after some investigative actions, he provided and met Bubba Hazelgrove; we went to see John me John Zangas’ contact info. John and I had a Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band at the Beacon 30-minute conversation in which we had to cover Class of 1983: Pete Kattmann and daughTheatre in Hopewell with our better halves. Bubter Cadet Lauren Kattmann ’23 at Ring 35-plus years of catching up. John was active Figure in November 2021. ba complained cuz I like to get to concerts early, duty in the Army for a while and then became a and he said Hopewell is on the other side federal civilian service employee working of the earth, though Bubba did arrange in the Department of the Army in the nafor a really nice dinner and transportational capital region. He is an expert in the tion. Music was great; Bubba bought me Army’s records correction organization a signed concert poster, and I bought John where he has been working over 20 years.

Hiatt bio book. It’s good to be Bubba. We Will, thanks for providing me John’s insaw BR Wade Branner at the concert, formation. voice of the Keydets, and his lovely wife.

Professor Mark Benvenuto wrote me BR Wade can do Tom Petty and lots of multiple updates: “Steve, here’s a little other cool voices—even Howard Cosell thing, but one you might get a kick out of.

(I remember this from 40-plus years ago).

Most of us were just trying to survive rat I’m retiring Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, after 34 year, but today, college educations are supyears of public service managing facilities posed to be more engaging, productive, for Virginia Beach Schools. Gonna try forward-thinking—all that. So, in a freshthe private sector so I can be like Bubba. man-level lab I teach, I assign my student Snake out.” Well, Snake, congratulations groups small projects, tell them I honestly joining many of our BRs in retirement. don’t know the answer, then turn them In February 2022, Stephen Ross was loose. I always say that, at worst, we’ll recognized in a newsletter by retired U.S. still learn something, and at best, they’ll Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gade, the current get published. In a great bit of dumb luck commissioner of the Virginia Departand good timing, I got a group of them ment of Veterans Services. “Thirty milipublished in an online publication called tary veterans or their spouses attending ‘Links,’ a newsletter of the Michigan Scithe Virginia Commonwealth University ence Teachers Association. The link to the received a refurbished laptop computer journal is: cdn.ymaws.com/www.mstathanks to the Virginia Veterans Services mich.org/resource/resmgr/links_publicaFoundation. The laptops were presented tion/2021_msta_links_-_fall.pdf. We’re Class of 1983: Jim and Clara Stader and the family at Lake to Stephen Ross, VCU director of milion page 15. The title of the article is: Anna, Virginia. tary student services and veteran students ‘Producing Ferrofluids in the Lab, Easier

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Than One Might Think.’ The subject is pretty cool, making an oil flow in response to a magnet.

Apparently, it was thought up back in the 1960s

by NASA because they needed to get fluids to move in a specific direction even without gravity.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

by VVSF Board of Directors chair John Lesinski, in the lives of those less fortunate.” The following submarines back in 2016. It was great being an DVS commissioner Daniel Gade, and Patrice links describe Dodger’s efforts: sailingscuttlebutt. electronics engineer working in special projects, Jones, DVS director of education programs, at a com/2021/11/18/dodge-wins-triple-crown-of- development, testing, modernization, and conspecial ceremony Feb. 3 on the VCU Richmond charity/ and digitaledition.capitalgazette.com/ struction. I made many friends and enjoyed the work immensely. I also did a stint with the ANG campus. These laptop donations are part of an ini- infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=ca96718c-4207tiative coordinated by the DVS Military Educa- 4896-8fda-ecea6c050c7c. John, your story is a as a UH-1 crew chief in the 132nd Aviation Battion Workforce Initiative, a program that creates cherished one and we continue to hope your ex- talion Headquarters and Headquarters Company (1990-95). Along the way, I picked up a master’s partnerships with private employers and educa- ample motivates others. degree in systems engineering and have started From the land down under, our BR Drew Smith tional institutions throughout the Commonwealth.

The refurbished computers were purchased with provided a great update. “Hi, Steve and Mary. but not completed my doctorate. After retirement, funds donated to VVSF by the Altria Group. In Well, this has been long in the making, and I’ll I spent about a year-and-a-half working for Progepresenting the computers, Commissioner Gade keep it short in the telling! Kim and I married in ny Systems Corporation and Systems Technology Forum supporting submarine programs. In June said, ‘I am pleased to join with Stephen Ross 1992 and have been blessed with six sons. I retired and his VCU colleagues to present these laptops from federal service after 32 years of working in 2017, I interviewed for a job that became the engineering director position and chief ento these student veterans and spouses gineer for the Australian Future Subtoday. One of our primary missions at marine Program. What was supposed the Virginia DVS is assisting Virginto be a two-year contract has evolved ia’s military veterans who wish to furinto five years here in Australia. Our ther their education as they transition whole family made the move here from active duty status to jobs in the with Kim and me. Our oldest moved civilian workforce.’” Steve, hats off to back to the U.S. mid-2021, our second you as you are still serving our nation oldest moved over to Melbourne and with your superb leadership and dediis married to a wonderful Australian cation to student veterans at VCU! lady, and the other four boys are with On new year’s day, Mike Dillemuth us here in beautiful Adelaide, South sent a quick hello. “Hi, Steve, hope Australia. We have made several you are well and hope you had a great friends here and find it quite nice, with holiday season. All is well with me. plenty of wildlife around. Seems like a Staying healthy and still working for lot of it can kill you, but we maintain Uncle Sam. Just thought I would send along a couple of photos. I was recentClass of 1983: Drew and Kim Smith, along with all their sons, at Airlie a healthy distance. We still have our home in Carrollton, Virginia, and we ly able to take a quick break and head Beach, Queensland, Australia. are still trying to figure out what the to Solomons Island, Maryland, for a next step will be for us. South Australia is defimini vacation. Enjoyed a nice cruise down the nitely a wine connoisseur’s dream with the winPatuxent River.” Mike, thanks for the note, and eries of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Adelaide maybe next time the pictures will come through.

Hills, and Clare Valley within a few hours’ driving I received an incredible message from John radius, plus the world-renowned Penfolds winery “Dodger” Dodge, as he was awarded the Triple just down the street from our house. Once the borCrown, and not in horse racing. Dodger wrote, ders are open and anybody has a desire to visit “Steve, I hope this finds you well. I am sharing Australia, drop me a line. I hope to make it back a couple of articles written about me winning the for our 40th and get to visit in person. I included Triple Crown. This prestigious award goes to the a picture of all of us at Airlie Beach, Queensland, sailor who competes in all three charity regattas from a vacation trip of snorkeling and diving. in Annapolis: The Leukemia Cup, Chesapeake Take care and thank you. Respectfully yours, Region Accessible Boating Cup (for wounded Drew.” OK, Drew, so the challenge is on between warriors), and the Hospice Cup. The winner is you and BR Andy Jones (who lives in Bangkok, determined by the combined race results and the Thailand). If Andy travels to our 40th Reunion amount of money that a sailor raised. I was forand Drew doesn’t, then he will retain the title of tunate to be the top fundraiser in two out of the farthest BR traveled to our reunion (8,877 miles three events and won my class in the regattas. It one way). However, if Drew attends, then he will was an extremely humbling moment for me. I am Class of 1983: Ivan Marcotte fishing in Pabe the new farthest-traveled BR to our reunion grateful for everyone who donated to my team tagonia, Argentina. from Adelaide, Australia (10,325 miles one way). page. I hope I inspire others to make a difference

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Class Notes In an update from Jim Stader, he said, “Hope all is well; in the Stafford and Manassas area here, we are all doing fine. As for news, this past year has been a good one for the Staders. Our daughter is expecting this April, and we look forward to this big event. Our son and his new bride are moving from within the borders of Pennsylvania to a new job as a chemical engineer, which we are excited about because this brings them two hours closer to us. As for Clara and me, we took the family to a cabin at Lake Anna for a week of relaxation and no electronic devices, which was great (pic included).

I have been goose hunting on the Eastern Shore about twice a week since mid-December and have enjoyed it. All is well with our family, as Clara and I enjoy our retirement. Till next time, Jim.” Jim, congrats to you and Clara as you join the grandparent ranks; it’s awesome.

Phil Hubbard provided a note which said, “My wife, Beth, and I have been busy updating our house. Hardwood floors, LVP upstairs, bathroom modifications, and new stair treads.”

One of our Delta Air Lines pilot BRs, Tom Jewett, wrote me a nice note before Thanksgiving. “Hi, Steve, I brought my wife, Donna, and daughters, Kelcey and Kenzie, along for a Key West layover. We’re all doing well and wishing all VMI alumni and especially BRs a happy and healthy holiday season! Take care, and God bless.”

Thanks for the lovely family picture, Capt. Tom. Ivan Marcotte sent an update and picture saying, “Steve, I hope you are well. I am well but looking forward to more face-to-face contact. I have a lot of virtual contact with Bill Cornett, Hugh Daughtry, and Spence Westbrook. I just got back from a family fishing trip to Patagonia, Argentina. The picture is near the border with Chile, with Lanin Volcano in the background.” That is a nice-looking trout you caught, Ivan.

In an email message, Brad Norwood said, “Steve, some of our BRs might remember the ride I had (illegally, at least VMI-wise) in the county our 2nd Class year. (Teddy Gottwald does, for sure, I gave him a ride home one time in it!) That ’49 DeSoto was a unique car. It had a semi-automatic transmission! Sadly, it departed my ownership shortly after Navy nuclear power prototype in 1984. I still have classics, though, and I’m trying to represent the ‘I’ and ’83 well (Brad has various license plates on his classic cars). Not much has changed for us. Our oldest daughter, Emily, and her husband are in South Korea teaching English. This is part of a program our church runs out

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of the Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan, South Korea. They’ve been there since February, and I expect they’ll stay at least another year.

Our youngest daughter, Christina, works as a web content writer and annotates horse and rider performance in competitive riding events all over the world (virtually). Those two jobs put her on a very odd daily schedule; a cadre corporal would have a heyday with it, so it’s probably just as well that she is out of the house. We moved out to Caroline County, Virginia, shortly after the ‘rona madness’ began, but we really like living out in the country. I’m still working for the DoD, haven’t managed to start thinking about retirement quite yet, and I still have at least one more project car in me (I think). Hope all are well and looking forward to our reunion!” Brad, the three classic car pictures were amazing.

Pete Kattmann made the class notes deadline with a really cool update. “Steve, just a quick note to share. Maria and I traveled to the ‘I’ in November for daughter Lauren’s [’23] Ring Figure. The Class of ’23 celebrated in style and had a blast (arguably rivaling the greatest Ring Figure weekend ever, a mere 40 years ago)!

What a superb group of cadets; VMI’s doing a great job. Moses Ezekiel [’866] said it well when describing the decades-old memory of his brother rats, ‘Something arose like a stone in my throat.’ That about says it all, ’83. God bless. Best regards, Pete.” You look very proud alongside your daughter at her Ring Figure,

Class of 1983: Tom and Donna Jewett and daughters in Key West, Florida.

Pete, and we wish her success.

In a message from Steve Goddard—and a picture along with it—he wrote, “Thought you would find this impressive VMI sand artwork of interest. My brother-in-law created it this past summer. It was at Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

Everything going well here. Hope all is good with the Amato family! Hope we can catch up soon.” Thanks, Steve, for the note about the VMI sand art.

I heard from John Rice. He provided, “Hey, Steve, not much really new here. About the biggest change was getting an all-electric car. We no longer have a gas vehicle. I got a new phone number: 762-230-1804.” Well, John, be sure to drive your electric car to our reunion so we can check it out.

In January 2022, Lynn Seldon and Steve Hodak had lunch together. Lynn describes the event: “Hey, BR Amato, I think I just sent this from my phone, as well, but wanted to follow up via my laptop. Steve and I recently broke bread in Beaufort, South Carolina, and I then took him on a tour of the Pat Conroy Literary Center nearby. Steve forgot his wallet (certified), so I picked up DRC but was kind enough to later make a nice contribution to the center (where they have a lot of memorabilia from The Citadel and Pat’s novel, ‘The Lords of Discipline’).”

Thanks, Lynn.

From sunny California, Will Creekmur sent this update: “Greetings from sunny SoCal. A toasty 80 degrees today. Might hit the ocean after I wrap up today’s blood drive. It’s the fifth I’ve hosted on behalf of the San Diego Blood Bank, and I donate a pint as often as possible— about every two months. Currently, that puts me close to the 3-gallon mark. I recently completed a nine-month online course with Michigan State University, their Heroes to Hives program, and I now have my beekeeping certificate. I joined the San Diego Beekeeping Society and help out the Encinitas Bee Company. I’m considering getting a master beekeeper certificate. Again, it’s fun, and it keeps me off the streets at night. What else? Working a lot with local homeless shelters and an orphanage across the border in Tijuana.

These are projects I’m coordinating with the Rotary Clubs of La Jolla, Tijuana, Coronado Binacional, and Puebla. Thankfully, my Spanishspeaking abilities have remained strong. Last, but certainly not least, Makena (daughter) is a 10th grader. She’s smart, clever, beautiful, tall,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and strong, and has good friends, essentially everything a parent could wish for, but that also keeps us up at night with worry. Such is life. My offer still stands for any of our BRs visiting San Diego. Dial me up and let’s enjoy a coffee, bite to eat, and tell tall tales. Come visit. All the best, Will.” Appreciate the update, Will, and be careful of the “bees.”

Thank you to the BRs who sent me pictures for this edition of our class notes update. I received 10 pictures; however, the Alumni Association limits each class to five pictures per Alumni Review.

Keep sending me pictures, be sure to include a story along with the picture, and I’ll try to incorporate them into future Alumni Review editions.

Well, BRs, when you receive this edition of the Alumni Review, we’ll be 11 months from our 40th Reunion! For those BRs who have not returned to the “I” for a class reunion, we hope you plan to attend. Again, the dates are April 14-16, 2023.

Plan now to attend. Continue to be safe BRs, stay healthy, take care, and God bless you all!

Class of 1984: The class was heard from in Cameron Hall. Among those present (from left, behind Lee Wimbish) are Steve Hupp, Bruce Hauck, Mark Morgan, Alex Thompson, Frank Kollmansperger, and Jamie Shoemaker.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find my winter doldrums disrupted by a brief note in my mailbox from Hearne Moore. It seems Hearne has been a registered nurse since 1993 working in intensive care units—most recently in a hospital in Eugene, Oregon. After spending almost 20 years out in Oregon, Hearne and Linda packed Bill Janis up their RV and headed back East in 2020, settling in Mountain Home, Arkansas, their “new forever home,” where Hearne reports that he is “content to live in relative obscurity here in the Ozarks!” Like most of us, Hearne looks forward I am writing these notes in the depths of “the to every issue of the Alumni Review, although Dark Ages,” that season of the year in barracks nowadays he pays closer attention to the Taps which falls after the Christmas furlough and besection than these notes!? fore spring break when the seemingly endless Finally, I have been tracking the progress of two hours of darkness swallow up the daylight, when snowbirds, Greg and Marlene Cavallaro, as they icy cold winds barrel down from the Arctic Cirhave progressed down the Atlantic cle and across the Parade Ground Coast from Smith Mountain Lake to bite exposed ears and noses and to Panama City Beach, Florida, cut through even the thickest woowith brief stopovers in Siesta Key lies like a knife. A stultifying arid(southern command headquarters ity of spirit, far more insidious than for Tom Anthony), and Orlando the routine boredom of barracks, (I think there is a big rat who lives descends upon the Corps like the there?!). Cav and Marlene are stayangel of death and seizes the imaging on the beach with Barry and inations of even the most stalwart Dawn Coceano for a few days, and Keydets, and the only momentary Rose Ann and I will be driving over relief available from this fatal ennui to get dinner with them (yes, Rearis provided by ... VMI basketball. don, I was invited). More next time.

Yes, it is true that, writing from On that note, until next time, my den here in the panhandle, it is Class of 1984: Pictured with the superintendent, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. unlikely I will ever experience the Wins ’85, at the VMI versus Lafayette lacrosse game are (from left) Mike I’ll close by saying, “Goodnight, Locher, Jamie Shoemaker, Steve Reardon, Mark Morgan, Alex Thompsame meteorological conditions son, Teddy Comer, Lee Wimbish, Frank Kollmansperger, and Bruce Hauck. Michael C. Hightower, wherever you are!” prevalent in Rockbridge County in

1984

2022-Issue 2

February. But, believe it or not, it does indeed get “cold” here in Pensacola. And a 30-degree night in Florida feels like 20 degrees anywhere else after a few years down here on the Gulf Coast.

And it helps get you into the “spirit of the season” by experiencing (virtually and vicariously, of course) the play-by-play of home basketball games as they are reported via group text by Steve Hupp, Frank Kollmansperger, Bob Doyle, Mike Locher, Lee Wimbish, and Jamie Shoemaker. Jamie even called me from Taps in Lex Vegas to give me the post-game analysis, complete with photos of those distinguished members of the Class of ’84 who made the pilgrimage to Lexington for The Citadel game. This was a most welcome surprise on a cold Saturday night.

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Class Notes I have had the good fortune to spend a good bit of time and yuks with many of our brother rats and other alumni over the past year. We have Matt Daniel spent time at football games, lacrosse games, baseball games, beer drinking events, beer-making events, tailgates, parties, and myriad social gatherings. Over the past few years, I have gotten to know more classmates and cadets from other classes than I knew when we were all inmates at Dear BRs, Friends, Family, and Fun Fans EvVMI. With that, I offer the (mother of all random erywhere, name drops).

Let me start by wishing our sincere condolencMother of all random name drops: Scott “The es. Let me offer our prayers and fond memories Spear” Pearson, George “Georgious” Halages, to the family of Kyle Winter, who passed away Tom “TGBogey” Greenspon, Mark “Marley” Feb. 3, 2022. Kyle was the youngest member of Carroll, Jake “Esquire” Spivey, Ken “Kilo” our class (graduated at 19!), a generous BR, and a Hirtz, Quintin “Q-Tip” Elliott, Marc “Boz” Bodedicated family man who gave freely back to his swell, Ken “Hurls” Hirlinger, Dave “MileWalkcommunity of Amelia, Virginia. You will be able er” Campbell, Dave “BobVila” to read more about Kyle, his life, Tingley, John “Rad-Bin” Pollock, and his family in his obituary (will Chris “Bullett” Welch, Spencer “El be published in the August issue of Stahl Slayer” Williamson, Meade the Alumni Review). RIP, BR, and “Meadus-Maximus” King, Chuck God bless the Winter family.

“Chuckles” McCarthy, Jeff “StoneThe Class of ’85 had the opporwall” Hill, and Pat “Mags” Mctunity to attend and participate in Guire.

Kyle Winter’s memorial service.

And from other classes: Tim We showed up well: Rob McIntyre, “Noah” Cordle ’79, Marty “Stone” Marc Boswell, Ken Hirlinger, Jeff Mason ’86, Clint “Mother” HubHill (with Rhonda), Jay Lucas, bard ’86, Brian “Gunslinger” HaChris Welch, and the class agent theway ’88, Hugh “RotorHead” (Agent’s note: Having not seen Jay Brien ’88, David “Pretzel-Smith” Lucas in ages; I hope to get an upClass of 1985: Tucker Maloney delivers a new freezer to a team from Hart ’91. date from him regarding life things the Kingston, Tennessee, School District Family Resource Center.

Long ramble-y story: I received soon). The service was impressive; I a call the other night from a retired am so glad that we showed up with U.S. Marine Corps three-star gena big group. Ken Hirlinger stood eral. As the former deputy comup and gave a testimony for Kyle, mandant for aviation for the Marine VMI, and the Class of ’85 during Corps, he is an accomplished man. the service. It was well-presented This gent was the commanding ofand moving. The crowd numbered ficer of my first squadron: Fixed somewhere over 300 as man, womWing Marine Fighter Attack Squadan, and child after man, woman, and ron 312, the Checkerboards. The child from all walks, backgrounds, Checkerboards flew the venerable skin colors, and creeds came to the F/A-Hornet fighter-attack aircraft. front of the church and gave testiWe were the best squadron in the mony to Kyle, his life as a family Marine Corps, not even kidding. man, a competitor, fighter, as a lover, I mean it. The general’s name is a Christian, as one who insisted to Mike Hough, and he was one hell share the good news with anyone he of a commanding officer—a great spent time with. Kyle was a coach, skipper. To continue with the story, a mentor, a singer, a jokester, and an accomplished leader in his work Class of 1985: Attending the funeral for Kyle Winter Feb. 19 are (from Mike Hough called me to just talk left) Rob McIntyre, Chris Welsh, Jeff Hill, Marc Boswell, Jay Lucas, about things. In that discussion, he environment at the Virginia Depart- Matt Daniel, and Ken Hirlinger. told me about his son who was now ment of Environmental Quality. I

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cannot say enough about how much he affected his community. For a fellow I did not know very well, he has left an asymmetrically indelible mark on me to stand up for what is right, to get right with the creator, and to love everyone of all stripes. God bless Kyle Winter; his wife, Dee; his mother, Donna; his family; and his community and co-workers who will all miss his humor, his intellect, his caring nature, his mentorship, and his dedication to God. Mark “Action” Jackson’s pop: Alan Jackson ’56 passed away in mid-February. Alan Jackson was one of the last man’s man men. Consummate professional, carnivorous athlete, outdoorsman, and Christian role model to his children, Alan Jackson was for sure the hero of his son, Action.

RIP, sir, and God bless to the Jackson family.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a colonel, O-6, in the Marine Corps. He told me that his son works in Quantico (so do I), and I should look him up. So, I did. We connected on a social media platform and soon discovered that we work in the same building in Quantico, separated by just one floor (wow). We connected for a cup of coffee, and I learned that he is a VMI graduate: ’98! For all you youngsters reading this post, I am talking about Col. Tim Hough ’98!

What a great guy, and I am so glad I tugged on that thread. I’d recommend that to you guys, too: Pull the thread, pull out a plum!

For no reason other than they felt like it, Mark Bornhorst, Tom Greenspon, and Scott Vaughn met at Steve Hagan’s chez in Tucson in early February. They played golf, drank whiskey, dipped in the pool, burned and ate double-buttered-burgers, and took pictures. Since none of the pictures were SFW, I will not publish them.

Use your imagination. Looks like these boys had one heckuva time, and thank you guys for feeling comfortable enough to send me pictures like that.

(Class agent’s note: I want new eyes.)

I received a nice note from Victor “DocVic” Bernet. It sounded something like this: “We are still in Jacksonville, Florida. I am working for Mayo Clinic full-time as an endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disorders. Earlier this year, I was promoted to professor of medicine, which was a big career achievement. (Class agent’s note: Way to go, brother rat!) I am planning to practice for several more years, as I enjoy helping my patients and teaching younger physicians.

Our daughter, Abbie, got married this fall and is living in Miami. A bit of trivia—by marriage, we are now related to Judge Alex Ferrer, who is the Cuban equivalent of Judge Judy and had a more recent show called ‘Whistle Blower.’ I have been managing to keep in touch with roomies Dave ‘Wipe out’ Barthol, Pete ‘Too Tall’ Sniffin, and Todd ‘Touchdown Preacher’ Southard. (They love the names that I gave them, especially Todd!)

I know you and many of our BRs realize that Too Tall Sniffin just retired from a long, fruitful career as an Army chaplain (congrats again, Pete!), and Todd is a minister, as well. Hopefully rooming with two men of the cloth wins the heathen team of Vic’n’Dave some extra brownie points toward good graces in the afterlife. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy, plus new variant free 2022.

DocVic.” RND: Jim “The General” Begley, Steve “Doorframe” Palmer, P.W. “Dubbie Dub Dub” Sarver.

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Representing his company (TEC Industrial, Kingsport, Tennessee), our own Tucker Maloney delivered (complete with his save-your-backstraps) a big old free-freezer to the Kingsport, Tennessee, School District Family Resource Center. The event was a result from TEC’s Harlie’s Angels 2021 campaign to benefit community members in need (yes, Harlie, not Charlie). In the picture, Candice Cradic, FRC manager, accepts delivery from TEC Industrial’s John Collins, Justin Green, and the famous VMI alum from the illustrious Class of 1985 (best class in barracks): Tucker “The Man” Maloney. Harlie’s Angels is a charity founded by the parents of a daughter who was killed in an auto accident in 2013. In Tucker’s words: “The FRC provided a laundry list of things they need to support school children and their families who are in extreme need—one item of which was a freezer. I learned that they needed a freezer, and our CEO, Greg Boehling (Benedictine alumnus; his younger brother, Frank Boehling ’94, was a track athlete at VMI), and we committed to filling that void. The people at the FRC were thrilled, as they needed a means to freeze food that they need to provide meals to the families. Oh, no back was injured in this story.”

Way to go, Tucker Maloney. Now you know why he is called “The Man.” In closing, help me out, bother rats; send me some info and data. Something. Anything.

Yours in the spirit, Check six, Matt

1986

Clint Hubbard

It’s that time again—time for the highlight of your quarter: The quarterly class notes in the VMI Alumni Review magazine. Are. You. Ready?

Let’s go ...

Regretfully, this quarter starts off with some sad news. On behalf of the class, we offer our sincerest condolences to Jay Ball in the loss of his wife, Jennifer. Jennifer had endured myriad health problems over the past few years, exacerbated by immune system issues, and she finished her struggle in late December. Jay and Jennifer met when we were cadets (she was a Hollins girl) and

have three wonderful sons, Jamie, Alex, and Taylor. If such a thing is possible, her celebration of life memorial was a beautiful service with just the right touches of liturgy, humor, and love. Her dad offered a heartfelt eulogy and spoke glowingly of his lovely daughter and her lifelong service to others. He touched on how she had chosen Hollins for her college experience after which he expected her to return to Texas, but in the midst of it, she met and then married a fine, upstanding VMI cadet, and the rest was history. While I did not know Jennifer exceptionally well, I did know her to be very kind, giving, upbeat, and just a genuine good person with a wonderful heart. The world is surely a lesser place without her.

In the spirit of Jennifer Ball’s selflessness and devotion to others, as well as in the pay it forward department, there was a story in the local television news in early January that outlined a lady in Richmond who was wheelchair-bound but still trying to serve others as much as she is able. She had more than a few limitations, but one of them was that her wheelchair was in need of repair. On the lead story within a day or so, they showed our BR Jay Ball hand-delivering an almost new wheelchair with all the bells and whistles. The recipient was overjoyed to receive it, and Jennifer’s legacy of doing kind deeds for others was fulfilled when Jay donated her almost-new chair to another lady with a servant’s heart. We all already knew it, but I couldn’t help but think, “What a guy!” and was/am very proud to be Jay’s BR. We also need to tie up a few loose ends from the 35th Reunion in October. There was considerable back and forth and trash-talking about the golf outing that was initially rained out but then resurrected Friday afternoon at the Buena Vista Links course. Depending upon who’s telling the story has a bearing on winners and losers, but Roy Woolwine and Mike Colletti were/are claiming victory from Friday afternoon; Dan Monahan has registered an appeal, so we’ll see how it all shakes out.

While the match is in question, the skills contests were not, as closest-to-the-pin was won by Dave Grimm and Stew Barnes’s guest from W&L, Barry McKockener, who won the longest drive. It is clear that we can’t wait another five years for another golf outing, so we’ll have to remedy that. More to come ...

Around the holidays and the Dark Ages, there have been a few gatherings of BRs, wives, and mistresses, although, not all at the same time.

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Class Notes After a sojourn of a couple of years, Bob and Kirby Rainer hosted their annual 1986 BR Christmas party at their healthful and pleasant abode. In addition to being a quality eye doctor, BR Rainer is also an excellent bartender, and Kirby is a kitchen wizard. Attendees at this superb bash included the following BRs and many of the ladies: Paul Burch, Jay Ball, Wayne Fuller, Gordon Poindexter, Clint Hubbard, Jon Moody, Jeff Morgan, Scott Wilson, Roy Woolwine, and Jamie Inman.

It seems I could be leaving someone off the list, but unfortunately, I did not write everyone’s name down at the time. We all wondered where Robert “Santa Claus” Nussey was this year?!

Also, in the holiday season and spirit, Chris Ashworth and his family made the trip from Denmark to visit his parents in Richmond. Jon and Brynn Moody seized that opportunity to have a quick open house one evening that was catered by Mikey Calkins’ very own Groovin’ Gourmets— more on that in a moment. BR Ashworth is looking good and still living well in Copenhagen, Denmark. Among the BRs who helped welcome him back to the U.S. for the holidays included Jay Ball, Paul Burch, Andy Mason, Dave Miller, Jeff Morgan, Gordon Poindexter, Bob Rainer, Scott Wagner, along with the aforementioned BRs Moody and Calkins, as well as your class agent, who endeavors to never miss a party. While I try to never miss a party, I absolutely could have missed a name or two of attendees and offer an apology if I did.

Speaking of BR Calkins and Groovin’ Gourmets, what started out as a coffee and vending service has grown into a robust catering business and even a restaurant at the Inn at Linden Row. Way to go, Mikey. To offer an idea of their ability and scope, Groovin’ Gourmets was the caterer for the inaugural party for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin in January. If you saw a picture of Gov. Youngkin in a red fleece vest with the VMI monogram on it, there is an interesting story. The folks who had the vest made for the governor (it had his name embroidered on it) were affiliated with the newly reformed Cadet newspaper. Mikey happened to see one of those folks wearing one, and they struck up a conversation around VMI. The guy explained they were trying to get the vest to the governor but couldn’t get close enough. As the event caterer, Mikey had full run of the place and volunteered to try and help them out. After all, BR Calkins was the advertising manager of The VMI Cadet newspaper back in 1986. To make a long

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story longer, Mikey took the vest and got it to one of Gov. Youngkin’s staffers, and the rest is history.

The governor was photographed wearing it the next day. It just goes to show that the position of advertising manager is a lifetime gig.

The final gathering of this quarter was in midJanuary at Mikey’s restaurant, Parterre, at the Inn at Linden Row. Most of the same hoodlums listed above were present, with the additions of Frank Trice and Steve Pancham. Parterre is a great spot with a great variety on the menu, and the meal was excellent. Highly recommend!

If you’re starting to notice a pattern about the same list of BRs getting together for a few drinks, then you know we probably need to expand our list of friends. Those of us in the Richmond area are fortunate that we are able to congregate when we can—which, in reality, is really not as often as we would like it to be.

Around Jan. 1, 2022, came a happy new year greeting from Michael Lakos. BR Lakos is alive and well in Buda, Texas, but telecommuting to the Joint Services Base in San Antonio. Our condolences to the Lakos family in the loss of Michael’s dad from early December. Mr. Lakos had a remarkable story of particularly his early life; see this link for the details: timesofisrael.com/70year-old-diary-earns-woman-posthumous-righteous-among-nations-award/ Our BR Lakos is planning a trip this summer up the East Coast with stops planned for Athens, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Lexington, Virginia; and then Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to see some old places he’s lived over the years. There may be stops for Niagara Falls and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Enjoy the trip and safe travels, BR. Let us know if you see Jim Radle in Charlotte. And thanks again for sharing your dad’s amazing story.

In early January, a group of BRs inaugurated the first annual Tim Spivey ’86 duck hunting expedition. Wayne Fuller, Todd McCullough, Dave Miller, Tim Spivey, Scott Wagner, and your dedicated class agent hit the road from Virginia across Tennessee to the bootheel of Missouri, where we spent two days in a duck blind near Gobler, Missouri. We did a lot of hunting, but most of the shooting was actually just shooting the bull in the blind. The upside was barely having to clean our shotguns, but it was still a great time and a good trip. We plan to make it an annual event and are already planning for a return in January 2023. We may even branch out to other game such as Maine

grouse or South Dakota pheasants.

Speaking of hunting and the great outdoors, here’s a great fishing tale of the one who we almost landed but he somehow got out of the net.

Here’s a clue: It started with an 11-word email message. The sender identified himself as “34” – as in a 34-word email from last time. If that made you realize we’re talking about the favorite son of Colonial Heights, Virginia, now the pride of San Antonio, Texas, the one and only Glen Ralston, then ring, ring! You are the winner, winner, chicken dinner prize recipient. It turns out BR Ralston still has family in the Richmond, Virginia, area and was coming up for a quick family visit in late January. We were trying to arrange a rendezvous and get a visual on our boy, as well as seeing how his liver might be holding up, but it was not to be.

I think it was a quick trip for BR Ralston and am sure he was busy seeing relatives, so we couldn’t swing it. Next time, Glen; Roy Woolwine said he would open a tab for us, and we’d love to see you, BR. Still no word from Jim Harcarik, Henry Ingram, Bruce Nickle, Glenn Phillips, or Paul Simroth.

Michael Laban offered a reach-out along with a “where’s Kent Long these days?” Indeed, where is Kent Long? Good dude who departed when we were 2nds, I think? Last I heard, he had joined the Army, and that’s about the last I’ve heard about him. Kent, if you’re out there ... what’s up?

All right, men, that’s all we have for this quarter.

You can see we need some new material, so reach out and send me some. Hopefully, 2023 is shaping up well for you and yours.

Take care, brother rats.

1987

Curt Schoonmaker

We lost Vic Gonzalez Dec. 17. The news was “suddenly.” Farewell, brother rat. You are missed.

See Taps. Service was attended by ’87, but I don’t know by whom. Vic was the youngest of the Gonzalez-Gorbea families that attended VMI. His father, Francisco M. González ’53, and his cousin, Enrique Gorbea ’60, preceded him in death.

You will miss important last-minute reunion information if you are not monitoring VMI 1987

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Reunion on Facebook. It’s Oct. 21-22 this fall.

Those of us who are in regular contact with BRs not on or seldom on Facebook must call them with updates. I will claim responsibility for Pete Hansen. Pete will take Bill Berneski. See how easy that is? It is unlikely anything will be transmitted by mail. You may contact me any time at the email address above, and I’ll tell you what I know.

Scott Jewell is this year’s boss of us and chief party planner for our reunion. Since we don’t have lodging or event details yet, they will be immediately posted and emailed once things come together. This could not have been planned much sooner—COVID-19. It has other classes scrambling, too.

Scott posted, “Hey BRs. I am traveling to Natural Bridge Saturday, Jan. 29, to do a site visit for our fall reunion. We will need some additional assistance during the reunion, so DM me if you plan to attend and can help. We currently have three on the Steering Committee. Paul Munson and Tom Peer have stepped up to assist. I have been communicating and sharing ideas with them in a separate thread. I’ll keep everyone updated as we plan our event! Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall! Cheers!”

Oct. 21-22, 2022: Reunion.

Regular and exciting contributor Dean Kratzenberg sent, by telegram, the following: “Saw your plea for information, and while I do not have too much to pass on, I did have lunch with Warren Weiss yesterday. I had some errands to do in Denver, and Warren was updating his rat haircut and took some time to hang out in Ikea with me for some Swedish meatballs and flat-pack furniture shopping. Warren and his lovely wife are doing well and still trying to save the planet through their use of electric cars. But his gas-powered motorcycle still itches to stretch 3 miles in the summer months. Hopefully, in a very short time, we will be hitting the mountain roads together, but that is going to be the news for the next issue.

“Talked with Jeff Temple the other day. He is still doing well over in the Northern Neck. He splits his time more in Arlington lately with his bride. We are all seemingly working to that happy time of full retirement, but unfortunately, we’re just a little farther than we would all like! Until then, just hanging out and collecting funds! Hope the planning for the reunion is going well. I am really looking forward to it. Take care, Kratz.”

This issue’s brother rat Jeopardy: Not very

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well-known people in damp places for $500. The clues: “Pip pip. Tally ho. Fore! Bugger off. Of course, I’ll have another, Wanker,” and “Down in front.” What are things you hear Craig Covert say in London?

Craig also says, “Not much to report for class notes; we continue to enjoy our not-so-new assignment to London with NCIS, which is Andrea’s final tour before her retirement, at which time we’ll be dual law enforcement pensioners.

Our 7-year-old is enrolled in a proper British school and, barring unforeseen circumstances, is on track for enrollment in the VMI Class of 2036, a mere 49 years after our graduation. Maybe I should make him work for a year in between to make it an even 50! If all goes as planned, we’ll be back to Virginia in summer 2024 and will split our time between our two homes in Richmond and Lexington, both of which we kept during our previous Alabama assignment. Unfortunately, we sold our RV before we PCS’d, but we fully anticipate hitting up BR Kevin Barker for the latest and greatest info on new RVs when we get home.

In the meantime, if anyone visits London, please look me up so we can at minimum hoist a pint in a pub while you’re here. Cheers!”

Oct. 21-22, 2022: Reunion.

If you’ve watched Hiram Morales wrestle daily against opponents twice his size but less than half his age, you’ve probably wondered how he endures the beatings. The answer is body rebuilding. I received this from the Morales household: “Lots of things going on with Hiram Morales.

His youngest daughter, Juliette, got married early February in Phoenix, and except for his wearing a Georgia hat with the Air Force mess dress, it was a beautiful, picture-perfect ceremony. Hiram is planning to get his knees replaced starting this year, as it looks that years of coaching wrestling are finally taking a toll on those ‘Oldsmobileparts’ in his legs, and he’s not planning to slow down. Hiram is still teaching at the Army Command and General Staff College-Fort Leavenworth and is in the same office with Steve Tennant ’81. They both work in the Department of Distance Education. Their new military boss is Colonel Eric Samaritoni ’00, who got promoted to O-6 Oct. 15, 2021.”

Sam Nelson also did an aisle walk with his daughter, Sarah, a Virginia Beach attorney, last October in Charleston at Boone Plantation, the filming location for “Forrest Gump.” Now emptynesters, Sam and Jackie are the king and queen

of Grandview Island, welcoming all for drop-ins, beach buggy use, overnighting, and five-star dining. They’re both really retired. Stand in front of their house and pose like it’s yours. I have. It’s very fulfilling. Great place to get engaged. I did.

They’re RVing, so call ahead. Congratulations, Sam and Jackie.

I forgot to type that our BR Keith Washington was a side judge for the Super Bowl.

Oct. 21-22, 2022: Reunion.

See you there.

1988

Ed Wetherell

Brother Rats, I hope this finds you and your families well. The winter months were a bit slow for class activity and BR gatherings.

Having said that, what a day we had in Annapolis Jan. 7. Capping off a storied and heroic 34-year career as a United States Marine, our BR Steve Neary was retired by the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps in a ceremony held in Memorial Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy. The previous evening’s snowstorm didn’t deter attendees who came from all corners to wish the Nearys well, as Steve and Tracy kick off this next chapter of their lives. Looking around the hall, you would have

Class of 1988: Eric Lassalle and his children, Cadets Caroline Lassalle ’25 and Matthew Lassalle ’22, visiting Scotland during Thanksgiving furlough.

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Class Notes Rock Keppeler organizing the event and thought no one was left in the Pentagon keeping everyone engaged. with all the general and flag officers in Looking forward to a hunting trip in attendance—a true statement of the high late February with Brother Rats Charlie regard Steve’s peers hold of his characCayce, Lew Sigmon, Rock Keppeler, ter and his service. U.S. Marine Corps and Bill Cronenburg in North Carolina.

1st Lt. Riley Neary ’19 and U.S. Marine I hope to have a picture for the next issue.

Corps Cpl. Christian Neary were able to Until then, as always, I would love to break away from their units to attend. Talk hear from all of you! Please give me a call about a family that serves our country. Of and send emails and pictures whenever course, the Institute was heard from; there you have an update or get-together with were many alumni and cadets in attenBRs and other alumni. dance. Looking forward, Steve and Tracy I hope to see many of you at our lunch established their base of operations in Class of 1988: Having lunch in Stafford, Virginia, Feb. 11, 2022, are (from left) Ed Wetherell, John “Rock” Keppeler, Chris gatherings and in Lexington in the near Annapolis on the picturesque Mill Creek, Long, Lew Sigmon, Mike Beyer, Andy Tate ’92, Derek McFarfuture. Stay safe, and all the best to you just five houses up the street from A.J. and land, Sam Tate, and Scott “Ogre” Stachelek. and your families.

Rosemary Williams. Steve and A.J. have RVM! good, defendable terrain with interlocking fields the job market looking for his next opportunity to Ed of fire. In true Neary fashion, Steve is attacking excel; we know he will do well. A special thank you to BR John Williams for the pictures, the write-up, and his contributions to Steve’s retirement ceremony.

I had a check-in call from Gus Schuster in Pitts- David A. Martin burgh, Pennsylvania. Gus is still working for U.S. Steel there, and he and his family are doing well.

He remains one of the constants in the universe, still gruff, hilarious, and lovable.

Ronald Wesley Nelson Jr. passed away sudDrew McKone stopped by my office to catch up on a visit he made to Leesburg recently. Drew denly Dec. 20, 2021. We devote this entire space to honor our brother rat. is doing well, still working in the banking world Ron was a family man, raising five children and and living just across the Potomac in Dickerson, three grandchildren with his wife, Jennifer (Jen).

Maryland, near Poolesville.

I was also able to catch up with BR Brian Egloff A U.S. Navy veteran, Ron served his fellow sailin Purcellville, Virginia. We had a nice evening ors as a medical corpsman. He supported many with our wives, catching up over some locally volunteer activities, and BRs might recall Ron’s Class of 1988: Pictured with U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Steve Neary (far right) at brewed beers. Brian is living in Purcellville and efforts to get a hockey team going. He was later his retirement ceremony are (from left) an assistant coach to both his sons’ travel hockey working as a doctor at Fort Detrick in Maryland.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Neary, 1st Finally, we also had a good group at the class teams, as well as a supporter of his daughters’ Lt. Riley Neary ’19, and Tracy Neary. cross-country teams. lunch in Stafford Feb. 11. As always, I appreciate A Lexington local, a funeral mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lexington before burial with full military honors. We activated our ONE-989! protocols: Thanks to Kent Doane for reaching out to be there for the family in their time of need. Kent sent some pictures which you may have seen on Facebook and adorn these pages in the Review. Also, thanks to everyone who supported the Memorial Flower Fund; Steve Nezas, MFF officer in charge, drew on those funds to properly mark the event, as well as reached out Class of 1988: Attending the retirement ceremony for U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Steve Neary are (from left) Charles Cayce, Cadet Sam McCrary ’22, Ed Wetherell, Tim Hooper, Reto Col. Brodie (Hon), VMI band director, to posbecca Serrano ’18, Pete McCrary, 1st Lt. Riley Neary ’19, Cadet Thomas Wetherell ’22, Neary, sibly attend the funeral. Kent Doane and I spoke Sam Tate, John Williams, John Keppeler, Lew Sigmon, Dan Shrimpton, Andy Tate ’92, Chris with Jen a few times; she echoed Ron’s deep afStarling, and Cadet Bo Keppeler ’22. finity for all things ’89, asked about joining our

1989

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Facebook page, and hopes to stay in touch with the class. In fact, her email to the Class of 1989 is below.

Suffice to say, we spoke before the funeral, and Jen actually chuckled when talking about the snowstorm that paralyzed Lexington, as if Ron (a Minnesota native and huge winter sports fan) orchestrated the weather as a joke on the rest of us. Turns out some church musicians couldn’t make it to the funeral due to the inclement weather, and Col. Brodie just happened to show up with a bugle for taps! A late Christmas miracle that was extremely moving.

Jen set up a college fund for the kids at everloved.com/life-of/ronaldnelson-jr/ It doesn’t seem appropriate to go into our standard, happy-go-lucky banter this quarter; if you submitted anything for the Review, we will print that next quarter. We will also include anything you wanted to mention from our chats during the 100% contact phone-a-thon (which is slowly and alphabetically progressing).

Stay safe everyone. We remain, ONE-989! Here is Jen Nelson’s letter: “Thanks for checking in, it’s good to hear from you again!

“Thank you (Class of 1989) for the lovely flowers. Very VMI—yellow, red, and white—very nostalgic and reminds me how proud Ron was to attend. We are very proud to have Ron’s classmates remember him so fondly, as well.

“The funeral Monday the 17th was snowed in. We left home to meet daughters at a hotel in town Sunday morning when the snow started, and it got crazy from there. Two of the three West Coast friends came a day early, one in the very middle of the heavy snow. The whole affair was surreal: The cantor couldn’t make it, so Colonel Brodie came over and brought his trumpet in lieu of the cantor, all dressed in camo fatigues.

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Class of 1989: Ron Nelson at Breakout.

Class of 1989: The memorial table at the service for Ron Nelson.

Class of 1989: Ron Nelson was buried with military honors.

My son’s entire wrestling team made it, and so did one of the ‘knights of the round table’ (retired VMI professors who routinely meet at the local coffee shop). He found out the service details literally 10 minutes earlier and walked over from the coffee shop. Kent Doane stayed at his father’s house in town and brought his family. So many people either tested COVID-19 positive or were snowed in. Father Stefan encouraged us to hold to the date and even the time to facilitate making the appointment for the burial. It was good to do so but added to the emotionality of it.

“The burial service was very nice; it was performed by a Navy pastor we met in San Diego, stationed at the medical center where Ron was stationed. He later was recalled to diocesan service and transferred to St. Patrick’s/Lexington, of all places in the world, the same year we came back! He just recently retired and was completely available. His name is Father Joseph D’Aurora. Like an old Italian uncle who is always there for you. The Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery is serene and park-like, and I do feel Ron is at peace and will rest well. Despite the thoroughly dreadful weather the day before, we were able to celebrate Ron as we should. The flag ceremony imparted a sense of finality and closure simultaneously.

“Now for one final story. We returned to the cemetery the following day to visit precisely where Ron is resting and to double-check the headstone order. In the same section, very near Ron, one headstone was different. It didn’t bear the Christian cross or any of the multitude of crosses I’d seen on the planning worksheet.

This Army hero had the hammer of Thor on his headstone! And his personal lines referenced Valhalla, too!

Ron is laid to rest among his people, the best people, who laid their lives down before their brothers in battle.

Some died during battle, some later

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Class Notes

Class of 1989: Tom Jernigan and Kent Doane representing the class at the funeral for Ron Nelson. on, but he is among his people.

“Please keep us in the loop. I’m feeling called to be part of this very sweet final gesture the brothers of the Class of 1989 have organized. Thank you for reminding us he was part of such a great thing.

“Do you have everything you need for the alumni notification? I’d be happy to send more pics or clarify anything. Thank you, too, for that gesture.”

1990

Daren Payne

Greetings from a snowy and chilly VMI main post, and welcome to this latest edition of our class notes.

Unfortunately, I have to once again begin with the sad news that we lost Brother Rat Jeff Paul Dec. 31, 2021, after a monthlong illness. Jeff passed away in Charlotte and leaves behind three sons and his wife, Becky. A memorial service was scheduled for March 20, 2022, in Charlotte.

Jeff played football for four years and also track while at VMI and roomed with Bill Ator and Tim

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Feagans. After VMI, Jeff worked in the construction industry for Law Engineering for a number of years before transitioning into a career as a financial planner in Charlotte. Outside of work, his passion was coaching Little League and working with youth baseball in the community. I want to thank all those who reached out with donations, condolences, messages, and memories after Jeff’s passing; my phone and inbox almost literally blew up.

Now for some really great news: It’s been announced that our BRs Dan Caine and Bill Bowers are being promoted. BR Caine recently pinned on his third star to become a lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force, while Bill was nominated for his second star and rank of major general in the U.S. Marine Corps! That makes eight stars for our class, and I hope we are not done yet. Big congrats to both of you, and thanks for your service to our nation.

The last game of the football season was an unfortunate loss to Western Carolina, and while not the end we hoped for, we still had a successful 6-5 winning season for our second straight winning campaign and 5-1 home record! That last game was pretty darn cold but brought out a good crowd of BRs, including Andrew Kvasnicka, Dave Ratliff, Mike Doczi, Quill Healey, Charles Plageman, Ramon and Damon Williams, Brian Tate, Jim Manning, Glenn Dickenson, John Cabell, Pete Mantz, Sam Stocks, A.J. Johnson, and, I believe, Dave Rich.

Right after the football game, everyone split for Thanksgiving, and things got really quiet around here for about a month-and-a-half. I do know we had a couple of BRs, including Doczi and Brig.

Gen. Weedon Gallagher, in attendance as the Corps marched in the governor’s inauguration parade in January. Following that, the basketball season really ramped up, to include a five-game win streak and winning 19 of 21 home games over the past two years. BRs Aydelette and his rat roommate, Joey Jones; Mike Mullori; Herbaugh; Andy Conville; Chenery; and Paul Tallet-Kelpsa made their annual weekend pilgrimage for the basketball game versus Chattanooga. For The Citadel game, we had Sam Stocks, VMI Alumni Association president; Joey Jones; Raynor Garey, drone pilot; Doczi; Kvasnicka; Matt Schwartzmann; Glenn Dickenson; Lenny Carson; and Mark Dick at the house for a pregame “tailgate” out in the country. Both these events were great times, but we lost both games, leaving me to believe we

may have jinxed the team by having ’90 events.

As of this writing, your basketball team is at 16-11 and in third place in the Southern Conference with four games to go in the regular season.

For the Scott Shipp Hall grand opening, I was pleased to have esteemed BRs Pat O’Leary, our Institute attorney, and Damon Williams, VMI Board of Visitors member. I also see a good bit of Col. Neil Whitmore at various places around post, along with Ramon and Charles Plageman.

Others I’ve been in contact with the past couple of months include Sean Hoover (Fort Worth, Texas, and still with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives); Tim Feagans (in Dallas); Terrence Kerner from Atlantic Constructors in Richmond; and Glenn Thompson, who is around post on work with W.M. Jordan construction. I also heard from Bill Ator, who is settled in and loving the new home in Colorado; local John Burleson, who has more work than he can handle; Greg Hatchett from Northern Virginia; Keith Kornegay, local resident whose wife recently retired after a long career with the Department of Health and the area’s “COVID-19 czar;” Pablo Martinez, Keydet Club Board of Governors member; Tom Tolley, who is down the road in Buchanan; and Dave McGraw, who keeps me well-informed with conservative commentary from Gettysburg. Dusty Crone continues his work in Richmond, while Tim Haynie is still playing with drones out in Colorado. Dave Kaulfers checked in to let me know he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa! I also see that Chris Dixon works as a concept developer for the Joint Staff in Norfolk, Virginia, while Hunter Trumbo continues living in Northern Virginia but commutes around between there, his cabin in West Virginia, and Lexington on the weekends. Finally, Chris Schinstock reached out from his law practice in D.C. to let me know he plans to take on an intern this summer from VMI; if any of you are in need of interns, please let me know, and I can connect you to the right people here who can get you cadets.

Tom Slater reached out via LinkedIn. He has a new position with the Miami Marlins as director of player development after spending the past three seasons as hitting coach for the New York Mets. Also on LinkedIn, I frequently see Dave Yockel; Jim Dufford; Rob Greenway, who is typically doing something with Middle

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes East policy; George Palomar; Dave Amsden; Rob Clark, who started a new position with Carsis Life Sciences as chief communications officer; and Donnie Roberts of Caracal products, who’s been partnering with Outlook Nebraska on a new brand of products.

Also, by the time you read this, Scott Spellmeyer will have been at VMI as a guest panelist at the Center for Leadership and Ethics guest speaker series. Scott will be discussing the book “First Casualty,” which centers on his CIA team’s experiences being the first unit into Afghanistan after 9/11.

Scott will also soon be added to the Hall of Valor for his actions in combat and have his Intelligence Star (Silver Star equivalent) on display in the VMI Museum. Thanks for all your great work, Scott!

Now, some BRs we have not heard from in a while and would like to know their whereabouts would be John Stehn, Leon Altman, Pat Dunleavey, Ryan Foster, Monte Loving, Dave Petka, Andy Sewell, both the Romans, Dave Stanley, Trey Whetsel, or Todd Toler. If anyone can find these guys, do let the rest of us know.

Well, that is all I have as far as notes. I hope to see many of you visiting VMI in the coming months and wish you all the best for a great spring and an early end to the winter. Until next time, thanks for all you do for our class and VMI. Go Big Red! Daren

Class of 1991: D’anthony Tillery and Mark Rumph catching up.

1991

Chuck Story

Class of 1991: Brian Snider is a pilot with Delta Airlines.

Chris Edmonston

I hope 2022 has treated you well so far! It is interesting to me that the further I get from when we left VMI, the more interested I am in VMI and in all of you. It’s been a blessing to connect/reconnect with so many of you over the years! I would encourage all of you to engage with a BR over the phone, or even on Facebook! I recently spoke with D’anthony “Dap” Tillery, and as he picked up the phone, he was clearly engaged with his granddaughter, Naveah Tillery. It’s so strange to think of us having grandkids! Dap grew up in Charlotte,

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Class of 1991: Brian Snider taking a break between his U.S.–Europe routes.

North Carolina, and now resides in Lancaster, South Carolina, right across the North Carolina state line. Dap has taken quite a long journey to get back close to home since we graduated. Dap

said he was interested in going into the Army after VMI, but a knee injury 3rd Class year took him in a different direction to pursue a corporate career in human resources.

For almost 30 years, Dap has worked in human resources, primarily in talent acquisition. He started working with Kroger in Roanoke, where he met his wife, Wanda. They lived the first seven years of their marriage in Denver, Colorado, where Dap worked for King Soopers (subsidiary of Kroger).

He picked up a master’s in organizational management while there and begin working for Time Warner Cable, then moved back to Charlotte for 10. Since then, he’s lived in Texas and Michigan and has also worked for Snyder/Lance, Whirlpool, Acosta, and Atrium, where he was vice president of talent and acquisition.

Dap said, “Everything changed with COVID-19—it really impacted my job, and I transitioned to becoming my own boss.” In all things he gives praise, as this event “actually created and provided peace to me and my family.”

Dap took some time off, focused on his health and spiritual growth, and invested time in spending with his family and new granddaughter. He is now using his entrepreneurial skills to start his own e-commerce business. “I started working for FedEx; I’m presently pursing buying independent routes from FedEx.” Unknown to me, the last few miles of a delivery for most of the shipping companies are delivered by contractors—and that’s what Dap intends to do. “God’s grace and good planning have gotten me here, and I’m ecstatic about this opportunity.”

I asked Dap about what lessons he learned from VMI, and he said VMI gave him a “no-quit attitude. We had to fight through adversity, and that was great preparation for life.” He also said of even greater importance was “having relationships with people who remain friends for a lifetime— the common bond we’ll always have. Nobody can adequately describe our kind of relationships we forged at VMI.” Stan Chien dropped a note; if you recall, he retired as a Navy captain (30 years!) and is now in San Antonio. Stan now works for Amazon Web Services, leading the San Antonio regional infrastructure and data center operations. He extends “an open invitation to host any BRs who may be in the area.”

Also heard from Brian Snider, who is a Delta Air Lines pilot flying the New York to Europe routes. Brian said he was recently certified to fly

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Class Notes the Airbus 330 and was transitioning away from the Boeing 767ER, which he has been flying for the past 14 years.

Reunion prep is in high gear; I just got a note that our bourbon is about to get bottled. Each bottle is being numbered—bottle No. 1 is being saved for our last living BR. Gotta admit—it’s not something I want to get! Thanks, Steve Dudar, for volunteering to make a presentation case for this very special bottle.

It’s been great hearing from several BRs who have been in hiding for a while. Chris and I should have dangled a bottle of bourbon in front of you guys years ago.

As Chris mentioned at the top, we’ve started to take a slightly different approach with the notes, and we’re reaching out to BRs we haven’t heard from in a long time. I echo Chris in challenging everyone to reach out to a BR you haven’t heard from in a long time. Call, write, email, or meet for a weekend of golf.

I reached out to the legendary David Beard, as I couldn’t recall seeing him or talking to him in many years. Dave is living the quiet grandparent life outside of Greensboro, North Carolina. He has moved around the East Coast, with stops in Pittsburgh and Northern Virginia. He’s hoping to join us for reunion this year. Dave, don’t be a stranger to us!

Rico Leyton and I had a great time catching up after making sure he was marked down for a bottle. Rico is helping the Texas alumni contingent hold down retirement.

At the time I’m writing this, the BRs with kids

in the Rat Line are celebrating their Breakout and recognition as the newest class in barracks. Congrats to two-five on joining the ranks. Many of you will get a chance to meet our newly minted 4th Class cadets at reunion.

Thanks for the steady stream of emails, calls, and Facebook messages, and RVM!

1992

William Woodward

BRs, Here are the latest updates from our classmates.

Jim Miller sent me an update in which he said that his daughter, Summer, was a freshman at Elon University in North Carolina. She is actually an academic junior, having achieved an associate degree while still in high school. She is majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice and intends to go to law school after graduation.

Clearly an underachiever!

John Brodie (Hon) sent me an email in which he said, “Great to see you at the Institute Society Dinner and talk with you and your wife. Family is fine, wife Sarah and I have been married for seven years now. My step-son, Fin, is 15 years old and 6’3”. Thank God he doesn’t make me listen to Nickleback. My youngest daughter is in her last semester of college. Huzzah! Things are going nicely at VMI. Band is going to Mobile Mardi

Class of 1992: Dan Mazzei, James Cherry, and Dave Weisenberger in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Gras end of February and the Glee Club to Puerto Rico at spring break. It is almost like a normal year after COVID-19.”

Kevin Williams reported in that all is well in Dallas. He moved jobs last year from running the cloud business for NetApp to Thales, where he runs sales for their cybersecurity division. Kevin said, “If you know anybody looking for highend work in cybersecurity, please have them PM me. We are hiring.” He said they were looking to move from Dallas down to Austin over the next year where they are building a home on Lake Travis. Kevin went on to say that it “might be fun to have an outing out at the lake with all the BRs who live in the area. I had dinner recently with Bill Buckner and his wife. They are also doing well, busy dealing with kids and horses and the chores of life. I also chatted with Randy Wood ’89; he is doing well running American sales for Akamai.”

Brian “Mac” McCarthy sent me an email in which he said, “Brigadier General Dave Womack and I crossed paths at the handover/takeover ceremony of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 11. Dave is currently chilling on the water in Szczecin, Poland, where he is serving as the deputy chief of staff for operations for NATO’s Multinational Corps-North East. I’m not on the water but also currently in Poland with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Hope all is well and bummed that Adhana and I will miss the reunion.”

Courtney Lambert sent me an update in which

Class of 1992: Dan Mazzei’s vintage JC195-200 distilling system.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes he said that he and the family are doing well, having moved to the Ozarks in northwest Arkansas and enjoying lake life. He said they have two boys at the University of Arkansas and another at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

Laird Knights sent me an email where he said he learned how to weld and has been AWS certified to do vertical and horizontal welding on steel. He is still researching patents. Laird said he recently spoke with Mike Arness and would be seeing him soon. He also spoke with Col. Clint Seybold, who mentioned he would be retiring from the Army in June.

Finally, I got an email and pictures from Dan Mazzei. He linked up with Dave Weisenberger and James Cherry at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They took the opportunity to distill some “hand sanitizer” in Dan’s garage. The still is a vintage JC195-200 Distilling System.

I got a few quick notes just to check in with me and to get updates on the reunion from Tim Hoffner, Mike Starling, Tim Jordan, Bill Berry, Frank Harrar, Whiting Chisman, Charlie Martin, Tim Rodriguez, Anhtuan Nguyen, Mark Thackston, and Allan Lunsford.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have related to what is going on at VMI. If I do not know the answer, I will contact someone at VMI who does and get back to you. Please let me know of any major life events such as marriages (including for our children), 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

Lincoln Swineford

Brother Rats!

I hope everyone had a great holiday and that everyone is doing well. Quick congratulations to the Class of ’25 for breaking out and joining the brotherhood!

Joe Aldrich reached out for his first update. Joe showed up on a Zoom call we did a while back,

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Class of 1993: Brian Southard, Vic Kane, and Grant Hayes with the Corps in Charleston, South Carolina. so it was great to get an update from him and good to hear he’s doing well: “Well, file this into the category of it’s about time. My family and I are currently living in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, a small town in the mountains east of Albuquerque. I arrived here in August 2000 with my wife, Kelly (U.S. Air Force Academy grad); we were both active duty Air Force at the time and had just received orders to Kirtland Air Force Base.

I served on active duty as long as I could until I was in the window to move. We enjoyed it here in New Mexico so much that we both decided to separate from active duty. I separated in early January 2005 and hopped over to the Air Force Reserve as an individual mobilization augmentee until I retired in June 2013. When I separated from active duty and hopped into the reserve, I needed a full-time day job, so I did several defense contractor gigs until September 2015, when I became a government civilian.

Since June 2018, I’ve been over at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate as an operations research analyst in the Simulation and Wargaming branch. In the category of ‘it’s a small world,’ at the end of 2021, I ran into Bill Percival ’95, who recently retired from the Air Force here at Kirtland Air Force Base, and we try to meet up at least every week or two for lunch. On the personal side of things, my wife, Kelly, and I have two daughters, Hannah (13) and Caroline (9). Hannah has her heart

set on going to the Air Force Academy in her mother’s footsteps; however, I’m still advocating for her (and her younger sister, too) to head East to the bright lights of Lex Vegas and giving the Institute a shot!”

Bill Cox also sent in an update with time to spare this time: “Cox family is doing well overall. Most recent challenge is that my daughter, Dacie, had a full tear on her Achilles from a volleyball mishap. This ended in surgery last week which went well but benches her for the foreseeable future. It hurts to see her hurt and even more so to see her high school volleyball career at risk. William is doing well and has overcome a recent wrist injury so hoping to get him back on slopes by end of season. I mean not me, personally; I have trouble walking on snow, so skiing is out of the question, but my wife, Beth, is quite the snowboarder and will be hitting slopes with him. My other daughter, Addison, is doing great at UVA and was just elected social chair at her sorority. I’m doing well, also. Still grinding it out at Reynolds as production manager, so take a minute and look at that wonderful carton your Reynolds wrap is in. It came from my plant. Other than that, ready for winter to pass so I can get back to my boat and back to fly fishing in my free time.”

Greg Vinci also dropped me a note when I checked in with him: “Team inVINCIble is doing great. Lauren had labs done last week and

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Class Notes everything looks great. Looking forward to heading to the ‘I’ Saturday. My daughter, who goes to Elon, will be participating in a track and field event.” Greg ran into a friend of mine whose son is at VMI and runs track, and they ended up talking some.

I also asked Chris Reid how the general life was treating him: “It’s ... OK. Pay is great and I like my job. It’s a little hard to get used to. I still look around when someone calls me general.

Luckily, my wife and boys keep me humble.”

Ken Feely also checked in: “I’ve been keeping myself busy much the same as most of our BRs; work and family. I have a daughter and son both in high school (Evelyn and John). My daughter starts college in the fall and is looking to study biology and continue with fencing. She likes that I know nothing about the sport, so I just leave her alone. My son has a couple more years of high school to go, while the wife (Cristina) works as a registered nurse and spends the rest of her time trying to keep me in line, which can be challenging. As for me, I’ve been with Raytheon now for quite some time. These past three years, I’ve been planning and overseeing the integration of an air defense system in Qatar (Patriot, National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System, various radar sensors, and C2 centers). Looking to wrap that up this year and move onto something else.

It keeps me busy for now but also gets in the way of my weekends out on the water fishing up here in the Northeast.”

Matt Gill sent in the following update: “Rory and I enjoyed the holidays—saved up enough to take our kids on some travel to visit family in Vermont and do some winter adventuring in Jackson, Wyoming. Her son, Gabriel, is $#%^ eating as a 3rd at VMI; daughter, Angelica, is harvesting college acceptances for nursing; and Caleb is racking good grades in 10th grade. My sons (all five) are in Cub or Boy Scouts. Grant achieved his Eagle Scout and is now a senior in high school, Landon is a 10th grader dying to turn 16 to start a job for spending money, twins Gray and Baylor are in seventh grade hoping to get a mobile phone soon like all their friends, and Ridgeley is observing all his seven siblings and step-siblings, learning what mistakes to avoid from his fourth grader perspective. Basketball and baseball keep him busy, too. We enjoyed a couple visits to Lexington in the recent months and attended to see VMI march in the governor’s inaugural parade in Richmond.”

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Our resident commodore (I don’t care what anyone says, that’s a cool rank), Erik Nilsson, checked in regarding what’s next for him and Alison: “It was really great catching up with you and the bunch of our BRs at the football game and tailgates this fall! I get to see Stephen Allison and Brian Cox at the Parents Council meetings regularly, so that has been fun—although probably not for the other parents who must suffer our scoffing at the complaints they have. We also get to see lots of folks like Lee Clark at matriculation and other events, so that has been great. (Props to Lee for the behind-the-scenes look!) We are still doing well here in Chesapeake. Alison is working part-time as a community health nurse; we are becoming empty-nesters soon, so she wanted to get back to nursing again. I think it is pretty awesome. Our younger son, Chase, was recently accepted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida, into the aeronautical science program and received both a merit and an athletic scholarship for rowing as a coxswain. He intends on becoming a commercial pilot and is working on his private pilot’s license now. Jake, our older son, is a 2nd at VMI and just got his ring; he likes to remind me that his ring is bigger than mine, and I like to remind him that he can rack his chin in on demand. He is going to commission in the Navy upon graduation. As for me, I just finished up my fourth (and final) command tour as the commodore of Naval Beach Group Two in Little Creek, Virginia, and am now the director, Maritime Operations Center, U.S. 2nd Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia—my home stretch job to retirement. I am really looking forward to the spring reunion next year; our little mini reunion reminded me how strong and alive the BR bonds are. We may be getting older, but seeing everyone’s eyes light up when telling our VMI tales, sharing our lives, and reconnecting is just

amazing. ’93, still the best class on the hill!”

Kevin Roop has been catching up with a couple of BRs: “Caught up with Matt Williams in Colorado Springs for the Tool show. Good times! Also had a ski with Brian Southard in Vail. Enjoying coaching strength and conditioning for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. Excited that we are sending 16 athletes to the Olympics in China!”

I’ve run into and/or talked to more than a few BRs recently.

Of course, Cameron Briody had his unwelcome and unwanted 15 minutes of fame when he helped to identify two dip sticks that vandalized the World Famous Southern Most Point Buoy in Key West, where he bartends. Made the national news, all the big websites—Fox News and CNN, and my wife found him on People and BuzzFeed.

Great job, BR! Jim Akers and I caught up recently. Jim’s in Florida, living the good life.

Lora and Alex DeVarona and I and Brian Southard and I messaged around the time of the premiere of the new “Spider-Man” movie. My middle daughter, Maggie, is a die-hard fan, and she wore a Spider-Man costume to the premiere.

I posted a picture of it, and they reached out to me. Apparently, they’ve all got a kid that is also a die-hard fan. And Brian is pretty die-hard, too.

Marc Girling and I talked for about an hour right before Christmas. Marc had recently had lunch with Jamie Delk, as they’re both in Texas.

Jamie is recovering from a stroke and continues to make progress.

Last November, there was a pretty good mini reunion at the last home football game. Blake Svendsen, Bryan Shorter, David Hoy, Brian Cox, Erik Nilsson, Hans Pauley, John Harper, Kelly Holbert, Stephen Allison, Vic Kane, John

Class of 1993: Kevin Roop and Matt Williams.

Class of 1993: Brian Southard and The Citadel bulldog.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Guggenheim, Todd Brickhouse, Cliff Foster, John Reilly, John Weeda, Ayen Torchik, Jim Romasz, and Rod Turbak—some with significant others, some flying solo—all managed to meet up for a great tailgate and a great game. It was really good seeing everyone and catching up, and if I missed someone (I really feel like I’m missing someone), I’m sorry, but Dave Hoy brought along some 10% ABV beer that jumped all over me.

And, finally, we’ve got another ring story for everyone. I shared the information about Brian Chamberlaine and how his son wanted to replace his combat ring. Well, Adam Lallande saw the post and reached out. Adam had to leave at the end of our 3rd Class year, so he never got a ring. Seeing Brian made him reach out again (for some reason that I don’t understand, the Institute told him he wasn’t eligible a couple of years ago). Well, your class president, Tray Petty, and I emailed Thom Brashears ’95 at the Alumni Association and got it worked out. Adam has ordered his ring, and he’d better send me a picture when he gets it.

As for Adam and how he’s doing: “I’m in my 29th year in the public education sector (Bristol, Virginia). I am also the assistant track and field coach at Emory & Henry College (Always looking for recruits if they won’t be attending the ‘I’).

Family is doing well, and my youngest son is an E-5 (Army) and stationed at the DIA headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Leaving the ‘I’ has always been a regret that I look back upon, even more so the older I get, but helped mold me into the man I am. The lessons learned at VMI have guided my career in education. Many of the students I have taught and coached went on to be successful VMI cadets. I would like to think I had a small part to play in that.

“The ring has always been a symbol of the trials and triumphs that we as a class had overcome and experienced. It was a part of my VMI experience that I missed out on due to my leaving after 3rd Class summer. I had to cancel my ring order at the time due to the funds being needed elsewhere.

In 2018, I enquired about the possibility of having that part of my past fixed. The response was a negative, and in true VMI fashion, I accepted the decision and moved on. Through the help of Lincoln, Tray, and the Alumni Association, this missing part of my past was ordered today. Due to my coaching schedule and family responsibilities, I have not made my way back to VMI for some

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time. In the upcoming years, I plan to rectify that situation!”

Looking forward to seeing you up there, Adam!

RVM! The Swinefords are keeping on keeping on— no major changes or drama, which is nice for us.

We’re looking forward to spring and summer and getting to do some more traveling.

Thanks to everyone who sent in an update. If you’ve never sent one in or haven’t sent one in recently, please consider doing so. You can send it either by email, text, or Facebook. I’d love to hear what y’all are up to. Be well. ’93, ’93, ’93.

1995 Joseph W. Doyle

Thom Brashears was delighted to receive a visit from Brig. Gen. Larry Burris, his rat roommate and good friend, when Larry was recently on post. They were able to take a quick photo outside of Moody Hall during their visit.

1994

Clay Campbell

Let me start by saying I got a message from Todd Witt. He wanted me to report he is still doing well.

Paul Whitmore was just awarded a Master of Arts degree in military history from American University, and he plans on going for his Master of Education degree next. He will be retiring from the Space Force this December as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of service. Great job, Paul.

My rat roommate, Col. Justin Sapp, spoke at VMI Feb. 18 in regard to his involvement with Team Alpha, which was one of the first teams to go into Afghanistan after 9/11. To learn more or to read the story, grab a copy of “First Casualty”

by Toby Harnden.

Will Gorman messaged that he will be moving to Plano, Texas, and looks forward to catching up with BRs in the Lone Star State.

I spoke to Buzz Lucas. He is doing well in Arizona and is still working with the Air Marshall Service. He reports he is still on the hair transplant list for the 27th year but is still hopeful. Buzz and Chris Gros have started a support group for other follically challenged males who are also waiting for hair transplants to come available.

Hearts and prayers are with Trey Steely over the loss of Ginger and with Mike Richardson over the loss of Valerie.

Always, Pig

Class of 1995: Thom Brashears and Brig.

Gen. Larry Burris.

1996

Jon Dano Nick Latsios

Brother Rats, As we write this note, we have just returned from an awesome weekend at the Institute where we got to party with 17 brother rats. It was an action-packed weekend watching VMI wrestling, lacrosse, and basketball with a tailgate party in the middle of it all. These events are critical to our ability to not only stay connected but to get to know what’s going on in each other’s lives

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Class Notes in a fun setting. We commit to you we will keep these mini reunions up at least once a semester. A special thanks to Dallas Clark ’99 for his help with a tremendous tailgate.

Thank you to Jon Sherrod, Jim Warf, Josh Lewis, Chris Antonelli, Nick Latsios, Bobby Prince, Tad Blackburn, Dutch Holland, Travis Hughes, Frank Dingle, Vern Wilkens, Darren Maydian, Chris Noe, Judge Charlton, Shawn Callahan, and Darrell Dudley for making this a great turnout. We even saw Sterling Sweeney and Mark Townsend at the basketball game with their families. We use Facebook mostly to communicate these events, but we promise we will get the word out via email next time to ensure everyone is aware, as well.

We have some great updates this time around. I will start with Joey Dubose, who I connected with this winter. Joey retired from the Air Force and is now in Austin, Texas, where he works at the University of Texas at Austin as a trauma and vascular surgeon. What’s even more exciting is he and his wife, Leah, welcomed their daughter, Jolie, to the world in July. So, yeah, Joey is a surgeon that is adapting to life as a 48-year-old first-time dad. He sent his regrets for missing the reunion, but with a 4-month-old at the time in a new job, it was just too much.

I think we will give him a pass this time. Congratulations, Joey and Leah!

Phil Alicea, who is living in Jacksonville, Florida, was just promoted to be the assistant chief of patrol, commander of zone 2, where he will be responsible for 155 police officers with an area population of 180,000 citizens. Phil was the leader of the Jacksonville SWAT team over the past few years, which was much longer of a leadership tenure than normal for that job. So, if you ever get into trouble in Jacksonville, give him a call. Congratulations, Phil!

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Class of 1996: On post for the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game are (from left) Chris Antonelli, Vern Wilkens, Frank Dingle, and Jon Dano.

Class of 1996: Having dinner at Salerno’s in Lexington are (from left) Chris Noe, Chris Antonelli, Vern Wilkens, Josh Lewis, Bobby Prince, Shawn Callahan, Frank Dingle, Jon Dano, Travis Hughes, and Nick Latsios.

Class of 1996: Josh Lewis, Jon Dano, Nick Latsios, Jon Sherrod, and Jim Warf show their ’96 pride at the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game.

Congratulations to our very own Barron Mills! After spending the past three years primarily putting his time into the role of executive director for the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses, he has taken on two new combined roles. He is now the executive director for the Florida Photonics Cluster and the director of the Industrial Affiliates Program for The College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. Photonics is a new industry for Barron, but it pulls him back into the world of innovation that he enjoys. All this still keeps him planted in Orlando as far as living goes.

Nick spoke with J.J. Rivera and got an update on the corps of cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy.

The corps is locked on, and J.J. has now been promoted to the chief of staff, where he will continue the improvements with the faculty. This is great work. J.J. is clearly making us all proud, shaping a generation of future leaders. Congratulations, J.J.!

Congratulations to Ryan McCarthy on being named dean’s scholar in residence at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. At Maxwell, he is serving as a strategic adviser, subject matter expert, and mentor. Additionally, he will provide lectures, participate in Maxwell’s National Security Management Seminar, and lead a graduate-level seminar during fall term 2022.

You may have seen in the news that Mike Waltz welcomed a baby boy named Armie! We all know Mike is a busy man, but I think Armie will bring him great joy while he continues to serve our nation in the legislative branch. Congratulations, Mike!

Rob Sherwood provided an update in early January that BR Doug Bartlett, who lives near the area of the big fires that occurred in Colorado, is OK, though the fires came very close, and his family has some

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes frankly scary pictures. Just know, BRs, if any of us end up in a crisis such as this one, we got your back.

In December, John Dwyer, who serves as the director of the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency, was featured in an article that highlighted the Illinois Air National Guard Headquarters earning the 2020 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award. This award has extra significance due to this unit’s efforts during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Great leadership, John; congratulations!

Finally, I caught up with Vern Wilkens, who informed me that during the pandemic, he gained over 250 pounds. Needless to say, he knew he needed to take action and went on an all-meat diet over the course of 10 months, which has got him back down to a healthy weight. Congratulations, Vern, on your perseverance through this challenge.

That’s it for this edition of class notes. As always, we are both in the Philadelphia area, so if you are ever close to Philly, please let us know.

Please reach out, let us know how you are doing, and of course, if you need anything.

All the Best to You and Your Families, Jon and Nick

able to fly into our reunion in October—or at least stand by with a medevac.

You know you are over two years into a global pandemic when Australia decides to let its residents finally leave its continental island after total isolation for 24 months, travel to a country with an unusually high caseload, and let that island resident return to Australia. This is exactly what happened to Brother Rat Jim Rodgers, who took a break from serving in the Australian Army and made his way to Summerville, South Carolina, in February, where he rendezvoused with Jeremy King and Max Hopkins at the King homestead.

Jeremy is still a lifelong Westinghouse employee,

1998

1997

Joseph Bates Jr.

David M. Hudock

Gentlemen of the Old Corps! This officially marks the first class notes entry of the year in which we will celebrate our 25th Reunion. In honor of that future occasion, I will keep this entry refreshingly short, as I am sure our event this coming fall will be of such epic proportions that I will be writing about it for years. So why waste the space now?

For the sake of brevity, let’s start in my new hometown, Washington, D.C., where our Brother Rat Steve Jones is keeping the Potomac corridor safe while performing an active duty tour with his National Guard unit in support of “a local aviation unit.” While this is admittedly cryptic, he did stress that “nothing beats flying less than 200 feet above the Potomac River.” I’ll take his word for it, since almost anything beats standing next to it. Thanks for the note, Steve, and I hope you’re

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and Max is slowly making his way through the Alumni Association ranks, executing diabolical class-plan “alpha,” which involves the inevitable and total takeover of all things by members of the Class of 1997. Good to see you all together in one place. Hopefully, Jim didn’t burn his only off-island trip of the year and can still return this fall for the 25th!

Mike Belenky cruised through town in February to visit his mom and brother in Annapolis and carved out some time to meet me for dinner. He was on his way back to Germany from a trip to Texas, where he attended the Army’s Commander’s Course. He, Blythe, and the kids are finishing up their Germany tour this spring and will return to North Carolina’s paradise-on-earth, Fort Bragg, where Mike will assume command of the Army’s 44th Medical Brigade. His skills will be in high demand when the mac and cheese starts flying at the 25th. Good seeing you, Mike, and safe travels.

As promised, this entry is a quick one; if it were any shorter, we’d call it a Nick Elliott. Start clearing your calendars (and your attorney’s calendar) for the upcoming 25th in October, and I look forward to seeing each of you this fall. Enjoy your summers!

Class of 1997: Gathering in South Carolina in February to celebrate Jim Rodgers’ return to the northern hemisphere are (from left) Max Hopkins, Jim Rodgers, and Jeremy King.

Class of 1997: Steve Jones flying past the Washington Monument last fall.

Hello again from Lexington, Virginia, where we continue living it up in Rockbridge County.

I hope this all finds you well, as I have little to report in terms of submissions again, but we shall plug away.

Thierry and Jess LeMercier had us over this recently, and we shared some drinks with Christian and Chasity Craft, who were in town celebrating her birthday and attending the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game. I am happy to report that Christian has accepted a commission as a U.S. Army Reserve first lieutenant, AMEDD, 66S-critical care nurse at the ripe young age of 45, which makes him the oldest known alumnus to accept a commission that we are aware of! We had a great time learning about his journey and catching up while also discussing our 25th Reunion and the direction we want to go so that everyone will consider participating.

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Class Notes

Class of 1998: Joey Bates, Thierry Lemercier, and Christian Craft at the Abigail Inn.

Class of 1998: The Bates, Craft, and Lemercier families gather at the Abigail Inn.

sharing the update; it looks like you Paul Moosman is still teaching guys had a great time! I am making biology at the “I,” and he shared an a public land pilgrimage to Florida update along with a few pictures. He for the opening of turkey season. recently got back from a week of pig Stay in touch; we are pretty close hunting on public land in Florida now! with his roomies, Matt Bertsch and A group of us has started comPete Pembrook. The trio had been municating about the 25th Reunion, discussing a trip like this for quite and as of this submission, I have some time, but Paul said that it took sent a mass email to the most recent Mike’s death to make them realemail addresses the Alumni Assoize that life is short, and they could ciation had for all. If you did not no longer afford to put it off. Paul receive it, please send me a note, says that they learned a lot and had and I will forward it to you. We are some close calls with pigs but ultiputting together small committees mately did not come home with any (like Ring Figure) moving forward bacon, although they did turn some and will be adjusting our approach squirrels into a delicious cassoulet their last day in the woods. He also Class of 1998: Paul Moosman, Matt Bertsch, and Pete Pembrook hog every five years to meet the needs and requests of the class, but it is said they spent every night around hunting in Florida. our sincere hope that we can listen the campfire sharing stories about to feedback, change the approach, and encour“Mikey,” and the trip was so awesome they are age everyone to come back and have a good time already planning for next year. Paul, thanks for moving forward.

With that, I humbly leave you in the bonds. I hope you are well, and when you read these in August 2022, take a few minutes to shoot me an email, Facebook message, or text message so that I have more to share. ’98, ’98, ’98.

1999

Jay Witt

Class of 1998: Christian Craft accepting his commission.

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Class of 1998: Paul Moosman, Matt Bertsch, and Pete Pembrook squirrel hunting in Florida.

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Class of 1999,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes It was a busy winter for most of us, so it was especially nice to get a quick note from several of our brother rats.

I was able to catch up briefly with BR Nate Lada. Nate was in the Lexington area to catch a game and inspect all the new construction on post.

Jordan Brandon has been busy in his field of endeavor, working with the Virginia legislature to bring business to and create jobs in the Commonwealth. Jordan’s work helped bring a new produce packing facility to Brunswick County that will help former tobacco farmers transition into the fast-growing market for organic vegetables.

Congratulations, Jordan, and great work!

Barry Williams dropped a quick update noting that all is well with him and his family and that he will be attending the Army War College this summer. If anyone is in the area, Barry says he’d love to catch up.

Brother Rat Ryan Thompson welcomed his newborn son, Hudson, into the VMI family Nov. 5, 2021. Congratulations, Ryan!

In other exciting news, BR Jason Berg was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Dec. 1 of last year. Jason was promoted by Maj. Gen. Bowers ’90 and is currently serving as the assistant chief of staff G-3 (operations) for Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

BRs, please keep the Alumni Association informed of your updated contact information.

Changes/updates can be sent to Norma Robinson at nrobinson@vmiaa.org or to me. I look forward to speaking with each of you soon, but until then, all the best to you and your families, and Rah Virginia Mil! Jay

Class of 1999: U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason Berg and his family at his promotion ceremony this past December.

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2000

Chris Abbott

Scotty Martin has shifted careers to become an aspiring actor and musician. He is currently attending John Casablancas model and talent agency; look for his videos and content on Facebook.

John Archer is still in Boise, Idaho, with his third son (Eli) about to finish high school. He’s been accepted to VMI but hasn’t fully made his decision yet; he has a girlfriend going to Clemson who has him all confused about life at the moment. Other than that, just spending too much time battling the current supply chain challenges impacting the construction business in one of the hottest American markets.

Don Ferguson and his wife, Alisa, celebrated the birth of their third child in October, Marion Grace Ferguson. He’s decided to push out retirement till 70, since he now has a 19-year-old, 8-year-old, and newborn.

World problems were discussed during a mini gathering with Jay Kearney, Will Warthen, and Jim Boatright. Ideas were proposed, but the final solutions came after the second case of beer.

Not to be outdone, Matt McComas recently wined and dined Shawn Segreti, Eric Schnabel, Christian Arllen, and Jimmy Sheldon to mint the largest gathering thus far in 2022. No picture for proof, but consumption consisted of wine, bourbon, beer. Topics of discussion were the recently binged “Sopranos,” which he had never watched before. Pop culture references of the past decade now make more sense, and he is deciding whether to join the world problemsolvers club above.

Jon Palmer launched a rocket and captured the payload to put a new satellite in orbit for Space Force. (This has not been independently verified, but his LinkedIn picture indicated it is true.)

Will Beverlin is now a director of both construction and purchasing at a real estate investment company (flipper). He is starting his second year in racing to honor his fallen step-son, Evan Sabine, with Almost Home Motorsports, and he helped his sister launch a brand-new

Class of 2000: Will Ward and his wife campaigning for a judge seat in Texas. barbershop last month (Fade for Glory Barbershop), which is going gangbusters! He recently celebrated his five-year wedding anniversary with Ann Marie this past December.

Charlie Townes and his wife, Rebekah, had their first child Nov. 29, 2021—8 pounds, 12 ounces. Congratulations and wishes for a happy and healthy baby!

Brent Kennedy bought a house in Honolulu last year. He is feeling lonely and isolated from his VMI brothers but has recently met a member of the Class of ’02 who remembers Brent from the RDC. They now have weekly “date” nights. He is currently working at U.S. IndoPacific Command as the J4 Exercise Branch chief. Brent, we all want to come visit you for date night.

As mentioned in the last Review, Will Ward is still running for judge of the 368th District Court in Williamson County, Texas. In his spare time, he has been using 23andMe, and believes he has made the full linkage between Sasquatch and Beau Mason. Asking him how he did it, he simply replied, “I had to stare at a lot of pics of Beau ... for a long time. I could feel him looking back at me.”

B.J. Arvin was voted one of the Knox County Schools (Tennessee) Teachers of the Year for 2022. Don O’Sullivan has requested that all apples be sent to his wife so that she doesn’t have any excuses to not make apple pies.

Paul Belmont is still going strong as an assistant professor of history at West Point and

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Class Notes our 20th Reunion was a resounding sucworking diligently to recruit new and cess! It was (Read: will be) great seeing better versions of me from the ranks everyone! We had a great time catching up of Army captains. His entire squad at and seeing our 2001 family grow—sharhome, from college to kindergarten, are ing the new special people in our lives and doing well. They just bought a house in seeing our children another year closer to honor of Nancy’s and his 20th wedding cadetship! Oh, and remember that joke anniversary and because he felt the Chris Butera told Will Alley about the need to contribute to real estate taxes rabbi, the priest, and the donkey ... classic! in New York.

Just kidding! Miss you, Fr. Chris! SeriousSpeaking of the Don, the O’Sullivan ly, though, a special thank you to Taylor family is doing well. He’s coaching two Mawyer for all his help in reunion planof his kids in soccer and finally starting ning and execution to make the weekend to return to normal from the COVID-19 a momentous occasion. We couldn’t have world. He now leads the U.S. enterprise financial services sales team for Pega.

Class of 2001: Doug Bartlett, former lacrosse coach, fishes done it without you! Now, on to the notes!

Here at the Gelormine house, we’re preI spoke to Brian Skusa recently, and with former player Brad Muston on the Intercoastal Waterparing for the inevitable room vacancy he seems to be doing amazing. I quote, way near Jacksonville, Florida. with our daughter heading off to college.

“I lost 10 pounds in January. Better yet, She has her pick of a number of great I’ve only put 12-13 pounds back on schools, but that doesn’t stop mommy’s since then.” tears from falling. Recently, The Chick’s John Stewart retired from 20 years in song “Wide Open Spaces” created a tythe Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal phoon of emotion from Heather’s tear last January out of U.S. Northern Comducts. There’s truth to that because it mand in Colorado Springs. He lived certainly doesn’t feel like that long ago, a few miles from his VMI roommate, the “would be” Class of ’01 amassed to Nick Harding, while there, but both forever (positively) change VMI history. were so busy they didn’t see each other More to follow. My son, Anthony, finished enough. He has moved to Florida with up his season of middle school basketball the Air Force EOD program as their and is now focusing on hitting the weights, modernization program manager last getting his golf swing back for high school spring on Tyndall Air Force Base. He tryouts, and will try his hand at coaching is currently living in Inlet Beach, so if Little League Baseball. Let’s go! you get to the panhandle, look him up.

Luke Pernotto checks in with the folJeremy Berry is still with Goldman lowing: “After years of wasting my life, I Sachs. His love for the class and VMI Class of 2001: The Fishburne family visiting Scotland. Pichave finally done something exciting and is as strong as ever. tured are Christina (wife), Malcolm, Bella, Augustine, and worthy of Alumni Review publication.

And lastly, it was confirmed on Face- Sam. On July 1, 2021, I retired from the Marine book recently, but Rob Mason may/may Corps. Justin Walskey, Billy Prible, and Steve not have taken on a new identity; please message Skakandy all joined me for the ceremony. Colofor confirmation. nel Turk McCleskey, my commissioning officer, retired me in Moody Hall. The three days before the ceremony, Billy, Steve, and I hiked from New Tony Gelormine Market back to Lexington. It sounds cool on paper, but I will not be doing that ever again. Even though I retired, my wife is still in the Navy. In September, we all moved to Okinawa, Japan. I have been in touch with Mike Butterfield, but with quarantine and moving, we have not linked up yet. In early Hello, Class of 2001, and Hello, Spring!

November, we welcomed our second child, Lillian As you all know, we have to submit our comClass of 2001: Kenny Carmichael with Amanda Pernotto. So, retiring, moving overseas, ments three months ahead of publication, so I Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., U.S. Air Force and having another kid seemed noteworthy!” thought I would take poetic license and make a chief of staff.

Speaking of Steve Skakandy, he reports his few assumptions some 90 days in advance. First,

2001

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Class Notes family returned home as a full unit just before Christmas from Duke Children’s Hospital. Steve tells us: “Our son, Wilhelm, got through his chemo, and the bone marrow, donated by his little sister, officially took. Now it’s a matter of tweaking his medication and making micro adjustments to keep him on the road to recovery. He’s still on ‘lockdown’ for now, but he gets stronger every day. He is a model of grit, determination, and held

Class of 2002: Shawn (Joyce) Wylde at a dinner in Naples, Florida, with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Also in attendance are David DeBruyn, Darian Lafferty, and Matt Mitchell.

Class of 2001: Wilhelm Skakandy and his donor and sister, Lorelei.

Class of 2001: The Kenneth “Shake” Carmichael family. Pictured are (from left) Maliah, Brianna, Aiden, Leaya, Kenneth, and Natasha.

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a never say die attitude when it would have been easier for him to drop his pack. He even executed a proper knife-hand, calling out a doctor when he disagreed with the prognosis! Julia and I thank everyone who reached out with prayers and support during this time. There were some folks that really eased the burden. It went a long way.”

Also overseas, Sam Fishburne checked in from England (still ... lucky man) and is contemplating one more assignment before hanging up his boots.

I’ve heard that story before, Sam. We all wish you the best in whatever you decide!

Kenneth “Shake” Carmichael was recently promoted to the rank of colonel. He is currently the senior executive for the chief information officer of the Department of the Air Force. In July, he’ll be headed to his new job as the J6, CIO, of U.S. CYBERCOM. He’s remarried and has a 17-month-old who keeps him young at heart. He currently resides in Arlington, Virginia, and works at the Pentagon. When he’s not rubbing elbows with the U.S. Air Force chief of staff, he’s being counseled for singing in the hallways. Some things never change!

Sean Collins checked in from Blacksburg, Virginia, where he’s teaching at Virginia Tech and also running a few things on the side tied to technology startups. Just saying, I only charge a 30% finder’s fee, so send me all your good ideas to relay to Sean! Ha! Lastly, back in October, we got a photo in from Brad Muston and lacrosse coach Doug Bartlett,

who checked in with a good day on the water fishing the Intercoastal Waterway near Jacksonville, Florida.

As we all gear up for summer, please remember to send along any fun excursions or momentous events life throws your way! It’s great to hear from so many of you. Although social media keeps most of us current and connected, it’s my privilege to share our collective adventures with you all once a quarter. Stay healthy, stay strong, and see you in the countermarch!

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, Is it summer 2022 already?! I hope you and yours are having a good 2022 so far. For the next edition of the Review, please send me your reunion pictures!

On to the notes! I mentioned during the last class notes that Alex Haseley met up with James Howard over Memorial Day weekend 2021 at the Lincoln Memorial. I continue to work on petitioning the Institute to have the dog tag memorial flag fly at VMI one day soon. I wanted to include a photo of Alex and James.

Shawn (Joyce) Wylde paid for Brother Rats

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Class Notes

2003 William Talley V

Class of 2002: Darian Lafferty, Matt Mitchell, David DeBruyn, and Shawn (Joyce) Wylde in Naples, Florida, at a dinner meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Class of 2002: James Howard (left), founder of VAU Veterans and Athletes, met up with Alex Haseley at the Lincoln Memorial where the VetAU Memorial was on display.

Darian Lafferty, Matt Mitchell, and David DeBruyn to attend a dinner in Naples, Florida, with former United States President Donald Trump. At the dinner, Shawn successfully negotiated a deal with Mr. Trump to handle all his merchandise.

Congratulations to Shawn for his many amazing successes and triumphs. David Debruyn is a proud husband and father and is also Shawn’s personal attorney, who manages all of Shawn’s legal work for him. Darian Lafferty and Matt Mitchell are also doing well.

Again, I hope all is well with you and yours, and Rah Virginia Mil! In the Spirit, Salmaan

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Brother Rats, I’m continuing with my tradition of putting these together at the last minute. I guess that is the same as my days in barracks when there were midnight study sessions before a Col. Bush accounting test the next morning.

At any rate, when this set of notes hits your mailbox, it will be mid-May. The big news that you should already be aware of are the dates for our 20th Reunion, April 14-15, 2023. When this weekend comes, despite what our kids already tell us, we’ll officially be old! Anybody who is having or has had a spring reunion is definitely getting up there in age. If this date is not already earmarked on your calendar, stop reading, go do it, and then come back. This weekend is sure to be a great one that will be filled with camaraderie. More details to follow toward the end of 2022.

Since the last set of notes, we’ve had a very notable accomplishment by a member of our class. Lara Chambers gave the commencement address for the December graduation at VMI. I posted the YouTube video on our class Facebook and encourage you to watch it if you haven’t already. Lara did a wonderful job and represented not only herself and the Institute but also our class extremely well. I’ve not compiled the list, but I think it’s safe to say the list of alumni who have also delivered an address at a VMI graduation is not a long one.

In late November, we had a good group gather and tailgate for the last home football game.

Phil Harris and his daughter, Kennedy; Paul and Lindsey Quinn and their three children; Blake and Jennifer Traina and their two boys; Phil and Angee Kerns and their three children; Brandon and Audrey Matthews and their two children; and me and my three kids all caught up for the day. While the game didn’t turn out as any of us would have liked, the food, fellowship, and stories exceeded all expectations, with children ranging in age from 17 to 3 years old. I also caught up with Phil Harris and his

Class of 2003: Gathering at a tailgate before the last football game of the season are Blake Traina, Phil Kerns, Paul Quinn, Brandon Matthews, and Bill Talley. Not pictured is Phil Harris.

Class of 2003: Lara Tyler Chambers spoke at December commencement at VMI.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Class of 2003: Phil Harris and Bill Talley V caught up at a basketball game with their families in December 2021.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Pretty weird. So, happy 20th to what is still the best class both in and out of barracks. Everyone is still in my prayers. All the best!”

Shore Stokes and Kirk Stokes gathered in Virginia with their families over the Christmas holiday. Kirk flew in from Singapore with his wife, Claris, and Shore drove in from Iowa with his wife, Tara, and their two boys. This was their first time together since the pandemic began. Kirk and Claris are now married and are also expecting their first child later this year, so there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. Oh, and next time any of you see Shore, make sure you ask him about being stuck in his car for 24 hours on I-95 during a snowstorm!

Joshua Simulcik checks in with a quick update: “The Army published its Army Climate Strategy Feb. 8, and I am very proud to have been part of the writClass of 2003: Paul and Lindsey Quinn enjoy the fall weather ing team for it. As the Operation Energy with their children at the last home football game. team lead supporting CDID, I have been involved in a number of Army and DoDScott E. Campbell Haenny wrote to me back Feb. 9: “I am in my level energy and sustainability initiatives that are sixth year of Catholic priesthood, stationed for the really starting to gain significant traction.” Keep up the great work, Josh! last three in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with a parish Tom Ferrara writes in from Virginia: “Susan, of about 450 and principal of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic K-12 school there. Since I am a Anthony (5), and I have been in Lorton, Virginia, Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the priest, my first thought is usually, ‘What time do while I work at the Pentagon over the last twoClass of 2004.

I need to say Mass today?’ Instead, today, the first and-a-half years. I worked in Checkmate (an Air thought that came to mind was, ‘It’s February ... ah, our Breakout date must be getting close.’ And it’s not like I ever think about that at all. So, then I Tom Hardinge started thinking and thought about the date, and it dawned on me that not only was it 20 years since, but I then realized that today was the anniversary. wife, Deborah, and their girls a few weeks later for a basketball game where they celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cameron Hall. The Keydets got a win that afternoon on the court, and I think Phil and Deborah’s youngest, Kennedy, had a blast trying out Snapchat filters on me during the game.

The end of 2021 was a bit of blur, and the beginning of 2022 has been, as well.

I ran into Kennon Kincaid at a youth wrestling meet in January. He’s helping coach, and his two boys are both wrestling. He seemed to be doing well and looked as fit as ever. Other than that, things have been pretty quiet among our class ranks as far as I’m aware. I didn’t get any submissions or updates since the last set of notes. So, when you get these, remember to send me photos, updates, jokes, stories, something! Until then, Rah Virginia Mil, ’03, ’03, ’03!

2004

2005

Timothy Johnson

Greetings, Brother Rats!

May is upon us once again, and with it comes another anniversary of our graduation from the “Mother I”—hard to believe it’s been 17 years!

I hope each of you takes a moment to reflect and appreciate how far we’ve all come since that fateful day.

Speaking of anniversaries, Father Brandon

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Class of 2005: Sam and Melanie Mielnik with their son, Luka.

Class of 2005: Tim and Morgan Allmond with their son, Tim Allmond III.

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Class Notes Stafford, Virginia; still working as an OB Force strategy organization), which was very nurse; and training for my first half-marathon exciting. This summer, we’re moving out to this spring.” Colleen, good luck on the maraBeale Air Force Base in northern California, thon, and we greatly appreciate what you where I’ll take command of the 9th Intelliand all professional health care workers do gence Squadron.” for us!

Congratulations for Tim Allmond and his Nate Parsons sent in a photo and said, “I wife, Morgan, are in order for the birth of recently met up with Burgess Lindsey, Will their first son. “His name is Tim Allmond Davis, Todd Baldwin, and others at Red Leg the third. He was born June 23, 2021, after in the Springs. Burgess and Will flew out to 12 hours of labor, weighing 7 pounds and see it and visit Todd (in Colorado Springs, 9 ounces. He already knows the VMI fight Colorado, where Todd owns the Red Leg song, and when he gets out of line, I will Brewing Company). There were other make him strain!” Bravo, Tim and Morgan! alumni there, to include Tripp Phumphrey’s I also heard from a first-time contributor, brother, a 2011 grad; Patrick Wentzel ’10; Sam Mielnik, with a life update to share and Cliff Crittsinger ’64, a Silver Star rewith everyone: “I work for an asset managecipient from Vietnam. I’m still living in Colment firm, PIMCO, in Newport Beach on orado. I’m on my fifth year with Southwest the retirement team, and I’ve been married to and my fifth year with the Colorado Springs my wife Melanie for six years. We relocated reserves.” from New York City to Huntington Beach, Andrew Upshaw and I exchange text mesCalifornia, and have been living here by the Class of 2005: Shore Stokes and Kirk Stokes reunited sages frequently. Andrew said, “I’m currentbeach since 2015, enjoying all that Surf City with their families at Christmas. ly on a mission up in Lithuania, and I was has to offer. We are an active family and enjoy beach volleyball, mountain biking, surf- in that arena. I work mostly in traffic-related of- able to reconnect with Jonas Narbutas, who lives in Vilnius. He looks great and is doing very well ing, and skiing. After a few years of trying and a fenses. I receive regular phone calls from Brian working for a startup there. He told me to pass on successful IVF pregnancy, we just welcomed our McGill, who moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. his regards to everyone in the class back home.” first child and son, Luka Mikelle Mielnik, home. We spoke on the phone two days ago while he Jonathan Everiss was kind enough to send in his Both mom and dad are Division I athletes and are was unpacking some things. He seems excited looking forward to raising him in an active house- about the change of scenery. He has a great expla- update with a neat story. Per Jon, “I am doing well and living in Northern Virginia. I took a position hold.” Congrats to you both, and great to hear nation for his move: ‘Why not?’ (His work allows him great freedom in location).” as a special agent with the Department of Energy from you, Sam! Colleen (Logan) Barton reached out and said a little over a year ago. Onboarding and starting a That’s all for this quarter, brother rats. Big thanks to everyone who reached out. I have a few that she is busy with her kids and “still living in new job during COVID-19 has been interesting, but I am enjoying the new job and a new federal more stories already in the hopper for next time, agency. Still in the Army Reserve, and I will hit but please continue to keep those updates rolling 18 years in May. I know several other BRs are in in. Obviously, it’s hard for me to personally stay in touch with everyone, so don’t be afraid to reach out with any new and exciting life events I can relay to the rest of the class.

As always, stay safe and be well.

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

2006

Will Collier

Brother Rats of the Epically Awesome Class of 2006, Jackson Todd reported that “I work as an attorney in Fort Myers, Florida, and am keeping busy

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Class of 2006: Dr. Steven Abramedis ’50B and Jonathan Everiss at a dinner over the holidays in Annapolis.

Class of 2006: Jonas Narbutas and Andrew Upshaw in Lithuania.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2006: Burgess Lindsey, Patrick Wentzel ’10, Nathan Parsons, Todd Baldwin, Will Davis, Cliff Crittsinger ’64, and Tripp Pumphrey ’11 caught up at Baldwin’s Red Leg Brewery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. the same position, and it is just crazy to think by the next reunion, several of us will probably be retired from the military. In the last year or so, not including the reunion, I have either seen or talked with Sean Wolf (who just welcomed a baby girl a little over a year ago), Jason Long, Charlie Brennan, Mike Carney, Brad Bascope, and Ben Chovanec. All seem to be doing well and staying busy.

Also, I wanted to share a quick story. My wife and I went to visit some friends for Thanksgiving in Annapolis. They invited their neighbor, ‘Doctor Steve,’ over for dinner. He was Doctor Steven Abramedis ’50B. We had a great time swapping stories and comparing our times at the ‘I.’ While plenty was different between 1950 and 2006, an awful lot was the same!”

Your BR, Will

Western Hunt Ridge under the block name “VMI Class of 2007.” Details are still being planned among myself and the GC crew, but when you read these class notes, all should be finalized.

Make a big effort to attend this milestone reunion.

We were very sad to announce that at the age of 36, Ryan Branham (Chesapeake, Virginia) passed away Dec. 19, 2021. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Gone much too soon, brother rat.

Andrew Timpner and his husband, Matt Fitzgerald, adopted their daughter, Daniella, this past June. Then, in December, Andrew received verbal orders to become executive officer of USS Billings (LCS 15) Gold Crew in Mayport, Florida.

Congrats, Andrew!

Jonathon Woloshuk and his family (Molly and Olivia) have been living in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area since 2018 when he left active duty. In late 2019, he joined Kraft Heinz Co. as an area production manager and the night plant superintendent. He just recently received a promotion and has become the continuous improvement manager for the plant. In mid-2021, he finished his S3 and executive officer time with an observer coach/trainers battalion out of Indianapolis, Indiana, and he was selected to become a Command and General Staff Officer College instructor for the Michigan region with the U.S. Army Reserve.

This concludes the notes for this quarter. Cheers, all, and see you at the reunion!

In the Bonds, Maury Denton

2007

Maury Denton

Brother Rats, Greetings from Richmond, Virginia. The weather is turning; VMI basketball season is finishing up soon; and the rats just had Breakout, officially creating the Class of 2025. I actually have a cousin, Harrison Williams ’25, in this new class, and he is super stoked to be a cadet now. Now, here are the major updates for this quarter.

Our 15th Reunion is set for Sept. 16-18, so make sure to reserve your hotel rooms at the Best

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Class of 2007: Andrew Timpner with his daughter, Daniella.

2008

Robert Hill

The last time I started to write these notes, I received a message on Facebook from Joe Brennan asking if he could just send a message through Facebook for the class notes. I simply replied, “Yes,” and then didn’t get a response before submitting the notes. Joe’s submissions were few, but I, like many of you, enjoyed hearing about his success in the art business. Joe’s obituary is available in the Taps section of this publication. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to support Joe’s family, drop me a line, and I’ll put you in touch with Joe’s sister, Sarah. Speaking of Joe’s sister, she had everyone laughing and crying at the same time during Joe’s service. I was joined at the service by Ed Griffiths, Nate Bellisimo, Chris Lomicka, Joel Enterline, and Rebecca (Cromwell) Ormont ’09.

I also want to pass on the passing of Brittany Thornton Faizi. Brittany is the daughter of our honorary brother rat, Master Sgt. Randolph Thornton (HBR). A special thank you to Bradley Simpson ’09 for alerting me and helping to coordinate flowers on behalf of the class.

We’ve had a few BRs expand their families in the last couple of months. Jared Siebenaler and wife Natalie welcomed their son, Everett, Nov. 8, 2021. Just two days later, I’m sure Jared and Everett were celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps birthday!

Robert Kelly and wife Tiffany welcomed their first, Katherine Yong-Rose, Jan. 18, 2022. Arriving at 10:49 a.m., Katherine tipped the scale at 6-and-a-half pounds and measured 18-and-a-half inches long.

Andrew Czaplicki was recently reassigned as the battalion S3 for the Petersburg-based 276th Engineer Battalion. The Czaplickis sold their home in South Stafford and are building a new house in Spotsylvania—pretty much the other side of the I-95. They are expecting another baby boy due in June. Andrew mentioned Tim Green recently moved to North Carolina, just outside of Durham.

Chip Chace married the former Ms. Brittany Chason Dec. 2, 2021. Chip and Brittany reside in

147

Class Notes the Fork Union area, and Chip has been working at Fork Union Military Academy since 2019 and is actively involved in coaching various extracurricular activities.

Lauren and I are in the process of building a new home (we started the process back in March 2021).

I’m hoping that by the time I submit the next notes in May, we’ve moved into our new home in Hershey. I also recently took over as the department chief for the Dauphin County Hazardous Materials Response Team.

Just a friendly reminder, you don’t need to wait until the 15th of May, August, November, or February to drop me a note. I hope to hear from a few more of you next time!

Rah Virginia Mil!

2009

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats: I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had a lot of interactions with our class this go-around.

A warm felt congratulations goes out to Rammy Barbari. On Dec. 11, 2021, Rammy married Michelle Machado in Miami, Florida.

The wedding was well-attended by many of our brother rats.

Another congrats goes out to the Handler family. George Handler and his wife, Megan, welcomed their third child, Michael Carroll Handler II. Michael was born in December, and everyone is doing well.

Michelle DeLeon reached out to tell me the DeLeon family will be relocating from Virginia this summer after five years. They will be headed to either New Mexico or Alabama. Michelle and her horse, Rue, qualified to compete at the American Eventing Championships last August, but an injury kept them from the show ring.

Class of 2009: The Handler family with their recent addition, Michael Carroll Handler II.

Class of 2009: Michael Carroll Handler II.

Class of 2008: Jared and Natalie Siebenaler with their son, Everett.

Class of 2008: Chip Chace and Brittany Chason were married Dec. 2, 2021.

148

Class of 2009: Rammy Barbari and his wife, Michelle, hanging out with all the Keydets.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Despite geographic distance and keeping busy, Michelle, Holly Giaccolone (Yoffe), Chelsie Kosecki, and Amanda Moore all keep in touch regularly and managed to link up for a week last summer in Massachusetts.

Well, that about does it for this edition of the notes. I hope to hear a lot more from you in the coming months. Please let me know what you all are up to so I can share it with the class. Stay safe, my people.

Class of 2009: Michelle Lukenbill DeLeon and her family.

2010

Brandon Page Kilian Landersman

Greg Fiasconaro is currently getting a master’s degree in global security at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He’s also playing hockey over there. Good luck with your studies, bud!

Chris Zarycki also reached out to say hi. He didn’t have much to update but added that he’s working for the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, in Lakehurst, New Jersey, which sounds pretty cool.

Mike Purpura got married! He was married in sunny San Juan Capistrano, California, but had to keep it small due to COVID-19 (same, Mike), then honeymooned in Switzerland, which is awesome! What wasn’t awesome was the fact that both he and his wife caught the “’rona” and had to quarantine before coming home. They’re in fine health now. Congratulations, buddy.

Paul Woo is doing well, still living in Pecos County, Texas, as a deputy sheriff in the city of Fort Stockton. He was accepted into the U.S. Marshal’s task force for that area. I was able to catch up with him while we were at a funeral for a fellow deputy who passed in the line of duty. It wasn’t a great event to have to catch up with anybody, but it was great to see my old partner again.

This is all I got for this month, so until next time, BRs, stay safe!

2022-Issue 2

Class of 2010: Mike Purpura and his wife, Christina Mendez, in Switzerland.

2011 Thomas H. Pace

Brother Rats, I hope everyone’s year is off to a great start.

To all the military relocating this summer, my wife and I are in Fort Worth, Texas, and you are always welcome to crash at our place along the move.

I got a call from Fredy Jurkowitsch. His new reserve duty is in Fort Worth at the Joint Reserve Base Carswell, which shares the runway with the Lockheed plant where I work. I’m

looking forward to catching up with him at his next reserve duty.

Kara Noble is currently at Fort Leavenworth and moving to Fort Campbell this summer. Her husband is active duty Army. She started a new job this past fall as a finance manager for Fintech Company. They welcomed their daughter this past April! She says it’s been a busy but exciting time for her family, and they wish they got to see everyone at the reunion.

Chris Cashen is living the dad life in South Carolina and says, “Life is good.”

I also caught up with Stefanie Szymanik, who’s married now and has a 2-year-old daughter named Mila. She’s working at Booz Allen Hamilton in the Northern Virginia area.

Matt Talbott accepted a position as an assistant professor of emergency medicine in Galveston, Texas. It’s only a five-hour drive from my place, which our wives say isn’t far enough. He recently met up with Chris Curtis in San Diego where they practiced their rifle manual in front of the mirror.

Paul Baik and his wife welcomed their first daughter Jan. 19, Isabella Soyoon Baik.

Aaron Castro wanted to share that since leaving active duty, it was always about trying to find the right fit. He had started working as a contractor for a startup professional rugby league called Major League Rugby in 2018.

In spring 2019, he went back to school to get his master’s degree in sports law and business from Arizona State University (graduated summer 2020). COVID-19 obviously had a huge effect on rugby and sports globally. After four years of contract work, he accepted the fulltime position of competitions manager and started work in earnest at the end of November to prepare for the fifth season, which kicked off Feb. 5. The crazy thing was that 48 hours before receiving the call, he had just completed his first Ironman in 15:28.

Congrats, Aaron; that is awesome. Most of us are just rocking the dad bods, looking back on our glory years.

Nate Hefner and his wife, Jacquie, went to Moab, Utah, at Arches National Park. Their South Africa vacation was canceled due to Omicron, so when they decided to go skiing

149

Class Notes and hiking out West, he thought, “I gotta take the VMI flag with me on this little yut run.” He says, “Rah Virginia Mil! Miss you guys and gals.”

Colin Sexton finished a winter move to Fort Polk, Louisiana, working as the operations officer of the 46th Engineer Battalion. His family is settling in well, and the bass fishing is great. He works with Tyler Davis ’13 in the 46th Engineer Battalion. He wants to pass along to the class that “any BRs whose units end up doing a JTFC rotation should reach out. I can help stock them with pogey bait for their time in the box.”

Chris Forbes ran up Chimney Top Mountain in Frozen Head State Park, where it brought back some House Mountain vibes, but he said Class of 2011: Aaron Castro completes an Iron Man. he sucked a billion times more. His dog runs trails with him and wears his VMI sweatshirt. Chris and his wife are excited to announce they are having a baby this year!

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Pace

2012

Shaun, and we wish you and your entire family well wishes and good health—along with some extra patience!

Joey Fleshman will be heading to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the fall. Joey will be the TRAINO while stationed in Norfolk, so any BRs in the area, be sure to reach out come summer’s end. Good luck with the new job!

Matthew Dickinson graduated from the Aerospace and Defense Master of Business Administration program at the University of Tennessee in December. As part of the program, he earned his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and his capstone project was one of two selected as the top project in the class. Matt is excited to put his degree to work in his role as an operations manager for a software company in the defense industry. He will be joining eight other VMI alumni at his new job opportunity, which is always a perk! Matt will continue to live in Fredericksburg, and I know he is looking forward to the 10th Reunion this fall. Congratulations on the degree and the new job!

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well.

Chance McConnell married Madalyn Parr from Virginia in November 2020. The happy couple welcomed a baby boy into the world this past November, Sterling MacKenzie McConnell. Welcome to the VMI family!

Daniel Vaden is currently at Fort Sill in Oklahoma completing training for a counter rocket and mortar mission to Iraq. Dan plans to leave Fort Sill in February to head to the Middle East and is returning in December 2022. He sends his regards that unfortunately due to the deployment, he will not be at our reunion but hopes someone in the class can step up and take the courageous action of drinking a beer on his behalf. Hopefully, we can find someone who is up to the challenge! Best of luck, Daniel!

150

Class of 2012: Chance McConnell and his wife, Madalyn.

Shaun Ruark and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl into the Class of 2012 family. Shaun’s daughter, Reagan Delaney Ruark, was born this past December and is the youngest of three children in the Ruark family! Congratulations,

Class of 2012: Matt Dickinson and his wife, Tivoli.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes By the time this edition of the Review comes out, I am hoping everyone should have received information regarding the reunion.

Each member of the class should have been contacted by an assigned representative from the Reunion Committee. If you have any questions or feel as though you are missing out on reunion information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing all of you the weekend of Sept. 16-17.

Take care, and until next time!

In the Bonds, Bruce

2021. Kate is currently teaching kindergarten, and Sean is serving in the Marine Corps. They’re stationed in Quantico for the time being but preparing for a move back to Hawaii this summer!

Robert Kanter and his wife, Danielle, are expecting a baby boy around May 5, 2022. By the

2013

Charles Jones

Class of 2013: Murphy Collins Noll, daugh-

2013, ter of Sean and Kate Noll, was born Dec. As I write these notes, the Corps of Cadets 9, 2021. just recently completed another Breakout Feb. 5, marking the success of our great-great-grandrats time this edition of class notes is written and completing their time in the Rat Line. By the time you’re reading this, he’ll likely have already been Class of 2013: Sean Noll and his daughter, this edition gets mailed out, our great-grandrats born, so don’t hesitate to reach out to Robert to Quinn, cheering at a recent track meet at (the Class of 2022) will be receiving their diplocongratulate him! the new indoor track at VMI. mas and graduating. As we approach the year I recently caught up with Mike Scaplehorn and 2023, we approach 10 years since Evan Dill. They’ve volunteered graduating, and a tremendous to come aboard and help with amount has changed on post. some of the class agent outreach A great way to stay up to speed efforts and 10th Reunion planwith all that’s happening on post ning. A Zoom “meeting” quickly is through the VMI Alumni Asturned into the three of us drinksociation weekly update. You can ing beer and catching up. Mike access those updates here: vmialis living in Springfield, Virginia, umni.org/vmi-updates-regardingand working for the Navy in an current-events/. Another way to officer recruiting role. Evan transee all the positive changes at sitioned out of the Navy and has VMI is by visiting and seeing been working in the tech industry some of the phenomenal infrarecently. Evan also let us know structure improvements yourself. that he’s engaged!

If you have the time and ability to For anyone else who would like do so, I encourage you to! to get involved in class commuSean and Kate Noll took the nications, reunion planning, etc., time recently to visit post. They please don’t hesitate to reach out took their two daughters, Quinn to me. We’re looking at creative and Murphy, to see the Institute different ways to ensure the class and attend a track meet in the new is as informed and connected as facility. Their daughter, Quinn, possible and ensuring that, as Class of 2013: Sean Noll and his daughter, Quinn, at the sentinel box during is now 2 years old, and Murphy a recent trip to VMI. we approach the 10th Reunion Collins Noll was born Dec. 9, in fall 2023, we can maximize

2022-Issue 2

151

Class Notes the engagement and involvement Virginia Beautiful, a statewide enof the entire class. Some folks vironmental nonprofit. If Johnny have voiced a desire to have a doesn’t already hold some kind of class page/channel on a messagrecord for hosting beautification ing app like Signal, WhatsApp, and cleanup events in Virginia, Slack, Wickr, etc., so those withthis will certainly help push him out traditional social media such over that threshold. as Facebook or Instagram have Ben Kier is finishing company a better way to connect with evcommand at Fort Campbell, eryone. We’re working on setting Kentucky, and will be PCSing up a channel through Wickr and to D.C. to work in the Pentagon. should have it established over He is very much looking forward the next few months. If you’re into maximizing BR spirit with the terested in the details, please send Virginia F-Troopers. me an email, and I’ll forward you Clayton Gant and his wife had the information. their second daughter, Gianna, Class of 2014: Ben Kier with his wife; brother, Zachariah Kier ’11; and his Lastly, as always, please don’t family. in December 2021. Gianna apthink twice about reaching out to pears to already have a full head me if you have any updates/concerns/etc. I look of hair, which I can only assume was stolen from forward to hearing from you in the future and hope her father. Congrats, BR! the entire class has an enjoyable Memorial Day.

2014

Samuel Guidry Thomas Bradshaw

Class of 2014: Joseph Predebon proposing.

Mary Grace Lemon and daughter Julia Rose (almost 2) have finished their first command of Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They are on their way to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where Mary will begin her second command as the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Brigade Battery commander. Good luck in Fayettenam, Mary!

Joseph Predebon is currently residing in Fairfax, Virginia, where he works as a middle school history teacher. He recently came up with the brilliant idea of taking his girlfriend to an escape room in Fairfax, during which she solved a puzzle that resulted in his marriage proposal. I am happy to report that she replied with an enthusiastic “yes” and that they are now happily engaged.

Johnny Partin was recently appointed and confirmed to serve on the board of directors for Keep

152

Class of 2014: Clayton Grant with his daughter, Gianna.

2015

Henry Meredith Johnny McDonald

Class of 2014: Mary Lemon with her daughter, Julia.

Brother Rats, Hope everyone survived the holidays all right.

As promised in the last Review, I’ve included a

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes photo of dirty Frank and the boys’ November trip to Lexington. We got an Airbnb just out of town, tailgated, caught a bit of the game, and had plenty of heavy food. We even ran into a few other groups of 2015 BRs up for the weekend. Not quite the 5th Reunion we wanted in 2020, but we certainly had a good Keydet time. On to the notes; lots of weddings and babies in this update!

Spencer Buettner put together a VMI meetup while in Okinawa. They even had some former VMI NROTC instructors present.

Hayden Whetstone married the former Anna Curreri of Baltimore, Maryland, in Memorial Hall Dec. 4, 2021. The reception was held in the Patton Room in Lexington, Virginia, with a number of brother rats present. Hayden and Anna currently reside in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Hayden is employed in the Private Client Group of Stephens Inc., and Anna is a physical therapist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Hannah (Dickinson) Hornsby matched into Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the National Capital Consortium in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She is excited to be moving back to Virginia in June.

Elisha Clark moved to San Diego and started her shore tour as an instructor pilot at HSM-41.

Hit her up if you’re in San Diego; she has a spare room in North Park.

Charlie Gough and his wife, Erica, welcomed their son, Theodore, to the world Nov. 27, 2021.

Elise Reed had a UFC fight in London March 19, 2022.

Mitchell White got a hospital chaplain position with Methodist Hospital system in San Antonio and will be starting soon. He may also have an opportunity in the near future to work in his reserve chaplain capacity somewhere closer to home—

Class of 2015: Renee Reives arrived from deployment just in time to take a photo with her dad.

2022-Issue 2

Class of 2015: Pictured at the wedding of Hayden and Anna Whetstone are Andrew Frazier, R. Hardy Hendren, James Murphy (best man), Greg Hempt, Brian Watkins, Anna Whetstone (bride), Adam Diehl, Anthony Harvey, Hayden Whetstone (groom), Jake Dixon, Frank Hargrove, and Jackson Bartlett ’16.

Class of 2015: Spencer Buettner and some fellow VMI Marines and sailors in Okinawa.

Class of 2015: Some 2015 Keydets the weekend before Thanksgiving.

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Class Notes maybe even in the city.

Renee Reives recently got back from her first deployment and made it home in time for the holidays. While deployed, Renee took part in the Afghanistan NEO Aug. 30, 2021.

Katheryne Ruck and her family are moving to Cincinnati in June, and she’s accepted a job doing outpatient family medicine with Mercy Health in Mason, Ohio. Fun fact: Alex Monson grew up there!

Colin Wilson and his wife, Julia, are excited to share the birth of their daughter. Lucy Debra Wilson was born Dec. 31, 2021, on new year’s eve.

She was an early baby at 4 pounds, 15 ounces.

Both Julia and Lucy are very healthy.

Quinn Ellis is getting ready to come home from deployment in Tunisia at the end of February, and his son, Rowan Michael Ellis, was born Oct. 1, 2021. I’m sure Kim will be excited to have a little extra help around the house!

Will Connerley and his wife, Mariah, moved back to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he is now instructing primary flight training in the T-6B. And last but certainly not least, Sean McVey got married!

As always, ping me if you or a BR needs address/contact info updated.

Rah Virginia Mil, Henry Meredith

she and her husband are expecting their first child in April.

Woodward Plante recently spent time visiting the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington and took time to lay flowers at the gravesite of Austin Murga. Thank you, Woody, for taking the time to do that.

Again, I hope everyone is doing well. I know I speak for the rest of our BRs when I say please don’t hesitate to reach out if anyone needs anything or just wants an ear to listen.

newlyweds, and cheers to many happy years.

Relatively short notes, but I’m sure as the year gets going, there will be plenty of new and exciting things to share with the class and the VMI community. On a side note, congratulations on

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2017.

Class of 2018: Brandon White ’17 and Bethany King were married Dec. 11, 2021.

2018

Carlee Anderson Matt Esnardo

2016

Jacob Norris Patrick Hine

BRs, I hope these notes find everyone gearing up for an awesome summer. Just a few highlights this time around.

Shoutout to Morgan Thomas, who is currently crushing it. In January, she graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program. Also, she recently was made a Detective Grade III in the Washington, D.C., Criminal Investigations Division. At the same time of these accomplishments,

154

Class of ’18, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. I write this three Blue Moons in and in the darkness of some random barracks room on a Saturday night. It very much feels like a night at the bricks back in Lexington, albeit without as many random zoo noises and the duty lurking to hand out A-1s.

A few months back, Evan Roberts ran a 50mile ultramarathon. I know how hard he trained for that and how incredible of a feeling finishing an endurance race is. Thanks for reminding us that just because we did Breakout doesn’t mean we can’t continue to find ways to push ourselves in new ways.

Brandon White ’17 and Bethany King got married Dec. 11, 2021. In attendance were plenty of other VMI alumni celebrating Brandon’s and Bethany’s wedding. Congratulations to the

Class of 2018: Evan Roberts ran a 50-mile ultramarathon recently.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2018: BRs celebrate the wedding of Brandon White ’17 and Bethany King. the most recent class breaking out. If you’re reading, my only advice would be to be a force multiplier, be the leader you would want to follow, and stay humble.

Anyways, let me know if you guys ever need anything.

Matt and Carlee

2019

Nathan D.A. Mumford Annika K. Tice

As 2022 kicks off and quickly picks up pace, we have a lot of class news to recognize! We want to thank all of you that have reached out to share your accomplishments, military happenings, weddings, engagements, future Keydets, pregnancies, and so much more. We are extremely proud to be the bearers of your fantastic news!

Please continue to keep us updated! We will start with the incoming of the newborn son of Ricky Wilson and his wife, Jessica. We know we have many more Keydets on the way, and we look forward to welcoming them to the VMI family!

2022-Issue 2

Speaking of within the VMI family, we can congratulate Sydney Hays and Anthony Sposato on their engagement! In fact, many of our BRs have decided to settle down and tie the knot: Richard Cordle and his fiancée, Madeline Moger ’20; Joseph Phillips and Susan; and William Wampler and Ellie. When you are planning your weddings, don’t forget that they can double as a VMI reunion! In all seriousness, congratulations!

Our military BRs continue to carry out their service commitments. Our four-year obligations are almost at an end, but our flyers are just getting started! You all tackle new heights every day like it’s no big deal! Those at Vance Air Force Base received their assignments: Charles Remig (F-35), Tom Nicholson (C-21 to Ramstein, Germany), Andrew Mortenson (C-17 in Charleston, South Carolina), Jake Wentworth (F-22), John Bove (F-16), and Sam Green (RC-135).

Time will keep ticking and the months will fly by, but please remember that we are an email or social media DM away. Keep in touch, find ways to get together with fellow BRs and the alumni community, and live every day to the fullest. We are excited to reconnect at our 5th Reunion before you know it!

Mizpah.

2020 Alexander Dragan Holly K. Njabo

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2020.

2021 Jonathan Krauss Levi Kennedy

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2021.

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Class Notes

Marriages

Something New With You?

CHACE—Brittany Chason to Chip Chace ’08 Dec. 2, 2021.

Send it to the Alumni Review!

BOWEN—Sarah Lynn Miller to Jason Bowen ’20 May 18, 2021.

Baby Keydets KELLY—A daughter, Katherine Yong-Rose, to Tiffany and Robert Kelly ’08, Jan. 18, 2022.

SIEBENALER—A son, Everett, to Natalie and Jared Siebenaler ’08, Nov. 8, 2021.

• Got a promotion?

Send it in for the Alumni News section • Wrote a book?

Send it in for a Book Announcement • Serving your community or country?

Send a photo for the Our Alumni Serving section

Send your news to review@vmiaa.org WILSON—A daughter, Lucy Debra, to Julia and Colin Wilson ’15, Dec. 31, 2021.

Update your contact information on VMI Ranks today!

New users: vmialumni.org/newuser Returning users: vmialumni.org/ranks

VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Agencies, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute.

Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

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Jack N. Williams ’41

Sept. 8, 1920

John M. Patton ’42

Sept. 14, 1921

Allan E. Ferrey ’46

June 23, 1922

George A. Crane Jr. ’44

Nov. 23, 1922

Robert W. Smothers ’44

Dec. 2, 1922

Robert G. Moore ’45

June 15, 1923

James W. Tinsley III ’45

Oct. 18, 1923

Russell B. Newton Jr. ’45

April 18, 1924

Paul E. Greenlee ’45

May 18, 1924

James L. Moore ’50B

June 1, 1924

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Gabriela Aguilar-Corado James A. Delisio ’76

Grandfather

Harrison M. Pugel

James B. Pugel ’91

Father

Louis C. Delisio ’52

Great-grandfather

Kyland S. Rhodes

Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

Great-grandfather

Christopher J. Bergstol ’92

Father

Michael R. Booth ’02

Uncle

2038

John F. Getgood ’98

Father

Blake L. Brome

Leonard L. Lewane ’50B

Great-grandfather

Michael W. Foster

Nicholas P. Foster ’03

Uncle

Genevieve Weber

Jared P. Weber ’08

Father

Ryan F. Getgood 2028 Maci Blackman

Payton E. Gannon

RELATIONSHIP

Robert T. Blackman ’09

Father

Bradley J. Simpson ’09

Uncle

2039

Vincent C. Scott Jr. ’66

Great-uncle

Collette M. King

Leonard L. Lewane ’50B

Great-grandfather

Frank M. Parker Jr. ’939

Great-grandfather

Liam C. Parsons

Steven N. Parsons ’06

Father

Frank M. Parker III ’64

Grandfather

Henry T. Pugel

James B. Pugel ’91

Father

Anthony J. Rayome ’00

Father

Richard D. Blocker III ’88

Grandfather

Ryleigh R. Gabriel

Keith B. Gabriel ’12

Father

Lucas A. Zottig

Victor E. Zottig ’01

Father

Lucy D. Bane

R.L. Terrell Williams ’74

Great-uncle

Ellis D. Barger

Scot M. Barger ’82

Grandfather

John T. Rust ’65

Great-uncle

Douglas D. Adams ’66

Grandfather

2040

2029 Jacob Rayome

ALUMNUS-CLASS

2037

2026

Ella G. Bergstol

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Grace E. Rundall

Auste (Motieciute) Rayome ’03 Mother 2041 2032 Tyler B. Good Varenya Middough

James A. Delisio ’76

Grandfather

Louis C. Delisio ’52

Great-grandfather

Jason L. Middough ’97

Father

2042

2033 Aiden C. Flippin

William L. Ginder ’71

Grandfather

Caleb Boggess ’845

Great-great-greatgrandfather

Albert Boggess ’864

Great-great-

Robert W. Boggess ’913

Great-great-

grandfather grandfather

Madeleine A. Brais

David A. Adams ’11

Uncle

Crew M. King

Leonard L. Lewane ’50B

Great-grandfather

Levi W. Parsons

Steven N. Parsons ’06

Father

Judah Thomas

Jamal A. Thomas ’96

Father

Dean A. Wilson

Justin A. Wilson ’15

Father

Gray S. Woodruff

Garland Gray II ’73

Grandfather

Albert Boggess Jr. ’927

Great-great-uncle

Garland Gray III ’10

Uncle

Robert W. Boggess Jr. ’40

Great-uncle

Elmon T. Gray ’46

Great-grandfather

John C. Ginder ’04

Uncle

Madeline R. Mireles

Edward C. Gosline III ’95

Uncle

2043

Emily J. Nugent

Duane L. Conques ’65

Grandfather

Lincoln S. Amato

Steven L. Amato ’83

Grandfather

Anthony L. Conques ’71

Great-uncle

Jesse B. Inman

William E. Inman ’17

Father

James P. Inman ’86

Grandfather

Evelyn J. Janson

Richard D. Blocker III ’88

Grandfather

2035 Caroline M. Good Woodson A. Sadler IV

James A. Delisio ’76

Grandfather

Rocklin Lohr

Jonathan S. Lohr ’16

Father

Louis C. Delisio ’52

Great-grandfather

Olivia J. Loyd

Mark C. Loyd ’05

Father

Woodson A. Sadler Jr. ’66

Grandfather

Peter I.C. Knowles III ’05

Uncle

Donald M. Martin ’13

Father

Henry T. Hupp Jr. ’44

Great-grandfather

Donald T.L. Martin 2036 Madilyn M. Miranda Gabriel Weber

2022-Issue 2

Frederick K. Walker ’72

Grandfather

William T. Hupp ’77

Great-uncle

Robert L. Suthard Jr. ’79

Cousin

Stephen E. Hupp Sr. ’84

Grandfather

Jared P. Weber ’08

Father

Stephen E. Hupp Jr. ’16

Uncle

157

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Donald T.L. Martin

Thomas B. Hupp ’20

Uncle

(cont.)

Stirling R. Martin ’20

Uncle

Elias D. Melvin

Darren W. McDew ’82

Grandfather

Adler G. Norheim

Fred R. Parks III ’74

Grandfather

Keira A. Page

Joseph W. Keyes ’82

Grandfather

Brennan J. Pope

Steven C. Craddock ’70

Grandfather

James R. Craddock ’63

Great-uncle

John C. Craddock ’65

Great-uncle

Alexandra G. Purnell

Sean T. Purnell ’11

Father

William H. Reese

R.L. Terrell Williams ’74

Great-uncle

Kaydance E. Sadler

Woodson A. Sadler Jr. ’66

Grandfather

James A. Delisio ’76

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2044 Perry R. Bamber

Robert A. Benson ’72

Grandfather

Flynn H. Cole

Christopher L. Cole ’09

Father

Paxton C. Crites

Sabina (Montgomery) Crites ’14

Mother

Catherine B. Desch

Edward J. Desch ’10

Father

Dustin D. Desch ’13

Uncle

John P. Keilty ’10

Cousin

Kevin J. Keilty ’83

Great-uncle

Timothy M. Keilty ’86

Great-uncle

Michaela J. Frantz

David G. Frantz ’65

Grandfather

Grandfather

Zephaniah M. Grubb

Hannah (Gilbert) Grubb ’14

Mother

Louis C. Delisio ’52

Great-grandfather

Santana Morales

Dante N. Morales ’13

Father

Susie M. White

Neil R. Carlson ’73

Grandfather

Lucas J. Replogle

Thomas J. Replogle ’78

Grandfather

Violet N. Wilson

Justin A. Wilson ’15

Father

Ezra P. Williams

Larry R. Williams ’82

Grandfather

Eliza G. Thompson

25th Anniversary of Women at VMI Thursday, Sept. 8 Early Arrivals Reception

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Sept. 9-10, 2022

Visit vmialumni.org/25years for more details and registration information.

Friday, Sept. 9 Morning Panels Lunch in Crozet Hall Keynote Speaker and Social

Saturday, Sept. 10 Parade Attendees Honored at Football Game

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Charles H. Beckham ’43 Charles Hard “Chuck” Beckham ’43 of Fulshear, Texas, died Nov. 22, 2021. He was 100.

He matriculated from Lakeland, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is survived by his children, Charles Richard Beckham and Susan Beckham Herring; grandchildren, Kristen Beckham Fourie, Eric Beckham, Carrie Beckham, Brooke Kenjura, and Kristine Feagan; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Clinard Beckham.

Floyd D. Gottwald ’43 Floyd Dewey “Bill” Gottwald Jr. ’43 of Richmond, Virginia, died Jan. 27, 2022. He was 99.

He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He received a Master of Science degree from the University of Richmond.

(Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Gottwald appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

John T. Boyd ’48B Hon. John Thomas Boyd ’48B of Amarillo, Texas, died Nov. 23, 2021. He was 94.

He matriculated from Plainview, Texas, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University. He earned a Master of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lamb Boyd; children, John Thomas Boyd Jr. (Laura) and Rebecca Boyd Bailey (Wes); grandchildren, Boyd Murphy Bailey, Hillary Anne Boyd, Erin Bailey Simpson (Sam), Megan Boyd Rayburn (Brian), Kate Bailey McCunniff (Bill), and Clarissa Emily Boyd; and great-grandchildren, Juliet, Johnny, and Bridget Simpson, Wesley, Bailey, and Molly Kate McCunniff, and Pax and Macrina Rayburn.

Charles E. Hartman II ’48B Charles Edward “Ed” Hartman II ’48B of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died Jan. 15, 2022.

He was 95.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Harvard University.

He is survived by his wife, Deb; children, Debbie Gosselin, Carolyn Sutch, and Ed

2022-Issue 2

Hartman III; six grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Marie.

Simon W. Nelms ’49B Simon Whitaker “Si” Nelms ’49B of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Dec.13, 2021. He was 93.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and spent less than one month at VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Cary Carr (Nevin); son, James Whitaker Nelms (Marissa); grandchildren, Nevin Palmer Carr III (Maddie), James Nelms Carr, Adam Judson Carr (Miranda), Elizabeth Cary Carr (Phillip Owsley), Nicholas James Nelms, Russell Whitaker Nelms, and Margaret Rose Nelms; five great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, John Young Faulconer and Monroe (Rody) Nash; and sister-in-law, Janet Faulconer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Faulconer Nelms, and sister, Elsie “Sis” Nelms Nash.

Harry P. Smith Jr. ’49B Harry Pelham Smith Jr. ’49B, D.D.S., of Cobbs Creek, Virginia, died May 25, 2021.

He was 92.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Sophia B. Smith; children, Caroline S. Parker (Brian) and Harry P. Smith III (Valeria); grandchildren, Jason Parker (Ashley) and Jonathan Parker (Jennifer); six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Evelyn B. Kadlub.

Ralston L. Brooke ’50B Ralston Lewis “R.B.” Brooke ’50B of Richmond, Virginia, died Dec. 9. He was 94.

He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his son, Robert Lawrence Brooke (Lynn); granddaughters, Anne Ralston Burris Brooke, Elizabeth Brooke Hester (Clay), and Caroline Brooke Englert (Alexander); great-grandson, Charles Lawrence Englert; sister, Catherine Brooke Buckingham; and brother, Francis Doswell Brooke (Judith).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverley Bowles Brooke, and brother, Richard Brooke Jr.

Carl L. Galliher Jr. ’50B Carl Livingston Galliher Jr. ’50B of Bristol, Tennessee, died Oct. 27, 2021. He was 93.

He matriculated from Bristol and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Marian Galliher; daughters, Kay Galliher and Louise McCall; son, Lee Galliher (Betsy); grandchildren, Katie Church (Chris), Chase McCall, Sarah Newton (Chris), Pearce Galliher, and Duane Fernades (Hillary); and great-grandchild, Evelyn Fernades.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sabelle Powers.

Thomas R. Handy ’50B Retired U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Thomas Reed Handy ’50B of Richmond, Virginia, died Nov. 23, 2021. He was 93.

He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Handy Forrest (Steven), Thomas Reed Handy Jr. ’79 (Georgia), Sally Garland Handy Schmidt (Gray), and Mary Charles Handy Eckloff, and grandchildren, MacRae Forrest, Sara Forrest, Jessica Holland, Annalee Handy, Sally Rutherfoord Handy, Everett Eckloff, Paige Eckloff, and Mitchell Eckloff.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Clay Handy.

Joseph B. Kohen Jr. ’50B Joseph Bud Kohen Jr. ’50B, M.D., of Walnut Creek, California, died Oct. 22, 2021. He was 92.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medical from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Curry; children, Douglas Kohen and Susan Decker; grandchildren, Kyle Decker, Jamie Decker, Evan Kohen, and Andi Kohen-Flores; great-grandson, Ryder Kohen; and sister, Norma Friedman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margot Bernstein.

James D. Jones ’50B James David Jones ’50B, M.D., of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Nov. 9, 2021. He was 92.

He matriculated from Dallas, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medical from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University.

He is survived by his wife, Lucile Best Jones;

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Taps children, Lucie Jones Badham (Paxton), David (Jessie), Sallie Jones Grubb (Gordon), Kelly Jones Wilbanks (Peter), Will (Blanche), Maria Jones Anderson (Peyton), and Rob (Melissa); 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Pannill Jones ’56 (Claire) and Stinson Jones ’62 (Julie); and sister-in-law, Betsy Best.

Charles W. Dickinson ’51 Charles William “Bill” Dickinson ’51 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Nov. 29, 2021. He was 91.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Mark, John, William, and Anne; step-sons, Rob and Alan; grandchildren, Katie, Anne, James, Ben, Hanna, Richard, Jaime, and Jessica; and greatgrandson, Leo. He was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley.

Henry H. Berke Jr. ’52 Retired U.S. Army Col. Henry Halvor “Hal” Berke Jr. ’52 of Overland Park, Kansas, died Nov. 4, 2021. He was 90.

He matriculated from Pelham, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Shippensburg University.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; first wife, Irene; children, Jeff Berke (Lisa), Cindy Phillips (Bob), Gary Berke (Trisha), Beth McIntyre (Robert), Kathy Berke, Jeni Munson (Dan), Terry Nixon (Mike), and Jo Ellen Tyrrell; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Austin S. Bridgforth ’52 Austin Seay Bridgforth III ’52 of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died Jan.14, 2022. He was 91.

He matriculated from Kenbridge, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Ernestine Bridgforth; son-in-law, Steve Laufersweiler; grandchildren, Lindsey Flinn (Patrick), Austin Laufersweiler, and Owen Laufersweiler; and great-grandchildren, John Austin and Aaron Flinn.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Lillian Laufersweiler, and sister, Kitty Sue Hooker.

William E. Vaughn ’53 William Edward “Bill” Vaughn ’53 of Newport News, Virginia, died Nov. 15, 2021. He was 90.

He matriculated from Newport News and spent just over one year at VMI.

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He is survived by his wife, Patricia Vaughn; children, Debra Morrow, Eddie Vaughn ’83 (Renee), Scott Vaughn ’85 (Denise), and Gary Vaughn ’89 (Jennifer); grandchildren, Katie Garnett, James Morrow, Megan Vaughn, Luke Sigmon, Paige Falk, Kristine Falk, Leigh Barton, David Barton, Nolan Vaughn, Eliza Lavery, Natalie Lavery, Kathryn Vaughn, Natalie Vaughn, Will Vaughn, Hallie Lavery, Robert Vaughn, Ashlynn Vaughn, and Zachary Vaughn; great-grandchildren, Graceyn, Thad, and Miller; and brother, Jerry Vaughn (Becky).

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Victoria Leigh Vaughn, and sister, Shirley Byrum.

John R. Wilson ’53 John Richard Wilson ’53 of Leesburg, Virginia, died Jan. 10, 2022. He was 91.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland.

He is survived by his wife, Ada; three children; seven grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister.

William Brown, Kristopher Brown, and Rebekka Brown.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Lou Maynard; son, Douglas Novak; and granddaughter, Janae West.

Morton Bregman ’55 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Morton Bregman ’55 of San Antonio, Texas, died Dec. 8, 2018. He was 86.

He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

John H. Castles ’55 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Hastings Castles ’55 of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, died March 31, 2018. He was 84.

He matriculated from Carlisle and spent just over a year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration degree from Shippensburg University.

He is survived by his sons, David Castles and Michael Castles (Susan); grandchildren, Allyson Castles Karnavas (Joseph) and Andrew Castles (Callie); and brother, Lee Castles (Isabel).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmy Ann Cooper Castles.

John L. Fischer ’54

William R. Davidson ’55

John Lawrence Fischer ’54 of Littleton, Colorado, died Dec. 19, 2021. He was 90.

He matriculated from Yonkers, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Marie J. Schneider (Mike); sons, John L. Fischer Jr. (Carolyn) and Douglas P. Fischer (Lisa); grandchildren, Scott P. Schneider, Jonathan R. Schneider, Lucas P. Fischer, Collin D. Fischer, Angelina H. Fischer, and Jack R. Fischer; and greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys.

William Robert “Bill” Davidson ’55 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Nov. 18, 2021. He was 87.

He matriculated from Jonesville, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Pattie Crockett Davidson; children, Dorline Elizabeth DavidsonHarvey (Douglas) and Robert Lee Davidson (Gail); and granddaughter, Rachael Marie Harvey.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Benjamin F. Davidson Jr. and Richard “Dick” Davidson.

Milton J. Novak Jr. ’54

Edgar C. Fletcher ’57

Milton Joseph “Milt” Novak Jr. ’54 of Milltown, New Jersey, died Nov. 25, 2021. He was 89.

He matriculated from South River, New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Schork Novak; children, Debbie Novak and Sherri Monticchio (Rich); son-in-law, Mark Maynard; and grandchildren, Douglas West, Kyle West, Jeffrey West, David Monticchio, Michael Monticchio,

Edgar Cromwell Fletcher ’57 of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, died Nov. 15, 2021. He was 86.

He matriculated from San Mateo, California, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and daughter, Rae.

Paul D. Troxler ’58 Retired U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Paul

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Drewry Troxler ’58 of Savannah, Georgia, died Dec. 23, 2021. He was 85.

He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Chambliss T. Stevens (Mark) and Mallory T. Lehn (Jesse); granddaughters, Meredith S. Hester (Jonathan) and Mary Lehn; grandsons, Turner Stevens and John Drewry Lehn; great-grandson, Greyson C. Hester; brother, Robert C. Troxler ’63; and sister, Anne T. Hoover.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, and father, U.S. Army Col. Paul D. Troxler, Class of 1926, who died Dec. 16, 1990.

James P. Castaldo ’59 James Pacifico “Jim” Castaldo ’59 of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Jan. 31, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Elmwood Park, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI.

George J. O’Neill ’59 George Joseph O’Neill ’59, Ph.D., of Kingsport, Tennessee, died Dec. 11, 2021. He was 82.

He matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Delaware and taught chemistry at VMI in the early 1960s.

He is survived by his wife, Marie L. O’Neill; sons, Mark O’Neill ’83 (Paula), Eric, Sean (Helen), and Patrick (Gwyn); grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Dr. Skyler Reed), Thomas, and Jessica; and brother, John O’Neill.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Eugenia, Elizabeth, Helen, and Mary Jane.

William J. Pickering ’59 William John Pickering ’59 of San Diego, California, died Nov. 26, 2021. He was 84.

He matriculated from St. Clairsville, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He is survived by his children, Bettina Pickering, William Pickering II, Ann Vetruba, Ellis Pickering, and Gitte LaBlue.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margrit Pickering.

John C. Reed ’59 John Chilton Reed ’59 of Fishersville, Virginia, died Jan. 17, 2022. He was 83.

He matriculated from Pensacola, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from

2022-Issue 2

VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; children, Graham Chilton “Jack,” Mary Mason “Molly” Carroll (Sean), and Mason Chilton Reed (Jacqueline); former wife, Jean Freeman Reed; grandchildren, Elizabeth Mason “Ellie” Carroll, Preston John Carroll, Marion Penelope “Poppy” Reed, and Mason Chilton Reed Jr.; and brother, Dr. James C. Reed ’59 (Elizabeth).

Howard B. Sprinkle ’59 Howard Blaine “H.B.” Sprinkle ’59 of Roseland, Virginia, died Jan. 9, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Rettig Sprinkle; son, Christopher Bernier; daughter, Amy Tolbert (Mike); grandchildren, Megan Hughes (Devin), Ethan Bernier, Abby Tolbert, Katie Tolbert, and Macy Tolbert; great-granddaughter, Skylar Hughes; and brother, James Sprinkle (Sheila).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Skip” Sprinkle (Lyn).

Henry C. Moning ’60 Henry Clarke “Buck” Moning ’60 of Hagerstown, Maryland, died Dec. 6, 2021. He was 84.

He matriculated from Hagerstown and spent just over a month at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Pat Zentz Moning; daughter, Lisa Fischer (Charlie); sons, Todd Moning (Ren) and Brad Moning (Maria); stepdaughter, Kim Woltman (Shawn); step-son, Daniel Thorpe (Kristy Pepple); grandchildren, Charles Fischer III, Ryan Fischer, Rachel Moning, and Natalie Moning; step-grandchildren, Dylan Pepple and Kullin Thorpe; and greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary A. Moning and Vernon G. Moning.

George G. Payne ’61 George Garland Payne ’61 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Dec. 28, 2021. He was 83.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI. He is survived by his children, Mark (Debbie), George (Anne), Ashley (Tim), and Aimee (Jay); grandchildren, Caitlin (Kyle), Jamie (Chris), Hunter (Courtney), Haley, Matthew, and Hugo; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Scotty, and brother, David.

George D. Huger ’62 George Derbyshire “Derby” Huger ’62 of Fort Myers, Florida, and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, died Nov. 26, 2021. He was 81.

He matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Huger; children, George D. Huger Jr. (Sue Ann), Fred Huger (Christie), Anne Remington (Kevin), and Art Huger (Bridget); step-children, Douglas Irvan (Rosa), Jon Irvan (Maria), and Lynn Irvan; 15 grandchildren, including Cadet Anderson M. Huger ’22; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Scott Shipp Huger Jr. ’53, who died Nov. 22, 1954, and Benjamin Huger II ’56, who died June 19, 2019; father, Scott Shipp Huger, Class of 1922, who died Jan. 16, 1972; and great-grandfather, Scott Shipp, Class of 1859, who died Dec. 4, 1917.

Thomas N. Layne III ’62 Thomas Norwood Layne III ’62, Ph.D., of Killen, Alabama, died Nov. 4, 2021. He was 81.

He matriculated from Farmville, Virginia, and spent three years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lynchburg College, a Master of Science degree from James Madison University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Vanderbilt University.

He is survived by his daughters, Dr. Virginia Katherine D’Antonio (Mark) and Sarah Elizabeth Layne (Sammy Medrano), and granddaughters, Olivia Hana Lee and Yessy Medrano.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Layne Morton.

John W. McWane ’62 John Whitman McWane ’62, Ph.D., of South Hamilton, Massachusetts, died Dec. 22, 2021.

He was 81.

He matriculated from Milan, Ohio, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He earned a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Jane S. McWane; children, Katie McWane Diecker (Aaron), Sarah McWane (Kurt), and David McWane (Brie); grandchildren, Zachary, Amelia, Parker, Charlie, Finnley, and Ollie; and brother, retired U.S. Army Reserve Col. Pearson “Pete” D. McWane ’59.

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Taps James D. Taylor ’63

William J. Wilburn III ’65

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Daniel Taylor ’63 of Jacksonville, Florida, died Jan. 11, 2022. He was 80.

He matriculated from Silver Spring, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI.

William Joseph “Billy” Wilburn III ’65 of Parksley, Virginia, died Jan. 4, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his son, Reid Thompson Wilburn.

William G. Williamson III ’63 William Garnett “Mickey” Williamson III ’63 of Valdosta, Georgia, died Jan. 17, 2022.

He was 82.

He matriculated from Westfield, New Jersey, and spent one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Spry Williamson; son, William G. Williamson IV (Christina); daughter, Ashley Mock (C.J.); and grandchildren, Addison and Annabelle.

He was preceded in death by his father, William G. Williamson Jr., Class of 1935, who died March 5, 1988.

Robert G. Simpkins Jr. ’64 Robert Gardner Simpkins Jr. ’64 of Bedford, Virginia, died Nov. 28, 2021. He was 79.

He matriculated from Bedford and spent three years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his daughters, Sydney S. Schatz, Courtney S. Garner (Dennis), and Hunter Simpkins (Patrick); grandchildren, Olivia Garner and Eric Garner; and sisters, Barbara S. Falcone (Ralph) and Lynn S. Bailey (Gregg).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha “Lea” Fuqua Simpkins.

Marty R. Stango ’64 Marty Robert Stango ’64 of Jacksonville, Florida, died Nov. 7, 2021. He was 79.

He matriculated from Lewes, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland.

John S. Thornton Jr. ’64 John Stuart Thornton Jr. ’64 of Manakin Sabot, Virginia, died Nov. 22, 2021. He was 79.

He matriculated from Culpeper, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Ronnie Richardson Thornton; sons, John Stuart Thornton III (Sarah) and David Allen Thornton (Macon); and grandchildren, Hayes Thornton and Ozzy Thornton.

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Joseph R. Birindelli Jr. ’66 Joseph Ray Birindelli Jr. ’66 of Fairhope, Alabama, died Jan. 26, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Birindelli; daughters, Kelley Scott and Amy McElroy (Ray); sons, Jay Birindelli III (Shaun), Blake Birindelli (Paula), and Walter Scott; eight grandchildren; two great-grandsons; brother, Ben Birindelli (Nancy); and sister, Beverly Knott (John).

Horace E. Harrington Jr. ’66 Horace Eugene “Gene” Harrington Jr. ’66 of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 17, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Garris Harrington; daughters, Karen L. Harrington and Katherine LaPila (Wesley LaPila); and grandsons, Micah Daniel LaPila and Andrew Ryker LaPila.

Leslie M. Rutledge Jr. ’66 Leslie Marable “Les” Rutledge Jr. ’66 of Smithfield, Virginia, died Dec. 4, 2021. He was 77.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Lynn Bondurant Rutledge; daughter, Carey Alison Rutledge; son, Austin Whitt Rutledge (Nicole); grandsons, Wyatt James Rutledge and Paxton Wood Rutledge; brothers, David Whitt Rutledge (Dorothy) and Steven Emmett Rutledge (Katrinka); and brother-in-law, Walton Gibson Bondurant Jr. (Nancy).

Taras J. Galysh ’67 Taras Joseph Galysh ’67 of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, died Nov. 5, 2021. He was 75.

He matriculated from Woonsocket, Rhode

Island, and spent five years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida International University.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; brother, Ivan Galysh (Oksana); and sister-in-law, Tina.

He was preceded in death by his brother, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roman Galysh ’64, who died July 23, 2021.

Michael L. Sanford ’67 Michael Larry “Mike” Sanford ’67 of West Union, South Carolina, died Jan. 6, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Business Administration degree from Clemson University.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Adkins Sanford; daughters, Suzanne Sanford Phillips (Tony) and Meredith Sanford Barnes (Steven); grandsons, Cooper Phillips, Collin Phillips, and Rhett Barnes; and brothers, Dan Sanford (Melissa), David Sanford, Bruce Sanford (Gabrielle), and Joe Sanford.

Isaac R. Quay II ’70 Isaac Russell “Russ” Quay II ’70 of Cookeville, Tennessee, died Nov. 30, 2021. He was 75.

He matriculated from Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and spent just over one year at VMI. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Stitt Quay; children, Lisa Templin (Dan), Heather DiPietro (William), and Russ Quay (Tanda); grandchildren, Patrick DiPietro, Riley DiPietro, Skyler Hickey, Rivers Quay, Blaise Quay, and Lexie Lesko; brother, David Quay (Karen); and sister, Margaret Graff (John).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Sanford Quay.

Timothy P. Brady ’71 Timothy Patrick Brady ’71 of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, died March 2, 2021. He was 71.

He matriculated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent less than one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Straub Brady; children, Tim Brady Jr. (Rosemarie), Christine Brady Gumpert (John), and Patrick Brady (Stacey); grandchildren, Francesca and Marisa Brady, Cameron and Adelaide Gumpert, and Graham and Palmer Brady; and siblings, Mary

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Lee Stalkamp, Fred C. Brady Jr., Heidi Brady, and Kathleen Blaydes.

Bruce C. Harvey ’71 Bruce Claiborne Harvey ’71 of Scottsville, Virginia, died Dec. 13, 2021. He was 72.

He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and spent just over two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Lynchburg College.

He is survived by his sons, Oliver Harvey and Jon Harvey, and grandsons, Jameson and Maddox Harvey.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Harvey-Cross.

Steven F. Kern ’71 Steven Francis Kern ’71 of Greenville, South Carolina, died Jan. 10, 2022. He was 72.

He matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jonnie Brooks Easley Kern; daughter, Virginia “Ginger” Lockamy (Eric); grandchildren, Grace, Lydia, and Samuel Lockamy; brother, Ben Kern; and sister, Karen Conner.

John M. Paton ’71 John Melvin Paton ’71 of Alexandria, Virginia, died Dec. 7, 2021. He was 72.

He matriculated from Alexandria and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI.

Alan S. Fojt ’72 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alan Steven Fojt ’72 of Locust Grove, Virginia, died Dec. 1, 2021. He was 72.

He matriculated from Alliance, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Webster University and attended the U.S. Army General and Staff Command College.

Douglas K. Baumgardner ’73 Douglas Kirkwood “Doug” Baumgardner ’73 of Washington, Virginia, died Nov. 30, 2021. He was 70.

He matriculated from Washington. He was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret DeJarnette Baumgardner; children, Caroline B. Walker, Alex M. Baumgardner, Spencer D.

2022-Issue 2

Baumgardner (Molly), and Julia B. Chung (Alan); grandchildren, Brooke Woodward, Marion “Mimi” H. Walker, Thomas G. Walker III, Ursula K. Baumgardner, Henry “Hank” L. Chung, and William S. Chung; mother, Ruth K. Baumgardner; brother, John M. Baumgardner; and sister, Ann H. Baumgardner.

William L. Faistenhammer ’74 Retired U.S. Army Col. William Ludwig “Bill” Faistenhammer ’74 of Waynesboro, Virginia, died Nov. 2, 2021. He was 69.

He matriculated from Germany and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Lesley University. He attended the Army War College and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He previously taught in the Army ROTC department at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Linda Faistenhammer; son, William A. Faistenhammer; stepdaughter, Mattie Gilday; grandchildren, Cora Faistenhammer and Kaleigh Gilday; father, retired U.S. Army Col. Ludwig Faistenhammer; and sisters, Joie Shue and Mari Akers.

Jon L. Sastri ’75 Jon Louis Sastri ’75 of Round Hill, Virginia, died Jan. 21, 2022. He was 68.

He matriculated from Annandale, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Andrea Wacker (Bryan H. Wacker Jr. ’03), Audrey Matthews (Brandon), and Rachel Davidson (Thomas); six granddaughters; and two grandsons.

Robby W. Burke Jr. ’78 Rev. Robby Wray Burke Jr. ’78 of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died Dec. 30, 2021. He was 65.

He matriculated from Savannah, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree in American history from James Madison University and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Myers Burke; daughters, Erin Rae Burke Eye (Josh) and Leanne Elizabeth Burke; grandchildren, Ethan Burke, Liam Anderson, Brett Eye, Shelby Eye, and Maddox Eye; mother, Martha Jane Hutcheson Burke; sister, Holly Burke Anderson (Steve); and sister-in-law, Sabrina Burke.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Burke.

Anthony E. Hamilton ’79 Anthony Eugene “Tony” Hamilton ’79 of Florissant, Missouri, died Jan. 26, 2022. He was 64.

He matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra; sons, Tory (Tina), Martin, Stephen (Bryanna), and Joel; daughter, Hope; mother, Catherine G. Hamilton; brothers, Carlton and Maurice (Sandra); and sister-in-law, Joanne Hamilton.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alphonso Hamilton.

Victor M. Gonzalez ’87 Victor Marcos Gonzalez ’87 of Jennings, Louisiana, died Dec 17, 2021. He was 56.

He matriculated from Metairie, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Stefanie M. Russo; mother, Bettye P. Gonzalez; brother, Frank Gonzalez (Martha); and sisters, Teresa Rongey (Scott), Angela Gonzalez, and Gabriela Powell.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Francisco M. Gonzalez ’53, who died Nov. 26, 2002.

Ronald W. Nelson Jr. ’89 Ronald Wesley “Ron” Nelson Jr. ’89 of Glasgow, Virginia, died Dec. 20, 2021. He was 54.

He matriculated from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and spent over two years at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Nelson; children, Anneke McCabe (Kevin), Katrina Nelson (Matthew Lessard), Liesel Nelson, Pieter Nelson, and Markus Nelson; grandchildren, Magdalena McCabe, Conor McCabe, and Roison McCabe; parents, Ron and Kay Nelson; sister, Christine Adkins; parents-in-law, Victor and Johanna Culver; and brother-in-law, George Culver.

Jeffery E. Paul ’90 Jeffery Erwin “Jeff ” Paul ’90 of Waxhaw, North Carolina, died Dec. 31, 2021. He was 53.

He matriculated from Perrysburg, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Brandon, Connor, and Harrison.

Joseph P. Brennan ’08 Joseph Patrick “Joe” Brennan ’08 of High

163

Taps Bridge, New Jersey, died Dec. 8, 2021. He was 36.

He matriculated from Hillsborough, New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Devon Santoro Brennan; daughters, Mercy and Dahlia; parents, Hugh and Erlinda Brennan; sister, Sarah Brennan; and brother, Andrew Brennan (Nora).

VMI Family Virginia B. Chaplin Virginia “LaVone” Byers Chaplin of Buena Vista, Virginia, died Dec. 10, 2021. She was 82.

She worked in Preston Library for over 30 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Lynette

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Chaplin, and brother, Clyde Edward Byers Sr. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Melvin Lee Chaplin, and brothers, Lemuel Sherwood Byers Sr. and Maurice Loran Byers Sr.

Steven W. Guerrier Steven Warren Guerrier of West Augusta, Virginia, died Dec. 13, 2021. He was 66.

He previously taught at VMI and earned Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Bentkowski) Guerrier; brother, Scott Guerrier; son-inlaw, Evan Norris; sisters-in-law, Tami (Prignitz) Guerrier and Ann Marie Karsama (Chris); and brother-in-law, Thomas Bentkowski.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacqueline Guerrier.

Robert G. Habern Robert Glenn Habern of Latty, Ohio, died Dec. 19, 2021. He was 67.

He was a former U.S. Army ROTC instructor at VMI. He is survived by his partner, Kathy Habern; children, Robert S. Habern, Jennifer Meyer (Scott), Kerry Ruble (Nick), and Rebecca Stahl (Logan); grandchildren, Ezra, Venna, Brooks, Aylah, Bronson, and Ledger; five sisters; and one brother.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn G. Habern.

Donald D. Horward Donald D. Horward of Tallahassee, Florida, died Oct. 31, 2021. He was 88.

He previously taught at VMI. He earned a bachelor's degree from Waynesburg College, Master of Arts degree from Ohio University, and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Minnesota.

He is survived by his wife, Annabel Lee Vanscyoc Horward.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, William J. Horward and Frank J. Horward Jr., and sister, Barbara Templeton.

VMI Alumni Review

After Taps Isaac “Russ” Quay II ’70

By Stephen E. Talley ’70 Russ Quay ’70, who died Nov. 30, 2021, came to VMI from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, as did four other brother rats: Bob Copty ’70, A.C. Arnn ’70, Ned Perrow ’70, and Richard Cabiness ’70.

The 1967 football season was exciting, disappointing at times, and in the end, wildly successful. Two great VMI quarterbacks led the Keydets to their 6-4 season: Charlie Bishop ’68, co-captain of the team, and Russ. Bishop got the season rolling with a 46-21 drubbing of Davidson. The Roanoke World News named Bishop as the offensive player of the week; Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer was the defensive player of the week. In the next two games, VMI lost to West Virginia and Richmond 21-9 and 3-0, respectively. The next game against William & Mary resulted in a 33-28 defeat. Russ played quarterback, however, engineering all four touchdowns—and reenergizing the team. Lee Barnes ’69 recalled, “Russ was just the thing [to shake things up]. There was new vigor and belief in our offense, which helped inspire our defense to believe victories were indeed attainable.”

After taming The Citadel 22-11, VMI was pounded 56-6 by then-No. 8 Georgia. The Keydets then pulled themselves together and rang up three straight victories over Virginia (18-13), Akron (38-14), and Boston College (26-13). A winning season was now possible, but VMI would be going up against Virginia Tech in the traditional Thanksgiving Day season finale—a team that had walloped VMI 70-12 the year before.

Late in the game, Virginia Tech led 10-6. Then VMI’s fortunes took a dramatic turn. As Bill Brill, Roanoke Times sports editor, wrote, “[T]he inspired Keydets ... put the Gobblers on notice when the ‘classy and cocky’ Russ Quay threw a bomb to Frank Easterly [’69] deep in Tech territory, with just 2.5 minutes left.” The Tech defender was called for interference on the play, and Easterly was so ecstatic he hugged the back judge. With the ball on the six-yard line, Vito Ragazzo, head coach, called for a running play, but Russ saw Virginia Tech’s defensive line stacking up in anticipation of a run. In finest sandlot style, he scratched out a pass play in the mud.

Fortune favors the brave, and Russ hit tight end John Hince ’68 in the end zone for a touchdown.

There was still plenty of fight left in Tech. With just two seconds left, Tech’s kicker attempted a field goal from VMI’s 30-yard line into the teeth of a strong wind. The crowd held its breath. The ball sailed high, then drifted to the left and fell short. “I was screaming, ‘No!’ Then, it was like the hand of God reached out and smacked the ball down short of the goal posts,” said Phil Bryant ’70.

John Ludt ’70 remembers, “The flight of the ball only lasted five or six seconds, but it was five or six seconds I will never forget.” VMI was victorious, 12-10. That wasn’t the first time the crowd held its breath that day.

Earlier, Julian Smith ’70, defensive back, seriously injured his neck tackling George Constantinides, Tech fullback. A cold silence blanketed the stadium when Julian went down. He left the field on a gurney to rousing applause.

Russ said at the end of the game, “We had to win. When Julian got hurt, we had to win.” In the locker room, Bob Schmalzriedt ’68, one of the cocaptains, said, “I can’t help crying. I knew we had it. I knew because we stayed together as a team.”

The team VMI beat was a talented squad that had won their first seven games. A win against VMI would have put them in the Liberty Bowl.

Beamer told me recently the VMI game was the biggest game of the year for Tech. “VMI was always tough against us. We knew we would be in a dog

2022-Issue 2

fight. I had to ‘bump’ VMI’s great receiver, Frank Easterly, often because he was so quick and hard to cover.”

Russ was big—he was one of the three heaviest men on the team—but clumsy he was not. Barnes, VMI defensive end, said, “He often avoided sacks by scrambling. Like a great dancing bear, he would scramble left, right, then find a spot in the pocket to uncork a 50-yard pass.”

Scramble he could, but Bob Hockley ’70, center, recounts Russ “would rather run through a tackler than around him.” The two developed a special quarterback sneak “goose” play. At the line of scrimmage, Russ would tap the inside of Hockley’s thigh. Hockley would snap the ball at once, and following Hockley, Russ would bull his way forward for a first down.

He threw the pigskin as hard as he ran, but the passes were not always perfect spirals. “A Russ Quay wobbler provided excellent teasing opportunities,” explained Cody Trammel ’70, wide receiver. “Guys would start making duck quacks. Once, a quacking receiver caught Russ’ attention. He threw a hard pass that struck his tormentor on his helmet, sending him to the ground. There were no more ‘quacks’ that day.”

Russ’ “bigness” was more than physical. He had a big heart, “the heart of a lion,” according to Easterly. He believed in himself and in his teammates.

Bob Habasevich ’69 said, “When Russ was on the field, everyone rose to the occasion and gave more than they thought they had.”

“He was one of the most unpretentious guys I knew,” recalled Dick Knight ’70. “I never once heard him brag about his football exploits or even mention the subject. He was humble and self-effacing. Just a regular guy.”

A regular guy indeed, but, on the gridiron, he was Mr. Confidence, always focused on scoring and winning. “I admired how well he stepped into the leadership role. He was tenacious and talented. Pressure always made him better at his game,” said Bob Schmalzriedt ’68.

Ludt remembered, “The leadership Russ Quay exhibited was what gave our team a winning attitude. At the end of the season, we all felt that no matter who we played, we could beat them.”

Although Russ replaced him as starting quarterback, Bishop delighted in seeing him shine. He described Russ as “a pure winner, a motivator, a team builder.”

A superb football player he was, but Russ sank like a stone in the VMI swimming pool. Neil Steverson ’70 remembers Coach Joyce required cadets to swim the length of the pool to pass rat swimming. After some begging, Russ persuaded Joyce to agree to pass him if he swam the width of the pool. In front of his cheering classmates, he pulled it off—a feat, he once quipped, that “was tougher than any football game I ever played in.”

I played rat football with Russ in 1966. He put a smile on my face whenever I was around him. I felt better about myself and the world in his presence.

And it wasn’t just me. Dave Price ’70 recounted a time when he sat with Russ and other BRs at a VMI football game. He did not know Russ well at VMI, but afterward, he knew he had gained a loyal friend. “His loss has been painful,” Dave said, “but his memory will not fade and will always bring smiles.”

Perhaps Easterly said it best: “Russ was a ‘good guy’ and that’s the highest compliment I can give anyone who wins and endures the pressures of life at VMI.” A high compliment, indeed. Russ acquitted himself very well here on earth. He will do so in heaven, as well. Rest in peace, brother rat.

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Alumni News the VMI Alumni Association through New York The MarathonFoto/Road Race This required the development of Management Lifetime Achievement the pretest briefing, call to stations, Chapter activities and then on its board for Award honored Creigh J. Kelley ’68 activity log, coordination of testing more than 20 years. He served as president of at the 2021 Road Race Management activities, daily posttest notes, and the board from 2006-08. Spellman has been Race Directors’ Meeting in November coordinating daily testing activities a member of the VMI Foundation Institute Society for 30 years.

2021. Kelley has been one of the most with the payload developers. influential players and leaders in the Mounts matriculated from Wash1839 Capital, Inc.—a boutique global investrunning industry and has been the voice ington, Pennsylvania, and earned a of many of the largest triathlon and Bachelor of Science degree in civil ment firm founded by Randy K. Janey ’87, William E. “Bill” Miller III ’89, and Matthew running events in the U.S. and abroad engineering from VMI. A. “Matt” Tederick ’89—recently announced for more than 40 years. As co-founder Kelley ’68 and president of BKB Limited, he has James F. “Jim” Spellman Jr. ’85 the establishment of 1839 Tech, LLC d/b/a managed and produced hundreds of events pinned on his first star and the rank of assis- 1839 Labs. The new establishment aims to leveracross the country and has been an integral part tant chief Dec. 9, 2021, in the Office of the age leading-edge technologies in its mission to create entertainment and hospitality ecosystems of Denver’s Colfax Marathon since its inaugural New York State Attorney General. A 35-year that elevate the experience of fans, spectators, race in 2006. He has been the director since law enforcement veteran, Spellman works in the 2008. Kelley’s nominator for the award credits attorney general’s investigations division and is and guests within sporting venues and other him with developing the state of Colorado’s assigned to its New York City office in lower mixed-use real estate projects around the globe.

In addition to the launch of 1839 Labs, 1839 guidelines for safe events during the COVID-19 Manhattan. Spellman began his career as a Capital, Inc. successfully closed its pandemic, which led to the framework for other precinct cop, walking a beat in Mount first round of $8 million in funding states and municipalities.

Vernon, New York. He spent several to complete the acquisition of its 10% Kelley matriculated from Westport, Conmore years as an emergency service equity position in the Balaton Gate necticut, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cop. Following ESU, he was assigned Entertainment Resort. The Balaton in English from VMI, as well as a master’s degree to the narcotics unit at the height of Gate Entertainment Resort project is in international relations from the University the crack cocaine epidemic and then to a fully integrated 2,480-room resort of Southern California. While at VMI, he was the general investigations squad of the strategically positioned next to a stateelected captain of the freshman track team and detective bureau. In 1996, Spellman of-the-art F1-compliant racetrack in the co-captain of the varsity cross-country and track transferred to the attorney general’s heart of the Lake Balaton entertainteam. Kelley served as a U.S. Army office, advancing through the ment region of Hungary. combat officer in Vietnam, earning two ranks of investigator, senior Janey matriculated from Suffolk, bronze stars and a Vietnamese honor investigator, detective superJaney ’87 Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of medal first class, and later served in visor, and now to his curArts degree in biology from VMI, Germany. rent rank of assistant chief. where he competed as a member During his career, Spellman of the track team. After graduation, has worked in the attorney Joseph R. “Joe” Mounts ’78 has he served in the Army as a military general’s organized crime been recognized at the Kennedy Space air defense artillery officer. He later task force, the Medicaid Center for developing payload simulaearned a Juris Doctor degree from tions tools that significantly aided in fraud unit, its special projects the University of Richmond and a unit, the civil enforcement/ preparations for testing the Space Test Master of Science degree in interProgram Houston (H) 7 and STP-H8 Spellman ’85 whistleblower unit, and the national shipping and maritime law payloads. The payloads are now at resident protection unit—a from the University of Plymouth the International Space Station. The software squad that investigates special victims’ (U.K.). simulation tools that Mounts developed were cases involving elder abuse, sexual asMiller ’89 Miller matriculated from Berryville, used during the end-to-end operational saults, vulnerable adults, and deaths Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of readiness test of the KSC and Marshall Space in homes and facilities. Spellman is a Arts degree in English from VMI, Flight Center ground systems and ensured former instructor/facilitator with the where he was a four-year letterman the systems were configured correctly for test, state and local programs at the Federal and co-captain of the tennis team. He Law Enforcement Training Center in thus minimizing impacts to schedule. The earned a Master of Business Admintools allowed KSC to check out newly built Glynco, Georgia, and is a graduate of istration degree with a concentration cables for the two payloads, ensured the remote the FBI National Academy at Quanin finance from San Diego State advanced payload test rig test configuration tico, Virginia.

University.

Spellman matriculated from Eastfiles were correctly built, and verified the test Tederick matriculated from Front setup between KSC and MSFC. In addition chester, New York, and was Company Royal, Virginia, and earned a Bachto his role developing the payload simulations, E lieutenant. He earned a Bachelor of elor of Arts degree in economics and Mounts is also recognized for reestablishing Arts degree in history and psychology from VMI. After graduation, he served Tederick ’89 business and modern languages from the test conductor position on the test team.

166

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News midcareer professionals in the private Department detective, completed the Emergence sector, as well as their commitment to Program at the Naval Postgraduate School the Hoover Institution’s overall mission Center for Homeland Defense and Security in of advancing ideas for free societies.

January 2021. Thomas has held many positions At the conclusion of their one-year fel- within the Metropolitan Police Department, with lowship, veteran fellows will submit a responsibilities including responding to a wide capstone project, in which they develop range of 911 emergencies, patrolling a beat, actionable solutions to policy chalcreating a plan for the distribution of PPE gear Walter W. Coleman ’88 became the lenges in their respective communities, for COVID-19, preparing civil disturbance unit chief commercial officer for Liquibox including those impacting governments, rosters for deployments, investigating felony/ in October 2021. In this role, Coleman is responsible for guiding sales Coleman ’88 businesses, workforces, schools, public misdemeanor cases, and various other assignhealth systems, and the security and ments. She currently serves as a detective in and customer solution efforts globally.

MPD’s 2nd District Detective’s Office. During Liquibox is a global leader in liquid packaging safety of their fellow citizens.

A cybersecurity professional and Marine Corps the six-month program, Thomas collaborated and dispensing, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Before this promotion, Coleman led combat veteran, Hasseltine currently serves as the with homeland security officials from across the North American sales team as senior vice chief security officer for Xenon Partners, a tech the nation on current policy, strategy, and president of sales. Before joining Liquibox, he private equity firm. While in the Marine Corps, organizational design challenges.

Thomas matriculated from Fishersville, Virgained nearly a decade of knowledge and experi- he completed combat deployments to Kosovo, ence in the industry at Westrock/MeadWestvaco Iraq, and Afghanistan. His assignments included ginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Coveris, as well as 18 years in commercial infantry, recruiting, and staff positions, including in international studies and political science from VMI. leadership and marketing roles at CPG food and command of the First Reconnaissance Battalion. beverage brands such as Coca-Cola USA and Hasseltine currently serves as the information technology sector chief for the Bay Area chapter Ferrero USA. In October 2021, Robert A. “Austin” VerColeman matriculated from Woodstock, Vir- of Infragard, a public-private partnereen ’19 joined the Celtics organization ginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in ship with the FBI to protect critical as video coordinator/player developinfrastructure. He is a board member economics and business from VMI. ment assistant for the Maine Celtics, of the Marine Reconnaissance Foundathe NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. In this role, Vereen is George D. “Donnie” Hasseltine ’97 has been tion, which works to support reconnaisresponsible for making sure all game named a Presidential Leadership Scholar for sance Marines and their families, and and practice film is readily available 2022. Now in its seventh year, PLS serves as a an adviser to the Athena Leadership and easy to watch. This includes makcatalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought Project, which explores how gendering custom edits for the team, other together to collaborate and create meaningful diverse teams shape national security. coaches, or for the players to use for change in the U.S. and around the world as they Hasseltine matriculated from New Orlearn about leadership through the lens of presi- leans, Louisiana, and graduated with a Vereen ’19 player development. He also works with an assigned group of players for dential experiences of George W. Bush, William Bachelor of Arts degree in history from J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. VMI, with distinction. He also holds a diploma on-court skill development and film sessions.

Johnson. Hasseltine is one of 60 people chosen in strategic intelligence from the Joint Military Additionally, Vereen is responsible for running for the 2022 class. Additionally, Hasseltine is Intelligence Training Center, a master’s degree team scouting reports for upcoming opponents.

Vereen matriculated from Springfield, Virpart of the inaugural class of veteran fellows at in national security and strategic studies from the Hoover Institution. Ten veterans, represent- the Naval War College, and an executive master’s ginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from VMI. He then went on to ing four branches of the armed services, were degree in cybersecurity from Brown University. earn a master’s degree in sports management selected for this prestigious program based on Morgan N. Thomas ’16, Metropolitan Police from the University of the Pacific. their demonstrated leadership and success as VMI, where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Appointed an Army military intelligence officer, he later became an airborne Ranger serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during the Gulf War.

B o o k A n n o u n c e m e n t s ... Book Announcements Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

Maintenance & Operational Reliability—The 24 Essential Building Blocks: The Transition from Reactive Repair to Reliable Asset Capacity by Don Nyman ’56 and Bill Mountjoy.

Industrial Press, 2022. ISBN: 978-0-8311-3661-1.

Available through Amazon and Industrial Press.

The quest for reliability is long overdue. In

2022-Issue 2

many operations, the realization of sustained reliability is still a work in progress. Few organizations have completed the journey to worldclass reliability, and the majority operate within a reactive culture, allowing response to repetitive failures to consume an excessive portion of limited maintenance resources, leaving too few for the performance of proactive activities.

... Book ... Book

In today’s competitive international environment, enterprise survival is a battle of the fittest. To survive, organizations must achieve world-class stature as required if an organization is to successfully compete globally. Maintenance and operational reliability are that important.

This work is organized by foundational

167

Alumni News requirements and the five pillars of maintenance and reliability excellence, containing 24 essential building blocks discussed within chapters addressing functions, management techniques, systems, information sources, and performance management vital to the maintenance and reliability process. The pillar graphic is an important visual aid for the education of the entire organization.

How is the ultimate, but challenging, reliability goal to be achieved? Are you prepared to manage, support, process, and interpret in real time the magnitude of information critical to business decisions required to realize a competitive advantage?

The co-authors, veteran maintenance and reliability experts, have collected all the essentials leading to reliability within this singular and practical resource that connects and sequences the integral requirements of worldclass reliability, clarifies roles and responsibilities of involved functions, and explains control tools to be deployed by each position.

About the Authors: Both Don Nyman and Bill Mountjoy are recognized authorities regarding maintenance organizational structure, functional control systems, planning and scheduling, and overall functional improvement.

Spanning 57 years, Nyman’s career began at the plant level as an industrial engineer with a Fortune 100 corporation for eight years.

His next seven years were spent with leading management consulting firms. Then he went back into corporate life for eight years as director of industrial engineering and internal consulting. The remaining 34 years of his career were spent operating from his own firm, the Nyman Consulting Group.

In composite, he directly supported over 300

organizations in 46 of the 50 United States and in 15 other countries, covering a wide array of industries.

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI, he holds a Master of Science degree in industrial management from Stevens Institute of Technology. He now resides in a golf community in the mountains of North Carolina. While now widowed, he enjoys their four grown children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Nyman matriculated from Saddle River, New Jersey, and controlled the backcourt for VMI basketball teams under Chuck Noe and Jack Null for four years.

After Golf: Tales We Tell After Lunch by John M. Pearson ’69. John M. Pearson, 2021, ISBN 9798480402773. Available through Amazon.

The author of this book was challenged in his youth by the idea of parental restrictions for his after-hours activities. After his retirement, he wanted to write a book about some of the challenging things he did. The original title for this book was “Stupid Things We Did in Our Youth.” These are not ghost stories, or about dating, or something someone overheard. The person telling the tale was involved in the story.

Playing golf in Texas is very hot most days, and lunch with a cold drink and friends is rewarding. Add to that the conversation that friends exchange around the table. For a long time, the author has played golf on Tuesdays with

a group of friends. When he began writing this book, he told them about his idea for the book and asked them for input. Immediately, they rewarded him with stories from their youth.

He enjoyed their stories, and the current title evolved from their input.

About the Author: John Pearson was born and raised around Washington, D.C. His father took him golfing and to professional golfing events. Soon after graduation from VMI, he married and moved to Texas to follow his construction career. For 20 years, he worked on the construction of commercial office buildings, water and wastewater plants, and power plants. He found a new job, and for the following 30 years, he was instrumental in supervising the building and expansion of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas, serving as the business administrator.

When he was young, his grandmother gave him a dozen Civil War letters his great-greatgrandfather had written home to his parents.

His ancestor had gone off to the war at 16, and upon his return at 19, he married the love of his life. She was only 14 when he left for the war, and her father was very influential in the town. In these letters, there was a line that said, “Charlie is well.” John felt this line was code.

Upon his retirement, he began to research his first book and found 93 more letters in a museum near the family home in Illinois. Upon closer review of these letters, he found this same line in most of the letters. He found out who Charlie was. He wrote a book titled “Charlie is Well,” then two more books tracing his family history, “Farmer Teacher Doctor” and “Bootleggers.” The experience of writing these books spurred him to write this current book, “After Golf: Tales We Tell After Lunch,” about his own life.

B o o k A n n o u n c e m e n t s ... Book Announcements Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

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... Book ... Book

VMI Alumni Review

Top Class Participation There’s still time to invest in the lives of cadets with a gift of any size toward VMI’s top priorities. Annual gifts to the Foundation Fund and the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund provide current use dollars and life shaping experiences.

The fiscal year comes to a close June 30, 2022. Don’t wait to be counted! Support the Corps!

Top Five Classes by Decade for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021-22 Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

14.18%

18.53%

1942-1949C

24.17

21.15%

1990-1999

1949C

50.00%

100.00%

1996

10.50%

36.86%

1949B

60.00%

69.23%

1992

22.27%

27.62%

1995

13.12%

23.08%

1991

18.15%

18.99%

1990

16.49%

16.08%

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

2000-2009

8.32%

10.36%

2006

10.83%

16.00%

2002

7.50%

14.34%

2001

4.47%

13.79%

2009

12.59%

11.11%

2004

8.98%

9.49%

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

2010-2019

4.91%

6.49%

2011

5.05%

12.74%

2012

9.35%

9.42%

2016

5.04%

7.58%

2013

4.85%

7.53%

2014

5.76%

6.78%

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

1950A-1959

35.07%

36.10%

1952

36.67%

60.87%

1957

41.25%

48.65%

1951

50.00%

39.13%

1953

34.09%

35.00%

1959

28.87%

33.72%

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

1960-1969

33.16%

35.73%

1960

39.60%

42.55%

1968

38.14%

39.79%

1966

29.57%

39.23%

1965

32.02%

38.95%

1962

32.68%

38.26%

Year(s)

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

1970-1979

23.37%

30.74%

1971

27.33%

53.22%

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

1972

27.57%

43.48%

2020-2021

0.54%

0.71%

1970

32.14%

37.95%

2020

1.63%

1.86%

1975

24.34%

34.43%

2021

0.27%

0.00%

1976

20.00%

27.78%

Year(s)

Q3 FY21

Q3 FY22

1980-1989

15.81%

19.20%

1981

17.90%

30.67%

1982

12.65%

22.95%

1986

12.17%

21.76%

1980

18.43%

20.80%

1984

17.28%

18.91%

Each subsequent issue will show our collective progress for the top participation and by class.

The Institute depends on us to secure and support VMI’s unique education method. For the sake of 1st Class privates everywhere (and the entire Corps of Cadets), get on board!

Thank You for Your Support!