VMI Alumni Review 2016-Issue 4

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2016-Issue 4

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2016-Issue 4

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of May 15, 2016, to Aug. 15, 2016.

Features 5

Campaign Message from Donald Wilkinson ’61

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Balassa ’98 and McCleskey Create the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug

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8

Educating Leaders

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Recognizing Excellence in Service

News and Updates 3

Our Alumni Serving

10

Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

136 Births, Marriages, Degrees

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

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

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

139 Taps

MISSION OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni and old cadets of VMI into one general body to keep alive the memories of Institute life and, by their united efforts, promote the general welfare of the Institute and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes.

148 Alumni News 156 College Orientation Workshop Achieves

Departments 2

President’s Letter

145 Association Directory 152 The Institute 159 Keydet Athletics

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Managing Editor: Jordan Moore Editorial Assistant: Elaine Wood

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

30 Years of Aiding At-Risk Youths

155

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

138 Provisional Appointments 144 After Taps

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Volume 93, No. 3

162 The Foundation 166 The Keydet Club

VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation:

The VMI Keydet Club:

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

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

ON OUR COVER Outside Front Cover: Cannon on the Parade Ground in the morning fog. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

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A Message From the President

Greetings Fellow Alumni and Friends of the Institute, As this Review arrives, VMI will be gathering to celebrate 177 years since its founding, and the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees will be meeting in Lexington.

It is a special time on post – time to reflect on the significant accomplishments of the past year and to look with confidence to the future. The VMI Foundation, led by Hugh M. Fain III ’80, along with Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, campaign chairman, have great news to report.

A campaign many thought would be a grand success if it raised $180 million, has exceeded $300 million – a stunning testament to the support from over 14,000 alumni and friends of the Institute. The Foundation section highlights the Class of 1966’s record shattering Reunion Campaign, as well as the new members joining the Foundation Board of Trustees.

I must extend our sincere gratitude to Brian S. Crockett, Foundation chief executive officer, who has been instrumental throughout the campaign. Brian will be retiring from the Foundation at the end of December.

Louthan ’82

The Keydet Club announced several new athletic scholarships and a new president.

“Buzz” Birzenieks ’64 has taken the helm from Bill Paulette ’69. Many thanks to Bill for his leadership to the Keydet Club, and we look forward to working with Buzz and the Keydet Club toward continued success funding our cadet-athletes. The Athletics section provides many sports updates, including the 2016-17 basketball schedule.

On Aug. 20, 506 matriculated (the third largest group ever) and the 2016 fall semester is halfway complete. The Class of 2018 will hold Ring Figure during the first weekend in December. Photos from reunion weekends held in late September and October will appear in the next issue of the Review.

Several alumni are featured in the following pages, including Gene Williams ’74, leader of the College Orientation Workshop, which celebrated its 30th year in 2016. Several alumni who have worked tirelessly to renovate and build new construction on post, including the new Indoor Training Facility, are featured in the Institute section of this Review.

Of special interest on the following pages is an article titled, “Balassa ’98 and McCleskey Create the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug,” which highlights the meticulous recreation of a familiar piece of World War I history by an alumnus and a professor.

I would like to encourage you to return to post. There is something special about being back here. Please plan a trip for a basketball game this winter. Call some brother rats and make that road trip and connect with your local chapter for events in your region. I hope to see you.

In the bonds,

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

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Royal Thai Army Gen. Prasobchai “Yai” Kasemsant ’76 retired from the Thai army in September 2015 as a five-star general. Kasemsant served the Ministry of Defense as their chairman of defense advisors, a five-star general rank. He also was responsible in heading the Committee to Organize Events to Honor His Majesty the King for five consecutive years and was given assignments as military court judge, military appeal court judge and a member of the high military court. He served as special aide-de-camp to the king. A career infantry officer, he worked closely with the U.S. Army and other Allied forces.

Kasemsant currently serves on the board of directors for Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited, as well as Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Limited, two top-100 companies in the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

He serves as chairman of two projects he initiated: “To-Be-Number-One-in Art,” and “To-BeNumber-One-in-Golf and Sports Endeavors.”

Since 2004, he has served as vice president of the Athletic Association of Thailand, including serving as team manager of the Thailand Athletic Team, which competed in the Olympic Games, the World Championships, World Junior Championships, World Youth Championships, the Asian Games, the South East Asian Games and other competitions held internationally.

Kasemsant matriculated with the Class of 1977 from Washington, D.C., and was a distinguished graduate of VMI in 1976, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. Kasemsant was the recipient of the First Jackson-Hope Medal. He earned master’s degrees in structural engineering and operations research from Stanford University.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World The Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to our citizensoliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in every time of deepest peril ... .”

Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, doctors offering their services to those less fortunate, alumni volunteering at food pantries or serving as Boy or Girl Scout leaders.

If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve.

Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa.org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Editor. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

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

See know instructions above. description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above.

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Officer David Wallace ’86 of the Albemarle County, Virginia, Police Department recently answered a call for help to save a baby who was choking and had stopped breathing. Wallace was on the scene within minutes, and his decisive action and CPR on an infant saved her life.

The ROCKS, Inc. hosted its 42nd Annual Spring Gala Awards Banquet April 23, 2016, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The theme for the event was “Operation Rejuvenation: Renewing and Reaffirming Our Commitment to Mentorship.” The ROCKS organization contributes to the strengthening of the Army’s Officer Corps professionalism and to building a stronger, culturally diverse force. Pictured at the event were, from left, E. Sean Lanier ’94; Cadet Lawrence Coles III ’19; Cadet Jeybriel Townsend ’19; retired Brig. Gen. Earl Simms, ROCKS, Inc., national president; Cadet Nathaniel Mumfort ’19; Cadet Matthew Cotton ’19; Cadet Antonio Johnson Jr. ’19; Lt. Col. Kendall Clarke ’95; and Maj. Alhaji Bangura ’00.

Alumni from the Stuttgart, Germany, military community gathered for a photo at Patch Barracks May 25, 2016. Colonel Dickenson ’90 is the Stuttgart garrison commander with fellow alumni representing U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe, Special Operations Command Europe and Marine Forces EuropeAfrica. Pictured, from left, are U.S. Air Force Maj. Kenneth Carmichael ’01, U.S. Army Col. Glenn Dickenson ’90, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Campbell Kane ’01, retired U.S. Army Maj. Timothy Guck ’87, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Mitchell ’98, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Forsyth ’78, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Keith Kruelski ’96 and U.S. Navy Capt. Rod Turbak ’93.

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Message from Donald M. Wilkinson ’61 Campaign Chairman

Inspiration is what elevates our thoughts and actions and prompts us to do great things. When added to technical knowledge and expertise, it turns the mundane into the marvelous. Many people know the basics of music, sculpture and painting, for example, but few produce truly great works of art. Therefore, when we encounter greatness in any endeavor – science, business, art, sports, and, yes, philanthropy – we immediately wonder what it was that inspired that greatness, what moved, what drove these people to perform at such a high level.

More than 14,000 alumni, parents, friends, Wilkinson ’61 faculty and staff have come forward with some amazing gifts – some of which represent substantial sacrifices on their part – and made An Uncommon Purpose an astounding success thus far, raising more than $300 million in gifts and commitments.

I have spoken with many of these donors asking what moved them to give so generously in support of the Institute. As an aside, it is interesting to note that, for many alumni, the inspiration to support VMI grows in direct proportion to the number of years since they were cadets. In general, their response is they find so much that is

inspiring about VMI, especially in relation to contemporary society.

They point to the members of the faculty who go above what is expected in order to provide cadets rich experiences in the classroom and the laboratory and serve as life-long mentors to alumni. There are the equally dedicated staff and coaches who take care to develop the character and the leadership ability of each cadet through VMI’s military system and its matchless opportunities to compete in athletics. They are inspired by the Institute’s proud traditions and history, as well as its adherence to the values of immutable honor, selfless service and sincere patriotism. Finally, they derive immense satisfaction from our cadets – young men and women who have taken a dramatically different path and accepted the rewards of being a VMI cadet because they place such a high value on a VMI education.

In turn, the devotion of alumni to the advancement of the Virginia Military Institute is such that these discussions always inspire me, my colleagues in the Campaign Cabinet, and the leaders and staff of the VMI Alumni Agencies. We come away realizing how much VMI means to these people and how strongly they believe that our alumni will play an important role in the future of our nation.

I thank everyone who has taken a stand for VMI during this campaign and made a gift or commitment for your generosity and the inspiration you have provided to so many people. If you have not yet participated in this campaign, please ask yourself what about the Institute, to include its alumni and cadets, inspires you. I sincerely hope that if VMI is a source of pride for you that you will be a source of support for VMI.

“Inspiration is what elevates our thoughts and actions and prompts us to do great things.”

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Balassa ’98 and McCleskey Create the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

W

hen first noticing the pristine white, glossy mug, one might think it’s like any other ordinary coffee cup. The second that a palm grasps it, however, there’s no denying the heft, durability and historical significance of the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug. The mug is the creation of Glass Beach Mugs, LLC, founded

by Paul Balassa ’98 and Col. Turk McCleskey, longtime professor of history at VMI, after they discovered shards of porcelain on the southern edge of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, while both deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006. “One of my sergeants was scuba diving,” explained McCleskey. “She ran out of air and came to shore to kind of crawl along coral to make it back to the beach to climb out ... while doing that, she found one of these fragments and showed it to me because it said ‘U.S.M.C.’ with a year on it.” Being enthralled by articles of antiquity, McCleskey couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a look at the site himself and explore it in-depth. He enlisted Balassa, who McCleskey met shortly before at a VMI gathering on base, to join him in his efforts.

Balassa joked that “[McCleskey] had the

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reputation for holding cadets accountable.”

Although Balassa admitted he agreed to the adventure because he “had nothing better to do,” the trip set the groundwork for a friendship that would later become a partnership in business.

Not only did the two men connect during the trip, they happened upon a discovery larger than they ever could have imagined. Once at the beach site, they became witness to dozens of broken pieces of old military crockery that littered the area. McCleskey instantaneously understood the significance of the shards, and an idea was steadily ignited in his mind to bring this part of history to light by producing a historically-accurate replica for today’s market in celebration of the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. “I just realized I had been thinking about it for a while. There was no trumpet fanfare; that ‘Oh, you’ve got a great idea,’” stated McCleskey. “It just gradually hatched.”

Although the idea had materialized for the two of them, the business of finding a manufacturer who could deliver on the historicallyaccurate meticulousness they both desired for the mugs was an exhausting challenge. “It, in

fact, imposed a factor of both difficulty and cost much greater than we originally thought,” said Balassa. As with making any great product, they persevered through a process of trial and error. Having limited manufacturer options due to the inability to produce the hefty porcelain, Balassa resorted to searching the internet to see what options he could find.

Their first significant try resulted in a pottery slip-cast method in which clay is poured into a plaster mold, and as the water leeches out into the plaster, the mold is taken out and it is left to dry. This method could not focus on one of the key elements of the mug that both Balassa and McCleskey admired, though: The geometry.

“It didn’t look right,” Balassa insisted. They eventually found Homer Laughlin China Company, which is known for Fiesta dinnerware and is highly collectible and automatically recognizable because of the china’s heft and durability with a simple, sleek design. It was the perfect match for the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug. But as with all things of importance, it required patience and diligence on Balassa’s and McCleskey’s part. “They were in the middle of a hotel pottery convention, so they weren’t [initially] interested,” explained Balassa. “But

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I just kept pestering a guy in the design department and their attitude changed to, ‘If you want to drive out here, we’ll meet with you.’”

So the two men ventured to West Virginia and met with the design department of Homer Laughlin. The company was immediately sold on the project, because they understood what the mug represented and how valuable it really was. “Anyone in that industry is very passionate about not just the way something’s made, but the lineage and heritage behind it,” remarked Balassa. What also makes the mug so unique is the fact that it is the only piece of hotelware produced by Homer Laughlin that doesn’t have their backstamp on it.

With a manufacturer set in place, Balassa and McCleskey were allowed to focus on the details, including the retail packaging. When purchased, the mug comes with a folded insert featuring a recommissioned photo of a recruitment poster from the World War I-era. The insert also features the historical background of the mugs and the backstory of how the shards were found by Balassa and McCleskey. Because the mug is so easily identifiable for Marines in particular – as the mug was stamped U.S.M.C. – it is no surprise that Balassa and McCleskey ventured into having these becoming an official take-home gift of the 2016 and 2017 Marine Corps balls.

Not only that, it was important to both that they give back to the Marines, so a portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and contributes to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. At press time, they had already donated $1,917. Their ability to give back to such an important cause will certainly only grow with the company’s success.

The two were also able to secure the watch mug as being a point of achievement for midshipmen at the Naval Academy. “Our 2016 market is really focused on midshipmen and the class of 2017,” explained McCleskey, “because this will be their first birthday ball after they’ve been to Marine Officer Candidate School. So, they have a new validated identity as Marines, and they’ll have a particular attachment to the mug.” He joked that one of the winning attributes of the porcelain mug is its ability to sustain excessive wear and

Photo opposite page: Balassa ’98 and McCleskey, founders of Glass Beach Mugs, LLC. Right: The 1917 Centennial Watch Mug.

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tear. Countless times, the two have dropped or thrown the mug in an attempt to not only shock potential buyers but also show that it can withstand a hard hit. This durability has the purpose of making the replica mug just as timeless as the originals found cliffside in Guantanamo Bay. They can stand the test of time once more.

Besides having a significant tie to the Marines specifically, Balassa elaborated that it connects to the old Navy, as well, as the Navy and Marines are historically intertwined. He explained, “This is also known as a chief ’s mug. There was a time in the late ’50s and early ’60s when the Navy and other services were moving from crockery to hardened plastics and fiberglass. So, the hypothesis is that the chiefs at the time started to collect similar styles and used them as part of their daily ware ... they sort of saved the legacy of the old Navy.”

The mug also allows a significant impact to be made on our country’s older war generations for its nostalgic quality. Certainly a gratifying and amazing story to hear, Balassa was told that after selling a mug to somebody whose grandfather was a Korean War veteran, the buyer reached back out to him. “[The grandson] said that when he gave the mug to his grandfather, his face lit up, and he said he hadn’t seen one of them in years. And he just started telling war stories that none of the family had ever heard before,” stated Balassa. “The mug is helping connect our generation to stories that probably never would’ve resurfaced.”

As for the future of Glass Beach Mugs, LLC, Balassa and McCleskey emphasized that they own the rights to the mug’s form, or its geometry and shape. And although they have countless options for the mug’s evolution, they value and adhere to its simple elegance and direct purpose. “[The year] 2017 is the centennial of American entry into World War I ... after that, I think there will be a smaller market for this,”

admitted McCleskey, “but an ongoing market for people who like the memorabilia aspect of it.” Balassa contributed, “It has its own sort of shelf-life built in, and that’s what’s going to keep it special for years to come.” To learn more about Glass Beach Mugs, LLC, please visit https://www.glassbeachmugs.com/.

Above: Shards of original U.S. Marine Corps watch mugs found by Balassa and McCleskey in Guantanamo Bay.

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Educating Leaders

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation For several decades, people often described the VMI education using the metaphor of a three-legged stool. Each leg – academics, athletics and the military – was equally important. Furthermore, if one of them was “shorter” than the others, it would damage VMI’s ability to accomplish its mission. While this was a handy way to explain the Institute’s nature, it seemed to hint at a competition between the three.

The reality is that the creation of that rare breed, the VMI citizen-soldier, is possible only because academics, the military and athletics are so closely intertwined. For example, the Institute’s military system provides cadets with matchless opportunities to develop traits of successful leaders, such as perseverance, self-discipline and teamwork. Cadets who enjoy success academically and athletically do so in large part because they take what they learn in barracks and apply it in the classroom and laboratory, as well as in training and competition.

It is much the same for the Institute. It will be successful only as long as its graduates are thoroughly prepared for every aspect of life.

If, for example, its graduates are physically fit and possess every positive characteristic that has long been associated with its alumni but are not well educated, they will be unable to fulfill their responsibilities as citizen-soldiers and live up to their potential as leaders.

VMI’s academic program consistently garners national recognition. Whichever of VMI’s 14 majors he or she pursues, each cadet receives an education characterized by a dedicated faculty, excellent facilities and a small student-faculty ratio. Cadets take advantage of numerous and exceptional opportunities for undergraduate research, international study and internships. The Institute Honors Program helps high-achieving cadets realize their full academic potential and serves to spur other cadets to better academic performance.

The Jackson-Hope Fund supports new academic initiatives that have enhanced faculty development and VMI’s academic reputation.

Yet, in a crowded academic marketplace where VMI competes for the finest students and faculty, the need to keep advancing and providing for innovation is critical. Keeping

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Members of VMI’s faculty continually strive to provide cadets a superb academic experience. Pictured here is faculty member Brent Hierman of the department of international studies and politics. VMI photo by Kevin R. Remington. pace with the developments in their respective fields of study – and, in the VMI tradition, even setting the pace in their fields – is essential for our faculty to provide the very best and most up-to-date academic preparation to our cadets. They need increased opportunities for professional development, such as research, publication and travel. Ensuring that VMI has the means to continue to attract outstanding candidates for faculty positions is critical to the longterm health of the academic program, as is retaining and rewarding faculty members who have embraced the Institute’s unique mission and dedicated themselves to our cadets. Overall, too, the Institute must have the resources to reinforce successes within its academic program.

In the past, like the other legs of the threelegged stool, the academic program – like the Institute as a whole – was adequately funded through a combination of state aid, tuition and fees, and private support. In particular, the generosity of thousands of alumni and friends toward the academic program and many specific departments have raised the academic program to a level that has given

VMI a reputation for academic excellence and places it among the very best colleges and universities in the United States. The entire VMI family should be profoundly grateful for these donors’ foresight and vision.

In the past several years, as providing the basics of a VMI education and ensuring that the Institute continues to foster academic innovation have become more expensive, the need for increased private support of our academic program has grown. Now, through An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, the Institute is raising the immediate and longterm gifts that will sustain and advance an academic program that helps cadets fully realize their intellectual potential during their four short years on post. Already, campaign donors have heeded this call and provided millions of dollars to support academics.

However, plenty of opportunities remain for those who have a deep appreciation of the transformative power of the VMI education to take a stand with the Institute’s faculty and help them guarantee the excellence of VMI’s academic program for future cadets.

Vmi Alumni Review

Recognizing Excellence in Service

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

Faculty and staff recipients of these awards ones.” As someone who has received awards for One of the more satisfying things about today’s VMI is the fact that it is routinely listed are chosen by the Institute Awards Committee, teaching and mentorship, Richardson said the common reaction to being a recipient of one is among America’s best colleges in such publica- which is now chaired by Col. Holly Richardson humility. “When you remember some of the tions as Forbes, The Princeton Review, Money of the Department of Physical Education. Now in the midst of her 20th year at the Institute, she great teachers and staff members who also have and the extremely influential annual survey of received them,” she said, “you are humbled.”

American higher education by U.S. News and has taught aquatics, including basic survival She also said that her colleagues on the InWorld Report. These accolades are the result swimming and advanced swimming; drug and stitute Awards Committee – which includes of decades of effort to steadily improve all alcohol awareness; and self-defense, and this year, she is piloting two courses: Mindfulness faculty, staff and cadets representing different aspects of the VMI education, but especially and alternative and complimentary health in departments and units on post, as well as a repits academic program. resentative from the VMI Foundation The continued excellence of the In– deserve a lot of credit for their work. stitute’s academic program depends, “The committee’s members are fantastic as it always has, on its faculty. Not only and do a very thorough job in reviewing have these men and women devoted each nomination. Most times, I agonize themselves to the task of improving over the nominations, because there are experiences in the classroom and the so many deserving individuals working laboratory, they have also established in the VMI community, and I know the themselves as leaders in their respective other members do, too. I cannot thank academic fields by conducting and pubthem enough for their time and the effort lishing research. They have shepherded they put into this task.” countless cadets through undergraduate “This is the best committee to be research projects and honors theses, on, because you can have an impact as well as mentored them about their on others,” said Richardson. “It’s also academic progress at VMI and their great, because you become aware of the choices of careers. Given the level of many people in the VMI community involvement which VMI’s faculty has who do great things for others. You are with cadets, it is hardly surprising that humbled by their talent, commitment alumni often stay in touch with memand positive contributions. Truly, I wish bers of the faculty long after they have everyone could have an opportunity to graduated and credit their successes to serve on this committee.” the influence that faculty had on them.

Richardson acknowledged the generThe importance of faculty to the caBrigadier Gen. Charles F. Brower IV, left, received the VMI osity of alumni and friends, saying that dets and the Institute as a whole often Distinguished Teaching Award, which is presented annually the Institute is indebted to them for makmotivates donors to do something that to faculty and staff who are deemed distinguished in teaching these awards possible. “Without this directly and indirectly supports the ing and academic mentorship, at the 2016 Institute Awards giving, VMI would not have an awards Institute’s faculty. In fact, in the current Convocation. VMI photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. program – a way of saying, ‘Thank you,’ academic year, thanks to alumni and to its employees and recognizing their friends, the VMI Foundation will promedicine. Besides teaching, Richardson helped hard work and their important presence in the vide more than $4.7 million in direct support of the Institute’s faculty and staff, including more direct the Rat Challenge for nine years and was community.”

As to the future of the awards program, Richthan $1.6 million in salary supplements and involved in an initiative in which cadets trained and participated in the Bataan Memorial Death ardson said she would like to see it expanded $673,000 that supports the numerous professorships and chairs held by our faculty. Another March in White Sands, New Mexico. She is also to recognize the people who she terms as “the ‘unseen’ individuals,” meaning those who perway that donors have shown their appreciation the director of physical training for the Summer form a great service to VMI that might not be Transition Program. of the faculty is through the establishment of As to the awards that are presented to the as visible as some members of the faculty and awards that recognize excellence in teaching, faculty and staff, Richardson said, “The people staff, but who are essential to keeping everything research and mentoring. These honors – including the VMI Distinguished Teaching Award, the receiving awards are excited to have been cho- at the Institute running smoothly.

“I am grateful for the generosity of the sen, because they know there are so many of Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award, the VMI their colleagues who qualify for them. It’s also people who have funded these awards. All Corps of Cadets Faculty Mentor Award and people want to be valued, to be recognized. the VMI Distinguished Service Award – are a big moment for them, as well, with many famI can assure you that even a nomination has presented at the annual Institute Awards Con- ily members coming to the awards ceremony vocation which takes place during finals week. to help celebrate the recognition of their loved an amazing effect on people.”

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Association News Hawaii Chapter Rat Send-off

The Hawaii Chapter hosted a rat send-off June 26, 2016, at the Hale Koa Hotel. Pictured at the event were, from left, seated, Rebecca Soldow, Jenn Soldow, Will Soldow (incoming 1st Class cadet) and Dave Soldow ’92. Standing: Russ Takata ’74, Cheryl Takata, Bob Heely ’98, and Cyndi and Dick Rankin ’68.

Pacific Northwest Chapter New Market Luncheon

Pictured at the Pacific Northwest Chapter New Market luncheon May 15, 2016, in Seattle, Washington, were, from left, back row, Pete Farmer ’68, chapter president; Randy Urmston ’66; Lt. Col. Lucas Braxton ’98; Tom Appleton ’82; Alex Rawling ’07; Joe Girlando ’70; Allen deSteiguer ’67; Rick Hagreen ’77; Maj. Josh Powers ’04; Capt. Colin Sexton ’11; and Dave Adkins ’66. Front row: 1st Lt. Kyle Farmer ’13, Larry Miller ’56, Andy Gillespie ’88, Justin Trenta ’03, Capt. Chad Truslow ’08 and Larry Stetson ’68. Present but not pictured were Col. Bill McClary ’91 and Larry Ryan ’68.

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Association News

Tampa Chapter Celebrates Summer Fest In the German tradition of Oktoberfest, Tampa alumni, family and friends gathered at the St. Pete Hofbrauhaus to celebrate the coming of summer vacations, remembrance of New Market and, being the month of May, their graduations from the Institute. As the Oompah band filled the hall with traditional music, VMI stories abounded to include Norval Marr ’46 sharing his video of the Corps at his recent reunion parade.

After several “Ein Prosit” and a fine meal, the evening concluded with John Scott ’69, former drum major, leading the alumni in the singing of the “Doxology.” Present but not pictured were Ann and Cal Lloyd ’62, Grace and Bob Bailey ’72, John Moder ’98 and family, and the daughter of Norval Marr ’46.

From left: Walt Chalkley ’72; Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation major gifts officer; John Kudrysch ’15; Hartnell Paultreh ’15; Vernie Reichling ’87; Ernie Edgar ’87; Mary Ann Edgar; and Debbie Chalkley. Chalkley is the alumni Deep South regional director. He and his wife, Debbie, came from The Villages, Florida, to Tampa to support the event while visiting with Bob and Grace Bailey ’72.

From left, Josh Goewey ’82, Jeff Hamilton ’07, Steve Hartnett ’13, Nancy and John Scott ’69, and Sven and Susanna Goewey.

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From left, Monique Harnetty, Jean Anderson, Bob Haines ’59 and Mel Anderson ’59.

From left, Betty and John Valenti ’66, Norval Marr ’46, and Ardith Rutland. Pictured at the next table back was John Scott ’69 enjoying a Hofbrau refreshment.

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Association News

The Villages Chapter Hosts Gathering Members of The Villages Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association met at the home of Alan and Kathy Vicory ’74 May 22, 2016, to hear a presentation from Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation major gifts officer.

Above: Pictured at the event were, from left, Alan and Kathy Vicory ’74; Don Holmes ’66, chapter president; and Meade King ’85.

Left: Those in attendance gathered for a group photo during the event.

VMI and The Citadel Alumni Gathering Attendees pictured at the VMI and The Citadel gathering in front of Triple J Steakhouse, Panama City Beach, Florida, May 5, 2016, were, from left, Paul and Helene Zackrison ’96; Jim and Mei-Ling Frishkorn ’81; Glenda Patterson; Bill Swift, Citadel ’62; Neil Rodenbeck, Citadel ’82; Ken Covey, World War II veteran and guest of honor; Marilyn and Al Lewis, Citadel ’69; Bob and Barbara Wells, Citadel ’72; Robert Mellerski, Citadel ’78; Don and Becky Baughn, Citadel ’68; Dr. Bud Shuler, Citadel ’89; Jim Papas, Citadel ’66; Olivia Pardy, granddaughter of Ken Covey; Jerry Walker, Citadel ’71; Joy and Ken Pardy, daughter and son-in-law of Ken Covey; and Wayland Patterson ’80.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Pulaski Rat Send-off

Pictured at the Pulaski rat send-off July 30, 2016, were, from left, Will Hale '03, Jacob Keith '17+3, Brad Burrus '96, Jim Kelly '71, Elliott Brewster '17+3, Jim Kelly Jr '64, Gary Eifried '63, Kaleb Francisco '17+3, Barry Helms '76 and Brandon Campbell '17+3.

Atlanta Chapter Hosts Rat Send-off On July 30, 2016, the Atlanta Chapter held a rat send-off at the home of Heide Nagle ’02 and David Nagle ’01. The group included four incoming cadets, parents and alumni spanning from the Class of 1950B to the Class of 2017. All enjoyed a great barbeque and lots of Old Corps stories.

VMI Veterans Transition Program Are you retiring or planning to transition from active duty military service to another job or career? If so, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. can help.

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

2016-Issue 4

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Association News

Career View: What is Yours?

by Eric Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer

I am sure you have heard that a large percentage of people spend more time planning for vacations than they do for retirement. It is an eye-opening statistic that may cause you to evaluate whether or not additional financial planning needs to be done around your future. Is this the same for your career?

I believe so, and I encourage you to develop a career view, which allows you to see where you have been, where you currently are and where you want to be.

Looking at the past allows you to understand where you have come from and your areas of development through the years. Make yourself write down answers to questions about your career. A few questions to answer may be: Have you been pursuing a position or

industry in which you enjoy or have developed skills? Have you been able to pursue a passion?

What has been the basis of your decision making when making career changes?

Answering questions about where you have been will better highlight the present and where you currently are. Hopefully, you will be able to see reason behind your current position and a purpose for being there. When evaluating the present, I want you to be able to answer this question: Are you in the position and working where you feel you need to be working? If yes, continue to push forward and stay focused on what is ahead of you. If not, review what has gotten you to the current position to help you determine where you may need to go.

In completing your career view, you need

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

Partnership institutions include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of William & Mary, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State and the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields.

If interested in learning more about the available partnerships, please contact Atin Basu at basuchoudharya@ vmi.edu.

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to have vision for what is before you and where you feel led to be. Please understand that this does not mean you have to change jobs or companies. You may feel led to be at a certain company and position for your career, and if so, cast a vision for where you are and plan to stay. If your vision is leading you in a new direction, it is important that you begin to make plans and understand the steps to get there.

In developing your career view, I hope the outcome is a better understanding. Understanding where you have been. Understanding where you are. Finally, understanding of where you feel you should be. Through understanding these three areas, I believe it gives purpose to your days and work.

Save the Date: Upcoming Networking Breakfasts Date: March 11, 2017 Locations: Hampton Roads Chapters Potomac River & George C. Marshall Chapters Richmond Chapter

The networking breakfasts have continued to grow over the years with great support from both alumni and current cadets. The events are a great opportunity for alumni to network with each other and assist current cadets in internship and job searches. If you would like to sponsor one of these events in your area, please contact Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@vmiaa.org

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Third Annual New England Networking Dinner

The third annual New England Networking Dinner between VMI, Norwich and The Citadel alumni was held Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The event has continued to grow each year, and the excitement of each attendee being able to grow their network was felt. The speaker this year was Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe (Norwich ’86), who is the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard.

Pat Griffin ’80, the director of the Northeast chapters, provided great support for the event. Thank you to Joe Barra ’83, who was a sponsor of the dinner.

Nick Gelles ’12, left, and Nick Nadeau ’16.

Dennis Maguire ’80, left, and Jason Gray ’89.

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From left, Dennis Maguire ’80, Joe Barra ’83, Bill Wieners ’85, Pat Griffin ’80, Nick Nadeau ’16 and Nick Gelles ’12.

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Alumni Association Welcomes Horn and Putney ’15 Tamera Horn joined the VMI Alumni Asso- ability to communicate with a diverse and broad was a mentor to inbound recruits and was a ciation staff as the executive assistant in March spectrum of people to truly flourish. “As head dean’s list student.

Putney previously served as a client service 2016. Horn resides with her husband, teller for the credit union, I learned that David, in Covington, Virginia, where I personally enjoy communicating with and marketing associate for a financial firm she has lived all of her life. She exothers more than anything. I am excited located in Richmond, Virginia. She believes plained that after her two kids have to not only grow in this new position that her responsibilities garnered during this finished their education and found emwith the Alumni Association but to position allowed her to better mature her cusployment, leaving her and her husband really mature the skills I’ve previously tomer service skills that will prove critical in fueling her success with the VMI Alumni Asempty-nesters, she was ready to find her learned throughout my career.” dream job. In this role, she takes care In her spare time, she volunteers as sociation. “I most importantly look forward to of the VMI alumni chapters, to include the vice president of the Covington representing the association and the Institute. I mailings, email blasts and online event Ladies Auxiliary for the Covington also am thrilled to interact with and positively influence prospective cadets and parents who creation. Her responsibilities also inFire Department and Rescue Squad, Horn are learning more about the benefits clude organizing the official calendar where her husband is also a and unique qualities of VMI.” that resides on the VMI Alumni website. Horn volunteer fireman.

Volant said, “We are fortunate to is also heavily involved with handling invitations Erica Putney ’15 joined the VMI sustain our outreach and New Cadet and mailings for the VMI Board of Directors Alumni Association staff as the Recruiting efforts with the talents of meetings and provides assistance to its members. program outreach coordinator in Erica Putney ’15. She comes to our She reports directly to Adam Volant ’88, VMI September 2016. In this role, she is organization with previous customer Alumni Association executive vice president. responsible for New Cadet Recruitservice experience and a VMI profile Volant stated, “Tammy Horn is a great addition ing, Legacy Day and programs to that is a credit to the Institute. She to our team and brings experience in serving a further engage the Alumni Associabrings energy and real poise to this variety of customers and audiences. She has been tion Board of Directors and alumni. a quick study on our systems, is extremely bright Putney matriculated from RichPutney ’15 important program that integrates our alumni chapters with VMI Admisand will ensure we serve our alumni at a very mond, Virginia, and earned a Bachhigh standard. We are fortunate to have Tammy elor of Arts degree in biology with a minor sions across the country.”

Putney’s interests include exercising, spendon our team.” in exercise science from VMI. She expressed Before joining the Alumni Association, Horn excitement in returning to the Lexington area ing time with friends and family, and traveling. was the head teller for two separately located and experiencing it from a new vantage point Her recent travel included mission trip service to Haiti. The summer after graduating from branches at the Jackson River Community Credit as an alumna. Putney was a cadet-athlete, VMI, she ventured on an 80-day trip to Europe, Union, located in Covington and Low Moor, Vir- competing on the women’s soccer team all four ginia. At these locations, Horn served for more years of her cadetship. She also served as the in which she independently explored 16 differthan 15 years in an environment that allowed her secretary for the Keydet Athlete Committee, ent countries and more than 50 cities.

The

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Assocation, Inc.

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CLASS NOTES long life (a “secret” shared by many).

Jim continues to reminisce about his World War II days, especially the Battle for Brest, the port responsible for supplying 37 Allied Divisions (23,000 tons daily). Jim played a prominent role in the long, fierce fighting there. Jim’s vivid descriptions of the battle are remarkable for their detail. It is little wonder that so many of Jim’s friends and fellow residents ask him to share those experiences.

I would like to recognize the three brother rats out of ’35 that fell in battle. Chinese Army Capt. I Chang and his infantry

United States Army Maj. Carter Spotswood Vaden was killed in action March 10, 1944, on Los Negros Island in the South Pacific in Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 the Admiralty Islands campaign. The campaign lasted almost three months and, in the end, the 1st Cavalry Division succeeded in isolating Rabaul, which was the primary objective. It would be an understatement to say that the fighting was savage. Major Vaden’s Greetings from the Class of ’35! brother, U.S. Army Capt. Thomas Burwell Jim and Peggy Sherman have been living Vaden, was also a member of the class. The at The Coventry at St. Joseph of the Pines, Vadens were members of several old Virginia Southern Pines, North Carolina, for more families. than five years. It is quite a change from their Our little school has produced more than its many years in northern New England, but fair share of heroes. they like everything about the “Old Readers may recall that we recently North State.” regretted the demise of nicknames at Jim and Peggy participate in all of VMI. We likened their disappearance The Coventry’s activities. Jim is parto the decline of Western Civilization. ticularly fond of birthday parties, singWe surveyed the ’35 Bomb for nickfests and dance troupes, especially names and published some of the best. when chocolate ice cream, patriotic Now we hope to revive the tradition songs and clogging are involved. and are looking at other Bombs for The Coventry’s “Centennial Club” good source material. Take Rufus A. honors all residents 98 and above, and Morrison ’905, for example. He had Jim easily meets the eligibility criteria. five nicknames: “Skeeter,” “Swibodi,” The meetings this past summer were “Mose,” “Swy” and “Mean Hog.” accompanied by grilled hamburgers There is nothing in his biographical and hotdogs and a bluegrass band, sketch that offers a reason why. which Jim and Peggy enjoyed.

Does time fly? Well, I guess it does.

Jim also enjoys a wee bit of Scotch Class of 1935: Jim and Peggy Sherman enjoying a birthday party and the chocolate ice cream that went with it.

When the current crop of new cadets whiskey in the evening, and ungraduates, my brother rats and I will doubtedly, it reminds him of his wartime service in Scotland. Jim recently company were annihilated by the Japa- be celebrating our 50th Reunion. remarked that scotch was the secret to his nese Army at Nanking (in the Second SiThanksgiving and Christmas are nigh. On no-Japanese War), Dec. 1, 1937. Captain behalf of the Class of 1935, we extend our Chang entered The U.S. Military Academy very best wishes to the entire VMI family, at West Point with the Class of 1935 and and we look forward to seeing you again next transferred to VMI in early 1933, somehow year. finding the time to complete his courseDick Knight ’70 work in civil engineering and graduate with the class. Eddie Arnold recalled that Capt.

Chang was reserved and dignified.

United States Army Maj. William Wat- Paul E. Munson ’87 son Emory was killed in action Feb. 15, 1943, at Sidi Bou Zid, in Tunisia on the second day of the Battle of the Kasserine Pass.

There, the inexperienced 1st Armored Division and 168th Infantry were mauled It is my sad duty to report that the followby the 10th and 21st Panzer Divisions of ing members of the Class of 1936 have died: Rommel’s Afrika Corps. The magnitude James E. Kirk, Jack Baylor and John H. of the defeat is depicted in the epic movie, Divine. Jack Baylor left us Feb. 7, 1998. Mr. Class of 1935: Jim Sherman enjoying The “Patton,” which was produced by Brig. Baylor attended VMI for one year and was Coventry’s Centennial Celebration.

Gen. Frank McCarthy ’933. living in Waynesboro, Virginia, at the time

1935

1936

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes into the southeast corner of the Korean peninsula near Pusan [now Busan]. As the war ebbed and flowed north and south, Seoul was taken and lost four times in the period of less than one-and-a-half years. The Korean War Museum in Seoul is simply amazing in its detailed recounting of that war. While we may consider the Korean War the “Forgotten War,” they have not. The museum was full of young school children and young army recruits learning their country’s history. To put the war in perspective, South Class of 1939: The resuspension of the original Boshingak Bell.

Korea still has some 130,000 still gets around, even though he had to missing in action. While we were there, give up driving. His new hip, while not they repatriated several remains to their perfect, is “useful.” His two sons’ families national cemetery.

Cody Hennelly ’10 In spring 1952, my father was a memkeep tabs on him.

Seoul, South Korea: In May/June ber of the Corps of Engineers assigned 2016, Marcy and I finally made our long- as the S-3, operations for headquarters, planned trip to South Korea. I have been 24th Engineering Group, working out of wanting to visit South Korea most of my Seoul. By spring 1952, the front lines had Brother Rats, life in order to visit the sites where my fa- moved north of Seoul along and north of I am pleased to say Mr. Johnson and I ther, Frank M. Parker Jr., served and died the Imjin River. The 24th was responsible spoke recently, and he is doing very well. during the Korean War. The international for constructing bridges supporting U.N. He recently turned 101 this summer; he said convention of Rotary International in troops north of the Imjin River.

Imjin River: The Imjin River presented a his doctor gave him a clean bill of health to Seoul this year was the final motivating go with his birthday celebrations! Not to event to make it happen. I’ve been a Ro- major natural barrier to the supply of U.N. mention, his friends threw him a party to tarian for some years, but meeting some troops to its north. In addition, the river celebrate. Mr. Johnson said he is still play- 44,000 other Rotarians from over 100 would rise some 40 feet during the spring ing golf once a week and meets friends for countries and seeing all that is being done floods, which had destroyed many of the lunch on Tuesdays and dinner on Fridays; I in the developing and/or war-torn parts of pontoon and other bridges in spring ’52. do believe he has a more active life than my this world as a result of their efforts was To counter the annual flooding problem, wife and I do! truly amazing. While politically neutral, it the Army built a series of timber truss We both wish all of you the best through has amazing world influence. Its lead in bridges across and along the length of the holiday season. Rah Virginia Mil. the End Polio Now campaign to vaccinate the river. As S-3, my father had to travel The Old Corps lives on, all children is very close to eliminating po- between the bridges under construction.

Cody Hennelly ’10 lio – only Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nige- Ahead of his time, he had a pilot and an ria remain. Its emergency response teams O-1 Bird Dog aircraft assigned to him to are the only ones allowed into North Ko- expedite travel. On June 2, 1952, for some rea besides the Red Cross. Amazing good unknown reason to the family, the aircraft Frank Parker III ’64 crashed, killing him and his pilot. Later works.

Korean War: The Korean War started that year, the Pintail Bridge, located just June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South north of Jeongok and southwest of CherKorea by North Korean troops, encour- won, was renamed the Maj. Frank M. aged and supported by Stalin’s Russia. By Parker Jr. Memorial Bridge.

With the nearby picture in hand, we set out the end of July 1950, South Korea, and by Ira Saxe sounds fine and is doing as well this time, some U.N. troops – mainly U.S. to find and visit the location of the bridge. as expected. He has a full-time helper and Army and Air Force troops – were pushed A major obstacle was that the background of his death. I was unable to obtain any further information.

James Kirk died June 1, 2005, and was living in Port St. Lucie, Florida, at the time of his death.

I was unable to obtain any further information.

John Divine died Oct. 24, 2013.

Mr. Divine was living in Clermont, Florida, at the time of his death. His obituary information is in the Taps section of this issue.

John Gialanella is now the last member of this class still with us.

As the members of the greatest generation leave us, let us pause and give thanks for what they did for those who came after them.

1938

1939

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Class Notes

Left: Class of 1939: Original Boshingak Bell before resuspension.

Above: Class of 1939: The current location of the Boshingak Bell at the National Museum.

of the picture of the bridge dedication was completely denuded of vegetation, and today there are trees everywhere. Consequently, matching the topography in the picture with the current topography was a challenge.

With the help of our young Korean driver, we were finally able to reach the site of the original bridge crossing. The original timber bridge is long gone; victim of a spring flood years ago according to local residents. In its place is the modern concrete and steel bridge [38*N; 127*E] in the picture. While standing on the bridge, two Korean K1 tanks came across. They each weigh some 60 tons and really shook the bridge as they crossed. Their unit was obviously on serious maneuvers.

One U.S. GI was on a tank, and I got him to return my wave. The other Korean tank

commanding officer wouldn’t even look at me. To them, it’s serious business being only several miles from the Demilitarized Zone. It’s interesting that while they constantly prepare themselves for invasion, they don’t let it interfere with their daily lives. The north launched a missile while we were there, which made headlines on CNN. There was little mention in Seoul. I found only a short paragraph in the local paper. The biggest issue seemed to be Kim Jong-un’s hairstyle, which everybody thought was ridiculous.

Boshingak Bell: In the process of Seoul changing hands four times, the Boshingak bell pavilion was also destroyed, but the bell survived. The original bell made in 1396 was melted in a fire and recast in 1468. The pavilion was/is located in the center of Seoul and

Class of 1939: Parker Memorial Bridge, crossing the Imjin River, in summer 1952.

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was used to announce the opening and closing of the city gates and other events. In 1985, this original bell was replaced by a replica and the original placed in its own building at the National Museum.

One of the 24th Engineering Group’s projects was to raise and rehang the Boshingak Bell. The nearby pictures show the bell lying in the ruin and the raising of the bell. In the photo of the bell being raised, my father is in the middle, pulling on the rope. The other photo is of the original bell in the National Museum.

South Korea: After the Rotary convention, we toured the northern part of South Korea from Seoul to the east coast. It is amazing what they have done with the opportunity we gave them; especially when you think that

Class of 1939: Two Korean K1 tanks crossing the modern replacement bridge.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes they really didn’t get started until the 1990s.

The countryside is lush and prosperous, and the cities are very modern and high-tech.

Standing in downtown Seoul [11 million] is like standing in New York City [8.5 million].

The hotels we stayed in were top notch, and they have wonderful parks and recreation facilities. Their food is different but great – even the kimchi. The people are warm and welcoming, and the young folks frequently expressed their appreciation for all that America has done for them. In these days, when nothing seems to be going well, we should reflect on South Korea and what a success it has become as a result of all we sacrificed.

1940

Robert Smith

Now seems to be the beginning of the end of these columns for our class as our numbers and activities take their natural course.

We are no longer newsmakers striking the gong to mark each significant event and achievement. Survival is the objective while maintaining the hope that we may live out our lives creditably, as we do.

What glorious memories we have, though.

The gift of being always inspired by the traditions of VMI as we journey is a true blessing.

For what it is worth, our place in the firmament has been established.

Recently, I was reminded that the VMI library is interested in archiving biographical or other such materials about alumni or publications of significance that alumni themselves may have written or be responsible for. I suppose most alumni are aware of this interest and opportunity for archiving material of significance about themselves, but I believe that the scope of what may naturally find its way to the library must be decidedly mixed. Like any archive, its contents must depend upon the opportunities for awareness and acquisition. I hope this will be a useful reminder to any Class of ’40 member or their relatives or friends to review what may have been archived and add to the record preservation as they feel appropriate.

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I am galvanized in this by the late realization that my own war record as a Principle Naval Architect leading a sizable group of architects and designers for four or five years has not been archived. I’m sure there are other such records that would not be noted in public archives unless steps are taken.

Examples are my associates at the Navy Yard who were spun off to go the Manhattan Project and then surely disappeared from all readily available records. And I wrote previously about my roommate, E.I. Williams ’39, whose career records are sealed because he was Office of Strategic Services and then CIA. Perhaps someone reading this will think of other worthy ’40 associated person whose bio they may help to be recorded.

Sol Rawls, as well as Ben Hardaway, and I spoke recently, and they are doing well.

I’ve had my fifth heart operation recently and am now enjoying in-home therapy. First, I had two angels who came in to patch me up, but now there is only a single pretty one who wants me to walk about with her and do therapeutic exercises. Life can be joyous sometimes!

1941

Stuart Seaton

In the Alumni Review following our 75th Reunion, I covered some of the events of the affair. In getting information, I talked with Bob Maling, and he told me he was not going to be able to be with us. I also got a note from Seth Hobart’s daughter that they had to cut back on traveling, and we had to count them out. Jack Williams said it depended on if his son could drive him over to Lexington from Hot Springs, Virginia. Incidentally, my son drove me to Lexington from Richmond.

Could it be that old age is catching up on us?

My records show that our number is now nine. The importance of this is that it is more difficult to get updated information on our brother rats. As you read this, it would be helpful if you could send me a personal update on your own situation. You can send it

to me at 1600 Westwood Ave., Apt. E-307, Richmond, VA 23227.

In the spirit of VMI and ’41, Stuart Seaton (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, we learned the sad news of the death of Col. Stuart Seaton Sept. 27, 2016. His Taps entry will appear in the 2017-Issue 1 Review.)

1942

Charles B. Miller

The loss of two of our seven brother rats in July was a blow. I had just emailed P.X. Geary congratulating him on reaching 95, when I got an email that he had died nine days before his birthday. I will miss his one-line emails.

I regret not going by to see Jed Wilson as I usually do before preparing these class notes. I went to his funeral at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, where we were both members. He always sang beautifully and loudly in the choir. I will miss our visits.

Jack Patton and his friend, Chip Parker, son of Charlie Parker ’43, came to Richmond one day, and we enjoyed lunch at Mission BBQ. Jack had forgotten his hearing aids, so we had trouble communicating.

Of the five of us left, three (Siebert, Miller and Patton) are originally from Richmond. Siebert now lives in Florida, and Love lives 18 blocks from where he grew up in Delray Beach, Florida. Goodman was and is still a Texan.

This December marks the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. All of us, I am sure, remember exactly where we were Dec. 7, 1941.

Love was on a blind date at Sweet Briar College. He and his date, whose name he does not remember, had gone to a little restaurant where they had shrimp scampi for lunch. When they returned to the Sweet Briar campus, a lot of girls were in tears. That is when he heard the news.

Patton was at home in Richmond on a weekend leave. His mother had invited 21

Class Notes some draftees from Petersburg to join his family for a midday Sunday dinner. Right after dinner, someone turned on the radio.

That was when he heard the news.

Goodman had gone to a Saturday night dance at Fairfax Hall, a girls’ school in Waynesboro, Virginia. He had stayed overnight with a family in town, and “the man of the house” gave him the news. “That brought me back to reality real quick,” he said. The next day, all VMI cadets were called together to hear on the radio as President Franklin Roosevelt asked Congress for a Declaration of War and pronounced Dec. 7, 1941, “a day that will live in infamy.”

I had gone horseback riding with some cadets at White’s Farm. We were on the way back to barracks, at the covered bridge over the Maury River, just upstream from Route 11. A driver yelled out of his window, “The Japs have bombed Pearl Harbor!” I am not sure any of us knew where Pearl Harbor was. We rode on back to barracks, where the other cadets were already singing, “Hiho the merry-o, to hell with Tok-y-o.” Days later, graduation was moved up from June to May 15, with no exams.

1943

Jeffrey G. Smith

genjeffrey@aol.com

Again, I am delighted to report that no deaths have occurred among our brother rats since my last class notes. By my unofficial reckoning, we continue to hold at 25 class members surviving. Hang in there, brother rats!

Same old story regarding those surviving: A paucity of news, except what I extract through a few telephone calls.

As for myself, I lost my balance a couple of weeks ago and broke my fall with my right knee. That resulted in a knee that is and was fully operative but initially swollen to the size of a tennis ball. The medics equipped me with bothersome compression wraps resembling the puttees worn in World War I and early World War II. I am 22

resigned to wearing those for several weeks.

Thank goodness it’s shorts-wearing time.

Gordon Smith reported that he had a literally “shocking” experience recently.

He had a rapid, life-threatening heartbeat.

The treatment: An electric shock. He had a brief hospital stay during the procedure (which was successfully applied). He was his usual cheery self, strong voice and all.

Somewhere along the line, one of the doctors told him that Gordon was good for another 10 years. Til age 106. All this was in the context of his applying for a renewal of his driving license. I forgot to ask if it had been renewed. I gave up my car two years ago, but as far as I know, my drivers’ license is still valid.

I had a brief telephone chat with Jim Tapley. He wanted to check that I had his correct telephone number. I assured him I had it. Jim seemed to be in good health.

Bill Winter and I reminisced about the proper way to fall off a horse during our days of training as neophyte cavalrymen.

Bill reminded me that we were taught to tuck one’s head under a shoulder to avoid neck injuries.

That brought to mind our Brother Rat Jarman, whose fall from his horse during our rat year resulted in a broken neck and his death. I have vivid memories of his somber funeral procession around the VMI Parade Ground.

Bill had nothing but praise for Gen. Binnie Peay ’62, current superintendent, for the praiseworthy improvements he has accomplished at VMI. I am certain that Binnie would nod his approval of the work Bruce Suter is doing as the head of his committee on the building and grounds of Bruce’s retirement complex in New Jersey. If I heard correctly, that complex includes 3,000 separate apartments. That is huge. Joan Suter enjoys a swim every day. Bruce said that their complex does not lack for entertainment, but when it comes to dancing, Bruce is more of a looker than a dancer.

Bruce has given up driving, as I have, also, since the sale of my car two years ago. Fortunately (for me), I have four daughters living within Fairfax County or Manassas. I usually can blessedly count

on one of them to take me on my seemingly unending medical appointments for this or that ailment – most of them for relatively trivial reasons.

As I review what I have written for our class notes, I am struck with what I am offering is pretty thin gruel. Thin gruel it might be, but the improvement to make it thicker and more savory rests in your hands. Get off your lazy duffs. Write me a letter.

Until the next class notes, I remain your humble scribe. God willing.

1944

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

I am most pleased to report that our Brother Rat Bob Smothers has been appointed a chevalier (knight) of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. The ceremony took place July 26, 2016, at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in San Diego, California. Mr. Christophe Lemoine, consulate general of France in Los Angeles, California, presided, representing the president of France, Mr. Francois Hollande. In his remarks, the consul general stated: “This award testifies to President Hollande’s high esteem for your merits and accomplishments. In particular, it is a sign of France’s infinite gratitude and appreciation for your personal and precious contributions to the Allies’ decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by people of exceptional merit. The French people will never forget your courage and devotion to the great cause of freedom. It is a true pleasure and honor to convey our sincere and warm congratulations.”

At the time the events relating to this recognition took place, Bob served as a lieutenant and B-17 navigator with the 452nd Bomb Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps, engaged in bombing German targets in the European Theater of Operations. Bob subsequently served in Korea, where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, and later VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Arthur Taylor III called me to advise that his he served in Vietnam. His other awards in- Columbus, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2016.

Marguerite Ellett, wife of our deceased father and our Brother Rat Arthur Jr., 92, had clude the Bronze Star, multiple Air Medals, multiple meritorious and commendation Brother Rat Taz Ellett, died June 15, 2016, died Friday, July 22, 2016. Colonel Arthur medals and 14 campaign stars. He retired at Westminster Canterbury, Richmond, Canning Taylor Jr. was born Aug. 8, 1923, as a colonel from the U.S. Air Force with 23 after a period of declining health. Born in in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Arthur Greensboro, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 1925, Canning and Carolyn Lord Taylor. He mayears of service in 1971.

I was advised by his daughter, Elizabeth she lived in Richmond for 89 years. She was triculated from Bon Air, Virginia, to VMI. Christensen, that our Brother Rat John the daughter of Elizabeth and Edmund Har- He joined the Army Reserve a few months Ingles, 93, of Columbus, North Carolina, rison Rucker. A graduate of Saint Catherine’s after the attack on Pearl Harbor, remaining at died July 6, 2016. John graduated along School and Sweet Briar College, she was a the Institute to complete his 2nd Class year. with many of us in 1947 after serving on ac- long time member of St. James Episcopal When called to active duty in 1943, he elected tive duty as an Army first lieutenant during Church, where she taught Sunday school and to volunteer further and joined the Army Air World War II. Called to active duty in the served on the vestry. She was active in many Corps, along with a number of the members Reserve in 1943, he served in the European of the church ministries. Marguerite was a of the Class of 1944. After Air Corps training Theater with the 80th Infantry Division in member of the Junior League of Richmond and commissioning, he served in the Pacific Theater for about two years. He Gen. George Patton’s [’907] returned to VMI and finished his Third Army. There, he saw action, remaining year, graduating with a including the Battle of the Bulge, Bachelor of Science degree in civil in some of the fiercest fighting engineering in 1947. Art’s interests that occurred during the war. He lay in education, which he pursued was awarded the Purple Heart for by obtaining a master’s degree and wounds received in action and the then a doctorate in engineering Bronze Star medal for valor. In from Ohio State University. He 1986, John wrote and published a joined the faculty at VMI, teachbook, “A Soldier’s Passage,” about ing mechanical engineering and his World War II experiences. Afin time became a professor for ter resuming his education at VMI that department, with the Virginia in 1946, his scholarship was recogMilitia rank of colonel. In the last nized upon graduation by being issue of class notes, I wrote about declared a distinguished graduate Art’s son, a teacher, and grandof the Institute and by the award son, a medical doctor, and their of the prestigious Jackson-Hope Medal. John was called to active Class of 1944: Bob Smothers received the French Legion of academic achievements. Art is duty again during the Korean War Honor July 26, 2016, for his services in World War II as a B-17 survived by his wife, Bonnie Jones navigator in the Allies’ liberation of France. Representing the and served in Germany. Later, in president of France was Christophe Lemoine, consulate gen- Taylor, of Camden, North Carolina; son, Arthur III; and grandson, 1961, he received a Master of Arts eral of France in Los Angeles, who made the presentation.

Arthur IV. A sister, Carolyn Taydegree in industrial management as a Sloan Fellow at the Massachusetts In- and the National Society of Colonial Dames lor, and brother, Frederick Lord Taylor, also stitute of Technology. He was employed for of America. She and her husband had been survive. A graveside service was held at the 35 years by the Chesapeake and Potomac married for 64 years at the time of his death. Stonewall Jackson Memorial in Lexington, Telephone Company in Washington, She is survived by her daughter, Susan Eliz- Virginia, July 30, 2016.

While preparing these notes, I received beD.C., rising to the position of assistant vice abeth Ellett and husband William Louis president for corporate planning. Son of “Mo” Shumate III, and sons, Edmund Taz- lated word that our Brother Rat Jack Cross U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Harry C. Ingles and well Ellett and wife Lee Withers Ellett and had died. His obituary read: “John H. Cross Grace Salisbury Ingles, he was born in Ma- Robert Scott Ellett and wife Ruth Modlin Sr. of Hilton Head Island and formerly of nila Dec. 1, 1922, where his father was sta- Ellett. Four grandchildren and three great- Spartanburg, Anderson and Greenville, tioned at the time. He and his wife, Audrey, grandchildren also survive. A memorial ser- South Carolina, died April 2, 2016. He was were married in 1951, with 60 happy years vice was held at St. James Episcopal Church the son of Charles Felix Cross Jr. and Mary together that followed until her death in June 25, 2016. Marguerite was a very loyal Virginia Cross. Jack graduated from E.C. 2011. He is survived by three children, John member of the Class of 1944 family, attend- Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia.

S. Ingles Jr., Paul A. Ingles and Elizabeth I. ing all of our functions and supporting Taz He attended the Virginia Military Institute Christensen, and five grandchildren. A me- in his significant volunteer services with the then joined the Army during World War II. He served in the European-African Theatre morial service was held in Tyron Estates, VMI Alumni Agencies.

2016-Issue 4

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Class Notes with the 75th Infantry Division and was awarded three battle stars for that campaign and the Purple Heart for wounds received during the Battle of the Bulge. Thereafter, Jack obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

As vice president and general manager of Milliken Company, he retired after 38 years.

He is survived by a son, John H. Cross Jr. and wife Amy, and five grandchildren. Jack’s wife of 60 years, Page Arrington Cross; daughter, Margaret Cross Turnham; and brother, George, are predeceased. A burial service was held at Christ Episcopal Church, Greenville.”

Recently, I have attended two VMI Alumni Association chapter activities. Both were social events to cheer on young men who were to shortly head for Lexington and their first year at the Institute and also to strengthen the traditional bonds that have existed since 1839 among those of us who have been proud to call ourselves VMI men. One dinner was held by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter led by W. Douglas Thomas ’65, chapter president, June 16, 2016, in Winchester, Virginia. About 35 people attended, including four young, about-to-be cadets and a few family members. The guest speaker was Dr. Dave Diles, VMI director of intercollegiate athletics, who spoke about improvements and steps taken and planned to strengthen the athletic program. Among those, he has been engaged in transitioning the Institute’s athletic program back to the Southern Conference. Doctor Diles is a graduate of Ohio University and holds a Master of Sports Administration degree from that institution. He also holds a doctorate in education from the University of Michigan. He came to VMI from the position as athletic director at Case Western Reserve. There was ample opportunity to talk to the young men starting at VMI, and I was very impressed with their poise, determination, maturity and enthusiasm about their decision. They should do very well, and in the long run, fit right in with the reputation that continues to grow and emerge for graduates of the Institute.

The other dinner was held Aug. 11, 2016, by the Wilmington, North Carolina, Chapter, led by John P. Gangemi ’61, chapter 24

president, and Henry Brown ’60, chapter representative.

The event was held at the Wrightsville Beach Surf Club with about 40 attendees, including two incoming cadets and their family members. The guest speaker was Brig. Gen. Jeffery G. Smith Jr. ’79, VMI’s deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. General Smith returned to VMI upon his retirement as an Army brigadier general in 2013, after a distinguished career spanning more than 33 years. His final assignment upon retirement was deputy commanding general of the Army Cyber Command. General Smith’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (2), the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (2) and the Bronze Star (2). His academic background includes graduation from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and biology, a master’s in national security from the National War College and a doctorate degree in English literature from Princeton University. He also taught English at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. His remarks were focused on providing the incoming cadets to be with a comprehensive view of what to expect in the academic area of their cadetship. A gifted speaker, his remarks were also of interest to the alumni present and were warmly received. He is the son of retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Smith ’43, well-known to most of us, particularly former cadets of Company C, where he served as first sergeant and then company commander.

I remember a somewhat similar meeting that I attended in August 1940 at the home of Meade Bell in Bethesda, Maryland. Mrs. Bell was a warm, gracious southern lady who knew exactly how to break the ice with a bunch of male teenage strangers. That was a long time ago to remember the details, but I think that at least a dozen soon-to-be cadets were present. It was a great opportunity to meet those who were about to experience a dramatic and stressful change in lifestyle.

It was somewhat comforting to know there were others like me, and I would not be entirely alone in the adventure that lay ahead.

We later learned from direct experience that there had been an amazing sparsity of advance knowledge about VMI and the rat system among those of us who were about

to get a harsh “up close and personal exposure.” I loved the story that Harvey Sadow told on himself, many years later, while serving as chairman of the Board of Visitors. He said that after several weeks as a rat, he called his father saying that VMI was not what he expected and that he was coming home. His father told him that “he better get started right away, because he had a long walk ahead of himself (to Connecticut).” As most know, Harvey decided to stay. He graduated and had a very successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.

I regret that I have not made more of an effort to be involved in VMI alumni chapter activities and would certainly encourage alumni to attend the programs in their respective regions.

1945

William Quarles

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

1946

William A. Eliason

About the only item of interest I have this go-round are my reflections on the Class of ’46 Reunion this past April of the 70th year since the year we were supposed to graduate from the Institute. As the chips fell during that decade, our class of 242 matriculants ultimately graduated 37 of us, but none in 1946. Probably another Class of ’46 Institute record of little interest.

We had five brother rats return this year.

Mac Lacy, who served as our class president for our 3rd Class year, came back, and in the VMI tradition, carried our guidon to the top of the sentinel box and led the Old Yell. At 91, he ran up the ladder like the entire Class of ’45 was on his tail, and coming down, VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes broad-jumped the last three steps! Mac left at the end of our second year to enlist in the Army and later earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

After our 4th Class year, Norval Marr gave 24 years of U.S. Navy service as an M.D., which he earned at Cornell University. Norval came back and wore his VMI tartan kilt to the superintendent’s dinner Monday night.

John Naill and Sally flew up from Arkansas for the occasion. John has been a loyal BR attending, I think, all of our reunions.

After only six months at VMI, he won an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduated and served 10 years as an officer before returning home to tend his farm, which he still does.

Tommy Layman, another six-monther who left to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Medical College of Virginia and practiced in Richmond until well into his 70s. Tommy also served as our class agent for six years.

Yours truly rounded out the reunion quintet. My only distinction is that, of our 37 graduates, only Zack Dameron and I are still here. Zack would have joined us, except that Ann’s health is not in great shape, and he didn’t want to leave her. (Editor’s Note: Before going to print, the Review staff learned that Mr. Dameron died Sept. 15, 2016. His Taps entry will appear in the 2017-Issue 1 Review.)

Please send me some notes on what’s going on in your life for the next issue. In the meantime, keep the spirit!

In the bonds, Bill

1947

Gus Robbins

Brother Rat Lucius Dabney was bringing his records up to date, and at his request, I was able to send him some information on two of his rat year roommates. Norman 2016-Issue 4

M. Tonkin matriculated from Atlantic City, New Jersey, and completed his rat year before he left VMI to accept an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from there in 1951 and served on active duty in the Navy from 1951-55. He then spent his civilian career in the financial world with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, retiring as a managing director.

He died in March 2014. A.T. (Pete) Davidson served two years in the Navy (1944-46) after completing his rat year. He returned to his hometown of Faber, Virginia, and farmed and was an apple orchardist who also served as postmaster for the area for many years. He died in December 2015.

The fourth member of their room was George Gelly from Los Angeles, California. George also served two years in the Army during World War II but did not return to the “I” after the war. He was a design engineer for the Lockheed-Georgia Co., and he died in May 1995.

Brother Rat Louis Hundley celebrated his 90th birthday in May 2016, and he is doing very well, his daughter reported. We are glad he is not keeping the docs busy as had been the case for several years. For his birthday, his son-in-law, Mark Hunt ’77, contacted the biology majors from 1977 asking them to send a card to Lou, their old professor. Several responded, much to Louis’ delight and surprise. By some error, the alumni office had changed Lou’s mailing address to Mary Lou and Mark’s in Williamsburg, but it should remain at 160 Kendal Dr., Apt. 217, Lexington, VA 24450.

Margaret Nichol, widow of BR Ridley Nichol, sent a wonderful, newsy letter recently telling of her busy life these days in Atlanta. She enjoys her weekly MahJongg games and book club every two weeks and serves on the Altar Guild at the Methodist Church, when called upon. She spent a week with a group of friends at Fripp Island and then had an exciting cruise encompassing three weeks in Southeast Asia with stops in Malaysia, Thailand and Burma, with four stops in India, Oman and Dhabi.

A short trip to San Francisco should finish out her summer travels. Whew! She is anxious to see everyone at the reunion in 2017.

My request for a show of hands on said

reunion next year came back with 10 definite, two maybes and, of course, a few with absolute nos – for health reasons, mostly. I will provide further details in the fall letter as the alumni office and I work out the details.

Hope this finds you all well and not suffering too badly for this very hot summer.

Think cool; winter will be here before you know it!

Best regards, Gus

1948A

Dale E. Wykoff

Mike Calhoun reported from his new retirement home in Miami, Florida, that his health is good, and he is experiencing nothing but excellent service from the Veterans Affairs hospital in spite of the heavy patient load.

I tried to contact Blake McFeely at his home in California but had no response to several emails. Please give me a call, Blake, and tell me how you are doing.

Dora Meler continues to experience difficulty with her sight but managed to have an enjoyable vacation in Italy where special facilities were provided to those who needed visual assistance.

Sarah Stagg has disappeared from our communication line, but we hope to hear from her soon.

Irene Sadler calls herself “just a little old lady” now and says to all, “Bless you!” as she no longer drives but makes her way about with a walker.

John and Barbara Trumbo are the only married couple not living in a retirement home. They are still enjoying months in Florida every winter – which we envy them!

Lamar Whitmore now has help maintaining her large home and estate in Norfolk. While I don’t like to reveal her current weight, it is fair to say that if she could put on another 20 pounds, she would still need more to hit 100!

Gilly Williamson has been in his retirement home for a number of years and is 25

Class Notes still enjoying life. It is always a pleasure to talk with you, Gilly.

Finally, your faithful class agent of countless years, Dale Wykoff, continues to live in an excellent retirement community in Asheville, North Carolina. His daughter, Carroll Ann Wykoff, is a nurse nearby, and his son, Randy Wykoff, is a doctor in Johnson City, Tennessee, a few miles away.

Let me hear from you!

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

I received a call from Doug Hamner. I learned that he became a great-grandfather. Doug recalled that he spent most of his World War II service in Monroe, Louisiana, where I now live. He was assigned to Selman Field, which was the Army Air Corps’ largest flight navigational training school. During his stay here, he tried to contact C.D. Oakley, a Monroe native. He learned from C.D.’s father, a prominent Monroe businessman, and his mother that C.D. was also in service and stationed elsewhere. They invited Doug for a visit.

After a good meal, they invited Doug to live with them. Doug visited the Oakleys’ home as often as he could and considered the gracious Mrs. Oakley as a second mother. After the war, Doug returned to VMI and graduated, receiving an Air Force commission. He and other graduates, I.C. Crytzer ’49C and S.N. Franklin ’49A, were assigned to an air base in Texas. They drove there together, passing through Monroe on the way. Doug called the Oakleys, finding that C.D. had returned from service. Mrs. Oakley took everyone out for a great steak dinner at the Bayou DeSaird Country Club. C.D. Oakley died in 1990.

I learned from F.W. Watson ’51 of the death of Brother Rat Bruce Brand May 15, 2016. Like many of our class, he left after our 4th Class year for military service. After the war, he earned a degree in 26

chemical engineering from the University of Missouri. He had a very successful and distinguished career as an engineer, living and working in Fort Worth, Texas. I have only a vague remembrance of him from our 4th Class year. Unfortunately for me, our paths never crossed again.

Brother Rat Jesse E. White died May 1, 2016. From our 4th Class year, I remember Jed as a good softball player. When we made our career choices after our 4th Class year, Jed was one of 10, including myself, to choose chemistry. Jed wore academic stars and was one of the smartest people I have ever known. I remember receiving a homework problem in one of our chemistry classes. I worked from supper until taps on this problem. I continued with a flashlight under a blanket. I came up with an answer but had little confidence in the result. I left my room in my pajamas and crept along the barracks wall in the darkness, passing several doorways until I came to Jed’s room. Of course, he had solved the problem hours earlier. I stuck my head in the door and woke Jed up. Without breaking any Honor Court rules, I asked him what he thought of my result. He sleepily but politely suggested that I do more work. I crept back to my room, and with more effort, I finally came up with a satisfactory answer.

Jed left for military service after our 3rd Class year and returned to VMI after the war to complete his degree requirements.

He then earned his doctorate in physical chemistry at Indiana University. Jed had a distinguished career as professor and head of the chemistry department at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

In 1988, when I was on the chemistry faculty of the University of New Orleans, the American Chemical Society held its national meeting in New Orleans. Of course, I attended. While going over the program of several thousand papers, one caught my eye, because the author was one J.E. White. On the chance it was my brother rat, I attended the lecture. To my surprise, some old guy with a white beard was doing the talking. I said to myself, “That’s not Jed White.” But, I went up to introduce myself, anyway. He immediately

showed signs of recognition and said, “Yes, I’m Jed White from VMI.” We had lunch at Mother Dear’s po’boy restaurant.

After lunch, I drove him to the lakefront and gave him a tour of UNO’s chemistry facilities. Later, we had drinks at my apartment overlooking bayou St. John. To me, this was a memorable occasion.

In 1998, my daughter (Ann) and I shared a table with Jed White, David Halpin and Charles Brown, along with their wives, Betty, Deedee and Alice, at the ’48B 50th Reunion banquet. Doctor Jed White was a highly respected physical chemist and educator. In repeating myself, he was probably the smartest person I have ever known.

I received an email from Dr. Regina Gertsman, Paul Applin’s wife, concerning the “mini Glouscester” reunion. Let me first write about Paul. At the ’48B 55th Reunion (2003), Regina had me sit down with Paul to discuss Korean War experiences. Paul was a great soldier, a Silver Star recipient and had an iconic Korean War experience. I will try and relay the story the best that I can. In August 1950, the U.N. 8th Army, under Gen. Walton H. Walker ’909, was defending the Pusan Perimeter in southeast Korea. General McArthur conceived a flanking operation.

He put together X Corps. X Corps consisted of the first Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division. He appointed his chief of staff, Gen. Ned Almond ’915, X Corps commander, in addition to his other duties. Paul Applin, as a young infantry lieutenant, was commander of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon of the 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. In September 1950, X Corps landed at Inchon and recaptured Seoul.

The invading North Korean army, caught between X Corps and 8th Army, was destroyed. The race to the Yalu River (the boundary between N. Korea and Chinese Manchuria) was on. The 8th Army invaded North Korea and moved up the west coast, heading for the Yalu. X Corps reboarded ships and landed on the east coast of North Korea. With the 7th Inf. Div. in the lead, X Corps also headed for the Yalu. On Nov. 21, 1950, with temperatures near zero degrees, Paul Applin’s I&R platoon was the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes first to reach the Yalu at Hyesanjin. The 17th Inf. Reg. occupied the town, and Gen. Barr, the division commander, was quickly on the scene. On receiving the news, Gen. Almond ’915, together with reporters and photographers, flew in from Tokyo. The generals posed for pictures. (Others performed the hallowed ritual of urinating in the Yalu. From the “Forgotten War” by Clay Blair.) General McArthur was elated and sent a message to Gen. Almond ’915, “Heartiest congratulation, and tell Dave Barr that the 7th Div. hit the jackpot.” General McArthur thought the war was over! A few days later, one other small 7th Inf. Div. unit also reached the Yalu, at Singalpajin.

But, no other Americans ever did. On Nov. 26, 1950, a wicked cold front swept down from Siberia, dropping temperatures to well below zero and froze the Yalu River solid.

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops crossed the frozen river at night undetected.

They attacked the X Corps and 8th Army simultaneously. The 8th Army was badly mauled at Kunu-ri. Likewise, X Corps suffered heavily at the Chosin Reservoir. By mid-January 1951, the Chinese recaptured Seoul, and U.N. forces had retreated deep into South Korea. Reaching the Yalu River

by Paul Applin and his I&R platoon was indeed an iconic achievement. Paul Applin was very proud of his Korean War experience. He mentioned to me that he preferred his job as I&R platoon leader to any other job he ever had.

Here is Regina’s email: “Hi, Lionel, this is Regina Gerstman, Paul Applin’s wife.

Hope this letter finds you well. I have been meaning to write to tell you I organized a small reunion of brother and sister rats who still remain in the Gloucester area, in honor of the third year (May 3, 2013) of Paul’s passing. We had his best friend, Malachi Mills of Richmond and formerly of Gloucester; Anne Richardson (Col. Phil); Ann Avery (Charlie); Col. Sonny Laine recently of Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach; and myself, still in Gloucester. (There were some drivers, too, who brought Chi and Sonny and another good friend of the group). We met at the York River Oyster Company at the marina at Gloucester Point. We had many memories 2016-Issue 4

of ’48B reunions, the trip back to Seoul which Paul and Sonny took on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, specific football games, the mini in Charleston featuring the game against The Citadel in the pouring rain and some things for which I was not yet in the picture. Ann, Anne and I rolled in the aisles remembering a trip to Tangier Island with Paul which ended with Manhattan clam chowder spilled all over Ann’s white capris! We had to borrow a ‘towel’ from a local house to finish the golf cart ride around the island, almost missing our boat back to shore. Paul also managed to get lost driving us home, ending up practically in Richmond (this was pre-GPS days)! Anyway, the group had a marvelous time remembering other BRs and SRs who used to live in Gloucester and remembering Dick Eichhorn and Henry Johnson and their contributions to the class. So, that’s the news, and most of us were relatively well. Hope you can use this entry in the next VMI quarterly update book. Best regards, Regina.”

I received a very nice note from Libby Danforth, Clarence Danforth’s widow.

Libby reported that a neighbor called her attention to the 2016-Issue 1 Alumni Review, where I reported on our 1946 meeting. She marveled that I could remember things from so long ago. Libby lives at home in Henrico, Virginia, and keeps busy with gardening, church work and bridge.

She and Clarence had five children, 11 grandchildren and, so far, four great-grandchildren. Sounds very good to me.

1949A

James Harrington

As you know, Bill May doesn’t do email.

He doesn’t write, either, so I called him.

He’s in a “retirement” home, Brandermill, and does get mail at 2205 Birch Glen Court, Midlothian, VA 23112 if you want to send him a card. Don’t expect a reply.

You can call him at 804-744-1264. He says

he’s enjoying good food, good company with the “old folk,” swimming and doing regular exercise. He would enjoy hearing from you.

Summer at the Harrington household has been hot, but with limited visitations.

We do have a new great-granddaughter, who joins her brother and two nearby cousins (boys) all in our Connecticut branch of the family. She will have a challenge keeping up with those boys. We’re hoping that we’ll have a visit from some or all of them later on when the weather breaks. Anyway, we’re waiting for a break in the hot weather, so I can get on with the yard work. In the meantime, we’ll just have to hang around the swimming pool. We’re as healthy as could be expected at our age.

Allen Penniman’s assistant keeps him on track with quarterly reports. Here’s his latest: “Once again, I find myself glancing back at my calendar for the quarter and racking my brain to try to come up with something interesting and new to satisfy our tried and true class agent, Jim Harrington. At times, I feel like the lack of reportable happenings in my family is decreasing, and my days, weeks and years are increasing. Have you noticed this?

“Joanie and my lives continue to circle around our blessed family. There are many of them and we communicate with them, we remember birthdays, and we correspond with them frequently. This, in itself, can be an almost full-time job, but it is great because they are the new generation, and I am proud and blessed for what I see. I am hopeful, and I expect that their generation will improve in many areas where our generation has not done so well. This is my hope for their future.

“This quarter, I will talk about another one of our grandchildren, Mary Margaret Penniman. Mary Margaret is from Canton, Georgia, which is just north of Atlanta.

She is a graduate, with honors, of Mercer College and while there was interned at the Frito Lay Potato Chip Company. She was graduated from Mercer and is an industrial engineer with Frito Lay and on a fast track to move up in this organization.

On a recent visit, I realized that Mary Margaret had an extremely loud voice, 27

Class Notes which, for her size, was noticeable. I asked her why. She replied, ‘It’s gotten that way by talking to tall employees and over loud machinery.’ She is a fine, outstanding young lady, and I am sure will do well in her chosen field. Just another example of the ability of these young people.

“And here we are, in the midst of ‘old’ age. No matter, Joanie and I charge on.

We are both healthy and happy and feel so blessed at this time in our lives. We are very fortunate for this, and we remember this every day. My love and respect to all. Joanie and I send our love to our classmates and our best wishes for good health and happiness.”

Here’s a lengthy update from Joe Fil: “I’m sorry for failing to communicate recently, but a lot has happened and hope all will understand. As you know, Sue was confined to a wheelchair for about five years.

We had made a trip to Lake County to check things out at the cottage. We just finished supper, sitting looking out at the beautiful lake when our neighbors popped in. They had recently bought the next door parcel which belonged to Susie’s sister and her husband. He asked if he could show our house to a former business partner visiting with him. To make a long story short, we sold the place to them that evening. We no longer have our second home that we loved for 30 years.

“Our youngest, Thomas, sadly lost his wife of 35 years to a brain tumor. The whole family loved her, as it was the best of marriages – truly bonded. He just returned from an extensive trip in Europe with his two daughters. It turned out to be an unexpected family meeting. They landed in Prague, where a nephew of ours lived, and were able to get a great guided tour of the city. While in Rome, they bumped into my niece and her boyfriend purely by chance.

Paul, my second son, and his wife were touring Rome at the same time and were able to spend an evening with Thomas and his daughters. Paul and Maria (his wife) then headed to Naples to visit with friends and family. Naples is Maria’s birthplace, and they have a small second home there.

“Now for a little more good and bad news.

Sue has been doing much better and has 28

scrapped her wheelchair for a walker, and I have completely collapsed. I recently had several heart attacks with numerous visits to the emergency room and trips to Kaiser Hospital specializing in cardiac events.

We have a very competent cardiologist, who is gathering a group to see if there is anything that can be done. Unfortunately, our next formal meeting is not scheduled until Sept. 2. Tomorrow, we will contact him to see if this can be scheduled sooner. I understand this as a complex situation for the hospital, so we shall see.

“My oldest son, Joe, is here with us, but he and his family live in Alabama. He’ll have to return home in the next few weeks. He has been a great help and a source of affection and comfort. Our family continues to grow. Joe’s daughter, Rebecca, after a long courtship, recently married a doctor. He’s a great guy and fits in with everyone. Our grandson, Paul, and his beautiful wife visited us several weeks ago and introduced us to our great-granddaughter, a beautiful, cuddly, happy girl. We are truly blessed.”

And Herb Johnston catches up with the following: “Things are pretty much the same here in Columbus. However, since the last class notes, both of our children were home for the Fourth of July. Their visit was great, and we really had a fun time. I’m writing this Aug. 9 (my birthday). I still feel good and never tell anyone that I am 88! Since I don’t have much current news, I’ll mention a trip that Allen Penniman, Jim Hancock and I took during our first few months at VMI. I think it might have been on Easter break in 1945 that the three of us took a train from Clifton Forge to Pittsburgh. We arrived there at night, and the sky was so colorful from the fires in the steel mills and blast furnaces. They were operating 24/7, because the war was still on. My parents met us, and we drove to Sebring – about 70 miles away.

We had a really good time, because my girlfriend got dates for Allen and Jim, and we had a fun few days. Allen might recall that we owned one of the Sebring family mansions at that time. The Sebring family developed the town from farm property into a pottery manufacturing center. Earl Sebring [’921], a friend of my father, was

in the Class of 1921 at VMI. In the last few years, this house has been restored and is now a beautiful mansion and spa. It can be seen on the website Sebring Mansion and Spa. I thought Allen might be interested in seeing it. Ten bedrooms were added to the back of the house. Needless to say, our family enjoyed living there, but it was a lot of work. Again, Allen, Jim and I had a nice trip. I should add that when we arrived in Pittsburgh, both snow and soot was falling. What a nice introduction to the industrial north for Jim and Allen. I hope you enjoy this story and the website.”

Thanks, Herb. The story about the lights and looks of industrial Pittsburgh reminds us how that world has changed, and in some respects, not for the better. Maybe we (our children and grandchildren) can get back to work after the election. And happy birthday. Eighty-eight is not so bad, as all of us can testify.

I had a nice phone visit with Margaret Ann Noftsinger, who reported that she and Bill are as well as they should be at our age. She said she had recently seen Harrison Whitten, who she said “doesn’t look as old as he should.” Maybe she’ll write an update for the next notes.

And I called Allen Penniman just before the deadline for these notes to see if he and Joanie were high and dry from the flood in Baton Rouge. He said he’s fine and will save his flood adventures for another issue.

1949B Dan Smaw

These notes cover the period from midMay through mid-August 2016.

Greg and Kitty Nelson and their mini reunion team of George Dooley, Buddy Marshall, Benny Harmon, George Wolfe, and Ding and Nobbie Patton have been at work setting everything up for our mini reunion Oct. 2-4. The next few items came from two emails from Ding.

Ding had a long talk with Charlie Rammel, who said it was pretty certain he VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes would not be able to make the mini, as travel is too difficult for Joan.

Ding said Crew Chief Morgan is selling his house and moving to Pennsylvania and doubts he will make the mini unless things happen rapidly on the house deal.

He and Boyd Guttery had a good conversation. Boyd had recently lost a neighbor as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Ding, Boyd and I think we should not be riding those vehicles at our age.

Tommy Altizer indicated he would really like to attend the mini, so Ding was to send him the mini info. Tommy had a good winter in Florida; his son drove him down and back. His son was playing tennis in Charlottesville, and on giving his name to one of the people he met, was asked if he was related to Tom Altizer. He said he was, and that person turned out to be our BR Charlie Hurt.

If it weren’t for Ding, I would not have too much to write about, since you guys don’t send much.

In July, I had a long email from Betty Lu Stephens. She was very sad thinking of missing another ’49B reunion. They were always her favorite event of the year where she would see everyone.

In June, Betty Lu and Rose Anne Hurd took a road trip to Missouri to visit her mother’s birthplace. Thanks to Rose Anne, they met a couple of cousins for the first time. The trip was rewarding and fun, but very tiring. If Rose Anne had not agreed to go, Betty Lu would not have made it.

Betty Lu can still see, hear, walk, drive her car, talk, think, live alone, walk over to church and cook when she has to. Her energy and strength are low, but she could still dance if someone asked – no jitterbugging.

We lost our BR Jack Neunhoffer in March. He leaves behind his wife, Grace; a daughter; two sons; and one step-daughter. Our sympathy goes out to all his family on their great loss. When talking with Grace, she said he had a stroke for which he was hospitalized. He then went to therapy but never recovered enough to go home. While he was still in the hospital, Grace had a fall and broke her hip. Jack died shortly thereafter.

I talked with Lon and Doris Walter in 2016-Issue 4

early August. They are getting along OK in spite of the very hot weather Texas is having this summer. Along with the hot weather, they have had no rain to speak of in a long time – typical Texas summer.

Izzy Maxwell said she is doing OK in spite of missing Vaughn. She is keeping her house. Being an accomplished bridge player, she enjoys getting out to play quite often.

Greg Nelson and the reunion crew planned to go to Lexington to set up the hospitality suite for the mini. When they saw that VMI had a football game with Mercer University, the day of the reunion, they got together a bunch for a tailgate party on the Parade Ground before the game.

One of Greg’s sons and his wife are taking care of the tailgate function. The last I heard, it will be attended by Greg and Kitty, Greg’s two sons, Benny Harmon, George Wolfe, Nux Enochs and possibly the Dooleys. Sounds like they will have a great start for the mini.

Thanks to all who contributed to annual giving. Let me hear from each of you before the next notes are due.

God bless America, VMI and ’49B, Dan Smaw

1949C

Haywood France

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

1950A Bill Moore

Gene Witcher has finally set in motion the surgery to replace his aortic valve.

As all of you know, I’ve been nagging

Gene to do this for some time based on my personal experience. Other than some slight increase in symptoms from his aortic valve stenosis, he’s doing well after the fire that destroyed his house and mementos. We still have a Key West trip planned “sometime in the future” – possibly winter 2017-18. Gene has his operation coming up, and I plan to have my right knee replaced this fall after football season and all my grass, shrubs and trees get “laid by” for the winter. So, those things eliminate winter 2016-17. “Plan like you’re going to live forever, and live like you’re going to die tomorrow.” Or perhaps, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” Keeps the juices flowing!

Syd and Beverly Stealy recently returned from a trip to the Arctic Circle and beyond. They enjoyed it greatly. They had a near miss with a momma grizzly bear and her cub. Syd said they gave them plenty of room. It’s all the more remarkable and wonderful since three of us are 90-plus: Syd, Gene Witcher and Elliott Hudgins.

I’ve always found that a moving target is hard to hit. Now to the other end of the scale. Our youngest member, Mary (Joe) Ripley recently enjoyed a lovely trip with her daughter to the Big Meadows area of the Blue Ridge. She sounds great and is doing well. I actually caught up with Nancy (Hank) McWane on the first call.

She and her daughters are well and thriving. We almost had a chance meeting at a local restaurant recently. I saw Nancy and friends coming out as Debra and I were going in. She didn’t see me and I didn’t get turned around (place was crowded) quickly enough to see where she went.

Ralph Mooney recently had his aorta repaired locally at our Lynchburg hospital.

With the exception of a couple of little setbacks, he’s doing well. Judy tells me that living on the top of the Blue Ridge hasn’t protected them from our heat wave this July. Debra and I returned Aug. 13 from a two-week trip through New England and a stay on Brier Island, Nova Scotia, so we missed the August extension of the July heat wave. Except for a business trip to Rhode Island years ago, Debra had never been to New England, and it was high on 29

Class Notes her bucket list. When she found that the average August daytime temperature on Brier Island was 69 degrees, she threatened to stay the summer! We had a great trip, ate a lot of good seafood (lobster, haddock, halibut, scallops and clams) and just enjoyed the dickens out of the people, food, countryside and each other. Debra is an excellent driver and enjoyed being the primary one. Seems like her ex was one of those people who insisted on doing all the driving himself, and she would get tired just riding. My driving skills are still excellent (even if I do say so!), but I was perfectly willing for her to do most of the driving. Enjoyed every minute of it. One of the places on her bucket list was Martha’s Vineyard, where we spent a day traversing the island with an excellent guide.

We spent two nights in Falmouth, Massachusetts, to do so. The last and only time I’d ever been to Cape Cod was some years ago when Anne and I visited Bill (“Wisdom”) Warwick in an assisted living facility in Falmouth.

Barbara (Hugh) Barnes sent me some interesting news about her son, Clark Barnes ’87, and his wife, Lori. Each year for Memorial Day, they set out small American flags and 3x5 cards on their front steps.

They invite people passing by to take a card and a flag, put the name of a loved one or friend who lost their life in the service of our country on the card and put the card pierced with a flag on their lawn.

This year, they had literally hundreds of cards and flags on their front lawn. I hope Barbara will send me a picture.

Nan Hudgins tells me that she and Elliott are doing well, although they are limited in their traveling. Their son, Reed Hugdins ’90, is now a full colonel and has recently completed a tour in, I believe, Afghanistan. He plans to retire in two years and expects to finish his service career in the United States. I’ve talked with Dick Mandt, Kenny Stagg, Jackie (Dick) Martin and Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon, and all of them are well. Charlotte said, “Texas is hot as hell.” Please forgive me for lumping all the “doing well, but no other news” folks together. Our trip interfered. ’Till next time.

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1950B

Joseph B. Kohen Jr.

The honor of being your class agent is exciting for me as I receive notes of good cheer from far away brother and sister rats.

Alex Mitchell called to get my correct phone number and tell me how he and his wife were almost killed July 10, when their automobile was hit broadside by somebody running a red light almost at the entrance of their community. It took an hour to extract them from the rolled over automobile. At the time of this writing in August, they are still recovering from multiple broken bones, sprains and contusions. We are fortunate to have them still with us.

Tommy Kelly from Phoenix and Bill Kelly from Florida wrote despite their neurologically handicapped handwriting. Bill Kelly wrote that his wife recently died, and he is still recovering from the shock.

Tommy Kelly felt the job as class agent helped contribute to his stroke. I certainly hope not.

While attending the Civil War series at VMI several years ago, I asked Bill Moorman where Glouster, Virginia, was. Since I began seeing my Ring Figure date, Joanne Roos, of Yorktown, Virginia, seven years ago, I have become most familiar with this historically important part of our country.

Bill says he is slowly deteriorating in this part of the country where he grew up.

Jones and Connie Felvey live nearby in Kilmarnock, Virginia, and kindly invited me to visit their estate on the Chesapeake Bay, and they also hosted a VMI alumni get-together. Jones received chemotherapy for chronic leukemia from Duke University and is doing remarkably well.

Randolph Trappey from Lafayette, Louisiana, is mobile with the use of a cane and is raising Schnauzer puppies. His grandson is a major in the Air Force and is getting his medical degree from LSU

in New Orleans. I did my OB-GYN LSU residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and in Lafayette, where Margot and I came under the Cajun tutelage of Teeney and Randolph.

Margey VanOmmerman says she keeps up with our class by turning to the class news in the Alumni Review and hopes the brother rats will send news for her to read.

She also hears from Ding Patton ’49, who lives close by in Staunton.

Ann Overman from Virginia Beach writes that she also looks forward to the class news.

At the mini reunion in 2015, I was fortunate to meet Sister Rat Julia Woodman, a master silversmith, and see her portfolio.

She created a stunning silver bracelet for my companion.

Let’s not keep these ladies waiting, so send your news and write often!

Dick Leithiser writes from his summer camp in the Adirondacks where the weather has been unpleasant, hot and humid. He looks forward to returning to Cape Canaveral at the end of September, if hurricanes permit. He hears from Red Bragg, his roommate, who, despite several falls, is hanging tough with his wife, Ruth.

Fred Kniesler, who did not graduate with us, said after rat year and spending the summer with Randolph Trappey, he has plenty of spirit.

Tommy Kirk writes from Phoenix, which he loves. He spends his time playing golf and in the gym. After a back operation, his wife, Ann, is doing better than the past several years.

Braxton Green, from Staunton and former class agent, gave me much comfort.

He told me he “has my back.” Braxton gave me the news that Betty Wagner, Al’s wife, recently died.

Colonel Bob Lynd wrote from Roswell, New Mexico, that he is approaching the five-year recovery mark from his sarcoma.

He spent some time nearby at the Livermore, California, labs.

A big thanks to Steve Abramedies, a loyal brother rat, who suggested I volunteer for this job. Steve has a lot of spirit and is hanging in there after numerous surgical procedures and metabolic ills. I often VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes visit with Steve when I visit the U.S. Naval Academy with my ring figure date, whose husband played football for Navy and is a supporter of the Navy Foundation.

1951

John Ross

This note covers the period May 10 to Aug. 10, 2016, and is basically in sequential order.

I received a call from A.J. Marchand ’52 who graduated with the Class of 1952, requesting contact info for Hank Quisenberry, which I furnished. He has multiple health problems – heart and diabetes. After his wife’s death, his daughter insisted he move near her in Jennings, Louisiana. He reports that he remains in contact by phone with Earl Patton in New Iberia, Louisiana.

On May 12, I wished Henry Pitot in Madison, Wisconsin, a happy birthday.

He was sorry to have missed the reunion, but Julie is not well, and he is more or less housebound. He reported that he is hanging in there.

Shortly thereafter, I wished Claud Eley in St. Louis a happy birthday. He likewise is hanging in there, despite a heart problem.

I wished Jim Close a happy birthday and learned that he had moved into a condominium and put his house up for sale. He reported that downsizing is a big job, but Alice and he are doing well.

I reached Don Baldwin with belated birthday greetings. He reported that he is doing well but slowing down. Jody is fighting adult macular degeneration, among other problems. AMD is a growing health problem – my Marie and Johnny Lyden are both fighting it, as well.

I left birthday greetings for Gene Held in San Antonio, Texas.

I wished Sam Scott in Hollywood, South Carolina, a happy birthday. Our new senior brother rat is doing well and noted what a great 65th we had. He was celebrating in style – a birthday lunch and then a birthday dinner with his daughters.

2016-Issue 4

I finally reached Gene Held with birthday wishes. He is doing fairly well in recovery from a fractured hip, which requires him to use a cane. He inquired about Lang Sheffield, and I responded that I had no current info.

I immediately tried to contact Lang in Americus, Georgia, but was forced to leave a message. I subsequently received a call from Lang’s son in Atlanta, who informed me that I had left my message on his phone.

He them provided me with Lang’s home phone number, which did not answer when I called.

I failed to reach Dorothy Bailey in Orlando, Florida, to inquire about Harry’s recovery but left a message.

I still was unable to reach Howard Crisp.

I tried to reach Johnny Blakemore in Richmond, and fortunately, his daughter, Mary, answered. She informed me that Johnny had moved to Baltimore to be with his daughters and grandchildren.

I had a nice visit with Sid Hannah in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was sorry to have missed the reunion but had no way to make it to Lexington. Sid inquired about Dick McFarlin, and I responded that he looked great at our 65th.

I reached Henry Bryan in Port Huron, Michigan. He and Joan are doing well, and he sounds great.

I returned a call from Taylor Hay in Frankfort, Kentucky. He reported that he is very busy with his business and doing very well.

I checked on Rose Marie Anson in Ironton, Ohio. She was looking forward to a visit from her daughter and grandchildren.

She inquired about Dick McFarlin and Sid Hannah, and I responded with current info.

Dorothy Ann Bailey called from Florida and reported that Harry was still recovering from surgery.

I failed to reach Jack Nichols in Asheville, North Carolina, on numerous attempts.

Does anyone have any info?

On June 3, Marie fell and broke her hip.

She was operated on June 5 and transferred to a rehab facility June 8.

I left belated birthday greetings for Bill Hairston with his wife, Shirley, in Hickory, North Carolina.

I was unable to make contact with Lain

Peck in Connecticut.

I wished Pete Philp in Dallas, Texas, a happy birthday, and we had a nice visit.

He is doing well and reported that he had a nice visit with Jean and Jim Enochs when they were in Dallas for a grandson’s graduation. Pete is doing well and said his daughter, who attended our 65th, is looking forward to our next reunion. If my memory is right, I believe Dave Kneessy’s daughter, Katherine, expressed similar sentiments at one of our earlier reunions.

George Cohen called to inquire about Marie, and he reported that Marty has a neck problem.

I called Peggy Hays to check on Willard and learned they were looking forward to a grandchild’s visit.

Back tracking – June 5, Jim Marshall’s nephew called to report his death that day.

I notified the class and Gracelyn Parks, as requested, and then VMI. I then made a memorial contribution to the Institute. As Cindy wrote in a thank you note: “Jim was a very special person who fought a terrible disease for so many years but was always a wonderful person.”

Marie was released from her rehab facility June 12, and we now have her home.

She is progressing with the help of physiotherapists – very slowly.

Pat Parker called to inquire about Marie, as did Nancy Hill. Nancy also reported that Sookie is recovering from a back problem.

I called Jo Jack Lazzell to inform her that I could not make the interment ceremony at Arlington for Rufus due to Marie’s health problem. This was the first interment of a brother rat at Arlington that I have ever missed.

I finally reached Lang Sheffield in Americus, Georgia, at the number provided by his son. I had trouble understanding him, as his voice sounded weak or we had a bad connection. In any event, I was glad to reach him and tell him that he was missed at our 65th.

I also checked with Gene Held in San Antonio to ascertain his recovery from his hip fracture. He is doing well and sounds good.

Pat Holloway, who was visiting her son in the District of Columbia and attended 31

Class Notes a Washington Nationals game, took a cab out to our house to visit with Marie. Her visit was very much appreciated.

On July 24, I wished Dick Cole a belated happy birthday. He had celebrated playing 18 holes with his son – no reported score. He reported that he and Louise had thoroughly enjoyed the 65th.

As of the end of June, we have lost 143 brother rats, including four who graduated with the Class of 1952. The next statistic I am asked – how many matriculated? Johnny Gray attempted to answer this question in our 25th Reunion Bomb but was not satisfied with his research. I think the best number is around 292, as reported in the 1957 Register of Former Cadets.

I checked with Joe Stump and learned he did receive the birthday cards I transmitted to him. Joe sounds good.

I reached Hank Quisenberry in Enterprise, Alabama, and conveyed to him the inquiry of A.J. Marchand. Hank is OK and said he is hanging in there.

I tried to reach Phil Barton on the West Coast but left a message, as he did not answer.

Phil usually makes our reunions, and I noted his absence at our 65th.

I did reach Anita Chaplin on the West Coast, and she is doing well but is still missing Richard.

Phil Barton from Garden Grove, California, returned my call, and we had a nice visit.

Phil is doing well, and I reported to him on our 65th.

Mary Ellen Connolly, a neighbor in Fairfax County, Virginia, reported that she and a daughter took a cross country car trip and then spent a month in California.

I checked on Barbara Ann Guthans in Mobile, Alabama, and learned that her grandson at VMI is doing well.

Gracelyn Parks reported she keeps busy with friends and her bridge.

Glennie Brown is doing well and was preparing to leave on a trip to Scotland.

At the end of July, I failed to reach Willard Hays with birthday greetings, but I did reach Lang Sheffield to wish him a happy birthday.

Marie asked me to contact Bounce Carstens in Alexandria, Louisiana, as she had been unable to reach Sally. Bounce agreed to have Sally call. He reported 32

that Jim Enochs had visited him the prior weekend and, of course, they were able to get some golf in. Sally and Marie subsequently had a nice visit.

Barbara Guthans sent Marie and me a very thoughtful and appreciated noted.

Her calligraphy is fantastic.

I had a nice visit with Robbin Jordan in Virginia Beach, which fortuitously was her birthday (Aug. 3), so I extended happy birthday wishes. She is keeping very busy with friends and reported she has a grandson interested in VMI. Venetia Friend in the Mobile area, who has two sons who graduated from the Institute, is doing well.

Lee Duval in Lewisville, Texas, reported that she uses a walker and gave up driving, but she is hanging in there.

I reached Johnny Lyden in Mobile, Alabama, and we had a long conversation. Johnny is quite restricted by his macular degeneration but is still hanging in there. I filled him in on our 65th Reunion and the extensive physical improvement at the Institute.

I tried to reach Win Baber in Omaha a couple of times to see how his move had progressed and to thank him for the great job he does as our email coordinator. Unfortunately, I get the message: “Due to a utility problem, this number is not available.”

Kay Bennett called from Omaha and reported she is doing well. I learned that she had made a contribution for our hospitality room at the reunion, which is much appreciated.

Jo Jac Lazzell from Florida returned my call and reported that the interment ceremony for Rufus was perfect. I again apologized for missing the ceremony.

Steve Meader of Reston, Virginia, returned my call and reported he was recovering from a fall and was shortly leaving for his vacation home on Nantucket.

I learned from Dick Cole that we had lost Gloria Cowherd, George’s widow, some time ago. This raises a point I wrote about in the past. I only keep current by calling on a birthday or receiving a call or note from you. Keep the news coming.

As I close this note, Marie and I trust you have a great fall. Incidentally, Marie is making steady but slow progress in her recovery.

1952

James M. Mecredy

I just turned in my class notes due May 15, which were published in August. Now I am starting class notes to submit Aug. 15, which will be published in November.

This keeps news about our class three to six months behind the times. I supplement this with emails to those of you who haven’t given up computers and occasional telephone calls to individuals. In the meantime, if you have news or want to hear recent ’52 news, give me a call.

I received a call from Henry Nanninga bringing me up-to-date on the condition of our Brother Rat David White. I sent David a birthday card and called his son to let him and his dad know that we are thinking of them. David has been in a nursing home outside of Philadelphia for over a year now with considerable memory loss.

He is hanging in there, and his son, David, is caring for him. He has severe dementia but tries to be his charming self. He has been given 6-12 months to live. David Jr. goes to see him every day and thinks his time is much shorter.

I received a call that Harry Carter’s widow died last fall, and we still had her on our mailing list. Harry died a few years ago.

Bud Becker continues without much change in multiple myeloma and kidney disease. He doubts that he will make our 65th Reunion.

I talked to Charlie Coulbourn for the first time in years. He and his wife, Sigfrid, live near Los Angeles and are able to walk daily. Charlie makes furniture for his two daughters, plus they have four grandkids.

I want to thank Zeke Finney for sharing with many of us all of the news that the media ignores. His emails are both newsworthy and encouraging.

Rich Falwell was off getting an MRI when I called, so I talked to his wife, Nancy. He has been having some pain in his neck, hence the MRI. Both Rich and VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Nancy walk at least a mile every day, and they just had their 61st anniversary.

Lou Delisio and Ella are doing well. Ella is having a minor operation that should go well. Lou plays golf often; and his goal is to shoot his age, which gets to be more of a challenge every year, especially now that he is having another birthday.

Joe Webber and his wife are in the process of moving into a retirement community. I asked him about the difficulty of downsizing, and he said they have taken care of that with a family auction. They gave each of their children a bunch of Monopoly money, and they bid on the things they wanted. The deal was if they did not want something and Joe was not going to take it, the children were responsible for getting rid of it. Joe said it was a lot of fun. I agree; that is a great idea. Joe sent me pictures of his move with the notation that this is his last home. It looks like he has a very nice location and “no lawn to mow or house to maintain.” Way to go!

I was unable to include one of the photos with my class notes.

Chuck Haley called to chat about our reunion plans developing. He would like to help in the planning but lives too far away, and he says he can’t remember things anymore, which is something that all of us are beginning to recognize. Chris Holland

Class of 1952: Red Gerdetz with an unidentified brother rat.

2016-Issue 4

told me that our memories are OK. The problem is, at our ages, we have so much knowledge that it takes a half-hour to recall it.

Gary Pittman called to thank me for his birthday card. He is staying healthy, except he said he is getting deafer every day. He, like me, began losing his hearing in the Army. I finally went to Veterans Affairs a few years ago and qualified for service-connected hearing loss, so I told Gary that is what he should do.

Bill Kearney moved to a small town in Wisconsin when his eyes started failing, so he can walk or ride a bike everywhere and living in a small town, he gets lots of help.

I called Gary Colona to find that he is still active teaching college algebra. Do you remember what that was? Gary transferred to The U.S. Military Academy at West Point after our 4th Class year and took the same subjects over again – even studied the same history book.

I heard from Rob Gerdetz in Austin, Texas. He has recently had cataract surgery, so now he has one really good eye. With the surgery over, Rob is doing well. Some time ago, he sent me a photo of himself and another brother rat. Neither Rob nor I can identify the brother rat, but I am including it with these notes. Maybe one of you can help us with proper identification. Weeks later, Rob called me again and identified the other person is Austin Bridgforth. Rob said he was watching the Olympic swimming and thought to call me.

I wrote to Langhorne McCarthy on Joe’s birthday inviting her to our 65th Reunion April 24-25, 2017. I heard back from her, and she is hoping to join us. That is also an invitation for the rest of you widows to join us. You will receive a formal invitation later.

Jack Roche is keeping healthy doing a lot of swimming. He had to stop running 20 years ago, because his knees were complaining, so he turned to swimming. His family is well, and they had a new granddaughter in December 2015. Jack hopes to make it to our reunion.

I wrote in my last issue of class notes that I had lost track of George Robison. Today (Aug. 8) I received a call from George’s

son, Jim Robison, telling us that George died Aug. 6. He had a stroke 3-4 years ago and has been in a nursing home near Reno.

George had led an active life until the stroke. He played a full season for the Dallas Cowboys in 1953-54. He was traded to the Colts but did not get to play. I am glad to locate him but am sorry to lose him. I have some fond memories of George.

Our 65th Reunion is being planned for Monday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 25.

I have requested the Col Alto Hampton Inn for our reunion headquarters. Our reunion planning committee includes: Jack Lanford, Dick Valack, Jim Wiley, Jack Landord, Sally Birge, Bill Ruffin, Army Welford and Zeke Finney. The program will be similar to the 60th Reunion, and you will be receiving detailed plans and cost shortly after the first of the year. Widows will be invited, and we hope you will be able to join us.

Meantime, our prayer is for God’s peace and blessings during these turbulent times.

Jim

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats, We lost Pete Grine back in June in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Pete arrived at VMI at the start of our 3rd Class year and graduated with our class, as well as attended Ring Figure with our class. Judy and I spent some nice time with Pete when we had the VMI football outing in Charleston, South Carolina, a few years ago.

I received a telephone message from Stu McClosky on my Lexington phone this month that he had fallen in April and broken his hip, had two months of recuperation in a rehab facility and now was in an assisted living facility in Melbourne, Florida, and is no longer living in Mississippi.

It seems that as we get older, all of us come up with some type of ailment/affliction. For me, I have had a couple over the years – a melanoma and then a stint, but in 33

Class Notes January, I had to have my prostate removed. Seletz saying hi, and that she has two great that our daughter loves to cook and is Operation (robotic) went well and no prob- daughters that are single moms she is help- a great cook, too. They only stay a couple of lems recuperating. I have just finished 36 ing financially, so regretfully, she cannot weeks at a time, as they have a busy summer days of radiation without any side effects. help the VMI Foundation these days. The schedule back in Lexington. As you can see, Except for family and a couple close friends, photo of Frank Spencer’s granddaughter’s our lake life here is quite busy, but also very no one has known of this until now. I did high school graduation was sent to me by enjoyable, as besides living on a lake and initially consult with Jack Trigg and a close his daughter, Sandy Morgan. I received an boating, we have a great group of lake area friend in Lexington. Now, I have to wait email from Betty Woodward saying she has friends that we all get together regularly for a dinner someplace, a cookout on three months for a PSA test to the community point, or to a play check on the results of the radiain town – “Jersey Boys” last year, tion. According to all the litera“Book of Mormon” this year. The ture, most all men sooner or later get-togethers normally have 14-18 have prostrate problems; I guess I couples in attendance. At the end have been blessed to have held off of August, we will hold our third until 85. end of summer music gathering An email from Don Matheson on the front deck and the yard in June advised that he and Barb overlooking the lake – about 45 have moved to a plus-55 comlast year. So, that is kind of our munity, which is in West Chester, news; What about you?

Pennsylvania. I had a nice note Our grandson, Jackson Beacham, from Ann Artz in July saying has just departed for his freshman she was very disappointed that year at Texas Christian University. she had to miss the Richmond and Beyond lunch this year. She Class of 1953: Frank Spencer celebrated the graduation of his Fort Worth, Texas, is sure a long noted that they do have a VMI youngest granddaughter, Paige Spencer, from Nelson County way from home, so he will not get High School. Attending her party were, from left, Jim Taggert group at Westmoreland, where ’86, Frank, Paige, Jack Taggert ’17+3, Cole Taggert ’18 and Allen home until Thanksgiving. Our two youngest grandkids arrived for five she lives; there was a photo in a Morgan ’75. days, as Brad, Jennifer and Addie recent Alumni Review of their group. I also had a nice note from Rilda just returned from a Baltic cruise with her Jay were taking Jackson by car to start TCU. family and had wonderful family time to- The young ones were not too enthralled on gether. Grandson Will is returning to VMI making such a long and quick car trip. We as a part of the EMT program, and Cath- hope to visit him there the last of October and erine will head for Virginia Polytechnic In- also stop off for a visit with Art and Susan stitute and State University for her first year. Moncrief at their ranch. Jordan Noell, the Betty fell on her trip and broke her foot, so is son of my third son, John Lee Noell ’84, now in a boot, which may limit her coming will be entering Florida State University this to VMI this fall. She had to miss the class month; another grandson heading for college. They live in Florida. Andy, husband Richmond luncheon due to illness.

As you can see from these notes, there of my granddaughter, Sandy Beale, along has been very little news from you all this with some partners, opened a new brewery summer. I hope that means that you have the last of July. It is in the Oyster Point area been very busy, healthy and are having a of Newport News, where Judy and I were good one. As always, Judy and I are at Nor- able to tour it a few weeks before it opened; ris Lake outside Knoxville. We arrived the a great establishment.

Historic trivia: The biography of VMI proday after school was out and are here until Thanksgiving, with a few side trips back to fessor Col. Herbert “DoDo” Nash Dillard Lexington for a weekend or so to check on Jr. ’934 by his daughter, Elizabeth Nash things. We always have to come down as Dillard, “Coming Hither – Going Hence: soon as school is out, as our daughter, Jen- A Memory of Herbert Nash Dillard; 1913nifer, and the four kids are chomping at the 76,” was published in 1979. This book was Class of 1953: Jackson Beacham with his sister, Addie Jay, in front of the bit to get to the lake as soon as school ends. recently presented to me by our BR Jack Southern Inn before Jackson started at This year, for a few days, we also had Brad’s Trigg, which I enjoyed reading and noted Texas Christian University. parents and Brad – full house with 10. It is that I wish I had known “DoDo” better, but 34

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes as a chemistry/physics major, I only had one class under him: “The Humanities” (copyright 1940, 1951) our 1st Class year.

I still remember that when this subject was first put on my schedule, I wondered why a chemistry major would take this class, but I never regretted taking this course, and I still have the textbook. It certainly enlightened me to the art masters and their paintings and gave me an appreciation I still retain today.

Obviously, “DoDo” was quite a character, which I did not realize from my one class, but those of you who were English majors would have gotten the full extent of his character. In reading the book, as founder of the Glee Club, it appears he gave you Glee Club members a great experience and some very good trips, along with his peculiars, as well as some summer Europe trips with cadets.

In some of the reviews, he has been called the best “teacher” that VMI has ever had.

It seems one of his favorite and most used expressions was, “Oh, lawd.” I did not remember until I read the book that he died doing his favorite thing: Teaching class on a Saturday morning. If you were a fan of DoDo’s and have not read the book, you should secure a copy. Jack told me he has read it twice – the second time fairly recently.

1954

J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings, Brother Rats: I do not have a copy of our Rat Bible; it was lost long ago. Is there still anyone out there with one of them? I seem to recall that it was only a few pages and blue, I think.

Remember having to memorize the General Orders? Well in 1986, I obtained a copy of the one for that year. Sixty-four pages. This year, I was sent the Rat Bible for 2016: 108 pages (!) and slick – very professional. Was ours called the Bullet? I don’t recall. It is now and has been for many years. The 2016 Rat Bible is quite a production. Very nice.

Just got an email from VMI’s lacrosse coach. We of the mixed-class lacrosse team of 1953, winner of its one and only game 2016-Issue 4

(with Augusta Military Academy: VMI 4, AMA 1 – May 23, 1953), receive somewhat regular reports concerning VMI lacrosse.

We tout ourselves as the Institute’s only undefeated lacrosse team, and I suppose we can honestly claim that, even though it was more of a club. Anyway, we are happy to be recognized at all. It was much fun, and we were proud – one game only or not.

I am not, sometimes, altogether certain whether I have commented upon or reported on something already. The class ring is one of those things. Some have remarked to me concerning the rings of other classes, especially those much more recent in time.

I have seen some of those rings. There are some fine ones, I am sure, but none that I have seen, and absolutely none that I have seen that compare to the very fine 1954 ring. John LeDeaux led in the designing of our class ring. (Did William Simpson, our sculpture teacher, do the model? John and I, George Hardy and others took sculpture from him in spring 1954, and I wonder if he was involved.) At any rate, I challenge anyone to find a better, more handsome – one might even say more beautiful – class ring than ours.

One of our class inquired if the Foundation’s general fund is being used to pay for any of the cost of class rings or if friends and family of a class are paying for all or part of that cost. The answer is that the Foundation

Fund (annual, unrestricted fund, non-athletic) is not used to pay for any part of the cost of VMI class rings. Cadets buy their own rings. There is a Foundation-managed fund called the VMI Ring Fund to which anyone may contribute. Monies contributed to this fund go to Cadet Life and financial assistance is provided to a few cadets each year who need assistance in ring purchase. Cadet Life allocates these funds very carefully when evaluating a cadets’ financial status/ situation.

A second question involved the size of the VMI ring. The statement of our brother rat was essentially that the rings seem to be growing larger – large enough to use as “a dangerous weapon” (ha ha). Well, a VMI source agrees that the size seems to be increasing. The Institute said that there has been no effort to reduce the size, but cadets may order different sizes within a specified range – 28, 36, 40 or 44 pennyweight.

Ray Helmer and wife June had what Ray characterized as a surprise “birthday bash” for June’s mother, Margaret, and it appears to have been just that. Margaret attained 100 years of age as of the anniversary. It was celebrated first in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and then on a cruise through the islands for an entire week – 31 folks for the party and 26 for the cruise, including people from 10 different states and territories – children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces,

Class of 1954: The VMI lacrosse team May 23, 1953. They played one game and had an undefeated season.

35

Class Notes nephews and friends. Margaret was even Not VMI rats, but rodents. There is an aver- years at Westinghouse and worked at BWI honored with an announcement on the age of nine minefield deaths per day around as an electronic design engineer and trouble plane taken from Houston. The plane was the world, especially dire in Africa, where shooter. He and Grace met and fell in love darkened and there was “cake” made out of large minefields still need clearing. Now in 1947, marrying just after VMI graduation. a roll of Charmin with 100 candles adorn- a Belgian nongovernmental organization They were proud parents of three children: ing. On St. Thomas, the group celebrated called APOPO has developed a way to train Margaret, Martha and Thomas. There are below “Havana Blue” at The Sand Bar with African pouched rats (named for the storage 13 grandchildren. Tom served for two years a menu created by Brady Sweet (what a pouch in their cheeks) to sniff out bombs, in the U.S. Army and six years in the Army name!), Margaret’s 24-year-old great-grand- quickly and safely. They are called hero rats. Reserve. He was extremely active in the Presson and their executive chef. He added 100 Not one has died in the line of duty since the byterian Church –principally PC America tiny cupcakes along with everything else in- program began in 1997! They are “compen- – serving many capacities and was building cluded in the fantastic meal. Ray wrote the sated” with avocados, peanuts, bananas and engineer during the multimillion dollar buildstory in a way that makes one wish he was other healthy treats, and are given sunscreen ing program at 4th Presbyterian Church in to prevent cancer from the hot sun. Should Bethesda, Maryland. His home church at there. Thanks, Ray! Tom Kane sent one of his own poems, they get cancer, they receive full medical time of death was Good Hope PCA Church.

Tom was particularly interested in which he had once composed and stamp collecting and genealogy then recently found in his desk research and enjoyed taking an when he and his wife were preparopposing side in discussions for ing to move to an assisted living the fun of it. He was a southern facility: patriot. He and Grace moved to Tribes: “Tribes alone protect Riderwood Retirement Village in our soul, / Give us faith, where June 2003. My guess is that Tom is to go. / Reason and justice walk helping to keep those lights and the the land, / To find and crown light on in heaven. an honest man. / But when the Received an excellent letter from crowd has lost its way, / It’s here at BR George Ramer. George and home I think I’ll stay. / And when Bea were planning to visit Jock the raindrops melt the snow, / It’s and Bonnie Wheeler and Johnny time to go, it’s time to go.”

Thanks very much, Tom. Pro- Class of 1954: Pictured is the jackalope of Texas. The jackalope and Betty Mapp at Virginia Beach is the rarest animal in North America, and they are a cross at the time he wrote the letter. found.

Received word from VMI that between a now-extinct small deer and a species of rabbit. George related some of his hisThey are extremely shy and wild and have the ability to mimic tory. This is one of the best things Brother Rat James Socrates Kos- sounds. None have ever been captured alive. about the class agent’s job. We all tas died recently. His Taps entry is in this issue of the Review on page 140. As of treatment. They retire when they lose interest remember watching George’s prowess on the now, I do not have details of his life. He does in working or after four to five years on the athletic fields, especially in football, but little of his background. He had been invited to atjob. Hmm. not appear to have graduated with our class.

Good news – Al Mattox has recovered tend schools in addition to VMI on scholarAh, a novel use for rats is afoot in the world. completely from open heart surgery and ships for football, but he had an acquaintance has been cleared by the Federal Aviation who was captain of a VMI football team in Administration to resume flying. He is con- the early 1920s. This man paid for George’s sidering buying another airplane. Cannot VMI scholarship but exacted a promise – keep a good man down. My wife, Shirley, George had to promise he would be responsiunderwent open heart surgery last year and ble for sending a son or another person to the Institute. He promised, and he and Bea saw is doing fine, as well.

Received news that BR Tom Webb has this through – G. Allen Ramer Jr. ’80 was died. Tom’s wife, Grace, wrote that Tom the fulfillment of that vow. How great is that! died in Silver Spring, Maryland, March 19, (George also became co-captain of the VMI 2016, with Parkinson’s and vascular demen- football team that he played on in our time.)

We remember the Seabees. Well, George tia. Tom was an electrical engineering major Class of 1954: Pictured is a hero rat. Not at VMI and the barracks electrician, accord- was in the Air Force after VMI and was staone has been lost in the line of duty ing to The Bomb. He was at the top as an tioned in Mineral Wells, Texas, at Walters since 1997. electrical engineering student. He spent 37 Air Force Base with the Army Corps of 36

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Engineers and assigned to a unit called Special Category Army with the Air Force, an outfit tasked with building airstrips. He was sent to Baffin Island, Canadian Northwest Territory, to add 3,000 feet to an existing 5,000-foot runway. Lots of runways were being extended in the 1950s and 1960s to accommodate B-52s. Something called the Cold War and future planes. Not a picnic. The only suitable material they had was granite, so the drilling and blasting began and George learned about quarrying. He didn’t say, but my guess is that the work carried some severe risks, not only in the drilling work but in the transport, handling, planting and setting off the explosives. (I remember a film with Robert Mitchum called “Thunder Road.”)

After George finished up there, he became company commander of the “Earthmoving Company” at Walters Air Force Base.

Jack Tiller called. I had not known that Johnny Knapp performed Jack’s wedding to wife Betty in December 2004 in J.M. Hall – the civil service. The religious part of the service was conducted by the VMI chaplain.

And now, a Tiller story for the ages, as far as I’m concerned. It transported me to the 1950s when Col. Frank Pancake ’38 was our commandant, and thence to a very cold night in November 1951. Yes, the night of the great step-off, and thence further to a 1954 class reunion (I think 1994) when our illustrious former ruler was made an honorary member of the Class of 1954. On that weekend, Jack and Pancake were walking on the bricks, side by side, when Pancake tripped and began to fall. With quick reflex and agility, Jack firmly caught the former commandant’s arm and prevented certain injury to our new honorary brother rat. Pancake looked at Jack and said, with real or professed surprise, “I would’ve thought you’d let me fall!” Jack said, “Colonel, that was 40 years ago!” Priceless, I think.

Ollie Hux reported and sends best wishes to all. He attended the Balloon Festival at Telluride, Colorado, and got to get on the chase crew for one of the balloons. He took a trip also to/through Roosevelt National Forest, Arapahoe Wildlife Refuge then through Rocky Mountain National Park. He planned to attend the Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain VMI Chapters’ rat send-off in August.

He sent an interesting statement that he drew 2016-Issue 4

from a cartoon or funny pic – “I don’t understand how I can remember every word of a song from 1964, but I can’t remember why I walked into the kitchen?” (Who doesn’t relate?)

Tommy Williamson sent a clipping concerning Natural Bridge, Virginia, and told of the glee club’s having performed there once when he was singing with the club. He then wrote that Claiborne Terry and he actually took dates to a VMI Ring Figure in 1949 (!) and watched from the balcony. Mud and Fran White introduced Tommy to his future wife, Camilla, 10 years later to the month – Camilla was in that 1949 Ring Figure!

Recently, I was reading in Rev. BR Dr. Bill Ralph’s book, “Golden Saints Almanac.” It contains much wisdom, much humor, and autobiographical stories and information.

Bill was a very wise man and, as we all know, an excellent athlete on the football team with George Ramer, Johnny Mapp and the others. The more I read in Bill’s book, the deeper is my appreciation of him. He ministered to me once at a reunion and solved a Christian question that had bothered me for years. I asked him to explain the depth of Christ’s forgiveness. His answer was brief and it was blunt – “You’ve been kicking God in the face all your life, and he forgave you.” My problem was solved. I understood.

A Bill Ralph joke – A turtle ran over a snail one day. When the snail was asked what happened, he replied, “I don’t know. It all happened so fast.”

Todd Brickhouse ’80, a friend of Bill Schubmehl and son Patrick, wrote that he was visiting the Schubmehls one Christmas night during Christmas break during Todd’s rat year. Bill told Todd that he looked “like a shaved-headed freak,” and asked him what he thought of Gen. John Knapp. Todd said that the general was a pain in the behind. Bill told Todd he’d be sure and let Johnny know, and Todd then spent some very nervous months. Now, Todd gets a kick out of learning from my Review submission that Bill was hung by a coat hook in his dyke’s room when BR Bill was a rat.

Lastly, I include some information about a mysterious animal – the Texas Jackalope; see photo nearby.

Until next time.

1955

Read Hanmer

I had to pull some teeth to get input for these class notes, but many of you came through. My thanks to all. This summer hasn’t been too exciting around the Hanmer household. The weather here, as well as where many of you live, has been particularly enervating (it is 100 degrees plus with high humidity), and that curtails most activities. By the time you read these notes, however, we’ll probably be complaining about the cold and freezing rain. The one solace is that we are still around to complain.

Casey and Sara Jones reported on “our adventures in moving, selling a house we loved in Reedville, buying a house we’re learning to love in Fredericksburg, coming to terms with down-sizing all my ‘priceless’ piles and accumulations of stuff which we have packed and unpacked and shipped about 11 times. I have had so many hobbies and projects that now I have to donate to the dump. Anyway, we needed to find a home on a one-floor plan, close to an assortment of medical support, without 5.3 acres to tend and somewhere near my oldest son and his family (all the others are in Oregon). We settled on 1511 Stafford Avenue, near Mary Washington University and MWU Hospital, room for visitors and a lot more restaurants than we had in Reedville. So drop in! I do want to give a plug to my actress daughter, Paige, in Portland, Oregon, who has a nice part in an episode of a TV show, “The Librarian,” to be aired on TNT sometime soon – exact schedule not set. She continues to be active onstage and with her pet massage business. Seriously!

Adios, BRs.” Tom Williamson filled me in on an exchange he had with Dave Woolwine concerning retirement homes. Dave had written to Tom indicating that he and Barbara were looking at retirement homes in Louisiana and also in Abingdon, Virginia. Tom responded to be sure to look at continual 37

Class Notes care retirement centers, observing that the CCRCs have higher admission costs, but they have all levels of care, including memory care, and you are guaranteed a home for the rest of your life. Dave reminisced about growing up in Abingdon. He said Abingdon has developed over the years.

Dave and Roby Thompson were high school classmates. There were 29 students in the senior class (only nine of whom were boys), so it was hard to find enough guys to hold a scrimmage. Roby played center.

Dave said, “Who would have dreamed Roby would be first captain at VMI and that I would lead the football team to a state championship in 1953?”

Leon Cock weighed in with a corny joke (of which I will spare you), and the following medical report. “Zella and I are great except for my coronary artery disease, severe sleep apnea, and moderate spinal stenosis and Zella’s several ailments, including obstruction of a vein leading to her left eye retina.” Zella, Lois has a similar eye problem. I hope both of you are able to get ahead of these problems.

Barney Lawless brought us up to date: “In spite of Helen’s recent hip replacement and my lingering effects of knee replacement, we still enjoy Scottish country dancing. Some of you have seen me wearing my kilt showing the VMI New Market tartan.

Thanks to Read Hanmer, I am also somewhat involved in the Saint Andrew’s Society. I am still involved with the Boy Scout movement both as a unit commissioner and as assistant den leader of the Webelos Den for my grandson (I have the band saw to cut out pinewood derby cars), but I don’t get around camps or hikes too well anymore. He is my youngest grandson (the other five are all taller than I am; three of them married), and he is learning to shoot on a 1922 Springfield, if any of you remember that .22 caliber training rifle. I had to give up competitive high power shooting because of a deteriorating shoulder and neck, and I had become no longer truly competitive. But, I still enjoy hearing the bang and smelling the powder as a coach rather than as a competitor. Having spent a couple of years as a chaplain in my first wife’s nursing home, I am still busy with 38

ministry work and even preach from time to time at a church full of people older than we are – it’s a little different at age 82 to be the youth movement in the congregation.

This is a skill I didn’t pick up in Colonel Marr’s class. I saw where the Class of ’36 had a 102-year-old representative climb the sentinel box at his 80th Reunion to lead the Old Yell for the Class of ’36. I immediately called Bob Bowden, and we agreed to race each other up the ladder in 2035 for our 80th Reunion. Hope all you guys will be there to join the Old Yell for ’55.”

I recently received a generous donation to the VMI Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund from BR Dr. Demitri Cozanitis. Demitri lives in Greece. I wrote to him a note of thanks and said I hope the unsettled conditions in Greece aren’t affecting him adversely.

This from Pete Haake: “The upper climes are turning into southern ones. We have not had such warm weather in many years.

It makes ‘The River’ (the St. Lawrence) more inviting, and we are spending a lot of time there this year. The water table in upper New York is being depleted, and it would be good to get some rain soon.

Cathy and I are in good health. I play golf about three times a week and recently had an 86. That was as close to my age as I ever had. The problem is that on the next round it was much, much higher. I hope you all are well and enjoying summer.”

Bill Nolley filled us in on his summer: “Here in the ‘Holy City,’ it is currently a blistering summer, hot and humid each day. We are a week away for a new rat class entering VMI. I have a very special young friend who just finished Collegiate Schools who will matriculate Aug. 20. Staige and I will be going to Lexington with him and his mother, really to help her get through this event. We can relate to this issue. Her husband is taking his brother to Kenyon College, north of Columbus, Ohio, on the same day. Both of the boys became Eagle Scouts under the direction of Rob Patterson ’79, whose father was Robert Patterson ’49C. The latter led the legal team before the U.S. Supreme Court in efforts to keep VMI all male like Hampden-Sydney College. Just a bit of old history. Now, it

is golf a couple of days a week and getting my old roomie, Charlie Luck, out of Westminster Canterbury for lunch. He and True are residing there now. I saw Bob Bowden and Jane at Collegiate School’s graduation.

Their son, Marshall, is a former senior warden at our Episcopal Church and continues to be very active in an important leadership role. VMI football will be well underway by the time you read this note. I hope VMI has a winning season. Rah Virginia Mil!” Thanks, Bill, for the update.

Now to the hard part of the class agent’s job. There have been several losses of classmates since my last note. Fielding Tyler and Betsy reported on Sam Segar’s celebration of life, which was held June 22, 2016, at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk. The church was filled with friends and relatives. Anne Segar had invited our brother rats to sit on the front row with our spouses behind. Among the attendees were Bob and Jane Bowden, Jim and Barbara Parker, Frank and Judy Brooke and Ron and Nita Bryan. We were joined by Sue Hill and Emily Filer. Our old first sergeant from Company F, Dr. J. Parker Cross ’53, led us in the “VMI Doxology.” Sam would have been pleased.

I repeat here an email I received from John Marshall ’65 informing us of Sam Marshall’s sudden passing. “It is with great sadness that I must report to you that my dear brother and your brother rat, Samuel Wilson ‘Sammy’ Marshall III ’55, died Aug. 7 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond from a massive brain bleed that had rendered him unresponsive Saturday afternoon. He is survived by his wife, Ginny, three children and four grandchildren, one of whom, Kevin McClellan Marshall ’16, just graduated from VMI. This means that you will not be getting any more of his letters that show how much Sam enjoyed being with his BRs over the years, both at reunions and in between. You in the Class of 1955 were, just as much as we were, his family whom he treasured. I am sorry for your loss. John McClellan ‘Johnny Mac’ Marshall ’65.” I will forward additional details as I receive them.

On hearing of Sam’s passing, Bob Bancroft sent the following: “Sad and unexpected VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes news. I’m running out of BRs to whom I can speak to remember and reminisce of all the great times we all shared as the Class of VMI ’55. Not all of us were in the same company, same major or roommates. Sam was special for many reasons, not the least of which was that Sam, Dan Brittigan and I were the saxophone section for the Commanders. We were rats, but we were not treated as such, as we traveled to the many Virginia schools for dances on the weekends. These are fond memories. Our time at VMI instilled and reinforced values for a lifetime.”

Finally, I received notice from the Alumni Association of the passing of BR Bernard Freund. His family has indicated they do not wish to receive any correspondence.

Yours in the bonds!

1956

Richard M. Smith

I received a note from Pete Jennette that he and Sue visited with Bill and Dayle Salsgiver in Cransberry, Pennsylvania, after attending a funeral near them recently.

He reminded me that Bill had endowed a chair in civil engineering at VMI. Our class is fortunate to have a number of BRs

Class of 1956: Les Belsha leading an Old Yell from the sentinel box.

2016-Issue 4

generously contribute to the Institute in appreciation for what it did to enhance their lives. I have received thanks from the VMI Foundation and the VMI Keydet Club for the donations made from the Class of 1956 in the amounts of $2,500 and $2,000, respectively. We still maintain $1,300 in the class treasury for incidental expenses. After requesting any info from the class for my quarterly notes, I received the following: “Hi, Dick: The latest thing from our corner of the country is that Betty and I are glued to our computer screens looking for the latest GPS location report for our daughter’s (Diane, 54) solo hike across the state of Washington on the Pacific Crest Trail.

She started near the Oregon border July 29 and expects to conclude her trek at Manning Park, British Columbia, in Canada before the end of the month. She has a small GPS tracking device on her backpack that captures her GPS coordinates every 10 minutes and transmits them via a commercial com satellite to a website that plots her location on a detailed Google terrain map view; or, a really detailed Google Maps satellite view of where she is at the moment.

“Although we can’t see her, we can see clearly the beauty of her location and vicariously travel with her without the rigorous demands of the trail. (We believe the Google maps satellite map views are probably about three years old and always in perfect weather!) She is in some of the most rugged wilderness country on the continent, so we’re naturally concerned.

However, she is very intelligent and has prepared well for this, and after doing some of our own research and interviewing a few PCT veterans, we are less concerned. Betty is still very anxious about her but proud at the same time. I am less concerned but very proud, and frankly, a bit envious. I wish she had done this about 20 years sooner, and I would have joined her! All the best, Larry Miller.”

By the way: I received e-copies of the 60th Reunion photos by email, but no actual hard copies by regular mail. The e-copies are enough, and I’m not complaining; however, the alumni office email implied they thought everyone had received copies in the mail. I don’t know about anyone

Class of 1956: Anne Blair talking with Tony Waring and his son.

Class 1956: Larry Miller, Dick Smith and Betty Miller chatting in the hospitality room.

Class of 1956: Pictured in the Wingate Hospitality Room were Russ and Peggy Quinlan, Honey Rector, Doug Gottwald, Sarah and Bob Shelton, Betsy Gottwald, and Sallie Holsinger.

else, but I did not receive any class photos by snail mail.

The following was sent by Walt Graham: “Sug and I just had lunch in Williamsburg with Dick and Sue Justice. He was at the reunion and brought me up to date on everything about the class. Sorry we couldn’t 39

Class Notes one remaining in our class has a very good summer and will get up to VMI this fall for some of the games.

Yours in the spirit, Dick

1958

Lee McCown

1957

Clayton M. Thomas III

Class of 1956: Francis Palme, Bill Salsgiver and Pete McCrary awaiting the class picture in front of Preston Library.

make the reunion. We were married four days after graduation, so it’s easy to keep track of dates. Hop.” Bob Morris reported that he and Jackie are going on a Baltic Sea Cruise for their 60th anniversary. “Greetings, Bro’ Rat. Many thanks for your continuing outstanding work as our class agent. Slack periods will always be looming around the corner. We all can understand your frustrations. My second year of retirement, and I have had no problems adjusting to a newfound lifestyle. I wonder if anyone in our class can remember who (band) played at our Ring Figure dance. I’m thinking Guy Lumbardo, but my memory ain’t what it used to be. Any answers? Warmest regards, Sharkey.”

Pat Belsha sent me a note saying she and Les visited Spider and Anne Allison while in Florida in July. She included a picture which I will include with my report.

They also visited Jack and Ina Gee Pittman on return to Virginia and had lunch with them at the Village at Woods Edge in Franklin.

Bruce McCreedy wrote that he and Shirley didn’t make it to the reunion because they were in the process of moving to a Del Webb community in Durham, North Carolina, to be closer to their son and daughter.

I was pleased that quite a few heeded my need for news from the class. I hope each 40

Dawn and I start off by thanking Dick Collier for filling in for us at the two-day Class Agent Conference in the spring. We will have our 60th Reunion from Sunday, April 23, 2017, through Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Mark your calendars. The 60th is a “biggie!”

John Whittle in Roanoke, our 60th Reunion chairman, is busy making plans for the reunion. His wife of 52 years, Sandra, died March 28, 2014. On Nov. 28, 2015, John married Carole Harding Whittle.

We look forward to welcoming her to our class in April.

Howard Lawrence sent an obit that Thomas Munsey Robertson Sr. died Saturday, May 7, 2016. He roomed with Howard, Tom Atkeson and Bill Benson.

He only stayed at VMI for 19 days.

Jay Musser notified us that John Thomas Parks died July 31, 2016, in Richmond.

His wife, Virginia, preceded him by six years. Jay is survived by his three sons.

There was no service, and J.T.’s wish was for immediate cremation. For the last 20 years, he became a scholar, reading voluminously over the broadest topics and entertaining those who kept in touch by phone.

It is with sadness that Jose Chioco wrote that Carmen had a stroke four weeks ago.

This was her third stroke in three years and affects the left side of her body, and she had difficulty swallowing. She now uses a walker and a wheelchair. They can no longer travel and sadly will miss our next reunion.

Finally, we close on the happy note that our Class of 1957 continues to support the Campaign for VMI. We have 65 brother rats and 11 widows who made a contribution.

Greetings to all of you, BRs. Much sad news since our last notes. You have received email notices of a number of our classmates’ deaths and the death of a beloved wife, but I want to memorialize them in a more permanent way.

The funeral for Stuart Whitehurst’s wife, Betty, at Second Baptist Church in Richmond May 20, 2016, was very well attended.

She was obviously a treasured member. Her sons and several grandchildren spoke lovingly of her support throughout their lives, and several mentioned that she wrote to them weekly when they were in college. An example to us all. Laura and I attended, as did Jane and Jack Cunningham and their daughter, Nancy Mauck; Don Cuthrell; Linda and Brooke Doggett; Landa and Bill Holt; Becky and Onza Hyatt; Alma Jenkins; Carol and Moon Menefee; Martha Booker and Frank Norvell; Paul Royer; Jim Stillwell; and Jane and Stirling Williamson and their daughter, Blair Williamson. Our deepest sympathy to Stuart and the Whitehurst family.

Just four days later, at the same church, another large group came together to honor Sam Woolwine. With Laura and me were Dave Camper, Jack Cunningham, Brooke Doggett, Lou Farmer, Joe Gray, Charlie Hayes, Onza Hyatt, Dave Martin, Carol and Moon Menefee, Susie and John Peters, Paul Royer, Stuart Whitehurst, Sam Witt, and Jan Woodman. Sam was especially honored as a father, grandfather and, of course, a great athlete. Many of his family spoke of their love for Sam, including his grandson, Alec Rich ’17, a rising 1st Class cadet at VMI who is on the soccer team. Our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and the Woolwine family.

Pags Paganelli reported on his last time with Sam. “He was one fine person. We played together in the backfield of the ‘Red Dog’ team in our rat year since we had both transferred to VMI from other schools. Had VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a ball doing so! I was particularly touched by Sam at our 55th Reunion. He came over from Richmond just to play golf with me, as I had asked Brooke Doggett to pair me with him. When we finished playing, I thought he was going to come back to the hotel with us, and he said, ‘No, Pags, I come over here a lot. I just came to see you!’ And, after a drink, he got in his car and drove back to Richmond. I’ll never forget that.”

Howard Savage’s military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery July 11 did him and the U.S. Army proud with all the regalia, including a chaplain wearing combat medals leading the Old Chapel service, Ernie Edgar’s moving eulogy for his old friend (roommate, attendant in the Savage wedding, same Corps of Engineers battalion in Germany), the horse drawn carriage, the horse with backward boots, a marching platoon and band, beautiful Bible readings by Joe Gray at the graveside, rifle salute, taps and then “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. Joann appreciated the outpouring of so many, and we appreciated the very nice lunch she hosted for us at Fort Meyers. Attending – including Ernie and Elizabeth, Joe, Laura and me – were Bill Dunn, Charlie Hayes, Onza Hyatt, Moon Menefee, Jerry Paull and Karen, Gates Sykes with Janice and son Mark ’83, Roland Tharp, Jan Woodman, and Warren Yaun. Our deepest sympathy to Joann and the Savage family.

The sad occasion did provide some very enjoyable social time at dinner the night before, as Jan had lined up a very good restaurant in Alexandria that quite a few of us enjoyed: Jan and his delightful daughter, Alexandra Johnson; Bill and his wife, Betty; Jerry and Karen; Warren and his wife, Darla; plus Laura and me. I enjoyed 2016-Issue 4

Class of 1958: Ernie and Elizabeth Edgar on a summer trip to Alaska. In the background is Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier.

Class of 1958: David Pitkethly, Roy Palmer and Ken Chun ’67 enjoyed a day of golf at Willows Run Golf Course in Redmond, Washington.

Class of 1958: Jack Payne hosted Jan Woodman and his grandson, Barrett, at Pennsylvania’s Lake Wallenpaupack this summer. Pictured were, from left, Barrett, Jack and Jan.

getting to know Darla, who was facing knee surgery with great spirit, proudly describing herself as the great-great-granddaughter of an American Indian woman named Winona, who married an Englishman. Obviously, this provided good DNA, as I heard from Darla after the surgery, and she said her rehab was going well, and she has break-dancing and marathon running on her list of future activities. Place kicking will need to wait awhile, however, she said.

News of the death of Dave Pai July 23, 2016, in Davidson, North Carolina, came as a sad surprise.

Dave was an outstanding engineer whose entire distinguished 41-year career was with the same company, Foster Wheeler Development Corporation, now Amec Foster Wheeler, where he was president and chief executive officer at the time of his 2001 retirement. The company now has 40,000 employees and operates in 155 countries, serving the oil and gas, mining, clean energy, power generation, pharma, environment, and infrastructure markets. Dave had a Doctor of Philosophy degree, wrote or co-wrote more than 50 papers, edited two books, held four patents and was a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He and Anna are both descendants of very notable Chinese families, and Anna’s Virginia ties include graduation from Sweet Briar College. She, too, has a Doctor of Philosophy degree and had a distinguished academic career specializing in genetics. Our deepest sympathy to Anna and the Pai family.

On more upbeat notes, several BRs wrote about their summer travels. Judy and Hull Negley spent June 23 through Labor Day at their “little piece of heaven,” a Canadian island where they traditionally spend their summers.

41

Class Notes of most of us. You may remember that Joe was the recipient the Jackson-Hope Medal, First Honor.

One of the great things about living in what is essentially a college “town,” our Virginia Commonwealth University neighborhood in Richmond’s Fan District, is watching not only the endlessly entertaining students but also the constant construction projects.

Paradise for an old engineer. One of the recent very interesting projects at VCU was the renovation of a library so ugly that Laura always said she saw only two ways to improve it: Kudzu or dynamite. Luckily, the school found a better way, and the library is now a showplace, thanks to good architects and funding sources. Susie and John Peters have been very generous in supporting it.

Class of 1958: Class Agent Lee McCown said of this photo, “Walter Leach John and Susie were recently recognized in keeps good company! And he recently a VCU publication for their role in sustaining enjoyed his 80th birthday.” not only the Cabell Library – which now has a group study room named for them – but See nearby knock-your-socks-off photo. Do also the coming-out-of-the-ground Institute they swim, fly or row out there? They plan for Contemporary Art, which they also supto come to the Institute Society Dinner Nov. ported with contributions not only financial 11, and Hull has his Citadel football tickets but also by convincing others (including us) ordered for that weekend. to contribute. Susie said, “The thought of Also enjoying a wonderful break this sumhaving a world-class-designed building in mer was Jan Woodman, who, thanks to our neighborhood was really important. It an impossible-to-resist invitation from Jack wasn’t just the art aspect that appealed to me.

Payne and his fiancée, Helle Kiiss, spent a I saw the building itself as an important confew days at Jack’s Pennsylvania paradise in tribution to the city of Richmond in terms the Poconos on Lake Wallenpaupack. Jan of true excellence in architectural design.” reported that they made him and his CaliThe building, designed by the internationally fornia grandson, Barrett Barron, feel very renowned Steven Holl, will be covered in a welcome, and Helle is a very fine cook. Jack titanium-zinc alloy. And after years in went into full BR mode and built a the well business, I’ve loved watching ramp to enable Jan to get up the six the drilling of those 42 geothermal steps to the house in his wheelchair. wells. We cannot wait for its openJack also got Jan on a pontoon boat ing next year.” Thank you, John and for a trip around the lake. Jan also Susie. recently attended the wedding of his David Pitkethly, Roy Palmer and daughter, Jessica Godwin, in FredKen Chun ’67 met at Willows Run ericksburg and will be going to BerGolf Course in Redmond, Washmuda with daughter Eve Woodman ington, on a recent beautiful day, as in August. the adjacent photo confirms. Look In between his travels, Jan got in at these guys! I would still let Dave touch with Bill Wood. Bill is still in operate on my head and Roy fly me the Alexandria area and, like many anywhere. of us, has health challenges, havPags Paganelli reported he reing had a stroke six years ago. But he is staying active by serving as a Class of 1958: Class Agent Lee McCown said of this photo, cently spoke with his roomies, Ron substitute teacher at Potomac High “Hull Negley understates in describing his and Judy’s sum- Swirk and Harry Shepard, and mer home as ‘a little piece of heaven.’” both sounded good.

School. Bill will try to make it to the 60th Reunion (which is, mark your calendars, April 23-24, 2018).

Jan also talked with Bob Spurrier, who had laser therapy for his back, which was injured in an automobile accident several years ago. Results have been positive, as he is doing well and is in good spirits.

And Jan checked on Duke Johnston with his wife, Annette. Duke is not doing well, but Jan’s call reached them on their anniversary, and within two hours they received flowers from the Class of ’58, courtesy of Jan. “That really made my day,” Annette said. Thank you, Jan, for exemplary duty as associate class agent for communications.

Heard from Bob Beale, our BR who finished up at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1959, saying, “I am deeply honored to be a brother rat of the VMI Class of 1958. I am way out here in Colorado so don’t have as much contact with you all in the South and East. My thoughts are with you all, however. Please give my best to BRs you encounter.” Bob, we are honored to have you as a brother rat of ’58 and trust your fellow pointers of ’59 appreciate you just as much.

Joe Parker responded to a birthday card with this: “Yes, I am one of the younger in the Class of 1958. I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond at 17 years old. Now I am 79 and can feel it, too!

Aging brings many challenges to us all. I am still mobile and have some cognitive abilities but have lost a lot!” As we all know, Joe could lose a lot of cognitive ability and still be ahead

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Walter Leach’s son, David, got in touch after I sent his dad a birthday card. Walter is in an assisted living arrangement now with impaired memory but good spirits. David said, “He can’t believe he’s 80!”

Irene Rousos, wife of Bill Rousos, appreciated the marking of Bill’s death in the last Alumni Review and said he wanted to attend the last mini reunion, but his health prevented it. “He was impressed with the new buildings and renovations at VMI and enjoyed returning periodically. He tells the story that he had priority pick of a room assignment one year, and Bob Jenkins and Bill Corr asked him to be roommates. Bill picked the room over the archway where cadets met their dates, who were ‘checked out’ by the three of them! I have wonderful memories as his date at VMI.” Ernie and Elizabeth Edgar were in Alaska this summer on a trip that somewhat mirrored one taken by Ernie’s parents in 1934, when they walked on a now-melted stretch of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. “We had great fun – all-terrain vehicle, rafting and jet boat excursions – took a lot of pictures.

Alaska is truly the last frontier; a most memorable time indeed.”

Richmond area BRs are continuing with their periodic lunches – most recently at Extra Billy’s Barbecue and attended by Duke Bishop, Dave Camper, Alex Clarke, Jack Cunningham, Brooke Doggett, Joe Gray, Charlie Hayes, Moon Menefee, Frank Norvell, Paul Royer, Roland Tharp, Stuart Whitehurst, Stirling Williamson and me. It was an enjoyable and, at times, raucous caucus of conversation and food.

A good time was had by all.

In a great letter from Jerry Brohman, who spent 4th Class year at VMI, he described some highlights of his life. “Post-VMI, I took advantage of a scholarship I had earned in high school to go to a local college. Because of having to work as well, I took courses at various schools but quit before getting a degree. In my studies, I developed an interest in electronics and began studying that plus industrial electronics. I then was employed

by Chrysler Corporation’s missile division as a tech writer of missile instruction manuals. CCMD manufactured the Red Stone, Jupiter C and Jupiter missiles. The Jupiter C 2016-Issue 4

put Alan Shepard into suborbital flight. Next came the U.S. Army, where I trained as an internal guidance specialist and was posted to a missile range where U.S. and NATO troops had to qualify each year by firing an Ajax and Hercules missile. During the time spent there, I saw more than 1,000 launches.

After leaving the Army, I was employed by Bendix Radio under contract with NASA on satellite tracking stations in Antofagasta and Santiago, Chile, for three and a half years as a shift engineer.

“Upon my return to the U.S., my job experience was way beyond what was available as employment in Michigan. I then used my GI Bill to go to computer programming school.

I learned a number of languages but ended up with Fortran IV. I began work with the phone company writing programs to design circuits. These would allow a clerk to do so in a conversation mode thereby freeing up an engineer for more complex designs. Programming is very demanding, and 45 years ago ... I dropped out and bought a general store in Michigan.” Thanks for filling us in, Jerry, on this very active and productive life, which you are still leading.

Hope you all saw notice in the 2016-Issue 3 Alumni Review, page 171, of Bill Keefe’s latest book, “The Infidels’ Revenge,” described in the book review as “a work of realistic fiction.” It tells how a small number of jihads set widespread forest fires in the Western U.S., coupled with a cyberattack taking down the North American electrical power grid. Frank Norvell said the book is “re-e-ee-e-al good.”

Laura and I recently attended a very interesting lecture about the role of VMI in the Civil War at the American Civil War Museum here in Richmond. It was standing room only for Richard M. McMurry ’61, Ph.D., author of “Virginia Military Institute Alumni in the Civil War.” McMurry cited the wellknown facts – New Market, Harper’s Ferry, the number of alumni who became high ranking officers in the Confederacy (18 generals of various ranks) – but said he believes the greatest contribution that VMI alumni made was as teachers. While VMI was a military school, it was also a teacher training school, with tuition partially supported in exchange for teaching after graduation. In

the school, of course, older cadets taught younger cadets the military essentials, but many cadets were also training for teaching, not military, careers. When the war started, cadets had a training role, but hundreds of alumni also came out of their jobs to train Virginia militias, some of which had very funny names. (McMurry’s favorite is the Pigg River Invincibles.) McMurry believes their teaching expertise led to the large number of skilled fighting men who were the key to early Confederate victories in Virginia.

The Institute was heard from then and still is today. Thanks to those of you who contributed to these notes. Your stories and pictures are of great interest to our class. Keep up the good work!

Lee

1959

Shep Shepard

Lou Fisher died this quarter. I attempted to contact the family to express condolences and was unable to speak to anyone, but I did send a sympathy card from the class. Jimmy Johnson said he roomed with Lou our rat year, but Lou only was there one semester before going to George Washington University.

Jimmy was last in touch with Lou around our 50th Reunion when he sent him a challenge coin. Many years before that, Linda and Jimmy met Lou in Washington, D.C., at Luigi’s Restaurant where they used to hang out when they were rats. He was a wonderful friend who they will miss dearly.

Kurt and Anne Berggren suffered a loss that no parent should ever have to face; their son, Jamie, died from a fall while in Anchorage, Alaska. It has left a hole in their lives that will never be filled. Kurt said Jamie was a remarkable person and an exceptional friend.

From reading Jamie’s obituary, it is evident he was an avid outdoorsman and traveler – a truly gentle and caring person. Nothing we can say or do will heal the hurt that Kurt and Anne feel now, but we want them to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Things have not been going well for Margo 43

Class Notes Cotton. Recently, she got up in the middle of the night and fell down, breaking her leg.

She said she does not remember getting out of bed but only remembers lying on the floor unable to move and in excruciating pain. It took her two hours to crawl across the floor to activate the alarm system. Once the police arrived, she wasn’t able to get to the door to let them in. The police finally got her to the hospital where they found she had broken her femur. Subsequent tests, unfortunately, have shown that she has cancer in the bones.

Margo is currently in a rehab center and will be there for some time. Tommy, the lady who took care of Chuck for years before he passed, has picked up the mantel once again and is doing yeoman service taking care of Margo. Please keep Margo in your thoughts and prayers as she takes on this latest.

I received a note from Annemarie that Wes Roberts ’58 has been placed in Hospice care.

Many will remember that Wes graduated with us and was company commander of Company F. I remember him as the stalwart class agent for the Class of ’58 where we attended many class agent meetings together and became close friends. Annemarie said that Wes is not “end stage” at this time, but his abilities diminished so rapidly that they needed some extra help. They do know his condition will not improve and more likely will continue to decline. Please keep Wes and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mary Pipes reported that Noland has been ailing since Christmas with a balance, walking, stamina and abdominal fluid problem.

The doctors have put their heads together but have not yet come up with anything definitive. Noland and Mary had a big trip planned for September to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons but it all depended on whether Noland had all his medical problems resolved. Let’s pray that Noland will be on the mend soon.

A few months ago Ann and I accompanied our daughter, Christine, and granddaughter, Lilly, to Tallahassee so Lilly could attend a Florida State University orientation where she will go to college. She matriculated a few weeks later for the summer session, and as I scribe these notes, she is about to finish her first semester as a college student. We are anxious to see what her first reaction is 44

to college life. We have some concerns lately since Lilly recently told her mother to fix her hair before going to the gym, because it was a good “pickup” place. They grow up much too fast. While in Tallahassee, we got together with Betty Sellers and Bill and Betty Huffcut ’57 to introduce them to Lilly. They have promised to look after our precious granddaughter while she is at FSU. We had lunch at a local diner and spent a wonderful afternoon with Bill and the two Bettys getting to know Lilly. Bill and I spent some time talking about old times at VMI and Munich American High School where Bill and I first met in 1953.

Franklin Whitten wrote to say he ran into Max Guggenheimer at a party in Lynchburg not long ago. He happily reported that he is doing great, and Max looked fit as a fiddle.

Dick and Judith Irons were happy to hear the plans for the Florida group mini reunion were going well and wish with all their hearts that they could attend. Especially since Dick has such fond memories of several wonderful golfing outings in the area – especially the Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills. Dick envies those of us who can still travel, since Judith’s condition prevents her any further traveling. Dick is doing well and is playing as much golf as possible. He especially enjoys the Alumni Review class notes and all the shenanigans reported by our brother rats.

Dick sent his best to all of his brother rats.

While the rest of us were hiking mountain trails, frolicking on the beach and traveling to exotic places, John Reed spent his summer in Haiti with three doctors, four nurses, a physical therapist and two pharmacists giving his time and effort to the schools he built there.

He exceeded the airline’s baggage weight limits because he took along 1,100 pounds of medicines, eyeglasses and 400 toothbrushes, toothpaste and lots of vitamins. Keep up the good work, John; you make us all very proud to call you our brother rat.

June was a great month for Ann and me since it was the month that we got to spend almost two weeks with six brother rats and their significant others aboard the MS River Discovery II cruising the Rhone and Saone Rivers in France. We had Ron and Mary Alice Marley and Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok out of the Jacksonville, Florida, area, all who

took the pre-trip to Marseilles, France, where they spent three days enjoying tours of a medieval village with cathedrals and Palais Longchamp. After the cruise, they took the post trip to Barcelona, Spain, for an additional four days enjoying excellent tours of the city, the Mediterranean and shopping in a former bullfighting arena. Seems Mary Alice had some problems getting through security by failing the scanner twice. The result was a pat down that she obviously enjoyed, because it took two police officers and a dog to get her out of the pat down booth. Then she went through security again. You can never tell by just looking at someone. Eddie and Carolyn Barnes were a grand addition to the group, and we had so much fun with them.

After the riverboat cruise, they made their way to Sweden to visit their son, Robbie, and his family, who have been living and working there for many, many years. Eddie and Carolyn are not strangers to that area since they make an annual pilgrimage to visit Robbie.

Jim Edmunds joined us from Walnut Creek, California, and was a fabulous traveling companion. Following the cruise, Jim went to Paris, where he spent five days at the 24-hour Le Mans sports car race. Jim does not let any moss grow under his feet; when he returned, he immediately went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to visit his sister and her daughter, then on to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit his son and his family. While there, Jim had an enjoyable three-hour lunch with Ed Thomas. Time hasn’t dimmed Ed’s memories of VMI; they had a great time talking about the good old days. We were fortunate to once again travel with the lovely Betty Whitescarver and the guy she brings along with her every time she travels, Penn. We first traveled with them a few years ago when we went on the Seine River cruise and visited the American Cemetery in Normandy.

Penn, as you will know, flew B-52s while in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and followed that with a career as an airline pilot for 20 years. As a result, he still gets a lot of perks from the airlines, not the least being able to travel space available. I don’t know if is worth it, he sure spends a lot of time on the computer trying to get seats. We had a very pleasant surprise when we arrived aboard the ship: Al and Peggy (Smith) Colville had VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1959: John Reed spent his summer vacationing in Haiti administering to the poor.

signed up for the trip unbeknownst to any of us, but what a pleasure it was to travel with them. After much deliberation, we decided Al was a pretty nice guy and made him an honorary BR. What a great trip it was, with visits to the Palace of the Popes in Avignon to the Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard, the medieval village of Perouges, and so

many wine and cheese tastings, I lost count.

It was great to be able to spend time with so many fabulous people. We really look forward to doing it again soon. Jimmy Johnson sent his check in for the Doc Carroll project.

Many years ago, Doc supported Jimmy’s application to dental school after being in his program for only two years. He kept up with him over the years, and when Doc retired, he moved to Texas, where Jimmy and Linda live, to be close to his son. Jimmy attended the dedication of Carroll Hall in the ’80s and was at Doc’s funeral, where he gave his son one of our 50th Reunion challenge coins.

Jimmy worked for many years at Baylor College of Medicine with Paul Johnson ’58.

According to Jimmy, Paul was an outlaw but a good and loyal friend. Says he never let up with the old VMI spirit. Jimmy and Linda have a granddaughter who will be attending the University of Texas in the fall, a baby Longhorn. Also, their goddaughter will be at St. Edwards in Austin, so they will have a few more girls to spoil. Jimmy is in the process of having a standoff with the professor of history at UT Austin. Seems he invited John Kerry to a conference on Vietnam at the LBJ Library in Austin. Jimmy is not fond of Kerry.

Larry Wood recently returned from the store and found a package awaiting him.

Class of 1959: Members of the Stonewall Class enjoy an evening together aboard the Ms. Discovery II while cruising the Rhone River in France. Pictured were, from left, Mary Lice and Ron Marley, Carolyn and Eddie Barnes, Emily Hanzok and Tex Carr, Betty and Penn Whitescarver, Peggy and Al Colville, Jim Edmunds, and Ann and Shep Shepard.

2016-Issue 4

Not having ordered anything, he was bewildered as to what it was. Low and behold, it was a gift from Jim McFalls. Feeling the soft mailer, he could tell that it was cloth and probably a VMI jersey. Imagine his shock when the jersey turned out to be maroon and from “Virginia Tech.” Jim had enclosed a letter explaining it all. Turns out that Jim and Larry have something in common; if they find a bargain, they buy it and then look for someone to give it to. Jim bought 2030 of these jerseys “on sale” and has been distributing them throughout the class with instructions that they may be used to polish cars, clean toilets or check the oil in your car.

Larry thanked Jim for thinking of him and will wear the jersey with pride; but only in the hours of darkness and hopes that no one will recognize him.

Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson don’t let any moss grow under their feet, as they recently took the same France riverboat cruise that the VMI contingent just completed and are now off again on another riverboat cruise from Bucharest to Budapest. They will love that one; Ann and I did that several years ago and still consider it the best riverboat cruise we’ve been on. When they are not traveling overseas, they are spending time in the Hot Springs area where they visit Buzz and Virginia Nowlin. They thank the Lord that the recent flood that devastated the Greenbriers in West Virginia did not reach Hot Springs.

Like Ralph and J.R., Mel and Jean Anderson continue to move about the world seeking out new adventures. Earlier this year, they took a trip on the Elbe River in Germany. The Elbe, you will recall, is where Gen. Patton was told to stop his advance so that the Russians could be first to Berlin; an order that did not set well with old “Blood and Guts.” Mel and Jean started their tour with four days in the beautiful city of Berlin which they enjoyed immensely. Their next stop was very interesting; the city of Potsdam. Their guide went into great detail explaining the meeting between Churchill, Stalin and Truman. Then it was embarking on the riverboat, MS Frederic Chopin, which carried only 70 passengers. They visited Magdeburg, Dessau, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden and Bad Schandau. Being of the Lutheran faith, Mel and Jean particularly enjoyed the 45

Class Notes stop at Wittenberg, because it was the home of the founder of their church, Martin Luther. They continued on to Prague followed by a motor coach ride to Salzburg. All in all, it was a great trip. There is more good news from Mel and Jean; their 15-year-old granddaughter, Diana, was asked to play in the orchestra with the professionals for the musical Les Miserables at the Straz Center in Tampa.

Congratulations; let’s give an Old Yell for Diana. Lee and Nancy Southard went to Washington, D.C., to participate in the “Together 2016” event on the National Mall. They stayed at the Marriott just across the street from the Willard Hotel, which has a VMI connection through Brad Willard.

The “Together 2016” is a gathering of 1 million Christians coming together to pray for our country.

Lee truly believes in prayer, but he has to admit he wants to protest, as well. While in D.C., they had a chance to observe the House in session and also meet some of its members. There are a lot of members of the House who are devoted Christians, and they joined in the service at the Jefferson Gathering.

Lee and Nancy got to see a lot of things that the average person does not see. While in D.C., it was only natural that they pay their respects to those buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This is always a sobering experience. Renovations on their new home in Fort Myers are progressing well. In the meantime, they are living in one of Nancy’s houses. Lee says if we ever hear him say he is remodeling another house, shoot him or have him committed. People our age are supposed to be taking it easy.

Carl and Phyllis Kasko just returned from three months in Williamsburg, Virginia, where they have their vacation home. They are looking forward to attending 46

Class of 1959: Larry Wood showing off his latest cherished gift from Jim McFalls.

Class of 1959: Ann and Shep Shepard accompanied their granddaughter, Lilly, to Tallahassee, Florida, to attend the Florida State University freshman orientation. Pictured were, from left, Ann Shepard, Betty Sellers, Lilly Ellegood, Shep Shepard, Christine Ellegood, and Betty and Bill Huffcut ’57.

Class of 1959: Mel and Jean Anderson at the 18th century neoclassical monument, the Brandenburg Gate, while enjoying a tour of Berlin, Germany.

the Florida group mini reunion in Mount Dora, Florida, but that comes with a caveat. Phyllis is in need of back surgery, and they are in the process of looking for a neurosurgeon to perform it. So far, they have not found that surgeon, and if they do, the recovery period will be several months. As much as we enjoy their company at the mini reunions, it is far more important that Phyllis gets the treatment she needs to give her comfort. Whichever way it works out, we offer a special wish to Phyllis for painless surgery and a quick recovery.

Kurt and Jane Gloeckner are doing well and are as healthy as they can be. Last year, Kurt turned 80 and set an annual goal of hiking 80 miles of trail. He hikes mostly the Appalachian and its side trails – north and south of Afton Mountain and the Thomas Jefferson Trail when the weather gets too hot. He reached this goal; next year, it’s 81 miles. Anyone interested in joining Kurt, give him a shoutout. He said that some of the most beautiful sites are relatively easy to navigate; only 5 or 6 miles roundtrip.

Bob and Lois Hobson just returned from Oregon, where they spent some time on the Manzenita Beach with one of their grandsons, his wife and two great-grandboys, ages 4 and 2. The weather was wonderful. Back in the ’70s, when they were there, they went cemetery hopping and found the graves of Bob’s grandparents and greatgrandparents. It was great fun since after much digging they found the original cement markers. In Seaside, they found the cemetery that was donated by Bob’s grandfather, Mathisen. They found eight of Bob’s ancestors were buried there.

They enjoyed some great food, so the trip was not all that morbid.

Bob is still rehabbing from a right shoulder replacement and a left VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes shoulder rotator cuff surgery. While he rehabs, Lois heads for Georgia/Virginia with daughters for a family reunion in the metropolitan capital of the south, Buena Vista.

Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty, thank goodness, are doing fine. We are so relieved to hear that Monique is recovering nicely from her acoustic neuroma brain surgery. She still has headaches, but they are beginning to diminish. Bob and Monique flew to Texas to attend his granddaughter’s wedding followed by a trip to New Orleans, where they boarded the Mississippi River paddle boat, the American Queen. They had a fabulous trip and rated it as one of their top five all-time favorites. They walked among the inmates in Angola Prison, had a hot-toddy and listened to some great blues music in Morgan Freeman’s place. They visited a local African-American church and listened to the choir sing some of the most beautiful, free spirited blues music they had ever heard.

Bill and Connie Nebraska got a visit this spring from their son, Todd, and grandson, Sam, who is now 16. Sam brought along a German exchange student, Alex, also 16.

They had a great time entertaining them with many trips to local sites. They topped off the visit by doing some stand up paddle boarding on a local waterway. They will visit Todd and his family in Vermont the first week in August, where they plan to go to the famous Weston Priory to see and hear the Benedictine monks who reside there. They also plan to spend a day at Saratoga, New York, with hopes of winning some money at the racetrack. Bill and Connie are looking forward to a great week to cap off the summer.

Hal and Barbara Dayhuff are doing pretty good. Hal still can’t come and go as he wants, but he does ride along with Barbara when she goes somewhere close by. Their two “furry children” go along with them, and they just sit in the car watching people. Recently, their kids hosted a 50th wedding anniversary party for them. It was really great, and many of their closest friends were there to help them celebrate. Hal talks to John Trout quite a bit, and he seems to be doing great. They used to do a lot with the Atlanta VMI Alumni Association Chapter but can’t now because everything is so far away, and Barbara can’t drive the interstates. But they are there in the 2016-Issue 4

spirit. Hal is an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, Las Orden de la Buenas Obre from Panama and recently received a certificate for 70 years membership in scouting. He has a family of five Eagle Scouts with likely two more on the way, making a total of seven Eagles. Hal has told them all to always include the fact that you are an Eagle Scout on any application, and you will likely get an interview and possibly the job. His grandkids have called and said, “I did what you said and have a job.”

This has been a pretty active quarter for Ann and me. After returning from that fantastic French riverboat cruise, I had a couple of procedures done to relieve my back pain, followed by rotator cuff surgery. So far, the back feels good, and I am on the mend from the shoulder surgery, but it sure takes a long time to recover. I feel like the guy who prayed to God, “Lord give me patience; but please hurry up.” I have not picked up a golf club in over two months, which I sincerely feel should give me at least six strokes when we play golf in Mount Dora in October. I finally got around to hiring a bee keeper to fix the bee problem we’ve had for several years. My neighbor started complaining that they were beginning to invade his space. You should have seen the size of the honeycomb that came out of the wall. We got a lot of honey, and it’s a good thing, because if Ann works just a little bit harder putting it in jars and selling it on the street corner, we might offset the cost of repairs to the house. We are looking forward to the Mount Dora mini reunion and expect a pretty good turnout. Keep those cards, letters and emails coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James, North Carolina.

It’s been three months since our last class notes, so it’s time to reload. There are birthdays coming up and other events to record.

As always, I appreciate hearing from and about you, as do all of our brother rats. To

those who have responded to my request for contributions to the VMI Foundation and our class scholarship for Eagle Bayliss, I thank you. To those who have not done so, I hope you will reconsider and make a contribution.

For three weeks in June, Ruth and I were in Italy on the Amalfi Coast with two days and nights in Naples and then Sorrento. We were in Minori, Italy, a town of 2,000, until June 11. Home after two nights in Sperlonga, Italy. We flew home from Rome June 13. We hoped for many photo ops, pizzas and safety. Emails were sent for birthdays.

I love you all, but $1.79 per minute is a bit much for birthday wishes. Maybe Magic Jack phone app.

On May 24, I did try to speak to John “Seagull” Coughlin on to get a voicemail recording two times. I have sent him a birthday email.

I received a phone call from Brad Lampshire to thank me for my letter. He felt it wasn’t as solicitous as the usual requests for donations. He, as so many of our class, has done his part. We are a good bunch.

On June 3, I spoke with Jim O’Dell just before he was to play golf. He celebrated his birthday with a win over his usual golfing buddies and made a little pocket change.

On June 12, Tom Beavers got a birthday email. A recent photograph from Tom showed him to be well.

On June 15, I received an update on Phil Hamric through his daughter, Lisa Ross.

Phil has some dementia but, according to Lisa, is tolerating it well, enjoying opportunities to see his children’s basketball games, going out to dinner occasionally and going on outings with his caregivers. He has a small tumor recurrence of his adrenal tumor but it seems to be “slow growing” according to his physicians. No pain.

On Saturday, June 18, he and Carol celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

His progress can be followed on his CaringBridge website.

On June 18, I tried to speak to Gary Kramer, but no answer.

Gary doesn’t have an email address. Gary please get in touch.

On June 22, I spoke with Phil Shiner and his wife, Linda. As any of you know, Phil 47

Class Notes was a prominent cardiologist in Roanoke, Virginia. He retired in February. He said as of now, he plays a little golf, folds laundry and helps Linda. I’m sure it will be a matter of time when Phil will be of service, somewhere, again.

I called Bill King June 18 but did get a call from him later. He is playing a lot of golf but doing well.

I received an email from Bud Frith regarding my latest class letter. Bud is a part of a very active and successful Bible ministry in Colorado and distribute Bibles worldwide.

On June 28, I placed a call to John Olson and had no answer.

We don’t have an email address for John. John, let me hear from you, please.

On July 3, I caught up with Gerry Hermann on his birthday. He was with his girlfriend in Florida and enjoying himself. Gerry has three dogs and a 28-year-old Amazon parrot.

I hope you all had a happy Fourth of July. It’s always good to celebrate our country, despite its turmoil and trials.

On July 6, I spoke with Doc Mallory on his birthday. Doc is amazing. He is always doing some sort of farm work when I catch up with him. When I spoke with him, he was looking over some Johnson grass to do something with it. Doc and Vaughn Foxwell, along with Toot Barr, are our farming brother rats. I also want to remind all what sort of genes Doc has, as his mother will be 104 this year. Doc should have many more birthdays!

On July 7, I was able to leave a voicemail birthday message on Phil Hamric’s telephone. We can follow Phil’s progress on his CaringBridge site. He is holding his own.

On July 8, I spoke with Bob 48

Class of 1960: Pictured at the 50th Reunion were, from left, standing, Joe “Bananas” Sisler, Sam Horner and Otis Pool.

Seated: the late Mike Ondos.

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

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

Clay who was running errands for Lucy. He’s healthy, safe and is going to Colorado in August. I’m glad I caught up with him, as he had “almost” forgotten it was his birthday. I went to the Dominican Republic for 13 days, July 16-29, for a medical/surgical mission. This year, three grandchildren went along for assorted duties. Our trip was successful.

I did catch up with John Moore on his birthday, July 17. John is very much alive and well in Naples, Florida, and welcomes all, should they decide to visit.

No other birthdays until July 31. On Sunday, July 31, I was unable to speak with “Toot” Barr but did catch up with Cecile.

Toot was at his ranch working hard. As I have written before, Toot, Vaughn Foxwell, Ed Duncan and Doc Mallory are our “class farmers supreme.”

On Aug. 1, I spoke with Ed Smith as he was cutting up his birthday pie. He is well. Not only could I wish him happy birthday, but I also had the opportunity to thank him again for the beautiful hand tooled wooden bowl we proudly display on our kitchen counter. I recommend you all look up Ed’s website, www.edwardssmithfinewoodworking. com, for the beautiful pieces he has made.

On Aug. 3, Sterling Lewis had a birthday, but I didn’t call him until Aug. 6. I left a message on his answering machine. I hope he will get in touch with us.

On Aug. 6, I called Bill Ennis whose birthday was Aug. 5. I spoke with his wife, Sally, as Bill was out of town.

Frank Fox’s birthday was Aug. 6, but we have no contact information for Frank. Frank, if you read these notes, please get in touch with us.

On Friday, Aug. 5, I received VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in advanced math and reading at a wonderful phone call from the 10th grade level. Our daughGeorge Uhlig. George is well ter is a school nurse, executive and is being very attentive to his assistant to a very wealthy phiinfirm wife’s needs. lanthropist, information techOn Aug. 7, I spoke with Mike nology support to her husband’s Pitt and Betty and gave birthfinancial adviser business and, day wishes. I got to him before obviously, a mom. Really proud Sal Vitale ’61, the “class agent of both our children. supreme” for the Class of ’61.

Health-wise, Barbara and I are Mike is healthy and still workworking at it. Both suffer from ing. Betty sounded good as arthritis in the usual spots. Hit usual.

Class of 1960: Pictured at the spring 2016 reunion at Smithfield, On Aug. 11, I caught up with Virginia, were, from left, standing, Howard and Susan Moss, the fitness center three times a Henry Shirley. He was reluctant Dave Bisset, Mike Shoemaker Mike Pitt, Lucy and Bob Clay, week and play/hack at golf three to acknowledge his day but is Tommy Leary, Sue Knowles, Bill Knowles, and Herb Vaughan. to four days a week. Barbara is in Seated: Betty Pitt and Imelda Bisset. three bridge groups, three book glad to keep having them like all groups, lunch bunch, beading ... of us are. it will be nice to get to Vail, a vaOn Aug. 11, I got an epistle cation from our busy retirement. from Carl Benner, and it is pubBest Regards, Carl.” Thank you, lished as follows: Carl!

“Jimbo, reading the latest Carl wrote later asking that I Alumni Review (a great publicapublish only the “highlights.” I tion), I realized I’m six months wrote back that his email was the late in getting back to you. So, “highlight.” here goes. Very brief history: AfIt’s time to fold the tent on this ter graduation, went into infanedition of our class notes. I thank try – Ranger – airborne; stayed those of you who have stayed in in six years. Spent 15 years with touch. I would love to hear from Ford Motor Company – mostly more of you. Remember to keep in parts manufacturing/materials management. Left them Class of 1960: Pictured on post were, from left, Jan Elliott, Lucy up your contributions to our Instiin 1981 for a materials director and Bob Clay, and Nancy and Jack Horgan. Photo by Peanuts tute and the Eagle Bayliss Scholarship. Thank you to those folks position with an ITT company Elliott. who have made a contribution. here in Arizona (fell in love with Arizona); promoted to corporate staff on and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Stay healthy, safe and in touch!

In the spirit, Park Avenue in New York City and lived Time share in Newport Coast, California, Jimbo for 19 years in Ridgefield, Connecticut. where we go for two weeks in late June to As director of production & inventory escape the heat; just returned from dog sitcontrol worldwide, I became bored stiff ting in Fort Collins, Colorado, for our son and jumped ship to Coopers & Lybrand while he was in Japan on business, and Consulting, which morphed into Pricewa- we’re heading up to Vail, Colorado, this Sal Vitale Jr.

1961

terhouseCoopers Consulting. Had a great run for 15 years with clients as far as Korea and Geneva, ending up as an associate partner. Retired in 2004 after moving back to Arizona in 2003. Barbara and I have been married for 51 years and we live in Anthem, a gated community with two golf courses, two clubhouses, two fitness centers and two resort pools. Absolutely love it. Travel some ... Around Cape Horn on Celebrity Cruise at the end of 2014; beginning of 2015 starting in Santiago, Chile, 2016-Issue 4

Saturday for two weeks. I’m chair of our homeowners’ association’s policy committee and have been running a Friday morning golf game for 12 years – always a 4 ball with handicaps ranging from 3 to 18. Very fortunate to have our daughter, son-in-law and two wonderful granddaughters living close by in Scottsdale. The oldest granddaughter will be a freshman in high school and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Our other granddaughter is starting in middle school and is enrolled

Greetings, Class of ’61. David Gibbings ’61+27 covering for Sal this time around.

Sal asked me to help out, as he is still recovering from a bit of surgery on his back.

Sal and family greatly appreciate all the get well cards and letters of support. Hopefully by the time y’all read this, Sal will be up and around collecting pinecones again.

49

Class Notes but health issues limit their travel.

In a follow-up to last quarter’s report on the Company B saber, Donny Wilkinson shared that he met with Denis Nicholas’ wife and daughter before the New Market parade. The meeting was arranged by Mike Murphy ’65, who was Denis’ dyke and who found the saber and got the tradition going again. The Company B commander carried the sword in the parade. George Rapport ’65 hosted the meeting and also pushed to get the tradition restarted. They shared pictures of Denis from before VMI, others from the Bomb and Class of 1961: Pictured were, from left, Donald R. Brown, Chen Fong “Race” Yu ’92, Douglas Graham Vincent ’92, Douglas R. a couple from Vietnam. What an Brown (United States Military Academy ’74), Thomas Anthony amazing tribute to bring Denis Lento and Bernard J. Vincent III. back to VMI after 55 years.

Also celebrating New Market Day, were the Crows, Badgetts, Hennings, Huntsberrys and Copenhavers. A good time was had by all in attendance.

In other news, Tom Whalen had knee replacement surgery at the end of May. Bill Braithwaite is recovering from bypass surgery ahead of norm. Bill reported that the letters, emails and phone calls from brother rats have been both cheering Class of 1961: Pictured at a New Market Day gathering were, and therapeutic. from left, Stu and Lee Crow, Lee and Betsey Badgett, George Homes Smith’s grandson, and Edna Henning, Dick and Rita Huntsberry, and Warren and Garrett Smith, graduated from Kathy Copenhaver. that other school down Interstate 81 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. Garrett also played on Tech’s rugby team. He starts grad school at Tech in the fall.

Sal received a remembrance of Tom Lento from Joe Vincent: “‘Mr. L.,’ as Tom was affectionately known in the Vincent family circle, was truly a special fixture for decades and actually was, in essence, an early mentor and inspiration to both Douglas, our youngest son, and Tripper [i.e., BJV III], our oldest son, to pursue Class of 1961: Pictured at the Shubas’ pig roast were, from left, Dave Harbach, Jim McFalls ’59, Bill and Lola Tornabene ’64, Ken and Wanda Scott ’60, Lew and Priscilla military careers. (And in Doug’s case, his Shuba, Ken and Sue Patrick, Charlotte Harbach, Larry Williams, Bill and Sandra Fout, college education at VMI.) At any rate, Ed Fox, Spike and Marry Callener, and Jerri and Larry Wetsel. this Memorial Day happens to coincide

With that being said, these notes will probably be a bit shorter than Sal’s epic epistles (you’re welcome, Adam). I get my conciseness from my mother...

Speaking of Sal’s operation, Dennis and Jerry Curtis sent Sal a huge get well card and VMI flag display from the Richmond Breakfast Club.

Some 55th Reunion follow-up news: Robert Coltrane and Nancy Phillips appreciated and received the reunion favors.

Dick Hartman reported that he is sorry for missing the 55th Reunion but hopes to make the 60th. Then he went trout fishing in Pennsylvania, which sounds relaxing.

Joe Preston and his wife, Nancy, are also sorry they missed the festivities. Joe reported that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He has undergone deep brain stimulation (two electrodes in the brain), which seems to help.

This was followed up by back surgery, an aortic aneurysm and a knee replacement. After all that, Joe can still make it around the block.

Ben Cleveland and his wife, Mary, appreciated the matriculation pages and class rosters from the reunion. They wish they could have joined everyone for the 55th,

50

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes with Doug’s older and Trip’s younger sisters’ 24th wedding anniversary ... [a wedding which] Mr. L attended. Lisa circulated this anniversary morning a non-leg photo of those airborne brothers-in-arms

from the wedding reception in Boca Raton, Florida, where we resided at the time in 1992...”

A group of BRs – Bill Hill, Bob Calander, John Tharrington, Mike Bissell, Ray, Hanlein, Dave Harbach and Sal Vitale – went on their annual visit to those laid to rest in Mrs. Lee’s rose garden.

The Shubas had their annual pig roast in June. In attendance were Dave Harbach, Robert Callandar, Bill Fout, Ed Fox, Ken Patrick and Larry Wetsel. Infiltrating the ranks were Jim McFalls ’59, Ken Scott ’60 and Bill Tornabene ’64.

Until next time, when we return to your regularly scheduled programmer and a much longer set of class notes. Keep the information coming. As Sal recuperates, he is going to want to get started on the next edition of “in the lives of the Class of ’61.”

1962

Tony Curtis Jerry Burnett Class of 1961: Sal’s get well card from the class.

Class of 1961: Geraldine Nicholas Moore and Richard Dromerhauser ’16 displaying Denis Nicolas’ saber before the New Market Day Parade.

2016-Issue 4

Tony Curtis: “On the way up to my class of ’58 high school reunion in Washington, D.C., Judy and I stopped off at Carl and Ellen Jordan’s estate in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and were wonderfully entertained for the evening. Ellen told us the 100-year history of their home that her grandfather had started, while Carl showed us the full wall picture of his dad’s famous bridge in Norfolk, which was covered in earlier class notes. We met Larry and Betsy Wilson at our 58th reunion and enjoyed a private bus tour through our old stomping grounds of Falls Church, Virginia, which looked nothing like when we were there 58 years ago! We then came back south and stayed with Bill Mizell and Bebe before coming back home to The Villages. The 40-50 degree weather in the D.C. area again convinced us why we’re in The Villages! We had planned a lunch with

Bob and Nancy Miller, but my severely infected foot and a trip to the emergency room canceled that. Next time, gang!”

Doug Fielder: “My time since last June has been spent dealing with medical issues related to Parkinson’s disease. I decided to have deep brain stimulation surgery, which involves inserting electrodes in the brain and a pacemaker-like device to provide voltage pulses to the brain. To three planned surgeries, a fourth was added due to equipment failure. My recovery period was extended, due to two infections, a serious reaction to an antibiotic surgery to correct an elbow problem which had produced the infections, time to recover from a fall and two cataract surgeries – seven surgeries in seven months. At this time, I appear to be on a course toward recovery, but I am currently using a walker.

The operation was successful in reducing many of my symptoms, but it does not usually help with balance issues, which are a significant problem for me. We are planning to attend our 55th Reunion next spring, as well as Scott’s 55th high school reunion in Staunton in September.”

Ed Northrop: “I am hopeful all will enjoy this picture and Joan’s adoring look at her wonderful husband! Just before we went to a dinner with four other couples whose husbands served in Vietnam with me.”

Pat Lang: “(Reference Memorial Day cemeteries in Europe) I was once at the one at Belleau Wood. I guess that is part of the AisneMarne cemetery. The hill of Belleau Wood is right behind the actual cemetery. Many of the trees in the wood are stunted because they have so much metal in them. The wood is U.S. sovereign territory, because France ceded it to the U.S. The American guardian told me that the maintenance budget is never adequate, and he has a list of French contractors who maintain the place for free. He also said that during the German occupation in World War II, the Wehrmacht posted a protective guard on the place and kept his predecessor and his family in rations until U.S. forces arrived in summer ’44. There is a German cemetery a mile down the road.”

Bobby Howard: “Katie and I recently made a trip to Madrid, Spain, for four days and then flew down to Marrakesh, Morocco, for four more days. Both Madrid and 51

Class Notes Marrakesh were fantastic. We had a great guide in Marrakesh, and the hotels were over the top. We really enjoyed the market in Marrakesh with cobras, carpets, herbs and much more. We highly recommend the exotic and magical Marrakesh. I would be glad to share guide and hotel info if anyone is interested. We also had a great trip to Legoland at Winter Haven, Florida. We took our son, Harrison, and his family (wife and three children). Needless to say, we all had more fun than you can imagine. There are thousands of Lego figures throughout the park.

And the “water world” will entertain for a full day. Great slides and rides. We are really looking forward to our 55th Reunion!”

Warren Reed: “Thanks for the birthday greeting in February. When Annette and I retired from Wells Fargo at the end of 2013, we decided to move to Savannah to be nearer to our shared family of five children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We made the move in September 2014. It previously had taken from seven to nine hours to get to them; one and one-half to four hours now is sure easier on the old body parts! In September, we will celebrate 13 great years of marriage. We are getting together our bucket list of more travel, with hopes of eventually getting to the rest of the 50 states we have not seen yet, as well as exploring the waterways around Savannah.

Class of 1962: Fred Mangino and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III. 52

I hope that when you travel north you will have time to come by and stay with us, or at least get together for a meal!”

George Collins: We are presently in Cologne, Germany, on Viking Live, Amsterdam to Budapest. Then on to Prague. Have two sons, daughter-in-law and seven grandchildren. No McDonald’s. Having apple strudel in Krems, Austria on George’s birthday. Vienna next, then Budapest where Murczsko, my great-grandmother [on my] father’s side, was born. Our grandson at work – imagine all that brew.”

Jerry Burnett: “Traynham, Burnett, Hammer and Bradley played in the golf tourney and met up with Howard and Nell Cobb, Columbus and Barbara Cartwright, Doug and Signe Marechal, Carolyn Worrell, Jerry Wagner, Randy Campbell, and former head of ROTC school Colonel and Mrs. Hoffmeier, and enjoyed dinner fellowship afterward.”

Noel Pinckard: “Harriet and I attended a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst June 15. Sonin-law Col. Philip Pastino turned over command of Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing to Col. Robert J. Braatz Jr. Had the opportunity to meet two outstanding Marines at the reception following the change of command. Two VMI graduates, Lt. Col. Julian Rivera ’84 and Lt. Col. Sean Dickman ’94, attended. Rivera was master of ceremonies and did an outstanding job.”

Ed Strickler: “Following is our summer so far: We took off in the RV from Texas around May 9 and headed north and west.

We visited some friends in New Mexico and then went on to Monument Valley, where many westerns were filmed. Some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. We then traveled into southern Utah and then across US 50 in Nevada (‘The Loneliest Road in America’) to Carson City and around Lake Tahoe. After that, we headed into Oregon and Crater Lake National Park. After visiting a friend in Silverton, Oregon, we spent July 4 in McMinnville, Oregon, and went to the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, where Howard Hughes’ ‘Spruce Goose’ is on display. The museum has many other aircraft and is very interesting. We then headed to the Oregon coast and nice cool weather along the beaches. Our ultimate destination

was Sequim, Washington, to visit an old friend who was going to Africa with me in November. He contracted pancreatitis in May and died July 31. We were able to visit with him in the hospital in Seattle several times. He was a good friend and will be missed. I will go for both of us. We left Sequim July 25 and headed to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, where we met Skip and Sharon Davis for drinks and dinner. From there, we headed to Glacier National Park and then to Helena, Montana, to visit our daughter. After that, we will slowly head back to Texas, arriving there about the middle of September.”

Rosser Bobbitt: “Kate and me in Coronado for a wedding. Kate at Galilee Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, where Alex and Cathy Raney are also members, whom I see about every Sunday. Ran into Bill Mizel and Jerry Burnett at the Princess Anne Country Club recently.”

Fred Mangino: “Hope you can use this collage from the New Jersey Alumni meeting, Baltursol Golf Club, Springfield, New Jersey, July 2016 in our class notes, Alumni Review. Interesting note: I was the oldest alumni in attendance. I’m three to four months older than Binnie! That’s my friend, Linda Greene, in photo with Binnie. Other note: My health has stabilized over the past several months, but I go for dialysis three times per week for four hours per session. It sucks, but it does save my life, since my one surviving kidney (lost one last May which had a 4-inch cancerous mast) was not working. I went to Cooperstown, New York, for the Baseball Hall Of Fame induction ceremony (July) to witness induction of Mike Piazza and Ken Griffey Jr. I’ve been a Mets and Piazza fan since he joined them. There were 50,000 spectators, and it was a wonderful ceremony.

Piazza was very eloquent and very emotional when he talked about his father and mother. Linda, who doesn’t know a grand slam from a field goal, was very impressed and actually enjoyed the ceremony and trip.

Since my hometown is Schenectady, I visited with my sister, Teri (who visited me during my cadetship at VMI), and brother-in-law, Bob. My niece, Sue, who is a huge baseball (Yankee) fan, and her daughter, Sara, went to Cooperstown with me and Linda.”

Jerry Wagner: “From left to right: Doug VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Marechal, Jim Vest, Lewis Graybill, Paul Rhodes, Columbus Cartwright and Jerry Wagner.

We try to get together as often as possible to discuss VMI. Hopefully you can put this in class notes.”

(With one hour to spare! Ed.) Bill Ritchie: Visiting the 14 grandkids is our priority at this point. Four in Chicago area, five in Virginia, four in Florida and one in Dallas. No great-grands yet, but working on it. Still teaching Spanish at the local college and Bible at the church. Terry Lou is teaching art locally. Thinking about downsizing. Heard from Geoff Mitchell for the first time in 50 years. Wondering where Gary Burns and Noel Pinkard are. Anyone in St. Pete Beach, Florida, stop by. Coffee’s on. If the wind’s up, we’ll go out on the bay. I’ll look up Lou Ritchie on the other coast next time I’m over, since he has the same name as my son who also lives in Palm Beach Gardens.

At this stage in our lives, we really see what’s important in life. I sure hope the Donald can get his mouth straight. Our country sure needs leadership.”

Cal Lloyd: “Ann and I have been spending a lot of our time lately trying to keep up with our one-year-old grandson in Roswell, Georgia. We did find time to participate in several Scottish country dance demos while there. We are back in Tampa now on rest and relaxation before the next session in September. No other big plans in the near term but still dancing in both states.”

Jim Wood: “Nothing much to report, save that I’m still making walking sticks, staffs and canes, even selling some. I am also looking into the wonderful world of ‘senior’ independent living/assisted living/senior medical care (many options) and finally warehousing.

I’m not ready for any of this yet, 2016-Issue 4

Class of 1962: Ed and Margie Strickler with Skip and Sharon Davis in Idaho.

Class of 1962: John and Barbara Spence on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Class of 1962: Bob Miller and his grandson on their trip to Europe.

but I’m getting a real education!”

Joe Weakly: “Hope all is well with y’all. We are doing very well; just trying to endure the heat and humidity. I have been taking laser treatments (external) on my cervical stenosis but don’t think it is helping that much. However, I’m still able to punish myself regularly on the golf course and do yard work. Theresa’s Patsy’s Pans (named themselves ‘The Sisters of Steel’) performed the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at the opening of the Cavemen Valley League Baseball game. They are pursuing other places to perform. They practice here once a week. Theresa ran a Pan camp for a week last month.

There are around 10 girls in the group, ranging from sixth grade to 11th grade. Looking forward to reunion time! All, stay healthy and safe!”

Ed Beirne: “As a season ticket holder of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the AA baseball affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, I have discovered a way to meet VMI alumni is by wearing my VMI cap.

Just the other night a member of the Class of ’61 sat in front of me and a member of the Class of ’08 behind. We ended up having a good conversation. In fact, the ’61 class member and I had the same experience, in that voting in our first election, we were told if we voted for Goldwater against L.B.J., that we would go to war. Sure enough, we voted for Goldwater and went to war. Forgot to mention, at the beginning of the year, Matt Winn ’15 from Richmond was the starting catcher.”

Skip Davis: “I am on a flight to Anchorage to fish the salmon run on the Kanektoc River about 400 miles west of Anchorage. It is really fun to see the characters headed up north – many who have done it many times over their life.

Weather looks good this week, so 53

Class Notes it should be comfortable, fish running! Sha- I’ve attached a few photos for any use you of growing up as Doc’s son. John Traynham and I were roommates all four years ron and I hooked up with Margie and Ed- have for them.”

John Sibilsky: “I have never submitted any at UVa. Here is a picture of us with two of mund Strickler last week in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and had a great visit with dinner on news to our class notes. So I will try my best. our other roommates while we were at UVa. the lake. Edmund is headed to Africa late Two weeks ago, my wife and I took a nine- Mott Robertson, Bill Kanto, Bill Sale and this year. Sharon and I visited there many day trip with a tour group to Colorado and John Traynham. In July, Diane and I went years ago, so it was great to compare notes. Utah. For the most part, we visited national to Paris for a week with Diane’s daughter, There was talk of hang gliding in South parks. The Rocky National Park, Arches Laura Fortsch, and husband, Greg, as well Africa, but I will let him tell the end of the National Park and the Canyon Lands, Mesa as our granddaughters, Lily, Amelia and Elstory. We talked about the reunion. I plan to Verde National Park and some national eanor. It was the first time in Paris for Greg attend, and hopefully the Stricklers will be monuments. We rode a narrow gauge rail- and the girls, and we really had a good time. road from Silverton, Colorado, to Durango, We rented an apartment on Rue de l’Opera, there, too. All is well here.”

Walt Perrin: “The past year has been spent Colorado. We also rode a cog train to the top which was about four blocks from the Loumoving! The house got too big and took more of Pikes Pike. It was cold. Both of us took our vre. We enjoyed the usual sights in Paris and time and energy than we wanted to give! It first raft ride down the Colorado River. That got to Le Deux Magots restaurant for one of sold quickly, forcing us to move into a small was fun. Sorry we won’t see you at the 55th.” our dining experiences. We saw many Paris Mott Robertson and Diane attended police and French military forces all around apartment while we redid a condo in a high-rise! We now live on the 21st floor in Mott’s University of Virginia 1966 Medical Paris – many with rifles slung on shoulders. a 40-story high-rise, and we love it! Just fin- School class 50th reunion the last weekend in We were there just a week after the European ishing two weeks at the beach with all the April. “Our class was the featured class, and soccer championship ended and the terrorist family! Great fun but hot. Off to Lexington we had 32 of our class members to attend attack in Nice and while Paris was setting up soon for a campaign cabinet meeting. The out of the 70 of us who graduated and are for the final day of Le Tour de France, which campaign continues to go very well! Look still alive. It was a great weekend in Charlot- was on the Sunday after we left Saturday. forward to being back! Travel plans this fall tesville, and as it is with those of us who go All things considered, even with some flight include going to see all the kids and several through an intense bonding experience, there glitches, it was a great trip. Here is our group classmates. If anyone gets to Atlanta, we were many stories retold about our class ex- having lunch at The George on the top floor would love to see you! We look forward to periences and ‘The Old Med School.’ Sound of The Pompidou Center. Hope to see some familiar? Also in attendance were John BRs in Lexington this fall.” our 55th in the spring!”

Stan Henning: “Aloha from Hawaii! I’m John Spence: “Barbara and I spent our Traynham and Ellen and Don Arey. Don 54th wedding anniversary in Blowing Rock entertained us at our formal banquet dinner still living in Hawaii and plugging along in and Boone, North Carolina, with our daugh- with some of the more hilarious stories from the field of Chinese martial arts history, and ter, Sharon, and granddaughter, Nina, along those four years. Also in attendance was Bob it looks like I will have a book on the subject with her husband, Curtis. Here is a picture of Carroll (Dr. Robert P. Carroll Jr., Washing- published in China by the end of this year if Barbara and me on the Blue Ridge Parkway. ton and Lee University), Doc Carroll’s son, all goes well.”

Jerry Burnett: “Tony, so much going on We are looking forward to our 55th Reunion who was a member of our med class. He told some of us from VMI some really funny tales that I failed to mention that I launched my in April next year. In the spirit!” newly published book written by Bob Miller: “We’ve been back John Remington Graham titled, a couple of weeks from a trip to ‘The American Civil War as a CruEurope. Took our grandson and sade to Free the Slaves,’ in Dallas, our daughter to visit London, Texas, last week. Graham is the Paris and Berlin. Had a great time, author of three other books which although we spent almost half of are classics: ‘Blood Money,’ ‘The the two weeks in Berlin. Did that Civil War and the Federal Reserve, as we lived there from 1977-79 Free Sovereign and Independent and our daughter swam on the States’ and ‘A Constitutional HisBerlin-American swim team, so tory of Secession.’ Graham said we visited many of the places she the ‘Crusade to Free the Slaves’ esremembered from our days there, say is his best yet. Also, H.V. “Bo” including the 1936 Olympic trainTraywick ’67 launched his newest ing pool at what was Andrews book at the same signing.”

Barracks. Our grandson had a ball Carl Jordan: “Ellen and Carl Jorand, as he tells everyone, we took Class of 1962: Bobby and Katie Howard on their trip to Spain and Marrakesh. dan celebrated their 50th wedding 879 photos of places we visited.

54

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes anniversary Sunday, July 10, 2016, with a brunch at the Highland Country Club in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The brunch for 74 included close kin and lots of cousins and a few close friends, including Brother Rat and former roommate Rosser Bobbitt and wife Kate, who journeyed from Virginia Beach to attend. We were actually married Saturday, June 12, 1966, at MacPherson Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. The accompanying photograph of Ellen and Carl was taken as they departed the MacPherson Church following the wedding service in 1966.”

Remember our 55th Reunion is April 2325, 2017. Only six months away! (When you get this!)

In the spirit of ’62, Tony, Jerry and Monty

1963

Michael J. Curley Beau Walker Michael Smither

Class agent duties have moved (temporarily) from an electrical engineering major/F-4 pilot/real estate magnate to one history major and one civil engineering major. This is exactly how we put a man on the moon!

What follows is our collective efforts at assembling the class notes you sent. Photos are included where possible; others appear in the class website version. So here goes, starting – fittingly – with Mike Curley.

“Please let it be known that I am most appreciative of the cards, emails, calls, etc. that you’ve made to encourage me through this battle. I am particularly gratified and warmed by one of our brother rats here in Richmond who sends me a card every week and another who shipped me a bottle of Jameson’s in a box the size of a moving crate! Restating my condition briefly, we are working to kill a two-headed monster living in me known as prostate cancer. Of course, I first have the garden variety type that has 2016-Issue 4

become commonplace among men today and is more curable every day; nevertheless, it has experienced a 79 percent increase in the last 10 years! Lesson No. 1: Check your PSA! The second culprit has a fancy name, but it turns out to be of the small cell carcinoma variety that is usually found in the lungs and is very aggressive, hence the extreme chemo and radiation therapy regimen. I’m in the midst of that now and blessedly faring well without the usual side effects except, of course, fatigue. Lesson No. 2: Reach out to the guys and gals on the gim; we love hearing from you, and no, we’re not always sleeping.

Even if you do catch me on a bad day or wake me from a nap ... make the call, send the text or email; just do it! There is nothing worse than the deafening silence one feels when they’re ill and everyone tiptoes around them like (OMG, do I dare say it?) they’re already dead. I ain’t dead yet, troops, and I have no plans for that in the foreseeable future ... unless, of course, it is God’s will! You gotta know I’m missing you all! Otherwise, we’re having a wonderful but quiet summer ... even got a little sunburn on my now bald head. That’s different! Have a terrific nurse to assist me and Peg and a wonderful family to make me smile. Curleyrat.”

Harry Tatum: “The Charlotte connection continues to meet Tuesdays for lunch and includes Caldwell, Doar, Hickerson, Stockdell, Tatum and Yurachek. We have about 10 favorite places to go, and we try not to tell the same lies every week! Leland Caldwell is our informal leader. Any BRs coming this way should plan to travel here on a Tuesday so they can join us.”

Bonnie and Ken Reeder sent a note after the VMI alumni meeting July 8, 2016, at Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, New Jersey. “General Peay ’62 was the speaker, which is what mostly drew our interest, Ken having played football with him and feeling camaraderie with him. General Peay looks great, and his presentation was excellent, touching on all VMI issues from what’s current regarding sports, curriculum, the overall high SAT scores of applicants, new construction, etc., and the challenges VMI is facing. His is not an easy task. He had to field a few tough questions but did so with grace and understanding. It was a real

pleasure to catch up with him. You can all be proud of your superintendent. Prayers ongoing for Mike and other BRs who are dealing with health issues. Ken.” “This will be the last email you will receive from Bill and Sugie Lanahan ... now, don’t get ecstatic so quickly ... from my Comcast email address. Sugie, i-Gu, Chin-Gu and I are about to embark on the next phase in our lives, as we leave early Friday morning for our new (and final, I hope!) home in Cheonan, Korea. Wish I could send each of you a more personal farewell notice, but it would take me days, and at this point, I’ve got only a few hours before we jump on the big jet airliner and head west. So, for now, all future email correspondence can be sent to me at gwlanahan@gmail.com. More from Korea once we get settled in! Best to all! Bill and Sugie (and the Gu twins, of course).”

Since life at Lake of the Ozarks is always quiet, smooth and recreational, John Reid said he rarely has newsworthy stuff to submit. “No brother rat news to report. Sue and I spent a slice of the winter in southern Florida and ran into an alumnus here or there. We expect to be in Key West during February [2017] and would be delighted to meet up with BRs who happen to be in the area. My cell is 573-280-4081. My younger brother James and I began an annual get-together three years ago, as we were the last of five siblings. We chose Montreal, Quebec, for this year’s destination and spent five fun days there in June. We trekked up the mountain each morning to start the day.”

Phil Vaughan sent, “No news from “tax free Alton, New Hampshire.”

And now this from Bill Cowardin: “I saw a bunch of BRs at lunch in Sarasota organized by Frank Allison. Hobbs Goodwin was there, and Bob Byrd. You will probably get a full account from someone, but I did not take roll. We had a few shooters and a great time. Pics were taken. I visited John and Judy Amos at their rented house at The Villages in the spring. John was going back and forth, refusing to retire. Connie and I are retired and wintering at 2011 Sterling Glen Court, Sun City Center, FL 33573. We are now in Newport News. Back to Florida in October. Hope you are all well.”

Eric Fygi wrote to share some really good 55

Class Notes news: “As many of you may recall, in 2014, Mary Fygi, my wife of 48 years, lost her battle with cancer. Among the people whom I wished to inform personally of Mary’s passing was her college roommate, Karen, who had introduced me to Mary. Because they had lost touch with one another many years ago, it took some time for me to make contact, and I had not seen Karen since 1969. I managed to get her telephone number, gave her a call last year out of the blue and she recalled me immediately! I learned that she, too, had been widowed, and we began catching up in an entirely new way from the first time we had met during my first year in law school, when she was the freshly married spouse of a classmate.

That call ushered in a wonderfully intense transcontinental courtship in which I was blessed

by Karen marrying me March 16, 2016. We are still in the process of consolidating two households, so the adventure is far from over.

In the meantime, I am becoming accustomed to the novel circumstance of having become the grandfather of two wonderful children, each of whom is immensely more intelligent than I.” Bobby Earle, Alex Scott and Richard Warren gathered with their ’66 dykes at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond and had a luncheon mini reunion. “Good food, good drinks, good discussion,” said Richard Warren.

Bob Gregory reported that Susan had some bad luck on their recent trip to France: “April 22 of this year, we landed in Nice on the French Riviera; yes, that’s right, the same Nice we all recently saw on TV. Our trip was by rental car to explore the region between Nice and Lyon. Vineyards were of interest, along with any 56

Class of 1963: Judy and Johnny Mills, left, hosted Randy Williams, Wayne Custer, Jimmy Key, Beau Walker, Bob Spence and wives (not pictured) at their Virginia Beach home in August.

Class of 1963: Present for Patnesky’s 75th birthday at the Village Back Porch & Grille in Franklin, Virginia, May 16, 2016, were, from left, William Bell, Montroville Walker, Edward Patnesky, Aaron Allison, William Pearson and Jan Gray.

Class of 1963: General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, and Ken Reeder, right.

Roman ruins we happened on.

We made it as far as Avignon and Nimes, but in Nimes, Susan lost her balance due to a sidewalk defect, and she fell. I took her to the hospital in Avignon, and they xrayed her foot. A cast was applied, and we were told to go home. We did May 5, as soon as I could arrange it, and her ankle was operated on to put in a metal plate and six screws. Her physical therapy is almost finished, so our plan to visit Oregon in mid-August will happen as planned. I could skip it, but she is insisting we go as planned. My health is generally good. I have nothing to complain about other than varicose veins in the lower legs.”

Yvonne and Tom Myers took granddaughters Courtney (Tom’s) and Bailey (Yvonne’s) to see VMI this summer. They were very impressed!

No class note is complete without a word or two from Pat Kelly: “As a cancer survivor myself, I appreciate how difficult it would be for Mike Curley to take radiation or chemo and still keep a clear head. Oh, wait, did Mike ever have a clear head? We’ve visited with Christi Weddington several times this year, and she is doing very well. A strong woman, but she has a few aches and pains of her own, so keep her in your prayers along with Mike and our other BRs who are ailing.

“Seems these days we do less and less of what is exciting and more and more checking our vital signs and toilet calls! Guess that’s part of being a geezer. Spring saw us working the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas for the 30th-plus year. Still lots of fun. Later, we did our two weeks working for Habitat For Humanity in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this summer, along with 38 Irish university students who Project Children placed in VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes summer internships around the country.

Their payback is the Habitat work they do on arrival. Great kids!

“Right now, we have a 15-year-old Irish boy living with us for five weeks. His family is among our best friends in Ireland, so we have known him since he was one month old. I promised him a trip over when he was old enough, and this year he was ready.

We’ve been showing him around Texas (had lunch with Walt and Karen Kleine in Corpus Christi and lunch with Christi W. in Waco), and now we’re off to Tennessee and Texas, where he’ll see Music City, the Corvette Museum, Mammoth Caves and Churchill Downs and ride the Belle of Louisville on the Ohio, etc. Near the end of August, we’ll fly back to Ireland with him and start our vacation there. We are planning a trip to Tucson in late October or early November to visit with Preston and Judy Holtry and with Gwen’s sister and husband, who recently moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona. It’s about an hour south of Tucson.

Christmas will find us in Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky, visiting relatives and our son, J.P. IV, and his family, who come up from Florida each Christmas to be with the extended family.

“We have taken note of Tom Myers’ past travels, so next spring and summer, we have decided to do the great circle route of the USA. Will start with a swing east toward the Atlantic, then north to New Hampshire, then west to Chicago, then back down to Texas. After a rest, we’ll head west to San Diego, then north to Vancouver then east to Milwaukee, then head south again to Texas.

Should take at least three months to ‘get her done.’ Alert! As most of you know, my travels always involve dropping in on brother rats wherever I find them. Don’t feel obliged, but if you can, we’d love to meet for a drink or a meal when we’re in your area. Call me at 361-946-1850 if you want more details.

All the best from Texas! Pat.” Catherine and Jim Hoge have taken up a new retirement hobby which they are enjoying greatly: “Since early last year we have been on six cruises: Two to England, two to Mexico and one each to Alaska and the California coast. Cruise No. 7 will be in November and will go from Florida through 2016-Issue 4

the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, with six port calls along the way. In our voyages, we have met several couples who cruise most of the year. They say it’s less expensive than a retirement home. Definitely true, and definitely food for thought. All the best, Jim.” Pres Holtry said he’ll take a chance and submit to the rookie team and keep his fingers crossed that we at least spell his name right: “Judy and I just finished a three-week (almost 5,000 miles) car trip in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We stayed pretty much off the grid and saw a lot of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho before heading through Utah and home to Arizona. It was a three-week reminder of why I wanted to marry my best friend five decades ago. Another reminder was how beautiful the diverse vistas were in each state. Anytime we saw a brown sign advertising a National Forest, a museum or historic site, we peeled off. I think I may be done with overseas ventures; we’re already talking about another car trip next year.

Book No. 4 and the final volume in the Westphal mystery series is scheduled for publication in late September. For the next writing project, I’ve slipped into the second century Roman Empire for a three-book historical novel series, which is currently in draft. The publisher is interested, and if he sends me a contract, book No . 1 of ‘Arrius’ should see the light of day late next year.

Talk about keeping fingers crossed – Mike, get ’er done and get off the gim list! Pres.”

“This year’s sailing has been the best of my life. We did the Caribbean Windward Islands in February and bare boated (with six friends) the southern Greek Isles in midJune. Yes, we drank a lot. Now suffering the heat at home on the Chesapeake Bay.” Bob Powell.

Kent McCraney sent: “I got nothing except a pretty face and a hairdo like Curleyrat. I do enjoy seeing Facebook entries of those who are on it. I got on it around 2006 or so and then did nothing for four years. In 2010 or 2011, I started up again stating, I hadn’t been on in four years. A great-nephew responded saying he looked forward to my next post in 4 more years.

Ten-year-olds can be so educated in the ways of the world. Shape up, Curleyrat!”

Fred Green said most BRs will probably recall that Brother Rat Eric Jan Fygi lost his wife, Mary, to cancer a year or so ago, shortly after our 50th Reunion. “I am happy to report, actually ‘rat out,’ Eric on a piece of good news. Eric reconnected with a lady who was formerly married to a law school friend and classmate (over 50 years ago).

They apparently ‘clicked’ on phone calls and matters progressed. Eric remarried earlier this year, and the couple are now consolidating their homes in northern Virginia.

It’s a really neat story which Eric will relate under direct examination. Ask him!” (Eric Fygi did indeed tell his story – see above.)

Artie Phaup: “Curleyrat and I talk on a weekly basis and frequently ‘do coffee or lunch.’ He has a wonderfully positive attitude and is looking great ... bald head and all! Prayers for Mike and Peg. Ann and I are doing well.”

Tony Hancock: “No big news from me.

Oldest son coming home from Fort Lewis in September for Gayle’s family reunion.

Been three years since last visit. We are very proud of him.”

Great to hear from Bob Nussey! He’s been living in Midlothian,Virginia, since 1978. Just recently, he was contacted by rat year roommate and fellow basketball player, Lou Friefield, who had departed the “I” that first Christmas. Bob’s VMI pedigree is solid, from his father, Edwin L. Nussey ’35, to his son, Robert Nussey Jr. ’86, who recently celebrated his 30th.

Betty and Mike Smither “...proudly report the birth of our fourth grandchild, Luca, born July 22. He has a provisional appointment, as do his sister and cousins.

This happened just before my 75th birthday; a most welcome and fitting gift for me.

And, speaking of becoming 75, as most of us turn this year, I am very fortunate and happy to celebrate!”

Our heartfelt good wishes and prayers go to Peg and Mike. They sound ever optimistic, which is admirable in the face of the treatment he faces. Best wishes also to everybody else on the gim. You go, guys!

We look forward to hearing from you again – soon and often.

Beau Walker and Mike Smither for Mike Curley.

57

Class Notes

1964

John R. Cavedo

Tom Davis, in addition to having the honor of presenting the New Market Legacy Award to the recipient for the Class of 2016, sent the following: “I was pleased to be part of a large crowd that attended today’s New Market Ceremony at VMI. It was a lovely day; sunny and slightly cool, with a gentle breeze. The names of all 10 cadets who died as a result of that battle in 1864 were cited by name by the appropriate company and battalion commanders, as having ‘died on the field of honor, sir.’”

Of interest to our entire class, two other BRs have earned distinction. John Thornton has been placed on the board for the Keydet Club. Plus, Buzz Birzenieks is the new president of the Keydet Club. Both have been faithful supporters for many years.

Dick Absher: “I’m not much of a writer, but I appreciate you reaching out to me.

So, here goes; a brief update. I finally completely retired last year after many years of on-and-off retired. I always seemed to have the need to get involved in various projects, including real estate and financial adviser.

Last year, my wife and I sold our last commercial building, and now I am truly a man

Class of 1964: Dan DeForrest with his twin grandchildren in St. Petersburg, Florida, in May 2016.

58

of leisure. I am still trying to figure out how to do that successfully.

“My wife and I are in generally good health, although if you counted the number of pills we take, you might question that. We have doctors who have a pill for everything, and they don’t hesitate to prescribe them. It is about time someone invented an ‘old age’ pill, so you could take just one pill a day.

Other than a bad back which restricts the amount a golf I can play, we pretty much do whatever we want.

“We are working on our bucket list and cruising as much of the world as we can.

Next week, we head to Nashville to visit the Grand Ole Opry (never been – on the bucket list). We will spend some of the summer in Park City, Utah. A great place in the summertime, especially if you live in south Florida. Early next year, a cruise in the Far East including four stops in Vietnam and Thailand. I have not been there in 50 years (boy are we getting old).”

Sherrel and I drove over to Winter Park (outskirts of Orlando) to visit with Butch and Joan Nunnally. Joining us on their way north to once again pick up their RV were Tom and Yvonne Myers. We had snacks and drinks at the Nunnallys’ home before going out for ribs and barbecue. That was followed up by a delicious blueberry cobbler made by Joan from blueberries they had just picked fresh. A nice evening.

Dan DeForrest, in response to my asking about his annual trek north to their place in New York, replied, “The chances of going north are somewhat slim. We do not yet know when/if Michelle is taking vacation, which would (potentially) relieve us of running our Monday-Thursday day care center. I am also still involved in helping son Dan get his house ready for occupancy. We have gutted the kitchen and are waiting for a local contractor to ‘square-off’ a portion of the kitchen. The expansion will make the kitchen much better from a work flow and much more functional. After the contractor is done, we have a couple of months work left to tackle lighting, plumbing, cabinets, tiling and residing the exterior. Good God, now I’m depressed.

But it keeps me busy and off the streets at nights, so St. Pete is a safer place for it.”

John Thornton wrote, “In early May,

Bob and Cathy Warren spent a few days at our cottage on the Rappahannock Rivah on their northern migration from Florida to New Hampshire. Hank Cronin also came down and stayed at Walt Sykes’ cottage, and Bill and Betsy Taylor came over one night for lies, libation and ribs. It rained every day, so there was no boating – just a lot of fun being together.

“Just last weekend, Ronnie and I went to Lexington and were guests of Jane and Buzz Birzenieks for the Keydet Club Leadership Outing. Bob and Cathy Warren, aka the road warriors, drove down from New Hampshire for the threeday event. Walt Sykes also joined us.

“The Keydet Club Leadership Outing is a great event sponsored by the Keydet Club to thank and recognize those whose donations rise to the leadership level. On Friday, there is a lunch followed by golf, tennis or shooting sporting clays (which I participated in). These activities are followed by a dinner and entertainment at Moody Hall.

The food is excellent and more than plentiful. Tom Davis and Don Giles were also in attendance, and Pat Taylor usually attends but was not present this year. Al Fiorini is another BR at leadership levels.

“Also, Gary and Mary Thrasher have signed a contract and are building a house in South Richmond. It will be great to have them down south and be able to see them more.”

Tom Sebrell: “Penny and I went to Bozeman, Montana, to visit my youngest son and his family in mid-June and were able to celebrate his birthday while there. After a week, we drove down to Victor/Driggs, Idaho, area for a week’s stay. Penny took a painting workshop with Scott Christensen for four days while I poked around and did some riding. We had absolutely beautiful weather the whole trip. Nice to get out of Savannah’s heat and humidity for a while.

Right after we got back, Penny’s daughter, Maggie, and family drove in from Nashville to celebrate Penny’s dad’s 99th birthday. In late August, we are going to another cattle ranch in Colorado, near Steamboat Springs, so I can help with bringing the herd down from summer pasture to the ranch. Not much in the way of pictures to share with you now. Maybe some later.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Dick Atkinson: “Things continue to be very busy for me right now, but I hope to slow down in the fall, and we can really start to plan our Scotland trip. We are off tomorrow to the rivah to spend the weekend with Bill McVey (who has rented a house there) and Garber, up from North Carolina. Not sure if we will have other BRs; Thornton is in Colorado, and Walt Sykes has a wedding.

So, just the three golfers who will entertain you with stories of this round (there is no round that at least one of us does something for a story). Have a good summer.”

Bill Tornabene: “Lola and I went to my dyke’s, Lou Shuba ’61, annual pig roast at his farm near Gettysburg. Several of Lou’s classmates from the Class of 1961 were in attendance, as was Jim McFalls ’59. We had a wonderful visit and also had time to reacquaint ourselves with the military cemetery at Gettysburg. That is a very humbling experience no matter how many times you go there.

“This weekend, we’ve been celebrating Lola’s birthday. It started with a surprise party Friday night with friends and family. Ended today with breakfast for family!

Had a great weekend.”

Bill Garber: “This year’s mini at the Northern Neck of Virginia was small but strong. The Atkinsons and Garbers gathered at the McVeys’ summer rental near Irvington, Virginia, in mid-July for golf, stories and games – and an ample quantity of adult beverages. There’s continued discussion among participants as to who won the golf outing at the Golden Eagle course. McVey is insisting he be awarded two strokes per hole, while Atkinson doesn’t want to count the last three holes because he was tired. I ‘picked up’ on the par 3 16th and figure I should be 2016-Issue 4

Class of 1964: Ginny Agnor (Cummings), and Bill and Millie McVey at Ginny’s home in June 2016.

Class of 1964: At the service in honor of Joyce Brittingham in Arlington, Virginia, April 2016, were, from left, standing, Jerry Reid, June MacDonald, Bill Garber, Chuck MacDonald, Jim Brittingham, Ed Seager, Butch and Joan Nunnally, and Barb and Tony Munera. Seated: Sandra Reid and Janice Seager.

Class of 1964: Pictured at the annual spring/summer golf outing in June 2016 were, from left, standing: Bill McVey, Susan and Dick Atkinson, and Marion and Bill Garber. Seated: Millie McVey.

given no more than a 5. As a result, no money has yet exchanged hands and probably never will.

Meanwhile, the ladies’ shopping trip went without a hitch.”

Floyd Duncan: “As one of the ‘almost never writes’ BRs, let me offer a few updates on what Donna and I have been doing. First, we sold the lake house. What a relief! Sometimes, I take a moment to appreciate the fact that I will spend no more weekends mowing, spreading mulch or battling weeds.

“We have settled into our home in Chesterfield, Virginia. Donna loves it. She spends a lot of her time baby-sitting grandchildren.

Now that most of our children are close by, we see them more often. As for me, this retirement thing became such a burden that I sought out an opportunity to teach at Virginia Commonwealth University. I taught a senior seminar course in the spring last year, and I will teach a senior elective in the fall. It was great to be back in the classroom. I had a room full of great students. In fact, I enjoyed the teaching so much that I turned my attention to the University of Richmond. I will be teaching principles of economics to UR freshmen in the fall. At this point, it looks as if I will be able to teach one course per semester at each institution.

This is the best part of teaching – all teaching and none of the administrative crap to put up with.

“I was also given the opportunity to be a member of the board of directors of the Northeast Solite Corporation. This company was founded by Mr. John Roberts, who was a most generous benefactor to the economics department and to VMI. NE Solite produces all sorts of lightweight aggregate material that goes into lightweight concrete, lightweight concrete 59

Class Notes blocks, internally cured concrete and numer- wife, Thella, and I went to my 50th pilot and a conversation with a modern day ous environmentally friendly applications. training reunion in San Antonio in April. ancestor of him was very interesting.

Unfortunately, Mr. Roberts died this past Damn, they all looked old; thank goodness “Since then, I have spent much time reJune, but I hope to carry on his legacy of I’m still in my 20s. It was also my 30th cele- searching my family’s history – both sides making lightweight building materials the bration of my ordination to the priesthood.” – in Virginia. As the family historian, I Nelson Trinkle: “Just got back from the inherited all of my maternal grandfather’s standard in construction projects.”

Cove and a nice weekend. Late planting on files on my mother’s side of the family, King VonSchilling emailed, “Doug Walker is finally getting to the point where his new the farm has kept us busy. Just getting the and it has proven to be very interesting. leg fits better and is comfortable to wear; not garden going, and finally the hay is up and For instance, in one file, I found a copy of there yet, but much closer! That is why it is in the barn. A very rainy and cold May, but a my maternal third great-grandfather’s discharge from the 28th Virginia Militia in 1817. so disappointing he has to have more sur- big delay on everything.”

Don Jones: “It’s been a very interesting He had enlisted at the age of 38 in 1812 in gery on his shoulder. Six weeks with his arm strapped to his chest to allow full recovery. summer and late spring here in central Lynchburg, Virginia, and fought with the U.S. They are looking for an acceptable rehab/ Virginia. It all started with my first visit Army in Canada, where he was wounded. nursing home that can keep him the full to post on New Market Day in 52 years. “Volunteer efforts at the National Park six weeks. We need to all keep our fingers Yes, I have been on post, but not at New continue, as well as at the Museum of the Confederacy. We have also travcrossed and Doug in our prayers. eled to Warwick, Rhode Island, David Ayers and Butch Nunfor the Studebaker Driver’s Club nally have been a Godsend for National Meet and Board meetDoug. Neither Doug nor I know ing and then out to the Finger what he would have done withLakes of New York state. Yes, out Dave being there. Butch has we enjoyed several stops in some issues of his own but helps the vineyards and sampling of Dave when he can. Both very their many varieties of wines. valuable to Doug’s well-being.

“If anybody comes this way, “I am retiring before year’s end. please let us know, as we are willWorking to set a date – still a ing to host and show you some couple of unanswered questions. great sites here in central Virginia.”

Mary did two weeks in Destin, Marty Stango: “Hope that life Florida, this past May just sorta is treating you and yours well. practicing for retirement! Met up My grandson is in his last month with an Army friend there for a couple of days. He stayed at the Class of 1964: John and Sherrel Cavedo in Jasper on a train ride of orthopedic fellowship at Emory in Atlanta. His wife and three Fort Benning MWR facility there. across Canada in August 2016. children came and stayed with us Got rear-ended before we left.

Car has been repaired, but I have a doctor’s Market Day. It is hard for me to express for a couple of weeks. They were getting appointment next week for my neck pain. the emotion I felt May 15, 2016, as the their hometown fix before they get ready to “Deer season was very good this year. I tears glowed with the commemoration of leave for St. Louis. He is going to work for made an 80-yard running shot with my that immortal event. I had forgotten how The Washington University in St. Louis.

Browning 308 lever action. When my part- solemn it really is. Listening to the roll call Now he gets to start paying off the hunners showed up and saw him and said, ‘You was especially emotional as was viewing dreds of thousands of dollars of student shot him in the neck,’ I quickly replied, ‘I al- the graves behind ‘Virginia Mourning her debt for all those many years of college, ways do.’ I must have been leading him too Dead’ by Sir Moses Ezekiel ’866 who all med school and residency.

“I talked to BR Edward Hoy, and as much! Also this season, I was able to enable know was on the field that day in 1864 two guys who had never shot a deer before and found his roommate , Thomas G. Jef- usual, he was driving on a California freeto get their first deer. That was a nice feeling, ferson ’867, who was mortally wounded, way in traffic going to work at Disney except then I had to teach them how to gut and carried him to the Clinedist home. headquarters. Ed keeps parlaying consultit! My usual fee for taking these guys out is if Yes, we all know the rest of the story. ing gigs into lucrative jobs. He now has a I shoot one they have to gut it for me! Cheap, “Also on that day, I met Carter McCaus- job he wasn’t seeking and has no agenda, eh? The only other rule is you may not shoot land ’18, a rising 2nd Class cadet and so he is everyone’s favorite executive. So if an ancestor of Brig. Gen. John A. Mc- any of our BRs are in southern California the foxes. I hunt in fox hunt country.”

Lanny Geib, from whom I hardly ever Causland ’857, CSA. Most know my visiting Disney, give Ed a call. His brother, hear, wrote, “Not worth too much, but my immense interest in John McCausland, Edmund, is recovering from a hospital stay 60

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and is still contemplating selling his house and moving to Lexington with many of our brother rats.

“We got a new puppy, as my two male German Shepard dogs died earlier this year. The puppy loves to harass my 7-year-old female white GSD. He keeps getting these growth spurts, so we are not sure how big he is finally going to be. At six months, he was already 82 pounds and still growing. He is so full of life, but with his growth spurts, he is less than fully coordinated and, at times, looks goofy.”

Al Fiorini: “This spring/summer, Pat and I have traveled to play golf in New Mexico, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois and Florida. In golf the weekend of June 25-26, my partner, John Lepping, and I won the Big Spring/Harmony Country Club Member/Member in Louisville by one shot.

Businesswise, the manufacturing company is still growing at a record pace. We are adding another 100 employees over the next 14 months. Business is up 25 percent over the previous year. We are currently adding a $2 million addition to our main facility in Louisville, so we can increase production from current levels to 10-12 units per day. The Trane Horizon units have from 3-80 tons of capacity each. We are one of the only plants not owned by Trane that produce product with their name on it and are warranted by Trane. The year 2017 will be our 40th anniversary in business. Not very exciting unless you are here and see it unfold. I am blessed to have a lot of high quality people who make me look real good.”

Jim Brittingham: “Jerry and Sandra Reid stopped in to spend the night on their way back to West Virginia after attending the graduation of one of their grandchildren and a family reunion of sorts. We had a great visit, although too short. Laura cooked a wonderful meal that has become one of my favorites, and we spent a great deal of time visiting and hearing about the Reid family and our old times together. After a nice visit, we sent them on their way and they arrived safely home. I will get Laura to send you several pictures (I still cannot master making an attachment). One is a great shot of the Class of ’64 watching over Joyce’s casket at Arlington National Cemetery after the short burial ceremony.

2016-Issue 4

Arlington will not place the casket in the ground until all guests have departed, thus the lone casket awaiting its final resting place with the VMI Class of ’64 watching over her. Really a touch of class. Thank you for sending the spray.

“We are planning to travel to Newport News in September to see our family, what remains of them. We will gather from Norfolk, Richmond, North Carolina and other parts unknown at the home of a very dear friend for a special meal and lots of socialization (and maybe an adult beverage or two.)

“Healthwise, my vision has not changed in over a year now, so maybe I will be able to hold off on the injections in the eye for a short time. My kidneys continue to decline and are at a low of 20 percent. If they continue to decline next month, I am facing some sort of dialysis – either at home daily or in a clinic three times a week for four hours each. Laura and I are working hard to stay on a controlled diet in hopes of avoiding having to go on dialysis.”

As I complete these notes, Sherrel and I are in the middle of a 36-day trip driving, train across Canada, flying to Utah, driving back to Michigan and then driving home via Branson, Missouri. As we passed through Ohio, we stopped by and spent some time with Jim Brittingham and his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Mark.

Hopefully many more of you will join our private VMI Class of 1964 Facebook page.

Lots of photos are shared there; far more than can be shared in the class notes. If you’re interested, email me, and I’ll set it up.

New Market Day 2015 when Easley Moore graciously took my grandson, Andrew Collins, under his wing and set up a meeting for him to tour the biology department with Doctor Turner. Andrew was homeschooled most of his childhood by Jim “Moon” Porterfield, his mom and me, his grandmother, as he is an exceptional child.

“After that meeting, Colonel Turner invited Andrew to participate in one of his summer research programs. Andrew spent a few days in June 2015 with three cadets learning all he could about researching Parkinson’s disease. It was special to him since ‘Moon’ had Parkinson’s. By the way, those cadets treated Andrew as a ‘brother rat,’ taking good care of him during that time! After the session, Colonel Turner invited Andrew to bring his class to VMI for a field trip (due to scheduling problems, that trip is still in the works) and he invited Andrew back for the 2016 summer program.

“Therefore, I was again planning for a week in June in Lexington so Andrew could learn from Doctor Turner. Andrew was allowed to set up his own experiments using the zebra fish to study the effects of their hyperkentic movements. Needless to say, he was one excited 12-year-old kid! Andrew attends Ideaventions Academy in Reston, Virginia, for exceptional students. He will be a seventh-grader this fall. Andrew also

1965

Mickey Finn

July and August have been stuffy here on the southeast coast of North Carolina. Reminds me of Da Nang without rice paddies.

I received a letter dated July 11, 2016, from Ellen Porterfield. It was really addressed to “Moon” Porterfield’s brother rats. Here is the letter: “I had not met Colonel Jim Turner until

Class of 1965: Sills O’Keefe ’93, left, and John O’Keefe at Sills’ home in Lexington on Founders Day 2015. Sills is attending law school at Washington and Lee University.

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Class Notes our calendar these days. Son Jay has a provisional appointment and his family live in Bend, Orfor the Class of 2026! It may just egon, and daughter Anne and her happen, and Jim ‘Moon’ Porterfamily live in Charlotte. Hope we field would be so proud if his stepwill continue to have a mini weekgrandson attended. end gathering at VMI in February.

“I cannot express enough my Hope this finds you and yours well gratitude for the reaching out of and kicking.” the Class of ’65 to me and my famJack Mountcastle reported: ily since Jim’s passing. It has been “Thanks for including the note very amazing to still receive phone from Jack Frazer in the recent edicalls and emails from the brother tion of class notes. We are very rats of ’65. Thank you all for your happy that son Clay Mountcastle love and kindness! Sincerely, Ellen ’94 has assumed the director’s poPorterfield.” sition at the Virginia War MemoMarshall Henry sent, “Best rial. He’s a mighty busy guy and wishes from Chester, Virginia (just south of Richmond). Our son-in- Class of 1965: Pictured in Sydney, Australia, in April 2016, were, really loves having the opportunity law’s parents just moved to/built from left, Kay and Skip Roberts ’68, Marshall and Susan Henry, to serve.

“I was fortunate again this sumin Wilmington, so will probably be and Mr. and Mrs. Peters. Skip was Marshall’s dyke at VMI. mer to have the opportunity in in your area one of these days. My wife, Susan, and I are trying to get in more to Mackinac Island area of Michigan in Sep- late June and July to lead several groups on travel before we get too old to do so. Traveled tember to meet five Mary Baldwin College- weeklong tours of the Civil War battlefields to Australia and New Zealand this past April related couples that were friends of Susan at in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. I with my dyke, Skip Roberts ’68; his wife, MBC. Keeping up with lots of Kiwanis and really enjoy working with Stephen Ambrose Kay; and some of a group that we had trav- other volunteer work, and our four grand- Historical Tours, as they attract people from eled to South Africa with in 2014. Traveling kids and family seem to take up the rest of all over the United States, Europe and even Australia who have an interest in America’s Civil War. Here’s a picture of one of those groups in front of the Virginia Memorial at Gettysburg. I had a special treat on that tour, as Jack McEwan was one of the members of the tour group. (You can spot him in the white shirt just over my left shoulder.)

“Right after that picture was taken, we walked the ground covered by Pickett’s Division July 3, 1863, as they assaulted the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. I have done this many times, but I never fail to wonder how those men kept moving across that open ground in the face of the fire being brought to bear on them. It’s a sobering experience, even today.”

Bill Murphy sent this lengthily but amusing story: “On Friday evening, July 8, our old (rat year) 2nd Battalion commander, now General James Henry Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, the Virginia Military Institute, spoke at a reception in his honor, organized by the Newark Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association, at the Balustrol Golf Class of 1965: Jack Mountcastle, far left, front row, leads a tour group from Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours on a weeklong tour of Civil War battlefields in Virginia, Club in Springfield Township, New Jersey Maryland and Pennsylvania. The group is pictured in front of the Virginia Memorial (where the U.S. Open was recently held; at Gettysburg. Jack McEwan was a member of the tour group. a really top quality place, in every respect, 62

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes including their wine cellar – missing only some Rockbridge wines from Mike Friski).

Binnie Peay spoke well and took questions.

Both his honesty, and his sincerity made us all proud to be associated with him and pleased that the Institute is in such good hands.

“With the permission of the organizers, I added a little something extra to the event.

General Peay received, for the superintendent’s residence, a bottle of Breckenridge bourbon. Given that it was Major General John C. Breckenridge at New Market May 15, 1864, who gave the order, ‘Send the boys in, and may God forgive me,’ which turned the tide of the battle and inspired the mural in Jackson Memorial Hall, and given that this bourbon is named for the same John C. Breckenridge, it was felt that the superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute should have some Breckenridge bourbon available, for entertainment purposes.

“Lest this gift be somehow equated with the gifts given to a certain Virginia politician of late, it was specified that the bourbon was not for Binnie Peay, personally, but for the liquor locker of the VMI superintendent’s residence (it can be assumed that the Breckenridge bourbon probably should be sampled before it is served). Breckenridge bourbon is made in Breckenridge, Colorado (which is not Bourbon County, Kentucky, but was settled mostly by Virginians and Kentuckians in the aftermath of the Mexican War). It seems that the folks in this new settlement wanted a post office, but how to get one? The short answer (according to the town clerk) was to send a request to the postmaster general, via the vice president of the United States, John C. Breckenridge, requesting the post office and that it be named Breckenridge, Colorado. It worked. The fact that the distillery, after the war, was named for the same John C. Breckenridge, is a testament to the character of our former (1864) commanding general. [See: Breckenridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol

by William C. Davis, and April 1865: The Month that Saved America by Jay Winik.]

“It was my honor and pleasure to introduce Breckenridge bourbon to Lexington, Virginia, at a small dinner, organized by Easley Moore, on the evening before our 50th Reunion in the back room of a local restaurant.

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By the time the restaurant manager realized that we had (not authorized under his license) introduced our own bottle, the contents had been totally consumed. (Easley kept the empty bottle to use in conversation with a local package store manager.) So, next time you toast the New Market cadets, consider Breckenridge bourbon.”

Easley Moore reported: “Last night, I ran into Charles ‘Danny’ Price and his wife, Barbara. Get him to tell you about his recent visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He and his childhood buddies had some of their sandlot baseball statistics enshrined in the hall. It’s a first.”

Dave Thompson has moved back in his house – finally! “I suspect you may have hit on a way to garner more input for our class notes. Much like doctors have found that calling to remind people of appointments reduces their no-show rate, your ‘call’ should jolt some of us into giving you some fodder.

We have moved back into our remodeled house and have yet to open all of the boxes in storage. Finding a place for everything – more specifically, trying to remember where it all came from – has proven to be a bit of a challenge. I keep telling everyone that I feel like I’m trying to get toothpaste back into the tube. How in the world did we ever accumulate so much stuff, and why have we kept it?

I suspect we’ll never know. The girls and I haven’t traveled any except one weekend to the beach. Our time has been consumed with getting things back in order. It’s a never-ending process. We do, however, hope to make it to Kentucky in September to celebrate my older brother’s 85th birthday.

“Larry Umberger passed through town in July, and we had lunch at Arby’s. He’s semiretired, and I got the impression he works on his schedule. On Aug. 6, I attended a rat send-off in Lexington, South Carolina (kind of ironic isn’t it?). Mike Talley ’66, Doug Marks ’69 and I, all good alumni from F Company, spent the evening recounting Drudick stories.”

Danny Price fulfilled my request to supply the story he told Easley Moore. “In 1955 and 1956, I played on a ‘sandlot baseball’ (really a hard sponge ball) team when I was 11 and 12 years old. The teams were the Shady Grove Dodgers and the Piney Wood Tigers.

The games were played in Stanley, Virginia.

Shady Grove and Piney Wood were ‘hamlets’ in the community. I played for the Tigers in ’55 and the Dodgers in ’56. One of these guys, Jennings (J.C.) Painter, kept records of these games. After each contest, we would gather around Jennings and tell him what our stats for the day were. (Six at bats, three hits, two runs scored, three RBIs, three errors, etc.) He made notes, and when he got home, he transcribed the notes onto notebook pages. These eventually got deposited into his attic. Recently, he came across them and gave them to his son, who eventually shared the info with a few friends, one of whom said, ‘You know, Cooperstown might want these.’ ‘Nah,’ everyone else said. Finally, Donnie Wilson called Cooperstown and described what we had. They said, ‘Send us a few examples.’ He put some copies of selected pages in the mail on a Friday. The next Tuesday, these sample records were reviewed by the accession committee of the Hall of Fame and considerable excitement was generated. They asked that all the records be put in the mail and sent. Donnie was reluctant to put all of these documents in a package to be mailed and asked if we could deliver the records in person. There were 39 guys and one girl whose names are in the records. About 30 still survive. Eighteen of us planned to

Class of 1965: Susan and Marshall Henry on a safari in Zimbabwe, Africa, Sept.

27, 2014.

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Class Notes make the trip to Cooperstown to deliver the donated records. Within the relatively recent past, one of the originators of this organization and the manager of the Dodgers, was diagnosed to have a leukemia and was thus not able to make the trip to Cooperstown.

Seventeen of us went as part of a total entourage of 63 family members and friends for the presentation ceremony July 12 in an auditorium in the Hall of Fame. Usually, the gifting ceremonies are attended by a few people or at most a dozen. When they began to realize how many people were going to show up, they almost panicked, not yet having figured out where they could host a presentation from this many people. They finally came upon the idea of using the theater (auditorium with stage), and that worked very well. Jim Gates, library director for the Hall of Fame, and Jeff Katz, the mayor of Cooperstown, made welcoming remarks.

So, my name is in sandlot baseball records now in the Hall of Fame as part of the donated archives.” Great story, Danny! Thanks for sharing it.

Several letters and emails were received that expressed concern about Jane’s heart condition. Thank you for your concern! The second test, which took four hours, found that her heart is normal.

Let me close with this request. If you are not getting emails from me asking for input for class notes, either send me your email address or send me a note with information to share with the class. We miss not hearing from you! Thanks to all of you who send words of encouragement; they are really appreciated. Join me in an Old Yell for ’65, ’65, ’65!

humbled to be your class agent and to be responsible for compiling your submissions for the Alumni Review.

That aside, notwithstanding, it is you, the brother rats of the “we are not like other classes” (Woody Sadler) Class of 1966, that continued to contribute to the already magnificent 50th Reunion donation amount announced in April 2016 at the reunion (please see page 186, 2016-Issue 2 Alumni Review): “Nick, final number is $50,000,019.66.

Two-and-a-half times the previous record given by our dykes. Participation rate all-time record high at 99 percent. Previous all-time high was 96 percent, given by General Peay’s [’62] Class of ’62.” Rich Hines.

So, BRs ... you added an additional $10 million between the end of April and the end of June! Two records were broken, both Olympian: Amount pledged/donated and percentage of class participation! Words are inadequate to describe your generosity and the uniqueness of the level of giving and class participation which you achieved. On behalf of Rich Hines, his committee and the Institute, thank you!

In case you missed it in the last issue, John Jumper has been elected president of the Board of Visitors, and Rich Hines continues as a board member. Received Marshall Taylor’s biography recently and discovered the long history of Taylor men at the

Institute, beginning with his great-grandfather ’895, grandfather ’933, M.C.T. and two sons who make up a fourth generation. Amazing lineage. From Jim Pauls: “For the second year in a row, Rich and Tommie Atlee hosted brother rats of the Class of ’66 from the greater southeastern area of Virginia, which includes most of the geographic area from Richmond to Virginia Beach, at their home in Yorktown, Virginia, for a class mini reunion. Attending this year’s event were Kathy and Joe Dictor, Lee and Mary Beach, Hugh and Dean Adams, Buddy and Peggy Green, Warren and Gayle Channel, Bob and Karen Hollerbach, Jim and Marvella Pauls, Tommie Atlee, Jerry and Barbara Homiller, John Solomon and Elyse Schoening, and Rich Atlee.” (I know that other “clumps” of the class get together from time to time and encourage you all to share these experiences with a narrative and picture for the rest of us to enjoy).

I am sad to report that Tom Harvey’s wife, Carol, died unexpectedly in July. She and Tom were enthusiastic participants at our 50th, and I know Tom would appreciate hearing from any of his BRs. Tom’s contact information is: 1322 Dunlora Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901-0650. 434-975-3781.tcharvey66@embarqmail.com or tcharvey’66@ comcast.com.

Clark Reifsnider, he of the traveling

1966

Nick Hoskot

Procrastination: A verb which aptly describes the efforts of yours truly to write and submit these class notes right at the deadline!

Very similar to my “studying” habits before an exam ... put it off until the last minute!

By the way, I am deeply honored and 64

Class of 1966: For the second year in a row, Rich and Tommie Atlee hosted brother rats of the Class of ’66 from the greater southeastern area of Virginia – which includes most of the geographic area from Richmond to Virginia Beach – at their home in Yorktown, Virginia, for a class mini reunion. Attending this year’s event were Kathy and Joe Dictor, Lee and Mary Beach, Hugh and Dean Adams, Buddy and Peggy Green, Warren and Gayle Channel, Bob and Karen Hollerbach, Jim and Marvella Pauls, Tommie Atlee, Jerry and Barbara Homiller, John Solomon and Elyse Schoening, and Rich Atlee.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes “Reifsnider Duo of Clark and Marion” noted: “During late July/early August, Marion and I spent eight days in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Bellingham and Seattle, Washington, and had the pleasure of visiting with Marine Corps friends, Bob Earl (U.S. Naval Academy ’67) and his wife, Linda, as well as with Randy Urmston and Eliza. In the small world department, Bob Earl and Bob Randolph ’67 were classmates at Oxford during their Rhodes Scholarship days. As you would expect, Randy gave us a wonderful tour of Seattle, and he and Eliza are warm, gracious hosts. I told them I’d give them the max score on Trip Advisor!” If you attended our 50th Reunion, you should have received in the mail two copies of our class picture on the steps of Preston Library. Please let me know if you haven’t and I’ll try to resolve that for you. (The picture is also located on page 83 of the 2016-Issue 2 Alumni Review, so you may also cut that one out and frame it!)

Here’s a great story of another type of reunion provided by Ken Petrie: “I think I have mentioned having reunited with BRs Bill Gregory, Woody Miller and Dave Roberts at our 50th and that out of that grew the idea of getting our old dykes, Bob Earle ’63, Alex Scott ’63 and Ritchie Warren ’63, together with us for a ‘four dykes plus three dykes’ reunion. Maybe unique; I don’t know – getting the whole room together

after 53 years! Whatever. It took place July 27 at The Country Club of Virginia in suburban Richmond. Amazing in a way ... all of us in our 70s and still alive and standing – something in itself. But, also, still caring enough to pull this off! Says wonderful things about VMI and what we were taught about not just brother rats but about how we were and always would be a brotherhood, even outside of brother rat. I think it’s a great photo. My wife, Lorie, said we’re a good looking bunch of guys. With the photos of us added as cadets, Lorie says we’re goodlooking then and now. It’s great being married to the best woman in the world! Why did the seven of us go to such lengths to make this happen? I think Woody Miller had it right when he said last Wednesday, simply, ‘We had a good room!’”

Ken’s words and picture are bang on regarding the bond not only between BRs but also between VMI graduates of any class and generation. If you want to contact any of our BRs, please email, text, write a note or call me via the info at the top of this class notes page. And, at the risk of being boring, let me repeat a paragraph which some of you may have missed as you roamed through the last issue looking for your name!

Rich Hines thought all of us would be interested in the poem written by J. Jumper, and I certainly agree that, for an electrical

engineer, he did a remarkable job: “We stand as one still tall and proud / Relive those days in gray / Among us are the ones now gone / Together on this day / The long note of Bill’s Bugle hangs / Assembly’s mournful cry / ’66 gathered one more time / Brother rats from VMI.” A reminder from our exalted class leadership, purloined (non-LAs will have to use a dictionary! ) from the last issue: “We have shown time and again over the last 50 years how important we are to each other, so let’s keep that focus. Make a phone call, write a letter, send an email, organize a mini reunion. Do something to stay in touch, and don’t delay. And keep our new class agent, Nick Hoskot, busy by sending news for him to include in the class notes.” Excellent job, BRs! Two mini reunions, some mini news reports and photos provided the “guts” for this Review! These notes are designed to include any and all news about you and your BRs. See your name in print!

Forward a photo to accompany your news!

Arrange a get-together – party time! But, mostly, enjoy the camaraderie, friendship and spirit of this class of brother rats. Attend a VMI athletic event in your area. In any case, keep those cards and letters flowing, along with the emails. Next deadline for your inputs is early November.

Thanks.

1967

Jan Abernathy

Class of 1966: At the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond July 27, 2016, were, from left, Ken Petrie, Bob Earle ’63, Bill Gregory, Alex Scott ’63, Woody Miller, Dave Roberts and Ritchie Warren ’63. They were all the dykes in one room, both 4th Class and 1st Class, who were able to get together for a reunion 53 years later.

2016-Issue 4

On Aug. 1, 2016, I reminded all by email (almost all, as there are two BRs who do not have an email and a couple of dozen who opt out of both the VMI system and my ’67 system) that the current deadline for class notes is Aug. 15. I wait anxiously to see what will show up in my system in the next couple of days. Even though I have plenty of photos to use as “fillers,” my preference is to use new ones from your recent travels and events to meet the limit of five AR quality approved and allowed in each issue. Your BRs really do 65

Class Notes want to know what you are up to. If you are not in my system, you may miss some reunion news, so please consider adding your name to my email as shown in the header.

The first photo and travel information is from Jim and Ann Phleger: “Jan: Over the years, I have contributed very little to the AR ’67 class notes section primarily because, in my view, I have done little that is noteworthy. However, I am contributing the following along with the attached picture. We recently traveled to some interesting places that are off the beaten path and, for those of our age, fairly physically demanding.

These are the type of trips Ann and I are taking while we are still capable. Below is a narrative of the trip. In May, Ann and I completed a 16-day trip to the Himalayan region of South Asia with a brief stop in Seoul, South Korea, on the return to the U.S. The South Asia tour included Lhasa, Tibet; Kathmandu, Nepal; and several places in Bhutan. Although we are both fit and active, the combination of altitude and hiking several thousand feet of vertical on various days during the trip made ‘driving the stairs’ our rat year pale by comparison (or perhaps age is taking its toll).

There was much spectacular scenery and many noteworthy historical sites. The top sites by country were: The Patola Palace in Lhasa, Tibet; The various Durbar (palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal (unfortunately there was significant damage from the 2015 earthquake); and The Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery near Paro, Bhutan. My geo-political observations are that China is intent on totally subsuming the Tibet Autonomous Region and diluting its culture and ethnic people to the point of irrelevance, Nepal is a struggling democracy dancing on a highwire between China and India, and Bhutan is a socialist constitutional monarchy that would like to be left to its own devices but has close military ties to India as a hedge against China. Seoul is a very clean, modern and orderly city, and South Korea is a thriving democratic, economically strong country. Jim.” Short notes: Patsy Lowry has attended Olympic venues for years with a lady friend while Ron goes fishing ... again. I called to see if she was going to Rio, but no decision had been made yet with concerns over security and Zika virus. Ron added, “Fishing season is picking up as spring runoff lessens and water levels fall. She wants to go to Rio despite my concerns – undecided now.”

Joan and I had a great time with Brenda and

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J.I. Orrison and Marci and Mike Bagnulo at the Orrison’s July 4 neighborhood gathering, and at the recent Atlanta rat send-off, we spent a lot of time visiting with Jo and Bill Fleshood. Nina and Bob Randolph did a bike tour together in Italy.

Chuck Keblusek commented on some information I sent him in which I described a Catholic hospital nurse, a nun, as a sergeant major. “I had to chuckle at your description of the ‘sargeant major nun’ being a survivor of 12 years of Catholic school; I have had a number of nuns who would fulfill that description! I can easily say that the education and discipline I received amply prepared me for VMI.” The Memorial Day newspaper article, which I sent to my ’67 list by email, featuring the former mayor of Corte Madera, California, Phil Gioia, brought in many comments. One in particular was from Ron Lowry recalling the time he and Patsy, along with Kip and Judy Jones, spent a day sailing on Phil and Lianee’s yacht.

The Shenandoah has a new owner now, but all agree she was a beautiful vessel. Chuck Krebs commented: “Really enjoyed reading about BR Phil. Thinking back to that ‘deployment’ with the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne. Still remember Phil marching his ‘entire’ platoon down from the 325 to join us. We were probably at 40-50 percent strength. His platoon was next to mine when he was awarded his first purple heart. Really looking forward to our 50th.” And the latest news from Phil: “Hi, Jan. An interesting year. We did a lot of family camping here on the coast; the group photo is in Big Basin Redwoods above Santa

Class of 1967: Jim and Ann Phleger in Tibet.

Cruz. Some truly enormous old trees here and aggressive blue jays! The attached group shot is of Virginia now 12, Victoria 17, Lianee (classified) and me 70! (Bluejays not visible.)

“As I believe I noted in earlier email, I’ve been appointed to the board (friends) of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. A great honor and opportunity to ensure the service and sacrifices of our parents’ generation are preserved for future generations. http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/about-us. Pathfinder Partners and Duty Bound continue on-course. One thing I’m having fun with is a group I inherited years ago called Old Soldiers, originally founded by a bunch of senior Sixth Army staff officers as a lunch group. It’s grown to over 200 meeting quarterly to hear speakers on military topics. Examples: A former Luftwaffe Bf-109 pilot; a former Marine fighter pilot in the Solomons in 1942 (‘Black Sheep’ Squadron); an expert on Japanese Naval Aviation, etc. Upcoming: Flying Tigers, Battle of the North Atlantic ... All else OK here.

Keep up the good work; it’s much appreciated!

Phil.”

Wharton Ramsey has long since returned to his full dental practice, and Ellen said he shows no sign of slowing down. He is not gliding though.

Marie Waehler continues to rebuild her strength and energy after so much treatment for her lymphoma. Regular gym visits with a trainer are helping. “Jim has officially gone ‘off counsel’ as of May 1, but he’s still working full time to finish up all the cases left on his desk; he is not taking any new clients. And a few cases that should have already been completed have been pushed back by the courts until July, over which he has no control.

Jim is going to Alaska in July to visit son Marcus ’92 and family. I can’t go, because the trip will be too exhausting for me at this time.”

More BR publications. Rob Gates: “I had a paper published in the April International Journal of Naval History. I think that it’s kinda cool that a physics major had a paper published in a revered history journal!” Jim Rogers commented on Rob’s article: “Never underestimate a physics major.” The URL for the journal is: http://www. ijnhonline.org.

Bo Traywick’s latest book should be showcased in this issue of the Alumni Review. Dave Bristow has published several medical mystery fictions under the penname of Dave Dimers.

Amazon should have them.

Ron Lowry recently tried to phone J.B. Farley.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Apparently, Ron has been spending too much time in the sun while fishing. He read the name as John B. Foret, which caused only mild confusion. Calls to J.B. and Carol went unanswered for days while trying to verify who was who. John B. Foret died of prostate cancer several years ago. The Farleys were out of town, but J.B. was glad to learn he was still alive and well upon their return home. “We just returned from a vacation, and I got your message regarding Ron Lowry’s inquiry about my condition. Bottom line is, I am in good health, and we are all doing well. I did have a heart problem about 10 years ago that resulted in a cardiac defibrillator/pacemaker being ‘installed,’ but other than that, everything works but with some of the usual groans and squeaks. I’m looking forward to the 50th and would really like to see Ron there!”

Update on Tom and Betty Coughenour’s granddaughter: “Not much to report from the Coughenours, other than granddaughter’s final gig through the middle of September.

The ‘Annie’ company is currently in Jakarta, Indonesia, for about 10 days and then it’s three weeks in Singapore.

After that, Heidi is finished with ‘Annie’ (after 290 some performances).

Don’t know where she wants to go from here, although she has been to Los Angeles for two auditions. Not a lot of job openings for a 12-year-old with exhausted parents!”

Bert Burckard: “For two weeks in March and April this year, my brother William (Old Dominion University ’71) and I traveled the entire nation of Israel. It’s a small country – about the size of New Jersey – but half is desert. Israel, I mean, not New Jersey.

But I’m told that parts of the Garden State are not so garden-y anyway, either. We drove from Eilat at the southern tip to Mount Hermon in the north and from the Golan Heights (still part of Syria according to Google Earth) in the east over to Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa and Tel Aviv on the west coast.

2016-Issue 4

Class of 1967: David and Judy Wilkinson celebrated David’s 71st birthday with their grandchildren.

Class of 1967: The Gioia family while camping among California Redwoods were, from left, Virginia (12), Victoria (17), Lianee and Phil (70).

Class of 1967: From left, Lynn Beaulieu, Dave Bristow, Jan Abernathy, Mike Ingelido and John Forsyth enjoyed a visit in Colorado and a German restaurant.

Rental car all the way and no guides.

We even deliberately ‘wandered’ into a few Israel Defense Forces Merkava tank bases in the Negev just to see if our Army retiree ID cards would get us into an officers’ club. They didn’t.

Security is tight. In the cities, we saw many young IDF soldiers carrying their M-16s. We jokingly asked if they were loaded (the guns, not the troops!), and they smilingly showed us their fully loaded 5.56mm magazines. They don’t mess around. The entire country was clean, neat and orderly, except the Palestinian areas that are a bit shabby. Mostly Muslim Bethlehem has a 40-foot-high wall around it guarded by well-armed IDF troops to try to keep the Palestinians inside and quiet, I guess. P.S.: My brother’s story – the way he tells it, anyway – is that our parents could afford to send him only to ODU, because they spent the family fortune on my VMI tuition.

In any case, he ended up eventually outranking me as a full bird colonel in the 80th Division. He claims this Virginia Reserve outfit was staffed almost exclusively with VMI grads, and no other school’s ROTC products had a chance at the top ranks.” Jan’s observation here: I recently was asked what our in-state tuition was back in the mid-1960s. By going through my father’s checkbook (I was his executor and have saved his papers) I found it was just under $3,000.00 (a lot of money in the mid-1960s). Not questioning the Burckard ODU/VMI story, as there may have been coercion on someone’s part.

Kermit Quick: “Patsy and I made a road trip this week. Ended up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 14 before heading home. Snapped a bunch of pictures (neat place), including this one (did not make the quality per the AR). Hope y’all’s summer is going as well as ours. Cheers, Kermit.”

Jake de Steiguer: “Well, I officially retired May 31 after 41 years in consulting in Seattle! I needed the time to work on my hobbies – the most

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Class Notes important of which at the moment is rebuilding my Land Rover, which has been with me for 38 years. I will drive it out of the shop this week.

Bonnie and I will be doing some traveling; the most currently planned trip is the Maritimes off the Atlantic Coast in July 2017. In the meantime, we are having fun kayaking around our island, seeing the grandkids in Portland (one 18 month old and one expected Sept. 11). Plan to see Jim Wilson when he’s here in September for a cruise.

I have tried my best to get Ken Chun over to the island, but he seems to be eating his way through Hawaii and Kirkland where he lives. I see Joan’s posts on Facebook occasionally or see comments on mine. My best to you both!”

Barrett Graham: “I’ve just completed a 60-plus page monograph about my Vietnam experiences for VMI. Keith Gibson ’77 asked me to do it after I brought the museum some of the stuff I managed to bring back with me. The plan is to send it up when I’ve chased away as many of the remaining typos as I can stand to chase. They’ve already got a collection of letters which my parents had saved (unbeknownst to me) and some maps to go along with them. Two days ago, I found 400-plus slides and photos from Vietnam, which Colonel Gibson wants, and now I’ve got to catalogue the things! No good deed goes unpunished.”

Terry Moore: “Not much to report on this time around, Jan. We’ve had a very casual summer with little travel and a few visits by friends and

Class of 1967: Pete and Karen Wells in Juneau, Alaska, in June 2016.

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family. I was on our Episcopal Church parish rector search committee and traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado. I didn’t have time to visit the Air Force Academy but did think of our BR, Mac Rogers (correct?), who transferred from VMI to there. The first week of June, we (Terry III, Terry IV and Terry V] did a bit of red snapper fishing.

While we caught our limits and have had several great snapper dinners, I have no real fish tales to tell. We are on the road in September to a wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina, for our godson and then to the hills around West Jefferson, North Carolina, to visit with family. We’ll probably be in Atlanta for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas.”

Vance Powell is mending as I write this in early August. He wishes for me to say, “Thank you,” to all of the ’67 family for the cards and emails with prayers and get well wishes. He says he will eventually thank each of you personally. He stated his motivating goal to endure the chemo and radiation to be with us at the 50th next April.

Jim Wilson said he still gets VMI mail for Jim Wilson ’56. Randy Heneberger sent me an article about The Citadel not allowing a female to enroll wearing a Muslim hijab headscarf. Norwich University took her, I was told.

Pete and Karen Wells: “Karen and I took an Alaskan tour at the end of June – seven days at sea and three in Denali. We spent a day in Vancouver, and Karen walked 10 miles sightseeing on her 8-week-old new hip. She also did a hike in Denali.”

Tom Brown: This is my new email address since retiring after 45 years of law practice at the end of December. My roomies were Bob Randolph, George Rodak (now deceased) and a guy from New Jersey whose name escapes me at the moment, because I am not sure I ever saw it again in class notes. I still follow class notes with interest after all these years and have a number of very close VMI friends (e.g., Skip Roberts ’68) who continue to tease me about leaving the Institute after only one year. I just tell them that I got my character built on an accelerated schedule. However, transferring to Davidson College worked out well for me. I am now on its board of visitors.”

John Shea: “In June, Peggy and I had to attend a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for my brother-in-law (retired Navy commander).

It was an impressive ceremony, even in the rain. We then took the opportunity to stay in Williamsburg for two nights. I had previously made arrangements with BR Heneberger to

meet for dinner in the village. We had a great meal and conversation. We also continued a tradition of enjoying a Harvey Wallbanger, as we have done each visit since the days when we served as captains stationed at Fort Lost in the woods. As I write this note, Randy is on his way up to visit another officer we served with who now lives in Salem, Massachusetts.

Randy is scheduled to stay here on the Cape next Sunday and Monday, so I will have to don my tourist guide frock, and Peggy will have to translate for him from the New English speak!

“With regard to the 50th Reunion, due to time restraints, I am hoping to attend the Friday night festivities, spend the night and view the parade Saturday. I will be departing as the Class of ’67 marches into the barracks. I am hoping that this will be acceptable to the team setting up the schedule of events. Please let me know.”

Doug Berry (to Lynn Beaulieu): “I had a sergeant of Marines who was assigned to the maintenance platoon at MBGDF GITMO in 1983-84. Any relation? We used to dive for gusta and drink beer at the club.” Lynn replied: “Not in my immediate family, none of my brothers or cousins had a son in the Marines. Name is more common in Maine than Massachusetts, and also in Louisiana. Lynn.”

Wayne McDermott: “I recently reunited with 1st Class roommate Skip Hathaway when he heard about my multiple myeloma. He contacted me, and the reunion has been great. We usually have a barbecue lunch together once a month now. Skip is a southern Baptist minister and is an inspiration to me. He has such a positive attitude and is a great listener. Also, Skip can still tell life stories that are captivating. Skip’s son is also a southern Baptist minister. Since I cannot take any long vacations or trips at this time (chemo two days/week; three weeks per 28-day cycle) Barbara and I purchased a condo in the Outer Banks (Kill Devil Hills). We will always welcome any BRs who need a day at the beach.”

Joan and I attended her 50th high school reunion (approximately) in August in Colorado Springs. She graduated in Tehran, Iran, with just 24 classmates from the Tehran American School, and they had a group gathering with classes from the late ’50s through the 1978 class (the last class before the revolution). She always has supported my VMI activities (we met in 1964), and I always support hers. She was able to connect with two friends after 52 years. We went a day early

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to avoid any possible travel hiccups. That plan worked flying out, but we were Delta “Monday” victims, returning only a day-and-a half late on United. The luggage took an extra day or so. One day, we rented a car that I could not start. Well, it did not have a key, and even though all the bells and whistles worked, I finally had to ask the lot worker how to get it running. English majors often have difficulty with technology. Eventually, we drove to see the Air Force Academy. It is huge and spread over a large chunk of Colorado. The chapel is impressive, as is the entire place. I hope you have an opportunity to see the facility for yourself one day.

This is the next to last set of notes before our reunion in April 2017. Now is a good time to call your best BR bud or roomie and make sure he will be with us.

1968

Tom Hickey

August 2016 Bob Waldron (El Paso, Texas): “Sharon and I continue to run our small technical services business that is focused primarily on the U.S. Army requirements. Sharon bought me a Shelby GT 350 for my birthday, and although underpowered, it is a blast to drive. It has ‘only’ 526 horsepower available with a 6-speed manual transmission, but using the Launch Control feature gets it moving pretty quickly. She notes that I have secured a few written invitations from local traffic policing organizations over the years and suspects that I will be contributing to those organizations frequently once again.

“All of our children are doing well, and our granddaughters are doing well as they approach their third birthday in July. Sadie was 29 ounces at birth and has undergone multiple abdominal surgeries along with hip surgeries and months in a body cast, but she is a strong-willed little rascal, like her grandmother. She is up running around with her twin sister doing everything that any other almost 3-year-old girl normally does. We visit Dallas to see them just about once a month.”

Bill Todd (Wilmington, North Carolina): “This has been a travel year for Kathy and me. We went to Cancun, Dominican Republic, Curacao, Grand

2016-Issue 4

Class of 1968: Pictured in room 422 their 4th Class year were, from left, Roddy Delk, Bob Mills, Chris Phillips and Wright Ellis. Irvin Grodsky is pictured on the floor.

Turk, Aruba and Hawaii for the long distance trips, plus trips to Florida, Idaho, Virginia and Indiana to see kids and attend weddings. One more big trip left this year to take a Viking Rhine cruise in July with our youngest son and his wife starting in Amsterdam and ending in Basel, Switzerland, stopping in towns in Germany and France along the way. All the kids plus grandkids are coming to Wilmington, North Carolina, next week for my 70th birthday, and since Kathy wants everybody staying here, we will have 17 people in the house.

That should be fun! Great chance though for the whole family to get together for a little while.

Needless to say, we are still enjoying the retirement life, although my golf scores haven’t improved much, since we are on the road so much.”

Ben Hedrick (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania): “Marcy and I keep plodding along. We celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in July and, as usual, I will be out of town. My job always had me traveling in July, and now Camp Perry National Matches keep me out of town in July. Maybe that is one of the reasons she has put up with me this long?

“We did a Panama trip in April. It was mostly a land tour of the country, but it did include a catamaran trip through the canal, which was awesome. Our fellow travelers included General Ron Griffith (and his lovely extended family)

who pulled rank and got us a special presentation by the canal administration of the new expansion that is taking place. We will be heading to Sicily in September.

“Older son got married to a lovely lady he met at Stanford, so we have double doctors on that end. Younger son is a real doctor (can I say that?) in upstate New York. This makes Marcy and me the least educated in the family, but we are OK with that. We continue and keep loving life.”

Tom Coffey (aka 塞翁) (Wytheville, Virginia): “It is getting increasingly difficult to deny being ‘elderly!’ That said, like most of our actuarial vintage, I am trying to focus on fitness and health, fighting the ultimately doomed rear-guard action against the inevitable depredations of time! Big news in our family is that Ilona and I are wheels up for Malaysia a week from today (May 31).

Our daughter, Kelly, has been teaching AP chemistry and AP biology in a Christian international school in Penang for the last year. Quite a different environment from what she was used to in New York, Texas and South Carolina. She recently overheard a couple of juniors complaining about the PSAT. Said the math was ‘too easy!’

Looking forward to seeing her, son-in-law Travis and our two grandchildren, ages 8 and 5.”

Bob Mills (Orange Park, Florida): “Enjoying retirement in Orange Park, Florida. We bought a home in Sandestin, Florida. First for investment/

Class of 1968: Terry Bowers at the grave of Cadet William Beattie ’867 in Glade Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery, New Market Day 2016. Terry and Joyce stopped by the gravesite on their way back to Georgia after leaving Hungry Mother State Park.

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Class Notes rental, and in a few years, we’ll move over there. Rosemary, and I have been taking care of my Virginia, so not much will change in that regard.

“I have published another novel on Amazon.

Just came back from an island-hopping trip to 92-year-old mother and my sister, who has Parthe British Virgin Islands. Never been, but it was kinson’s, for the past four years. So we don’t travel ‘Oh, Susanna!’ is the story of a distant relative, beautiful. Plan on going back next year. Living and ‘vacation’ much at all. We take turns on alter- Susanna Millan, who was born on a plantation the dream with Rita.” nating days with very heavy liquor consumption. in Virginia, went west in a covered wagon in the Steve Powers (Malvern, Pennsylvania) (aka, Maintain your health, because we can’t stop the 1840s and became a pioneer wife in Iowa. It sells Kemper’s bodyguard): “My 6-foot-6-inch tall aging process. And getting old while also being pretty well, but not a best-seller yet. My cycle of grandson, Jacob, just beat me on my rowing in bad health is really burning the candle at both stories about a World War II RAF Spitfire pilot, ‘A Christmas Carol in Wartime,’ sells briskly in machine, so I guess it is finally time to pass the ends – without any of the wild fun!” baton on to the next generation. My wife, Susie, Bill Millan (Arlington, Virginia): “I am still the U.K. “In October 2017, I plan to go to Spain and and I are blessed with four married daughters working; all busy, healthy and happy. Our three and nine grandchildren scattered around the kids are all out of college; two live and work in hike a portion (not the whole 450 miles!) of the country. Three of them will be with us in Idaho New York City and one down here in northern pilgrim trail to Santiago de Campostela. I will this summer. John Kemper (Richmond, Virginia) Virginia. I left the Nature Conservancy last year take it easy; just 5 miles a day, maybe 10 if it’s and I visited with Coach Gary McPherson and to join a smaller but very innovative group, the flat, and stay in little pilgrim hostels along the way. Lots of good meals and good his family in Morgantown, West Spanish wine. Anyone interested in Virginia, last May. They are having joining, please get in touch.” some health issues, including their Jim Fleming (New Braunfels, Texson, Chris, who loved practicing with our basketball team back in the day. I as): “Patty and I are in the midst of a had lunch with Curtis Beach (Salem, move from Padre Island, Texas, to the Virginia), along with John and Cindy Hill Country, Coma County, Texas.

Crim (Dayton, Virginia) recently I can smell Willy burning one now. in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Curtis is There, we are building a house just still a southern gentleman, and John down the street from Barry Archer – remembers everything that ever hapGod help us (laugh out loud). Since building a house to our specs is new pened at VMI, starting from the Civil to both us, it’s pretty intimidating and War! Cindy also enjoys hearing her exciting. We see Barry and Iris pretty husband’s stories.” often. The girls are looking forward to Bill Welsh (Ashburn, Virginia): much shopping. Look out, San Anto“Moving toward retirement/trying to figure out what to do after that. Four nio. We saw Hal and Sandy Switzer kids and two grandkids all gainfully a few months ago and are planning a Class of 1968: From left, Patrick Murray ’16, Jim Murray and employed. I wish I had something drive to their neighborhood in a few James Meadows at VMI following Patrick’s commissioning as more important to tell you but don’t. a second lieutenant. weeks.

We’re going to the beach in July; does “I’ve retired, and Patty is still workInternational Conservation Caucus Foundation. ing as a registered dietitian at Davita Dialysis. Iris that count?”

James Meadows (Fredericksburg, Virginia): (Check out our great website!) In addition to be- Archer’s (New Braunfels, Texas) son and Bob “This May, I had the privilege to be invited by my ing their global director for policy, I am the direc- Schmalzriedt’s (Marietta, Georgia) wife both good friend, Jim Murray, and his family to attend tor for our conservation programs in Colombia. I work for the same company. the graduation and commissioning of Patrick have been down there twice already and should “I’ve become a grandfather this year. A daughter Murray ’16. Patrick is a distinguished military be making five or six trips a year as long as this in Virginia Beach had a son, and one in Richmond graduate and was profiled in the latest edition of gig continues. The last time I was in Bogota, I was had a daughter. They are pretty special. In addithe The Institute Report. He will report to Fort in the political section of the U.S. Embassy. The tion to being great moms, both have done pretty Benning for the Basic Officer Leadership Course violence was unrelenting; I had a bodyguard and well. One is an attorney, and the other is finishing and then to his first active duty posting in the in- carried a Beretta for personal defense (turned out I her Ph.D. specializing in teaching teachers autistic fantry. The weather was perfect for the ceremo- never needed it). The situation today is vastly bet- teaching skills. My son is starting his final year at nies and New Market Parade, and Patrick and I ter; the city is prosperous and peaceful. It shows Virginia Commonwealth University. He plans to enjoyed an evening of comparing the Corps of what good leadership (helped by about $5 billion be a teacher. That’s pretty much it from South Textoday and that of 50 years ago. It seems the more of U.S. aid in the last decade) can do. as. It’s hotter than hell, but tonight we had a rain things change, the more they stay the same.”

“Summer 2017, Susan and I will retire and shower – the first since the beginning of June.”

John Augustine (St. Petersburg, Florida): “I’m move to a house we own in New Jersey, but we Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia): “The highlight retired here in St. Petersburg, Florida. My wife, will be only about four hours from friends in of our year, at least so far, was our son’s return

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes from nine months in Iraq. He’s a captain in the Air Force and is a joint tactical attack controller; basically, he’s the one to tell the pilots what to do and how to do it when they attack ground targets.

He was in Erbil in northern Iraq advising the 82nd commander and leading a team of JTAC’s in controlling attacks by multinational air assets in the air campaign against ISIS. He came back (Fort Bragg) in February, and we drove down to see he and his airmen safely home and let his mother give him a big hug before we left to give him and his wife their time. We got to the Fayetteville airport around 2315, and there were only the three of us (his wife, Jessica and myself) plus a couple of young ladies; otherwise, the terminal was empty. Then people began to arrive – his squadron commander and his wife; all the officers and senior noncommissioned officers from the squadron and their families; then the spouses and kids – babies who had just been born when daddy left; toddlers who were babies when they deployed; then most of the enlisted airmen from the unit (carrying several coolers of beer) showed up. When the plane landed around midnight Charles was first off, closely followed by his men. It was everything the most of us never saw 46 years ago – hugs, kisses, fathers crying over babies; wives and girlfriends welcoming their particular hero home, beers being passed around, old friends slapping each other on the back. Awesome. As a side note – I later found out the squadron commander is a VMI grad and the nephew of

Class of 1968: Pictured at the Pacific Northwest Chapter New Market luncheon in Seattle May 15, 2016, were Pete Farmer, Larry Ryan and Larry Stetson.

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our BR Leigh Edmunds (Salem, New Jersey, and Cape May, New Jersey).

“I’m still working full time but sliding toward retirement at the end of the year. We’ve done a fair amount of traveling – family reunion in Columbus, Ohio; two-week trip to Europe that included a river cruise from Basil to Amsterdam; wedding in La Jolla, California; plus a number of trips to Jessica’s family in Belpre, Ohio, to visit a terminally ill aunt. Year’s only half over, so more to come...”

Rich Andrassy (Houston, Texas): “Can’t believe you guys are all getting so old. Seventy sounds so old, and I don’t feel a day over 69. I am still working fulltime at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School as chair of surgery and executive vice dean of clinical affairs. I operate several days a week and still having fun. When not working, I play golf with my grandsons. I do a lot of medical work with our sports teams, like sports hernias, etc. I’m healthy and still enjoying life. I stay in touch with Kerr Kump (Elkins, West Virginia) and Jim Burns (Henrico, Virginia) to see what’s happening at VMI.” There was an extended email exchange among a small group of BRs that I want to share with the rest of the class. It started when Ed Anderson (Lynchburg, Virginia) sent me and a bunch of other BRs a link on the M-1 rifle. He pointed out that the article mentioned a World War II-era colonel, Colonel Guy Drewry [’916], and wondered if he was related to our BR. I sent his email to Guy and our rifle expert, Billy Seargeant (Fredericksburg, Virginia), to find out what the situation might be. Billy shared the article with even more BRs to increase the email group size. The answer to the question came when Guy (Virginia Beach, Virginia) responded, “My grandfather, Guy Drewry ’916, was a bull rat at VMI. Graduated in three years, because he was able to get out of Southampton County Schools. He was stationed at Fort Monroe a couple of times and at Fort Barancas in Florida, Fort Benning and the Philippines. His job in the Philippines was to build the concrete battleship called Fort Drum in Manila harbor. Fort Drum was the last hold out against the Japanese.

They didn’t surrender because of starvation but because the Japanese were going to behead five U.S. soldiers each day until they did. Granddad was the Ordnance Corps project manager for the M-1 for a fair piece of time and his G.H.D. inspection initials are on many of the rifles. The better Springfield Arsenal story is about my dad, Guy Drewry ’41. He was a dead shot and often made bounty

money from Massachusetts for shooting groundhogs and crows. Crows were smart and hard to hit with a 22 short. He and his friends almost got the family kicked off post. They unscrewed a ventilation grate of on one of the rifle warehouses and restacked the boxes. They built a good-sized fort inside the stacks and used a hidden hinge to get in and out. They even ran electricity and a crystal set radio into the fort. This changed the periodic weapons inventory. After a while, a clerk down in D.C. raised the red flag. The investigation revealed the truth, and the post commander was livid.”

On a personal note, one of this year’s highlights was the wedding of Rosemary’s and my son, Billy, in early June 2016 in Los Angeles. He and his bride, Christine, had been together for seven years, so we all figured that it was about time. After the wedding, Rosemary and I drove to Yosemite to see that magnificent national park and then over to San Simeon, California, to visit the Hearst Castle.

Rosemary and I are now planning a trip to Costa Rica in February.

One last thing, about the time this set of notes is published, I expect to put out a call for volunteers to help plan our 50th Reunion. Some have already volunteered, and I hope that each of you will consider helping to organize a wonderful reunion that will be held in spring 2018.

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats, and other persons interested in what a soon-to-be 50th anniversary class is doing this summer. Summer is in full swing in eastern Virginia and other parts of our great nation. Rawls Williams is enjoying mountain summer in Idaho, and many, like David Reid, T.O. Palmer, Chalk Hardy, Tom Morris and Glenn White, are at beach sites along the East Coast.

First up is news about the passing of Denny Clark in June. On June 22 and several days after, the Facebook pages were jumping with eulogies to Denny, but there was no official word.

About a month later, July 11, the Jacksonville, Florida, Florida Times-Union printed the official obituary, and we were able to spread the

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Class Notes word to you. “Randle Dennis ‘Denny’ Clark died June 22, 2016. He was born in January 1947 in East Chicago and grew up in Highland, Indiana.

He attended Virginia Military Institute on a basketball scholarship. After graduating, he served two years in the Army before beginning a 30-year career with the Virginia Public School System as an English and dramatic arts teacher. During his tenure, he inspired and motivated thousands of students, many of whom stayed in touch with him throughout his lifetime. In addition to being a teacher, Denny sang tenor with professional choirs in both Virginia and Washington, D.C., and on several European tours. He was also a talented lyricist. His script and lyrics for ‘Holocaust Cantata (Songs from the Camps)’ are among his most wellknown, having been performed hundreds of times in the U.S. and abroad. After moving to Atlantic Beach in 2009, he became a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and, most recently, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Chancel Choir. Denny is survived by his loving husband of nearly 30 years, Donald McCullough; son, Gavin (Amy Parziale); grandsons, Aedan and Yeats; and brother, Terry (Nadyne). He was predeceased by his parents, Randle and Maxine Clark. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,

Class of 1969: Steve Powers ’68 and Rawls Williams at a jazz festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, in July 2016. L.R. retired from dermatology practice in June and headed west for Idaho. He summers in Idaho and winters in Tucson. Steve was in the area on vacation from his home in Pennsylvania.

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1100 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.”

Hugh Hopkins and Dennis Witt attended the service (along with Dick Valentine ’72), and others sent memories of Denny. Lee Barnes, Frank Novakowski, Ron Happel and Bob Clingenpeel all expressed sadness at his death. Hugh reported he was just out of the hospital after neck and spine surgery and expected to be in the cervical collar until mid-August. He also stated that, with Denny’s professional singing background, there was a choir of 75 or more voices at the service who sang Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Denny loved good music and wrote many pieces for publication.

My local chorale once sang a Christmas carol he wrote.

Much of the news at this time is about the planning and communications associated with the “69th birthday party” in Richmond Aug. 27.

Brother Rats Bunny Paulette, John Ishon, Bruce Gregory and Bob Heely have been calling other BRs to invite them to participate. Mike Santoro has been setting up tours at the Virginia War Memorial, and Jim Chapman and I have been working the many problems found in taking money and registering for the event. By the time you read these notes, the party will be history, and the challenges will have been overcome.

Why a party in Richmond, you wonder? Many of the small organizing group talked at Hank Pedigo’s funeral about the need to get together before our 50th Reunion in spring 2019. Bunny had been to a reception at the Jefferson Hotel and was impressed favorably with their service. The germ of an idea got others thinking, and Bob got inspired by the fact many of us were in our 69th birthday year. The concept for a birthday party was born.

The group met over email and phone conversation, and the planning began. By calling people, we could renew old friendships, and by having the party in a hub for travel and close to many BRs, we could anticipate seeing BRs not willing or able to get to Lexington. Bruce, Bob and Botts did much of the calling, but others also talked regularly with BRs. I enlisted the help of the VMI Alumni Association in advertising and collecting money and, in the process, helped them check out some new software used for reunions and other notable events.

The Jefferson Hotel did their part, as well, by offering us competitive rates for the evening function and slightly reduced tabs for rooms at the hotel. I will report later on who showed and how things worked out.

By the way, if you did not get one of the several

invitations, a call and/or email blasts, your phone number, email and snail mail addresses are out of date with the Alumni Association. Call or write them or me to update.

On June 1, Drew Brantley, Bob Flowers and I met for lunch in Williamsburg and discussed how we might work with the admissions department at VMI. Bob agreed to be an “interviewer” for the Williamsburg area and got an immediate assignment from Drew for a student attending a local York County high school. If you would like to contribute in this way, let me know, and I will start the ball rolling with the admissions team. Bob was a good fit and even confided he, as a high school senior, was interviewed in Germany by a VMI grad on active duty nearby. He was willing to do his part for others coming along.

On June 3, the annual Keydet Club Leadership Outing was held in Lexington. John Sebrell, Bunny Paulette, Art and Becky Bushey, Jim and Beth Long, Tom Morris, and Walt Judd played golf, and Ron Wall, Dave Prugh and Lee Barnes came for supper and the evening festivities. Peyton Brown and several others sent contributions to help pay for the event. We played in warm and muggy conditions with a hole or two in the rain late in the day. As usual, it was fun to see BRs and friends from other classes. Jim, Beth and I got a detailed report of ’66’s 50th Reunion activity and some of the interesting things they did. Can you believe they dressed six or seven BRs in their old coatees and marched behind the Corps? With their outstanding gift of over $40 million, that class of BRs earned the right to march any way they wished!

Friday, June 24, was the day for Williamsburg’s VMI club to sponsor a golf tournament. The effort was all about funding a scholarship for VMI for a person from the area. Tom Morris and I joined Jim Henry ’68 and Dr. Dick Atkins ’64 for the competition at the Colonial Heritage Golf Club near the old Williamsburg Pottery west of town.

Although we did not win, we were competitive on the difficult course.

Charlie Bryan got through the first step in his deep brain stimulation surgery in late July.

Cammy said he was in surgery for six hours and came through it well. He had the second step a few weeks later when the doctors at the McGuire Veterans Hospital attached the leads from stimulator to the battery source implanted in his back.

Think of a pacemaker. Charlie will have a slightly different device doing a different job. As one way

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes of preparing for his surgery, Charlie wrote his event. Mike Santoro will join me at the Daniels’ officiating tennis matches than worrying about Richmond newspaper editorial in July about his Pilgrimage, and I hope Mike Hanna returns. I was editorials. Larry “Smuff ” Smith has surfaced in central Texas and loves agitating on Facebook. Ocbattle with Parkinson’s disease and his next step. able to get a retired VMI Episcopal priest to speak As those of us on the sidelines watch him, Charlie for five minutes on the program. He was Class of casionally others take the bait, and the scuffle is provides inspiration to so many others learning to ’60 and knew Daniels [’61].” on. Tom and Bonnie Ruffin have settled in their Unable to come back east this time is Fred Ford, new home in the greater Charlottesville area and adjust to new situations in life. We wish him good recovery from the surgery and many more days aka Jade the Juggler. Jade stayed at VMI for a year- are enjoying life. Congrats, Bonnie, on continuof good writing and inspired living. Also cheering and-a-half and has been working on degrees ever ing to do well at the bowling lanes. John DuBose Charlie on was Rich Schmidt, who passed on his since in several parts of the world. Jade sends me was shown ready to hike on the Appalachian Trail own good news: He is a new granddad with baby a quarterly update message and advises me on in the Shenandoah National Park. Jamie Totthe latest from the San Francisco scene. I think it ten posted a video of a flash mob performing a Anya born a month ago.

Ralph Wright is fighting cancer; fighting hard is safe to say we have some very talented guys in piece from Carmina Burana at the Westbahnhof with chemo treatments spread over many weeks our class, but few ride bicycles exclusively around in Vienna, Austria. As Chris Brothers posted, it after a week or so in the hospital. Please remem- town and juggle professionally. I tell him we are in brought back memories of Deaton Smith and the counterworlds, and somehow both of us get along VMI Glee Club – with others from Washington ber him in your kind thoughts of BRs in need of just fine. and Lee University and Hollins College – performsupport.

L.R. Williams sent pictures of him and Steve ing that remarkable music. Gail “Nana” Bush Kirk Materne and Gene Beale responded to invitations to the party with regrets. Both have fam- Powers ’68 at an outdoor jazz festival and said loves to show off her and David’s grandkids. I love the smiles. Bob Ladd showed old Yancey, ily medical reasons this time and cannot the gray-muzzled dog, and his companion, travel that week. Bob Waldo wrote that he Huck the cat, and mentioned that Yancey was scheduled for shoulder surgery in late had died after 17 tough years. From the August and would not be able to attend. great state of Hawaii came a picture of Dave Couch and Paul Mascot planned Mike McCrary with his guitar in support for a cruise and will be sailing the high of rhythm guitar values. Brother Rat Jim seas in late August. Chunk Neale will also Campbell posts pictures of dogs having be on a trip and unable to attend. Active way too much fun. Chris Brothers and college professor Frank Novakowski sent Bob Slay posted political opinions and got regrets, as he will already have started his comments from many others. Sallie Seschool year. Chunk told us to have a fine time at the party and not remember too brell posts eclectic stuff – mostly environclearly Sept. 9, 1965. For those with fadmental reminders. Pam and Cal Churn showed pictures of her and their show dog ing memories, that was matriculation day and a family double birthday celebration. for the Class of 1969, when 382 young men began their VMI experience. My Class of 1969: Ken Fleming showing off his vanity plates Mike Hanna, John Edenfield, John Dick from North Carolina after moving from the Midwest and Scott Rhodes post interesting stuff ocrecords show 261 BRs, a little more than back to the Charlotte area. two-thirds of the class, graduated at some casionally but usually just read and comthey had talked then and at the Sun Valley sympoint after that date. ment. Around Father’s Day, there were many BRs There was lots of conversation between BRs phony concert. After retiring from his dermatolwith kids or their fathers. Mike LaMar had a nice in anticipation of the late August party in Rich- ogy practice in June, Rawls headed west to Sun photo with his family.

Time for some history. We had several pilot warmond. Tony Gentile wrote that he had spoken Valley, Idaho. Summers in Idaho and winters in with Bobby Watts recently and was impressed Tucson, Arizona, for the Williams family. Brother riors in our class and several earned Distinguished with how easy it was to pick back up with BRs af- Gordon Williams ’70 is the homebody and still Flying Crosses for valor in the fight in Southeast ter so many years. Tony lives on a big lake in Ala- lives in the Chicago area. I enjoyed talking with Asia. Roy Dana Watts and Geddes MacLaren flew Army helicopters and survived many harrowbama and appears to be retired from flying duties him at the Keydet Club outing in June.

Time for a quick Facebook crawl. Early August ing days. See their ribbons in VMI’s Hall of Valor all over the world. John Cronin checked in and told why he had to miss the party. He cannot miss findings included nice words and great action picsomeday. Those ribbons tell just part of the story a family weekend in Massanutten Resort planned tures of Tom and Elizabeth Jones at their camp for but they shine as examples of bravery in time of much earlier. diabetic children and Dr. Jones’ cadet picture from trouble for our country.

Tom Jones from Macon wrote, “I am signed up the ’69 Bomb. Then came one of Gary and Peggy Twenty years ago, we as a class paid our respects for the party. I saw Tom Buckner at the beach. He Mackey at a wedding in Asheville, North Caroto our Brother Rat John William “Jack” Kennedy. and Karen came to our home and, after nearly 51 lina. Smile, big guy! Retired newspaper editor and On Aug. 2, 1996, we gathered at Arlington Cemyears, had an intelligent conversation – also a lot BR Rebel Good was shown being interviewed etery and visited the grave sites of two BRs (Tom of fun and good drinks. He will be coming to the by a newsperson. Rebel spends more time now Blair and Mike McCrory) before participating in

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Class Notes the burial ceremony for Jack Kennedy. See the Fall 1996 Alumni Review for photos and words of inspiration. Thanks to Frank Easterly and John Robins for eloquence and for roughly 60 of us for being there that day.

In honor of Jack’s service as an Air Force forward air controller, four other BRs have recorded their experiences as a FAC in Southeast Asia and remembered the time they shared with Jack and as individuals fighting a war awaiting them as new Air Force pilots. As time has moved on, the classification schemes have fallen aside, and we can talk now of history and where our BRs actually flew as brave young lieutenants. Paul Curs, Don Mercer, Tom Reynolds and Lee Swats all did very well in pilot training and were offered their chance to volunteer for duty in Southeast Asia – Vietnam, for most, but Laos and Cambodia for others. This is their story: The look at the FACs of VMI 1969.

Last things first. Tom, the only one of the five (our reporting four plus Jack) to serve on active duty for at least 20 years, retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel. Tom’s last active duty task was to plan and then sell the bombing plan by Strategic Air Command bombers during the first days of Desert Storm in early 1990s to the leadership of the U.S. military. He spent weeks shuttling between Washington, D.C., and Omaha, Nebraska, briefing the bomber bosses and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Finally, the plan was accepted by Gen. Powell and the JCS, and Tom got to go home for well-earned rest.

Class of 1969: Drew Brantley showing off his second VMI license plate in Williamsburg in early June 2016.

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Paul retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve with over 29 years – regular Air Force, Air National Guard and reserve service – in the rank of colonel. Don served for 11 years with the regular Air Force and Virginia Air National Guard and separated with a line number for major. Lee served for six years in the regular Air Force and separated as a captain. Jack was in MIA status for many years and was promoted to captain in that status.

The time frame for most of this report is September 1970 to September 1972, with Don leading the group and Lee finishing it up. (I arrived at Da Nang Air Base and Monkey Mountain radar site in late Sept 1972 and left for Thailand in Feb 1973.

The FACs of ’69 were done when I finally got there!) Jack arrived in early 1971 and went down Aug. 16, 1971.

Even though each of the BRs who served as FACs flew small one-pilot aircraft, they were pleased to be allowed the opportunity to go to war as quickly as they did. Only the best aviators from Undergraduate Pilot Training classes were offered their chances to volunteer for duty in SEA. Paul volunteered for duty in Vietnam and received an assignment as a FAC in a Cessna O2A. “I flew as a pilot for the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron out of Pleiku Air Base, in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. I got to Pleiku in early January ’71 ... and left in mid-December ’71.” Don also flew the Cessna O2A and was assigned to the 19th TASS at Bien Hoa Air Base from September 1970 to September 1971. “The actual detachment to which I was assigned was first named the III Direct Air Support Center Task Force. This unit was redesignated the 19th TASS Task Force in November 1970.” Don flew mostly nighttime missions over Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. (Although the U.S. officially denied having pilots anywhere other than over Vietnam, many pilots flew over other adjoining countries in support of various operations. That fact was declassified many years after the last missions were flown.) Lee flew the OV-10 Bronco. “I was with the 20th TASS during my entire tour (September 1971 to September 1972) and was stationed at Da Nang for most of my tour. We did open a small detachment in the spring of 1972 which flew out of Saigon and operated in IV Corps (troops and activities in the southern-most area of RVN) supporting the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.” Jack arrived in RVN in early 1971 and like all the others completed Theater Indoctrination School at Cam Ran Bay. He joined the 20th TASS at Da Nang Air Base flying

in I Corps (in the north) and immediately served a 90-day stint in the unit command post. Jack found out later he was following the path established by Tom who was a short time ahead of him. Both BRs flew the Cessna 02A and were soon stationed together at the Follow-On Location Tam Ky, 30 miles south of Da Nang. (This multipart story will be continued in later notes.)

Time for the quarterly reminder for you to give to VMI. We are in the period of gathering credit toward our 50th Reunion check so keep up the good work. Add your name to the list of contributors! New cadets have just begun their cadetships and new bills are working their way through the coffers at VMI. Call me if you need help deciding where to send your check; I can offer some suggestions.

In the spirit, Walt

1970

Warren Grasty

Once again, I have to begin this issue on a sad note due to the sudden passing of Ann Kirk in June. The family held a celebration of her life in Atlanta the first weekend in July, which attracted many of the friends Al and Ann made over the years. Our class was well represented by Skip Carver, Don and Tucker McQueen, George and Lisa Ritko, David and Katie Schmidt, and Ed Trinkle. Ann was an extremely kind, energetic and upbeat person, and she will be very much missed. I know Al would like to hear from any of us who haven’t already spoken with him.

On a happier note, Carl Strock was appointed

by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to a four-year term on the VMI Board of Visitors, effective July 1, 2016, where he joins Dave Miller. One could opine that the inmates are now running the asylum, but that could be considered by some as being tacky.

In May, Chuck and Penny Wills attended the change of command ceremony for the 701st Military Police Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, that their son, Lt. Col. Chris Wills ’95, commanded for the past two years.

In April, Dave Curry presented a keynote paper on the future directions in petroleum systems

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes modeling at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists’ Hedberg Research Conference on Petroleum Systems Modeling in Santa Barbara, California. Even I might sit through something like that for a trip to Santa Monica. Then in early July, he and Janie went to Denver to see Dave’s son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Sophie (8) and Orion (5), along with their two Great Pyrenees dogs.

From there it was on to eastern Canada, first on Prince Edward Island and then in Halifax, where they took numerous day trips. Dave said they really enjoyed the friendly people, beautiful scenery and fresh seafood, particularly the lobster. The highlight of the trip was whale-watching in the Bay of Fundy, where they saw at least six humpback whales breach very close to the boat.

In mid-May, Liz and I joined Gray and Nancy Chandler, Steve and Sherrie Craddock, and Gary and Lynn Weishaar on a Viking Danube River cruise, the third Viking river cruise we have done together. Unlike the previous two, this one was fairly uneventful, with no late night emergency room visits or midday falls off bar stools. We extended a few days on the front end in Prague and a few after the cruise in Budapest. The boat arrived in Budapest around 5 p.m., so after dinner, the captain motored back up stream, and we came back down along the lighted Budapest waterfront under a full moon. Pure picture book stuff. A few days later, based upon the recommendation of Phil Jornlin, who pulled several tours in Budapest years ago, we had dinner at his favorite restaurant, 100 eves etterem, the oldest restaurant in town. Quite surprisingly, it turns out that the boy has good taste.

Great atmosphere, great service and the best lamb I have ever eaten, and for well under a hundred bucks for Liz and me. Our timing was impeccable, as we had very good weather. The following week, the Danube experienced terrible flooding, which caused

2016-Issue 4

Class of 1970: Chuck and Penny Wills with their son, Lt. Col. Chris Wills ’95, at his outgoing change-of-command ceremony for the 701st Military Police Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in May.

Class of 1970: From left, Russ Marshall, Gordon Williams and Bill O’Connor at the Keydet Club’s 2016 Pup Cup Golf Tournament/ Leadership Outing in June.

Class of 1970: Brother rats at the July memorial service for Ann Kirk in Atlanta were, from left, Ed Trinkle, Tucker and Don McQueen, David and Katie Schmidt, and Lisa and George Ritko.

cancellation of all river cruises.

Also in cruise mode were Russ and Elaine Marshall, who enjoyed just over two weeks in July sightseeing in Barcelona and cruising the Mediterranean. When they booked the cruise, it was to terminate in Istanbul, but with the unrest in Turkey, the itinerary was changed to include a full day in Jerusalem, which Russ said was a highlight of the trip. Since we live less than 10 minutes from Dulles Airport, they left their car in our driveway to avoid parking fees. I’m thinking a beer per day is reasonable compensation. Looking forward to seeing you soon, Russ.

Artie Pates also made the trek to Europe this spring – to Bavaria, to be precise. There he took in the sights in Munich, Ulm, the walled medieval city of Rothenburg, Lindau on Lake Constance, which borders four countries, and the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle. He also sent in an amazing write up on the testimony he provided in Los Angeles in June on a lawsuit accusing Led Zeppelin of plagiarizing the intro to “Stairway to Heaven” from the band SPIRIT’s instrumental song, “Taurus.” To make a long story a little less long, Artie, who is a lifelong record collector and trader, became close friends with the members of SPIRIT via the articles he wrote about them in the collectors’ magazine, Goldmine, in the 1980s. Over time, he became the band’s de facto historian. After guitarist Randy California drowned in 1997 while saving his son from a rip tide in Hawaii, Artie helped Randy’s mother and the Randy California Trust with posthumous releases and other issues. Two other band members have since died, leaving only two still alive. Artie was summoned by the attorneys for Led Zeppelin and put through a seven-hour grilling. LZ had previously settled four other plagiarism suits brought against them, so their attorneys were apparently very adept at pulling information that they would mold to their client’s benefit. If not, they would develop a strategy for

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Class Notes was longtime collaborator Bill Barker, making it inadmissible. At the end of who portrays Thomas Jefferson for the day, the SPIRIT contingent was Colonial Williamsburg. Dick has also significantly out-lawyered, and the suit developed a very impressive project was lost. Although there is an appeal proposal for portraying Col. J.T.L. in process, the only winners appear to Preston, which would provide intrigube the lawyers. At least the judge told LZ they had to cover their own attoring insights on the founding of VMI, the people who influenced Col. Presney’s fees. With all the research Artie has done on the band and the industry ton and those whom he influenced. over the years, he hopes it will all lead And in even more Richmond news, to a book. If so, I’ll be one of the first Paul and Judy Dickinson planned Class of 1970: Aboard the Viking Jarl on the Danube in May on vacationing in New Hampshire in in line to buy it.

This year’s Keydet Club Pup Cup/ were, from left, Warren Grasty, Gary Weishaar, Gray Chandler late August. Later this summer, Paul’s and Steve Craddock.

Leadership Outing in Lexington the daughter, her husband and their four first weekend in June brought out quite a few after seeing his VMI hat. children planned to come in from Cincinnati for brother rats: Ralph Costen, Steve Craddock, Peel Staying with the golf theme, Neil Steverson a personalized guided tour of the Institute. UnforDillard, Bill Gearhart, John and Carole Flem- checked in to report that he and Herb Braun play tunately, the tennis courts where Paul reigned suming, Russ Marshall, Bill O’Connor and Gordon golf almost every Saturday. Da Judge also offered preme have long ago been sacrificed to progress.

Williams. This year, instead of golf, I decided to up this bit of humor: “What happens when you That’s the way the ball bounces, I guess. play tennis and had the pleasure of playing with cross a civil engineering and history major on the Phil Anderson wrote in that he and Carolyn Scott Wachenheim, head football coach, and Dan have enjoyed having six-year-old grandson, Stangolf course? You get two people who can’t reEarl, head basketball coach. If their players hustle member the score from the last hole.” Personally, ley, visit for a month this summer at Big Canoe. as much as the coaches do, their teams should do with my game, I see no problem at all with that.

Somehow they were able to fit in his vacation just fine.

Also hailing in from Richmond, Kelly Sutton bible school, tennis and equestrian camps, swimThe following weekend, Gordon Williams dropped me a line saying he had recently reconming, etc. around their various volunteer activiand son Chris Willams ’95 attended the U.S. nected with 4th Class year roomies Dave Price ties. Stanley came across Phil’s old cadet uniform Open golf championship at Oakmont Country and tried it on, but from the picture he sent me, and Dave Trenholm. No word yet as to what misClub near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It seems chief they came up with.

Stanley appeared to be weighed down by all the that their company sells for another company In yet another missive from Richmond, Dick stripes. Phil is in the process of convincing Stannorth of Pittsburgh, so an urgent meeting was Cheatham said that he was in Harper’s Ferry, ley’s parents that VMI will be good for him, alcalled in Pittsburgh the day before the Open be- West Virginia, in July portraying Capt. Merthough it would appear that there is plenty of gan. Go figure. In any case, Gordon said that a riweather Lewis at the Lewis and Clark Trail time to convince them. Or wear them down, as good number of alums introduced themselves Heritage Foundation annual meeting. Also there the case may be. Phil managed to squeeze into his old Army dress uniform after 15 years to attend a North Georgia Military Veterans Community Dinner in July. Unfortunately, this allowed precious little room for the dinner.

The third week of July, Liz and I met up with Gray and Nancy Chandler at Gary and Lynn Weishaar’s lake house at Buggs Island, where we spent a very relaxing three days. Now we know why they spend most weekends from spring through fall there. It’s a very serene setting looking out over the lake eastward. Luckily, there was a full moon each night, so we got some great pictures as it rose over the water straight out from their deck. Seeing that southside Virginia is Stix’s old stomping ground, we received the obligatory tour of Clarksville, Buffalo Junction and other stunning sites. Now we sort of know why Stix is Class of 1970: Pictured in Corolla, North Carolina, in July were, from left, Warren and Liz Grasty, Judy Mawyer with daughter Peyton and son-in-law Mark Hipes, June and like he is. Sort of. Anyway, we spent several nice John Bailey, Nancy Chandler, Jim Mawyer, John Bailey Jr. and girlfriend Kristin, hosts afternoons aboard the Weishaars’ pontoon boat Margaret and Charlie Walker, and Gray Chandler. and sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes tide ... Sorry. I have these flashbacks occasionally.

One flashback I hope to have going forward is of the barbecue pork ribs that Gary cooked on the grill one night. I haven’t had any better, which elevates this place at least a couple of notches on our mooch list. One afternoon, we made the mistake of letting the women go to Clarksville unaccompanied. Who knew there were dress shops in Clarksville? Or that they take credit cards? I am afraid that my 30-plus years of trying to educate Liz in southern culture has finally backfired.

With new dresses safely packed in the trunk, we motorcaded with the Chandlers from Buggs Island to Corolla, North Carolina, to meet up with John and June Bailey, Jim and Judy Mawyer, and hosts Charlie and Margaret Walker for a week at their beach house on the Outer Banks.

Late in the week, we were joined by John Bailey Jr. and girlfriend Kristin from northern Virginia, as well as Mark and Peyton (Mawyer) Hypes from Richmond. One night, we decided to have dinner catered by Pigman’s Bar-B-Que, which is owned by Richard Bruce ’01 and Top Palmer ’01. This was certainly one of the better decisions this group has ever made. Now that I think about it, it may be the only good decision this group has ever made. In any case, Richard delivered it all the way from their restaurant in Kill Devil Hills.

What a feast! Pork, turkey and tuna (yes tuna) barbecue with all the fixings, along with three different sauces. If you go to the Outer Banks, you owe it to yourself to either stop by their restaurant or have them cater a meal.

After the OBX week, Stix and Nancy continued their mega-mooch trip by spending a few days with George and Lisa Ritko at their home in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where George has pretty much recovered from emergency surgery earlier this summer. At this rate, the Chandlers might make it back home to Florida in time for Thanksgiving.

That same week, Kent and Judy Schlussel were on their annual vacation in Nags Head, where they were joined by son Jeremy ’94 and his family for most of the week. Earlier this year, they received a surprise visit from old roomie Mike Ferrari. He and Carol were returning from their 50th high school reunion in Massachusetts to their retirement home in Walterboro, South Carolina.

They spent an enjoyable couple of days sightseeing around C’ville and catching up on things.

Kent also updated on their fourth annual medical mission trip to Haiti, where they saw almost

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3,000 patients in six days. Among the things they dealt with were cases of AIDS, HIV, tuberculosis, cancer and one machete-wielding madman. Kent said the children seem to be healthier than in previous years, at least in part due to the deep-water wells and soap that the foundation they work with provides. All of which is certainly enough to make me seriously reconsider my attitude when I think I have had a bad day.

Also on the medical front, I discovered via Facebook that Warren Wagner had an emergency ablation procedure in July. Fortunately, he’s too stubborn to let that get the best of him and is recovering well.

Well, that’s all the news that’s fit to print, plus some that probably wasn’t. Be sure to check out the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures and comments posted by our BRs. Also, if you are not on the brother rat email list, just send me an email at ClassAgent1970@aol.com so you can keep up with BR and Institute related news.

In the spirit!

1971

Jim Kelly

These notes will cover the period from May 15, 2016, to Aug. 15, 2016.

This set of the class notes is being written about seven weeks before our 45th Reunion but

will arrive in your homes in roughly the same amount of time after the reunion, thus making for a little bit of an awkward time frame. The planning for some of the details is still underway, and hopefully we will have had a great turnout and a great time together in September. I have enjoyed the opportunity to chat with and visit with many of you during the last few months concerning the 45th.

Kathryn and I were in Lexington Aug. 10, 2016, to take our grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan, to meet their dad, who returned them safely back to Richmond. They spent a few days with us out here in the hinterlands. While we were at VMI, we stopped in to see Buddy Bryan to finalize a contract for the reunion weekend with the Natural Bridge Hotel. The children posed for a picture on top of the Sigma Nu rock near limits gates where the fraternity was founded. Their dad, Chuck Fox, was a member of Sigma Nu at James Madison University back in his college days. The children also discovered that Lexington and VMI contained numerous PokeStops, which helped pass the time. If you don’t know about this game by the time you are reading these notes, then you are seriously behind the latest in telephone apps.

We saw several of the Keydet football players on post, and those I talked with seemed to be enthusiastic about the upcoming season. Some other athletes were already in barracks, as well.

Cadre was about to return, and matriculation was Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. The VMI bookstore was chock full of goodies just waiting to be sold to the parents and families of the rats. We were able

Class of 1971: Pictured on a recent trip to the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania were, from left, Robert Haywood, Geoff Schelhorn, Steve Fogleman, Dave Kennedy, John Metzger, Billy Rose and Rick Littleton. Photo courtesy Bob Haywood.

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Class Notes to catch some of last year’s gear on clearance sale a spectacular fireworks display which can be Along for the outing this year were Haywood, to add to the grandchildren’s collection of VMI seen from miles around. My youngest brother Schelhorn, Fogleman, Kennedy, Rose, Littleton captured a photo of all the colors on display on and Metzger. “stuff.”

Cycling has become a major pastime for many The recently revived New River Valley Chapter the flagpole. Three brothers are VMI graduates (’71, ’73 and ’77). On the pole, below the stars and of our brother rats, and almost daily, one can find of the VMIAA, under the leadership of Brad Burrus ’96, held a rat send-off Saturday, July 30, bars, are three banners: VMI, U.S. Army (’71,’73), pictures and accounts of various long distance rides for exercise and pleasure, as well 2016, at the home of the parents of as a number of charity events. John Dr. Will Hale ’03 near Dublin, VirBiggs is among those caught up in this ginia. There was a great turnout of sport and noticed at some point that about 40 people representing alumni, many colleges had cycling jerseys, but prospective cadets and family memVMI did not. John organized a movebers. Alumni present were Will Hale ’03, Brad Burrus ’96, Jim Kelly, ment to create and make available the Gary Eifried ’63, Barry Helms ’76, VMI red, white and yellow jersey. A Jim “Wildcat” Kelly ’64 and Buz number of cyclists across the country Booker. Four prospective cadets were are now sporting the colors. Spotting present along with parents, grandparothers with these jerseys at various events has allowed alumni to recogents and girlfriends. A photo from the event appears elsewhere in this issue nize and match up with one another of the Review. in many different venues. One such enThe July 2, 2016, edition of the Norcounter was had by D. Walton when participating in a ride from Richmond folk-based newspaper The Virginianto Washington, D.C., along some Pilot contained a nice article about Class of 1971: Enjoying the evening cruise on the Danube in BuPaul Fraim as he completed 22 years dapest were, from left, Spring and Sam Kirby and Connie and lonely stretches of road. He met up as the mayor of Norfolk. The article Tom Martenstein. Present but not pictured were John and Wy- with Bill Huffman ’70 on the second day of the trip, each wearing the colfeatured a VMI promo picture of No. att Heisler. Photo courtesy of Spring Kirby.

47, the safety and team captain of the ors. A 7-and-a-half minute video was 1970 Keydet football team. made and distributed by D. via social After VMI, Paul coached football media. D. remarked that the “weather for three years each at the Univerwas not pretty, nor is the video.”

One of the benefits of retirement is sity of Virginia and the University being able to vacation most any time of Richmond. While at UR, Paul that you would like. During midsumattended law school and worked as a Virginia Beach police officer in the mer, three of our brother rats and their summers. After passing the bar exam, wives took one of the Viking River he took a position with a downtown cruises along the Danube River. Sam Norfolk law firm and began his poand Spring Kirby along with Tom and Connie Martenstein had apparently litical career shortly thereafter. Paul been onboard the ship for a period of became well-known and respected as time before they realized that John a proponent for downtown revitalizaHeisler and his wife, Wyatt, were on tion and as an advocate for amateur the same trip. The Kirbys and Marand professional sports.

The Fourth of July this summer was tensteins sent in a picture, but Heisler a pretty rainy day, causing the usual missed the photo op. fireworks festivities at VMI to be can- Class of 1971: The colors on display for the Fourth of July at the Rob Bissaillion had the unfortunate Kellys’ – Jim, Mike ’73 and Steve ’77 – home in Virginia. Their celed. As an alternative, Jerry Acuff father, William Kelly, is a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. experience of losing his VMI class ring some time ago. After contacting hosted a cookout at his home, which Photo by Dr. Rick Kelly.

VMI, Rob learned that most of the was attended by some neighbors and U.S. Navy (’77 and our father, Bill, a World War rings were now being produced by Balfour (our brother rats Metzger, Ellington and Strickler. original rings came from Jostens). Rob ordered The Kelly family generally has a fairly large cel- II Navy vet).

Shortly after the Fourth of July, several of our a replacement ring but was surprised (to say the ebration of the Fourth of July at our childhood least) when the ring arrived with the class side home in Pulaski County. Featured are shooting brother rats made a trip to the Gettysburg battlesports, various yard games, lots of eating and field, which seems to have become a yearly event. of a 1972 ring, although ’71 appeared on the

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Class Notes ring. Some checking revealed that the mold for safe and happy holiday season. We will look fora 1971 class ring has reportedly gone missing ward to hearing from you.

God bless our team and VMI. somewhere. Rob advises anyone who made need Jim a replacement ring that the situation is still a bit of a mystery ... not to mention that new rings cost considerably more than they did in 1969. If anyone has any information concerning the class Larry Houseworth rings, please let me know so that I can pass along the latest.

A few odds and ends follow that don’t need much amplification. The Olympic Games are currently in full swing as I write, and a recent article BRs, Better Halves, Families and Friends, in The Roanoke Times featured former VMI basThese notes are wrapped on a blistering 103 ketball standout Stan Okoye ’13 as a member of Class of 1972: Phil Clayton and Shafor Team Nigeria. Stan has been playing professional degrees August Sunday. After the past few SahaWymond ’16 after completing the 41st Lexington Road and River Relay. ra-like weeks, this feels like the cool tangy-aired basketball at different levels abroad since his gradsnap of fall. You’ll be reading this as we approach uation from VMI. A ceremony was to take place at VMI Sept. 2, Thanksgiving and holidays, and all this mindnumbing global weirding (meteorological and 2016, when Ryan Croley ’94 will receive his promotion to captain in the U.S. Navy. The presiding electoral) should be behind us (please, God).

A couple items before I get to the news. First, our officer at the ceremony will be our brother rat, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Perry F. “Pete” Van Hooser, 45th Reunion is scheduled for Sept. 22-24, 2017 (the “early fall” reunion). The Class of ’72’s stellar head basketball coach.

Lex-Vegas planning committee, George Kosovic, I mentioned earlier the New River Valley Chapter of the VMIAA holding a rat send-off at the Jerry Higgins, Harold Plott, Hank Humphreys, end of July. I just received information from Rick Phil Clayton, Vern Beitzel, Bob Patrick and Tom Moncure (emeritus), is already at work to provide Littleton that a group of the ’71 chapter (unorgaus with their recognized splendid production. nized) planned to gather in Salem for a Red Sox game the evening of Aug. 31, 2016. This has been George said, “We had a gathering of the Lex-area BRs at Casa Kosovic last evening. Tom and Sally a popular event in the past, and I will give a report are in the final stage of preparations for a move in the November class notes. back to their home in Poquoson (near Langley I have received the final totals for Alumni Giving for Fiscal Year 2016. Our class continues to Air Force Base). This was our organized way of Class of 1972: Sterling Spencer and do well in overall number of alumni donors with saying farewell to Tom and also to make sure his Bob Patrick at the grave of New Marchairman’s gavel for the ’72 reunion committee is 98, resulting in 38.58 percent of alumni participaket Cadet Reuben Joseph Binford ’867 safely stowed and ready for continued use. Also a tion. The latter figure is still well above the averin Augusta, Georgia, May 15, 2016. age percentage of alumni donors for classes in great excuse to drink beer together, get a taste of our decade, which stands at 32.51 the cabernet sauvignon made from percent. My thanks to each one of grapes grown at Jerry Higgins’ vineyou who has participated in one way yard and enjoy some tacos made with or another to support the Institute and Rhea’s homemade tortillas. As you the Corps. We will have just had our will have gathered from the comments 45th Reunion as you are seeing these above, Vern Beitzel was set to be here numbers. Each person in attendance but was under the weather come the saw firsthand the positive direction afternoon and had to send regrets. in which VMI is headed and the noCan’t wait to show him our new golf ticeable improvements to the overall equipment. The group here is going to physical plant. I hope, as the end of do some more thinking about a plan this tax year approaches, you will confor boosting attendance at the 45th Retinue to support VMI or, if you have union.” I’m psyched, as I hope each of not yet done so, that you will take that Class of 1972: Phil and Carol Wilkerson at the 2nd Infantry Divi- you are. Thanks, committee! sion’s Memorial Day celebration on the National Mall, Washingimportant step.

Second, if you haven’t done so, I urge ton, D.C. Kathryn and I wish each of you a to take a look at the Foundation’s “Got

1972

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Class Notes Sterling and Bob are taking it upon themselves a Minute” videos on the website. They’re polished, he was the regimental commander for the VMI professional and – true to their name – succinct. I Class of 2003. We are very proud of him. He just to extensively research, find, map and honor the particularly enjoyed the two presenting four gen- finished a very difficult and intense tour at JSOC gravesites of VMI’s Georgia Civil War vets. A noble undertaking, BRs. erations of the Luck family (Classes of ’920, ’55, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Shortly after, I got a short note from Jeff Chell.

“I am looking at buying diesel trawler for boating ’83 and ’12) and a tribute to Col. and Mrs. George around the U.S. and Bahamas when I fully retire. “Heffrey” and his bride of 40 years, Ruth, are enPiegari. Well worth your time, BRs. Now to the news. Bill and Diane Dunlap fol- I still have the sailboat Kurt (Renz) and I bought; joying retired school teacher life in Raleigh-ish and lowed George’s note (above) by commenting on it is on the stand in our backyard at Chincoteague. say, “Hi,” to all.

Country gentleman Dave Condon wrote that the prevalence of moves among us. “Must be Our other daughter, Jessica, and her family live in something in the water! We’re moving to Oak Is- Broad Lands, near Leesburg, Virginia. She is do- they “...finished remodeling the basement, so land, North Carolina, around July 17! July 1 is my ing great at the Office of Naval Research as a GS there are several bedrooms now available for anylast day as a ‘worker bee’ (Diane retired June 1), 14-and-a-half. The Navy has different grade levels. one who would want to stay and enjoy the mounand it looks like the house in Sterling sold the first Her family, Jon, Blakely and Haven, are doing su- tains – even bought two kayaks.” He said he was weekend it was on the market, so we are surviving per, Jon works for Grant Thornton, and he and “... at Fort Rucker for a dedication to my father in a world of confusion and boxes.” Bill said they Kyle both got their Master of Business Adminis- of a 132,000 square foot maintenance building for were planning to ride (Harley) down to Lexington tration degrees from George Mason University the repair of helicopters. Learned a lot about my in March then continue on to Daytona Beach for last year. Blakely is going to follow her mother’s father. He flew a spotter plane on D-Day first for Bike Week. It’ll be a much shorter ride the Navy and then for the Navy and from Oak Island than from Lexington Army artillery. In fact, I was informed or northern Virginia. Get your motor he was technically the last allied pirunnin’, BR. lot shot down over Europe in World In keeping with the migratory War II, and he was the one who initheme, Norm Worrell wrote, “Joy tially pushed the Army for helicopters. and I are moving from Yankee Land, There was some discussion he delivnorthern Virginia, to Callawassie, ered the first helicopter to a MASH Island, South Carolina, in Beaufort unit, as well. I can tell you I am proud County. Our daughter, Julie, and her of my father, whom I use to fly with.” family, Kyle Haire ’03, Taylor and Heartfelt salute, BR. Jack, have moved back to their home “Ironman” Phil Clayton reported in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our home in with this: “I thought the lads might is in a gated community with armed enjoy this photo of me and Shafer Wyguards and many things to do – golf, mond ’16 just after we won the 41st Class of 1972: Pictured at the mini reunion at Chez Williams, tennis, deep water docks, work out Aug. 10, 2016, were, from left, George Williams, Phil Wilkerson, Lexington Road & River Relay! The building, club house, two pools and A.J. Fojt, Larry Houseworth, Tom Hathaway and Bob Stransky. old Corps (’72) and the new Corps big alligator. We are just north of Sa(’16), 44 years apart, combining to vannah. You all come and visit us anytime. I will footsteps and has the potential to be an Olympic win! Other members of the team were my nephcontinue to work at MITRE as a teleworker do- caliber gymnast – muscle, brains and determina- ew, Chris Syrrist, and my grand-nephew, six-yearing data analytics and writing software application tion. Her sister, Haven, is all of 13 months old and old Max Syrrist!” Hooah, BR! After I posted a stop at Peirce’s BBQ on Faceusing SharePoint. My mom, who is 91, will be in is the calmest baby we have ever seen; alert and assisted living near us in Bluffton. She is still sharp cool as a cucumber. All the grandkids are flipping book, Brint Harrison sent me the picture from and able to move around under her own steam. smarter than me. It is scary.” Humbling, isn’t it, his home in Williamsburg. “... view from my We are on an island looking out over the Harbour Norm? sunroom porch ... while dining on Pierce’s BBQ.” River and marsh lands. It is near Hilton Head. I As the last issue went to press, I received this from Let’s hope it was pulled pork and not venison, BR. have been remiss in not communicating with you Bob Patrick: “House, two old farts celebrate New Phil and Carol Wilkerson attended the Memoall enough over the last few years. I think now, Market Day in their neighborhood, decorating the rial Day ceremony at the 2nd Infantry Division more than ever, we need to stay in touch, particu- grave of a New Market Cadet. Sterling Spencer Monument in Washington, D.C., at 17th Street larly during this trying time for our Republic. I am and yours truly, down from Atlanta to Columbus, NW and Constitution Avenue. They’re on the far checking into it, but I think we can get access to the Georgia, to decorate the grave of Private Reuben left side of the photo. Other BRs who’ve served Parris Island rifle range to hone our rifle and pis- Joseph Binford ’867, A Company and 16 years with the “Second To None” include Chris Jones, tol shooting skills. Our son-in-law is stationed at old when he pressed up the hill of science with Dave Hall and A.J. Fojt. Serving in that division Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as the opera- noble emulation. They say that the camera adds with these guys must have been an adventure!

Tom Hathaway, via Harry Gore, shared an tions officer for Marine All-Weather Fighter At- 10 pounds, or is that it takes away 10 IQ points? interesting anomaly in “the spirit” with George tack Squadron 533. As you recall, or maybe not, By the look of the picture, it could go either way.”

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Class Notes Kosovic, George Williams, John Brodie (Hon.) and me. It seems that Harry found an old version of the tune recorded by Bob Crosby’s (Bing’s brother) band. That rendition used the original manuscript written by Col. Benjamin Bowering.

(OK, so as not to frighten the neighbors, sing the line, “the Corps roots the loudest...” under your breath.) Tom said, “...when the song gets to where the word ‘loudest’ would be if it were being sung, you can clearly hear that they have modulated the two notes up one-half step from the notes which we all remember singing and playing when we were cadets. The notes we remember are not the notes that the composer, Colonel Bowering, originally penned in his manuscript, which I have seen, and additionally, I’ve heard some recordings of the Glee Club from back in the ’50s, and they also modulate those notes.” I tried it, and I think the modulation adds much more energy to the line.

Good catch, BRs. Sandy Edens checked in from Colorado. He said they recently had dinner “...with retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Vic Tambone ’67, who went to VMI for two years then graduated from the Air Force Academy in ’69. We had a great time reminiscing about White’s Farm and General Shell and LA Beach. Vic also was an engineering major so was quite familiar with physics lab or chem lab and then running back for military duty or TEI, FEI, etc. We are doing great. Being out West, we do miss our BRs in the East and, of course, with Walt Chalkley encouraging all his BRs to come to The Villages. Oh, but the humidity in Colorado is so much better! We will be hosting Stuart Seaton ’73 here later this month. He is looking forward to getting away from the 103 degree temps in Richmond. Of course, the house is open to you and anyone who wants to come to the high country!”

Invite extended, BR; thanks!

Got a delightful call from his honor Jim Pagones.

All is well in their world with Joan’s retirement, son Capt. Jordan ’03 and his wife settling in Fort Lewis, Washington, and daughter Julia with the Duchess County, New York, County Executive’s Office.

Just at deadline, Sue Hall shared news and video of a massive tanker fire in Killeen, Texas, where Dave is with the county Emergency Operations Center and Sue volunteers with – well – everybody.

Also just before deadline, George and Mary Jane Williams most graciously scrambled a spontaneous mini reunion at their home in Springfield.

With Tom and Myrna Hathaway staying with

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them for a few days, we assembled A.J. and Karen Fojt, Phil and Carol Wilkerson, Bob and Linda Stransky, along with the lovely Marie and your scribe. As usual, time flew as the air was filled with raucous jocularity and the smiling indulgences of our beautiful ladies.

Before I sign off, two personal notes. Next week, I pull up stakes, leaving DC for Richmond – a move that opens a whole new chapter in life.

And, second, a recent too-close brush with mortality has opened my eyes even more to the beauty of life and, in no small measure, the value of what we are so fortunate to share.

The lovely Ms. Moore’s “Assembly” sounds.

Until next time, BRs. Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

1973

Mike Kelly

It is currently mid-August, and we are in the middle of one of those hot and humid weeks! It is almost miserable. When you read these notes, it will be fall, and we will be getting ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays, and I’ll be longing for the warmer weather and pool!

We had some sad news this week, as Pat’s mother died. She was 99 and in a retirement home close by. She got up one morning, ate her breakfast, laid down and went to sleep.

We will certainly miss her and her wonderful sense of humor. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

It has certainly been a busy summer for us; Pat is working two days a week now, and I have already done more consulting jobs this year than all of last year. We had our annual Fourth of July extravaganza at the ranch in Pulaski, and we’ve kept the grandkids some during the summer. But we are looking forward to some relaxation this fall to include some football games, enjoying the mountains and maybe spend some time with friends on the Chesapeake Bay. On Aug. 13, we attended a rat send-off sponsored by the Central North Carolina/Raleigh Alumni Chapter. We had more than 50 people

attending, with four incoming cadets and their families. Our neighbor’s grandson, James Hallberg, was there with his mother and dad, Ed and Annika, and his sister, Anita. He finished the summer program in July and matriculated in August. We wish him luck and Godspeed! I know he will do well.

I heard from several of you during the summer about retirements and vacations. Dale and Toots Kitchen spent about a month in China.

Dale said the country was an absolutely amazing place with thousands of years of history.

Their tour was with Grand Circle Tours, and he said they literally went all over the country.

They also met up with their son, Cody, who has been working in China for the past year.

Their daughter, Kaitlin, has taken a job in Stuttgart, Germany, so the Kitchens definitely have an empty nest home! Dale said he saw several BRs during the last basketball season.

Mark Weiss, Tom Napier, Billy Stephens, Tim Gundlach and Don Reisch all got together for games and lunch. Dale also played golf with Yerry Kenneally at the Keydet Club Leadership Golf Outing. He said Yerry indicated he was going to retire (again) later this year.

Mac and Melanie Kirkpatrick also went to China this summer. Their son, Clark, works in China teaching English as a second language.

Melanie went over earlier this summer, and Mac is headed over this month to join them.

Clark met a young lady named Yuli, and they got married over the summer. Best wishes to all, and safe travels.

Tim and Tricia McConnell have been active in South Carolina working with the Palmetto Chapter. They attended a rat send-off in Lexington, South Carolina, and recently hosted a golf outing. Tim said P.X. English’s daughter teaches at a local high school and relayed the story about overhearing one of the students in the hall talking about being accepted to VMI, and she called him over and had a little chat with him. Another one saved from the clutches of The Citadel! Tim wanted me to share some bad news/good news with you. He said he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, went through a successful operation and is now cancer-free. As have others in our class, he stressed the importance of checking our PSA regularly, as that is how his cancer was discovered. Glad to hear all is well, Tim. Thanks for sharing.

E.D. Woomer has settled in after moving

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Class Notes called Joe Duffy. They had a great conversato Asheville, North Carolina. He sent a note where they spent two weeks at a camp north of praising P.X. English for all the hard work he Nome traveling the tundra, fishing and actually tion, and Barry invited him and Mary to visit is doing to establish the alumni chapter in the panning for gold! Larry said it was a once-in-a- him in Virginia Beach.

Asheville area. It may be called the Pisgah/Up- lifetime adventure.

Ed Hall is still working as the commander John Sterrett said that retiring was not in his for the American Legion Post in Ellicott City, state Chapter, as it will include western North Maryland. He mobilized the post, the Veterans Carolina as well as the “upstate” area of South near-term plans. He and his wife got a later start on raising children; they have two – Tate, who of Foreign Wars and Marine Corps League to Carolina. They also recently attended a rat sendoff in Asheville. Glad to hear from you and the is 7, and Genevieve, who is 8. They are having a help raise money and provide labor to Ellicott great activities in the western Carolinas! Keep great time! John said he would be in Lexington City for recovery efforts after the flash flooding up the good work. E.D. also said he prefers the this month for a cousin’s wedding and looked event they recently experienced. Ed said it remountain air to that of Houston and is glad forward to visiting the Institute, as well as family ally made him proud to see the support and help they moved! P.X. sent me a note to saying he in northern Virginia. from the veterans still fighting for our communiTom and Bonnie Clark certainly enjoyed their ties and country! also held a rat send-off in Greenville, South Carolina, and was looking forward to working trip to Scotland. It is a great country! Upon their Bob Poynor finally retired from civil service with E.D. in the Asheville area. Thanks for your return, however, they found out their Boston at the end of May and was enjoying “his endterrier has diabetes and now requires two shots less string of Saturdays!” Bob said he misses work!

I get frequent messages from Rothe camaraderie of the guys in the office, but he really doesn’t miss the land Tiso. I think when he’s not Air Force. While he has no immediworking, he is either at the gym or working on the computer. Roland ate plans, he has been approached by works for Sallyport Global Holdings a private contractor to do some work providing security at the Balad Air for foreign governments on their Base in Iraq. He hopes to be home military doctrines, but he isn’t sure for the holidays but may go back for he wants to get back in that business. a shorter period in January. In July, He and his wife, Sandy, plan to stay he met up with Judie in Amsterdam in Alabama. and went on a Viking Cruise down You may have seen some of the picthe Rhine River through Germany tures posted by Dave Schwab from and on to Switzerland. They visited his scuba diving trip to the Galapasome of the World War II battlegos Islands. Dave likes going to some exotic places each year to dive. He fields, then went to the Alps and sent me a note while waiting at the toured around in Switzerland. They had a great time, albeit too short. Class of 1973: Larry and Laurel Cerruti on the shores of the Ber- Houston airport on his way home!

Best wishes, Roland, and we’ll all be ing Sea with Sledge Island in the background. They spent two Glad you had a great time, Dave. weeks in the Alaskan wilderness exploring the area north of This issue’s “lost BR” award goes glad when you are home.

Nome, Alaska. to Mark Camper. I have tried for Rob Bowman said it had been hot and humid in Blackstone, Virginia, this sum- per day, exactly 12 hours apart. So that has years to get in touch with Mark but was never mer, but he has been enjoying it since he retired crimped their travel schedule for a while. They really successful until recently. Mark was Echo in April, as he has more time for his gardening had planned a trip east to tour Civil War battle- Company commander, I was the excutive offiactivities. Rob said the commonwealth had been fields but have put the trip off for now. They cer and Mark’s brother was a BR of my brother, good to him during his nearly 42 years with the are planned to go to Albuquerque to celebrate Steve ’77. We were in IOBC at Fort Benning VDOT; however, he and his wife, Carolyn, are Tom’s mother’s 90th birthday over the summer. together in 1974. Rumor had it that Mark was living next door to the farm where he grew up in She is in an assisted living facility and is general- a clandestine secret operative and that his CharNottoway County near family and friends and ly healthy but experiencing some memory loss. lotte address was a front. (I Google-earthed your enjoying retirement to the fullest. He recently Tom recently attended a rat send-off put on by townhome, one time!) Anyway, Mark said he had lunch with his old roommates, Ray Burton the Pikes Peak Alumni Chapter. They have four did his 20-plus years in the Army, and he and and Klaus Worrell, and they had a lot of good matriculating from Colorado. his wife, Jody, returned to Charlotte where they laughs together. You can see their picture on the I heard from Barry Robertson who said he were stationed one time. For the past 23 years, class Facebook page. was semi-retired and works about 40 hours a he has worked with logistics/warehouse manLarry and Laurel Cerruti sent a note from month doing business development for a com- agement running a warehouse for a national Seattle, Washington, while they were on vaca- pany in Virginia Beach. He also volunteers two fastener supply company. Mark told me that his wife experienced some health issues starting in tion visiting Laurel’s sister and family. They mornings a week at a hospital in Virginia Beach had just gotten in from visiting Nome, Alaska, and plays a lot of golf! Barry said he had recently 1993, and they worsened over the years until she

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Class Notes died in September 2015. Mark said it has been really hard on him, as they had been married for more than 40 years, but he has a supportive family and is getting through. He hopes to retire in the next year or so and move back to Virginia (he was from Buchannan.) Great hearing from you, Mark! Please stay in touch.

I had a nice note from Joe Duffy’s wife, Mary, the end of July. They had been to Richmond for a physical exam, and Joe underwent a series of injections to hopefully clear up a recurring infection. His physical therapy was extended at the facility closer to home, so they don’t have to travel to Philadelphia for therapy. Joe received a motorized wheelchair, which has made travel so much easier and allows Joe to go outdoors more often. Their next goal is to get some new exercise equipment for the home. Mary said Joe remains strong, and the therapy is definitely making a difference. Drop him an email or give him a call! They are continually grateful for the support provided by our BRs and the VMI community. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you guys!

Didn’t get as much news this month as usual – guess the hot dog days have slowed things down! We will be past the election when you read these notes, facing the holidays and a new year! Pat and I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday and a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

And just a reminder that as the year ends, it is time to get those end of the year donations in to VMI! The Institute relies heavily on the support from its alumni and friends. Thanks to all of you for your continued support.

Be safe out there.

In the bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker

Greetings, Brother Rats, Family and Friends of the Class of 1974!

What follows are class notes for the period from May 16, 2016, to Aug. 15, 2016. As usual, notes from the summer are quite thin.

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Speaking of summer, it has been a busy one for the Parkers: Daughter Olivia’s graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; trip down the Blue Danube with BRs and VMI alumni; the Country Outdoor Concert Series in Raleigh; and a Philadelphia (Kenny Chesney concert)/Pittsburgh (Pirate games) visit ... and recently, Marla and I spent the afternoon at Dave and Susan Sheppard’s “stay-cation” house ... nice home with pool, surround-sound theater and world class man-cave. It is almost like resort living! We really enjoyed the visit!

Several days before visiting the Sheppards, I stopped by to see Mick and Debbie Ernzen at their cottage on Lake Gaston. Their cottage is a mile or two from ours by way the crow flies.

Mick and I have been discussing the idea of a Gaston Lake mini reunion. Looks like a possibility for summer 2017. More to follow on that!

Stay tuned!

As most of you know, Rich Forbes has survived a bout with cancer! Rich mentioned in his note to the class announcing victory over the big “c.” A crisis such as that causes one to reflect on life, and for Rich, he reflected on our years at the Institute.

As Rich noted, it was a defining moment in our lives, and many of us didn’t realize it was happening until years later. Rich is writing a book about those years, and I know it will be well worth the read. I am anxiously waiting for its release! Really glad to know all is well with you, brother rat!

A highlight for this set of class notes: The VMI Alumni Association sponsored a 10-day river cruise (May 25-June 3) down the Danube River from Prague to Budapest. This particular trip was high on my bucket list. To experience the trip with brother rats was an added feature, so Marla and I were all in. There were 15 VMI alumni on the trip (30 total, including spouses and significant others – the largest group on the ship).

Once again, the Class of 1974 had the largest representation of the VMI alumni with five BRs: Charley and Debbie Banning, Rick and Page Kastelberg, T.J. and Kerri Wilson, Jim and Ellen Wood, and Marla and I. We were all on our own to get to Prague and get home from Budapest, so like many others, Marla and I added some time on both ends of the trip. We flew to Berlin and toured for a couple of days and then took a train from Berlin to Prague. On the back end, we added a couple of days in Budapest and then flew to Dublin for a couple of days before heading home. Upon arrival in Prague, we walked to

Class of 1974: Snookie Parker, left, and T.J. Wilson at the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.

Class of 1974: Roomies Ken Terry and Mike Fisher flying to Aruba for an overnight.

Class of 1974: Mike Hogan and Don Sharpe, room 111 roomies.

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Class Notes the Old Town Square to the “must-see” Prague stopped by to visit 111 roomie Don Sharpe. I Beach, Bloody Omaha, as a member of the 116 understand it had been awhile since they had Infantry Virginia National Guard, the old StoneOrloj – a medieval astronomical clock located on the Old Town Hall. The clock was first installed the opportunity to catch up. Upon hearing wall Brigade, during the D-Day landings. Most of in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical this news, 111 roomie Chip Beaman called for us probably remember him for his bowtie, French clock in the world and the oldest one still in opera- gathering of all four roomies, with wives. I have beret and his discussions and love of cinema and tion. The clock provides a nice little show every not heard if that gathering has been planned. poetry; a charming, proper English literature academic nerd. Whilst taking his cinema course, hour on the hour ... the best show at noon. We Should we alert the media?

In early June, Donnie Ross got the opportunity we were discussing Eisenstein’s movies, as I was had not been in Prague for a couple of hours and found ourselves in the square at noon with about to show BR Chris Henry around post via his VIP preparing an essay. He invited me to continue the discussion over dinner at his faculty apartment. another couple of thousand tourists to see the golf cart. I’m sure a lot had changed since Chris After dinner, we were discussing ‘Fire clock. Would you believe it – out of the over Asia,’ when he moved some thousands of tourists in the square, we papers. I then saw, in an old frame, a just happen to look around and standCombat Infantry Badge and medals ing right next to us were Charley and (Bronze Star, if memory serves me Debbie Banning. Go figure. Charley right). I asked him about them and and Debbie arrived in Prague a couple then, in one of the most awesome of days earlier and stayed at a quaint transformations I have been witness hotel overlooking the famous Charles to in my entire life, the English litBridge that crosses the Vltava River in Prague. What a fabulous trip. World erature nerd transformed into a true class accommodations, and we saw American warrior. I have always carour fair share of castles, abbeys and ried with me his transformation as he churches. The trip was not without Class of 1974: Alumni pictured on the Danube River cruise were, relived his days and told me a few of from left, front row, Charley Banning, Mike Schlosser ’67, Snook- the details of his epic fight along the hiccups for some. Rick Kastelberg’s ie Parker, Easley Moore ’65, Doug Payne ’73 and Bob Louthan luggage did not show up until we were ’82. Back Row: Bill Bell ’63, Glenn Furr ’75, Rick Kastelberg, Rich- 2nd Ranger Battalion, where his coma day or two on the river, which lead to ard Hewitt ’83, Bruce Herczogh ’65, Jim Wood and T.J. Wilson. pany took over 80 percent casualties. some impromptu shopping and some Just as quick, that window closed and interesting outfits. All of the tours I was back discussing Potemkin and were outstanding. The show at the Eisenstein’s techniques. But in those opera house in Vienna was one of my fleeting moments, I learned not to favorites. However, the best part of the judge a book by its cover. I never saw trip was the camaraderie – not only him again in the same light as before. with the VMI alumni but the other From that day forward until the enduniversities represented on the trip as ing of my days, I shall consider myself well: Lynchburg College, University fortunate of having been able to meet of Maryland and the University of one of the few, the happy few, the Michigan. An interesting side note – Band of Brothers that, 72 years ago many may recall one of our nemeses, today, took small steps for them but a Capt. Herczogh ’65, TAC officer and giant leap toward keeping us free.” A chemistry professor. Well, it turns out humble hero from the Greatest Genthat Bruce and Jan Herczogh ’65 were eration – may he rest in peace. Thanks Class of 1974: Members of the Class of 1974 on the Danube Rivon the trip, and he is not really a nemfor sharing, Edgardo! er cruise flying the VMI colors were, from left, Debbie and CharI received a short note from Tom esis. He had a career teaching chem- ley Banning, Marla and Snookie Parker, Jim and Ellen Wood, Parker. As of March, he now has istry at Clemson University and is Page and Rick Kastelberg, and Kerri and T.J. Wilson. two synthetic hips and is glad we now semi-retired teaching chemistry had last been on post. I think a VIP golf cart tour don’t walk on all fours, or he would have four! I at a community college. A real treat was getting to know Bob and Kathy Louthan ’82. Bob is the is the way to go! A nice stroll down memory lane understand Tom’s doctor complained that Tom’s bones were unusually hard; “Like concrete,” he incoming president of the VMI Alumni Associa- for Chris, no doubt!

On June 6, Brother Rat Edgardo Vazquezsaid. Tom claims he probably got his hip confused tion. Not only were he and Kathy a pleasure with whom to travel, but Bob showered us with VMI Bruno provided an interesting insight to Mr. T.Y. with his head. Setting off alarms when passing giveaways throughout the trip. The VMI sunglass- Greet in his salute memoriam. I thought it was through security at the airport is part of life for worth repeating. “Seventy-two years ago today, Tom now. Are we getting old or what? Well, it has es were my favorite. Great trip! Great memories.

In late May, Mike and Mary Pat Hogan Mr. T.Y. Greet, our English teacher, hit Omaha not slowed Tom down one bit. He and his son,

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Jacob, who is home from his post as vice president of a U.S.-China business council in Beijing, took a bike ride to Jarbidge, Nevada, one of the most remote towns in the lower 48. Tom said it’s 50 miles of dirt road to get there but reported that the beer was cold and there was a hot shower and a clean bed at the end of this dusty trail. What a contrast: Beijing, China, and Jarbridge, Nevada.

Thanks for the note, Tom! As some may recall, Bill Haught had the idea of a Class of ’74 visit to Gene William’s College Orientation Workshop program this summer.

Several brother rats were able to gather in Lexington for the visit. The ’74 gang capped the day with dinner at the infamous Southern Inn in Lexington: Gene Williams, Bill Haught, Pat and Sue Flynn, Roland and Karen Lazenby, Donnie and Barbara Ross, Graham and Shelley Undercoffer, Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow, and Craig and Cathy Carlock. According to Donnie, “What a fun evening it was! Rah ’74!”

Ken Terry reported that roomie Mike Fisher wanted to fly with Ken once before Ken retired, which was at the end of July. So, Betsy Terry and Sarah and Rock Fisher flew with Ken on a 24-hour Aruba overnight. According to Ken, the island will never be the same.

What a trip! Nice pic! Congrats on retirement!

I’m surprised you did not pick up Craig Smith along the way. Thanks for the note!

I understand that Stu Ashton snuck up on the July 23 VMI 1974 Tidewater breakfast bunch in Newport News. Some collusion with Paul Van Doren so as not to scare anyone off. According to Stu, he saw Chuck Cayton, Frank Richardson, John Crawley, Steve Ham, Henry Moncure (emperor of Glouchester), Bill Pennypacker and Al Rasper. A few regulars were missing and later sent their regrets: Gary Trinkle, John McLaren, Chip Beaman and Clint Anderson. Speaking of breakfast club surprises, I believe Jim De Ford is planning on attending an upcoming Potomac Area breakfast club meeting. Welcome aboard, Jim ... and bring your wife, Joanne, with you! I’m sure she will enjoy hearing some the classic stories of our formative years.

Last minute entry – Marla and I traveled with David and Susan Sheppard to join the North Central North Carolina alumni and family at Carolina Mudcat’s stadium for an evening of baseball, dogs and brew. This is the new cadet send-off for the area’s incoming cadets and

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their families. Kudos to BR Kent Wheeless, for he is one of the key coordinators for this venue.

It was a well-attended event last year, and was shaping up to be same this year.

Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/or careers. Brother Rats are interested and do care. I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated email address to me snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our Web Master) nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm regards, Snookie

1975

Robert Keller

over the years that no good usually comes from discussing religion and/or politics, so I will heed that knowledge and not do so here. But there is good news: Football is less than a month away as I write these notes, and from what I have heard from several of you, the Keydets should be fielding a much-improved team this year. Go Keydets!

It is a moot point though, because when you are reading this, both the election and football season will essentially be over.

I want to thank all of you who have sent me updates and pictures over the last several months, as that makes preparing these notes much easier and much more enjoyable.

Chris Smart wrote to let me know that he has been spending a good deal of time in Abu Dhabi as the petrophysics discipline lead and chief technology officer of Baker Hughes International’s consultancy in that region. He has held this position since 2013. This past May, he traveled to Kuwait at the invitation of the local chapter of the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts to give what he called the “technical entertainment” for the May dinner meeting. He spoke on characterizing carbonate reservoirs, a subject upon which he is one of the petroleum industry’s experts. He reported that the oil industry has been

Summer 2016 is now about two-thirds over, and it has been, as the title song from the 1958 movie with the same name states, “The Long, Hot Summer.” Maybe not for the reasons as depicted in the movie, but surely for the hot weather and the tone of our political climate in the presidential election. Now, I have learned

Class of 1975: Chris Smart in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, when invited by the local chapter of the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts to give a presentation at their May 2016 meeting.

Class of 1975: Rich McFarland and his daughter, Kate McFarland, in Machu Picchu on Memorial Day weekend 2016.

Kate was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru.

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Class Notes fantastic for him in his 40-year career and that but Elmo and Owen did use those metal coffee Romania. Dino stated that these areas were very he absolutely loves being posted in Abu Dhabi. mugs to cook their food and make coffee while on different from Western Europe, which was althe trail. Elmo also reported that his daughter-in- lowed to rebuild extensively after World War II The weather there allows him to work on his golf game year-round, and he manages to maintain a law, Bobbi, Owen’s wife, is expecting their fourth under the Marshall Plan, whereas the East lanchild, a girl, any time now. Elmo and Susan will guished under Soviet control and is much more low single digit handicap with guile and cunning.

John Plunkett reported that he decided to scale be watching the other three grandchildren while drab with the huge blocks of gray tenement buildback on work, so he resigned his position with his mom is giving birth, and they plan on using that ings that thrived in that era. Some areas, such as company. In the meantime, he has offered his ser- time to spoil them. Finally, Elmo released his first Croatia and Serbia, bear the scars of the more recent conflicts that came about from the breakup vices for various consulting assignments and now novel several years ago, “Uncover: A Tale Of is under contract to work in Utah, Hawaii and Caution,” an action, intrigue and suspense novel, of Yugoslavia. They especially liked Prague, BuGermany. He also has been asked to be an expert and he has several more in the works. dapest and the wines of Croatia. Obviously, they Ellett Smith attended his 45th high school re- had a great time. witness for various legal cases. This causes him to think back to our 4th Class year when Chris Arey union in June and reported that he had a good Ron Norman told me that his daughter, Ronda, ’72 would frequently call him an expert screw up. time. He and Fran have been volunteering to and her husband, Jackie Manuel, are in the process John said he plans to continue in this of relocating to Indiana, as Jackie has mode for another two or three years. taken a position as an assistant coach Jimmy Davis sent a quick note to for the basketball team at Valparaiso let me know that he is enjoying life in University. Ron and Margie were helpthe country outside of New Market. ing out in taking their grandchildren He reported that he is big, fat, ugly out to Indiana after Ronda and Jackie and very blessed. Doesn’t that dehad found and set up housing. In Auscribe most of us ... especially the very gust, the entire family was able to get blessed part. together for a vacation at Myrtle Beach Congratulations to Elmo and Subefore the fall semester began.

Jim and Nancy McCriskin are in san Shiflett who celebrated their 41st the process of relocating next spring wedding anniversary in June. Elmo to St. James, North Carolina, after also told me that he and his son, many years in Hudson, Illinois. It is Owen, get together for a weekend eva coastal community one hour north ery year for a father/son activity. For of Myrtle Beach and 45 minutes east several years now, they have been hiking segments of the Colorado Trail, Class of 1975: Tad MacGowan and son Kyle in June 2016 cel- of Wilmington, North Carolina, next to Oak Island. They are in the process and this year, in June, they tackled a ebrating Kyle’s high school graduation. of building a new home where many 26-mile section at elevations that started at 11,500 feet and peaked at 13,005 feet. Elmo help the Wounded Warrior program in Bethesda, other retirees from the northeast and Midwest reMaryland. On one of their visits, the group went side. Having grown up in New Jersey, he underand I were both reminded of Greg Diamontopulos and his son, Peter Diamontopulos ’13, and to a shooting range in Maryland, and Ellett said stands the northeast approach to retired life. Their their hike up House Mountain last year. Elmo that was a lot of fun. He has met a variety of older daughter is located in Connecticut; his family still said he felt every shortness of breath that Greg veterans who donate their time to the program lives in New Jersey; their son and his wife have described. Elmo’s son, Owen, originally wanted by doing personal coaching for the wounded just moved to Fort Benning, Georgia; his brother to go to VMI until he was a junior in high school, veterans and their families. They even use horses is in Myrtle Beach; and Nancy has two sisters in at which time he decided that he wanted to pursue and therapy dogs in their work. He and Fran are Florida, so there are plenty of family members a radio-television-film degree from the University looking forward to spending more time doing this relatively close by. And of course, they are much of Texas. Elmo related a funny story about his when he retires in about 3-and-a-half years. closer to VMI and plan on making it to some Dean Armstrong had a busy summer with of the games. They are looking forward to East son. They were filming an episode of “Hell on Wheels,” and he had been sitting in one of their many scheduled flights for Delta and attending Coast living and being close to the Atlantic Ocean prop rooms talking to the director. They filmed family functions. At the end of June, Dino took again. In July, Jim and Nancy attended son Maj. a segment (about 15 seconds), and as they were his international checkout flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brendan McCriskin’s wedding to Samantha reviewing it, they discovered that on a table in the which was the last step in his moving up to the Teague in Miami. Guy Conte, Brendan’s godfabackground was a metal coffee cup that had “Hell captain position with Delta. He reported that he ther, was able to make the ceremony. Brendan’s and Denise both had a fabulous time on their riv- wife, Samantha, is a graduate of the Air Force on Wheels” printed on it and his son’s VMI baseball cap. Needless to say, everyone got a charge er cruise trip down the Danube. They both really Academy, so Jim is now obligated to wear a Falout of it and, in jest, told his son they needed to enjoyed Eastern Europe. They were in the Czech con sweatshirt on occasion. Brendan and Samankeep it in and see if anyone noticed. They didn’t, Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and tha have now relocated to Fort Benning, where he

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes serves as an orthopedic surgeon. It is a busy time hosted Ben, Mike Hunter and Billy Hunter at me know that he had just returned from southfor Jim and Nancy, but Jim said that it is all good his place in Fairfield. Also attending were Ollie ern Germany to the steamy heat of Washington, Way, Chip Louthan, Mark Hall, Jelly Bear Tayand that they are extremely blessed in life.

D.C. If you remember, Doug was with us during Jim also gave me this year’s update on the “old lor, Tom Mason and Steve Chapin, who reports our 4th Class year, finished up at the U.S. Miliguys in Las Vegas” trip. This event started several that he is doing fine and was glad to celebrate his tary Academy at West Point, and then went on years ago when Jim and John Green were attend- 63rd birthday this year. Ben and Anne’s son, Ben to receive his Ph.D. and is now the executive vice president of Burke-Macgregor Group ing the funeral of our departed BR Jim in Reston, Virginia. He has written a Berny and decided that they needed to new book titled, “Margin of Victory,” stay in better contact with one another. that he believes may be of interest.

So Jim, John, Len Riedel and Phil BrThanks, Doug, for the update. zozowski ’76 have been meeting every Rich McFarland took a lateyear since in Las Vegas. Jim stated that planned, quick-turn trip to Machu this year, they were wild and crazy and Picchu, Peru, this spring to visit his went to see “Jersey Boys” at the Paris daughter, Kate. Kate is with the U.S. Hotel Resort and Casino and went on State Department and had a shortthe giant Ferris wheel overlooking Las term assignment to the U.S. Embassy Vegas. Both John and Jim grew up in in Lima, Peru. Maco began his trip New Jersey, so the story of Frankie the Thursday before Memorial Day Valle and the Four Seasons was close and spent Friday on his own in Lima to home. They also took in the new while Kate worked. Mac felt that golf driving range at the MGM Grand Lima was way too big and congested Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and Jim for his liking. (This, from someone seems inspired, as he and Nancy are Class of 1975: From left, Doug Conte, Monica Dewitt and Randy taking golf lessons in anticipation of Frank in July 2016 at Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor, who lives in the D.C. area?) On Saturparticipating in a sport he didn’t really Washington. day morning, they caught a Peruvian have the time for during his career as flight from Lima to Cusco, which a physician. They also had lunch with served as the launch point for a tour Vicki Sain for a few hours just to catch of Machu Picchu. The flight kind of up since Todd’s death last fall. They reminded him of those stereotypical had met with Todd the previous two South American busses overloaded years during his battle with glioblaswith anything and everything you can imagine; not really all that bad, but toma brain cancer. Jim reported that you get the picture. They spent SaturVicki is doing well and stated she is a very strong woman with a very interday touring Cusco and the surroundesting military history herself. Thanks, ing area, which has much to see in its Jim, for the update, and you guys keep own right, while trying to acclimate to up the good work. You are an inspirathe altitude (his hint to anybody who goes there – drink the tea). On Sunday, tion to all of your BRs. they caught a bus that took them to a Ben Vanderberry checked in to let train station about an hour away, and me know that all is well with him caught the train to Aguas Caliente, and Anne. Anne has wrapped up her about a 3-and-a-half hour train ride. chief financial officer position with From there, they took another bus that the bank she was with and is enjoying delivered them to the entrance of Mathe summer with projects around the house and doing a lot more horseback chu Picchu, where they spent the late riding. Ben is enjoying his new posi- Class of 1975: Elmo Shiflett and son Owen Shiflett during their morning and afternoon with a private tion with his bank and plans to contin- annual father/son get-together in June 2016 for a 26-mile hike guided tour. He said that no one gave on the Colorado Trail. him any grief for taking the bus-trainue working for a while. Ben said that bus and not the three-day hike at elevation. Mac Harry McKnight and his daughters, Megan and Vanderberry ’15, in now in Meridian, MissisKate, stayed with them when they were in town sippi, and will be there for anywhere from 12 to stated, “I’m good, but not as good as I once was for a family visit. Ben was able to make the annual 18 months learning to fly a T-45. He’ll do his first (and probably really never was). Wonderful advenKeydet Club dinner in June and reports that the carrier landing in the T-45 and then on to F-18s. ture!” As stated earlier, this was a quick trip, and Class of ’75 was well represented. Allen Morgan Received a note from Doug Macgregor letting he was back in the office the following Wednesday.

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Class Notes Kate’s next trip overseas is to Kosovo, but Mac thinks he will skip that trip. He is still planning on retiring around November and is looking for a new place and lifestyle. Mac also wants to know if any BRs have any bachelor sons in their late 20s to early 30s who are rolling in money? He’s looking for a son-in-law. Mac, I think she will do all right on her own.

Gary Taylor wrote to let me know that he has failed at retirement. He has been serving as vice president and chief operating officer for SERC Reliability Corporation since February 2015, and their board of directors asked him to continue as their president and chief executive officer in July 2016. Gary, I don’t think you have failed at anything, and we are all proud of you.

John Young told me he has taken possession of a house on the Outer Banks that has been in his family for some time. It was passed down from his grandmother to his father and now to him.

Interestingly enough, it seems that the place was built around the time we graduated from VMI. As John said, “It has a little age on it, just like us.” Being on the Outer Banks, it is in a pretty harsh weather and storm environment, and John has spent some time and money getting it up-todate. John is pleased with his efforts and said the place is good for another 40 years. John found out through the prayer line meeting that Frank and Melody Cole were in Nags Head, and he was able to reconnect with them after 40 years. In fact, the last time they were together was at Frank and Melody’s wedding. They had a great time sipping sangria and catching up for all the lost time. John also let me know that he has been in contact with our BR Joe Rizzolo. Joe is currently a professor of chemistry at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. John recently made a trip to VMI and found his brick in front of barracks and saw that Joe’s brick was next to his. John’s son, John IV attended Norwich, class of ’07, and Joe kept an eye on him while he was there. John said Joe hasn’t been back to VMI since March 1976. Thanks, John, for filling us on Joe’s whereabouts, and Joe, come on down, we would all love to see you.

Ken Gerard sent a quick note to say that he is healing well from prostate surgery earlier this year and wants to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this ordeal. He is looking forward to the fall and football season, and he and Lu are planning on visiting their son in the Akron area and take in the VMI versus the University of Akron game at the same time.

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Uncle Dave Schuyler checked in to say he is enjoying retirement, but he is substitute teaching for the Roanoke County School System and also still enjoys the summer teaching programs. He plans on attending several football practice sessions as well as the games.

Ollie and Bonnie Way traveled to Boston and Amherst to celebrate the graduation of Barrett Way ’08 from the University of Massachusetts, where Barrett received his Master of Business Administration degree. In August, Ollie and Bonnie are then headed out for a river cruise down the Danube River ending up in Munich, where they will be visiting Dachau and participating in Oktoberfest, which will be in season at the time of their visit. They will be traveling with Bonnie’s sister and her husband and also with Nat and Nancy Hamner. Ollie also hopes to see his BRs at any of the four home games this season.

Received a nice note from Dan Darnell, who reported that he and Vickie are doing well in northern Virginia. Their typical weekend over the summer was spent usually at the pool with their seven grandchildren who all live within a two-hour radius. Dan has been doing a lot of international business travel and has just returned from the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire, England. He, too, is looking forward to seeing our BRs this upcoming football season. Dan stated that Coach Wachenheim and his staff are building the foundation for a solid program, and he’s looking forward to improvement this season.

Tad MacGowan finished his spring by surprising Bev with an uncharacteristic serendipitous trip to Boston for a weekend getaway. Well, on their second day, there was a knock on the door, and Bev’s daughter and two grandchildren were there for a surprise visit. As Tad said, “The rest of the story” was that Bev’s daughter, Bridget, called Tad and said the family had a layover in Boston on a cruise to England and would he consider surprising her mother by meeting there. Tad didn’t think he could pull it off, but he did. He said it was awesome to see how excited Bev was when she opened that door. Also in May, Tad’s brother, Mark, paid a visit with news that after 25 years in the Denver Youth with a Mission, they will be relocating to Australia/Papua New Guinea.

More places for Tad and Bev to visit. In June, Tad’s son, Kyle, graduated from high school followed by a trip to the Outer Banks and then on to a hike on the Appalachian Trail from Front Royal to Harper’s Ferry. Following this, they are headed

to Newport News for an interview with the Apprentice School, which was established 100 years ago to support the needed skills for the Newport News Shipyard. There are 200 spots for 2,000 applicants, and Kyle has made it to the interview stage. On Father’s Day, Tad and the four children took a kayak trip from Annapolis to Mallow’s Bay in southern Maryland on the Potomac River. He has also parted with his Snark sailboat and moved on to sailing a Laser, which is the same length, but it is heavier and wider on the beam and is therefore a more stable craft to sail. He has logged a 15-mile trip in it so far and is planning a 40-mile sail in the future.

Art Nunn tells me that he and Judy were blessed with their fourth and fifth grandchildren – grandsons – in Raleigh and New Orleans. He also reported that, at the beginning of the year, he started a new company, CTN, LLC, which provides field services across the country for emergency generators and other diesel powered equipment.

He for sure thinks that he is insane for starting a new business this late in life, but as he said, whoever said he was sane? Art’s daughter, Alison, was married in Richmond in April and daughter, Pam, was married three months later in Charleston. He reported that he and Judy are now physically, mentally and financially exhausted. Allen and Sandy Morgan were able to make Pam’s wedding in Charleston and helped Artie and Judy celebrate. Art always thought that as we moved into our 60s, life was supposed to get a bit easier.

Not so! Art is also looking forward to the football season and seeing BRs at the games.

Randy Frank wrote that Doug Conte and his significant other, Monica Dewitt, paid a visit to Randy’s home in Bellingham. This was Doug and Monica’s first visit to this area, and it looks as if they had a good time. The weather was perfect, and Randy and Terry were able to show Doug and Monica many sites in the area, to include a visit to Deception Pass and Edmonds, where the Seattle VMI Alumni Chapter held their annual picnic. Randy wanted to quell any rumors that may be out there, but there were no visits to any local recreational marijuana shops that populate the evergreen state.

My brothers, another great update from all of you. I hope you all had a wonderful summer and that VMI had a winning athletic season this fall in all sports.

In the spirit, Bob

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1976

William Bhatta

Here is a post-40th Reunion update: Based on your donations and proceeds from the 1976 quilt auction, we raised $1,600.00 to be donated in Curtis Butterworth’s memory to help sustain his previous work in the Hopewell, Virginia, area through the West End Presbyterian Church.

Based on feedback from Donna, the donation was allocated between two causes close to Curtis’ heart: The first being the Good News Bible Club to purchase bibles for all the children participating in next year’s Good News Club, and the remainder went to the Deacon’s Mercy Fund to assist those in the community who have a need. Donna said, “Please let all of Curtis’ brother rats know how grateful I am that you honored Curtis’ memory in such a manner. My heartfelt thanks to each of you. VMI will always be close to my heart!”

Speaking of the 1976 quilt, Bill and Debbie Neal won the raffle, but they surprised Mark and Libby Swank by sending it to them in May. Libby said, “Think back to the class party at the pavilion ... the raffle prize won by Bill Neal. I almost stole it from him, as he was wearing it around his shoulders.”

Bill and Debbie figured out Libby really wanted to win the raffle. Libby said, “I had a surprise delivery today ... they sent it to me! It came with the most wonderful note saying, ‘Libby, I know you really wanted this very unique and special VMI quilt, and Debbie and I would like you to have it.

We don’t have a good place to display this striking work of art and are confident it will be used and displayed in your home. Mark has been a good, if too distant, friend for over 40 years and ... I would be honored if you would accept this quilt.’” Libby said, “Honored is an understatement, to say the least! Mark got all choked up, I had goosebumps ... and we found the perfect place to hang it on a wall upstairs in the den.”

Two minor reunion administrative actions: (1) If Mack Curle (former class reunion treasurer) and I get struck by a meteor, the commercial 1976 reunion bank account was transferred to the VMI Alumni Agency 1976 reunion bank account to avoid recurring account fees; (2) I still have three reunion polo shirts available (one large and two extra-large) for $40.00 each, if anyone would like to purchase one.

In other brother rat news: Andre Koneczny’s nephew will be at the Institute by the time you read these notes. William matriculated from Kansas City, Missouri. By chance, I was in the Kansas City area this past summer visiting family, so I was able to attend William’s rat send-off party at a local pizza establishment. Unbeknownst to

Class of 1976: At the rat send-off in Kansas City, Missouri, Aug. 6, 2016, were, from left, front row, William Koneczny ’17+3; Jeff Vordermark ’79 and Dave Northcraft ’73, new cadet recruiting chairman for the Kansas City Alumni Chapter. Back row: Bill Bhatta and David Bhatta ’06.

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Class of 1976: Rocky Glass and Doug Hines at the open house of Revelation Craft Brewery, a new brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Doug’s son, Brett, is the assistant brewer at the brewery.

Class of 1976: From left, Jim and Sharon Joustra with Michelle and Bill Bhatta testing Florida’s wine at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards in Clermont, Florida.

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Class Notes

Class of 1976: The Class of 1976 quilt auctioned at the 40th Reunion in April. me, our dyke line was represented at the event

by Dave Northcraft ’73, the new cadet recruiting chairman for the Kansas City Alumni chapter; Jeff Vordermark ’79; and myself, with an assist from David Bhatta ’06.

Doug Hines celebrated his son’s (Brett) wedding this past summer in Ocean City, Maryland.

Rocky and Betsy Glass, John and Lillian Swain, and John and Terri Coleman also attended the event. Doug said, “It was good to get together away from the Institute. We had a great time, but unfortunately, too short of a time.” Rocky and Doug decided to take a week of vacation and cool it on the beach, since they were already there.

That’s it for now. It’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit outside right now, but by the time you read these notes, it will be much cooler! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday!

1977

Steve Neas

Dear Brother Rats, Greetings from the valley. I usually submit my notes one minute before they are due to the AR staff. This edition was submitted a full week before they were due. What has caused

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this extreme proactivity on my part, you ask? Last year, Denise’s daughter suggested they backpack the John Muir Trail in the Sierras. Denise spent the much of 2015 preparing and training. When the time came, her daughter had not prepared, so the trip did not happen but gun was loaded and cocked, so to speak. Being the dutiful husband, I said I would go with her next year ... so Monday Aug. 8, we flew out to Mammoth Lakes, California, donned a backpack and off we went. The event has caused me to get off my butt, lose some weight and do some conditioning. I have spent my lunch times in July running the VMI stadium stairs. If you saw me in October, I made it.

On to more exciting news: Mark Hunt’s father-in-law is Col. Louis “Ramrod” Hundley ’47. Colonel Hundley resides in Kendal, a local retirement community in Lexington. Many of our professors now reside at Kendal. Mark and Mary Lou held a birthday party for Ramrod on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Mark asked our ’77 biology majors to write remembrances and good wishes for their old professor. The birthday party was attended by Maj. Gen. Morgan, Col. Minnix, Col. Carpenter, Col. Peters and many others. Mary Lou and Mark surprised Ramrod with remembrances provided by ’77 printed in a booklet along with 1st Class pictures of ’77’s biology majors. Mark read the remembrances aloud at the party to much applause and laughter! Some editing was required due to the presence of ladies. Colonel Hundley thoroughly enjoyed the stories and anecdotes.

The stories of his impact on us mean the world to him.

Morris Slagle reports that his first grandchild is due in October.

Steve Turley had an employment change in April. After serving the North American Aerospace Defense Command-Air Force Space Command C2 and Ground Sensors Program Office for almost 17 years. Due to contract shakeups, Department of Defense contract types are well aware of, Steve made a move from Jacobs Engineering to Riverside Research Institute; a longtime Columbia University established non-forprofit organization based out of New York City.

Steve now works as a principle systems engineer still based in Colorado Springs supporting the Boston-based radar lab and working from a home office. His support is focused on sustainment studies of two aging C-band radar systems that are needed to support space track information for Air

Force Space Command and others. (And I can barely change the batteries in my headlamp for my trip!)

J.D. Johnson wrote noting that things are going well for him and Cheryl in Washington, D.C. J.D. has joined Raytheon as the vice president for Army and Special Operations Forces Business Development. J.D. finds the work fascinating with lots to learn but a great chance to provide the right kit to our troops.

Paul Jones has been in communication with Joe Molina. Joe is now the chaplain at The Citadel.

The rumor is Joe will be coming to The Citadel game this year. Paul plans to see us at the 40th.

Terry Wolfe provided this story about the flooding in Houston: “With back-to-back floods, Houstonians had quite a mess on their hands.

But you know me and Debbra, we could not sit idly by; we had to pitch in. Fortunately, our church, Fellowship of the Woodlands, asked Samaritan’s Purse to assist us. Samaritan’s Purse rallied their entire ministry and headed to our main campus in the Woodlands. It was an amazing site to see our church step up with hundreds of volunteers to go into devastated neighborhoods and begin the cleanup process. Several of my fellow members, who are in the construction business, led individual teams into these areas to provide technical assistance for removal of drywall, cabinetry, flooring, furniture and personal clothing from individuals’ residence. We all brought our own personal tools to augment Samaritan Purse,

Class of 1977: Steve Kelly and Rich Howell after the completion of the Storming of Thunder Ridge Bicycle Ride.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes who provided shovels, wheelbarrows, crow bars, summer, Steve visited Rich in Williamsburg af- 45-miler, with its 3,200 vertical feet of climbing, hammers, razor knives, brooms, wet vacs, spray- ter Steve had been riding a while. They reported that was challenging enough. As they pushed ers and the list goes on. All of the team leaders having a great day, doing around 40 miles or through the winter, now committed to the ride, they worked hard to eke out as much training as were volunteers and came from all over the coun- so on the Cap-2-Cap Trail. They later decided try. What a ministry of love and selfless service. they would participate in an organized ride the possible and challenged each other via Facebook.

With the ride set for May 22, they deWe eventually expanded our efforts to our own community, Humble, Texas, cided to get together in Lynchburg for which also experienced flooding along a trial run training ride in April. Steve the west fork of the San Jacinto River. had just gotten a new cycle computer The flood waters almost reached the with GPS guidance but hadn’t used top of the U.S. 59 overpass. Some it much at that point. They got the people were just overwhelmed when course downloaded and hit the trail we showed up with two dozen workon Saturday morning. It was a beautiers to completely demo their homes. ful day for riding, and they both felt A Vietnam veteran told me that the good as they pushed out. But ... reestimate for doing what we did for his member, Steve hadn’t used the new house was $16,000. So, he was able computer much, and they missed a to apply that savings to his deductible turn about 10 miles in. (“Recalculatand afford the remodeling repairs. Class of 1977: From left, Dr. Yanyong Phataralaoha, Don ing route.”) From there on out, it was Most, if not all, of the people we Browder and Gen. Yai Kasemsant during Browder’s recent visit a series of navigational challenges. focused our efforts on where elderly to Thailand.

In the end, they clocked 60 versus couples that were on fixed incomes. the 45 miles they set out to do and Some had flood insurance, and some over 4,000 feet of vertical climbing didn’t. Samaritan’s Purse sent out asversus the 3,200 planned. Needless to say, they proved two things: 1) sessors to interview neighborhoods to Navy guys can’t land navigate, and 2) focus our efforts on the most in need. they could absolutely do the 45-mile I can honestly say that every time I ride. In May, they joined around 173 thought I was giving to someone in other riders as part of the STOR ride, need, that person or couple would now fully trained on the navigational bless me more than they would ever equipment, but this time, clad in their know. I know that some of you gave matching VMI riding jerseys (as Steve money to support the effort, and evdubbed them, “The Bike’n BRs”). It ery dime was well spent. The logistics was a damp start, but things improved effort is mind boggling. We fed every throughout the morning for another team and family we served a lunch great riding day. This time, they finduring the work day. Some of these folks had not had a hot meal in days. ished right on time and were met by Our cooking teams put one hell of a their ladies waiving the VMI flag as spread for anyone on the neighborthey rounded the last corner at the finhood block who came by to see us in ish line. Rich is calling for a full team action. What an outpouring of Chrisof Super ’77 riders on future rides.

Chris Nash provided the following tian love.” What a great testimony, testimony to the Super ’77 bonds: “I Terry. have to share this with you, BR. I sent Terry’s Force Engineering continues to work hard serving their clients. Class of 1977: Mark Hunt with Col. Louis “Ramrod” Hundley ’47 out a note for a personal concern to family, friends, brother rats and other They have projects going in several on the occasion of Hundley’s 90th birthday.

VMI brethren. If it helps a single perstates, and the workload has not softened a bit. The 60-hour work weeks are some- next spring, so they signed up for the Storming son, the time to write it was well spent. Of all of times challenging, and Terry wonders how much of Thunder Ridge ride, an annual charity ride those who have responded, 90 percent are the longer he will keep this pace. Debbra says he is in Lynchburg, Virginia. The course challenges two latter groups (BRs and VMI brothers). That done at 65. I guess we will see how that turns out! riders with a lot of climbing terrain. There are is true testament to the strength and longevity Steve Kelly got into cycling after he and Rich 100-, 75-, 45- and 27-mile rides. Because this was of those bonds that tie us all. We all walked the Howell talked at our fall 2014 mini reunion. Last their first such ride, Steve and Rich opted for the same Rat Line. Oftentimes, Lisa has and will

2016-Issue 4

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Class Notes continue to ask why I have more VMI friends than non-VMI friends. My answer is two-fold. 1) I would much rather have VMI friends than 90 percent of those who I come in contact with day in and day out. I can trust them and for a host of many reasons including I could jump into a foxhole with a majority of VMI people, and the question of whether I can trust my VMI foxhole mate with my life does not come up. 2) When I go to Ruth Chris for a nice, expensive steak, I know the waiter will deliver a tasteful/top choice piece of beef. Therefore, I do not ask if hot dogs are on the menu (although I do enjoy a good hot dog now and then), but my point is this: Once you’ve had a taste of great filet mignon, going back to a hot dog is just not the same. Ball park hot dog (non-VMI friends) does not equal filet mignon (VMI men) equals ‘help received’ on this formula from BR Mullins.”

Finally a correction: in the last edition notes I referred to our dear brother rat Tom Orrell as Terry Orrell. Why in the world would I do that?

Just to show you that despite what you may think, I am not perfect. My apologies, Tom; remember, great artists always flaw their work.

Cheers!

Steve Neas

1978

Tom Brown

Salutations, Brother Rats, This edition of notes comes to you as the result of a company challenge. I was greatly surprised by the response to checking in by company. The company spirit lives! To be fair, I am reporting by company order as we marched out for parade, so Band Company will lead us off.

Band Company Allen Moore: “Not much to report. All’s well here. I stopped into Lexington last May with my daughter and son-in-law for dinner at Niko’s when I found I couldn’t open the door. That’s because Mark McKissick was holding it shut. Anyway, it was great to see Mark and Ann-Ashby.

That’s all I have. Susan and I invite any brother rats who are traveling between Winchester and Leesburg on Route 7 to drop in for a cold one.

We are very easy to find.”

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Jim Doyle: “Doing well in Florida. Working on personal fitness right now to get down to my fighting weight by hitting the gym regularly and eating high nutrition. Lost 12 pounds of fat and put on about 4 of muscle in just six weeks – about 25 more to go. Doing a fair amount of recreational boating and living the good life. Occasionally meeting up with Joe Tulskie and his lovely wife, Barbara, when they come down to the Cocoa Beach area for retreat to the tropical get-away about every month or so. We had a blast jet skiing at crazy speeds in and around the Banana River and Indian River. Mixing some social and business ventures and talking some good old VMI stories from the days at the ‘I.’” Vagel Keller: “Hay down and all duty. Well, some duty, anyway. I’ve had fun with a part time teaching gig in the history department at Carnegie Mellon for the past two years, after a three-year hiatus, and it looks like it will continue for a while – or at least until the student government finds out there’s a dangerously over-educated, safe-space threatening military retiree loose on campus. Debbie and I spent two glorious weeks in Chile midwinter, and by the time these notes hit the mail, we will have spent a couple weeks in Maine.”

Tom Tanner: “Doing great; just finished our dock and starting our new house at Smith Mountain Lake. My roomies, Dave, Mark, Greg, honorary room 161 member Allen Moore and all spouses, are doing our annual reunion in October at Hilton Head.”

Greg Gearhart: “This is a competition Band Co. might be able to win. Lucado, Tanner, McKissick and Allen Moore and I are looking forward to our annual mini reunion in October. I’ll be spending part of September in Mozambique as a civil engineer volunteer with Engineering Missions International. Everyone on these trips is always younger than I am! Smarter, too. Judy and I are expecting our first grandchild around Thanksgiving.” Dave Lucado and Mike Oelrich also checked in.

Company A “Hutt, J.W., A-Co, checking in. Status: All right.

And then some. Just got back from three generations Hutt boys’ trip 2016. Year No. 9 with sons John and Ren and Dad, now 86. Four baseball games: Orioles, Nationals and two minor league games; two rounds of golf (lousy in my case); a few gin and tonics; and a ton of laughs. Blessed am I to be able to do this at all; certainly so with my sons, and especially with my 86-year-old father.

He still plays golf and had his first ever hole-in-one

in December! Pretty darn terrific! Otherwise, all is well here. Work: A four letter word, for sure.”

Bob Fricke: “I’m starting my fourth year as a teacher. I’ve never had to work so hard in my life. My son, Bobby, is starting his 3rd Class year at VMI.” Robert ‘Chops’ Parker: “A bit of the Olympics going on myself that you will appreciate. I’m working again in Taiwan – still with Bechtel. I started swimming again to get my arse back into shape. Up at 5 a.m. every day and in a 50-meter pool doing some of the workout routines that Joyce used to give us. OK, maybe not that intense, but I am doing 1.5 kilometers a day, and it’s paying off; the old Chops is back!”

J.K. Whitmer: “My son, Ben, and his wife, Lucy, moved from New York City to Charlottesville in the summer last year. Betty and I visited them in March and had the opportunity to have a very nice lunch visit with Jay and Paula Hutt at my son’s house. As you may know, Jay introduced Ben to Lucy when she moved to NYC. VMI connection worked well for him! If you could get rid of the state income tax, we just might move back!: Nelson Curtis: “Enjoying the summer weather in upstate New York. Marking 35 years this fall with Genuine Parts Company.”

Rick Wolfe: “Served as volunteer marshals at the recently concluded PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club. Ned Riester was our guest speaker our joint North Jersey/New York City rat send-off. He did a great job.”

Leland Horn: “A Co. is represented in Dallas, where it is still 100!”

Steve Powers: “New Hampshire, counting down for retirement.”

Company B Dick Powell: “I retired at the end of June and moved to Arizona. I finished up working as an independent consultant and systems security engineer for the F-22 program. Now, I’m working on my golf game and enjoying the autumn years of life.”

John Forsyth: “Finally heading back to the U.S. next year in June after 21 years in Germany.

Looking for a house in Charlottesville and hoping to finally see a VMI football game again; it’s been a 38-year hiatus. Might actually attend a reunion, as well!”

Glenn Dallinger: “I will be in Lexington for Founders Day, the Institute Society Dinner and The Citadel game in November.”

Mike McCarthy: “All right, sir. Getting settled

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in at Fort Eustis. The job requires a lot of travel.”

Company C Ken Blythe: “I recently moved from Florida to Virginia and working for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Best regards!”

Dwight Weirich checked in.

Chris Stone: “I realize that I have not checked in for a while. Since all of our kids are now young adults, Cindy and I decided to ‘right size’ and give up the acre on the lake in middle of Virginia Beach and move to the Virginia Beach oceanfront. She has always wanted to live on the beach, so we sold our house and all our furniture and did a winter rental at the beach. We took our clothes, our bikes, the cat and the grill. Cindy called it a staycation.

We loved it so much, we bought a house at the oceanfront and spent two months renovating it.

We don’t have any grass but do have a pool and the Atlantic Ocean as our front yard. Anyone who wants to come visit is welcome. I have been with Clark Nexsen, architecture and engineering, for 23 years now and plan to be here another five then retire. We plan on moving to the Shenandoah Valley upon retirement, but we will see.”

Jim Simons: “I’m gearing up for the fishing club’s annual James River canoe trip. Other than that, it’s been a summer consumed with business travel. It looks like VMI’s new Indoor Physical Training Facility will open with the start of the fall semester. I haven’t been inside yet, but it’s one hell of a building. There was a piece on the evening news that highlighted the renovation of Cocke Hall, as well. It’s absolutely beautiful and will offer the cadets a lot of updated physical training facilities. Too bad they never thought to do such things back in our day.”

Marc Bryant: “All right, sir!”

Bill McCampbell checked in.

Bob Magnan: “Finally got my class ring replaced. It took Herff Jones three tries to get it done without obliterating the detail during the assembly and polishing.”

Company D Tom Sliwoski is doing well in Staunton. He said turning 60 was a strange feeling. He is still trying to get a handle on it as time marches by.

Tom said he needs to figure out the next few years with respect to hobbies, work and life in general.

Ron Dolan: “All right, all up, Delta Company.

Back from Hawaii, (Maui and Kauai) celebrating 35th and family reunion/vacation. Planning to attend Keydet football game against The Citadel.”

2016-Issue 4

“Gary Braswell checking in from Bastrop, Texas. Getting ready to start my 16th year teaching chemistry at Bastrop High School. My son, Dusty, just proposed to his girl, Amy, so wedding coming up soon. My grandson, Dylan, starts 6th grade and loves playing football.”

Jim Mackin: “I’m in an ‘all right place!’ Looking forward to a full week in the Outer Banks at our beach house there!”

Danny Thorton: “Marshaling the PGA and all the fellows in attendance. Rick Wolffe was gracious enough to host many of us at his home, which resembled an ‘old man’s frat house’ by the end of the week.”

Kay, B.G. checked in.

John Tucker: “Summer is going by too quickly!”

Cliff Seibel: “Still here in Fairbanks, Alaska, but time to move into retirement, at least for now.

Sept. 30, I’ll be done with paid labor. I will have almost 38 years of federal service and time to call it quits; too many changes in personnel, policies and practices. Did my active duty time in the Air Force and civilian time with the Navy and Army; the military is changing too much for my liking.

Staying busy. My son is a junior in high school now and playing football. I have been drafted as an assistant coach. Lots of fun working with the kids. Not sure what I’ll do next but will certainly take some time to concentrate on home projects, hunting and fishing. That’s about all that’s new up here in the Last Frontier.”

Tim Berkheimer checked in.

Harry Seipp: “Reporting as ordered, sir!”

Dac Colden and Bob Wright checked in.

Joe Cafarella: “Loving retired life in Ohio, golfing and boating.”

Company E Paul Campbell, status check is OK. Dave Mecredy: “Checking in to say that I am doing well in Minnesota. Lots of things going on: youngest daughter getting ready to go off to college (University of Northwestern St. Paul), youngest son getting ready to start his second year in tech school for small engines. As for me, change is coming in my job. QLogic was bought

by Cavium a month or two ago, and we are all waiting to see what happens with the consolidation that usually occurs. Susan and I had the opportunity to take a road trip in May with the two youngest kids (they can help drive now). We had the opportunity to stop in Richmond and spend the night with Bill and Nancy Robertson, before heading on to Lexington. In Lexington, we visited with the daughters of Jerry Eggleston ’51, Cindy Robertson (Eggleston) and Nancy Brand (Eggleston). Jerry, who died recently, was my dad’s (Jim Mecredy ’52) best man and my godfather. There were many memories to share.”

Paul Mitchell: “While driving from Columbus, Ohio, to Richmond, as I neared the exit off I-64 for VMI, I sang the first verse of ‘The Spirit of VMI’ (I don’t know the other verses), the ‘VMI

Class of 1978: A contingent of VMI alumni volunteered as marshals on the 4th hole at the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club. Pictured were, from left, standing, Jeff Yates, Bill Hardy, Bert Loflin, Danny Thornton, Ronnie Milligan, Mike Mezzacca ’89, Keith Austin (University of Virginia ’76), Rick Wolffe and Allen Ramer ’80.

Kneeling: Billy Way, Tollar Nolley ’80 and John Blankenship ’80. Present but not pictured were J.J. Marshall ’77, Bland Massie ’77 and Elliott Wolffe ’80.

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Class Notes Doxology’ and gave an Old Yell for ’78. Then I snapped a salute towards VMI as I passed it. (I couldn’t see it through the foliage, though you can in the winter months.)”

Joe Tulskie: “Went by the Institute to get some decals; post is getting ready. That training facility is huge. I wonder if you can train while on confinement. Back in Philly looking for engineering work! TREC Group Inc. Nephew Jimmy Tulskie will be a new rat, 2017+3. Keep Bruce Wells in your prayers; he is making a comeback.

Yo, from Philly.”

Mike Moore: “It’s been a while since I last checked in, so here is what is going on. I retired in late 2013 and still live in Richmond, where I own Sportscar Workshops, an auto repair, restoration and sales shop specializing in vintage and unique sports cars. I spend time working on and racing my vintage Lotus race cars, traveling, playing golf and supporting my local Boy Scout Troop. I hiked the Appalachian Trail 1,200 miles from Harper’s Ferry to Maine. I plan to do the southern section from Virginia to Georgia next spring if anyone wants to come along!” Frank Fountain checked in.

Company F Garry Spencer: “All right from F-Troop! Lately, I’ve been thinking less about work and more about retirement; age has caught up with us.”

Ron Lee Jr.: Norfolk Southern Corp.

J.G. Yates: “Retired Norfolk Southern as railroad executive Feb. 1 this year after almost 38 years of service.”

Alec Earle: “We’re now over the halfway point on our Canadian Maritimes RV adventure and having a great time. We’re finishing our visit to Newfoundland and board the ferry for an overnight trip to Nova Scotia.”

Bob Simpson: “I can report for Echo and Foxtrot since Echo released me after 3rd Class year.

Foxtrot was where I belonged! I will even check in, however ignominiously, for gim co, where I spent a number of weeks on crutches after breaking my big toe in Hammond, Louisiana, trying to catch a train that Sid Huguenin swore would be a cinch (yeah, sober maybe). I swear to this day the toe wasn’t broken until Bob Brown fixed it in the back seat of his car after we cleared the empties.

But, I digress. Oh, and the No. 1 club, truly select company.”

Terry Dorn: “When killing and fighting get them down, They know their morale can’t droop. As long as they all relax in town. Before

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they resume with a bang and a boom, F Troop!”

Tom English checked in.

Unfortunately, I did not get everyone identified by company, so here are some additional updates. George Relyea: “First time reporting in, since I’m the only VMI alum in the Evansville, Indiana, tristate area, I usually don’t have much to report. But my wife and I just got back from a 17-day trip to Kenya, and I thought I’d report that in. I’m sending a couple of pics in case you find them useful. The purpose of our trip was to help in providing medical care to two small villages in northern Kenya: Ekerenyo and Dago. This part of Kenya is in the Great Rift Valley. My job was to determine people’s prescription needs for eyeglasses and then to find the best pair of glasses for them from the 3,000 pairs of used glasses we had. After the two weeks of medical camps, we took a two-day safari in the Masai Mara, which is Kenya’s part of the Serengeti Plain. We saw some pretty awesome wildlife: Elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, a leopard, water buffalo and lots of wildebeest, zebras, antelopes and gazelles.

The whole trip was fabulous and busy. I could’ve stayed.”

Chip Schelhorn: “I am still living in Jupiter, Florida, with my wife, Julie, and our 15-year-old, Carlie, who is already taking college classes and wants to get her Associate of Arts degree at the same time she graduates from high school. (Like her sister did.) Our oldest daughter, Christie, just graduated from Florida State University with honors from their nursing school. She is working for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville in the cardiovascular department as a BSN nurse. The family is going to Hawaii to the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai as a graduation present to our daughter. Our youngest, Carlie, has planned all of the excursions. We live in beautiful Jupiter with clear blue water, and we’re going back to Hawaii.

When I got married 28 years ago, we went to Hawaii for two weeks. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is on our list again. My sister got us a suite there 28 years ago for $75 a night that’s now $550 per night. I wanted my daughters to experience the awesome view of Diamond Head. We have been to all of the islands, and this will most likely be our last trip back to Hawaii. I love the mountains, and my goal is to have a place out west to ski; a couple of more years, God willing. P.S.: Let’s see what VMI can do this year in football.”

Hugh Crawford: “I’ve been on a yearlong walkabout (with some teaching in Wellington,

New Zeland, and Oxford sandwiched in). I started in August backpacking the bit of the Pacific Crest Trail that crosses into Canada with one of my sons (365 km). Starting in September, I backpacked the New Zealand Te Araroa, their national trail which goes from Cape Reina on the north island to Bluff on the south (almost 4 months, 3,000 km). After teaching a while, I went to Nepal for the Helambu and Annapurna circuits (total 300 km) which included crossing Thorung La (altitude 17,769 feet); then a brief visit to Tanzania to visit another of my sons and climb Kilimanjaro (altitude 19,341 feet). From Africa, I flew to France and hiked the Camino Frances track of the Camino Santiago, crossing the Pyrenees and northern Spain into Galicia and Santiago de Compostela (780 km). I plan a few more treks before teaching in Oxford later this summer, returning to the states in August.

I’ve worn out four pairs of shoes so far but have enjoyed living out of a small backpack for almost a year. The treks and some assorted essays can be found at walkinghome.lmc.gatech.edu.”

That does it for this edition. Thanks for all the input. We will be having another competition for the next set of notes, also. Look for the email or Facebook post. If you do not get either, please email me. Thanks for making this a great set of your notes.

In the spirit.

1979

Michael Ogden

For those of you who have not heard, we lost Rick Cadugan after his long battle with cancer this summer. Karen was very appreciative of the flowers and BR attendance at his wake. This news is never easy, and cancer just does not play fair. Rick will be sorely missed. Sucks.

In case you missed it, BR Chuck “Grunt” Smith has been named deputy superintendent for finance, administration and support at VMI. Chuck will succeed Brig. Gen. Robert L. “Bob” Green ’67, who will retire after the fall 2016 semester. That brings not only another ’79 into the VMI hierarchy (and housing around the “parade deck,” ah, I mean “ground” ... sorry, Tom Trumps ... just ticks him off when I do

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes ... We have less light out here, for some reason. he’s fine and now getting Army retirement while that, I might add) but also means that along with the dean, Jeff-rey Smith, two Foxtrots, as Barbara and I are fine. We just booked a trip to sorting through the Veterans Affairs system. well. Reminding everyone that “it is all about Canadian Rockies for early September and are Visited Sput Leadbetter several times at the me,” I cannot tell you how much fun this fall’s looking forward to getting to the cool in several cottage; he and his pup resumed their sentinel VMIAA Board of Directors meetings will be. ways. Three-10 in/out of Calgary; we plan to of the Chesapeake at Antipoison Neck – they see/hike in Banff and Jasper National Parks. will be at their post until late October (weather ’79, ’79, ’79!

Jeff Beeby dropped me a note: “I have fully In the BR contact department, Brad Jones and dependent); he was in need of a push mower, retired from Virginia Tech, and escaped from Meade Spotts helped my daughter, Alyssa, get and I hooked him up. Sput and I noted via Blacksburg. (Far beyond the hills of Blacks- an interview with Virginia Game and Inland Facebook that John George had visited George burg, in a field of rye...) We have moved to our Fisheries; she is keeping an eye out for when they Eliades and Dave Crawford; we vowed to catch up with John next time he was in wooded mountain retreat – more like town, which might be as early as a hilltop, actually. I hope to perfect September. Talked with Nectar Pace my mastery of doing the two things a few weeks back, too. He, Marion I am best at making: Sawdust and and the boys are doing fine, and we scrap wood. Now, if I could just find talked about retiring about the same a market for it.” time and how we looked forward to Third Class roomie Ed Buck wrote, it. Texted Reggie and Linda Sadler – “Hope your summer is going well saw them on Facebook – he gets to and thought I would finally drop you the beach house to join the gals on a note. The summer has been great! the weekends. Got an email from My daughter got married to a great Pete Alvarez; they are doing fine in guy in July, and we are still talking semi-retirement in North Carolina.” about it and looking at the pictures Thanks, bro! and videos. So, my oldest boy is a Dean E. Smith penned, “Another priest, my daughter is married and I Class of 1979: Three brothers-in-law, married to three sisters still have a 16-year-old at home who from Lexington: Jeryl Salmond, Johnny Garnett ’78 and Ronnie summer almost gone. I took a new job helping on the delivery of federal is a junior in high school. I’ve been Moore ’76. construction and working to make it spending the summer in Ocean City, safer. Last year, I got a jump-start on New Jersey, and enjoying the beach. the ‘wall,’ developing the largest land It’s been so hot that golf has been port of entry at San Ysidro, Califorout, and sitting on the beach is in. I think the older we get, the more we nia. I was blown away at the volume start thinking about our past, and esof pedestrians and vehicles crossing the border – legally and not. It was pecially our BRs. When is the next fun negotiating with the Mexican reunion, as I want to attend? (Spring government and local politicians on 2019!) I still live outside Philly in both sides of the border. My youngWest Chester, Pennsylvania, and actually very close to a few alumni. est daughter is back in Alabama, I’m trying to talk my 16-year-old into and the only near term benefit I get applying to VMI, but I think that is is tickets to watch Roll Tide win anan uphill battle. But, we’ll see what Class of 1979: At the ’79 brother rat breakfast at Cracker Bar- other season. Caught up with Dan rel in Manassas, Virginia, July 9, 2016, were, standing, Anthony happens, as this is the year we start Sheahan, still living in Spokane, and Pais, Glen Taran, Dave Riedel, Phil Southers, Eric Schwarz, Mike the college visits. I’m enjoying the Staso and Doug Doerr. Sitting: Randy Hawkins, Jeff Goldhardt he’s spent another summer going Facebook posts (We have a ’79 page!) and John Poffenbarger. to camp with the college juniors for from BRs and would love to friend ROTC. He’s a grandpa, and his chilwhoever is out there on Facebook. Also, if any- hire next. Got a lot of the bush hogging done dren are all doing well.” before the VMI picnic at Spott’s estate, but the John Arthur was able to meet up with roomone is in the area, please email or give me a call.

I live close to the Victory Brewery, and we can tractor broke before I could finish, then couldn’t mate Kelly Lombard for dinner in Virginia Beach attend this year due to other commitments. We back in early August. Kelly’s business operates have a night out on me.”

Now, here’s a dose of Albronian Gonzo: paid a visit to Noel Harris; he and his gals are out of the Charleston, South Carolina, area, and “Greetings from southern Maryland – Wash- doing fine – all as pretty and busy as ever. Noel a project brought him to Tidewater for a business ington Pravda notes, ‘It’s one of the better places and I have the ‘blind squirrel finds an acorn’ thing meeting. John and Jess also ran into me and Jim to observe the Perseid showers in the D.C. area’ going for us. Called Bill Smithson in Charleston; and Sarah Harrington at the Western Tidewater

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Class Notes new cadet rat send-off barbecue. That was a fun time, especially seeing Jess and Sarah, although I had to scoot in order to pick up Renee and meet for dinner on the Eastern Shore with vacationing Pete and Anita Underwood and Phil and Carmela Southers at Mallards (Yo, bro!) in Onancock.

(Some geography: We live on the southern end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore; the rat send-off was an hour south in Portsmouth and dinner in Onancock, an hour north of where we live. You do the math. It was a VMI kinda day!) A grand time was had by all, even if we had to endure Pete’s hypothesis of how the name Onancock came from some oddly twisted scripture vice, like everything else on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, named after an actual Indian Tribe. What?

Bob Sievert with this issue’s largest entry: “Work for me continues to be crazy busy. At this point, I’m traveling almost every week to either Missouri or Ohio to work with their state procurement offices there. In Missouri, I’m helping them implement an eProcurement system. In Ohio, I’m helping them work toward a request for proposal to get an eProcurement system. I’m also working with Nebraska and Oregon procurement offices on eProcurement projects, but haven’t had to travel a whole lot. Closer to home, I have two Virginia projects that I’m fitting in. One is just occasional help with one agency trying to reform their internal procurement practices. The most interesting one is around procurement training.

“Earlier this year, my boss asked me if I knew

of any company that we could partner with to put in a bid to Virginia for a procurement training contract that will be useable by all states. Seems the RFP asked for a lot of training courses other than procurement, which is what we focus on. So I did a little homework on companies registered in Virginia to do training. Lo and behold, I spot a company run by a Bob “Stosh” Morris. Long story short, I reached out to Stosh to see if he’d be interested in partnering, and in true brother rat fashion, he leaped in with both feet. It was a long and challenging journey, but we won and are one of nine companies with a contract from this. Stosh and I have been working closely together in recent weeks, as this contract has gone live and needs to have the courses put together as catalogs in both the Virginia eProcurement system, eVA, and a national eProcurement system for all other states.

The other benefit of all this effort came in our onsite meetings here in Richmond. Stosh reached out to Meade Spotts, who graciously let us use conference rooms in his office, which gave me the chance to catch up with Meade.”

Bob continued, “On a non-work front, Angela has ‘retired’ (congratulations from Renee and I!) from her volunteer work as a wildlife rehabber, so she can be available to do some travel with me. Seems that’s the only way we’ll have meaningful time together for a good while. So far, she has traveled once to Missouri and once to Ohio with me. Coming up, though, we are getting more adventurous. This coming week, I have to go to

Class of 1979: VMI sports legends gathered to support the summer 2016 VMI College Orientation Workshop Golf Tournament. Pictured at the event were, from left, kneeling, Anthony Moore ’78 (track), Marvin Watts ’74 (football), Gene Scott ’80 (track). Standing: Greg Weaver (football), Gene Williams ’74 (football), Paul Perry ’80 (track), Ronnie Moore ’76 (football), Andre Gibson ’78 (football), Jeff Washington ’80 (football), Glen Jones ’78 (football), Steve Oddi ’78 (football).

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Missouri until midweek and then fly to Ohio. Angela is going to fly to Ohio to meet up with me.

Of course, this time her incentive is more than me.

Our grandson, Perrin Alexander Sievert, will be visiting Columbus all of next week, so by joining me, she’ll be able to have some ‘grandma time.’

The other big thing we have planned is a trailer trip to New Mexico.

“Our oldest son, Matthew, is finishing up his post-doc at Brookhaven and has a new one in Los Alamos, New Mexico, starting Oct. 3. So, we have decided to combine our desire to do some trailer camping with the opportunity to go to Los Alamos to help our son settle in. Of course, this is all about more ‘grandparents’ time.’ So we have plans to take our Dodge Ram (aka Gun Boat) and tow our 27-foot trailer across the country the last week of September. One other benefit of a visit to Los Alamos is that it puts us three hours from my parents. So, we’ll be able to get some weekend visits to Colorado while we are out there. Once it’s over, the plan, in theory, is to head back to Virginia.

However, if the trip goes well, and I can talk Angela into it, maybe we can try a little ‘vagabonding’ and road trip to someplace else exciting (Las Vegas, maybe...) while we are out west.

“OK, that’s a bunch of what’s going on with us.

Hope you and Renee are doing well. Sure wish my travel and the distance to you guys gave me more time to connect with you two. We’ve always had a great time hanging with you both ... though it goes without saying, Renee is the favorite, right?” Well, duh! Thanks, Bob! Jeryl Salmond recently spent a few days with his brothers-in-law, Johnny Garnett ’78 and Ronnie Moore ’76, in Hampton. Johnny and his wife, Belle, live in the Seattle, Washington, area and came over to celebrate their son’s receipt of his master’s degree. Johnny is retired Army (lieutenant colonel) but is still working, and Ronnie is retired and playing golf. Jeryl is still at Morgan Stanley and preaching. He said, “Retirement is not on my agenda, yet! Imagine this, three brothers-inlaw, 40 years later!” ... and all three wives are sisters from Lexington, yes?

John Kailey writes, “I have made good on my promise to start section hiking the trail. I should have passed mile 70 when you publish this. My goal is at least 100 miles per year, until I retire, and then up to 300 miles per year until I hit Mount Kathadin. Oldest son is thinking about a career or at least a start in the Armed Forces. I am not sure Lisa is quite thrilled with that prospect. About

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to start officiating football again, although I am considering giving up both football and lacrosse.

Weekends are actually something to be enjoyed!”

Doug Doerr reported, “We had another northern Virginia/Maryland BR breakfast in July. Attendees included: Anthony Pais, Gleb Taran, David Riedel, Philip Southers, Eric Schwarz, Mike Staso, Randy Hawkins, Jeff Goldhardt and John Poffenbarger. On the personal side, I have resigned as the scoutmaster of Troop 1390, effective July 2, after we returned from summer camp.

I notified the troop in January of my impending retirement, and the troop is in good hands. I am amazed at having lots of time available! More time to do other things. Biggest news: Our daughter, Kimberly, delivered a baby boy July 14. His name is David Douglas Keatts. Mom, dad and baby are doing well, and Corinne and I are enjoying grandparenthood. I suppose he would be Class of ’38, if he chooses to ‘not be ordinary.’” Congratulations, Doug and Connie!

Mike Staso, our international traveler, wrote, “I am sitting in the Copenhagen airport waiting for my flight to Manila through Bangkok. Out of the country for seven months enjoying retired life.

Plan on spending time this excursion in the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand, as well as wherever interest leads. Any BRs in Asia during this time should give me a shoutout.” Thanks, Mike. Renee might well be traveling to Cambodia this year to visit a friend, so we might be in touch!

John George slid in at the last minute with, “I was in the great Commonwealth recently and had an opportunity to dine at Chez Mule with Dave Crawford and George Eliades. It was wonderful being with them again after 30-some years, since the five-year reunion, anyway. Like many before me have said, we graduated so long ago, but when we get together, we pick right up where we left off.

It was an awakening for two people in particular.

My wife, Janet, has heard my VMI stories for the past 33 years, but meeting Dave and George made her realize the stories I’ve been telling are all true.

Dave’s daughter, Bethany, served as hostess, as his wife was away. She said that she heard her dad talk about brother rats, but she didn’t fully understand what it meant until she saw the three of us together. We didn’t want the evening to end.” I can relate: 25 minutes, not 25 years, eh, Jim LaRose?

Keep moving. That’s what Renee’s motto is these days! Exercise, take the stairs, hike, walk vice ride when you play golf, etc. Just. Keep. Moving.

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The loss of BR Rick Cadugan reminds us all, once again, that we are getting along in years and need to pay attention to our health more and more. Annual physicals, and if something don’t feel right, get it checked out! OK, OK ... off my soap box.

Renee and I are looking forward to seeing some of you this fall at the “I” ... think we will be up that way two or three times.

Stay well.

–M

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period May 16, 2016, through Aug. 15, 2016.

Historically, our notes are written chronologically. However, these notes begin with the sad news of the passing of Dennis McCarty July 24. Paul Burkholder read Dennis’ obituary in a Winchester, Virginia, newspaper and alerted me. Paul also attended the funeral and arranged for flowers on behalf of our class. Thanks, Paul.

The period began with an email from Ed Kopsick. Ed works for the Defense Logistics Agency and has moved back to Germany as the distribution strategic planner for United States Africa Command.

Paul Keel sent an email containing a new home address in Kansas City, Missouri. Paul moved in connection with marrying Angela Hill-Yancey. Their honeymoon was a western Caribbean cruise. Welcome to the VMI family, Angela.

Matthew and Tanya Keys sold their apartment in lower Manhattan and moved to a house they purchased in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area.

Chal Glenn called to wish me a happy birthday. Chal and Robin celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary by taking a boat cruise to Bermuda. They met in high school, where Chal was the quarterback on the football team and Robin was a cheerleader.

May ended with snail mail from Walt and Mary Lynne Wood. They sent a four-page brochure from Peru containing photos and a narrative on their church activities.

June began with an email from Jack Keane.

Jack wrote that Tom “Gunny” Kelly was the honored speaker at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day. Gunny, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, spoke in full-dress uniform. Jack also wrote that he, Massoud Tahamtani and Boyd Gaines attended the retirement ceremony of Jack’s dyke, Dave Phillips ’83, from the U.S. Air Force in Suffolk, Virginia.

Dave and Jeannine Madden sent an email providing their new address in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with an invitation to anyone visiting the area to look them up. Their move from California was due to Dave accepting a position with Lockheed Martin.

Gary Levenson, VMI’s deputy commandant, called. Gary worked VMI’s summer sessions, but he and Karen and their grandson, Tyler, escaped to Myrtle Beach and planned to visit New York City in July. Gary also said that Sean Gallagher works at VMI as an officer in charge.

Pat Griffin also called. Pat planned to attend

Class of 1980: Paul Keel and his bride, Angela Hill-Yancey.

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Class Notes a New Jersey event in July where the superintendent was scheduled to speak. Patti and I did not attend, as the event was held on the Friday following July 4, and we were in the Poconos. Pat’s son, Michael ’17, expects to be commissioned in the Navy. Michael was studying in Europe over the summer. Pat’s younger son, John, is applying to VMI and hopes to be a rat in August 2017.

Bert Schneider sent an email and a photo of his Corvette with a VMI1980 license plate parked in the garage he created in his home in Arizona.

In July, Tom Bersson sent an email announcing that he was leaving Leidos. Also, Rob Quarles retired from Buckman. His son, Fielding, matriculated in August. I retired from the New York City Office of the Actuary to pursue other opportunities.

Patti and I attended the Monday practice round of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol. I learned from his brother that Elliott Wolffe, who is a Baltusrol member, was working as a marshal, but we did not see him. Also, in connection with the passing of Dennis McCarty, I called Chris Dombalis, who roomed with Dennis. Chris was having dinner with John Blankenship, Tolar Nolley and Allen Ramer who, Chris said, were also working at the PGA Championship.

Paul Burkholder sent a text after attending Dennis’ funeral. Paul wrote that Dennis died of a heart attack, and that the service was very well-attended.

Frank Hilton sent a text noting that Aug. 18 marked the 40th anniversary of our matriculation. As Frank suggested, a blast email was sent to our BRs reminding them of the momentous occasion.

Ed Baker called. Ed is an OBGYN surgeon working at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina. Ed and Diana are renovating their Outer Banks house. Their daughter, Katie,

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Class of 1980: Gary and Karen Levenson with their grandson, Tyler, in New York City to celebrate Tyler’s 13th birthday in July.

Class of 1980: Joe Paustenbaugh and Dwight Pearson at a Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Class of 1980: Joe Paustenbaugh and his daughter, Liza, atop Mount Timpanogas in Utah.

lives in San Diego but surprised Ed by showing up at a conference that Ed was attending in Montana. Their son, Charlie, lives and works in Greensboro.

Joe Paustenbaugh sent a note with photos. Joe lives in Liberty, Utah, with his wife, Michelle. Joe’s two daughters, Andrea and Liza, live in Salt Lake City. His son, Luke, lives in Los Angeles. Joe wrote that he enjoys the outdoor activities in Utah, including hiking, biking and skiing.

Joe visited with Dwight Pearson in Pittsburgh, and they attended a Pirates game. Joe wrote that Dwight is planning to retire from the Army in September.

As noted above, Gary and Karen Levenson brought their grandson, Tyler, to New York City for a long weekend to celebrate his 13th birthday. I met them for a brief visit at their hotel Friday morning then had breakfast with Gary Monday morning.

August began with a call and an email from Jack Keane. Jack has scheduled his annual visit to Connecticut in September and plans to host some of BRs the weekend of the ninth. Jack attended Peyton Campbell’s wedding July 30 in the Norfolk area. John Lillard was the best man – an agreement made 36 years ago. Jack also wrote that Dave Gleason was elected president of the Maryland Chapter of the Alumni Association, and Jack was elected first vice president. Finally, Jack was appointed by the governor to serve a four-year term on the Board of Governors of the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center.

The last issue of the Alumni Review contained an article that focused on alumni who were full-time residents of Lexington and who had businesses there. Included were Robby Jones and Jay Melvin. Also included was a review of a book written by John Lillard.

I was copied on an email regarding an annual gathering of our BRs

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in Lexington each fall organized by Mike Luning and Rob Quarles. This year, the event was scheduled for Oct. 6-8 and coincides with Parents Weekend. Also copied were Tom Bersson, Don Bradshaw, Dave Hageman, Larry Hupertz, Jay McConnell, Dixon Tucker and Preston Vock.

The period ended with an email from John Caplice. John wrote that the “Rivah Rats” were planning to meet in late August. The group consists of our BRs with boats and/or houses on the Rappahannock River as well as “Land Rats” and includes Ken Baybutt, John Blankenship, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, Hugh Fain, Dennis Hackemeyer, Steve Ikenberry, Walt Kreitler, Jay Melvin, Tolar Nolley, Josh Priest, Al Ramer and Dan Sweeney and their wives/significant others.

Thank you for your continuing support. Enjoy your summer and please keep in touch.

Class of 1981: Pictured at the Smith Mountain Lake Ski Bash 2016 were, from left, Jim Hart, Clinker Moss, Mark Barthello, Bob “Gator” Underwood, Billy Stamm, John Ditillo, Jeff Adler, Rob Costello, Dave Taylor, Jerry Manley, John Ferry and Ken “Cat Man” Morris.

Williamsburg where he teaches science from sixth grade earth science to senior level physics.

He recently had the good fortune of running into Tom Baltazar ’79 in Mathews, Virginia, while shopping for “health foods” in the local Trip Lloyd grocery store. He and Patricia are enjoying their granddaughter, Analeigh Kay Dixon, and she already has her provisional appointment framed and on her bedroom wall. They had their second grandchild in September.

Dear Brother Rats and Families, Rob Costello shared that everyone had an Autumn is over, and the leaves have left the awesome time Fourth of July weekend with a trees and are covering the ground. Winter is apdozen ’81 brother rats at Jim Hart’s “Plantation proaching. School has started for our children, Point” on Smith Mountain Lake for the 37th and we’re all thinking about holidays. annual “ski bash.” All the attendees challenge Our 35th Reunion is over, and the stories more BRs to attend next year! and pictures will be included in the Jim Waring wrote that he received February Alumni Review, allowing a telephone call back in March from me the time to blur the photographs one of his father’s (M.L. Waring Jr. and take out anything incriminating. ’56) brother rats who told him that Where did that fire hydrant come he had seen his dad at a VMI funcfrom, and what could have happened tion out on the Northern Neck, and to the cannon ball? his dad indicated he wanted to atI am deeply sorrowed to report the tend his 60th Reunion. He recomdeath of Roy Woolwine’s son, Roy mended either Jim or his brother Franklin “Frankie” Woolwine, Jr., Matt Waring ’83 drive his dad to the who died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. He reunion in Lexington from his home was preceded in death by his mother, in Irvington, Virginia. Before the rePaige Willhite Woolwine, and is surunion, Jim ran into our BR Jim Hart vived by his father, Roy Woolwine; in Virginia Beach, and while they step-mother, Emily Mumford Woolwere chatting, Jim told Jim Hart that wine; brothers, Robert and Henry; he was going to the 60th Reunion and sisters, Annie, Mizzy and Sally. Class of 1981: Rob Costello had the pleasure of instructing the for the Class of 1956. Jim Hart told He was born on Feb. 9, 2000, and was last MH-53E simulator event of Xavier Scott ’13 and Josh Haley Jim Waring it would be great, as he ’13 at HM-12 at Naval Station Norfolk. a rising junior at Douglas Freeman had done the same thing a few years

1981

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High School, where he enjoyed being a member of the football and lacrosse teams. He loved the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, jet skiing and spending time with his family and friends at the river. Frankie had an abundant amount of friends from many different places. The family held a celebration of Frankie’s life Aug. 11. Roy offered this advice, “Hug your kids. You just know it can change in a second. One phone call, and life changes.”

John Dixon wrote that all is well on Gwynn’s Island. He and his wife, Patricia, are catching plenty of nice crabs, and the fishing is picking up. Patricia works for Zenith Bank in Gloucester, and John is already preparing for the new school year at Veritas Preparatory School in

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Class Notes prior with his dad and had a wonderful time.

Jim Waring drove his dad to Lexington April 18-19 and accompanied him and his classmates for all the reunion events. Two of his father’s roommates, Bill Stokes ’56 and Dave Blair ’56, also attended, and Jim heard some great VMI “war stories.” His dad and his roommate, Bill Stokes, also served as Army ROTC instructors and TAC officers at VMI from 1965-67, so there were some stories there, too!

Mike Plazcek shared that all is quiet for this time period, and his work is going great. Plaz can’t believe he has already finished his first year with his new company. He does have his priorities in the right place, finishing his letter with, “Grandkids are great!”

C.P. Davis wrote that his eldest son, Tyler, is in Atlanta with Norfolk Southern. His daughter, Courtney, is entering into her senior year at North Carolina State University. His other two sons, Jackson and Thomas, attend Charlotte Latin School and are focusing on travel, baseball, swimming and tennis. C.P. is working in the Virginia Tidewater area with a recent private equity owned acquisition. He says it is, “Great to be back in Virginia!” He was able to connect with Dave Hinchee and hopes to meet up with him soon.

Trip Lloyd and family took summer vacation road tripping to Niagara Falls; Marblehead, Massachusetts; and Montreal. Now everyone is preparing to start school again.

1982

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats, Hope these notes find you well and busy enjoying fall-like weather wherever you are. It has been a tragic summer for our class, as we lost two BRs in June. Matt Poole and Joel Bodnar died within days of each other. According to friends, Matt died as a result of a fall on stairs, and Joel’s was an apparent heart attack. Joseph Poteralski and Curtis Nichols were able to make it to Joel’s funeral service in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Lots of people reflected on the loss and reached out to friends and caught up after several years

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away. Reading the stories on these men makes one proud to have known them. I will not rehash this, but take a moment to look back through our Facebook page for early June, and you will see more on our BRs.

By Aug. 15 (the writing of these notes), J.J. Nau will be on the road moving back to Pennsylvania to be near the new granddaughter. Look for them to maybe even be able to make a football game in Lexington this year. That’s the spirit!

After doing lots of travel vacation last year, Tierney and Mike Ewing made it a staycation year. They did put in a new patio and bought a new car. Other than that, all is well in Arlington.

Mike also pointed out the obvious to me that Bob Louthan is now president of the Alumni Association! Somehow I missed that, too, until I read the last Review. I agree with Mike when he said that Bob is the right man for that job and continues to carry on the Louthan name at VMI. This will probably be the last summer that I get to play Boy Scouts full time. It was my second time being the shooting sports director at our summer camp. After camp was over, I was invited to staff a two-week youth leadership experience at the Boy Scouts of America Northern Tier High Adventure Base near Ely, Minnesota. This is in the beautiful Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; you know, the land of 10,000 lakes and where mosquitos are the state bird. It was while camping in this wilderness that I survived the most harrowing night of my life outdoors. At 2 a.m., without any warning, we were hit by a storm with hurricane-force winds that destroyed our campsite and devastated the region. They call it a “blow down,” because the soil is very shallow, and the trees have no purchase on the rocks beneath their roots. And that is what happened; the trees fell down all around us, either completely or snapping off their tops and crashing down.

Two missed our tent by feet. But we could not know this, because the wind noise was so loud that we never heard them falling. The nine of us evacuated our site and took shelter beside a threefoot tall rock ledge under a tarp I had pulled from our cook kit box for two-and-a-half hours. When dawn broke, we emerged scratched, bruised and mosquito-bitten to a different world. Trees were down everywhere, all the tents were down and everything was soaked. But the canoes were still in working condition, so we packed up and paddled across a windy lake to another equally destroyed site. We had been lucky. A scout and a

female adult leader from Texas had been killed at another lake a few miles away. Many more were injured, and power would be out for over a week when we finally got back to base camp the next day. I can now claim to have survived two hurricanes in Pensacola and one in a tent in Minnesota, plus tornadoes in Tennessee. I hope to never be near anything like it again.

So, anybody got their own fun stories to share? I know by scrolling through on Facebook that several BRs and spouses had some vacation experiences together, additions to families and some job changes. I planned to host another Alumni Association tailgate party when VMI played the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Oct. 22.

Maybe I saw some of you there!

Sincerely, Will Council

1983

Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of May to August 2016. This is traditionally a slow time of year for updates, so please excuse the light mail bag. It is the time of year for rat send-offs, as matriculation is a week away as I write these notes. I was able to attend the send-off hosted by the Charlotte Chapter yesterday at the Lake

Class of 1983: Class Agent Hugh Daughtry said of this photo, “Snake Arnold checks in from St. Thomas. As you can see, Bubba is nowhere in sight.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1983: Scenes from Rich Seymour’s “fini” flight, May 15, 2016, at the Army Aviation Facility, Richmond International Airport, in Sandston, Virginia, including the traditional aircraft spray down; Rich with his family; and Rich taking his final walk off the flight line.

Norman home of Pat Morgan ’54. We are sending eight new cadets this year, to include two baseball scholarship players. We also saw off our first female cadet from the Queen City; a sharp young lady who turned down the Air Force Academy to study physics at VMI. It was a fun time with an impressive group of young men and women who I look forward to seeing with no hair and with chins cranked in this fall.

If you will recall, my last class notes were completed New Market Day, May 15. As reported then, that was the day our Brother Rat Rich Seymour made his “fini” flight with the Virginia Army National Guard. Rich completed 33 years’ service with a flight at the Guard

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Aviation Facility in Richmond. Well done, Rich!

Bill Cornett shot me a link earlier this summer to an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch recognizing three inductees to the Richmond Business Hall of Fame May 19. Charlie Luck was one of the inductees and was looking pretty spiffy in his tux. As most of you know, Charlie, who started his professional career turning cars to the left, is the chief executive officer of Luck Companies. He is the third generation of Lucks to lead that enterprise and was recognized for his contributions to the business community in Richmond.

Mark Roltsch dropped me a note telling me he and his family are now in Pensacola. Mark accepted the position of assistant vice president for research at the University of West Florida.

As a proud UWF alum (Master of Business Administration degree ’87), I was happy to see we are getting such high-quality faculty. Mark says they’re living the dream, loving the beach life and teaching his children to surf. Go Argonauts!

Mark Benvenuto continues to excel as a published author, with three books hitting his desk on the same day. Two of the books were published through the American Chemical Society with one titled, “Metals and Alloys.” You would ask, “How do you make a discussion of alloys, gold and carats interesting?” Well, if you are Mark, you include a picture of your VMI Class of 1983 ring. Don’t believe me, check page 34 and you will see Josten’s finest. Mark said he pitched the idea to his editor, who loved it.

Lynn Seldon reported that he and Cele sold

their house on Oak Island and are officially “homeless” as #midfiftiesgypsies as they search for their next chapter in the mid-Atlantic from the mountains to the sea. He also says his sequel to “Virginia’s Ring” will be called, “Carolina’s Ring,” and it will be published in late 2017. Cele has bounced back well from the donation of a kidney to her cousin, and she and Lynn particularly appreciated all the kind words from the class.

Steve Amato checked in with a Paul Karafa sighting. He and Mary were en route to a family vacation to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and decided to sample the fare at the Camp Lejeune Officer’s Club. While having dinner, in walked Paul Karafa and his girlfriend, Susan.

Since retirement from the Marines, Paul has worked for a private information technology company and lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, not far from his brother, John Karafa ’84. Paul, Susan, Mary and Steve had a great time catching up on life. Steve and Paul last saw each other at the VMI quail hunt sponsored by John Karafa near Surry, Virginia. Not surprisingly, Steve reported that Marine Corps chow was good but definitely not up to Air Force standards. But then again, Steve, what is?

On an unrelated note, Steve reminded me that this year’s game against El Cid Nov. 12 is Military Appreciation Day. Hopefully, you are reading these notes just before that game and can make plans to attend.

Finally, Tony Arnold checked in from St. Thomas in his never-ending quest looking for Bubba Hazelgrove. Snake says Bubba is still

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Class Notes boot. Let’s see if we can tie it all together.

First, let’s recognize a few among the best of us: United States Army Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins assumed command of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aug. 9 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Jack Rose sent a note after the ceremony and passed that it was a fantastic ceremony with “the largest crowd I have seen at a change of command at APG.” Jack had to run to another engagement, so he Class of 1983: Pictured at a VMI guys’ night out at the Boat House in Short Pump Town Center, Aug. missed the photograph after the event. Cedric 7, were, from left, Carter Murray ’09, Cal Murray, continues to pave the way and make us proud.

Cameron Murray ’12, and Cele and Lynn Seldon.

Rear Adm. Matt “Sanka” Carter pinned on his second star last year. Date unknown. In Andy Protogyrou opened Joan’s Antiques in Williamsburg this past true Sanka form, he sends that he has been summer. Best of luck! very fortunate in his career to have made it this I received a terrific email from Shawn Flores. far and still having fun. Matt and his family have He was moving and ran across a slew of memobeen living in Yokosuka, Japan, for almost two rabilia of his VMI years. I hope to post these on years. He has no news on what’s next but promAugust and the VMI year begins again. Cadre, Facebook before you read this, but his pictures ises to keep his class informed. football, tailgating and parades all give us the of our own museum pieces are great. His items United States Army National Guard - Delaware included old rat bibles, PT gear (unlaundered, I Brig. Gen. Jim Begley has started a new gig in common experience and love of place. In Auam sure), his QMD card (with no balance), samgust, I took Demetra back for cadre as a 3rd Class the Pentagon. General Jim would not tell me too cadet and watched the football team practice urai headbands manufactured for Breakouts, his much about it, other than it would best if I did not corporal stripes (burn those), his uniforms and over-advertise it. I recently spied him race-walking with pads in oppressive heat. The Institute building program, to include the new training facility part of the stone base of Marshall statue that he in the courtyard of the Pentagon with his aide in ended up with after a torching of George by the tow. The aide was fiercely scribbling notes, mutand its bridge over Route 11, is almost complete.

I received a great note from Curt Hinton. Curt Corps, because Shawn claims there was a pertering, “Uh huh; yes, sir; right you are, sir ... you ceived administration slight. I do not remember are not only a powerful but a handsome man...” recently retired from Altria after 31 years of service with the company. He said he is enjoying the torching of Marshall, but Virginia has no stat- Hopefully we’ll see more of Jim now. travelling and hanging out with Una. Oh, and ute of limitations for felonies. I have your back, Congratulations to Jerry Bessette who retired of course, getting back in the gym. Hinton, John Brother Rat. I received word that Bob Chapman’s father Karafa and Chris Davidson took a road trip (no, they did not go past east Lexington for “fuel”) passed away recently. Sorry to hear, Bob. I wish I to visit Kevin Sample down in Georgia. They got the word sooner. Being here for each other is spent a couple of days down there hanging out a belief ingrained in each of us. May his memory with Kevin and pretty much having a blast. John be eternal.

Finally, I must repeat what I constantly tell my Karafa was kind enough to call and fill me in and said it was one of those trips that you remember children. I love my class.

Andy forever. Kevin, please make sure to let us know when you are ready for another invasion, such as this modern day Sherman’s march through the south. Curt was kind enough to post their trip on our class Facebook page, and I have come Matt Daniel to find out Bill Dyer and Tom Hesson live right down the road. Georgia, here we come! Curt’s nephew, Curtis Rathbone ’12, just completed infantry and airborne training and is in Special Gentlemen, Loved Ones and Other Interested Forces training at Fort Bragg. That’s what he Class of 1985: Russ Orrison tallied a gets for probably asking for Army finance. My Parties, hole-in-one on No. 17 at the Lexington This has been a busy quarter. We offer two son, Tony ’16, reports to Fort Sill in January. I Golf and Country Club June 19, 2016. received word that Karafa, his wife and mom meaty guest contributions and some photos to not returning his calls and that Snake is “playing with house money.” A pretty good note on which to wrap up this edition.

Hope springs eternal in Lexington, and I hope to see you around the Parade Ground or in the stadium this fall, cheering on the Flying Squadron. When you have a minute, drop me a line with an update. Remember the Institute in your giving, and if you are able, get back to Lexington to see post and the cadets.

You will be impressed.

That is all.

1984

1985

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Adkins was playing whack-a-mole with Char- was a less-lovely emoji float that was working after 24 years at the FBI (30 years in federal service) June 30. This was a fantastic service held manders all over the store. Mike Johnson and overtime trying to keep George “Greek” Halages at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. There Neb Neblett (Stonewall) had to hold his hands, afloat.

This year the float had 25 BRs drifting with the were several notable notes that sprung from this calm him down and slowly walk him out, back ceremony: 1) The people at the FBI seemed to ac- into the daylight. Eventually, the aquanauts re- current. Unlike prior years, when Matt “Ham tually like Jerry! 2) The FBI people have a pretty turned to crib Moody and commenced to blow- Bone, Ham Slice” Hamilton attended, there good sense of humor. 3) The FBI people Jerry ing up their rafts. Fully inflated, the party boys were no serious injuries to this year’s floaters, though Mike Adkins did attempt his own version worked with lovingly referred to him as “the guy headed up river. In addition to the menagerie of with the gear.” 4) We must like him, too; lots of water toys, kayaks and inner tubes, this year’s of the triple lindy at the rat challenge slide-for-life station. Mark Bornhorst gives a lively rendition BRs showed up to this affair. Jerry has taken a job lazy Maury River float featured a graceful swan at Navigant Consulting working cyber security carrying Tab Warlitner downstream. In parallel of the story of how Adkins accessed the station.

At the Jordan’s Point park takeout concerns. spot, Norb Jocz’s honorary floaters Annual Charlie Company Golf Sawere met by Sheriff Jim Spellman, fari (by Jake Spivey with help [a lot!]

Jim Begley, Woo Kirtley, Perry received by the ’85 class agent.)

Perk and Father Kevin Fimian.

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016 After picking off the leeches and Amazingly the weekend now starts getting generally cleaned up, most midweek as, Bill ‘No Relation to of the group converged on Salerno’s Anthony’ Wieners, Hugh “Huge” for some summer Supper Roll Call.

Hill, Steve “Hook” Hagan and Rich Dinner attracted 40-plus BRs. “Flea” Williams rolled into town late Reconvening on Moody Hall’s Wednesday night/early Thursday balcony, Terry “Ack Stars” Turk tumorning. Bill and Hugh went to Joe Irby’s, where they compared the featored those BRs foolish enough to be awake past midnight on what it takes tures and advantages of a variety of fermented beverages. Steve and Rich Class of 1985: At FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., June 30, to be a real Reagan republican. Of went into town and supported the lo- 2016, to celebrate the retirement of Jerry Bessette from the FBI note, Palmer Hamilton lost his bearafter 30 years of service were, from left, Jeff Fraser, Brad Gerst- ings once inside Moody Hall’s rear cal economy. brien, Daihatsu Mistubishi, Bryan Vandeun ’90, Tom Rahe, Jerry corridor and couldn’t find a single Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016 Bessette, Scott Pearson, Tab Warlitner, Don Monday, Terry OrmsThe indomitable former Company by and Kerry Kirk. open bed. (There were four!) Not to C (Hagan/Williams) pair played golf despair, P Ham found and slept on a at the Vista Links at Buena Vista in couch in the banquet hall, and eventhe afternoon while others began rolltually relocated to his car.

Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016 ing into town. Much revelry was enWhile the non-golfers slept in, the joyed at Macado’s Thursday night, as duffers were joined by non-golfing Bill Wieners held court and regaled fellows George Halages and Dr. those gathered with sonnets and couVic Bernet (ubercriminolgist? anplets about all manner of things. Taps was finally played about 0200 hours. gloclimatologist? indoscientoligist?)

Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 at Vista Links in Buena Vista. The Nikos for breakfast, followed by a golfing weather was uncomfortably VMI Bookstore run and trip to Walhumid, and many a misread putt Mart, where the crowd stocked up can be attributed to sweat dripping on VMI koozies and spirit wear. into a player’s eyes. Team Texas: There, they searched for elusive Jake Spivey, Steve Hagan, Rich Pokémon Go characters and the Williams and WooWoo Kirtley tied most eclectic Lay’s potato chip flawith Team Sluggo: Ralph “Counselvor. Ken Walus and P.W. Sarver or” Tremaglio, Dave Tingley, Jeff Class of 1985: At the U.S. Army Research, Development and Enfound and fought over a bag of Lay’s gineering Command Change of Command ceremony for Maj. Hill and Russ Orrison with a score garlic and green jelly bean. On the Gen. Cedric Wins in Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, Aug. of -6 for the round.

Pokémon front, Jerry Brooks cor- 9, 2016, were, from left, Mark Carroll, Meade “Fontaine2” King, At the par 3, 135 yards, visual inStrib Mears, Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, Father Kevin Fimian, Byron nered an elusive Wartortle (inked Ross, John Eckenrode and Jack Rose (not pictured). timidation is the theme with the tee on Kerry Kirk’s back) while Mike boxes benched into the mountainside

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Class Notes overlooking a long, steep and treacherous gorge of grasses, trees, deer, deer ticks, chiggers, stoopies and minks. We all know nothing can intimidate Rob McIntire, who 9-ironed his ball 13 feet 2 inches from the flag to win “closest to the pin.” On the par 4, 310 yards, Ralph “Big Stick” Tremaglio, using his super-duper big club driver, out-drove all others with a massive 275plus yard drive to win “longest drive.” Rob won a new Loudmouth Gold “Shiver Me Timbers” putter grip, and Ralph won a sleeve of balls from Pinehurst Golf Course.

Retiring to Joe “Barbecue Chef ” Irby’s house, the crew enjoyed a fantastic summer lunch complete with sweet tea and beer, a variety of barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, pickles and pickled squash. Chocolate cake and glazed pound cake answered all but Ice Cream Bill’s sweet tooth.

Joe’s guest, former University of New Mexico Lobo Col. Pat Looney, took the safari class photo, proving that Marine Corps grunts can do more than dip Copenhagen and look mad. Infantry officers can take excellent pictures, too. Following the picture session, the gaggle auctioned Dave Tingley’s engraved, wooden bowl masterpiece. Once again Neil “Crash” Lowenstein won the prize. Having previously won the ACCGS Triple Lindy Award plaque, Neil can now start a collection of Dave’s elegantly designed and crafted wooden jewels. Safari 2016 t-shirts were distributed to those who ordered them. (Agent: we still have some L and XL in inventory for those who ordered but did not pick them up, plus some extras that would make great dishrags.)

Saturday night, the gang separated into groups for dinner and later regrouped on Moody Hall’s balcony for continued brotherhood. Adhering to the ACCGS Blue Book, Rule 11, the music was turned off at 3:59 a.m. Sunday morning.

Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 Some folks got on the road early to catch flights back home; the rest spruced up Moody Hall and had breakfast at the Lexington Diner. We enjoyed a pleasant surprise when Marvin Smith’s mother and father came in for some good southern grub.

This year, we had some new faces. Ken Walus and Victor Bernet became official “rah-safarians.”

A very special thanks goes to Alicia “Awesome” Bernet for allowing Dr. Big Vic to attend the Safari over their 28th wedding anniversary weekend! (Agent: Bold move, Cotton!)

As a result of some BRs’ antics, we added some new rules to the ACCGS Blue Book.

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No guests who cannot take pictures or otherwise add value. Bedtime is sanctuary time. No platform diving. Bring your own CPAP machine.

And use it. Should you accidentally commit BR fratricide, quickly dispose of the body and call BR Spellman. He knows people. Don’t mess with the king; Meade King that is. It’s his golf tournament.

No French toast. Refer any and all medical issues to the class indoventriloquist!

Special Company C golf safari after-action medical notes from Doc Vic Bernet: “This being my first safari experience, it was akin to Darwin’s arrival on the Galápagos Islands. Odd animals were everywhere. It was an eye-opening and unforgettable experience that I hope to take part in again. I will share some of the strange creatures encountered. The Marcus Carrollus nobby: apparently the offspring of an ‘elephant plus single-horned rhino’ union of the species Wieners and Halages, respectively. The nobby can be kept fairly docile by a combination of being verbally degraded while administering liberal beverage. The man-cougar or ‘mouger’ (genus Tremaglio): Once fed, the mouger settled down into the pool and made only occasional outbursts. The bush growler monkey (genus Mcintyre): Apparently found to be less vocal than in previous safaris. The rare Warlitner swan: Ridden by a fellow named Tab from Beans Bottom down the Maury to North Post. Jockeying for position with the Warlitner swan was the Halages emoji float. Not really an animal, but certainly a creature, the emoji float created the Baby Ruth in a swimming pool effect. Impressive.

“Dealing with the indigenous tribe inspired many interesting observations. One Neb ‘Stonewall’ Neblett walked around cursing the little white ball and anyone who retarded his progress with the hacker’s delight. Another large bearded fellow, referred to as the Bornemus Maximus, was constantly calling out, ‘My phone. My phone. Who has my (expletive) phone (expletive)!?’ He found it, stuck in his tennis shoe, and settled down from there.

“I made notes as we visited the tribesmen who had been divided into groups of four for their outing. One group seemed very slow and deliberate in their pursuits. Concentrating on a phone’s ‘golf app,’ they failed to improve their play. Another took a hostile posture to our cart and repeatedly attacked our cart with their shots. The best aim came from one who referred to himself as ‘1st El Capitan,’ missing by just two feet. Another, the group’s military historian (we call him Jerry Brooks), was almost left behind as a sacrifice to the golf gods. Yet another group was led to believe that par would win the day; but alas, 6 under par was the winner. Gloom, despair and agony on me; deep dark depression; excessive misery.

“As a safari new guy, I found several of the natives to be helpful and supportive. Jake (State Farm) Spivey provided directions to various activities, while Joe ‘Fishing Guy’ Irby opened his home to us, providing a barbecue feast. Unfortunately, Kevin Jenkins and Barry Birk helped to increase the water level of his pool. Another fellow Matt, the tribe’s supposed “agent,” provided t-shirts as a memento of the event. Woodworker

Class 1985: The Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari barbecue picture at the home of Joe and Cindy Irby Aug. 5, 2016.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Dave Tingley fashioned a carved plate as a raffle prize. This was won by Neil Lowenstein who apparently plans to alter the plate by changing the word “Charlie” to “Alpha,” threatening to cause unrest amongst the more diminutive natives. Furthermore, there was comment by the group on the paucity of “F Troop” tribesmen who were sorely missed by one Ken Walus and myself, who would have enjoyed interaction with these fair specimens of citizen-soldiers.

“The festivities ended Sunday morning with the tribe overtaking the Lexington Restaurant for breakfast feeding. The group grew as the morning wore on; the other patrons gave wide berth to the Rah Safarians as the savages told war stories of a time gone by but not forgotten.

In light of the group’s degraded state of health, I hope to recruit other medicine men from the tribe to provide assistance with the next safari. I must mention the presence of a tanned religious witch doctor (once called Cubby) who offered herbal remedies to the tribe, but the tribesmen kept to their stogies and select libations instead.

“In conclusion, I plan for a cardiac defibrillator as well as sedation dart gun for the next safari.

By the grace of God, I am able to provide this summary, and this ends my report. Thank you to my lovely wife, Alicia, for cutting me loose for the weekend. Vic Bernet, endocrimologist, Class of 1985.”

Jerry Brooks retired from the Army after several medical procedures and many deployments. Obviously, Jerry has not provided me with the necessary details. But get this, he has five children too! Jerry currently resides in the northern Virginia area.

Kurt Minne (notes from Jake date June 26, 2016) Steve Barcik sends that he ran his car in the Texas Mile for a standing start one-mile speed run. My car number was “1985 VMI!” The car ran 163.8 mph and has more left. We are going again in October; if you can come out, we have room. Steve is out in Silicon Valley for a project from June 2016 to January 2017. If anyone is out there, give him a call!

Jake Spivey text exchange with Solon Jeff Lane: “SJL: Hi, Jake. With regard to the safari, I wanted to make it work but came back for my son’s high school graduation and family stuff that took up all my time. I’m due back at the office in Germany tomorrow, unfortunately.”

“JS: Congrats to your son. Remind me again.

What are you doing in Deutschland?”

“SJL: I’m working with a German medical

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device manufacturer, on the product development team. Software development. Location is Bad Ems, near Koblenz. I have a residence permit and expect to be there most of the time for the next couple of years. Give me a shout on my German mobile if you happen to be in Germany sometime!”

Joe Irby has taken a job with the Homestead Resort as a fishing guide. Man, I think we are all jealous. Way to go, Joe. On June 19, at the Lexington Golf and Country Club, Russ Orrison blasted in a hole-in-one on No. 17, 165 yards, par 3. Russ used an 8 iron.

It seems the ball hit about 2 feet in front of the hole and bounced in as Russ summoned up his inner Danny Noonan.

Jeff Norris tore up his leg/knee on a motorbike.

Here is what he has to say about it: “It was a return to Moab, do more back country motorcycle riding. On day two of challenging terrain with spectacular vistas, I had a little mishap. I completely blew out my left knee. Tibia/fibula fracture and tore every ligament. I have surgery June 7. I will be down for three to four months. On the up-side, this injury should not affect future safaris, for I’m already a terrible golfer. I’ll miss you guys.” Mend well and drink lots of craft beer, Jeff!

Jake Spivey also sent that the Saturday before New Market Day 2016, he had the wonderful occasion to sit with our brother rat and his roommate, Rev. Tim Martin, along with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Danielle, as they watched Jake’s daughter, Austin, and Tim’s daughter, Rachel, graduate from the College of William & Mary.

Thanks for reading. I hope to see you all in the fall at a game or other Lexington function.

Rah Virginia Mil and God bless you all, Matt Daniel

1986

Clint Hubbard

Greetings to all BRs, co-matriculants and other interested parties. These notes are being written shortly before Aug. 18, which was the 34th anniversary of our matriculation. With a few exceptions, you old codgers are getting up there. And I know you well enough to know there are some great curmudgeons among our

ranks ... I can just hear some of you yelling, “You kids, get off my lawn!”

First off is a bit of follow up from the 30th Reunion in April. There was a bit of mention that George Sheild and Mikey Calkins stood side-by-side for a 12-inch unibrow picture.

What was omitted was that Eddie Plucinski was there, too, and that made for an opportunity for an 18-inch unibrow photo. Eddie is another of the ’86 Iron Men, evidenced by his participation in many physical fitness and running races competitions. I dare say Eddie runs more now than when he was a cadet.

After disappearing for nearly 20-plus years, BR Plucinski’s old partner, Scott “B.F.” Diehl, has come back on a regular basis. Brother Rat Diehl recently purchased a new fishing kayak and has been putting it to great use often and posting his exploits on Facebook. Well done, B.F.! Looking forward to the invite to a BR fish-fry! Perhaps one day, BR Plucinski’s other compadre from barracks – Thomas P. deVenoge – will once again grace us with his presence and issue a “top-o’-th’-mornin’” to us in person.

In addition to BR Plucinski, there are a number of other BRs who are staving off old age and fully embracing the joys of P.T. – that is physical training and not physical therapy. The names of some of our perpetual youngsters include Eddie Brow, Eddie Talbot, Larry Watson and David Tyler. I’m sure there are others.

Not to be outdone, the pride of Bent Mountain, Darryl Agee, has been quoted thusly: “I’m into fitness; fitness whole pizza into my mouth.” To which Stew Barnes remarked, “How gauche. I would have joined Darryl if it were crumpets at high tea; pizza is so provincial.” Only from a man of BR Barnes’ sophistication and means.

Speaking of Larry Watson, he was recently on the job at Virginia Beach making his rounds on an all-terrain vehicle to check in with his lifeguards on the stands, when he spied what he thought could be another swimmer in distress and/or under possible shark attack since the people around the gent in the water were screaming and rapidly moving away from him. Brother Rat Watson stopped his ATV and, despite the warnings from the gathered crowd, charged into the surf like a steely-eyed Superman. It turns out, it was only BR Jeff Smiley who had gone into the water to (ahem) “replenish the ocean” after a long day with a

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Class Notes beer cooler in the hot sun. To make things look good, BR Watson put BR Smiley in a chokehold (many people over the years have wanted to do likewise) and dragged him ashore. They then seized the opportunity for a photo opp. Jeff asked Larry if he would give him (Jeff) a ride on the ATV to make a beer run, but BR Watson’s professionalism kicked in, and he said, “No.” An afternoon of shooting hoops with my son on the basketball courts at the University of Richmond led to a couple of BR sightings. There was a men’s league lacrosse game going on an adjacent field. The referee was none other than the long arm of the law, Tim Spivey. In addition to his lacrosse referee gigs, the Goat has retired from the Chesterfield Police Department and is now working as a court security officer for the federal courts in downtown Richmond. One of the players on the field was Walker Scaglione, the son of BR Bob Scaglione. In chatting briefly with Bob and his bride, Lisa, she updated me that young Walker is a high school senior and has signed a scholarship to play lacrosse at Duke University next year. Well done!

Greg Simpson checked in from Huntsville, Alabama, where he is stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville assigned to Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command Headquarters there. Brother Rat Simpson is still doing air defense artillery, missile defense and is now a qualified space operations officer; so, Greg says he is now a full-fledged “space cadet” with the Master Space Badge to prove it.

And this is a guy from Blackstone, Virginia?!

Greg’s whirlwind trip up to the 30th Reunion included a driving to the Atlanta airport and flying into Roanoke, where he arrived late Friday evening. He says it was wonderful seeing everyone – even on a quick trip.

While in Lex-Vegas, Greg and his bride stayed with his oldest son, Patrick ’10. Patrick and his bride, Iris, are managing The Magnolia Inn (bread & breakfast) in Lexington.

Brother Rat Simpson offers that the great (his characterization) news that they presented was that he will soon be a grandfather! Greg says that Edward Li Simpson will have a provisional appointment to the Class of 2036+3. It is good there is no pressure on the young lad.

Brother Rat Simpson’s daughter, Kerrie, graduated from George Mason University and is got married in September 2016. His youngest son, Andrew, is starting his junior year at Michigan

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Technological University way up (Greg’s description) on the “U.P.” ... I believe that would be the upper Peninsula of Michigan. Greg says it is beautiful up there. I’ve never visited but might recommend visiting in the summer months. Simpson, C.G., envisions perhaps another 3-5 years in uniform depending on what carrots (or sticks) are presented to him.

Like Dave Whittaker, who says the same of surprising Suffolk, Virginia, BR Simpson offers that Huntsville is a well-kept secret; different from lower Alabama with tons of aerospace/missile defense firms in town and lots to offer. He said he bought a house there but is not sure if this will be the “retire-retire” spot when he decides to grow up, but it is tempting him at present.

From what I read on social media, Stu Heishman’s stud swimmer son got a good workout recently in Florida when the old man kept sending him in to dive for lobsters. The pics look like he made a good haul. Frank Ladson sent his son off to college this year where he was planning on a cross-country career in addition to his time in the classroom.

For all the fun and merriment that life brings us, and hopefully perhaps even a smile from reading the class notes, let me wind up this issue on two more serious notes.

The good news is that the ’86 boys just keep on getting it done. You will recall the account of Larry Watson’s participation in a swimmer rescue at Virginia Beach earlier this year. Officer David Wallace of the Albermarle County, Virginia, Police Department likewise recently answered a call for help. For Dave, it was a call that a baby was choking and had stopped breathing. The news accounts said Dave was on the scene “within minutes” and his decisive action and CPR on an infant saved her life. One of the leadership team for the Albemarle Police Department, Lt. Todd Hopwood, said this about our BR Wallace: “He was in the right spot at the right time, but not only that – he was decisive, he took quick action and he did everything he was supposed to do,” said Hopwood. “He brings a certain amount of knowledge and expertise when it comes to leading people,” he continued. “He’s a lead-from-thefront kind of guy. He’s very solid in everything that he does.”

Our humble BR Dave Wallace was quick to deflect the praise from himself and offered, “If it hadn’t been me, it would have been the guy coming in behind me.” Maybe so, but just as the

Institute was heard from when lifesaving professional Larry Watson dived into the cold surf of Virginia Beach, it was also heard from when Officer David Wallace snatched an infant from the jaws of death. Well done, men. (Editor’s Note: See page 4 for a photo of Wallace and the infant he rescued.)

That was the good news; here’s the very sad news this quarter. In early August, our BR Roy Woolwine’s son, Frank, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Frank was 16 years old and a rising junior at Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond. I did not know Frank well, but had had the opportunity to meet and speak with him on an occasion or two, and he came across as a nice young man; handsome, confident, personable, looked you in the eye when he conversed with you and gave a firm handshake. Frank was popular in school, an above-average athlete, wellliked and respected by his peers, and a good big brother to his siblings. We never know why bad things happen to good people; we can only try to keep the faith. On behalf of the Class of 1986, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Roy and Emily and their family. I’m sure BR Woolwine would appreciate your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I’m equally sure he would encourage us to hug our families and loved ones tight; and that includes our BRs. OK, that’s a wrap. Keep in touch with one another; pick up the phone and check in with BR you haven’t talked to in a while. If you make it to a football game this fall, keep an eye out for your BRs, especially your class agent who can help you tailgate. Best wishes to you and your families for the holidays and New Year.

1987

Gerry Tertychny

Brother Rats, As many of you already know, Eric Ashley Bowman passed away July 15 in Plantation, Florida. Eric died peacefully after a year-long battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At his bedside were his wife, Cyndie, and his two beloved dogs, Jake and Katy. Eric was from North Carolina; he was born in High Point, and he grew up in Chapel Hill. Upon graduation from Ravenscroft

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1987: From left, Mark Cranford, Jason Shepherd and Randy Janey at Scott Armstrong’s home in Blue Ridge, Georgia, for Super Bowl weekend.

Republic of Panama. Throughout his 29 years in the Marines, Jon has served in Panama, Iraq, Bangor Naval Submarine Base, Haiti and South Korea. He commanded Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines and also served at Seal Beach, California, as the assistant battalion inspector-instructor and inspector-instructor in Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines. As a student at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Jon also completed a master’s degree in military studies. Jon then served in U.S. Joint Forces Command as an observer/trainer and as the staff secretary to the J-7, and later as the inspector-instructor, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following his battalion command in Philadelphia, he served as a CMC federal executive fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., and as the chief, C5 Policy, UCJ5 Directorate, Combined Forces Command, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Upon return, he served as the deputy director, Manpower Plans and Policies and as the executive assistant to the deputy

School in Raleigh, where he played football, Eric received a football scholarship to play quarterback at VMI and later transferred to North Carolina State University. He moved to south Florida over 20 years ago to work for American Airlines, and during this time, he attended The Culinary Arts School at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, with aspirations to someday own a restaurant. Eric is survived by his wife, Cyndie, of Plantation, Florida; his father, Hague Bowman; brothers Tony (Ronda) and Keith (Christy), all of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; as well as numerous friends and relatives who cared deeply for him. An interment service was held at the University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. In lieu of flowers, Eric’s family asked friends to please consider making a donation to a local dog rescue organization.

On a happier note, Drew Campi was recently selected for promotion into Class of 1987: Craig Covert’s son, Michael, admiring the senior executive service of the FBI. sional appointment.

As such, he was assigned as the FBI’s senior detailee to the Central Intelligence Agency commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, in Langley, Virginia, and relocated to the northern Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. Prior Virginia area this past summer. to his final assignment as the chief of staff, TrainColonel Jon Sachrison retired from active ser- ing Command, Col. Sachrison served as the J3, vice in the U.S. Marine Corps in a ceremony at Combined Joint Forces Land Component ComQuantico, Virginia, in May and has taken a po- mand-I in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operasition as the chief operating officer for the Ma- tion Inherent Resolve. Many thanks to you, Jon, rine Corps University Foundation. Jon entered and to Leona, David and Matthew for your years the Marines after graduation and initially served of dedicated service to the Marine Corps and to with the 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, the United States!

North Carolina, in various positions in the 2nd Brigadier Gen. Greg Otey retired from the U.S. Battalion, 10th Marines, and deployed to the Air Force in a ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Virginia,

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in August. Greg was serving as the director, nuclear enterprise support directorate of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the organization that safeguards America and our allies from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives). Greg entered the Air Force in 1988 as a military distinguished graduate from VMI and earned his pilot wings in April 1989. He is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours, primarily in airlift aircraft, and he has commanded at the squadron and wing levels, including command of the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. He has also served as the senior Air Force planner, Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Security Council Matters, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, and as the senior executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Air Force at the Pentagon. Greg deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Kabul, Afghanistan, and his awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal. Congratulations, Greg, on an outstanding career, and many thanks to you and your family for your years of service to our nation!

John Phillips’ son, Luke, will be graduating from VMI in May 2017.

This year, he will be serving as the regimental S2 and as the captain of the cross-country team. In addition, John’s daughter, Eden-Elizabeth, just entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the class of 2020. John makes his home in Blacksburg, Virginia, these his providays, with his business in Salem.

Scott Armstrong was able to get together last February with Mark Cranford, Jason Shepard and Randy Janey for some Super Bowl watching and hiking in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Scott is the chief financial officer for Coke One North America in Atlanta.

New dad Craig Covert added a son, Michael, to his family in 2014. He and Tom Struckmeyer (where are you, Tom?), who has a daughter a few days older than Michael, are just getting started while some are becoming grandparents and will be close to 70 when their kids graduate from college. Tom recently retired from the U.S.

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Class Notes Marine Corps Reserve, and one year later, also retired from law enforcement. He now works as a part-time independent contractor doing Department of Defense background investigations in the Mobile, Alabama, area, though he is primarily a stay-at-home dad. He’s the “old guy” attending “mom’s day out” programs with 20-something moms where he gets told things like, “You remind me of my dad,” and asked, “Are you his grandfather?”

I hope everyone has had a safe and enjoyable autumn and will be able to spend time with family and friends over the coming holidays. Best wishes for 2017!

In the spirit, Gerry

Class of 1988: Greg Rollins on the Jonathan Daniels ’61 annual pilgrimage.

1988

Sam Tate

Wow! What a summer of transition for everyone. I know a lot of us had children graduate from high school and college and move on to the next chapter. Some are starting out with younger families, and some of us are “empty nesters.” Remember that it is relationships that get you through, so take a few moments to reach out to that roommate or VMI brother rat you have not spoken to in a while and share a few life moments.

One big transition for Ted Wagner is that he and Kim were married this past June in Richmond.

Since the wedding, “It has been a busy summer.

Kim and I are settling into married life well.

Kim’s daughter, Savannah, and Kim and I are enjoying our new house in Midlothian. Brother rats are always welcome to drop in. I continue to

Class of 1988: Ted and Kim Wagner at their wedding.

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Class of 1988: From left, John Keppeler, John “Bubba” Keppeler ’18 and Scott Stachelek at the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (Juniors) graduation at Marine Corps Base Quantico Aug. 12, 2016. work as the chief information security officer at SAP NS2. In June, I lectured at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on cybersecurity. I serve as the G-6 at the 80th Training Command. In my free time, I am an adjunct professor at University of Maryland University College. We are looking forward to the mini reunion and a football game in Lexington.”

Brian Hatheway has finished up his State Department training in northern Virginia and has reported to his new duty station in Tajikistan.

Likewise, Mike and Karen McGraw, who in the last Review were reported be leaving this summer for Paraguay, had a change of orders to Bangkok, Thailand. We will all miss Mike for a while. He has been a regular attender at the northern Virginia monthly lunches and always a source of great and true stories. I am sure he will continue to post some awesome pictures on Facebook.

David Gibbings recently connected with me via phone and in person. Dave is “still working for Jacobs in Virginia Beach. I mostly help the commonwealth take care of its tunnels. I spend most of my time working on the Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, and Monitor-Merrimack Bridge tunnels. I get to crawl under, over and around those fun facilities while everyone else is stuck in traffic. On the engineering side, I get to use all the

classes I have taken, including the several ones I never took. Also, as everything is rather dated and the codes are evolving rapidly, ‘engineering judgment’ counts for a lot. The whole situation seems to match my temperament. Basically, I get to mostly do what I think is right.” Keep in mind that we are in Dave’s hands every time we cross one of those structures. Glad to have a brother rat in charge! “A big advantage of beach living is that I still get to play with boats. In the summer, we go sailing every Wednesday evening. The crew is about half VMI grads. The attached photo is us heading to the finish line on a rather nice Wednesday night. So, if you are in the area and want to go out, let me know.”

John and Rosanna Keppeler’s son, John “Bubba” Keppeler ’18, graduated from U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (Juniors) at Marine Corps Base Quantico Aug. 12, 2016. Scott “Ogre” Stachelek was able to attend the ceremony, as well. Another Marine was made this past summer; Todd and Wendy Freiwald’s son, Jake Freiwald ’18, graduated from Officer Candidate School.

Greg and Stephanie Rollins attended the Jonathan Daniels ’61 annual pilgrimage in August. “It was a moving experience.”

Matt Wauben made a short notice trip to northern Virginia to visit his mom and stopped by for a quick visit with Sam Tate. Matt and Marie are moving from their longtime home in Goose Creek, South Carolina, to north Charleston to support being close to daughter Cassidy’s school.

A VMI sister recently passed away. We were saddened to hear of the loss of Andy McAllister’s beloved wife, Anita. David Gibbings, T.C. Chau, Ted and Kim Sloane, Lou Florio, Walt

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes keep the ’89 connection going. We Coleman, and Sam Tate were able to represent VMI ’88 in support of Andy think Brian may hold the record for and his family at a very moving memost children. Not to be outdone, morial service in Richmond, Virginia.

Troy Barbour’s son, Mark, will also Tim West also expressed his supjoin the ranks in August ... our 30th Reunion Committee is already takport to VMI ’88 BRs. His VMI mom ing shape with ’89 parents of current passed away in June. “I just want to cadets! say thank you from the bottom of my John Adametz wrote in (Without heart to my brother rats. So many of you have reached out to comfort me prompting; really, he did!) from the and send prayers and blessings my West Coast: “Still in the Navy and way during this most difficult time in now stationed in San Diego. Love my life. Mom was so loved by the famit here; who wouldn’t? Karen and I just celebrated our 25-year anniverily, the community and her church! It’s overwhelming when I sit back and just sary! I spend my free time fishing in look at the overflow of love! Thank the bay and mountains and enjoying you, guys, and I love all of y’all!”

Class of 1988: On the Wednesday evening boat regatta were Chris the West! I work with John Shipley Brother rats, it was a pleasure com- Guy ’07, David Gibbings, Craig Pitman ’85 and Bill Gibbings ’61. and saw Rick Skiff one day in Point piling these notes. I hope they inspire Loma. They are both doing great! you to keep in touch with each other. Keep sendtall brother rat worried about getting his ducks Mike Williamson ’87 gave me a golf lesson one ing me your notes and recollections so that we can dirty from grass stains and sitting on a guidon day. He is a great golfer, and I am not. Dan Mckeep the spirit of ’88 alive. As always, you can at New Market, and of course, the best words Grew and Risa visited in July, and we had an reach me at the following: awesome time!” Thanks for that, John. ever heard on a hot summer’s day: “Pass in reVMI 88 Facebook page (join 268 BRs and view!” What were some of your favorite memoMatt Ans is getting ready for his final asfamily and growing) ries? Please drop us a line, and the best entry will signment in the Navy and is headed back to 571-659-0904 (home) win a prize: Exemption from the 30th Reunion the Washington, D.C., area. Matt has always 703-772-0854 (cell) known what he wants and proposed to his wife Committee. samtate88va@gmail.com Since the last edition, there were a few trends Kisha on their first date! Although he didn’t say this quarter: many of us still in the military are as much in his email, apparently she said yes. moving on and starting new careers; many of us Matt’s son, Aleks, just joined the U.S. Marine have kids either considering the military, joining Corps last winter, and Matt is one of several brother rats with their kids in the Marine Corps. the military or matriculating at VMI; and folks Steve Chiles continue to write in without prompting! Here is a pop quiz before we get to the notes: Which of David A. Martin those trends is true, and which is false?

OK, you pass. All true!

On to the notes.

It’s difficult to prioritize, but we should give an honorable mention to Andy Rose who checked in for what we think might be the first time. Some may have seen his son, Trey Rose ’16, graduate with academic stars in economHello everyone, and welcome to the fall 2016 ics and business. We didn’t even know there edition of the class notes. As I write, it is, to coin was a business major, and VMI has come a a phrase, “a hot day in August.” Where does the long way since Chang-anomics. Congratulatime go? Hard to believe a mere 27 short years tions to Trey – the apple doesn’t fall far from ago, we were sweating it out in the Shenandoah the tree with those outstanding grades, eh, Valley’s heat and humidity. My top three recolAndy? George Noewatne also attended gradulections of that time were (names redacted to ation with Andy and is Trey’s godfather. protect the innocent): A certain someone cutNature abhors a vacuum in the cadet ranks, Class of 1989: Dave Martin and Jose Corpuz at Disney. Dave said of this photo, ting his own hair (repeatedly) with a bic razor so Brian Collier’s son, Brian Jr., matriculated “Jose refuses to give away secrets of the and having a dinner reservation with the Rat Aug. 20. With seven (seven!) kids in the ColDisney rides.”

Disciplinary Committee for a week, a rather lier clan, perhaps more will matriculate and

1989

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Class Notes Derek Harris’ son, Dylan, also just joined the degrees hotter, in Al Udeid, Qatar, Brian ran in in Iraq. After getting a ride by Liam Miller, the Marine Corps and is headed to Parris Island. to Paul Pardew and Bill Bersing. Paul is a lead evening started with a few beers and dinner at contractor for United States Central Command the Dubliner. After a few beers, a good dinner Matt St. Clair must be smiling from ear to ear! and some great stories, we went to the ball park Bob Bradford also gets a nod for checking in and Bill has a hand in building a metro for Doha.

Speaking of keeping people moving in trans- where the game actually became secondary. In from Chester, Virginia. Now working as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Lee, Virgin- portation, Andy Tunnard continues to keep the attendance were Bill Miller, Brian Panell, Keith ia, from time to time Bob runs in to Scott Stables, traffic flowing in New Jersey as the assistant Sykes, John Osborne and Steve Warren. A great also at Fort Lee. The Bradfords keep the Army commissioner for operations at the New Jersey time was had by all.” Bill also wrote in sending a connection going: Bob’s wife, Tracy, works at Department of Transportation. “No, I had noth- picture, noting that Capt. Keith Sykes retired from the U.S. Army Women’s Museum, and they just ing whatsoever to do with Bridgegate a few years the Navy after 27 years. Thanks for that update, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Con- ago,” Andy wrote. But he did have plenty to do Andy and Bill; good stuff, and congrats to Steve with helping Newark, New Jersey, recover from a and Keith on a job well done. gratulations!

Van Trumpore wrote in to say that, Eric Buchanan wrote that he no longiven the election season, he gets a lot ger uses that bic razor to shave his hair, of requests to change the spelling of and he and his wife, Meg, recently his name to “Trumpmore.” Van also spent a week with the Nat Cross famstarted working with a new company ily. Buchanan/Cross rented a vacadoing commercial tenant finishes. The tion home at Smith Mountain Lake, hours are brutal, but he still finds time Virginia. Eric just finished up a year as to teach pole vault! Yes, pole vault! president of the Tennessee Trial LawThis has got to be the most interesting yers ... pretty impressive! hobby of anyone, and Van could probContinuing in alphabetical order, for those who are keeping track, Steve ably replace the Dos Equis guy as the Chiles continues to excel at delegation most interesting man in the world. It’s from his new digs in Akron, Ohio, delappropriate, given that it is still a hot Class of 1989: After two-and-a-half decades of service, Steve Waregating the writing and submission of ren, third from left, finally reached home plate with the help of, day in August as I write these notes, these notes to Dave Martin, who has from left, John Osborn, Bill Miller, Warren, Brian Pannell, Andy and the Olympics are on. Today is the javelin catch. It is the last true Olymadmittedly been resting on his laurels Tunnard, Tom Greenspon ’85, Christian Hoff ’96 and Keith Sykes. and getting over in past quarters. More pic event still played by amateurs, on that later (class agent comment – this “tease” severe winter storm last year. Earlier in the sum- as few progress on to the pros. Anyhow, one of lets the suspense build to a fever pitch, so you mer, seemingly once the snow melted, Andy met Van’s kids attends the Colorado School of Mines, will continue reading to find out what the h*** up with Bill and Kristen Miller for their son’s, which is a gold-medal achievement as well!

I am talking about). Jose Corpuz (hey, still in al- Jackson, confirmation. Brain Panell, Bob Alder, Al Versoza is another new retiree, having just retired from the Army. Wuzzer Rader, John Giltz phabetical order) is an engineer at Disney Parks, Matt Tederick, George Bowles and Tom Mitchand John Piedmont were in attendance at the reOrlando, and met Dave and his family for lunch ell ’87 were on hand and can confirm the confirat EPCOT. Regrettably, Jose would divulge no se- mation. Taking a cue from the Buchanan/Cross tirement ceremony. With all the newfound free crets about how to win at Buzz Lightyear’s magic Travel Agency, the Tunnards joined the Pete time, Al dabbles in the travel industry, assisting people in planning their vacations. Al suggests we spin ride. Jose helped design one of Disney’s top Catalano clan for a week on the Outer Banks of try and do a VMI ’89 cruise in the near future. attractions where riders fire laser cannons at Buzz North Carolina (Class agent public Service anThis is an excellent suggestion, and one that we Lightyear’s enemies and score points. Seems nouncement from DAM: We too are big fans of will investigate. No, cruises on the Maury River that if Jose wanted to, he could alter the nuclear cohosting or sharing responsibilities, thereby prolaunch codes from his BlackBerry and award viding double the pleasure for the class. However, are not an option. Perhaps we can cruise to Alaska points so Dave could beat his 14-year-old son on for those of you thinking of using a duumvirate to see Brian Duffy? Al is also in competition for the ride. Efforts to “borrow” Jose’s Blackberry in the corporate world, a cautionary tale: It’s the new Dos Equis guy, having just completed the were thwarted by Disney security personnel, so tough to hide! In our case, one class agent (based Arlington, Virginia, County Police Department the only beating that took place occurred when in Akron, Ohio) finally called out the other class auxiliary police officer academy. Al also ran into Dave was beaten with a rubber hose while cel- agent who has been resting on his laurels (based in Chris Crawford and Todd Patnesky in Colorado Springs recently. Chris is working as a contractor northern Virginia) to organize the notes. ebrating his 49th birthday.

Speaking of organizing, Andy Tunnard wrote for U.S. Army Space Command and Todd is the Brian Duffy is one of several about to retire. resident NGB dude at U.S. Northern Command.

After 27 years of U.S. Air Force service, Brian that “Bill Miller also organized a VMI get-togethThanks for all the updates, keep the emails and Amy are moving to Anchorage and extend er at a Washington Nationals baseball game. This an open invite to all passing through Alaska. was to help welcome home Steve Warren, who coming and stay tuned to the class Facebook Halfway around the world from Alaska, and 100 had just finished serving 11-and-a-half months page for more current updates!

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1990

Daren Payne

Brother Rats, Let me start by saying how humbled, fortunate and blessed I am that you all placed the trust in me to serve you as your class agent for the next five years. It’s a privilege and honor.

Next, I want to publicly thank Rob Clark for a great transition and his many years of service to our class culminating in that blast of a 25th Reunion. Rob, thanks for all you’ve done for our class and the Institute, and I’ll do all I can to live up to the high standards of those who preceded me. Now, on to the news!

On the military front there is much to report, starting with the promotion of BR Dan Caine to brigadier general in the Air Force! Raynor Garey, who, along with Ramil Ibanez, is one of our most prolific Facebook posters, first reported this, as Dan was way too humble to inform anyone. Dan most recently served as the deputy commander (air) for the Washington, D.C., National Guard and is now working a job in the Pentagon. He joins Army BR Tommy Pugh as our second general officer. Congrats, Dan, and I hope you can arrange a fly by for a future Keydet game. Speaking of BR Pugh, Tommy recently moved from Fort Gordon, Georgia, to Germany where he serves as the chief communications officer for the European Command area of responsibility. Also at Fort Gordon, Col. Samuel “Trip” Anderson turned over command of the Garrison June 10, 2016. No word on his next job, but after three years running one of the military’s fastest growing installations, he certainly deserves a break.

I got a note from Col. Tim Bosetti who just finished up command of the Public Health Command – Pacific in Japan. The Bosetti family is returning to the U.S. and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The bad news is he and the family will only have a one-year stay in Aberdeen, but the good news is Tim was selected for brigade command of the 30th Medical Brigade and heads to Germany to take command next summer. Congrats to you and the family on such a great achievement!

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Lieutenant Col. Dave Kaulfers recently reported he is back on active duty with the San Francisco district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he previously served with BR Laurence Farrell. Laurence retired from the Army in 2012, lives in Manassas and works as capital projects chief for Prince William County Department of Transportation. Dave also reported that BR Rick Kimmel was promoted to colonel at the Pentagon July 29. Congrats, Rick, and well done!

Colonel Mark Cheadle reported in during a break in his travels across deepest, darkest Africa. Mark is the public affairs chief for Africa Command and spends much of his time on the road to exotic places when he is not in his office in Stuttgart, Germany. I worry about Mark, as the last BR who spent so much time in Africa was Bryan Haslam, and he barely survived an encounter deep in the bush with a wild buffalo! If you haven’t heard Bryan’s story, it would make a good movie.

Sean Hoover reported he’s still with the Bureau of Alochol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and also stays on the road a lot, operating from his home base near Fort Worth. Sean is also still active in the Army Reserve 75th Training Division in Texas and expects to pin on major by the time you read these notes.

Raynor Garey recently posted some pics of his retirement flag on Facebook in recognition of his recent retirement from the Air Force Reserve. Also retiring is Col. Mint Ralston. Mint reported in while on terminal leave and will be officially retired by the time you read this, following 26-plus years of service in the Marine Corps. He and the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in August, where they plan to settle down. Congratulations on a great careers to both of you guys!

I’ve also had a few transmissions from Col. Glenn Dickenson. Glenn is the garrison commander for Stuttgart, Germany, so should be seeing a lot of BR Cheadle and BR Pugh over the next two years.

Ran into BR Mike Kemp at the Keydet Club outing in June. Mike lives and works in Roanoke but must be stuck in a time warp, as he has not aged a day. I got word through a third party that Mike hosted an annual “Last Supper” event for departing new cadets from the Roanoke area. Notably absent from said outing was Kenny Robinson, usually a regular at these

things, but according to Facebook, Kenny was traveling Europe at the time.

I was able to meet up with Rob Gudz during a Society of American Military Engineers conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Rob works for ECS Environmental in Fredericksburg but makes his home in lovely Brentsville when he’s not on the road. At the same conference, we encountered Pedro Dejesus ’89 and John Osborne ’89, among other alumni that were in attendance.

Also in the engineering business, I got the following notes from Barry Johnson: “My son, Carter, does start Aug. 20, exactly 30 years behind when you and I started. Carter will be trying to walk on the baseball team; I think he has a good chance of making the team. He is a better complete pitcher than I was at 18, except I threw a little harder and had a better curve. He has great control and a good change-up. He will be fine if he doesn’t make the team; he is ready to hit the books (gets that from his mother, not I) and be active in whatever he can get involved with.” Barry is regularly in touch with Hal Rogers, Terrence Kerner (whose son graduated this past spring) and Mike Doczi, who he says is just as hard to keep out of mischief now as he was 30 years ago.

In addition to BR Kerner, we have many other classmates with children in the Corps. I recently received an email from Fred Minnegerode letting me know that, once again, he’s got the cabin booked up for all the home games this fall, as his son will be a 2nd Class cadet already! I’m also counting Chris Dixon, Glenn Dickenson and Arturo Johnson among those with children at the “I,” plus Carlos Fernandes, whose son Carlos finished the Summer Transition Program and reported in August to try out for the cross-country team and matriculate. Who am I missing? If you know of anyone else, please let me know.

Had a couple of emails from Mike Mullori wondering how in the world how an intelligent and accomplished group of men such as the Class of 1990 would select me as class agent. Mike reported that he met up with Matt “Pepe” Hemenez, John Lanzillota and Mike Trahar back in May. The biggest news of this August gathering is that Hemenez actually has the opposite of receding hairline; his hairline is moving forward more each year. Not sure how he does that, but it might be marketable. Mike also led me to some information on long lost

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Class Notes BRs Allen Barr and Chris Phillips. Allen, high school classmate of Taylor “Tay-Tay” Farmer at JR Tucker in Richmond, left after our 3rd Class year and finished up at Hampden-Sydney College. Following that, he embarked on a career in education and a master’s degree from Longwood University. According to that oracle of all truth, LinkedIn, he recently began a new job as headmaster of a private school in Albany, New York.

Chris, meanwhile, attended law school at Samford University and is practicing law in Marietta, Georgia, while also serving as a captain in the Naval Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

I had the opportunity to do some skeet shooting and attend a class agent conference with Mr. Dick Smith ’56, the father of BR Scott Smith. He reports Scott is now retired from the Air Force and living and working in Colorado not far from Tim Haynie, who continues to operate his own company after retiring from U.S. Army Space Command several years ago.

On Facebook, John King posted a great picture of the 1st Class private’s belt that he bought for his dad in 1989 and was left to him after his dad passed away last year. Terrific memento, and it looks in great shape. Also on Facebook, Brian Woodford was looking for BRs at Fort Bliss, Texas. I reminded him Bliss is not exactly an ideal August vacation spot! I’m still not sure if he found anyone or if any of our number are still out in that part of Texas.

Chris Whittaker checked in via LinkedIn a few days ago, and he must be the busiest man in Texas. In addition to being city manager for Rockwall, Texas, he sits on at least seven different local, state and regional committees and boards, such as the Association of Rural Communities, Texas City Management Association and Central Texas Council of Governments. Chris is also still serving VMI as the vice president of the Central Texas Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association.

Thanks for all your hard work, Chris, and maybe we’ll see you running for office one day soon?

Also on LinkedIn, I caught up with Dr. Charlie Tujo. Charlie retired from the U.S. Air Force and now works as a civilian radiologist at Travis Air Force Base in California and reported his son is heading to Consumes JC this fall to play baseball.

In the hopes of reconnecting with long lost BRs, I’m going to start including a special notice to long lost BRs no one has seen or heard from in more than a decade. This quarter’s edition, I’m looking for the elusive fifth-year roommates of

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Thad Tegtmeyer: Mario Small and Bill Dowd.

We’d also like to hear from Mike Ober, Jeff Paul, Mo Green (last reported siting was at Fort Bliss, circa 1998), Chip McWilliams (who we believe is in Georgia) and John Jordan – please check in, as we’d love to know where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to all these years.

I also need to put in a plug for the Hall of Valor.

As many of you saw during the reunion, we have two BRs represented – U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mike Manning and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bill Arnold. Anyone who earned an award for valor or a Purple Heart in any conflict is eligible for inclusion in the hall. Our class has funds allocated to pay for the medals and shadow boxes that are mounted along the walls of the hall.

Chuck Ellis is kindly heading up this effort for us.

I know we have at least a handful of other BRs who qualify, and as VMI men and leaders, we are often reluctant to call attention to ourselves, especially for something like this. If you are eligible, please come let us know – a plaque on that wall represents the sacrifices of all of who served with you and our entire class. That being said, I humbly ask that you let the Class of ’90 be heard from in the Hall of Valor with all our eligible BRs recognized before our next reunion.

As you’re reading this, basketball is tipping off the season at Richmond, so make sure to check the schedule for a game near you and come out and support your Keydets. Finally, as you go about your holiday preparations, please take time to drop me an email, Facebook message or give me a call with any updates you may have about yourself, your roommates or any others you happen to run across. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of you and yours, and go Keydets!

Daren Payne

Reunion. Like a lot of milestones we’re flying past these days, it’s amazing how quickly it all passes.

As saddened as I was by Kevin’s loss and the impact that will leave on his young family, I was proud to listen as former coach Doug Bartlett, the athletic director who hired Kevin at the Highland School, a former player and one of his rival coaches all stood up and extolled the virtues of a man who lived a good life. He left a deep impact on more than just his BRs that knew him.

Tom Heffern, Dave McSorley, Mike Jeffries, Dean Bailey, Joe Sokolowski and several other BRs deserve a lot of credit for the hard work they put into the reunion activities. A lot went on behind the scenes to pull it off. Fred Lehman also deserves a ton of praise for spearheading the campaign committee. And for everyone who participated in the campaign, thank you.

I ran into Jon Milner, Chris Barnett, Eric Hyde, David Ahrens and Chris Buckland in northern Virginia for Kevin’s funeral. Everyone is knee deep in the teenage season of life with children entering high school, preparing for college or, in Eric’s case, preparing to graduate from the “I,” too.

Buddy League reached out from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to update some big news from ghetto corner: “Mike George, Pat Warner and I attended a change of command ceremony June 10, 2016, for Colonel Chris ‘Blockhead’ Gideons in Camp Pendleton. Blockhead took over

1991

Chuck Story

The weather is miserably hot as I write these notes in August, fitting for the return of cadre and the matriculation of the newest rat mass at the “I.” I’m writing these notes shortly after Kevin Helmick’s funeral, but by the time you’re reading them, we will be home from celebrating and sharing time with one another at the 25th

Class of 1991: Class Agent Chuck Story said of this photo, “Col. Craig Streeter did this drawing of us as old alumni when we were cadets. He brought it back to life for our 25th Reunion.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes keep sending me your updates and the 1st Marine Regiment, and we atpictures. tended along with at least 270 other Received an email and picture people. Words cannot express how from Greg Andricos. He was at a proud we are of Blockhead. Pat, Mike Washington Capitals hockey game and I were proud and honored to be in Washington, D.C., that he atincluded in the ceremony. During his speech, Blockhead gave a shoutout to tended with Neil Hennigan. Neil VMI and the valuable lessons we gave is a Secret Service agent presently him while at the ‘I.’ Blockhead is living assigned to the presidential protecin San Clemente with his wife, Valli, tion detail. Greg is enjoying living in and two children, Harper and Battle.” central Pennsylvania with his wife, Pat Warner is in Richmond workRachel, and their five children, Serena, Nick, Luke, Grace and Pete. ing as a Richmond city policeman and He serves as the president and chief will be running for election as town mayor of Rockbridge Baths this fall. operating officer of Wagman Heavy Mike George is living in Mount Class of 1991: At the change of command ceremony at Camp Civil, a fourth generation familyPleasant, South Carolina, and is cur- Pendleton, California, June 10, 2016, were, from left, Pat War- owned construction company opner, Buddy League, Col. Chris Gideons and Mike George. rently retired from Wall Street. erating in the mid-Atlantic with ofBuddy is in Cheyenne, Wyoming, fices in York, Pennsylvania, as well with his wife, Charity, and two children, Aiden Doctor Mike Ferrell pinged me from the as both Dinwiddie and Berryville, Virginia.

(13) and Tanner (11). His oldest son, Cap, will be backwoods of Montana. His wife, Adrienne, Also received an email and picture from Will a 2nd Class cadet at VMI this fall and plays on Harris. Will was visiting his wife’s family near and four children, Max (8), Halle (6), Mason the soccer team. He is president of a heavy highthe Outer Banks, North Carolina, in July when (3) and Marcus (2), have finally settled and way construction company, Simon Contractors, established roots in Bozeman, Montana, aka he linked up with Shannon Terhune. Shannon based in Cheyenne, and operating in Wyoming, God’s country. His oldest son, Jack (12), also is the senior pastor at Raleigh Heights Baptist South Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska. spends the summers with them. After seven Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. Will reported that Shannon gave a great sermon, and they Billy Canedo reached out from south Florida to moves in the last nine years between Navy bassay he’s recently graduated from law school and es, an Operation Enduring Freedom deploy- enjoyed catching up for a few minutes after the is beginning to settle into civilian life down there. ment and fellowships, they are planning on service. Shannon and his wife, Melodi, are doSteve Smith checked in and reported that he is never moving again. I would tell you about the ing well, and Shannon was in the process of living in Williamsburg, Virginia, and will be celopen invitation to all BRs for some of the best ebrating his 25th wedding anniversary the same fly fishing, hunting and skiing in the world, but weekend as our reunion. He has two children, then one of you might get in line in front of Matt, a rising senior at William and Mary, and me.

Riley, a rising senior in high school. He also reThank you to everyone who has dropped me a ported that Steve Dudar has relocated to South note, text message or phone call. You make my Carolina after retiring from the Navy. job easier, and it’s great hearing how our lives have Buck Sessoms reports in from Okinawa, detaken different paths since we left Lexington. ployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Air Combat Element. He is as sorry to be missing the reunion as he is deer season. He passes along William Woodward internet hugs to us all.

Joe Rioux and I spent quite a bit of time on the phone catching up. He says Jamie Tavenner is busy with one kid freshly graduated from the “I,” Andy Tate another one about to and one in the hole. He also said Matt Metheny, Paul McKinney and Shannon Daly are still out there somewhere.

Matt Amato emailed from Roswell, New Mexico. He recently accepted an assignment there. His Class of 1992: Greg Andricos and Neil son is a rising senior and his daughter is entering BRs, Hennigan at a Washington Capitals hockfifth grade. His wife, Ginny, plans to pick the retireHere are the latest updates from our classmates. ey game. ment city after this one is up in three years.

This edition is a little lighter than normal. Please

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Class Notes preparing a team for a mission trip to Africa scheduled for August 2016.

As mentioned in the last update, Col. Doug Vincent completed his two-year tour as the professor of military science in command of the VMI Army ROTC department in May 2016. He and his family have settled in at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he has taken command of the Airborne Ranger Training Brigade. Doug said that he is having a great time training paratroopers and Rangers.

Also received a quick update from Col. Tom Timmes in which he said their fam- Class of 1992: Before (above) and after (below) pictures ily was off on a new Army adventure. of Tom Christman and Mike Starling at The Delphinus After finishing his command tour of an Engineering Allen Stone Braveheart Run-Swim-Run and 5K. The before picture includes Allen’s mother. awesome research and development lab at Fort Detrick, Maryland, they moved to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Tom is now the director for environmental health engineering at the Army’s Public Health Center. Tom’s career in the Army has come full circle, as that was the same unit he started out with 24 years ago.

Tom Christman sent me some pictures from The Delphinus Engineering Allen Stone Braveheart Run-Swim-Run and Jim 5K that is held annually in Virginia Beach.

Tom was able to catch up with Mike Starling, who also participated in the event. Tom and

Class of 1992: Will Harris and Shannon Terhune at Shannon’s church, Raleigh Heights Baptist, in Chesapeake, Virginia.

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Class of 1992: Woody Woodward at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, with his daughter, Catherine; wife, Leslie; and son, Will Jr. ’18.

Mike are pictured with Allen’s mom in the before picture. Very impressive to see Tom and Mike in original gym dyke.

Finally, my family and I were able to take a vacation to the Baltic Sea this summer. Enclosed is a picture from our trip. My daughter is off to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University this fall, and my son will be a 2nd Class cadet this year, along with Andy Krug’s son, Ty ’18. Hard to believe that they will be getting their rings around the time this edition of the Alumni Review is published.

Please let me know of any major life events such as marriages, births, deaths and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and I know so that we can make sure you get all VMI correspondence.

Mark your calendars for our 25th Reunion, which will be held Sept. 8-10, 2017.

In the bonds, Woody

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Sharp

I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits.

Our first note is the longest, which we would expect from an ex-class agent, Paul Ackerman. “It has been a busy year, and I finally have a few days off in August before VMI starts up again. I think the annual officially unofficial class tailgate will be Nov. 12 this year (versus The Citadel). Everyone can check the “VMI 1993” Facebook page for updates in the fall once football season starts. The other home games will be Oct. 1, Oct. 8 (Parents Weekend) and Oct. 29. I will probably be tailgating at all these games. If any BRs and families come to a game, they can find me parked on the Parade Ground in front of Moody Hall, close to Limits Gates. No RSVP is needed; just come on by and look for the 1993 flag.

“I am sure I forgot a few names, but last season’s tailgates were well-attended. Of course, the usual dudes were there: Tim Ervin, Jim Romasz, Corky Oldfield, Dan Crawford, Brandon Freel, Raleigh

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes have expanded the ’93 tailgate. We are Trumbo, Mark Cumashot, Steve Grim now a three tent operation, so if anyand Matt Williams. However, a lot of BRs and families made a visit during one makes it to a football game, please football season. I saw David and Jencome find us. My wife, Rhonda, and I also run into Sills and Adele O’Keefe nifer Hurst and their daughters, Ellie and their son, Jack, a lot in Lexington. and Eve, Vic and Susan Kane (with Sills is at the Washington and Lee UniWilliam and Caroline), Kevin Morris, and Raleigh and Tine Trumbo (with versity Law School studying hard.

Luke and Anna). John and Margaret “We now have a few class legacies at Ann Fernandez made it to post after VMI. The first was Bradley Chambermany years and brought the whole lin ’12, son of Brian Chamberlin. But family (Isabel; Johnny; Ben; Luke; and now Brian’s son, Jonathan ’19, is a risJohn’s brother, Michael). Matt and Reing 3rd Class cadet. Also, Tucker Worbecca Eads and their children, Anna sham came with his family to tailgate and Caroline, also visited. I have seen and visit his son, Rives ’19. My son, Mike Tuck and Liz Teal (sister of John Jake Ackerman ’18, is a 2nd Class caTeal ’94) several times. Mitch and Joy det. I just finished teaching a Summer Copenhaver with Claire and Wyatt Transition Program class for incoming also made the annual pilgrimage. Dacadets and spotted Guy Berry’s son, Class of 1993: Craig Eubank, John Harper, Jerry Eubank ’61 and Alec (Class of ’17+3), at Crozet Hall. vid and Christina Hoy made it up for Chris Eubank ’91.

I never met Alec before but heard he the tailgate. David also brought some fine refreshment from their business near Char- to include their kids, Claire, Kate, Kyle and Jonah, was on post, and sure enough, I saw a student that lotte, Primal Brewery. If anyone is passing through and also Sean’s parents, Mom and Pop Farley, looked exactly like Guy. “My daughter plays lacrosse, so I have seen Charlotte, David’s brewery is only a few miles off who always kept the room well-supplied with care Interstate 77 in Huntersville. We visited last year packages of fresh bagels and cream cheese they Kirby Smeltzer a few times this spring. His daughand were very impressed. Great brew, great layout, ter, Paige, is a referee. Dan and Cori Crawford would send to our VMI room from Philadelphia. live music and Carolina barbecue! You can check “For the ’93 townies, we have tripled our num- also come to visit in the summer when their son, when they are having an event on the Primal bers over the last few years. Lee Clark is the Chase, attends VMI soccer camp.

Brewery Facebook page. Every year, I also bump deputy of auxiliary service at VMI. His depart“As for the Ackermans, we are doing well and into John Guggenheimer in the football stands. staying busy. I just returned from my second summent handles all the support services for VMI, “Sean and Julia Farley still live in Arizona, but to include Crozet Hall and all uniform services. I mer trip to Bolivia with cadets. We travel with when they come East and head down the Shenan- usually see Lee a few times a week, when I finally Tim Moore ’97 and construct water sanitation doah Valley, they always stop by Lexington. The make it down to the gym. Lee, Cora Leigh and and waste treatment projects for remote villages in last visit, I was able to see the whole Farley clan, his daughters, Porter Grace and Savannah Faith, the Andes. You can follow the work of the cadets on the Keydets Without Borders Facebook page.

Looking forward to seeing BRs this fall.”

Judge Phil Grant dropped a line: “After winning a May runoff election for felony criminal district judge, I was able to take office six months early when the sitting judge stepped down. After being appointed by the governor, I was sworn in to finish out his term before starting my first four-year stint Jan. 1. I want to thank all of the BRs who sent me encouragement over the last year, especially BR Stephen Allison, who has been through it himself and sent me some well-earned wisdom and a check! For those like BR John Weeda who got sick of seeing me on their Facebook feeds every day, it’s safe to unblock me now – at least for three years until it’s my election cycle again.”

Class of 1993: Lee Clark, David Hoy, Mark Cumashot, Raleigh Trumbo, Jonathan It might be worth it to drive exceedingly fast Chamberlin ’19, Mason Worhsam ’19, Jim Romasz, Corky Oldfield, Paul Ackerman, through Phil’s county and hire Van Hardenburg Tim Ervin and Steve Grim. to represent me just to watch Van and Phil go at

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Class Notes each other! My money would be on both Van and I being given contempt of court.

Congratulations to Craig Eubank, who chimed in from Simpsonville, South Carolina. “On April 29, 2016, I had my promotion ceremony for the rank of captain in the Navy Reserve. Brother Rat John Harper and his family drove down from Oxford, Ohio, for the ceremony. Other VMI alumni in attendance were Colonel Chris Eubank ’91 and retired Colonel Jerry Eubank ’61. Attached is a photo of the four of us from the reception following the ceremony. It was a great event, and I am honored to join the O-6 ranks in the Eubank family, as well as our many BRs that have achieved this career milestone. I really enjoyed catching up with John. For the reserve, I am commanding officer of a unit that supports 6th Fleet with our primary mission to participate in exercises around Africa designed to improve maritime security for our African partner nations. In my civilian life, I design and industrialize semi-truck tires for Michelin.”

Another promotion for our class was Dom Ford, per his notes. “I was promoted to colonel in June of this year, and then the Fords PCSed to Okinawa in late July. I’ll be overseeing communications for all Marine Corps installations in the Pacific; however, I won’t be here long. I just found out that I was selected for O-6 command, so the Ford family will be PCSing to Twentynine Palms next summer to take command of the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School.

I’m not sure how strong the VMI mafia is out here in Oki, so if anyone knows of fellow alumni that are here on island, please let me know.”

Matt Bowers gave us an update on his civilian career. “I guess we are now officially getting old enough to retire from the military. I finished up a terrific career in the Air Force last year and started flying with Delta Air Lines. My family moved from sunny MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa to Fayetteville, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. I’ve been flying the 737 out of Atlanta for about a year now. On my last trip, I flew with Jon Dodson ’83!

We had a great time reminiscing about the Old Corps. Where does the time go? I seem to be staying just as busy since retiring from active duty but have a little more control of my schedule. During the past year, I also visited Chaplain Caudill in Sarasota, Florida. He was able to come up and be a part of my retirement ceremony at MacDill.

I also saw BR Sam Tyner on a Las Vegas trip this past year, as well. He is doing fine and has opened a couple Super Cuts stores in Vegas. He

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even offered to get me a free rat haircut. Ha! Now that I’m flying all over the U.S., you never know where I might show up next. Sure beats the Middle East! Hope everyone is doing well ... I know we’re all busy. God bless!”

Heath Bono sent in his update. “Family is doing well; my oldest is returning to her second year of school, and the other two are going to be in high school – freshman and senior. Crazy VMI story: I was in Dublin, Ireland, on vacation with the family and wearing a VMI ball cap. While walking down the street, a guy comes up to me and asks if it is a VMI hat. I was shocked someone knew it, because it just had the spider on the front, no name. Turns out the guy is a The Citadel ’73 grad.

We exchanged business cards, and he helped me with some directions and off we went. Seems that no matter where I go, VMI has some influence.

I just recently dropped some toys at a children’s hospital with my police union. It is a program that I have been running for eight years.”

As Paul mentioned, we will try to have a mini reunion at the VMI versus The Citadel game in Lexington Nov. 12. Stay current with the VMI 93 Facebook page.

As always, thank you to our BRs that are serving our country in uniform.

Jim

Class of 1994: Jeff Guild speaking at the Virginia War Memorial for Special Operations remembrance.

1994

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, Here we go again; time seems to fly the older we get. As I write these notes, a new rat mass is about to enter the Institute and begin their journey down the road less traveled. I think back to our matriculation, some 26 years ago: Aug. 14, 1990. It’s crazy to think that we have brother rats with children at the Institute. Sean Goldsmith’s son, Grant, is a new cadet this year.

I recently reached out to Nimit Suwannarat to find out what he is doing now. He informed me he is a colonel and regimental commander of 1st Artillery in Thailand. Looking good, BR; keep up the hard work. Steve Kavanaugh also reached out.

He participated recently in the annual EOD Memorial Ceremony, where he ran into Lt. Cmdr.

John Stewart ’00. He and Michelle are living in

Class of 1994: Paul Whitmore and Michael Johnson at Mike’s promotion to colonel.

Alexandria, Virginia. Steve was also able to meet up with Sean Lanier at the recent rat send-off held by the Potamac River and George C. Marshall Alumni Chapters in northern Virginia.

Greg Shaffer married Melissa Mihelish June 10, 2016. Congrats to the happy couple. On that same topic, David Bonner recently got engaged to

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1994: From left, Drew Bissell ’95, Clay Campbell and Gen. Mike Bissell ’61.

Class of 1994: Lieutenant Col. Stephen Kavanaugh and Lt. Cmdr. John Stewart ’00 at the EOD Memorial Ceremony remembering Maj. Thomas Zeugner ’76, who was killed in action in February 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

Janette Eichenlaub. Congrats, Woody. Recently, Woody was passing through Richmond and was able to catch up with Tic Burr, Paul Curley and Rob Brumley. I’m sure they all had a good time telling stories.

I recently had the privilege of running into Gen. Bissell ’61 and Drew Bissell ’95 at Old Busthead Brewery in Warrenton, Virginia. They both live a few miles from me. It was great to catch up. General Bissell asked me to let everyone know that he says hello.

Rusty Stein recently wrote to let me know that he got together with Ro Browning and Brian Jones for a trip to Argentina to hunt. As Rusty put it, they were helping to “aid in limiting the growth of an out-of-control dove infestation.”

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Class of 1994: Paul Curley, David Bonner, Rob Brumley and Tic Burr.

Clay Mountcastle, director of the Virginia War Memorial, recently posted that Jeff Guild was a guest speaker at the Special Operations Remembrance held at the war memorial. Also, Chris Doss recently had the opportunity to catch up with Clay at the memorial.

Paul Whitmore recently attended the promotion of Michael Johnson to colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Congratulations, Mike.

On a final note, Chris Coolidge has called a check formation for the VMI versus The Citadel football game this year. The game is Nov. 12, 2016, so all who can make it, please report to the ’94 tent on the Parade Ground.

Always, Class of ’94 Pig

1995

Thomas A. Brashears

Brother Rats, I will apologize for the brevity of these notes ... been crazy busy getting ready for the new school year. As I write these notes, we are five days from matriculation for the Class of 2017+3 and two days past the 25th anniversary of our matriculation in 1991. Wow, time sure does fly. With this new class, we will have our first legacy from our great class. Jack Baker’s son is a preferred walk-on

for the football team and is poised to do well here – both on and off the field. It’s funny, but there are now several legacies from here in the Corps of Cadets from the early to mid-1990s classes that were in barracks during our time.

I honestly have not heard from too many brother rats lately outside of what I have kept up with on social media. Rich Pitchford stopped by for a bit not long before his firstborn arrived. If I’m not mistaken, I think Rich has relinquished command, but I’m not sure where he PCSed to. Joe Doyle stops by every now and then during his work travels, and it’s always great to see him. I did talk with Bill Eger on the phone recently, and he seems to be enjoying married life ... a definite good thing.

Again, my apologies for the brevity of these notes, and I would encourage folks to get here to post sometime this year and check out the new facilities and hopefully catch a game or two. As always, my best to you and your families, and please let me know if you’re in town – would love to catch up.

Take great care and ’95, ’95, ’95!

1996

Tom Danielsen

Hello, Brother Rats!

Hope all of you are having a great summer!

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Class Notes

Class of 1996: Lieuntenant Col. Julian J. Rivera takes command of HMLA-773 (The Red Dogs) May 21, 2016, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix in New Jersey.

I want to start this class notes with the somber news of the passing of our Brother Rat Shane Sposito in late July. Doug Bartlett was able to attend the funeral and shared these words on Facebook: “Honored to represent my VMI classmates in bidding farewell to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shane Sposito today, as he was laid to rest amongst his fellow veterans at Tahoma National Cemetery. He served this country over multiple tours as a scout helicopter pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan – 42 months of combat in all – and fought cancer with the same intensity. Surrounded by his wife and two young sons, extended family and friends, and many of his fellow pilots, he went up to be with his Lord and savior ... on a day with perfect flying weather. End of mission, brother rat.

See you on the other side.”

I know all of us will miss Shane and his incredible generosity and sense of humor. Rest in peace, BR. In other news, as many of you know, John Adams is currently running to become the next attorney general for the commonwealth of Virginia. On June 25, Jon Sherrod hosted a pig roast to support John that was attended by the following BRs: Chris Gorman, Jon Dano, Mike Waltz, and Mike Burchik. From all reports, the pig roast was a huge success with great weather on Lake Caroline.

Speaking of Mike Burchik, he officially retired from the Navy June 3

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Class of 1996: United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shane Sposito was laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington Aug. 5, 2016.

Class of 1996: Pictured at a brother rat get-together in the Outer Banks of North Carolina were, from left, Kris “Buck” Meier, Chris Antonelli and Dave Hall.

Class of 1996: Brian Hartless was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force in May 2016. Pictured at the National War College after Brian Hartless’ graduation in June, were, from left, Paul Reedy ’97, Sebastien Joly ’98, Brian Hartless, Mike Ohleger and Sterling Sweeney.

as a commander. A photo of Mike with his flag detail consisting of four members of VMI ’16 is included.

Congratulations, and thank you for your service, Mike.

Brian Hartless was promoted to colonel in the Air Force and is the first member of our class to pin on O-6 in the active U.S. military. At his promotion ceremony were Paul Reedy ’97, Sebastien Joly ’98, Mike Ohleger and Sterling Sweeney. Following his promotion, Brian moved with his family to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he will spend the next two years. He encourages BRs to look him up if they’re in the area.

I once again heard from Lt. Col. J.J. Rivera, who took command of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (The Red Dogs) May 21 in Fort Dix, New Jersey. J.J. said the change of command was a big success and all is well with him; his wife, Laura; and their two children.

Dave Hall checked in recently to report he was having a great summer and got to spend some time with Kris “Buck” Meier and Chris Antonelli in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I also heard from Matt Bogusky, who ran into Paul Zackerson while he was on vacation in Panama City, Florida. Matt said he still spends his free time working on his jeep, the “Dirty Rat,” which I have to admit is pretty impressive, having seen it at the reunion in April.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Africa Command (or is it against), Steve Johnson is still roughing it in where he ran into Chad Bigelow.

Brussels, Belgium, working for NATO. Both are well and looking forward Steve and his family recently took to being here for the reunion. Big some time off to visit Rhodes, Greece, Buse, keep it up, bro; super proud and had an incredible adventure. of your accomplishments, and I am Chong Yong reported that Pete glad we got the chance to hang out Xayavong got married in late May. when you brought your oldest girl Congrats to Pete and his lovely bride, here to see about becoming a cadet.

Lisa.

Here’s a hint though: Tell her to run, I still hear from Bob Swan from time preferably in the opposite direction to time. He still lives in northern Vir... much love, buddy. ginia working for the Defense Threat Received the following note from Reduction Agency, where he occaJoe Klapatch: “Hope all is well sionally gets to blow things up as part of the job. Both Bob and his wife, An- Class of 1996: At his retirement ceremony in the Pentagon June there at the ‘I.’ Life’s been good to gelica, are doing great and busy rais- 3, 2016, was Cmdr. Michael Burchik with flag detail ensigns, me the last few years; hope it has for from left, Christopher Siebert ’16, Jacob Tyler ’16, Jared Gruber you, too. Kristen and I have been ing their 7-year-old daughter. He still ’16 and Cody Damewood ’16. Picture supplied by Jacob Tyler. in Omaha since January 2014 afkeeps up with Matt Tyrell, who, from all reports, is also doing well in northern Virginia. they were headed and how the families were. It ter moving here from London. I’m still in the I also heard from Greg Bamford that he’s ofwas truly great to hear from those I heard from, Navy and will be here until May 2018, when ficially moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, to start his and I hope that as Dave and I move forward in I retire after 20 years. Yes, a Navy submariner post-Marine Corps career. Congrats on your new this position, we hear from more and more of in Omaha, Nebraska, and what makes it even job! Enjoy the summer, because winter is absoyou each time the notes are due. Some people more odd is that my job is on an airplane. I’m lutely coming in that part of the country. we haven’t heard from in a while should really part of the airborne battle staff on the U.S. Finally, Ben Venning reached out from southdrop us a line; it would be good to hear from Strategic Command airborne command post ern California. Ben sent regrets that he could not you, even if it’s just to let us know you’re alive known as the ‘Looking Glass.’ I’ve run into make the reunion but hopes to see everyone in and well. Either way, you know who you are, Derek Stephenson here at STRATCOM a few 2021. Ben is currently a lieutenant colonel in the and you know we know who you are, too ... times. He works here as a civilian. We’ve gotMarine Corps and is the commanding officer of VMI has hidden cameras at all of your homes; ten together for lunch a few times, and he’s dothe Assault Amphibian School Battalion in Camp didn’t you realize that came standard with all ing well. Saw Donnie Hasseltine in Tucson, Pendleton, California.

Arizona, this past spring at a wedding of a mudiplomas?

That’s all of have for this edition. Please contual friend. Thanks for taking up the post and Dave Hudock is still at the Pentagon and jamtinue to send updates on you and your families. ming along. He offered up a hello and said that carrying the ’97 flag.” Sounds like you’re doing All the best, he is expecting to see all of you at the reunion really well, Joe. Congratulations on the imminent retirement, and remember, nothing is ever Tom Danielsen we have planned for April 28-29, 2017. It’s going to be a doozy! Me, I’m doing fine, plugging surprising about the military occupational spealong in my job with VMI and enjoying every cialty in the military; I honestly can’t rememminute of it. I recently received tenure and have ber a single time I ever did much of anything been very busy formulating new relationships related to what they titled me in the Air Force.

Tim O. Moore Steve Jones said, “Started a new civilian job with water and sanitation nongovernmental orin Harrisonburg (Transcon Supply). Headed to ganizations in Guatemala and Bolivia to help David M. Hudock Fort Rucker, Alabama, next week for the Aviafurther the reach and effectiveness of the Keydets Without Borders program. The program tion Safety Officer Course (National Guard). has dramatically increased in popularity with See you all for the 20th, if not sooner.” Connew projects and new partner universities, so grats on the new job, Steve-O, and come down things are going very well. I am also looking and see me every now and then in something forward to seeing everyone at the 20th Reunion other than a helicopter.

Big Brett Ogletree, my brother from another next spring and ask that all of you keep an eye mother, said the following: “What up, Big T! on the Class of 1997 Facebook page for continWell, summer 2016 is just about complete, ued updates about that weekend. So, without I’m pretty sure you saw how my crazy sumand the Class of ’97 has been in full effect. further ado, let’s get to updating. mer went, through Facebook, but I thought People from all over the map got in touch with Francis Buser is currently at Ramstein Air I’d save you scrolling back to get all the details me to let me know what they were up to, where Force Base fighting the good fight for U.S. and provide you the cliff notes right here: We

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Class Notes moved. After trying a while to put on an addition about. So, the Ogletrees will be six strong come and congratulations on the new addition to the clan; we are all super proud of you, bro, and sumid-December. We are sticking with our tradito our old residence, we decided it would be a better use of money to buy a bigger house. We spent tion of not finding out the sex, so I’ll have to give per happy for you. Next time you’re in town, stop by and stay with Elizabeth and me for a while. a month purging/cleaning/fixing/prepping the you boy/girl, name, etc. later this year. Outside of old house. We put it on the market on Big Joe Howard decided to chime a Thursday afternoon, had a flurry of in with this: “Cris and I still live out in showings, a few offers, did some neChandler, Arizona. I have a new role gotiations and finally accepted one on at Honeywell as a senior manager in that Saturday (so, basically, it sold in 40 engineering operations in our aerohours). Fortunately, we were also lookspace business. Cris is busy starting a ing for the next house at the same time. new environmental consulting firm We missed out on one we liked, but we that supports the Department of Defense. At the end of June, we met up found another out in Moseley that was with Gary Compton and his family pretty much perfect. After a little back and forth, our offer on the new house while they were vacationing in Ariwas accepted just a few hours after we zona. It was great catching up with my accepted the offer on the old house old roommate. Not sure why he came (basically, we sold our old house and to Phoenix in the middle of summer bought a new house in about 48 hours). for vacation, though. At the end of This was pretty much the best we Class of 1997: Jeremy King and his wife, Amy, met Don Henley July, John Duckworth was in town for following a small venue concert in Dallas, Texas. could have hoped for on the front end. a law enforcement conference, and we We had a nightmare closing, because a had dinner together at one of the local bank did not send in paperwork releasresorts. John had some great stories to share about his experiences as a Virgining a lien from over 10 years ago. This caused us to delay a couple of weeks, ia state trooper and as a Secret Service which caused a bit of issues in moving agent. Overall, it’s been a great sumlogistics, which resulted in me spendmer seeing some of my BRs.” Thanks ing the better part of four days moving for the notes, Joe; I’m pretty sure when our stuff (I figured out that I got a total you’re bad @#$ enough to wear a Han Solo shirt in public, then the Arizona of 12 hours of sleep over those days, heat is but a drop in the bucket. As for and the rest was spent in motion of Duckworth, is he still undercover, or some kind). Moving sucked, but it was can he possibly send in some notes one all worth it in the end. We are still tryday so we all know he isn’t living under ing to get things in the right place in the Class of 1997: Francis Buser and Chad Bigelow at Ramstein Air a rock somewhere? Nonetheless, glad new house. We have a lot of painting Force Base. all of you guys are doing well; looking to do (pretty much the whole house is contractor white) and some remodel of the that, it was the usual awesome crazy stuff. I’m still forward to seeing all of you and your families at the reunion. basement planned, but the wife and kiddos love working for the Federal Reserve as a database adAaron Burdon, yeah you read it right, big A.B. the house, and that’s all that really matters to me. ministrator. Cat is still working as a school counAlso, we’re pregnant (well, Catherine is, and supselor. The boys kicked @#$ this swim season. The brought forth the rain with some lyrical justice for posedly I did it). Tuesday evening after we sold/ girl has the world wrapped around her finger. This your information needing ears. Big man said the following: “I’m currently teaching third grade at bought houses, I was in the kitchen trying to put fall is gonna be slammed ... boys are playing soctogether dinner. The kiddos were running around cer and flag football, the girl starts playing soccer, Hermitage Elementary in Virginia Beach and mentoring the school’s robotics club. I was redoing what kids do. Suddenly, I hear, ‘Brett, I need I’m coaching three soccer teams Saturday mornyou to come up here.’ When I walked into our ings (I get a little too emotional coaching football, cently ‘tagged’ by the Virginia Beach City Public bedroom, Cat holds up a positive pregnancy test so I am just a spectator Sunday afternoons), Evan Schools’ superintendent for being an exceptional for me to see. I seriously thought she was mess(9) is going into fourth grade, Lucas (6) is going teacher. I’m happily engaged to a wonderful ing with me. We had been trying for a little while, into first grade, Emma (3 in September) is still at woman, trying to lose weight and get in shape, and we did joke about how it would just be crazy her same little day care/pre-school program that and working on writing a science fiction novel if she got pregnant in time for us to move. After the boys also went through. I think that’s all of it that I hope to publish someday.” Great to hear a few seconds, I realized that she wasn’t messing ... Lord knows, it’s a lot. Hope you and yours are from you, brother; proud of your accomplishwith me, and a rush of joy came over me. You’ve doing great (looks like you are from your posts).” ments and desire to stay up with the health. been there; you know that exact feeling I’m talking Thanks, big B, much love to you and your family God knows, we aren’t getting any younger; I

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Class Notes mean, just think, Kevin Ash just got married; we must be really old or dead or in some alternate universe where Ash gets married, and we all try to figure out who in the world would do such a thing. Actually, maybe that would be a good idea for your next novel. Anyway, great to hear from you, brother; congrats on the kudos and keep up the good work.

J. Dogg King in the house ... not much else to say about that ... here is his dope rhyme. “Hope you and your family are doing well. Since our BRs may think I’m selling low-riders now from the last notes, I figured I should probably provide an update. Still living outside of Columbia in Chapin, South Carolina. Just reached my 17th year with Westinghouse and feeling old. If nuclear plants keep closing down, I may have to start selling lowriders or something. My daughter, Whitney, is 5 and-a-half and just graduated from pre-school. We stay busy taking her to swim practice and dance.

She is a daddy’s girl and has had me wrapped around her finger since she was born. I look forward to bringing her to our reunion in the spring.

Last month, we took an opportunity to see Don Henley play in a concert with only 300 people.

It was in Dallas and he did a full Q&A with the entire crowd. Afterward, we got to meet him and get our picture with him. It was definitely a ‘bucket list’ item. First time I met a celebrity and didn’t really know what to say to him other than the thousands of hours I have spent on my back porch drinking wine and listening to the Eagles’ greatest hits and that we named our dachshund after him. I haven’t really kept up with too many BRs lately other than what I see on Facebook. Our local alumni chapter has become more active.

A couple of weeks ago, I played golf with Carl Hammond ’00 in a chapter golf tournament.

He mentioned that he saw you not too long ago while he was up at VMI. Speaking of golf, I need to catch up with Jason Gruse so we can plan an annual Class of ’97 Myrtle Beach outing in the spring and do it for the next 40 years.” Thanks for the update, bro. I’m glad to hear you got a chance to see Don Henley, definitely a bucket list item for sure. Did you ask him about retirement?

Based on how young he still looks in the picture you sent, it looks like they might keep him in cryogenic stasis when he is not in concert singing somewhere. The least amount of oxygen in contact with his skin has kept him looking like he did 14 retirements ago. Great to hear from you, man; keep in touch, and we will see you at the reunion.

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Well, that’s it for another installment of “hit me up every three months, if you feel like it, and let me know what’s going on in your life, or else.” I look forward to hearing from you guys again soon.

Until then, stay safe, enjoy the rest of the summer, enjoy the fall and come see us at VMI for some much needed football tailgating. I’m looking forward to it and looking forward to hearing from all of you guys soon.

Looks like the heat has put a damper on notes submissions this time around, so this issue will be short and sweet for our class.

I recently attended the rat send-off for the Washington, D.C., area alumni chapters. We hosted about 140 folks, including alumni, parents and a slew of incoming cadets. It was a great event, and everyone really got a lot out of it. Again, I encourage all of you to get involved with your alumni chapters. It’s a great way to stay engaged and meet

VMI brothers and sisters from all years.

I’ll start with an omission from the last round.

I heard from Jut Malloy before the last Alumni Review magazine and failed to include his update – apologies, Jut! Jut and I have both been able to hang out with Jim and Heather Peay on separate occasions, so it’s been nice having them in the D.C. area while Jim is at the Pentagon. Jut and Gretchen are now the proud parents of two!

Their daughter, Frankie, is 3 and their new son, Murphy, is 4 months old as of this writing. Congrats to the growing Malloy family!

After a six-month furlough (read vacation) from the railroad, Chad Novacek is back to riding the Iron Horse for BNSF Railway as a conductor – this time in Black Hills, South Dakota.

Hawaii, Los Angeles and all the new friends he met in those places will be missed, but it’s time for him to earn some money again! Chad, I hope you’ve started writing your book. Keep adding those chapters.

I also heard from Ernesto Sampson, who has just been appointed to the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. He continues to represent our class and VMI in fine fashion. He and Savon are also busy bringing up and learning from their daughter, Alice. She’s already been to Redskins training camp – raising her right!

It’s always a pleasure to hear from everyone when I put these together. Feel free to submit updates at any point throughout the year. Please also join our VMI Class of 1998 Facebook page.

Class of 1998: Frankie Malloy and new little brother, Murphy.

Class of 1998: Jut Malloy lounging with daughter Frankie (3) and son Murphy (four months).

1998

John A. Strock Hamel Reinmiller

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Class Notes

1999

William Steinbach

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1999.

2000

Jim Boatright

Brother Rats, As I write this update, it is mid-August, and like many of you, I am wondering how the summer went by so quickly. Kids are returning to school, summer vacations are over, and cooler temperatures and football are right around the corner. We only had a few updates since the last set of notes – hopefully due to hectic summer schedules – and I want to ask those of you who have not checked in at least once in the last year to please do so. It is great to hear from everyone, and I know our brother rats around the country and all over the world appreciate our class having a strong showing, especially when many are far away from home and family. With that said, I am always grateful to Pat Haddock for sending out a notice on the class Facebook page that always brings in several updates. Pat also sent an update for himself and said he just started a new position with Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. He is working with a group called User Experience & Digital Services, which is a big change from his previous positions with Coke. Pat said his son, Daniel, is two and growing fast, and he and his wife, Charlotte, are enjoying this fun time. The three of them met up with Micah North and his family in Tennessee for July 4 and had a great time. The following weekend, they went to Tybee Island, Georgia, and enjoyed a few days at the beach with Colin Mahle, and his wife, Charlsey, and their two girls. Pat said Colin had just returned from a deployment to Iraq, and he is doing well.

The Mahles were en route to Colin’s next assignment in Denver, Colorado. Pat sends congrats to many of our Army BRs who have been selected

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for lieutenant colonel and closed with, “I think we are officially old now.” Pat, congrats to you on lieutenant colonel and for being officially old!

Mike Mulé checked in to say all is well with his family in Richmond, Virginia. Mike recently took on a new role at Capital One as a project manager in the fraud department, and he has been with Cap One for 10 years. Mike’s wife, Merissa, is a partner at Virginia Family Dentistry and doing great work there. They spent a weekend visiting with Armando Gonzalez earlier this year. Brad Allen updated that his family has left the sugar sands of Pensacola, Florida, and have moved to Dover, Delaware, where he is the maintenance operations officer in the 436 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base.

He said wife and kids are well and looking forward to going to the “Mother I” more frequently now that they are closer.

Bubba Massie updated he has recently arrived back in northern Virginia from a three-year stint in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division, where he did S3 and executive officer time. Bubba says he enjoyed the aloha life and took advantage of the surfing and golfing. He will pin on lieutenant colonel by the end of the year. Ann Marie, whom he met while at VMI, along with their two children, Ella (8) and Henry (5), will live in Alexandria, and his new assignment is with J-2, Joint Improvised-threat Defeat Agency as the branch chief of Afghanistan/Pakistan Task Force.

B.J. Arvin checked in and updated that his family moved to east Tennessee in June, where he accepted a position at Karns High School in Knoxville to teach social studies and coach girls’ basketball. B.J. is also completing work for a master’s in educational leadership, which will be his third graduate degree.

Tony Cerella sends hugs and said he and his family recently moved from Korea to Germany and will be there for at least two years. Tony was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel and will be the G3 for the U.S. Army NATO Brigade in Sembach, Germany. Bethany and the kids are getting used to life in Germany, and they are planning to travel a lot.

It has been awhile since I provided an update for myself, so I want to let everyone know I am living in Atlanta, Georgia, and working as a commercial general contractor. Emily and I just celebrated our 15th anniversary and have two kids, Madeline (9) and Whitaker (8). I recently caught up with Jay Mogge. He is starting a

construction consulting business in Texas, and his family is doing great. I also visited with Matt Neely and Bill Meyers in Highlands, North Carolina, where Matt’s family was on vacation. Bill lives in Franklin, North Carolina, just a few miles away. We told stories and caught up on a lot of great memories. It was great to meet families and see that everyone is doing so well.

Please keep the updates, pictures and notes coming at least once a year so we can all stay in touch with each other. Finally, to all of our brother rats that have served or are currently serving our great country, be safe and thank you!

2001

Brandon Farris

Greetings, BRs, I hope this finds everyone well. Planning is nearly done for our 15th Reunion, although there is a chance that by the time you read this, we will have already had it. These are pretty short; I think everyone was out enjoying the summer during the call.

Kelly Sullivan recently moved to Jacksonville, got engaged and started a new job with Google.

Class of 2001: Jake Williams and Dan Schindler ran the Frederick, Maryland, half-marathon. It was Dan’s seventh time running the race.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Kelly said, “Everything is awesome, it was a joyful time. The Hurleys are and Rah Virginia Mil!” Kelly also doing well, still living in the Clifton heard from Tamina, who is doing Forge home in which Josh grew up. great with her two girls. Doctor MeSeth said, “It honestly felt like ‘golissa Williams is as kickass as ever. ing home’ for me, too. The Hurleys seemed to enjoy the time even more Steve Kolenich and his wife, Maddie, just had a new daughter, Serena, than me; mainly because of my as well as recently moved back to girls, though.”

Britton Armstrong sent in the folRichmond. Nate Charles and his lowing: “Anyway, after some much wife, Brooke, also just had a daughter, needed time off from the typical Ada Grace, Aug. 8, 2016. I’m happy to report they are all doing well. job life, I decided to move back into Seth Ford and his wife, Sarah, are the workforce when one of my best doing well. Their three little girls are friends asked me to come work with now about to be 8, 5 and 2. Seth’s him and build a great company that ophthalmology practice is doing well has the passion and vision to help in Cleveland, Tennessee. As part of Class of 2001: Seth Ford, his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters. local Richmond, Virginia, business his role as president of the Tennessee owners reduce their operating exAcademy of Ophthalmology, Seth is currently penses and grow their revenue. Co-founder/ working with legislators to pass legislation to rechief executive officer Timothy Ryan is not a move insurance limitations that prevent patients VMI guy, but he should have been. He founded from receiving adequate amounts of medicaBlueswipe on the same honor code and core values that we embody. He brought me ontions they need to preserve their vision. board as a payment solutions consultant first, Seth also recently spoke with our BR Mike for me to earn my keep and prove my value “Ears” Christensen. He is still happily married to his wife, and his two boys are healthy. He by helping the local business owners at a tactiis still full-time with the Army Reserve. Curcal level, and then I will be taking over as the rently not flying, though he is promising to revice president of operations in the near future, turn to active flight status for the Blackhawks so we can build and grow the company at a he loves so much at the conclusion of his desk strategic level while running it with strict core values that we all hold so dear. I’m looking job next year. Seth also had the joy of spendClass of 2001: Jason Whitaker and Parkforward for the opportunity to help a bunch of ing the weekend with Chuck and Christine er Reeves at the Guns N Roses concert businesses that have a VMI connection prosper Hurley (the parents of our BR Josh Hurley) at FedEx Field. Photo by Jason’s wife, at higher levels by partnering with Blueswipe, along with his children last month – Seth said Dawn. a locally founded and headquartered merchant services company that is serving locally. www. goblueswipe.com. So, the new job seems to be the biggest change in this update for us; however, we are expecting our fourth child Aug. 11!”

I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall for our reunion. As always, if you have any questions, please shoot me an email or a call.

Brandon

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Class of 2001: Steve and Maddie Kolenich’s daughter, Serena.

2016-Issue 4

Class of 2001: Jon Mazur and his uncle, Garry Gallagher, framing up an addition to his house in Alexandria.

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

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Class Notes

2003

William Talley V

Brother Rats, It’s currently the last few weeks of summer, and the heat and humidity are making themselves known in Virginia. However, by the time these are delivered, it’ll be mid-November and winter will upon us in a few weeks. I want to start out by thanking BR Jared Swanson for always sending in notes for Band Company. Every three months, without fail, I get an email from Jared with something, even if there’s nothing to report. Thank Class of 2003: Abigail Eve Monteleone, Class of 2003: Henry Leroy LaGrone, born you, Jared, for always sending in something, even born Feb. 14, 2016, to Adam and Laura June 12, 2016, to Sam LaGrone and wife Monteleone.

Cara Clark. when I don’t! So here are the notes submitted by Jared that account for what should have been in However, he did continue on and supthe August AR, as well. port his fellow teammates and met up Band had a lot of babies in this with BRs in northern Virginia upon his round. Adam and Laura Monteleone arrival in Washington, D.C. His group had their first baby! Abigail Eve Monwas raising funds and awareness to teleone was born Feb. 14, 2016. Sam help disabled children in Malta.

LaGrone and wife Cara Clark had a Super physical training stud John son, Henry Leroy LaGrone, born June Bocek took an unfortunate fall while 12, 2016, at MCV in Richmond. Jamountain biking in August and sufson Boatright is leaving Naval Station fered injuries to his left arm. In true Guantanamo Bay for Marine Corps Bocek fashion, he posted a picture of Logistics Base Albany, Georgia. himself in the ambulance headed to I spoke with Willie Hale the other Class of 2003: Brother rats who greeted Patrick Schaerrer upon day. It seems like he and his family are his arrival in Washington, D.C., were, Will Ragland, Chris Mision, the hospital with a grin on his face. doing well. He was telling me about a Douglas Warner, John Bocek, Derek Brown, Victoria Ortiz, Bren- I heard that a gim tag was being 4th Class cadet who is playing football dan Barclay, Dan Zhang, Patrick Schaerrer and Spenser Robbins. mailed to him by the VMI hospital so he could get out of his workout this season at the Institute and hails of the day and pullup routine for the from Pulaski. I also heard from Allen next month or two. I’m sure his wife, Maxey, who is out in the western part Stephanie, will help nurse him back of the state, as well. He seems to be doto 100 percent in no time. ing well, and I’m sure is staying busy.

Andy and Chelsey Biesterveld welI tried to catch up with Dave Walker comed their second son, Alden Dougback in May when I was in Virginia las Biesterveld, into the world March Beach; however, we couldn’t make it 4, 2016. Alden is looked after by his happen. Dave was doing well and stayolder brother, Lincoln, who turned ing busy; based on our conversation, two about a month later. While Alden he’s always open to catching up with is already getting a heavy dose of the BRs when they’re in the area.

Buckeye culture, he looks to be doing I’m sure many of you followed Patwell and his parents are enjoying life. rick Schaerrer this summer in his quest Steve Nakazawa continues to live to bike across the U.S. Unfortunately, a fun and interesting life. Steve can due to an absent-minded motorist, Class of 2003: The Monteleone family – Adam, Laura and Abigail. be seen frequenting Washington he was unable to accomplish his feat.

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Class Notes

Class of 2003: Andy and Chesley Biesterveld with sons Lincoln (2) and Alden, born March 4, 2016.

Nationals ballgames, meeting up with BRs who come into town and getting out on the town in the northern Virginia/D.C. area.

Life continues at a hectic pace in the Talley household. Amie-Anne became a flight nurse in May and has been busy getting herself acclimated to her new job. Savannah and Billy are involved with Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, respectively, along with softball and baseball. Chappell makes sure they have a cheering section and lets us know that he can do anything his older siblings can do.

While these notes won’t hit until after football season has come and gone, I hope we’re able to see many of you at the Institute this fall at a game.

That’s it for now, folks; please send in your updates. I want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

2004

Scott E. Campbell C. Justin Roberts

Sean O’Donnell and his wife, Tasha, became parents for the first time in February. Connor is a healthy baby boy. They love every minute of new parenthood and can’t believe these five months have gone by as quickly as they have.

Sean, Anya will be 5 this December. Time

2016-Issue 4

hasn’t slowed down in the least! Sleep when you get the chance ... if you get the chance!

O’Donnell met up with Ray L’Heureux in May. He and his family just moved to the south of France as an exchange officer with the French marines. Believe he’ll be there for the next two to three years.

Joe Montagna just executed permanent change of station orders. He is now stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where I am attending the Marine Corps Command and Staff College for the next year. Ross Garnett, Brandon Turner ’03 and Tim Riemann ’05 are there, too. Before checking in, Joe and his wife, Jessica, had a wonderful vacation touring both Scotland and Ireland.

Once Ross Garnett finishes CSC at Quantico next summer, he and his family may be heading to Camp Foster, Okinawa. Ross also mentioned that Dr. Brad Wineman ’99 is on staff at CSC. Tim Price and his family (Lisette, Jack and Henry) are headed to Vilseck, Germany, toward the end of August. Tim will be serving as the squadron operations officer for 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Please drop him a line if you will be in the area.

Drew Hardin changed jobs in April. He is now an accountant for a law firm in Austin. He’s been pretty active in triathlon. His first century bike went into the books in May followed by his first half-Ironman in June, finishing in less than six hours! John Ginder joined Andrew for a sprint triathalon in July at Texas A&M University, and they are doing another together for his 35th birthday in August. Matt Sanders may be joining them.

There may be another half this year and hopefully a full Ironman next year, depending on time to train. If anyone is interested in running a race as a class race, reach out to Andrew!

Derek Raymond graduated Intermediate Level Education at the Naval Postgraduate School and returned to Fort Campbell last summer. Since then, he has been on his second deployment to the Middle East supporting Operation Inherent Resolve as a company commander, and the Middle East is, again, “home away from home.” He’ll be home for the holidays and is looking forward to actually being home for them this year. Evan Roddenberry ’08 is a team leader with Derek’s company. “Always good to have fellow Keydets around!” said Raymond. As far as VMI goes, he can attest from personal experience that we are well-represented across the OIR battlefield! In May, Raymond and his family met up with Cam

and Matt Vogel and their two girls at the U.S. Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. “Great to catch up and, of course, reminisced enough to make the return drive harder than necessary! Matt was finishing up his Air Force equivalent ILE at Maxwell Air Force Base and writing his thesis on rockets – way above his pay grade!” Josh Powers just PCS’ed to Fort Leavenworth to attend the School of Advanced

Class of 2004: Drew Hardin finishing Iron Man Buffalo Springs June 26th, 2016.

Class of 2004: Grady Orr with his family after being promoted to sergeant with the Henrico Police Department.

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Class Notes Nursing degree at the University of Military Studies, working on his “ejuSouth Carolina at Aiken. After a honmakashun.” No doubt he’ll knock it eymoon to Hawaii, Chris and Taylor out of the park. will reside in Augusta, Georgia, for a Justin and Bree Adams Guiterman year while Chris finishes his residency. welcomed beautiful Nora Jane into In summer 2017, the Johnsons will be the world April 14. Ike is excited about moving to Richmond, Virginia, where being a big brother! Justin graduated Chris will start a yearlong fellowship in from Marine Corps University Comorthopedic trauma at the VCU Medimand & Staff College in June with cal Center. Pictures of the wedding his master’s degree. The family has rewere not available at the time of pubturned to Bree’s hometown of Gaineslication of the notes, but will be in the ville, Florida, where they bought a next edition of the Alumni Review. house, and she is working with her Jason Downs recently relocated to father at his small brokerage firm!

Matt Cage has finished his spine fel- Class of 2005: Mark Conley flying the colors at the Cape of Good Reston, Virginia, from Wilmington, North Carolina, where he works as lowship at University of California, Hope, South Africa. contract recruiter for Stillwater HuDavis and will be moving back out man Capital. to Hawaii in August to take a staff job at Tripler Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Jason Downs and Tim Johnson served as groomsSean Moore and his wife, Danielle, still live Army Medical Center in the orthopedics departmen, while Sean Moore, Brad Miller and Anin Martinsburg, West Virginia, with their two ment. daughters, Josie and Shae. Sean works at the The new job is in full swing for me and still drew Troy served as ushers. Other members of pushing me out the door. I’ve been on the road the Class of 2005 in attendance were Ben Melton, Anne Arrundel Fire Department in Maryland for seven weeks since I took the job in the first Jon Proctor, Greg VanPelt and Josh Sullivan. and recently started his own business, Old BarChris is entering his fifth and final year of orthoracks Leak Detection, which specializes in deweek of April. I’ve also been loaded up with expedic surgery residency with the Army at Eisentecting leaks in underground water lines using tra duties managing the budget for Virginia’s Facilities Management Office. The assignment with hower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon in the latest computer technology.

Brad Miller and his wife, Joy, live in Charlotthe Cyber Brigade came and went just as quickly. Augusta, Georgia. Taylor is a registered nurse at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, tesville, Virginia, with their daughter, Max. Brad At last check, I was redirected once again to go to Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in recently changed jobs and works as an executive the FMO’s office on the M-Day side as the enviwith S&P Global Market Intelligence in Charlotronmental officer. tesville. Joy continues to work as a nurse in the Take care! Be safe, and keep in touch!

University of Virginia health system.

Scott Campbell Andrew Troy and his wife, Adrean, live in Bel Air, Maryland, north of Baltimore, with their two daughters, Clare and Anne Charlotte, who Tom Hardinge was born in February. Andrew recently switched jobs from Booz Allen Hamilton to Merrill Lynch.

He still works in downtown Baltimore. Adrean continues her work as the director of economic Timothy Johnson development for the town of Havre de Grace.

Ben Melton and his wife, Courtney, just moved from Nashville, Tennessee, to San Antonio, Texas, with their ever-fun and unpredictable son, Preston. Although Ben separated from the Army over a year ago, he is continuing to serve in the Army though a Texas National Guard unit based Hello again, Brother Rats! in Austin. He adds that the National Guard has It’s hard to believe that another four months have been a great opportunity and recommends anypassed, yet here we are once more with another one who is separating from active duty service to round of updates. We have a lot this month, so consider it. Courtney was recruited to help start let’s jump right in. (Note: these also are a few items the Pediatric Emergency Department at the Unithat didn’t make it into last quarter’s edition.)

Class of 2005: Cory Englehart on the versity of Texas Health Science Center – San AnChris Johnson married Miss Taylor Phillips of summit of Denali May 31, 2016. tonio. Ben and Courtney are expecting a second Lexington, South Carolina, May 7 at Southside

2005

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes child in mid-December ... so, if anyone is currently living in the San Antonio area, make sure you reach out to the Melton family and congratulate them in all their new beginnings!

Jon Proctor still lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, Christine, and daughter, Kate. Jon continues his work as a bankruptcy lawyer with Robert J. Semrad and Associates, and Christine as a trial lawyer with Mary A. Miller & Associates. Greg VanPelt still lives in Richmond and works as an operations supervisor for McKesson. Josh Sullivan and his wife, Anna, recently moved from the west end of Richmond to Powhatan.

Josh continues to work for TylerUnion as a sales representative, and Anna recently switched jobs and is an account manager at SCA Americas.

Class of 2005: Father Brandon Haenny following his Their son, Tucker, continues to grow Ordination. by leaps and bounds and has quite the holding the VMI banner on the Cape of Good personality these days.

Hope in Africa.”

Tim Johnson continues to work as an English Alex Boykin has also left Air Force Special Opand social studies teacher at Midlothian High erations Command and active duty at the end of School in the Richmond area.

Kirk Stokes checked in, all the way from across July and started with the reserve at the beginning of August with the Hurricane Hunters. “Kelton the globe: “I heard from Shore that the 10th Reunion had a nice turnout. Well done to the class and I are now living in Pensacola, Florida, and are very much looking forward to finally being for coming through on the campaign pledges; good stuff. I’ll be looking forward to making able to attend sporting events and class functions now that we have a lot more of our lives back.” the next one! I wrapped up my Master of BusiCory Engelhard doesn’t seem like he’s up to ness Administration degree at the Thunderbird School of Global Management last May. I’ve much these days ... only summiting Denali, the highest mountain in North America (and the since moved back to Singapore, where I’m working for Goldman Sachs in their Private Wealth Western Hemisphere, if you’re keeping track) and Management division. Spending most of my one of the famed “seven summits” of the world. time in Indonesia these days. A long way from He also happened to have a VMI flag with him on his journey ... show off. Only kidding of course, LexVegas...

“I saw Shore in May. He and I met in Paris to Cory; kudos on such an epic accomplishment!

Father Brandon Haenny checked in: “This will celebrate Mother’s Day with our family. He and his wife, Tara, are still living in Brooklyn, New be my first ever class note in 11 years. I dropped York. Still works at PIMCO and doing well. I’ll off the face of the earth in 2008 to enter the be looking forward to the Christmas holiday so seminary, and after eight years of study, I was orthat I can get back to Virginia for some additional dained a Catholic priest for the Society of St. Pius time with family.” Safe travels, Kirk ... hope to X June 3 in Winona, Minnesota. I have now been assigned to a church in Dickinson, Texas, and see you at the 15th Reunion!

Mark Conley shared that he has finished his will be offering the Latin mass and teaching at the same Catholic school where our BR Mark military commitment and is now a civilian. “Before I get back to the States, I’m taking some time Conley went to school and learned his ABCs. to see the world before finding full-time employ- Furthermore, I will be pastor of a church in ment. That’s pretty much it. The photo is of me San Antonio, where I will spend my weekends.

2016-Issue 4

A lifetime of ripping on Texans has caught up with me, it seems. As fate would also have it, I will perhaps be able to make more frequent trips to Virginia and to the Institute, as our seminary has become outgrown and is moving this fall from Minnesota to 500 purchased acres off the James River near Dilwyn, Virginia, and to an impressive newly-constructed seminary (in case anyone who lives near there is wondering what that giant castle-looking structure is), where we will be able to hopefully form many more priests in the future. Anyone interested in learning a little about it should visit newseminaryproject. org.” Congratulations on reaching such a huge milestone, Brandon!

That’s all for me this year, BRs. Again, it’s been so great to hear from Rite of so many of you as I’ve transitioned into this role serving the class. Please keep those updates coming in ... you’re making my job easy! As always, stay well and have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

2006

Shawn Driver

Brother Rats, I hope everyone had a great summer. As I’m writing this, we’re about to open up registration for the 10th Reunion. I’m looking forward to getting the next edition of the Review in the mail, as these notes will be printed along with photos of what I know will be an epic weekend.

Between the emails pouring in with questions, updates and the hasty link-ups in downtown Norfolk for a beer with Todd Baldwin and Burgess Lindsey, planning the reunion has given me the opportunity to catch up with a lot of people.

I recently got an update from Jackson Todd. He graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law this past May with a Juris Doctor degree. He just took the Florida Bar Exam and should have found out the results Sept. 19. Best of luck, BR.

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Class Notes 3, 2016. Jake Willis and his wife also Just last week, my wife and I had had their first son, Jackson Robert Wildinner with Sgt. Maj. Neel along with lis, July 7, 2016. John Beducian’s wife, his wife, Kim, and daughter, Elise.

Robin, gave birth to their son, William Elise is an Army captain that just got Sawyer Beducian, March 23, 2016. stationed at Fort Stewart. It was great I also had a son this year, my second catching up, and I was honored to child, Ender, born March 8, 2016, right give them a tour of the 160th Special in the middle of my midterms. He has Operations Aviation Regiment faciliterrible timing. So, congratulations to ties and aircraft. Sergeant Maj. Neel all the new parents so far this year! assured me that ’06 would make its Chris Waddell traveled back to post mark at the reunion. I hope we did in April for the alumni festivities. He him proud one last time (he’s retiring played in the annual rugby match in two years). between alumni and the current caAll in all, the class seems to be doing det team. He said that Bob Downey great or at least busy as hell moving up ’04 and Ian Foley ’05 also joined the in their careers, starting businesses and match, and they all had a blast. Also getting deployed to every corner of the Class of 2007: Nick Franck and John Fredericks on the historic present was Chris’ son, Riley, future world – both on land and sea. Dan third defensive line of the Italian army during World War I. Class of 2032!

Rogers is on a ship somewhere right now feverishly plotting how to consume copious Reunion classes usually present a check to the Inamounts of beverages during the reunion – just stitute. Elise Jones is heading that up, and she has bring your glow-in-the-dark Ring Figure mug, and started contacting some of our brother rats based I’ll do the rest, Dan. Just like all of you, I’m watchon our class donors list. So, we should see some ing families grow on Facebook. In fact, my wife action here in the near future as far as fundraisis pregnant with our second child. I’d wager that ing efforts for our check. Other than that, just sit most people are either married or working on it tight and when I have more info, I will let the class (and likewise with children). All of that seems a know. At least now we have a date! far cry from a time where we were coming back So, our first updates are to welcome all the new Class of 2007: John Elliot Beducian’s son, into barracks as late as humanly possible after additions to our family! Tab Pinter and her husWilliam Sawyer Beducian. furlough to a bunch of screaming 19 and 20-year- band welcomed a new son to their family June olds that wanted to throw us a 15-minute welcome home party.

Anyway, take care everyone. And send me updates when you think about it. I could troll your Facebook and recap, but that would weird.

Shawn

2007

Sally Bushore

I’ve received many inquiries about our 10th Reunion, so hopefully I can put some fears to rest now. It appears as if the reunion schedule was updated, and our weekend, according to the reunion central website on the VMIAA website, is Oct. 2022, 2017. I have not begun the planning for it yet; the coordinators at VMI will contact me when it’s time for us to get started. We did start a fundraising committee. As you probably remember, the 10th

128

Class of 2007: Jake Willis’ son, Jackson Robert Willis.

Class of 2007: Class Agent Sally Bushore said of this photo, “Dustin Schultz sent this photo of his kids, Taylor, Dylan, Paige and Charlie. He says it’s rare to get a photo of all four together without them strangling each other!”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Thanks to everyone who takes the time to send Deuntay Diggs sent several updates. He completed the Law Enforcement United-Road to in updates. I can’t write anything without hearing Hope bike ride for the second year in a row. It is from you guys. If anyone knows of a brother rat a 250-mile bike ride from Chesapeake to D.C. to who isn’t in the loop but wants to be, shoot me his/ honor fallen law enforcement officers and their her contact info. There’s a lot of people I’ve never really heard from since graduation. Looking forsurvivors. He also started his own business, Inspiration From Within, LLC. He travels and does ward to seeing everyone next year! motivational speaking in which he also tells his life story. He has his own website, www.deuntaydiggs. com. In addition to all that, he just learned Aug. 1 that he was promoted to second lieutenant of the Robert Hill patrol division as watch commander! Congratulations on all the good news, Deuntay!

Danny Plitnik is still stationed on the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego. He ran into Rachel Halnon Greetings, Brother Rats! ’10 on the ship in May while she was doing some I hope you are all doing well and preparations training quals. She is the communications officer on the USS George H.W. Bush in Norfolk. Danny for the holidays are running smoothly. A quick reminder: If you have pictures and would like to will start a new job in October at the Navy EnviClass of 2008: Chris Graff with Arnold ronmental and Preventative Medicine Unit 5. He include them in the Alumni Review, please send Schwarzenegger during the filming of a photographs over 1MB in size. While the aspect is looking forward to a shore job again. segment for the show, “Years of Living Dangerously,” airing on the National ratio may not always be correct, generally speakJustin Chetney was recently promoted to assisGeographic Channel in the fall of 2016. tant car sales manager for Enterprise Car Sales in ing, the larger photo size will indicate the resolution is good enough to appear in the print edition Norfolk, Virginia.

Dustin Schultz graduated from Department of the Alumni Review.

Patrick Clark checked in from Naval Air StaHead School in Newport, Rhode Island, in December. He then flew to Bahrain to meet his ship tion Oceana, Virginia Beach. Patrick is currently preparing for his second deployment in early on deployment. He returned May 3 from deployment on the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) where he 2017. Pat had a chance to see Dennis Harbin served as combat systems officer. On Kearsarge, he and Greg Willson at the baptism of Dennis’ new served with Ens. Rochelle McDaniels ’14, who baby. He also ran into Jason Webb at the officer’s club located at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. had just received her Navy Surface Warfare Office pin, and Ens. Tatiana Wabrek ’15, who just Patrick shared that he and wife Nicole are expecting a baby in March 2017. Congrats! earned her Officer of the Deck Underway qualifiWill Flathers transitioned to the National cation. He said it’s the first time he ever served with other VMI alumni, and it was kind of cool. He Guard and recently finished flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. While at Fort Rucker, and his wife, Sarah, and their four kids, Paige, Tayhe ran into Robert Kelly, who recently started as lor, Dylan and Charlie, closed on a house they had built while he was gone and are now an instructor. While in Alabama, Will in the process of moving to Suffolk, was able to see Joseph Prinzinger Virginia. He sees Manuel Caballero and his family, who live in Huntsville. and Rob Russman frequently. Dustin Having completed schooling, Will wrote that Manuel and his wife, Erica, and his wife are now stationed at Joint had their second child, Jacob, in SepBase Lewis-McCord and extended an tember 2015. Rob still works as a civil offering to anyone passing through the engineer for the Department of State.

Seattle area to crash at their place.

He is currently working in AfghaniBranden DeLong checked in from stan. Thanks for all the news, Dustin!

Europe. As part of his duties, Capt.

In addition to the birth of their son, DeLong had an opportunity to provide John and Robin Beducian are reloa briefing to the 23rd secretary of the cating to New Orleans, Louisiana, Air Force, Deborah Lee James, while Class of 2008: Captain Branden Delong briefing the secretary of this summer after spending five years the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, in Tallinn, Estonia, July 17, 2016. she visited Tallinn, Estonia, July 17. in North Carolina.

Chris Graff will be appearing on the

2008

2016-Issue 4

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Class Notes

Class of 2008: The Flathers and the Prinzingers together in Huntsville, Alabama.

National Geographic Channel. Chris was interviewed by the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger for a segment on the television show, “Years of Living Dangerously,” which was scheduled to premiere its second season in October. The segment Chris was interviewed for regarded renewable energy use within the military and Chris’ relevant experience with the U.S. Marine Corps convoy operations in Afghanistan. Chris deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011. Arnold

is advocating the military jump on the renewable energy bandwagon, with which Chris agrees, especially for renewable energy at forward operating bases and patrol bases to reduce the dependency of diesel generators and subsequently less convoys to deliver fuel. Be sure to tune into the show and look for the Terminator with our very own Chris!

Lauren and I had the opportunity to attend a rat send-off in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the middle of August at the home of Larry Mays ’73. Also in attendance were Jim Seitz ’75, Matt Cichy ’02, Eric Friese ’16, Corris Atkins ’18 and Nick Reynolds ’17+3. We planned to take in a few sporting events close to home, as the rugby team came to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Sept.10 and the football team visited Bucknell University Sept. 24.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

God bless!

2009

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats: I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I trust that everyone has had wonderful last couple of months since the

Class of 2008: Pictured at the Central Keystone Chapter rat send-off, hosted by Larry Mays ’73, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, were, from left, Corris Atkins ’18, Eric Friese ’16, Larry Mays ’73, Nick Reynolds ’17+3, Robert Hill, Jim Seitz ’75 and Matt Cichy ’02.

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Class of 2009: Barrett Luxhoj and wife Caroline with the latest addition to the Luxhoj family, Charlotte Ruth Luxhoj. last Review came out. I have had a lot of people getting in touch with me over the past couple of months. I have also had numerous opportunities to meet up with a lot of our class.

First of all, Brad Cooper has finally opened his brewery in Chesterfield, Virginia. Steam Bell Beer Works opened its doors June 11, 2016. Opening day was a huge success, as they kicked 52 kegs that day. The opening was attended by numerous members of our class, as well as Keydets from all over the Richmond area. I personally stopped by at the end of June, and I can tell you that all of their beer is excellent. If you are in the area and want to try some good beer, definitely give them a try; I highly recommend it.

I myself have some exciting news. On May 26, 2016, my wife, Ashley, and I gave birth to our first child, a daughter, Payton Leo Simpson. She weighed in at 8 pounds, 14.5 ounces and was 22 inches long. It was a long 32 hours of labor, but we wouldn’t have changed a thing ... except maybe the whole 32 hours thing.

Barrett Luxhoj and wife Caroline also gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Charlotte Ruth Luxhoj, July 5, 2016. Charlotte weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Barrett and Caroline, I just want to say congrats again; you guys will make great parents, and Charlotte is very lucky.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Bradley Simpson and wife Ashley with their new daughter, Payton Leo Simpson.

Joel Barnes also welcomed a new addition to his family, as well. On Aug. 10, 2016, Joel and Iliana Illy welcomed a daughter, Claire Adelene Barnes, to their family. All doing well.

Daniel Johnson sent me a few emails updating me on what he is up to. At the time of his email, he was down in west Texas in El Paso, where he is in the process of deploying for a year to Sinai, Egypt. Johnson will be part of the Multinational Force and Observers. The MFO is a peacekeeping force set up by the Camp David Accords that monitors the border between Israel and Egypt and makes sure both sides are abiding by the agreement.

Laurens Delpech has moved from San Francisco to Santa Monica, California, and is living up the Los Angeles beach life. He said anyone is welcome and should come visit.

Jonathan Kim just moved out to Guam from Chicago with the Navy and will be out there for three years.

Kim also got engaged and will be getting married near Chicago in September.

Andrew Rice got married to Kristen Traxler July 16, 2016. The wedding was attended by numerous Keydets: Nathan Warner, Brian Steel, Brandon Page ’10 and Addison Page ’14. Congrats to Andrew and Kristen, here’s to many years together.

On July 4, 2016, if you happened to be watching the San Francisco Giants

2016-Issue 4

Class of 2009: Austin Keller and new wife Ashley at their wedding in May with fellow brother rats.

Class of 2009: Andrew Rice, Brian Steel and Nathan Warner at Andrew Rice’s wedding.

Class of 2009: A few brother rats attended the grand opening of Brad Cooper’s brewery, Steambell Beer Works, June 11, 2016.

versus the Colorado Rockies baseball game, you probably saw a glimpse of one of our brother rats. For the pregame entertainment, Jake Riggs did the flyover for the Giants. ESPN only showed a small shot of the flyover, but it was still pretty cool.

Austin Keller sent me a note telling me that May 22, 2016, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he got married to Ashley Jane Glasner from Freedom, New York. Fellow classmates Alex Brush, Bridger Hodsden and Shawn Graham were able to attend.

Jackie Morton Satchell and family moved to Fort Payne, Alabama.

Her husband, Terence, is working for Vulcraft, and Jackie will be going to law school in Birmingham next fall. Jackie also let me know that Christina Stalnaker is working for the Forest Service now, and she is moving to Idaho in a week or so.

Jackie and Christina got to spend the day together in May when she was making a cross-country trip from Washington. Jackie also let me know that Alex Kari is getting married in November, which she said should be well attended by the class. OK, boys and girls, that’s all I have for this edition. I hope everyone has a great couple of months. Please feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email and let me know what everyone is up to. It’s always great catching up with all of you. As always, stay classy ’09!

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Class Notes

2010

Cody Hennelly Garland Gray III

Brother Rats, As Cody Hennelly mentioned in the last Alumni Review, I’m filling in as class agent for the next year while he deploys in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. What Cody failed to mention is that he somehow conned a lovely lady into marrying him over Memorial Day weekend. Cody and his bride, the former Jessica Deason, were married May 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. In attendance were Evan Aguirre, Greg Fiasconaro, Lucas Whitman, myself, Tyler Hennelly ’13, Adam Hedio ’13, Ed Soto ’13 and Marcus Sutter ’13. The newlyweds honeymooned in Jamaica, where I’m sure Cody is no longer welcome.

Speaking of weddings, Sean McCoy married his high school sweetheart, Angela, June 25.

Sean is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

I heard from Brandon Stratz that he and his

Class of 2010: Joe Simmers, his wife, Allison, and daughter Anastasia Marie.

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Class of 2010: Adam Aikens at Mount Shasta.

Class of 2010: Cody and Jess Hennelly on their wedding day.

wife, Alexandra (Washington & Lee University ’10), are the proud new parents of Caroline Stratz. Caroline was born July 22.

Joe and Allison Simmers also had a baby girl, Anastasia Marie, born July 20. Adam and Laura Aikens are expecting a second baby, so Adam climbed Mount Shasta, a 14,000-foot mountain in California.

Tyler Romaine is now a world traveler. He and his wife, Chelsea, embarked on a yearlong honeymoon earlier this year. They are traveling to 25-plus countries in Southeast Asia, Europe and South America. They are excited to learn about different cultures and cuisines, see interesting cities, and explore lesser known areas of the globe.

You can follow their journey on Instagram at roamingromaines.

I mentioned Evan Aguirre earlier, but Richmond

residents are lucky enough to be graced with his presence while he’s temporarily stationed at Fort Lee for his captain’s career course until February 2017.

Ed Burton tells me (well he told Cody, who told me) that he is now in New Hampshire where he has a job making cabinets.

In the world of professional development, Jack Wright recently earned his five-year teaching license. Jack is a teacher and coach in the Southampton County school system.

Chien Lin earned his master’s in engineering management from George Washington University while he wasn’t climbing mountains.

Davis Garrett and Colin Walker both passed the professional engineering exam in the spring.

Finally, Hunter Naff not only kept me going during my own preparation for the Virginia Bar

Class of 2010: Cody and Jess Hennelly with their wedding party, including Evan Aguirre, Garland Gray and Cody’s brother, Tyler Hennelly ’13.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Exam, but he passed the thing himself. Well done, gentlemen!

That’s it for this issue. If you have any updates you want included in the next issue of the Review, send an email to vmiclass2010@gmail.com.

2011

Allen McCown

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2011.

2012

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. We have plenty of updates in this edition so let’s get started.

Bradley Chamberlain and his wife, Kandi, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Eleanor Lee Chamberlain. She was born May 7, 2016, and weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

Bradley is hoping she will be a future member of the Class of 2039. Congratulations, and I wish your family well.

Graham Neal recently became engaged to Samantha Courrier this past July. The happy couple will be married in April 2017, and I would like to take a little credit for being the mutual friend that helped them first meet. I wish you both the best.

Isaac Sireci is home from his third deployment to the Middle East and is now onboard the USS Essex. Issac was recently promoted to O-3 lieutenant and is living out in San Diego. Congrats on the promotion, Isaac!

Max Yates returned home from deployment in July and proposed to his fiancée, Lauren Latta.

The two will be getting married in Oklahoma on New Year’s Eve. Our honorary BR, Dave Cotting, was recently promoted to both colonel and professor. Colonel Cotting is now a fully tenured professor at VMI. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

Rob Young is deployed in Iraq alongside a

2016-Issue 4

member from our dyke’s class, Capt. Goldsmith ’09. Rob was telling me about all the other Keydets he has been running into throughout his deployment, as well as keeping me up to date with a few of our own BRs and their status while either on deployment or stateside. Keep up the good work, Rob, and thanks for the updates.

Congratulations to Drew Stahling and his wife, Sarah Kathryn, on their wedding this past spring.

The two were married April 2 in Richmond, Virginia, and their wedding had several members of both VMI and Washington and Lee University in attendance. I am thankful I was able to be a part of their special day and look forward to seeing the bright future they have together.

Andrew Yancey got married this past summer to his wife, Megan, and the two are finishing up their last year of graduate school. Andrew will be receiving his Master of Business Administration degree at Carnegie Mellon, and Megan will be receiving her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

Samantha Henke and her husband, Zach, welcomed their baby boy, Remington Paul Henke, to the world July 12, 2016. Remington was 7

pounds, 13 ounces and 21 inches long at birth.

Samantha and her family are currently living in Fort Rucker, Alabama, and come October, Sam will be transitioning into the Army Reserve so she can focus more on her new job as full-time mom!

Chad Sussman and his wife, Bess, also gave birth to a son this summer, John Warren Sussman. Their baby John was born Aug. 13, 2016.

According to Chad, Ben Denton is trying to sign John up as a member of the Virginia Young Republicans but is hitting a roadblock when it

Class of 2012: Bradley Chamberlain and his daughter, Eleanor.

Class of 2012: Max Yates with his fiancée, Lauren.

Class of 2012: Chad Sussman and his son, John.

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Class Notes

Class of 2012: At the wedding of Drew and Sarah Kathryn Stahling, were, from left, George Allan ’15, Lucille Myers, Riley Ewen, Bruce Howard, Matt Brock, Bill Burnette ’82, Graham Neal, Rand Irby and Stewart Hargrove.

GoFundMe account, but will continue to need everyone’s support as he regains full strength and mobility. Dallas plans to return to D.C., where he has been living and working since graduating, either at the end of September or beginning of October. Please keep Dallas in your prayers and continue to show support for him and his family during this difficult time.”

Thanks again, Adrian, for the update. Dallas, I hope you know we are all praying for you and wish you a full and healthy recovery.

I want to thank all of you for the updates in this edition. As you can see, we have many great things happening to members of our class but many challenges as well. If we can continue to remain close as BRs I can’t wait to see what our future holds. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you soon.

In the bonds, Bruce

2013

comes to the father ... I hope you both Charles P. Jones can come to a peaceful resolution regarding his political affiliation. Congratulations to both Sam and Chad on the birth of your sons.

The following is a write-up sent to Brother Rats, me by Adrian Dominguez concernAs I write this edition of class ing Dallas Disboro and his status notes, we mourn the loss of Isiah after his unfortunate accident this Coker. He recently died, and his summer: “As many of you know, funeral was in August. His obituary our brother rat and friend, Dallas will be printed in a later edition of Disbro, suffered a very serious spithe Alumni Review, once it’s finalnal cord injury over Memorial Day ized. Please keep his family in your weekend in a diving accident. The thoughts and prayers. We made the accident left Dallas with limited final payment in late August to have feeling/movement in his arms and Class of 2012: Samantha Henke’s newborn son, Remington. a memorial brick in his name. I will hands but no movement in his legs send out an email when the brick is yet. For the past two months, Dallas has been he will regain full mobility and financial presactually laid in front of barracks. at the Sheppard Center in Atlanta, which spesures of medical expenses continue to wear on Fortunately, I also have good news to publish cializes in treatment, research and rehabilitation him and his family. Dallas has been extremely in this edition. Many of you have seen that Stan for severe spinal cord injuries. While Dallas grateful for the continued love and support from Okoye participated in the 2016 Olympic Games has stayed extremely positive throughout this family and friends sending letters, Facebook mesin Rio. He played on the basketball team for Nivery tough time, the uncertainty of how quickly sages and donations for medical bills through his geria. While I’ll always hope to see Team USA

134

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes bringing home the gold, I did look forward to seeing Stan killing it this summer!

Stan’s not the only world-class athlete from our class doing big things recently. John Rivas set the powerlifting world record for the 242 pound weight class. He lifted a total of 2,088 pounds with a 744 pound squat, 512 pound bench press, and an 832 pound deadlift. If you haven’t seen the video, you can check it out on our class Facebook page.

I recently caught up with Pat Coor. He’s transitioned out of the Army and is now in Richmond and teamed up with Adam Morgan doing financial services with MassMutual. They’re both doing well and strongly representing our class. Adam keeps his football helmet on display in his office at all times!

I also received an update from Chris Dreikorn. He recently graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a master’s in biomedicine sciences and just started medical school at Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Needless to say, he’s representing our class well!

Franklin Van Valkenburg recently began working at the VMI Foundation. He’ll be managing the call center there. He and his wife, Erin, recently transitioned to Lexington and are nicely settled in there. If you have any fundraising questions or concerns, he can serve as a direct source of information.

Last but certainly not least, I am looking forward to the wedding of Robert Kanter and Danielle Mahler. Danielle put up with Robert all four years at VMI, Rat Line and all ... so, I guess she’s kind of OK. Just kidding. I couldn’t be happier for the two of you, and I’m sure if the wedding is half as fun as the bachelor party was, it’ll be a great time. Congratulations!

I look forward to receiving input for the next edition of class notes. Please email me submissions by Friday, Nov. 11. If you have photos that you’d like included, feel free to email those as well, or post them to the class Facebook page.

Very respectfully, Charlie Jones

2016-Issue 4

2014

Samuel Guidry

Taylor Floyd

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

2015

Johnny McDonald

Brother Rats, While Johnny has been away finishing Basic Officer Leader Course, he has tasked me with compiling a little intel for this issue’s class notes. Let’s get down to business.

To my knowledge, some of our BRs have tied the knot since the last Alumni Review issue. I would like to congratulate Charlie and Erica Gough, Kyle and Laura Volant, and Sam and Kristen Druen. Be sure to pester Johnny if I have missed some newlyweds.

Next, our rats are beginning the countdown to the best semester of their VMI experiences. Be sure to reach out to them as Ring Figure approaches. I wish them an exciting and safe ring week.

Finally, I would like to wish all of our classmates continuing success in our careers, civilian and military. For all of our commissioned BRs, stay safe in training and while underway or deployed. Good luck while studying, for those who are finishing higher degree programs and may all of our Keydets working 9 a.m.-5 p.m. continue to represent VMI and all of our alumni proudly.

Rah Virginia Mil, Nick Maul

2016

Jacob Norris Patrick Hine

The Class of 2016 had much to celebrate this summer leaving the Institute for the last time as cadets and beginning our transition into the real world. Celebrations were numerous, and we give our congratulations to Scott Beasley, Chris and Mackenzie Jones, Pete Melchione, Patrick Eberhardt, Nic Ortiz and any other member of 2016 who I am forgetting for their marriages this summer. Congratulations and good luck to all those starting their time in the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army and Coast Guard. Good luck to everyone starting civilian sector careers; may your promotions be fast and paychecks be large. If anyone is living around the Richmond area, Cole Spicer is in reality and ready to help people find their dream home. Lastly, head over to YouTube to check out the Inferno Fitness page and give our BR Mike Coppolino some help in getting his page started.

Rah Virginia Mil.

135

Class Notes

Baby Keydets GUITERMAN – a daughter, Nora Jane, to Bree Adams Guiterman ’04 and Justin Guiterman, April 14, 2016.

O’DONNELL – a son, Conor, to Tasha and Sean O’Donnell ’04, Feb. 22, 2016.

Degrees Joseph S. Bouchelle III ’82 Higher Education University of Virginia May 2016

Ed.D.

Nicholas J. Shallcross ’03 Operations Research Air Force Institute of Technology 2016

MS

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute.

Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

136

William E. Cantrell ’926

Oct. 17, 1905

David R. Gaitskill ’40

April 9, 1918

Ernest C. Johnson ’929

May 19, 1908

Preston T. Syme ’41

April 13, 1918

Thomas M. Zeledon ’930

Dec. 21, 1908

Emmett J. Heerdt ’934

Feb. 27, 1912

Donald E. Hillman ’40

Aug. 24, 1918

Richard H. McCormick ’934

Dec. 4, 1912

B. Anthony Fisher ’40

Sept. 14, 1918

James C. Sherman ’35

March 31, 1914

William W. Middleton Jr. ’39

Sept. 20, 1918

John A. Gialanella ’36

Aug. 28, 1914

Robert L. Spear ’41

Oct. 21, 1918

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Richard H. Peake Jr. ’41

Oct. 31, 1918

Floyd S. Smith ’41

Sept. 7, 1916

Yandell Boatner Jr. ’40

Jan. 28, 1919

Raymond W. Parks ’37

Oct. 6, 1916

Robert C. Maling ’41

Aug. 16, 1919

James M. Witt ’39

Dec. 23, 1916

Lloyd W. Winkler Jr. ’43

Sept. 7, 1919

Ira N. Saxe ’39

Feb. 9, 1918

B.H. Hardaway III ’40

Sept. 28, 1919

James L. Lennox ’40

March 23, 1918

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40

Oct. 25, 1919

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“Put the Boys In …”

$250.00 unframed art plus $20 shipping (VA & CT residents add $16.20 for tax)

VMI Medallion

2.75 inch diameter. Includes pressure sensitive adhesive backer. $10.00 plus $2.50 shipping ($15.00 if overnight)

VMI Mailbox

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

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

2016-Issue 4

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

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2021 Grady A. Owens Cole M. Piening Bennett T. Smith 2022 Bradley Taylor

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

John Z. Owens ’16 David A. Piening ’82 Thomas R. Essig ’64

Brother Uncle Grandfather

Aaron S. Taylor ’00 Eric S. Taylor ’92

Father Uncle

APPOINTEE’S NAME 2038 (cont.)

Caden T. Catlett (cont.)

Hector C.R. Chapman Georgia Dixon Sawyer A. Fields Elias W. Fredericks

2023 Alexander Blankenship

Michael C. Blankenship ’95

Father

2027 Charles F. Griffiths Benjamin D. Guise

Charles R. Moir III ’67 Matthew T. Guise ’98

Grandfather Father

Jacob E. Bilthuis ’00 Jesse M. Bilthuis ’02 Travis J. Hughes ’96 Donald F. Lynch Jr. ’68 Joseph G. Lynch ’69

Father Uncle Father Grandfather Great-uncle

2029 Matthew T. Guise Jr.

Matthew T. Guise ’98

Father

2030 Clark Hughes

Travis J. Hughes ’96

Father

2032 Theodore Black Jr.

Theodore C. Black ’96

Father

Nellie H. Green

Christopher R. Braun ’98 Christopher S. Lowery ’99 Delton G. Lowery ’01 Lev Pobirsky ’05

Father Father Uncle Father

Aaron M. Hamilton II Ballinger E. Hutchings

Michael L. Butterfield ’01 Barry S. Robertson ’73 Rodney A. Hottle ’76 Erin H. Saucier ’07

Father Grandfather Grandfather Mother

Joel B. Chapman ’12 Guy E. Anderson Jr. ’68 Gates T. Richards ’61

Father Grandfather Grandfather

James R. Spacek ’70 James R. Spacek ’70 Rodney A. Hottle ’76 Erin H. Saucier ’07

Uncle Uncle Grandfather Mother

2028 Brodie M. Bilthuis William Hughes Brody F. Lynch

2034 Nelson M. Braun Kristopher E. Lowery David Pobirsky 2035 Rachel S. Butterfield Jason A. Robertson Jr. Savannah A. Saucier 2036 John R.D. Chapman Loren N. Fields Layton R. Mauzé 2037 Nora Gigliotti Natalie Miller Cooper M.A. Saucier

Parker D. Gottwald

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Carter N. Catlett ’42 Donald T. White ’65 Charles T. Catlett ’69 Michael J. Andriliunas ’01 Carter N. Catlett Jr. ’66 Jonathan W. Catlett ’98 Joel B. Chapman ’12 Jeffrey B. Dixon ’88 Daniel T. Fields ’05 Jonathan W. Fredericks ’07 Daniel H. Burton ’85 Thomas E. Gottwald ’83 Thomas D. Gottwald ’09 Edward P. Gottwald ’14 Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54 Bruce C. Gottwald Jr. ’81 Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. ’43 Thomas E. Hays Jr. ’57 William D. Gottwald Jr. ’56 William D. Gottwald’ III ’84 John T. Gottwald ’90 William H. Clarke ’859

Emma M.F. Karnes Bowlman R. Lauritzen

Henry A. Mauzé James E. Peckman Hunter B. Read River T. Reynolds Henry M. Rice Ellie T. Sargent

Edmund R. Strickler ’62 Michael M. Strickler ’71 Stephen A. Strickler ’68 Aaron M. Hamilton ’99 Eric D. Hutchings ’77 Michael B. Hutchings ’10 William G. Karnes ’76 Andrew J. Karnes ’05 Bowlman T. Bowles Jr. ’60 Bowlman T. Bowles III ’87 Churchill G. Bowles ’92 Gates T. Richards ’61 William G. Karnes ’76 Andrew J. Karnes ’05 Carl T. Schladitz ’57 Howard I. Reynolds ’63 Paul M. Rice ’07 Stephen A. Sargent ’11 Thomas J. Moncure ’853 Robinson Moncure ’901 Thomas Moncure ’40

2038 Adelaide E. Amato Henry R. Andrews William S. Beducian Caden T. Catlett

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Steven L. Amato ’83 Edwin E. Andrews III ’70 John T. Burleson ’90 John E. Beducian ’07 Hunter W. Davis ’11 Charles T. Catlett Jr. ’07

Great-uncle Grandfather Cousin Father Uncle Father

David E. Smith Grace A.V. Deventer

Thomas B. Moncure ’72 Mark D. Moncure ’76 Thomas C. Moncure ’06 Andrew N. Harris ’04 Clarence E. Smith ’04 Joseph H. Van Deventer ’62

RELATIONSHIP

Greatgrandfather Cousin Grandfather Uncle Uncle Cousin Father Father Father Father Great-uncle Grandfather Father Uncle Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Greatgreat-uncle Greatgreat-uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Great-greatgreat-greatgreat-greatgreat-uncle Great-uncle Grandfather Great-uncle Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Uncle Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Greatgrandfather Grandfather Father Father Great-great-greatgrandfather Great-greatgrandfather Greatgrandfather Grandfather Great-uncle Uncle Godfather Father Grandfather

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Jack Baylor ’36 Jack Baylor ’36 of Waynesboro, Virginia, died Feb. 7, 1998. He was 84.

Baylor matriculated from Waynesboro and attended VMI for one year.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Baylor.)

John H. Divine III ’36 John H. Divine III ’36 of Clermont, Florida, died Oct. 24, 2013. He was 98.

Divine matriculated from Ellenville, New York, and attended VMI for two years.

He is survived by his children, Beatrice T. Divine, John H. Divine IV (Stephanie C. Hair) and Daniel T. Divine; and grandson, John C. Divine.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances R. Daniel.

James E. Kirk ’36 James Edgar Kirk ’36 of Fort Pierce, Florida, died June 1, 2005. He was 91.

Kirk matriculated from Montgomery, Alabama, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hampden-Sydney College.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Kirk.)

Ralph Siegel ’41 Ralph Siegel ’41 of Alexandria, Virginia, died May 11, 2016.

Siegel matriculated from Alexandria and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sara Lee Siegel; daughter, Janet Siegel Levin (Roger); grandson, Jacob Levin; and brother, Victor Siegel.

Paul X. Geary ’42 Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Xavier “P.X.” Geary ’42 of Camarillo, California, died June 22, 2016. He was 94.

Geary matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his former wife, Nanda; sons, Michael, Patrick, David and Steven; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Marydel.

Charles P. Wilson ’42 Charles Perry “Jed” Wilson ’42 of Richmond,

2016-Issue 4

in civil engineering from VMI. He Virginia, died July 26, 2016. He was earned both his Master of Science 94. degree and his Doctor of Philosophy Wilson matriculated from Clifton degree from Ohio State University.

Forge, Virginia, and earned his BachHe is survived by his wife, Bonnie elor of Science degree in electrical Jones Taylor; son, Arthur Canning engineering from VMI. Taylor III; grandson, Dr. Arthur CanHe is survived by his companion, ning Taylor IV; sister, Carolyn Taylor; Elizabeth Thompson Schmidt; chiland brother, Frederick Lord Taylor. dren, Elizabeth Wilson Poe (Joe) He was preceded in death by his and Paul Alexander Wilson (Holly); daughter, Mary Ann Taylor Snapp. grandchildren, Rachel Marie Wilson Taylor ’44 and Alexander Drew Wilson; and sister, Margaret Wilson Wood.

Bruce C. Martin ’45 He was preceded in death by his wife, ElizaBruce Clifton Martin ’45 of Worcester, Masbeth Robertson Grove Wilson. sachusetts, died May 25, 2016. He was 93.

Martin matriculated from Plainville, Connecticut, and attended VMI for less than one John S. Ingles ’44 John Stephen Ingles ’44 of Columbus, year. He graduated from Columbia University.

He is survived by his sons, Bruce C. Martin North Carolina, died July 6, 2016. He was 93.

Jr. (Linda) and Christopher B. Martin Sr.; Ingles matriculated from Washington, D.C., daughters, Linda Lee Mayo, Margaret “Pegand was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil gy” Boyd (Robert) and Martha J. Capoccia; engineering. He earned his Master of Science nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. degree from the Massachusetts Institute of He was preceded in death by his wife, ShirTechnology.

He is survived by his children, John S. Ingles ley, and two brothers.

Jr. (Susie), Paul A. Ingles (Susan Churchill) and Elizabeth I. Christensen (Eric), and grandCharles E. McKay Jr. ’45 children, Jay, Sally, Andy, Grace and Carl.

Charles Elford McKay Jr. ’45, M.D., of He was preceded in death by his wife, Au- Huntington, West Virginia, died June 9, 2016. drey Primrose Ingles.

He was 92.

McKay matriculated from Greenville, South Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Science Walter H. Smartt ’44 degree in chemistry from VMI. He Walter Haines Smartt ’44, M.D., earned his Doctor of Medicine deof Rising Fawn, Georgia, died May gree from the University of Virginia.

29, 2016. He was 94.

He is survived by his children, Smartt matriculated from ChatCharles E. McKay III (Tammy), tanooga, Tennessee, and earned John G. McKay (Rebecca) and Gina his Bachelor of Science degree in McKay Lodge (Robert); 11 grandchemistry from VMI. He earned his children; two great-grandchildren; Doctor of Medicine degree from and sister, Margaret McKay Franks the University of Virginia and his (Paul).

Master of Public Health degree from He was preceded in death by his Johns Hopkins University.

He is survived by his son, Edward Smartt ’44 wife, Bernice Gregory McKay. Earl Long.

He was preceded in death by his brother, George D. Stenhouse ’45 Harold Robert Jr., and sister-in-law, Eleanor Bishop George Daniels Stenhouse ’45 of Overend Smartt.

Louisville, Kentucky, died June 25, 2016. He was 93.

Stenhouse matriculated from Goldsboro, Arthur C. Taylor Jr. ’44 Col. Arthur Canning “Art” Taylor Jr. ’44 North Carolina, and attended VMI for two years.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the of Camden, North Carolina, died July 22, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2016. He was 92.

He is survived by his son, John Stenhouse Taylor matriculated from Bon Air, Virginia, (Jane); daughter, Sylvia Church; grandchildren, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree

139

Taps George Stenhouse, Lucy Stenhouse, Diana Church and Michelle Luoma (Ben); and greatgrandchildren, Margie and Maia Luoma.

(Jane Budimir); and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine and Samuel Hines.

Giles C. Upshur Jr. ’45

Bruce Byron Brand ’48B of Fort Worth, Texas, died May 15, 2016. He was 86.

Brand matriculated from Kansas City, Missouri, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Arnold Brand; children, Melanie Brand Tracy (Timothy Allen), Thomas Marshall Brand and Jeffrey Douglas Brand (Lindy Denise); grandchildren, Liz (Josh Porter), James Tracy, Whitney Tracy, Jeffrey Brand Jr., Haley Rojas, Harper Brand and Matt Brand; and great-grandchildren, Gabe Hrustic and Laney Porter.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Giles Crowder Upshur Jr. ’45 of Onanock, Virginia, died July 26, 2016. He was 92.

Upshur matriculated from Eastville, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree from George Washington University.

He is survived by his children, Cary Upshur Kast, Susan Upshur Brown, Giles Crowder Upshur III, Arthur Littleton Upshur and Mary Margaret Upshur Johnson; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Copland Upshur; second wife, Claudia Johnson; brother, Otho Mears Upshur; and sisters, Florence Upshur Mears and Jewel Upshur Beach.

William T. Ratliff Jr. ’46 William Thomas “Bill” Ratliff Jr. ’46 of Irondale, Alabama, died May 17, 2016. He was 91.

Ratliff matriculated from Birmingham, Alabama, and attended VMI for one year.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Johnson-Butterworth (Chuck) and Amelie Ratliff; sons, Will Ratliff (Carolyn) and Dan Ratliff; son-in-law, Carlton Ray; grandchildren, Jay Johnson (Ashley) Will Johnson (Rachel Hsu), Wright Johnson, Casey Llewellyn, Tom Ratliffe, Cassie Ratliff, Lillie Ratliff, Daniel Ratliff (Jennifer), Jonathan Ratliff (Brooke), Montana Ray, Amelie Ray and Whitney Ray; and great-grandchildren, Gunter Johnson, Evans Johnson, Gaines Johnson, Adelaide Johnson, Leila Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Jackson Ratliff, Mary Thompson Ratliff, Amadeus Ray Tate and Yagul Estevez Ray.

Norman M. Tonkin ’47 Norman Mandell Tonkin ’47 of Rydal, Pennsylvania, died March 15, 2014.

Tonkin matriculated from Atlantic City, New Jersey, and attended VMI for one year.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Sally Hines (William) and William Tonkin

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Bruce B. Brand ’48B

Grine matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Scott Grine Frantz, Reynold Carter Grine, Elizabeth Grine Blount (Bill) and Alyson Adams Grine (Karen); step-children, Joseph Clayton Wine III (Heather) and James Alexander Wine; grandchildren, Sarah Reaville Frantz, Henry Adams Frantz, Alyson Thompson Grine, William Carter Grine, Mable Elizabeth Blount, William Little Blount, Hazel Stegman Grine and Wyatt Stegman Grine; and siblings, Done Grine, Mike Grine, Martha Nygaard and Lynn Dillon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Bratton Grine; brothers, Sid and Tom Grine; and son-in-law, Brett Frantz.

Jesse E. White ’48B

James S. Kostas ’54

Jesse Edmund White ’48B, Ph.D., of Saint Louis, Missouri, died May 1, 2016. He was 88.

White matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Indiana University.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Evans White; children, Janet Ruth White, James Edmund White and Douglas Gardner White; and grandchildren, Luci White, Sarah White and Elizabeth White.

James Socrates Kostas ’54 of Olmsted, Ohio, died Nov. 1, 2015. He was 83.

Kostas matriculated from Canton, Ohio, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and son, Socrates (Brittany).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. John Kostas.

James H. Marshall ’51

Thomas G. Webb ’54 Thomas Griffith Webb ’54 of Silver Spring, Maryland, died March 19, 2016. He was 84.

Webb matriculated from Clifton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Grace Benham Webb; children, Margaret Arnoult (David), Martha Webb and Thomas Webb (Morag); 13 grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Anne Webb.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Willard Jack Webb.

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Harold Marshall ’51 of Melbourne, Florida, died June 5, 2016.

He was 86.

Marshall matriculated from Louisa, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Texas.

Marshall ’51 Edmund M. Lutes Jr. ’55 He is survived by his wife, Roberta Edmund Millen “Ed” Lutes Jr. ’55 “Cindy” Rodney Marshall; three daughters; of Trabuco Canyon, California, died June 24, seven grandchildren; and two great-grand- 2016. He was 83. children.

Lutes matriculated from Butler, Pennsylvania, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania William B. Grine ’53 State University.

William Bark “Pete” Grine ’53, M.D., of He is survived by his wife, Galina Lutes; daughSouthern Pines, North Carolina, died June ters, Terri, Larisa, Michelle and Alexandra; sons, 25, 2016. He was 84.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Robert, Edmund and Erik; grandsons, Tyler, Teo and Ethan; and granddaughters, Lauren and Helena.

Samuel B. Segar Jr. ’55

earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Lehigh University and his Doctor of Science degree from New York University.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Anna Chao Pai; sons, Ben Pai (Susan) and Michael Pai (Dr. Katherine Noonan); grandchildren, Leanna, Keith, Aidan and Nathan; sister, Diana Hsieh; and brothers, Kenneth and Albert.

Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Cressall.)

Samuel Barron Segar Jr. ’55 of Owen A. Lester Jr. ’61 Norfolk, Virginia, died June 17, 2016.

Owen Akers Lester Jr. ’61 of Cypress, Texas, He was 83. died June 22, 2016. He was 77.

Segar matriculated from Norfolk and Lester matriculated from Hopewell, Virearned his Bachelor of Arts degree in ginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science English from VMI. degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Anne He is survived by his sisters, Pam AnderWight Segar; children, Anne Graham son and Michelle Crooks; nephews, Chip Segar Hastings, Samuel Barron Segar Samuel E. Woolwine ’58 Sherwood, Brad Sherwood, Todd Sherwood, III and Michaux Beaman Segar ParWill Anderson and Brian Crooks; and nieces, Samuel Edward Woolwine ’58, sons; grandchildren, Katharine Baird DDS, of Richmond, Virginia, died Katie Anderson and Leslie Schalk.

Segar ’55 May 20, 2016. He was 82.

Hastings, Paul Graham Hastings Jr. He was preceded in death by his sister, and James Argent Parsons Jr.; sonsBarbara Sherwood.

Woolwine matriculated from Richin-law, Gabriel Hastings, James Argent Parsons mond and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and Charles Lee Potts; and sister, Katharine in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor Culver L. Criswell ’62 Segar Lawless. of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical Culver Lynch Criswell ’62 of Caruthersville, He was preceded in death by his first wife, College of Virginia.

Missouri, died June 17, 2016. He was 76.

Nancy Beaman Segar.

He is survived by his wife, CaroCriswell matriculated from Memlyn; children, Samuel (Kim), Andy phis, Tennessee, and attended VMI (Laurie), Greg (Hope), Roy (Emfor one year.

Benjamin D. Sibley III ’55 He is survived by his wife, Ida Benjamin Daniel Sibley III ’55 of Jacksonville ily), Traci and Paige Rich (Stanley); Criswell; sons, Gregory Lynch Beach, Florida, died June 23, 2016. He was 82. grandchildren, Whitney (fiancé Criswell and Jonathan Cole Criswell; Sibley matriculated from Charlottesville, Vir- Adam), Trey (Elizabeth), Casey, Andrew (Meredith), Blake, Callie, step-sons, Aubrey Tarpley (Audie) ginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

Parker, Garrett, Tori, Olivia, Grace, and Scott Tarpley; grandchildren, He is survived by his wife, Martha Anne Sibley; Jackson, Harrison, Carolina, Auson, Benjamin Daniel Sibley IV (Lorrie); daugh- Parker, Franklin, Robert, Annie, rora, Sumerlin, Dakota, Christian, ter, Martha Jane Sibley Covert (Michael); and Mizzy, Sally, Henry, Mark Miskovic grandchildren, Danielle Lauren Sibley, Virginia (Emily), Lindsay Ann Miskovic, Woolwine ’58 Matthew, A.J., Justin, Zack and Adam; great-grandchildren, Abel; Madison Langford and Julius Benjamin Covert. Alec and Owen; great-grandchildren, Victoria, Samuel and Caroline; and and sister-in-law, Stella Payne. siblings, Dave Woolwine and Sally Stevens.

Carl T. Schladitz ’57 He was preceded in death by his brothers, Carl Theodore Schladitz ’57 of Wyomissing, James B. Rutherford ’65 Lewis, Bob, James, Dewey, Fred and Edward, Pennsylvania, died June 11, 2016. He was 82.

James Burns “Jim” Rutherford ’65 of Schladitz matriculated from Wyomissing and and sister, Wynona.

Weaverville, North Carolina, died Aug. 29, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil 2014. He was 71. engineering from VMI. Rutherford matriculated from Honesdale, Louis J. Fisher ’59 He is survived by his wife, Joyce Schladitz; Louis Joseph Fisher ’59 of Mclean, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and attended VMI for over one children, Karen (Harold Wilson), Kyle (Cathy died May 2, 2016. He was 78. year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree Schladitz) and Kathryn Hilbert; grandchildren, Fisher matriculated from Alexandria, Vir- from the University of Scranton.

Sarah (Matt Raine), Laura (Ricky Read), Benja- ginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further informamin Wilson, Eric (Sarah Hilbert) and Matthew tion on Mr. Rutherford.)

He is survived by his wife, Mary Conn Fisher, Hilbert; and great-grandchildren, Emma Raine and sister, Lois Hamilton (Phillip). and Hunter Read.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Forrest E. Wiseman ’65 He was preceded in death by his son, Kurt Dorothy Noonburg and Joyce Grillone.

Forrest Etling Wiseman ’65 of Richmond, Schladitz, and sister, Greta Kretz.

Virginia, died May 5, 2016. He was 73.

Wiseman matriculated from Staunton, William F. Cressall ’60 David H. Pai ’58 William Frank Cressall ’60 of Mesa, Ari- Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. David Hsien-Chung Pai ’58, Sc.D., of Da- zona, died June 25, 2016. He was 77.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Holden Cressall matriculated from Alexandria, vidson, North Carolina, died July 23, 2016.

Wiseman; sons, Forrest Taylor Wiseman (MeVirginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts He was 80.

Pai matriculated from Taipei, Taiwan, and degree in history from VMI. He earned his lissa) and Morgan Marsh Wiseman (Angela);

2016-Issue 4

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Taps grandson, Conner Sutherland; and sister, Kay Wiseman Brown.

Albert Z. Conner Jr. ’66 Albert Zabel Conner Jr. ’66 of Stafford, Virginia, died May 20, 2016. He was 72.

Conner matriculated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Georgetown University. He served the Class of 1966 as class agent for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Conner; sons, Marshall Conner (Wendy), Owen Conner (Adele), Gavin Conner (K.C.) and Doug Hunderson; daughter, Michelle Porter (Michael); and grandchildren, Hanna and Drew Porter, Liam, Christina, Alice and Henson Conner.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cheryl.

Peteris Vanags ’66 Peteris “Pete” Vanags ’66 of Suwanee, Georgia, died June 6, 2016. He was 73.

Vanags matriculated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Black Vanags; sons Scott (Kristen Vanags) and Christopher (Loren Vanags); grandchildren, Leah Vanags, Ian Vanags, Flinn Vanags, Anna Vanags and Joseph Vanags; sister, Ieva Berzins; and mother, Laima Berzins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Intis Vanags, and father, Janis Vanags.

James H. Mangan Jr. ’67 James Harrison “Jay” Mangan Jr. ’67 of Richmond, Virginia, died Dec. 3, 2015. He was 71.

Mangan matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Mangan.)

Randle D. Clark ’69 Randle Dennis “Denny” Clark ’69 of Atlantic Beach, Florida, died June 22, 2016. He was 69.

Clark matriculated from Highland, Indiana, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned his Master of Science degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his husband, Donald McCullough; son, Gavin (Amy Parzaiale); grandsons, Aedan and Yeats; and brother, Terry (Nadyne).

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Richard G. Cadugan ’79 Richard Grant “Rick” Cadugan ’79 of Fairfield, Connecticut, died June 1, 2016. He was 59.

Cadugan matriculated from Wethersfield, Connecticut, and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Cadugan; sisters, Betty Allegretti (Jay) and Shirley Tuller (Linda Cronenwett); and father, Richard H. Cadugan.

Dennis McCarty IV ’80 Dennis McCarty IV ’80 of The Plains, Virginia, died July 24, 2016. He was 58.

McCarty matriculated from Delaplane, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Dennis Dulany McCarty and Arianna Randolph McCarty Dunning; son-in-law, Jake Dunning; sisters, Ginny McCarty and Ashby Judy; and brother-in-law, Jamie Judy.

Douglas A. Knesal ’81 Douglas Alan Knesal ’81 of Richmond, Virginia, died July 4, 2016. He was 56.

Knesal matriculated from Richmond and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Debra Knesal; sons, Matthew and Michael Knesal; sister, Cindy Jennings; and mother, Irma Knesal.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Knesal.

Joel D. Bodnar ’82 Joel David Bodnar ’82 of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, died June 9, 2016. He was 56.

Bodnar matriculated from Voorheesville, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Joanne K. Bodnar, Amy E. Bodnar and Jessica A. Bodnar; step-son, Frank Smith Jr.; step-grandchildren, Joshua, Noah, Aida, Lilly, Evan and Myles; and siblings, John Bodnar Jr., Judith Bodnar, Jeri Honikle, Jan Peter and Jim Bodnar.

Robert M. Poole ’82 Robert Matthew Poole ’82 of Roanoke, Virginia, died June 5, 2016. He was 55.

Poole matriculated from Roanoke and attended VMI for almost three years.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia Poole; children, Holly Poole and Nicholas Poole; and sisters, Linda McFadyen (Neill) and Meredith Poole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Carlton Poole and Louise Matthews Poole.

Eric A. Bowman ’87 Eric Ashley Bowman ’87 of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, died June 15, 2016.

Bowman matriculated from Chapel Hill and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Cyndie; father, Hague Bowman; and brothers, Tony (Ronda) and Keith (Christy).

John K. Helmick ’91 John Kevin Helmick ’91 of Culpeper, Virginia, died July 28, 2016. He was 46.

Helmick matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Kristy Helmick; daughters, Afton Helmick, Rowan Helmick and Paisley Helmick; brother, George Helmick; sister, Margaret Anne Helmick; and parents, Cheryl Anne and John C. Helmick Jr.

Jay D. Diehl ’95 Jay Douglas Diehl ’95 of Monroe, North Carolina, died June 5, 2016. He was 43.

Diehl matriculated from Leaf River, Illinois, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his daughters, Alexa Diehl and Alyssa Huls; brother, Danny; and mother, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Sr.

VMI Family George L. Gansz George Lewis Gansz of Mount Vernon, Virginia, died June 18, 2016. He was 92.

Gansz retired from VMI after serving as music director.

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Gansz Bobo (Lee); son, David Gansz; and grandchildren, Reese Bobo, Sarah Gansz and Dylan Boczar.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Sealey Gansz.

John P. Gordon John Petersen Gordon of Chesterfield, Virginia, died June 24, 2016. He was 87.

Gordon taught at VMI, where he retired after nine years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Oliver Gordon; daughters, Marsha Cole (John), Linda Peterson (Frank), Pamela Cabanatan (James) and Melissa Lavin (Andrew); grandchildren, Vincent Cole (Nicole), Meghan Cole, Isaac Peterson, Aaron Lee, Alexander Lavin and Katherine Lavin; brother, Richard Gordon (Sue); and sister, Jane Niebuhr.

Elizabeth S. Hartless Elizabeth Shoemaker “Tibby” Hartless of Lexington, Virginia, died July 12, 2016. She was 83.

2016-Issue 4

Hartless retired as a seamstress from VMI. She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Edenfield and Robin Hartless Moore; grandson, John H. “Jack” Sorrells III (Elizabeth); greatgrandchildren, John H. Sorrells IV and Addison Elizabeth Sorrells; and sister, Mabel Frieson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Chuck” Edward Hartless; and siblings, Lula Sorrels, John Shoemaker, Robert Shoemaker and Everett Shoemaker.

John W. Roberts John Watts Roberts of Richmond, Virginia, died June 14, 2016. He was 97.

Roberts served on the VMI Board of Visitors as well as the VMI Foundation Board. He also established the John W. and Jane M. Roberts Free Enterprise Program in the Department of Economics and Business at VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Joan Roberts Cates; son, John Martin Roberts; grandsons,

John Pinckney Pope (Dawn) and David Norford Pope (Katharine); granddaughters, Deborah Cates Knighton (Tim) and Sarah Cates Parker (Andrew); and great-grandchildren, Grace Pope, Ryan Pope, Joey Pope, Kat Pope, Charlie Knighton, Henry Knighton, Elizabeth Pope, Dylan Pope, Alex Pope, Kate Parker and Addison Parker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Martin Roberts; daughter, Nancy Roberts Pope; and son-in-law, Willard Cates Jr.

Marcus J. Thornhill Marcus Jerry Thornhill of Bristol, Virginia, died July 4, 2016. He was 73.

Thornhill formerly taught mathematics at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jane Thornhill; daughter, Tresa (Steve Henry); granddaughter, Danielle Laurane Henry; and sisters, Martha (Charles Simons) and Carol Canterbury.

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After Taps Class of 1952: George Bookman, Dick Chamberlain, Ray Gilchrist, Bob Lambert, Skip Nay, Peyton Marshall, Joe McCarthy and Lee Rogers

by Jim Mecredy ’52

The Class of ’52 lost a number of brother rats in the past year, and it seems appropriate to mention a few things for each one that goes beyond their obituaries in Taps.

Bob Lambert ’52 was our class vice president and the only officer left after Peyton Marshall ’52 and Lee Rogers ’52 died some years ago. He was our class leader in the VMI Corp of Cadets and later helped the Class of 1952 alumni raise support. Bob served as scout master of Troop 17 in Franklin, Virginia, for nine years, where he led and motivated 16 young men to achieve their Eagle Scout. He loved both scouting and VMI values, tradition and fellow Keydets. After VMI and his service in the U.S. Army, Bob provided leadership for 40 years to Union Camp Paper Corporation beginning in Franklin. His proudest project was planning and building the newest mill in Eastover, South Carolina, serving as the mill manager until he retired.

Joe McCarthy ’52 served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division after graduating from VMI. Joe retired as vice president of the Taylor Ramsey Corporation in 2008. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and served on the vestry as senior warden, Sunday school superintendent and taught Sunday school for 30 years. Joe’s dedication to his community included board service on the following boards – chairman of James River Day School, Sandusky, VMI Alumni Association, Westminster Canterbury board of trustees and chairman of the Westminster Canterbury Foundation. Joe cherished his family, church, friends and the special bond with his VMI brother rats.

Skip Nay ’52 and Dick Chamberlain ’52 were medical doctors and are missed by the many patients that they served; Skip in New York and Dick in Augusta, Georgia. Skip was captain of our VMI baseball team. He was an avid golfer, a lover of classic films, theater, big band and jazz.

Dick received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He came to Augusta in 1978 to serve as chief of laboratory science at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and associate professor of pathology at the Medical College of Georgia.

Ray Gilchrist ’52 was the senior member of our class. After VMI and the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University, Ray was a combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, retiring from the Regular Army 1 in March 1970. At that time, he became registrar and associate professor at Longwood University until August 1983.

George Bookman ’52 was a hurdler on the VMI track team for four years, a member of the Honor Court and was one of the designers of the 1952 VMI class ring. George loved his family, his friends, Christmas, Westerns, his 1951 MG, the backyard fish pond and VMI (not necessarily in that order!).

Some of these obituaries were published in February 2016, and the others appear in this issue of the Alumni Review. We shall miss them all at our next reunion.

Kathryn Undercoffer

by Alan Vicory ’74

Kathryn Undercoffer of Loveland, Ohio, died May 14, 2016. She was 100.

A true “VMI mom,” she sent all three of her sons to VMI: John Thomas ’56 (now deceased), Graham ’74 and Bruce ’76 (now deceased), and one grandson, Kirt ’79. In addition, she extended her family by considering Alan Vicory ’74, Chuck Cayton ’74 and Robert Morris ’79 sons by love, if not by blood. She was preceded in death by her husband, John.

She served as the first female member of the VMI Parents Council and played an instrumental role in a campaign to have the mothers replace a historic and costly Battle of New Market flag, the only time such an activity was or has since been undertaken.

In addition to son Graham (Shelly), of Lexington, Virginia, she is survived by her daughter, Martha, and grandchildren, Andrew, Brian, Cole, Caitlin and Heidi.

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VMI Alumni Review

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

First Vice President

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Directors at Large

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Immediate Past President

Adam C. Volant ’88 avolant@vmiaa.org

President

Second Vice President

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Executive Vice President

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@woodardcurran.com

Chief Executive Officer

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2017

Terms Expire June 30, 2018

Terms Expire June 30, 2019

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

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

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

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Trent L. Boggs ’83 Kevin Black ’99 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Russell Shun Takata ’74 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89 Brian K. Andrew ’03 James R. Farmer ’68 Todd M. Baldwin ’06 William V. Trumpore ’89 Micah T. Wei ’99

President’s Email tboggs@gci.com kblack@executivecommand.com tdegray@gmail.com russell.takata@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil brian.k.andrew@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net todd.baldwin1@gmail.com vailkeydet@gmail.com mwei100@yahoo.com

Director: James F. Dittrich ’76

Region II – Midwest Arkansas Bluegrass Centex

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

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

Chicago

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA – Delaware Valley Western PA – Pittsburgh

Region V – Southeast

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80

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

Region IV – Mid Atlantic

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President

U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64

Hilbert S. Wilkinson ’94 bretwilkinson@gmail.com E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com

Region I – Far West

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

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

J. Bolling Williamson ’60 bollingwmson@gmail.com

Chief Executive Officer

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

Director: Peter R. Charrington ’66

Robert P. Hill ’08 David R. Gleason ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Thomas N. Gelles ’80

rphill48@gmail.com gleason@umbc.edu rickkillmeyer@gmail.com tng317@verizon.net

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

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

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net Chapter Representative Trent L. Boggs ’83 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Russell Shun Takata ’74 John D. Christie ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Hershel H. Lackey ’07 William V. Trumpore ’89

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

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

Email: pcharrin@comcast.net H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 Thomas M. Wirth ’98 John T. Pace IV ’77 J. Mark Hennigan ’90

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

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Association Directory

Region VI – Carolinas Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast Cape Fear Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal Carolina/South Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Upsate SC/Pisgah NC Wilmington, North Carolina

Director: Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 Ian G. Dunlap ’05 Michael A. Ceroli ’85 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 T. Matthew Creech ’96 George T. Mosby ’97 Carl B. Hammond ’00 Paul X. English III ’73 John P. Gangemi ’61

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

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

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

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

John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Wayland H. Patterson ’80

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtvmi65@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu jasongruse@hotmail.com

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

Michael S. Ogden ’79 David G. Tyler IV ’86 Joshua P. Priest ’80 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66

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

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

kearneyjd00@gmail.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

Director: Anthony U. Moore ’78 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

Samuel B. LaNeave ’01 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

Region XIII – Rappahannock Fredericksburg – Quantico Rappahannock Southside Williamsburg

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

Director: T. Keith Jarvis ’82

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

Region XII – Central VA Richmond Tri Cities

Director: Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80

Samuel H. Duerson III ’86 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

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

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John C. Nagle IV ’87

Region X – Hampton Roads Eastern Shore

Henry Brown ’60

billcather@bellsouth.net jay.nagle@parsons.com michaelmwallace@mac.com

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

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72

Ian G. Dunlap ’05 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 Charles H. Alligood ’61 Eric L. Duncan ’99 F. Grey Farthing III ’79

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John C. Nagle IV ’87 Michael M. Wallace ’93

Region VIII – Southwest VA Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

dunlapian@hotmail.com mceroli@thekratosgroup.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com tmatthewcreech@gmail.com GMosby@liquidnet.com hammondcb@yahoo.com pxenglish@verizon.net jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Email: clramsburg@gmail.com

slaneave@gmail.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Director: Richard A. Duke ’90

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

Email: dennis@nanoseptic.com Joseph W. Hutt III ’78 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Alan G. Soltis ’79

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

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

Email: douglas.warner1@vmialumni.org Email: kearneyjd00@gmail.com Stephen B.Traina ’03 Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76

Email: amor_78@comcast.net Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Marc L. Antonelli ’06 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Email: rduke517@gmail.com

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

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

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

John E. Karafa ’84

john.karafa@leebcorservices.com

Jim E. Henry ’68

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XIV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

2016-Issue 4

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

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2016-Issue 4

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Alumni News On July 26, 2016, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Robert W. Smothers ’44 was awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor. The presentation was made by Christophe Lemon, consul general of France in Los Angeles, at the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial in San Diego, California. The award is based on World War II action in which Smothers (then a lieutenant) served as a navigator on bombing flights in Europe.

Smothers matriculated from San Marino, California, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Stanford University.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Floyd H. Duncan ’64, Ph.D., was named a member of the board of directors of the Northeast Solite Corporation. NE Solite was founded in 1947 by John W. Roberts, a former member of the VMI Board of Visitors and a generous benefactor to the economics department and VMI. NE Solite is the manufacturer of lightweight aggregate materials that are used in making lightweight concrete, lightweight concrete blocks, internally cured concrete and numerous environmentally friendly applications.

Duncan, a former member and head of the VMI Department of Economics and Business, retired from VMI in 2013. During his tenure, he guided the economics and business department through a multi-year accreditation process that resulted in VMI being accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. VMI is among a very small number of institutions with an accredited business program. An even smaller number of those accredited programs are undergraduate only, and among this group, VMI is one of the smallest schools to receive such recognition.

Duncan matriculated from Ewing, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Carolina.

Thomas G. Slater ’66, special counsel at Hunton & Williams LLP, was appointed to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Tom serves as chair emeritus for the firm’s litigation, labor and competition practices, and has over 30 years’ experience handling antitrust

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.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Smothers ’44 receiving the French Legion of Honor. and competition trials. His work focuses on complex antitrust, intellectual property, franchise and unfair trade practice disputes, as well as white-collar criminal defense representations.

Slater matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

A paper written by Robert V. Gates ’67 was recently published in the April International Journal of Naval History. In the paper, Gates discussed how the federal government’s involvement in science and technology has evolved. He also focused on how the Navy and its role, as well its role in science, has changed over time. The paper thus presented the creation of the Navy laboratory system.

Gates matriculated from Timonium, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned his Master of Science in Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University. He earned both his Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Slater ’66

Karl J. Sjolund ’86 was named the head of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, a boarding school with the mission to prepare its students to “lead lives of honor and loving service to God and to others.” Sjolund

assumed this role after previously serving as the head of Salem Academy. Sjolund also served as the assistant headmaster and dean of students, director of development and advancement, director of admission and financial aid, and teacher at Virginia Episcopal School since from 1990-2007.

Sjolund matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. In a recent article in The Roanoke Times, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Mountcastle ’94 was announced as the Virginia War Memorial’s new executive director as of May 2016. Mountcastle assumed the responsibility after the memorial’s longtime leader retired in June. He was selected from over 70 candidates who applied for the position. Mountcastle’s new position comes after retiring from a 21year career with the Army and after serving as a professor of military history at Fort Lee. The war memorial opened in 1956 and is located in downtown Richmond. The memorial draws in as much as 70,000 visitors annually.

It also hosted over 50 programs last year for students, scouts and other community groups.

Mountcastle matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in military history from Duke University.

Andrew B. Williams ’07, chief executive officer of Elite Innovations, LLC, announced

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News the release of the company’s locally-invented TailGator. This product is a modular truck bed extension system that is customizable for many outdoor hobbies and professions and takes only minutes to transform a truck. The product was patented by a Wilmington, North Carolina, local contracter, Van Jackson,

who brought the idea to Elite Innovations in October 2014. TailGator, with correct accessories, can help with construction, kayaking, hiking or home improvement projects. Elite Innovations focuses on design, prototyping and engineering services and is a veteranowned company.

Williams matriculated from Wilmington, North Carolina, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree in strategy from the University of North Carolina.

... Book An n o u n c e m e nts ... Book Announcements . . . Bo o k An n o u ncem ent s ...

Announcements ... Book Announcemen Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Soldiers, Saints and Sinners: Stories of Long Ago by Harbert Alexander Sr. ’61.

Ingram Lightning Source, 2015. ISBN: 9780996345835. Available via www.harbertalexander.com.

Writers Society of America. Alexander was associated with Jackson National Bank for 24 years, where he served as president of the bank and vice chairman of the holding company. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Union Planters Bank of Jackson in 1988. In 1988, Alexander was promoted to the position of regional president for all of the west Tennessee and Arkansas Union Planters Banks.

From 2007-11, Alexander was chief executive officer of The Bank of Jackson. He served on the board of Lambuth University and was a member of the Jackson Utility board. He was named Jackson Exchange Club’s Man of the Year in 1991.

Alexander is president of the Carnegie Center, was the Madison County historian and serves on the board of the Tennessee State Museum. He is active in historic preservation in Tennessee. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited and is an avid hunter. He is the author of four books. He is married to Nora Noe and has three children and three grandchildren.

“Soldiers, Saints and Sinners” is a series of short stories about west Tennessee history, stretching from the pioneer days to more recent times.

The characters in these stories range from Civil War soldiers and a sniper, “Confederate Long Rifle;” to Lucy Holcombe, the “Sweetheart of the Confederacy;” to a con artist posing as a Baptist preacher, “the Holy Cheat;” to Roscoe Turner, amazing aviator and his pet lion, Gilmore, “The Lion Who Flew.”

Historic figures included doctors, entrepreneurs, pilots, game wardens, football coaches and musicians.

These true characters laughed, cried, went to war or into business and shaped the history of west Tennessee and, in some instances, the nation and the world.

Take a journey through time in the pages of “Soldiers, Saints and Sinners.” You’ll come away with something new to think about and perhaps you’ll reach the last page saying, “Well, I never knew that!”

On Improving Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery edited by George M. Meredith II ’62.

Kunal Walia, DDS. April 3, 2016. Available via www.amazon.com.

About the author: Harbert Alexander Sr. graduated from Jackson High School in 1957.

He matriculated from Jackson, Tennessee, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Rutgers University.

He served as an artillery officer in Schweinfurt, West Germany, retiring from the Army as a captain. He is a member of the Military

Meredith’s e-book, “On Improving Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery,” represents a novel approach to obstructive sleep apnea surgery, based on decades of clinical practice and based on an extensive critical literature review of OSA surgery and based over 7,200 analogous operative procedures.

Many otolaryngologists and other sleep apnea doctors report low success rates for

2016-Issue 4

the traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery and, considering the considerable OSA postoperative pain and long-term nasopharyngeal reflux, often simply recommend nighttime breathing machines (CPAP) rather than corrective upper airway surgery for this group of high risk patients.

Or, not recognizing the significant morbidity and the not-so-rare mortality rate in OSA orthognathic (major jaw) surgery cases, many otolaryngologists simply ship these patients off to some distant medical center for extensive craniofacial surgical answers to their patient’s OSA problem. Obstructive sleep apnea surgery could be done in a simpler, safer, more cost efficient way and with much less postoperatively morbidity on a local level.

About the author: George M. Meredith II, M.D., matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology. Four years later, he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He has traveled widely, visiting with orthodontists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, plastic surgeons and other otolaryngologists in their operatories and in their operating rooms. He has presented with and published widely with these same specialists in both North and South America.

For a number of years, he was a reviewer for the American Journal of Orthodontics.

His first e-book, “Your Child’s Airway and Dentofacial Development,” was published on amazon.com in 2014 and includes extensive references, photographs and original illustrations. Meredith has two grown sons, Minor and Scott. They wing shoot, fish, spearfish and surf along the Virginia-North Carolina coast and beyond.

Headlines from the Frontline by David R. Kiernan ’66. AuthorHouse, August 2005.

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Alumni News ISBN: 1420868306 (sc). Available via www. ebay.com and www.AuthorHouse.com.

A generation of journalists have come along who never experienced any of the systems of censorship and control of journalistic endeavor that were common in wars before the one in Southeast Asia. In such a situation, there is a premium on the need for understanding. If journalists and soldiers are forever to be facing each other across from their respective barricades, at best observing uneasy truces, there needs to be a constant flow of communication designed to keep the aims clear and the issues current. When a military person succeeds well in doing that, journalists naturally will be eager to say thanks. Such a one is retired U.S. Army Col. David R. Kiernan, vice president of strategic communications at Military Professional Resources Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. Through study and career-oriented academic research, Kiernan may be the best informed person today on the past, present and future of the First Amendment and the military. Kiernan formerly served as editor of the prestigious Infantry Journal at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Pentagon chief of media relations for the U.S. Army during the Gulf War. This book will whet the reader’s appetite for several areas of study, especially regarding the censorship programs of World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The conclusion is thus inevitable and correct: Censorship could not have changed the outcome of the Vietnam War, but press coverage of the war obviously did have an impact on public attitudes and support of the conflict. On this issue and many others, Kiernan has put together an excellent assessment and guide to understanding the military-media relationship. This work will assuredly become the handbook for both journalist and soldier, alike.

About the author: Rick Kiernan matriculated from Valley Streams, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He served 26 years as an infantry officer in the Army, retiring as a full colonel. During his military career, he served in Germany, Vietnam, Alaska, Hawaii and Saudi Arabia.

In 1991, he led the last military delegation to

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the former Soviet Union to assist that nation in its media relations programs. Colonel Kiernan is a paratrooper who received two Bronze Stars in combat, three awards of the Legion of Merit and commendations for service from the Republic of South Vietnam, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As a journalist, he was the managing editor of three weekly newspapers, host of a public television show, editor of a monthly magazine and a Pentagon spokesman during the first Gulf War. Upon his military retirement in 1993, Kiernan was selected to be the director of both press operations and public information for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

From 1996- 2011, he continued his work in corporate communications. During that period, Kiernan served as senior vice president for strategic communications with L-3 Services Group. In that role, he was the corporate spokesman and program manager for public affairs training programs in Eastern Europe, Africa and the United States.

Kiernan received a Master of Arts degree in mass communications from the University of South Carolina, where he was designated a distinguished alumnus. He has also completed postgraduate study at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

It’s Not Rocket Science – The Theology of St. Paul the Apostle by Irving L. Brittle Jr. ’72. iUniverse Publishing, February 2016.

ISBN: 9781491783764 (sc), 9781491783771 (c). Available via Amazon.com and iUniverse.com.

“It’s Not Rocket Science – The Theology of St. Paul the Apostle” offers an understandable and usable introduction to the theology of Paul of Tarsus. By digesting and condensing the impressions and interpretations of more than 100 other writers, Irving L. Brittle Jr. presents an approachable work that guides the reader through the

main topics of St. Paul’s theology of Jesus Christ and with wisdom of living Christians who follow the Lord.

After setting the scene summarizing Paul’s life and context, “It’s Not Rocket Science” investigates his treatment of God, humanity, the law, sin, the gospel, righteousness and justification. Recognizing the key role that Martin Luther’s reading of Paul has played in the life of the church over the past 500 years, the work addresses the reformer’s interpretation of Paul. “It’s Not Rocket Science” approaches questions of sanctification, salvation and the sacraments. This interpretation of the theology of St. Paul provides a concise introduction and interpretation of the apostle’s theology of Jesus Christ and the nature of the Christian life.

About the author: Irving “Sonny” Brittle Jr. matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University. Most of his work has revolved around direct sales and working throughout the eastern United States. He and his wife, Sue, have one daughter. The couple currently lives in Richmond.

Sting of the Bee by Charles H. Cressey, compiled and edited with an introduction and notes by Samuel L. Russell ’88. Russell Martial Research, May 2016. ISBN: 9780692691113. Available via CreateSpace. com, Amazon.com and Kindle, or from the publisher at info@RussellMartialResearch. com.

“Sting of the Bee” documents Wounded Knee and the Pine Ridge Campaign of 1890-91 as it was first recorded in the Omaha Bee, a prominent newspaper that greatly influenced events with its sensational reporting. This group of articles represents some of the most widely read and published articles of the day that, until now, have never appeared as a complete compilation. Included for the first time under a single cover

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News is the portfolio of articles written by Will Cressey, one of only three reporters present at the controversial fight at Wounded Knee.

Presented together as a coherent narrative, these news reports allow today’s reader to step back 125 years into the past and vicariously experience the sting of the Omaha Bee as read by the settlers of the Midwest while events of that troublesome winter unfolded.

About the author: “Sting of the Bee” was meticulously compiled and edited by Samuel L. Russell, an Army colonel with over 27 years of active service.

Russell matriculated from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He holds a Master of Military Art and Science degree in history from the Army’s Command and General Staff College and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College.

He has deployed in support of Operations Uphold Democracy (Cuba), Enduring Freedom (Qatar, Pakistan and Kuwait), Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Inherent Resolve (Kuwait). He is currently assigned to the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and is the author of a blog, ArmyAtWoundedKnee.com.

Ethanol and Education: Alcohol as a Theme for Teaching Chemistry edited by Roger Barth and Mark A. Benvenuto ’83.

American Chemical Society. ACS Symposium Series. 2015. ISBN: 9780841230590.

Available via Oxford University Press.

Mark Benvenuto coedited “Ethanol and Education: Alcohol as a Theme for Teaching Chemistry,” with Roger Barth, a chemistry professor and home brewer from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. The book is a compilation of ways chemistry faculty use ethanol in some way, shape or form in the classroom. While it is a serious treatment of the subject, both Benvenuto and Barth tried not to take themselves too seriously while

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writing and editing it. The book is the effect of amazing or amusing answers the two received to the question, “What do you do with the alcohol students make and brew when the semester is over?” Benvenuto and Barth discovered that it did not all go down the drain.

About the Author: Mark Benvenuto matriculated from Henrietta, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI, and after four years in the U.S. Army, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Virginia. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy since 1993 and the department chair since 2001. In 2015, he was elected as a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

General George C. Marshall and the Atomic Bomb by Frank A. Settle Jr. ABC-CLIO, LLC, 2016. ISBN: 9781440842849 and EISBN: 9781440842856. Available via www.abc-clio. com.

Beyond being the most powerful weapon ever used in warfare, the atomic bomb is also unparalleled in its significance, both in terms of its longterm impact on U.S. military power and policy and its role in driving the four decades of threatened conflict known as the Cold War. General George C. Marshall’s influence was critical in the development and use of the atomic bomb in World War II as well as in issues involving nuclear weapons in the post-World War II period. This book tells the story of Marshall’s experience with the atomic bomb from his early skepticism of its effectiveness as a weapon, to his oversight of its development and deployment against Japan in World War II, to his recognition of the bomb as a weapon

of such dire consequence that it should never be used again.

Intended for general audience as well as scholars, this book presents a cohesive account of General Marshall’s involvement with nuclear weapons and atomic power as Army chief of staff during World War II and as secretary of state and secretary of defense in the early years of the Cold War. Marshall’s involvement with the use of nuclear weapons is set in the context of the Allie’s efforts to force Japan to surrender and the initiation of the Cold War. Readers will gain insight into Marshall’s quest for obtaining a Japanese surrender; his views on the use of the atomic bomb on Japan versus the use of conventional weapons, including firebombing or poison gas; his interactions with Roosevelt and Truman on nuclear issues; and his diplomatic skillfulness in dealing with the issues surrounding the control and use of nuclear weapons as secretary of state and secretary of defense in the post-World War II era. These included consideration of the use of the atomic bomb during the Berlin crisis and the Korean War. About the author: Frank A. Settle Jr., Ph.D., professor emeritus of chemistry at Washington and Lee University and director of the ALSOS Digital Library for Nuclear Issues, was a professor of chemistry at VMI from 1964-1992. Before coming to W&L in 1998, he was a visiting professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, a consultant at Los Alamos National Laboratory and a program officer at the National Science Foundation. He is a coauthor of “Instrumental Methods of Analysis” and the editor of “The Handbook of Instrumental Analytical Techniques.” He was published extensively in scientific, educational and trade journals. At W&L, he developed and taught courses on nuclear history, nuclear power and weapons of mass destruction for liberal arts majors. Settle received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Emory and Henry College and a doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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The Institute Alumni Active in Large Construction Projects on Post

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

I

t’s a common theory among alumni that upon returning to VMI after graduation, post is exactly the same. But today, that is not the case. Anyone who has visited post during 2015 and 2016 has noticed the extensive changes that have been made. One that can’t be missed is the Indoor Training Facility that now sits at the corner of Main Street and Diamond Street, connected to post by a new pedestrian bridge.

In addition, Cocke Hall and Cormack Hall have both undergone extensive renovations.

The unique aspect of this new facility, as well as the renovations of Cocke Hall and Cormack Hall, is not only in their size and appearance but in the behind-the-scenes work taking place for these massive projects. In particular, three alumni served in very active, avid roles of the construction taking place on post. Keith Jarvis ’82 is deputy director of construction for

VMI, Nick Bates ’11 serves as a construction superintendent for Whiting-Turner and John Aulbach ’13 is the project engineer for Branch and Associates.

“Having graduated in September 2013 and starting with Branch and Associates in February 2014, I was excited to be able to start my career while working on a job at VMI,” explained Aulbach. “There was also a little bit of, ‘Uh, didn’t I just leave VMI?’” he joked. But for each of the men, it is apparent that all understood the importance and value of returning to VMI to have a role in bettering its future. Bates, who is also a recent graduate of the Institute, stated, “After finding out my company had been awarded the job, I was excited to hear the great news and was later asked to join the WhitingTurner CPTF team. I come into work being thankful and excited to have the opportunity to give back to the Institute every day.” For Jarvis,

however, there was a different career path that led him back to VMI. After graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and spent a total of 30 years serving the Army in a combination of active duty, National Guard and the reserve. After leaving active duty in 1988, he stated, “It was a natural progression to look at a variety of engineering and construction firms to continue my career. I moved our family to Baltimore and was hired by a large construction management firm. I spent 18 years there honing my skills prior to coming back to Lexington and VMI.” Bates and Aulbach also shared that they both were exposed to a career in construction via their fathers at a young age. “My father was in the construction business and did everything from framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and interior finishes,” stated Bates. “I was fortunate enough to learn and work alongside him

From left, John Aulbach ’13, Keith Jarvis ’82 and Nick Bates ’11 in front of the Indoor Training Facility.

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VMI Alumni Review

The Institute throughout my childhood.” Aulbach shared similar sentiments, declaring, “I always had a passion for building that probably started by assisting my dad on projects around the house, to working at a campground building decks and retaining walls.” Bates also delved into the civil engineering program at VMI and insists it did an excellent job in preparing him for the work environment that he is now immersed in. “Civil engineering taught me problem solving, decision making and time management,” he stated. But he also mentioned that he adapted to something one might not even think about as a quality that VMI teaches you. “Wearing a mandatory uniform [at VMI] has now transitioned to wearing the required safety equipment on a jobsite. Overnight guard duty at VMI helped me adapt to working night shifts on the jobsite when needed. The longer we’re alumni, the more we appreciate the values that VMI instilled in us.”

Regardless of how trying VMI was and how well-prepared it left each of these men after graduation, there are still very difficult aspects to their jobs in construction. As Jarvis elaborated, “We learn along the way that this is a people-centric business. And since people are inherently different, it’s sometimes challenging when I come up against a person who, for whatever reason, doesn’t quite see things in a logical way or doesn’t seem to understand the need for urgency when required.” Aulbach also highlighted that construction projects always have hidden problems that arise during the process. “[They] go hand-in-hand with renovating a building. As a team, we are constantly working on how to correct a problem but also do so in a way that minimizes impact on the overall schedule of the job.”

With the big challenges, however, come large rewards. Despite how busy, overwhelming and extensive each of these buildings and their renovations might be, each alumnus had a positive outlook about how valuable their time and effort truly is for these projects.

“The most rewarding [thing] is that we simply just get to build stuff and retain those skills forever. It is especially rewarding to physically see the result of our hard work. Every day is something new, and I am thankful that I can work alongside such great people,” expressed Bates. Aulbach echoed his excitement for the evolution of post as he stated, “The renovation

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The newly built bridge that crosses Main Street connects the Indoor Training Facility to post. of Cormack compared to building a ship in a bottle. It was a logistical challenge to complete the work ... everything had to be taken in and out of the old barn doors, which are now the main entrance.” He continued, “But [Cormack] was primarily used by a small portion of cadets and now is being used by almost all of the Corps.”

His excitement for these projects was unwavering as he also described another important project that he is taking part in. Currently, a memorial arch is being built at Cocke Hall that with the inscription: “In Remembrance of Those Who Have Served the Institute.”

Aulbach exclaimed, “It’s an honor to be able to participate in building a memorial at VMI.” Jarvis pointed out another important element of these construction sites. Not only do they improve the physical appearance of post, but they aid in the future of VMI’s academics. “The continued expansion of the technology that is so important to higher education – whether the new laboratories recently added as part of the Maury-Brooke renovation, or the ever increasing speed and capacity of our network.” Jarvis also wanted to uncover a lesser-known fact about some of the construction. In striving to learn how to

most efficiently construct these buildings, Jarvis noted the importance that the Institute placed on making these landmarks energy efficient and more environmentally friendly. “Both the renovated Cormack Hall and Cocke Hall will be certified LEED Silver and the new indoor training facility will be certified LEED Gold,” he explained. “This means extra effort went into the design and construction to ensure the buildings are energy efficient and to minimize the fossil fuels required for transportation ... and also minimizing the amount of construction debris that goes into the landfills by recycling any items that can be recycled.”

With the Indoor Training Facility expected to be completed in October 2016 and Cocke Hall expected to be done just before it in September 2016, the men are eager to see the final results of their hard work. “It has been a privilege to be able to come back and work at VMI,” stated Aulbach. Bates expressed similar excitement and stated that “working alongside alumni makes the job more fun. VMI alumni have a respect for each other that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s not every day that we have the opportunity to work our dream job ... let alone for our alma mater.”

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The Institute

506 Matriculate in Class of 2020 More than 500 new cadets matriculated with the Virginia Military Institute Class of 2020 Aug. 20, 2016. At 506 cadets, the class is the third largest entering class and a little bigger than expected, explained Col. Vern Beitzel, director of admissions, because of the high percentage of those accepted who decided to enter VMI. The class includes 60 women and 95 recruited NCAA athletes.

Fifty-eight percent are from Virginia and 42 percent from out of state, including four foreign countries. Sixty percent are majoring in math, science or engineering and 40 percent in the liberal arts.

Beitzel noted that this is a strong class, in terms of both academics and extracurricular activities.

Lieutenant Col. Neil Whitmore, associate director of admissions, said this year’s pool of applicants was especially strong.

“We did not accept any from the wait list,” he said, adding that many who were not accepted are already following procedures to reapply next year.

Matriculation opened early in the morning, with cadets reporting to Cameron Hall for registration and to sign the Matriculation Book, stowing their belongings in their barracks rooms and visiting the Matriculation Fair in Crozet Hall, where they had the opportunity to meet representatives from VMI and community organizations and businesses.

The new cadets formed up in their companies for the first time at the close of an afternoon welcome ceremony in Cameron Hall, then marched up to barracks to begin nine days of training before classes started Aug. 30. (Editor’s Note: This article was first published by the Office of Communications and Marketing.)

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Aug. 20, 2016

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The Institute

College Orientation Workshop Achieves 30 Years of Aiding At-Risk Youths

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

Eugene Williams ’74, founder of the College Orientation Workshop.

Since 1987, for four weeks in the midst of summer, at-risk minority young men have been brought to VMI to endure the challenging and rigorous trials of the College Orientation Workshop, a unique, educational enrichment and character-building program, which is patterned after the VMI teaching model. What these high school students don’t initially understand when entering the program is that not only will there be physical challenges to overcome at COW, but there will be a battle to overcome their insecurities.

They will be pushed to their limits and come out on the other side better prepared for their futures and to overcome the obstacles that at-risk young men typically face each and every day. That’s where Eugene Williams ’74 comes in. As the founder of COW, Williams is passionate to see this program continue for the next 30 years and is overcome by pride for how much the program has evolved over the past three decades. “The idea for COW actually started when I was a cadet,” explained Williams, “and I thought about all my buddies who could benefit from the environment of VMI or the Rat Line.” He further discussed how, as a minority from a small

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town in Florida, he knew a lot of his friends wouldn’t be able to be admitted to VMI, so he was inspired by the idea of having a summer experience that brought elements of the Institute to them. Obstacle courses, climbing mountains, rigorous academic classes, etc., were things Williams knew could benefit them. Williams started to take his dream to make this program available seriously with encouragement from Dr. Clark King [Hon.], who Williams explained was a huge motivator and great listener. King was the architect of the academic and physical training elements of the COW program. He recruited the initial instructors and supervisors of the program. Without him, COW would never have begun. Others, such as Tom Wright ’54 and Bev Read ’41, were tremendous advocates and helped make the program possible.

“We started the first session in 1987. [There were] 12 guys from New Jersey, New York and Virginia. I lived in New Jersey at that time, so those states were easy to recruit. But I remember we raised about $15,000. That was all,” stated Williams. With food, travel and dozens of other expenses, it’s a surprise that the program continued to progress with such

limited funding. But as Williams explained, it had a lot to do with alumni. “[In 2016,] we had 31 kids in the program from 10 different states, and our budget was about $270,000 ...

We have just under 400 consistent, regular donors, and a great majority of them are VMI alumni.” Williams noted that the COW donors “are amazing and have never asked anything other than for us to do the very best we could to help improve the prospects of success for these boys.”

The program continues to gain traction and earn the support of so many generous benefactors because it is much more than a “camp.” Williams explained that the term “camp” is almost insulting when referencing what these young men go through. The four-week program begins within the first few hours of the boys arriving. Family and friends are invited to attend a dinner, as part of the orientation and introduction to the program.

Immediately, it becomes obvious this isn’t a camp. Williams, reaching out to the local Lexington community and the VMI network, brings in many presenters, motivators and role models for these young men throughout COW. The first of such the students were

Students participating in the COW completed obstacle courses located on North Post.

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The Institute

You’ve come back as a guest speaker for the young men in this program.

Did VMI instill in you a sense of service?

Yes, definitely. You even give back to other graduates [of VMI]. In combat, I had a young company commander who was a VMI graduate. And I shouldn’t have, but I kind of saw him differently. And I remember one night, we had an issue in a dangerous situation, and I had to say to him, “Hey, remember the paraphet,” and he snapped back into it. He was a fantastic officer ... but I felt like it was my duty, because I knew what my experience was, that I needed to invest in him.

Clarke ’95 United States Army Lt. Col. Kendall J. Clarke ’95 was asked by Gene Williams ’74 to return to the Institute as a guest speaker for the students of the College Orientation Workshop, having taken part in the program himself as a high school student. Eager to inspire these young men, Clarke discussed why he values this program and how it helped him achieve a successful military career.

Why is a program like this so important for a younger generation?

The College Orientation Workshop found me; I didn’t find COW. I know from my own experience and where I came from, if it wasn’t for COW, I’m not sure I would have made it this far, this fast. But I failed COW my first year. I struggled with the reading material, the papers and the math. But I asked to come back because I just didn’t do well enough. I had my friends asking me to be with them, but I had Gene Williams saying, “Come with me,” and without that option, I’m not sure I would’ve turned out this way.

I think it’s important that I participate in COW now, because it allows me to take care of my piece of the problem ...

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We do invest in VMI, the future of VMI, and we invest in our communities. But it’s also important for African Americans to know that VMI understands our experience and understand how VMI has shaped our experience. A lot of people will look at this place and think there’s not a lot of diversity ... that’s not by design, it’s just the Institute. But VMI embraces us a little different than other schools do. The College Orientation Workshop has been hosted for 30 years at VMI. How many schools are doing this? So, I’m very grateful. If they didn’t accept these inner city kids on post, you wouldn’t have this lieutenant colonel sitting here talking about it. We have senators, generals and congressmen ... that’s what VMI is by design, and it is great that African Americans can enjoy that success.

For students involved in COW, what do you think will help them stay motivated to transform their summer experience into the rest of their future?

The fortune is in the follow-up. I think if there isn’t a mechanism to keep these kids plugged in, then there’s potential that you could maybe lose. It’s like what we say in the Army, you’ve got to “operationalize the concept” and operationalize the experience. I think that would be powerful.

For VMI alumni, we have the Alumni Association that allows us to reconnect back and reconnect forward if we need to.

introduced to during the summer 2016 COW was Sgt. Maj. Alvin Hockaday, former sergeant major to the Corps of Cadets.

“He put them on the ground in the front leaning rest position while he talks to them and is in the position himself. He’s ram-rod straight, and the boys have their butts in the air, their arms are shaking, and they start perspiring and start to think, ‘Oh, wow ... what is this?’” Williams joked. Immediately after the dinner, parents are expected to say their goodbyes, and the young men change into physical fitness gear and are introduced to “Mr. Do-Right” – the Foster Stadium stairs at VMI. This instantly becomes a trademark part of the program.

It pushes these students to their edge and, as Williams explained further, “Most of them don’t know how to work hard. They think the first time they feel fatigue, it’s time to quit. Or the first time they feel pain, then they’re sick.” The COW program is designed to transition their mindsets from fear of pushing themselves to embracing the challenge.

But the program isn’t just about emulating the physical trials of the Rat Line; it’s also meant to emulate the unique academic qualities of VMI’s Spartan environment.

Each student is required to write and read every day, do homework and attend classes that are no shorter than 1 hour and 45 minutes each. They are even taught financial literacy and other important life skills. “We give them a taste of what college is like ... they need to be master of their time and know how to prioritize,” Williams stated.

They are also given journals in which they are required to add an entry each day.

While at COW, the students’ phones are taken from them, as to leave little room for distraction. “We only allow them to have them on the weekends for maybe an hour or two ... it’s obvious why we do it. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t have their attention for two minutes,” he explained.

The students, although in a very controlled environment during the entire COW program, have opportunity for experiences off post that are out of reach to them while at home. The program is laced with incentives or trips that keep the students motivated and excited, despite their exhaustion or frustration with the challenges they’ve faced. They took a trip to Washington, D.C., to the Pentagon and traveled to

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The Institute Virginia Polytechnic and State University to meet with the head basketball coach, Buzz Williams, and his staff. They were taught by varying personalities, individuals and adults that if they put the effort into the program, they’ll come out on the other side understanding its importance. It is a similar sentiment to cadets who go through VMI. Problems arise each session, however, and at least one or a few students struggle with adhering to the program in the beginning.

Williams explained further, “By the second

week, if we have issues with some of the students, we give them their phones and tell them to call home and tell their parents that they’re at risk of being separated. Parents have to sign a contract during the application process called a participation agreement, and if their boy is separated, [the parents] have to be at VMI within 24 hours to come get them.” During the 2016 session, Williams admitted this was the case with four different young men in the program. But he said that when they saw their peers succeeding in

United States Army Lt. Col. Clarke ’95 spoke with COW students about the importance of the program.

On North Post, Capt. Chad Joyce oversaw and encouraged the students as they completed the obstacle courses.

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the program, combined with a new sense of brotherhood they had gained in COW, the four young men decided to turn their behavior around. All 31 of the students who began the program June 26, 2016, completed the program in good stead July 23.

Disruptive behavior comes with the territory, as most of these young men come from backgrounds and face things most will never endure in their lifetimes. “So many of these boys have stared down guns, been robbed and have had friends and/or relatives killed. Through the shared rigor and demands of COW, a great level of trust is developed. We are then able to bring a lot of the baggage and ‘demons’ to the surface. We do that purposely so that we can show the guys how to begin to master those demons.

It’s very emotional,” admitted Williams.

With society becoming more seeped in racial turmoil, it’s understandable that these young men have doubts about whether or not to act tough or give into the vulnerability and try to become leaders and focus on overcoming the odds. “Another of the major themes of COW is called ‘GOI’ -Get over it. So somebody treated you unfairly? Get over it. You can’t control that. But you can control how you react to it,” Williams confirmed. “Kids are self-absorbed and emotional. Emotions are what drive them. We make them mad on purpose [at COW] and then bring them back from the edge ... I have to reinforce that it’s a constant pushing out of the comfort zone and exposing them to richness.”

By the end of the College Orientation Workshop, it is hard to disagree that these young boys have entered as one person but walk out as a totally renewed spirit. At the end of each of these summer programs, Williams places emphasis on making sure the last day and the graduation elements bring out every little last bit of stress the boys are carrying and set it free. The mission of the program is simple yet so poignant for these young men. Williams concluded, “I think, no matter where you come from or what your socioeconomic situation is, if you are exposed to enough positive things and hold high expectations for yourself, you can learn and you can develop and grow in the right direction. Everyone who has helped sustain the COW program has helped make the world better than they found it. I am eternally grateful for the support.”

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics Bachman ’07 Hired as Assistant Athletic Director for Tickets and Marketing On July 14, 2016, Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics for VMI, announced that Corey Bachman ’07 accepted the position of assistant athletic director for tickets and marketing.

A 2007 graduate of VMI and former Keydet baseball player, Bachman reBachman ’07 turns to the Institute after serving for two years as a campus operations administrator at Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, Virginia. A member of the provost’s staff, he was responsible for assisting in all facets of the office, including budgetary functions, inventory, facilities, emergency management and security.

A member of the VMI baseball program from 2004-07, Bachman spent time as a professional baseball player from 2007-09 employed by the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Wild Things.

“VMI is a special place to me and an institution I care deeply about,” Bachman said. “As a former cadet-athlete, I saw the time and energy athletics administrators put into creating a successful environment for VMI athletics, and it means more to me now that I will be able to give the same experience to current athletes. I’m ready to give my all to contribute to the tradition and success of VMI.” Prior to Northern Virginia, Bachman served as a behavioral support and classroom assistant at New Story School in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, before becoming a senior admissions counselor at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Before serving as an assistant baseball coach at Bloomsburg University from May 2011-August 2013, he served as the assistant director of admissions at VMI from September 2008 to May 2011. In the VMI Admissions Office, Bachman was responsible for coordinating and executing six overnight open house programs per year with each averaging 500 participants. In addition to supervising 10

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high-ranking cadet ambassadors of VMI’s public relations staff, he recruited and made independent admissions decisions on over 300 applicants each in 2010 and 2011.

Bachman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Bloomsburg University in 2013.

“It’s great to welcome Corey back to the

Institute,” Diles said. “His distinguished career as a cadet, his remarkable accomplishments as a baseball player and his early professional work separated him from a talented pool of applicants. However, I could not have been more impressed with his dedication to VMI and his humility. He possesses the personal values and characteristics that make VMI a very special place.”

2016-17 Basketball Schedule Nov. 11 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Nov. 30 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 23 Dec. 31 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Feb. 2 Feb. 9 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 22 Feb. 25 Feb. 27 March 3-6

vs. University of Richmond vs. Southern Virginia University vs. Virginia Tech vs. Presbyterian College vs. Campbell University vs. Radford University vs. Gardner Webb University vs. West Virginia University vs. Charleston Southern vs. Frostburg State vs. University of Dayton vs. ETSU vs. Mercer vs. The Citadel vs. WCU vs. UNCG vs. Wofford vs. Furman vs. UTC vs. Samford vs. ETSU vs. Mercer vs. The Citadel vs. Furman vs. UTC vs. Samford vs. Wofford vs. UNCG vs. WCU SoCon Tournament

Richmond, VA Lexington, VA Blacksburg, VA Clinton, SC Lexington, VA Radford, VA Lexington, VA Morgantown, WV Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Dayton, OH Johnson City, TN Macon, GA Charleston, SC Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Spartanburg, SC Greenville, SC Chattanooga, TN Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Lexington, VA Birmingham, AL Lexington, VA Greensboro, NC Cullowhee, NC Asheville, NC

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7 p.m.

TBD 4 p.m.

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7 p.m.

1 p.m.

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Keydet Athletics

Southern Conference to Add Rifle as 21st Sport The Southern Conference will add rifle as its 21st varsity sport for the 2016-17 academic year, Commissioner John Iamarino announced in winter 2015. Full members The Citadel, VMI and Wofford College will be joined by associate members University of Alabama at Birmingham, Georgia Southern University and the University of North Georgia to form a six-member league for the co-educational sport.

The SoCon will become just the second Division I league to sponsor rifle, joining the Ohio Valley Conference, and it will conduct an annual conference championship including the air rifle and smallbore disciplines to determine the league champion. The SoCon previously sponsored rifle from 1956-85, with The Citadel winning a league-best 10 team titles and VMI claiming two.

“We’re very pleased to provide the benefits of conference affiliation to these six programs,” Iamarino said. “Rifle is a unique sport, and the SoCon looks forward to providing a championship experience for the skilled young men and women who participate.”

The NCAA conducts a combined men’s and women’s championship

with no regard for NCAA division each March. Participating schools may enter an all-men’s team, an all-women’s team or a mixed team of men and women. As of the 2015-16 season, 29 schools sponsor rifle at the NCAA level.

“I think this is an awesome opportunity for the sport of precision rifle and look forward to next season,” said VMI rifle coach Lt. Col. Bill Bither. “The SoCon will be allowing VMI to shoot against some great programs through an organized championship series. Our rivalry with The Citadel has always been the highlight of our season, and [we] look forward to some close matches down the road.”

The Citadel, Georgia Southern, North Georgia and Wofford come to the SoCon from the Southeastern Air Rifle Conference, a collective of schools and club teams that conducts regular-season competition and a championship each year. VMI comes to the SoCon after competing in the Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference, a 14-member league composed of five NCAA squads and nine non-NCAA teams, and UAB is currently unaffiliated with a conference.

Cowart ’08 Finishes Eighth in Olympic Trials Final

Okoye ’13 Named to Nigerian Olympic Team VMI alumnus Stan Okoye ’13 suited up for the Nigerian basketball team in the 2016 Summer Olympics, according to information made public on social media July 31, 3016.

Okoye, who also played for the Nigerian team during the 2015 AfroBasket tournament, played with Team Nigeria in its training camp and exhibition schedule for six weeks. He joined NBA player Michael Gbinije, former NBA forward Ike Diogu and nine others in

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an Olympic schedule that began against longtime international power Argentina – led by San Antonio Spurs’ superstar Manu Ginobili – Aug. 7, 2016.

Okoye graduated in 2013 following a stellar four years at VMI, which included wrapping up his collegiate career as the fourth-leading scorer in school history. Okoye was the Big South Player of the Year as a 1st Class cadet in 2012-13.

On July 6, former Keydet track and field athlete Donnie Cowart ’08 finished eighth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, native finished the race in 8:39.02, all of 17 seconds behind first-place finisher Evan Jager (8:22.48). Second-place Hillary Bor (8:24.10) and third-place Donn Cabral (8:26.37) will also advance to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for this summer’s Olympic Games.

Cowart qualified for finals by way of an appeal in preliminaries, during which he was forced off the track by another runner and ultimately missed the qualifying placement. He won the appeal and was granted permission to compete in the final.

He finished fourth in the steeplechase final at the 2012 trials.

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics

Forman Named Director of Strength and Conditioning On May 23, 2016, Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics for VMI, announced that Dave Forman was named director of strength and conditioning/head football strength coach.

Forman directs and supervises all aspects of Keydet football strength and conditioning and replaced Jimmy Whitten, who accepted a position in the VMI Physical Education Department beginning with the 2016-17 academic year.

Forman comes to VMI from the University of Colorado, where he was the director of sports Forman performance for the Buffaloes’ football program from January 2013 through December 2015. Forman oversaw the entire CU Sports Performance Department and designed and outfitted a 12,500 square foot $1.5 million Champions Center Weight Room.

Prior to his time at Colorado, Forman served as head football strength and conditioning coach at San Jose State University from January 2011 until January 2013 and was a staff member of the 2012 squad that was a Military Bowl participant. Forman moved to San Jose State from nearby Stanford University, where he served three years as a Cardinal strength and conditioning assistant coach from 2008-10 and worked with the football and wrestling programs. In Forman’s final year at Stanford, the Cardinals, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, enjoyed a banner season, going 12-1, including an Orange Bowl title and a final fourth place ranking in the major polls. While there, Forman also worked with Stanford’s wrestling program that finished a university all-time best 11th place at the 2011 NCAA Championships.

Forman has ties to the Shenandoah Valley area at James Madison University, where he began his strength and conditioning career as an undergraduate student assistant and was a member of the football team as a linebacker from 1999-2002. He earned his bachelor’s degree

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in kinesiology from JMU and later earned a Master of Science degree in exercise science at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, in 2006.

“Coach Dave Forman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to VMI,” said Scott Wachenheim, VMI head football coach. “First, Dave’s time at Stanford gave him access to the most recent innovations occurring in the strength and conditioning field. Secondly, Dave gained valuable leadership skills by implementing his own programs at San Jose State and the University of Colorado. Finally, Dave gained familiarity with the state of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute while playing football and graduating from James Madison University.

I believe Dave will have an immediate positive impact on our program.”

Forman’s extensive work experience also includes an internship with the Detroit Tigers 2004 spring training and a volunteer strength and conditioning coach at the University of Southern California in 2005.

He completed a summer internship at the University of Notre Dame in 2006 before holding positions as assistant strength and conditioning coach at Sacramento State (2006-07) and Northern Arizona (2007) prior to his move to Stanford.

“I am very honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Forman at the time of his hiring. “Thank you to Dr. Diles, Coach Wachenheim and everybody involved with the search process for their trust and faith in me. I am ecstatic to be able to return to the Shenandoah Valley, and I am so fortunate and excited to get to work with the very high caliber cadet-athletes of VMI.” A native of Glendale, New York, Forman is a graduate of St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, New York. He is certified by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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

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VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the VMI Foundation CEO

by Brian Scott Crockett success over the past seven years. And, I was fortunate to work with an For the past seven years, I have had the unique privilege to serve as the effervescent group of VMI’s finest, our campaign cabinet, led by Donald chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. It has been rewarding in so Maclean Wilkinson Jr. ’61, chairman. The Institute has truly benefited many ways, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with amazingly from the leadership and knowledge of Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, talented people who have a common desire to advance the Institute. And, and I, too, have benefited from these qualities as well as his mentorship. it is because of these individuals that the infamous “strings” are pulling at And last but certainly not least, I am humbly appreciative of the amazmy heart as I write my last message from the CEO before my retirement ingly talented VMI Foundation staff who have inspired me and made it Dec. 31, 2016. very easy to leave the beautiful countryside of Collierstown and arrive at I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together during my 304 Letcher Avenue each morning. Their dedication is contagious, and tenure: Launching and executing VMI’s largest comprehensive fundraising I count them all among my blessings. campaign, An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: As I leave Neikirk Hall Dec. 31, I will remain forever grateful to the The Campaign for VMI, surpassing the highest fundraising year in the hisentire VMI family – some who I have had the honor of meeting but some tory of the VMI Alumni Agencies, and anchoring the Institute’s long-term that I have not – for allowing me the opportunity to serve the Institute vitality by strategically growing its endowments. and to help underwrite the education of an honorable group of young However, these financial successes pale in comparison to the relationships men and women. I look forward to seeing you at our “family gatherI have enjoyed during my time at the Institute. From cadets, parents, staff ings – parades, football games, Matriculation Day – and I thank each and faculty to Institute leadership to our volunteer board members, the of you for giving your time, talent and treasures to advance America’s depth of passion that permeates the VMI family for our beloved Institute greatest institution of higher learning. cannot be found at any other college or university in the world. Indeed, the Rah Virginia Mil! VMI family is one-of-a-kind!

When I was offered the position of CEO of the VMI Foundation in June 2009, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve: To create more opportunities for deserving young men and women to benefit from VMI’s unique educational experience. Having attended Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia, before my college career at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and serving the United States Military Academy as the vice president of development, I knew that VMI had a reputation for producing leaders of character. Seeing it firsthand and being a part of the lives of those who had experienced it, were experiencing it and have yet to experience it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

I believe a true philanthropic buzz has been created at the Institute and is evident in two of our most recent accomplishments: The Class of 2016’s gift through the Barracks Program and the Class of 1966’s record-breaking 50th Reunion Campaign, which raised $50,001,966 with 99 percent of the brother rats making a gift. The VMI family has philanthropic passion beyond what I could have ever imagined. Alumni, parents, friends and corporations realize the important role that VMI plays in developing leaders that our country so desperately needs and are nothing short of honored to contribute to the Institute’s success.

My hope for VMI is that this philanthropic passion will continue to spread throughout our family and that all who care deeply about the Institute will ask themselves the question that E. Cabell Brand ’44 so eloquently asked, “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”

I am beyond grateful to the countless number of people who have made my job as CEO of the VMI Foundation one that I will always cherish. I was privileged to work for an incredible board led by three uniquely talented and supportive board presidents, Walter C. Perrin II ’62, Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68 and Hugh M. Fain III Brian Scott Crockett addressing the 2016 Institute Awards Convocation. ’80. The dedication all three of these men have to their alma mater VMI photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. is to be commended, and it is one of the reasons we have seen much

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VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Making History: Class of 1966 50th Reunion Campaign Tops $50 Million As cadets 50 years ago, the brother rats of the Class of 1966 witnessed history when the Class of 1916 presented the proceeds of VMI’s first 50th Reunion Campaign. On April 23, 2016, the Class of 1966 also made history when they presented the initial result of their 50th Reunion Campaign: a record-setting $40,000,019.66. This amount doubled the previous record of $20,086,063.63 set by their dykes, the Class of 1963.

Between the presentation of the facsimile check and the close of the fiscal year June 30, it is customary for gifts and commitments to be accepted as part of a class’ 50th Reunion Campaign. “Some alumni aren’t moved to give until they come back to post and reacquaint themselves with the Institute and their brother rats,” said John Wranek, VMI Foundation vice president for annual and reunion giving. “Others need extra time to deal with the details of estate or trust gifts.” In that period, not only did brother rats who had not donated come forward with gifts and commitments, but an anonymous donor contributed an amount that brought the grand total for the Class of 1966 to $50,000,019.66.

As if that weren’t enough, and perhaps fittingly for their accomplishments, the class also posted

an astounding participation rate of 99 percent.

We asked Richard K. Hines V ’66, chairman of the Class of 1966 Reunion Campaign Committee, a few questions about this magnificent effort.

Q: When you started organizing the campaign, what were the goals for money raised and participation?

A: We began the campaign in December 2014 with a meeting of the Reunion Campaign Committee at Preston Library. The VMI Foundation, having analyzed our class’ giving history, suggested that we set a goal of $16 million. Notwithstanding this advice, all of us committee members were aware that our dykes, the Class of ’63, had set the record of about $20.1 million. We set out, therefore, to beat our dykes. More aspirationally, we remembered that the Class of ’62 had set the all-time participation record of 96 percent. So, we set our participation goal at 96.1 percent. In other words, we knew ’66 would do great things.

But, I must confess that, in December 2014, we didn’t know how great!

Q: How did your class greet the campaign’s initial phase?

A: Rather than make “cold calls,” we sent handwritten notes to everyone letting them know that committee members would be calling. That gave us a terrific entrée, got rid of the cold call aspect and provided a way to let the class know that our goal was to set records in giving and class participation.

Q: As it became clear that your class would turn in a record-setting performance, how high was the level of excitement?

A: Remarkable. Everyone on the committee participated, and many gave more than they originally planned. When some large anonymous gifts came in, we knew we would beat ’63.

But the truly “OMG” moment occurred when Gen. Peay [’62] revealed the facsimile check at our class dinner the night before the parade.

Again, the committee knew we had broken the record. But, no one had any idea of the amount we were presenting to the Institute because donations – including a wonderful, breathtaking, anonymous contribution – were still coming in.

So, when Gen. Peay held high the check in the amount of $40,000,019.66, there were gasps, tears, disbelief, applause and shouts.

Presenting the Class of 1966’s record-shattering gift were, from left, Randolph W. Urmston, historian; L. Clark Reifsnider, vice president; Richard K. Hines V, chairman; and Marshall C. Taylor, president. Edgar J.T. “Turner” Perrow Jr. ’96, far left, then-president of the VMI Alumni Association, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, far right, accepted the gift. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

Four New Trustees for VMI Foundation Q: You had a 99 percent participation rate. What contributed to that performance?

A: By reunion weekend, ’66 had set two records: The largest gift ever and the largest number of brother rats ever to return for their 50th. Knowing we had set two records, we went for a third.

Following the reunion, the committee contacted every potential contributor by phone, letter and email to urge their participation in our record-setting effort.

Whether motivated by competitiveness or the desire to participate in an effort which was dedicated to the 5 percent of our class who died serving in Southeast Asia – or just to get us off their backs – 237 of 240 brother rats contributed. It was an astonishing accomplishment by both the committee and, more importantly, the men who donated. Whether it was an eight-figure gift or a two-figure gift, every brother rat mattered.

Q: Any final thoughts on what your class has done for VMI? A: Indeed. What we accomplished between our reunion weekend and the close of the campaign June 30 may likely stand uniquely in the history of not only VMI, but also of American higher education. First, we increased our participation rate from 80 percent to 99 percent. But stunningly, an anonymous donor – in order, as he put it, to make it “50 for our 50th” – gave an amount that brought our total to $50,000,019.66! This gift from the brother rats of ’66 demonstrates the love we have for VMI, its purpose and its principles. It will transform generations of men and women of the Corps and the Institute itself. It will, I trust, serve to challenge and impel other classes. What a wonderful goal for reunion classes, and what a wonderful expectation for VMI. Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are provided by the Foundation.

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On July 1, 2016, the VMI Foundation Board Goddard is a distinguished graduate of VMI, of Trustees welcomed four new trustees: Paul earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in economE. Galanti, Stephen M. Goddard ’83, Ernesto ics. During his cadetship, he was selected a V. Sampson Jr. ’98 and Thomas H. Zarges ’70. member of the Kappa Alpha Order and Omicron Galanti graduated from the U.S. Naval Delta Epilson honorary societies. He also was Academy in 1962, after which he entered flight selected for Who’s Who of American Colleges training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. and Universities. After graduation, he earned his After being designated a naval aviator, he served Master of Business degree from the University as a flight instructor until November 1964, when of Richmond in 1985, as well as the Chartered he joined the Navy’s Light Jet Attack Squadron Financial Analyst designation in 1990. From 216 based aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19).

1985-93, Goddard worked as a security analyst Beginning in late 1965, Galanti flew and portfolio manager for Scott and almost 100 combat missions in his Stringfellow, Central Fidelity Bank, A-4 Skyhawk before he was shot and Flippin Bruce and Porter before down and captured June 17, 1966. He starting his own investment advisory remained a prisoner of war until his firm, The London Company of Virrelease Feb. 12, 1973. After his return ginia, in 1994. Since its inception, The from captivity, he served as the execuLondon Company has grown more tive officer and then the commander than 30 percent annually over the past of the Navy Recruiting District in 20 years to become one of the largest Richmond, Virginia. In 1979, he investment advisory firms in the midjoined the staff of the commandant Atlantic region with over $22 billion in Galanti at the U.S. Naval Academy. He retired assets under advisement, with major from the Navy in 1983. His decorations include institutional and retail clients domiciled across the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Combat V, the United States and Europe. The London two awards of the Legion of Merit with Combat Company is one of the largest shareholders V, nine Air Medals and two Purple Hearts. After of more than 20 major public companies. The his retirement, he became the executive director London Company has been ranked as one of of the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association, the top performing domestic equity managers the first non-pharmacist to hold that position. in the country for the past five and 10 years. The Galanti joined the staff of the Medical Society firm was awarded the 2011 Separately Managed of Virginia in September 1991, and in January Account Manager of the Year, while several of 1993, he became the organization’s vice presi- the equity funds The London Company manages dent. From 2009-14, he served as the commis- have been ranked in the top tier for their respective sioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans categories over their tenure. Goddard has often Services. He also is the former president of the appeared or been interviewed by major financial Virginia Aviation Foundation, the Science Mu- media outlets, including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, seum of Virginia Foundation and Nam-POWs, Bloomberg, Business Week, Wall Street Journal, and he is a member of the national Vietnam Barron’s, Reuters and other publications. He is POW Fraternity. He is currently active in the currently a board member of the Robins School American Ex-Prisoners of War service organi- of Business Executive Advisory Committee zation and serves on the Secretary of Veterans at the University of Richmond. He also serves Affairs’ Advisory Committee on Former POWs. as a board member of VMI Investment HoldGalanti has spoken to more than 1,300 groups, ings, LLC and The Community Foundation ranging from school groups to various profes- of Richmond Investment Committee, as well sional organizations. He also has appeared in as the Wake Forest Parents Council. Goddard several documentaries including the Discovery is dedicated to giving back to the Richmond Channel’s Emmy Award-winning, “Vietnam community through charitable giving. InvestPOWs: Stories of Survival,” and Public ing in education, arts, conservation, health and Broadcasting Service’s “Return with Honor.” research, he and his firm aim to help build the He served on the VMI Board of Visitors from community’s long-term future and strengthen 2011-15. The Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame the next generation. He is actively involved in inducted him in November 2005.

The Community Foundation, Fellowship of

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc. Christian Athletes, Virginia Commonhe served on the Nominating and wealth University’s Massey Cancer Awards Committee and the Property Center, Ducks Unlimited, Virginia Management and Gifts Committee. He Home for Boys and Girls, Richmond also was the chairman of its Corporate Symphony, St. Andrew’s School, the and Foundation Relations SubcommitVirginia Museum of the Fine Arts, tee for six years. He matriculated from and many other organizations. He Pennsylvania, majored in civil engicurrently lives in Richmond, Virginia, neering and served in the U.S. Air Force with his wife, Cheryl Goddard, and after graduation. After his military two adult children, Anne Randolph service, Zarges embarked on a 37-year The thousands of donors who made Goddard and Stephen Goddard Jr. Sampson ’98 career in engineering and construction, more than $77 million in gifts and Ernesto V. Sampson Jr. ’98 matricuand he has extensive experience in commitments to VMI during Fiscal lated from Suffolk, Virginia. As a cadet, he ma- heavy civil construction, high-technology projYear 2016 are recognized in the VMI jored in economics and business, and he was a ects in the steel and process industries, industrial Alumni Agencies Honor Roll of cadet waiter. A member of the Rat Disciplinary manufacturing, and nuclear- and fossil-power Donors. Available exclusively online Committee, he also was an All-American boxer energy projects. He is now retired and lives in at vmi.edu/honorroll, it lists all indiand the captain of the boxing team in his 1st Lexington, Virginia, with his wife (and Ring vidual and organizational donors and Class year. He also was a member of the Promaji Figure date), Janet. includes information about private Club. After graduation, he worked for Insulation The president of the VMI Foundation, Hugh support at VMI in FY 2016.

Specialties in Hopewell, Virginia for two years. M. Fain III ’80 stated, “We welcome these acHe joined Ameriprise Financial in Richmond as complished men to the Board of Trustees. All of an associate financial adviser in 2000, and from them are experienced in their respective fields, 2005-09, he was a financial adviser with Merrill have been involved in civic and public affairs, Lynch. Since late 2009, he returned to Ameriprise and share a deep commitment to supporting Honor Roll as an independent financial adviser, where he has the Institute. These gentlemen will make strong been recognized as a Five Star wealth manager additions to working on the Board of Trustees, for more than three years. Sampson received a and they will make significant contributions to certificate in financial planning from the Virginia the work of the VMI Foundation on behalf of Commonwealth University in 2003 and received the Institute and its faculty, staff and cadets.” certification as a chartered retirement planner counselor and an accredited portfolio management adviser in 2007 and 2015, respectively. In 2011, he received a Master of Business Administration degree from VCU. Sampson has been extensively involved with other social and civic activities. He was the vice chairman of the City of Richmond Electoral Board from 2010-13, and he On June 30, 2016, four members of the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees concluded has been involved with the Richmond Leadership their service.

Network, the Urban Financial Services Coalition Kim Y. “Danny” Chu ’83 served two full terms as a trustee, beginning his service in and the Urban League of Greater Richmond. He July 2008.

While on the board, he was a member of the Fundraising and Stewardship currently serves on the boards of Henrico Police Committee and the Property Management and Gift Acceptance Committee.

Board, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Ambassador S. Read Hanmer Jr. ’55 served as a trustee from 2012-16. During these and the Southside Community Development & four years, he served on the Property Management and Gift Acceptance Committee, the Housing Corporation. He served the Institute as a Annual and Reunion Giving Subcommittee, the Executive Committee, and the Nominatmember of the VMI Board of Visitors from 2011ing and Awards Committee.

15. When asked why he believed it important Walton M. Jeffress Jr.’68 joined the Board of Trustees of the VMI Foundation in 2003. to serve the Institute in this manner, he replied, He served on many committees such as the Finance Committee, the Fundraising and “Considering what VMI has provided me during Stewardship Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. He also was a member my life, giving back to the Institute is only fitting.” of the Executive Committee from 2005 to June 2016. From November 2007 to July 2011, He also stated, “I wanted to remain active within he served as the VMI Foundation’s vice president for administration. He became the 20th the life of the Institute. Joining the VMI Foundapresident of the VMI Foundation in July 2011 and served in that role through June 2014. tion’s Board of Trustees is a natural way to that, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock ’70 resigned after a year’s service in order to acgiven my background in the investment field.” cept appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors. He served on the Property Management and Thomas H. Zarges ’70 returns to the Board of Gift Acceptance Committee and the Corporate and Foundation Relations Subcommittee.

Trustees after previously serving on it for eight years from 2007-15. During his previous term,

Honor Roll of Donors Now Available

VMI Foundation Bids Farewell to Four Trustees

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The Keydet Club Letter From the President Dear Keydet Club Members, Alumni and Friends of VMI, It is an honor for me to be the president of the Board of Governors of the Keydet Club. I had the privilege of working with Bill Paulette ’69 for the past five years. Bill was a great president who unselfishly gave his time, wisdom and financial support. The good news is, Bill will continue to be involved with the Keydet Club and other alumni boards. He deserves our thanks and appreciation.

As I begin my term as president, I am awed by the generosity of our donors/members, the devotion and engagement of our Board of Governors and our great, dedicated, hardworking staff. The Keydet Club is one of the finest athletic development organizations in the country and is the Southern champion for athletic fundraising. Compared to Birzenieks ’64 Conference other Southern Conference members, we have more annual members, raised more annual funds and the largest athletic endowment.

The success of the Campaign for VMI is having a very positive impact on the Keydet Club and VMI athletes. The athletic endowments at VMI have grown from $28 million at the start of the campaign to nearly $62 million just five short years later.

The leaders of the campaign have done a great job; thank you.

We have the right ingredients to succeed on the athletic fields and courts: A supportive superintendent, outstanding coaches, fine cadet-athletes and dedicated supporters.

Wins will come, and the VMI spirit will continue to be heard and seen. Let us strive to do all we can to ensure success and support our coaches and athletes by growing our endowment and annual giving.

Thank you for all those who have helped give our cadet-athletes the opportunity to attend VMI, our nation’s most unique and special college.

Go Keydets!

Funding Requirements for Endowed Scholarships Increasing At its spring 2016 meeting, the Keydet Club Board of Governors approved a motion to increase the gift funding requirement from $50,000 to $75,000 for future named scholarship endowments in the Keydet Club effective Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017). The funding requirement has been at $50,000 for nearly the past 20 years, and over that time, the cost of tuition has more than tripled at VMI. Donors interested in creating an endowed scholarship will be able to do so with a gift of $75,000 or more or with a pledge to get to the $75,000 minimum within 5 years from the initial gift. Once endowed at the $75,000 minimum level, the scholarship will be stewarded with the other 170 Keydet Club endowments. For their generosity and engagement, a cadet-athlete will be named to the scholarship, and the donors or the scholarship’s fund representative will be invited to VMI to attend the Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet held each fall in conjunction with Parents Weekend.

For more information on how you might honor someone with an endowed scholarship or to create your own, please contact the Keydet Club.

U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64 President, Keydet Club Board of Governors

The Bill Paulette ’69 Keydet Club Outstanding Governor Award Established The Bill Paulette ’69 Keydet Club Outstanding Governor Award will be given to voting members of the VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors in recognition of exceptional support of the Keydet Club’s mission to contribute to the spirit and development of a Division I athletic program that benefits the whole of VMI. Eligible candidates will display: An appreciation for and understanding to maintain an intercollegiate athletic program at VMI of the highest possible quality, keeping with the excellence of the Institute’s academic and military programs in support of VMI’s cadet-athletes; passion and concern for VMI cadet-athletes and coaches; support of the Keydet Club’s mission and all it endeavors to do; and unparalleled board member virtues of the three w’s: Wisdom, work and wealth.

This award will be presented in the spring of each year at the Annual Keydet Club Leadership Outing or the spring board meeting.

In spring 2016, the Keydet Club Board of Governors presented the award to Bill Paulette ’69, making him the first recipient of the award bearing his name. Bill served 14 years on the board and as a member of the Executive Committee, and before becoming

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The first Bill Paulette ’69 Keydet Club Outstanding Governor Award.

the president in 2002, he was appointed by the governor of Virginia to the VMI Board of Visitors, where he served the Institute for eight years. Following his tenure on the BOV, the Keydet Club nominated him to return to the Executive Committee to assume his term as president. He served the Keydet Club and the Institute for five years while also serving as a member of the campaign cabinet.

On behalf of countless VMI cadet-athletes, coaches, Keydet Club members and alumni, thank you, Bill, for your unprecedented years of service and support for the betterment of VMI athletics.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club

Thomas C. Jones ’69

Jones ’69 For Thomas C. Jones ’69, sports have been a lifelong pursuit and a lifelong love. “Some of my fondest memories,” he said, “are centered on participation in sports.” Football was his first sport; growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, he played pee-wee football and was a guard on the First Team All Roanoke 100-Pound League.

He continued to play football when his family moved to a town outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became co-captain of his eighth-grade team and a starting quarterback on the ninth-grade team at Ardmore Junior High School. Jones’ athletic horizons broadened somewhat in high school. He embraced swimming and lacrosse, as well as continued playing football for Lower Merion Senior High School, and he lettered in all three sports. He also was captain of the lacrosse team and was chosen as First-Team All Pennsylvania as a goalie.

When Jones matriculated at VMI in August 1965, he did so without the intention of being a Division I athlete. “I decided to concentrate

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on academics as there was no NCAA lacrosse team. In my 2nd and 1st Class years, however, VMI had a club team. I joined and played midfield as well as served as the club’s treasurer.”

After graduation from the Institute, Jones pursued a career in medicine. He graduated from the West Virginia University Medical School in 1973 and completed an internship in internal medicine in 1974 at the University of Tennessee’s Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. After serving for two years as a doctor with the U.S. Army’s Medical Corps in Korea and Fort Carson, Colorado, Jones returned to the Erlanger Center for a two-year residency in internal medicine, after which he received a clinical endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at the Mayo Clinic from 1978-80. He then established a practice in Macon, Georgia, which now is the Jones Center for Diabetes & Endocrine Wellness.

Along with building his medical practice, Jones pursued an academic career, primarily at the Mercer University School of Medicine, and engaged in numerous civic activities. In 1980, he and his wife, Elizabeth, also established Camp Little Shot. The camp provides what Jones describes as “a weeklong typical camping experience” free of charge for 90 children, ages 6 to 18, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds but all have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

With so many demands on his time, it is hardly surprising that his physical activity was limited to, as he put it, “occasional golf and tennis.” In 1987, that changed when his wife persuaded him to participate in a fivekilometer road race, which, as he remembered, “I was just happy to finish.” Afterward, however, he and his wife began to run more, and in a few months’ time, she announced they would run in a marathon.

Jones recalled, “It was then that a healthier, more active lifestyle became a passion for me, and getting people to live the same way became the focus of my medical practice.” In the almost three decades since his first race, Jones has run 30 marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice. He has competed in seven Ironman Triathlons (the most recent in 2014) and participated in several other races and triathlons. Jones noted that his passion for

athletic competition hasn’t interfered with his medical practice, academic work, professional responsibilities or civic involvement. “Many people see fitness as a matter of ‘either-or.’

You can either be fit or pursue a full career.

People should think of it in terms of ‘bothand.’ You can be both fit and be successful professionally.”

In 2006, Jim Chapman ’69, then-president of the VMI Keydet Club and a former roommate of Jones, persuaded Jones to join the Keydet Club Board of Governors. While Jones had been a consistent donor to the Keydet Club, his time on the organization’s board brought home the importance of expanding the scholarship aid for cadet-athletes.

“I heard directly from the Institute’s leaders and coaches that a major obstacle [in] getting outstanding athletes to commit to VMI was the high cost of attending VMI, especially for out-of-state cadets. In too many cases, young people who wanted to attend the Institute were prevented from doing so because they didn’t have the required financial resources – and neither did we.”

This experience prompted Jones and his wife to make the commitment to establish the Dr. Thomas C. Jones ’69 Lacrosse Scholarship in 2015. “Elizabeth and I had kept up our support of the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund and VMI lacrosse,” he explained, “but we wanted to do more to enable extraordinary athletes to attend the Institute.

“It is my hope that, after they graduate, the young men who benefit from this scholarship will continue to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle and apply what they learned on the field as well as in Barracks and the classroom to lead a successful life. I also hope that they will give back to VMI financially so others may attend an institution that prepares them so well for success, service and leadership.”

“The Keydet Club is extremely appreciative of all that Tom and Elizabeth have done in support of VMI athletics, especially VMI lacrosse and the cadet-athletes associated with it,” commented Doug Bartlett, Keydet Club vice president and former VMI lacrosse coach. “Thanks to the generosity and vision of the Joneses and many people like them, the program has come far and is sure to go even further.”

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The Keydet Club

Thoughts From the Club House

by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer I hope you were able to read this column that appeared in the last issue of the Alumni Review outlining the tremendous success of The Campaign for VMI as it relates to support for VMI athletics. To recap, the total of the endowments for athletics at VMI had a market value of about $28 million when the campaign began in Fiscal Year 2012. Five years later, the endowment has grown to over $61 million. When fully invested and the spending factor of 0.05 percent is calculated using a 12 quarter rolling average, this increase Cavallaro ’84 will have a transformational impact on VMI’s ability to continue to increase funding for its Division I athletic program.

Keydet Club Funding for Athletics (Annual contributions plus endowment income) FY ’12 = $2.06 million FY ’13 = $2.83 million FY ’14 = $2.86 million FY ’15 = $3.45 million FY ’16 = $3.5 million FY ’17 = $4.1 million (projected) FY ’18 = $4.7 million (projected)

But endowment is only one part of the financial funding stream from the Keydet Club to VMI. The other equally important component is the Keydet Club’s ability to continue to raise the annual support to enhance the positive impact of the growing endowment.

The Keydet Club realizes approximately $3 million of the $3.3 million it raises every year in annual support from its generous leadership members who enthusiastically support the Keydet Club and all of its efforts on behalf of VMI’s athletic program. As long as the cost of tuition continues to rise every year, the need for annual support will never go away.

Scholarship costs are $26,450 for in-state and $50,770 for out-of-state, making the average cost $38,600 this school year.

The Keydet Club gift/membership levels have not changed since FY 2000, when the average of the in-state and out-of-state scholarship cost was around $15,000 per year. So, at the spring 2016 meeting, the Keydet Club Board of Governors decided to increase the membership gift requirement levels effective in FY ’18 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018) as outlined at the top of the next column.

It is imperative, if the VMI faithful want to see our teams funded at levels which will enable them to legitimately compete against our Southern Conference and state rivals, that many more step up and help the effort. The Campaign for VMI will continue through FY ’17, and the Keydet Club would like to encourage as many donors to participate by

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FY ’17 current gift levels/new 5-year pledges before July 1, 2017

New gift levels: July 1, 2017 (FY ’18)

$36,000 Out-of-State Full Scholarship $18,000 In-State Full Scholarship $12,000 Scholarship $7,000 Sportsmen

$5,000 Spirit $3,000 Flying Squadron $1,875 Letterman $1,000 Big Red

$45,000 $25,000 $15,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,500 $1,500

100 percent of the Keydet Club Board has made a pledge in support of VMI athletics. making a five-year pledge in support of VMI athletics. For those who do make a pledge before the end of FY ’17, and for those who already have a pledge on the books, they will be “grandfathered” for the duration of their pledge at the current gift levels in appreciation for their generosity and commitment to VMI athletics.

Pledges are extremely important, as default rates at VMI are very low compared to national norms. Pledges allow the Keydet Club and the VMI Athletic Department to more accurately forecast future funding projections with confidence that funding levels will remain into the future to cover the four-year scholarship commitments made by our coaches to the VMI cadet-athlete recipients.

The time for athletic success and excellence is now. VMI is poised and has an opportunity, unlike any time in the past 35-40 years, for unprecedented athletic success. But excellence costs! Excellence costs in the classroom, it costs in barracks and the co-curricular, it costs in the infrastructure of the VMI post, and it certainly costs money to field teams that can and do compete at the Division I level. But most importantly for VMI, excellence costs when fielding teams of cadet-athletes who want the VMI experience, who want to win the “VMI way” and who want all that comes with the hard work it takes to earn a VMI degree. It all takes money, and athletic excellence can and will only happen if the VMI private sector provides for it!

The Keydet Club needs more alumni and friends believing that VMI can excel in all endeavors and that we can field teams that will make us proud.

If you are not yet a member of the Keydet Club, or if you would like to increase your membership level, please consider making a five-year pledge in support of VMI athletics this fiscal year. If you are a current leadership member of the Keydet Club, we thank you! But please recognize that the changes and increases to our membership levels will be effective FY ’18.

So, please lock in your support for the next five years. Our coaches and cadet-athletes are counting on us! We are VMI!

VMI Alumni Review