Checkpoints December 1984

FINAL TRIBUTE PRESERVED BY FERRIS

Limited edition of 850 fine art prints signed and numbered by the artist.

Includes certificate of authenticity and shipping.

* $60 mailed to AOG members. $70 mailed to nonmembers. (Colorado residents please add 3% sales tax)

* VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED (Send card # and expiration date).

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Noted artist Keith Ferris has dedicated more than 36 years to creating aviation art He has been very active in the Air Force Art Program and has had his "one man shows" exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D C., The Society of IIlustrators in New York City, the George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., the U S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, and the Air Force Academy. Ferris spent many hours researching the exact path of the missing-man formation during the Flomecoming 1983 Memorial Ceremony to include the precise moment and viewing position when the #3 aircraft and the ceremony participants could be seen simultaneously with the other three formation aircraft in the painting.

Homecoming 1983 Memorial Ceremony Remembered

The concept of this painting, by well-known aviation artist Keith Ferris, was suggested by the Association of Graduates of the U S. Air Force Academy. It depicts the Sept. 24 Memorial Ceremony during Homecoming 1983 where 21 deceased graduates were honored. Four F-16 aircraft of the 56th Tactical Training Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., are pictured in the final tribute. The aircraft, all piloted by Academy graduates, are caught in a south-to-north flyover as the "missing-man" is in his break up and away from the formation. Formation members were Capt. Peter A. Bonanni, '77 (lead); Lt. Col. Henry R. Kramer, '63 (#2); Maj. Geoffrey W McCarthy, '63 (#3); and Capt. Mark D. Shackelford, '77 (#4). The 56th Tactical Training Wing at the time of this ceremony was commanded by Col. Ronald R. Fogleman, '63

The Cadet Wing/Graduate Memorial Ceremony is conducted each year during Homecoming at the Academy and provides an opportunity

for the Cadet Wing and graduate community to honor and remember those cadets and graduates who have died during the previous year. The first ceremony of this type occurred in 1964 with a memorial service in the cadet chapel. In 1965, the ceremony was moved outside to a formation on the terrazzo Against the background of the chapel and the class wall, the Cadet Wing and civilian and military graduates, the latter commanded by a senior military graduate, form on the terrazzo for the ceremony highlighted by a roll call of deceased cadets and graduates. Over the sound of a muffled drum roll, the name and cadet squadron of each departed comrade is called out; and a cadet currently within the squadron responds, "ABSENT, SIR!" Following the roll call, the ceremony is closed with a prayer, rifle volley, aircraft missing-man flyover, and taps. This impressive, touching ceremony symbolizes the continuing bond between the cadets and graduates and their departed comrades-in-arms.

Make check payable to: AOG Graduate Memorial Print

Send to: The Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, Colo. 80840

Send your tax-deductible donation to: The Air Force Academy Fund Association of Graduates USAF Academy, Colo. 80840

(See associated article on page 21.)

Mrs.

Mrs.

Mrs.

Ms.

2nd Lt. Alonzo Babers, ’83, the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate Olympic gold medal winner, returned to the Academy for the Falcon-Northern Colorado football game. Mr. Bill Madsen of the Academy Public Affairs staff captured two cadets on film admiring Babers’ two gold medals. See our related story on page 32.

CHECKPOINTS is

VIEW FROM THE TOP:

“We’re in the Business ofReinstituting an Ideal”

Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott, Jr., Superintendent

Dear Graduate,

During the past two months, I have received literally dozens of letters from USAFA graduates concerning the cadet honor system. I’d like to respond individually to each of them, but I simply cannot. However, since two themes are so common among those letters, I feel somewhat justified in responding via this less personal format.

Although virtually all graduates agree with the need to revitalize the cadet honor system, it’s clear that many graduates are disappointed with: (a) my decision to grant suspension to the 19 cadets found guilty of cheating in Physics 411 last spring, and (b) my decision to grant amnesty to those cadets who came forward prior to September 15 and acknowledged previous violations of the Cadet Honor Code. I understand that disappointment. 1 can tell you that those were the most difficult decisions of my Air Force career.

Let me address first the suspension decision. As I told you in my earlier letter, the 19 cadets found guilty of cheating in Physics 411 were by no means the full extent of the honor problem. Indeed, they represented but a small portion of cadets who during the previous several years had violated the Cadet Honor Code. Yet that was not my primary reason for granting them suspension. On the contrary, I granted them suspension because they were victims of a fundamental malaise in cadet attitudes toward the Honor Code and because they individually convinced me that they had learned a valuable lesson and could become honorable, valuable additions to the officer corps.

My decision to grant amnesty to those cadets who came forward prior to September 15 and acknowledged previous violations of the Cadet Honor Code was made in part to “scope” the

extent of our honor problem. However, we already knew that a very significant problem existed. More importantly, I chose the amnesty provisions to provide cadets who had violated the code an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. Bear in mind that we otherwise would not have known specifically who those cadets were. And so long as they were trapped on the wrong side of the Honor Code, they could not provide an appropriate foundation for the revitalization of a cadet-run system, and would in fact make administration of the code by the Cadet Wing almost impossible.

Let me reaffirm that the Honor Code you lived under as a cadet remains intact at the Air Force Academy. What has changed ternporarily is the manner in which it is administered. Officers are now making judgments concerning whether cadets have violated the code and are assessing penalties as appropriate. Officers are doing this because the cadets have demonstrated their own unwillingness to do so. That is the fundamental problem at the Air Force Academy. And I share your frustration, and even anger, with that problem.

From the outset, my primary objective has been to effect the return of an attitude in the Cadet Wing which can accept and maintain a viable cadet honor system. Personally, I would like to see the traditional honor system reinstated without change. But as a commander, I must recognize the fact that attitudes among cadets may not be uniformly supportive of that system. I also recognize that I cannot dictate what those attitudes should be, however much I might desire to do so. And in the last analysis, the effectiveness of an honor system is a function of cadet support. I am under no pressure to keep attrition at any set percentage; thus, there has been no thought in any of my actions of the attrition rate when making decisions regarding suspension or amnesty or administration of the code.

Please be assured that there is some room for optimism. The cadets responded in an appropriate fashion to the amnesty opportunity. I am confident that we no longer have a Cadet Wing burdened with large numbers of individuals for whom support of the code is hypocritical. Very shortly, Colonel Jim Woody’s Honor Assessment Committee will conduct an extensive survey to determine cadet attitudes toward the Honor Code. I truly hope those attitudes will reflect the same dissatisfaction you and I share about the interim measures we currently are using to maintain the code.

As you can imagine, there is no more important issue during my tenure as superintendent than the health of the Cadet Honor Code and teaching cadets the life-long lessons of honor, ethics, and morality. It is upon this foundation they will build their future lives as Air Force officers. As this issue is the most important one I will face while the superintendent, I am making it my number one priority in organizing my time. Whenever and wherever a group of graduates meets and wants to discuss the honor code with me, I will be happy to visit your organization. Together we can return the wing to the standard of excellence which we must have for the future leadership of our great country.

In summary, we’re in the business of reinstituting an ideal. Our hope is that in their hearts the Cadet Wing wants that ideal revitalized. I have personally bet everything on it.

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THE AOG BOARDROOM

“We Cannot Dictate the Feeling of Honor”

The Air Force Academy is currently facing and dealing with the most serious breach of the Honor Code in the history of the institution. It appears that the large-scale expulsions that were results of previous honor scandals starting in 1965 did not succeed in getting to the roots of the problems. Over a period of time, dating back sometime prior to 1965, the concept of the code began eroding, at least in the minds of a few. Over this long period of time, the erosion increased to some, and eventually to many. How serious is the current problem? At this point in time it hasn’t been quantified; however, the problem is severe enough that when confronted with the righteous indignation of many graduates, many of those cadets identified with the current problem were totally dumbfounded by the concept that the code had ever really worked as most of us believed that it did.

How did we get where we are today? I don’t think anyone knows for sure yet, but one thing I am sure of, and that is that General Scott walked into a situation that took a long time to develop. He also walked into a situation that is threatening the very fiber of the Air Force Academy. He recognizes that threat and is dealing with it. As you can see from the letters to the editor, which are a representative sample of those we have received, there are people who question the way the situation is being handled, and there are those who either agree or disagree with the action being taken.

Because of the diversity of graduate community opinion, which is substantially reflected on the board of directors, the board does not and cannot have a “position.” We have considered surveying the entire graduate population. Putting the survey together (asking the “right” questions) and allowing sufficient time for return and compilation, however, would leave inadequate time to achieve credible input to the Honor Assessment Committee (HAC). In any case, Colonel Jim Woody, ’66, committee chairman, indicates that the committee and the superintendent are receiving a wealth of letters from graduates which address all the issues. It is my personal opinion, and I think the board would support me in it, that General Scott is a man of integrity, and one who cares very much for the Academy. He also is a great believer in the Honor Code. Through the Honor Assessment Committee, he is trying to get enough information to find out what went wrong; and then fix it. Amnesty, which is dealt with elsewhere in the issue, seemed to the committee to be the only way they would really find out what happened and to end the cycle of recurring honor problems rooted in a nucleus of undiscovered offenders. The problem was so large that the conventional solutions probably would have guaranteed that any chance of restoring the code to its former position would have been forfeited.

My interpretation of the current action is that enforcement and administration of the code has been temporarily removed from the Cadet Wing. In actuality, it seems that a fairly large number of cadets in the wing abandoned it anyway. Honor violations are currently being handled through the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and Cadet Disciplinary Boards (Class Ills). After the HAC has come up with recommendations, and hopefully solutions, in conjunction with the Cadet Honor Representative to the HAC, the recommendations will be sent to the superintendent for his approval. Thereafter, they will go to the Cadet Wing which will decide whether or not they want to have a Code that they administer and enforce.

Surely the concept of honor is not bankrupt, and hopefully they will choose to have cadets administer the code again. If they do not, there will still be an Honor Code, but it will be enforced through the UCMJ. It would be a tragedy for the wing to forfeit the concept of a “cadet” Honor Code for themselves, but even more so for those who will follow. Try as we might and would like, we cannot dictate the feeling of honor that we have known in the past. We can only try to communicate to the wing how much better everything is when honor is pervasive. In my opinion, the superintendent, his staff and the Honor Assessment Committee are trying desperately to convey this message. We wish them well, and reiterate our offer to help in any way we can.

In the meantime, I encourage graduates and AOG chapters to make your individual and joint opinions known to the superintendent, the Honor Assessment Committee and the AOG.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Graduates Respond to Honor Code Decisions

(Editor’s note: Many graduates have responded to the superintendent’s letter ofJuly 16 concerning questions surrounding the Academy’s Honor Code brought to light in a senior-level cheating incident this past spring. The superintendent has addressed this issue in his “View from the Top” column in this magazine. We have chosen seven individual and one group letter which seemed to reflect the thrust of the many more letters we received. In our attempt not to duplicate too many ideas, we have used letters sent directly to the association, along with those sent to the superintendent, the Honor Assessment Committee, and committee members. Where we could not contact the individual writer, we have deleted his or her name to insure privacy. The author of the first letter is Jerry Garber, ’59, who has served as a former executive director of the Association of Graduates, and during his Academy assignments, served as an Air Officer Commanding, executivefor Honor and Ethics, director of Professional Ethics, and Inspector General.)

INTEGRITY URGED

Checkpoints editor:

Dear Tom,

The Honor Code situation recently explained to the graduates by General Scott has me deeply concerned about the code’s future. To me, suspension hardly seems the appropriate answer to 17 firsties who just thumbed their noses at the wing and its standards of honor. Those cadets who have lived under the code for four years and think no more of their own integrity than do these 17, in my opinion do not deserve to graduate or to be commissioned. Letting them graduate because they may represent only a fraction of the total number of guilty cadets lacks substance

This cavalier treatment of the Honor Code by the 17 cadets costs us much more than the dollar figure Congress likes to hang on dismissals. I’ve often wondered where the tradeoff should lie. Certainly there is no easy answer, but 1 personally would rather see a hundred cadets graduate each year with the trust of the nation than see a thousand graduate under a cloud of doubt and suspicion. Losing a hundred cadets at a whack for Honor Code violations is not scandalous; keeping them is scandalous.

Commitment to the Honor Code is like commitment to anything else: it means giving something up. The cadets should understand this premise at the outset. We will never develop integrity in cadets unless we can reach them in their inner selves first. That takes more than education.

I pray the assessment committee will root out the problems and get the system back on track. We could live or die as an institution by the direction taken at this crucial juncture.

Sincerely,

CHAPTER OFFERS 10 SUGGESTIONS

Dear General Scott:

We are writing you as a group of nine concerned graduates who have served actively in building the North Texas Association of Air Force Academy Graduates. We strongly endorse the spirit of your July 16th letter, which told the 17,600 Academy graduates of your serious concerns for the health of the Honor Code at the Academy and your creation of the Honor Assessment Committee to help you in setting a course for correction. We urge you to insure that this direction is set with full participation from the graduates since we feel that the health of the Honor Code is also a vital concern of all who have attended the Academy and have made the spirit of the Honor Code a part of our lives.

We are sending a copy of this letter to each of our 130 members, many classmates, and other graduate associations. It is our hope that our thoughts will stimulate additional responses in this critical area to provide you with a wide cross-section of graduate input.

In preparation for our forming a position, we have reviewed the 1983 Honor Code Reference Handbook of the Air Force Cadet Wing, and a copy of the Borman Commission Report prepared in 1976 for the Secretary of the Army concerning the general state of honor at West Point. We have also met as an ad hoc group and worked through our individual concerns to form a consensus position.

General Scott, we consider our four years at the Academy and our continuing interest in the programs there as a major part of our lives. The cornerstone of this involvement has been the Honor Code.

As General Burshnick described in his cover letter introducing the Handbook:

“Living under the Honor Code is the most important and rewarding aspect of cadet life. The mutual trust and respect you gain provides an eternal bond between yourselves, fellow cadets and graduates that have gone before you. To gain full benefit of its rewards, you must go beyond the letter of the Code and live by its spirit.”

Because we have gained so much from our commitment to the spirit of the Code, we feel a need to protect it. Please consider the following ten points:

1. The Honor Code should remain intact as written. It has been endorsed by the Wing since the Class of 1959. In its simplicity, it provides the integrity of a constant standard from which to build a better Honor System. To the greatest extent possible, the Wing should perceive the Honor Code as its own.

2. The strength of the Honor Code has been the cadet commitment to accountability for administration of the Honor System. It was a major part of our training in the ethical standards demanded of a citizen serving in the Air Force. To the greatest extent possible, the Honor System should be managed by the wing. This responsibility should carry with it the highest priority for a cadet even higher than academic and military priorities which are also vital to accomplishing the Academy mission.

3. One of the tests of the Code as a standard of honor for the diverse group of young Americans who enter the Academy each year is its resiliency when it is challenged by large groups of cadets (as apparently occurred in the recent Physics 411 incident). In the absence of more definitive input on the specific nature of the violations and the scope of the problem, we have inferred from your remarks that it is much broader than contained in your news release of June 25th. Quality training in the spirit of honor on a regular basis throughout a cadet’s career is essential to minimize these occurrences. However, we feel that occasional violations involving many cadets should be anticipated as normal within the Honor System.

4. The Honor Code, like other ethical and moral standards, should be a constant. The standard must not be lowered to accommodate a group unwilling to meet the challenge of the established norm. As many of us work regularly with college age men and women (and some are now their parents), we cannot concur with the inferred need to lower the Academy’s standards to match this “lesser group of cadets.” This generation of Americans is every bit as capable of dealing with high standards as their parents are and in many ways will face challenges even greater than we have.

5. We strongly endorse the maximum separation of administering the Honor System from the commissioned officer chain of command. Without this distinction, we feel the code will become just another regulatory system a routine part of cadet life which is viewed generally as a system to be challenged by the wing and “beaten” by competitive cadets.

6. The 1983 Handbook indicates that many procedural changes have been made since the 1960s. Our perception is that these changes allow adequate opportunity for an individual to make a mistake in the transition to adopting the Honor Code as a way of life.

7. Discretion is clearly defined as an exceptional procedure in the 1983 Handbook. Our expectation would be that only a small percen-

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tage of all violators could possibly be eligible for discretion and that the majority of these would occur only in the early years of their cadet career. We are concerned that all of the first class cadets in the Physics 411 incident are being reinstated. We are skeptical that discretion could ever be justified for a first classman, especially if it were not a self-admitted offense.

8. Many fine individuals with a strong spirit of honor have resigned from the Air Force Academy as a result of violating the Honor Code. They have honored the Cadet Wing by their allegiance to the Code and the acceptance of its sanctions. We are very concerned that we violate the trust of all honorable cadets by using discretion indiscriminately.

9. In West Point’s 1976 evaluation of their honor code, they selected a commission of distinguished civilians to form the Borman Commission. Three members have achieved senior military rank and successes as well. We are not challenging the capabilities of the Honor Assessment Committee, but we do recommend that a significant opportunity be created for the graduate community at large to input through active participation in the process. Open forums on a regional basis where graduate associations and Honor Assessment Committee members can exchange views appear to be an excellent alternative.

10. We recognize the sense of urgency that exists to correct the system. We also urge that sufficient time be taken to permit sharing of ideas and due deliberation of the alternatives.

In conclusion, General Scott, the Honor Code we all hold in such high esteem must itself be honored in the process of reassessing the Honor System. Please call on the interested graduate community to assist in the process.

Richard D. Bjorklund, ’70

William J. Flynn, ’63

Michael F. Gibbons, ’63

Ronald A. Hale, Jr., ’71

Harold K. Ownby, ’69

William L. Reemtsma, ’63

Ronald L. Schillereff, ’66

Jerry L. Smith, ’62

Robert L. Staib, ’62

IN AGREEMENT

Dear Honor Assessment Commitee Members:

As a concerned graduate, I feel compelled to convey to the committee my thoughts concerning the Honor Code; addressing both the present situation and the future of Honor/Ethics training for the Cadet Wing. I recognize that I am only one voice and my views will neither be unique nor universal, but 1 gladly respond to the superintendent’s challenge to make my suggestions as well as to offer my support. The entire matter couldn’t be more important to me because, although I’m no longer on active duty, I serve as a liaison officer and have ample opportunity to discuss the Honor Code with potential cadets. I might also note that I am a “survivor of the system,” as a graduate who underwent an honor investigation as a secondclassman that never went to a board. I know firsthand that the Honor Code works!

I agree with the superintendent’s decision to temporarily suspend some of the administrative procedures associated with the code. It seems to be time to take a very thorough look at the code, and that would be nearly impossible to do with “on-going” business. The depth

of the problem, in terms of the number of cadets involved and the prevailing attitude of individual cadets, warrants this unprecedented action. The “attitude” that I speak of is something I sensed while serving on the commandant’s staff during 1980-1981. It wasn’t that there was outright contempt for the Honor Code, but in various discussions with numerous cadets I came away with the feeling that there wasn’t a “life-and-death” perception of the consequences involved with violation of the Code. I cannot quote statistics, but to the untrained eye, there did seem to be a high percentage of “guilty” cadets taking their cases to Administrative Boards and these boards (I served on one) were of course encumbered by the Uniformed Code of Military Justice legal technicalities that so often result in “we think you did it but we can’t prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt” findings.

All of this leads to my feeling of strong opposition to any hedging of the code to make it fit this situation or make it more compatible with the personal feelings of any individual. Yes, the Academy is a training program and ethics is a part of that training; but the profession of arms is a serious business that demands serious training. Cadets are human beings who are going to be tempted to lie, steal, cheat, or tolerate something during their four-year stay (weren’t we all?). In the beginning of their “training” there must therefore be the strongest motivation not to violate the code (i.e. the “stay” or “go” option). By the later portion of the cadet years there will hopefully be a transformation wherein the Code then becomes an “ingrained” part of each cadet’s personality. I for one never thought I was “taught” to be honorable; instead, I believe I underwent a behavior modification, and I’ve found that modification to be absolutely permanent. The Code must not be reduced to another regulation for cadets to “game” their way around.

Our responsibility is immense, for we address a matter whose full implication may not be known except through catastrophic failure of a future generation of officers to uphold the professional ethics necessary for our nation’s defense.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Association of Graduates

U.S. Air Force Academy

Re: General Scott’s letter of 16 July 1984

It is terribly sad to see a fine and civilized tradition pass, perhaps from the face of the earth, perhaps for all time. The concept of personal honor is not the exclusive province of the Academies, but in these institutions honor has been identified while lost in society at large. “Honor” conjures up images of outmoded Victorian England, of military men who would cheerfully give their lives to “do the right thing” ...images of a past out of fashion in a society of individuals focused on winning, sueceeding, gaining at any cost. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before the Cadet Wing, a microcosm of society, got in step with the times.

But “the times” are stepping smartly in the wrong direction. More than ever in the history of mankind, men and women of honor are needed in society and especially in the military to make decisions in this nuclear age. Only when we make truth our unwavering goal and honor our unflinching means can we hope to succeed in dealing with reality. The concept of honor is important enough to warrant the expulsion of the entire Cadet Wing, if necessary a truly radical idea in these times.

But society would not tolerate such a radical approach, and likely couldn’t supply replacements of higher integrity anyway. So, the damage is done. Cadets are now tolerating among themselves men and women who have chosen not to keep faith among themselves. Just like the “real world.” Will each cadet make the intensely personal decision to step forward and restore the integrity of the Honor Code, restating his or her commitment if he or she has lived it, owning his or her mistake and resigning if not?

It seems to me unlikely, and terribly sad.

Sincerely,

CLASS MALIGNED

Dear Sir,

The recent discovery of some cheating among cadets and, more particularly, the Academy’s handling of it, prompts this letter. I am a 1969 graduate, served on the Academy staff in Cadet Personnel from 1977 to 1981, and am an ardent supporter of the Academy, its programs, and its ideals. Although I am currently stationed in Germany, I subscribe to the Colorado Springs Sun and have followed closely, albeit belatedly, the events surrounding the recent incident. The events as I have read them in the newspaper are that approximately 30 firstclassmen were accused of cheating on their final physics examination. They were caught because someone tipped the faculty that there would be an attempt to cheat and the faculty altered the morning and afternoon versions of the test to try to identify persons who cheated. Honor Boards were duly held and, finally, 19 cadets were found guilty of violating the Honor Code.

Up to this point, the Academy’s actions are exemplary. There have been no claims from cadets, or others, that the 19 did not, in fact, cheat. However, there have been strong protestations that the punishment of expulsion (after spending so much money on their education and training) does not fit the crime. I am about three weeks behind in receiving the newspapers but an Armed Forces Network (AFN) radio newscast a few days ago said that the 19 cadets found guilty would be allowed to sit out a year and then retake the examination, graduate, and be commissioned. This, in itself, I find preposterous.

The cadets found guilty of cheating should have been expelled from the Academy despite the fact that they were but one test from graduation. This is what used to happen and I personally saw it happen to a member of the Class of 1966. He cheated on his “final” final

50%

exam and he never graduated. However, that was before the concept of discretion was implemented. Although originally intended to apply only to first semester cadets, it has now been applied to all cadets and apparently is being granted under the most specious of circumstances. I am well aware that these are not the first cadets found guilty of cheating who have been allowed to graduate. I am also aware of the high cost of educating cadets and of the tremendous pressures from Congress and other sources not to “waste” these funds over a “littie thing” like cheating on a test. However, if the Honor Code is to mean something, then these pressures should have been resisted.

But far worse, the news report went on to say that the reason this action was being taken was that the Academy felt that there were others who cheated but who had not been caught. What an incredible statement! While it may very well be true (there may have been a cadet, or cadets, in every class who cheated on an exam and was not detected) but, by making the statement, the Academy has broken faith with and defamed the entire graduating Class of 1984. By so doing, the Academy has failed to demonstrate the integrity so carefully taught to the cadets. No one will ever know which members of the graduating class were not enrolled in this course and, therefore, could not have possibly been involved in the cheating. The entire class will, henceforth and forevermore, be known as the “Cheaters” class. The action of the Academy has publicly cast doubt on each member of the class. It is bad enough to have some bad apples taint the Academy’s image but to have the Academy state that this taint pervades an entire class is unconscionable.

By issuing this statement, the Academy, in effect, has said that it doesn’t make any difference if these bonafide cheaters are commissioned because there are other unidentified cheaters who graduated with them and, by implication, before them. The Academy has maligned alumni and future graduates with this statement.

Member, Class of ’69

NOT ALWAYS “FAIR”

Dear (Honor Assessment Committee Member):

It is with some reluctance that I forward this letter on a subject of intense interest to each of us. 1 do not wish to interfere in the conduct of your duties or the Academy mission. Nevertheless, 1 am compelled to write in response to the superintendent’s letter of 16 July 1984.

1 am sure there are widely differing views amongst cadets, graduates, faculty, and administration on the role and application of the Honor Code at the USAF Academy. 1 will only present mine, which seems to be shared by many to whom I have spoken.

To place my comments in perspective, (a classmate) and I were both present in the spring of 1972 during the last major honor scandal at the Academy. We both experienced the tragedy of that episode, much like you are now. Given that background, 1 remain convinced the Honor Code did not then, and should not now, depend on perceptions of equity or justice. The Code is a standard to which all must abide with few, rare exceptions. It serves as the glue that cements the bonds of trust on which cadet rela

tionships and our military system of command depend. The nation properly demands an unimpeachable standard of conduct from its public officials. I am convinced the Honor Code serves the country well even if, as some assert, it is not just.

In 1972, I doubt if all offenders were caught. Some received discretion. Most were permanently separated. We all knew the score. It wasn’t a secret. There are some games you play and some you don’t. At the extreme this ineludes acts of treason and violations of honor.

The key question is not equity. It’s whether the standard is right and whether the standard transcends the future potential of young men and women. If we have erred, it must be that the standard has been obscured by humanist attempts to rationalize the Code, make it situation sensitive, and acknowledge the youth of its principle audience. May I suggest we need fewer, not more alternatives to permanent separation. Not only is the Code the fundamental strength of the Academy as an institution, but it is the single value which distinguishes professional military men and women from (those who sometimes compromise themselves in other professions). We must not cower from preserving this standard of conduct as our highest objective. Some will say honor is an anachronism or too complex an issue for college students to comprehend. I disagree. It is part of the heritage which gives us roots. We tamper with the Code at our professional peril.

Sincerely,

Member, Class of ’73

FLEXIBILITY NEEDED

Dear (Honor Assessment Committee Member):

This letter is a reply to the superintendent’s letter on the Honor Code, and since there was no one from ’74 on the list, you get to hear what I’ve got to say.

I should probably insert some background on myself in addition to what’s in the AOG book to help put my comments in perspective. I was an honor rep (10th Squadron) my secondand first-class years. I spent a lot of time working with the committee, sitting on boards and investigating cases. During my first assignment, I spent some time studying philosophy on a part-time basis at Stanford University and the courses included about a dozen quarterhours (3-4 courses) in ethics and that sort of thing.

The bottom line of what I’m going to say is that I think we ought to keep the Code the way it is, but alter the administrative arrangements that surround it. What I have in mind is making the punishment for honor violations a little less severe than resignation on the first offense. The punishment ought to be harsh nonetheless, and resignation should be a possibility (or mandatory) on a repeated offense. My (lengthy) justification follows.

To each cadet class, the origin of the universe as we know it begins with the brownshoe days, and for completeness, as well as perhaps tradition, I will begin there. Unfortunately, I was just learning to talk when the group that put the Code together was doing their work. Since I don’t know what they really considered back then, I’ve had to do some hypothesizing.

In 1954, the Air Force was quite young in terms of experience in educating its own elite. The creators of the Honor Code probably saw that they had a big responsibility vis-a-vis the quality of future leadership. There was probably also a perception that the world that future Air Force officers would have to deal with would be significantly different from that in which the Army and Navy (other services with cadet honor codes) had up until that time lived.

Some of the unique and new responsibilities of the Air Force had to do with the flying. Moreso than in the Army and Navy, the aviator’s life depended on the unseen and probably unsupervised actions of other people. Maintenance is probably the best example. The preflight walk-around may reveal the grossest errors, but as aircraft become more complex, it would be impossible for the pilot himself to make sure that all the bolts were torqued properly, or that the control lines weren’t badly attached. The quality these people, pilots and leaders, were looking for in the future officer corps was integrity. In the Air Force, lives depended on it.

In the same way that you can’t learn about leadership from a book, the creators of the Code probably reasoned that you can’t teach integrity in a classroom. You’ve got to experience it, see that it works and why. Since, in the real Air Force, it was not just a notion of honor, but lives that depended upon integrity, the severe punishment for violating the Honor Code would have made sense. The Code was thus created for a purpose clearly related to the requisites of future leadership, and the Code’s administrative provisions suited the era of its institution.

If the Code is running into trouble now, something must have changed since 1954. The reason given as 1 was graduating 10 years ago was that the social context from which new cadets came was changing. I personally thought that was odd, since the classic lying, cheating, stealing and tolerating case, Watergate, was still playing on the stage in Washington. I couldn’t buy the idea that Americans were hypocritical enough to be pressuring a President on an honor-like issue while teaching their children that little lies were OK.

I think that in the 30 years since the Honor Code was first studied, what’s really changed is our attitude towards punishment, not honor. If we look at our policies back then, they were rather absolute. We were just coming out of the McCarthy era in domestic politics, and in foreign policy 1954 marked the beginning of our doctrine of massive retaliation. It says to me that this was a period of black-and-white thinking, and the administration of the Honor Code was marked by those same absolutes.

The Code today is just as necessary as it was 30 years ago, the future conditions that might have been anticipated in the 1950s for the Air Force have materialized: aircraft are exceedingly complex, and ICBMs, along with their command-and-control, are seen by the public as a double-edged sword. So while that same level of integrity ought to be instilled in future officers, it ought to be done differently. We are no longer in an era of absolutes. Since the 1950s, our nuclear policy has changed to flexible response; perhaps for the same reason, credibility, a certain flexibility ought to be applied to the administration of the Honor Code.

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I would like to add a note about toleration. The toleration clause is to me an effort to add balance and a sense of personal commitment to integrity. Lying, cheating and stealing are infractions of commission, and not doing them requires from the individual an act of restraint. A person comes under toleration, however, by no act whatsoever. Seeing something wrong, someone cheating on an exam or stealing gray leather gloves from the Cadet Store is passive. To correct the problem requires an action; toleration is, therefore, an infraction of omission. While the lying-cheating-stealing part of the Code tells you what not to do, only the toleration clause tells you what to do.

Noticing a problem is not difficult, but learning about how to approach people about it is. There are a couple of subtle points here that 1 would like to emphasize. First, the toleration clause requires you to “get things right in your own mind.’’ If you see a person doing something that’s considered an infraction of the Honor Code, the first thing you’re instructed to do is to attempt to clear up the matter in your own mind; in other words, your first responsibility is not to blow the whistle, but to see if you can justify what you’ve seen (or what knowledge you’ve come by) to yourself. This makes it personal. The roots of this are probably as old as the Reformation, where Luther’s point was that a person’s first responsibility is to justify himself to God. In other words, things have to make sense to you that they make sense to other people is of secondary importance. This kind of reasoning can easily launch one into deeper discussions of ethics and psychology (perceptions of reality), but I think the importance of individual responsibility and its relation to toleration is clear.

The second point is simply that toleration’s being accepted as an honor violation along with lying, cheating and stealing makes clear that inaction can be just as dangerous as action. Acknowledging this puts you in for a rougher ride in life because you’re forced to consider acting when you may not want to. On the other hand, being a little uncomfortable is the thing that keeps you from forgetting that you’ve got a continuing professional responsibility.

Member, Class of ’74

EFFORTS APPLAUDED

Letter to the Editor,

In light of recent developments concerning cadet honor violations and the Honor Code, I agree with Lt. Gen. Scott that action is required to remedy past wrongdoing. The graduate community should applaud the bold efforts made to improve the Academy and address what has become a serious problem. However, I disagree with the assessment presented in the superintendent’s press release. The vitality of the Honor Code itself is not in question, but the Academys’ institutional procedures and punishments are.

The Honor Code states simply and clearly the standards which cadets are expected to live by. No statement could be more precise or accurate, and the Honor Assessment Committee should not vainly attempt to correct what is not the problem. Indeed, the Honor Code is healthy. Instead, focus should be placed on the ailing administrative application of the established tradition.

When the dust settles from this institutional upheaval there will undoubtedly be change. I leave the mechanics of the system to the assessment committee, yet that group must remember that people are much more a product of their upbringing than an institution. Concern should not be for the Honor Code itself, but for its application to an evolving cadet population. Only with this insight will the solution be long term and meaningful.

James T. Demarest, 1 Lt, USAF Class of 1982

GOLF COURSE USE

To the Editor:

Dear Tom,

I have recently moved to Denver and have taken employment with Martin Marietta Corp. My six and a half years as a T-38 IP were good ones, but I decided to move on. My wife and I felt fortunate to be able to move back to Colorado, and we anxiously look forward to participating in and contributing to, the Academy. I am particularly excited to get back to Falcon Stadium this fall and relive some of my afternoons there! I was also anxious to get back on the Academy golf course, as the Silver Course was just being finished when I graduated. I was distressed and perturbed to learn, when we were down for church last Sunday, that since I am only on inactive Reserve status and not retired, I have no privileges, except as a guest of an active-duty, retired or cadet member.

Memory tells me that the course belongs to cadets, hence graduates. I could understand this policy if this were a regular Air Force base, but it isn’t! As I recall, the Silver Course was built because the Blue Course was being overrun by retirees, and it was difficult for cadets to get on the course. It is “sadly amusing” to me that those who have never had anything to do with the Academy can enjoy this beautiful facility, while I, having spent four years and graduated, am denied that privilege because I terminated active duty service prior to 20 years. There is something inherently wrong with this policy!

1 feel that I, and all other grads, should be entitled to this type of privilege, active duty or not, just as alumni association members at other universities are able to access facilities at their respective institutions. I would greatly appreciate it if you would inquire into this matter and respond to me.

Best Regards, Rob Shaw, ’77

Subject: Nonactive Duty, Nonretired IJSAFA Graduates Utilization of USAFA Golf Courses

To: The Association of Graduates, USAFA

1. The Association of Graduates (AOG) recently asked me to look into the possibility of nonretired, nonactive duty graduates of the Air Force Academy playing golf on USAFA

courses. This request was initiated as a result of a letter to the AOG from Rob Shaw, ’77, who has separated from the Air Force and now lives in Denver.

2. I have discussed this matter with Col. Lee, the newly arrived DCS for MWR. AFR 215-1 sets the requirements for use of AF MWR facilities. There are no provisions for nonretired, nonactive duty USAFA graduates to play the course but there are some alternatives. Graduates (active duty, retired, separated) are invited to play golf during homecoming each year, and there is the possibility that we could establish a golf tournament for graduates at some other time during the year. This would allow all graduates limited access to USAFA golf facilities. Another possible alternative is to request that members of the AOG be afforded golf course privileges under AFR 215-1, paragraph 6.a.(17). That paragraphs provides that “... others who directly support the DOD mission, as determined by the base commander” may use MWR facilities. The charter of the AOG clearly states that support of the Air Force and DOD mission is a primary goal of the association. If we can present a convincing case that membership in the AOG constitutes “direct support of the DOD mission,’’ then approval might be granted.

3. We should request a policy determination on this issue in February or March 1985 as golf course operating procedures are reviewed. I will prepare a request for policy review at that time, and would be pleased to incorporate any suggestions you might have.

PATCHES WANTED

To the editor:

The 1st Special Operations Wing (SOW), Hurlburt Field, Fla., is putting together a collection of patches of the 1st SOW’s history to be displayed inside wing headquarters. If you have any old patches you would like to contribute, please send them to: A1C Bill Morgan, PCS Box 1151, Hurlburt Field, Fla. 32544. Please include your name so proper credit can be given.

The patches we are looking for are: 1st ACG, 1st ACW, 1st SOW, 834th TCW, 549th TASTG, 930th TAG, 930th ACG, 930th SOG, 5th ACFS, 6th ACS, 6th ACFS, 6th SOTS, 8th SOS, 16th SOS, 18th SOS, 20th SOS, 71st TAS, 71st ACS, 71st SOS, 310th AS, 311th AS, 317th ACTS, 317th ACUS, 317th SOS, 318th SOC, 319th ACTCS, 319th SOS, 360th TEWS, 425th SOTS, 424th SOS, 424th TASTS, 547th SOS, 547th TASTS, 549th TASTS, 602nd CFS, 603rd CFS, 603rd ACS, 603rd ACS/RS, 603rd SOS, 604th CFS, 775th AS, 834th CRS, 834th EMS, 4407th CCTS, 4408th CCTS, 4409th CCTS, 4410th CCTS, 4412th CCTS, 4413th CCTS, 4473rd CCTS, 4532nd CCTS, and 7th SOF.

Aircraft patches being sought are: C-46, C/TC/VC 47, B/RB-26, T/AT-28, L-28, U-10, C/UC-123, A-l, YAT-28, YAT-27, O-l, AC-47, U-3, U-6, UH-1, A/RA-26, A-37, EC/HC-47, AC-123, C/MC-130, AC-130, EC-130, C/AC-119, 0-2, OV-10, YQU-22, QU-22, CH-3, T-29, VT-29, T-33, T-39, C/VC-47, C-130, C-131, and VC-131.

Any other special operations forces patches would be greatly appreciated.

Annual Report:

AOG Marks Year of Expansion

General Throughout the past fiscal year the Association of Graduates (AOG) of the U.S. Air Force Academy undertook a strengthening of its corporate relationship with the Academy and a variety of changes dictated by internal policy decisions, additional staff personnel, and recognition of the need for greater operating efficiency. Generally, the association has benefitted from a reawakening of interest in the services and support our graduate organization can provide to the Academy. Of particular note is the fact that the superintendent authorized the establishment of the new Directorate of Alumni Programs, incorporating the divisions of Gifts and Memorials as well as Development and External Affairs. The directorate, headed by a graduate, Lt. Col. Drue L. DeBerry, ’63, will assume many of the responsibilities previously handled by the military executive director of the AOG and will provide a well-defined link between the graduate and Academy communities.

In addition, the Academy has established a Project Review Committee to select and prioritize projects for funding by the AOG and other nonprofit organizations. This committee will prove of great value in guiding the superintendent in his selection of needs to be met through the association’s Air Force Academy Fund. It should be noted that the association’s board of directors selects and approves projects for funding from the superintendent’s needs list.

Membership

More than 650 members of the Class of 1984 joined the association upon graduation. Overall membership remained relatively stable, however, with 3,090 life and 5,119 annual members. A new life membership program was announced in August 1984, the first such opportunity since early 1981. At this writing it is too early to determine the success of this offering. Coordination with the Academy is currently underway to put together a Cadet Life Membership at Graduation program. Through this approach cadets could authorize allotments from their cadet pay over their third, second, and first class years, thus receiving a paid-up life membership upon graduation. Overall, we should be enrolling a greater proportion of graduates as association members and will work toward achieving this goal.

Finances As reflected in its annual financial statement published in this issue, the association is maintaining a strong financial position. Growth is anticipated as a result of the new life membership program and an expansion of planned/deferred giving programs. Increasing general fund expenditures have and will continue to be noted, however, as the AOG undertakes staffing increases, office automation, and expansion in service programs.

Staff Personnel Dick Coppock, ’61, joined the staff in August 1983 as the first civilian executive director. Mrs. Freida Weber, 19-year AOG secretary, was recalled by the Academy in July 1984 by virtue of her Civil Service position to become secretary to the USAFA director of Alumni Programs. Leslie Weber left the AOG in May 1984 and her position was filled by Mrs. Charlotte Boyd. Mrs. Fay Lewis also joined the staff in August 1984 to handle merchandising, saber rentals and the burgeoning workload of administrative tasks associated with the rapid growth of the Air Force Academy Fund.

Publications A major policy change regarding the Register of Graduates evolved from a board of directors’ decision to control publication costs. The policy, announced in the 1983 Register will provide significant cost savings while continuing to provide members with up-to-date biographical information. Checkpoints continued to grow in size with the addition of new

classes and expanded input for the Class News section. Advertising revenues exceeded expectations. We continue to solicit articles of interest from graduates.

Merchandising Several new memorabilia items were added to the AOG’s product line in 1983-84. Included were Academy blazer patches, neckties, and blazer buttons. While no single major special project item was selected for merchandising in this timeframe, future plans call for sales of a Keith Ferris print ('Checkpoints Summer 1984) and another edition of Academy watches. Sales of sabers were particularly brisk.

Air Force Academy Fund The Air Force Academy (AFA) Fund enjoyed a banner year in terms of total donations and numbers of contributors. The success of the fund in its second year was welcomed by both the AOG and a grateful Academy which has found a source for much-needed funds for many continuing or new programs. While we have not yet matched the suecess of our sister service academies with their annual fund drives, we have high hopes for increased and sustained participation from graduates and friends.

Endowments The association continued to administer five major endowments. A sixth was added this year as the annual earnings of the Earle A. and Marion Nutter Trust became available. Postgraduate scholarships funded from the Nutter Trust will be awarded following graduation in 1985. The first postgraduate scholarship funded from the General John K. Gerhart Endowment Fund was awarded to a 1984 graduate, 2nd Lt. Evelyn M. Scanlon, who is currently attending the University of Paris.

The Jacqueline Cochran fund was transferred at the request of its major contributors to the Falcon Foundation for its use in funding a preparatory school scholarship.

Services The association provided a number of support services to cadets, e.g. class print projects, Parents Weekend button sales, the Ring Dining Out, organizational displays, etc. Additionally, the AOG continued its sponsorship of the Superinten-

dent’s Award for Athletic Excellence and the Outstanding Group Award. Graduate support included, as needed, financial aid to families of deceased graduates who returned to USAFA for funerals, start up expenses for AOG chapters, and AOGsponsored activities at away football games.

As always, the association continued its co-sponsorship with the Academy of Homecoming and also played a major role in coordinating and planning for the 25th reunion of the Class of 1959. In addition, through endowment earnings and direct contributions, the AOG sponsored the Eaker Lecture Series, Summer Scientific Seminar, Cadet Commanders Leadership Enrichment Seminar, the Clements Award Ceremony, the Academy Assembly, and numerous memorial projects.

1983-84 AOG A UDITREPOR T

(Continued on next page.)

Class Ring Returns After Ten Years

LOWRY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.—A desk in Aurora, Colo., a 1973 snowball fight in Crested Butte, Colo, and Christmas 1983 had nothing in common. .until now.

While on a ski trip to Crested Butte, then-Air Force Academy Cadet Michael E. Wells and friends broke up the day with a fierce snowball battle. Wells’ 1974 class ring, a prized keepsake, followed an icy missile into oblivion. Searching acres of deep snow just turned up snow.

But shortly before this past Christmas, the ring turned up in a highly unlikely spot. Joan Buckley, an Aurora Chamber of Commerce employee, found it in the back of a desk drawer, about 240 miles away from where Wells lost it. She had no idea how it got there, but delivered it to Lt. Col. Fredric C. Lynch, a military member of the chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and public affairs director for Lowry Technical Training Center. Public Affairs Superintendent SMSgt. William O. Petrie found out the Academy’s Association of Graduates’ computer only had information on how to contact now-captain Wells’ mother in Hobart, Okla. She supplied his current phone number and address in California, but Sergeant Petrie was still unable to reach the captain.

Less that a day into the search, Capt. Kathy Stephens, chief of Internal Information for Lowry, recognized the zip code as close to Castle AFB. Calls to the base locator led to contact with Wells and return of the prized ring.

Through the unexpected surprise, Captain Wells was able to “ring” in 1984 in an unanticipated manner.

AOG Audit Report

(Continuedfrom previous page.)

Legion of Merit

Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott, Jr., superintendent, congratulates Lt. Col. Stewart “Scott” Duncan, ’65, after the superintendent presented the Legion of Merit to Col. Duncan this past June.

Col. Duncan was cited for exceptionally meritorious service as public affairs representative on the Air Force Issues Team and as Chief, Office for Plans and Resources, Office ofPublic Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, from July 1981 to May 1984.

The award citation also noted that in recognition of his superiorpublic affairs expertise, Col. Duncan was selected and served as the public affairs advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff.

Col. Duncan is presently the director for Public Affairs at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo)

of the United States Air Force Academy for its discretionary use.

b. Life Membership Funds -

1. Original Life Membership Fund - This fund accounts for all monies received from life membership dues through 30 June 1984. The Board of directors has directed that these funds be invested and that the income from such investments is available to pay current operating expenses. To date, none of these life membership monies have been used to pay current operating expenses. Earnings in the future will be transferred to the general fund as required to offset expenses for consulting services, equipment acquisitions, and additional personnel.

2. New Life Membership Fund - This fund will account for all monies received for life membership dues received after 30 June 1984. Once each year this fund will transfer monies to the general fund. The amount of the transfer will equal the number of new life members times the annual dues during the preceding year.

B. Restricted funds consist of monies contributed to the Association with the stipulation that they must be used for a specific purpose. The purpose of the various restricted funds are:

1. Graduate and Non-Graduate Memorial Funds - Funds are to be utilized in accordance with the donor's instructions, subject to the approval of the U.S. Air Force Academy Memorilization Board, to memorialize deceased Academy graduates or deceased non-graduate members of the Air Force.

2. Memorial Scholarship Fund - Funds are to be used to (a) provide scholarships to eligible individuals in attending a preparatory school designed to prepare the individuals academically for possible future admission to the Academy, and (b) provide scholarships to Academy graduates who continue graduate work.

3. Air Force Academy Fund - Funds are to be used for projects which directly support the Academy or Cadet Wing.

4. AOG Class Funds - Funds are used to provide gifts to the Academy, class reunions, and to memorialize deceased graduates.

5. Endowment Fund - The endowment fund consists of funds restricted by the donors for some specific purpose.

To Mrs. Freida Weber: Association's “First Lady” Remembered

Never one to complain usually had a sense of humor always was reliable and dependable...

Freida has literally touched the lives of every graduate in every class as well as many parents, countless next-of-kin, “friends” of the Academy and the AOG, and more than a few curious tourists. This influence probably cannot be measured but it is real, tangible, and appreciated...

Others may sit in her chair at her desk but no one will ever replace Freida Weber...

Perhaps her greatest asset is her ability to relate to the people that come in contact with the AOG in happy times and in stressful times. She liked her job and the people she came in contact with: cadets, grads, Academy staff, parents, next-of-kin...

Freida is a sensitive and empathetic person an independent worker versatile and willing to learn new skills, i.e. bookkeeping...

Mrs. Weber

(Editor's note: Mrs. Freida Weber, who has served the Association of Graduates since its founding in 1965, has recently moved to the Directorate of Alumni Programs, a new official Air Force office separate from the association's office complex in Sijan Hall. Freida has worked for alumni secretaries and executive directors of the association when thosepositions were dual-hatted and the incumbents were military officers while also representing the Association of Graduates.

Since last year, the association has been managed by its first civilian executive director, Dick Coppock (’61), and the Academy has created the Directorate ofAlumni Programs, which is a part of the superintendent’s Special Staff. The director for Alumni Programs is Lt. Col. Drue L. DeBerry (’63), who was assigned to the Academy earlier this year.

Freida Weber has touched the lives of countless graduates, association officers and staff, and Academy officials. She was and is the corporate memory of the association and worked during its infancy to help bring the association to its healthy position today. All of us who worked with her over these years will miss her dedication, loyalty, and expertise.

We felt it proper as a tribute to Freida, to allow Tom Eller (’61), past president of the association, and Jim Wheeler (’64), long-time former executive director, to air their thoughts about Freida Weber “Mrs. AOG.”)

A lot will be said and rightly so about the many outstanding and significant contributions Freida Weber made to the Association of Graduates. But only those of us who worked with her on a daily basis really understand her real worth and value to our Academy and our association. She combined all the traditional skills of an accomplished secretary with the commitment and dedication of a loyal friend to nurture and oversee almost 20 years of growth and development of the graduate office.

Having had the privilege of working with Mrs. Weber for almost seven years, I have many memories some random thoughts follow:

Freida always filled many rolls secretary, bookkeeper, office manager, counselor, confidant, friend...

Freida “trained” six executive directors and spanned a period of Air Force Academy history that saw seven superintendents, four deans and 10 commandants...

Freida worked long and hard for the AOG while raising two daughters and even endured a two-year separation while her husband worked in South Dakota...

Throughout her lengthy career she was adaptable and willing to change she was creative and “imaginative”... What else could you call her “unique” filing system?!?

Freida Weber was truly the AOG’s first lady. For the countless things you taught me and everyone else involved with the association, my sincere personal thanks to you, Freida. Your almost-20 years of work on our behalf will not go unnoticed. Thanks again for everything.

My Calls from Mrs. Weber...

In the beginning it was: “Lt. Eller, this is Freida with the Association of Graduates. Captain Matthews asked...” Later it was: “Captain Eller, this is Freida with the Association of Graduates. Captain Metcalf asked...” (Among the “old” grads it was “captain” everybody then.)

Next it was: “Major Eller, this is Freida. Major Garber said...” (Some of the grads were already colonels.) Then it was: “Colonel Eller, this is Freida. Colonel Wheeler...” (Some AOG members are generals!) Finally from the AOG office to its retired Lt. Col. absentee president, it was: Dr. Eller, this is Freida...” Now it is: “Tom, this is Linda Glaza. Freida doesn’t work here anymore...” The end of an era.

While my interactions with Mrs. Weber at the AOG office span 80 percent of my active duty career, Freida’s nurturing of the AOG spans 99 and 44/100 percent of the life of the association. The term, nurture, is most appropriate, for Freida has been faithfully attending to the AOG since its birth in 1965. She’s seen the corps of USAFA graduates mature from when all of them were only junior officers into a spectrum that spans second lieutenants to major generals, includes both men and women, covers all career fields including astronauts, and has civilians in and out of government including chairmen of the board of major and small enterprises. She saw the AOG through the growth and turmoil of its adolescence that recently culminated in the hiring of Dick Coppock as the first civilian executive director and the establishment of ar Academy alumni programs office that is physically separate from the AOG.

Although many have served well and faithfully, none has cared more and contributed more than Freida. She has been the continuity, the memory, the workhorse, the selfless slave, and the unsung hero. She is always ready to cheerfully do more to help a grad. Freida has probably typed over 50,000,000 words (without a word processor) made over 500,000 phone calls, and produced over 300,000 copies, all on behalf of the Academy’s commitment to keep up with its graduates.

Freida was often very tired, but never down. She usually knew the answer, but humbly let the grads on the AOG board thrash around until we were receptive to hearing her quietly suggest the best way to do it.

Freida. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have meant to the association, and through it, to the United States Air Force.

It’s time we all sang her praises. Why don’t you write her a note right now and let her know you care?

New Annual Fund Drive Launched: 1983-84 Donations Top $62,000

The 1983-84 Air Force Academy Fund Drive surpassed its $50,000 goal by more than $12,000 as 1,275 generous donors rallied to provide a total of $62,350 to the fund between July 1983 and June of this year. An additional $1,430 in matching gifts is expected. The fund provides many important Cadet Wing and Academy enhancement projects which probably would not be funded through official Air Force sources.

The third Air Force Academy Fund Drive was launched during Homecoming 1984 with a goal of “85 in ’85.’’ The $85,000 in donations for the 1984-85 year would continue the fund’s solid record of growth and produce approximately $62,000 in net revenues for the Academy. (The fund has a projected expense budget for the 1984-85 year of approximately $23,000. All donations to the fund are kept separate from the association’s operating accounts. None of the contributions to the Air Force Academy Fund are used for association expenses, dues, or other association-related costs, except for those directly related to administering the fund drive. Examples of direct fund-related expenses are the printing and mailing of the initial solicitation letters, purchase and mailing of recognition items, and salaries for only the time spent on administering the fund.) Through October 10, $12,220 has been contributed to the new 1984-85 fund.

PROJECTS APPROVED

A number of projects have already been chosen for funding from the 1983-84 Academy Fund. These projects are prioritized by the superintendent and his staff and funding is approved by the association’s board of directors. Projects approved to date inelude $4,000 to underwrite expenses for a two-day Cadet Commanders’ Leadership Enrichment Seminar. This seminar brings some 50 cadet commanders into an intensive leadership learning environment complete with seminars, guest speakers, and problem-solving exercises. (A separate feature article on the most recent seminar appears elsewhere in this issue.)

Other projects which have been approved include $4,200 for the Engineering 430 course. These funds are used to endow engineering projects for handicapped individuals or groups.

Academy Fund Purchase

The Cadet Trophy Room, located in the commandant’s stairwell on the terazzo level of Fairchild Hall, was one of the projects endowed by the 1982-83 Air Force Academy Fund. At a total cost of approximately $4,191, three of the cases were purchasedfrom the annualfund and one from the memorial fund of Capt. Kerry R. Putt, ’75, who died in a T-38 aircraft accident in 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Another $2,000 was approved for the Academy’s theatrical group, Bluebards, to fund costumes, props, and other items needed to produce their public performances. A display case at $1,000 was also approved for the Academy’s Preparatory School to display and safeguard the numerous trophies and awards won by the school.

A grant of $500 purchased materials for the Cadet Forum, “The American Electoral Process,’’ a symposium designed to expose cadets and the Academy community to issues surrounding voting for a president. $1,500 was earmarked for the Summer Scientific Seminar to help defray expenses for potential cadet candidates.

Continuing projects from the first Air Force Academy Fund Drive include the Humanitarian Fund which assists families of graduates and cadets in need due to a life-threatening situation or death. The program provides assistance for lodging and other services to help alleviate the financial burden of staying at the Academy during a time of sorrow. Also continuing is the Cadet Experience Enrichment Fund for small items in support of cadetrelated activities, programs and projects.

Administrative expenses directly relating to the 1983-84 annual fund, which closed out on June 30 of this year, came to approximately $18,750. During the first year of the annual fund drive, 1982-83, the Association of Graduates underwrote that fund’s expenses of $10,500 to help get the fund off the ground. Last year, expenses reflected printing and mailing costs of the fund plus the origination of the recognition program. The current fund’s projected expenses of approximately $23,000 include all previous annual expense items, plus the salary of an association employee for time expended directly administering the annual fund.

The recognition program for the current year’s fund has grown with the expansion of the fund. Procedures have been streamlined and standardized so that recognition items may be sent promptly to all qualified donors, and a member of the association’s staff has been hired and specially training to monitor the Air Force Academy Fund as a primary duty.

This year’s Donor gift (for donations of $50 to $99) is a set of four handsomely embossed leather coasters. Two of the coasters carry the Academy logo and two the Association’s logo. The solid walnut plaque for Sponsors (donations of $100 to $499) is a continuing recognition item with year plates sent to those donors who already have the initial plaque. Patrons ($499) to $4,999) continue to receive the fine art print of Charles Frace’s “Arctic Gyrfalcon’’ or an item of similar value if the Patron already owns the print. As before, gifts for all levels of recognition will be sent to those who qualify for an upper-level donation. For example, a Sponsor will receive recognition as both a Sponsor and a Donor.

LET’S DO OUR SHARE

The success of this important program is up to us graduates and all those who support the Academy and its goals. The Air Force Academy Fund provides the “extra margin of excellence’’ to our cadets and the Academy during times when appropriated funds for worthwhile projects become more and more scarce. Let’s take the lead of our sister Academies, whose annual fund totals are tenfold more than ours at this time. There is no better way of supporting your Academy than making your generous taxdeductible contribution to the Air Force Academy Fund. Let’s aim for “85 in ’85.”

Donors Close Out 1983-84 Fund Drive

BENEFACTOR $5,000 and more

Major & Mrs Charles D Stewart

SPONSOR $100 to $499

Mr & Mrs Gerald Duchene

Lt Col (Ret) Edgar Jackson

Mr & Mrs Edward R Jayne 11

Mr & Mrs Mike Kasumovic

Major Roy C Kessell

Mr & Mrs Karl G King

Mr & Mrs John T Kobylarz

Lt Col John S Landers

Mr & Mrs Joseph S Macken, Jr

Mr Charles R McCaffrey

Lt Col Walter O McCants

Mr William J McCormick

Mr Roger A McFarland

Mr & Mrs Larry Otto

Mr & Mrs William L Reemtsma

Captain Eugene S Richardson

Col & Mrs Jock C H Schwank

Mrs Ana Smith

DONOR $50 to $99

Major Charles L Aldrich

RMC (Ret) & Mrs Albert E Blake

Captain Joseph J Bonin

Captain Jeffrey A Cameron

Mr Laurence L Casada

1 Lt Barbara J Chapman

Mr & Mrs Sam J Compagno

Mr and Mrs Robert C Dickinson

Mr John DiLeo

Mr & Mrs Sheldon Ellis

Mr & Mrs Barrett Gourdie

Lt Col Richard L Grandjean

Captain Donald L Harper

Major (Ret) & Mrs W Hughes

Mr & Mrs William B Lancaster

Mr William M Marvel

Captain Jerry Morrison

Major David F O’Brien

Major Gary B Schmidt

2Lt Scott A Shier

1 Lt Dale T Shirasago

Mr & Mrs Joseph A Smutko

Lt Col (Ret) Addison S Thompson

Mr Alan D Tuck Jr

Captain Gary M White

CONTRIBUTOR Up to $49

Dr & Mrs Martin E Bischoff

Mr & Mrs Peter Breidt, Jr

Captain John C Buckley III

Mr & Mrs Robert Bunt

Captain David T Crouser

Col (Ret) Wm E Eisenhart

1 Lt John W Fagnant

TSgt & Mrs Roy J Fullerton, Sr

Mr & Mrs Reginald P Gage II

1 Lt Erling S German

Col (USAFR) Irwin Gorman

Captain Scott W Gough

Mr & Mrs R E Hankamer

Mr & Mrs G Robert Harriett

Major (Ret) & Mrs MEL Hatfield, Jr

Col (Ret) Peter J Hermann

Mr David G Hickman

Mr Paul D Hudgens

Lt Col John W Jamba

Captain Calvin J King, Jr

Mr & Mrs Alvin Knauf

Mr Charles F G Kuyk

1 Lt Theodore W Lauer, Jr

Mr John H Lesher, Jr

Mr & Mrs Peter Lysenko

1 Lt William M Maher

Col James L McCleskey

Mr Thomas M McKean

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs M Novakovic

Mr & Mrs Richard O’Klatt

Captain David S Parker

Dr & Mrs Edward Rockwell

Lt Col Joseph E Ryan

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs R H Schorsch

Mr Richard B Smith

Lt Col Daniel E Sowada

Captain Stephen W Stubbs

Mr Michael R Theissen

Lt Col (Ret) Bruce W. Waltz

Lt Col Jerome S Wilkowski

THE TOP FIVE CLASSES

(Note: The percent ofdonors is calculated by dividing the number ofgifts by the number ofliving alumni. Totals include gifts received between May 25, 1984 and June 30, 1984. Gifts received after June 30 will be credited to the 1984-85 AFA Fund.)

1984-85 DONA TIONS RECEIVED

PATRON $500 to $4,999

Mr David M Blair

Mr & Mrs Leonard W Lindh

SPONSOR $100 to $499

Anonymous, Class of 1977

Mr & Mrs J Abbatiello

Mr & Mrs R O Barton, Jr

Hathorne A Burnham

Mr & Mrs C W Carmichael, Jr

Mr John W Corman

Mr & Mrs Gordon V Dorff

Mr Ladd Fundarek

Mr & Mrs Jack H Gladback

Mr David L Hoogerland

Myrtle B Johnson

2Lt Nathan H Jones

Capt Thomas L Knabel

Dr Gregory M Kronberg

Mr & Mrs R Lear

Lt Col John S Lockett

Lt Col Donald L McSwain

Mrs Mary M Mestemaker

Dr Howard W Morgan, Jr

Col (Ret) & Mrs Michael Moroze

Mr Michael L Murphy

Mr John F Olive

Dr Jesse U Overall IV

Mr & Mrs Hans Raschenbach

Mr John W Reho

Mr Marion E Richey

MSgt (Ret) & Dr F E Russell

Maj Patrick C Russell

Lt Col Loren J Shriver

Southwest Ohio Chapter

Lt Col (Ret) Terry L Storm

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs R T Uyehata

Capt Guy J Wills 111

Mr & Mrs Joseph E Zeis

DONORS $50 to $99

Anonymous, Class of 1982

Mr & Mrs Kenneth C Ashley

Capt Michael D Borysewicz

TSgt (Ret) & Mrs James Bova

Mr & Mrs Charles A Buescher,

Jr

Mr & Mrs M C Busselle

Mr & Mrs Young Gong Cho

Col Stephen B Croker

Capt Frank D Falkovic, Jr

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs H A Felman

Col (Ret) & Mrs C D Fisher

Mr & Mrs Reed H Kelso

Dr & Mrs Robert Kortsch

Mr & Mrs Albert J Marshall

Lt Col Jack A Martines

Maj Mark McKenzie

Lt Col (Ret) Kevin J McManus

Capt Randell S Meyer

Mr & Mrs Joseph Pennell

Mrs Robert L Peters

Mr & Mrs Raymond G Petrick

Mr & Mrs V J Rafferty

1 Lt Vincent J Rafferty, Jr

2Lt David Remendowski

Mr & Mrs John R Scanlon

Mr & Mrs Courtland Sears, Jr

Lt Col Charles W Seifert

Brig Gen William K Skaer, Jr

1 Lt Steven C Streiffert

Mr & Mrs Robert Sweat

Mr & Mrs John D Taschuk

Capt James B Vogler III

Capt James S Welshans

Mr & Mrs James C Wise

Capt William A Yucuis

CONTRIBUTOR Up to $49

Dr & Mrs Harvey A Brams

Mr Marvin L Alme

Capt John M Andrew

Mr & Mrs Ronald Argyle

Mr & Mrs Ho Yick Au-Yeung

Capt Richard J Bartell

Capt Stephen J Base

Capt Peter C Baum

TSgt (Ret) Robert G Beasley

Mr & Mrs C Walter Beattie

Col Paul A Belmont

Capt Bruce Belser

Col & Mrs John S Bennett

Lt Col (Ret) Lester D Bergsten

Col Andrew W Biancur

Mr John W Bonds, Jr

Mrs Betty Ruth Dietrich Boyt

Col (Ret) & Mrs Earnie K

Breeden

Mrs Dee L Broomhead

Lt Col & Mrs Larry Burke

Capt Harry M Calcutt

Mr & Mrs Jerry C Campbell

Mr Marty J Cavato

Lt Brian D Collins

Maj Neal D Coyle

Capt Michael A Crandall

1 Lt Christopher R Cuellar

Capt P Michael Cunningham

Capt & Mrs James R Dart

Maj Jack W Davis

Capt William K Davis

Lt Col Drue L Deberry

Mr David J Dellwardt

Mr & Mrs David F Demunnik

Col & Mrs Paul Dimmick

Col (Ret) & Mrs E P Donohue

Mr Joseph P Donahue III

2Lt Bryan P Dooley

Capt Timothy S Doty

Mr & Mrs Paul J Dunbar

Capt Luckey M Dunn

Mr & Mrs Francis P Early

Capt David K Ebelke

Mr & Mrs Howard Eissler

Mr & Mrs William M Elligott

Mr Norman L Elliott

2Lt Thomas E Evans

Col (Ret) & Mrs A F Fahy

Capt Charles R Fellows

1 Lt Wilber J Floyd

1 Lt Roger A Foley

Mrs Virginia M Fox

2Lt Blanche B Fridley

2Lt Dale C Fridley

2Lt Eric J Furches

Dr Herman L Gilster

Lt Col Hugh E Gommel, Jr

MSgt (Ret) & Mrs Wm Gonzalez

Capt Mark W Graper

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs C Graves

Capt Thomas K Green

1 Lt Ralinda Gregor

2Lt Robert L Gregor

Marshall & Jessie Haines

SMSgt (Ret) & Mrs Addy Halford

Mr Allen F Hall

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs J P

Hampshire

2Lt Patrick D Hanford

Maj Tilford W Harp

Maj Gerald G Hartley

Mr Michael R Hay

Mr Michael L Haynes

Mr & Mrs E Hernandez

Maj John N Higgins

Mr & Mrs Wilfred W Hoffman

Mr & Mrs Stacy W Hoy

Mr Allan R Irwin

Mr Jefferson Jarvis

2Lt David M Jenkins

Capt Jay K Joiner

Maj Carl R Keil

1 Lt Kevin L Kimsey

Lt Col & Mrs Timothy A Kinnan

1 Lt Craig N Kitchens

Capt Dennis M Kliza

Mrs C W Knoll

Maj John W Koch

Mr David A Kotecki

Lt Col Kary R Lafors

Capt Michael Leggett

Capt James M Leonard

Capt Erick Leong

Col (Ret) & Mrs Walter Levy

Mr Duane J Lodrige

Mr & Mrs William F Long

Col John D Macartney

Lt Col (Ret) Arthur R MacFadden

Mr & Mrs Harry Magnuson

Col (Ret) & Mrs P H McFarland

Capt Daniel T McGrath

Maj (Ret) Jay D Miller

Capt Stephen J Miller

Capt Clyde D Moore II

Lt Col Thomas A Murawski

Col (Ret) & Mrs Joe Myers

Mr & Mrs Wilbur C Nielsen

Mr Larry L Nowicki

Col (Ret) & Mrs W B Offutt

Mr Ronald L Olds

1 Lt Thomas G O’Neil

Shirley H Perry

Mr & Mrs Melvin Jay Pfau

Mr Terence W Posluszny

1 Lt Leonhard Raabe

Capt Rande S Read

1 Lt Michael K Reagan

Mr & Mrs Fred B Reid

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs John Rispoli

Lt Col Jackie L Roberts

Maj Howard E Robson

Mr & Mrs Jimmie G Rudolph

Mr & Mrs Albert N Saffold

Capt James S Sampson

Mr & Mrs Kenneth G Sanders

Col Hanson L Scott

Mr Lee Sicilio

Maj (Ret) & Mrs Charles Simica

Albert J & Marcia Simon

Capt Danny R Smith

Mr & Mrs Edwin B Smith

Capt Gregory F Smith

Mr & Mrs Woodrow W Smith

Maj Brian J Spitzer

Mr & Mrs Leonard Steffan

Dr & Mrs Paul Melva Stoner

Maj (Ret) Charles E Stumb

SGM (Ret) & Mrs Edward H Svestka

MSgt (Ret) & Mrs R L Taylor

Capt Thomas D Trainor

Maj David A Wagie

1 Lt Dennis M Ward

Ms Sandra Westin

Col & Mrs Paul Woodbury

2Lt Tomoko G K Yamazaki

Mrs Eleanor M Young

Mr & Mrs Harold George Zier

New Graduate Brigadiers Featured

GOETZE, ’59

Brig. Gen. Richard B. Goetze, Jr.

WILLIS, ’61

Brig. Gen. Richard B. Goetze, Jr., ’59, is commander of Strategic Air Command’s 40th Air Division, Wurtsmith AFB, Mich. He has a master’s degree in Latin American area studies from American University and a doctor of philosophy degree in international relations from American University. He has completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.

After graduation from the Academy, General Goetze attended pilot training and was awarded the Air Training Command Commander’s Trophy as outstanding graduate. He then served as a C-118 copilot until he was selected to be aide to the vice commander, Eastern Transport Air Force, Military Air Transport Service.

In 1963, the general was selected as a George Olmsted Foundation scholar and began his post-graduate studies at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. After receiving his master’s degree from American University he volunteered for combat duty in Southeast Asia and was assigned to the 4th Air Commando Squadron at Pleiku AB, Vietnam, where he flew more than 280 combat missions and logged more than 1,200 hours in AC-47s.

On his return to the United States he served as a politico-military affairs officer in the Western Hemisphere Branch, Deputy Directorate for Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

In 1973 he was assigned to the 28th Bombardment Squadron, Robins AFB, Ga., and served as a B-52 crew commander, instructor, then operations officer, and finally as squadron commander. He was then selected as the air attache in Argentina reporting for duty in July 1976. He later added defense attache responsibilities to his air attache duties.

General Goetze returned to Air Force headquarters in 1978 as assistant to the deputy director for Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Readiness. He was subsequently named chief of the Middle East/Africa Division.

From September 1979 to early 1981, the general was assigned as vice commander of the 320th Bombardment Wing at Mather AFB, Calif. He then became wing commander until March 1982 when he was assigned as chief, Strategic Operations Division (J-3), Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He assumed his present command in February 1984.

General Goetze is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours. His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 13 clusters, and the Air Force Commendation medal.

The general is married to the former Vera Rukavina of Zagreb, Croatia.

Brig. Gen. Frank E. Willis

Brig. Gen. Frank E. Willis, ’61, is vice commander of the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center and deputy assistant, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel for military personnel, Randolph AFB, Texas. He has a master’s degree in management from the University of Nebraska and has graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

After graduation from the Academy he completed pilot training at Vance AFB, Okla., and from 1963 to early 1967 was assigned to the 305th

BAXTER, ’62

Air Refueling Squadron at Bunker Hill AFB, Ind., as a KC-135 copilot. He moved to March AFB, Calif., and served as a KC-135 aircraft commander until late 1969. In June 1970 he became a C-123 aircraft commander with the 315th Tactical Airlift Wing at Tan Son Nhut and Phan Rang Air Bases, Vietnam.

He was then assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel at Strategic Air Command headquarters and then served as chief of the Evaluation and Testing Division at the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center, Randolph AFB. In June 1978, General Willis joined the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark., and was then appointed deputy commander of operations for the 314th Tactical Airlift Group and then served as commander from 1979 to 1980.

In June 1980 he became vice commander of the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing at Clark AB, Philippines, and took command of the wing in June 1981. In early 1983 he began duty as commander fo the U.S. Air Force Airlift Center and the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing at Pope AFB, N.C. He assumed his present duties in March 1984.

The general is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours ineluding more than 1,000 combat flying hours, flown in KC-135s, C-123s, T-39s and C-130s. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one cluster, Air Medal with six clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one cluster.

General Willis is married to the former Clarice M. Hull of Waupun, Wis. They have three sons: Michael, Steven and William. Michael is a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Robert H. Baxter

Brig. Gen. Robert H. Baxter, ’62, is the deputy director, Directorate of Programs and Evaluation, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. His two previous positions included duty as the assistant deputy chief of staff for Operations, Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Langley AFB, Va., and prior to that was the commander of the 31st Tactical Training Wing at Homestead AFB, Fla.

After graduation from the Academy, he attended Oxford University, England, as a Rhodes Scholar, graduating in 1964. He then entered pilot training where he was the outstanding graduate from both Webb AFB, Texas, and Air Training Command. He was also the outstanding graduate at Luke AFB where he took his F-100 training. In 1966 he was assigned to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, where he flew more than 300 combat sorties.

General Baxter then served with the 523rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Clark AB, Philippines, and attended the USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons Center where he was again selected the outstanding graduate. From Clark he moved to Nellis AFB, instructing at the weapons center. He commanded the TISEO (Target Identification System Electro-Optical) Combat Evaluation Task Force at Dan Nang AB, Vietnam, and Udorn AB, Thailand, from January through May 1972.

He was then selected as a White House Fellow and served as a staff assistant to former President Richard M. Nixon, during which time he traveled extensively, including visits to Russia and the People’s Republic of China.

In late 1973 he began duty as an action officer on the Air Staff and was selected as aide to the chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. David C.

VICCELLIO, 62

Jones, in June, 1974. In 1976 he served as assistant deputy commander for operations with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force, Lakenheath, England, and was the wing manager for the conversion from the F-4D to the F-111F aircraft.

General Baxter was then assigned as deputy commander for operations, 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and also attended the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, England. His next assignment was director of tactical fighter operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

In June 1980 he served as chief of the Secretary’s Staff Group and led a group chosen to work selected national and international issues for the Secretary of the Air Force. In March 1981 he became the vice commander of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB and assumed command of the wing in January 1982.

General Baxter is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours, including 500 in combat. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Medal with 15 clusters.

The general is married to the former Brandy Rush of Ramsey, Ill. They have four children: Chris, Paul, Kelly and Sean.

Brig. Gen. Henry Viccellio, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Henry Viccellio, Jr., ’62, is the commander of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Va. He holds a master’s degree in Latin America Studies from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the American University. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College.

After graduation from the Academy, he completed pilot training at Webb AFB, Texas, and was then assigned to Luke AFB, Ariz., for F-100 gunnery school and then to Homestead AFB, Fla., as an F-100 pilot. In October 1965 he was assigned to Udorn AB, Thailand, flying the A-l Skyraider. From late 1966 to 1968 he attended the National University of Mexico in Mexico City as an Olmsted Scholar.

He then assumed duties at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Directorate of Concepts and Doctrine as a staff officer under the ASTRA program. In July 1970 he became a flight commander and squadron maintenance officer on F-4s with the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M. He was then assigned to the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Osan AB, Korea, as an F-4 flight commander.

After attending Armed Force Staff College, General Viccellio served as liaison officer with the United States Senate. From 1975 to late 1977 he was operations officer and commander, 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and assistant deputy commander for operations with the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla. He was then assigned to the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Texas, as chief of rated officer career management.

General Viccellio was the vice commander, 507th Tactical Air Control Wing, Shaw AFB, S.C., from April to August 1981 and vice commander of the 56th Tactical Training Wing from August 1981 until assuming command in January 1982. He assumed his present position in April, 1983.

A command pilot, the general has more than 3,100 hours of flying time, mostly in fighter aircraft. He flew 235 combat missions in Southeast Asia. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one cluster and the Air Medal with 11 clusters.

General Viccellio is married to the former Deborah Jane Wood of Mexico City, Mexico, and they have two children, Benjamin and Pilar.

GRADUATES SELECTED FOR MAJOR (Regular Air Force)

1984 0-4 Promotions (USAFA Graduates)

1975

1974

Bryant, Charles E.

Butler, Bradley L.

Dennis, Richard W.

Dimarchi, David O.

Glock, Albert E. Jr.

Jackson, John P.

Jones, Charles E.

Judkins, James E.

Kane, Thomas P.

Kelly, Christopher A.

Lee, Mark C.

McMonagle, Donald R.

Miller, Thomas B.

Neumann, David K.

Oberbillig, Ronald M.

Scott, Darryl A.

Scott, Robin E.

Shamess, James M.

Smith, Scott L.

Stanton, Lawrence A.

Akers, Robert L.

Commons, David L.

Diehl, Arthur F. Ill

Gorenc, Stanley

Heil, Michael L.

Holmes, Mark K.

Ladieu, John D.

Layman, Richard L.

Redmann, Steven J.

Ruttler, James L. Jr.

Schoning, Mark W.

Stein, Joseph P.

VanPelt, Carl E.

Volcheff, Mark A.

Waltman, Glenn C.

1976

Blythe, John M.

Chilton, Kevin P.

Connors, David L.

Shelton, William L.

Welsh, Mark A. Ill

GRADUATES SELECTED FOR MAJOR (USAF Reserve)

1968

Baer, Craig A.

Genna, Donald J.

Towt, Howard C.

1969

Brown, Gerald E.

1970

Bechtel, James B.

Bettner, James M.

Cowan, Philip M.

Cusick, John J.

Hammerud, Gordon W.

Menard, Thomas A.

Popovich, Gregg C.

Schlaefer, Kurt T.

1971

Anderson, Glenn E. Jr.

Banks, Robert K.

Billings, Robert Blough, Robert D. Jr.

Brayton, Alan R.

Cassano, Ronald

Culbertson, Robert A.

Cusumano, Salvatore J.

Cutlip, Robert G.

Frostman, David L.

Giles, Loren D.

Howell, Eric B.

Jones, Rodney L.

Kern, Lynn J.

Livingston, Robert K.

Lundquist, Jerrold T.

Maffey, Paul J.

Miller, Philip W.

Miller, Richard E. Jr.

Newman, Kim L.

Patton, David B.

Pellicore, Richard

Rajczak, William M.

Saffer, Edward K.

Self-Medlin, John W.

Sievers, Mark S.

Stiles, Lorren Jr.

VanPelt, Jay W.

Wacker, Daniel J.

Williams, Larry J.

1972

Adamson, Douglas E.

Champa, David A.

Hillegass, William G.

Lamoe, Steven K.

Skotte, Daniel M.

Smiley, William B.

Tillman, Steven W.

Vician, Daniel J.

Weese, David F.

1974

Terpolilli, Ralph N.

Professionalism Versus Careerism: A Response

In his essay (Spring 1984 Checkpoints, pages 15-16, by Col. Gene H. Davis, ’61) on the problem of careerism as a motivating force for AF officers, Colonel Davis raises a number of points. I would like to address a few of these, for I feel that the problem springs not from an overemphasis on those activities that are best done by individuals but rather from an inherent conflict in those things that are valued by the military and consequently rewarded.

Colonel Davis uses Myrer’s Once An Eagle for definitions of a careerist and a professional officer. I well remember both the book and the television mini-series that was adapted from it. In discussions during my first class year with the wife of a senior Academy officer, I commented that I felt the television version of Once an Eagle was unrealistic in its ending, because the Sam Damon character was triumphant. I said at least the book had the courage to portray the ending in a more real-world manner with the careerist triumphing over his far more professional and likable counterpart. This caused a certain amount of discomfort in the lady, who then assured me that it wasn’t that way all the time. My experiences on active duty so far have done nothing to convince me otherwise.

First let me say that I agree completely with Colonel Davis’ definition of the problem and his concern over its ultimate effect on our combat and peace-time operation. The trends I see emerging are symptomatic of a system that is oriented less toward job and primary duty performance and more toward the trappings of military competence. These symptoms inelude, but are not limited to: a rise in bureaucratic decision-making styles, with each office having to make its own mark on any project that comes through the office doors; personal resistance to any change in procedure or doctrine not imposed from above because it was not done in accordance with the required guidance and therefore is too risky; an overemphasis on awards and ribbons to the extent that few of the awards that are given have any real significance other than that the recipient is probably an effective writer; square-filling assignments and additional duties; overconcern with visibility as contrasted with primary job knowledge; and a general lack of accountability when things go wrong the “cover your six” mentality.

Colonel Davis is correct when he says that some of these trends are linked to the change in societal values over the last 25 years. However, I

Captain Michels

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Capt. JohnJ. "Lou” Michels, Jr. is presently attending Duke Law School under the Funded Legal Education Program. He was born in Ft. Monroe, Va., and graduatedfrom the A ir Force A cademy as a distinguished graduate in 1977. He is a graduate of Squadron Officers School and is currently enrolled in Air Command and Staff College. A distinguished graduate of Electronic Warfare Officer Training, he was assigned to the RC-135 program at Offutt AFB, Neb., from 1978 through 1982. During this time he also served as an escort officer for official Soviet fights landing in the United States. He is currently the director of Duke’s National Moot Court Team and his article on command influence of court-martial proceedings has been published by the JAG Journal, the law review of the U.S. Navy. His wife, Sonia, is a speech and language pathologist with the Durham, N.C., public schools.

think that the military as an institution has always had problems with conflicts between the demands of job and career. The stories of the leader vs. the staff officer, the professional whose priorities are based on what is good for the service or the country versus the company man who bases his decisions on what will advance his career, have been with us long before the rise of the “me decade.” Nor do I trace the decline of so called traditional values to such internal Academy factors as mandatory chapel attendance. It is a mistake to believe that people who go to church, particularly those who are forced to go to church, are any more moral than those who do not attend out of choice or simple laziness. But my main point is that those who look at things like chapel attendance as a reason for the decline in moral quality and the existence of a careerist mentality in the officers being produced by the Academy have stopped looking for reasons too soon.

The military has always had a kind of tension between the demands of working to defend the natiori~by making a personal sacrifice and working to keep yourself in a job by moving up the career ladder. Officers learn early (at least, I learned early) that the personnel system is an imperfect mechanism and that the responsibility for getting the good, promotable jobs depends more on individual effort than on professional competence and recognition of that competence by your superiors. This, I think, is one of the major factors that stresses the role of the individual over the team player, and this is what subverts the kind of leadership that Colonel Davis and I believe is so important.

Note, however, that being a team player is not the answer to all our problems. In many ways a person who is strictly wedded to the party line is more of a hindrance to the development of the organization than a help. Such team players were to be found, I am sure, on the staff of the German Army at the outbreak of WW I, on the staff of the Army Air Service that denigrated the ideas of General Mitchell, and on the Japanese General Staff that urged on the attack on Pearl Harbor. In critical times (and critical times are almost always only evident in hindsight) a military institution’s survival may depend on those officers who defy conventional wisdom and bring the news that the emperor wears no clothes, or is at least scandalously out of fashion.

It is a belief common to most organizations that the individual who professes a new philosophy, a new way of doing things, is somehow less able to identify with the goals of the organization and is therefore less trustworthy than the person who does not challenge the old methods. This is a fundamental error. Some of the most passionate devotees of the Air Force and the military system have been the men who were pushing the new concepts, not because these ideas would somehow advance their careers (just the opposite, in fact), but because they believed that these ideas represented salvation for the organization they cared so deeply about. It would be better for the Air Force as a whole if there were more officers willing to speak their minds when they see something amiss, and who would not feel pressured to keep their mouths shut for fear of being labeled disloyal.

I come now to my principal area of disagreement with Colonel Davis. I steadfastly oppose any less emphasis on academic achievement by cadets. We should not lose sight of the fact that the Academy is an undergraduate institution that confers an academic degree as its chief attraction and inducement. It is not simply a more extensive version of Squadron Officer School. In order to draw the high quality students that have traditionally come to the Academy, we must offer them something more than being able to learn how to be an officer. We must offer these students intellectual challenge, stimulation, and a degree that they can be proud of because it represents something to the rest of the nation. The Academy’s current educational concept of developing graduates who are wellrounded academically, physically, and militarily, bestows such a degree. To de-emphasize the academic leg of this triad would result in our truly becoming a “trade school.”

Nor do I feel that such de-emphasis would be proper as a means to eliminate careerism. While the dean and his minions properly emphasize individual effort, I think the real culprits that promote careerism over professionalism are to be found in the reward system that exists both at the Academy and in the Air Force. The Cadet Wing command structure, and the way jobs are handed out in it, promotes exactly the kinds of evils Colonel Davis and I oppose. A sizable amount of cadet time (while I was there, anyway) was spent in the pursuit of the proper job or summer

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Acquisition Officer Approaches the Bench

ANDREWS AFB, Md. (AFSCNS)

Capt. Andrea M. (Bopp) Niezgoda, a 1980 Air Force Academy graduate, is one of 18 officers selected this year for the Air Force’s Funded Legal Education Program. She is currently an acquisition management officer assigned to Headquarters Air Force Systems Command’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs. Captain Niezgoda entered Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C., August 27 and expects to receive her juris doctorate degree in May 1987.

In describing the program’s inception, Brig. Gen. Gordon A. Ginsburg, staff judge advocate for Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, said, “the Funded Legal Education Program came into existence in 1974 because at that time the military services were having a difficult time retaining lawyers in the service.’’ He continued, “In selecting officers already on active duty who incurred substantial service commitments for training, it was a way to get career lawyers of the absolute highest quality, caliber and motivation. And the program has worked over the years we really have been getting top-notch judge advocates.”

Under the program, up to 25 officers are selected each fiscal year to attend accredited law schools, leading to bachelor of laws degrees or juris doctorates. Following successful completion of law school and bar examinations, officers are designated as judge advocates.

“Each year fewer and fewer of the maximum authorized for the program are selected, so selection is getting increasingly competitive,” said General Ginsburg.

Captain Niezgoda was in the Air Force Academy’s first class of women graduates, where she received a bachelor of science degree in political science and history. In explaining her first interest in a law career, she said, “Ever since I was at the academy, I’ve been interested in law, so I took several law courses in anticipation of such a career.” She continued, “Although I’ve really enjoyed my two Air Force Systems Command assignments, I wanted to broaden my Air Force career and becoming a judge advocate will allow me to do so.”

The captain’s husband, 2nd Lt. Jeffrey A. Niezgoda, a 1981 Air Force Academy graduate, is a fourth-year medical student at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. He expects to receive his medical degree next May, at which time he hopes to begin internship in general surgery.

Captain Niezgoda’s only previous assignment was as an

(Continuedfrom previous page.)

assignment to assure good jobs or summer assignments later on in one’s “cadet career.” This trend continues on in the Air Force. We must realize that the careerist outlook springs not from some pernicious sociological trend, but from a source closer to home. Simply put, the orientation toward the areas 1 have mentioned above is a result of ambitious men and women identifying what the promotion system rewards and then molding their activities to meet these requirements. Promotability means having a lot of ribbons (irrespective of whether they were awarded for anything worthwhile: anyone can be made to look good on paper), being adept at such high-visibility additional duties as OERs and handling dining-ins, being proficient enough in your primary duty so as not to draw negative attention to yourself, and not challenging the established order. This is what most of our officers aim at. We do little to reinforced the goals of professionalism that the service so desperately needs. My Air Command and Staff College course has some articles on this problem, but that is the only reference 1 have seen to the problem in my seven years of service. We should do better.

1 think this trend can be reversed. It must be reversed, for we are not only losing some needed internal criticism and dialogue as a result of our emphasis on careerism, we are losing our best people as well. To accomplish this requires a major shift in emphasis by our upper echelon of leadership. Our evalution system and the evaluators must reward such

Capt. Andrea M. Niezgoda, an acquisition management officer at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, does her research at AFSC’s technical library. She is headed to Georgetown University Law School under the Funded Legal Education Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by A 1C Jeff S. Legeer)

automated management system program manager for the Comptroller at Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Because of Air Force-funded training programs, both Niezgodas will have lengthy service commitments and anticipate long-term Air Force careers. Captain Niezgoda said, “We’re accepting the fact that we’ll be separated due to my husband’s internship away from the Washington, D.C. area when I’m still in law school but we’re hoping it’ll be easier in the future.” She smiled and added, “at least we know almost every base needs doctors and lawyers!”

Applicants for the Funded Legal Education Program are required to have a minimum of two years and no more than six years of active duty. Before being selected for the program, Captain Niezgoda had tried twice previously. “I’ve realized my goal!” she said.

Her philosophy and advice to others who’ve tried unsuccessfully for training programs: “Work hard to achieve a goal DON’T give up!”

things as true initiative, creativity and primary job performance. We must be less concerned with the trappings of effective performance (such as dining-in results, Combined Federal Campaign success and the like) and give the nod to those people who are more “concerned with what they are doing” rather than where they are going. Our leadership must walk a difficult and demanding line, identifying those officers who will disagree with a commander when they think he is wrong and yet who are loyal and will carry out orders without hesitation once the decision is made. We must not confuse loyalty with agreement, and reward those who give an honest, competent opinion to their commanders. This is a difficult and demanding task, yet I feel that our leadership (at all levels) is capable of such discrimination and judgment. I think that Colonel Davis’ standard of performance mission accomplishment is a worthwhile tool for making such choices. We must combine an emphasis on mission accomplishment, over such activities as Savings Bond Drive chairman and squadron party planner, with the identification of officers who have a bona fide professional outlook toward the Air Force. Only then will we have an officer corps whose dedication is to the mission and not to its own personal advancement and aggrandizement.

(Although the ideas expressed in this article are my own, several other commentators have expressed similar sentiments. I recommend “The Military Courtier and the Illusion of Competence in the March/April, 1983 issue of Air University Review, and “Defective Leadership: America’s Greatest Peril, in the September/October issue of the same journal for anyone interested in the topic.)

Class of 1964 Returns: Weather Fails To Dampen Homecoming

This column is dedicated to those of you who, for whatever reason, couldn’t make it to Homecoming and our 20th reunion. You missed a great party and the largest collection of classmates in a single location since graduation. Whatever kept you away couldn’t have been that important, could it?

I find myself at the last minute trying to put this together before my flight back to D.C. I’m still recovering from last night’s Jabara Reception/Banquet and the no-notice parties which followed.

Homecoming started on Thursday with an informal party at the Hilton Inn, where most of ’64 was staying. In typical Colorado fashion it started snowing that evening, and we all had to remember the graduation parade where even the miserable weather and poor visibility couldn’t dampen our spirits.

Friday was the main event. Following Homecoming briefings, lunch at Mitch’s and an interesting session on the recent Honor Code problems, we returned to the Hilton for the Class Dinner. No one is yet sure exactly how many of us were there, but at last count it was 150 grads and a total of almost 290 counting friends, sweethearts and wives.

Each of the 24 squadrons was represented. Seventh and 19th topped the list with 10 or more grads; 23rd could only come up with one, Bob Barrett. Gil Achter (11th Sq) was the only one who flew himself in. He borrowed an RF-4C from the Mississippi ANG.

We all owe special thanks to J.D. and Bev Manning, Tom and Bonnie Kullgren, John and Linda Boles, Chuck and Terryann Noyes, Jim and Glennora Widger, Wally and Gretel Wolniewicz and Bob and Sherry Beverly for making it all happen.

Our honored guests at the dinner included Col. Victor J. Ferrari and his wife, Jean. He was the vice commandant and target of a pep rally Babo bomb launched from the infamous 19th Squadron three-man slingshot. Chief Bill Coltrin also honored us with his presence. Unfortunately, neither Mr. Gail McComas nor Brig. Gen. Bob McDermott were able to attend but the general did send a letter in which he expressed regrets and asked us to start thinking about what we’re going to do with the rest of our lives. Mrs. McComas did attend Saturday events.

Following a very moving memorial to the 44 deceased members of our class, we all pigged out on a great buffet.

After the dinner, our class flag was unveiled. The flag was paid for by the memorial funds of Bob Lodge and J. D. Brown (Jim’s wife, Louise, is the Cadet Wing hostess). Class crests commissioned by Ted Saito were then presented to our guests. Glenn Coleman won a S25 gift certificate which he hoped would bring back his hair. All of the grads received a small piece of the original marble terrazo with the ’64 crest. It was a nice touch. We finished off the evening with a slide show of more than 200 slides highlighting our four years at the zoo. It was a super evening!

Saturday began with still more snow and our numbers cleaned out the Base Exchange’s supply of sweatshirts, heavy socks and long johns in preparation for the game. Prior to the game we attended a brunch as the guest of superintendent Lt. Gen. Winfield

Class of 1964 Homecoming Attendees

W. Scott, Jr. The general honored Byron “Hoot” Hooten and Rod Wells by pinning on their eagles a few days early.

During the brunch the sun came out and the temperature even got above freezing. The weather and the 52-10 score made Saturday afternoon a great Homecoming football game. The afternoon was special for Ed Pegg too. He was retired on the football field, following the game, by his vice wing commander at McGuire, Jack Cole.

The weekend finished with the Jabara Banquet and Homecoming Ball. Jim Wheeler emceed the evening during which the Cadet Chorale director invited all of the grads who had sung with the chorale to join them in a song.

It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we graduated. Everyone (or almost everyone) still looks so young! Bob Thomas was the unanimous choice as the grad who had changed the least. He still could pass for a cadet. For nine grads it’s now impossible to hide their age. They have sons or daughters

who are cadets. Eight are in the Class of ’88: Christine Baker (Jeff), Kim Green (Gay), Chris Hauth (John), Parke Hinman IV (Parke), Larry Hoffman (John), Craig McCurdy (Stu), Kris Mineau II (Kris) and Mike Montgomery (Denny). John Pegg (Ed) is in the Class of ’87 and Mitch Cobeaga has a stepson in ’85.

Well, that’s about it from Homecoming ’84. My thanks to all who made it possible. I ended up with more pictures than we could put in this issue of Checkpoints, so if you don’t see yourselves in this one, I apologize. I will keep running the pictures and solicit any you may have taken (expecially the group photos from Saturday’s Jabara Banquet). I only need the print. You can keep the negative. For those of you who didn’t order one of the class photos (one for squadrons 1-12 and 13-24), we hope to make some of the shots taken by other grads available for the cost of making a print.

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Attendees at Homecoming 1984 listen to the Cadet Chorale during the Jabara Banquet/Reception at Mitchell Hall. Graduates and their guests enjoyed cocktails, an excellent meal, and the Jabara A ward presentation, all capped by an outstanding performance by the chorale. The Homecoming Ballfollowed the Jabara Banquet in Arnold Hall with music provided by the A cademy’s ‘Moods In Blue orchestra.

CLASS OF 1974 ENJOYS REUNION FESTIVITIES

The Class of 1974 was represented by more than 400 people at Homecoming 1984, including more than 250 graduates. Even the snow and cold on Friday and Saturday couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm and fun of seeing so many familiar faces. So many folks looked exactly like they did 10 years ago.

The Class of 1974 had a cocktail party at the Peterson Air Force Base Officers’ Club on Thursday night and everyone had a great time just reminiscing and telling “war stories.” It was only scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. but the management finally chased out the last stragglers at 1:30 a.m. Friday was snowy, windy and cold. Most of us spent the morning listening to the mission elements (dean, commandant, athletics, and registrar) tell about how things have changed in recent years. Many people also braved the weather to visit the dorms. It was easy to get lost because the cadets now call Vandenberg Hall the “New Dorm” since it has been recently remodeled. The snow canceled the noonmeal formation, but we got to see the new “rounded” parka hoods!

Everyone who got to eat at Mitchell Hall for lunch was treated to a delicious tuna fish sandwich lunch!?! Friday night was the all-class party at the Academy Officers’ Club and was another night of telling stories.

Saturday morning began cold (25 degrees) and foggy, which

resulted in the Cadet/Graduate Memorial Ceremony being moved indoors to the Cadet Chapel. While it wasn’t quite as impressive as the outdoor ceremony, it was still a moving experience. It’s sad to think about our classmates who could not make only this reunion, but will not be able to attend any in the future, either. The tailgate party was also moved indoors, which many of the wives greatly appreciated.

While driving to Falcon Stadium, the clouds broke and the rest of the afternoon was a beautiful sunny day. Everyone was treated to an excellent football game and the returnees got to see why this year’s Falcons are so exciting to watch, even if we aren’t undefeated.

Afer the game was the Jabara Banquet held at Mitchell Hall. Everyone got to see their favorite waiter, since most of them are still here from 10 years ago. After the banquet was the Homecoming Ball. For most of us it was a time for final farewells and promises to keep in touch until we meet again in 1994.

It was hard to believe the weekend was already over, but everyone seemed to have a great time. For those of you who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you in 10 years. By the way, there’s an opening for the Homecoming chairman for our 20-year reunion, since I’m retiring. See you in 1994!

JABARA A WARD WINNER HONORED

Captain Michael

JABARA AWARD FOR AIRMANSHIP

CAPTAIN MICHAEL P. DAVIS Military Airlift Command

Captain Michael P. Davis, U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1978, is named winner of the 1984 Colonel James Jabara Airmanship Award. Captain Davis distinguished himself by heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight at Point Salinas, Grenada, from 24 October to 16 November 1983. During this period, Captain Davis, a C-130E Special Operations aircraft commander, participated in operation URGENT FURY which was ordered by the National Command Authority to rescue more than 700 American students in Grenada. Part of the initial assault force of 12 aircraft, Captain Davis orbited his unarmed aircraft, heavily loaded with Army Rangers and their specialized equipment, off the coast of Grenada. A new intelligence appraisal dictated a change from an airland to an airdrop assault, causing a 30-minute delay. Despite heavy ground fire, Captain Davis completed his pass at 500 feet above ground level, an altitude not used for dropping personnel since World War II. He then dove his aircraft toward the water to survive the intense concentralion of fire. Informed that several paratroopers still remained on the aircraft, Captain Davis immediately decided to return to the objective in spite of the previous hazardous conditions. He successfully accomplished the second pass and was again forced to break toward the water to avoid heavy ground fire. Despite a critical fuel shortage caused by the 30-minute delay, Captain Davis chose to return to an orbit point in preparation to airland vitally needed equipment. His aircraft was one of the first to land at Point Salinas Airfield. Upon returning to Barbados and in spite of having worked continuously for 26 hours, he volunteered to return again to the combat zone to deliver desperately needed troops and supplies. After this second delivery, he performed an emergency evacuation of a wounded American helicopter pilot to Barbados. In the days to follow, Captain Davis was repeatedly called upon to perform many hazardous and politically sensitive missions, including an emergency medical evacuation credited with saving a severely injured Grenadian child. His actions during this period make Captain Davis a most deserving recipient of the 17th annual presentation of the Jabara Award for Airmanship. (Presented by Lt. Gen. Wilfield W. Scott, Jr., U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, on 29 September 1984.)

“One More Roll”

Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Anderson, ’61, commandant of cadets, offered the “water toast” just prior to the end of the meal at the Jabara Banquet. Graduates and their guests forgot for a moment their pleasurable Homecoming activities and remembered their fallen comrades in arms and those who have served in the prison camps of our enemies.

The toast was written in 1968 by Commander Jerry Coffee while he was a prisoner of war in Hanoi. Normally toasted with water, Homecoming attendees joined General Anderson in “One More Roll.”

We toast our hearty comrades

Who have fallen from the skies,

And were gently caught by God’s own hands

To be with him on high.

To dwell among the soaring clouds

They’ve known so well before

From victory roll to tail chase

At heaven’s very door.

As we fly among them there...

We’re sure to hear their plea, Take care my friend, watch your six, And do one more roll for me.

Cadets sharpen skills: Second Leadership Seminar Successful

What do you get when you take the top 46 cadets in the chain of command away from the cadet area for two days to reflect on the status of the wing, their own command techniques, and what they hope to achieve during the rest of the semester?. If you link them with four outstanding Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and four very skillful facilitators, bring in an expert on command for a keynote address, and include strong participation by the superintendent and the commandant at appropriate points, you have a Cadet Commanders’ Leadership Enrichment Seminar!

That’s exactly what the current wing, group, and squadron commanders experienced recently at the Colorado Springs Sheraton Inn. Modeled after executive workshops conducted at top levels of the government, military, and business world, the commanders’ seminar is a recent addition to the Commandmnt’s Professional Military Training program

Under the auspices of the deputy commandant for military instruction, a working group of training directors, AOCs, and subject experts from the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, and the Management Departments spent three months last spring designing a program to meet the needs of cadet commanders.

The commanders’ seminar is part of a three-phase program to help cadets in command positions become successful in fulfilling their leadership responsibilities. In Phase I, commanders receive a two-hour command workshop during their first week on the job. Conducted by experienced officers, the workshop helps the cadets transition into their new command positions quickly and efficiently. The two-day commanders’ seminar, conducted one month after the cadets take command, is the second phase of the program. Phase III involves two short follow-up sessions later in the semester. Here the commanders discuss how effectively they have applied techniques learned during the seminar, as well as new areas of concern.

The board of directors for the Association of Graduates (AOG) saw the commanders’ seminar as an opportunity to directly help the Cadet Wing leadership and funded the first seminar last February from the Frank E. and Harriet E. Hedrick Endowment Fund. It was so successful that the commandant requested and received backing by the AOG to fund future seminars twice a year, once for each cadet staff.

The most recent seminar found cadets working a wide range of command issues. After a brief welcome and introduction by both the superintendent and the commandant, the seminar leader, Lt. Col. Rich Hughes, ’67, overviewed the action-packed two-day program with the commanders. They then embarked on a series of short lectures, exercises, and group problem-solving efforts designed to reinforce key leadership and management principles through a practicum approach; to analyze and discuss potential solutions to problems identified by the commandant’s staff, cadet commanders, and a squadron assessment questionnaire; and to build a more cohesive command team by focusing on organization goals.

The high point of the seminar was a coat-and-tie dinner hosted by the commandant featuring Maj. Gen. Robert D. Springer, commander of the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center (AFMPC). His keynote address, “The Challenge of Command,’’ tied together many of the seminar concepts: achieving your mission, caring for your people, and integrity.

A key to the program’s success is the setting. The seminar is held away from the daily demands of the Academy and involves one day of class excusal. “By doing that, we emphasize how important we view their work as commanders,’’ said Colonel Hughes, seminar leader. “Their responsibilities come first, and the institution wants to help them be successful,’’ he added. One group commander commented, “We knew they meant business. You couldn’t help but forget all your other concerns and get caught up in applying this material to improve our groups.’’

The cadets gave the program high marks. “It’s outstanding,” said Cadet First Class Scott Dumbauld, Cadet Wing commander. “The seminar was an excellent chance to get together and share opinions on how we view the challenge of Cadet Wing leadership. We all had ideas about how a perfect unit should function. The seminar gave us a better picture of what will and will not work. The entire wing should benefit from our experience.”

The Academy staff expressed equal satisfaction. Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Anderson (’61), commandant of cadets, commented, “I think this is one of the finest improvements we have made to our military training program since the Academy began. All of us are deeply grateful to the Association of Graduates and Mr. and Mrs. Hedrick for their support.”

FALCON SPORTS

Falcon Football Continues Momentum

The Academy Falcon Football team’s third consecutive victory (21-7) over Notre Dame on Oct. 13 on the Irish’s home field put the team’s won-loss record at 5-2 after that upset. According to Fisher DeBerry, Falcon head coach, “Nobody in the nation gave us a chance to win this ballgame. Nobody but the players themselves!’’

The Falcons ran for 371 yards and only put the ball in the air six times, while the defense forced Notre Dame into passing 35 times. Out of the 35 passes there were only 12 completions. Cornerback Dwan Wilson intercepted one of the passes to give him eight in his career and tie him for the Academy record. Halfback Jody Simmons led the ground attack with 141 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown while quarterback Bart Weiss read the Irish defense to perfection.

The win was the first time any service team has beaten the Irish three times straight, in any sport. This includes the powerful Army teams of past eras. The Falcons were rated first in the nation in rushing after the game.

Prior to the Irish, the Falcons sank Navy at Falcon Stadium with a score of 29-22, giving Air Force the first leg to the Commander In Chief’s Trophy, which they have held for the last two years.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY BASKETBALL

1984-85 Preseason Prospectus

On Sept. 29, the Falcons won their seventh-straight home game against Colorado State University 52-10 in front of a homecoming crowd of 27,806. The defense forced seven turnovers on three fumbles and four interceptions. Four of the turnovers resulted in points for the Academy.

The Falcon’s loss of 17-28 at Utah, was unfortunately also decided on fumbles, but this time it was Air Force fumbling four times, losing the ball on three of them, two of which resulted in Utah touchdowns. Quarterback Brian Knorr was sidelined during this game with a shoulder injury which passed quarterbacking duties to Bart Weiss.

The weekend prior saw Air Force losing to the University of Wyoming 20-26 in an away game where the opponents also took advantage of Falcon mistakes. “We were our own worst enemy in that game,” said Coach DeBerry. “We knew that the team that made the fewest mistakes would win.”

The Falcons won their first two games, both in Falcon Stadium. They beat the San Diego State Aztecs 34-16 during their first outing amassing 485 yards in total offense. Their second game against the Second Division Northern Colorado Bears was a runaway 75-7 ballgame with every Falcon player in uniform playing.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY ICE HOCKEY

1984-85 Preseason Prospectus

2nd Lt. Alonzo Babers: First Graduate to Win the Gold

An impromptu press conference at the Academy Cadet Field House just after the Summer Olympics allowed 2nd Lt. Alonzo Babers to share these thoughts about winning two Olympic gold medals. The 1983 Academy graduate is the first in the school’s history to win an Olympic gold medal.. .and he did it twice. Since his Olympic wins, Lt. Babers also won races in international track and field meets in Berlin, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland.

“I just knew it was going to be something good prior to running the 400 meters,” said the lieutenant, a native of Montgomery, Ala. “1 was able to take advantage of the personal rivalry between Bert Cameron and Antonio McKay. Both felt they were going to win and that took a lot of pressure off me.

“I only hope that my performance will help the total sports recruiting program at the Academy. I appreciate the support I’ve gotten from the Academy, the Air Force, and the people of Colorado Springs. I am just glad I was able to do something good in return.”

His first medal came in the 400 meters when he surprised everyone by coming from behind to take the gold with a personal best 44.27 time, the world’s best effort since 1976. According to Lt. Col. Ernie Cunliffe, his Academy coach, “this was the sixth fastest time in history and the second best time ever recorded at sea level.

“Also, his .27 winning margin was the biggest margin of vietory since the 1924 Olympics.”

He earned his second medal as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team. Lieutenant Babers ran the third leg to lead his team to victory. Their time of 2:57.91 is the second fastest time ever and tops the all-time list at sea level. The lieutenant’s time was 43.75.

He had to come from behind in this race, too. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do just to see how good I could do, and I won.” he said.

“I never thought about winning a gold medal until after the Olympic trials. Before that all I wanted to do was just make the team.

“Winning the gold medals was an exciting experience, but perhaps an even more exciting moment came when I was on the platform, listening to the national anthem being played while representing my country.”

After graduation, Babers remained at the Academy assigned to the staff of the Sports Information Directorate and was scheduled to report to pilot training at Williams AFB, Ariz., in September.

Following his Olympic wins, Babers took the 400 meters on August 17 at ISTAF ’84, West Berlin’s annual international meet, with a time of 45.52 seconds. He again won at that distance in the Weltklasse international meet August 22 at Zurich, clocking in at 44.74 edging Walter McCoy of the U.S. by .02 seconds. Baber’s gold medal-winning time in Los Angeles was 44.27.

Babers also finished second at 200 meters August 19 at a meet in Hanover, Germany, with a time of 20.82. In another 400-meter dash in Cologne, Germany, on August 26, his time of 45.22 again was good for second place.

Military background

Lieutenant Babers first began running competitively at Carver High School in his hometown of Montgomery. The son of retired Air Force CMSgt. Porter Babers, Jr., the lieutenant spent his last two high school years in Kaiserslautern, W. Germany, the school for Ramstein Air Base students. He won several races and set new records in many of the meets in which he ran while in Germany.

During high school he received an offer to attend the University of Alabama. He declined that offer and chose to apply to the Air Force Academy instead. The lieutenant stated that going to Alabama would have kept him close to home, but he wanted to fly, so he felt the Academy was best.

An Air Force career seems only natural for the Olympian. His father retired this past July after serving 27 years and eight months. At the time of his retirement he was the fuels superintendent for the 3210 Supply Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla. The lieutenant’s older sister, Teresa, is a second lieutenant at Keesler AFB, Miss., where she is a computer systems instructor. His younger sister, Lucinda, is attending Georgia Tech on a Air Force ROTC scholarship.

CHAPTER NEWS

FRENCH EXCHANGE CHAPTER

The USAFA-Ecole de l’Air Exchange Association is making great strides in organizing itself and in reaching its members. More than half of the graduates who participated in the exchange have already joined the association. Comments received from the members have been enthusiastically supportive of the creation of the organization and of its goals.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Jacques Adnet, who first became associated with the exchange program in 1974, has volunteered to serve as executive secretary and as the focal point for administrative matters. (AUTOVON 259-3870)

Although he recently transferred to SHAPE, Capt. Bruce McLane, Exchange ’73, will serve as temporary president.

Maj. Cliff Borofsky and Col. Randy Cubero will serve as temporary vice president and treasurer, respectively, until elections are held.

Six USAFA cadets are now at the Ecole de l’Air whereas the Academy is hosting six French cadets. Coincidentally, the cadet in charge of each group is a female cadet; C1C Barbara Mahon in the case of the USAFA group and Aspirant MarieChristine Martel for the group from the Ecole de l’Air. The other French cadets, known as “aspirants,” are Marc Augenstreich, Alain de Floris, Christophe Deberre, Nicolas Masquilier and Richard Reboul. They were escorted to the Academy by Col. Pierre Peron, from the staff of the Ecole de l’Air where he holds a position that combines the functions of commandant of cadets and dean of the

faculty. Col. Peron visited the Academy and restated the commitment of the Ecole de l’Air to a strong and enduring exchange program.

Commandant de Quatrebarbes, French Exchange Officer to the Academy, has been very active in the preparation and submission of U.S. Congress Joint Resolution No. 333 which recognizes and honors American pioneer military aviators by establishing “World War I Aces and Aviator’s Day” to be celebrated on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 1984. For its part, the French government has chosen to honor the survivors of the Lafayette Flying Corps with the prestigious “Medaille Aeronautique” in recognition of their most valuable services to France.

Finally, Brigadier Vougny, superintendent of the Ecole de l’Air, is expected to make an official visit to the Academy in October 1984 and will be hosted by Lt. Gen. Scott, USAFA superintendent.

SOUTHWEST OHIO CHAPTER

The Air Force Academy Fund Association of Graduates US Air Force Academy, Co 80840

On behalf of the membership of the Southwest Ohio Chapter, AOG, I am pleased to present the Air Force Academy Fund with a $100 donation. I hope that we are the first chapter to make a contribution to the fund and I challenge other chapters to match our contribution.

DANIEL C DALEY, ’71 Major, USAF (Chapter President)

ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

The Orange County, Calif., Chapter of the Association of Graduates held its first function, a historic State of the Wing banquet, at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, Calif., on July 13. Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, Academy superintendent, was the keynote speaker. He updated those in attendance on the current academic, military and athletic programs at the Academy.

Approximately 125 people attended the event, including such special guests as Gen. Nguyen Cao Ky (past premier and vice president of South Vietnam), Gen. Curtis E. LeMay (former Air Force Chief of Staff), Gen. F. Michael Rogers (retired commander of the Air Force Logistics Command), Mr. Steve Ritchie, ’64 (Air Force fighter pilot ace during the Vietnam War), and Navy Captain F. William Franck (prisoner of war in North Vietnam for seven and a half years).

General LeMay (at right), General Scott and Mr. Eric Thorson, ’67, president of the chapter, participated in the cake cutting ceremony (see accompanying photo). Dick Pierce provided a humorous impression of General George Patton to the delight of all in attendance but at some expense to the Air Force. The event ended with a toast to all of USAFA graduates, particularly to those who gave their lives over the skies of Vietnam and to those missing in action.

This gathering of Air Force graduates, parents, interested parties and special guests was well received and marked the first anniversary of the Orange County, Calif., Chapter of the AOG.

NORTH TEXAS CONTINUES ACTIVE ROLE

TRI-SERVICE SOFTBALL

The North Texas Chapter recently hosted the 4th Annual Tri-Service Softball Tournament at the Dallas Naval Air Station. Our first try on August 12th was rained out (what, rain in Texas in August?) so it was postponed until August 26th. As postponements go, someone never seems to get the word, so unfortunately, Navy never showed up (except for Joe Ramos ’78, now USN, who was on our side). As the temperature soared to 104 degrees, we decided on one seven inning, all-or-nothing game with Army to settie this year’s trophy. A close game to the end, Army, after four years of trying, finally took the trophy. Now they can have their name inscribed under the already three-time winner, USAF. We note, however, that this will go down in the records books with asterisks “Tainted Victory”.. .just sour grapes, ha!

Hats off to Jerry Ahmann, ’63, for setting up the game; Paul Bickle, ’70, for a gallant pitching effort; Rich Cree, ’66, for his coaching expertise; Tom Stites, ’72, for giving up a fortune in real estate sales to play ball on Sunday; Mike Gibbons, ’63, for bringing his all-wood five-foottall bat; and Rich Barton, ’71, for trying to use it. Kudos also to Bill Reemtsma, ’63, for wearing his USAFA Beenie with propeller top and all the rest for trying to drink all the beer.

SUMMER FAMILY PICNIC

On June 10th, the North Texas Chapter held its Annual Family Picnic at Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton, Texas. This year, we held it in conjunction with our neighboring associations from Army and Navy. A typical Texas hot summer day, everyone enjoyed a catered BarB-Que picnic lunch, plenty of

refreshments, even wine coolers for the ladies, and races galore for the young folks. P. “Manny” Cardenas, ’63, and his wife, Artie, were largely responsible for setting up the whole event and did an outstanding job. As the afternoon waned on, everyone took advantage of the park’s facilities which included an impromptu father-son paddle boat race in uncharted waters (or should 1 say, out of bounds waters). Boys will be boys...or...the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys... The picnics finale was a dunking booth fiasco with the three associations’ presidents as the targets. Ron Hale, ’71, North Texas Chapter president, managed to stay wet with the help of lucky throws. Good times were had by all. We’ll do this again.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Second Bi-Annual Tri-Service Golf Tournament was on April 28th at the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport’s Bear Creek Golf Course with West Point and Annapolis grads in attendance. The tournament, a Florida Scramble format, was hosted by the North Texas AFA Chapter because they had won the first bi-annual event...good enough reason. After the golf course pro shop announced the AFA first foursome as “Nicolas, Palmer, Trevino and Player” (Steve Weisel, ’71; Dave Kapp, ’68; Dan Shine, ’74; and Ron Hale, ’71) and then the USAFA PreGame Cheer was heard on the first tee, the tourney got under way. Good play, good cheer, and a little beer later, Navy took the honors by a half stroke. (How do you make a half a golf stroke? Bell curve, I guess.) Prizes were awarded for closest to the hole and longest drive with Mike Goode, ’69, putting one inch away on number 17. A hearty thanks to Dave Brigman, ’71, and Jerry Ahmann, ’63, for

setting up the tournament. Now it’s Navy’s turn to set up the 3rd Annual.

FOUNDERS’ DAY EVENTS

The North Texas Chapter of AFA Graduates honored those who helped start the organization at it’s annual Founders’ Day Dinner and Dance. The chapter was officially started in the spring of 1980, through the hard work and perseverance of several local-area graduates and a few members of the AOG. Also helpful was Tom McNeil, ’45, a local West Point graduate, who contributed ideas and encouragement which were invaluable to our new organization.

Today, this chapter is one of the largest in the country with over 135 members and certainly one of the most active. This year’s formal event was March 31st at the Summit Hotel in Dallas and was extremely well attended, from Bob Staib, ’62, and Jerry Smith, ’62, to Bob Vendley, ’77, and his wife, Nancy (who flew in from New York just to “visit and party”). From the “AFA” ice carving to the entertainment after dinner, the night was very well planned. Ron Hale, ’71, our new president, was the master of ceremonies, with able assistance from many attendess. Hearty toasts, good food, drink, and friendships were the order of the evening.

A challenge was made amid the toasts as to which class was best represented. Final count of class members showed a tie between the Class of ’63 and the Class of ’71, with six each: a tie until we all decided to “weigh” them as a tie breaker. Class of ’63 won, “sitting down.”

Our thanks to Bill Reemtsma, ’63, and his lovely wife, Joy, who again this year made most of the arrangements for the affair. A Texas Plaque was presented to Bill as the outgoing president for a job well done.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Bruce F. Stewart, Class of 1973, died on June 9, 1984, in an accident at the 9500-foot level of Pikes Peak while on a Civil Air Patrol training mission. Bruce was born November 14, 1951, in Boston, Mass. It became apparent in his early years that he had been gifted with a remarkable musical talent, and he studied piano beginning in the first grade. He and his family moved to Columbus, Ga., when he was in the sixth grade, and he spent his junior high and high school years there. It was during the last years of high school that he made the decision that the thing he wanted to do in life was to fly. With the loving support of his parents, he concluded the best way to achieve this goal was by attending the Academy.

On June 23, 1969, Bruce entered the Academy as a member of the Class of 1973. During his first class year, a significant event happened to him, one that he would relate to others in years to come. On one of his first rides in the T-41 Program, he made a mistake on the takeoff, a sharp bank that he thought could be disastrous. But without any apparent difficulty, his instructor pilot took control, and easily recovered the aircraft to a safe attitude. He was so deeply impressed by this demonstration of expertise and professionalism that he vowed that one day he would share these skills with others. It was also while he was a member of the Cadet Drama Club, Bluebards, that he met his future wife, Kristine Olson. After graduation from the Academy, they were married on June 23, 1973 in Dallas, Texas. Then they went on to undergraduate pilot training at Craig Air Force Base, Ala. He received his wings in August 1974 and from his earlier experience in T-41, it became a natural choice for him to remain there as a T-37 instructor pilot.

These three years as instructor proved very fruitful for Bruce, for it was during this time that his true calling materialized. Bruce thoroughly enjoyed teaching, and flying became a medium for him to celebrate this way of helping others. It was also during this time that Bruce and Kris were blessed with their first child, Jeff.

When Craig Air Force Base closed in 1977, Bruce was reassigned to Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., as a T-33 pilot. He served in this capacity for two years, and then left the Air Force to work in Colorado Springs in the area of computers. It was here that Bruce and Kris had their second child, Brian.

When he laid his blue suit aside, it was only externally. He remained a staunch supporter of the Air Force, the Academy, and everything it stood for. His love of teaching and helping others also remained ever strong which easily explains how he quickly

became a senior software instructor with Digital Equipment Corporation and won the respect and admiration of those with whom he worked. His first love of flying was still deep within him, however, and his involvement with the Civil Air Patrol not only gave him that opportunity to fly, bgt also to give of himself to youth involvement and rescue work.

So while Bruce started out with a devotion to flying, his true desire in life was that of giving himself to helping others in any way that he could. Flying was just another medium of expression; a way that he could share himself. Those who worked with Bruce knew him as a gifted teacher, an inspirational leader, a dedicated professional, and a joyous human being. He strove for knowledge and understanding of his profession with an insatiable desire for excellence, and while he would never say it openly, his true concern was not for himself, but for those around him.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Kristine; two sons, Jeffrey and Brian of Colorado Springs; his parents, Dr. Charles and Ruth Stewart of Largo, Fla.; a sister, Virginia, of Colmbus, Ga.; and his grandmother, Hazel Brown, of Largo. The family asks that contributions in his memory be made to the Colorado Wing, Civil Air Patrol, P.O. Box 26259, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80936.

Those of us who miss him so much are comforted by the fact that he will live on in our hearts and minds. We can all treasure having known him for what he was and what he stood for. We can recall his wit and humor and again let him bring a smile to our faces and a lightness to our hearts. Everyone that he touched will be forever affected by his love of life, his unselfishness, and his example of giving. (B.J. Stanton, Jr., ’73)

Benjamin A. Cotharin, ’74

Captain Benjamin A. Cotharin, Class of 1974, was killed in an F-15 accident northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, on August 17, 1984.

While at the Academy, Ben was a member of 21st Squadron where he served as squadron commander during his firstclass year. One of the most personable and fun-loving individuals you will ever meet, Ben combined these traits with a maturity and sense of purpose that made him a truly exceptional cadet leader.

Following graduation, Ben attended pilot training and had accumulated more than 2,300 hours of fighter time in 10 years. A member of the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, at the time of his death, Ben’s talents as a fighter pilot were second to none. His dedication to flying was matched only by his devotion to family and friends. We all

Lawrence J. White, ’79

sometimes need personal or professional advice, understanding, or maybe a “swift kick” now and then Ben always seemed to know which one of these options to apply. His easygoing nature and quiet confidence helped us through the tough times, and nobody was as much fun when it came to a party.

In the short year “Biker” spent in Alaska, the genuine friendship, guidance, and entertainment he provided us all cannot and will not be forgotten. The shock of his passing is something we may eventually overcome, but we will always feel cheated at the loss of a man who understood what friendship truly entails. We’ll miss you, buddy.

Ben is survived by his mother, Mrs. Corinne Cotharin, of Rocky River, Ohio; his father, Mr. Benjamin A. Cotharin, Jr., of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Susan Meyer, of Huntsville, Ala., and a brother, Thomas, of LaFayette, La. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Donations may be sent to the Benjamin A. Cotharin Memorial Fund, Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840. (Capt. Bill Shaw, ’78)

Lawrence J. White, ’79

Captain Lawrence J. White, Class of 1979, died on July 14, 1984, from injuries received in an automobile accident in Phoenix, Ariz. At the time of his death, Larry was in F-15 training with the 461st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

As a cadet, Larry was a member of 35th Squadron and he played on the Academy’s tennis and handball teams. During his senior year he was the Fourth Group honor representative.

After graduation, Larry attended pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Ariz. He was then assigned to the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, for three years as a T-38 instructor pilot. He attended the Lead-in Fighter Training Course at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., where he received a distinguished graduate award. From there he was assigned to ternporary duty with the 461st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron.

Larry was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal posthumously for meritorious service from January 1981 to July 1984 with the 86th Flying Training Squadron, 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base. He was cited for his superior managerial and instructional skills as first assignment instructional pilot, assistant squadron flight commander, and as flight unit standardization/evaluation member. His next assignment was to be with the 32nd Tactical Air Command Fighter Squadron, Camp New Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for F-15 duty.

In sad times like these, words fail to adequately express our sense of loss. The priest at one of the memorial services referred to Larry as a person who knew how to live life to the fullest, and was one who enriched the lives of others with whom he came in contact. Many of his friends who knew him well commented on his expressive smiling eyes ready for the next moment of every day. He was energetic, humorous (but never at the expense of someone else), understanding, optimistic beyond belief, and car

Kurt D. Schwindt, ’81

ing and loving of others. However, he will always be remembered best for simply being our friend. He would “take the shirt off his back” for others. Hey bud, thanks for all the good times.

A memorial Mass was said at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oshkosh, Wis., with the Reverend Father Dilley officiating. Memorial services were also held at Luke and Laughlin Air Force Bases.

Interment with military honors was in Calvary Cemetery in Oshkosh. Larry is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Robert White of 1449 W. 4th Ave., Oshkosh; three brothers, Richard of Sunnyvale, Calif.; David of Fort Lewis, Wash.; and John of Oshkosh, and his grandmother, Irene Smith, of Ridgeway, Wis. (Capt. Robin Rand, ’79)

Kurt D. Schwindt, ’81

First Lieutenant Kurt D. Schwindt, Class of 1981, was killed on June 7, 1984, in an 0-2A aircraft accident during a training exercise near Fort Stewart Gunnery Range, Ga. He was assigned to the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS), Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., at the time of his death.

Kurt entered the Air Force in the enlisted ranks and was immediately selected for the USAFA Prep School. During his freshman year at the Academy, he was a Black Panther in the 29th Cadet Squadron and spent the last three years in Bull Six, as the “Minkus.” After graduation he went to undergraduate pilot training in Class 82-07 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and was then assigned to fly 0-2s for the 21st TASS. Kurt loved flying and with the 21st TASS he had many exciting experiences, ineluding a short tour in Grenada.

All of us who knew Kurt as family and friend will never forget his grand smile. Kurt had a love for life that he shared with us all.

Kurt We who love you miss you dearly and will carry you with us in our hearts always. To a fine man, we salute you and toast: “’Till we meet again!”

Memorial services were held in Tampa, Fla., on June 12, 1984, and were followed by a military honored burial at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Kurt’s name and donations may be sent to the Kurt D. Schwindt Memorial Fund, Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840.

Kurt is survived by his parents, Mr. Ralph and Mrs. Daphne Schwindt; and two brothers, Lt. James Schwindt (Class of 1981), and Mr. Daniel Schwindt. (Lt. Jim Schwindt, ’81)

At presstime, we had been notified of two other graduates who had died. Capt. John A. Lucas, Class of 1980, was killed in a military vehicle accident near Keota, Colo., on Aug. 26, 1984. Mr. Ronald W. Watson, Class of 1984, died on Oct. 8, 1984, at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Our sincere condolences to their family and friends.

CLASS NEWS

R. L. Penn

7968 Hiddenbridge Dr.

Springfield, VA 22153 (703) 455-5620

Percent members: 85 i r

I’ve gathered a lot of ’59er comments on the Honor Code. The concensus is that we believe in it, unequivocably. It has worked for us. The unyielding Code is the essence of the Academy. However, there is no universal agreement on what should be done now about the Honor System. Some of us recognize the extraordinary difficulties of the present time and concede that accommodation may be inevitable. We must do the best we can. Among others, Jon GALLO and Gares GARBER persuasively state the case that we can not afford to abandon the standard no matter how few can qualify. The Air Force needs the Code, and the mission of the Academy is to lead the way. The Code is more important than any other activity at the Academy, ANY activity.

Daddy rabbit of the Washington group, Fred WYNN, is putting on a September golf tournament. We have a half dozen gatherings a year here. The key to success is to get semebody in charge. Couple of notes about organization: since Joe is now the official class president, he won’t have to organize the 30th reunion now he can make someone else do it. Contrary to rumor, the new class treasurer has not absconded with our horde of cash. He loaned some of it out to a needy class, and spent the rest on his campaign for election to county commissioner. Seems that the county made plans to put a garbage dump in his back yard and the surest way to stop that is to sieze power. I don’t know why he objects to a garbage dump, I have one in my basement. (Anyone who comes to visit me, or CRO MAGNON MAN, can bring a .22 rifle and shoot some rats.) It’s good to have a blatant politician in the class finally gives us cause for some humility.

Certainly got a wealth of poop. Transmitting in the blind, here’s all I know about the following: C.R. DAVIS in San Clemente, John R. (Gator) HAYES Arabia (whatever that means does TWA have a base there now?), and Bob LOVERIDGE NW Airlines, Minnesota. If you read me, squawk flash. I don’t think anybody reads me. Last issue, Jack HUNDEMER read ’till his lips got tired and he had to quit without finishing the Class of ’60 news. He’s moved to Dallas now. Maybe he can show those guys how we do it in Washington.

The wheels of justice sometimes grind slowly: it’s been a year since I threatened to get Ironjaw transferred to the Pentagon, but it’s finally happened (it didn’t take so long to get Pete WINTERS into a desk job).

So now, B/G MAY is new deputy director for Strategic Forces, DCS/RD. (All you patriots who served time at the Pentagon understand, but for the unwashed, there is no brief explanation.) M/G BECKEL to SAC as DCS Operations, and B/G GOODRICH to Defense Mapping Agency. We get a few more ’59er generals and I’ll commence using the term “N/G” for those of us who’ve not yet made it. And, not-yet-general, L.L. DELLIGATTI is deputy director for International Programs in DCS/PR. Also, not-yet-general (but long-since-PhD) Joe MORGAN, is now commander of the Air Force Geophysical Laboratory. Dr. M-l MILLER tells me that he has season tickets at Falcon Stadium near Dr. CWACH. I think Switchie has complained to the AD.

Class of ’60 reunion will be October ’85. All ’59ers are invited to join them for partying after the Notre Dame game. Rosie (who brought us the Roman Blast and other observances) promises an appropriately-sedate affair. Seems like a good chance to run some chins in. This may be a step toward the occasional integration of the first four classes.

We have some souvenirs of the 25th Reunion left for sale. These are slightly blemished (but barely noticeable) glassware. A carafe set (one carafe and two wine glasses) is $10. An extra four glasses costs $12.50 and an extra eight glasses costs $22. Half of these revenues will go to the AOG endowment fund and half to our class fund. Send orders and checks to: 1959 Glassware, Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

1435 Reed Street _i irwr* Lakewood, CO 80215 mil (303) 232-2949

yMJohn A. (Al) Johnson \ L

Quarters 1-B Lowry AFB, CO 80230 (303) 322-0135

Percent members: 69

11 1

Thanks to C.T. Ill DOUGLAS, who has been extremely helpful in providing us with assistance as guest scribes. He and Brenda just returned from their second honeymoon—14 days in France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Lichtenstein. His comment: “Now I know why our classmates like European assignments.” They traveled with eight other airline types, and left young C.T.-IV with the grandparents in Minneapolis. Clem spent a weekend with the Utah Army National Guard out in the boonies of some proving grounds with an “A” team—he’s now making the claim of being the lowest ranking member of the Class of ’60 as a CW2 flying Caribous with the 19th Special Forces Group (commanded by Major Bob HOLT, a Salt Lake attorney from the Class of ’70). C.T.’s still with Western, lives in SLC, and sounds like he’s truly enjoying life.

Answers to last issue’s “trivia quiz:” (1) ECKWEILER and BOYINGTON. (2) Name withheld. (3) ZIMMERMAN. (4) Yes. Confidential. (5) Blue TR3-A convertible. Grey MGB roadster. White Ford, topless. White Olds conv. (6) Dave. N. Jay Boots Award. (7) Suitland. (8) Anita Bryant. Cadet who dated Miss NYC. (9) Denver Turnverein, 16th & Clarkson, Denver. (10) Too gross. (11) G1LLIS. (12) Yes. (13) WHITMAN. (14) FLYGARE. (15) Amos and Andy. (16) Wing Ding, Roman Blast, Roarin 20’s Blast.

I (Rosie) delivered the two-hour keynote address opening the “Veteran’s Small Business Conference” for 350 Vietnam-era veterans. Jim MACK (’62) came up at breaktime and reintroduced himself. He and Tim GILMARTIN (also ’62) are furloughed from Continental, and considering several business ventures. A certain John Scarlett was also there, and told me that he was a high school classmate of Bruce MOSIER. Guess that must have been back in Erie, PA, eh Bruce?

Back in Denver is Gary CREW, who has been at Martin-Marietta for a couple of years in their small missile systems and draws pictures of MXs in flight. Son Jeff’s 23 and a junior at CU’s Denver campus in business information systems. Brian is 16 and a sophomore at Arapahoe High. Wife Barbara’s in real estate, and they celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on the 9th of June. Since leaving the service in 1980, and before, Gary’s done a lot of work on various presidential campaigns—his conversation includes modest references to Ford, Carter, Air Force One, et. al. (Looks as young as if he was back in 6th Squadron.)

Working in Colorado Springs for General Electric is Dick SCHEHR, while wife Fran is busy acting as contractor for their new home in Monument. Three children: Richard (23) operates a junkyard (recycling facility for rejuvenated auto parts) in Denver; Daniel (22) is doing construction work, and their daughter Christine (19) attends college at UCCS. Dick got out in 1981, fishes, works on the non-profit U.S. Space Foundation, and graciously buys all of us rounds of drinks when we get together.

Frank David MAYBERRY is a systems engineer (“that’s about all I can say”—hush, hush) for Hughes in Denver, and has the enviable schedule of working five days on and five off. He and his wife, Eve, (a Mary Kay cosmetic salesperson) have just formed the American Service Corporation which owns a carwash, and they’re also in the process of buying their fifth rental property. Frank’s justifiably proud of his 20-year-old daughter, Kari, who just completed her training with the Air National Guard at Keesler in electronics warfare maintenance, for which she received 30 college credit hours. His son, Tristan, is 16 and a high school sophomore majoring in “punk rock” at Heritage High.

Jim GLAZA works for E.F. Hutton (notice how quiet it gets when you say that) in Colorado Springs. Linda’s the secretary in the AOG office, and they’ve got more kids than you can count. Steve’s 23 and works for May D & F, while also attending the U. of Colorado on their C-Spgs campus; Douglas is 21, and works up at the Keystone ski resort; Eddie’s 20, working in construction; Shari is 17 and Matthew is 15—both are attending Academy High. Jim and Linda recently returned to Bay City, MI, driving back a motorhome for the 50th wedding anniversary of Jim’s parents. 1 must add that Linda is a great help for propagandizing our AOG and ’60 reunion events.

If you need computer software design, contact Fred Howard PORTER III, formerly of Raleigh, NC, but now in the Springs at (303) 623-8081. MSEE, BSES, AIAA, SETP, ALP, PASCAL, ALGOL, Mary Lou, and author of numerous flight-related publications from his test pilot days.

D. Leo WALSH sent a nice letter: “...I recently returned from an event which merits reporting. Bill GOODYEAR retired and it was quite a ceremony. General B. Davis presided to a full house in the SAC theater at HQ and had some real nice comments. Bill’s last assignment was as assistant DCS/Plans at SAC...I am sure he will do wonderful things in his next career(s), but it was a sad moment for us who are left to defend the country... My little family is once more packing up. We are going back to SAC HQ (for the third time)...Liz has already rented a house...29117 Daniell Circle, Omaha, NE 68123.” And, Bill GOODYEAR can be reached in Prescott, AR, at (602) 445-8400.

Ben FURUTA’s a consultant, most recently for a computer-driven laser-video imaging system at the Science and Mathematics Teaching Resource Center in Los Angeles, employing its most sophisticated accoutrements such as a holograph, biological incubator and assorted discs, a project sponsored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (Puff, puff.)

Some of us attended the recent 25th reunion for 1959’s class, and enjoyed seeing some of the ‘‘old guys” (drumroll, please). The Academy Room at the museum was dedicated on Lowry (with ROSAL’s own Colonel JOHNSON coordinating), and it’s fun to look at the old photos dating back to 1955. The Class of 1959, by the way, has loaned, interest free, $1,000 to our class fund, an act of incredible largesse. Thanks, 9’ers.

POTPOURRI: Tony BURSHNICK abandoned the reins as commandant and left in July for Scott AFB as DCS Logistics, MAC. Sid NEWCOMB left his ROTC assignment at Michigan State University and now lives inside a postal box PSC 3206, APO Miami, FL 34002. Phil MEINHARDT stopped at Lowry AFB for some investment advice on his way to a new assignment in the U.K. as chief of Command Post. Joe DESANTIS called A1 to tell him he couldn’t stop laughing over the last column. Mike BUCHEN’s 21-year-old son bought a 1965 Corvette with his own money after asking his old man who was ‘‘not interested.” Mike’s daughter Gretchen made the UCLA band. Herb ECKWEILER’s handling his job with the Harris Corp.

Many of those in 6th Squadron from 1956-8 will recall Noble Blan, a great friend who loaned us the use of his house. Noble died several years ago, but his wife, Audrey, still lives at 724 South Osage, Denver, CO 80226, (303) WE4-8878, and it would be a thoughtful gesture if some of us dropped her a note. She’s retired from her job at Gates, and I’ve looked thru hundreds of pictures of us which she’s retained over these years.

We held a meeting on Sept. 8 at the Academy’s Lawrence Paul Lodge for purposes of further planning our 25th Reunion October 3-6, 1985. Attending were Fred and Mary Lou PORTER, Dick and Fran SCHEHR, Jock and Hope SCHWANK, Earl and Pat VANINWEGEN, Wayne and

Barbara KENDALL, Jim and Linda GLAZA, A1 and Gale JOHNSON, and Rosie and Karen CLER. Committees established: Steering— CREW/GLAZA; Wives’ Activities—Karen Cler and Barbara Crew; Logistics—KENDALL/SHIELDS/SCHWANK/BRUSH; Rembrances —SCHEHR; Football Game & Activities—VANINWEGEN and SCHWANK; Finance—BURTON and SAVAGE; and Major Events— ROSAL Productions. The “opener” is registration on Thursday, cocktails at Arnie’s with continuous slides. Friday is golf, “State of the Academy” address, tour of the zoo, evening social. Saturday—USAFA vs. Notre Dame, followed by a ROSAL production (to end all blasts) at a site designated after we locate an establishment who’s not heard about us. The big thing is just getting together. Your input and comments and old pictures and attendance and ideas are important; so, activate your pens or typewriters or secretaries and let Jim GLAZA or Gary CREW know that you’re coming. Mike LOH is our East Coast coordinator to cajole attendance in that area and George PUPICH has the West Coast. Volunteers for similar roles in S.W. and N.W. Conus? Note: Dick SCHEHR can use any and all of your old photos showing all the really neat times we had at the Academy. Pics of the Roman Blast? Our Europe trip? Ponca City?

Quote of the Week: “Can’t we have a reunion without going back to the Academy?” (name withheld by request). Bye.

Randy Cubero

7163 Wintery Loop

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Home: (303) 598-7155

AV: 259-3820

Percent members: 72

VAX/ m

Well good people, it’s almost Christmas - Hanukkah time and I would like to extend to all you ’61ers and your families a most blessed Holy Season and a prosperous and healthy New Year. It’s hard to believe that 23 Vi years have gone by since our graduation (that’s incredible). Unfortunately, it’s almost assured that the next 23 Vi years will go by as quickly. I thought for this article we’d take a little trip down memory lane. Richard (Doc) ARNOLD came to USAFA for a short visit with other liaison officers and dropped off a few photo “gems.” The first picture is of Doc himself in a very relaxed pose right outside of our beautiful dormitory building, Orville Wright Hall, at Lowry AFB. If you can imagine, these pictures were taken in October of 1957. The picture taker was either down about 4 steps, or it was NEGRONI.

Doc is now in Grand Junction, CO practicing law. He and Marti have a young teenager who, like all teenagers, is having problems bringing up father. Speaking of teenagers, Jan read me a cute one the other day. Notice to teenagers and young adults: Tired of being hassled by your parents. Now’s the time to move out, and pay your own way while you still know everything. Isn’t that great? I showed that to Dina, my 17-year-old daughter, and her only comment was “not funny, Dad!”

Why, of course, it’s our new commandant Marcus ANDERSON. (I’m selling copies of this picture to the Cadet Wing and they’re going like “hotcakes.”) Marc is doing great as the Academy’s number one soldier. He’s also not bad as a softball player. We had our annual officer (0-6 and above) vs chief master sergeants softball tournament at the Academy and the old BG showed us younger (actually, that’s junior) officers some nice glove work and hitting skills. It still wasn’t enough to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and the officers went down to their third consecutive loss (29-14). Marc did receive the second place trophy, however (what an eyesore!), and instruction from the Supt that the trophy had to be displayed in his office for one year until the ’85 game is played.

This next picture is a beaut. I can’t recall any of the faces but “Doc” tells me it was taken the day the ’59ers got their new cars. 1 believe it!

Another classmate who visited the Academy recently was Frank E. WILLIS, the vice commander of the AFMPC at Randolph. His son, Steven, is a thirdclassman at USAFA. Frank and Clarice had some pretty interesting assignments from the 305th Air Refueling Squadron at Bunker Hill, IN. to the 374 TAW at Clark AB in the Philippines (and many places in between). Clarice Willis, for those who don’t remember, was the former Clarice Hull, Mert HULL’S younger sister. Speaking of the Hulls, I did see Maxine HULL with four gorgeous daughters at Julie ELLER’s wedding. Julie is the eldest daughter of Tom and Ann and she is now the bride of 2nd Lt. Kurt Wayne SCHAKE, ’83, who is attending pilot training at Williams AFB. Tom and I went to Williams for our pilot training, way back when. As I was passing through the receiving line at the reception, Tom mentioned that Kurt’s father, who was an airline pilot flying for Pan Am, was also at Williams AFB in the A class. (Tom and 1 were in the B class.)

On some notes and other stuff, I received a nice letter from Ron FULLERTON. Ron reports that at a summer farewell for Tom and June LA PLANTE, he saw two of our other rising stars, Stu BOYD, and Richard SMITH. His only comment was that Stu was taking over as commander of the International Logistic Center at Wright-Patterson and that many of the people at WP refer to Stu as the “boy general.” He didn’t mention Dick who is the head of AFLC Contracting and Manufacturing. So evidently he looks his age.

On some quick changes of addresses, Dick FAIRLAMB is now calling Colleyville, TX, his home. Dale TABOR is at Box 7855, APO NY 09012 (IG at Ramstein for USAF Europe) and Jimmy POOLE is living on Maxwell AFB, AL, after a long and illustrious career in Washington DC. The AYLSWORTHs, William, Lil, Vestalia and Lance, are pleased to announce that their new address is at McLean, VA.

I received another nice letter from Lee (Mac) MCCLESKEY. The poor guy is the attache to Vienna. With 10 of the last 15 years spent in Europe, Joanie and the kids are ready to return to the land of the “big MAC.” If you just happen to be passing through Vienna, Mac only has about nine months to entertain you, with the strudel, the waltz and the whole bit. He also highly praised Gene DAVIS’ article on professionalism and careerism in the spring issue of Checkpoints. There were a lot of excellent thoughts in that column so if you missed it, do yourself a favor and read it slowly, it hits very close to home.

Right now at the Academy, the football team is on a “two-game roll.” The 75-7 thrashing of UNC was a little embarrassing but the coach honestly played every player in uniform. They even yelled up to me in the stands to come down but Jan wouldn’t let me and I had brought my leather helmet and everything. The next three games will be tell-tale, and if the team doesn’t read its press releases, it may do OK. They are all WAC games, by the way. When this article comes out, I’m hoping we’ll be well on our way to another bowl game.

On a more serious note, the interim procedures on the honor code have been working out as well as can be expected. I know many of you are upset about the entire incident and the decisions taken by the Academy. I can only assure you that from my vantage point everyone here is working long and hard on an acceptable solution. Interestingly, the cadets have reacted favorably to the interim procedures. As a matter of fact I sense a degree of relief on their part now that the mess is out of their hands and is being reviewed conscientiously by officer and cadet committees. I’m hoping for a quick resolution so that we can get back to life as usual.

On the local front we all recently had a “pot luck” dinner and going away party at Wayne and Erna HARING’s house for Earl “of Arabia” SAUNDERS. Earl has contracted with Telemedia Corporation to be the academic dean of the Egyptian Air Academy in Cairo. Aside from an exorbitant salary, he gets a gourd of fresh goat’s milk every day and 12 lbs of camel meat every month. Now, all Lillie has to do is learn how to prepare such delicacies as “hump a la fricasee”, and “curd shakes.” Before Lillie left she told me that Matthew Thomas Karmondy was born 9-1-84. He’s Lillie and Earl’s first grandchild. He has flaming red hair like his mother, Cathryn, and he was around 7 lbs and \9Vi inches long.

The last bit of news is about Roger STRINGER. Roger died in 1964 of cancer but his memory still burns brightly in the hearts of many of his classmates. What brings Roger to mind at this moment is that his brother Gene, who lives in Pueblo, called me recently to talk about the football team. It’s touching to know that even though Roger is not here his family has always maintained a close and special contact with the Academy during these last two decades. I might also add that there’s a graduation award for Intercollegiate Speech Competition which is given in Roger’s honor to the top cadet in forensics and that award is and has been sponsored each year by one of OUR classmates. I just found about that! The person would rather remain nameless and I’m going to respect that, but with the Holy Season approaching, that solitary act over the last 20 years is a beautiful example of what love and true friendship are all about. Peace to you all.

Patrick AFB, FL 32925

Home: (305) 784-6073

AV: 854-4340/7077

Percent members: 63

Hi Redtags! Thought I would start off with a letter from Joanne, wife of Dick HOFFERT. “Just a note to apprise you of my husband’s retirement on 31 Jul 84. It took place in Richmond, VA (DGSC), where he had been the chief of an operations research office. His new civilian position is following right along this same line. He is chief of a systems management office for a middle distribution company (NOLAN) whose headquarters are in Newport News, VA. (We just couldn’t leave the Chesapeake!) 1 was quite successful as well transferring from Ft Lee (Training Developments) to Ft Eustis (Training Developments). Our last transition for a while.”

Got a call from Austin WEDEMEYER a few weeks ago. He recently transferred to the Naval War College as the Air Force advisor. He has

rapidly adjusted to the nautical climate in Newport, RI. He is in military housing, in what was formerly Ft Adams. The house was built in 1887 and presents a spectacular view of Newport Harbor. His daughter, Laurie, will be entering Stanford Univ. this fall, majoring in mass communications. Wife, Linda, will be active in wives club affairs, while Austin will be in training for his three-year tour to become an “ole salt.” He is the proud skipper of a 14-ft sailboat and is officially enrolled in skipper’s school. Enjoy the water, Austin.

I’m sure most of you have received Lt Gen Scott’s letter about the recent problems with Honor violations. As the current superintendent, he has asked for our help and our suggestions both to examine the Honor Code system and keep it healthy in the future. Take out a few minutes and scribble a few notes to the Supe’s Honor Assessment Committee.

One other item to consider is membership in the AOG. All of you reading this column are AOG members. But you probably know a Redtag who is not. Try a little friendly persuasion to get him to join. Let’s all stick together.

Willie and Nancy Gray, Dan Donovan, Caroline and Jack Jamba at Jamba's house earlier this spring.

Our base newspaper reprinted an article by Bob BAXTER on the topic of Mario Andretti and leadership. It was a very enlightening article that pointed out some common characteristics that all great leaders possess. Bob was still the commander of the 31st TFW at Homestead. He then went to Hq TAC as the asst deputy commander for Ops at Langley.

Last year I mentioned that I had talked to Embert PAGE when I was in Denver but had lost my notes. Lo and behold, I found them almost a year later. Here they are updated and ready for publishing. Embert works for Martin Marietta in Denver as an aeronautical engineer. He is assigned to Defense Systems and specilizes in spacecraft altitude control systems, especially computer simulation work. Previous projects for him include Skylab, Manned Maneuvering Unit, and Viking. His wife, Sylvia, teaches art part time at a local bible college and was looking forward to doing an art show. Son, Lawrence, (17 yrs) is a senior in high school who sings and acts and shares a strong interest in writing poetry and novels with his sister, Katherine (15 yrs), who is in the 11th grade. Daughter, Elizabeth (12 yrs), is in the 9th grade and enjoys drawing and oil painting together with the other two. Embert said that Rudy BOW visited them last year from his home in Tempe, Arizona. Rudy’s son had expressed an interest in USAFA last year as a junior in high school.

Some change-of-address cards: Harold KECK is now stationed at Pope. Cliff FALLON is residing in Moscow, ID. Cliff, what are you doing in Moscow, Idaho? Gary LENTZ is betting on snake eyes in Las Vegas. Rich KREBS, a fellow native of Jersey City, is now in Long Beach, CA.

Got a letter from John FLANAGAN with some very elegant words on the back of a brochure announcing his new company. “Enclosed are dues. Pis forward brochure to class secretary (’62) (Don’t have address). Thanks, JFF.” Well at least I heard from him. There is still a sizeable group of you who have never dropped me a line. I hope this makes you feel guilty and forces you to finally write John’s brochure was very impressive. He is the president of International Management Services, Ltd (IMS) a Stamford, Conn., consulting firm specializing in the financial and administrative functions of a corporation. His list of credits/ achievements is very impressive. He has an MBA from Boston College and has done advanced studies at the Brookings Institute. He has been a Presidential Interchange Executive, the White House/Dept of Transportation; dir of Corporate Planning for American Airlines, an adjunct professor in Finance and Transportation, and treasurer of Holland America Lines. He is still a Lt Col in the New York ANG.

I’ll finish off with a letter I got from Ron TAYLOR. “Just a short letter to let you and other Redtags know I’m still alive. I am the director of Combined Operations for Taegu AB, Korea. My wife, Bobbie, is NCOIC of the Special Security Detachment at Camp Henry, Taegu. Being stationed within seven miles of each other the past year has been great so we extended to June, 1986. Bobbie meets the E-8 board this month and has an excellent chance. Daughter, Ronee, is a senior in high school this coming year (and has a good chance of graduating!). I have not seen a Redtag pass through Taegu since I have been here. Our family has visited with Gail PECK’s family twice at Kadena AB, where Gail is the 18th TFW vice commander. With any luck, Bobbie will be assigned in the D.C. area in June 1986 (where we both hope to retire). Until then, any Redtag passing through Taegu give us a call (she is a fabulous cook) and just ask for “the other Taylor” Bill TAYLOR (’61) is our commander.”

Of

Skip Lee

2212 22nd Drive

Kirtland AFB, NM 87116

Home: (505) 268-3181

AV: 244-9408

Percent members: 70

Shortly after mailing off the copy for last quarter’s column, I found myself in a local Waldenbooks store staring at a rack of books with the name Peter J. OGNIBENE in big gold letters on the front. The title? As advertised last time: The Big Byte. Naturally, I am good to my word and instead of waiting for a personalized copy from the author, I plunked down $2.95 plus tax of my hard-earned dollars and added to Pete’s royalties. This, so you may have a literary review at the earliest possible moment. Part of the book’s cover advertised its contents as “Computer Crime Computer Sex The High Tech Thriller ...” A very accurate description for what I found in the text. Mind you, the story was not up to John Le Carre standards but still very entertaining a “novel” story line and easy to read. A bit too much sex on the level of Hollywood Wives which detracts somewhat from the overall quality of the writing but I’m sure will sell books. All in all Pete, you done good.

So much for critic’s corner. Larry HOFFMAN sent a super package about his family and especially youngest son Mike (11). Larry and eight other sponsors raised the prerequisite $3,000 for Mike to run a 1-kilometer leg carrying the Olympic Torch through Atlanta no, Larry still resides in Tampa on its way to Los Angeles. Mike’s big day took place on 31 May. Mike is not a flash-in-the-pan runner by any stretch of the imagination. He has competed in over 85 races including finishing in a marathon at the age of nine. Dad admits he also ran in the same race but dropped out after 22 miles. Other Hoffman family news included a soccer exchange program in England this summer for oldest son Matt (12) and Mom, Cheryl, who went along as a chaperone. Daughter Lori (17), who is a high school senior, is also a budding professional photographer. Larry is a hard-working criminal lawyer with over 120 jury trials to his credit. He is scheduled to handle his first murder-one case this fall. Not having experience as a public defender or prosecuter, Larry is preparing to meet the challenge of his career.

A letter from Rich O’LEAR contained a check for the Class Crest and an apology for being so late. I agree, better late than never. Rich and Betty recently moved into a condominium in Arlington. With both girls gone off to college this fall, Rich didn’t see much sense in mowing grass anymore. I found out through other sources that he is working at AF/1N, which stands to reason. Those Intel guys never tell you what they are up to guess we didn’t have the need to know. Thanks for the note, and I promise to forward the check.

Jerry DRISCOLL reported in from Berkeley, CA, with some good poop to pass along: Jerry SHERRILL is PAS at Purdue (Det 220); Harry WILSON is base commander at Florennes, Belgium, a new GLCM base; and Ray HAMILTON, recently graduated from AWC, will stay at Maxwell to be chief of Soviet Military Studies. All this while Jerry D was attending AFROTC Orientation at Maxwell. He is the new professor of air science at Cal Berkeley, where he reports all is finally quiet on the western front.

In the midst of a hectic moment one afternoon (while camped in the ops center), I received a phone call from one Ike PAYNE. Unble to talk right then, I promised to call him back when we could talk longer. Two weeks later I made contact Ike was busy, not me. Working for the Contract Management Division here at Kirtland, Ike is deeply involved in the B-1B acceptance program. As a matter of fact, I caught him at the office after 1700 finishing up paperwork. He has just returned from the B-1B roll-out ceremonies at Palmdale. Ike passed on that Jim DIFFENDORFER left AFOTEC also here at Kirtland last spring for Washington in preparation for his assignment as air attache to the U. S. Embassy in Bonn, West Germany. Tough duty, but someone must do it. Rog HEGSTROM also pulled up his New Mexico stakes at the same time and can now be found plying his trade at Wright-Patterson AFB in the Flight Dynamics Laboratory.

A few duty changes include Robert G. LORENZ as chief, System Support Branch, Headquarters SHAPE, Mons, Belgium; Danny ECKLES to Bergstrom; Bob STORMS (retired) to Torrance, CA; Pat CARUANA to APO San Francisco 96230, which translates to Kadena come on, guys, a little help please; Jerry SAILORS back to Charleston as the DO; and Garet NENNINGER to Clear Lake City, Texas.

Item of note: The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach, SC, has become a real home for Yellow Tags. Rog SORENSEN was the wing commander, as reported in a previous column, and now Charlie PARKER is the deputy commander for operations and Jim JAMERSON is the vice commander. Can’t help but be the best run wing in TAC. Finally, my information sources have Mike CHRISTY retired and doing beltway bandit type duty consulting out in the balmy climes of Honolulu and PACAF. Need some help, Mike?

I can’t close this column without expressing my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Greg FAIRHURST. His unexpected death was a real shock to us all, and he will always be remembered as a fine officer, great friend and classmate.

Until next time, thanks for all the calls and letters. I really would like to hear from everyone and especially you guys who have or are about to retire. The rest of us will face that day all too soon, and I expect we can learn a lot from your experiences. As this column will not be into your hands until the holidays are upon us, Linda and 1 want to wish you all the best for the coming new year. So ends 15 years as your reporter.

Mike Robbins

3422 Barkley Drive

Fairfax, VA 22031

Home: (703) 280-1171

Office: (202) 697-9301

AV: 227-9301

Percent members: 72

HgtJesYT*/1

(Editor’s note: The regular 1964 Class News column is incorporated in the Class of 1964 Homecoming article which appears elsewhere in the magazine.)

DON’T MISS A MAGAZINE.

KEEP YOUR ADDRESS UP TO DATE.

Jim Page

9625 Lincolnwood Dr. Burke, VA 22015

Home: (703) 250-8654

AV: 227-8300

Percent members: 65

IS THERE LIFE AFTER THE PENTAGON? In a valiant effort to escape the pressures of decision-making, I managed to schedule a couple of hours for much deserved rest in the Pentagon Officers’ Athletic Club. As 1 signed into the pool area for a few quick laps and a rinse in the hot tub, a voice called out to me, “Aren’t you the class writer?” Unashamedly, I admitted to attending the executive writing course twice and producing some memorable memos. But the intruder went on to clarify his question and 1 had to confess that I had authored the previous Checkpoints class article. Then he introduced himself as the Western Hemisphere Wizard of JCS, Stan WILKOWSKI. We exchanged the usual Pentagon pleasantries... “How much longer do you have in this assignment?” We both figured that we had about a year to go. “Sorry, I guess that is a long time.” Then we both dove into the pool to burn off energy. After a rinse and shower I started back to the office thinking of how much time I had left when there in front of me was the FNG of Personnel, Howie HILLV So new to the Pentagon that he was wearing a hat to the POAC. I hated to enter into the usual Pentagon pleasantries, but I did. Make my day, FNG. Make my day. Howie just settled in from an operational assignment with the 437MAW at Charleston and now has the job of integrating manpower policies for AF/MPMI.

THE CLASS REUNION. Frank McCANN and Scott DUNCAN have initiated the planning necessary for our class reunion. They are busy at the Academy finding good lodging rates and learning from the ’64 reunion. Rain, snow or shine, the reunion will be held 21 Sept. 1985. Anyone willing to help in this endeavor should call Frank at his office (AV: 259-3450) or at his quarters, (303) 528-8869.

AND FLYING LEFT WING... The last time I saw T.J. BROWN was 12 years ago at Edwards while I was transienting through with a T-38 and T.J. was doing his time at the test school. T.J. wrote to say that after leaving the Air Force in 1972, he became a certified public accountant and managed to own three or four businesses along the way in putting together his current business which is a national real estate tax shelter firm. Not all of T.J.’s time is spent with rolled-up sleeves and a green eye shade; he is also the founder and flies left wing with the Black Hawk Aerobatic Team in a Pitts S-2B. See you at the reunion, T.J. THOSE SUMMERTIME MOVES. Mike PHILLIPS, from the rated management division, AF/XOOTD, helped me sort through the changeof-address cards. Chuck COLEMAN moved from Germany to Langley AFB; Bill HARWOOD from APO 96367 to Tyndall; Gerry HODGSON from Kelly AFB to Booneville AR; Henry BONDARUK from WRAFB to ICAF(NDU), Ft. Leslie McNair; Dick HUSEMANN from Germany to Bolling; Chuck JOHNSON from APO 96328 to Patrick; Bill McLEOD from APO 09123 to APO 09321; and Tom MURAWSKI from the White House to Colorado Springs.

Tom is back in USAFA’s English Department after three years in Washington two years with the Navy and one at the White House. He has been teaching military and civilian agencies to write better.

Curt NELSON moved from one house to another at Edwards; Jock PATTERSON from APO 09755 to Langley AFB; Don ROGERS from Vienna, VA, to APO 09011; Mike RYAN from National War College to Misawa; Harvey SHELTON from Little Rock AFB to Scott AFB; John VICKERY from NATO Defense College to APO 09012; and Paul WILKE from Little Rock AFB to Army War College.

(Editor's note: Anyone in contact with Rocky O. Smith please tell him to contact the AOG office. His class ring has been found.)

John Casper v “-I —i'

16438 Longvale Dr.

Houston, TX 77059

Home: (713) 488-7856

Office: (713) 483-2411

Percent members: 67 5#

HELLO REDTAGS: Lots of news and rumors this issue, thanks to many of you who wrote or called. Please note my new phone number in the block above if you get the chance to call. Sorry, no autovon line into the office here at the Johnson Space Center.

HOUSTON HOTLINE: Chris and I had a relaxing Labor Day afternoon with Jess and Mary MOON and family, who were kind enough to invite us over for dinner. Jess left the AF in ’79, after a flying career that included ATC (T-41s and T-37s), TAC (F-lOOs), a SEA tour as a FAC, and a hardship tour in Hawaii flying 0-2s. Jess got his master’s at the University of Arizona in systems engineering, and now works for Singer to upgrade the F-16 simulator. Mary, who has a graduate degree in zoology and marine biology, works for NASA as a medical physiologist. She puts the life sciences experiments together for space shuttle missions and will have several experiments on upcoming flights. Andy (14) and Chris (11) are avid soccer players for local teams.

Jim HIGHAM, newly arrived at the Pentagon, reports that he is the deputy division chief for Resources and Flying Hours in AF/PR. Jim just left Randolph AFB where he was chief of ATC Stan Eval and later was a member of the ATC IG Team. Prior to Randolph, Jim was at USAFA as commander of the 557th Flying Training Squadron flying T-41s. The photo shows Jim Jr. (16), Nancy, Jenny (13) and Jim at their favorite vacation spot in Stone Harbor, NJ.

The Moon family: Mary, Andy (in front), Chris and Jesse.

PERSONAL UPDATES: I received a much welcomed call from Lou TURPEN recently, with news about his family and career. Lou and wife, PD, are living in San Francisco where Lou is director of the San Francisco International Airport. Lou’s AF career as a civil engineer included tours at Grissom AFB, Wright-Patterson for grad school, and Guam with SAC. He left the AF in ’79 to become chief of operations at the San Francisco airport, and was recently promoted to director. Lou boasts a possible first for the Class of ’66: his son Ken is a Doolie (Class of ’88) in 11th SQ and just came out on the Commandant’s List. Congratulations Lou, PD and Ken! Any other sons/daughters of Redtags at USAFA or is this a bona fide first?

Jim TILLEY passed on the news that he and Kathy are now living in Burke Center, VA. Jim left his job as commander of the 6513th Test Squadron at Edwards AFB to work with the Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA), in Washington, DC. Jim is helping to organize a new division to support international operations and negotiations conducted by DSAA.

A1 NADER, a recent grad of Army War College, is also new to the Pentagon as deputy chief of Aircraft and Training in AF/RDQ. Al’s career began with rescue C-130s at Wright-Patterson. He then flew C-130s at McChord AFB, where he held positions in Stan Eval and Wing Tactics. From ’81 to ’83 he was commander of the 62nd OMS at McChord, a maintenance squadron with over 500 officers and enlisted troops. No one gave A1 any lip though; they figured anyone that short who could fly a C-130 had to be tough.

Spoke to Mike BULKELEY who is on a joint service tour with the Defense Logistics Agency in Wichita, KA. Mike is in a commander’s billet supervising 135 people and 4,000 military contracts for spare parts and services for AF engines and airframes. With all the recent media and congressional interest in spare parts pricing, sounds like Mike and wife Susan will have a challenging tour.

SENIOR SERVICE SCHOOLS: Many congratulations to the Redtags who graduated last summer from school and my apologies to anyone who was inadvertantly omitted from the list. Not mentioned in the summer issue was Air War College (AWC) grad Joe ALLEN, who is now base civil engineer and commander of the Civil Engineering Squadron at Torrejon AB, Spain. Ken FUNKHOUSER left AWC for Personnel Plans (AF/MPS) at the Pentagon. Jack WORMINGTON went to AFSC’s Space Division in LA where he is the ASAT program chief. Pat O’BRIEN traded Alabama for Hawaii and a joint tour in Pacific Command’s J-3. “Fast Eddy’’ SHIRLEY was a distinguished graduate headed for Ramstein and the 86th TAC Fighter Group (F-4Cs). Tom KINCAID graduated with the class a representative of all AWC seminar students worldwide. Redtag John FAL was merciless with his red pen as an instructor in the academic instructor course at Maxwell. Please let me know if I’ve missed anyone else.

Many ’66ers are in the current class at AWC under the tutelage of class president (senior ranking officer) Dave OAKES. Dave recently returned from Ramstein AB where he was director of Ops Requirements for HQ USAFE. With Dave and wife Joey at Maxwell are Joe NARSAVAGE, Phil GARDNER, Ken HACKER, Mike HEENAN, Dick BETHUREM, Dave MARCRANDER, and Don WALKER.

Jerry ALLEN reports from ICAF that John VAN DUYN is there with him. John crossed the Potomac from his former job in the Pentagon with OSD. Carrying the REDTAG banner at National War College is Vic ANDREWS, most recently deputy base commander and prior to that, commander of the 416 TAC Fighter Training squadron at Holloman AFB. Of particular interest is that ICAF and NWC participated in a discussion of the budget process with a panel of government “experts.” Members of this distinguished panel included Gary VAN VALIN (AF/PRP) and Mike PARMENTIER (OSD/PA&E). (I could write something about “the blind leading the blind,” but in the interests of good taste, 1 won’t.) Kevin McELVAIN is holding down the fort for ’66 at Carlisle Barracks at the Army War College.

SAWBONES UPDATE: I had no idea how many classmates were in medical practice in the San Antonio area until I got Charlie CHRISTIAN’S letter. Charlie has been at Wilford Hall Medical Center for most of his AF career and is currently an 0-6 serving as chairman of

the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department. Charlie says he will probably enter private practice in San Antonio this fall and we all wish him good luck. Also at Wilford Hall are Tom SHEPLER in orthopedics (hand surgery) and John ST1TH, specializing in ENT. Nat SANDERSON is a cardiologist with his own practice in San Antonio. (1 always feel uncomfortable when 1 hear these guys talk about their medical “practice.” You’d think that by now they would have gotten good enough to do the real thing.)

WHO’s WHERE: This stuff is hot off the grapevine, which means there’s a good chance something did happen, but the accuracy of what actually occurred is questionable. Here goes: Mike CONNORS moved from JCS to AF/PRP, both at the Pentagon. Don CRAIGIE, from AF/XOD (Pentagon) to director of Flight Ops (OTS) at Hondo, TX. Hugh GOMMEL flies Electric Jets at Hahn as the chief of Wing Inspections Kathy, Kristy, Michael and Katie all say they love Germany and the 50th TFW. Ann and Rusty GIDEON are at ASD, Wright-Pat. Stan BOYD is a DO for AFSC at Edwards AFB. Marty DAACK and Charlie SARFF are mission area analysts in AF/XO at the Pentagon. 1 ran into Don HALLENBECK at Nellis a few months ago at that time Don was an F-15 ops officer at Elgin. Randy JAYNE sent me a nice note of congratulations from his new General Dynamics office in St. Louis, MO. Walt SCHRECKER is in Plans and Doctrine on the Air Staff. Also at the Pentagon are Butch ZENT, SAF/ALP; Carl Baker, AF/XOD, Dan HE1TZ and Bill DUNN, AF/RD; and Mike GAFFNEY, AF/IN.

TWENTY YEAR REUNION: Too soon to think about it? Not so, says Dale ELLIOTT, deputy commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School and chief planner for last year’s mini-reunion in USAFE. Based on that experience, Dale believes that the most important thing is to start thinking about the get-together and make a commitment now to “be there in ’86.” The 20-year point will be a biggie in anyone’s book; it deserves the best planning and participation we can muster. Volunteers are needed to start the ball rolling soon, so if you’re interested in helping out in any way, give me a call or write me a note.

MUCHAS GRACIAS: 1 sure appreciate all the calls and letters I got prior to this issue. The inputs contained a lot of interesting news and good tips to follow up on. But keep those cards, letters, and calls coming. Your class news needs your news!

Dan Morgan

909 Fiorenza Dr. Lothian, MD 20711

Home: (301) 627-6964

AV: 858-7186

Percent members: 60

mTom GRIESSER wrote from McChord. He is the 62nd MAW/CVI (wing inspector and exercise evaluator). He saw Denny MILLER in Sacramento, doing well there as executive director of Medical Personnel Pool. On another trip, he saw Jim WHITE. Jim is the Field Maintenance Sq. CO at Norton, and the base golf champion (4 handicap). Tom also reports the transmutation of a famous rock, Chris DYSART. Reportedly, his wedding was in Italy, on the Isle of Capri, to a Navy nurse. Please fill us in, Chris!

Ven HAMMONDS assumed command of the 62nd Security Police Sq. on 1 Aug 84, McChord AFB, crossing the base from being ops officer of the 8th MAS. (Maybe I can get his wife, Dianne, to send a picture with Ven in his beret!) Ven and Dianne, and Tom and Beth, and Joe and Eldene HOLBROOK recently got together in Seattle. While the women shopped, the men played on Joe’s home golf course Sehalee Country Club which is really special. Joe is the general manager for Pepsi/7-Up in Seattle.

Tom sent a book review from the 22 Jul 84 Tacoma Sun of Charlie CLEMENT’S Witness to War\\9M). Charlie wrote this based upon his year of experience, 1982-3, practicing medicine among the Salvadoran peasants and guerrillas. The review describes the book as skillful and eloquent. It sounds fascinating; especially since Charlie convincingly argues that the U.S. government totally misunderstands this war of antiCommunist peasants rebelling against wealth-based, corrupt, government-sponsored atrocities and violent repression of the people. Neal DUGGAN also sent an article on Charlie. This one, from Maryknoll magazine, briefs Charlie’s Quaker conversion, the extraordinary medical improvisations he used in El Salvador, and about the people there. Details are staggering: 25% child mortality and an additional 40% of the land seized by the rich over the last 20 years. Charlie used dental floss for sutures, fought amemia with rusty water “cocktails,” found natural

substitutes for medications, taught very basic hygiene... This is a book I’m going to read.

Neal’s wonderful letter also contained page 69 from the 11 June 84 Fortune. It shows Pat NESBITT, a California real estate developer, enjoying doing business in his luxurious O’Gara limousine. Neal is with Hartford Insurance, training and licensing agents and marketing annuities and mutual funds. He had a “liquid consultation” with Ray LEOPOLD in an Oldtown Alexandria establishment, recently. Ray is now at Hanscom, program manager for the new, secure, anti-jamming communication system for tactical fighters. Basically, he oversees its transition from the development to the engineering phase. Both Ray and Neal reported that J. P. MILLER, the civilian base architect at Lowry, is at Wright-Pat doing an AFIT master’s.

AOG Updates: I have a new address for Lex PAGE in Portland. Peyt COLE has moved to Maxwell AFB, Bob ENGLEBRETSON to Sacramento, Pete HUGDAHL to San Antonio, and Hank ARNOLD to Longmont, CO. Bill SEXSON is in the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Department at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta. Ed GUNTER has moved to Randolph AFB as the chief of the Ops branch of the IG team, while Greg LOSER has moved from that IG team to be ops officer of the 559th FTS (T-37s). Eddie FOLZ is now in Springfield, VA.

Since 1 Aug I’ve been having a “startled” reaction, seeing from the corner of my eye an unfamiliar golden flash on my shoulders. After being a captain so long, it’s fun getting over the feeling of impersonating a senior officer!

We’re looking forward to receiving your annual newsletter, and would really enjoy some photos, too (any good-contrast photo is fine, including Polaroids). My next deadline is 5 Dec. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mark Torreano

Box 246

APO San Francisco 96328

Office: x54282/3 Yokota AB Japan

Home: x55371 Yokota AB Japan

Percent members: 56

Hi, sports fans! Pretty great Olympics, wasn’t it? And so far in a short season, the Falcon footballers seem to be on the right track. USAFA sure came out lookin’ good as a result of Lt BABERS’ fine performance in LA. I suppose he was rarely late to formation as a Dool. Have been quite busy of late, and am preparing for a two-week TDY to the States, so will be brief.

Letters: Pat PATTERSON sent this snap of him assuming command of the 2063 Comm Sqdn on 5 June in Weisbaden, West Germany. Pat says he’d enjoy having classmate visitors; his address is 2063 CS/CC, Box 4534, APO NY, 09633. I know you’ll have a good time and do a great job, Pat.

All of our Lt Col selectees pinned the silver leaves on 1 Sep. Don’t forget to get a new ID card and photo. I took the family on leave to Korea for shopping over the Labor Day weekend, leaving Japan a major and returning a Lt Col. My kids put the rank on me in a hotel room; great family support. We spent the raise for the whole year on cheap clothes, gifts, etc. I also got my tailormade ceremonial blue and white uniforms.

Charlie and Nancy HOLLAND came up from Clark AB in the Philippines in August and stayed with us for a night while visiting the Big Mikan (a mikan is a Japanese tangerine very popular in Tokyo). We enjoyed the brief encounter and hope to see a few more of you before we leave here next May.

Update-your-Register-time: Leroy BARCO to Seoul; Dan BARKER to Whiteman AFB, MO; Bill BEGERT to Springfield, VA; Bill BOWMAN to Bergstrom AFB, TX; Jim CARR to Denver, CO; Rich JOHNSON to the Pentagon; Bob PAVELKO to Pease AFB; and Ralph TEMPLIN to Kadena AB, Japan.

I saw in the AF Times that Ted WIERZBANOWSKI is the test pilot for the Air Force’s new experimental airplane, the Northrop F-29, which has the forward swept wings. Ted, just don’t try to sit in it backwards. No more news available here. No mail or calls this time to write of. Hope to see some of you on my CONUS trip and use the info gained to fill this up next time.

Michael R. Thiessen

Brown & Thiessen, P.C. '< n-t 1'

Suite 2121, City Center Square

Kansas City, MO 64105

Home: (913) 642-7692

Office: (816) 474-4114

Percent members: 57 \JtDFPf

Four ’69ers participated in the annual Wing Ding Dinner of the Capitol Chapter of the AOG. The photograph records the participants as follows: Maria Merkowitz, Gene JUSTIN, Pat and Bob HAVRILLA, Bobbie and Jim HOSKINS, and Pam and Ed WEISE. Ed would like to see more of our classmates attend the AOG dinners as well as the luncheons at the Pentagon. Why don’t you all attend the next year’s event and then Ed can send me a long newsy letter about all your activities and achievements.

Ed notes that Tom ALLEN, Skip SKINNER, Gene JUSTIN, and Jack BOGUSCH are in various divisions of Studies and Analyses. Bill MAGILL, Jack OVERSTREET and John DALLAGER are in Programs. Woody CLARK is in the National Guard Bureau. Don DESSERT works airlift issues for XOO. Skip DALY is in Legislative Liaison. T. J. DOHERTY works out of XOX but travels the world keeping up on Special Ops requirements. Bob TOEWS is in LE. Bill TUTTLE works with the DOD civilians on various arms control issues. J. P. BOYER is in manpower. Ron LOVE is the JCS operations. Ed also sees Ed LAND, Bob PAINE (jogging with shades and a “walkman”), Dave HAMILTON and George DeFILIPPI who are frequently at the P.O.A.C. (is that Pentagon Officer’s Athletic Club?) in varying states of dress or undress.”

These are just some of the ’69ers stationed in the Capital area that Ed sees. He has also reported the following sightings of our classmates in transit through the area. Rob JUDAS and Ed shared an escalator while Rob was heading to the Metro to return to Langley AFB. John SKORUPA was in from MAC where he is working C-17 issues for XP. Chip WOOD visited the Defense Nuclear Agency to “consult” with them.

One final note from Ed. The plane in the photograph shows what pilots at the Pentagon are allowed to fly an Andrews Aero Club Cessna. The plane was a gift to Ed from Pam, but since he only has had enough time to fly one or two hours a month the plane has been used primarily by other club members which has resulted in no sunk investment for the WEISEs! By the way, that is daughter Wendy with Ed. For those ’69ers Ed omitted or misunderstood, contact me directly and I will publish your news in the next issue.

Kit BUSCHING called from back east to, among other things, report that he never thought he would live back east. (We midwesterners and westerners must think alike!) Nevertheless, he is not only back east but close to Newark no less, with his bride of 14 years. Kit is upgrading in the 737 with People Express. Rusty BROWN and Dave ANDERSON are also in the 737 with People Express. Kit reports that Bugs FORSYTHE is at McConnell in F-4s and Jim CUMMINGS is in D.C. with EPA’s Dioxin Cleaning office.

As promised, Darrel WHITCOMB has ferretted out additional information about ’69ers flying with Delta. At last report Mike KLINDT is living in Marietta, GA, and is a second officer on the 727. Terry MURPHY is living in Peachtree City, GA, and is an L-1011 second officer. Bill LEATHERBEE is a 737 first officer living in Dallas and flying C-5s with the Reserves at Dover. Darrel is an L-1011 second officer flying out of Dallas, living in Overland Park, KA, and is flying A-10s at Richards Gebauer.

As a result of Darrel’s queries, Marty CAVATO sent a very enjoyable letter. Marty, Joan and their two girls (a third child is due in October) have just moved to Clearwater, FL. Marty is a 727 second officer. Joan has been doing substitute teaching and volunteer work at the girls’ schools. Joan has turned her family into Florida Gator fans, going to five or six games a year at home and on the road. Marty and Joan are looking forward to pursuing their interest in horses, interests their girls share. We’re talking riding and handling, not wagering!

Tom ALLEN has provided some additional information regarding Pentagon people. Tom reports that Chuck VOLLMER has been peddling MACAIR products working out of St. Louis and that Bill KENNEDY recently moved to the Navy side of the Joint Cruise Missile office.

Harry LAWS has returned to the Academy as chief of pediatrics. Harry is responsible for taking care of children which he notes includes some cadets. Harry also notes that P. K. CARLTON is now a full colonel. Harry is glad to be back at the roost.

Mike MCGALLIARD writes from Jerusalem that he arrived there a month ago as a UN Military Observer for the UN Troop Supervision Organization. Foot INGERSOLL and Terry BRADY have also had this same job. Mike expects to be in Cairo most of the first six months of his tour and in Israel for the second six months. He hopes to go to MAC HDQTRS for his next assignment.

Roger BAILEY reports that he is associate general counsel for Electronic Data Systems. He is responsible for doing “virtually everything.” Kirby KILLIAN is a systems engineer in the Banking Division at EDS. Roger also notes that Scott KOERNER was flying for Southwest Airlines when he saw Scott last year. According to Roger, the North Texas Chapter of the AOG is alive and well.

From the Academy Dick DOWNES informs us that he is teaching Latin American history and is finishing his PhD in United States and Brazil. Having spent nine months permissive TDY in Brazil doing research, he doesn’t see many ’69ers with the exception of Chaplain Charlie BALDWIN. Ron CALLEN is executive vice-president of Datamax USA Corporation. He is primarily responsible for marketing and sales. Ron

notes that Ted PURYEAR is living in San Francisco, Matt WALDRON is at Keesler, Mark (Tex) ENGER is at Offutt, Charlie MABRY is an instructor at Montgomery, Dave MUMME is flying for NASA with the Shuttle Program, Hud BAER is in personnel at SAC and Fritz WOOSTER is an attorney in San Francisco. Ron remains active in the Air Force Reserves and has two children.

Dave HARTMAN is the chief of the Tactical Support Division, directorate of STAN/EVAL and is responsible for “every aircraft in TAC that is not an “F” coded machine.” Dave was at Tinker from 1976-1984. Prior to his STAN/EVAL work he was an E-3A ACFT CMDR. Dave YOST is executive vice-president of the Columbus Division of KaufmanLattimer Wholesale Drug Company. He manages about 300 people and is totally responsible for the return on the assets in his division. The company distributes pharmaceuticals, health and beauty aids and related merchandise in six states to about 1,000 customers. Dave’s wife, Jean (CWC ’69), is expecting their third child in February. Dave reports that Chris CURTIS has moved to Pittsburgh and is in the coal brokerage business.

Finally a brief report from my fellow DINFOS roomie Smily GILL1G. Smily is back with the Buckeyes in Columbus. He is the owner of a company supplying hospital gift shops with reps working for him nationally. The business is in its 5th year and doing very well. Diane is a speech and hearing specialist with Columbus public schools. Smily and Diane have three daughters, Laura 13, Julie 10, and Cathy 8. Smily reports that he saw Jim HOSKINS in D.C. this summer. Jim is at the Pentagon.

Thanks to you all for your letters. Keep them coming in!

Michael L. Rose

1011 Venus Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Home: (303) 634-3050

Office: (303) 576-6314

Percent members: 54

Here we are again going for the record for the shortest class news input; that can only mean that everyone in the Class of 1970 had a super busy summer.

About all 1 have to pass on is some relocation news (bore-ring) and the whereabouts of Jack TRIMBLE. Classmates with changes of address are:

Rex JONES from Universal City to Randolph AFB, TX; Richard ROD1ECK to within Washington, DC; Scott HOVERSTON from Huntington Beach to Suisun, CA; Tim K1NNAN (Sue) from Burke to Langley AFB, VA, flying F-15, daughters are 12 and 9; Gene QUIST from Beale AFB to Gainesville, FL; Tony DESANTIS to within Mission Viejo, CA; Dave PERRON (Patricia) from Pogvoson, VA, to APO, NY; Blake SONOBE to Colo Spgs; Jerry BRUN1 to Colo. Spgs.; and Vic BRADFORD from Farmington, CT, to Rantoul, IL.

As mentioned previously, 1 learned from Jack TRIMBLE that he can be found burning the midnight oil in the AOC’s office of CS-17. Jack, a former POW and fighter pilot for 14 years, has moved to USAFA from Holloman AFB, NM.

Looking forward to hearing from many of you folks before my next deadline in December...

Ralph Getchell

5840 Auckland Drive

Las Vegas, NV 89110

Home: (702) 438-1699

Percent members: 43

Dear Mom,

Now that I’ve finished my retraining at the Academy, the Air Force has let me return to the flying business. Mary and the kids are all settled in at Las Vegas and I’m here in Tampa (MacDill AFB) checking out in a cute little airplane called the Electric Jet. Since Tampa is pretty close to home, you’d think I’d be able to visit every weekend. Maybe I will after a while, but right now I’m going through a phase of training known as paying your dues. You have to do it for every airplane you fly. First of all, they make us drink out of a firehose and read a lot (relying on osmosis just doesn’t work anymore). We also have to learn a strange new language with words like “epoo,” “smiz,” and “flickus.” We even have to study at night and attend mandatory social training on Friday evenings.

I had hoped to run into Carl STEGMAN here, but he’s already moved to Torrejon, Spain, John DOBBS is here though and is assistant opera

tions officer of the squadron I’ll be flying with. John will be leaving in November for Nellis and a job in the Fighter Weapons School.

Thanks for forwarding that package from the AOG; I’d be lost without those cards. Do you remember Dickie BRIMS? He’s moving to Hulburt Field to fly the HH-53H with the 20th SOS. Mike DOWN1E is still doing well. Not only did he escape the Pentagon after only two years, but he was selected to be deputy political advisor for SACEUR (please refer to that USAF-English dictionary I gave you last Christmas).

Several other classmates have also moved around. Mike FRATZKE went from Minot to Chatfield, MN; Bill STOOKE from Offutt to Maxwell; Geoff MATSUNAGA from New Jersey to Los Angeles; and A1 JEWELL from San Antonio to Zweibrucken AB, Germany. I’m sure more of my classmates have moved, but they’re as bad about writing as I am. However, the Nevada phone company has finally hooked up the Snoopy-phone you gave me for my last birthday so maybe I’ll have more poop for my next column. Oh yes, the number is (702) 438-1699. I’ll let you know when I get a duty phone.

Well, that’s about all the news for now; it’s time to study about “ficknips” and stuff. Keep some extra beer in the fridge and I’ll see you soon.

Your son, Ralph.

T.J. Mancuso

480 South Kingston Circle

Aurora, CO 80012

Home: (303) 343-4231

Work: (303) 861-7000

Percent members: 41

It’s fall in Colorado, and the Falcons have managed to put a hundred points on the board during their first two outings (which is probably a higher average than most Falcon basketball opening series). By the time this is printed, we’ll have a 20/20 look on the season. Almost as importantly, we’ll know how the Cubbies have done.

I just got back from a trip to NYC, where I tried to call Robin (aka Mrs. Doug) HILL, but Ma Bell has apparently pulled her wires. Robin is now stewardessing for American, while Doug does what Doug does, flying New York to Los Angeles for Regis. They both maintain they still live here in Aurora while not commuting from one coast or the other.

John NESTICO has apparently abandoned the big-firm life in Manhattan, ’cause none of the lawyers 1 talked to had seen him around.

From the Maryland mailbag, a nice note from Marie C1GNATTA. Seems last year John dumped his employers to form his own company, Data Net Eng., Inc., doing water treatment, soils analysis, rehabs on old facilities for energy efficiency, etc. He manages to fly himself to as many jobs as he can charge off. I’m sending forth to the AOG a photo for filler.

Breaks up the space nice, don’t it?

From the other coast, Dr. Dan SKOTTE penned a note out of Sun River, OR, where he’s opened a second office to keep him busy. Add that to a recent Reserve promotion to 0-4. (“Therefore, anyone can.”) One thing I love in a doctor is self-confidence! Scro says he ran into John GREENLAW at Portland airport. John was on his way to Arizona out of Germany to instruct in F-15s. Scro asks for info about Mac RHANEY. The Harvard law alumni directory gives Mac’s address in Germany somewhere.

Scro notes that little (1 bet) brother Steve is about two years from graduation at the Zoo (and has probably ignored all big brother’s guidance).

We managed to get down to the Falcon opener against San Diego State with Doug HILL and Tammy CAMAL1CK. Jay is flying the Motown sound Republic out of Detroit City, but mostly he just plays golf and neglects the yard, according to Tammy. We ran into A1 PANDOLFO in the parking lot. Al’s with Martin-Marietta. Doug also swore that one of the squadrons in the march-on had Bob MANKE as an AOC.

I got a passing-through-town phone call form Gary GRANT on his way back from the Olympics. Gary ran into the usual group of Southern Californians. If there were an Olympics event for bar-taking, chances are Denny GREEN would be a contender; he’s just retaken the California bar. Gary also saw Willy KASSON and Rick DENNEN, who does construction, and of course Denny’s other half, Dave BULL, who’s pulling in the moon and the stars with his TV satellite business. Gary also mentioned that he sees Barry SMITH out at Wright-Pat, where Gary’s looking to buy some engines for KC-135s.

Trying to write this at home is a little difficult, because of the “Sounds of Freedom” coming out of the Colorado ANG A-7s that buzz around Aurora. Chances are Mark MEYER is punching holes in the blue as chief of Stan/Eval at Buckley. Mark decided not to retry Continental Airlines after “their bankruptcy and mistreatment of the work force.” Didn’t do much for employee relations I guess, eh Mark?

I’ve been asked to “hold it down to a low roar” on the fact that the Honor Code has been apparently cancelled due to lack of interest. Read about it elsewhere in here, because you folks are bright enough to generate your own conclusions.

And finally, from the bottom of my mail box: Mike BRANNICK is now at APO San Francisco 96334, which means absolutely nothing to me; Marty JAYNE is out of USAFA and into Charlottesville, VA; Brian BINN has gone to Vincetown, NJ; Roger and Patricia NASH are in Ft. Leavenworth; and Chris RUBACHA has what sounds like a great job at DIA/Attaches in La Paz, Bolivia.

It’s getting tough to find good help. In an attempt to find assistance for an expanding municipal bond practice, I had a luncheon interview with a brand new lawyer who happened to be an academy grad (USNA ’62). The fellow seemed bright enough, but I don’t know how well he’d follow orders. Wore brown shoes.

That’s about all the mindless drivel I can punch in here. Congress just changed all the tax laws, so I’m assuming my Christmas will be shot again this year. But you all plan to have a good one and we’ll see you in ’85. Feliz Navidad.

Wade Kearns

Quarters 6408D

USAF Academy, CO 80840

Home: (303) 472-0640

AV: 259-3699

Percent members: 34

summer yielded a lot of good news from all of you out there in the trenches. OK, OK, I’m coming down from the clouds; here it is!

USAFA FOLKS: Mark LOPER departed USAFA for the Surgeon General Office at Bolling AFB. Bob HOOTEN left the 50 ATS for Minot AFB and back to SAC. Somebody has to defend the country! Dave SCHRUPP is back at USAFA in the Department of Foreign Languages after spending a year in Viennm, Austria, completing his doctorate in German. I continue to be amazed at the sacrifices Air Force people make for their country! Don WALKER (Jan) arrived this summer from Little Rock AFB to take charge of Cadet Squadron 40. Don says he wants a challenge, but really he just scared himself too many times at the Rock with C-130 students and wants to increase his life expectancy. Good luck, Don.

“Chief” BUCKLEY is now in charge of the Cadet Foreign Exchange Program. He stays busy hosting guests from other countries and arranging cadet visits to 15 nations each year. He also has good parking. John PRETZ left Professional Military Studies to be AOC for Cadet Squadron 38. Before long he’ll be turning shoe clerks into fighter pilots and have them beating plowshares into swords. Joe MITCHELL (Kathy) arrived here this summer and is working in the plans shop for CWX, the deputy commandant for Resources. Coming from HC-130s, it appears Joe is the right man to rescue some of the comm’s plans after everyone has had a hack at them.

FROM THE TRENCHES OF THE RAF: Rowe STAYTON is an active lawyer in Denver. He specializes in aviation law and flies for the Guard. Scott BRENNAN is also in Denver. He’s a big-time banker and is soon to be president of a new bank in the mile-high city. A fuzzy report has it that Steve MCCAULEY left Charleston and is in Spain or Portugal as an attache or in JASMAG. John PEMBERTON is exec for the C-130 aircrew training group at Little Rock. “Bush” and Nancy HANSON have a new baby girl, Patricia Leigh, born 28 July 84. Congratulations, parents! (What they don’t know will hurt them.)

Bruce MEYER flies with Northwest Airlines and is a USAFA liaison officer. Glad you continue to keep the faith, Bruce. Willie CULBERTSON left England and F-l 1 Is for A-10 RTU. Between “Aardvarks” and “Hogs” Willie sure runs with a strange crowd. I had a chat with Bill HARBECK who is at AFMPC managing assignments for strategic airlift navigators. A trash hauler wouldn’t be caught dead with a Strat MAC weenie, but one has to be nice to these MPC guys. Heh, Heh, just kidding, Bill. He tells me Denise and Scott MCLAUGHLIN had a baby girl, Sharon Elizabeth, on 29 Feb 84. How can they do that to the poor kid; birthdays only on leap years! Scott works at AFMPC in officer accessions.

A letter close to deadline from Mark R. COFFMAN, M.D., had this photo of “Class of ’73 Docs at Keesler.” From left are Bob ABRAHAM, neurosurgery; Tim COOPER, internal medicine; Bill DRURY, orthopedic surgery; Ed PARRY, dermatology; Mark COFFMAN, ophthalmology; and Larry WILLIAMS, anesthesiology. According to Mark, “these egocentric fools just want to see their faces on the pages of Checkpoints. Not in the photo are Don BERDEAUX, oncology (out of town at a meeting), and Bob MUNSON who had recently left Keesler after completing a Medical School rotation.

-5 fel-w A

Well, classmates, your friendly class scribe has finally broke the “high tech” barrier. I’m happily pounding away on my trusty new home computer to crank out the Class News. Gone are the day of sneaking onto the secretary’s typewriter at work during her lunch break and risking the wrath brought on by changing margins, ball, etc. Now my only problem is locking three kids in the closet so I can get close to the darn machine. They are all self-appointed computer experts and enjoy setting dad straight or setting a new record for “Moonmasher.” Such problems the American family faces today! And, to think the Ruskies believe we’re all out of work and wallowing in pig manure.

Summer went quickly. I discovered that the PDR is alive and well while working as a SERE AOC. Also, 1 took the plunge (literally) that I never took as a cadet. Yes, this 33-year-old fool earned his jump wings “freefall” style with the cadets. I invested in a lot of Ben-Gay and epsom salts, but I did it! It was a pleasure to work here with two of the finest, most professionally run training programs in the Air Force! Finally, the

“The picture was taken at a party at Mark COFFMAN’s house given by the “Oldtimers” (COFFMAN, WILLIAMS, and PARRY) for the “Newcomers” (ABRAHAM, DRURY, COOPER, and BERDEAUX). So if any fellow ’73 grads are contemplating coming to Keesler for a checkup or major overhaul, beware the motley crew that awaits you!”

Ken ADAMS came out of the past and gave me a call. He and his wife, Mary, live in Sunnymead, CA, where Ken works at Northrop as a safety engineer. They expect their first child in November. Best wishes from a guy who’s been there three times. Piece-a-cake, Ken. 1 didn’t feel a thing. Also, Ken is flying KC-135s for the Reserves, 452 ARW.

Another ghost of USAFA past who called me was John MCDEVITT (Trish). He is with ASD as the Combat Identification SPO, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB. John and Trish now have three children, adding a new son, Sean, on 4 May 84. They have to be dedicated or entertainment is slim in Ohio. John relates that Jim ALMEIDA was a SPO on the B-l but is now at Ellsworth AFB as an EW. Also, Mike LANEY (Kathy) is at Castle AFB as a tanker IP with the CCTS. They recently had a baby girl, Nina. John’s brother-in-law, Dave HARMON, works for Texas Instruments in the Springs, and he and wife Julie had twin girls on July 4th. Hey guys, there must be something in the water!

Mike CLEARY sent a nice long letter. Mike is at Scott AFB with his wife, Marianne, and children, Andrew (5) and Ruth (1). The following is an excerpt from his letter:

One fellow zoomie I have been in touch with is Tom MAYBERRY, one of the original KAFA DJs. Tom and 1 have been following each other around ever since graduation. We never knew each other until UPT at Columbus where he left the same time I did and we shared an apartment while at comm school at Keesler. Since then we have had very similar careers and assignments. In fact, the job I’m in right now used to be Tom’s (chief of presentations at HQ AFCC). Everyone thought Tom would stay a bachelor forever, but Sally convinced him otherwise back in ’78. He’s the commander of the 1963rd Communications Squadron at Chanute AFB, IL. I’ll soon be on my way to be the commander of the 1872nd School Squadron at Keesler AFB.

General BURSHNICK arrived here at Scott recently as the new MAC/XP and he took the time to explain to the local grads what’s been happening with the Honor Code situation out there. Very informative, but very depressing. I hope our reps can help turn it around. While there, I ran into Bob LEMONS who works at MAC. Also talked with Dave SKALKO who was passing through on his way to ACSC. Dave pinned on major last October. Says hockey hasn’t been big in California so he’s going back to flying (141s). Boyd LEASE is still here at Scott with MAC, as well as Wayne STANBERRY. Dennis RENSEL was here at AFCC when 1 arrived last year, but he left earlier this year to work on the White House communications staff. Lots of TDY, but Dennis is so far without a family.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Ray YAGHER is at Pope AFB. John CRANDLEY moved to Ellsworth AFB. Eric VOGEL is in Monterey, CA. Mark BALLARD is at Hill. Jim SMITH is at Offutt working for HQ SAC/DOTT as FB-111 training officer. A1 KINBACK moved to Newark, DE. John WIGINGTON went to Berlin, Germany. Dale WILLIAMS lives in Bedford, TX. Tom HAMILTON picked a better part of Texas and moved to Flower Mound. John CHRISTENSEN left Pease for Plattsburgh. Finally, Bob CAROLAN settled into Beaver Creek, OH, and works at Wright-Patterson.

THE FINAL WORD: Congratulations to the ’73 crowd that made major this time around. Let’s hope the front office sees fit next time to bring along some of the hard-working guys that missed out. My fingers beg for reprieve and I’ve taken enough “bytes” out of the Apple. Keep the news coming in and I’ll get it out. And, by the way, if you have a burning desire to write this column, then get in touch as I leave for parts unknown next summer. By then it will be time to pass the torch. Bye ’til next time.

Mike Carter

2263 Ptarmigan Lane. Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Home: (303) 593-1480

AV: 259-3530

Percent members: 35

STARTERS: By the time you read this article, Homecoming will have passed and those of us who attended will be savoring memories which will long be a part of us. I can say for sure that Homecoming is an event long worth remembering. I think it is very appropriate to take a couple of minutes to thank Bill YUCUIS for all the efforts he expended as chairman of our Homecoming Committee. Bill worked a full year on this project and coordinated many committees comprised of our classmates. His efforts alone ensured a great weekend. In addition to the work Bill carried

out, there were many others who also contributed. The list of these is really too long to mention here, so just let it be said that once again ’74 pitched in together to provide a great time for all. To all those who worked diligently we say, thanks.

FOLKS: I don’t know if it’s because Homecoming is closing in at the time of this writing or what, but we have received lots of information about folks moving around. So here goes. John EPHLAND has informed us that he is being forced (?) to move from Altus AFB to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. That really sounds like a hardship tour but I’m sure that he’ll make it through this ordeal. Dave PARKER informed the AOG that his correct location is Hill AFB, UT. Buck LOWERY also informs us that the AOG had an incorrect address and that he is stationed at Space Command and living at USAFA.

Johnny WHEELOCK writes that he has moved back East and is now in Ocean Springs, MS. Jim FITZGERALD has moved half way across the country from California to Universal City, TX. Another long distance move was in order for Howard LEWIS who crossed the country from Edwards AFB to Pensacola, FL. Lloyd SAULS has also changed address from Oklahoma to Albuquerque, NM. John PALANICA has migrated to the great Midwest and is now in Burnsville, MN.

Mario DIPRIMO has made a pilgrimage to the Mecca of the Southeast, Montgomery, AL. William JONES has landed an EWI tour and is currently working with General Dynamics in Ft. Worth, TX. Chris CAMPBELL has changed box numbers and APOs but is still overseas. Finally, Dewayne TAYLOR has recently moved to White Sands, NM.

The source of the above information was the change-of-address cards sent into the AOG. So if you at least send those in, we can report on where you are and how you are doing.

As reported in another section of this issue of Checkpoints, the class as a whole mourns the loss of Ben COTHARIN in an aircraft accident in Alaska. At the funeral here at USAFA many classmates were in attendance. Bob HOOD, Rich DENNIS, C. D. SMITH, Mike WOLFERT, Bob LIGDAY, Don JAMES, Bill BATSON, and Joe BREZOVIC are just a few who were able to come.

While here, Rich mentioned that he has moved to Holloman AFB, NM. He has taken over as chief of operations for the Base CE operation there. He says that he knew he was in trouble when he had to sign a hand receipt for all of base housing.

MAIL: The old mailbag has been overflowing the past few weeks with lots of class information. If I don’t use your letter in this issue, hold on. I guarantee that each is being processed in order of receipt and will appear. The first letter comes indirectly from Rich CLINE at Bitburg. He says that there are a few ’74 guys there flying F-15s. The classmates he mentioned are himself (Kit), Don HALLEY (Diane), Mike SACRIDER (Michelle), Mark SMITH, and Bill DIEMAND.

The next letter comes from Dave REILLY. Dave is an F-111D IP at Cannon AFB, NM. He reports that his wife Carol has just completed an LPN program and is working in beautiful downtown Clovis while finishing work on her RN. Dave also said that Ron “Jink-Out” POWERS is in stan-eval there and has been seen, and 1 quote “in a red suit w/white beard after receiving an F-16 slot.” Bob CUTLER (Judy) just arrived from the UK.

Dan SURBER is also at Cannon in Wing Safety. I got a letter from him in July and he reports that he and Sara have two kids, David (3) and Kate (1). Don CLEMENT sends his greetings to all in ’74. He and his family, wife Knthy and son Christopher, just arived at Clark AFB. He just finished his training at Wilford Hall and was non-volunteered overseas. They are expecting their second child around March, 1985.

MISCELLANEOUS INFO: Ted ROTH is back at USAFA in the Econ Department. He recently survived instructing T-37s at Sheppard AFB. He received his PhD from MIT’s Sloan School of Management in ’81 and has also flown tankers at Grand Forks. Sounds like another stellar ’74 career in the making. Ted’s family includes wife Louise, son Jeremy (7), and daugthter Darcy (4).

Mike WOLFERT is also back at the “old U of SAFA” serving as the exec for the History Department. He and Diane have one daughter, Elizabeth, 19 months at this writing. Diane says that she is no match with their little one at getting something from Mike.

Don OUKROP has been seen at Ft. Bragg, NC, as an ALO. Tracy CHEATHAM, Mark HALSOR, Phil NARDECCHIA, Basil RATHBUN, Dave MILLER, Greg SMITH, Gary GADDY, Tom RUHSAM, and Mike GUM have all been seen in Delta uniforms.

For those of you who haven’t seen him yet, Pat CORRIGAN is flying with the Thunderbirds and is representing our class well.

Bill MCELHANEY is at SAC HQ. Dave EIBAND has recently been named head, Systems Engineering, Aircraft Department, Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA. Drew MILROY is off to Clark. Mike TERRY,

Gene RICHARDSON, and Kip STANGL are all alive (?) and living at Grand Forks.

CLOSING: That’s all for now. In anticipation, let me say that it was great seeing all of you at Homecoming. I’ll pass along all of the intelligence I received in the next newsletter. Again, don’t forget to let me know about the exploits of your wives, kids, dogs, etc. As you’ve noticed, we are not overwhelmed by pictures so send me some. I’ll have them printed in the first issue after they arrive. Group shots of ’74ers at the same base would be most appreciated. My best to you all from Colorado and may God bless each of you and your families.

Joe Stein

820 War Eagle Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Home: (303) 594-6201

AV: 259-4552

Percent members: 30

"mRETURNING TO THE NEST. Where did the years go? It seems like just yesterday that we were tossing our hats in the air and getting ready to head out and find out what the “real” Air Force was all about! All of a sudden it’s almost time to return for our 10-year reunion. The guys in ’74 are just about ready to kick off their celebration, and the planning has already started for ours. In case you’d like to make sure that the “Best Alive” homecoming tops all others, we could sure use your help making it happen. For those willing to volunteer their time, our BMOC and CINCPARTY is Tim O’CONNELL. Tim is working here in the Military Training Division and can be reached at AV 259-4104. He’s trying to set up 13 reunion committees dealing with areas ranging from the Jabara Banquet to the annual golf tournament. Sign up now and avoid the rush (I know which one I’m going for).

FIGHTER PILOTS DO IT BETTER? If you can clear the cobwebs out of your mind and remember back three months you’ll recall that I ended the last column with a note to jog Perry LAMY’s memory about a picture he owed us. Well, lo and behold, Perry came through. Pictured below is the Test Pilot School’s rogue’s gallery. For those of you who can’t remember (or are trying to forget) who those folks are, here’s the list.

Starting from the left we have Perry “Golden Hands” LAMY, Kevin BURNS (DG and Top Pilot in the class), Tom “Mr. No Operational Experience” DARNER, Dan MCCORY, Mike “Fig” (ask him about it) MCCLENDON, Steve PITOTTI, and Roger KEITH. Not shown (but in the stealth configuration) is Brian DUFFY. The four guys pictured on the left are staying at Edwards in Test Ops, while the rest are at Eglin Test Ops. Two other ’75 alumni currently at Edwards are Chris GLAESER (TPS instructor pilot) and John DELONEY (TPS instructor test nav). And finally, for those of you who are wondering if the picture below is off center, you’re just imagining things. Test pilots are always on target!??!

THE ’75 ELITE. It seems that nary an issue can go by without someone winning another prestigious award. This issue’s hero is Bob EDMONDS. He was recently selected as Junior Officer of the Year at Langley. Bob is an F-15 pilot and chief of squadron plans and mobility for the 71st TFS. He’s been burning up the program out there, and the only trouble he’s had recently happened, of all times, during the ceremony for the Junior Officer of the Year award. While they were reading the names of all of the nominees, Bob’s name was accidentally left off the list. But his friends were able to revive him in time before they announced he had actually won the competition. Whew! For you sentimental types, I’ve included Bob’s combat hero pose which was printed in one of the local papers.

NEW HORIZONS. We didn’t have too many from ’75 hitting the road over the last few months. Wright-Pat seems to be the biggest recipient of the Best Alive talent, though. Jim and Sharon HAMILTON and Ken SCHNELL joined the “brainy bunch” out there recently. Others moving on to new horizons included Marv COX to Mather, Bran MCALLISTER to ACSC at Maxwell, Jim HERIOT to San Antonio, Scott SWANSON to Silver Spring, MD, and Steve HAAS (civilian, one each) to Somerville, NJ.

THE UTAH CONNECTION. Buck ROGERS dropped me a line to spread the word on the Hill crowd. Last issue I mistakenly published his home of record (Milwaukee) in the column. Little did I realize he was having a great time flying with the F-16 gang at Hill these days. For those who haven’t seen him in a while, he’s been happily married for six years to Suzie, and they’ve added two little girls to the family in the last few years Megan is three, and Jennifer should be about six months old when this column finally hits the streets. Others flying high out there inelude Charlie PARSONS, Bentley RAYBURN, John STEWARD, Randy SHEPPARD, Joe CARROLL, Duke DUHACHEK, Mark MCCONNELL, and Dave HERLONG. As I understand it, Dave’s wife, Beth, is due to give birth any minute now, and by the time you’re reading this he or she will be well established as the most important member of the HERLONG clan.

FLYING HIGH. Before we get too far off the subject of F-16s we really can’t overlook two classmates who just reached the top of the heap in the flying business. Mark “Buzz” MASTERS and Dave COMMONS were recently selected to join the Thunderbirds for the next few years. Buzz will be flying as the opposing solo, and Dave will take over duties as right wing. Way to go, guys!!!

MAILBOX. I’ll wrap this month’s column up with news from a few other folks who took time to drop a line. The first came from Bruce MITCHELL who’s been hiding across town here in the Springs. Bruce is now working for Ford Aerospace, but he keeps his finger in the “blueberry pie” (as he calls it) by working with AFRES. Bruce also passed on words that Curt OSTERHELD is alive and well in California flying Blackbirds. Apparently Curt has tons of SR war stories for anyone who can pin him down on the ground long enough to tell them. Finally, the last letter came from Mike GOYDEN who’s just started in on one of the best “boondoggles” going these days. He, his wife Jan, and their three kids (Christopher - 5, Jennifer - 3, and Kelly - 8 months) are now attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. They and about 100 other Air Force families are roughing it in the California sun while they pick up postgraduate degrees. Anyone interested in finding out how you, too, could be so lucky can give Mike a call at AV 878-2772.

Anyway, as Mike was on his way out to his hardship tour, he ran into quite a few other people along the way. Tom FINN is stationed at Andrews now, is a navigator in the 89th, and spends his spare time flying the Vice President around. Rumor has it he wears a coat and tie when he flies, and stays at all the same hotels as the VP and his crowd. Tom PETERSON is another one Mike bumped into who’s in a related line. “Pete” had been flying RC-135s at Offutt, but now he’s moving over to the Air-

borne Command Post. He’ll spend his time following the President around, but since he’s only following, he still gets to wear a bag and stay at the nearest military base. Others Mike sent news about include Brad LINDSEY who’s flying for People’s Express out of Newark, NJ; Paul KENT who is a C-141 IP at Altus; John and Diana BARROWCLOUGH who are still out in the Pacific fooling around in weather 130s (incidentally, they now have a one-year-old daughter, Rebecca); John SANTNER who just completed his seminary schooling and is on his way to be a priest at a parish in Missouri; and Steve WOJCICKI who just completed a Defense Management School at Maryland and is on his way to Cleveland. Steve will be working with the NASA types as a project manager for some sort of satellite upper stage booster (it’s over my head). I suppose I also owe some mention to Mike and Gwenda ROSEBUSH who just had a new daughter, Krista, join their family on 16 July. Mike is burning up the program here as a counselor for cadets, and he’s got big things in store for him in the future.

A serious note received as class news deadline arrived: Jeff HACKETT found out in late May that he has cancer. The outlook is reasonably positive but there’s still a lot of therapy ahead. In support of the Cancer Center handling his therapy, Jeff will be part of a “Run Against Cancer” this fall. Give Jeff a call at (602) 831-9439 or write if you want to make a pledge.

One final word of congratulations goes to the guys who just made major on the last list. My source says those lucky few are as follows: Bob AKERS, Dave COMMONS, Chip DIEHL, Stan GORENC, Mike HEIL, Mark HOLMES, John LAD1EU, Rick LAYMAN, Steve REDMANN, Jim RUTTLER, Mark SCHONING, Joe STEIN (who?), Carl VANPELT, Mark VOLCHEFF, and Glenn WALTMAN. Please let me know if 1 missed anyone. Good luck to all until next time.

Wade E. McRoberts

8921 East Linden Street

Tucson, AZ 85715

Home: (602) 886-1971

AV: 361-5605

Percent members: 28

Hi, gang. I’m late as usual, but here goes. The football Falcons are 2-0 as I write maybe another good season in the works. Roll, Falcons oops, wrong team again. Anyway, hope everybody is OK.

Captain Nancy WILSON wrote. She and Mike are still at Howard AFB. Mike still has his ’75 Volvo with about (intermittent odometer) 90,000 miles. Mike turned the Big 30 on July 6 (so did I). Also at Howard are Doug and Sue STEWART (with their little girl, Melissa) in the UH-1N (Mike and Nancy are Melissa’s Godparents); and Enrique and Delphine SAA, who were expecting in July they’re in DOX. Nancy says they see Mike BYERS occasionally. Jim HUNT now flies Eagles at Eglin for AFSC. Mike and Nancy have been on several exercises down there, and are awaiting orders. Nancy asked me to put in a good word for all the “non-grads” who help us all keep up with each other. You bet! If some of our wives didn’t write, we’d never know about some of us (huh?). But seriously, thanks for writing Nancy, and all the other wives who take the time to do that.

Another letter in that category is from Lynda ROEGE at Albuquerque. She and Bill are in AFOTEC there, and are expecting a small fighter pilot in October. Bill was at Edwards this summer working on the P-51 Enforcer project (don’t tell them where I am). Charley ALLAN goes TDY to Edwards quite a bit he and Carol live at Eglin. Also at Edwards are “Trot” and Kathy TROTTIER, who are expecting their first baby this winter. Kevin CHILTON is also in Test Pilot School, and according to Bill is on the majors’ list! Lynda says that Burt WADAS, now at Hanscom, is on the “misters’ list” he will start work for a contractor (MITRE?) in Nashua, NH, this fall. Jim and Becky KOGLER finished at Stanford, and are now teaching at the Zoo. Terry and Patty NEW are in F-16s at Nellis. Larry and Diane NEW are in F-15s there Diane says they’d like to go to Kadena next. Lynda says Bill would like to get back in the F-15 next they’d like to go to Bitburg, if anyone can help. Bill still has his ’74 Fiat Convertible 108,000 miles. Thanks for writing, Lynda.

Duke PORRITT stopped by D-M in July while ferrying an OV-10 from Sembach to George. He, Laura, and son Glenn are PCSing to F-16s at Hill. Laura is expecting their second in November.

Del CORNALI wrote from Keesler. He wanted to say “hi” to everybody in Bulldog 13. Del and Trish just finished two years at Norton she was with MWR, “keeping the AF safe from overweight alcoholics.” Del had a consulting job with Hughes Aircraft in Irvine,

Del and Trish Cornali near a tree in Gulfport, Miss. where he designed the software for a NATO/Denmark/Norway C^ system says it was the kind of work he’d hoped to do in the AF. Anyway, they were at Keesler for an MWR school, and are enroute to Osan, where Trish will be the financial operations supervisor, and Del will be gainfully unemployed, but will be busy keeping in shape. Del has been doing pretty well running 21st in the Seattle Marathon (2:34), and first in a California half-marathon (1:13), a road race mile (4:38), and two 5Ks (16:08 and 15:31). Trish also did well in some races in the Gulfport area. Wally and Mindy WASHBURN were at Keesler for a comm officer course, enroute to Scott they’re expecting #3 soon. Mindy told Del she saw Greg TOUSSAINT at Ellsworth, and that he should be at Kadena now. Del talked awhile back with Craig PUZ, who’s planning shuttle missions at Space Command he thinks Craig is still a rock. Del says to drop by if you’re at Osan.

Dave KUNKEL wrote to fill in some incomplete poop on him in the winter gossip column. After finishing at AFIT in space ops, he went to the Space Division at NASA/JSC in Houston. He’s a shuttle flight controller, training to be the first Air Force shuttle guidance officer. Dave married Donna Schnur, who is an engineer (GS-12 type) at Wright-Pat.

Jim TURNER wrote to say he is now at Clark AB.

Sue and I ran into Jeff FORD at the bar one Friday. He was here learning to fly the OA-37 enroute to Osan (he came out of F-15s at Langley). He and Cookie have two kids. It was fun talking with him.

While on leave, we spent a night in Clovis, NM, so I called Bill LANNING (he and Elbe are there in F-11 Is). Bill will also be promoted to Mr this fall he may go to work for Boeing in Seattle. In was good to talk with him.

We’ve got some guys on the majors list! I can remember when I was awed by the sight of a captain now 1 think the sight of some captains is odd. How time flies! Anyway, as I said earlier, Kevin CHILTON is one, and Mark WELCH is another, according to Art GEORGE. The complete list should be somewhere in this issue. Congratulations to all you guys who made it!

The McROBERTS have orders. We’re going to Nellis in January to fly A-7s again. Anybody want to buy a house?

Please take care, and root for your favorite football team this fall. (Editor’s note: A 1976 class ring has been turned in to the association’s office. If you think it may be yours please contact us and identify stone type and inscription.)

Jim “Mouse” Neumeister

281 Royal Oaks Drive Fairborn, OH 45324

Home: (513) 878-1585

AV: 787-6832/3834

Percent members: 27

Back at Wright-Pat again, after spending half my summer TDY. I just returned from a nine-day trip that included Barbados and Buenos Aires. Nice. Busy, but nice. For those of you accused of being professional eaters, like myself, you would really appreciate Buenos Aires. Mass quantides of excellent stuff for few monies. Including steaks. Before that trip, I spent over a month in Miami attending the C-18 course conducted at the Pan Am Flight Academy. For those of you unsure of what a C-18 is, you can think of it as a commercial 707 on the delayed enlistment program. Twenty years delayed.

Hold the Phone: Got a call from Roy NICI a while back. He had previously flown tanks out of Kadena with Jim TYLER. He’s currently completing his astro master’s here at AFIT, and will be heading for the Astro Department at USAFA in December. I also talked to Steve MILLER. He’s an F-15 instructor at Luke, heading for an ASTRA tour at the Pentagon in the land of XOOTT. Steve says Rick PERRAUT is at the Pentagon now and Scott HUTT is leaving there for FB-llls. An instructor at Test Pilot School told me Steve HERLT graduated from there in June and is working in test ops at Edwards.

Black and White: Steve SCHWALBE finally broke down and decided to tell all. Unable to fly due to ear problems, he spent four years after UPT as a computer programmer/analyst for PAVE PAWS. He finally convinced ...THE POWERS...THAT BE... that he should be an intelligence office (despite his USAFA background). So he attended AFIT and is now in Washington, DC, as a combat operations analyst for DIA, specializing on the USSR and Eastern Europe. On the way there he picked up two master’s degrees and is now working on his PhD from George Washington University. His goal is to be the assistant air attache in Moscow soon. His main problem is not having a wife. DOD won’t let him go without one, and supply doesn’t have a stock number, so Steve’s accepting nominations. Apparently the only qualification is that she has to like “red.”

Jim DART wrote from USAFA, where he’s the director of First Class Cadet Professional Military Training (PMT). He left Vandenburg in July, where he had been the Peacekeeper Support Readiness coordinator. Jim is happy to be back at USAFA, and has bumped into several classmates since he’s returned. He and Susan have two children, Emily (4) and Kevin (3). Jim gets the Proof-Reading Award for catching last column’s glaring contradition. At the start I said Mike WEINSTEIN was living in Illinois. At the end I said he was in Virginia. OK Mike, where are you really?

Speaking of Real Locations: Jim MOSCHGAT is at MacDill. MAJOR Van PERRY, M.D., is at Ellsworth. Bob RUSSELL is here at WrightPat. Jon SPAIN is in Mountain View, CA. Emmett TULLIA is in Manchaca, TX. Jim WILSON is at Bitburg.

Help Wanted: As I continue to bite off more than I can chew (and I don’t mean food that’s never been a problem), I find that something has to give. Having started a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Dayton in my “spare time,” I feel it is time to pass the Class Scribe baton on to another eagerly-awaiting volunteer. Yes folks, it’s serious. I’ve even given up both soccer leagues I was playing in. The only problem is, the next volunteer remains to be identified. Anyone who is interested in writing our column please write or give me a call as soon as you can. It’s a great way to stay in touch with everybody. I’ve certainly enjoyed writing the column, appreciate all your inputs, and will continue to contribute through inputs to the next scribe. Take care; talk to you next quarter, maybe.

As Jim’s license plate reads, “4 DARTS.

Jim Arnold

10708 Hollaway Drive *«s&’v Vv''

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Home: (301) 868-4204

Percent members: 30 <T*'

The best part of this job is the absolute power it gives you to decide what goes in and what doesn’t and in what order! Since I leave almost nothing out, order becomes my only perk. With that said, I’ll tell you that I have been placed on the Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL), issued a blue ID card, DD Form 2 (retired) and have developed an almost uncontrollable urge to move to Florida! I hope to get back on Active Duty in about a year, if I have no more recurrances of the benign tumor that got me off AD in the first place. Meanwhile, I’m finishing law school, will graduate in December, and am going to look for a jo-o-o, you know where you wo-o-or. You get the picture. I sure wish this job paid.

With all seriousness let’s see what the postman brought.

Mark ZAMZOW writes that another member of the Class of ’01 has made his appearance. Kyle Robert was born 20 June and both he and mother Fran are doing fine. Mark is flying C-130s at Dyess and looking, after V/i years, for a change of scenery.

Steve and Julie KNOTT write to say that while Steve is with AFIT (see last column) he is at Purdue. How well I know the distinction! Just try to retire in that situation, Steve old pal! They have recently been back to the Zoo for a visit and have numerous other activities that keep them busy ineluding a new personal computer! Had you all going there, didn’t I; thought I was going to say car, no baby, that’s right baby. (Can’t even type a bad joke anymore!) The KNOTTs also pass on that Leo GORDON is at Dyess; he just recently completed IP school at Little Rock. John BARRY is well and at Pope. Jim WEIDMANN and Dave MULLEN are also at Dyess with Dave assigned to the Command Post.

Andrea FRYT, Mitch’s wife, writes from Alaska, the Last Frontier (I thought that was space, as in oh you know why bother) to update the class. Nevin and Leisa SMITH are new parents of a baby boy named Brandon. Bill and Nancy SHAW with daughter Missy came to Alaska by the ALCAN Highway (as did Nevin and Leisa!). Both Bill and Nevin are in F-15s, as is Mitch. Andrea says Alaska is wonderful! No, I didn’t check to see if she was employed by either the Alaskan Tourism Bureau or MPC! Andrea also mentions that Sam and Joni THERRIEN with son Danny have left Alaska after four years and are now at Nellis where Sam is an Aggressor.

Francie TAIT, who is married to Ron (one day I’m going to figure out a better way to do that!), writes from Homestead. (Aside to Francie: no I don’t mind, most of my letters are from wives, anyway.) Ron and Francie are off to Keflavik, an adventure she says, along with their daughter Kelly. (Aside to the class: don’t you guys have anything better to do! Kids, kids, kids is all I hear about. Who’s protecting the skies of the Free World anyway?) OK, now back to our letter. When we last left Francie she was saying, “Greg (Kais) KAISER is there now, ...” both Greg and Ron will

fly the F-4E. Eric KIRCHNER with wife Gail and son Brian is at Bitburg in the F-15 and enjoying the tour. Since the mark hit a new low vis-a-vis the dollar, they ought to be having a heckuva time! Digger PHELPS (Rita plus Craig and Ryan) is at Zaragoza in the UH-1. “Ace” EKREM, who is Francie’s (remember Francie?) brother-in-law, by reason of marriage to Gloria, Francie’s sister, is (was) going through C-141 AC school on his way to Travis. Their little boy is Bryce. Pat and Sue YEARICK are at Langley where Pat flys the F-15 (Interceptor). Ok, Ok, they also have a child daughter Kimberly. Al, Sila (and baby girl Tommie) TRUJILLO are at Homestead. Greg and Crystal KENNEDY are going somewhere, Francie forgot where, with their two children Ryan and Erin. Greg flies the F-15. Other contacts: Doug LEJA T-38 IP at Holloman; J.L. INGLIS C-130s at Clark by way of IP school at Little Rock; Dave LILLY, his wife Dawn and you guessed it his two boys; Curt and Gayle ARMSTRONG with daughter Andrea are at Langley (F-15); and finally Bob and Diane BERGER are in Japan and guess what? No children.

Thanks Francie. After all that I’ll state my apology if I offend anyone with my comments. Remember I’m a retired bachelor and all that humor hides a lot of envy. God bless all the children.

RING, RING, RING: Mike SKOLAUT, wife Kala, son Jay and daughter Melissa, called. Of course 1 stayed with him and the family in July, but what’s two conversations in one year between old friends? He reports that Kevin SMITH is an AWACS pilot at Tinker, Mike goes there for Reserve duty. He also reports that Jim DURLAK is a civilian working with the Strategic SPO. He adds that Kevin HAYES is flying the A-10 and is at Myrtle Beach (maybe!). Ed HUNT has finished law school (Notre Dame) and is at the JAG school at Maxwell on his way to Kelly(?). Some of that news may be old. I found the notes 1 made, but they weren’t dated. So I’m not perfect hope I didn’t burst any bubbles (the crowd laughs heartily).

Monica LISI, wife of Steve LISI, writes from Osan to say that she and Steve are doing well and have a three-year-old daughter named Ann Marie. She also says that Mike BORISH’s widow Diana had their baby 20 June. She named the child Michael Christopher. I am thankful for the good news, but I wish the circumstances were better. For the class I’ll add: God bless you Diana and little Michael. Our prayers are with you.

Oh my, I almost forgot. Silly of me. What about the AOG mailbag?

First up is a letter from the University of Delaware to the AOG. Subject? Marshall Keye SABOL. A master of counseling degree (agency counseling) was awarded the 2nd of June. Congrats. That was the best news; now we go to the change-of-address cards. Charles SMITH to Champaign, IL, that’s the site of the University of Illinois and 17 miles south of Rantoul, home of Chanute AFB, but no indication which, or either, Charles was headed for; Arpad HORVATH from Fairbanks to Chicago; Rande REED from Luke (F-15 RTU) to Eglin (33 TFW) (see it’s better with a note); Dana BRIGGS from APO NY 09223 to Keesler; Steven USHER from Myrtle Beach to Enid (25 TFS, T-38 IP), wow, what a swap!; William HAMMOND, Beale to Offutt; Doug RAABERG, Plattsburgh to Peru (NY that is!); Kenneth RACHOCKI, Los Alamos to C-Springs; Larry ROMO, Great Falls to San Antone; Kenneth KNAPP, Dayton to Norvenich AB, Germany; and Sigsbee NELSON, Plattsburgh to C-Springs.

With that as a final note, I thank all of you for putting up with my jokes (?) and writing style because I really enjoy it. I hope it is at least tolerable for you! I’ll make a deal: Anyone who includes information on their change-of-address card will be treated as a letter and not buried in the Mailbag section. It’s more interesting than a simple address change and be assured that I get everything you send to the AOG!

Keep up the good work, the sidelines (including me, for awhile) are rooting for ya!!

Michael F. Van Hoomissen

3316 S. Wakefield St. Arlington, VA 22206

Percent members: 25

Fall is in the air as I write you from the DOD Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir, VA, just down the road from the Pentagon. Myself, Mark WOISH, and Mark LOCHER are in the Program Management Course learning how to be program managers.

A few months ago I ran into Steve FRANGOS who was flex interning at the Andrews AFB, MD, hospital. He was getting ready to PCS and I think he is now doing his residency at Zaragoza AB, Spain. I didn’t get a

chance to sit down with Steve and get all the details on the doctors in our class, but Bob KADLEC, Scott VANVALKENBERG and John GOLDEN, to name a few, have graduated now and we wish to congratulate all of you.

1 ran into Neil McCASLAND in the Pentagon cafeteria about a month ago. He was TDY from Space Division in LA where he works classified programs. He looked real dapper in his three-piece suit.

Recently Hal and Patty MOORE and their boys Justin and Travis Levi visited me in Washington D.C. for the weekend. I haven’t seen Patty since the Academy and had never seen the boys. We had a great weekend together and they are all doing fine. Hal is stationed at Camp Lejuene flying Cobra helicopters for the Marines.

Jim and Tanya REGAN and crew are settled in at USAFA. Jim is in the T-41 squadron (for retraining) and Tanya does base contracting. Anyone who passes through the Springs should stop in to say hello to the Regans, drink their beer and impose on them severely. I always do.

Pete BUNCE (Paulette, God love her for tolerating Pete), Erv LESSEL (Cathy) and John SALVADOR (Debbie) to name a few will arrive at the Pentagon this fall as ASTRA officers. Erv will join me in the DCS/RD&A Congressional Activities office and John will also be in DCS/RD& A. Pete will be just down the hall in MP. Mark PIMENTEL (Betsy) is now at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. 1 look forward to having more ’79ers around the Washington area.

Jan KNOCKE tells me that some of the ’79ers attending SOS include Sal COLLURA, Dan KRIER (Peggy), and Bill TRAVNICK. Dan is enroute to F.E. Warren AFB to fly helicopters and Bill’s wife is expecting a baby in September.

Congratulations to Steve LEPPER (Kathy) who recently graduated from Duke Law School and will enter the JAG Corps. Ken MATTERN (Pamela) is in his third year at Duke and has another child on the way. I think Paul SCHUBERT is in his last year at Santa Clara. I understand Lowell TENPAS (Leny) will enter law school this fall under the FLEP program. Good show, Lowell.

Congratulations to Bob (Feme) and Debbie McGREAL who are the proud parents of Steven Robert born on 3 July. And congratulations again to Bob who is a recent SOS distinguished graduate.

Keith Kries accepts his Air Medal.

Congratulations also to Keith KRIES for receiving an Air Medal. Keith is an instructor pilot in the C-141 at Norton and flew several combat support missions into Grenada during that rescue operation.

Finally, congratulations to Jim BOHAC and Paul DIAMOND (Bonnie) who are out on bail. Jim now works somewhere in Silicon Valley near Sunnyvale, CA, for $50,000 a yemr and Paul is now the mayor of Colorado Springs. Paul do you new a new city attorney?

On a more serious note, the class officers resolved to invest $10,000 of the class fund in a six-month U.S. T-Bill currently yielding over 10%. Our 15% certificate of deposit matured this spring. Our net worth is about $11,000. $10,000 is in the T-Bill which is being rolled over by the AOG office every six months until further notice. The balance is in the AOG general fund at about 6%. The decision to go with short term T-Bills was part of an election year wait-and-see maneuver. After the national election we will take a look at interest rates and reevaluate our strategy. AOG executive director Dick Coppock, ’61, is very supportive of our investments and we appreciate his office’s administrative support.

I regret to announce the recent death of our classmate Larry WHITE. I really liked Larry a lot. Please see the obituary written by Robin RAND in this issue and please remember Larry and his relatives in your prayers.

Mike DONATELLI (Julie), the class secretary, will write the fall article. This summer Mike completed weapons school in Arizona. Congratulations Mike. Please write Mike at P.O. Box 4343, APO NY 09755. 1 hope you all had a super summer, best wishes for an even better fall.

Matt Neuenswander

704 Rosanne

Enid, OK 73701

AV: 962-7665

Percent members: 41

IfFROM: SOS (Capt Neuenswander)

TO: The BURGER KING CLASS

SUBJECT: ’80 Class News

1. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of news events in the lives of ’80 class members. I will inform you in rigid SOS format because I am currently in scenic Montgomery, and I need all the practice I can get for my letter writing. Remember, it’s not what you say that is important. If your paper is not written with passive verbs, and each topic sentence is supported with at least three quasi truths, you pass. There are about 40 members of our class down here, and as each day passes, our character grows. We are diligently performing group exercises and learning to use a committee to accomplish feats like putting toothpaste back into the tube. Last Saturday some of us got together and swapped news, and this letter is a direct result of that outing. Here comes the News.

John LAHOFF and his lovely wife, Dawn (and boys Alec, John, and Sam), are here at SOS from Whiteman AFB. John is a stan/eval missile launch officer. Also at Whiteman are J.O. MILLER (J Zero) and wife Christy, Willie JONES (STAN/EVAL), Ed SCHMIDT (instructor MLO), and Dan SCALES (Crew CC). Jan KNOCKE is still at Hanscom and will be going to the Pentagon soon. Jan was a wealth of information from the NE, and she doesn’t hardly sound like a Kansan anymore. Sandy DARULA is now attending Education With Industry in St. Louis and the McDonnell-Douglas Company. Michelle (POMPILI) AGEE is a civil engineer at Osan AFB, Korea. Marianne (OWENS) LaRIVEE is a 3rdyear law student at Duke, and Dave LaRIVEE is getting his master’s at Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dave has an assignment to go teach at USAFA.

Mike and Donna (LUNDQUIST) NIELSON are both getting their master’s in math, and will both be going to USAFA to teach. Betsy (JOV1AK) PIMENTAL recently moved from Sunnyvale to Ft. Belvoir in Washington D.C. Maureen (TRITLE) VACCARO is here and she and Pete VACCARO are both stationed at Wright-Pat working on the F-15 SPO. Mo and Pete have a daughter who is one year old. Mitch HEITMANN and wife Terry are also at Wright-Pat working on the F-15 SPO. Mitch and Terry are expecting a child in Dec. Doc WARR is down here at SOS, but he didn’t come to the picnic, and 1 can’t remember what he said he did at Wright-Pat. Sorry DOC.

The next mass of information came from several of the many FAIPS down here. Remember FAIPS for a good assignment last year. Well, here are some of the assignments that we got. I’ll let you decide if they are good, alright? Bobby BUEHLER is here from Willy and he and wife Sue will be at Willy until summer. Bob is still a T-38 class commander and he contributed the following news. Tim GULLIVER, wife Patty, and kid got a C-141 to Norton. Sorry Tim. The Jeff WILSON at Willy is still in stan/eval, and will meet the board in Sep. The Jeff WILSON at Shaw is flying 0-2s got an A-10 and will be going to DM this month. Mark MITCHELL got a U-2 to Beale with a follow-on to England. Debbie WILCOX got a KC-135 to Barksdale and will go to Castle soon.

Everybody else at Willy is waiting for their next board and most should find out what they get in Oct or Jan. These people are Mark FARAONE, Derek HESS (both here as SOS), Craig SCHLATTMEN, George HEPT, Jim PUTMAN, Brad BAUER, Joe ACCARDO, Chris MILLER, and Bob SAJEVIC. Clark BURTCH (Barbara) is going to fly F-15s at Camp New Amsterdam. He will leave T-38s at Reese and go to RTU at Tyndall. Clark and Barb have a baby due in Feb. Gene T. MITCHELL and new wife Carolyn are going to C-5s at Dover AFB. Jeff MIELKE and wife Ann are now at F.E. Warren where Jeff is the head dude what is trying to sell the MX to the public; i.e. a PA officer. Steve TROYER is still single and got an A-10 to Korea followed by a follow-on to RAF Bentwaters. Ken BASSET is down here at SOS and he is still a class commander at

Reese. He and wife Denise will be going to C-141s at McGuire AFB. Steve DILLARD is in T-38 Check Section at Reese with Mike EASTMAN, Ray LISTA, Jim BUTLER, and Ken FONSECA. CD MOORE and Dion THORPE are in stan/eval and all of these guys will be leaving Reese within the next year.

At Vance a new crop of assignments came down, and Bob and Verna HOLMES got a F-15 and a new baby girl at the same time. Russ HODGKINS and Brian GRIGGS both got F-l 11s. Greg HARSTAD got a C-130 to McChord. Frank BUNTING and wife Cynda got an A-10 to Myrtle Beach. And Tom and Kelly SPICER got a new baby boy and an F-4 at the same time. At Columbus A1 BAKER got a C-130, Jim POWELL got an F-l 11, and Joe HEDRICK got an F-16. That is about all of the FAIP news that I know. Sorry to bore everybody with tales of ATC, but only FAIPS will talk to me. Everyone else is afraid that ATC is contagious, but I hopefully will be immune after this first tour. Please note the address change and keep the cards anhd letters coming. God Bless and come to SOS you’ll love it, (maybe).

As you undoubtedly discovered by now, my article didn’t get to the AOG office in time for the last issue of Checkpoints. I had to go on emergency leave in the middle of a PCS move, and the article was honestly the farthest thing from my mind at the time. By the time I got the article in, it was past the deadline. Tom Kroboth, the Checkpoints editor, did everything possible to include the article. I realize that you expect and deserve more from the class scribe so I’m taking action to find someone else to write the article for a while. I’ll announce the new scribe in my next article. Since I didn’t receive any letters the last few months, I’m running the article that was originally written for the summer issue of Checkpoints. I know some of the information is old news, but it’s all I have. Please keep those letters and pictures coming.

The never-ending saga of career progression has struck again. This time I’m moving to Sembach AB to work at Headquarters, 17th Air Force. I’m going to be the liaison between my MAJCOM (Electronic Security Command) and 17th AF to promote electronic combat. This is my third PCS in as many years so I’m getting my share of adventure. Please note my new address when you send me your next letter and picture.

Unlike usual, I received a lot of input from people I haven’t heard from before. I’d like to thank Dave HUFF, Amy MARKERT, Dusty SOMMERVILLE, Renee GREGORY (Doug’s wife), Randy WORRALL, Ralph BENDER, Pam MCGINTY, Tom HARWOOD, A1 GREGORY, Rich TRENTMAN, Chuck WARYK, and faithful Marty FRANCE for taking time to drop me a line.

This must be the time of year when Uncle Sam decides to send everyone PCS because I was deluged with assignment information. Here goes. Bart BLESSING, Charlie CALAMONERI, Wyatt FLEMING, Ben MORGAN, Dusty SOMMERVILLE, Tom WAGNER, Forrest BORNKESSER, Scott BUTCHER, Mike BRONSON, John FAGNANT, Mike FICA, Bruce PEDEY, and Greg VERSER are all going to hop into their OV-lOs at Sembach AB and fly to George AFB, CA, for their next assignment. Flying OV-lOs halfway around the world will pose a challenge that even Lindbergh would admire.

Scott and Annette DINAPOLI are leaving Myrtle Beach, SC for Keflavik, Iceland, to fly Jolly Greens. Pat and Helen ROSS, Denny and Sandra YAMROSE, John and Lea CASEY, Jason PROKOPOWICZ, Scott ALEXANDER, Dan CRAFT, John MAHONEY, Paul FULTON, Ron DEPTULA, Ryan ORIAN, and Jim LONG are all at sunny Myrtle Beach flying A-lOs. Amy MARKERT is a comm-electronics officer at Myrtle Beach but is on her way to Patrick AFB, FL. Pam MCGINTY, with her fine southern drawl, just moved to Eglin to work for the comptroller as a cost estimator. She told me she bought a townhouse and is taking scuba lessons.

Pat SWANKE and Steve FITZGERALD are also at Eglin. Tom DUPRE finished his master’s at AFIT and is now at Hanscom working for ESD. Alex BAGGETT must have tired of flying his C-141, because he’s going to be a T-38 IP at Willie. Johnny ADKISSON, Dave MASON, Charlie RAPP, Joe AIMO, Kevin LIGHT, Dave WATT, and Bruce LEE are flying the skies over Hill AFB in the Falcon. Len and Lynne PATRICK are on a hardship tour to Hickam, HI. Ken GREENE works at a lab at Wright-Pat. Vance GILSTRIP and Dyke WEATHER-

INGTON are also at Wright-Pat working for FTD. Duane DICK is in exciting Seoul, Korea, as an intel officer. Kirk JOHNSON is flying C-130s at Little Rock.

Dave HUFF, Jeff GOSSNER, and Chuck KIMSEY are presently at C-130 AC Upgrade School at Little Rock. Tom HARWOOD and Doug GREGORY have finished UPT at Willie. Tom got an F-15 to Bitburg and Doug got an F-16 to Luke. Bill MCLENDON and Michele JOHNSON are finishing up UPT at Willie but don’t have their assignments yet. Randy STEDMAN is at Altus AFB for C-141 AC Upgrade School.

Our presence at Laughlin is quite impressive. Tom and Jean SHIRCL1FF, John and Stacy DELTORO, Chuck and Daphne PALDAN1US, Janet (PETERSON) and Dave NICHOLS, Randy WORRALL, and Dan FLOREAN1 are all IPs. Paul SULLIVAN is leaving his Kunsan tour for an assignment to Hill AFB. Bill PFAU is a PIT IP at Randolph, and Dave HUNTER is a F-15 jock at Langley. Jim STEWART is with the Pittsburg ANG. Ted BOWARD is at Scott AFB, and Mark EMERSON is at England AFB. Kevin GORTNEY finally got a join spouse with his wife, Nancy KYOTA (’82), at Keesler.

A1 GREGORY is at Hill; Rich TRENTMAN is back in Cornhusker country as a RC-135 nav at Offutt. Marty FRANCE finished his master’s at Stanford and will teach for the USAFA Astro Department. Chuck WARYK is working in the Flight Dynamics Lab at Wright-Pat and offers a place to stay for anyone traveling in the Wright-Pat area. Sue WAECHTER-Janke just arrived at Lindsey AS, Germany, with the 1st Combat Comm Group.

This article is beginning to sound like a simple reiteration of our class roster. Believe it or not, the assignment list isn’t over yet. Ralph BENDER emphatically asked me to recognize our classmates at Willie, or USAFA South as Ralph calls it. T-38 IPs are Dee HORNBOSTEL, Kathi DURST, Tom and Roxann PARKER, Jan and Kim SZTUKA, Ken and Donna KESLAR, Sam ANGELELLA, Todd ANDERSEN, Sid OLIVER, Ralph BENDER, Bob and Dianne RENAUD, Alex and Jody BAGGETT, John and Cindy BRUNDERMAN, Rick and Sherry DUCHENE, Glenn BAUGHER, and Andy and Ramona BR1TSCHGI.

T-37 IPs are Maura BURKE, Jack BERKEBILE, Ken and Terri BROOK, Andy and Claire MORGAN, Steve and Sue HIRST, Craig STRAUSS, Mark and Suzanne LUIKEN, Jeff and Laura JURECIC, Rick SPRADLIN, Alex TRUE, Chris “Bloke” MAUER, Karl JAGSTADT, and Gary OCHENKOWSKI.

Yes folks, that’s it for assignments. You can take a breather now, and then get ready for the onslaught of wedding announcements. Ryan OR1AN is engaged to Kim, and Jimmy Lee LANGLEY is engaged to Steve ZATYKO’s sister Gina. Dave MASON is also engaged. Tom DUPRE, J.C. CROWNOVER, Steve DIMAS, Cliff MASSENGIL, Joe NYPAVER, Jose SALINAS, John USTIK, and Nancy RHOADES recently married. Mimi CRANE married a guy named Rod Young. Randy WORRALL married D’Andrea, Duane DICK married Carol, and Gene STITT tied the knot with Terri. Bill GONZALES’ wife is named Brenda, and Pat DUFFY married Diane BAUERSCHMIDT from the Class of ’83. Congratulations and best wishes.

Randy WORRAL reports that the Laughlin Baby Factory is booming though he has managed to evade the epidemic. At Laughlin: Ken and Debbie BRAY and Tim and Wally GROSZ are expecting their second babies; Mike and Maureen SPENCER and Dick and Elaine DASO will be proud parents soon; and Mike and Arlene LEPPER had a boy named Gregory. Scott and Annette DINAPOLI are expecting and Jim and Dianne FORD are working on their second girl. A1 and Starr GREGORY are also working on their second child which A1 reports will be a girl.

Marty FRANCE gave me an excellent suggestion that will hopefully improve the timeliness of the information I report in the Class News article. Often items such as marriages don’t make it to print until about a year after the fact. To help reduce the delay, I’ll publish deadlines of when I need your input to get it in the next Checkpoints. Throughout the year, 1 need inputs by 25 Feb, 25 May, 25 Aug, and 25 Nov. For the next issue (the winter issue), 1 need your letters and pictures by 25 Nov.

Once again, 1 have the misfortune of ending the class article on a dismal note. It saddens me to announce that we recently lost two of our beloved classmates and fellow aviators Kurt SCHWINDT and George BOUDREAUX. Kurt died in an 0-2A accident on 7 Jun 84 at Fort Stewart Gunnery Range, GA. George also died in an aircraft accident, as reported in his obituary in the spring magazine. We’ve lost two dear friends who made the ultimate sacrifice. No words can lessen the grief that Kurt and George’s friends and families are experiencing, but let it be known that Kurt and George are ‘Gone But Not Forgotten.’ Take care and God Bless.

WRITE OR CALL YOUR CLASS NEWS WRITER NOW! THEY NEED YOUR INPUT.

Well, this column may be just a bit rushed. I just got back from a 75-day TDY to Europe, and in all the mail I found upon my return, there was a note from the editor telling me that my due date was too soon. Let’s see if I can catch you up on what’s been going on. I met all sorts of peopie, and there’s lots of news.

I left for R.A.F. Fairford around the last week in June, and immediately ran into a crew from Seymour Johnson who knew Gail JOHNSON. They told me she’s married and her new name is Tarlton. Congratulations! Next, 1 saw Diana HOWARD who was there from Robins. She, like Gail, is a tanker copilot. Diana told me that Greg BACH was in a pretty bad motorcycle accident at Robins, but I have no further word on his condition. There was an airshow at Fairford while I was there, and it was the best I’ve seen. The flying was all but nonstop between noon and 5 pm, and hundreds of venders had just about anything you could imagine on sale. The Red Arrows (R.A.F. air demonstration team) flew and put on a magnificent display. If you ever get the chance, catch their show. It’s worth going out of your way for. Chris HAAVE flew in an A-10 from Bentwaters for the static display, and he told me that Tim COLLINS is STILL moaning about how long it took to get his class UPT assignments in Checkpoints.

After a couple weeks in England, our crew packed up for Iceland. Although there were AWACS crews up there with us as well as F-4s, I didn’t meet any ’82 grads. However, you may recall Larry Helgeson from the Aero Dept and CS-04. He’s up there now flying choppers and wants to be remembered.

After two round trips to Keflavik, the next stop on “World Tour ’84” was beautiful Riyadh Saudi Arabia. To say the least, I found that place, well, interesting. It was my first experience with a culture so vastly different from our own. I also learned a great deal about hot weather operations of aircraft. 1 met up with A1 WHITE who is a weapons director in the AWACS. He’s been assigned to Tinker since April, but has only spent four weeks there. The rest of the time he’s been TDY. He plans to get married in Feb., if my memory serves me. (It usually does not...)

After three wonderful weeks at Riyadh our beer low-level lights were on and steady, so we returned to Fairford. Over the Labor Day weekend, I made a trek to Frankfurt and saw a bunch of people. Amy WIMMER

(’83) (Don’t forget, two “M’s” in that name!) met me at the airport and drove me right to the club to take part in Rhein Main’s annual carnival. I saw Gerry SOHAN, and found out that, not only is he a C-130 copilot, but he’s married and has a step-daughter. I learned that he’s spent some time in Saudi, so we swapped stories for awhile. Brian NEAL stopped by our table to say hello. He’s also flying C-130s over there. Soon, the infamous Demo (Godfred DEMANDANTE) made an appearance and feigned joy at seeing my ugly face. Demo is a C-130 nav, and we spent the next day running around Heidelburg and catching up on old times. I also met up with Jonnie JOHNSON and Antoine JACKSON. Rumor has it that Kay GROSINSKE and Chris REYMANN are also at Rhein Main, but I didn’t happen to run into either.

On one of my weekends, I went up to Alconbury to see a friend of mine and happened upon Dean MILLS and his wife. Dean is a nav in F- Ills and was on alert the day I saw him. I guess we SAC troops aren’t the only ones with good deals.

I guess that about wraps up the TDY. I’m sure I probably forgot somebody, so 1 apologize for my poor memory. Tally one for jet-lag. Yesterday was a long day.

Now for the mailbag. First, there’s an incredibly long letter from Jim PILLAR. It’s almost all names! He’s at Shaw AFB with the 21st TASS, as are Donn McCORKINDALE, Bob OTTO, Steve M. SMITH, Mike FRITZ and Chip DORMAN. Jim has seen a lot of TDY and so has seen a lot of our classmates. Mike ARRENDALE and Joe REYNOLDS are at Patrick, working in comm. Coleen McGINTY was TDY there from Hanscom to play in an AF tennis tourney. Kelly O’KEEFE is pursuing a medical degree at the U. of Miami, and Joel ZEJDLIK is working with the F-100 engine project at Wright-Pat. Jim and Chuck SCHWEISS crossed paths in Tulsa, and then Jim and Vic VENTRANO met in Base Ops at Wright-Pat. Vic was there in his T-39 from Scott. Tony MAHONEY and Steve TOLDY went through school at Hulburt with Jim, and they are now both at D-M in Arizona.

The rest of this looks like assignments from Reese: Dan SULLIVAN, C-130, Elmendorf, along with Ron MATTSON (now married); Scott TRABING, C-130, Little Rock, also married; Gary HOGG, C-130, Pope; Rich OLSON, C-130, Little Rock. Jim BROWN, A-10, Myrtle; Charlie GLASS1E, C-141, Charleston; Doug REHDER, C-141, Norton; Mark JURKOWSKI, A-10; and Mike MILLER, F-4, Germany. Also, Tony MAUER, EC-135; Dan MORRIS, KC-135; John NORTON, C-141, McGuire; Steve WATERS, T-39; and Tod WOLTERS, OV-IO, George. Daryl RANDALL, Rick TURNER, Rob GOLDIN, Rock CRAWFORD, Jeff MULLETT and Mike HEFLER, all T-38s to Reese. Ron WARHNER, Mike SCHARDT and Gary PLUMB, T-37s to Reese.

Jim also mentioned that Mike SKAFF is flying F-16s at Shaw, and Dave GRILLEY is an RF-4 GIB there. As a final note, he added that, for whoever may be interested, he turned over 135,000 miles in his truck, and no, it still isn’t painted.

A1 NORMAN dropped a line from “The GU” (Taegu AB, Korea) where he’s flying F-4s in one of the last air-to-air F-4 squadrons in the AF. He’s going to get married in May and wanted me to mention that “The Renegades Live ON!” Also at Taegu are Randy LANE and Dave STAHL, pilot and GIB, respectively. Dave, as you may recall from an earlier column, married Carolyn CURTICE. She’s flying C-141s at Norton.

This picture is of the lLt party at Vance and comes courtesy of Cathy and Brian CLOTHIER. They had quite a bash, as I understand, complete with two roasted pigs. Cathy is at McConnell as a KC-135 copilot, and she is anxiously awaiting the same TDY from which I just returned. I heard through the grapevine that she is doing very well at McConnell and will soon be transitioning to the R-model tanker there. Congratulations!

Finally, I must print a correction to an assignment I passed along in another column. Mark MILLER wrote to say that he did not get an F-4, but an F-16. He will be assigned to the 612th TFS at Torrejon. Sorry, Mark! I guess I got some bad info.

I suppose that wraps up another quarter. This issue was a bit short on letters, so all you budding writers out there, let’s get going! If you’re like me and never write letters, pick up the phone. If I’m not home, I’m probably on alert, so try there (AV: 637-7801). Take care, and be safe.

Speaking of Alonzo, how about them gold medals? Pretty awesome!

WEDDINGS: Hang on to your flight caps! Tom KING was married in Colorado Springs earlier this year. I made sure I was there to witness the historic event. Mike ROSAS was also there. The big news, however, is that he and his wife are expecting next March!

The Nadeau Wedding Contingent

A couple of other weddings at the Academy this past summer involving members of the Class of ’83 include one in May when Paul NADEAU tied the knot with Diane Hensel at the Community Center Chapel. Among the grad contingent attending were best man Glen MARUMOTO, who is an F-106 maintenance officer at Minot; Joe MACKLIN, Jr. (’79), who was moving from a T-37 IP slot at Laughlin to C-130s at Rhein Main, Germany, and Andy WISE, who moved from Willy to C-130s at Pope. The bride and groom reside in Dover, NH, where Paul works as a maintenance officer at Pease AFB.

In September, John PARKES III married Karla Hamrick at the Cadet Chapel, with John’s brother, Mike, doing best-man chores. The photo above shows some of the military/grad attendants. From left is Dave Dietrich, and grads Ken KUHR, heading to Mather in KC-135s; the groom; Frank RAND, headed to Dyess in C-130s; and Aaron BOWEN, to McConnell AFB, KS, and KC-135s. John and Karla were last seen honeymoon bound but will end up at Charleston, SC, where John will be gearing up for C-141 flying duties. (Also attending both of these weddings was this magazine’s editor, which is why we have photos! Hint. Hint.)

Have you ever stopped to wonder what happened to the welder after there were no more CQ key rings? So much for job security. Once again it’s my turn to tell lies about everyone I know. I guess the best place to start is here at home in Denver. By the time you read this, I will be halfway through my first quarter of law school at DU. I am going parttime in the evenings and hope to finish sometime between now and the next coming of the locusts.

RUMORS & GOSSIP: Two TDYs in the last year took me to Montgomery and Boston. I ran into Mike BRYANT who is working in the AFASPO at Gunter. The trip to Boston found me sitting in John CARTER’S basement with John and Bill CHANGOSE telling stories about how much we got away with as cadets. Bill is in the process of applying for UPT.

I was at the Academy in June for graduation. I had the honor of swearing in two members of the Class of ’84. All I can say about the ceremony is that Reagan made believers out of 40,000 registered voters. Some familiar faces hanging around the old place at graduation were Chris AUSTIN, Drew WACKER, Jim KURAHSHIGE, Steve CURL and Alonzo BABERS.

John and Karla Parkes

Speaking of recently married, I received a letter from Gayle DENNY (JOHNSON) who is married to John DENNY (’84) and living in Austin, TX. Dave KLAUDT has been calling me and insisting that Pat KILBRIDE and Carol FOOTE (’82) are on the verge. He claims to have run into Killer at MPC working on a join-spouse assignment. Rumor has it that Chris AUSTIN and Beth HENKLER (’84) have announced their intention. Phil KOPPA should be married sometime this month as well as Steve EGGENSPERGER, Jeff PECK and Mark ERIKSON. Finally, Pete and Carol Ann JONES (TARR) were married in July.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE: 1 have received explicit instructions from the AOG to keep everything short. At Wright-Patterson: Jim and Cindy NORMAN, Torsten RHODE, Pat VEILLETE, Mike BROWNING, Bob LEMM, Andy VON CANON, Reed McCONNELL, Jeff JONES, Andy SALISBURY, Leslie WASHER (ERSBERG), Nicky ANDERSON, Em SANDEEN, Mack THORN, Errol LEWIS, Nate MARTENS, Mark GALLAGHER, Jeff COMER, Greg BONTLY, Chris BOEDICKER, Paul JOYCE, John ST1ZZA, Jerry SHOFNER, Dave BURNS, Rich SOBOTA, Mark SCHILLER, Jeff INGALLS, Steve (aka “the eye of”) D1CKMAN, Mik TRUNDY and Mark FRASSINELLI. At Edwards: Mark PRICE, John ANDRESHAK, Mark ERICKSON, Dave BUCKENMYER, Quinten EVANS, Tracy SMITH and Vern WRIGHT.

UPT Assignments:

Mark ATWELL

Ray BROYH1LL

Norm BROZENICK

John CASELLO

Tom DUDA

Steve EGGENSPERGER

Ray FURTMANN

Mike MCDONALD

Jeff PECK

T-37 to Williams

F-15 to Elmendorf

C-130 to Dyess

F-16 to MacDill

C-141 to Travis

C-130 to Little Rock

T-38 to Williams

C-21 to Offutt

C-21 to Wright-Patterson

Andy WISE C-130 to Pope

Dan BALTRUSAITIS

Aaron BOWEN

A1 GA1LEY

T-37 to Williams

KC-135 to McConnell

KC-135 to Loring

Tim KEHLER F-4 to Homestead

Steve KOTAN T-38 to Williams

Ken KUHR KC-135 to Mather

Karl KUSCHNER F-4 to Homestead

Mike MEYER F-16 to MacDill

Eric MILLER

T-38 to Williams

Mike OLIVER KC-135 to Castle

Inocencio ORTA-FARGAS KC-135 to March

John PARKES C-141 to Charleston

Frank RAND C-130 to Dyess

Diane REYNOLDS KC-135 to Beale

Brian SMITH RF-4 to Bergstrom

Nora VICK T-37 to Williams

Ben WILSON C-21 to Wright-Patterson

I talked to Brian WALSH recently about assignments from Columbus. It seems his wife, Sherry, begged and pleaded to stay at beautiful Columbus AFB so he was obligated to take a T-37 IP slot in the interest of marital harmony. Other assignments were:

Dan BRUNSKOLE KC-135 to Grissom

Brad POLLOCK T-37 to Columbus

Marybeth BLEYL T-38 to Columbus

Rex BAILEY KC-135

Steve SADLER F-4

Bert SZYMKOWICZ C-141

Dennis DINGLEY F-15

Tom WEBSTER F-16

Rod SPAHN C-141 to Travis

Tim McCORMICK C-141 to Charleston

One assigment of particularly interesting note is Rich DEPAOLO, C-141 to McGuire AFB, NJ (one of only two states where there is legalized gambling).

Jim KURASHIGE and Joe McREYNOLDS send this letter from HQ SPACECMD, NORAD, Colorado Springs:

“Greetings from the cadet heartland: This is the 1st official report from those of us making the big move from the zoo to downtown C-Springs, after having a year to settle in (or down, as the case may be). Representing ’83 are: Joe McREYNOLDS and Jim KURASHIGE (C-Crew); Ken NORTON, A1 STERNS, Diane ELWER (A-Crew); Benard WILLIAMS (D-Crew); Kyle MOORE, Russ SMITH (E-Crew); Ray POWELL, Kevin McLAUGHLIN (B-Crew); Gary GROVER (Federal Bldg), Steve ROSCIO (Daystaff), Konda SULLIVAN and Iris CHILDRESS (Chidlaw Bldg).

LAST ITEMS: Cecil GRANT called to tell me he can’t wait to get over to Saudi Arabia for three months TDY...

Also, Mark MANNEY was last spotted fighting Communist aggression somewhere in the Mid-west. It seems that someone forgot to tell him that the Mid-west is not Central America...

Finally, yes folks, remember where you heard it first, Bill VOLKER is getting married and taking his new bride to the Philippines with him. I want to thank everybody who sent letters, cards, pictures, etc. I’m sorry 1 wasn’t able to include everything but you can’t please all the peopie.

David “DJ” Johnson

2323 W. Bay Area Blvd., #1604 Webster, TX 77598

Percent members: 64

wGreetings from Houston, TX, and the Johnson Space Center. Lots of vacations and first assignments since we last were together and unfortunately, most of the mail that 1 have received is pretty small and undetailed. By now, people are starting to settle into their new jobs so next issue’s column will probably have more info than this one. As for now, I’ll spill my guts on the info that I have.

While most of you were spending your first week in June basking in the sun, Greg PETRICK, Doug WREATH, Wayne LO, Jerry SELLERS and I traveled to Lowry AFB for duty. By 11 June we were already back in Manned Space f light Operations school. We became the first Academy graduates to complete the course. Jerry led the way by becoming a DG and Doug and I performed our usual task of bringing down the mean. Wayne was headed for Cheyenne Mountain while the rest of the group came to Houston.

Just as we were starting to get lonely at Lowry, more ’84ers showed up. Among some of the notables were Leon SCOTT, Grady ELLIOTT, Maria DURAN, Marianne IDZI, John STRATON, Paul GIGNILL1AT, Glenn ANDERSON, A1 GUEUVARA, Mary KELLER, Mark MILLER, Tammy WILSON, Rory MAYNARD, and Ceferino NANG for Space Ops training. Then Intel School started and I saw Doug McNARY, Muffy DANT and Dana STRONG. Just when I was starting to call Lowry USAFA-North, all the grads started leaving and Lowry became just another base again.

I also spotted Ivan RANDALL at Lowry with his soon-to-be- bride. They were there to make arrangements for their upcoming wedding. Good Luck Ivan.

Brent BRANDON was last seen at the Academy working in the Poli-Sci Department during summer academics. Yes, he did marry Belinda. Greg ZOLNINGER resides at Camp USAFA in the football department. He is acting as our Class representative to the AOG Board of Directors. Dale GRUPE is working Zoo B-Ball and Bob SULLIVAN is working Zoo Hockey. Dave HOOK passed through Colorado on his way to UPT and I managed to talk with him at Lowry. I ran into Bob MONDY at the BX. He was home on leave and waiting to go to UPT. Well, that takes care of Colorado.

I headed home in August for some well deserved R & R before heading to Armadillo Land. While at home I heard from Robin BOYD, Melody BELL, and Andrea CLARK. I call them the California connection. Robin and Mel are at LA Station and Andrea is at Mather. California is overflowing with grads. I don’t presently have an updated listing of all of them but hopefully I can get one by next issue. Speaking of LA, Gail CONWAY ran in the Olympic Trials. Even though she missed making the final team, we’re still very proud of her. Way to go, Gail.

1 haven’t heard much from the UPT bases with the exception of Columbus where my old room-dog, John TAYLOR, resides. We spent Labor Day weekend in New Orleans and enjoyed ourselves immensely. I hear the boys and girls at Columbus must not have enough work to do because all of the married couples are expecting children. Tim SAFFORD’s wife is expecting and so is Rob PUCKETT’s bride. Remember guys and gals, cold showers and lots of chair flying. It works every time.

Well folks, I’ve got to go. The toilet on the Shuttle still won’t work so us new Lts might have to play plumber. Keep the letters coming and the accomplishments growing. Send me some pictures too.

The Final Word: Remember, old cadet wing commanders never die, they just can’t find a wing to command as a 2nd It. Anybody made 1st Lt yet?

Air Force Academy Wardrobe Accessory Gift Items

* The Air Force Academy necktie compiimerits blazer or suit jacket wear. Designed exclusively for the Association of Graduates, this 60% silk tie is custom woven with China lettering over a Grenada Blue background. Produced by Wm. Chelsea Ltd., the quality of this handsome neckwear is guaranteed. Comes complete with embroidered tie holder on the reverse of a three and one-half inch full tapered front. Show your Academy “connection” with this fine addition to your wardrobe.

Jc The USAFA blazer button set will proudly adorn any classic blazer. Four small and three large blazer buttons are included with the Academy logo recessed in the center on a polished bright silver finish. The crest is encircled with a field of blue upon which the words “United States Air Force Academy” are portrayed in a raised silver finish. Additional small and large buttons are available at $3.50 each. This distinguished blazer button set will compliment your finest jacket.

* The USAFA blazer badge is a custom-created work of art, hand embroidered of genuine gold and silver bullion and rich silks. The Air Force Academy shield comes to life on your blazer and shows off your school’s colors and crest. Also available with the Association of Graduates logo (in sew-on only). The USAFA badge comes with clutch-back fasteners for easy attachment and removal. A must for graduates and supporters of your Air Force Academy.

Ladies'

Men's

at $195* each

Ladies'SeikoQuartz Wrist Watch with Lizard Strap (#2003-SL) at$180*each.

Men'sSeikoQuartz Wrist Watch with Lizard Strap (#2003-SM) at $180* each

A Seiko Quartz timepiece available for a limited time only. Featuring a richly detailed three dimensional design of the Academy Seal.

Electronic quartz movement guaranteed accurate to within fifteen seconds per month.

Available in wrist watch, and pocket watch styles. Entire edition reserved exclusively for Alumni and Friends. Satisfaction guaranteed, or returnable for full refund.

Full one year Seiko warranty.

Earliest reservations entered will be guaranteed Christmas delivery.

For faster service, credit card orders may be placed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (eastern time) by telephoning toll free 1-800-523-0124; Pennsylvania residents only should call 1-215-687-5277 collect. Please then request to speak to operator number 2003.