Our Class Heads to the Moon. When classmate/astronaut Brian Duffy heard about this he responded “cool.....always wanted to go to the moon...we just got too old too soon.” To which the organizer of our adventure, Webmaster Marty Stytz retorts “Who says we're too old? Someone still has to be the first man on Mars. Course, that will take a bit more effort by the class.” The LRO Class Project was a resounding success!
Each of our squadrons has submitted its name to accompany the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the first mission in NASA's plan to return to the Moon and then to travel to Mars and beyond. LRO will launch November 24, 2008 or later. Any person could submit his or her name to the mission, which will carry it in digital form into space. Marty's brilliance was to have each squadron as a unit submit itself digitally online (and maybe each '75er in that squadron if the POC so desired). On June 27, the Class of '75 completed its goal of 100% participation by its squadrons. You can view the certificates at our class website.
In addition, four squadrons entered the individual names of classmates in their squadrons. You can view these certificates at the website as well (CS-11, CS-12, CS-33, CS-35). On Marty's own initiative, our GBNF classmates are also inscribed. You'll have to agree that seeing their names here is more than a little moving.
Some (irreverent) POC comments after completing the task: Stan Collins: Good idea! Now we'll all live on in infamy in space! Paul Lotakis: We tried to Weasel out of it but the CS-35 Wild Weasels are on board. Certificate attached. Use it carefully. ALSO.... (insert drum roll here).... CS35 is 100 percent signed up, individually, for the LRO. Mike Heil: Here you go. Seagrams to the Moon! Bill Buchta: No problem; that was easy. Glad to get us in space. Rudy Roth: Mission accomplished. Michael Marro: Bull Six is onboard! Richard Yurko: Ali Baba all present and accounted for, SIR!! Dick Park: Does this mean I need to start wearing a tinfoil hat so the aliens can't find me? Jim Carlson responds: Yes, definitely. You should also smear lots of non-radar reflecting ointment all over your body. Stay indoors when the sun is out, and during full moons. You're probably OK to wander outside from late December to early March, but only in the upper latitudes. Colt Mefford: ...and the anal probes... Don't forget the anal probes... John Charlton: Dude - if you sign this [LRO Certificate], the Martians will know who you are and might come and get you when they colonize earth! Al Bready: So ...... what do Martian women look like?
Classmate Updates. On June 4, CS-33 sent out a "Happy 33rd from 33" message. The scribe notes we only have 7 more graduation anniversaries before we won't be able to do that anymore.
Charlie Buck's son Chad plays rhythm guitar in "The Dorian Green Blues Band." Charlie adds “It's some kind of play on Oscar Wilde's ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, which I don’t understand.” (And who of us would try?). He sent the scribe some of their music, including "Beautiful Nasty". Pretty good stuff. Even old folks can enjoy. Charlie adds: Well, I'm over the hump and coasting into 56. The "kids" are doing well and take care of me in their own way. Chad, being the youngest (though he'll turn 21 in October) and male, shows up fairly frequently with dirty laundry and asks, "Hey, Dad, you had lunch yet?" His group, The Doran Green Blues Band, was asked to submit a demo to a small record company and is waiting to hear what they have to say. They've been playing a few gigs and will be one of the featured performers at a small music festival just outside Kansas City the weekend of July 18-20. Ashlyn has finished her second year of law school (one to go) and keeps me in line, though she always has a kiss for me and tells me she loves me. Regan, the married one working on her PhD in African History at UCLA, is currently in Nigeria to do research for her dissertation. She usually answers my voice mails (eventually) and also reminds me that she loves me when we do get to talk. James, her husband, is the son-in-law you fantasize about. So I guess I'm doing OK. The old CS-20 Trolls had talked about a reunion at Oskosh this summer, but that attempt is looking bleak due to everyones busy lives.
From Chuck Molzon: I WAS flying for ATA Airlines, aka American Trans Air. We did a lot of US military charters in addition to regular scheduled service. However, they unceremoniously filed bankruptcy and laid everyone off on the 3rd of April. (They left me stranded in Dallas but I was able to get a ride home on American Airlines.) So, I am looking for a new job. I have accepted a position with Compass Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest, flying regional jets. But, it will be more like work rather than doing something that I really enjoy. Goodness knows I am too mature to have to work! That is why I submitted an application to fly for NetJets. The life style would be much more what I was used to flying for ATA and the type of flying would be fun, thus not work. If you know of anyone who could help me, that would be great.
From Paul Lotakis NW Region 75 POC: Got a short-notice call from Mike Buckley last week that Larry Richter was in town and they took the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island last week. Had a noon-meal formation at a Thai restaurant at the marina and then trekked the Bloedel Reserve here on Bainbridge. Got very thirsty and went back to my deck for some barley pops. Great to see Larry and have him over. Pics of the "fifty-somethings" attached at Bloedel.
From Jeff Chappell Subject: Charlie Beadling, 75, Movie Star: Just saw a well-done documentary called "Fighting for Life," about military medical operations in Iraq and the school at USUHS. Saw two doctors I have seen here at BAMC (Rhonda Cornum, Gulf War 1 PoW and urologist/flight surgeon, and Tom Kolkebeck) and our very own Charlie Beadling. The San Antonio Express-News described it accurately, I think, as a modern-day MASH (my favorite show of all time: MASH 4077, Best Care Anywhere). #3 son Ben is about to enter the Army as a medical tech and he was inspired by the show. It had some amazing stories of recovery, above and beyond performances by people "just doing their jobs" in real life, and I recommend it to all our classmates and their families. It renewed my appreciation for our classmates and others (including my wife) in medical professions. Good to see you, Charlie! Thank you and keep up the great work!
From Mickey Clemons: I am recovering from surgery for a detached retina. From Mike Matte: My daughter just graduated from law school in Vermont and is back home in Atlanta looking for a job as she studies for the Georgia Bar exam, 8 months away. From Brian Barnes: Teri and I have started a bed and breakfast here in Seattle. We give discounts to grads of course!
From Jim Burling: I ran into Dan Burkett this week walking into AFSPC headquarters. He is working for Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo. We did a quick "catch-up" on family news. He regularly travels to the Springs, so we'll try to set up a Happy Hour in conjunction with one of his TDYs.
From Hugo Gray: Was watching last part of the film "Top Gun" on cable and up pop the credits for the pilots who supported the cast. Was stunned to see Mike Straight (Capt. Mike "Boa" Straight) as himself playing a MiG pilot! Congrats Mike – now we really have a celebrity in the Squadron! Were you the only Air Force guy? Better to ask 20 years late than never. Mike Straight responds: The Navy graciously let the token Air Force exchange guy fly a little bit of the film. A good bunch of guys. But I tell Dottie I was actually Tom Cruise's stunt double for the bedroom scene.
From Charles Schmitz: Hello from wild and wonderful Iraq, wish you were here. Settled into my new job and well into my fourth week, not that I'm counting. It has been interesting working a joint billet with the Army, only confirms my reasons for going to USAFA and not West Point. I've attached two photos, one of the sandstorms from this past Sunday and one of me with the boss. I can probably keep you in photos for awhile. Surge is working, attacks are down where I am.
From Bill Davis: I'm back online after a wonderful two-week cruise of the Mediterranean with Annette and her folks (followed by ten days of flying for United and visiting grandkids). Raider Ramstad appears to be a San Francisco-based 747 copilot. Should I just tell him that Jim Carlson has the '75 Mafia searching for him, and that he can run, but not hide??
From Jim Burling: Brig Gen Dave Ehrhart to Retire! CS-31 Grim Reapers. Official announcement was published today for Brig Gen Dave Ehrhart's retirement 15 Aug at Wright-Patterson AFB. (See Dave's note below...party...party...party!) Our last active-duty member from CS-31. Congrats on a super career, Dave and Chris! We hope some classmates can make this last retirement of one of our squadron-mates and our highest-ranking Grim Reaper graduate! It will be a classy ceremony in the AF Museum! Best Wishes, Dave and Chris! Dave Ehrhart responds: Burr Thanks...we're excited! The ceremony will be on 15 Aug at 1500 in the Air Force Museum with a dinner that night at the Officer's Club. After that, we'll head off (after some break) to wherever the job is . . . that, as you know, is the adventure!
From Larry Colletti: Subject: Re: Brig Gen Dave Ehrhart to Retire! Congratulations Dave & Chris. Contrary to Burr's invitation to Colorado Springs stating "always can use some more attorneys in the Springs," I'm pretty sure that Burr has been smoking some pretty bad stuff lately and should really change his supplier. What he meant to say was, "Always can use some more gymnasts in the Springs!"
From Bill Dalson: "Don’t know if you’ve heard, but Al Peck will pin on his third star and assume command of Air University on 16 June."
Rotary Club of Scotia, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2008: Recently promoted, and recently retired, Brigadier General Max Della Pia provided a fascinating program describing his time as Senior Airfield Authority in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Among the goals of his time there were to destroy terrorist cells, to create stability, and to mentor, train, and equip the local Afghani military and police forces. Using the MQ-9 Reaper, the updated drone, guided from Nevada, this bigger and better version of the Predator was designed to carry weapons, and has better vision as well as more precise targeting capabilities. Among the other successes of his time there were transferring the Senior Airfield Authority to NATO, with air operations control responsibilities to the Australians, along with carrying out many humanitarian missions, such as providing school supplies, clothing, and other essentials to the local Afghanis. Brigadier General Della Pia listed some of the challenges, including economic, tribal, religious, and cultural issues. The presence of NATO multi-national forces brings both challenges and opportunities, and leaving the country to the Taliban forces is not an option.
From Max H. Della Pia: I retired from the military on 7 April and from my civil service position on 30 April. They gave me a brevet promotion to Brig Gen at my retirement. It was a nice gesture and made the event more upbeat as I was still enjoying serving in the military. I deployed one last time from Jun 07 to Jan 08 as the Senior Airfield Authority for Kandahar and the 451st Air Expeditionary Group Commander. It was a memorable deployment with some very gifted, dedicated, and professional YOUNG airmen and women. It was a great way to finish out my career. While I was gone, I missed every single game of my middle son, John's, senior-year-soccer-season. The good news is despite my absence his team did very well. It won its sectional, regional, quarterfinal, and semifinal, and lost in the final 1-0. John has accepted a slot at the USAF Academy Prep School to play soccer. I was hoping to get in touch with Phil Gronseth (a fellow CS-14 member as a 4th classman) whom I am told is teaching there, while John and I were on his NCAA visit but I was unable. Do you have his email? For now, I am spending part of each day job hunting and the rest of the day enjoying being home with my family–cooking, going to the gym, and playing golf. I went to the SACC in DC earlier in the month and have been interviewing at various locations a couple times each week.
From Phil Gronseth to Max: Great to hear from you! Congrats on many levels: retirement, promotion, son coming to AFA...Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about the Prep School. It’s great that your son is recruited for soccer. The team here is a club team and they have about a two-month season. It will keep him current but not much more. I coached high school soccer for a number of years and helped coach at the Prep School a few years ago (I had a soccer scholarship out of high school but came to USAFA for hockey instead) but don’t coach right now. Are you bringing John out here in July? I’ll look for you both during in processing. I can’t promise anything but Ill see if I can be his academic advisor. Ill definitely keep an eye on him and he’ll always be welcome in my office. Keep in touch!
From Stan Schoener to Jim C. Subject: Mini Reunion in Las Vegas; It was great seeing you after 33 years – you haven't changed a bit (and neither did I, right?). Seeing you, Mark Beesley, and John Loucks certainly brought back great memories. It's amazing how the bad memories don't seem so bad any more. For those of you out there who, like me, have not made it to any of the reunions, I hope you make it to the next one. If this 4-man reunion is a good sample, I sure missed an awful lot. Personally, I can't wait for our 35th. Just got a call from TJ Gravelle – talked for a long time. He has layovers in Vegas and we hope to get together on his next trip. For those of you out there who make to Vegas, please feel free to call and we'll get together for a drink.
From Scott Smith: Subject: '75ers in Rome. Imagine my delight when I got to the Delta crew wine bar in Rome, after wandering about the city all day taking pictures, to find fellow Delta pilot Mike Roznovsky waiting for me with a glass of wine ready to toast "75 Best Alive." I hadn't seen him since before graduation (fellow Russian Area History major) and did not realize he was at Delta. Great time. Great guy! From William Rohde: Delta has a crew wine bar?
From Kurt Bock: Ed McCollum is married to Jim Judkins' sister, Linda (Jim was a '74 vintage zoomie). I was a doolie in CS-11 when Jim was a 3 degree . . . both he and Ed were at Texas A&M before they both came to USAFA. Jim is now the Director of CE and Trans at Edwards AFB now in his civilian life. When Frank Wyatt, Tim Turnbull and Dennis Boo came through Champaign, Illinois a few years back, we called Ed. He is a school teacher in the Houston Texas area. And as always, you are a great President . . . thanks for taking care of the '75ers.
From Dale Meyerrose: Subject: Dr. John Howard with Mr. Meyerrose picture. Two 75ers still trying to make a difference. The occasion [for the attached photo] was John's departure from DNI after a great tour of duty.
From Bob Awtrey: Cowboy Awtrey Update; DC '75s, Wanted to provide a quick update and thank all of you who pitched in to help me see where my next work adventure would land! Last month, I was happy to be able to join a couple of '75ers, Joe May and Buster Burns, with their company – BlueForce and subsidiary BlueLaw International. They started BlueForce (SDVOB) 5 years ago and have done extremely well growing in the DOD C2 / ISR community as well as other consulting services. They have recently expanded into the international arena (State Dept, USAID . . .) with Development, Security, and Stability operations work. I look forward to seeing where we can grow this great Class of 75 Business!! They are Hampton VA-based and I am looking to work the Capital Region to make sure this growth continues!
From Scott Hente: Found out a little over a month ago that I have prostate cancer.. . . [One of our classmates] provided some great advice and put my mind at ease over the course of treatment I was choosing. The good news is it appears as though we caught it early – I go "under the knife" tomorrow morning – will probably be taking it easy for 3 or 4 weeks afterwards. Will be back in touch in a few days to let you know how everything is going.
From: Scott Hente Re: howzit going? (in regards to prostate cancer): Thanks for asking – actually, going better than I thought it would. Have a Dr. appointment in a couple of hours and the catheter is COMING OUT! The catheter has been the only real "nuisance" I've had since the surgery (other than just the normal tenderness and the fact that I've lost my taste for anything with alcohol in it) and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. Got the pathology report back (done on the removed prostate and some surrounding lymph nodes taken during the surgery). Showed no spread of the cancer and seems to indicate we caught this early. Doc did say that based on the pathology report, it might have been a couple of years before he would have felt anything with the infamous "finger check" but by that time there is a pretty good chance the cancer would have spread. Further proof that regular screening goes a long way. On another note, I've had a persistent cough for the last several months. Been to the Dr. and he has tried a couple of different things but all to no avail. But ever since the surgery the cough has been gone. Beats me how a prostate removal cures a cough but I'm not complaining.
Another Update From Scott Hente: Just had my follow-up with the urologist/surgeon and the pathology report came back with very good news. No spread of the cancer to the lymph system and the cancer was confined to the prostate. The urologist's comments were "we caught this in time, another couple of years and it would have spread". Further proof that regular screening pays off. I know that I am being redundant (and sounding all mushy) but I have really come to appreciate the support structure of family and friends when you are ill. Case in point: the night after the surgery I was all wired and couldn't sleep. The nurses brought me in a portable computer so I could get on the internet. So here I am at 2:00 AM checking e-mails and I was flooded with notes of good wishes, prayers, and thoughts from classmates from around the world. I'm really fortunate (and humbled) to be associated with such a great group.
From Sandy Terry: I want to sincerely thank all of you who supported my recent Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training (TNT) 100-mile bicycle ride last Sunday, June 1st. I joined about 1850 other TNT riders from all over the United States on the 100-mile course around Lake Tahoe, Nevada for this event. It was a beautiful day and I completed the ride in about 8 1/2 hours, though at about mile 85 as I was halfway up the 8 mile climb up Spooner summit I couldn't help but wonder what the heck I was doing there! It was great experience! As soon as I post it you can go back to my fundraising website listed below to see a picture of me taken in the finish area; I don't even look tired! Over 3,300 bicycle riders competed in the event, with about 1850 of them from over 60 TNT chapters from across the country. I met my fundraising goal of $4,400, and the 14 members riding for our Southern Ohio Chapter raised a little over $60,000. Most importantly, the 1850 bicyclists riding with TNT in the event raised over $7.5 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Yes, that's $7.5 million! 25 years ago the 5-year survival rate for Leukemia patients was somewhere in the 10-15% range. Today the 5-year survival rate is over 90%, all because of the tremendous efforts being put forth by a large number of highly dedicated people to develop treatments and provide patient services for blood cancer patients. Your donations will continue to fund that research and other patient services that will eventually allow us to declare the war on leukemia and lymphoma, and all other forms of cancer, is won! Again, thank you for your generous donations, your support, and most of all your open hearts for those who are living with, and beating, all forms of cancers. You are true heros!
From Dick Webber: Am alive and well at the Pentagon . . . job is Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Plans, and Requirements (HAF A3/5). From: Dan Burkett: I left Booz Allen a year and half ago. From Mike Anderson: I was having breakfast last Friday at the Anchorage Hilton with my Communications Director, and I looked up and saw a FedEx pilot dude looking sharp and being in command and stuff. I thought "I know that guy! That's my roomo!" So ... I hereby present pics of Jack Barton and me at the Hilton – in front of the two bears that we took on one of our recent hunting trips (yeah ... in our dreams). Jack was headed off to points further west. I was at the end of my 2 weeks in Alaska. My Comm Director noted how we seemed to be friends who were just catching up – and was surprised that the last time we saw each other was 3 years ago at the reunion. "That's the way it is with our class," I told her. "Its like a Band-of-Brothers thing. We went through a lot together, and we will go through anything together. It could be years since we saw each other .... but it will seem like just yesterday when we spend anytime together."
From Paul Narzinski: Great pictures of Mike Anderson and Jack Barton in Anchorage . . . but advise 'em to stay away from those Grizzlies as us bottom 100 club (last 2 rows to graduate) have bad memories of Dancing Bears. :-)
From Stan Schoener: Got some good news a couple of weeks ago – my daughter, who is a senior at USC (AFROTC), has been accepted to UNR (Reno) med school. This is her 2nd choice for med school. She will interview with her 1st choice (Bethesda) this coming week. No matter how the interview goes, it's not a bad option to settle for your 2nd choice school. I moved over the Xmas holidays. The 3rd big news item isn't so good. Went thru cancer surgery (bladder) a week ago. Had to be the scariest couple of weeks leading up to the surgery – wondering what the doc will find, and how much he can get out. The bad news is that it was the "C" word – but the good news is that he thinks he got everything out, and didn't see any residuals on the bladder walls. I go in for a follow-up 'scope' in March to ensure nothing is coming back. Mike Narkiewicz I know understands how scary this is, and I am sure there are others out there. Word of wisdom - if you pee even a little bit of blood, see your doctor right away. I am being very optimistic, and am much more cheerful than I was a week ago. Say a few prayers for this little Israeli boy (no matter what religion you are). There’s enough excitement for the last month to last me. My move is finally complete, and soon I'll even be able to park my car in the garage. In the past we've only been able to park 1 car in a 2-car garage. Now it's my turn, after 30 years of marriage, to park inside.
From Harry Mathis: Subject: "Tail-end Charlie" Selected for O-6: Miracles still happen. Against many odds, the Air Force has decided to promote me to O-6 (see below). With so many young thoroughbreds in the race I was pretty sure this old plow horse was headed for the barn (thought I could even smell the hay :-), but God and the AF had other plans. I'm number two on the list, but also have an assignment pending, so not sure when or where pin-on will be. Will let you know.
From Mark Risi: Just thought I would let you know I had my left knee replaced on Tuesday and am headed home on Thursday evening. I am actually recovering in North Carolina, not Alaska. From John Scherer: I have a son who is at USNA and is a third classman. I am tired of hearing about Navy Football!!
From Johnny Sims: Jim, I'm kind of collecting Boonie hats. As soon as I went to camp, I'd wear mine in the Guard. The problem is that the USAF one is protected like somebody's daughter's virginity. I can't order one, because I'm not on AF active duty. Is there anybody in the Zoo Mafia who could get me one? [Size: 7]
From Bill Murray: I actually got a 60-day layoff notice from Lockheed Martin a week ago Monday, so I've been in the "job search" mode! No luck yet, but I'm beating the bushes. We need to stay in the Dallas-Ft Worth area, so I'm looking for open requisitions at Lockheed Martin to begin with.
From Peggy (Terry) Young: Jim...I can't believe that you discovered Charlie Bergman after all these years! We knew he and Sherry very well in pre-graduation days and I used to occasionally stay with Sherry when I went to see Terry. We even celebrated their wedding vows on the eve of June 4th! We had lost touch after 5 or so years of multiple moves on both of our parts and have thought of them so often. You are right! This is an amazing group of friends that spans across time, distance, and jobs
From Jeff Chappell: While we're on the topic of Charlie Bergman, here's a memory for you: We were at Coronado for the "Hummingbirds" mini-UDT summer program, 1973. One test was to swim back and forth across the pool four times (I think) on a single breath, or pass out trying. Everyone was doing well (I've never been in better shape before nor since), making the trip ok. Charlie was about ten feet from the end of his swim when he suddenly stopped moving in the water. Those of us monitoring him got his head out of the water and he started breathing again right away. That was truly amazing, and I hope to never see anything like it again! Thanks for the news and keep up the great work! See you around the campus!
From Duane Jones, who sent me the following photos of our classmates at the Air Force Blue Summit (an annual event hosted by the CSAF), 18 April 2008, in San Antonio: During the two-day event, participants receive briefings from SECAF, CSAF, and Air Staff principals on issues facing the USAF. He invites all active duty, Air Guard, and Reserve General Officers and SESs. Best Alivers in attendance: Ehrhardt, Peck, Jones, McClendon, Commons, Fraser, Knauff, Schuessler, and S. Rogers. Invited, but not able to attend: Dave Tillotson, Dick Webber, and Ric Rosborg.
Jim C responds: I was glad to see Steve Rogers there. It’s been 3 decades since I last saw him. We were Basic Cadets together in GUTS squadron during BCT in B Flight (which went on to 22nd Squadron, Old Dorm). I’ve said it before, and its worth saying again – Steve was the direct inspiration for me to assume a leadership role in our class (I serve with many other classmates who continue to lead our unique Class of 75). In our Basic Summer and Doolie Year, he exemplified the leadership qualities that all of us strove for. He took me with him to attend our doolie class council meetings and showed me by example how to get things done with a diverse group. I owe a lot to that guy.
Early 1971 Reminiscing. From Jim C's request of "I'd like to get your reminiscences of our first days at the Academy." Below are some of the stories. JC intends to leave these stories someplace safe, so that later generations can have some idea what our world was like in the early 70s when Vietnam was still a war, Nixon was still president, we had POWs to worry about, and growing sideburns down to the absolute limit of the regs (top, bottom, or middle of our ear-holes I think) were the issues of the day.
Some stories from you about our BCT days. What do you remember during those first few days? What do you remember from 2nd BCT in the Valley? If you need a nudge, here's some memories from classmates that we've posted from years past.
From Bruce Correll: Subject: Ted Stallone. Yes, Ted has an email and he has given me authorization to release it to those with a need but "noforn!" He keeps it as a state secret (note from scribe: not anymore). Yes, I am here with him in Waikiki as we are remodeling the seven condos we own and rent here. No, we are NOT a couple as some may suggest since neither of us have ever married. Funny story we should tell you sometime but the essence is: On graduation day we headed for Hawaii for some well deserved R & R. On the beach here in Hawaii just over 33 years ago we made a pact that whoever got married first would owe the OTHER one a week long all expense paid vacation for two back to Hawaii. What started out as a half-hearted joke has somehow turned into a lifelong quest to out do the other...that Academy competition thing! We have both been engaged and bought the rings but could not make it to the cake for fear that we would be forever tagged the "loser." The poor (or lucky maybe) girls knew this too. When Northwest Airlines opened a base in Honolulu, I built a house in Kona and Ted panicked thinking I would just throw him a key, get married and tell him he can just stay in the house to satisfy the bet....so he went out and bought a condo to check mate me! Then we both bought some more together. Last year we converted the bet to a $20,000 cash deal since we both now owned property in Hawaii. Over the years we have tried everything to try to get the other to marry including baiting the girls. Nothing has worked. I really need that money for a boat and Ted has his girlfriend over here now so I am trying to encourage her to push him to be a real man and make the commitment........ Some may think that the Academy had TOOOO great an influence!!! Thought you'd get a kick out of this VERY true story! Jerry Wallace joins us today for some surf and Mai Tai's!
From Jim C to Bruce C: Oh man . . . you guys are making me envious here in the humidity and squalor of Washington DC . . . I wish I were there. Great Story!! I guess the friends we made back then were the ones that were gonna go the distance. (Be assured that getting married too early and for the wrong reason is a fate worse than never having taken the plunge – I have 2 marriages under my belt. I'm not inclined to go for a 3rd!) BTW, we have a sizable group of classmates there in Hawaii. The main go-to guy (Point of Contact) is Joe Kahiapo. The rest of the ragged bunch are: Dave Commons, Rick Kim, Bill Ladd, Rick Douglas, Bill Kelly, and John Jenson (In the interest of full disclosure, Jenson is in Guam – would he fall under "noforn"?) Aloha to Jerry and Ted for me. PS: BTW, you and I are in the first photo ever I took on 5 July 1971 waiting for the bus to the Academy. We were at the Rodeway Inn. You were actually off to the side, and I don't think we ever shared more than 4 or 5 words the whole time at the zoo because of different squadrons. But I always get a kick knowing that you and I go back to that very first day
Class of '75 33rd Anniversary Picnic. The Class of 75 Anniversary Picnic, Saturday, 7 June 2008, 1100 - 1500, at Bolling AFB. A picturesque covered pavilion at right on the Potomac. Attending the DC Picnic: Phil and Arlene Saenger, Terry and Peg Young, Rick Benbow (tentative), Marv Cox Family (2 adults/2 children), Rudy Roth, Don Byers, Duane Lodrige (tentative), Al and Billie Bready (chicken wing trifecta), Bill and Cleo Dalson, Jim Carlson, Mark Beesley, Dale and Linda Meyerrose (Spaghetti, Salad) Dan McCorry, Greg Schmitt, John and Kathy Sullivan, Duane and Jan Jones (Spinach Salad & Broccoli Salad), Ebola Bill and Sylvia +2, Cowboy Awtrey and Jani, Joe May and Nancy, Jerry Manthei (MRE*), Chappie Hargrove, Mike Anderson & Rene (brats & buns) Dick & Michele Webber (pasta salad), Bill & Annette Davis (homebaked cookies).
*Manthei wrote: Put me down for 1, but the last Potluck that I went to was in Somalia when we swapped MREs with other UN Forces, so I need some help on ground rules and what to bring. I think I bring my own meat products, such as hot dogs for a microwave master chef such as myself, but would request you send me a need to fill requirement once you get a list and see gaps. Also it needs to be something I can pick up at the commissary on the way to the picnic, as I don't remember having a cooking class at the Zoo. Chips, watermelon, potato salad if they have some in the deli, etc.
Chris Glaeser wrote to the scribe: “I think we should have a NW coast-to-coast picnic on June 7th also.” The gracious Chris even offered to host at his house. Unfortunately, the scribe and others in the Pacific NW could not make it work with their schedules.
After the DC Picnic From Jim C: I wanted to get these photos off to you while the Class of '75 Anniversary Picnic is still fresh in my mind. We missed all of you who couldn't make it out to Bolling AFB today. Duane Jones, our inimitable host, will soon set up a webpage for anyone who took pictures to upload them themselves for all of us to share and enjoy. In the meantime, check out the following samples from my camera. (The group shots were taken by one of Duane's sons). Since it's been 33 years since graduation, CS-33 Cellar Ratz showed their colors. This particular confluence of years and squadron number comes only once! In spite of the heat and humidity, we had an absolutely terrific time! I'm extremely lucky to have so many great friends.
From Rick Douglas: Subject: The Photo You Didn't See. Re: '75ers at the annual AFASW Founders Day celebration in DC: I'm sure the rest of us non-D.C., '75-er Zoomies are now very jealous of all the great Class parties you National Mall types keep having in our absence, so I wanted to send you an after-party photo of the big bash we held here in the 50th State. Only one alum attended (of course he was also the only one who knew about the party), along with a bunch of ladies from Honolulu's notorious Queen and Hotel Streets... p.s. Pay particular notice to the patch on the left coffee mug . . .
Trivia. From Martin Stytz. Subject: More '75 trivia. Two more events of note for our graduation day. Reinhard Heydrich, the likely successor to Hitler, was assassinated in Prague. Reinhard Tristan Eugen Heydrich (7 March 1904 4 June 1942) was an SS-Obergruppenfhrer, chief of the Reich Security Main Office (including the Gestapo, SD and Kripo Nazi police agencies) and Reichsprotektor (Reich Protector) of Bohemia and Moravia. Adolf Hitler considered him a possible successor. When the Nazis moved the headquarters of Interpol to Berlin he was chosen as the President of that international law enforcement agency. Heydrich chaired the 1942 Wannsee conference, which finalized plans for the extermination of all European Jews in what is now referred to as the Holocaust. Heydrich was wounded in an assassination attempt in Prague on 27 May 1942 and died over a week later from complications arising from his injuries. More importantly, Star Trek II was released!
Admin and Close. Our Webmaster, Marty Stytz, wants to honorably memorialize our GBNF. If any of you have photos of our departed classmates (cadet days and after graduation) please send them to Marty. He's set up a '75 GBNF page in our class website. Please take a moment to thank Marty for graciously, steadfastly, and quietly-behind-the-scenes putting in hundreds of hours of his own time to creating and maintaining our class website. I think I know him well enough to say that he does it for the same reason I do what I do – for simple love of the class. If you have the inclination, please send him a note of appreciation. I tell him 'thanks' all the time, but that's impaired by the uncounted requests I make of him to change the website this way and that. Coming from you guys, I'm sure it will mean more.
Chip Kerby and Keith Workman have swapped out duties as POCs for the non-grad group. Keith is now primary and Chip serves as backup.
