Checkpoints

Check Points

Winter 2005

Fall 2004

Spring 2004

Winter 2005

We were sad to learn that Lillie Saunders, Earl’s wife, passed away the night of October 16^th. As many have commented, her passing is a real loss for us all. Our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with Earl.

John and Lydia Boesch just returned from a trip to Athens, Greece, the Greek Islands, several stops on Turkey’s Aegean coast, and a couple of days in Istanbul. Stu Boyd and Bob Brickey are planning for Ski Utah 2007. Most likely it will in Ogden the weekend after President’s Day, but you should note that they are not planning a skiing outing for 2006. Jack Bright is away from his e-mail for the next couple of weeks. He is moving to Las Vegas and should arrive there on Oct 19^th.

Doug Cairns reported that Jim and Patty Hourin (Doug’s sister) were flying to Montgomery, AL, on October 14^th for a short visit. The Cairnses, Pooles, Westbrooks and Hourins were planning a mini-reunion on the 15^th. Doug doubts that there will be much newsworthy to report on that visit unless they convince Patty and Jimmy to relocate to Montgomery. That is not completely beyond the realm of possibilities since the golf course and tennis courts at their beloved Diamond Head are no longer playable or just not there anymore.

Paul Dean said that Tom and Bonnie Williams hosted a dinner for Paul and Donna Dean, Pete and Patty Lane, Allan Blaisdell, Phil Woods, special guest from Houston, Rich Mayo, and honorary members of their group (John and Mimi Kuenzel ‘60). Bonnie was a great hostess, and Tom was a great bartender. A few of their bunch were out of town, but it was fun to hear John and Rich talk about their days as Falcon quarterbacks. Their group is planning further adventures in the coming year, so stay tuned for announcements. They would love to have more of the ‘61 bunch make it to their dinners.

Tom and Anne Eller visited their son Rob and his wife, Kristen, in Philadelphia the week after the AF/Navy game. They all, along with their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Steve from Atlanta, attended the Navy game and saw several ‘61 folks at the rainy, muddy tailgate.

Bill Foster provided an after action report on the Air Force/Navy football game and associated activities. The clouds were crying with the Washington group as they watched Navy come from behind at the game in Annapolis on October 8^th. While the newly renovated Navy Stadium field looked great and drained well during the torrential rains, the grounds for the AOG Tailgate Lunch introduced this year's attendees to what it is like to be in a rain forest without ground cover during a monsoon. Even those who wore boots were not protected from sinking into ankle deep mud, but the great food and drink almost made up for it. To drown their sorrows after the game, the group retreated to a festive party with a lot more food and drink at Bill and Theda Foster's. Joining the area group were Gene and Judy Davis from Florida, Sue and Jerry Lefton from North Carolina, and Jim and Joy Darnauer from California. Locals included Steve Ho and Lynne Funkhauser, Charlie Dixon and Liz Powers, Ron and Kathy Mueller, John and Ellen Sullivan, John and Joan Kohout, and Jim and Linda Rogers. In two years, they need more '61ers to join them and ensure the victory celebration is indeed one.

John said that this past summer was busy for the Goodleys. When Casey was looking into her Polish ancestry, she discovered the city they came from in Poland and met a family that lived there. She and their daughter went there to visit the area. Later, two people from that household came to visit John and Casey in Texas and stayed about 10 days. They didn't speak English, and the Goodleys don't speak Polish; however, they had a great visit, which included taking them to two nearby towns and meeting descendants of some who left that local area in Poland and settled there in Texas in 1855. This past May, Casey and John visited them in Poland. They received a real red carpet treatment, meeting with the mayor of the "county seat", touring sever local castles, and visiting middle schools, fire houses, churches, and other cities in that local area. The Goodleys later, on their own, visited Krakow, Auschwitz I and II, Warsaw, and a few other places before going home. John said it was a great trip, except that he had to drive. Three weeks later Casey and John flew to Copenhagen, boarded a boat, and cruised the Baltic, visiting 7 different countries and St Petersburg. John will remember Copenhagen: $6 for a not so big bottle of water. Another good trip though. One evening dinner on the ship he consumed five lobster tails. When the two from Poland, who had visited the Goodleys, went to California to visit their daughter in July, John and Casey drove out and joined them for another visit.

Henry Howe said that he did not have much time to provide many details, having been "drafted" to be the shelter manager for a Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Assistance Shelter that later also became a shelter for Hurricane Rita evacuees. More than 100 evacuees passed through the facility, with about 50 remaining long term. (He still had both Katrina and Rita evacuees in residence in mid-October.) Since this was a faith-based center, they had neither the benefit nor the red tape of FEMA support. He and his entire staff of volunteers contributed more than 2,000 hours in September alone. Henry has gotten to know many of the evacuees and has heard stories most can't believe without looking into their eyes and seeing the pain/panic/pleading. All of their remaining evacuees are putting down roots in the Denton County, TX, area. This will be a chance for them to get a fresh start, with the aid of sponsor organizations who are adopting families to aid their transition into the community and the new opportunity. Henry said that he has seen poverty up close and personal in many of the evacuees. He has also seen determination to start again in most. They have had a few who were there to get all that they could and went away when they couldn't get money or drugs. He says that he would welcome any of those they are now placing into the community as a new neighbor. He hopes to be out of a job by the time this gets into print and maybe even mow his lawn. Lucky southerners get to mow almost year around, but he claims that grass is easier to cut than snow is to shovel. [Evidently, he doesn’t know that snowblowers are fun to use.]

Lou Hablas reports that he and Kate are praising God and thanking all who have been praying for her because she has not required a blood transfusion since the first week of September. In fact, her last blood level check showed that for the first time in a year, she has actually made some blood! That has led her doctor to conclude that her current chemotherapy is truly working, although he said he would be very slow about reducing or eliminating her dosage. (Until this recent improvement, Kate has required two units of blood every 10-14 days since last November.)

Paul Hinton last set foot on AF property in 1969. During the week of October 3^rd, he was at Randolph AFB to hear a presentation on the T-1 program, and to gain some insight into current AF views on pilot training. It was at once very familiar and distant to him. The buildings look the same, the guards act the same, the uniforms were easily recognizable, and he felt oddly at home, like visiting an old friend. It all made him laugh to some degree. Paul thinks, even for those who did not complete a full career in the AF, an inescapable mark was made. BUT, he added: in 1961-1966 colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors looked very old; and now they look very young. He wonders how that might be. He said that he supposes this could be filed under the "life is a strange journey" column.

If you haven’t heard, Brice Jones said that his company’s entire first vintage of 1,189 cases of wine (except for a half–barrel of bottled Hospices of Sonoma wine auctioned off last May) was lost in a warehouse fire. While insurance should cover much of the loss, the fire means that their company’s wine introduction will slip a year, to the spring of 2007. As usual, Brice is taking a positive outlook. He believes that it is better to have lost their first, instead of a market-disrupting subsequent vintage. The delay also provides an opportunity to improve their marketing plan. He is still planning his Hospices of Sonoma in May.

Dean Jones said that he and Jo met Wayne and Mary at Cedar Breaks, UT, to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery near Brian Head Ski Resort. They also visited Zion and Bryce Canyon parks, and got in some obligatory golf in St. George and Cedar City. The Jones twins agreed it was a relaxing visit in one of America's most scenic areas.

Pete Lane is the proud co-editor of his second book, entitled "Warriors and Scholars, A Modern War Reader". The work is a compilation of the best papers over the last 20 years from a Military History Seminar held at the University of North Texas. Contact Pete if you are interested in a copy.

Jerry Lefton phoned in his report since his computer for some unknown reason could not transmit messages. He felt that we should have beaten Navy. He and Sue, along with the Davises stayed with the Fosters that weekend. Jerry was leaving on October 11^th for Bay St Louis, MS, which is near Diamond Head (where the Hourins have their home). The reason for his trip is that the county where he and Sue live, Moore County, NC, has adopted Bay St Louis to help them with their difficulties arising from Katrina. Moore County has contributed football uniforms for the high school team (which they used in winning their first game), tents, copy paper, computers, personal protection equipment, and lots of other supplies. They are also cleaning the parks, swings, and places for the children to play, as well as cleaning the library. For approximately 10 days, Jerry will be the on-site coordinator between his county and the Bay St Louis townspeople in meeting their needs.

Al Nunn reports that the surviving veterans of VMA-225, which served at Chu Lai, RVN during the period 1964-1965, will hold their reunion commemorating the 40^th anniversary since their deployment to serve in Viet Nam. The reunion will be held at the home of former Captain (USMC) Conrad Hamilton and his wife, Kim. Former USMC Captain Hamilton is also a retired captain since he retired as captain with United Airlines after having served in the Corps. This reunion will coincide with the 230^th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, founded at Tun Tavern, November 10, 1775. The Hamiltons plan an outdoor barbecue and combined birthday/anniversary at their home on November 10^th. The following day the veterans and their families will be treated to an air show, courtesy of the Blue Angels, the Naval Services’ Flight Demonstration Team, who will appear over Pensacola Naval Air Station in honor of the dual event. Saturday evening a Dining In is scheduled at the Hilton Hotel Gulf Breeze banquet room. Sunday, following church services, they will make plans for the next reunion.

Tom and Mimi Skilling recently moved to Cincinnati to be around five of their seven grandchildren. So far, so good.

Several graduates calling themselves "The Lowry Pioneers" are exploring the possibility of obtaining a statue of Gen Harmon (The Father of the Academy) and to place on the Academy grounds and may seek our financial support. Of course, we will be seeking Class contributions for an adequate gift at our 50^th, so this is simply a heads up. Nothing firm at

this time on either project.

Again, thanks to all who contributed. We would really like to hear from those who seldom let us know what is happening in their lives. That should help us all enjoy ourselves more at our 45^th class reunion in 2006, so please plan now to provide inputs in December.

Fall 2004

Thanks to Hanson Scott and Tom Eller for implementing our Class Care system. Each ‘61 graduate is being

contacted by his Flight Lead, where possible, to participate. Hopefully, it will enable all of us to provide any needed

support in times of a health crisis or death. We encourage each graduate to stay in touch with his Flight Lead on a

regular basis with current contact information and to keep him aware of the general trends in our lives. If you have

any questions about it, please refer to our Class Web site or contact Scotty, Tom, or me.

The Academy Memorial Board approved the reconstruction of the Class of 1961 Overlook and will pay for the work.

We do not yet have a firm date.

As those of you who planned to attend know, Hurricane Ivan canceled our Class mini-reunion on the Redneck Riviera

this year. Jimmy Poole and Hector Negroni sent pictures of some of the damage Ivan caused. Romar Beach Baptist

Church, near the houses where we stayed is totally gone, and the ground level rooms are gone in the houses where we

stayed. The building where the Pooles have a condo no longer has the huge sand dunes in back and an outdoor pool

with nice landscaping across the front. Jimmy said that inside their condo is not too bad: wet carpet, some sand on the

floor, and cracks in two windows; however, their windows did not fail. Other units on the same side on other levels

lost everything inside when the windows were blown out. Hector sent a picture that showed about half of one side of

the building that contains their condo is gone. Jimmy said to think about the next Redneck Reunion in 2007. Thanks to

our Alabama contingent who put so much effort into planning this one.

Four San Antonio area '61ers gathered at the Rivercenter Marriott for a charity dinner on October 2nd. On hand were

Mark and Ginger Anderson, Larry and Kathy Freeman, Richard and Carolyn Smith, and Jim and Sydney Wild. The

event was a fund-raiser for a local non-profit that Mark presides over. A good time was had by all.

Doc and Marty Arnold have a significant focus on Colorado Springs where their daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband,

Gib Weiskopf (who recently received the outstanding law firm award from the Colorado Springs Business Journal),

are involved in raising the Arnold’s only granddaughter, Kendall, now aged 5! She keeps them interested in what is

going on in the shadow of Pike's Peak. Kendall has red hair and an outgoing temperament to go with it; goes to

pre-school; and is on her bike and scooter and involved in all those things that little girls get to do when the parents

make the effort. Like the grandchildren of all of our classmates, she is "above average". Doc has been working as a

trust officer in Wells Fargo PCS for the past 6 years, and has persuaded Wells that he should be working only three

days each week. This provides an opportunity for him to evaluate whether he can or should try retirement within the

next 6 months or so. He also serves on a couple of local community boards. When he told Jim Hinkle that he was

trying to play a little golf, his only remark was, "Why?" And that pretty well sums up the experience. But the pastoral

settings on the several beautiful public golf courses in Grand Junction are worth the time, and if he gets one good shot

on every outing, well then, "He loves this game." Marty has retired from teaching and her sewing business. She is

involved in serving several community groups: Partners, Hospice, Spellbinders, and the Public Library. She is also

active in an exercise group, as well as in church activities. She is busier than Doc, and they are learning to

re-coordinate calendars as they approach a time when there won't be a mandatory "work call". Doc and Marty are

watching the coming Presidential elections with great interest, trying to determine why the incumbents think they are

worthy of another four years. Autumn in Grand Junction is a beautiful time of year. They enjoy their yard and the local

environment. They have made many friends and have enjoyed their time there since 1972. Their health remains good,

and they look forward to each new day. In January, they went with friends to sunny Cairo and cruised up the Nile to be

reminded just how young our country is. On the way home they took in some sights and "cool" weather in Italy: Rome,

Florence and Venice. They still find a little sand in their shoes and hope to do some more traveling soon. They always

enjoy visiting with and hearing from members and family of our Class. What a fine group of men and women.

According to David Carlstrom, Susie Weeden said that Ron bought a new truck with an automatic transmission to

facilitate controls for his good left leg. His old truck had a manual shift and couldn't be modified for single leg control.

He also finished a project, which he started before his stroke, to put new siding on a rental property which was also

his boyhood home. The Weedens certainly are determined fighters.

Dick Coppock said that Larry Vacirca's sister Terry Cooper and husband Gary visited with them for a couple of days

in September from Apple Valley, CA. Terry had not been back there since graduation, when she was 13. Larry even

had a date lined up for her for the Graduation Ball! Dick took them on an extended tour of the Academy, which

brought back lots of memories for her. That evening Trel and Dick, Nancy and Jim Wilhelm, and Terry and Gary

joined for dinner and samplings of California wine they had brought along. They had been in touch with Larry's

mother and Terry all these years since graduation and Larry's subsequent passing. Terry and Gary cared for Mrs.

Vacirca in their home and finally a care center in the years leading up to her passing a couple of years ago. It was a

joy seeing and talking with them again.

On May 31, 2004 Randy and Jan Cubero, Mark Anderson along with Gene and Doe Stringer and four of their family

members went to the AOG building at the Academy after the Individual Awards ceremony at the Field House and hung

a plaque in honor of Roger Stringer, our fallen classmate, to commemorate the Army mule caper for the first USAFA

vs. West Point football game in the fall of 1959. Displayed on the plaque are a picture of Roger and a letter that he

wrote to his parents explaining that he might not be able to meet them in New York for the game as he had originally

intended. The reason for his possible absence was that the Academy brass was trying to determine the punishment for

Roger and five other ‘61ers for breaking into the West Point stables and attempting to kidnap the Army Mule two

weeks before the game. Unfortunately, Roger indicated that they were able to drug the watch dogs, but when they went

inside the stable and encountered an Army Military Policeman armed with .45 caliber pistol they all scattered to the

four winds. If you go to our Class Web site, you can see pictures that show the plaque with the letter and picture of

Roger, the translation of the letter since Roger's handwriting is a little difficult to read, and the family and friends

gathered around the hanging plaque inside the AOG building. It was a very nostalgic moment for everyone there.

Bob Dean has been busy working on his book, Connecting to Spirit: If You Build It They Will Come. It is a true story

and scheduled for publication on October 20^th.

Bill Foster reports that his Dacron aorta and his porcine (oink-oink) aortic valve are performing very well. He is on

a rigorous aerobic exercise regimen and is getting stronger every day. Thanks for all the Graytag support! Theda and

Bill went to Ft Walton Beach at the beginning of October to help son Chris (LtCol selectee) recover from Ivan. Lots

of work. Son Bill, Jr. just moved to Houston where he has a retinal surgery practice, and he is also an associate

professor of physics at the University of Houston. Son Ted is in his third year of Veterinary School at Virginia Tech

and is doing a lot of operations on cows, etc., or so he tells them. Bill and Theda are so sorry we couldn't have "Redneck".

Jimmy did a lot of work, which we all appreciate.

Bill Griffis was recently appointed to the position of Chairman within TEC International. TEC is an international

organization of CEOs who combine their knowledge and expertise to increase the performance -- business,

professional and personal -- of member companies. Bill will continue to be based in the Palm Beach, FL, area

(unless two more back-to-back hurricanes arrive, in which case all bets are off).

Lou Hablas has been dealing with the Department of the Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs on issues

related to disability pay for about a year. If any of you have a service-connected disability and do not know about

Concurrent Receipt or Combat Related Special Compensation, Lou would be happy to fill you in either by e-mail or

letter or telephone, whichever suits you.

Bob Heriza just entered the senior citizen population. He plans to end his job on December 31^st, after 20 years

working with the developmentally disabled. (Bob wanted to confirm that Hector was not one.) Bob begins receiving

Social Security on December 1^st if there is any money left in the fund. He plans to keep his hand in helping the

disabled but will only work when he wants. He plans to devote the rest of his time to skiing, mushroom hunting,

writing, and exploring Oregon. Bob’s wife, Judy, will retire in April 2005, and they will do the exploring together.

Bob hasn't had any surgeries to discuss with any of the class old folks. He’s looking forward to a winter get together

there in Baker City in 2010. Seventy and older ski free there at Anthony Lakes Resort.

Lowell Jones said that 10 of 12 expected showed for another great get-together in August. In attendance were: Bill

Foster (looking good for what he's been through), Steve Ho ( looking good for having to chase the market up and

down), Lowell (looking okay for what he hasn't been through), John Kohout (looking good in his working tie),

Hector Negroni (looking good for what he's still going through: on the wagon), Terry Norris (looking good and trim:

too much golf), Jim Rogers (looking good in his Tabasco tie), Bill Sanzenbacher (looking good as usual: but after

removing his cap, he looks like Hector and Lowell, and Stebbins too), Bill Stackhouse (looking good just like a

prosperous home builder), and Karl Whitaker (looking good as usual: none the worse for wear after his journey from

NJ). Jack McDonough was expected but had a legitimate excuse when his house flooded from a water heater

problem. Ron Muller was the other expected and will have to submit a good reason (other than work) to miss the

ultimate penalty. They talked about the upcoming Redneck Reunion; some had good excuses, like John Kohout and

Bill Sanzenbacher, who took some time after the lunch to do more planning for their October pilot training class

reunion in the DC area. Pete Lane and Jack Taylor will be in DC for that, as well. A great time had by all, as usual.

Jerry and Sue Lefton became grandparents for the first time on September 25^th. Their daughter Cindy gave birth to a

7lb 13oz baby boy-- Thomas Jacob Seputis. Baby, daughter, and father are all doing well. Jerry and Sue plan to visit

them during Thanksgiving week, but for now are off to Daytona for a week. They also have trips planned this fall for

Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Williamsburg. They will spend Christmas in Pinehurst and then make their winter

trip to Tucson for January, February, and part of March. They are gearing up for the 2005 Men's US Open on

Pinehurst #2 next June. Jerry will be working on the par 3 ninth hole.

Bob Kellock said that he can only report several sailboat races from Long Beach harbor to Santa Catalina and back,

a drive in his 2004 Prius from Long Beach to Montana and back for a week's vacation, and that he is still slaving

away for Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems' Air Force Systems' Airlift and Tanker Programs at Long Beach

Airport.

Jerry Mason has just completed three life-changing actions: (1) retiring from his environmental company and selling

to his employees, (2) fleeing Michigan winters for Tucson, and (3) reconnecting, through the magic of Google,

with his childhood and USAFA sweetheart Jo, to begin a new life together. (That whirring sound you hear is his head

spinning.) Their new address is 9001 E Rainsage, Tucson 85747.

Lee and Joanie McCleskey were busy in September and October buying and shipping Christmas presents. This had to

be done early as two of their four children (and their spouses) and six of their nine grandchildren are living in Europe.

One is assigned to SHAPE Headquarters near Brussels and the other is with ExxonMobil in Hamburg, Germany. It

takes quite a while for the mail to reach them. Lee went through a 50,000 mile service by having Carpal Tunnel

surgery on both hands and cataract surgery on both eyes. (There must be something to that rumor about cataracts and

pulling G's.) All went well, and he's good for another 50,000! The anticipation is building as the end of January

approaches. At that time, Lee will retire from Texas A&M and join the ranks of those who have nothing to do--Ha!

Lee and Joanie are both really looking forward to this next phase of life.

Doug McConnell has announced his retirement, scheduled for the end of the year. Doug has had an interesting and

varied career first as engineer in rocket motor production including the Minuteman and Apollo programs, owner of

an aerobatics flight training school (Flightways Sport Aviation) in Oakland, commercial test pilot (Champion Aircraft

and Bellanca Aircraft), Sales Manager at Piper Aircraft, air show stunt pilot, aerobatics competition pilot, President

of the International Aerobatic Club, and for the past 28 years in marketing and sales with Allis-Chalmers and

Caterpillar Corp. Wife Carol will continue as a Special Education teacher for two more years. Son Keith (Chicago)

is in Marketing with Motorola Cell Phone Division responsible for expansion in Asia, and Daughter Tricia, Hillsville,

VA., is a College Professor currently working at home to raise two active boys. They have four grandchildren

(Chicago and Hillsville, VA), and also enjoy their second home on Wonderlake, IL for relaxation. Doug will be

attending his Mom's 100th birthday in Carmel, CA in December, and Mother-In-Law Nellie (who lives with Doug

and Carol) will be celebrating her 102nd birthday in January.... both ladies are still sharp and going strong! With a

little new free time, Doug looks forward to attending occasional USAFA football games and Graytag Class

get-togethers, such as the Redneck Reunion, in future years.

Charlie Moores, after two tours of duty spanning 35 years, has retired from Applied Dynamics Int'l and is headed

home to Austin, TX. The move to Austin won't really happen until spring of next year, so Charlie is trying to grow

enough hair on his body to survive one more Michigan winter. Chelsea (13) is sad to be leaving her friends from

dance and theater, but she and Maureen are both happy to be going home. Charlie's new e-mail is

crmoores@comcast.net He joined ADI in 1963 right out of Arizona State University (BSEE) and stayed with them

in Michigan until 1971. He then moved to Austin with Tracor and later was one of the founders of Collimation, Inc

(optically encoded keyboards for Tempest-type environments). ADI bought Collimation in 1977, so he was then back

with ADI but still in Texas. In 1988, a sudden death in the home office (Ann Arbor) created a need that Charlie agreed

to fill for a short time; he promised at least 6 months, and they promised he could leave within 9 months. Now, some

16 years later, his nine months are finally up! Austin has been home since 1971 and he can guarantee that a bad day

there is still better than a good day anywhere else!

Charlie and Lynda Neel just had a great weekend in Colorado Springs, starting with an exciting football game on

Thursday. Terry Storm also reported on these events, so the following combines their reports. Halftime included a

tribute to Ben Martin. Too bad that Navy beat Air Force in the last few seconds of the game with a field goal! But

Jim and Nancy Wilhelm were great hosts as always for a tailgate party attended by Jim and Peggy Hinkle, Dean

and Jo Jones, Worth and Joan McCue, Charlie and Lynda Neel, Earl and Lillie Saunders (Earl cooked up his world

famous chili for all), Terry and Carleen Storm. Also, from out of town, Jim Ulm,

Mark Anderson stopped by, and Tom and Judy Wilson came in from Minnesota. Only thing that would have been

better would have been a win! Friday night most of the above couples were joined by Dick and Trel Coppock, Tom

and Anne Eller, and Tom and Susan Conley for dinner at a local restaurant. They closed the restaurant down after a

great evening of good food, wine, and great company. The Neels plan to join some other members of our class for the

trip to West Point for the AF-Army game on November 6th. Beat Army! All is well with Charlie and Lynda, and they

are looking forward to having their daughter Kris, husband Kevin Tibbs (Lt.Col., class of 1986) and their two

grandchildren, Spencer 13 and Erinn 11, move to Albuquerque, NM, in December. Much closer to them than their

last five years in Little Rock, AR.

Al and Becky Nunn celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at their home in Raleigh, NC, this past August 2^nd

(how time flies) with a renewal of their marriage vows. The Mistress of Honor was their daughter, Ashley, who flew

in from San Francisco for the event. Officiating was their Pastor, Monsignor "Tim" O'Connor. To witness the event

and help them celebrate were some 60 friends from the Raleigh area." Al's squadron (VMA-225) from his Viet Nam

days is having its 39^th annual reunion at a special celebratory weekend to be held at Marine Corps Air Station

Cherry Point the weekend of October 21-24. Though one of their members, Bill Sealock, cannot attend because he is

now serving as Communications Specialist supporting the war effort in Iraq, he plans on placing a telephone call

from Iraq during the Squadron's formal "Dining In" Saturday evening so that he can be among his mates. As Bill

states, "Our ranks are thinning. I wouldn't miss this reunion." Al and Becky anticipate hosting the event two years

hence at their summer home in Kilmarnock, Virginia. Coincidentally, Becky celebrates her 39^th birthday for the 22^nd

time at the midpoint of the reunion, October 23^rd.

Charlie and Sarah Stebbins celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first date on October 1^st!

Byron Theurer said that this quarter has been more eventful than usual. Early in July he was elected Chair of the San

Luis Obispo Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives, America's counselors to small business). In

mid-August the national SCORE office sponsored an orientation conference for new chapter chairs... in Portland, ME.

The New England coast is one of the few parts of the country that he had never seen, and he was frankly eager to go.

Since Byron’s reluctant to fly in somebody else's airplane, he planned to drive. Pat is no stranger to long-haul motor

travel, but she thought a 7,000-mile round trip a bit extreme. The compromise that they adopted was for him to drive

to Portland solo, attend the conference, and start back. Pat flew to Columbus, OH, where Byron’s daughter Karen,

son-in-law Bill, and four granddaughters live, and met Byron. They continued home through Denver, where they

visited with Pat's family. Working with SCORE promises to make a major dent in Byron’s spare time and may even

keep him from his air superiority sweeps over Tehachapi. In September Byron’s son Bill and daughter-in-law

Lennie presented him with his sixth grandchild and first grandson. The myth continues that fighter pilots only have

daughters, even unto the third generation.

Roger and Mary Sue Woodbury visited Nelson and Teri O’Rear for a few days in August. They had been visiting

family west of Indiana and were on their way home. Everyone had a great time catching up on what they and their

families have each done the last few decades. Roger confirmed that Butch Harmon is still the same person that they

knew more than 30 years ago. They recently saw and visited with him to confirm that. Roger, Mary Sue, and Nelson

got to the golf course only once but had a good time. (Teri does not golf.) Mary Sue and Roger spent a week on

Martha's Vineyard recently with a high school buddy and his wife, plus their friends from Quebec. They then spent

another few days in Vermont with the same Canadians. Roger bought some new golf clubs, and they played a lot of

golf. (Sounds like he may want to up our bet next time.)

Gayle Zompa reports that she was disappointed that Ivan ruined the Redneck Riviera gathering. She is still thinking

about moving back to Colorado Springs.

Nelson and Teri O’Rear are still having a great time with their grandchildren. After Hurricane Ivan, they talked with

their AF son, Brian, who is in Montgomery attending Air War College. He said that their family spent the night when

Ivan came through sleeping in their hallway. Their 4- and 6-year-old sons thought that was a ball. And, to top it off,

they HAD to eat all the ice cream for lunch the next day because they had lost electricity! Oh, to keep the perspective

of children. It’s always an adventure.

Thanks to all who contributed for sharing a bit of your lives with the rest of us. It helps us all keep in touch.

Spring

2004

On 8-9 April, Mark and Ginger Anderson will be taking in the Masters Golf

Tournament at Augusta National. This is a first for them.a "once in a lifetime"

opportunity that they're really looking forward to. Over the last several years Jack Bright

has had a strong desire to see his navigator, Art Fisher (a 67 USAFA graduate), who

flew almost 200 missions with him in Vietnam. They finally got together after making

contact again. Jack went to Melbourne, FL, where Art presently lives. They spent a

weekend telling stories and having fun. Jack said that it was absolutely GREAT (even

though Art waxed him in their golf outing). Jack admires and respects Art, perhaps

affected by the fact that he saved Jack.s life on a dive bombing mission they flew

together in Laos one night. But more than that, Art, and the way he has lived his life, are

a real credit to all of us. Thanks, Art.

Gordon Clarke sent a short note to let us know that in mid-December he joined

the ranks of the "retired". Soon thereafter, on December 17th (how appropriate is that

date), their son and daughter-in-law in Plainview, TX, presented Gordon and Peggy with

twin grandsons. They could not have had a more wonderful Christmas gift. They are all

doing fine. Peggy and Gordon are busy with lots of family projects and plan to be in

College Station for the foreseeable future. Dick Davis recently put his horse in remedial

training for trailer loading. She came out of it well, and there are many offsite state trail

locations for them to ride, which are within easy reach. She had become trailer phobic

after he moved her from Texas to California. So it is a new dimension in their ability to

do things.

Bill and Theda Foster are ecstatic about the birth and baptism of their third

grandchild, Jacob Anthony, son of Veterinarian student Ted and his wife, Lori. On

March 6, Jacob was baptized with a full pitcher of water, so the priest must think he will

be a swimmer, not a track or soccer star. Pilot son Chris is busy flying the latest Red

Flag exercise in his F-15C at Nellis AFB. Jerry Gill writes that this year.s Annual

USAFA .61 Ski Utah event was the best ever! The snow and weather were spectacular

and the camaraderie was meaningful. Bob and Janice Brickey were their gracious hosts,

and their intense planning and preparation made the week pleasant, busy, and fun. They

stayed in Sam Hardage.s superb Chase Suites, and his staff took great care of them

although Sam had to cancel at the last moment because of a family illness. The high

point was an incredible 6-course, 15-wine dinner with our own winemaker, Brice Jones.

Jerry said that he doubts that any of us have ever had a more splendid meal, nor that they

will ever forget it. If Brice ever learns how to entertain, maybe he.ll be successful.

Attendees were: Mark and Ginger Anderson, Sam Barazzone, Stu and Marnie Boyd,

Bob and Jan Brickey, Clair and Mary Kay Carling, Jerry and Dorothy Gill, Bruce and

Pat Hines, Jim Hinkle, Brice Jones, George and Kathy McNulty, and Neal and Gwen

Westbrook. Bob and Jan's sons, daughter and their spouses (David and Stacie Brickey,

Tom and Heidi Brickey, and Ben and Andrea Phillips) also attended. (Picture of

.attendees at our class web site.)

A new grand-daughter of Bill and Linda Griffis entered the world on February 9,

2004. Her name is Isabelle Pei Qi Griffis, and she is the daughter of son Rob Griffis and

his wife Lee Chin Phmah, who reside in the San Francisco Bay area. Isabelle weighed in

at 6 lbs, 14 oz and was all of 19" tall. This new development brings the total of Griffis

grandchildren to 3: David (5) and Emma (2) are the children of John and Jennifer Griffis,

who reside in Camarillo, CA. John (West Point .88, Harvard MBA) had been doing

M&A work in Los Angeles, but has rejoined the Army and is training Iraq-bound troops

at Ft. Irwin, CA. The remaining holdout is Mark Griffis (still a bachelor) who began a

new sales position with Cross-Match Technologies (fingerprint-based security systems)

in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, last summer.

Lou Hablas says that in the 2004 Defense Authorization Act, the Republican

Congress joined with President Bush to partially reverse a 100-year-old policy of taking a

dollar out of the retirement pay of each disabled veteran for each dollar received in

disability pay. This change applies to veterans with 50% or higher disability and is being

phased in over a ten-year period. In addition, each branch of the Armed Forces is

currently evaluating disabled veterans who may have been disabled by combat or

combat-related activities, which could result in even more disability pay on a faster

schedule than the system just mentioned. Lou thinks what the DOD and the VA are

doing to try to take care of veterans is big, and he strongly disagrees with others trying to

take political advantage at the present expense of President Bush, who has helped make

this happen.

Gene Hopp can offer help to anyone researching their family tree. He's managed

to trace most of his lines back to well before 1800 but has had particular success in

tracking down present day relatives... 3rd through even 5th cousins... in Germany. After

two trips to Europe, he.s now on a first name basis including getting some of them to

visit the USA.Dean Jones said that he is trying to semi-retire so he can compete with

Wayne in golf, but not doing a very good job of either right now. Jo and his family are

fine, and they are excited by the addition of new grandchild, Remi Alexandra Jones, a

Leap Year baby born to their son, Bradley, and his wife, Tamra. All are doing well. They

are also looking forward to Gary and Beth (their daughter) and three sons moving to

Colorado Springs when Gary retires after 20 years in the US Army. He.s now completing

a tour as PAS of four colleges near Ft. Leavenworth. Lowell and Sandy Jones just

returned from their six-week Florida trip. They said that they had a great time in "cool"

Florida. I assume that they are referring to the temperatures.

Wayne Jones joined several other USAFA grads to watch our amazing basketball

team defeat San Diego State this winter. The USAFA team stood in a very straight line at

ram-rod attention during the National Anthem until the last note was played; meanwhile,

SDSU remained in the dressing room, so that they could make a big-deal screaming

entrance onto the floor at the end of the anthem. It was so gross that even the local

sportswriters made special mention of it..."the team with the most class and discipline

won the game last night". Wayne and the others were surely proud of the great USAFA

team this year!

Bob Kellock is still working and playing. He is working for Boeing IDS-LB

T&E and playing by running sailboat regattas about six times a year. And he still has

time to visit his daughter in Phoenix, with his son from C-Springs, for the last Angel's

spring training game and the Diamondbacks' first exhibition game of the year in the

BOB. He.s still trying to find the right words, and best place to put them, to get the

Academy to re-establish itself as the training and education ground for responsible,

unselfish, career Air Force officers for this great Nation of ours! There's simply too

much stuff, now, in the way of the real reason for having an Academy in the first place.

Bob says that we've gone too far away from the basic premise we started with, one that

was based upon all of our lessons learned from the other Academies and officer training

institutions, as begun by the Air Training Officers. Too many folks, who did not have

new ideas, following somebody's need to fix something that wasn't broken, usually in a

well-meant effort, have clouded the things officers are supposed to be and do: Lead

organizations on military missions in a just and legal manner. We've had the public trust,

resources, and authority to do what we're supposed to do, and been expected not to do the

things that we're not supposed to do. For many of us, that wasn't hard, was it! Why is it

that some must do things differently, trying to gain or lose something that's not in the

basic equation? Bob says that he hopes that our Class of '61 retains the leadership

characteristics to find a way to go forward, get the AOG on track, and find ourselves and

the right track again. He doesn't think we should bail out. It's too easy and leave the

field to those with less understanding than we have of the purpose and responsibilities of

the career Air Force officer. In February, Bob accepted an invitation (left over from

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas) and visited friends in Austin, Texas. He now knows what

Hill Country is, and he likes it a lot. As he points out, the Colorado River starts just

southeast of Lubbock (Bob went to Reese AFB), at the edge of the cap rock, and is

dammed to form several lakes in and northwest of Austin. He was surprised, amazed,

and pleased with all the water and boats. And it's not far from Fredericksburg's museum

and San Antonio's River walk. He'll be back and plans to warn the appropriate targets

before he goes. Pete and Patty Lane, their son, Mark, his spouse, Mary and their three

children received a dose of Brickey hospitality during the Spring Break at their beautiful

cabin in Soliture, Utah. Bob and Jan were great hosts for the Lane clan, who loved the

skiing and the war stories. Lee and Joanie McCleskey returned in late March from a

week in northwest Arkansas where they "test flew" their new travel trailer. It was truly

wonderful, and they're really looking forward to the time (probably next year) when they

can use it without regard to leave balance, work hours, etc. It's hard to beat waking to the

sounds of ducks, geese, and other wildlife you see as you're looking out over the lake!

It's even better than going to work! Charlie Moores is still avoiding retirement and still

"temporarily" in Michigan. This 6 - 9 month TDY stint has now passed 16 years with no

end firmly set as yet. Texas is still home, and American Airlines is the primary

beneficiary of the displacement. Travel around the US, Europe, and sometimes Asia is

also part of the normal business activity for Charlie. Other travel for Charlie and Maureen

includes shuttling Chelsea (12 year old daughter) to dance competitions plus all the

regular activities.violin, dance, voice, dance, piano, dance, karate, etc. along with home

schooling activities. Oldest son, Mike, recently returned to the US from Buenos Aires

with his family including new daughter, Michelle.Hector Negroni, John Kohout, Jack

McDonough, and Twy Williams represented the Class of 1961 at the Air Force

Academy Foundation.s 50th Anniversary, sponsored by the Air Force Academy Society

of Washington DC. They were voted to be the oldest; therefore, they did not score.After

a great Centennial Celebration at Kitty Hawk in December with many friends, Lynda and

Charlie Neel started out the New Year with Carl and Charlene Granberry in Winona,

TX. They had a great visit. They continue to travel with friends and family about once a

month. Having just finished a week of skiing in March at Beaver Creek, CO, they were

off to Cozumel to scuba and snorkel for 10 days in April. Maybe by their return to

Colorado they will be having some warm weather so that can play a little golf. Rough

life, this retirement.

Terry Norris said that he saw something somewhere about someone claiming a

record on grandchildren. He now has 12 grandchildren, which could be in the running.

(I told Terry that the Sutton.s will undoubtedly hold the title if they don.t already.)

Sandy has gone back to work as a civil servant, heading up a team which formulates the

$4.5 billion Army National Guard budget for presentation to Congress. Now that she is

making the money, Terry is still playing lots of golf. Anyone visiting close to the

Fredericksburg area should drop in and play one of the premier golf courses in Virginia

with him. (Darrell Koerner and I took him up on his offer several years ago and really

enjoyed the golf, but especially Terry and Sandy.s hospitality.) Sandy has bought them a

nice little getaway in Myrtle Beach, so everyone is also invited to let them know if you

plan on being in the Myrtle Beach area. When he wrote, Al and Becky Nunn had just

returned today from Quantico, where nephew Joshua Nunn graduated from TBS (The

Basic School). They are very proud of him. The course is for new Marine Corps officers.

(Two Naval Academy graduates were in his graduating class; the course lasted six

months.) Josh. already a Third Degree Black Belt Karate guy, is completing the

Martial Arts Instructor course at Quantico and will be instructing "silent kill" and other

defense techniques. He will also be instructing "Leathernecks," the term applied to Naval

Academy midshipmen who are considering a commission in the Marine Corps upon

graduation. He then goes to six months Communication Officer's School before being

assigned to Camp LeJeune for the next three years. "The Swamp," or "Swamp LeJeune,"

as it's referred to, is about 2 hours driving time from Raleigh. Al and Becky will be

attending their daughter's Honors and graduation ceremonies April 28-May 1 at Notre

Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA (just outside San Francisco). She has

completed her studies for her Master of Arts degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist

and Art Therapist (MAFT), receiving honors and being tapped into Delta Epsilon Sigma

(national scholastic honorary society) on April 28th and "taking her walk" on May 1st.

She has been working with clinics on salvaging the lives of troubled teenagers, most of

whom have severe psychological problems resulting from parental abuse. They are quite

proud of her. It has been quite a grind, returning to school at the graduate level after

receiving her BA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994. She anticipates

working with traumatized refugee children who escaped to India from China-controlled

Tibet.

Nelson and Teri O'Rear are continuing to enjoy life in northern Indiana. He has

managed to golf eight times this March, and the winter was fairly mild. Teri just returned

from spending a week in California with her two sisters. Nelson watched the news every

night to catch sight of them, but either they didn't do anything newsworthy, or they didn't

get caught. A couple of months ago, Nelson and Teri enjoyed 10 days in Spain and

Portugal. They found Barcelona particularly interesting. While the food, in general, was

quite good, the calamari was outstanding. John Payne said that he has been hunting the

past few months. He has also been keeping in touch with classmates at least once a

quarter as part of our informal class care system. John's big news is that in December,

after flying solo for almost six years, he asked Betty Ann Stringer of Lucedale, MS, to

marry him. (The holidays are always a dangerous time!) The wedding is on May 22nd,

and all local classmates are invited. They will be at home in southern Mississippi. She

loves to travel. Their first outing will probably be our next Orange Beach rendezvous.

Jimmy Poole says that the October 2004 Gray Tag Redneck Riviera Beach Weekend

Dates are October 1-4 (Friday afternoon through Monday morning), 3 nights, at an

approximate cost of $335 per couple for the weekend, which includes lodging and

miscellaneous other things. As of March 10th, they had 15 confirmed names for the

beach homes for the weekend, 3 in the Negroni condo, and 1 in an RV. The rental homes

are the major planning factor for the weekend, and Jimmy needs to hear NLT May 1st

from those who wish to stay in a beach home. You can contact Jimmy at

jpoolejr@knology.net or 334-272-1863 if you want to attend. Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse

are looking for a place to rent near the home they are building. They sold their house in

Vienna, so Bill's now sleeping with a homeless grandmother. Their new house is getting

the sheetrock finished. The flooring was due to arrive on Friday, April 2nd. Bill and his

crew still have lots more to do on it, but the light is beginning to show down the line.

And, just to make things even more interesting and challenging, Bill has started a new

project under his flag of Hickory Cove LLC. His new project is a 2500 ft2 addition with

a detached 'shed' for a friend. The shed is a 3 bay 30.x39. garage with 12' ceilings. Sarah

and Charlie Stebbins hosted a couple of '61ers at their West Virginia retirement home.

Sharon and Thom Schutt dropped by for lunch on their way to Michigan, and John

Boesch spent a couple of nights while on family business in Charleston. Charlie and

Sarah asked to pass the word that they enjoy visitors, and rates are reasonable. Indoor

plumbing might be a concern, however,Byron Theurer just celebrated in March one of

the more pleasant days in his own history of aviation. He soloed the Grob 103, a big

(1200 pound), fast (100 knot), fiberglass sailplane. It was harder than it looked. You know

those nose-wheel steering pedal things that your feet rest on in military airplanes; well,

glider pilots use them to move the rudder, you know, the wiggly thing back of the vertical

stabilizer. If you don't wiggle it adroitly, the airplane flies like a very wobbly goblin

indeed. Well, you do whatever it takes to maintain air superiority over Tehachapi. Tom

and Judy Wilson were enjoying their 3-week vacation in Sarasota. They especially

enjoyed looking out every morning at the Gulf. It is so gorgeous! Tom said that he

thinks that they could get used to that. All is well with them, with April and May looking

especially busy for them. Life is good. Roger Woodbury said that the wedding of Sandi

(their daughter) and Scott went wonderfully in November. All several hundred people

seemed to have a great time. People from 11 states and Canada attended. Their other

daughter (Michele) and her husband (Paul) have gotten things squared with the

Recruiting Service, and Paul will be commissioned in the Air Force on April 2nd. Roger

has the great honor of pinning on his rank at Maxwell AFB. He will attend

Communications Officers school in June, with a permanent assignment at Hill AFB.

Michele was also accepted for the program with an April start (Air Battle Staff

Management), but she has decided to delay entry. They feel it's better to start their

marriage together, so they'll both be at Hill AFB. Michele plans to get her Masters in

Business while they are there and then look at the Air Force again. Of course, Hill's a

great place for Roger and Mary Sue to visit, and they intend to. Roger finishes his

second career of teaching and will begin his second retirement on April 1st. They are still

planning to get to Indiana for our golf game. Their reservation is waiting.

Gayle said that another Zompa has made his grand entrance. Blake Edward

Willert was born March 10 to Ed and Gayle's daughter Kristen and her husband, Craig, in

Boulder, Colorado. Of course he is the cutest little guy around. Gayle says that is just

one more reason to visit Colorado, so stay alert for her if you are also in that area.

Winter 2004

Lee Bodenhamer had the privilege of being a guest on Wednesday, 5 November, in Abilene, TX, at the swearing in and enrobing of Philip R. Lane to the position of Federal Magistrate Judge of the Northern District of Texas. Nancy did the enrobing. Their son David led the Pledge of Allegiance. It was a memorable and happy event. All assembled agreed that it is a great omen to see men of Philip's integrity and wisdom to be appointed to the Judiciary Branch of our great nation.

Stu Boyd and Bob Brickey are providing another opportunity to get together, with the annual ski weekend, on February 23-26. This year you will be staying in Salt Lake City, 30 minutes away from seven major ski resorts, as well as near art galleries, museums, LDS Temple Square, shopping, restaurants, and theaters—all within walking distance or by Trax train. Non-skiers can share activities at the resorts or enjoy the sights and activities of Salt Lake City. If you are interested and have not received information from them or just want to talk about the weekend, contact Bob at 801-484-7308 or e-mail bobnjan2002@earthlink.net, or Stu at 801-544-2106 or e-mail <stuboyd@surfmk.com>.

Jack Bright visited John and Casey Goodley in San Antonio for a couple of days and had a great time. The guys were able to get in a round of golf and had a lot of fun looking for lost golf balls. Jack said that he didn't embarrass himself too much and even scored more "points" than John.

C.G. and Janell Carson traveled to Norway in May to visit a friend he went to pilot training with. The scenery was incredible along the western coast of Norway as they traveled for three days on Norway’s coastal voyage to the top of the world. In September, they went to San Diego for daughter Christina’s wedding to Tim Becker. Janell still works as a software test engineer. She loves her job and the challenges that it offers. Plus, it gets her out of the house allowing CG to be unsupervised all day. He is still unemployed, but stays busy with various non-threatening activities.

Dick Fairlamb attended the festivities at Kitty Hawk, NC, celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight on December 17^th. He saw Dean Jones, who was there with Charlie Neel. Randy Cubero was expected but not seen as of the Wednesday/12/17 festivities. He said that he had seen a number of other USAFA graduates there, but thinks that ours was the most senior Class represented at Kitty Hawk.

Lou and Kate Hablas were in Virginia visiting his son and daughter and their families when hurricane Isabel hit. They both lost power for a couple of days, but there was no greater damage than that. In October, they went to Alpharetta, GA (just outside of Atlanta) to visit Lou’s older son, Lou, and his family. They had a nice couple of days there, then went to Asheville, NC to visit Kate's aunt and uncle, another pleasant respite. The highlight of the fall season was a trip to Pleasanton, CA (between San Jose and San Francisco) to attend the wedding of Lou’s 45 year old niece (her first!) and at the same time experience a mini reunion with all but one of Lou’s siblings (there are six) and many of his other nieces and nephews. While they were in the area, they visited his old high school in San Jose, and they also drove through the campus of Stanford University, which is where Lou was headed had he not received his appointment to the Academy. That was all new and interesting to Kate, but it was just very nostalgic to Lou. At Thanksgiving they hosted 42 of Kate's family for a traditional family day of food and games. For Christmas they expect to spend Christmas Eve with Kate's mom and dad and her immediate family and then attend evening church services. On Christmas day they will drive to Indianapolis to celebrate with Kate's daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, and on the Sunday after

Christmas, Lou’s daughter-in-law is driving out from Virginia with Lou’s two oldest grandchildren, Alex and Samantha. On New Year's Eve they plan to be in church thanking God for all He has given them this year. Lou’s health is relatively good. He did have rotator cuff surgery last June, and he may need to have the other shoulder done next year, but he has a good surgeon, so it's not something he worries about.

Bruce Hinds reports that his son is now a professor at the University of Kentucky after a three year National Science Foundation fellowship at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He married Casey Legler, USAFA '91 and a C-130 pilot. They now have one daughter and another child in progress. (It seems Bruce told his daughter about the ways of Air Force pilots but neglected to tell his son, and he married one). They are doing great in Lexington, Kentucky. Bruce also e-mailed an article from the Lexington Herald Leader, which featured his son and the impressive work he and his team are doing. The following is from the lead paragraph, "Researchers at the University of Kentucky have found a way to fashion an exotic form of carbon into specialized membranes that could lead to new drug delivery systems for medical patients, highly efficient filters or improved fuel cells to power automobiles." For further information, contact Bruce, or you can access the article at www.kentucky.com (28 November issue).

Henry and Peggy Howe have begun the transition into a new home in Denton, TX. The

movers filled the house and garage with boxes on a Friday. By Sunday, they had mouse trails enough through the cartons so they could answer the front door and find a bed. It was a good thing since on Sunday afternoon the door bell rang, and Pete and Patty Lane stood there with a welcome gift of freshly baked muffins. It was great to see them again and wonderful to know the

class is a great bunch of comrades. Henry is looking forward to getting the local classmates around the hot tub - maybe even before all of the boxes are gone. Note the new home phone below. Email addresses will not change for now. Their new address is: 1420 Hidden Oaks Circle, Denton TX 76210. Both of Henry’s children will be with them for the holidays. (He hopes they like unpacking boxes!)

In case you wondered what Brice Jones has been doing, now that he no longer hosts the World Croquet Championships, the Press Democrat ran an article detailing his new November charitable event: the Hospices of Sonoma, which raised $200,000. Brice is modeling this activity on Burgundy's famed Hospices de Beaune event as his foundation’s new fund-raiser. Saturday's live auction, the weekend's main event, was at Brice’s' new winery, goldridgepinot in Sebastopol. More than 250 bidders vied for half-barrels of 2003 Pinot Noir from 24 producers. Brice, a foundation trustee, wants to expand the annual event to see most of the wineries in the Sonoma Coast participate and raise $5 million annually for the charities the foundation supports for children in life-threatening circumstances, such as the Polly Klaas Foundation. Some of the money raised this year will help build a house near Sutter Medical Center for indigent families with sick children. Brice said that he expects it will take a few years to reach the fundraising goal he has set. Their next event is scheduled for 12-14 November.

Lowell Jones reports that on 20 November, our DC-area contingent gathered for lunch. Luncheon. Attendees were: Charlie Dixon, Bill Foster, Steve Ho, Lowell Jones, Hector Negroni, Terry Norris, Jim Rogers, Bill Sanzenbacher, and Karl Whitaker. Everyone looked and

sounded hale and hearty, and they had a great time, as usual. The golf course at Fawn Lake was too wet, so Terry Norris and Bill Sanzenbacher finally made a luncheon. Faithful Karl Whitaker made the trek from New Jersey again. Steve Ho tore himself away from playing the market on the computer. After eating all of his Mexican lunch, Bill Foster said he was going out to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Ouch! Jim Rogers (the only attendee with a steady job) wore a colorful tie—on which he spilled something. Charlie Dixon, Lowell Jones, and Hector Negroni kept

their admirable attendance records in tact.

Several have asked about Wayne and Mary Jones’ status after the big wildfires in the San Diego area. They were very fortunate that their home survived the worst firestorm in California history. It swirled around two sides of them and burned the chaparral to within 50 feet of their lot boundary. That's as close as they ever want to get. A total of 25 homes were lost in their valley, which was bad enough, but the enormous losses in other communities were unbelievable! Their church volunteers have been assisting Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse organization in cleaning debris from burned homes in the Crest area, and it's a heartbreaking tragedy for hundreds of poor folks.

Larry Karnowski sent me a note saying that if I wanted help with my golf swing—whereupon I became very interested—he couldn’t help! How’s that for a let-down? Then, he told about how he and Jim Wilhelm had great rounds of 73 and 71, which could have been even better if the windmill blades and the alligator’s mouth had been kinder to their games. It sounds as if he has recovered from his medical problems earlier this year and is again enjoying living on Polish Pond in Ohio.

Art Kerr said that 2003 has passed by relatively uneventfully and very rapidly. He is still working at the University of Washington (UW), and he recycles his pay back into UW for his daughter—a UW student. One more daughter should be ready for UW in a couple of years. Most of the rest of his pay goes to USAA for car insurance since both daughters have filled their squares for totaling cars—not that he hasn’t done his fair share, too. Art has also recently completed our most recent class milestone: signing up for Medicare.

Jerry and Sue Lefton arrived in Tucson on 21 December. They are staying with their son

David until the first of March. They left Pinehurst on the 14th to go to Hilton Head and drove

directly from Hilton Head to Tucson.

Doug and Carol McConnell just completed their first full summer in their "new" lake home in Wonder Lake, IL (about 40 miles NW of Chicago). Carol is a teacher with summers off, and Doug continues to enjoy "office in the home" privileges, so they can be at the lake in the summer. Their permanent home has been in Olympia Fields, IL (about 40 miles south of Chicago) for the past 27 years. For fun, Doug has owned and flown a brand new Champion Decathlon (which he helped design and introduce in 1970), and competed in aerobatics competitions all around the Midwest. He is also a recent Past President of the International Aerobatic Club and recent past Director for the EAA, National Aeronautic Association, and US Aerobatic Foundation. They also enjoy Carol's 100-year-old mom (Nellie), who lives with them and is still very active. Side-note: Nellie was recognized and honored this summer by the EAA and National Aviation Foundation for being hired by Ford Motor Co. in 1927 to serve as a hostess for the unveiling and first tour of the Ford Trimotor.

Jimmy Poole said that the 8th annual Gray Tag "Redneck Riviera" beach weekend is scheduled for Oct 1-2-3-4 in Orange Beach, Alabama. This is the weekend before the Columbus Day weekend and is one week earlier than it was in 2003. The Orange Beach area is a piece of heaven on earth: white sand beaches / warm water / homes right on the beach with 2 pools / 15 golf courses in the area / great eating / deep-sea fishing / shopping at one of the largest discount malls in the US / historic sites to visit / plus fun together. If you want to know about the last one, you can read about it at our Class Web Site. Everyone said they had a great time. Jimmy would appreciate a response from you by March 15th about this reunion if you are even considering attending so that he can begin the necessary planning. We had a wonderful time last year and look forward to seeing many of you this next year. The nice homes get reserved early, and he can get additional homes nearby if he has your intentions early on. You can contact Jimmy via e-mail jpoolejr@knology.net, or by telephone: 334-272-1863 (H), 334-271-1305 (F).

Dennis Ray earned his MA and PhD from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver, taught as a professor at California State University at Los Angeles in '73 and then began teaching in an executive MBA International program as an adjunct professor in '75. He was VP for international marketing for a small U.S. manufacturing firm focusing on the Asia-Pacific for a year and formed his own export management company but never quite left the academic world. He shifted career focus in '85 from social science to business. His field research in entrepreneurship is based on Singapore and Vietnam. Dennis is now 3M Chair of Global Strategy at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, teaching entrepreneurship, international business, and strategy courses. Bicycle touring has been the source of his greatest life experiences. Dennis also coached and played soccer from '76 to '90.

Mike and Ginny Rawlins have another grandson in their combined family. On their way home from the "Redneck Riviera" reunion in early October they delayed their change of airplanes in Atlanta to meet a new grandson, Cody Patrick Rawlins, born 28 September. He is the first boy on Mike’s side of the family, whereas, Ginny's daughter has two boys. Together, they have four children and seven grandchildren. Cody's dad, Mike’s son Scott is the ticket manager for "Bell South Classic", the PGA tour golf tournament held in Atlanta the last week in March each year. Mike is still flying a "Falcon 10" out of Easton MD but only several days a month for now. Effectively, he is now a "Man of Leisure". His tennis is improving, but he can't touch his two sons in golf. They shoot 80+/-2, while he can just barely break 100. Ginny is still working full time for a commercial contractor who builds all over the US and Puerto Rico as their Industry Compliance Officer. She makes sure they are properly licensed, registered and taxed appropriately in each state where they are building. Somebody has to work full time in their house to keep Mike supplied with tennis balls! They were visited the first week of December by Jerry and Sue Lefton who were in Williamsburg with some friends for the week and enjoyed dinner with them two nights that week. Mike may be the only class member still flying for somewhat of a living. Anyone else?

Neal Westbrook sends along the following for those who are interested in road trips: He and Gwen took their two 12-year old grandsons on a road trip up the Missouri River this past summer following the Lewis and Clark (L&C) Trail—2300 miles from St Louis to Three Forks, MT. If a road went along the river, they took it, through cornfield and forest, prairie and city. States along the way are really getting into L&C, and 2004 will be even better. Read Undaunted Courage, and take a copy of L&C's journal with you. That'll let you know where the mosquitoes are.

Tom Wilson’s father passed away on December 13, 2003. It was quick, and they believe he did not suffer. At 91, he still lived at home and was alone at the time. They were blessed that God shared him with them for such a long time. One Thomas leaves and another arrives. Tom and Judy’s youngest son, Todd, and his wife, Jaimi, presented them on December 16th with grandchild #9, Jace Thomas Wilson. For the ladies: 7:12 am, 6# 14 oz., 20 and 1/2 inches. They feel truly Blessed !! Y'all come to Minnesota...

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Spring 2003

As you know from the last Checkpoints, we lost another wonderful classmate, Neal Rountree, last fall. Although we were unable to provide more information in that issue, it is in the Gone But Not Forgotten section of this issue.

Mark and Ginger Anderson hope to do the Mandarin China tour April 25th to May 12th, one of the trips sponsored through the Joint Academy Travel service. Of course this assumes the world situation is conducive to overseas travel then (thank goodness for trip insurance!). Shortly after return, Mark will chair his final meeting of the AOG Board (May 17th), and officially turn over the helm on July 1st. He said that it has been an exciting 4 years, and he’s felt honored to serve on the AOG Board as several of our classmates have done in the past (Lee Butler, Dick Coppock, Randy Cubero, Tom Eller, Larry Freeman, Hector Negroni, Charlie Stebbins, Jim Ulm, Jim Wilhelm, and probably others whom we are forgetting.) Jim Ulm continues to serve on the Board. Mark and Ginger hope to see many folks at the Redneck Riviera weekend this fall.

For those of you who may have missed it, Stu and Marnie Boyd are now helping, in supporting roles, competitive ice skaters, hoping to be involved with the Olympic competitions. Lowell Jones is coordinating with them so they and the DC ‘61ers can get together for lunch while the Boyds are in the DC area supporting one of these events at the end of March. Stu earlier provided a wrap-up of the ’61 Utah ski weekend, which showed many smiling faces—including some from much warmer climates, such as Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama. To see pictures of some of their activities, as well as pictures of the participants, go to our Class Web Site. If you wish to participate next year, their next scheduled event is the weekend after Presidents’ Day 2004.

Randy Cubero reports that on Sunday, March 16^th, Jim and Peggy Hinkle's daughter, Christina, was baptized in the Catholic Church. Christina is 18 years old, and that fact alone makes this a unique story. Jan and Randy went from Colorado Springs to attend the special ceremony that had Christina receiving her sacrament of Baptism and three other parishioners receiving their sacrament of Holy Communion. Randy was honored to be selected as Christina's Godfather, and Jim and Peg's neighbor, Mary Jean Baysore, was selected as the Godmother. After the ceremony Jim and Peg hosted everyone to a Brunch at Denver's Valley High Country Club. Also in attendance were Mary Jean's husband, Frank, and daughter, Billie, and Peggy's long time friend, Sandy Lavenia, who was visiting the Hinkles from France. The only setback in the day was after the ceremony when Christina, a fanatical BYU fan, was told that now that she has become a baptized Catholic, she had to root for Notre Dame!! Oh well, it was worth a try. In January, Randy and Jim Hinkle went to San Antonio to visit with Mark Anderson and Jim Ulm. They stayed three days and golfed every day at Fair Oaks Ranch where both Mark and Jim live. Although it was unseasonably cold, they had a great time and vowed to do it again next year.

Dick Davis said that in January he was trying an unusual right side mount of his horse and was bucked off. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet and body protector, but he injured his shoulder. He urges people to use helmets when working around horses since it could have been much worse (such as Christopher Reeves).

Paul Dean said that several of the ‘61 group have a ‘61 table at the Founders Day dinner. So far, Dick Fairlamb, Allan Blaisdell, and Pete Lane are definite attendees. Paul’s wife says she might need a new dress, so he doesn't know if he can afford to go! Paul said that now they need Tom Williams and Phil Woods to respond, as well their honorary ‘61 member, John Kuenzel. Maybe Mike Rawlins can fly in from Virginia! Every time Mike goes to Dallas they have a mini-reunion and invite his cousin Ace to join them.

Tom Eller reports that Dr. Robert Eller ('96) (Tom & Anne's son) took part in a Christian/Medical mission to Cuba in January with the approval of the Defense and Treasury departments. In addition to performing surgery, he gave a lecture (in Spanish) to Cuban surgeons on an aspect of sinus surgery.

Richard/Dick Fairlamb said that their local AOG group will hold their Founders’ Day Ball on April 4th. He’s also planning to be at Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills on December 17th--at the 100 year HOUR of the flight! He’s leading a group of four guys and two airplanes, so far--'61 USAFA (Dick); '60 USAFA (Ed Nogar); USAF/American Airlines Captain; Marine Gunnery Sergeant! A very eclectic group. Sounds like a great way to celebrate.

When the North Texas Gray Tags gathered for dinner was the first time that Henry and Peggy Howe had been able to attend a function. They said that they had a great time. They are getting periodic e-mails from their daughter, who is now deployed with her KC-135 crew to an undisclosed location in SWA. They are taking a pool of when the balloon will go up. Henry has been spending long hours at their L-3 Communications facility in Waco trying to finish the modifications on EUH-60Ls, the Army's newest airborne command and control aircraft. They will be deployed directly from the L-3 facility to SWA with minimal testing and training. The testing and training will be done in theater—and maybe on operational missions. This is a very interesting time. Hank said that their prayers are with all of our service men and women who are prepared to defend the freedom of our country, even those protesting.

Wayne Jones had a great experience during the Super Bowl held here in San Diego in January. Representative groups of veterans from all of America's major wars marched onto the football field for the singing of "God Bless America" and the "National Anthem" during the pre-game ceremonies. Wayne had the honor and privilege of leading the Vietnam contingent that day, and he said that the overwhelming reception they received was really inspiring. Finally, all those years of close order drill at USAFA were put to good use!

While attending a February medical conference in Anaheim, Charlie Moores had a great visit with Fred and Sandi Wohrman. They still live in nearby Fountain Valley. Sandi is still teaching but coming up on retirement, and it is likely they will then be spending much more time at their place near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Hector Negroni said that on Saturday, February 8, 2003, John and Joan Kohout hosted a very elegant sit down dinner for the members of the Class of 1961 in the Washington DC area. Among those attending and enjoy a delicious culinary repast were: Bill and Theda Foster, Steve Ho and Lynn Funkhouser, Lowell and Sandy Jones, Jack and Diane McDonough, Hector and Joan Negroni, Jim and Linda Rogers, Bill and Paulette Sanzenbacher, Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse, John and Ellen Sullivan, and Karl and Dianne Whitaker. After the elegant soiree, the Kohouts conducted an inventory and found that nothing had been broken and nothing was missing. Probably a class first! While their parents and siblings attended Disneyworld for a week Hector and Joan cared for their 4-month old grandson Juan Hector "Jack" Negroni. They were exhausted after the ordeal. Hector said, “Thank God that he gives children to young people. Now we know how John Sullivan must have felt like having children at an ‘old age.’”

PB O’Connor reports that as the Caswell Beach Sultan of Sewer, he is having difficulties convincing his community of septuagenarian-octogenarian golfing associates of the efficacies of the well-established twentieth century technology of spraying recycled wastewater on the golf course. Other than that, he is kept on a short leash helping the real entrepreneur of the house (Mer) prosecute what is fast becoming a going concern –MERITART. Mer paints original watercolors in beach and other themes. (PB e-mailed me a sample, and it is very attractive.) Then she and PB work computer magic to allow her to copy the art to transfer paper, which is then applied to a myriad of products all the way from clothing to checkbook covers. She's finishing a commission for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this week—a request by the North Carolina representative (princess) to the annual pageant. Her framed art and souvenir collections are spread among a dozen stores and galleries throughout the southeast North Carolina coast. You can contact Mer at: meritart@earthlink.net.

Mike Rawlins is still enjoying flying a Falcon 10 out of Easton, Maryland. It's a 4 hour drive from their home in Williamsburg, Virginia, and he makes that roundtrip only about two or three times a month, so it's not too bad. Ginny is the Industry Compliance Officer for a commercial contractor, who builds all over the US and Puerto Rico, only 15 minutes from home. Somebody in the family has to work! We can't all have fun just flying around the country in a jet. The last week in September and the first week of October, Ginny and Mike spent their two weeks of timeshare in Europe, first week in Marbella, Spain, on the Costa del Sol and the second in Papignon, France, on the Riviera near the Pyrenees. Their week in Spain was beautiful. Their week in France was a little disappointing in terms of accommodation and hospitality at the tail end of the tourist season. They would return to Spain in a heartbeat, and may just do that in another two years or so. In mid-January Mike took a five-day personal trip to Texas to visit his elderly parents in the Dallas area. Before going, he called Pete Lane in Denton to see if they could get together for a mini-Gray Tag reunion with several other classmates in the area. They had done that the previous summer with some success. Pete and Tom Williams put together another great "Gray Tag Grapevine Gathering" on Friday night the 10th of January at Ravioli's Italian Restaurant in Grapevine, Texas, just north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. It was a great "gathering," but Mike said that he was the last to arrive for the 1830 cocktail time but just in time to sit down for dinner. He had taken a wrong turn and got stuck in traffic. (He was really lost). Anyway, a great group of attendees included Pete and Patti Lane, Tom and Bonnie Williams, Paul and Donna Dean, Allan and Skeeter Blaisdell, Dick and Sylvia Fairlamb, Carl Granberry (all the way from the Tyler area), Phil Woods and Glenda, Henry Howe and his wife, and a distant cousin of Mike’s "Ace" Rawlins (‘64) and his wife Judy. As the old saying goes "a great time was had by all," and they hope to gather again soon. Finally, the most recent outing for Ginny and Mike was a great week of timeshare in Cancun, Mexico, in early February, accompanied by their daughter and son-in-law, who is an ex F-18 driver in the Navy, but Mike still let him go with them! Good weather, good time and Great Resort (Moon Palace). They will go back often in the future.

Hanson Scott is finding his days filled once again, this time helping get desired legislation through the New Mexico Legislature. He said that this effort has required 12-hour days, 7 days a week but that his hours should become more reasonable soon. His past experience working issues associated with the spaceport has helped a lot. Sounds as if you are living in interesting times, Scotty.

Bob and Pat Smith spent a week-long celebration of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong in early March. Bob said that it sure has changed since he was there on R&R. His daughter, chief of safety at BioPort Corp (of anthrax vaccine fame) is getting married this spring, with a civil ceremony in Michigan in April and church rites in Germany in September.

It sounds as if Sarah Stebbins is well on the road to full recovery from her mosquito-borne illnesses since she and Charlie are planning several nice trips this year. Glad to hear it, Sarah.

Terry and Carleen Storm hosted a Class of ’61 Christmas Party on December 20th. Kay and Dale Tabor, and Peggy and Jim Hinkle came from Denver. From Colorado Springs: Joyce Box, Linda and Charlie Neel, Anne and Tom Eller, Erna and Wayne Haring, Nancy and Jim Wilhelm, Lillie and Earl Saunders, Susan and Tom Conley, Trell and Dick Coppock, Joan and Worth McCue, Jo and Dean Jones, Jan and Randy Cubero, and Susan and Mike Quinlan. They had some wonderful cooks—the pot luck was a gourmet meal! A highlight was Joan McCue at the piano while they all sang Christmas carols. While they all get together at football game tailgates and the ladies have a monthly luncheon, group parties like this one are very special to all of them.

Byron Theurer retired from The Princeton Review on December 31^st, after having helped high school and college students raise their standardized test scores since 1989. He says that although he’s glad to be done with it, he will miss the enthusiasm of the kids. He’s now a counselor and an event producer for The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), conducting no-fee management counseling for small businesses or for people who would like to start, or are just starting, a small business. Besides the counseling sessions, he is the impresario (back-stage pogue who produces the event) for their quarterly seminar. Every few months they/he/SCORE sponsors a presentation on some topic of management for their would-be entrepreneurs. The biggest news last: on November 2, 2002 PATRICIA PILCHER and Byron were married in Spooner's Cove, Montana de Oro State Park, Los Osos, California. Byron said that Pat is the best thing who ever happened to him, and the wait was worth it. She is a Denver transplant and has taken enthusiastically to the California beach. She's become a docent for their local museum and state park network. Pat is also a military historian of considerable skill. Byron said that the last time he bored the multitudes with his recounting of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pat had to remind him of the names of the division commanders at Pickett's charge. When they aren't doing their back-to-nature or SCORE things, they plan to travel—principally to museum ships and Civil War battlefields. (Get ready Bill Sanzenbacher.) They also plan to attend the Redneck Riviera this fall.

Charlie and Gina Thomas were headed to Las Vegas, Nevada on the 17th. Our daughter, Elizabeth, will be married on the 22nd. She and her future husband are school teachers in the Las Vegas area. Lots of family and friends are flying in. I have my orders from Gina - show up, shut up, and pay up. A few weeks earlier, Charlie did the Peter Jennings’ ABC national radio town meeting to discuss the possibility of war. The local TV station broadcast it in New Mexico. It included a panel of seven (governor of New Mexico, local anti-war activist, editor, teacher, etc) and Peter Jennings. He said that Mr. Jennings was easy to work with and very complimentary after the show. Charlie said that he enjoyed doing it, and he appreciated some of the emails and phone calls from 61ers who heard the show.

Ad Thompson said that in January, he was appointed as a Commissioner on the Santa Barbara Airport Commission, a governmental body responsible to the City Council for overseeing the staff and operation of the airport. General responsibilities of the Commission involve strategic planning, lease review, adoption of regulations and so forth. The airport is a small IFR airport with services from six airlines handling about 60,000 passengers a month along with general and corporate aviation operations. It doesn't involve a lot of his time, but it provides an opportunity to do some community service while maintaining some involvement with aviation.

Tom Wilson had a very nice dinner visit with Dick Fairlamb on 28 January in the Twin Cities (Minnesota). Dick and Pat Buckley are the only two classmates Tom can remember who have visited there in the winter months. Hardy souls! Tom said that he must admit that neither he nor Dick have changed much from their cadet days. (Does that mean they haven’t learned a thing since then?) Tom and Judy are enjoying warmer days on vacation in Sarasota, Florida now.

For those of you seeking a good time, consider the annual Redneck Riviera Reunion, October 10^th-13^thin Orange Beach, Alabama. Jimmy Poole said that this area is a piece of heaven on earth, with white sand beaches, warm water, homes right on the beach with two pools, 15 golf courses in the area, great eating, deep-sea fishing, shopping at one of the largest discount malls in the US, historic sites to visit, plus fun together. Jimmy writes that there are 23 classmates confirmed and about 10 more in the pending mode. It is a wonderful, relaxing time together and Y'all come. Contact Jimmy if you also wish to attend: 334-272-1863 (H), 334-271-1305 (W). Jimmy also said that Susan has begun a new greeting card business with a vision to bring messages of encouragement, thanks, and hope worldwide. These Angel Cards went on sale in January, and the business has been in afterburner since its start. Check out the web site at http://www.myangelfriends.com. Edition #1 has four angels - Chef - Encouragement - Heart - and Prayer. Edition #2 is in the production phase at this time and will have 9 new angels. The Guardian Angel, the Flower Angel, the Survivor Angel, the Mother and Child Angel, the

Celebration Angel, the Holiday Angel, the Telephone Angel, and the Transportation Angel. Jimmy says to contact him via e-mail to get them at wholesale prices vs. the retail prices at the web site.

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Winter 2003

Stu and Marnie Boyd are staying busy these days, with plans to remain so in the future. Stu volunteers about half of a normal work week as a licensed pastor and is the chaplain for their local Civil Air Patrol. Marnie continues to stay busy with her Mary Kay activities. Since they are interested in competitive ice skating, they also volunteered to help out. Stu manages the music while Marnie does the announcing at practice sessions, but they expect to be part of the World Championships in Washington, DC in March. In addition to developing their small ranch, they are also training to be certified marriage counselors. And I thought the senior years were for slowing down.

Bob Brickey received a phone call from Doc and Marty Arnold the other day, and they introduced their 3-year-old granddaughter Kendall Weiskopf (daughter of Gib and Liz Arnold Weiskopf of Colorado Springs). Kendall then proceeded to sing the first verse of the Air Force Song, including the chorus, on pitch and melody! (Doc also said that Kendall has the appropriate gestures when singing "off wif one heh wuv a roar".) Bob was so impressed that he has begun to teach his grandchildren that one and a few others--some must be saved for the next "RAT" reunion. Liz sings to Kendall every night, and it was through this evening serenade that she learned the Air Force Song. Bob said that their four older grandchildren can sing "It's A Grand Old Flag," and Brice Jones has offered to teach them "Mary Ann Burns.” (While Bob thought Brice’s offer considerate, he has so far not accepted.) Anyone for a grandchild "Sing-Off"? If so, contact Bob or Doc.

Just a word of warning to you trusting individuals. You may not be aware that Jack Bright is on e-Bay. He said that he is still trying to "milk" that money that the people are spending there. His ulterior goal is to get all their cash, max out their credit cards, and empty their bank accounts! Seriously, though, he really is on e-Bay and is also moving about the country these days, so be on the look out, particularly in the area of the Goodleys. (Maybe he can help you research the “additional stroke” golf rule, John.) In October, Jack said that Phil Woods and his lady friend Glenda hosted P.B. and Mer O'Connor, Al and Skeeter Blaisdell, and Jack and his lady friend in Dallas at Phil's house in Dallas. Jack said that it was a wonderful evening! Jack, Phil, and their lady friends also had dinner together in Dallas several weeks prior to that evening. Thanks to Phil and Glenda for making it so enjoyable.

Pat Buckley will be the Program Director for a 4-year National Airspace Modernization Project to include radar, communications, navaids, automation systems and organizational improvements for the government of Albania, on a contract which Lockheed Martin just won. The work will be accomplished in the US, UK, and Albania, so Pat will work out of the UK for the next 9 to 12 months and then may move to Albania or continue to work out of the UK for the next 2 to 3 years. TBD. He has been managing the Air Traffic Management Systems Project for Lockheed Martin for the last 8 years, most recently trying to grow their business in Europe. This contract to modernize Albania's air control system is the first major U.S. commercial investment in the poor Balkan nation. Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano met in December with Patrick Buckley, a senior programs official of the U.S. company in Europe. The U.S. Embassy’s statement said, "The first phase of the contract provides for establishing initial radar capabilities in time for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece…It then provides for improvements…to communication and navigation equipment in order to link air traffic monitoring capabilities with other airports in the region.”

Lilly and Dave Carlstrom still live in the Boston area, just a few miles from Hanscom AFB. They were catching a Christmas day flight to California to see their son and 5-month-old grandson and planned to be gone for a month. Dave is currently retired again and runs 4+ miles a day at the base gym to fight high blood pressure and other aging issues. He said that not many retired folks stay in the Boston area, and if any 61ers happen to pass their way, they would like to see them.

Tom and Anne Eller spent two weeks around Thanksgiving in Belgium and vicinity visiting their daughter and her family (Julie and Kurt Schake, '83), which includes their two grandchildren. In addition to shopping in Koln and Luxembourg, they joined the SHAPE History Society for a tour of a tank battle site at Malmady, near Bastogne, in the same month as the Battle of the Bulge.

A German officer from NATO led the tour.

Richard/Dick Fairlamb said that his ninth year in business was another good one after a slow start. He and Sylvia have had fun flitting about in his Cessna 182, which he describes as a truly black hole, which exactly describes our boat when we had one.

In November, Bill and Theda Foster spent two weeks vacationing in Peru and Bolivia. They particularly enjoyed the Inca ruins at Machu Pichu and the areas around Lake Titicaca. Once they left Lima, most of the cities and sites were above 10,000 feet, including Cuzco, Puno, and LaPaz. The Lake is at 12,000 feet, and one of their hotels at Isla del Sol in the Lake is close to 13,000 feet (like sleeping on the top of Pikes Peak). They didn't move quickly, even putting on shoes was tiring. Bill kept thinking about those times in the altitude chamber, but the high altitude didn't stop Theda from shopping for the colorful local products. The scenery is magnificent with snow-capped Andes surrounding the lake and the cities. It was a wonderful trip to make, particularly while you're still 'young', you like to walk and climb, and you want to practice your Espanol.

John Goodley said that you may want to watch your diet. He and Casey were playing golf when he began feeling bad and headed home. On the way home they decided to just "drop in" at the emergency room for a while. John figured they would listen, maybe do an EKG, and send him home. It didn't exactly work like that. Eight days later he returned home after receiving two early Christmas presents: a stent in one artery, and a defibrillator implanted in the chest just like our Vice President. John also said that he thinks golf rules state that he gets at least one stroke per hole now, but I couldn’t seem to recall it from my earlier