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The Class of 1961 DC Bunch
held their annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at
the fashionable Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Virginia.
Those attending are picture below. From
left to right: Joan Kohout, John Kohout, Charley Dixon, Bill
Sanzenbacher, Sandy Jones, Lowell Jones, Cathy Hosrovian-Muller,
Bill Foster, Diane McDonough, Terry Norris, Joan Negroni, Jack
McDonough, and Hector Negroni.
Lowell read the names of our departed
classmates with their DOD and we toasted to them. The names included
James Dickson (03/13/89), Norm Campbell (11/18/96), Karl Kellerman
(03/29/00), Darrell Koerner (03/27/02), Dick Milnes (04/09/03), Karl
Whitaker (01/08/07), Ron Muller (05/21/10), Roger Woodbury
(11/08/10), and also a past DC member and frequent visitor, Charlie
Thomas (11/02/11).
Bill Foster discussed the forthcoming
Military Bowl Game between Air Force and Toledo to be played at RFK
Stadium in Washingnton DC. A large group of us plan to attend and we
will wait to see what is organized by the AOG and the local AOG
chapters.
Special thanks to Charley Dixon for
arranging the luncheon at his country club.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14 June 11

The Washington DC Bunch held their monthly
luncheon at the exclusive Springfield Country Club on Tuesday
14Jun11. We were honored to have an out of town guest, Jimmy Rogers,
who regaled us with tales of life in wonderful Naples, Florida. Jim
and Linda were visiting Northern Virginia in order to attend the US
Open Golf Tournament where they will be acting as Marshalls. Jimmy
also showed us his beautiful full body sun tan. Bill Foster and Jack
McDonough briefed us the results of the Class of 1961 Mini-Reunion
held at USAFA in May and during which our class presented 2nd Lt
bars to the graduates of the Class of 2011. Lowell and Sandy Jones
have been studying for their "acceptance mental tests" at the
Falcons Landing Retirement Community. Lowell seemed very alert and
was confident of passing the test. Here is the luncheon bunch
looking super healthy:
From left to right, Charley Dixon, Jack
McDonough, Hector Negroni, Bill Foster, Lowell Jones, and Jimmy
Rogers.
Naples, Florida, 22Feb11:
Jim and Linda Rogers, Hector and Joan
Negroni, and Tom and Mimi Skilling held a Summit Meeting in Naples,
Florida to discuss the State of the Class of 1961. After a long
discussion lasting two minutes we decided to socialize, drink and
eat while enjoying the palatial surroundings of the new Rogers
Mansion at the Lely Golf Club and Preserve. We polished off a
delicious lasagna and a great salad while topping the meal with
several sinful cannolis. We also had a teleconference with Art Kerr
and cheered him up. As you can see by the enclosed photo, we are
aging gracefully.

Report on the
2010 AF v. Army Football Game
From: Hector Andres Negroni
Date: Sun, Nov 14, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Subject: Air Force-Army Game Report
To: O'Rear Nelson <enoandtjo@gmail.com>
Date: 13 November 2010
Subject: Post Deployment Report—61st Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS)
(Mythical)
Reunion, 4-7 November 2010
The 61st TFS (M) again deployed to West Point and its environs
for the Army-Air Force football game. These reunions have occurred
every two years since the A-AF Games at the Military Academy began.
I can testify, and have photographic evidence, that these gatherings
have been in full swing since 1984 when Betty and I were first
invited to attend.
By way of background, the 61st TFS (M) was organized in the
vineyards of Sonoma in the late 1980s when Brice’ classmates, and
pilot/pinot buddies would gather at Sonoma Cutrer Winery to attend
the Annual World Croquet Championships and then the
following day run the Bay to Breakers. At first we
reserved tables using the 61st moniker. In 1991 the designation
became official when we appeared in a Wine Spectator
ad for Clos du Bois—the caption was: 30th
Reunion of the 61st Tactical Fighter Squadron. Attendance at
Squadron activities is open to all members of the AFA Class of 1961
and any other social misfits with a flight, military, or a
viticulture background. I trace my involvement and duties as
Squadron Adjutant to my previous association with Brice Jones, as a
classmate in Anchorage HS and member of the Elmendorf AFB Air Scout
Wing. In addition Betty’s brother, Bob Strauss (USMA 1961)
commissioned AF and attended flight school with Brice, Brick, and
other 61ers in Big Spring, Texas. Squadron membership is on the rise
since individuals previously on active duty and working on their
careers are no longer sensitive to the possible downside of being
associated with us.
This year’s reunion began on Thursday night (4 November) in the
Big Apple. It was necessary for certain squadron members to attend
remedial classes in social behavior and decorum conducted by Brice
Jones at the Harvard Club. Officially the biannual gathering of
eagles and turkeys began with a Friday evening catered dinner and
wine consumption at the Upper Saddle River, NJ residence of Kathleen
Kennedy and our now deceased Squadron Colonel, Randy. Since 2004
Kathleen’s husband, Mike Magro, has graciously shared in the hosting
of these soirees. In the past wine selections included Brice’s
Shooter Cooter Chardonnay and now his screw top Fighter Pilot Red.
Fortunately, our selection has of late been supplemented by Louis
Foppiano’s extraordinary wines.
Responding to deployment orders were the following Class of 61
members/associates (aka “usual suspects”) and their significant
others: Anderson, Boesch (ex-61), Boyington (60), Buckley, Cairns,
Cubero, Eller, Jones (Brice and Dean), Lane, McConnell, Neel, Dennis
Parks (78), Saunders, and Wagner (Bob and Rees). USMA was
represented by Burke Mucho (61) and Bill Kosco (62). More
distinguished attendees were: Bob Norman, Mike Spivey, Gerry Dawes
(Squadron Limerick Laureate), Kay Balun, Louis and Helene Foppiano,
our hosts Kathleen and Mike Magro, Gene and Doe Stringer, Jim
Wiltjer, and the entire Fred Westerberg family. The evening’s food
and wine, friendship, and salutations were excellent and for a
second reunion in a row without objection. However, new to the
routine was Carol McConnell (a first time attendee) who turned her
ankle leaving the festivities (claiming she slipped on leaves) and
spent the rest of the weekend either crawling or in a wheel chair.
Carol earned our wounded warrior and trooper award for gutting it
out to the end.
On Saturday morning at 0700, after a fair amount of grousing, we
departed for The Academy; attending the parade and then the AFA AOG
tailgate at the Officers’ Club. The Corps, upon taking the Plain,
rousted a large flock of geese that took flight and passed right
over our heads in perfect formation. After the tailgate shuttles
took us up to Michie Stadium for a display of Army precision sky
diving and a 1200 kickoff. It was a beautiful day for a game and Air
Force made the best of it winning 42-22 and again securing the
Commander’s Trophy. In good spirits we took shuttles to West Point’s
South Dock and boarded the Pride of the Hudson to further consume
our Class VI supplies and enjoy the magnificent weekend weather and
scenery. As the sun set we disembarked and boarded our coach for
Restaurant X in Congers, N.Y. where we were treated to a most
memorable dinner organized by Gerry Dawes. We left for our Upper
Saddle River lodging at 1100 after our driver, Mr. James Alexander,
passed word to our maitre de that he was close to his maximum
permissible cockpit time.
On Sunday morning, November 7th, we reported back to Reunion
Headquarters and enjoyed a light breakfast and a dose of Brice’s
Fighter Pilot Chili. After recounting the excitement of the previous
day (and subjecting each other with photos of the grandkids) we bid
our adieus and it was wheels up for either HOR or NYC. Thirty of us
attended a Sunday matinee at the Nederlander Theatre. We saw
Million Dollar Quartet featuring the circa 1956 music of
Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. This has to
be Broadway’s finest production and was the ultimate in live
entertainment. After the play it was off to dinner.
The only casualties of the weekend were Carol’s ankle and the 9
cases of wine and champagne that will not be going home. The 2012
Army-AF will be played at Yankee Stadium for the first time since
1959 requiring us to look at how to adjust, but the 61st will
deploy. We will take the opportunity to again gather with old
friends.
I will end with a special thanks to the Magros, Brice, and Louis ..
Springfield
Country Club
January 11, 2011
The Washington DC Bunch held their latest
lunch on Tuesday, 26 Jan11 at the exclusive Springfield Country
Club, where Charley Dixon is a member now but may be asked to resign
after our lunch.
Those attending were (from left to right):
Twy Williams, John Kohout, Bill Foster, Charley Dixon, Jack
McDonough, Bill Stackhouse, Hector Negroni and Bill Sanzenbacher.
Lowell Jones visited with us but had to leave before the photo was
taken. Unfortunately, John Sullivan kept his perfect non-attendance
record intact.
The most important thing to report is that
EVERYONE LOOKED HEALTHY!
Among the many items on the agenda we
discussed how to "convince" our renegade classmates to make a
donation to the Class Gift Fund.

Springfield
Country Club
Veterans
Day, 2010
Attendees for the luncheon at Springfield Country Club on
Thursday, November11, 2010 (Veterans Day) -
l to r: Twy Williams, Lowell Jones, Hector Negroni,
Pat Buckley, Bill Stackhouse, Charley Dixon (Host) and Spike Nunn.
The attached picture proves we all can still stand up.

Sadly, Joan Kohout's sister passed away, so John missed
theluncheon because they were in New York at that time. Bill Foster
is still recovering from his latest bout with the pacemaker, so he
was also a rare absentee. Bill Sanzenbacher also had a good excuse -
family membersvisiting him from the west coast. Hector looked very
good from his bout with a new knee and a tough hernia operation - he
can still tell goodstories. He gave a good update on the class 50th
gift. Pat Buckley (both he and Marilyn all the way from Florida)
told us about his new vacation digsin Spain on the Med, and also
updated us on the activities and classmates that attended the Army
game.
Both Hector and Pat made the 6-hour round tripon Saturday,
November 13, to attend the memorial for our departed classmate Roger
Woodbury - we drank a USAFA toast to the memory of Roger at the
luncheon.
Jack McDonough is scheduled for an MRI next week for a
bumshoulder. Hoping all goes well and no cutting is required.
Our host, Charley Dixon, complained about the women's tennis
group that had a noisy table next to us - the high decibels from
that table disturbed his hearing aid. Bill Stackhouse and Spike Nunn
drove the 3-hour (one way) trip for this luncheon on Tuesday, only
two days early - we usually meet on Tuesdays but thought Veterans
Day would be a good day to meet. Bill made the return trip on
Thursday, but Spike had a commitment and couldn't make the trip
again.
Here's the true story from Spike: "Since I won't be there to tell
the true story, I rely on Billy's sense of truth, fairness, and the
American Way to explain why he got me outta bed to travel up there
Tuesday on a fool's quest. Nevertheless, on the return route, I
managed to inveigle him off Interstate 95 to visit the Marine Corps
Museum at Quantico. He acted bored, but I suspect he was in a state
of awe throughout. He purchased no souvenirs, misidentified a couple
of single-engine WW II fighter-type A/C, had an opportunity to chat
up a couple of Army ladies (mother-daughter team) at the Tun Tavern
Bar, mooched a meal & a beer, and still had me back in Kilmarnock
for my 1600 hrs appointment. Whatta guy!" To his credit, Bill not
only came back on Thursday, he also performed with his barber-shop
group on Wednesday - proudly singing "Mary-Ann Burns" solo and
a-cappella to everyone's enjoyment. Bill should join the 61 USAFA
barber-shop group at the 50th (as they did at the 45th). He's good!
Twy Williams was the smart one and didn't join Spike and Bill on the
trip from the Northern Neck. He drove with Nancy (on Thursday) and
they stayed with Nancy's family that night in Vienna, VA. I am happy
to say that I have survived my liver scare and just need to get
another 15 pounds back.
Next luncheon will probably be after the New Year.
Cheers to all!
Lowell
Class of 1961 DC Lunch Bunch, 27Apr10
T he Class of 1961 DC
Lunch Bunch, April 27 luncheon was at the Springfield Country Club
in Virginia, with Charley Dixon as host. They had a good group in
attendance - Charley Dixon, Bill Foster, Lowell Jones, John Kohout,
Jack McDonough, Hector Negroni, and Bill Stackhouse. The picture
(thanks to Hector) below proves it. They had great service (thanks
to Antonio) and food and may return again for a future luncheon.
Hector reminded them about the Class gift for our 50th next year.
Other than the normal Air Force subjects, their main discussion
item was a proposed get-together (with spouses/significant others)
in the Virginia Northern Neck. Bill Stackhouse briefed them on the
options available, which spiked favorable interest in making it work
- despite the distance involved for the classmates living in the
immediate DC area (a bit over 2 hours travel time). Twy Williams
and Spike Nunn also live in that area and will be assisting Bill
with the planning. The decision was made to make it a one-day
luncheon on a Friday for all, and those who would like to stay
around longer will be assisted in making over-night arrangements.
The next step is determining the date, which Bill will be
coordinating. Cheers to all!

The Blizzard of 2010
Photos of Negroni's deck
This is a photo of a round table in our deck, I took the photo
and then measured 30"..


August 26 luncheon at the
Westwood Country Club:
Attendees at the luncheon on Wednesday, August 26, at the Westwood Country Club were: Charley Dixon, Bill Foster, Lowell Jones, John Kohout, Ron Muller, Hector Negroni, Jim Rogers, Bill Sanzenbacher, Bill Stackhouse, and Twy Williams. Attached is a picture of the smiley group from Hector's reliable camera. Thanks to the Club's Food and Beverage Director, John Memoli, and a super waiter, Lahcen, we had the usual great service and food. We spent the majority of the time on October 1-4 Mini-Reunion planning. A lot was accomplished and everything is in order for a great happening - with over 70 people attending most events. Ron Muller gave us an update on his prostate chemotherapy status. He's got a tough road ahead, so we hope the best for him. Charley Dixon has been a loyal right-hand man for him. Ron will know more about the chemo results in 3-5 weeks. Jim Rogers confirmed he and Linda are moving to Florida (to hide from hurricanes) in mid-September. They have sold their house and will spend the next couple months too busy to golf (I'll bet). They will make it back for the Min-Reunion - hooray! Pat Buckley called (from some place in the world), and we all got to chat with him. He and Marilyn plan to buy a mansion on the beach in Spain. But we think they also have a place in Florida. Latest from Tom Skilling is that he's doing well and expects to be back to normal in 8 - 12 weeks. He and Mimi still hope they can make the Mini-Reunion. Next luncheon will be in November sometime, and even though Jim will be in Florida, he's made an arrangement with the Club for us to still use it for our luncheons if we desire. We'll even invite Jim to future luncheons. We'll see a lot of you in October. Cheers to all!
Lowell

San Antonio Grey Tags
November 08
l to r: Jim Wild, Larry Freeman, Jack
Bright, Mark Anderson, Jim Ulm, Richard Smith

DC Group Luncheon
Westwood Country Club
19 Nov 08
l to r: Charlie Dixon, Twy Williams,
Hector Negroni, Jim Rogers, Bill Foster, John Kohout, Ron Muller
Roger Woodbury, Lowel Jones

Here is the photo of our
Feb08 Luncheon, arranged by Lowell Jones at Jim Rogers' Westwood
Country Club, Vienna VA!

From left to right:
Lowell Jones, Bill Foster, John Kohout, Bill Stackhouse, Hector
Negroni, Bill Sanzenbacher, and Jim Rogers. Those not attending had
an assortment of puny excuses. Lowell will report on the business
decision made because, frankly, I don't remember. All I can recall
is that Herr Muller is now in charge of insuring that future
luncheons start "on time" and that John Sullivan was elected to
insure every one attends. We voted to allow Lowell Jones to
purchase a new "envelope" to carry the Washington DC Lunch Bunch
Funds.
We
were honored during the lunch by a long distance phone call from
Albania by our peripatetic Pat Buckley. By the time Pat called we
could not remember where he was and some of us kept say Rumania,
Estonia, Lithuania, etc…
Alabama--Georgia Gathering
9 May 2007
Thanks to Mike - Sam - Jerry we had our first Ala
-Ga gathering of 61 Graytags on May 9th at Sprayberry's BBQ at exit 47 on
I-85N. All came properly dressed except for Sam. Great fun together and then
George-Doug-Jimmy P played the Robert Trent Jones course in Prattville, AL
on Thursday - ask George about his skills in tree destruction. Doug played
very well on his new knees. Steve-Ron-John P are Alabama folks who were not
there. Johnny C is in recovery from heart surgery and doc would not let him
drive. Info to Jimmy H as he goes everywhere anytime and maybe can join us
next time. See attached picture - Jimmy Poole
.jpg)
______________________________________________________________
Reunion--Class of 1961
Classmates and Guests on the
Greytag Network,
We had a number of committee members on vacation this time of year so there were
a few less members in attendance for our July Meeting. We received a summary of
our reunion registrations and the numbers are lower than our hotel registrations
and so my first suggestion would be to please don’t wait too long to register as
some of the fees and rates go up after the first week in August.
Again, you can register by going to the AOG Homepage at:
www.usafa.org
and clicking on “Reunions” and then going to “Class of 1961 (45th)”.
Merchandise sales have also been slow with Polo Shirts coming in first in
popularity and our 14 oz glasses and the bucket hat both coming in second as the
top selling class items for the reunion so far.
The first half of the meeting
concluded with explaining our options with regard to the photo gallery website
for the Class. There are two basic modes of operation: one as a spectator and
second as an editor to your own personal additions to the gallery. Additions
can be made in three ways; creating your personal picture albums (as many as you
like), creating your personal diary/blogs (as many as you like) and
participating in forum discussions with website-registered classmates and other
guest registrants on our Greytag Network online.
As a way to help me encourage others to
participate I would first like to have as many classmates as possible get on
line and visit our gallery website. In addition to roaming
around the albums that have already been posted by me you will also be able to
use the forum function. In a forum we will be able to "group speak" and,
hopefully, I or David Hughes, our webmaster, will be able to answer any of your
questions and prepare you for the next stage of participation that of being an
editor of your own pictures and items. In
this later editor stage I am seeking around 5-10 "pioneer" classmate volunteers
before our 45th Reunion to be the first to register and share their pictures in
the photo gallery and their thoughts and reflections in their
diaries/reflections for other members of the GTN to ponder and respond back, if
requested. Please, use the following URL, user name and password to become
spectators and forum users only and to become familiar with the workings of this
most impressive website.
The URL is:
http://afalumni.giph.com,
the user name is: greytag and the password is: usafa1961.
Please respond directly to me
at
rcubero@adelphia.net
after you have reviewed the class gallery website and wish to go to the next
level as editor. In becoming an editor, I would also suggest that you begin by
creating two personal albums: One of your current family and another by posting
pictures of those classmates who are gone but not forgotten. By the way, after
reviewing the website please make any comments or provide feedback using the
"forum" function.
The second half of the meeting was taken up with a more detailed discussion of
the Chaney King Bike Ride Run which will be an optional reunion activity for
Saturday, September 9th, for those classmates and guests who wish to participate
in this unique event.
Chaney King was a young female cadet who died in a car accident on January 18,
2003 in her sophomore year. She was a Falcon Scholar who attended Northwestern Preparatory
School in Crestline, CA,
before being admitted to the Academy. After being admitted to the Academy the
following year, she proved to be a highly motivated and involved cadet and
thanks in part to her family and the Falcon Foundation an annual Bike Ride/Run
is conducted in her memory at the Air Force Academy. September 9th, 2006 will
be the Third Annual Chaney King Bike Ride Run sponsored by the Falcon Foundation
and approved by the Senior Staff to be conducted at the Academy. I call your
attention to our most recent edition of "Checkpoints-June 2006." On page 50 you
can find an article explaining the purpose and activities associated with
the upcoming Chaney King Bike Ride Run in September. For our class if you would
like to register for the event all you need to do is contact me via e-mail and
let me know your wishes. You can rent a bike and helmet (charges are in
addition to the registration fee) for the ride or you can bring your
running/walking gear and participate in only the run/walk portion of the event.
For a
special Reunion
member registration fee of $25.00 per person you can participate. Your
registration fee will allow you to have lunch and, if you so indicate to me,
enjoy the company of a cadet for the awarding of door prizes and the viewing of
the tot-bike races which occur during and after lunch. If you have an interest
please contact me at:
rcubero@adelphia.net.
After we adjourned the meeting, Terry Storm presented his edited version of the
video presentation “Expect
Great Things”
that will be shown at Friday night’s dinner. Terry
did an absolutely outstanding job in shortening the presentation from one hour
to 25 minutes in what all of us agree was a seamless edit of the material.
Warm regards, Randy
Randy Cubero
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