Classmates:
Twenty classmates and fourteen spouses attended and/or volunteered for this 2023 NCLS. All of us were
impressed with the event, watched as the cadets engaged with the speakers, and were proud of ‘73’s role. Click here to see 160+ photos and presentation videos. If Scott Mercier’s is posted, watch it as a good speaker example.
In good measure because of your generosity, the National Character and Leadership Symposium has grown into
a USAFA-wide event, and now enjoys the support of senior USAF and SF leadership. Our class has worked closely with
the Academy as NCLS matured year-by-year ever since our first funds began supporting the symposium. Without
exaggeration it is now the premier USAFA academic event, and will continue to be so, thanks to ’73.
Statement: The Class of 1973 has had more impact on the character and leadership development of cadets than
any other class. No argument. And it looks good to continue in perpetuity.
Also the local class dinner afterwards at Casa Fiesta was the biggest since Superintendent John Regni invited us
to the Carlton House for lunch in 2007. Unfair comparison since John and Debby’s meal was free.
Twenty classmates and fourteen spouses attended and/or volunteered for this 2023 NCLS. All of us were
impressed with the event, watched as the cadets engaged with the speakers, and were proud of ‘73’s role. Click here to see 160+ photos and presentation videos. If Scott Mercier’s is posted, watch it as a good speaker example.
In good measure because of your generosity, the National Character and Leadership Symposium has grown into
a USAFA-wide event, and now enjoys the support of senior USAF and SF leadership. Our class has worked closely with
the Academy as NCLS matured year-by-year ever since our first funds began supporting the symposium. Without
exaggeration it is now the premier USAFA academic event, and will continue to be so, thanks to ’73.
Statement: The Class of 1973 has had more impact on the character and leadership development of cadets than
any other class. No argument. And it looks good to continue in perpetuity.
Also the local class dinner afterwards at Casa Fiesta was the biggest since Superintendent John Regni invited us
to the Carlton House for lunch in 2007. Unfair comparison since John and Debby’s meal was free.
Back L-R: Gary Blokland, Bruce Meyer, Steve Lorenz, John Barry, John Stefonik, Ron Scott, Kirk Samelson, Norty
Schwartz, Dale Birch, Trapper Carpenter (trying to hide), Don Sutula, Bill Diffley, Monnie Gore, Mike Tillman, AJ
Ranft, AJ Briding, Al Maurer (hiding), Dennis Haugh, Jim Parker.
Bottom L-R: Rich Fazio, John Wigington, Mike Arnett, Bob Munson. Missing: Steve Rossetti, Vic Thuotte
Schwartz, Dale Birch, Trapper Carpenter (trying to hide), Don Sutula, Bill Diffley, Monnie Gore, Mike Tillman, AJ
Ranft, AJ Briding, Al Maurer (hiding), Dennis Haugh, Jim Parker.
Bottom L-R: Rich Fazio, John Wigington, Mike Arnett, Bob Munson. Missing: Steve Rossetti, Vic Thuotte
Bob Munson serves as one of the liaisons for the Class of '73 with the USAFA National Character and Leadership Symposium. He welcomes your thoughts on this past NCLS and suggestions for the future.