Class of ’73, thank you for your great inputs. Please continue to send pictures and stories about your lives … families, careers, retirements, jet landings in the Hudson River, etc. We have limited space in the hard copy of Checkpoints, but I will try to include all inputs will be included on our web version of Checkpoints at http://usafa73.org. Please include names of all people in your pictures. Also, Mike Nishimuta is soliciting our stories to be posted on the web site for future generations of AF leaders to read and learn (see below). Mike also reports that all links to photo albums, and individual photos, will be posted on the website, so please send them to him also at mike@nishimuta.net. VR, Joe Kahoe, CS-07.
Congrats to Sully Sullenberger, who is credited with saving the lives of 155 people, when he very skillfully landed a flamed-out US Airways Airbus on the Hudson River … awesome skills and judgment!! Check out the article at: http://usafa73.org/news.htm. Sully, accompanied by his beautiful wife Lori, and daughters Katie and Kelly received the Key to the City of Danville, CA. at a ceremony on Jan 24th on national TV. It is only the 2nd key to city of Danville awarded in 150 years.
Late breaking news from USAFA: Lt Gen John Regni will be changing command and retiring shortly after the May 09 graduation. …. More to follow in our next edition of Checkpoints.
Steve McCauley, Mike Nishimuta, and Al Saavedra have put together the ’73 Stories website at http://www.73stories.org/. Steve is now soliciting stories and is asking “classmates to write about their own experiences since graduation. Just tell any stories that impacted you as significant or as a memorable personal experience. Stories might involve workplace, flying, marriage, kids, legal, health, education, Honor, ethics, and of course, career. Please write several, if you can.” The website is professional and the stories posted are very good.
CS-35, Party Squadron (now Wild Weasels) had a great showing at Class of 73’s 35th reunion last September and a great time was had by all. We certainly miss those who have gone on to the great reunion in the sky, Ken Seder, Phil Olson and Chuck Smith and we enjoyed sharing memories of our time with them as well as each other. The game was great even though the outcome was not what we wanted, but the Bolts did us proud. The guys and wives went on to Judge Kirk Samelson’s house after the game for pizza, liquid refreshments and pictures. Special Kudos go to Mark McClellan and his wife Susan for showing up with their lovely 3 year old twins!! Mark, you stud!
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Left to Right, upper row is: Johann Radcliffe, Vance Lineberger, Kirk Samelson, Steve Hansel, Jeff Brown and Gary Cheeseman; Lower Row is: Jim Soligan (our 3 star), Mark McClellan and Doug Richter. |
Duke Mitchell and Roger Beigh did not make the apre’ game festivities. Well, actually Roger did make it to the curb of Kirk’s house but due to an ailing back, could not egress from the vehicle comfortably (swinging from those chandeliers will do that to you Roger!), so the squadron went to him. We took pictures, chatted, loaded him up with food and sent Rog on his way.
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Picture of CS-35 in Roger’s car is Top Row: Kirk Samelson, Jim Soligan, Doug Richter, Steve Hansel and Vance Lineberger. Bottom Row: Gary Cheeseman, Mark McClellan, Roger Beigh, Johann Radcliffe, Jeff Brown. |
CS-35 will definitely be back in force in 2013; Party on!
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(Standing L to R) Mark Van Ells, Steve Lorenz, Frank Klotz, Randy Fotinakes, Bob Piniero, John Rabins, Nort Schwartz, Bob Frohlich, & Bob Munson. (Kneeling L to R) Ron Scott, Skip Sanders, Mike Mosier, Bill Rothwell, & Ron Taylor. (Most from CS-34) |
Mark Ballard said farewell to Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City, where he lived for the past 19 years. Mark is now working in AOC training at 9AF, Shaw AFB, SC. Mark says, “If you need anything concerning AFCENT/9AF that I can be of help with, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll do what I can to help ensure your continued success in whatever area you are working now. Also, if you find yourself near Columbia or Shaw AFB, please let me know. Keep up the faith, wish for a robust defense budget, and root for the Crimson Tide. It's been a hoot. If you have any replies, do so to mrbballard@netzero.net.”
NCLS was held Feb 19-21 … another resounding success with the Class of ’73 as the Flagship Sponsor. Check out our class website for the full story, including Sgt Rowe Stayton as one of the guest speakers.
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Warren Smith with Israeli tanks on Lebanon Border Nov 2008 |
Warren Smith reports: “I visited both the Biblical sites and many IDF and Israeli Government sites - to get a better understanding of what Israel is up against. This (picture) is within 2 km of where the 2 soldiers were kidnapped that started the 2006 war. I also visited Ramat David IAF base where no pictures were allowed. Someone asked the IAF Commander if Israel was prepared to destroy nuclear sites in Iran. He answered with a question: "What do you mean 'destroy'? As in - it never existed, or as in - it can no longer do any harm? Yes, we can do both of these." I also visited an IDF Armor brigade that was one of the first units to go into Gaza recently. Make no mistake about it - Israel is not putting up with direct threats to their nation from enemies any more. I say, good for them! All the best, Warren Smith, HP StorageWorks, 719-481-9345.
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Dave Quackenbush and Rick Mazurowski in Hawaii, Fall 2008 |
Caption: Here's a picture of Dave Quackenbush (left) and Rick Mazurowski taking in the sunset at Spencer Beach Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Dave had an AIAA conference to attend in Honolulu, and dropped in to catch up on old times with Rick on the Big Island for a couple days. They also hiked out to see lava entering the ocean from the Puu O'o eruption. They both used to be in the 14th MAS at Norton AFB and have lots of tales about flying the Pacific in C-141A's. It's amazing we're still around, since the squadron and base were decommissioned, and all the C141's are out in the boneyard now!! Aloha, Rick
Donna Felton (Charlie’s lovely wife) writes: “Charlie is flying as I write this...and I am at the computer doing school work...as always!! Here's what's new with us. Our daughter (Kim - 30) and husband (Matt -28) are expecting their first baby!! This will make us grandparents twice over. Son (Phil - 34) and wife (Brenda - 37) have little girl Joey who will be 2 in July. I am still working on my PhD and will be done in May of 2010. Charlie loves flying for NetJets and has been making many a trip to warmer climates - Bahamas, St. Marteen, etc. We are going to Scotland in May for our annual trip to Europe, which we love!! All the best to you and the family - Donna Felton”
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Carl & Eric Dofelmier Wings Fall 2008 |
Caption: “Dof” Dofelmier writes: “I had the privilege in December at Laughlin AFB of passing on and pinning on my original 1974 UPT "Legacy" wings on my son 1Lt Erik Dofelmier, the (his) Class Distiguished Graduate (DG) and The Outstanding Student Pilot (award). Hey, and I could still fit in my uniform!!” Thanks, Carl "Dof" Dofelmier, CS-34. Congrats to you and your son, Dof!!
Rick Karvosky writes: “Hope you had a great holiday season. I'm finally back at Al Dhafra - returned on 6 Jan. I left Iraq end of July for Al Dhafra as their Civil Engineer. I worked here at Al Dhafra from 2003-2006. I took a 3 month medical break in Oct to get knee surgery on both knees. Still have my own knees - just needed some cutting, sewing, sanding, grinding and lubing done! He said he gave me 25 year knees! When I asked for a 25 year warranty on them - he just laughed! My contract runs until 31 July. I'm disappointed I missed the Reunion but I've heard the Dirty Dozen guys have some good pictures! Check with Rick Johnston!”
Dan O'Hollaren [danoh73@comcast.net] reports from Oregon: “News here is I have been promoted to Major General effective early December 08. I have turned over the command of the Oregon ANG and will be focused on my national position as ANG Assistant to the Commander, AFMC. That will keep me on the road a lot between DC and Wright-Patt, Robins, Tinker & Hill. Still residing in Oregon and attached to the Oregon ANG. I played golf out here in October with John Wigington who was visiting relatives with his wife Susan. Also, Steve Lorenz paid the ORANG a visit in January to our F-15 FTU at Kingsley Field.
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Buddy and Donna Gammon with daughter Sarah at University of Florida |
Buddy Gammon reports: “It was a busy Holiday Season. My daughter, Sarah Gammon, graduated from The University of Florida December 20. She started Law School Jan. 12th.” Buddy and Donna are very proud of her!
Insert Pic; CS-31 – Mary_ Ken Adams_ Pam_Charlie Meyer_ Mitch Mitchell at 35th Reunion CS 31 Caption: CS 31 -- Mary & Ken Adams (standing), Pam and Charlie Meyer, and Howard "Mitch" Mitchell (seated) at 35th Reunion.
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CS-31 – (LtoR) Ken Adams, Mary Adams, Mitch Mitchell, Pam and Charlie Meyer at 35th Reunion. |
Ken Adams is still flying for FedEx; he's based out the Los Angeles area (Upland, CA). Mitch Mitchell is a retired MGen who consults for Booz Allen Hamilton; lives with wife Susan in Ashburn, Virginia; has a daughter on active duty in the Air Force. Charlie Meyer manages a 'trusted' microelectronics office at NSA; he and Pam live in Laurel, Maryland and their son is an AF ROTC cadet in South Carolina.
A photo with Rich Hayes & daughter Megan - it appears to be a wedding photo, and she was supposed to get married recently.
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Rich Hayes and Daughter Megan |
Mike Hub & grandson, Zane Reeder. In Mike's words, "a picture of yours truly and my grandson, whom I baptized on October 19 of last year, at Saint Matthew's Parish, Fort Motte, SC. Mike is the Priest/Rector at Saint Matthew's Parish. He is Zane O. Reeder (future class of 2030, ouch!!), son of daughter Caroline and her husband Craig Reeder who live in Charlotte, NC.
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Mike Hub & grandson, Zane Reeder whom Mike baptised in Oct 2008 |
Tom, Betty Kennedy & son TJ. TJ is a 4th class cadet at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London CT (class of 2012). The photo is from their Mystic Sea Flag Ceremony which they hold in late July during their Swab Summer - we had a few afternoon hours with TJ. As a point of interest, there are several other members of TJ's class with parental connections to the Air Force Academy. At a minimum, there is Mark Zanowicz (son of Ed, class of '79) and Nick Zablotny (nephew of Mark, class of 71 who was also a 31st Grim Reaper)
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Tom, Betty Kennedy and Son TJ |
Phil & Chris Yavorsky hosted Tom Kennedy for dinner at their home in O'Fallon IL in November when he was in St Louis for an ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) meeting.
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Andrew (USAFA Class of 2030) – grandson of Ken and Carol Wassenar |
Carol and Ken Wassenar are still enjoying life in Plano, TX. Ken reports: “I am adjusting to suddenly becoming unemployed, but things like happen in today's business climate. However, we're enjoying our two grandsons. I've included a picture of the youngest -- Andrew -- perhaps USAFA Class of 2030?”
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CS-09--Dick Schanberger, Dennis Clark, Jack Glavan and Don Pettit play golf at the 35th Reunion |
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(order unknown) Dick Schanberger, Dennis Clark, Jack Glavan, Joe Walker, Ed Parry, Kevin McHugh, and Dave Barcus. A fabulous time was had by all. |
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Randy Putz (showing off by wearing his original "A" jacket), Don & Shelly Meister, Gary & Judy Blokland, Rick & Ellen Wallace, Kent & Diane Buchanan and Al & Karen Rotach |
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Pam Munson Tivo’d Norty and Suzie Schwartz next to the new President and First Lady, chatting and saluting the AFA cadets as they marched past in the inaugural parade |
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CS-21 Spencer Way, Stan Osborne, Rob Mitchel, Bart Dannels, Jeff Meints at 35th Reunion |
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Spencer Way (21), Dave Gessert (12), Paul Manley at 35th Reunion |
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Spencer Way (21), Alberto Saavedra-Ferrere (24) and Ben Catlin (24) at 35th Reunion |
Update from Rob Mitchell: “Oz is still flying for Southwest out of Lubbock. Spencer Way is working at the Pentagon and living in Maryland. Jeff Meints is an interventionist radiologist, living in the Phoenix area. He says he's the last doctor you want to see. Bart Dannel is living in the Norfolk, VA area and is restoring his Porsche 914. I (Rob Mitchell) am still living in Gillette, WY and working for the state. I'm looking forward to retiring in a couple of years and spending much more time on sailboats and motorcycles. Chris Taravella made it to the game but we didn't see him. He's an attorney in Denver.”
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(LtoR) Joe Kahoe, Al Maurer, Peggy and Warren Smith, John Cotton, Dave and Sheryl Ellis, Rowe Stayton, Rowe’s two sons (James and Taylor), Mary and Ron Scott, “T” Thompson, Dennis and Ginnie Haugh, and John Mann. In attendance, but not in the picture: Bob Munson, Eric Nickerson, and Trapper Carpenter. |
Rowe Stayton delivered a low-key, but inspiring talk about his exploits in Iraq to a group of our class at the USAFA Club on 19 Dec.
Update from Mike Turner: My wife Kathy is a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and is planning on obtaining an advanced certification as well as her Master Naturalist cert. soon. She spends much of her time with our two grandchildren (a concept have was reluctant to embrace for quite some time, but the little ones have melted my resistance). I'm currently Chief of Congressional Affairs for the Wounded Warrior Project and spend much of my days on the Hill button-holing Members to do the right thing by our most recent generation of wounded vets. It is an incredibly rewarding endeavor. I've also helped start a program called paws4vets which rescues shelter and breeder dogs, trains them using female inmates of the medium security Federal Penitentiary as part of their rehab program, then places them with vets as service and companion dogs. Our emphasis is on wounded warriors with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD. In my spare time, I've also just become a candidate for the Virginia State House of Delegates with the election in November.