2023-1 VMI Alumni Review

Alumni Review VMI

2023 - Issue 1

Institute Overview

The VMI experience is unique in that it combines academic, physical, and mental challenges within a highly structured environment. VMI is for those individuals who have a vision for their future and have the courage to do the work it takes to attain their goals.

IT MEANS SOMETHING TO GO TO VMI.

It means something to push yourself further than you thought you could go, both academically and physically. It means something to have the confidence to face challenges wherever you are.

The mission of VMI is this ideal of noble emulation that cadets will strive to be like the very leaders who have come before them:

• George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient,

• Jonathan Daniels ’61, who died protecting a Black woman during the civil rights movement,

• More than 230 military flag officers—more than any senior military college in the nation,

• Thousands of captains of industry, finance, science, and innovation,

• Advisors to the nation’s highest office,

• 11 Rhodes Scholars,

• Seven Medal of Honor recipients,

• A Pulitzer Prize recipient, and

• A Supreme Court Justice.

VMI IS NATIONALLY RANKED

As one of the smallest colleges in the state, VMI is consistently recognized nationally and among colleges in the Commonwealth.

• U.S. News and World Report ranked VMI in the top four public liberal arts college in the nation for the 18th year, behind only the nation’s federal service academies.

• No. 4 in National Public Liberal Arts Colleges,

• No. 70 in National Liberal Arts Colleges,

• No. 21 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (where doctorate is not offered)

•

• Money Magazine (2022)

• Best College Nationally, ranked by value: No. 5

• Best Small College Nationally: No. 3 (2020 Most Recent Ranking)

• Best Public School Nationally: No. 6

• Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed. Ranking (2022)

• Best Value: No. 5

• National Colleges and Universities: No. 158, among top 20% (out of 801)

• Washington Monthly recently listed VMI No. 49 out of 288 colleges for 2022 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Southeast

• Payscale (2020)

• Best Value Public Colleges, 20-Year Net ROI Nationally: No. 25 In-state (Up from No. 51), No. 49 Out-of-State (up from 95)

• Best Value Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia: No. 1

• Best Value Public Colleges in Virginia: No. 28

• Best Value Public Colleges Nationally: No. 46

• Best Value Colleges for Engineering Careers: No. 186 for in-state.

• Forbes (2022)

• America’s Top Colleges: No. 381

• Top Public Colleges: No. 181

• Top Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities: No. 90

• Top Colleges in the South: No. 79

• America’s Best Value Colleges: No. 133

• Niche data reviews (2022)

• Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: No. 53

• Best Value Colleges in America: No. 70

U.S. News & World Report has ranked VMI Among the Nation’s Top Four undergraduate public liberal arts colleges since 2001.

never settle for ordinary.

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Aug. 15, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2022.

In Memory

9 G. Marshall Mundy ’56 10 Thomas A. Saunders III ’58

2023-Issue 1 Volume 99, No. 4

PUBLISHER

VMI Alumni Agencies

Chief Executive Officer: David Prasnicki

Chief Communications Officer: Amy Goetz

Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Whitman

Assistant Editor: Mattie Montgomery

Editorial Specialist: Molly Rolon

ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumni.org/alumnireview

PUBLISHING OFFICE

The VMI Alumni Agencies Alumni Review Office

VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org

PRINTER

Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring, and summer by The VMI Alumni Agencies, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The VMI Alumni Association: 540/464-7221

The VMI Foundation: 540/464-7287

The VMI Keydet Club: 540/464-7328

WEBSITE ADDRESSES

Alumni Agencies: vmialumni.org

VMI: vmi.edu

Outside Cover: Rat Olympics for the Rat Mass of 2023 +3 kicked off Founders Day in the Corps Physical Training Facility. The competition is the culmination of the 10-week physical education program, Rat Challenge. The company that works the hardest and displays the best attitude wins the Stockwell Cup, named for the late Col. Bill Stockwell.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

If Not Us, Then Who?

As we write this, it is early January, and winter furlough has several more days to run. This relatively quiet time in the current academic year, therefore, seems a good one in which to reflect on the current state of VMI.

At the end of last year, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, posted a message on the VMI website in which he reviewed the many good things that happened on post in 2022. Among them were accomplishments by the faculty, cadets’ involvement in research projects, the appearance of the Corps at the inauguration of Virginia’s 74th governor, and the successes of our cadet-athletes on and off the field. He also pointed out that, in 2022, several prestigious publications that rate American colleges and universities gave VMI extraordinary rankings (please refer to the inside front and back covers of this issue for more on that).

We believe these high rankings are a recognition of the many accomplishments VMI has achieved in the past and the high level of excellence it has maintained for decades. They also are a recognition that, every day, something remarkable takes place on post: Young people are educated in a time-tested manner—that familiar blend of strong academics, bountiful athletic opportunities, and demanding co-curricular programs that have been central to the VMI experience for almost 185 years. If you don’t think that is remarkable, consider how few other schools offer such a comprehensive education. Furthermore, the Institute focuses on developing the character of each cadet to ingrain in them the traits of successful leadership, such as perseverance, purposefulness, and above all, honor. Few other American colleges have made the work of character building as utterly integral to their mission as VMI does—and always has.

Then, consider why VMI does all this. It does so to provide our country with dynamic and well-educated leaders of rock-solid integrity and unwavering commitment to selfless service, leaders who always place personal honor above personal gain, leaders our country has always needed—and so desperately needs today. Some might think it has become too hard or too expensive to maintain this mission. To them, we pose two questions: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

As satisfying as it is for us to see VMI going about its important mission in its tried-and-true manner whenever we come to post—and we do so frequently—we cannot be complacent about its future, nor should anyone else in the VMI family. When asked what poses the greatest challenge to a statesman, Harold Macmillan, a British prime minister, replied, “Events, dear boy, events.” Throughout its history, VMI has dealt with “events,” from financial difficulties to changes in Americans’ attitude toward the military, from the demands of war to the need to adjust to peace. And, inevitably, it will do so in the future.

Everyone who cares about the Institute and its cadets, therefore, must lend it some form of support. Everyone who believes in VMI’s mission must step up and do whatever possible to help it maintain the quality of its education and enhance its ability to meet whatever challenges future “events” may bring.

At the VMI Alumni Agencies, there is an all-hands-on-deck effort. Volunteer leaders at all levels and all staff members are working hard to ensure fundraising in FY 2023 is at least as successful as it was in FY 2022. We are engaging with the superintendent and other senior leaders to strengthen VMI’s admission programs, and we are connecting with alumni, parents, and friends to support their efforts to recruit top-notch young people to the Corps of Cadets.

We are thankful for the work of everyone on post and all those members of the VMI family supporting VMI off post. We are grateful for their dedication to VMI and their unwavering focus on our cadets’ futures. But they cannot do it alone. We need—they need—your assistance to sustain VMI’s current momentum.

A word often included in a description of VMI life is unity. There is the unity within a class that is forged in the crucible of rat year, tempered by the experience of the next three years, and then maintained for decades as alumni. There is unity among all alumni based on the experiences common to the VMI education through the years. And there is unity within the broader VMI family that comes from a shared belief in the importance of VMI to the nation.

We ask that you take a few moments to consider the importance of VMI in your life—or in the life of someone you know— and, over the next few months, join in the unified effort of those who are now doing so much to make the Institute a better, stronger college with an ever-brighter future.

We thank you for supporting the Institute and the Corps of Cadets. God bless our team and VMI!

Our Alumni Serving

Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country, and the World

Are you or someone you know serving the community, country, or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re doing, where, and for whom. See instructions below.

The VMI Alumni Agencies would like to pay tribute to our citizen-soliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in every time of deepest peril ... .”

Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, legislators, doctors offering their services to those less fortunate, or alumni volunteering at food pantries.

If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve.

Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it, and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa. org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Alumni Review. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

Bradshaw ’80 and Temoney ’12 in Kwajalein Atoll

Ring ’21 and Ring ’88 in Fort Rucker, Alabama

Frey ’92 Retires from Marine Corps

Alumni Commemorate Founders Day at Aviano Air Base, Italy

Alumni

in northern Italy with the U.S. Air Force commemorate Founders Day at Aviano Air Base in front of a HH-60 rescue helicopter. Pictured are (from left) Col. Jason M. Mitchell ’98; Lt. Col. Derek R. Rankin ’05; Senior Master Sgt. Anthony R. Boone ’05; and Bryan E. Amsel ’86, retired U.S. Department of the Air Force civilian.

Perry ’05 and Cangiano ’18 Serve with 1st Special Forces Command

U.S. Army Capts. Mia Cangiano ’18 and Chris Perry ’05 buddy rigging and preparing for an airborne operation Sept. 12, 2022. Cangiano was one of Perry’s cadets as assistant commandant at VMI, and the two now work together under the U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Command.

Scott ’18 Graduates from Captains Career Course

Casey ’19, Banholzer ’19, and Batte ’20 Earn Wings of Gold

After completing flight school together, 1st Lt. Jack T. Casey ’19, 1st Lt. Michael A. Banholzer ’19, and Lt. j.g. Taylor J.F. Batte ’20 earned their Wings of Gold Sept. 30, 2022, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field – South. Casey will fly the CH-53E, and Banholzer will fly the AH-1Z for the U.S. Marine Corps. Batte will fly the MH-60S for the U.S. Navy.

Dodge ’22 Receives Commission Aboard USS North Carolina

U.S. Navy Ensign Riley Dodge ’22 (right) is commissioned by his father, retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Todd S. Gibson, Sept. 17, 2022. Gibson received permission from the USS North Carolina to have the commissioning ceremony conducted on the deck of the battleship.

Alumni Train at Fort Benning, Georgia

In Memory: G. Marshall Mundy ’56

G. Marshall Mundy ’56, widely respected attorney and former member of the VMI Board of Visitors, died Oct. 31, 2022. He was 88.

The son of Gardner A. Mundy, Class of 1931, and nephew of Jack B. Mundy, Class of 1937, Mundy was on the honor roll for two years and was a distinguished military student in his 2nd and 1st Class years at VMI. He played football and ran track in his rat year, played tennis during his 3rd Class year, and earned his monogram in basketball. He was named to the 1956 edition of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After graduation, Mundy served in the U.S. Army, leaving the service as a first lieutenant.

He enrolled in the University of Virginia School of Law in 1959 and received his degree in 1962. There, he was on the editorial board of the Virginia Law Review from 1960–62 and was its executive editor from 1961–62. He became a member of the honor society Omicron Delta Kappa, as well as The Raven Society.

After graduation, Mundy returned to Roanoke and commenced a 54-year legal career that ended when he was almost 82 years old. Initially associated with Woods, Rogers & Hazelgrove, he went into private practice in 1971 and ended

his career as a partner in Mundy, Rogers & Associates, which he established in 2003. His practice included family law and criminal defense, as well as civil rights cases, but Mundy focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.

Mundy was a leader in his profession at every level. From 1986–91, Mundy was a director of the Roanoke Bar Association and, from 1990–91, its president. He served on the board of governors of the Virginia State Bar’s senior law, criminal law, and litigation sections, and he was chairman of the Virginia Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee from 1971–73. He was a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation and the American Bar Foundation. He also was an advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates and was the Western Virginia chapter president from 1989–90. Another leading Virginia attorney, Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66, said of Mundy, “Marshall was highly respected by judges and lawyers alike for his sterling reputation as one of the top trial lawyers in Virginia.”

Mundy’s achievement gained him widespread recognition. For example, his peers recognized his work in personal injury law by selecting him for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for 28 consecutive years, starting in

1987. His name also appeared many times in Who’s Who in American Law.

Mundy was named a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1985. According to Slater, “Only those lawyers who demonstrate the highest examples for trial advocacy, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality are invited to join the college.” In 2014, he received the Roanoke Bar Association’s Frank W. Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award, which “recognizes lawyers with the highest tradition of personal and professional excellence.”

His service to VMI began in 1960 when he joined the VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors, serving until 1966. He was on the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1990–2002. For eight years, from 2005–13, Mundy was on the VMI Board of Visitors. Slater, BOV president from 2008–11, said, “Marshall was always well prepared, and he could be counted on for his sage advice. He and [P. Wesley Foster ’56] served the same time on the BOV, and their love of VMI was second to none. They shared a sharp, contagious sense of humor that kept everyone in a good mood. Marshall set a wonderful example for how board members should work together to promote the Corps of Cadets.”

Active in the VMI Alumni Association Roanoke Chapter for decades, Mundy was a mentor to younger alumni. Robert R. Copty ’70 remembered, “When I came back to Roanoke after graduating, Marshall was just so nice and supportive. He also helped me with some minor traffic infractions when I was younger. He never sent me a bill, but he did laugh at me. Marshall was so passionate in everything he did, which made him a great lawyer and a great leader in support of VMI and among local alumni.”

Ramon Williams ’90 and his twin brother, Damon Williams ’90, both from the Roanoke area, met Mundy in early 1987. “Damon and I were playing basketball in Cocke Hall when in came this tall, slender gentleman with two little kids,” recalled Ramon. “They asked to play basketball but hesitated for a moment, staring at us, and then said, ‘You two guys look alike.’ Mr. Mundy then introduced himself and Marshall Jr. and Natalie. Mr. Mundy would later invite our family to meet his family to get to know one another better. Damon and I spent a lot of time throughout our cadetship with the Mundys. Our families stayed very close after graduation from VMI. We shared many special occasions together. He attended Damon’s wedding, for example, and we shared many dinners. Marshall was a mentor to the both of us throughout the years, and we considered him one of our best friends.”

Mundy’s devotion to VMI manifested itself in his philanthropy, much of which he focused toward athletics. “His love for VMI athletics, especially for basketball, never waned,” said Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84, senior major gift officer and former VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer. In 2005, Mundy and his wife, Monika, established the Mundy Family Athletic Scholarship, which supports the basketball and football teams. According to Cavallaro, as much satisfaction as Mundy took from supporting these teams, “He loved more the association he and Monika enjoyed with several of the cadet-athletes who were on the scholarship, including basketball greats Travis Holmes ’09 and Stan Okoye ’13. Marshall represented the very best of VMI and all that is so special about the VMI family.”

Mundy is survived by his wife, Monika; four children, Stephens M. Mundy, Liza I. Mundy, G. Marshall Mundy Jr., and Natalie J. Mundy; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Watson A. Mundy ’59.

In Memory: Thomas A. Saunders III ’58

Thomas A. Saunders III ’58, who was a vice president of the VMI Board of Visitors, longtime volunteer leader, and generous donor in support of VMI, died Sept. 9, 2022, at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. He was 86. Former President George W. Bush awarded him and his wife, Jordan, the National Humanities Medal in 2008. Considerable achievement at the highest levels of finance and business marked Saunders’ life, as did selfless service in the fields of public policy and philanthropy, especially as it related to higher education, the arts, and historical preservation.

Hailing from Ivor, Virginia, Saunders majored in electrical engineering and was a distinguished military graduate of VMI. He participated in intramural athletics all four years of his cadetship, and he engaged in several activities, including the American Institute of Electrical Engineering, the Tidewater Club, the Canterbury Club, rat basketball, the Glee Club, and his class’ Ring Figure Committee.

In an article in the Fall 1985 edition of the VMI Alumni Review, Col. Lee Nichols ’44 described Saunders, who finished third among electrical engineering majors in his class, as a cadet. He was, said Nichols, “smart, articulate, and very wild. He was boisterous, had great leadership potential, was a total nonconformist, and [was] a real maverick. He was a challenge in the classroom. I suspect that he was a real party man.” Whoever wrote his history in The Bomb was prescient, predicting, “Everyone knows that whatever he may do ... and wherever he may go, Tommy will be a success and keep the party going in his ‘wonderful little way.’”

After graduation, Saunders worked from 1959–62 for C.E. “Pete” Thurston, Class of 1935, in the distribution of industrial products. He then joined the industrial division of Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, a leading producer of heavy machinery for various industries, in 1962, and transferred to its space and defense sciences in 1964. In the latter position, he worked on the research and development of fuel cells for various government projects, including NASA’s Apollo program and the Air Force’s Manned Orbital Laboratory program. A citizen-soldier in the best VMI tradition, Saunders served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1958–64, achieving the rank of captain.

His life took a dramatically new direction when he received a scholarship to the University of Virginia’s Colgate W. Darden Graduate School of Business in 1964. Immediately after he graduated

with a Master of Business Administration degree in 1967, he left Virginia for New York City and the investment banking firm Morgan Stanley, where he would work for the next 22 years.

In 1974, after working in corporate finance and marketing, he became the manager of its syndicate department; the same year, he became a partner and managing director. He received the additional duty of heading the company’s Capital Market Services Group in 1981. His 1974 promotion coincided with the beginning of one of the most dynamic and innovative periods on Wall Street and throughout global finance, and Saunders played a leadership role in many significant transactions of the time. In 1980, for example, he managed Apple Computer’s initial public offering. He was instrumental in guiding AT&T during its $150 billion divestiture of the Bell System in 1984, the largest restructuring in U.S. corporate history. The next year, he organized the investors who purchased the freight railroad Conrail for $1.6 billion when the U.S. government privatized it. Saunders did not limit his involvement to deals in the United States. In the mid-1980s, he headed the U.S. financial advisory effort to the British government’s privatization of British Telecom and British Petroleum. Saunders later became chairman of Morgan Stanley’s $2.2 billion leveraged buyout fund.

In 1990, Saunders began to apply his talents to the field of private equity, founding the firm Saunders Karp & Megrue, which merged in 2005 with Apax Partners, LP, a London-based private equity firm. During the next dozen years, his firm served many customers, including AT&T, General Electric, United Technologies, and the University of Texas. It also invested in numerous companies, including Hibbett Sports and Dollar Tree, Inc. Saunders was on the board of both corporations for nearly three decades and served many years as lead director of Dollar Tree. Starting in 2002, Saunders was the chief executive officer of Ivor & Company, LLC, and the president of the Ivor Foundation, a family investment firm and family foundation, respectively, positions he held until his death.

Despite an exceptionally demanding professional career, he participated in many organizations devoted to higher education, historic preservation, public policy, and the arts. His passion for art led him to acquire European Old Masters paintings, some of which he loaned for exhibition to major museums, including the National Gallery of Ireland and the Museum of Fine

Arts in Boston. More than 80 works from what is known as the Jordan and Thomas A. Saunders III Collection are on loan to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia, and form the ongoing exhibit, “Elegance and Wonder.” He also served on the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and as trustee of the Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach, Florida.

Always intensely interested in the history of the United States and immensely proud of his ancestors who had settled in Virginia in the 17th century, Saunders was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation from 1997–2008 and served as its chairman from 2002–08. Under his leadership—and with his philanthropic support—the Thomas Jefferson Foundation established several new positions and programs, including the publication of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, of which 18 volumes are now in print. Saunders’ support brought several infrastructure projects, such as the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, to completion and helped the foundation purchase Montalto, the mountain adjacent to and overlooking Monticello. The foundation honored Saunders’s service by naming a hiking trail and a bridge for him in 2002. Saunders was also a board member of the New York Historical Society and received its 2007 History Makers Award.

From 2005–18, Saunders was on the board of The Heritage Foundation, one of the country’s most influential conservative think tanks, and served as its chairman 2008–18. In the latter role, he led in establishing its policy advocacy arm, Heritage Action for America. He received the organization’s highest honor, the Claire Boothe Luce Award, in 2018. In a statement released soon after Saunders’ death, Heritage praised him, saying his “love of country, his desire to build an America that offered all her citizens freedom, opportunity, and the chance to flourish, made him the perfect leader for Heritage.”

Saunders’ enduring interest in education was evident in his service to and support of the Marine Corps University Foundation, the University of Virginia, and VMI. He was a member of the board of MCUF, and he and his wife endowed the Major General Matthew C. Horner Chair in Military Theory in honor of Jordan’s father. At UVA, Saunders was chairman of the board of the Darden School Foundation and the university’s board of visitors. When he was a member of the university’s board, he led the transformation of the management of the school’s endowment, which led to the creation of an independent management company. From 1995–2000, he was the national co-chairman of

the University of Virginia’s $1.4 billion capital campaign.

Devoted to the advancement of the Institute, Saunders served in many ways. In 1978, for example, he was the speaker at the Class of 1980’s ring presentation ceremony. The main thrust of his remarks was “some of the traits ... you should work on if you want to enhance your chances for success and for becoming a leader in our society.” He offered 12 of them, and all of them are sound advice; however, the final one stands out: “The best way to stretch yourself intellectually and develop professionally is to seek the difficult task,” said Saunders. “Don’t shy away from change or opportunity. There are always risks involved in pushing yourself in this manner, but you will never know the extent of your abilities until tested on the firing line.”

Saunders was the chairman of the fund drive his class conducted in conjunction with its 25th Reunion in 1983. He served as a trustee of the VMI Foundation from 1980–87 and again from 1990–93. He joined the VMI Board of Visitors in 1993 and served for a total of eight years, becoming one of its vice presidents in 1997. At the time of his death, Saunders was one of the longest-serving members of the Jackson-Hope Fund’s Board of Overseers, which he joined in 2000. From 1998–2004, Saunders was a member of the executive committee of the fundraising campaign, Reveille: A Call to Excel, which raised $205.9 million in gifts and commitments. Saunders and Jordan also planned and oversaw the execution of the Parade Ground Dinner in 2000, the unparalleled event on post that marked the

opening of Reveille’s public phase. He was an inaugural member of the board of the General J.H. Binford Peay III 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence. In all these positions, he applied what he had learned through his experiences in global business and finance with an eye toward ensuring VMI had a secure place among the best colleges and universities in the U.S.

Saunders was also a consistent and exceptionally generous donor to VMI. For example, the $20 million commitment he and his wife made at the outset of the Reveille campaign stands as one of the largest individual gifts ever received by VMI. While he gave to many activities at VMI, such as scholarships and the Center for Leadership and Ethics, he directed most of his philanthropy to the academic program, most recently to the Peay Endowment. In a 2020 letter acknowledging a gift from Saunders, most of which he directed to that endowment, Peay praised his contributions to VMI’s academic progress, “Your long-standing commitment to the improvement of the Institute’s academic program has been critical to the strides it has made in the past two decades. This support, along with your continued service on the Jackson-Hope Board of Overseers and the board of the Peay Endowment, will have an enduring impact on the Institute’s ability to graduate honorable, purposeful, and well-educated citizen-soldiers.”

In 2000, Saunders responded to a question about the source of his devotion to the Institute’s advancement by saying, “In 1839, Francis H. Smith had the vision to produce leaders for Virginia and the nation. He succeeded beyond his grandest dreams. Then, the Institute’s destiny was in his hands; today, it is in our hands.”

In recognition of his professional achievements, active citizenship, and devoted service to VMI, the VMI Foundation presented its distinguished service award to Saunders in 2004. The citation for the award described him as “a tireless advocate of VMI’s singular education and an ardent supporter of efforts to advance VMI’s academic program” and as someone who “provided an inspiring example of dedication to the Institute.”

Saunders is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Jordan Horner Saunders, and his daughter, Mariah Calvert Claud Saunders Moore, and son-in-law, George Braniff Moore, as well as their three children, Rebecca Carter Saunders Moore, George Saunders Van Rensselaer Moore, and Mary Schuyler Jordan Moore. He is also survived by his son, Thomas A. Saunders IV, and grandson, Thomas A. Saunders V.

Members of the VMI family may make memorial gifts in Saunders’ honor to the General J.H. Binford Peay III 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence at VMI.

First Fall Reunion | Sept. 16–17, 2022

Classes of 2007, 2017, & the Honored Class of 2012

Second Fall Reunion | Oct. 21–22, 2022

Classes of 1977, 1987, & the Honored Class of 1997

VMI Founders Day Honors Peay ’62

On a gray and rainy Veterans Day, VMI celebrated the 183rd anniversary of its founding and bestowed its highest honor, the New Market Medal, upon retired U.S. Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent emeritus.

At this especially significant Founders Day, the Corps of Cadets, along with faculty, staff, and special guests, joined together in Cameron Hall to honor the Institute’s 14th superintendent, who served VMI for 17 years, as a recipient of the New Market Medal. A portrait of Peay by artist Kyle Keith was also unveiled.

In recognition of his tenure as superintendent from 2003–20 and his tireless work on behalf of the Institute and Corps of Cadets, the VMI Board of Visitors voted unanimously at its September meeting to honor Peay.

It was only the 16th time the award has been bestowed since its introduction in 1962. Previous recipients include retired U.S. Army

Gen. George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, as well as three Virginia governors; two U.S. senators; retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne, Class of 1894, the Institute’s sixth superintendent; and the most recent recipient before Peay, retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper ’66, former U.S. Air Force chief of staff and former president of the VMI Board of Visitors.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, set the tone for the annual celebration of Founders Day. “This is a day to remember our beginnings and to look toward our future,” said Wins. “VMI continues to remain current while honoring the principles of our founding, training cadets to live a life of service and integrity that focuses on honor as a way of life. Today, in addition to remembering our founding, we are here to recognize an outstanding leader, General J.H. Binford Peay III.”

Retired U.S. Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent emeritus, addresses the Corps of Cadets, along with faculty, staff, and special guests in Cameron Hall on Founders Day 2022.—Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies, and H. Lockwood McLaughlin, VMI Communications & Marketing.

Wins also touched on the many changes that have occurred at VMI since Nov. 11, 1839, when the first cadet replaced the guard at what was then a state arsenal. What began as a vision by Col. J.T.L. Preston, the Institute’s 19th-century founder, has become the nation’s premier school for leadership education and one nationally ranked by well-known publications.

But the Institute’s evolution over the past two centuries has not erased the foundation set by Preston and others who shared his vision.

“What is not and will not change are the foundational principles that our founders aspired to achieve: Training cadets to live a life of service and integrity that focuses on honor as a way of life,” Wins stated. “We are a senior military college graduating citizen-soldiers with the same mindset and foundation we all had when we graduated. Our founders ...

set to create a school deeply entrenched in a strong sense of civic duty and honor. That has not and will not change.”

Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68, a longtime state senator and current Senate minority leader, also spoke regarding the exceptionality of VMI graduates as personified by Peay. “[VMI graduates] are exceptional women and men who daily demonstrate our leadership and vision in our communities, in our businesses, and in our military lives,” said Norment. “The man we honor today personifies that exceptional leader who is both a visionary and has the power and determination and convictions to implement those visions.”

The state senator called Peay a visionary who could also implement his vision, and his vision has been “incredibly successful.”

John Duke Anthony III ’62, Ph.D., president of the Class of 1962, said of his brother rat, “Peay is renowned for his emphasis on planning, preparation, pursuit, persistence, and perseverance. All those words begin with P, no pun intended.” When the audience laughter subsided, Anthony turned serious and addressed the cadets, “Why are you here? Why do you exist? When you awoke this morning, what went through your mind? What will you be? What have you been? What are you to become? What is it you would die for? You have a purpose with a service to others.”

Offering Peay as a model for cadets to emulate—a life spanning 56 years in uniform and

centered around service, day in and day out, year in and year out—Anthony commended cadets to make service to others the goal of their lives.

“And look what you can do with your life, a public service of civic service, and in addition to your military service, of living up to the principles and the ideals, and the ideas, and the values, and the traditions and customs of George C. Marshall, and the Society of Cincinnati, of the citizen-soldier, where we’re all trained to be leaders and simultaneously followers and to do both. ... You can do it. You can do it. You must do it. I know you can do it.”

At the conclusion of Anthony’s speech, Peay’s portrait was unveiled. It will hang with those of other former superintendents in the Turman Room of Preston Library. Taking part in the unveiling were Peay; Thomas R. Watjen ’76, VMI Board of Visitors president; Cadet Blake Smith ’23, regimental commander; and Cadet Cameron Cavanaugh ’23, Class of 2023 president. The work, an incredible likeness of Peay, received a standing ovation. The Class of 1962 funded the commission of the painting, and the artist, Kyle Keith, spoke briefly before the portrait was unveiled.

In his remarks, Watjen stated that when

Peay was superintendent, he kept the focus on things that mattered and produced leaders of the future. “He kept a relentless focus on three pillars: Academics, athletics, and military life.” Watjen also recognized Peay’s wife, Pamela, noting that she is an “unsung hero” and that she and her husband were a team. Watjen closed by reading a letter from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin congratulating Peay and sending his best wishes, “Please know the gratitude I have for your unparalleled service to our nation, for the Commonwealth, and to the Institute.”

The last speaker was Peay, who, with emotion and humility, thanked the Board of Visitors for entrusting him with the position of superintendent, the staff who worked tirelessly for him, and the faculty who provided academic excellence. He offered many personal mentions of gratitude to individuals who brought energy, direction, and knowledge to the Institute over the years. He noted several changes that have happened over the decades, saying that some changes are just “a different way of doing things.” His admiration of the Corps of Cadets remains strong. “I never tire of being in the company of VMI cadets and swell with pride of what you and the Virginia Military Institute represent,” said Peay.

Mounts ’78 Describes Passion and Life’s Work at NASA

Of his career with NASA, Joseph R. Mounts ’78 will tell you: He is living out a dream.

Many years, thousands of engineers, and innumerable contributions launch a space shuttle. Though his childhood dream looked more like being the astronaut in the spacecrafts he watched launch, Mounts’ dream evolved to being the engineer behind the launches. In 2011, when he sat in the firing room launching the final mission of the 30year American Space Shuttle Program—the STS-135 orbiter Atlantis—Mounts said this was his “walk on the moon” and the greatest moment of his career.

In addition to his part in this launch, Mounts’ accomplishments include recent recognition for his achievements in developing payload simulation tools that aided in preparations for testing the Space Test Program Houston 7 and STP-H8 payloads and his role in reestablishing the test conductor position on NASA test teams. Considering his career, one might expect Mounts was always a brilliant student with stellar grades to reach where he is today, but he will tell you that was not the case. Instead, he brought to the table a dream and a work ethic.

Matriculating from Washington, Pennsylvania, Mounts was first

interested in VMI because of his father, who served in the Third Army in World War II under Gen. George S. Patton III, Class of 1907. “I was a Patton fan growing up, and I read in a book that he had gone to VMI briefly,” said Mounts. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jonathan G. Mounts ’74, Mounts said, “I came home one day and said, ‘Dad, I think I want to go to VMI.’”

Though it would take him nearly eight years to graduate with his civil engineering degree, Mounts persisted and, in that time, never lost sight of his goals. After initially starting a career as a professional land surveyor while running an engineering firm with his brother, Mounts reflected on his dreams and decided to make the leap to pursue a career with NASA.

“I wasn’t a very good student at VMI. It took me about eight years to get through,” Mounts chuckled. “During that period, my brother and I started an engineering and land surveying firm. We did that for quite a few years. And one day, I was sitting there thinking, ‘Well, this was his dream for us to do, which we’ve done. My dream was to work for NASA.’ And so, we sat down, had a talk, and I then packed up the family and moved to Florida.” It was a bold move for the family, but he said his wife was his staunchest supporter.

It took several years, but eventually, Mounts was employed with Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, preparing payloads for flight aboard the space shuttle. He began a 13-year career of payload testing at Boeing. Toward the end of his time there, he served as a payload test conductor: The person responsible for the payload processing, both standalone and post-integration into the shuttle payload bay.

Then, Mounts landed his dream job of working for NASA at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. At the time, NASA wanted to add structure to their payload test environment and knew Mounts had experience as a test conductor. “That’s sort of what a test conductor does: He is in charge of anywhere from five to 40 people during the test and verifies that all of the test objectives are met to ensure the successful operation of the payload on orbit. It’s tense at times, such as when you are up against a flight deadline, but it’s an awesome job. They knew I’d been a test conductor before, so they wanted to leverage some of that experience.”

KSC serves as the last testing ground of a payload before launch, and Mounts is one of the engineers responsible for ensuring these payloads are working properly. At the International Space Station, scientists worldwide spend years creating their experiments; finally, they get to KSC for the final test before they launch.

“They come here to KSC, and we test them to make sure that they’re going to work once they get on orbit,” Mounts explained. “If you get it up on orbit, and you can’t get the data back down to the ground, that’s a huge monetary and scientific loss. It would be heartbreaking. We’re the last line of defense for them; we do the checkout, using our test stand that basically emulates the Space Station.”

For those less familiar with aerospace terminology, the term “payload” may need a little elaboration. A payload is part of the technology that performs a desired experiment and function while a spacecraft is in orbit.

“For example, the most recent payload I worked on was called EMIT, which flew on a Space-X rocket. EMIT stands for Earth, mineral, surface dust investigation,” explained Mounts. “It studies the dust in the Earth’s atmosphere that comes from the Sahara Desert, for example, and how it affects our environment. There have been many studies of dust in the air from the Earth’s perspective, but there’s never been a study from an experiment up on orbit. EMIT was the first to study surface minerals and how they affect our climate. So, the payload depends on what the scientists want to research.”

Mounts added order and structure to the testing environment in experiments like this from his position as test conductor, for which he was most recently recognized.

It was when Mounts was selected as the payload test conductor for STS-135’s final shuttle mission that Mounts said he finally got his “walk on the moon,” a term he uses to describe the greatest moment of one’s professional career.

On July 8, 2011, the energy in the Firing Room that day was palpable. This launch was the final mission of the American Space Shuttle Program. For the first time in his career, Mounts was only three rows from the front, counting down for the launch. On that

1,000 different engineers contributed an integral part to a shuttle like this. To be in a position distinguished enough to be among the 200 in that room is an honor for a NASA engineer.

“In the beginning, you get the jobs nobody else wants to do,” said Mounts. “You just continue to put in your time and work your way up. And then, one day, they look at you and say, ‘you’re going to be the payload test conductor for 135.’ And it’s an overwhelming feeling.”

He said he used to see the men in ties in the Firing Room and think, “those guys have to be geniuses,” but now realizes it’s not that they are brilliant—though many of them are—but that they are hardworking.

Mounts credits his parents—his dad for his belief in education and his mother for her love of science—for his career and lifelong passion for space and science. One of his most poignant memories occurred during the Mercury program in the 1960s. Mounts’ mother was always interested in science and was “a fanatic” about watching space launches. As a boy, he would sit in her lap and watch them with her. During a particular launch, he saw his mom crying when he came in the living room because NASA thought they had lost astronaut Scott Carpenter before he was found 250 miles away from his targeted landing point. Her investment in these missions left a lasting impression on Mounts.

“I’ll never forget coming in, and she had her head in her hands,” recalled Mounts. “It was a very, very striking moment to a young kid.”

particular day, tensions rose as storms passing over Florida threatened to call off the launch.

“We weren’t sure whether we were going to launch or not, and then range weather reported there happened to be a hole that they found in the storms,” said Mounts. “As the break in the storms passed over Kennedy Space Center, it just happened to be at launch time, so we launched right through the hole.”

Within that perfect second in time, the rocket launched, the building shook, and the world saw the program’s final shuttle launch. In describing that feeling and the stakes, Mounts said, “It was fantastic.”

It is difficult to appreciate the distinction in having a seat in the Firing Room as a part of the mission unless one is aware that nearly

Today, his family’s generational interest in science and space has continued. “I pass that on to my children, who have passed it on to their children,” said Mounts. “My wife and I have four children and eight grandchildren. And they all pretty much share my passion. My son works out at the center, too; my oldest daughter is a nurse, and my two youngest ones are teachers. But they all share the passion for space. We all go out and watch rocket launches, no matter what rocket it is. We’re almost always standing out in the yard watching a rocket launch.”

As he reflects on it all: His time with NASA, his career to get there, and the bonds and mutual passion his career has woven into his family, it’s easy to see why he calls it a dream.

“I’m having the time of my life,” said Mounts. “As a little kid, I used to read science fiction and dream about going to space and being an astronaut. Now you’re able to live that. You’re able to be a part of it. And it takes everybody to put the rockets up that the astronauts fly in. To be a part of that, it’s just amazing. It’s actually a dream come true.”

Vermillion ’94: The Duty and Character to Lead

Working at an elite level of protection for some of the country’s most prominent officials, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Kevin Vermillion ’94 spent 17 years as a U.S. Secret Service special agent. When he reflects upon the sense of duty and leadership required of his job, Vermillion credits his capabilities to the lessons he first learned at the Institute.

Matriculating from Fairfax, Virginia, Vermillion did not yet know he wanted to be a special agent, but he did know he wanted a challenge. He grew up interested in the Spartan system and lasting friendships characterizing the VMI

experience. “It seemed like I always heard more stories of people that didn’t make it,” said Vermillion. “I was intrigued by it and decided I would apply early admission.”

For Vermillion, his bonds with his brother rats were instant, enduring, and an anchor for him throughout his cadetship.

“I found myself at Christmas break of my rat year, home for a month, enjoying freedom and a little bit of regrowth in my hair. But at the end of that break, I wanted to get back to my BRs and to break out together. I was committed.”

Approaching graduation with a Bachelor of

Arts degree in English, Vermillion knew he wanted to serve in some capacity and began applying to be a special agent. At that time, he interviewed with the Secret Service but was turned down and told to apply again after gaining more experience. Vermillion redirected his course but didn’t give up on his goal. Instead, he served as a police officer in Raleigh, North Carolina, before being picked up by the Secret Service only two years later. During that time, he proposed to his VMI Ring Figure date, and shortly after, the couple got married and moved to the Secret Service’s Houston field office for training.

First established in 1865, the Secret Service began as an anti-counterfeiting bureau in the Treasury Department before adding its present role in protecting the safety and security of protectees, critical locations, and events of national significance.

Life as a special agent demanded travel and time. While performing criminal investigations, Vermillion also provided protection for former presidents, traveling frequently.

“Regardless of what their assignment is in the field office, all Secret Service agents will be called from time to time to do protection,” said Vermillion. “I was able to support the travel of the president, who at the time was President Clinton, and I traveled to probably 15 countries in those four years. Then, I ultimately participated in the 2000 campaign where President Bush was running against Vice President Gore.”

Vermillion was then called to move to headquarters in Washington, D.C., for a special projects position, which he held for two years before choosing a protection assignment for Vice President Dick Cheney. While in this position,

whether at his Texas ranch or at an event.

“When you lose all the people that were involved in the White House, sometimes you’ll find it’s even just you and the president as far as communications,” said Vermillion. “He’s telling you what to do for the day and so forth. It was great working with him. We did everything from the World Series to speeches to working on the ranch, golf, you name it.”

Beyond the requisite training, being an effective detail leader requires a level of confidence—not only the confidence one has in themselves, but also the confidence the protectee has in their agent. He credits lessons learned at VMI for his success in this role.

“With someone that is as busy as a former president, they want to know what they need to be accomplished will be accomplished,” Vermillion explained. “They need to have trust in you and clarity. I felt like this is something that I have done and that I’ve applied throughout my professional life from VMI.”

“It instilled a sense of duty, which I don’t think any school gives you a better sense of

The exciting demands of being a special agent did not come without a cost at times, though. “Secret Service can be tough on a family, especially when you’re doing protection: You’re missing birthdays, holidays, et cetera,” said Vermillion. Still, after 17 years in the Secret Service, Vermillion said he had no intention of leaving.

Yet, nine years ago, when a private, Texas-based company approached him with a job offer, he realized the change would prove to be a positive career direction and decision for his family. He also happened to cross paths again with the Institute, as one of the previous owners of this company attended VMI in the 19th century.

Today, Vermillion’s son, Cadet Carter Vermillion ’26, also attends VMI, embarking on his own challenge at the Institute. Asked what advice he gave his son before matriculation this August, Vermillion said he told him to focus on succeeding in responsibilities and challenges moment by moment and day by day. He also stressed the value of relationships

Vermillion also worked in air defense and White House operations.

Eventually, Vermillion and his family decided to move back to Texas, where he became the leader of a criminal task force before being promoted as the assistant special agent in charge of former President Bush’s protective detail. Vermillion remained in this position for a few years, providing protection for Bush after he left office and moved back to Texas.

Though public officials like a president always have an entourage of protection agents around them, there is always one person who is closest: This person is the detail leader.

“If you’re looking at the Secret Service from the outside, and you see the president on TV, you have many agents who are around him. There is usually one guy that is right behind him who will also get into the limo with him: That’s the detail leader,” he explained. “Anytime the president leaves the house or does anything, there is always a detail leader with him. You have other agents, but there is the one guy who he is closest to.”

As Bush’s detail leader, Vermillion spent ample time with the former president, often one-on-one,

duty than VMI,” said Vermillion. “At VMI, you’re always doing the right thing. You have this great, ethical sense, and you feel it’s your duty to always do your job as effectively as possible. As you progress through the process, they entrust you to perform certain highly visible, important duties.”

His lessons in duty, ethical leadership, and perseverance were key to his effectiveness as a detail leader.

“You must do as good as you can at VMI, and you must, at the end of the day, be successful,” said Vermillion. “If you apply that to something like being a detail leader, I am not going to embarrass myself or the agency I work for by, for example, communicating something that’s not true.”

“Or, if something doesn’t go the way it should, despite our best efforts, I would try to make it clear that, yes, I’ve had this hiccup and this has changed,” Vermillion continued. “I’m fixing it, and it’s going to be done. [Protectees] want that level of confidence ... VMI is good at teaching you that despite obstacles and challenges, you have the capability to come up with a solution.”

made and how those will carry him through.

As he witnesses his son’s Rat Line experience, Vermillion said it has assured him the VMI experience and system have not changed. He feels the core tenets of the VMI experience— those that have impacted him throughout his life and career—remain intact.

“In this time, there has been a lot of talk about if VMI has changed, and with all that’s going on in the world, if VMI can survive in this new world,” Vermillion reflected. “I don’t live in Virginia, so I am only around VMI during reunions. But I can tell you as a parent and from what I’ve heard talking to my son and what I’ve seen visiting him, the core critical tenets of the Rat Line have not changed.”

Vermillion feels present-day cadets will experience the same character and leadership growth he saw in himself while at the Institute. “The cadet experience exists just as it existed when I was a cadet. … The things that made VMI unique are still there. There’s no other school in the nation that puts kids, 18-year-old kids, in such a Spartan atmosphere, an adversarial atmosphere that builds them into what ultimately becomes a full-functioning cadet and adult.”

“At VMI, you’re always doing the right thing. You have this great, ethical sense, and you feel it’s your duty to always do your job as effectively as possible.”

Ward ’26 Awarded Coveted Peay Scholarship

Cadet Julia T. Ward ’26 won the coveted Peay Merit Scholarship to attend VMI, covering the full cost of tuition, room, board, and fees.

First presented in 2021, the Peay Merit Scholarship is awarded to cadets who possess the qualities of character associated with Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, the Institute’s 14th superintendent: Exceptional leadership, academic achievement, athletic commitment, and demonstrated interest in national service.

Candidates for the scholarship are evaluated on four criteria:

1) Academic Achievement: For matriculants, a minimum 3.75 high school GPA.

Ward took honors and Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Her weighted GPA was 4.5; her unweighted GPA was 3.9.

2) Athletic Commitment: For matriculants, evidence of athletic commitment involves consistent and meritorious participation in athletics at the preparatory level.

Ward swam for her high school’s varsity swim team all four years. She also played water polo and was team captain her senior year. She was a state qualifier twice for both swimming and water polo, and she is her high school’s record holder for the 400 free relay. She will play on VMI’s water polo team.

3) Exceptional Leadership: For matriculants, evidence of this quality includes leadership experiences (in scholastic, athletic, service, and/or

other endeavors) that clearly are noteworthy and distinguishing, such as documented instances of successful leadership in the face of significant adversity or testament of truly outstanding mentorship and guidance in leadership roles.

Ward was part of Air Force Junior ROTC all four years of high school and was captain of the Awareness Presentation team, which visited junior high schools and spoke to students about assault awareness and drug awareness, as well as AFJROTC recruitment. She attended weeklong summer camps for AFJROTC that are similar in nature to the Summer Transition Program at VMI.

4) Commitment to National Service: For

matriculants, an unambiguous commitment to commission as an officer in the U.S. armed forces upon college graduation. Other demonstrated commitment to national service (such as service in Teach For America or in official support of local, state, or national government) also may be considered. Ward plans to commission into the Navy after graduation in 2026.

Ward never planned to attend any college other than VMI. “To me, education and learning is paramount. VMI has excellent academics, it offers the major I am interested in, I can play in NCAA Division I sports, and there is ROTC. VMI checked all the boxes for me,” said Ward.

She applied for both the Peay and Navy scholarships at the end of 2021. By January, she heard that she received the Navy scholarship, and in March, she heard she won the Peay scholarship. “I was ecstatic when I heard the news. My parents were elated as well. There were plenty of tears of joy and hugs all around when I received that call,” recalled Ward.

Ward is a member of Band Company. She played the saxophone in high school and hopes to join VMI’s jazz band. She plans to join the Pipe Band as well. Ward is from Frankfort, Illinois, where she attended Lincoln-Way East High School. She is the daughter of Richard and Susan Ward. She is an electrical and computer engineering major.

VMI Welcomes New Staff

Virginia Military Institute recently appointed new staff members to two important positions:

Lt. Col. Joseph Hagy has filled the director of admissions position, and Lt. Col. Shannon Eskam is the new director of financial aid.

Lt. Col. John Young, DPS, VMI chief of staff, said of their arrival, “In the rapidly changing landscape of college enrollment, Lieutenant Colonels Eskam and Hagy will bring contemporary financial aid and admissions skills, respectively, to the Institute’s renewed enrollment management mission. We are thrilled to onboard two experienced

professionals to lead mission-critical functions of the Institute.”

Hagy, who grew up in Virginia’s lower peninsula, most recently served as director of student services and chief student affairs officer overseeing admissions, recruitment, financial aid, veterans’ services, and academic advising at Mountain Gateway Community College, formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, in Clifton Forge, Virginia. His previous roles at Mountain Gateway included retention coordinator and dual enrollment coordinator, and he taught student

development, business management, and team leadership courses as an adjunct instructor. Hagy also served as executive director of the Mountain Gateway Community College Educational Foundation. He holds a master’s degree in executive leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg and a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University in Farmville.

As director of admissions at VMI, Hagy plans for strategic growth over the next five years, incorporating the help of ROTC, staff cadets responsible for recruiting and public affairs, faculty, and alumni organized in teams called

“tiger teams,” a term made famous by NASA during the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission. A “tiger team” is a specialized, cross-functional work team brought together to identify and solve a specific problem. Each team will be led by members of Hagy’s department.

“VMI is filled with eager and energetic champions who recognize our enrollment challenges and want to be a part of the solution,” said Hagy. “Our admissions team is top-notch and

Hagy comes from a military family. His father served 32 years in the Army Reserve and the National Guard. His grandfather was a platoon leader in the first wave of the storming of Omaha Beach during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts. “The values instilled in me all my life, that of service before self, is what attracts me to VMI. The mission, culture, and opportunities here are what makes it a wonderful place to work,” said Hagy.

my husband and I grew up in a town similar to Lexington, which has a wonderful family atmosphere. Everyone here has been extremely supportive and kind to me.”

Eskam plans to build relationships across post and be strategic and systematic in her work. “I want to make the financial aid process as seamless as possible. There are federal and state funds available, and we have so many fantastic donors with whom I look forward to meeting and

truly believes in VMI’s mission. The entire Institute and alumni base are rallying behind the concept of enrollment management being a post-wide responsibility. The opportunity, experience, and return on investment that a VMI education provides young men and women is second to none. I am proud to be a part of such a world-class organization.”

Hagy believes the admissions process should be proactive in making connections with potential cadets, and VMI should maintain contact with them from the time of initial interest through matriculation. He wants to focus on the underserved and underrepresented groups: Females, minorities, first-generation students to VMI, and students of low income. “Often, members of these underrepresented groups may want to attend VMI but feel obstacles are preventing them. I want to be able to remove any barriers in their way. I use the metaphor of a garden hose that is pinched, preventing the water from flowing. We need to work out those kinks,” Hagy explained.

Hagy resides in Buena Vista, has three schoolaged children, and is engaged to be married. He enjoys coaching baseball and has coached for both Rockbridge County High School and Parry McCluer High School, as well as his sons’ baseball teams. “My daughter has started to play softball, so I may get to coach her, too,” he mused.

Eskam comes to VMI directly from Casper, Wyoming, where she served as the director of financial aid, deputy Title IX coordinator, enrollment services supervisor, and Veterans Affairs certifying official at Casper College. Before Casper College, she previously worked at Gillette College in Gillette, Wyoming, as the assistant director of financial aid services. She concedes that Wyoming is quite far and somewhat different from Virginia, but she and her family were ready for a change. “There is a rich history here in Virginia, and I want my children to explore the area and learn from all the opportunities it affords,” said Eskam. “Both

working,” she said. She also wants to help recruit and attract more students and maintain enrollment and retention. “I want to be a good steward with the funds we receive and do well by our cadets, donors, and the entire Institute.”

Eskam earned her doctoral degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She holds a master’s degree in organizational management from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. She is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Wyoming Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and Association of Title IX Administrators.

Eskam and her husband reside in Lexington with their two school-aged children and two dogs. The family loves to spend time outdoors together, especially near water, where they enjoy boating and kayaking.

VMI Chemists Present Research in Puerto Rico

A contingent of two cadets and one professor recently traveled to the American Chemical Society Southeastern Regional Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ACS is the world’s largest scientific association, with a membership of more than 154,000 chemists, chemical engineers, and others in related professions, including all faculty members in the chemistry department at VMI. The region encompasses Virginia, Kentucky, and all points south of those states and east of the Mississippi River, including Puerto Rico. The theme of the meeting was “Chemistry Transcending Boundaries for a Sustainable Future.” More than 1,500 people attended the event.

Lt. Col. Daniel Harrison ’05, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and Cadet Jeffry Jay Stober ’24, a chemistry major, presented results from research they have been conducting, exploring new ways to make carbon dioxide useful by turning it into fuel and other beneficial materials. They have designed and built

new cobalt compounds that one day may contribute to room-temperature industrial process development requiring less energy than current technologies. Results from their research will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

A large part of the conference involved students using original posters to describe and discuss research projects they have been conducting. Nearly 150 posters were on display, including that of Cadet David Diaz ’23, chemistry major. Diaz’ poster was titled, “Exploration of Cobaloximes in Synthesis,” and summarized the work he has been conducting with Maj. Kaitlyn Cartwright, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, along with Cadets John Lagana ’23 and Owen Ahrens ’24. “I loved being able to experience all the wonders of Puerto Rico and expand my knowledge of chemistry at the same time. Being able to present my research in such a setting is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Diaz.

Harrison was pleased with the event. “It was

everything you want out of a conference. Our cadets were able to share information with their peers, glean information from others, and build a network. At VMI, our lab has cutting-edge research equipment, some of which is not commonly found at primary undergraduate institutions. We can do everything we need to in our labs, but being able to share ideas at conferences enhances our research, and perhaps changes the direction it takes,” he stated.

While in Puerto Rico, the group took advantage of their spare time and took a kayak tour in a bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. The glowing water is caused by dinoflagellates (algae) that put off a faint blue light when disturbed. “That was one of the top five experiences of my life. We actually observe the chemical reaction responsible for the glowing of dinoflagellates in the lab, and it was amazing to see them in nature,” said Harrison.

Funding for the trip was made possible by support from VMI Center for Undergraduate Research and the Jackson-Hope faculty travel funds.

Leadership Conference Focuses on Principled Dissent

The 13th Annual VMI Leadership and Ethics Conference, “Principled Dissent: Navigating Moral Challenges,” was held Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2022. The conference focused on developing and exercising moral courage and the organizational environment leaders can set to encourage respectful, honest, and candid conversation.

More than 160 participants attended, including VMI cadets and students from Virginia Tech, Christopher Newport University, Washington College, The Citadel, the Coast Guard Academy, Texas A&M University, Norwich University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and East Tennessee State University.

Small group discussions and speakers focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, ethical decision making, and effective leadership. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, welcomed attendees Oct. 31 and challenged them to learn how to lift their voices to the world’s challenges while exploring the dimensions of effective leadership and placing courage over comfort.

Ira Chaleff, the first guest speaker, is an executive coach in the greater Washington, D.C., area and author of the book, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up to and for Our Leaders. His later book, Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You’re Told to Do Is Wrong, was named the best new leadership book of 2015 by the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

Having recently recovered from an illness, Chaleff spoke remotely to his audience, taking as his topic “A Critical Leadership and Followership Skill.” He defined leadership as “a relationship of mutual influence between leaders and followers” and noted that in every organized activity, there is a leader and at least one follower. He stated that followers are equally as important as leaders when all share the same values and are in service to a common purpose.

Chaleff discussed the idea of “intelligent disobedience,” which is resistance to an order if the leader lacks legitimate authority or the order will produce harm. He noted that this type

of disobedience differs from civil disobedience, where the system is perceived to be unjust, with violations of laws and rules committed, usually to bring public harm.

Chaleff advised using an assertive voice when dissenting because it is assured, confident, firm, and forthright. A mitigating voice is diplomatic, hedging, and weak and may be appropriate in some circumstances, but the closer to risk or danger a situation comes, speakers must change their voices to convey assertion.

The next speaker was Erika Cheung, a key whistleblower reporting the medical-diagnostic company Theranos to health regulators. Theranos was started in 2003 in Silicon Valley. The company claimed to simplify blood testing with one simple finger stick rather than a multiple test tube blood draw, using a machine that could provide test results within an hour.

When she was hired at Theranos, Cheung was 22 years old, fresh out of college. After working about a month, Cheung tried to run a quality control test on the machine but kept getting

conflicting results. When she reported the problem, she was told she was too inexperienced to run the test properly.

She soon discovered that the blood tests were not being run in the new machine but in traditional FDA-approved machines secreted in the building’s basement. When FDA regulators sent trial blood samples to test the integrity of the Theranos machine, the samples were tested both in the new machine and the traditional machines, but test results from the traditional machines were sent back to the FDA regulators.

After seeing this fabrication, she resigned and later wrote a letter to regulators, which started an investigation. Criminal charges were filed against Holmes and Sunny Balwani, Theranos chief operating officer. Both were found guilty. Cheung is now executive director of Ethics in Entrepreneurship, a nonprofit organization that aims to embed ethical questioning, culture, and systems in start-up ecosystems worldwide.

The first day ended with Peter Bonilla, dinner speaker and vice president of programs at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonprofit civil liberties group focused on protecting free speech rights on college campuses. He spoke about the need for students to be exposed to a variety of viewpoints. “It is important for them to hear and understand points of view with which they may disagree in order to prepare them to operate effectively in new environments in which they need to find a common purpose with people from diverse backgrounds. Colleges need to find new ways to allow people to dissent without shutting down controversial speakers,” he said.

On the second day, retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th commandant of the Marine Corps, was the H.B. Johnson Class of 1926 Distinguished Lecture Series speaker. He spoke to the Corps of Cadets and conference participants in Cameron Hall.

Neller told his listeners there is no secret to being an effective leader. “It is hard, but there is a path, and you already know what it is. You will grow and change,” he said. He asked the audience to think of a person who had inspired them at some point in their life and to think of their traits, such as competence, respect, unselfishness, compassion, and patience, and to take on those same traits.

Addressing college students specifically, he said, “Your example is the most powerful tool you have to inspire those around you. Your character has been developed by your parents, teachers, and mentors. Don’t ruin your character

by making bad choices. Don’t compromise, and protect what you’ve earned.”

Neller advised his audience to get “buy-in” by their personal example, how they speak, and how they conduct themselves. To illustrate, he told a story of a time he and his company were at the end of a strenuous multiday training exercise, and everyone was tired and hungry. He promised if the chow truck arrived, he would have the enlisted soldiers eat first, then the officers, and Neller himself would eat last, and if there was no food left for him, so be it. The chow truck arrived, and an officer climbed up to start unloading it. The officer saw cake in the truck, and when he thought no one was watching, he ate a piece. An enlisted man observed him eat it and reported the violation to Neller, who, in turn, disciplined the officer. “Don’t eat the cake” is a metaphor Neller uses for setting a personal example.

He closed by reminding his audience if they want to hear what others have to say when they are in a leadership position, ask them and be sincere. “Don’t ask for an opinion if you don’t want to hear it,” he said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Rachael Denhollander appeared as the Caroline Dawn Wortham ’12 Leadership Speaker. Wortham passed away in 2015 at the age of 26 after being hit by a car while riding her bicycle in Hanover County, Virginia. Her father, Dr. Edwin Wortham V, provided an endowment to fund the series in her memory and was in attendance to hear Denhollander speak.

Denhollander became known internationally in 2016 as the first woman to pursue criminal charges and speak publicly against Larry Nassar, M.D., former USA Gymnastics team doctor and one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. Denhollander first encountered Nassar when she was a 15-year-old gymnast and went to him for back and wrist pain. At the time, he was a preeminent sports medicine physician, and she felt fortunate to be able to consult him.

She thought that things weren’t quite right, but as a young girl, she was confused. Eventually, he did something she clearly recognized as assault. She and her parents faced a battle against a community that revered and respected the physician.

For nearly 16 years, Denhollander watched and waited and collected medical files. She read an article in the Indianapolis Star about rampant coach abuse in gymnastics. She and her parents talked with the newspaper, and their story quickly made international headlines.

“I knew speaking out would not necessarily mean a positive outcome, but I had to be faithful

to my values. The definition of success is being faithful to what you are given. Ideas have consequences, but bad ideas have victims, and I didn’t want anyone to pay the price of my decision to remain silent,” she said.

As a result of her activism, over 300 women— including numerous Olympic medalists—came forward as survivors of Nassar’s abuse, eventually leading to his life imprisonment. Her courageous tenacity and ongoing advocacy helped trigger a complete upheaval at both USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, where former executives and high-ranking officials face numerous criminal charges for their complicity in covering up Nassar’s abuse and lying about what they knew.

Denhollander reminded the audience not to argue just to win and that we become who we are one small choice at a time. She credits those who stood beside her along her journey, explaining Nassar’s prison sentence as “a collective effort of quiet decisions.”

Col. Dave Gray, Ph.D., VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics director, was pleased and proud of this year’s conference and his team’s efforts, saying, “Each speaker and each interactive activity we designed into this conference brought depth and a variety of perspectives on how to be a courageous follower who uses dissent when necessary and also how leaders can set an environment that invites candor. The feedback we received from the conference participants about both the design and execution of the conference has been very positive. We hope that they will continue to discuss and reflect on this theme for quite some time to come.”

Cadet Fatoumata Diallo ’23, a cadet facilitator, enjoyed the guest speakers and networking with her peers and alumni. “It was a rich and engaging conference that taught attendees how to engage in morally challenging discussions and to practice various dissent techniques using an assertive voice,” she said.

Cadet Harrison Williams ’25 thought the conference was a great event. “It’s not every day that you can talk to the former commandant of the Marine Corps. I learned valuable advice from him that will serve me and others well. I thought this was a great experience overall, and I plan on attending this conference every year,” he said.

This year’s leadership conference will be held Oct. 30–31, 2023, with an announcement of the theme and title coming in the spring. To stay informed, visit the conference website and join the mailing list at conferences.vmi.edu/leadership.

VMI Football: 2022 Season in Review

University on the ACC Network, Collin Ironside ’24 and Grant Swinehart ’24 connected for a score against the Demon Deacons, as Ironside captured SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week honors two weeks later.

Week two was a good bounce back for VMI, with 107 yards and two touchdowns by Hunter Rice ’25, helping VMI top Bucknell University 24-14.

Despite injuries beginning to mount and facing a string of four straight top-30 teams, VMI got strong performances from players like Chance Knox ’22 and Leroy Thomas ’23 before Porter took a kickoff 98 yards to the house at No. 9 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The defensive unit turned No. 16 Mercer University over five times and gave No. 10 Samford University a run for their money in Birmingham as the season came to a close in a down-to-the-wire battle for the Silver Shako against The Citadel.

While VMI football wasn’t able to secure what would have been a program-record third straight winning season, several Keydets produced memorable moments in 2022.

Seven players were recognized for their efforts in the 2022 season, as Stone Snyder ’23, Alex Oliver ’24, Robert Soderholm ’23, and Jack Culbreath ’24 all garnered First Team All-SoCon Coaches honors, and Isaiah Lemmond ’26, Jahleel Porter ’26, and Geoffrey Speight ’26

earned All-Freshmen recognition.

In addition to his First Team honor, Snyder was named a Buck Buchanan finalist—the award given to the top defensive player in FCS football— for the third straight season, with his 10.7 tackles per game ending the year third in all of FCS. Soderholm is now a four-time All-American long snapper, and Oliver ended the season 24th among active players for career pass breakups. Opening the season at No. 22 Wake Forest

The Keydets will see many impact players graduate, as Seth Morgan ’23 leaves the program fifth in completions (451) and third in completion percentage (61.6), Korey Bridy ’22 is ninth in rushing touchdowns (17), and Thomas finishes third all-time in catches (168) and ninth in receiving yards (1,719).

The program now turns the page to a new head coach, as Danny Rocco brings a wealth of winning experience to an excited VMI football corps.

Seven Keydets Earn All-SoCon Honors

The Southern Conference released its coaches and media All-SoCon teams and awards Nov. 22, 2022, with Stone Snyder ’23, Alex Oliver ’24, Robert Soderholm ’23, and Jack Culbreath ’24 all getting First Team nods from the coaches. The Keydets also had representation on the All-Freshman squad, with Isaiah Lemmond ’26, Jahleel Porter ’26, and Geoffrey Speight ’26 earning accolades.

On the media side, Oliver and Soderholm earned First Team nods, with Snyder and Culbreath earning Second Team honors. There is no All-Freshman team in the media poll.

Stone Snyder ’23 – Linebacker – Senior Snyder continued to dominate defensively, posting a league-high 107 tackles despite missing one game due to injury. The Richmond, Virginia, native had 11-plus tackles five times this season, including a season-high 19, along with a tackle for loss and forced fumble against Cornell. At the end of the regular season, Snyder’s average of 10.7 tackles per game ranks third in the nation, and his 5.1 solo tackles per game are ranked 29th. Among

Snyder’s other standout games this season were Wake Forest (6 tackles, 0.5 TFL), No. 10 Samford (12.0 tackles, 0.5 TFL), and The Citadel (18.0 tackles). Finishing his career with 339 tackles (sixth among active FCS players), Snyder is just outside of the top 10 at VMI; he has achieved this in just 38 games due to the season shortened by COVID-19. Snyder leaves VMI as a two-time All-American, two-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Year, and a three-time Buck Buchanan finalist for Defensive Player of the Year in FCS Football, with more postseason awards likely to come his way.

Alex Oliver ’24 – Defensive Back – Junior

Building upon a successful sophomore campaign, Oliver set career highs in tackles at 75.0—placing him fourth on the team—three interceptions, and 10 break ups. Oliver’s 10 breakups are not only a team high but currently rank him 24th in the nation and have him finishing the season fourth among SoCon players. Oliver recorded at least two tackles in every game, racking up eight or more on five different occasions, including a career high of 11 and a fumble recovery at Wofford College. Oliver’s three interceptions were

a team best, with two coming against No. 16 Mercer University. Oliver’s 27 career pass breakups currently rank him 10th among active players at the FCS level.

Robert

’23 – Long Snapper – Redshirt Senior

Recently earning Special Teams U All-American status, Soderholm is now a four-time All-American and has earned All-SoCon First Team nods the past two seasons. Soderholm, who was preseason All-American by three different organizations, does more than execute his snaps in a nearly flawless fashion. The Stafford, Virginia, native has also picked up three tackles this season and is responsible for picking up blockers after the snap.

Jack Culbreath ’24 – Punter – Junior

Coming off a 2021 season in which he was named a Hero Sports All-American and made the All-SoCon First Team, Culbreath had another career year, totaling 2,790 yards on 64 punts for an average of 43.6 yards per kick. Handling the kickoff duties as well, Culbreath notched career highs in touchbacks (5) and fair catches (15), pinning the ball inside the 20 nine times and hitting 14 punts of 50 or more yards. Against Wofford, Culbreath crushed a career-high 60-yard punt as he averaged 51.5 yards per kick on the day.

Isaiah Lemmond ’26 – Wide Receiver – Freshman

It didn’t take long for Lemmond to work himself into the offense, hauling in three catches for 80 yards in the second game of his career. Lemmond,

who finishes the season second on the team in receiving yards with 453, recorded two or more catches in the last six games, including six apiece against No. 9 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Furman University, and No. 10 Samford University. Lemmond finally got into the end zone at Wofford when he hauled in a 52-yarder for his first career score.

Jahleel Porter ’26 – Defensive Back – Freshman

Like Lemmond, Porter showed his value right from the start. He totaled 7.0 tackles and two pass breakups at No. 22 Wake Forest University. Porter, who recorded a tackle in all but two games, registered a pass breakup against Cornell, two pass breakups against East Tennessee State University, and one against Furman. Perhaps the most noteworthy highlight of Porter’s young career came at Chattanooga when he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown by a VMI player since 2015 and is the fourth-longest play in Keydet history.

Geoffrey Speight ’26 – Defensive Line – Freshman

Making his debut at Wake Forest University, Speight established himself with 3.0 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in a win over Bucknell University. Speight, who would record a tackle in all but one game, registered tackles for loss at Chattanooga (1.0), against Furman (1.5), against Mercer (1.5), and at Samford (1.0). Speight’s season high in tackles came against Mercer, in which he totaled 7.0, registering a quarterback hurry in the process.

To view the full list of All-Conference honorees, visit soconsports.com.

Young Men’s Soccer Squad Improves Under First-Year Coach

September. It was the first time the Keydets had recorded back-to-back clean sheets since the 2008 season against Appalachian State University and Radford University. The Southern Virginia victory was Regan’s first win as a head coach.

The Keydets gave up just 11 goals in conference play, the fewest allowed since the 2006 season when VMI was in the Big South Conference and the least in SoCon play since 1982. VMI allowed 41 goals overall, compared to 72 a year ago.

The Keydets played the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the SoCon champion and an NCAA Tournament quarterfinalist; the game was very tough in a narrow 1-0 loss in Lexington in early October.

VMI capped the season by nearly pulling off a first-round upset at third-seeded Mercer University before falling just 2-1.

The VMI defense was again stingy, allowing just two goals or less for the 10th time in 17 matches.

A very young VMI men’s soccer team showed improvement in 2022 under Nick Regan, firstyear head coach.

The Keydets opened the campaign with a 2-2

tie at Saint Peter’s University, an outstanding start to the season.

VMI posted wins against Southern Virginia (1-0) and Mary Baldwin (2-0) Universities in late

Nathan Lam ’23 had two goals and four assists, while Grant Martin ’25 had three goals and one assist. Gabe Calhoun ’23 started 15 of 17 games in net and made 84 saves, tying for eighth in the nation and ranked fifth in saves per game (5.6).

2022 Women’s Soccer Shows Growth, Progression

The 2022 VMI women’s soccer campaign will be remembered as one of growth and steady progression as the team showed its commitment to the vision of Chris Haught-Thompson, fourth-year head coach, for the program. Sending their seniors off with a 2-1 victory over South Carolina State on Senior Day, the Keydets had a number of close contests that were just a good bounce or two from swinging in VMI’s favor. The Keydets battled Long Island University (2-2) and USC Upstate (1-1) to ties, with three other matches coming down to only one score.

The narrow losses to conference foes came at Patchin Field, where the Keydets fell by one goal to Southern Conference co-champion the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Sept. 30 and Wofford College Oct. 14.

Sedona Dancu ’25 led the team with five goals on the season, while Riley Boucher ’26 ranked second with four goals. Isabella Bruzonic ’25 earned three points on the year with a goal and one assist, while Anissa Cheikh ’23, Lauren Fyfe ’25, Madison Hornig ’24, and Katy Layman ’26 all ended up with a pair of points. Jillian Hall ’24, goalie, accounted for 124 saves on the year with a 3.54 goals-against average and .693 save percentage.

VMI Rifle Wraps Fall Season With Win Over Wofford

VMI rifle’s mixed team totaled its third-highest aggregate score (4535) of the season in a win at Wofford College. The Keydets opened against No. 2 Texas Christian University and also faced Navy during the fall season.—Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

The VMI rifle program wrapped up a solid fall campaign Dec. 3, as its mixed team totaled its third-highest aggregate score (4535) of the season in a win at Wofford College. The victory was the first of the season and counted as a league win against the Terriers.

The Keydets faced stiff competition all fall, opening against No. 2 Texas Christian University and No. 6 U.S. Naval Acade-

my. When VMI hosted Wofford Nov. 12, Christopher Hicks ’24 set the VMI rifle record for aggregate score, totaling 1157.

Hicks owns the three top aggregate scores on the season, while Cassidy Dufour ’23 has posted the top aggregate score on the women’s side, totaling 1110.

Spring competition commenced Jan. 21 at Kilbourne Hall.

We are their future.

WHOLE DAMN TEAM

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Holds Events

After breakfast, Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter members check out a restored Austin Healey 3000 owned by Bill Gibson ’65. Pictured are (from left) Wilson, Gibson, Kuchnia, Rick Hening ’75, and Sam Hening.

Members of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gather for a senior breakfast Aug. 16, 2022. Gathered around the breakfast table are (from left) Larry Wilson ’62, Parky Parkman ’66, Bill Gibson ’65, Barton Pasco ’77, Sam Hening, Rick Hening ’75, Pete Shelly ’74, John Kuchnia ’57, and Betsy Wilson.

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter members enjoy a senior breakfast in September 2022. Attending are (from left) John Kuchnia ’57, Bill Gibson ’65, Larry Wilson ’62, Paul Johnston ’61, Sam Hening, Rick Hening ’75, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Bill Murchison ’70, and Dixie Walker ’70.

Senior alumni of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gather for breakfast Oct. 18, 2022. Gathered around the table are (from left) Bill Murchison ’70, Pete Shelley ’74, Bill Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston ’61, Rick Hening ’75, Barton Pasco ’77, Sam Hening, Ed Seager ’64, Mike Kelly ’73, Dixie Walker ’70, and Ed Andrews ’70.

Charlotte North Carolina Chapter October Old Corps Luncheon

West Coast Florida – Tampa Chapter Welcomes New Member

Wilmington

Wilmington Chapter Holds Old Corps Breakfast

Chapters Hold 2022 Rat Send-Offs

Incoming cadets and their families met with VMI alumni, family, and friends at rat send-off events this summer. Chapters from across the country and world gathered to support and give advice to cadets in the Rat Mass of 2023+3. Of the alumni chapters, 31 chapters held 32 rat send-off events, which were attended by approximately 200 incoming rats.

Graduate School Partnerships

The Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the U.S. These agreements offer opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions.

Partnerships include Virginia Commonwealth University,

the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs include law, medicine, business, engineering, and communications. Contact Olivia Dirscherl at dirscherlog@vmi.edu for more information.

Institute Society Dinner Celebrates Philanthropy

On the evening of Nov. 11, a proud tradition of the VMI Alumni Agencies—the Institute Society Dinner—took place in Marshall Hall. Approximately 520 alumni, guests, and other members of the VMI family gathered as guests of the VMI Foundation to celebrate their support of the Institute.

And while the black-tie dinner is an annual event, this year’s gathering was especially significant because of the presence of a special guest: Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent emeritus, who received the New Market Medal, VMI’s highest honor, at a ceremony in Cameron Hall that afternoon. Though Mrs. Pamela Peay could not be present

Friday, speakers throughout the day consistently praised her commitment to VMI and steadfast support of both the Institute and the Corps of Cadets.

After dinner, Tom Zarges ’70, VMI Foundation president and VMI Alumni Agencies Board chairman, thanked the guests for their commitment to VMI, praising their “steadfast loyalty to VMI and an unshakable commitment to support the young men and women who choose to climb this mountain and take on the rigors of the VMI experience.”

Zarges noted that in fiscal year 2022, members of the VMI family demonstrated that loyalty and commitment by providing more

than $50 million in gifts and commitments. “This astounding support strengthens every aspect of the Institute’s education,” he commented. “It serves as a stunning confirmation that alumni, parents, and friends are united in the support of VMI, its leadership, and its historic mission.”

Zarges then introduced Peay, who used the occasion to give heartfelt remarks, speaking without notes about how the successes VMI enjoyed while he was superintendent, from the extensive building campaign that reshaped post to the strengthening of VMI’s academic program, would not have been possible without private support.

“Vision 2039 would not have happened without the support of the Institute Society,” said Peay. During his time as superintendent, Peay noted, the Institute conducted two major fundraising campaigns, Reveille: A Call to Excel and An Uncommon Purpose. The success of those campaigns served as an impetus for the General Assembly to fund VMI’s many building initiatives during those years, among them Third Barracks, Marshall Hall, and the Corps Physical Training Facility, plus renovations to many existing buildings.

His remarks concluded with, “In my time on watch, the 17 years that we had so much success, it is directly related to you. And I know you’re going to continue this now as the Institute goes on. … It’s the admiration that we have had for you. We could not have done Vision 2039 without your support. You’re the greatest in the world.”

Following a standing ovation for Peay’s remarks, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, was invited to the podium as the keynote speaker. His speech had a single focus, pointing to the words on the VMI Parapet. He began by stating, “I just want to tell you that VMI is focused and will remain focused on what many of us recognize is our north star that guideposts for all that we do,” Wins stated. “Colonel Preston’s inscription on the parapet continues to stand as the expression of our mission anchored in our past. This thread builds a common bond from one cadet to the other, one class to another, one team to another, and one generation to another. This bond holds us together and holds us accountable for how we spend our time, both on and off post. Our faculty, our staff, and the Corps of Cadets remain focused on this mission.”

Wins concluded his inspirational remarks

with, “In the end, what will matter to our families, our communities, the state, and our nation is that we continue to graduate men and women of character who are ready in time of peril, to lead and to serve.

“In closing, I just want to take the time to state that the foundation of VMI is and remains strong. We’ve not been shaken, and we are focused on our fundamentals. Each of you are a tremendous part of the success and our mission moving forward. Thank you again very much for joining us this evening and to celebrate the VMI we all know and we all love. Rah Virginia Mil.”

Following a robust standing ovation for Wins’ remarks, the evening closed with members of the VMI Glee Club performing a number of musical selections, among them “Shenandoah,” “The VMI Spirit,” and “The VMI Doxology.”

Celebrating 25 Years of Women at VMI

With solidarity and pride in their accomplishments, more than 214 alumnae and their families returned to Lexington Sept. 8–10 to celebrate a milestone in Institute history: 25 years since the first women matriculated to VMI in August 1997. In the quarter century that has passed since that historic moment, the Institute has marked several “firsts” by VMI women, most recently with Kasey Meredith ’22 becoming VMI’s first female regimental commander.

The 25th anniversary celebration of women at VMI was organized by the VMI Alumni Agencies to celebrate the myriad accomplishments of alumnae and offer them a chance to network both with each other and current female cadets.

Events began Thursday, Sept. 8, with an early arrivals reception held that evening in the Pogue Auditorium in the George C. Marshall Research Library. The next morning, the event kicked off with a welcome session in Gillis Theater in Marshall Hall, where David Prasnicki, Alumni Agencies chief operating officer, introduced Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent. During his remarks, Wins noted, “You did not give up, and you have made a profound impact on the Institute.” He then mentioned the accomplishments of several alumnae, among them U.S. Army Col. Angelica Martinez ’02, chief of strategic plans for the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority; U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bree Adams Gutterman ’04, proprietor of

a property management business and a member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees; and Lezshell “Shelly” Pauling ’06, a mental performance coach now working with U.S. Special Operations Command soldiers.

The women in barracks today “are building on the foundation you set,” Wins told his audience. “VMI is, by every measure, a better place with women in the Corps.”

Next up was a panel called Generations of Women at VMI, featuring 10 alumnae from a wide spectrum of classes. Their time was spent discussing how VMI had forged and formed them, what advice they had for current female cadets, and how VMI can learn from the integration of women into the Corps of Cadets.

Many shared that VMI had prepared them for uncertainty and change; more than one expressed the sentiment, “When you get out of VMI, you are going to be a rat.” The transition from higher education to the workplace was easier for them than for others, they stated, because they’d already learned that being in new and uncomfortable situations is often necessary for growth.

Following the Generations of Women at VMI panel, another panel focused on entrepreneurship among VMI women. Five alumnae, including a chef, a fashion designer, and an attorney, among others, discussed their journeys to self-employment, and they did not hold back in sharing the highs and lows of being their own bosses.

“I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed. I just had to work really hard,” said Lara Tyler Chambers ’03, a land developer and vice chair of the VMI Board of Visitors.

Elise Woodworth ’07, who runs an executive coaching business, Woodworth Enterprises LLC, said that VMI prepared her for entrepreneurship by giving her lots of chances to test her skills in a variety of areas. “At VMI, there are so many opportunities to experience diverse things,” said Woodworth. In terms of choosing a path to self-employment, “Look at what your passion is and what brings you happiness,” she stated.

Woodworth told her listeners that she recently

finished writing a book, Business Before Battle, and balanced that responsibility with homeschooling her five children. “Don’t ever give up,” she advised.

Following a networking lunch in Crozet Hall, two more panel sessions followed, one focused on women in STEM and the other on careers in the military and as first responders. That evening, alumnae, alumni, and current cadets came together for a celebratory dinner, held in the Hall of Valor in Marshall Hall. An Alumni Agencies-produced video highlighted the painstaking preparations for the first women’s arrival in 1997, as well as the extensive nationwide news coverage of their first days on post.

The evening’s speaker, Virginia National Guard Maj. Gen. Marti J. Bissell, deputy commanding general, discussed her four-decadelong relationship with VMI and how she’d seen the Institute evolve over time.

With warmth and humor, Bissell described how she’d grown up with little exposure to the military and then became a member of the VMI family. Her first visits to VMI were in the 1980s

with her husband, Col. Gary Bissell ’89, VMI deputy chief of staff and operations, and at the same time, she was getting to know her fatherin-law, retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Norman M. “Mike” Bissell ’61. The elder Bissell, now deceased, served as VMI’s first non-active-duty commandant of cadets from 1990–94.

Eventually, Bissell came to work for the Institute herself, serving in a variety of teaching and administrative positions. From her front-row seat, Bissell saw the Institute change as society was changing.

“VMI does change, is constantly changing, and will continue to change,” she declared. Examples of change prior to the integration of women included the introduction of indoor plumbing and a switch from sacks stuffed with hay to mattresses, she observed, among many others.

On Saturday, alumnae were guests of honor at the morning’s parade, and in the afternoon, rain did not dampen the spirits of the women and their families as they were honored at halftime of VMI’s football opener against Bucknell University, a matchup that ended with a 24-14 Keydet victory.

“On the Shoulders of Giants”: Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet

Held in the Hall of Valor in Marshall Hall Sunday, Oct. 23, the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet was an occasion for cadet-athletes to meet and thank the donors who make their educations possible and for donors to meet and get to know the cadets they are supporting. This year, approximately 120 donors and their guests joined 250 cadet-athletes for a luncheon; the presentation of the Three-Legged Stool Award; and remarks by Greg Cavallaro ’84, senior major gift officer, whose 38 years of

employment with VMI include nearly two decades as Keydet Club chief operating officer.

Welcoming the large crowd was Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club chief operating officer. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and other members of the VMI family, he noted, the Keydet Club is providing almost $7 million in scholarship support to more than 300 cadet-athletes this year.

Next, Jim Miller, VMI intercollegiate athletic director, recognized the many coaches and

assistant coaches in attendance and offered some words specifically for the cadet-athletes in attendance. He noted that he and Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, are working on a new strategic plan for VMI’s future direction in athletics, and because of this, there’s a focus on outcomes for cadet-athletes.

“We want you to be better prepared for life because you were a VMI cadet-athlete,” said Miller.

After lunch, Deal introduced the candidates

for this year’s Three-Legged Stool Award, which has been awarded annually since 2001 by the Keydet Club to the cadet-athlete who best embodies excellence in academics, athletics, and military. Receiving the award for the 2022–23 academic year was Cadet Scout Ripley ’23, a lacrosse team captain from Annapolis, Maryland.

At the end of the 2021–22 season, Ripley was ranked ninth in the Southern Conference in goals per game and second in the league in shots per game. Academically, he’s a member of the Institute Honors program with a double major in history and English. After VMI, he plans to commission into the Marine Corps.

As he accepted the award, Ripley noted that VMI has offered him a wealth of opportunities. “It’s exposed me to so many things I wouldn’t have gotten at other schools,” he stated. “There’s so many opportunities to lead academically, on the hill, and in sports.”

Praising Ripley’s commitment to both academics and athletics was James Purpura, VMI head lacrosse coach. “Scout’s had academic stars every semester, and he always pulls his team around him,” the coach said.

“As cadet-athletes, we all stand on the shoulders of giants,” Ripley declared. “All of our accomplishments are thanks to the donors and people who allow them to happen.”

In his remarks, Cavallaro shared his reminisces of VMI, the Keydet Club, and the

scholarship banquet over the years, with an emphasis on how his decision to matriculate at the Institute changed his life.

“I chose VMI because of the reputation of the VMI alumni body, the network, the relationships that are forged through the brother rat spirit, and the fact that VMI was the road less traveled,” Cavallaro stated.

Cavallaro also shared something that isn’t in his official biography: He graduated last in the Class of 1984. “One of my roommates was First Jackson Hope, and I was just hoping to graduate!” Cavallaro remarked, to laughter from the audience.

Despite his academic struggles, Cavallaro chose to stay at VMI—largely because of the relationships he’d formed with brother rats, professors, coaches, and other members of the VMI family. Clark King, who was coaching boxing when Cavallaro was a cadet, played an outsize role in supporting Cavallaro, as did Col. William “Buck” Buchanan ’50B, who was Cavallaro’s boss when he was hired to work in the VMI Office of Admissions in June 1984.

Through the help, friendship, and support of these men and many others, Cavallaro was able to build a successful career—and he told the cadet-athletes in the audience that if they stayed the course at VMI, the same could happen for them.

“You are part of a special fraternity of brother

rats,” Cavallaro stated. “Your brother rats will be there for you through thick and thin ... Life is made up of a series of Rat Lines that you will have to endure and overcome.”

But on the hardest days, it’s easy to lose perspective. Cavallaro told his listeners about a time early in his cadetship when he called home to complain about how poorly things were going, and his mother replied calmly that she and Cavallaro’s father could come to pick him up the next day. Faced with a clear choice—to leave the Institute or to stay—Cavallaro chose to stay.

With this story as background, Cavallaro urged the cadets in the audience to remember their “Why I VMI”—their reasons for choosing the Institute. He shared lines from Robert Frost’s well-known poem, “The Road Not Taken”: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by ... And that has made all the difference.”

After Cavallaro finished speaking, Bland Massie ’77, Keydet Club president, surprised Cavallaro and his wife, Marlene, by presenting Cavallaro with the Three-Legged Stool Award in recognition for his nearly four decades of service and commitment to VMI athletics. It was only the fourth time in the award’s 22-year history that it had been presented to an alumnus. Previous alumni recipients have been Gil Minor ’63; Giles Miller, Class of 1924; and Elmon Gray ’46.

Williamson ’72: In Gratitude for Two Generations

marry and raise a family, and live to the age of 69—all with a metal plate in his head replacing the missing pieces of his skull. But the traumatic brain injury paralyzed the right side of his body and caused cognitive deficits. Williamson recounted how his father struggled without success to pass the Virginia bar exam, which at that time required handwritten essays. The injury had reduced Tommy’s handwriting to a hard-to-decipher scribble.

As the child of a disabled combat veteran, Williamson qualified for a government assistance program that paid his tuition at VMI—helped just as his father had been 30 years earlier. “So here we are, two generations that have been able to go to VMI and finish our cadetships free of debt,” Williamson noted. “This history has definitely impacted my view of financial aid for cadets.”

In 2013, Williamson began serving on the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees, a position he would hold through June 2021. Knowing how much his family had benefited from being able to attend VMI without loans, he established the Thomas W. Williamson 1942 & 1972 Scholarship, which provides need-based aid to a cadet showing academic promise.

For Thomas Williamson ’72, giving back isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s a statement of gratitude for all that VMI provided, both for him and his father.

The Williamson family story begins in the late 1930s when Thomas “Tommy” Williamson ’42 left his Harrisonburg, Virginia, home and matriculated at VMI. As a child of the Depression, Tommy needed financial assistance to attend the Institute, and he received a state cadetship to defray the cost.

Just a few months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, in March 1942, Tommy graduated from VMI early with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Thirty years later, in spring 1972, his son, Thomas “Tom” Williamson Jr. ’72, likewise graduated from VMI, earning the same degree as his father.

In gratitude for all his family has received from the Institute, in 2015, Williamson established a scholarship in memory of his father, one of the hundreds of VMI alumni to serve in World War II.

Tommy’s World War II story is one of courage, a horrific war wound, and a “never say die”

spirit of persistence in the postwar years despite a lifelong disability.

After wearing academic stars during his cadetship and graduating into the maelstrom of World War II, Tommy commissioned into the Army. In 1944, he was sent to Europe to serve with the 11th Armored Division, part of the Third Army commanded by Gen. George S. Patton III, Class of 1907.

On Dec. 30, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, his company commander was killed, and Tommy found himself leading 140 men in the face of fierce German resistance. According to the memoirs of one of the men serving under him, “Lieutenant Thomas Williamson, a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, ... was well respected and liked. He assumed command of the company immediately, thus bringing to us the sense of stability that we desperately needed.”

Just three days later, Jan. 2, 1945, shrapnel from a German tank ripped through Tommy’s skull. Williamson, now an attorney practicing in Richmond, Virginia, called his father’s survival “miraculous.”

Tommy went on to graduate from law school,

By that point, of course, Williamson’s law practice was well established, but even when he was a young alumnus, he’d always supported the Institute financially. “It’s sort of in my DNA, I guess,” he remarked. “Giving back to VMI is something that’s important. I could do it, and I wanted to do it.”

Over the years, Williamson has attended a few luncheons for scholarship donors and recipients, and he’s also received hand-written letters from grateful cadets, including from a cadet who hoped to follow her benefactor into the practice of law.

By supporting cadets, Williamson knows he’s building a stronger VMI—because students are at the heart of any institution of higher education.

“You can have all the infrastructure, fancy gyms, great food in your dining hall,” Williamson commented. “But the Institute is never going to be stronger than the potential of its matriculating cadets. For me, scholarship aid is paramount. ... Every cadet should have sufficient financial aid so they can flourish during their cadetship and then go out into the world and do great things without being encumbered by any debt.”

Hanley ’23 and Castle ’24: An Abundance of Gratitude

Two cadets who are recent recipients of the Thomas W. Williamson 1942 & 1972 Scholarship have just two words to say to their benefactor: “Thank you.”

Cadets Stephen Hanley ’23, the 2021–22 scholarship recipient, and Stephen Castle ’24, the 2022–23 recipient, were both surprised and pleased to learn of their good fortune. Both cadets are majoring in mechanical engineering and both come from middle-class families, so paying for a college education isn’t easy.

Hanley came to the Institute from Stuarts Draft, Virginia, a small community just 30 minutes north of post. He’s one of three children with a sister also in college, so the financial assistance he received from the Williamson Scholarship has been a real blessing.

“The appreciation I have—it’s hard to put into words because it’s just so liberating,” Hanley commented. “It’s so liberating, especially for someone my age, to get assistance of that magnitude. I’m just eternally grateful.”

Hanley originally thought he’d commission into the Marine Corps but ultimately decided he’d rather go straight to work as an engineer instead. Over the years, he has taken part in some of VMI’s extracurricular activities, including jiu-jitsu and the Glee Club, but overall, the engineering curriculum is so demanding that it’s left little time for much else.

This year, though, he’s holding rank in the Corps as the 3rd Battalion executive officer, and last year, as a 2nd Class cadet, he was a master sergeant and thus directly involved in training rats.

Being a member of cadre, he noted, helped him understand the true nature of leadership. “The biggest thing I learned, something I’ve tried to pass on to the people who I’m a mentor to, is that humility and servant leadership [are] always the foundation of leadership, no matter who your subordinates are,” Hanley said.

The tough love approach of the Rat Line, he added, should be rooted

in a commitment to rat success. “If you can’t tie back to that foundation, I think that’s where a lot of people get lost,” he added.

Like Hanley, Castle is one of three children, and he also plans to put his engineering degree to use in the workforce immediately after graduation. A defensive lineman on the Keydet football team, he receives a football scholarship, but it’s not enough to cover the full cost of attendance at VMI.

“It’s great to get some more on top of that,” he commented. “I’m very blessed.”

Without the Williamson Scholarship, he noted, he’d have had to take out additional loans. Both of his parents work in education—his father as a central office administrator and his mother as a teacher—and he’s the second child to attend college. Next year, his younger brother, Sam Castle, is expected to matriculate with the Rat Mass of 2024+3, as he’s already committed to becoming a member of the Institute’s NCAA swim and dive team.

During his cadetship, Castle has enjoyed the friendships encouraged by the dyke system, recalling the “amazing” camaraderie he felt with his uncle dykes, Jordan Ward ’21 and Ashton J. “A.J.” Smith ’21. He also delved into independent research, completing a Summer Undergraduate Research Institute project this past summer with Col. Joyce Blandino, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering. Next summer, Castle hopes to work alongside her husband, Col. Joseph Blandino, Ph.D., also professor of mechanical engineering, on a research project for NASA. He’s earning concentrations in both nuclear engineering and aerospace engineering, with plans to put his degree to use in one of those areas after graduation.

Castle also plans to do for others what’s been done for him by someday establishing a scholarship at VMI.

“[Receiving a scholarship] makes me want to give back,” he stated. “It’ll be my turn to pay it forward.”

Hamilton ’85: From Recipient to Donor

At 6 years old, Matt Hamilton ’85 made the trip with his family to attend his cousin’s college graduation. It was spring 1969, and the cousin, Jack Burroughs Jr. ’69, was graduating from VMI. Captivated by the sight of the Corps of Cadets on parade that day and wanting to serve in the military, Hamilton wound up matriculating at VMI himself.

Money, though, wasn’t just tight for the Hamilton family. It was nonexistent. “We were food stamp poor, welfare poor,” Hamilton related. The family scraped together enough funds to pay for one semester at VMI, utilizing a federal Pell Grant and a loan from the local bank, but when Hamilton’s father dropped his son off on Matriculation Day, he

gave him a $20 bill and said, “That’s all we’ve got.” At that point, a second semester of study was uncertain. As a rat, far from home and knowing that his parents could not do more for him than they were already doing, Hamilton wasn’t sure what to do.

But members of the VMI family rallied quickly to provide financial assistance, and

Hamilton was able to not only stay at VMI but also graduate with his class, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. During his cadetship, Hamilton served on the Honor Court and was a battalion commander his 1st Class year. To this day, though, he doesn’t know who provided the funds to pay for his education.

After graduation, Hamilton served on active duty with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, eventually becoming a banker in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he met and married a woman with a story similar to his own. Heidi Gomula, a 1989 graduate of Randolph-Macon Women’s College, now Randolph College, had received financial assistance to complete her education from a RMWC alumna she’d met in her home state of New Jersey.

Now, Hamilton and Gomula are repaying what was once done for them by establishing a scholarship at VMI. For Hamilton, it’s about giving back to the place that gave him so much; for Gomula, it’s about keeping a long-ago promise.

Gomula’s benefactor, Mary Large, told Gomula that she’d help pay her tuition—but there were strings attached. Good grades and graduating Phi Beta Kappa were a must, and Large also told Gomula that if she were ever able to do the same thing for another student in need, she should do so. Now, with a career in banking spanning 33 and a half years, Gomula is fulfilling that promise.

“So, it was really important from my perspective to find the right way to do that,” said Gomula. “And the right institution in which to do it. Mary Large was my motivator for wanting to [establish a scholarship].”

Hamilton never knew who paid his bills at VMI back in the 1980s. With only $20 in his pocket, Hamilton had to pass on getting snacks and sodas with his dykes and brother rats, and soon, one of them told Col. Mike Monsour, Ph.D., professor of modern languages, about Hamilton’s dire need for funds.

“He was my saving grace,” said Hamilton of Monsour. A note from

the Rat Disciplinary Committee came next—but Hamilton was not in trouble. Instead, he was summoned to Smith Hall to meet with Lt. Col. Dan Troppoli, then in charge of finances. Troppoli called Hamilton into his office and said, “Rat, explain your situation.”

Next, Troppoli called Hamilton’s parents to verify their son’s story. Reassured that the need was very real, Troppoli told Hamilton to see him every semester. “You tell me how much you’ve worked, how much money you have, and I’ll make up the rest,” was the message Hamilton received.

At that time, jobs on post for cadets were scarce, but with help from Monsour and Troppoli, Hamilton was given a job with the Cadet Program Board, acting as a receptionist and showing movies in the old Lejeune Hall, and that job allowed him to earn a little spending money. In the summers, he washed dishes by hand at a Pizza Hut in his hometown of Sanford, North Carolina.

“VMI has been a driving factor in my life,” he stated.

When he and Gomula began to do estate planning not long ago, including VMI in their estate was a given—but they also wanted to give back in their lifetimes so they could form a relationship with the young person they were helping.

“That’s what’s driving us,” said Hamilton. “We want to get to know the cadet.”

With the assistance of Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, the couple was able to set parameters aligning with their goals: The Heidi and Matt Hamilton Scholarship is to be offered to a cadet with demonstrated financial need matriculating from either North Carolina or New Jersey, ideally majoring in economics and business.

The Hamilton scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the 2023–24 academic year.

“It feels great to pay it forward and help a cadet as we were helped,” Hamilton and Gomula stated.

Class

of 1997 Presents 25th Reunion Gift

The Class of 1997 presented its 25th Reunion gift of $2,241,597.97 to the Institute during the football game against Furman Oct. 22. Pictured are (from left) Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer; Cadet J. Addison Hagan V ’24; Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Tom” Sowers, Corps of Cadets sergeant major; J. Addison Hagan IV ’97, reunion co-chairman; Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent; Dave Hudock ’97, reunion co-chairman; Ed Ramatowski ’97; Jake Hickman ’97; Joe Howard ’97; Ed Bonham ’97; Jack Polce ’97; and Matt Coley ’97.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Class of 2012 Presents 10th Reunion Gift

The Class of 2012 presented its 10th Reunion gift of $433,996.12 to the Institute during the football game against Cornell Sept. 17. Pictured are (from left) Sgt. Maj. Tom Sowers, Corps of Cadets sergeant major; David Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer; Joe Munno ’12, reunion committee member; Bruce Howard ’12, class agent; Andrew Deal ’12, reunion co-chair and VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer; and Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

In Fiscal Year 2022, nearly a quarter of VMI’s budget of $99.5 million came from private sources. This enduring generosity from the VMI family provides millions of dollars in private money every year and forms an underpinning of resources on which VMI cadets can rely.

HIGHLIGHTS OF GIVING AND SUPPORT IN FISCAL YEAR 2022 SOURCES OF SUPPORT OUR DONORS

In Fiscal Year 2022, alumni comprised the majority of donors, but a significant number of other members of the VMI family also gave. To aid in VMI’s vital mission, 5,282 individuals and organizations made gifts—maintaining a strong foundation of private support.

ORGANIZATIONS* 243 (5%)

PARENTS** 567 (10%)

FRIENDS*** 670 (13%)

ALUMNI**** 3802 (72%)

* Includes matching gift companies

** Parents of alumni and current cadets

*** Includes faculty, staff, and alumni widows

**** Includes cadets

Progress

SUCCESS IN FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS OF AID

In support of the extraordinary educational experience that VMI provides, more than 5,200 donors contributed $50.3 million in gifts and commitments during Fiscal Year 2022. Their generous gifts will ensure VMI will continue to lead the way academically, athletically, and in its co-curricular programs.

Here are some of the ways that the Institute used the millions of dollars that the VMI Alumni Agencies provided it.

Financial Aid

Merit, Athletic, and Need-Based

Instructional Support

20

15

25 CASH GIFTS

10

$20.2 (40%) PLEDGES

Cadet Life

Athletics Operational Support

$14.5 (29%) PLANNED GIFTS

Center for Leadership and Ethics

$11,815,396 $5,110,330 $1,111,080 $686,500 $754,750 $123,570 $447,648 $919,086 5

VMI Museums

CADETS RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

The generosity of the VMI family—past and present— touches the lives of hundreds of cadets every year. One way it does so is through full and partial scholarships. In Fiscal Year 2022, hundreds of cadets again received full and partial scholarships of all types.

$15.6 (31%) (in millions of $) MERIT (102) ATHLETIC (295) NEED AND NON-NEED BASED (523) 2023-Issue 1 55

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Hundreds of thousands of dollars raised annually for scholarship and faculty support

Exceptional futures for cadets are at the core of VMI’s constant pursuit of excellence in the academic program. Private support provides funding for critical elements of VMI academics, and it is the ever-present undergirding for undergraduate research. Through the impact of private donations, the Institute maintains close student-to-faculty relationships, provides remarkable opportunities for research, employs award-winning professors, and offers a robust classroom experience. In addition, private support supplies a well-deserved increase in faculty salaries and development advancements,

program, provides everything from necessities to innovation. It has built the Institute’s reputation among its peers and nationally: Today, VMI ranks No. 4 in top public schools by U.S. News, No. 5 in Money Magazine’s 2022 Best Colleges list, and No. 42 among liberal arts colleges nationwide in Washington Monthly. A few examples of how your support underpins VMI’s reputation as a valuable investment for cadets:

4 No. TOP PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY U.S. NEWS

Scholarships

• Across the nation, students and their families are taking a close look at the cost of higher education as tuition and student loans rise. Scholarships help connect VMI with strong students who many not otherwise be able to attend the Institute, and they help secure top candidates in a highly competitive recruitment field.

• Private support funds opportunities for 83% of cadets who receive a form of scholarship and/or financial aid.

• Alumni as young as the Class of 2020 are choosing to give back to VMI, knowing the advantages they received from their academic experience.

Student Success and Academic Rigor

In the 2021 fall semester:

In the past academic year, Col. Greg Topasna, Ph.D., was recognized for his outstanding work in astronomy. Topasna is the Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury Chair for Academic Excellence. His chair is funded by the General J.H. Binford Peay III 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence.—Photo by Molly Rolon, VMI Alumni Agencies.

and it makes it possible for cadets to travel to conferences and present their work, among many other opportunities.

VMI’s coordinated strategy, which moves private funding throughout the academic

• VMI supported academic rigor and opportunity by employing awardwinning professors who perform exceptional research. Cadets received individual access to instructors and their expertise—96.6% of whom have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field.

• At a time when many universities and colleges are increasing class size to offset higher costs, VMI stands out in maintaining close student-to-faculty ratios of 10:1. Cadets are never just a statistic in large classrooms; every class has opportunity for mentorship and education.

• The Institute’s employment rate is a remarkable 98% within five months of graduation.

5No. BEST COLLEGES BY MONEY MAGAZINE

• Institute Merit Scholarships encourage academic excellence and ensure success through a series of added-value education experiences, such as special projects, VIP engagements, and group discussion.

Research Opportunities

• VMI offers undergraduate research as well as the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute to provide a wide variety of research opportunities in science, engineering, and the humanities.

• SURI, for example, is a 5–10-week funded experience in which cadets are

paired with a faculty mentor and given the opportunity to be the principal investigator in their field of research.

• Cadets utilize quality equipment and facilities usually only found at R-1 research institutes rather than small schools.

Academic Support

• Miller Academic Center: Provides workshops and group study sessions to support cadets.

• Math Resource Center: Gives free math studies aid.

• Writing Center: Supports a full range of writing activities for all levels and disciplines.

VMI’s commitment to academic excellence would not be possible without the partnership and support of private donors. This is evidenced by impressive outcomes and data points. In the 2020–21 academic year, the Institute’s

student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 fostered unparalleled student interaction, mentorship, and engagement. The success of the academic program is proven by its post-graduation employment rate

42 No.

LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES BY WASHINGTON MONTHLY

of 98%. VMI is first an academic college while also being situated within a unique educational structure designed to train up leaders. VMI could not offer the rigor and cutting-edge opportunities for cadets and faculty without private support. Private support is critical toVMI’s position in higher education.

of VMI instructors have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field.

96.6% 10:1

VMI maintains close studentto-faculty ratios of

The Institute’s employment rate is a remarkable

98% within five months of graduation.

At VMI, athletes aren’t just athletes. They’re cadet-athletes. And the word “cadet” comes first for a reason. Athletes, like all cadets, come to VMI to earn a degree and receive a unique education. They work extra hours to fit in Corps-related tasks, schoolwork, and practices. VMI’s cadet-athletes compete at the highest level—Division I. Their plates are full, and their loads are heavy. VMI provides robust support for these young men and women.

Scholarship Support

The Keydet Club provided $5.5 million in scholarship funding for FY 2022, including 14 newly established scholarships.

Coach and Operations Support

The Keydet Club raised $7,746,459 in FY22. This is the highest amount raised in the past five years. These dollars allow the Keydet Club to support athletic operations. Two coaches’ compensation funds also kicked off in FY22: One solely dedicated to football, and one supporting the remaining Keydet teams.

Academic Support

Academic support assists cadets in reaching academic, career, military, and life goals. In addition to the Miller Academic Center, the Math Resource Center, and the Writing Center, all cadet-athletes have access to dedicated tutoring services and learn to take ownership of their education. FY22’s 64% cadet-athlete retention rate is the second highest in the past five years.

Academic Honors

Over 30% of VMI’s cadet-athletes earned spots on the Southern Conference 2021–22 Academic Honor Roll. Of the 179, 40 had 3.8 or above GPAs, and 21 had a perfect 4.0.

Leaders First

Cadet-athletes take advantage of VMI’s myriad leadership opportunities. This year, two of the more visible cadet-athlete leaders include Herbert Brooks ’23, 1st Battalion commander,

$5.5M

track and field, and London Yerasimides ’22, Company F commander, swim and dive.

VMI’s 18 NCAA Division I teams always compete to win. While the outcomes of their competitions are impossible to foretell, the outcomes of their cadet-athlete experiences are certain. When cadet-athletes embrace the VMI experience, what they learn results in successful futures, sometimes for generations. Ron Carter ’78, star Keydet basketball player, came to VMI from a tough Pittsburgh neighborhood. VMI positively affected his own life and that of his children (and their spouses), who all hold at least one college degree.

“VMI shaped my life, career, character, and future in so many amazing and unforeseeable ways that merely saying thank you to VMI feels like a grossly inadequate expression of my immense gratitude,” said Carter, speaking at the 2022 Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet. “Becoming a Keydet athlete and graduating is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

>30% OF CADETS EARNED SPOTS ON ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL GO BIG RED!

VMI shaped my life, career, character, and future in so many amazing and unforeseeable ways that merely saying thank you to VMI feels like a grossly inadequate expression of my immense gratitude.—Ron Carter ’78

At VMI, leadership opportunities abound. This year, the Corps returned to three battalions to offer even more involvement. From room orderlies and section marchers to regimental staff and battalion officers, the Institute offers a wealth of positions and experiences to cadets. In the Rat Line and 4th Class year, new cadets learn to lead themselves and to follow. 3rd Class cadets begin influencing others, with some junior positions. 2nd Class cadets lead within the Corps, and 1st Class cadets hold command positions.

Being in charge is lonely, and it isn’t easy. At VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics, cadets get a head start. For the young men and women who choose to attend, the Institute is a cumulative leadership and character-building laboratory. Three separate approaches—cadet co-curricular programs, leader development programs and workshops, and strategic engagement programs—work together to build

ethical leaders for the future.

Co-curricular Programs

Co-curricular programs include the cadet book club; cadet leadership enrichment opportunities, which enable cadet participation in external conferences and symposia; and the cadet ethics team, which beat out federal service academies to win the 2021 Military Ethics Case Competition.

Leader Development Training

Each year, the CLE trains and utilizes cadets as conference discussion facilitators. The training gives cadets marketable skills in collaborative work and decision making.

Strategic Engagement

The conferences and speakers the CLE hosts give cadets a front-row seat to interact with leaders and impact-makers. This past year,

cadets heard from and talked with a Medal of Honor winner, CIA and FBI veterans, and a Marine special operator. Each year, the Leader-in-Residence program brings a person with a distinguished military or civilian reputation to speak with cadets on post. Cadets have a chance to talk with the Leader-in-Residence—this year’s was retired Army Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham—in many settings, including classrooms, barracks, at club sports, and meals.

The training and opportunities available through the CLE, and funded with your help, expose VMI cadets to a wealth of leadership and training opportunities found almost nowhere else in the world. Cadets learn from others, they are challenged by peers, and they develop skills to intelligently defend their views while cordially keeping an open mind to new information and other views. Truly, this little school in the Virginia mountains is where future leaders are prepared.

Each year, the Leader-in-Residence program brings a person with a distinguished military or civilian reputation to VMI to speak with cadets. Cadets have a chance to talk with the Leader-in-Residence—this year’s was retired Army Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham—in many settings, including classrooms, barracks, at club sports, and meals.

Johnson ’79 Named Alumni Association COO

Edward A. “Ed” Johnson ’79 was named VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer in October 2022. He began his post in November 2022. Johnson served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years as a nuclear-trained submarine officer and spent 16 years as a federal civilian employee. During Johnson’s Navy career, he served as assistant professor of joint military operations at the Air War College, as well as deputy commander for training Submarine Squadron 6 in Norfolk, Virginia. He retired from the Navy in 2006 at the rank of captain.

Johnson graduated with distinction from VMI in 1979, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He earned his Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Air War College in 2000. Upon graduation, he commissioned in the Navy as an ensign and commenced nuclear power and submarine officer training. Johnson served at sea on ballistic missile and attack submarines and commanded Navy Recruiting District, Columbus, Ohio. One of his career highlights was participating in an under-ice ranging exercise while embarked on HMS Tireless, including a U.S./U.K. surfacing at the North Pole.

Johnson has served on the Keydet Club Board of Governors since 2013. He most recently served as vice president for nominations and awards. He recently developed detailed procedures for onboarding new members, ensuring their seamless integration into the organizations.

As chief operating officer, Johnson will be responsible for the direction of a comprehensive, self-governed Alumni Association of nearly 26,000 graduates. Johnson reports to David Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer, and also provides support to Anthony Moore ’78, VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors president. Moore stated, “It was a pleasure to work with David and the team to choose the new Alumni Association chief operating officer. I look forward to working with Ed to serve VMI alumni.”

Johnson will also oversee Alumni Association programs and staff to ensure they meet the goals and objectives of the Association’s strategic plan as it aligns with the VMI Alumni Agencies. In this position, he will work collaboratively with Institute leadership, VMI athletics, and across

the VMI Alumni Agencies to develop and execute programs that benefit the VMI alumni network, fundraising efforts, the Corps of Cadets, and VMI mission.

“Ed has done tremendous work as a member and leader of the Keydet Club Board of Governors over the years. Combined with his vast work experience, he brings a unique set of talents to this position that will help him serve our alumni well,” said Prasnicki.

The hiring process for the new Alumni Association chief operating officer began Aug. 15, when an email to alumni from Prasnicki announced the resignation of Thomas A. “Thom” Brashears ’95, who left the post to pursue another opportunity.

“Thom will be greatly missed here,” Prasnicki wrote in the email. “His support of the VMI Alumni Association, the staff of the Alumni Agencies, the Institute, and the Corps of Cadets for almost six years demonstrated a level of strength and commitment that served us well. I am grateful for his service and his leadership.”

In that email, Prasnicki invited alumni to apply for the position of chief operating officer if they were interested in doing so. A position description was included in the email, and prospective applicants were instructed to apply by Sept. 1 with a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and a list of all Alumni Agencies-sponsored events they had attended in the past three years.

“I have every confidence that our search process will ensure the perfect fit for this important role,” wrote Prasnicki. “It is important we have a broad pool of prospects for a successful search.”

Next, Prasnicki formed a committee made up of members of the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors to help him review the applications received and select the best candidates to interview. Scheduling conflicts slightly slowed the interview process, but in the end, Prasnicki and the other committee members selected the candidate they felt was best suited to the position.

“We were pleased with the number and the quality of those who applied,” said Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer and interim VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer.

Class Notes

1942

peppered with shrapnel while he was sleeping. In case you were wondering, he kept a chunk of that shrapnel, and it’s now chrome plated.

Col. Patton also shared several highlights of his career. The first was about his group commander time in Vietnam. He commanded, among others, a squadron of AC-47 “Spooky” gunships. They were known by ground troops for their invaluable close air support and suppressive fire. In 1945,

VMI degree as a practicing civil engineer in the state of Virginia. However, his return to civilian life did not last long. In 1948, he found his way back to the military as a military science instructor/tactical officer at VMI. Following his instructor time, Col. Patton returned to the newly formed U.S. Air Force as a pilot to finish out his career.

I hope these notes find you well. Col. Patton is doing well; his last few months have been filled with visitors and big events! He celebrated his 101st birthday Sept. 14. A few days before, Dave Northcraft ’73 made a visit to Col. Patton in his Kansas senior living apartment. They spent the day together and chatted about much of Col. Patton’s life. In addition, this quarter, I received several photos that Mr. Northcraft was able to gather.

To begin, Dave Northcraft’s visit was a time for him to hear from the pilot himself. Col. Patton flew over 30 different aircraft between 1942–71, including the P-51C Mustang, the F-100 Super Sabre fighter jet, F-102 Delta Dagger interceptor, and F-4 Phantom II fighter bomber. With so many aircraft flown, each more technologically advanced than the last, you might be surprised to learn that Col. Patton never flew a combat mission in an aircraft with multiple engines. Perhaps most amazing, Col. Patton never got hurt. The closest danger he encountered was a 122mm rocket. In a night attack, his tent was

Col. Patton made the calculated decision to take a break from serving in what was then the U.S. Army Air Forces. From 1945–47, he utilized his

While discussing his instructor time at VMI, Col. Patton reminisced about the time he “ran the block” to see Patsy at Randolph Macon College. While he certainly was an exemplary Airman, always earning either outstanding or absolutely superior ratings, I’m not sure the TAC officers or commandant staff of his day would say the same of Cadet Patton. (Smile.)

Lastly, one of Col. Patton’s most recent adventures was his 2019 trip to Whiteman Air Force Base. When he visited the 442nd A-10C Fighter Wing, he had the honor of administering the oath of enlistment to the wing’s newest recruit. Col. Patton thoroughly enjoyed his time on the base, where he was able to meet with several squadrons and many of the pilots. I know that he was an inspiration to all.

Best wishes for a holiday season filled with family and friends. More to come in 2023!

1944

The sole surviving member of the Class of 1944, Robert “Bob” Smothers, extends congratulations to the newest class in barracks upon their Breakout. Eighty-two years ago, Bob and his classmates broke out, albeit under very different circumstances.

Shortly after I submit these notes, Bob will celebrate his 100th birthday. Friends and family able to attend will “dance and raise a glass with cheers” in San Diego to honor Bob and his 100 well-lived years. I hope to have photos of the occasion for the next round of notes. Until that time, the Alumni Agencies and VMI as a whole wish Bob the very best. To quote Bob, as a journalist went over his life events, “So far, so good.”

Unfortunately, I learned that Katherine Crane, widow of George Crane Jr., passed away in July 2022 in Weatherford, Texas. She was 93. She will

remembered to take pictures for me to share here. It’s been a quiet period from the other members of 1945, but I’m hoping they are doing well and had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lastly, I wanted to again call out a couple of members I’ve been unable to reach, and perhaps the VMI community could help track them down. They are Robert G. Moore and James W. Tinsley. I’d love to hear from them or their family or friends and get an update if possible.

1946

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1946.

1947

days earlier. A day before entering Munich, the 45th came upon the Dachau prison camp. They wiped out the guards and released thousands of badly treated prisoners. The world became aware of the German atrocities. Likely, the veteran soldiers made replacements like Jim well aware of what happened shortly before they arrived. Jim did take part in the rehabilitation of Munich. He developed a strong love of German beer and the song sung by the veteran soldier, “Lili Marleen.”

After his World War II service, Jim returned to VMI. He chose Air Force ROTC and a liberal arts curriculum, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s in English. He was in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and worked at NSA. After five years, he returned to VMI and worked for the VMI Foundation. Jim then received a call from the Lord and entered the seminary at Sewanee. After graduation, he was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church June 28, 1960. As a military chaplain, Jim returned to active duty in the U.S. Air Force.

He served in Vietnam, Germany, and Arlington National Cemetery. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. He and his cat, Prince, settled in Northern Virginia.

be remembered for, among other things, her love of gardening, travel, and spending time with her family and friends. While I did not get the chance to know her, she seems to have been a wonderful lady who will be truly missed.

That’s all for now. As always, I remain available for the friends and family of 1944.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1947.

1948B

I remember Jim sending Christmas cards to all his brother rats every year. Jim and I attended several ’48B reunions together. I believe at the 60th Reunion, a brother rat placed our class picture on the table for everyone to see. I saw Jim examining the picture and then announcing, “I can’t find me in the picture.” I said, “Of course, you are in the picture. Let me help you.” I went over the picture thoroughly but could not find Jim. We were surprised and confused. Later, I realized that Jim had left after the first semester. Our class picture was taken early in our second semester. Jim, Doug Hamner, George Ramsey, and I attended the ’48B 70th Reunion in 2018. I reported our activities in the 2018-Issue 1945

The Class of 1945 wishes the Class of 2026 the very best after the significant milestone of their Breakout.

Douglas G. Lindsey celebrated his 98th birthday in September. His family had a small gathering for a special dinner in Alexandria, Virginia, which included Lindsey’s granddaughter, who flew in from Colorado for the special occasion. In an earlier edition of the Alumni Review, I mentioned that Bob walked her down the aisle at her wedding in summer 2021. Apparently, it was a very good time, so much so that no one

Brother Rats, Warren Leister, Jim Warrington’s nephew, informed me that Jim passed away Aug. 17, 2022, at Goodwin House in Northern Virginia. He was 95, a week or so short of 96 years old. He came to VMI in June 1944 from Arlington, Virginia. I knew him well. We were in the same drill squad and later, the same platoon in Company B. We had several classes together. Jim left VMI after completing our first semester in January 1945. He was drafted into the Army, trained, and sent to Europe as a replacement. Warren Leister reported he arrived in Munich “immediately after the German surrender” May 7, 1945. Likely, he was assigned as a replacement to the 45th Infantry Division, which had captured Munich a few

Class notes

3 VMI Alumni Review. After our class dinner, we were bussed back to our motel. During the ride, Jim entertained us by singing “Lili Marleen” in German. As the four of us entered the motel, we agreed to meet for breakfast the next morning before making the trip home. George, Doug, and I met for breakfast, but Jim did not show up. We assumed that Jim left early to care for his cat, Prince. Over the next several months, I tried to contact Jim without success. Several months later, I heard from Jim’s nephew, Warren Leister, that on his way home from the ’48B 70th Reunion, Jim suffered a complete breakdown and was now in a nursing home. Warren reported that Jim was clear-headed at times and incoherent at other times. He loved VMI and received a VMI T-shirt on his 94th birthday. Jim’s cat, Prince, passed away a few weeks before Jim did. Farewell to another great ’48B.

George Ramsey and I had a great talk. He said he would stay in their house for at least a year after Harriet’s passing. Several family members live nearby and bring food and give help when needed. His faithful golden retriever lives with him. I believe George told me his name, but I don’t remember. I told him that my constant companion was my small 13-inch beagle whose name is Littledog. George is in good health but misses Harriet a lot. He plans to attend the VMI program on Founders Day.

Rod Kallgren and I had a short talk. When he tried to get a booster shot, he tested positive for COVID-19. He had no symptoms and never felt bad. Unfortunately, he was quarantined at his assisted living community for an extended period.

Angus Crook rented an apartment. They sold their house, and he and Nancy plan to move into the apartment by year’s end. Angus went to the apartment to check out a few things. He fell and broke his hip. Angus was in the hospital for over two weeks and in rehab for three weeks. He seems all right now, and he and Nancy have resumed their moving activities. Angus reported receiving an invitation from VMI to attend the ’48B 75th Reunion.

Attempts to contact Charles Brown, Lou Castellano, and Al Loth were unsuccessful.

Brother rats, hang in there!

1949A

1949B

Ding Patton

These notes cover the period from Aug. 15–Nov. 15, 2022.

Joe Spitler sent an email inquiring about the conditions of the Corps and the Institute. He said Gen. Kilbourne ’894 knew how to bring out the best in us, and he is glad to have attended VMI when we did. Joe and Shirley are living comfortably in Tucson.

Nux Enochs plans to attend the Institute Society Dinner on Founders Day, Nov. 11. He says the Class of ’49B should be represented at this celebration. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay ’62, VMI’s 14th superintendent, will be honored for his many years of service to our country and the Institute at ceremonies that day. When I last spoke with Nux, he was in an airport in Chicago waiting to board a flight to Iceland. Keep moving, Nux; many of us can’t travel anymore.

I called Greg Nelson, who reports that he and Kitty are doing well for their ages. Greg’s hobby is working at the retirement home woodshop. He no longer makes furniture but does make small knick-knacks and donates them for sale at the Westminster-Canterbury craft shop where Kitty volunteers. Greg and Kitty love living at that retirement home, and he said the employees there take very good care of everyone. Greg asked about the timing of our 75th Reunion, which according to the schedule is to be April 2024. I hope all of the living brother and sister rats can be there.

I recently attended the retirement ceremony of my son, Jim, at the Pentagon, which was held at the Hall of Heroes. I know that most of you who served in the military probably are familiar with this site, but for me, it was very inspiring because of its connection to all of the Medal of Honor recipients. Everyone who has earned the Medal of Honor is listed on panels on the walls. I found two names that I was familiar with: General Kilbourne ’894 and Edward Schowalter ’51. I was honored to be in a place dedicated to these heroes.

Tom Altizer, Braxton Green ’50B, and I had our annual lunch. Tom’s condo building in Florida suffered extensive damage from the hurricane that devastated Fort Myers, with 4 feet of water on the first floor. Tom’s unit is on the third floor and suffered no significant damage. He is letting one of his neighbors use the apartment while his property is being repaired, so Tom is not sure he

will get to Florida this winter.

As you can see, there is not much to report. It is easier to prepare class notes if I hear from some of you guys or gals. Give me a call with some news.

God Bless the USA, VMI, and ’49B. In the Spirit, Ding

1949C

Haywood France

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1949C is no longer submitting notes. Haywood France remains the point of contact for the class.

1950A

Garrett Smith ’20

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1950A.

1950B

Robert F. Lynd

As I begin this edition of our class notes, Hurricane Ian has wreaked havoc on Southwest Florida. This was of particular interest to me since Nancy and I have been going to Sanibel Island for a few months in the fall/winter for over 30 years, ending our trips there just before the COVID-19 shutdowns. The cottages where we stayed are completely gone. The only land access to the island, the causeway, was cut in five places, but remarkably, with Herculean effort, it has been reopened. The flooding and the concomitant rain wetting the insides of the houses and other structures will cause mold to develop. Appliances are ruined. For example, I know a fisherman who had a freezer full of fish. When the power went

Class Notes

off, so did the freezer, and all the fish rotted in it. A total throwaway. However, in spite of all the damage to Sanibel, the first priority for the state should probably be Fort Myers Beach, which was almost totally destroyed. I hope that none of you who live in or visited Florida suffered such severe damage.

I received a phone call from Betty Chegin wishing me a happy birthday. She and I exchange such messages at Christmas, also. Lee Chegin was one of my roommates for three years. She’s had some problems lately and, like most of us, is having issues with arthritis, but she’s very happy where she’s living in a seniors’ residence in San Antonio. One of her friends there is John Thompson ’59. She gave me some info on where she and Lee traveled during his time in the Army. They met and married in France when Lee was stationed there as an engineer captain. (Who knew the Army had companies of engineers stationed in France in the mid-1950s?) He was there for three years, and their eldest child, a daughter, was born in France. At another time, Lee was assigned to the Military Advisory Group in Taiwan. Betty said Lee went to language school to learn Mandarin Chinese but had a really hard time with it. They had an occasion to meet Chiang Kaishek. They had a son born while stationed there. Lee also spent a good many years in the Pentagon. It was good to catch up with Betty and note that we both were still getting along, even though we do so a bit slower than we used to.

I was concerned that some of you might have missed the Alumni Agencies’ article about the statue of Stonewall Jackson and its new location at the New Market Museum. So, I sent out an email with the photo from that article. I thought that might generate some responses. I did get a tiny bit of feedback.

At least I’ve been able to count on two “inputers” who are Tommy Kirk and Randy Trappey Even though they think they have nothing to say, they write to tell me that!

Steve Abramedis called to say hello. He says he’s taken a fall and dislocated his shoulder. He can put it back in the socket, but all the tendons are torn. He can’t do anything about it, so he’s trying to learn to live with it. This injury, along with his continuing back problems, don’t make for happy times. He does have a caretaker round the clock, who he likes very much. She is a good alternative to moving into an assisted living site. He uses a walker when he’s out but only a cane in the house. He probably should use the walker all the time for balance and to help in preventing falls. He’s also having telephone problems. He initially called when I was out. When I tried to call back, I couldn’t get through. So, after a couple of days, Steve called me, and we got together. He told me he gets a lot of robot calls and had

his phone set to reject any unrecognized number. But, something has gone wrong, and much of the time, even a known caller is cut off. He has someone coming in to fix the problem, but at the moment, if one wants to talk to him, Steve has to make the outgoing call. Bear this in mind if you’re trying to get in touch with him.

Jane Smallwood dropped me a quick note to say she’s still kicking—not literally—at 94. She is very good about keeping me advised that she is still with us.

Tommy Kirk says they just returned home after two months up in the Arizona mountains in a town named Show Low. They’ve canceled all plans for any fall trips. He says they’re just getting too old to spend a lot of time behind the wheel and are already sick of air travel and hanging around waiting at gates for late planes. He’s not complaining, but life, golf community, and friends add up to staying at home.

Tommy continues to make a few talks to civic groups when asked and enjoys that very much. There is a big annual Arizona Military Hall of Fame new member induction in October to attend and a few other dinners. He says life is all quite simple now. Both he and Ann are still in good health, and they feel truly blessed. But he has always been so active that he now feels like a slug. He only golfs two to three days and goes to the gym four to five days every week. What! Golf and gym every week! That’s no slug at this age.

This year, VMI celebrated the 25th anniversary of the introduction of women into the Corps of Cadets. My, how time flies. You may recall, back in 1996–97, there was a national movement afoot to integrate women into VMI and The Citadel. Women in the Corps was unthinkable to many,

many alumni in both institutions. By that time, the federal military academies had been integrated, and the thinking in Washington, D.C., was that it was high time for these state military institutions to also integrate. Lawsuits were flying around. VMI came under extreme pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg to integrate immediately. However, Lt. Gen. Josiah “Si” Bunting III ’63, then-VMI superintendent, said the Institute would take its time and study the issue so that integration would go as smoothly as possible. And the integration did go smoothly. Thirty young ladies joined the Corps as rats without any major incident. Today, women at VMI are regular members of the Corps. As a prime example, last year’s regimental commander was a young lady, Kasey Meredith ’22

With all of this in my memory, I was surprised to receive a newspaper clipping from Jack Lyons which related to the introduction of females. It was a rather humorous article from the Aug. 21, 1997, edition of The Washington Times newspaper. The headline read “30 Dead Rodents Left by Prankster.” Earlier in the day when females matriculated, some wags dumped 30 dead white laboratory rats on the Parade Ground next to a white towel on which they had written, “Save the males.” As the day wore on, it was determined that some students from Washington and Lee had perpetrated the prank. Further investigation revealed that two days before, a W&L student in the psychology department was supposed to take 100 dead rats to the incinerator. Instead, he froze the rats and was planning to play a trick on a fellow student. But someone stole his rats and left them at VMI. Of course, once the source of the prank was discovered, the president of W&L called Si Bunting to apologize for what he described as a “vulgar prank.” The VMI superintendent replied, in a characteristically reasoned comment, “I would not connect it with Washington & Lee but with a few very immature young men. ... Whenever you want to insult somebody, you should consider very carefully how you go about it.” Jack also included a photo from The New York Times Sunday, Aug. 24, 1997, showing four cadets, who were probably 3rd Class cadets, as one was a corporal, surrounding and shouting at a small, young female. Sound familiar? It goes to show that the females were treated just about the same as the males.

Carole Sue Coupland sent me a note in late October to say she and Dick have 11 grandchildren. One has graduated from college, five are currently in college, and five are in high school. She thinks all are doing super. In late February, first week of March 2023, she plans to make her annual trip to her time slot villa (read Caribbean seaside

condo) in Cancun, Mexico, with some friends. I’ll be anxious to hear how that turns out.

I asked Randy Trappey if he had any more news as to what was happening regarding the development of his family’s old plant and grounds. He said the development company is negotiating with the City of Lafayette to buy back a portion of the property which a previous owner purchased years back. They have first refusal once an established price is negotiated. Hopefully, this will occur before early next year, as they estimated a year at the most. The wheels grind slowly, impeded by a lot of bureaucratic red tape—my words, not Randy’s.

I had a long phone conversation with Jones Felvey shortly before this article’s due date. He was calling to tell me he and his wife Connie are having their 66th wedding anniversary Nov. 24. Jones lives in Kilmarnock, Virginia, in a place overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. He invites any brother rats or their children in the area to come and visit him. He’s having problems with his internet, so email is out. The telephone is the best choice. If you ask, I can give you his phone number. He says he’s had a wonderful life, works out three days a week and is just starting a yoga class.

I asked Jones what he had done over the years.

He said he spent 47 years in Texas. He went there after his stint in the Army, and because he was an entrepreneur, he started up a paper mill in Forney, Texas, north of Dallas. He took out loans and bought some old machinery, found a plant location, and started up. He eventually had two mills and handled 56,000 tons of paper a month. He had 346 employees and said, “They were the greatest bunch of guys that people could ever know.” The plants are still running, and Jones goes down there every so often. He is still keeping busy and has just filed for a patent for the separation of fiber from plastic and says this is the first time to have recovered a waste product. He’s found a way to break it down and this will be announced within the next 30 days. He has people in place to set up a plant and figures it will take about two years to design the equipment. He will sell the patents to people like waste management and International Paper. They will bid on it conforming to the guidelines of a very specific contract. They will pay for it by donating to charity and then receive the credit for such donations. He says he’s not getting anything out of it.

VMI is close to his heart because the mantra “don’t lie, cheat, or steal” is so fundamental to the values of existence. He formed his company on that basis. Jones seems to be very happy with himself and his existence. It was a most enjoyable 50-minute conversation.

Jones asked me how many brother rats were still with us. So, I thought everyone would like to know some little factoids. From the best information I have available, there are 32 of us still on this earth as of mid-November. That’s almost 10% of our matriculation number! Agewise, we are about half 94 and half 93 years old. We do have a 92- and a 91-year-old. I’m happy to report that for this quarter, Aug. 15–Nov. 15, 2022, we have no reported deaths. I think these statistics are remarkable. Must have been the cod liver oil, spinach, Ovaltine, and all that other good stuff our mothers pumped into us.

Julia Woodman had an interesting story to tell. As a young teenager, she was living on a farm west of Asheville, North Carolina. Her father had ordered 200 green hams from Iowa to cure and give as Christmas presents to friends and co-workers. En route to pick up the hams, he was in a car accident and killed. Her 14-yearold brother had the curing recipe, and he and his father’s friends picked up the hams and cured them. Her mother sold the hams for $1.20 per pound. The proceeds were enough to send her and her brother to college. College cost a lot less in those days than now.

Jim Flippen rang me, and we had a good long chat. He is now in assisted living with his wife, Nancy, who is in a separate wing. He had a really

bad bout with COVID-19 early this year. Then he had shingles followed by getting a new heart valve. He says all that’s over, though he may get a pacemaker. He says he is mentally OK and can balance his checkbook. He goes to the in-house gym and uses the machines to build back his strength. Jim’s fortunate to have a daughter living nearby. He doesn’t drive anymore and gave his car to his daughter with the understanding that she would take him whenever and wherever he wants to go. He goes to lunch with her and her husband regularly and takes Nancy on weekends.

Jim was a tennis player and played almost every afternoon after work. We compared joint replacements. He had a knee replacement about 20 years ago. But the big one was an ankle replacement about 15 years ago. I’ve never talked to anyone with that replacement, so he explained it. He’d had a bad sprain playing tennis, and when arthritis set in, the pain was so bad he couldn’t walk across the floor. The surgeon severed the foot from the leg, cored the foot, and put a metal rod into the length of the foot and then into the shin. He then sewed the foot back on. Jim says it took about six months to recover. But he can walk now, though he no longer plays tennis.

Jim grew up with Tommy Harwood, both from Crewe, Virginia. They went to high school together, entered VMI together, and roomed together. They remained good friends until the end. Tommy was on the VMI baseball team our rat year and was permitted to stay in his room during step-offs. Jim remembers putting Tommy in his hay with blankets hanging over the side and Jim sleeping on the floor under his bed so he didn’t have to go out on the step-off.

In closing our call, Jim noted he had no children who attended VMI, but both of his sons and four grandchildren went to Washington and Lee. So, he had a relationship with W&L almost like VMI.

As I close this issue, the so-called mid-term elections have concluded (thank goodness), resulting in some folks being happy and some depressed. Did “we” win or lose? I don’t know about where you are, but here in New Mexico we were “redistricted” last year, and my county wound up in three separate congressional districts. Can you believe that? At any rate, it’s over for now—at least for another two years. However, I fully expect to continue to be bombarded with political ads in the meantime. It just never seems to end. But I must end.

When you are reading this in February, it’ll be the middle of winter. I hope that those of you in the colder climes have had the necessary heating.

Rah Virginia Mil!

¡Hasta la próxima vez!

I again want to thank you for your very kind words. The Class of ’51 might be small, but you all make sure I have something to report. My husband, Jigger Baxley, always said you were the best; thanks. This column was written Nov. 10.

First, I want to thank Mary Price from the Alumni Agencies for finding the picture you see in this column.

I was notified of the death of Bob P. White He only spent four months at VMI. He was from Martinsville, Virginia.

Jake Wamsley, in his news, said the class had two Bob Whites in the class. Bob B. White from Norfolk graduated in chemistry. Jake reported he had no news to report but that he was still vertical and taking nourishment in an assisted living facility located right at the foot of Stone Mountain, just outside of Atlanta. His family lives nearby. They spoil him unmercifully, and he enjoys every minute of it.

Bounce Carstens and his roommate, Jim Enochs, planned to go to the VMI versus Samford game Nov. 5 in Birmingham.

Hobart Richey writes he is shuttling between the homes of his children.

Nancy Hill wrote and reported she moved to an independent living facility near where she grew up in Chesterfield.

As for me, I went on a cruise for a week down the Tennessee River in August—just beautiful. Thanks again for letting me be a small part of this great class.

of maintaining contact with the class, mailing Christmas cards and birthday cards, and submitting quarterly class notes to VMI for the current issue of the Alumni Review.

I am no longer able to continue as the class agent for ’52 because both Lucette and I are in failing health to the degree that we need help daily with cooking and maintenance.

Jim Wiley writes: “What can I say except a heartfelt thank you for your leadership and guidance as our class agent for so many years. I have so enjoyed your comments in the Alumni Review, which have done much to continue to keep

George Hutter passed away peacefully at Westminster Canterbury Aug. 24, 2022, at the age of 96.George was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, April 7, 1926, to Ferdinand Lee and Janie Cunningham Hutter. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Mary Porter; daughters, Allie Hutter Fitchett (Ken) and Shirley Hutter Hayes (Clay); and grandchildren, Paxton Fitchett, Megan Shaver (Craig), Kelsey Fort (Chuck); Will Hayes (Elisabeth), Christian Hayes (Amanda) and Allie Paige Hayes. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

It has been an honor and privilege to represent you for the past 20 years.

Mary Price, daughter of Jack Lanford, has agreed to take over the activities, which consist

us together as true brother rats.

“You mentioned that you and Lucette were ‘slowing down.’ Carole and I are in the same boat, and it’s a day-to-day situation. I’m afraid to take on any additional responsibilities as much as I would like to. I truly don’t know anyone who can replace you.

“Please pray for Carole and me. And we will do the same for you both. Your Brother Rat Forever, Jim Wiley.”

Charlie Hogg writes: “Hello, Jim, we owe you our sincere thanks for all the years you have served our class so faithfully. If I thought I would have the time to do the job, I’d volunteer, but I’d be kidding myself and our class. I am so sorry that both of you are having health issues, and I wish you God’s blessing in that and every regard. Sincerely, Charlie.”

Vann Boudreaux writes from Baton Rouge that he is still jogging. “Never thought I’d last this long. Still enjoying life. No storms yet. The Atlanta weather seems to be behaving. Might be possible we’ll miss the hurricanes this year.”

George was born in and grew up at his historic ancestral home, Sandusky, a dairy farm. He rose at 4 a.m. each day to milk the cows, regardless of the weather and even on school days. Farm life helped shape him into a man of devotion and hard work. A graduate of E.C. Glass High School, George earned a bachelor’s in history from VMI in 1952 after serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following VMI, George made a career working for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia for 35 years. He retired in 1988 as area manager of the central region. During his tenure with C&P, George and his family lived in various cities in Virginia and in Charleston, West Virginia, where he developed a love for tennis, a sport he continued to play well into his 80s. He was a member of a Friday morning men’s Bible study for many years, which became a source of wonderful fellowship and biblical study for him. George was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was known for his gentle spirit. He taught his children and grandchildren many lessons, including the importance of exercise and compounded interest, and passed down his love of ice cream and sweets. His family is eternally grateful for his life, his love, and for the examples of generosity, integrity, devotion, and selflessness he modeled for us. A funeral service was held at Gayton Road Christian Church, Church of the Incarnation, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Jim Wiley wrote: “Jim, just got home from Foot’s funeral. Truly beautiful and appropriate. His family seems to be doing well. I was the only brother rat there. But I did talk for a while with Barbara Wellford. We had [about] 15 from Richmond in our class. I realized I might be the only one still around. If there are others, please let me know. Again, thanks for all you do and have done for ’52 for so many years. Warmest Personal Regards, Jim.”

Class notes

Sharon Piper, Charlie Piper’s widow, called to catch up on the success of our reunion. She has recently been on a 13-day trip to Alaska through the Inside Passage with her sister, who had not been to Alaska before. Sharon has been there twice in July and August, always with lots of rain. We discussed and solved all the world’s problems! Sharon has problems with her back, as I do, so she is slowing down. It seems to come with age.

Hugh Ruhsam passed away Oct. 4, 2022, from causes incident to age. He was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Jan. 1, 1929, to Erwin and Josephine Ruhsam. He spent his childhood and early years in Minnesota before attending Virginia Military Institute and entering service in the U.S. Air Force. Col. Ruhsam was a distinguished and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was a jet fighter pilot assigned as an adviser to the Vietnamese Air Force. He underwent pilot training after graduating from VMI and received his pilot’s wings in 1953, then went on to advanced fighter training in the F-86 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He became a command pilot and was rated in many fighter aircraft, including the F-80, F-86, F-84, F-100, F-4, and F-5. Greece. Retiring from the Air Force in April 1979, he then became director of sales and marketing for Europe and the Middle East at Jetway Systems. While with Jetway, he was responsible for selling aircraft ground support to various airports in the U.K., Europe, and the Middle East. Being a member of the Royal Air Force Club, located near Green Park, London, he spent many enjoyable days in that city while on projects in the U.K. During his 20 years with Jetway, he traveled frequently to numerous countries—from Iceland to Saudi Arabia and points in between—before retiring again in 2000. After flying jets, he still enjoyed flying light, propeller aircraft such as the Cessna 172 with the Hill Flying Club, of which he was a member. “They fly low and slow,” he said, “but one can enjoy the scenery much better.” Aside from flying, he and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed golfing and were members of the OGCC for many years. RV camping with his family was another pastime he enjoyed. Hugh is survived by his wife, Barbara, with whom he shared many adventures. They both loved camping, traveling, and golfing, known to friends as the Ruhsam twosome. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 228 West. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

As this is my final issue of class notes, I will end it with a blessing from God our father and our lord Jesus Christ.

Your Brother Rat and Friend, Jim

Brother Rats and our Widows:

Regretfully, I once again have to start these notes by announcing the passing of brother rats. We lost Paul LaForce in August. Paul was the last of our three Hopewell/VMI football BRs who died this year. Paul, Jim Morris, and Fluggie Moore came to VMI football from playing together at Hopewell High School. Paul and Jane, in past years, also attended Jim Morris’ pre-football Friday night gatherings at Jim’s Lexington house on the hill, the house behind the football stadium. Judy and I had been invited several times to visit Paul and Jane at their home up in the North Carolina mountains in Brevard but regretfully never made it. However, I have talked to Paul on several occasions, especially after Jane died, but not since the latter part of last year. If you read the lengthy obit I sent to the class email list, you noted that Paul had a very distinguished and interesting military career. He will have a graveside service at his family plot in Virginia with full military honors.

We also lost Terry Davis at the end of October after not being well for several weeks. His wife, Betty, is not in good health and is now under the care of hospice in Norfolk; I have written a note to tell her of our sorrow regarding her loss. Terry and Betty are among the few couples who always trek to Lexington in November for the Institute Society Dinner. The celebration of life for Terry was held in Norfolk Saturday, Nov. 19.

Regretfully, Judy and I will not be able to attend, as that weekend we have a house full of family for a pre-Thanksgiving seafood feast and The Citadel football game—including oldest son and his wife from North Carolina, oldest granddaughter and her husband, and three great-grandkids from Newport News.

Judy and I visited Warren and Win Koontz in September while he was in rehab at his Cedarfield facility in Richmond, where he was due to his fall at home. He is back at home but still going through rehab several times a week. According to a Facebook message Judy received from Betty Woodward, she attended the Institute Society Dinner Nov. 11. She and Mickey used to come to it on a regular basis.

My third son, John Lee W. Noell ’84 from Port Orange, Florida, and his fiancée, Tracy

Class Notes

Howell, from Norfolk, visited in October for a VMI football weekend. That evening, we went to dinner with them at the Southern Inn along with two of our adopted cadets—Charlie McLaughlin 2023+3, a rat from Tennessee, and Weston Gloger ’19, a 1st Class cadet from Texas. Weston will graduate Dec. 21, and once again, the Hotel Noell will be full for about the sixth time since football/fall season came upon us.

We still go back to our lake house in Tennesee periodically in the winter to check on the house/lake frontdock and for medical checkups. It seems that nowadays, there is always some check-up/procedure that Judy or I have to have, which is, of course, a sign of our senior years. We did go to Newport News in September to Christopher Newport University for the last family weekend for our granddaughter, Addie Jay. It is hard to believe she is a senior and graduating in May.

For the first time in over 25 years, we are not attending University of Tennessee football games, but we are going to all home VMI games, since our grandson, Miller Jay 2023+3, is a 6’3” rat quarterback on the football team this year. With UT’s record this year, it sure is hard to no longer be sitting in that stadium with 100,000-plus and us on the 50-yard line.

This year we have three adopted cadets: Ridge Clark ’23, Charlie McLaughlin 2023+3—both from Maryville, Tennessee, outside of Knoxville—and Weston Gloger ’19 from Texas. Weston had to leave the Institute after his 2nd Class year but was able to return last spring and finish his 1st Class year in December. We see him fairly often, but he is hard at work finishing up academics. However, we do have Sunday lunches with him periodically, and he does park his vehicle in our drive. Ridge Clark has rank, academic stars, and is on the RDC, so he is quite busy and hard to catch up with this year—mainly as he seems to be constantly heading home to see his gal. He no longer has to keep his vehicle in our drive, as he now has a space on post. Of course, we have our “rat” grandson from here in Lexington we keep track of and hope to see play in games one of these days. Our rat, Charlie, we see a lot, as he

does like to get out of barracks and spend time at our house. As for Hotel Noell, Charlie’s parents and brother have stayed here, as has his mother and his gal on another occasion, and will be back in December. Weston and his delightful gal from Texas have also stayed here for a weekend, and then at graduation, more of his family. We invited Susan Moncrief, Weston’s great-aunt, to come to stay with us, but she is having some

eye surgery soon and does not feel that she can make the trip now.

This was received from Ronnie Haywood’s daughter: “In October, Ronnie Haywood reconnected with an Army buddy, Bill Reid. In 1955, the two were stationed at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, where a lifelong friendship began. Both served two years in the Army and were in the 89th Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. They remained connected for about two decades after first meeting at Schofield. Between moving, taking care of their growing families, careers, and busy lives, they lost contact with each other. Through the power of the internet, Ronnie was able to locate Bill after nearly 60 years since they last were in contact. Bill’s daughter, Dr. Debra Reid, an eye surgeon, was so happy for her father to reconnect with Ronnie that she made plans for them to meet for a weekend visit in Virginia Beach. Making the trek from Annapolis, Maryland, they met together, along with his daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law, with both parties staying at the Hyatt House hotel on the beach. Ronnie and Bill instantly reconnected, just like they had never lost touch. Ronnie presented Bill with a Tropical Lightning Army ballcap during the visit. Both families thoroughly enjoyed spending the weekend together with walks on the beach and sharing delicious seafood meals.”

Ronnie’s daughter, Nancy, works for NASA at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton in the Langley Research Center as assistant branch head, manufacturing applications branch, engineering directorate. Well, when you read these class notes, our 70th Reunion will be less than two months away. I certainly hope all of you who physically can have made plans/reservations to come and join us here in Lexington for it—and first at our house on Sunday afternoon. As I have noted in the past, I said I would furnish transportation to/from the Roanoke airport for those who feel like they could not make the drive or are not inclined to rent a car. Seeing that I still drive the 5-plus hours from Lexington to Tennessee and back more than a half-dozen times a year, I assume I will still be in shape to

Class notes

make the Roanoke drive next April to get you to our 70th. Also, Will Allison has advised me that he could bring someone down from Northern Virginia for the reunion. I have just been advised that Ronnie Haywood plans to attend the reunion, as his daughter, Nancy, will bring him from Newport News. Paul LaForce’s son, Glen, and his wife, Linda, expressed a desire to come to our 70th in honor of Paul, to which we certainly extended an invitation.

Class trivia: A little random trivia of the past for our 70th. On Sept. 12, 1949, 258 matriculated in Memorial Hall. You roomed with those in line with you. The Corps was comprised of six companies, two battalions—by height. There were about 980 in the Corps. VMI 20-VPI 7, VMI 27VPI 0—played in Roanoke on Thanksgiving Day with the Corps marching there. The Corps trip was to the first Tobacco Bowl in Richmond, and there was a Corps trip to Norfolk/Virginia Beach and a Corps trip to Alexandria via train from East Lexington for the George Washington University game. Joseph Stalin died. The dedication of Marshall Arch and New Barracks; VMI’s first spring break. Ring Figure was held on Thanksgiving weekend, and all BRs have the same stone, garnet, in our class ring. We marched to church each Sunday after SMI room inspection, and there was no going to town on weekdays. Tipped hat to all ladies; saluted Stonewall statue and R.E. Lee at chapel. A “class” could go on pledge to retain a

brother rat in the Corps. There was drill or parade Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday—pray for rain. We marched to all classes and meals; all showers were in wide open rows in the basement next to the PX well. The Rat Line ended in May with “Bloody Sunday.” Grades were posted each quarter on BBs outside classes for all to see. Privates carried the M-1 rifle, and uniforms were owned/certain supplies were purchased through each cadet’s QMD account. The only telephones were pay phone booths in the PX well, so you stood in line in the evenings. We marched in President Eisenhower’s inauguration and had classes Saturday mornings. Graduation was June 9, 1953, in Cocke Hall; 158 commissioned and graduated on the same stage in VMI uniform. The Korean War was winding down; then we were off to the life of a VMI graduate!

1954 J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings.

News from the busy world of tennis: BR Billy Kingery continues to play and to win. In August 2022, he played the 2022 USTA National 90 Grass Courts Championship. This match took place at the venerable Longwood Cricket Club in Boston. This club is one of the oldest clubs and is very exclusive. It is known for its

tradition in the world of tennis. It was also the site of the very first Davis Cup competition. Longwood began transitioning from cricket to tennis in 1878 when it added its first lawn tennis court. It was home away from home to the world’s best tennis players from the turn of the 20th century into the Connors-Borg era in the mid-1970s. Longwood is named after the house Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in when he was exiled at Saint Helena. And how did Billy do? He came in fourth in singles and fourth in doubles. Then, Bill competed in the 2022 National 90 Clay Courts Championship at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center in Florida. He won the championship and was awarded a gold tennis ball.

Hats off and an Old Yell. By the way, Billy did not contact me to brag about his tennis accomplishments but rather to express appreciation for the alumni news sent to him. I had to beat him about the head and shoulders to get him to talk about his tennis. He is now ranked No. 4 nationally in his age group. Lastly, Billy and his wife have established the Mr. and Mrs. Billy W. Kingery 1954 Scholarship at VMI. This will allow young cadets to secure life-changing benefits from a VMI education without worrying about financial costs. The Kingerys will meet the cadets and follow their progress, which is a rewarding thing for all.

Who remembers and who doesn’t remember President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inaugural parade? The buses from Lexington let us off at the National Armory, where we waited for what seemed to me to be hours. Finally, we formed up. I do not remember how far we marched. It

is several miles from the armory to the Capitol Building and about 1.5 miles to the White House, but Jack Tiller, master of factual certitude, says that we actually marched a total of 9 miles from the beginning of the parade to the end. We should be eternally proud of one fact: The Corps of Cadets from Virginia Military Institute came in No. 1 that day out of all the many marching units in the Eisenhower inaugural parade. We were then one h#%$ of a school and one h#%$ of a Corps of Cadets.

Epilogue: The Corps was turned loose for a number of hours. Another BR and I met my girlfriend from Staunton and another girl. We went to a nightclub called the Blue Mirror. Performing was the famous singing quartet, The Four Lads, who sang The Mockingbird, Istanbul, and Moments to Remember. We had to get to the buses around 2300 and did not make it back to Lexington until early the next morning. Jack says we were given BRC at 0700 and went right to class as per usual. Needless to say, we were not happy about that.

“News just in: The Institute has decided that the mural in [Memorial] Hall is to remain in place.”

Finally, an echoing cry from the swirling mists of old Mess Hall memories: “Boguuuus!”

I was privileged to witness the burial ceremony of our Brother Rat Reed Hanmer at Arlington National Cemetery, conducted by the Old Guard of the 3rd Infantry. The flag-draped casket was transported on a caisson drawn by a six-horse team, followed by a caparisoned horse with the boots reversed in the stirrups. The honor guard pallbearers moved the casket from the caisson to the gravesite while the band played a hymn. After a eulogy by a chaplain, the pallbearers folded the flag into the familiar triangle and presented it to Lois. Then the firing squad fired three volleys, followed by the bugler playing taps. It was a most fitting honor for our own brother rat. Get out the 2022-4 issue of the Alumni Review and turn to page 149 for the excellent article written by Reed’s son, Steven Hanmer ’80

Sometime later, I attended the funeral of our Brother Rat Bill “Pop” Kays, who was a wellloved member of the Oakton United Methodist Church. I have noted Pop’s passing at the end of this article. In the audience were Will Allison ’53, Jerry Wilkes ’66, Allan Lunsford ’92, and the daughter of our Brother Rat Dwight Slough Frank Brooke notes not much is happening in Jacksonville, Florida. “Old age is coming fast with aches and pains and doctor visits. Recently, we went to our VMI chapter’s fall oyster roast, and as usual, I was the oldest alumnus there! The next oldest was from the Class of 1961. I told him he will be the oldest one day, but not soon, I hope! We were recently blessed with our second great-grandchild, a beautiful girl. (Future Keydet?) ... I am glad General Peay ’62 is getting a well-deserved honor and recognition. He was the best superintendent VMI has had! Take care.”

Ben Semmes says nothing new to report: “Connie and I are still living in an assisted living home outside Boston and close to our son, Ben Semmes ’88, and some of his family. I saw a couple of VMI football games on television and spent a lot of time groaning. Too bad.”

Bill Cridlin wishes he could provide news rather than an updated health report for the class notes. He wrote, “Charlotte and I are doing well healthwise except for the usual minor aches and pains of age. We both had a mild run-in with COVID-19 in July but bounced back in short order. We now look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with our daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. That is long-term for us.”

Travis Russell writes from the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington: “This past summer, we held our annual VMI rat send-off picnic. However, this year we didn’t have any rats enrolling in VMI, but we still had our picnic with all the alumni in the area. It is always fun to talk with fellow VMI alums from different classes; of course, I am the oldest. But being the oldest sometimes has its rewards because there can be a gift for the oldest. My wife and I are avid long-distance cyclists and have cycled in 18 European countries and 25 of the lower 48 states. Age has caught up with us, so our trips are local, much shorter, and to the swimming pool. We have both been blessed with relatively good health, the usual aches and pains. My wife had a bout with breast cancer, but it was caught early, and she is well and on the move. I go to the gym two to three times a week and do all the heavy lifting in our yard. I have lost contact with all of my Marine Corps buddies; many have passed on. This I do miss and is one of the reasons our VMI picnic is enjoyable: It keeps me in contact with part of my past. My best to all. Stay safe and healthy.”

Tom Williamson noted his reminiscence again when he heard of Reed Hanmer’s death. He sent similar ideas in the past, and it may not seem appropriate. It really got to me to realize that I am the only one of the physicists left. (Class agent’s note: Check out the Alumni Review, 2022-Issue 2, for Tom’s description of the accomplishments of the physics majors of the Class of ’55. Tom’s summary was so appropriate that I include it again: “It was a good class to be a part of, and I have many memories.”)

Joe Cestaro reports he is still very active as a docent, giving tours at the National Air and Space Museums Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport. “We are looking forward to displaying our B-17G, Shoo-Shoo Baby, in the new year, which is currently in storage at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. Also, in our restoration facility at HAZY, we are working on the final stages of restoration/preservation for our B-26B, Flak-Bait. This bird completed 200 missions in Europe during World War II—more than any other combat aircraft, and the restoration team counted 1,000 bullet holes. If anyone is passing through the area, let me know, and we can try to hook up for a tour. I still play some golf from the gold tees and attempt a little tennis occasionally. Also enjoy swimming and walking at Falcons Landing (Air Force retirement community). On a far less interesting and medical note, I’m planning to have my right knee replaced at the end of December, which will definitely curtail my activities for a while. I sure hope the ‘anesthesiologist’ doesn’t kill me! I already have a titanium left knee and right shoulder. I also try to help out my son, Michael Cestaro ’87, with his orthotic/prosthetic business several days each month. In general, I guess you can say I try to keep busy (I

Class notes

think that’s the secret of life).”

Jean replied on behalf of John Lathram: “His knee is bothering him, and he has been limping. His memory is not what it used to be. He is still on the top side of the grass, and his wife of 68 years is so thankful.”

Leon Cock congratulates those who are lucky to stay out of the hospital. Leon recently suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the emergency room, which resulted in three days in the ICU, one heart catheter, and one ablation procedure. He is now getting better every day. He will try to attend our 70th in 2025 if we have one. He says he is fortunate to be the only male still alive in his high school class of 1951.

Joe Brenner sort of sums up this edition with the following: “Reading these class notes reminds us: 1)We may have all lost a few steps; 2) And we have certainly lost more than a few words; 3) But the impact of those changes is minor compared to the cumulative loss over 70 years of friends, classmates, and brother rats. Fortunately, memory provides a powerful bridge to the past and the opportunity to hold fast to those relationships, even for a short time, and to renew in ourselves and our families the lessons of lives well-lived and the continuing possibilities for tomorrow’s promises and potential.”

My thanks to all who have responded to my request for copy. If you check the class notes of our adjacent classes, you’ll also see that we are all riding the gim one way or another. I’m starting to think about beginning to think about planning our next reunion in 2025, and I’ll need some help. I’ll start by reserving our assembly point just outside the guard room to fall in with the gim. Any one of you not in a wheelchair or on a walker will be the detail commander. We’ll get a crane to lift the cheerleader to the top of the sentinel box.

In this issue’s Taps, you will read the obituaries of those brother rats for whom taps has sounded–Curt Lucado, McWillie Robinson, and Bill “Pop” Kays.

Tarrant’s Restaurant in Short Pump, a lunch where we were all strangers when we first arrived, but to my amazement, the years simply melted away and the faces gradually took on the appearance of many years before! It was a delightful experience for me, and I am grateful to Betty for the effort!

I got a note from Pete Jennette in October telling me that Hurricane Ian went right over Dave Blair’s condo in Punta Gorda, and that they survived without problems; lucky! Dave and Anne survived through the hurricane. They found it to be quite exciting since their condo’s shutters on the side facing the brunt force of 130–150-knot winds needed to be closed, and Dave did that job during the storm. It required some effort simply to get outside, a real-time reminder to “be prepared!” No major damage, but looking at a few months of cleanup.

Pete Jennette wrote that he and Susan did not enjoy all the “excitement” that Dave and Anne went through. Like many others, however, in spite of having had the shots, both came down with COVID-19. They have gotten by the main event with coughs and tiredness but feel lucky that was all. (It seems to parallel many experiences I have heard of, including that of Julie and me last year!) Pete plans to move to Patriots Colony sometime next year, and there they will be near the Jundts. Pete is putting his boat on the market and hates to see that part of life slowing down. He and Susan have had the boat for 18 years, and his maritime life has seen trips to Canada and to the Bahamas! Probably many wonderful stories in those adventures!

I attempted to contact Chuck Jundt and Jean but had no luck.

It is wonderful to hear from so many of my brother rats, and particularly from the widows when that is, unfortunately, the case, but it is increasing so, and I ask all to keep our past alive and as meaningful as we can make it in the present! Stay well, and stay active!

We begin this set of class notes picking up where we left off on those in the previous Issue 4 of Alumni Review, as received the first week in November, to complete the work of Ben Elmore’s intrepid team of callers, pressed into duty to communicate with all standing brother rats and checking on them with “How goes it?”

Team caller No. 8, Ron McManus: Here are the comments from the BRs I have been able to contact. From my personal observation and perspective, talking with these BRs revealed that, for being in our 80s, we are not staying in the house all day, and we like to talk. Both are good things. Everyone contacted enjoyed the phone call and said they would look forward to receiving another one in about six months. Jim Piggott, reunion chairman emeritus, and his wife, Toni, are planning a trip to Costa Rica in January. (Class agent’s note: Be sure to visit Vic Wolf at one of his ranches near San Jose while there. He can be reached at 0.11.506.2271.3150.) All is well with Jim and Toni, and he is pleased that the reunion is now in his rearview mirror. The big event in their family recently was the birth of a great-grandson in July. To stay out of trouble, Jim continues to work his vineyard growing grapes for table wines and feeding marauding black bears. No word yet from Paul Phillips, although George did receive feedback from him recently in which he expressed his concerns about the current path of the Institute. (Class agent’s note: We should all remember that change is inevitable and ongoing. Remember, when the Class of ’57 graduated, the Class of 1892 was celebrating its 65th Reunion. There was a monumental change at the “I” in those intervening 65 years between 1892–1957. And here we are, having recently celebrated our 65th Reunion and recognizing there indeed has been change in the 65 ensuing years between 1957–2022—enough said. We must stay engaged and support VMI and our class as best we can.)

’56 Brother Rats, Families, and Friends of ’56 Brother Rats,

In mid-October, I had the pleasure of lunch with Pat and Les Belsha, Jo and Don Heslep, Bonnie Rodman and Bill Nelson, Jane (John Roach), Motsy (Jim Foster), and Betty Mann (Jim Mann). Betty set up the arrangements for

The Virginia Military Institute: An Uncommon Purpose!

On a lighter note, P.D. recalled one of his favorite pastimes was the sailing of paper planes, some on fire, toward the Nile Valley after SRC. John Poffenbarger, that is, the Hon. John Poffenbarger, and George have spoken frequently following the passing of Kenny Dickinson this past August. John and K.K. were close BRs, having roomed together and were “partners in crime” in perpetuating so many escapades the tactical officers gave up any attempt to keep track of them. (Class agent’s note: Not to be concerned with wearing academic stars, K.K. was proud to have “anchored” the standings in the civil engineering curriculum, and Poff loved VMI so much that he decided to spend a fifth year just to make sure he availed himself of every opportunity the “I” had to offer.)

When I spoke with Ed Powell, he was celebrating two important events: His 86th birthday

Class Notes

and the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Carolina Biological Supply Company by his father, Dr. Thomas E. Powell Jr. who, at the time in 1927, was a geology and biology professor at Elon College in Burlington, North Carolina. Carolina is now the world’s leading supplier of biological and other teaching materials; its informative website is carolina.com. Ed is still active in the company and has developed a keen interest in farming the Bianchetto truffle and its propagation and harvesting. Ed recently sent their newly published book on the truffle titled Burwell Farms, a most interesting read. In a feedback note to George, Ed expressed his lifelong appreciation for the VMI experience, noting that “Doc” Carroll enrolled six members of our Class of ’57 in the Duke University School of Medicine toward an M.D. degree in fall ’57. “We were well prepared.”

Dudley “Pruny” Price and wife Pat have stayed at their home in Punta Gorda, Florida, for the duration of COVID-19, forsaking their farm in Virginia until the “all clear” sign is given. Pat suffered a stroke about two years ago, and Pruny is her caregiver. They have a saltwater pool which they both enjoy, and there is a chair lift for her use. Dudley asked about a Vietnam plaque at VMI. I will try to find an answer. Does anyone else know?

Skip Richardson said he is spending more time in Moyock, North Carolina, than in Virginia Beach. Simple reason as to why. His girlfriend lives there. (Class agent’s note: Ah! “Femme fatale” is alive and well). Skip said he is doing well and enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. He also mentioned that two of his daughters are doctors, which he is very proud of.

Pete Riddle: It took a while, but we finally connected. Pete has been suffering from cancer for the last 25 years; it all started with the prostate and subsequently moved to other parts of his body. There is a Mayo Clinic in his location, which Pete says has a wonderful staff. He is presently off chemo and is optimistic for the future. He and his wife, Irene, have 13 grandchildren they are very proud of. They have also managed to avoid the New Jersey winters the past 20 years by visiting their Florida home in Ponte Vedra. And what do they do for entertainment? Why competitive shuffleboard, of course, in a league they and friends jointly formed some years ago.

Team caller No. 9, Tony Di Cesare: This was a barely fruitful and somewhat worrisome experience contacting brother rats this time. I was unable to get a response from Fritz Scholz, Joe Spivey, or Garland Sullivan. We hope all goes well with them and send our BR

admonishment to “hang in there.” Van Sessoms returned my initial call and indicated he was now living in Wallace, North Carolina, with his son, “Buck” Sessoms ’91, a retired Marine Corps major and helicopter pilot. John St. George—this was a pleasant call. John has downsized to what “sounds like” an assisted living community. He doesn’t like it yet, plays golf whenever he can, and takes a lot of naps. Went to the Tidewater area rat send-off and was the senior there.

In a call with George, Garland Sullivan recalled how he (Sully) and BRs Gay, Huffcut, Musser, Taylor, and perhaps as many as 40 others from our class were recruited by Col. “Do-Do” Dillard ’934. Dillard was, in my opinion, the greatest director the Glee Club ever had, offering an unbeatable permit for travel to all the girls’ schools in Virginia plus Washington, D.C. Even certified monotones were auditioning when they heard of the unbelievable benefits, such as sleeping in after Saturday night out-of-town concerts.

George Sydnor, I am happy to say, was strong, tough, and mean, still on top of his game. He looked great at the reunion, beard and all—articulate but frugal. The Sydnors moved in 2006 from Richmond to Fincastle, Virginia, founded in 1732. A bit of history here from George: If one lived at Fort Dearborn, the site of present-day Chicago, and needed to seek redress for an offense or other matter, the closest courthouse was in Fincastle, as Fincastle County at that time extended both west and northwest to the Mississippi River and included Fort Dearborn and the surrounding areas in the late 1700s, so that person had to saddle up his horse and ride about 700 miles to Fincastle. It is rumored that this necessity gave rise to “frontier justice.” Their house in Fincastle was built from 1861–71 and is unique in several ways; it has a moat around it, and the walls are made from limestone and brick; it is three stories; the walls on the first floor are three feet thick, the second-floor walls are two feet thick, and the third-floor walls are one foot thick—all masonry of limestone and brick. The only wood to be found in the house are the floors, doors, and window sashes. George would welcome any/all BRs to stop by to visit this unique home. It does have a downside; electronic messages have trouble going through the walls.

I had a brief, somewhat discombobulated conversation with Dawn, wife of Dixie Thomas. Sad to say, but neither of them is doing well. A later email from Dot Wood (see widows’ corner below) advised that Dixie and Dawn were both experiencing declining health. I believe many of us are passing through a new

Class notes

and challenging sub-phase in our lives. Whether through genetics, wear and tear, environment choices, or blessings, the number of us who are reasonably functional survivors is lessening. As for me, I am fighting like h#$% to stay with it, and I know you “survivors” are doing the same.

Team caller No. 10, Bill Gay: I have not had good luck reaching our BRs this time around. But I did have a nice chat with Jo, wife of Jack Trant Jo said she was recovering from her second shoulder replacement surgery and that she and Jack were doing “fairly well for old folks.” Harry Warner said he was doing OK; he and his wife, Sis, enjoyed seeing so many BRs at our class dinner during the reunion. John Whittle said he’s “hanging in there” and attributes his longevity to his wife, Carole, a real dynamo “always on the go.” After several attempts to connect by phone, I left messages for Joe Wickes and John Woodward with greetings from their brother rats and wished them well. George later received a feedback card from Joe, who indicated that he and Fritz Scholz planned to get together soon to reconnect and share memories. Speaking of which, Joe recalled a moment in his electrical engineering classes when Col. Jamison ’926 looked at him and said: “Mr. Wickes, you look like you have a question.” To which Joe replied, “Sir, I don’t know enough to ask a question.”

George also had a call from Jay Woodward indicating all was well with him and his wife, Polly. He regretted they were not able to attend the reunion but said, “they were not up to long travels these days.” I tried calling Vic Wolf in Costa Rica

without success and the email I sent promptly bounced back (Class agent’s note: when calling Vic, habla Español and say you are calling from the Policia General. That will get attention from his “gatekeeper,” and Vic will pick up the phone shortly thereafter). (And another class agent’s note from Howard: Bill, they all know by your attempt to reach them that we care about them. That’s our message, and you delivered it. Thanks, Howard).

A nice note from Clay Coupland indicated how much he appreciated the phone check-ins twice a year. He sends his thanks to Ben Elmore, el comandante, and the team callers. Clay went on to say how much the 65th Reunion meant to him and his wife, Linda. It was a highlight of their year, a special time to reconnect with BRs, and they were “proud to be a part of the Class of ’57. Thanks for the memories.”

Now here is a piece of VMI lore from the “Did you know?” category: Few things on post are as powerful as hearing the roar of the Cadet Battery, a group of guns fired by a team of cadets of the same name. The Cadet Battery has existed since 1848, except for a small period between the end of the Civil War and 1875, making it the oldest operating organization at VMI beyond the Corps itself. “The original Cadet Battery consisted of six guns made especially for VMI in 1848, four 6-pounders (the ‘Four Gospels’) and two 12-pounders,” Charles Telford ’22 explained. “The equipment has evolved quite a bit, but the original guns can still be seen on post in front of Old Barracks.” Today, the Cadet Battery does not participate in real fire drills or tactics. Instead, they are used for retreat firings at the end of the day to salute the colors, in salute parades, and to support Breakout. “The guns we fire today are M2A1, later M101A1, 105mm howitzers,” Nicholas Campbell ’22, a cadet in charge of the Battery, stated. “We have five of them, four named after the original Cadet Battery guns (Matthew II, Mark II, Luke II, and John II), and our evening gun, nicknamed Paul.” The Cadet Battery takes training and safety incredibly seriously. Each cadet who is part of the crew is trained to take apart, clean, and reassemble the cannons, and they are also taught crew positions and operations. “Following that,” Conor Mason ’22 and Zackery Albertson ’22 added, “we teach them the importance of safety, particularly handling the ammunition and our surface danger zones. This whole process is overseen by Army or Marine Corps artillerymen to ensure we don’t teach anything incorrectly, but ultimately cadets do the instruction. While we all have fun working on the gun, safety is something we take very seriously.”

The widow’s corner: We received a nice, complimentary note from Dot Wood that was much appreciated. Dot indicated she did not have good news to share regarding Dixie Thomas and his wife, Dawn. Both are now in full nursing care, and Dawn is very sick, suffering from extremely low blood pressure. Our hearts go out to them with every good wish for their recovery. Dot closed with, “enjoy your lovely hills for me as I sign off from flat Florida.”

Ann Gilmore sent a nice email thanking us for the updates and communications, which she values receiving. She said, “since I joined the ‘family’ later than most, I always enjoy reading the stories of lives led.”

Class Notes

Patti Hammond checks in on a regular basis. She had a good summer with trips to her place at the beach with family and a trip to New York City to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and a Broadway show, “The Music Man.” Beth Wharton sent us a thoughtful card expressing her appreciation for being included in the widows’ group. The picture of her husband, Billy Wharton, enclosed with her birthday card from the class, is displayed prominently where their three sons can always see it.

Donna Lou Hetler Newcomb sent a nice note thanking the class for the lovely tribute in the email announcement to the class advising of Fred’s passing.

Since our last set of notes, we have lost Brother Rats Fred Newcomb, Ken “K.K.” Dickinson, and Clint Glover. George received the following email: “George, good morning. This is Vernie Reichling ’87. My aunt, Kathleen “Katie” Dickinson, asked that I send you information on Ken’s interment. Colonel Kenneth K. Dickinson, retired, Class of ’57, was interred at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Sept. 27, 2022. Coincidently, this was Ken’s birthday—he would have been 87. Ken received full military honors, and the ranking officer was Brigadier General Brandon Tegtmeier, deputy commanding general-support, 82nd Airborne Division ‘All Americans.’ This was very fitting, as Ken was a paratrooper through and through, having over 169 jumps from perfectly good aircraft!” Nick Kallelis commented as to how “he and Fred used to kick and toss a football on the Parade Ground. He was an excellent punter and put me to shame. Fred was from Roanoke, and his family invited me and another BR to dinner after we played VPI on Thanksgiving Day. As I recall, his father was a Civil War historian. Over the years, I have cherished the memory.” Tiger Locke, in a note, echoed similar sentiments.

Before signing off on this edition of our ’57 class notes, we continue our honored tradition of remembering brother rats who have “crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the trees.” Our tenth list of “those gone but not forgotten” Class of ’57: Paul Landis, June 9, 2006; Bill Derrick, Aug. 7, 2006; Charles “Ned” Johnson, Apr. 1, 2007; John Maticic, June 18, 2007; and Marvin Reinstein, Feb. 17, 2008.

Rest in peace, brother rats who have passed, until, at last, we are all reunited. Close ranks, brother rats still standing, as we continue our march forward on life’s path into whatever the future may bring. Proud and a privilege to be your class agents.

God Bless our Class and VMI, George and Howard

1958 Lee McCown

It’s autumn in Virginia, and our city streets are graced with leaves of many colors. It’s hard to pick a favorite tree, but the sourwood (oxydendrum arboretum) gets our vote this time of year, with its bright red leaves and hanging white “panicles” that look like upside-down lilies of the valley. We have to leave the neighborhood to see them, as there are very few in ours or Richmond. We do get to see a very nice one when we visit Sally and Sam Witt, as there’s one near their house. We tried to get one going on our block, but it didn’t thrive. There are now three in the circle where the bronze J.E.B. Stuart once rode his stallion, and our fingers are crossed about their futures.

The gingkoes—often called living fossils because they’re older than dinosaurs—are spectacular, as are many kinds of maples. Laura and I were both born in the fall, and since it’s always been our favorite season, we were married in the fall. Temperatures are really jumping around wildly this year, with some weeks feeling like summer is hanging on and others like winter have arrived early.

John Peters filed this report after a recent visit with Betty Jean and Hunter Clarke: “Susie and I had a delightful lunch with Hunter and B.J. at Virginia Beach last Sunday. Although Hunter has been dealing with some serious health issues for a number of years, he has a great attitude and lives his philosophy, which is, according to him, ‘continue to march.’ It is a philosophy that would serve all of us well. They are enjoying life in their retirement community. They have a grandson at the University of Tennessee and a teenage granddaughter who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.” Agreed, John. Those two are always upbeat, regardless of circumstances. Here’s to wishing them well and expecting to see them at the 65th. Keep marching, Hunter!

Jane and Stirling Williamson represented our class at the annual Keydet Club scholarship luncheon. “We met our ’58 football scholarship recipient, Eric Rankin ’25. Eric is a very nice and very large young man who has been getting a lot of playing time as a linebacker. He hails from the Richmond area and graduated from Hanover High School. To date, Eric has survived four knee surgeries and looks very fit. He is a growing boy, and he ate his lunch and much of mine at my request. Greg Cavallaro ’84, former chief

operating officer of the Keydet Club, now senior major gift officer, was the honored guest, and his acceptance speech was heartfelt.”

Becky and Onza Hyatt also attended the luncheon representing the Walter B. Cormack Memorial Track Scholarship, established by former athletes in 1976 to honor one of VMI’s most successful and popular track coaches. The Hyatts sat with the recipient of the scholarship, Isaiah

Class notes

Blount ’25, who came to VMI from Caroline High School in Virginia and spoke highly of him. His record for 2022 is as follows, according to vmikeydets.com: “Indoor: Finished sixth in the heptathlon at the SoCon Indoor Championships with 4348 points, which included a third-place mark in the 1,000 meter in 3:00.96. Finished second in the heptathlon at the Norfolk State Invitational with 4312 points, which included firstplace finishes in the pole vault (3.5m) and shot put (12.45m).

“Outdoor: Placed sixth in the decathlon at the SoCon Outdoor Championships with 5693 points, which included a first-place finish in the shot put at 13.27m and second in the 400m [Onza’s specialty] in 51.15 seconds. He earned season-best marks in the discus (43.15m) and 100m hurdles (16.69) at the Mason Spring Invitational April 9.”

Onza and Becky made a last-minute decision to attend a football game this fall, which Becky says they hadn’t done in years. Someone with a camera captured a great shot of them with Moe in the stands. Looking good, old friends!

Carolyn and Bill Harshaw recently made a gift of a rare 12th-century Korean celadon bowl to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond in a meeting with Li Jian, the curator of East Asian art. They acquired this treasure in 1967 during his tour of duty there. “Its hallmark is the lovely color and the exceptional technique of ‘reverse inlay’ used in its firing around the year 1150,” Bill said. It will be on display in VMFA’s East Asian Art Collection starting sometime in January. Here are Bill’s recollections about that long-ago purchase: “We bought it at Mary’s Alley, a tiny ‘antique’ store on an out-of-the-way street in Seoul, South Korea, for $2025.That reverse inlay technique was used during only one 100-year period. It is a so-called ‘drinking bowl’ that is 6.5 inches in diameter. Before we realized its value, it was on a coffee table and filled with peanuts. Later, we placed it in a lighted glass curio cabinet along with other ‘treasures.’

“The bowl has been authenticated by Louise Cort, an internationally known expert who is curator emerita for ceramics at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. She’s a lovely and gracious lady with whom we have

developed a friendship.

“The VMFA Korean exhibit is very impressive and is to be enlarged. We have other objects to offer, including beautiful paintings none of our children want. They may eventually be part of the museum’s exhibit.” Thanks, Bill. In a future issue, we promise a photograph of this interesting antique.

We received good news from Landa Holt, wife of BR Bill Holt. Shortly after Bill died in February, their two daughters in Roanoke convinced her to move there a little earlier than she had planned. The house in Powhatan, Virginia, she

had shared with Bill sold quickly. Landa lived with one of their daughters for a few months, and in September, she moved into a condo in the daughters’ neighborhood, as she had hoped. Her new address is 5433 Quail Ridge Circle, Roanoke, VA 24018, and her number is (540) 5959676. “While I sometimes miss my friends and church, I am doing well and feel very fortunate,” she said. We look forward to visiting Landa when we’re in Roanoke to see family and friends.

We had a nice surprise when our grandson, Jefferson Miles ’24, told us he’d “discovered” Lou Farmer’s grandson, Zach Farmer ’26, in the Rat Line. I looked for Lou and Zach at the Furman football game with no success, but I managed to get a photo of Zach from Lou. Just another great-looking grandson from the Class of ’58. Lou says he and Jean plan to be at our 65th Reunion in April and that they have another grandson who may be interested in VMI.

In yet another story of a grandson of ’58, Frank Hancock was showing a female friend around post and, while standing in an arch at barracks, was approached by a cadet. Expecting to be told he couldn’t go in, he spoke first that he knew he couldn’t go in and that he was a member of the Class of ’58. This brought a smile to the face of the cadet, who introduced himself. It was our other grandson, Jack McCown ’24. Frank says, “He was very polite and good-looking.”

I gave Frank a call to catch up and find out who his companion was on his visit. I was delighted to learn it was Shelby Agee, one of our classmates from the Jefferson Senior High School class of 1954 in Roanoke. She was outstanding in high school and has been a force in class reunion organizing ever since. Frank says he’ll be at the reunion and will be bringing Shelby.

Frank and I are the only living Class of ’58 members of the five who matriculated from Roanoke, which included Bill Sink, Billy Thomas, and Jack Woodson. Billy and his wife, Mary Jo, were close friends, and we still miss them. Jack was a roommate for several years and could always be counted on to find a date from Roanoke for a needy BR.

Jim Cowan reports that he and Margaret will be at the reunion. They’ll likely be contestants for the

who-came-the-farthest award. Judging from the handsome photo Jim sent me of the two of them, they are in fine shape. You will remember that before the last reunion, they had left the ranch and moved into Rapid City, South Dakota. Jim says he’ll be asking Roy Palmer to pick them up in some kind of a plane and fly them to Lexington, as he won’t be riding a horse to the 65th. Roy has made his reunion reservations, too. He reports that Boeing only lets him ferry empty airplanes back to the U.S. from some remote place with two other pilots for relief.

The death of Tom Saunders Sept. 9 came as a surprise to many of us. I found out when I returned from the weekend Laura and I spent celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Women at VMI to an email from Jordan. We join her in mourning our successful, accomplished, and colorful BR. In addition to his business prowess, Tom was a dedicated preservationist and philanthropist. In a later note to me, Jordan said, “Tom loved VMI and his brother rats. I miss him terribly.” I’ve provided her contact information via email, but here it is again: 5 Middle Road, Palm Beach, FL 334804711, 561-833-6563, or jordan@ivor.com. Our class made its memorial gift to the General J.H. Binford Peay 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence at VMI.

Other words about Tom from the ’58 circle are as follows.

Sally Witt, on behalf of Sam, too: “We loved and will miss Tom and hope to keep up with Jordan.”

Jack Boze: “So sad because he brought honor and integrity to his profession, which is so lacking today!”

Ernie Edgar: “A real shock. ... May light perpetual shine upon him.”

Karen Mattis, Jordan’s aide, told me, “Jordan has been keeping busy answering the hundreds of notes, emails, etc., she has received, which has given her tremendous comfort.”

Our hearts go out to Jordan and the children and grandchildren. Godspeed, Tommy Saunders.

The death of Gates Sykes Oct. 25 was less surprising, as he had been very open about his health challenges over recent years. Janice told me that Gates went to the hospital for a heart valve replacement but had to have open heart surgery. He was in the hospital for a month, mostly in the ICU, but returned home only to fall and break a hip. Complications arose after hip surgery, from which he did not regain consciousness.

Gates was a man of many talents and interests—including rebuilding Corvettes and collecting grandfather clocks. I enjoyed talking with his son, Mark Sykes ’83, who said, “My dad loved VMI and his brother rats, so much that his son and grandson also graduated from the ‘I.’” (Mark’s son, Benjamin Gates Sykes ’13, died in a tragic accident while in dental school.)

Mark said the family very much appreciated Charlie Hayes’ attendance at the funeral and him “making some nice comments about dad and remembering when they were cadet waiters together.” Janice and family can be reached at 460 Grove Heights Road, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304258-1858, and bgates@frontier.com.

Harriett, wife of our late BR George Shrieves, said, “Gates was a good friend of ours, and I thought he was a great person. He and Janice visited with us on the [Eastern] Shore many times. Here’s to hoping Gates and George are having a great reunion.” I think it would be a “smile fest” like no other. We have lost a stellar classmate. Rest in peace, Gates.

On the weekend Laura and I spent celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Women at VMI, we heard some excellent panels of women talk about what VMI had meant to their lives and their successes. They described themselves as believing if they could get through VMI, they could do anything. One of the women on a panel of entrepreneurs was very forceful in directing her comments to the female cadets in the audience: “The bonds are strong. The network of alums is there for you. Don’t ever forget to say you went to VMI and show that ring!”

One of the favors given to attendees was a very handsome commemoration medal. We decided that the perfect person to give it to was Sam Witt, who headed the VMI Board of Visitors when it voted to admit women. I took it to him and told him about the weekend, and he was all smiles. Laura wasn’t with me, but she says she would have told him she couldn’t believe she saw so many glamorous women wearing those 10-pound class rings and some in stilettos, even shiny red ones.

This past weekend we were in “Lex Vegas,” as some of the young alums call it, for the Institute Society Dinner, where both of our grandsons had volunteered for cadet waiter duty. The Shenandoah Valley is seriously short of catering staff, so our boys stepped up to honor my years as a cadet waiter.

When we arrived and showed grandson Jefferson Miles ’24 our table number, he got bug-eyed and told us that it was the table where Gen. Peay ’62 was seated. It didn’t take us long to figure out how that could have happened: Also at the table was the only other member of the Class of ’58 in attendance—Maj. Gen. Ernest Edgar. Thanks, Ernie. For once, we could hear every word from the podium!

It was a great night, and every speaker was eloquent and memorable—Thomas Zarges ’70, who heads the VMI Foundation board; Gen. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent emeritus; and Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent.

The VMI Herald Trumpets hit every note perfectly. The VMI Glee Club was bigger and better than it had been in a long time. The food was excellent. Every old alum we introduced to our other grandson, Jack McCown ’24, took note of his stars and stripes. And neither he nor Jefferson seemed to have any trouble lifting trays, serving food, and pouring coffee and water. Chips off the old block, I say.

Wishing everyone happiness and good health during the coming holidays, and always, Lee

P.S.: Make your hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn Express now! April 23–25, 2023. Call (540) 463-7351 and let them know you are ’58 to get the good rates.

1959

Shep Shepard

We lost one of our brother rats this past quarter. John Kemp passed away peacefully Oct. 20 in El Paso, Texas, with his three children at his side. Linda, who is homebound, was able to talk to him by phone, and he was able to respond right up until the end. His daughter, Amanda, who lives in Germany, said John passed away from complications three weeks after having surgery to correct twisted intestines. John led a remarkable life and will be missed by his family, as well as his brother rats. Amanda said that Linda and the family received the beautiful red, white, and yellow flowers sent by Rusty Loth from the VMI Class of 1959, as

well as many cards and letters from John’s brother rats, and appreciated each and every email, card, and phone call. Max Guggenheimer remembers summer 1957 when he and Jack Barnett drove down to Mexico. They stopped in El Paso, Texas, where they spent a few days with John and his family. John’s mother and father treated Max and Jack as nice as any place he had ever been or has been since. Max talked to John a short time ago, thanking him for the time he spent in his home and with his family. It was a time in Max’s life when he was searching for his belief in God, and it was happenings like that that helped him know that he was special in his life.

Ned Addison wrote that he spent his summers at his grandmother’s house in Gloucester County, Virginia. Her mother was a Page, and his godmother was a Gloucester Kemp, and he thinks they might be “Virginia cousins.” Ned has fine memories of John, who he thought was a gifted gentleman.

Three years ago, Ann and I planned to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary with a family reunion in Hilton Head. COVID-19 had other plans for us, but we never deviated from the idea of having another family gathering to celebrate our anniversary. With the assistance of our two daughters, Christine and Colleen, and granddaughter, Lilly, we made plans to gather at a 10-room cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, located just outside of Gatlinburg and the infamous Dollywood. It all came to pass in August. Everyone was able to make it except one grandson and his wife. He recently enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was attending a prestigious school in California and could not get away. Our week was filled with evenings reminiscing about the good old days and days of trekking the trails and picnicking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or whitewater rafting

one of the many treacherous rivers. Our grandkids enjoyed the many activities available in Pigeon Forge, which are much like Branson or Orlando but just too much for Ann and me. One of the many pictures Ann and I are most proud of is the one of all our grandchildren and their spouses wearing caps from the colleges from which they graduated. Megan was decked out in her Special Olympics ambassador uniform adorned with her three gold medals from the Special Olympics. We are so proud and fortunate to have such great kids and so many great grandkids. We are especially grateful so many could attend, considering they all are in college or beginning their careers. We are two very happy campers.

Aug. 29, 2022, was almost a memorable day for Ann and me; it was supposed to be the historic debut launch of the Artemis I, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket with the Orion space capsule attached. Up at 12:45 a.m., Ann and I, with our daughter, Christine, and grandson, Avery, headed for Kennedy Space Center and our privileged parking space for the 0833 hours liftoff. Christine works for Jacobs, and her boyfriend, Scott, is the project manager for the Orion spacecraft. Scott had the additional duty that day of escorting Vice President Kamala Harris around the Space Center. Unfortunately, the launch was scrubbed just two minutes after the two-hour window opened. The teams ultimately ran out of time trying to resolve a multitude of hardware issues, primarily technical issues at launch pad 39B, where one of the rockets’ four RS-25 main engines appeared to have out-ofrange temperatures due to a faulty sensor. Fortunately, we anticipated the scrub and got a jump on the traffic created by the 300,000 people attending. We got home in a matter of minutes, where we anxiously awaited news about the new launch date, which we found would be Sept. 3. Liftoff was scheduled for a more reasonable time, but still, we were up at zero-dark thirty to beat the crowd and to get a good viewing area. Again, we were disappointed when a significant hydrogen leak was discovered that didn’t allow NASA to fuel the rocket enough for a second attempt. Teams have since conducted a successful fueling test and confirmed fixes to the system, but a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building because of Hurricane Ian further delayed the launch. The new date for the long-awaited launch is Nov. 14, but the last-minute appearance of Nicole, a subtropical storm currently gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean, adds more uncertainty to the timeline for the Artemis 1 liftoff.

The Florida group held their fall mini reunion at Hontoon Landing Resort and Marina in Deland, Florida, Sept. 13–15, 2022. The landing is located 35 miles from Orlando across the river from Hontoon Island State Park and 3 miles from Blue Spring State Park, the winter home

of the endangered manatee. It is right on the St. Johns River, which is rich in history and breathtaking beauty. It was indeed a nature lover’s paradise, offering a virtual utopia for photographers, bird watchers, and just plain old nature lovers. We had a good turnout with Bill and Connie Nebraska driving down from Hernando, Mel and Jean Anderson and Art and Ginny Brandriff from Tampa, Lee and Nancy Southard from Fort Myers, Bob Haines and Monique from Sarasota, and Bud and Denyse Kramer from Sanford located right down the road. We had hoped that Harry and Ann Ray could make it from Charlotte, North Carolina, but Ann had a setback in her fight against cancer, and they had to cancel. We also missed Dick and Linda Phillippi Dick is still having some problems with his leg and could not make the trip. We all arrived Tuesday evening and had supper at the St. John’s River Grill. The following morning, we enjoyed a two-hour eco-tour of the Hontoon and St. Johns River where we saw many indigenous birds, alligators, and a manatee or two. That evening we adjourned to the Deland Stockyard, where we enjoyed a superb supper and great fellowship. We left following breakfast the next morning, carrying with us, as usual, many great memories. Several of us have had like experiences when explaining to our non-VMI friends what we do at our mini reunions. We all seem to have the same response; we sit around and talk and laugh a lot. We recount the same old stories we have been telling for the past 60-plus years, but they just seem to get better and funnier each time we hear them. Only VMI alumni would understand how that works. We are looking forward to our next mini, which might be in St. Augustine if there is anything left of the city after Hurricane Ian.

Billy Walker’s widow, Heike, got fed up doing housework, yard work, and pool work by herself, so she moved into Westminster Canterbury, a retirement community located on the Chesapeake Bay. The community is just down the street from Bubba’s, a place I recall where we had a Virginia Beach get-together years ago. Heike says it is a wonderful home for seniors, and she is very content. She also enjoys reading the class notes in the Alumni Review, where she can keep up with all the brother and sister rats, and surprisingly enough, she actually knows quite a few of them.

If Tex and Emily Carr did not have bad luck, they would have had no luck at all. Tex and Emily are cruisers and enjoy hopping aboard a ship as often as possible and sailing here and there, making their way around the world. However, they had to cancel their most recent cruise to the Caribbean three days before departing because of Hurricane Ian. Their previous cruise began with three days in Rome, followed by seven days around the Greek Islands, and the remaining seven days quarantined in their cabin because Tex tested positive

for COVID-19. They were, however, able to get off the ship on the last day in La Palma, Spain. Tex went into the hospital to have total knee replacement surgery when they returned. As most who have had the procedure will tell you, he felt fine that first day and the next at-home day, he was walking barely using the Goodwill walker. Then the primary first-class drugs wore off and the weaker secondary ones took over. Every three hours, there was something to take, and Tex is in no hurry to get the other knee done. All this was going on while he and Emily were busy entertaining a few house guests. On Sept. 11, Larry Wood and a small group of veterans met at their church for a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate and honor those who lost their lives in the suicide terrorist attacks by the militant Islamic extremist network, al-Qaeda, against the United States Sept. 11, 2001. They used a veteran’s burial flag that had once been draped over the casket of a member’s brother’s coffin. The flag was flown at half-staff

for a brief period of time during the ceremony. Eddie Barnes got together with Ned Addison at the VMI versus Furman football game. Ned was in Lexington with his three daughters. They had a great day visiting and talking about the good old days. Eddie also ran into Jimbo Smith ’60. Now that Ned is living in a retirement complex in Norfolk, he sees a lot of Harlee Pate, and they get together often for lunch. Although Furman won the game 41-3, it was a beautiful day. Ned Addison confirmed the meeting, writing that he was in Lexington with not only his three daughters but several other members of their families. One of Ned’s grandsons is a 3rd Class cadet this year and, contrary to family tradition, is a corporal and wears stars. Ned attempted to get into his blouse to see what it felt like, but for some reason or other, it did not fit. One of the highlights of the weekend was meeting Eddie Barnes and sharing his seats in the VIP section high above the field. They no longer got seated, and the first person they ran into sitting right in front of them was Bobby Ross, accompanied by his daughter and grandson. The team had a tough time, but the views from their comfortable chairs were spectacular. Ned reports that Eddie is doing great, the same old guy who never changes. He says that Eddie and Carolyn love their new digs in Roanoke, especially the no maintenance part. Agnes Carter writes that her grandson, Thomas Inge ’25, who was redshirted last year, is now starting right guard on the VMI football team. He has always gone by the name “Thomas,” but the guys at VMI insist on calling him “Tommy,” which sounds all right to Agnes. If you saw the VMI versus Wake Forest game, you saw her grandson, Thomas, who wears No. 79, play. It was particularly a thrill for his dad, Tom Inge ’89, as it was for the entire Inge family to see him play on

Class notes

live TV. VMI played a respectable game against a very tough team, as FSU, Vanderbilt, and Clemson discovered in subsequent weeks. Agnes says, “You gotta love those brave boys.”

Jack Christie’s widow, Gail, finally was able to make a long overdue trip to Charleston, South Carolina, where she had not been since Jack’s ashes were placed in the ground almost two years ago. Both of her granddaughters had swim meets there, so it served a dual purpose; however, she had a bit of an issue getting home due to the hurricane. She finally made it but is not sure if she could deal with all that again. Gail just had a total hip replacement, plus they replaced a rod in that hip from when she fractured it years ago. She is getting along thanks to the help from wonderful friends and family, but it certainly isn’t as easy when you’re alone. God bless you, Gail.

I received a nice note from Max Blanchard’s widow, Lee Ann, who said that even though Max made wonderful provisions for her before he passed, the paperwork has been overwhelming. But, after eight months, she is finally beginning to clear it up. Recently, on his birthday, Lee Ann transported his ashes back to his home state of Georgia for burial. She was joined by her two daughters and a son-in-law, as well as lots of cousins from around the state. She brought red, white, and yellow flowers for his grave. She insisted VMI had to be heard from that day.

Dick and Linda Phillippi say things are a little sad in Southwest Virginia with the loss of their brother rat, neighbor, and close friend, Jim Sam Gillespie. They miss him so much, but the leaves are turning red, gold, and brown, and the mountainsides are beautiful. Dick and Linda stay in contact with Lib McRae, Jim Sam’s daughter, and visited her and her husband, Steve, in Pounding Mill a few weeks ago. Lib teaches at Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, not too far from Pounding Mill, so she gets back often. Harlee Pate stopped by not long ago and spent the night with Dick and Linda. Of course, Harlee had his magnificent talking dog, Meadow, with him. They were on their way to Chattanooga to visit Dudley, one of Harlee’s grandchildren. They went out to dinner and left Meadow in the house, but before leaving, Harlee gave her strict instructions to behave while they were gone. When they returned, she was in the same spot she was in when they left. For the next hour, she entertained them with all of her new tricks. I am currently negotiating with Harlee to bring Meadow to the VMI Class of 1959 65th Reunion for a command performance. I have been told by several brother and sister rats that you would not believe all the things she knows and does until you actually see her in action.

Jim and Bet Vermillion are doing great, especially Bet, who is in her ninth year of Alzheimer’s.

They recently moved into their new cottage in Nokesville, Virginia, located just outside Manassas. They talk with Harlee Pate frequently, and he seems to be doing fine; however, they do miss visiting with him as they did when they lived in Williamsburg. Jim and Bet visited Mark Smith’s widow, June, for several days not long ago, and they found her also doing well. Jim feels they are blessed, and they did the right thing moving to Nokesville when they did. Other than being in a perpetual state of reorganizing and disposing of stuff, the bane of living in two locations, John and Pat Van Kesteren say there isn’t much to write about. John paid a visit to Ashby Chamberlin ’60 at his Bethesda Country Club just before he passed away. Back in “the bad young cadet days,” one spring break, John put Ashby on the back of his motorcycle and drove him from Lexington to his home in Chevy Chase. From there, John and Zeke Blakemore rode their bikes to John’s home near Onancock, Virginia. When they arrived, they staged a drag race downtown which, as you can imagine, shook up the main street. The next day found John humbly pleading with the town policeman and promising him that we were leaving town. John finds it hard to believe that he is still hearing about that escapade even though it happened 63 years ago.

Mel and Jean Anderson continue to trek about the world each year, visiting new and exciting places. Their next trip will be with their traveling buddies, Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty, when they sail out of Miami to Saint Kitts, Saint Vincent, Saint Barts, and other Eastern Caribbean Islands. They do manage to travel within the United States every once in a while, and attended their oldest granddaughter’s wedding (Brynne) in Denver, Colorado, last Labor Day. The whole family got together, rented a B&B in Denver, and enjoyed an exciting week before the wedding. They had a great time with their kids, grandkids, and their first great-grandchild.

Spencer and Beverly Tucker are enjoying the beautiful fall weather in Rockbridge County, especially the magnificent array of colors that comes with the changing of the seasons. Both Beverly and Spencer have successfully recovered from complete knee replacement surgery.

Tom Davis retired from the practice of law several years ago. He was a trial attorney in Houston, Texas, in the law firm of Davis and Oretsky. During all those years, he came across and collected Texas books and documents pertaining to the Civil War and other matters. This past year, he sold his collection to a man who plans to build a library and museum on a college campus in Texas. What a wonderful legacy.

I hope Tom continues to keep us informed as to how that is going.

Bill and Connie Nebraska are doing as well

as can be expected, although Bill recently experienced some gallbladder problems that required corrective surgery. The worst part was it occurred one day before he was to go on his annual fishing trip with his boys, Todd and Paul, and grandson, Mark. Being the trooper that he is, Bill insisted the boys go on the trip without him. They did, caught a lot of fish, and had a great time, even without the old man being with them. Bill is already planning next year’s fishing trip in which he intends to be fully engaged.

What a pleasant surprise it was to receive an unexpected package from Jane and Kurt Gloeckner Enclosed was a nice note from Jane and a beautiful red book titled Instances, authored by Kurt, that I think can best be described as an autobiography written in verse. Jane said that after Kurt retired at age 85, he spent his time writing narrative poetry and working on this beautiful pen and ink that highlight his life experiences. A beautiful piece of work from an engineer turned liberal artist. Ann and I were delighted Kurt included us on the list of recipients. As you are aware, Kurt and Jane had to back out of the luncheon we had for Gen. and Mrs. Peay ’62 last May because he was experiencing episodes that, at the time, were attributed to transient ischemic attack. TIA is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes and does not cause permanent damage.

Further testing by his neurologist and cardiologist revealed it might be transient global amnesia. With transient global amnesia, you remember who you are and recognize the people you know well. Episodes of transient global amnesia always get better slowly over a few hours. During recovery, you may begin to remember events and circumstances. Transient global amnesia isn’t serious, but it can still be frightening. A lengthy EEG ruled out seizure, which was good news. Kurt, at 87, continues to be as sharp as ever; only his hearing poses an issue, as it does for so many of us. I try to explain my hearing problems as “selective listening,” but Ann, so far, has not bought into that excuse yet. Keep those cards, emails, and letters coming in. I cannot write the notes without your input. The class notes are important to your brother and sister rats. I do not think it would surprise you to know that in every message I get from brother rats, and particularly sister rats, they say that, to them, the most important thing about the Alumni Review is the class notes, and it is always the first thing they read when it arrives. When many of you sent in information, you began by saying, “not much exciting has happened with us.” Your brother and sister rats are interested in how you are doing, your health, and what you have been up to. It doesn’t have to be exciting, just informative.

Stay safe.

Yours in the Spirit, Shep

Greetings from 12 Evergreen Tree Drive in Lexington, Virginia.

On Aug. 20, Steve Sewell and Lenny Carmine celebrated their birthdays. I caught up with Steve the next day. He is well. Steve related that, like so many of us, much time is spent going to either the grocery store or to doctors. Lenny never answers his phone, so I can only hope he is well. Lenny, please get in touch with us.

VMI had an annual Matriculation Fair for the incoming rats and their families to make them aware of Lexington’s local churches, banks, and businesses. Tables and exhibits are set up over the entire floor of Cocke Hall. Our church in Lexington, Grace Episcopal, formerly Robert E. Lee Memorial, was in attendance. Our church has a program to adopt a rat, a service where families can “adopt” a couple of rats for the year and bring them to their home Sunday afternoons for a meal and rest. Ruth and I had a good time getting to meet some of the boys and their families.

Our Brother Rat Bo Bowles is a VMI producing machine, as he has a grandson, Bowlman T. “T” Bowles IV 2023+3, son of Bowlman T. “Trip” Bowles III ’87, entering this year. Bo also has a granddaughter, Ann, who will be a 2nd Class cadet this year. Bo also has another son, Churchill Bowles ’92, who went to VMI. We hope they will join us at Grace.

Another VMI family, Marshall Carney Taylor 2023+3, nephew of Ashby Taylor ’61, will be matriculating. This young man is a fifth-generation VMI of the Taylor family. There were other rats and their families who came by our table. Matriculation these days at the Institute is certainly very different from our time!

I received the following email from Walt Witschard responding to a birthday phone call: “Sorry that I missed your call, as I was out of town. I am in good health and had my pacemaker replaced, so I am good for another seven years. I have the normal aches and pains of age. I have found that my mind says, ‘Let’s do this,’ but my body says, ‘Not so fast.’ My son, who is my ‘visiting angel,’ will not let me on a ladder, pick up anything heavy, etc. I keep telling him don’t get old! My son, Kevin, and I will make the pilgrimage to VMI to see the Mercer football game. Best from the Great Northwest, Walter.”

On Aug. 26, Tom Royster celebrated his next birthday. I didn’t get a chance to speak to him, but I left voicemail wishes. Tom sent me the following email: “Jimbo, sorry I missed your birthday call this past Friday. Jennifer and I had returned from hosting a cruise sailing from London, up the Norwegian Fjords to the North Cape in the Arctic, and we were out restocking groceries. I hope you and Ruth are doing well. Take care, Tom.” It’s nice to hear from folks rather than read their obituary.

On Aug. 28, the Powell brothers, Jim and John, celebrated their latest birthday. John was out shopping, so Martha was to pass on his birthday wish. Jim got a voicemail wish. Keep his wife, Anne, in your prayers, as she has been very ill and requires 24-hour care. On Aug. 31, Jim Pittman had another birthday.

He got an email birthday wish. Joe Sisler celebrated his next birthday Sept. 2. I hope he was on the golf course.

Alex Dunlap and Bill Knowles celebrated another birthday Aug. 10. I have had no contact with Alex, but I did get an email from Bill. I also spoke with Bill at a later date about the status of the Institute. Saturday, Sept. 10, VMI played Cornell but lost 28-22. We had a good time, however, and it didn’t rain. We beat Bucknell the weekend before.

I spoke with Earl Marquette Sept. 16. His birthday had been saddened by the loss of his wife.

Barry Worst celebrated his next birthday Sept. 18.He is well and celebrated by playing tennis with his wife, Marty. We shared stories about Stevesville and his roommate, Seafus Brown Seafus was Barry’s best man. Jimmy Savage was also in his wedding.

On Sept. 24, Mike Shoemaker celebrated his next birthday. He is well.

I called Jon Quinn for his birthday Oct. 1. There was no answer, but he got voicemail wishes. On Oct. 3, I caught up with Roy McLeod to wish him well on his next birthday. Roy is dealing with some infirmities but is in great spirits. He roomed with us during his 1st Class year.

On Oct. 5, I spoke with George Uhlig and wished him a happy and healthy birthday. George exercises regularly and maintains good health.

I spoke with Ed Duncan Oct. 6. Ed is well and enjoying his birthday. Ed reminded me that he had established a scholarship for a football player at VMI. He also still does some farming.

I recently received the following email from Walt Witschard, who will be visiting us later in October: “Jimbo’s, Kevin’s [his son], and my hobby is visiting distilleries, and we will go to bourbon/Tennessee whiskey county. We have a lot of fun doing this, and we give presentations on whiskey-making to various groups. We will leave Portland Oct. 21 and fly to Nashville where we will visit Tennessee distilleries, then on to Louisville and more distilleries. On Wednesday or Thursday, we will go to Virginia. We will visit Virginia distilleries and go to VMI Friday. We then fly home from Lynchburg Sunday, Oct. 30. Kevin’s cell is 503-339-6125. Walter.”

As advertised, Walt and Kevin arrived at our home Friday afternoon, Oct. 28, after having visited three distilleries in our area. He and his son have been to over 175 distilleries all over the world. Walt gave Ruth and me a lecture about how scotch is prepared and brought a fifth of single malt scotch as a gift. Since I don’t imbibe and haven’t for a long time, I have a great treat for guests. We had a wonderful visit, having not spent much time together over the years other than reunions. We got to know each other again

Class notes

after many years. He brought me up to date regarding his career in the Army, his two graduate degrees, and his career with the FBI. Very distinguished! We sat through a sad VMI versus Mercer football game but had a great time catching up the rest of the weekend. Walt roomed with Brian Kane and Tony DiCaprio, who, unfortunately, like so many of our brother rats, have passed away. They headed back to Portland Sunday en route to home in Lake Oswego, a Portland suburb.

On Oct. 12, I spoke with Prill Brown, as “Seafus” Brown is under the weather. She is so supportive.

I could only leave voice messages for Jack Willard and Roy Quinn for their latest birthdays Oct. 20.

I missed Bill Spicuzza’s birthday Oct. 21. I finally left a voicemail days later.

On Oct. 27, Frank Ferrier had his latest birthday. Again, I was unable to speak with Frank, but I hope he had a good day.

On Oct. 29, yours truly had my next birthday, and I received many, many well wishes. Ruth gave me a new VMI golf shirt, as if I needed another one, and a leaf blower. Please come by to show me how to use it. Today, as I write, it is Halloween, so I’ve loaded up with Reese’s peanut butter cups. Livin’ the dream!

Jay Jarrett celebrated his next birthday Nov. 2. He is well.

On Nov. 6, I spoke with Fudd Caldwell and sent him birthday wishes. Fudd has had some health

issues, but he sounded great.

Bob “Railroad” Hamilton had another birthday Nov. 8. I couldn’t get in touch with him but left a voicemail birthday wish.

On Nov. 11, George Coulbourn had his next birthday. I could only give George voicemail birthday wishes.

We had a VMI Founders Day celebration. On Nov. 10, Bill “Peanuts” Elliot and his wife, Jan; Henry Brown and Linda; Bolling Williamson; and G.G. and Frances were all together at the Phillipses’. We then gathered at VMI for the Foundation Institute Society Dinner Nov. 11. It was special, as Gen. Binnie Peay ’62, VMI’s 14th superintendent, was celebrated with the unveiling of his portrait and his reception of the New Market Medal for his meritorious service to the Institute. VMI will miss Binnie’s leadership. We also

celebrated Veterans Day.

This issue of class notes is coming to a close. Please stay in touch. Remember our class memorials: The Jim Tumlinson Scholarship, as well as the Eagle Bayliss Scholarship. Please be generous with your donations. Stay safe, healthy, and in touch.

In the Spirit, Jimbo

Lately, every day has been the same for Sue and me: Doctor visits, therapy, labs, and a few trips to Annapolis to meet with the shoulder surgeon. I did manage to attend the “old timers’ lunch” in Williamsburg, along with Larry Respess, Wyatt Durrette, Willard Hoskins, Larry Wetsel, and Stu Woodcock. It was a very vocal meeting with lots of questions from the floor to the VMI Alumni Association president and the new CEO of the VMI Alumni Agencies. We all hoped that they got the message, but who knows.

In September, we attended our first neighborhood party since COVID-19 and enjoyed seeing everyone. Joyce Gibbings was able to get Bill Gibbings up and out the door to the party, and he had a good time. At month’s end, we attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. I was told this was the first time a wreath was presented at the TUS by anyone from VMI. Go, ’61. I do not have adequate words to express my gratitude to Ray Hanlein, John Tharrington, and Lt. Col. Meghan Ederle (Ken Ederle’s daughter) for the wonderful Arlington Cemetery and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall visit. Three brother rats, John Tharrington, Jud McLester, and Bill Daniels, all of whom had received the Distinguished Flying Cross, presented the wreath. The wreath for the TUS was a gift from the Ederle family in honor of Brother Rat Ken. After the presentation, we attended a lecture at the TUS amphitheater. Then, we went on to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard parade field, where we were seated in the VIP section and entertained by the U.S. Army Drill Team, the Fife and Drum Corps, and the Commander in Chief’s Guard. The day concluded with a visit to the horse barn, where we

Class Notes

had a lecture on the gun carriages used for funerals and then pet and fed the horses apples and carrots. Army Cpl. Gabriel Bacchus volunteered his time and talent and captured our activities on film. His pictures can be seen at https://flic.kr/s/ aHBqjA8U8t.

Those there were Sal and Sue Vitale; Lt. Col. Meghan Ederle; John Tharrington; Lois Lawler; Dick and Judy Youngblood; Jim Miner and daughter Hanna; Lynn Vitale Cross; Jud McLester and Suzanne Melin; Larry and Jeri Wetsel; Jennifer and Mitch Kot; Robert Williamson; Tom Phlegar; Ray and Sally Hanlein; Amy Hanlein Falcon; Dave Harbach; Sandra Coleman; Jane and Lou Kiger; Paul Johnston and son-in-law Jeff Faski; and Bill and Sue Daniels and clan, to include son-in-law Ray, nephew Frank, daughter Taylor, and grandson Reese. The Arlington visit required lots of coordination, and a special thanks goes to Ray Hanlein, who made the restaurant reservations for our evening meals and arranged for the red, white, and yellow bouquets for each BRs’ grave, and thanks to John Tharrington, who led us to each site and gave a history of each brother rat. Paul Goldman could not be at the cemetery. Instead, the night before we went to Arlington, Paul lit a Yahrzeit memorial candle and recited the Kaddish. Paul requested that a stone be placed on BR Pete Kleinberg’s headstone, and that was done. A picture of each brother rat’s

stone we visited was sent to the family. Some tidbits: Snake Daniels is using a cane due to his balance issues, as am I. Jud McLester sold his aircraft after, as he put it, “I was flying one day and didn’t know where I was.” Jim Miner’s health is great except for eye issues. His daughter accompanied him. Dick Youngblood is still dealing with cancer and, in my view, looks better than I have seen him in a long time. Larry Wetsel is still traveling and is in great health. Mitch and Jennifer Kot are surrogate parents for several Vietnamese students and, as such, attended a parent’s weekend at Hillsdale College and were very impressed. In late October, the Kots went to Marco Island for a

few months. Really? During October, the Vitales continued their routine with more doctor visits, therapy, etc., labs, and meeting with the shoulder surgeon who released Sue for most activities. (I do miss taking care of her.) We both started back at the gym, and Sue is driving again. In November, Sue and I planned to be in Lexington for the presentation of the New Market Medal to Gen. Peay ’62 and the Memorial Hall service to honor Brother Rat Don Wilkinson and didn’t make it due to my new orthopedic issues. Sue and I watched the Peay award ceremony livestream. Attending onsite from our class were Larry Respess, Ben Lynch, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Bob and Sue Ellen Reitz, and Jan Bissell. Unfortunately, due to illness, Binnie’s wife, Pam, could not be there to celebrate this long overdue recognition. The next day, the Wilkinson memorial service was held in Memorial Hall. Bill Daniels, Don’s roommate of four years, gave a superb remembrance speech, as did Elaine Wilkinson and Don’s old lifetime Richmond friend, Austin Brockenbrough. Representing our class were the Youngbloods, Bickfords, Clarksons, Ben Lynch, and Sue Daniels. The ceremony concluded with pipes and taps.

The mini reunion at the Etowah Valley Golf & Resort in Etowah, North Carolina, was smaller than hoped, but those there had a great time. Sue and I had to cancel at the last minute due to another medical issue. Rod and Doris Hudgins planned activities for both golfers and non-golfers. Rod’s son, Trip Hudgins, scheduled a fantastic private tour of the Biltmore Estate and house. One day while the golfers golfed, Paul Johnston, the Phlegars, the Puettes, and the Kurstedts rode the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Pisca Inn, where they had a great lunch and a view of the mountains that “took your breath away.” Golfers said the course was great. Those attending the reunion were Rod and Doris Hudgins, Dave Harbach and Sandra Coleman, Harrison and Terri Fridley, Tom and Barbara Phlegar, Jim and Blair Bickford, Clayton and Jan Smith, Robert Williamson, Paul Johnston, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Bill and Sandra Puette, and Harold and Cilia Kurstedt Harrison Fridley said managing his walker is difficult on uneven ground, but that has not stopped him from getting out and about. Barbara Phlegar has made a miraculous comeback. She looks great, and Tom says she is well enough to start taking cruises. Dave Harbach is settled in at his new home and playing lots of golf. It was

Class notes

nice to see Bill Puette back with the brothers, as he has not been attending functions for a while. Harold Kurstedt is doing OK, and while his walking is difficult, he keeps coming out to functions. Robert Williamson now has two of his sons living with him. Our grandson is living with us, so we can sympathize with Robert.

The next brother rat get-together was arranged by Tom Phlegar at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Paint Bank, Virginia. Again, Sue and I had to cancel at the last minute because I fell and could not walk or drive. Stability has been a problem, and the ER is getting to know me by my first name. Based on the last dining experiences at Swinging Bridge, Tom requested two tables, one for the old men and one for the ladies, so the ladies don’t have to listen to our BR boring war stories. Those there were Dave Harbach and Sandra Coleman, Tom and Barbara Phlegar, George and Edna Henning, Harrison and Terri Fridley, Jim Oliver and son David, and Barry and Elizabeth Orndorff The restaurant was packed, and the service was not up to their standard due to the shortage of help.

George Henning says that Edna continues to enjoy not cooking, and the Hennings are regulars at the facility dining room. Jim Oliver has been taking care of Connie, and her condition has worsened. Two of Connie’s sisters from Montana recently were with Jim to help out. Please keep

the Olivers in your prayers.

The hurricane that blew through Florida spared our brother rats real damage. John Rudibaugh’s condo in Lee County fared well, considering the damage reported in nearby Fort Myers Beach. John lost power for days and the lanai screens were gone, but there was no water on the third floor of his condo. John is very pleased that his grandson, John Perez ’26, matriculated at VMI and survived Matriculation Week.

Don and Ann Rishell said the hurricane came right over their Fort Myers home. It was five hours of pure terror, but the house made out fine,

with only torn lanai screens and landscaping gone.

John and Linda Moore live a little north of Rishell and experienced minimal damage. John is doing OK with his MS.

Jack and Nancy Bell also escaped any real damage. Jack is still hanging in there, according to Nancy.

No real damage, says Judy Elliott Judy said even though Dave cannot read, he responds very well to cards and letters, so keep them coming.

Hershel and Cinny Murray’s house stood up very well during the hurricane, except all the shrubs are gone, along with many roof shingles. Hershel is moving really slowly and could not join us at Arlington. Hershel is the most senior living warrior in our class with two Silver Stars. Charlie and Margie Finnigan are doing very well health-wise and were fortunate the hurricane went south of them, so they sustained no significant damage.

Henry and Brenda Huntsberry, Bob and Jeanne Burks, and the Crows were also safe and sound with only lots of wind and rain.

The storm missed Tampa, so Paula Hill is OK. Paula appreciated our visit to Paul’s Arlington site. The Bickfords’ house had a break-in while they were home, and Jim scared the intruder off. The intruder was later caught breaking into someone else’s home. Jim installed protective devices on all lower windows and doors. In this way, he can be assured that the two 1961 bottles of calvados brandy made from apples harvested in 1961 shortly after our graduation would be available to be consumed by our last living brother rats to honor our class. (Smile.)

Bill and Sylvia Haeberlein, along with two of their girls, finally took a trip to Europe on the Viking line. They toured England, Scotland, and Ireland and had a wonderful time. While in London, they witnessed the queen’s body being driven to the Cathedral and the crowds queueing up to see her. Unfortunately, the family contracted a virus, so part of the trip was in their cabin. Some good news: Bill lost so much weight that his cadet uniform is too large. (Smile.)

Class of 1961: Members of the class visit Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 23. Present are Sal Vitale; U.S. Army Lt. Col. Meghan Ederle; John Tharrington; Lois Lawler; Sue Vitale; Judy Youngblood; Dick Youngblood; Jim Miner; Hanna, Miner’s daughter; Lynn Vitale Cross; Jud McLester; Suzanne Melin; Larry and Jeri Wetsel; Jennifer and Mitch Kot; Robert Williamson; Tom Phlegar; Sally and Ray Hanlein; Bill and Sue Daniels; Dave Harbach; Sandra Coleman; Jane and Lou Kiger; Jeff Faski, Paul Johnson’s son-inlaw; and Amy Hanlein Falcon, as well as Daniels’ son-in-law, Ray; nephew, Frank; daughter, Taylor; and grandson, Reese.—Photo courtesy U. S. Army Cpl. Gabriel Bacchus.

Hill and Heather Browning had a fabulous trip to St. Marten. Sue and I are scheduled to be in St. Marten in March 2023 for my 84th birthday. Willard and Pat Hoskins visited their daughter and family in St. Louis and were able to meet John and Bettie Miller for dinner. The Millers are doing OK.

Larry Williams has been out of touch for several months. He has been living with relatives since his son, Lee, died suddenly. Larry finally

surfaced at the Gibbingses’ for beer and cookies, and he is in good health. Larry said he is having difficulty returning to his house. I was aware that Larry and John McDougal ran track. Larry called John while we were at Gibbings’, and we all had a chance to talk to him. John is doing well. Bill and Danya Redd are still living with their daughter, as neither can get around much. Carl Hirsch is still recovering from his mesh operation and doing well. Unfortunately, Becky Hirsch’s blood pressure ran sky-high, and they had to cancel going to Arlington. Sue and I talked to Becky on her birthday, and she is doing much better.

Bob Coltrane’s hip operation is not giving him any problems, but he is still suffering from the after-effects of COVID-19—headaches and dizziness. Whenever Bob goes outside to walk around for exercise, the ground is uneven, so he has to use a cane to maintain balance. (Welcome to the cane club.) Bob scattered some hard-shelled corn in the front yard to attract the turkeys, but bears showed up instead.

Tom Whalen, my second-semester rat roommate, said the vascular doc at U.C. Davis Health told him that all efforts to get the pipes flowing in his lower left leg have failed. He is going to have the left leg amputated below the knee. Please keep him in your prayers. In talking with Phyllis Hollowell, she said Ed Hollowell is having mobility issues but is currently doing well. Just when I thought COVID-19 was behind us, Wyatt Durrette called and said he tested positive for COVID-19. He had mild symptoms and is doing OK.

Ann McCormick relocated from Texas to West Chester, Ohio, after their house burned down. Her son, Allen, said Ann is doing well but has limited communication due to a recent fight with COVID-19, pneumonia, and a broken leg! She is struggling through the recovery process but is getting better every day. Battle Haslam is doing well, takes a few meds, and has a pacemaker for a heart issue since 2016 that works fine. Battle has avoided travel and crowds for the past two years to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and its successor variations, as he is still in the “high risk” category.

John Gangemi is doing OK considering his MS. It is nice to see him and Fred Ayers active with the Wilmington North Carolina Chapter. Gerry and Charlene Eubank left a senior care facility and built a house in Aiken, South Carolina, in a beautiful horse country area. Gerry said the people were too old and docile for them.

Jack Miller recently retired from

the nursing home that was taking care of his wife. That was his third and last retirement. Jack’s health is good, and he is primarily engaged with farm work, horses, his dog, cat, and, shortly, chickens. He still lifts weights regularly and has resumed his wine hobby. (Jack and Ray Hanlein need to compare wine-making notes.) Jack said all the grandchildren are all working for the government; his granddaughter is in counterterrorism, oldest grandson in high voltage electricity, and his youngest grandson is a second lieutenant and West Point graduate.

Bill Hala is doing OK, and the pictures he sends are beautiful. Dick Lindquist and Kim are doing quite well health-wise. Dick moves a lot more slowly since his back fusion and is a little bit more careful taking steps and can walk well on level ground. (Sounds like me and at least a dozen or more BRs.) Dick chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee at the time when the building failed the 50-year inspection. They have to undertake major concrete restoration, including demo and replacement of the balconies. Dick hopes that what he learned from Cols. Mann, McDonough, and Dobbins comes back quickly.

Bill Maurer enjoys doing research, and he happened to stumble on a portion of the book he was reviewing that had a chapter entitled “Two Weeks after Sumter.” The chapter describes a father’s concern for his son, who is VMI Cadet Eugene Jackson, nicknamed “Mud Wall” Jackson. Bill suggested that the VMI Museum look into this rare book and notes and purchase it.

Jerry Curtis is doing OK and is in the process of moving and not making much progress. Jerry bought a 7-week-old Cairn Terrier pup and spends a lot of time training him, Mr. McKinney, aka Mick. Mick knows some commands and tricks, and “he has been good for me because he makes me laugh like Dennis did.”

Shirley Hartford has temporarily moved from California to Tennessee to be near her daughter. Being alone is not easy, and hopefully, being close to her daughter will help. I hope you all enjoyed reading the email from Bud Alligood’s wife, Peggy. Peggy’s family affiliation with VMI goes back to the early 1900s. I received many positive comments about her email.

Thanks to Brother Rats Ed Doleman, Bob Reitz, Raine Gilbert, and several others who communicated with the superintendent.

Sue Patrick is doing OK. Sue and her grandkids planned to attend The Citadel football game in Lexington. I sure wish “Rabbit” Patrick could suit up for the game. Barbara Jean LeFon has pancreatic cancer, and the outlook is dim. Please pray for her recovery.

It is never easy to lose a loved one, and at this point, we have lost approximately 42% of our brother rats and several spouses. The following will be missed: James “Jim” S. Cranford, M.D., passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2022. Jim’s son, Mark Cranford ’87, wanted to share with us that his “dad passed away peacefully late in the night cloaked in his VMI blanket. My wife and I were at his side. He was surrounded by family for hours earlier in the day.” Jim was an Army brat, and he and his family lived at several U.S. Army bases throughout the world, including Greece and Germany. Jim was a member of the VMI wrestling team. He received his medical degree from MCV and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Korea, where he served as the commanding officer (major) of the 43rd Surgical Hospital. Jim began his medical practice in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a general surgeon, founding Worcester County Surgical Associates, P.C. In addition, he was a clinical instructor with UMass Medical School.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim several times when he lived in Florida. I remember the last time I arrived with the class flag and wanted him to sign it. He was so concerned that his inability to write clearly would spoil the flag that he didn’t want to do it. After a lot of encouragement from me and his wife, Carol, he signed it. Afterward, he smiled and said, “I did it, and it looks good.” Jim was buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.

Robert Esker Stoy passed Sept. 28, 2022, in Melbourne, Florida. Bob’s family moved him from Virginia to Florida Aug. 1, 2022, when he was no longer able to care for himself. Lynn, his wife, and his daughter, Sharon, cared for him full-time. While recovering from

Class notes

pneumonia in the hospital, he contracted sepsis and had non-healing ulcers and chronic hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The family believes the sepsis killed him. Per Bob’s burial instructions, he was cremated, and the family was directed to hike into the woods and bury his ashes on Bob’s hunting cabin property in the mountains near Harrisonburg, Virginia. According to the information from his wife, Lynn, she and daughters Sharon and Janet met up with Bob’s hunting buddies and hiked up the mountain. They found the burial marker with a big “S” on it and deposited the ashes. Bob, aka “Stinky” Stoy was an odd person. (Smile.)

Diane Marston Lynch, Brother Rat Ben Lynch’s wife, passed Oct. 17, 2022, after fighting a long battle. Five years ago, Diane was stricken by a severe stroke that left her without the use of her left side. Ben called several months ago and told me she was fading, and I should expect a call soon. Diane had other ideas and was with us longer than anyone thought she would be. I remember Diane attending all the functions at our 60th Reunion in a wheelchair, and she was always smiling. Diane graduated from Mary Washington and, upon graduation, began work as a social worker with the Portsmouth Department of Social Services. A lifelong Episcopalian, she served as youth group leader, a Sunday school teacher, and an altar guild member. Joyce Gibbings, Sue, and I attended the requiem eucharist service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The church was filled.

A special thanks to Larry Respess, Wyatt Durrette, John Tharrington, Carmen Villani ’76, Bob Morris ’79, and all my brother rats and the many other alumni who wrote letters to the VMI Board of Visitors in support of awarding Gen. Peay ’62 the New Market Medal. This was a small victory, and there is a lot more to do.

An “Old Corps” certified story: Tom Saunders ’58 (deceased) was a h$%#-raising cadet private. When Tom, aka the “bomb maker,” was constructing a big one in his room, it got out of control. Tom escaped just before the bomb exploded. His room was almost destroyed. Doors and windows were blown apart, and one wall moved 4 inches out of place. By SMI, the room was completely restored, and the wall was repositioned. It is no wonder Tom went on to be a most successful businessman—billions—and knew how to get things accomplished quickly. Yes, rank may be an important measure of future success, but it is not a requirement. VMI even inspires its privates. So privates help restore the VMI experience.

Please stay well, safe, and in touch. Call someone you have not heard from. I am sure you both will enjoy the conversation. God bless you, VMI, our troops, and this great country. We will prevail.

1962

Edmund R. Strickler

John Mott Robertson

I regret starting with another sad note, but two of our brother rats, Sam Clement and Fritz Hart, passed away since the last notes. In addition, Bruce Ballard died Aug. 3, 2021. Sam died Aug. 11, 2022. Sam lost both parents at an early age and spent his youth in Danville, Virginia, and in Winter Haven, Florida, when he was adopted by his first cousin, Bushrod Morrison Clement Jr., and his wife, Eula Lee Durham. As a teenager, Sam became an avid barefoot water skier. As an adult, he enjoyed spending time boating with his family and friends exploring waterways from New York to Florida, as well as teaching people to water ski. He mastered trick skis and skiing with his daughter, Janet, on his shoulders from the time she was very young. He continued to slalom ski until he was 75 years old. He also enjoyed his cats, many being rescues. After high school, Sam returned to Virginia and earned his bachelor’s degree from VMI, graduating in 1962. Upon commissioning, he attended the Honest John Warhead School, graduating in the No. 1 position. He spent five years active duty, including a tour in Germany and Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star and separating as a captain. He then studied urban planning at Cornell University and then spent a number of years working for the City of Norfolk, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Health Care Association, and the Virginia Department of Health. He and his wife, Dolores, established a charitable fund at The Community Foundation and a fund for the study of managerial ethics at the MCV Foundation. He was active in the Richmond Kiwanis Club, where he led its tutoring program for children. Among his hobbies were international travel with his wife, Dolores; attending Richmond Forum programs; reading; studying the stock market; and developing investment strategies for his family and friends.

Fredrick C. “Fritz” Hart died Aug. 24, 2022, at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, New York. He was born April 5, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. Fritz graduated from VMI and then served in the military. His career was as

a human resources director, which took him to many places, including Virginia; North Carolina; Kentucky; New York; Pennsylvania; Illinois; and Medina, New York. He was very active in community affairs and was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Jean Moran Hart. Bruce Woodhouse Ballard passed Aug. 3, 2021. He was 81 years old. Bruce was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Anna Mae Gornto Ballard and James Lloyd Ballard Jr. He attended VMI during the 1958–59 school year and finished obtaining his bachelor’s degree in business at Old Dominion University. I received a very nice email from his wife, Cynthia, saying that they attended the 50th Reunion of 1962, and she was so impressed with how much everyone cared about each other. VMI was truly a very special place, and Bruce loved it very much.

Mott and Diane Robertson have had a busy six months. While visiting family in Richmond over the New Year for delayed Christmas with granddaughters Molly, Erin, and Caroline Robertson, they had time to meet Nell and Howard Cobb for lunch at Amuse in the VMFA. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with an old roommate and his lovely wife. In February, they spent a few days in Palm Beach and especially enjoyed visiting the Henry Flagler mansion and learning about his major role in developing the state of Florida and the building of the railroad all the way to Key West. They then visited Mott’s brother, Greg Robertson ’65, and his wife, Dotty, in Vero Beach. While there, Bill and Carol Ryan

Class Notes

’65 and friends joined them for an enjoyable evening at a great local restaurant. They also had a fun visit with John Traynham and Ann Day at Ann’s home in Vero Beach. Spring was devoted to our 60th Reunion planning, but they did find time to attend his delayed 55th UVA Medical School class of 1966 reunion in Charlottesville in late March. They were in Charlotte for Easter with one of their five families, including granddaughter Madden and grandson Payson Rhodes.

The major event in April was our 60th Reunion. Mott feels that the class meaningfully recognized and honored Gen. Binnie and Pam Peay for their dedication to VMI and the many accomplishments that were achieved during their time on post. Many thanks to all who helped to make it a memorable reunion. He and Diane went to the visitation for BR John Allen in Elkins, West Virginia, following the reunion, where many VMI and other friends had come to support Joyce and the family. May was graduation month for three granddaughters. Eleanor Rhodes graduated from VES and is heading to Southern Methodist, and Amelia Rhodes

finished at Foxcroft and is going to Syracuse. Amelia was selected by her class to be the graduation speaker for graduation day. Eliza Rhodes is stepping up from James River Day and will attend E.C. Glass High in Lynchburg. In June, he and Diane were finally able to take their two-week Mediterranean Cruise with Viking that had been delayed since 2020. They started in Venice, actually the port of Chioggia, June 24, and then visited Croatia and Corfu in Greece, Italy, Monaco, France, and ended in Barcelona July 6. Diane’s good friend from Grier School, Gail Malcolm, traveled with them. It was an excellent cruise and one they would highly recommend. Then after returning to Lynchburg, they both developed COVID-19, which prevented them from going to Montgomery, Alabama, for granddaughter Elizabeth Robertson’s wedding July 16. At least they were able to watch it in real time, as it was streamed live from the church. Shortly thereafter, Diane had a fall and sustained a compression fracture of the lumbar third vertebrae. She’s gradually recovering but still has bothersome pain at times. Travel is restricted for now, but they hope to see many brother rats in the fall.

George Collins writes about his Aug. 13 racing adventures; it was game day for me. He had not raced on one of his sailboats since January. Some surgery and rehab had prevented him from racing. On game day, he had to evaluate the weather conditions and get the crew pumped up and ready. They had a good practice sail the day before and ideal conditions. Winds 8-11 knots with small shifts. The big race is the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club Coastal Distance Race. Usually a 1520 nautical miles race. Conditions seemed perfect before the 1335 start. Winds 005 north at about 8-9 knots with small shifts. They didn’t have a perfect start against the other five boats in their class, the race boat class, but found a way forward to get clear for a tack and then, shortly after, tacked back right on the way to the 1st turning mark. Rounding the first mark with a 20-second lead, they were able to bear off, which gave them an advantage as they are a quicker boat. On the way to the second mark, a much longer leg, they encountered wind shifts of 60 degrees.

Class notes

These shifts appeared quickly, causing several sail changes as rapidly as possible. The third leg saw the winds kick up to as much as 17 knots with very shifty conditions. After his long hiatus, George said he didn’t need these conditions, as he had not driven that boat in these conditions in over a year, and there was a lot of pressure on the helm as he did most of the driving. Nonetheless, they continued to increase their lead through the third and fourth legs. The reach to the finish had them getting the gun for first to finish, and now they had to wait to see if the rest of the class would correct over them for the victory. Much like golf, where handicaps come into play, boats have a rating. They owed the next boat to finish a lot of time; however, the rest of the fleet battled the same conditions, and they won on corrected time by over 90 seconds and took home the trophy for the fourth consecutive year. George doesn’t know how long he can go, given his old age and accompanying aches and pains, but he has to say it is great to be the oldest helmsman by some margin and still win. Having a great and younger crew helps! Invicta is now 27-1 over the past five years. Some say watching a sailboat race is often compared to watching grass grow, but this race was fast.

Ed Northrop reports he and Joan attended a formal gala event at the National Infantry Museum Aug. 20. It was a wonderful evening, and as usual, the NIM did an excellent job. The event was in appreciation to the NIM donors and to recognize our soldiers and was attended by over 500. They invited three captains and their wives to join them at the gala. Ed and Joan were extremely proud of these young men and their beautiful wives. They were extremely professional and respectful, and it was an honor to be able to meet them. Inviting these young officers was a small attempt by Ed and Joan to continue to maintain and develop a relationship between the Vietnam veterans and the current lethal and red warriors. Our U.S. Army is and remains in good hands. One of those invited was Capt. Mike Marta ’17

Tony Curtis is currently recovering from stomach surgery Aug. 4. Hopefully, by the time this hits print, he will be fully recovered since he said it should only take about another month. He is sorry to see so many of our brother rats passing away, but considering our age, it is not surprising.

John Candler recently contacted me and wanted info on the design of our class ring. Not having been on the committee, I referred him to Col.

Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System executive director. He returned with the following: While most of the imagery—eagle, flags, New Market, etc.—appear on many rings, naturally, the Class of 1962 ring is distinctive in that it features one of the French cannons on the parapet wall and, as you recall, it honors the citizen-soldier and George C. Marshall ’901 with his name and five stars. Also, the motto, “There is no substitute for victory,” is credited most often to Douglas MacArthur, who was a U.S. Military Academy graduate, but it appears on the “New Market side” of the ring. Could the designer have

member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. A highlight this year was a cruise from Paris to Normandy and return—very emotional. The fields of crosses were very moving, but the individual stories of brothers, fathers, and sons buried there bring home the heroism and tragedy. He was reminded of poring over the casualty lists from Vietnam, looking for friends.

known that Gen. MacArthur’s uncle, who was on his mother’s side, was a New Market cadet, William C. Hardy ’864? I thought this was very interesting, and any of you who were on the Ring Design Committee, please feel free to send comments.

Rosser Bobbitt writes that they are doing well. As a friend told him, “If I was 25, I’d be in terrible shape, but for an 82-year-old, I’m in great shape.” Kate has finally retired after 29 years of active church-based ministry, and they have returned to their home church, Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal in Norfolk. The light of their lives is their 3-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter, Helena (VMI Class of 2040!), who visited for six weeks with her parents from Belgium. Their son and her father, Max, who teaches science at the International School of Brussels, speaks only English to her; her mother, Kasia, speaks to her in only Polish; and she goes to a French preschool. It’s amazing to hear her switch flawlessly from one language to another, depending on who she’s talking to. Their oldest child, Myra Hope, is a “product owner” at MathWorks in Massachusetts, and next is daughter Foye, a paralegal in Norfolk. Rosser remains an active support

Lou and Sue Ritchie are fine and, as of September, made Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, their permanent home. It was a crazy summer in Maryland, selling a home and thinning out 30 years of memories very quickly. After one potential buyer fell through on the day of the home inspection, two days later, they received another offer that turned out to be the one. The good news was they wanted all of their furniture, which they had handmade in Bangkok over 50 years ago of solid teak. There were great memories; however, there was no need for all of that in Florida. They had to settle and get everything out of the house a couple of days before a trip to the Middle East beginning Aug. 26.They flew to Tel Aviv Aug. 26 and spent five days in the Holy Land and then went over to Cairo and spent about three days there viewing the pyramids, the Sphinx, and all the other antiquities. They then boarded a Viking River boat for a week and went as far south as the Aswan Dam for more sightseeing. Daily temperatures of 107-110 degrees took a toll! After that, it was back to Washington Sept. 11. Next, it was the Amtrak auto train Sept. 12 out of Lorton, Virginia, with their two cars on board and down to Palm Beach Gardens. It was an exhausting couple of weeks, to say the least.

Margie and I traveled to Iceland Sept. 16–27. We were with Overseas Adventure Travel, and there weren’t but 15 in our group. We had a great time and saw some beautiful scenery. Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls! Glaciers, geysers, hot springs, hot mud pits, and lagoons for swimming in the warm springs. We visited an Icelandic horse farm, and Margie was able to take a short ride. They are very jealous of the breed, and rightfully so. If an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it cannot return, and other horses are not allowed to enter. This keeps the breed pure. They are beautiful animals and very docile. Gasoline was $8.50 per gallon, so I guess we shouldn’t be too upset. The only drawback was getting there and returning. Airports and airlines would be at home during the Spanish Inquisition! I was ready to confess to anything after both trips!

Class Notes

I attended the Founders Day events, as did many of our brother rats, which honored our Brother Rat Binnie Peay and his wife, Pam. This included the portrait unveiling and the presentation of the New Market Medal. John Anthony, our class president, gave an excellent tribute to the Peays. This was done without notes! How, I don’t know. A wonderful job. As with our 50th and 55th Reunions, the parade was rained out. As a matter of fact, Candy Wagner was at the home of Columbus and Phyllis Cartwright, and the phrase, “The Lord willing, and the creek don’t rise” applied here. The creek rose, and they couldn’t make the events! There is no need for me to go into further detail about Founders Day, as I am sure the write-ups in this issue of the Alumni Review will be much better than what I could do. Likewise, with pictures.

Wayne Pacine writes that he was at the dinner Nov. 10, where everyone had a great time thanks to arrangements made by Mott Robertson, but missed the events Friday, Nov. 11, since it was his and Jolin’s 30th wedding anniversary. (I guess that is a good excuse!) They were married at the 11th hour of the 11th day of 1992, a date that will forever be etched in the archives of time! Wayne is still working as a contractor at the Department of Homeland Security and enjoys the work he does and the daily interactions that he has with so many government employees, especially the military. He works on a special priority telecommunications program that supports national security and emergency preparedness. He also serves as a faculty advisor at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Wharton. Jolin continues to work as a contract specialist at Department of Defense. Fortunately, he is able to continue his favorite pastime of skeet/trap shooting.

That’s it for this time. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that the new year is treating you well. Keep those updates and photos coming in!

In the Spirit, Edmund

Well, here we go ... I managed to cast off the old VMI procrastination habit I learned back in the days! Today is Nov. 7, and the deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 15, a mere week away. I haven’t received many personal notes from the troops once you wipe away the politics and the discussions of

current events. It is frustrating, without a doubt. Not frustrating, however, is the weather here in Virginia. In fact, I used the beautiful sunshine on our deck, the 81-degree warmth, and a good cigar to kickstart my creative juices. Like I said, I’m in the mood now, so here we go!

First off, the swamp rats and the RVA rats have reinstated their regular bimonthly lunches. The swamp rats normally gather for lunch on the third Wednesday of the even-numbered months at the Hampton Yacht Club, while the RVA rats plan to meet on the second Tuesday of the odd-numbered months at the Pickel Barrel in Goochland. It is not quite as classy as the swamp rats, but the place suits us just fine. Both groups are attracting eight to 12 people for each lunch, so we’re both back to pre-pandemic levels, and our meetings are perfectly satisfying. Bob Walton administers the swamp rat group, while Mike Curley plans the RVA lunches. Leland Caldwell is running a group in Charlotte, but I haven’t received any pictures from him lately. You may enjoy the pictures of the two groups in the upcoming May issue of the Alumni Review or online at vmi63. net, our class website.

We scored our first great-granddaughter in October and are now awaiting the second great-grandchild early in 2023 from Stacy and Cole Spicer ’16. My Britt and her husband, Deak, will be adding another boy-type grandchild in April 2023. We’re loving life at the moment! Tracking Peg’s son and daughter-in-law’s four sons ranging in age from 2-12 and living in Charlottesville is a full-time challenge, but we absolutely love it. Witnessing the trajectory of grandson McCourt, son of Paul Curley ’94, through his education and physical growth is most interesting and intriguing. I hear he is quite taken by the Navy ROTC program at his new school, James River High School in Chesterfield County. McCourt will outgrow both of us. It is not too difficult in my shrinking case. As a matter of interest, there’s not a shot of catching up with BR Walt Kleine and his wife, Karen, with their brood’s numbers. Wow!

Taps: Let’s cover some unfinished business. I promised you a bit more about Charlie Talbott Many of us loved and respected Charlie’s quiet yet commanding demeanor. He was a gentle man until his death. From what I am told, both he and Suzanne dealt courageously with his cruel illness. Certainly, one can understand how writing an obituary was way down the list of her priorities. May he rest in peace. Our “Dr. James Banister Stone III ’63 died peacefully at home Oct. 17, 2022. He was 81. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Jim was the son of Dr. James Banister Stone Jr. ’926 and Janet Watkins Stone. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and the Virginia Military Institute. His loyalty to VMI

was deep and enduring. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia, and after an internship and residency at Norfolk General Hospital, he and his wife, Rose Light Stone, settled in Wytheville, Virginia, where they raised their three sons. Jim always said that marrying Rose ‘was the best thing I ever did.’ Jim served the Wytheville community with family practice medicine for almost 50 years, concluding his career as part of the Carilion Healthcare system. He honed his diagnostic skills on the variety of cases that walked through the office door. He relished the surprises that family practice could bring, ‘all the things they don’t teach you in medical school.’ In the early years, his practice included delivering babies. He found that the joy of the arrival of new life balanced out the hard medical moments of a doctor’s days. Jim’s personal interest in fishing, gardening, tracking the weather, and collecting model trains started in childhood and stayed with him throughout his life. His love of animals brought a steady stream of creatures into his care: Dogs, cats, birds, fish, ferrets, and a brief experience with ill-fated monkeys. A second home nearby on the New River became a regular weekend destination, where Jim would climb onto his large tractor mower and cut the wide slope down to the river while Rose waged endless war with the Canada geese. Their efforts created a favorite place to gather with family and friends. Shortly after Jim’s retirement, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease introduced a new rhythm to life: Gentle walks around Withers Park and easy days at home in the sunroom, watching the birds at the backyard feeders, keeping an eye on the weather, enjoying visits with the grandchildren, and giving close attention to the news. News reports, seasonal sports, and a good steak from the grill never lost their interest for him. Last spring,

Class notes

the arrival of Harley Stone brought a happy puppy presence and a quirky, toothy smile to give special pleasure to Jim’s last days. Jim’s life was not perfect, but it was good, very good. He knew it and was grateful. In addition to Rose, Jim is survived by his three sons and their families, James Banister Stone IV ’92, his wife, Heather, and their children, Eloise, James, and Grant, of Beaufort, South Carolina; John Carter Stone, his wife, Lindsey, and their children, Alexandra and John Jr., of Moseley, Virginia; and Mark David Stone and his fiancée, Jillian Jones, and their family of Ryan, Sallie, William, and Wyatt, of Blacksburg, Virginia. A sister, Janet Dale Stone, of Savannah, Georgia, also survives.” That’s quite a legacy for Jim in 1963, dad in 1926, and son in 1992!

Tidbits: A plea for help from Mike Smither: “Help. I can’t find the post webcam. (Deleted!)”

Writing Sept. 9, 2022, Mike Schwartz asked, “Did you celebrate this day—the day we became less than human? My wife doesn’t understand, but I remember vividly. Wow, I thought, this place sucks worse than I was told. One of my first roommates, whose name I long forgot, didn’t last more than a day or two. Pleasant memories!” Here’s the best part: “I knew six people from my hometown who had attended VMI. One, a rat roommate of Colonel George Pickrel ’43, was a multi-millionaire. Another older one’s wife was a friend of my mother. Four of the younger

ones were two years ahead of me in high school. None of the six graduated, and all recommended that I did not attend. I never had the courage to quit. Quitting took more courage than staying. My father and two uncles were World War II enlistees. Quitting was not an option; I was too cowardly!” Me, too, I guess!

Bo Savage contributes, “Don’t celebrate that. It’s my granddaughter’s birthday. It takes precedence! I played rat football and track, so the Rat Line was not so rough on me. We had six from Danville and four from there in ’62. I did hate the weekend in the mess hall unless my 1st Class dykes were eating; they were real rat daddies. The last three years were a breeze with you three guys as roomies/next door. I regret not trying to play sports during those years. I would never have been a starter, but I think I could have made the team. Rat year, Joe Campbell and Pat Campbell were my roommates.”

From Fred Kennedy: “Hi, Kent, hard to believe; 63 years ago, for the Class of 1963. Yes, there was a lot of yelling, but the foul language in the presence of a new Keydet’s parents was not acceptable. Nevertheless, that was mild compared to what he would hear during the next nine months. Room 458: Kent McCraney, John Macrae, Hudson Barker, John Blevins, and Fred Kennedy. What a room! During our 50th Reunion, I climbed to the fourth stoop to check out Room 458.Wow, to my surprise, 458 no longer exists ... It had been converted to a female Keydet latrine.” Same fate as my Room 260, Fred, says the writer. “Like they say, ‘you can’t go back.’ Claudette and I are looking forward to attending the 60th in April 2023 and seeing everyone. I hope you are all healthy, happy, and enjoying each day. Fond regards, Fred (your roomie from 458).”

You spend almost 20 years thinking one of our brother rats passed into oblivion, and then suddenly, you’re drinking a beer with him about a mile from your home. That’s the story of our Sam Scott. Sam’s dad was a VMI grad, but Sam was never a good fit and left after our 3rd Class year. John Mills and Scott graduated from Manchester High in Midlothian. John commented when learning about my sighting of Scott, “The brother rat thing is

game in town.” I have to agree.

Around the end of September, I received an email from one Cadet William N. Pendleton III ’23. I knew at once it was Willy Pendleton’s grandson. Willy ’23 asked to interview me about our experience with the “drinking pledge, hoping to write an article about it to shed some light on how our class came together for our brother rats.” The interview was a success. I enjoyed my time with the young man but was surprised by my lack of memory about the specifics of the two times we went on pledge, even though it was terrible at the time! I couldn’t find anyone in my circle of ’63 who had any better memory, either. I totally forgot about the one time we refused to go on pledge; even though the circumstances were so absurd, the case should never have been pursued. The accused, quite honorably for all, dropped out of school and graduated the following year.

Randy Williams made a triumphant return to Richmond in October and managed to meet not only his Benedictine High School ’59 classmates at O’Toole’s on a Sunday afternoon but also, a few days earlier, his ’63 brother rats at the Hampton Yacht Club. Randy writes, “Bobby, Maurine, and I arrived home mid-afternoon Friday, dead tired and thankful for our safe deliverance to Naples. We have vowed no more long driving trips. Even though we hate flying, it is certainly the safer and less tiring choice. We barely saw a cop during our 2,666-mile adventure, and the number of aggressive drivers is unprecedented. There were too many close calls. It is difficult to not have road rage. Thanks for sliding the date for this lunch, enabling my attendance. I don’t remember having this much fun at a swamp rat gathering. Think your approach of giving the floor to each attendee is a great vehicle to encourage participation and inform those of what is going

on in their lives and at the Institute. You are doing a great job. Sorry, I missed the regular attendees who are dealing with their own or their partner’s health issues. They are in our daily prayers. I can’t wait to reconnect with all the BRs in April.”

A farewell. For nearly 20 years, nearly a quarter of my lifetime, I have been your class agent, reunion planner, concierge, counselor, friend, and brother rat. I have come to know and love you all as I’ve established friendships that I never had while at the Institute. Let’s face it; you all in Companies A and F simply had no reason whatsoever to associate with us tweets, much less a “squatbutt” like me. Academically, yes; sports, yes, but once the powers that be separated us into company-based roomies in our 3rd Class year, the door closed. Becoming your class agent was my way of getting to “room” with someone other than musicians and other weird people who looked like me. Thanks for your friendship, understanding, support, and whatever it is that keeps me going. It is the best job I have ever had other than flying the Phantom—never found a Glockenspiel that went that fast or had a roar to equal it! I plan to continue my tour until the 60th Reunion in April. However, I do not plan to attend the reunion for reasons of mobility and general health. I just wouldn’t be comfortable. It’s a personal decision and has nothing to do with anything VMI. Peg and I will miss seeing everyone, although we invite you to come see us in Richmond anytime you’re nearby. I plan to continue managing the RVA lunches and staying online to support the class in any reasonable way you might need. Thanks again! Now on to the hard part: Finding and recruiting a new class agent. Even though we are in our last days, so what? The need is there. It’s not our job, and to say someone else will do it simply isn’t good enough. Here’s the

first need: Someone needs to step up to the job before the reunion, arrange to gather pictures, record events, etc., from the days while everyone is together. Why? Simply this: The reunion is April 24–25, 2023, and the deadline for submitting class notes and photos from the reunion is just a bit over two weeks later, or May 15. Here are the facts: No replacement class agent, no notes, no pictures ... nothing in the August 2023 Alumni Review to memorialize the 60th. I’m happy to help; someone, please just step up!

Stay well, stay safe, and we’ll see you at the 60th in April 2023!

1964

First, please look above. We have moved, and we’re in what we hope is our final home. The city of Matlacha is correct. We thought it would be Cape Coral, but the city limits change about four blocks from our house.

Thanks to so many of you who expressed concern about our welfare during Hurricane Ian. There was a fair amount of damage to the house we were renting, but our new home, which was actually in the eye, had minimal damage; the screened enclosure around the lanai and pool ended up in the pool. Fortunately, that occurred only three days before we got our certificate of occupancy, so the damage and repairs are the responsibility of the builder.

Anyway, we’re still unpacking, organizing, ordering new furniture and stuff, etc. We expect to be fully functional by mid-January, though our two sons and their families are all going to squeeze in for Christmas.

I believe all those for whom I had an accurate email address have received three spreadsheets with the class data. The second and third are abbreviated with snail mail and email addresses. If you haven’t received them, I don’t have your email. If you want to keep up on all the news as it happens and you haven’t received anything from me, send me your current email address.

I believe nearly everyone is aware we lost two brother rats since the last class notes; Cliff Crittsinger died Aug. 26, and Bill Crone died Nov. 6. Both will be missed sorely.

Recently, Cliff had finished passing the mantle of the New Market Legacy Award to the commandant’s office at VMI. So, we should see no delays as the award continues. Cliff’s efforts

Class notes

brought glory to all of us.

Among many other things, Bill Crone was a champion wrestler who had four sons attend and graduate from VMI. In a conversation about eight years ago, I mentioned a donation as part of our 50th anniversary. He replied that he had given so much to VMI for the 16 years of tuition, books, etc., he had done his lifetime share. I had no counter to that argument.

I will include several kind comments about Cliff, but it’s only been a couple of days since Bill’s passing, so comments haven’t yet come in.

Kerry Hines sent the following: “Here’s a photo of three of us who got together with wives for lunch in late August. I recall a complaint from a BR some years back that photos were no good unless those in the picture were ID’d since we may have changed a bit over the years. Present were Marianne and me, Bernie and Donna Hylton, and Tony and Barb Munera. We had an enjoyable time getting caught up on how everyone weathered the COVID-19 storm. Tony and Barb are finally going to make their trip to Morocco after two cancellations and all of the other participants dropping out. Bernie and Donna are hitting the road to visit his brothers in North Carolina and Kansas.”

Michael Degman said, “I have lived for the past 12 years in Fairbanks. If you can stand the cold, Alaska has nothing to intimidate you with. When you travel cross country through the Alaskan bush, you always carry survival gear with you so you can survive for at least a week without any resupply should your vehicle break down on the way. Volunteer Alaskans have been teaching Alaskans how to use firearms for decades. It is not unusual to see parents instructing their children on unsupervised live fire ranges. Marksmanship is a life skill for young and old. I have taught youngsters as young as 10 and as old as the 60s. I work as a certified volunteer hunter education instructor through the Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks. We teach year-round, at any temperature. I have helped teach classes in the summertime and in the winter when it was -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. There is always a classroom component and an outdoor component to our classes. You run into special problems during the extremes of temperature.”

Andy Tucker continues to have a serious list of problems. Since my last notes, he has been in

and out of the hospital and rehab several times.

Kerry Hines added, “Marianne and I did our traveling earlier this year with nice ski trips in January to Colorado and March to Utah. The Colorado trip was with two grandsons who have become accomplished skiers.”

Bill Garber has been a faithful administrator of the birthday cards, plus he sent the following: “Marion and I took a delightful 11-day cruise down the Alaskan inside passage from Anchorage to Vancouver, B.C. The scenery was spectacular. Additional highlights were a whale-watching excursion where we were fortunate to view a number of humpbacks swimming and feeding, a trip to an Iditarod sled dog facility where a team of dogs pulled us in rapid fashion through the woods on a cart (no snow in August), numerous glaciers, and great food.”

Joe Chompaisal wrote, “Cliff Crittsinger visited us in Thailand several years ago and stayed with us for more than a week. Pongsri and Toey remember him well. Toey was still active in the Royal Thai Navy then. She told me when she heard the sad news last night that Cliff told her that everything will be all right as long as she performs her duty to the best of her ability.”

Don Jones: “I have a lot of fond memories of times with Cliff, including a trip to Buffalo for a Glee Club concert where we had a blast.”

Class agent aside: Over the years, I’ve heard several stories of that particular Glee Club trip. Needless to say, not all are worthy of repeating in this forum.

Don Carson: “Margaret has been dealing with medical issues but is doing better than a few months ago. Yesterday, she drove to HomeGoods for some shopping therapy, so I know she is feeling stronger. She is also upset she cannot host her annual VMI ’64 mini reunion this year. She sends her best and hopes someone will pick up the winter Florida mini reunion duties.”

Tom Davis said, “Thanks for letting us know the sad news about the passing of Brother Rat Cliff Crittsinger. He had a passion for VMI, no doubt about that. And he was devoted to the cause that led to the establishment of the VMI Class of 1964 Cadet New Market Legacy Award. And thanks for reminding us that he was a decorated soldier, having received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart (and others). He really cared about VMI and cadets. And he considered himself a part

Class Notes

of the Class of ’66, too. He exemplified the VMI spirit.”

My wife, Sherrel, received a nice note from Penny Kaliski: “Hi. I hope all is well with you and John. I am heading to Hilton Head in late August. I remember that you had a home there. I’m looking forward to being with family who are vacationing in Folly’s Field Beach. I am interested in traveling again but concerned about the future with inflation, supply issues, etc. I was interested in the Overseas Adventure trip to Georgia and Armenia, but I am unsure of the stability over there. Anyway, I hope to see you both sometime in the future. This world is so crazy.”

In responding to Bob and Cathy Warren’s invitation to their mini reunion, Mary Jo Jordan included a lot of good material: “It sounds fabulous, and we’d love to be able to attend, but unfortunately, we had already confirmed reservations with Carol Allen and her husband for a Road Scholar trip to New York City with tickets to a couple of plays, etc. It’s the only other thing we have planned in the fall, and wouldn’t you know they are exactly at the same time. So we will be unable to attend but will be thinking about all of you. We love the Chattanooga area and all the beautiful scenery and history. You have so many fun activities planned, and I know it’s going to be wonderful for all who are able to be there. We are very disappointed to miss it and can’t wait to see pictures.

“Speaking of pictures, I have enjoyed seeing your pictures from Calgary to Banff and am looking forward to the Columbia/Snake River pictures. My brother and sister-in-law (Jim and Marilyn—John and Sherrel, you know them, of course) loved that river cruise. It’s one they said they’d go back on anytime, as they enjoyed it so much. We were unable to go with them and have kept it on our bucket list. So I’m anxious to travel along with you. Bill loves Banff (I have never been there) and thinks it’s the most beautiful place to go in summer or winter. I think he’s skied there and also spent vacation time there during the fall a few years ago. I love the pictures and certainly agree that it’s majestic.

“Thought you’d all be interested to hear that Bill and a couple of his and Walt Sykes’ NSA colleagues met at Walt’s recently for an hour visit and ended up staying over four hours until the aides ‘kicked them out’ so Walt could go to dinner. Bill said Walt looked good, though his mobility continues to decline. That was the issue with his attending John Thornton’s services. Walt really enjoyed seeing the NSA group and reminiscing and catching up. They hope to get together again soon. Of course, he loves hearing from both of you as well as other brother rats. He often mentions how much he misses John, as they used to talk frequently. Please add another reminder to

stay in touch with BRs who are having health issues. It’s so sad to think of all the BRs who’ve died this year.

“Bill and I are doing well. We’ve cut back on our travels, though we did get to go to Egypt in March, and we plan to go to Turkey in late August. It’s been hot here, but not as bad as some regions, and we’ve had lots of rain recently, which has helped. Everything is green and lush. Bill is still very involved with several start-ups and is submitting patents for them, has endless phone/ Zoom calls, is writing white papers, etc. He never slows down, it seems. His own company, Matrics2 (which is a continuation of his original Matrics), just received funding, so it’s now officially a ‘real company.’ He’s very excited about that, and it keeps him busy all of the time. He’s like the four of you and needs to stay active and involved. And he’s certainly doing that!

“Well, I don’t know if you made it down this far. I certainly didn’t intend to go on and on. But I haven’t touched base for a while, so thought I’d catch you up on our lives.”

Ron Rogers reported that he, Charlie Suiter, and Dan DeForrest were able to get together for breakfast at Virginia Beach in July.

Don Jones follow up: “For three years, I have dodged the COVID-19 bullet. As you know, I am very active in our community and have been associated with many who have been ill with COVID-19. Suddenly, last Sunday, I knew I was in for it and tested positive. I did not lose a sense of taste or have trouble breathing but was really sick with a cough, slight fever, sore throat, and more. It was Thursday until I could get the antiviral meds, and today is the fifth day for them. Hopefully, I am over the hump now. Diana is in her second day of meds, so hopefully, we are coming out of this stuff.”

I received short note from Chris Hopkins: “Currently, we’re in Paris, stopping over to see Lesley’s family before continuing on to Cannes for a month on the coast.”

Tom Sebrell, “On June 3, we had a good class turnout for John Thornton’s memorial service: Myself, Bob Warren, Bill Garber, Mike Murphy, David Ayres, Butch Nunnally, Buzz Birzenieks, and Bill Taylor. If I forgot anyone, I apologize, but it was three weeks ago. Very nice celebration of John’s life with a lot of friends there.”

W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen attended the Chattanooga mini reunion and provided a very nice written report: “Cathy and Bob Warren hosted an amazing VMI ’64 mini reunion at their beautiful home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In attendance were 10 of our ’64 brother rats along with their spouses. Al Fiorini and his brother, who live near the Warrens, as well as the head coach’s wife, attended the delicious ‘Southern

dinner’ Friday evening and also attended the game.

“Bob and Cathy’s home is absolutely beautiful and extremely well decorated. They spent a lot of effort in making sure everything was perfect (including the weather) for our VMI ’64 mini reunion and could not have done a better job. We had a wonderful time.

“Lauranne and I did see a great deal of the area during our week’s stay in the area. We hiked at Cloudland National Park last Tuesday; went to Ruby Falls and then to Lookout Mountain (Point Lookout National Park) Wednesday; Thursday,

Class of 1964: Brother rats hold a mini reunion in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in October 2022. Pictured are Bill Garber, Al Fiorini, Tom Sebrell, Ken Dice, Dick Atkinson, Butch Nunnally, Bob Warren, W.J. Kitchen, Tom Myers ’63, and Bill Tornabene.

Class notes

we hiked Signal Point on Signal Mountain and then attended the pizza party hosted by Bob and Cathy. On Friday, Lauranne and I hiked to the end of a Confederate family cemetery and then had lunch with the group at the Third Deck Burger Bar. After lunch, we went for a four-hour cruise on the Tennessee River. Then on to the Warrens for a delicious (I mean delicious!) Southern barbeque dinner. I do not have much to say about the game Saturday. Regardless of how much we yelled, our cheers went on deaf ears as we got slaughtered. After the game, the 10 couples met for dinner at a restaurant downtown. Sunday morning, we had a wonderful buffet breakfast at the Warrens after which everyone departed for home.

“The ‘little house on the river’ where we stayed was beautiful, well decorated, and provided many niceties. We hiked around the area and enjoyed watching the wildlife and the boats along the Tennessee River. One day, we had lunch on the back patio, and it was great watching the birds and squirrels. Lauranne kept the bird feeders full with the bird seed provided by our hosts, Tena and J.D. They came over and introduced themselves and kept in contact with us by texting. The leaves were just starting to change when we arrived but were reaching beautiful colors during the latter part of our trip, especially high up on the mountains.”

It had been our plan to host a mini reunion in Fort Myers/Cape Coral during the February–March period of 2023, a year before our 60th Reunion. But the devastation here is absolutely awful. There are no rentals, and all the hotels are booked solid. We estimate such will be the case throughout 2023, as various construction crews have taken everything. Finally, the 60th will be only 14 months away when these notes arrive in your mail. Several people have indicated we want to choose another venue than Lexington/VMI. I would be interested in any thoughts. Call or write. I enjoy hearing from everybody.

Bill Cather has a very interesting story—baseball in Alabama. “Rickwood was built in 1913 and is the oldest ballpark in the country. It was the home of the double-A Birmingham Barons until 1987. When they moved to a new ballpark in 1987, it sat idle except for a few high school ball games each spring. In 1992, myself and a

couple of other baseball guys were having coffee one morning and decided we needed to save Rickwood as it had had no maintenance for five years and was on the verge of falling down.

“We set about to recruit a few other people and to start raising money. We have raised about $6 million to date and have a core of about 20 people who clean, paint, give tours, etc. I am the president of The Friends of Rickwood.

“We host about 150 ball games a year for high schools, colleges, travel ball, and corporate events. About 150 members of Cooperstown played here, and several times a year, we host former major leaguers to sign autographs or to appear in documentaries.

“The movies Cobb, 42 (the Jackie Robinson story), and Soul of the Game were made here.

We have hosted many events for the Negro League baseball players, as this is the last park standing that hosted a team. Needless to say, a lot of my time and money has gone into this effort.”

Karl Zeller—with a critic’s eye to the past: “Hi, Lou, I just posted this on the Facebook VMI ’65 page. My wife doesn’t like the news on Friday nights, and we occasionally watch old episodes of either Monk or Columbo. I don’t like Columbo as much as Monk because it’s longer, and you get the answer in the beginning. But this episode really got my attention. Watch it and see if you can determine why! Filmed in 1974, you and other BRs may already know about this, but if not, you’ll enjoy watching the background settings: imdb.com/ title/tt0071346/”

Warren Self reports that “Tommy Dickinson, our brother rat, is being inducted into the hall of fame at his high school, Parry McCluer, in Buena Vista, Virginia.”

From Dave Kiger: “Life is good in Virginia, although we are not home much, traveling the roads. Upper New York for a week visiting daughter and family. Hilton Head for a week soon afterward to

check on our villa there after daughter and friends stayed there for three weeks. West Yellowstone for a week in September to visit friends. Home for couple of weeks, then head on down to Hilton Head basically for the winter months. I’m blessed with good health so far. My wife has had some surgery due to cancer, but everything was caught early and no problem. Keeping a close eye on her, though. Looking forward to another mini reunion when it happens.”

Note on Henry Smith: “The Institute and I have not been able to get complete information on Henry’s death. But as an interim note, here’s a reminder of something that occurred long ago.” The note is from Skip Aldous and concerns the great newspaper stuffing of the commandant’s office. From Skip: “It was just Smitty and me. We gathered up our stash and stored it in the mailroom area and then carried them to the top steps of the stairs leading to the first floor. Then when the sentry was in the new quad, we raced armloads of newspapers into the outer office. After that, it was easy to ball them up and put them in the commandant’s office. Heading for BRC, there was the big laundry truck being loaded with the newspapers. I don’t remember who the commandant was, but he was supervising and was not happy. Don’t think the OD was, either. But, to my knowledge, the Corps never heard anything about it. Does anyone remember the hearts painted on the sentinel box? That was Smitty for Valentine’s Day ’63.”

And this from Barry Walker on Charlie Smith: “I hope you saw the After Taps article I wrote about Charlie in the last Alumni Review. Charlie was my roommate for three years. I would like to add a bit more about his accomplishments. Charlie moved to Newfoundland and became associated with Memorial University, the Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering. On Oct. 5, Memorial University held a symposium on Safety and Integrity Management of Operations in Harsh Environments, Charlie’s specialty. The Dr. Charles Smith Memorial Lectures honored Charlie’s professional contributions towards advancing the research and industrial outreach in the fields of oil and gas engineering in the U.S. and Canada. Several speakers gave glowing commentary about Charlie’s work and professional life. It was obvious Charlie commanded respect from his peers

and students. I’m sure Charlie’s character, in part, can be traced back to four years at the Institute.”

Phil Shu visited Bucky Pritchard recently. He sent in this note: “My VMI roommate, Bucky Pritchard, experienced several strokes beginning in January a year ago. I found out about it three weeks ago, in late September, and went to see him immediately—the next day. We had a great visit, although Bucky is restricted in a number of

made public. Thank you. God bless.

“After a 20-year Air Force career which included several tours in Vietnam and three years in Germany, twice the speed of sound in his FB-111 years, and seeing the curvature of the earth from that fighter-bomber, [he spent] 23 years of teaching middle school and coaching high school wrestling and football. In July 2021, Bucky suffered a major brainstem stroke. Predictions at the time were grim, yet his strength and determination have enabled him to regain much that he was told he’d never do. He is partially paralyzed on his left side, which includes his mouth and tongue. Eating and speaking are difficult, walking is not possible without a lot of hands-on help, and he is practically one-handed. He resides at Grayson Rehab and Nursing home. Turns out that he taught much of the staff or coached their children or nephews. Thank goodness he was a beloved teacher and is treated with great respect and kindness. He can be reached there at Bucky Pritchard, 400 South Independence Avenue, Independence, VA, 24348.”

Jack Mountcastle reports that he has retired after 14 years of team-teaching a course in Civil War leadership with Professor Al Goethals in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond. Fortunately for Jack and his colleague, the 17 undergrads they had during the spring term were, without question, the best group of students they have had in all those years. Jack knows that he will miss working with the juniors and seniors who made up the classes in this one-semester course, especially during their two-day field trip to Gettysburg, where the young Richmond Spiders were able to walk the hallowed ground where leadership really made a difference—when lives were on the line.

ways, as described below. I asked his wife, Scottie, if she and Bucky would want those in our class to know about Bucky’s situation and struggle to pray, visit, or write to him as they feel appropriate, and Bucky wrote the following, which he approved to be added to our class notes in the Alumni Review. So, this is not about me, and I am writing this paragraph only in introduction to what Bucky wrote below and wishes to be

Peter Trible on life: “Lou, I’m OK considering the fact that I’m probably one of the few brother rats, if any, that are now 80 years old. I am looking forward to a Panama cruise next month (November). You know, when you get to be 80, it’s not the exercise, the food you eat, etc.; it’s genes to get there and from then on. That doesn’t mean you can’t kill yourself with drugs, alcohol, going too fast on the highway, or riding the New York subway. Stay low and safe.

Class notes

news: “Was at the Furman versus VMI football game, at which we got stomped, and got to view BR Trible’s grandson (No. 70) do his part of opening holes and protecting the QB.” He did a great job! Stay healthy!

Bill Cather is double dipping here: “Our life these days revolves around our three children and eight grandchildren, whom all live within 20 minutes. We have a lot of time to read and for me to work in my yard. Mia is able to walk short distances with a cane, but she is still on oxygen. I am in training for my Boy Scout 20-mile hike in December. The Friends of Rickwood, of which I have been president for over 20 years, had a great homerun derby last week with four ex-major leaguers, with the headliner being Andreu Jones, who hit over 400 HR during his career. I rode a lot of pine in my 50 years of playing baseball, but I love to be able to ‘shoot the s#$&’ with all of the former major league players I get to meet that come to Rickwood, the oldest baseball park in the country.”

Brian McNeil: “I don’t have much of a class connection to write about, but Joyce and I have been very busy following our grandkids. Our grandson, Connelly, left West Point following his baseball coach’s departure. He sampled the college baseball portal, and the response was unbelievable. He was the Patriot League’s outstanding pitcher, so the clamoring was earned. Among 15 or so potential transfers, UVA came through with an offer. He is suiting up with the Cavaliers as a lefty pitcher for the next two baseball seasons. It certainly will cut down the road mileage to watch him play bigtime college ball. Connelly will join another two grandkids we already have at UVA, all sports related. We have the other two on the men’s basketball team as sports managers. Joyce and I are already looking ahead to the 2023 basketball and baseball seasons! P.S.: Not to ignore my two granddaughters, who sought educations at James Madison and Virginia Tech. Virginia has such great educational institutions!”

Larry Rose in one of those “somebody’s got to do it” modes: “Here Connie and I are in Paris, on our way to visit my daughter and our three grandkids, all born and raised in France. We’ll stay three weeks before heading back on Election Day. We voted by absentee ballot.

Prior to Europe, we journeyed from Delaware to visit Danny and Barbara Price in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley at their family home. Hello to all brother rats!”

Jack Wilkerson: “Greetings from Tennessee. Life is so busy in the Wilkerson household, but our Lord is so gracious to us, as Brenda and I both are able to remain very active. The big event in our lives is an upcoming move to a quiet little city in Kentucky, Danville, which is southwest of Lexington. We have children and grandchildren

in Colorado and Kentucky, so we are being led to move near our youngest son, Joshua, and his family in Kentucky. It has been fun living in the Nashville area for the last 30 years, but it is time to spend these ‘school years’ with our sweet granddaughters, ages 8 and 12. Relocation should take place sometime in early 2023, as we are currently rebuilding a home there. We look expectantly forward to our new mission field that God will give us there in the Danville area ... I will update you after the relocation.”

Henry Brant: “Thanks for the email. I am doing well and retired about 12 years ago; not much news, but I do have a new great-granddaughter, Palmer Lee Manning, of Shelby, North Carolina. I visited last weekend with the rest of family and had a great time. Talked with Joe Straub and planning a trip to Kingsport to visit Larry Egan within the next two weeks. The loss of ‘DD’ was huge, but life goes on. We were married in September after June graduation, went to Fort Knox, Fort Walters (flight school), Fort Rucker, VN, and Fort Stewart. Had good times and made great memories. Married almost 57 years. Hope all is well with you and your family. Henri, Room 448.” Something more Henry added: “We roomed with you (Lou), me, Jack Frazer, Billy Bynum, and a fellow named Wilson. Wilson hated VMI so much, he shot himself in the foot. Carr roomed next door, and he gets credit for ‘Froggy.’ Billy had a real deep voice.”

Bill Swindell and Karl Zeller: “I think I sent you the news of Bill Swindell’s wife’s, Carol’s, passing and a recent photo of the three of us? Bill had a graveside memorial service, and Carol’s ashes were interred in her family plot in Milford, New Jersey, followed by a lovely reception. Here’s Bill and I about a week later after dinner at the Milford Oyster House. Carol was a high school friend of mine that I had introduced Bill to just after the 2009 VMI versus Army game at West Point that Bill had inveigled me to attend. Never-married Bill’s home needed a woman’s touch, and never-married Carol was the woman to do it. I spend Septembers at the New Jersey farm, not November, as that’s the beginning of ski season near my home in Colorado.

Bill lived in Chatham, New Jersey (big city suburbs), while Carol lived close to my family farm near more rural Milford. Now Bill is considering a move to Carol’s home; hence we got together when he was working on that house.”

Bob Wilkinson had open heart surgery Sept. 13, 2022. “Lou—I am recovering well from open heart surgery Sept. 13 and hope to make it to VMI for Founders Day. Mary Lee has provided excellent care and support during this process.”

Johnny Mac Marshall: “Well, I guess that it really is about that time again. Jamie and I spent a rather fun summer and early autumn that tended to focus on a wide range of matters. In June, we got a phone call from our older daughter,

Alexandra, about 9:30 p.m., with a cheery, ‘I have some news.’ Of course, that causes a certain tension. In this case, though, it was happy news. She and her long-time partner got married, which really makes me feel old. In July, we went to Galveston for the annual ‘summer school’ of the State Bar College, and Jamie became one of the very few, if not the only, member of the college who was a first-year lawyer. Of course, that was fun. I was called up to sit as a visiting judge from June through October in various cases. One of them, a five-day-long jury trial divorce case, reminded me why I am not full-time anymore.

“In the latter part of October, we went to Poland for the first time in over two years. It was a great trip, especially because we had a chance to learn a lot about the European view of the situation in Ukraine. They are very angry at the Russians as well as American policy as to the war. They are delighted that the 82nd Airborne is stationed on their southeastern border as both a force and a symbol of NATO solidarity. I am most proud of the fact that most of my students are now engaged not just in their own careers but in various humanitarian work in relation to Ukraine. This ranges from having the refugees in their homes while in transition to their own quarters to sending food and money to Ukraine to help them. It was good to reestablish our ties to Poland, but it was good to come home, too.

“One of the fun things, though, was a visit to one of my former students, who is now a judge in Lublin. He recently completed his new home, and he has arranged for the renaming of a portion of the street, as shown in the photo. It could have been a statue, but I’ll settle for a street name.

“Jamie and I are looking forward to Lexington later this week in November for the Institute Society Dinner and the long-overdue honor to Gen. Binnie Peay ’62 of the New Market Medal. He adds honor to the award, for sure. We hope to see some of the BRs there, if only to have a mini reunion.”

1966

Greetings and welcome to class notes ’23! I would encourage everyone to let me know of events and gatherings by brother rats in order to allow all of us to enjoy your news, e.g., trips, family happenings, and miscellaneous brother rat get-togethers.

Rich Hines and Wawa, “two Georgia rubes,”

Class Notes

were permitted to join the ladies and gentlemen of the Virginia Historical Society, including Tom and Scottie Slater and John and Ellen Jumper, on a trip to Prague, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, and surrounding areas. This was a two-year delayed celebration of the end of World War II with historian and author Alex Kershaw, whose book, The Liberator, tells the story of a unit of the 45th Division that, among other things, discovered and liberated Dachau. They were also joined by Conrad Hall ’65 and Larry Wetsel ’61

Joe Gesker, along with his daughter, Melanie Kiernan, and grandson, Patrick Kiernan ’25, spent a Saturday morning last July cleaning the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. Patrick is in Company C and enjoyed a much better rat year than his grandfather, both academically and otherwise. He also earned a three-year ROTC scholarship. Jim Smith provided the photo of he and Dick Goodall getting together in Chestertown, Maryland. Jim also noted that they were roommates “long ago.”

Ed Guida commented on the email note sent from our class officers: “A nice note and a sentiment that I can surely support.” Ed also provided a picture of the rat roommates of Room 427, directly above [Main] Arch, that he received from Lothar DeTemple. Unfortunately, the photo could not be reproduced for your viewing pleasure, but the five rats, standing at attention in a row, were Steve Doles, Lothar DeTemple, Bill Bundy, Jim Williams, and Nick Hoskot. A real motley-looking crew!

George and Pilar Newton spend many fall/winter seasons at their beach home in Spain, returning to Florida in the spring. At the time of George’s email, the European Surfing Championships were “taking place in my front yard today ... lots of pretty women and great surfers. The waves are big, too.” George provides a pretty succinct description of the “action.”

I received a Washington Post clipping about the television show, “It’s Academic,” from John Walters regarding Miguel Monteverde’s son. His son, also Miguel, is the senior vice president and general manager of WETA Greater Washington. When I queried Miguel Sr., he said, “Yes, sir! That would be the son of whom I am very proud.” Congrats to both Miguels.

I received a great card from John Bradley’s wife, Beth. She and John were married in May 2022, and as she wrote: “Fifteen viewings of Brother Rat and the Girl Scouts of America got me my cadet! O, happy day!” All the best to you both from the great Class of 1966!

Dave Pinkus, Rob Ritchie, and Craig Caldwell drove to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to stay at Dave’s cabin. They spent three days “in the wilds of the San Juan mountains. Rob almost managed to complete the week uninjured. He broke his arm and blacked his eye last year but, alas, he managed

to roll an ATV, injured the same arm, and skinned up his posterior. War stories were shared on the drive and around the campfire. Yes, liquor was involved.”

Cliff Martin, Paul Robblee, and Rich Atlee attended the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet. As Cliff noted, he had the “honor and privilege” of representing Knox McEwen, who sponsors Will Riley ’24, a pitcher on the baseball team studying computer science. Joining them

was the recipient of the Class of 1966 scholarship, Naomi Hahn [’24], a member of the track team who competes in the steeplechase and cross country. Naomi is from Pennsylvania, a psychology major, and wears stars. A “sharp young lady,” according to Cliff.

Bill Edmunds and his wife attended Jim Broman’s memorial service in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, this past November. Bill and his wife, Gin, were joined by Sheila Broman and Sandy Vanags (Pete’s widow). Ollie Creekmore attended Larry Swann’s ceremony at the A.G.

Class notes

This concludes the “notes” for this issue. As usual, my contact information is at the top. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have comments, questions, etc. I may not have the answer right off, but I’ll do my best to respond quickly.

Take care, and try to remain out of “trouble.”

Bob Randolph: “Nina and I completed a 200mile biking journey along Germany’s Baltic Coast from Lubeck in former West Germany to Stralsund about 60 miles west of the Polish border. It was quite astonishing to see how the Germans had painstakingly restored these old Hanseatic town centers, leveled by Allied bombing and Soviet artillery during World War II, to something approaching their 18th-century mercantile glory. The biking was relatively easy along woodland trails, billowing wheat fields, and long stretches of seascape walled by dunes and the occasional East German guard tower, which reminded us somewhat of what the Outer Banks of North Carolina looked like in the 1960s. We ended our journey in Berlin with lunch in the Reichstag dome, drinks at the Hotel Adlon—a favorite locale for Nazi-era spy and dagger novels—and a visit to the Pergamon to see the bust of Nefertiti and the recreation of Babylon’s Ishtar great—both five-star must-sees.”

John Chiles wrote a letter of remembrance to the widow of Col. Dickinson ’57: “Dear Mrs. Dickinson, Phil Gioia and Jan Abernathy forwarded the sad news of your husband’s passing and his private obituary. I am sorry. My father and five uncles on both sides went to VMI. Guess where I was going to go? I spent four years and four summer schools proving VMI was the wrong school for me. Almost every move I made there turned out wrong. One smart thing I did was enter the Rangers in my 3rd Class year (1964–65). Captain Dickinson was one of our instructors. He was dead serious about our training. I was a big, strong guy, and I was being easy with my fellow rangers during hand-to-hand combat training. Captain Dickinson got all over me. ‘Chiles, quit

playing patty cake! The way you practice it is the way you’ll do it in combat!’ After that, the other Rangers got up slowly, saying, ‘Capt. Dickinson, tell him to go back to doing it the way he was!’ I learned skills in Rangers that have saved me from some bad outcomes.”

Max Toch sent a memory tribute of Col. Dickinson: “My VMI 2nd Class story involving Captain Dickinson: I lived in 272, which was an

odd-shaped room right after the turn into New Barracks. One day, I burst into the room after class, looking forward to a break. As I turned around the dog-leg entry, I was surprised to see Captain Dickinson standing next to my open and unpacked misc. box on one of the green tables. He had fished out a hip flask I had forgotten was had in there. He had already unscrewed the lid. He handed me the flask and asked me what that nasty-smelling liquid was in it. I recognized with one whiff that it was wine I had forgotten, and it had very obviously soured. My mood went from carefree to horrified in just minutes. I was sweating it with my heels locked, as you can imagine. He sweated me for a while with comments like ‘Wine? Hmm, that’s pretty serious,’ etc. Dickinson had a wicked sense of humor and, in retrospect, was undoubtedly enjoying the moment. Finally, he told me to make that flask go away immediately; I pivoted and shot out the door and fired that flask down the trash chute, which was located just outside my door. I was boned for the room in gross disorder or some such, but not the big one. I always felt indebted to him after that. I had the good fortune to serve with him in early ’69. As a brigade S-3 in [Vietnam], he was super competent but had that irreverent, no-BS paratrooper style that later endeared him to his troopers as a brigade commander at Fort Bragg. After the Army, an added feature of many of our class reunions was our class being in sync with his Class of ’57. Every reunion, I looked forward to visiting with Ken again. He didn’t come to the most recent reunion, which prompted me to call him. We had a nice phone visit. He sounded just like always, regretted not being able to come, but was having health issues related to being an old man, which he couched in his usual humorous turn of the phrase. I will sure miss him. He was the best! Max.” Max also sent this: “Kids are pushing 30, all doing well. One son is a rifle company commander in Iraq, daughter a cop in Newport News, and other son works for a tech firm in Austin.”

I forwarded the ‘latest’ Washington Post hit piece on VMI that included a lot about the first women at VMI. Among others, Barry Hedquist sent a note. “Thanks for this. It brought some of the trials and tribulations faced by women at VMI closer to home. There had to be a great deal of controversy about women entering the ‘I,’ both for and against. Those [who] made it to graduation had to be strong and should be very proud of what they accomplished.” Jan adds that

Class Notes

the women’s skirts began when I helped Megan Smith ’01 and Kelly Sullivan ’01 make contact with a U.S. Marine Corps quartermaster civilian supply shop in Quantico, and then Carole Green helped to make it all fall into place properly. The rest is history.

Jim Wilson has requested that the camera on Preston be repaired. It has been “out of order” for some time. All I, as a drooling ‘old fud’ alumnus, want to do is watch an occasional parade ...”

Ron Neidermayer: “Jan, Brenda and I pray that you and your family are well in these strange times. Last year or so, you asked if we had any stories about grandkids, and you were gracious

enough to send out one regarding my granddaughter, Katie. I would like to update you regarding what has transpired in her life since that blurb. I am very, very proud of her, thus my lack of humility. Katie McPartlin was an honor graduate and is now a Hokie. I just could not convince her to become a Keydet.”

We can count on our BR Al Burckard to keep us informed with historic events in Smithfield, Virginia. Here is his latest: “‘Civil War Trails’ marker about the Battle of Smithfield was recently installed in front of the Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield. It is perfectly placed to mark the dramatic turning point in that Feb. 1, 1864, engagement. Here was the final Union cannon position where Captain John C. Lee realized his small landing force was surrounded by southern

infantry. A Confederate cavalry sergeant had just demanded his surrender when the sound of the steam whistle of the approaching U.S. gunboat, Smith Briggs, was heard. Believing rescue was imminent, Lee ordered his gunners to ‘give the Johnnies a double shot!’ The violent recoil unexpectedly propelled the small, wheeled cannon backward down Wharf Hill and into the Pagan River. Following this, the entire Federal contingent plus the crew of the ‘rescue boat’ were captured, thus ending the battle. In the photo, museum volunteer Albert Burckard points out to docent Dee Campbell the bullet hole in the figurehead gilt eagle recovered from the ill-fated ship. This local ‘war trophy’ is on permanent display in the museum.”

Tom Rhodes: “Jan, I had not heard from you in a long time, so I decided to search the junk mail category today, and there you were many times. Sorry, Suzy and I did not make the reunion ... sounds like the reunion was a great success. I heard from Billy Brent, who said that he was not able to make the reunion, either. There was an aerobatic contest in Rome, Georgia, this year May 13 that I had planned to attend, but we had a major water leak in our farmhouse while I was away at aerobatic camp the first week of May, and I had to attend to that—no fun. The real estate here in north Texas is crazy with all the Californians and others moving here. Hope you and Joan are well. Thanks for checking in. Tom.”

There were many shared memories of Terry Fowler that were forwarded to his family. Our Brother Rat Father Mike Adams sent this: “Jan, please let Kelly know I will offer the holy Mass for Terry and will keep his mom and family in my prayers. God bless, Father Mike.”

Terry’s son, Kelly: “This means a lot. Thank you so much for sending this email from Father Mike. My dad is nodding his head and smiling up in Heaven. He would have loved knowing that he and his family are getting a dedicated Mass just for him. This is amazing. The outpouring of love, friendship, and remembrance of my dad is awesome. He was the best dad we could have ever asked for. And an incredibly loving husband to my mom.”

Barrett Graham: “Terry and I were in Charlie Company until I moved to Echo our 1st Class year. He was a little taller than I, so he wasn’t back in ‘Squatbutt Corner’ with Touchstone, Ingelido, Phlegar, me, and a couple of others. I’m pretty sure that his dad introduced me to Scotch whisky. As I recall, a whole bunch of us were in Richmond or someplace else for an event and, at the time, were in some sort of dormitory-like complex with male parents present. I was bemoaning the fact that I didn’t have anything to drink. Beer was unavailable, and I had consumed so much cheap bourbon and gin during my cadetship a that I couldn’t bear being downwind of the stuff. Terry’s

Class notes

a bottle of Scotch (Dewar’s, as I recall), which he referred to as ‘holy water,’ poured a shot, said, ‘Try some of this,’ and handed it to me. The rest is history. I shall remain eternally grateful to his dad and to Terry for bringing him along. I believe one of Terry’s nicknames was ‘Fatty Cool.’ Barrett.”

Monica Chun: “I know this is going to come as a complete sad shock to all of you, and I am very sorry for that. My Ken Chun turned out to be a private person. He has been sick and did not want to bother anybody with it. I know that the golfing buddies may be aware that he was sick. My heart is broken. I have known Ken Chun since 1980 as running friends. We started dating in 1994, and it has been the happiest time of my life. I really loved attending your 50th Reunion. Thank you for that. I enjoyed meeting so many of you BRs. I just wanted to let you all know how much Ken appreciated his time at VMI. It really shaped him well and made him into an even better person than he started out as. He really enjoyed all the VMI events, reunions, golf outings, and all the friendship. Thank you for all you did for Ken.”

There was no official obit published in the paper, but his wife, Monica, asked if we could share the following with all of you: Kenneth Nung Fo Chun ’67 of Kirkland, Washington, died Sept. 13, 2022. He was 77 years old. Ken matriculated from the “southern part” of Honolulu, Hawaii, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a master’s in industrial management from Central Michigan University. He is survived by his wife, Monica. Ken loved golfing, running, hiking, and gardening. He also loved reuniting with his BRs, sharing stories about their families and lives.

Kermit Quick: “When I plan our golf outing for next year, I will add Ken Chun’s name to that of Dave Fink as a memorial outing. I sent Ken an email about a month ago, as I knew he had been sick (he canceled out of this year’s outing due to pneumonia). I never heard back and was concerned—now I know why and am saddened. Ken was a good friend and a great guy to play golf with. He will be missed. Kermit”

Chuck Keblusek on Terry’s service: “It was a Mass of Christian burial—the pall and priest’s vestments were white, signifying the resurrection. Poor Brenda was tearful the entire time; I gave her several big, prolonged hugs for the class. During the showing, she stroked Terry’s cheek and arm prior to the closing of the casket. For a funeral Mass, the person/family chooses the three Bible readings for the service. (Ginny and I have chosen ours.) The church was beautiful and looked relatively new; it was a very traditional Catholic church with a marble altar and background. I guess there were 75 to 100 there, including us five brother rats. Bob Randolph came with the four Jan mentioned in his email. We all spoke together afterward, and a

picture was taken by Tom Tomlinson’s wife of all of us, which you should receive soon. These past few weeks have been difficult for our class with the passing of several brother rats. This is especially true of the swim team since both Dave Fink and Terry were on it with me. I got a kind note from Lynn Beaulieu about going and will forward this to him, as well. Life is a gift. It is something to savor each day. Lest we forget, best, Chuck.”

Joe Stafford: “Had a nice visit with Austin England of the VMI Foundation this morning. We talked about a range of topics, but two issues caught me by surprise. First, he said that they are about $2 million a year short of funding all of the athletic scholarships they are entitled. They need to increase the endowment by around $20 million to make up the shortfall. Second, he said the students, including those on full scholarship, have to pay the extra cost for studying abroad. I encouraged him to make this info available in the Alumni Review, as I believe that donations in these areas would increase.”

Dan Wells: “This is me trying to wash down the canary I just swallowed while traveling with Arlene down the Danube towards Budapest, Hungary, via a Viking longboat. We had a wonderful two weeks together seeing typical European sights and also had a chance to enjoy for the first time in over 50 years a beer at this famous place.”

Barrett Graham: “Our county, Carteret, is the ‘hurricane chin’ peninsula which sticks out into the Atlantic at the southern terminus of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The mainland part of our county was settled largely by Scots in the late 1600s and early 1700s, and a family in our county has started some highland games, the Crystal Coast Highland Games, of which this year was their second event. I attended last year as part of the color guard for the opening ceremonies. This year, Sharyne and I attended as representatives of the Clan Graham Society, of which I am a convener. As a convener, I am responsible for organizing a tent with information about Clan Graham, recruiting members for the society, and assisting passers-by with understanding a little about their Scottish heritage. It’s quite a bit of work and actually a lot of fun. Unlike all the other highland games I’ve attended, the Crystal Coast crowd does not provide any tentage for its clan participants. Over the years, we’ve accumulated some sturdy and adaptive tentage, some of which are well-suited to a 10’x10’ highland games use. The games were scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, so Friday, Sharyne and I loaded a vehicle and hauled ‘Clan Graham’ to the Beaufort, North Carolina, games site. The tent in question consisted of a metal roof frame, a sturdy plastic roof, and some uprights at the corners. When loading ‘Clan Graham,’ I accidentally grabbed the wrong set of uprights (they were too long), so when the tent went up, it was

higher than it should have been. The tent is held together by some ingeniously designed devices with set screws in them. In the past, the weight of the frame and the roof held the tent together, so I didn’t tighten the screws. Saturday, we put together the displays under the tent and went to work. The games site is on an old harbor, with very little around it to deflect the wind, and as luck would have it, our notoriously fickle coastal winds came up around 11 a.m. and caused the too-high tent to start whipping back and forth, soon loosening the ridge poles in the center to leave their mountings, and down came ‘Clan Graham’ in spite of the wind lines attached. Clan Graham thus had to abandon the field prematurely. When we began to collapse, it was amusing to watch the other clan tents scrambling to better secure themselves before joining us as wind casualties. We’ll be back next year with the proper poles and tightened set screws.”

John and Leslie Forsyth recently completed a drive from Colorado to Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia to visit several family members and BRs on the journey. It started with a deer strike just a few miles from home, so they had to turn their car into the collision shop and rent a vehicle for the drive. While they were in Georgia for a few hours, we had a lovely visit and told our old stories once again. John sent a long review of the return drive home, arriving safely after having another near-miss deer encounter in our neighborhood. John: “The repair shop called Thursday advising we could pick up Leslie’s car. I think they did a good job—to the tune of about $6,600. (Thank you, USAA!) Since Enterprise Rental was reasonably close to the repair shop, we turned in the car Friday afternoon upon retrieving Leslie’s Passat. The rental’s odometer recorded 5,297 miles for our trip. Of course, we would have preferred Leslie’s SEL, but the Malibu worked well. A few minutes ago, USAA texted Leslie this morning advising her that our bill had been paid! Is life good or what?”

And speaking of Colorado, Fred Smith says: “We visited with Lynn Beaulieu in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the end of our 39-day tour out West. Lynn remembers everything about VMI, but of course, he was young, 16, when he matriculated.”

Our class has lost four BRs since August: Dave Fink Aug. 2, Terry Fowler Sept. 8, Ken Chun Sept. 13, and Kent Easty Oct. 28. Check the Taps section of this issue for more notes.

I regret that I cannot include everything that arrives in my email, but there are restrictions on pages and photos, and of course, deadlines. I try to send emails to share what is not here on a regular basis to keep us all up to date. If you send me what you have, I will share it one way or another unless you say it is private. If you are not receiving these constant class updates, it means that

Class Notes

your emails are either being rejected or somehow you fell off of my personal class email list. If you wish to receive them, call and let me know or send an email. Stay well and stay in touch.

In the Spirit, Jan

John Plummer of Forest, Virginia: “This past year has brought many changes. Last October, I suffered a series of TIA strokes and still have some issues to deal with in the area of vision and coordination. I am fighting this with everything I can muster. The only real damage is an increase in my golf handicap. I have a granddaughter who graduated from JMU three years ago and then graduated from George Washington this past May as a nurse practitioner. She is in D.C. with a urology firm and hopes to transition into woman’s studies as a career. A grandson is in college in Dallas. I met with BR Bert Butterfield of Mechanicsville, Virginia, over the summer to reestablish contact after 50-some years. I’m still playing with old ‘little British cars’ and will be showing my ’57 TR3 at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville over Labor Day weekend.”

Gil Piddington of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, responded to Bryan Barton’s, of Oakton, Virginia, comments about Chandler Williams: “Chandler and Robbie Williams came to Hilton Head Island for many years to attend the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament during the week after The Masters. Some years ago, Tracey and I first ran into them at a restaurant called the Skull Creek Boathouse. While walking down a long driveway, I checked out the license plates of the parked vehicles. I saw one with a VMI logo and decided I would try to find the owner. The boathouse is on the sound and has an enormous patio with many tables. It was very crowded. I had no idea how I would find this VMI person. Then I heard this big voice and knew immediately it was Chandler. I followed the voice to the table. Tracey and I began spending much of the year on the island, and I stayed in touch with Chandler. He was unable to attend in the spring 2021,

so he came that fall and brought several brother rats with him: Mike Gompf of North Chesterfield, Virginia; Marvin Thews of Roanoke, Virginia; and Richard Wallach, The Plains, Virginia, for several rounds of golf. I asked Chandler if he would mind my inviting some of our low country brother rats to dinner, along with a good friend, Bill Wanovich ’87, who is the recently retired VMI commandant. Frank Pinizzotto, of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina; Guy Wilson, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Howard Chapman; and I played golf on the mainland and then joined Chandler and his foursome at the Skull Creek Boathouse for a terrific evening.”

Howard Chapman, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, said: “Just now catching up

from attending the International ITE meeting in New Orleans July 31–Aug. 3. I received a number of professional development hours and got to have lunch with my granddaughter, who is a rising junior in architecture at Tulane. I am almost in my third year of being a councilmember in Mount Pleasant and still doing the state guard thing, as you might have seen in the Alumni Review. Gamecocks should be better this year and looking forward to getting my season tickets soon.”

Herbert Laine, of River Forest, Illinois: “Betty and I are in the process of moving to the Midwest to be close to our daughter, Katherine, and two of our grandsons. In June, we met with John and Susan Royster, of Bermuda Run, North Carolina, and Howard and Sally Donald of Richmond, Virginia, for a long, leisurely lunch in Williamsburg. We roommates try to get together every so often and get caught up. Also in July, our family came for our annual trip to the Outer Banks. With our move, sure hope this won’t be the last time we do that.”

Ned Harris of Phoenix, Arizona: “Our Massachusetts house got rebuilt finally, and we moved in early May. As it’s a ‘modern’ structure, we have heat and central A/C. We are no longer constrained by the weather, so we may stay there longer. Dean Kershaw of Lyndhurst, Virginia, and I had a fun brother rat trip across the country in May. Stayed with Di Johnson of Penn Yan, New York, at Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York. Larry Ryan visited over

Class notes

a weekend just prior to his moving to Albuquerque. I’m headed out to Fort Leavenworth for the funeral of Ken Dickinson ’57 at the end of September. I’ve been in touch with him and even saw him when he was summering in Roscoe, South Dakota, and I was at our ‘other’ home in Maddock, North Dakota. We had a fun visit, and he told me many times that our class was his favorite and asked me to send him Xerox copies of our Bomb pictures to refresh his memory. I had a pretty serious run-in with him 3rd Class year, which almost resulted in me getting kicked out of school but didn’t, and later, he got me an RA commission even though I had been an academic 2nd the first semester of our 1st Class year, so he had to bend some rules. I know there are some BRs who had or have some issues with him, but I thought he was a man of character and integrity. I hope to visit Jim Burg of Prescott, Arizona, soon after returning to Phoenix this fall.”

Larry Ryan of Albuquerque, New Mexico: “It was a busy spring and summer. I spent a week hiking the Speyside Trail in Scotland in May and then joined my 14-year-old grandson, Patrick, for a whitewater canoe trip in the San Juan River Gorge in southern Utah. I got to see Dean and Nancylee Kershaw a few times, and Dean and I checked out the Crozet Tunnel. Joe Smith of Annapolis, Maryland, came down for a weekend visit, and we sent a few rounds down range. Always on the lookout for a new adventure, I decided not to take a job in Poland but did accept a new position with the Air Force here in Albuquerque. I’ll miss Williamsburg and all it had to offer and my team at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, but definitely not the humidity.”

Buck Miller of Wilton, Connecticut: “In spring 2021, our friends in Naples, Florida, convinced us to bid on a house down there, and we got it! It has three bedrooms and two baths, a pool with a cage, and a very private lanai and backyard. It is in an established neighborhood 4 miles from the beach. Our kids and grandkids love coming to visit! We have not yet become snowbirds, but we are considering it as we extend the length of our time down there. The 20-hour drive (which we do without stopping in a hotel) is a real drag, but hey, when we get there, we can rest all we want! One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is that I can continue my peer advisory boards using Zoom. I can also continue my small practice of law via phone and the internet. I have started hosting a weekly BR Zoom meeting with Billy Bragg of Manchester, New Jersey, and it is great to see

and talk with BRs about their recollections of the Old Corps. I recommend this medium to others to use to stay in touch, but it should be limited in number, so everyone has a chance to speak.”

John VanLandingham of Eugene, Oregon: “I am still working—although retirement looks likely next year. It also looks likely for my wife, Martha Walters, from her position as the chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. Probably like many of us, this past year-plus has been one with many health challenges after feeling sort of invincible for most of my life. I had a minor stroke—although no stroke is truly minor—in April 2021; a horrible debilitating infection in August 2021; cataract surgery in December 2021, which has only partially been successful; and a fully torn Achilles

FDA. In the past couple of years, I have visited with or communicated with Skip Roberts and Lewis White of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and their spouses, Kay and Mary Pelham, in Virginia Beach; Tommy Boyd of Ware Neck, Virginia, and Carol in Gloucester; Rick Siegel of Weems, Virginia; Creigh Kelley; Alfred Smith’s widow, Hallie, of Richmond, Virginia; and George Squires’ widow, Kitty Sue, of Henrico, Virginia, and his sister and brother-in-law, also in Richmond. Coincidentally, George and I have the same birthday, and Kitty Sue always sends me birthday greetings.”

Jim Burg of Prescott, Arizona, no longer has an email account, so I called him. He said he is well and that Steve Powers of Malvern, Pennsylvania, recently had a box of books shipped to him, so he has plenty of reading material. If anyone wants Jim’s contact information at the Good Samaritan Society Village in Prescott, Arizona, let me know.

John Crim of Dayton, Virginia: “I am still in recovery mode for a bit, with the help of my lovely and long-suffering wife, Cindy. With any luck, it may help us make it to (and through) our 55th ‘and beyond’ Reunion. I hear from Jack Falzone of Crystal Lake, Illinois, occasionally and grateful for that and otherwise still being above ground near Bridgewater.”

in late March 2022 with surgery in late April. The surgery appears to have gone well, but the recovery time is 12 months. I am five months post-surgery now, and I’m still learning to walk again. Our two kids are fine. Johnny No. 5 is married and living in Seattle and doing internet security monitoring—I think—remotely for Nike. Daughter Cassie is in D.C. and recently took a job with the Rockefeller Foundation. No grandchildren yet, though we are still hopeful. My two younger brothers are good. Jimbo VanLandingham ’72 is retired and living in our hometown, Petersburg. He is close with his brother rats and is about to become a grandparent. Kevan is a medical doctor married to a medical doctor, splitting time between Durham, as his wife was on the Duke Hospital faculty, and D.C.; she is now the director of the Deafness and Other Communicative Diseases Institute at NIH. Kevan threatens to retire to focus on his golf game, but he just took another medical job with the

Back in October, I emailed out status reports from many of our brother rats who lived through Hurricane Ian in either Florida or South Carolina. Their, “All right, sir,” responses were emailed to the class in October and included in the “unabridged” version of these notes in November. In the interests of space, they are not included here.

After that email, I heard from Ed Anderson of Lynchburg, Virginia: “As it turns out, Pat and I had planned a vacation back in May for, guess where: Florida. Guess when: The first week in October. We planned it that early to make sure we could get reservations. As we were planning it, though, the thought did run through my mind: ‘October is still hurricane season. Sure hope and pray that we don’t run into any!’ Well, as we know, as Oct. 1 approached, here came Ian. It looked for a while like we were going to have to cancel our trip, but as tracking data became more certain, it looked like we would just barely miss running into it. So, we decided to go as planned. By the time we left home, Ian’s eye was somewhere near the Virginia/North Carolina line, so it kind of skirted us as we drove down. As it turned out, our plans were only slightly affected by the

Class Notes

storm. We had planned to drive directly down to Key West and spend three days there. There was some damage on Key West, but the place was basically operational, and we had a great time walking around and sightseeing. We had planned to spend one day on a cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, but Ian had damaged the boat dock there, so the cruise was canceled. That gave us another day at Key West, which we used to do more sightseeing and to take a reef/sunset cruise. On our trip back, we planned to hopscotch across Florida and back up the East Coast, visiting friends and relatives. Our first stop was in Naples/Bonita Springs to visit a cousin and his family. That area had been torn up pretty badly, but their house and neighborhood were relatively unaffected. The next stop was The Villages to visit our BR Tim Underwood of The Villages, Florida, and his wife, Denise. Their area came through the storm OK, and we had a great time visiting with them. We finally got home Oct. 11 after stops in Darien, Georgia, to visit a friend and in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to visit relatives. We consider ourselves to be blessed by the Lord, not only because we had a safe trip (in spite of crazy Florida traffic, especially around Miami) but also because we were able to go at all and to have a very enjoyable trip.”

John Augustine of Saint Petersburg, Florida, then provided this: “In an abundance of caution, we took my 98-year-old mother down to see our granddaughter at the University of Miami a couple of days before it hit—when Tampa-St. Pete still appeared to be in the ‘bull’s eye.’ Our only drama was returning north on I-75 when we had to detour off due to flooding. We spent a couple of hours slowly driving through devastated areas. One thing to see it on TV—it’s another going by in person at 10 mph! Poor folks lost everything! We had an exciting 5-mile drive through a flooded stretch just before allowed back onto the interstate!”

Bob Schmalzriedt of Wilmington, North Carolina: “I reached the ‘76’ mark today. Still healthy and nothing to be grumpy about today.”

Rev Jones of Prosper, Texas: “We are in Mazatlán, Mexico, for five weeks enjoying the sun, food, and friendships we have made here over our many visits. We will return home to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family. All the grandchildren will be home. A granddaughter is at SMU law school, a grandson at Texas A&M, and two still in high school.”

Wayne Burton of Saint Marys, Georgia: “Sylvia and I took the grandkids to Blue Ridge, Georgia, for the Apple Festival, plus rode the train. By the time you read this, Sylvia and I will have visited VMI Nov. 11 and Nov. 19 for The Citadel game with Norma and George Buzzard of Waynesboro, Virginia. We plan on

spending several days touring the Shenandoah Valley. Haven’t gone to Luray Caverns since grade school.”

Skip Roberts of Virginia Beach, Virginia: “I celebrated my birthday with an appointment with an orthopod, who said it was not time to do a knee replacement. I guess that’s good news. Bring on the Advil. We’re doing well. We went spent three weeks near our daughter in June/July in the Tetons, and I went back in September/October without her. Kay had some breathing issues in June because of the altitude. She’s fine. The weather and aspen foliage was fantastic on my solo trip.”

Rob Steele of Chesapeake, Virginia: “Ours is not really a notable life. I retired almost three years ago, and Terri continues her career as owner/president of World Class Travel. As such, when we’re not traveling, we enjoy time with family. We have had our share of maladies/surgeries, as has everyone else (consolation prizes for the blessing of lots of birthdays), but at present, we are hale and hearty and grateful for each day, and especially our three children and their families, including eight grandchildren. I can’t complain. God is good!”

Rob continued with a lengthy of set of comments about the situation, as he perceives it, at VMI. These comments were published in the “unabridged” version of the notes that were sent out in November, but I don’t have the space to include them here. To summarize them, Rob is not happy with what he has seen at VMI in recent years.

Steve Wilson of Williamsburg, Virginia: “Linda and I will be attending the 55th. We have reserved our hotel room and are looking forward to catching up with BRs and families. We have our beautiful home, Eastwinds, in Mathews up for sale. After 25 years of enjoying life at the ‘rivah,’ we are living full-time in Ford’s Colony, Williamsburg. If anyone knows someone who would love to live on a historic, deep-waterfront property, feel free to give them our contact information. We are also renting a condo year-round in Fort Myers, Florida—great timing, right? The facility suffered little damage from Hurricane Ian, and our condo is on the third floor. We will miss the Institute Society Dinner this year because we’ll be in Fort Myers Nov. 7–Dec. 19. We’ll spend Christmas and New Year’s and celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary in Williamsburg, and then return to Fort Myers January–March 2023. I continue to serve as the Alumni Association liaison to the BOV Cadet and Military Affairs Committee. ... I believe the administration and the Board of Visitors are working hard to ameliorate the damage to VMI’s reputation and retain the core values we expect of our school. Linda serves as the hospitality chair on the Jamestowne Society BOD, and we see several alumni, e.g., Randolph Williams ’66 and Richard Knight ’70, who is the current governor general, during the fall and spring society conferences in Richmond and Williamsburg. We remain relatively healthy, although I have had several skin cancers

Class notes

treated recently. Arthritis in my lower back and base of the neck constantly reminds me that I am ‘maturing’ faster than I want. I use our unofficial class motto when the arthritis kicks in ... GTM!”

Creigh Kelley of Centennial, Colorado: “It’s been an interesting year after COVID-19 with a return to announcing major running events in Kansas, New York City, D.C., Iowa, Illinois, California, Florida, and Colorado (I probably am forgetting one or two!), along with directing our major marathon weekend here in Denver in May and our uniquely fun 5K on the runway in September at Denver’s International Airport (closing down an active runway for a couple of hours is a bit wild). Back in February, I visited the Institute and stayed in Moody Hall (Frank Pinizzotto set it up for us) during the Southern Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships. Steve Hubbard of Maplecrest, New York; Tom Burnett of Midlothian, Virginia; and Skip Roberts joined us, and Dean Kershaw gave us a ‘cooks’ tour’ of barracks. After 16-and-a-half years of dating Renee Hamilton, we officially announced our engagement in July and our plans to be married in Irimis (Kapsabet), Kenya, in February 2024. I returned to Kenya this past June to review our progress with a solar pump being added to the new well we dug pre-COVID-19 at the school we support through our non-profit, Kipture Primary School Foundation. Several BRs have generously provided donations over the years. We have no paid staff or expenses, so it truly is a ‘farm to table’ super fun project! I had a wonderful visit with Paul Hebert of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and his brilliant wife, Mayling, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in August. They were gracious hosts, and their home is in a spectacular setting. Their lives and contributions to our world are extraordinary. Recently caught up with Jay Slaughter of Frisco, Texas, and I bent his ear for quite a verbal catchup. He has made an amazing recovery from his medical setback, and word has it he might even be able to wear his coatee in April. He seemed in great spirits, and we reflected on his ability to overcome hardship due to what he endured at VMI. Renee and I slipped away for a week to Cabo San Lucas in late October and will be heading to Fort Lauderdale for Christmas. Then it’s on to Walt Disney World to be one of the ‘sports hosts’—another word for announcer—for the 30th time announcing the Walt Disney World Marathon Week. I’m excited that Nancylee and Dean Kershaw will be joining us. He hasn’t decided which race he will enter, but I hope I get to announce him at the start or the finish. After Disney, it’s a quick two weeks before we head back to Kenya in late January to see how things are going at the Kipture Primary School and the nearby medical clinic we assist. Then, we fly down to Masai Mara for one of our favorite indulgences, a photo safari for five nights. After that, I plan to return to

VMI for the Southern Conference Indoor Championships again in late February, and then our reunion!”

Jim Burns of Henrico, Virginia: “Last year was fun-filled with the freedom to travel, health, and happiness. Trips to Jamaica, Egypt, and Nashville. Our married son, Colin Burns ’07, added a girl to our list of grandchildren while another son, Sloan Burns ’10, got married. See BRs Wise of Richmond, Virginia; Wood of Richmond, Virginia; Wall of Keswick, Virginia; Walton of Richmond, Virginia; and Donald often at the gym or socializing over beer.”

from Tricia and Pat’s son, Christopher, thanking the brother rats for supporting Pat’s family that day and afterward. I learned that Pat’s grandson, Tom, recently graduated from VMI and was a cadet after hearing the tales about VMI from Pat and all of us.

On the same day in August, another group met at the Norfolk Tides baseball game. Lee Barnes; Drew Brantley; T.O. Palmer and his son, Top; Gary Mackey; and Webb Hatch had made earlier plans to attend the game before knowing of the other events Aug. 18.

Attending the senior VMI alumni luncheon in Williamsburg Aug. 30 were Mike Santoro, Bob Flowers, Tom and Nancy Catlett, WIP Priest, Drew Brantley, Dan Gibson, Glenn White, and Walt Judd. Our nine was the largest crowd from any class, but the ’68 Good-to-Mes had eight attending. We met a new member of the VMI Alumni Association, Lucas Whitman ’10, as he made the rounds of Tidewater alumni events.

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the VMI Class of 1969,

It is mid-November, and the days are getting shorter and darker. The passing of Pat Branch II leads us off with stories of other gatherings and activities in Lexington filling in the news.

As reported in my last class notes, Pat Branch died suddenly Aug. 7, 2022, when his transplanted lungs gave out. After the initial shock lessened a bit, several friends started planning for a big group of BRs to attend his memorial service in Richmond. Knox Hubard took the lead position and helped me get the word spread to our BRs throughout the area. The service would be at St. Stephen’s Church in Richmond’s West End, and afterward, we would attend a reception at the Westhampton campus of the Country Club of Virginia.

Aug. 18 dawned sunny and warm for Pat Branch’s service. The crowd gathered early, and the VMI contingent was strong. Several times during the service, the rector and various speakers spoke of Pat’s love of his BRs and his respect for the school. Those in attendance included Dick Jeter (without T.B. Thompson, his overnight host, who could not get going that day), Frank Easterly, Conor and Liz Ashby, Jim Baker, Dave Prugh, Glenn White, Bunny and Carolyn Paulette, John Sebrell, Knox and Shirley Hubard, Bruce Gregory, Charlie and Cammy Bryan, Mike Santoro, Spunky Butler, Tommy Hudson, Thornton Newlon, John Ishon with two daughters, Dick and Cheryl Camp, Bob Waldo, Courtney Welton, Ned Caldwell, Art Wilson, Jim and Malda Puryear, and Walter Judd. Several pictures were taken of the group and presented to Pat’s wife, Tricia, after the service and reception.

Since the funeral ceremonies, I have heard

Bob Sparks traveled to the Galapagos Island this summer. Reputable sources said he found it very interesting.

In Lexington Saturday, Sept. 10, at our first home football game, VMI beat Bucknell 24-14. In the rain and mist, we built up a 21-0 lead at halftime and then, as the rain got harder, played well enough to win on the weekend honoring women in sports at VMI. Several Hall of Fame individuals and current teams were introduced at the end of each quarter, and stories about women at VMI played on the big screen/scoreboard throughout the game. Bob Alexander and Mike Santoro joined me on the drive over, and we spoke with Bob and Ruth Waldo, John Sebrell, John Zunka with friend Jim Snead ’72, Bunny Paulette, Bruce Gregory, Tommy and Nancy Catlett, Jim and Beth Long, and Jim and Ruth Chapman at the game.

On Sept. 17, Bob and Susan Alexander hopped in the car and drove (without me) to Lexington for a game. The day was sunny and cool, perfect weather for a football game. Cornell built a 28-point lead through three quarters; then the Keydets stormed back in the fourth with three scores. Alas, close, but no win.

On Oct. 8, Bob Alexander and I went to Tyro, Virginia, on the way to the game to pick up apples, then crossed the mountains near Crabtree Falls and ended up in Steele’s Tavern on Route 11.We got to the game in plenty of time and joined Tom and Nancy Catlett and John Sebrell for the game on a cool, sunny day. The team was not as lucky that day and fell to ETSU. After the game, Jim Long reported he had tested positive that week and did not travel to the game. He recovered quickly and was able to resume activities soon.

On Oct. 22, Jim and Beth Long again took their

Class Notes

seats and greeted Ron and Betsy Wall, Dave and Susan Prugh, Bruce Gregory, Bunny Paulette, and John Sebrell. Ron counted more than a dozen players not suited up as VMI entered the game pretty beat up and added a few more during the game. Our fourth quarterback of the year saw action most of the game in a loss to Furman. There was not much to talk about after the Oct. 29 home loss to Mercer and several away games losses later in the season.

John Sebrell attended the Keydet Club’s annual athletic scholarship banquet with our class fund recipient football linebacker, Christian Dunn ’24, Sunday, Oct. 23. He chatted with Cadet Dunn at the meal and had five other cadet-athletes from baseball and lacrosse seated at his table. When I caught up with John in mid-November, he was in Arkansas. On Nov. 12 in Bentonville, Arkansas, host Steve Harrington welcomed Bobby Watts and John Sebrell and their ladies for the University of Arkansas versus LSU football game. Bobby had obtained tickets from BR Pete Kranske, whose firm provides usher and security services for Arkansas and many SEC schools. Our BRs sat in the Diamond Club endzone seats watching the game live or on the big screen available in very comfortable surroundings on a cold day. LSU won by three in a good, tight game.

As the days counted down toward Oct. 25, excitement grew for the renewal of the Two Bellies Invitational Golf Tournament. Mike Santoro and I spent many hours on the phone and writing emails during the summer as we worked to get in an edition of the fun event after a three-year hiatus. Toro did a lion’s share of the effort and found that the original venue was still willing to have us at a reasonable price. So, we settled on the Country Club of Petersburg and started recruiting players. We were determined to have a fun event and keep alive the tradition started many years ago by Tommy Thompson and assisted by Pat Branch. The trophy donated by Pat and decorated many times by winning team members was renamed to the Pat Branch II Memorial Trophy and awarded to the winning team.

The day started off misty and gray and stayed cool and overcast all day. But no rain or precipitation of any kind fell after the morning mist blew away. The group of golfers started arriving around 10:30 a.m.: Ken Fleming up from the Charlotte area; Tom Morris from Williamsburg; Tom Catlett (Hanover County); David Reid of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Doug Marks from Columbia, South Carolina; and Bobby Brown ’70 from Lynchburg. Then the Tidewater guys arrived—Bob Heely, Gary Mackey, and Lee Barnes—and Bob

Flowers from Williamsburg. Where were the Richmond guys? Toro called and said, “We are stuck on I-95 waiting for a chance to pass a burning truck.” Lee Swats arrived from Midlothian, Glenn White came in from Yorktown (with a finger in a bandage without the splint), and Spunky Butler showed from Hanover County. 11:00 a.m. arrived, and we sat down for lunch. Suddenly, Mike Santoro and three ’70 men from Richmond (Herb Braun ’70, Bill Huffman ’70, and Paul Dickinson ’70) slipped in. And Jimbo VanLandingham ’72 (North Dinwiddie) and Rick Minor ’72 from Chester were there. Lunch finished, but still no Bunny Paulette and Lindley Vaughan ’72. Finally, as we were getting ready to tee off at noon, both men showed up fussing about the I-95 traffic. Both grabbed a quick sandwich, and the golf began.

Fast forward several hours later, as guys gathered on the back patio and munched on chips and salsa. It was time to report how things had gone on the course. It was very clear that three teams had scored very well, and three had been near or over par. The top three teams all were a shot apart in the low 60s, pretty good no matter what the level of play. The teams from ’72 and ’70 both played well, as did the ’69 team of Tommy Catlett, David Reid, Lee Swats, and Bunny Paulette. Small prizes of cash were passed out to members of two teams, and the trophy went to the ’69 winners. Although Tommy Thompson, the original Two Bellies, did not make an appearance this year, he was aware of all that went on before and afterward.

All said, the renewal of the competition was successful. (Defined by the money paid to the club for food and golf equaling the money collected!) And the fun had by all participants in renewing friendships formed many years ago in a small town in central Virginia.

BR Ron Happel was interred Oct. 28 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, near Amelia Court House. Having died of the ravaging effects of Agent Orange two years ago, Ron’s family waited for a space and time at a veterans’ cemetery to lay him to rest.

Rusty Chamberlain in Colorado offered his old coatee and overcoat to a current cadet and was surprised to learn that current cadets get issued their uniforms by the Institute. They turn them in at the end of a year and get another later. The tailors still stay busy trying to fit the football linemen, who come in extra-large sizes these days.

Paul Curs keeps me aware of many journals of past flyers during times of strife. His logbook of a B-17 crew from World War II was interesting reading.

I also get offers regularly of copies of the 1969 Bomb. If you would like a copy of that venerable old book, just let me know, and I will forward the name of someone with an extra copy.

Nov. 11 started rainy, warm, and ominous. Hurricane and then Tropical Storm Nicole hit Florida and headed north through the mountains of the South. Many of us left home in the rain and headed for Lexington for Founders Day and the Institute Society Dinner—first to honor the service of Gen. Binnie Peay ’62 and then to gather with other BRs in a formal setting. Many folks attended the afternoon convocation and heard much about cadet and then-Army officer Peay from his class president and friend, Dr. John Duke Anthony ’62 Gen. Peay was then presented the New Market Medal for his many years of service to our country and the Institute. As the rain had not really left the area, there was no parade that afternoon.

Attending the dinner later that evening from our class were Mike and Martha Santoro; Bob and Lush Heely; bachelors for the evening, Gary Braswell, John DuBose, and Walt Judd; Bob and Ruth Waldo; Lou and Tania Sidney; Dennis and Anne Witt; Fred and Claudia Downey; and Dr. John Young, the superintendent’s chief of staff, our dinner table guest. We enjoyed time before the meal getting to catch up with each other—to congratulate Bob Waldo on his recent hole-in-one and Dennis Witt on his recovery from face surgery. Still wearing bandages, Dennis was a trooper to travel from Florida to be part of the festivities. We heard short speeches from our former and current superintendents and called it a night in cooling but dry conditions.

On Nov. 14, Mike Santoro welcomed the team of Bob Heely (U.S. Marine Corps), Bunny Paulette (U.S. Army), himself (U.S. Marine Corps), and Walter Judd (U.S. Air Force) to

Class notes

the annual Veterans Day outing at the Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, Virginia. The day dawned cool and sunny for the free event for the participants. While the temperatures never warmed up much, the golf was fun, and we old friends discussed many of the topics affecting VMI these days. Our score was good—for us— but not in the medal range. Thanks to the golf club for an enjoyable day and for honoring over 100, mostly our vintage, veterans. Thanks also to the Benedictine High School color guard for looking so good at the opening ceremony. Those gray blouses and straight pants looked very familiar.

One final part of the day in Richmond was the delivery of the Pat Branch II Memorial Trophy to 2022 winning team member Bunny Paulette The large, slightly intrusive trophy is not always a welcome part of the Two Bellies golf event, but it is part of the fun and tradition of the class outing. After living for over three years at the home of Mike and Martha Santoro, the trophy can now reside in BR Paulette’s office (or garage)! Beware of strange packages arriving at your door, BRs Catlett, Swats, or Reid! The trophy may move on from Bunny.

In the last notes, Don Mercer mentioned his ninth grandchild was on the way. Little Taylor Graham arrived at the end of October healthy, pink, and wearing a big bow around her head. And then Bob Heely welcomed son Teddy’s new son, Beckham Boustead Heely, soon after. We have many fine families growing in our clan.

Time for another granddad story: One of my friends from El Cid was excited and later deflated when his oldest grandson headed to VMI on a baseball scholarship only to just make it through the tough rat year. No degree for that youngster. Then two years later, the story resumes in a much better light. The same grandson is now at the front of his Navy basic training class, acting as first captain of the 700-some graduate sailors, and leading the newest class of sailors heading toward the fleet. Wonder where he learned to handle the sword and drill as well as he did? Thoughts about that later look invariably turn to the guys we knew who dropped out of our class after short stays yet went on to finish at other schools and have wonderful careers. Thank heavens for the “long view” and the fact those men found themselves better people after spending time at VMI.

Remember to keep the present cadets in mind with your donations and planned giving. Many of you have paid your pledges—made nearly four years ago!—and others, like me, are still plugging along. Every time I meet members of the Corps, I am encouraged. We are still attracting some excellent students and cadets who will make us old guys proud. And you never really know who we are affecting with our gifts. It could be a BR’s grandchild or a buddy’s. Keep

those gifts headed to VMI.

Last thoughts. We will start planning for our 55th Reunion very soon. If you want to participate in any way, please advise me. I understand we will meet one night for a banquet sponsored by the Alumni Association and a second at a place of our choosing. While there is a staff of competent planners on staff at VMI to guide and help us, we still have much to say about our time together in Lexington. I will publish dates soon and hope to hear from many of you that you want to help in some way.

Yours in the Spirit, Walt

Aug. 24, 2022. Carl Strock, Peel Dillard, and John McLemore attended her funeral and celebration of life Aug. 30, 2022. Helen often came with Dave on his trips to the Institute. When she had to enter an assisted living facility, Dave was by her side practically every day till she retired in the evening.

Artie Pates lost his 96-year-old mother, Jean F. Pates, Sept. 14, 2022. Dave Price’s sister, Cynthia Price Jenkins, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, in Williamsburg, and Dave Lawrence lost his sister, Deborah Lawrence Parham, Aug. 20, 2022, in Portsmouth, Virginia.

I did not include links to obituaries, but you can contact me for that information and contacts for these brother rats. I am sure they would like to hear from you. If you have lost fathers and mothers or 1970

Greetings, Brother Rats, Spouses, and Friends of the VMI Class of 1970,

I write these notes in early November from my home in Staunton, within a stone’s throw of Mary Baldwin University. In our day, MBU was Mary Baldwin College, a school where many a VMI cadet visited during and sometimes not during permitted hours. Many VMI cadets, including our 1970 BRs, left the Institute with a college degree, a bright future, and an MBC spouse.

It has been a warm fall in the Shenandoah Valley with leaves ablaze in color, crisp and crackling underfoot in swirling, blustery winds. Cadets have returned to the Institute’s disciplined way of life, and the Class of 2023+3 is having a go at the Rat Line. The football team is struggling with many injuries in key positions. They are much better than their record would indicate. On the weekend of Sept. 8–10, the Institute celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Women at VMI to much fanfare. Many alumnae attended, and Thom Brashears ’95, the booming voice of the Keydets, recognized them at halftime at the VMI versus Bucknell game. The Keydets delivered a win that day in their honor.

Now, to class news—some sad, indeed. In recent months, we lost a brother rat, and some brother rats lost family members. Most of you know by now that Tom Campbell passed away Sept. 22, 2022. Jan, Tom’s wife, told me that Tom was very grateful that VMI gave him an athletic scholarship, which provided him with free education. Through the years, he supported VMI athletics, and Jan is grateful that brother rats of the Class of 1970 also do.

Helen Miller, Dave Miller’s wife, passed away

Class Notes

brothers and sisters, let me know, and I will pass that news on to the class.

Recently, I learned from Nicole Pelton, a speech therapist, that Jim Spacek is living at the Marian Manor Retirement Community in Virginia Beach. Some time ago, Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and can cause many debilitating symptoms. Nicole told me Jim was doing well and would benefit significantly from letters, calls, and visits. She says, “He is 100% VMI!” After earning two master’s degrees in engineering and an MBA from Old Dominion, Jim served in the Army for two years and the Army Reserve for 17.He then worked for the City of Portsmouth as public utilities director for 25 years. He found time to donate nine years of service to Maryview Healthcare Corp., serving on various boards. He hopes to go to the next reunion and catch up with everyone. My wife, Emily, and I visited with Jim recently. Pictures of his departed wife and him, his three children, and four grandchildren adorn the walls of his apartment, along with VMI memorabilia. Jim would love to hear from brother rats. Contact me for his contact information.

Alva “A.C.” Arnn is settled in a new home in Burlington, North Carolina, working part-time. Alva’s son, Patrick, will retire from the U.S. Air Force in March 2023 as a lieutenant colonel. He spent most of his flying time in F-16s! He will continue flying for Delta or FedEx after he leaves the Air Force. I’m glad to know that. Maybe we will get

our packages quicker. A.C. and Beth are going to Paris and southern France in March ’23 and then to Spain and Portugal in August. With his retirement finally settled, sort of, they are just beginning to enjoy traveling. A.C. considers himself lucky because Beth is an art history major, and he says she can explain the various cultures to an old engineer.

I mentioned Artie Pates having lost his mother in September of this year. Along with Artie’s late father, Bruce Alvord Pates Jr. ’45, Jean was a big VMI supporter. She has her brick on the pavement in Lexington alongside her husband. Some BRs, like Steve Craddock, will remember wild poker games at Artie’s parents’ old family home in Springfield. Artie tells me that Jean possessed

several VMI Class of 1945 jewelry pieces and proudly wore them at any VMI event. “I remember bringing her to my father’s 65th Reunion. Less than 10 VMI ’45 BRs and less than 20 widows were present.” Jean’s jewelry now resides in the VMI Museum for us to see. Artie says that Jean talked about how close she was in age to Queen Elizabeth II. “Very weird that they were both born and died within weeks of each other.”

Phil Brandt sent me a blast from the past picture of him and his rat roomies, five guys stuffed into a room next to the stairway to heaven and the RDC social club. Sadly, Richard Corbett passed away July 1, 2006, and Mike Gordon died April 17, 1999. “As the song goes, those days, my friend, we thought would never end. But they did.” Phil stopped by the Institute in June this year and reported that his rat room looked tiny. “Of course, I’m a tad bigger. I visited the RDC hospitality center on that trip, never having made it there my rat year.” I hope you got down and gave 100 pushups, Phil.

I heard from Dick Cheatham, who is out there, 75 years young, speaking to various audiences about VMI founders and other notable historical figures and getting rave reviews wherever he goes. I am sure those of you who were at our last reunion and saw Dick’s J.T.L. Preston portrayal remember the passion and authority Dick brings to his important work. In September, he portrayed former U.S. President John Tyler for a large group at Polyface Farm in Augusta County. One attendee remarked that “Dick stole the show. I have seen many costumed interpreters before, but Dick raised the bar to a new level. From the moment he took the stage to the moment he exited, Dick was stunningly captivating.” Dick was in Nashville in late October, where he visited with BR Dick Knight and gave a presentation to the local Jamestowne Society in which he portrayed John Rolfe, a tobacconist who married Pocahontas. Dick (Knight) is a national governor of the Jamestowne Society, whose 7,500 members are descended from early settlers who lived or held colonial government positions in Jamestowne. Dick (Cheatham) stayed with Linda and Dick while in Nashville. “I learned he is a classic movie aficionado, just like me,” Dick (Knight) reports. “I have about 60 classic movies on the DVR, that include Brother Rat. Dick and I played the Brother Rat intro over and over.”

Back in Richmond, Dick (Cheatham) still works hard at educating people about famous historical figures. His wife, Patti, spends time in Oregon tending to her elderly mom, so she and Dick are apart for now. Plans for this couple include moving to Rockbridge or Augusta County, a move

Class notes

Dick hopes to accomplish in the next three or four decades. He fears his health may start to decline by then. Dick is often in touch with Bob “Hayroll” Hawthorne. Dick and Bob taught school together back in the 1970s at Bermuda Academy. Bob is a busy man doing photo shoots that often involve glamorous couples and airplanes. Bob contacted me recently to wish me well in my kidney surgery recovery and said, “It’s tough getting old. I use a cane and hate it. But we charge ahead to new challenges.” Inspiring words, no doubt. Dick is also in regular touch with Ed Andrews. Now, flipping back to Dick Knight, he and his wife, Linda, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary last September with a trip to the Rocky Mountain West, where they retraced their 1971 honeymoon. They spent three weeks looking for anyone wearing a VMI sweatshirt but never saw one.

Their youngest daughter, Elizabeth, presented them with another baby boy last spring to make two grandsons (thus far). Their older daughter, Katherine, works for Mitsubishi, N.A., where she is Mitsu’s senior legal officer in the States.

Dick says, “Linda is preparing to retire from her 47-year law practice and will probably join a ‘think tank.’” What’s it like, Dick, to be married to such an accomplished woman? I bet you don’t win many arguments with her.

Turning to another VMI couple not known for letting the grass grow under their feet, Don Crawford and his wife, Lois, spent the winter of 2021–22 in Costa Rica. They returned at the end of March, “about a month too early, as it was still cold in the valley.” In May, they decided to join the real estate market in Harrisonburg. A day later, they got an offer on their townhouse that exceeded their expectations. After closing in June, they became nomads and started their “senior gap year.” In July, they spent three weeks living in a tent and volunteering in the kitchen at their grandkids’ summer camp. I hope Lois did the cooking! “Helping cook meals for about 100 campers and the staff kept us active.” I bet it did!

After that, the homeless nomads spent the months of August and September in Wisconsin, playing grandparents to 11-year-old Andrew and 6-year-old Catherine and bumming off their daughter and her family. The two old codgers stayed busy, building deck benches and a kayak rack and shuttling Andrew and Catherine to practice and games. After their daughter kicked them out at the beginning of October, they fled to New Jersey to visit with another family who would not take them in, so at this writing, they were living in a small apartment at the Residence Inn in Cranbury. After Thanksgiving, they returned to the valley for December, then flew to Charlotte to ring in the new year with Marky Trinkle. In January 2023, they are off again to Costa Rica for another year, splitting their time in an apartment

in Santa Elena among spectacular tropical birds and other exotic beasts and a beach home near Tamarindo. In March 2023, it’s Spanish language immersion school time in Heredia for a couple of weeks. These two sure have a hard life! Don reports that they are excited to rendezvous with any VMI family traveling in Costa Rica during that time.

Rich Clary, Bruce Kirchner, and Chips Lanier (refugees from the far end of New Barracks, rooms 185 and 285) got together with their wives for a post-50th Reunion weekend in Asheville, North Carolina, over the Columbus Day holiday. “We had planned for late May, but Rich and Chips got hit with the COVID-19 hammer the week before. Luckily we were able to rebook for October. We rented a vacation home in the hills near Asheville, North Carolina, and had a great time relaxing, seeing the sights of Asheville, including the Biltmore, and having some great meals in beautiful weather. It was something we had put off for far too long and will do again soon!” Well, I hope so. Time is a-wasting.

In mid-October, Emily and I were lucky to join 25 other brother rats, spouses, and friends on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Herb and Susan Braun; Carl and Julie Strock; Jim and Judy Mawyer; Gray and Nancy Chandler; Dave Schmidt; Mike and Suzanne Snead; Bill and Marilyn Huffman; Charlie and Margaret Walker; Bill and Paula O’Connor; June Bailey; Tommy and Jill Cooke; Gary and Lynn Weishaar; Lanny and

Terry Sue Gault, Liz Grasty; and me and my lovely wife, Emily Talley, stayed in a four-story oceanfront cottage bigger than the starship Enterprise. It had a heated saltwater pool (only heated if one was to pay an additional $700, which we were too cheap to do) and a theater room with a giant screen and surround sound (which we did not use because the movie of us was far more entertaining than any movie we could have watched). There was a media room, which nobody used because we all barely know how to use our cell phones, and two hot tubs, which went unused to my knowledge because Jim Mawyer said one had to be in the nude to enter, reminiscent of our time in swim class at VMI. During the day, folks went their own way, some reading (or pretending to), others walking the beach or golfing. But in the evenings, we all came together to have a grand meal in a cavernous kitchen that reminded me of the VMI mess hall. We gave thanks and meant it, remembered lost brother rats, then dug into the fare for the night, organized and presented by assigned teams created by the women folk. There was a barbeque night, a salad night, a seafood night, a Mexican night, a lasagna night, and a leftover night. I gained five pounds. After dinner, everyone scurried around, except for a few ne’er-do-wells, in a valiant effort to clean up so we could get to sipping Southern whiskey and listening to stories, stories, stories—many of which provided me with enough data to put a lot of these guys in prison. Nancy and Stix Chandler kept us in

stitches all week, telling stories and talking about their lives together. Think George and Gracie Allen. One evening, a few guys started reminiscing about certain VMI professors, and Carl Strock went into imitation mode, parodying certain ones, which evoked peals of laughter from anyone close enough to hear. I thought I would have to pick Emily up off the floor. I won’t mention the names of professors involved in the parody, but let’s just say that Carl has lots of material with which to work.

For the last five years, Jim Mawyer organized this gathering, I suspect, with lots of help from Judy. Jim has also managed the annual GOMBAC golf outing for the last 43 years. In the beginning, that consisted of strong young men who could play golf and probably even walked a round or two. Then it morphed into a bunch of old linkmen more intent on enjoying each other’s company, laughing their way down the fairway, searching for shanked balls.

The VMI men gathered in Kitty Hawk this October are perfect examples of citizen-soldiers working hard, doing good work in their communities, serving well, and living up to the values we garnered during our time at the Institute. The smartest thing they all did, including me, was to marry magnificent women, accomplished in their own right, who stood by their husbands’ sides, made sure they changed their underwear at least once weekly, brushed their teeth, and did not publicly say anything really stupid. It was a fabulous adventure, and Emily and I are looking forward to next year. The only thing that would have made it better is if Ralph and Marsha Costen could have been there. But Ralph was laid up with a hip injury from which he will recover soon. I’m sure of it.

Kent Schlussell reports that “while you guys were partying on OBX, Judy and I were enjoying the sites in Jordan and Israel.” Kent and Judy have been to that area several times. He says Israel is “a complex place with many controversial issues. We spoke with and heard from Israeli Arabs, orthodox Jews, and an intelligence officer at the Syrian border and saw more historical religious sites than I could count.”

Mike Iwanik and I attended the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet in Marshall Hall Oct. 23. VMI offers this yearly event to acknowledge the alums, family, and friends who give to the scholarship funds that support VMI’s cadet-athletes.

We had the privilege of dining with four cadet-athletes who have benefitted from the generous support of brother rats. At our table were soccer player Collin Blandford 2023+3, recipient of the Judy and Lew Reynolds 1970 Annual Athletic Scholarship; football player Julio Dasilva ’24, recipient of the Sherrie and Steve

Craddock 1970 Annual Athletic Scholarship; football player Tyrig Poindexter ’25, recipient of the Class of 1970 Annual Athletic and Academic Scholarship; and football player Ryan Vanbrandt 2023+3, recipient of the DeNetta and Neil Steverson Annual Athletic Scholarship. A big part of the banquet was the presentation of the Keydet Club’s Three-Legged Stool Award. Giles Miller ’924 coined the term ThreeLegged Stool to describe the Institute’s policy of educating “the whole person.” Recipients of this award demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and athletics. This year, Scout Ripley ’23, a ferocious and excellent lacrosse player, received the reward. Greg Cavallaro ’84, former Keydet Club CEO, also received a special Three-Legged Stool Award for his years of dedication and service to VMI. Greg has spent 42 years at VMI, four as a cadet, two working in admissions, 14 with the VMI Foundation, 18 as the CEO of the Keydet Club, and now he is in his fourth year as a major gift officer with the Alumni Agencies. That has got to be a record.

Greg gave a passionate and inspiring speech in which he acknowledged many former and present VMI great coaches, athletic directors, and members of the Keydet Club. This dedicated, true-blood VMI guy is a great role model for VMI cadet-athletes.

Cameron Seay, who lives in Churchville, near Staunton, and serves as president of the VMI Valley Chapter (Region VIII), contacted me recently to say that in late August, he and his wife, Mary, visited with Doug and Yvonne Davis in Ooltewah, Tennessee. “The last time we’d seen one another was at the VMI versus ETSU away football game in 2017, and it doesn’t seem like Doug and Yvonne have changed a bit. Doug’s outdoor projects at their new home are over the top for one in our age group, but he also takes on building projects for his neighbors.” Cameron reports that Doug is an incredible fellow, as is Yvonne, who supports Doug in all his endeavors.

A story of brotheratism comes next. When Warren Grasty got sick, Dave “Beast” Payne and his wife, Mary Kate, began to send Warren and Liz cards and notes of encouragement. They kept at this caring gesture after Warren died and for months beyond. When I had my sick kidney removed, Dave and Mary Kate got at it again, sending me cards and notes, a welcome and uplifting thing indeed, except for the inclusion of soapy and painful puns approved by Warren. Puns, like, “What did the hamburger name its baby? Patty, of course.” This lovely couple will force Emily and me to get a bigger refrigerator to which to pin the puns.

And on that cheerful note, that’s it for now. Keep those cards and letters coming. And as Warren Grasty used to say, “In the spirit.”

A lot has happened since our last notes, including several deaths in the ’71 family. As many of you heard, Mal Kerley’s wife passed away in late August after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Lannie Gault and several BRs and wives attended the memorial service. In attendance, including Lannie, were Don and Vicky Brown, Sam and Spring Kirby, Tom and Connie Martenstein, Bill and Carla Beatty, Steve and Dianna Price, Larry Truesdal, Ashton Lawler, Van Jolissant, Herb and Patricia Whitley, Steve and Ellen Otwell, John Heisler, and Rolfe and Sally White. Also, Jim Neale notified me that Jack “Jules” Walklet passed away Oct. 24. As I mentioned in our last notes, Jack suffered a rather serious stroke eight years ago, which caused significant long-term health consequences. He had recently contracted COVID-19 and finally lost the battle with the combination of these two health issues. We should all keep his faithful wife, Judy, in our thoughts and thank her profoundly for all the support she gave Jack throughout these difficult times. Jim and Alis Sefick spent the night in Lexington on the way to Florida right before we heard of Jules’ death, and he later related that right before the Cornell football game last year, he and Jimmy had visited Jules and Judy at their home. He sent a picture of the two Jims and their wives toasting Jules with some wine from Jules’ extensive cellar. Also, a figure known

Class notes

to many, Jim Sam Gillespie ’59, former VMI football coach, died in June of this year. Steve Riethmiller ’63, Bobby Watts ’69, and I, along with a host of other alumni, attended the funeral.

The other big news was the effect of Hurricane Ian in Florida. I first really need to thank Ox and Ann Schrader for all their work on tracing down BRs in the area and keeping the information flowing. Ox was like our version of Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel keeping us posted.

It appears that the hardest hit were Ken and Bernie Piernick in Naples. I don’t believe there is a better description of what happened than to hear it in Ken’s own words.

Sept. 28, 1111 hours: “We are bunkered up and only go out to take the dog to the nearest bushes. Speaking of which, the winds have just about ripped my beautiful double-bloom hibiscus bushes out of the ground. Palm fronds and tree branches are flying about like tumbleweeds.

“Water in the Venetian Bay looks like a boiling black cauldron. That is the danger for us. It’s climbing over most of the docks and bubbling up into the backyards of the houses on the water. If it overflows those yards, it will flood the streets. Then we are stuck. We’ve got bug-out food and gear, just in case. Looks like the eye is landing at Port Charlotte just north of us. This one is a doozy!”

Sept. 30, 1004 hours: “We are well but bone tired. Grateful to God to be alive. It was a harrowing day. We had to escape the house as the surge approached the front door and surrounded us. We swam for our lives with our golden retriever, Reilly, to a stilted house about a quarter mile away for refuge. Piece of cake in roaring water. It’s amazing what water can do. It was higher than the stop sign on the corner. Cars, chunks of houses, trees, port-a-potties, plus more rushing past us. Thank God for rat swimming. Our house was flooded. New floors, new kitchen, new appliances trashed. Carpets ruined. Treasures damaged. Clean-up is a fatiguing slog. We slept like the dead last night. But we are holding up. Wife Bernie is the best 51-plus year investment I have ever made. What a treasure. Now back to the muck. Glad everyone else is well. Ken.”

As far as can be determined from Ox and other BRs in the area, there were no serious injuries, and property damage was not as bad as expected, except for Ken’s very unfortunate experience. What was gratifying was the number of BRs in the area that reached out to provide information and help to those who suffered the brunt of the storm. The bonds persist not only in thought but

also in deeds and actions.

On an entirely different subject, ’71 has been very well represented this year at the football games. After our opening win versus Bucknell, the Keydets have struggled but have never given up and actually come back to make games competitive. This is in the face of a devastating string of injuries that ended the season for some of our most outstanding players. Another thing that hasn’t faltered is the support of ’71 at the games. Some have attended all, some several, and some only one or two, but we certainly have been supportive. Several rooms have celebrated “roomie reunions,”

which is always gratifying to see. Among those attending are BRs Gault, Kennedy, Bryan, Kirby, Mikula, Coleman, Strickler, Metzger, Pickral, Strickland, Palmer, Lawson, Acuff, Patrick, Golden, Kelly, and Gearhart

One of the most interesting aspects of this job is to hear from all of our BRs from all over the country and hear what they are doing or have done. Will Wikun reports in from Idaho with the antithesis of a weather story from Hurricane Ian. In mid-September, Will drove south from Idaho over the Beartooth Pass into Wyoming to do some flyfishing but found the task rather challenging with snow, hail, wind, and 28-degree temperatures for two days. He spent a lot of time lounging in his trailer while going through a two-volume set on Iwo Jima. The excitement of his slow days was stimulated by the arrival of a big grizzly sow with two cubs in close proximity to his trailer. Then low clouds—which may have been, in reality, high clouds as he was at 9,700 feet altitude—didn’t allow him to see his fly hit the water, so he beat it back home. Better luck next time, Will, when it is a bit warmer!

I lived in Culpeper for a year in the 1950s and had a teacher who lived in the local metropolis of Reva, population 2,466. Bo Christensen matriculated from Reva, and as it turned out, he knew my teacher’s family, but more importantly, he brought me up to date on his life after graduation. Just as interestingly, he provided an extensive history of the Gen. George S. Patton family, which started when Peggy Williams from nearby Culpeper married John M. Patton, the father of George S. Patton ’907. The family sent several relatives to VMI, including George S. Patton ’852, George S. Patton Jr. ’877, George S. Patton III ’907, and Jamie Totten ’69. After VMI, Bo went to Armor Basic School and then on to flight training. After flight school, Bo went to Vietnam, where he was stationed at Pleiku with the 57th Aviation Company, flying UH-1D (Huey) and AH-1G (Cobra) helicopters. After Vietnam, he went straight to Korea, where he spent two years coordinating flights along the Korean DMZ and another year in a flight detachment. After several stateside assignments, including time with the 101st Airborne Division and attending the Command and General Staff College, he finished off his career with rotations back in Korea and finally in the Mideast in Operation Desert Storm. He retired and became a federal police officer before retiring again and returning home to the quiet of Reva. What a life of service.

John “Corn” Biggs checked in with what he reports as his very first “news” submission in 51 years. His Spanish professor at VMI was Ronald Grennes, a name familiar to many of our BRs who took Spanish. Corn was fortunate to spend two summers as his intern working on an Olmec burial archeological site in Morelos, Mexico. During the school year, John was invited to the Grennes’ home several times for supper, a very welcome respite from confinement and Club Crozet! During his first summer in Mexico, Corn contracted a bad case of Montezuma’s Revenge, and Grennes’ wife, Lupida, took the sick cadet to see a doctor in Mexico City. Two memorable Spanish words he learned that summer were “Kaopectate” and “Paragorica.” Lupida nursed Corn back to health and acted as his surrogate mom for the rest of his cadetship—acts of kindness he has never forgotten. She recently passed away in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 86, and John wanted to recognize her as someone who had such a positive influence on his time at VMI and Lexington.

I recently posted a picture from Main Arch on the anniversary of our matriculation, which got a lot of comments. The best was probably from Alan Tashima. Alan matriculated from Hawaii. He related how his mother bought him a one-way ticket to Virginia with the following instructions: “You get the return ticket in June 1968, providing you don’t flunk out of school, dishonor the family, or get a girl pregnant.” Alan met all the goals and got his ticket punched back home at the end of his rat year. He spent Christmas with Jerry Upton and can’t remember spring break—evidently too much party time in Fort Lauderdale! This, to me, has to be one of the all-time great stories of “tough love” that turned out well.

I have had quite extensive communications with Carl Biersack. In addition to his Hurricane Ian experiences, Carl has to have had one of the more interesting lives since graduation. To try and identify any specific tale as the most interesting is next to impossible due to the depth and breadth of his experiences. This is magnified by the fact that he is a good storyteller. I’ll leave it with this: The next time you see Carl, ask him what he did for a living in Washington, D.C., and how in the world his chemistry degree from VMI prepared him for such a career in Washington?

Lexington was recently noted to be the “youngest city in America” (due, I’m sure to the inclusion of the Mink and Keydet population), but we also hold the distinction of being the smallest city in America with two Larry Wieses, both Texans. One is our BR and his wife, Pat, and the other is the head of the Kappa Alpha Order, which is headquartered here in Lexington. This makes for all types of interesting party invitations and explanations, but we are happy to have them both here. Our Larry Wiese moved here in 2015 from

Texas to be closer to his son, who teaches college in Massachusetts. Larry transferred to Sam Houston State University after Christmas our 3rd Class year. After graduation there, he attended law school at Texas Tech and then served in the Coast Guard for several years. He then went to work for Marathon Oil with several overseas postings before retiring and working in Geneva for several years for the UN negotiating damages incurred by Kuwait to their oil fields during the first Gulf War. Just as interesting is his wife, Pat. After working in the reinsurance world in London and Texas, she obtained a Ph.D. from Texas A&M in rhetoric and spent several years working in the Texas A&M study abroad program in a hill town in Tuscany, Italy. Pat is from Cross Plains, a very small town in West Texas, think The Last Picture Show, and assures me that all the young folks in this Italian town speak beautiful English with a perfectly accented, soft West Texas drawl! Larry and Pat share the exact same anniversary date, Aug. 12, 1972, as do Jane and I, so we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this past summer together at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. Jane and I just returned from a Roads Scholar trip to Bermuda. There is no “h” in Roads, so there were no GRE, MCAT, or LSAT requirements to sign on for the trip. I mention this only because I found it impossible to escape the Institute, even in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. We were getting a tour of the Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, and our guide asked where everyone lived. When I said Virginia, he said UVA with a thumbs up. I shook my head no with a thumbs down. Virginia Tech? Nope again. He then asked where I had gone to school, and I replied VMI. An enormous smile lit up his face. It turns out that he was a native Bermudian who had gone to the University of Georgia on a track scholarship and had later become a botanist. He said that he ran middle distances, and the very first time he ever ran in an indoor meet was at the VMI Winter Relays in the old field house where he ran the half-mile race. I asked him how his first time around the track went when he ran under the old metal stands. He broke out laughing and said he had never experienced anything like it. In those 15-20 yards, hidden from view of all the officials and crowd, he said running turned into a contact sport, and he was just happy to be able to come out on his feet upon exiting the far end of the stands!

The Class of ’71 was well represented this year at Founders Day activities honoring Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 and at the Institute Society Dinner celebration. In attendance at one or both events were Herb Whitley, Rick Littleton, Dave and Donna Honeywell, Dave and Martha Kennedy, Mike and Doris Strickler, Gerry and Maryann Acuff, Buddy and Carol Bryan, Jim Gearhart, and Jane and Zeke Ellington. The afternoon

program for Gen. Peay included the unveiling of his official portrait, which will hang in the Turman Room in Preston Library, and fascinating remarks by Gen. Peay and also Dr. John Duke Anthony III ’62, the president of the Class of 1962, among others. The Institute Society Dinner evening affair was highlighted by a performance by the VMI Glee Club, complementing remarks by Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent; Gen. Peay; and Tom Zarges ’70, VMI Foundation president. A good time was had by all, with much mingling with BRs and many others in classes close to ’71.

Right at the deadline for these notes, I received a very nice note from Jim Neikirk in Texas. In the Alumni Review, he had seen a picture of Will Neikirk ’20 standing in front of the picture of his uncle, Joe Neikirk ’932, in Neikirk Hall. Jim had not known there was “another” Neikirk who went to VMI; his dad’s other brother was Sam Neikirk ’925. That made Sam, Joe, and Jim the only VMI Neikirk alumni of which he was aware. He did not know Will or, moreover, know they were not related—or so he thought. He got permission to get Will’s cell phone number and exchanged texts, etc. Jim then did some genealogy research and found that they were, indeed, way-distant cousins (if that’s a term); Jim’s great-grandfather and Will’s “say-great-four-times” grandfather were brothers! Sounds as if the grands were on the wagons with Stephen Austin and Sam Houston when Texas was settled! Will is in the Air Force now and was training in Texas to fly helicopters. Jim drove up to meet Will and they got a picture of the two Neikirk cousins 50 years apart.

In closing, I want to thank all of you again for your very generous contributions to the Institute and its programs, both financially and in time spent, and all the postings you send to keep us all informed of your lives. I think we can all agree that the experiences we sometimes greatly enjoyed and at other times barely endured prepared us for the later challenges in life and contributed to our successes. I hope we will all continue to support the Institute in any way we can.

1972

Compadres, Sisters, Families, Friends,

These notes are being completed on Founders Day weekend and one week before Ring Figure. When you read them, we’ll be through the holidays and kissing the Dark Ages goodbye.

Class notes

I hope you’ve been able to see the very moving Founders Day tribute to Gen. Peay ’62 on the VMI website. I was particularly taken with the speech by Dr. John Duke Anthony III ’62, president of the Class of 1962, and his description of his brother rat. “Peay is renowned for his emphasis on planning, preparation, pursuit, persistence, and perseverance. All those words begin with ‘P,’ no pun intended,” he quipped. When the audience laughter subsided, Anthony turned serious and addressed the cadets, “Why are you here? Why do you exist? When you awoke this morning, what went through your mind? What will you be? What have you been? What are you to become? What is it you would die for? You have a purpose with a service to others.” Amen, sir.

I found an interesting quote from Scott Wachenheim, former head VMI football coach, in the Augusta Free Press. In an interview addressing challenges in recruiting for VMI, he said, “The difficult thing about VMI is in order to be a leader, the first lesson you learn, which I had to learn at the Air Force Academy, is you have to learn how to be a follower. And, you know, most of us don’t like that lesson of learning how to be a follower, and you have to look, you know, see the long game.” Another amen, please.

OK, to our news: Gale Sommers was selected to serve on the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. Bravo to you, BR! And he joins Rick Jones’ daughter, Elise Woodworth ’07, on the board. Old Yell—’72, ’72, ’72!

It was reassuring to hear from you Central Floridians following Hurricane Ian. Jack Miller shared this: “We were very lucky during the Florida hurricane! Included is a picture of our boat trying to come over the dock and up into the yard.”

Geoff Bull said, “Ed ‘Murf’ Murphy and his wife, Christy, will join my wife, Janice, and me at Ditka’s restaurant to celebrate Founders Day Nov. 11. We’ll send a picture.” Excellent way to celebrate, BR!

Bob Bailey reported in. “Here is what the Kennedys and the Baileys have been doing with our spare

time! At the end of September, putting aside the COVID-19 virus and European conflicts, we completed a long-planned river cruise in France. We visited the many historical sites of the French countryside, of which the highlight was our stop in Normandy to pay our respects at the American landing on D-Day/Omaha Beach.”

Jim Pagones shared news of their visit from the Worrells. “The accompanying photo was taken at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York, a few weeks ago when Norm and Joy Worrell visited Joan and me. During their stay with us, we took a tour of West Point and visited the Franklin Roosevelt Museum at Hyde Park, followed by dinner at the CIA. The four of us then traveled to Ronks, Pennsylvania, to view the performance of ‘David’ at Sight and Sound Theater with a group of friends from our church and affiliated churches. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time together, as the picture depicts.” Very elegant, folks.

Dick Vogel shared a little bit of star power. “We just had Tim Tebow for our scholarship dinner (William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi). Plus, Deb and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary.” I can see why that Tebow kid wanted your autographs.

Tom and Myrna Hathaway celebrated their 50th with a Mississippi River cruise. They met Harry and Susan Gore at a stop in Alton, Missouri. Unfortunately, the cruise was subsequently cut short due to the record low water level of the Mississippi. Tom and Myrna said it was a little disturbing to see so many barges (fuel and grain) docked with no ability to continue on to New Orleans. Check your bread and gas prices, boys and girls.

From the Country Club of Petersburg, Jimbo VanLandingham chipped in with this (see what I did there?): “Once again, our class was represented Oct. 25 in our dykes’ Class of 1969’s Two Bellies Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Petersburg. Originally started by Tommy Thompson ’69 many years ago, it is now being led by Walt

Class Notes

Judd and Mike Santoro. We had a lot of fun but only had three BRs participating, as our fourth, Doug Nichols, hurt himself practicing for the big event! So, Lindley Vaughan, Rick Minor, and I played. Lindley and I have played for many years, but our dykes would welcome other 1972 guys playing if there is any interest.” Isn’t it great being the youngsters in a crowd?

John Sayers sent this, with a little relationship history. “Here is a picture of the Sayerses, the Higginses, the Knicks, and Sharan Gore. We were gathered near Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a three-night retreat to celebrate 50 years since graduation and 50 years of marriage (Higgins, 49). We had a great time sharing memories of our VMI days, our families, and our careers. The ladies, Joan Sayers, Kathy Knick, and Sharan Gore, were part of that experience since our 3rd Class year. Lee and Jerry started dating at the end of our 2nd Class year. We really had a great time.” Well, so much for the myth of VMI being tough on young relationships.

A segment of our Richmond-area contingent gathered at Siné Irish Pub in Shockoe Slip under the watchful eyes of four better halves. Marie, Dianna Schwartz, Mary Jane Williams, and Cindy Bell lent requisite decorum as J.R. Bell, your humble scribe, George Williams, Roger Hart, Bob MacMeccan, Bob Schwartz, Ralph Redmond, Lee Hill, and Charlie Crim re-remembered history as it should have been. This will become a regular event.

And here’s some inspiring news from Bob MacMeccan: “After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2021, going through three different unsuccessful biologic infusion regimes, being hospitalized twice, losing 25% of my body weight, and basically being incapacitated for a year, after a fourth different biologic infusion and answered prayer, I have now been in clinical remission since early July. As a result, Glenda and I were able to attend the 150th Open Championship at Saint Andrews, Scotland, in July and the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, in September.”

Great news, BR—divine intervention?

OK, that’s it for now. Be good, do good, and stay strong, BRs.

Rah Virginia Mil!

Larry

Hello, Brother Rats!

I hope that these notes find you well and warm! It will almost be Valentine’s Day when you read this issue of the Alumni Review, and we will be getting very close to our 50th Reunion. I certainly hope you all have completed the registration and are planning to be there. It is shaping up to be the best reunion ever. Larry Mays and the committee have worked very hard to put together the activities and program for the weekend.

As I am finishing these notes, Pat and I have just come back from VMI, celebrating Founders Day and enjoying the Institute Society Dinner with Scott McCarthy, Ken and Sherri Kalisky, and Klaus and Laura Worrell. We had a wonderful evening together, and all of us are looking forward to our reunion. Pat and I also attended dinners this past week with the Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Greensboro alumni chapters. Ed Gibson was at the Greensboro dinner, and it was great to catch up with him. We used to see each other a lot when I lived in

Greensboro and while I was working, but we lost touch with each other the past few years. Ed said he was fully retired and enjoying “being retired.” Ken and I attended the awards ceremony for Gen. Peay ’62 Nov. 11 and listened to his BRs talk about his career. We also listened to Gen. Peay talk about the important things in his life and how special VMI is to him. It was a very nice event. We saw Scott and Shelly Lingamfelter at the event. They were headed back home for another event and didn’t get to stay for dinner.

This fall has really flown by. Pat and I started off attending the Wake Forest versus VMI football game in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and taking two of the grandkids with us. It was their first college game, and it was fun seeing them all excited and pumped up for the game. We have also attended a couple of games at Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina. We have had a couple of other trips to Lexington and are getting ready to spend some time in Florida with my youngest son and his family. The holidays are upon us! (And will be behind us when you read these notes.)

You may recall last summer that I mentioned Wayne Fox had contacted me, and he was awarded the “lost BR award” for the summer edition of the Review. Wayne contacted his roommates, and he and his wife, Nina, recently came to Virginia to visit with Sandy and June McNamara in Lynchburg. After visiting VMI, they all went to Virginia Beach and met up with Tim and Hunter Gundlach, Rich Lykins, Darrell Rickmond, and Tom Napier The group had a mini reunion and included Jim Chalkley and John Sykes in the gathering via Zoom. Wayne left VMI our rat year after Christmas to pursue a basketball career in Ohio, but he told me that when he got out of the car in November at VMI after being gone for 53 years, it was like being home. He said he felt like the “prodigal son” and was most appreciative of the fellowship and reunion he had with our BRs. Always a brother rat. Welcome home, Wayne. I am hoping that we have several “lost BRs” out there who will read this and come home to our reunion.

Pat and I spent some time with Blake and Sandy Thomas in Lexington at an alumni board meeting. They were doing well and had just returned from a lengthy trip to New England and had previously been in Texas.

I have communicated with Michael Smith several times this fall. He is on the Reunion Committee and is working on the golf outing and hospitality suite. Mike told me he and Jeff Minch got together in Blacksburg, Virginia, with some friends at Virginia Tech. They drove up to Lexington for the VMI versus East Tennessee football game and participated in a tailgate event with Stuart Seaton, Mark Weiss, Frank Joyce, Yerry

Class notes

Kenneally, Tom Napier, Rich Lykins, and John Pinner.

Mike said that when he left Lexington, he drove to New Market and, the following Monday, played golf with Tom Napier and Rich Lykins at the Shenvalee Golf Resort. On the way to New Market, Mike stopped and had dinner with Chad Brown in Staunton. Chad is still teaching high school literature at a private Christian academy in Staunton and is doing well. Mike said the plan was to continue on to Williamsburg to play in the first Stuart Seaton Open, but it was postponed because of rain. However, they did get to play Nov. 3. Also playing were Tim Gundlach; two of Stuart’s neighbors; Darrell Rickmond and his son, Daniel Rickmond ’07; Billy Stephens; Rich Lykins; Tom Napier; Bill Boland; Mike Mackenzie; Bob Sciacchitano; and Bob Vanderspiegel. I think this group, especially Mike, had quite an eventful trip to the Commonwealth. Mike still serves as the chapter president for the Myrtle Beach Chapter. Stuart and Debbie Fitzgerald put together sandwiches for the event, and Mike Smith got the award for traveling the furthest as well as being on the overall prize-winning team. They had such a good time that they are now going to have an annual event called the ’73 Brother Rat Invitational.

Jim Chalkley sent me a note and an update from Orange Park, Florida, to

say they survived Hurricane Nicole. Jim said that prior to the hurricane, Billy Stephens came down to play golf in a member/guest tournament at Eagle Landing. He said they had a great time even though they did not win their flight. Jim, Billy, and Tom Napier were planning a golf trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, in December.

Tom Clark told me he and Bonnie were doing well and were both looking forward to the reunion. They were planning a trip back to Hawaii during Easter with their two daughters and would be staying at Bellows Air Force Station on Oahu. Two days after getting back from there, they will fly to Roanoke for the reunion. Tom said life is good in Colorado Springs, even though they already had snow at the end of October, but it was 68 degrees two days later.

Jimmy and Ruthie Parks are doing well and enjoying life in the Carolinas. They moved to the Pittsboro, North Carolina area, just south of Chapel Hill, and are enjoying the southern hospitality and semi-retirement activities. They recently spent some time in Israel. Jim took advantage of the Corps of Engineers “rehire retiree program” and worked a while in Israel, and Ruthie got to spend time with her siblings, their children, and other relatives. Jim and I are hoping to get together soon for dinner in the Chapel Hill/ Raleigh area.

Mac Kirkpatrick said he and his wife, Melanie, continue to enjoy their granddaughter, who was born July 25, 2022, to their son, Clark Kirkpatrick ’15, and his wife, Yoli. When they are not spending time with family, they continue to four-wheel drive their camper out West. They have been to the Arctic Circle and Baja, Mexico, and are continuing to look for offthe-road places to go.

I get regular messages from Roland Tiso. He and Judie are doing well and still in the Tampa, Florida, area. They recently traveled to Tennessee and Kentucky. Roland said he was inducted as a distinguished member of the 506th Infantry Regiment in a ceremony conducted by the 101st Airborne Division Association. Ro said their daughters and families were doing great, and his granddaughter, Lena, is growing into a “beautiful little girl!” Roland said they were looking forward to the reunion and would probably

friends along the way.

Tom Jennings sent a note saying he and his wife, Lois, had COVID-19 in October but were able to get over it fairly quickly with minimum illness. He and Lois were in Richmond for dinner during early November with Webb and Donna Tyler, Rob Bowman, Rich Lykins, Malon and Barbara Updike, Garland and Ann Gray, and Ray Burton Tom said they all had a wonderful time and enjoyed sharing tales and ales.

That is about it for news this time; please keep in touch and make sure you have the correct contact information in the VMI Ranks (and join Ranks if you aren’t a member already.) VMI uses the information in Ranks to ensure you are kept up to date on the happenings at VMI and to put out “official statements” when necessary. We are also using that information to contact everyone for our reunion. You should have received the registration forms and information in the past couple of weeks. Please review it and plan to attend and let us know by completing the registration what activities you plan to participate in, as we will be having to finalize dinners, favors, and other things requiring a head count. Let Larry Mays or me know if you have questions. I also encourage you to contact Tom Clark and join our class Facebook page. About half of the class are members, and a lot of pictures and comments are posted there and are very interesting.

I want to take a moment to give a special thanks to Larry for chairing our Reunion Committee. As you know, Larry has faced a number of medical issues this past year but has remained steadfast in continuing his work on the reunion. I also want to thank Ken Kalisky for chairing the fundraising subcommittee, as well as his participation and help with other aspects of the reunion. We also have several other subcommittee

chairs working hard on favors, golf, trap shoots, dinner venues and menus, and a host of other things needed for the reunion. Thanks to all of you serving on the committee.

I hope you have a wonderful winter, and we roll into spring with a big bang celebrating our 50th Reunion in April. I look forward to seeing you. In the Bonds, Mike

Como, the land of the rich and famous. The ladies were excited as we cruised by George Clooney’s lakeside chateau. Unfortunately, George was nowhere to be found. Our shoppers were out in full force finding all kinds of interesting buys. Sue Jones spotted a unique Italian necktie with VMI colors. There were only two of these very nice ties in the shop, so Bruce and I are now proud owners of these special ties.

Greetings, Brother Rats, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1974!

I trust these notes will find you in good spirits. The following covers the period from Aug. 16–Nov. 15.

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise: As some may recall, I was on the balcony of a local hotel in Como, Italy, putting the finishing touches on my last set of class notes. I was there awaiting the arrival of several BRs to start the 11-day tour and river cruise. Fellow travelers: T.J. and Kerri Wilson; T.J.’s sister, Leslie Pepper, and her husband, David; Rod and Debbie Beard; Bruce and Sue Jones; Charley and Debbie Banning; Arnie and Maria Leonard; Rich and Ann Forbes; Bert and Cherryl Graham; and Marla and me. It took a while, but we all got to Lake Como. Rod and Debbie Beard flew halfway around the world with flight cancellations and rerouting but finally made it. We started with three days in Lake

There were so many highlights: A funicular ride to the picturesque village of Brunate, Italy, 2,300 feet above sea level for a sunset dinner with a spectacular view; a break for gelato every chance we got; high-speed train to Lucerne to visit the Lion Monument, the famous Chapel Bridge, and the folklore village/dinner where there was an impromptu birthday celebration for Debbie Beard and Ann Forbes ended up dancing with the show emcee; spectacular views from Mount Pilatus, where Bruce Jones had his famous wiener (had to be there); and tours of the Black Forest, the Maginot Line, Heidelberg Castle, the Great VAT, Philosopher’s Way, and the highlights of Amsterdam.

What is a trip without something going sideways? Well, the water level for the Rhine River was at an historic low, so we left the Avalon, had to bus through the famous Gorge, took an overnight in Frankfort, and boarded the Panorama North of the Gorge to finish the cruise to Amsterdam. Forty-plus Italian cruisers joined us on the Panorama, which livened up the late-night dancing. Charley and Debbie Banning facilitated some of those shenanigans, mostly Debbie. Arnie Leonard was our quasi-professional photographer and captured some of the highlights on film. In sum, we had too much fun— more than is allowed by law! Some are already talking about the next trip in a couple of years.

Class notes

We are considering south of France in Burgundy and Provence or somewhere on the Mississippi in New Orleans, Memphis, or Nashville. Highly recommended—stay tuned!

John “J.R.” Davis and his wife, Linda, have been touring the U.S. for five weeks (8,505 miles), visiting friends, relatives, places they had visited and enjoyed in the past, and new places on the “ye ole bucket list,” i.e., “Standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona,” (a classic bucket list item, love it, been there. Got the T-shirt) and others. While on this adventure, J.R. and Linda did manage to visit with Mark and Michelle Prentice and Charley and Debbie Banning, who may have been standing on the corner, but it wasn’t in Winslow, Arizona. Thanks for the nice note and pics!

I was really optimistic about VMI football this season and planned to view the opening game with Wake Forest in Dave Sheppard’s home theater in his upstairs man cave. Dave and his wife, Susan, live maybe seven minutes from Marla and me. Dave, Susan, Marla, and I settled into Dave’s man cave and watched the opening moments of the game with enthusiastic optimism, which, sad to say, did not last long. What was nice was Dave’s “not big screen” TV but more like huge screen TV. We did enjoy the evening but did not watch much football. Dave and Susan—thanks!

It is always nice to receive correspondence from a BR I have not heard from in a while. I received such a note from John Baumgardner. In the note, John told a touching story. His brother, Doug Baumgardner ’73, passed. Bert Graham sent a heartfelt letter, and it was well received by Margaret, Doug’s wife; John; and the rest of the Baumgardner family, including their 97-year-old mother, who is still in excellent health. Many thanks to Bert! John reported his oldest son, John Miles Baumgardner Jr., recently passed away.

His son, Jackson (15), is interested in VMI and potentially a future with the Air Force. John mentioned his attendance at our 50th Reunion may be in jeopardy due to his stamina related to some ongoing health issues. This aging phenomenon is not for the faint of heart. Wishing the best for you, John. Thanks for the note!

My wife, Marla, still receives the Nashville Graphic, the local newspaper for her family home in rural Eastern North Carolina. Not long ago, she opened up the paper to see a picture of the Nash County Parks and Recreation Volleyball MVPs with Kent Wheeless, their sponsor and coach. Kent and Brenda were pictured along with their MVPs. Nice picture and article, but that was not what caught my attention. Can anyone guess the team’s name: The Keydets! Well done, Kent!

We did have a large gathering of brother rats for the Oct. 3–4 reunion planning meeting in Lexington. The event was well attended. Speaking of

attendance, kudos to Gary Trinkle, Mike Coleman, Tom Puskas, and the Reunion Attendance Committee on the work so far finding current locations and contact information for all 380 brother rats who matriculated Aug. 20, 1970. Yeoman’s work; job well done!

Also, kudos to Don Ferrell and his effort toward securing a barrel (or two) of a VMI Class of 1974 Unique Blend of Bourbon from the Woodford Reserve distillery to commemorate our 50th Reunion. Don provided a summary of the effort to date for the assembled crew, which was enthusiastically received. No doubt, the committee did accomplish some things, and there was some actual planning that got done, but the highlight of the event was the BBQ, bourbon, and beer soiree at Pat and Sue Flynn’s Hops Hill Retreat. Those in attendance were Lane Toomey, Gary Trinkle, John White, Red Undercoffer, Thomas Walton,

Ricky Kastelberg, Terrell Williams, Tommy Anderson, David Lester, Mike Coleman, Bert Graham, TJ Wilson, Mike Morrissette, Don Ferrell, Pat and Sue Flynn, Craig and Cathy Carlock, Chip and Cathy Beaman, Tom Puskas, Mel and Vicki Clark, Frank Richardson, Andy Young, Carley Banning, Bruce and Sue Jones, and Henry Moncure. Col. Adrian T. “Bogie” Bogart III ’81, VMI commandant, was on site to sample and supervise the BBQ, bourbon, and beer activity ... and bone anybody who got

Class Notes

out of hand. I must say the Q and libations were great, but the camaraderie was clearly the best of all. Can there be too much laughter? I think not! As a class, we are beyond that portion of living in the circle of life highlighted by work, marriages, births, and graduations, and we have entered the twilight years to enjoy retirement and grandchildren. Unfortunately, the twilight years are also an era of loss. There are a couple of sad notes this quarter. Mike Mahoney passed away while on a golf course in Conway, South Carolina. There were two celebrations of life for Mike—one in Conway, South Carolina, and one in Northern Virginia. In September, Marla and I attended Mike Mahoney’s celebration of life at the Crossroads United Methodist Church in Ashburn, Virginia. Mike was a unique public servant—a career police officer, then became a firefighter at 49, then a paramedic, and then a helicopter paramedic. It was clear that each one of these communities held Mike in high regard. The police provided an Honor Guard prior to the service with a formal changing of the guard every 15 minutes. The firefighters provided hook and ladder trucks outside the church. The EMTs provided a helicopter flyover. There were 50plus uniformed first responders present, as well as a bugler and bagpipes. The reception was held at the Loudoun County Resort and Spa. BR attendees were Mick and Debbie Ernzen, Tom Mascot, Chuck and Elaine Cayton, Bob Slupik, Bill Minor, Tom Puskas

I understand Mike Mahoney’s celebration of life in Conway, South Carolina (near Myrtle Beach), was an extremely well-attended service, as well, with

family, close friends, police, firemen, EMS, and golf buddies. Brother rats in attendance were Mike and Linda Coleman, Rob and Joan Bacon, Bobby Cunningham, and Kent and Brenda Wheeless, Keep Mike’s wife, Patricia W. “Patty” Mahoney, and family in your prayers.

In October, I attended Don Sharpe’s celebration of life at Ragland Baptist Church in Goochland, Virginia. It was a well-attended service by family, friends, colleagues, and community neighbors. Goochland appeared to be a small, close-knit community where everyone knows everybody in town.

It was quite clear that Don was held in such high regard by all whose life he touched, both young and old. The pastor mentioned that he had never seen so many attendees in a church in this small

town. The reception was held in the fire station just down the road from the church. A highlight in the church parking lot after the service that captured everyone’s attention was a hearty Old Yell for Don after we had lined up for a photo. BR attendees were Donnie Ross, Bruce and Sue Jones; Kent Wheeless; Gary Trinkle; J.W. Sims; Chip and Cathy Beaman; John Williams; George and Anna Van Laethem; John Williams’ son, Mike; Mary Pat Hogan; and yours truly. Please keep Don’s wife, Carolyn, and family in your prayers.

I just received an email from a long-lost BR, Doug Jones, matriculant No. 342. The Reunion Attendance Committee located Doug on a farm between Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia. Doug attended VMI for two years and then transferred to Virginia Tech. This Band Company BR’s rat roommate was Tom Cunningham (Room 498) and as a 3rd, he roomed with Kevin Nettrour, Von Bashay, and Mike Stark (Room 386). Doug, with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Tech, appears to have done well as a real estate investor and gentleman farmer. He and Helene, his wife of 46 years, have three kids. Welcome back, Doug. We hope to see you and Helene at our 50th. By the way, the last time Doug was in Lexington, he was playing rugby for Virginia Tech against VMI on the Parade Ground. Love that rugby, Doug—with you, on your right!

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Tidewater breakfast club met at Dennis’s Spaghetti House. I am told there were many problems of the world discussed, but not so many were solved. So, the club will have to meet again in a month or two. Gary Trinkle did provide an update on the reunion planning. The group reminisced about watching the 50th Reunion alumni passing in review when they were cadets. Generally, the group thinks they are fitter and chipper than what they recall observing some 48 years ago. Supposedly, there were the typical sidebar conversations about health, grandchildren, travel, and relief that COVID-19 is no longer so disruptive to their personal lives. There was a little memory lane chitchat amongst the former Army BRs regarding shared experiences. The highlight of the morning was giving Bill Pennypacker a ratio of grief for still being alive (an inside joke—you had to be there). I’m sure a good time was had by all. Gary Trinkle reports the following attendees: Chip Beaman, Al Rasper, Steve Ham, George Van Laethem, Bill Pennypacker, John Williams, Chuck Cayton, John

,

Class notes

events in the near future!

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye. After 25 years, the VMI Brick Program will be ending June 30, 2023. There are several changes implemented as the program comes to a close to accommodate alumni who still want a brick. To qualify for a brick, a BR must have donated a cumulative total of $2,500 from July 1, 1998, to present. We have 113 BRs who have secured a brick and another 85 who have donated a portion but have not yet met the $2,500 threshold. Heads up: If you want a brick, now is the time.

Late-breaking news just before I launched the class notes: John Williams, Mike Hogan, Mark Prentice, and Henry Moncure gathered at Mission BBQ Nov. 11 to celebrate VMI’s birthday. Nothing like beer and BBQ to celebrate with BRs. Nice pic—perhaps we can share with the next set of class notes! Rah Virginia Mil! ’74, ’74, ’74!

Class contacts: snookieparker1974@earthlink.net. Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net. Send me a note. Yada, yada, yada, and yaba daba dooooo!

In the Bonds, Snookie

“Do you pack extra hearing aid batteries when you travel?”

I’m sincerely hoping this dispatch finds you all healthy and sane after the bitter election season and the somewhat taxing holidays. This issue of news of your world covers mid-August 2022 through mid-November 2022.

Brothers, Sisters, and Casual Readers,

This is the year, 2023, that most of us will have completed our 70th, or better, lap around the sun! There is only a small, but distinguished, cadre who will remain in their sixties. They are Tony Farry, John Williamson, Bill Kobus, Larry Hendry, Phil Minez, Doug Conte, and Rod Low

I fear we are stepping deeper into that dark abyss of surgeries, ailments, and illness: The countless barnacles, moles, and skin tags that have to be dealt with; the subject of whose left or right shoulder, hip, or knee is to be replaced; and how long the rehab schedule is supposed to take. Then there’s sleep apnea and the dreaded CPAP machine, the extension cords, electrical adaptors, and distilled water that accompanies this device. What shoes are most comfortable with one’s gout? The decision to humor along the always intriguing subject of who packs extra hearing aid batteries for travel. I said (all caps),

In the small world department: Back in mid-September, Dr. Billy and Lee Hunter had the opportunity to spend some late summertime at their beach home in Indian Beach, North Carolina, with family and prepare for a brief trip over to Charlotte for an Elton John concert. Lee Hunter and their daughter, Polly, took a Friday afternoon run along the beach road when they espied a nondescript minivan with multiple VMI emblems, logos, and shields prominently displayed; it was sitting parked at a small beachside eatery. Curiosity got the best of these two ladies; they stretched, lingered, and waited.

Now, in due time, a sly, crafty fellow emerged from the throng gathered at the bistro on wheels. The man who appeared at the minivan gave his

name as Dan Mason ’83 (here we go!), and presently the inquisitive twosome placed this guy under the hot lamp of interrogation. The fact that he was wearing a full facial gaiter for “health” reasons, he stated, was not ironclad proof that an act of piracy on the famous Captain’s Kitchen Shrimp Burger Food Truck had just occurred. Lee and Polly had a lengthy conversation with the wretch, and connections were made linking the threesome between the Class of ’75 and the greater VMI family. In addition, the revelation was uncovered that this miscreant had simply slipped away from his own family summer retreat to pick up a coastal treat for his crew. Dan was last seen sitting at the wheel of his vehicle, wiping spicy seafood sauce from his chin! Your reporter never inquired about Sir Elton John.

Early September found John and Lori Prior on a lengthy trip out West, where they flew into Bozeman, Montana; picked up their rental car; and had dinner with Rich MacFarland’s sister, Trisha. They continued their trip to Missoula, Montana, and linked up with Charlie Hoon and Sharon at their rural ranch where they fished, hiked, and went sightseeing. Sitting around at the ranch and looking at the travel itinerary and literature for the class trip to Europe in May got both couples inspired to enlist for the trip!

Shortly thereafter, Charlie Hoon sent a long memo stating he would like to host another mini reunion June 13–20, 2023. It seems Lowrie Tucker, John Plunkett, Mike Hunter, Guy Conte, and possibly John Prior and their wives plan on traveling that week for golf and fishing fellowship at the Hoon manse.

Thursday, Sept. 1, kicked off the football schedule, and a pretty fair contingent of VMI faithful traveled

Class Notes

to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for the tilt against Wake Forest University, which was televised on the ACC Network. The Keydet Club hosted a very nice barbeque and all-class mixer, which was well attended. The turnout from our class included the Oliver Ways, the Allen Morgans, the Art Nunns, the Ben Vanderberrys, Jim McCriskin, Bill Fowlkes, Glenn Garland, and me.

One week later, Sept. 11 featured the 11th gathering of the Pond House Group for the annual golf clash between team Fleming (with Morgan, Nunn, Vanderberry) and team Way (Chapin, Tucker, Mason); a group dinner for 16 at LGCC included Sandy Morgan, Judy Nunn, Anne Vanderberry, Sherry Chapin, Kathy Tucker, Bonnie Way, Maryanne Fleming, and Judy Baur; football versus Bucknell Saturday; dinner at Devil’s Backbone Brewery Saturday evening; and departure Sunday. Seen and conversed with at the game in addition to the PHG were Dennis Lewin, Glenn Furr, Scott Risser, Mark Hall, Mike Hunter, Tom Napier ’73, T.J. Wilson ’74, Pat Flynn ’74, Buzzy Moncure ’76, and Al Comer ’86

Advance the calendar one more week to Sept. 17 and the VMI football game versus Cornell. In addition to those captioned above, we were joined by Dan and Vickie Darnell and Glenn and Carol Furr, and an unsubstantiated rumor floated that Rick Hening was seen reviewing the cheerleaders down near field level.

Let’s take a pause from the pigskin schedule for a moment. The scene: Lewisburg, West Virginia, a beautiful fall day, a church built in 1796—a wedding! The lovely ceremony joining Andrew Mason ’86 and Abbey Withrow in holy matrimony took place at 11 a.m. Sept. 14. The event was well attended by VMI friends and relatives. They were, in no particular order, Jay Ball ’86, Tripp Duerson ’86, Gordon Poindexter ’86, Clint Hubbard ’86, Joe Rose ’85, Matt Morgan ’87, and Dan Mason ’83.

Hurricane Ian threw a scare into quite a few of us. But, within a few days, all checked in as safe. Those brave souls were Jeff Abravesh, Ron Bongiovanni, Frank Cole, Larry Groome, Larry Hendry, Bob Keller, Rick Law, John Logan, Bob O’Conner, Bill Overton, Gary Taylor, and John Whitworth

In mid-October, Bill Turpin came east to Richmond for his and my 50th high school reunion. Oliver Way, Robert Taylor, and I joined him for a nice early afternoon repast on a Saturday. Bill is trying to organize a “gentleman’s” bird hunting expedition in West Texas for a BR group in the near future. I got the impression “gentleman’s” means upscale camping/lodging accommodations, good food and drink, and little hardship involved.

The 50th high school reunion: You enter the venue with some trepidation. Will you recognize

anyone? You tell yourself, “Don’t trip, don’t spill anything on your freshly pressed clothing, listen to others more than you speak, don’t eat or drink too much, don’t dance (for you may look like Elaine Benes dancing on Seinfeld).” Then you say, “Oh no, this is just like golf, when you stand in the tee box and think to yourself, ‘Don’t go in the water,’ and your ball heads straight for the pond, marsh, or creek.” Don’t think about the negatives! I departed unscathed.

Another home football game Oct. 22 found a bruised and battered VMI taking on a superior Furman team. A much smaller turnout from the class and general spectator crowd resulted in suppressed

attendance on that beautiful Saturday. Seen at Foster Stadium were Oliver Way, Art Nunn, Allen Morgan, Mark Hall, Scott Risser, and Dave Schuyler.

Halloween weekend 2022 found a group of eight stalwarts descending on Pawleys Island, South Carolina, for a long weekend of golf and fellowship. That retinue included Keith Frey and his brother, Preston; they hosted Guy Conte, Jerry DeWaters, Bernie Cobb, Oliver Way, and Doug Harvey at Preston’s wife’s family beach house. The group played fun and complex scoring formats on three different courses over the weekend. Your scribe was invited along to chronicle the hijinks!

Guy was constantly peppered with calls for impeachment and other zingers by an energetic and frenetic Jerry DeWaters. The golf courses and beach house were animated for the majority of our 72 hours together with lively, continuous, and hilarious chatter and his issuing of good-natured barbs!

There have suddenly arisen two vigorous contenders vying Robert Mills for best exotic international travel packages of 2022. In September, Oliver and Bonnie Way took the first of five planned trips for 2022–23, making their way to Bergen, Norway, to meet their Viking ocean cruise ship to sail south on the North Sea, the English Channel, the Normandy Coast, waving as they passed Portugal, through the Strait of Gibraltar, concluding the cruise in Barcelona. Their first day stop was to Amsterdam; followed by successive stops in Bruges, Belgium; Rouen, France, and the World War II Normandy landing beaches; over to Great Britain, including a visit to Stonehenge and Salisbury; then Vigo, Granada, and Cartagena before arriving in Barcelona, Spain.

An extremely strong bid was submitted by Dr. Billy and Lee Hunter as they made their way through the Kingdom of Morocco in Northwest Africa. Their journey began in Casablanca, where

Class notes

they explored Old Medina and the King Hassan II Mosque and visited a replica of Rick’s Café from the movie, Casablanca. Next came Fes, where they were treated to a private cooking class. Then it was on to the modern seaside city of Agadir, which serves as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. From there, they traveled to Taroudant, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, where the three-day partridge hunt took place. Lee Hunter provided plenty of color with her comprehensive description of shopping in the lively souks, picking her own chicken for their cooking class, watching complex mosaic tile being laid for fountains and tabletops, seeing beautiful Berber jewelry and hand-made brass, and climbing ladders to salons and cafes, all of which served mint tea. The most memorable place they stayed was Kasbah Tamadot, a resort that Sir Richard Branson developed, with views of snow-capped Atlas Mountains and surrounded by olive and orange groves. They visited beautiful gardens in Marrakesh and watched snake charmers sway with cobras as this hypnotizing activity unfolded. There was no mention of camels, couscous, or towering minarets in this Arab paradise.

You’ll note a few more stories of travel as you work your way through these notes. I remain grateful to hear that many of your passports are once again getting a workout!

A much-appreciated note from Bill Puttmann in Deltaville, Virginia (at the confluence of the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay), revealed a short-lived attempt to own a sailboat; that venture was shelved in fairly short order. So, after selling the boat, Bill bought golf clubs and remarked he may have to live to be over 100 to shoot his age. He and his wife travel frequently to visit children and grands in Florida, Texas, and California. At this writing, the Puttmanns are in France visiting friends made while serving in NATO a few years ago.

Greg Stultz reports in as “all right” from northeast Ohio.

Larry Hendry shared that he has shed 75 pounds in the spirit of ’75. His bulletin, too, was brief.

Fred and Sun Edwards will return to Houston by year end 2022 after many months in a small village outside Istanbul, Turkey, where they teach English at a refugee settlement for children. Sid remarked that after over a year in a Muslim country, he will enjoy a pulled pork sandwich or three and a cold Lone Star beer!

Rich MacFarland is recovering well from the stroke he suffered in August and looks forward to getting his driving privileges restored and to the spring class FTX to Normandy in May 2023.

Charles Duncan reported in as “all right” from Kokomo, Indiana. In January, Chuck and his wife will be permanently relocating to Apalachicola on the panhandle of Florida to a home they bought in 2008.

John and Michelle Plunkett signed in as “all right” and related they took a fall cruise with friends around the Mediterranean Sea. They particularly enjoyed Montenegro, tucked in between Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Albania, on the Adriatic Sea. John mentioned that cruise travel is not like what is shown in the glossy brochures but more like a cattle drive with thousands of mooing tourists. I can hear the clanging of cowbells.

Another traveling couple in Barry and Tigger Hughes reported on their 18-day October trip to the Andalusian region of Spain. They visited Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Toledo. These sites are a fascinating reminder of the rich Moorish history of Spain.

The old sports editor of the Cadet newspaper waxed poetic as he exclaimed his love for North Carolina schoolboy football. Often attending a high school game on Friday nights, Rick Hening scans the newspaper each week and carefully chooses a stadium to visit for the dramatic clashes. Other highlights for Rick and Suzanne were the Muscadine Grape Festival and the North Carolina Oyster Festival. Rick and his youngest grandson went to the Rolesville, North Carolina, Fall Funfest, and one of the high points was the hayride.

Russ and Terry Jackson offered up information of which I was previously unaware. The Jacksons revealed they had only been moderately successful at retirement. They operate a race production business, staging and officiating around 25 road race and triathlon events each year. They visited Mackinaw Island, Michigan, this past summer, where Russ vacationed by competing in a swim/ run half-marathon.

Mike Garten checked in as “all right” from the high mountains of New Mexico.

Bill Witherow responded from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with an “all right” remark that he and his wife, Cindy, are now fully retired.

An “all right” status slip arrived from Jim Davis, with the addendum of “blessed and living the dream” (in New Market, Virginia).

Harry Broaddus happily reports in that he has had a daughter marry Sept. 24, and he retired effective Sept. 30.

Andy Andisheh reports in from Florida as post-Hurricane Ian “all right.”

Frank Hillson dangled the promise of forthcoming information prior to the deadline.

A welcome personal message from Dan Brooks denotes him as “all right.” Dan and Sandy hiked Offa’s Dyke, the trail dividing England and Wales, in September. Rah Virginia Mil, Dan!

Bob Holby has been walking 5-plus miles per day, four days a week, and is “all right.”

Elmo Shiflett notes that he is on the verge of finishing his second book, a story that has not come to him easily. An upcoming project will be a sports-centric novel in which the hero is a VMI

athlete ... stay tuned!

From Jacksonville, Florida, good news came in from Rick (Dawg) and Pariolee Law, stating that the humidity was finally ebbing and that better weather was ahead! The Laws enjoyed an excellent trip to England, Scotland, and Ireland in late August. A thorough search through brae and vale turned up nary a poor pint. A remarkably complete inventory of Irish whiskies followed. There was no mention of Big Ben, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Glasgow, Edinburgh Castle, Sterling Castle, the William Wallace memorial, or the Yorkshire Dales. Dublin was singled out with one word—Bushmills. Hmm ...

Guy and Mary Conte spent the summer and fall months at their Seattle-area home and transitioned back to the Scottsdale palacio for the late fall and winter layover. Guy traveled to Lexington and had several meetings at VMI over Family Weekend Oct. 7–9. While in Lexington, he caught up with Jim McCriskin and Glenn Furr over dinner and saw Judy Baur and Mike and Billy Hunter at the football game on Saturday.

A brief, yet complimentary, memo arrived hot off the fingers of Dan Schultz exclaiming the much-improved golf game of John Maples. These two outlaws are sponsoring a freshman from their area who will major in chemistry. Her periodic letters mark her as an able storyteller of rat life in barracks. Aside from competitive golf, these two fish the lower James River frequently!

It was in hopeful expectation that a news-filled report from Dan Dell’Osso would arrive. Alas, no report.

A very positive “all right” arrived from Bill Terpeluk. Included in his email was an update on the productive recon trip he, Dean Armstrong and Len Riedel took to France in September in preparation for the Class of ’75 FTX in May. Most of their time was spent in Normandy, staying in Caen and Bayeux and formalizing daily itineraries. Collectively, they uncovered a few additional nuggets of interest for the traveling team to see. I’ll save those for the group leaders to share.

The loss of a beloved fur baby, a best friend, leaves a gaping hole in one’s heart. That final, gut-wrenching trip to the veterinarian; the sad, knowing glances of others in the waiting room; the intimate and personal goodbye, the lonely departure clutching only an empty collar and leash, tearstreaked and racked with sobbing; and the throbbing, punishing silence of the home afterward. The problem is that our pet friends don’t live long enough. The consoling thought is that I will see my precious Lilly again on the other side.

Humbly, I remain,

Never above you, never below you, always beside you.

Your Friend, BR, and Scribe, Tom

Brother Rats,

These notes were written in November 2022. Hopefully, you will enjoy them sometime during February 2023.

I apologize for this issue’s note brevity. I did not have time to reach out to BRs for their input. I was too busy with my new business, A Man and Wife with a Truck Moving Company, located at 1006 Jennys Place in Midlothian, Virginia. From Colorado and Virginia, Michelle and I moved a variety of Bhatta households in and out of their homes between September and November. Advil and a heating pad were my best friends during these operations. The only thing I can say is I have never seen so much [enter expletive] and carried so many [enter multiple expletives] boxes in and out of my pickup truck in my life! On the bright side, I was able to pick up some excellent bourbon at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky on my way back to Virginia from Colorado.

Fortunately, a couple of BRs checked in!

Hunt and Penny Ozmer traveled to Europe and the Middle East this past summer! They started in Germany, where his son-in-law, a major in the U.S. Army, works at the Grafenwoehr Army Base. Hunt said his son-in-law “likes the work and loves Germany, but his current commanding officer is a West Point grad.” They saw The Passion Play in Oberammergau and visited Zeppelin Field in Nuremberg where Hitler held his rallies and also the Flossenburg concentration camp. The Ozmers also visited the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, then flew to Tel Aviv, Israel. Hunt said, “[We] stayed at a condo overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Netanya, Israel. In Israel, we visited the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem. I got to baptize my grandchildren in the Jordan River, a very moving experience. We had a guide who gave us a tour of Jerusalem; what an amazing trip.” Hunt’s daughter, McNair, still lives and works for the Virginia Health Department in Roanoke, Virginia. Hunt said, “I am retiring at the end of 2022 and may still work part-time for the same company just to keep some fun money coming in.”

The Richmond BRC met in September. Jim Mallon, Kavie Thrift, Lee Bradshaw, Lee Godsey, Maury Gatewood, and Tom Moody attended. It is always great to see and talk to these BRs over breakfast.

And it appears all of our Florida BRs survived

with no more than minimal property damage after Hurricane Ian slammed them in September. It was one heck of a storm!

Finally, here is an update on the Pass in Review program discussed in my last class notes. It affects our relationship with the Class of 2026 (hopefully, the Rat Mass is a class by the time these notes are published). There will be a hiatus in the execution of the program until VMI and the VMIAA finalize their vision and guidance for the program.

That’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving, the December holiday season, and the 2023 New Year’s Day celebration!

Greetings, Super ’77!

It was great to see all the BRs who attended our 45th Reunion. Mark Bryant and Steve Neas did a great job organizing and planning this super ’77 event! I must commend our beloved “ROTC” for his excellent work as our class agent during the last five years. I have some huge shoes to fill as your new agent and will endeavor to serve our class well. I received this note from “ROTC” that I want to quote: “Brother rats, it was an incredibly rewarding, gratifying, and special time to be with all of you at our reunion. You really are a unique and special group in my life. You’ve always given me that sense of ‘belonging,’ and I cannot tell you how much that has meant in my own life, from our days as cadets and every day since then. I especially want to send to all of you a truly heartfelt thank you for the totally surprising and generous gift of the VMI chair for me and the more than generous gift certificate for Caryl. I could never have expected any such gesture, and I am very much moved by your expression of thanks. If it were 49 years ago, I would do it all again. Mark Bryant, VMI Class of 1977.”

We had 115 brother rats registered for the reunion. A few had things come up and some could not attend, but this still was a great figure! This number with added guests swelled to 189 at our final dinner Saturday night. The reunion started Thursday night with 32 BRs and guests gathering for an informal reception at the clubhouse at The Ponds orchestrated by Steve Neas. This was a great opportunity to break the ice and just talk in a casual atmosphere. Unfortunately, Steve had to kick us out after two hours! Friday events started with the Ralph Memorial Golf Tournament. After a hard-fought battle with 32 brother rats, Tommy Cole came out on top and now wears the coveted green “Ralph Memorial” jacket.

On the far side of town, Rich Howell led seven other cyclists on a 30-mile bike ride through the hills of Lexington and Rockbridge County. This ride had almost 2,000 feet of ascent, which seem to get harder every reunion. Of course, “Harpo” rode his electric assist bike and relished at the thought that most riders were working very hard, and he hardly broke a sweat! Thanks, BR! I told

Class notes

Rich that for our 50th, we should all rent electric bikes or ride about five miles and hit Devils Backbone when they open! The riders who survived were Rich Howell, Mark Waldrop, Bruce Cann, Bill Holzgrefe, Doug Simms, Kimber Latsha, Bill Sangtinette, and Steve Kelly. The pit stop at Devils Backbone was most welcome afterward. Those who didn’t participate in the organized sports events had the opportunity to tour post virtually and walk through the new physical training facility. Friday night ended with a class dinner at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. This was another chance to fellowship with brother rats while enjoying good food and drinks. Some invited cadets who joined us and were wooed (?) by stories of the Old Corps when there was only one New Barracks.

Saturday morning began with a memorial service for our deceased brother rats. This was kicked off by Steve Kelly, who was assisted by Steve Neas, Rich Howell, and Mark Waldrop. It concluded with Kimber Latsha providing some great words of remembrance and encouragement. After a solemn moment with the playing of taps, BRs formed up (sort of, anyway) on the sidewalk, and the class did their Ralph George memorial handshake and greeting, followed by the class picture and parade. Mark Bryant carried our new class guide, and we moved smartly into barracks for the class Old Yells. Of course, Kimber Latsha, in his usual fashion, climbed the sentinel box, receiving very little assistance from BRs. He sported the Chris Manno-designed shirt that looked very sharp. Thanks, Chris, for this! The day continued with lunch provided by the on-post caterers (enough said). Afterward came the football game with Furman. Needless to say, it conjured up some memories of our cadet days and old football scores, but hey—never say die! The day ended with a semi-formal dinner in the CLE. This was a great event where several things

happened. Don Browder introduced our BR Prasobchai Kasemsant, who presented his Royal Thai Army dress uniform to the VMI Museum on the occasion of our 45th Reunion. Prasobchai had a very successful army career, ending up with the equivalent rank/title in Thailand of the U.S. joint chief of staff and deputy secretary of defense. After dinner, Gus Robbins called up Mark and Caryl Bryant for the presentation of their gifts of appreciation. This was followed by Mark Bryant officially turning over class agent duties to Steve Kelly. Kimber Latsha followed with some stirring remarks to the class, followed by a ’77 Old Yell. This was certainly an appropriate ending to our 45th Reunion for the best class ever in barracks!

The class wants to offer our condolences to Kimber Latsha, who lost his father only a few days before the reunion. We also want to offer our condolences to the family of Stan Stout. You were sorely missed at the reunion, BR. We all know how hard you fought in the end to get better in order to try and get to the reunion. More information about Stan can be found in the After Taps section. We were glad to have three of our brother rats’ widows present with us for the reunion—Teresa Quackenbush (John Quackenbush), Debbra Wolfe (Terry Wolfe), and Katherine Townsend (Tim Mitchell). Thank you for sharing this time with the great Class of ’77.

It is impossible for me to recall everyone who was at the reunion and to say a few words about them. So, with apologies to those I did not talk with or those whose conversations I may have forgotten, I will do my best. It was great to see my old roommate, Rob Brown, and his lovely wife, Laura. Rob is retiring from FedEx soon after having previously retired from the Naval Reserve. They live in Germantown, Tennessee, close to Memphis. Another old friend and fellow Bravo company veteran who came was

Kim Rose, along with his wife, Nina. Kim and Nina have both retired from Alaskan Airlines and are enjoying the good life in Washington state. Kim, congratulations on your recent marriage to Nina! You all make an awesome couple! It was also great that Gus “Goose” and Linda Robbins could come, as well as Lee “Geepie” and Giselle Foresman. Gus and Linda hail from Philadelphia, and Lee and Giselle live close to the eastern North Carolina coast. Lee mentioned that he was the only member of “503SSBS” that had not served as class agent. With me now serving and with past class agents that included Goose Robbins and Mark Bryant, Geppie would be the only surviving member of “503SSBS” that has not served as class agent—we miss you, Phil and Dianna Camper Lee, you have five years to think about it.

Others I had a chance to talk briefly with were Mark Abernathy (thanks for the copy of your book!), Steve Billingsly, George Borojevich, Don and Nipa Browder, Mark and Caryl Bryant, Will and Patricia Bynum, Bruce and Sara Cann, Chuck Collins, Tommy Cole, Mike and Carol Conaway, John and Debbie Cutright, Chuck Floyd, Craig and Claire-Marie Forbes, Mike Freeman, Randy Gates, Keith and Pat Gibson, Gerry and Jerry Haste, Kip and Beth Hamilton, Bill Holzgrefe, Rich and Dianne Howell, Bob Hartzell, Mark and Mary Lou Hunt, Eric Hutchings, Rick and Mauriel Joslyn, Prasobchai Kasemsant, Kevin and Dianne Knotts, Mike Lafferty, Kimber and Debbie Latsha, Rod Lynn, Bob Manteuffel, Bland and Jane Massie, Wes Neff, Chris Nash, Steve and Denise Neas, John Pace, Mike Parish, Bart Pasco, Chris Perry, Shelton Rhodes, Bill Sangtinette, Doug Simms, Dan Street, Tim Thompson, Tommy Underhill, Alan and Lurline Wagner, and Mark Waldrop. I know there were many more of our BRs attending, and I hope we will have a chance to catch up at our 50th. I want to thank all of our

Class notes

Class of 1977

1. The missing brother rat table, in honor of brother rats who have gone on before us, at the Saturday dinner in Marshall Hall during the 45th Reunion.

2. Mark and Caryl Bryant at the Saturday night dinner in Marshall Hall during the 45th Reunion.

3. Bland and Jane Massie and Kip Hamilton waiting for the tailgate lunch Saturday during the 45th Reunion.

7. Rick Greene and Larry Martin standing in front of their 1st Class room at the 45th Reunion.

8. Thirty-two brother rats braved early morning cool temps to participate in the Ralph George Memorial Tournament at the Lexington Golf & Country Club Friday during the 45th Reunion.

Class Notes

BRs for attending, especially those we have not seen in a few years.

I did receive some news from one of our brother rats who could not make the reunion, but unfortunately, it got lost somewhere in the reunion shuffle. Forgive me, BR, and please resend your short note. Thanks to all of you who sent reunion pictures and notes. Not all of them made the cut or numerical restrictions necessary for publication, including the cycling group picture. I would encourage those of you who did not get their pictures published to post them on the ’77 Facebook page. The next notes and pictures are due in February, so if you want to resend some pictures you took, please do so. Just make sure they are in .jpg format and are taken in high resolution, at least 300 dots per inch. I will also need lots of notes about what is going on in your lives so I have something to write about.

In the meantime, I wish everyone well, and please keep in touch!

Tick

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Class!

As these notes are written, it is the week prior to Thanksgiving; as you read them, it is around Valentine’s Day. I hope all have had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic new year. We are now about eight months out from our 45th Reunion. There is no date selected at this time, as the Southern Conference has not published the football schedule for the 2023 season. To keep informed, please consult vmialumni.org and go to the “Reunions” link for the latest information. The reunion should be in late October based on ’77’s dates. So, mark your calendars and get hold of your roomies so you can enjoy some time with BRs.

This fall was on the wild side with late hurricanes and some cooler than usual temps in many areas. Most of the Florida crew checked in with minor issues, although Chuck Early did have a palm tree pay a visit to his roof. I hope those of you in the cooler climes are keeping warm and have hired someone to shovel your snow.

Now for the latest status from around the class: Jim Simons was gracious enough to organize a fishing outing for BRs and sent along an update. “Eight members of the Class of ’78 assembled for a day of saltwater fishing on the Ocean View

Fishing Pier in Norfolk. The group included Tim Berkhimer, Ken Blythe, Jim Makin, Scott Putney, Bill Robertson, Jim Simons, Tom Sliwoski, and Stan Walchock. Although the weather forecast had called for thunderstorms, it turned out to be an absolutely magnificent day. The fishing was pretty poor, but everyone who fished caught something, although most of the catch really belonged in the bait bucket. Ken Blythe caught what would have been the ‘pool fish’ had the decision not been made to scrap the pool, as the scale was incapable of weighing fish as small as those caught. Not that the size of our catch really mattered because everyone had a great time, most staying to have dinner in the pier’s restaurant to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the matriculation of VMI’s Class of 1978. It appears that the pier fishing trip will now be an annual event and possibly the catalyst for other outings, as well.”

B.D. Vorgang: “Wendy and I are in an ‘all right status for the stick check’ and are doing well here in Plainfield, Illinois.”

Greg Gearhart: “We are fine. The five-BR reunion at Tanner’s at Smith Mountain Lake was great, as always. Sometime in the past 18 months, I passed 100,000 lifetime miles of running but failed to secure an ‘extended’ warranty, so I had arthroscopic knee surgery in October. Hope to be back to at least jogging by the time this publishes! Until then, chasing three young grandsons!”

John Tucker: “All right in Columbus, Ohio.”

Mike McCarthy: “Last December, I received an intriguing call asking me if I had ever thought of moving to Fort Benning, Georgia. My initial response was, ‘No, but why should I?’ Jump ahead to May, and I was notified I had been selected to serve as the deputy director of the OSD Close Combat Lethality Task Force. Three days later, I had orders to report 14 days later. I am living on post in a set of quarters built in 1928. Last January, the president signed the National Defense Authorization Act for the CCLTF to be moved back as a direct report to the sec. The USMC and SOCOM want us back in the Pentagon. We will see how that all works out over the next few months. On a positive note, my office is located down the hall from Bob Brown. We see each other on a regular basis. All right (for now).”

Alec Earle: “I’ve been in Lexington the past several days attending the fall VMI Foundation Board of Trustees meeting. I spoke to and heard from many cadets who are positive and upbeat about VMI and their experiences. The ceremony to unveil the portrait of General Peay ’62 and present him with the New Market Medal was excellent. The parade in his honor was canceled due to heavy rains. Last night, I attended the VMI Foundation Institute Society Dinner and was fortunate enough to catch up with BRs Glenn Dallinger, Anthony Moore (VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors president), and Stu Gitchell. It was a fun evening!”

Paul Mitchell: “In mid-October, I organized a second reception to honor three extraordinary Powhatan veterans, which was hosted by St. Luke’s Church’s Historical Society, as all three distinguished officers had been active members of that church at various times in their lives. I gave the speech on Major General Henry Jervey, who had been the Army’s assistant chief of staff/director of operations during World War I. Henry is the great-great-grandfather of my two eldest children. We were honored to have as guests two diplomats and their lovely wives from embassies in Washington. The embassy of Belgium sent as its representative Tanguy Watteuw, chief warrant officer, specifically to honor General Henry Jervey, who was made a grand officer in The Order of Leopold II shortly after the conclusion of World War I.

Class notes

“The Embassy of Panama sent as its representative Commissioner Carlos Valencia, director of the National Police, specifically to honor General James Jervey. When the Panama Canal was completed in 1914, then the largest engineering project in world history, James was resident engineer of its Gatun Locks. The Empire State Building could lie lengthwise in each of its four locks.

“My health is good. I have been telling friends to stop praying for me because so many need their prayers more than me. I have been down to my VMI body weight since June, and I am really pleased about that. I ran into Bill ‘Shady’ Grove and his lovely wife, Barbara, at the Richmond Folk Festival, and we enjoyed a show together. Of course, Bill has had his own battle fighting cancer. We compared stories and found a lot of similarities. For example, we both had the same VCU surgeon, Dr. Rachit Shah, and we both think he did an awesome job.

“One more thing: In September, I was invited to give a pep talk to my high school alma mater football team about my senior year’s unlikely championship season. The talk was titled ‘Playing with Your Whole Heart.’ The pep talk was well received. I was invited to be an honorary assistant coach. I spent the remainder of the season attending all their games, cheering from the sidelines, and doling out praise and encouragement. It was such an honor and a great pleasure. The experience really enriched my life.”

Tim Fredrickson: “All right in Richmond! I continue to rehab and get stronger daily! Though I still have a long way to go, I am walking daily, as my rehab continues to work on improving my leg strength, as well as my abdomen and waist areas. I am also working on improving my dexterity in both hands by working on my models and miniatures again! Painting smaller details is a real bear, but I will succeed! I am going to beat this, and I hope to try and make it to the next reunion!”

Kevin Callanan: “All OK in Stephens City.”

Rick Wetherill: “All right!”

Mark Seely: “All right, in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we’re finally getting some rain. Rosemary and I took a three-week road trip back east—D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee—in September to visit friends and family and were able to see several classmates. We visited with BR Anthony Moore at the parade celebrating 25 years of women at the ‘I,’ and attended VMI’s victory over Bucknell with BR Bill Pearson and

his son, Aiden. We followed that with visits to Richmond to see Bill Pearson, Virginia Beach to see Tim Berkhimer, and Kill Devil Hills to stay with Jim and Regina Mackin, where we also saw Rex Wiggins. This picture was taken at Jim and Regina’s place in Kill Devil Hills. It was a great trip and nice to be back east of the Mississippi for a while.”

is now in charge of the chain gang, and I’m very happy to report that he kept me on the team and made me liaison to the visiting cheerleaders.”

Robert Wright: “Status hay down all good except having hip replacement surgery Nov 18. Prayers needed, but otherwise, we are waiting on cooler weather in Plano, Texas.”

Terry Dorn: “We have settled in, and all is well here in Raleigh (Wendell). Glad to hear that the surgery went well. Planning for retirement in January ’23, and I am looking forward to finally hitting the road and trying to see everyone. With eight grandchildren divided up in three different states, seeing them regularly will be a full-time job by itself!”

Steve Powers: “All right in New Hampshire with Donna and I doing well. In August, I had surgery to repair a rather large hiatal hernia that sucked my stomach into my chest. The surgeon repositioned my stomach where it was supposed to be and repaired the hernia. The procedure was laparoscopic and since has improved my ‘street cred,’ having five ‘bullet’ scars on my abdomen. Donna is still a lead teacher, and I work security at the Manchester Boston Regional Airport.”

Bob Fricke: “Still here in Colorado Springs. Nothing new.”

Vagel Keller: “All right! Debbie and I had a great camping season again this year, highlighted by a trip from our northern Pennsylvania hideout down to Manassas and a great day around the campfire with Bill and Ann McCampbell.”

Rick Wolfe: “With Vern Beitzel retiring, Ned

Pete Manoso: “All OK in Newport News, Virginia. I am so looking forward to our 45th Reunion in October 2023 and seeing you and all our brother rats in person. The monthly Zoom meetings you and Jay organize are great but no substitute for the real thing. This past weekend, my wife and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather to tour the Richmond Battlefields National Park. We were surprised to learn the vital role VMI alumni played in shaping the battlefield 158 years ago and its preservation and interpretation today. Fort Richardson was an important component of the Confederate defenses of Richmond during the American Civil War and the largest in the series of fortifications that extended from New Market Road to the James River. The fort was designed by, built under the supervision of, and named for Lieutenant William Elzey Harrison ’854, CSA, who graduated from VMI with a degree in civil engineering. When we visited the Chimborazo Medical Museum, we had the good fortune to meet Waite Rawls ’70, who was the volunteer on duty for that day. Waite gave us a personal tour of the museum and an amazing overview of the Chimborazo Hospital, complete with a 3-D model, while emphasizing

how important VMI alumni were to the defense of the confederate capital. Waite is also the current owner of the home where Cadet Private William Tilton Yarbrough ’867, and member of the New Market Corps of Cadets, lived and died after the Civil War. The home is located just a few blocks away from the museum. Yarbrough is buried in Richmond’s Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place for many VMI alumni, including our own Dutch Goddard. On Sunday, we made our way to the Cold Harbor Visitor’s Center. The park ranger at the desk turned out to be Mike Gowan ’98. Waite and Mike knew each other well and are just two of the many VMI alumni who volunteer or work for the Richmond Battlefields National Park. I strongly recommend you and our brother rats take another look at the Richmond Battlefields National Park. I have driven by the park on I-295 for nearly 50 years and never really understood its significance in the history of our nation and the Institute we all love.”

Tom Booker: “All right.”

Joe Cafarella: “All OK from Dayton, Ohio.”

Tom Sliwoski: “All is well in Williamsburg. Nelson Curtis just bought a house three doors down from me. Also, Mike Davis ’77 bought a house on the other side of our development.

“Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.”

Jay Branscome said, “I can report, ‘All is well, and max vax’d!’”

Steven Hall: “All OK.”

Leland Horn: “Watching Nicole roll through town, all good now.”

Mark Lowe: “All right here! Our daughter and her husband are expecting their first child in January, and my wife and I are looking forward to being grandparents. Since they live in Germany, Stacey and I are both working harder on our German lessons. Our son is still working in Fayetteville with the Marksmen hockey team. Seasons greetings to all.”

Bruce Kay: “All is well here. I am retiring at the end of December and can’t wait.”

Tom Tucker: “All is going well here in Warrenton, Virginia. I have just completed opening another branch for Edward Jones Investments. Just taking things day by day here and trying to enjoy life!”

Rob Traver: “Pam and I are fine. Mom passed away at 99 this year, and [we] traveled to Lexington for the burial. She was a Lexington girl my dad (’41) found as a Keydet. Still working at Villanova and looking forward to seeing everyone for No. 45.Wait, that math can’t be right. Finished writing a textbook on green stormwater infrastructure available on Amazon, a page-turner!”

Mark Lambert: “All right here in St. Charles. I hope you and your family are well. Denise and I visited Charleston, South Carolina, in September,

and I took the opportunity to participate in the flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sumter! Brought back some fond memories of guard duty! All is good with my kids. Looking forward to the reunion next fall!”

David Colonna: “I am well. I do hope to make the reunion! 2022 news: I am a grandfather two times over as of this year. Grandchildren have shifted the way I view changes that come with the passage of time, giving me more perspective on the long view of things. I think more about the world I am leaving my grandchildren, particularly around the prospects for lasting peace and minimizing environmental degradation—weighty thoughts, indeed. Patty is well. I am still working. (Yikes!) Until we meet again.”

Jimmy Leech: “We’re ‘all right’ here in Corpus Christi. Not much new since the last status check. Now that I’ve broken out of my stay-at-home rut, maybe I’ll see you at the reunion.”

Bob Magnan: “Nothing new here. I live vicariously through my sons these days. One is with ‘a unit not to be named’ and will deploy to ‘a place of interest in Europe’ after Christmas—quite a change from a kid with a blue mohawk, his pants halfway down his @#$, and a refusal to even spell VMI. Oh well, Rutgers is a good school, too. His brother is kicking @#$ as a chef; nothing he learned from his mother, I assure you, though I think I am the culinary inspiration in his life.”

Great to hear from so many of you! I hope as we get closer to our 45th, you make time to gather the incriminating evidence to share with one another at the reunion. Stay in touch with each other and make an effort to get together if possible. Keep the spirit alive! As always, as you read this, it is time to send your status.

In the Spirit, Tom/EZ

1979

business, Withers Wool and Farm, we had started. We sell natural fiber products, e.g., yarn and products made from the animals on the farm.” So very sorry for your loss, BR.

Keith Ranker writes in: “Finally seem to be recovering from COVID-19. I got four shots before getting COVID-19 the first time. The doctor prescribed that anti-viral drug. I got COVID-19 the second time a week after finishing the pills. No hospitalization is required. The bad part was repeated episodes of incredible fatigue. Those episodes aren’t as frequent or as severe now. It’s been about four weeks since I was diagnosed with COVID-19 rebound. My wife and daughter are taking college classes. Never too old to learn new things!”

Jim Faist says, “All is well with the Faist family. Our son and his wife just started their new assignments at Columbus Air Force Base. He did not want to stop flying the F-16 but teaching new pilots is always rewarding. Our daughter-in-law is a flight surgeon, keeping pilots healthy. Barbara and I have been traveling a lot, and consulting with defense firms is keeping me busy.”

Brother Rats,

I hope this finds everyone safe and well and that you and yours had a great holiday season.

Marc Withers sadly reports that his “dear wife very unexpectedly passed away in July, and I’m trying to move forward without her; we were married 39-plus years. I have virtually retired from MITRE—though I occasionally do an hour or two of work for them—and I am now spending all my time on my small farm with my flock of sheep and goats and working on the small

An always entertaining and informative missive from Bill Albro: “November brings leaves, and I have had many a skirmish with them so far this week. A few weeks ago, I visited Sput Leadbetter in White Stone and Doug Mauck in Topping. Both BRs are doing fine and working on projects around the house. Talked with Noel Harris yesterday, and he is also doing fine after returning from a long trip to Guam and Japan. I did the pre-hurricane dive trip in late September with BRs Pekarik and Sheehan; all of the dives were on the Vandenberg, and we had a great time. We beat the storm out by a few days. Randy had a little bit of water in the house, but it was not catastrophic. I talked with Dean Smith a few weeks back. Deano hopes to join future adventures with Dan and Randy. Sam Murphy informs that his car automatically drives to ACE hardware as they settle into the new place. I was once again invited to Brad Jones’ farm for a dove shoot/fishing expedition. Not that I am good at either, but the comic relief was well worth it. BRs Jeb Burton, Willie Hamlin, and Robbie Patterson were also in attendance. It was great catching up with everyone. It was also a great day out, and we did manage to catch the required number of fish after a lot of work. I got all my medical stuff done (annual physical, derm, eye, etc.) as I turn 65. The VA physical is recommended every two years to assure you are ‘in the system.’ I think I got all the Medicare stuff accomplished; we shall see how the billing goes in the future. Barbara and I are doing a weeklong trip to South Carolina next week to look around a bit more. We also plan on Thanksgiving locally. I hope all BRs have a great turkey day with friends and family. That is all—return to what you were doing.”

Class notes

Eddie Semler checks in with, “In May 2021, I moved to Belhaven, North Carolina, for several reasons, one being closer to my 89-year-old mom. I was the bourbon bar tender (I always wanted to be a bartender growing up) at The Tavern at Jack’s Neck here in Belhaven for a year. Then I needed more again, and I am teaching full-time at Pungo Christian Academy: 6th grade math; 6-9th grade PE; assistant athletic director; varsity girls tennis coach, which was fun; now, coaching basketball. I love it and sometimes don’t like it, but I have made a commitment to bring lacrosse into the school beginning next year. Watch out for the PCA Raiders. I have a house on the Pungo River and do a lot of fishing, crabbing, and swimming in season. Other than that, I have children scattered around in Ocean Beach, California; Johns Island, South Carolina; Virginia Beach; and Richmond. Loving life and getting ready to do a lot of traveling. Oh, I am still officiating NCAA lacrosse this year through the spring season, but that will be my last.”

Bob Bookmiller pens, “Rae and I spent a week at Hilton Head with Ed and Kathy Negro, where we were able to hook up with Jim and Sue Reynolds ’78 for some golf and dinner. A great time was had by all. We are now getting ready for a cruise through the Panama Canal in December. I love retirement.”

Mark Cheek reports, “Chuck Billingsley is down in Panama City, Florida, competing in another Iron Man Competition. I’m planning to meet up with Chuck and Doc Bates for lunch one day after Chuck gets back home to his farm. The youngest of my kids just turned 18 and is a senior in high school. I’ll be able to retire in about five years (hope).”

“There is not a lot to report,” says John Kailey. “I was able to travel to Lexington for the U.S. Marine Corps ball—Joe Jenkins, Doug Doerr, Pete Underwood, Tom Manley, Anthony Pais, and Sergeant Major John Holmes (’82

HBR) were there. First time in my life I ever held a casual chat with J.C. Coleman.” (Ed: Whaaaaa? J.C., my dyke was such an easy-going guy our rat year. Uh, yeah, right.)

Meade Spotts dropped me a note: “I wake up every morning at the gym with Jim Elliott next to me on the ellipticals. It’s not any more of a pretty picture than it was in August ’75. At least we aren’t holding M-14s. Eric Nost just returned from the grand tour of Europe, which he has delayed since promising Margaret Anne they’d go ‘right after the honeymoon.’ No doubt, international relations with the E.U. have been set back decades. He invites all BRs to join him at his newly relocated private club in White Stone, The Boat Club, with drinks and steaks on him! Hall, R.F. is still living the ‘surf’s up’ lifestyle in Southern California, while we all still wonder how in the heck he ended up at VMI. Mean Anthony Green is a respectable administrator of high school education in Williamsburg—oh, the stories we could tell. Noel Harris is acquiring the majority of Matthews County in order to support his hunting habit, and our Northern Virginia BRFs are advising us constantly how nice it is to be retired.”

Great to hear from Dave Smith: “News about my life is nearly guaranteed to put anyone to sleep. I’m still living in Ashburn, Virginia; still working; still healthy; and I haven’t seen any BRs in a long time. The BR Zoom calls seem to always happen on days when I have to be somewhere else—like the one day out of the month when somebody needs my attention. Wishing all good things for my BRs and an improvement of things for the ‘I.’”

Bob Sievert says, “Not much to contribute on notes,” then writes, “Haven’t had any contact with other BRs or done anything regarding the ‘I.’ Still working officially as ‘semi-retired,’ which means I’m only supposed to work 20 hours/per week, but in reality, I’m still doing 30-40 hours/week. So, I’m still trying to figure out how to get the many state procurement offices I’m helping to need me less. I continue to find it hard to say no when they need help on something

Class Notes

I know how to do, and they don’t. Especially when not getting the help could cost them big money in rework later. Oh, well; I’ll get it figured out. As for retirement fun ... as I reported last time, we have bought a 37 Motorhome and have had success four times getting out in it. Three were in-state trips for a few days, and one trip was a long one to Las Cruces, New Mexico, then a roundabout trip home through Arizona (Tuscon, Phoenix, Flagstaff) and then up into [Native American] territory of Utah, and finally the run back across the southern part of Colorado to home. Other ‘fun’ has been a few motorcycle rides with friends and lots of Sunday football games hanging out at a local bar/grill with friends. It is a sad time to be a Bronco fan but the ‘hanging with friends’ still makes it fun. We’re getting ready to do our second time hosting family for Thanksgiving. Really trying to benefit from using our new home and the various facilities—big house, deck, fire pit—that we have, including a new smoker. The new thing for me, and I’ll be taking a shot at doing the turkey in it. I hope it doesn’t become a ‘crispy critter!’ OK ... that’s about all I have to share. Now, if I could only get my friends, Mike and Renee, to come to visit, then I’d have some ‘real’ stories to contribute to the notes! Hint, hint!” (Ed: Hint received!)

Jeff and Betsy Curtis have finished working on the outside growing grass in their new digs in Williamsburg. They are heading to St. Petersburg, Florida, Dec. 10 for the winter.

Richard Toft writes in from “sunny soon to be stormy Florida. Just completed a Gravity Road Rally cancer benefit. I took my bright yellow Z06 Corvette, Tweety, along with 42 other exotic cars and went from Orlando to Savannah to Asheville, North Carolina. The whole group got pulled by a sheriff’s department in South Carolina. They let us go after a long lecture. It was a nice trip; the leaves were turning. Left Asheville, headed north, and rode by the ‘I.’ I hadn’t seen it in 40 years. Lots of building is going on. Looking forward to some fall fishing. Remind everyone to keep up with their physicals!” Yeah, what Richard said!

Jay and Debbie Virtue are still in St. Louis—33 years now. Jay writes, “Never saw that coming. All four children are married, and there are currently six grandchildren. Officially, I live at ‘Debbie’s day care.’ Enjoy being the repairman and custodian. Learned a long time ago it is Deb’s house, and I just sleep here. Haven’t retired since I need somewhere to go a few days a week. A blessing of being in St. Louis was getting to be reacquainted with Tony Hamilton at chapter meetings. Those conversations made me really appreciate his efforts for our class; I urge all Class of ’79 to add to the scholarship fund set up in his name. Frankly, it is surprising the fund is still short. Let’s not forget this way to honor Tony.” Yeah, what Jay said!

Eric Schwarz checks in, “Like everyone else,

Becky and I are happy to get back out in the world. To make up for our pandemic-imposed isolation, we have already taken two cruises this fall. The last cruise we took in 2019 coincided with our Washington Nationals winning the World Series. Unfortunately, that was not repeated this year. Our first cruise was an ocean/river cruise combo. We started in Norway, sailed to Amsterdam, changed boats, and then traveled the Rhine to Switzerland (spending an extra two days in Lucerne). Three weeks after that, we took a more traditional ocean cruise from New York City to Canada and returned to NYC. Besides the pandemic, the most common topic of discussion is retirement—everyone has a helpful perspective. I am just over one year away—December 2023—from stopping or cutting back on work. It cannot come too soon for me. We have a ‘retirement cruise’ on the books for February 2024 in Australia and New Zealand. Next up is a Thanksgiving trip to visit our son, who is in the Coast Guard, and daughter-inlaw in Michigan. They just had their first child and our third grandson. Surprisingly, we didn’t meet a single VMI person on either cruise. We have only seen Doug Doerr here in our community in Montclair, Virginia, since Anthony Pais moved to Richmond—plus our daughter, ’07 son-in-law, and two grandsons down in Fredericksburg. Even when I cannot make every monthly class Zoom call, the ones I get on are usually high-class and informative. I appreciate the energy of BRs who want to be a positive force in our world. Here’s to the future—ours, VMI’s, and the future generations.”

Pete Alvarez reports, “A busy fall for us, but we are doing well. We visited the national parks in the Southwest in September as part of a Disney tour. We really enjoyed it but returned home with COVID-19. Charlotte and I were down for a week but bounced back shortly after. I taught a class at Amazon’s Seattle campus in October to complement the class I taught at Google’s San Jose, California, campus in July. It was enlightening to see the inner workings of these tech giants. Charlotte and I just returned from a week in Puerto Rico visiting my dad, who is 91. He is a retired Army first sergeant, Vietnam combat wounded, and former sergeant major of the Army ROTC detachment at VMI in the late 1960s. For 91, he is doing well but has some mobility issues due to his combat wounds. We plan to visit him a little more frequently going forward. Best wishes to you and all the BRs as the holidays approach!”

John Colonna closes this notes edition: “Teresa and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Dan Foster’s youngest daughter, Megan, to Jake McKenzie in November. It rained most of the day Friday, and the temperature was due to drop over 20 degrees Sunday, but it was sunny and 70 for the outdoor wedding Saturday. Dan said that his wife, Patrice, had spent most of the past year

preparing for this wedding, and you could tell. Every detail was perfect. Dan was a gracious host and performed every task of the father of the bride with class. Dan gave all of the guys in attendance a free dance lesson when he and Megan did the traditional bride and father of the bride dance. I felt a little bad for the groom, who would dance with his mother next. Good luck following that. Jake intimated the same. It was great to see Dan’s mother,

Class of 1979: Attending the funeral of the father of Jeff Washington ’80 are Greg Weaver, Gene Scott ’80, and Anthony Moore ’78. Present but not pictured was Gary McNeal.

Class of 1979: All three alumni who served under retired U.S. Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 attended the Founders Day events honoring Peay. Pictured are Bill Wanovich ’87, Eric Hutchings ’77, Peay, and Tom Trumps.

Class notes

Motsy Foster. She remains very active in Class of ’56 events, honoring Dan’s father. Dan said he’s thinking about retiring in a couple of years. The newlyweds will live in the Ghent section of Norfolk, and Megan works as a physical therapist at Norfolk General. This should give Teresa and me more opportunities to see Dan and Patrice, which is always a treat. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the 45th.”

Renee and I are doing well on the ESVA. My rotator cuff surgery went well, and recovery is a tad ahead of schedule. The shoulder, combined with wrist and elbow surgery earlier in the year—all on the right arm—should get me back in the golf lineup by the first of the year. Renee is really enjoying her semi-retirement, appreciating all the time she has to work in the yard. We are expecting our first grandchild, a baby girl, in December. We are excited, to say the least. Our youngest, Matt, and his bride, Ashley, are only an hour away, so I see many babysitting opportunities! Fun fact: Ashley’s family is full of naval aviators—her twin sister and her husband, brother, and his wife (a Marine)—so

I am in naval aviation heaven! Trying to be all together for a Top Gun movie marathon! Cue Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone!”

That’s all for now, BRs. Stay on top of those physicals!

(These Class of ’79 notes were reviewed, proofed, corrected, scrutinized, and approved by Renee.)

1980

Hello, Brother Rats!

These notes cover the period from Aug. 16–Nov. 15, 2022, and include the sad news of the passing of Ray Joinson in August. Ave atque vale.

Apologies if I missed it, but no one acknowledged the anniversary of our matriculation.

The period began with an email from Rick Penn with an update on Ray’s condition, which had not improved. Rick stepped in for Jack Keane, who was out of action with a herniated disc.

Tom Bersson sent an email with a link to the program and conceptual design for Moody Hall. Dan Conn, Dave Gleason, Dave Hagemann, Frank Leech, Bruno Loefstedt, Forrest Marion, Tuck Masker, Rob Robinson, and Hal Snyder all responded with comments.

One of Rob Quarles’ bucket list items was to

attend the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which occurs each year in August. Rob invited me and Patti, as well as Larry Hupertz, who lives in Cleveland, and Yves Pollart, who lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Patti and I drove out from our Poconos house—90 minutes—and Larry drove from Cleveland. Yves and his wife, Lori, were leaving for a trip to Europe, but Rob, who drove up from Roanoke, stopped for lunch with them.

I exchanged email messages with Matthew Keys on his birthday. Matthew noted that he and Tanya would be traveling to New York City for

the wedding of Phil Munisteri’s daughter. Phil Munisteri sent an email with a photo taken at the wedding of his daughter, Meghan. Our BRs in attendance were Pat Griffin, Matthew Keys, and Bruno Loefstedt

Don Bradshaw sent an email from his home in Hawaii after returning from a three-month TDY trip to Kwajalein Atoll, where he was filling in as the deputy garrison commander. Don included a picture that appears in the Our Alumni Serving section. Patrick McCarthy sent an email with 14 pictures and a debriefing on his mission to Peru July 16–Aug. 2.

Mike Harper sent an email with an article about Jack Keane’s appointment to a two-year term as chair for the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland’s Board of Advisors. Mike is also a board member. I forwarded the article to VMI and received a response that they had the article and it would be published. Mike is enjoying retirement, traveling, and volunteering at his church.

Mitch Alexander forwarded a link to a letter to the editor that appeared in The Roanoke Star, written by Forrest Marion. Mitch moved to Enterprise, Alabama, after retiring from the Navy in January 2002 to work as a flight and ground simulator instructor at Flight Safety International in Daleville near Fort Rucker. He is now fully retired. Mitch and Libba were expecting their first grandchild in October. I reached out to Mitch and their daughter, Beth, and her husband, Michael Rhea, welcomed a daughter, Ember Elisabeth Rhea, Sept. 28.

Jody Morgan sent an email at the urging of Rick Gilbert. Jody moved to Raleigh in 2021, where she is really happy to take a job at North Carolina State as facility director for Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority; her daughter, Cameron, lives in Raleigh, as well and, at the time, was eight months pregnant. Cameron is the mom to one-year-old Louise Raye Wathern. Her husband, Richard, is from Raleigh. Jake is 37, lives in Brooklyn, and works as a designer for Marvel Design Architects in Manhattan, where he designs and builds modern wooden furniture out of imported wood. Hannah is 34 and had her second daughter, Olivia Clark Snyder, Aug. 16. She is married to Drew Snyder from Lexington, and they also have a three-year-old daughter, Hudson Morgan Snyder. They live and work in Richmond.

Ted Helmick sent two messages after returning to Virginia from Florida, where he builds houses. Ted’s wife, Nancy, just retired from teaching in Fairfax. They dated when Nancy was at Southern Sem then reconnected a few years ago and got married in October 2021. Ted tried retiring—it lasted one week. Hal Snyder sent an email requesting a connection to Gene Scott

Kevin Cordray sent an email after reading in

Class Notes

the class notes that his holiday card was returned as undeliverable. Kevin and Anita downsized from Orange, Virginia, to Gordonsville, Virginia, to a single-level house. The change of address occurred after the labels for the cards were printed. Sadly, they lost their son, Bryce, in July 2021 (Kevin gave the okay to print). Kevin, therefore, deferred retiring until sometime in 2023.

On Aug. 25, Ray Joinson lost his battle with cancer. Blast emails were sent notifying our BRs of Ray’s passing and of the funeral arrangements, which were held in Tennessee, where Ray and Carla had retired. I spoke many times with Carla, and she greatly appreciates the outpouring of support. Messages in response to Ray’s passing, all with kind memories and comments, were sent (in the order received) by Dan Conn, Rick Penn who was notified by Jack Keane, Dave Hagemann, Joe Belkoski, Bob Dalessandro, Mike Harper, Frank Leech, Scott Sayre, Mike Knapp, Tom Gelles, Rob Gearhart, Rob Robinson, Dennis Jacobs, Frank Hilton, Jeff Basilotta, Patrick McCarthy, Mike Flinn, Jeff Washington, Rick Fowler, Tom Bersson, Mike Luning, Don Briggs, Tolar Nolley, Steve Ikenberry, Don Bradshaw, John Diggs, John Lillard, Kevin Davis, Mitch Alexander, Tom Kelly, Sean Gallagher, Hal Snyder, Kirk Deadrick, Joe Paustenbaugh, Bob Liguori, Ed Kopsick, and Phil Altizer. Our BRs who attended the funeral service were Dennis Jacobs, John Alerding, Rob Robinson, Bob Evans, and Rob Quarles. Thanks to Rob Quarles and Rob Robinson for sending the pictures.

Ed Baker sent a text after reading the class notes. Ed and Dianna live in the Outer Banks but escape to Montana in the summer, where they enjoy fly fishing. Their daughter and 3-year-old granddaughter joined them.

John Diggs wrote that he moved to western North Carolina and lives on 37 acres about 90 minutes from Charlotte and from Asheville. He missed COVID-19 and is enjoying his grandson.

Andy Brown sent a text asking to be connected to Jonathan Ives. Since Jonathan is in Germany, I connected them via email. Andy will be visiting some mutual friends and wanted to catch up. Jonathan also wrote that he was recently in South Carolina and that all else is good.

I exchanged email messages with Dicky Lockridge on his birthday. He wrote that he is thankful to have made another year with his wife, Judy, of 39-plus years; two children; and three grandsons.

I also exchanged email messages with Rick Fowler on his birthday. Except for a bad but healing knee, Rick wrote that he is doing well.

I exchanged email messages with Bruno Loefstedt on his birthday. Bruno and Janet have relocated from Massachusetts to Greer, South Carolina, in the Greenville area. They attended the wedding of Phil Munisteri’s daughter in August and hosted Tom Shedd and his wife, Judy, for lunch. Tom is retired from the U.S. Customs Service, and Judy is a retired nurse. They live in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Bob Liguori, who lives in Knightdale, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh, wrote in an email that he is still working as a manager of program management for Red Hat. He hopes to retire in about a year.

I spoke with Craig “Wiennie” Wilson, who lives in the Virginia Beach area, and reports that his business is doing well and his golf game is also good. We discussed trying to arrange a group golf outing— perhaps in the Winchester, Virginia, area. Rob Gearhart sent an email with an update to his personal information on the VMI database. If you are reading these class notes and are not receiving class agent email messages from VMI, please reach out, and we will work to identify and remedy any problems. Rob also wrote that he and Ginger visited with Andy and Nicki Ludlum at their home in Mount Airy, Maryland. They were planning to travel to Florida in October and to Germany in November to visit their daughter and grandchildren. The hurricane eliminated their trip to Florida, but they did make a two-week trip to visit their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Germany.

Belatedly, I sent an email to Jody Weatherwax on his birthday. He responded timely and wrote that he and Maria spent the summer in Germany, where they have an apartment in the small village of Vilshofen, which is about a 45-minute drive east of Nuremberg and where he played a lot of golf. He is looking forward to our 45th Reunion.

I exchanged text messages with Robby Wheeler on his birthday. Wheelz is still an American Airlines pilot based in Dallas, flying 787s all over the world. He is healthy and plans to fly until mandatory retirement age, currently 65.

I exchanged text messages and then spoke with Tom Gelles on his birthday. Tom is still employed full-time but may go part-time next year when he turns 65, so he and Lynn can travel. They are now grandparents as their son,

Class notes

Nick, had a girl, Mallory.

Rich Zott called, and after a few games of phone tag, we spoke at length. Rich lives in the St. Louis area and has had an interesting career in law enforcement. He currently runs his own consulting company and is the local deputy police chief.

Jim O’Connor sent a text asking for Dusty Boyd’s cell number, which I provided. Dusty replied that all is great. I exchanged email messages with Rick Tabb on his birthday. Rick wrote that all is well, and he passed along his best to our BRs.

I reached out to Boyd Gaines, Mark McLean, and Scott Sayre as the hurricane approached Florida. Boyd and Donna live in The Villages and wrote that they were fine, just a wind and rain event. Mark lives in Sebring and wrote that he was going to receive a glancing blow. However, he took a bigger hit and wrote that the eye was directly over him. Ultimately, he came out OK. Scott lives in St. Petersburg and was unscathed.

I exchanged text messages with Frank Hilton on his birthday. Frank replied that he is doing well and feeling great.

Terry Stoneman replied to a birthday email with a message and an attached photo. Terry and Kelly celebrated their 41st anniversary and have three grandchildren: Caleb (13), Zoey (10), and Jake (4). Kelly retired last year and has been helping with the grandkids. Terry is working towards retirement. They participated in the Fjällräven Classic Sweden, a 110 km (68-mile) backpacking hike in the northern Lapland of Sweden.

Each year a group of our BRs gather in Lexington around a home football game. The gathering is organized by Mike Luning, Dixon Tucker, Rob Quarles and others (apologies for any omissions). Rob Robinson sent a photo taken at dinner he attended with Tom Bersson, Paul Bryant, Dave Hagemann, Mike Luning, Dixon Tucker, and Tony Zoetis.

Dennis Maguire called. On Nov. 17, the Marshall Foundation 2022 Awards dinner is being held in New York City. Dennis invited me and Patti to join him and his daughter, Hannah, at this black-tie event. Gen. Wins ’85 and Gen. Peay ’62, along with the commandant and other notable VMI alumni, are expected to attend. On the same day, Gen. Wins will address local alumni at a lunch. I plan to attend. Larry Ciacci is also on the attendee list.

Phil Munisteri sent a text with an attached photo taken during his visit in Mystic, Connecticut, with Jack Keane and Pat Griffin. Jeff Washington forwarded an email containing his father’s obituary. His dad passed Oct. 5 at age 98.

Tom Wilson sent an email after receiving his birthday card. Tom and Bobbie live on the Eastern

Shore of Virginia, where they recently sold their house of 25 years and built their retirement home nearby on the mainland overlooking Chincoteague Island, Virginia. On Sept. 30, Tom retired from NASA after 34 years of designing and constructing experimental facilities and started a new venture with Virginia Space at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Tom wrote that he planned to see a number of our BRs, including Tolar Nolley, Jay Melvin, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, Bud Zirkle, John Blankenship, Hugh Fain, and Matt Griffin, at Josh and Karen Priest’s Cedar Island USCG Station House, but the event was canceled due to the busy Atlantic hurricane season. He plans to attend the football game versus The Citadel in Lexington Nov. 19.

October ended with a call with Gary Levenson Gary retired from his position as deputy commandant but is employed in a civilian position in the VMI Army ROTC department. Gary said that he had a good time visiting with our BRs, who were in town for their annual gathering. Gary will not be visiting New York City over Thanksgiving, but he may shoot up to the Poconos for a visit the first weekend in December.

November began with an exchange of text messages and a call with Tolar Nolley as his 65th birthday. Included in the texts were John Blankenship, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, and Hugh Fain. Tolar walked with Ernie Els at the Dominion Classic on the Champions Tour at the Country Club of Virginia. Tolar also said that he wanted to play golf at my golf club in northeast Pennsylvania, so I invited him to our closing tournament Nov. 6, and he accepted! I tried to complete a BR foursome, but John Blankenship, Hugh Fain, Tim Hodges, Allan Ramer, Craig “Wiennie” Wilson, and Elliott Wolffe were unavailable. I also reached out to Chris Dombalis, who is not a golfer and was also not available. Chris did say that Jen and their daughters, Taylor, a junior in college, and Alexis, a high school senior, are doing well. Tolar arrived Friday, and we participated in my golf club’s closing tournament. Tolar lives in Hartfield, Virginia, and I connected him via text with Steve Andrews, who has a river house in Hartfield. I also spoke at length with Steve. He and Cathy are retired and live in Richmond. Their daughters, Virginia and Caroline, both live in Boston. Dennis Maguire also sent a text that concurrently he was in the Poconos at his niece’s wedding. Our schedules did not allow for a face-to-face.

Kirk Cole sent an email and said that he is not yet considering retirement. He also noted Jonathan Ives on the VMI roster of all general and flag officers and that Jonathan helped tutor Kirk in differential equations.

I exchanged text messages with Bud Zirkle on his birthday belatedly. Bud wrote that all is well.

Throughout the period, Bert Schneider sent several text messages, many containing photos. Bert also sent an email proudly announcing that he is a board member for the Veterans Gaming and Mental Health team, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fighting back against the veteran suicide crisis. His text messages included photos of a climb to the top of the Mesa on the AB Young Trail in Sedona (Bert and Peggy live in Arizona), a trip to Seattle to visit daughter Elizabeth, and a visit to the Air Force Academy, as well as two short videos.

Joe Paustenbaugh sent an email with photos. Joe and Dwight Pearson biked the Great Allegheny Passageway from Pittsburgh to Cumberland Oct. 13–15, leaving Pittsburgh in a cold, wet rain. Rob Robinson picked them up in Cumberland. They took a photo at mile marker 80.

On Nov. 10, Wade Stinnette sent a text with a video to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 247th birthday. Being technology-challenged, I replied via email and copied our U.S. Marine Corps BRs. Tom Kelly replied with a photo of the celebration in Boise, Idaho. Robby Wheeler wrote that he would get in the front-leaning rest position and do 64 pushups. Dan Conn and Tom Gelles also replied. I then spoke with Wade. Wade and Lannie are doing well and attended the Institute Society Dinner, where he saw Hugh and Renee Fain, Pat and Beth Griffin, Steve Klinar, Jay and Trudy Melvin, Karen Priest (Josh Priest was in Australia on business), Rob Robinson, and Gene and Zymora Scott. Wade also said that he spoke with Dan Sweeney, whose daughter is getting married.

I received a card in the mail from Allan Berenbrok with an enclosed note containing his new address in the Pittsburgh area. Allan wrote that he has one more year until retirement and then plans to move someplace warmer. He also asked to be connected to our BRs in the Pittsburgh area, so I copied him via email with Tom Gelles, Dwight Pearson, and Preston Vock

I spoke with Carla Joinson. She said that she is doing well, keeping busy, and still handling the financial details of Ray’s passing. Her son, Eric, who is with the U.S. Secret Service in the District of Columbia, is able to visit regularly. Carla thanked everyone for their support.

I exchanged text messages and then spoke with Jay Melvin. Jay said that all is good in Lexington, business is back, and the family is healthy.

Jay Hawkins, your birthday card was returned as undeliverable. Please provide your current address.

Thank you for your continuing support and for keeping me in the loop via phone calls, text messages, and email. Apologies to all who sent photos that are not included—I received more than 20. Please stay safe.

Brother Rats, Sisters, Friends, and Family of ’81,

These notes are being written in early November 2022, with the holidays fast approaching! You won’t see this in print until February 2023, but I hope that I will be able to spend time raising glasses with many of you over the Christmas, Hanukkah, and new year’s seasons.

Without further ado, let’s get on with the ’81 inputs for this issue of the Review:

Gary Morgan paid a visit to our BR Reg Ridgely in October. They went out on Reg’s boat for about four hours to test their luck on some striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake. I did not get a report on their catch, but Gary said the time with Reg was priceless. Gary’s Leonberger pup, Jambo, has earned two AKC titles: Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog (Novice). Gary had Jambo back in the confirmation ring after a six-month layoff waiting for Jambo to even out after a growth spurt—and that is certainly saying something for a Leonberger! Jambo earned another championship point after he placed Best of Winners at the Warrenton Kennel Club show in Doswell, Virginia. Gary has also been training with Jambo over the past several months to become a therapy dog team. In October, they completed their certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Gary is looking forward to supporting many programs around the area that utilize canine friends to help those from all walks of life cope with a multitude of issues. A selfless act, Gary. Very proud of you and hope to follow your lead soon!

Ed Boylan sent greetings from Texas, where he and Linda were escaping the blistering heat of the Texas summer in the “plains!” Ed shared that their summer was devoted to travel and family. They managed to escape to Maui, Hawaii, for a business awards trip; Ocala, Florida, and Calabash, North Carolina, for a family reunion; and Kennebunkport, Maine, to celebrate their daughter’s 30th birthday. Ed was not positive but believed he actually drove past the house that Joe Moan was building while visiting in Kennebunkport! Linda and Ed had dinner with Sandy and Tom Savage in

early October. Tom and Sandy’s daughter and granddaughter live about 30 minutes away from Ed and Linda in the DFW area, and we enjoy getting with them when they visit. While Linda and Ed have certainly been enjoying being back in Texas, as retirement gets closer, they don’t know exactly where they may land. Ed still favors the East Coast, but I suspect Linda will have the deciding vote as she doesn’t want to be far from the grandkids.”

I can’t blame you, Linda, on that score!

Jim Frishkorn is always one to share a few words. On Veterans Day, he wrote, in part: “We’ve come a long way since graduation. Our crowd of honorable—and invincible—youths were unleashed to right the wrongs around the world, and many answered the nation’s call with

courage and distinction.” You are so right on that and, in the other words you shared, BR. Jim also shares that he and Mei-Ling, like many in our class, have had a particularly busy year. Jim continues to enjoy the honor of leading a multi-disciplinary team in executing a $4.9 billion Hurricane Michael rebuild effort at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; the $420 million flood recovery effort at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and the relocation of the F-22 Flight Training Unit bed-down to Joint Base Langley-Eustis. It is truly a huge and highly visible effort that provides support across all services. Jim is tentatively planning to retire in the spring 2024 timeframe, but between now and then, he will mix work with pleasure and take a couple of fishing trips to Alaska and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, an elk hunt in Utah in October 2023, his annual Pennsylvania deer hunt at the family hunting cabin, and a spring 2024 axis deer hunt in Hawaii. Mei-Ling and Jim are exceptionally proud of their oldest granddaughter, who is currently attending the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, with an academic roadmap that includes attending medical school after graduation. Jim extended personal thanks to BR Mark Kanter, who helped plant that seed. Jim added that Mark’s considerable skills as a plastic surgeon were put to use a couple of years ago, as he stitched up his granddaughter following a field hockey injury.

Jeff Adler checked in from storm-ravaged Florida. From Jeff: “Wow! One really learns to appreciate electricity, water, cable, and internet when one goes without due to Hurricane Ian. Christie and I survived the storm while sheltering in place and spent a couple of days at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s home in West Palm, Florida. Only minor damage to our home and significant damage to trees and bushes, but we got off lucky compared to our neighbors in Cape Coral, Florida. We can’t thank the BRs enough for the calls, texts, emails, and prayers. God bless the Class of 1981!” That said, Jeff, please don’t plan on riding the next one out! There is always room for you and Christie in the Richmond/ Powhatan area! Note: I will also add that, as a class, we are most thankful that everyone in our extended VMI family in the path of Hurricane Ian fared relatively well! There were no reports of personal injury or significant property damage from Jeff Adler, Bill Bird, Andy Lauzier, Lisa Lyn Lightner (Chipley), or Dave Richards. The same goes for Bart Price’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Dudley Price ’57. The worst of it seemed to be power and internet outages and damage to landscaping.

Class notes

God bless them all!

Mike Denton shared that it has “rained then poured” for him in 2022. Not necessarily in chronological order, Mike recapped that he completed a bucket list trip with his son, Maury Denton ’07, to The Masters; traveled to Paris with Katherine; enjoyed our class reunion in March; attended the keel laying for USS Jeremiah Denton with his siblings; celebrated the life of Jay Thompson ’79 with our Brother Rat Fletcher Thompson; survived his first (and only) tandem skydive honoring U.S. Special Forces families; had a fast-reaction Annapolis dinner with Dave and Lily Openshaw, Grover and Melissa Outland, and Mike and Sherrye Shupp; attended an amazing Holy Land pilgrimage supporting the Order of Malta’s Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem; and welcomed our Richmond Soup Kitchen guests back inside to a seated meal for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were implemented. Mike expressed solemnly that “all of those events were good for the soul in different ways for which I’m deeply thankful. The only setback was leaving behind my 30th Reunion ball cap at Mary Magdalene Chapel on the Sea of Galilee. Hopefully, God will answer my prayers for its return and for His blessing on the Class of ’81.” Wow, Mike! Tremendous experiences all around, BR!

Mike “Psycho” McLeod wrote shortly after he “blew in from Amsterdam.” Always spirited, Psycho wrote that he went on a short vacation with his lovely wife, Kathy, a.k.a. “Squirrel,” for the first time since COVID-19. They stayed in Copenhagen and made a short jaunt to Sweden. As the trip wound down, they found themselves with dwindling options to get home due to weather impacts related to Hurricane Nicole. Their initial plans to fly back to Central Florida were a “no-go.” If they chose another routing “just to get back into the U.S.,” they would have found themselves stuck in ATL, JFK, BOS, or MSP, with no promise of getting to Florida. Ultimately, they were able to get the last two seats on a flight that took them to Tampa. While there were no ground transportation options, they were lucky to have their son, Sean, drive over from Satellite Beach to pick them up 20 minutes after they landed. They headed home into the

oncoming storm and arrived just as high winds and driving rain were beginning. In other news for Mike, progress continues, albeit slowly, on his future airport. October was his annual “Cogon grass killing festival”—we can only imagine what that means for Psycho; Cogon grass is an invasive species that displaces natural plants and can be a fire hazard—and he was able to build the frames for the workshop inside the steel building. He hopes to have the electric and plumbing roughin started by mid-November. Mike was also excited about his new “rig” being in, which included a harness, containers, main parachute, reserve parachute, and an automatic opener, and shared that he has jumped it a few times and loves it. For those with jump experience, Mike shared that “the new main canopy is a Sabre3 and is a fairly high-performance sport main chute. It flies a lot faster than my old PD-210 main canopy and has a much more powerful flare and landing. Sweet.” No wonder we call you, Psycho, Mike! Haha! You are truly living life to the fullest, BR!

Ken Pierro has been busy moving once again. He shared, “hopefully, for the last time!” Ken and Diana bought some property with a “fixer-upper” on the Olympic Peninsula just west of Port Angeles. They are looking forward to exploring the Olympic National Park just beyond their new backyard; “drowning worms” in nearby Crescent Lake; and watching their two dogs, Tony and Enzo, find mud holes to wrestle in. Ken shared that it feels great to be out of the suburbs of Seattle and offered that there will always be an extra room ready for any BRs who may want to come out and explore the Pacific Northwest wilderness! Sounds like you will be living the life, Ken!

Trip Lloyd reports that he; his bride, Anne; and their family went cruising to Bermuda in July for a week. Anne liked it so much that she went back for a “girls only” cruise in October. To top it off, the “cruising Lloyds” have a southern Caribbean cruise scheduled for Christmas. Trip continues to live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and work for USAID as the global health money guy teleworking four days each week. The reality of retirement is starting to loom large on him once his youngest graduates from college, in hopefully three years. The Trip remains

Class Notes

active in theater, is a founding member of a professional Improv Troupe, sings bass with a performing jazz group, and is the subwoofer for his church choir.

Ray Lawson shared that his daughter, Savannah, settled into what could well be her dream job as senior aerospace engineer at the Kennedy Space Center working on the Orion space capsule project. (Very impressive, Ray!) Savannah will have her master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Central Florida this December, as well. Gale and Ray attended his 45th high school reunion, which Ray reported, “while fun, was made even better because it just happened to overlap with the Pennsylvania Bacon Festival, so we got to do both! As an added benefit, I returned to South Carolina with COVID-19!” On the teaching front, Ray is transitioning into tutoring college math courses at the University of South Carolina–Aiken. He shared that it will be “a lot more fun than dealing with all the administrative rigmarole associated with teaching a course. The students that show up are very motivated to be successful!”

Greg and Ann Wolven chimed in. Greg has been back and forth to Indiana for work as well as helping their son, Chris, move from Lafayette, Indiana, to Charleston, South Carolina. Chris had a two-week layover at their home, so it was great fun for Ann having him around for a bit. Greg and Ann caught up with Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System executive director, last spring to discuss some of Greg’s VMI historical collections. They also got to catch up with Dave and Linda Loduca at the VMI versus Mercer football game in September. In mid-October, Greg and Ann also had the pleasure of spending a day with Dixon Tucker ’80 at the Apple Festival in Tyro, Virginia, and then at Dixon’s home in Roseland, Virginia. Greg and Ann also hosted Ann’s Mary Baldwin College roommate, Anne Kirchdorfer Lach, and her husband, John Lach ’78, later in October for a few days. During that time, they all were able to visit VMI and have lunch with our very own Adrian Bogart, commandant.

After 38 years as a federal civilian working for both Navy and Army intelligence organizations, Mark Hardy retired Sep. 30. Along the way, Mark had some terrific experiences and worked with several VMI grads that excelled in their jobs. Since retiring, Mark has had no problem filling his time. He reported that “my most important job is helping with babysitting my three-monthold grandson. I’ve changed enough diapers over the years (not mine, yet) that I feel confident in tackling this new role!” Congratulations to you, Mark! Honorable service all around, sir.

Jim and Catherine Waring moved in September. Their move was only about 5 miles north in Virginia Beach, closer to the Chesapeake Bay,

as they decided it was time to “downsize.” Jim shared that they moved into a smaller home within a condominium community that “requires no yardwork (very little), no pool maintenance, and a lot less work on our part.” Jim was pleased to find out that his immediate neighbor in his new neighborhood is Greg Lee ’92

Jim Hart’s daughter, Danielle, has been suffering the attention of many of her “volleyball uncles” throughout this Wisconsin women’s volleyball season. For virtually every game, we have had a running text dialogue during the match that included Larry Butler, Rob Costello, John Ferry, Jeff Gill, Jim Hart, Geoff Hinshelwood, Bruce Kitchen, Hank Lee, Ken “Catman” Morris, Tim Nitz, Louis Rolan, Mac Spears, Billy Stamm, Gator Underwood, Vince Wood, and me. Most of the dialogue in those text streams became a bit “excited” when there was a bad call or if an offensive play was just not up to standard and, as such, simply “not fit to print” in the Alumni Review. Ha! However, about every third text would be from Cos with a “Bam!” each time Danielle had a successful block or powerful kill shot. And there were a lot of them! There will certainly be more to report on the class “Wisconsin volleyball groupies,” given the success of the Badger team this season. We pray they make their way, once again, to the national championship! Jim, you have just reasons to be proud, sir!

Now for a few “quick-hitters:”

BR Joe Moan attended the Nov. 11 Institute Society Dinner with his lovely bride, Janet. Grover Outland was also there—after all, it was a dinner! The Institute Society Dinner was held after two afternoon events honoring Gen. Peay ’62, which included the awarding of the New Market Medal and unveiling of the official superintendent’s portrait, and after Joe’s first meeting as a member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. Proud of you, Joe!

Rob and Roberta Digby hosted Johann and Maureen Cooper and Mike and Katherine Denton at their home in Bald Head Island, North Carolina, in August. The Digbys are tremendous hosts, and a great time was had by all! And, yes, I still regret missing that formation!

Rich and Nancy Bartholomew, John and Colleen Ditillo, and Deb Baron all met up for a mini reunion in Austin, Texas. They gathered at Paesano’s on the San Antonio River Walk. The Ditillos connected with Deb Baron on a Texas road trip and traveled to Austin, San Antonio, and points (pints?) in between.

Steve and Marianne Tennant made their way to Virginia for a family wedding in the Williamsburg area. They flew into Richmond and immediately made their way to Powhatan for a visit with Shannon and me. We spent a good couple of hours together at the coffee shop before they

headed back east to join the family for a weekend of wedding festivities. Great seeing both of them!

John Goode shared that his son, John Owen Goode ’13, just had another baby boy, Quinn Owen Goode, who may very well be in the Class of 2043. Per John, “Another one of God’s incredible miracles,” and I could not agree more! (God bless and congratulations, John!)

John Myers shared that he and his wife moved to their “soon-to-be retired” home in Port Orchard, Washington. He is learning to garden and had successful onions, potatoes, radishes, carrots, and greens this year.

That seems to be all the news that’s fit to print. Please keep the inputs coming. In closing, let’s all be mindful of our BRs and their families that may be going through some tough times, particularly those who may be dealing with illness. Please take a moment as soon as you finish reading this narrative and make it a point to reach out to a BR or two, particularly those with whom you may have lost contact. No matter the gap in time, the bonds become more and more dear with each passing day. It will do the heart good!

Cheers, and may God bless you all. Stay safe and stay in touch, my brothers.

Will Council

Hello BRs,

Happy November, everyone, although you will be reading these in the new year. The fall season has been wonderful until this week when it returned to wet and cold—yuck. In checking the last set of notes, I was hoping for some football tailgate photos, and George Mayforth accepted my challenge!

George, Jack Wainwright, Jeff Judkins, and Dave Shutt met in Lexington during Family Weekend to enjoy bourbon, tailgating, and football! They were all roommates with George at some point in their cadetships. George always stays at the Abigail Inn during his visits, and this acted as the hub for the gathering. The usual is now routine with a bike ride to House Mountain, a climb up Little House Mountain, and a return for old fashioneds out on the veranda of the inn! They tailgated on the Parade Ground. Jack’s younger brother, Doug, who is apparently an IT instructor at VMI, joined them, as well. Dave had work to perform at his local property, so only

Class notes

Jack, Jeff, and George were under the Wainwright tent. After the game, it was back to the veranda for more chicken and bourbon and those “remember when” stories!

Jack held onto the parking pass as he will be attending the VMI versus The Citadel game this month. With him will include special guests such as Jon Mott, Russ Stewart, and Dewey Martin, along with their wives. They will be renting a house for the weekend. The “remember when” stories should be numerous and funny!

I attempted to host a tailgate party when VMI came down to play the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. That did not go so well. There was too short a notice to get the word out, and not many alumni in the community. The weather was the only thing nice that day. I quit the game at the half, as it was obvious we were completely outclassed on the field. Honestly got tired of hearing that dang train whistle they blow every time UTC scored. I will try again in two years when and if VMI returns to play. Maybe the football team will come this time.

From the last notes, it appears I jumped the gun on Jose and Fran Suarez relocating to Florida. After the second hurricane swept through Florida and in preparing for these notes, I had a moment of panic thinking about Jose and not knowing exactly where they had moved to. I reached out to him on Facebook Messenger; he had been actively commenting on the class page, so I at least knew they were alive! So, they were still north of the border. Apparently, getting the house ready for the market took longer than they expected. They will be renting a place in Florida until they find just the right place, and they expect to be relocated in spring. So goes to show you just can’t trust social media!

Finally, another wish has come true. Out of the blue, I got a text from an unknown number reporting in from a small golf gathering of BRs, and it said a photo was attached. It was from Daryl Deke! After waiting a few minutes, I responded back, wondering about said missing attachment. Ah, it did come through, finally. It was a great get-together of Daryl, Mike Eden, Richard Woolwine, and Carl Showalter. They were playing at Daryl’s club, Bulls Bay GC, in Charleston, South Carolina. Judging by the smiles, I would say they were all having a great time. I

did not get any further details as to who shot low or if they even parred. Thank you, guys, for sharing the moment and the love.

When I was working on the last set of notes, Bob and Kathy Louthan were relocating to the river and had sold their home in Richmond. I asked Bob about it, and he was not retiring, just moving to a beautiful place with a fantastic view. Bob is still spending some time in Richmond for work purposes. News is that they added a new Louthan grandchild to the family tree recently. One would assume that the child already has a provisional appointment, but my math skills don’t want to think about how many years from now.

I get help from Facebook for newsworthy class happenings. Scott Wooddell had recently displayed his latest wardroom addition, a kilt made with the VMI New Market tartan. I believe he wore a kilt at our reunion, but I can’t find a photo to prove it. This one had a special purpose, though. Scott wore it to walk his daughter, Cameron, down the aisle at her wedding in October. I must give Scott credit for his attire, but one is not supposed to outdo the bride’s dress! And just in case you were wondering, Scott said he would never dishonor the kilt with undergarments. I’m glad it was not a windy day, Scott. Final note, Scott’s brother officiated the wedding.

Guy and Leslie Marangoni will be returning to VMI for the next four years. Their oldest, Louis, has been accepted to VMI and should be with the Class of 2027—I am thinking Band Company. Ouch, again, my brain does not like those numbers. Maybe his uncles, the Nichols, will be showing up for family tailgating, too.

Chris Simmons is now a published author with his book now available, Castro’s Nemesis: True Stories of a Master Spycatcher. I think I will ask him for a signed copy. I have seen Chris mention some of his workings regarding his history. I just have not had him come to a reunion to discuss his background notes! Congratulations, Chris!

Gen. Darren McDew reached out to me with a text and phone call recently. I thought I was getting spammed/ phished or whatever the term is. Darren sent a text asking for me to please share my contact information since he had mine mixed up. Uh-huh, sure. I replied via email, and sure enough, he called

Class Notes

me right back. Apparently, he had tried to call me and had spent the last half hour talking with someone else, a business legal counsel, before the guy stopped the conversation with, “I don’t think I am who you think I am.” It’s all in the spelling of the name.

What was the purpose of the call? Darren was reaching out to connect me with Charlene Horne, Darryl’s widow. Charlene has established the Mann Horne Youth Foundation, which is helping to work with underserved children outside of the classroom. These activities may include

sports, band, or even taking dance classes. It is named after Darryl and Charlene’s sister, who recently passed away from cancer. We lost Darryl in November 2014. I will be reaching out with a class-wide email with more information. For now, please see here: mhyouth.org.

One last phone call: This one was courtesy of the Alumni Review showing up in Bill Towler’s mailbox last week. Bill called me with the wonderful news that he and Kate are very proud grandparents. Now I don’t know where Bill has been hanging out these past few years, but I can say it has not been on Facebook. He was wondering if any other BRs were also grandparents. Really?! I think we were starting to see that generation showing up three reunions ago. In telling my wife about this, she commented that we might have some great-grandparents out there pretty soon. Prove me wrong!

So Bill is wanting to do a bourbon tour in Tennessee, home of whiskey, just not bourbon. We will have to check the notes from Jeff Modisett I am all for the idea. I even thought that we could start with a moonshine tour. Does anyone have connections? Wink, wink. Tours just need to be close enough to walk back to the hotel, or we need a designated driver.

That’s all the news that is fitting to write. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and a happy new year.

Sincerely, Will Council

Garrett’s helicopter pilot wings at the graduation. Al further stated, “after graduation Garrett gave us a ride in a Vietnam-era Huey up to 1,500 feet with no doors and only a lap belt. Forty years ago, I sat in the exact seat humping the M-60 machine gun during field exercises at the AROTC Advance Camp, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. My bullseye pistol teammate and I won the National Rifle Association Open Division National Championships in the .22 cal., center fire, .45 cal., and aggregate classes.” Al, congratulations to you and Cherly as Garrett serves our nation, and on your NRA championships.

Tony “Snake” Arnold submitted a SITREP on Bubba Hazelgrove: “Steve, see you in the spring. Bubba says he’s building an amphitheater in Richmond, Virginia. Peace, Snake.” As always, Snake, we appreciate the SITREP.

Howdy, BRs,

The period for these class notes is from Aug. 15–Nov. 15, 2022. I hope you all had a great fall season. Upon receiving this edition of the Alumni Review, we will be two months from our 40th Reunion, scheduled for April 14–16, 2023. Our reunion is shaping up to be fun with a variety of events to participate in; there will be time for BRs to socialize and reconnect. Be sure to register to attend and reserve your hotel room. We look forward to fellowship with all BRs and those firsttime reunion attendees!

From Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Al Toler wrote in April 2022 that he and his wife, Cherly, attended the pilot graduation ceremony of their son, Garrett, who is a warrant officer 1 in the U.S. Army, at Fort Rucker, Alabama (see the submitted picture). Al had the distinct honor to pin on

In an email, Andy Woolwine provided, “Hope all is well with you and your family. Thank you for the birthday well wishes card. See you in April 2023!” I asked Andy if he and his family were impacted by Hurricane Ian. He reported, “We were blessed. Only minor damage from high winds blowing a large palm leaf that bent my backyard aluminum fence.”

In addition to Andy and his family, there were other BRs who faced Hurricane Ian’s landfall in Florida. Steve “Bambi” and wife Lori Godwin evacuated from Punta Gorda, Florida. They had minimal damage. Danny Chu and his family, plus Joe “Campi” Campisano and his wife, Silvana, hunkered down as both BRs live in the Jacksonville, Florida, area. Frank and his wife Angela Cooper “rode out” the hurricane in Naples, Florida, without any damage to their home.

I received a message from Doug Urbanek in which he stated, “Hi Steve, after six months working from home, the Federal Emergency

Class notes

Management Agency had me working in the operation center before, during, and after Hurricane Ian in Tallahassee, Florida. I am going to get back to Winchester, Virginia, for a week and then back to Florida for several months. Say hi to the BRs in Florida.” Doug, on behalf of our BRs we appreciate your FEMA work assisting many citizens in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Lynn Seldon reports his next novel, Carolina’s Ring, “will be published by Virginia-based Koehler Books Feb. 15, 2023. It’s a sequel to Virginia’s Ring in many ways, including a return to VMI and a new role for The Citadel. Spoiler alert: The VMI guy gets the girl.”

From Lexington, Virginia, Frank Kalesnik provided an update: “Hi, Steve, I’m still in Lexington running a bookshop. Funny, as BR Jay Williams’ wife also runs one a block over. We carry different titles, so it is a cooperative relationship. I have some contact with the Stonewall Jackson House, but that is about it. I do see Jay frequently and also BR Scott Belliveau, but otherwise, VMI is another world. Cadets and parents come into the shop sometimes, but I rarely see staff or faculty.” Frank, best wishes to you as you embark on a small business career.

Thanks to Hugh Daughtry for sharing the news about our BR Eddie Williams, who is back at VMI as the head women’s track and field coach. Way to go, Eddie; we know the team is in great hands while you are the head coach.

Reporting from Michigan, Mark Benvenuto provided, “Thanks for the emails, the class notes, birthday cards, and everything else you do for our class. I appreciate hearing what all the BRs are up to. As for me, we’re back to face-to-face teaching, and I’ve got some excellent student researchers this semester. We’re working on a series of new molecules that have the potential to clean up polluted water. I’m also proud to say that I just finished editing a volume through the American Chemical Society titled, Chemistry and Medals Sure, it sounds a bit geeky, but I’m proud that among the authors for the various chapters are a retired chief engraver of the Royal Canadian Mint, and two engraver-designers for the U.S. Mint. It’s not out as a hardback book yet, but it should be in a couple of months. I hope everything is going well for you and yours. Stay safe,

stay healthy.” Mark, how do you find time to teach, research, and write? Congrats on your latest publication.

In September, Mary; her friend, Marley; and I traveled to Bar Harbor, Maine. We stopped for a day and spent the night with Stephan and Linda Melitz in Methuen, Massachusetts. In mid-August, Steph had one knee replacement and is recovering very well. So, add another BR to the “body parts replacement list.” After a wonderful

visit with the Melitzes, we continued our travel to Bar Harbor. We spent six days hiking, walking, and biking in Acadia National Park. While in Bar Harbor, we met Matt Losquadro ’94, who, with his wife, owns the beautiful Saltair Inn bed and breakfast. We had a wonderful vacation in Maine.

Jim Stader provided an update on his medical condition. He stated in an email, “Hi, Steve. All is well from Manassas. Since my last update, my daughter and husband welcomed our first grandchild. Archer, or Archie, as we call him, came the day before my wife Clara’s birthday. It has been a lot of fun to watch him grow and develop, and I suspect I will need to learn how to secure a provisional appointment for him at some point. Our son and his wife just celebrated their first wedding anniversary and a newly purchased home together as they settled down in Pennsylvania, which is nice for us. As for my health, I first want to thank you and our classmates for their notes, emails, and calls over the past two months. It was lots of fun to reconnect with many that I have not spoken to for many years, and I want to thank all those that reached out to see how I was doing and what medically was next. As for what is next, I am due to visit the Walter Reed National Medical Center starting Oct. 30, where I will have stem cells harvested, cleaned, and reintroduced with the goal of having my cancer, multiple myeloma, go into remission. I anticipate being in the hospital for three to four weeks. Once I get out, I will self-quarantine for about 100 days, when I can then get all my childhood vaccinations again. Anyway, the Stader family is doing fine. I look forward to getting through all the upcoming medical appointments to support my upcoming stay, and my family is very appreciative of the notes and calls from my VMI Class of ’83 brother rats during this period in my life. Till next time, Jim.” Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jim, while you fight this disease.

Steve Goddard sent me an update regarding a trip his family took to Europe. He stated, “We recently traveled to Normandy and unexpectedly ran into another VMI alumnus, John Bolt ’99, who happened to be the assistant superintendent of the Normandy American Cemetery. He graciously gave us a private tour and history of George Marshall ’901 and several of the six VMI alumni buried at the cemetery.

Class Notes

John’s knowledge of VMI history was very interesting and impressive. Many thanks to John for sharing his time and knowledge with my family.” Steve, his family, and John had a photo taken by the headstone of 1st Lt. Freeling T. Colt ’938, U.S.A. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Steve, and the VMI connection to the Normandy American Cemetery.

From their new home in Colorado, Billy Akers emailed this exciting update, “Hello Steve and Mary, Lisa and I are almost settled in our new home in Cortez, Colorado. It is certainly beautiful out here. I will send you an invite to Crooked

Sky Ranch on Facebook. We should be moved into our new home and out of this RV by the end of November. It’s been a long year living out of a 27-foot RV. Lisa is enjoying riding her horses in some of the most beautiful mountains and deserts in America. I told her I was getting her a sign for the barn that says, ‘A woman needs two animals in her life: The horse of her dreams and a jack&*% to pay for it.’ I am looking forward to getting a bull elk to hang over the fireplace now that the housework is done. If you guys are ever looking to explore the beautiful West, give us a yell. We have one Airbnb suite and will have another one soon, but of course, you guys get a pass. We look forward to seeing you and Mary and all our BRs in the spring. Best regards and in the bonds.” Billy, you and Lisa selected a beautiful location to resettle. See you both in April 2023!

In October, BRs Mark Sykes, Trent Boggs, and Danny Chu visited Mary and me. Mary made a wonderful brunch for us. We had a great time hearing about Trent, Mark, and Danny’s past travels for two years. A good time was had by all.

In November, I went on a three-day upland bird and waterfowl hunting trip with four BRs and several other alumni and friends in McKenzie, North Dakota. In attendance were Hugh Daughtry and his son, Zach; Jim Henry and his friend, Charles Carson; Scott Horan (the ring leader/organizer); Jim Outland and his friend, Tom Peabody; Jim’s sons, Matt Outland ’17 and Ben Outland ’19; Chip Buehler ’82; Hal Hamner ’84; and Wilson Enochs ’84. The weather was good, plenty of pheasant and duck were taken, and the three days of “fellowship” were memorable. Plenty of VMI stories were shared, along with expanding one’s networking connections.

In closing, your 40th Reunion Planning Committee has finalized all events and activities for our reunion. As a reminder, for those BRs who have not returned to the “I” for any class reunion, we hope you can join us and plan to attend. Be sure to register for our reunion as soon as the VMI Alumni Association sends an email with the online link to register. Once again, the reunion dates are April 14–16, 2023. Continue to be safe, BRs; stay healthy, take care, and God bless you all!

1984

1985

Greetings, Class of 1985,

Well, if you have not heard or read the latest Alumni Review, Matt Daniel has passed the class agent torch, and I am taking on the role of class agent for 1985 for us moving forward.

So, to start my first-ever missive, I would like to thank Matt for being our class agent for the past 10-plus years, and I hope I can do as good a job keeping us informed and entertained as he did. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of doing something as important as this, and I hope you will all bear with me as I try to get up to speed on how to be a conduit for you, VMI Class of 1985! The best class to have ever passed through limits gates! So, let’s close ranks and continue together for our next chapter together. Rah Virginia Mil, ’85, ’85, ’85.

As I remember, I believe there were about 444 of us who matriculated together, but I currently only have contact information for about 360, so it would be helpful if you guys would email me to make sure I have your most current contact information. Please take a minute to let me know how you are so I can get us all up to speed with each other in my next update on how everyone is and make sure our class always stays together.

As I know some of you are aware, there are a bunch of us who run into each other and catch up regularly, plus other groups of us that stay in touch on a regular basis either through proximity or annual visits to Lexington like Jake Spivey’s “Charlie Company Golf Safari” email list that has over 150 of us included. So, as you can imagine, there is quite a bit of cross-pollination about how everyone is doing already going on but not enough to include everyone, which is my goal moving forward. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cost us our last reunion, which is a bummer—tick tock, tick tock—so, I would like to try to make up for that in my next posting in the Alumni Review by getting our Class of 1985 update from all of you so we can close ranks and close in on our 40th Reunion aligned and together in 2025. “Ready two!”

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1984.

Just recently, I had the pleasure of looking at a set of very cool photo albums when I last visited Marvin Smith’s mom and dad that were full of pictures of our cadetship, including our 1st Class party that week of graduation, which was a memorable week! There you all were, in all your youth and glory! In those albums from rat year through graduation at the Smiths’ house, Zollman’s, post,

Class notes

football games, tailgating, uptown at Estelle’s, and so many other places we used to all frequent and still laugh about a lifetime ago. It is amazing to me how little our faces change over time and how certain I am that I could recognize any of you on the street if I ran into you—and sometimes, I do! For example, I was recently shown a photo of Jay Malik living in California that Col. Looney shared at Devils Backbone, and Jay looks like “the most interesting man in the world” I have seen in a long time! I hear he is doing well, is happy, healthy, and still keeping busy doing bartending and other stuff. I saw his picture when I ran into Col. Looney at Devils Backbone in Rockbridge County with Joe Irby, Mark Jackson, Ken Hirlinger, Matt Daniel, John Pollack, William Tilling, Rich Williams, Dave Tingley, and Dave Hall ’83, who were all in attendance to visit with Rich during his visit to Lexington for the Institute Society Dinner in November. While Rich was here, we got to visit with his younger brother, A.J. Williams ’88 (Chuck Rogerson’s dyke), who was in Lexington attending Founders Day ceremonies as a recent addition to the Foundation board. Congratulations, A.J.! With time and gravity bearing down, I try to get to my place in Lexington as frequently as I can, as I rehabbed a small house on the Maury River years ago. I know many of you have visited over the past 15 years, and I always enjoy seeing you all when we are in town together or knowing you are enjoying the house when you need a flop house in Lexington for a weekend or a day. Recently I came to Lexington to do some rehab, relax, and watch VMI beat The Citadel (that outcome is still undetermined). While I was in Lexington, Maj. Gen. Wins, superintendent, shot me a text and told me that Shane Sullivan was in town with his son, George, for a VMI visit, as George was looking at colleges to attend in 2023. George is an impressive kid with lots of good choices, and I am sure he will make the one he feels is best for him. So, I texted big daddy Shane to come over to the house for a brief visit, and it was great to catch up with him on his family and how work is going; he is in a good place and excited for his kids. While Shane was visiting at the house, J.J. Wranek also came by for a visit, and we had a chance to catch up; he is still busy with the Marshall Foundation, his youngest is attending his first year at college, and his oldest boy just graduated and is now working at that same college. While Shane was here—and yes, he broke stuff—I got the lowdown on how Jesse Waltz, Joe Rose, and Steve Green are doing. According to Shane, “They are all doing great.” Yes, correct, that is all I got! Then big daddy gets back home, and I get a text of him with Tayloe Dameron, who he either ran into or had dinner plans with, and the two of them enjoyed dinner together. I am not sure what Tayloe is up to these days, but knowing him, he is smiling and enjoying it!

During J.J.’s visit to the house, he told me that he was headed over to Matt Daniel’s farm on Saturday for the “annual Daniel cookout and bluegrass.” So, yep, as usual, I crashed it! It was great to see Matt, Cathy, Johnny, and the rest of the Daniel family and friends together with their children and grandchildren to enjoy the afternoon, Matt and Cathy’s hospitality, and sampling various homemade beer recipes! Matt and Cathy’s family continues to grow, with another grandchild having been brought to the world this past spring! Congratulations again to the Daniel family! Other BRs also in attendance at Matt’s were Pat McGuire and his wife, Lisa; Dave Tingley and his wife,

Jennifer; John Pollack and his son and friends; and Chris Welch, but the big surprise for me was that Mark “Action Jackson” Jackson was there, too. Jackson had driven up from Florida for the week to visit Matt; do some hunting; and visit his daughter, Lucy, who attends Liberty University. Mark looked great, and I was happy to see him. I cannot tell you all about how inspired I am by his tenacity and spirit.

Just today, I had a chance to catch up with Steve Hagan by phone, who is enjoying his retired life in Arizona. I also got a text from Ken Hurst wishing me well on being class agent, which I appreciate. Thanks, Ken. Matt informed me of every one of the changes in the latest Alumni Review, so I hope to be hearing more from more of you, a.k.a. all of you, and soon! And lastly, I got an email from Jake Spivey last night that he and Suzanne were participating in Richmond’s T. Rex Run at the request of his oldest daughter, Peyton! So, Jake had his supporters for the race of over 200 t-rex runners! So, Jake got stuffed into a plastic bag by Suzanne and then had to run for God knows how far in a giant plastic bag! I am not sure how he made out, but this is why I love you all because you do this stuff. And it just seems normal! VMI shared a recent photo with me of Dr. Vic Bernet and Greg Cavallaro ’84, VMI senior major gift officer, when they got together following an August lunch at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida! Hi, Doc! Sorry I missed you if you came back to Lexington for the safari. It is always fun to catch up with you in person.

Dave Campbell and I spoke by phone recently, and he is doing great in Florida, having hung out his CE shingle again and is back providing top-quality civil engineering design services and consulting to his extensive list of customers. I know Dave is happy to be back on the boards and needed because if there is one thing I know, it is the fact that there is a real shortage of good engineers in the U.S. these days.

John Neblett and his family have welcomed another grandchild into the world to be with us, as did Danks Burton, who recently became a grandfather for the first time. In addition, Danks’ daughter is getting married soon, as well as his youngest son, who is almost finished at VMI. Oh yes, yes, there are big, big events happening in Danks’ life. Borny (Mark Bornhorst) would be upset with me if I failed to mention that another Bornhorst grandchild has recently come into the world for us. Also, Dan Murphy’s oldest daughter is expecting his family’s first grandchild in December. Good luck, Murph! Scotty Vaughn also has new grandchildren, and the class ranks are continuing to swell as so many of our BRs’ loving families grow and prosper. Finally, if you had not heard, Sam Maroon married a few years ago and he and his wife, Amanda, have a lovely little girl who just

turned 1. I hope to be able to stop by and see them on my way home from Lexington. As my last note, I have the honor of being godfather to Sam and Amanda’s daughter. If anyone ever asks you have you seen God lately? Just look into the eyes of a child and then give them a resounding, “Yes!”

As many of us know throughout our long association together, time waits for no one. I am blessed with many friends in my life, especially all my friends from my association with VMI and especially the Class of 1985. Throughout my life, these friends have been in many memories over the years of good times and sad times together. I know privately what many of our friends have gone through and what many of them and their families are dealing with today. Never forget that in all the world and in all of time, only a few hundred of us wear this ring. Only 400 of us are us—the Class of 1985—and we will always be the best class in barracks!

Please keep all those we have lost and their families in your thoughts and prayers; please pray for all those who need our prayers as they and their families do the heavy lifting that life can demand. God bless our country, God bless our men and women in uniform, God bless the Corps of Cadets, and God bless VMI, our VMI family, and our VMI friends.

Rah Virginia Mil, ’85! ’85! ’85! Go Keydets! Beat The Citadel!

Stay safe and well.

Clint Hubbard

Greetings, Brother Rats, Co-Matriculants, and Co-Urinal Users!

We love all of you, and all are welcome in these notes. But bring thick skin, as we might throw some barbs and elbows. These notes are being written for the November submission date. Football season is in full swing—the Keydets have had their struggles on the gridiron this year, but I think a few ’86ers have been supporting the Big Red Team.

After a now 36-year hiatus, Glen Ralston, the man of the 34-word email fame, is becoming a regular poster nowadays on social media via Facebook. It’s always good to see our boy out and about.

There, if my Mallory Hall truck driver math skills are working, I think we split the difference and did that BR Ralston update in about 35 words. Glen, we’re still saving you a spot for a visit to VMI or Richmond, Virginia.

The correspondent of the quarter award goes to Michael Lakos with a great update. Over the summer, he had planned to take a full road trip up the East Coast, but thanks to outrageous gas prices, he decided instead to fly to Atlanta with his daughter and spend time with his mom in Athens, Georgia. The three of them did a mini road trip to North Carolina using Charlotte as their base for a few days since their family lived in Charlotte for several years during Michael’s youth. They took a track tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which he says was a blast, and they also toured the NASCAR Hall of Fame. While in North Carolina, Michael’s daughter took a formal campus tour of Duke University and a drive-through tour of the University of North Carolina’s campus. Back in Athens, Georgia, she also did a formal campus tour of University of Georgia. The father-daughter bonding continued back home in Texas when BR Lakos and his daughter ran a 5K together, and purely by chance, Michael got number 86 for the race. Very cool, indeed, and thanks for a great update, BR Lakos

And if you believe what you see on social media, two other ’86 stud-muffins, Alan Leatherwood and Rob Padgett, recently ran a 5K together. Yes, you read that correctly: Leatherwood and Padgett ran a 5K voluntarily—under no duress—and even seemed to enjoy it. Next thing you know, we’ll be reading about Gordon McKinley as a midget boxing promoter.

Joe DeKeyrel checked in with a quick conversation to be sure that we had heard the sad news about James Dickinson. (See last quarter’s notes). Joe is doing just fine working for Raytheon and living in western Loudoun County on several acres, and enjoying a couple of grandchildren, I think.

Our favorite North Carolina State University Wolfpack BR, Gordon White, visited the Old Dominion in August, and it was a good enough reason for a party, so Gordon and Ginny Poindexter threw one. Never one to miss a shindig, Tripp Duerson drove over from Lynchburg to join the festivities. It was just a quiet Friday evening social with a number of BRs and their fair ladies stopping in. Attendees included: Jay Ball, Tripp Duerson, Wayne Fuller, Mike Huffman, Jon Moody, Gordon Poindexter, Gordon White, along with your dedicated scribe, as well as Matt Morgan ’87. It seems like I’m missing someone, but the crowd dispersed before we snapped the group picture. Also, before the cops got there, but that is another story for another time. BR White recently left the Queen City of Charlotte and is now living back in Raleigh, North Carolina. He promises to host a tailgate when the Keydets go to play the North Carolina State Wolfpack in a year or so.

Our class media star, Chuck Steenburgh (see the article about him in the last issue of the Alumni Review) checked in briefly from his new gig in southern Maryland. He says he likes the area and the new job—not much better than that. As he is getting acclimated to the new surroundings, he took his camera along with him, and while the VMI Sports Guy photographer is on an extended sabbatical, the southern Maryland photographer guy seems to be revving up, according to some posts on social media. Well done, Chuck.

The social event for the quarter happened in September in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Our very own Grape Ape, Andy Mason, wedded the former Miss Abbey Withrow to become Mr. and Mrs. Grape Ape. I’m not sure Abbey was completely aware that her new nickname is Mrs. Grape Ape, but if she reads this, she’ll know.

It was a wonderful event in a scenic little church in downtown Lewisburg that is one of the oldest churches west of the Allegheny Mountains, having been in existence since 1783 with the current building having been built in 1796 which was added on to over the years. That’s older than Fred Albrecht, but we’ll get to that in just a bit.

The reception after the wedding was just across the street at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, which is actually an event venue but was originally part of the Greenbrier College for Women—a fitting place for Grape to celebrate getting hitched as he celebrated at most of the other female colleges in the mid-Atlantic over the years.

Class notes

Abbey was a lovely bride, and Grape was a handsome groom—the new couple will be living in the Richmond area. The attendees/witnesses included BRs Jay Ball, Tripp Duerson, Clint Hubbard, Gordon Poindexter, as well as Andy’s brothers, Dan Mason ’83, and Tom Mason ’75, as well as “Tokyo” Joe Rose ’85 and Matt Morgan ’87. They were joined by the accompanying ladies in the forms of wives, mistresses, and girlfriends.

The weekend culminated with an awesome Saturday night party at an ultra-cool old cabin that turned into a mod-pizza joint with about 50 microbrews. On behalf of the Class of 1986, we offer our best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Grape Ape.

Speaking of football season, Dale Powell checked in with a brief update that he met up with John Stevens at a ballgame in early October. Not sure if the Keydets won the game but I am sure BRs Powell and Stevens gave their best effort at the tailgate and in the stands. Dale is still living in North Carolina in an outer suburb of the Charlotte area, while John is still living near Mechanicsville, Virginia. It is always good to hear about a couple of ol’ leathernecks getting together and not blowing anything up.

While walking through the tailgate area at another football game this fall, I noticed an elderly gent asleep in the driver’s seat of a nice Dodge pick-up truck. A closer look and I realized it was Fred “A Ray of Sunshine” Albrecht. Of course, I woke him up to be sure he wasn’t dead, then to say hello, and we had a short visit. BR Albrecht had just returned from a trip to Germany, and his body clock told him it was about 9 p.m., so he was catching a little shut eye during the game. Fred is still living near Baltimore, working near Philly, and contemplating retirement in a few years. His son, Clint (great name for a stud cadet, by the way), is a 2nd Class cadet, I believe. The ray of sunshine part came when Fred reminded me that we are only 22 years from being 80 years old. I let the old codger go back to sleep and went on my way to go find some vitamins.

The annual Stu Heishman golf and fishing outing to Pawleys Island evidently had a few new faces this year. In addition to the regulars, Stu Heishman, Stew Barnes, Al Comer,

Mike Colletti, Tim Keilty, Frank Ladson, Dave Moore, Mike Necessary, Steve Pancham, Louis Rucker, and Roy Woolwine, the newcomers this year included Duke Pickett and Darrell Winfield. According to the pictures, they seemed to catch quite a few red drums or maybe just caught one and passed it around so everyone could pose with it individually. No official certified word on golf scores or fish caught, but there were apparently no broken bones or other medical emergencies and no intervention from local law enforcement, so I think that rates the outing as a success.

Duke Pickett is still flying as a commercial pilot and living near Culpeper, Virginia. BR Winfield is living large after an excellent career in IT that ended when his firm was bought out, and they told Darrell to go chill for a while. By all

accounts, he seems to have taken to it just fine. Congratulations and well done, BR Winfield!

Mid-October was time again for the Frankie Woolwine golf tourney. Among the BRs playing for this very worthwhile charity cause included Jay Ball, Stew Barnes, Al Comer, Mike Colletti, Wayne Fuller, Dave Grimm, Brett Hayes, Clint Hubbard, Rob Mason, Robert Nussey, Dave Reynolds, Steve Pancham, and of course, Roy Woolwine. The Class of ’85 was represented by Chuck McCarthy, Mark Williams, and Spencer Williamson. In addition, other players included Todd Williamson ’87, Jimmy Cottrell, Scott Davila, Dave Hope, and Brent Wilson—all from the Class of ’88.

A few random thoughts: Of course, BR Barnes was there; if a man is going to play golf three times per week, he usually starts on a Monday. When I said Nussey, you knew Reynolds was coming, as you rarely see one without the other. If you also noticed the names of Colletti, Pancham, and Woolwine, you noticed that those gents are also teeing it up often. This is a great event at a nice course and for the benefit of a very worthwhile cause. Check out thefrankiechallenge.org and sign up for next year.

In addition to the good fellowship and raising money for a great cause, the highlight this year included BR Woolwine making a hole-inone. Pretty cool. With Roy hitting a hole-in-one, he joins Scott Ingram, who hit a hole-in-one at the 25th Reunion. So, the moral of the story is if you want to hit a hole-in-one, play more golf with your BRs, and your chances will improve.

Let’s try a new feature this quarter—a little recollection trivia in the format of the old Rat Bible revival.

As you know, there are a fair amount of BRs in and around the Richmond, Virginia, area. If you happen to be in that neck of the woods on a Tuesday, reach out, as about three out of every four Tuesday nights, a group of BRs and accompanying wives, girlfriends, or mistresses usually hit Taco Tuesday—or as it is commonly called, “Taco Moody,” as it was BR Moody’s brainchild, and he is a faithful participant. It is often held at 804 Bistro near the University of Richmond, and they whip up some pretty mean tacos,

or a cheesesteak with tater tots for BR Poindexter. Semi-regulars have included Jay Ball, Paul Burch, Wayne Fuller, Brett Hayes, Jeff Morgan, Jon Moody, Gordon Poindexter, Bob Rainer, and of course, your dedicated class agent. We’d love to have some fresh faces and new topics to discuss.

Elsewhere in this issue, you’ve probably seen the write-up about Gen. J.H. Binford Peay ’62, who was honored by receiving the New Market Medal on Founders Day 2022. A well-deserved honor, and two of ’86’s finest had a hand in Gen. Peay’s successful tenure as superintendent. I believe history will record Gen. Peay as the most consequential superintendent in VMI’s history after Gen. Francis Henney Smith. You might have seen several BRs in the accompanying Founders Day pictures, including Jeff Boobar and Jamie Inman, both of whom served on Gen. Peay’s staff.

I understand BR Boobar is now doing some work over at W&L with campus security issues, and BR Inman is living in Richmond and working for Afton Chemical in the supply chain department. It should be noted that BR Inman is not near as faithful to the barber shop as he once was. With the departure of John Prine, his playlist now must also include Charlie Daniels—and Charlie’s great lyrics, “just leave this long-haired country boy alone.” Actually, his playlist always did include Charlie Daniels, and I’m sure John Prine may be gone from this world, but he is still No. 1 on BR Inman’s playlist.

Last but not least, and just under the wire for submission, came the word from James Bickford that

he has left San Diego and is now living in “TJ,” which I believe means Tijuana, Mexico. James says his wife is from there, and they love it; although with Tijuana being Tijuana, there is a crime wave of which to be aware. He didn’t speak to the career effort, but I believe James is still an attorney on the U.S. side, focusing on DUI work. I’m sure that keeps him busy. Good to hear from you, BR Bickford

Well, that’s a wrap for this quarter. This issue should hit your mailbox in the heart of the dark ages when the days are short and the nights are cold, so take a minute and shoot me an update or reach out to a BR. I can definitely use some new material.

Happy New Year, brother rats.

I’ve omitted some portions of the following narrative to accompany the award of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device to Sgt. 1st Class Radoslaw J. Szczepanski so it will fit in this issue:

“Sergeant First Class Radoslaw J. Szczepanski heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy as the senior engineer sergeant, 10th Special Forces Group Airborne during OIF II. At night, driving the trail vehicle of two investigating reports of insurgent forces organizing near the market district of Bayji, Iraq, his patrol was ambushed. His quick reaction threw off the attacker’s aim, and the first RPG round missed the vehicle by inches. Before his vehicle came to a halt, Szczepanski had his personal weapon up and was leaning from the vehicle, engaging the enemy. A second RPG passed between the two GMVs and was joined by between 15 and 20 automatic AK-47s, RPK, and BKC machine guns. Because the ambush was coming from the left side of the road, and the unarmored vehicles had no doors, he was completely exposed to the intense enemy fire. Because he knew he might be needed to drive the vehicle away quickly, he refused to move to a more covered position and remained standing halfway out of the vehicle while he rapidly fired his M-4 rifle at every enemy muzzle flash. When the detachment assaulted through the ambush line, Szczepanski fearlessly drove his vehicle straight at the enemy firing positions while continuing to engage the enemy with his own weapon. Pursuing the enemy up an alley, they encountered a

second ambush. An incredible exchange of fire erupted in both directions, including at least four more RPGs fired at the detachment. Szczepanski continued to fearlessly engage the enemy from his exposed position. When the .50 caliber machine gun on his vehicle ran out of ammunition, he stepped completely from the vehicle, without regard for his own safety, switched his weapon to automatic, and laid down a heavy base of fire to suppress the enemy attackers until the machine gun could be reloaded. He again drove his vehicle directly into enemy fire. Szczepanski’s unflinching resolve in the face of a determined enemy more than twice the detachment’s size was a significant factor in causing the surviving enemy attackers to break twice and flee the battlefield. His quick thinking under fire directly contributed to the lack of American casualties, and his actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the U.S. Army.” Spud Szczepanski’s actions reflect well on VMI and the Class of ’87, too. It was a joyfully tearful moment when Spud was inducted by Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System director, into the Hall of Valor during Saturday night’s reunion dinner at Natural Bridge Hotel. Spud, still living in Colorado and working with the Veterans Trauma Court, intends a move to the saltwater regions of Virginia soon to be nearer his son, daughter, and grandkids already in the area. He’s pretty sure he was the first Polish citizen to attend VMI on scholarship and the first born behind the Iron Curtain to be inducted into the Hall of Valor. The induction was performed at Saturday night’s dinner, and Spud didn’t know it was coming.

He is in good company in the hall, along with Macon Snowden, Drew Campi, Chip Bierman, Alan Green, James Bright, and Dave Furness Macon’s award was the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” earned in 2008 in Iraq while a Navy lieutenant commander serving as the ground intel officer for an interagency task force with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1 MEF doing IED site exploitation. Drew Campi overqualified with his Bronze Star, Air Medal with “V,” and Valorous Unit Award. Alan Green earned two Navy Commendation Medals with “V” from a recon mission flying a Huey and capturing 44 Iraqis and another for escort duty for two CH-46s flying into Kuwait City, adding “blah, blah, blah” to the details. The boys mentioned above described these things to me as if reading an ingredient list. It’s a big deal and will hopefully remain an irremovable part of Institute history. The story specifics for the others are coming, and we have some who are eligible but have declined.

These instructions were received from Col. Gibson: “To be included in the Hall of Valor, an

Class Notes

alumnus needs to have at least one of these qualifying decorations: Achievement Medal with V, Air Medal with V, Airman’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V, Coast Guard Medal, Commendation Medal with V, Distinguished Flying Cross with V, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, Legion of Merit with V, Medal of Honor, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Silver Star, or Soldier’s Medal. The alumnus can send an email directly to Barbara Blakey (BlakeyBJ@vmi.edu), who assembles the cases and keeps all pertinent records, such as DD-214s. For security reasons, we only exhibit duplicate medals in the Hall of Valor. We do not need the original medals from the alumnus. The cost of the medals usually comes out of the class fund account you might have in the Alumni Association. We look forward to adding all of your BRs who can join the Hall of Valor.”

Another excellent reunion in the books with just over 100 brother rats attending. Little better than average, plus a few more wives than usual. Misty (Kent) Sparks and Eva (Dan) Hall attended, bringing the spirits and memories of Kent and Dan back to the “Mother I” once again to rejoin our band of brothers. Dan’s daughter, Hannah, came with her mom. Bob Phillips ran a great memorial service honoring our departed brother rats, with Tracey Porter and Bill Fuller sharing memories and recollections of Dan and Kent. Tripp Bowles’ son, Tee Bowles 2023+3, read Psalm 23, and his daughter, Anne Bowles ’24, shared the reading of the names of the departed with Lawrence Porter ’24. Keith Coffey’s son, Daniel Coffey ’23, bugled a note-perfect taps. Departed Brother Rat Dave Smith’s wife, Lisa, sent us this message on the class page: “I’m sorry I cannot be there this weekend to represent David. He loved all of you more than you will ever know. Being the mom of an 11-yearold boy—and I better not forget his two adult sisters—means being at soccer games and birthday parties this weekend. He is the spitting image of his dad, so we will never forget him. Enjoy this reunion weekend. Never forget the fun and those who are no longer with us. Rah Virginia Mil! ’87, ’87, ’87!” Thank you, Lisa. You and Dave were missed.

Ernie Edgar is our most recent appointee to the Board of Visitors, and Pennington jumped out of the sentinel box following Old Yells. Neal and Ernie used the stairs. The Corps is still using our old furniture and sinks in like fashion. Friday and Saturday night dinners at the Natural Bridge Hotel were good quality, and we were well served. There was age-proportionate rowdiness. Our

agenda this time allowed for more socializing and catching up. Scott Berger’s band was excellent, and Col. Gibson gave a riveting presentation on Scott’s dad, Jim Berger ’61, who was a Vietnam POW for six years. The evening wound down with cigars and drinking. Scott Jewell, Tom Peer, and Tracey Porter get applause for the outstanding work they did so this reunion could happen. It was not easy, and they had many unanticipated hurdles to jump. Scott has already volunteered to take the lead for our 40th Reunion.

Kevin Barker was there. He said, “I travel to

McCarthy and Denis and Meg Keily were so kind to host a tailgate on the Parade Ground that included many brother rats I had not spoken with in a long time. Tim and Tami Chester, Bruce Bones, Carl Hardee, Nat Pendleton, Ted Fishback, and more. The momentum coming out of the reunion would indicate that we are going to do smaller, more frequent get-togethers in Richmond, Lexington, and Wintergreen with anyone who wants to get together. Over the last 3–6 months, I have been able to get together with a few of our classmates. My parents relocated to West Palm Beach, so Michael (Max) Maxwell and I got together.

‘Jumpin’ Jay Nagle was supposed to join us from New Smyrna Beach, but calendars did not line up this time. We spend Thanksgiving on the west coast of Florida and hope to run into Jim Bean, Andy Zolper, Ernie Edgar, and Carl Feddeler in the future. I talk to Z fairly often, since we both had kids at Sewanee. Steve Tooker was in Richmond a few times over the last year. He and his wife, Ruth, live in Wales, U.K., and will be there for a few more years. Laurie and I need to make a hop across the pond to check out Wales. Steve has really caught the golf bug over there, and we play any time we can get together.

“Steve and Mary Wilson moved from McLean, Virginia, to Waynesboro. Steve is working as an assistant coach at Fishburne Military School and moonlights in the business office. They met us down on the beer and wine super highway, Route 151, for some adult beverages and a spectacular view. I am happy to give anyone a tour of Virginia’s homegrown product.

“I had a training seminar in Los Angeles, but I completely forgot that Randy Janey moved from Belgium to Santa Monica a few years back. His business partner let me know that he is in fine form and enjoying California.” Bill types the best submissions.

places, visit people, see things, and learn stuff, all while at home in my motorcoach. I spend the bulk of my winter in Yuma, Arizona. That’s about it. Great to see you, Schoon, and your beautiful wife. She’s just great.” I couldn’t edit that part. He’s so honest.

Bill McCarthy, new class agent for the next five years, went golfing at Wintergreen with Wilson Brown and Todd Williamson. No mention of scores. Bill reported, “All is well in Richmond, Virginia. While I do not see everyone as often as I like, I was able to reconnect with many of our brother rats prior to the reunion. Jack and Jennifer

Brad Brzozinski attended and reports, “25 years in the books teaching finance and coaching varsity girls soccer and wrestling at Central Islip High School. Retirement is right around the corner! I’m looking forward to traveling around this beautiful country of ours and visiting with all my close friends. I ran into a few of my BRs and wrestling blood brothers over the reunion weekend. So good to see you boys! Stay well.”

Paul Duray had the nicest camera, so he was made our reunion photographer. The best photos you see in this issue are his. Thank you, brother! The next note may be the most informative I’ve received or even seen in Alumni Review, courtesy of reunion-attending Gary David Smith. He

Class notes

Class of 1987

Class Notes

writes, “I have a few updates to pass along for the class notes. I retired from L3Harris back in April after 22 years. I’ve been enjoying the slower pace and lack of corporate stress ever since then. Vicki and I still live in Fairfield, outside of Lexington. Vicki plans to retire from her preschool teaching at the end of this school year after 26 years and several hundred children. Ashleigh and her husband, Cory, live in Norfolk and enjoy the city life. Ashleigh is the capital funds director for a museum in Norfolk, and Cory consults as a brewer for several breweries in the region. Aaron just completed his master’s at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in agriculture and prefers the country life. He works for the Virginia Cooperative Extension in Blacksburg, connecting farmers and other ag producers with consumer outlets for their products. I managed to reconnect with Somkiat Sampan and Somsak Sawangsak recently. Sampan’s email is somkiat2334@gmail.com, and Sawangsak’s email is seveneleven.9997@gmail.com. I didn’t make contact with Paisarn Ngarmwongwan, but he is the lieutenant general and director of Thailand National Defense College, MoD. I have not been able to locate Tran. The last I had contact with Tran was back in the ’90s, and he was in Raleigh. So, hopefully, someone has a way to track him down.

“Sampan just retired as lieutenant general, director-general of the Defense Science and Technology Department. I’ve attached portions of an email he sent. ‘I am really glad to hear from you. I have read your email several times in several days, little by little. So sorry that I answer your letter late. You told me a lot of good news. My family and I are very happy to hear from you. My daughter, Pasawe (Family), expressed to me that I have to write back to you right away! I am always the same, taking time to do everything. So this letter is a good example. Ha Ha Ha. Please bear with me. I’m gonna write my brief story. After I finished my study at Virginia Tech in 1997, I went back to join the Royal Thai Army to teach electrical engineering at Chulachomkloa Royal Military Academy for several years. During that time, we had our daughter, Family, in 2000. She is almost 22 years old now. She studies in the Faculty of Dentistry at Mahidol University in her third year now. She will study for three more years. Yes. In Thailand, you have to take six years to complete dental school! Kavin (Friend) is in the Royal Thai Navy. He studied in military prep school just like me and went to Royal Thai Navy Academy for four years. His rank is lieutenant now. He worked on the ship for several years. Now he changes to be an unmanned vehicle pilot. My wife, Wongjun (Fong), is fine. This year is my last year of service. I am director-general of the Defense Science and Technology Department. My work is about research, development, and military standards for MOD. I have worked at DSTD since I left CRMA in 2004. It’s been a long time

working here. Right now, my wish list is to shorten every day in my last year of service. Ha Ha Ha. That’s my life.’

“Somsak Sawangsak is a colonel and deputy chief of staff, engineering department of the Thai Army. He provided a short note a few months ago. ‘For me, everything is fine, and I have had a happy family with good health. I often watch the U.S. news, so I know what’s going on in the U.S. I think I will contact our class agent later.’” Thanks, Dave, for reporting on the Thai detachment.

Mike Dawson is closing his dental shop and moving to South Carolina. Tim Guck appeared out of nowhere with a beautiful wife he met while being frisked in Germany going through an airport. Tim Snyder is a stunt double for Duck Dynasty or is joining ZZ Top. Trinny Jaquez stopped for gas and coffee and blew out. Craig Walker and Jay Pennington reunited their wonder twin powers with other Company A members Dave Cochran, Kyle Oliver, Matt Howard, Troy Clark, Tom Peer, Ernie Edgar, Rick Cruze, and Greg Otey

Chris Stathis attended from Richmond and told me to please pass along that his son, Minas Stathis ’21, is engaged to Sarah Marble. The wedding is in June 2023.

A reunion within the reunion also took place at the Pillonian Embassy, an Airbnb in Lexington, with roommates John Pilloni, Al Cowan, John Nolan, and Dean Barr conducting scientific testing with bourbon. Test subjects included Paul Munson, Reid Garst, and Kevin Price. When asked for comment, all replied, “John Pilloni is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.” Photos were blurry and dark and did not make the cut. Some couldn’t make it this time, but that didn’t stop Steve Cade and Vernie Reichling from getting together down in Fruit Cove, Florida, to celebrate our 35th Reunion. Steve writes, “Just now recovered from rabies, and I’m leaving future storm clean-up to the professionals. Vern and I were with you in spirit, spending the day on Saturday of the reunion weekend, reminiscing about our glory days at the dear ‘Mother I,’ fishing in the morning, listening to the game, cheering every time Alpha Brother Rat Rick Cruze made play-by-play announcements—Rick’s is one of the announcer voices of Keydet football on the radio 96.7 FM— and even did an Old Yell out on the Suwannee River. I had a couple of cold ones, got lost, and used Vernie’s phone Maps app to find our way back. We’ve joined a speed walking club, which is not as easy as it looks and are launching a landscaping business after the first of the year. If you take a company picture again this year, photoshop us in.” Steve sent photos before they got lost.

Thank all of you for regularly providing content and photos for these notes. Barely half of us are on

the class Facebook page, VMI 1987. It’s a closed page, so it’s by invitation and not in the regular “public view.” If you join Facebook, search for almost any of the brother rats and send them a friend request. Once connected, they can send you an invitation to the page. Not everyone was found and notified about this reunion. You have an account at VMI, whether you know it or not, which only you can access to update your mailing address, phone number, and other optional information bits. It’s password protected, and the Institute uses it for email and paper correspondence, including the Alumni Review. If it’s not accurate there, we can’t easily find you either. Help out Brother Rat Bill McCarthy as he takes over these duties as class agent until our 40th Reunion, and please join our Facebook page. See you there. I stand relieved.

1988

Brother Rats, I hope you all had a good summer. I have the dates for our next reunion, and hopefully you have already received some email correspondence about it. Just in case, the dates are Oct. 27–28, 2023. I hope to see everyone there!

I received an email from BR Bob Clay, who is living in Smithfield, Virginia. Bob is doing well and staying busy with work and taking care of family. He wanted me to say hello to everyone and extend an open invitation to any BRs living in the area or traveling through to stop in or meet up for a beverage or a meal. Bob said he misses seeing everyone and looks forward to getting back to Lexington and seeing his BRs.

BR Derek McFarland held his annual class campout at his cabin and property in western Maryland Sept. 8–10. It was my first one, and we had a great time. We had a special guest, Mr. Phil Scherier, NRA Museums director, in attendance, and he gave a great talk with exhibits on historic firearms. We also brought our own collection of firearms and ammunition and had a great Saturday of target shooting on Derek’s range. There were two nights of camping, grilling steaks, drinking beer and wine, catching up, and telling old stories around the fire. Pictured at the campout were Jim Tuemler, Mike Pannell, Bill Reagan, John Bordelon, Vic Sredl, Charles Nelson, Hugh Brien, Don Calder, Mark Arboneaux, Sam Tate, Lew Sigmon, Kirk Dewyea, Ed Wetherell, Joey Swink, Bill Jasinski, Derek McFarland, Rusty Sloan, Hugh McMenamin, Dave Sullivan, Rich

Class notes

Stone, Chris Goff, Wayne Sinclair, Drew McKone, and John Keppeler. In attendance but not pictured were Chris Hannum and Mike Owen

On Oct. 7, we had another class lunch in Fredericksburg, and in attendance were Wayne Sinclair, Chris Long, Rich Stone, Andy Tate ’92, Ted Wagner, Kirk Dewyea, Ed Wetherell, and John Keppeler.

I was able to catch up with BR Mike Wood for a few minutes at the VMI football game in Lexington Oct. 8. I was in town with BR Rucker Slater tailgating and hanging out with his son, Bobby Slater ’24, and some of his BRs.

I talked with BR John Scarpino and mentioned that he and BR Bill Cronenberg were planning to meet at Bill’s place in northern Pennsylvania to do a little target shooting with one of John’s clients. I would love to hear about other gatherings of BRs, no matter how large or small. Pictures are great, as well.

I hope you all have a great start to 2023 and make plans early to attend our class reunion. It will be great to reconnect in person, share old memories and make new ones.

Until then, stay safe, and all the best to you and your families. Rah Virginia Mil! Rah ’88!

1989

classes with but a few BRs remaining, the first time we ever had no name in boldface type. Each class is unique. 1989, the best in barracks, is no exception. If we collectively decide that we want to be the first class in history not to do the notes, maybe take it online, so be it; we are one-989! I won’t ask for your input again.

1990

Note to you from your class agent: Zero entries. Pretty amazing. I challenge you to do better.

If you are reading this and you are a BR of 1989, you are here because you enjoy reading about the class, sharing memories of our time in Lexington, and staying up to date on your BRs. What have you done to fill these pages? Did you meet with fellow BRs last quarter? Did you retire? Travel? Receive a promotion? Get married? Get divorced (and enjoy your newfound freedom)? Has someone close to you passed on to the afterlife? Do you have new grandkids, especially in VMI attire? Did you watch a VMI football game for the first time? Get a new job? Move? Have lunch with a VMI group? See a BR as you pass through town? Make the local newspaper (and not the blotter report)? These are the things you should be emailing me about. Yes, there is a monthslong delay between submitting and publishing. Nonetheless, some events are timeless, like the one photo that adorns this page.

So, despite aggressive efforts and cold calls, there is nothing to share in this edition. It looks like a submission from one of the most senior

By now, I believe most everyone is aware of the passing of Brother Rat Mark Dick in September. His passing was sudden and unexpected, and, I think, a shock to us all. Mark was the consummate example of a citizen-soldier, brother rat, and Virginia gentleman who was an ardent supporter of the Institute. He served as our class agent from 2000–05 and was part of our reunion committees in addition to many other duties he performed for VMI, his community, and his country. The celebration of life for Mark was held near Warrenton, Virginia, with I’d guess 350-plus people in attendance and standing room only. Present from our class were John Burleson, who rode up with me from Lexington; Tim Feagans, who made the trip from Texas and linked up with Bill Ator coming from Colorado; Glenn Dickenson; Chip Chenery; Chris Watson from Maryland; Todd Jacobs, who came in from South Dakota; Errol Martin, who is still with the FBI living in Stafford, Virginia; Scott Spellmeyer, who came down from

New York; Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, who was able to take time from his excruciating schedule to attend; Raynor Garey; Tim Whitt, who flew in from Arizona; Don Bowers; Andy Schaff; and Brig. Gen. Weedon Gallagher, who was able to attend on a rare weekend off from his duties with the National Guard. Also in attendance were Mike Doczi; Fred Minnegerode; Kenny Robinson; Hunter Trumbo, former class agent; Greg Hatchett; Chuck Smith; and Rob Greenway. I believe all told, we had 23 BRs representing our class. There were also at least a half dozen members of the Class of ’89 and folks representing a number of other classes. All in all, it was a great tribute and true testament to how well-loved and how selfless Mark was for all of us.

On another somber note, Andy England was also back in Virginia, unfortunately for the funeral of his father. England said, “Coley Rice, Dusty Crone, Keats Wade, Monte Loving, and Kenny Robinson were all at dad’s celebration of life and were super supportive. I heard from many others, and their strength was felt. Unfortunately, I misread your email, or rather read what I wanted it to say, so Katy and I showed up yesterday. Needless to say, we were a little early. A couple of other guys made the same mistake, so I did have a rather brief mini reunion with Andy Schaff. Katy and I are heading back to the Midwest today, and I’ll miss Mark’s service. I know that you guys will represent us well.”

This reporting period included matriculation weekend and the start of the new year. First to check in was Pete Mantz: “I was in LexVegas last weekend dropping my daughter off for her 1st Class year. I got to see some of the Rat Line activities, to include ‘strain night.’ I also had the chance to connect with Steve Ross [’83], VMI men’s soccer coach, and the soccer team. What

Class Notes

a great opportunity to meet the team and the new coach, Nick Regan, and have an engaging discussion on character and leadership. I also had the opportunity to run into Neil Whitmore. He was representing the school board during the dedication and renaming ceremony of Rockbridge High School football stadium in honor of Drew Ross, Steve Ross’ son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan a few years ago. Doug Bartlett was there, too, and it was nice to hear some updates on the Foundation.”

Dropping off a son to enter the Corps this year was Ramil Ibanez, whose first reaction after the matriculation of his son was, “My son showed me his Rat Bible from this year; those things are huge compared to ours!” To which Mike Doczi responded, “Is there a digital version of our Rat Bible out there somewhere?” Dave Stanley assured him that “Mike, it’s OK now. If anyone asks you any Rat Bible questions, you don’t have to automatically get into the front leaning rest position!” As it turns out, within minutes, BR Rick Neff responded to this BR in need: “I have a scanned version of my old one, and I just uploaded it to the VMI90.org site at: vmi90.org/ ratbible.zip. It’s not a cleaned-up version, which is something I mean to get around to someday! And it has my scribbling in it, as well as a pretty beat-up cover and beginning/ending pages.”

In memory of our own Matriculation Day, I posted a question as to who still has their OD green fatigues and ball cap. I heard from Doug Harper, Rob Uhorchuck, Dave Yockel, and Mike Mullori, who admitted to having theirs, but none confessed to still wearing them on the anniversary of Breakout anymore. John Burleson apparently tried his on recently and found, “Mine were uncomfortably undersized even when I was around 150 pounds as a rat.”

Next to check in this reporting period was Todd Northrop from Georgia, who passed along contact information for BR Monty Craft, whom he located in the peach state. Monty later checked in from the Uvalda, Georgia, metro area, where he finished a nearly 30-year career working for the Department of Labor and, like many of us, is on to his second career in banking.

Also dropping me a line was Stefan Hertzog, who sent me a note to let me know about his new grandson (another potential pre-strain?). Not long after that, I heard from BR Dennis Bundens, who continues his work with the FBI and seems to be doing very well.

The first ball game of the season, a 24-14 win over Bucknell in the rain, brought out a large crowd of BRs. Mike Kemp and Pablo Martinez were in town for the Keydet Club board meeting. Ken Kovac now has a bit more free time as he is off the presidential detail for the U.S.

Secret Service after a near-record 10 years and three presidents. Ken now works as a congressional liaison for the Secret Service in Washington, D.C. Brian Tate; Chip Chenery; Kvasnicka; Hanford, who had just returned from his place in Idaho; Mark Cunningham; Ibanez; and Terrence Kerner also stopped by my tailgate during the parade. A.J. Johnson came to bum a breakfast taco and was last seen on the ESPN+ game broadcast during a second-quarter commercial break working the grill at his own tailgate prior to the game.

Over the course of the season, I caught up with Tim Haynie, who was in town visiting Virginia from Colorado in October; George Palomar, who brought the family up from Prince William County for a game day visit; Dave Rich, who has a son graduating this year and another son over at Washington and Lee. John Cabell was up for Family Weekend to visit his son, who is a 1st Class cadet, and Jim Manning was also a regular at the games this fall seeing his son. I also caught up with Dave Ratliff, who remains on the mountain in Roanoke, and Brian Tate, who was visiting a son on post. I also heard from reliable sources that BR Joey Clark has a son in the Corps and is

living and working in nearby Buena Vista.

Jim Dufford passed along a picture of himself and John Lanzilotta from a business meeting of their companies in McLean, Virginia. Jim works as his firm’s director of FBI operations, and I’m still not sure what J.P. does, but it must pay well and be interesting, as he’s always turning up somewhere.

My old roommate, Sean Hoover, just relocated from the DFW area to New Hampshire: “We got moved in, but I’m still living in a mountain of boxes. The house is a huge fixer-upper, but with prices doing what they are, I’m glad we didn’t go too big on it. The one plus is we are definitely downsizing some stuff.”

I also heard from my other roommate, Rich Mehl, who is apparently still enjoying being retired and doing some photography stuff from down in Wilmington. Right before the deadline, Mike Mullori checked in to let me know he’d recently heard from Kevin Cavanaugh, who remains down in Florida working at Ponte Vedra Beach marketing and supplying various turf and course products to golf courses around the South.

In local area news, BR Joey Jones is now assistant coaching football for the Rockbridge County High School Wildcats. I still see Ramon and Damon Williams—most recently at a restaurant in Roanoke by the airport—regularly, as well as Charles Plageman. Tom Tolley was up from Buchanan for a game day in October, and I also saw Matt Schwartzman in the area on game day. I ran into Chris Larlee and his wife at the voting precinct on Election Day. Chris has retired from social media but continues to work several jobs, including part-time as a range officer at VMI with the marksmanship program. Finally, there is BR Pat O’Leary, who continues the arduous work of representing the Institute as our chief of counsel, handling everything from labor disputes to Honor Court proceedings and keeping us legal.

1991

Chris Edmonston

fortunate to have been able to visit VMI several times this year—two football games and, of course, our 30th (31st?) Reunion. I think we were one of the last groups to be able to use Moody Hall. I don’t know what we did at the reunion, but it shut Moody down.

I have to say that during a recent trip, which also happened to be an alumni weekend, the Corps looked pretty bad, like they were just learning how to march. I guess the older we get, the more perfect we think we were “back in the Old Corps.” I asked some rats what the day was; no one knew it was “game day baby, game day,” and no one knew what was for lunch. It’s interesting to see how traditions change over time.

I know many of you are not on Facebook, but it is a great way for us to keep in touch and also to see the events that happen in our lives. I have been interested to see how some of our BRs have spent their year. Retirements: Omar Land, for one. New jobs: Pat Madigan is getting the gig as public works director in Lexington. Elections: Chuck Story getting elected to the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors.

It has also been interesting to see projects getting done. Evan Brown’s vacation shack, Steve Smith’s new boat, and Bill McClary’s honey-do list on his property. Sadly, we did lose one BR, Marty Hawkins, and the loss of Buck Sessoms’ child.

It was also interesting to see how many of us have kids getting into college or graduating. Perhaps everyone can send us a list of graduations, births, etc., for posting in future notes.

1992

William Woodward

BRs,

Here are the latest updates from our classmates, a little lighter than normal for this iteration:

In November, Col. John Brodie (Hon), Andy Tate, Tom Timmes, and I attended the annual Institute Society Dinner. A great time was had, but I know there are many more BRs eligible to attend. Please try to attend if you are invited. It would be great to have a strong 1992 turnout. We were slightly upstaged by our Class of 1995 rats, who were at the tables next to us!

John Brodie reports that he is now in his 35th year at the Institute and still loves his job as band director. As usual, he had portions of the band and glee club on display, entertaining the crowd. He is planning to take a group to

the Czech Republic and Germany this year. Tom Timmes is also working at the Institute as a professor in the civil engineering department, as well as being the diving team coach. His wife, Vonda, was also in attendance, and she works in Preston Library. My wife, Leslie, rounded out our table of six at the dinner. I am also including a picture of my son, Will Woodward ’18, and me from a recent family cruise we took in October on the Danube River in Europe. We traveled from Hungary to Romania through Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Take a look at the 2018 class notes for another picture of Will and me in front of a poster of the former Yugoslavian communist dictator, Tito. We had just acquired a few bottles of the local honey schnapps from a Serbian mountaintop distillery!

Anthony Brinkley sent in an update in which he said, “My oldest son, Aidan, started his freshman year at Auburn University, majoring in software engineering. We tried for VMI, but he just was not interested in a military lifestyle (and we were not terribly upset about missing out on the eighthour interstate drives). I am working in strategy and business development for Lockheed Martin Hypersonics. It has been a big change from my normal engineering lead positions. I am continuing to race in trail events on foot across the country and high-altitude/high-elevation gain events. I just finished the Quad Buster in Flagstaff, Arizona, which entailed 16 miles and a 4,000 ft. elevation gain. It has been a butt kicker—as in, I get my butt kicked, but I enjoy the challenge. Trying to stay healthy.”

Jay Frey also sent in an update in which he reports, “I officially retired Oct. 1 from the Marine Corps after 30 years and six months. I was honored to have BRs in attendance at my ceremony, including Will Current, Marc Orgain, Brig. General Dan Shipley, Tony Sexton, Neil Hennigan,

and Andy Tate. Lieutenant General Mark Wise retired me with Dan and my family participating. We moved from Fairfax, Virginia, to our vacation condo on Lake Murray, South Carolina, in July and have thoroughly enjoyed terminal leave with that as our base. In August, we spent a week in Belgium, where we attended a Formula One race at Spa. From there, we spent three weeks in South Africa with a day trip to Lesotho and two days at Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In South Africa, we spent a week on a photo safari which provided a warmup for a six-day hunt safari. I will need to find room for the cape buffalo, greater kudu, zebra, and impala mounts now! My wife, Jennifer, and I are currently sorting out our future on a transatlantic cruise from the U.K. to Miami.” They planned to see Tony and Lisa Sexton in Pompano Beach, Florida, once they arrived in Miami in November.

I got a few quick notes, mostly responding to birthday cards, from Todd Pegg; Lewis Preston; Rich Horn; Scott Swanigan; and my roommate, Charlie Martin. Coach Bartlett, senior vice president of the Keydet Club, also sent in a picture of him visiting Jim Myers. As mentioned in the last Alumni Review, I am including a picture Neil Hennigan sent in of him, Mike Perfetti, and Flip Robles meeting up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for dinner. Neil said Mike Starling set the meeting up but then could not make it, so they carried on without him. Neil also reports that he and Perfetti get together often for a cigar and dinner courtesy of Megan Perfetti. I also saw on the class Facebook page

that Mike Starling, Marc Orgain, and Matt Humphrey met up at University of Virginia for a VMI rugby match in September, while Bill Sharp and Dave Womack met up at VMI for a football game also in September.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have related to what is going on at VMI. If I do not know the answer, I will contact someone at VMI who does and get back to you. Please let me know of any major life events such as marriages (including for our children), births, deaths, and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Agencies and I know so that we can make sure you get all VMI correspondence.

In the Bonds, Woody

Brother Rats!

I hope this finds everyone well as I launch into the penultimate issue of my class notes. I think I’ll have one more in February and then our 30th, which we all know happens April 14–16, and then the reins get taken up by another lucky BR. Be thinking about who you want to nominate!

I’m sending this on the Tuesday before the final home game for this season, which is the battle for the Silver Shako! Hopefully, we’ll have a good showing against The Citadel. I think there’s going to be a fair number of BRs up there, so everyone, take a lot of pictures and send me updates!

Now, on to the updates. I reached out to Troy Spencer after connecting with him on LinkedIn, and he let me know that “life is good—the last few years have been a little bumpy. We lost our horse ranch in Malibu during the Wolsey Fire that took out over 1,000 homes in Malibu in 2018. Fortunately, between insurance (Go, State Farm!), the sale of our burnedout land to our neighbor, and our settlement from SoCal Edison (who basically admitted responsibility for the fire due to faulty equipment), we came out okay. Just the usual bumps and bruises from getting old with two ankle surgeries in 2019 and 2020 to patch me up after I lost a wrestling

Class notes

match with a dirt bike in the back of a pickup truck. But so far (knock on wood), I’m managing to wake up on the right side of the dirt. Still living in Los Angeles and hoping I can keep the circus going for another five years until my youngest finishes high school. After that, who knows where the wind will blow us. It will depend, in part, on where my son and daughter go to college/ start life after college. I sometimes toy with the idea of coming back to Virginia and trying to get an adjunct professor job at VMI, but I still get butterflies in my stomach every time I drive onto campus! Great place to be from, but not so great a place to be! I hope you and your family are doing well, and thanks for your note about my dad. He was a great man, and I was lucky to know him, much less call him Dad. Stay in touch, and thanks for reaching out!” Sorry to hear about the ranch and the surgeries, BR, but glad you’re doing well!

I also crossed paths with Scott Davis on LinkedIn. He said, “All great here. My wife, Nurten, and I live in Fairhope, Alabama. I am playing tennis in my free time. Work is great with Chugach; I have been with them for 21 years now. My oldest son just graduated from Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. He is now working as an architect at GMC in Mobile. My youngest son is a senior mechanical engineering student at Auburn and is already working with Boeing in an internship.

“Life is wonderful in Fairhope. I live on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course here, so if any of our BRs are in Mobile and want to play some golf (or tennis), they should contact me.”

Also, my thanks to James Akers for sharing with me that yet another BR has put up a star!

He’s not on Facebook, and I couldn’t catch up with him by email, but congratulations to BR Rhett Cox! There is a photo on the U.S. Army’s Counterintelligence Command’s Facebook page.

John Fernandez reached out with a great update: “Hello, BRs, I retired from DEA in December after 25 years and started with UBS AG, a Swiss bank, as its law enforcement liaison, based here in the Washington, District of Columbia, area. My father, and one of my all-time heroes, passed in 2020 and was reunited with his wife, my beloved mother, in heaven. Matt Eads and Brad Briller showed up at his funeral last year with their delightful families! I was extremely touched and honored by their presence. My father held both of them and their families in very high regard.

“During Parents Weekend of our rat year, my father met Matt’s dad, and during their conversation, my father happened to mention his business, which was struggling at the time. The two

stayed in touch and became friends. Matt’s dad ended up getting some private investors to invest in my father’s company, which kept it alive until they were able to get a couple of big contracts that got the company going and eventually enabled it to go public. Years later, Matt became my father’s financial advisor and remained so until my dad’s passing. My father was so pleased with the phenomenal world-class service he received from Eads & Heald Wealth Management that he emphatically recommended them to my siblings and me. Several of us have since signed up with them and have been extremely grateful for the extraordinary service and financial security Matt and his company have provided to our family. I’ve also attached a photo of me with my family’s favorite dentist of all time, Dr. Mike Gorman of Smiles for Centreville dentistry. My family and I love Mike and his fellow dentists and staff. He’s so highly skilled and amazing with our four kids. Also, Mike, who has a brother with Down syndrome, can completely relate to my youngest, Luke, who also has Down syndrome. He connects with him so perfectly and is so patient, loving, and sweet with him that Luke often talks about Mike at home. Sending my regards and well wishes to all you BRs. I’ve been so amazed, impressed, and proud of all of your and your families’ incredible accomplishments.” Great update, John; really glad to hear you’re doing well!

Phil Grant reached out to let me know that he’s going to be joining the ranks of grandfatherdom, with four—count them, four—grandbabies due from January to May 2023! I’d be looking forward

to spoiling them, being able to take naps with them but handing them off the second they get cranky. I also have to mention that my beloved Yankees failed me during the playoff run and lost to the Astros, who Phil roots for. We had a bet on the series, so I had to have the horrible Astros star as my profile picture for a week. Phil was a good BR and offered to release me from the bet after three days, but because I am stubborn, I refused. One of our rats, Nick Latsios ’96, also lost the same bet to Phil in the World Series, so he had to rock the star, too. Not our finest moment, but Phil was a good sport about winning, which I am not.

Fred Aldridge, who I haven’t heard from since graduation, sent in an update: “Well, how do I sum up the 29 years since graduation? I married my high school sweetheart soon after graduating, and it has been an amazing ride together. I spent almost 10 years on active duty with the Air Force, but after 9/11, I felt I could better serve the country as an FBI agent. I stayed in the Air National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2013. Along the way, I received my doctorate degree in psychology, and Melissa, the entrepreneur, opened businesses as we moved about the country. We have owned a restaurant, an antique mall, and home decor stores. I am now only days away from retiring from the FBI after a little over 20 years. About a month ago, Melissa opened an online store, so the plan is to work together and grow that business. I will also continue to teach online college courses and may get my private investigator’s license. We currently live in Florence, South Carolina, and own a place on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. The retirement goals are to enjoy working together and spending more time on the beach.”

Congratulations on a great career with the Air Force, ANG, and the FBI, Fred! Enjoy retirement!

Matthew Bowers checked in: “I’m still working for Delta and am now a flight instructor on the 737. My younger son just started at High Point University in North Carolina, and my older son works as a software developer for Trimble Maps. He’s here with us for now since his job is remote, and he’s not sure where he wants to live. Haha.” I feel your pain on that, BR. Our oldest is still at home, too.

I’m friends with Greg Chiasson on Facebook, and he sent me this update: “I actually left VMI after two years, and I immediately joined the Marine Corps Reserve. It then took me another 10 years or so to actually finish college, as I was working full-time in a factory as an industrial mechanic. I finally got a bachelor’s degree, got out of the Marine Reserve, then went on to get a master’s in occupational therapy and a doctorate in physical therapy. Then I got married and divorced and am now living in southern Alabama,

working as a PT. VMI was an incredibly formative time in my life, and I learned things about leadership there that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. Captain McKenzie taught us a couple of courses in Marine Leadership, and he’s now CENTCOM chief. I was in Alpha Company at VMI, and myself, Romasz, and Petty seemed to be in constant trouble as rats. I still remember Romasz putting on his bathrobe and walking down to the first stoop courtyard and throwing snowballs up at us with the other 1st Class cadets. Gosh, that kid was tough, and I thought right then, ‘I want that guy on my side in any kind of fight.’ I heard that Tom Ripley went on to become a recon commander and that Brad Briller was flying F-18s off carriers and went to Top Gun. Anyway, that’s my life in a nutshell.” Glad you’re doing well, Greg.

Max Swoboda also checked in: “There have been a lot of spider logo sightings in Huntsville, Alabama, recently. Jennifer and I have had the pleasure of catching up with Ben Lilly several times now that his company has opened an office down here. We always enjoy the chance to catch a meal or drink when he is in town. I won the door prize at one of his events and toast to ’93 each time I enjoy his bourbon. We also had the pleasure of being the guests of Martha and Steve Brouse ’81 at a debutante party honoring their daughter, who was presented this season. If anyone finds themselves down this way, reach out. We’d love to see you and show you around Rocket City. I am still working in business development for Evoqua.” Thanks for checking in, Max. It’s always fun hanging out with Ben.

Speaking of hanging out with BRs, I had lunch with Rusty Smith and Bob Matson recently. Prior to COVID-19, we had lunch together every couple of months, but we’re starting to find our traction in getting back into the routine. I had a really nice time talking and catching up. There’s really nothing like being able to talk with guys that you’ve got a common bond with, even if it’s been months (or years) since you’ve seen each other.

As for me and mine, we’re rolling into the holiday season. Our youngest just turned 16 years old, so she’ll be getting her license soon. I’ll give fair warning to the greater Richmond area once we turn her loose on the roads—like the other Swineford girls, she seems to view braking as optional, and she seems to think she can beat a light that’s already turned red. Our oldest will probably be moving to Arlington sometime in January, which I view with mixed emotions. She’s ready to move on and start her career, and we’re ready for her to move on and start her career, as little sense as it makes to say that and then the following sentence all in one breath. I still want her home. So, I’ll be dealing with that. Suggest you all buy stock in Maker’s Mark ’cause that’s how I deal. Or

stock in ASICS, because I also deal by running. Our middle girl starts nursing school this January, and she is psyched about it. April and I continue to work away, getting ever closer to retirement, which can’t happen soon enough for me. We’re looking forward to a great holiday and end of the year, and I hope all of you and your families have a great holiday season and a great 2023.

Thanks to everyone that sent in an update. If you’ve never sent one in or haven’t sent one in recently, please consider doing so. You can send it either by email, text, or Facebook. I’d love to hear what y’all are up to. Be well.

’93, ’93, ’93.

1994

Recently at one of the home games, Dustin Devore and Jon Lauder came to the Parade Ground and the football game. Here are Dustin’s comments on the weekend. “Jon Lauder and I traveled to the Institute Friday and took Kevin Vermillion’s son (who is a rat) and his two roommates out to dinner. We also went to the game Saturday with Randy Elliott, Clay Campbell, Carter Baldwin (has a rat son), Charlie Evans, Jeremy Schlussel (son is a 1st), Frank Boehling (son is a 2nd), and Fritz Ligday (also has a rat son). Jon and I care deeply about VMI, and we think you know we are big believers in the Rat Line, the impact it has on the Rat Mass and their development as leaders and eventual class, and the lifelong bonds it develops. Af-

Class notes

ter touring post Friday and Saturday, Jon and I wanted to tell you that the Rat Line is alive and well. Is it as hard as when we were there? In some ways, it is harder, and in some ways, not as difficult. There is not the rat attrition during hell week, etc., we had. However, we can assure you it is still very tough, and we should be very proud of the Institute and our BRs’ sons (and all of the young men and women) who have decided to take the hardest path there is in the military college ranks. Jon and I want to dispel the disinformation out there and tell you the following details:

1.Yes, the rats have to strain, and they are straining hard, I assure you, all over barracks.

2.The rats have a Rat Line now painted on the ground outside of barracks they must follow to get to academic buildings in some areas (tougher than we had it).

3.Jon and I witnessed several corporals ripping into rats big time over Rat Bible knowledge and other transgressions against humanity.

4.Rats cannot have their cell phones in their rooms. They can keep them in their dyke’s room. The dykes often use the phones as a disciplinary tool (do poorly on a test or screw up in the room, no phone for a few days. This system seems to work well).

5.The PT the rats do is tough. They do a lot of humps and obstacle course work. They also ran the stadium stairs 100 times for the 9/11 anniversary.

6. The rats have had one sweat party so far, and I believe it was done after taps.

7.The personal appearance of the Corps was very good. Jon was ‘deeply impressed.’

8. This is the smallest Rat Mass in years. A number of factors to this, but this means a lot more upperclassmen per rat. Also, the attrition rate is down. Current cadets are highly selected.

9.Carter, Kevin, Jeremy, Frank, and Fritz can confirm all, but I think they will agree.”

Got a message from Ty Johnson that he rode out Hurricane Ian while in Florida in his fifth-wheel camper. He and Julie are OK and came out unharmed.

Chris Tujo was recently in Lexington while taking his daughter on a college visit.

Louis Louis was recently featured in UC Medical Center news. He was one of the heart doctors reunited with Madison Edwards, a young patient whose life they saved.

I wanted to say thank you to all the brother rats who reached out and supported me in my run for school board in Fauquier County, Virginia. With your backing and support, we walked away with the win, carrying over 66% of the vote.

Always, Pig

decided to return to college while she uses her athletic eligibility. Pat Maiden drove down to Appalachian State University to watch her play last season, and Andre Johnson ’96 also joined us for a game during her conference tournament in Baltimore.

“I’m now in my second stint as the president of the VMI Club of the Triad Chapter. I definitely appreciate the support I receive from our chapter, and I encourage as many BRs as possible to get active with their local chapter. It’s been great working with Thom Brashears over the years, and I’ll definitely miss him leading the Alumni Association. I’ve also recently just started grad school to get my Master of Business Administration degree, and so far, things are going well.

I keep in touch with my roommates pretty regularly. Jeff Hubbard and I still work for the same company, but we’re still fortunate to still be working from home. Jeff and his family are doing well and supporting his kids in athletics. He ran into John Cross in Greensboro at the AAU Nationals track meet, and both of their kids did well.

I hope all of you are doing well. We just celebrated Founders Day, and the battle for the Silver Shako is this weekend.

I heard from Terry Tucker a while back. Here is what he had to say: “Since my last update, my oldest daughter graduated from college but has

“Tim Williams and his wife just had a baby boy earlier this month. Both mom and baby are doing well. Eric Mattocks came down to Winston-Salem in August and had lunch with Jeff and me. His two oldest kids are off in college now, so he’s definitely feeling that in the wallet.

“Eric also came down and attended the VMI versus Wake Forest football game with us. We were also able to link up with one of our dykes, Curtis

Class Notes

Mason ’92, who I hadn’t seen since he graduated. We also chatted with Terry Batts ’92 and Ricky Mattoso ’96. We had lots of laughs over memories, and it was good to be able to catch up and chat during the tailgate and game.

“That’s about all for now. Take care, and I hope all is well.”

I was in Lexington this past Saturday eating at The Palms with my son and ran into Mark Kincer, Tim Miller, David Mitchell, and Kurt Polk It was so great to see you guys. They had been at the Institute Society Dinner with Lloyd Taliaferro, Taylor Grimes, and Jeremy Ingram. Thanks for being there and representing the Class of 1995 so well!

I will also reiterate what Terry said and thank Thom Brashears for all he did at the Alumni Association. I will miss dropping in and chatting with you. You will be missed in the Alumni Association office, but glad you are still being the voice of the Keydets.

Well, brother rats, that’s all I have for now. Keep those updates coming in. I love hearing from you guys and hope we can all get together again soon.

Rah Virginia Mil!

Joe

Brother Rats, I hope everyone had an amazing fall. This class continues to inspire us with all the news we hear from you all.

I am so happy to announce that Wes Parmer and Lara Fella were married Oct. 15 in Lexington. From the pictures, you can see it was a beautiful day for this amazing couple. It looked like they lived it up in Italy for their honeymoon. Congrats to Wes and Lara!

It is with great respect and admiration that I tell you that Mike Obadal retired from the Army in October. I was proud to see that many BRs showed up to hear about his incredibly impressive career at his retirement ceremony, including John Buchanan, Frank Dingle, Chris Antonelli, Pete Kokolis, Wes Parmer, John Kokolis, Mark Trider, Cedric Canada, Dave Hall, Jamal Thomas, Charles Gates, Bobby Prince, Matt Bahen, and Ricky

Mattoso. Well done, Mike!

Darrell Dudley reached out in September stating that he officially turned 50 this past July. To celebrate, his wife, Alyson, arranged a surprise birthday weekend at Fort Lewis Lodge with several BRs and their families, including Karl Painter, Paul Dickinson, Bill Bolander, Turner Perrow, Tad Blackburn, Taylor Smith, Dallas Richards, Dave Marlow, Tim “Bump” Brock, and Judge Charlton. It was a great weekend of fly fishing, drinking, corn hole, and Dallas teaching everyone’s kids how to play poker. They hope to make this an annual event!

Jeff Simpson reached out with some sad but thankful news he wanted to share. In November 2020, Jethro Piland, John Gray, Jeff Bradford, and Ron Heimberg visited Jeff about a monthand-a-half before his wife passed away from a very hard two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron purchased two big bags of fried chicken,

Class notes

accessories, and beer to come over and see how they were doing. The guys even brought rakes to clean up leaves. It was such an uplifting and very-needed distraction from all Jeff and his family were going through. What a great group of guys. Life is still hard for Jeff and his family, especially after being with his wife since he was 17, and she put up with him through all four years at the “I.” He wanted to share this story to show how much BRs come together when life is at its worst. Let’s make sure we continue to reach out to Jeff and support him and his family.

Sadly, Joe Brockman’s father recently passed. Gen. Brockman was buried with full military honors in memory of a long career in the Army and National Guard. There was an impressive showing of brother rats there. Gray Lane, Wyndham Buerlein, Erik Michalski, Russ Moore, Chris Oakey, Pete and John Kokolis, Jethro Piland, and Wallace Inge were in attendance to support Joe and his family.

Wallace Inge reached out to tell everyone that about two years ago, he and Kristie, Tommy, and Grace moved from Short Pump to a small farm in Beaverdam in the great county of Hanover. They love their old farmhouse, their neighbor cows, and the horses, but their goats weren’t their favorites. So, when Chris Oakey called from his much larger farm in Buckingham County with two donkeys he didn’t want anymore, a trade was in order. Chris brought him two donkeys and took two goats home to his farm. In between, they had some barbeque that was neither goat nor donkey. Wallace and his family also spent another Labor Day weekend at Sunset Beach with Caroline, Laura, and Dan Hoover. Their beach group is down from eight to six, as Dan had recently dropped his son, John, off at Virginia Tech, and their daughter, Grace, is a sophomore at the University of Virginia. They are in year 17 of this family tradition.

Wallace Inge ran into VMI football alums Marlon Anderson and Jason Ross while on post to watch his nephew, Thomas Inge ’25, who starts at guard on the o-line for the Keydets. Jason was there with his son, who was on an official visit as a football recruit.

On an unseasonably warm fall day, Gray Lane and Wallace joined Capt. Erik Michalski on his boat on Lake Anna. Erik is a natural at the captain’s wheel, even better than at piloting planes. We did some tubing and wakeboarding; all went well until Gray lost his shorts tubing, but don’t worry, they were quickly found.

Mike Ohleger sent a quick note to let us know he ran his 16th Marine Corps Marathon in honor

of Jamie Edge and both of his sons, Jake and Graham Edge ’22, with Wear Blue: Run to Remember.

Dave Hall’s daughter, Lydia, just won the Virginia state women’s field hockey championship for the third year in a row! An amazing accomplishment; congrats, Lydia!

Guess who is the newest Class of ’96 dad!? Finn Brian Buchanan was born Aug. 21 at 9:15 a.m. in Arlington, Virginia, to John and Kate Buchanan John reports they are all doing well. John’s previously youngest child, his daughter and Wallace’s niece, Hannah Buchanan, is a freshman at Florida International in Miami, where she was recruited to run track and cross country.

Finally, I caught up with Vern Wilkens last month. Vern has recently started a side career as a social media influencer! He goes by the handle names “The-V-man” and “V-Wilke.” I was impressed by his strategy and his first sponsor pickup, which is a T-shirt company that makes white V-neck and white sleeveless V-neck T-shirts out of sustainable material made from milkweed plants. He was even able to set it up so these shirts can be purchased with VernCoin.

All the best to you and your families, Jon and Nick

how great we’ll all feel reading about it in the past tense! Just as quickly as it arrived, it seemingly passed by us. But let’s not start counting down to our 50th just yet, however, and instead savor the weekend when, for once, not only was 1997 the best class in barracks, but it ensured its place as the most respected class in barracks for years to come. The weekend will be a long-lasting, great memory for me and hopefully all of you, due to the hard work of many, not the least of whom are the brother rats of the great Class of 1997.

So, at the expense of sending the eyeballs of those who attended into the backs of their heads as they read a play-by-play of the reunion, I will instead provide a (relatively) brief synopsis of the key events, which will hopefully give those who could unfortunately not attend a whiff of what they missed. Or didn’t miss. Or may have forgotten about. Whatever the case, let’s start with:

Thursday, when the brave souls with steel livers, also known as “early arrivals,” opted to join each other at the sole surviving downtown Lexington eating establishment since 1997 beyond stalwarts of the Southern Inn and the Palms: Salerno’s. This is no longer the Salerno’s of your cadetship at the bottom of hospital hill with barely enough room for a TAC officer to hide and jump on unsuspecting 3rds. No, no, the Salerno’s of today has moved “uptown;” taken over half a city block; prepares artisan, wood-fired pizzas; and serves craft beers out of card-operated dispensers! Talk about delusions of grandeur! If it weren’t for Flounder Ogletree in his “Trophy Husband” shirt to keep it real, you could have easily mistaken our class for a bunch of hoi-polloi high-rollers seeking the right grape varietal to accompany our artichoke-infused, crème-fraiche topped pizzas. Fear not, friends, as things started to look up when Elk Richardson, celebrating his birthday weekend in addition to his 25th Reunion, showed up with Eric Ash, Matt Smith, and a solid determination to deplete Salerno’s of whatever supply of foo-foo beers were left on tap. Things got so intense that even Matt Perry left early, and he used to drink beer from a rugby shoe. So, you can see why we had to leave and go to the Palms.

Gentlemen of the Old Corps!

If reading about our 25th Reunion in preparation for its arrival made you feel old, I can only imagine

Where, surprisingly, they let all of us through the door at 9:30 p.m., about half an hour before the scheduled closing. The Palms? Closing at 10 p.m.? That’s definitely not the Palms I remember, but the majority of us were commensurately civilized, and when the time came to leave (well, after 10 p.m.), no baseball bats appeared from behind the bar, even after the attempted Old Yell. In fact, they even served us food before we left, and a few

Class notes

lucky souls got to leave accompanied by local tour guides who were more than happy to show our BRs some of Lexington’s finer overnight accommodations. The crowd dispersed quietly, I am told, in order to properly rest and prepare for Friday’s full day of scheduled activities, which included— thankfully—a paint ’n sip class!

Just kidding! Paint ’n sip was canceled due to a lack of interest and the unwillingness of most of the class to want to appear middle-aged, responsible, and interested in art. Instead, various portions of the class went to go shoot things (a great event as reported by the survivors, Justin Chezem, among them), chase little white balls around an open field (recorded as the longest round of 18 holes in VMI history with the most sunburns, according to Bill Stagg), and foolishly hike up House Mountain the longest way possible (from Ad Hagan’s cabin, which I think is in Rappahanock County). Rumor has it there were some non-sanctioned reunion events that occurred, maybe even on motorcycles, but we will not speak of such events here and simply remain thankful for the large number of brother rats who are members of the cloth, a few of whom attended this weekend, for the general safety and well-being of the motorcycle. We must also thank our brother clergy rats for the spectacular weather they requested, which persisted spectacularly throughout the entire day and, ultimately, the entire weekend. Things wound down long enough in the afternoon to prepare for the class dinner in VMI’s Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics. Some took naps, some took showers, and some simply woke up and came to dinner.

Dinner kicked off promptly at cocktail hour, which, for some, may never have ended from the day prior. There was a tremendous turnout of brother rats, spouses, significant others, and even cadets of brother rats, totaling about 130 people. The superintendent even stopped by with his wife and spent a great portion of the evening working the room, socializing with many brother rats, and being inspired by Slemp. Seeing how exciting and fun things were getting, Ad and I put an abrupt halt to that by getting on stage to make some bad jokes, run through a weekend schedule that everyone already had loaded on their phones, and generally hear ourselves talk. The highlight of the evening, other than seeing Mike “Chief Rocker” Irlbacher for the first time since pre-strain summer and, I think, Mike Wrenn’s beard, was the informal induction of some of our brother rats into VMI’s Hall of Valor. If you’re not aware, the Hall of Valor is where anyone who attended VMI and subsequently earned a valor medal during their military service may display their full collection of medals earned while serving. I am proud and honored to announce that brother rats Baker, Brooks, Delapenta, Hasseltine, Himel, Moore, Osborne, and Riggs each have displays in the hall. If you have

not already done so, please take a little time during your next visit to post and stop by the Hall to see not only evidence of valor within our own ranks but throughout VMI’s history; it is well worth your time.

The most solemn moment of the weekend was most likely Saturday’s first event. In honor of brother rats we have lost since matriculation— Herbert, McClean, Gagliardi, Neely, and Powers—the class conducted a memorial service in Memorial Garden led by brother rats Ramatowski and Steele. Also present were a bugler and a piper to sound taps and Amazing Grace, respectively. The location, Ed’s and Joe’s words, the music, the reading of the names by different brother rats, and the presence of the members of the Class of 1997 together afforded the most touching and meaningful moment to honor the memory of our friends. I cannot thank Ed and Joe enough for coordinating and leading this respectful ceremony.

Immediately following the memorial service, the class adjourned to the steps of Preston Library to participate in the time-honored tradition of sucking in stomachs crammed into tucked-in polo shirts for a class photo. The event was highlighted by the participation of Ferg’s dog and the late arrival of Brother Rat Punmungkol, dashing in fashionably late from an embassy event in Washington, D.C.

From the steps of the library, the class stumbled to the honored class position on the Parade Ground to take the review. Weirdly, the three of us standing next to the superintendent taking the review are all Marines, and we found ourselves committing the ultimate taboo of Marine taboos, saluting uncovered! Howard, Slemp, and I decided before the review that we best do what the superintendent does and salute when he salutes during the parade to attract the least amount of attention to our class before the end of the day, especially since the tailgate, football game, and picnic had yet to happen, and there were already flasks being passed around during the class photo. Fortunately, none of our knees locked, and none of us passed out during the review, rendering us capable of marching into the barracks courtyard for Old Yells and the witnessing of Addison climb the sentinel box without breaking anything—namely, his neck. The rest of us less agile folk, including Hobbs, Howard, and Slemp, opted for the safe, old-man way to the top of the sentinel box via the stairs. Suffering no injuries and only limited embarrassment inside barracks, the class made its way across the Parade Ground to ...

... the tailgate! Unfortunately for us, the honored class, the 50-year renovation of Moody Hall is occurring 30 years late and on the same weekend as our reunion, so our tailgate, originally planned for the Moody Hall terrace with sweeping views of the Parade Ground on the most glorious weather weekend in recent reunion history,

was strategically located off the Parade Ground and behind Smith Hall. Maybe the Institute saw us coming, or maybe there were some nebulous rules about alcohol on the Parade Ground at work that got us this fine location; nonetheless, the chow was good, and the bartending staff did great keeping up with class demand. Onward to ...

... the football game, which mostly went as I remember football games going as a cadet, that is to say, not in our favor, regardless of how valiantly and exquisitely our Keydets took the fight to the field. And during this game, the Keydets fought hard, for sure. After the first half, members of the class presented our class check to the superintendent on the football field, and Addison said some nice words about the record amount of donations we were presenting the Institute and how they represent the legacy of our class and that of future classes, to include those classes containing sons and daughters of brother rats—LaMountain, Coley, Hagan, Hickman, and Aughinbaugh—who have attended or are now attending VMI. With the exception of Billy LaMountain, who could not attend the reunion, all fathers were on the field for the presentation. It was truly a great moment for the class and our brother rat cadet dads.

What is a class event without a picnic at McKethan Park? A safe one, for starters, but also a very dull and non-1997 party, to be sure. To finish up the weekend of events, the class congregated at the scene of multiple past crimes—Ring Figure, and a handful of reunions, just to name a few—to dance poorly and eat a lot. Thank you, Brother Rat Bonham and his wife, for hooking us up with the DJ, who provided the right music that only Drace Clevenger could dance to and not look drunk doing it.

So, that, in a (brief?) nutshell, was our 25th Reunion. While I got to see and catch up with many brother rats, there were a large number I missed. I apologize; my intent had been to chat with each of you, get caught up, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and traveling ridiculously far (Tony Bobb) to celebrate our class. I regret that I didn’t. I will continue to reach out to you on your birthdays and for other events to maintain or reestablish our connection.

I am honored to have been presented with thoughtful and stunning gifts from the class and been thanked in person by so many of you. I appreciate the sentiment and thank you for your kind words, but it is truly my honor to be our class agent, and I have loved (almost) every minute of it. As far as the reunion planning and coordination go, there was a sizeable team of brother rats, lovely people in the Alumni Association, and dedicated folks on post who made our reunion the success that it was. Not least of which among this group is Addison Hagan, who, quite frankly, did the lion’s share of work to get this reunion to the level it was

Class Notes

Class of 1997

1. Two long-distance travelers sharing a moment at the 25th Reunion: Brad Aughinbaugh from California (left) with Tony Bobb from Guam.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni

4. Tony Spevak brought a touching memento to the class photo at the 25th Reunion: A framed photo of his roommates, Chad Neely and Win Gaulding.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

5. Dave Hudock, class agent, says of this photo, “This picture looks like it was taken when we were cadets, but it was taken our reunion weekend. It seems Noah Slemp’s name still persists in barracks after all these years later!”

6. Reunion attendees wait for the Old Yells to start.

executed. He is indeed the glue that holds this class together in many ways, and I would be completely remiss if I did not mention his tireless work and bottomless dedication to the class. Thank you, Addison, for all that you do for us.

And thank you, Class of 1997, for being the best class in barracks.

travel with a district manager at Home Depot on a hunting trip (mutual friends), and his first question of me was if I knew Jabarr. After I shared our history, he obliged by telling me lots of wonderful things about him at Home Depot, including how he was a role model for so many of their current leaders, himself included, which is not a surprise yet took on an even more special meaning because this gentleman is our age. Rest in peace, Jabarr. You are truly missed by all who had the pleasure and honor of meeting you.

Christian Craft checked in and provided a number of updates for the review. I would like to thank Christian and a team of BRs who are actively working to contact the class and drive excitement for our 25th Reunion, which is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 28, 2023. Christian and several volunteers are taking to the airways to contact each of you in an effort to encourage most to attend. We intend to create a Class of 1998 Memorial Fund with this endeavor to honor all of our brother rats who have, and unfortunately will, pass on. Ryan Landmann, Mike Rodgers, Cale Christensen, Matt Guise, Rich Daughtridge, Jimmy Stanley, Gardner Mundy, Bobby Heely, Andre Thornton, Tom Warburton, Demetri Poulos, and Christian Craft are working together to communicate with the class about our reunion and the goals of the committee and the class. Our goal is to reach out to all brother rats, inform them of our reunion, and figure out a way to have as many BRs back to VMI as possible. Our motivation is to reunite our class and recharge old friendships. Now is the time! After losing Jabarr and others, we cannot express this intention enough.

Simultaneously, myself and Thierry Lemercier are here in Lexington planning the actual weekend

with feedback from anyone that wants to share—a smaller group of 10 folks have been discussing for several months. Our goal is to deliver a weekend worthy of all coming back, make sure that our families of all ages enjoy it, and hopefully start a tradition of gathering annually for a football game versus just every five years. We are going into this reunion with a deficit to the Institute of $6,000 for past party planning and lack of funding, so we will be working to offer swag, blazers, and more in the months ahead so that we can have an affordable weekend while also leaving the 25th Reunion with no debt to VMI. Several recent classes had the same opportunity and were able to accomplish similar.

Christian also shared these updates: Justin Wolfe flew into RIC airport with his squadron for a training mission with Maryland Air National Guard and the Australian Special Forces Group. He was promised that no picture would be submitted, and it was great to see him fly and meet his crew!

Ryan Landmann has officially retired from U.S. Air Force and is transitioning to civilian life in Florida.

Mike Rodgers is doing well in Maryland with his wife and three children.

Cale Christensen is in Maryland as well and doing well. Cale, I actually ran into Heath Edmiston at a concert in Charlotte, at which time I promised to connect you guys. I am going to bone myself because, as of this edition, I have not done so, but a random text is coming.

Back to the updates from Christian: Matt Guise and Christian communicate frequently, and he is doing well.

Hello again from Lexington, Virginia, and what seems like another summer gone too fast, with fall already closing out. I hope that this edition finds you doing well.

Sadly, I must start this edition with an unfortunate moment of silence and tribute to our beloved class vice president, Jabarr Bean, who left us Aug. 23, 2022. Unfortunately, we had gone to print when news of his passing became public, and I know that it has rocked our class upon hearing of the news. In the days following his passing, I received numerous emails/texts from BRs checking in on what we are doing as a class, etc., and most of these contacts were from people I have not heard from since I took over the class agent role. Jabarr was a class act and one of the humblest top performers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His impact on those he met is a constant discussion point with anyone I have had the opportunity to meet, and it actually gives me chills as I type this note. I recently had an opportunity to

Christian has started his career in the U.S. Army Reserve as a first lieutenant with AMEDD, 7457 Medical Operational Readiness Unit in Richmond. This is a very new adventure for a 47-yearold man, and he is trying to get green according to Army standards, and proudly, he did pretty well in ACFT. Congrats, Christian.

Travers Clemons and Tim Trant completed the New River Challenge Triathlon in September and finished in the top five in their age group! Christian believes that Travers, Tim, and Jon Gonzalez are training for Xterra Triathlon in May of next year. Thanks for sharing, Christian. Those guys are animals even today—Rah Virginia Mil!

Here in Lexington, I had the pleasure of attending the 25th celebration of women in September and shutting down the city with Kevin Trujillo and the Class of ’01 graduates in attendance following the event. Sadly, I missed our BRC appointment a few hours later, but Kevin (always the trooper) made it standing tall. The night was a very moving tribute to the female graduates of the Institute and started with a walk down memory lane of the inaugural year, which truly showcased our leadership, and the success of the Class of 1998

was heard from in history! The videos and media clips from our 1st Class year were so awesome to watch, and I had not watched most of the footage before. I am sure most of us were unaware of the world around us that year, but it was cool to watch. Kevin delivered an awesome update to the crowd, and coincidentally, I chose a table in the center of the room before everyone got there for the Class of ’98. The picture included Kevin Trujillo, Ernesto Sampson, Andre Thornton, J.P. Morris, and Joey Bates. When we arrived at our seats, the ladies from the Class of ’01 were right next to us. Totally random yet fitting for this event. All of the returning female graduates were blown away and appreciative of the path created by the “OG” Class of ’01 graduates and also very interested in learning more about the journey our class endured to get there.

Kevin Trujillo is doing great but runs the country weekly in his role with Special Ops. It is quite impressive to listen to and also humbling when comparing it to what I find myself doing weekly. He is looking forward to the next chapter of his life so that he can be around more with his wife and sons. I am hoping to see him again soon in the future as he returns to Lexington more.

Andre Thornton is doing great, and we shared a lot of conversations about Jabarr and the aspirations we have around a memorial fund for our fallen classmates.

Ernesto Sampson and his family are doing well, although he had recently helped his daughter lose a “box car” race because, in his words, she would not listen to proper design recommendations. He is very involved in the VMI community and anxiously looking forward to our reunion where he can be “one of the guys.”

J.P. Morris made the pilgrimage across the mountain with his wife, and it was great catching up, although it was very brief and quick. He wants to help put together a firearm raffle in support of the reunion funding, so we may get cracking on that shortly. J.P., let’s link up.

I ran into Kelly Cook at the local football grudge match, and he and his family are doing great. Kelly is very humble, but his sons continue his legacy and continue to flourish on the local gridiron at all levels (college graduate to Little League), and the Cooks are a mainstay in local sports. I helped with the punt, pass, and kick recently, and his youngest won several awards. He looks like a miniature Kelly on the field.

Thierry Lemercier and I talk quite a bit and get together every few months. He and Jess are busy running the Abigail Inn with

their daughter but doing very well. He is taking a very active role in the “social planning” here in Lexington for our reunion, which gives us an advantage since he is in hospitality.

My son and I hunted youth day at Sean Hicklin’s farm, and our daughters continue to be animal lovers and enjoy playing in the barn for hours on end. We saw the shooter but were not able to connect with a shot, so I am hoping we return for round two soon. Huck and I are currently planning a pilgrimage to Ohio for next year’s opening week of muzzleloading as he was motivated by my recent trip to make the trek. He and his family are doing well.

If you find yourself returning for a football game or other reasons in Lexington, please hit me and/or Thierry up. We would love to meet up.

The quickest way to reach me is via text or at joeybates@hotmail.com, and my commitment to you is a response, along with working tirelessly to

make sure we all enjoy the trips to post in the years ahead.

I hope you are well, and when you read these notes in February 2023, you take a few minutes to shoot me an email, Facebook Messenger, or text message so that I have more to share. If you are coming to town this fall/winter for any activities, then please give me a shout in advance ... Rah Virginia Mil! ’98’, ’98, ’98.

1999

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Class of 1999,

I hope this edition of notes finds each of you well. As I assemble these notes, Thanksgiving is just a week away, and the Christmas holiday season is around the corner. It’s during these times when we have the special opportunity to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. These blessings are in no small way a product of living in a nation built on the fundamental truth that all men are created equal and have equal opportunity in the freest and most prosperous country on earth. Thank you to all the veterans and citizens who, in order to form a more perfect union, have sacrificed to establish justice, worked to ensure domestic tranquility, participated in our common defense, promoted general welfare, and secured the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. It is always a pleasure to hear of all the great work our brother rats are doing all over the world!

To that end, Ian Bobbitt offered the following update: “The Bobbitt family is still living in Greenville, South Carolina, and I continue to work at Michelin. Travel is picking up for work, and I had the opportunity to visit France a couple of weeks ago. My wife, older son, and I were able to go a week early and had the opportunity to visit the Normandy region. While touring the American sector of Normandy, I got to catch up with John Bolt, who is working at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Amazing trip and great to see a BR.”

Ben Kinkaid writes, “Court Whitman, Foster Beeker, Jeremy Obenchain, and I visited VMI Sept. 17, 2022, first time

Class notes

back in a long while for all of us. The recent passing of our BR and roommate Chris Reid brought us together. We decided the best way to honor Chris was to come together at VMI, spend time reconnecting with each other, and recount great memories of Chris. Our roommate Roger Hart was unable to make the trip, but I caught up with him in Richmond, and he was with us in spirit. Brother Rat Dallas Clark rolled out the red carpet for us, and it was awesome catching up with him at the parade, tailgating, the game, and during a visit to barracks. We paid homage to Chris in rat Room 490 and then in 322, where we started our time as 3rds in Old Barracks’ best room. We met two current residents of 322 (waking one up from what looked like a pretty glorious rack nap) and talked to them about Chris and his legacy, of which they are now a part. It was awesome connecting with them in that room 25 years after we lived there! Amazing that rooms are the same except for AC (really?), and heating that doesn’t keep you up at night. Thank you, Dallas, for making it all happen and for helping us to honor Chris appropriately. Chris, a.k.a. Stinkweed, a.k.a. Big Perm, we love you and miss you, man.” Ben, the class can’t thank you enough for honoring Chris in such a special way. Thank you for the note, and stay safe!

A lot has been happening in the life of John Wilcox John offered the following update: “Greetings from ‘the center of the Army universe,’ Fort Bragg! Lots of activity from team Wilcox over the past few months. I took command of the Fort Bragg garrison in June. For anyone like me who wasn’t sure what that meant, it’s basically like being the mayor. Since assuming command, time has been a blur. I’ve mainly focused on rebuilding a support network across Fort Bragg and our surrounding communities. We are working through some of the hard challenges of modernizing a post after 20 years of constant deployments and, of course, a global pandemic that changed so many aspects of our daily lives. There have been some unique perks of the job: I got to meet Walker Hayes (of Applebee’s song renown) during our Fourth of July celebration and got to throw out the first pitch at the local minor league baseball game. It’s challenging and dynamic, but I am really enjoying the job. I’m in good company at Bragg; BR Dave Kaczmarek has the 95th CA Brigade, Dan Gibson ’98 is the 82nd DIVARTY commander, and Mike Belenky ’97 commands the 44th Medical Brigade, among just a few of the commanders who are VMI graduates here. Nellie and the kids are doing well,

growing fast, and never letting me forget that no matter how much of a big shot I pretend to be, the real boss is the lady of the house! The Room 108 BRs are still working on our long-overdue mini reunion, but I did manage to link up with Johnny Mac McMahon during a quick trip up to the Institute a few months ago. He’s looking good and trying to balance work and time as a dad. I’m still hopeful we can get the Crigler and Thompson clans together soon, as well. I got to hang out with, Colonel Adrian “Bogey” Bogart ’81, VMI commandant, with whom I’ve served downrange. We shared a bottle of scotch and got a tour of the commandant’s house, which was really interesting and a neat side of VMI history few get to see. If anyone is coming through the Fort Bragg area, please drop me a note; I’d be glad to give any of our BRs a guided tour around the Army’s largest post by population. In the meantime, my best wishes to you all for a wonderful holiday season and for a new year filled with opportunity!”

Brian Long is working at Marine Corps Systems Command as the lead developmental tester for the logistics combat element. Brian, his wife Melissa, and children live in Ruther Glen, Virginia, and join other valiant road warriors fighting the daily traffic on I-95. Brian reports his son, Gavin, 14, and daughter, Sadie, 8, are happy they will soon get a break from school for the holidays. Thanks for the update, Brian!

Charles Reinhold is making progress on his business, the Virginia Foothills Distillery & Co. Chuck passed along that the project is moving along well, and they’re in the last phase of renovations while bourbon production continues at another distillery. VFD&C will soon be open in Barboursville, Virginia, on the corner of Routes 20 and 33. The distillery is on Facebook, and BR Reinhold will have the website up soon!

Barry Williams delivered the following brief update: “All is well with my family and me. I am currently attending the War College at the National Defense University located at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. To that end, I am in Ottawa, Canada, attending an acquisitions course for a few more days. I am here training with some Canadian officers as part of one of my courses. Pretty chilly, but overall, it’s been a great trip.”

It was great to receive an email from Brother Rat Travis Quesenberry this month. Travis writes, “I’m still live in Roanoke, Virginia, so anyone passing through or making a trip to the ‘I,’ please drop me a line and stop in. I ran into Robbie Trent at my oldest son’s high school graduation back in May. Robbie says he is retired from

Class Notes

the Army and is still working as a civilian in the Fort Bragg area. I see Andy Fuller and his wife, Melissa, frequently at local school events, and Andy heads up our local alumni chapter events. I had the opportunity to spend a night with John Wright and his wife, Kerry, at their house south of Richmond. John is working in the area VDOT office, keeping our bridges and roads safe, and has two kids keeping him busy. I stay in touch with Barry Williams, who is suffering through yet another military education in the Washington, D.C., area, but I’m sure he is holding everyone else to a higher standard. This past summer, I ran into Jake Britt on post while there for a football

camp. Jake is doing great things as a fire department chief in the counties outside of Richmond.

On the civilian side, I’m the vice president and a partner in a manufacturer’s representative company within the commercial construction industry. On the military side, I’m still in the Army Reserve (my other full-time job) and took a brigade command in July. Last year, Woody Cromley and I graduated from the Army War College as classmates, and he is doing great on active duty in the Army Reserve. Finally, my oldest son, Andrew, decided to matriculate into the Rat Mass of 2023+3. It is surreal dropping your kid off there, knowing the challenges they face, while you know all the solutions, but it is up to them to walk their own path.” Congratulations, Travis, on assuming brigade command and for your son’s desire to take the road less traveled. We’re certain it will make all the difference.

BRs, please keep the Alumni Association informed of your updated contact information. Changes/updates can be sent to Mary Price at mprice@vmiaa.org or to me. I look forward to speaking with each of you soon, but until then, all the best to you and your families and Rah Virginia Mil!

BR Jay Witt

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2000.

Back in September, the Alumni Agencies and the Institute celebrated 25 years of women at VMI, and as expected, our class was well-represented. Although family obligations kept me from attending, I received notes from Kim Herbert that it was a resounding success. Kim shares that Erin Pettyjohn (Claunch), Angela Scott (Winters), and Melissa Williams were all on panels during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Women at VMI. She also shares,

Happy Winter, Class of 2001!

While I am certain Mr. Clemens did not spend any notable time at our beloved Institute in the winter, this quote almost assuredly leads me to believe he was once in the company of a group of brother rats looking back 25 years and telling the same stories as if it were yesterday. As for us, yes, it’s been 25 years since we matriculated together and, in doing so, celebrate the strength, intellect, and fortitude of our landmark class.

Class notes

“It was great to see Kevin Trujillo ’98, Class of ’98 president, that weekend, as well; it was his first time back to the Institute.” Joey Bates ’98 was also in attendance. Tennille Barnabi (Chisholm) was on the committee that helped plan the event; however, she was unable to attend. Will Alley was there with his daughter, Carlee Scott, who is interested in VMI; it’s hard not to be convinced with such an amazing group of women supporting our ranks.

Back in November, I heard from Rich Groen, who wrote in to share he was commanding the 3rd Squadron, the 3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, and just returned from a deployment with advisors in Iraq, Jordan, U.A.E., and Saudi Arabia. He also shares that Hank Charles Groen was born Aug. 29, 2022, and mom and baby are doing great!

Randy Hager, a City of Richmond police officer, just got off of active duty orders from a mobilization to Kuwait and hopped right back on orders for an active duty assignment in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Trying to avoid going back into police work, he and his family are enjoying the NOVA life of being a Metro ride away from a seemingly infinite number of museums. Glad you escaped the Richmond “mafia” for a little while longer, Randy!

John Niederhaus writes in to share, “My wife, Silke, and I made it down to Chattanooga for Eric and Lauren Gannon’s wedding Oct. 7. The ceremony and reception were held at the top of Lookout Mountain, but they are living outside of Nashville where Eric has a farm and orchard. Between Eric and Ben Griffith, I think we could put together a nice farm-to-table restaurant and tasting room. If only they weren’t thousands of miles apart. Randy Hager and family also visited us over the summer between returning from overseas deployment and starting his assignment at the Pentagon.”

At the National Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington, D.C., Matt Meyers was able to catch up with Adam Woytowich, Jeff Kuehne, Matt Staton ’99, and Maj. Gen. Marti Bissell. Of particular note, Staton is now the executive assistant to chief congressional legislative liaison of the U.S. Army, and Maj.Gen. Marti Bissell is the deputy commanding general, training and doctrine command, Virginia National Guard. She was

also the first female VMI TAC officer back in 1997 who helped welcome in our class. Matt shares, “The AUSA annual meeting is the largest DoD-centric exhibition and trade show in the U.S. and is the first major show of the new government fiscal year. Many VMI graduates explore roles in the aerospace and defense industry where the VMI network remains strong, giving alumni from many generations the opportunity to connect. VMI alumni presence

is high both in uniform and across the defense industry in attendance, as well as cadets and staff from the VMI Army ROTC department. Matt Meyers ’01, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., attends AUSA with his company every year and sent in a few photos from last month’s event. B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. (bemeyers.com) is a defense technology manufacturer based in Redmond, Washington, specializing in laser systems for defense, law enforcement, and aviation applications worldwide, as well as some U.S. consumer shooting sports products.” Thanks, Matt! He also shared that VMI even had a booth on display! I recommend new mini reunions in Washington, D.C., in October. Who’s with me?

Lastly, I’d like the end the notes by making a special recognition and express my deepest sympathy to the families of Marcus Lynch Jr. and Mr. Howard Cook for their losses.

Marcus was a positive, uplifting, and engaging friend. I didn’t know him well, but I do remember he had an outgoing personality that would lift the mood in any room. While running track and breaking Southern Conference records, he met the future love of his life, Amanda, who was attending Mary Baldwin at the time. And like the storyline taken out of a Hollywood movie, although they drifted apart, they found their way back to one another and were married in 2015. Marcus and Amanda have two daughters, Violet-Hazel and Primrose (Hazy and Rosebud), and two step-children, Justin and Ava. Taken from his obituary, “Marcus was radiant, he was brilliant, and he had the world in front of him. ... He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.”

Mr. Howard Cook was an immense supporter of our class long after Howie Cook III died in 2011. Mr. Cook lived in West Point, Virginia, and supported the local high school with a memorial scholarship in Howie’s name and the annual Wreaths Across America event for the cemetery in Amelia, Virginia, where Howie is buried. Mr. Cook never hesitated to share a photo or a story and was proud to be a part of the VMI family, but more closely, our 2001 family. Thank you for your devotion to the Institute and your devotion to our class.

To Marcus and Mr. Cook: You are gone, but you are never forgotten. Rest easy. Your brothers and sisters of 2001 will take it from here.

2002

Brother Rats,

As I write these notes, the dark ages of fall have begun yet again. I hope you and yours are well! Once again, there is a dearth of class notes that were submitted, which I think has been a theme with our class for many reasons,

in these class notes. However, if I continue to have limited alumni information to report in this venue, please be prepared to be inundated with Khawaja family pictures ... so please send in some notes!

Again, I hope all is well with you and yours. Rah Virginia Mil!

In the Spirit, Salmaan

2003

William Talley V

P.O. Drawer 751

Petersburg, VA 23804 (C) 804/712-0801

wht5@whts.com

Brother Rats,

When this set of notes hits your mailbox, it’ll be mid-February, and we’ll be about two months away from our 20th Reunion. If you’ve not registered already, go do it now. I knew the deadline forthissetofnoteswasrapidlyapproachingasit’s always just after Founders Day. Subconsciously, I know I’ve been dreading this set of notes due to the loss of our BR Tripp Robbins Oct. 2, 2022. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to make it known that we lost a BR. It’s definitely the worst part about being class agent. It’s also an honor to be able to make sure that the loss is noted in the Alumni Review so all fellow alumni are aware. I don’t have the right words to do justice in describingthemanthatTrippwas.IthinkChrisAdamsdidamasterfuljobinaccomplishingthistask

but thankfully Jason and Allison Breeding have some very exciting news to share! Their second child, a son, Grayson Tobias, was born at 12:49 a.m. Oct. 20, 2022. Allison and Grayson are doing well, as are dad and big sister Audrey. Grayson was born at 9 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20-and-a-half inches long. Congrats to the Breeding family! My family has grown, as well, but I find it strange to write about myself

when he spoke at Tripp’s memorial service. If you’ve not watched it, I urge you to do so. The link is on our Class Facebook page. For those of you who aren’t aware, Tripp leaves behind his wife, Heather, and children, Sam (daughter, 7 years old) and Quade (son, 3 years old). In them, his legacy will carry on, and in all of us who knew and loved him, his memory will carry on. We love you, BR and Heather; we’re here for you and the kids in whatever role we can be of support.

I want to thank Chaz Wagner for being the social butterfly he has been the last few months. Chaz sent

photos of him catching up with BRs in various places and continues to make sure I’ve got material to put in these notes. Thanks, BR! Chaz was caught with long-lost BR Will Diaz in October. I’m not exactly sure of the location, but I did get an updated mailing address for Will, so hopefully, we’ll see him in April. I also want to thank Chris Mision for his efforts in trying to coordinate an ’03 gathering at a Washington Capitals game. I know the response hasn’t been what was hoped, but I greatly appreciate Chris taking the initiative and making the effort to try and put something together.

Derek Overstreet checked in with me in mid-September. He reports that life has been pretty busy for Kelly and him. Four kids and their associated extracurricular activities are a lot to keep up with. Seth and Clara are both in Cub Scouts, and he helps out as a den leader. Abby is in Girl Scouts. Seth and Abby have also gotten into horseback riding, and all three of the oldest kids are doing year-round swimming in some capacity. He’s been fortunate to have been with the same engineering company for the last 17 years and has gotten to work with a lot of alumni over the years.

Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to get up to the Institute for any games this fall and catch up with folks like in years past, so I don’t have many updates from my end, but a few highlights that I know occurred since the last set of notes. Chris Adams took his son Jackson to game 1 of the World Series in Houston in October. While the Astros lost game 1, they went on to win the Series in game 6. What an awesome memory that will be for both Chris and Jackson!

Andy Biesterveld and his wife, Chelsey, brought their kids, Lincoln, Alden, and Sawyer, down to the Washington, D.C., area for a quick weekend trip, catching up with Blake and Jennifer Traina and their boys, David and Daniel, while in the area.

I got a message from Pat Schaerrer that he got a little banged up in early October while sightseeing near the Black Sea. He’s doing all right and hopes to be able to make the reunion in April.

I heard from Matt McQueen’s wife, Catherine, in October. They are still overseas but seem to be doing well.

Kennon Kincaid has been gearing up for wrestling season with his boys, which started in early November.

I caught up with Lara and Stuart Chambers at the Institute Society Dinner in November. It was great to catch up with them and be present to hear a few remarks from Gen.

Peay ’62, who’d been awarded the New Market Medal earlier that day.

Our fall has been a busy one, adjusting to having a freshman in college and fall baseball for both boys. Amie-Anne and I experienced our first Parents Weekend for Savannah at James Madison University, and that really made us feel old! I guess that’s why we’ve now got a reunion in the spring!

That’s all I’ve got for this set of notes. Please take time to reach out to a BR or two and check in with them. Life’s busy and we’ve all got a lot of things going on, but it’s amazing the impact a call, text, email, or Facetime can have. Take a moment to reach out and connect; it’s those bonds help to make VMI the special place that it is. Until next time, Rah Virginia Mil, ’03, ’03, ’03!

2004

Happy Halloween! It’s Monday morning as I write.

I missed an update from George Cushman back in August. Sorry, G!

George said, “In May, I moved from USAFRICOM at Stuttgart, Germany, to V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I am now forward deployed with the V Corps Main in Ansbach, Germany.”

By now, George may be positioned at Victory Corps Forward in Poznan, Poland. George wrote, “It has been a crazy PCS Season, but we are looking forward to the challenge of being a part of the U.S.’s only forward-deployed Corps.” I hope Poland is treating you and the rest of V Corps well!

It’s not a costume. Matt Vogel has been rubbing shoulders with beautiful people. At the end of August, he wrote: “I am currently the aide-de-camp to the secretary of the Air Force and traveled to the U.K. for the Farnborough International Airshow. When I was there, I had the opportunity to meet up with Tom Cruise as he and my boss had lunch. We talked about airplanes and Top Gun; he was a total bro and very humble! I also met up with Ryan Walker, who works in Richmond. He and his family are doing well. Lastly, I met up with Derek Raymond in Stuttgart, Germany, and had time for a quick hug; he and his family are also doing well and set to move back to the States next summer. Hope the class is doing well; be safe out there.”

VMI held a 25th Anniversary Celebration of Women at VMI Sept. 8–10. Bree Adams Guiterman, Amanda Phelps, Mariah Green Goodall, Tamara Ferguson, and Erica Johnson were able to attend. They were also joined by Whitney Matthews ’07

Jessica Williford (Terrell Jackson) wrote: “I hope you are doing well! Here is a photo of your fellow brother rats at the fourth Annual Terrell Y. Jackson Memorial Golf Tournament held at Wild Dunes Resort in South Carolina Oct. 17, 2022.” Steve Walker, Maurice Pipkin, Brad Stevens, Cyrus Kump, and Landon Winkelvoss were among the 60 golfers at the tournament for Camp Happy Days and for VMI’s Terrell Y. Jackson 2004 Memorial Scholarship. Brad was roommates with Terrell and Maurice after VMI. I’m sorry I missed the tournament. I’m planning to be there next year, and I’ll pass the date on to everyone as soon as it is set.

Rod James chimed in at the last minute. “After completing a two-year command of an F-15E Fighter Squadron, I attended the U.S. Air Force Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, graduating in the summer of 2022. Prior to graduation, I had the opportunity to see Matt Vogel, who works as the aide to Frank Kendall, U.S. Air Force secretary. We only caught up for a few minutes and had the opportunity to snag a quick selfie. After Air War College, my family PCS’d to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where I work as the deputy commander of the USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center. Upon arrival, I found out that both Mark Hamilton and I made the cut for

promotion to O-6. We should be pinning colonel sometime in the spring/summer of 2023. My job takes me TDY around the globe with frequent CONUS stops. On a recent trip to the Pentagon, I had the random opportunity for a quick ’04 lunch huddle with Matt Vogel, Derek Raymond, and Sarah Bartholomew (Johnson). It was an awesome time, and although short, it felt like we all just saw each other yesterday. Sarah is at the Pentagon and has been for a while now, Matt still works as Secretary Kendall’s aide, and Derek is also in Germany. He and Harley Jennings are stationed at Stuttgart. I hope this note finds everyone well, and I look forward to the next VMI rally!”

After all of this, I’m convinced that Matt Vogel has a more active social calendar than Tom Cruise!

Jason Quash sent a photo. Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III ’93, 1ID commanding general; Lt. Col. Jason A. Quash, 1ID G2; Col. Thomas B. Smith ’96, 1ID chief of staff; and Maj. Gen. David B. Womack ’92, V Corps deputy commanding general, are currently serving in Europe and were deployed in response to Russian hostilities. They proudly represent the Institute deterring Russian aggression and assuring European partners and allies.

Misia and I have been working through a renovation since February 2021. It’s been something like playing Tetris in hell. On the upside, we’ll have a solid guest room by Thanksgiving if anyone is passing through Richmond! The rest of the renovation will hopefully be done by February 2023.

Take care, be safe, and keep in touch!

2005

Timothy Johnson

Hello, Brother Rats, I hope this new year edition finds you well with another successful holiday season and another year in the books. Now, if only we can get through these last cold, dark days of winter no worse for the wear—spring is just around the corner.

Josh Lyles dropped a line: “Just a quick update from the Lyles crew. We just got back from a two-week trip to Europe. We visited France and Spain, and our kids enjoyed their first international vacation. Hope you and the rest of our BRs are doing well.”

Derek Rankin and his family have quickly settled into life abroad and wasted no time getting acquainted with the locals. “I met up with Air Force alumni stationed in Northern Italy to commemorate Founders Day at Aviano Air Base, including Colonel Jason M. Mitchell ’98, Senior Master Sergeant Anthony R. Boone ’05, and Mr. Bryan E. Amsel ’86.”

With so few submissions to share with you this

quarter, I thought I’d update you all on myself: My wife, Missy, and I are doing very well. We are still here in Des Moines, Iowa. The triplets are in seventh grade this year and just a few short months away from officially becoming teenagers. My youngest is 10 years old, in fifth grade, and is very active with band and dance. Missy is teaching transitional kindergarten, and I am still a mechanical engineer for Baker Group in Des Moines. For some reason (perhaps a midlife crisis as I quickly approach 40?), I decided to spend the majority of 2022 training for a triathlon, and in September, I completed a half-Ironman in Madison, Wisconsin. I’ve already signed up for a

second this coming June, and who knows, maybe a full distance could be in my future?

Anyway, that’s all for now, BRs—short and sweet. Please reach out if you have anything you’d like me to include next quarter. As always, stay safe and be well.

Brother Rats of the World-Class Class of 2006, Marc Antonelli sent in the following: “Just wanted to share a recent trip with Christian Porter and some guys from ’07. We spent the opening day of the Texas dove season down in Coleman, Texas. It was a lot of fun and good to connect with everyone. It also coincided with the launch of an app designed by Christian Porter and me called MatchBreed. It’s a mobile app designed to help dog owners identify potential breeding partners, and you can also use it to find those expecting litters of puppies. Our app is also being featured on the MeatEater podcast! It will be a long journey to acquire users, but we’re excited to see it come to life.”

Jimmy Woodard reported, “Just wrapping up the Air Force Association Air, Space, Cyber annual conference in National Harbor, Maryland. Justin Woulfe and I had Phil Hahn and a VMI

’23 cadet stop by the Systecon booth to learn how we are optimizing cost and performance in the Air Force through our software (Opus Suite) focused on predictive maintenance.”

The Class of 2006 was also well represented at the Association of the U.S. Army Conference held in Washington, D.C., in October 2022.

Jimmy Woodard, Justin Woulfe, Clark Dudley, Adam Rosenbaum, Frank Dolberry, Will Collier, Shawn Jones, and Todd Wilson, to name a few of the attendees from our class. There were Keydets from all classes all over the floor during

this highly attended event. Next year we will try to get our act together and have an all-VMI alumni call one evening during the conference.

Brian Lennon let us know that an “update from me is a big shout out to Nate Parsons, who helped me become the second member of 2006 to become a pilot at Southwest Airlines. I started there back in July and am based out of Baltimore. It’s been a blast so far, and I’m glad to be at such a great company. I’m still flying Blackhawks in the Tennessee National Guard.”

Andrew Upshaw sent in the following: “Saw Dan Frank and Genya Skvortsov here in Stuttgart. Graduated airborne school in September as the third oldest in my class. Looking forward to linking up with Justine Woulfe here in Europe over the next few weeks.”

Nick Mazzenga wrote, “This past October, I hosted the 10th annual Shawn Hogan Memorial Beer Mile. We had a good showing this year with some fast times! One of the more notable participants this year was Nate Parsons with his hotel gym treadmill beer mile while on a layover. John Diehl was this year’s winner, and he clocked in a time (8:25) that I’m sure not many of us could even run without the beer. Others who raced included Alex Bruster, Kyle Fricke, Nate Ewoldt, Jimmy Wicker, and Corey Houck ’08.”

Jed Tan sent an email with the following news: “I am the worst brother rat ever. Sixteen years since graduation, and I have never sent in anything, but I always love reading the updates! I’ve been in Washington state working as a police officer for the last 13 years. This past year, I’ve had a few run-ins with BRs. I was in Louisiana

Class notes

in February for an explosive breaching class and ran into Jared Sheets, who was also in the class! While down there, I met up with Nick Dowdle, who is working as a state trooper for the state of Louisiana. In January, I was in Las Vegas for Shot Show and ran into Aaron Hawkins, who was repping his tactical gear company HRT Tactical. Super fun to run into everyone!” Great report, Jed, and we happen to think you are d@#$ good, BR!

Thank you to everyone who sent in notes and photos. If you have not sent in anything in a while, drop me an email, phone call, or text. Let us know what you are doing, where you are living, and if you have run into any VMI folks lately.

Your BR, Will

2007

Maury Denton

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2007.

2008

Robert Hill

I would assume that by the time these notes are published, I’ve had the chance to communicate with you by other means that the 15th Reunion will be held over the weekend of Sept. 22–23, 2023. More details will follow, but if you have suggestions for class gifts, please feel free to reach out.

Over the last couple of months, our class family has grown. Chris Alderman and wife Avery welcomed a son, Ellis James, Aug. 8, 2022.

The following month, Chip Chace and wife Brittany welcomed a son, Deane Edmond, Sept. 13, 2022. Deane tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Congrats to the Alderman and Chace families.

Reggie Williams has joined the coaching staff at East Carolina University. In September, Reggie was named the director of player personnel for the Pirates. ECU competes in the American Athletic Conference. Congrats, Reggie, on the new position!

Back in July, Lt. Col. Katherine Kuc (Bopp)

Class notes

assumed command of the 81st Force Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Anthony Perez. The ceremony was officiated by Col. Ryan Crowley, commander of the 81st Mission Support Group. The 81st FSS is centered at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Congrats, Katie!

Will Flathers and his family have relocated back to the East Coast after eight years in the Washington National Guard. The Flatherses have landed in Virginia. Will started a civilian engineering job outside Quantico in October and will transfer to the Virginia National Guard. Will and wife Sara are expecting their third child.

in Atlanta, Georgia.

I also want to take the time to call out Alex Kelley. I had the great opportunity to talk to Alex during the heated rivalry of the third Saturday in October. Alex so graciously reached out to talk a lot of trash to me midway through the game. Unfortunately, his Alabama Crimson Elephant Tides did not pull out the win, and my Vols were finally victorious. Alex, I know you

Brother Rats:

I hope this edition of the Alumni Review finds you and your families well. I have had a chance to catch up with a few here and there this go around, and it sounds like everyone is doing well. Vince Abruzzese got married May 21, 2022, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. There were many brother rats and Keydets from other classes in attendance: David Downing; Chris Cole; Vincent A. Abruzzese ’74, Vince’s dad; Glen Ingham ’12; and Raphael Dongieux ’12. Vince also has been selected to be the deputy staff advocate at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and will be PCS’ing in mid-July.

Jonathan Kim emailed me to let everyone know that there is a new addition to the Kim, J.J. family. Axel Jaehoon Kim was born Aug. 27, 2022, in Media, Pennsylvania. Jonathan is still around the Philly area until next summer, when they will see where the Navy will send them next.

Stefan Mello and wife Nicole also added a new addition to their family; Breya Luthien Mello was born Sept. 1, 2022, weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Breya is joining her big sisters, Aria who is 10, and Saoirse, who is 5.

I had the opportunity to see Reza Eftekhar and his lovely wife, Maria, at the Institute Society Dinner back in November to celebrate Founders Day. Reza is doing big things in the D.C. area, as well as opening a clinic

are a man of your word, but I still haven’t gotten my cigar from you. I know it probably got lost in the mail. Pete Saragnese, Pat Eggleston, and Remington Adams played in the Slapshot Cup Tournament 2022 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. There were numerous alumni on the team, and they represented the Institute well.

Jose Andueza is an attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Jose and his wife got to celebrate the 247th Marine Corps birthday this past November.

Well, that about wraps it up for this quarter. Please don’t be a stranger; shoot me an email or call if you have something for me. I would love to catch up.

Class Notes

Adam Aikens recently reached out to me and is doing very well! He does televised hunts now. One was just completed in Alaska, and he has another Nov. 11 hunting whitetail deer in Truscott, Texas. It’ll be on Carbon TV; Ram Hunt seasons 2 and 3 (for Alaska), and Hunter Blake Barnett’s show “Trailering the Hunter’s Moon” on the Pursuit Channel (for Texas). He and Evan Farley will be attending the upcoming VMI versus The Citadel game, as well.

Dan Strausbaugh recently did a photo shoot for Henry Rifles and is still living the rugged cowboy life.

Eddie Preisser and his wife just had their third child, Kaylee Elizabeth Preisser. He was also made a Knight of the Order of Saint Michael, which is awesome, as part of his change of command at Fort Rucker, Alabama. That’s all I have this time, guys and gals. Until next time!

Brandon Page

Kilian Landersman

I hope everyone has had a great year so far. Recently my dad’s Class of super ’77 threw down the gauntlet to our class as their class president climbed the sentinel box at their 45th Reunion. John Manning, you’ve got four more years to train up for your climb at our 15th Reunion!

Over Veterans Day weekend, I went on a

All right, let’s get down to it for the last notes of this year!

Scott Owen is living the good life with his wife and three children and is still in the Lynchburg area working for a contract research organization purchased by Thermo Fisher. He recently added a dog, and he and his wife, Elizabeth, recently celebrated their 10th anniversary.

Ed Burton is living up in moose country and is currently a machine operator at a cabinet manufacturing site. He still does a lot of adventuring, rock climbing, and outdoorsy things.

Bryant Youngblood is the director of innovative academics for the Academy of Urban Scholars High School in Youngstown, Ohio. His school does great work helping students and received special kudos from the Youngstown Warren Black Caucus.

Class notes

boys’ trip down to Big Bend National Park, where we completed a three-day and 33-mile backing trip of the Outer Mountain Loop. It reminded me of why I joined the Air Force and not the Army.

Carl Biggs and his wife celebrated the birth of a baby girl named Kathryn this past August.

Jeremy Lucier and Allen McCown had a great time at the Formula 1 Circuit of the Americas race in Austin, Texas.

Matt Deacon, Bruce Hazelgrove, Chad Lawson, and Budge Hunter ’10 won the 2022 VMI golf outing. Great job, boys!

Zipporah and Ronnie Ellsworth wanted to share that Ezekiel Theophilus Ellsworth, the baby they were expecting during the 10th Reunion, arrived safe and sound last year just before Christmas. They’re expecting their fifth child, Chloe Ellsworth, in March 2023!

Northern Virginia native Laura Resetar recently got engaged to fellow Northern Virginia native and ODU alumnus, Calvin Koch, Oct. 29, 2022, in Arlington, Virginia. The couple plans to wed next October in Vienna, Virginia. Laura was also asked to speak on an entrepreneurship panel during VMI’s 25th Anniversary Celebration of Women in September to commemorate the admittance of women into the Institute. Laura spoke about starting her fashion styling and interior design business amongst a panel of other female alumni entrepreneurs.

Matt Radi and his wife, Hannah, daughter of Rocky Glass ’76, welcomed their first child on Sept. 20, 2022—Andrew Robert Radi—a future Keydet, VMI Class of 2044!

I look forward to hearing more from the class as the year winds down. Please keep in touch!

Rah Virginia Mil,

2014

Brother Rats,

I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. There were not too many updates this go-aaround, but I did want to include all the growing families.

Eddie Coglio and his wife, Alex, welcomed their first child this past April. The new parents named their son Edward Patrick Coglio. Eddie also changed careers after nearly eight years in law enforcement. He is now working as a project manager for Ryan Homes in the Richmond area. Congrats on all the life changes, Eddie!

Another new addition to the VMI family comes from Chris Rossie and his wife, Kim, who gave birth to a daughter Nov. 5. They named her Mary Jacqueline Rossie. Congrats on becoming new parents, and we’ll see how long it takes before she picks up her first lax stick!

I know this edition is short and sweet, but I’d like to add a big thank you to everyone who was able to make the reunion this past September. I know it takes time and effort out of everyone’s busy lives to come back to Lexington for a weekend, but it was great seeing everyone. Also, I want to give a shoutout to Andrew Deal for his efforts with the reunion. Couldn’t have done it without you, and I appreciate all the help!

Take care and until next time!

In the Bonds, Bruce

Bruce Howard 2013

Class notes

BRs,

I hope everyone is doing well and had a great Christmas and new year. I finished up a vacation in the New England area, where I had the chance to visit Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. I highly encourage you all to visit the New England area, especially Vermont. I was so impressed with how beautiful it is up there (not to mention clean). The Boston Tea Party Museum is quite excellent, and you get to throw “tea” into the harbor and have your own “Boston Tea Party.” Anyway, on to more important news and updates.

Reunion planning for our 10th Reunion is underway! Sam Guidry, Nicole Harding, Abby Dawson, Sabina Crites, Jon Mattingly, Andrew Daniels, Cory Reinecke, and I have begun holding our Reunion Committee meetings. Please let one of us know if you would like to be on the Reunion Committee! We are starting to think of some ideas and would love to hear from y’all and get your input! Also, please consider a monthly reoccurring donation to our class funds. If everyone donated $10 a month, we’d have enough to do a lot of fun things for the reunion.

Update on the Tom Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship: Mike Sobey, Garth Harbert, and I are working on setting up a scholarship in the name of Tom. In the spirit of Tom, it will be a needbased scholarship for rising 2nds or 1sts. Per the VMI Foundation, we have to raise $75,000 in five years for this to be a perpetual scholarship through the Foundation. Mike and Garth have been lining up donors; if you would like to donate, please reach out to them.

In class news, Ben Smith is taking over as the president of the Southwest Florida VMI Alumni Chapter. Sam Lee, who was an active member in the same chapter, is moving from Florida to Boston, Massachusetts.

Jon Mattingly recently became an AGR officer with the New York

National Guard. Congratulations, Jon! Welcome to the guard!

I heard from Ben Kier, our former S-1 captain. He and his family are doing well. Ben caught up with Phil Pryor, Ben Osen, and Zach Jones back in September at Phil’s bachelor’s weekend. This brings up a great announcement that Phil Pryor is getting married! Congratulations, Phil!

Megan Pileggi and her husband, Cory, recently had another child, Luca Pileggi, and adopted their fourth child, Lilyana Pileggi, Sept. 9, 2022.

Erin Mauss completed the New England Half Marathon in Concord, New Hampshire, in October. Awesome job, Erin; keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing you tackle a full marathon next!

I recently caught up with Flora Edelbrock and Eva Edelbrock Both are doing very well, and Flora just bought a house down the street from Eva. Lord knows what escapades are going on up there in Centreville, Virginia. Flora is now a contractor at Fort Belvoir, and it’s a “dream come true” job for her. Congrats, Flora! Just make sure that you keep Eva out of trouble!

I also caught up with Manu Trika back in September. We had a great talk about community service and getting involved in your local community. Believe it or not, I think Manu outtalked me on this subject.

Manu also told me that he recently caught up with Nick Ballard. Nick is doing some great charitable and philanthropic work up in his area! Nick and I got a chance to catch up and talk about his work in late October. It is truly great to see so many of us getting involved in civics, community service, philanthropic, and charitable work. With all the negative and crazy things going on in today’s world, we certainly need more kindness and goodwill in the world. If you aren’t involved in some nonprofit and charitable work, I highly encourage everyone to try. It is very rewarding, and your help will go

Class Notes

farther than you thought possible!

Lastly, I caught up with Greg Reardon and Matthew Reardon in late October at a VMI football game. Jonathan Reardon was supposed to join us, but he had to attend a conference in Utah.

Let’s not forget Justin Vernon! It is always great seeing the family photos of Justin and his wife, Courtney. Their two boys just keep getting bigger and bigger. I especially love seeing the pictures of color-coordinating outfits! Now they are going to have to get a third cute outfit. Justin and Courtney are expecting their third son in March 2023! Congratulations!

Second reminder to everyone! The deadline to order your brick in front of barracks is June 30, 2023. If you want your brick, please go ahead and order it because this program is being discontinued after this fiscal year.

Keep pressing up that hill of science with noble emulation!

Take Care, Johnny Partin

Stephen Caskey left the Army in July and has started his Master of Business Administration degree at Berkeley Haas!

Joel Hoisington has recently been named chapter president for the George C. Marshall/ Potomac River chapters located in Northern Virginia. He would love to see any BRs in the area!

James Singleton started a website called redshirtsports.xyz that reports on college football,

primarily the FCS.

Cody Pillow and his wife, Mady, are due to have their first child in early December! They’re just waiting on his arrival at this point. Casey White (Crimmins) and her husband, Andrew, had their first child, Abigail Grace, Aug. 26!

Shane Bohn and his ohana PCS’d to Hawaii in February; bought their first house in April (before the interest rates got insane!); and

Keydets!

We got the largest submission of notes since I started writing them, so let me get right to it.

Let’s start with a note from our BR on the inside, T.J. Lighton: The Brick Program is coming to a close June 30, 2023. For those of you that don’t know, the Brick Program is where any alum who has made lifetime gifts to the Institute totaling $2,500 will qualify for a brick to be placed in front of barracks. He and I encourage BRs to reach out to him at tlighton@ vmiaa.org if you have any questions about how close you are to getting a brick, or if you would like to make a gift to secure your brick.

I had the privilege of attending not one, but two separate Sam ’15 weddings in the month of October. Sam Trumps and Tory Zeller were married Oct. 1, 2022, and Sam Hunter and Tricia Lynch were married Oct 8, 2022. There was lots of great food, great drinks, great stories, and great Sams!

their son, Carter, turned 1 year old at the end of June. They’re currently working on a guest bathroom remodel—their first-time effort—for all their guests and visitors to have a great experience! He says to hit him up if you need a place to stay in paradise!

Spencer Buettner and his wife just PCS’d to Camp Lejeune. They bought their first home, and they are enjoying the area. They have a guest bedroom open to anyone who might be coming through the area. He says seriously, no questions asked, feel free to come on by and stay however long.

Kyle Morse PCS’d to Chantilly, Virginia, in August, finally returning to the DMV. He and Allie are expecting a baby boy in the spring!

Matt Brau just got settled in Polcenigo, Italy, just about an hour north of Venice, for the next few years. He’s extending the same offer as Bohn and Buettner—if you’re ever around Venice or the Dolomites, hit him up!

Alex Monson shared that every time he PCS’s, he ends up making a new baby. He and his wife, Katelyn, are expecting their second son sometime around the new year. They’re currently in Newport, Rhode Island, waiting on Zach Enix and Jeff Whiteman to show up for Department Head school so they can party hardy at Michael Souza’s house.

Tyler Hanson was awesome enough to share a note for quite a few BRs: He is enjoying nursing school at VCU. Taylor Hicks took command of an HHB with the 82nd Airborne gang. Matthew Meadows is back from blessing the rains down in Africa. Chris Stowell just got engaged to Sarah Tohill, and their wedding is this coming summer. Jacob Zent got married a couple of years back and is counseling company commanders in a BDE JAG office at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. Taylor Monfort-Eaton proved nature can’t stack up to him and is on a quest to stick it to Mother Nature. Tyler Mullinax is teaching out in South Korea and learning his fourth language. And finally, Tyler got married to Kerri Sheehan this past June out in the Shenandoah.

Katheryne Ruck and her husband had their second baby in September—Claire Madeline Ruck, born Sept. 6.

Will Connerley and his wife, Mariah, welcomed their new baby boy, Luca, Oct. 1.

Sarah and Adam Mank are excited to share they were married Oct. 22, 2022.

Phew! That’s all folks. As always, I hope

everyone is well and ping me if you or a BR needs an address or contact info updated with VMI.

Rah Virginia Mil, Henry Meredith

2016

JacobNorris

PatrickHine

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2016.

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Brother Rats,

Per usual, I’m adding the obligatory statement, “I can’t believe it’s been [insert x number of years] since graduation.” But really, can you blame me? These are wild times to be thinking it’s been five years, but I guess it’s for real, considering the whole reunion thing. For those slackers, including myself, who didn’t make it out, it was an awesome weekend. For more details, check out the photos from the event! You can either reach out to me or look on the Facebook group for the link. Again, a monumental round of applause to Mike Griffin for planning and seeing the reunion come to fruition. Good s#$%, Mike.

In case you weren’t aware, the next reunion is in five years. See you then. In the meantime, please see the updates from our BRs and keep sending those things in either directly or by posting them to the Google document.

///////////////// (channeled my inner Sgt. 1st Class Echevarria with those slashes)

Zachary Sprinkle was recently married and lives in Richmond, Virginia. After graduation, Zach obtained his master’s in civil engineering from Virginia Tech, where he met his beautiful wife, Rachel. Zach works as a superintendent for

W.M. Jordan Company, a construction manager in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Jason Bass was recently selected as the construction division director of Henrico County Department of Public Works, effective Aug. 27, 2022. In this role, Jason oversees a staff of over 30 professionals and is responsible for the overall management of all road projects within the county. Jason began his career with the county in February 2021 as a mid-level construction supervisor and has performed as advertised, climbing the corporate ladder most expeditiously.

Mike Griffin is still hanging out in Montgomery, Alabama. The U.S. Air Force moved him to Maxwell a while back and stuck him in AFROTC HQ, which is probably some kind of cosmic joke, given that that was the ROTC he spent the least amount of time in. As for the rest, it is better you hear it from Mike himself: “It was really great getting to reconnect with everyone, some folks I hadn’t seen in years, like Manarin (Did I spell that right?); or Michalzuk (Jesus,

why are these names so hard?); as well as the Gazillos; Ashley McManus and her sister, Allyson; Joe Bauman (who really did a ton over the reunion weekend to keep things running. Huge thanks to him!); Jack McGarry; Zack Johnson; Sam Hudson; Ryan Ascuncion; and many more. If you didn’t get to see the picture of Zack ditching his scooter and climbing the sentinel box in a cast, then you missed out! Prior to the reunion, I had just come from a wedding in Boise, preceded by another wedding at

Camp Lejeune. So, when I got home to Montgomery, I thought I would be getting a break. That turned out not to be the case, haha. I got approved for LASIK surgery and spent the next few weeks to a month getting and then recovering from the surgery. My eyes are doing a lot better now, but I don’t remember having eight fingers on each hand. I’m sure it’ll pass in time. I haven’t heard much from my roommates at VMI lately, but I know Matt Johnson and his wife, Allyssa, recently moved from their home in Savannah, Georgia. He went up to Virginia to complete his captain’s course, but I am not sure where from there. Cody Bottoms is still at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and seems to be enjoying the area, minus the usual Army shenanigans.

Mack Shehee and his wife, Deelin, were not far from me, but they PCS’d, as well. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard from Zach (Boogie) in a while, but last I heard, he was loving Army life.

Joe Baumann is still in the desert doing whatever ECEs do. Last bit of news: My brother, John

Class Notes

Griffin ’21, graduated from VMI a year early in May 2022.”

Michael Flury has left the 1/221 Cavalry Squadron in Las Vegas and the Nevada Army National Guard and IST’d to the 1/252 Armor Regiment at Fort Bragg and the North Carolina

Army National Guard. Flury has also moved with his wife, Kayla, to Loudoun County, Virginia, and spent no less time cruising around the county’s many vineyards, breweries, and distilleries!

Death Before Dishonor, Ben

2018

Carlee Anderson

Class of 2018, Happy stick season, everyone. I just got back from Jake Ackerman’s wedding to his bride, Kate, a few weeks ago. Their wedding was conducted by Chaplain Park at the beautiful House Mountain Inn. In the bridal party were Brother Rats Devon Zappolo; Graham Pratt; Charlie Minnigerode; Colton Depew; and Jacob Novak, best man. Congratulations to Jake and Kate!

William Woodward ’92 and Will Woodward visited Donji Milanovac, Serbia. There, they found a propaganda image of Josip Tito, communist leader. He was the president of Yugoslavia during the Cold War.

Ben Fields and Robby Rogers were able to enjoy some quality time overseas. Ben is completing his second deployment within the WEZ 1st Island Chain. There, he gained 50 pounds of lean muscle through meal prep, blue ice cream, and doing his service by not offering Robby a ride-along. Ben is assigned to VP-5, a P-8 squadron stationed out of Jacksonville, Florida. Robby is currently stationed with the 3rd Maintenance Battalion and has about oneand-a-half more years before coming back stateside.

Speaking of other war heroes out abroad, Finn Swenson and Carlee Anderson made it safely back to the United States after a long deployment. If you didn’t know, Carlee and Finn have been assigned to the USS Fitzgerald, serving as surface warfare officers. Welcome home, guys; next time, bring souvenirs.

Kayla Drahms, formerly, and Ross Condrey got married Oct. 1, 2022. Kayla and Ross went to senior prom together in high school. After

suffering through four years of visiting at football games just to spend time with him and kidnapping him to JMU for the weekend (after begging L-Train to let him off confinement).

VMI alumni in the bridal party included Danny Usher ’21, Minas Stathis ’21, C.J. Szalankiewicz ’18, and Ross Condrey

Lastly, Bailey and Grace Mahoney welcomed their first child. Their daughter, Isla Mae, was born Oct. 8, 2022. I’m sure Uncle Dave Tyler was able to do a fly-by for their newborn. Congratulations to Bailey and Grace!

Sincerely,

Matt and Carlee

2020

2019

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2020.

2021

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2019.

Greetings, Brother Rats!

The leaves have changed their colors and have begun to fall here in Virginia. I recently graduated from the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and will head out to Twentynine Palms, California, for communications school in January. It’s crazy to think that four days from this writing, our own rats will finally receive their rings! Our class has had a lot of big announcements throughout the past couple of months, so let me get started!

First off, back in March, Cara Strachan Menia and Matthew Menia ’20 welcomed their baby boy, Oliver Matthew Edward Menia.

Congratulations to the Menias.

Jay Kennedy, Jordan Russell, Anthony Migliarese, and Cole McCarty all got engaged!

Will Knight got married to his wife, LeeAnne; Jesse Cornell got married to his wife, Kimiko; and Reid Johnson got married to his wife, Mikayla! Congratulations to all!

Logan Godwin also recently got engaged and also accepted a job as an engineer land use with the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Jacob Lamountain started his Master of Arts degree at American Military University.

Class Notes

Todd Cadle started a new position as assistant superintendent at KBS Inc.

Noah Cook recently accepted a job in the emergency department at the University of Virginia Health Center after graduation and completing his state boards.

Noah Smith started a new position as a staff accountant at Elite Contracting Group.

Ryan Riley took to the skies and earned his private pilot’s license.

Coming in from the One MC, Thomas Muldowney recently joined the crew of the Virginia Class Submarine, USS Montana.

Seth Whitehurst was recently promoted to first lieutenant! Congratulations, Seth!

James Booth earned the Expert Infantryman badge, and Andrew Farmer earned the Expert Soldier badge! Congratulations, gents!

Back in July, Jack Briseno had the opportunity to fly with Jonny Jim, NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL!

Colin Perry recently began working for the engineering consulting firm, WDP and Associates, out of Manassas, Virginia. He is primarily working in forensic structural engineering, structural and architectural testing, construction testing and inspection, and building envelope consulting. Additionally, he is in the process of trying to commission into the Navy as an officer in the Civil Engineering Corps.

Noah Cornett is working as a market research coordinator at Carahsoft Technologies Inc. along with Cody Chapple who works there in sales along with Adam Mahn ’20 and Mike Morrison ’20 Will Heppner ’16 also works in research with Noah.

As we get into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I hope that all of you continue to stay happy and successful in whatever you are doing. As always, I continue to be here for all of you as your class agent. I love hearing from you and seeing your accomplishments in whatever capacity. It truly makes me proud to

be your class agent and to be a member of the Class of 2021!

The VMI Brick Program Comes to a Close

Whether it’s falling in on the bricks for march down or counting them in the middle of the night on guard duty, bricks hold a unique station in VMI’s collective memory. Many hours of our past have been stamped into them. Understandably, a brick represents both one’s memory of the Institute and its memory of us. So it is appropriate to etch a tangible reminder of ourselves into the bricks for posterity.

After 25 years, the VMI Brick Program is ending June 30, 2023. Now is your opportunity to be recognized for your loyal support of the Institute and its Corps of Cadets.

To learn how to qualify for your brick, please visit vmialumni.org/brickprogram or scan the QR code for answers to frequently asked questions about the VMI Brick Program.

For additional questions, contact Sydney Coffey, assistant director of Annual Giving, by email at scoffey@vmiaa.org or by phone at 800-444-1839, ext. 260.

Baby Keydets

ALDERMAN— A son, Ellis James, to Avery and Chris Alderman ’08, Aug. 8, 2022.

CHACE—A son, Deane Edmond, to Brittany and Chip Chace ’08, Sept. 13, 2022.

Marriages

BRASINGTON—Sarah Bohnenkamp to Herbert Brasington Jr. ’68 July 22, 2022.

MULCAHY—Eve O’Hannigan to Frank Mulcahy ’91 March 4, 2022.

CONDE—Scott Area to Samantha Conde ’13 Jan. 30, 2021.

DEGREES

Samantha Conde ’13 Doctor of Medicine

West Virginia University

July 2020

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Update your information on VMI Ranks!

M.D.

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VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni

According to the records of the VMI Alumni Agencies, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

John M. Patton ’42

Robert W. Smothers ’44

Robert G. Moore ’45

Allan E. Ferrey ’46

Russell B. Newton Jr. ’45

Paul E. Greenlee ’45

James L. Moore ’50B

Malcom B. Lacy Jr. ’46

Joseph D. Riviere ’45

Haywood G. France ’49C

Sept. 14, 1921

Dec. 2, 1922

June 15, 1923

June 23, 1923

April 18, 1924

May 18, 1924

June 1, 1924

July 27, 1924

Sept. 1, 1924

Nov. 25, 1924

Provisional Appointments

2027

Savannah R. Hall

Joseph H. Steele IV

2028

Austin Holder

Connor E. Diehl

Matthew P. Bogusky ’96

Joseph H. Steele III ’97

Jeffrey M. Holder ’99

Michael E. Diehl ’96

Scott A. Diehl ’86

Marc R. Diehl ’92

Noah W. Diehl ’04

Eric L. Fries ’16

2040

Haley Frye

2029

George E. Gaulding IV

2031

Landon Brown

Hudson M. Grillone

Piper E.M. Diehl

Michael E. Savage ’84

George E. Gaulding III ’97

Daniel T. Grillone ’84

Daniel T. Grillone ’84

Michael E. Diehl ’96

Scott A. Diehl ’86

Marc R. Diehl ’92

Noah W. Diehl ’04

Eric L. Fries ’16

Step-father Father Father Father Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin Grandfather Father

Step-grandfather

Great-uncle Father Uncle Uncle Cousin

Anderson Neal

Jackson J. Diehl

David G. Neal II ’12

Michael E. Diehl ’96

Scott A. Diehl ’86

Marc R. Diehl ’92

Noah W. Diehl ’04

Eric L. Fries ’16

Lucas A. Wellner

2041

Arabella Goodwillie

Christian Brickles

Dallas Davis

2042

Joseph S. Del Monaco

Darren E. Wellner ’06

James G. Goodwillie V ’12

James G. Goodwillie IV ’83

James G. Goodwillie III ’60

Tyler A. Brickles ’15

Christopher L. Julio ’91

Amanda F. Moore ’09

David W. Jeter ’79

James W. Jeter Jr. ’64

James W. Jeter III ’97

Samuel N. Rasnick ’07

Thomas W. Davis

Samuel C. Powell ’74

William C. Powell ’70

James B. Powell ’60

John S. Powell ’60

Thomas E. Powell II ’57

Luella DiDomenico

Joseph J. DiDomenico ’04

William H. Gaulding

2032

Dylan M. Lowe

Mitchel K. Chang

2033

Vincenzo A. Grillone

2036

Giovanni M. Grillone

2037

Beckett A. Suttle

George E. Gaulding III ’97

Tyler M. Shelbert ’98

Michael G. Chang ’85

Daniel T. Grillone ’84

Daniel T. Grillone ’84

Michael M. Strickler ’71

Stephen A. Strickler ’68

Edmund R. Strickler ’62

2039

Elias J. Wahesh

Elias G. Wahesh ’96

Cousin Grandfather

Great-uncle

Great-uncle

Great-uncle

Great-uncle Father Father Father

Great-uncle

Great-uncle

Great-uncle

Grandfather

Great-uncle

Father

Catherine DiDomenico (Zaremba) ’07

2043

Brooks Neal

Clay A. Smith

Cohen K. White

Connor X. Nicotera

Gideon W. Slack

Grace E. Shimp

Katherine G. Bazzani

Maeve M. Meradith-Eyers

Oliver Menia

David G. Neal II ’12

Harvey A. Smith ’83

Rev. James H. Newsom ’47

Clayton J. White ’15

Charles X. Nicotera ’10

Steven W. Stafford ’89

Matthew W. Shimp ’15

Herman B. West III ’72

Michael J. Smith ’77

Cara S. Menia ’21

Matthew C. Menia ’20

Christopher R. Menia ’89

Mark C. Menia ’23

Rowan M. Ellis

2044

Abigail G. White

Alden J. Hennelly

August E. Wellner

Benjamin R. Halin

Bennett K. Senn

Bennett L. Luxhoj

Jeremiah Q. Ellis ’15

Casey White (Crimmons) ’15

Cody J. Hennelly ’10

Darren E. Wellner ’06

Jason M. Halin ’02

Robert L. Senn ’13

Kenneth B. Luxhoj ’09

Andrew C. Luxhoj ’11

William J. Luxhoj ’15

Father Father Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin Father Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Father Cousin Cousin Grandfather Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Father Mother Father Grandfather Great-grandfather Father Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather Mother Father Grandfather Uncle Father Mother Father Father Father Father Father Uncle Uncle

Provisional Appointments

APPOINTEE’S NAME

2044 (cont.)

Blair E. Simpson

Bryce D. Reinecke

Carter R.A. Lane

Charles C. Holmes

Cole M. Dunnavant

Donald C. Simpson ’18

Cory D. Reinecke ’14

Dakoda A. Lane ’17

Bruce C. Cann ’77

Lawerence B. Cann Jr. ’41

Cameron L. Dunnavant ’14

Christopher M. Stolle ’06

Kenneth B. Luxhoj ’09

Graham M. Stolle ’09

Ross S. Stolle ’12

2044 (cont.)

Cora J. Replogle

Emmett L. Moore

Everett L. Hirsch

Finn B. Buchanan

Giana J. Clabaugh

Hayden R. Clark

Jack B. Murphy

Jacob H. Karnes

John W. Wainwright V

Thomas J. Replogle ’78

Morgan N. Thomas ’16

Mark W. Hirsch ’84

John L. Buchanan ’96

John H. Dixon ’81

Christopher W. Mision ’03

M. Edward Murphy ’72

Drew B. Murphy ’03

Andrew J. Karnes ’05

John W. Wainwright IV ’16

John W. Wainwright III ’82

John W. Wainwright II ’55

Nicholas J. Wainwright ’20

Douglas B. Wainwright ’83

Father Father Father Grandfather

Great-grandfather Uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Grandfather Mother Father Father Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Uncle Father Father Grandfather

Great-grandfather Uncle Great-uncle

Kathryn T. Biggs

Lynnox S. Underwood

McKenna G. Depasquale

Molly L.C. St. John

Natalie Jean Mitchell

Nathanael G. Halin

Oliver D. DeJoe

Palmer L. Manning

Quinn K. Cavanaugh-Dixon

Carl J. Biggs ’11

Brenton L. Underwood ’06

John H. Dixon ’81

Frederick W. Sherman Jr. ’78

Matthew S. Mitchell ’02

Alexander J. Mitchell ’50B

Jason M. Halin ’02

Tyler J. DeJoe ’18

Henry H. Brant ’65

Kailey C. Dixon ’18

Brendan C. Dixon ’17

Frederick J. Lehman ’91

Ian J. Horkan ’18

Father Father Grandfather Grandfather

Father Grandfather

Father

Father

Great-grandfather Aunt Father

Remington V. Jantz

Mark D. Moncure ’76

Thomas A. Moncure ’40

Robinson F. Moncure ’901

Thomas J. Moncure ’853

Uncle Uncle Grandfather

Great-grandfather

Great-greatgrandfather

Great-great-greatgrandfather

Rigdon M. Croley

Samuel J. Rosales

Sean P. Gazzillo

William P. Klick

Zach E. Babineau

Ryan P. Croley ’94

Jerry J. DeWaters ’75

Andrew D. Gazzillo ’17

William B. Klick ’12

Anthony T. Zoetis ’80

Father

Grandfather

Father

Father Grandfather

Thomas E. Powers ’46

Thomas Edward “Ed” Powers ’46 of Wilmington, North Carolina, died Sept. 18, 2022. He was 97.

He matriculated from Bogalusa, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He completed graduate work in organic chemistry at Emory University and attended the Sloan School of Business.

He is survived by his wife, Lou Bowen Powers; daughters, Claire Powers Renner (Rob), Peggy Powers Failla (Sam), and Susie Powers Hodges (Joe); grandchildren, Katie Hodges LaPenna (Bobby), Becky Failla Zienkiewicz (Mark), John Edward Hodges (Rae), Samuel Allen Failla, Sarah Powers Failla, and Jennifer Renner Cao (Ben); step-grandson, Matthew Alexander Renner; great-grandchildren, Sophia Malia Zienkiewicz, Savannah Elizabeth Zienkiewicz, Graham Sterling Zienkiewicz, Ruth Claire LaPenna, Rebekah Cate LaPenna, Magnolia Rae Hodges, and Noah Rick Hodges; and brother, Dr. Robert Magee Powers.

He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Allen Powers II, and sister, Sara Powers Kelly.

Lucius B. Dabney Jr. ’47

Lucius Bryan Dabney Jr. ’47 of Vicksburg, Mississippi, died Aug. 11, 2022. He was 96. He matriculated from Vicksburg and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Allene Hallberg Dabney; children, Bryan Dabney (Lisa), Bill Dabney (Susan), Sara Bliss, Emily Dabney (James), and Cherry Robbins (Scott); grandchildren, David Bliss Jr. (Dawn), Billy Dabney (Virginia), Ava Bliss, Thomas Dabney, Will Robbins, Devon Dabney, and Emme Robbins; and great-grandson, Dalton Bliss.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Gee Jr., and son-in-law, David Bliss Sr.

James M. Warrington ’48B

Rev. James Malcolm “Jim” Warrington ’48B of Falls Church, Virginia, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 95.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the University of the South and a Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

He was formerly employed by the VMI Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol L. Warrington Leister.

James M. Van Hook ’49B

James McNeil “Mack” Van Hook ’49B of Charlottesville, Virginia, died Aug. 13, 2022. He was 94.

He matriculated from South Hill, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Inge; daughters, Ginny Smith (Charlie), Tricia Van Hook, Susan Forschler (George), and Jackie Corcoran; grandchildren, Chas, Neil, Sophia, Tyler, and Hannah; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Loren and Michael Smith, and step-brothers, Cloyd and Bob Van Hook.

Alonzo J. Walter Jr. ’49B

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Alonzo Joseph “Lon” Walter Jr. ’49B of Panama City, Florida, died Aug. 13, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from New Iberia, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute for Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters, Terry Gabreski (Don) and Beverly Myers (Gary); grandchildren, Kimberly Yandell, Larry Myers, Matthew Gabreski, and Mark Gabreski; great-grandchildren, Everett Yandell, Violet Yandell, and Olivia Myers; and sisters, Gwenn Bent and Myrna Stone.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Sonnier.

Bobbie P. White ’51

Bobbie Penfield “Bob” White ’51 of Martinsville, Virginia, and Islamorada, Florida, died Sept. 14, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from Martinsville and spent four months at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Gesell White; son, Ross Porterfield White (Susie Ray); grandchildren, Kayla White and Jamie Marsigit (Dino); and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Charles White.

George C. Hutter ’52

George Christian “Hutter” Hutter ’52 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 24, 2022. He was 96.

He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia,

and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Porter; daughters, Allie Hutter Fitchett (Ken) and Shirley Hutter Hayes (Clay); grandchildren, Paxton Fitchett, Megan Shaver (Craig), Kelsey Fort (Chuck), Will Hayes (Elisabeth), Christian Hayes (Amanda), and Allie Paige Hayes; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Tankersley Hutter, and siblings, James Risque Hutter, Janie Walton, and Lottie Kemp.

Hugh P.V.Z. Ruhsam ’52

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Hugh Pritchett Von Zell Ruhsam ’52 of Saint George, Utah, died Oct. 4, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from Albert Lea, Minnesota, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Von (Vicky) and Mary (Craig); step-children, Vic (Michele), Laurie, Suzanne (Shawn), and Jeff (Diane); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and former wife, Joan.

He was preceded in death by his son, Roderick, and his step-son, William.

Terry H. Davis Jr. ’53

Terry Hunter Davis Jr. ’53 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2022. He was 91.

He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Logan Davis; son, Terry Davis III; step-daughters, Julia Sandor (Doug) and Rachel Joy (Craig); and six step-grandchildren.

Henry P. LaForce Jr. ’53

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Henry Paul LaForce Jr. ’53 of Brevard, North Carolina, died Aug. 8, 2022. He was 92.

He matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tampa.

He is survived by his sons, Glen Winston LaForce Sr. (Linda) and Henry Paul LaForce III (Amy); grandchildren, Win LaForce Jr., Betsy LaForce, Catherine LaForce (Tim Carter), and Julie LaForce Freeman (Jordan); sister, Marie LaForce Talley (Harry); and brother, Dr. Ronald Dew (Winnie).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and son, Douglas Ronald LaForce.

Philip H. Enslow Jr. ’54

Philip Harrison “Phil” Enslow Jr. ’54, Ph.D., of Atlanta, Georgia, died Oct. 10, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent less than one year at VMI.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Stanford University, both in electrical engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; daughters, Dorothea Bliss Enslow Putnal (Joseph) and Dana Charlotte Enslow Hammock; grandsons, Philip James Hammock (Cacilia), Tucker Harrison Hammock, and Randall Coalter Putnal; and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianne Elizabeth “DeDe,” and sister, Charlotte.

William K. Kays Jr. ’55

William Kenneth “Pop” Kays Jr. ’55 of Ashburn, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2022. He was 90.

He matriculated from Warrenton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Holt (David); son, Dr. Todd Kays (Susan); grandson, Kyle R. Kays; and sister, Barbara K. Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl.

Curtis R. Lucado ’55

Curtis Richard Lucado ’55 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Aug. 31, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Roanoke and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Christy Lucado; son, Curtis Richard Lucado Jr.; grandchildren, Mary Catherine Austin Brown (Stuart), Natalie Austin Desseyn (Chad), Benjamin Lee Austin (Taylor), Courtney Rose Lucado, Lakota Delaney Lucado, and Lacey Rae Lucado; great-grandchildren, Jack Thomas Brown, Ella Catherine Brown, Adalee Jane Brown, Tatum Lee Austin, Silas Browning Austin, Bodi Lawrence Austin, Draper Curtis Desseyn, and Delta Carolyn Desseyn; and sister, Ethel Louise Lucado Gish.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Lucado; daughter, Carolyn Jane Lucado; and siblings, Robert Lawrence Lucado, Ralph Emerson Lucado, and Guy Edwin Lucado.

McWillie M. Robinson Jr. ’55

McWillie Mitchell Robinson Jr. ’55, M.D., of Jackson, Mississippi, died Oct. 8, 2022.

He was 89.

He matriculated from Jackson and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Dillon Robinson; daughter, Lisa Jameson (Bryan); son, McWillie Robinson III (Amy); grandchildren, Catherine Jameson, Megan Jameson, Bryan Jameson Jr., Kelly Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Claire Robinson, and Mia Robinson; brother, Hon. Stuart Robinson (Lynett); and brother-in-law, Dr. William Dillon (Kathleen).

David A. Dorman ’56

David Alcwyn Dorman ’56 of Brooklyn, Connecticut, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Danielson, Connecticut, and spent just over half a year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Douglas A. Dorman (Sarah), Dr. Susan E. Dorman (Dr. Daniel Judge), and Deborah D. Hay (Eric); and grandchildren, Kathryn N. Dorman, Emily A. Hay, Andrew G. Hay, and Elizabeth A. Hay.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Brian Dorman, and sister, Beverly Soderberg.

William J. Miller Jr. ’56

William Jacob “Bill” Miller Jr. ’56 of Cocoa, Florida, died July 19, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

G. Marshall Mundy ’56

Gardner Marshall Mundy ’56 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 31, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Roanoke and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

(Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Mundy appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

Wilmer H. Paine Jr. ’56

Wilmer Howard “Will” Paine Jr. ’56 of Stillwater, Oklahoma, died Sept. 14, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Patterson; son, Howard Paine (Teresa); grandson, DJ Patterson (Aisha); granddaughter, Gigi Russell;

four great-grandchildren; and brother, Marshall Paine (Janet).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Lovejoy Paine.

Joseph M. Spears Jr. ’56

Retired U.S. Army Col. Joseph MacKay “Mac” Spears Jr. ’56 of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, died Oct. 26, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Washington, D.C., and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Spears; daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer; sons, Joseph MacKay Spears III ’81, John Spears (Amy), David Vandeursen Spears ’86, and Charles Donald Spears ’93 (Stephanie); and grandchildren, Lane Spears and Joseph Spears ’22. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane E. Spears.

Kenneth K. Dickinson ’57

Retired U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Kiefer “Kenny” Dickinson ’57 of Merritt Island, Florida, died Aug. 29, 2022. He was 86. He matriculated from Colonial Heights, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Jim Kearney (Shari); daughter, Kara Tench (Dr. Robert Tench); and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Dickinson, and brother, Jim Dickinson.

Clinton T. Glover ’57

Clinton Thomas “Clint” Glover ’57 of Antioch, Illinois, died Sept. 10, 2022. He was 87. He matriculated from Starrucca, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Clara; children, Clinton T. Glover III (Patricia), Robert Glover (Gerardo), Matthew Glover (Perry Sartori), Eric Glover (Sandra), and Stephen Glover (Elissa); and grandchildren, Matthew, Edward, Henry, Benjamin, and Daniel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Horace.

Frederick L. Newcomb ’57

Frederick Lee “Fred” Newcomb ’57 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Aug. 19, 2022. He was 87.

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He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; children, Dr. Freddy Newcomb, Laurie Wilson (Tom), and Gary Newcomb; and two grandchildren, Sterling Wilson and Sheppard Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Thomas Hampton Wilson III; brother, Andrew Jackson Newcomb Jr.; and sister, Phyllis Anne East.

Richard G. Newman ’57

Richard Gerald “Dick” Newman ’57, Ph.D., of Green Valley, Arizona, died July 17, 2022. He was 86.

He matriculated from Laurelton, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Indiana University.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Lou.

Thomas A. Saunders III ’58

Thomas Alonza Saunders III ’58 of Palm Beach, Florida, died Sept. 9, 2022. He was 86.

He matriculated from New York City, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia.

( Editor’s Note : An extended obituary for Saunders appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

Beverly G. Sykes Jr. ’58

Beverly Gates Sykes Jr. ’58 of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, died Oct. 25, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Lynnhaven, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Carol McCoy Sykes; children, Mark Dennis Sykes ’83 (Kim) and Laurie Sykes Dunham (Richard); step-children, Janice Lorraine Thompson (Ted) and Sarita Elaine Bowers (Dave); grandchildren, Gates Dunham and Abigail Megan Sykes (Sam); step-grandchildren, Keith Bowers, Jacqueline Garman, Kenny Bowers, and Kelly Bowers; eight step-great-grandchildren; and brother, William King Sykes (Lois).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Applegate Sykes, and grandson, Benjamin G. Sykes ’13, who died Oct. 30, 2015.

John P. Kemp Jr. ’59

John Page Kemp Jr. ’59 of El Paso, Texas, died Oct. 20, 2022. He was 85. He matriculated from El Paso and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Hart Kemp; daughters, Page Vaughn (Lonnie) and Amanda Waldmannstetter (Christian); son, Rosser Kemp (Monte Shoemaker); and granddaughter, Hannah Waldmannstetter.

James S. Cranford ’61

James Snead Cranford ’61, M.D., formerly of East Orleans, Massachusetts, and Vero Beach, Florida, died Sept. 17, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Baker Cranford; sons, J. Mark Cranford ’87, David Cranford, and Brian Cranford; grandchildren, Ben, Sam, Abbey, and Sophia; and brother, William M. Cranford ’65.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Reed Cranford, Class of 1935, who died Sept. 2 2, 1997, and brother, John R. Cranford ’71, who died Nov. 22, 2017.

Robert E. Stoy ’61

Robert Esker Stoy ’61 of Alexandria, Virginia, died Sept. 28, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Alexandria and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet and Sharon.

He was preceded in death by his brother, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dutton G. Stoy ’54, who died Oct. 17, 2013.

Bruce W. Ballard ’62

Bru ce Woodhouse Ballard ’62 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died Aug. 3, 2021. He was 81.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Joyce Kindernay “Cindy” Ballard; daughters, Lara Ann Ballard and Amy Lynne Ballard Riley; and grandchildren, Yosselin Sohn, Ellison Riley, Nolan Riley, and Hayden Riley.

Samuel A. Clement Jr. ’62

Samuel Averett “Sam” Clement Jr. ’62 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 11, 2022. He was 81. He matriculated from Winter Haven, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Gurnick Clement; daughters, Janet Heide Clement and Karin Denise Grice; and grandchild, Ryan Hunter Grice.

Frederick C. Hart ’62

Frederick Charles “Fritz” Hart ’62 of Medina, New York, died Aug. 24, 2022. He was 82.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a master’s degree from Geneva College.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Moran Hart; children, Amanda Piriano (Tony), Matthew Hart (Marie), and Sarah Armstrong (Kyle); step-children, Mark Barden, Kris Colonna (Ray), and Joy Gardner (Howie); grandchildren, Joseph and Jeena Piriano and Luke, Noah, and Cole Armstrong; step-grandchildren, Scott Colonna (Carrie), Stacey Costich, Bailey, Tyler Colonna (Andrea), Andrew and Molly Barden, Emma and Connor Gardner, and Martha Snyder (Kristian); step-great-grandchildren, Bryson and Tessa Costich and Tucker and Jackson Colonna; and brother, Eric Hart ’65 (Adrienne). He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nan Droz (Robert) and Sally Webster (Norris).

James B. Stone III ’63

James Banister “Jim” Stone III ’63, M.D., of Wytheville, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Light Stone; sons, James B. Stone IV ’92 (Heather), John Carter Stone (Lindsey), and Mark David Stone (Jillian Jones); grandchildren, Eloise, James, Grant, Alexandra, John Jr., Ryan, Sallie, William, and Wyatt; and sister, Janet Dale Stone.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Carter Watkins Stone.

Charlie Y. Talbott Jr. ’63

Retired U.S. Army Col. Charlie Yancey

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Talbott Jr. ’63 of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died Aug. 10, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Clifford A. Crittsinger ’64/’66

Clifford Andrew “Cliff” Crittsinger ’64/’66 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Aug. 23, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Buffalo, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from The Citadel.

Charles E. England ’65

Charles Edward “Charlie” England ’65 of Mechanicsville, Virginia, died Sept. 4, 2022. He was 79.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Amy, Chip, Andy ’90, and Mandy, and their spouses; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Morton Riddle IV ’65

Morton “Chip” Riddle IV ’65 of Lovettsville, Virginia, died Aug. 31, 2022. He was 80.

He matriculated from Leesburg, Virginia, and spent just over half a year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Sullivan Riddle; daughters, Anne Riddle, Lynn Grieb (Eric), Kauren Nordstrom, and Sarah Shannon (Jesse); sons, Kurt Nordstrom and Kyle Nordstrom (Kara); grandchildren, Katy, Emma, Luke, Landon, Colt, Alexandria, Liv, Owen, Emerson, and Ragnar; and sister, Emily Guignon (Tom).

He was preceded in death by his father, Morton “Mortie” Riddle III, Class of 1934, who died June 29, 1990.

Robert M. Semple Sr. ’65

Robert Merrick “Bob” Semple Sr. ’65 of LaCrosse, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Semple; children, Robert M. Semple Jr. (Lisa), Samuel Shell Semple, William Broadus Semple (Katie), Brenna Elizabeth Wingett (Zachary), Janna Rebecca Wyatt (Ray Walker Jr.), and Dianna

Marshall Wyatt (Tye Krebs); and grandchildren, Merrick, Noah, Will, and Alex.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Ann Thackston Semple.

Nathan S. Smith ’65

Nathan Stephen “Steve” Smith ’65 of Aiken, South Carolina, died Sept. 29, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Lark Gildermaster Smith; daughter, Heather Smith Kilburn; son, Todd Stephen Smith; grandchildren, Katherine Elaine Kilburn and Andrew Richard Kilburn; and sister, Trisha Williams.

James E. Broman ’66

James Ernest “Jim” Broman ’66 of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 21, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Conway, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University.

He is survived by his children, Peter Broman, John Broman, and Heather Broman (Jackie); sisters, Susan Kuriger (Don) and Shirley Hetz; brothers, Dick Broman (Judi) and Don Broman (Debbie); and former wife, Sheila Broman.

He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew.

William W. Currence Jr.’66

William Ward “Bill” Currence Jr. ’66 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died Sept. 20, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Charleston, West Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Currence; sons, Michael Baker, Joshua Currence, and Jonathan Currence; and daughters, Kaitlyn Bradley and Mary Alice Hewett.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pam Currence, and daughter, Shelby LeDuc.

Ross H. Simpson ‘66

Ross Hobson Simpson ’66 of Woodbridge, Virginia, died Sept. 11, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Bay City, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Ross and Diana; and two grandchildren.

Lawrence W. Swann ‘66

Lawrence Wesley “Swannie” Swann ’66 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died Sept. 25, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Michele N. Swann; daughter, Jennifer “Jenna” Swann (Chet); son, Jason T. Swann; grandchildren, Gabriel and Christopher Weiss; and brother, Wilson T. Swann.

Kenneth N.F. Chun ’67

Kenneth Nung Fo “Ken” Chun ’67 of Kirkland, Washington, died Sept. 13, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Honolulu, Hawaii, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Chun.

Kent M. Easty ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kent Madison Easty ’67 of Beaufort, South Carolina, died Oct. 28, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Katherine (James), Dr. Andrew Mercer (Catherine); and Megan; and grandchildren, Kendall, Jay, Emma, Ruby, and Jake.

David F. Fink ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. David Frederick “Dave” Fink ’67 of Colleyville, Texas, died Aug. 2, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from Hamburg, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Fink; children, Heather Mustell (Robert) and David Fink Jr. (Jeri); and grandsons, Jacob and Frederick Mustell.

William T. Fowler ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. William Terry Fowler ’67 of Fairfax, Virginia, died Sept. 8, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and

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earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned two Master of Arts degrees, one from Ball State University and one from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Cranford Fowler; sons, Kelly Fowler, Ryan Fowler, and Brennan Fowler; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Collin, Ivy, and Zoe; sisters, Ellen Moore, Margaret Kurtz, and Kay Hempel; and daughters-in-law, Kelly Fowler and Holly Fowler.

John G. Lester ’68

John Garland “Johnny” Lester ’68 of Richmond, Virginia, died Sept. 2, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from Midlothian, Virginia, and spent three years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Trice Lester; son, Lee Garland Lester (Nancy Sasser Lester); grandchildren, Thomas Garland Lester, Madeline Blackburn Lester, and Hunter Cook Lester; sister, Cecil Lester Astrop; and brother, Robert Hugh Lester.

William D. Robertson ’68

William David “Will” Robertson ’68 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Oct. 23, 2022. He was 75.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his son, William David Robertson Jr. (Bria); daughter, Martha Grace Norton (Levi); grandchildren, Zoe, Emma, Luke, and Walker; and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Jane Webster and Judith Barrett Robertson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Gillespie Robertson, and brother, Dr. John St. Clair Robertson Jr.

John R. Siegel ’68

John Richard “Rick” Siegel ’68, Ph.D., of Weems, Virginia, died Oct. 14, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from White Stone, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University. He is survived by his wife, Judy Siegel; daughter, Jenna Ries (David); son, James Siegel; grandchildren, Jack, Joe, and Axel Ries; and brother, Charles L. “Lou” Siegel ’65 (Joan).

He was preceded in death by his father, retired

U.S. Army Col. Charles L. Siegel, Class of 1933, who died Nov. 1, 1969.

Patteson Branch Jr. ’69

Patteson “Pat” Branch Jr. ’69 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 7, 2022. He was 75.

He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bullock “Tricia” Branch; children, Patteson Branch III (Eliza), Tyler Branch Hickey, Anne Beverly Branch Fuller (Burton), Reed Barton, and Margaret Barton; grandchildren, Patteson, Alice, and Charlie Branch, Carlisle and Parker Hickey, and Sutton, Ellie, and Wally Fuller; brothers, David Branch (Catherine), Carlisle (Deborah), and Christopher (Martha); and sister, Marti Alexander (Jim).

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Melville Irby Branch, Class of 1868, who died Dec. 21, 1930.

Thomas E. Campbell ’70

Thomas Ellis “Tom” Campbell ’70 of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, died Sept. 22, 2022. He was 74.

He matriculated from Martins Ferry, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Shannon Mauser (Jeff); grandsons, Colton and Dylan Mauser; mother-in-law, Antoinette Galley; brothers, Carl Galley II (Annette) and John L. Galley (Lori); and sister, Sheryl Campbell.

John J. Walklet III ’71

John James “Jack” Walklet III ’71 of Arlington, Massachusetts, died Oct. 24, 2022. He was 73.

He matriculated from Williamsburg, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Lara (Aviad Rubinstein), Benjamin (Veronica Martinez), Merav, Johanna, and Sophia; grandchildren, Milan, Jupiter, and Boaz Rubinstein, and Dezi Martinez Walklet; mother, Gretchen (Peggy); siblings, Philip (Lulu), Debbie Smith (Jim), Preston (Flo), Colin (Heather), Richard, Keith (Annette), Chris (Sandy), and Megan Tighe (Chris); brother-in-law, Lars Kula (Amy); sister-in-law, Julia Miles; and former wife

Karen Kaufman (Tom Singman).

William P. Greene ’72

William Preston Greene ’72 of Charles City, Virginia, died May 29, 2022. He was 73.

He matriculated from Charles City and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his son, Preston Archer Greene; daughter, Grace Greene; sisters, Mary Ellen Greene and Margaret Greene Adams; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Greene.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Edmund Greene.

Michael F. Mahoney ’74

Michael Francis Mahoney ’74 of Conway, South Carolina, died Aug. 12, 2022. He was 69. He matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia W. Mahoney; step-son, Stephen M. Russell (Jonni); step-daughters, Shannon Virts (Keith) and Ashley Cogar (Joshua); grandchildren, Jake Virts, Addison Virts, Ryan Russell, and Harper Russell; brothers, Steve Mahoney (Deanne) and Chris Mahoney (Bridget Owens); and sisters, Patti Watson Peters (Ed) and Cathy Crummett (Gary).

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Gracie Russell.

Donald E. Sharpe ’74

Donald Edward “Don” Sharpe ’74 of Crozier, Virginia, died Sept. 17, 2022. He was 70. He matriculated from Stamford, Connecticut, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Stephen (Mary); and grandchildren.

Joseph J. Owens III ’76

Joseph James “Jim” Owens III ’76 of Ashland, Virginia, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 68.

He matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Tootie; sons, Keats Wade (Dawn), Kyle Wade (Leslie), and Keegan (Laura); daughter, Cam Gordon; grandchildren, Riley, Colin, Carley, Chloe, Cole, Mason, Cooper, Karis, Wyatt, and Clint; brother, Jeffrey Owens; and sister Kathy Rusnak.

Stanley B. Stout ’77

Stanley Blake “Stan” Stout ’77 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Sept. 23, 2022. He was 67.

He matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Judie Stout; stepson, James (Mandy); step-grandchildren, Jordan, Kyra, Xavier, Daxton, Skylar, and Sierra; and siblings, Brenda (Dennis), Steven (Bob), and Scott (Lisa).

Raymond P. Joinson ’80

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Raymond Peter “Ray” Joinson ’80 of Church Hill, Tennessee, died Aug. 25, 2022. He was 64.

He matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Incarnate Word College.

He is survived by his wife, Carla; son, Eric; brother, John (Karen); and sister, Mary Elizabeth.

Daniel S. Hall ’87

Daniel Sydney Hall ’87 of Palm Coast, Florida, died March 19, 2022. He was 56.

He matriculated from Beltsville, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business and psychology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Eva.

David M. Copeland ’88

David Murray Copeland ’88 of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, died Sept. 24, 2022. He was 56.

He matriculated from Bedford, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his mother, Sue Craghead; father, Bill Copeland (Phillis); and sister, Allison (T.T. Karnes).

Mark W. Dick ’90

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Walton Dick ’90 of Flint Hill, Virginia, died Sept. 5, 2022. He was 54.

He matriculated from Front Royal, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Keith Bowling Dick; step-son, Guy Alexander Bowling Foster; mother, Sandra Ann Hall; sister, Kathryn Elizabeth Virginia Dick; and brothers, Charles Matthew Dick (Amber) and Luke Tunstall Dick.

Renard D. Johnson ’90

Renard Dexter Johnson ’90 of Temple Hills, Maryland, died Aug. 10, 2022. He was 54. He matriculated from Temple Hills and spent just over a year at VMI.

Minter B. Ralston IV ’90

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Minter Bailey “Mint” Ralston IV ’90 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Aug. 2, 2022. He was 54.

He matriculated from Weston, West Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Ralston; son, Minter Bailey Ralston V; mother, Karen Warner Ralston; and sisters, Julie Johnson, Kathryn Ralston-Fealy, and Amanda Ralston (Ashley Shochat).

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Minter B. Ralston, Class of 1925; father, Minter Bailey Ralston III; and brother-in-law, Thomas Fealy.

Jabarr D. Bean ’98

Jabarr De-vel Bean ’98 of Atlanta, Georgia, died Aug. 23, 2022. He was 47.

He matriculated from Cornwall-Hudson, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Kieffer; daughter, Arianna; son, Aiden; father, Ansley Bean; brothers, Rakeen Dorsey and Michael Bean; and sister, Maudene Gibson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vickie Dorsey.

Marcus A. Lynch Jr. ’01

Marcus Anton Lynch Jr. ’01 of Richmond, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2022. He was 43.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and spent more than two years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda; daughters, Violet-H azel and Primrose; parents, Carolyn and Roy Hammond; grandmother, Delores Lynch; mother-in-law, Sandra Peterson; and fathers-in-law, Carl B. Davis Sr. and Bernard Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus A. Lynch Sr.

Spencer E. Robbins III ’03

Spencer Everett “Tripp” Robbins III ’03 of Lovettsville, Virginia, died Oct. 2, 2022. He was 41.

He matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; children, Samantha Rose Robbins and Spencer Everett Robbins IV; father, Spencer E. Robbins II; and sisters, Ashley White and Courtney Juncker.

VMI Family

Andrew H. Conner

Andrew Harold Conner of Lexington, Virginia, died Aug. 29, 2022. He was 90. He formerly worked in facilities management at VMI.

He is survived by his sons, Donald Andrew Conner and Calvin Lewis Conner, and grandchildren, James Andrew Conner (Mary Jane) and Sarah Elizabeth Conner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Lewis Conner; sister, Doris Williams; and brothers, Palmer Armstrong and Hubert Armstrong.

Kossuth M. Mitchell

Kossuth Mayer “Mitch” Mitchell of Hazard, Kentucky, died Sept. 7, 2022. He was 80.

He was formerly the sergeant major of Army ROTC at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Shafer Mitchell; children, Sherry Roy, Lenore Pollard (Bobby), and Beth Shafer (Chris); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Clarence Mitchell (Sylvia) and Zadok Mitchell (Annell).

He was preceded in death by his son, Kossuth M. Mitchell II; daughter, Kristi Lynn Cheatham; and siblings.

Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson of Wilmington, North Carolina, died Aug. 4, 2022. He was 81.

He formerly coached football at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Frederick Robinson; son, Carroll Bennett Robinson III (Chelli); daughters, Patricia Parker Stone (Ty), Beth Davis Hankin (Brian), and Cristen Parker Page (Branson); grandchildren, Claudia, Stewart, Parker, Ben, Anna (Will), Jim, Cate, Will, Caroline, and Branson Jr.; and sister, Kaye McCraw.

He was preceded in death by Claudia Robinson and his sister, Lois Pugh.

Thomas W. Schlechte

Thomas Walter “Tom” Schlechte of Evansville, Indiana, died Sept. 18, 2022. He was 85.

He formerly taught at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Vowels “Kathe” Schlechte; daughters, Bebe Schlechte, Courtney Palmer, Jessica Slocum (Josh Neidig), and Katie Glover; grandchildren, Ariel, Olivia, Haley, Miranda, Chase, Logan, Kiersten, Cassidy, Elijah, Elliot, and Josephine; great-grandchildren, Bliss, Ella, Veda, and Asher; sister, Anne Morris (Joe); and brother, John Schlechte (Konnie).

He was preceded in death by his son, Chris Schlechte.

Robert E. Wells Jr.

Robert Eugene “Bob” Wells Jr. of Goshen, Virginia, died Sept. 25, 2022. He was 76.

He formerly worked in facilities management at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne; children, Louise Wells Waller (Bennie), Robert Eugene “Rusty” Wells III (Heather), Jennifer

Wells (Raffaele Biotti), and Alison Franke Wells (Jeff Ravenhorst), grandchildren, Wellsley Waller, Henrich Wells, and Hayden Wells; and sisters, Jane Joyner (Vance), Julie Waldas (Howard), Margaret Segal, and Mary Stone (Billy).

Dorothy J. Whiting

Dorothy Jean Whiting of Raphine, Virginia, died Aug. 27, 2022. She was 80.

She worked in the Tailor Shop at VMI for almost 30 years.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Leonard Whiting; children, Rebecca Lynn Whiting, Karen Grace Alford, Larry Leonard Whiting Jr. (Lauren), and Sharon Renee Buchanan (Curtis); grandchildren, Perry, Colton, Tiffany, Heather (Tyler), Samantha (Nick), Morgan (Brent), Jamie (Lucas), and Ericka (Steven); 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Loretta Simmons, Kenneth Dulaney, Eugene Dulaney, Betty Hollandsworth (Sam), Donald Dulaney, and Arnold Dulaney.

She was preceded in death by her grandson,

Zachary; sister, Leona; and brother, Clinston.

Joan L.E. Wilhelm

Joan Lee Eubank Wilhelm died Oct. 15, 2022. She was 88.

She formerly worked in the Tailor Shop at VMI.

She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Harris (Calvin) and Elise Johnson; sons, Carlyle Wilhelm (Terry) and David Wilhelm (Brenda); grandchildren, Michael Harris (Brandi Wilson), Christina Bennington (Jeff), Tanya Johnson, Cara Wilhelm Graham (Eric Akers), Nicole Wilhelm (Ronnie Clark), Michaela Wilhelm Hostetter (Josh Hostetter), Shana Crump (Alex Strickler), and Kimber Ross (Alex); great-grandchildren, Justin and Megan Bennington, Raylan Graham, Asher Akers, Henry and Harrison Clark, Walker Hostetter, Rosie Crump, Khloe Ross, and Avery Ross; and brother, Elburn W. Eubank (Tye).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford Carlyle Wilhelm; grandson, Raye Wilhelm; and son-in-law, Wilber Lee Johnson.

After Taps Thomas A. Saunders ’58

Thomas Alonza Saunders III ’58, 86, died peacefully in his home in Palm Beach, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. Tom was a Wall Street innovator, nationally recognized conservative leader, philanthropist, husband, father, grandfather, Virginian, and proud American patriot.

Born June 1, 1936, in the tiny town of Ivor, Virginia, Tom graduated from Maury High School and earned an electrical engineering degree from Virginia Military Institute in 1958. He was a maverick from the get-go, and brother rats can attest to the record number of penalty tours Tom walked for the high-spirited and clever pranks he pulled in college. VMI instilled in Tom a deep sense of honor, duty, and discipline, and each day, he passed Stonewall Jackson’s quote, “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” Tom had more resolve than most, and what he became was extraordinary.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he began his career in Allis-Chalmers’ Space and Defense Sciences, where he researched, helped develop, and marketed fuel cells for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Apollo program. After receiving a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia in 1967, the young man with a Tidewater accent moved to New York and began a storied career at Morgan Stanley. By 1971, as a statistician, Tom was entrusted with keeping the records of Morgan Stanley, a firm so young at the time that he kept track of its $8 million capital position on a yellow legal pad.

By 1974, Tom had become a partner and managing director of Morgan Stanley during a golden era of Wall Street. He was a leader whose legacy and innovation still resound. As head of Morgan Stanley’s Syndicate Desk, he ran the biggest equity financings of the day, including AT&T, GE, IBM, DuPont, Exxon, General Motors, and Apple. Tom pioneered many techniques that are still used, including applying the Greenshoe provision to big initial public offerings, innovation of Rule 415 to streamline offerings, and ushering in the age of simultaneous offerings, which permitted concurrent participation in the world’s biggest stock exchanges. He led the advisory teams that determined how AT&T would sell off its regional operating systems, privatized Conrail

from the U.S. government, and privatized British Telecom and British Petroleum. Tom served as chairman and raised Morgan Stanley’s $2.2 billion leveraged buyout fund. He also founded his own successful private equity business, Saunders Karp & Megrue, which invested in some of the nation’s most successful companies, including Dollar Tree, where Tom served as lead director for nearly three decades.

Tom’s colleagues and friends loved his good humor and Southern charm and knew him as a genius parallel processor with an iron will and unmatched work ethic and discipline.

In 2008, President George W. Bush named Tom and his wife, Jordan, the first joint recipients of the National Humanities Medal for their extensive nonprofit service and philanthropy in the realms of public policy, higher education, historic preservation, and the arts.

Tom was chairman of the Heritage Foundation, the country’s leading conservative think tank, and was awarded the institution’s highest honor, the 2018 Clare Boothe Luce Award. He was a member of VMI’s Board of Visitors and was awarded VMI’s Distinguished Service Award. Tom also served on the Board of the Marine Corps University Foundation, where he was named the 2008 recipient of its Maj. Gen. John H. Russell Leadership Award.

Tom made transformative contributions to the University of Virginia across the College of Arts and Sciences, Darden Business School, and the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. Tom served as chairman of Darden and donated the lead gift for Saunders Hall, the main building of Darden’s grounds. While serving on the university’s Board of Visitors, Tom spearheaded the effort to move the management of the endowment away from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s political appointees and funding restrictions by creating and serving as a board member of the independent University of Virginia Investment Management Company. Tom’s push for “privatization” was hugely unpopular at the time, but his gift for persuasiveness prevailed.

While chairman of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, he facilitated the purchase of Montalto, the property adjacent to Monticello, permanently sparing this important vista from

future development. Tom was a founding donor in the effort to preserve and digitize the retirement papers of Thomas Jefferson and built the Saunders Bridge and Saunders-Monticello Trail. He led and served on many boards, including Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the American Civil War Museum, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Old Westbury Gardens, and the New York Historical Society, where he received the 2007 History-Makers Award.

Tom was a member of the National Gallery of Art Trustee Council, on the Norton Museum of Art board, and had an abiding passion for art and a keen eye for collecting. He has loaned The Saunders Collection, an exceptional group of European Old Master paintings, to the world’s most prominent museums. Tom’s devotion to America’s lineage led him to membership in the Society of Colonial Wars, The Mayflower Society, The Huguenot Society of America, the Order of First Families of Virginia, and the 400th Commemoration of Jamestown Steering Committee.

Tom’s curiosity was insatiable. From the infinite cosmos to the infinitesimal double helix, he loved learning about everything. Whether he was talking to Margaret Thatcher or an acquaintance, Tom had a gift for connecting with people. He was a renaissance man—a passionate runner, cyclist, sailor, hiker, tennis player, traveler, art collector, self-taught ornithologist, and witty dinner companion. Life with Tom was never dull.

He was devoted to and fiercely loved his family. He is survived by his wife and perfect life partner of 61 years, Jordan Saunders of Palm Beach, as well as his daughter, Mariah Calvert Claud Saunders Moore; son-in-law, George Braniff Moore of New York; and their three children, Rebecca Carter Saunders Moore, George Saunders Van Rensselaer Moore, and Mary Schuyler Jordan Moore. He is also survived by his son, Thomas A. Saunders IV, and grandson, Thomas A. Saunders V of Los Angeles, California.

Tom Saunders stayed in the harness until the last row was plowed. His integrity, tenacity, generosity, and Virginian charm will echo for generations.

Godspeed, Tom Saunders.

After Taps

Thomas Ellis Campbell ’70

Thomas Campbell ’70, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, died suddenly Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at his mountain retreat in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Tom grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio, where he lettered in wrestling, baseball, basketball, and football at Martins Ferry High. In his senior year, the football team named him their captain, a high honor indeed. Tom brought his athletic prowess to VMI, majored in civil engineering, and captained the football team his 1st Class year while maintaining dean’s list status throughout his cadetship. At VMI, he was a leader, plain and simple.

During his cadetship, the Outstanding Americans Foundation named Tom an Outstanding College Athlete in America. After graduating from the Institute, he built a successful engineering career. One of his early employers, Westinghouse Electric, named him a general manager, the youngest they had ever appointed at that time. He also won the Westinghouse Order of Merit. After Westinghouse, Tom and his wife, Jan, established and managed two successful business enterprises.

I had the pleasure of playing on the rat football team with Tom and thus saw firsthand his mastery of that sport. He was a physical, “hardnosed” player. An adroit defensive tackle, he was brilliant on the field, analytic, always observing, calculating, and constantly aware of where the ball was and how to get to it. He frequently stopped opposing running backs in their tracks.

Ned Haley ’70, our brother rat and head manager for the varsity football team our 1st Class year, said of him, “Tom always put his whole self into playing his position. Being quick, surprisingly nimble, and aggressive in his four-point stance, opposing players double-teamed him often. He finished every game sweat-soaked, bruised from head to foot, with bloodied hands and face, and limping on one or both legs. [I bet the guys on rival teams also paid a dear price physically, going up against Tom.] I’m sure he played with constant pain from damaged hips, knees, and ankles, but his teammates knew he would do whatever it took to defend his part of the line. I never heard him complain; he always encouraged everyone else. He had a quick wit, so it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he could ‘talk trash’ with the best of his opponents during the heat of a game, though I

never heard him do so myself.” I bet he did his share of trash-talking.

John Ludt ’70 remembers Tom as a gentle giant, a faithful brother rat, and a successful athlete who excelled on the gridiron and in the classroom. Within every gentle giant lives a ferocious footballer and, in Tom’s case, a brilliant budding engineer.

Frank Cleaton ’70 recounted many stories about Tom. Frank and Steve Friski ’70 were Company C guys, affectionately known as squat butts in those days. Another BR squat butt lived a few doors down and regularly visited Frank and Steve’s room after taps, “kicking our door open and cleaning the floor with Steve or me. He would alternate which of us was his mop for that night.” One evening, fearing another visit from the bully, Frank decided to employ Tom, who roomed a few doors away and had retired for the night. “Tom threw the covers off and, in an instant, was on his feet and headed to our room, where he hid behind the door, awaiting the bully’s blustery entrance.” The intruding squat butt must have been very surprised when a towering Tom Campbell made his presence known and diplomatically explained that he was not having any more abuse visited on his fellow squat butts. What ensued next is not for weak stomachs. “It got so loud inhabitants of the first, second, and third-floor rooms below us came out to see what had just hit barracks.” Needless to say, the bully did not bother Frank and Steve again and, in fact, left VMI early, fearing the horrible Tom Campbell retribution specter.

Frank, Tom, and Lee Moon ’70 roomed together during their 1st Class year. After football practice, Tom and Lee would return to the room and, not having enough punishing drills under their belts, would use Frank as a “blocking dummy,” which involved the involuntary passing back and forth of Frank, the hapless dummy. “They called it character building, as I remember,” he said. Living with Tom and Lee, Frank sure got a good dose of “character building” in those days. VMI probably should have awarded him an honorary football team letter.

In our 1st Class year, the Richmond-Times Dispatch published an article announcing that the VMI football team had selected Tom as the team captain. Frank recounts that “being a

loving and caring roommate who wanted to show support for his famous roommate, I went to the guardhouse to ask them to announce on the PA that anyone who did not want today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch please take them to Tom’s room. Tom Campbell would like all copies!” The guard room complied with Frank’s request, and Tom was not happy. He responded by “relocating” Frank’s sleeping quarters (that would be his hay rack and roll) to the courtyard. Tom bellowed, “Cleaton, you are not coming back into this room.” That is some character-building for you.

Frank and Tom worked together at Westinghouse after VMI. Frank says that Tom was intelligent and had excellent facilitation and team-building skills. “He could come into a meeting that was going in circles, not making progress, and in a few minutes of listening, take control and get the meeting attendees to work together to meet the objective.”

It helped immensely that Tom, “strong as an ox but agile and quick as a cat, could walk on his hands for considerable distances, a skill he frequently demonstrated in barracks.” That, I have been told, is a valuable team-building technique. And, I bet, wildly entertaining. When Tom walked on his hands around rooms filled with midlevel Westinghouse managers, evoking grunts and guffaws, that day’s objectives were easy to write and guaranteed a short meeting, I bet.

Lee Moon and Tom became close friends at VMI and nurtured that friendship for many years after graduation. There was a time when Lee lived with Tom and Cathy, Tom’s first wife, while he worked as a football coach in the area where they lived. I hope they did not try to use Cathy as a blocking dummy.

Lee traveled from the deep South to attend Tom’s funeral and life celebration, acquitting himself well in representing our class. He told me numerous people spoke about Tom and offered stories to illustrate that quality. Folks in attendance threw words and phrases out to describe Tom, like kindness, larger than life, generosity, welcoming, and charming.

“Tom loved his dog, Rebel, and two cats, Perry and Mason, dearly,” says Jan, Tom’s wife. A man that loves his cats and dog is good enough for me. The dog in particular. Jan also told me

After Taps

that Tom was very grateful that VMI awarded him a scholarship to play football, and he repaid that kindness by supporting VMI athletics through the years. She is glad to know many of his brother rats do the same.

Jan said this about Tom in her tribute at his funeral. “Tom was the center of my world. He was my boss, my colleague, my friend, my partner, and the love of my life. He’s the only man I ever met that I would concede smarter

than me.” I asked Jan to describe Tom in five words. Her reply was, “Generous, confident, quick-witted, caring, and funny.”

Tom is survived by his wife and business partner, Jan; his beloved daughter and son-inlaw, Shannon and Jeff Mauser; sister, Sheryl Campbell; cherished grandsons, Colton and Dylan Mauser; Jan’s mother, Antoinette Galley; and brothers, Carl A. Galley II and his wife, Annette, and John L. Galley and his wife, Lori.

Michael F. Mahoney’74

His nieces and nephew, Laura, Joe, Emily, and Sara, will all miss his love and caring spirit.

Rest in peace, Brother Rat Tom Campbell. And if anyone in heaven gives you any guff or if bullies are about, kick their sorry @#$ and throw their hay rolls over the rail.

Editor’s Note: Additional information for this After Taps was provided by Ned Haley ’70, Frank Cleaton ’70, Lee Moon ’70, John Ludt ’70, and Jan McMaster Campbell.

Michael Francis Mahoney ’74 passed away in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, of a massive heart attack Aug. 12, 2022, while engaged in his favorite pastime, playing golf. Mike was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, with our class in August 1970. He was a history major, Army ROTC/Armor, and a member of Company C. Mike took great pride in being a four-year private and a member of the Officer of the Guard Association. In addition, he was active in many cadet activities, notably as a defenseman and co-captain of the lacrosse team; a member of our Ring Design Committee, the Newman Club, the Young Republicans, and the Rum Truckers; and in sneaking girls into our room—oh my goodness!

Mike would be the first to tell you that he had a tough row to hoe with VMI academics. While we went home for summer furlough, he did three summer school sessions. In spite of his extra work, Mike was unable to graduate

with our class because he was short of credits and the required GPA. However, through great perseverance and dedicated effort, he completed his academic requirements and graduated 10 years later. Getting his diploma was one of the greatest and most cherished achievements of Mike’s life—a tremendous success story that exemplifies the never say die attitude of VMI graduates. Mike honestly loved VMI and all the best things for which it stands. He was a loyal supporter and active member of the VMI Alumni Association.

Mike was a man with an incredible work ethic defined by his character, unquestioned integrity, and personal honor. He truly lived an extraordinary life of service as a Fairfax County police officer and helicopter EMT. After retiring from Fairfax County, Mike then served as a firefighter and EMT for Loudoun County, Virginia. It takes a special kind of person to put their life on the line every day to

Stanley B. Stout ’77

serve the members of their community. Mike was such a man.

We roomed with Mike from our fall semester 1971, 3rd Class year, through to graduation in May 1974. No one could have asked for a better brother rat, a finer roommate, or a more loyal friend. He had that wonderful Irishman’s sense of humor, a joyful laugh, a great outlook on life (even when times were tough for him), and an infectious wry grin. Mike had a heart of gold, and he truly would have given you the shirt off his back.

Mike leaves behind the love of his life, Patty; his step-children, Stephen, Shannon, and Ashley; four grandchildren; two brothers, Steve and Chris; and two sisters, Patty and Cathy. Mike epitomized the words of Col. J.T.L. Preston as an honorable youth who was an honor to his country and his state. All of us who knew Mike are better for having had him in our lives. He will be greatly missed by our entire class.

Stan Stout ’77, our brother rat and friend, died near his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, Sept. 24, after battling heart and lung illness for many weeks.

Stan matriculated to VMI along with BR Steve Stout ’77, his twin brother, from Chesapeake, Virginia. A biology major, he spent many a night in the old biology building working away at getting on the dean’s list. He spent

time in the Corps as a corporal, sergeant, and both a cadet lieutenant and a 1st Class private (a promotion, for sure).

Stan was known by all as a supportive and active brother rat, never hesitating to share his views on most any subject while proudly embracing his fellow BRs and his cadet experiences. Stan was a fierce competitor, especially at boxing, where he held the light heavyweight

championship for two years.

Stan commissioned in the Army as an Infantry lieutenant after graduation. Achieving both Airborne and Ranger qualifications, he served on active duty for over 10 years. As a captain, he then decided to leave the Army to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.

Stan fulfilled his dream in the same terrific

After Taps

manner as he approached any challenge. A career officer in the James City County department (Williamsburg, Virginia), he filled nearly every professional position from patrol through detective and retired as a deputy chief of police.

He was obviously respected and revered by his fellow officers. Honor guards and eulogies at his funeral noted the tireless service and support he always gave to his force and his profession. His close friend and fellow officer noted that Stan was often present on the scene

just to “observe his officers” and that you never had to “wonder what Stan’s position was” on any topic or situation. “If you were a criminal in James City County, then Stan knew who you were,” and, “When Stan was sending, you were receiving,” were noted in the most respectful and admiring way in his memorial.

The obvious respect and devotion of his officers were noted on a very rainy day in Williamsburg as the funeral procession of vehicles wound their way to the cemetery. At every intersection, officers proudly stood in

the rain next to their cruisers and motorcycles, saluting their chief.

Stan loved VMI and was a devoted alumnus. He told me months before his final entry into the hospital how determined he was to get better and attend our 45th Reunion in October. He, along with our other brother rats who have gone before us, was remembered and always will be at our reunion and whenever we gather. We in the Class of ’77 were all fortunate to know Stan and have him as our brother rat. We will keep him in our prayers and tell his stories.

Alumni News

Roscoe F. “Rebel” Good ’69 of Elkin, North Carolina, was elected to the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame. Good began his officiating career in 1985. He has officiated at virtually every major tournament in the United States, as well as in Spain, Canada, Bermuda, and New Zealand. Good worked his first U.S. Open in 1989 and first U.S. Open final in 1991. He has worked multiple U.S. Open finals as a line umpire and chair umpire. He was the first to chair a U.S. Open final using electronic line calling. His most recent final work was in 2019. Good retired from professional officiating in 2020 but continues to work at the highest ITA levels as a referee and chair umpire. He has many other officiating accomplishments, including being the executive director of the North Carolina Professional Umpires Association, the largest tennis officials’ association in the country. NCPTUA assigns officials to more than 500 collegiate matches in the southeast. Good also currently serves on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Officials and Rules Committees.

He has served USTA North Carolina as a longtime member and chair of the Officials committee. Additionally, Good is the longtime author of “Court of Appeals,” Tennis Magazine’s column on the rules of tennis.

Good matriculated from Quantico, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI.

Col. Tappey H. Jones ’70, Ph.D., chemistry professor at VMI, was recently published in the leading, peer-reviewed science journal Nature: Communications Biology. His paper, “Male Fire Ant Neurotransmitter Precursors Trigger Reproductive Development in Females after Mating,” was the product of more than 20 years of research by Jones with the aid of his students at VMI.

Jones’ research is a groundbreaking contribution to chemical ecology and entomology for his discoveries regarding ant reproduction, specifically the inhibition and disinhibition of reproductive development in female ants. Jones first began this research in 1995 with then-Cadet Jeffrey S.T. Gorman ’98 when Jones discovered a class of compounds called tyramides in male

ants on post. Jones’ paper studies the conversion of tyramide compounds in male ants to tyramine in female ants during reproduction.

Jones matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Before coming to VMI, Jones taught at Old Dominion University, Furman University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the College of William & Mary. He served as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Georgia and a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University. He spent six years as a staff fellow at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Jones is an accomplished researcher with over 130 publications to his name and over $800,000 in grants awarded.

The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland named Lt. Cmdr. John “Jack” Keane ’80 as the newest chair-elect for its board of visitors. Keane served as vice chair before being elected chair by the board at their quarterly meeting in July. He began serving in his three-year position as chair in January.

Throughout his career as a naval officer, Keane served in many assignments around the world. In 1993, he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, with a degree in operations research. He retired in 1995 at the rank of lieutenant commander after serving at the Naval Research Laboratory, where he flew research missions worldwide.

Since his military career, Keane has been heavily involved in research and education. He served as a member of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s principal professional staff, branch supervisor of the Precision Strike Systems Branch in the Force Projection Sector, and a member of the DoD’s Simulation-Based Acquisition Joint Task Force. Additionally, he was a member of the adjunct faculty of the JHU Whiting School of Engineering. He is a past president and fellow of the Military

Operations Research Society, having received the MORS Wanner Award, the society’s highest award for lifetime contributions to the field of operations research, in 2014. In 2016, he was appointed to the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center Board of Governors by Larry Hogan, governor of Maryland. In September 2019, he was appointed to the board of advisors for USMSM.

Keane believes in USMSM’s mission to offer world-class education and degree programs in the Southern Maryland region. Keane has lived in Charleston County since 1993 and watched as neighbors often left the area after a few years or their children moved away after college and never returned. Keane hopes to demonstrate the opportunities in fields such as science, engineering, and teaching within Charleston County. His mission as chair is to reach the tri-county area to expand the reputation of USMSM and, ultimately, educational opportunities for underserved members of the community.

Keane matriculated from Holyoke, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering at VMI.

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Hubert “Bert” Schneider III ’80 became a board member for the Veterans Gaming and Mental Health Mission team. VGMH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention among veterans by providing mental health support through gaming. VGMH offers outreach, camaraderie, and peer-to-peer support within its veteran gaming community. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, Schneider served as an Air Force Academy aeronautics professor.

He obtained three degrees and retired as a major in 1997. He then served in various leadership assignments at Raytheon Missile and Defense Systems in Tucson, Arizona, for 24 years before retiring in 2021. Upon retiring from Raytheon, Schneider became a consultant. In addition to his work with VGMH, Schneider volunteers his time at the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering and Eller College of Management business school.

Schneider matriculated from Frederick, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI.

ABOUT VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

For cadets who choose a college experience steeped in personal discipline and a daily expectation of honor and personal integrity, it is an extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

Founded: VMI was founded in 1839 in Lexington, Virginia, as the first state-supported military college in the nation.

Student Body: About 1,512 cadets; 65.5% in-state; approximately 13% female, 87% male; 48 states and territories in addition to the District of Columbia; eight foreign countries

Tuition and Fees: $30,588 in-state / $60,396 out-of-state

Scholarships and Aid: Both merit and need-based aid is available. More than 88% of the Corps receives some type of financial aid, from ROTC scholarships to local VMI aid, outside awards, and/or grants.

ROTC

Cadets are required to participate in one of the three (Army, Navy/Marines, or Air Force) ROTC programs during their cadetship. Roughly 50% of graduates choose to commission upon graduation, though it is not required.

HONOR AND SERVICE

VMI cadets are men and women of honor and integrity who can always be trusted. They live by a simple code, the VMI Honor Code, which states that “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

Cadets look for opportunities to serve others and can often be found tutoring in classrooms, helping in food kitchens, serving as EMTs, volunteering with Special Olympics, and more.

100%

VMI meets 100% of need-based financial aid requirements for all Virginia cadets, and aims to meet needs for out-of-state cadets

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

NCAA Division I (FCS in football); participates primarily in the Southern Conference. 18 teams: 11 men’s and seven women’s. Twenty-eight percent of the Corps of Cadets participates in NCAA athletics.

ACADEMICS

VMI’s education includes a broad, four-year curriculum with programs in engineering, science, liberal arts, and social sciences. VMI also offers an array of enrichment opportunities, including study abroad, undergraduate research, service learning, and the Institute Honors Program.

Faculty: 100% of full-time faculty in the 14 degree-granting majors have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field; there is an approximate 10:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio.

MILITARY AND CIVILIAN CAREERS

Both civilian and military employers recognize the rare qualities of self-reliance, initiative, perseverance, integrity, and self-discipline instilled by VMI, and often seek out cadets even before graduation.

Military: Cadets who commission from VMI routinely receive their top branch or occupational specialty selection.

Civilian: Cadets who begin their careers in the civilian world step in with a kind of confidence that is rare.

$70K

Payscale.com report noted that Institute alumni earn an average of almost $70,000 early in their careers and $129,000 midcareer

74%

99%

99% of graduates are employed or attending graduate school within five months of graduation

(Source: VMI Office of Career Services)

VMI’s most recent six-year graduation rate, 74%, is 11 points higher than the 63% national average for fouryear public institutions reported in 2020 (NCES, 2020, 2014 cohort). Notably, VMI’s six-year rate has not dipped below 70% in over a decade.